Economic Development Commission

AGENDA MUNDELEIN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING October 23, 2025 - 7:30 AM Village Hall - Board Room 300 Plaza Circle, Mundelein, IL 60060 I. CALL TO ORDER II. ATTENDANCE III. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA IV. PUBLIC COMMENTARY V. MINUTES APPROVAL A. Approval of the September 25, 2025 Minutes VI. NEW BUSINESS A. S.T.A.R. Grant Application — Nova Dental Care Motion to recommend approval/denial of Nova Dental Care's S.T.A.R. Grant application for an amount not to exceed $5,000. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Changes to the S.T.A.R. Grant Application B. Fiscal Year 2026 Village Board Report C. Fall Business Mixer Economic Development Commissions should follow up with all the businesses and encourage them to attend. D. 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast Page |1 Page 1 of 28 VIII. COMMITTEE UPDATES A. Recognize (Robert Kalicki, David Shutan) B. Advise (Michael Decker, Raymond Jackson) C. Attract (Ed Streb, Sarah Mitial) D. Retain (Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echevarria) E. Educate (Virginia Gibbs, Laurie Lowry) IX. OTHER REPORTS X. VILLAGE PROJECT UPDATES XI. NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING, XII. ADJOURNMENT The Village of Mundelein, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requests that persons with disabilities who require certain accommodations to allow them to observe and/or participate in this meeting, or who have questions about the accessibility of the meeting or facilities, to contact the ADA Coordinator at 847-949-3200 to allow the Village to arrange accommodations for those persons. Economic Development Committee Agenda 10/23/2025 Page |2 Page 2 of 28 Mundelein Economic Development September 25, 2025 Commission Meeting Minutes CALL TO ORDER The regularly scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission was held on September 25, 2025. Chairperson Decker called the meeting to order at 7:30 AM. ATTENDANCE Commission Attendance: Present: Chairman Decker, Commissioner Streb, Commissioner Kalicki, Commissioner Mitial, Commissioner Trillhaase, Commissioner Echeverria, Commissioner Gibbs, Commissioner Jackson (at 7:32 AM), Commissioner Shutan Absent: Commissioner Lowry Also Present: Amanda Orenchuk, Director of Community Development; Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner; and Jessica Marvin, Associate Planner ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA There were no additions or deletions to the agenda. PUBLIC COMMENTARY There was no public commentary. MINUTES APPROVAL Approval of the August 28, 2025 Meeting Minutes Motion by M. Echevarria, seconded by E. Streb to approve the August 28, 2025 meeting minutes. RESULT: Passed [Yes 9, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Miguel Echeverria SECONDER: Commissioner Edward Streb AYES: Michael Decker, Edward Streb, Robert Kalicki, Sarah Mitial, Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echeverria, Virginia Gibbs, Raymond Jackson, David Shutan NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None NEW BUSINESS S.T.A.R. Grant Application — Mount Ara Page 3 of 28 The Commission received a STAR grant application for Mount Ara, located at 750 Allanson Road. The business requested financial assistance for a project, including the installation of curtains and dividers within their facility, to comply with requirements for the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Certification. CEO Vartam Seferian explained that obtaining this certification is necessary to grow the business and expand into big-box stores. The grant would not only help secure the certification but also support business growth and the addition of new employees. The Commission reviewed the findings of fact and approved the request for funding not to exceed $4,500. Additionally, the Commission requested that Mr. Seferian provides a copy of the GMP certification application within six months of receiving the STAR grant funds. Motion by V. Gibbs, seconded by R. Kalicki to approve up to $4,500 for Mount Ara's Star Grant with the following condition: 1. The applicant must provide a copy of the GMP certification application within six months of receiving the STAR grant funds. RESULT: Passed [Yes 9, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Virginia Gibbs SECONDER: Commissioner Robert Kalicki AYES: Michael Decker, Edward Streb, Robert Kalicki, Sarah