Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Economic Development Committee met Oct. 14.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Present: Chairperson Trish Connor, Alderpersons, Michael Crabtree, Sandi Levell, Mayor Hughes and Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles

Absent: Barry Bredeman

Public Comment:

PURPOSE:

Budget Review

Director Beadles reported the balances on the TIF Central, HELP (late payment emails sent), Façade, interest on TIF and HELP loan accounts and Consultant Budget. No consensus needed.

Comprehensive Plan

Director Beadles reported the Plan Commission has reviewed and approved the comprehensive plan. The next step is to approve an ordinance at the next council meeting.

Energy Transition Grant

Director Beadles reported contacting DCEO regarding Phase 2 of the Energy Transition Plan. Within the next two weeks DCEO will be sending the Phase 2 award letter, along with where to submit the Phase 2 application. The Phase 2 due date has been moved into December. The minimum award is $50,000.

Sunshine Tree Service Tree Lighting Proposal

Director Beadles submitted the Proposal for the Christmas Tree lighting from Sunshine Tree Service. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to have Mayor approve invoice if within his budget.

Christmas Banners

Director Beadles reported working with Robb Tweedy of Moscow Designs for the replacement of 3 Blue and 1 red Christmas banner. She said in 2022 they were about $115 each plus shipping and handling. She expects it to be under $1,000. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to have Mayor approve invoice if within his budget.

Grant Updates - Director Beadles reported:

DCEO HR220075/$400,000 & SR220071/$250,000 - The project is wrapping up and the GA Rich and City Engineer invoices are coming in. The First and Second pay request was presented and approved at last nights council meeting. Director Beadles is working closely with Josh Harken to apply the invoice numbers to the grant funds. The grant was submitted for $60,000 and it came in at $201,000. The extra expense was applied to ARPA.

ARPA - ARPA funds are being spent on the Bradley Drainage project. She has also sent Director Sutherland a list of two projects to complete and asked for an update.

EPA Lead Service Grant - TWM has submitted the final bills for the EPA Lead Service Grant. Director Beadles will review the project and submit for reimbursement before end of the year.

Old Business/Updates:

Economic Development

• $935,000 - IDOT 2026-2031 Multi-Year Program - shared-use Path along Sycamore Street

• Sent an upcoming business information for opening a Day Care/Child care in Chillicothe

• Consultant - Patti Mough

o Attorney recommends the Economic Development Committee discuss the need for an independent contractor agreement based on employment and collective bargaining concerns.

• The Big Table is this Friday, October 17th at Four Points Sheridan. This is a regional Economic Development voice that is collected and added to the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) document.

Marketing & Tourism

Director Beadles reported the Marketing & Tourism Commission is working on a flyer to promote the River Beach Drive through 2nd Street and to Moffitt Park/Audubon's Chillicothe Bottoms. She reported the Chillicothe Park District and Three Sisters Park are working on a three-day event that will bring in overnight stays.

Viaduct

Director Beadles is working with Eric Miller of Tri-County and Karen Divorsky of IDOT on this project. They are working to get a meeting set up in which they can discuss Tri-County helping the City of Chillicothe with taking the lead for Phase I and Phase II engineering.

SUMMARY

Chairperson Action - None

Council Agenda Items

• Approve - Ordinance - Comprehensive Plan

Meeting adjourned at 5:20pm

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/10.14.2025%20edc.pdf?t=202510291442340&t=202510291442340