EDA Minutes 07-08-2020 (Workshop Meeting)MINUTES
WORKSHOP MEETING - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
Wednesday, July 8th, 2020 — 4:30 p.m.
Bridge Room, Monticello Community Center
The EDA meeting was held both remotely or in-person.
Commissioners Present: Steve Johnson, Bill Tapper, Jon Morphew, Tracy Hinz, 011ie
Koropchak-White, and Jim Davidson
Commissioners Absent: Lloyd Hilgart
Staff Present: Angela Schumann and Jim Thares
1. Call to Order
Steve Johnson called the Workshop Meeting of the EDA to order at 4:30 p.m.
2. Roll Call
3. Comprehensive Plan Process/Context Overview including topics/priorities for
inclusion in developing Economic Development Chapter of plan and EDA
engagement review/process
Staff noted that the primary goal of the meeting was to discuss with the EDA their goals
and priorities for the Economic Development chapter of the comprehensive plan. The
Lakota Group will also provide a glimpse of where the consultant is in the comprehensive
plan process.
Scott Ruhland, Lakota Group, introduced himself and outlined the interactive goals for
the meeting. He highlighted the overall plan update and timeline, the commercial and
industrial land use designations, the economic development chapter, questions and
discussion, and next steps.
The Lakota Group recently completed the draft Land Use and Mobility & Connectivity
(Transportation) Chapters. The Economic Development and Parks, Trails and Open
Space are the next chapters the consultant plans to complete. It was noted that the
Community Visioning was completed early this year and that the 2040 Comprehensive
Plan would be completed by the end of this year.
Ruhland provided an in-depth overview of the draft land use plan and covered the future
land use categories, land use acreage, land use map including industrial land areas, and
special planning consideration areas.
Jim Gromberg, WSB, provided information regarding the economic development chapter
of the future Monticello 2040 + Comprehensive Plan. Gromberg noted that the first part
of the economic development chapter would include baseline information including
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recent economic development events and developments, business activity and changes to
businesses, current economic development projects, and available commercial/industrial
land. The second part of the chapter looks at issues and opportunities that the City is
facing and how they would be addressed and prepared for in the goals section of the
chapter. The consultant highlighted five draft specific goals for economic development
and also discussed the addition of redevelopment to the goals. Gromberg reminded the
EDA that this is a long-term economic development plan for the next twenty years.
The EDA, staff, and consultants discussed the future land use categories and acreages,
especially as it relates to mixed use, parks and open space, residential housing,
commercial, and industrial.
The special planning area of the Northwest Area designated for a future interchange and
supporting industrial businesses surrounding the improvement was reviewed. It was
noted that the Northwest Area and East Bertram planning areas were long-term growth
areas and that the primarily focus was development within the corporate limits or
immediately adjacent land in the orderly annexation area. The importance of remaining
flexible in the comprehensive plan for these areas was understood.
Bill Tapper asked if large distribution operations were allowed in light industrial land use
designations. Ruhland confirmed, and noted the Northwest Planning Area would allow
such uses due to the immediate access to the interstate if an interchange was built there.
There were also other notable areas in the city identified as light industrial where
distribution operations would be permitted.
Steve Johnson noted that the Monticello Orderly Annexation Agreement (MOAA) was
set to expire in the coming years and asked what would or would not happen with a
planned area designated in the township. Ruhland noted that they tried to designate areas
in the township where it made sense to have a land use designation or identify the area as
Development Reserve to continue allowing agricultural, low-density residential, or open
space land. Johnson noted that it was important that the township was positive about the
land use designations, direction, and goals. Angela Schumann noted that the township has
representation on the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and Community Advisory
Committee (CAC). Staff would be working with the township to bring on an additional
member to the CAC as the township representative has resigned. The City is working
hard to ensure the township has every opportunity to participate in this plan.
011ie Koropchak-White asked how the plan addresses the Central Mississippi River
Regional Planning Partnership (CMRP) efforts and discussion about a second bridge
crossing. Ruhland noted that the consultants acknowledge the CMRP's work, but that it
was not included in the plan at this time. The consultants recommended waiting for the
CMRP group to go through planning process before incorporating or making decisions to
include regional policies regarding a second bridge crossing.
Bill Tapper asked if the plan took into account the continued development of Bertram
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Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Ruhland mentioned it would be discussed in the Land Use
and Parks and Open Space Chapter of the comprehensive plan. He noted that it was an
important economic development opportunity as a regional park and activity center. To
what level to include policy decisions about Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park from
an economic development standpoint would be further considered. It was understood
there would be an increase in demand on the roadways to and from the park. Traffic
impacts would be expected as the development continued progressing.
The Transportation and Mobility chapter of the plan has future traffic generational data
that coincides with long term improvements and the functional classifications of those
roadways to be able to carry future traffic loads. Schumann also mentioned the micro
plan for the East Bertram area shows upgrades to 90th Street and roundabout connections
in that area. Good transportation to Bertram is important for the growth of the Park being
used on a regional basis.
Johnson mentioned the importance of housing in all of the topic areas for Economic
Development. It was noted that a housing chapter or policy/goal statements would be
created for housing.
Gromberg encouraged the EDA to consider redevelopment opportunities throughout the
City. Jim Davidson mentioned that it would be important to understand the direction for
green space on the interstate.
Tracy Hinz asked how Places of Worship were incorporated into the plan given the
potential for new facilities. Hinz also requested that the City always keep an eye out for
additional opportunities for easily accessible green/open space. Ruhland noted that Places
of Worship are generally allowed everywhere and are not specifically called out. A policy
in the Land Use Chapter talks about them being allowed in all residential and
public/institutional uses. Ruhland noted that he would review the land use designation
acreages, but noted that for residential growth, the plan does not account for
neighborhood or community parks within new developments. The acreage for parks and
open space would increase as residential growth increases. It was noted parks and open
space were an important component for the plan and a high value for the community and
City.
Koropchak-White asked about the projected residential acreage and how it relates to
projections for population density and increase. The consultants projected an increase of
6,000 people, or 2.1 percent growth rate in population over the next 20 years if the City
were to develop to the densities the plan shows, which is in line with the Metropolitan
Council's projections. Factors such as the economy and jobs will also impact that
estimation. Koropchak-White asked if those projections take into account the school
district and Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Schumann stated that the school
district has representatives on the TAC and CAC to keep them incorporated in the
process. Schumann noted that the East Bertram Planning Area does support the
construction of a new school in this area.
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Davidson commented about uncertainty of land use designation along Elm Street and
Washington Street.
Schumann noted that staff would send the EDA documents to provide comments.
Upcoming meetings with the TAC, CAC, PARCs, Planning Commission, City Council,
and Monticello Township will also occur to continue to review the draft chapters of the
plan.
4. Adjournment
JIM DAVIDSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 5:49 P.M. OLLIE
KOROPCHAK-WHITE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 6-0.
Recorder: Jacob Thunander
Approved: August 12th, 2020,
Attest:
Economic Development Director
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