Economic Development Committee

Minutes 10/05/10 (31 KB)

Members present: Marty Krueger, Joel Gaalswyk, Don Stevens, Peter Murray, Kathy Zowin

Members absent: Shawn Posewitz, Gerald Lehman

Others present: Kathy Schauf, Dave Mikonowicz, Tim Stieve

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 Zowin, second by Stevens. Motion carried.

The minutes from the prior meeting were approved with a motion by Gaalswyk, second by Murray. Motion carried.

Public Comment
None

Communications
None

Business Items
Update on Fiber Optic/Broadband Expansion.
Reedsburg Utility - Dave Mikonowicz, Reedsburg Utility Commission updated the committee on the $5.2 million in Recovery Act Funds that will be used to build-out a fiber network in Sauk County. Reedsburg Utility Commission provides three basic services: Telephone, internet, and cable television. The collaboration between Reedsburg Utility and the County has continued. The utility provides internet service to Sauk County; and through cooperative agreements and shared services the two entities can maximize the effort to expand fiber services in and around Sauk County.

Bug Tussel – Tim Stieve presented an update. Bug Tussel will be leasing property at the landfill. They need to go through the permitting process prior to installation. They are beginning to utilize fiber. Tower sites are being utilized. Request for quarterly reporting will be made. It is believed that the focus is on the expansion of cell phone coverage more than broadband. Krueger will contact Bug Tussel for further reports.

EDA Broadband – Tim Stieve updated the committee. Plans are being laid out. Design and drawings to be done by the end of this month, with permits being issued. February bid, March opening, and construction in early spring (May).

Discussion of Rails and Trails Process.
Committee members discussed concerns in general in regard to the meeting and potential improvements from a process and discussion standpoint.

Committee discussed the scope of services that would not be included as part of the discussion, specifically cost / benefit analysis of the creation of trails within communities. The committee reviewed those areas that were beyond the scope of discussion.

Concern was also expressed over the format and the progression of the discussion as it started with rail, without actually addressing the issue of trails. By the nature the process needed to be front end loaded with rail. Chair Krueger was able to speak with stakeholders to relay the need to move carefully and methodically through the process.

United Cooperative and WSOR are going to work through options and opportunities with villages.

Update on Wisconsin Economic Summit Series.
Committee has consensus that we will wait until second and third session details are available.

Discussion of re-use of HCC property and farm.
Discussion centered around sale vs. retaining the property for future county use. Stieve gave an update on demolition. Asbestos removal in the newest section of the building is underway. They will have all buildings down and all grading done by mid-November.

Discussion of Economic Development vision, mission and goals.
Postponed.

Next meeting date: Next regular meeting October 19, 2010, at 5:00 p.m..

Motion by Stevens, second by Zowin, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Donald Stevens
Economic Development Committee Secretary