Michigan City Urban Enterprise Association April 21, 2025

[Music] You are watching Access Leaport County Channel 97. Coming up next is the April 21st meeting for the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Association. You can find more information for this meeting by visiting www.acesslaportcounty.org.

[Music]

It is now 6:00. We'll call the April 21st, 2025 board of directors for Mr. Card Enterprise meeting to order. Start with the roll call. Bruce here. Dakota here. Uh, Miss Willis here. Uh, Councilman Nelson here. And the chair is present as well. With five, we have a quorum.

Is there any amendments to the agenda?

Mr. President, I'd like to amend the agenda for the sheer uh quantity of people we have to uh present their grants. I'd like to move uh new business instead of number five to number two. And then um at the end if we could add for new business um an update from the outreach committee after the brunch project. I have a motion. Do I have a second? Second. Uh okay. I'm sorry. Any uh motion and a second. Any more discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for vote. All in favor? I. Motion passes. We will start with new business at our first applicant will be Mr. Augusta.

Um the way the process will work is we you give a brief explanation of the project and then each board member will be allowed two minutes to ask any questions pertaining to the project. Then we'll call for the vote on the project. Um, everybody have a copy of the grant for Mr. Augusta? I do. Everybody got a copy? I have his folder. You guys can take a look at that. So, I'll open up the floor to you to start off about uh the application you put in for.

Uh, yes. Uh, I put in the application for my mom. um her and my brother stay at the house and so um I just went around and checked the house and she needed some gutters real bad they about to fall off. Mhm. And so um he was trying to find some type of grant or whatever where can help her get her um her gutters fixed. Um so I open up the floor for any questions. I will start on this end and with Bruce.

I I think I see two different quotes. One is for 4,985 and I don't I don't think I see the name of the company, but it shows that it's going to be financed through ACORN. And then the other quote, as I understand it, is from a Leaport seamless gutter for 3200. Is that right? Those are the two quotes.

Yeah. The the first one is JB West. Yeah. JB got JD The one that says Acorn, that's a JB West. I get it. Okay. Yeah, it wasn't all scanned. So, yeah. Different than uh JB, they have a bigger and a much heavier gutters. Um they're like like the 3x5 down spouts. The other one is like a 2x3. So, that what makes it different. And plus uh the gutter guard. It depends on what type of goard that um can last longer. So, uh J is highest because it's a better quality. Uh it lasts longer. Um also that it comes out and they clean the gutters and everything. I think once or twice a year. So be a good idea.

Man, that's appealing. I think those are my questions. Can I hold off till I see the document? No problem. I'll go down here. Anybody have any questions? Uh, Councilman Nelson? No, I don't have any questions. I'm just ready to make a motion. Um, Miss Willis, any questions? No, I don't think so. I'm just looking over the application on on the uh that was scanned here. I don't have any questions. No. Thank you. Uh, Mr. Connley, you got any questions? No, I have no questions. But um, so the quote just for your just for gutters, right? Yes, sir. Is it 6 5,000? Yeah, 5,000. But um another thing they told me that the um the facial that's behind the gutter, they really um can could not add that in because they don't know if it's damaged or need to be replaced. The wood uh so um possibly get that too. Mission commission. So, I told her that it could be a uh addition. They couldn't get they couldn't remove the gutter and say, "Well, it's going to have to be replaced because it sits behind." That makes sense. So, um but it wouldn't it shouldn't go over the 7,000. But she did tell me if they need to um add on some facial or the wood replace. She told me to tell them or call call you guys and let let you guys know for the difference. Yes, he can come back twice. You can come back twice in the same grade. He just can't exceed a 75. Mhm. All right. Any questions? No. Thank you. Not for the resident. Motion to approve. I have a motion to approve. Second. I have a motion in a second. Any discussion for how much? That was going to be my question. What level of poverty uh are they qualified for?

Um so I believe it's um is is there three people with in your mom's house? No, my um my mom and my brother. My oldest brother. Okay. But he's he's a dependent. the brother is a dependent. So two um and with the income that would make I think they they qualify for the full amount. I was going to say that because she's she's social security, right? Yeah. Um she on social security, he on disability. So I guess my question is you made the motion. Did you have a set amount that you were making with the motion? The full he approve with intentions on coming back if they need it for the facial. Okay. Nice. So you your motion is for the uh for the approve of approve of 7500 with the um additional quote. I do. I got you. Is do you have a second for that motion? I'll second that. So I have a motion and a second still. Any more discussion hearing? None. I'll call for the vote. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Thank you. All right. So, you're approved. Yeah, we'll be in contact, Mr. Thank you. Can we get one thing from you? Can you like uh tell people about the Urban Enterprise like side? Yeah. Somebody told me. Yeah. Yeah. And just far as the update with the facial, you know. Um Yeah. Mhm. How do when do you plan on getting that? Um well, they was they were waiting to see. Um I heard from them two days ago and I told them guys going to have a meeting on the 29th. I thought I seen on the paper around the 29th, but um they going to get back in touch with me or I can call them. Okay. And tell them they've been approved. Okay. So, um like I say, once they start working on it, then they can see the facial to see is the wood need to be replaced. And if not, they just put the gutters up. Could we get some after pictures when it's done? Get some after pictures so we can use it. I got some before, too. Okay. I'll show you before and after. Okay. No problem. Thank you. Thank you. Next on the That's it for me. Yes. You all good, sir. Thank you. You'll be in contact.

Next on the uh agenda is Kevin and Rainey's Cooper. I do not hear. Um since they're not here, we'll move down to Annie Garrett. Um, it be the same process as the last one. We'll let you open up the floor. State your application. Does everybody has everybody had a chance to see the application for Anna Garrett? I'm looking at you got her folder. You got you got her folder. Sorry. Um, so the floor is yours. I'm sorry.

Okay. Um, my mom, she's on a fixed income. I got you. And um, she's not able to like get up and, you know, really do anything, you know, around the house. But um I heard about, you know, you guys was helping, you know, getting a grant to try to help out on, you know, whatever they need to be fixed. And she really need windows in her back door. But the only thing I was able to do was get an estimate on windows. And who I went with is really high. So you um I'm sorry. Do you obtain one quote or two? Two. Oh, I see the second quote. I'm also Can you also state your name for the record as well, please? Yes. I'm Matlin Docky. I'm Annie Garrett's daughter. Thank you. Could you could you spell your name? Just speak the letters, please. M A T I L I N E. Doy D O C K E R Y. Thank you. You're welcome. Okay. Um, so now I'll open up the floor for any questions from any board members. We'll start on this end this time. You go ahead, council. I'm looking at this right far as the total. Oh, yeah. I think but but see I I I was at that particular time it was like I was rushing. So I just went with the first two that I could get. But I also have another guy and um he said if he could do it or what his name Wesley or whatever he said he could do it for like 1,400 I think that so that was about the lowest I can get 1400 for the 14,000 I mean 14,000 I'm sorry I'm sorry. Yeah I think that would suit you a lot better because I guess my biggest question is even with maxing out with what we giving you y'all going to be able to take care of the rest? Oh, no. I think that quote is for way it's it's for like everything that's wrong and then they would just use this grant to to get get the process going. Yeah. So, whatever. So, I'm sorry. So, whatever she was granted for, then we're just going to have to go with that. Okay. So, these quotes are for a um a multitude of things, correct? It's it's for all the windows. All the windows. Just the windows. Nothing else. Just windows. Okay. Okay. Okay. Well, it looks Okay. I'm I'm just I'm looking at the I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cut you off. I'm looking at the one for uh What is this for? I'm just trying to see the name of this one. Belco. Yes. Okay. Oh, this this is location. I'm sorry. So, the ones in the basement. Okay. Yeah. Right here. So, these are windows in the basement. some of the stairway. This is Belco. So, this is where they are. And then this is the total price. Uh where is it? Right there. Back over. Yes. We already $47,000 out the window. We already knew we wasn't going to get that much. You know, it's just that at that particular time, they were like, and see, I done went through surgery and everything, so I'm the only one helping her. So, I just had to go with what I could go with. Yeah. I think that four that 14 definitely put you in a better position. Okay. Yeah. Um instead of trying to um I can that's a lion share. 47 to 35 and then not having the funds to finish the project. Exactly. You don't want to linger. So, yeah, completion is the biggest goal, right? I think 14. See what we can do with that. We might get a blessing. Um maybe it's lower than that. I don't know. But Yeah. Who was 14? You said Wesley. Is he local? Uh oh. What is his? His last name is Wesley. Last name Wesley. Your contractor. Your contractor. Yes. Okay. He just did a uh Airbnb in Canada. Okay. Oh, Scully. Wesley Skully. Wesley Scully. How soon do you think you can get the um clothes? Um, I guess I Well, I just talked to him, so I just talked to him two days ago and I was telling them I was coming to this meeting. Mhm. So, he told me, you know, just call them whatever you know you guys give her. They they would work with that. Okay. So, Okay. I mean, anything is a blessing. Um, Miss Willis, any questions? No. Mr. Okay. So, if we used to grant you a full 7500, you guys know which windows you guys going to start working on first? Yes. It's it's it's more of the living area, you know, that because she has like uh it's two stories and then a basement. So, we would work on mainly like that that main floor. Yeah. Yeah. See the windows? They're bad, too. And with the quote, can you get him to um section it off? What are the cost for the top? What it cost for the bottom? Yeah. Have him break it down. Break it down for different stages. Well, I see on the one proposal here, there a total of 34 windows. And the windows by the windows for all the windows to be completed is like 34,000. So, if my math not all the way off, a thousand windows, something like that. Yeah. So, you essentially be able to get about four windows done if you took the one took the ter discount windows or quote. But essentially, it's up to once the grants approved, it's up to you. The only parameters that set is the money can't be distributed out unless the city it's unless approved by the city via the inspection department that it was a registered business and contractor that did the work. Y so if you able to find a cheaper find a cheaper price after these two quotes I'm I'm more happy for you more happy for you definitely because leasing is very and I can help you do that. I should have paid more attention too because I believe even expensive probably expensive as well. So we can work on that. Okay. Okay. And then get you back on the agenda for next one. So I got to come back in. I mean technically she will she she can be approved today with just these two quotes. She met she's made all the requirements if the board suits. So approve approval is based on on these two quotes. Our suggestion is that she don't but Kamisha is going to help her find some better actual contractor licensed contractor and then you'll just make her the other quot of her file while she gets it or yeah I'm sorry I'm sorry more questions. No you want to see these you said there was no more questions. No I was asking did he have any more? I still got these. estab one sec. What do you say you going to help her get the closer? Yeah. Okay. I will go for them big I'll go for them big windows first downstairs. Um as we go on you'll see that they want to endorse the order and they've been like the get the information back to us. Um R our L is way is cheaper than that too. Um just based on like what what I've seen from this is I saw her saw that you can have this for everyone roofing roof roofing. Yeah. Put it down there. Yeah, they always say like they amazing in the community all that business. I had to call them partner with somebody that's interested. No, they said the last time we had a list. How did you hear about the grant opportunity? The only reason why I said that we're fun too much business particular nephew. Yes. They given if they g Yeah. Yeah. You know what I'm saying? And I feel like that's what we should get. That would be cool just to have somebody like And any more questions? I don't have questions. We got 10. We got 10 applicants. as we approve pictures. Uh we got do we got a motion on this applic I I want I was going to suggest Dakota make the motion because there's a there's an angle to it. Oh um from what I I see on a social security I believe it would qualify at 125% mark. Okay. So more more. Yeah. What's that mean? 125% mark. Yeah. So on the application. So do you have a dollar amount? That would be for the $5,000 grant. So I have a motion to approve Annie Garrett's grant application at $5,000. Do I have a second to that motion? Second. confused. What about the 75? I have a motion. I mean, do I have a second to that motion? You can second for more discussion. Wow. So, based on um chart. So, what you're essentially saying is she qualifies for 6250. You're saying you're saying the 125% level. So, that is $5,000. That total is $5,000 based on the income. Correct. Okay. From what I see in the So, I have a motion to approve the grant for $5,000. Do I have a second? I'll second. I have a motion in a second. I open up the floor for any discussion. Any discussion? I'm just I'm I'm trying to wrap my mind why she don't get 75 based on her income. Based on the income. Mhm. So, each one of these is a different percentage and a different income. She falls under that 125. And if you uh turn it to the next page, you'll be able to see the bottom row that uh calls out the amount that they're able to get based on the percentage level, the poverty percentage level. You see at the very bottom each each row I have a motion and a second. Do I got any more discussion? So, I'll call for the vote on the motion to approve Annie Garrett's residential grant for $5,000. Um, Bruce. Hi, Dakota. I, um, Councilman Nelson, I, Miss Willis, I, uh, Councilman Conley, I mean, chair votes. You like how that sounds? Motion passes. Motion passes for the $5,000 amount. Um Kamisha will be in in contact with you regarding the next steps process, next steps forward. I want to thank you for coming out tonight. If anyone can help, please just reach out. Okay. Thank you guys. You have been a blessing. I really appreciate it. And you know you can come back for the next cycle, right? Just come back for next cycle. When's the next cycle? So for next year for next year to get more windows that way you keep on Okay. Keep getting yourself done. Okay. You can Well, thank you guys so much. I really appreciate it. Please, please send um Commissioner some uh after pictures of the I will I will have a good night. All right. Thank you. Yeah, that's a good board of works meeting the same day as our meetings every time. Oh, yep. I've seen it. Yeah. Okay. Uh Tristan, Miss Ray is here now. We can bounce back to that if you however you want to do that just let me know that we will go now to Kevin and Renise Cooper's grant application.

