IDC Minutes 04-03-2007MINUTES
MONTICELLO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
• Tuesday, Apri13, 2007 - 7:00 a.m.
Bridge Room, 505 Walnut Street, Monticello, MN
MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice Chair Mike Benedetto, Mary Barger, Bill Tapper, Dick Van
Allen, Don Roberts, Dan Olson, Barb Schwientek, Tom Feaski, Lynne
Dahl-Fleming, Zona Gutzwiller, and Patty Haiby.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Don Tomann, Jim Johnson, and Kelli Huxford.
STAFF PRESENT: Ollie Koropchak and Angela Schumann.
COUNCIL LIAISON PRESENT: Council Members Wayne Mayer and Susie Wojchouski.
IDC MISSION STATEMENT: To increase the industrial tax base, to create jobs at
liveable wage-levels, and to maintain a favorable and
desirable industrial environment in the City of
Monticello.
Call to Order. (Please read the minutes and information prior to the meeting.)
Vice Chair Benedetto called the IDC meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. declaring a quorum.
• 2. Vote to a rove the Febru 6 2007 and March 6 2007 IDC minutes.
pp ary
BARGER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 6, 2007, IDC MINUTES.
SECONDED BY TAPPER AND WITH NO CORRECTION OR ADDITIONS, THE
MINUTES WERE APPROVED AS WRITTEN.
With the March 6 minutes being distributed at the meeting byDahl-Fleming, action on the minutes
was carried-over to the May meeting allowing members time to read.
3. Follow-up Business or Reports:
A. Marketing Committee -Dahl-Fleming reported that Susie Wojchouski and herself gave the
SCSU students a 1 %2 tour of Monticello on March 30. The students toured the city to
assist in identifying the assets of Monticello which is a component of the Feasibility Study
due the end of April or first of May. Tapper asked about the success of the billboard along
I-94? Koropchak responded that it is difficult to measure; however, the intent of the
billboard is "exposure" and the Karlsburger project was a direct result of the billboard.
The existing billboard at the intersection of I-94 in Rogers remains up free of charge since
January 2007.
B. BRE/Town Hall Concerns/Issues -Van Allen - No report.
C. Out-door Storage -Barger - No report.
D. Transportation -Tapper - No report.
IDC Minutes - 04/03/07
4. City Council Update:
A. Resolution reimbursing_expenses from possible bond proceeds for 2007 Chelsea Road
Reconstruction Project -Council Agenda 3/26/07. Council approved this resolution as a
standard procedure in the process for issuing bonds. This for the anticipated issuance of
bonds for the 2007 Chelsea Road Reconstruction Project..
B. Fiber Optics Council agenda 3/26/07 -Mayer reported Council unanimously voted to
authorize $90,000 to move forward with preparation of engineering specs and request for
proposal for design and building of fiber network. Potential partners do include TDS
Telecom and Charter.
C. Stabilization Agreement. This agreement is a tax abatement based on increased market
value and the current tax rate. The agreement is very complicated and difficult to
understand. Red Wing is the only utility host city to sign the agreement. The Monticello
Council at this time is not willing to sign the agreement. Xcel remains non-negotiable. As a
second item, the City Council has adopted a resolution supporting HF1113/SF724 which
would increase the class rate on utility property and utility personal property of the host
cities. Mayor Herbst did testify. The city is at the mercy of the legislators. Schumann
volunteered to email copies of the resolution and testimony to IDC members. IDC
members requested the item be placed on the May IDC agenda.
D. Question/answer period.
5. Old Business.
• A. Follow-up discussion of March IDC meeting on preparation of Plans and Specs for
Reconstruction of Chelsea Road.
Tapper noted that it appeared the project was moving forward as markings and green flags appear
on Chelsea Road; otherwise, this is a lot of work and cost to the city. It is anticipated this work is
associated with the preparation of plans and specs authorized by the Council in February.
Schumann informed the members that a comp plan amendment and re-zoning application was
submitted by Shawn Weimen, title holder, and Mills Fleet Farm.
