Minutes: Economic Development: March 2013

City of Evansville Economic Development Committee Monday, March 18, 2013, 6:00 PM City Hall, 31 S. Madison St. Evansville, WI MINUTES 1. Call to Order at 6:04 PM. 2. Roll Call -- Present: Sarah Bauer (6:07 PM), Sue Berg, Chair Jim Brooks, Brandon Rutz (6:15 PM), Nicole Sidoff, Jon Senn, and Dan Wietecha. Also attending: Mayor Sandy Decker and Christina Slaback. Absent: Gene Bass, James Otterstein, and Blase Strobl. 3. Motion to Approve Agenda -- Delayed due to lack of quorum. 4. Motion to waive the reading of the minutes of the February 18, 2013 regular meeting and approve them as printed -- Delayed due to lack of quorum. 5. Citizen Appearances, other than listed agenda items -- None. 6. Chamber Report -- Slaback provided an update on Rock County Day at the Capitol, noting that 5 or 6 City and Chamber representatives attended. The priorities that attendees discussed with legislators included the I39/90 expansion, tax credit flexibility, tax increment financing reform, and workforce development. Slaback then noted that the Chamber hosted a ribbon cutting for the Grove Retreat, which was very well-attended. The Chamber will also be hosting a ribbon cutting on April 4 for NShape Nutrition Club. Slaback also noted that she and Sidoff had met with a new business looking to open a location in Evansville. Brooks noted that he gave Sidoff’s card to a baker looking to move into the former Alberici’s location. Bauer arrived at 6:07 PM. Brooks noted that the Committee officially had a quorum. Returned to Item 3 - Motion to Approve Agenda -- Berg/Senn, approved unanimously. Returned to Item 4 - Motion to waive the reading of the minutes of the February 18, 2013 regular meeting and approve them as printed -- Senn/Berg, approved unanimously. 7. City Report on Economic Development Activities -- Sidoff noted that this was a new and recurring agenda item whereupon she would share updates on City activities relating to economic development. Sidoff followed up on the Chamber’s report on Rock County Day, and she shared a handout detailing the economic development priorities discussed that day. Rutz arrived at 6:15 PM. Sidoff updated the EDC on Landmark Services Cooperative’s expansion project. The proposal to build a 185 foot tall grain storage bin, conveyors, and an additional pit/loading area was approved by the Plan Commission at the March meeting, and the Board of Appeals is addressing their variance application on April 2. This is a great project, which expands the capacity of an existing business and increases safety around the site. The EDC discussed the Landmark project. Sidoff noted that she and the Mayor, along with a few Chamber representatives, took Paul Jadin, Executive Director of Thrive, to Landmark during their tour last month, and Landmark management emphasized how important rail is to their operations. Decker noted that the main messages Jadin took away from the Evansville visit were the importance of expanding rail and broadband in the City. Sidoff noted that the Grove Retreat opened the first weekend of March. According to State Statutes, they will be required to pay room tax. They already have booked at least 17 weekends over the next two years, and that was before they even opened. This will have a positive impact on the room tax collected by the City. Wietecha has been working with Boarders Inn on revisions to their developer’s agreement. Wietecha noted that the hotel has been struggling with its occupancy rates. There are three revisions to the agreement that the Common Council will discuss at its meeting tomorrow: 1- Extending the repayment period of the TIF loan from $45,000 per year through 2020 to $30,000 per year through 2027. This would be in line with what the City is paying each year on the loan it took out to finance the project originally. 2- Providing a credit to reduce the amount of the $30,000 the hotel would have to pay each year. This would be tied to the amount the hotel collects in room tax and may prove contentious, as the City may not want to set a precedent regarding room tax. 3- Tightening up security on repayment of the loan, to ensure the City would be repaid if the hotel goes into foreclosure. Sidoff noted that she had met with all EDC members to discuss their economic development priorities and thanked members for taking the time to meet with her. Sidoff indicated that she was updating the City’s Park and Outdoor Recreation Plan, and a major part of the planning process was gathering public input. She encouraged members to complete the survey and share the survey link with anyone who might be interested in providing input. Sidoff also distributed packets of information on Gorman Company to interested EDC members. 8. Tourism Subcommittee Report -- Berg noted that the Committee still had not met, as the March meeting was cancelled and had yet to be rescheduled. Berg shared a few upcoming dates: Energy Fair - 4/19, Art Crawl - 4/26, National Park Service meeting on the possible Ice Age Trail extension in Evansville - 4/29. Decker noted that there would be two other meetings on the Ice Age Trail extension - 4/23 at the Milton House and 4/27 at Rotary Gardens. The Evansville meeting will take place from 5-8 PM at Creekside, with presentations by the National Park Service and John Decker at 6 PM. Turnout, comments, and input will all be important at this meeting. Decker noted that she would be speaking with the Lion’s Club the following night about the Ice Age Trail meeting and the update to the City’s Park and Outdoor Recreation Plan. Berg noted that the Inventors and Entrepreneurs (I & E) Club speaker in April would be Sue Farnsworth, who would discuss her business incubation efforts downtown. Sidoff set up Josh Clements, UWEX Educator, to speak about innovative downtown businesses at the May I & E Club meeting. Invitations would be extended to people involved in economic development in the City, as well as Chamber members and other businesses. Decker noted that there was an article on the front page of the Janesville Gazette that day about Delavan’s downtown revitalization efforts. Berg noted that Rally Round the Flag would be taking place May 17 through 19. Brooks indicated that he would be meeting with representatives from Janesville, Beloit, and Stoughton to continue working on the “Pardon Their Dust, Travel with Us” Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) grant efforts. Brooks also noted that he would like to discuss the Travel Green Wisconsin program and its possibilities in Evansville at the next EDC meeting. 9. Update on Wayfinding Signage Discussion -- Nothing to report. 10. Update on Rail Study Discussion -- Sidoff distributed a memo she received from the Oregon Village Administrator, which provided an update on the plans to reopen the rail line through Fitchburg and Oregon down to mile marker 119 (just north of Evansville). The memo indicates that the rail is being leased to Wisconsin and Southern Railroad Company (WSOR), and WSOR is planning to reactivate the entire line, make improvements from McCoy to West Netherwood Roads, and store cars south of Netherwood. Sidoff noted that this information would be helpful in Evansville’s development of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its rail study. Brooks noted the RFP should also consider rail options to the east and south on the Union Pacific line. Decker noted that opening the rail line from mile marker 119 through Evansville would create a much better use for rail than WSOR storing cars south of Oregon and Union Pacific storing cars next to Leonard-Leota Park. Decker noted that Landmark’s ability to access new markets would be improved if the WSOR line was reopened through Evansville. The EDC members discussed Landmark’s current market, which is primarily Texas. The EDC discussed Wisconsin’s legislators’ roles in promoting rail expansion, particularly at the Federal level. Brooks asked when the RFP would be ready, and Sidoff stated that once she was given direction on what the EDC would like the RFP to include, she would develop it. The EDC then discussed the types of businesses that additional rail access might attract to Evansville. 11. Retail Market Analysis Study Update. a. Chamber Lunch ‘N Learn Presentation Update -- Rutz distributed copies of his presentation, noting that about 16 people attended last Tuesday. He discussed the Ady Voltage report in addition to the results of the surveys that he, Sarah, and Blase conducted. He also brought in Kelly Gildner from the Evansville Review to discuss advertising opportunities, as both analyses suggested that newspapers were the best way to reach potential customers. During the presentation, Rutz also discussed UWEX resources related to downtown business development. Slaback noted that the businesses in attendance were not necessarily the ones who would benefit most from hearing the information shared. Bauer noted that scheduling is always an issue, particularly when multiple programs are scheduled within a few days of each other or when there is not a lot of notice for programs. Slaback noted that she created a Facebook group for small business owners in Evansville where she can share this type of information. Brooks noted a few additional bullets to include in Slide 20, which highlights the City’s economic development efforts. This should include the ongoing contacts between the City and Capitol as they relate to championing energy interests, the fact that having public power is an economic advantage, and the connections the City has with Thrive and the regional workforce development organization. Decker noted that the City’s relationship with the Department of Tourism was also an asset. Brooks suggested that anyone distributing press releases send them to FM 105.9, as Evansville is their City of license. Brooks cited evidence that local events like the Chili Cook-Off are drawing people from all over the region, including Orfordville and Janesville. b. Action Items -- Nothing to report. c. Newsletter/Fact Sheet Series -- Sidoff noted that she would be working on a newsletter/fact sheet series to distribute to local businesses highlighting recommendations from the analyses and sharing relevant case studies. This is intended to reach businesses that may not attend in-person programs and spark their thinking about these ideas. 12. Economic Development Committee Handbook -- Sidoff distributed the list of resources she proposed including in the EDC Handbook and asked members for their feedback. Suggestions included: Section 1 - language from the City Code and the Comprehensive Plan about the duties of the EDC. Section 4 - Information on facilitated discussions between the EDC and the Chamber. Section 6 - Information on shared savings from the utility, County Revolving Loan Fund, and State financing programs. Section 7 - Information on Evansville Community Partnership. 13. New Business a. Welcome Packet for New Businesses -- Sidoff mentioned that the City was discussing the possibility of developing welcome packets for new businesses, which could include information on City resources, other businesses in town, and local organizations. EDC members were encouraged to think about ideas for what could be included in the welcome packets, as the group would discuss this concept at the next EDC meeting. b. Other -- Sidoff noted that the Chamber indicated it was not going to coordinate the Business Expo anymore, and EDC member Sarah Bauer had stepped up to coordinate the event. EDC members agreed that it would be important to discuss the target audience for the event. Berg noted that the Business Expo may be able to partner with the I & E Club, and Brooks noted that Creekside should be kept in the loop regarding discussions on the Expo. Mayor Decker noted that the State Historical Society had granted its approval for the disc golf course at Leonard-Leota Park. 14. Meeting Reminder: Next regular meeting April 15, 2013, 6:00 PM. 15. Motion to adjourn -- 7:19 PM by Berg/Bauer. --Jim Brooks, Chairman

Minutes: Common Council: March 2013

Common Council Regular Meeting Tuesday, March 19, 2013, 5:45 p.m. City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, WI MINUTES 1. Call to order. The meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m. by Mayor Sandy Decker. 2. Roll Call. Members present: Mayor Sandy Decker, Alderpersons Jim Brooks, Cheryl Fuchs, Mason Braunschweig, Barb Jacobson, Ben Ladick, Jon Senn, and Josh Manring (arrived late). Alderperson Floyd Hayes was absent. Others present: City Administrator Dan Wietecha, City Attorney Mark Kopp, Library Director Megan Becker, EMS Chief Mary Beaver, and members of the public. 3. Approval of Agenda. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Senn, to approve the agenda. Motion approved 6-0. 4. Approval of Minutes. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Fuchs, to waive the reading of the minutes of the February 12, 2013, regular meeting and to approve with correction of a couple typos. Motion approved 6-0. 5. Civility reminder. Council noted the reminder of its commitment to civility during meetings. 6. Citizen appearances A. Pam Ascencio said she gave to the police a video of dogs being dropped off and barking at 435 Almeron Street; she said it shows a boarding kennel. She asked about an ordinance to limit the number of dogs. Alderperson Josh Manring arrived at this time. 7. Reports of Committees A. Library Board Report. Becker reported programming has been well attended; they are getting ready for their summer reading program. B. Youth Center Advisory Board Report. Ladick reported that the Boy Scouts had used the building; they were well supervised, cleaned up, and asked the Youth Center to keep their deposit as a donation. The Youth Center board is considering being open when the school has early release. C. Finance and Labor Relations Committee Report (1). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks, to accept the City and Water & Light bills as presented in the amount of $3,133,285.35. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. (2). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks, to approve Resolution 2013-03, Approving Year-End Amendments to 2012 Budget and New-Year Amendments to 2013 Budget. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. (3). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks, to approve Integration Information Network (Centrex) Authorized User Agreement and Business Block of Time Service Agreement. With the city’s current Centrex agreement expiring, Wietecha explained these would put the city on the state contract at a savings around $1,000 per month for telephone service. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. (4). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks, to approve Amendment #1 to Contract PF FY 10-20299 [Community Development Block Grant assistance for Creekside Place]. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. (5). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks, to approve Amendment to Development Agreement for Development of 31-Room Hotel. Wietecha explained that due to low occupancy rates, Boarders Inn & Suites had requested restructuring their agreement. The proposed amendment would 1) extend the tax increment repayment period allowing for lower annual amounts, 2) allow a temporary credit to further reduce the amount of the tax increment repayment (the credit would be based on a portion of the room tax), and 3) would strengthen the city’s security in the agreement by identifying the grant as a service which may be levied as a special charge against the property. Council noted reservations about the proposal but acknowledged this was for unique circumstances. Council stated that all future development agreements should include the special charge mechanism for the city’s security. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. (6). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks, to approve extension of non-represented employee contracts through December 31, 2015. Council noted that salaries had been approved in January but the contract extension was held pending performance reviews. The extension is to maintain our three-year rolling contract format. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. (7). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Brooks, to approve Delta Dental Policy Endorsement regarding domestic partners. Braunschweig explained the city’s health insurance includes domestic partners as covered dependents; however, the dental insurance allows the city to decide whether or not to cover domestic partners. The Delta Dental endorsement would require three criteria to verify domestic partnership; however, it would not use the state Employee Trust Fund’s affidavit of domestic partnership. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. D. Plan Commission Report. No report. E. Public Safety Committee Report. Jacobson reported that Emergency Medical Service (EMS) responded to 51 calls in February, is interviewing a new Emergency Medical Technician, and has annual training upcoming. Police Department has posted for the sergeant position, plans to hire part-time officers later this year, and has the accreditation visit scheduled for this fall. F. Public Works Committee Report. (1). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Fuchs, to approve Resolution 2013-04, A Preliminary Resolution Declaring Intent to Levy Special Assessments for Garfield Avenue. Council noted the bid opening for the project would be March 21 and the assessment hearing would be April 9. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. (2). Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Fuchs, to approve Engineering Services Contract for 2013 Garfield Avenue Utility and Street Improvements. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. G. Water & Light Committee Report. Brooks reported Superintendent Mark Sendelbach would be attending the American Public Power Association (APPA) technical conference next week, he received a scholarship from WPPI Energy to cover the expense, and he would be receiving the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) certification on behalf of the utility at the conference. The Energy Fair will be April 19; the utility will have display information on advanced metering. Decker reported that she had attended the APPA legislative rally; preserving tax-exempt financing was the number one priority. (1). Brooks made a motion, seconded by Braunschweig, to approve Lump Sum Agreement for Payment for Lands or Interests in Lands Acquired from Public Utility, Conveyance of Rights in Lands, and Temporary Construction Easement. Brooks explained these are related to relocating utility poles due to a Department of Transportation project to realign the intersection of Highways 59, 213, and 104 this summer. Motion approved 7-0 on a roll call vote. H. Economic Development Committee Report. Brooks reported Paul Jadin, the new President of Thrive, toured Baker Manufacturing, Bluescope/Varco-Pruden Buildings, and the rail facility at Landmark Cooperative; Evansville’s key messages during the meeting were to support freight rail and broadband internet. The Southern Wisconsin Agriculture Group (SWAG) proposal has been attracting attention of late. Application is progressing for a Joint Effort Marketing (JEM) tourism grant with Stoughton, Janesville, and Beloit. I. Redevelopment Authority Report. No report. J. Parks and Recreation Board Report. Fuchs reported the Westside Park bathrooms will be completed in the spring, the disc golf project has received local and state approvals, and an important presentation on the Ice Age Trail will be April 29. Updating the Five-Year Park and Recreation Plan is underway with an on-line survey to gain public input; in warmer weather Park Board members will also visit city parks and ask the survey questions of park users in person. K. Historic Preservation Commission Report. Ladick reported approvals for a fence, the disc golf course, interior of the Antes Cabin restoration, landscaping at the Baker Office Building, and the cannon restoration and memorial. L. Fire District Report. Jacobson reported they expect presentation of the financial audit at the next board meeting. The board approved a written offer of $25,000 for the old truck after the new truck arrives. M. Police Commission Report. No report. N. Energy Independence Team Report. No report. O. Board of Appeals Report. Wietecha reported the board will meet April 2 to consider a variance application by Landmark Services Cooperative. Location of the buildings and traffic flow for expansion of the rail facility would result in a setback encroachment. Plan Commission has recommended approval of the variance. 8. Unfinished Business. None. 9. Communications and Recommendations from the Mayor. A. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Jacobson, to appoint Dulcie Bergsma, 579 S. Fifth Street, to an unexpired term through April 2014 on the Youth Center Advisory Board. Motion approved 7-0. 10. Communications from the City Administrator. No report. 11. New Business. None. 12. Introduction of New Ordinances. None. 13. Meeting Reminder. A. Regular Meeting: April 9, 6:30 pm. The meeting will include the Assessment Hearing for the Garfield Avenue project. Decker asked alderpersons to bring their calendars, so a Committee of the Whole meeting could be scheduled this spring. B. Reorganization Meeting: April 16, 6:30 pm. 14. Adjournment. Braunschweig made a motion, seconded by Jacobson, to adjourn at 6:40 p.m. Motion approved 7-0. The minutes are not official until approved by the Common Council at their next regular meeting.

