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IEDC Agenda 06-02-2009AGENDA MONTICELLO INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Tuesday, June 2, 2009 7:00 a.m., Boom Island IEDC Mission Statement: To increase the tax base and the number of liveable wage -level jobs in Monticello by promoting industrial and economic growth and worldng to maintain a desirable business environment. MEMBERS: Chair Don Roberts, Secretary Charlotte Gabler, Bill Tapper, Lynne Dahl - Fleming, Dick Van Allen, Dan Olson, Zona Gutzwiller, Patrick Thompson, Rich Harris, Wayne Elam, Marshall Smith, Elaine DeWenter LIASIONS: Sandy Suchy, Chamber Clint Herbst, Mayor Glen Posusta, City Council 1. Call to Order 2. Consideration of adding items to the Agenda 3. Approve May 5, 2009 minutes 4. Economic Development Director Update 5. Reports: a. City Council b. Chamber 6. Elect Vice -Chair 7. Consider request from Chris Kruse from Edward Jones to become a member of IEDC 8 Discuss summer schedule 9. Propose initiating a Business Retention & Expansion Program with the University of MN 10. Re -cap 2009 goals /work plan and discuss future IEDC agenda items 11. IEDC Planning Groups a. Transportation b. Business Retention/Communication c. Land Use Planning 12. Adjournment. (8:30am) MEETING MINUTES INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Tuesday, May 5, 2009 7:00 a.m., S. Mississippi Room MEMBERS PRESENT: Lynne Dahl - Fleming, Don Roberts, Bill Tapper, Patrick Thompson, Dick Van Allen, Wayne Elam, Marshall Smith, Dan Olson, Zona Gutzwiller, Charlotte Gabler MEMBERS ABSENT: Elaine DeWenter, Rich Harris, Glen Posusta LIAISONS PRESENT: Sandy Suchy, Clint Herbst CITY STAFF PRESENT: Economic Development Director Megan Barnett, Jeff O'Neill City Administrator, Community Development Director Angela Schumann Call to Order IEDC Chair Lynne Dahl Fleming called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. Approve Minutes Charlotte Gabler stated a correction should be made in the March 3, 2009 minutes to reflect her absence. MOTION BY WAYNE ELAM TO APPROVE THE MARCH 3, 2009 MINUTES WITH STATED CORRECTION SECONDED BY DON ROBERTS. MOTION CARRIED 10 -0. Discussion occurred regarding the April 7, 2009 meeting notes. MOTION BY MARSHALL SMITH TO APPOINT CHARLOTTE GABLER AS THE SECRETARY WORKING IN COORDINATION WITH THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR TO CRAFT MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES SECONDED BY PATRICK THOMPSON. MOTION CARRIED 10 -0. Further discussion occurred regarding some of the exchanges occurring within the IEDC the past few months. Concern was raised relating to: how agendas were being set, pointless distractions for the group, leadership by the Chair, and perceived dissention between City Staff and Lynn Dahl Fleming. Several members stated their desire for the IEDC to move in a positive direction. 1 MOTION BY WAYNE ELAM TO REMOVE CHAIR LYNN DAHL FLEMMING AND PLACE VICE CHAIR DON ROBERTS AS CHAIR SECONDED BY BILL TAPPER. MOTION CARRIED 5- 3. MEMBERS GABLER AND THOMPSON ABSTAINED. Economic Development Report: The Economic Development Report was noted. Reports: Sandy Suchy noted the new formation of a hospitality committee, efforts made by the Government Affairs group, the May lunch would consist of a presentation on computer safety, and business after hours would be held at Applebees. FiberNet Monticello Presentation: City Administrator Jeff O'Neill and FiberNet Monticello General Manger Don Patten provided a detailed presentation on the history of FiberNet Monticello and reviewed the opportunity the City has to apply for a federal broadband grant. MOTION BY PATRICK THOMPSON TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2009 -01 SUPPORTING THE CITY IN APPLYING FOR A FEDERAL STIUMULAS BROADBAND GRANT TO BUILD A 100% FIBER OPTIC SYSTEM SECONDED BY BILL TAPPER. MOTION CARRIED 10 -0. MOTION BY BILL TAPPER TO ADJORN THE MEETING SECONDED BY PATRICK THOMPSON. MOTIONED CARRIED. 9 -0 (Marshall Smith was not present at this time). Adjourned at 8:45am 2 4. Economic Development Director Updates: a. General: 1. City Council: On May 26, 2009, the City Council tabled action on the River Street pilot project to allow time for further information to be obtained from MnDot and local businesses. The City Council adopted a resolution on May 26, 2009 authorizing staff to submit an application for a Federal stimulus broadband grant. 2. EDA: Staff will be meeting with Rusty Fifield from Northland Securities to summarize comments obtained from the EDA and City Council regarding the TIF Management Plan and outline several options for follow up actions. 3. Planning Commission: See attached agenda. b. Committees: 1. Higher Education Committee: The committee desires to be considered as a formal committee under the City Council direction. Staff will begin working with the Administrator and City Council to proceed in this direction. 