IEDC Minutes 11-04-2019MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Monday, November 4th, 2019 — 7:00 a.m.
North Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Members Present: Darek Vetsch, Kevin Steffensmeier, Steve Johnson, Wayne Elam, Luke
Dahlheimer, Andrew Tapper, Mike Carr, Elizabeth Calpas, Randy Skarphol, Kari
Moorhouse, and Meghan Hanson
Members Absent: Kevin Steffensmeier, Brian Stumpf, Joni Pawelk, Dick Van Allen, Don Roberts,
and Christopher Church
Liaisons Present: Jeff O'Neill, Jim Thares, and Duane Northagen
1. Call to Order
Darek Vetsch called the Regular Meeting of the IEDC to order at 7:00 a.m.
2. Approve Minutes:
a. September 24th, 2019 meeting minutes
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 24TH, 2019
MEETING MINUTES. LIZ CALPAS SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED, 11-0.
3. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
None.
4. Manufacturer's Breakfast Event — Follow Up Report
Jim Thares provided an overview of the Manufacturer's Appreciation Breakfast that was
held on October 9th. He noted that the speaker was Traci Tapani, Wyoming Machining,
and the topic of her presentation was thinking outside of the box when hiring. After the
event, a tour of Bondhus Corporation was held.
Comments were very positive of the event. It was estimated that attendance was similar
to last year and the time of the event worked well for the IEDC and members of the
industrial community.
5. Table Topic: CMRPP (Central MississiMi River Regional Planning Partnershi
Update [formerly Hwv #25 Coalition] — Jeff O' Neill and Darek Vetsch
Darek Vetsch and Jeff O'Neill provided an overview of the work of the CMRPP. It was
noted that the organization recently changed its name from the Highway 25 Coalition.
The organization has taken a shift from only studying transportation to looking broadly at
transportation through land use, utilities, rail, and highway connections.
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Planning Next, an Ohio based firm, has been selected to lead the planning efforts over the
next 14 to 18 months. O'Neill noted that a new Joint Power's Agreement (JPA) is also in
the works. The new JPA would be open to Silver Creek Township, Monticello Township,
the City of Elk River, and the City of Otsego also becoming members of the group.
O'Neill also noted the importance of the City completing its Comprehensive Plan update
and how it dovetails with the efforts of CMRPP. The meetings of CMRPP are public
meetings and typically held every month at 7:30 a.m.
Vetsch noted that Wright County has been receiving requests for Tax Abatement. This
has never been done in Wright County and the Board is discussing whether to establish
an EDA board. He will hold off on providing more information on this effort and tool for
a future meeting.
6. Reuorts (Verbal Reuorts):
a. Economic Development
Jim Thares provided the Economic Development Report. He noted that the
Prospect List has stayed the same from the last meeting. The three main projects
that are moving forward are Project Novus (UMC), Project 6580, and Project
Shepard.
Thares also explained in detail the Block 52 project downtown. He noted that the
EDA and the Beard Group have entered into a Preliminary Development
Agreement. The plan is for high density housing with a mix of commercial,
office, and restaurant space.
Thares also mentioned that Riverwood Bank owns property along 71h Street.
There has been interest by developers to construct a hotel in a portion of that
space. Randy Skarpol explained that the developer is interested in a higher end
hotel that would accommodate 60 units and an additional 30 units in a future
phase. The developer indicated that it was the intent to also have a restaurant near
the hotel.
b. Planning Commission Agenda (attached)
Jeff O'Neill reviewed the Planning Commission Agenda. He discussed in detail
the Buchholz mult-family development item, which is located on a large vacant
parcel between Chelsea Road and Cedar Street. The site is part of an undeveloped
area of land that the City Council would prefer to see master planned and include
amenities such as a water feature and walking trails and small parklets with mini
shelters, etc.
c. City Council
Jeff O'Neill provided an update on behalf of the City Council. He explained that
the City is working on 15-18 projects, many of which are expected to come to
fruition. He explained that Fibernet is cash flowing and looking into extending
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services. The City is also looking into constructing a new Public Works
Department. There are two sites that are of interest (Chelsea Road and a site
adjacent to Dahlheimer Beverage). The preliminary report indicates that the cost
would be close to 21 million dollars. More discussion would need to occur.
The Fallon Avenue Overpass traffic diversion from Highway 25 was discussed. It
is having a positive effect in relieving some congestion of local traffic on
MNTH#25.
d. Chamber of Commerce
None.
7. Adjournment
Darek Vetsch adjourned the meeting at 7:58 a.m.
Recorder: Jacob Thunander
Approved: December 3rd, 2019
Attest.
m hares, Economic Development Director
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