EDA Meeting Minutes - 04/09/25MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 — 6:00 p.m.
Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Commissioners Present: President Steve Johnson, Treasurer Hali Sittig, Rick Barger, Lloyd
Hilgart, Tracy Hinz
Commissioner Absent: Vice President Jon Morphew
Staff Present: Executive Director Jim Thares, Rachel Leonard, Angela Schumann,
Tyler Bevier, Sara Rathlisberger
1. General Business
A. Call to Order
President Steve Johnson called the regular meeting of the Monticello Economic
Development Authority to order at 6:04 p.m.
B. Roll Call 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Johnson called the roll.
2. Approval of Agenda
None
3. Consent A e� nda
A. Consideration of Payment of Bills
B. Consideration of Approving Workshop Meeting Minutes —January 8, 2025
C. Consideration of Approving Regular Meeting Minutes — January 8, 2025
D. Consideration of Approving Regular Meeting Minutes — March 12, 2025
E. Consideration of Approving Workshop Meeting Minutes — March 12, 2025
HALI SITTIG MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. RICK BARGER SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 5-0.
4. Public Hearing
None
5. Regular Agenda
A. Consideration of Quote from Fossil Industries for Historic Signage Plaques for
Completed Facade Improvement Projects (Bliss Salon, Lucille Murray's Dance Studio,
Monticello Dental Clinic)
Economic Development Manager Jim Thares presented proposal to purchase three
additional signs acknowledging the historic local role of the recently completed facade
project buildings. He said that if the EDA approves the design and the cost, the plaque
signs will be placed by City staff at the recently completed fagade improvement project
EDA Regular Meeting Minutes — 04/09/2025
buildings in the downtown, if the property owners consent to this. Rick Barger noted
his appreciation of the historical signs used in other communities and feels this is a nice
feature.
Mayor Lloyd Hilgart asked if a sample of the signs was available to review. Tyler Bevier
spoke about the quote from Fossil Industries and displayed a photo of the Monticello -
branded plaque placed on the Agosto Law Building in June 2020.
Mr. Hilgert said his preference was that it should reflect a more classic bronze -on -black
"historic" style plaque, and he pointed out the high contrast of the colors of the building
exteriors. Rick Barger agreed that a plaque, in his mind, is not like the depiction, and
could envision a classic look that would accompany any building fagade.
Tracy Hinz suggested replacing the existing sign to match the new plaques once a more
favorable design is authorized. Jim Thares noted the salute to history was first initiated
when the Agosto building (142 West Broadway) facade project was completed. Steve
Johson added that the proposal was approved, but the conceptual design plan was
never reviewed by the EDA. Rick Barger agreed to Ms. Hinz's suggestion to replace the
existing signs so they all match.
Jim Thares asked if it might be appropriate to table the signage discussion, to obtain
new signage quotes and design proposals. To expand on the discussion, Mr. Thares also
spoke of the intent to also place a historic sign at the Block 52 building as well. This is
part of the projects PUD requirements.
Mr. Johnson suggested, with new technology, a QR code might be included to connect
the public with information for upcoming generations and for additional information
which might not fit on a sign. Mr. Johnson noted the Parks department has
implemented this on parks signs along the walking paths said how current literature
references online are accessed via QR code for additional reading materials and may be
a growing trend.
Hali Sittig echoed the support for the bronze on black, raised lettering style for the
historical plaques. Steve Johnson suggested using the same style that the State of MN
uses on State buildings as it will withstand weather and longevity.
A decision on this item was postponed until a future meeting with no set date
determined to allow for further discussion and consideration.
B. Consideration of CMMA Tour of Manufacturing Sponsorship Opportunity connected to
the October 2025 Manufacturer's Month promotional materials and activities in the
amount of $850.00
Jim Thares provided an overview of the agenda item to the EDA and the public. Steve
Johnson asked for more background as to why an entire page ad may be needed over a
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EDA Regular Meeting Minutes — 04/09/2025
half -page, how other communities advertise, and the need for interest to gain attention
for attendance.
Lloyd Hilgert stated that he benefitted from attending an event of this caliber at another
city location in the past and he recognizes the potential for patrons' attendance and
maybe CMMA would consider holding an event in Monticello in the future. He noted
that other manufacturers and supporting entities attended the event by means to
network and explore expansion opportunities.
Steve Johnson suggested using QR codes and attention -grabbing graphics and verbiage
through multiple mediums which he believes would be a more successful approach
versus a full- or half -page printed advertisement at cost.
RICK BARGER MOVED TO AUTHORIZE A SPONSORSHIP OF THE CENTRAL MINNESOTA
MANUFACTURER ASSOCIATION (CMMA) TOUR OF MANUFACTURING (TOM)
CONNECTED TO THE OCTOBER 2025 MANUFACTURERS MONTH PROMOTIONAL
MATERIALS AND ACTIVITIES IN THE AMOUNT OF $850.00. HALI SITTIG SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 5-0.
6. Economic Development Manager's Report
Mr. Thares provided an overview of the agenda item to the EDA and the public. No action
was taken on the item.
Rick Barger suggested that staff provide information in future agendas related to project
construction updates versus the status of economic challenges or issues at the time they
present as concerns or issues.
7. Adiournment
The EDA adjourned at the regular meeting at 7:00 p.m. and entered into a closed meeting to
discuss the agenda items below.
Closed Session - Consideration of adiourning to Develop or Consider Offers or Counteroffers
for the Purchase or Sale of Real or Personal Property Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 13D.05,
Subdivision 3(c)(3)
• PID # 155273001010
• PID # 155274001020
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EDA Regular Meeting Minutes — 04/09/2025
Recorded By: Anne Mueller
L(fl..-
Date Approved: May 14, 2025
im Thar , Executive Director of the Monticello EDA
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