IDC Minutes 02-03-2004. MINUTES -ANNUAL MEETING
MONTICELLO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, February 3, 2004 - 7:00 a.m.
Academy Room - 505 Walnut Street
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Mary Barger, Vice Chair Tom Lindquist, Dick Van Allen, Mike
Benedetto, Dan Olson, and Lynne Dahl.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill Tapper, Tom Ollig, Don Roberts, Barb Schwientek, Kelli Huxford,
and Tom Feaski.
COUNCIL LIAISON ABSENT: Mayor Bruce Thielen.
STAFF PRESENT: Ollie Koropchak.
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 Barger called the IDC meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.
h December 2 2003 and Januar 6 2004 IDC minutes.
2. Vote to a~rove t e y ,
No action taken due to a lack of quorum.
3. Annual Meeting:
A. Review and take action to amend or re-affirm the IDC 2003 Action Statement and
Organizational and Membership Guidelines.
Those in attendance re-affirmed the use of the 2003 Action Statement and
Organizational and Membership Guidelines for 2004.
B. Acceptance of IDC membership three-year term -Barger, Van Allen, Olson, and
Schwientek.
The four existing IDC members agreed to another three-year term which was accepted
by the membership.
Approve recommendation of the Membership Committee for replacement of lender's
occupation..
The IDC members agreed to move forward with recruiting Paul Kleinwachter, First
Minnesota Bank, to replace Kevin Doty's position and to recruit an additional
manufacturing representative from UMC. Both recommendations of the Membership
Committee. Koropchak to make contact.
C. Acceptance of Standing Committee Members: President or Chair of Chamber and
Mayor of Monticello.
Feaski as past-chair of the Chamber still resides on the Chamber Board and retains his
position on the IDC. This the recommendation of the Membership Committee.
IDC Minutes - 02/03/04
D. Election of 2004 IDC Officers: Chair Vice Chair, and Secretary.
No action taken.
4. Follow-up and discussion of the City Council action to authorize a purchase agreement for
acquisition of industrial land.
A. Feedback on lobb~~ the council on benefits to city-owned industrial land.
Barger, Van Allen, Benedetto, Feaski, and Frie, each, lobbied one council members on the
benefits of a city-owned industrial park.
B. Feedback on Council and Small Group workshop (January 26) for explanation of latest
Cityoffer (non-binding letter of intents and financing options.
Barger reported that the Small Group met with Smith and Carlson, first, and Stumpf and
Posusta, second. Council members had good questions and appeared supportive. Stumpf
suggested the HRA and City continue to budget an annual contribution for industrial
development. Barger felt the support of the council resulted from the informational meetings
held. Van Allen complemented Wolfsteller on his positive attitude and involvement in the small
group meetings. Lindquist said due to the associated high cost, he thought the concern of the
Council was one of "financing."
C. Response from Chadwick to City January offer (Option 1 and 2).
The Small Group is scheduled to meet with Chadwick to hear his response to the City January
offer which included two options: 1. Outright purchase of land only. 2. Purchase of land
including improvements and assessments.
D. Input from Taper and Roberts to JOBZ Tax-Free Zones.
Members received a copy of the brochure marketing the JOBZ Tax-Free Zones which became
effective January 1, 2004, and excludes the 11 metro-county area (Wright County).
Koropchak noted she asked Tapper, Genereux Fine Wood Products, and Roberts, Sunny
Fresh Foods, for input as business owners as to how they felt the program might affect
Monticello's success in development of an industrial park. Tapper reported because he was
not in the position to consider the program, it was hard to say. However, if he were looking to
expand, the saving examples were impressive and he'd explore the program for eligibility and
projected savings to compare against increased transportation and other costs. Availability of
a skilled labor force in out-state Minnesota may be an issue for some businesses. He would not
relocate his business because of his investment in Monticello. Roberts basically concurred with
Tapper and added "It was time the State of Minnesota developed a program to compete with
other States." Because Monticello is Sunny Fresh's headquarter, he didn't foresee the
headquarter's relocating. However, those saving numbers could be impressive for Sunny
Fresh. Even with the JOBZ program, Roberts' felt the purchase of land for industrial
development by the City was a good investment long term.
E. Preparation for Council meeting of February 9, 2004.
Barger encouraged members to call or attend the Council meeting of February 9 to show
support.
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• IDC Minutes - 02/03/04
5. Cit,~pdates.
A. Update on annexation.
In the absence of city administration and the Mayor, Koropchak reported the first mediation
meeting of the city and township was held February 2 at the Community Center. City
Administration and Council representation are at the State Capitol, today, to visit with
Legislators relative to annexation.
B. Meeting of city officials to set 2004 Council's Community Vision & Governing Policies.
No update.
C. Update on the proposed I-94 and County Rd 18 interchange and I-94 reali nment.
No update.
6. Reports:
A. Economic Development Report.
In addition to the written report, Koropchak noted the Monticello Marketing Committee will
meet on February 11, 2004, 7:30 a.m. at the City Hall. Report accepted.
B. Membership Committee
The Membership Committee of Barger, Lindquist, and Olson met on January 22, 2004. In
addition to the recommendation under 3B. and 3C. of the Minutes, the committee discussed the
attendance of Tapper and Ohhig and agreed the value of their input or viewpoints out-weighed
their attendance record. Lastly, a brief discussion was held relative to the importance of
Council representation at the IDC meetings
~. Review the draft copy of the February 3, 2004 Planning Commission Agenda for industrial
related items. Discuss and vote on an IDC position or action if necessary
No discussion or action necessary.
8. Other Business.
Chamber Updates - In the absence of Feaski, no Chamber update was given.
Next IDC meeting -Tuesday, March 2, 2004, 7:00 a.m., Koropchak will not be present.
9. Adjournment.
The IDC meeting adjourned at 8:05 a.m.
~ ~ d1
Recorder
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