South Central Reporter

City of Litchfield Economic Development Commission met Aug. 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

Class 1 Members Present: Chairman Lonnie Bathurst, Vice-Chairman Paul Osborne, John Winans, Meghan Hyam, Jen Compton, Ron Norris, Tim Burenga, Kent Redfern, Ken Elmore

Class 1 Members Absent: Lindsay Garner, Tom Franzen, Dan Fleming, Earl Flack Class 2 Members Present: Alderman Ray Kellenberger

Guests Present: Kelly McClain – Superintendent of Litchfield Schools, Mike Fleming, Danell Fogle

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: Kent Redfern made a motion with Ron Norris seconding the motion to approve the meeting minutes from July 29, 2024. Paul Osborne noted that he was not at the meeting, but asked if those outside the Business District boundaries can participate in the programs, and asked whether school and municipal properties are included in the district. Vazquez answered that business district funds must be spent withing the boundary and that school/municipal properties that were within the target area were included, although those within residential areas were not. All in favor, motion carried.

Chairman’s Comments: Chairman Bathurst welcomed Dr. Kelly McClain, our new School Superintendent, to the commission as an advisory member. Bathurst also thanked Meghan Hyam for her role in arranging for Litchfield students to play in a non-profit baseball tournament in Arkansas.

Mayor’s Report: Mayor Dougherty noted that the use of TIF funds to support improvements to local businesses’ facilities is a new use of funds for the City and that this group is a key part of the process. Dougherty noted that Ameren will be hosting a walkdown on the west side industrial park gas main installation, and that representatives from the Governor’s office, City, and DCEO will be present.

Kent Redfern asked if the commission could receive a running total of TIF development agreement expenses. Vazquez replied that she has that spreadsheet created and will share it with the commission.

Bathurst inquired about marketing efforts for the west side industrial park. Vazquez advised it is being included in articles to promote Litchfield, and marketing efforts will increase upon completion of the infrastructure, declaration of surplus, and bid letting if no bids are received and/or accepted. Kent Redfern noted that a marketing firm was previously engaged to create a logo, marketing materials, and slogans that could be used.

Bathurst stated that he does not feel that we do enough to support our local industries at times and recommended that the group play an active role in visiting businesses and being a liaison for them. Dougherty suggested focusing on one industry per month and inviting them to meetings.

Bathurst noted that the commission is used to having ample time to review larger projects and that the group is not accustomed to working under a tight review timeline for smaller development agreements. Vazquez stated that, while she does not recommend changing the deadline for applicants, she can provide proposals as she receives them, to which the commission agreed.

Old Business: None.

New Business:

- Chairman Bathurst opened discussion on a TIF assistance request for 216 N. State Street. Vazquez gave an overview of the project, which consists of improvements for the Briar Rose. Danell Fogle, owner of the Briar Rose, noted that they have put a lot into the building and this will allow them to make necessary structural upgrades. Paul Osborne noted that he walked through the building prior to the meeting and nearly all of the improvements are structural in nature. Ken Elmore made a motion to approve a TIF agreement for 216 N. State Street with Bradley & Danell Fogle for 50% of TIF eligible expenses, capped at $45,369, to be paid out over 6 years.

- Chairman Bathurst opened the floor to Jared Kanallakan of Moran Development to present the Business District Plan. Kanallakan reviewed the plan that was provided to members. Review of the plan consisted of discussing the boundary, key projects, associated budget, eligible uses of funds, and market analysis. Kanallakan answered questions from the commission, including the lifetime of a business district, whether a business has to contribute to sales tax to benefit from the district, what the tax rate would be within the district in comparison to surrounding communities, whether the program could be coupled with TIF incentives, whether the budget is firm or could be changed, and total implementation cost. Commissioners asked about including school district properties that will be sold, existing industrial parks, M&M services, and the Airport Authority. Vazquez advised that she and Kanallakan would evaluate whether these properties could be included within the district. A motion to recommend approval of the district (including possible inclusion of the discussed properties) was made by Ron Norris, seconded by Meghan Hyam. All in favor, motion carried.

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 1:34pm, seconded by Tim Burenga. All in favor, motion carried.

https://www.cityoflitchfieldil.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08262024-334