2. Downtown Association: Verbal report. c. Business Communications: 1. Business Newsletter: The Summer 2009 Business Insider will need to begin production in the month of June. Staff is requesting input on the next Business Spotlight. We have featured an industry (Cargill Kitchen Solutions) and a downtown business (Crostini's). A couple ideas for the upcoming issue would be: the bed and breakfast (Rand House - ?) or a couple service /retail providers, or something completely different such as vendors from the Farmers Market. 2. The Commercial Broker Breakfast has been set for Wednesday June 10, 2009 at 8:OOam. Invitations were distributed on Wed. May 27, 2009. If any IEDC members plan to attend please contact Staff. Breakfast is being catered and a final plate count will need to be established. The audience for this event is intended to be commercial brokers, realtors, and developers. 3. I -94 Bridge Replacement Meeting: MNDOT will be hosting an information meeting on June 4, 2009 at 8:OOam at the Community Center. The purpose of the meeting is to inform local businesses regarding construction plans and detour routes for the bridge replacement project starting in July of this year. See attached invitation. d. Future Meeting Dates: 1. Next Meeting: IEDC 6.2.09 AGENDA MONTICELLO PLANNING C June 2nd, 2009 6:00 PM Commissioners: Rod Dragsten, Charlotte Gabler, Lloyd Hilgart, William \Spartz, and Barry Voight Council Liaison: Susie Wojchouski Staff: Angela Schumann, Gary Anderson, Steve Grittman —NAC 1. Call to order. 2. Consideration to approve the Planning Commission minutes of May 5`s, 2009. 3. Citizen Comments. 4. Consideration of adding items to the agenda. 5. Public Hearing - Consideration of a request for an extension of an Interim Use Permit for the Alternative Learning Program, located in an I -I (Light Industrial) District. Applicant: Monticello Independent School District 6. Public Hearing - Consideration of a request for amendment to the Monticello Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 3, Section 3 -5, as related to the regulations for Off - Street Parking Applicant: City of Monticello 7. Consideration of a request for extension of a Conditional Use Permit for Planned Unit Development and Preliminary Plat for Mills Fleet Farm Addition. Applicant: Mills Properties, Inc. 8. Consideration of a request for extension of a Conditional Use Permit for a drive- through facility in the CCD. Applicant: Masters 5's Avenue 9. Consideration to review an update to the Conditional Use Permit for Planned Unit Development as related to Signage for the Monticello -Big Lake Hospital. 10. Update on the Zoning Ordinance RFP 11. Community Development Director's Update. 12. Adjourn. 9@n i;b'' ^9E I i Nu xlli +Ji?G You are invited to attend the Interstate 94 Bridge Replacement Project at Monticello Informational Session Thursday, June 4, 2009 8:00 a.m. Monticello City Hall - Bridge Room 505 Walnut Street, Monticello Mn /DOT representatives will be providing information on project staging, timelines and potential traffic impacts. Please plan to attend this important informational session! Sponsored by: City of Monticello Monticello Chamber of Commerce Minnesota Department of Transportation For more information contact: Judy Jacobs, WIDOT- Communications 218 - 828 -5706 IEDC 06.02.09 7. Nov Member Request: Background: Staff was contacted by Chris Kruse requesting to be considered as a new member to the IEDC. Chris has an economics background and owns Edward Jones business located in downtown. He lives in St. Michael with his family and moved his financial business to Monticello in 2006. Mr. Kruse provided the following background information: " Myname is Chris Kruse. I am the owner of the Edward Jones Investments business in downtown Monticello on Walnut Street. I have been a business owner in Monticello since 2006 and have lived in St. Michael with my family since 2005. A few commitments in my life are coming to an end this year, and I have some time now available that I can to devote to the city and county that I work in. After talking to a number of people and doing some homework, 1 think that the scope and mission of the IEDC is one that I share and would like to be a part of My educational background is in economics, I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Economics. I have been in business for a total of seven years, the last three being here in Monticello. My goal is to bring my experience to the IEDC with the goal of helping to accomplish the mission set forth." According to the IEDC Organizational and Membership guidelines, membership has not exceeded the established limit of 16 -18 members. Alternate Actions: 1. Recommend the City Council approve the appointment of Chris Kruse. 