Plymouth Plan Commission determines contribution for automotive equipment to the LLN conforms to Comprehensive Plan

Last week, the Plymouth Plan Commission determined that a resolution amending the project list for TIF District # 3 by providing a financial contribution to the Lifelong Learning Network (LLN) conforms to the city’s Comprehensive Plan. 

City Attorney Jeff Houin reminded commission members that this request was brought forth last fall in a resolution amending the project list for TIF #3. The original resolution included funding consulting services from Enfocus to manage city projects and financial assistance to the Lifelong Learning Network through the Career Innovation Center. The Plymouth City Council approved the Enfocus request but denied the funding assistance for the Lifelong Learning Network because they felt it was contributing to the school corporation.

Houin said the Redevelopment Commission decided to try again to amend the plan to allow the contribution to the Career Innovation Center by funding the purchase of equipment for the automotive program.

Houin highlighted items in the city’s Comprehensive Plan, including its three core values: collaboration, well-being, and growth.  Under each core value is an applicable reference; with collaboration, it states, “We value fostering joint partnerships with local and regional organizations.” LLN would be an example of an organization.  Under the wellbeing value it says, “We value access to quality education.”  The request for funding would provide equipment for an automotive center to educate students and adults.  Under the growth core value, it states, “We value supporting the growth of businesses.” 

The city attorney showed a poster in the council chambers that identifies strategies in the Comprehensive Plan the city wants to accomplish.  He said, “The specific strategy under wellbeing is to create authentic connections between businesses and education to adequately serve the needs of the local business community.”

Houin said that is what the LLN is doing through the Career Innovation Center. They are creating educational opportunities for high school students and adults in the community.

When asked about TIF #3 and its proximity to the high school, Houin said, “For this type of expenditure, as long as it supports or improves the TIF area and the education of the workforce really supports the higher city, not just that specific area.”  The attorney also noted that a few years ago, the General Assembly updated the statutes that specifically allow for TIF contributions to educational programs.” 

A motion indicating that a contribution to the Lifelong Learning Network conforms to the city’s Comprehensive Plan was unanimously approved by an 8-0 vote. 

The Plymouth City Council will consider a resolution adding funding for the equipment for the Lifelong Learning Network at its next meeting on Monday.