City of Fairview Heights Business Alliance Commission met Oct. 8.
Here is the minutes provided by the commission:
Committee Members in attendance – Charles Daily, Charles Kassly, Don Barkley, Bill Poletti, Van Johnson, Samantha Carter
Committee Members absent – Robert Triplett, Richard Avdoian, Michael Hagen Other Aldermen and Elected Officials in attendance – None
Staff in attendance – Paul Ellis, Andrea Riganti
Recorder – Wendi Gorney
Call to Order
THE CITY OF FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS BUSINESS ALLIANCE COMMISSION (BAC) Tuesday, October 8, 2019 – 1:30 p.m. Meeting Room A 10025 Bunkum Road, Fairview Heights, IL
Committee Members in attendance – Charles Daily, Charles Kassly, Don Barkley, Bill Poletti, Van Johnson, Samantha Carter
Committee Members absent – Robert Triplett, Richard Avdoian, Michael Hagen Other Aldermen and Elected Officials in attendance – None
Staff in attendance – Paul Ellis, Andrea Riganti
Recorder – Wendi Gorney
Charles Daily called the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m.
Public Participation
none
Approval of Minutes
Bill Poletti made a motion to approve the August 20, 2019 minutes. Seconded by Don Barkley. Motion passed on voice vote.
Presentation
Stephen Ibendahl of The i5 Group on the Economic Development Strategy.
A discussion of the information followed the presentation.
Concerns were voiced that the current suggestions are the same that the city has been looking at for years. Council Members have still been interested and actively looking into making some of these things happen, i.e. East/West corridor, developing Ludwig Drive, etc.
The city has recently purchased the old ice rink and is still determining what the city will use the property for.
Charles Kassly brought to the group’s attention that an engineering study was funded by the state many years ago to research an East/West corridor but he wasn’t sure if the money was ever used. John Harty, Director of Public Works, was brought into the meeting to comment. He stated that the study pre-dated his employment with the city but he would look into it and report back to the committee.
A discussion took place on whether or not the city will be allowing cannabis. The council is still reviewing the information and has not made a formal decision. Andrea Riganti has an informational packet regarding cannabis regulations and will send out to the BAC Committee. (emailed to members following the meeting)
Charles Kassly inquired to see if there were any measures we were taking to attract people from Scott Air Force Base. Currently the city advertises in the base guide, has a location on the base map and Paul attends the SAFB Business Affairs Committee.
Samantha Carter suggested that we create a brochure to be included in the welcome packet that new military personnel receive when they are relocated to the base. Another suggestion is to have ‘military friendly’ businesses offer 10% off as a military discount, be listed on the brochure and maybe even have a sticker to post in their store window.
Economic Development Director’s Report
Economic Development Steering Committee held an Open House at the Rec on September 12th. Will be presenting their next phase of the draft to the committee on Tuesday, October 22nd.
Fairview Heights hosted the Downstate Illinois P3 Luncheon for the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Fairview Heights Plaza is now owned by Namdar Realty Group.
The PACE program is moving forward.
Marketplace is looking into finding potential tenants for their property on I-64.
The MEBI had $100,000 earmarked by the General Assembly. Paul is continuing to fill out and process all of the necessary forms and procedures needed to get the MEBI up and running.
Paul Ellis was sponsored by Regions Bank to participate in the St. Louis Opening Seminar for Inner City Capital Connections, to help business owners in economically- distressed areas build capacity for sustainable growth in revenue, profitability, and employment.
Bobcat has announced that they will not be moving and are looking into better utilizing the space they are currently in.
Paul Ellis has been named by St. Clair County to the Mid America Workforce Investment Board, a collaboration of business, economic development, education, human resources, community, and labor leaders charged with developing and maintaining employment programs for five Illinois counties.
In October, the Director will again be moderating a panel discussion bringing together economic development experts from across the nation as part of his participation in the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference in Indianapolis.
Monthly Revenue Reports
Director Ellis presented the sales tax report. The City is down -2.1%, or -$13,229.05, and year to date is down -1.8%, or -$103,776.99
Land Use and Development – Presented by Andrea Riganti, TIF Administrator
Lincoln Trail TIF - will be looking into other ways to make meaningful Economic Development Changes.
Ludwig TIF – focus resources and use TIF forms to redevelop the area.
Toys R Us will be turned into a Planet Fitness
October is Community Planning Month, Economic Development Directors and City Planners work tightly together
The next meeting is scheduled for November 19, 2019, at 1:30 p.m.
A motion to adjourn was made by Charles Kassly and seconded by Bill Poletti.
Adjourned at 3:04 p.m.
https://www.cofh.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10082019-1148
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