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EDA Meeting Minutes - 01/14/2026MINUTES REGULAR MEETING - ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) Wednesday, January 14, 2026 — 6:00 p.m. Monticello Community Center Commissioners: President Steve Johnson, Vice President Jon Morphew, Treasurer Hali Sittig, Rick Barger, Clint Berglof, Mayor Lloyd Hilgart, Councilmember Tracy Hinz Staff: Executive Director Jim Thares, Angela Schumann, Tyler Bevier Consultant: Andrew Dresdner — Bolton & Menk 1. General Business A. Call to Order President Steve Johnson called the regular meeting of the Monticello Economic Development Authority to order at 6:07 p.m. B. Roll Call (6:07 p.m.) Mr. Johnson called the roll. C. Consideration of Additional Agenda Items None 2. Approval of Agenda None 3. Consent Agenda A. Consideration of Payment of Bills B. Consideration of Approving December 10, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes C. Consideration of Approving December 10, 2025 Workshop Meeting Minutes D. Consideration of Approving October 8, 2025 Workshop Meeting Minutes HALI SITTIG MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. CLINT BERGLOF SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0. 4. Public Hearing N/A 5. Regular Agenda A. Consideration of Authorizing Miscellaneous Professional Services Contract with Bolton & Menk related to a Downtown Small Area Plan proposal in the amount of $80,000 Mr. Thares referenced the November 12, 2025, EDA Workshop, which was attended by consultants Andrew Dresdner and Mike Thompson, Bolton & Menk, to discuss an update to the 2017 Downtown Small Area Study. He reminded the EDA that the goal is to now put more focus on the east side of MN Highway 25, specifically Block 34 and the Cedar Fair site, both owned by the Monticello EDA. As per EDA direction at that EDA Regular Meeting Minutes —January 14, 2026 Workshop, the consultants were asked to prepare additional core downtown information, recent changes, and anticipated new trends to update the 2017 Downtown Vision and Small Area Plan (SAP) in support of the EDA goals and potential redevelopment opportunities. Mr. Thares presented the proposed project scope to the EDA with a goal of beginning the work tasks in March 2026. As noted in the proposal it is expected to take six to eight months and will include public engagement efforts. He noted the past relationship between City and Mr. Dresdner and quality professional services offered. He pointed out the $80,000 quote for the proposal and noted that the EDA does have funding in its 2026 General Fund budget line for Miscellaneous Professional Services totaling $54,500, though the additional $25,500 would need to be sourced from a different line item like the Redevelopment Activities line item which has $153,378. He also noted that the 2026 General Fund Budget was approved prior to discussions began with the EDA and Bolton and Menk about a potential downtown Small Area Plan update and thus did not contemplate this expenditure. Mr. Dresdner introduced himself to the EDA and provided a comprehensive overview of the updates to the SAP to address the following questions: • Why Downtown? Why Plan? • What has (and has not) changed since 2017? • What is swirling out there that Downtown must address? • What will the Update focus on? • Who will be engaged? • What will be accomplished? Mr. Dresdner noted the front end of the proposal is the input period to collect Block 34 vision information and the public input and by intent the feedback sessions seeking input are components of the back half of the study process. Mayor Hilgart expressed the importance of communicating with and seeking input from the downtown business community as well as the residents living in the new Block 52 multi -family building. Mr. Dresdner agreed to that concept of focus group activities by those in and surrounding the downtown corridor. Mr. Johnson pointed out there may be homes on the easterly side of MN Highway 25 requiring upgrades to meet building code. He further asked how to implement the projects to coincide with such concerns as to not neglect the residences that may be adjacent to redevelopment projects on the east side of MN-TH#25. Mayor Hilgart stated that it would be best to focus on the easterly portion and said that hopefully a result of the vision and plans will yield something that entices pedestrians to cross over MN-TH#25. 