Okay. The way the uh process will work. You'll get two minutes to start off and uh briefly discuss brief briefly discuss your project. Then each board member will be allowed up to two minutes to ask any questions pertaining to it. Then we'll call for the vote on this. So open up the floor to you now.

Well, me and my husband are rather new homeowners of a home that we've been renting for 10 years. So, we had the opportunity to purchase it, but it's a few things that we need help with, but since we just purchased it, there were some things that the landlord didn't take care of. So, we were was needing help with winterizing like doors and windows, which we land short. Anything else? Okay. So, I'll open up the floor for discussion I mean from questions from the board members. I'll start on this end this time with Bruce. Actually, first I want to ask has everybody had a chance to take a look at the application? Ever had a chance to take a look? I looked at I'm looking at online. I I I have a quick question. I I'm looking at the Yeah, I don't know if they're doing that because of the grant or what, but JB has had the the best quotes for across the board. Like I don't know if it's some type of something that they're doing, but yeah. Best ever. Yeah. Any more questions? Yeah. No, no, that was that was my main question. And then as far as the household, there's there's four of you guys, right? There's her husband, her, and then two dependents. Uh Dakota passes his question so he sees a U floor. So I'll go to you. Um so you're looking uh to get six windows replaced, correct? Correct. All right. Um that's a good quote. Um yeah, actually a good quote. And that's pretty cheap compared to the last one we just she had one that was like they they quote her 64,000 like 64,000 for the same amount of work. So these places I don't know what they're doing but that that was just wild. Yeah. FCO was a huge company though. They like Yeah, that I think it was uh Renewal by Anderson. That's a big company too. Yeah. So you would think that They're such a big company. It'd be more affordable than a smaller company. But that wasn't funny. The funny part is that he tried to convince me to sign on then. And I said that I needed another quote. He said, "You don't mind me asking who would you who would be next?" And I told him it was shaking. And of course, he tried to, you know, pull a little salt on him. Bash. Uhhuh. And it took an hour to do that. Uh, any questions, Miss Willis? This is this relation. Not yet. No. Council. Um, no. Dakota. Any questions? We just want to look at a minute. How many? Uh, there's four of those.

There's four. Okay. Yeah. Let me focus in now. I'm sorry. One second. Yeah. Yeah. This is that's a tangential issue. Let's focus on eligibility issue. Um, are you looking for a motion or still discussion? Uh, this is your time if you had any questions. Where did you hear about the grant opportunity from? Miss Williams. That was it. That was my only question. Uh, open up the floor for any motions.

From what I can see from incomes, it looks like it's outside of poverty level. Um, but does say that certain cases, additional funding beyond standard grant limits may be available subject case by case. Um, so I'm willing to approve the $1,000 grant. That would be my motion. So, I have a motion for I'm sorry. I have a motion to approve the grant for $1,000. Do I have a second to that motion? I have a motion to approve for I'll second. I have a motion and a second. I open up the floor for any discussion. Um, any discussion from anybody?

Um, if we were to raise the I'm sorry. it just y'all. Go ahead. I know what you're getting at, right? As far as um the criteria, if we were to change it, would she be able to come back and reapply? Thank you. I think personally reading it, I think if the board is allowed, the part he just quoted there, the board is allowed to approve to prove it. Yeah. Just by case by case. Exactly. I Okay. I mean, so I'm I'm going to be honest. I'm not in support of the thousand just giving $1,000. I'm not supporting that. That's that's the motion that's on the floor. That's my discussion. I see what you're saying. Okay. And and they just got the house, too. So, you know what kind of you know that that makes everything tight when you just purchase the home, too. I got a question. How soon would you get the windows fixed? ASAP. ASAP. Yeah, absolutely. Is there anything else you need to hear? I would love to just suggest.

So I have a motion in a second. U any more discussion? No. I call for the vote. Uh Bruce, hi. Dakota. Hi. Miss Councilman Nelson. No. Miss Willis, no. Uh, coun. I'm sorry, a board member, Mr. Con. No, good speaker. Chair votes nay as well. So, that motion fails. Do I have any other motions regarding the any I mean, I'm sorry, the the Cooper residential grant? Um, I have a motion to approve 4,000. So, I have a motion to approve up to $4,000. Do I have a second to that motion? I second. I have a motion in a second. Any discussion on the motion to approve up to $4,000? What I I just want to make sure we're following the rules, which I don't necessarily agree with. Um, but this is a perfect example. What What basis do we have to set it at a $4,000? From what I'm reading in in this literature, it's saying that um we have the the power to make exceptions, but is is there a cap on the exceptions? I I just didn't review it before we started this. I'm take a look now. I don't believe it was a cap set on the exceptions. Well, it says on a case- by case basis. Yeah, I understand. And I understand I I know where you're going with this, but I think if um if we kind of if we kind of set a little precedent going forward, okay, if we say looking at their income and looking at if we kind of set some parameters going forward from this point, go from this point and we say, okay, we're going to cap it off at based on these different set of parameters. if they're happen if they happen to fall outside of the income the income bracket. I know and I'm just going to use my particular situation as an example. My husband and I fall outside of the income parameters in order to qualify, but we are essentially we can't really afford to go out and pay, you know, the prices for the windows and everything new. We need assistance, but unfortunately we fall just outside of the parameters. So, I know what you Yes, I know. I was going to say I'll let you finish because I'm going to say something you probably don't expect. Okay, go ahead. Well, first of all, I'm I'm I'm much more empathic than you might think. I I had understood there that there were limits on us. Sure. I'm uncomfortable with the limits to to be clear. I'm uncomfortable with the poverty guidelines. I've been uncomfortable Yes. poverty guidelines since I did legal aid in 1980. I've been uncomfortable with the poverty guidelines. So I so much discomfort in suggesting that we have to stick to them, right? Um and and your point about the point you're making about the windows. I I feel that more than you anticipate because bluntly I I'd be getting quotes for three times what the ones that we're seeing now. They would take a look at our house. They'd look at our 2013 Lexus and we we would get quotes three times higher. So believe me, I understand all those dynamics. As long as long as we believe we are within the parameters that are imposed upon us, then that's fine. To be clear, that's the only dynamic that that is coming from me. Any more discussion on the motion? I'll just like to say I support the exception in the $4,000 for this application really based on the fact that the times we live in now two a two two income household used to be a great thing and be able to live and sustain but it's just not that anymore I think I'm glad glad to see more homeowners coming into the community more people trying to do better with their property I think it's a beautiful thing believe we should try to help as many I believe we should try to help as many people as can possible and uh I'll call for the vote Uh, if there's no more discussion, I'll call for the vote. Um, Bruce, I'll go I. Dakota, I. Um, Councilman Nelson, I. Miss Willis, I. Um, board member Connley. Hi, Chair Voltai as well. Thank you for coming out. You've been approved for $4,000. Um, thank you so much. We appreciate it. And I only I'm getting them windows before summer. Okay. Thank you.

