Thursday, September 4, 2008
County Administrative Center – Room 3220
7:30 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve O’Malley, Gary Ingvalson, Barry Bertelsen, Dennis Manthei, Tom Rauk, William Shepherd, Mary Jo Werner (exc @8:29), John Wettstein, Don Brenengen (arr @7:37), Vicki Burke (arr @7:37), Joan Curran (arr @7:40)
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Steve Doyle, Steve Burgess, Tara Johnson
MEMBERS ABSENT: Audrey Kader
STAFF & GUESTS PRESENT: Brian Fukuda, Charlie Handy, Karl Green, Greg Flogstad, Jennifer Kuderer, Tim Kabat, Ryan Olson, Sharon Hampson, Cheryl Stephen
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
Steve O’Malley, Vice President of the Board, called the meeting to order at 7:35 a.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None requested.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION by Bertelsen/Werner to approve minutes of August 7, 2008. Motion carried unanimously; excused: Doyle, Burgess, Johnson; absent: Brenengen, Burke, Curran, Kader.
APPROVE PAYMENT OF VOUCHERS
Charlie Handy reviewed two vouchers; one payable to Schreiber Anderson as part of their consulting contract relating to the Lakeview Master Plan; and the second one payable to Chosen Valley Testing relating to the drainage ditch; staff has reviewed and recommends approval. MOTION by Rauk/Manthei to approve, as presented, payments of $23,087.62 to Schreiber Anderson and $1,230.00 to Chosen Valley Testing. Motion carried unanimously; excused: Doyle, Burgess, Johnson; absent: Brenengen, Burke, Curran, Kader.
REQUEST FROM HMONG NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP
Brian Fukuda reviewed, noting the County received a request from Hmong National Development, Inc. for sponsorship ($1,000) for their 14th Annual Hmong National Conference scheduled for April 3-5, 2009 in Appleton, WI; they noted the significant population of Hmong in La Crosse County estimated at 2,200+ and 33,000+ statewide; the conference is focusing on economic development, education and social justice. After some discussion, it was noted that the request did not meet the criteria for requesting funds for such an event. One concern noted that the event is not being held in La Crosse County. Supervisor Burke suggested the board review the funding request criteria and application form that was created by the previous Economic Development Committee prior to consolidation of this board. MOTION by Wettstein/Bertelsen to deny the sponsorship/funding request as submitted by the Hmong National Development, Inc. Motion carried unanimously; excused: Doyle, Burgess, Johnson; absent: Kader.
LAKEVIEW PROJECT UPDATE
Charlie noted recent pre-construction conference meeting on the railroad project with construction starting next week with estimated completion at the end of October. Amerhart project moving along. The Village also held a pre-construction meeting on their elevated water storage facility.
MOTION RE: RECOMMEND THAT LA CROSSE COUNTY BORROW TO ASSIST DEVELOPMENT OF THE LAKEVIEW BUSINESS PARK
Brian distributed a handout entitled “Lakeview Business Park Cash Flow Analysis”, including “Financial Report” and “Pre-TIF Debt Payoff.” He reviewed in detail. The park project was started in 2003 without a TIF District; there was funding strategy of using land sales, borrowed from the County General Fund and Gap financing from Centurytel and Excel Energy. In 2007, the TIF was formed to fund projects going forward. Additional financing is needed for additional work that needs to be completed this year. The total TIF spending through year-end 2008 is estimated at $1,316,000 (less grant income), and we have already financed $555,000 using a bond issue in 2007 which leaves balance of $761,000 of TIF expenses to consolidate into a new loan - $453,000 for balance of 2008 expenses and $308,000 to pay back pre-TIF debts. The State Trust Fund has offered a non-taxable loan in amount of $761,000 for 10 years at a fixed rate of 4.25% with no origination fees. Another option is to seek additional bonding, but in checking with Springsted (County financial advisor), interest rates maybe similar or slightly higher plus costs for issuing and underwriting. Gary Ingvalson reviewed in detail. (Following the meeting, Gary noted the bond rate was estimated at 4.8% plus the additional costs.) Lengthy discussion followed. Need to stay “bank qualified.” Do not anticipate need for future borrowing unless for new development and as needed for additional infrastructure. In addition, the Village of West Salem plans to pay off the TIF in 13 years though most likely sooner. MOTION by Burke/Wettstein to recommend that La Crosse County borrow $761,000 from the State Trust Fund for the above noted purpose and as recommended by staff. Motion carried unanimously; excused: Doyle, Burgess, Johnson; absent: Kader.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS STUDY PRESENTATION
Karl Green gave a PowerPoint presentation on the First Impressions Study as done for the City of La Crosse in conjunction with City of Oshkosh. The study is designed to provide incite into what a visitor to our community may have for a “first impression” in many different areas, such as sidewalks, city lighting, transportation, signage, types of businesses and locations, housing, education, and health, social & emergency services, etc. The study/report is available on the County UW Extension website:
(http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/lacrosse/cnred/index.html).
Highlights of Karl’s presentation – perceptions from the visiting Oshkosh team:
HOLMEN COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS INDEX PRESENTATION
Karl presented, via PowerPoint, the results of the Holmen Community Economic Preparedness Index Survey. A needs assessment survey was given to business owners and elected officials with over 100 questions. The intent was to bring about awareness of the Village, of the Village processes, and what the Village is attempting to do. Karl shared some of those questions and survey results. A copy of the complete survey is available on the County UW Extension website:
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/lacrosse/cnred/index.html.
AGENCY REPORTS
Holmen Economic Development Committee – Ryan Olson, Village of Holmen Trustee and member of the Village Economic Development Committee (other two members are Nancy Proctor and Mark Seitz). Ryan thanked Karl and Brian for their assistance. The Village plans to publish a quarterly newsletter as a way of informing the residents. Economic development projects in the Village: Altra Federal Credit Union, Franciscan Skemp Clinic, and plan to hire a consultant regarding north-end development; in addition, in phase one of the Halfway Creek Park & Bike Trail and pursuing new facility for Holmen/County Library based on population and demand.
Economic Indicators – September 10th at UW La Crosse Cleary Center from 6:45-9:00 a.m.; members of the Economic Development Fund were encouraged to attend; costs covered by the County.
Wisconsin Way – next event sometime in October. Information available on their website: www.wisconsinway.org.
Others – none mentioned.
NEXT MEETING
Thursday, October 2nd at 7:30 a.m.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, Vice President O’Malley declared the meeting adjourned at 8:50 a.m.
Disclaimer: The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.
Cheryl Stephen, Recorder