IEDC Minutes 08-01-2017MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, August 1, 2017 — 7:00 a.m.
Boom Island Room, Monticello Community Center
Present: Darek Vetsch, Steve Johnson, Joni Pawelk, Wayne Elam, Luke Dahlheimer, Jim
Johnson, Don Roberts, 011ie Koropchak-White, Jason Kisner, Andrew Tapper, Kevin
Steffensmeier
Absent: Dick Van Allen, Don Roberts, Pete Gardner
Liaisons: Mayor Brian Stumpf, Jeff O'Neill, Jim Thares, 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. June 6, 2017
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO APPROVE THE REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES FROM JUNE 6, 2017. JONI PAWELK SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED, 11-0.
3. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
None.
4. Reports (Verbal Reports):
a. Economic Development
Jim Thares provided a report on the activities related to Economic Development
in Monticello. The four, current industrial prospects include: Shred -N -Go, Project
Novus, Minnesota DEED Prospect, and Project #6580. Thares stated that Shred -
N -Go is the furthest along with their plans and are working on securing their
financing.
Thares also mentioned that the Small Area Study was progressing. The EDA and
Planning Commission held a joint meeting on July 12th to discuss challenging
issues and implementation. The Planning Commission would consider
recommending approval at their evening meeting, but would likely be tabled to
the September meeting. The EDA would consider the plan on Wednesday, August
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Thares mentioned the proposed brewery that would be going forward to the
Planning Commission meeting. Thares stated that they would be locating in the
Sweet Dreams building, where the current tenants would be relocating. A men's
barber shop would be locating in half of the building. The owners of the brewery
applied and were approved for a GMEF loan for $45,000 at the previous meeting.
The EDA allowed staff to work with the owners to negotiate a larger loan of
$75,000.
Thares added that Mills Fleet Farm would be opening tomorrow, Wednesday
August 2nd
Lastly, Thares stated that construction of a multiple tenant dental facility was
occurring along Highway 25.
b. Planning Commission Agenda (attached)
Jim Thares also provided a report of the Planning Commission, noting that several
public hearings would be held, including: the Downtown Small Area Study
(applicant: City of Monticello), Autumn Ridge Yd Addition residential
development (applicant: SW Wold Construction/Ocello, LLC), Featherstone Yd
Addition residential development (applicant: Horst Graser), zoning map
amendment for rezoning and text amendment to Section 5.2 of the Monticello
Zoning Ordinance (applicant: Ryan Buffalo Land Company, LLC.), conditional
use permit for Rustech Brewing (applicant: Bill and Penny Burt), and driveway
width discussion (applicant: City of Monticello). A development of a self -storage
facility (applicant: KB Properties) was tabled at the July meeting and would be
considered at the evening meeting. The applicant has revised plans to
accommodate the comments from the July Planning Commission meeting.
Thares mentioned that discussion regarding the purchase agreement for 220 West
Broadway Street would also occur. The EDA approved the purchase of that
property at their July 12"' meeting. Thares mentioned that it was being brought
forward to the Planning Commission because for review per the Comprehensive
Plan.
Thares added that there is an opening on the Planning Commission and
consideration of a new member would occur at the evening meeting. The
Directors Report would also be included.
c. City Council
Jeff O'Neill provided an update from the City Council. He stated that the Fallon
Avenue overpass project was moving forward. The City is working with property
owners on providing land for the roundabout. A meeting with MnDOT occurred
to discuss bridge design and no large obstacles were mentioned. O'Neill
mentioned that Mayor Stumpf asked to review road reconstruction including curb
and gutter for Chelsea Road. This project would be pulled into the Fallon
overpass in 2018. Joni Pawelk asked if sidewalk would be included along Chelsea
Road. O'Neill confirmed.
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O'Neill provided an update on the Highway 25 Coalition. The engineer is
inventorying traffic patterns, projected land uses, and looking at modeling for
river crossing. A work plan was approved for $150,000 and each City would be
going to their boards to continue supporting the program.
O'Neill stated that the City could be operating the wastewater treatment plant in
2018. O'Neill stated that staff would be sought to run the plant. It was mentioned
the possibility of the current contractor, Veolia, providing a revised contract that
may be better suited for the City.
O'Neill added that budget discussions were occurring on a department level. A
splash pad would be considered as the Monticello Lions would donate half of the
costs of developing.
O'Neill also explained that TDS is researching into a state broadband grant that
would better equip underserved areas of neighboring townships. O'Neill stated
that the City would likely support this project and the improvements it would
bring to the area. Expansion of services to new development areas of the City,
such as Featherstone, pursued.
O'Neill stated that the City received approval to move forward on the sale of the
bio -solids site.
O'Neill explained that discussion regarding housing development in the
downtown has been occurring, but nothing solid has been proposed. The Small
Area Study indicates support of such development.
Brian Stumpf explained that MnDOT are slating I-94 (east and west) overlay from
Monticello to Clearwater around 2020 or 2021.
Stumpf also added that a committee has been formed to discuss adaptive reuse of
the Ellison property.
Joni Pawelk expressed appreciation and positivity that have occurred from the
Small Area Study.
Darek Vetsch asked with the Fallon Avenue overpass if sidewalk would connect
Chelsea Road and School Boulevard. O'Neill explained that staff is working on a
plan to accommodate walking and biking.
d. Chamber of Commerce
Marcy Anderson explained that Riverfest was successful. She also added that the
downtown Block Party went well, but would occur at West Bridge Park the
following year.
Anderson explained that the royal ambassadors were crowned and would be
attending the Chamber lunch, Tuesday August 15"'.
Anderson added that the next event, the Tri -Chamber Bowl Off, would be held on
Thursday, August 17th
5. Table Topic: Various updates
Jim Johnson stated that construction on the school projects are progressing on schedule.
Most of the projects are expected to be completed by the second and third weeks of
August.
Joni Pawelk explained that a large remodeling and expansion project would commence
on August 14th for CentraCare Health — Monticello.
Jim Thares stated that a hotel developer stopped by City Hall last week and was looking
for feedback. Thares also added that interest in housing development has occurred
following the Small Area Study and Housing Study plans.
Duane Northagen stated that the Wright County Economic Development Partnership
would be sponsoring a golf event on September 12th at Fox Hollow and a broker event
would occur on September 19th to educate them on Wright County.
Thares mentioned that the City's strategic plan would be discussed at the next IEDC
meeting.
6. Adiournment (8:OOam)
OLLIE KOROPCHAK-WHITE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:00 AM.
STEVE JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 11-0.
Recorder: Jacob Thunander
Approved_ September 26th, 2017
Attest:
Economic Development Director
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