HomeMy Public PortalAboutED Task Force Minutes 7-11-18
Advisory Task Force on Economic Development
Meeting Minutes
July 11, 2018
Village Hall, 24401 W. Lockport Street
Attendees: Greg Schaefer, Lee Goodson-Hassert, Trustee O’Rourke, and no members from
the public.
Staff: Jake Melrose
The meeting was called to order at 7:30AM by Chairman Greg Schaefer.
Michael Konrad, Harold Oliver, Troy Strange, Cassie Vaughn, and Steven Preze was absent.
Public Comments: None.
Business Meeting
A quorum was not present to vote on any agenda items including the minutes.
Mr. Melrose provided a summary of the fire sprinkler grant program. Staff is currently
investigating a partnership with the fire district to incentivize installing sprinkler systems in older
structures. When a use changes and the building is 2,000 SF or more, the fire district requires a
sprinkler system. It can be financially difficult sometimes for small businesses to take on this
burden.
Mr. Melrose also presented the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing program
that was approved by the state in August of 2017. The program allows a project to finance
clean energy costs of a project by creating a new item on their property tax bill, which allows the
development to free up additional capital. Mr. Schaefer stated that it seemed like a good
economic development tool and the village should look at implementing the program if it helps
to move projects forward.
The task force discussed the joint meeting that was held with the Village Board and the
presentation that was given in regards to the task force’s on going activities. Overall the task
force thought the presentation went well and will look to move forward on the economic
development plan revision.
Staff provided a summary of RECon 2018, which is the largest retail convention in the U.S. and
located in Las Vegas, NV. Staff attended meeting with multiple users and developers. Staff has
garnered interest and feels like the presence of the village at these conventions is paying off by
continually being in contact with them. Economic development is long term with most deals
taking a minimum of 3 years or more from first speaking with a prospect to them committing to a
site or project.
Staff discussed potential retention interviews looking to schedule interviews with the retail major
anchors of the community. Mr. Schaefer agreed this would be a good initiative for the end of
the year.
Staff provided an update on multiple projects in the Plainfield area.
Meeting adjourned at 8:33a.m.