Minutes Enterprise Zone 3 15 02ENTERPRISE ZONE COMMISSION
city of Dubuque, Iowa
MINUTES
DATE: March 15, 2002
TIME: 4:00 P.M.
PLACE: Conference Room B, City Hall
50 VVest 13th Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001
COMMISSION:
STAFF:
Present: Dave Baker, Doug Buswell, Doug Stillings, Dan LoBianco, Andrea
Muntz, Rick Stein, Mike Van Milligen and Dan White
Absent:
Bill Baum, Pamela Myhre
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 4:10 p.m. by Commission Vice-Chair Dave Baker. Staff
certified that the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law.
MINUTES
Van Milligen moved and Buswell seconded a motion to approve the minutes of November 15,
2001 noting a spelling correction on page 2. Motion passed unanimously.
AMENDMENT OF BY-LAWS
Myhre introduced the proposed amendment to the by-laws which requires that an applicant, or
applicant's representative, be present at any meeting at which action on the application is
expected. The application will be tabled if no one is present to answer questions from the
Commission. Staff indicated that the matter was ready for Commission action.
Baker summarized the reasons for the amendment. Buswell moved and Stillings seconded a
motion to approve the amendment. Motion passed unanimously.
[Chair Rick Stein arrived at 4:15 p.m. and assumed his duties.]
BUSINESS
Quebecor World Application
Myhra summarized the application and stated that it met the eligibility requirements for
submission to IDED. The company is investing $24 million in building improvements and
equipment and will create 106 jobs paying an average wage of $14.63.
Rick Dunn, Vice President/Division Manager of the Kerper Boulevard facility, introduced himself
and the project, explaining the link with McGraw-Hill's new project at the Dubuque Industrial
Center West which will open up space for the Quebecor expansion. He noted that McGraw-Hill
is 61% of their business. He stressed that the project was a good opportunity for his
employees, the city and the state.
Van Milligen stated that he was honored that the project was happening in Dubuque. He also
noted with appreciation Dunn's current and future local leadership efforts.
Baker stated his excitement for the project, thanking Dunn and Quebecor for choosing Dubuque
for their expansion.
Stillings noted that it is really exciting for the employees, both existing and new and that the
whole package presented looked great. Dunn added that the work ethic of the employees at
this facility is wonderful, based on his 17 years experience with Quebecor.
LoBianco pointed out the advantage of a quick reuse of an existing building.
Buswell stated that expansion of diversified industries is just what the community has been
looking for. Dunn noted that Dubuque has a substantial pdnting community. Van Milligen further
explained that Dunn has worked to create a collaborative network among the local printing-
related industries.
Public input was solicited by the Chair. Bud lsenhart, County resident, indicated that he would
support a one-industry TIF for this project which he lauded for providing living wage
employment opportunities for local residents. Dunn stated that the company also has additional
strong benefit tools, including 401 and employee stock option plans.
Rick Dickinson, Executive Director of the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, noted
that negotiations have been on-going for two years and that Quebecor has made this
commitment to Dubuque even with the company's poorest 4th quarter and layoffs at other
facilities. He warned that the city should not take our successes for granted and that Dubuque
is in stiff competition with other locales for companies like Quebecor.
Motion by Van Milligen, seconded by both Busweil and Baker, to approve the application. The
following vote was taken:
Aye: Baker, Buswell, LoBianco, Muntz, Stein, Stillings, Van Milligen, and White
Nay: None
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION
Stein noted how encouraged he was with all the recent economic development activities and
thanked staff for their work. Baker also thanked staff for the clear application review materials.
ITEMS FROM STAFF
Baum noted that IDED has appointed Kelley Deutmeyer, Executive Director of East Central
Intergovernmental Association, as their representative and that NICC has been asked to
reappoint Dan VVhite. The City Council will have to ratify these appointments.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
Approved
Chairperson
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