A packed chamber for the Shelbyville City Council’s study session on the downtown redevelopment had some of their concerns addressed. The mayor as well as the commissioners stressed that no final decisions on how the redevelopment will take place has been made yet.

Approximately 27 people including several downtown merchants, along with members of the Shelbyville Garden Club and concerned citizens voiced their opinions and fears about the proposed plans.

Some misconceptions such as the council was going to bury utility lines and then charge the costs to local electricity customers, and the idea that the whole project was already a done deal just waiting on spring, were cleared up.

“We have saw three designs, have you decided on a final design,” asked Erma Nardi, a member of the Shelbyville Garden Club.

Mayor Roy Shuff said no the council has not decided on a final plan.

Brent Fogleman, a candidate for the council, questioned the timing of the project.

“These are the worst economic times our country has faced since the Great Depression and no one seems to know where the bottom is,” Fogleman told the council.

Fogleman then pointed out the financial commitments the city has presently and the problems the city is facing.

“The city still owes over a million dollars on the swimming pool, and just let bonds on a three million dollar sewer project, the park is still tore up with unfinished renovations and additions,” continued Fogleman.

Commissioner Noel Bolinger explained that any money derived from the TIF and Business Districts must be used with the districts and not for the city’s other financial obligations.

Fogleman said his biggest concern was the city would proceed without knowing exactly how much the development would cost

“What started out as a good idea has grown into a monster,” said Fogleman. “I personally cannot imagine hiring an architect and saying make me a mini park, parking lot complex and have no idea what the cost will be.”

Bolinger told Fogleman the city “can’t commit to this until we know how much money it (TIF and Business Districts) is going to generate.”

“We have said that from the very beginning,” continued Bolinger. “We cannot do this until we know how much money the Business District is going to generate.”

Bolinger said the city should have an idea of how much the Business District will collect within another month or so.

During the regular council meeting following the study session, Downtown Redevelopment was the first item on the agenda. Mayor Shuff moved to table this item until a later date. Commissioner Bolinger was the only no vote for tabling this issue.

Fogleman said that is what he wanted to hear. He said he wants to see the downtown thrive just like Bolinger but he feels the city and the taxpayers should know how much this is going to cost.

“I accomplished exactly what I wanted to do,” said Fogleman. “They (City Council) have postponed the plans until they find out what kind of payments we will have. “

Fogleman went on to say he is not opposed to the redevelopment but feels the city needs to know how much this will cost.

“You don’t build a house without know how much money you want to spend on that house to begin with. If you hire an architect to draw up plans for a house, he may draw up plans for a $200,000 house or a two million dollar house.”

Local downtown business man Jack Tynan questioned if during these tough economic times an accurate picture of what will be collected with the Business District can be ascertained.

“I personally don’t think six months is a viable period to see what the income is going to be,” said Tynan.

Bolinger said he feels the city needs a plan of action.

“If we don’t have a plan as a council, nothing gets done,” said Bolinger. “We have to have plan. There is nothing wrong with discussing a plan.”

In the regular council meeting the following items were acted on:

* Approved a request for use of the courthouse parking lot by the Horseshoe Club to cook sausage sandwiches for the Spores ‘n’ More Festival and the Farmers Market.

*Approved a parade request by the Shelbyville High School Band for a band competition in October.

*Approved the sale of surplus vehicle confiscated by the Shelbyville Police Department. Chief Dave Tallman said the vehicle is a 1985 Ford Escort Station Wagon.

*Approved a change in the wording of a Groundwater Ordinance.

*Held a discussion on how to proceed with abandon and/or run-down properties in the city.