EDA Minutes 03-09-2011Economic Development Authority Minutes 03/09/11
MINUTES
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
Wednesday, March 9,2011 - 6:00 p.m.
Commissioners Present: President Bill Demeules, Treasurer Bill Tapper, Bill Fair, Tracy Hinz, Matt Fric,
and Council Members Tom Perrault and Brian Stumpf
Staff: Executive Director Megan Barnett - Livgard, Finance Director Tom Kelly
Call to Order
President Bill Demeules called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and welcomed Matt Frie as the EDA's
newest member.
Approve Meeting Minutes
BRIAN STUMPF MOVED TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 9, 2011 MINUTES. MOTION
WAS SECONDED BY BILL TAPPER. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
3. Consideration of additional agenda items None
4. Approval of EDA Invoices None
5. Presentation by Ehlers and Associates
Bruce Kimmel, representing independent public finance advisors Ehlers and Associates, provided
an overview of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) in general and outlined Monticello's specific TIF
Districts.
He noted that TIF is a powerful economic development tool that allows the capture of incremental
new taxes from new development within a specific area for a specific amount of time without
requiring the approval of other jurisdictions. He explained how TIF is calculated and described
some of the benefits of timing development and pooling funds through the use of TIF Districts. He
presented a map of TIF District locations within the overall project area and briefly noted the status
of each district. Monticello has 13 active TIF Districts throughout the City: four redevelopment,
four housing, and four economic development districts and one renewal and renovation district.
There were many questions about TIF restrictions, obligations, risk, shortfall agreements, options
for repayment and utilization of increments. There was discussion about the "but for" criteria in
establishing TIF Districts and the importance of continued communication with developers.
Economic Development Authority Minutes 03/09/11
Staff commented on the value of the JOBS bill which gives more flexibility to use TIF funds and
speculated as to consequences of possible extension or expiration of the bill. TIF fund balances
would likely be utilized to potentially purchase property in the downtown area based on the
recommendations of the Embracing Downtown Monticello concept plan currently underway. TIF
Districts will continue to be monitored for potential opportunities and /or decertification.
6. Request by J. Edwin Chadwick askine the EDA to purchase 13.6 acres of residentially zoned
Property located adiacent to the Monticello Business Center
The EDA discussed this land acquisition request at their February meeting. After quite a bit of
discussion regarding the merits for purchasing the property a tie vote was cast and therefore no
action was taken. The EDA directed the item be placed on the March agenda when a new EDA
member would be present.
Staff recommended that the EDA discuss possible land acquisition related to the 13.6 acres of
residentially zoned property located adjacent to the Monticello Business Center in a closed meeting.
BILL FAIR MOVED TO PROCEED TO A CLOSED MEETING TO DISCUSS LAND
ACQUISITION ISSUES AFTER THE EDA MEETING. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY BILL
TAPPER. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
Discuss 2011 EDA Work Plan
Staff noted that the work plan is based upon emerging EDA priorities as well as those identified
within the Comprehensive Plan. The EDA was invited to provide input to further shape the work
plan into a useful guide for 2011.
Staff pointed out that some of the larger issues included in the work plan involve implementing the
Embracing Downtown Monticello Project, supporting the work of the Transportation Advisory
Committee, and working with the IEDC to explore the development of a new industrial park in the
community.
The EDA noted the importance of providing both jobs and a skilled, local labor force within the
community. There was discussion about changing the focus from community colleges to technical
colleges in an effort to establish a training program to educate local workers in the skill areas that are
needed. Staff also pointed out that it would be an option to focus on attracting a certain tier of data
centers to Monticello.
There were questions about possible assistance for distressed housing. Staff noted that, at this time,
there are no major grants available for this purpose. She indicated, however, that the Building
Department actively tracks and follows up on foreclosures in the City.
Economic Development Authority Minutes 03/09/11
BILL TAPPER MOVED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSED 2011 EDA WORK PLAN WITH
MODIFICATIONS RELATED TO PROVIDING A SKILLED WORKFORCE, ATTRACTING
NEW BUSINESSES, AND REVISED WORDING FOR THE HRA. MOTION WAS SECONDED
BY BILL FAIR. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
Staff agreed to review the work plan periodically throughout the year.
8. Marketine Update
a. Conferences
It is anticipated that staff could attend additional conferences and tradeshows for
approximately the same budgeted cost ($11,000) as last year as a result of partnering
opportunities with Positively Minnesota. Monticello would likely partner for Medical
Design & Manufacturing and LifeScience Alley tradeshows and host its own booth at the
WindPower, the MNCAR, and the MN Real Estate Journal Land Development
tradeshows. Staff also reported that it would be useful to again attend the out -of -state
CoreNet Global Summit and agreed to bring details back to the EDA about that tradeshow
later in the year.
b. Website No report
c. Billboards
The City of Monticello has a rare opportunity to capitalize on billboard space on the
land it owns along I -94 and the Highway 25 intersection (east and west). The City
negotiated a lease agreement with Lamar Advertising that includes utilizing two of the
signs for three years of billboard space for the City at a significant reduction in cost.
The EDA would utilize their new marketing materials on the billboard twice a year. The
target audience would be business commuters from St. Cloud to Maple Grove (or the Twin
Cities) and CEO's traveling from the cities to Monticello and westerly.
BILL TAPPER MOVED TO APPROVE $11,000 OF EDA MARKETING DOLLARS
FOR TRADESHOWS /CONFERENCES AND $1,000 FOR BILLBOARDS FOR 2011.
MOTION WAS SECONDED BY BILL FAIR. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
9. Transportation Advisory Committee
a. Request a member to serve on committee
Staff briefly summarized the purpose of the Transportation Advisory Committee. Bill
Tapper agreed to serve as the EDA liaison on the Committee.
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10. Director Report
The Director Report was included as part of the agenda packet submitted to the EDA.
Staff briefly summarized the Adult Use zoning ordinance that the Planning Commission is
working to amend.
Bill Tapper noted that new business, All Elements, was reported to have been pleased with
its dealings with the City as it sought to establish its business in Monticello.
11. Adjournment
BILL TAPPER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:35 PM. MOTION WAS
SECONDED BY BRIAN STUMPF. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
Recorder:
Approved:
Attest:
Kerry T. Burri
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