I. CALL TO ORDER:
· Pledge to the Flag
· Prayer
II. ROLL CALL:
III. PROCLAMATIONS, COMMENDATIONS, ETC:
IV. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS:
· Mayor
· Council Members
V. PUBLIC COMMENTARY:
VI. BUSINESS ITEMS:
1) Community Development Assistance Program Grant – Project Golden Prairie (Public Hearing and Action)
VII. DISCUSSION ITEMS:
VIII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
IX. ADJOURNMENT
Agenda Item #1 Community Development Assistance Program Grant - Project Golden Prairie (Hearing and Action)
References:
Recommended Action:
Conduct the Public Hearing
History and Fact:
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has grant funds available through the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) that may be used to finance public improvements which support economic development. On November 26, 2012 the Mayor and Council conducted a Public Hearing and approved a Resolution of Support and Commitment of Local Funds for a Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) Grant associated with Project Golden Prairie. Project Golden Prairie, a large rail served manufacturing plant, is considering the southeast industrial region as a location for their new facility.
Discussion:
The City's grant consultant subsequently submitted a CDAP grant application to help fund the construction of a new well, water storage tank and connector mains. After reviewing the application, DCEO suggested that the City revise the application to request funds for the dedicated electric feeder line that RMU needs to build to serve the Project Golden Prairie facility. DCEO did not feel that the water system improvements would be eligible under the CDAP program since those improvements would benefit the entire industrial area south of I-88, not just the new manufacturing facility.
Therefore, City staff and our consultant plan to revise the CDAP application to request funding for a dedicated electric feeder line to serve the new facility. The water system improvements will be eliminated from the revised application. Due to the revised scope of the public improvements, DCEO requires that a new public hearing be held and that the Mayor and Council approval a new resolution of support which commits local funds to the electric improvements. Grant Consultant Ellen Burgeson will be in attendance to provide additional information on the revised project and answer questions.
Recommendation:
