HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 12/17/2019 - Economic Development CommissionCity of McHenry
Economic Development Commission
Meeting Minutes
December 17, 2019
Vice-Chairman Mrachek called the December 17, 2019 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, Tenuto, Alderman Schaefer, and Mayor Jett. Absent: Jessup, Pfeifer. 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.
Approval of Minutes
Motion by Tenuto, seconded by Bremer, to approve the September 24, 2019 Regular Meeting
minutes of the Economic Development Commission, as presented:
Voting Aye: Bremer, Mrachek, and Tenuto.
Voting Nay: None.
Not Voting: None.
Abstaining: Bionda and Schaefer.
Absent: Jessup, Jett and Pfeifer.
Motion carried 3-0.
New Business Updates
Director Martin gave updates including status of a grant applied for to update our Comprehensive
Plan Map with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency on Planning (CMAP), a joint grant with the County
on the Fox River Corridor, Jessup Manufacturing’s expansion construction, Ignite skilled nursing
project on Bull Valley Road, the new Trio Fueling Station opening soon and status of the gas station
at Ringwood Road and Elm Street and the building at 4410 W. Elm Street.
Discussion ensued regarding the process for license selection for cannabis facilities and their
entrance into the McHenry market. Director Martin announced McHenry County Glass will be
closing and Dental USA will be moving into the space from McCullom Lake leaving a portion of the
building, including high ceilings, for rent. Single family home permits are doing well, the former
Ricky Rockets construction will begin in the spring as a Thorntons. The owners of Twisted Limits
Escape Room are in the process of opening a Nerf Gun and Laser Tag arena in McHenry Market
Place Shopping Center and several other developments are in the concept planning and discussion
stages around town.
Mayor Jett arrived at 4:10 p.m.
Director Martin stated Brake Parts finished buildout of their research and development facility on
Industrial Drive, and a new City Planner will be starting employment in January.
Economic Development Commission
December 17, 2019
Page 2
Small Business Grant Discussion
Coordinator Wolf presented a draft City of McHenry Commercial Tenant Incentive Grant Program,
Grant Application, and sample Grant Agreement for the Commission to review. This program is
entirely funded by the sales tax generated by the new business. It is paid out at the end of the year
by the Finance Department after $150,000 in sales tax is generated as reported by the Illinois
Department of Revenue.
The program was reviewed and after discussion on maximum awards and award calculations for
existing businesses, as well as building owner consent (in the event of a tenant application)
direction was given for all commission members to review the information and eligibility criteria and
return comments to Coordinator Wolf by January 6 to implement into a draft to send to Attorney
McArdle. Discussion included whether the match percentage award calculation should be a lesser
amount for exterior façade improvements than for building improvements and FFE. Suggested
Maximum Award Amounts were:
Annual Taxable Sales Maximum Grant Award
$150K - $500K $5,000
$500K - $1.0M $10,000
$1.1M – $2.5M $15,000
$2.6M - $5.0M+ $20,000
Committee Reports
Vice Chairman Mrachek stated committees were formed at the beginning of the year based on the
Strategic Planning Session held, however, not much progress was made using this format so staff is
proposing to eliminate the committees. Director Martin passed a sample Business Attraction
postcard to all members that will be printed for Commission members to invite businesses they visit
to consider a location in the City of McHenry. Mayor Jett asked for the Commission’s focus to be on
new businesses and business retention and requested the commission work together as a
committee of the whole in regard to relationship building and developing new commission
members. City Staff along with Mayor Jett will continue to invite all Commission members to attend
any business recognition events that are held.
All commission members are asked to visit or reach out to (1-3) businesses they would like to see
stay in McHenry and talk to them/ask them questions such as: What is the City doing right or
wrong? What can we offer them that would help keep them in the City? Sending discussion
information via email to Coordinator Wolf to prepare an outline for the Commission to review at the
next meeting.
By Monday, January 6, all commission members are asked to send a list of businesses they would
like to see in McHenry (3-5 names) 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.
Economic Development Commission
December 17, 2019
Page 3
Partner Committee Reports:
Moving forward it was agreed to remove the word “committee” from this agenda item and invite
updates as needed regarding the groups as they have business that is related to economic
development in the City.
Approval of 2020 Meeting Schedule
The meeting schedule as presented was motioned for approval by Commissioner Tenuto and
seconded by Mayor Jett. Motion was approved by all present. The next Economic Development
Commission is scheduled for Tuesday January 28, 2020. The less formal meeting setup was
approved and will be continued.
Meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________________
Mike Mrachek, Vice-Chairman
Economic Development Commission