2. Recommend the City Council deny the appointment of Chris Kruse. 3. Table item for further information. Staff Recommendation: The IEDC should provide, by majority vote, a positive or negative recommendation to the City Council. 9. Propose initiatine a Business Retention & Expansion Proeram with the University of MN Extension Services: Background: The concept of surveying the business community has been discussed by the IEDC Business Communication group at past meetings. Methods of accomplishing this task were discussed including; IEDC members completing the survey or partnering with the University of MN Extension Services and participating in their well -known BR &E program. The Chamber of Commerce also stated a desire to survey their business members. Due to an overall desire to survey our local business community, City Staff and the Director of the Chamber meet with the Claudia Cody from the University of Minnesota Extension Services to obtain more information on their BR &E program. Claudia provided detail information regarding how the program works (see attached). The City will be required to apply to the University and be accepted into the program. The program cost is $15,000. In most, if not in all, past BR &E programs, several community leaders and businesses have contributed to the required program fee. The University has completed many BR &E programs with great success. The Big Lake BR &E program received several awards both on a state and national level. The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors met to discuss participating both by volunteer hours and financially. They have approved contributing $1,000 dollars to initiating a Monticello BR &E program. Staff will be bringing the same request forward to the EDA at their June meeting. Staff is hopeful they will see the value in contributing a $1,000 financially to this program. The program requires a "Leadership Team" and a "Taskforce Team." In an attempt to test the interest of the business community and commitment level to this program, staff contacted several businesses and local leaders requesting their participation on the Leadership Team. The following people have committed to serve on the team: Brad Durfee, DEED Tim Zipoy, Workforce Center Joni Pawlek, Hospital Patrick Thompson, Xcel Perry Sloneker, Best Western Kurt Zweifel, Cargill Visitation Coordinator Visitation Coordinator Milestone Coordinator Milestone Coordinator Business Resource Coordinator Business Resource Coordinator Terri Sweet, Monticello Times Media Coordinator Megan Barnett / Sandy Suchy Overall Coordinators Staff would like to propose the IEDC serve as the "Task Force." It may be beneficial to also ask a few other business leaders and constituents to participate on the task force. For example, a representative from Michelle Bachmann's office, another industry leader, either a Cub Foods, Target, or Wal -mart representative, and possibly a few other service /retail business leaders. However, the IEDC would be the core Task Force group. Recommendation: Staff is recommending the IEDC adopt a resolution supporting moving forward with a BR &E program through the University of MN Extension Services. This is truly a great opportunity to reach out to the businesses to find out what they need, provide assistance and answers when possible, partner together and take action, evaluate any changes that need to be made, and put into place innovative thinking and creativity that will really allow Monticello to stand apart from other communities. In the event the IEDC and the EDA support moving forward staff will begin working with the Initiative Foundation and local business leaders to obtain the remaining $13,000 needed to secure funding for the program. It is anticipated that the program could be officially launched by fall of 2009. IEDC 6.2.09 Dear Local Business: On behalf of , I am writing to ask for your financial support as the city/county/community of engages in a Business Retention and Expansion Strategies program that will guide the future of our community's plan to support local business. Briefly, the Business Retention and Expansion program engages many community volunteers in surveying local businesses to discover their needs and concerns, as well as our community assets. With that information, and analysis from University of Minnesota experts, OUR COMMUNITY will put together a plan that acts to help existing local businesses stay alive and grow. This program invests in existing businesses because research shows that 40 — 80% of new jobs in a community are generated by an existing business. (THIS STARTING PARAGRAPH NEEDS LOCAL CONTEXT, TOO.) We believe that the Business Retention and Expansion Strategies process will benefit you and your fellow businesses in at least four ways: 1. This two -three year community driven process will bring leaders and community members through your doors to hear your real problems, concerns and gratitude about the business climate in Monticello. With this information, important decisions will be made. 2. Our businesses and community leaders will form relationships with regional and state economic development professionals, as well as University of Minnesota staff who will guide the survey process and analysis. These contacts can help our community in the future. 