EDA Meeting Minutes - 11/09/2022 (Workshop)MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) WORKSHOP
Wednesday, November 9, 2022 — 5:00 p.m.
Academy Room, Monticello Community Center
Members Present: President Steve Johnson, Treasurer Tracy Hinz, 011ie Koropchak-White,
Hali Sittig and Councilmembers Lloyd Hilgart and Charlotte Gabler
Members Absent: Vice -President Jon Morphew
Staff Present: Executive Director Jim Thares, Angela Schumann, Ron Hackenmueller
1. Call to Order
President Steve Johnson called the workshop meeting of the Monticello EDA to order at
5:00 p.m.
2. Roll Call
Mr. Johnson called the roll.
3. Project Block 52 progress
Mr. Thares provided an overview of the agenda item to the EDA and the public. The EDA
was updated on the redevelopment project on Block 52. The footings and the
foundation of the building were being installed. The EDA was also updated on the
exposed wall of the 149 W Broadway Street building (Sleep Concepts), and that the
development team is working towards completing necessary improvements of the wall,
that was subsequently exposed due to the demolition phase of the redevelopment.
Chief Building Official Ron Hackenmueller presented plans for securing and insulating
the exposed wall of 149 W Broadway Street to the EDA and the public.
No action was taken on the item.
4. Washburn Computer Group option
This item was discussed before Item #3 on the agenda. Executive Director Jim Thares
provided an overview of the agenda item. This is in relation to the Option Agreement
between Washburn Computer Group and the Monticello EDA that was approved at the
October 12, 2022 regular meeting.
Mike Willard, Owner and Manager of Washburn Computer Group, introduced himself
and addressed the EDA and the public. Mr. Willard provided an update on Washburn's
plan for growth related to the Option Agreement.
Councilmember Charlotte Gabler asked what the timeline for expansion or building was
for Washburn. Mr. Willard said that space -wise, Washburn needs to build now. With the
recent economic changes in the cost of borrowing and material price increases, it will
not be immediate near-term time frame. He is leasing space in available buildings in
Monticello to meet the capacity needs. The Washburn Computer Group equity partners
and leadership team will continue to monitor the economy and the finance conditions
hopefully be able to pursue the expansion in two or three years.
Mr. Willard explained his concern with the pricing format of the Land Purchase Option
Agreement, which was approved by the EDA at its October 12, 2022 meeting. He noted
that he had informed Mr. Thares that he was okay with the terms and pricing of the
Option Agreement prior to that meeting. He then was informed by some of the equity
investors of Washburn Computer that they were not in fact okay with the pricing
format. Hence, he is hoping to have the Option Agreement modified to satisfy
Washburn's concerns.
No action was taken on the item.
5. Facade Improvement Grant Program
Mr. Thares provided an overview of the agenda item to the EDA and the public. The
program requires a change to the name as state statute does not allow for a grant
program, but rather a forgivable loan program. The regular meeting agenda item is a
request for the EDA to make the title change to the program to reflect that. The
guidelines and regulations for the program will not change.
6. Adjournment
TRACY HINZ MOVED TO ADJOURN THE NOVEMBER 9, 2022, EDA WORKSHOP MEETING.
HALI SITTIG SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, 6-0.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 5:51 P.M.
'/Recorded By: Hayden : Ha den Stens and, A
Date Approved: December 14, 2022
EST:
m Tha es, Executive Director