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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 09/24/2019 - Economic Development CommissionCity of McHenry Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes September 24, 2019 Chairman Jessup called the September 24, 2019 regular meeting of the City of McHenry Economic Development Commission to order at 4:00 p.m. In attendance were the following: Bremer, Jessup, Mrachek, Pfeifer, Tenuto and Mayor Jett. Absent: Bionda, Alderman Schaefer. 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 Mrachek, to approve the June 25, 2019 Special Meeting minutes of the Economic Development Commission, as presented: Voting Aye: Bremer, Jessup, Mrachek, and Tenuto. Voting Nay: None. Not Voting: None. Abstaining: Jett, Pfeifer. Absent: Bionda and Schaefer. Motion carried 4-0. Business Recognition-Mr. Don’s Cleaners Director Martin congratulated Rich Wimmer and Mr. Don’s Cleaners on 50 years of business in the City of McHenry, gave some of the history behind the business and presented them with an award of recognition. Mr. Wimmer thanked the Commission for the recognition. New Business Updates Director Martin gave an update on new businesses recently opened or opening soon including: Above the Barre Dance Academy 5308 W. Elm St./Rt. 120; Unicorn Details 3980 Albany; City Electric Supply 4030 Main St.; Val's Salon 3402 Elm St./Rt. 120; and Pink Nails 1226 Green St., Brake Parts Research and Development Facility, Starbucks on Elm St./Route 120, Jersey Mike's and Popeye's Chicken on Route 31 North, Trio gas station at Bull Valley and Crystal Lake Rd, Ignite Skilled Nursing Facility at Ridgeview and Bull Valley Road, and Pineapple X'Pressed on Green Street (River Place building) and Hidden Pearl Cafe (also on Green St.), and Don's Submarine and CE Nail Salon and Spa in the Fountain Shoppes on Front St./Rt 31 South. There was discussion on how the Economic Development Commission can help in the upward trend due to increasing housing, growth of the schools, Northwestern Medical and the efforts of the City and the Economic Development Team. Commissioner Pfeifer suggested forming a mentor program to help new business-owners or entrepreneurs on how to connect and be a part of the community. Economic Development Commission September 24, 2019 Page 2 Small Business Grant Discussion/Recommendation Coordinator Wolf gave an overview of the City of Crystal Lake’s Retailer Façade and Commercial Tenant Improvement Program and Matching Grant Application, brought to her attention by a small business owner who was looking to open a second location in McHenry. The business owner stated this grant was instrumental in allowing her with help needed to open her business and inquired if McHenry had a similar program. Coordinator Wolf explained the City of Crystal Lake’s 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 City of Crystal Lake budgets for 8 grants issued per year and have stated they have never had an issue with limiting to this number. Discussion on the many benefits of implementing a similar program in McHenry ensued. Commissioner Jessup asked for a motion to recommend the City of McHenry implement a grant for small businesses similar to the City of Crystal Lake Retailer Façade and Commercial Tenant Improvement Program and Matching Grant Application. Motion by Mrachek seconded by Bremer to recommend the City of McHenry implement a grant for small businesses similar to the City of Crystal Lake Retailer Façade and Commercial Tenant Improvement Program and Matching Grant Application and submit it for consideration by City Council. Voting Aye: Bremer, Jessup, Mrachek, Pfeifer, and Jett. Voting Nay: None. Not Voting: None. Abstaining: None. Absent: Bionda, Schaefer. Motion carried 5-0. Committee Reports Business Recognition Committee Mrachek, Wolf (Length of Years in City and/or Significant Civic or Community Contributions to the City) The following additional businesses are known to have business anniversaries in 2019. Commissioner Mrachek and Coordinator Wolf will work on a strategy along with collaboration with the Chamber to reach out and get information and plan award presentations for them. Chas Herdrich – 86 years Rietesel Boat – 80 years Morrie & Sons Auto – 60 years Tony’s Family Tailor – 30 years OrthoGro Physical Therapy – 30 years Joule Technologies – 20 years Economic Development Commission September 24, 2019 Page 3 Outreach and Engagement Committee Bremer, Tenuto, Martin (Business Attraction, Retention Survey, Branding, Marketing, Video Distribution) The committee met twice and will take direction from today’s meeting in working on a local business campaign, a mentoring aspect, and developing a social media policy. They have been updated on vacant property/building opportunities in the City and want to highlight what makes McHenry a destination City, and determine how and frequency to property showcase the City through visits, ribbon cuttings, videos, signage, and links to McHenry MarketPulse on social media, as well as the Economic Development and Business pages of the City’s website. They will be working on having a consistent plan approach and having measurable action items. They will work on showcasing McHenry throughout the County and the border towns and how to recognize businesses of tenure vs. new businesses in town. Relationship Building Committee Pfeifer, Schaefer (Other City Committees/Associations, Businesses and Chamber Members, Tours) This committee will be meeting in the very near future. Development Committee Jessup and Bionda (Recruiting a Full, Engaged Commission Membership) Commissioner Jessup stated they have obtained several tools to use as resources in recruiting other members in order to get a fully functioning and fully staffed commission. He asked Mayor Jett to work with them to set up a meeting with him in order to clarify their direction to help fill vacant seats to be in compliance with the ordinance. They will reach out to the other committees regarding getting new members. There is currently one vacancy on the Commission. Strategic Economic Development Plan Commissioners Jessup and Mrachek asked Mayor Jett what his vision is for the Economic Development Commission. Mayor Jett replied he would like them to help fill vacant storefronts, spread the word, hit businesses outside a 10 mile radius and see if they’re willing to open a location in McHenry. His number one vision is business attraction – bringing more businesses into McHenry It was suggested to get an invitation type post card printed with contact information for the Economic Development Commission, similar to a sales brochure, for everyone to leave with potential businesses they speak with to help promote the City. Partner Committee Reports: Reports were given by respective member of the commission. Director Martin invited everyone to attend the MTI Expo this Thursday 9/26 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Chairman Jessup concluded asking all members to focus on moving forward in the direction given at tonight’s meeting. Staff Report The next Economic Development Commission is scheduled for Tuesday November 26, 2019. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday it was voted to change the date of the next regularly scheduled meeting to Economic Development Commission September 24, 2019 Page 4 November 12, 2019. It was also agreed by all to change the set up of the meeting to a more informal setting. Motion to Adjourn by Pfeifer; Seconded by Tenuto All members in favor. Meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _______________________________ Rob Jessup, Chairman Economic Development Commission