Minutes: Public Safety: March 2013

Public Safety Committee Wednesday, March 6, 2013 6:30 P.M. Regular Meeting Evansville City Hall Council Room 31 S Madison Street MINUTES 1. Chairperson Jacobson called meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. 2. Roll call of committee and staff members present was: Chairperson Jacobson, Alderperson Hayes and Fuchs (arrived @ 6:31), and Mayor Decker, Chief Scott McElroy, and EMS Chief/Coordinator Mary Beaver. Others in attendance were: Pam Ascencio, Carol Endres, John Decker and Kari Myrland. 3. Motion by Jacobson, second by Fuchs, to approve the agenda as printed. Motion passed. 4. Motion by Hayes, second by Jacobson, to approve the February 6, 2013 regular meeting minutes as printed. Motion passed. 5. Citizen appearances other than agenda items listed Pam Ascencio was in attendance regarding the nuisance dog barking complaint. Resident would like to know if they need two complaints or is video good enough. Chief McElroy will check on this and get back to Ms. Ascencio. Carol Endres representing Friends of the Library informed the committee of the Ice Cream Social scheduled for June 28, 2013. The Friends would like to have the street from the Post Office to West Main Street be closed for the event. Kari Myrland, 2117 Caine Road, Oregon was in attendance to present information for the July 4th Fun Run/Walk. She distributed a hand out with information about last year’s run and this year’s event. 6. Old Business-None 7. New Business a. Motion to approve the Operator’s License application(s) for: None b. John Decker was in attendance to update the committee regarding the street closure on East Main Street at the Allen Creek Bridge for Thursday, May 30, 2013 for the dedication ceremony for the installation of the Historical Plaque. The event is being scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and should only last about 15 minutes. Mayor Decker spoke about having a public hearing for the street closure or just blocking it off as it will be for a very short period. Chief McElroy stated that his office will shut down the area for that span of time. May 18th will also be the rededication of the cannon at City Hall. This will be a bigger event scheduled for 1 p.m. and lasting about half an hour. Chief McElroy will check out the closure because of State Highway closure. 8. Evansville Police Report Call for service is unknown at the time of the meeting as the new system has not been programmed yet. Total license plate transactions were 54. The Evansville Girl Scouts visited the police department and were given a brief presentation and tour. Evansville and Edgerton Police Departments spoke with college students reference the effects of drugs, etc. As of 3/1/13, we have completed all the required police review of Chapters 1-14 for Accreditation updates. We are currently reviewing Chapter 15 and some additional policies to add. Chief McElroy reminded the committee that EPD will be required to make accommodations to complete, install and purchase items for the accreditation process. The accreditation account will be utilized for the purchase of these future items. Our goal is to have all the proofs for each chapter located by April 1, 2013. On-site evaluation is set for November, 2013. The Sergeant position was posted March 1, 2013 and we hope to have this position filled by May 1, 2013. We plan to fill part-time officer positions after the Sergeant is promoted. Officers Job, Nankee and Mahan-Strupp will be updating the Field Training Officer Manual, with Officer Job in charge of the updating. Advanced Patrol tactics training was attended by Officer Job and Mahan-Strupp, In March, training for Salvage Vehicle Inspection will be attended by Officer Schmidt; Officers Job and Reese will attend EVOC instructor training; and Officers Job, Mahan-Strupp and Nankee completed FTO training at BTC. All staff will complete Standard Field Sobriety Testing and Rapid Response/Active Shooter Training in March. In April, all staff has or will be attending the SFST Instructor training at Madison PD for the Spillman Records Management system. The squad video cameras were installed on February 12-14. We have transitioned to the new CAD/LRMS (Rock County Records Management System). However, we are not able to retrieve monthly activity reports. Rock County IT is working on the programming issues and we should be able to access the reports next month. We continue training on the system. Lieutenant Koehler is spending a significant amount of time with set-up, training, etc. There is a lot to learn and it is extremely time consuming. We are back using the digital system and are experiencing minimal problems. Rock County computer Services and General Communications continue to assist with Hot Spot technology in keeping the systems working smoothly. Files continued to be scanned on a daily basis and we continue to update the police website with information. 9. Evansville Medical Service Report There were 51 calls for service in the month of February, 2013. Mary has interviewed a licensed EMT that will be starting with the service sometime this month. Mary is in the process of training them along with reviewing our policies. In the upcoming months, we will be conducting EVOC (emergency vehicle operations course), CPR class for all EMS personnel and fit testing. Mary will be teaching a CPR class this month for a daycare out of Stoughton. All of the radios have been reprogrammed for the last time. The old analog channels have been removed. Hopefully, this is signaling the end of the radio upgrades. 10. Motion by Hayes, second by Jacobson, to adjourn the meeting at 6:54 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Jacobson, Chairperson These minutes are not official until approved by Public Safety at their next regular meeting