Burnett County Development Association
January 4, 2006
Minutes

Members Present: Ted Gerber, Ed Peterson, Rick Anderson, Chuck Melberg, John Richards, Derek Zeiler, Kelly Hibbs, Stan Peer, Mark Crowl, Chuck Govin.

Members Absent: Dick Hartmann, Norm Bickford.

Others Present: Michael Kornmann, John Stroschine, Myron Schuster, and (Marleen Seul, recorder)

Press Present: Todd Beckman, Burnett County Sentinel; Gregg Westigard, Inter County Leader.

CALL TO ORDER:

Meeting was called to order by Ted Gerber at 11:00 in the conference room of the Pour House in Siren.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Motion to approve the December 7, 2005 minutes made by Stan Peer; seconded by Chuck Govin. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF TREASURERS REPORT:

A budget report for the past month was circulated by Michael Kornmann. Motion to approve the budget report made by Rick Anderson; seconded by Chuck Govin. Motion carried

PAYMENT OF INVOICES:

The Claims Form included one invoice in the amount of 355.21 to be paid to Northwest Regional Planning Commission. Motion made by Mark Crowl to pay invoices listed; seconded by Ed Peterson. Motion carried.

NORTHWEST REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT:

John Stroschine reported a loan application was received from Ike Walton Lodge that would, at least in part, qualify for Revolving Loan Fund dollars. It was also reported that the Business Enterprise Center is looking at doing some work. Stroschine announced Ashland County and the Village of Butternut have decided not to go with the regional RLF.

Other discussion included the LOIS program and how the Revolving Loan Fund Manual was done.

Myron Schuster was on hand regarding the letter sent to Northwest Regional Planning Commission by Ted Gerber regarding the possibility of re-negotiating the renewal of the contract for services supplied by NWRPC to BCDA. BCDA members have a concern that the total services are not being provided.

After some discussion, it was decided that the first two points on the contract can be amended and that John Stroschine will supply monthly written reports to the Committee to report his activities on behalf of BCDA.

CREATE 2006 PROJECT PLAN:

Much discussion was done on this subject. Given funding cuts, there did not seem to be a lot to get involved with. The possibility of doing a communications technology connectivity study was mentioned with the suggestion of appling for a grant. It was noted that some money is available through ITBEC. It was also felt that the County would match grant money received. It was also noted an assessment of needs should be done and then go from there. John Stroschine suggested a potential project would be working with forest industries.

The insurance issue came up of whether or not BCDA is covered under the County's insurance. Ed Peterson agreed to check on it and will report at a future meeting. A decision on becoming a non-profit organization will have to be put off until the insurance issue is known.

The non-profit issue was discussed at length. Mike Kornmann read the Articles of Incorporation, which made it clear the organization's original intent was to be a stand alone, non-profit organization. Consensus was to move toward non-profit status and BCDA's own identity.

WEDA CONFERENCE:

Mike Kornmann noted the WEDA Conference is February 7-9 in Madison, with another one in May. Kornmann also noted there are funds available, if someone is interested in attending.

ANNUAL MEETING:

It was noted the Annual Meeting will be held on February 1; nominations need to be determined. John Richards is the Committee Chair for nominations.

BUSINESS PLAN COMPETITION UPDATE:

Mike Kornmann announced the Competition Awards ceremony will be held on January 12 beginning at 5:00 pm at the Lodge at Crooked Lake.

RECOMMENDATION OF REGIONAL REVOLVING LOAN FUND:

It was decided to recommend to the County Board that Burnett County utilize the Regional Revolving Loan Fund.

Motion made by Ed Peterson to go ahead with the recommendation in favor of the Regional Revolving Loan Fund; seconded by Derek Zeiler. Motion carried.

ADJOURNMENT:

Meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm.