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IEDC Minutes 05-05-2020MINUTES INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC) Tuesday, May 5th, 2020 — 7:00 a.m. North Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center In keeping with safe practices and minimizing contact and potential community spread of the COVID-19 virus, the IEDC meeting will be conducted as a virtual online meeting. The login instructions will be provided to IEDC members as part of the meeting invite reminder. Members Present: Joni Pawelk, Randy Skarphol, Kevin Steffensmeier, Steve Johnson, Wayne Elam, Luke Dahlheimer, Dick Van Allen, and Elizabeth Calpas Members Absent: Brian Stumpf, Darek Vetsch, Don Roberts, Andrew Tapper, Mike Carr, Kari Moorhouse, Meghan Hanson, Jadyn Nelson, and Paige Danforth Liaisons Present: Jeff O'Neill, Jim Thares, Marcy Anderson, and Duane Northagen 1. Call to Order Joni Pawelk called the Regular Meeting of the IEDC to order at 7:02 a.m. 2. Approve Minutes: a. March 3rd, 2020 meeting minutes LUKE DAHLHEIMER MOVED TO APPROVE THE MARCH 3RD, 2020 IEDC MEETING MINUTES. STEVE JOHNSON SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 8-0. 3. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda Joni Pawelk requested that Jeff O'Neill's update on behalf of the City Council be moved up in the agenda due to previous shortage on time. The item was moved to Item 5. 4. Consideration of member resignation; Christopher Church, Xcel Energy and recommendation of member replacement; Thomas Conboy, Xcel Energy Joni Pawelk introduced the item and explained that Christopher Church had been promoted to the downtown Xcel Energy location. Church had recommended that Mr. Thomas Conboy had filled his position in the Monticello plant. Jim Thares clarified that the IEDC bylaws do not state that an Xcel Energy representative is required to be a member of the committee, but staff believe that it is critical to have them at the table. Thares reminded the IEDC that Xcel Energy is Monticello's largest tax payer and one of the largest employers in the city. STEVE JOHNSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE RESIGNATION OF CHRISTOPHER CHURCH AND RECOMMEND TO CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENT OF THOMAS CONBOY TO THE IEDC FOR A TERM EXPIRING Industrial and Economic Development Committee Minutes — May 5, 2020 Page 1 1 5 ON DECEMBER, 2020. LUKE DAHLHEIMER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 8-0. 5. Reports (Verbal Reports): a. City Council Jeff O'Neill provided an update on behalf of the City Council. He explained that Xcel Energy is moving forward with their nuclear component in the Integrated Resource Plan. He noted that they are working on re -licensure and reinvesting in the plant. O'Neill believes that with COVID-19, the City believes it is in a good position financially and will be able to operate as close to normal from a City service perspective. The City's Finance Committee meets monthly to continue to evaluate the situation. Many staff are working remotely and the Monticello Community Center (MCC) may have to juggle personnel. Staff have been working on facility projects during the closure. O'Neill also stated that the Central Mississippi River Regional Planning Partnership (CMRRP) continues to move forward. He also added that the Monti204O Vision + Plan continues to move forward. He noted that community engagement will need to be changed. O'Neill stated that the pubic work's new facility location is on hold. He explained that for construction and finance reasons, the City may decide to move forward earlier. Haven Ridge and Deephaven are two residential development approvals that are understood to still be moving forward. 6. Consideration of Update of Business Roundtable Event Jim Thares explained that the City and Chamber of Commerce held a collaborative call with local small businesses on April 30, 2020. There was a total of six businesses that participated in the calls, in addition to bank, EDA, and City Council representatives. The call was a response to a recent letter to local businesses that City Staff sent out on April 6th via mail and email (using the Chamber of Commerce database). The letter summarized Federal, State, and local finance programs. The Greater Monticello Enterprise Fund (GMEF) was also briefly discussed in the letter. It was noted that typically GMEF is awarded to businesses that are able to create jobs and increase tax base, though the EDA will monitor business feedback and consider temporary changes in the coming month. Responses have been received from the letter indicating interest in financing and funding opportunities. Elizabeth Calpas, Kevin Steffensmeier, and Marcy Anderson participated on the call. They indicated that it was good to share their story and hear from others. There was a sense of community support. Thares noted that staff were working on a summary of the Industrial and Economic Development Committee Minutes — May 5, 2020 Page 2 15 call and it would be provided to the EDA for consideration of revising the GMEF guidelines to support businesses affected by COVID-19. Thares also asked for suggestions regarding the Business Roundtable event. Thares explained that the IEDC previously approved the roundtable event for June with a focus on state, county, and city financing programs. Joni Pawelk recommended tabling the event indefinitely until more is known about COVID-19. Thares concurred that would be a prudent move. 7. Consideration of Update of 2020 Business Retention & Expansion (BR&E) Visits Jim Thares explained that the IEDC typically completes between four to six BR&E visits per year. He noted the success of the program and the success story of UMC. Thares recommended canceling the program for the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The IEDC concurred with Thares recommendation. 