City Council Minutes 01-23-2012 SpecialMINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING /WORKSHOP — MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL
Monday, January 23, 2012 — 5:30 p.m.
Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Present: Clint Herbst, Lloyd Hilgart, Tom Perrault, Glen Posusta, Brian Stumpf
Absent: None
Others: Jeff O'Neill, Megan Barnett Livgard, Bill Demeules (EDA), Angela Schumann,
Steve Johnson
1. Call to Order
Mayor Herbst called the Special Meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.
2. Purpose of Meeting: Analysis of Economic Development Authority (EDA)
restructing options
Jeff O'Neill explained that Council had requested a workshop to discuss possible options
for restructuring of the EDA. He mentioned that a small group meeting was held last
week between Tom Perrault, Brian Stumpf, Bill Demeules and city staff to preview some
of the options.
3. Discussion and Consideration of selecting an option for restructing the EDA
Jeff O'Neill talked about some of the options that were discussed in the small group and
pointed out that the direction was intended to streamline decision- making by the EDA.
Jeff O'Neill directed the group to the table that was developed.
Option A: Deep EDA as is with 2 Council members and 5 at -large members
Option B: Change EDA to 3 Council members and 4 at -large members
Option C: Eliminate the EDA and have Council serve as the EDA
Option D: Eliminate the EDA as it now stands; have Council serve as the EDA plus 2
at -large members
Option E: Eliminate the EDA; have Council serve as the EDA with the IEDC
providing input as an advisory group
Jeff O'Neill pointed out that the small group indicated a preference for Option B which
would give more balance toward Council, promote more efficiency and consistency in
implementing city goals and plans, and provide input from the public and stakeholders.
A negative of this option would be adding a third Council member and the additional
time requirements that would ensue.
Jeff O'Neill mentioned that Glen Posusta had suggested an idea to establish the EDA
with 3 at large members and 2 City Council members. This would not require an
additional City Council member but would still achieve the objectives identified by the
small group. Clint Herbst suggested that they also consider opening the at -large
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membership to non residents. Bill Demeules suggested that at -large members outside of
city limits should have ownership in property or a business interest within the City.
Glen Posusta talked about another option of having the EDA made up of 4 at -large
members and 1 City Council member. This would encourage the City Council member
to represent City Council interests and be able to verbalize this to the group.
Glen Posusta stated that he doesn't recall ever having so many joint meetings and
wondered if that was a result of some of the ongoing discussions. Megan Barnett Livgard
noted that there are some newer members that lack experience and are still being
educated; this may contribute to some of the issues.
Glen Posusta asked if the Mayor would serve as the third City Council member if that
was the recommendation. Brian Stumpf indicated that he is not so sure about Option B
with 3 City Council members after thinking about this further. He feels there are some
underlying issues to work out and adding a City Council member may not correct that.
Clint Herbst suggested that perhaps they should focus on the issues first. Brian Stumpf
said he does not have a problem with switching to a 5 member EDA (with 2 City Council
members) but he wondered how that would affect the 6 -year terms. Bill Demeules said
he believes that 6 -year terms are required for EDA members.
Brian Stumpf said he would prefer a 5 member EDA with 1 City Council representative.
Lloyd Hilgart said he would like to see continued participation from the public but would
like to keep 2 City Council members on the EDA. Brian Stumpf noted that it is important
to align the EDA with the Council as the Council is ultimately responsible for city
decisions.
Glen Posusta asked if there are situations where the EDA can snake decisions that do not
require Council action. Megan Barnett Livgard used an example of an existing TIF
district with a surplus balance. If the EDA would want to utilize the surplus balances,
they have the power to spend the money. Megan Barnett Livgard also noted that the
Council approves the general budget for the EDA and the EDA has the power to utilize
that budget for purposes they designate.
Clint Herbst stated that it appears they are back to a 7 member board but could allow
membership from outside the city limits. Brian Stumpf would still like to see a 5 member
board with either 1 or 2 City Council members. Megan Barnett Livgard asked how they
would deal with dropping a member from the EDA if they go to a smaller board. Bill
Demeules suggested that the process would probably require new membership
appointments.
Jeff O'Neill asked if it would stifle discussion by moving to a smaller board or would it
possibly encourage more cohesiveness. Opinions were offered on a possible 5 member
board with configurations of either 1 or 2 City Council members. Megan Barnett Livgard
reiterated that legal counsel will need to be involved to address the process of
restructuring the board if it is required to reduce the number of at large members. Glen
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Posusta suggested that the Council consider holding off on implementing a decision until
after January 2013 and allow another position to expire. Lloyd Hilgart suggested that
perhaps one of the current City Council members could drop off, leaving 1 City Council
member and 4 at large. This could be a trial period to see how it works. Tom Perrault
noted that he would not be in favor of that as he feels there should be 2 City Council
members on the EDA. Bill Demeules also recommended keeping 2 City Council
members on the EDA as it provides better feedback. Brian Stumpf does not want to let
the subject linger for a year. He would rather have staff continue working with legal
counsel to develop the process for restructuring based on the options discussed. Brian
Stumpf also stated that he would be in favor of opening membership to persons residing
outside the City as long as they own property or have a business interest within the City.
Megan Barnett Livgard explained that she has spoken to the city's legal representatives
(Martha Ingram & Steve Bubul) and there is a process to go through to restructure the
board along with a possible requirement to hold a public hearing if there is a need to
eliminate any existing board members.
Megan Barnett Livgard confirmed that there is general consensus to look further at a 5
member EDA board. Tom Perrault noted that he would like to see at least one of the at
large members be a resident of the City; otherwise he was okay with opening up
membership to business /property owners that do not live in the City. Glen Posusta and
Brian Stumpf stated that they are okay with the at -large members residing in or out of the
City as long as they are city business /property owners.
4. Adjournment
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL WORKSHOP AT 6:31 P.M.
TOM PERRAULT SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0.
Recorder: Catherine M. Shuman( 44
Approved: February 13, 2012
Attest:
't hnimstrator
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