Economic Development Committee

Minutes 02/23/10 (37 KB)

Members present: Marty Krueger, Joel Gaalswyck, Al Dippel, Kathy Zowin, Don Stevens, Gerald Lehman

Members absent: Marcy Huffaker

Others present: Kathy Schauf, Karna Hanna, citizens

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 Lehman, second by Dippel. Motion carried.

The minutes of the prior meetings (1/21, 1/25) were approved on a motion by Gaalswyck, second by Stevens. Motion carried.

Public Comment

None

Communications

• No word as of yet on the EDA award. Krueger distributed the last correspondence from Jack Price.
• Governor announced 23.1 million in broadband investment in rural Wisconsin.
• Google is soliciting for municipalities interested in serving as test sites for the pilot of their enhanced speed infrastructure.
• The Department of Commerce has announced broadband grant availability.
• Information on a “Creative Ecology” workshop on March 9, 2010.

Business Items

Update from Steve Schneider, Hilbert Communications

Steve Schneider updated the committee on roll out of broadband technology across the county. Goal is to get as many out as possible as soon as possible. They do anticipate some delays. Phone service will not be rolled out until summer.

Discussion of SB440 and 399, Midwestern Disaster Area bonds, and conduit funding for counties.

Resolution supporting SB 399 was distributed and briefly discussed. The resolution supports a bill to create a commission for conduit funding on a national level. The committee will meet at 5:20 p.m. on March 16 prior to County Board to vote on the resolution. The committee was also made aware of the Midwestern Disaster Area bonds, through a comparison of the Recovery Zone Facility Bonds. The MDA bonds are similar to industrial revenue bonds and are a mechanism for tax exempt borrowing. This is no liability, the county is a conduit.

Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds.

The village of Prairie du Sac is the only municipality that has expressed an interest in this funding source. Resolution declaring a recovery zone, and details on project will be developed with the Village for adoption in April.

Ongoing discussion/process update on Sauk County rails and trails.

The committee gave input regarding the January 25, 2010 meeting. Krueger updated the committee on the process of working with the State to develop a plan for addressing issues. Stakeholders were identified and interviews with stakeholders have begun.

Property study: Re-use of Sauk County Health Care Center Farm and property.

History of the Health Care Center and decisions associated with the property were reviewed. The committee decided upon future action for development of an approach and work plan for developing recommendations on future use. Committee members were asked to prepare issue statements and connect with oversight.

Discussion and consideration of economic development survey.

Tabled to next meeting.

Special meeting is scheduled for March 16, 2010 at 5:20 p.m. in the County Board gallery to discuss the resolution “Supporting the Creation of a Joint Powers Authority to Increase Local Economic Activity.” Next regular meeting date: March 22, 2010, at 6:30 p.m. Motion by Zowin, second by Gaalswyck, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted: Kathy Zowin, Economic Development Committee Secretary