Economic Development Authority Meeting Minutes for June 17, 2009
Mountain Iron Economic Development Authority
Regular Meeting Minutes
June 17, 2009
A meeting of the Mountain Iron Economic Development Authority was called to order by President Tony Zupancich at 5:30 p.m. with the following members present: Allen Nelson, Andrea Wilson, Bob Voss, Alan Stanaway, and Mary Jacobsen. Absent: Barb Fivecoate. Also present was Executive Director, Craig J. Wainio.
A motion was made by Allen Nelson and supported by Bob Voss to approve the consent agenda with a correction to the May 6, 2009 meeting minutes to include Barb Fivecoate as present at the meeting and to pay the bills as presented in the amount of $97,753.18.
Motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
A motion was made by Bob Voss and supported by Andrea Wilson to close the regular meeting and to open the Public Forum on the land sale with A and L properties. Motion passed unanimously. Ed Roskoski asked about the remaining 60′ strip of land which would not be usable for any further development after the A and L sale. It was explained to Mr. Roskoski that the Y.M.C.A. would like the remaining 60′. He also questioned if an independent appraiser should be hired to determine the site value. Mayor Gary Skalko also addressed the public meeting stating that this sale needed to be dealt with quickly as there were time restraints with the developer. Being there were no further public comments a motion was made by Alan Stanaway and supported by Allen Nelson to close the public meeting and reconvene the E.D.A. regular meeting. Motion passed unanimously.
New Business:
A motion was made by Allen Nelson and supported by Mary Jacobsen to accept resolution number 01-09 approving the transfer of land and a contract for private development with A and L Properties. Motion passed unanimously.
A motion was made by Allen Nelson and supported by Mary Jacobsen to accept resolution number 02-09 approving the transfer of land to the Mesabi Family Y.M.C.A.
A discussion followed. The motion was amended to include that a stipulation be attached to the motion stating that the parcel may not be sold by the Y.M.C.A. without prior approval of the E.D.A. Motion passed unanimously.
Gary Cerkvenik updated the E.D.A. on the wind project and also spoke on the possibility of pursuing an Arrowhead Amateur Sports Complex. Several members questioned the financial aspects of such a project.
A motion was made by Tony Zupancich and supported by Alan Stanaway authorizing Craig Wainio to form a committee to investigate the project. Motion passed unanimously.
Executive Director Craig Wainio stated that the bids to complete the infrastructure of Forest Grove (previously called Morgan Park) came in at $431,000. The E.D.A. previously authorized $350,000.
A motion was made by Allen Nelson and supported by Bob Voss to authorize the excess expense to complete the infrastructure. Motion passed unanimously.
Craig Wainio reported that two grants have been received for waste cleanup of the old dump and also for one by Lake Country Power.
A motion was made by Allen Nelson and supported by Andrea Wilson to accept the E.D.A. Independent Auditor’s Report completed by Walker, Giroux and Hahne. Motion passed unanimously.
Open Discussion:
Allen Nelson voiced concern over the Lake Country Power storage yard being an eyesore. He stated that Lake Country agreed to fence the yard to keep the storage area from view. Craig Wainio will call Lake Country.
Allen Nelson expressed concern over parking problems developing on Park Ridge Drive. A motion was made by Tony Zupancich and supported by Bob Voss to refer the issue to the Street and Alley Commission. Motion passed unanimously.
Tony Zupancich addressed the E.D.A. on the need to increase traffic to Hwy. 169. He suggested hiring an ad agency to promote the city.
A motion was made by Tony Zupancich and supported by Andrea Wilson to get bids from local ad agencies for developing a campaign to promote the city. Motion passed unanimously.
Craig Wainio updated the board that there has been no activity regarding the Mesabi Clinic expansion.
Mayor Gary Skalko thanked the members of the E.D.A. for their dedication and work in securing projects for the city of Mt. Iron.
A motion was made by Bob Voss and suppored by Alan Stanaway to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed.
President Tony Zupanacich adjourned the meeting at 6:42 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Jacobsen, Secretary