Mitial, Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echeverria, Virginia Gibbs, Raymond Jackson, David Shutan NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None Fiscal Year 2026 Village Board Report I. Guadarrama updated the Commission on the 2026 annual reports and requested feedback on any updates or additions. The Commission suggested including the Micro Shops in this year’s report. Although the submission date has not been finalized, past reports were due in November. Commissioners were asked to provide any information to I. Guadarrama by October 15, 2025, so she can prepare a draft for the October EDC meeting. A. Trillhaase left at 8:16 AM. 2026 Economic Development Commission Meeting Dates The Commission approved the meeting dates for 2026 but will move the December Page 4 of 28  meeting to the second Thursday of the month. OLD BUSINESS Flyer Campaign The Commission discussed launching a flyer campaign to promote Mundelein businesses. Commissioners would share responsibility for distributing flyers to ensure coverage across all districts. The flyer will include a QR code linking to the Village website and a fillable participation form for businesses. It will also be distributed at community events, such as the Arts Festival, and made available to hotels for visitors. Commissioners discussed logistics, including setting an expiration date for discounts, determining whether a physical flyer or code would be required, and how often flyers should be updated. An online version was suggested for easier maintenance. Participation may be limited to the first 50–100 businesses to ensure manageability. 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast J. Marvin expressed the importance of starting to plan this event early. The subcommittee for the event includes David, Bob, and Virginia. The Commission selected Thursday, February 26, 2026, as the event date. It will be held from 7:30 to 9:30 AM at the DoubleTree Hotel. J. Marvin asked the Commission to begin brainstorming Gold Star Award nominees and keynote address topics. Fall Business Mixer I. Guadarrama informed the Commission about the upcoming Fall Business Mixer, scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the Lure of the Local Art Exhibition in the Archer Business Center. The subcommittee for the event includes Laurie, Sarah, and Raymond. COMMITTEE UPDATES Recognize (Robert Kalicki, David Shutan) There were no updates. Advise (Michael Decker, Raymond Jackson) R. Jackson informed the Commission that he has noticed an increase in vacant buildings within District 6. He asked A. Orenchuk if there were any plans to demolish buildings or promote growth in the area. A. Orenchuk stated that there are no plans at this time Page 5 of 28  and advised R. Jackson to include this information in the annual report to the Village Board. Attract (Ed Streb, Sarah Mitial) E. Streb presented the Micro Shops project to the Village Board on September 8, 2025, and received formal approval to proceed with the next step, forming a working group of 8–10 individuals from the Mundelein community. Retain (Angela Trillhaase, Miguel Echevarria) M. Echeverria informed the Commission that he and A. Trillhaase reviewed the STAR Grant application and provided edits to staff to update outdated verbiage. Due to the increase in applications, the EDC may consider requesting an increase to the STAR Grant budget to support more Mundelein businesses. Educate (Virginia Gibbs, Laurie Lowry) There were no updates. OTHER REPORTS LCP Municipal Economic Development Advisory Group Event — October 22, 2025 11:30 AM The EDC should designate members to attend this event. I. Guadarrama informed the Commission about the LCP Municipal Economic Development Advisory Group Eventand asked if anyone would like to attend on behalf of the EDC. A. Trillhaase, S. Mitial, and M, Decker indicated that they would attend. S. Mitial left at 9:01 AM. VILLAGE PROJECT UPDATES A. Orenchuk provided an update on new developments, including McDonald’s, Smokin’ Jack’s, and a dental office. She also reported that the former Public Works site, known as Springbank, is currently in foreclosure. In addition, she noted that an incubator/general manufacturing business located within the Archer Business Center offers various training programs and classes to the public. E. Streb presented the Micro Shops project to the Village Board on September 8, 2025. The Arts Commission also gave a presentation discussing whether Mundelein should position itself as an arts facilitator or an arts