EDA Minutes 01-08-2020MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
Wednesday, January 8th, 2020 — 6:00 p.m.
Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Commissioners Present: Steve Johnson, Jon Morphew, Tracy Hinz, 011ie Koropchak-
White, Lloyd Hilgart and Jim Davidson
Commissioners Absent: Bill Tapper
Staff Present: Jim Thares and Angela Schumann
1. Call to Order
Steve Johnson called the Regular Meeting of the EDA to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
3. Consideration of additional agenda items
None.
4. Consent Agenda - Item 4a through 4c
LLOYD HILGART MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. TRACY
HINZ SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 6-0.
a. Consideration of approving Regular Meeting Minutes — December 11, 2019
Recommendation: Approve Regular Meeting Minutes — December 11, 2019.
b. Consideration of approving payment of bills
Recommendation: Approve payment of bills through December, 2019.
c. Consideration of approving staff attendance at 2020 Winter EDAM
Conference; January
Recommendation: Authorize Economic Development Manager to attend the 2020
EDAM Winter Conference.
5. Consideration of authorizing solicitation of Request for Oualifications for Housing
Needs and Market Demand Study
Jim Thares explained the importance of updating the 2017 Housing Study that was
completed by WSB. He noted that a more updated and detailed study would be necessary
especially as several multi -family development projects are being built in Monticello.
Tracy Hinz asked if the study should be put on hold until the development projects are
completed. Thares acknowledged that new buildings could alter the market. He explained
that all new and proposed -pending development of multi -family projects would be
included in the study.
Hilgart noted that it would be good to understand the current need for housing in
Monticello especially as multi -family developments are trending in Monticello and the
surrounding region.
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TRACY HINZ MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE EDA AUTHORIZE PREPARATION
OF AN RFQ (REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS) FORM AND TO FURTHER
SOLICIT RESPONSES FROM KNOWN AREA FIRMS INVOLVED IN
COMPLETING HOUSING STUDIES. OLLIE KOROPCHAK-WHITE SECONDED
THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 6-0.
6. Consideration of funding request for Co -Work Concept Tech Meet Up Event in the
amount of $700.00
Jim Thares provided an overview of the request and explained in detail what a co -
working space consists of. He noted that a group of Monticello residents are interested in
bringing such a space to the downtown area. Thares explained that often they are quasi
(public and privately) funded. Thares stated that the $700 request could be pulled from
the EDA marketing budget and would help cover the cost of holding an informational and
interest gathering meeting and food/beverage.
It was noted that Crystal Nutt presented to the EDA previously about the concept and her
interest in applying for a fellowship to help fund the startup of the concept. The grant was
submitted, but not awarded.
The EDA asked for further information to be provided at a future meeting that would
include a business plan, cost of starting -up, and the EDA's role in the project. In general,
the EDA is supportive of the concept.
JIM DAVIDSON TABLED THE ITEM FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION WITH THE
CO -WORK GROUP. JON MORPHEW SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED, 6-0.
7. Director's Report
Jim Thares provided the Director's Report.
It was noted on 7A. (EDA owned property 300 E 4th Street) the Fire Department should
use the property for a training burn if interested.
Thares indicated that the Prospect List added one next business: Project Dancer. Thares
also explained that UMC is expected to submit their JCF for the City's final review
before sending to DEED. It was reminded that the EDA cannot approve the land
transaction before receiving the funds from the State. The escrow money is due by
February 12th
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8. Adjourn
TRACY HINZ MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 6:48 P.M. JIM
DAVIDSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 6-0.
Recorder: Jacob Thunander
Approved: February 12th, 2020
Attest:
Jim ares, Economic Development Director
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