At the meeting this Wednesday afternoon, Frank Cannella, in the absence of Mayor Lois, called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. starting with a roll call: Robin Vos, Pat Hoffman, Bill Phenicie, Matt Russell, David Torgler, Frank Cannella, Paul Mueller and Larry Dawley. Excused: Mayor Claude Lois and Ken Jaeger. Absent: Karen Schninke.

Also present at the meeting were Gordon Kacala, Jenny Trick and Thomas Kopatich.

Approval of Minutes. Motion by Bill Phenicie, seconded by Robin Vos the minutes of the February 21, 2001 EDC meeting were approved.

Old Business.

Economic Development Committee Information. A copy of the EDC information document was provided to the committee for their review. Some changes were noted and a final document will be completed and available at the April EDC meeting.

New Business.

Absorption Rate Study. Gordon Kacala, Executive Director of the Racine County Economic Development Corporation, was present for a discussion regarding the Racine County Industrial Park Land Absorption Study. The document, prepared in 1999 by SEWRPC and a Study Advisory Committee completed analysis that indicated, if 1990 to 1998 development trends continue, the following is likely: (1) Industrial park lands throughout Racine County would be fully developed within eight years; (2) Industrial park lands within eastern Racine County would be fully developed within six years; (3) Of the communities with industrial parks, the Villages of Waterford and Sturtevant, the City of Racine and the Towns of Yorkville and Raymond are currently, or are soon expected to be, without any industrial park lands.

Mr. Kacala continued by drawing the committee members’ attention to pages 19 and 20 wherein table 1 (page 19) reflects all business parks in Racine and their respective gross and net acreage available for land development. A total of 1,200 net acres are reflected as being available for development, and as of the time of the report, 762 acres were developed or committed. Table 2 (page 20) reflects the various development rates within the business parks, ranging from 1.6 acres per year to 44 acres per year. Given the development rate and the remaining net acreage available, table 4 (page 22) indicated that on average, within approximately 15 years land within Racine County business parks will have been exhausted. Specific to the committee’s interest, the Burlington Business and Office Park facility was focused upon, wherein only 13 years remain before exhaustion.

Mr. Kacala concluded his discussions by offering his final comments regarding the required time to prepare for and development business parks (2-3 years), as well as the fact that no additional lands have been added since the study, sales and development continue, so there is a growing concern regarding available land for future development.

EDC Committee member Vos asked if there was a difference in the absorption rates within the various parks based upon development covenants. Mr. Kacala indicated that the report did not take into account specific covenants and land development requirements, but reminded the committee that only Union Grove and Caledonia do not have masonry building requirements. Committee member Cannella discussed the concern regarding unavailable land within the Burlington Office and Business Park to accommodate smaller land needs of companies as well as alternative building products, less masonry.

Business Survey. Mr. Kacala provided a copy of the Business Survey to the committee members for their review. He indicated that approximately 420 manufacturing companies throughout Racine County, with employees greater than 10, received the past year’s survey, with a 25-30% response rate.

This year, an added emphasis will be upon Burlington’s needs. The survey will be handled in partnership with the EDC Committee, the Chamber of Commerce and RCEDC to retrieve the survey and likely gain a facility tour. It was suggested that an invitation be made to the Chamber of Commerce to invite a member to attend the April meeting for their input regarding the survey questions.

Polacheck Company Marketing Efforts. Thomas Kopatich within the Industrial Properties Group provided a copy of potential marketing data relating to the Burlington Manufacturing and Office Park. Additional discussion resulted regarding the proper methods of marketing to what audience. At the April meeting, Mr. Kopatich indicated that he would provide his proposed marketing documents and update the committee on his efforts.

Other Matters.

David Torgler informed the committee of a potential delay regarding the proposed road improvements for highway 83. Mr. Torgler asked that the committee members consider attending a future public meeting wherein this matter will be discussed. Upon realizing the date of the meeting, Mr. Torgler indicated that he would inform the group of its location and other necessary specifics.

Adjourn.

On a motion by Bill Phenicie, seconded by Robin Vos the meeting was adjourned at 5:25 p.m.