Will County Gazette

Joliet Economic Development Committee met Thursday, Aug. 11.

Here are the minutes as provided by Joliet:

Proceedings of the City of Joliet Economic Development

Committee held on August 11, 2016

The ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING of the City of Joliet, Illinois was held on Thursday, 

August 11, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. in the Planning Conference Room, Joliet Municipal Building, 150 W.

Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois.

1. Roll Call

PRESENT: Councilman Larry Hug, Chairman, Councilman Terry Morris, Councilman Pat Mudron.

ABSENT: None.

ALSO PRESENT: Steve Jones, Deputy City Manager, David Mackley, Director of Building Inspections, Jim Torri, Planner, Barb Newberg, Planner.

2. Approval of Minutes—July 14, 2016

Motion to approve minutes from the July 14, 2016 meeting was made by Councilman Terry Morris.

Motion seconded by Councilman Larry Hug, Chairman.

Motion carried by the following vote:

AYES: Councilman Larry Hug, Chairman, Councilman Terry Morris

NAYS: None

ABSTAIN: Councilman Pat Mudron

3. New/Old Business - For Final Action Or Recommendation

a. Recommendation to Begin Contract Negotiations with Mistwood Golf Club for a Public-Private Partnership to Operate The Grand Ballroom

The Grand Ballroom

Mr. Steve Jones, Economic Development Director, updated the Committee regarding the contract negotiations with Mistwood Golf Club for the Grand Ballroom at Joliet Union Station.

Councilman Hug spoke about his experience with Mistwood from being on the review Committee.

Councilman Mudron asked about The Cutting Edge's type of presentation. Mr. Jones answered his question.

Councilman Mudron and Councilman Morris had questions regarding the numbers, there was further discussion.

Mr. Dan Bradley, General Manager and Mr. Jim Koklas, Director of Food & Beverage at Mistwood Golf Club appeared before the Committee and answered further questions.

Motion to recommend that Administration begin contract negotiations with Mistwood Golf

Club for a public-private partnership to operate The Grand Ballroom formerly known as Joliet Train Station was made by Councilman Pat Mudron.

Motion seconded by Councilman Terry Morris.

Motion carried by the following vote:

AYES: Councilman Larry Hug, Chairman, Councilman Terry Morris, Councilman

Pat Mudron.

NAYS: None.

4. New or Old Business, Not For Final Action or Recommendation

a. Update on Expansion of Downtown SSA (verbal)

Mr. Jones updated the Committee on the expansion of the downtown SSA. Mr. Jones said the City is hosting a public open house on Wednesday, August 24. A fact sheet is going to all organizations, newspapers etc. This will be the last public outreach before going to City Council on September 6. He explained more of the process for the SSA pertaining to the public hearings etc.

Councilman Hug expressed that he would like all stakeholders to receive notification to be able to attend the open house in addition to the public hearing. Mr. Jones responded that it would be a tremendous amount of resources and cost but he will look into doing it. There was further discussion regarding the open house and the public hearing as well as advertisement.

Councilman Mudron felt that just notification for the public hearing was sufficient. Councilman Morris would like notification for the open house in addition to the public hearing.

b. Update on Cap Barbell Manufacturing Facility (verbal)

Mr. Jones updated the Committee on the Cap Barbell manufacturing facility.

c. Update on Catholic Charities Building (verbal – flyer attached)

Mr. Jones submitted a flyer to the Committee members and updated them on the building.

d. Update on Medical District TIF Study (verbal)

Mr. Jones updated the Committee on the medical district TIF study. He said the TIF consultant said based on everything that was put together feasibility will indicate that it’s eligible.

Councilman Mudron asked if there is a tax base at the hospital. Mr. Jones responded it is not taxable.

OTHER BUSINESS:

1) Mr. Michael Hansen appeared before the Committee to update them on the Estes Trucking project. He is requesting that some of the fees be waived because of the large expenditures they will have to spend with respect to the sewer and water because of the economic impact they will have.

Councilman Mudron asked about some of the fees.

Councilman Morris asked about the development of the roads.

Councilman Hug suggested Mr. Hansen continue to communicate with Mr. Hock regarding the fees and incentives.

Mr. Greuling, CED, commented on the project as well.

2) Mr. Hansen also asked if Staff can address some specific rules for the Plan Commission pertaining to special meetings.

5. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Pat Mudron.

Motion seconded by Councilman Terry Morris.

Motion carried by the following vote:

AYES: Councilman Larry Hug, Chairman, Councilman Terry Morris, Councilman Pat Mudron.

NAYS: None.

Minutes taken by: Karen Mackley