IEDC Agenda - 05/05/2026AGENDA
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
(IEDC) Tuesday, May 5, 2026 | 7:00 a.m.
Monticello Community Center – Academy Room
Members: Chairperson Mike Huey, Vice-Chair Rob Stark, City Council Member Charlotte Gabler, Luke
Dahlheimer, Joe Elam, Shawn Hafen, Lori Hanson, Aaron Holthaus, Liz Kokesh, Sarah
Kortmansky, Sonja McElroy, Jarred Merchant, Joni Pawelk, Cory Ritter, Greg Schultz,
Andrew Tapper, Darek Vetsch, Tony Velishek
Liaisons: City Staff - Rachel Leonard, Angela Schumann, Jim Thares, Tyler Bevier;
Missy Meidinger (WCEDP), Deb Meyer (Monticello Chamber), Dave Tombers (Xcel
Energy), Tim Zipoy (CMJTS)
1.General Business
A.Call to Order
B.Consideration of March 3, 2026 Meeting Minutes
C.Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
2.Regular Agenda
A.Consideration of Table Topic – Discuss Manufacturers Appreciation Event
3.Liaison Updates
A.Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP)
B.Chamber of Commerce
C.Economic Development
•Sales Tax Revenue Collections – February 2026
•Building Permit(s) Update – Qtr. 1 and Qtr. 2 YTD - 2026
•Project Updates
•Prospect List
•BR&E Signup – May & June visits
•May 5, 2026 Planning Commission Agenda
D.City Council Update
4.Next Meeting Reminder – Date: Tuesday, June 2, 2026
5.Adjournment (8:30 a.m.)
MINUTES
MONTICELLO INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - 7:00 a.m.
Academy Room, Monticello Community Center
Members Present: Chairperson Mike Huey, Vice Chair Rob Stark, Luke Dahlheimer, Joe Elam,
Charlotte Gabler (City Council), Aaron Holthaus, Liz Kokesh, Sarah
Kortmansky, Jarred Merchant, Sonja McElroy, Deb Meyer (Chamber Liaison-
NV), Eric Olson, Joni Pawelk, Greg Schultz, Andrew Tapper,
Members Absent: Shawn Hafen, Missy Meidinger (WCEDP Liaison-NV), Cory Ritter, Darek
Vetsch (Wright County Commissioner), Tony Velishek, Tim Zipoy (CMJTS-
Liaison-NV)
Staff Present: Rachel Leonard, Tyler Bevier, Bob Ferguson
Staff Absent: Angela Schumann, Jim Thares
Guest: Lori Hanson, Monticello High School Principal
1. General Business
A. Call to Order
Chairperson Mike Huey called the meeting of the Monticello Industrial & Economic
Development Committee (IEDC) to order at 7:00 a.m.
B. Approval of Minutes
AARON HOLTHAUS MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 6, 2026, REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES. MOTION SECONDED BY ANDREW TAPPER – PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
C. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
Chairperson Huey asked to have the Manufacturer’s Appreciation event planning to
be added to Regular Agenda items.
2. Regular Agenda
A. Consideration of Table Topic – Monticello Public School District #882 Update – Eric
Olson, Superintendent
Mr. Olson talked about the successful passage of the 2025 Operating Levy and
shared information about impacts to the School District budget through the levy
increase. He also noted upcoming staff retirements and potential attrition as a factor
in operational cost-savings as well as the complexities and challenges for bonding
and budgeting going into future years.
Mr. Olson introduced Monticello High School Principal Lori Hanson to present an
additional update on the district and programs for students with connections to the
business community.
Ms. Hanson, Monticello High School Principal, highlighted the district’s focus on
preparing students for graduation through essential skill development, emphasizing
IEDC Meeting Minutes – 03/03/2026
2
exposure, experience, and exploration. She shared examples of career shadowing,
including mechanical repairs, school bus maintenance, a meat market kitchen, and a
Chamber of Commerce internship.
Members noted their own personal interest-experience with the mentoring and
scholarship program. Mr. Holthaus stated that he appreciated the opportunity for
local businesses to present information at the schools to introduce students to
possible vocational and career interests and options.
Mr. Olson thanked Committee members for their efforts with local businesses and
the impacts on student careers and future community leaders. He also
recommended Ms. Hanson replace him on the IEDC as he prepares to step down
from his leadership role in June.
