TOWN OF BRADFORD
TIF ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
OCTOBER 27, 2009
6:00PM
In Attendance were: Cheryl Behr, Administrator, Marilyn Gordon, Les Gordon, Everett Kittredge, Marlene Freyler and Marge Cilley, Secretary.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator explained that the reason for this meeting is to review the existing TIF program and to gather names of volunteers to be appointed by the Board of Selectmen to the TIF Advisory Committee. This is the first meeting to discuss the Advisory Committee’s role in TIF, and any changes there may be in the future regarding the area.
Two handouts were presented to those in attendance.
1. The Development Program and Tax Increment Financing Plan, Downtown Bradford Improvement Tax Increment Financing District which was prepared by the Capital Regional Development Council and dated July 20, 2009.
2. NH Office of Energy and Planning informational handout dated spring of 2007 was given to each in attendance.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator read Section 162-K:13 on Administration:
The municipality may create a department or designate an existing department or office or agency or municipal housing and redevelopment authority, or form a corporation under RSA 292, to administer development districts. The district administrator may, subject to such rules and limitations as may be adopted by the governing or legislative body, be granted the power to:
1. Acquire property or easements through negotiations;
2. Enter into operating contracts on behalf of the municipality for operation of any of the facilities authorized to be constructed under this chapter;
3. Lease space to private individuals or corporations within the buildings constructed under this chapter;
4. Lease or sell land and lease or sell air rights over structures constructed under this chapter;
5. Enter into contracts for construction of several facilities or portions thereof authorized under this chapter;
6. Contract with the housing and redevelopment authority of the municipality for the administration of any or all of the provisions of this chapter;
7. Certify to the governing body of the municipality, for acquisition through eminent domain, property that cannot be acquired by negotiation, but is required for implementation of the development program;
8. Certify to the governing body of the municipality the amount of funds, if any, which must be raised through sale of bonds to finance the program for development districts;
9. Apply for grants from the government of the Unites States or other source.
Also read by Cheryl Behr, Administrator was Section 162-K:14 Advisory Board.
1. The legislative body of the municipality shall create an advisory board for each development district. The board shall consist of such number of members appointed or elected as determined by the legislative body. A majority of members shall be owners or occupants of real property within or adjacent to the development
2. The advisory board shall advise the governing body and district administrator on planning, construction and implementation of the development program and on maintenance and operation of the district after the program has been completed.
3. The governing body shall by resolution delineate the respective powers and duties of the advisory board and the planning staff or agency. The resolution shall establish reasonable time limits for consultation by the advisory board on the phases of the development program, and provide a mechanism for appealing to the governing body for a final decision when conflicts arise between the advisory board and the planning staff or agency, regarding the development program in its initial and subsequent stages.
The plan was accepted by the town at the Special Town Meeting.
Volunteers are needed as a group for suggestions as modifications are needed. It was also pointed out that the restrictions include 8% limitation of the equalized valuation in town as well as the restriction of 1% of the total area in town.
Everett Kittredge suggested that if an area is not in the district, and cannot have a sidewalk installed now that no property should be taken off in case a sidewalk is wanted to be installed there at a future date. Also mentioned was that once a TIF district is established, a community has five years to adjust the boundaries.
There is a person from Peterborough who will actually set up the accounting system through CRDC and it is thought that the town can do the accounting once it is set up, and it would not have to be contracted out.
Everett Kittredge suggested a Civil Engineer is really needed to look at the sidewalks involved in the project.
Motion was made by Everett Kittredge that Cheryl Behr be the Administrator for the TIF plan until it is set up. Seconded by Marilyn Gordon. Motion carried.
Cheryl Behr, Administrator advised she received word that there are six districts in the State and so far, Bradford has scored the highest.
E-mails will be sent to everyone here for further information
Next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2009 at 6:00pm
Meeting Adjourned 6:35pm
Respectfully submitted
Marjorie R. Cilley
Secretary