2 EDA Regular Meeting Minutes —January 14, 2026 Mr. Dresdner spoke to creating a cohesive downtown, rather than an indication of separation despite a state highway. Ms. Hinz reminisced and gave kudos to Mr. Dresdner for the approachability represented and stewardship of the 2017 proposal. Ms. Sittig asked if methods for river access was considered in planning. Mr. Dresdner explained the access from Broadway to Cedar to the park is as important as the East Bridge Park plans for access to get down to the river level. Mr. Johnson inquired about the island in the river, which could also be utilized for pedestrian accessibility, linking it to the walkway beneath the bridge near water level. Mr. Dresdner suggested discussions concerning East Bridge Park should also loop in the MN-DNR as it relates to the Mississippi River. Mr. Morphew spoke about the duration of time taken to develop West Bridge Park and suggested starting the planning process now for East Bridge. Mr. Johnson said much of the duration for the development of West Bridge Park was spent to obtain site control, as the City did with Block 34 and suggested the process may be quicker and smoother than it had been in 2017. TRACY HINZ MOVED TO AUTHORIZE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH BOLTON & MENK RELATED TO A PROPOSED DOWNTOWN SMALL AREA PLAN (SAP) WITH A FOCUS ON BLOCK 34 AND CEDAR STREET IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $80,000. HALI SITTIG SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0. B. Consideration of Approving a Statewide Affordable Housing Aid (SAHA) Policy relating to the Proposed Senior Homeowner Rehabilitation Program Community and Economic Development Coordinator Tyler Bevier provided background from the October 8, 2025, workshop regarding the recently authorized Affordable Housing Trust Fund and sought clarification regarding the EDA's preference to develop a senior/55+ homeowner rehabilitation program or a broader age target group for the SAHA funds. He reminded the EDA that the discussion was leaning to a blend of age groups though it was not a final determination. A new twist in the funding discussion is that Wright County is offering to collaborate and pool the SAHA funding countywide and utilize it for a variety of housing needs. They are seeking feedback on potential interest from the City of Monticello EDA-HRA on this concept. Mr. Bevier explained the six housing priorities noted in the County -wide pooling, proposal. It consists of single-family housing rehab, traditional housing programs, contracts with hotels for temporary emergency housing, emergency housing assistance throughout the County, development assistance, and permanent emergency housing assistance. Staff offered the option to have more discussions about this in the context of Monticello's overall housing goals and are seeking direction from the EDA about it preferred option. Mr. Bevier explained the three considerations, noted the timeline of deadlines for commitments and expenditure, and called out Neighborhood Preservation 3 EDA Regular Meeting Minutes —January 14, 2026 as it related to Chapter 7 "Community Character, Design, and the Arts" of the Monticello 2040 Vision + Plan. Mr. Barger asked if by implementing and entering into an agreement for pooled or shared funding with Wright County, how would Monticello's citizens' housing needs be accounted for in the pooled funding. Ms. Schumann responded that the idea is still conceptual and would require more discussion by the parties involved regarding funding objectives and establishing a distribution framework. Mr. Thares shared that the City of St. Michael was potential willingly to collaborate with Wright County on pooling of resources and the program objectives though they stipulated that the total amount of SAHA funds that the state allocates to St. Michael would need to ultimately be used to support housing projects in St. Michael. He added that the County is also receiving SAHA dollars and some of those could be provided to each City in addition to their own municipal allocation. Mr. Johnson asked if the program might be administered with current City staffing resources. Ms. Schumann explained the details within the approved housing ordinance for EDA allocation. She reminded the EDA that the program should be structured as a pilot effort and said staff will maintain EDA goals based on resources and demand. Regarding staffing, Ms. Schumann said she believes the program can be administered internally. Mr. Morphew said administering and disbursing funds is less of a concern now that he understands available city staff and resources for this effort. His current view is to not pool funds with the County. Mayor Hilgart noted that the $171,000 +/- in SAHA funding is not a lot of money. It may result in only four to six applications. He said that he believes that the program is fully doable within the capacity of the Community Economic Development Coordinator. Ms. Schumann agreed to the mayor's sentiments. She feels that Mr. Bevier has proven his capabilities by harnessing the facade improvement loan program and resurrecting Downtown Rounds. Ms. Hinz also stated that she would like to see the program be administered as a distinct EDA funding effort. Mr. Thares noted a couple of key elements that are still needing clarification. They are specifically the target age group and the geographic area. He noted many areas north of 1-94 have older and possibly somewhat lower valued homes. He requested that if the EDA chooses to move forward, it specify that information. Mr. Morphew asked if it would be possible to set a priority specific to the north side of I- 94 for applicants aged 55+, without exclusivity. Ms. Schumann said that other community development goals may be met by targeting an area north of 1-94 since it is closer to the core downtown area and could focus reinvestment toward the existing 0 EDA Regular Meeting Minutes —January 14, 2026 naturally occurring affordable housing in that area. Mayor Hilgart next asked how the information will be shared with the public. Ms. Schumann responded that she has already had some discussions with the Communications Specialist regarding all forums of media and networking. Some of it will rely on personal relationships. Mayor Hilgart suggested information be added to a utility billing mailing. Mr. Johnson suggested the director of the senior center and other leaders in the community could also be an information conduit. Mr. Johnson said the south side of 1-94 consists of newer developments and is likely not in need of potential repairs like an older home north of the freeway. Mayor Hilgart stated that the homes south of 1-94 are all 1990-built or newer. Mr. Johnson said maybe the policy include a proviso "at the EDA's discretion" if some instances arise where there might worthy exceptions. Mr. Barger suggested the funding could be a supplement development focus to the core downtown area. Mayor Hilgart suggested that considering the limited amount of funding, it should not be able to be used to benefit the overall appearance of a residence but rather focus on critical systems such as HVAC or plumbing or windows - doors, etc. Mr. Barger said he believes that when funding and information becomes available, staff may want to be ready for a significant amount of interest. Mr. Thares again asked the EDA members if they felt comfortable keeping the 55+ age restriction in place or want to open it up to all ages. Members agreed that a program targeted for seniors is a good starting point. JON MORPHEW MOVED TO APPROVE A STATEWIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AID (SAHA) POLICY RELATING TO THE PROPOSED HOMEOWNER REHABILITATION PROGRAM, SUBJECT TO EDA DIRECTION ON ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO AGE RANGE AND GEOGRAPHIC TARGET AREA NORTH OF INTERSTATE 94. RICK BARGER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0. 6. Other Business A. Consideration of Economic Development Manager's Report Mr. Thares provided reports on the following items: • 2026 City of Monticello Fee Schedule — adopted by City Council on December 8, 2025 — included fees relating to Economic Development funding assistance applications • 2026 EDAM Winter Conference —January 22-23, 2026 o Mr. Thares and Mr. Bevier are registered to attend • Local Option Sales Tax Revenue Collections 5 EDA Regular Meeting Minutes —January 14, 2026 • January Planning Commission updates o Mr. Schumann provided information and status for consideration regarding the land use ordinance for data centers. • Projects and Prospects (to date) including Building Permits • WCEDP Annual Meeting —January 16, 2026 Mr. Johnson asked if enough industrial land in Otter Creek is available to meet the demands for anticipated future development. Mr. Thares said that even though now there are still 52.50 acres available in OCBP, the number of recent inquiries seems to indicate that industrial development activities are fairly strong and several of the EDA sites in OCBP could be developed in the coming 18 to 36 months. With that as a global contextual backdrop, he stated that it is not too early to start discussions in a regular meeting or a workshop about a new future industrial location for the community. He said typically developing a new industrial park takes about 4 to 6 years to get the ultimate point of site grading and public infrastructure installation. He said perhaps the EDA would want to have initial discussions sometime this year and then maybe suggest a follow-up joint meeting with the Planning Commission at some point after that to further explore the concepts and conduct discovery of all the pertinent steps in such an effort. No action was taken on the item. 7. Adjournment TRACY HINZ MOVED TO ADJOURN THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE MONTICELLO EDA. HALI SITTIG SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY, 7-0. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 7:15 P.M. Recorded by: Anne Mueller*4\)-, Approved: February 11, 2026 ATTEST: Jim T a)e, Executive Director of the Monticello EDA C-1