IEDC Minutes 12-03-2019MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 — 7:00 a.m.
North Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Members Present: Darek Vetsch, Kevin Steffensmeier, Joni Pawelk, Luke Dahlheimer, Dick Van
Allen, Andrew Tapper, Mike Carr, Christopher Church, Elizabeth Calpas, and
Randy Skarphol
Members Absent: Brian Stumpf, Steve Johnson, Wayne Elam, Don Roberts, Kari Moorhouse, and
Meghan Hanson
Guests Present: Jadyn Nelson, Monticello Hight School Senior
Liaisons Present: Jeff O'Neill, Jim Thares, Marcy Anderson, and Duane Northagen
1. Call to Order
Darek Vetsch called the Regular Meeting of the IEDC to order at 7 a.m.
2. Approve Minutes:
a. November 4th, 2019 meeting minutes
LUKE DAHLHEIMER MOVED TO APPROVE THE NOVEMBER 4TH, 2019
MINUTES. KEVIN STEFFENSMEIER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED, 10-0.
3. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
None.
4. Consideration of Member Term Expirations and Recommending Actions for
Reappointment to new 3 -year terms
DICK VAN ALLEN MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL THE
APPOINTMENT OF IEDC COMMITTEE MEMBERS JONI PAWELK, WAYNE
ELAM, DON ROBERS, KEVIN STEFFENSMEIER, AND STEVE JOHNSON TO A
NEW 3 -YEAR TERM ON THE IEDC (PENDING THEIR WILLINGNESS TO
SERVE). KEVIN STEFFENSMEIER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED, 10-0.
5. Table Topic: School District Update — Facilities, Programs, Partnerships with
Businesses, City and Others
Mike Carr, Monticello Public Schools, provided an update regarding the school district.
In summary, Carr discussed a preliminary 2020 budget along with estimated projects and
projection methods. Carr stated that class sizes are just over 300 students per grade. He
noted that the current 7th and 8th grade classes are larger, and it estimated to have an
additional 100 students per class when they are in high school. Carr noted that with the
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additional class sizes, the school district has been discussing additions to the parking lot
and interior space. The expansion would be expected to occur at Eastview Education
Center and there would be architects coming to the site later next year for evaluation.
Carr also explained that they have partnered with a variety of organizations in the
community. They are working on promoting trade jobs after high school rather than a
typical four-year degree.
Jeff O'Neill also explained that staff have been meeting with the school district quarterly.
There has been discussion about a possible school near Bertram, but more information is
needed. O'Neill also explained that Monticello has some development occurring that
should be supportive of families.
6. Reports (Verbal Reports):
a. Economic Development
Jim Thares provided the Economic Development update. He noted that staff are
continuing to work on Project Novus (UMC), Project 6580, and Project Shepard.
Most recently, new Project Jaguar, Project Kata, and Project Dancer have begun
to become more organized in their respective concept proposals.
Thares also explained that the main priority for the EDA is the redevelopment of
downtown. The focus has been on Block 52 and talking with property owners to
understand their interest in selling property to the EDA. This is a process that
may take another 15 to 24 months. The EDA is continuing to dialogue with
Beard Group, Inc., Hopkins, regarding concepts and process. A recent tour of
their development in Robbinsdale, MN was impressive and informative.
b. Planning Commission Agenda (attached)
The Planning Commission agenda was reviewed as attached to the agenda.
c. City Council
Jeff O'Neill and Darek Vetsch provided an update regarding the Central
Mississippi Regional Planning Partnership (CMRPP). It was noted that a budget
was approved to create a regional Comprehensive Plan. Planning Next was
chosen as the consultant of the project. The estimated time frame to complete the
project is 18 months.
O'Neill also stated that the new Public Work's Building is on hold. The estimated
cost to construct the building came well above the estimate.
O'Neill reminded the board that they developed the idea of FiberNet. It was noted
that FiberNet is cash flowing. Discussions would be occurring in the future on
whether to have FiberNet remain a public entity or switch to the private sector.
IEDC input will be required.
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O'Neill also noted that Haven Ridge, a 336 -unit single family subdivision, was
approved but is still working through final post approval checklist items.
The City also received land use applications and approved the development stage
PUD and a preliminary plat for a large vacant parcel along Chelsea Road,
Edmonson Avenue, Dundas Road/and Cedar Street which is currently owned by
Premier Bank. The development is known as Deephaven and is proposing a 165 -
unit (market rate) apartment complex. It is expected that the applicant will request
an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan for a mixed-use area (commercial and
residential).
d. Chamber of Commerce
Marcy Anderson provided an update on behalf of the Chamber. She indicated that
the December Board Meeting would occur at the Wright Technical Center. She
also stated that the Annual Banquet would be held on Friday, December 6tn
7. Adiournment
Darek Vetsch adjourned the meeting at 7:51 a.m.
Recorder: Jacob Thunander
Approved: January 7th, 2020
Attest.
Economic Development Director
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