HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 3/14/2006 - Economic Development Commission (2) Economic Development Commission
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
McHenry Municipal Center
`' 12:30 p.m.
Present: Kay Bates, Kit Carstens, Dave Gelwicks, Kathleen Kunzer, Susan Low, Douglas Martin, Joseph
Napolitano, Ned Neumann, Dick Pagealow, John Smith, Richard Wimmer. Absent: Bill Bolger, Daniel
Curran, Kathy Marinangel, Doug Maxeiner. Guests in attendance: Bill Marinangel
The January 10, 2006 regularly scheduled meeting of the McHenry Economic Development Commission
was called to order by Chairman Wimmer at 12:30 p.m.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Carstens seconded by Smith, to approve the minutes of the January 10, 2006 regularly scheduled
EDC Meeting as presented. All Ayes. Motion carried.
Discussion: EDC Board Goals for 2006
Neumann stated the Board should be more aggressive in advertising and marketing its presence in the
community. Neumann opined the EDC should be more visible.
Smith concurred noting the Board should take a proactive stance to be a liaison between the City Council
and potential developers coming into the area
Martin agreed the Board should reach out especially to the larger employers in the area in order to assure
business and industry retention.
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Mayor Low noted there should be more done in the way of business recognition as the EDC has done in the
past.
Chairman Wimmer stated the Riverwalk project is finally in the works. He opined the EDC should move on
and focus on redevelopment in the TIF District in the Downtown area.
Mayor Low suggested the EDC could work with Cindy Kottke who is in the process of purchasing a large
block of businesses/properiy along the Green Street Business District. The EDC should be talking with Ms.
Kottke, encouraging her and guiding her in the direction the City would like to see redevelopment occur in
this area.
Carstens concurred this would be a good focal point for the EDC to consider. The EDC should assist with the
planning, help Ms. Kottke acquire grant funds, low interest development loans, etc. and to be a catalyst to
make thinks happen in this area. Carstens also noted it is important to make sure parking areas stay
connected to the business district and shopping along the Riverwalk. Carstens stated the EDC can be more
aggressive than City officials in wooing and guiding new development into the City.
Gelwicks stated new businesses need to be encouraged by the City. The EDC needs to be careful not to
narrow its scope or focus.
Bates acknowledged the Board should be more aware of manufacturing business needs in the community.
� Manufacturers tend to feel overlooked by the City. Carstens noted it is usually the small things which cause
manufactures to leave the area. Manufacturers need to hear they are important and the community needs
them.
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March 14,2006
� Suggestion was made to create a Chamber/EDC mailer to encourage local businesses, let them know the
EDC and Chamber are willing to assist them, listen to their concerns, etc. The brochure should include
contact names, phone numbers, etc.
Mayor Low stated the EDC is currently invisible. The Board needs to market itself. She noted there is
expertise and resources are available which are not being utilized by the community.
Smith suggested one of the EDC goals for this year should be to target manufacturers and have the Mayor
record a message to them on a CD introducing City Staff and the EDC Board and expressing our desire to
assist them.
Motion by Carstens, seconded by Napolitano, to create a Marketing Committee comprised of Wimmer,
Kunzer and Bates to create a draft marketing brochure and business cards for review by the Board at the next
Board meeting. All Ayes. Motion carried.
Smith suggested a second goal voiced by the Board is to support Ms. Kottke and offer Board expertise and
assistance in her redevelopment of parcels acquired along the Green Street Business District. Chairman
Wimmer stated it is important to assure Ms. Kottke's proposed redevelopment fits in with the City's approved
Downtown Redevelopment Plan. Smith stated her plans must fit in with the City's Master Plan and
Riverwalk, as well.
Pagealow noted municipal parking in the downtown areas should be better signed. Mayor Low responded
Staffwould look into providing better signage of public parking areas.
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Discussion: B lY aws
Mayor Low noted there are several persons listed as Board members whom she has never seen while
attending Board meetings. She suggested a mechanism be included in the Bylaws providing for removal of
members who are no longer actively involved in the Commission. She also opined new membership having
fresh ideas and enthusiasm are needed on the Commission. The Mayor further stated potential developers
making inquiries regarding the City's Riverwalk could be welcomed and encouraged by members of the
Commission.
Smith expressed his dislike in attending Board meetings as nothing is accomplished and no valid reason for
meeting appears to exist.
Mayor Low suggested the Executive Committee meet before the ne� Board meeting to discuss and define
who should be recruited to the Board to provide fresh ideas, expertise and passion for economic
development. Following a determination of the types of persons to be sought, the Board will be asked to
recruit new membei�ship.
Suggestion was made the Executive Committee look at the composition of the EDC and consider
amendments to the Bylaws regarding Board composition, member removal pending non-attendance and/or
inactivity
Other Business
� Smith provided the Board with a preview of the slideshow which will be presented to the Riverwalk
Foundation on Wednesday, March 15, 2006.
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March 14,2006
� Adjournment
Motion by Low, seconded by Bates, to adjourn at 1:46 p.m. All ayes. Motion carried.
Respectfully subm�tted,
Kathleen Kunzer, Recording Secretary
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