IEDC Minutes 05-02-2017MINUTES
1NDUSTRM L & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT C®MNUTTIEE (i EDC)
Tuesday, May 2, 2017 — 7:00 a.m.
,academy Room, Monticello Community Center
Present: Darek Vetsch, Steve Johnson, Joni Pawelk, Wayne Elam, 011ie Koropchak-White,
Andrew Tapper, Kevin Steffensmeier
Absent: Luke Dahlheimer, Dick Van Allen, Jim Johnson, Don Tomann, Jason Kisner, Pete
Gardner, Don Roberts
Liaisons: Jeff O'Neill, Jim Thares, Jacob Thunander, Marcy Anderson, Dave Tombers
1. Call to Order
Darek Vetsch called the IEDC Meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.
2. Approve Minutes:
a. April 4, 2017
Don Roberts noted that he was absent during the April 4t', 2017 meeting and
asked that the minutes be amended.
JONI PAWELK MOVED TO APPROVE THE AMENDED REGULAR
MEETING MINUTES FROM APRIL 4, 2017. OLLIE KOROPCHAK-WHITE
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 7-0.
3. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
None.
4. Consideration of acceptance of Don Tomann's resignation from IEDC
DON ROBERTS MOVED TO ACCEPT DON TOMANN'S RESIGNATION FROM
THE IEDC. STEVE JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 7-
0.
5. Table Topic — County Sales Tax for Road Improvement Funding — Darek Vetsch
Darek Vetsch stated that on Thursday, May 4" at 7pm at the County Courthouse there
would be a presentation and discussion about the local sales tax option (1/2 cent per
dollar). He encouraged the IEDC Board to attend. He stated that taxes needed to be
increased via property taxes or through sales tax to stay up-to-date on road improvements
throughout the County. Vetsch noted that this will be important especially as the
population of Wright County increases. The average impact per household would be $70
with a total collection of $5.7-6 million dollars. He stated that 30 percent of the revenue
would be from residents living outside of the county, but spending money in the county.
Vetsch noted concerns with raising the property tax rate especially because of the effect it
would have on commercial and industrial property owners.
Vetsch and Wayne Elam noted concerns with the county aid funding remaining the same
amount for the next several years. Vetsch stated that he has talked to several commercial
business owners and they said they had no concerns with the additional sales tax option.
Steve Johnson asked if any fees would be charged by the State if the County decided to
implement a local sales tax option. Vetsch was unsure, but agreed that would be a good
question to ask.
Don Roberts recommended a referendum take place. Vetsch was hesitant on
recommending a referendum, but added that a death date would occur if the local sales
tax were implemented.
Jeff O'Neill stated that the idea of the taxes were to update current roads throughout the
county and not to build any additional infrastructure.
Johnson asked if a wheelage tax could be an option. Vetsch stated that it would not be
worth having a wheelage tax. He stated that it would only bring in about $ 800,000 ($10
per license tabs). Johnson also mentioned concerns with increased costs of construction
projects and inflation.
Joni Pawelk's concern was with how the money would be allocated throughout the whole
county so it would have an effect on all cities and townships.
Vetsch noted that it would be possible that country property taxes could be lowered if the
board implemented the local sales tax option.
Pawelk also asked that the board look at the large scope of what transportation included
and to consider pedestrian and bicycle pathways and related projects.
6. Reports (Verbal Reports):
a. Economic Development
Jim Thares provided a report for economic development, stating the following:
• A public open house is scheduled for May 31St for the Small Area Study.
The Cuningham Group is currently having discussions with developers to
gauge their interest in developing in the downtown.
• The prospect list from the previous IEDC meeting has not changed. The
EDA provided a land price offer to Shred -N -Go for a parcel in Otter Creek
Business and is now waiting to hear back.
• A discussion about putting up a three story building was held. City staff
asked the developer to consider the downtown.
Darek Vetsch asked how many residential lots were available. Thares stated that
around 50 were available. Jeff O'Neill mentioned a possible development project
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located at Featherstone.
Thares also added that a few people have indicated interest in starting up
microbreweries in Monticello.
Steve Johnson asked if new ponding requirements could be discussed at a future
meeting. Thares confirmed.
b. Planning Commission Agenda (attached)
Jim Thares stated that two public hearing would take place during the May
Planning Commission Meeting. The Camping World item was requested to be
tabled to the June meeting. The other public hearing was for a comprehensive
plan amendment and rezoning to an industrial zoning district for the commonly
referred to Chadwick and Bowers' parcels.
c. City Council
Jeff O'Neill provided an update on behalf of the City Council stating the
following:
• The road reconstruction project bids came in with a savings of $300,000.
• A goal setting workshop would occur at the next City Council meeting. A
consolidated document identifying projects and goals would be produced
and provided to the community once approved by the Council.
• The Fallon Avenue overpass workshop would be occurring soon to discuss
the bridge and roundabout designs.
• The Highway 25 Coalition workgroup is meeting today for their first
meeting. SRF is leading the Coalition.
• A number of companies and businesses have indicated interest in locating
in Monticello. O'Neill expressed excitement for an uptick in inquiries in
the past few weeks.
Darek Vetsch asked if WCAT still exist. O'Neill stated that WCAT is working
with McLeod and Sibley County to continue operating Trailblazer Transit.
d. Chamber of Commerce
Marcy Anderson stated that they have filled the golf tournament. They are also
beginning to prepare for the Block Party and Riverfest.
7. Adjournment
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:07 A.M. STEVE
JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 7-0.
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Recorder:
Jacob Thunander�
Approved:
June 6th, 2017_,-----)
Attest:
, Economic Development Director