HANDBOOK FOR INDIANA REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEMBERS AND THEIR ATTORNEYS AUGUST 2019 PREPARED BY: Thomas A. Pitman Barnes & Thornburg LLP [email protected] (317) 231-6420 Randolph R. Rompola Barnes & Thornburg LLP [email protected] (574) 237-1244 Adam G. Steuerwald Barnes & Thornburg LLP [email protected] (317) 231-7272 Note: These materials are intended for information only and are not to be considered legal advice. Table of Contents Page ABOUT THE AUTHORS .................................................................................................................... 1 Thomas A. Pitman .................................................................................................................... 1 Randolph R. Rompola ............................................................................................................... 1 Adam G. Steuerwald ................................................................................................................. 1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 3 Practical Pointers ...................................................................................................................... 3 Frequently Used Terms ............................................................................................................. 3 CHAPTER 1. REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION – CREATION AND MEMBERSHIP ..................... 11 Selection of Members ............................................................................................................. 11 Non-Voting School Board Advisor ........................................................................................ 11 Residency and Age Requirement ............................................................................................ 12 Oath of Office and Bond ......................................................................................................... 12 Prohibition against Holding Two Lucrative Offices ............................................................... 12 Conflicts of Interest................................................................................................................. 12 Term of Service....................................................................................................................... 12 Removal of Members .............................................................................................................. 13 County Redevelopment Commissions May Have Seven Voting Members ........................... 13 CHAPTER 2. MEETINGS OF REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONS ; OFFICERS ............................. 15 Initial Organizational Meeting ................................................................................................ 15 Annual Meeting ...................................................................................................................... 15 Other Meetings........................................................................................................................ 15 Election of Officers ................................................................................................................. 15 Role of Unit’s Fiscal Officer................................................................................................... 15 Public Notices of Meetings ..................................................................................................... 15 Rules and By-laws .................................................................................................................. 16 Quorum Requirement.............................................................................................................. 16 Voting Requirements .............................................................................................................. 16 Meetings That Include Participation by Electronic Means ..................................................... 16 I Table of Contents (continued) Page Annual Presentation to Taxing Units ...................................................................................... 17 Appearance by Redevelopment Commission Member at Public Meeting Upon Request of Taxing Unit ................................................................................................. 17 Guidance Relating to the Position of Executive Director of the Redevelopment Commission ............................................................................................ 17 CHAPTER 3. JURISDICTION OF REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION ............................................ 19 In General................................................................................................................................ 19 Effect of Annexation by City or Town on County Redevelopment Commission Jurisdiction .............................................................................................................................. 19 Effect of Creation of Redevelopment Commission by City or Town on County Redevelopment Commission Jurisdiction............................................................................... 19 Legislative Body Oversight of Redevelopment Commission and Its Annual Budget............ 20 Legislative or Fiscal Body Approval Required for Various Redevelopment Commission Actions ..................................................................................... 20 Authorization of Short-Term Borrowing of Redevelopment Funds by Related Governmental Unit with Approval of Redevelopment Commission ...................................... 20 CHAPTER 4. DUTIES OF REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONS ...................................................... 21 General Duties ........................................................................................................................ 21 Contracts Greater than $50,000 .............................................................................................. 21 CHAPTER 5. ANNUAL NOTICE AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONS ................................................................................................ 23 April 1 Report ......................................................................................................................... 23 April 15 Report ....................................................................................................................... 23 2017 Legislative Changes ................................................................................................. 24 June 15 Report ........................................................................................................................ 24 August 1 Report ...................................................................................................................... 25 Annual Presentation to Taxing Units ...................................................................................... 25 Appearance by Redevelopment Commission Member at Public Meeting Upon Request of Taxing Unit ......................................................................................................................... 25 Reassessment .......................................................................................................................... 25 “Trending” .............................................................................................................................. 26 II Table of Contents (continued) Page CHAPTER 6. GENERAL POWERS OF REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONS ................................... 27 Acquisition of Property ........................................................................................................... 27 Disposition of Property ........................................................................................................... 27 Holding and Using Property ................................................................................................... 27 Clearance of Property ............................................................................................................. 27 Remediation of Property ......................................................................................................... 27 Repair and Improvement of Property ..................................................................................... 27 Eminent Domain ..................................................................................................................... 27 Provision of Financial Assistance for Purchase or Lease of Residential Housing ................. 27 Provision of Financial Assistance to Neighborhood Development Corporations .................. 28 Tax Levy for General Expenses .............................................................................................. 28 Issuance of Tax Warrants........................................................................................................ 28 Urban Renewal Projects .......................................................................................................... 28 Neighborhood Development Programs................................................................................... 28 Best Practices for Redevelopment Commissions ................................................................... 28 CHAPTER 7. CREATION OF AN “E CONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AREA ” ...................................... 31 “Economic Development Area” or “Area Needing Redevelopment”