8. Consideration of Update of COVID-19 response activities: City -EDA -Chamber of Commerce Collaborative City -School District -Hospital Collaborative Jeff O'Neill provided an update on COVID-19 community collaboration. O'Neill explained that CentraCare, the school district, and the City have had regular calls to stay updated on the respective organization's response to the pandemic. O'Neill commended CentraCare on their level of preparedness. O'Neill explained the benefits of information sharing with all agencies in being sensible with decision making and protecting the community. O'Neill also discussed having a virtual Town Hall meeting to provide constituents with more information on response to COVID-19. O'Neill encouraged the IEDC to bring forward ideas if they have any or would like to participate in the planning of such an event. Joni Pawelk explained that she is proud of the meetings and collaboration occurring. She noted that things in Monticello are running very smoothly. O'Neill also added that medical staff may be losing their childcare. It was noted that Eastview Elementary are open to taking in medical staff children for childcare. O'Neill also stated the Feed the Heroes program happening in Monticello. The fundraiser is open to the public to participate and is matched 100 percent by CentraCare. It provides meals prepared from local restaurants to staff at CentraCare — Monticello. Pawelk added that so far $2,000 has been received and that number has probably increased. 9. Reports (Verbal Reports): a. Economic Development Jim Thares provided the Economic Development update. He indicated that most Industrial and Economic Development Committee Minutes — May 5, 2020 Page 3 15 City Hall is closed and staff are working from home. Public meetings of all City boards are still occurring. Thares also added that business prospects and housing developer interest continues to be received. Thares noted that the Chamber of Commerce, the City, and DEED continue to hold conference calls regarding potnetial changes to existing finance and funding programs. Thares continued by stating that a few industries have switched manufacturing capabilities to support COVID-19 needs. Two businesses in Monticello that have done this include: Twin City Die Castings and Suburban Manufacturing. Thares provided gratitude to these businesses for their support. Thares noted that the Briggs Companies — Rivertown Residential Suites (47 -unit apartment) received their Certificate of Occupancy on May 1, 2020. Construction is complete, but additional landscaping may be planted. He noted that final sign - off on project completion paperwork for TIF district will also need to occur. Thares also added that Willows Landing (96 -unit Assisted Living Facility) is scheduled to open this fall and believes they are continuing with construction. Thares noted that UMC construction was supposed to hold a kickoff construction meeting in May, but progress has slowed down due to COVID-19. Thares explained that they now own the 7.39 -acre parcel adjacent to their current facility. Their next step is to submit building plans for review and approval. Thares updated the IEDC regarding the Hotel Study. He explained that the EDA approved a consultant for an updated plan, however the consultant requested that the project be put on hold for at least a year due to COVID-19. Lastly, Thares provided an updated prospect list. He noted two new prospects: Project GiaSaurus and Project Boat. He also added that Project #6580 was ready to move forward with construction of a new facility, but has delayed timeframe due to COVID-19. Marcy Anderson asked if Project Nutt is on hold. Thares stated that the prospect has a building they like, but COVID-19 has delayed their timeline. O'Neill stated that the old fire station could be a suitable site for the project, but the City has needed the building for COVID-19 related business. The need in the community for this project was expressed. O'Neill asked the IEDC for their thoughts about having a coordinated wi-fi system. Duane Northagen stated that the State will set aside additional money for this type of project especially in rural areas with weak spots. Northagen suggested having a plan and formalizing it if interested in pursing the money. O'Neill noted that it is understood where in the school district boundary the need exists. He noted partnership with Arvig, the townships, and the County would be required. Industrial and Economic Development Committee Minutes — May 5, 2020 Page 4 15 b. Planning Commission Agenda (attached) This item was omitted. c. Chamber of Commerce Marcy Anderson stated that Riverfest for 2020 has been canceled. The Monticello Royal Ambassadors will also not occur. The events for Riverfest 2021 will occur July 8-11, 2021. Joni Pawelk noted that the Minnesota National Guard will be conducting a flyover for healthcare workers would occur over Monticello on May 6, 2020 between 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. 10. Adiournment ELIZABETH CALPAS MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:59 A.M. LUKE DAHLHEIMER SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 8-0. Recorder: Jacob Thunander Appro e: une 2nd, 2020 Attest: , Economic Development Director Industrial and Economic Development Committee Minutes — May 5, 2020 Page 5 1 5