Economic Development Minutes 2016 07-05-16Page 1 of 3
APPROVED 9/6/16
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, July 5, 2016, 6:00pm
City Conference Room
In Attendance:
Committee Members
Chairman Ken Koch
Alderman Carlo Colosimo
Alderman Chris Funkhouser
Alderman Teeling (left 6:40pm)
Other City Officials
Mayor Gary Golinski (arr.8:00pm)
City Administrator Bart Olson
Community Development Director Krysti Barksdale-Noble
Code Official Pete Ratos
Planning Intern Vanessa Vucinic
Other Guests
City Consultant Lynn Dubajic
Nick Kalogeresis, Lakota Group
Jason Engberg
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ken Koch at 6:05pm.
Citizen Comments: None
Minutes for Correction/Approval: June 7, 2016
The minutes were approved as presented.
New Business
1. EDC 2016-36 Building Permit Report for May 2016
Mr. Ratos reported 8 BUILD permits, 7 single family and 10 commercial for May. He
said so far this year 52 single family home permits were issued compared to 35 last year
at this time. No further action.
2. EDC 2016-37 Building Inspection Report for May 2016
There were 313 inspections in May and most were for residential starts. No further
action.
3. EDC 2016-38 Property Maintenance Report for May 2016
There were 8 property maintenance violations and 4 were dismissed due to compliance
on the hearing date. Mr. Ratos also reported a $2,475 fine for a car in violation. He
noted a trash dumping problem in the Westbury subdivision (across from the water park)
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which the new owners are trying to rectify. Alderman Koch inquired about the Windett
Ridge commercial area. Mr. Ratos replied that the area is posted and a violation letter
was sent and a citation is forthcoming. It is believed the property has become bank-
owned since last summer. The Heartland property was also discussed and it was noted
there are overgrown dirt hills near Omaha St. The owner has agreed to take care of the
problem. Alderman Colosimo asked about the triangle area at Rt. 126/Rt. 71/Wing Rd.
where there is an old tractor trailer on the property. Mr. Ratos said a letter has been
issued and the owners comply, then the issue recurs and the process starts over. He said
they will be diligent about the situation.
4. EDC 2016-39 Comprehensive Plan
Ms. Noble said this is the final draft of the Plan and further input is sought from the EDC.
Mr. Kalogeresis presented an overview of the report and said the Plan has a 10-year time
frame. He said the two main items focused on were land use and revitalization of the
downtown area. He said open houses were held and community input was received at
'speakout' events. He discussed future growth, desire for bike trails, connected
transportation system, possible Metra service, enhancement of parks and rec facilities,
city growth corridors, plans for the downtown, funding mechanisms, industrial growth
and implementation of the Comp Plan. The Plan will be presented at Public Hearing in
August at the Planning and Zoning Board. It will then move to the City Council and
when the Plan is approved, it will be posted on a newly-created website.
5. EDC 2016-40 Downtown Planning
Mr. Olson said this discussion is a culmination of budgeting, the Comp Plan and City
surveys. He said the funding mechanisms for the TIF district expires in 13 years and it
would be difficult to incentivize any new developer to come into the downtown.
Alderman Colosimo asked about the possibility of resetting the TIF time allowance. The
City could extend the existing term according to Mr. Olson. The committee was in favor
of Mr. Olson moving forward for an extension on the TIF.
Administrator Olson discussed the Brownfield study and the alternatives. He said the
City could cap the site in concrete or pave it over for a parking lot. Alderman
Funkhouser commented that he would like to see the City engage in discussion with the
owner to turn the property into a 'greenfield'. Alderman Koch agreed saying there are
many more people downtown now. Mr. Olson said the owner has met with the City
Attorney.
Mr. Olson commented briefly on the parking study and facade program. Alderman
Funkhouser said a definition for “historical” should be determined as it relates to some of
the programs.
OSLAD has been reinstated, though the grant status is unknown. Streetscapes, public
parking areas and east alley improvements were also discussed. Alderman Colosimo
suggested the City Hall should be downtown also. Alderman Funkhouser said the City
should ascertain their needs prior to any move. He also called for a downtown traffic
study.
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6. EDC 2016-41 Economic Development Update
Ms. Dubajic reported the following:
1. She will be able to easily contact the grain elevator owner when needed
2. Increased activity in the downtown
3. Crusade restaurant/bar working on some issues, will be including chicken
4. Moving close to a junior box store at Kendall Marketplace
5. Working with Justine Brummel on financing
6. In talks with a grocer, however, rooftops are an issue, client desires a big building
south of the river to remodel, however, none are available. Now that Rt. 47
project is complete, it's easier to get across town to other grocers.
7. Much interest in Kendall Crossing
Old Business None
Additional Business None
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 8:06pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker