Economic Development Committee

DATE: Monday, December 22, 2008
PLACE:
EMBS Meeting Room
Historic Courthouse Annex
Baraboo WI

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

Members absent: none

Others present: Kathy Schauf, Karna Hanna, Tim Stieve, Phil Raab, Steve Pate, Tommy Lee Bychinski, Sue Gleason of Thrive, media

The meeting was called to order and certification of Open Meeting compliance was given at 8:00 a.m. The agenda was approved on a motion by Zowin, second by Stevens, and a unanimous vote of the Committee.

Motion by Gaalwsyck, second by Stevens to approve minutes from prior meeting on November 24, 2008.
Motion carried.

Public Comment:

None

Communications:

Request for letter of support from UW-Baraboo.
Copy of "Energy Prices Set to Soar", on wind energy and investment in energy efficiency.
Article, "Bringing Broadband to Rural and Low Income Families"

Business Items:

Discussion and consideration of potentials for build-out of fiber optics with Tim Stieve, Phil Raab, and Steve Pate.

Tim Stieve & Phil Raab provided a power point presentation on the Communications Infrastructure Improvements that were made since the study was completed in 2003. Work on the changes/upgrades started in 2003 and the major pieces were completed by 2007. Work continues on the next step for the Mobile Data system, alternates were discussed. The Fiber Optics between the tower sites was reviewed, other potential uses were discussed including the possibility of getting Service providers (Internet, Phone, High Speed circuits, etc.) such as Reedsburg Utilities, Merrimac Communications, LaValle Telephone, CenturyTel, Verizon, etc. to provide those services on the Fiber Optic Loop. Tim & Phil have had discussions about this with some of the vendors mentioned to determine what interest there would be.

It was agreed that the communications infrastructure was a possible resource that should be developed to spur economic development. Ideas were discussed including finding multiple carriers willing to partner to expand resources that currently exist within the County.

The committee will continue to look at the system holistically and begin assembling options, obstacles and ideas for consideration as well as communicating with the County Board. This will include addressing issues that we see as the biggest option and obstacles to moving forward. There is a need to identify what the needs of vendors are in order to delineate potential relationships.

Potential vendors interested in using it will be invited to the next meeting to have an open forum discussion of resources and options for providing a network that will allow for economic development within the County.

Discussion of components of Economic Stimulus package.

Assemblage of list of potentials will be developed for distribution and discussion at the next meeting.

Consideration of : Mission, Vision, Short term goals, Long term goals.

No discussion.

Next meeting date:

To be announced, tentatively December 30, 2008.

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

Respectfully submitted: Kathy Zowin, Economic Development Committee Secretary