IEDC Minutes 05-04-2021MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, May 4, 2021— 7:00 a.m.
North Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Participants attended remotely.
Members Present: Chair Randy Skarphol, Vice -Chair Liz Calpas, Joni Pawelk, Darek Vetsch,
Kevin Steffensmeier, Brian Hudgens, Steve Johnson, Mike Carr,
Thomas Conboy, Luke Dahlheimer, Wayne Elam, Don Roberts, Andrew
Tapper, Dick Van Allen, Meghan Hanson, Sarah Kortmansky
Liaisons Present: Marcy Anderson, Jolene Foss, Rachel Leonard, Jim Thares, Dave Tombers
1. Call to Order
Randy Skarphol called the regular meeting of the IEDC to order at 7 a.m.
2. Approve Minutes:
a. April 6, 2021 meeting minutes
LIZ CALPAS MOVED TO APPROVE THE APRIL 6, 2021 MEETING MINUTES.MOTION
SECONDED BY WAYNE ELAM. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 16-0.
3. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
a. In June or July, Darek Vetsch said he would like to bring forward discussion about the
American Rescue Plan (ARP) and how the County should use the $26.3 million and
whether some of it can or should be used for infrastructure.
b. Suggestions for an update from a state rep to talk to the group about the political
aspects of what is happening at the Capitol in St. Paul. Darek Vetsch said that he will
touch base with Representative O'Neil to see if she is willing to speak to the group at
the June meeting.
4. Meeting format for June 2021 and August thru December 2021 Report
Jim Thares said he wanted to provide and update and structure of the meetings going
forward. The plan right now is to have the June meeting be the last solely virtual meeting.
Typically, the IEDC skips its meeting in July, so starting in August, the meeting would be in
person provided everyone is comfortable gathering again. Unless something unforeseen
happens intensifying the COVID-19 crisis in the early summer, that is the plan. Several
members asked if it would be possible as a convenience factor and comfort level, members
could still attend remotely; can there be a combination virtual and in -person meeting
format? It was noted that this flexibility may help to increase attendance at the meetings.
5. Wright County Economic Development Partnership Report — Jolene Foss
Jolene Foss provided an update on the Wright County Economic Development Partnership and
what they have been working on. Highlights include:
• Continuing work on marketing and promoting all businesses in Wright County.
• Received a $10,000 grant from the Initiative Foundation to continue the work on the
Workforce Pathways Initiative reboot. A lot of businesses are hiring, and the partnership
will be attending business expos and other events as they open to help promote the
program and direct the public to the website. Some key items for the group:
o Chamber summits: these will be recorded and posted on their website.
o New website launch next week, the link will be emailed to members.
o Capacity building seminars (aka, learning luncheons). June 9th is the next seminar,
and it will be about business financing options in Wright County.
o Wright County EDA: marketing properties owned by the county.
o $5,000 grant received for training licensed in -home daycare providers in first aid
and CPR. This is a "no cost certification" for daycare providers, and the grant
allows for 50 providers to be trained and certified.
Promotional video for shovel ready locations in Wright County. Currently 3 sites are
shovel ready in Monticello. Jim Thares said that Kraus Anderson (K-A) did the drone
flyover last week for the 3 shovel ready areas in Otter Creek Business Park (OCBP) and
that short video clip is being put together. The partnership will promote that through the
website and various social media platforms.
Broadband speed test: Commissioner Vetsch touched on this a bit more and he explained
that Wright County is looking to lay fiber in the ground to get internet service providers
to offer new or upgraded service to the areas in the county (primarily in the western
portion) that have the slowest broadband speeds. As part of this effort, the county is
asking residents to take an internet speed test through the Minnesota Rural Broadband
Coalition. The speed test takes just a couple of minutes and will help county planners
identify areas that have the greatest need. The link to the speed test can be found on the
Wright County website or visit https://mnruralbroadbandcoalition.com/speedtest.
Jolene said they are working to get the word out and encourage more people to take the
speed test. With the results, the county can prioritize where to put the infrastructure.
Increased development: Throughout the county there is an increased number of single-
family home building permits. A lot of commercial development in communities along
the freeway. This is all positive.
6. Table Topic— 2020 US Census Results for Minnesota —Megan Dayton, MN state
Demographic Center
Megan Dayton was unable to attend due to a family emergency, so her presentation will be
rescheduled to the August meeting. Thares discussed the press release that was included in the
agenda packet.
7. Reports (Verbal Reports):
a. Economic Development
• Project Update: Jim Thares reviewed.
• Prospects List: Jim Thares reviewed.
• Building Permits Update: Jim Thares reviewed.
b. Planning Commission Agenda (attached): Jim Thares reviewed.
c. City Council: Rachel Leonard provided updates as follows:
• Waiving liquor license fees for 15 businesses in the community to help
compensate a little bit for the effects from the closures the last year.
• Chelsea Commons: Council approved additional study and analysis of the
project. Originally was a small area plan but given the interest in the different
areas of the project, requested funding for a more in-depth traffic analysis,
financial analysis, as well as a stormwater and grading plan, and those have all
been approved.
There is a joint workshop tonight with Planning Commission & City Council to
look at the preferred concept for the larger project area.
• Haven Ridge 2nd: 47 single family homes. This has been approved.
• Storage Link: Council approved PUD, final plat, and development agreement
with storage link to develop at the corner of Chelsea Rd & 90t" Street.
d. Chamber of Commerce: Marcy Anderson provided updates as follows:
• The Chamber Annual Fundraiser Golf Tournament, June 12, 2021, is
nearly full with participants. The Tournament will be held at the
Monticello Country Club. It filled sooner than expected. It might be an
indication that people are feeling comfortable getting back to together.
All information can be found on the Chamber website.
• Good Morning Monticello: This has just started back after a full pause
year. The first one was well attended which is promising for the
business community.
• Housing Needs: Marcy said she has been getting a lot of comments and
questions about housing in Monticello, so she has been sending
information out on the Haven Ridge development and sharing that
contact information.
• Business Community Staffing Issues: The business community is really
hurting and having a difficult time finding sufficient workers to allow
them to be open for regular hours. Some businesses are compromised
and need to close certain days due to staffing. They are desperate for
help and it is going to be a hard summer if they cannot get help. Marcy
said she will be working with Jolene Foss to try and get the word out to
connect people with the jobs; it will be a group effort.
8. Adjournment:
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:01 A.M. MOTION
SECONDEDBY SARAH KORTMANSKY. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 16-0.
Recorder: Beth Green /
Approved: ane 1, 2021
Attest: \ LAAW�
im Thare�, Economic Development Director