JONI PAWELK MOTIONED TO RECOMMEND LORI HANSON TO SERVE ON THE IEDC
BEGINNING ON MAY 5, 2026. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY SARAH KORTMANSKY,
PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Administrator Rachel Leonard said recommendations for appointments will be
considered by City Council and become effective after approval, if the application is
received prior to the next regular Council meeting.
B. Addition – Manufacturer’s Appreciation Planning – Mike Huey
Chairperson Huey opened the discussion about the potential modifications and
format of the Manufacturers Appreciation event by suggesting various changes may
help make it more relevant and successful. Mr. Stark said he spoke with Della
Ludwig, MN-DEED. He noted that she is involved with the Central Minnesota
Manufacturers Association (CMMA) and they are willing to partner with the IEDC on
the appreciation event efforts. He said that feedback from various industries was to
allow enough notice for event planning to ensure necessary resources are available
for potential tours and approach future planning in a way that supports guest
availability and recognizes them appropriately.
Chair Huey also said that he talked to UMC, Aroplax Corporation, and Jensen
Precision Machining to learn what may help to provide a more appealing event to
the local manufacturers. Some of the feedback included:
• UMC offered full collaborative support and sponsorship. They also suggested a
different day of the week to host (not Fridays). The event typically occurs on
UMC’s all-employee company meeting days.
• King Banaian was an engaging speaker.
• School program focus is viewed as less desired than the preferred focus of
manufacturer recognition and appreciation.
IEDC Meeting Minutes – 03/03/2026
3
• In lieu of school presentations and to accompany a speaker, a suggestion was
made for County or State engagement to provide information on available
resources relating to industrial economic support programs.
Mr. Stark suggested a potential option would be a 2025 Red Tape Program
presentation by U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) which would highlight
funding resources and connect businesses to the resources.
3. Liaison Updates
A. Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP)
WCEDP Board Chair Rob Stark spoke in the absence of Liaison Missy Meidinger. He
said a new administrative professional staff person was hired. He also reported on
annual board appointments and current collaborative economic development efforts
working with Greater MSP.
B. Chamber of Commerce
Ms. Meyer provided a brief overview of upcoming Monticello Chamber events. She
shared the collaborative success with the Monticello Middle School efforts through
the submittal 140 of the 900+ essays regionally collected to recognize in advance of
the upcoming National Civics Bee.
C. Economic Development
City Administrator Rachel Leonard provided background and updated information on
the Local Option Sales tax in the context of projection reports dating back to 2016.
She also noted that the pace of the sales tax collections which are currently
exceeding the projections. She noted that the City Council has held workshop
discussions on how to best utilize ongoing sales tax proceeds for the Bertram Park
improvements. She pointed out the complications of maximizing funding for the
entire Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park complex improvement project while
keeping the facilities open for operations and providing benefit to the community.
Community & Economic Development Coordinator Tyler Bevier gave a brief overview
of the upcoming agendas and prospect list.
D. City Council Updates
Ms. Leonard provided updates on City Council discussions and actions:
• The Council received an update from MnDOT focused on the state’s future
construction and infrastructure improvements along the Highway 25 corridor.
• The EDA recently approved a contract with Bolton & Menk to update the
Downtown Small Area Plan (last updated in 2017). The effort will include a
greater emphasis on the east side of TH25 along the Cedar Street corridor and
also include visioning for Block 34 and the Cedar Street garden site both of which
are primarily owned by the City and the EDA. The effort will strive to provide a
IEDC Meeting Minutes – 03/03/2026
4
plan vision that coordinates and guides some of MnDOT’s proposed TH25
improvement project.
• The new water treatment plant project is moving forward with related Council
actions underway.
• The Council took action to accept environmental review documents known as an
Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) covering 550 acres within the
Monticello Orderly Annexation area on the south edge of the community. It is
also continuing to discuss appropriate language and standards for the proposed
Data Center Planned Unit Development (DC-PUD) ordinance in effort to provide
comprehensive land use guidance for data center development.
4. Next Meeting Reminder – Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
5. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:17 a.m. Recorder
Industrial Economic Development Agenda: 5/05/2026
2A. Table Topic – Consideration of Discussion of Manufacturers Appreciation Event format
and adjustments-activities-features
Prepared by:
Economic Development Manager
Meeting Date:
5/05/2026
☒ Regular Agenda Item
Reviewed by:
Community and Economic
Development Coordinator
Approved by:
Economic Development Manager
REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND
Member IEDC discussion is requested to further define and adjust the format of the
Manufacturers Appreciation event activities, date, time of day, etc., to ensure a viable event
and maximize impact and turnout.
