HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 01/28/2020 - Economic Development CommissionCity of McHenry
Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
January 28, 2020
Vice-Chairman Mrachek called the January 28, 2020 regular meeting of the City of McHenry
Economic Development Commission to order at 4:00 p.m. In attendance were the following: Bionda,
Bremer, Mrachek, Pfeifer, Rankins and Alderman Schaefer. Absent: Jessup, Tenuto, Mayor Jett.
Also in attendance were: Director of Economic Development Martin and Economic Development
Coordinator Wolf.
Public Comment: There was nobody in attendance who wished to address the Commission. Jon
Petersen, owner of Natural Therapy Wellness Center attended to observe.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Schaefer, seconded by Bionda, to approve the December 17, 2019 Regular Meeting
minutes of the Economic Development Commission, as presented:
Voting Aye: Bionda, Bremer, Mrachek, and Schaefer.
Voting Nay: None.
Abstaining: Pfeiffer, Rankins.
Absent: Jessup, Jett, and Tenuto.
Motion carried 4-0.
Invitation to McHenry
Director Martin presented the printed “Invitation to McHenry” that was printed by McHenry High
School Graphics Art Department to be used by Economic Development Commissioners when they
visit out of town businesses to promote the City of McHenry and introduce us to the businesses.
Small Business Grant Discussion
Coordinator Wolf presented a revised draft City of McHenry Commercial Tenant Incentive Grant
Program, Grant Application, and sample Grant Agreement for the Commission based on discussion
at the last meeting. Discussion ensued and Vice-Chairman Mrachek opined further discussion
regarding targeted areas in the City that are now blighted should continue. A vote was requested
for approval to send the draft to Attorney McArdle to review before presenting at City Council.
Motion by Bremer, seconded by Mrachek, to send the draft Commercial Tenant Incentive Grant
Program, Grant Application, and sample Grant Agreement to Attorney McArdle to review before
presenting to City Council:
Voting Aye: Bionda, Bremer, Mrachek, Pfeiffer, Rankins, and Schaefer.
Voting Nay: None.
Abstaining: None.
Absent: Jessup, Jett, and Tenuto.
Motion carried 6-0.
Economic Development Commission
January 28, 2020
Page 2
New and Existing Business Visits
All commission members were asked to visit or reach out to (1-3) businesses they would like to see
stay in McHenry and have a discussion regarding their needs in McHenry and to send back a list of
businesses they would like to see in McHenry for staff and Mayor Jett to visit and/or invite to
McHenry. The welcome/or unwelcome feeling visitors may have when entering McHenry was
briefly discussed. Coordinator Wolf outlined the responses received. Director Martin stated he
personally visited 8 businesses starting on Main Street and had good conversations and most people
are generally happy. He suggested members take the time to visit City Electric. Commissioner
Bremer stated she visited three Green Street businesses adjacent to her office and all stated they
like all the activity on Green but were not aware of the Downtown Business Association. Director
Martin stated he, Mayor Jett, and Coordinator Wolf are making a concerted effort to go out and talk
to businesses in the surrounding 15-20 mile area that we would like to draw to McHenry for
additional/expanded locations. Coordinator Wolf shared they are also working on website updates,
social media ads and videos, and marketing of the videos made last year.
Vice-Chairman Mrachek asked for a goal for commissioners to address. Director Martin suggested
they take the time to talk to existing businesses and bring in some new names for Staff to approach
and suggest new businesses McHenry can sustain that we might schedule discussions with, basically
so we can get the pulse of the community. He also asked for direction on which businesses the
commission may be interested in Staff scheduling for tours or speakers they may be interested in
hearing.
Director Martin introduced and welcomed Steve Rankins to the Commission.
Partner Reports
There were no Partner Reports. Coordinator Wolf informed the Commission planning for McHenry
ShamRocks the Fox is underway.
Meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Mike Mrachek, Vice-Chairman
Economic Development Commission