HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket - 04/25/2018 - Economic Development CommissionECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING NOTICE
DATE: Wednesday, April 25, 2018
TIME: 4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
PLACE: McHenry Municipal Center
(City Council Chambers - South Court Entrance)
333 South Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Approval of Meeting Minutes dated March 28, 2018
S. Public Input - (five minutes total)
6. Review Zagster Program (Economic Development Coordinator Dorothy Wolf)
7. Review 2018 ManufacturingTrade and Industry Expo (Director of EconomicDevelapment
Douglas Martin, poster and letter from Carl Vallianatos attached)
8. Review Involvement in Incubatoredu with McHenry High School District 156
9. Committee Updates: Tours; Video and Business Recognition
10. New Business and Items for General Discussion by Staff and Members of the Commission
• Visit to Scot Forge with Carl Vallianatos
11. Old Business
a. Riverwalk Foundation
b. Chamber of Commerce
c. Downtown Business Association
d. Downtown SuperGroup
e. Landmark Commission
f. Planning & Zoning Commission
12. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting Date is May30, 2018 in the City Council Chambers
13. Adjourn
The City of McHenry is dedicated to providing the citizens, businesses and visitors of McHenry with the highest
quality of programs and services in acustomer-oriented, efficient and fiscally responsible manner.
City of McHenry
Economic Development Commission Minutes
March 28, 2018
Co -Chairman Jessup called the regularly scheduled March 28, 2018 meeting of the City of
McHenry Economic Development Commission to order at 4:04 p.m. In attendance were the
following: Arnold, Bionda, Jessup, Joern, Mrachek, and Sterwerf. Absent: Baehne and Alderman
Glab. Also in attendance were Mayor Wayne Jett, Director of Economic Development Martin, and
Economic Development Assistant Conaway,
Public Comment: There was nobody in attendance who wished to address the Commission.
1. Review of Citv of McHenry Economic Development and Plannins and Zoning
Commissions Annual Report 2017:
Director Martin stated that the City Council adopted an ordinance creating the Economic
Development Commission in 2017 that directed the Economic Development Commission to
provide an annual report. Director Martin stated that the first annual report outlines the purpose
and functions of the Economic Development Commission specifically what the Economic
Development Commission is working on and what the Economic Development Commission does
in regards to communication, downtown revitalization, business attraction, retention and
expansion. Director Martin asked the commission for input on the report. Wayne Seeley from
audience asked if the report was online. Director Martin stated that he is asking the commission
for approval of the report and then it will become available to the public.
Co -Chairman Jessup asked the commissioners if they had any comments. Commissioner
Mrachek opined that the report was impressive. Co -Chairman Jessup opined that it is usable,
easy to read and stated that it summarizes the Economic Development Commission activities.
Commissioner Arnold agreed. Director Martin stated that the three committees - Tours, Video
and Business Recognition would become a bigger part of the report. Co -Chairman Jessup
agreed and opined that the report should center on workforce development and education
linked with local business, as well. Commissioner Bionda asked for clarification on the Chicago
Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Director Martin stated that CMAP is the merger of NIPC—
Northern Illinois Planning Commission and CATS - Chicago Area Transportation Study regional
planning for Kane, Cook, Kendall, DuPage, McHenry, Lake, Oakwood Hill and Will counties.
Director Martin stated that the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development has
a resolution to do a study for recommendations to implement and enhance the environmental
and recreational benefits of the Fox River. He further stated because the City of McHenry is in
direct relation to the Fox River, the support of this resolution is important and because of that
importance, the City Council overwhelmingly approved a contribution of $5,000 towards the
completion of the study under the Technical Planning Assistance Grant, Commissioner Bionda
inquired about the study's completion date. Director Martin stated that approval of the grant
was not received and opined that it would be in the future. He stated that the grant market is
very competitive.
Economic Development Commission
March 28, 2018
Page 2
Co -Chairman Jessup inquired about the Revolving Loan and asked now the City could better
inform the community about this program. Director Martin stated lack of capital holds
businesses back and further opined that incentives are imperative to attracting and retaining
business. Director Martin stated the criteria and application are available online at the City
website. He further stated that the Revolving Loan goals are to foster education, start a
business and preserve employment. He stated there is $100,000 available in the fund.
Commissioner Mrachek stated he used the program at the end of 2011 to open his bike shop
and it helped him with his startup business. Commissioners Arnold and Sterwerf opined that
Commissioner Mrachek was a great example of the program working. Director Martin stated
that the program is successful because all parties want it to work. Director Martin also stated
there is a smaller Facade Grant available for businesses who are looking to preserve the
historical value of their buildings.
Motion by Mrachek and seconded by Sterwerf to approve the Economic Development
Commission 2017 Annual Report as presented:
Voting Aye: Arnold, Bionda, Jessup, Joern, Mrachek, Sterwerf, and Jett.
Voting Nay:
None.
Not Voting:
None,
Abstaining:
None.
Absent:
Baehne, Glab.
Motion carried 7-0.
2. Review and Discussion of Committees: Tours; Video and Business Recosnition
Tours - Co -Chair Jessup stated that he and Chairwoman Baehne are working on the Tours and
that they have connected with Glenn Starkey from Wauconda who has a program that has been
in place for two years called IPT— Industrial Plant Tours. He stated the program has the host
business speak on the history of the business and then offer a question and answer session that
helps facilitate peer and cross -functional communication. He opined that the energy of the
program was tremendous. Co -Chairman Jessup stated that he would like to model this for the
City of McHenry. Co -Chairman Jessup stated that he would be meeting with Mr. Starkey to
discuss and develop framework for the City to utilize.
Video —Director Martin stated that he and Commissioner lot onda have spoken about video
marketing. He opined that the Elementary Community School District 15 has a great video
regarding the Innovation Lab STEM program for students. Director Martin stated that he has
spoken with the McHenry Township fire chief in regards to the video that they are making and
the fire chief has agreed to allow the City to use its video. Director Martin opined that a three
to five minute video that encompasses the entire community, the fire department, the City of
McHenry, the police department and schools would be of benefit. Commissioner Bionda stated
the main purpose for the video is to draw business and keep business in McHenry. He stated
Economic Development Commission
March 28, 2018
Page 3
the goal is to prepare one three to four minute marketing video with one -minute supporting
videos to increase the media footprint for the City. He opined that video is a great way to
increase internet awareness. Co -Chairman Jessup opined that the City of Chicago's ninety-
second YouTube video to attract Amazon with the skyline and phenomenal narrative was a
good model. Co -Chairman Jessup suggested using the Fox River that is unique to McHenry.
Business Recoenition —Commissioner Arnold stated that he and Chairwoman Baehne had not
met to discuss business recognition.
3. Review of Ordinance Creating Economic Development Commission:
Director Martin directed the commissioners to review Ordinance MC-17-1150, which outlines
the powers and duties of the Economic Development Commission, Director Martin stated that
the term end for the Economic Development Commission is April 30, 2018 and asked
commissioners to contact Mayor Jett if they did not wish to be reappointed.
Director Martin stated that there is a budget for the Economic Development Commission to
utilize for the City video and business recognition. Director Martin opined that the McHenry
County Economic Development Commission's 2017-2020 Strategic Plan is a good summary and
model and he asked for input regarding goals. Co -Chairman Jessup opined that there is a need
for the Economic Development Commission to do a survey of City businesses to see what is
important for the Economic Development Commission to accomplish. Discussion ensued.
Commissioner Mrachek opined that the hand written letter or a phone call are important in
communicating with new business. Director Martin stated that he and his staff send hand
written notes to local businesses. Commissioner Mrachek opined that a follow up should be
part of the Economic Development Commission retention plan and further opined that it is
important to see what the concerns of a business are after a year. Commissioner Joern stated a
survey asking questions such as why did you choose McHenry, where else did you look and how
did McHenry compare in the process would be a good business practice. Commissioner
Sterwerf stated the Economic Development Commission should look into a "Welcome Wagon"
type approach to new businesses to invite them to be part of the Economic Development
Commission. Commissioner Bionda stated he learned that there are three simple steps,
acquisition, retention and reactivation. He opined that a monthly email would be beneficial.
Mayor Jett stated he uses Constant Contact to connect with people. Discussion ensued. Co -
Chairman Jessup inquired if the City had done any similar surveys previously. Director Martin
stated they had not but offered to contact other local cities to see if they had done a similar
study. Mayor Jett opined that the City of McHenry demonstrated what it could be with the St.
Patrick's Day event. He stated more events would be coming to the city in the future. Mayor
Jett stated in order for businesses to be able to contribute to upcoming events, they need to be
informed. Commission Mrachek stated he would contact Kay Bates at the McHenry Chamber
of Commerce to coordinate activities to increase new business interest in McHenry.
Economic Development Commission
March 28, 2018
Page 4
4. Old Business - Liaison Reporting:
a. Riverwalk Foundation
Mayor Jett stated that he spoke with John Smith to discuss future opportunities of the
Riverwalk Foundation and he learned that the Riverwalk Foundation has some money
and they need additional funds from the City for future expansion. MayorJett stated
that the City Council would like to see the north expansion from Bimbos to Weber
Park at a cost of approximately $1.5 million dollars. Mayor Jett stated the Riverside
Drive businesses would need to participate. Commissioner Bionda suggested that the
Riverwalk Foundation set up a Go Fund Me page.
b. Chamber of Commerce
Commissioner Bionda stated the McHenry Chamber of Commerce is hosting a
scramble on April 27, 2018. A golf outing on May 23, 2018 and Fiesta Days in July.
