Economic Development Minutes 2009 03-03-09 i
Page 1 of 5 APPROVED 4/6/09
UNITED CITY OF YORKVILLE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Tuesday, March 3, 2009, 7pm
City Conference Room j
In Attendance:
Committee Members
Chairman Gary Golinski
Alderman Joe Besco
Alderman Robert Allen
I
I
Other Citv Officials:
Mayor Valerie Burd
City Manager Brendan McLaughlin
Community Development Director Travis Miller
Alderwoman Robyn Sutcliff
Alderman Wally Werderich
Other Guests:
Lynn Dubajic, YEDC
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Gary Golinski at 7:00pm.
i
Presentation:
None
Minutes for Correction /Approval: February 3, 2009
The minutes were approved as read.
Items Recommended by Plan Commission for Approval:
None
New Business:
1. EDC 2009 -08 Building Permit Report for January 2009
Travis reported one residential permit and 20 "other" permits were issued in January.
2. EDC 2009 -09 Developer Property Tax Exemption — Information/Discussion
This item was initially brought forth by a citizen, however, the committee noted that City
Council has no power in this matter. Chairman Golinski said the developers need some
sort of incentive and that the State does not charge taxes until the developer realizes some
return on their investment. It was also noted that empty lots do not use city services and
are not costing the City money. No further action taken.
Page 2 of 5
2. EDC 2009 -10 Downtown Economic Meeting — Follow- up/Discussion
Travis reported he recently had a meeting with downtown business owners. Mayor Burd
said the businesses have formed focus groups and discussed many topics including
parking. They wanted to identify how many spots would be lost on Rt. 47 when it is
widened. It was determined that 20 spots would be lost. They also want to attract other
businesses downtown.
A follow -up meeting was held on February 23rd where focus groups talked about various
topics. Discussed were public relations, event opportunities and possible St. Patrick's
Day event. There was almost 100% participation by the business owners. The focus
groups will make presentations to some of the City Council committees. Mayor Burd
said they are looking for immediate relief for additional parking and more signage. They
also want to determine future possible businesses in downtown and move the Christmas
program back to the downtown area to help generate business.
Chairman Golinski asked how the current businesses can be retained. One suggestion
from the committee was that a sign posted with community events would be helpful.
Currently there are 6 vacant storefronts. Mayor Burd said $10,000 was put into the
budget to be used as a possible incentive to attract businesses. Alderman Allen suggested
subsidized rents. The Mayor said possibly the fagade money could be used for this idea.
Alderman Besco said a reduced rent over a period of time would be a benefit. Lynn
Dubajic said typically, downtown rent is half that of the newer strip malls and strip mall
owners are willing to negotiate with potential renters. However, the buildings downtown
might already by paid for.
i
There was no further discussion or action.
3. EDC 2009 -11 Prairie Parkway —Illinois Tollway Considerations —Discussion
Travis said this is an informational item that had been discussed at City Council as to
whether or not the City should take a position on this project. Mayor Burd stated that the
County Board Chairman is pushing for the tollway to take over the project so that the
parkway would be built faster. She said the City has no position at this time.
Some committee members said local needs should be met first such as widening Rt. 47
and fixing existing roads. Some property still needs to be acquired along Rt. 47. It was
also stated that public hearings will be held later this year to discuss Rt. 34 widening.
This will also help Yorkville's economy.
On April 28` Metra West will hold a "lobby day" and Mayor Burd encouraged
attendance.
4. EDC 2009 -12 Village of Millbrook Boundary Agreement — Discussion
Mayor Burd said she had asked to have this item put back on the agenda to gather more
input and direction. She referenced the General Assembly House bill regarding the
Chatham law. It refers to a 1.5 mile jurisdiction pre- annexation agreement. Mr.
Page 3 of 5
McLaughlin added that the bill would ask municipalities to go to the County for their
"blessing" of property being annexed that is further than a mile from the municipality. If
the County votes with a 2/3 majority to override the pre- annexation agreement then the
municipality zoning would not take precedence over that of the County.
Travis Miller said that Millbrook has hired a consultant to draft their Comprehensive
Plan. Chairman Golinski said a discussion should be held with Yorkville, Plano and
Millbrook and that perhaps affected landowners should be included in discussions.