Before I go to the next one, I actually got a question. Um, on the first one, did we did we check the income requirement on the first applicant that we approved? I know for the last two, we made sure we checked as thoroughly as thoroughly as I asked. I didn't do it myself, but yeah. Not it was just hurting her son, wasn't it? Yeah. And she's her son is what? Let's see. She's Well, I believe she's definitely 100%. I I mean the reason I'm asking is I'm I mean we're for points to be transparent. We we're making sure we're staying within the guidelines for the last two. So I want to make sure we did that on the first one. I know they were approved, but I don't want to I don't want to just give them if somebody's making the same income requirement as them. I don't want to approve them for max and then we give the next person the max. So I I just wanted to make sure that we did this properly. I I asked the looked at it already. Yeah, I just looked at it. So you said they made they made the income required for for the maximum amount? Yes. Yes, her she has a son who lives with her who's a who's a dependent and she's on social security. Okay, we'll go I'm sorry. Sorry for that. We'll go down to the next one. Um, Miss Milane Gardner. Yes. Okay. I'm trying to get um my house um remodeled. My husband passed away four years ago and I have on the income, fixed income and I would like to get a new put on since Arnette is supposed to be trying to work with it and I was just trying to see if I can get some um her quote from Arnette is in the folder. They didn't get back to us until after I had already sent the um packets out. That's achieving. So you So we open up for board member questions. We start um I don't remember where I started, but we'll start down here. Okay. Y'all start with me. Yeah. I'm sorry. I should have said I apologize with these quotes. It's um it's a roof for the house and the garage and windows. Well, I really uh just uh want the house uh roof and the garage situation. I can wait on that because you know it's not doing the efficiency situation there with the garage. So, and this quote for the one with RL is this for the garage or the house. Only reason why I say it's cuz substantial difference. One's 7,000, one 4,000. So I just want to make sure cuz on the garage this one's like four. So that might be for a garage. So this one is for So this is windows. This is windows and a roof. So this includes nine windows. Right. Right. No, I'm saying this one right here. Is this the is this the house or is this the garage? Oh, okay. Yeah, it probably the garage cuz this right here is comparable to what this garage is. 4,000. Yeah, our net our net house roof is 7,000. Yeah. So, she probably need garage 4,000. That's cheap. 7,000. I wouldn't imagine them doing it for a lot. Oh, those I don't know about. This is what it doesn't look like. I I don't see what they even called out that it would which one it is. Which one it is? Um, do you remember if RL looked at your house roof or the garage roof? I think that just the house. Okay. Okay. Barnett is the one that's a little cheaper than our thing. Yeah, I know. I know. Braden, I just don't want to approve her for that. But she needs this, right? That might be something. She doesn't know. Okay. Just to make sure if they are charging 4,000, you know, that's what's up. But I don't want to approve for one, but she need the other one. the window and if she do come to approve her based off of uh what her property level is and then I'll get the whole Yeah, she only 11,000. She gets the whole picture book. Okay. So then I'll help her to clarify um that RL. Okay. Because that Yep. It's just her 11,000. That 4,000 not a whole group, huh? That's not a whole group. Yeah, that one is That's what I'm saying. the price where it's like that 4,000 they basically saying what they going to stuff they're going to fix. It's not the whole roof. It's not fixing the house certain spots. They're just cleaning up. Okay. But this is a the whole house roof and plus any bad wood. So she needs a seven foot there. She said she want the roof. Any questions for you, Miss Wilson? Mr. Con? I'm just following. I have two questions I'll ask. Um, how long have you been at the residence? Probably 38 years. 38 years. Well, it looks amazing. How did you hear about the program? Um, from an announcement at church from a certain person. Oh, yeah. That church that church thing worked. Um, I think that's all the questions I have. I'll get it. Um, uh, give a minute. Turn the floor to them. You keeping track of everybody approved, right? Pictures and stuff like that. So when you get the pictures and stuff like that going to do like a little page or something to show like that. Yeah. Any questions? 36,000 11,000 max. I don't want to work. That's what I would appear. We got any questions? Just give me a minute. No problem. I'm confused. Okay. This is just Oh, 11,000 days. But it's supposed to be You get better. This was a lot. Yeah. like what information does like everything that's in there. I know you said I mistake. I thought you had a scam when you said you can't. Oh no. Well, finally with this though they say you're supposed to do something. That that's my own. That's just a question. And really what you can do is have photoies. No questions for you. I'll open up the floor for a motion. Motion to approve. Yeah. Motion second. Amount 75. I got a motion to second. Any discussion? Uh a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for the vote for the approval of Mrs. Gardner's residential grant. I'll start at this in this time. Councilman Nelson. Um, yes. Miss Willis, yes. Uh, Mr. Conley. Yes. Dakota. Yep. I said yes. Right. Oh, I knew you, man. Uh, motion passes. Give me your order. Motion passes. Uh, Miss Gardner, your grant was approved for $7,500 amount. Be in contact, Miss U. Williams will be in contact with you for all the steps moving forward in process. Thank you for coming out here tonight. Any other way we can be of help, be available for help, please just reach out. We will move down now to Miss Jacqueline Dyer. Not here. So, we'll move down next to Theiola Wright. Um, it' be the same process as the ones before. I'll give the floor to you for two minutes to talk about your application and then each board member will be allowed up to two minutes to ask any questions that they have. That's your only. That's all I have. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Before you begin, uh, can we start with the the file down here at this end time process? This is right. We miss Dire's not here. Sorry. I'm sorry about that. The floor is yours and I apologize. Hi, I'm Theiola Wright and I was applying for assistance with my yard. Okay. With your yard? Yes. Oh, yes. So, this is the neighborhood beautifification grant, correct? Yes, sir. Have you had a chance for anybody to come over and quote you on the price? Um, I have a line keeper and he's the one that told me about the program and then it was enforced again at my church. Okay. Okay. So, I was just told to apply. Mhm. Okay. I didn't know I needed a couple of quotes for that. Just curiosity question. That's all. Oh, okay. Um, Miss Willis, any questions? Uh, no. I don't think so. Mr. Connley, you got any questions? Um, just one quick question. Um, what do you plan on doing with your yard? Far as spending what flowers and tulips in. Yes. Put a put a garden in the back. Maintenance. If I can cut the line myself, I would. But that's just to maintain it. Okay. So, your guy that you have now, he's willing to do multiple sess sessions based off what you get approved for. Yes. Uh, before and after pictures. Oh, I'm sorry. We I gave her the picture. Oh, you did. Oh, I'm sorry. Okay. It's right here. Come back this way. I'm sorry. You had I'm sorry, Miss Williams. You had a question. No, I apologize. I'm sorry. She wants to see the folder. Oh, I'm holding. I'm sorry. Um, Dakota, I don't have questions. I don't have questions. Um, only question I have. Uh, actually I don't have any questions either. I'm sorry. Um, I open up the floor for a motion. Motion to approve. I got a motion to approve. Is there a second to the motion? Then we just discuss how everything works like um for each each time he comes out or has approved yet that that's a good point. Yeah. I got a motion. Do I got a second? Second. Okay. So, I got a motion in the second for approval of Miss Theola Wright's neighborhood beautifification grant. Open up the floor for any discussion. Um I I just wanted to clarify I'm was one of the ones that was on the grant committee that came up with the neighborhood beautifification grant. Um and I think the goal of it was to support projects that genuinely benefit the community. And by benefit uh I mean adding value to property and others um which can build equity in various ways and not basic yard maintenance. um and doesn't add any real equitable value to yours yours or other property. I say we're looking for project and proposals that have lasting effects and add added value um to the neighborhood. And I' I'd try to steer clear of more superficial maintenance um such as windows, porch sweeping, and lawn care. I my position that, you know, if we there was a church group of neighbors that were many of them getting serviced, I feel like that would be a benefit for the neighborhood. Um whereas if we're paying for one property owner to get their grass mowed, then we're going to have 50 other people that want to get their grass grass mowed. And I feel like that's I I feel like the the grant has more possibility for a lasting effect than one single property. That's my position. Um any more any more um comments? Too late for me to comment. Actually, it is. I'm sorry. Um any more discussion? I think with this grant being its first time, it can be like a ripple effect with her one house. Maybe her neighbors gonna find out what she got done with it. The landscaping guy and he can keep going down the block or whatever. I actually uh I'm sorry if there's any more discussion. I'll just close with I think that there's the opportunity is kind of endless with this grant. I think that for if let's say Miss Wright's approved here today and we before we would help her out with lawn maintenance for the summertime, I think it'd be a beautiful thing. I think when you go to neighborhoods and the yards look nice, gives you a better feeling about the neighborhoods. I mean, I think it's a very noble and great idea to say, you know, have the church, the churches come together, the church come approve, apply for the grant, they do a BR clean up, but I think helping the elderly in the community keep their yards up and maintain, I think that's just as beautiful as anything else that we can collaborate and work on. So, I'm fully in support of approving this grant. And if there's no more discussion, I will call for the vote. Uh, Bruce, I I I'm gonna vote I I'm going to defer to the board. I tend to think that this not what we had in mind initially, much like what Dakota said, but I'm going to defer to the board on that and vote I. Dakota, I'll vote name. Um, Councilman Nelson, I. Miss Willis. I um Thank you, Mr. I I vote I I vote I as well. Only other question I don't remember if it was stipulated how much the grant was being approved for. Was it the entire 500? 500 up to 500. Up to 500. So So it's up to 500. So I'm asking how much how much who made the motion? I made the motion. Were you was your motion to approve the $500? I mean, because it's up to So, you can start you can you start at a dollar if you wanted to and work. So, it's it's I just wanted to make sure we're clear on how much we're approving this grant for. Let me ask you a question. Um, is there is there a limit? Like, is it all or nothing when it comes to this? There's a budget. So, no, no, no. Individually 500 is a max, right? Yeah. 500 is a is a max for you're trying to allocate within a fixed budget. I'm just saying if I get my yard done this month and then you know I need it done the following month do I come back or do I get everything right now is what I'm asking basically that 500 if she got the full 500 she have to get multiple jobs. Yeah. He's asking like, "So, how are we going to track everything?" But so when it when are That's why I asked her about not necessarily a quote, but just far as um I'm sure y'all have a relationship, so there's no, you know, no pen and paper, so to say, but to kind of track what's being um I don't know if he's charging me $50 a week or $100 every two weeks just to give some type of metric of how to disperse these funds. So she did that and we came up with She did. I didn't see that in there. Um this you want to say a lot from like uh from May to October. So that 500 recovery from May 100 a month comes out basically like he comes out tw um every two weeks and that's 100 a month. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. So I approve for the whole five though. Who second demotion? I did. You said May to October. I just want to make sure. I just want to make sure we're clearing the grass like six months, but I make sure we're clear. So the grant was So the motion in the second was for 500 approval of the grant for $500 to Miss Dola. I'm sorry, Miss Wright. I apologize and I already got the last vote. I just want to make sure we was clear on the amount that was set. I vote I as well. See your grant's been approved for $500. And thank you. Point of clarification. I appreciate it. My body appreciates it, too. Thank you. Kamisha will be in contact with you. Thank you. Sit back down. No, she is my secretary. She going to sit back down. Long as it doesn't get too dark. Like I already Next on the agenda is Miss Mary Newsome. I'll

Open up the floor to you.

Well, um, I could use a new driveway. Um, I have, um, lots of, uh, government employees coming to my house, caregivers, deliveries, and it's it's it's a real trip hazard. And I do maintain my property insurance, but I wouldn't want to be sued for something that I have a chance to renovate. Um, with that being said, um, it it adds to the beautification of the neighborhood, cuz I'm about a half a block away from this man's new project. And when people drive into the neighborhood, I want to reflect on, okay, we're half a block into the neighborhood. Now, what's next? You know, so I want to, you know, uh, I do the best I can. And uh, so if I can keep the flow going with the neighborhood, then you know, I would like to uh have that opportunity to do so. Um, and also there's some cosmetic meetings, uh, uh, since I'm on the corner lot. Um, you can you can visualize a lot of the damaged uh projects that I have yet to do. Um, but the main thing is to make it safe to enter and exit my home. Um, and something that I can just provide to my insurance company to just let them know that, you know, certain things have been approved and, you know, I don't upgraded. Yeah. You know, I I um, you know, I'm I know where the potholes are and the MS are, but when somebody comes over or you know, have to come by and visit me, I want everybody to be safe. Yeah. Yeah. Thank you. So, I will now open up the floor for any questions from the board. Uh, we'll start with Mr. Nelson again.

Um, you are right. I know where your location is at. Um, it definitely coincides with the beautification of the third ward. Um, I just got to find out how much it's going to cost us. I don't see a um, you got idea. Okay. I just see the quotes. Here we go. One of them is exactly $7,500. Isn't that a collection? I'm sorry. I I 7500. Exactly. Yeah. No. Yeah, that's not going to work. No, that's the most expensive one. Yeah, but here's the thing with that one. Um, first of all, trying to get quotes was nearly impossible. Yeah. Okay. I called the city. I got a list of licensed and bonded contractors. A lot of them did not renew their license and some of the people I called, um, they did not return my phone call. So I reached out to Angie's list and the phone calls start coming in even on the people who did not return my call in faxes and in emails. But Angie's List, you know that you know than anybody else that that really helped me out. And not only that, I go to the Better Business Bureau to look at their radiance, right? And um, so I I just do my homework, you know, but the one that you're looking at, there's a tree stump that's there. And he wanted to make it real cutesy and just go around that. You see it? Okay. So, um, and it wouldn't, you know, I mean, we're looking odd here. Okay. So, um, just her I'm going to take care of the tree stump myself. So, the other two don't include the tree stump? No. Okay. No. Gotcha. Okay. So, that makes up the difference in the price. Okay. I got you. All right. And all of it is so tiny I can't see. So, all of it is going to be black top. Is black top or is it going to be about two and a half to three inches? Yeah. Yeah. Okay. All right. So, the difference in Okay. One is 50 looks like 5500. Wow. This is small. And the other one is like 43 or something like that, right? I went with the 45. Well, I would like to go with the 45 because he he's given me a little bit more warranty, which means if there's some pitting or anything, um, they would come out. Uh, they gave me a pretty good uh warranty on anything that that could go wrong. Okay. You know, like the tree root that been starting. Yeah. So I I liked his guarantees and his warranties. Okay. On the project. That's the um, hover lines asphalt. Yeah. 4500. 46. Yeah. 46. Yeah. Yeah. Any more questions? 46. Mr. Connley, you got any questions?

No. Uh, Mr. uh Mr. Ulie, uh, how did you hear about the grant opportunity? um, social media, word of mouth, or westside community uh improvement or westside community association uh meetings and you know, we talk so and uh, is it just yourself as a household member? I'm sorry. Just yourself as a household member. I've got a couple of mice and two birds. [Laughter] She's she's a lady. Bruce, any questions? I named one bump and snack.

I only have two questions. Yes, sir. Um, towards the end of the grant cycle, we were thinking uh we're trying to get some testimonies if uh find out how the process went. So, after today, can we reach out to you with a survey or anything? Absolutely. And and once I get that driveway done, the neighbors are going to see me doing somersaults, you know, practicing cornhole call to you. You're going to be getting phone calls. Yeah. I want to thank you for coming out here tonight. That was our last of the comments I had. And I open up the floor for any motions. Motion to approve as the 125% level $5,000 grant. Second. So, we have a motion in a second to approve Miss Mary Newsome's grant applica residential grant application for $5,000. Any discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. Councilman Nelson, I. Miss Willis, I. Mr. Conley, I. Um, Bruce, hi. Mr. Uler, hi. I go I as well. Thank you for coming out tonight. You've been approved. I would do a somersault now, but don't call. Okay. Yeah. We'll move down next on our list to Telicia Roberts. I hope I pronounced that correctly.

Yeah, that's right. So, I'll open up the floor for you for two minutes to talk about your application.

Um, I'm Tisha Roberts. Um, first-time home buyer, home owner. Um, I do have a 17-year-old that's about to go off to college. So, um, I just wanted to basically get a new fence. I have an old fence and also to basically um block off the alleyway because I don't like other people's trash flying into my my you know my yard and all that or whatever. And you know, just something like to help build equity in my in home. So now at this portion I open up to bo any board members with questions.

Um, her her quotes came after I sent out the packets as well. So I'm sorry you give us two minutes. Everybody get a chance to get familiar with the paperwork. Apologize. Um, and this is just for the fence, right? Yeah. I had one I was going to do one for the siding but they didn't get back to me in time. What kind of fence? Wooden pins. Um, the quilts are now in the folder, right? Yeah. You have them in the folder. I printed them out, right? Yeah, they in there. No, only one. If there is, there's there's only one cuz we got the second second one. Sorry. Okay. So, I can send it to you. Why you got so many water bills? I got a disconnect. I just Where is the um the yearly income? Where is that at? Um, it's Let me see. It's for like maybe the beginning of the year. Oh, can I see the wrong thing? I want to help with I think I see my tax forms, too. Let me see. I need to see the whole I'm over something. Um, do you have the folder for the next one? Pass it. Start it from down there. Yeah, this one's easy easier. Neighborhood. [Music] You seen it? Okay. So, there's one quote and then only thing I want to make sure is that you understand what's supposed to be reimbursed. Oh, this is for the vending, right? Okay. for the reimbursement. That's what it's supposed to be. So they pay it first and you reimburse. How many people you have in your household? I mean it's up to them. It don't matter to me either way. We got a banner yet. So can we say whatever they call 40? Yeah. I'm just just calculating your hourly. I can kind of tell what you're making yearly. So, um, this we still going through the first one. If it's all right to everybody, as everybody gets a chance to go through that one. The next one is kind of shorter. That way, everybody gets familiarized with Miss Robert's application. We can go down to Britney Rodriguez while that one circulates around. This one seems like it's a lot lighter. So, we'll try to go through yours. Then we'll circle back to you before we after.

That's fine. Thank you. So, u Miss Brittney Rodriguez, you come up and talk about talk about your project.

Hi. I found out about the beautification grant down at the brand new open at Ace Hardware that's in the neighborhood that I live at. Um, he was there, I believe. And um, I am the worthy major worthy matron for New St. Rose. We are a faith-based non-for-profit organization. We've been around Michigan City since 1918. Our um focus the last two years has been on working with the youth in our city and we are planning a communitywide back to school I mean communitywide summer kickoff event at Pullmanfield on the west side. That's where I grew up. Our um initiative is to get the kids outside playing again instead of in the house all summer playing on video games in front of the television. So, we're asking people for donations of um any type of sport equipment, anything to get kids to play outside, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, hula hoops, basketballs. I'm working um I'm trying to well I'm partnering with um different sports um like Miss City area schools, other people who have like local businesses um local organization are trying to get them out to do like basketball three on three um football things like that. And um we'll also have community vendors there setting up tables. Everything is free. So Doom Brook, Health Link, I'm trying to get sports physicals available on site for the kids to get done. So just anything to get the kids outside playing is our goal. We want to have free food and fun. That's and just kicking off summer. So I would I'm sorry that was it correct. What? That was that was that was it. Sure. And if you got questions, throw them at me. So we'll start down here.

I don't have questions. Um, are you okay with using any logos of MC Urban Enterprise? Yes. All businesses that partner with us, we're going to be promoting them on Facebook as well as I have been getting different quotes on banners cuz we will have a big banner the day of the event. Um, so yeah, all logos and I'm also working on a press release to go to the local radio stations. Need some contacts? Be happy to let you know. I need all the contacts because a couple people not getting back to me and I don't appreciate that. I'll be at their doors. Okay. And then are you okay with providing a postevent synopsis for us? Yes. That's why I'm trying to have like the news dispatch and everybody there. Everybody is invited. It's free. Come outside, play, have some fun. It's rain or shine. So if it's raining, I'mma be out there. My kids might be too. So just just come. That's that's all I'm asking for. Mr. Conor, no questions. Miss Willis, no questions. Councilman Nelson.

Um, what's this one called? Um, neighbor improvement. Mhm. Yeah. Um, what day is the event? The event is May 31st. That's the first Saturday after Michigan State Area Schools school calendar ends. So, what better weekend to have than that one because the next weekend will be graduation. So, um, yeah, May 31st. Was there, uh, I'm okay. Um, for was there anything specific that you wanted the UEA to, uh, So, that's the thing. I, um, I'm also, I'm getting the quotes on marketing, so like the banners and things like that. But, um, I'm waiting for a final, um, hearback on different donations as far as like the food that we're going to have. But I'm pretty sure most of this money is going to go towards the stuff to pass out to the kids like um jump ropes, basketballs, things like that. I got you. And then the um marketing cuz I know the banners are going to it's going to cost quite a bit of money and it'll be harder to get a donation for that than everything else. What you thinking? Your sister. Huh? Your sister. Yes. All right. I did have one more question if there's not any others. Go ahead. I'm sorry. Have you talked to park department? Is are there any? The park department was one of my first contacts. Um, so they're on board and they when I told them I wanted to have an appointment filled, they were like, "Great, that's free." So I've already filled out all the paperwork for that. So it's reserved for that day from like 11:00 to 5:00 or something like that. Michigan City Police Department will also be there. I'm waiting to hear back from the fire department. Um, I've been to the mayor's office, I think, twice. So, um I know there's other city events that day, so some other officials will be busy, but everyone has been contacted and invited. There's no other comments. I'm hoping to uh make a motion to approve 500 reimburseable grant. A second. I got a motion and a second. Any more discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. Councilman Nelson, I. Miss Willis. Hi. Let me see your photo, too. M. Mr. Connley. Hi. Uh, Dakota. Hi. I wish you missed. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Bruce, I'm sorry. Um, you're I'm sorry. Your application has been approved for $500. Re It was the motion for reimburseable, right? Yeah. $500. So, we'll come back with you with our receipt. with the receipt and um I'm sure I'm sure most of the board members make it out to the event just to just feedback on how the event went. I was like, "Yeah, Mr. Connelly, he'll definitely be there." Him and his tribe of kids, the ones he he helped give birth to and the ones he didn't becausereneurs are also invited. So, I'm trying to help those little entrepreneurs get some traction to their businesses. Yeah. And I have a flyer for you guys that I'm going to leave for the event. Thank you. Thank you so much. We appreciate it. Thank you for coming out tonight. We will now go back in our agenda back to what' you say? Sorry. I'm sorry. You're all good. You're all good. Okay. Thank you. No, thank you. We will now go back on our agenda to Miss Telicia Roberts. We will start. Everybody's had Everybody down here's had opportunity to view the application, correct? So, we'll start down here this time. Floor is open to you. Floor is open to me. Any questions?

Um um just to make a I'm sorry, just to make a comment. So the income um I didn't notice that it was just the year to date instead of the the full thing. I calculated that she's at about 49,000 based on on uh her hourly. 26 time 2080. I don't think I went straight to 2080, but yeah, 2080. I'm pretty sure I did it step by step. 26 * 80 * like that * 12. But yeah. Yeah, I got the 2080 in there somewhere. Um, how many members? Well, two two two household members. And that was only Is it Is it your spouse who's also with you? My daughter and I. Your daughter and you? Mhm. So, you had you had no more questions, Mr. uh Nelson? No. Floor is not open to Miss Willis. Uh, actually, no. I don't have any questions. Mr. Conley? No questions. The floor is now over to Dakota. 49,000. Any questions, Dakota? No more questions. Uh Bruce, I'm sorry. What did you say you calculated for yearly? I I know you it's just based on arithmetic, but what was the dollar amount again? Um 49,000. So it's it's basically just outside like the other one. Just outside of Yeah. and and I you know, okay, I'll be the stickler. I I I I just don't know I if we're asked to justify if we go outside the guidelines, I'm I'm concerned that if that puts us in an awkward spot and I don't like the guidelines, right? The guidelines. Yeah. And can we How old are those guidelines? How old are they? We update them this year. Those guidelines got updated this year. Yeah. 2020. It's a federal the federal the federal that's where they come from. Very true. And she is a a first-time home buyer as well if that makes any any difference. So that's my question is where does the where does the discretion come into? I mean what where does that take place? Why put the word in there if we can't use it? I I don't think I I don't want to put words in my mouth, but I think it's fully open to the board at the board's discretion to set to to assess the assess each case by case how they want. So truly, it's up to it's up it's at the board's discretion how they want to prove how much. So exact. And then she did um send in another uh my I only got one question. I'm sorry. You you just purchased the home, correct? Yes. Um in October. October. Congratulations. Congratulations. Thank you. I'm I'm just trying to raise thoughtful points. I'll get you. I get you completely. And just to go off go with that, I mean residential, we approved a budget of 52,000. If we gave just for instance, if we gave everybody 7,500, that's only seven grants. We have six of them tonight. So next month, so go approve one for 75 and our we're done for the year. Yeah. I And and that's that's exactly the point I was going to I would be uncomfortable if we're sitting here in June and somebody who's well within the poverty guidelines and we say, "Well, too bad, so sad. We've we've used our budget." I'll feel very uncomfortable if we do that. So, I think that the board wants to take a moment and reflect on on what we do. I mean, I'm completely in agreeance with that, but I mean, at the same time, I I can think long term, but at the same time, I got to sit here and look at what come what came in front of me because I I know the funding is until the funding is gone. So, I mean, if let's say tonight it's a motion made and second and approve to approve it for $3,000, that that's just this is kind of where the the cookie calls where it made. I mean because I mean we set the parameters we everybody voted but the application was all voted on we approved with stipulation at the board's discretion the discretion wants to be used is kind of and I'm going to express myself a different way there's no right or wrong answer I want you completely it it my thought is that we all so to speak our eyes open that that we make a judgment call and you heard earlier I'll defer the board it's my comfort that we take a minute to reflect on this. So, they're just taking a look at another quote that came in. Um, it has three different options ranging from 8 to 10,000. Oh, okay. Those different styles. Yeah, we got a bigger one. Mhm. But she's really looking to go with with the one that is inside of the folder. Yeah. That also came after the packet already went out. Yeah, we have. So, I'll open up the floor. Do I have any motions? 6050 or something. Do I have any motions for the to Miss Robert's uh residential grant application? A motion to approve five grand. I got a motion to approve Miss Telicia Roberts grant for $5,000. Do I have a second to that? I would second that. Open up the floor for any discussion. Any discussion? I've spoken my piece. Um, the only thing I'll say on this one, I believe on the Miss Cooper grant when they were above, we approved them for $4,000. So, and I believe there was more people in the household than that one. So, I would be more I mean I mean everybody's tired of the vote on the time to come vote, but I can't be I'm not going to be in support of $5,000 if we gave 4,000 would. So, that's just that's just going to be my personal my personal take on it. So, hearing no more discussion, I'll call on the vote. Mr. Uh, Councilman Nelson. No, Miss Willis. Uh, this is a this is for the motion for 4,000 or two. No, the motion on the floor is for 5,000. I was just making my comment on how the motion. Okay, I'll say nay. Uhhuh. I will say nay to the fire. I got you. I got you. You got me. Okay, Mr. Mr. Con, I'm sorry. Mr. Connley, yes. Dakota, no. Bruce, no. That motion fails. So, I went up the floor if there's any more motions for the I'll make a motion to for $4,000. Do I have a second? Second. Hearing a motion in a second. Any more discussion hearing? None. I'll call for the vote. Bruce I. Dakota. Nope. Uh, Commissioner Conley? Yes. Miss Willis? Yes. Uh, Councilman Nelson?

Yes. I vote I as well. Thank you for coming out tonight. You've been approved for $4,000, and Commission will be in contact with you.

Okay. Thank you so much. Thank you. Please send before and after pictures to commission.

Got you. I think on our agenda we went have a good night. Never show up or Yeah. Uh show. Yeah. She I called her. She never came.

Uh yes. So did we just hold that over for the next meeting, or how does that um I called her. She didn't answer. I left a message. My only requirement she f made made every requirement set in the board meeting. So we over to the next meeting. I think it'd be fair for it. That's my I'll make a motion to I I'm sorry, the person's name again. Jacqueline. I didn't know you. Uh Jacqueline Dyer. I'll make a motion Jacqueline Dyer's petition be put over to the uh May meeting.

Second.

I got a motion in a second to hold over Miss Jacqueline Dyer's grant applica residential grant application for the next meeting. Do I have I have a motion in a second. So I'll call for the vote. All in favor? I any any uh any opposed? I thought you said now. Is this late to the game? Oh, that's that caught me off guard. I'm sorry. So, that motion passes.

Um, I know we had switched up the agenda. I know we mo we tabled the west side neighborhood garden from the last meeting after the presentation. Everybody want more time reflect on the budget. And I see Mr. Herz here. And u I know it's getting late already so I didn't want to hold it over. So, if it's fine with the board, I can go back to that point the part that we tabled on the proposal that they had before us.

Motion to remove it from the table.

I got a motion to remove the Westside Neighborhood Garden project from the table. Do I have a second?

Second.

I have a two seconds. I'll call for the vote. All in favor? I motion passes. So, we'll bring the Westside Neighborhood Garden proposal back from the table. I'll open I think everybody was here for the presentation if I'm not mistaken. There was not a I don't believe you guys came with a set amount that you were requesting. Um, so I mean I give you a minute. I mean, I gave you two minutes to propose. I mean any set amount that you want to have and then open up the floor for discussion with the board set amount that I have for the project proposed for the project.

Okay. Um Dwayne Hurt uh here for the Westside Garden. We made our proposal told you all this uh involved and uh at this time we're asking if we can get $20,000.

