Economic Development Committee


DATE: February 9, 2009

Members present: Marty Krueger, Kathy Zowin, Al Dippel, Don Stevens, Joel Gaalswyck, Marcy Huffaker, Gerald Lehman
Members absent: Joel Gaalswyck
Others present: Kathy Schauf, Tim Stieve, Phil Raab, Steve Pate, Ken Lucht, Benny Stenner

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 Dippel, and a unanimous vote of the Committee.

Motion by Huffaker, second by Stevens to approve minutes from prior meeting on January 26, 2009. Motion carried.

Public Comment:
None.

Communications:
None.

Business Items:

Review & Discussion of possible proposal submission to Reinvestment Board regarding expansion of fiber optic infrastructure and broadband
Progressive plan for providing appropriate infrastructure for emergency services and increased broadband access by private providers. Will also be submitted for potential economic stimulus or grant dollars. The goal is to provide for the growth potential around the County. Broadband is more than wireless. It is for multiple types of connections and technologies. From the Public Safety side it is serving the entire County. On the private side it is likely to develop as pockets of service. Motion by Lehman, second by Dippel to request funds (Re-investment Board, and State Department of Commerce) to effectuate all phases of expansion of fiber optic infrastructure. Motion carried.

Update: RFP for engineering services for the Merrimac Bridge with Wisconsin Southern. Ken Lucht provided an update. Developing contracts with Ayres to provide a product by August or September of 2009. Underwater assessment may start as soon as March or April.

Update: Town of Spring Green study, and budgeted request. Benny Stenner appeared to present an update on the request by the Town of Spring Green. Don Stevens will serve on the Drainage District Board.
Motion by Zowin, second by Huffaker to pay the Town of Spring Green the $10,000 requested through the budget process. Motion carried.

Consideration of : Mission, Vision, Short term goals, Long term goals.
Worked with short and long term goals.

Next meeting date: March 23, 2009 at 6:30 p.m..

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

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Zowin
Economic Development Committee Secretary