Mayor Burd added that the staff is focusing on south Rt. 47 for annexation purposes.
Currently, the City has one pre- annexation agreement with a landowner. It is hoped to
annex as far south as Caton Farm Road. The current southern boundary is Windett
Ridge. Discussions will continue and the Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed.
Old Business:
1. EDC 2009 -07 "Shop Yorkville" Campaign —Discussion
Many good ideas have been generated and a web page was suggested to educate people
how the money is spent in Yorkville when people shop here. Involvement by Chamber
members, EDC and non - Chamber members was also suggested. Mr. McLaughlin said he
presented this idea at the Chamber and they will talk to some of their LEADS groups.
There was some preliminary concern since some of the LEADS group members are
outside of Yorkville. After more information from the City, it was thought that the
Chamber would become more involved.
A book of area businesses was suggested along with feature stories in the newspaper.
The book could detail what type of services the businesses provide. Mayor Burd said
some of the local businesses are hiring and Tony Scott of the Kendall County Record
would be willing to do a feature story.
Currently there are 19 businesses signed up for the April 7 Job Fair according to Lynn
Dubajic, with 1,000 people expected to attend. The Mayor said perhaps the City should
have a booth for census workers.
In summary, Brendan McLaughlin said the City should take the initiative for the "Shop
Yorkville" Campaign. He said perhaps the Mayor, Glory Spies and a couple P.R. people
from Yorkville organizations should meet and develop a plan. Alderwoman Sutcliff also
mentioned two business owners who would like to be involved in the campaign.
2. EDC 2008 -48 Integrated Transportation Plan —Project Update
Travis presented an update of this plan and said there is a task force meeting March 5th
The purpose of the meeting is 1) to study the master trail plan which is built off an
existing plan and 2) discussion on the downtown streetscape. At the last meeting the
committee asked for feedback and a survey was distributed to business owners and
property owners.
�I
Page 4 of 5
The final task force meeting will be held April 30 at the Library at 4:30pm and it is open
to the public. Alderman Allen said he had spoken with many people who said they
thought walking and bike trails would be low priority due to the sagging economy.
However, it was noted that the trails could be an alternate means to go to work or
shopping.
Mr. McLaughlin said there is a current effort to build a trail behind the High School to
lead to Jaycee Pond. Travis said this trail /footbridge project would be a good candidate
for a grant.
3. EDC 2008 -47 Zoning Ordinance Update — Discussion
A committee was formed last week and Travis has spoken with Chairman Mike Crouch
regarding a kickoff meeting. Travis will report back to this committee.
i
Additional Business:
Alderman Allen asked if there is still a proposal for a banquet hall near Windmill Farms
on Rte. 126. An early concept plan was approved, however, there has been no further
movement. There are also some outlots that the developer of the PUD could not acquire.
Last week an application was received for a 2 -acre piece to be a part of the PUD and they
are asking for PUD zoning. Jake Land Group is still involved in this project.
Travis said there is a concrete company operating on the property and there is storage of
some semi trailers. As a result, there have been some violation issues, however, he said
the property owner has been responsive.
The Aux Sable Creek watershed meeting was held on this date. Travis said he attended
the meeting and Stephanie Scheetz of the Conservation Foundation gave a presentation.
Erosion control and water quality improvement were also discussed. There was also a
Public Hearing on this date.
Travis said this watershed plan is voluntary with no mandate for property owners, but
merely guidelines for clean water. There are also guidelines given for best farming
practices. Alderman Allen said he had spoken with some of the nearby property owners
and they expressed concern for private property rights and how it would affect them as
farmers. No further action at this time.
The restaurant behind the Shell station at Rt. 71 & 47 was discussed and reportedly the
owner has health issues. The son said plans would proceed, however, the business is
currently listed with a broker.
Alderman Allen said he has had requests for a Barnes & Noble Book Store.
Page 5 of 5
Kay Jewelers will open Friday, May 6"' according to Ms. Dubajic.
There was no further business and the meeting was adjourned at 8:38pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted by
Marlys Young
i
i
I