Macoupin County Board Economic Development Committee met Feb. 24.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
1.1 Roll Call
There were six members present and one member absent.
2. Agenda Items
2.1 Uses of Property North of Carlinville
The committee discussed the future of the property north of Carlinville, including prior negotiations with a neighboring property owner. Members expressed concern over repeated negotiations without resolution and prior offers that were significantly below appraised value. The current agricultural lease remains in place and the lease termination deadline under FSA standards has passed for the current crop year. Carlinville’s FFA has expressed interest in leasing the property for agricultural education purposes. Leasing to a non-private entity would maintain compliance. The county does not intend to lease the property to private individuals going forward. The committee would discuss between now and when the current lease expires further options on how to use it.
Motion to terminate the current farm lease effective October 31, 2026 and discontinue leasing the property to private individuals or private entities in the future.
Moved by: Ryan Kilduff
Seconded by: Harry Starr
Carried
2.2 Proposal for Contracted Grant Writers Available for Local Governments As Part of Energy Grant
The committee reviewed a draft intergovernmental agreement to establish a grant writing assistance program for units of local government using funds from the Energy Grant allocation whic $15,000 was set aside. Duncan passed out a draft intergovernmental agreement for contractual grant writers to assist municipalities, townships, and other local entities. The county would pay the grant writer; local governments remain responsible for grant administration, compliance, reporting, and auditing. Discussion on what the agreement should include revolved around an hourly rate (to be determined), if there should be a minimum or maximum cap per grant, contracts being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, the idea of limiting one completed grant application per entity, clear language stating the county holds no administrative or fiscal responsibility for awarded funds. The committee members will consult potential grant writers to determine market hourly rates and typical time commitments before finalizing numbers at the full Board meeting.
Motion to recommend to the full Board the agreement as amended to include first-come, first-served language, one completed grant per entity limitation, clarification of county non-liability for grant administration.
Moved by: Ryan Kilduff
Seconded by: John Blank
Carried
2.3 Federal Funding Grant Possibility from Rep. Budzinski’s Office
The committee discussed pursuing a federal Community Project capital grant through Representative Budzinski’s office, with anticipated funding levels ranging from approximately $500,000 to $1,000,000 or more. Members considered several potential project categories and expressed support for focusing on a comprehensive public safety capital package. Rosentreter suggested using it for the potential jail lock system upgrades pending updated cost estimates. Starr brought up jail infrastructure improvements. Duncan suggested using it for the replacement of the Sheriff’s vehicle fleet with brand new vehicles.. The committee discussed the importance of coordinating vehicle specifications to ensure we are buying the right type of vehicle since we are buying brand new and structuring the application in a manner that addresses multiple public safety needs within one cohesive capital request.
Motion to recommend pursing a capital grant application focused on public safety improvements, including Sheriff’s Office vehicle replacement and related infrastructure needs.
Moved by: Molly Rosentreter
Seconded by: John Blank
Carried
2.4 Update on Grants
Chirwa provided updates on several ongoing and prospective grant initiatives. A federal capital grant requiring a potential match remains pending further guidance from federal agencies regarding eligibility and lead applicant requirements. A youth employment grant application through DCEO is in progress, and a body camera grant is currently being prepared. Additional clarification is being sought regarding match requirements for a $75,000 live scan device grant. Work is continuing on a Route 66-related grant opportunity. The committee also discussed a previously awarded $25,000 senior health grant and the need to ensure compliance with allowable expenditures, as questions had arisen regarding staffing costs. The Public Health Department may appear before the committee to provide clarification on them getting paid for assisting with the grant. Chirwa also noted attendance at an upcoming rural community and economic development conference.
3. Adjournment
3.1 Adjourn Meeting
Motion by Kilduff, seconded by Blank to adjourn at 5:54 pm.
https://macoupincountyil.community.diligentoneplatform.com/document/00a70402-b8a8-446e-83df-cb5d7f4f72f1/
