IEDC Meeting Minutes - 01/07/2025MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
January 7, 2025
7:00 a.m. at Monticello Community Center
Members: Vice -Chairperson Jarred Merchant, Vice Chairperson Mike Huey, Shawn Hafen, Aaron
Holthaus, Liz Kokesh, Sonja McElroy, Eric Olson, Joni Pawelk, Darek Vetsch, Andrew
Tapper, Rob Stark, Tony Velishek
Absent: Luke Dahlheimer, Wayne Elam, Tracy Hinz, Sarah Kortmansky, Cory Ritter, Randy
Skarphol
Liaisons: Jim Thares, Deb Meyer, Missy Meidinger, Tyler Bevier
1. General Business
A. Call to Order
Chairperson Jarred Merchant called the regular meeting of the Monticello IEDC to order
at 7:00 a.m.
B. Approve Minutes:
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO APPROVE NOVEMBER 6, 2024, REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES. ROB STARK SECONDED MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
C. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
None
2. Begular Agenda
A. Consideration of Electing 2025 Officers
Mr. Thares presented appointment for officers and requested motions to fill
Chairperson for 2025 AND Vice Chairperson for 2025.
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO APPOINTJARRED MERCHANT AS CHAIRPERSON,
SECONDED BY RANDY SKARPOL, MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUSLY.
DAREK VETSCH MOVED TO APPOINT MIKE HUEY AS VICE -CHAIRPERSON, SECONDED BY
TONY VELISHEK, MOTION CARRIED, UNANIMOUSLY
B. Consideration of Adopting "'2025 IEDC Position -Action Statements"
Mr. Thares presented the draft 2025 IEDC Position -Action Statements. Member Joni
Pawelk suggested adding Points at Cedar.
TONY VELISHEK MOVED TO ADOPT THE 2025 IEDC POSITION -ACTION STATEMENT WITH
THE ADDITION OF POINTS AT CEDAR, SECONDED BY ANDREW TAPPER, MOTION
CARRIED, UNANIMOUSLY.
C. Consideration of Table Topics for 2025 (preferences for meeting topics)
Mr. Thares presented a list of Table Topics listing those new additions. He asked for
additional suggestions at the meeting or to be emailed to him.
D. Table Topic — Monticello Public Schools Facilities and Programming Updates
Eric Olson, Monticello Public Schools Superintendent and IEDC member, presented
School Facilities and program updates.
Mr. Olson shared that the enrollment has not increased and is the same as in 2003.
Since the funding from the State is per student, this causes budgetary issues.
The School District has started a marketing strategy using social media.
Be the Light with Integrity program, recognizing students which demonstrate kindness,
compassion and integrity within our community.
The Strategic Plans and District goals include Safety & Healthy Culture, Teaching &
Learning, Innovation & Leadership, and Collaborative Connections.
The Monticello Rally to Read program ultimate goal is to motivate, educate, and engage
literacy development for all children.
Community Connections is focusing on "Every Child Before They Get to School."
The Education and Awareness Team provides awareness, education, resources, concrete
techniques, and materials for the community.
Every Kid and Every Day Team develops structures that ensure all students meet reading
readiness, receives academic and social/emotional support.
The Cultural Impact Team is to provide inclusive community outreach.
3. Liaison Updates
A. Wright Countv Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP)
Missy Meidinger, WCEDP Executive Director, shared that the upcoming Wright Couty Economic
Development Partnership Annual Meeting will be on Friday, January 17 at 7:30 a.m.
B. Chamber of Commerce
Deb Meyer, Chamber of Commerce Director, reported that 2024 was a successful year
with hosting 70 events and adding 56 new members
C. Economic Development
Mr. Thares presented updates.
• Building Permits Update
• Project Update
• Prospect List
• January 7, 2025 Planning Commission Agenda Update was presented by Andrew
Tapper — Planning Commission Chair.
D. City Council Update
Rachel Leonard enclosed a written update presented by Mr. Thares. Actions by the City
Council include but not limited to adopt the following.
• 2025 Fire Department Officers.
• Waiving the annual digital advertising fee for downtown businesses in 2025.
• Going out for bids for the School Blvd street improvements.
• The 2025 fee schedule, 2025 HRA and levies, and 2025 budget and CIP.
4. Next Meeting Reminder— Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
5. Adiournment
TONY VELISHEK MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING, MOTION SECONDED BY ERIC OLSON.
MOTION CARRIED UNAMIOUSLY
Meeting was adjourned at 8:07 a.m.
Recorder: Anne Mueller
Approved: March 4, 2025
Attest:
4406
J e hares, Economic Development Manager