IEDC Agenda 11-03-2010AGENDA
MONTICELLO INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2010
7:00 a.m., Mississippi
MEMBERS: Chair Don Roberts, Vice Chair Rich Harris, Patrick Thompson, Bill Tapper, Dick Van
Allen, Dan Olson, Zona Gutzwiller, Wayne Elam, Marshall Smith, Elaine DeWenter,
Chris Kruse, Luke Dahlheimer, and Wes Olson
LIASIONS: Sandy Suchy, Chamber
Clint Herbst, Mayor
Glen Posusta, City Council
1. Call to Order
2. Approve Minutes:
a. October 5, 2010
3. Consideration of adding items to the Agenda
4. Reports:
a. Economic Development Report
b. City Council
d. Chamber of Commerce and Industry
5. BR &E
6. Concierge Team
9. Adjournment. (8:30am)
Monticello IEDC Meeting Minutes 10/05/10
MONTICELLO
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
7:00 a.m., Mississippi
MEMBERS PRESENT: Patrick Thompson, Bill Tapper, Marshall Smith, Chair Don Roberts, Zona
Gutzwiller, Dan Olson, Wes Olson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Vice Chair Rich Harris, Chris Kruse, Adam Stolpestad, Elaine DeWenter, Dick
Van Allen, Wayne Elam, and Luke Dahlheimer
LIASIONS ABSENT: Sandy Suchy, Chamber, Glen Posusta, City Council, Clint Herbst, Mayor
STAFF PRESENT: Community Development Director Angela Schumann
OTHERS: Kathleen Poate, I -94 Corridor Coalition
Call to Order
Chairman Don Roberts called the meeting to order at 7:08 a.m.
Approve Minutes
MOTION BY TAPPER TO APPROVE THE AUGUST 17, 2010 AND SEPTEMBER 7, 2010 MINUTES.
MOTION WAS SECONDED BY SMITH. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
Consideration of adding items to the Agenda
No items were added to the agenda.
Economic Development Report
Economic Development Director Barnett had provided a written report to the Committee as she was not in
attendance.
City Council Report
Community Development Director Angela Schumann gave a brief update about a number of City
issues. She pointed out that the 3d Street Parking Lot is under reconstruction. She noted that, after
a series of budget workshops with staff, the City Council had adopted a preliminary levy with no
increase. She indicated that City staff is in a pay and hiring freeze and has looked for creative
solutions such as utilizing federally funded Workforce Center resources to help get the work done.
Monticello IEDC Meeting Minutes 10/05/10
Chairman Roberts asked Schumann if there were any housing news. She said that although there
are some positive signs, she didn't expect much movement in the housing market within the next
few years. She noted that the industrial and commercial sectors are busy and that national firms are
buying land but that no permits are being pulled now. She cited that Pizza Ranch, Walgreens and
Excel Energy projects are in the works and that there is movement with leasing at Town Centre.
Marshall Smith noted that the findings of the Business Retention & Expansion (BR &E) report
were interesting. He pointed out that, according to statistics, Monticello has a fairly young average
age in the community and that it would be wise to encourage bringing in businesses that would
support that 30 something population as well as the 35% of the local population that is on
Medicare. He asked how the Committee could provide resources to businesses that would promote
healthy lifestyles for all generations. Schumann agreed that that was important and indicated that
the City had just been awarded a LiveWright grant to address park and trails planning which
supports active outdoor options for the community.
Reschedule November 2, 2010 IEDC meeting
MOTION WAS MADE BY THOMPSON TO RESCHEDULE THE REGULAR NOVEMBER
IEDC MEETING TO NOVEMBER 3 AT 7 A.M. DUE TO THE ELECTION. MOTION
SECONDED BY TAPPER. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0.
Presentation by I -94 Corridor Coalition
Kathleen Poate from the I -94 Corridor Coalition gave an overview of the Coalition's focus,
provided a draft copy of their updated brochure, and answered questions about transportation
planning. She pointed out that the Coalition utilizes signage along the freeway as well as their
website to educate and promote interest in and funding for these issues. She noted that the
Coalition seeks to both act as a resource for cities and businesses along the corridor from Maple
Grove to Clearwater and an effective lobby in obtaining priority project status with MNDOT. She
pointed out that, although both senators agree that transportation funding for projects along
Interstate 94 is important, requests will not likely be considered before the election. There was
discussion about the need to ease area road congestion along the corridor as a matter of public
safety as well as economic development. She noted that this is the fastest growing corridor in the
state. The Committee asked questions about various road projects. Poate clarified that MNDOT is
primarily focused on westbound lane projects at this time. Schumann noted that transportation
improvements significantly impact industry and housing in communities. Chairman Roberts
indicated that although the IEDC does not have funding to help promote the Coalition's effort
perhaps they might consider adopting a resolution to demonstrate support. Bill Tapper noted that
the BR &E Leadership Team includes transportation as a key strategy in their efforts and supports
the Coalition's work as well. He also clarified that the EDA and Chamber financially contribute to
the Coalition but that the City does not. He suggested that perhaps Monticello form a task force to
try to get more focused on transportation issues.
