HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 04/25/2018 - Economic Development Commission (2)City of McHenry
Economic Development Commission Minutes
April 25, 2018
Co-Chairman Jessup called the regularly scheduled April 25, 2018 meeting of the City of McHenry
Economic Development Commission to order at 4:00 p.m. In attendance were the following:
Bionda, Jessup, Mrachek, and Sterwerf. Absent: Arnold, Joern, Baehne and Alderman Glab. Also
in attendance were Mayor Wayne Jett, Director of Economic Development Martin, and Economic
Development Coordinator Wolf.
Public Comment: There was nobody in attendance who wished to address the Commission.
Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Bionda stated on page 4 in Old Business he did not make the motion; however
Commissioner Mrachek did. It was requested to make the change in the minutes.
Motion by Mrachek seconded by Bionda to approve the March 28, 2018 Regular Meeting
minutes of the Economic Development Commission as amended:
Voting Aye: Bionda, Jessup, Mrachek, Sterwerf and Jett.
Voting Nay: None.
Not Voting: None.
Abstaining: None.
Absent: None.
Motion carried 5-0.
1. Review Zagster Program
Economic Development Coordinator Wolf gave an update on moving administration of the
Zagster bike share program to Visit McHenry County which will possibly help it to grow
county-wide. Commissioner Mrachek stated he fully supports this program and it’s a good
tool for tourism.
2. Review 2018 Manufacturing Trade and Industry Expo
Director Martin gave updated dates and marketing information for the 2018 expo which
highlights many industries as well as trades.
3. Review Involvement in Incubator Edu with McHenry High School District 156
Director Martin gave a summary of Incubator Edu and encouraged others to consider being
a mentor, coach, or to serve on the advisory board.
4. Committee Updates: Tours; Video and Business Recognition
Tours: Commissioner Jessup gave an update on his contact with Glen Starke with IDP
(Industrial Plan Tours) in Wauconda who he is working with to discuss implementation and
challenges to starting a tour program in McHenry. Commissioner Jessup has also spoken with
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April 25, 2018
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a few McHenry manufacturing businesses regarding tours and has received a good reception.
He is looking forward to have something together by the summer.
Videos: Commissioner Bionda stated the You-Tube video suggestion was explored but will
not fit with the commission’s needs. He reached out to MCC and the High Schools regarding
their capability to help but it is outside their scope leading us to search for a more professional
aspect. It is suggested to contact Visit McHenry County, the Chamber and others to see who
they use and interview 3-4 vendors/creative marketing agencies and choose one within our
budget to make a promotional city video.
Business Recognition: Commissioners Baehne and Arnold will meet with Director Martin to
discuss business recognition next week.
5. New Business and Items for General Discussion
Director Martin summarized his Visit to Scot Forge with Carl Vallianatos of District 156 and
informed the Commission National Small Business Week is April 29-May 5, encouraging
them to spread the word. Small business is considered any business with 500 employees or
less, therefore encompassing many businesses.
Director Martin opened a discussion regarding meeting dates, exploring changing the entire
Economic Commission meeting schedule to accommodate a conflict in the Mayor’s
schedule. Commissioner Mrachek suggested Tuesdays. It was tentatively agreed to change
future meetings to Tuesdays at 4:00pm (last Tuesday of the month). This change will be
offered to all via email for discussion and confirmation.
Mayor Jett informed the Commission that Commissioner Joern has to withdraw his
appointment due to relocation. A new member will be appointed soon. Alderman Glab will
no longer be a part of the EDC and another alderman will be appointed at the next City
Council meeting – possibly Alderman Schaefer.
6. Old Business - Liaison Reporting:
a. Riverwalk Foundation
Mayor Jett stated the Foundation met recently to discuss financials and a design build
aspect of the Riverwalk that would be a cost -saving measure as well as a good
opportunity. John Cunat was contacted and is willing to donate time to consider this and
also made a sizeable donation to fulfill their commitment to the Riverwalk and the
community. They are also looking to dredge the creek from the river to Route 120 and
are in contact with necessary officials to get it facilitated in a timely manner. Discussion
ensued.
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b. Chamber of Commerce
Commissioner Mrachek stated the McHenry Chamber of Commerce Spring Scramble is
Friday, the golf league is starting in May, and summer events and Fiesta Days are in
planning stages.
c. Downtown Business Association
Commissioner Bionda stated the DBA is excited about the turnout of Shamrocks the Fox
from a business perspective. They would like to see an earlier start time for alcohol sales,
have events for children in Veterans Park, more portable bathrooms and garbage
receptacles available throughout the city. Discussed other upcoming events.
d. Downtown SuperGroup
Mayor Jett stated a meeting was held April 25 with various businesses, Downtown
Business Association, Chamber of Commerce and city members to discuss the
possibility of a committee or commission being started for City-wide special events to
bring all entities together to collaborate on events. It was agreed to pursue
establishment of the committee and bring this to City Council for approval. Also
discussed were projecting signs to be offered to downtown businesses to create an
atmosphere of unity and downtown revitalization.
e. Landmark Commission
Director Martin stated that the city hired a consultant to see the economic possibilities
available using Petersen Farm and a report is being prepared for City Council.
f. Planning & Zoning Commission
Director Martin stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission has two Speedway gas
station locations being considered at the May 7 City Council meeting along with Jexals
Restaurant and updates to the Comprehensive Plan. The next meeting on May 16, 2018
includes a proposed addition to the Aldi Food store.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Bionda and seconded by Sterwerf to adjourn the meeting at 4:50p.m.
Voting Aye: Bionda, Jessup, Mrachek, Sterwerf, and Jett.
Voting Nay: None.
Not Voting: None.
Abstaining: None.
Absent: Arnold, Joern, Baehne, Glab.
Motion carried 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________________________
Robert Jessup, Co-Chairman