IEDC Minutes 09-05-2017MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, September 5111, 2017 — 7:00 a.m.
Boom Island Room, Monticello Community Center
Present: Darek Vetsch, Steve Johnson, Joni Pawelk, Luke Dahlheimer, Dick Van Allen, 011ie
Koropchak-White, Andrew Tapper, Pete Gardner, Kevin Steffensmeier
Absent: Wayne Elam, Jim Johnson, Don Roberts, Jason Kisner
Liaisons: Mayor Brian Stumpf, 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. August 1St, 2017
LUKE DAHLHEIMER MOVED TO APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES FROM AUGUST 1sT, 2017. STEVE JOHNSON SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 7-0 WITH ANDREW TAPPER AND DICK
VAN ALLEN ABSTAINING.
3. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
None.
4. Consideration of acceptance of Jim Johnson's resignation and to Recommendation
of Appointment of a new IEDC Member
OLLIE KOROPCHAK-WHITE MOVED TO ACCEPT JIM JOHNSON'S
RESIGNATION FROM THE IEDC. LUKE DAHLHEIMER SECONDED THE
MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 8-0 WITH DICK VAN ALLEN ABSTAINING.
Darek Vetsch explained that Mike Carr from Monticello Public Schools indicated interest
in filling Jim Johnson's open position on the IEDC.
LUKE DAHLHEIMER MOVED TO APPROVE MIKE CARR TO THE IEDC. OLLIE
KOROPCHAK-WHITE SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 8-0 WITH
DICK VAN ALLEN ABSTAINING.
Reports (Verbal Reports):
a. Economic Development
Jim Thares provided the Economic Report and explained the following prospects:
Shred -n -Go, Project Novus, Project 6580, and a DEED prospect. He said that the
City is waiting to hear back from these potential projects.
Thares also stated that Bondhus has contacted the City and is looking to expand
their existing building by 16,000 square feet. This proposal would allow for
additional production and add jobs at the site.
Thares also provided an update regarding Rustech Brewing, stating that the
owners are still fundraising and that the EDA loan approved for $75,000. Loan
closing has not taken place yet.
Lastly, Thares added that discussion regarding the Housing Study and Small Area
Study would occur at the evening meeting of the Planning Commission meeting.
b. Planning Commission Agenda
Jacob Thunander provided a summary of the topics included on the evening
Planning Commission Meeting. Thunander mentioned that two public hearings
would be held. The first Public Hearing would be for Paxmar LLC for a possible
development in Carlisle Village for detached townhome units. The second Public
Hearing would be for consideration of recommending adoption of the Small Area
Study to the Comprehensive Plan.
Thunander also stated that three items would be included on the regular agenda,
including a report on the Housing Study, calling for a Public Hearing for Small
Cell and Wireless Communications, and the Director's Report.
c. City Council
Jeff O'Neill provided an update on behalf of the City Council. He explained that
staff is working on the 2018 budget. He stated that an increase of 4.5 percent tax
levy from the previous year may be proposed.
O'Neill also stated that the City has heard back from Veolia on a revised contract,
but that the City would still be interested in operating the Wastewater Treatment
Facility.
He added that the City is making offers to property owners for the acquisition of
land for the Fallon Avenue overpass project.
O'Neill explained that a housing development is moving forward in Featherstone
for an additional 24 homes. He also said that Autumn Ridge is moving forward
through the planning stages for development of detached townhomes. O'Neill
explained that the City has been receiving multiple inquiries about developing
land south of the City limits.
Darek Vetsch asked if there would be impacts to the tax payers with the increased
levy. O'Neill responded that a large impact would not be seen, but that a tax
growth shift from commercial to residential has occurred. Vetsch indicated the tax
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rate for Wright County would be estimated at 5.83 percent for 2018.
d. Chamber of Commerce
Marcy Anderson provided an update regarding the Chamber of Commerce. She
explained that the Business After Hours would be held on September 13th from
4:30 — 6 at the American Legion.
Anderson also stated that on September 19'h the Chamber Lunch would be held
with Wright County Law Enforcement presenting. Anderson noted that
historically this lunch has the highest attendance.
Anderson explained that the Chamber is working on updating and printing the
swan brochures. There would be 10,000 copies printed and distributed along the I-
94 corridor.
Anderson said that the Chamber would be teaming up with the Monticello
Community Center to hold the annual Halloween party. It is scheduled for
October 26b from 4 to 6:30. The location of the event has been changed to be at
Bridge Parks.
6. Consideration of Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) DRAFT
Duane Northagen, Wright County Economic Development Partnership, explained that the
CEDS is a four -county economic development strategy plan for Benton, Sherburne,
Stearns, and Wright County. He said that there was a working committee of about 12
people who finalized the draft version of the plan in the past week. He stated that in the
last 20 years, a CEDS plan was not completed, which would not allow for U.S. Economic
Development Administration grant funding. The plan would be submitted to the federal
EDA in October following the review period and any possible revisions.
Northagen explained that funding typically is awarded for projects with a regional impact
and suggested the IEDC members to begin thinking about possible projects for
Monticello and Wright County.
Jim Thares stated that public comments are being accepted until September 30', 2017.
Any comments regarding the plan could be sent to Jim Thares or Jenn Russell, Central
Minnesota Jobs & Training Services.
Joni Pawelk asked if a river crossing would be a consideration for a project. Jeff O'Neill
stated that the Highway 25 Committee has been working with SRF Consulting to
understand where the demand is coming from. The study is to be completed in the next
eight months. He explained that the committee includes eight jurisdictions and once they
agree on a project they can look for funding and lobbying. Pawelk asked if the IEDC can
support or help move the process along. O'Neill recommended waiting for the study to be
completed.
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7. Consideration of Changing the October Meeting Date to September 26t', 2017
Jim Thares explained a request to move the October IEDC Meeting date to September
20. The meeting would take place to vote for the award winner of the 2017 Industry of
the Year, which is being held on October 4h, 2017 at 7 a.m.
JONI PAWELK MOVED TO ACCEPT CHANGING THE REGULAR MEETING FOR
THE OCTOBER IEDC MEETING TO SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2017 AT 7:00 A.M. PETE
GARDNER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 9-0.
Additional discussion pursued. Joni Pawelk asked if the open position of Don Tomann
had been filled. Thares indicated that no other applicants have stepped forward since
UMC declined to recommend another person from their staff to be involved in the IEDC.
He further suggested that IEDC members reach out to colleagues in and business
associates to make them aware of the opening.
Discussion regarding the need for public transportation occurred.
011ie Koropchak-White asked if there was a reason that the decision process by prospects
was taking a lot of time. Thares explained that information has been given to each
prospect in a timely manner and he has been checking in with each prospect weekly.
Thares indicated that many of the prospects are considering other cities in their site
searches. Koropchak-White asked if the IEDC could set up a committee to help sell
Monticello. Discussion followed. Jeff O'Neill also mentioned that several of the site
searches are confidential and only a very small group of people have been permitted to
know the identity of the project proposers.
8. Adiournment
Darek Vetsch adjourned the meeting at 8:00 a.m.
Recorder: Jacob Thunander ?�
Approved: September 26th, 2017
Attest: `
4JiTres, Economic Development Director
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