2
Monticello IEDC Meeting Minutes 10/05/10
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Report
It was noted that the Business Expo was held on Oct 3rd.
Elect 2010 Industry of the Year Award Recipient
The IEDC discussed the three candidates for Industry of the Year Award and the process by which
they were selected. Chairman Roberts noted that industries were not required to be part of the
Chamber to be nominated. The candidates involved were Midwest Precision Machining, Bondhus,
and Electro Industries. Zona Gutzwiller indicated that the nominees were selected based on
designated criteria. There was discussion about how long the industries have done business in
Monticello and how some are more visible in the community than others. Several committee
members shared their perceptions of the impact that the industries have had on Monticello.
Gutzwiller noted that it may have been helpful to have had time to tour each facility. Chairman
Roberts indicated that he thought each of these industries would be a good choice and hoped that
they would continue to thrive and be an active part of the industrial community.
It was noted that Barnett had scheduled the breakfast event honoring the award recipient for
October. There was much discussion about making a motion to delay the vote until the end of the
week so that the committee could do further research. After some consideration, the IEDC
submitted votes to select the Industry of the Year. The vote count would be later reviewed and
determined by Barnett.
Zoning Code Rewrite Update
Schumann summarized the ongoing zoning code rewrite process. She noted that the proposed
zoning code had been simplified from the current 33 chapters to 8 chapters. She indicated that
Chairman Roberts, Bill Tapper and Rich Harris had participated in a small group to contribute
chapter by chapter input to the update and that the issues raised had been quite insightful. She
pointed out that there would be an upcoming zoning code open house on October 20th, a joint City
Council/Planning Commission meeting on November 8th, and a series of public hearings to obtain
further input. She indicated that she was hopeful that the zoning code would be adopted in January
of 2011. She stated that the revised code would not compromise the comprehensive plan goals.
Schumann noted that, as part of the zoning code rewrite, the IEDC was formally adopted into city
code with recommending authority in Chapter 2. She highlighted some of the issues reviewed by
the IEDC subcommittee including: the organization of and distinction between districts, the
potential creation of an Industrial Business Campus District and a Freeway Bonus District, how
the zoning map looks and works, what are reasonable standards, and in what part of the code
would it be appropriate to be lenient. The small group also asked questions about height, setbacks,
screening, landscaping, fences and walls. She indicated that the City would implement a tree
preservation code outside of the industrial zoning district. Schumann noted that Chapter 4 review,
including consideration of parking and signage, was still underway. Schumann pointed out that the
City would make sure it doesn't eliminate development rights when revising zoning districts.
Monticello IEDC Meeting Minutes 10/05/10
There was some concern that the code might be overly burdensome to execute. The Committee
agreed that it should be easier for small and medium sized businesses to do business and to build or
modify their property with less costly restrictions. Tapper stated though that he felt that staff and
consultants have done an excellent job in making the proposed zoning code understandable.
Schumann noted that a revised draft would be available on the City's website by next Monday.
Adjournment
MOTION MADE BY WES OLSON TO ADJOURN. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY
TAPPER. MOTION CARRIED 7 -0. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 am.
Kerry T. Burn _
Recording Secretary
Don Roberts
IEDC Chair
Economic Development Director Updates:
EDA:
The EDA authorized Ward Carlson to complete demolition of the house and accessory
building located at 413 4th Street. It is anticipated Ward will begin demolition by the week of
November 8th.
The EDA generally discussed a revised concept plan for the project known as Landmark II.
Barry Fluth, the developer, received approval a couple years ago to construct a commercial
building. The project was part of an overall redevelopment project and therefore the EDA
approved TIF assistance. Due to the drastic change in the economy the developer is requesting
the City and EDA consider a housing development (higher end apartments) instead of a
commercial building. The City Council has not fully supported the change in use as they
would still like to see a portion of the property developed with commercial. The EDA was
generally supportive of a higher end residential development. The EDA did state they would
support whatever revised plan the Planning Commission and City Council approved.