SUPPORTING DATA:
A. Suggested Manufacturers Event Discussion Points-Items
Items for IEDC Discussion – Manufacturing Appreciation Event
May 5, 2026
October is Manufacturing Month in Minnesota, celebrating the state’s 8,500+ manufacturers,
320,000+ workers, and the vital role of manufacturing in the economy and communities.
Why It Matters
Manufacturing is a cornerstone of Minnesota’s economy, producing everything from life-saving
medical devices to outdoor gear, food, and tech innovations. The sector employs over 320,000
people statewide, paying $26.7 billion in wages in 2024 — an average of just over $83,000 per
worker, 12% above the state average. It is the second largest private sector industry in terms of
payroll and offers one of the most reliable career pathways, with over 93,000 job openings
projected through 2032
Items IEDC Discussion & Feedback
Date & preferred weekday of the event in October
Lunch event – (style/type, location to host, food
preference, etc.)?
3-5 IEDC Members to engage in the planning
process and form an Outreach Committee
Early “Stay Tuned” Postcards (handouts) prior to “Save the Date”
Speaker Ideas
IEDC Agenda 05/05/26
3. Liaison and Economic Development Updates
Prepared by:
Economic Development Director
Meeting Date:
05/05/2026
☒ Liaison Updates
Reviewed by:
Community & Economic Development
Coordinator
Approved by:
N/A
REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND
A. Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP) - Update provided by
WCEDP staff and/or leadership
B. Monticello Chamber of Commerce - Update provided by Chamber staff and/or
leadership
C. City Economic Development - Jim Thares, Economic Development Manager
IEDC members are encouraged to ask questions as so inclined. Attachments include the
Sales Tax Revenue Collections, the Project Updates Summary and Projects-Prospects
List. The Planning Commission Agenda for the May 5, 2026, meeting is also included.
• Sales Tax Collections Update – February 2026
• Building Permits Update Qtr. 1 and Qtr. 2 - 2026
• Project Updates
• Prospect List
• BR&E Summary and Signup for May and June Visits
• Planning Commission Meeting Agenda – May 5, 2026
D. City Council Update - Rachel Leonard, City Administrator
Collection
Month Amount Collected Admin Fees
Admin Start
Up Fees Total Received
May-25 175,249.36$ (1,577.24)$ (16,116.45)$ 157,555.67$
Jun-25 204,919.19$ (1,844.27)$ 203,074.92$
Jul-25 203,551.14$ (1,831.96)$ 201,719.18$
Aug-25 217,249.10$ (1,955.24)$ 215,293.86$
Sep-25 200,916.80$ (1,808.25)$ 199,108.55$
Oct-25 199,196.68$ (1,792.77)$ 197,403.91$
Nov-25 219,355.63$ (1,974.20)$ 217,381.43$
Dec-25 225,114.69$ (2,026.03)$ 223,088.66$
Jan-26 226,193.47$ (2,035.74)$ 224,157.73$
Feb-26 179,512.82$ (1,615.62)$ 177,897.20$
Mar-26 -$
Apr-26 -$
May-26 -$
Jun-26 -$
2,051,258.88$ (18,461.32)$ (16,116.45)$ 2,016,681.11$
Monticello Local Option Sales Tax
BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY AND VALUATION
PERMIT TYPE
2024
4th Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
2025 4th
Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
Single Family 3 $689,151 48 $12,250,154 12 $3,127,146 42 $11,243,701
Multi-Family Townhomes 0 $0 38 $3,800,000 24 $4,896,521 24 $4,896,521
Comercial-Industrial New -
Remodel - Addition 3 $379,750 27 $5,562,350 9 $6,507,022 36 $27,611,288
PERMIT TYPE
2025
1st Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
2026
1st Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
Single Family 11 $3,100,261 11 $3,100,261 11 $3,422,229 11 $3,422,229
Multi-Family Townhomes 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Commercial-Industrial New -
Remodel - Addition 6 $923,615 6 $923,615 4 $800,433 4 $800,433
PERMIT TYPE
2025
2nd Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
2026
2nd Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
Single Family 8 $2,197,766 19 $5,298,027 6 $1,730,498 17 $5,152,727
Multi-Family Townhomes 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0
Comercial-Industrial New -
Remodel - Addition 11 $5,358,825 17 $6,282,440 0 $0 4 $800,433
BUILDING PERMIT ACTIVITY AND VALUATION
PERMIT TYPE
2025
3rd Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
2026
3rd Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
Single Family 11 $2,818,529 30 $8,116,556
Multi-Family Townhomes 0 $0 0 $0
Comercial-Industrial New -
Remodel - Addition 10 $14,821,827 27 $21,104,266
PERMIT TYPE
2025
4th Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
2025 4th
Qtr Valuation YTD Valuation
Single Family 12 $3,127,146 42 $11,243,701
Multi-Family Townhomes 24 $4,896,521 24 $4,896,521
Comercial-Industrial New -
Remodel - Addition 9 $6,507,022 36 $27,611,288
EDA Agenda: 5/05/26
1
3. Project Updates
Fairfield By Marriott Hotel:
Construction of the 98-room hotel development project is progressing. The Boulder Tap House
restaurant is projected to open in early June. The hotel will open in August 2026.
