City of Palos Heights Business / Economic Advisory Committee met Oct. 21.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Grossart called the meeting of the Business/Economic Advisory Committee to order at 12:00 Noon at City Hall in Palos Heights. Present were: Bob Grossart, Ken Busse, Alderman Jeff Key, Rick Powell, Dr. Chuck Polcaster, Judi Weber, Barbara Bergamo, Michael Coogan, and Recording Secretary Margaret Carey.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairman Grossart made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 16, 2019 meeting, seconded by Barbara Bergamo. On a unanimous voice vote, the motion carried.
Fusion59
Bob Grossart reported an update. He submitted a list of potential businesses for future projects to Professor John Wightkin at Trinity. Judi Weber spoke about her businesses’ experience with the Fusion59 program. She was very pleased. It was very good, very helpful to have fresh eyes on her business and to point out areas for improvement.
Bob Grossart informed the committee that at the last Beautification Committee meeting, there was a discussion about where to donate funds. Grossart suggested establishing a grant for the Fusion59 program. The grant would be for businesses interested in the program. He presented his draft proposal for consideration of up to $6,000 to be used to offset Fusion59 program costs for approximately 10 Fusion59 projects. Alderman Key suggested that it could be set up like the City’s Landscape Grant, with a similar process.
Comprehensive Plan Update
Ken Busse reported that the City’s Comprehensive Plan will be reviewed again at the Planning and Zoning Committee meeting tomorrow. The original Plan had typos, but no problems with the actual content. Busse asked the consultant to review and proof it again. Upon approval at tomorrow night’s meeting, the Plan will go to City Council for final approval.
Vacant Property/Senior Housing
Ken Busse reported that the 7-11 gas station is on hold. It will need to go to the Planning and Zoning Commission and that is not slated yet.
Holiday in the Heights Update
Bob Grossart provided an update. Planning is going well. There is lots of activity on Facebook – over 9,000 people “interested”. The total cost to put on the event is approximately $24,000. We have approximately $6,000 in sponsorships and need another $8,400.
Food Court – working to secure vendors and collect payments
Trolley – has been hired for $2,000
An ice sculptor has been booked
Musicians will be there from Sheppard High School
The Chamber Tree Lighting is scheduled for November 29. There will be live reindeer and Santa will arrive on a fire truck.
Open Air Pavilion
Bob Grossart stated the Open Air Pavilion has been included in both the City’s Comprehensive Plan and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Committee members discussed proposed cost and funding, as well as projected uses of the pavilion.
Rick Powell inquired how we go about getting a group together to move ahead with the project. Alderman Key suggested someone should meet with the Mayor first. Alderman Key will work on that. The meeting should also include City Administrator Nisavic and Recreation Director Fairbanks.
Project Planning
Committee members discussed the status of their list of “Recommendations for City Consideration” for the year and progress made on their goals. Half of the items have been resolved. The committee also discussed possible new topics/projects and prioritizing the list for 2020. Bob Grossart will rewrite and reprioritize the list for 2020.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:05 pm.
https://palosheights.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10212019-271
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