IEDC Minutes 03-07-2017MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, March 7, 2017 — 7:00 a.m.
Boom Island Room, Monticello Community Center
Present: Steve Johnson, Joni Pawelk, Wayne Elam, Darek Vetsch, 011ie Koropchak-White,
Andrew Tapper, Pete Gardner, Kevin Steffensmeier
Absent: Luke Dahlheimer, Dick Van Allen, Jim Johnson, Don Roberts, Don Tomann, Jason
Kisner
Liaisons: Brian Stumpf, Jeff O'Neill, Angela Schumann. Jim Thares, Jacob Thunander, Marcy
Anderson, Dave Tombers
1. Call to Order
Jim Thares called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.
2. Approve Minutes:
a. February 7, 2017
STEVE JOHNSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 7TH, 2017 IEDC
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES. OLLIE KOROPCHAK-WHITE
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 8-0.
3. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
Darek Vetsch added an item regarding local option sales tax.
4. Consideration of Review of Outside Storage Ordinance Criteria in Industrial Zones
Angela Schumann introduced the topic and noted that a draft outdoor storage criteria was
presented at a previous EDA workshop.
Darek Vetsch asked what was considered `outdoor storage'. Schumann responded that
parking or storing of materials for less than 24 hours is not considered outdoor storage.
Anything past that time frame would be considered storage per the Zoning Ordinance.
Wayne Elam discussed his concerns with the current outdoor storage ordinance being too
restrictive. He suggested looking at what the ordinance was trying to accomplish. Elam
explained with appropriate screening and placement on property, outdoor storage could
be more flexible.
Jeff O'Neill stated that there is a finite amount of land available for industrial
development. The City would like to find a happy -medium ordinance that would allow
some flexibility in outdoor storage for businesses to be able to locate in Monticello.
Schumann noted that staff would continue researching a way to retool the draft ordinance
and would bring it back for review at a future meeting.
011ie Koropchak-White asked for clarification of the zoning districts that allow outdoor
storage. Schumann responded that outdoor storage is allowed in the I-1 and 1-2 Districts
(with restrictions), but not in the IBC District.
Joni Pawelk asked if City Staff could provide a list of businesses in Monticello with their
percentage of outdoor storage. Thares confinned that staff could provide examples.
Brian Stumpf suggested that the IEDC review the draft conditions and report back to
Schumann or Thares.
5. Reports (Verbal Reports):
a. Economic Development
Jim Thares provided an update regarding Economic Development in the City:
• Moon Motors is completing an expansion of their facility to include an
8,000 square foot addition. The expansion would be used for office, show
room and storage space. There would be an increase of 6 to 10 jobs
following the improvements. Moon Motors has also indicated interest in
applying for the GMEF loan and would likely be considered for approval
at the April EDA meeting.
• Groebner, Inc. has decided to relocate to Rogers, Minnesota due to a lack
of available sites in the City.
• Monticello is still in the running for the location of large industrial
international firm.
• A precision manufacturing business is still interested in located in an
existing building in Monticello.
• Shred -N -Go has requested a purchase agreement to construct a 20,000 to
25,000 square foot, expandable building in Otter Creek Business Park.
Jim Thares also added that an open house would be held on March 22nd from 5 to
6 p.m. at the Monticello Community Center for the construction project at the
intersection of Highway 25 and 7t" Street. Thares noted that construction would
mostly be in the evening. Jeff O'Neill commented that the bids for the project
came in below budget.
b. Planning Commission Agenda (attached)
Angela Schumann stated that the Planning Commission would be meeting
Tuesday, March 7t" at 6 p.m. There is one public hearing for the consideration of
an amendment to Conditional Use Permit for Phase I1 Improvements at the
Monticello Middle School. These improvements include a new infiltration basin,
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loading dock, parking lot, and the relocation of tennis courts.
Schumann also mentioned that a Special Meeting of the Planning Commission
would be held, following the Regular Meeting, at 6:45 p.m. The meeting would
be held to conduct interviews for the open planning commissioner position.
Wayne Elam asked how the Monticello Specialty Dental Clinic was coming
along. Schumann stated that the project was approved by the City Council. A
developer's agreement was being worked out between the City and the owner.
c. City Council
Brian Stumpf provided an update regarding the City Council. He noted that the
street reconstruction public hearing was held and those projects would move
forward in the summer.
Jeff O'Neill added the following comments:
• Staff and the City Council held a goal setting workshop to identify
overarching goals with action steps. All City Board's will be presented the
information determined from the workshop.
• Fallon Avenue overpass has received 2.1 million dollars in funding or 30
percent of the construction costs. A 2018 construction schedule is
expected.
• Staff will be attending a Corridors of Commerce session with legislators to
show support for bills that are important for the transportation needs of the
City.
• Mills Fleet Farm will be holding an open house and employment search at
the Prairie Conference Center.
• A Fire Study Presentation to City Council will be held on Monday, March
13th.
• The Highway 25 Coalition has selected SRF Consulting to help complete
a study on Interstate 94 and Highway 10.
Angela Schumann also added that the EDA is completing a Small Area Study
with the help of the Cuningham Group. This study would re -define the land use
plan for that area of the city. An open house on March 30'11 is scheduled.
d. Chamber of Commerce
Marcy Anderson provided an update from the Monticello Chamber of Commerce
& Industry. Anderson stated that a Volunteer Appreciation is being held on
Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 5 pm — 8 pm. She also noted that the Chamber is
gearing up for Riverfest, which is being held July 13-16. Applications have been
coming in for Art in the Park. Lastly, Anderson stated that directory sales are
underway.
Angela Schumann also stated that Walk n' Roll is being held on June 10"' and
bike sponsorships are being accepted at City Hall for $125.
6. Added Item
Local Option Sales Tax — Darek Vetsch explained about a possible .5% local sales tax
that would be used for transportation projects. Vetsch noted that the proposed projects
would need to have approval by the State and that the sales tax levy would go away
following the completion of a project. He stated that unlike most counties in Minnesota,
Wright County does not currently have a wheelage tax. Vetsch suggested sending any
additional transportation proposals to him and the County Engineer.
Jeff O'Neill mentioned interest in a connection from Hillside Farms to School Boulevard
and connections to Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park. He also suggested pedestrian
improvements along Elm Street, Mississippi Drive, and Gillard Avenue to Battle Rapids
Park.
7. Adiournment (8:00am)
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:00 A.M. STEVE
JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 8-0.
Recorder: Jacob Thunander�
Approved: AjLril 4, 2017
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Attest:
Jim Ve
s, Economic Development Director
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