Minnesota Sports Cards - Retail:
Construction of the Minnesota Sports Cards retail center (4,409 sq. ft. building) on a 1.09-acre
site located just east of the former McDonald’s fast-food restaurant (located along the freeway
in front of Home Depot) is nearly complete, with opening slated for May.
Discount Tire:
Construction of Discount Tire (2.04-acre parcel located at 1300 7th Street East) sales and service
store is underway on the north side of I-94, adjacent to the Sunny Days Therapy facility on 7th
Street East. After pausing construction for some time due to supply chain issues, it is now
actively progressing again and is targeted for late June 2026 completion.
L&L Homestyle Café:
As of late April, building façade improvements at the newly opened restaurant located at 154
West Broadway have started. The improvements, partially funded through the EDA Façade
Improvement Forgivable Loan Program in the amount of $100,000, include new windows, new
doors, new awnings, stucco repairs, and painting and trim-accent updates. The total project
cost is approximately $173,000 +/-.
Kid’s Haven Childcare Center:
Key milestone approvals have occurred for the proposed Kid’s Haven Childcare Center. The
City Council approved the sale of a 2.93-acre City-owned site in Jefferson Commons near the
bowling alley and immediately adjacent to the Emagine Movie Theatre. The EDA also approved
a $250,000 loan from its Small Cities Development Program loan fund. The EDA funding will fill
a gap in the nearly $6,065,000 development proposal and is to be used specifically to purchase
kitchen, laundry, and playground equipment and classroom materials. The land sale
transaction closing is anticipated to occur in mid-June. The 26,704 square foot childcare facility
will have a capacity to serve 316 childcare slots, reducing Monticello’s deficit of 700. A total of
40 new FTE jobs will be created. The facility is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027.
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
2/28/22-01/27/26 Project Emma II Light Ind-Assembly New Construction 40,000 sq. ff. 0 5 $4,350,000 Active
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. 19 17 $4,900,000 Paused
2/12/2024 Project Lodge-
MSMWDC
Lodging-Hospitality New Construction ? 0 10 $22,500,000 Under Const
3/5/2024 Project Panda
20‐MS
Child Care Facility New Construction 27,100 sq. ft. 0 43 $6,500,000 Site Selected
4/12/2024 Project Rest B52 Restaurant New build out‐Finish 7,000 sq. ft. +/- 0 25 $2,300,000 Identified
Site
5/30/2024 Project EP-BDDC
LACW
Data Center - Hyper Scale New Construction 2,150,000 sq. ft. +/- 0 190 $3,000,000,000 Identified
Site
9/2/2024 Project Scannell Data
Ctr
Data Center Enterprise New Construction 1,200,000 sq. ft. +/- 0 135 $2,000,000,000 Identified
Site
1/14/2025 Project Megawatt Industrial New Construction 650,000 to 1,300,000 sq.
ft.
0 592 $757,000,000 Active Search
7/19/2025 MC Outdoors Industrial Service New Construction 8,200 sq. ft. 0 14 $1,500,000 Site Selected
9/4/2025 Project Starfish Industrial New Construction 70,000 sq. ft. to 92,000
sq. ft.