Planning Commission: See attached agenda.
BR &E:
Part of regular agenda.
Inquiries:
Staff will be sending out direct marketing pieces in the next month to hopefully spark
inquiries by late winter to early spring.
Industrial Marketing / Venues:
City Staff and Wayne Elam attended the Medical Design and Manufacturing tradeshow on
October 6th and 7th at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The exhibit hall was packed with
various types of medical manufactures, consultants, sales companies, State agencies, and
communities. Staff's overall impression of the conference was it contained many good
exhibitors; however people in attendance seemed to be mostly students and unemployed
workers. One positive was we were able to obtain a list of all exhibitors and their contact
information. However, this is not a tradeshow Staff would recommend being an exhibitor in
the future. The City could attend the event at a lower price and still receive a copy of all
exhibitor information.
Wayne Elam attended the MNCAR Expo for the City on October 27, 2010. MNCAR
continues to be a good venue for the City to affiliate.
The LifeScience Alley conference is coming up on December 8th. Wayne Elam and Sandy
Suchy will be attending this event. The Economic Development Director will be in school this
week in order to complete the 2 "a week of a 4 week certification course to become a certified
Economic Development Finance Professional. According to several other cities and Positively
MN staff, the LifeScience Alley conference provides a more focused attendance audience.
This year has a busy year in attending many conferences and tradeshows. City staff continues
to try to diversify the City's exposure to end users and commercial brokers.
Business Communications & Retention Initiatives:
www. buildingbusinessinmonticello .com has been launched. However, due to lack of staff
time, the site is not up to the standards desired by the Economic Development Director. This
continues to be a work in progress.
The Industry of the Year event was well attended. Electro Industries was very appreciative to
be the first Industry of the Year award recipient. Staff has received positive feedback from
attendees. If higher attendance can continue to achieved, it would be worth discussing
soliciting a higher profile speaker (possible pay a professional motivational speaker) that
could really motivate the audience.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the site visits of Electro Industries and UMC.
These companies appreciate our efforts to stay in contact with them. These visits should be
done on a regular basis. Staff is hopeful the newly created "Monticello Concierge" team will
assist in making these visits become a regular occurrence.
Transportation:
Intersection improvements for Highway 25 and 75 are anticipated to begin shortly as part of
the Walgreens development. It appears Walgreens will be locating in Monticello as City staff
released the plat and executed all necessary documents on Friday October 29, 2010. Staff
anticipates demolition of the old theatre building to occur within the next couple weeks.
Embracing Downtown:
McComb Group met with downtown stake holders on October 19th. Many business and real
estate owners were in attendance. Jana King, from Economic Development Services, went
through a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of downtown.
Attendees seemed to enjoy the exercise as it sparked good discussion and provided the
consulting team with great information.
Jana will be holding individual stake holder meetings on November 4th and l lth. Many retail
businesses are currently conducting a retail survey to assist in data needed for the market
analysis. It is anticipated the Steering Committee will reconvene in December.
Future Meeting Dates:
1. IEDC: December 7,2 010
2. EDA: November 10, 2010
3. BR &: Priority Project implementation November 18, 2010 7:30am
IEDC November 3, 2010
AGENDA
MONTICELLO PLANNING COMMISSION
Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010
6:00 PM
Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center
Commissioners: Rod Dragsten, Charlotte Gabler, Lloyd Hilgart, William Spartz,
and Barry Voight
Council Liaison: Susie Wojchouski
Staff. Angela Schumann, Ron Hackenmueller, Steve Grittman — NAC
1. Call to order.
2. Consideration to approve the Planning Commission minutes of October
3. Citizen Comments.
4. Consideration of adding items to the agenda.
5. Consideration to review an update regarding building materials for the Pizza Ranch project.
6. Community Development Director's Report.
Adjourn.
NOTE: A meeting of the Monticello Zoning Ordinance Steering Committee will convene
immediately after the regular Planning Commission meeting.
Steering Committee Agenda:
1. Discuss outcomes of the open house
2. Discuss new zoning classifications for the PZM, PS and I-lA district areas
3. Review format for special PC /CC meeting on November 8th
IEDC 11.3.10
5. BR &E Follow Up Discussion
REFERENCE & BACKGROUND:
The BR &E Task Force Retreat was held on September 28, 2010. The University of MN facilitated
the meeting by first reviewing data collected through the surveys and then working with small groups
to discuss potential project opportunities. The meeting resulted in four viable priority projects. Please
see attached for a list of viable projects.
