MCD Board of Director's Minutes
The Board of Directors for Montezuma Community Development met in regular session on September 6, 2012 at the Montezuma City Office. Board members present: Jo Ahrens, Aaron McCaslen, Andrea Martin, Charlie Sheets, Clayton Hjelmland and Terence Blain. Absent: Joel Kercheval and Christy McCaslen.
President McCaslen called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. followed by a reading of the minutes from June 2012. Sheets led the motion, followed by Hjelmland to approve the minutes as read. The treasurer's report was discussed, with Blain indicating that over $10,000 in operating budget funding had been received since June. Martin led a motion to approve the treasurer's report, following a second by Ahrens. Both reports carried with unanimous approval.
Blain presented a quarterly executive summary explaining the activities and accomplishments of the organization since early summer. In light of the extensive meeting agenda, Blain requested that board members review the summary and ask questions at a later time, and as they arise.
Tax attorney Mike Horn was present to speak about the organization's tax-exempt status application and to answer any questions for the board. Horn explained that McCaslen will need to sign a power of attorney as an officer for the organization. He also gave information on contributions to the organization, including those that exceed $250 in exchange for goods and services, and counseled the board on verbage needed to accompany a certificate of contribution in the event that this type of contribution is received. Horn informed the board that the tax-exempt application, one-time filing fee will be $850 made payable to the United States Treasury. The board entered a motion to approve the payment, led by Sheets and seconded by Hjelmland. A payment of $850 was approved by the board.
Blain led a discussion to update the board on the city's contract with First Children's Finance to complete a financial feasibility study, break even analysis and business plan for the future community daycare facility and program in Montezuma. McCaslen spoke on behalf of the city council and Ahrens spoke on behalf of the daycare committee on the importance of the study as a necessary step in the process. FCF will work with the daycare committee and local stakeholders in authoring the plan, which would be complete by the end of February 2013. Blain suggested that MCD's future role in the project could be to solicit private investment to furnish the new facility.
Sheets and McCaslen updated the board on the south housing development, including the changes in the original plan to maximize the development with 31 buildable lots. Sheets discussed the pre-construction meeting that occurred earlier that day, with plans to begin moving dirt early and completing as much work as possible during the fall months. Paving of streets would not begin until the spring of 2013. Blain encouraged the board members to attend the official ground breaking ceremony scheduled for Monday, September 24 at 10:00 a.m.
Blain updated the board on efforts to bring revitalization to the downtown historic district and commercial center of Montezuma. He has been in meetings with downtown building and business owners to provide information on CDBG funding through the state for a facade improvement grant. The project has been well received, but more information is needed before full community support (a requirement for the grant) can be gained. A tour of Belle Plaine's completed downtown project has been scheduled, with plans to meet with that city's officials to talk about the process and to gain a better understanding of what Montezuma can expect. A final arm of moving the grant application forward is the Iowa Downtown Resource Center visit on October 17th and 18th. Blain has been working on the schedule for the 2-day community engagement, which includes small group meetings for the community to help vision the future of Montezuma's downtown. The board encouraged all the steps being taken to move the downtown project forward.
Blain presented an annual fundraising campaign that focuses on funding the regular operating budget of the organization, and also allows for private investment in community development projects for Montezuma. One-time contributions and monthly budget options through secured electronic funds transfer from contributor's bank accounts provide two options for those who want to participate financially in the organization's mission. Blain explained that partnerships are important in accomplishing what needs to be done. The 2013 operating budget goal is $39,500 ($17,000 commitment from the city) with a goal of $36,000 in private investment. Blain will work with Poweshiek Development on other marketing materials that enhance the campaign, and plans to begin a mailing to the community in the coming weeks. Sheets made a motion to approve the fundraising campaign, with a second by Martin. The board unanimously approved the campaign.
Blain also presented a revised strategic plan for the organization. Blain and Martin have been working together to break the plan framework into categories, including prioritizing and suggested timeframes. The plan categories include: Downtown Revitalization & Community Planning, Community Growth & Services, and Community Marketing & Promotion. The board will study the details of the plan and continue the discussion at the next board meeting.
Sheets led a short discussion on providing a job description with key responsibilities for the executive director position. Blain has encouraged this as a step to continue building organizational structure and capacity. Sheets with work with Kercheval on presenting a job description in the near future. Hjelmland contributed that bringing core groups of people together to work on community projects has been a step in the right direction.
The next board meeting has been set for Monday, October 15 at 6:00 p.m.
McCalsen adjourned the meeting at 7:28 p.m.
