IDC Minutes 09-02-2003MINUTES
MONTICELLO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, September 2, 2003 - 7:00 a.m.
Academy Room - 505 Walnut Street
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Mary Barger, Vice Chair Tom Lindgtust, Dick Van Allen,
Dan Olson, Tom Feaski, and Lynne Dahl.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill Tapper, Tom Ollig, Don Roberts, Mike Benedetto, Barb
Schwientek, and Kelli Huxford.
COUNCIL LIAISON ABSENT: Mayor Bruce Thielen.
STAFF PRESENT: Rick Wolfsteller and Ollie Koropchak.
GUESTS: Bret Weiss, WSB & Associates, City Engineer
John Chadwick and Jim Bowers, Otter Creek Crossing
IDC MISSION STATEMENT: To maintain and increase the industrial tax base and to
create jobs in the City of Monticello, Minnesota.
Call to Order. (Please read the minutes and information prior to the meeting.)
Chair Mary Barger called the September IDC meeting to order at 7:05 a.m.
2. Vote to approve the June 3, 2003 gild August ~. 2003 IDC minrrtes.
DAN OLSON MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE JUNE 3, 2003 IDC MINUTES.
SECONDED BY DICK VAN ALLEN AND WITH NO CORRECTIONS OR
ADDITIONS, THE MINUTES WERE APPROVED AS WRITTEN.
TOM FEASKI MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 5, 2003 IDC
MINUTES. SECONDED BY DICK VAN ALLEN AND WITH NO CORRECTIONS
OR ADDITIONS, THE MINUTES WERE APPROVED AS WRITTEN.
3. John Chadwick and Jim Bowers presentation.
Chair Barger informed members that on Friday, Mr. Chadwick had called and requested
to be on the IDC agenda. John Chadwick and. Jim Bowers introduced themselves and
stated they purchased the 181 acres of land in the southwest corridor of Monticello in
1998. A portion of the property is used for a mining gravel business of which, this last
month, the most gravel ever had been shipped. The initial discussions for use of the 181-
acre property included relocation of local businesses such as the beer distribLitor,
bus/transportation, Ruff's auto, oil service and ready mix plant. This to keep the local
businesses and tax base in town. The intent for the ready mix plant was to locate within
the gravel mine hole adding a berm and landscaping. This within seven years (wrap Lip of
gravel mine). Then came 9/11 and the down-turn in the economy resulting in a 1:6
IDC Minutes - 09/02/03
industrial vacancy rate. He distributed supporting information to IDC members.
Chadwick asked the IDC for a motion to support the text which he saw consistent with
the approved concept stage PUD. He read a portion of the Planning Commission Agenda
text, second paragraph: While there may be occasions where residential uses are more
appropriate than some of designated industrial areas ............. Noting Area A being the
area for future study, he continued that the power lines in this area were not an obstacle to
residential development but an observation. Pictures illustrated wetlands and trees to
support residential use with power poles 800 ft apart. Secondly, he asked for a motion of
support for School Blvd extension to Chelsea Road. In anticipation of relocation of the
ready mix plant, the question was raised: How would they access the property yet in the
township? The property would be accessible through temporary use if acceptable to the
City and Township. The IDC would consider the request under Agenda Item 6A2.
4. Information items by City Engineer Bret Weiss.
A. Results of the water table study for the northerly 286 acres of the Osowski
property
Bret Weiss, City Engineer Consultant, said he was asked to research the amount of land
available for development and the ground water level for the 286-acre site located in the
northwest corridor known as the Osowski property. This area according to the old
MOAA Land Use Map was designated as industrial. Bret provided each member with a
copy of WSB site review method and results stating 31 acres of the 286 acres contained
wetlands. He noted additionally, some areas appear to have been disturbed by drain the
and other activities. An advantage to wetlands is that in some cases they can serve as
future storm ponds. The next step would be to get a topography (surface features and
contours) of the area perhaps from the County. The County flies the area every couple of
years. Or monitor the area with the use of piezometers (hydrostatic pressure) over time
(three months or more).
B. Update and progress on the proposed I-94 and County Rd 18 interchange and I-94
realignment.
