Jasper Common Council meeting notes: Big loans from Dubois Strong
The Jasper Common Council heard a report from Dubois Strong Interim President Mike Cummings at Wednesday night’s meeting.
Cummings gave an update on Dubois Strong’s structure and purpose, including programs the organization facilitates for business growth.
He told the council Dubois Strong is interested in attracting medical device manufacturers, electronic component manufacturing, and transportation distribution as well as military contracting to the area. The skills the county workforce has now easily translates into these sectors of industry according to Cummings.
Dubois Strong partnered with VUJC to bring the Purdue Technical Assistance Program to Dubois County businesses. This program offers free and paid training to area businesses and industry. Here is information about a free upcoming class.
Cummings also spoke about the Enterprise Loan Fund that is available for business start-ups The program is for businesses that have trouble with more traditional lending institutions. Through this program Dubois Strong has awarded 11 loans totaling about $200,000, resulting in about 35 jobs in the county. “We have about $100,000 to loan out now,” Cummings said.
An additional loan program facilitated through the U.S. Department of Agricultural allows Dubois Strong to offer larger loans. According to Cummings, Dubois Strong can borrow money from the USDA at 1 percent interest and then they would make loans from that at “a little higher interest.” Currently, Dubois Strong has access to $250,000 but this could be increased to $15 million in the future. The program allows Dubois Strong to loan up to $150,000 to businesses, but this could be increased to up to $1 million in the future.
Dubois Strong has had no defaults on the loans they have made through the Enterprise Loan fund and is confident they will continue to experience the same success in the future.
The council also:
Heard the Utility Service Board meeting report from Utilities Manager Bud Hauersperger. That story is here.
Approved Police Chief Michael Bennett’s request to use Local Police Continuing Education (LPCE) funds to purchase an unmarked police vehicle and computers for the department. Bennett requested $40,000 to purchase a 2013 unmarked police vehicle, a Dodge Charger, and some computer equipment and software. According to Bennett there is about $80,000 in the fund at this time.
The additional car will will bring the department up to two pool cars. The funds in the LPCE come from fees collected for gun permit applications, vehicle inspections, court fees, and traffic accident reports – the department has collected about $6000 so far this year. In addition to training, the fund is also used to purchase ammunition yearly.
Councilman Buchta asked if there was enough money to make the purchases and have two new officers trained. Bennett confirmed there was enough money in the fund to accomplish this.
Heard an update from the mayor on the Jasper Downtown Master Plan. A public workshop with City Visions will be held on April 2 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the former Obermeyer Yamaha building at Third and Mill Street. Local businesses will have sample of food for attendees.
On April 3, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., the first public meeting of the advisory board formed for developing the plan for the former-Jasper Country Club property will be held at the Habig Center.
Heard an update on an amendment to a bill presented by Rep. Mark Messmer. The amendment would allow the Jasper Cabinet building to be used as an abode, allowing it for residential or hotel development. It is in the senate for consideration at this time. The Department of Natural Resources has stipulated that one additional caveat be added to the amendment that would limit any abode to be at least two feet or above the base flood elevation. The base flood elevation is 460 feet, the loading dock on the building is 461.44 feet. There is no intention to put an abode on the first floor according to City Attorney Renee Kabrick.
Crews have also started to demolition the rear collapsed section of the Jasper Cabinet building. This has been in poor condition and Councilman Tom Schmidt has been pushing for work to begin on this section since last fall.
The Redevelop Old Jasper Action Coalition (ROJAC) will also be holding a ground breaking on the German American Blvd on Monday at 10 a.m.
