Justin Clausen, owner of L & J Manufacturing Solutions (1001 S. Council St., Muncie), told the Redevelopment Commission the company is expanding production and expects to create roughly 30 jobs, with operator starting wages around $21 an hour. Clausen said he has invested roughly $1.3 million to date and expected total investment to be about $2.5 million before June; he requested assistance with building work and a fire suppression (sprinkler) system.

Board members asked for clearer documentation on payroll projections, invoices and a draft agreement specifying what the RDC would provide and what the company will commit to deliver. Commissioners asked staff to prepare a draft agreement for the board to review. With those follow-up items requested, the commission moved to table the request pending the agreement and additional documentation.

Next steps: Clausen will provide the payroll and construction quotes to staff; staff will prepare a draft assistance agreement and recommendation for a future RDC meeting.