Economic Development

min060214.pdf (85 KB)

Members present:    Marty Krueger, Donna Stehling, Peter Vedro, Brian Peper, Nathan Johnson,

Members absent:    Dennis Polivka, Dave Riek

Others present:       Kathy Schauf, Andy Lewis, Jenny Erickson, Jim Allen

The meeting was called to order and certification of Open Meeting compliance was given at 6:30 p.m.  The agenda was approved on a motion by Johnson, second by Stehling. Motion carried.

The meeting minutes from the prior meeting were approved on a motion by Stehling, second by Peper.  Motion carried.

Public Comment  None

Communications  None

Election of officers.

Motion by Peper, second Stehling, to nominate Polivka, for Vice-Chair.  Motion by Stehling, second by Johnson to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Polivka.  Motion carried.

Motion by Peper, second Vedro, to nominate Stehling, for Secretary.  Motion byJohnson, second by Peper to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for Stehling.  Motion carried.

Discussion and consideration of strategies for Sauk County Broadband with Jenny Erickson and Andy Lewis.  Discussion of need for broadband and increased need for ever greater connectivity and speeds.  Information on broadband policies and regulations were distributed.

Future direction and strategies:  The major obstacle is having willing providers to develop the service(s) in rural communities.  Options:

 Reduce barriers for private sector providers.

Change legislation that makes it difficult for local governments to provide broadband.
Cooperatives.  Using existing Telco’s or creating broadband cooperatives.
Many gray areas in current legislation that encourages law suits that will oppose municipalities.
Hold a broadband fair.
Schedule meetings with providers.  Question:  What can we do to improve your ability to provide service?   (List of contacts for providers)
Setting up free WIFI hotspots in main street areas.
Create policies to ensure that conduit is run when road construction projects are undertaken.

Next steps:

Research:

Review map and provider network with Tim Stieve to verify fiber and gain an understanding of existing providers and current rental agreements.
LaValle Telephone Cooperative discussion to learn about alternatives.

Research:  Coverage of businesses / business community.  Use of Broadband Assessment Tool.  Will help determine bandwidth you need.  Identifies providers.  Business retention / expansion project to garner information.
PSC Grant – investigate making application.
Develop questions for providers for next meeting.

Motion by Vedro, second by Peper to postpone the Discussion of Intergovernmental meeting of April 30, 2014 and “placemaking” to the next meeting.

Next meeting date will be June 26, 2014.  Regular meetings on the 4th Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Motion by Johnson, second by Stehling, to adjourn.  Motion carried. 

Respectfully submitted,

Donna Stehling

Economic Development Committee Secretary