Burnett County Development Association
October 4, 2005
Minutes

Members Present: Rick Anderson, Mark Crowl, Norm Bickford, Ed Peterson, Kelly Hibbs, Stan Peer.

Members Absent: Dick Hartmann, Chuck Melberg, Derek Zeiler, John Richards, Ted Gerber, Chuck Govin.

Others Present: John Stroschine, Todd Beckman/Burnett County Sentinel. (Marleen Seul, recorder)

CALL TO ORDER:

Meeting was called to order by Mark Crowl at 11:17 am in the Conference Room at the Pour House located in Siren, WI.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Motion to approve the September 7, 2005 minutes made Rick Anderson; seconded by Stan Peer. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF TREASURERS REPORT:

Treasurer's Report presented by Kelly Hibbs. Motion to accept Treasurer's Report as presented made by Norm Bickford; seconded by Rick Anderson. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF VOUCHERS:

No vouchers were presented.

RURAL REVOLVING LOAN FUND STEERING COMMITTEE UPDATE:

An update was given by Rick Anderson and John Stroschine. It was noted that 50% of participating organizations are likely to join and 50% are unknown and will need more information. Most economic development organizations, except for Burnett County, use 15% of the interest from revolving loan funds for funding their economic development organizations. The guidelines have just been finished. The Steering Committee will take a last look prior to the final draft.

The revolving loan funds will be for private business use only. Municipalities will not be able to use the funds.

NORTHWEST REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT:

John Stroschine reported he has a loan application he is reviewing.

LOIS: Stroschine reported he has started to put businesses on the system. There are also business visits that need to be done.

2006 COUNTY CONTRIBUTION AND NONPROFIT STATUS:

Rick Anderson stated he thinks the BCDA is planning on going to a 501(c)(3). The statement generated much discussion which included concerns regarding having a hard time getting funding after becoming independent. Application for a grant for an ATV Park in Burnett County was discussed. Notations in the discussion included that fact that this year's County budget has been worked out without cutting any jobs, but next year will be worse. The budget situation is serious and there is a possibility of job cuts in the future.

2006 EXPENSE PAYMENT PROCEDURES:

A discussion was generated on the pros and cons of getting funds from the County up-front. A thought was that the County Board may not favor paying the funds up front.

2006 CONTRACTS REVIEW & 2007 CONTRACTS RECOMMENDATION:

John Stroschine stated he does not expect anything to be much different.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS:

1. Discussion of whether to re-organize or not.
2. Liability Insurance

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion made by Kelly Hibbs to adjourn meeting; seconded by Rick Anderson. Meeting adjourned at 12:00 p.m.