WestGate Authority Board — February 2024 Minutes
WestGate Authority
February 13, 2024
1:30 PM
Minutes
The meeting of the WestGate@Crane Authority was held on February 13, 2024 at the WestGate Academy and also virtually via zoom. The meeting was called to order at 1:30 PM.
Authority Board members in physical attendance include: Kevin Sparks, John Mensch (attended virtually), Kent Parisien, Dana Strange, Mark Bartlow, Cody Roush and Joe Morris (attended virtually).
Also in attendance were: Bryant Niehoff, Greg Jones (SIDC), Morgan Thewes, Samantha Nelson, Aaron Grey, Paul Quick and Joe Carly (attended virtually), Deanna Bush(attended virtually).
The Board welcomed Cody Roush the new Martin County Representative.
Dana Strange made the motion to approve the minutes from the January 9, 2024 meeting. Kevin Smith seconded the motion and the motion passed. Cody Roush abstained.
Development Committee. Mark Bartlow gave the report. Would like to look at amenities for the Academy. Mark Bartlow thought it would be good to put together a survey of what amenities workers would value. The Board would like to start with the overhang area as a quick win. Bryant Niehoff discussed the potential funding to help create a park amenity/buffer area between the Base of Crane and the new industries.
The Governance Committee — Did not meet.
The Tenant Committee — Did not meet.
The White River Military Coordination Alliance Report — State of the Communities address will be presented at the next meeting on February 23, 2024.
Crane Regional Defense Group briefing. Kent Parisien stated they are working on dates for 2024.
· 75 members and have a goal for 100 by end of 2024.
· The February Connect to Mission event for Spectrum Warfare was well attended.
· Next Connect to Mission event will be in the next quarter.
Bryant Niehoff gave a USTF monthly report. Bryant Niehoff highlighted the following;
· CCR’s are in process.
· The infrastructure work is continuing and work with the financial advisor is continuing.
· The basis for design estimates have been completed.
· READI 2.0 Plans are due on Friday.
· Build, Operate, and Transfer processes are being developed for all three counties. Greene and Daviess have adopted.
· The signage project is moving forward and a vendor has been selected by Daviess Economic Development Foundation.
· USTF is having monthly meetings with John Mensch, Kent Parisien and the PRF team.
Kent Parisien asked for RJL Solutions update to be added to future agendas.
Financial Reports were presented by Greg Jones. Greg Jones provided an overview of the Tax Revenue, Building Maintenance, Non-Tax Revenue, and the Crane Federal Credit Union Certificate.
Tax Revenue
$469,733.82
Non-Tax Revenue
$974,383.16
Building Maintenance Acct
$65,962.54
Crane Certificate
$513,232.66
Jerry Braun made a motion to approve the financial report. Mark Bartlow seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
The Board discussed the budget for 2024. They will approve in February. John Mensch made the motion to approve the 2024 budget. Dana Strange seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Samantha Nelson gave a program activity report.
· February 6 — Steve Beaudoin — Purdue Energetics — 50 people attended
· February 13 — Upscale Program with IVY Tech, NSWC and ROI — 67 have RSVP
· March 5 — Booz Allen Hamilton
· April 2 — Samtec — Electronics Manufacture
Samantha Nelson and Morgan Thewes gave the Facility Report
· Starting a summer intern program with the defense contractor interns and help them learn about the region. Starts May 13 and will be every week. The intent is to build the relationships to keep them employed in the region.
· The interns will be connected through WhatsApp.
· Looking for a sponsor for the EV charger.
· Security cameras have been upgraded.
· ARI is constructing the facilities upstairs.
· There will be a bill for removing the partitions.
· The Navy Ball will be held at the Academy.
· National Innovation event will be hosted here on September 9.
· There is a need to move wifi to the full site not just the building.
· Radius sponsored a room for $5,000
· The Buy Indiana Expo is coming up and possibly needs to have a WGA booth.
· Job Board is being utilized. Looking to have sponsorships for the Jobs Board.
· USTF would like the Board to consider merging websites.
Old Business –
· There will be a job posting for additional PRF staff.
· The Base has plans for a 400,000 sq ft facility in the Technology park.
· Hypersonics is also a possibility.
· The Admiral Restaurant in Greene County is initiating construction.
New business — No new business
February Claims
Tax Revenue Claims
UDWI REMC $13,365.70
Centerpoint $1,948.71
Eastern Heights Utility $146.64
McCloud $103.72
Sewage Disposal Works $610.00
SIDC $1,500.00
SIDC $1,500.00
Purdue Research $1,244.57
Purdue Research $668.15
Purdue Research $1,130.62
Purdue Research $813.13
Purdue Research $4,522.34
Purdue Research $3,014.89
RJL Solutions $5,000.00
RJL Solutions $5,000.00
Four Star Awards $58.80
Building Maintenance Claims
Commercial Service $294.00
Dana Strange made the motion to approve the Tax Revenue Claims and the Building Maintenance Account Claims. Kevin Smith seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.
Joe Morris reminded everyone the eclipse is approaching and some may come to the Academy to watch.
Jerry Braun made the motion to adjourn the meeting. Kevin Smith seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 2:48 PM.
The next meeting will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 1:30 PM via Zoom and in person at the Academy.
________________________
Dana Strange
Secretary
