Business Prospects
RDA is still working with Koch & Co. on the final stages of the tax abatement process. I have been in close contact with Thurman Miller, Nemaha County Appraiser, regarding the cost-benefit analysis. The analysis is nearly complete. After we receive some utility estimates from the City of Seneca, we can complete the analysis and begin the public hearing/review process for the tax abatement.

Mark Compton of Compton Hardware in Horton contacted me regarding business financing. He is considering an expansion of his business with additional inventory and job creation. I explained many government programs including the Kansas Enterprise Zone. Mark Compton contacted the Brown-Atchison Electric Cooperative about the Rural Business Enterprise Loan from USDA Rural Development. Mark and I recently began work on a business plan for his expansion.

Krogmann Manufacturing is considering an expansion. I discussed many financing alternatives and tax credits. I will continue to assist Krogmann as plans progress.

Local Government Relations
I attended the KDOC&H Housing Workshop in Salina on June 13. Hopefully, RDA can utilize Housing Tax Credits through KDOC&H for the proposed senior citizen housing unit in Everest. We are beginning to formulate the project with the intent of submitting an application to KDOC&H by February 2001. The Everest Housing Authority had expressed in interest in becoming a Community Housing Development Organization so that they could take advantage of Federal HOME funds. I spoke with Bradley Reiff, CHDO Program Manager for KDOC&H. For an organization to be CHDO they must be independent of the governing body and at least 1/3 of its membership must live in low-income neighborhoods. These structure requirements could complicate Everest’s CHDO certification efforts.

I attended the City of Sabetha Comprehensive Plan meeting on June 14.

I have been in contact with Galen Lay, an engineer for Bartlett and West Engineers, Inc. In 1990, Bartlett and West performed a preliminary study for Reserve regarding a proposed sewer system. I have been attempting to contact the city regarding the grant. If Reserve decides to move forward with the application, an application cannot be submitted until FY 2001 due to the length of time required to prepare a preliminary engineering report.

In the past, the City of Hamlin also contacted Mr. Lay regarding a new sewer system. On July 12, I met with Mr. Lay and the City of Hamlin. The city council was very enthused about the prospect of installing a sewer system. They will soon hold a public meeting to determine the mood of the entire city. In the meantime, Galen Lay will conduct a short feasibility study to determine if Hamlin has the appropriate resources to continue with such a project with the aid of funds from CDBG and USDA Rural Development.

I met with Nemaha County on June 19 to discuss the Regional Solid Waste Plan as well as RDA funding. They gave approval to RDA to seek meetings with Marshall County to discuss RDA expansion.

I spoke with Mick Keating, a Marshall County Commissioner. He is interested in RDA services and questioned whether RDA could apply for an ADA grant for the Marshall County Courthouse. He would be interested in RDA performing this service on a contractual basis. Keating explained that public acceptance is mixed regarding a potential tax increase for economic development purposes. At this time, the prospects of a long-term development deal are unclear. On July 3, I met with the Marshall County Commission in Marysville. After considerable discussion of RDA services, the commission voted to authorize a grant writing fee payable to RDA contingent upon the completion of the ADA grant. The commission also instructed me to prepare a proposal outlining the benefits of RDA presence in Marshall County. Much of Marshall County’s acceptance of a plan from RDA will be contingent upon the results of the sales tax referendum in the primary election. In the meantime, I have met with Jim Getty of Facility Consultants, Inc. Kansas City, MO. Mr. Getty will prepare the preliminary architectural report for the project. I also met with Richard Kyle, former mayor and current councilperson for the City of Marysville.

Nancy Wessel and John Russell, Goff, had questions on business recruitment. I explained some of our efforts and invited her to ask questions. She stopped in the RDA office. Nancy explained that she is part of a PRIDE group organized to improve Goff. I met with the City of Goff on July 5.

Miscellaneous
I attended the Hiawatha Business Appreciation Social on June 14.

On June 26 – 30, I attended The Grantsmanship Center training in Wichita. There I began work on a CDBG sewer grant application for the City of Reserve.

I attended the joint meeting of the Northeast Kansas Resource Council and representatives from the Kickapoo Nation regarding a potential mass transportation system in Brown County.

Respectfully submitted,

Scott M. Huizenga, Executive Director
Rural Development Association of Northeast Kansas