IEDC Minutes 04-06-2010MEETING MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
7:00 a.m., Mississippi Room
MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair Don Roberts, Vice Chair Rich Harris, Patrick Thompson, Dick
Van Allen, Zona Gutzwiller, Chris Kruse, Luke Dahlheimer, Wes Olson, Wayne Elam, and
Adam Stolpestad
LIASIONS PRESENT: Sandy Suchy, Glen Posusta
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Economic Development Director Megan Barnett, City Administrator
Jeff O’Neill, FiberNet Monticello Brett DeMarais
LIASIONS ABSENT: Mayor Clint Herbst
MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill Tapper, Dan Olson, Elaine DeWenter, Lynne Dahl-Fleming and
Marshall Smith
Call to Order
IEDC Chair Don Roberts called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. and welcomed new members.
Approve Minutes
There were no minutes available.
Consideration of adding items to the Agenda
No items were added to the agenda.
Economic Development Report:
Economic Development Director Barnett provided an update on the Embracing Downtown
Monticello RFP included in the agenda packet. She noted that the proposals would be accepted
through April 30, 2010. There was much discussion about how the project will be funded and
what it will accomplish. Barnett pointed out that the funding source will be through surplus TIF
funds. City Administrator Jeff O’Neill summarized that the document will be used as a planning
tool to help focus City resources.
Barnett stated that there have been inquiries regarding existing industrial and commercial
buildings. She mentioned that the EDA will be looking at downtown willing seller inquiry forms
at their May meeting. Wayne Elam stated that the economy is starting to improve. Certain
business sectors need more square footage. Manufacturing is leading us out of this recession.
Land sales are nonexistent and land prices are all over the place.
City Report:
O’Neill reported on the Public Works effort to reduce mowing in boulevards and parks. This info
will be reviewed at future Council meeting.
He also stated that the FiberNet Monticello (FNM) project is moving forward but that delays
have been frustrating. Phone switch testing is in the process, programming has been purchased,
agreements are in place and it is the hope to complete construction by the end of this year.
Approximately 400 homes are currently using internet service. More than 60 businesses are
signed up for drops. Staff will bring a proposal to award a franchise to FNM at an upcoming
Council meeting.
O’Neill summarized where the nuclear waste storage issue stands at the State Legislature. There
will be an effort to add language to a bill amendment to handle the decommissioning of the
Yucca Mountain facility and the movement of waste receptacles casks now that the nuclear
moratorium will not be lifted. It is likely the upcoming election will affect current politics related
to this matter.
Chamber Report:
Sandy Suchy provided an update on Chamber of Commerce and Industry events. She reported
that the Chamber lost a few larger businesses but picked up some smaller businesses bringing
total membership to 274. She stated that the Chamber recently joined Grow MN, a statewide
business retention and expansion program, and that they will share what they learn with local
businesses and the City.
Elect Secretary
Barnett stated that Lynne Dahl-Fleming had expressed initial interest in acting as Committee
Secretary. Chair Don Roberts noted Lynne submitted a resignation early this morning. Barnett
suggested that between Kerry Burri and herself, minute taking would be covered.
Elect a representative from the IEDC to serve on the Embracing Downtown Steering
Committee
Barnett asked for a volunteer to represent the IEDC on the Embracing Downtown Monticello
Steering Committee for a 9 month to 1 year commitment. The role of the Steering Committee
will be to provide input throughout the project. Chris Kruse agreed to represent the IEDC and
report back monthly on project status. Wes Olson will be an alternate representative for the
IEDC.
MOTION BY DON ROBERTS APPOINTING CHRIS KRUSE AND WES OLSON AS AN
ALTERNATIVE TO REPRESENT THE IEDC ON THE EMBRACING DOWNTOWN
STEERING COMMITTEE, SECONDED BY PAT THOMPSON. MOTION CARRIED 15-0.
Establish criteria for an Industry of the Year Award
Suchy presented a proposal that the City and the Chamber offer a joint Industry of the Year
Award. She defined possible eligibility and evaluation criteria and a program timeline, and is
looking for feedback on the draft policy. There were a number of questions about the need for
two awards, the sponsorship of the award, and the nomination process. The issue was tabled for
further discussion.
Adjournment:
MOTION BY DON ROBERTS TO ADJOURN. SECONDED BY WAYNE ELAM MOTION
CARRIED 15-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 a.m.