Wingate park committee approves fundraising letter after $192,100 grant; pavilion specs to follow state bidding rules

Sally Fruits told the council the Park Improvement Committee collected $50 at the Sweet Corn Festival, bringing the Park Improvement Fund balance to $68,301.75. The committee discussed a $192,100 grant awarded for park improvements to fund a picnic shelter, accessible restrooms, a concession stand and a community conference room. Committee members debated whether to disclose the grant amount in solicitation materials and decided the fundraising letter's primary goal is to encourage tax-deductible donations to the Montgomery County Community Foundation.

After reading the draft letter aloud, the council approved the fundraising letter on a motion by Andrew Lorenz, seconded by Curt Hadley. Janet Alexander said she would consult with Kelly Taylor of the Community Foundation before distribution.

On related park work, Janet Alexander reviewed Indiana Code procurement rules for public works projects, noting specifications and bid advertising requirements (advertise specifications and publish a request for bids in the Journal Review twice, two weeks apart). Andrew Lorenz volunteered to help the Park Improvement Committee complete the pavilion specifications and Janet will provide Rose Scovell's contact information and ask the Town Attorney Stu Weliever to review the advertisement language and voluntary annexation status for the park property.

The council did not award construction contracts at the meeting; the committee will finalize specifications and follow the required advertising and bidding process before seeking bids.