City of North Chicago Economic Development/Planning/Zoning Committee met Dec. 7.
Here is the minutes provided by the committee:
Alderman Allen called the meeting to order.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Absent: None
I. DISCUSSION: JOB FAIR AND LOCAL HIRING STRATEGY - NEAL MATH AND SCIENCE ACADEMY:
School Services Director, Jenny Boyts reviewed the flyer. She announced that Tuesday, December 15, 2020 would be an enclosed 2-hr question session. There would be a link registering in advance. She would be returning discussion in January 2021.
The Mayor questioned if reaching out to Black and Hispanic minority contractors outside of Lake County. Ms. Boyts acknowledged they would ensure sharing to engage others.
Alderman Allen clarified including contractors within the community. He would confirm that with her. Ms. Boyts would provide her contact information.
II. DISCUSSION OF SHERIDAN CROSSING – AMENDED & RESTARTED RDA: Attorney Silverman explained the amended and Restated Redevelopment project.
Alderman Allen questioned clarification of Exhibit H; Attorney Silverman explained that it was the prohibited list on the property. It was properly reviewed.
Alderman Jackson inquired what individual should be addressed with questions. Attorney Silverman directed him to Economic & Community Development Director, Victor Barrera.
Alderman January questioned if the aldermen had the capability to cancel the contract/escape clause. There had not been any progress within (3) years. She questioned a timeline; Attorney Silverman explained the City or developer could terminate the agreement including the provisions of 4C in the agreement. He referenced pg. 14; 5B, Property Acquisition (Phase I).
Alderman January questioned if the developer had substantial funds for the Deed and Escrow; Alderman Silverman elaborated further a method of guaranteeing City’s reacquisition rights.
This will be placed on the next Council Agenda, December 21, 2020.
III. DISCUSSION OF AMERICAN TOWER – LEASE AMENDMENT:
Mr. Barrera explained the proposed amendment with rent reduction in the lease by $600. The American Tower was signing bonus of $5,000; $2,028/monthly. The City would receive another user if successfully attracting AT&T to the tower.
Alderman Allen questioned clarification of the rent and when active; Mr. Barrera explained it would be effective this year of 2020. Approval of the lease amendment would generated estimated $100,000 in revenue; if successful in attracting AT&T, there would be an additional user and rent in upgrading the tower.
Alderman Jackson questioned the rent was retro-active pay; Mr. Barrera acknowledged it was.
Alderman January asked prior lease amount; Mr. Barrera stated $2,600. The rent reduction to market rates that would hopefully assist in attracting additional users. She asked the purpose of the tower; Mr. Barrera explained they were seeking to include 5G and fiber optics to the tower. She wasn’t certain if rent reduction was beneficial to the City. She suggested extra rent due to unappealing City’s aesthetics.
Alderman Jackson questioned clarification; Mr. Barrera reiterated and elaborated further. Alderman Allen questioned estimated revenue in dollars vs. percentages. Mr. Barrera stated would obtain the information and return his findings.
Alderman January questioned number of customers generated and/or additional towers. She suggested additional rent and disagreed with the lease amendment.
The Mayor questioned if the amendment would reduce to market rate and/if rates were established at a certain monthly rates Mr. Barrera acknowledged the hope to attract AT&T there. He would compare the information with American Tower.
IV. DISCUSSION OF 812 14TH ST. – BID OPENING:
Mr. Barrera explained had received (1) bid from Mr. Walter Barnett. He provided 10% of $4,500 bid amount;
Alderman Jackson questioned plan for the property; Mr. Barrera for purpose of storing vehicles he had from the body shop. The long-term plan was to invest in a vehicle dealership.
Alderman January questioned if properly zoned; Mr. Barrera stated it would have to be rezoned.
Alderman Allen inquired if fencing and indicated requirement with asphalting the driveway. He suggested stipulation to the rezoning request. Alderman January agreed. Mr. Barrera would honor their suggestions.
V. DISCUSSION OF SURPLUS REAL ESTATE DECLARATION:
Nimrod Warda, Senior City Planner explained the surplus real estate declaration. He named the list of city-acquired various properties.
Alderman Allen question property parcels at 0 Pulaski Dr; Mr. Warda explained the City owned property at northeast location. If an end-user could redevelop the site.
This will be placed on the next Council Agenda, December 21, 2020.
VI. DISCUSSION OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE LAKE COUNTY LAND BANK ASSOCIATION – ABANDONMENT PROCEEDINGS:
Mr. Barrera explained the Intergovernmental Agreement with the Lake County Land Bank Association for abandonment proceedings. There was an estimated $2,500 incurred cost for the claim. It was a tool option for Land Bank to file a petition in the City’s behalf. Their end-goal was to partner with a non-profit to rid the City of blighted property or generally repairing it to remain on the tax rolls. The previous discussion, September 21, 2020, there was concern with the Resolution that was directed to the Attorney. He preferred moving forward if possible.
Alderman Allen questioned clarification with city legal savings incurred per property parcel. Mr. Warda added there would be also reduced staff time management associated with the building. This will be placed on the next Council Agenda, December 21, 2020.
VII. PENDING MATTERS:
NEW BUSINESSES
Alderman Mayfield questioned any new businesses within the City; Mr. Barrera would provide a comprehensive listed report at the next meeting, December 21, 2020. He provided (2) upcoming grocery store; Fresh Foods signed lease last week for end unit of Paris Banquet Hall. Also, a Harold’s Chicken, Shrimp and Pizzeria and lease was signed, opening within (4) weeks.
The Mayor questioned the Truck Stop off of Skokie Highway. Mr. Barrera received the plans and developer was seeking to break ground the spring of 2021.
Alderman Evans emphasized there was no negativity with development to the City of North Chicago. It was great team work forthcoming.
Alderman Allen strongly encouraged supporting the local businesses within.
Alderman Mayfield moved, seconded by Alderman Evans that Economic Development/Planning/Zoning Committee Meeting stand adjourned.
ROLL CALL:
Ayes: Jackson, Mayfield, Evans, Allen, Markham, Runnels, January
Nays: None
Absent: None
The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
https://www.northchicago.org/vertical/Sites/%7B52959CF2-969E-41D9-A9CF-CF0A11D0BEA9%7D/uploads/COM.12.07.20.pdf
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