EDA Agenda 03-14-2012EDA MEETING
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
6:00 p.m.
Mississippi Room - 505 Walnut Street, Monticello, MN
Commissioners: President Bill Demeules, Vice President Bill Tapper, Treasurer Tracy Hinz, Matt Frie,
and Council members Tom Perrault and Brian Stumpf
Staff: Executive Director Megan Bamett - Livgard, Finance Director Tom Kelly
1. Call to Order
2. Approve Meeting Minutes:
a. February 8, 2012
3. Consideration of additional agenda items
4. Consideration of authorizing WSB to review, delineate and assess the function of each
identified wetland in the Monticello Business Center industrial park
5. Consideration of adopting a Relocation Priorities Policy and a Relocation Assistance
Policy
6. Director Report
7. Adjourn
MINUTES
MONTICELLO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA)
Wednesday, February S, 2012 - 6:00 p.m.
Commissioners Present: President Bill Demeules, Treasurer Bill Tapper, Tracy Hinz, Matt Frie,
and Council Member Tom Perrault
Commissioners Absent: Council Member Brian Stumpf
Staff: Executive Director Megan Bamett - Livgard, Finance Director Tom Kelly
1. Call to Order
Bill Demeules called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.
2. Approve Meeting Minutes
a) January 11, 2012 Special EDA Minutes — EDA Refresher
BILL TAPPER MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 11, 2012 SPECIAL EDA
MINUTES. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY TOM PERRAULT. MOTION
CARRIED 5 -0.
b) January 11, 2012 Regular EDA Minutes
MATT FRIE MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 11, 2012 REGULAR EDA
MINUTES. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY BILL TAPPER. MOTION CARRIED
5 -0.
3. Consideration of additional agenda items
a) Update on EDA vacancy
b) Upcoming public hearing on amending enabling resolution
4. Annual Meeting
a) Elect officers
BILL TAPPER MOVED TO NOMINATE BILL DEMEULES EDA PRESIDENT
FOR 2012. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY TOM PERRAULT. MOTION
CARRIED 5 -0.
TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO NOMINATE BILL TAPPER EDA VICE-
Economic Development Authority Minutes 02108/12
PRESIDENT FOR 2012. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY BILL DEMEULES.
MOTION CARRIED 5 -0.
TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO NOMINATE TRACY HINZ EDA TREASURER
FOR 2012. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY BILL TAPPER. MOTION
CARRIED 5 -0.
C) Review fund balances
Finance Director Tom Kelly presented the annual estimated unaudited fund balance
report of all tax increment districts within the City and the balance of the EDA
General Fund. All of the TIF Districts were set up as pay -as- you -go obligations and
are cash flowing except for Districts 1 -36 (Dahlheimer), 1 -37 (Karlburger Foods),
and 1 -38 (Walker -In- Store). The report reflects the decertification of TIF District
1 -31 in 2011 and the addition of the TIF District 1 -39 (Suburban Manufacturing).
Staff will likely recommend that TIF District 1 -19 (Mississippi Shores) be
decertified at the end of 2012. TIF District 1 -5 (Construction #5) is legally required
to be decertified at the end of 2012. All GMEF loans are current. The GMEF loan
made to the Pet Hospital will begin repayment this year. One loan is ballooning this
year and one next year. An updated audit report will be prepared in August.
BILL TAPPER MOVED TO ACCEPT THE 2011 EDA FUND BALANCE
REPORT. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY TRACY HINZ. MOTION
•n.' C C I 1
d) Review Economic Development Annual Report
Staff presented the Economic Development Annual Report for review and input.
The report highlighted Monticello's many economic development
accomplishments of the past few years. The information will be distributed to the
IEDC and City Council and made available on the City's website, the Economic
Development website, and through the Chamber's resources. Bill Tapper
congratulated and thanked staff for all of the hard work.
5. Consideration of authorizing a continued contract with Dan Wilson to assist in
acquisition and relocation services for downtown Monticello
The previously approved $5,000 contract with Dan Wilson Development Services for
negotiations for property purchase on Block 34 downtown has been expended. Staff
recommended that the contract be extended so that the acquisition process may proceed
now that the scope of the purchase has expanded.
Tracy Hinz asked for clarification as to how Jim McComb's and Dan Wilson's roles differ
Economic Development Authority Minutes 02/08/12
in implementing the Embracing Downtown plan. Staff summarized that Jim McComb was
tasked with attracting businesses into the community and working out financing plans to
ensure that locating in the downtown will be a viable option for businesses. Dan Wilson is
a relocation specialist familiar with state and federal regulations involved in complex and
expensive redevelopment projects. Extending his contract will ensure a thorough and
productive negotiation process during property acquisition. The EDA and City Council
will review purchasing opportunities on a case -by -case basis.
Tracy Hinz asked if services would be itemized and which funding source would be used to
pay for the contract. Staff explained that Dan Wilson would bill the EDA on an actual time
and service basis. The contract would be front - funded with EDA General Funds and then
paid through the administrative line item once a new TIF district has been established.
Bill Demeules noted that the proposal is essentially a budget and, considering the amount
of work involved in the relocation process, he felt that the anticipated expenses would not
be out of line. Bill Tapper suggested that it would be beneficial for the process to move
forward without having to come back for EDA approval in increments.
BILL TAPPER MOVED TO APPROVE A $60,000 BUDGET TO CONTINUE
CONTRACTING WITH DAN WILSON DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FOR PHASE 1
OF THE DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND
RELOCATION PROCESS AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
RATIFY SAID MOTION. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY TRACY HINZ. MOTION
CARRIED 5 -0.
6. Consideration of authorizing Northland Securities to complete an update to the 2009
TIF Management Plan
The EDA initiated a TIF Management project in 2009. The purpose of the project was to
complete an in -depth analysis of the City's TIF districts. The reference manual provided a
clear financial understanding of each individual TIF district. Staff continually references
information outlined in the TIF Management Plan. In the past three years several districts
have been decertified, surplus TIF balances have been utilized, and a new district has been
created. Staff recommended that the plan be updated every 2 -3 years depending on
changing financial circumstances.
MATT FRIE MOVED TO APPROVE ENGAGING THE SERVICES OF NORTHLAND
SECURITIES TO COMPLETE AN UPDATE TO THE 2009 TIF MANAGEMENT
PLAN AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $5,500 INCLUDING REIMBURSABLE
EXPENSES. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY TRACY HINZ. MOTION CARRIED 5 -0.
Economic Development Authority Minutes 02/08/12
Consideration of authorizing staff to draft and publish a Monticello Branding and
Image Campaign Request Proposals (RFP) and allocating $30,000 of EDA funds
Staff recommended that Monticello initiate a City -wide branding and image campaign to
address the fragmented messages the City is giving residents, citizens, and businesses. The
branding campaign would create a unifying marketing strategy which includes all of
Monticello's amenities and enterprises. Branding is not just about a logo or tag line but
instead a way to define the community and take strategic steps to clearly communicate that
message. Statistics indicate that site selectors often choose a location for their next
business based on brand.
The cities of Lakeville, Eden Prairie and Elk River conducted a branding initiative and the
State of Minnesota is currently doing the same. Staff noted that Elk River retained its logo
but added the tag line, "Powered by Nature," which is being embraced by local businesses
as a way to market themselves in partnership with the City brand.
The RFP would solicit marketing firms to define research and implementation methods, a
tangible way to measure results, and a long -term communications strategy for the branding
campaign. Staff estimated that the survey component of this initiative could be completed
within 2 -4 months. A timeline would also be developed for realistic implementation of this
effort for this year and the next five years.
Funds are available in the EDA General Fund budget for this initiative. The City would
also apply for grants through the Initiative Foundation and the Blandin Foundation and
pursue private investment partnerships to implement this effort. Many City departments
have marketing budgets that might also be utilized as a potential funding resource.
Staff noted that the IEDC had recommended that the EDA further consider establishing a
city -wide branding campaign.
Bill Tapper spoke in support of the initiative.
Matt Frie agreed that Monticello would benefit from a new image to reflect all of the
changes in the community. He asked for clarification as to how the effort would move
forward.
Tracy Hinz suggested that the RPF include a component to get the community involved in
the effort.
Tom Perrault said that he thinks the EDA should wait and see what happens with the
economic development projects that are currently ongoing rather than spend a lot of money
on another effort at this time.
Economic Development Authority Minutes 02/08/12
Bill Demeules pointed out that branding goes hand in hand with attracting economic
development and suggested that developers do a web search when deciding where to locate
a business. He asked for clarification about plans to maintain the branding campaign.
TRACY HINZ MOVED TO RECOMMEND THE CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZE CITY
STAFF TO CREATE AND PUBLISH A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)
INITIATING A BRANDING AND IMAGE CAMPAIGN, ALLOCATING $30,000
DOLLARS OF EDA FUNDS, AND DIRECTING STAFF TO RESEARCH GRANT
OPPORTUNITIES AND /OR PRIVATE INVESTOR PARTNERSHIPS. MOTION WAS
SECONDED BY BILL TAPPER. MOTION CARRIED 4 -1 WITH TOM PERRAULT
OPPOSED.
8. Director Report
Matt Frie asked about land inquiries. Staff stated that the City does not currently have
enough available shovel- ready, contiguous land to meet the needs of data centers looking
to locate in Minnesota and suggested that Monticello position itself to address current
economic development needs.
9. Consideration of items added to the agenda
a) Update on EDA vacancy - The previous EDA appointment was to fill the remaining
term for a member who had resigned. That appointment has expired and the
position is currently vacant. The vacancy will be advertised.
b) Upcoming public hearing on amending enabling resolution —The City Council
will hold a public hearing on February 27th to consider restructuring seat criteria for
EDA members. At a recent workshop, the Council decided to maintain the seven
member board but changed the criteria by which members are appointed. The
enabling resolution will be amended to state that members either be a resident,
property owner and /or business owner.
10. Adjournment
BILL TAPPER MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:06 PM. MATT FRIE
SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 6 -0.
Recorder: Kerry T. Bum
Approved: March 14, 2012
Attest:
Megan Barnett - Livgard, Executive Director
4. Consideration of authorizing WSB to review, delineate, and assess the function of each
identified wetland in the Monticello Business Center industrial park
A. REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND:
The Monticello Business Center contains several available outlots to market to future industrial
users. Several of the lots may contain wetlands which will reduce their developable area. In an
effort to assist in marketing actual developable area to a potential end user staff is asking the EDA
to authorize WSB to review all potential wetland sites, delineate any existing wetlands, and assess
the function of the wetland to determine its type.
Completing this work will better assist the City in providing accurate information to a developer,
which will reduce the end user's engineering costs. As an example, when Suburban Manufacturing
was engineering their site the location of the building had to shift several times until an actual
wetland delineation was completed. Each time the engineer had to move the location of the
building it cost Suburban Manufacturing additional design expenses.
Attached as supporting data are historical aerial review figures showing four areas with suspected
or known wetlands. Area D, situated just east of Dahlheimer Distributing, is most certainly a
wetland which will need to be delineated to allow for development. However, areas A, B and C
will require further study to determine if there are, or were at one time, wetlands in those areas.
The estimated cost for WSB to review and delineate the wetlands is $3,350 to $4,250. An
additional cost of $500 will be required to assess the function (type) of each identified wetland.
Funds can be budgeted through the EDA professional services line item until a TIF district is
created. When development occurs the expense will be able to be accounted against the newly
created TIF district.
B. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends alternative #1.
C. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS:
1. Motion to authorize WSB to review, delineate and assess the function of each identified
wetland in the Monticello Business Center.
2. Motion to deny authorization for WSB to move forward with reviewing, delineating and
assessing wetlands in the Monticello Business Center.
3. Motion to table action for further research and discussion.
D. SUPPORTING DATA:
WSB Proposal
Aerial of Monticello Business Center
A
WSB
R Amu. i"I ", I.C.
Infrastructure ■ Engineering ■ Planning ■ construction
Memorandum
To: Megan Barnett -Livgard, Economic Development Director
City of Monticello
From: Shibani Bisson, PE, Senior Project Manager
WSB & Associates, Inc.
Date: February 2, 2012
Re: Proposal for Wetland Delineation Services
Monticello Business Center
City of Monticello, MN
701 Xenia Avenue South
Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55416
Tel: 763.541 -4800
Fax: 763 -541 -1700
WSB appreciates this opportunity to provide you a proposal for wetland review and delineation
services for the above - mentioned site.
It is our understanding you would like more detailed information about the location of wetlands to
assist in marketing the remaining City -owned lots within the Monticello Business Center. WSB will
conduct a historical aerial photo review to identify past wetlands or approximate wetland boundaries.
WSB will then perform a wetland delineation and wetland functional assessment for the wetlands
within the outlots remaining to develop. The wetland delineation cost is variable depending on the
number of wetlands identified from the aerial photo review within the study boundaries. Therefore a
range of costs is provided.
Additionally, while the historic photo review can be completed over the winter months, the wetland
delineation needs to occur during the growing season, which generally is from May to October. If
authorized, we can complete this work in May as the weather allows.
Our cost estimate to complete this work is as follows:
Step 1:
Historical Aerial Photo Review
Aerial Photo Review, Memo of Findings,
Overall Wetland Map $1,300
$1,300
Step 2:
Wetland Delineation:
Data Review and Wetland Delineation $1,000 - $1,700
Delineation Report $750-$950
TEP Meeting and Follow -up 300
Total Wetland Delineation $2,050 - $2,950
Minneapolis ■ St. Cloud
Equal Opportunity Employer
K'ui4w- 5MMnmlmsM+� mev 14ivgudo10412 a,�akw�% dm
M. Bamett - Livgard
February 2, 2012
Page 2
Wetland Functions Assessment:
Field Review of Wetland $ 300
MuRAM Analysis 200
Total Wetland Function Assessment $500 per wetland
WSB is available to complete this work within three weeks after we are given the notice to proceed
(after May 1 for the wetland delineations).
If you are in agreement with the terms as outlined above, please sign where indicated below and
return one copy to our office.
Thank you for considering WSB & Associates, Inc. for your wetland services needs. We are looking
forward to working with you on development of the Monticello Business Center. If you have any
questions regarding this proposal, please call me at 763 - 287 -7162.
Approval of Wetland Services
Authorized Representative:
Name
Title
Date
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5. Consideration of adopting a Redevelopment Priorities Policy and a Relocation Policy
A. REFERENCE AND BACKGROUND:
In an effort to address the complex nature of redevelopment and business /resident relocation
challenges, staff drafted a Redevelopment Priorities Policy and a Relocation Policy for EDA
consideration. The attached draft policies were modeled after Brooklyn Park's adopted policies.
The policies are currently being reviewed by Kennedy & Graven and Wilson Development.
Staff is requesting the EDA review and adopt the policies. The policies will also be forwarded to
the City Council for consideration and adoption.
B. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends alternative #1.
C. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS:
1. Motion to adopt the Monticello Redevelopment Priorities Policy and Relocation Policy.
2. Motion to deny policies.
3. Motion to table action for further research and discussion.
D. SUPPORTING DATA:
Redevelopment Priorities Policy
Relocation Policy
CITY OF MONTICELLO REDEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES AND POLICIES
The Monticello Economic Development Authority (EDA) is committed to redevelopment as an
important and necessary tool to maintain the health of the community and encourage economic
development. For the purpose of this document, the term "redevelopment" carries a broad
definition including, but not limited to, activities associated with neighborhood preservation and
revitalization, commercial and industrial stabilization and growth, redevelopment and revitalization
of downtown Monticello. The EDA will serve as a catalyst for redevelopment based on the
following policies.
1. The community needs for redevelopment will always surpass the ability of the EDA and/or
other funding entities to fully finance and/or be a partner in such endeavors. In order to
maximize the effect of EDA involvement, redevelopment priorities have been established as
illustrated in Attachment I. This priority list and the redevelopment policies will be reviewed
and updated by the EDA on an annual basis.
2. The TIF Management Plan will be utilized as a guide to evaluate availability of financial
resources.
3. The EDA recognizes that redevelopment scenarios are extremely complex and each plan will
demand a unique set of solutions.
4. Creation of major redevelopment plans shall include participation by the community
including, but not limited to, residents, business and property owners, affected government
agencies and other stakeholders.
5. Solutions for redevelopment shall be comprehensive in nature and assume market realities
for end users.
6. Approved plans shall be positively promoted and endorsed by the City Council, City Boards
and staff.
7. The EDA will continue to be innovative in developing creative solutions and resources to
meet its redevelopment needs. The EDA will continue to seek outside funding sources to
supplement the EDA's financial resources.
8. When seeking EDA and City Council approval for acquisition of property, the following factors
will be taken into account:
a. Proximity to priority project areas (see Attachment I)
b. Reasonable asking purchase price
c. County assessed value
d. Recent completed appraisal
e. Key property to transportation or public utility projects
f. Number and type of existing tenants
g. Timeline of new development potential
9. The factors outlined in 8 will assist in reducing land - banking by the EDA.
10. The EDA will continue to financially consider involvement in the demolition and /or
rehabilitation of buildings.
11. The end objectives of redevelopment efforts include:
A. Stabilizing and increasing tax base
B. Removing influences that can or have negatively affected the community
C. Rejuvenating the appearance and perception of a given area
D. Leveraging private funding where feasible
E. Jobs created and/or retained
12. Redevelopment plans are viewed as inherently flexible and it is recognized that the component
parts of a plan may change from time to time in order for it to be implemented within the
market place.
Attachment I — Redevelopment Priorities
Primary Activities:
• Implementation of the Embracing Downtown Plan
a. Block 34
b. Anchor Block
c. Other areas as deemed appropriate and driven by private investment
• Redevelopment and revitalization of blighted residential properties
Potential Future Activities:
• Block 35
• Block 33
• Design enhancements to major intersections and street corridors
MONTICELLO RELOCATION ASSISTANCE POLICY
The Monticello Economic Development Authority (EDA) is committed to actively promoting new
development and redevelopment within the City of Monticello. From time to time, development
activities may lead to displacement of tenants, homeowners, property owners, and/or businesses.
The EDA recognizes the hardship this creates and is committed to minimizing the impact of
displacement. If displacement occurs, the EDA will use its best efforts to minimize this hardship
guided by this policy.
1. Minnesota law shall govern if and when a person or business is entitled to relocation benefits
under Minnesota Statutes .Sections 117.50 to 117.56 for acquisition, development or
redevelopment projects with City /EDA involvement.
2. The EDA will provide advisory services to any displaced person or business reasonable and
necessary to minimize the hardship of displacement.
3. The EDA will provide all services reasonable and necessary to ensure the relocation process
does not result in different or separate treatment because of race, color, religion, sex, or
national origin.
4. The EDA will provide all services reasonable and necessary to retain displaced businesses in
the City of Monticello.
5. For displaced renters, the EDA will provide services and resources to assist with the transition
to homeownership. Provided the displaced person meets the eligibility requirements under 49
C.F.R. 24.402. In addition, the EDA will permit these funds to be used for taxes, insurance, and
prepaid interest associated with the purchase of a home.
6. Replacement housing payments must be used to lease or purchase decent, safe, and sanitary
housing. Replacement housing payments for renters shall be paid in equal quarterly installments
over the duration of the benefit as calculated at the time of displacement. Different installments
may be allowed if required to secure decent, safe, and sanitary housing.
7. Any displaced person qualifying as low- income may be eligible for increased benefits. For the
purpose of this policy, a person is classified as "low- income" by the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development's Annual Survey of Income Limits for the Public Housing
and Section 8 Programs. This survey is updated annually and available through the Federal
Highway Administration's website at biip://www.fliwa.dot.gov/realestate/ua/ualic.htin.
** � Verifying correct statue references with attorney
Page I Adopted
6. Economic Development Director Updates:
IEDC:
The IEDC recommended the Planning Commission and City Council deny a rezoning
request by Simonson Lumber to rezone the property from I -2 to B -2. The purpose of
the rezoning request is to allow Quarry Church the opportunity to build a sanctuary on
the property in the future.
The IEDC is working with the Monticello School district to initiate more robust
partnerships between the school district and manufacturers.
Planning Commission:
The Planning Commission recommended approval of Simonson Lumber's rezoning
request on a 3 -2 vote. The Comprehensive Plan guides the parcel for commercial
zoning and therefore the request complies with the Comprehensive Plan.
City Council:
The City Council approved the continued contract with Wilson Development. They
also approved amending the EDA enabling resolution to reflect the 5 at large seats can
be held by a resident, business owner, or property owner. There is no longer a
restriction requiring a minimum of 3 residents to serve.
The City Council did not approve moving forward with the branding and image
project. They wanted more information related to implementation costs and were not
completely supportive of the timing the project was being initiated.
Inquiries:
None to report at this time.
Marketing / Venues:
2012 marketing materials are in the process of being developed. This year we will be
trying on line marketing through Google. A few minor adjustments need to be made to
the economic development website and then staff will establish online marketing
strategies.
Staff is working with Janna King to develop effective marketing pieces for downtown
and to coordinate a commercial broker breakfast. The City has hosted a commercial
broker breakfast for the past few years. This year the event will be held in late April to
early May and will include a bus tour of the city.
Business Communications & Retention Initiatives:
Staff is still working to get a hold of the following businesses to schedule either a breakfast
meeting or site tour:
• Karlsburger (Breakfast)
• Walker In Store (Breakfast)
• UMC (Breakfast)
• Precision Technologies (Tour)
• SMA Elevator (Tour)
• Bondhus (Tour)
Staff will be scheduling a meeting in the next few months with the BR &E Leadership Team to
touch base. Staff would like to continue to ensure implementation projects are still being
addressed and completed.
Embracing Downtown:
Staff met with Jim McComb, Kathy Anderson, and Shawn Grady on March 1, 2012 to
continue to work through location opportunities on Block 34 and related financial
approach to ACE Hardware's needed expansion.
Bertram Chain of Lakes:
To follow is a brief summary of information on acquisition and park planning for the
Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Staff and Council members can address
additional questions regarding the park during the regular IEDC meeting.
Park Acquisition
In 2006, Wright County and the City of Monticello were approached by the YMCA of
Minneapolis regarding their "Camp Manitou" day camp property, located just west of
the municipal boundaries of the City. At that time, the YMCA owned the 1,200 acres
of Camp Manitou in its entirety. The YMCA was interested in the possibility of
selling the property for development in order to invest in other YMCA facilities.
Sensing an opportunity, the City and Wright County immediately began working in
cooperation with the YMCA to purchase the property for long -term preservation and
regional park use.
The City of Monticello and Wright County subsequently designated the property as
park and recreation land within their land use planning documents and developed a
framework for phased acquisition of the property.
• The first phase of acquisition at the Bertram Chain of Lakes occurred in 2008.
The Phase I acquisition of 319 acres totaled $3.6 million and was funded in
equal parts by the City of Monticello, Wright County and the State of
Minnesota. State funding included $1 million from the Environmental Trust
Fund and $200,000 from the Department of Natural Resources Metro
Greenways grant program.
• In 2010, the City and County were able to proceed with a Phase II purchase of
51 acres at the park. This purchase was made possible through funding from
the State of Minnesota in the form of a $599,000 grant from the Department of
Natural Resources Metro Greenways program.
• In 2011, another 126 acres of land and water was purchased. The Phase III
acquisition included grant awards from the Department of Natural Resources
EDA March 14, 2012
Non -Metro Regional Parks program and a Park & Trail Legacy Amendment
grant.
In addition to these acquisitions, the City of Monticello and Wright County have each
committed matching funds for a Phase IV acquisition. The 2012 Parks and Trails
Legacy grant program awarded the project $500,000, and $333,333 was awarded
through the MN Environment and Natural Resource Trust fund, which is in turn
funded through the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LAWCON).
These grants, coupled with matching funding from the City of Monticello and Wright
County, will result in an expected 2012 acquisition of another 140 land/water acres.
A map detailing past purchases and the planned 2012 purchase is included for
reference.
The City of Monticello's local match funding for these acquisitions has come from
park dedication funds (fees paid by developers in conjunction with residential
development; fees are based on a calculation regulated by State Statute on the
proportionate share of demand placed on the park system by the development in
question) and proceeds from the City's Consolidated Bond Fund.
Public Use and Master Planning Update
Wright County and the City of Monticello are committed to increasing public use of
the park, even as the full park area is being acquired. The entire 496 land and water
acres owned at the present time is open and accessible to the public. Existing facilities
within the park include hiking trails, a canoe/kayak launch, and a small parking area
and informational kiosk.
The City and County have also reached an agreement with the YMCA to allow
weekend public boat access to Bertram Lake from June through August. More
information on access points, parking, use regulations and hours will be forthcoming
in the next few months.
The opportunities for both active and passive recreation at this 1,200 acre property are
abundant. The Bertram Chain of Lakes Advisory Council, representative body
established for developing the park's Master Plan, has taken input on activities and
programs through a series of public meetings and surveys for the purpose of
developing a long -range master plan for the park. Ideas have been provided through a
series of public forums for year -round activities that make the most of the parks' lakes,
woodlands, wetlands and open spaces while protecting and enhancing this natural
resource.
As part of planning for the athletic complex area, the City has completed a detailed
analysis of internal athletic field needs. An Athletic Complex subcommittee was
formed to complete a detailed needs assessment. The group inventoried existing field
space, analyzed use data, and collected anecdotal information related to field
scheduling and condition. The group determined quickly that the larger Monticello
area was experiencing a shortage of active play fields, particularly for baseball and
soccer. Based on that information, the Athletic Complex subcommittee prepared a
baseline of needed field space and outlined general direction on configurations and
EDA March 14, 2012
amenities. This information led to the development of a conceptual master plan for
the athletic complex area.
The goal is to create the opportunity for interaction between users of the regional
athletic complex and the natural park
A copy of the master plan for the park is included with this report. Focused capital
improvement planning for the accomplishment of the master plan, and formalization
of park operations and maintenance between the City and County will occur as
acquisition nears completion.
More information on the park can be found on both the City and County's websites,
as well as the Friends of Bertram Lakes, a local grass -roots organization supporting
thepark. www.friendsojbertramlakes.org
MISC.
The quarterly manufacturer's meeting between Sherburne and Wright County was
held on February 15, 2012. A few manufacturers were present to hear presentations by
the Workforce Center and Anoka Hennepin Technical College. The key take away
from the meeting was that Anoka Hennepin Technical College has customized training
opportunities available. This will allow the ability to work directly with a
manufacturer to address specific training needs. Nick Graff can be contacted directly
at ngraff(a,anokatech.edu or 763 - 576 -4788. As always the workforce center has
several resources and programs available to assist manufacturers in their training and
employment needs.
EDA March 14, 2012