06-04-2025 (Joint Meeting - City Council/EDA/HUC)Hutchinson
City Council / Utilities Commission / Economic Development Authority
Joint Meeting
City Council Chambers
111 Hassan Street SE
June 4, 2025 — 7:00 a.m.
MINUTES
I. Welcome / Call to Order — All boards called the meeting to order at 7:00
a.m.
Council members present: Gary Forcier, Chad Czmowski, Pat May, Dave
Sebesta; Staff — Matt Jaunich, Andy Reid
EDA Board Members present: Jonny Block, Mike McGraw, Jack Daggett;
Staff — Miles Seppelt
HUC Members present: Matt Cheney, Troy Pullis, Tom Lambert, Kathy
Silvernale, Don Martinez; Staff —Jeremy Carter
II. Introductions
All board members introduced themselves as well as other staff members
in attendance.
III. HUC Overview
Jeremy Carter, HUC General Manager, presented before the group. Mr.
Carter provided an update on current projects and upcoming projects.
HUC's mission is to maintain reliable service and stable rates. Mr. Carter
distributed data indicating HUC's position in the industry with competitive
rates. Mr. Carter also reviewed how natural gas retail sales are handled.
IV. City Overview
Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, presented before the group. Mr. Jaunich
provided a state of the city review including information on the
unemployment rate, rental/housing data, building permit data, market
value growth, tax rate trend and comparisons, and new developments that
have recently occurred. Mr. Jaunich also reviewed efforts the City has
completed to plan for the future such as the 2022 housing study, 2023
growth area plan, the 2024 downtown plan and the 2025 strategic plan
which should be adopted this Summer.
V. EDA Overview
Miles Seppelt, EDA Director, presented before the group. Mr. Seppelt
reviewed the EDA's mission which includes facilitating redevelopment, job
creation and concentrating on manufacturing. Mr. Seppelt reviewed the
importance of manufacturing facilities in communities. Mr. Seppelt also
reviewed the strategies the EDA uses to retain and attract new
businesses/companies to Hutchinson. Mr. Seppelt spoke about readiness
being the key for new businesses to locate in Hutchinson.
Valerie Mackenthun, Hutchinson Chamber and Visitors Bureau, presented
before the group. Ms. Mackenthun spoke about the Chamber's focus of
supporting local businesses and members, enhancing tourism, and
community collaboration. Ms. Mackenthun also spoke about the
revitalization of the Hutchinson Downtown Association.
VI. Discussion: Diversifying the City's Commercial & Industrial Base / Future
Directions
Mr. Carter noted he wants to make sure that HUC is positioned for growth
in the community however HUC needs to be made aware of the potential
growth opportunities. He noted that HUC has received increased inquiries
related to large technology companies and needing large load capacity.
The demand for load is ramping up in the Midwest. Proximity to current
substations for location of large load companies is an important
consideration as building new substations takes time and money. Finding
the next industrial park is important as well. Discussion of the value of
extending infrastructure to the Hwy 7/22 intersection holds the highest
potential for development of commercial/industrial businesses. HUC has
infrastructure to that intersection so water/sewer would need to be
extended. HUC spoke about the urging by their auditor of having a more
diversified customer class in the commercial/industrial base related to
electrical load. Some constraints for businesses locating/relocating to
Hutchinson is not having big enough lots and location/proximity to a four -
lane highway and/or rail line. Discussion was held regarding marketing the
community and having spec buildings ready for potential businesses.
VII. Next Steps
The consensus of the group was that these three boards meet on an annual
basis. It was also suggested that perhaps two members of each board meet
on a quarterly basis.
VIII. Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 a.m.
ATTEST:
Gary T. Forcier
Mayor
Matthew Jaunich
City Administrator