South Central Reporter

City of Litchfield Economic Development Commission met July 29.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Class 1 Members Present:  Chairman Lonnie Bathurst, Tom Franzen, John Winans, Meghan Hyam, Jen Compton, Ron Norris, Dan Fleming, Earl Flack

Class 1 Members Absent: Lindsay Garner, Tim Burenga, Vice-Chairman Paul Osborne, Kent Redfern, Ken Elmore

Class 2 Members Present:  Alderman Ray Kellenberger

Guests Present:  Mike Fleming, Brayden & Ann Helgen, Cass Cooper & Zach Cooper

Other City Representatives Present:  Mayor Steve Dougherty, City Administrator Breann Vazquez, Alderman Jake Fleming, Tourism Coordinator Stacie Peecher

Chairman Lonnie Bathurst called the meeting to order.

Approval of Minutes:  Tom Franzen made a motion with Jen Compton seconding the motion to approve the meeting minutes from June 17, 2024.  All in favor, motion carried.

Chairman’s Comments:  Chairman Bathurst wished Mayor Dougherty a happy birthday. Bathurst commented that the EDC is accustomed to reviewing long-term projects that have a lengthy timeline, allowing for discussion throughout the course of the project prior to making recommendations. Bathurst noted that TIF agreements have a quicker turnaround time than the commission is used to and opened the floor for any comments or suggestions from members. Ron Norris asked if there is a maximum amount of assistance that can be requested by a business, and Vazquez noted that, while there is not, each project will be reviewed on an individual basis and the total amount of assistance given needs to stay within the confines of the budget. John Winans noted the importance of emphasizing structural improvements when considering agreements, to which Mayor Dougherty agreed.

Mayor’s Report:  None.    

Old Business: None.

New Business:

-              Chairman Bathurst opened discussion on a TIF assistance request for 400 N. Monroe Street. Administrator Vazquez gave an overview of the project and the request. Brayden Helgen explained that the roof failed and caused damage to the upstairs, they have faced sewer backup issues, and the pipes have caused the building to settle, which have all created structural damage. Tom Franzen asked if a structural engineer has inspected the property, to which Helgen verified that a structural engineer has inspected the property. Meghan Hyam made a motion, seconded by Earl Flack, to approve a TIF agreement for 400 N. Monroe Street with Kismet Coffee LLC for 50% of TIF eligible expenses, capped at $113,971, to be paid out over 6 years. All in favor, motion carried.

-              Chairman Bathurst opened discussion on a TIF assistance request for 407 W. Ryder Street. Administrator Vazquez gave an overview of the project and the request. Cass Cooper explained that this will allow them to expand their existing business, Midwest Aftermarket, and its operations. Jen Compton made a motion, seconded by Tom Franzen, made a motion to approve a TIF agreement for 407 W. Ryder Street with Midwest Aftermarket LLC for 50% of TIF eligible expenses, capped at $401,000, to be paid out over 6 years. All in favor, motion carried.

-              Chairman Bathurst opened continued discussion for implementation of a business district. Administrator Vazquez gave an overview of the business district, noting that the City is capturing the majority of the commercial areas within the community and a 1% additional sales tax on business district eligible items will be assessed. Vazquez reviewed the list of items that are not eligible, which include items licensed by the State (such as vehicles) and essential items such as groceries, medications, and some hygiene products. Vazquez stated the City intends to exclude hotels, as they have a hotel tax that applies to them. Dougherty noted that TIF districts do not cover all business areas and that his theater is an example of a business that is not within a TIF district and therefore cannot benefit from the district. Vazquez said the business district plan will be presented at the August 26th EDC meeting.

Economic Development Director’s Report: Vazquez reviewed the report provided to the board.

Comments by Commissioners or Guests: None. 

Adjournment:  Ron Norris made a motion to adjourn the meeting at approximately 1:10pm, seconded by Tom Franzen. All in favor, motion carried. 

https://www.cityoflitchfieldil.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07292024-326