Land Use & Economic Development Committee

City of Joliet 150 West Jefferson Street Joliet, IL 60432 Meeting Minutes - Final Tuesday, June 8, 2021 5:00 PM City Hall, Council Chambers Economic Development Committee Committee Members Joe Clement Larry E. Hug Terry Morris Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes - Final June 8, 2021 Page 1 of 1 Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes - Final June 8, 2021 As Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan continues, Governor Pritzker is moving Illinois forward to a Bridge to Phase 5 mitigation on Friday, May 14, 2021. In order to adhere to social distancing guidelines, the capacity in Council Chambers will remain at 18 members of the public. During meetings, any member of the public physically present in the Council Chambers in excess of the limit will be asked to wait in another room with live feed to the meeting until the Citizens To Be Heard on Agenda Items section or Public Comments section of the meeting has commenced. Speakers will be rotated into Council Chambers to allow everyone an opportunity to speak. Pursuant to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Guidelines, it is recommended that any individual appearing in-person wear a face-covering to cover their nose and mouth. Citizens who are unable to attend the meeting can email comments in advance of the meeting to publiccomment@joliet.gov. ROLL CALL Chairman Hug notes that Councilman Clement is participating in the meeting virtually and will pose questions and provide feedback but will abstain from a vote on the actionable item on the agenda. Also Present: Derek Conley, Katie Smith-City of Joliet, Economic Development staff Doug Pryor-Will County Center for Economic Development Francois Duquette, Nate Baguio-Lion Electric Co. Present Larry E. Hug and Terry Morris Absent Joseph Clement APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion was made by Councilman Morris, seconded by Councilman Hug, to approve the February 9, 2021 meeting minutes. The motion carried unanimously. Aye: Hug, Morris and Clement TMP-1789 Attachments: 020921 CITIZENS TO BE HEARD ON AGENDA ITEMS None. NOTE: There is a new temporary procedure for public speaking. Details can be found on the Joliet.gov “Public Comments” web page. Page 1 of 3 Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes - Final June 8, 2021 NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION Mr. Derek Conley, Economic Development director introduces the two representatives from Lion Electric, Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Francois Duquette and Vice President of Sales Nate Baguoi. Mr. Conley proceeds to introduce Lion Electric and provides background on the company and its product line. Conley then reviewed the site at 3855 Youngs Rd. and surrounding business park including size, zoning and acreage. Mr. Conley then reviewed the tax abatement details and various points within the agreement . Mr. Conley introduced Doug Pryor, Vice President of the Will County Center for Economic Development who provided some background on the site search process and reasons for selecting Joliet. Chairman Hug turned the floor over to Mr. Duquette for commentary. Mr. Baguoi added a few comments. Coucilman Morris thanked the group for their comments. Councilman Clement asked the Lion Electric representatives to share information on salary ranges and types of jobs they will be hiring for. Mr. Duquette responds. Chairman Hug notes his appreciation for the company and the benefits of the project for Joliet. Chairman Hug also asks about complimentary companies that may follow this type of development. Mr. Duquette replies. Mr. Baguoi adds his thoughts on potential suppliers and business. Chairman Hug expresses his support for the proposed tax abatement and asks that Mr . Duquette and Mr. Baguoi would remain available post meeting for questions from the media. Councilman Morris asks about the company's teams in Indiana and California and if a similar team will be established in Joliet. Mr. Duquette and Mr. Baguoi responds with some of the US based initiatives. Chairman Hug asks if the company is involved in the research and development associated with batteries. Mr. Duquette answers that the company recently opened a battery factory in Canada for supply chain and research purposes. Resolution Approving A Property Tax Abatement At 3835 Youngs Road, Joliet, Il 60434 With The Lion Electric Co. Usa Inc. A motion was made by Morris, seconded by Hug, that the Resolution Approving a Property TAx Abatement at 3835 Youngs Rd. be recommended for approval to the full City Council. The motion carried unanimously. Page 2 of 3 Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes - Final June 8, 2021 TMP-1799 Attachments: Memo - Project Surge Resolution EXHIBIT A - Map EXHIBIT B-Will County Property Tax Abatement Application_signedv2 Project Surge Agreement - DRAFT NEW OR OLD BUSINESS, NOT FOR FINAL ACTION OR RECOMMENDATION Economic Development Updates Mr. Conley mentioned a few updates and projects in process from the economic development department including increased development inquiries and building permits. PUBLIC COMMENT None. NOTE: There is a new temporary procedure for public speaking. Details can be found on the Joliet.gov “Public Comments” web page. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Morris, seconded by Hug, that the June 8, 2021 meeting be adjourned. The motion carried unanimously. This meeting will be held in an accessible location. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please contact Christa M. Desiderio, City Clerk, 150 West Jefferson Street, Joliet, Illinois 60432 at (815) 724-3780. 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