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Action Team Report Back Meeting IDC/Jobs 2020 Present: John Ward, Steve Arbour, John Rajala, Jodi Piekarski, David Marty, Willow Loney, Art Norton, Wade Fauth, Peter McDermott, Lucy Flessner The fifth 2005 Action Team Report Back meeting was held November 9 th at the Blandin Foundation. Reports were given as follows:
David Marty reporting One of the objectives of the Arts Resources Action Team was to develop a data base of arts-related jobs in the area to determine the economic impact the arts and cultural resources have on the region. The team is in the process of conducting a survey to get that information. A second objective was to hold a professional development workshop to incorporate creative arts strategies to improve local business practices. This objective was accomplished during the first week in October with a visit from Robert Bluestone – an internationally renowned classical guitarist and philosopher. Bluestone helps communities build bridges between arts and business and spent a full week residency in the Itasca area. He met and spoke with many community members and organizations to promote the link between creativity and prosperity.
Steve Arbour reporting Blandin is still going through the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) process. The release of the EIS for public comment scheduled for September was delayed pending completion of the section on wood usage. The Department of Natural Resources is working with the consultant they hired for the project and trying to get the wood usage section completed as soon as possible. All other impact sections have been successfully completed. Subsequent to the release of the EIS there will be a 30 day public comment period during which the DNR will host a public meeting. With the delay, it is expected that the public meeting will not be held until February.
Peter McDermott reporting Publication of the 2005 Community Report was completed in October. Copies of the report are being distributed throughout the Itasca Area at all Itasca County newspaper offices, town halls, visitor centers and the library. The Community Vision Action Team will coordinate presentations and distribution of the report to city councils, service clubs etc. and ask for their endorsement of the vision for a healthy Itasca area community.
Written report submitted by Jeff Stampohar
John Rajala reporting The Action Team encouraged the City of Grand Rapids to approve Tax Increment Financing for the Crystal Lakes Estates. Team members have been working with the developer to ensure that several of the properties will be affordable workforce housing. The Grand Rapids Zoning Committee has hired a consultant and is in the process of reviewing zoning ordinances. Team members have provided input to the committee and they have been receptive to including an affordability housing component in the zoning ordinance. Generally, affordability means a smaller lot size. The city is being encouraged to consider a conditional use permit which would allow the consideration of special uses and allow flexibility within the zoning ordinance. Team members have set tentative 2006 objectives as follows:
Art Norton reporting The Lakes Management Team has shown their Power Point presentation titled “Economics of Water Quality” to the Itasca Economic Development Council, the Grand Rapids City Council, Grand Rapids Public Utilities, the Itasca County Board and others. The Power Point shows the link between land use and water quality. It was developed to provide information to decision-makers to increase their understanding of the impact their decisions have on water resources. The Team will meet on November 10 th and work on identifying clear goals and objectives for 2006.
Peter McDermott reporting The Team has not met since June, but a meeting is scheduled of November 21 st at the Nashwauk City Hall . The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources held a public scoping meeting on the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and on October 17 th issued the Final Scoping Decision document for the EIS. The DNR will proceed with the EIS which has been expanded to include the positive economic effects of the project. IDC/Jobs 2020 and Minnesota Steel principals made a presentation to the state legislators when the House and Senate bonding committees were in Grand Rapids in early October. They are looking for infrastructure support from the state. UPM Blandin owns 8,000 acres within the project area. Blandin has agreed to work on a transfer or exchange of lands with the county to keep the project on target.
Jodi Piekarski reporting The Poverty Reduction Action Team showed their poverty presentation to the Business Roundtable on November 7 th and the Kiwanis Club on November 8 th. They conducted a focus group with Circles of Support participants to hear what people who live in poverty say about working in Itasca County . The Circles’ participants indicated that they would like to see flexible work hours to accommodate single parents who need to be home with children in the evenings and week-ends. Even with a two year degree, they listed low pay and affordable child care as top issues for them. Barriers to getting a better paying job that would require training or a college degree include: affordable child care, enough income to cover family expenses while going to school, a reliable car, and car insurance. The group interviewed said they did not want to leave the area for better job opportunities elsewhere because their families and support systems are here. They indicated a willingness to get training to prepare themselves for the new jobs projected for the area. Respondents are concerned that they will be passed over by people from outside the area getting the new jobs if they do not have the opportunity and support for getting the necessary training.
Wade Fauth reporting The age structure of Itasca County ’s population is increasing in the age category of 65 and over. Itasca County ’s population aged 65 and over reached 17% in 2003 compared to the state’s and nation’s 12% level. The Retiree Action Team’s goal is to tap the assets of the area’s retirees who have entrepreneurial backgrounds and/or professional skills that would be helpful to growing Itasca area companies. Finding those retirees who are willing to volunteer their time and expertise and matching them with companies that could benefit from their counseling is the challenge faced by the Action Team. The benefits of putting together a small business advice program are felt by the community, the volunteers, and local business. The Team is exploring the SCORE organization which offers free business advice and training to help small businesses through the volunteer services of working/retired business owners or executives. A SCORE representative is coming to the Blandin Foundation on December 1 st at 3:30 p.m. to talk with team members about how they could set up a system to match retirees with strong business expertise with companies interested in improving operations.
Willow Loney reporting The Youth Action Team has divided up into seven sub groups and project areas. They are:
There were no reports from the Air Service or Early Childhood Action Teams.
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