Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Economic Development Committee met March 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

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

Public Comment:

In the audience: Connie Schrock, Jamie Schrock, Shawn Yarger, Steve McMahill and Stephanie Greanias

PURPOSE:

Budget Review

Director Beadles reported the balances on the TIF Central, HELP (1 slow pay HELP loan and 1 default HELP loan), Façade, interest on TIF and HELP loan accounts and Consultant Budget. No consensus needed.

Peoria County - Bison-tennial art project

Director Beadles reported on the Bison-tennial art project. Because of the quick turnaround on this project it was determined to be paid for out of city budget. She will meet with ODG on Thursday at 3pm to discuss potential costs of applying logos to the bison. The cost of the bison is $2,500. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to forward to council for approval.

HELP Loan - Northtown Grill - Connie Schrock

Director Beadles presented a HELP loan application to the committee. She discussed the loan financing request and stated Connie was working on her 30% portion of the HELP loan. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to forward to council for approval to send to the attorney.

Façade Application - Matt Kenady/Edward Jones

Director Beadles presented a facade application for Matt Kenady to the committee. She discussed the details of the façade. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to forward to council for approval.

Façade Application 2025-2026 Update

Director Beadles presented a facade application to the committee. She discussed the request to remove the language for the back of the building that restricted to public entrances. "public entrances including" and "Only façade areas fully visible from the business address side of the property" She stated if approved these changes would apply to the 2025- 2026 fiscal year. She also stated that Grecian Gardens is interested in a façade for the back of their building. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to forward to council for approval.

Grant Updates

DCEO HR220075/$400,000 & SR220071/$250,000 - Director Beadles reported attending the Pre-construction meeting on February 28, 2025 with GA Rich and City Engineer Dave Horton. She stated Dave reviewed the agenda with GA Rich. Start Date would begin June 2, 2025 following summer vacation for IVC District 321. Substantial Completion on or before August 8, 2025 and final completion date of August 22, 2025. No consensus was needed.

ARPA - Director Beadles reported a NEU webinar scheduled on March 20, 2025 to discuss reports due in April. She has given Director Shawn Sutherland the ARPA project expenditures remaining to complete prior to December 31, 2026. No consensus was needed.

EPA Lead Service Grant - Nothing new to report. No consensus was needed.

Updates:

Economic Development - Director Beadles reported:

• Attending the 26th Annual Rural Community Economic Development Conference and attending presentations regarding Revitalizing Rural Illinois communities, addressing social isolation, loneliness, and connection; Reviving the Heart of your town; Incorporating Humanities into your town and the Importance of Early Childhood for Community Well-being and Economic Development.

• Attending the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Full Commission on March 5, 2025. She reported two tasks from the meeting 1) Check on the ADA Transition Plan and report back to Tri-County and to review the Unified Planning Work Program before March 19, 2025 and report back to Tri-County.

• Reaching out to Timi's Tours as a potential way to increase tourism. She will pitch some itineraries for their review.

• The Chamber announced they will not have an awards luncheon this year due to many factors. They will hold one in December for the 2025 year. Director Beadles recommends holding the Civic Award Ceremony at a future council meeting.

• She is planning to attend the Illinois Economic Development Association (IEPA) conference June 11-12th at Four Points by Sheraton in Peoria.

Marketing & Tourism - Director Beadles reported the M&T Commission support the creation of a Sweet Corn Festival in lieu of the Downtown Thursdays. The date is being set for July 19, 2025.

Comprehensive Plan - Director Beadles reported the Comprehensive Plan draft would be presented at the March 24th Council meeting.

Bike Path - Director Beadles reported construction flags are out construction to begin at the end of 2024-25 academic year (May 16, 2024) and work to be completed by August 29, 2025.

Viaduct City agreement with TCRPC of $15,000 approved through council will be placed in the 2025-2026 budget.

SUMMARY

Chairperson Action

Council Agenda Items

• Peoria County - Bison-tennial art project

• HELP Loan - Northtown Grill - Connie Schrock

• Façade Application - Matt Kenady/Edward Jones

• Façade Application 2025-2026 Update

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/03.12.2025%20edc.pdf