Economic Development Minutes 2021 11-02-21APPROVED 12/7/21
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UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, November 2, 2021, 6:00pm
City Council Chambers
Note: In accordance with Public Act 101-0640 and Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation
issued by Governor Pritzker pursuant to the powers vested in the Governor under the
Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act, remote attendance was allowed for this
meeting to encourage social distancing due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
All attendees were in person.
In Attendance:
Committee Members
Chairman Jason Peterson Alderman Ken Koch
Alderman Joe Plocher Alderman Chris Funkhouser
Other City Officials
City Administrator Bart Olson
Community Development Director Krysti Barksdale-Noble
Senior Planner Jason Engberg
Code Official Pete Ratos
Other Guests
Lynn Dubajic, City Consultant
The meeting was called to order at 6:00pm by Chairman Jason Peterson.
Citizen Comments None
Minutes for Correction/Approval October 5, 2021
The minutes were approved as presented.
New Business
1. EDC 2021-33 Building Permit Report for September 2021
Mr. Ratos reported 27 single-family detached, 4 single-family attached and 17
commercial permits issued. He said the construction costs for the calendar year so far are
about $64 million. He noted the rising cost of materials as well.
2. EDC 2021-34 Building Inspection Report for September 2021
In September, 920 inspections were done for mostly single-family homes, townhomes
and duplexes. Most of them were in Prestwick where the development is almost fully
built.
3. EDC 2021-35 Property Maintenance Report for September 2021
Six cases were heard and two were found liable. Both cases involved grass not being
mowed for years. Public Works has been unable to mow due to lack of time.
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4. EDC 2021-36 Economic Development Report for October 2021
Ms. Dubajic said she is working on some projects and expects an announcement before
the end of the year. She noted that Kendallwood Estates has closed and Rally Homes has
purchased it. Alderman Koch asked if all the grant activity has been completed. All of
last year's grants are now done, but the county is working on their program and she is
working with them. They are working on allowing more non-profit businesses.
Chairman Peterson asked about staying informed about ribbon-cuttings. Assistant City
Administrator Willrett's weekly report includes this information or it can also be found on
the Chamber of Commerce website. Administrator Olson will also ask the Chamber to
update their mailing listing with Aldermen addresses.
Alderman Funkhouser asked about the free-standing building at Kendall Marketplace.
One tenant is interested, but two-thirds of the building needs to have a commitment and
there are still other spaces available. He also asked about the amount of time spent on
non-profit vs. for-profit businesses regarding the grants. Ms. Dubajic said it is about
equal. It was noted that Kendall County received about $25 million in funds, half this
year and half the next.
5. EDC 2021-37 DCEO ReBuild Illinois Grant Application for Downtown
Redevelopment
Mr. Olson referred to a memo and brochure in the agenda stating there is $50 million
total available from the state and up to $3 million for downtown initiatives. Staff
compiled a list of desired projects to decide how to use the money which does not require
a match. Staff has been talking with downtown landowners to determine what is desired
and he asked for committee input. January 10th is the deadline to apply. Mr. Olson said
many towns will likely apply for this Covid relief, which will be awarded to towns with
high impact projects.
Ms. Noble said the downtown project has been branded “Dynamic Project” which
encompasses these 4 major components: building acquisition/new structure, upgraded
and new utilities, site improvements and roadway improvements. She presented possible
projects for each of these categories The grant also addresses minority inclusion and
empowerment programs. The types of projects sought are commercial rather than for
amenities. Ideas were requested from the committee.
Committee & Staff Discussion/Feedback:
1. Mr. Olson said the Mayor had some concern about exceeding the available $3
million in funds.
2. Aldermen asked about a pedestrian bridge across the river, however, it would be
too costly for this grant. Alderman Plocher noted that Aurora installed pedestrian
bridge.
3. Alderman Koch asked about a trail extension to the Parks and Rec building. The
downtown silo was also discussed. Painting of silo would be about $40,000 and
too costly, owner's plan are not known. Suggestion to contact owner.
4. Mr. Peterson suggested creating a destination downtown.
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5. This is state-administered grant of federal and state money. Focus on project
impact.
6. Alderman Funkhouser said he had concerns with putting additional buildings
along the river, asked how it would help existing businesses. Ms. Noble said it
would help bring activity to existing businesses.
7. Alderman Koch asked about the order of the steps to be taken. If the money was
awarded, the state would ask for specifics, dates, etc. and status updates would be
required. The grant also asks how the plan will create jobs. This is first
substantial grant the state has offered in decades, said Mr. Olson.
8. Some work could be done in-house, downtown overlay study already done and a
preliminary plan is in place.
9. A possible paver street on Hydraulic--would it stop at the tracks? Railroad is
open to a “slip lane” and may need to relocate spur.
10. Submit 'courthouse hill' as possible project? Adjacent Mueller property also
discussed.
Mr. Olson will summarize this discussion and compile a final list of possible projects
along with cost estimates for the next City Council meeting on November 23rd.
6. EDC 2021-38 Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Status Update
Mr. Engberg provided an update of this project that began in 2019. The project will
streamline the ordinance encompassing development and all information will be in one
place and on-line. Mr. Funkhouser is the Chair of the committee. In 2020 work was
done on Chapter 3, meetings were later paused due to Covid-19 and the project resumed
in 2021. The number of committee members was reduced to 5. Chapter 4 is now being
reviewed and the consultant, Hauseal Lavigne, will make the revisions, return to staff for
comments and then take the recommended version to the advisory committee. A meeting
will be held in November to review chapter 5 and 6. Mr. Engberg reviewed the
recommended Chapters 3 and 4 revisions for the committee. The process is expected to
be completed by mid-2022. There will be workshops and open houses, a Public Hearing
and City Council review.
Old Business: None
Additional Business:
Alderman Koch asked for an update on the storage units by Dunkin' Donuts. The
property owner was informed that the placement of the storage units did not conform to
the original plan and he has verbally committed he will remove all non-conforming units.
A new code-compliant plan will be submitted and reviewed by the city. Mr. Ratos noted
that the permit can be re-instated and that some units will be lost. Ms. Noble said the
units are temporary.
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 7:10pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by Marlys Young