Got a Okay. So, I open up the floor for any discussion from the board. $20,000 or right now we're at 212 goals. We have raised um 86,000. Yeah, I I'm in I'm in favor of a of a lower amount because I I I don't want to spend money for Mrs. McIll's windows in June and July.

Any more discussion on the board? Really only comment I have would be maybe to um have an executive session where we all collectively try to figure out what the budget is, what we got left, and then make the determination of what we're going to give them.

So the floor for any motions. I'm sorry. So the last presentation that well the presentation that you and the other gentleman from the Dan Dan yeah right made I don't know last time we didn't make any kind of determination we just gave a presentation through the figure out and let you all decide what you want to do.

Okay. Um part of that wasn't $25,000 um award didn't you get a $25,000 award from was that from 25 from the city and 25 from NIPCO.

Nipkco.

Okay, that's what I received.

Oh, okay. To go towards that and you still were at a $200,000 two was the the uh total, right? Work is being done in five phases and right the 200 212.

Okay. Gotcha.

Okay. I I'm going to make a I'm going to make a I'll make a motion. Blew weather. I I'll make a motion that we take this up at the May meeting and Miss Williams can report to us on what remains in our budget and then we'll make we make a decision in light of applications that may be submitted for the May meeting, what's left in the budget and and and we make a decision.

I got a motion. I got a second.

Second.

Got a motion second. I'll move to any discussion. Only discussion point I'll add to it is I know we budgeted for $100,000 for the grants grant cycle and if this was coming he didn't apply through the periodic way as a grant so any money that we approve will come out of the other set of funds that we have not affecting the grant cycle at all sorry I'm like oh and how much is in that reservoir um she should be able to pull it up on the computer I mean I mean That was that was you can tell me later. That was just that was just my personal take on it. I mean I can't say I can't I can't say knowing I thought you saying something. No, I was looking I can't I can't say I can fully say we should I mean knowing knowing the finan I jump up and down and say oh yeah we could just give 20,000. But I'm I'm fully in support of this project for a smaller amount especially I mean side of town is benefiting. is a food desert. It's it's a beautiful resource to be able to have and that that's just that's just kind of my take on it.

Oh, I'm I'm big on the garden, too. I just don't know how we set the amount. I'm with you on that. I'm with you on that, too, as well. So, that's uh we got a motion in the second to table until May. Any more discussion? I'm sorry.

Huh?

Oh, I I'll call for the vote. I apologize. I believe myself. I Dakota. I um Councilman Nelson I Miss Willis I Mr. Gley I I vote nay on this one but uh motion passes. So we'll hold this over until the May meet again.

May meeting. Uh thank you for coming out Mr. Her.

Thank you. Thank you. Will you spell your last name for me? H Thank you to the IV after that.

Um, I guess we'll go since we reversed our agenda. Approval of minutes. People hardly had a chance to see it. Probably I didn't I didn't get them at all. So, we had we we can table that cuz I think of the time for nine months. I mean, no. Um, is it because they don't have signatures for February March 2025? No, I already know. It's just that her Yes, she could. I would be like, let's give them both. So, just think that's fair. Yeah, the 2024 is kind of complicated. I I suggest that our president explain that for the there's a list of meeting minutes that vary some from 2024. The clerk's office reached out and stated that they do not have copies of our meeting minutes from then. I believe some people weren't even on the board during that time. I don't some people weren't even on the board during during some of those meetings I believe and that they need the board to approve they need the minutes made and approved from my understanding for the record keeping at city hall. So the clerk's office so the clerk informed me of that. Um yeah, that was kind of really the gist of that. So we have minutes for each of those 2024 dates and my imperfect recollection is that we we addressed the minutes at some or all the meetings, but the city insists we did not do so. Um so I Okay, so here's my motion. I I'll go back. I I have collectively you and I have all these.

Mhm.

And and we can present them all ahead of time in a board packet before the May meeting understanding that we've already gone through most or all the 2024 minutes, but we can kind of symbolically go through them again and then this housekeeping task is behind us. That's my motion. Um, so the motion is the the motion is that that you and I will coordinate disseminating the 2024 minutes in the board packet for the May 2025 meeting and we will address each of them in turn understanding that we already addressed some all of them in 2024. It's kind of symbolic but we'll look at all of them again.

I have a motion. I have a second.

Second.

I'll um sorry. I have a motion in a second. Any more discussion? Hearing none, I'll call for the vote. All in favor? I I I vote as I as well. So, we will move down now to the executive assistant report and I'll turn the floor over to Miss Commission Williams.

Okay. So, I'm sorry. I just kind of wanted to brief you guys on like what's what I've been doing. Um, and also to clarify a couple [Music] um typos, I'll call them. Uh, so on the on the claims docket, I didn't update the the total for um for last month. It is reading like $4,087, but it should be $3,63647. Um also on the um the diagram you may see a total amount paid is $3500 but that was just to make sure that um everything was working. um Dakota did help to create that and I think it's so awesome and it allows gives us a picture view of what's been allocated. Okay. and um what's remaining in the budget. Um also I wanted to mention um that we are looking to get the MCPD launch. Um so far I've gotten um I've gotten two quotes. uh one from Royal with Cheese and one from uh Social Q. Um both of them are like $1,200. Um, I guess we can adjust that based on like what we choose to feed them, but but there is about 83 officers and so it's not going to be cheap. I'm also looking to see if I can find like um someone to partner with in the community that might want to um go half or or something like that on the price. Um, but if you guys could come up with like a budget that I could follow um so that we can do that before the next uh like before the next meeting. Um that will be awesome. And then um for future projects, we are working on doing a seminar for the businesses and we are still waiting for uh quotes on that. If you guys could come up with like an idea of a budget for me to stay within um I could do that um as well, that would make it a little easier. Um but having that event would definitely be important because we do want to get as many businesses as possible. Um, and if you guys have any um community outreach um ideas or you know about any um events that I could attend um that would be awesome. Even if it's like outside of the hours, I'm willing to do that. And that's it. Um I guess I'll start with a question. And I remember you brought up I know you went to um the MCPD business after hours event.

Mhm.

And I know you were at the um mayor's town hall as well. Um I believe I remember at some point I remember you bringing up that you're having a lot of appointments and that you want to talk about getting a small cooler for the office if I'm not mistaken.

Oh yeah. Um and you needed some paper. I thought I thought you had brought up as well.

Oh, okay. Yes, sir. So, we do need more supplies at the office as as well. Yeah, I literally had a lady in there like and I didn't have anything to give her. Like literally, she was choking and um so it would be nice if I could have like water, a nice little we find a little affordable fridge to have in there. That would be nice. Um, you got a quote on that? I I do not have a quote on the fridge. Um, but if you guys could give me a budget, I will stick to it. Um, also, I need paper paper clips. It would be really awesome if I could just have my own debit card for supplies so I didn't have to ask you guys every time I need a piece of paper or a paper clip.

Any uh questions from the board? I had a question. So those two businesses, Social Q and Ry with cheese, have we pitched to them to try to get them to pay into the UE? Um, that's the plan to, you know, like kind of build that relationship. And then I definitely have both of them on my list of businesses that we really do need to get into the tax rebate cuz if we have any restaurants that's already paying into it, why not use them?

Yeah. Yeah. Um, I would definitely have to take a look. I didn't recognize any restaurants from what I saw, but like we said, it could be under a different name. Y under a different business name. So, we would have to definitely check on that. But I do want to stick with restaurants that are within the zone cuz otherwise we could just go up and smoke all this cuz they are not in the zone.

No.

Okay. And one more question. So, you say um you reached out for quotes for the event. Who did you reach out to? Uptown. Um so we have Uptown um Shady Creek and um Barker um Barker Mansion. I think that would be nice to use there to

Yeah.

Yeah.

M Yeah. So it's around the area. The reason I was asking because being that I just did the math what we gave away today probably like 30 grand and we got to start pitching to new businesses to pour back into the UEA so we can continue to give money out or we run out like they said like we can run out before October or whatever the case may be.

Yeah. I also have a a little note here about that because I definitely would like to speak with Matt uh excuse me, Matt. Um speak with Dan in order just to get more comfortable with the tax rebate program what it is, how to pitch that to them or or just like a a template to send out to those businesses when I interact with them. Because right now all I'm saying is like, "Hey, you're in a zone. like I'm going to we're going to you know I'm going to have my people contact your people you know that's all I can say cuz I don't really know much about it but like if they're in a zone I'm letting them know that we have this program and just hoping that they don't ask me too many questions.

I have a question. Have anybody heard from Dan?

Yeah I missed I was at work. I missed his call some emails or some forms. He's probably got a brochure. So I'm saying something like that it will help us out to pitch to these companies get more money. get back to see what day he's available for a meeting. He said he had been kind of tied up, but um I left a voicemail with him Friday. Then he left a voicemail with me today cuz he has a list of the companies that's paying already too, right?

Actually, yes, Sylvia. Yeah, he got the list. Actually, the list is in the email. That way we able to mark out when the payments come in from from all the participating business cuz the ones I would say the ones not in the email I would try to at least go after five big ones. I know it's all we're going to go at least five big ones. all of them. We're going to go after every single last one of them. Why not?

Yeah. It's part of the standard marketing materials that you can hand somebody a one or two pager. I know Dan had or presentation from the ones where people we approve after you do the PowerPoint or whatever the case may be. You going to show them what they're paying to whatever. I know from the last discussion with Dan, he was uh he had just finished all finished up. He was still uh looking into the salair why they didn't take the uh take the credit this year but he was going to be sending out a business enticement letter that he used in Hammond and other cities he had just sent over the easy BR forms. Um but any more questions for the executive assistant from the board?

Um just in regards to the report or if you need help with anything with that if you need help with anything with that event let me know.

So, no, you go first.

Okay. Um, I was just probably going to say it during uh comments anyways. Um, I did talk to Bert Cook over in Leaport. Um, and the one thing that I think needs to be solidified with who's eligible is it's my understanding that if they are inside the TIFF district, then they are not eligible to take our abatement. um which interest takes a whole whole big portion out of Franklin Street. That's my understanding as well. Um I thought they have the option to take one or the other.

