Wyandot Development Corporation
(Wyandotte County Economic Development Council)
October 17, 2001, 11:00 A.M. , Reardon Civic Center

Board Members Present: Mayor Carol Marinovich, Mayor Steve Breneman, Commissioner Tom Cooley, Mayor Luther Pickell, and Bob Milan

Others Present: Marcia Ashford, Cindy Cash, Bob Evans, Jackie Hampton, Weldon Padgett, George Powell, Susan Rohrer, and Jim Thompson

Mayor Marinovich called the meeting to order at 11:06 a.m.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes of the January 17, 2001, meeting were unanimously approved by a motion from Mayor Breneman and second by Mayor Pickell.

Review of History and Purpose of the WCEDC

Bob Evans provided an overview and distributed information on the history and purpose of the Wyandotte County Economic Development Council (WCEDC) for the benefit of the new members on the board. Wyandot Development Corporation (WDI) has 501C3 status and has been used as a pass through entity for fundraising efforts by the Kansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce, Wyandotte Development, Inc., Citizen’s Planning Committee (CPC) and Toward a New Century. Other points made about WCEDC were as follows:

Discussion was held about the need for better publicity and more media involvement to promote the good works and citizen participation throughout the county. The Best of Wyandotte Awards and activities of the Citizen’s Planning Committee are good examples. A suggestion was made to involve the Public Information Officer’s from each entity on the WCEDC board to help publicize special events or activities.

The board discussed how often they should meet per year. Meetings are currently scheduled every other month, but sometimes aren’t held due to the lack of agenda items. It was noted that the Best of Wyandotte Awards, which are held every two years, necessitate more time, energy, planning and participation.

Mayor Breneman made a motion that the WCEDC board meet quarterly, alternate hosts and that the hosting entity provide an overview of what is happening in their area. Commissioner Cooley seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Election of Officers

Mayor Pickell made a motion to elect Mayor Breneman as Chairperson, Mayor Marinovich as Vice-Chairperson and Tom Cooley as Secretary/Treasurer. Mayor Breneman seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

Mr. Cooley reported that all officers are signatories on the checking accounts, and he would bring new signature cards to the next meeting. The checks require two signatures.

Discussion of Annual Calendar of Meetings

The board agreed to meet on the third Wednesday of January, April, July and October at 11:00 a.m. If needed, a special meeting will be held separately for the Best of Wyandotte Awards. Each entity was encouraged to involve their Public Information Officers to capitalize on marketing and media involvement for the board meetings and countywide activities and events involving citizen participation and volunteers. Board members volunteered to host the following meetings:

Edwardsville - January 16, 2002

Bonner Springs – April 17, 2002

Unified Government – July 17, 2002

BPU – October 16, 2002

Treasurer’s Report

Commissioner Cooley provided a treasurer’s report for the Wyandot Development Corporation. A cash report for the corporation, check register, 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 October 17, 2001 was $90,450.57. Commissioner Cooley reported on the deposits, interest, payments and three cash accounts for the corporation. Mayor Marinovich made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report as submitted. Mayor Pickell seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved.

  1. Director and Officer Liability Insurance – Commissioner Cooley reported that he talked with Bob Charlesworth, the insurance consultant for the City of Bonner Springs. Mr. Charlesworth said that this type of insurance would cost between $1,800 to $3,000 for $1,000,000 worth of coverage and a $5,000 deductible. He said that it has four elements to it: (1) director and officer liability insurance, (2) errors and omissions, (3) crime and (4) fiduciary. He said the board would need to seek bids for the insurance coverage. Mr. Cooley noted that the interest earned by the Wyandot Development Corporation goes into the 501C3 with the exception of Toward a New Century (TANC), and they keep their interest.

Cindy Cash inquired if there would be a user fee for insurance for TANC. Mayor Marinovich requested that Mr. Cooley obtain insurance quotes, discuss sharing the cost of insurance with TANC representatives, and provide information at the January meeting.

B. Corporate Legal Attorney – No discussion.

Citizen’s Planning Committee Report

Jackie Hampton reported on the status of the Citizen’s Planning Committee (CPC). The CPC has a membership of 20 individuals, and they are needing a replacement for Boris Sztorch, who represented Edwardsville.

She reported on a listening event that was held in the spring of 2001, which occurs every five years, and a paper survey that was conducted to receive feedback about citizen concerns. Information compiled from these two efforts helped the CPC to develop core issues to work on for the next five years. The core issues are as follows: (1) Life-Long Learning, (2) Job Readiness, (3) Neighborhood Revitalization, (4) Cultural Awareness, and (5) Community Recreation. Ms. Hampton provided an overview of each of the core issues and explained how the CPC will proceed.

She reported on planning efforts for the Best of Wyandotte Awards Ceremony that will take place on April 25, 2002. A location for the event has not been determined yet. Janet Murguia, Executive Vice Chancellor for University Relations from the University of Kansas, will be the guest speaker. Judges are being sought for the Best of Wyandotte Awards and the Citizen of the Year Award.

Discussion was held about the Wyandotte County pledge. The board requested that it be placed on the January agenda for review and further discussion.

Mr. Milan commented that in regards to the core issues, his biggest concern was that there isn’t enough collaboration with service organizations, such as the Northeast Coalition, Optimist Club, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, Big Brother and Big Sister Program, and Boys and Girls Club. He stated that members of these service organizations would be valuable to have on the core issue committees because they could provide support, money and input.

Other Business

A. Amended Bylaws – A copy of the bylaws reflecting the January 2001 amendment was provided to the board.

Meeting adjourned at 12:37 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Marcia Ashford

Asst. to the City Manager/Deputy City Clerk

City of Bonner Springs