City of Belleville Economic Development & Annexation Committee met April 6.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
MEMBERS:
Alderman Bryan Whitaker, Ward 1 Present (arrived at 5:08 PM)
Alderwoman Jamie Eros, Ward 2 Present
Alderman Johnnie Anthony, Ward 4 Excused
Alderwoman Shelly Schaefer, Ward 5 Present
Alderman Chris Rothweiler, Ward 6 Present
Alderman Dennis Weygandt, Ward 7 Excused
Alderman Kent Randle, Ward 3, Chairman Present
STAFF PRESENT:
Cliff Cross, Director of Economic Development, Planning and Zoning
Eric Schauster, Assistant Director of Economic Development
Penny Moore, Secretary, Economic Development, Planning and Zoning
GUESTS PRESENT:
Michael Hagberg
Stacie Gutierrez
Ron Herberts
Phil Paeltz
Kim Powers
The Economic Development and Annexation Committee meeting was called to order in person at 5:00 PM by Chairman Alderman Randle. Attendance of the Committee Members was taken, and a quorum was declared at by Chairman Alderman Randle. Chairman Alderman Randle explained emergency procedures. (5:01 PM)
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Michael Hagberg requested the Economic Development and Annexation Committee meeting packet be posted on line prior to the meeting. (5:02 PM)
MEETING MINUTES: Chairman Alderman Randle asked if there were any corrections to be made to the March 2, 2022 meeting minutes. No corrections were noted. A motion for approval was made by Alderwoman Schaeffer and seconded by Alderwoman Eros. Motion carried 4-0, with all present members voting in the affirmative. (5:03 PM)
NEW BUSINESS:
1. STL Keg Company dba Margarita’s West: Amended development agreement for acquisition, remodeling, and expansion at 4817 West Main Street
Eric Schauster explained the amended Development Agreement with STL Keg Company is due to the need of a completion date extension. Mr. Schauster added the delay in project completion is due to the inability to find contractors and completing the design work for the expansion. There is no change to the overall incentive, only the extension of the time frame from five (5) to seven (7) years. (5:07 PM)
A motion was made to APPROVE the Amended development agreement with STL Keg Company for acquisition, remodeling, and expansion at 4817 West Main Street by Alderwoman Eros and seconded by Alderwoman Schaefer. Motion carried 4-0, with all present members voting in the affirmative. (5:07 PM)
2. Busy Body Meals: Acquisition, remodeling, and expansion of 609 South Illinois Street
Eric Schauster explained the draft Development Agreement with Busy Body Meals for the acquisition, remodeling, and expansion of 609 South Illinois Street. Mr. Schauster explained the business as being located in the building that was previously Hick’s BBQ. Busy Body Meals makes pre-prepared meals that may be picked up at the window or delivered.
Mr. Schauster shared the Development Agreement Proposal via Power Point, listed below: (5:10 PM)
| Company | Busy Body Meals |
| Project Information | Acquisition, remodeling and expansion of commercial kitchen facility. |
| Address | 609 S. Illinois St. |
| Estimated Project Costs | $213,750.00
Remodeling: $ 16,250.00 Acquisition: $150,000.00 Equipment: $ 41,900.00 New Const: $ 5,600.00 |
| Incentives Requested | 1. Reimbursement of TIF eligible expenses. |
| Recommend Development Agreement to include but not limited to:
Proposed incentive package is $15,000.00 or 7% of Total Project Cost. Item(s) (1) contingent upon approval of building and site plan being to code with the following conditions met by Busy Body Meals: | Responsibilities of the City of Belleville
1. Reimburse Busy Body Meals $15,000.00 in TIF #8 funds for acquisition, remodeling and expansion of the existing facility located at 923 W. Main St., after receipt of documentation of eligible costs incurred, and; Responsibilities of Busy Body Meals A. Invest no less than $1,000,000.00 for the remodeling and expansion of the existing restaurant facility located at 609 S. Illinois St. no later than October 31, 2022; and, B. Retain two (2) FTE jobs, and; C. Create three (3) FTE jobs within the first year of operation, and; D. Creation three (3) additional FTE jobs within the second year of operation, and; E. Commit to annual sales subject to sales tax of no less than $320,000.00, and; F. Tesseract Holdings and any heirs and/or successors shall remain and operate at the site for no less than seven (7) years, and; G. Compliance with all existing and applicable Federal, State, County and Local laws and ordinances. |
| Source of Funding | TIF #8 |
| Additional Documentation: | Business Plan. Projected Income Statement. |
3. College of Governor French: Remodeling of 219 West Main Street
Eric Schauster explained the College of Governor French plans to do remodeling to install doors in order to allow access for the students between the three buildings. Mr. Schauster added, there is no Staff Recommendation for this request.
