Jefferson Local Development Corporation
Tara distributed a list of key highlights from the July 12th planning session and gave updates. a. Tara spoke with a TIF consultant and found it is possible to implement a Tax Increment Financing District (TIFD) for the Sunlight Business Park and South Campus property. b. Steve S., MSU Extension Western Region Department Head, is attending today's JLDC meeting to discuss the tenure role and requirements Tara needs to meet as a new MSU faculty member. c. There are no restrictions on the deed to the property on the south campus so it is possible for the county to sublease and sell the land to JLDC. d. JLDC is in the process of getting a small pump at the well site for immediate irrigation needs at the South Campus; will research expanding to meet the needs of the county and fire department. e. No action yet on the possibility of charging a water fee to AYA for the well development costs since AYA would be paying for city water if it were metered. f. Tara met with Peter D., AYA. There is still an interest in purchasing buildings 7 & 8 at the South Campus. Further discussion is needed. g. Tara met with Jan S. and initiated a Human Services quarterly meeting with other leaders of Boulder's human service organizations. The first meeting will be held September 25th from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the Jury Room at the Boulder Courthouse. Plans are to meet four times yearly. Goal is to increase communications between organizations and the community and organizations and the JLDC. h. Tara met with Mike R. regarding the Elkhorn Community Screening Committee. Their current focus in on building the facility. They will have a screening committee, probably around the first of the new year, as was in their original proposal. i. Housing was a significant part of the discussion at the annual planning session. Tara has done lots on research and attended the Headwaters RC&D retreat on housing. Tara said there are many assistance programs available, but they require an assessment of needs and the time and people to put a proposal together. j. There has been no significant progress on the maintenance and management role JLDC will be assuming as the South Campus and Sunlight Business Park and potentially the MTMI business park develop. k. No progress on the Boulder Rest Area project. l. A letter was sent to Apollo Gold, through MTMI, requesting transfer or firm commitment of the land for the business park. No response has been received. m. Tara has started increasing the visibility of the JLDC by committing to present summary reports of JLDC meetings at Commission meetings. n. Tom L. said funding has not been decided for the 2007 JLDC budget. A tentative decision was made to use funds half from the north end and half from the south end. This will be discussed after the budget meeting tomorrow. o. The need to challenge the conventional wisdom and look at innovative ways to think outside the box has actually been integrated into daily discussion, Tara reported. p. The Commission agreed to sponsor Larry Swanson to do an analysis of Jefferson County as a county and demographically to allow planning for growth and economic development that may be coming our way. A presentation will be given by Larry Swanson at the JLDC annual meeting and at a JLDC board meeting at a later date. A Power Point presentation along with a more detailed analysis hard copy report will also be given the JLDC and Jefferson County. q. Tara is talking with the Sunlight Business Park contractors on a regular weekly basis. The contractors are working and making progress on finalizing the drafts. A meeting will be scheduled to review and finalize the drafts after Tom and Tara receive and review them. r. Discussed the CTEP application for trails in the Whitehall area. JLDC needs to secure easements between the Fish Pond and the Town of Whitehall. Tara met with the landowner who was considering giving an easement. However, the land is currently for sale and could inhibit the sale, so the landowner is no longer interested in giving an easement. JLDC will need to look at what other land may be available. Tara has a CTEP application from Tom L. Tom L. recommends Tara get started on filling out the application and work on obtaining easements after the application is submitted. s. There was discussion on balancing and prioritizing the work plan to meet both JLDC's financial obligations and MSU's obligations, whose mission is education to citizens. Bob would like input as to what additional time staff needs to work on projects and what could be done with the rest of the items. He is concerned that when new projects emerge, JLDC may need to drop a project in order to pick another up. He would like to know how the projects that are kept or dropped will be determined. Tara reviewed last year's work plan and reported that what was listed on the work plan and what was accomplished are two very different things. She used the Meth Treatment Center as an example of a project not on the work plan but JLDC took on. JLDC will need to discuss at monthly meetings what projects are being worked on and any projects that come up that need to be accomplished. Tom L. reminded the board that economic development is a slow process and JLDC is not about to accomplish everything in set timelines. He feels an extensive dream list is needed even if only a portion of the list is accomplished. Bob feels more items on the work plan list could be accomplished; maybe direct staff to make a high priority of some items. Tom H. met with Elkhorn Mine personnel who may need assistance to get the project going. This would be an emerging project that may override something else listed. Darrell feels it's important to have a finalized prioritized list to follow through the year to start with. Ed envisions a road map and trip that will often encase side trips along the way and take on support efforts. He asked if the project list should be a general guideline or very specific. Tom L. feels a grant is needed to fund JLDC's operation. JLDC's goal is to be self-sufficient and, in reality, this has not come to fruition and may not for some time. The plan is to secure enough paying projects to fund JLDC's operation. Ed stated the work plan is lacking a statement to pursue different financial sustainable funding for JLDC, a statement is needed that allows for flexibility to take on other projects not listed on the work plan, and educational obligations Tara needs to fulfill MSU obligations added to the list. Tom and Tara will add needed items and bring to next meeting for approval. 