IEDC Minutes 06-02-2020MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, June 2nd , 2020 — 7:00 a.m.
North Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
The IEDC meeting was conducted as a remote/virtual meeting.
Members Present: Joni Pawelk, Randy Skarphol, Darek Vetsch, Kevin Steffensmeier, Wayne Elam,
Luke Dahlheimer, Dick Van Allen, Don Roberts, Andrew Tapper, Elizabeth
Calpas, and Thomas Conboy
Members Absent: Brian Stumpf, Steve Johnson, Mike Carr, Kari Moorhouse, Meghan Hanson
Jadyn Nelson, and Paige Danforth
Liaisons Present: Jeff O'Neill, Angela Schumann, Jim Thares, Marcy Anderson, and Jolene Foss,
1. Call to Order
Joni Pawelk called the regular meeting of the IEDC to order at 7:00 a.m.
2. Approve Minutes:
a. May 5th, 2020 meeting minutes
DON ROBERTS APPROVED THE MAY 5TH, 2020 MEETING MINUTES.
ELIZABETH CALPAS SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, I I -
0.
3. Consideration of Adding Items to the Agenda
None.
4. Consideration of Update of CMRP's Framework 2030 Regional Planning efforts
and Monticello 2040 Comprehensive Planning efforts and Wright County
Workforce Pathways and DOLI Youth Internship Grant to Monticello School
District
Angela Schumann introduced the item and explained several planning initiatives
involving the City of Monticello. She noted that planning, especially during this time, is
important to maintain the vibrancy of Monticello and the region at large.
Schumann explained the Central Mississippi River Regional Planning Partnership
(CMRP) history and their current planning effort called Framework 2030. She noted that
the organization, formerly known as the Highway 25 Coalition, had evolved into looking
more broadly at community and regional growth and development, rather than solely
analyzing transportation and a new river crossing location. The organization includes
representatives from the Cities of Becker, Big Lake, and Monticello; Townships of
Becker, Big Lake, Monticello, and Silver Lake; and Counties of Wright and Sherburne.
Industrial and Economic Development Committee Minutes — June 2, 2020 Page 1 1 5
Darek Vetsch currently serves as the Chair of the CMRP.
Schumann noted that the as the region continues to experience growth and development;
it is important to understand needs for housing, infrastructure (including technology and
utilities), and access to natural resources. These reasons are why Framework 2030 was
initiated. CMRP's commons goals for the region are to have a shared vision, develop
strategies, and leverage opportunities that benefit the communities involved.
Schumann stated that round one of engagement for Framework 2030 is a survey available
on the CMRP website. A link would be sent to the IEDC to participate in the survey
requesting their input about ways to strengthen the region. She encouraged bringing
many voices from the county to participate.
Schumann estimated that the planning efforts would continue until early 2021, with
additional opportunities for community engagement throughout that time. The
Framework 2030 plan will build in community engagement pieces with technical
analysis. The CMRP website has been updated to include some of the technical analysis
information.
Schumann than discussed the Monti204O Vision + Plan that the City of Monticello has
been working on since 2019. Schumann noted that the current comprehensive plan was
adopted in 2008. The comprehensive plan is the blueprint for growth in the City. She
added that extensive community engagement has occurred which resulted in vision and
value statements that will help influence the comprehensive plan update. The visioning
plan and principles will be woven throughout the comprehensive plan, which will contain
analysis and goals for the following areas: land use, transportation, economic
development, parks and open space, and community and culture.
The Lakota Group, WSB, and the City of Monticello have been working on the
Monti204O Vision + Plan and expect to continue their efforts throughout 2020. They
have engaged a variety of groups including a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC),
Community Advisory Committee (CAC), and additional stakeholders to help influence
the plan. Schumann invited the IEDC to participate in a CAC and stakeholder workshop
scheduled for June 3 from 1 — 3 p.m.
Schumann explained that she would send a link to the Comprehensive Plan online
workshop survey in the next week or two. The survey is requesting feedback to the draft
land use strategies plan that will be included as a part of the updated plan.
Schumann briefly introduced the next item, which included the Wright County
Workforce Pathways initiative. She stated that the City is looking forward to supporting
our schools and students by connecting them to local businesses.
Jim Thares explained that the Wright County Workforce Pathways program began a few
years ago and stemmed from a Manufacturing Appreciation Breakfast, where Miles
Industrial and Economic Development Committee Minutes — June 2, 2020 Page 2 15
Seppelt from the City of Hutchinson presented to attendees on their collaboration with
the school district to create a program called TigerPath. The comprehensive program in
Hutchinson was developed to teach students trade and technical skills and to allow
students the opportunities to participate in local internships.
The goal of the committee is replicate Hutchinson's program in Wright County and
Monticello. The Wright County Workforce Pathways has the following representatives:
City of Monticello, Monticello Public Schools, and Wright County Economic
Development Partnership.
Thares explained that the Monticello Public Schools applied for a grant through the
Department of Labor and Industry for a Youth Internship Program. They were awarded
$90,000 for the 2020-2021 school year and an additional $90,000 for the 2021-2022
school year. The grant dollars are to be used to provide payment for students to complete
internships. The goal of the organization is to have twenty businesses participate in the
program, with ten businesses participating for the 2020-2021 school year.
