EDC Minutes 02-05-2026

BUFFALO COUNTY MINUTES Committee of the Board: Economic Development Committee Date of the Meeting: Thursday, February 5, 2026 Call to Order: Meeting called to order at 9:00 a.m. Board Members Present: Mr. John Hadley, Mr. Gary Stanton, Ms. Mary Anne McMillan Urell, Mr. Brian Michaels, and Mr. Michael Taylor. Others Present for All or Part of the Meeting: Mr. Lee Engfer, Ms. Lisa Schmitt, and Mr. Dave Carlson. Mr. Christopher Murray attended online. Public Comments Regarding Agenda Items: None. Review/Discussion/Action regarding the Previous Meeting Minutes: Ms. McMillan Urell made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 2, 2025, meeting, seconded by Mr. Stanton. Carried. Review/Discussion/Action Regarding Update on Goals: Mr. Dave Carlson gave a recap of work he has done regarding goals that were set with the Economic Development Committee in September of 2025. Some of the goals included general marketing, business visits, and creating a property inventory form. He met with Vision Design Group about our tourism website, and he will gather content to add to the Facebook page. Other goals for the next several months include developing an Economic Development Strategic Plan and developing an Affordable Housing Strategy. As opportunities arise, he will apply for grants. Other ideas suggested by the board were discussed. Review/Discussion/Action Regarding Flyway Trail Update: A meeting is scheduled for February 17th. The crossing issue by Highway P is still being looked at. The bridge that caught fire in Trempealeau County probably won’t be open until next year. Review/Discussion/Action Regarding New Business Update: Mr. Engfer reported that the company has found another site that they are in the process of finalizing. Review/Discussion Regarding the Committee Chair Report: Chair Hadley advised that both he and Ms. McMillan Urell are not running for re-election and he would like to meet again before the new members are appointed. A new member will also need to be appointed to the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission as that is currently Ms. McMillan Urell. Review/Discussion Regarding the Administrative Coordinator Report: Mr. Engfer reported that communication with Mr. Carlson has been good and the results are positive. Review/Discussion Regarding Public Comments Not Regarding Agenda Items: None. Review/Discussion/Action Regarding the Next Meeting Date and Time: The next meeting has been set for March 19, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. Adjournment: Mr. Stanton made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:49 a.m. Respectfully Submitted,
 Lisa Schmitt County Clerk