organization. Page 6 of 28 NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING, OCTOBER 23, 2025 ADJOURNMENT Motion by R. Jackson, seconded by M. Echeverria to adjourn the meeting. RESULT: Passed [Yes 7, No 0, Abstained 0] MOVER: Commissioner Raymond Jackson SECONDER: Commissioner Miguel Echeverria AYES: Michael Decker, Edward Streb, Robert Kalicki, Miguel Echeverria, Virginia Gibbs, Raymond Jackson, David Shutan NAYS: None ABSTAIN: None The meeting was adjourned at 9:07 AM. Respectfully submitted, Jessica Marvin, Associate Planner Recording Secretary Page 7 of 28 To: Commission Members From: Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Economic Development Commission Meeting of October 23, 2025 Subject: S.T.A.R. Grant Application — Nova Dental Care Attachments: 1. STAR Grant Application 2. Findings of Fact Background: Nova Dental Care is a new business opening in the vacant space at 440 E. Hawley Street in Mundelein. The space is currently under construction to meet the specific needs of the clinic. Owned by Dr. Muhammad Omari, Nova Dental Care aims to establish a state-of-the-art dental facility designed to expand access to modern, affordable, and advanced dentistry for residents of Mundelein and the greater Lake County area. As part of this mission, Dr. Omari is seeking assistance to acquire a cone beam CT scanner. This advanced imaging technology enables safer, faster, and more precise diagnostics and treatment planning for patients. The scanner represents a significant investment of over $56,000, and the clinic is requesting financial support to help offset this cost, especially given the rising prices of medical equipment. The addition of this scanner will improve local access to essential dental services, allowing patients to receive specialized imaging in town rather than having to travel outside Mundelein. In addition to enhancing patient care, the investment is expected to support local job creation as the clinic grows. The applicant is requesting $5,000 in S.T.A.R. Grant funding. However, the Economic Development Commission (EDC) should note that, following the most recent grant approvals, only $4,000 remains available in the S.T.A.R. Grant fund. At this time, the EDC can only approve a maximum of $4,000 from the existing S.T.A.R. Grant funds without going over budget. If the Commission supports the full $5,000 request, they may choose to Page 8 of 28 recommend the Village Board to fund the full amount, leaving the S.T.A.R. Grant budget in the negatives. Recommendation: Motion to recommend approval/denial of Nova Dental Care's S.T.A.R. Grant application for an amount not to exceed $5,000. Page 9 of 28 Narrative for Commission (STAR Grant Application): I am a licensed dentist with extensive training and experience in advanced dental procedures. I earned my Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency at Marquette University, and pursued advanced implant training through a fellowship program at Nova Southeastern University. Over the past decade, I have served patients in Illinois, providing comprehensive care in general dentistry, oral surgery, implants, and cosmetic dentistry. We are excited to establish Nova Dental Care in Mundelein, a state-of-the-art dental clinic designed to expand access to modern, affordable, and advanced dentistry in Lake County. Our facility will feature the latest dental technology, including a cone beam CT (CBCT) scanner, which allows for safer, more precise diagnosis and treatment planning. This investment is critical for offering patients advanced services such as implant dentistry, oral surgery, and endodontics—all at a local, community-based clinic. The STAR Grant would directly support this investment by helping us purchase the CBCT machine, a cornerstone of our planned operations. By equipping Nova Dental Care with this technology, we will not only provide a higher level of care to Mundelein residents but also attract patients from surrounding areas who would otherwise travel far distances for advanced services. In addition, our clinic will create new local jobs for dental assistants, hygienists, and administrative staff, contributing to Mundelein’s economic growth. In summary, with my professional experience, commitment to excellence, and investment in cutting-edge technology, Nova Dental Care is poised to deliver exceptional services to the community. I believe this aligns strongly with the goals of the STAR Grant and respectfully ask for your support in approving our