IEDC Minutes 06-04-2019MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 — 7:00 a.m.
North Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Members Present: Darek Vetsch, Kevin Steffensmeier, Steve Johnson, Wayne Elam, Dick Van
Allen, Don Roberts, Andrew Tapper, Mike Carr, Christopher Church, Elizabeth
Calpas, Randy Skarphol, Kari Moorhouse
Members Absent: Joni Pawelk and Luke Dahlheimer
Liaisons Present: Mayor Brian Stumpf, Jeff O'Neill, Jim Thares, Marcy Anderson, and Duane
Northagen
1. Call to Order
Darek Vetsch called the meeting of the IEDC to order at 7:00 a.m.
2. Approve Minutes:
a. May 7th, 2019 meeting minutes
KEVIN STEFFENSMEIER MOVED TO APPROVE THE MAY 7TH, 2019
MEETING MINUTES. ANDREW TAPPER SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED, 12-0.
3. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
None.
4. Table Topic — Available Commercial and Industrial Building Shortage; Potential
Solutions
Jim Thares noted the history of selecting this topic for the IEDC. It was noted that Randy
Skarphol has met with clients that are interested in locating in Monticello, but that there
are not any available industrial buildings or adequate lots. Thares mentioned that a
peripheral annual EDA goal is to explore collaborating with the private sector in
developer of a spec building. The goal has not been a central focus and thus has not been
acted on yet.
Jeff O'Neill shared that the City will be completing a Comprehensive Plan update in late
2019-2020. The Lakota Group and WSB would be completing this process. That process
may help identify possible locations for industrial development and bring the issue into
more focus.
Wayne Elam noted concerns with industrial development in Monticello. He noted that
larger acreage industrial sites are needed. There is also the need for relaxed zoning code
standards as related to building materials and outdoor storage.
Industrial and Economic Development Committee Minutes — June 4th, 2019 Page 1 1 3
Discussion continued regarding available industrial land versus industrial buildings. The
IEDC also discussed the annexation area and township development of industrial sites.
Darek Vetsch noted that he would bring back the comments to the County and anticipated
that the City would too. He noted that he would like this item to be brought back in
October.
5. Consideration of Update of BR&E Visits/Schedule — Verbal updates to be provided
Jim Thares explained that staff have coordinated several BR&E visits this summer. Two
of those visits occurred in April, one in May, and two in June.
The latest visit was at WSI Industries/Polaris. Liz Calpas attended the tour and provided
an update. It was noted that the business is doing well. They are looking to hire more
staff and possibly expand.
A visit is scheduled for June 41h at 10 a.m. at Midwest Precision Machining and on June
24th at 10 a.m. at UMC.
Darek Vetsch asked to add an item regarding the July meeting. In the past, the IEDC cancels
the July meeting due to the holiday.
DON ROBERTS MOVED TO CANCEL THE JULY IEDC MEETING. ANDREW
TAPPER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 12-0.
6. Reports (Verbal Reports):
a. Economic Development
Jim Thares provided the economic development report. He began by giving an
update on behalf of the Engineering Department. He briefly discussed the
following: Walnut and Broadway pedestrian improvements, other sidewalk/trail
improvements, sewer line and SCADA projects (2020), overlay projects, and
Bertram Chain of Lakes phase 1.
Thares also discussed current development proposals or construction projects. He
provided the following update:
• Headwater's Senior Living
o 92 unit facility (first phase)
o To be considered at the Planning Commission meeting on June 4th
• Monticello RV
o Ground breaking was held on May 15
Briggs/Rivertown Residential Suites
o Underground parking constructed
Prospect list (provided)
o Three additions
0
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b. Planning Commission Agenda (attached)
c. City Council
Jeff O'Neill provided an update on behalf of the City Council. He noted Xcel
Energy has announced that they plan to continue to operate the Monticello
Nuclear Generation Plant for another ten years beyond the current license
expiration of 2030.
O'Neill also commented that the closing of the Ellison House occurred. The City
received a land use application for Haven Ridge. This is a residential subdivision
of over 300 units.
Brian Stumpf noted that bids were received from the MnDOT I-94 project. The
bids were well over the projected costs and they are at standstill.
d. Chamber of Commerce
Marcy Anderson explained that an event called "Breakfast with Politics" would
occur on Thursday, June 13th. Anderson requested that the City be present and
invited IEDC members ato attend.
Anderson also explained that Riverfest would be held July 11 t" through the 14th.
Corporate duck adoptions are available to support the community celebration.
Anderson explained that Walk `n' Roll would occur on June 8th from 9 a.m. to 1
p.m. starting at the CentraCare Health parking lot. Over 50 bikes were donated by
businesses for this year's event.
She provided an update about the successful golf tournament. There were 152
golfers. It was one of the best golf events ever organized by the Chamber.
7. Adiournment
Kevin Steffensmeier adjourned the meeting at 8:05 a.m.
Recorder: Jacob Thunander
Approved: August 6th, 2019
Attest.
Jim hares, Economic Development Director
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