3. The community will learn about the local economy's strengths and weaknesses from your perspective. We understand that this often creates local media buzz, but will definitely affect economic development decisions. 4. This process will take the "guesswork" out of our economic development planning. The BR &E Strategies program has worked in over 60 Minnesota communities and is highly regarded as a tool that stimulates action. hi order to engage the University of Minnesota Extension in this program, and to cover our local expenses, we need to raise $ from local businesses. The University of Minnesota charges only half of its total staff time, administrative and out -of- pocket costs. The rest is provided by the University of Minnesota. Extension's guidance and support includes the following: • An Extension educator guides recruitment of your BR &E Leadership Team and Task Force. • The Extension educator and research team will adopt a survey instrument unique to OUR COMMUNITY'S issues and concerns. • Extension will train volunteers who visit local businesses to conduct the survey. • Extension's analysis of survey findings will help us respond quickly to immediate business concerns. Extension will tabulate and analyze the results of the survey. Extension will convene economic development experts as well as members of OUR COMMUNITY'S Leadership Team and Task Force to generate suggestions for local action. Extension's team will deliver a comprehensive written report built upon results. Extension will facilitate a community meeting to help prioritize projects. ... and will stay in touch as we implement the plan For more information about this program, as well as sample research reports and case studies of former BR &E communities, you can visit www. extension .umn.edu /businessretention /. I will contact you soon to assess your interest in this important initiative. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, (Other words from our web site...) The BR &E Strategies program has been used by over 60 Minnesota communities, including neighborhoods, cities, counties, and groups of counties. Programs have focused on manufacturing; combinations of manufacturing, retail, and services; tourism; livestock; farming; and technology. Although there is considerable flexibility in the type of BR &E program a community may select to do, a high level of local interest and involvement is necessary to ensure the program's success in a community. An educator will meet with you to talk about the BR &E Strategies Program. Program Objectives The BR &E Strategies Program focuses on both short-term and long -term objectives. Short-Term Objectives: • Demonstrate community support for local businesses • Solve immediate short-term problems Long -Term Objectives: Increase the competitiveness of local businesses • Establish and implement a community strategic plan for economic development The BR &E Strategies Program makes local businesses more competitive by evaluating and addressing some of their key needs and concerns. By addressing common business concerns, the community insures a healthier future for itself. Businesses that stay competitive are more likely to remain in the community and possibly expand. The program also establishes an economic development plan for the community and a broad -based community coalition to sustain long term economic development efforts. Types of BR &E Strategies Programs Minnesota BR &E Strategies Programs currently cover the following industries: • Manufacturing • Tourism • Dairy • Swine • Farming • Technology • Mixed Business (manufacturing, retail, services) Specialized surveys are available for each of these industries. The surveys were carefully developed with the assistance of business leaders and development professionals in each sector. While the overall process for implementing each type of program is similar, the make -up of the local Task Force varies with the type of program. For example, the business persons and development professionals in a tourism project will likely be different than those in a manufacturing or dairy program. Main Community Players Every local BR &E Strategies Program includes three major groups of volunteers: Leadership Team Task Force • Business Visitation Teams These groups visit firms and make decisions about what should be done to help local businesses survive and expand. The Leadership Team (usually 4 or 5 persons) promotes the program to the community, coordinates task force meetings, and organizes immediate follow -up to the survey results. The Leadership Team also arranges for the training of Business Visitation Teams. The Task Force is a group of local community leaders. It should include representatives of business, government, education, economic development organizations and other well - respected, influential community leaders. The Leadership Team is part of the Task Force. Business Visitation Teams — two per team — visit two to four firms each. These teams are made up of Task Force and Leadership Team members, educators, business people, retirees, or other community members. The Task Force and Leadership Team decides the number and types of firms visited. Community players are supported throughout the program by Certified BR &E Consultants and BR &E applied researchers who assist the local leaders with the organization and technical research involved in the program. How we help See our Business Retention & Expansion Offerings Benefits of the Program BR &E benefits both the community as a whole and those who volunteer to serve in the program. A successful program can produce both short-term and long -term benefits in many different areas. BR &E volunteers like the program. BR &E programs are fun! Everybody says "This is fun" after completing their first firm visit. You will enjoy socializing with other key community leaders and participating in important community decisions. BR &E programs build networks. You can build relationships with local businesses and leaders and with regional and state economic development professionals, as well as University Of Minnesota staff. These contacts can help your community in the future. BR &E programs are a learning opportunity. You will learn about your local economy's strengths and weaknesses from the perspective of local businesses.. You will learn about new options for working with existing firms and ways you can shape your local destiny. BR &E programs bring communities together. In many communities, citizens and local leaders think about their future, but are not working together to influence that future. BR &E programs can bring the community together. Business persons, local government officials, education officials, professional developers, and interested citizens all work together for the benefit of existing local businesses and their community. BR &E programs are doable and generate results. People just like you and your neighbors have done this program in all sizes and types of communities. BR &E programs have been completed in rural, suburban and urban areas and are getting results. Naturally, success makes the experience rewarding. BR &E programs demonstrate that "We care about local businesses." It is surprising how many business leaders feel unappreciated. They do not hear that the community values them. Just visiting firms demonstrates that your community cares and appreciates the economic contribution businesses make. BR &E programs are low -risk. When done correctly, the BR &E program is safe. As one Task Force member and owner of a small firm said, "I just can't see any risk in getting involved in this. How can you possibly lose ?" SUMMARY OF LEADERSHIP TEAM ROLES BR &E VISITATION PROGRAM Visitation Coordinator ■ Help other members of the Leadership Team • Visit firms ■ Identify and recruit Task Force • Identify firms to be visited ■ Coordinate Practice Visits • Coordinate Visitation Volunteer training ■ Mail copies of surveys to the researcher • 45 hours during Phase 1 (4 to 9 mos.); 30 hours in Implementation, Phase 2 (1 -2 years) Milestone Meeting Coordinator • Help other members of the Leadership Team ■ Visit firms • Arrange (including invitations) the Task Force retreat ■ Arrange (including invitations) the implementation resources meeting • Arrange (including invitations) the community commencement meeting ■ 45 hours during Phase 1 (4 to 9 mos.); 30 hours in Implementation, Phase 2 (1 -2 years) Business Resources Coordinator ( "Red Flag" Coordinator) • Help other members of the Leadership Team ■ Visit firms • Establish contacts with state or federal agencies that can help local firms ■ Prepare localized fact sheet on development programs ■ Mail thank you notes and localized fact sheet to firms after the visits • Organize the "red flag review of surveys" by the Task Force ■ Assign a Task Force member to handle each immediate business concern • 45 to 60 hours