WestGate Authority Board — July 2023 Minutes
WestGate Authority
July 11, 2023
1:30 PM
Minutes
The meeting of the WestGate@Crane Authority was held on July 11, 2023 at the WestGate Academy and also virtually via zoom. The meeting was called to order at 1:34 PM.
Authority Board members in physical attendance include: John Mensch, Kent Parisien, Mark Batlow, Dana Strange (attended virtually), Joe Morris, and Jerry Braun.
Also in attendance were: Kirk White, Joe Carley (virtually), Jason Salstrom, Kara Nicholson (SIDC), Morgan Thewes, Paul Quick (Smithville) and Jill Hahn (virtually)
Kent Parisien made the motion to approve the minutes from June 13, 2023 meeting. Joe Morris seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
Marilyn Hartman was not present. John Mensch gave GSA update in Marilyn’s place.
GSA
There have been three deposits of $18,265.92 for GSA (54,797.76 Total) and I believe July’s deposit will be soon. The deposits were made into the tax revenue account and should have been made for the non-tax revenue account. We are working with Marilyn to get the account changed. If that doesn’t work then we will need to transfer the funds at a later date.
Development Committee. Did not meet.
The Governance Committee — Reviewed the current CD’s and sought quotes for a new CD with the help of Jamie Chapman at the Daviess County Treasurers office. There were five quotes and best rate and terms came from Crane Federal Credit Union. The rates are for 18 months at 5.25%. Daviess County Treasurer is depositing the Springs Valley CD into the Non-tax revenue account. A check will be created with the remainder of funds needed to establish a $500,000 CD with Crane Federal Credit Union. Currently there is $424,928.29 being held at CFCU in a savings account and once they receive the $75,071.71 check on July 21 then the CD will be created.
Kent Parisien made a motion to approve the bid for Crane Federal credit Union and Mark Batlow seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Building Maintenance
The $50,000 transfer was deposited into Building Maintenance Account.
There was a discussion of Natalie Smith’s position being open and the need for it to be filled. It was discussed that Darin Holder would possibly fill the vacancy on the Governance Committee as the chairman of the committee, but the position of secretary of the board would need to be filled as well. John Mensch asked for volunteers to fill the vacancy, Kent Parisien volunteered. Joe Morris made a motion to appoint Kent Parisien as secretary for the remainder of the term and Jerry Braun seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Governance Committee chairman position was discussed. Dana Strange volunteered to fill the position and Dana Strange was appointed to the position. Darin Holder was appointed to fill Natalie Smith’s position on the Governance Committee.
The Tenant Committee — Reminder of Tenant engagement Barbecue on July 18 at Westgate Academy from 4:00 PM to 6:00PM. There is an Eventbrite to sign up. There is a private invite link specific to the Tech Park. There are currently 27 signed up as of time of meeting.
The White River Military Coordination Alliance Report
There was no meeting this past month. They will meet in Greene County next month.
Crane Regional Defense Group briefing. Kent Parisien gave the report.
· Up to 55 members, goal is 80 members
· June 20 & 21 — Congressional Event and Congressional Breakfast in Washington D.C (Great turn out and great feedback)
· August 1 — Connect to Crane event (Expeditionary Division of Crane)
· September 8- Key Leader Series Event
Joe Carley stated that Bryant Niehoff emailed a monthly report and it was brought to the attention of the board for them to read at their leisure.
Financial Reports were presented by Kara Nicholson. Ms. Nicholson provided an overview of the Tax Revenue, Building Maintenance, Non-Tax Revenue, the SVBT CD, and the Crane Federal Credit Union Certificate.
Tax Revenue
$60,049.93
Non-Tax Revenue
$1,040,392.34
Building Maintenance Acct
$ 53,527.18
SVBT CD
$ 107,849.99
Crane Certificate
$ 424,928.29
There were questions on the flow of the GSA leases. Kent Parisien made the motion to approve the financial report. Jerry Braun seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
Morgan Thewes gave a program activity report.
· No July event due to 4th of July.
· July 18 Tenant engagement event. Aiming for 50 people (27 people signed up at time of meeting)
· Next event August 1 (same day as Connect Mission) from 4–6 with one of the new companies that will be in the Hybridge Facility, Trusted Hybrid Conductor Facilities. They will be giving a presentation on Full Service on IC capabilities. This is a sponsored event.
· October will be the Dynetic Leidos — Hypersonic presentation.
· Samantha Nelson and Morgan Thewes have been orchestrating a microchip day with all relevant industries and academia entities. Aiming for November timeline. Speaking with ARI, Rose-Hulman, Purdue among others. Hoping for a two-day event.
Morgan Thewes gave the Facility Report
· Ice machine in back needs repaired (Motor went out; cost >$500). The Navy wants to utilize it as well, adding extra emphasis on getting it repaired.
· Heather Strange has approached the academy about parking signs and spots designated for Navy under the GSA contract. There are currently only 150 spots, she is hoping there are more that could be available, and they would be clearly marked. The option of Placards for widows were also discussed to properly identify the employer. (Not immediate need, just wanted it to be brought to attention)
· Wire Electric replaced the lighting within the Foyer and Flag Poles
· Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday there have been pretty consistent crowds with the food trucks.
· Looking to get more picnic tables donated. The previous donor said no. There could potentially be some money in the Tenant Services Support budget to help with this. It was brought up that Shoals HS have made and sold several picnic tables in the past. Jerry Braun mentioned he would take it to the school board to see if the school could help.
· New putting green in lobby
· Two more coworking members- SATG and Federal Government Employees
· New Anti-terrorism government member for the Navy. Comes once a week.
Morgan Thewes stated that Jason Salstrom is no longer with the team. Samantha Nelson is acting as interim director for right now and is working with Chad Pittman on a regular basis.
Old Business
Morgan Thewes stated that she was briefly given information on the banners, but asked for more specific information on what the goal is. Joe Carley stated that he would be willing to collaborate with her on this project. She will have more information at the next meeting.
New Business
Joe Morris mentioned that Scott Schnarr, maintenance supervisor of Daviess County, asked him about the possibility of placing the Buffalo of Daviess County inside the Academy. All board members will be receiving pictures and dimensions to determine if it is feasible.
John Mensch mentioned that Marilyn Hartman brought Marjorie Wright to his attention. Mrs. Wright is interested in assisting in anyway possible when needed.
Jill Hahn stated that OCRA is having their regional meeting from 1–4 on Thursday, Aug. 3, in the Huntingburg Event Center and then a digital equity workshop following the event. There will be 3 panelists. This is a registered event.
June Claims
Non-Tax Revenue Account
UDWI REMC $12,715.54
Eastern Heights Utility $146.64
McCloud $97.85
Sewage Disposal Works $610.00
SIDC $1,333.33
SIDC $1,500.00
Purdue Research Foundation $162,500.00
Martin County Chamber of Commerce $50.00
Jones Lang LaSalle Brokerage $25,737.09
Crane Credit Union (New CD) $75,071.71
Kent Parisien made the motion to approve the Non-Tax Revenue Account Claims. Jerry Braun seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
Building Maintenance Account
A & B Fire Safety $62.25
Lewellyn Lawn Care $1,287.00
E & L Services $3,628.14
Kent Parisien made the motion to approve the Building Maintenance Claims. Jerry Braun seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
Mark Batlow made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Jerry Braun seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 2:26 PM.
The next meeting will be held Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at 1:30 PM via Zoom and in person at the Academy.
________________________
Natalie Smith
Secretary