Wayne Seeley, chamber member, stated the McHenry Chamber is bringing back a
tradition from the past, the corn roast for Fiesta Days weekend.
c. Downtown Business Association
Commissioner Bionda stated the DBA would like to move the Christmas Parade to
earlier in the day but is getting resistance from a local business. He stated the DBA is
struggling to get businesses to come to the meetings and suggested they split into two
groups, retail and restaurant/bars. Commissioner Joern opined the time of day of the
meetings might be inconvenient for restaurant/bar owners to attend.
d. Downtown SuperGroup
No report.
e. Landmark Commission
Mayor Jett stated that the Parks & Recreation Department has been working on
upgrades to Petersen Farm. He stated that Landmark Commission is happy with the
improvements. Mayor Jett stated a new commissioner would be appointed to the
Landmark Commission at the next City Council Meeting.
f. Planning & Zoning Commission
Director Martin stated that the PZ Commission is meeting on April 4, 2018 to discuss
the Future Land Use Map. Cases for the April 11, 2018 meeting are Speedway at
Ringwood Road and IL Route 120, Speedway at Dayton and IL Route 31 and a
restaurant at the corner of Green St. and IL Route 120.
Wayne Seeley inquired if the City of McHenry has any information on the King Farm
property putting up a solar farm. Director Martin stated that the King property is not
within the city limits. Director Martin stated that he and Director of Parks Hobson
net with people regarding the use of 14-15 acres at Petersen Farm for a solar farm
similar to what is at McHenry County College Shah Center. Mr. Seeley asked if the
City had requirements for solar farms. Director Martin stated that there are
limitations on how much land they can use.
Economic Development Commission
March 28, 2018
Page 5
S. New Business and Items for General Discussion
Discussion ensued regarding the McHenry County College Tour. Director Martin stated
Chairwoman Baehne should pick dates and the Economic Development Commission would
reschedule the tour if four members were available.
ACTION ITEMS
Videos, Tours, and Business Awards committees to bring suggestions to the commission to
discuss at the next meeting. Schedule tour at MCC and local businesses.
STAFF REPORT
Director Martin asked for input regarding the 2018 Economic Development Commission
meeting dates. The commissioners agreed to schedule one -hour meetings at 4:00 p.m. on the
last Wednesday of each month. The next Economic Development Commission meeting is
scheduled for Wednesday April 25, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. Director Martin thanked Co -Chairman
Jessup for chairing the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Arnold and seconded by Bionda to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
Voting Aye: Arnold, Bionda, Jessup, Joern, Mrachek, Sterwerf, and Jett.
Voting Nay: None,
Not Voting: None.
Abstaining: None.
Absent: Baehne, Glab.
Motion carried 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Robert Jessup, Co -Chairman
MCHENRY COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
DISTRICT 156
RYAN MCTAGUE, Px. D., SUPERINTENDENT
DAVID 1. LAWSON, CFO/CSBO
CARL D. VALLIANATOS, ED, S., ASST, SUPERINTENDENT
BECKY COVALT, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
JULIA PONTARELLI, ED.S., DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES
April 6, 2018
Dear Students and Parents,
Robert 0. Swartzloff Center
for Educational Services
4716 W. Crystal Lalce Road
McHenry, IL 60050
(815) 385=7900
Fax (815) 344-7153
www.distl56.org
My name is Carl Vallianatos and I am the Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum and
Instruction for McHenry High School District #156. I wanted to reach out and inform you of
the date for the 3rd Annual MTI Career Expo being planned by McHenry High School,
local business leaders, and MCC.
As parents and students, It Is never too early to start asking questions like: "What kind of career should I
have?", "What kind of opportunities exist locally?', and "What educational pathways will open these doors?'
That is why we are bringing local McHenry County Industries to MCHS to help promote their needs AND the
educational pathways that could benefit our students as they seek careers.
All over our county, employers are saying the same thing) "We cannot find enough good, skilled young
people to fill career positionsl" We hope that all of our local families and students Join us for an exciting
evening of learning, discovery, and career planningl
Manufacturing, Trades, and Industry (MTI) Career Expo
Tuesday, October 2 from 6:00-8:OOpm in the
McHenry HS - East Campus Gymnasium
All students who attend may enter to win drawings* for autographed and
o� °`�"`"'��, Items donated by Jett's Heating and Alr.
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✓�.,u All senior students will be able to register for post -secondary tech Num'Ofucre
" ^y" scholarships sponsored by the McHenry Sunrise Rotary Clubl
All students who attend with their parents will get mulliple drawing tickets, increasing their chances of winning these wonderful
prizesl
Yours In Learningl
Carl D. Vallianatos,
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
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