JASPER REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING

The RDA opened a TEFRA (Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982) public hearing in connection with the Regional Wellness Center. City attorney Renee Kabrick said that the hearing is part of the bonding process, since there will be tax exempt bonds used as part of the financing for the Center. This is a mandatory step for non-profit or private organizations using tax-exempt, private activity bonds to fund projects. This allows the public to get information and share comments before approval of the bond issuance. 

The City is partnering with the YMCA, a 501(c)3 on the project. There is a space in the facility that is, as of yet, unidentified with respect to the use or user. Since another entity could, at some point, use the space in question, the TEFRA hearing was required to preserve the tax- exempt status of the bonds. With no public comments, the hearing was closed. 

The RDA approved a preliminary official statement, which contains information about the project and its financing. It was reviewed by Baker Tilly, the bond council, and staff. A resolution was then introduced and approved which states that the preliminary official statement was approved and the TEFRA hearing was held regarding issuance of the bonds. 

Park Department Director Tom Moorman spoke to the board about the Mini Ninja Cross, which he said is one of the most popular offerings at the municipal pool. He received approval to purchase attachments to periodically vary the elements of the course, using funds still remaining in the bond. 

The RDA authorized a claim of $710.05 from Baker Tilly for the annually required New Outdoor Pool Bond continuing disclosure requirements. They also approved claims for the pool of $6,649.76 from ASC Pumping Equipment and $1,301.06 from Grainger. 

 - By Drew Hasselbring