TIF request tabled

Initially, the Vandalia City Council did not plan to even vote on Dennis Grubaugh’s request for city assistance in rehabilitating a barely used entertainment center.

But, after a long discussion, aldermen agreed to consider Grubaugh’s request for Tax Increment Financing aid for the former Twisters building on Veterans Avenue after getting more information.
Grubaugh filed a request for TIF funding to help replace the roof for that building, and the city’s TIF advisory committee recommended three annual grants of $25,000 to be used toward the project, estimated to cost about $258,000.
When his request came up for a vote on Monday, there was no second on a motion to approve it. Alderman Terry Beesley said he wished to comment on the issue, but Mayor Rick Gottman told him it could not be discussed without a second on the motion.
Ultimately, Alderman Mike Hobler offered that second, allowing for the issue to be discussed.
Alderman Neil Clark was the first to speak, saying that he “appreciates very greatly what you (Grubaugh) have done to help improve properties in Vandalia. You’ve put hundreds of thousands of dollars into properties.”
However, Clark said, he’s heard from people who are “very concerned” about the status of the former Depot property.
“They think it’s an eyesore and something needs to be done. You need to take care of some of the properties you already own before we talk about giving you TIF (money) for another project,” Clark said.
Alderman Andy Lester said that for him to consider voting for the three-year TIF commitment, he would like to see a funding commitment from a financial institution and proof that the roof project would be done at a professional level.
Lester also said that he appreciates all of the work done by Grubaugh on buildings in the city. “It’s nothing personal; it’s a business decision I feel I have got to make for the city of Vandalia.”
Grubaugh’s initial response was, “If we don’t move forward with the project, there will be another derelict building (in Vandalia), because I’ll have to move out because of the water leaks.
“I’m doing probably more than any one individual has ever done downtown or in Vandalia, with every penny I’ve got, and I try to do what I think is right for Vandalia.
“Yeah, I get behind on projects, but I’m working on most of them on my own nickel.”
Rejecting his request, Grubaugh said, “will finish me in Vandalia, because I will quit … and I have done a lot for Vandalia.”
About the Depot property, noting that he has someone interested in the property, said, “I understand it’s an eyesore. There’s not enough money to go ahead and redo it. If we knock it down and clean up that eyesore, you’ll never have the Depot back.
“Honestly, there’s no recoup for what I’m putting into Vandalia.”
Alderman Dorothy Crawford said, “It’s not just us, Dennis. There are 5,300 people in this town who hate that building and everything we’ve put into it … and we’ve got nothing to show for it.
“We’re answerable to a whole bunch more people than you, and they’re going to be really, really mad” if the city puts more into the building, Crawford said.
Those city funds include a $75,000 loan that the city wrote off in fiscal year 2007.
Grubaugh, who stated in his TIF application that he wants to create an entertainment center that includes laser tag and inflatables, said, “Without a roof, there’s no chance of getting anything done” on the building.
“I’m trying to put out one fire after another to make that building viable,” he said.
Beesley then raised a second point. “There has been speculation since it’s been put up that it’s not the safest structure. It would make everyone feel better if there’s a viable building under the roof.”
Grubaugh said he has a report from an engineer who said that the building is structurally sound, and he agreed to present that report, along with proof of financial commitment, to the council.
The discussion ended when aldermen agreed to table the matter until June 16, but started up again later.
During the public comment section of the meeting, Grubaugh wanted to make sure he understood what he needed to present to the city.
Crawford reiterated what she feels is the public’s opinion on the building.
“Most of the people I’ve talked to are, as it stands right now, terrified about the city putting more money into that building,” she said.
What may alleviate the public’s fears and concerns, she said, is to “show them, explain to them that this is the plan, this is the process.”
Grubaugh said that he feels his record of saving buildings should be considered.
“I would challenge anybody on this council, or anybody in this room, to have done as much with as little as what I’ve done in Vandalia,” he said.
Gottman said that he wasn’t offering a recommendation on the issue, but wanted to point out that Grubaugh has, indeed, saved many Vandalia buildings, including numerous ones with historical backgrounds in the downtown business district.
“He’s trying to do things in our community, and I appreciate that,” Gottman said.
The mayor said a number of people have complained to him about the TIF money that the city has given Grubaugh in the past. But, he said, they went silent when he asked if they want to buy and rehab buildings.
“If people want to come and buy buildings and improve them, I think we should look at that,” Gottman said.
Grubaugh said, “I’m trying to put businesses in downtown. I’m carrying the load on these buildings … and I don’t have any control of whether they can keep their businesses going long enough that I can get reimbursed for my efforts.
“I’m not going to sit here and tell the council I’ve got this big, rosy picture I’m going to paint for Twisters,” he said.
“If I fail, I’m the one that goes broke; the city still has the buildings I’ve redone.
“If you want me to try to help Vandalia, work with me,” Grubaugh said. If not, he said, he will move on to other of his properties in other cities and states.
“Credit where credit’s due,” he said. “Do what you want to do.”
Grubaugh said he’s rehabbing all of these buildings because he remembers what Vandalia used to be like when he was young.
“Maybe it’s a pipe dream, but I’d like to see it happen again,” Grubaugh said.

Former Twisters building