Redevelopment commission says wastewater plant agreement is under legal review, to return to Bartersville

Chelsea, the commission’s economic development staff member, told the Morgan County Redevelopment Commission that the county is continuing negotiations on an agreement for a wastewater treatment plant.

"Chris Bridal, who is of counsel at B and T, and has done these sorts of deals, is taking kind of the reins on this one," Chelsea said, referring to Barnes & Thornburg attorney Chris Bridal. Chelsea said staff and outside counsel have been "working on it for quite some time," and that county staff — including Adam — are reviewing State Revolving Fund (SRF) language. "I've taken a look at it and have provided my red lines. So we're hoping to get that back to Bartersville in the next 2 weeks," Chelsea said.

The comments were made during the commission’s economic development update; the commission did not take a formal vote on the agreement at this meeting. Chelsea also said she met again this month with representatives of Bartersville to continue conversations about shared territory related to the project.

Adam, who presented the legal update, said there was "no specific update this month." The record shows staff and outside counsel continuing to negotiate contract language and SRF-related terms; the commission did not set further deadlines or take formal direction beyond staff continuing work.

The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 8:30 a.m., when annual reports to the underlying tax unit will be presented by Baker Tilly; Chelsea said members should "plan for a little longer meeting."