Wyandot Development Corporation
(Wyandotte County Economic Development Council)
July 17, 2002, 11:00 A.M., Kansas City Kansas Public Library

Board Members Present: Mayor Carol Marinovich-Vice-Chair, Mayor Luther Pickell and Bob Milan

Board Members Absent: Mayor Steve Breneman, Commissioner Tom Cooley

Others Present: Marcia Ashford, Rich Ayers, Cindy Cash, William Crandall, Bob Evans, Wayne Franklin, Jackie Hampton, LaVert Murray, George Powell, Susan Rohrer, Frank Vissick 

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Marinovich at approximately 11:10 a.m. 

Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the April 17, 2002 meeting were unanimously approved by a motion from Mayor Pickell and second by Bob Milan.

Citizens Planning Committee Report
Jackie Hampton commented on how the Best of Wyandotte Celebration is a source of pride for the county, and that she had received many compliments about this event that was held on April 10. One issue that the Citizens Planning Committee (CPC) discussed after the event was whether or not the CPC should continue to sponsor it or if it should be passed onto another organization. Hampton stated that planning for the event consumed nine months of the CPC meetings, which prevented them from focusing on the core issues for the county. She stated that the group would like to vote on this issue at their meeting on July 24. 

Discussion ensued about the issue. It was the consensus of the board and others present that the CPC should continue to sponsor the event. It was suggested that a subcommittee be formed to plan the Best of Wyandotte Celebration that would be comprised of 2-3 CPC members, citizens from various civic organizations, previous recipients of the award, Chamber of Commerce, and Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. The CPC was complimented for their involvement and effort in planning this positive event for Wyandotte County. 

Presentation by LaVert Murray, Director of Development of the Unified Government 
LaVert Murray provided a photo presentation on downtown Kansas City, Kansas commercial, office and housing development. He stated that he is delighted with what is taking place in downtown Kansas City, Kansas. Highlights of the presentation were the EPA Regional Office Building, Hilton Garden Hotel, renovation of the Reardon Center, new BPU building, Riverfront Heritage Trail (a bi-state bicycle and pedestrian connection), renovation of historic City Hall into high quality loft apartments, and new housing developments – Catholic Housing, Jersey South, Mount Carmel, Mount Zion, Old 5th Street, Peregrine Falcon, Rosedale and Turtle Hill. Other developments included the Armourdale River Park, Melrose Business Park, Comfort Inn and Microtel in mid-central KCK and housing development in the western portion of the county. 

Discussion was held concerning market rates, getting people who work in Wyandotte County to live here, and creating a better working relationship with reality companies. Murray stated that the Unified Government has worked with Wyandotte Development, Inc. in a team approach to bring about the development that has occurred. He said that more coordination and attention is needed to impact the realty community and suggested that a housing or retail consortium be held. Bob Roddy from the Unified Government Public Works Department is heading a team to research infrastructure needs. A comparison of Johnson County and Wyandotte County land values and residential permit fees is also underway.

Presentation by Bill Crandall, Vice President of The Zimmer Companies
Bill Crandall made a presentation and distributed information on Village West, which is the new name for the 400-acre tourism district adjacent to the Kansas Speedway. The Zimmer Companies is the master developer for the Unified Government on this development. Companies that have located or have committed to locating in the district are Cabela’s (opening in one month), Nebraska Furniture Mart (construction underway), Warren Theatre, Red Shopping Center and Applebee’s. This will create a total of 1,412,000 square feet in retail space, 3,350 new jobs during operations, and projected annual sales of $420,000,000. Many positive comments were made about this development. 

Treasurer’s Report
Commissioner Cooley was not available for the meeting, but provided a written treasurer’s report for the Wyandot Development Corporation. A cash report, check register, revenue and expenditure report for the New Century Partnership fund and a breakdown of the three funds that are included in the corporation account were provided for the board’s review and consideration for approval. The account balance as of June 30, 2002 was $64,631.75. Marcia Ashford reported that Commissioner Cooley filed the annual report with the Secretary of State and the corporation should be in good standing. The treasurer’s report was unanimously approved by a motion from Mayor Pickell and second by Mr. Milan.

A. Director and Officer Liability Insurance – No report provided. 

Information Items
A. Next Meeting Date – Wednesday, October 16, 2002, hosted by the BPU. 

The meeting adjourned at 12:50 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted,


Marcia Ashford
Asst. to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk
City of Bonner Springs