Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Economic Development Committee met Sept. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Present: Chairperson Trish Connor, Alderpersons, Barry Bredeman, Mayor Hughes and Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles

Michael Crabtree attended via by conference call.

Absent: None

Public Comment:

PURPOSE:

Budget Review

Director Beadles reported the balances on the TIF Central, HELP (1 default HELP loan), Façade, interest on TIF and HELP loan accounts and Consultant Budget. The committee stated to check with attorney with consultant, Patricia Mough. She reported on Sweet Finds development. No consensus needed.

Façade MacGyver Rejuvenation Specialist

Director Beadles presented the MacGyver Façade located at 1217 N 2nd Street. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to forward to council for approval.

Façade - Lela Resale Shoppe

Director Beadles presented the Lela's Resale Shoppe located at 134 N 4th Street. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to forward to council for approval.

Façade JT Fennel

Director Beadles presented the JT Fennel Façade located at 1104 N Front Street. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to forward to council for approval.

Priority One - Christmas Marketing/Tree Lighting

Director Beadles discussed the need to bring forward the Priority One Christmas Marketing/Tree Lighting as the planning for the Nikolausmarkt and Christmas Parade is underway. The consensus of the committee was to forward to council for approval.

HELP Loan High 5 Apparel

This item was pulled from the agenda.

Grant Updates

DCEO HR220075/$400,000 & SR220071/$250,000 - Director Beadles reported the engineer, Josh Harken has reported that GA Rich is in the process of submitting the invoices for this project as the project is coming to completion. Final punch list and walkthrough will be taking place soon.

ARPA - No changes from last month. Expenses for year to date are $57,237.20. All bills must be paid out by December 31st 2026. (December 14th Council meeting)

EPA Lead Service Grant - TWM has submitted and invoice and reported 75% of the project is complete. When the project is complete Director Beadles will submit the paid invoices to the EPA for reimbursement.

Old Business/Updates:

Economic Development-Director Beadles reported:

• New business-Dame Fine Coffee and Midwest Wellness Lounge opening in August. Duncan Donuts should be opening this month

• Business selling-Sam McIntyre of High 5 Apparel listed her business for sale (Daniel Grohusky and daughter Rachael Pollock are working to purchase)

• Training-She attended Midwest CDI Economic Development Training

• Mayor Hughes hosted the HOI Mayors Association at Grecian Gardens on August 20th with Brad Cole as the speaker

• A joint EDC/Finance meeting is being scheduled for September 23rd to review the RFPs.

Comprehensive Plan Assignment Review

Director Beadles reported completing the assignment review and submitting the changes to Tri-County Regional Planning Commission. The Comprehensive Plan Committee will be meeting Thursday, September 11th at 4:30pm

Marketing & Tourism

Director Beadles reported no Marketing & Tourism Meeting for this month and she would be working with IVC on the video and ad for the September 20th Grey Ghost Classic Marching Band Competition.

• The Shademaker's stump carving by artist Tim Gill has been completed. This aligns with the Marketing and Tourism SWOT strategy, to repurpose dead or declining trees into public art stump carvings to achieve goals of beautification, tourism attraction, and strengthening civic pride.

• Alumni Mixer in City Park on September 4th was a success and brought many out of state alumni back into the area. The class of 1975 is asking the next class celebrating their 50th year to take on the project for a yearly event.

Viaduct In communication received from IDOT, IDOT has agreed to financially participate with a city lead Phase I Engineering Study at an amount not to exceed 1 million as long as the City of Chillicothe leads the RFP. This project will be in the 2027-2032 funding cycle. Director Beadles has reached out to IDOT to have some questions answered prior to requesting the council to approve the letter.

SUMMARY

Chairperson Action - None

Council Agenda Items

• Approve - Façade - MacGyver Rejuvenation Specialist

• Approve - Façade - Lela Resale Shoppe

• Approve - Façade - JT Fennel

• Approve - Priority One - Christmas Marketing/Tree Lighting

Meeting adjourned at 5:35pm

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/09.09.2025%20edc.pdf?t=202509251412400&t=202509251412400