CDC executive director Nathan Origer reported he has been involved with both entities, serving on the board of directors of Wander Our Winamac (WOW!). 

CDC board member Darlene Mellon noted that the Francesville Town Council has offered its support, but not committed any financial support. The possibility of the CDC providing financial support to the Francesville group, WOW!, or possibly both was discussed at length. It was agreed that members would consider formal proposals for seed-money assistance, to be capped at $1,000; local investment and a vision of how the funds would be expended would be expected in such proposals.

In other business, Origer presented the executive-board–approved draft of the CDC's proposed 2017 budget, noting that significant shifting has occurred to increase the amount allotted for marketing. Cuts were made in every non-personnel appropriation, excluding land acquisition.

Past years’ budgets were presented for members to compare. Discussion ensued regarding executive assistant Krysten Hinkle’s potential switch to full-time employment. The budget includes room to plan for the CDC's summer intern program to continue. Board president Gregg Malott requested the director to clarify the budget changes to the Professional Services appropriation. Origer explained that previous appropriations had included the website overhaul and payment made for the new zoning ordinance. The budget was approved as presented.

At the request of the Pulaski County Human Resource Group, Origer will be developing and conducting a confidential wage-and-benefit survey to assess compensation across the county, across all levels of employment, and across all sectors. Survey results will be available to participating organizations and in the CDC office to be made available to development prospects. Malott suggested using universal workers’ compensation codes to allow for easier and more precise comparisons across industry sectors.

Also in new business, the CDC board discussed the possibility of initiating an "Adlopt-a-River" program. Mrs. Hinkle explained that complaints have been received about the mistreatment of the river by visitors, accompanied by contentions that the CDC’s tourism-promotion efforts are to blame for an increased number of visitors. Staff proposed partnering with riverside businesses and residents and businesses that benefit from river traffic to fund and to monitor trash receptacles at river-access points and to develop and to post river-etiquette signs. Discussion ensued, and the members approved of the efforts by consensus.

Old Busines

CDC summer internship: Two summer interns have been hired, each at two days per week: Miss Wagner and Karli Armstrong, have worked primarily on social-media tourism marketing thus far. Origer told the board that hiring two interns will not likely affect the budget, but a transfer of funds eventually could be required.

Hometown Collaboration Initiative: The proposal has been submitted to and approved by the state; once documents have been signed, funds will be disbursed. Origer and various volunteers have begun to drive and to bike potential routes and to provide feedback. Funds will go primarily toward print media (brochures, maps) and signage, as well as traffic counting.

PC-CARE: The landowners have ruled out the previously proposed land swap. Origer had been instructed to no longer be concerned with capital-gains taxes. Origer has been investigating the possibility of selling the 90-100 acres of county farmland south of CR 60 South and using the proceeds to minimize the need for tax-based funds for land acquisition. Also, conversations will need to occur with the Medaryville Town Council and Utilities Department eventually.

Career and Technical Education curriculum grant: Equipment has been ordered, and Origer is awaiting an invoice. The West Central teacher and outside instructor will be taking training courses over the summer. Discussion followed on who would take on the instructor as 1099 contract employee, the county, school corporation or Community Foundation. Course enrollment is currently unknown.

Term renewals/new members: Origer noted that the Chamber seat and the non-exempt–manufacturing seat both remained vacant on the CDC board, and that he will be continuing to work on filling them. Origer asked for action regarding a board member who had attended only one meeting in the last 16 months. Discussion ensued, and and board president Greg Malott suggested that action be taken in accordance with the bylaws; The membership was terminated.

Other Business

SnapChat filters: Origer spoke briefly about one of Miss Wagner’s projects, the creation of various Pulaski County geofilters for SnapChat.

Also, CDC member John Plowman reported Link Environmental Equipment is now a Galbreath dealer.