Community Enrichment Corporation

Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation Mayor’s East Conference Room Regular Meeting Minutes: December 9, 2015 6:00 P.M. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Sue Webster at 6:05 P.M. Roll Call: Present – President Sue Webster, Vice President Ron Miller, Secretary/Treasurer Steve Janus, Michael McKervey, Jack Elia, George Kazmierczak, JoAnn Engquist, Jack VanEtten, Attorney Jennifer Koethe, and Administrative Assistant Jan Chamberlin. Absent: Chris Carter. Quorum was reached. Approval of November 5, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes: The word “negotiation” was changed to “deliberation” per Sue Webster’s request. Jack Elia motioned to approve the minutes as amended. JoAnn Engquist seconded. Motion carried. Jan Chamberlin will submit the amended, final minutes to the City Clerk’s office for filing, and to Catalyst Marketing for online publication. Claims: Jan Chamberlin--$710 for services in October; Michael McKervey motioned and Jack Elia seconded to pay Jan; all in favor. Rowley Boushue - $125 and $2,250 for year-end 2014. George Kazmierczak motioned to approve and pay; Jack Elia seconded, all in favor Steve Janus - $26.95 for postage. George Kazmierczak motioned to pay; Michael McKervey seconded, all in favor. The claims were signed for submission to Harbour Trust for payment. A discussion was held regarding changing to a different tax preparer. A motion was made by Jack Elia to put out a Request for Proposal for 990 PF, NP20, 1099, 1096, and the Annual Gaming Commission Report. George Kazmierczak seconded and the motion carried. Steve Janus will post in the newspaper and send to firms. Financial Statement: Steve Janus presented the Financial Statement. Past balance was $316,819.99. The current balance is $316, 662.75. Jack VanEtten motioned to approve the financial report; George Kazmierczak seconded, all in favor. Motion carried. Old Business:  Grant Reporting Forms Update – Jan Chamberlin will have the 3rd quarter update in time for the January Board Meeting. She will email in advance to Sue Webster.  Online Application Update – Individual Board Member scores are due by Sunday, January 10, 2016. Sue Webster will print the list for the deliberations. Since Jan Chamberlin won’t be at the January meeting, Jennifer Koethe will assist with minutes, recording grant award amounts, etc. Jan Chamberlin will also provide the form to record the amounts via email to Jennifer. Sue and Jennifer will prepare the grant contracts if Jan isn’t able to do so this year. Jennifer Koethe reviewed Sec. 4G of the bylaws regarding who should abstain when voting for grant awards. There should be no participation (scoring, discussing, or voting) by any Board Member who has an interest in an agency who applied for a grant. This interest generally  includes being on said agency’s board, or having a financial gain. At the deliberations, all abstentions will be declared prior to deliberations, as well as the reason for the abstention.  By Laws Review – Jennifer Koethe has reviewed the bylaws to answer the question of funding capital expenses. She stated there is to be $100,000 for the Michigan City Zoo, at least $100,000 for the children of Michigan City. There is no specific exclusion for capital expenses. Programs are preferred, but each application will be considered based on individual merits. New Business: Jennifer Koethe completed the annual entity report. Board Comments: Jack Elia offered the use of the Blue Chip Casino’s Board Room for next month’s Board Meeting. A screen will be available to project applications and the running award totals. Next Regular Meeting – Wednesday, January 13th at 6:00 p.m. in the Blue Chip Casino Board Room. Motion to Adjourn: Ron Miller motioned to adjourn, Jack VanEtten 2nd. All in favor. President Sue Webster adjourned the meeting at 7:50 P.M. Minutes recorded by: Jan Chamberlin