HomeMy Public PortalAbout10-12-2016 Task Force MinutesAdvisory Task Force on Economic Development
Meeting Minutes
October 12, 2016
Village Hall, 24401 W. Lockport Street
Attendees: Steve Preze, Greg Schaefer, Brian Davis, and Trustee O’Rourke.
Staff: Jon Proulx and Jake Melrose.
The meeting was called to order at 7:35a.m. by Chairman Greg Schaefer.
Harold Oliver, Michael Konrad, Cassie Vaughn, and Troy Strange were absent.
Public Comments: None.
Business Meeting
Motion was made by Steve Preze, second by Brian Davis, to approve the minutes of the July
13, 2016 Meeting. Motion passed 3-0.
Jake Melrose introduced the first item of business of the business retention interviews
describing the interviews that staff and the advisory task force attended with local employers:
Logoplaste, Aerotek, and Entec Polymers. Each employer all showed great growth and
possibility for expansions, as well as a desire to stay in the Village.
Small business surveying was also discussed in relation to business retention. Jake Melrose
provided the task force with a draft of a potential online survey that would be utilized to gain
anonymous, pertinent information about the business community as well as how the Village can
do better with its services.
The task force provided some suggestions for structure and language, but otherwise was
supportive of the survey efforts.
The next item of business, Incentive Policy, was introduced by Jake Melrose and provided a
brief summary of the staff report. A discussion ensued regarding a need to update the current
incentive policy.
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Steve Preze suggested that the incentive policy have a broader scope to ensure that the Village
is not restricted to its own policy if a meaningful development is presented but didn’t meet the
specific criteria.
Chairman Greg Schaefer concurred with Mr. Preze that the incentive policy may be too
restrictive and is in need of updating.
All in attendance were in favor of amending the policy. Staff will present a new policy at the
next task force meeting for their review.
The next agenda item, Small Business Saturday, was presented by Jake Melrose stating that
Small Business Saturday was an established day on the Saturday after Christmas between
Black Friday and Cyber Monday to highlight and promote the small businesses of a community
for a day. Staff is currently working with local businesses and the chamber of commerce to
promote the initiative.
Jake Melrose presented the 2017 Advisory Task Force on Economic Development meeting
schedule which will be held on the second Wednesday and quarterly beginning on January 11,
2017. Staff asked if this was still acceptable or if they would like to meet more.
Chairman Schaefer stated that the quarterly meeting would still be acceptable and we could
meet on an ad hoc basis if warranted.
Motion was made by Brian Davis to approve the 2017 schedule for the task force. Steve Preze
seconded. Motion passed 3-0.
The next agenda item, Showcase Networking Event Recap, was presented by Jake Melrose
providing a brief report on the event in September. It was moderately attended and there was
competition from Naperville for a similar event on the same day. That said, it was still attended
by Naperville brokers. Some feedback was provided in regards to what can be done for 2017.
Trustee O’Rourke stated that another community provided a bus trip to its local stakeholders
and developers to bring them around to specific areas of interest. Other communities have also
done golf outings to gain interest. Staff will look to explore options for a 2017 event.
Jon Proulx and Jake Melrose provided a development update to the task force. The following
projects are looking to move forward in the coming months:
x Wash U Car Wash @ Prairie Creek
x Kayak service at Electric Park West
x New Circle K gas station
x Trolley Barn potential leasing
x Development interest of targeted project areas
x Cold calling and marketing activities to specific end users
As there were no other comments or business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15am.
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