HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 01/26/2021 - Economic Development CommissionCity of McHenry
Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 26, 2021
Chairman Mrachek called the January 26, 2021 regular meeting of the City of McHenry Economic
Development Commission to order at 4:00 p.m. The meeting was held via Zoom Web Conferencing.
In attendance were the following: Bremer, Mrachek, Tenuto, Rankins, and Alderman Schaefer.
Absent: Bionda, Jessup, Pfeifer, and Mayor Jett. Also in attendance were Director of Economic
Development Martin and Economic Development Coordinator Wolf.
Public Comment: Mr. Kristopher Kick joined the meeting just as a new resident who has an interest
in economic development and being a part of the McHenry community.
Approval of Meeting Minutes dated November 17, 2020
Motion by Bremer, seconded by Rankins to approve the November 17, 2020 Regular Meeting
minutes of the Economic Development Commission, as presented. All in Favor. Motion Carried.
Commissioner Reports
Chairman Mrachek stated he would like to get local business people to attend the meeting and
introduce themselves in the future. Discussion ensued and consensus is that one to one business
visits and telephone conversations with business owners brings the most success. Many members
commented while McHenry businesses are concerned and working hard to minimize their struggles
during the past year, most have positive comments regarding the direction McHenry has taken.
Grant Update
The City had 16 Restaurant Tavern Relief Grant Recipients take advantage of the $300,000 we
received from the local CURES grant program for our restaurants and taverns. In addition, there
were 32 Business Interruption Grant Recipients in the City of McHenry, which included retail and
service establishments as well as restaurants. It has been a priority to communicate any aid
available directly to our businesses to allow them ample time to apply.
Alderman Schaefer joined the meeting at 4:30 p.m.
Goals / Economic Recovery
Director Martin shared three articles regarding plans for economic recovery. Discussion was held
on the commission’s future goals and methods of achieving them. Director Martin was asked to
provide a list of businesses to the Commissioners to contact personally to further gauge the
business spirit in the community, especially since the beginning of the pandemic, utilizing a list of
businesses not often heard from in different quadrants of the City. One or two basic discussion
questions will be presented as well as asking for communication on the negatives and the positives
that have been learned.
The next meeting is March 23, 2021 at 4:00 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 4:46 p.m.