Milford Redevelopment Commission was given a presentation on Monday by George Robertson, president of the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation.

Robertson first outlined the principal provisions of 2014 state legislation having direct impact on Indiana redevelopment commissions. He noted the bill, awaiting the signature of Governor Mike Pence, was a “decent” piece of legislation and many bad things were removed before its passage.

One of the major parts of the legislation requires redevelopment commissions to create a budget plan and report any excess TIF funds they have collected but are not spending. This requires redevelopment commissions to be more accountable to the legislative body of the city or area they represent. Additionally, a redevelopment commission cannot issue debt obligations without first obtaining approval of the local legislative body.

If signed by Pence, the new law will have a general effective date of July 1.

Robertson also introduced “Kosciusko Kickstart,” a continuing education program sponsored by Ivy Tech, Indiana Workforce Development and the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation. (See related)

The program is aimed toward recent high school graduates who have not developed a career path and provide them with an alternative to traditional avenues of work or education. Kickstart has partnered with 16 companies in the community to develop a 12 week training program to train 12 people in the basics and specifics of production and manufacturing. The first class is scheduled to begin in late May or early June, with the next class beginning shortly after the one before it concludes.

The companies involved in Kickstart have agreed to give first preference to graduates of Kickstart and have guaranteed at least $1 more per hour in starting wages than someone not participating in the program.

Robertson suggested the commission might offer a scholarship for the program to a deserving Milford resident who might be interested in a career in advanced manufacturing. Commission member Dan Brown suggested the group consider sponsoring such a scholarship, which would require a $2,300 commitment. The merits of the proposal would be debated during the next budget meeting.

Following Robertson’s presentation, the commission discussed drainage issues at the former Lippert building on the north side of Milford. Utilities superintendent Randy Veach outlined a plan to alleviate the water that backs up in the building’s parking lot. Brown suggested further research to the plan before moving forward and noted that resolution of the problem would be an asset to finding a new tenant for the property.

The commission also discussed whether it is appropriate to use TIF funds to help pay for street resurfacing in Milford. The proposal also will be considered at the next budget meeting.

The commission’s next scheduled meeting is 10 a.m. May 12 at Milford Town Hall. The public is invited to attend.