Economic Development Minutes 2013 02-05-13 APPROVED 4/2/13
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, February 5, 2013, 7:00pm
City Conference Room
In Attendance:
Committee Members:
Alderman Carlo Colosimo
Alderman Jackie Milschewski
Alderman Diane Teeling
Absent: Chairman Marty Munns
Other City Officials:
City Administrator Bart Olson
Community Development Director Krysti Barksdale-Noble
Code Official Pete Ratos
Administrative Intern Jeff Weckbach
Other Guests:
Lynn Dubajic, YEDC
Fred Anderson, Country Hills
The meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by Vice-Chairman Diane Teeling.
Citizen Comments:
Fred Anderson of Country Hills requested information about radon systems in homes.
He said in his home it would have to be installed in the attic after wading through
insulation and that in new homes it should be near an access point. He said the filters
only last about 5 years and questioned the worth of such an installation.
Pete Ratos said the code in a new home already requires an outlet in place in the attic and
also piping. Some pumps require filters while others create a negative vacuum resulting
in a natural dissipation. The cost would be about $1,000 to retrofit a home. He said the
sandy soil in Yorkville produces radon due to the decay of soil and uranium. In
Yorkville, 8 out of 10 homes fail radon tests. Buyers can request radon tests, though it is
not required by City or State.
No further action.
Minutes for Correction/Approval: December 4, 2012 & January 2, 2013
(Discussed at conclusion of meeting).
Both sets of minutes were approved as presented.
1
New Business
1. EDC 2013-07 Building Permit Report for January 2013
No discussion
2. EDC 2013-08 Building Inspection Report Summary for January 2013
No discussion
3. EDC 2013-09 Active Radon System
There was additional discussion of this topic. Ms. Teeling asking if all homeowners must
install this system. Mr. Ratos said it is not required, but when someone sells their home
or refinances, a test is oftentimes required.
The proposed building code amendment would only apply to new homes and would
require this system. Ms. Milschewski added that it is routine to do inspections when
homes are sold. Alderman Colosimo said it is not the city's place to require people to
install these systems.
Mr. Ratos said that radon has been linked to some cancers and because Yorkville is in a
high-risk area, a proposal for an amendment was drafted. All 3 Aldermen present were
not in favor of this requirement, however, they want to move it forward to the City
Council for discussion.
4. EDC 2013-10 South Side Residential Development Incentive Program
Ms. Barksdale-Noble said she had spoken with a couple builders and they wish to have
the B.U.I.L.D. program continue. One idea suggested was to deduct $5,000 from all
building permits to help generate more sales and that money could be used for purchase
of a lot. A veteran's program was also discussed with the builders suggesting they might
donate a lot. Other targets might be specific to teachers, firemen, police officers etc.
Alderman Milschewski asked if the City could work with real estate agents/relocation
specialists who could steer prospective buyers to Yorkville.
Ms. Ratos suggested publicizing Yorkville's various program in the trade journals that
contractors read. Alderman Colosimo stated that action needs to be taken for the south
side particularly in Windett Ridge and Raintree to stimulate growth and for economic
development reasons. He said there are many liens on some of these properties and
suggested some sort of forgiveness program since many are City liens. Alderman Teeling
agreed as well as Alderman Milschewski especially in light of Rt. 47 construction. Mr.
Colosimo said people in his Ward frequently ask for grocery stores. Ms. Dubajic said she
has had some discussions with such tenants. She said many negotiations were begun in
the better economic times based on rooftops and some of them were grocers.
Ms. Barksdale-Noble said builders said that a spec home could not be built if there are
liens and spec homes bring potential customers. Suggestions were made to allow one
spec home per subdivision for a new developer, or permit fee reductions. Mr. Ratos
suggested tying the spec home to the percentage of lots owned in the subdivision.
2
In further discussion, Mr. Ratos said the 1-88 corridor has been well-promoted as being
close to the north end of town. The south side of Yorkville has the advantage of being
close to Plainfield and to the 1-55 corridor. He said he has heard this will be a good
building year. Materials are being purchased and demand is up for certain building
products.
Administrator Olson will draft a mini-report for the Council.
Old Business: none
Additional Business:
Ms. Dubajic noted that a national tenant will be signing a lease this week on the south
side of town.
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 7:30pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by,
Marlys Young
3