Staff was pleased with the number of people who attended the retreat and stayed till the end.
Subsequent to the meeting, a few of the groups have met to discuss the purpose of their group and
potential specific projects. Initial feedback suggests further discussion from policy perspective may
be needed to help each group optimize their resources and energy.
Please mark your calendars for Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 7:30am at the Community Center
for the BR &E Project Implementation Planning meeting.
It is important to work together as a part of the larger group in order to motivate and challenge one
another, keep abreast of what other teams are doing, where they are having difficulties, and where
they need help.
The agenda for the session is as follows:
1. Review the givens, background and previously made decisions
2. Envision the future - Imagine the day after completion of your project. What do you see, feel, and
hear?
3. Acknowledge the situation by talking through the potential benefits and dangers that would result
from succeeding with your action plan and listing the strength and weaknesses of the team.
4. Identify the tasks through brainstorming activities and clustering actions that overlap or could be
done by the same group.
5. Establish time frames - each project team plan its activities
6. Finalize details of coordinating leadership, budget and follow through mechanisms
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff would simply like to discuss the outcome of the BR &E Task Force Retreat and review the
selected priority projects.
ACTION:
No action is required.
SUPPORTING DATA:
a. Potential Priority Projects
Monticello BR &E Task Force Retreat
September 28, 2010
Selected Priority Projects
Viable Projects
Priority Project 1: Promote what is already happening here in terms of "labor force"
education activities.
Includes Potential Projects 5, 6, 7, 8 from BR &E Research Report
Votes: 14
Committee: Michelle Hertwig, Tim Zipoy, Kurt Zweifel, Brad Durfee
Priority Project 2: Biz Round Table — Talk with different providers with different
topics (Mayor, Administrators).
Includes Potential Project 3 from BR &E Research Report
Votes: 10
Committee: Zona Gutzwiller, Joni Pawlek, Bill Tapper, Terri Sweet, Tony Velishek
Priority Project 3: Form task force to deal with improving transportation
infrastructure. Includes Strategy 3 from BR &E Research Report
Votes: 9
Committee: Luke Dahlheimer, Megan Barnett, Don Roberts, Rod Dragsten,
Mari Lou McCormic, Rachel Wernsing, Tom Perrault
Priority Project 4: Focus on recreation on the river
Improve downtown — participate in "Embracing Downtown"
Includes Potential Projects 15, 16 from BR &E Research
Report
Votes: 7
Committee: Kevan Sorenson, Amanda Galindo, Wes Olson, Lynne Dahl - Fleming,
Susie Wojchouski
Not Viable Project due to lack of 3 or more members
Potential Project 2: Biz Round Table with IDEC acting as change management committee
with quarterly breakfast and BR &E visits
Votes: 6
Committee: Wayne Elam, Dick Van Allen
Potential Proiects Nominated and Selected
(sorted by strategies and by number of votes per Potential Project)
STRATEGY 1 IMPROVE INDIVIDUAL BR &E THRU TECHNOLOGY AND
DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE
1. Potential Project 3: Biz Round Table —Talk with different providers with different topics
Votes:
(Mayor, Administrators)
10
2. Potential Project 2: Biz Round Table with IDEC acting as change management with
quarterly breakfast and BR &E visits
Votes: 6
3. New Idea: Encourage local trade and spending thru facts and figures, marketing,
practical suggestions, "3/50 Potential Project' (City of Monticello is an
example
Votes: 2
4. Potential Project 2: Transition Response Team with peer coaching for businesses in transition —
with identified businesses who have gone thru similar changes, who can
Votes:
provide peer coaching
1
Other Potential Projects that received no votes:
5. Investigate the `other" category in business moving/expanding
6. Form response team about zoning and code issues
STRATEGY 2 IMPROVE LABOR FORCE AVAILABILITY AND PRODUCTIVITY
1. Potential Projects 5, 6, 7, 8:
Promote what is already happening here in terms of "labor force"
education activities
Votes: 14
2. New Idea: Survey of Meeting Space Available
Votes: 3
3. Potential Project 8: Strengthen ties between the Community Center, Best Western and the
business community. What services can public and private sector
meeting/conference service providers deliver? Do a follow up survey of
Biz needs.
