Chambana Sun

City of Woodstock Economic Development Commission met March 2.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

Call to Order: A Regular Meeting of the City of Woodstock Economic Development Commission was called to order by Chairman R. Francois at 8:06 a.m. on Friday, March 2, 2017 in the Council Chambers, Woodstock City Hall, 121 W. Calhoun Street, Woodstock. A roll call was taken.

Commission Members Present: John Buckley, Henry Patel, and Chairman Rick Francois.

Commission Members Absent: Chris McGowan and Wayne Read.

Staff Present: Economic Development Director Garrett Anderson and Chief Deputy City Clerk Jane Howie.

Others Present: Andrew Celentano.

Acceptance of Minutes: Motion was made by J. Buckley, second by H. Patel, to accept the Minutes from February 15, 2017 meeting. Ayes: John Buckley, Henry Patel, and Chairman Rick Francois. Nays: none. Absentees: Chris McGowan and Wayne Read. Abstentions: none. Minutes were accepted.

Public Comment: none.

General Business/Discussion:

1. Project Activity Report – March 2017

G. Anderson highlighted several projects that the Economic Development Department is assisting with. Project Rose, Mia Passione Restaurant, is planning to open for business next Thursday, March 9, 2017. They’ve re-done the floor and décor but they haven’t moved any of the interior lay-out.

Project Red is a gas station going into the old Farm & Fleet site at the corner of Rte. 14 and Rte. 47. There are two outlots at this location. G. Anderson is attending ‘Retail Live’ this afternoon and hoping to make some good contacts for this space.

Project Ned had dropped off the list; it’s a potential $1.5M project expansion, looking for a new site in Woodstock.

Project Berlin is the building at the train station. Several interested businesses have recently toured the facility. G. Anderson believes there is a good operator in the mix that is very interested in the space and already has a business plan in place. The business would be partnering with another restaurant in town and they’d be able to share the restaurant’s kitchen, so a full kitchen is not necessary. The City is putting together an RFP with a mid to late March deadline.

2. Economic Development Commission Vision

G. Anderson made sure that all present Commissioners had reviewed last month’s Minutes. He talked to Danielle Gulli at the Chamber of Commerce about the possibility of re-organizing this Commission into more of a committee. Several Chamber members are interested in this type of group. Perhaps a Chamber Board member would be the committee’s leader. G. Anderson handed out a draft copy highlighting his thoughts for the committee. Included items were: monthly meetings with 20-30 people, holding meetings in a local bank’s conference room, which would provide a casual environment. Appointing a Chairman for a one year term, possibly a Chamber member. The meeting Agendas could progress through various topics, recent events, projects, community needs, round-robin “tell me something I don’t know” discussions. G. Anderson said it would be great to have attendees from our local schools; District 200, Marian Central, McHenry County College, Aurora University, along with members in the workforce, transportation, housing, local government; both City and County, sales tax discussion as it moves forward, State government updates with Q & A, Lobbyists / education alliance reports / updates, health; Centegra & Mercy, McHenry County Health Department, tourism promotion, and updates from other Chamber committees.

G. Anderson discussed possible procedures and attendance. He believes the Chamber of Commerce has turned a corner; is experiencing success and moving forward in a positive manner. He added that keeping Meeting Minutes or notes would still be important for follow-up purposes and tracking.

R. Francois asked if the Chamber is capable of handling this type of group because of their small staff. G. Anderson said he believes the combination of Chamber staff and members combined could handle this group. J. Buckley asked if this type of group is beneficial to G. Anderson, his department and the City. G. Anderson responded ‘yes’, this would be very beneficial.

With regard to the meeting’s length of time, R. Francois said two hours is too long for a meeting; he suggested 90 minutes maximum. J. Buckley agreed with 90 minutes max once per month. R. Francois likes the idea of targeting 20-30 people that have some ownership to regular attendance to assist in fostering the communication. It’s important to have a core group to assist in making decisions and moving forward. G. Anderson said business leaders and community interest is important for continued success of the committee. R, Francois said it’s important for members to take ownership in participating. J. Buckley said it would be important to approve the first 20-30 committee members with local business owners and business leaders. Their participation can assist with setting goals, networking and providing other discussion topics necessary for success and growth. R. Francois believes there are many business owners and leaders in Woodstock that are passionate about making Woodstock a better place to live and work. These committee meetings can help us all to learn more about our community and it’s needs. The Commission continued discussion on how best to proceed with forming this new committee.

There was a consensus that the next steps would be selecting committee members. J. Buckley said we probably need City Council’s approval to dissolve this Commission. G. Anderson said he’ll check with the City’s Attorney. R. Francois mentioned the Revolving Loan Fund, which would need to be amended as this Commission wouldn’t exist to review and give permission going forward. Updating the Economic Plan is also another responsibility of this Commission.

G. Anderson said this Commission could hold one or two more meetings and then dissolve and move to the committee. He asked Commissioners to contact him if they have any other ideas to contribute in forming this committee. G. Anderson is still thinking about whom from the Chamber Board or a Chamber member could be the leader of this committee. This body would be formed by a recommendation of the Chamber Board. A. Celentano said the Committee may want to bring in local government officials to give City and County updates.

G. Andersons asked that the Commissioners provide names of local business leaders that could contribute to and be active in this committee.

R. Francois asked when the TIF district runs out. G. Anderson answered, April 2020. R. Francois asked if there’s conversation in extending it. G. Anderson said there’s been a little bit of conversation but the school district doesn’t seem to be in support. There’s conversation in creating a downtown plan to include redevelopment opportunities, transportation, downtown housing, infrastructure of water and sewer, beautification, etc. R. Francois asked who has the authority of extending the TIF district funding. G. Anderson believes it’s a compilation of taxing bodies. R. Francois asked G. Anderson to include the latest TIF financials on next month’s Agenda.

G. Anderson mentioned that business owners on Benton Street are interested in temporarily and/or permanently closing Benton Street; they’ve approached City staff about this desire.

Commission Comments/Updates: none.

Adjournment: Motion by H. Patel, second by J. Buckley, to adjourn to the next Regular Meeting of the Economic Development Commission on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 8:00 AM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Ayes: John Buckley, Henry Patel, and Chairman Rick Francois. Nays: none. Absentees: Chris McGowan and Wayne Read. Abstentions: none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:50 a.m.

http://www.woodstockil.gov/sites/default/files/fileattachments/economic_development_commission/meeting/7031/econ_dev_3-2-17.pdf