WYANDOT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

(WYANDOTTE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL)

OCTOBER 15, 1997, 11:00 A.M.

WYANDOTTE COUNTY LAKE, DAVIS HALL

(These are the unofficial minutes that have not been approved and/or accepted by the Wyandotte County Economic Development Council.)

WCEDC Members Present: Mayor Ted Stolfus, Chairperson; Mayor/CEO Carol Marinovich; Commissioner John McTaggart; Mayor Woody Berry

Others Present: Craig Gaffney, Marcia Ashford, Tom Cooley, Boris Sztorch, Bart Nill, Jim Thompson, LaVert Murray, Bob Evans, John Carras, Janet Eischen

Mayor Stolfus called the meeting to order at 11:13 a.m. and introductions were conducted.

MINUTES

The minutes of the September 17, 1997, meeting were unanimously approved by a motion from Commissioner McTaggart and a second from Mayor Marinovich.

DEVELOPING CRITERIA FOR 1998 BEST OF WYANDOTTE AWARDS

& CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Mr. Gaffney reported that a tentative date of April 28, 1998, has been set for the Best of Wyandotte Awards. However, this may change due to General Colen Powell’s arrival some time in April, 1998. His visit is tied in with the national program, America’s Promise, that he is spearheading. Both Kansas City mayors will be involved in General Powell’s event and, most likely, some CPC members.

Mr. Gaffney also reported that Donna Harsh and Jesse Milan are working on developing criteria for the Citizen of the Year Award. The award will be presented during the Best of Wyandotte Awards Ceremony and will acknowledge one person that embodies the Citizenship Pledge.

Mayor Stolfus inquired if they already have sponsors to help pay for the event.

Mr. Gaffney answered that a committee will be formed to obtain sponsors. He said they are ahead of the game in planning this year, and have been working to secure a keynote speaker.

Mayor Marinovich asked if there was any discussion about not having a guest speaker? She said the last program was very long, and that it took away from the focus as to why everyone was there. Mr. Gaffney stated that the idea of not having a guest speaker was discussed. He agreed that the program was rather long and that there were too many musical selections.

CITIZENS PLANNING COMMITTEE UPDATE: CITIZENSHIP PLEDGE

Mr. Gaffney reported that Donna Harsh had planned to attend the meeting today to report on the outcome of the Interfaith Citizenship Sunday, but she was not available. Ms. Harsh provided a written report to include in the minutes of this meeting. Mr. Gaffney said that the goal was not met of having all 300 churches in Wyandotte County recite the pledge on September 14. However, for those churches that did participate, a lot of positive feedback was received, and the CPC felt good about the initial effort.

REVIEW OF BYLAWS: PROXIES

Mayor Stolfus reviewed Article II, Section F. of the By-Laws concerning Proxies. He pointed out that the by-laws state that proxies must be transferred in writing and that this part should probably be deleted.

After discussion, Commissioner McTaggart made a motion to amend Article II, Section F of the Wyandot Development Corporation By-Laws to delete the words "is in writing and" in the first sentence. Mayor Marinovich seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Mr. Cooley distributed copies and provided an overview of the financial statement as of October 17, 1997. He reported that $514.82 was expended from the CPC account and $10,000 was received for Toward A New Century. The balance of $71,482.15 in the Wyandot Development Corporation account has been reconciled with the bank statement.

Mr. Cooley mentioned that Mayor Berry’s signature is needed on the signature card at the bank so that he will be able to sign checks.

The treasurer’s report was unanimously approved by a motion from Commissioner McTaggart and a second by Mayor Berry.

CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS FOR STRATEGIC ACTION GRANTS FROM THE KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE & HOUSING

Janet Eischen presented information on the grant applications for the Central Avenue Betterment Committee. One grant application, which addressed blight, poor image and appearance, is being resubmitted which was turned down in 1995-96. It was mainly turned down because KDOC&H wanted more specifics.

The committee worked to improve the grant application and met with citizens weekly to seek their input. While meeting with citizens, the committee found that there is better communication among neighborhoods, most neighborhood groups have newsletters and graffiti has decreased. The Neighborhood Council meets bi-monthly.

Kansas State University conducted a street scape study for the first grant application and which provided wonderful recommendations. The new application is based upon K-State’s recommendations and from citizen group meetings.

The new grant application is for $25,000 and requires a 1/4 cash match. The specifics of the grant this time address landscaping, transportation, and a business plan that coordinates the appearance of businesses. Items requested include benches, trash containers and planters for the area east of 18th Street. It also includes a proposal for the area west of 18th Street.

In dealing with appearance, the Central Avenue Betterment Committee has partnered with the Wyandotte County Regional Prevention Center regarding an anti-littering campaign that focuses on children and adults. Ms. Eischen said that they are requesting grant money to hire a part-time person to pick up litter daily on Central Avenue and the major intersections of 7th, 17th and 18th.

Mayor Marinovich inquired if they are working with the schools? Ms. Eischen said yes, but that it is in the infancy stage.

The grant application also requests money for bike racks, benches, trash cans, planters, banners and street decorations as well as matching money for store front improvements

Bob Evans explained the schedule and deadlines for the grant applications. He indicated that other past applicants are in the process of preparing new applications, but were unable to have them ready for the WCEDC meeting today.

After discussion, Commissioner McTaggart made a motion to recommend approval of the Central Avenue Betterment Association grant applications to the Unified Government. Mayor Marinovich seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.

OTHER BUSINESS

The City of Bonner Springs will host the November 19 meeting.

Mr. Cooley suggested that due to low attendance at WCEDC meetings, the board might consider holding meetings every other month. Commissioner McTaggart said that his involvement, as well as others, with the new Unified Government will keep him very busy, and he agreed with meeting every other month.

Mr. Cooley offered to send out a monthly budget or written reports on the off months if the board desired.

After discussion, Mayor Marinovich made a motion that the WCEDC board meet in November and then start meeting every other month beginning in January, 1998. Commissioner McTaggart seconded the motion, and it was unanimously approved.

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