Economic Development: September 2007

City of Evansville
Economic Development Committee
Tuesday, September 18th, 2007, 5:30PM
City Hall, 31 S. Madison St. Evansville, WI




1. Call to order. Tony Wyse called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM. Present: Chair Tony Wyse, Fred Juergens, Gene Bass, Julie Meredith, David Olsen, Roger Berg, and Matthias James. Not present was James Otterstein. Also present: Mayor Sandy Decker, Chamber Rep. Bridget Larsen, City Administrator Dan Wietecha, and Judy Whalen.

2. Approval of agenda. Fred Juergens made the motion to approve, Gene Bass seconded, and the all were in favor.

3. Motion to waive reading of the minutes of August 21st, 2007 regular meeting and approve as printed. Fred Juergens made the motion, Roger Berg seconded, and all were in favor.

4. Citizens appearances other than on the agenda. None.

5. Chamber of Commerce report. Bridgit Larsen said they are working on a business directory of all Evansville area businesses. The Evansville Welcome Packets for new residents has been revived. On behalf of the Library, she asked if the committee would help purchase a business database subscription for the Library that would provide a resource for individuals and businesses doing research on businesses throughout the country; David Olsen will inquire at Baker Manufacturing to see if they might utilize the database.

6. City Administrator report. Dan Wietecha said there would be a small ceremony with the starting of the bricks to be laid down on Main Street on Thursday.

7. Update on soybean crush plant. Sandy Decker noted she had attended a press conference held by Landmark Services. There is a $4 million allocation proposed in the state budget, and it has bipartisan support. If the grant allocation survives the budget process, Evansville is in the best position for a soybean crushing facility and the grant would help.

8. City website update and discussion.

9. Report from the Downtown Reconstruction Task Force. Dan Wietecha noted the laying of the bricks should start this Wednesday, they are starting to pour the concrete for the east side, and they will start the sidewalks in two weeks.

10. Update on the Economic Development Strategy/Summit. Judy Whalen said that 26 business owners attended the focus groups. Overall the focus groups and summit were seen very positively; the written report summarizes all the focus group meetings. A date has not been set for the summit, but it will likely be after the first of the year. They are also working on getting a keynote speaker.

11. Final review and approval of the revised policy for the Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund. Fred Juergens made a motion to pass the final draft, Matthias James seconded, and all were in favor. Matthias James asked if the committee might consider a program for small start up grants without all the requirements of the loan program; the committee will discuss this option at a future meeting.

12. Adjournment. Roger Berg made the motion, David Olsen seconded, and all were in favor.