application. Regards, Muhammad Omari, DDS Page 10 of 28 Page 11 of 28 Page 12 of 28 Page 13 of 28 Page 14 of 28 Docusign Envelope ID: 26BDB613-99B3-4BFF-899F-1F27BE35A2E0 Carestream Dental LLC 3625 Cumberland Blvd. Ste. 700 Atlanta, GA 30339 US Equipment Purchase Agreement Created Date 8/14/2025 This document is part of a multi-part agreement Expiration Date 8/29/2025 Quote Number 00027228 Carestream Dental LLC ('Carestream Dental LLC', 'we', 'us', 'our'), a Georgia limited liability company with principal offices located at 3625 Cumberland Boulevard, Suite 700, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, presents this proposal to the customer identified below ('Customer', 'you', 'your'). This document incorporates by reference the attached terms and conditions and details order information and shall be a binding sales agreement (the 'Contract') when signed by you without alteration, and shall be effective as of the date you signed ('Effective Date'). If not signed by the 'valid until' date indicated below, this proposal shall expire. Business Name NOVA DENTAL CARE PLLC Bill To Name NOVA DENTAL CARE PLLC Ship To Name NOVA DENTAL CARE PLLC Bill To 440 E HAWLEY SREET Ship To 440 E HAWLEY SREET MUNDELEIN, IL 60060 MUNDELEIN, IL 60060 US US Prepared By Scott Cooper Acct No 2623233443 Phone +14704819875 Contact Name muhammad Omari DDS Email scott.cooper@csdental.com Product Code Line Item Description List Price Sales Price Quantity Total Price 1753672 SENSOR DOUBLES 6200 S1+S2 USD 14,998.00 USD 0.00 1.00 USD 0.00 1759317 CS IMAGING 8 C/S W LICENSE <100 USERS USD 1,299.00 USD 0.00 1.00 USD 0.00 1760274 CS 8200 3D ADVANCE 12X10 (6 YR) PROMO USD 68,750.00 USD 50,000.00 1.00 USD 50,000.00 6559991 CS1200 INTRA ORAL CAMERA WIRED USB USD 2,500.00 USD 999.00 1.00 USD 999.00 8004442 BRIDGE FROM NON-CS DPMS TO DIS USD 834.75 USD 0.00 1.00 USD 0.00 Total List Price USD 88,381.75 Effective Discount 42.30% Quote Subtotal USD 50,999.00 Tax USD 3,729.29 Shipping and USD 1,314.76 Handling Grand Total USD 56,043.05 *Applicable taxes will be added and are subject to change. Organizations claiming tax-exempt status must provide proof of that status on or prior to the Effective Date. Payment, Acceptance and Authorization Credit Card Credit Card On File Finance Authorized Net30 Authorized ACH Debit Credit Card X Authorized Authorized Bank details on file Bank details not on file Credit Card Details No card on file Page 15 of 28 Docusign Envelope ID: 26BDB613-99B3-4BFF-899F-1F27BE35A2E0 Carestream Dental LLC 3625 Cumberland Blvd. Ste. 700 Atlanta, GA 30339 US New Bank account New Card Account Holder Name: ____________________________________ Your signature authorizes the Company to begin debiting transactions against your credit card provided. To terminate a credit Account Number: ___________________________ card authorization, you must give us written notice, and we will cease credit card withdrawals within seven (7) days of receipt of that notice. Routing Number: ____________________________ A voided check must be presented to us when using an ACH payment. Your signature authorizes the Company to verify your checking account information and begin ACH debit transactions against your checking account. To terminate an ACH authorization, you must give us notice, and we will cease ACH withdrawals within seven (7) days of receipt of that notice. BY SIGNING BELOW, YOU AGREE AS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE THAT: YOU WILL PAY THE FEES DESCRIBED ABOVE FOR THE PRODUCTS SET FORTH IN THIS CONTRACT, AND YOUR ACH OR CREDIT CARD LISTED ABOVE MAY BE CHARGED THE BALANCE OF THE PURCHASE PRICE FOR THE PRODUCTS DESCRIBED ABOVE, AS WELL AS FOR APPLICABLE SALES TAX AND SHIPPING, LESS THE DEPOSIT, WHEN THE ORDER IS SHIPPED, UNLESS OTHERWISE SET FORTH IN SECTION 2 OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS CONTRACT. YOUR ACH OR CREDIT CARD LISTED ABOVE MAY BE DEBITED MONTHLY FOR MONTHLY SUPPORT & MAINTENANCE FEES (IF ANY) AND/OR SUBSCRIPTION FEES (IF ANY) SET FORTH ABOVE. IF THIS CONTRACT REQUIRES RECURRING PAYMENTS, YOU AGREE TO MAINTAIN AN UP-TO-DATE FORM OF PAYMENT. YOU ACCEPT THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS CONTRACT. YOU ARE A DULY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CUSTOMER. Customer Signature: ________________________________________________ muhammad Omari DDS Print Name:_______________________________________________________ Owner 9/1/2025 Title: ___________________________ Signature Date: ___________________________ Page 16 of 28  FINDINGS – EDC STAR BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM BUSINESS NAME Nova Dental Care BUSINESS ADDRESS 440 E. Hawley Street PROJECT Equipment EDC MEETING DATE September 25, 2025 NAME/DESCRIPTION PROJECT COSTS $ 56,043.05 $ 5,000 $ 51,043.05 (Improvement Costs) (Grant Request) (Total Private Participation) FINDINGS: The Economic Development Commission considered the proposal for assistance, referenced above, through the Village of Mundelein’s S.T.A.R. Business Grant Program. Projects are considered on a case-by-case basis. The findings below are intended to document the Commission’s recommendation and the reasons for which this determination was made. 1 The requested assistance brings value to the Village and/or community: The requested assistance is due to a clearly demonstrated need of the business: The proposal for assistance provides sufficient details to fully explain where the funds requested will be utilized: The proposal for assistance satisfactorily demonstrated that the requested relief does not exceed 50% of the total cost of the project: The proposal for assistance complies with all criteria and requirements of the S.T.A.R. Business Grant Program, in additional to all Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations: Project will be completed within 6 months: Other: RECOMMENDATION: After careful consideration of the proposal for assistance mentioned above, the Commission makes the following recommendation: APPROVAL $_________ DENIAL APPROVAL WITH $_________ CONDITIONS SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS (IF APPLICABLE): 1. 2. 3. 1 Recommendations for denial by a 2/3 majority vote of the Economic Development Commission shall not proceed to the Village Board for their consideration. All other recommendations will be placed on the next available Village Board Meeting Agenda. Page 17 of 28 To: Commission Members From: Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Economic Development Commission Meeting of October 23, 2025 Subject: Changes to the S.T.A.R. Grant Application Attachments: 1. S.T.A.R. Grant Edits Background: The Retain Committee will review proposed changes to the S.T.A.R. Grant application with the Economic Development Commission. Recommendation: Page 18 of 28 Page 19 of 28 To: Commission Members From: Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Economic Development Commission Meeting of October 23, 2025 Subject: Fiscal Year 2026 Village Board Report Attachments: 1. Committee Reports Background: Chairman Decker has requested that the Commissioners provide staff with a list of their 2025 committee updates. Items that could be included in the report are: Purpose of the EDC Implementations throughout the year Fiscal Year Summary Highlights of the Year Accomplishments Goals for the EDC as a whole Committee Goals and Objectives for near year Recommendations to the Village Board (including capital improvements from the site visits) Attached to this report are the lists we have received so far. The Commission will take a moment to review and discuss them on October 23, 2025. Recommendation: Page 20 of 28 This year the Attract Subcommission was focused on developing a proposal for the creation of a collection of micro shops in Mundelein. The group met several times to discuss the desirability and feasibility of bringing this concept to the village. Several members of the subcommission traveled to various “pop up” shopping areas and interviewed both managers and entrepreneurs involved in such shops. The group presented its findings and recommendations to the village board and are awaiting final approval of the next steps in the process of creating the Mundelein micro shops. Page 21 of 28  EDC Retain Report - Business Appreciation Breakfast both recognizes and helps retain - Fully staffed EDC covers the whole Village giving 100% support - Business Mixers advise, educate and retain businesses - Star Grant has had more applications and approvals in 2025 than in previous years (need Village staff to give final number applications/approvals) - Collaboration with GLMV and other county and state resources - Collaboration with other Village Committees Requests - Ask Village Board to increase funding for the Star Grant. We are getting more applications and need the increase to satisfy the needs of business looking to grow and stay in Mundelein. EDC is requesting $15,000 for 2026 - Social Media business highlights – This has been a long-time request and needs to move forward. We must highlight businesses that need help with reaching more customers, especially the ones that generate the largest tax revenue - Create a survey for businesses to get feedback on how the Village and the EDC can better serve them - Flyers for Mundelein attractions in more businesses than just hotels Page 22 of 28 Goals for this year include: • Launching a "Made in Mundelein" column to recognize businesses (details TBD, though Bob has written the first column already). • Exploring additional ways to recognize businesses while avoiding the appearance of favoritism. Page 23 of 28 To: Commission Members From: Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Economic Development Commission Meeting of October 23, 2025 Subject: Fall Business Mixer Attachments: None Background: The 2025 Fall Business Mixer is quickly approaching! The event will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Lure of the Local Art Exhibition Space, located at 175 North Archer Avenue. Invitations have been sent to all guests. Due to the cost of printing and mailing, we did not order additional printed invitations. If you would like physical copies, please contact staff with the number needed. We will be happy to print them in-house. Venue Information: The entrance to the exhibition space is located near the intersection of Archer Avenue and Division Street, on the opposite end from Tighthead Brewing. Parking: Parking is available directly outside the venue. Overflow parking can be found at the METRA station and Village Hall. Page 24 of 28 All Village Trustees, including the Mayor, have been invited. At the time of publishing this report, we have not received any RSVPs. Recommendation: Economic Development Commissions should follow up with all the businesses and encourage them to attend. Page 25 of 28 To: Commission Members From: Jessica Marvin, Associate Planner Isabel Guadarrama, Senior Planner For: Mundelein Economic Development Commission Meeting of October 23, 2025 Subject: 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast Attachments: None Background: We are four months away from the 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast (BAB). At last month’s meeting, the Commission nominated businesses for each of the Gold Star Awards. The subcommittee for the event includes David, Robert, and Virginia. 1) Keynote Address: Staff has only received a few keynote address topics. It is important to begin brainstorming so that we are not making last-minute selections. The subcommittee will be responsible for reaching out to the keynote speakers and making sure they are able to attend. They will also be responsible for creating the agenda for the event. Therefore, it is important that they receive ideas from the Commission within the next few days. A subcommittee meeting will be scheduled within the next few weeks. 2) Venue: Staff has been in contact with DoubleTree and reserved the venue for Thursday, February 26, 2026. 3) Gold Star Awards: Below is the list of businesses the Commission discussed at the last meeting. Since it’s a shorter list, staff decided it would be best to vote for the Gold Star Award winners in person at the October meeting. The winners will be announced at the December EDC meeting. Please see the Gold Star Award Nominations below. You may also write in a business for each category if you choose not to vote for any of the nominated businesses. • Business Investment/Expansion: o Dog Stop o Julio’s Tacos Page 26 of 28  o Barn XO o Tighthead o Advantage Handing Materials o Trulli Audio • Community Involvement: o AREA Coffee o Tighthead o Los Perez • Customer Service: o TieMart o Tighthead • Mundelein Pride: o Out of This World Embroidery o Tighthead Below is the remaining tentative schedule for the 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast. Timeline for the 2026 Business Appreciation Breakfast December 19th, 2025 EDC Meeting • Reveal the 4 Gold Star Award Winners • Subcommittee to contact the Gold Star Winners • Finalize Keynote Speaker(s) and Topic Early January 2026 • Start promoting the BAB • Organize and record the BAB Gold Star Video January 22nd, 2026 EDC Meeting • Promote the event through EDC members, social media, word of mouth, and emails. EDC members should visit businesses in their districts to help promote this event. • Prepare the Gold Star Awards – Signed by the Chair Page 27 of 28 February 2026: Event Month • Continue to promote the BAB • Finalize any items that are left Recommendation: Page 28 of 28