REVIEWING THE AUGUST 20th PLAN COMMISSION MEETING

Public hearing – revised concept plan – Sandmar Village project
This has been one of the most frustrating projects as mayor. I am very hopeful that we took some major steps forward last night and in the past few weeks to alleviate the drainage and water problem around the Luther Hills subdivision. A couple of key points:
* A study is being done as we speak to determine the best course for removing the water from the area
* NONE of the lots in the Sandmar subdivision have been flooded. A person could purchase a lot and build there tomorrow, with no assessments to pay and watch the development grow up around them
* This project will require the cooperation of the land owners downstream from Sandmar
* I promised the neighbors I, and the city staff, will provide the leadership to get this done, if they can give us a little more patience.
Public hearing – relocate master plan street (Jeff/Kathy Fischer)
The Commission voted 5-2 against relocating a master plan street than currently goes through the Fischer property southeast of the city.
Site plan – Advanced Paper Enterprises
The plan, for a 61,000 square foot facility in the old Industrial Park, passed unanimously. Work could begin as soon as next week on the building, which may lead to 30 jobs in the paper industry here in Ripon. The company is currently located in the old Smuckers' warehouse west of the library along Silver Creek.
Establish public hearing – creation of Tax Incremental District #8
The day has come for the world to see what is in store for downtown Ripon. On September 11th, a public hearing will be held on a new downtown Tax Increment District (TID), and, of course, the Boca Grande investments will be a large component. This project has the potential to change the downtown for the better for the future. Change can be frightening, but my hope is that we can get these projects out into the public and have a reasonable and fact-based discussion. Some people are opposed to change, but I think that if we respect their concerns and listen, and those of all interested parties, we can move the projects forward in a civil manner. More details on the TIF will be released in the next few weeks. I believe, from what has been discussed so far, that the city should be proud in the level of investment that Boca Grande, and other individuals and companies have made into the city.

If you have questions or comments, please email them to me - arkramer@charter.net