City of Darien Economic Development Committee met March 3.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7:06PM. Committee Members present were Bryan Gay, Lou Mallers, and Brian Liedtke. Also present was Mayor Joe Marchese, Alderperson Mary Sullivan, Alderperson Eric Gustafson, City staff member Jordan Yanke, and Mike Virmont.
2. Public Comment
None.
3. Approval of Minutes – February 3, 2022
Minutes were approved by unanimous consent.
4. New Business
a) Economic Development Incentive Application
(Gear & Repair – 8913 Lemont Road)
Applicant Mike Virmont presented the incentive request and provided background on Gear & Repair, which is currently located in Brookfield, IL. The business specializes in custom gear manufacturing for a variety of industries. The applicant is looking to relocate and expressed interest in a vacant building at 8913 Lemont Road. The applicant described the business would offer additional employment opportunities and generate increased sales tax revenue for the City.
Discussion ensued amongst the Committee. The Committee then requested the applicant send additional details regarding financials. The applicant agreed to share more details with staff and the Committee. Staff indicated the Committee members will complete a scoring matrix pertaining to the request after the financials are submitted. Pending the scoring review outcome, the request will move forward for further consideration or be denied.
b) EDC Recommendation
Motion to Recommend Owners of Chestnut Shopping Center and Darien Towne Centre attend an Economic Development
Committee Meeting to engage with the Committee and discuss development opportunities/initiative for the properties.
Staff advised the agenda item and motion is in effort to further engage with property owners of key areas throughout the City and strategize on possible redevelopment opportunities. The initiative dovetails off direction given by City Council during the Economic Development Workshop and Goal Setting Session in late 2021.
Alderperson Eric Gustafson was present and made public comment. The comments were supportive of the initiative and requested motion.
Motion to recommend approval made by Committee Member Liedtke, seconded by Committee Member Mallers. Motion passed unanimously.
5. Old Business
a) Previous Follow Up/Hanging Matters
i. EDC Member Updates
None.
ii. Staff Updates
1. Darien Chamber of Commerce News & Events
(Link: http://www.darienchamber.com/)
Staff updated the Committee on upcoming events and Chamber of Commerce news. Staff also updated the Committee on current building projects in the City and concluded by requesting all Committee members complete their Economic Interest Statements for the City and County.
6. Next Scheduled Meeting
Next scheduled meeting is Thursday, April 7, 2022.
7. Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 7:44PM.
https://www.darien.il.us/getattachment/866be51b-b9ba-41b2-8595-7b08e1c01c84/Economic-Development-Meeting-March-3,-2022.aspx
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