City of Oak Forest Economic Advisory Council met June 8

By Philip Gonzales

Sep 14, 2022

City of Oak Forest Economic Advisory Council met June 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. Call to Order at 12:04 p.m.

Present: Chairman Don Vacha

Member Jim Emmett

Member Paul Hosman

Member Kim Malecky-Iles

Member Brian Martello

Member Keith Tadevich

Dir. of Community and Economic Dev. Ed Cage

Community Planner Paul Ruane, staff liaison

Absent:

Member Ron Bailey

Member Patrick Gericke

Member Patti Griffin

2. Approval of Minutes from February 9, 2022.

Member Emmett made a motion to approve the minutes from February 9, 2022. Motion seconded by Member Hosman

Minutes were approved by a vote of 6-0, with three absent.

3. New Business

a. Façade Grant Request – Grey’s Social – 5420 W. 159th Street

Director Cage presented information regarding Grey’s Social request, their patio, and signage. Eligible costs of $45,859; request cost for EAC is $16,068.47. Member Emmett asked about recovery; if the business does not get up and running what legal choices do we have. Planner Ruane explained it’s a 10 year period, but up to year 7 there is a graduated amount. For this particular situation the applicant is a lease applicant, the grant will go to the property owners; he is signing off to say that he is taking that liability. It will not require him to pay back if he sells to the actual lease owner, but this way it’s secured to the property. Director Cage added the applicant is leasing with the intent to purchase. Member Tadevich said he thought the façade was more façade of the building, signage; we’re getting into patio doors, sounds like we’re getting into construction. This lead to a discussion between all Members on what is or is not covered in a Façade Grant.

Member Malecky-Iles made a motion to approve the grant, with the exception of the patio, for the amount $13,263.47.

Motion seconded by Member Tadevich.

Motion passed by a vote of 6-0, with three absent.

4. Old Business

None

5. Project Update

a. Community Planner Ruane provided updates on various projects in town including the following city projects and new businesses:

- Numero Uno

- 157th and Cicero

- 167th and Cicero

- 5940 W. 159th Street

- The Gateway