Thares noted the organization is working on spreading the word about the new
opportunity to partner with Monticello Public Schools and encourage businesses to
participate. A letter was also recently sent by the school district recently to businesses in
the community explaining the program. He encouraged the IEDC to help with their
outreach efforts and consider becoming a partner if they own a business.
The Monticello initiative would focus on high demand occupations in four sectors,
including: advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and automotive
repair. Thares noted that Bondhus Corporation has already entered into an agreement to
participate with the school district.
Discussion continued with IEDC members regarding the program. It was noted that due
to the current pandemic, it may be concerning for businesses and students to work in
certain settings, especially health care.
Thares also noted that the Wright County Economic Development Partnership has the
Workforce Pathways interactive logo on their website and encouraged the IEDC to visit it
for more information. Jolene Foss introduced herself to the committee. She began at the
Wright County Development Partnership on June 1, 2020.
5. Reuorts (Verbal Reports):
a. Economic Development
Jim Thares provided the Economic Development update report. He started off by
explaining the City of Monticello's year to date building permit information and
compared it to the same timeline as last year.
Thares also covered the Prospect List. He noted one additional company (lawn
care company) was added to the list.
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Thares also noted that UMC is working on finalizing their building permit and it
is expected to be submitted and begin construction in mid-June or July.
Thares noted that staff are spending a lot of time working on Project Gia -Saurus,
a personal protective equipment (medical gloves).
Thares also stated that the Monticello EDA approved a small business grant
program to provide assistance to offset negative impacts from the pandemic
response efforts. The grant is available for up to $5,000 per business with up to
$100,000 total in the grant funds allocated from the GMEF loan program. An
email was sent out using the Chamber of Commerce's business data base
explaining the program guidelines and providing the application form. The EDA
will review and approve the grants. Several prospects were also noting interest in
the GMEF program and Thares confirmed that funds would be available.
Thares also provided an update on the Housing Study request for proposals. The
EDA selected MSA Professional Services to complete the study. A total of five
proposals were received. The study would be completed by late August and
would be helpful for the comprehensive plan update. Schumann also asked if
Wright County was completing a housing analysis. Vetsch stated it was ongoing,
but more information would be provided in the future.
b. Planning Commission Agenda (attached)
Angela Schumann reviewed the June 2 Planning Commission agenda as included
in the packet.
c. City Council
Jeff O'Neill provided an update on behalf of the City Council. He noted at the last
City Council meeting, he announced his resignation set for March 1, 2021. A
workshop meeting with the City Council is scheduled for June 8, 2020 to discuss
the City Council's plan for moving forward with the hiring process on the
position.
O'Neill also explained that the Finance Director would be providing an update at
the June 8 City Council meeting regarding the City's financial impacts of
COVID-19 and begin discussion on budgets that will help influence the City's
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and identify new revenue sources over the
next ten years.
d. Chamber of Commerce
Marcy Anderson provided an update from the Chamber of Commerce. She
indicated that the pandemic has caused cancellations in several of their events
including Riverfest (Party in the Park & Art in the Park) and Taste of Monticello.
Industrial and Economic Development Committee Minutes — June 2, 2020 Page 4 15
She also added that the next Chamber Luncheon would be held remotely on
Tuesday, June 16 from noon to 1 p.m. Representative Marion O'Neill would be
presenting on legislative updates. Anderson encouraged those interested in
participating to register for the event to receive the login information.
Darek Vetsch asked for an update on how the Chamber was doing financially
during the pandemic. Anderson stated that there have been many executive board
meetings to discuss financial impacts. She noted that historically, the Chamber is
run by membership dues (50%) and events (50%). She also added that they had
some money in reserves that could be used for 2021. Anderson noted that unless
many members dropout of their membership, no cuts to staffing were expected.
To date, they have only seen two members drop. Retaining members is extremely
important to the Chamber. Chamber staff have been reaching out to their
members to understand their needs, hosting webinars, and encouraging members
to contact their local representatives and senators to hear their stories.
Anderson also echoed the importance of businesses to consider signing up for the
youth internship program through the Monticello Public School District.
Darek Vetsch also noted that Wright County is creating an economic development
exploratory committee. Letters have been sent to local townships, cities, EDA
boards, and other agencies providing more information on the exploratory
committee and application process. The committee is deemed necessary by State
Statute for the County to entertain the idea of creating Economic Development
Authority. Vetsch noted that the committee is very defined in scope and that the
County would review applications after June 15. The EDA would be in place for
the County to use it when it is needed. One area where the EDA is critical for the
County to have is the liquidation of property. He noted there would be a number
of properties in 2021 that would need to be liquidated. Vetsch encouraged those
interested in the committee to contact him for more information.
Joni Pawelk welcomed new member Thomas Conboy and staff liaison Jolene
Foss.
6. Adiournment
DAREK VETSCH MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:58 A.M. WAYNE
ELAM SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 11-0.
Recorder: Jacob Thunander
Approved: August 4th, 2020 /---
Attest:
, Economic Development Director
Industrial and Economic I)e4elopment Committee Minutes — June 2, 2020 Page 5 15