Regional Cities of Northern Indiana Regional Development ... · published for calendar year 2016....

Regional Cities of Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority

Organizational Meeting

July 28 | 12:30-2pm | 401 E. Colfax, Suite 310, South Bend, IN 46617

I. Oath

II. Call to Order and Introductions

III. Open Door Law and the public records

IV. Administration of the RDA

V. Regional Cities Initiative

VI. Other Discussions/Business

VII. Adjournment

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Regional Cities of Northern Indiana – Regional Development Authority

Organizational Meeting Notes

July 28, 2015 – 12:30-2:00 EST

The July 28, 2015, meeting of the Regional Cities of Northern Indiana (RCNI) Regional

Development Authority (RDA) was held at 401 East Colfax, Suite 310, South Bend, Indiana

46617. Regina Emberton welcomed the participants, provided the meeting agenda, and outlined

the meeting format.

RDA Board Members Present: John Affleck-Graves, University of Notre Dame

Dallas Bergl, INOVA Federal Credit Union

John DeSalle, Hoosier Racing Tire Corp.

Regina Emberton, Michiana Partnership

Pete McCown, Elkhart County Community Foundation

RDA Board Members Absent: None

Others Present: Chris Brown, St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce

Shirley Czerna, Michiana Area Council of Governments

Zach Dripps, Michiana Area Council of Governments

Catherine Fanello, Krieg DeVault LLP

Lisa Knox, Big Idea Company

Greg Lorch, St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce

Erin Roznik, Michiana Area Council of Governments

Stephen Studer, Krieg DeVault LLP

James Turnwald, Michiana Area Council of Governments

Oath of Office

The five members of the RDA Board read the Oath of Office in unison and individually signed

printed copies. Each Oath was notarized by Stephen Studer. Regina Emberton explained that

the board members have been appointed by representatives of the RDA’s three member counties;

St. Joseph, Elkhart and Marshall Counties of Indiana. Each of the RDA Board members

provided brief personal and professional introductions.

Open Door Law

Catherine Fanello gave a brief overview of the Open Door Law as it applies to the RDA Board.

Activities of the Board and its committees must be open to the public. The only exception to the

Open Door Law is an executive session; that generally will not apply to the RDA Board.

There is no requirement to allow for public comments during a meeting, unless it is a public

hearing.

Minutes / memorandum can be taken in draft form; they do not need to be verbatim, and must be

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made available within a reasonable period of time following the meeting. Minutes must include;

date, time, location, members present and absent. If a roll call vote is taken, it must be noted

who was speaking.

Meeting notice requirements are 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) in

advance of a meeting or a calendar of meetings can be provided annually. The notice must

include the date, time, and place of the meeting. There is no requirement to publish notices in

the newspaper. The notice must be posted at the principal place of business for the organization,

or if no such office exists, at the building where the meeting is to be held.

Access to Public Records Act

Records of the Board are open to the public. Requests for documentation, electronic of hard

copy, must be responded to. The response time for requests made in person or by telephone is 24

hours. If the request is made by mail or fax, response time is seven (7) days. Emails related to

the Board are subject to the Public Records Act.

Administration of RDA

A 501(c)(3) entity (Connect Inc.) is available to the RDA

By-Laws will need to be drafted and adopted

Records / documentation will be kept by the Michiana Area Council of Governments

(MACOG)

Ordinances adopted by the member county councils

Agreement to appoint the Board of the RDA

Staffing services for the RDA will be provided by MACOG

An MOU is needed between MACOG and the RDA Board

To date, Legal services have been provided in-kind by Krieg DeVault. A proposed

agreement for services will be provided at the next meeting.

Currently there is no budget for the RDA beyond the Regional Cities Initiative

application. In the short term, MACOG will provide the staffing services at no cost. In

the long term, the Board needs to consider ways to fund a budget for legal services.

The RDA is required to meet quarterly. A schedule of meetings will be determined and

published for calendar year 2016.

The Board is required to have three officer positions; Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary /

Treasurer.

Regional Cities Initiative

Regina provided information and presentation slides describing the IEDC objective and project

criteria for the Regional Cities Initiative. She also reviewed the process and evolution of the

region’s plan to date.

IEDC Selection Process – Strategic Review Committee (SRC)

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RCNI will host the SRC / IEDC for a Site visit on August 18th

Final plans must be submitted by August 31st

RCNI will make a presentation to October 6th

/ 7th

Big Idea Company will assist

Discussion

There was much discussion on attracting talent to the area by providing big city amenities

without the typical big city hassle and connecting the regional amenities through trails.

Potential avenues for future funding were discussed, as well as, personal protections and

conflicts of interest matters for RDA Board members.

Adjournment

F:\ABC\RCNI RDA\CY 2015\Meetings\7.28.2015\D07RDAminutes.docx

NORTHERN INDIANA REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (RDA) BOARD MEETING

August 18, 2015 | 11:00-11:45 AM (EST) | Innovation Park Notre Dame

1400 E. Angela Blvd., South Bend Indiana 46617 in the 3rd Floor Board Room

I. Roll call

II. Report of Secretary on giving notice of meeting

III. Approval of minutes of July 28, 2015 meeting

IV. Reports of officers, consultants and staff

a. Elect Officers*

b. Adopt Bylaws*

c. MACOG Contract for Services*

d. Krieg DeVault Contract for Legal Counsel*

V. Reports of Committees

VI. Old business

a. Regional Cities Initiative – Endorsement of Plan*

VII. New business

VIII. Adjournment

*Requires board action

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Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority

Board Meeting Minutes

August 18, 2015 – 11:00-11:45 AM (EST)

The August 18, 2015, meeting of the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA)

was held in the 3rd

floor Board Room at Innovation Park Notre Dame, 1400 East Angela

Boulevard, South Bend, Indiana 46617. Stephen Studer called the meeting to order, as Board

officers had yet to be elected. Roll call was taken and it was noted there was a quorum present.







Others Present: Jerry Chavez, Marshall County EDC

Scott Ford, City of South Bend Community Investment

Zach Dripps, Michiana Area Council of Governments

Larry Garatoni, St. Joe CEO

Iris Hammel, St. Joe CEO

Lou Pierce, Big Idea Company

Jeff Rea, St. Joseph County Chamber

Alex Sejdinaj, South Bend Code School

Tim Sexton, University of Notre Dame


Bob Sutton, Springboard 3D


Election of Officers

Stephen Studer adjusted the order of items on the agenda to allow for the RDA Board officers to

be elected as the first item of business. Once elected, the RDA Board Chair will conduct the rest

of the meeting.

Stephen Studer called for nominations of the Chair. Pete McCown nominated John

Affleck-Graves to the position. The nomination was seconded by Dallas Bergl. Stephen

Sruder asked the Board for further nominations. There being none, he requested the

Board elect John Affleck-Graves as Chair of the Northern Indiana Regional Development

Authority. All were in favor of the nomination.

The RDA Board Chair, John Affleck-Graves, continued with the election of officers and

conducted the remainder of the meeting.

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John Affleck-Graves called for nominations of the Vice-Chair. Dallas Bergl nominated

Regina Emberton to the position. The nomination was seconded by Pete McCown. John

Affleck-Graves asked the Board for additional nominations. There being none, he

requested the Board elect Regina Emberton as Vice-Chair. All were in favor of the

nomination.

John Affleck-Graves called for nominations of the Secretary-Treasurer. Pete McCown

nominated Dallas Bergl to the position. John DeSalle seconded the nomination. John

Affleck-Graves asked if there were other nominations, there being none, he asked for the

Boards approval. All were in favor of the nomination.

Minutes of the July 28, 2015 Meeting

There were no additions or corrections to the July 28, 2015 minutes.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY PETE MCCOWN AND

SECONDED BY REGINA EMBERTON TO APPROVE

THE MINUTES OF JULY 28, 2014. ALL IN FAVOR,

THE MOTION CARRIED.

Adopt Bylaws

Regina Emberton noted the Bylaws had been drafted by Krieg DeVault, LLP, flow from State

statute and provide various administrative procedures. They were distributed to the Board

members for review in advance of the meeting.

Pete McCown inquired about the process for replacing board members when necessary. Stephen

Studer stated the board officers are elected each year and confirmed that board member

vacancies are appointed by written agreements of the executives of the RDA members per state

statute. This statute is referenced in the Bylaws.

Additionally, Stephen Studer commented there is a provision in the Bylaws that allows for board

members to receive a per diem for participation in Board meetings. He recommended the Board

not take up the per diem at this time.

By adopting the Bylaws, the Board also adopts the name of the organization as the “Northern

Indiana Regional Development Authority.”

Stephen Studer counseled the Board that if adopted; each member of the Board agrees to sign the

document. The Bylaws would then be held in trust at the Michiana Area Council of

Governments (MACOG) office.

The John Affleck-Graves asked if there were additional questions in regard to adopting the

Bylaws. There being none, the following action was taken.

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PETE MCCOWN MOVED TO ADOPT THE BYLAWS.

DALLAS BERGL SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL IN

FAVOR, THE MOTION CARRIED.

MACOG Contract for Services

A contract for services from MACOG for administrative, business, office support and other

services was provided to the Board for review in advance of the meeting. John Affleck-Graves

opened the item for discussion.

The Regina Emberton explained MACOG will provide services in-kind until such time as a

budget is established by the RDA. James Turnwald confirmed the terms of agreement and

referenced item 8 of the contract; “Billing for Services”.

The John Affleck-Graves asked for questions or further discussion. There being none, the

following action was taken.

PETE MCCOWN MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONTRACT

FOR SERVICES WITH MACOG. JOHN DESALLE SECONDED

THE MOTION. ALL IN FAVOR, THE MOTION CARRIED.

Krieg DeVault, LLP Contract for Legal Services

An engagement letter for legal services was submitted by Krieg DeVault to the RDA Board, and

was provided to the Board for review in advance of the meeting. Regina Emberton noted their

services had been provided in-kind during the formation of the RDA. Going forward, Krieg

DeVault would provide services to the RDA at a reduced rate.

PETE MCCOWN MOVED TO ACCEPT THE ENGAGEMENT

LETTER AND TERMS AS OUTLINED FOR LEGAL SERVICES.

JOHN DESALLE SECONDED THE MOTION. ALL IN FAVOR,

THE MOTION CARRIED.

Committee Reports

There were no reports.

Old Business

Regional Cities Initiative

The Board briefly discussed the “Innovate Indiana Regional Development Plan.” Regina

Emberton recapped the process for developing the Plan. Graphics and supplemental information

will be added to enhance the document prior to its submission to the Indiana Economic

Development Corporation (IEDC) by August 31, 2015.

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There was a discussion regarding the remaining seed funding available to the RDA. The Board

was advised to transfer the funds into a new account that is set up specifically for the RDA and

administered by MACOG. It was noted the account should be kept with a local financial

institution.

A MOTION TO MOVE THE FUNDING FROM THE CONNECT

INC ACCOUNT TO A NEW NORTHERN INDIANA RDA

ACCOUNT WAS MADE BY JOHN DESALLE AND WAS

SECONDED BY DALLAS BERGL. ALL IN FAVOR, THE

MOTION CARRIED.

Additional discussion continued regarding the presentation, themes, branding and delivery of the

Innovate Indiana Regional Development Plan.

The timeline for the IEDC selection is:

Plan submitted to the IEDC by August 31, 2015

Review by the IEDC Strategic Review Committee (SRC)

RDA Presentation to the SRC on October 6 or 7, 2015

SRC will make recommendations to the IEDC Board of Directors

IEDC Board will announce the two regions that are selected on December 15, 2015

The John Affleck-Graves asked for further discussion. There being none, the following action

was taken.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY JOHN DESALLE AND WAS

SECONDED BY REGINA EMBERTON TO ENDORSE THE

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN. ALL IN FAVOR, THE

MOTION CARRIED.

New Business

2016 Meeting Schedule

Regina Emberton indicated a 2016 meeting schedule will need to be determined and a public

notice of the meetings will be issues.

Adjournment

John Affleck-Graves adjourned the meeting.

F:\ABC\RCNI RDA\CY 2015\Meetings\8.18.2015\D08RDAminutes.docx

NORTHERN INDIANA REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (RDA)

BOARD MEETING

September 25, 2015 | 8:30 AM (EST) | INOVA Federal Credit Union

358 South Elkhart Avenue, Elkhart IN 46516

I. Roll call


III. Approval of minutes of August 18, 2015 meeting


a. Transfer of funds to RDA Account


VI. Old Business

a. Regional Cities Initiative – Presentation to IEDC Strategic Review Committee

VII. New Business

a. Long term regional economic development strategy

VIII. Other Items

IX. Adjournment


F:\ABC\RCNI RDA\CY 2015\Meetings\9.25.2015\081815 RDA Agenda draft.docx

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Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority Board Meeting Minutes

September 25, 2015 – 8:30-10:00 AM (EST) The September 25, 2015 meeting of the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority (RDA) was held in the Board Room of INOVA Federal Credit Union, 358 South Elkhart Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46516. John Affleck-Graves called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken and it was noted there was a quorum present. RDA Board Members Present: John Affleck-Graves, University of Notre Dame Regina Emberton, Michiana Partnership Dallas Bergl, INOVA Federal Credit Union John DeSalle, Hoosier Racing Tire Corp. Pete McCown, Elkhart County Community Foundation RDA Board Members Absent: None Others Present: Tim Sexton, University of Notre Dame Stephen Studer, Krieg DeVault LLP James Turnwald, Michiana Area Council of Governments

Paul Cafiero, Corporate Partnership for Economic Growth Report of Secretary James Turnwald confirmed that the required public notice was made for the meeting. Minutes of the August 18, 2015 Meeting There were no additions or corrections to the August 18, 2015 minutes. A MOTION WAS MADE BY DALLAS BERGL AND SECONDED BY REGINA EMBERTON TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 18, 2015. ALL IN FAVOR, THE MOTION CARRIED. Reports of Officers, Consultants and Staff A report from Chair Affleck-Graves was made to discuss the duties of the RDA, which refer to projects of regional importance, to communicate regularly with constituencies, to establish a Development Authority Fund.

- Affleck-Graves noted the importance of frequent communication with local members in each county. Bergl and McCown would report back to Elkhart County, DeSalle to Marshall County, and Affleck-Graves and Emberton to St. Joseph County. The board will work to develop a formalized communication strategy with all constituencies.

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- Noted that a quorum was a majority of the board, or three of the five members, necessary to conduct businesses. Except in the case of hiring an executive director, where 2/3, or four of the five members would be required to take action.

- Requested that Secretary-Treasurer Bergl report on the financial matters. Committee Reports Finance Committee:

- Bergl noted that the minutes and book keeping were being administered by MACOG. - Bergl would work with Emberton to develop a draft 2016 budget for the RDA, including

identification of funding opportunities, if needed. McCown asked if funding could be generated by a fee for project applications to cover the cost of administering the applications.

- MACOG confirmed that they were in the process of establishing a segregated bank account with a local financial institution to serve as the Development Authority Fund.

Old Business Regional Cities Initiative: Emberton reported back on the successful IEDC visit to the Region on August 18th and shared the follow up letter sent by Victor Smith and Jim Schellinger. She confirmed the final RCNI Plan was submitted to the IEDC by August 31, 2015 as required. Additional discussion continued regarding the presentation, themes, branding and delivery of the Innovate Indiana Regional Development Plan. The group watched the film that had been developed by Big Idea Company to be used as part of the presentation and the members were very positive about the film and discussed a few additions and revisions to be made prior to finalizing. The group discussed the external branding message for the region, to be used in securing a national brand and agreed to use South Bend-Elkhart: Smart Connected Communities. Strategic Planning: Board members discussed the RDA’s responsibility beyond the Regional Cities Initiative and all expressed interest in proceeding to formalize a cohesive and collaborative Regional Organization Structure and to explore the RDA’s role in the coordination of developing a regional strategic plan. There was consensus that the board has a natural mandate to discuss the process of moving forward regardless of the outcome of the Regional Cities Initiative. The board noted the foundation and research has been completed during the planning for Regional Cities and that at the next RDA board meeting, the group would discuss a more formalized process to use that information to create an overarching regional strategy. McCown noted the importance of defining the mission and the value proposition of our activity before proceeding with any further planning. The RDA board agreed that their role was as coordinator and convener, and it would be critical to engage the appropriate people within each county and city in the region to develop the plan. The board members also noted the need to determine if they would outsource the execution of activities, but noted the ability to engage an Executive Director was a possibility.

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The timeline for the IEDC selection was reviewed: − 10/06/15 RDA Presentation to the SRC − 10/20/15 SRC to hold public meeting in Indy discussing the plans. − November SRC will make recommendations to the IEDC Board of Directors − 12/15/15 IEDC Board will announce the two regions that are selected on

Future Meetings: The next RDA board meeting for 2015 will be scheduled in October or November. An Annual meeting will be scheduled for January 2016; then regular RDA meetings will be held the 2nd Thursday of every other month starting in February (2/11, 4/14, 6/9, 8/11, 10/13, 12/8). These will be held at 4:30 in the afternoon and the location will rotate around the cities in the region. New Business None. Adjournment John Affleck-Graves adjourned the meeting.


BOARD MEETING

November 9, 2015 | 12:00 PM (EST) | Swan Lake Resort & Conference Center

5203 Plymouth LaPorte Trail, Plymouth, Indiana 46563

I. Roll call


III. Approval of minutes of September 25, 2015 meeting


a. Transfer of funds to RDA Account Update


VI. Old Business

a. Status of Regional Cities Initiative

VII. New Business

a. Economic Development Framework for the Region

b. Metronet Project Update

VIII. Other Items

IX. Adjournment


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November 9, 2015 – 12:00 PM (EST)

The November 9, 2015 meeting of the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority

(RDA) was held at Swan Lake Resort and Conference Center, 5203 Plymouth LaPorte Trail,

Plymouth, Indiana 46563. John Affleck-Graves called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken

and it was noted there was a quorum present.







Others Present: Jerry Chavez, Marshall County Economic Development

Corporation

Mary Jan Hedman, St. Joe Valley Metronet

Ben Miller, St. Joe Valley Metronet




Suzanne Weirick, Elkhart County Community Foundation

Report of Secretary

Turnwald confirmed that the required public notice was made for the meeting.

Minutes of the September 25, 2015 Meeting

There were no additions or corrections to the September 25, 2015 minutes.

A MOTION WAS MADE BYMCCOWN AND SECONDED

BY EMBERTON TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER

25, 2015. ALL IN FAVOR, THE MOTION CARRIED.

Reports of Officers, Consultants and Staff

Treasurers Report:

Emberton prepared the Treasurer’s Report and provided it to Bergl.

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- Bergl reported the funds raised by the Steering Committee have been exhausted. A five

thousand dollar pledge amount still needs to be collected from Kem Krest.

- The current bank account is under Connect, Inc. An account will be established for the

Northern Indiana RDA; MACOG will work to identify a local banking institution.

- There is an outstanding amount of $10,355 that needs to be paid to Big Idea.

- Two 2016 budget scenarios were discussed; one with State funding and one without State

funding. The discussion was put on hold pending the outcome of the State funding

awards.

Committee Reports


Old Business

Regional Cities Initiative:

Emberton reported there have been two IEDC Strategic Review Committee meetings since the

Regional Cities presentations were submitted. The top three regions, including Northern

Indiana, were identified. Northern Indiana was also recognized as having the most return on

investment associated with their development plan. A final decision on the applications that will

be funded will be announced by the IEDC Board on December 15, 2015.

RCNI Project Management:

If awarded the funding, Emberton suggested that the next two steps the RDA should take are to

develop a process for approving projects and for project management, and the dispersal of funds.

Graves stated the Northern Indiana RDA needs to hold a meeting once the funding results have

been announced. The Board tentatively discussed meeting on December 16, 2015.

Emberton pointed out that there is a steering committee meeting on December 14, 2015.

It was suggested project applications be submitted directly to the RDA Board; once they

establish a process, and that a meeting with the Northwest Indiana RDA Board be set up to

discuss how their process works.

New Business

Economic Development Framework for the Region:

Graves discussed the upcoming Regional Cities of Northern Indiana Steering Committee

meeting scheduled for November 23 at the Lerner Theater. The meeting will provide an update

on the Regional Cities initiative and discuss the regions need to develop an economic

development framework.

Emberton noted there will be a series of two meetings to keep the stakeholders informed; the first

on November 23 and the second on December 14.

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Project Updates: Emberton provided some general project updates and briefly commented on the progress of some

of the marquee projects in the Regional Cities plan.

Presentation:

Mary Jan Hedman provided a presentation on St. Joe Valley Metronet.

Other Items: Northern Indiana RDA meetings will be held the 2

nd Thursday of every other month starting in

February 2016 (2/11, 4/14, 6/9, 8/11, 10/13, 12/8). Meetings will be held at 4:30 in the afternoon

and the location will rotate around the cities in the region.

Adjournment

John Affleck-Graves adjourned the meeting.

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BOARD MEETING

December 22, 2015 | 10:00 AM (EST) | Lerner Theater, Cittadine Room

410 South Main Street, Elkhart, Indiana 46516

I. Roll call


III. Approval of minutes of November 9, 2015 meeting*


a. Treasurer’s Report

b. Transfer of funds to RDA Account Update


a. Status of Regional Cities Initiative

b. Economic Development Framework for the Region

VI. Old Business

VII. New Business

VIII. Other Items

IX. Adjournment


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December 22, 2015 – 10:00 AM (EST)

The December 22, 2015 meeting of the Northern Indiana Regional Development Authority

(RDA) was held at the Lerner Theater, in the Cattadine Room, 410 South Main Street, Elkhart,

Indiana 46516. John Affleck-Graves called the meeting to order. Roll call was taken and it was

noted there was a quorum present.





RDA Board Members Absent: Dallas Bergl, INOVA Federal Credit Union

Others Present: Kevin Allen, South Bend Tribune

Paul Browne, University of Notre Dame

Pete Buttigieg, City of South Bend

Jerry Chavez, Marshall County Economic Development

Corporation

Scott Ford, City of South Bend

Therese Geise, Bradley Company


Tim Sexton, University of Notre Dame



Suzanne Weirick, Elkhart County Community Foundation

Report of Secretary

Turnwald confirmed that the required public notice was made for the meeting.

Minutes of the November 9, 2015 Meeting

There were no additions or corrections to the November 9, 2015 minutes.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY MCCOWN AND SECONDED BY

EMBERTON TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER

9, 2015. ALL IN FAVOR, THE MOTION CARRIED.

