IEDC Minutes 02-01-2011IEDC Minutes 02/01/11
MONTICELLO
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
MEETING MINUTES
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
7:00 a.m., Mississippi
MEMBERS PRESENT: Vice Chair Luke Dahlheimer, Patrick Thompson, Dick Van Allen, Dan
Olson, Zona Gutzwiller, Wayne Elam, Joni Pawelk, Elaine DeWenter,
Chris Kruse, and Don Roberts
LIASIONS PRESENT: Sandy Suchy, Chamber
Glen Posusta, City Council
MEMBERS ABSENT: Chair Rich Harris, Bill Tapper, Wes Olson
LIASIONS ABSENT: Clint Herbst, Mayor
STAFF PRESENT: Economic Development Director Megan Barnett - Livgard, City
Administrator Jeff O'Neill
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Call to Order
Luke Dahlheimer called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.
Approve Minutes
DICK VAN ALLEN MOVED TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 4, 2011 MINUTES. MOTION
WAS SECONDED BY DON ROBERTS. MOTION CARRIED 10 -0.
Consideration of adding items to the Agenda
None was added.
Reports
a. Economic Development (Verbal)
Economic Development Director quickly updated the IEDC regarding the recent adoption of the
Transportation Plan by the City Council. Additional information was discussed during Council
update.
b. City Council
MYSA /Bertram: Jeff O'Neill summarized the concept of potentially incorporating the MN Youth
Soccer Association's (MYSA) proposal to develop a home field within the scope of the Bertram
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Park Plan. The MYSA is looking for 110 acres to either purchase or lease long term. There were
questions about how many fields would be needed and how local play would be accommodated.
There was also discussion about infrastructure needs, comments about the sludge site north of the
Bertram acreage, and the need to eventually upgrade the sewer system in that area. All issues are in
very preliminary stages of consideration. In late February the MYSA Board will meet to consider if
they'd like to proceed with Monticello as an option. If the project were to move forward they would
dedicate a full -time staff person to assist with design. They have funds on hand and can arrange for
financing for the project. The project would be a regional draw which would generate significant
economic benefits for Monticello over time.
Transportation Plan: The City Council adopted the Transportation Plan and approved moving
forward with the studies indentified in the IEDC Resolution.
Taxes: On a per capita basis, Monticello taxes have dropped more than any other community
except one since 2002 in the state of Minnesota.
Embracing Downtown Meeting: The meeting provided an overview of the consultant study.
Preliminary data was presented. Monticello serves about a 93,000 people. The current traffic
configuration of streets, parcels and retail space is not conducive to attracting a larger market at this
time. Staff noted that there is great potential and engagement from downtown business and land
owners. The next step is to choose from among three design alternatives and to draft a plan for
implementation.
Staff also noted that the new zoning code was adopted.
c. Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Sandy Suchy reported that the Fishing Tournament went well. There were seventy -one teams
participating and some 243 kids involved. The event included a medallion hunt, geo- caching and a
smoosh race. She noted that the Monticello Times editor Paul Nolan had conducted an interview
with Mayor Clint Herbst for the paper and that the Mayor would follow up with a Q &A session on
February 18'' at Premier Bank at 7:30 am. Business Day at the Capitol is scheduled for March 16th
The Chamber received congratulations on being among the Top 25 Chambers in the state since
2006.
5. BR &E
a. Community Commencement: Meeting was posted on the website, Facebook & e -news
b. Follow up to projects: Projects continue to move forward. Downtown is working with City staff
on implementing recreation on the river. The Communication group has compiled a large database
and the Transportation group will need to meet soon to keep up to date on the recently authorized
studies.
c. Next Steps : Regroup with task forces
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6. Concierge Team
a. Breakfast with Mayor /Administrator
The Mayor and City Administrator will be meeting with businesses every month. They've
visited Midwest Precision Machining. There are upcoming meetings scheduled with Suburban
Manufacturing and Aeroplax.
b. WSI Site Tour Scheduled
The WSI site tour has been rescheduled to February 9th. Staff welcomed IEDC attendance to
show support for this successful company.
c. Resource Guide (web /print)
The resource guide is underway and staff is working to get it into the Chamber directory and on
the website.
d. Word on the Street
The IEDC was invited to share concerns or opportunities related to the business community
which may merit follow up. There were none reported at this time.
e. Expansion — Site Review Meetings
Staff pointed out that there will be numerous local business expansions this year. Many will
want to get construction underway before July 1 st when TIF funds expire.
7. Review 2010 Progress & Determine 2011 Priority Proiects
Staff congratulated the IEDC for all that they'd accomplished in 2010 and asked for assistance in
outlining priorities for 2011. The following projects were noted:
• Maintain BR &E projects as high priority
• Review the Economic Development section of the Comprehensive Plan
• Refocus training and leadership course efforts to include less time - consuming and costly
options such as utilizing the Workforce Center or the MN Chamber
• Take stock of zoned industrial land and make a long -term plan
• Consider developing Monticello as a medical center
• Look into case studies for how programs may have helped businesses
• Consider establishing a transportation task force to move access issues forward
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• Support the Bertram Park Plan over the long term.
8. Adiournment
PATRICK THOMPSON MOVED TO ADJOURN AT 8:15 AM. MOTION WAS SECONDED
BY DICK VAN ALLEN. MOTION CARRIED 10 -0.
Recorder: Kerry T. Burri
Approved: March 1, 2011
Attest:
Megan met - ivgard, Economic Dollopment l5irector
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