HomeMy Public PortalAboutED Task Force Minutes 10-11-17
Advisory Task Force on Economic Development
Meeting Minutes
October 11, 2017
Village Hall, 24401 W. Lockport Street
Attendees: Steve Preze, Greg Schaefer, Lee Goodson-Hassert, Troy Strange, Trustee
O’Rourke, and two members of the public.
Staff: Jake Melrose, Jon Proulx.
The meeting was called to order at 7:32AM by Chairman Greg Schaefer.
Michael Konrad, Cassie Vaughn, and Harold Oliver were absent.
Public Comments: None.
Business Meeting
Motion was made by Ms. Goodson-Hassert to approve the July 12, 2017 task force minutes.
Seconded by Mr. Preze. Motion carried.
Mr. Schaefer asked staff to present the agenda item Economic Development Strategy.
Mr. Melrose stated staff provided an update to the village business plan that incorporates the
task force’s recommendations, such as the consideration of multi-family development to allow
for balanced housing, especially near the downtown core.
Mr. Preze provided a suggestion of incorporating the need for this type of housing as it relates
to the recruitment of specific industries.
Mr. Melrose stated that this could be incorporated into the recruitment section of industrial
business as well. Mr. Melrose briefed the task force on other amendments to the business
plan such as new recruitment goals, as well as impact/development fee adjustments.
The task force agreed that another meeting in November would be appropriate to discuss the
goals in further detail.
Mr. Schaefer introduced the next agenda item – Downtown Shopping Initiative.
Mr. Melrose stated that there has been some difficulty not only recruiting small business retail to
the downtown core but retaining this business as well. Staff had interview out going businesses
in Plainfield that was also located in other communities. These communities offered a small
business grant program that provided startup assistance for them. Staff seeks the task force’s
recommendations on the matter.
The task force agreed that it was worth more investigation and for staff to pursue more research
on the programming and present the findings once completed.
Mr. Schaefer asked staff to present the next agenda item, Hotel Feasibility Study.
Staff stated that the village has garnered some interest with hotel developers with recent visits
from multiple developers touring the village. Each developer believes the village is close to
obtaining a hotel; however, they would require a hotel feasibility study to illustrate the demand
and need for this that will also present a basic proforma, site selection rankings, and any
economic gaps that may be present.
Mr. Preze made a motion to recommend approval of the study. Seconded by Mr. Strange. The
task force recommended to the village move forward with the study.
Mr. Schaefer introduced the next agenda item – Networking Event.
Staff briefly discussed that staff will be looking to have a similar networking event than last year
on Thursday November 2nd.
Staff also provided an update on specific project areas including the downtown, village center,
the Boulevard, and the Route 59 north corridor, as well as the housing market.
Mr. Preze made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Ms. Goodson-Hassert. All in
favor.
Meeting adjourned at 9:05a.m.