Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Economic Development Committee met Feb. 19.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Present: Chairperson Trish Connor, Alderpersons, Jeff Jenkins, Gary Sharp and Economic Development Director Amanda Beadies

Absent: Mayor Hughes, Courtney Gehrig

Public Comment:

There were no public comments.

PURPOSE:

Budget Review

Director Beadles reported on the TIF current project balances, HELP loan funds, Façade Programs and the Consultants budget.

Economic Development Q3 Report

Director Beadles presented the Committee with the Q3 Economic Development Report. She highlighted some areas of the report including sales Tax and video gaming financials, council items approved, new businesses, quarterly marketing efforts. Other activities during Q3 were a presentation on the updates of chillicothe to the Peoria Area Realtors Association, work with Tri-County Regional Planning Commission, Holiday Tree Lighting event, Auduobon work day at the Chillicothe Bottoms and meeting with Pedro Santana for the Back 2 Business grant.

Delinquent HELP Loans

Director Beadles reported sending an email to the business formerly at 806 N 2nd Street. No payment as of todays meeting. The consensus of the committee is to have Director Beadles reach out again and if no response give to attorney to follow up. Alderperson Connor presented update on the business formerly at 1249 N 4th Street. Attorney Day informed Mike Mahoney that the city would be keeping the trailer. The consensus of the committee was to continue pursuing deed in lieu of foreclosure.

TIF Central Business Funds

Director Beadles reported on the TIF remaining budget. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee is to firm up the numbers with Denise and city engineer for the 2024-2025 budget.

Request for Proposals – City Property First and Walnut

Director Beadles reported interest in the property on First and Walnut. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to wait on marketing this property for the time being.

Economic Development Data Options

Next Site/Alpha Map

Placer.ai

Director Beadles presented two proposals for local business data. This data could serve as 1) Business attraction and 2)Business retention including showing business the communities in which their customers come from. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to forward the Next Site/Alpha Map proposal to council.

Grant Updates

DCEO HR220075 - $400,000 - The Property Purchase agreement has been approved by council and signed by Mayor and will be mailed to Jack Murphy's attorney.

DCEO SR220071 - $250,000 - Director Beadles stated there would be an upcoming meeting regarding the drainage projects.

ARPA - Director Beadles reported $601,461.01 remaining in the ARPA budget line item. She reported projects must be approved by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026.

Update - Marketing & Tourism

Director Beadles reported the Marketing & Tourism Commission consensus was a larger tourism guide that would include Henry, Lacon and Chillicothe was not cost efficient and to create something closer to the current visitors Tri- fold. Director Beadles reported a meeting with Hometown Consultants who are contracted with the City of Henry. She stated they were working with the National Travel Center and would be filling out a grant on behalf of Chillicothe, Lacon and Henry. This grant would be focused on historic tourism. The purpose of their visit was to request a letter of support in which Director Beadles delivered.

Message Center - Director Beadles presented the March Messages and reviewed messages regarding enrollments. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to follow the guidelines and not include enrollment messages and to continue to market events per the guidelines.

SUMMARY

Chairperson Action: Alderperson Trish to report the letter of support for the collaborative grant headed by Hometown Consultants and the National Travel Center.

Council Agenda Items:

Approve - Next Site/Alpha Map proposal

Adjourn: 5:32pm

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/02.19.24%20edc%20minutes.pdf