South Central Reporter

Macoupin County Board Economic Development Committee met June 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

Members Present: Holly Klausing, Harry Starr, Kristi Dunnagan, and Jon Payne

Members Absent: John Blank, Ryan Kilduff, and Molly Rosentrete

Officials and Department Heads Present: Pete Duncan and Joseph Chirwa

1. Call to Order

1.1 Roll Call

There were 4 members present and 3 members absent.

2. Agenda Items

2.1 Introduction of Grant Manager and Discussion of Grant Goals

Joseph Chirwa introduced himself to the committee and discussed his background. He looked forward to getting to work for the county. The committee discussed some of the things they hoped could be a focus on bringing grant money in on such as police vehicles, technology upgrades, tourism, homeless initiatives, and other items.

2.2 Approve Letters of Support for Energy Grant

Chirwa had been working with Courtney Breckinridge to compile the letters of supports for the energy grant throughout the county. The current list are:

- City of Carlinville

-Carlinville Library

- City of Gillespie

- City of Staunton

- City of Bunker Hill

- Southwestern CUSD #9

- City of Benl

- Village of Mt. Clare

- Macoupin County VAC

- Macoupin County

Motion to approve the letters.

Moved by: Kristi Dunnagan

Seconded by: Jon Payne

Carried

2.3 County’s Application for Community Energy Grant

Chriwa said he had completed the application and was waiting for the signed letter from the Chairman and a clarification from the state and then he would have it submitted.

2.4 Appraisal and sale of property

The appraisal had been completed and was passed out. The committee wanted to explore the option of selling the property instead of the sealed bid process and so wanted the state's attorney to weigh in on at the next meeting.

2.5 Hotel Tax Ordinance

Duncan said the State's Attorney had reviewed the State Statute and found that things such as AirBnBs were already included in the definition. However, it would be up to the county to come up with a revenue collection method. The committee wanted to discuss it next month with him in attendance. They also wanted to discuss moving collection of it to the Treasurer's office as it seems other counties have that responsibility handled there.

3. Adjournment

3.1 Adjourn Meeting

Motion by Starr, seconded by Dunnagan to adjourn at 6:05 pm. All in favor. Motion carried. 

https://macoupincountyil.diligent.community/document/ef72f19d-4c0a-493d-a61b-e283cda04da4/