3. MSU Extension - JLDC Partnership a. Tenure process and requirements Steve Siegelin, MSU Extension Western Region Department Head, gave a background history on his experience. He supports Tara's position. He explained Tara is an assistant professor with MSU and on tenure track. She has to succeed in tenure or lose her job. Tenure hoops are very specific and challenging. Steve explained tenure. Tara needs to conduct at least five true educational programs each year. Evaluations from students are required and her peers also need to evaluate her. Indirect training, although very useful and important, does not help with tenure hoops. Tara's Retention document is due in two and one-half years and her Tenure and Promotion document will be due three years after that. Tom L. stated he supports Tara on her tenure track. She is doing a good job. If the work plan works for Steve, it works for JLDC. Steve needs to look at the work plan, have input, and make changes if necessary. Steve stated that being Manager of JLDC does nothing for Tara for her tenure. This is still a legitimate role for her to be playing and he supports this. However, Steve explained her day-to-day management won't do anything for tenure. Steve recommends 50 percent of her time is accounted for on the work plan as she needs to be able to take on new projects, if needed. Ed asked about the criteria for the five required educational programs per year. Tara has done a good job teaching and explaining the Farmer's Market concept. He is wondering if this is considered one of her required educational programs or is the criteria intended to be more formal. Steve answered that this would not qualify as it needs to be a program where Tara receives evaluations from her students and her peers also have an opportunity to evaluate her. Bob inquired about more flexibility with being an Extension agent. He understands the mission of Extension and recognizes that education is a very important part of Extension. Steve said the tenure system has not been reviewed for a few years; however, even if criteria changes were developed, Tara would not be able to switch as she would have to adhere to the policies in place when she was hired. Steve stressed the formal educational opportunities available and the importance of it. He feels she will have plenty of opportunity to do the required programming and that this programming is compatible with the JLDC's CARE philosophy. b. Horizons Grant Project Steve explained the Horizons Grant Project from the Northwest Area Foundation in St. Paul. This is a community grant based on railroad money for states in which the Great Northern Railroad operated. Eight states benefit from the Northwest Area Foundation whose focus is on reducing poverty. This is a very grass-roots oriented grant and an interesting grant for JLDC to think about. The grant is for communities with less than 5,000 population and 10 percent of the population below poverty line. They are just starting on a new cycle. There will be several spotlight meetings to start with and at least five people from a community need to be at the meetings to be eligible for the grant. Community needs would be identified by the community and work from there. It's almost a two-year process and teaching is involved, which Tara could use for tenure. Bob inquired as to who judges qualifications for Tara. Steve said the tenure committees are very sticky with details. Ed thanked Steve for MSU's and his support of JLDC. 4. JLDC Board Discussion a. Ideas for shorter meetings Tara asked the board for ideas for shortening the JLDC meeting length. Tom L. reported many of the items on the staff report are talked about throughout regular meeting. Ed agreed with Tom L. Ed added the staff report is included with the pre-meeting packet for perusal prior to the meeting. Bob suggested we discuss the staff report right after the meeting minutes at the beginning of the regular meeting. This may shorten the meeting as there would be no backtracking. He suggested the staff report be moved up under minutes as some of the items relate to items from the previous meeting in addition to the new items. Barb said she likes it the way it's done now. It's a synopsis on what the staff has been doing and summarizes what occurs at the meeting. She prefers the meeting length be no longer than two hours. Darrell agrees on length of meeting being kept to no longer than two hours. Ed suggested the board not go through the written staff report unless an item needs to be highlighted, not verbatim. He feels a two-three minute review is all that's needed. Tom L. feels it's important that Tom/Tara go down the staff report and check off items that have been discussed and not repeat them. It was suggested that questions could be presented but not a lot of discussion take place on the staff report. Tom H. prefers to keep the staff report toward the end of the meeting. Tara said that some items do not fit into the agenda but still need to be discussed at the end of the meeting. Tara has spoken with other economic development organizations who keep their meetings to one hour plus have a speaker at each meeting. Some of the discussion could be streamlined into a committee structure, she proposed. Ed likes a short meeting. He feels the meetings need to be action-oriented instead of discussion-oriented. He said we would need to have more committees to change the structure