IEDC Minutes - 09/05/2023INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
MINUTES
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
7:00 a.m. at Monticello Community Center
Members Present: Chairperson Sarah Kortmansky, Vice Chairperson Luke Dahlheimer, Liz
Calpas, Tracy Hinz, Liz Kokesh, Eric Olson, Corey Ritter, Randy Skarphol,
Rob Stark, Andrew Tapper, Tony Velishek
Members Absent: Wayne Elam, Jared Merchant, Joni Pawelk, Kevin Steffensmeier, Darek
Vetsch
Liaisons Present: Jim Thares, Marcy Anderson, Jolene Foss
1. Call to Order
Chairperson Sarah Kortmansky called the regular meeting of the Monticello IEDC to
order at 7:00 a.m.
Approve Minutes:
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 11 2023, REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES. RANDY SKARPHOL SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda:
None
2. Regular Agenda
A. Table Topic — 2023 Hotel & Hospitality Study Update Preview
Jim Thares, Economic Development Manager, presented the Hotel Market Study
prepared by the Hospitality Consulting Group, highlighting points from the
report.
The scope of the study is to evaluate the demographic and economic profile
information and analyze the hotel room demand in Monticello and the primary
market area. Based on the current local hotel supply and demand for
Monticello, the Study indicates that a national upper mid -scale hotel affiliated
with one of several national brands would be viable in Monticello. A new hotel is
also recommended to have amenities like an indoor pool, meeting room(s) of
800-1,200 square feet, an fitness -exercise room, and facilities to provide a
complimentary breakfast. Other recommended amenities would include a
business center and a rewards program.
Hospitality Consulting Group, Inc. reviewed 4 possible new hotel development
locations in Monticello and rated them. Criteria included visibility, proximal
location to restaurants and shopping, and easy accessibility to industrial areas
for business customer use. The Study finds that the best hotel locations in
Monticello are sites 1 and 4 among the four identified and named:
1. The Points at Cedar residential/commercial development
2. Eastern exit on 1-941 bounded by 1-94 & Chelsea
3. East exit bordered by the interstate and Broadway
4. North side of 1-94 and Hwy 25 bordered by 7t" St.
IEDC members made comments about the Study. Marcy Anderson, Chamber of
Commerce Director, stated the Chamber's events have outgrown the Monticello
Community Center Mississippi Room (the largest room) and as a result some
events are now planned to be held in the MCC gymnasium. Due to this she
believes Monticello could support a larger event center. Mr. Thares noted that
since the spring of 2023, there have been 5 hotels development groups that
have reached out to City staff to learn about the demand and interest in a new
hotel. The report in its entirety is found on the City website.
3. Reports
a. Economic Development
i. IEDC Event Updates
1. Business Round Table — September 14 from 3-5 p.m. at Nordic
Brewing
Jim Thares provided an update of the sub -committees' planning
committee and is asking for assistance in getting the word out and
requesting members to RSVP.
2. Manufacturer's Appreciation Breakfast
An internal committee has met. A caterer and florist are reserved.
A "Save the Date" postcard will be sent early the following week.
ii. Prospects List Presented by Jim Thares, Economic Development Director
• Project Lodge RT — Hospitality developer is searching for a location to
pursue a new hotel and has had an initial meeting with City staff.
• Project V — Manufacturing firm is seeking to build a new 150,000
square foot facility.
iii. Planning Commission
1. Mr. Thares reviewed the Planning Commission 08/01/2023
agenda highlighting the Public Hearing considering a development
stage PUD for a 138 -unit multifamily residential building.
b. City Council
Hayden Stensgard, Community and Economic Development Coordinator,
presented a report prepared by Rachel Leonard, City Administrator, highlighting
what the Council is working on including but not limited to the 2024 budget and
associated preliminary levy, downtown construction, approved design standard
amendments for the 2nd Addition of Haven Ridge, a new single-family residential
neighborhood, publishing an RFP to select a Construction Manager for the new Public
Works facility, enacted an interim ordinance temporarily prohibiting the operation of
cannabis businesses within the city limits, and awarded the Bertram Chain of Lakes
Regional Athletic Park Phase 11 Improvements.
c. Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP)
Jolene Foss, Wright County Economic Development Partnership Executive
Director, highlighted upcoming events:
• WCEDP Golf Open — September 12tH, 10:00 a.m. Albion Ridge
• Wright County has been approached about a potential large
development.
• CEO business mentoring and education program application numbers
are up, more than available slots.
• Bridgewater College and Cargill are collaborating with and supporting
the Partnership's Workforce Pathways efforts -activities.
d. Chamber of Commerce
Marcy Anderson, Chamber of Commerce Director gave an update for the
Chamber.
The membership and attendance to events is back to pre -pandemic numbers.
Due to construction cancelation of the Downtown Halloween event is a
possibility. A meeting is scheduled for 9/5/2023 with City staff to discuss best
strategy and course of action.
The very popular Puzzlepalooza is coming back and is scheduled for September
30tH
4. Next Meeting Reminder — Date: September 26, 2023
5. Adjournment (8:03 a.m.)
TONY VELISHEK MOVED TO ADJOURN. LUKE DAHLHEIMER SECONDED THE MOTION.
MEETING ADJOURNED.
Recorder: Vicki Leerhoff Nd�
Approved: September 26, 2023
Attest: /
es Thares, Economic Development Manager