Mr. Ron Herberts further explained, the students currently have to exit one building to enter another, causing a safety issue for the children. The addition of the doors would correct this issue. Mr. Herberts also mentioned that prospective families have turned down going to the school due to this safety problem. Adding, the addition of the doors would increase student enrollment. Mrs. Kim Powers spoke, mentioning that the lack of connectivity between the buildings is the biggest complaint that families have when Mrs. Powers gives them a tour of the school. Alderman Rothweiler asked if the Fire Department had been contacted about the doors. Mrs. Powers stated, yes. (5:14 PM)
Mr. Schauster shared the Development Agreement Proposal via Power Point, listed below: (5:14 PM)
| Company | The College of Governor French |
| Project Information | Remodeling of school |
| Address | 219 W. Main St. |
| Estimated Project Costs | $25,000.00
Remodeling: $25,000.00 |
| Incentives Requested | 2. Reimbursement of TIF eligible expenses. |
| Any potential Development Agreement to include but not limited to:
Any potential assistance contingent upon approval of building and site plan being to code with the following conditions met by The College of Governor French: | Responsibilities of the City of Belleville
No staff recommendation. Responsibilities of Busy Body Meals H. Invest no less than $25,000.00 for the remodeling of the existing school facility located at 219 West Main St. no later than August 31, 2022; and, I. Retain fifteen (15) FTE jobs, and; J. The College of Governor French and any heirs and/or successors shall remain and operate at the site for no less than five (5) years, and; K. Compliance with all existing and applicable Federal, State, County and Local laws and ordinances. |
| Source of Funding | TIF #3 |
| Additional Documentation: | Building plans. |
Mrs. Powers mentioned that the school’s parking lots have been used for events in the city, such as the Shriner’s Parade. Mr. Paeltz explained that taxes were paid on the seven properties for thirty-five (35) years. Mr. Paeltz added, the school has begun to fund raise for this project and they are not requesting the full amount of the project being $25,000.00. Rather, they would be happy to receive one-fifth (1/5th) of the amount. (5:26 PM)
A motion was made to TABLE the development agreement with Remodeling of 219 West Main Street until the next meeting, May 4, 2022, by Alderwoman Eros and seconded by Alderman Rothweiler. Motion carried 5-0, with all present members voting in the affirmative. (5:29 PM)
4. Infill Housing Development Agreement For 1008 Cart Lane and 24 Queensway Drive
Chairman Alderman Randle asked if each address should be taken separately. Cliff Cross answered stating that the committee could if they wish. Mr. Cross reminded the committee that these addresses were two (2) that were listed on the Infill Housing RFQ (Request for Qualifications). Adding, the city did the RFQ because the city wanted to pre-qualify developers and contractors. The city staff identified the most qualified developer, have been meeting with the developer, and have been working with them to start identifying the lots. The said addresses are the first two (2) infill lots. Mr. Cross added that the developer is acting as a broker for the city, in going out and finding buyers. Key notes Mr. Cross conveyed were regarding the residential sales contract that includes owner occupation only, where there will be a deed restriction for twelve (12) years for only the owner to occupy the structure to assist in the stabilization of the neighborhood. The twelve (12) years accounts for an approximate two (2) year construction cycle, so it locks in the purchaser in as the occupying owner for a minimum of ten (10) years. (5:32 PM)
Chairman Alderman Randle mentioned that there is nothing written in the contract to have the homes built to conforming the elevation and square footage to the existing neighborhood. Adding, all the homes on Queensway Drive are brick. Cliff Cross mentioned that he added the verbiage of “approved by the city”, because each house will need specific architectural standards that will need to be met. Mr. Cross recommended that the addresses are discussed and voted up separately to be able to add the façade specifications that each home may need to stay consistent with the neighborhood. (5:37 PM)
Chairman Alderman Randle commented that the committee has provided Mr. Cross with a lot of feedback. Mr. Cross said he would meet with the developer and discuss the committee’s thoughts and get some answers. Mr. Cross added, the developer has mentioned that he is interested in three (3) other lots. Mr. Cross offered to bring all five (5) properties back to the committee at the next meeting. The committee agreed. (5:43 PM)
No vote was taken on agenda item #4, as it will be brought back at the next meeting.
5. RFP Release / Discussion For 127 Mascoutah Avenue & 407 E. Lincoln Street
Cliff Cross explained the properties as 407 East Lincoln Street, being the previous City of Belleville, Public Services building and 127 Mascoutah Avenue as the Historical Society Building. Mr. Cross added that there has been interest in rehabilitating the buildings on that corner and bringing them up to date. Mr. Cross shared that he is a big believer in RFPs due to the transparency, to let someone design and build the project. Mr. Cross shared he plans to release the RFP soon for both buildings. The incentive for the developer will need to be discussed. Brief discussion occurred about previous project proposals. (5:50 PM)
No vote was taken on agenda item #5, as it will was an item for discussion.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Economic Development Strategic Plan Update
Mr. Cross explained, the RFP for the Economic Development Strategic Plan was released prior to the knowledge of the Economic Development, Planning, and Zoning’s move to the previous Lindenwood Campus. Mr. Cross added that he has received a lot of communication from people who are interested. The USPS has not forwarded the mail properly. Mr. Cross explained only one proposal has been received and it was delivered via FedEx. Mr. Cross believes the RFPs that were sent in the mail has been returned to the senders. The RFPs that were sent and returned will be honored when the department receives them, but the plan has been delayed. (5:52 PM)
Chairman Alderman Randle requested that within the grading system, if it could be asked to consider the current legislative environment of the State of Illinois in terms of limitations to be faced when trying to attract businesses with the tax environment. Mr. Cross said that can be addressed during the interview and negotiation process. (5:54 PM)
MOTION TO ADJOURN:
Alderman Rothweiler made a motion to ADJOURN, seconded by Alderwoman Eros. With all present members voting in the affirmative, motion carried. The meeting closed at 5:55 PM.
https://www.belleville.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04062022-2729
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