THE CITY OF MONTICELLO, IOWA

RESOLUTION #19-135

Resolution to approve letter of support for the Rural Innovation Initiative

 

IN THE NAME AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF MONTICELLO, IOWA

WHEREAS, The City Council has been advised of an opportunity to participate as one of five rural communities in the Rural Innovation Initiative, an initiative that would partner the five rural locations with the Creative Adventure Lab in Dubuque, Iowa, and

WHEREAS, The Council has been advised that a grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority is being requested to get this program off the ground, with the IEDA Grant to cover a significant portion of the costs of the project, buildout and FFE (Furniture/Fixtures/Equipment), with a small community investment or in kind contribution being required as the program moves forward, and

WHEREAS, One of the benefits of the Innovation Lab is what it offers to workers that commute part of the time, or choose to or are allowed to work from home/remotely, an opportunity to have an environment they can utilize, for a small monthly fee, when necessary or desired, where they have desk space, internet access, and access to all the other co-workers in Monticello and the network in general, and

WHEREAS, The Innovation Lab would also provide training opportunities and other educational opportunities to Monticello employers, non-profits, and residents, and

WHEREAS, As a rural community the Council finds that our future success is tied to the attraction and maintenance of residents and positioning ourselves to attract and maintain residents who work from home/remotely that want to stay in their home town or rural America in general, will help Monticello succeed for years to come, and

WHEREAS, the Council finds that the proposed Letter of Support accurately sets forth the position of the City Council and therefore finds that the Mayor should execute said letter and forward it to Creative Adventure Lab to be included in the formal grant to be submitted to the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Monticello, through its’ City Council, in session this 7^th day of October, 2019, does hereby authorize the Mayor to execute the attached Letter of Support for the submission of the Iowa EDA Grant to support the Rural Innovation Initiative.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name and caused the Great Seal for the City of Monticello, Iowa to be affixed.  Done this 7^th day of October, 2019.

Brian Wolken, Mayor  

Attest:

Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk