McHenry Times

City of McHenry Economic Development Commission met April 25.

Here is the minutes provided by the Commission:

Co-Chairman Jessup called the regularly scheduled April 25, 2018 meeting of the City of McHenry Economic Development Commission to order at 4:00 p.m. In attendance were the following: Bionda, Jessup, Mrachek, and Sterwerf. Absent: Arnold, Joern, Baehne and Alderman Glab. Also in attendance were Mayor Wayne Jett, 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:

Commissioner Bionda stated on page 4 in Old Business he did not make the motion; however Commissioner Mrachek did. It was requested to make the change in the minutes.

Motion by Mrachek seconded by Bionda to approve the March 28, 2018 Regular Meeting minutes of the Economic Development Commission as amended:

Voting Aye: Bionda, Jessup, Mrachek, Sterwerf and Jett.

Voting Nay: None.

Not Voting: None.

Abstaining: None.

Absent: None.

Motion carried 5-0.

1. Review Zagster Program

Economic Development Coordinator Wolf gave an update on moving administration of the Zagster bike share program to Visit McHenry County which will possibly help it to grow county-wide. Commissioner Mrachek stated he fully supports this program and it’s a good tool for tourism.

2. Review 2018 Manufacturing Trade and Industry Expo

Director Martin gave updated dates and marketing information for the 2018 expo which highlights many industries as well as trades.

3. Review Involvement in Incubator Edu with McHenry High School District 156

Director Martin gave a summary of Incubator Edu and encouraged others to consider being a mentor, coach, or to serve on the advisory board.

4. Committee Updates: Tours; Video and Business Recognition

Tours: Commissioner Jessup gave an update on his contact with Glen Starke with IDP (Industrial Plan Tours) in Wauconda who he is working with to discuss implementation and challenges to starting a tour program in McHenry. Commissioner Jessup has also spoken with a few McHenry manufacturing businesses regarding tours and has received a good reception. He is looking forward to have something together by the summer.

Videos: Commissioner Bionda stated the You-Tube video suggestion was explored but will not fit with the commission’s needs. He reached out to MCC and the High Schools regarding their capability to help but it is outside their scope leading us to search for a more professional aspect. It is suggested to contact Visit McHenry County, the Chamber and others to see who they use and interview 3-4 vendors/creative marketing agencies and choose one within our budget to make a promotional city video.

Business Recognition: Commissioners Baehne and Arnold will meet with Director Martin to discuss business recognition next week.

5. New Business and Items for General Discussion

Director Martin summarized his Visit to Scot Forge with Carl Vallianatos of District 156 and informed the Commission National Small Business Week is April 29-May 5, encouraging them to spread the word. Small business is considered any business with 500 employees or less, therefore encompassing many businesses.

Director Martin opened a discussion regarding meeting dates, exploring changing the entire Economic Commission meeting schedule to accommodate a conflict in the Mayor’s schedule. Commissioner Mrachek suggested Tuesdays. It was tentatively agreed to change future meetings to Tuesdays at 4:00pm (last Tuesday of the month). This change will be offered to all via email for discussion and confirmation.

Mayor Jett informed the Commission that Commissioner Joern has to withdraw his appointment due to relocation. A new member will be appointed soon. Alderman Glab will no longer be a part of the EDC and another alderman will be appointed at the next City Council meeting – possibly Alderman Schaefer.

6. Old Business - Liaison Reporting:

a. Riverwalk Foundation

Mayor Jett stated the Foundation met recently to discuss financials and a design build aspect of the Riverwalk that would be a cost-saving measure as well as a good opportunity. John Cunat was contacted and is willing to donate time to consider this and also made a sizeable donation to fulfill their commitment to the Riverwalk and the community. They are also looking to dredge the creek from the river to Route 120 and are in contact with necessary officials to get it facilitated in a timely manner. Discussion ensued.

b. Chamber of Commerce

Commissioner Mrachek stated the McHenry Chamber of Commerce Spring Scramble is Friday, the golf league is starting in May, and summer events and Fiesta Days are in planning stages.

c. Downtown Business Association

Commissioner Bionda stated the DBA is excited about the turnout of Shamrocks the Fox from a business perspective. They would like to see an earlier start time for alcohol sales, have events for children in Veterans Park, more portable bathrooms and garbage receptacles available throughout the city. Discussed other upcoming events.

d. Downtown SuperGroup

Mayor Jett stated a meeting was held April 25 with various businesses, Downtown Business Association, Chamber of Commerce and city members to discuss the possibility of a committee or commission being started for City-wide special events to bring all entities together to collaborate on events. It was agreed to pursue establishment of the committee and bring this to City Council for approval. Also discussed were projecting signs to be offered to downtown businesses to create an atmosphere of unity and downtown revitalization.

e. Landmark Commission

Director Martin stated that the city hired a consultant to see the economic possibilities available using Petersen Farm and a report is being prepared for City Council.

f. Planning & Zoning Commission

Director Martin stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission has two Speedway gas station locations being considered at the May 7 City Council meeting along with Jexals Restaurant and updates to the Comprehensive Plan. The next meeting on May 16, 2018 includes a proposed addition to the Aldi Food store.

7. ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Bionda and seconded by Sterwerf to adjourn the meeting at 4:50p.m.

Voting Aye: Bionda, Jessup, Mrachek, Sterwerf, and Jett.

Voting Nay: None.

Not Voting: None.

Abstaining: None.

Absent: Arnold, Joern, Baehne, Glab.

Motion carried 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 4:50 p.m.

https://www.ci.mchenry.il.us/vertical/sites/%7B32BA702A-197A-429A-BC8D-0F4D5E307CAD%7D/uploads/EDMIN_04-25-2018.pdf