HomeMy WebLinkAbout6-10-2022 Lansing Economic Development CorpThe Lansing Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to create quality jobs, diversify the local economy and
improve overall quality of life by attracting, expanding and retaining business and industry in the City of Lansing.
Lansing Economic Development Corporation (LEDC)
Board of Directors Meeting
Friday, June 10, 2022 – 8:30 AM
Allen Neighborhood Center
Allen Market Place Great Room
1611 E Kalamazoo St., Lansing, MI 48912
MINUTES
Members Present: Brian McGrain, Dr. Alane Laws-Barker, Calvin
Jones, Jordan Sutton, Andrea Binoniemi, Michael
McKissic, Catherine Rathbun
Members Absent:Shelley Davis-Boyd (excused), Blake Johnson (excused)
Staff Present:Karl Dorshimer, Kris Klein, Aurelius Christian, Mitch
Timmerman
Guests: Jennifer Abood-Morris - LEAP, Beth Chapman - CSH
Call to Order
Chair Binoniemi called the Lansing Economic Development Corporation meeting to order at
9:55 AM.
Approval of LEDC Board Meeting Minutes – Friday, May 6, 2022
MOTION: McGrain moved to approve the LEDC meeting minutes from the Friday, May 6,
2022 Board of Directors meeting, as presented. Motion seconded by Jones.
YEAS: Unanimous. Motion carried.
Update on Financials
Abood-Morris provided update on financials, loans are current, hoping to close out CDBG
program. No red flags or concerns. Abood-Morris noted that this is her last month reporting to
the Board and introduced Beth Chapman of Clark Shaefer Hackett who will now be
reporting out to the Board.
Transition Update
Dorshimer gave update on transition regarding payroll, employee benefits, phones, laptops,
and physical office space. He also stated that Kambriana Crank will be leaving LEAP on
June 30th, Dorshimer introduced Aurelius Christian as a new employee of the LEDC to start
officially on July 1. Dorshimer said the LEDC was looking to hire an Office and Finance
Manager for the Lansing EDC. Dorshimer also updated board members on the likelihood of
the LEDC locating at 230 N. Washington, Sq in Downtown Lansing.
Jones congratulated and welcomed Aurelius Christian to the Lansing EDC team.
McGrain thanked the partnership with LEAP, and also congratulated Aurelius Christian on his
new position.
Binoniemi thanked the staff, and updates board on transition teamwork help the Lansing
EDC staff facilitate transition of the LEDC.
FY2022/2023 LEDC & City of Lansing Economic Development Contract (ACTION)
Dorshimer introduced and provided an overview of the final draft Contract with the City.
Binoniemi spoke on the contract and informed the Board about it.
MOTION: Jones moved, Rathbun seconded.
YEAS: Unanimous, motion carried.
LEDC & LEAP Memorandum of Understanding (ACTION)
Binoniemi introduced and gave overview of MOU with LEAP. Binoniemi inquiried about EPA
Assessment Grant, Klein explains how certain programs and services will continue on as a
joint effort between LEAP and the LEDC and the MOU defines how this will happen and what
each party is responsible for. Jones inquired if the Lansing EDC attorney has reviewed the
MOU. Klein indicates that the EDC’s attorney has reviewed the MOU—also indicates that this
is the first time the Board has reviewed this document.
MOTION: McGrain moved, McKissic seconded.
YEAS: Unanimous, motion carried.
Approval of FY2021/2022 LEDC Budget Amendment (ACTION)
Dorshimer introduced and reviewed the FY2022/2023 LEDC Budget Amendment, McGrain
noted we have a profit and that we should transfer out of ‘fund balance’, Klein indicated
the reason for why we are executing the amendment.
MOTION: Jones moved for approval, Rathbun seconded.
YEAS: Unanimous, motion carried.
Approval of FY2022/2023 LEDC Budget (ACTION)
Dorshimer introduced and discussed FY2022/2023 Budget. Dorshimer summarized budget
revenues and expenses for Board.
Jones inquired about training opportunities for Board members. Dorshimer explains there are
funds in the budget for this use. McGrain noted MEDA offers trainings for economic
development for either Board members or staff. McGrain also talked about how trainings
and conferences will allow for further business recruitment as well as re-distributing monies for
training. Binoniemi noted agreement and that she would like budget amendments to fund
such items if once the funding and new budget takes better shape.
MOTION: McGrain moved, Jones seconded.
YEAS: Unanimous, motion carried.
Open Forum for LEDC Board Members
None.
Other Business
Christian offered an update on Site Committee and the work that is being done on Logan
Square. Indicates we are looking for a vision and action plan, engagement of consulting
group. McGrain further discussed and is excited about possibilities for Logan Square.
Klein indicated that we have several LEDC Micro-Loan requests and that the Loan
Committee will need to be further populated by other Board members—currently Director
Johnson is on the Committee but has indicated his plans to resign. Jones volunteered to be
on the Committee, and it was noted that Chair of the LEDC is on the Loan Committee and
may appoint. Klein indicates that if any other members would like to participate, they are
welcome to join.
Binoniemi indicated that as we move through the LEDC Transition that we should list
opportunities for Committees, Trainings and other events for Board members.
McGrain indicated that he and other Board members are available for coffee, phone calls,
lunch etc. Binoniemi also echoes those sentiments.
Rathbun gives introduction of herself and her work within Lansing.
Public Comment
None.
LEDC Employment (Closed Session)
Binoniemi introduced LEDC Employment Offer.
MOTION: Jones moved to enter a closed session to discuss employment related matters,
McGrain seconded.
ROLL CALL:
Rathbun: yea
Jones: yea
Sutton: yea
McGrain: yea
McKissic: yea
Binoniemi: yea
Unanimous, motion carried.
Adjournment
Chair Binoniemi called the Lansing Economic Development Corporation meeting to
adjournment at 10:52 AM.
________________________________________________________
Karl Dorshimer, Vice President of Economic Development
Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP)