Economic Development Minutes 2020 07-07-20 Page 1 of 3
APPROVED 8/4/20
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, July 7, 2020, 6:00pm
City Conference Room
Note: This meeting was held in accordance with Public Act 101-0640 and Gubernatorial
Proclamation issued by Governor Pritzker pursuant to the powers vested in the Governor
under the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act. Due to the current Covid-19
pandemic, remote attendance is allowed for this meeting to encourage social distancing.
All meeting participants attended remotely except City Administrator Bart Olson who
was present at City Hall.
In Attendance:
Committee Members
Chairman Jackie Milschewski Alderman Joel Frieders
Alderman Ken Koch Alderman Jason Peterson
Other City Officials
City Administrator Bart Olson, (in-person attendance)
Assistant City Administrator Erin Willrett
Community Development Director Krysti Barksdale-Noble
Senior Planner Jason Engberg
Alderman Chris Funkhouser
Other Guests
Lynn Dubajic, City Consultant
Katie Finlon, Kendall County Record
Tyler Bachman, WSPY
The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm by Chairman Jackie Milschewski.
Citizen Comments None
Minutes for Correction/Approval March 3, 2020
The minutes were approved as presented.
New Business
1. EDC 2020-27 Building Permit Reports for February, March, April and May 2020
Ms. Noble reported the monthly stats and said the number of permits is on par with the
past years. No further discussion.
2. EDC 2020-28 Building Inspection Reports for February, March, April & May 2020
There city is averaging about 320 inspections per month with most being done in-house
and fewer outsourced due to the Covid-19. No further discussion.
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3. EDC 2020-29 Property Maintenance Report for February, March, April and May
2020
Ms. Noble said there was no enforcement in April and May due to the Covid-19. A
report will be forthcoming for June. Chairman Milschewski inquired about a vacant
home on Heustis St. where the grass has not been mowed. She asked about the process
for maintenance which Ms. Noble explained. If confirmed vacant, Mr. Olson said the
city could mow, however, expenses might not be recouped.
4. EDC 2020-30 Economic Development Reports for March, April, May and June
2020
Ms. Dubajic was happy to report that all pre-Covid projects are moving forward as
planned. She said Gas n Wash will open on July 17 and Raging Waves will re-open July
11. Alderman Frieders asked how many downstate grants have been issued in rsponse to
the pandemic. Ms. Willrett said all paperwork has been submitted, however, the state has
not reviewed yet. Ms. Dubajic has sent emails to all requesting businesses. Regarding
loans, not all businesses who applied actually received them and Alderman Frieders said
the City should advocate for those businesses who receive no funding.
The committee also discussed the reopening of Raging Waves at 50% capacity due to the
Covid. They also talked about the enforcement capacity for wearing masks and noted the
Police Department is working with the Health Department on the mask issue and other
aspects.
5. EDC 2020-31 1907 W. Veterans Parkway – CMP Properties-Repeal of Variance
Mr. Engberg gave a history of this property and said staff is looking to repeal the
variance that applied to non-conformance issues. Staff looked at this request and has
decided the variance is no longer needed due to changes in the code. They wish to revise
the ordinance and repeal the 2012 variance. The committee concurred by verbal vote
and this moves to the second July City Council meeting.
6. EDC 2020-32 Urban Chickens
Mr. Olson gave a history of discussions held in 2012 about allowing chickens. He said
previous requests were not moved forward at that time as the city felt there were enough
locations outside the city limits for chickens. The city code prohibits poultry for food
purposes, but they are allowed as pets.
Alderman Frieders opined that not many properties in the city were suitable for chickens
and that someone would have to be trained to inspect or monitor the care of chickens. He
requested resident input and to bring this matter back in September. Chairman
Milschewski noted that she had received emails opposing chickens, while Alderman
Funkhouser received emails in favor of the request. He requested community outreach
and staff research from other towns before further consideration. Alderman Koch noted
that some people may already have chickens in the city. Alderman Peterson asked if
other towns allow chickens and if they have a noise ordinance. Ms. Noble summarized
guidelines that other towns have in place. This will come back to committee in October
to allow more time.
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Old Business: None
Additional Business:
Alderman Koch said that logs, a trailer and other items have creeped outside the property
line at the Nicholson logging property downtown. This matter will be forwarded to the
inspector.
Alderman Frieders stated that he received correspondence regarding the Governor's stay-
at-home order being past 30 days and not lawful. The resident said that should be applied
to the city meetings that are not being held in person and he/she alleged violations of the
Open Meetings Act. Mr. Frieders asked about the legal ramifications and Mr. Olson said
it is being examined by the Attorney General. However, it does not apply to Kendall
County at this time per City Attorney Orr.
Chairman Milschewski raised the issue of a car parked over a public sidewalk and
leaking oil. This matter will be addressed.
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 6:39pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker, remote attendance