and length of the meeting. Barb said that committees have a place in every organization, but for her to drive ½ hour each way for a one hour meeting doesn't work well for her being a working person. JLDC needs to be careful how the meetings are organized as we're discussing meeting as a whole. b. Board participation Tom H. asked if the board values the emails staff sends them on information relating to the meeting and discussion. He feels every board member has ideas and the staff values their input. He feels communication is vital and would like to know if the board appreciates the emails and information sent to them by the staff. Ed would appreciate more information in the subject heading of the emails to help him determine what it's about to help him decide if he will read it or not. Darrell responds to the emails and is happy to hear the responses are welcome. Tara appreciates the responses and would like everyone's point of view as she feels the organization can benefit from that. Discussed going around the table at end of the meeting for everyone's parting shot. Ed would like a summary from the staff. Byron said that if the board decides to go around the table for parting shots, people need to keep to the item and not get off the subject or it will only lengthen the meeting. Went around the table for thoughts on length of the meeting and thoughts on meeting. Barb, Bob, Tom L., and Darrell all feel two hours is an acceptable meeting length. Tara suggested not going around the table for each item, just at the end for comments. c. Vacancies Tara said three terms are expiring and are up for nomination. Byron will accept his nomination. Bob is not sure, but will consent for now. He said additional board members are needed. Pat was not present so Tara will contact her to see if she will accept her nomination. Tara also said there is a flexibility in the by-laws to have from 9-12 directors. We have ten directors presently. She asked if the board would like to fill the two vacant positions. Ed would like JLDC's nominating committee to put a public notice in the county paper for the three terms expiring. This slate will be presented for adoption by the membership at the corporation's Annual Meeting September 12th. He would also like us to advertise for the two board vacancies. 5. Boulder South Campus a. Tara reported the AYA expansion is still on hold, they are having trouble finding staff needed to expand. The roof and boiler materials are at AYA and work on both will be started soon. b. Tara received a request from Peter D. for assistance to fund an additional $2,181.13 that was omitted from their initial expansion fund request. Tara asked if the board would consider his request. Tom L. moved to approve the additional expansion expenditure request of $2,181.13 outlined in Mr. Degel's letter; Byron seconded the motion. Motion passed. c. Subdivision, Divestment Options Tara met with Peter D. in July. He is still interested in purchasing buildings on the South Campus. JLDC needs to decide on a price for the buildings. Covenants also need to be discussed to ensure that there are guidelines for what types of activities occur on the property. Staff recommends the meeting be a private meeting as JLDC would be negotiating with a private non-profit organization. Jefferson County owns the buildings; JLDC has a lease option to buy the buildings. JLDC will need to execute the lease option to buy before entering negotiations; needs to be done before final signatures are on page. Bob asked if there was an update on the appraisal. Tara said she met with the appraiser, but did not ask for an update on the appraisal. JLDC does have a list of improvements made to the property and buildings and costs will be added to the appraisal. Tom L. moved that the executive committee hold a private subdivision divestment option meeting. The staff will schedule the meeting with the executive committee and the executive committee will bring recommendations back to the board at the next JLDC meeting for final action. Bob seconded the motion, motion passed. 6. Golden Sunlight Mine (GSM) a. Tom H. recommended JLDC proceed with the TIF District for the Sunlight Business Park. b. Tara is talking with the Sunlight Business Park contractors on a regular weekly basis. The contractors are behind schedule and are working and making progress on finalizing the drafts. A meeting will be scheduled to review and finalize the drafts after Tom and Tara receive and review them. The EDA loan grant was extended. This also delays Phase 2 infrastructure of the business park. c. Tara and Tom met at the mine recently with GSM General Manager, Mark Isto, and Barrick's lawyer to review the lease. The lawyer will rework some end of term verbage on the lease and return for JLDC's review. Ed would like to discuss the lease with Tom and Tara after today's meeting. d. There was a concern for soil stability on the initial survey site for the park's water tank. A remodification of the boundary was done. e. Staff met with Barrick's president about a month ago and had a productive meeting about the philosophy of their sustainability program. f. Tom H. attended an Environmental Quality Council (EQC) Oversight Subcommittee meeting July 17th where the EIS for the clean up at GSM was the focus of the hearing. Director Opper stated the Record of Decision for GSM is still expected by December 31, 2006. GSM's Record of Decision is over two years overdue; not a timely and efficient process. g. GSM would like the golf course project rejuvenated. A private individual was to start one, so the project was dropped. Tara and Tom met with the private individual last week. He has still not gone to preliminary plat. Plans are to keep in contact with the individual on his progress. h. There is a CTAC meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning. Native American Eskimos from different villages and tribes were invited to attend. Barrick Gold is interested in opening a mine at Donlin Creek, Alaska. The Alaska natives have concerns about protecting the fish, water and wild game in their regions as this is their livelihood. They are interested in sustainability and in talking with us on issues regarding the mine. The only way to access the mine site in Alaska is by boat or helicopter. 