6. New Business:
A. Report of Comp Plan meeting (commercial versus industrial).
Barger reported that Don Tomann and herself attended the Comp Plan meetings. There
was no recommendation to amend the existing Downtown Revitalization Plan, only, to
follow the existing Plan. They reviewed new land use areas for commercial and industrial
and discussed the existing industrial zoning along Chelsea Road as a potential commercial
use. Of those in attendance at the Comp Plan meeting, the consensus was that the land
south of Chelsea Road should remain as industrial. For the land north of Chelsea Road,
there was a split voice between remaining industrial and changing to commercial. The other
industrial zoned parcel located along East 7 Street was discussed with varying thoughts
expressed. Fifield, planner consultant, did not give an opinion. Next, the Planning
• Commission and Council will meet to hear a summary of the task force meetings with a
community meeting to follow thereafter.
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IDC Minutes - 04/03/07
B. Consideration to discuss a strate~y for an IDC position on the potential re-zoning of 33
• acres of Monticello Commerce Center from I1-A (light industrial to B-4 (Commercial
Retail .
Vice Chair Benedetto asked the IDC to discuss and develop a strategy which is doable and
successful to achieve the desired outcome. It appears the application for comp plan
amendment and re-zoning is for the approximate 33 acres south of Chelsea Road only.
This will not be an easy decision. An Enviromental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) is being
prepared for the proposed Fleet Farm site. Council Member Mayer said he is looking for
additional information prior to his making a decision. The Planning Commission may extend
the time for making a decision should it be determined an Environmental Impact Statement
(EIS) is necessary. The Planning Commission makes its decision based on land use, traffic
impact, etc. reported Schumann, while Council looks at other things. Feaski noted the
question is not whether Fleet Farm comes to Monticello but the question is where (what
site) to locate Fleet Farm and Feaski also questioned the process used. It appears the
agreement signed by the Mayor came out of no where and was stuffed down the throat of
the current businesses. Increased crime was briefly discussed with members having
different opinions. The Chamber luncheon program on April 19 will feature a report on
Monticello crime by the Wright County Sheriff. The city of Monticello contracts with
Wright County for police protection. The Council and IDC members in attendance were
interested in the School's position as to the proposed commercial use abutting their
property. VAN ALLEN MADE A MOTION RECOMMENDING THE 33 ACRES
. ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF CHELSEA ROAD REMAIN INDUSTRIAL. Barger
asked to amend the motion to include the entire industrial zoned land to the south of
Chelsea Road which includes both the 33 acres and aseven-acre parcel between Twin
City Die Castings (TCDC) and UMC. Barger stated the IDC stands for creation of
liveable wages. Benedetto again talked about a strategy to succeed and asked for
discussion on the motion. What type of commercial? Does it support industry? Haiby
stated due to the nature of the die casting business, noise and smell may result from the
operation, therefore, TCDC supports both the north and south side of Chelsea Road
remain industrial. She continued stating in their site search for location of their planned
expansion, TCDC looked for a site with compatible land uses or zoning. Monticello met
their site criteria of distance from their metro headquarters and compatible land use, and the
city offered TIF and applied for a State Grant for slow-interest loan to TCDC. In
exchange, TCDC committed to the city to create jobs and increase the tax base. TCDC
gives back to the city by continuing to create jobs and continues to train and educate their
work force thereby increasing the wage levels of their employees. TCDC made an
investment and commitment to the city and have kept their promise. They worry that with
the area re-zoned to commercial, the industrial users become the minority and using a
similar example in Wisconsin, the business was forced out. Van Allen noted the importance
of image to companies such as UMC and a Medtronics. Seeing this industrial area as a
growth area for liveable wages, Council Member Wojchouski at this time but without input
from the City Attorney or the School District, supports the area remaining industrial. Dahl-
. Fleming sees Fleet Farm as important to the city but at a different location. Tapper noted
that the businesses may have been mislead but the reality is the world changes. With the
construction of the interchange, commercial development is logical. Siting the example of
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IDC Minutes - 04/03/07
the area at Highway 55 and County Road 6 where Curt Carlson began, this area evolved
from industrial to commercial overtime without conflicts. IDC members noted this may not
be a fair comparison as the example given evolved from industrial to commercial due to
vacant industrial buildings (failed businesses). Tapper felt that Fleet Farm would increase
the value of the surrounding properties and that the city needs to encourage commercial to
avoid development across the river. However, Tapper believes the proposed Chelsea
Road needs to be designed to fit the land use which has not been determined. Council
Member Mayer believes mixed-uses can work; however, he is looking for more
information prior to his decision. The IDC discussed other commercial sites for Fleet Farm:
corner of Edmondson/Chelsea Rd/Cedar, corner ofEdmondson/School, southeast corner
of I-94/County Rd 18. Koropchak informed members that in previous years, the IDC had
supported the re-zoning of industrial land to commercial on the 55-acre site of
Target/Home Depot site, the 30-acre site at the corner of Edmondson/School Blvd, and the
60-acre Remmele/City site. Vice Chair Benedetto asked the non-industrial IDC members
present for their input While Olson sees this as a tough and critical decision for the city and
would love to see a Fleet Farm in town; he supports the existing downtown and industrial
businesses seeing the best use of the property is to remain industrial. What does the City
owe Fleet Farm? Gutzwiller agreed the south side of Chelsea should remain industrial and
supports the north side of Chelsea as commercial. Schwientek did not give input. DAHL-
FLEMING SECOND THE MOTION AND WITHOUT FURTHER DISCUSSION,
THE MOTION FAILED ON A 10 TO 1 VOTE. NAYS: VAN ALLEN, DAHL-
FLEMING, BENEDETTO, ROBERTS, BARGER, GUTZWILLER, OLSON,
SCHWIENTEK, FEASKI, AND HAIBY. YEAS: TAPPER. ABSENT: TOMANN,
JOHNSON, AND HUXFORD. With the fiber optics project moving forward, the
majority of members felt giving-up prime industrial land and the potential to create higher
wage-level jobs to commercial development was not in the city's best interest.
VAN ALLEN MADE A SECOND MOTION RECOMMENDING THE ENTIRE
EXISTING INDUSTRIAL-ZONED LAND ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF CHELSEA
ROAD BETWEEN FALCON AVENUE AND COUNTY ROAD 18 REMAIN AN
INDUSTRIAL USE. DAHL-FLEMING SECONDED THE MOTION AND WITH
NO FURTHER DISCUSSION, THE MOTION CARRIED. YEAS: VAN ALLEN,
DAHL-FLEMING, BENEDETTO, ROBERTS, BARGER, GUTZWILLER, OLSON,
SCHWIENTEK, FEASKI, AND HAIBY. NAYS: TAPPER. ABSENT: TOMANN,
JOHNSON, AND HUXFORD.
BARGER MADE A MOTION RECOMMENDING THE EXISTING INDUSTRIAL-
ZONED LAND ON THE NORTH SIDE OF CHELSEA ROAD BETWEEN THE
PROPOSED FALCON AVENUE BRIDGE AND COUNTY ROAD 18 REMAIN AN
INDUSTRIAL USE. HAIBY SECONDED THE MOTION AND WITHOUT
FURTHER DISCUSSION, THE MOTION CARRIED. YEAS: BARGER, HAIBY,
. VAN ALLEN, ROBERTS, OLSON, SCHWIENTEK, AND FEASKI. NAYS:
TAPPER, DAHL-FLEMING, BENEDETTO, AND GUTZWILLER. ABSENT:
TOMANN, JOHNSON, AND HUXFORD.
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IDC Minutes - 04/03/07
Vice Chair Benedetto noted a letter of the IDC's recommendation would be prepared
for Planning Commission and City Council.
C. Consideration to discuss Area A of Otter Creek Crossing for possible acquisition for the
purpose to construct an interchange. Vote on an IDC position or action if desired.
This item tabled to the May IDC meeting.
7. Reports:
A. Economic Development Report.
With no written report, Koropchak informed members that Karlsburger Foods received their
Occupancy Permit and moved into their Monticello facility about mid-March. A tour will be
scheduled and invitation mailed.
Review the draft copy of the Apri13, 2007 Planning Commission Agenda for industrial related
items. Discuss and vote on an IDC position or action if necessarv.
No action necessary as no industrial related items appeared on the April Planning Commission
agenda.
. 9. Annual Meeting:
A. Tabled -Vote to elect 2007 IDC Chair.
B. Replacement of membership position vacated by Kleinwachter.
These two items tabled to the May IDC meeting.
10. Other Business.
A. Chamber Updates - Haiby reported with the beginning of spring the Chamber is busy
planning community events: Chamber Golfing Outing, May 17, (please sign up), Walk N'
Roll, and Riverfest Art-In-The-Park.
B. Next IDC meeting -May 1, 2007.
11. Adjournment.
FEASKI MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE IDC MEETING. SECONDED BY VAN
ALLEN AND WITH NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE IDC MEETING ADJOURNED AT
8:45 A.M.
~~
Ollie Koropchak, Recorder
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