Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

January 24, 2006

Minutes

Members Present:

Richard Diebold, Tom Lane, Sherry Comben, Bob Peterson, Peter Garwood, Laura Stanek, Rae Ann Thompson and Jerome Simowski

Members Absent:

Allyn Wright and Bob Peterson

Staff and Others:

Joe Meyers, Sheri Rhoads, Flo McCormick and Jan Kellogg

1.         Call to Order

Meeting called to order at 8:40 a.m. by Rick Diebold.

2.         Organizational Meeting

Election of Officers/Meeting Dates and Times

Motion by Pete Garwood, supported by Laura Stanek to appoint Rick Diebold as President, Thomas Lane as Vice President, Sherry Comben as Treasurer, and Jerome Simowski as Secretary and to meet regularly after the EDC meeting (8:30 a.m. on the 3^rd Tuesday of January, April, July and October).  Motion carried - unanimous.

3.         Minutes of the October 18, 2005 Meeting

Motion by Pete Garwood, seconded by Jerome Simowski, to approve the October 18, 2005 minutes.  Motion carried - unanimous.

4.         Northern Lakes Economic Alliance (NLEA) Update

Sheri Rhoads, Economic Development Specialist with NLEA, informed and gave a report on the Incubator Program to the Board.  Ms. Rhoades noted that they were looking for sites throughout the three County region and hopefully have secured two sites in the East Jordan and Boyne City areas.

Ms. Rhoads gave a report on the EPA grant that was received.  Ms. Rhoads informed the Board that the consultant that was chosen was AKT Peerless.  Ms. Rhoads noted that they would be working with AKT Peerless for the next two years.  Ms. Rhoads further noted that NLEA would like to set up a meeting with target individuals in each County to help them better understand what this grant will be doing (handout attached). 

5.         Grant Opportunities

Flo McCormick, Michigan Association of Counties (MAC) gave a presentation on her background and informed the Board about MAC’s grant writing abilities.  Ms. McCormick noted that MAC is currently helping 7 counties with over 2.7 million dollars in requested funds.  

Ms. McCormick spoke on the problems with “methfields” (attached).  Ms. McCormick noted that they are more than a law enforcement issue; they are also a public health issue and an environmental issue.  Ms. McCormick noted that MAC has helped St. Joseph and Branch Counties write grants for “methfields”.

6.         Old Business

None.

7.         New Business

None.

8.         Communications

None.

9.         Member/Public Comment

Mr. Diebold

Meeting adjourned at 8:51 a.m.