CPA  Sue Peppers explained that RC&D (Resource Conservation and Development) is the 501(c)3 non-profit organization that all grant monies pass through. The RC&D does not make any decisions regarding Winamac Greenspace. RC&D will provide tax exempt letters to those who qualify for donations. Howard Conner is the treasurer and handles the funds for RC&D for Winamac Greenspace. 

Town council president Kenneth McFarland asked if in situations where it is required to apply and receive grant monies, if the town government can handle the grants by itself.  Peppers responded that it could be an issue if a 501(c)3 organization is not used.

Town attorney John Kocher observed that there is no transparency between RC&D, the tree committee and the town council; that no one is apprised of the tree status.

Councilmember Judy Heater suggested the council receive annual accountings from RC&D. Councilmember Richard Denney said grant money can be received at the town clerk-treasurer’s office. He also noted that Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) had given two donations to Winamac Greenspace to purchase trees and provide a plaque. He asked if this was done. 

Clerk-Treasurer Melanie Berger said if donation checks are made payable to Winamac Greenspace, the checks need to be deposited into the town’s fund; if the checks are made payable to RC&D, then the checks can be sent to them. 

Denney also observed that, to his knowledge, the Greenspace name change occurred since the last ordinance regarding the organization without council approval.  Councilmember Dan Vanaman said the council needs to be better informed of the financials of Winamac Greenspace.  McFarland asked the council if they could find a solution to the issues. 

Heater suggested town manager, Bradley Zellers contact Howard Conner to review the financials and possibly see quarterly reports. Denney stated that according to Ordinance No. 15 of 1999, the committee is to submit an annual plan to the town council every February and once the Council approves the plan, the committee can proceed per the plan.

Zellers reported he spoke with Greenspace member Fred Zhart regarding the trees and plaque for IMPA and. Zhart knew nothing about them. Zellers asked Zhart  to attend the May 11 town council meeting.  McFarland suggested a joint meeting with RC&D, Zhart and the council to discuss Winamac Greenspace to become better organized and informed. 

Denney said he would like to see the town manager research past grants and see if there are new grant opportunities.  Denney will inquire about cancelled checks from IMPA. The council voted to have Denney investigate the $800 donation from IMPA.

Denney observed the town’s trees “look great.”  He wondered who was going to water the trees, and it was discussed that it could become part of the park duties.

In other business, town manager, Bradley Zellers, reported the following:

• Items were sold at Olson’s auction April 11.  A copy of the consignor settlement was provided to the Councilmembers.  Total net sales were $9,991.  Councilmember Tom Murray asked if the proceeds would be deposited into each department’s fund, and the answer was yes.
• ISIS Theater provided the Form CF-1:  Compliance with Statement of Benefits Personal Property tax abatement form.  The council voted to approve the tax abatement for ISIS Theater.
• The Arbor Day Proclamation was presented to the council. The council voted to approve the Arbor Day Proclamation for 2015.

Also in other business,

Clerk-Treasurer Berger, asked the council to consider leaving the utility bills in the names of the landowner so if a tenant moves without paying the bill after deposits have been applied, the balance becomes the responsibility of the landowner. Heater questioned if this was legal. Berger will research.

Murray said the dog fence looks good at the park, but did have one concern.  He asked that a smaller gate be placed in the fence for easier access instead of using the larger gate. The town manager will see that the gate is installed.

Heater asked about signage at the baseball diamond regarding no dogs allowed.  Zellers said that signs are being made for the baseball diamond, along with rules for the dog park, and a sign at the town woods.

Vanaman asked if the new employees had started work. The both were scheduled to begin work April 27.