Community Enrichment Corporation

Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation Mayor’s West Conference Room Regular Meeting Minutes: August 12, 2015 6:00 P.M. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Sue Webster at 6:06 P.M. Roll Call: Present – President Sue Webster, Secretary/Treasurer Steve Janus , George Kazmierczak, Michael McKervey, Allan Whitlow, Jack VanEtten, Attorney Jennifer Koethe, and Administrative Assistant Jan Chamberlin. Absent – Vice President Ron Miller, Chris Carter, and Jack Elia. Quorum was reached. Washington Park Zoo Presentation: Jamie Huss, Director of the Washington Park Zoo, and Shawne Sheldon, Retail Manager, were present to give their annual update to the Board. With MCCEC money, they have nearly (90%) completed the Wolf Woods Exhibit. Continuing Projects include the African Watering Hole Exhibit, the Alligator Yard, and the Fallow Deer Hill Exhibit. The next proposed projects will be converting the classroom of the Discovery Center into a concession stand, adding a roof to that deck for shaded dining/shelter. They also will be constructing a two floor building housing a second, much larger gift shop, a vending area to serve the west side of the zoo, and an open space for zoo camp classrooms, party rentals, etc. Steve Janus then presented them with their annual endowment of $100,000. Approval of July 9, 2015 Minutes: Al Whitlow motioned to accept the minutes as presented, Jack VanEtten seconded; all in favor. Motion carried. Jan Chamberlin will submit to the City Clerk’s office for filing, and to Catalyst Marketing for online publication. Claims: Jan Chamberlin--$260 for services in July. General Insurance - $268 for crime insurance. Steve Janus motioned to approve and pay; Michael McKervey seconded, all in favor. Motion carried. The claims were signed for submission to Harbour Trust for payment. Financial Statement: Steve Janus presented the Financial Statement. Past balance was $37,540.13. The current balance is $34,600.62. The semiannual contribution from Blue Chip was received and Steve deposited the th $388,804.79 on August 4 . Steve Janus motioned to approve the financial report; Al Whitlow seconded, all in favor. Motion carried. Old Business:  Jan Chamberlin reported on the status of the first quarter grant reporting forms. 4 out of the 45 reports are still missing. Jan sent a letter of “rules and reminders” to ALL 2015 grantees, per Board instruction, in July. Therefore, no more reminders will be given.  Jan Chamberlin presented an update written by Scott Wills of Catalyst Marketing regarding the status of the online site. There was only a question as to when the project will be completed and ready to go online. Jan will contact Scott and advise the Board of his answer.  Sue Webster reported that the taxes are now extended to Nov. 15 but should be th completed in a month (according to Rowley, Bushue and Co.). Steve Janus commented that we will solicit bids for next year. New Business:  Amy Hamman of Barker Middle School submitted a written request to make some changes to their grant expenditures. Steve Janus motioned to approve, Michael McKervey seconded; all in favor. Motion carried. Jan will send Amy a response, notifying her of the approval. Board Comments:  Sue Webster thanked Michael McKervey for agreeing to be appointed for another 3 year term on the Board.  Upon further research, Al Whitlow discovered that the bylaws don’t allow elected city officials to be on the Board. He feels that in case he is elected to the city council, it is best to have someone replace him in time to acclimate themselves to the board and be available to be a part of the entire grant review and award process. Al will meet with the Mayor; Mayor Meer will need to make a new appointment. Al was thanked for his excellent service. th Next Regular Meeting - Wednesday, September 9 at 6:00 p.m. nd Motion to Adjourn: Michael McKervey motioned to adjourn, Steve Janus 2 . All in favor. President Sue Webster adjourned the meeting at 7:30 p.m. Minutes recorded by: Jan Chamberlin