HomeMy WebLinkAboutIndustrial Development Agency - Minutes - 12/7/2017Minutes of the
Bayfield County Industrial Development Agency Meeting
3:30pm, December 7, 2017
Emergency Operations Center, Bayfield County Annex, Washburn, WI
Members Present: Brett Rondeau, Scottie Sandstrom, John Carlson, Scott Kluver, Dan
Anderson, Dennis Pocernich (4:00pm), Rick Geisen (4:03pm)
Others Present: Mark Abeles-Allison, Bayfield County Administrator; Kristine Kavajecz,
Assistant
Meeting called to order at 3:30pm by Rondeau.
Minutes of the May 27, 2015: Motion Kluver, Anderson to approve minutes of the May 27,
2015 Industrial Development Agency meeting. Motion Carried (5-0, 1 absent)
Industrial Development Agency Purpose: A brief review of the state statute related to
Industrial Development Agencies took place. The primary purpose is to improve the industrial
climate of the county.
Industrial Development Agency Financial Report, World Class Manufacturing: Anderson
reported that the outstanding balance on the loan related to World Class Manufacturing is
$179,000. Discussion took place regarding the history of the financing arrangements for this
endeavor and the roles that the Bayfield County Industrial Development Agency, Town of
Bayfield, and Impact Seven have.
Industrial Development Agency Topics of Discussion: The members were asked for input on
potential investments/direction the agency can take to be more active. Suggestion was made to
set up the Industrial Development Agency loans to be a revolving loan fund, so that funds can
continue to be reinvested. Discussion also took place regarding the status of the Iron River
Business Incubator, which is currently full. The Bayfield County Business Park on State Farm
Road is working on a road project for potential new businesses. It was suggested that the Town
of Eilleen TIF District option be revisited.
Pocernich arrived at 4:00pm.
The Iron River Incubator has about $90,000 loan outstanding. This goes through Northwest
Regional Planning Commission at 2.5% interest. NWRPC is willing to expedite repayment of
the loan. The site is maintaining about 10 jobs.
Geisen arrived at 4:03pm
Suggestion was made that Carlson research the standing of Bayfield County with regard to the
World Class site. What happens if World Class does not renew the lease?
A statement was made that the Cable/Telemark redevelopment project continues to progress.
Sandstrom reported that the WEDC Certified Sites Program checklist could be used to ensure
that sites are business ready, and would then be promoted by WEDC.
Abeles-Allison reported that energy costs in Wisconsin are higher than other states. He also
reported on a future energy project for Xcel Energy being sited in Ashland County.
Next Meeting Date and Topics of Discussion: Review of the outstanding loan statuses. Next
meeting tentatively planned for February, 2018.
Meeting adjourned at 4:16pm.