$8,500,000 Active Search
10/24/2025 Project 2834-120-2kj Industrial New Construction 1,265,000 sq. ft. 1,350 $1,900,000,000 Active Search
11/13/2025 Project Firefly Industrial New Construction 30,000 to 35,000 sq. ft. ? 15 $5,800,000 Site
Identified
11/24/2025 Project RBD 20K Industrial New Construction 18,000 to 20,000 sq. ft. 0 15 $3,700,000 Active Search
11/24/2025 Project ET 12K Industrial New Construction 11,000 to 12,000 sq. ft. 0 11 $1,600,000 Paused
1/30/2026 Project Sol Industrial New Construction 600,000 sq. ft. - 75
acres
0 330
[214]
$339,000,000 Active Search
2/3/2026 Project SP-65-80 Industrial New Construction 65,000 sq. ft. - 6.30
acres
70 10 $8,150,000 Active Search
2/14/2026 Project PS 70-45 Industrial New Construction 70,000 sq. ft. 6,67 acres 0 45 $8,750,000 Site
Identified
3/1/2026 Porject SCS 55-30 Industrial New Construction 55,000 to 90,000 sq. ft. 0 30 $7,425,000 Active Search
3/24/2026 Project CM - 60-50 Industrial New Construction 60,000 sq. ft. 0 50 $8,200,000 Active Search
Contacts: M
= 01 YTD =
08
PROSPECT LIST 04/29/2026
NORDIC TAPHOUSE
ABOUT THE BUSINESS
Nordic Taphouse opened at its new location after extensive
renovation and remodeling in the summer of 2025.
WHAT WE LEARNED
Nordic TapHouse nears its one-year anniversary in
downtown Monticello from its previous location near 7 &
Cedar. The new location is working well with the new and
existing customer base.
th
With 23 employees, Nordic TapHouse echoes concerns of
access to the regional talent pool, yet states that they
have a great team of employees. Nordic would like to see
additional investments downtown and pedestrian
connections between the east and west sides of
downtown, especially improved lighting on the pedestrian
walkway underpass of TH-25/Pine Street. Nordic reports
no noticeable challenges with parking supply in the
downtown area, even with new businesses and
momentum downtown.
BUSINESS RETENTION & EXPANSION VISIT
LOCATION:LOCATION:
108 Walnut St108 Walnut St
DATE OF VISIT:
April 16, 2026
Business Retention & Expansion Visit
Sign-up Sheet
Location: Cocoa Maas : 242 W. Broadway
Date/Time: Thursday, May 14 at 2:00 pm
Attendees: 3-5 IEDC Members
Name:
Email:
Name:
Email:
Name:
Email:
Name:
Email:
Name:
Email:
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING – PLANNING COMMISSION
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 – 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 Planning Commission Minutes
• April 7, 2026 Regular Meeting
• April 7, 2026 Workshop
2. Public Hearings
A. CONTINUED - Consideration of an Amendment to the Monticello 2040 Vision +
Plan (Comprehensive Plan), Chapter 3, “Land Use, Growth and Orderly
Annexation”, re-guiding certain parcels from the Light Industrial Park land use
designation to other land use designations, and including any other amendments
to related sections of Chapter 3 necessary to regulate land use for the subject
area.
Applicant: City of Monticello
B. Consideration of an Amendment to the Preliminary Plat of Meadowbrook
Applicant: Lucinda Spanier
C. Consideration of an amendment to the Monticello 2040 Vision + Plan
(Comprehensive Plan), Chapter 3, “Land-Use, Growth and Orderly Annexation”
re-guiding a parcel from Light Industrial Park to Community Commercial,
PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP
Monticello Community Center – Academy Room
5:00 p.m. Discussion on Amendments to 2040 Vision + Plan and Zoning Ordinance
for single-family housing goals
Planning Commission Regular Meeting Agenda – May 5, 2026
2
an amendment to the Monticello Zoning Map for Rezoning from Industrial and
Business Campus District (IBC), to Highway Business District (B-3), and a
Conditional Use Permit for Vehicle Sales and Rental in Highway Business District
(B-3).
Applicant: Moon Motor Sports
D. Consideration of an amendment to the Monticello Zoning Map for Rezoning
from Industrial and Business Campus District (IBC) to Regional Business District
(B-4), and a Conditional Use Permit for a Restaurant within 300’ of a
Residentially Zoned Property.
Applicant: Wan Qun Lin
3. Regular Agenda
A. Consideration of adopting Resolution No. PC-2026-21 finding that the proposed
acquisition of certain land for public works facility and right of way purposes by
the City of Monticello is consistent with the City of Monticello’s comprehensive
plan
B. Consideration of appointing a Planning Commissioner to the Downtown Small
Area Plan Update Steering Committee
4. Other Business
A. Community Development Director’s Report
5. Adjournment