IEDC Minutes 03-06-2018MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, March 6th, 2018 — 7:00 a.m.
North Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Members: Kevin Steffensmeier, Darek Vetsch, Steve Johnson, Joni Pawelk, Wayne Elam, Luke
Dahlheimer, Dick Van Allen, Don Roberts, 011ie Koropchak-White, Jason Kisner,
Andrew Tapper, Mike Carr, Christopher Church, Joe Hammer
Liaisons: Mayor Brian Stumpf, Jeff O'Neill, Angela Schumann, Jim Thares, Jacob Thunander,
Marcy Anderson, Dave Tombers, Jenn Russell
1. Call to Order
Kevin Steffensmeier called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.
Approve Minutes:
a. February 6th, 2018
JOE HAMMER MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 6TH, 2018
MINUTES. ANDREW TAPPER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION
CARRIED, 7- 0.
3. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
None.
4. Consideration of Accepting Resignation by 011ie Koropchak-White
011ie Koropchak-White submitted a letter of resignation to the IEDC as she will be
serving on the Monticello EDA board.
CHRISTOPHER CHURCH MOVED TO ACCEPT OLLIE KOROPCHAK-WHITE'S
RESIGNATION FROM THE IEDC. JOE HAMMER SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED,7- 0.
The IEDC received one application from Jacob Kramer to complete Koropchak-White's
term until December 31St, 2018.
STEVE JOHNSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND JACOB KRAEMER TO THE IEDC
BOARD. JOE HAMMER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED,7- 0.
The approval will be subject to the approval by the City Council on March 12th, 2018.
5. Table Topic — Workforce Center Updates and General Workforce Discussion
Tim Zipoy, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, provided information about
the upcoming Job Fair at the Monticello High School on March 27, 2018. Typically
there are about 70 to 90 companies at the event looking to hire workers. He also reported
on the opportunity associated with the Human Resources Administrators Cooperative
group that meets each month on the second Thursday at 8:00 a.m. at the Workforce
Center. He encouraged members of the IEDC to get involved in the Workforce Center
groups and attend various board meetings. Another group that offers value is the Central
Minnesota Manufacturers Association (CMMA). Their focus is modern manufacturing
practices, workforce and legislation impacting manufacturers.
Duane Northagen reminded members of the WCEDP's 2018 focus on workforce issues
awareness -solutions programing. Companies and local policy makers should be
encouraged to attend the events/presentations each month to learn about issues and
potential solutions.
6. Reports (Verbal Reports):
a. Economic Development
Jim Thares provided the Economic Development Report. There has been no
change in the prospects list since the February meeting. Staff is focusing time and
effort implementing the Small Area Study plan (downtown). EDA efforts to
obtain site control are the most active pieces of work at this time. The EDA is set
to close on a key property in Block 52 on March 15, 2018. A purchase agreement
is also being considered at the regular March 14, 2018 EDA meeting for a second
property in Block 52. Meetings were recently held with downtown business and
property owners to get feedback on a potential fagade grant and also a building
renovation loan program. The finding will be provided to the EDA for discussion
regarding formation of such program offerings.
b. Planning Commission Agenda (attached)
The Planning Commission Agenda was reviewed by Jim Thares. He noted the
two mandatory housekeeping items related to the EDA's proposed purchase of
properties in Block 52. It is a requirement under state statute that the Planning
Commission consider the purchases related to consistency with the
Comprehensive Plan.
c. City Council
Jeff O'Neill updated members on the NINTH #25 Coalition recent Study and
future activities. The Study outlines the pros and cons of the five options to
address traffic volume and system capacity issues on MNTH#25. The Study is
posted online. The Open House was well attended. The I-94 Coalition is also
progressing on its legislative push to get additional funding for construction of a
third lane (in each direction) from Rogers to Albertville. Funding approval could
possibly occur during the current legislative session. The group is happy with its
efforts and success so far.
City Engineer candidates were interviewed by the committee. There is a nice
group of finalists. The goal is to bring the new Engineer on board by early May
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2018. There is plenty of work to complete to get them up a productive level. The
Fallon Overpass project is being prepped for bidding. If the bids are acceptable,
Council would consider authorizing construction contracts for the project.
Federal funding is guaranteed but it is a process to get funds released. If all goes
smoothly, the project will begin in mid -summer and be completed by the end of
2018.
d. Chamber of Commerce
Marcy Anderson reported on the recent Chamber bowling event. It was a fun and
successful event. She also mentioned upcoming Chamber supported activities
such as the Golf Tournament scheduled for May 17th, 2018. It is a popular event
and is expected to fill up with teams. They are also seeking volunteers to help
with various activities that day. Please contact her if you are interested or know
of possibly volunteers. The Riverfest Parade planning meetings as well as the
March luncheon featuring Action Coach's "Transform Your Team" training
program were also noted as upcoming activities.
7. Adjournment
JONI PAWELK MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:07 A.M. DICK VAN
ALLEN SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 7 - 0.
Recorder: Jacob Thunander
Approved: April 3`d, 2018
Attest:
Economic Development Director
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