Reports of Officers, Consultants and Staff

Treasurers Report:

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Emberton provided the Treasurer’s Report on Bergl’s behalf.

- Connect, Inc. received two payments; $5,000.00 from Kem Krest and $15,355.96 from

Notre Dame. Notre Dame requested that after paying Big Idea the amount due in full, the

remaining $5,000.00 be allocated t0 Michiana Partnership. This would leave a balance of

$759.78 to be transferred to the RDA account at 1st Source Bank.

- The Elkhart County Community Foundation made a $50,000 donation to the RDA.

Transfer of funds to RDA Account Update:

Affleck-Graves reported that MACOG is in the process of setting up the RDAs bank account

with 1st Source Bank. The account will be available for use by the RDA by January 1, 2016.

Struder informed the Board that 1st Source Bank requires a Government Entity Depository

Authorization Resolution be adopted by the RDA to allow an account to be established.

After a brief discussion, the Board concluded the bank account would require two signatures on

checks. The MACOG signatories are; James Turnwald, Zachary Dripps and Shirly Czerna, and

the RDA Board signatories are; Dallas Bergl and Regina Emberton. Checks will be issued on

the recommendation of the Board.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY MCCOWN AND SECONDED BY

EMBERTON TO ADOPT THE GOVERNMENT ENTITY DEPOSITORY

AUTHORIZATION RESOLUTION IN ORDER TO OPEN THE RDA

BANK ACCOUNT AT 1ST

SOURCE BANK. ALL IN FAVOR, THE

MOTION CARRIED.

The Board agreed to open the account by depositing a $500 check from MACOG and transfer

the RDA funds from Connect, Inc. to 1st Source at the beginning of calendar year 2016. The

$500 will be returned to MACOG after the RDA funds transfer.

Committee Reports


Old Business

Status of Regional Cities Initiative:

The State awarded the Northern Indiana RDA one of three grants, each for $42 million, as part of

the Regional Cities Initiative. There will be a kickoff meeting with Governor Pence following

the RDA Board meeting.

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The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) will begin contract discussions with

each of the RDAs in the near future. The IEDC asked each of the regions to designate a point of

contact for contract discussions. Emberton volunteered to be the contact and to work with

Struder during the initial phase. The Board concurred.

Emberton outlined items to begin forming an implementation process. Affleck-Graves

recommended delaying activity until the legislative process for funding is complete. There are

numerous items that need to be clarified.

Economic Development Framework for the Region:

Affleck-Graves suggested forming a committee to develop a comprehensive plan to build

economic strength in the region that will lead the RDA in its efforts beyond the regional cities

process. He recommended McCown to lead the committee. The Board agreed. Several

nominations for individuals to serve on the committee have been received.

Affleck-Graves advised appointing the committee in early January and proposed they focus on

three items: 1) Situational analysis 2) Develop a set of opportunities and 3) Develop explicit

strategies with results oriented initiatives. He suggested the committee complete their work by

the end of June.

McCown suggested repeating a formal call for nominations for individuals to serve on an

economic development comprehensive plan committee from the members of the existing

steering committee. Nominations will be due January 6, 2016. Emberton will formalize the call.

A MOTION WAS MADE BY EMBERTON AND SECONDED BY

DESALLE TO APPOINT AFFLECK-GRAVES AND MCCOWN

THE AUTORITY TO SELECT THE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE

PRIOR TO THE NEXT RDA BOARD MEETING. ALL IN FAVOR,

THE MOTION CARRIED.

New Business

A suggestion was made that the RDA Board acquire a Directors and Officers insurance policy.

MACOG will explore this on the Boards behalf.

Other Items

The next Northern Indiana RDA meeting will be held on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 4:30

PM(EST). The location is to be determined.

Adjournment

John Affleck-Graves adjourned the meeting. F:\ABC\RCNI RDA\Board Meeting Packets\CY 2015\12.22.15\D12RDAminutes.docx

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