7. Montana Tunnels Advisory Group (MTAG) Report Darrell gave an update on Montana Tunnels. Apollo Gold Corporation entered a joint venture arrangement with Calim Private Equity August 1, 2006. Under the agreement, Elkhorn Tunnels, a Calim affiliate, will invest $13 million for pit remediation and production-efficiency improvements. The $13 million investment makes Elkhorn Tunnels an equal joint venture partner in the Montana Tunnels Mine, an Apollo Gold subsidiary. Montana Tunnels Mining (Dave Russell and the current staff ) will run the mine. The mine has started hiring and doing safety training. They have lost some valuable personnel that have established elsewhere and are not willing to leave. Some mechanics, engineers and a pit foreman have been hired . Plan is to hire up to 160 employees when in full operation. Their current schedule is to begin drilling and blasting after labor day and begin moving rock the week of September 11th. The JLDC sent a letter to the Commission July 31st recommending and listing the advantages of releasing the hard-rock trust fund money. Commissioners have not yet acted on this recommendation. MTAG talked about the release of the funds and the importance of getting information out to the public so they understand what the funds will be used for. MTAG feels this is a very positive and proactive approach on economic development. Work continues on the SEIS, John did some necessary revisions. No land or buildings have been transferred yet to JLDC. JLDC sent a letter to Apollo Gold requesting the land transfer as JLDC only has a Memo of Understanding; no response has been received yet. MTAG's future and focus were also discussed MTAG's future. The mission statement will be reviewed and will continue on in the future. 8. Staff Reports a. Tara had a meeting with Mike Ruppert regarding the research opportunity (brain UCLA connection) at the new meth treatment facility. There is no opportunity for growth of any significance in Boulder in that respect as they want data and don't need to locate in Boulder for that. b. Tara discussed the housing issue. Tara has done much research and attended Headwaters RC&D retreat which was focused on the housing issue. There are a lot of programs and resources available and is wondering if it would be appropriate for a group interested in housing to meet and see what they want. Tara would appreciate input from board. Bob feels what happens with housing in Boulder fringes on how Boulder grows. Without adequate, good housing, it's more difficult to attract businesses. The Board discussed the limited staff resources and have concerns as to how much time staff could commit to this project. Tom L. feels Boulder needs to be brought into this issue as it's a Boulder and surrounding area issue. He suggested asking the City Council/Chamber of Commerce for a representative to serve on the JLDC board. After discussion, it was decided to have community members on this committee for community input. Tara will send an email out to indicate interest in being on this committee and schedule a meeting to proceed on this. There was a suggestion that perhaps a grant could fund someone to help with this project. Tara stated putting an application in for a grant for housing gets in-depth and more participation and involvement is needed. A more focused discussion to decide what is wanted and what to do and a coordinator/staff person for this subcommittee to compile data, determine needs, etc. is needed. c. Tara met with Mary Ellen Earnhardt at the Boulder Elementary School regarding their after school innovative program. Students attend this program every day of the summer where they do academics and constructive activities. Commissioner Weber referred Tara to her. This is a great program that they need to make self-sustaining as their grant funding will run out in two years and they are then on their own. Tara wants JLDC to be aware of this important early childhood education program. d. Tara met with small business providers that serve Jefferson County. Headwaters RC&D is Jefferson County's primary regional economic development organization. Northern Jefferson County is served also by someone else. Tara plans to tune into other organizations serving Jefferson County and may attend some board meetings to help with this. It seems there are territorial issues between Headwaters and Gateway. e. Tara agrees with Steve that the Horizons Grant Program is a program JLDC should think about in the future. Nancy Owens from the Artists Refuge in Basin gave Tara a tour of Basin; they are looking for funding for a community center. f. The Farmer's Market in Whitehall is going great with gaining more vendors weekly. The Boulder Farmer's Market is struggling a bit. They need more vendors and need to get a non-profit status for insurance. g. The Whitehall Chamber of Commerce has a new president who has all kinds of ideas and staff is trying to help support him. He wrote a Metal Mines grant for a staff person to help with the Chamber. 9. Board Comments a. Bob suggested the staff may want to investigate using Metal Mines money for hiring a staff person or coordinator for the housing project. The committee can work this out. b. JLDC's annual meeting / dinner will by held September 12th at the Legal Tender Restaurant in Clancy. Larry Swanson, Director of Center for Rocky Mountain West, will be the speaker. We will keep the cost to $20.00 per person. c. The September annual meeting will be in lieu of the regular monthly September meeting. The next regular monthly meeting will be held Wednesday, October 18th, 2:00 p.m. at the Extension Office Conference Room in Whitehall. Meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Nancy Wheeler Notetaker Close Window |