Thursday, May 1, 2008
Administrative Center – Room 3220
7:30 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Doyle (exc @9:04), Steve O’Malley, Gary Ingvalson (arr @7:40), Don Brenengen, Steve Burgess, Vicki Burke, Tara Johnson (arr @7:37), Audrey Kader (arr @7:37), Dennis Manthei, Tom Rauk, Mary Jo Werner, John Wettstein
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Barry Bertelsen, Joan Curran, William Shepherd
MEMBER ABSENT: None
STAFF & GUESTS PRESENT: Brian Fukuda, Charlie Handy, Tim Kabat, Larry Kirch, Jeff Bluske, Cassandra Suro, Jim Speropulos, Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Steve Doyle, Board President, called the meeting to order at 7:32 a.m. At this time, Steve introduced and welcomed the new board members.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None requested.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Burke/Manthei to approve meeting minutes of April 3, 2008. Motion carried unanimously; Bertelsen, Curran, Shepherd excused; Johnson, Kader, Ingvalson absent.
EXTENSION OF AGREEMENT WITH XCEL ENERGY
Charlie Handy reviewed, noting the extension of agreement with Xcel Energy is needed in order to provide electricity to Amerhart which was included in the Developer’s Agreement; this is for an additional 700 feet for electrical service – not for street lights. Staff recommends approval. MOTION by Manthei/Burke to approve the extension of an agreement with Xcel Energy in amount of $6,288.69 for additional 700 feet of electrical service to Amerhart. Motion carried unanimously; Bertelsen, Curran, Shepherd excused; Johnson, Kader, Ingvalson absent.
APPROVE PAYMENT OF VOUCHERS
Charlie reviewed the following three (3) check requisitions; staff concurs with payment:
MOTION by Wettstein/Burke to approve, as presented, the above noted payables. Motion carried unanimously; Bertelsen, Curran, Shepherd excused; Johnson, Kader, Ingvalson absent
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT SURVEY REPORT
Brian Fukuda noted one of the goals of the committee is to work with small businesses, in particular, relating to conditional use permits and figure out ways to help them grow. The Zoning, Planning and Land Information Office has an Inspector who is keeping better track of Conditional Use Permits. In addition, the office has a UW-La Crosse Intern, Cassandra Suro, who has done a survey and research on this issue for the past two semesters. Cassandra presented a PowerPoint; highlights as follows:
ü 30% were contractors/business storage, 22% service, 11% agriculture/landscaping, 7% animal/veterinary care, 6% retail.
ü 32% reported business growth and 27% interested in economic development assistance.
· Zoning Dept. recommendations:
ü Avoid conditional use permits WITHOUT any conditions
ü Keep up with property ownership changes
ü Implement some type of automatic termination for those with sunset dates
ü Move towards electronic/online permits. Data will be more manageable, easier to access, and less paperwork.
· Employment in La Crosse County
ü Self employment is at 4.8% (WI is 6.1% and US is 6.6%)
ü Top employers are Gunderson Lutheran, Trane, Franciscan Skemp, and Dairyland Power
ü Fastest growing jobs: computer related
· Why small businesses not growing:
ü Lack of awareness and full information; need to provide a business directory that includes conditional use permits and information relating to availability of products/services; provide broker connections between old & new permit holders.
ü Provide economic incentives, such as partial commercial and industrial tax abatements, federal tax credits and intergovernmental grants; provide business incubators and training programs
· County agricultural economy:
ü Farmers own and manage 174,000 acres (60%) of the land.
ü This provides for nearly 3,700 jobs and contributes $145.6 million to County’s total income and provides $20 million in taxes
ü Agriculture and Food Futures: sustainable local food economies; there are initiatives to develop and support local and community based food initiative at every stage of the food chain (growing, processing, distribution, waste disposal).
· County Horticulture
ü Landscape production is rapidly growing in the County; this includes greenhouses, tree farms, and nurseries.
ü Horticulture generates $14.4 million in economic activity for the County and provides many full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs.
· Final Recommendations
ü Further investigate conditional use permit holders and small business owner’s interest in economic development opportunities.
ü Inquire as to what their biggest obstacles are relating to growth and development.
ü Research corporate tax structures in other areas.
Miscellaneous questions and discussion.
COUNTY OWNED PROPERTY STATUS REPORT
Brian distributed a report relating to County foreclosed property for years 2000 to April 2006, those with significant amount of land and developable parcels from .07 to 5.77 acres; the list included Park Plaza and 4th & Jackson properties. Noted that small parcels are usually sold to adjacent landowners. Single family lots and larger lots are sold for redevelopment; these are first offered to the municipality per State Stats., and if not interested, then posted for public sale. Sale of property is the decision of the County Board. Brian gave an update on Park Plaza noting the City Redevelopment Authority is still working with Progressive Design as the proposed developer and have incorporated a time limit; it is top priority of the City’s Redevelopment Authority. In relation to joint city/county mix-use development at 4th & Jackson, received no responses to the RFP’s so now need to rethink the strategy and determine next step(s). Miscellaneous questions on county foreclosed properties.
Larry Kirch, La Crosse City Planner, distributed a report on the City’s Replacement Housing Program; it also included colored pictures of before and after. Since 1996, 25 lots/properties have been acquired by the City with about half of them having structures removed and cleared; thus far have rebuilt 15 homes, most of which were done by WTC programs (design, wood techniques and landscaping); then resold to individuals with a 5-year ownership requirement. At the time of acquiring the 25 properties, total assessment value was $825,601; 2007 assessment value now at $3,175,000. In addition to using WTC’s programs, also working with Workforce Connections and CouleeCap in relation to their grant programs. City goal is to do 5 homes per year.
LAKEVIEW BUSINESS PARK MAINTENANCE
Brian and Charlie reviewed. In order to create a professional business environment in the Lakeview Business Park, not only expect the businesses to maintain their parcels, but the County needs to maintain areas around the entrance sign and berm area, including vacant lots. The Highway Dept. had previously mowed using their brush hogs which was OK during construction; should now consider more professional maintenance services. Staff sought two quotes for mowing and for some weed control; quotes were Scott’s Lawn Service at $1,000/year and Outdoor Services, Inc. at $4,500/year. Supervisor Manthei noted the importance of maintaining the entrance area which gives visitors a good first impression. Discussion on keeping it at 3”, plus weed treatments and fertilizing. MOTION by Johnson/O’Malley to authorize staff to spend up to $2,500/year for park maintenance, based on discussions. Motion carried unanimously; Bertelsen, Curran, Shepherd excused. Brian noted another possibility is to sell the berm to the adjacent landowner(s) and then maintenance would be their responsibility; possible further discussion at a future meeting.
LAKEVIEW BUSINESS PARK PROJECT UPDATE
Charlie noted the grand opening at River Steel last week. It’s a great facility and the owner is very proud. Several members noted their attendance and commented on the event and on other developments within the park. Four developments have set or exceeded the standard for the park; not so impressed with Frito Lay site. Charlie noted the County closed with Amerhart on April 30 and hope to close with EDA soon.
AUTHORIZE STAFF TO ABANDON STORM SEWER EASEMENT ON AMERHART PARCEL
Charlie noted last month the board approved amendment #1 to the developer’s agreement with Amerhart to abandon or remove the temporary drainage easement that is on their east property line. In checking the legal documents, there is an overlap of a permanent easement that was given to the Fund by the County and last month’s action did not cover what is actually needed. Copies of the map showing the location were distributed. MOTION by O'Malley/Kader to also include the abandonment of the permanent storm sewer easement as located on the Amerhart property. Motion carried unanimously; Bertelsen, Curran, Shepherd excused.
(Chairman Doyle excused at 9:04 a.m.; Vice President O’Malley proceeded over the balance of the meeting.)
INTRODUCTION TO LA CROSSE SCHOLARSHIP PARTNERSHIP PROJECT
Brian reviewed, including distribution of related information. Staff from the County, City of La Crosse and La Crosse School District have been discussing the potential economic development effects of a universal, place-based scholarship program. The handout related to Kalamazoo, Michigan Promise Program which offers every student who resides in a specified area, and graduates from one of three public high schools, and meets certain minimum requirements, is eligible for a scholarship – up to 100% college tuition for 4 years, using a sliding fee scale based number of years within the school system. The program was funded by a large endowment set up by anonymous donors. It was started due to serious economic and social decline. Some of the benefits include: school enrollment increased which results in additional school revenue; in 2006, 93% African girls went on to college as compared to 60% in 2005; in 2006, property sales were up 6% and prices went up 7%; real estate developers are now interested in the area; increase in small businesses looking at relocating or starting a business in the area; and residents have more money to invest in their local economy as they no longer need to save for their children’s tuition. Other areas in the U.S. have similar programs but not to the extent as Kalamazoo Promise.
The next step for the local work group is to complete an economic impact study; the scope will include potential scholarship program models and funding sources and social and economic impacts of a scholarship program on the La Crosse area. The hope is to gain some support from the State with La Crosse serving as a pilot program. O’Malley noted this as informational and more information will come to future meetings.
ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
None requested.
NEXT MEETING
Thursday, June 5th at 7:30 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Manthei/Burke to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously; Bertelsen, Curran, Shepherd, Doyle excused. The meeting adjourned at 9:12 a.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder