Economic Development Minutes 2015 11-03-15Page 1 of 3
APPROVED 12/1/15
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, November 3, 2015, 6:00pm
Yorkville City Hall, Conference Room
800 Game Farm Road
In Attendance:
Committee Members:
Chairman Ken Koch
Alderman Chris Funkhouser
Alderman Diane Teeling
Absent: Alderman Carlo Colosimo
Other City Officials:
City Administrator Bart Olson
Community Development Director Krysti Barksdale-Noble
City Planner Chris Heinen
Other Guests:
Lynn Dubajic
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ken Koch at 6:13pm.
Citizen Comments: None
Previous Meeting Minutes: October 6, 2015
The minutes were approved as read on a voice vote.
New Business:
1. EDC 2015-44 Building Permit Report for September 2015
Ms. Noble said the City is on pace to outdo last year's numbers. November and December are
expected to be similar to last year and October had 73 permits. No further action.
2. EDC 2015-45 Building Inspection Report for September 2015
The code officials did 195 inspections in September. Ms. Noble said the Kendall County inspector
has been used a few times during vacations. It was noted that as the colder weather comes, activity will
increase.
3. EDC 2015-46 Property Maintenance Report for September 2015
There were 11 property maintenance cases in September. No further action.
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4. EDC 2015-47 Noise Ordinance Discussion
Mr. Olson discussed recent complaints from a resident about noise coming from a local business. The
readings were 53 decibels at this business and 50-55 decibels are allowed. However, officers could
feel the low-frequency vibrations inside the complainant's home. He said the business has two liquor
licenses which could be pulled or suspended. The ordinance states a violation occurs when noise from
the business patio can be heard more than 75 feet away. Two citations were issued due to the recurring
situation.
Alderman Koch asked if panels to muffle the noise would be a solution. Soft batting inside the
building was also suggested. Alderman Funkhouser suggested a fence along the back property line, but
said sound could still bounce. He noted with the changes to adjudication in 2016, more aggressive
action could be taken. Mr. Olson will call the business manager in the next couple weeks.
5. EDC 2015-48 Economic Development Update
Following are the contacts reported by Ms. Dubajic:
1. Owners of The Roadhouse are considering adding a private banquet room.
2. Met with the owner of the southside Subway about the lack of traffic in the business and
suggested additional signage on the building.
3. Had meeting with Kendall Marketplace representatives who indicated some solid leads for
outlots by a national type business.
4. Has been working with a potential client for location on Rt. 34 east of Rt. 47.
Chairman Koch also shared an incident where he discovered that Jimmy John's would not deliver
outside of a 5-mile radius, even if it is still in the City.
Old Business:
1. EDC 2015-43 BUILD Program
Ms. Noble said the BUILD program is set to expire at the end of December. She reviewed a
comparison survey she had compiled which showed the program has grown over the years.
Staff feels the program has been successful and they propose to create a “Build 2” for owner-occupied
townhomes to make them more affordable. Many of the foreclosure homes were bought by companies
for rentals, prices have increased on the homes and companies want something affordable. A $5,000
townhome rebate is proposed. A builder told Ms. Noble that they would not be building just one
townhome, but several at a time, so staff is working on details for that. Overall since the beginning of
the BUILD program, 222 permits have been issued.
The length of the program was discussed. Chairman Koch said a 2-year program is too long and that
he prefers 6-months. Mr. Funkhouser prefers a one year program. He also said he would like a
different name than BUILD 2 to distinguish it. Since owner-occupied would be one stipulation of the
program, he asked how that would be verified. A contract would be necessary to obtain a permit and an
affidavit might be required. Water bills could also be used to verify. If the rules are not followed, the
owner might be required to repay the fees.
Alderman Funkhouser also suggested a tiered program, however, Ms. Noble said the value of the home
would not be known. Mr. Funkhouser also presented some information from the State of Virginia about
a verification process and using incentives to attract higher value homes. He also presented
information about filling vacant homes by use of incentives.
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The committee was in favor of continuing the BUILD program. It will be discussed at the November
10th Council meeting and the December 8th Council meeting. Mr. Funkhouser noted that there has not
been much interest in the builder incentives. He said that the program should continue for a year so it
does not come up for renewal in the middle of the building season and the committee agreed. Staff will
also do research on a tiered system to present at the November 24th Council meeting.
Additional Business:
Alderman Funkhouser asked to discuss electronic display boards. He talked about animation on the
signs and asked for clarification on the definition of video and animation. He said there is a certain
“distraction” factor on some of the animated signs and added that the signs are not being challenged so
more of them are being seen. He gave an example of what he considered an animated sign. He
believes the intent was not to allow some of the graphics being seen. Ms. Dubajic said more of these
types of signs are being used as they are more clear and easily upgraded. Mr. Funkhouser is concerned
about sign pollution and said that the City has allowed any type of sign requested. He said either the
ordinance needs to be repealed, accepted or adhered to or variances must be granted. This will be
discussed further at future meetings.
There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 7:05pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by
Marlys Young