IEDC Minutes 02-05-2019MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, February 5th, 2019 — 7:00 a.m.
North Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Members Present: Kevin Steffensmeier, Steve Johnson, Joni Pawelk, Wayne Elam, Luke
Dahlheimer, Dick Van Allen, Don Roberts, Andrew Tapper, Mike Carr,
Christopher Church, Elizabeth Calpas, and Randy Skarphol
Members Absent: Darek Vetsch
Others Present: Nathan Meyer and Vanessa Martin
Liaisons Present: Jeff O'Neill, Jim Thares, Duane Northagen, Dave Tombers, and Mark Hanson
1. Call to Order
Kevin Steffensmeier called the Regular Meeting of the IEDC to order at 7:00 a.m.
2. Approve Minutes:
a. December 4', 2018 meeting minutes
b. January 2"d, 2019 meeting minutes
DON ROBERTS MOVED TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 4TH, 2018 AND
THE JANUARY 2ND, 2019 IEDC REGULAR MEETING MINUTES. LUKE
DAHLHEIMER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 12-0.
3. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
JONI PAWELK MOVED TO APPROVE THE IEDC REGULAR AGENDA. ANDREW
TAPPER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 12-0.
The IEDC welcomed Monticello High School Students — Nathan Meyer and Vanessa
Martin.
4. Consideration of 2019 Economic Development Marketing Plan
Jim Thares provided an update to the IEDC regarding the EDA's marketing plan as
provided in the agenda. He explained that a total marketing budget for the EDA was set
aside in the amount of $21,750. He explained that Industry of the Year had a budget of
$1,100 and also stated that possibility of a developer/builder breakfast which was
budgeted for $1,200. The IEDC asked what the "market matching" line item was. Thares
indicated that a contract with WSB was provided to showcase Monticello at different
trade shows and other representations.
5. Table Topic — Downtown Facade Improvement Grant Program
Jim Thares explained that the EDA authorized a Downtown Fagade Improvement Grant
for Block 52 in the amount of $200,000. He explained that 10 properties were eligible for
the program and 7 property owners indicated interest. The Cuningham Group, who
Industrial and Economic Development Committee Minutes — February 5, 2019 Page 1 1 3
completed the Small Area Study, was hired to complete renderings of each of the seven
interested property owners' buildings. Thares indicated that contractors could likely
begin re -construction in May or June. The IEDC asked if there were any "strings"
attached that the property owners would have to abide to qualify for the grant. Thares
noted that the funds are a pure grant with no strings attached nor any required payback.
The only caveat is that the EDA must approve the fagade improvement plans for a grant
to be provided.
Thares also indicated that almost $9 million dollars of investments in downtown have
either recently been completed or are expected in 2019. He referenced a list of projects
included in the IEDC packet. The IEDC discussed the Walnut Street Corridor
Improvements which included better pedestrian and bicycle connections including bump
outs and curb readjustments and improved landscaping. Staff would email out a copy of
the architects plans for the corridor.
6. Reports (Verbal Reports):
a. Economic Development
Jim Thares gave an update regarding Economic Development in the City. He
provided copies of the updated IEDC action statements. Thares also indicated that
staff would send out a copy of the most recent prospect list. He noted that not
many changes have occurred from last month. He said that industrial evelopment
interests have focused on Otter Creek Business Park.
Thares also provided further detail about the EDA's downtown Fagade
Improvement grant program.
b. Planning Commission Agenda (attached)
c. City Council
Jeff O'Neill provided the following updates:
Goal Settings Workshop — Staff and the City Council would be holding a goal
settings workshop. This is completed every two years to guide staff.
Fire Station Bids — Bids were received and accepted by the City. Construction is
expected to begin in the spring, 2019.
Highway 25 Coalition — Staff continue to meet with the group and evaluate river
crossing locations. O'Neill suggested in the future bringing in business owners to
provide comments and support for a new crossing. He also suggested that the
coalition complete an economic study of regional impacts before confirming a
location.
Integrated Resource Management Plan Stakeholder Workshop would occur
on February 12, 2019. The Coalition of Utility Cities would be providing
testimony on the impacts of utility closures on communities.
Headwaters Development was successful in their land use application for
Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning. They will be constructing a
senior living facility on the east side of the community.
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Comprehensive Plan Update - Staff would be sending out a request for proposal
to update the City of Monticello's Comprehensive Plan. The need for a new
comprehensive plan is desired in part because of large changes that are happening
in and around Monticello. Staff would like this planning process to rely heavily
on citizen engagement and involvement.
Thares added that per the IEDC action statements, staff are working on securing
Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) visits with six to seven local businesses
in Monticello. The IEDC would be asked to participate in the visits at a future
date in spring early summer of 2019.
Thares also explained that a workforce development executive committee was set
up to engage youth in working locally in Monticello.
Thares lastly provided an update regarding the IEDC open positions. He
encouraged the high school students in attendance at the meeting to apply. He also
noted that staff met with Kari Moorhouse, a resident and applicant, to discuss her
qualifications for the board. Thares highly recommended Moorhouse to serve on
the IEDC.
d. Chamber of Commerce
Liz Calpas provided an update on behalf of the Monticello Chamber of
Commerce. She explained that the Chamber is getting ready for their next big
event in the spring which would be the annual golf tournament and banquet. The
speaker for the February luncheon meeting event will be discussing "screen time"
7. Adiournment
WAYNE ELAM MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 8:00 A.M. STEVE
JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 12-0.
Recorder: Jacob Thunander
?T
Approved: March 5, 2019
Attest: tn�.
Ji T ares, Economic Development Director
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