HomeMy Public PortalAboutED Task Force Minutes 7-12-17
Advisory Task Force on Economic Development
Meeting Minutes
July 12, 2017
Village Hall, 24401 W. Lockport Street
Attendees: Steve Preze, Greg Schaefer, Lee Goodson-Hassert, Harold Oliver, Cassie Vaughn,
Trustee O’Rourke, and two members of the public.
Staff: Jake Melrose.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30AM by Chairman Greg Schaefer.
Michael Konrad & Troy Strange was absent.
Public Comments: None.
Business Meeting
Motion was made by Mr. Preze to approve the April 12, 2017 task force minutes. Seconded by
Ms. Vaughn. Motion carried.
Mr. Schaefer asked staff to present the agenda item Economic Development Strategic Planning.
Mr. Melrose presented the agenda item stating the Village Board recently held workshops that
review the status of the strategic planning goals. In the strategic plan, there are multiple goals
that correlate with economic development. Staff wanted to update the task force in regards to
these goals and where staff is currently with achieving them.
A conversation ensued regarding adding to these goals in regards to economic development
initiatives and the best approach to advising the Village Board.
Mr. Oliver stated that the task force can take a more active role in advising the Village Board
regarding these goals and adding new initiatives and business recruitment.
Mr. Schaefer added that new industries can be added to the priority recruitment list due to the
retail industry’s volatility, such as hotels.
Mr. Melrose stated that staff has been working to recruit interest in the hotel industry but
formalizing it would be a good step forward.
It was agreed that staff would look into a possible special meeting to go over these ideas and
inform the task force.
Mr. Schaefer asked staff to present the next agenda item, U.S. Route 30 TIF Update.
Staff stated that this is the primary goal identified by the Village Board to achieve in the next
year and see the analysis completed. In order to do so, there are three due diligence items that
are needed to be completed prior to doing so that require the cooperation of property owners.
Staff has made progress on all these items within the past month and is hopeful to have
everything moving forward late summer/early fall.
Mr. Schaefer introduced the next agenda item, RECon Summary, asking staff to preset the
report.
Mr. Melrose stated that RECon is the largest retailer convention in the U.S. housing most every
active retailer in the country at the event. In staff’s day-to-day, a retailer gap analysis is
prepared and utilized to identified retailer’s that are not located in the village and to determine
their existing trade areas and whether or not we meet their standard site criteria.
Using this data, staff is able to identify select retailers at the conference that have a higher
probability of locating in the village. Staff also spoke with multiple developers regarding larger
development areas including the Boulevard, Village Center, and 119th St Shops at the polo Club
parcel. Most conversations were the same in that if the village wanted to see something of a
larger caliber retail development with dining and shopping it would require some form of mixed-
use.
Mr. O’Rourke stated that he would like to see staff continue to go to RECon and recommends
that the Village do so in 2018. The task force affirmed this recommendation.
Mr. Schaefer asked staff to present the next agenda item, Events.
Staff briefed the task force upcoming events including a progressive dinner, networking event,
and Small Business Saturday event.
Mr. Schaefer asked staff to present the final agenda item, Economic Development Update.
Staff provided an update on project areas, including the Boulevard, Prairie Creek, Village
Center, Downtown Fire Station, Baci’s, and retention visits with small businesses.
Mr. Melrose concluded that the next scheduled meeting is in October.
Mr. Oliver made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mr. Preze. All in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 9:01a.m.