Angola Council supports Trine University proposal

ANGOLA — Angola’s Common Council agreed to be a partner on the Trine University strategic plan initiative at a special meeting Wednesday morning.

Mayor Dick Hickman said the council — in a 4-0 vote with Councilman Dave Martin absent — agreed to support a joint effort with Trine and the Steuben County Economic Development Corp. The proposed $28 million partnership aims to promote the development of new business in the county. Trine is proposing an economic development plan that would center on the biomedical sciences industry.

Angola’s Council did not pledge any money toward the project, although Hickman said earlier the city has about $3.7 million in Major Moves money. That money can only be used for infrastructure, roads and economic development and is from the 2006 lease of the Indiana Toll Road.

Hickman said the proposed Trine project would add to the tax base and could potentially create jobs.

“We told Trine we didn’t feel they needed to be (at the special meeting). I’m looking forward to the nuts and bolts (of the project being announced),” he said, and added Fremont hasn’t taken an official stance of support for the project, but Town Manager Chris Snyder has said he supports it.

Also at the special meeting, the council agreed to let Hickman and Martin be negotiators on the project on behalf of the city.

“I let the university and (SCEDC) know we want to be a part of it,” Hickman said.

Councilman Gary Crum voiced a desire to look to the future and the Trine programs. Council members Kathy Armstrong and Dave Olson said they agreed and wanted the project to remain transparent.

Recently, the Steuben County Commissioners signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding to move the project forward. At the same time, they are inviting Trine back to the table to continue discussions on an economic development partnership.

On Jan. 24, Trine officials asked the county to spend $13.9 million of Major Moves money. Trine would then match the investment dollar for dollar. That proposal was withdrawn.

Since that time, reportedly Trine has begun negotiations with other entities on the project.