EDC Minutes 1998 04-30-98 Economic Co -Op Meeting April 30, 1998
Time Convened: 7:15 p.m.
Attendees: Bob Johnson Joel Ottosen
Art Prochaska Bob Dearborn
Kathy Farren Jim Nanninga
Stan Free Dave Krahn
Bob Johnson gave some opening comments.
Dave Krahn from Oswego was invited to speak on their Co -op.
Dave Krahn presented his feelings of not expecting instant gratification. You need
to look at the big picture. There wasn't any EDC Committee when he started. They
worked with "Heart of Oswego" and went to a lot of meetings. He came in at the
right time to institute economic development.
They were one of the original Cities to institute C.C.I. DCCA wasn't fully
organized. They had 10 subcommittees and 20 -25 active participants.
Bucher Willis & Radcliff did an economic development study that was put on
the shelf and just sitting. They dusted it off and utilized it as a starting point.
He listed some advantages of being independent of the City Board:
1. Won't be bound up in bureaucracy.
2. Not bound by open meetings act & publicity.
3. Not just one of City Council's other duties.
Corporation formed - see handout. Went to overheads. Each member had
one vote no matter what they contributed. The City contributed $100,000, three
private developers contributed $60,000. Must contribute $5,000 minim to be a
voting member. They ended up setting up second tier for $2,500. They didn't have
voting privileges but participated in discussions and receive marketing information.
% of EAV that's residential is < 75%
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Plant seeds with bigger developers. Use the press to aggressively pursue a
positive image.
An idea of a County wide survey - What businesses do we need?
Stan asked about voting. How many issues need a board vote? Dave stated,
not many. Only a few issues take a vote. Most need only discussion.
Try to work with the Comprehensive Plan.
Economic development Coordinator person reports to the Board Chairman.
Inland brought a lot of resources, contacts, etc., Everyone must keep the project a
community one, not self serving.
Dave asked us what we want. Why are you organizing? Dave told of a
situation is Oswego where a business had gone under and the building was vacant.
The co -op took over interviewing for a new Cafe Business, with permission of the
building's owner.
Economic Development Coordinator is expected to have high visibility, speak
at group functions, i.e., Women's Club. He went through some qualifications for the
Economic Development Coordinator. A Master's degree in Planning, Minimum 3 -5
yrs. experience, and certified by the ADEC.
Dave ended his presentation by 9:05 p.m.
Discussion followed. Kathy said "It's time to move ahead."
Bob asked about the next meeting. Check with Don Falls and get names of
any other small situation Co -op's similar in size. Inform him of our meeting and
offer him an opportunity to speak at one of the meetings. Roger Hopkins of
DeKalb is to speak at the next meeting, May 11th or May 18th or maybe June 3rd..
Stan will contact Roger & get back to me.
Next meeting set for May 18th at 7:30 p.m. at The Bank of Yorkville.
Minutes recorded by Jim Nanninga, prepared by Holly Baker.
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