Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Economic Development Committee met April 15.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Present: Chairperson Trish Connor, Alderpersons Jeff Jenkins and Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles

Public Comment:

None

PURPOSE:

Budget Review

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

HELP Loan Northtown Grill - Connie Schrock

Director Beadles reported sending a non-disclosure sent to Kevin for entity working on the Financial review. She reported the redevelopment agreement was sent by Kevin that day and would need to be reviewed. Consensus of the committee was to move the HELP loan application to the financial committee for review.

Façade application eligibility uses

Director Beadles reported sending an email announcement out to all businesses. Eight returned requests for façade application. Director Beadles reported a business asked if the façade could pay for fencing around the garbage cans that were in the front of the business. The committee was in favor but asked to run by the city attorney to make sure it was legal to do so. She also asked the committee if Churches may submit façade application as it is not stated otherwise on the application. She reported that the application states "by business owners to enhance their building FACADES." The committee questioned if Churches were businesses. The consensus of the committee's initial response was churches were not businesses but have Director Beadles check with other municipalities do and to then run it by the city attorney.

Donation Fireworks Committee

Director Beadles submitted the 4th of July fireworks request for $2,500. She stated it was a budgeted item. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee is to submit to council for approval.

Alpha map agreement

Director Beadles submitted the Alpha Map agreement. This software provides data to our region for events and for potential business attraction. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee is to submit to council for approval.

Grant Updates

DCEO HR220075/$400,000 & SR220071/$250,000

Director Beadles reported the detention basin is being excavated. Work on Bradley should begin after school is out in May and complete before School begins in fall. Monthly reports are up to date.

ARPA - Director Beadles reported the ARPA report is due April 30th to the Treasury is working and will be submitted on time.

EPA Lead Service Grant - Director Beadles reported receiving the first bill for the Lead Service Grant from TWM. The first 1⁄2 of this grant has been received. The last half will be submitted once project is complete.

Updates:

Economic Development

Peoria County - Bison-tennial art project is working through Owens Design Group. The fiberglass bison was delivered to them Tuesday, April 8th. They are working on a proof of the design.

Director Beadles stated she would talk to the Mayor regarding the Consultant contract 2025-2026 and would follow up on this with the committee.

Director Beadles reported the following time out of the office:

Conferences:

IEZA conference in Springfield 5/7-5/9

IEDA conference in Peoria 6/1-6/2

Vacation:

Vacation May 19-23

She reported the website contract was coming due. The major issues with the Website have been resolved, the cost is low in comparison to pricing received from other website developers.

Marketing & Tourism

Director Beadles discussed the Top 10 Things to do in Chillicothe, Timi's Tours Itinerary and upcoming events:

April 19 Easter Egg Round up city park

April 24 Brian Fox Ellis River Stories

April 23 Pearce Community Center 25th year celebration

Comprehensive Plan

Director Beadles reported the special council meeting on April 21st for Tri-County Regional Planning Commission to present the Comprehensive Plan to Council and the last Steering committee for the plan will be meeting April 24th.

Bike Path

Director Beadles reported Work on Bradley should begin after school is out in May and complete before School begins in fall.

Viaduct

Director Beadles reported working on a letter to IDOT for the viaduct project.

SUMMARY

Chairperson Action

Council Agenda Items

Approve - Fireworks Donation Agreement

Approve - Alpha Map Agreement

Meeting adjourned at 5:20pm

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/04.15.2025%20edc.pdf