Bret Weiss gave a history of the I-94 and County Road 18 and MDOT plans to realign the
I-94 bridge. Staff is working with Streeter, a developer; Weinard, major land owner; and
the Ready Mix Plant, for relocation. Bret noted MDOT's list of issues: Cost and ground
water, storm water drainage, neighborhood access, maximize access to Ready Mix site,
utility crossing, signal spacing, trail, right-of--way, and trunk sanitary sewer line. It is
proposed, the City will purchase the Ready Mix Site. Also under consideration is the
Fallon Avenue over-pass and Chelsea Road upgrade. The City has an option on a site in
the township, on Highway 25 South by the Gun Club as a possible site for the Ready
Mix. The RR tracks are only used by the Power Plant. City is working on a finance plan
to assess vacant land with business owners assessed for Chelsea Road upgrade. MDOT is
non-committal. Earliest re-alignment start, 2005, with interchange start maybe 2004.
Asked about the future of the Orchard Road/I-94 interchange, Bret replied the Cty Rd
18/I-94 interchange will set a finance model for the westside which has more land to
assess.
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IDC Minutes - 09/02/03
5. Updates by Mayor Thielen:
A. Progress of annexation agreement and firture township/city council meetings.
A letter has been sent by the City to the Township suggesting afollow-up meeting prior
to the end of September to discuss these options: Merger of city/township, annexation by
State Statutes, or renew agreement with city in lead position. Whether annexation by 60
acres or to ask the State to look at the big picture, the main reason is for "planning".
B. Meeti~~g; of city officials to set 2003 Council's Community Vision & Governing
Policies.
No meeting date has been set.
C. 2004 City Budget.
The preliminary budget adopted by Council includes the request for $100,000 for
industrial development/land and matched funds by the HRA. Although the city has
raised more money, they get $300,000 less. The City's tax share should drop reported
Wolfsteller.
5. Reports:
A. Marketing Subcommittee -Lindquist reported the Subcommittee decided to
participate in the Golf Outing sponsored by the Economic Development
Partnership of Wright County. Agreeing to be a hole sponsor at $300, a
promotional card with. a $1,000 reward for a successful industrial lead will be
distributed.
B. Economic Development Report -Accepted Koropchak's report as written.
6. Discussion on and to continue development of a list of potential tasks to accomplish the
foal of the IDC: To provide a continuous stream of available industrial hand with
infiastructure potential.
A. Review the draft co~y of the September 2. 2003 Planning Commission Agenda
for industrial related items. Discuss and vote on an IDC position or action if
necessary.
L JME -Continued interim use/conditional use permit allowing outside
storage. The IDC saw this as a city problem and suggested the use
of outside storage be consistent among businesses.
2. Otter Creek -Continued an amendment to the comprehensive plan and
consideration of an amendment to a concept sta re planned unit
development for Otter Creek Crossing. Lindquist questioned the multi
uses and reiterated the IDC's goal to maximize the amount of available
industrial land. Feaske asked if the IDC should support purchase of Areas
B & C? DICK VAN ALLEN MADE A MOTION TO RE-AFFIRM THE
IDC'S MOTION OF AUGUST 5, 2003, SUPPORTING STAFF'S
RECOMMENDA"PION. TOM FEASKI SECONDED TIIE MOTION
AND WITH NO FURTHER DISCUSSION, 1~I-IE MOTION PASSED
UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Other Business.
A. Chamber Updates -Chamber President Feaski reported that Congressman Mark
IDC Minutes - 09/02/03
Kennedy spoke at the Chamber meeting in August and that he and Senator Mark
Ourada are working with Susie to get Governor Pawlenty as guest speaker for the
IDC/Chamber Banquet on Tuesday, October 14 at Silver Springs Golf Course.
This along-shot. Monticello Showcase is scheduled for Sunday, September 28, at
the High School. Booths are available.
Adi ournment.
VAN ALLEN MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE IDC MEETING. SECONDED
BY FEASKI AND WITH NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING ADJOURNED
AT 9:00 A.M.
Q ~JCJ~.R. '\
Ollie Koropchak, Recorder
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