Economic Development Minutes 2018 07-03-18Page 1 of 3
APPROVED 9/4/18
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, July 3, 2018, 6:00pm
City Conference Room
In Attendance:
Committee Members
Chairman Ken Koch Alderman Alex Hernandez
Alderman Carlo Colosimo Alderman Joel Frieders
Other City Officials
City Administrator Bart Olson Senior Planner Jason Engberg
Community Development Director Krysti Barksdale-Noble
Alderman Chris Funkhouser Code Official Pete Ratos
Other Guests
Lynn Dubajic, City Consultant
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ken Koch at 6:00pm.
Citizen Comments: None
Minutes for Correction/Approval: June 5, 2018
Alderman Colosimo asked to have more detail included in the forced annexation
discussion, reflecting that it is the resident's option to connect to well/city services. The
minutes were approved with that revision on a unanimous voice vote.
New Business
1. EDC 2018-49 Building Permit Report for May 2018
Mr. Ratos said there were 18 single family homes, 83 miscellaneous (fences/decks) and
12 commercial permits issued. Mr. Olson noted single family homes were 40% higher in
a year-over-year comparison.
2. EDC 2018-50 Building Inspection Report for May 2018
Inspections for May totaled 196, many of which were single-family. Mr. Ratos said
inspections will skyrocket due to building by Horton.
3. EDC 2018-51 Property Maintenance Report for May 2018
One violation for rubbish resulted in a hearing, however, the trash was eventually moved
and the case dismissed. Chairman Koch inquired about the tall grass issue on south Rt.
47. The owner requested a variance to allow the grass to grow taller than 8 inches and
any further correspondence will be referred to the city attorney. A property across the
street under different ownership was also in violation for tall grass. Alderman Colosimo
Page 2 of 3
reported gravel being dumped and skids of grass left on the road in Windett Ridge. Mr.
Ratos asked to be notified in these cases and said he has cited one builder. There was a
brief discussion of how this property has changed ownership several times.
4. EDC 2018-52 Economic Development Report for June 2018
Ms. Dubajic reported the following:
1. Burger King will build next to Jiffy Lube.
2. Previous Hardee's building will be re-purposed to another national restaurant.
Alderman Frieders asked if access can be given there and to the Dunkin' Donuts.
An agreement would be needed among the property owners.
3. New tenant will be located in the Cobblestone space, will open a
sandwich/coffee/tea restaurant and a retail component, open in September.
4. Opening for banquet hall on south side, pushed back to December.
5. Aldi's has begun their remodel, will close end of August through September.
Number of parking spaces has diminished temporarily.
5. EDC 2018-53 B&F Inspection Agreement Amendment
The number of inspections has increased greatly and the previous agreement with B&F
included commercial inspections. B&F has started to do home inspections as well and
there was no fee included in the original agreement. Their standard fee is $40 for a single
family inspection and $80 minimum per day, per inspector. Ms. Noble requested an
addendum to the original agreement. Alderman Colosimo asked if an analysis has been
done to determine if it is more efficient to hire a full or part-time employee for the city.
Staff is still reviewing that option and Mr. Ratos added his department did 4,800
inspections last year. This items moves to the consent agenda.
6. EDC 2018-54 Downtown Overlay District
The committee discussed the feedback from the June 22nd open house which 10 people
attended and Ms. Noble also asked for feedback from the committee. Alderman
Colosimo said the visuals such as graphs and photos were very helpful. Alderman
Hernandez commented that turning onto Rt. 47 from Hydraulic is very dangerous and
that traffic needs to be slowed. Suggestions were a mirror for more visibility,
barricading Hydraulic at Rt. 47 on the east side for pedestrian use and pavement
treatments to slow traffic. If Hydraulic is shut down, it was noted there are still some
businesses that operate on E. Hydraulic. Staff will investigate ingress/egress for these
businesses if Hydraulic is closed. Alderman Colosimo said he liked the idea of
decorative lights across Rt. 47 and that it slows traffic and is distinctive. He said a
pedestrian bridge across 47 would be helpful also. The lighting could be done in the
near future and costs are being reviewed. Alderman Koch suggested painting the grain
tower to eliminate the rust. Other suggestions were to have street artists do the painting
and possibly have them paint murals.
Alderman Frieders cited Plainfield as a good example of their downtown and it was noted
that semi trucks are directed away from the downtown. Alderman Koch noted that the
Eldamain bridge will help route traffic off Rt. 47.
Mr. Olson said the island in the river is eroding and the state has set aside money to
stabilize it.
Page 3 of 3
The Yak Shack is now closed and there is a proposal to demolish the building. Alderman
Frieders said visibility would be improved if it was torn down and suggested it be used
for parking, to allow for increased festival attendance.
Old Business
1. CC 2018-25 Downtown Branding & Wayfinding Signage Program
Wording for wayfinding signage was discussed along with a kiosk to display more
specific business information. Lighting for the kiosk and possible touch interactive signs
were also considered. Updating signs regularly was requested. The committee decided
the wording for the wayfinding signs will be “restaurants” and “eateries” as well as
“music and drinks” near the Law Office. Alderman Funkhouser asked about advertising
on the kiosks to help pay for them.
Additional Business None
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 7:11pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker