Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Economic Development Committee met March 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Present: Chairperson Trish Connor, Jeff Jenkins, Gary Sharp, Mayor Hughes and Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles

Absent: Alderpersons Courtney Gehrig

Public Comment:

Teresa Rusk was in the audience. She thanked the committee for the TIF funds, thanked Director Beadles for her support through the TIF process, encouragement and promotion of her business and reported on her project at 935 N Second Street. She discussed some of the hurdles of renovating and old building, the need for the city's continued investment into the Historic Downtown buildings and the need for public restrooms.

PURPOSE:

Budget Review

Director Beadles reported the balances on the TIF Central, HELP Façade, interest on TIF and HELP loan accounts and Consultant Budget. She reported that the HELP loan for the business formerly at 701 N 4th Street has been paid in full with an overage payment that is being refunded and the attorney has sent a proposed release to Mike Mahoney.

Delinquent HELP Loans

Director Beadles reported sending a late payment email to the business at 951 N 2nd Street and picking up a payment from the business formerly at 806 N 2nd Street.

Attorney Day reported on the business formerly at 1249 N 4th Street. He reported the title company should be finishing up today and attorney Mike Mahoney has the Deed in Lieu of foreclosure. He expects the process to finish up in about two weeks.

HELP loan - Sweet Finds

Director Beadles reported the HELP loan agreement payment consolidation has been a long process. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to move the payment HELP loan date to April to accommodate the business.

EPA Lead Service Line Inventory Grant

Director Beadles reported Shawn Sutherland requested a EPA grant to be filled out. Director Sutherland and Director Beadles met with Michaels Schultz supplies and discussed ways to utilize the grant. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to have Dr. Culbertson move forward and write the grant and have Director Beadles to submit on behalf of the City.

Consultant Contract

Director Beadles addressed the Consultant Contract was up for renewal. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to renew Dr. Culbertson's contract for another year.

Grant Updates

DCEO HR220075 - $400,000 and DCEO SR220071 - $250,000 - Director Beadles reported a meeting with the City engineer, the Mayor, Superintendent Sutherland and Office Manager Passage regarding the work to be completed on both grants. She reported the City Engineer has been approved by council to bid the projects.

ARPA - Director Beadles reported receiving a notice of the April 2023 report was not in compliance. She reported sending them the proof that the reports had been submitted. She then received a note of apology. Next report due in April 2024.

Updates:

Economic Development - Director Beadles Reported:

Attending the Illinois Rural Economic Development Conference February 28th & 29th. Information on new TIFs and Business Development Districts was obtained.

March 15th - Leaving early to go to Rotary training in Springfield

March 19-21 Illinois Government Conference of Tourism & Travel would be held in Peoria.

The CEDS Annual Report has been released. This has been a project that Director Beadles has been involved with since 2019.

Wednesday, April 17th at noon at the Library is the Chamber/City Annual awards ceremony

Marketing & Tourism

Alderperson Don White of the Judicial Committee is working on new rules for short term rentals that would increase the Hotel/Motel Tax fund.

The 2024-2025 M&T budget had a final review and was approved.

The Visitors guide was reviewed and changes were suggested by the Commission members

Comprehensive Plan

Director Beadles has turned over the Comprehensive plan to Andy Ruhland. A steering committee is currently being developed and a committee meeting date is being planned. We reviewed the list of accomplishments and that will be sent to Tri-County.

Bike Path

Director Beadles reported the bike path committee was meeting on Thursday.

Key points to cover -

о Land where the bike path will go

о $30k gap between what the city has approved and the ITEP grant submission. That will be addressed in next years budget.

SUMMARY

Chairperson Action

Council Agenda Items

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/03.12.24%20edc%20minutes.pdf