WARSAW — During the Redevelopment meeting held on May 1, the board declared interest in adding areas to the already established Central TIF district.

The current Central TIF district includes Buffalo, Canal, Indiana and Fort Wayne streets. The resolution would add land to the north and south of the existing area. The northern portion will travel along Center Lake until Gilliam Drive. The southern portion includes the downtown area and Fribley Field. City officials made it clear that they added these area because they would most benefit from redevelopment.

TIF districts are commonly used local means of financing public infrastructure intended to stimulate private sector investment and job creation. The district would only impact future businesses and projects.

“We are going to focus on the projects that have merit for us and will be successful in our community,” explained City Planner Jeremy Skinner.

The board approved declaring interest in the resolution. The resolution must be approved by the planning council, city council and the redevelopment board again. All of these meetings will be open for public comment.

In other news:

• A renewal contract was approved with Powell Farms for the farming of 53 acres in Plain Township. The contract remained the same as previous years.
• The board approved the streetscape contract with Clounie Landscaping for work on Indiana Street. This contract was already approved by the Board of Works. The $72,476 will be funded from the redevelopment general fund. Lake City Bank will reimburse the account 50 percent of the total cost.
• Three financial claims were approved for ongoing contracted work.
• The board approved a client file transfer from Faegre Baker Daniels LLP to Barnes & Thornburg LLP. The board’s preferred attorney, Randolph Rompola, switched law firms and the board wanted to follow him for his work. The board then approved an engagement letter for Rompola’s legal work on the Central TIF expansion.
• Work on CR 300N is expected to begin in the next few weeks. There will be minimal road closings during the summer months.