Chambana Sun

City of Woodstock Economic Development Commission met Tuesday, April 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

CALL TO ORDER: A Special Meeting of the City of Woodstock Economic Development Commission was called to order by Chairman R. Francois at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 in the Council Chambers, Woodstock City Hall, 121 W. Calhoun Street, Woodstock. A roll call was taken.

COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT: Henry Patel via phone, John Buckley, 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: Darrin Flynn and Alberto Perez, owners of D&A Salon Apothecary, opened May 2016.

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES:

Motion was made by J. Buckley, second by H. Patel, to accept the Minutes from the March 2, 2017 meeting. Ayes: J. Buckley, H. Patel, and Chair R. Francois. Nays: none. Absentees: Chris McGowan and Wayne Read. Abstentions: none. Minutes were accepted.

PUBLIC COMMENT: none.

GENERAL BUSINESS/DISCUSSION:

1. Project Activity Report – April 2017

2. Revolving Loan Application – D&A Salon & Apothecary

G. Anderson introduced the owners of D&A Salon Apothecary, Darren Flynn and Alberto Perez. G. Anderson explained that with the recent closure of Diva’s Attic, there is an opportunity for this business to acquire the site next door, which gives them the potential to double their facility. Mr. Flynn explained how the business, a retail-focused salon, came about. Current services include haircuts & color along with waxing and the sale of high-end beauty products.

D. Flynn explained that their current space would be service driven, adding pedicure and manicures, and helping to draw people to Woodstock with their events and all Woodstock events. Mr. Flynn and Mr. Perez have a very aggressive timeline for the expansion and they plan to use local contractors as much as possible.

R. Francois asked how the company brings people to their store. In response, D. Flynn said they update events on their Facebook page, word of mouth has helped a lot already, and locals are bringing out-of-towners in with them for services.

R. Francois asked how they choose their stylists. Mr. Flynn said their Creative Director Andrea along with Alberto have been a great help in the selection process. One of their first hires was a local stylist who they have in training. Recently, they hired another local stylist who they’ll be training, as well. The team is most interested in those with a natural ability and stylists who are interested in the education and growth of their career. Business expansion would include additional stylist stations and color stations.

R. Francois asked for a motion to recommend the Revolving Loan for D&A Salon. J. Buckley made a motion, second by H. Patel to recommend to City Council.

3. Revolving Loan Application – Crystal Lake Marine

G. Anderson said Crystal Lake Marine is looking at renovating the old Harley Davidson facility on Rte 47; they’re interested in a rent to own agreement. R. Francois said it sets up their business model. G. Anderson explained the building and site. He said that the business owners are still making decisions on how best to proceed with the space. R. Francois’s employer, American Community Bank, has helped with financing. Motion by J. Buckley, second by H. Patel to recommend a Revolving Loan for Crystal Lake Marine to the City Council.

4. Economic Development Commission Vision: will be on next month’s Agenda.

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, May 4, 2017 at 8:00 AM in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Ayes: J. Buckley, H. Patel, and Chair R. Francois. Nays: none. Absentees: C. McGowan and W. Read. Abstentions: none. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:34 AM.