IEDC Minutes 02-07-2017MINUTES
IN DUSTRML & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONTMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, February 7th, 2017 — 7:00 a.m.
Boom Island Room, Monticello Community Center
Present: Steve Johnson, Joni Pawelk, Jim Johnson, Don Roberts, Darek Vetsch, 011ie Koropchak-
White, Andrew Tapper
Absent: Wayne Elam, Luke Dahlheimer, Dick Van Allen, Don Tomann, Mari Lou McCormic,
Pete Gardner, Jason Kisner
Liaisons: Jeff O'Neill, Jim Thares, Jacob Thunander, Marcy Anderson, Dave Tombers
1. Call to Order
Darek Vetsch called the regular meeting of the IEDC to order at 7:00 a.m.
2. Consideration to appoint 2017 Vice Chairperson
OLLIE KOROPCHAK-WHITE MOVED TO RECOMMEND JONI PAWELK AS THE
IEDC VICE CHAIRPERSON. STEVE JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED, 7-0.
Approve Minutes:
a. January 3rd, 2017
DON ROBERTS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE
JANUARY 3RD, 2017 REGULAR MEETING OF THE IEDC. OLLIE
KOROPCHAK-WHITE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 7-
0.
4. Consideration of adding items to the Agenda
Duane Northagen requested the addition of a discussion regarding business retention and
expansion.
5. Consideration of accepting Mari Lou McCormic's resi2natioan from IEDC and
sumested replacement of Kevin Steffensmeier, President, Riverwood Bank
Jim Thares stated that Mari Lou McCormic requested her resignation from the IEDC
board to allow her more time to focus on Chamber board matters. She requested that
Kevin Steffensmeier, President of Riverwood Bank be her replacement.
Steffensmeier introduced himself to the IEDC and expressed his wishes to serve on the
board.
STEVE JOHNSON MOVED TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF MARI LOU
MCCORMIC AND RECOMMENDED KEVIN STEFFENSMEIER TO THE IEDC
BOARD. DON ROBERTS SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 7-0.
6. Consideration of appointment to Small Area Study Steering Committee
STEVE JOHNSON MOVED TO APPOINT DON ROBERTS TO SERVE ON THE
SMALL AREA STUDY STEERING COMMITTEE. OLLIE KOROPCHAK-WHITE
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 7-0.
7. Table Topic — CEDS Process and Document, Jenn Russell, CMJ&TS
Jenn Russell from Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services introduced herself and
discussed the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) process. She
stated that the CEDS report will help guide stakeholders to understanding the regional
economy and provide action steps to improve it. Russell provided a timeline for the
completion of four cornerstones to the project: Human Capital, Economic
Competitiveness, Community Resources, and Foundational Assets. Lastly, Russell
commented on the benefits of being involved with the planning process including the
opportunity for federal EDA programs and grants.
8. Reports Werbai Reports):
a. Economic Development
Jim Thares mentioned the following updates:
• Groebner, Inc. is still in the process of finding a site location that will
accommodate outside storage.
• The City is still in the running as a possible site for the large International
Firm, which would employ over 700 employees.
• Precision machining firm is still looking for a building of at least 50,000
square feet. Their second option is to construct a new building.
• Shred n'Go continues to have discussions with staff regarding a site at
Otter Creek Business Park.
• The Dental Specialty Clinic proposal will be heard at evening meeting of
the Planning Commission. The clinic would include three dentistry
practices.
• Mills Fleet Farm is progressing on schedule with an open date in the fall,
2017.
b. Planning Commission Agenda (attached)
Jim Thares noted that two public hearings would be heard at the Planning
Commission meeting starting at 6:00 p.m. These include the Monticello Dental
Specialty proposal and the adoption of the 2017 Monticello Zoning Map. The
consideration of a simple subdivision for the future Fallon Avenue overpass is
included on the regular meeting.
c. City Council
Jeff O'Neill provided an update on the City Council.
• A goal setting workshop with the City Council is scheduled for February
28'', 2017. The workshop is one of two meetings that will discuss mission,
values, and action items.
• The City has been working closely with the Monticello School District to
2
keep on tract for their construction projects occurring at the main campus.
• The Fallon Avenue closing is expected to occur in the next few weeks.
• Trailblazer Transit has taken over service for public transportation
throughout Monticello. Staff are monitoring the service change.
• The Highway 25 Coalition created a request for proposal that was sent to
five firms to complete traffic modeling. The project has $150,000 of
funding and the applicant would propose what could be accomplished with
that amount. Burlington Northern provided a grant of $25,000 to support
these efforts.
d. Chamber of Commerce
Marcy Anderson stated on Friday, February 24th from 8:30-9:30 a.m., the
Chamber will have Pancakes & Politics with Representative Tom Emmer. There
was also be an event, the same evening, at 6 p.m. for Bowlerama. This wacky
bowling event is open to the public and will help to raise funds for the Swan City
Heritage Foundation projects including the swan brochures.
9. Business Retention and Expansion
Duane Northagen explained a 3 to 5 year business retention and expansion plan
developed by Wright County Economic Development Partnership. Northagen requested
three volunteers for the program to help interview existing businesses. These interviews
would help businesses understand a variety of opportunities and resources available to
them. Joni Pawelk, Darek Vetsch, and 011ie Koropchak-White volunteered to assist with
these interviews.
10. Adjournment
STEVE JOHNSON MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:02 A.M. ANDREW
TAPPER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 6-0-1 WITH DON
ROBERTS ABSTAINING.
Recorder: Jacob Thunanderi
Approved: March 7, 2017 7�
zzava�
Attest: lifi�
Ji h res, Economic Development Director