IEDC Minutes 09-01-2009 1
MEETING MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday September 1st, 2009
7:00 a.m., Boom Island
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chair Don Roberts, Secretary Charlotte Gabler, Bill Tapper, Lynne Dahl-Fleming, Dick Van
Allen, Zona Gutzwiller, Wayne Elam
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Dan Olson, Patrick Thompson, Rich Harris, Marshall Smith, Elaine DeWenter, Chris Kruse
LIAISONS PRESENT:
Sandy Suchy, Glen Posusta, Clint Herbst
CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Economic Development Director Megan Barnett, City Administrator Jeff O’Neil, City Engineer Bruce
Westby, and Community Development Director Angela Schumann.
Call to Order
IEDC Chair Don Roberts called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.
Approve Minutes
Minutes were not ready for June or August 2009 for approval. Staff is hopeful to have them completed
by the October meeting.
Economic Development Report:
The Economic Development Director provided a verbal update on the BR&E program. Staff stated there
is some challenge in determining a task force meeting time with the University of MN Extension Service
Program Coordinator. However, City staff and the Chamber were continuing to pursue the program and
are hopeful to begin meeting as a task force in October or November.
City Reports:
City Administrator O’Neill provided an update on a conference he attended in Minneapolis related to
potential fiber optic opportunities with the Swedish Embassy.
Staff and the City Council members present provided an update on the City’s budget situation. All
attempts are being made to operate a very lean budget. The Council’s objective is to keep the taxes flat
for citizens.
2
Discussion occurred regarding the potential for the City to purchase the Prairie West building to house
FiberNet. Staff provided a construction update.
Sandy Such y reminded everyone about the upcoming Monticello Business Expo on October 4, 2009.
Government Affairs group is planning to meet on September 11, 2009.
IEDC Planning Groups:
Community Development Director Schumann provided an update on the sign ordinance. She stated the
City and the Chamber were working on a sign ordinance brochure that will be available on-line.
Schumann also provided an update on the Steering Committee for the Zoning Ordinance rewrite. A
revised contract is being worked on with MFRA. Public meetings, including meeting with the IEDC and
the EDA will be established shortly. Staff is anticipating the zoning rewrite to take approximately two
years.
City Engineer Bruce Westby provided an update on the construction schedule for I-94 and River Street.
Discussion ensued regarding potential for roundabouts. A general conclusion was that more educating of
citizens needed to be completed about the effectiveness and footprint of roundabouts.
Adjournment:
MOTION BY DICK VAN ALLEN TO ADJOURN SECONDED BY BILL TAPPER. MOTION
CARRIED. 7-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15am.