IEDC Minutes 11-05-2018MINUTES
INDUSTRIAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE (IEDC)
Monday, November 5, 2018 — 7:00 a.m.
Boom Island Room, Monticello Community Center
Members Present: Kevin Steffensmeier, Darek Vetsch, Steve Johnson, Joni Pawelk, Luke
Dahlheimer, Dick Van Allen, Don Roberts, Andrew Tapper, Mike Carr,
Christopher Church, Elizabeth Calpas
Liaisons Present: Jeff O'Neill, Jim Thares, Marcy Anderson, Duane Northagen, Dave Tombers
1. Call to Order
2. Introduction of new attendees (Members or Liaisons)
3. Approve Minutes:
a. September 25, 2018
4. Consideration of adding items to Agenda
5. Consideration of Resignations of Members and Recommend Appointment of New
Members
Jim Thares reported that two IEDC members are resigning due to conflicts with
schedules and time commitment. The members are Joe Hammer, who has increased job
responsibilities with a new position based in St. Paul and Jacob Kramer who has
difficulty attending meetings due to out of state travel.
Chair Steffensmeier discussed the importance of members making an effort to attend the
meetings as that is the method that they can contribute and share their thoughts with
everyone. He feels that there should be an interview with the prospective member rather
than a simple confirmation after the IEDC reviews the application materials. Jim Thares
added that the commitment is not that demanding. Members are asked to attend 11
meetings each year. He added that the two openings are posted on the website and if
members know someone who would be a potential for the IEDC to have them look at the
website and apply.
6. Consideration of Industry of the Year Event Evaluation Discussion
Kevin Steffensmeier led the discussion about the change in format from a competition in
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selecting the Industry of the Year to one of recognizing and celebrating all of the
industrial firms in the community as part of Minnesota Manufacturer's Week. Member
comments support the idea of recognizing all contributing industry in the format that was
undertaken this year. The event was successful with increased attendance and a great
speaker which resonated with many attendees. Staff will use the 2018 format going
forward with minor tweaks to make the event a successful one.
7. Consideration of Trifecta Issues (Housing, Childcare and Worker Shortage) Article
from Initiative Foundation
There was a wide-ranging discussion of the issues related to affordable housing, childcare
needs and workforce development that are affecting many communities in the region and
state. Jim Thares pointed out some of the efforts and potential future solutions noting
that the Briggs 47 -unit apartment project helps to address the market demand for
affordable units (10 units must be rented as affordable units at the 50 percent median
income level). Based on the Housing Study completed in 2017, there is still a demand of
200 +/- multi -family units though with some of that need presumed to be "affordable".
He also noted that while the Employer Survey completed in the spring of 2018 did not
reveal Childcare as a problem issue, First Children's Finance, a Twin Cities based
organization with a mission to raise awareness about the importance of quality childcare
and the challenges that many communities are now experiencing due to the economics of
the business, has sponsored a Statewide assessment of need which shows Monticello
having a shortfall of 750 +/- daycare slots. This is one of the highest shortages in the
State.
Jim also updated members on the TigerPath Conference, the Youth Workforce
Development effort. There will be seven or eight people from Monticello attending and
bringing a report back to the group. Members discussed the view that maybe there are
people who would choose to be in the workforce, if there were more readily available
daycare opportunities. Suggestion was that issue should continue to be researched and
part of the 2019 Action Statement.
8. Reports: (Verbal Reports)
a. Economic Development Report
A significant focus is currently on the downtown area and involves the
Fagade Improvement Program that is being launched and efforts to get a Block 52 mixed
use redevelopment project started. There is a high level of interest in the Fagade
Improvement Program and there are several developers that have expressed initial
interest in pursuing a Block 52 redevelopment project.
Prospect list remains fairly similar to October. Some movement among industrial
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prospects as they prepare for future projects in 2019.
Building Permits Report
Jim Thares summarized the 3rd Quarter Building Permits report noting that residential is
very similar to 2017 while commercial is considerably higher than last year due to the
newly opened Ryan Automotive dealership along with the Lambert multi -tenant building
near the McDonald's south of the freeway. Target also has been completing a significant
upgrade of its store.
Outside Storage Ordinance Amendment Update
Jim Thares reported that after the IEDC endorsed the proposed changes to increase the
allowed outside storage amounts in the Industrial zones, the business that was asking that
the City consider changes to outside storage, indicated that it actually would need even
higher allowance of outside storage area for its proposed expansion. City staff feel it
would be make more sense to process their specific proposal as a variance. This would
allow the IEDC position on its suggestions to thoroughly research and vet the IEDC
endorse level of outside storage before an ordinance modification is considered by the
Planning Commission and City Council.
b. Planning Commission
The Planning Commission Agenda was reviewed. No comments were offered.
c. City Council
Jeff O'Neill reviewed City Council focus points such as the Hwy 25 Coalition, Fallon
Overpass and new proposed Fire Station.
d. Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Marcy mentioned the 2018 Chamber Holiday Event coming up on December 7, 2018.
9. Other
10. Adiournment
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 a.m. by Andrew Tapper. Second by Don Roberts.
Motion passed unanimously.
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I,----
Recorder: Jim Thares I A I
Approved: December 4, 2018
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Attest: wv+-
Economic Development Director
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