EDA Meeting Minutes - 06/11/25MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 — 6:00 p.m.
Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Commissioners Present: President Steve Johnson, Vice President Jon Morphew,
Rick Barger, Clint Berglof, Mayor Lloyd Hilgart, Councilmember Tracy
Hinz
Commissioners Absent: Treasurer Hali Sittig
Staff Present: Executive Director Jim Thares, City Administrator Rachel Leonard,
Community Development Director Angela Schumann, Finance
Director Sarah Rathlisberger, Tyler Bevier, Anne Mueller
1. General Business
A. Call to Order
President Steve Johnson called the regular meeting of the Monticello Economic
Development Authority to order at 6:02 p.m.
B. Roll Call 6:02 p.m.
Mr. Johnson called the roll.
2. Approval of Agenda
None
3. Consent Agenda
A. Consideration of Payment of Bills
B. Consideration of Approving Workshop Meeting Minutes — May 14, 2025
C. Consideration of Approving Regular Meeting Minutes — May 14, 2025
D. Consideration of Approving Regular Meeting Minutes — May 28, 2025
TRACY HINZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. RICK BARGER SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 6-0.
4. Public Hearing
None
5. Regular Agenda
A. Consideration of authorizing Chalk Fest Marketing Sponsorship in the amount of $5,000
Executive Director, Jim Thares provided an overview of the Let's Chalk event to be held
on September 21-22, 2025. The proposed sponsorship is in the amount of $5,000. It is
EDA Regular Meeting Minutes — 06/11/2025
a Gold level and offers benefits such as logo placement on all event advertising, a
preferred visitor's table location and on -air radio -media recognition by the St. Cloud
based radio station.
Mayor Lloyd Hilgart excused himself from the vote and discussion as the event chair of
Monticello, Let's Chalk committee member.
RICK BARGER MOVED TO APPROVE THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE MONTICELLO LET'S
CHALK EVENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000. CLINT BERGLOF SECONDED THE MOTION.
Discussion
Lloyd Hilgart stepped to the podium in the audience and informed the EDA that this was
his second year serving as main organizing chairperson of the non-profit event. He
noted that this is the fourth year of the Let's Chalk event. The Monticello Chamber of
Commerce is acting as the financial fiduciary and accepting sponsorship funding. In
2024, twenty nationally accredited professional artists plus 15 amateur local artists
crafted chalk art displays on Walnut and River Street. An estimated 4,000 people
attended each day in 2024. This was calculated through a tracking app. Mr. Hilgert
indicated that it costs about $45,000 to $50,000 to host the event and provide lodging
for the artists. Last year there were about 14 to 15 businesses involved as sponsors of
the event. The EDA provided sponsored the event in 2023 and 2024.
Steve Johnson noted that the location of the event near Block 52 and West Bridge Park
and that it showcases the City's and the EDAs' efforts to revitalize the downtown. He
noted that there was a recent ribbon cutting event for the new playground equipment
in West Bridge Park and that the Walk & Roll event was scheduled for the coming
weekend.
Lloyd Hilgart stated about 20 professional artists, several with three-dimensional
capabilities, are expected to participate in the 2025 event. Several are traveling from
across the U.S. to participate. He noted that the goal is to raise enough funds to cover
the event's expenses.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 5-0. Lloyd Hilgert abstained from voting.
B. Consideration of EDA Financial Statements Update
Mr. Thares provided an overview of the agenda item to the EDA.
No action was taken on the item.
6. Economic Development Manager's Report
Mr. Thares provided an overview of the agenda item to the EDA and the public.
Jim Thares mentioned the Foundation Building Materials Business Retention & Expansion
EDA Regular Meeting Minutes — 06/11/2025
(BR&E) visit summary informational page will be added to the August agenda and spoke to
the goal of scheduling visits with businesses in June and July.
Mr. Thares provided an update of the Nordic Facade Loan project. The exterior building
improvements tasks such as stucco repairs and painting as well as signage are progressing.
Steve Johnson asked if the north wall mural would be completed by the Let's Chalk event.
Lloyd Hilgert said that the mural artist is the same individual involved in organizing the Let's
Chalk event and it their goal to complete the mural by late August.
Jim Thares noted the various project updates. Steve Johnson asked about the status of
Block 34. Mr. Thares said that the office development prospect had informed City staff that
that its own analysis indicates that it will not be feasible at this time to move forward with a
10,000 square foot class A office building in Block 34. Staff shared that information with the
EDA attorney and they are revising the PDA (Preliminary Development Agreement) to
reflect the new information. He further noted that it will give Kraus Anderson Development
an open pallet for potential development concepts. So, it should not be viewed as a
negative situation.
Steve Johnson asked if the second meeting of the month will be held on June 25t". Jim
Thares responded that as of this time, a second regular meeting is not anticipated due to
lack of business items. Staff will likely send out a canceled meeting notice to the EDA
members in the next week.
No action was taken on the item.
7. Adiourn
TRACY HINZ MOVED TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MONTICELLO EDA. RICK
BARGER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 6-0. MEETING
ADJOURNED AT 6:48 P.M.
Recorded By: Anne Mueller
Date Approved: July 9, 2025
Zimes, EDA Executive Director