Published: November 15, 2009 08:41 pm      

Council to discuss TIF contracts

By TESA CULLI

tesa.culli@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — The city council has a big agenda tonight, including discussing tax increment finance contracts, an economic development contract with Kohl’s and a resolution of support for widening Interstate 57.

Two contracts will be presented to the council tonight for a TIF consultant to determine eligibility, to prepare a redevelopment plan and establish the two TIF project areas will be discussed. Both contracts are between the city and Peckham Guyton Alberts & Viets.

Under terms of the agreement, PGAV will be responsible for preparing a draft resolution indicating the city’s intent to designate the two TIF districts; assist the city in complying with TIF Act requirements for the interested parties registry; monitor the monthly unemployment rates in the county and help determine what properties would be suitable for inclusion; as well as other consulting work.

The two TIF areas are expected to be called Southwest Industrial Park Conservation Area and the Route 15/I-57 Redevelopment Project Area.

Also among the items on the agenda for tonight, the council will consider a resolution to provide assistance to Kohl’s Department Store as an incentive for building in the city.

“...Mt. Vernon desires to provide economic assistance to Kohl’s in the development of its facility so as to generate future sales tax revenues for the city, so as to increase the value of the real estate upon which the facility is located for property tax purposes, and so as to create opportunities for the employment for the citizens of Mt. Vernon,” the resolution states.

Under terms of the proposal, Kohl’s will be responsible for acquiring the property and agrees to construct and develop a store on the property and construct all public infrastructure required for the development of the property. In exchange, the city will rebate $1.5 million in sales taxes after the store opens.

In addition, the store will be able to participate in the Enterprise Zone.

In other business, the council will:

Hold a first reading on an ordinance granting permission to the trustees of the John R. and Eleanor R. Mitchell Foundation to discontinue the prohibition on alcohol sales;

Hold a first reading on an ordinance to rezone property at 1208 Conger from RM2 to B2 by Rena Eggleston;

Hold a first reading on a conditional use permit for a sign at 111 Davidson by Todd Mosher;

Hold a first reading on an ordinance to increase the number of motel-hotel ticket licenses;

Hold a first reading on the Hazard Mitigation Plan for Jefferson County;

Discuss a resolution to authorize demolition of dangerous and dilapidated structures at 430 S. 18th St., 1310 Conger, 2013 Perkins Ave., 2109 Cherry St., 517 S. 21st St., 520 S. 15th S., 408 S. 15th St., and 309 Caborn Ave.; and

Discuss a resolution in support of widening I-57 from Mt. Vernon south to Marion.

The council will meet at 7 p.m. tonight at the Rolland Lewis Community Building at Veterans Park.