IEDC Minutes 11-02-2020MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Monday, November 2, 2020 — 7:00 a.m.
North Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
The meeting was held remotely.
Members Present: Joni Pawelk, Randy Skarphol, Wayne Elam, Luke Dahlheimer, Andrew Tapper,
Mike Carr, Elizabeth Calpas, Kari Moorhouse, Steve Johnson and Thomas
Conboy
Members Absent: Brian Stumpf, Darek Vetsch, Kevin Steffensmeier, Dick Van Allen, Don Roberts
and Meghan Hanson
Liaisons Present: Angela Schumann, Jim Thares, Marcy Anderson, Dave Tombers and Jolene Foss
1. Call to Order
Jim Thares began the Regular Meeting of the IEDC at 7:00 a.m.
2. Approve Minutes:
a. September 1st, 2020 meeting minutes
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 1 sT, 2020
MEETING MINUTES. LUKE DAHLHEIMER SECONDED THE MOTION.
MOTION CARRIED,10-0.
3. Consideration of Adding Items to the Allenda
None.
4. Consideration of Update on 2020 Hospitality Study
Jim Thares provided information on the completed 2020 Hospitality Study that was
approved by the EDA on August 8, 2020. The main take away from the study was that
there is a market in Monticello for a new hotel of about 80 rooms. The findings indicate
that best if a mid -upper scale hotel was developed to fill a market void that currently is
fulfilled only by leaving Monticello and going to communities closer into the Metro area.
The most desirable sites are near the Interstate. Proximity to restaurants is also a big
draw.
Thares provided an in-depth overview of the components of the study including
background, location, demographics, surrounding communities and local hotel supply,
room rate structure, and hotel demand.
Marcy Anderson asked if there was any discussion of a large banquet facility inside of an
upscale hotel. Thares noted that the study did not go into a lot of detail regarding banquet
Industrial and Economic Development Committee Minutes — September 1, 2020 Page 1 13
facilities. Thares mentioned that concern was noted to the consultant. Calpas added that
the same need for the development of a nice restaurant.
Thares mentioned that the study would be available on the City's website. He also noted
that he provided the report to Riverwood Bank as they own a parcel along the Interstate
and would like to see that area grow with the development of a hotel. Thares noted he
would send it to other potentially interested land owners and stakeholders within the City.
5. Reports (Verbal Reports):
a. Economic Development
Jim Thares provided the Economic Development update as included in the packet.
Marcy Anderson asked how much funds were still available under the EDA Small
Business Emergency Grant. Thares noted that there funds remain for four more
potential grants; a total of $20,000. The deadline for approval of final grants by
the EDA would be on November 10, 2020.
b. Planning Commission Agenda (attached)
Angela Schumann noted the attached Planning Commission Agenda with the
packet. She explained that the big item on the agenda was consideration of the
adoption of the updated Comprehensive Plan.
c. City Council
Jim Thares noted that the budgeting cycle is not quite finished. The preliminary
levy and budget was already adopted. The final levy and budget will be
considered in December.
Thares also mentioned that the City is trying to make good use of all of the
CARES Act funding.
d. Chamber of Commerce
Marcy Anderson noted that they have been utilizing the RiverCity Extreme
banquet room for the luncheons. After a lot of planning, the annual banquet is
proposed to be held at Dahlheimer Beverage. They are working on having a
dinner, introduce new board members. They will have social distancing in place.
Anderson also noted that the Assistant Director Marie Jones retired October 2.
She has been volunteering to keep things moving seamlessly in the office.
Anderson also noted how extremely helpful the small business grants have been
to our businesses. She noted the difficulty of finding suitable lease space for small
business within the community with an emphasis on affordability.
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6. Adjournment
ANDREW TAPPER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:48 A.M. WAYNE
ELAM SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED, 10-0.
Recorder: Jacob Thunander
Approved: December 1 st, 2020
Attest:
Jim Tliares, Economic Development Director
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