Votes:
Other Potential Projects that received no votes:
4. Potential Project 6. School to work programs with social media engagement
5. Connect high school to existing job fairs
6. Create dialogue between city and school board/superintendent
STRATEGY 3 IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE TO HELP MOVE GOODS,
CUSTOMERS, AND LABOR FORCE MORE EFFICIENTLY
1. New Idea: Form task force to deal with improving transportation infrastructure.
Includes Strategy 3 from BR &E Research Report
Votes: 9
2. Potential Project 10/12: Survey to get more information about transportation needs and Plan for
Specific Improvements
Votes: 9
Other Potential Projects that received no votes:
3. Potential Project 9. Form infrastructure committee and support I -94 coalition
4. Potential Project 12: Plan for specific improvements and support I -94 coalition
5. Potential Project 10: Study signage ordinance for traffic movement and support I -94 coalition
STRATEGY 4 IMPROVE AND PROMOTE OUALITY OF LIFE IN MONTICELLO
1. Potential Project 15 & 16: Focus on recreation on the river
Improve downtown — participate in "Embracing Downtown"
Includes Potential Projects 15, 16 from BR &E Research
Report
Votes: 7
2. Potential Projects 17 & 19: Promote quality of life and pursue.
Do downtown beautification
Votes: 3
3. New Idea: Make Monticello an incubator town. Work with city, SCORE, SBDC, etc. on
biz plans. Biz gets break on lease from landlords, city, other.
Votes: 2
4. Potential Project 17: Promote quality of life in Monticello
Votes: 1
5. Potential Project 18: Support downtown retail with cultural opportunities
Votes: 1
IEDC 10.5.10
6. MONTICELLO CONCIERGE TEAM
REFERENCE & BACKGROUND:
As many of you know, I have been attending several conferences and tradeshows this past year. In
almost all of the seminars and discussions I have heard and participated in, one main concept
continues to be discussed... A strong BR &E program is vital to the success of retaining and attracting
businesses into a community. Staff realizes we are in the process of creating a strong BR &E
program, however it seems appropriate to begin implement now.
In one of the conferences I attended in Arizona, I was talking to another community that recently
implemented a Concierge Team. Most people know and can quickly relate to a Concierge. Therefore
the Concierge concept has worked well as it ties a community together.
I think it is safe to say that most people like Concierges as they provide us with a wealth of
information in a friendly manner (as least they should). It is their job to help, we have the
preconceived notion that they will give us the information we need. It is quite apparent based on the
results of the BR &E survey that one of the main things we are lacking in the City is coordinated
communication. Which, from my perspective is interesting considering we have SO many task
forces, resources, and programs in the City. In any case, it is evident we are not communicating in a
manner that is catching people's attention. The idea is if we mass market the term "Monticello
Concierge" we may be able to draw people's attention quicker and give them the sense that we will
help them with all their need.. We will hopefully be able to tie in what we already have in place and
market it in a coordinated and consistent manner.
Q. Who will be part of the Concierge Team?
*IEDC (2), City Staff (Angela and Megan), Chamber (Sandy), and I elected official (Mayor).
Q. What will the Team do?
*Be the face and front line for Monticello existing and new businesses
*Meet every other month (could be right after an IEDC meeting)
*Attend Site Review meetings with new applicants
*Set up quarterly BR &E visits
*Establish a Concierge phone number and website and provide project, application, and
resource info
*Exchange information on what programs are available
*Coordinate marketing and communication materials to provide the business community with
less number but more effective information
*Address and bring forward business concerns to the appropriate body
*This Team will be the link and often times advocate for existing and new businesses in the
community
The best part is we already have the frame work in place. We have an IEDC that is instrumental in
advocating for a better business community in Monticello, a site review process is already in place,
1
IEDC 10.5.10
the Chamber is already active. Now we just have to pull it all together in an aggressive marketing and
coordinated strategy.
Q. How would we market?
*PICTURES! Yes, people quickly associate with faces and people. We would hire a local
photographer to take professional pictures. We would print greeting cards and all the
necessary marketing materials to do a mass media blitz about this team.
* Website. We just launched a new website. This website will be expanded to include a
Concierge page. This website will be the port for all community and business related
resources. Several people will have access to update this website. This team will become the
umbrella for people to obtain all existing information throughout the community.
*Business E -News, Chamber, notify the Rotary, Workforce center, and any other applicable
groups.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
City Staff would like to implement the Monticello Concierge Team. Staff would like two IEDC
members to volunteer to be part of this effective and pro- active team. This would only add about a
half hour to an hour additional volunteer time every other month.
ACTION:
1. Motion to elect and
to serve on the Monticello Concierge Team.
2. Motion to decline participating in the Monticello Concierge Team.
3. Motion to table for further research.
SUPPORTING DATA:
a. None provided
2