Heath's two economic development boards will review a zoning application for the 1880 Kitchen project and weigh a sponsorship request from Rush Creek Yacht Club when they meet Tuesday, Nov. 17.
The Heath Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) and Heath Municipal Benefits Corporation (HMBC) joint meeting is set for 5:30 p.m. at 200 Laurence Drive, according to the meeting agenda posted Nov. 11 by City Secretary Norma Duncan.
1880 Kitchen advances to zoning review
The boards will discuss the 1880 Project's Planned Development zoning application and continued coordination with the development team. The project involves Troubadour Food & Beverage, LLC, which purchased Lot 1A in The Reserve.
That real estate transaction closed Aug. 31, according to minutes from the boards' Sept. 2 special meeting. HMBC/HEDC President Mike Zilinskas confirmed the closing at that meeting.
The boards also plan a closed executive session to discuss real estate matters and a possible financial incentive for 1880 Kitchen, along with personnel matters related to the Director of Economic Development position.
Yacht club sponsorship, Shop Local campaign
A new agenda item asks the boards to consider a sponsorship request from Rush Creek Yacht Club. The agenda does not specify a dollar amount.
The boards will also discuss the FY 2026-2027 Shop Local campaign and a PATH Fundraising Gala meant to support the Parks and Trails of Heath program. A separate PATH Matching Grant Campaign item calls for coordination with the Park Board, PATH Committee and city staff on a campaign rollout.
Monument, property upgrades on track
Vice President Bart Davenport is leading the northern entrance monument project. The agenda calls for finalizing cost-effective materials and engineering drawings to support bidding, with construction targeted for 2027.
The boards allocated $500,000 for the monument and additional wayfinding signage at their July 21 meeting, passing that motion unanimously. Davenport confirmed quotes of up to $300,000 for construction alone at that meeting. Since then, he and board member Jeff Anderson have pursued value engineering, including reducing wind load, moving to panelized components and evaluating solar lighting, according to the Sept. 2 minutes.
Property improvements are also on the agenda. The boards will discuss completing soccer goal installation and evaluating additional amenities and lighting at Paw Grounds, along with routine maintenance of HEDC/HMBC-owned properties.
Budget context
The boards approved their FY 2026-2027 budget on a 4-1 vote Sept. 2. Board member Rich Koepke cast the lone dissenting vote, stating the boards should not spend more than annual revenue despite healthy reserves. The Heath City Council unanimously approved the budget on Sept. 23.
The combined budget projects $2,139,723 in total revenues and $2,888,235 in total expenditures, with a projected combined ending fund balance of $3,803,797, according to the city council minutes.
The boards will also consider adopting the city's Investment Policy, which the Heath City Council reviewed and approved Nov. 10.
Public comment is open at the start of the meeting. Speakers are limited to three minutes each and must sign in before the meeting begins.