during Phase 1 (4 to 9 mos.); 30 hours in Implementation, Phase 2 (1 -2 years) Media Coordinator ■ Help other members of the Leadership Team ■ Visit firms • Establish contacts with the media ■ Provide copy to media ■ 45 hours during Phase 1 (4 to 9 mos.); 30 hours in Implementation, Phase 2 (1 -2 years) Overall Coordinator or Leadership Team Chair (often serves as one of the above) ■ Help other members of the Leadership Team • Visit firms ■ Coordinate /Chair Leadership Team and Task Force • Up to 70 hours during Phase 1 (4 to 9 mos.); 40 hours in Implementation, Phase 2 (1 -2 years). Number of hours depends on whether s/he performs another leadership role as well IEDC 5.5.09 10. Recap 2009 Goals./Work Plan and Discuss future IEDC agenda items/topics: Background: The past eight months, since the hiring of the new Economic Development Director, staff and the IEDC have been working together to educate the new Director on the history of the IEDC, tie up some lose ends, further define the planning groups, and establish the best format for the meetings. Most of these tasks have been accomplished. The Economic Director began to look analyze what future IEDC agendas may look like. City Staff realized that some of the upcoming agendas appeared fairly "light' meaning the only item on the agenda would include planning groups. Therefore, staff requested a meeting with the Chair and Vice Chair of the IEDC a couple months ago to discuss what types of topics, items, and projects staff should include on future IEDC agendas. The following ideas were generated: 1. Presentation on Business Subsidy Criteria 2. TIF Analysis & Management Plan presentation 3. SCSU Higher Education Study presentation 4. Possibly bring in speakers Information from the IEDC at large is desired. Therefore, staff is requesting input from the IEDC as to what type of future agenda items the IEDC would like staff to bring forward. Staff is also kindly requesting further clarification on situations where several consecutive meetings frame up to only include planning groups (besides Director Report and Committee updates). Does the IEDC find value in meeting in planning groups every month? Engineering, Planning, and Economic Development staff are diligently trying to provide support to these planning groups, however there may be follow up items that may take a given length of time. In these situations where additional information is not completed the following month, does the IEDC still prefer to have staff dedicate planning group time within the IEDC agenda? In order to assist the IEDC in possibly generating ideas for future topics, it may be helpful to review the 2009 work plan for the IEDC: Statement: The IEDC is dedicated to being pro -active in following the guidelines established in the Monticello Comprehensive Plan. It is the intention of the IEDC to work within the areas identified below as supporting actions and objectives: Land Use: 1. Review current Economic Development section within the Comprehensive Plan. 2. Review current inventory of City owned industrial land and determine if efforts should begin to obtain additional industrial land for future use. (held I" meeting, continuing discussions) 3. Review current zoning practices (participate in Zoning Code rewrite). (currently assisting in ad -hoc review committee to review RFP's for zoning rewrite) Transportation: 1. Review benefit/location of third I -94 interchange. (completed) 2. Participate in discussion and research related to mass transit within Wright County. 3. Assist in efforts to begin implementing strategies to alleviate traffic on Highway 25. (City is applying for HPP through the federal government) 4. Begin grass roots efforts to begin planning for an additional River crossing. (City is applying for HPP through federal government) 5. Support and participate in efforts to expand I -94 corridor. Business Retention/Communication: 1. Complete a Business Survey.(in process of initiating Business Retention & Expansion program through the U of M) 2. Further define purpose and structure for joint IEDC/EDA events. (completed) 3. Continue to assist City staff in the IEDC section of the Monticello Business Insider. (completed) Higher Education: 1. Coordinate opportunities between the business community and the local schools (Career Pathway model) 2. Initiate classes/training opportunities to the business community via surrounding colleges (or other suitable higher education facilities) Recommendation: Staff understands IEDC members are busy and on a daily basis have to decide how to spend their time most effectively and efficiently. In an effort to be most respectful to the time and dedication IEDC members contribute to the City, staff is requesting additional input regarding future IEDC agenda content.