Economic Development Committee

DATE: Monday, October 27, 2008
PLACE:
Room 213
West Square Building
Baraboo WI

Members present: Marty Krueger, Kathy Zowin, Al Dippel, Don Stevens, Gerald Lehman, Joel Gaalswyck

Members absent: Marcy Huffaker

Others present: Kathy Schauf, Mark Steward, Tim Stieve, Ken Lucht, Dick Goddard, David Bierman

The meeting was called to order and certification of Open Meeting compliance was given at 6:34 p.m. The amended amended agenda was approved on a motion by Zowin, second by Dippel, and a unanimous vote of the Committee.

Motion by Gaalswyck, second by Lehman to approve minutes from prior meeting on September 22, 2008.
Motion carried.

Public Comment:

None

Communications:

• Tom Jackson communication on wireless broadband plans for Wisconsin Counties. Tim Stieve will contact Ken Schlager regarding potential presentation of wireless broadband plans.
• Green Economic Recovery Program: Impact on Wisconsin.
• Harnessing the Power of the Arts: Capitalizing on the Economic Power of the Creative Industry

Ken Lucht, WSOR regarding RFP for Comprehensive Bridge Study at Merrimac

Presentation of draft Request for Proposal that is being proposed for study purposes. County will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding / Agreement upon adoption of 2009 Budget for cost share on this project. David Bierman presented specifics regarding scope of the study and desired outcomes from the study. Motion by Stevens, second by Dippel, to approve the issuance of the Request for Proposal and maintain project momentum.
Motion carried.

Consideration of a resolution supporting long-term capital plan for strategic investments in publicly-owned railroad infrastructure in Wisconsin

Discussion was tied back to 2009 Form 1, vision, mission and goals. Multiple steps were outlined to support a solution that is mutually beneficial for rails to trails and rails. This is one step in achieving that goal.

Motion by Zowin, second by Stevens to forward this resolution supporting long-term capital plan for strategic investments in publicly-owned railroad infrastructure in Wisconsin to the full County Board.
Motion carried.

Economic Gardening Conference

K. Zowin presented information on the Economic Gardening Conference. Littleton, Colorado goal of working with local businesses and create good jobs. Getting entreprenuers connecting with resources to ensure success. Pulling economic resources together for development of small businesses. Grow your own jobs rather than hunting for corporate jobs.

Working Lands Presentation

M. Steward updated the committee on the Working Lands Initiative. The components of the working lands initiative proposal were reviewed: Farmland Preservation Plans, Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements (PACE), and Agricultural Enterprise Areas (AEAs) and Farmland Preservation Agreements.

Next meeting date:

Monday, November 24, 2008; 6:30 p.m.

Motion by Dippel, second by Gaalswyck, to adjourn the meeting.
Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted: Kathy Zowin, Economic Development Committee Secretary