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Gary approves MOU with Greater Gary Community Foundation; festival and block-party dates set
Summary
The board approved an MOU with the Greater Gary Community Foundation to manage tourism funds; the meeting announced the Greater Gary Music Festival for June 27 and the Jackson block party for Aug. 29–30.
The City of Gary Board of Public Works and Safety voted May 7 to approve a memorandum of understanding with the Greater Gary Community Foundation to administer city tourism funds and assist with events and initiatives.
During discussion the mayor stated he "serves as president of the foundation" and recused/abstained from the recorded vote; the motion carried with four votes in favor and one abstention. The MOU sets out that the foundation will work with the Legacy Foundation to manage funds, provide monthly financial records and accept tourism funds and donations as a fiduciary for city events.
Board members described the arrangement as a means to receive donations and sponsorships for city events while keeping donated funds in a separate account and ensuring vendors are paid. The board and staff announced two summer events under the foundation's purview: the Greater Gary Music Festival, set for June 27 at Rail Cats Park, and the 2300 Jackson Street block party at Roosevelt on Aug. 29–30, with food trucks, music and family activities.
Board members asked staff to ensure clear financial reporting under the MOU and confirmed that the foundation would provide monthly records to the city controller or a designee. The board approved the agreement with one recusal/abstention recorded and asked staff to move forward with event logistics and vendor arrangements in coordination with the Legacy Foundation.
