Highway 25 Coalition Meeting Minutes 12-14-2017Highway 25 Coalition
Meeting Minutes — December 14, 2017
7:30 AM
Monticello Community Center — North Mississippi Room
Members Present - Sherburne County — Tim Dolan, Dan Weber, and Andrew Witter; City of
Becker — Tracy Bertram; Becker Township — Brian Kolbinger; City of Big Lake — Clay
Wilfahrt, Layne Otteson, and Hannah Klimmek; City of Monticello — Jeff O'Neill and Jennifer
Schreiber; and Wright County —Darek Vetsch
Others Present: Stacy Morse, Tom Emmer's Office
1. Call to order.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 a.m.
2. Consideration of approval of meeting minutes from meeting August 31, 2017.
Motion by Tim Dolan, seconded by Tracy Bertram, to approve the meeting minutes as
amended. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Treasurer's Report
None given.
4. Update on Highway 25 Corridor Study
Andrew Witter provided an update. The group has developed a revised purpose and needs
statement; an environmental document; and a public involvement plan. There is
continued discussion on narrowing down of the evaluation criteria. The next meeting of
the group is January 10, 2018, when more in depth review of alternatives will be
discussed. Mr. Witter also mentioned the public informational aspect of the study which
includes an open house, social media, signage, etc.
5. Corridors of Commerce Program Update
Jeff O'Neill provided an update and noted that the group should consider soon a request
for funding. There was some discussion centered on the need for project identification
and the fact that this is a valuable program to fund larger regional projects. Andrew
Witter commented that perhaps a resolution could be developed in support for Corridors
of Commerce funds for future needs.
6. Transportation and related Economic Development or Land Use Updates
• Becker — 2018 should be a positive year with lots of activity.
• Becker Township — None.
• Big Lake — There was significant housing growth in 2017.
• Big Lake Township — None.
• Monticello — The City is in process of land acquisition for the Fallon Avenue
Overpass project which will begin in 2018. There is a subdivision scheduled for
development in 2018. Monticello is low on industrial property. The City is also
looking at hiring a full-time Deputy Fire Chief in 2018.
• Sherburne County — The County is holding a legislative meeting on January 4.
The Council is in the process of rebranding; updating their website; MN freight
program; and their long range transportation plan. They are also seeking a
broadband grant.
• Wright County — The new courthouse building should be completed around
September/October 2019. A space study of the current building is being
conducted.
7. I-94 Update
Update on Corridors of Commerce and explanation of how scoring is implemented.
There was discussion of the group in regard to the Transportation Alliance and whether
the coalition should be a member. It was noted that there may be redundancy due to the
fact that both counties are members. In addition, cities are supported through the League
of MN Cities. This topic may be brought back for further discussion.
8. Legislative Updates
Stacy Morse provided an update on potential infrastructure funding. More information on
the President's infrastructure bill will be provided in January.
9. Adjourn.
There being no further discussion, there was a motion by Tim Dolan, seconded by Darek
Vetsch, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Approved — JS (1-25-18)