Minutes: Economic Development Committee: December 2007

City of Evansville
Economic Development Committee

Regular Meeting
Tuesday, December 18, 2007, 5:30 pm
City Hall, 31 S. Madison Street, Evansville, Wisconsin

MINUTES

I. Call to Order. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm by Chair Tony Wyse. Present: Tony Wyse, Roger Berg, Gene Bass, and James Otterstein. Absent: Matthias James, Fred Juergens, Julie Meredith, and Dave Olsen. Also present: Mayor Sandy Decker, Dan Wietecha, Bridgit Larsen, and Don and Shanna Meggers.

II. Approve Agenda. Bass moved, seconded by Berg, to approve the agenda. Motion approved unanimously.

III. Approve Minutes of Prior Meeting. Berg moved, seconded by Bass, to approve the minutes of the October 16 and November 20 meetings. Motion approved unanimously.

IV. Citizen Appearances. Decker reported a recent visit by representatives from the Main Street Program in Platteville; it was agreed that the brick project should be promoted as a success story for the re-development of the downtown. Upcoming groundbreakings and grand openings were noted for the Evansville Manor, Cobblestone Inn, and the Eager-Economy Building.

V. Taxi Service. Don and Shanna Meggers explained their concept for starting a taxi, package delivery, and errand service. No license is required by the state; Wietecha noted that Stoughton issues taxi business licenses for both the cars and drivers. Evansville may want something similar. Depending on how they conduct the business, it may be permitted as a home occupation under the Zoning Code. It was noted that insurance will be an important factor in all their business decisions.

VI. Chamber of Commerce Report. Larsen said the Christmas party was a great success with a large attendance. The Chamber is organizing another Evansville delegation to meet with Senators Kohl and Feingold and Congresswoman Baldwin. Chamber Board membership will be the same next year. Contractual details for the Community Business Directory are progressing.

VII. City Administrator Report. Wietecha indicated the January meeting would need to be rescheduled because of a conflict with the rescheduled Common Council meeting. Wyse made a motion, seconded by Berg, to hold the next regular meeting on Tuesday, January 22, at 5:30 pm. Motion approved unanimously.

VIII. Rock County Visitors Guide. Wietecha noted that past commitment has been for the Committee to cover half the annual expense for Evansville’s listing in the Rock County Visitors Guide. The new Guide should be expected in mid to late January.

IX. City Website. Bass asked to have the photos on the front page updated. Wietecha noted that based on discussion back in May, the website would focus its calendar on official governmental meetings. It will provide links to Chamber and School websites for broader community-oriented events and activities.

X. Economic Development Summit. Decker said that the phone survey is ongoing, the press release has gone out, attendee packets will start being mailed this week. Students will help register attendees and participate in the Summit itself. Committee members may be assigned recording or note-taking roles during the Summit.

XI. Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). Wietecha said that copies of the policy had been sent to loan committee members. A typo was noted; the correct limit for completing a project and hiring employees should be thirty-six months. The Committee agreed that the RLF should be advertised in the Chamber newsletter and through contact with local lenders immediately following the Summit.

XII. Room Tax. Discussion was tabled for a future meeting.

XIII. Adjournment. Bass moved, seconded by Wyse, to adjourn. Motion approved unanimously at 6:55 pm.