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Hillsdale TIFA forms temporary Review Committee to examine 2018 statute changes; board hears downtown business updates
Summary
The TIFA created a temporary Review Committee to study changes made to statutes in 2018 and return recommendations; the board also discussed local business moves including Hillsdale Jewelers’ relocation, Birdie’s & Howell closing, and a Marshalls opening delay tied to ADA work.
The Hillsdale Tax Increment Finance Authority voted to establish a temporary Review Committee to review statute changes enacted in 2018 and bring recommendations for efficiency and accuracy back to the full board. The motion to establish the committee and appoint the listed members was made by Luke Robson, seconded by Margaret Braman and recorded as "motion carried."
Chair Andrew Gelzer said the committee will be temporary and dissolve after it returns recommendations; he described potential financing and income-generating options the board could consider during review, including issuing bonds. Gelzer said the working list of committee members included Gelzer, Cindy Bieszk, Chris Sumnar, R. Gregory Stuchell and Luke Robson, and that the list could grow as board membership increases to avoid exceeding Open Meetings Act thresholds. The minutes do not specify the exact statutory citations or legislative text changed in 2018.
During the board round table, Gelzer welcomed Chris Sumnar back to the board and reported that board member Chris Bahash was absent because Hillsdale Jewelers is relocating and expanding; Gelzer said that business plans to open next Tuesday. Board member Cindy Bieszk reported that Birdie’s & Howell publicly announced it will close by mid-February but will continue custom framing services. Board members also inquired about a delay in Marshalls’ grand opening; Gelzer said the delay was tied to Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for the building’s rear entrance and the store now expects a spring opening.
The board approved the Review Committee motion; minutes record the action as carried but do not include roll-call tallies or specified statutory citations. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 AM; the TIFA set its next meeting for Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 7:30 AM.
