MINUTES

The members of the Coalition Board met at 4 pm at City Hall, Shelbyville, Indiana, on Monday February 24, 2025. There were 3 members present in person, 1 member via TV, and 3 city advisors.

Those present were:

Anissa Buffy Powers, Liz Renton, Don Collins, and President Kay Koenig on remote TV, and City Advisor Jenna Martin, Shane Peters, and Tyler Comstock as the new City Engineer.

Those not attending were; Shellie Ellison, Denise Holland, Kimberly Wilson, and Shane Roell. It was reported that Kim Koehl of Shelby Senior Services had left her position and would no longer be a committee member or the Treasurer of the Coalition.

The Minutes of the November 25, 2024 meeting was reviewed and approved. They were sent to all members by email.

The Committee reviewed the Mission, Vision, and Purpose of what the Coalition was dedicated to accomplishing in the future.

Tyler Comstock was introduced as the new City Engineer and he talked about his education and experience and local experience in Shelby County. He gave a report on ADA compliance on current work being done at the Circle K, Dunkin Donuts, and the Refueling Station.

Shane Peters gave a report on the trail along McKay Street. A new bridge has been added over the drainage ditch and the work is looking good and progressing well.

Jenna Martin told the Committee that the SENSES Indoor Sensory Gym would be organization featured this coming October and this program has been operating within the Golden Bear Preschool since September 1, 2019 and has served over 25,000 young children in their program.

Don Collins reported the current bank balance was $8,294.21. No change from the last meeting.

President Kay needs some assistance in recruiting more new members to serve on Committee and needs help from current members to offer some recommendations on prospective new candidates.

She is also working on ADA compliance issues with Eight37 Lofts and the Mill Apartments. She is also suggesting to the Bookmark that they install an automatic door to assist those with special needs.

She is asking the members of the Committee to get volunteers to organize a day to help build ramps and work with another local non-profit organization to help with this project also.

The LCC can also serve as a source for a variety of informational literature about the importance of accessibility to the community. This would include brochures, fliers, and pamphlets to have available at various events for new residents and companies coming to this community.

NEW BUSINESS

Due to the unanticipated departure of our current treasurer, the LCC now has a need for someone else to take on this role. If anyone is interested, or has a recommendation, please let President Kay know.

Don Collins reported that we have been successful in restoring our non-profit, 501(C)3 status and we could now think of soliciting funds or making applications for grants to assist in our efforts to help those in the community that need our help.

Jenna Martin prepared a list of the 5 Goals for this year. A Copy of those goals follows:

SMART Goals for the City of Shelbyville "Livable Communities Coalition"

Increase Education and Advocacy- Jenna and Don

Specific: Create and distribute an informational guide highlighting actionable ways businesses and citizens can make Shelbyville more accessible for individuals with special mobility needs.

Measurable: Reach at least 1,000 residents and businesses through digital downloads, press releases, and printed materials by June 30, 2025.

Achievable: Collaborate with local nonprofits and city departments for content and distribution.

Relevant: Encourages inclusivity and raises awareness of the committee’s mission.

Time-bound: Complete the guide creation and begin distribution by April 1, 2025.

Solicit Advocacy Opportunities- Kay

Specific: Organize quarterly community forums (or attend already curated tabling event opportunities) to gather feedback from residents and businesses on mobility and accessibility challenges.

Measurable: Host four forums/attend tabling events with at least 25 attendees each by December 2025.

Achievable: Partner with local organizations and use city facilities for hosting.

Relevant: Provides actionable insights for the committee to address mobility issues effectively.

Time-bound: Schedule the first forum by May 1 2025

Expand Presence of the Committee – Jenna

Specific: Launch a social media campaign to highlight the committee's work, its members, provide education on local accessibility tips and recruit new members (if applicable).

Measurable: Gain 100 new social media followers and receive at least 10 new membership inquiries by December 2025.

Achievable: Utilize the City of Shelbyville’s existing social media platforms and marketing resources.

Relevant: Enhances visibility and encourages community involvement.

Time-bound: Start the campaign by May 1 2025.

Collaborate with Local Businesses- Buffy

Specific: Create an "Accessibility Partner Program" to recognize businesses implementing accessibility improvements.

Measurable: Enroll 15 businesses in the program by December 2025.

Achievable: Provide resources and recognition incentives such as window decals and/or social media shoutouts.

Relevant: Motivates businesses to actively contribute to accessibility efforts.

Time-bound: Launch the program by July 2025.

Develop Accessibility Recommendations- Liz

Specific: Create a report detailing the top five priorities for improving community accessibility, based on feedback from forums and surveys.

Measurable: Present the report to the City Council and/or Mayor by December 2025.

Achievable: Leverage data collected from forums and collaborate with local experts for recommendations.

Relevant: Supports data-driven decision-making for accessibility enhancements.

Time-bound: Draft and finalize the report by November 2025.

OLD BUSINESS

There was no old business at this meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:15 pm.

Don Collins, Secretary

Livable Communities Coalition, Inc.
1202 Highpointe Blvd.
Shelbyville, IN 46176
February 24, 2025