EDA Minutes 03-10-2010EDA MEETING
MINUTES
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
6:00 p.m.
Mississippi Room - 505 Walnut Street, Monticello, MN
Commissioners: President Bill Demeules, Vice President Dan Frie, Treasurer Bill Tapper, Bill Fair, and
Council members Tom Perrault and Brian Stumpf
Staff: Executive Director Megan Barnett, City Administrator Jeff O'Neill
1. Call to Order:
2. Approve Minutes:
None provided
3. Consideration of additional agenda items:
None were added.
4. Approval of EDA Invoices:
MOTION BY TAPPER TO APPROVE INVOICES SECONDED BY FAIR, MOTION
CARRIED. 6 -0.
Perrault questioned the use of Pinnacle Printing. Barnett stated at the time of biding the
project they were the lowest bidder.
5. Review proposed RFP for a Downtown Redevelopment & Revitalization Guide.
Barnett stated the draft RFP incorporates Transportation, Land Use /Design, and
Financing components. Staff is recommending a Market Analysis component be added to
the scope of work. She stated the RFP is set up a little different. Firms are being asked to
submit individual RFP's for each component instead of an all inclusive proposal. This
approach will ensure flexibility in choosing the best team to accomplish the desired end
product. Barnett clarified that the RFP is still in draft form and that the goal of the
meeting is to determine if EDA feels that the RFP meets the objectives of the project. She
mentioned that the RFP does meet the objective set forth in the City's Comprehensive
Plan of 1997, which called for a revision of the Downtown Plan.
The Downtown Association provided comments about the draft RFP. There was concern
from the EDA that the project may become more expensive and larger in scope than just
a downtown study. Barnett confirmed that the study parameters ensure that it remains
focused on the downtown area, which will require some broader scope review. It is
important to note the scope will meet the Comprehensive Plan objective.
City Administrator Jeff O'Neill stated that although there was no transportation
component included in the 1997 Comprehensive Plan, there will have to be some
consideration of traffic patterns in the downtown area. He pointed out that it will be
necessary to spend some local money on planning in order to leverage MNDoT funds in
order for the City to move forward with projects that the community has identified as
important.
The Downtown Business Association would prefer the selection of a proven consultant
that has successfully worked with developers in the past. They feel the RFP is well
drafted. Susie Wocjchouski suggested including a representative from the Downtown
Business Association would help to promote buy -in for the project. Barnett stated City
staff will also make a presentation to downtown real estate and business owners.
MOTION BY FAIR TO APPROVE THE DRAFT RFP AND ADD A DOWNTOWN
REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SELECTION COMMITTEE SECONDED BY DAN
FRIE. MOTION CARRIED. 6 -0.
Barnett agreed to reconsider the language used to describe the project and determined
that it would be useful to add a purpose statement to the draft. Timeframe for choosing
the selection committee and the steering committee will be discussed at the April
meeting.
6. Recommend City Council adopt Resolution supporting City of Big Lake's proposed Rail
Park
The City of Big Lake will be asking for regional financing to develop a rail spur in hopes
of attracting businesses in food processing and metal fabrication industries to their
community. They've asked that the City support their effort with the understanding that
there may be some regional economic development benefits to this project. The IEDC is
in support of the proposed rail park.
Councilmember Perrault had some concerns that it would promote competition for
businesses between localities.
MOTION BY FAIR, SECONDED BY FRIE. PERRAULT OPPOSED. MOTION
CARRIED. 5 -1.
7. Director Report
The vacancy on the EDA Commission has been posted with Human Resources. To date
there has not been any inquiries. Barnett has been networking to recruit a new EDA
member.
The Business Retention Expansion Program is ready to survey 60 -80 local businesses.
The team will get training to determine how to administer the survey. Five business
surveys will be conducted before April 1. The task force meets on April 6`h. The business
community will be surveyed from the end of April thru June.
The City joined the Positively MN partnership to get more statewide visibility. Barnett
will attend the upcoming meeting.
Marketing Update
a. Monticello Business Center
There have been some inquiries about the downtown commercial and retail tenant
base.
b. Discuss initiating "new- look" (web & print)
Barnett plans to initiate new city marketing materials over the next few months to get
businesses looking in this area. She will develop a plan for using new venues and social
networking to potentially draw more interest to Monticello. Marketing dollars are
available to initiate a new and detailed plan underway.
9. Adjournment
MOTION BY TAPPER TO ADJOURN SECONDED BY PERRAULT. MOTION CARRIED.
M1
Bill Demeules, President