The Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission is shown at its Thursday, May 9, meeting. From left are Commission Attorney Adam Turner, Commission Secretary Dan Thystrup, Commission Vice President Doug Hanes, Commission Member Jan Orban, Commission Member Mike Metzger and non-voting Commission Member Brad Johnson. InkFreeNews photo by Patrick Webb.

By Patrick Webb
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Redevelopment Commission approved adding two members to the commission.

At the commission’s Thursday, May 9, meeting, members discussed adding two members to the commission. Commission President Joni Truex, who attended virtually, said the commission needed to have a vote in the minutes to take the request to the  Kosciusko County Commissioners and Kosciusko County Council for approval.

The commission members discussed that they only have one-year terms and are expected to step down afterwards.

“I think we’ve all realized that there’s a fair amount to learn and understand on the redevelopment commission,” said Commission Member Jan Orban. “Losing one or two members could be a significant detriment to the entire development commission.”

Commission Vice President Doug Hanes proposed for a later date possibly staggering when the terms end and extending the terms to three years, if allowed by the code ordinance.

The commission voted and approved the request on the minutes for an increase in membership. Four members will be appointed by the county commissioners and three by the county council.

The commission also heard an update from Crystal Welch from Abonmarche regarding the CR 1300N project update.

Welch reported that they were looking at conceptual maps for future land use along CR 1300N based on county growth rate data from the last 20 years. The plan aims to look at including new commercial, residential and industrial use while preserving agricultural land areas.

The commission also heard an update from Kosciusko Economic Development Corp. Interim Co-CEO Suzie Light. Light reported that KEDCO’s new CEO, Peggy Friday, would be officially starting June 1. 

“Peggy is highly talented. She comes with a lot of experience. She ran a chamber and has been doing economic development, specifically industrial development,” said Light.

Light also shared that KEDCO was no longer providing a marketplace for entrepreneurs at its office, but is still continuing services for entrepreneurs. She shared they were offering their assistance to Plug and Play and had an entrepreneur coach that people can make appointments with.

“Good staff happening and better stuff on the way,” said Light.

Metzger, standing, is sworn in at the meeting. To his left is Johnson, and right, Orban. KCRC President Joni Truex, top left, attended virtually.

In other business, the commission:

• Approved an agreement with Baker Tilly for services.
• Swore in Commission Member Mike Metzger.
• Discussed an invoice for Turner Valentine LLC. for legal services.
• Voted to approve a name change for Strive Properties LLC, at 7456 W. Old Road 30, Warsaw. Strive Properties will own the property which will be managed by subsidiary Core Mechanical Services.
• Voted to approve $30,000 for an investment for Strive Properties.
• Discussed going over budgeting and spending, such as for legal services, after its next meeting. No formal decisions will be made until the September meeting.

The commission’s next meeting will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 11, in the Kosciusko County Courthouse’s old courtroom.