IEDC Agenda - 08/05/2025AGENDA
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, August 5, 2025
7:00 a.m. at Monticello Community Center
Members: Chairperson Jarred Merchant, Vice Chairperson Mike Huey, City Council Member
Charlotte Gabler, Luke Dahlheimer, Aaron Holthaus, Liz Kokesh, Sarah Kortmansky,
Sonja McElroy, Eric Olson, Joni Pawelk, Cory Ritter, Rob Stark, Darek Vetsch, Andrew
Tapper, Tony Velishek, Shawn Hafen, Greg Schultz, Joe Elam
Liaisons: City Administrator Rachel Leonard, Tyler Bevier, Missy Meidinger, Deb Meyer,
Anne Mueller, Angela Schumann, Jim Thares, Dave Tombers, Tim Zipoy
1. General Business
A. Call to Order
B. Roll Call
C. Approval of June 3, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes
D. Consideration of Additional Agenda Items
2. Regular Agenda
A. Table Topic – 2025 Legislative Update – Darielle Dannen, Flaherty Hood, PA (Law Firm)
B. CGMC Summer Conference - Legislative Overview – Reviewed by City Staff
C. 2025 Manufacturers Breakfast Event (Oct 10, 2025) Planning and Information Update
3. Liaison Updates
A. Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP)
B. Chamber of Commerce
C. Economic Development
• Building Permit Update – Qtr. #2
• Sales Tax Collections Update – Qtr. #2
• BR&E Visits Update
• Project Update
• Prospect List
• August 5, 2025, Planning Commission Agenda
D. City Council Update
4. Next Meeting Reminder – Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
5. Adjournment (8:15 a.m.)
MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
7:00 a.m. at Monticello Community Center
Members Present: Chairperson Jarred Merchant, Vice Chairperson Mike Huey, Luke Dahlheimer,
Charlotte Gabler, Joe Elam, Sarah Kortmansky, Liz Kokesh, Sonja McElroy, Rob
Stark, Andrew Tapper, Tony Velishek, Darek Vetsch
Members Absent: Sean Hafen, Aaron Holthaus, Eric Olson, Joni Pawelk, Cory Ritter, Greg Schultz
Liaisons: Economic Development Manager Jim Thares, City Administrator Rachel
Leonard, Tyler Bevier, Deb Meyer, Anne Mueller
Liaisons Absent: Missy Meidinger, Dave Tombers, Tim Zipoy
1. General Business
A. Call to Order
Chair Jarred Merchant called the regular meeting of the Monticello Industrial Economic
Development Committee (IEDC) to order at 7:00 a.m.
B. Roll Call
Roll call was not taken at the meeting.
C. Approval of Minutes
DAREK VETSCH MOVED TO APPROVE THE MAY 6, 2025, REGULAR MEETING MINUTES.
TONY VELISHEK SECONDED MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
D. Consideration of Additional Agenda Items
None.
2. Regular Agenda
A. Table Topic – Greater MSP Overview of Readiness Approach - Jim Thares
Economic Development Manager Jim Thares spoke on a presentation provided by
WCEDP and expanded on how the Request for Information (RFI) efforts are reviewed
and submitted to MN-DEED and other site search solicitors by the City of Monticello.
NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THE AGENDA ITEM.
3. Liaison Updates
A. Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP)
Rob Stark spoke in the absence of Missy Meidinger. He provided a brief recap of the
increased workload and a newly hired assistant the WCEDP.
Darek Vetsch, County Commissioner, District 2, also provided an overview of Wright
County updates.
IEDC Meeting Minutes – 06/03/2025
B. Chamber of Commerce
Deb Meyer, Monticello Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, provided a brief
overview of recent and upcoming Chamber events.
C. Economic Development
Mr. Thares presented updates on the following economic development activities.
• BR&E Visits Update
• Project Update
• Prospect List
• June 3, 2025, Planning Commission Agenda
D. City Council Update
City Administrator Rachel Leonard provided an update of the recent City Council activities
and continuing construction and infrastructure projects.
4. Next Meeting Reminder – Date: Tuesday, August 5, 2025
5. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:07 a.m. Recorder: Anne Mueller ___
Approved: June 3, 2025
Attest
_____________________________________
Jim Thares, Economic Development Manager
Industrial Economic Development Agenda: 8/5/2025
2A. Table Topics – 2025 Legislative Update
Prepared by:
Administrative Assistant
Meeting Date:
8/5/2025
☒ Regular Agenda Item
Reviewed by:
N/A
Approved by:
Community Development Director
REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND
Darielle Dannen, Senior Attorney/Lobbyist, Flaherty Hood, PA will provide the 2025 Minnesota
legislative update to the IEDC. Darielle is currently serving as the EDAM (Economic
Development Association of Minnesota) legislative lobbyist. She is very familiar with economic
development issues and policy, having worked previously at Minnesota DEED (Department of
Employment and Economic Development) for several years as well. She is willing to respond to
various economic development related questions that the IEDC members may have at the
conclusion of her presentation which will be through a remote (Teams) link.
SUPPORTING DATA:
• N/A
Industrial Economic Development Agenda: 8/5/2025
2B. CGMC Summer Conference - 2025 Legislative Update
Prepared by:
Economic Development Manager
Meeting Date:
8/5/2025
☒ Regular Agenda Item
Reviewed by:
N/A
Approved by:
Community Development Director
REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND
City staff attended the recent Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities Conference in Bemidji. The
2025 legislative update that was provided to the Conference attendees is attached to provide
the IEDC members with an overview of the various legislative issues and initiatives that are the
focus of non-metro cities.
SUPPORTING DATA:
• CGMC Summer Conference – 2025 Legislative Summary Materials
Industrial Economic Development Agenda: 8/5/2025
2C. 2025 Manufacturers Appreciation Breakfast Event Update
Prepared by:
Economic Development Manager
Meeting Date:
8/5/2025
☒ Regular Agenda Item
Reviewed by:
N/A
Approved by:
Community Development Director
REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND
The Manufacturers Appreciation Breakfast Event is scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025. The
event recognizes and honors the role and economic development impacts and contributions
that manufacturers have on the local community. The breakfast event usually features a
keynote speaker and has recently involved and highlighted the Monticello School District STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program as well as the Career and Technical
Education programs along with some of the students in those programs. Staff feel it is
important to continue to highlight the student programs and/or achievements at this event.
IEDC feedback and guidance during the August 5, 2025, meeting will help be very helpful in
shaping additional specific details and components of the event.
SUPPORTING DATA:
• CGMC Summer Conference – 2025 Legislative Summary Materials
IEDC Agenda 08/05/25
3C. Economic Development Updates
Prepared by:
Economic Development Director
Meeting Date:
8/5/2025
☒ Liaison Updates
Reviewed by:
N/A
Approved by:
N/A
REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND
The Economic Development Update includes an overview of various information by Jim Thares,
Economic Development Manager. IEDC members are encouraged to ask questions as so
inclined. Attachments include the Quarter 2, 2025 Building Permits Summary, the first ever
Sales Tax Collections Update for Quarter 2, 2025 (the tax collections began April 1, 2025; funds
were voter approved to support capital investments at the Bertram Chain of Lake Regional Park
recreational facilities), BR&E visits updates, Project Updates and Projects-Prospects List. The
Planning Commission Agenda for the August 5, 2025, meeting is also included.
A. Building Permits Summary – Quarter # 2-2025
B. Sales Tax Collections Report – Quarter #2-2025
C. BR&E Visits
D. Project Updates
E. Prospect List
F. Planning Commission Meeting Agenda – August 5, 2025
BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY AND VALUATION
PERMIT TYPE
2024
1st Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
2025
1st Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
Single Family 17 $4,433,995 17 $4,433,995 11 $3,100,261 11 $3,100,261
Multi-Family Townhomes 12 $1,200,000 12 $1,200,000 0 $0 0 $0
Commercial-Industrial New -
Remodel - Addition 6 $327,200 6 $327,200 6 $923,615 6 $923,615
PERMIT TYPE
2024
2nd Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
2025
2nd Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
Single Family 14 $3,894,720 31 $8,328,715 8 $2,197,766 19 $5,298,027
Multi-Family Townhomes 12 $1,200,000 24 $2,400,000 0 $0 0 $0
Comercial-Industrial New -
Remodel - Addition 9 $1,507,400 15 $1,834,600 11 $5,358,825 17 $6,282,440
BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY AND VALUATION
PERMIT TYPE
2024
3rd Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
2025
3rd Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
Single Family 14 $3,232,288 45 $11,561,003
Multi-Family Townhomes 14 $1,400,000 38 $3,800,000
Comercial-Industrial New -
Remodel - Addition 9 $3,348,000 24 $5,182,600
PERMIT TYPE
2024
4th Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
2024-4th
Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
Single Family 3 $689,151 48 $12,250,154
Multi-Family Townhomes 0 $0 38 $3,800,000
Comercial-Industrial New -
Remodel - Addition 3 $379,750 27 $5,562,350
SALES TAX RECEIPTS
Payment Date Revenue Month Gross Revenue
Amount
Start-up Costs
(One-time only)
Miscellaneous
Deduction or
Addition (See
notes below)
Administrative
Cost
Net Amount
Paid
9/10/2024 July -
10/10/2024 August -
11/8/2024 September -
12/10/2024 October -
1/10/2025 November -
2/10/2025 December -
3/10/2025 January -
4/10/2025 February -
5/9/2025 March -
6/10/2025 April -
7/10/2025 May 175,249.36 (16,116.45) (1,577.24) 157,555.67
8/8/2025 June -
TOTAL 175,249.36 (16,116.45) - (1,577.24) 157,555.67
Please note: This report contains current fiscal year information only.
City of Monticello
8/1/2025
SERVPRO
DATE OF VISIT:
June 5, 2025
ABOUT THE BUSINESS
Servpro provides services for water and fire damage, mold,
storm, construction, commercial, speciality and general
cleaning services, including HVAC cleaning, graffitti, carpet,
upholstry, document restoration and more.
WHAT WE LEARNED
Servpro of Wright County occupies a ~38,000 sf warehouse
and office, with a business mix of 75% residential and 25%
commercial/public sector clients. Servpro, with 80+
employees, is an active community sponsor of events,
including the school district and Let’s Chalk event. Servpro of
Wright County is the largest in Minnesota and has completed
work in seven states. As Servpro has experienced significant
growth in the past few years, they may be considering
additional sites, while keeping Monticello their main office,
with much of their workforce as local employees.
BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION VISIT
LOCATION:
1348 Dundas Rd.,
Monticello, MN 55362
CLASSIQUE JEWELRY
DATE OF VISIT:
June 11, 2025
ABOUT THE BUSINESS
Classique Jewelry, currently Downtown, has been a local
Monticello business since 2016. Services include jewelry
sales and repair
WHAT WE LEARNED
The Broadway Street construction impacted the business
significantly, with the customer base for the store primarily
consisting of Monticello, Buffalo, and Big Lake residents.
BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION VISIT
LOCATION:
141 W Broadway, Ste 1
Monticello, MN 55362
FARM & FLORAL MARKET
DATE OF VISIT:
June 18, 2025
ABOUT THE BUSINESS
Located downtown, the Farm and Floral Market was started
to continue to improve the fresh food and floral offerings in
the greater Monticello community.
WHAT WE LEARNED
The market chose Monticello for the close proximity to their
farm and the interstate. The owners wanted to bring the
high-quality, farm-fresh food that is often found at local food
cooperatives. In addition to the market, they have a seasonal
food truck outside open on Thursdays. The owners are
hoping to grow the market and food truck presence in the
coming years to model a co-op and food hall concept.
BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION VISIT
IEDC Agenda: 8/05/25
1
3C. Project Update
Headwaters Villa Twin Homes:
The 60-unit Phase 1 twin home rental housing development project for ages 55 + on 7th Street
West is now complete and is leasing up. The 22-twin home unit Phase 2 project is progressing
with infrastructure installed (streets and utilities) and permitting getting started on footing and
foundations. The additional Phase 2 units are general occupancy rentals and again
prefabricated (assembled in Albertville at the AVR facility) and will be completed by the end of
2025. The total number of rental units in phases 1 and 2 totals 82 with 33 units required (40
percent) to be rented by households of low- and moderate-income levels (60 percent of the
AMI; Wright County).
Big River Commercial Development - Chelsea Road:
A Les Schwab Tire Center (15,136 sq. ft.) is under construction in the Big River Commercial
Development near the Chipotle Restaurant along Chelsea Road. Chipotle opened its restaurant
in this commercial development project near Fenning Avenue in late December 2024. A
Starbucks coffee shop also recently opened for business as well. Valvoline Oil (2,673 sq. ft.) is
also pursuing development of a pad ready site in the 10-acre development project.
Fairfield By Marriott Hotel:
Construction of the 98-room hotel development project is progressing. The Boulder Tap House
Restaurant, which is an attached facility, is expected to be completed in late 2025 with
construction of the hotel likely to wrap up early July 2026. The hotel will also have small
conference rooms to accommodate meetings and events in its facilities. The cost of the entire
project is approximately $21,500,000. A total of 45 to 50 jobs will be created through this
development. The City and County both provided financial assistance through Tax Abatement.
This was the City’s first use of this financial assistance tool in support of a non-infrastructure
development project. The combined assistance from the City and County will total $742,655
over a 10-year time frame.
Nordic Tap House and Restaurant:
Nordic Tap House is expected to complete its move into the former Bessie Antique Store at 106
Walnut Street (near the Block 52 building and West Bridge Park) in mid-August. The façade
improvements to the building were funded through the EDA’s Façade Improvement Forgivable
Loan Program. EDA total Façade Loan approved by the EDA was $111,000.
IEDC Agenda: 8/05/25
2
Discount Tire:
A proposed Discount Tire sales and service store is working its way through the final review and
permitting steps. This facility is proposed for a 2.04-acre parcel located at 1300 7th Street East.
Wendy’s Restaurant:
A building permit for a new Wendy’s Restaurant is currently under review. The location of the
proposed 2,300 sq. ft. restaurant development is at 261 Highland Way.
EDA Loan Applications:
The EDA will be considering several loan applications for new development projects and
property acquisitions in the coming months (90 days). The GMEF and SCDP Loan programs are
intended to be utilized as a gap financing tool to support business growth and expansion and
job creation.
Recently Completed Multi-Family Rental Development Updates:
Savanna Vista MF Apartment Lease Up = 167 out of 200 now leased (16.5 percent
vacancy) -opened August and November 2024 (two buildings at 100 units each)
Block 52 MF Apartment Lease Up = 100 percent occupied (87 units) – open 20 months
ago
CHC Twin homes – Phase 1 Lease Up = 54 out of 60 units now leased – opened
February 2024 (20 months).
Date of
Contact
Company Name Business Category Project Description Building‐Facility Retained Jobs New Jobs Total Investment Project Status
5/22/2018 Karlsburger Foods Food Products Mfg.Facilty Expansion 27,000 sq. ft. +/-42 10 to
20
$4,500,000 On Hold
2/28/2022 Project Emma II Light Ind-Assembly New Construction 20,000 sq. ff.0 4 $1,350,000 Active Search
10/28/2021 Project Stallion Technology Service New Construction 42,000 sq. ft.40 $3,600,000 On Hold
8/11/2022 Project Sing Precision Machining New Construction 400,000 sq. ft.0 500 $90,000,000 Active Search
5/30/2023 Project Flower-M
& M
Commercial Concept Expansion ????Concept
6/9/2023 Project Pez Mfg New Construction 30,000 to 35,000 sq. ft.12 7 $3,500,000 Active Search
8/16/2023 Project Lodge RT4 Lodging-Hopsitality New Construction 98 Room Hotel N/A 30 $21,500,000 Under Constr
2/12/2024 Project Lodge-
MSMWDC
Lodging-Hospitality New Construction ?0 10 $22,500,000 Identified Site
3/5/2024 Project Panda 20‐
MS
Child Care Facility New Construction 27,100 sq. ft. 0 43 $5,500,000 Site Selected
3/29/2024 Project ET-BB-12-9 Industrial Relocate ‐ Existing Bldg 12,000 sq. ft.12 $1,150,000 Identified Site
4/12/2024 Project Rest B52 Restaurant New build out‐Finish 5,000 sq. ft. +/-0 15 1500000 +/-Identified Site
5/30/2024 Project EP-BDDC
LACW
Data Center New Construction ??????Identified Site
7/30/2024 Project EPG 40x2-50 Industrial New Construction 40,000 sq. ft. 0 40 $4,000,000 Active Search
12/3/2024 Project LEI Pack Industrial New Construction 52,500 sq. ft. 0 21 $16,500,000 Active Search
1/14/2025 Project Megawatt Industrial New Construction 650,000 to 1,300,000 sq.
ft.
0 592 $757,000,000 Active Search
2/5/2025 Project Nordic Resturant-Taphouse Relocate ‐ Remodel‐4,300 sq. ft. 9 1 $1,090,000 Identified Site
4/15/2025 Project BB Food Service-Retail Renovation 6,000 sq. ft. 0 25 $2,500,000 Identifed Site
5/19/2025 Project 7030-B-O Industrial New Construction 70,000 sq. ft.0 30 $7,300,000 Site Search
6/11/2025 Project Black Sabil Industrial New Construction 1,000,000 sq. ft.8000 $960,000,000 Active Search
7/19/2025 MC Outdoors Industrial Service New Construction 8,200 sq. ft.0 14 $1,500,000 Site Selected
7/25/2025 Project BOM Service Retail Acquisition‐Renovation 3,000 sq. ft 0 6 $550,000 Site Selected
Contacts:
M= 03
YTD = 17
PROSPECT LIST 07/31/2025
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING – PLANNING COMMISSION
August 5, 2025 – 6:00 p.m.
Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Commissioners: Chair Andrew Tapper, Vice-Chair Melissa Robeck, Rick Kothenbeutel,
Teri Lehner, Rob Stark
Council Liaison: Councilmember Kip Christianson
Staff: Angela Schumann, Steve Grittman, Bob Ferguson, Tyler Bevier
1. General Business
A. Call to Order
B. Roll Call
C. Consideration of Additional Agenda Items
D. Approval of Agenda
E. Approval of Meeting Minutes
• Workshop Meeting Minutes – July 1, 2025
• Regular Meeting Minutes – July 1, 2025
F. Citizen Comment
2. Public Hearings
A. Consideration of Preliminary and Final Plat for Spaeth Industrial Park Fourth
Addition
Applicant: Spaeth Development, LLC and Spaeth Properties, LLC
B. Consideration of Amending the Monticello City Code, Title XV: Land Usage,
Chapter 153: Zoning Ordinance, Section § 153.012 Definitions, § 153.027
Common Review Procedures and Requirements, § 153.028 Specific Review
Procedures and Requirements, § 153.040 General Provisions, § 153.042
Common District Requirements, § 153.067 Off-Street Parking, § 153.070 Building
Materials, § 153.060 Landscaping and Screening, § 153.064 Signs, and § 153.092
Accessory Use Standards
Applicant: City of Monticello
PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING
(Academy Room)
5:00 p.m. Discussion on Amendments to 2040 Vision + Plan and Zoning
Ordinance for single-family housing goals
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C. Consideration for Variance to Setback for free-standing sign for a Place of Public
Assembly use in an R-1 (Single Family) Residential District
Applicant: RHL, Inc
This applicant has requested that this item be tabled to the September regular
meeting pending action on Item 2B of this agenda. The public hearing notice
for this item was mailed to property owners, but was not published. A
cancelation notice for the hearing was sent to property owners. No public
hearing or action is required on this item.
3. Regular Agenda
A. Consideration to Adopt a Resolution Finding the Proposed Sale of Certain Land
by The City of Monticello for Commercial Purposes is consistent with The City of
Monticello Comprehensive Plan
4. Other Business
A. Community Development Director’s Report
5. Adjournment
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AGENDA
WORKSHOP MEETING - PLANNING COMMISSION
August 5, 2025 – 5:00 p.m.
Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Commissioners: Chair Andrew Tapper, Vice-Chair Melissa Robeck, Rick Kothenbeutel,
Teri Lehner, Rob Stark
Council Liaison: Councilmember Kip Christianson
Staff: Angela Schumann, Steve Grittman, Bob Ferguson, Tyler Bevier, Anne
Mueller
1.Call to Order
2.Discussion on Amendments to 2040 Vision + Plan and Zoning Ordinance for single-family
housing goals
3.Adjournment
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August IEDC Update
• Karlsburger expansion:
o Endorsed of Karlsburger’s grant application to MnDEED. The City is not party
to the grant, but the state requires the City to endorse the
application/project.
o Approved Conditional Use Permit for the first phase of expansion. It will make
changes to their parking lot and accommodate a 2,000-sf addition to the
front of the building.
• Approved parking ordinance amendments to better accommodate changing
conditions, particularly the “park once” effort for downtown. The amendments
focused on parking generally as well as parking for restaurants.
• Authorized creation of plans and specs for expanding downtown parking lot behind
Drawers of Davlee. City’s goal has been to think about parking strategically to
accommodate changes in downtown activity, allowing existing parking to be fully
utilized and then adding in areas that will help without reducing areas for retail,
residential, or recreation activities.
• Held a Special Meeting with Planning Commission to continue development of an
ordinance to regulate data centers in Monticello. The draft ordinance will be
discussed at Planning Commission in August with a recommendation to Council in
September.
• Started workshops to create the 2026 preliminary budget and levy. Not a lot to
report yet because we are waiting for the final valuation of the nuclear plant as well
as the results of a compensation study.