IEDC Meeting Minutes - 11/06/2024MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
November 6, 2024
7:00 a.m. at Monticello Community Center
Members: Chairperson Luke Dahlheimer, Vice Chairperson Jarred Merchant, Sarah Kortmansky, Sam
Murdoff, Eric Olson, Joni Pawelk, Darek Vetsch, Andrew Tapper, Randy Skarphol, Rob
Stark, Tony Velishek, Cory Ritter, Liz Kokesh
Absent: Wayne Elam
Liaisons: Rachel Leonard, Jim Thares, Deb Meyer
1. General Business
A. Call to Order
Chairperson Luke Dahlheimer called the regular meeting of the Monticello IEDC to order
at 7:00 a.m.
B. Approve Minutes:
Jim Thares, Economic Development Manager, pointed out that since there wasn't a
quorum at the November 4, 2024, meeting, it was not an official meeting and there were
no minutes.
ERIC OLSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 6, 2024, REGULAR MEETING MINUTES.
ROB STARK SECONDED MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
C. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
None
D. Recap of Manufacturer's Week Appreciation Breakfast — Friday, October 11, 2024
Mr. Thares gave a recap of the Manufacturer's Appreciation Breakfasted hosted by the
IEDC. Mr. Thares showed appreciation to Lori Hanson, High School Principal, the students
who attended, and Sarah Sundine, UMC COO. The students sitting at every table show
casing who they was a highlight.
A discussion was held on how to have better attendance. Chairperson Luke Dahlheimer
stated that he, Vice Chairperson Jarred Merchant, Mr. Thares and staff review an
extensive list of invitees. A site tour was suggested for students and other manufacturers
to experience the other manufacturers in the community. It was pointed out that the
personal emails and phone calls inviting manufacturers did make a difference in
attendance and several businesses attended who had not done so before.
2. Regular Agenda
A. Tabel Topic - Monticello High School Book Project
Mr. Benedetto, Former Principle and Monticello Wall of Fame recipient, introduced
himself, and thanked Mr. Thares for including this item on the agenda. Mr. Benedetto
shared the dilemma of being short of books at the school with the recommendation of
15 books per student, now they are estimated at 2.5 books per student. Mr. Benedetto
shared an update of a fundraising of $15,000, and stated a referendum could alleviate
the issue. He also asked businesses to get involved and asked for contributions. Eric
Olson, Monticello School District 882 Superintendent, shared updates of the shifting of
books around from school to school.
B. Table Topic — Mississippi Bridge River Crossing PEL Study Findings -Public Comment
Darek Vetsch, District 2 Wright County Commissioner, gave an update on the process on
the PEL process for a new river crossing, with certain options being more feasible than
other options. Rachel Leonard spoke about the formalized process in having options
removed, and what next steps look like for the public engagement process. Rachel
Leonard stated that staff would send out a link to the PEL Study presentation.
C. Organizational Member Structure -New IEDC Applicant Review Process
Mr. Thares presented the item; there are three members applied and/or interested to
fill two open seats, and explained how two seats remain for students, yet student
attendance has been difficult since Covid-19 pandemic onset. Mr. Thares is asking the
IEDC to consider revising the bylaws to have four businesses and organizations and
remove the two student spots. Chairperson Dahlheimer spoke about how students
would always be invited as the public leaned towards having appointments to the
business community. Commissioners weighed in their support for the spots to return to
the business community, and changing Bylaws in January 2025.
JONI PAWELK MOVED TO AMEND THE BYLAWS TO REMOVE THE STUDENT
MEMBERSHIP AND CHANGE THE STUDENT MEMBERSHIP SEATS TO INDUSTRIAL
MEMBERSHIP STRIKING TWO SENTENCES IN MEMBERSHIP GUIDLEINES, SECTION IV
REGARDING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS, SECONDED BY SARAH KORTMANSKY MOTION.
CARRIED, UNAMIOUSLY
Mr. Thares presented incoming applicants and outgoing memberships
ROB STARK MOTIONED TO APPOINT AARON HOLTHAUS AND MIKE HUEY, SECONDED BY
RANDY SKARPOL, MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUSLY.
JONI PAWELK MOTIONED TO APPOINT SONJA McELROY AND (XCEL) PENDING CITY
COUNCIL APPROVAL OF THE BYLAWS CHANGE, CORY RITTER SECONDED. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
JONI PAWELK MADE THE MOTION, SECONDED BY ROB STARK TO RENEW THE EXPIRING
TERMS OF JARRED MERCHANT, DAREK VETSCH, LUKE DAHLHEIMER, COREY RITTER AND
RANDY SKARPHOL FOR A 3 YEAR TERM. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Liaison Updates
A. Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP)
Childcare grant sent to the state
B. Chamber of Commerce
Deb Meyer, Chamber of Commerce Director, thanked the city for the Trick -or -Treating
event. She reported upcoming events; lunch hour, business after hours, and Good
Morning Monticello at MontiArts, and the annual fundraiser is themed Totally 80's on
December 6.
C. Economic Development
Mr. Thares presented updates.
• Building Permits Update
• Project Update
• Prospect List
• November 4, 2024, Planning Commission Agenda Update
It was suggested that Cannabis Laws and City & County ordinances be presented as an
upcoming table topic.
D. City Council Update
Rachel Leonard presented an update on what the Council has been working on, a new
Levy and Budget, Cannabis Land Use, Local Option Sales Tax.
It was requested discussion of the outcome and action of the Council. Ms. Leonard
provided current status and actions needed.
4. Next Meeting Reminder— Date: Tuesday, January 7, 2025, as per new meeting schedule
5. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:19 a.m.
Recorder: Vicki Leerhoff4'`
Approved: January 7, 2025
Attest: V "'
J e , Thares, Economic Development Manager