President Louie Villella called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. at the Washburn County Economic Development Office-located at 208 Vine Street-Spooner, WI 54801
Present: Louie Villella, Rob Paine, Jim Bethel, Rob Lester, Greg Krantz, Lloyd Wallace, Pete Paine, and Morris Gillett.
Absent: Chuck Jenkins, and Mark Krueger
Others Present: Margie Quinn, Dick Hartmann, Steve Sather, and Linda Zillmer
Rob Paine made a motion to approve the agenda, Rob Lester 2nd the motion. M.C. by unanimous vote.
Approval of meeting Minutes for November 17th-Lloyd Wallace made a motion to approve minutes from November 17, 2010. Rob Paine 2nd the motion. M.C. by unanimous vote.
Treasurer’s Report by Jim Bethel-Marge circulated P & L report, Balance sheet, and a check register to board members. Jim Bethel read the monthly Treasurer’s report and reported on the monthly bills. The total expense for November and December was $8936.85 including wages for Marge and Dick. Checking account balance is $32203.04 and an additional $9266.70 in the CD account to be used for ½ marketing expenses, ½ for business plan development, and advertising. Total available funds are $41469.74.
Director Report-
Directors Report was circulated to board members for review. Dick discussed projects he is working on and the meetings he has attended for the past month. Morris Gillette provided members with a flier called “Washburn County Business Leaders”. Morris Gillett has volunteered to donate $200.00 towards the AD to be place in the Spooner Advocate. Motion made by Pete Paine to accept Mr. Gillett’s proposed Ad with the additional information to include Loan Assistance and post the Ad in the Spooner Advocate. Rob Paine 2nd the motion. M.C. by unanimous vote.
We also will be passing out fliers to students at all school districts for student input regarding Economic Development. Morris Gillett would like to have the Director to follow up with the superintendents of the prospective surrounding communities to include Spooner, Shell Lake, Birchwood, Minong, and Shell Lake after the flier has been circulated to each school. Motion made by Greg Krantz, 2nd by Pete Paine to have the Director follow up with the prospective Superintendents of each area after the flier has been circulated to students. M.C. by unanimous vote.
Pete Paine would like to see the Director add the Activities he has worked on internal such as policy updates, web site updates, newsletters, pictures placed on our website, Employee handbook to the Director report monthly.
Budget 2011- President Louie Villella stated we have already approved the budget for 2011. Louie stated he did not want to make any changes on the budget right now, but would really like to see the budget watched very closely, as WCEDC did have a 5% decrease from what was requested. Louie stated he would like to see memberships followed up on.
Discussions/Actions on RMAP Grant- Dick Hartmann circulated a contract that Attorney Lawton assisted the Director on with a NO Harm Clause and the WCIDA Board to be held harmless from any and all requirements by the USDA/ RMAP grant to contract services for RMAP Grant that was granted to WCEDC. Dick Hartmann stated there is also additional administrative dollars granted in the amount of $50,000.00 to be used for technical assistance to borrowers. Greg Krantz had some concerns on the match dollars at 15% 0r in kind cash, if we need to complete a loan within 90 days, and if we do not, do we lose the grant, and the 5% loan loss reserve to negotiate to a lesser amount. Greg Krantz made a motion to have the Director Dick Hartmann follow up with Mike Daniels and clarify the 3 questions mentioned above and set up two different accounts at NW Community Bank in Spooner for the Loan accounts, and the Loan Loss Reserve Account. Pete Paine 2nd the motion. M.C. by unanimous vote.
Lloyd Wallace made a motion to president Louie Villella sign and forward contract between WCIDA/WCEDC for RMAP grant, for IDA to sign and approve. . Pete Paine 2nd the motion. M.C by unanimous vote.
Great NW Economic Development Group- Lloyd Wallace made a motion to no longer have the WCEDC Director participate or attend NW Great Economic Group. Rob Paine 2nd the motion. M.C.
Voice Vote taken on the motion for Director to no longer participate or attend the NW Great Economic Development Group: Yes is for the Director to no longer attend or participate, No is for the Director to still continue participate and attend.
Jim Bethel-No
Morris Gillett-yes
Rob Paine – yes
Greg Krantz – yes
Pete Paine – No
Lloyd Wallace – yes
Rob Lester – No
Louie Villella – yes
Motion was approved for the Director to no longer participate in Great NW Economic Development.
Citizens Comments: Linda Zillmer stated she would like to see the Director participate or be more active in more regional involvement for Economic Development and seminars held.
Next Monthly Meeting: Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 730a.m. – Washburn County Economic Development Office located at 208 Vine Street, Spooner, WI 54801
Rob Lester made a motion to adjourn, 2nd by Morris Gillett. M.C. by unanimous vote.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Margie Quinn
Draft only! Board needs to approve at the January Meeting.