One or the other. I haven't that's what I gathered from. Um, but Burke Cook did say that if we wanted him to, he would be open to coming and talking with us as a board, you as an executive administrative assistant, um, to get us pretty much on on same page that we should be, um, with that information because I don't know that Dan, I mean, he's in the business of that business. And so I would hate to, you know, start hassling them too much and start seeing bills come in when we have somebody a town over that's willing to So this guy already does this.

Okay. You mentioned um he is uh in the Leaport Economic Advancement Partnership over there.

Oh yeah. And he's on the UEA board for Leort. So he's he's well versed in redevelopment and he's wellversed in UEA.

Interesting. I mean in that case though she can just utilize relationship we have with clearance especially for them from our last meeting to get all the same information. I mean be right there. I mean you take whatever avenue is easiest for you. But know Clarence is more than willing to help especially from the last two conversations we had. It be a good resource. You can use Burke from Leaport whatever whatever more sufficient.

Definit Yeah, I'm with you on that. Clarence has been super helpful. Um, but I I would be interested into learning more about like what they're doing over there because they seem successful. So, if I can because they work hand in hand with the economic development, they're pretty much the same thing. Same people, same place. So, yeah, one-stop shop. Um, and then are we also going over the account balances and everything with this as well, or is that I'm pretty sure she just went over that.

Okay. Um, I did have a question about the board stipen payments being only 150 for March. I remember more than three people here. I think if I'm not mistaken, you she uh all Miss Willis payments went at one time. So, you missed the rest of the remaining board members payments from off the list is what I'm is what I'm assuming. But I remember Miss Willis was I think her information came in late. So, she was back paid for her three point three payments.

Mhm.

So that mean uh I'm just assuming had to go off of her, but the rest of all the payments didn't get added on to uh to the claims document.

Yeah. Let me see the 150 for board payments. Um and then um the office supplies for uh the office, I imagine. $160.86. I'm pretty sure that was that chair that got bought.

The chair that got bought. Um, I did do some research, um, and I provided it to Kamisha. Um, in regards to records and what we wanted to hang on to, there was some notion at the last meeting that we should go and buy a shredder.

Mhm.

Um, that was the quality performance at like $200. Um, I got in contact with Opportunity Enterprises and Valareerezo. Um, it's a business that employs people with disabilities. Um, one of the things they do is they shred documents. Um, I got a price from them and it was 25 cents per pound. Um, and that again with staples and everything, they said one box of records would probably be about $10. And from my visit in the office, I wouldn't see us spending more than

Can they pick it up or we Yeah, they can come pick it up and everything. Um, from what I can imagine, there' probably only be maybe three or four boxes that would need picked up at this point to purge and then probably in the future another $10. Um, I feel like that would be a much better use of our our our money rather than paying the 200 and then having the possibility of that breaking down, having to take the time to go and shred each piece and and it's supporting a a nice foundation, too. That's pretty cool what they're doing. I like that. Can you make a motion for that? Like that. I I have another I

Have a question. So, we approved at the last meeting for her to purchase. So, are we going to resend that motion? Is that what is that what we're looking to do?

Well, we approved it, but doesn't mean that she's obligated to act upon. You haven't purchased it or anything, right?

I got you. I'm just making sure that we didn't when we go purchase it and then still go I mean, she could purchase it, but my my sense is if we made a motion. Yeah. I got this. If you'll please make a motion.

Um, I would imagine my motion would be to uh purge documents older than seven years.

Sure. Older than seven years um with the services of Opportunity Enterprises not to exceed $50.

I got a mo I'm sorry. I got a motion. Do I got a second?

Second.

I got a motion second. I'll move the floor for any discussion. What about this the um the applicant social security cards and stuff in there. What about that stuff?

We're going to discuss that in a different session.

Okay. Okay. Cuz I thought that was kind of

Okay. I got a motion in a second. Any more discussion hearing? None. I call for the vote. Uh Bruce. I. Dakota. I. Mr. Conley. I. Miss Willis. Hi. Um Councilman. Motion passes.

Um, and then my only other question was going to be, um, at the last meeting there was a balance from Newbie Lewis Kitskan Jones. Um, and I didn't see that on the docket for March. Has that been paid?

No.

Okay. I haven't gotten usually we pay via check and I haven't gotten heard back from Jim yet. He's the second signer. So, okay. Those are all my questions in relation to the executive assistant report. We talked to we discussed a debit card before. I'm I'm going to suggest that we revisit decision on that. Thank you.

I'll I'll make a motion that that we authorize that we obtain a debit card and we authorize Miss Williams to spend some designated maximum amount for the kinds of supplies that that regular and usual supplies.

I got a motion. Do I got a second?

Second.

Oh, we need a dollar amount. I right now there's three accounts. One is set at there's a uh believe that what you spent this month $200 in there and that's going to be more than enough just to

Mhm.

Yeah, that's What was the amount that would be more than enough? Yeah. Uh like keeping like the 200 I think right now it's like 165.

All right. So, my motion is we get a debit card and we authorize Miss Williams to spend up to $200 a month for miscellaneous office supplies without having to seek additional authorization from us. That's my motion.

Second.

Any discussion? Question. I believe we have a debit card standard order of procedure.

Mhm.

Um so I would just ask that if I think everything you said falls within the I mean attorney um Novak. Thank you. Um, only other Oh, well, only only Oh, I'm sorry. There's any more discussion on that motion hearing? None. I call for the vote. Bruce, I. Dakota. Hi. Um, um, Councilman Nelson, I. Uh, Miss Willis. I, Mr. Connley. Hi. I vote I as well. We just have to get in contact with Jim before she can be added to account, get a debit card. It's going to be his signature required as well. That's only that's been only Hold up. Okay.

Um, is there anything else from the executive assistant report?

Um, you asked us on a motion for I mean you asked us for You said some Oh, I think you brought up to me about um the fees being waved by the police department for the events that the events that we've all been allowed to partner on. You want the purchasing of a lunch for them. Is that if I'm if I'm not mistaken correct?

So, um, yeah, basically they have like a a flyer to where you're like you're invited to like all their events and all that and they like we haven't had to pay that, you know. I I just feel like it would be a nice uh community engagement opportunity. This wasn't my original idea, so I won't take credit, but I do support it and I think that um I do understand that we are have certain amount of funds, but I I do think this is something that we can afford to do and it'll be a good way just to kind of be out in the community. Um and like I said, I am searching for ways to try and make it cheaper for us as well.

Um, yeah. So, there was one other thing I wanted to bring up before like it it gets too far too. Um, on the last claims docket from uh February, we put a payroll uh for me, but that didn't come out until March 4th. So, [Music] um I I didn't put it on this month because we had already put it on February's even though it was technically a fee supposed to be um the last day of February payment.

Um I understand. Are we current on payments to you?

Yes, you guys. Yes, you guys are getting your money. I did, too.

Okay, cool. I was trying to hold on. I just want to I just want to make sure everything is adding up. That's all.

Um, so did I have a motion to I don't even know what I was um It's getting late. Is it regarding the uh regarding the purchasing of lunch for the Michigan City Police Department? I wasn't expecting that. So, I'm sorry. Do I hear a motion? Hear none. What is next? I'm not a laptop. Hey, we're all We're all screwed up.

Um, executive. We already did minutes. We already did financial reports. That's Did she went over that, right? Okay. So, residential grant income requirements was on new business.

Um during this during our last outreach push, there's been a lot of got a lot of feedback from the community regarding our residential grant application. Even as we seen here today, wanted to raise the bring it to the board's attention. And I I mean it's at the board's discretion if we want to wait until the next grant cycle or if we want to look at adjusting the income requirements. It's just want to throw that out there that there's been a lot of community feedback regarding that.

I So I'm the one that keeps speaking up on it that I may have misunderstood. Do we have federal guidelines that are putting ceilings on us?

No.

Oh well then I'm in favor of raising. I I would say um I mean according to it I mean we can adjust case by case. So at this time I don't really see the I feel like it we'd have to go and update the website and the website might have older information than what we have and I feel like it will just be more confusing to the public if we edit it at this time. If we're racing the night where we're taking case by case for each grant, um I would say let's just stay with what we have at this point, going case by case.

Um as is something we want to consider in the future as in the next grant cycle, I I say we bring it up then's discretion. I I I think case I think case by case then you have to keep justifying why you doing this and why you doing that compared to just setting in parameters what we doing just moving forward and voting on it. I don't want to have to keep justifying why am I doing this and why am I doing that each time I say yes for something.

I'm going to make a motion we form a committee we solicit volunteers and then maybe we come back and we make a decision and and I was going to make a similar point to what you you did. I I like it. I like it better to say these are the guidelines, etc. It's more efficient in a lot of different ways. Yeah. Because gray area is where life gets real messy. Gray areas is how lawyers earn their living. I don't understand what you're talking about.

So, I got a motion. Do I have a second?

Second.

Got a motion in a second in regards to forming a committee to look at the income requirements and give feedback by the next meeting.

Um just do a group vote on that. Yeah, that's what I was going to do. I can't remember y'all names anymore. All in favor? I Any opposed? Do I have any volunteers? I'll volunteer. I'll volunteer. How many need? I'd like to. How many do you need? Three or I think it be four. All four of you guys. Go ahead. Sound good to me. Right. Just for the record. So I I I would uh gladly step down just for precaution of any impropriety that there'd be a majority at this present time. Councilman Wendy and I will be the committee. Is that it?

Yes.

Okay. It it just helps for the minutes. Okay. What next on agenda was I'm sorry I don't have one in front. Would be the 2024 dumpster UA report.

Oh, uh the 24 UAE. I wrote down the wrong date that was supposed to be presented to the council and didn't realize it till the day of that it was said to be that day. So, um I want to thank Bruce, Councilman Nelson when he he was out he was doing his job up there. Mr. Conley and uh Dakota for being present. Um I can forward you all everything I said. You can watch out Cole. Um that's really it for that one. What was next update from dumpster project?

Oh. Uh, in regards to the dumpster project, I had a meeting with the mayor and the director of public works. The mayor's office was looking to pay for the whole project and the UEA run the project, which will open up to the parameters of the whole city, make it a citywide citywide thing. So, set to have another meeting with the director of public works in regards to finding a set location. supposed to work with her, the refuge department, and the city code inspectors to find out where the hot bed target areas at, where the dumping was at. And only thing I know there was a couple different avenues with the way we do it, I was personally thought it'd be a good idea if we paid some volunteers some money. That way we get data collection from each dumpster, make sure they're Michigan City residents, get some information set up on there, especially since we weren't actually set to have to pay for the dumpsters. That was the only thing I looked at. I looked forward and I also thought it'd be a good volunteer opportunity for residents or high schoolers that need that need volunteer hours for the primary scholarship that the city offers or other things. So, I just only thing I suggest is that uh kind of set set amount to be able to pay I don't know about four or five volunteers to work each dumpster to get the information. I mean, just for data collection to stand out there on the date on the set dates on uh whenever everything's finalized. Do we need to make a motion then today? I mean, we could. I mean, we had to be a set amount on how much we was looking to pay the volunteers and find the volunteers as well. When does it start?

May 9th.

Uh, that was the tenative date, but it's nothing been nothing's been set in stone yet. Just I think May 9th is prom.

Yes, that's that Friday. So, yeah, definitely. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, so nothing's been set in stone yet, but that's just the process, the progress that's been moved forward on there. Uh, so that's really it. I mean, visit back at the next meeting. Hopefully, we have a lot more information on it. Okay.

Also, I'm sorry. I got received an email this morning from the mayor. Uh they're starting a clean neighborhoods initiative task force and I ask is anybody willing to I think you guys are both in there as well. Anybody looking to volunteer to be part of that? She had told me. So, if there's anybody anybody here that want to be part of a clean initiative, there's opportunity of that and give me after the meeting. I can pass the information forward with her as part of her initiative because we're doing something on our own as Eastport Neighborhood Association. We're having a neighborhood cleanup on May the 3rd. I thought the email was for her initiative that she was starting a task force. That's what I thought it was. I don't know anything about yours.

Yeah. No, it mentioned the question.

Oh, okay. That's why I was love. I thought it was just a task force. It pretty much said this is what we're doing and we've helped out or funded A, B, and C. bus and I think Grove.

Yes, Elston Grove.

Okay. I do remember that part. Yeah. Okay. That's all they were saying at the bottom of Yeah, I stopped after that. I could tell you said okay. That's the last sentence. I left all.

Um I think that was it. Next on the item was the um brunch.

The brunch. We had a meeting. me, Bruce, and commission had a meeting with um the EDMC um and this is a nice conversation. The feedback we got was the hardest part about getting business to join in is the paperwork. And uh I believe we had a meeting at Fluid the day after our last meeting me uh with Sylvia and we were looking at locations just getting a general idea of a brunch to present and have Dan come out present the program and the benefits of the program to try to get accomplish some more businesses. cuz I know there's a lot more restaurants and small shops that are moving into the zone. Think it' be a great opportunity to move forward and try to retain some of those businesses. I know she talked about the three quotes that we're looking for. I know Sylvia sent over some information about some quotes that she had. I had to find. So, that's kind of the update. I think we the the date that we were looking at was like June 16th.

Uh July 16th.

July 16th. Yeah. It was like 90 it was like 90 days to finish our plan and try to get some promotion promoted out there. Hopefully we get something with some more things set in stone going forward to get exact quotes quote on postage and things to be able to promote the pro promote the event for the next event. That was update on that. I think the last on agenda was for Mr. Dakota.

Oh, he has a presentation.

Um I wanted to uh take a moment a labor of love for myself and that would be uh a new logo for Michigan City Urban Enterprise. um as soon as we can get that to be nice and big for you. Um so this logo symbolizes local identity, community spirit, and progress. Lighthouse represents Michigan City's iconic landmark and guidance. The rainbow gradient circle symbolizes diversity, vitality, and vibrancy. And the stylized human figures are highlight of our logo of previous years if it's approved. um just a little bit different format and they uh highlight the community engagement that we partake in with Michigan City Urban Enterprise Association. Overall, it's minimalist minimalist design with a modern font and conveys professionalism and clarity. Um I would uh ask for uh support and moving this logo forward. Um, I believe the logo that we have currently looks like it was from 1984 and I think it's time that we have a uh image that represents the city moving forward. So, do I have a motion to approve the new set forth logo?

I'll make that motion. Do I have a second?

Second.

Second. Any discussion? I I I appreciate especially in light of our present uh pres president to president president I appreciate you having the multicolor representing diversity I appreciate that statement hearing no more discussion I'll call for a vote all in favor I I any opposed motion passes we have a new logo you have a second party presession correct

um yeah but I don't have it ready with a a slide that I'm really want to present Um, essentially we we formed an outreach committee previous last month. Um, and so I thought it would be ideal at this meeting to come up with a purpose, vision, and mission. Um, you know, a lot of organizations that you see, they have those three things just to clearly clearly articulate what they are for them. Um, and so I have a proposed purpose, vision, and mission that I'd like to offer for a motion. um a purpose for the Michigan City Michigan City Urban Enterprise Association to foster economic growth and community development within the Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone. A vision of a thriving and vibrant Michigan City Urban Enterprise Zone that offers opportunities for businesses and residents and a mission to facilitate investment, provide resources, and promote collaboration to revitalize the Michigan City urban enterprise zone. Um, at this time I'd like to make a motion to approve those purpose, visions, and mission. Mission I have a motion. Do I have a second?

Second.

I have a um a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none, I call for the vote. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Motion passes. Okay.

Um and then moving forward, um, I want to try to work on, uh, I think the first step would be to have a one-on-one or with the committee with the mayors so we can have clarification. Can we have a website? Can we have a Facebook page? Um, because I guess there was some directive at some point where boards and commissions weren't supposed to have either. Um, and I think for our message to the community, it would be ideal for us to have our own. Um, so I think the first step would be to have that conversation. And if that goes well, um I'd like to make a motion to uh approve $500 um earmarked towards creation of a website and uh some graphics for um a Facebook page given the circumstances that it is approved or applicable to us as a board. I have a motion to earmark $500 towards a website and graphics pertaining to social media for the Michigan City Urban Enterprise. Do I have a second to that motion? Can I ask questions on this? Do I have a second to that motion?

Second.

I have a motion in a second. I'll open up the floor for any discussion. So, like will it be a website and like Facebook? That's ideally what it would be.

Okay.

Yeah, cuz I'm like we can do the we can do the Facebook ourselves.

Yeah. Yeah. No, I'm sorry. Um like like that's why I would seek the clarification that we are allowed to have both and then if we're allowed to have both then move forward with both. If we are able to have both or either or obviously Facebook would be free would just be getting the message out. Um, and then the 500 would be for design of the website, hosting the URL. Maintain that you well and I would say the board I would probably um I could maintain like Facebook. The UEA currently has a Facebook

Mhm.

Yeah. The issue that came up in is when I believe the last time the mayor came and we all had to sign um whatever it was supposed to whatever I can't remember disclosure.

Yeah.

And all that conflict of interest. That's where that's where that's where the the gray areas that the mayor's love came in that where are we allowed to all board I believe I believe what we had to sign was all boards and commissions. Everything ran through the city the city rampage. So it was the issue that come in now. Are we allowed to have our own social media, have our own page? I think I think that's the motion that that's part of the motion and what he was highlighting on is that's kind of where the gray area came at in is where we allowed to operate with those pages and have those things autonomy of what the city already has.

We yeah, we confer with the mayor and then if we choose to confer with our council, we you know, that's a topic we'll take up. So any more if without if there's no more discussion, I'll call for the vote for the earmark of $500 towards social media graphics and designs. All in favor? I. Any opposed? Motion passes.

And lastly, um for outreach, um I've got some media relations. Um, we've already done a press release. Um, but I've talked to a media personality. Um, and we can get some, uh, 30-second ads on air, um, for a reasonable price. Um, there was also a suggestion that we might be able to do live videos um, to be shared on the Facebook page if that's allowed. Um, so I would earmark motion to earmark $500 for media outreach in relation to radio shows and radio ads. Um, given I'm there was something I was going to add there, but I can't think. Um, $500 media relations um with the message to be determined by the outreach committee. I have a motion. Do I have a second? I got a motion. Do I got a second hear? I see a motion dies for the lack of a second. Anything else?

Nope.

At this time, um I think next was director com public comment. Correct. Yep. Um the floor is now open for

Public comment. Floor is now closed for public comment. I'll open up the floor for director's comment. Anything?

My question would be for Drew. With that large crowd, is this area still inclusive for us to use with that crowd? I mean, it is one of those things that uh we have had boards that have outgrown this room. Obviously, when you have as many people as you had in here tonight, um we don't have the same capacity as the council chambers and we don't have the same capacity as the EOC room. Um obviously you guys are always welcome to meet here and you know there are some things that we're able to provide here um that we can't necessarily provide in the EOC such as Zoom. Um, but again, it is entirely up to you guys on um determining what your needs are in terms of your location and I'm always willing to be a part of that conversation with uh you guys and um with the city at large. Thank you.

So, the suggestion I make if next time if we got more than five applicants, we just try to make see if the EOCC rooms available the way it's more fitting for everybody to have somewhere to sit. I think that going to be our best course going forward. I would say that one of the things that hasn't necessarily worked for boards is that they go back and forth between venues because what usually ends up happening is that you have people show up to the wrong place and then yeah, end up being late or whatever the case may be. So again, I'm not saying I'm not telling you anything definitive. I got you. I think that in general practice it would probably be better to find a venue and be there more times than that. Sound good.

Any more director's comments?

Only thing I'll add for the direct public is I know it was added to the city website today where the map was updated to live where you just input your address and it would tell you if you make it inside the zone or if you live inside the zone or not. So that's the only thing I put out there for the for the public for anybody watching the video. That make it way easier. Um without with that, do I have a motion to adjourn?

Motion to adjourn. I got a second. All in favor? I motion passes. [Music] [Music]