EDA Minutes 12-09-2020MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 — 6:00 p.m.
Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Participants attended either in -person or remotely.
Commissioners Present: Steve Johnson, Bill Tapper, Jon Morphew, Tracy Hinz, 011ie
Koropchak-White, Lloyd Hilgart, and Jim Davidson
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
TRACY HINZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. JIM DAVIDSON
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 7-0.
a. Consideration of Approving Workshop Meeting Minutes — November 10,
2020
Recommendation: Approve Workshop Meeting Minutes — November 10, 2020.
b. Consideration of Approving Regular Meeting Minutes - November 10, 2020
Recommendation: Approve Regular Meeting Minutes — November 10, 2020.
c. Consideration of Approving Payment of Bills
Recommendation: Approve payment of bills through November.
d. Consideration to Appoint Jon Morphew to a New Six -Year Term on the EDA
Recommendation: Move to recommend Commissioner Jon Morphew for re-
appoint by the City Council to a six -year term to the Economic Development
Authority, effective January 1, 2021 and ending 12-31-26.
Regular Agenda
5. Consideration of 2021 WSB Economic Development Assistance Services Proposal
Jim Thares noted that the current WSB Economic Development Assistance Services
contract will end on December 31, 2020. Thares requested renewal of the service
proposal, which includes a combination of the 2019 and 2020 work scope items. Thares
highlighted Jim Gromberg's, WSB, work with various projects throughout 2020 and the
Economic Development Authority Minutes — December 9", 2020 Page 1 1 3
2021 contract proposal measurable services as indicated in the agenda packet. The
proposal includes an additional $75 per month charge from the previous contract for a
total of $10,200. The EDA budget has $9,300 budgeted in the miscellaneous professional
services line item. Staff recommended approval of the service contract with WSB.
Jim Gromberg discussed the value added to the City of Monticello EDA and progress
throughout 2020. Gromberg noted that 2021 would want to focus on Project Gia-Saurus
and tying the Comprehensive Plan goals and objectives and EDA work plan together.
Steve Johnson relied on staff to provide input on the usefulness and value of the WSB
contract to the City. Thares encouraged continued partnership with WSB.
Tracy Hinz appreciated the partnership and contract with WSB. She noted the importance
of Thares actively engaging WSB in projects rather than waiting to initiate involvement.
Lloyd Hilgart asked what WSB is seeing from an industrial standpoint where businesses
are looking to expand or relocate, especially with the current situation. Gromberg thought
that Cities such as Monticello would see growth. He didn't feel multi -tenant office space
would be as desirable, but smaller regional manufacturing facilities and regional
distribution centers may be seen. Gromberg noted that Monticello and similar
communities would need to evaluate and understand how to prepare for distribution.
Also, importantly noted was to understand how to develop the workforce necessary.
Having the property readily available for new industrial businesses will be key.
Johnson noted that large projects, such as the potential Project Gia-Saurus, would provide
the anchor for more development in the area.
BILL TAPPER MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED 2021 WSB ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE SERVICES CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$10,200. JIM DAVIDSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 7-0.
6. Economic Development Director's Report
Jim Thares provided the Economic Development Director's Report as noted in the staff
report.
Bill Tapper indicated that his business at 212 Chelsea Road installed solar panels. He
noted that 50 percent of their energy would be consumed by solar energy. Steve Johnson
requested an article be drafted by the City in a future newsletter.
Johnson mentioned that there may be an opportunity for artwork in the transom windows
of Jill Agosto's newly renovated building. Thares added that the Monticello Art's
Initiative has reached out to staff to ask if they could use 101 and 107 Broadway West for
some art displays inside the windows. Thares noted that the heat would remain on in the
building.
Economic Development Authority Minutes.— December 9", 2020 Page 2 13
The EDA would be canceling their Regular Meeting on December 23, 2020.
7. Adjourn
TRACY HINZ MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 6:40 P.M. BILL TAPPER
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 7-0.
Recorder: Jacob Thunander -r
Approved: auarlyl3th, 2021
Attest: '.sj_
s, Economic Development Director
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