Peoria Standard

City of East Peoria City Council met Nov. 19.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Mayor John P. Kahl called the Working Session of the City Council of East Peoria, Illinois to order at 5:15 P.M. with the meeting having been properly noticed.

Upon the roll being called the following answered present: Mayor John P. Kahl, Commissioners Daniel S. Decker, Mark E. Hill, Seth D. Mingus, and Michael L. Sutherland.

Absent: None.

Mayor Kahl explained that the City Council is meeting for a Working Session and that no formal business will be conducted by the City Council at the meeting. He explained that the purpose of the meeting is to have a Working Session regarding a presentation by Chris Setti on the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council (the “Greater Peoria EDC”). Mayor Kahl turned the discussion over to Director of Planning and Community Development, Ty Livingston. Director Livingston introduced Mr. Setti to the City Council and gave an overview of the Greater Peoria EDC. Director Livingston explained that the Greater Peoria EDC is the frontline of economic development and assists site selectors. He explained that the Greater Peoria EDC also deals with retention, organizes trips to visit other site selectors, and organizes regional gatherings to promote regional comradery.

Mr. Setti thanked Director Livingston and the City Council. He explained that the Greater Peoria EDC is a regional organization that represents five counties. It is both an implementation organization and a planning organization (economic development strategy). It is important that regional economic development is supported as each community depends upon others. The organization collaborates with regional partners. Mr. Setti commented on the Tazewell County employment over an almost five-year time period. There has been an increase in the number of jobs and Tazewell County is generally in line with the employment for the State and Nation. The Tazewell County employment numbers that were discussed do not measure those that are unable to work or those that choose not to work. Mr. Setti described services that are provided by the Greater Peoria EDC including (1) Workforce Solutions, (2), Business Outreach, (3), Business Attraction, and (4) Innovation and Startup. Under Workforce Solutions services, the Greater Peoria EDC has implemented the following events and programs, including Career Spark, Pathways Credentials Pilot, Internships at Caterpillar and UnityPoint, and ICC Workforce Sustainability Center. As part of Business Outreach, the Greater Peoria Area EDC created ElevateGP Business Visits, Greater Peoria Manufacturing Network, and Illinois Defense Network. Under the Business Attraction services provided, the Greater Peoria EDC has provided both Site Selection Management and Out of Region Visits. Under the Innovation and Startup services, the Greater Peoria EDC created Co-Starters and Brave Launch, Corporate Innovation, and the “Peoria Innovation Hub”. Mr. Setti explained that there is an innovation farm in East Peoria so that people who are working at the Peoria Innovation Hub can have a farm on which to research. Mr. Setti described recent initiatives and successes including Greater Peoria Homecoming; The Big Table Greater Peoria, Shop Local 365, and Conference on Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

After Mr. Setti concluded his presentation, Mayor Kahl asked for any questions from the City Council. There was no response.

Mayor Kahl explained that the city pledges $10,000 annually and the city has an agenda item to approve that pledge annually.

Mayor Kahl asked for comments from the audience. There was no response.

Motion by Commissioner Decker, seconded by Commissioner Mingus; Mr. Mayor, I move you that we adjourn the meeting.

Yeas: Commissioners Decker, Hill, Mingus, and Sutherland and Mayor Kahl.

Nays: None.

Mayor Kahl declared the motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 5:46 P.M.

https://www.cityofeastpeoria.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11192019-710