City of Attica

The Merit Board discussed various personnel and procedural matters. Key topics included a briefing on the status of standard operating procedures regarding the newly hired School Resource Officer and current police department interactions. The Board reviewed ongoing shift bids for officers and received updates on staffing levels. Additionally, approval was granted to hire a new full-time Merit officer to fill an upcoming vacancy, and a date was scheduled for a disciplinary hearing for another officer.

The board discussed ongoing water infrastructure excavation projects and the installation of new sidewalks. A report was provided regarding the high volume of utility location requests and the associated costs. Additional topics included the coordination of street repaving projects, the proper disposal of yard waste at the designated site, and the review and approval of utility credits, payroll ledgers, and claims.

The meeting included a review of the financial reports for a recent fishing tournament, which was deemed successful despite weather challenges, and the dumpster rental services utilized for the event. The board announced that they were awarded a feasibility study grant from the Western Indiana Community Foundation, which will facilitate the development of a strategic plan and a new recreation facility. Other topics included planning for the upcoming alumni banquet, organizing community outreach with brochures, and scheduling a new fishing tournament. Discussion also covered coordination with Purdue Extension regarding their Community Vitality Program, ongoing planning for a pickleball event, and logistical preparations for providing a cooling station and first aid services during a community 5K event.

The meeting focused on two main petitions concerning the development of properties by Attica Vacation Rentals. The first agenda item involved the rezoning of multiple parcels on Perry Street from industrial and suburban residential to R3 residential to consolidate and expand a housing development project. The second agenda item involved the presentation of plans for the former Attica Elementary School, which the developer aims to repurpose into a mixed-use facility including a hotel, restaurant, event space, and commercial retail units. The Commission discussed the necessity of cleaning up existing zoning designations and set a continuance for the following week to allow for further public comment and community input regarding the elementary school project.

The board received an annual presentation regarding Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and economic development. Key topics included the financial performance and future estimates of the TIF allocation area, an explanation of the differences between the redevelopment district and economic development areas, and an analysis of how TIF impacts overlapping taxing units. The board discussed the potential trade-offs of continuing the TIF area versus passing through assessed value to the tax base, and received information on how TIF funds can be used for projects such as workforce development.