WCDC Reviews Bylaws

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

By TERESA SMITH, Times-Union Staff Writer-

The February meeting of the Warsaw Community Development Inc. began with a review of the bylaws and recommended changes to them by the executive committee.

Board president John Elliott discussed plans for the City of Lakes Festival June 21 through 23.

Changes in the parade route include establishing a viewing stand on Indiana Street in Central Park. Working in conjunction with Mermaid Festival organizers and taking their lead, Elliott said the WCDC could offer $200 to high school bands to offset transportation to the parade.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday and the annual parade through North Webster begins at 4 p.m. the same day. The idea is for the various bands members to "picnic and party" in Central Park before traveling north, Elliott said.

A Shrine unit, the Purdue University Boilermaker Special, Clydesdales and other parade units are being contacted to appear in the parade, too.

The WCDC is responsible for the upkeep of the Warsaw Biblical Gardens, and Jon Garber, Warsaw parks department superintendent, said preliminary estimates to seal the wall and fix the water fountain there are about $30,000.

Garber has been named chairman of the Warsaw Biblical Gardens Committee.

The corporation entered into a 20-year lease agreement with the city in 1988 to be responsible for the garden's maintenance.

Charlie Smith reported on the WCDC loan program now being administered by Mutual Federal Bank. Eleven entities have contributed $485,000 for low interest loans. Qualified borrowers can use the money to improve their business properties.

Smith said nine borrowers have taken advantage of the fund since 1986.

Smith said he and Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins attended the Orthopedic Academy in Dallas, Texas, a couple of weeks ago where the Warsaw area biomedical businesses were represented.

Smith said some of the companies are interested in sponsoring a sculpture in Central Park symbolizing the orthopedics industry.

The idea is in line with the recently presented Hyatt Palma downtown action agenda. A joint meeting between the city council and WCDC board members is planned to discuss the agenda.

Executive director Carmen Lock said she attended a Main Street program in Kokomo. Established some years ago with state funding aimed at downtown "beautification" projects, the organization still meets regularly although state funding has ended.

Lock said a Main Street representative will appear at the March WCDC meeting.

In other business, the board:

• Heard the Taste of Downtown event is set for May 19 in Center Lake Pavilion with area restaurants offering food items. Tickets are $5 and $10 with proceeds going to the Biblical Gardens.

• Heard $8,000 in membership dues has been collected. [[In-content Ad]]

The February meeting of the Warsaw Community Development Inc. began with a review of the bylaws and recommended changes to them by the executive committee.

Board president John Elliott discussed plans for the City of Lakes Festival June 21 through 23.

Changes in the parade route include establishing a viewing stand on Indiana Street in Central Park. Working in conjunction with Mermaid Festival organizers and taking their lead, Elliott said the WCDC could offer $200 to high school bands to offset transportation to the parade.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday and the annual parade through North Webster begins at 4 p.m. the same day. The idea is for the various bands members to "picnic and party" in Central Park before traveling north, Elliott said.

A Shrine unit, the Purdue University Boilermaker Special, Clydesdales and other parade units are being contacted to appear in the parade, too.

The WCDC is responsible for the upkeep of the Warsaw Biblical Gardens, and Jon Garber, Warsaw parks department superintendent, said preliminary estimates to seal the wall and fix the water fountain there are about $30,000.

Garber has been named chairman of the Warsaw Biblical Gardens Committee.

The corporation entered into a 20-year lease agreement with the city in 1988 to be responsible for the garden's maintenance.

Charlie Smith reported on the WCDC loan program now being administered by Mutual Federal Bank. Eleven entities have contributed $485,000 for low interest loans. Qualified borrowers can use the money to improve their business properties.

Smith said nine borrowers have taken advantage of the fund since 1986.

Smith said he and Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins attended the Orthopedic Academy in Dallas, Texas, a couple of weeks ago where the Warsaw area biomedical businesses were represented.

Smith said some of the companies are interested in sponsoring a sculpture in Central Park symbolizing the orthopedics industry.

The idea is in line with the recently presented Hyatt Palma downtown action agenda. A joint meeting between the city council and WCDC board members is planned to discuss the agenda.

Executive director Carmen Lock said she attended a Main Street program in Kokomo. Established some years ago with state funding aimed at downtown "beautification" projects, the organization still meets regularly although state funding has ended.

Lock said a Main Street representative will appear at the March WCDC meeting.

In other business, the board:

• Heard the Taste of Downtown event is set for May 19 in Center Lake Pavilion with area restaurants offering food items. Tickets are $5 and $10 with proceeds going to the Biblical Gardens.

• Heard $8,000 in membership dues has been collected. [[In-content Ad]]

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