Grundy Reporter

City of Highland Industrial Development Commission met Feb. 5.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

Call to Order:

The meeting of the Industrial Development Commission was called to order at 12:00 PM by Vice-Chairman Diane Korte-Lindsey.

Roll Call:

Members present: Vice-Chairman Diane Korte-Lindsey, Marshall Rinderer, and Bill Napper.

Members absent: Chairman Jim Meridith and Treasurer Jon Greve.

Also present: Economic Development Coordinator Mallord Hubbard; SIUE Intern Karrigan Chapman; Innovation & Technology Director Angela Imming; and Recording Secretary Lana Hediger.

Approval of Minutes:

Bill Napper made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 8, 2020, Regular Session meeting of the Industrial Development Commission; seconded by Marshall Rinderer. All members voted aye; none voted no; the motion carried.

Marshall Rinderer noted that the motion for adjournment in the January 30, 2020 minutes is incorrect. Bill Napper made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 30, 2020, Special Session meeting, with the adjournment motion corrected; seconded by Marshall Rinderer. All members voted aye; none voted no; the motion carried.

Reports:

Treasurer’s Report – Submitted by Jon Greve

Jon Greve provided a handout of the financial report which contained one obvious error, so it was the consensus of the commission that this item should be postponed until the next meeting.

Update on job inquiries – Mallord Hubbard

Mallord reported that there was a walk-through of the Bruegge building with the Finleys of Finley Flooring. The basement was interesting as it still contains a crematorium. Finleys are considering purchasing the building to expand their warehousing and possibly rent out office space.

The agreement with Central Rubber Extrusions, that the IDC recommended for approval by the city council, passed at their meeting on February 3. Mallord believes this was a good move as they may continue to expand their operations and possibly hire more people down the road.

Mallord reported that we continue to have talks regarding potential future activity in the Hunsche Development, Janet Beth Way. The infrastructure is nearly completed. The McLaughlin’s are developing a plan for a potential outdoor entertainment facility there, and Korte Meats is still in the planning phase for a new facility there.

Mallord reported that the city council approved bond financing for the Public Safety Building.

Order by the Illinois Commerce Commission was approved for the signalization at 40 and Hemlock.

City is partnering with Plocher Construction for a hotel feasibility study. Diane offered to make suggestions for potential locations to build a hotel.

Diane asked if the Fire Department had found a temporary home to use while Fire House 1 is being renovated. No information was available.

Update on Highland Communication Services – Angela Imming

Mallord reported that HCS has 2370 customers, which is an increase from the last meeting. The build out of the remainder of the system will be completed within the next budget year.

Update on Workforce Initiatives – Mallord Hubbard

Mallord reported that Mark is waiting for a meeting with Superintendent Sutton of HCUSD #5, to discuss the idea of a building trades program using city owned vacant properties. The idea is that the city and school would partner to construct smart homes on these lots. The IDC will be updated after that meeting takes place.

New Business:

Discussion and Feedback on Community Portal from 1/30/2020 Special Session

Mallord opened the discussion to receive comments.

 Marshal, after having looked at the website on his computer and on his mobile phone, noticed that there is a mixture of stock and real photos. He would like to see them all converted to real Highland photos. Bill Napper offered to give access to his photos for use on the website. There was a brief discussion on the legalities surrounding use of local photos.

 Diane had a hard time finding St. Joseph Hospital on the website. She pointed out that it is important to tout proximity to the hospital. Marshall added that it is also important to potential new employers, as workers’ compensation insurance rates are partially based on proximity to the nearest emergency room.

 Diane thinks that some of the information from the current website should be utilized on the new website.

 Diane thinks the demographics that are visible on the history page should be moved to another location on the new site. Mallord indicated that much of that information will be on the community/economic development page.

 Diane suggested linking to the 62249 zip code portion of the realtor.com website.

 She suggested that it will be important to associate with SAFB just as much or more than proximity to St. Louis.

 Diane asked if testimonials could be included. Diane announced that Darell Bellm, former Chairman of this commission, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2020. Arrangements were reviewed. The city is donating a book to the Latzer Library in his memory. Darell was remembered fondly by several members of the commission.

Next Meeting:

The next regular meeting of the Industrial Development Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, 2020.

Adjournment

Marshall Rinderer made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Bill Napper. All members voted aye; none voted no. The motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 12:39 PM.

https://cms9files.revize.com/highlandil/Boards%20and%20Commissions/Industrial%20Development%20Commission/Minutes/2020/02-05-2020%20IDC%20Mtg%20Minutes.pdf