IEDC Minutes 12-01-2009 1
MEETING MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday December 1, 2009
7:00 a.m. Boom Island
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chair Don Roberts, Vice Chair Patrick Thompson, Bill Tapper, Lynne Dahl-Fleming, Dick Van
Allen, Dan Olson, Zona Gutzwiller, Wayne Elam, Chris Kruse.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Charlotte Gabler, Rich Harris, Marshall Smith, Elaine DeWenter
LIAISONS PRESENT:
Sandy Suchy, Glen Posusta
CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Economic Development Director Megan Barnett, City Administrator Jeff O’Neil
Call to Order
IEDC Chair Don Roberts called the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m.
Approve Minutes
MOTION BY TAPPER TO APPROVE OCTOBER 6, 2009 MEETING MINUTES SECONDED BY
DICK VAN ALLEN. MOTION CARRIED 9-0.
Economic Development Report:
Economic Development Director Barnett reviewed information provided in the Director’s Report.
City & Chamber Reports:
Discussion ensued regarding proposed legislation related to Nuclear Plants. The City is contemplating
contracting services with Flaherty Hood to potentially pursue necessary action.
The Annual Chamber Banquet will be held on December 7, 2009.
Re-appointment of IEDC Members with 2009 expiring terms:
MOTION BY LYNNE DAHL-FLEMING SECONDED BY BILL TAPPER TO RECOMMEND THE
CITY COUNCIL APPROVE DICK VANALLEN, R ICH HARRIS, AND MARSHALL SMITH TO
ANOTHER TERM ON THE IEDC. MOTION CARRIED 9-0.
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I-94 West Corridor Coalition:
Doug Weiszhaar, from WSB, Kathleen Poate, from I-94 W Chamber, and Tom Darkenwald, Lenard
Kirchscht, and Michael Altimari, from the I-94 W Corridor Coalition Board were present. The panel of
Board Members and staff liaisons present reviewed the mission and purpose of the Coalition. The
Coalition was organized to raise public awareness and advance the cause to expand capacity on I-94
between Maple Grove and Monticello. The group has accomplished many different initiatives including
submitting a Tiger Grant, lobbying at the State and Federal levels, and creating a public awareness
campaign.
Several members from the Board and the IEDC stated how important it is to begin planning now for an
expansion and alternate transit options. Nothing will ever happen in this area if planning and awareness
does not occur now. MNDOT has to constantly be made aware of the situation along the I-94 west
corridor. This is the time to begin pushing the expansion project higher on MNDOT’s priority list.
Waiting will only ensure more years will go by with no action.
Discussion occurred regarding surrounding cities supporting the Coalition. Question was raised as to
why Rogers had not joined at this time. The Board stated Roger’s supports the efforts of the Coalition
and is working on determining a funding source.
Discussion also occurred regarding the 2010 interchange improvements to occur in Rogers.
Kathleen Poate requested Monticello keep her in the loop of highway projects occurring in the City to
add to the Coalition website.
MOTION BY WAYNE ELAM DIRECTING STAFF TO DRAFT A RESOLUTION
RECOMMENDING THE CITY COUNCIL SUPPORT AND JOIN THE I-94 WEST CORRIDOR
COALITION AND DIRECTED STAFF TO PROPOSED A FUNDING SOURCE FOR THE
MEMBERSHIP FEE SECONDED BY BILL TAPPER. MOTION CARRED 9-0.
Adjournment:
MOTION BY PATRICK THOMPSON TO ADJOURN SECONDED BY DICK VAN ALLEN.
MOTION CARRIED. 9-0.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30am.