EDAC

Regular Meeting

Pekin, IL · December 8, 2025

Minutes

City of Pekin PROCEEDINGS OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE CITY OF PEKIN, ILLINOIS, HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL 111 S. CAPITOL ST ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025 AT 12:00 PM Call to Order The regular meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Committee was called to order at 12:00PM. A quorum was declared by Chairperson Leman. Attendee Organization Title Status Arrived Name John Campbell Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Present Noon Danielle Owens Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Present Noon Amy McCoy Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Present Noon Dennis Short Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Absent Jack Steger Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Present 12:03 PM Drew Leman Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Present Noon Liridon Rrushaj Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Present Noon D. Neal Hanley Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Present Noon II Roy Bockler Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Absent Earl Riley Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Absent Caty Campbell Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Present Noon Approval of Minutes 2.1. Minutes from the Regular EDAC Meeting on November 10, 2025 A. McCoy motioned to approve the agenda for today’s meeting and the meeting minutes from November 10, 2025, with a second by D. Owens. The motion passed by voice vote. Public Input None Reports 4.1. Monthly Staff Report Mr. Wray reviewed the monthly staff report included in the meeting packet. 4.2. Greater Peoria EDAC Updates Mr. Setti of the GPEDC provided a review of the bi-weekly Greater Peoria Economic Development Council updates since the last meeting. The Committee discussed the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. Mr. Setti noted that a meeting will be held in Tremont on Wednesday and invited members to attend. Committee members asked questions regarding the current plan document and the timeline for the upcoming update. Mr. Setti clarified that the document is not due until October 2026 and that most of the work is expected to be completed by the summer of next year. 4.3. Marketing Update The updated logo will be presented to City Council for approval tonight at the City Council meeting. New Business 5.1. Approval of 2026 Meeting Dates Mr. Wray presented the proposed 2026 meeting dates. He noted that the meeting cadence will remain the same, with meetings held on the second Monday of each month at noon, with one exception. The October meeting, which falls on a holiday, has been moved to Tuesday. A motion to approve the 2026 meeting dates as presented was made by B. Hanley and seconded by D. Owens. The motion carried by voice vote. 5.2. Input on Residential TIF Town Hall Mr. Wray requested recommendations on potential topics or issues to be addressed at an upcoming town hall hosted by Council Member Phillips. Mr. Wray and City Attorney Vasselli will also be in attendance to assist in answering questions. The Committee discussed several potential topics, including an overview of how the process works, noting that it is not simply a handout and that projects must be completed before verified expenses are submitted for reimbursement. Members also discussed the importance of the program, noting that current offerings do not align with what prospective residents are seeking. Additional topics included declining school enrollment, the impact on property taxes for residents, and secondary benefits of population growth, such as a broader tax base. Concerns were also raised regarding the current process for TIF grants. While there was no opposition to the program itself, members suggested implementing a separate application for each program and providing clearer guidelines. It was noted that TIF funds should not be used for routine or ongoing maintenance. Any Other Business to Come Before the Commission One committee member asked about the movie theater. It was clarified that this property is located in North Pekin, not City of Pekin. Adjourn Motion to adjourn the meeting by J. Campbell at 12:32 P.M., with a second by L. Rrushaj. The motion passed by voice vote. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026, at noon in the City Council Chambers.

Agenda

Packet

City of Pekin REGULAR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025 12:00 PM 1. Pledge of Allegiance 2. Call to Order 3. Approve Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes 4.1. Minutes from the Regular Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting on November 10, 2025 5. Public Input 6. Reports 6.1. Monthly Staff Report 6.2. Greater Peoria EDAC Updates 6.3. Marketing Update 7. New Business 7.1. Approval of 2026 Meeting Dates 7.2. Input on Residential TIF Town Hall 8. Any Other Business to Come Before the Commission 9. Adjourn Page 1 of 13 EDAC Meeting Minutes November 10, 2025 Call to Order The regular meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Committee was called to order at 12:00PM. A quorum was declared by Chairperson Leman. Attendee Name Organization Title Status Arrived Roy Bockler Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Absent Caty Campbell Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Present Noon John Campbell Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Present Noon Buster Hanley Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Present Noon Drew Leman Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Present Noon Amy McCoy Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Absent Danielle Owens Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Present Noon Earl Riley Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Absent Liridon Rrushaj Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Absent Dennis Short Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Present Noon Jack Steger Economic Development Advisory Committee Member Present Noon Approve Agenda and Meeting Minutes D. Short motioned to approve the agenda for today’s meeting and the meeting minutes from August 11, 2025, with a second C. Campbell. The motion passed by voice vote. Public Input None Reports 5.1 Monthly Staff Report Mr. Wray reviewed the monthly staff report included in the meeting packet. The committee discussed the updates provided, including potential future plans for the Lutticken property. 5.2 Greater Peoria EDC Report Mr. Setti from GPEDC was not present to provide a detailed update, but the report was included in the packet for the committee’s review. Unfinished Business None New Business Page 2 of 13 7.1 Marketing Update Mr. Wray shared an update on the recently approved rebranding. The item is scheduled for further discussion at tonight’s City Council meeting, with proposed modifications prepared by McDaniels Marketing. Additional discussion followed regarding welcome signs, Tourism funds, and the new website, as each could be affected by the outcome of the rebranding discussion. 7.2 Tazewell County Grant Opportunity Mr. Wray shared a grant opportunity with the committee that was brought to his attention by Ms. McCoy. He shared initial thoughts and project ideas for consideration by the group and asked for feedback as well as any additional ideas. Committee ideas and discussion surrounded a potential partnership with ICC for workforce development or CityLink for an additional route. 7.3 FY2027 Budget Mr. Wray distributed high-level information comparing the current FY26 budget to a proposed FY27 budget as it relates to TIF/BDD funding. Committee members expressed interest in allocating a higher percentage toward traditional economic development incentives and marketing, with a reduced share directed to road projects, while acknowledging that this decision is ultimately not theirs to make. Mr. Wray noted that although the proposed budget increases infrastructure funding, the current level of incentive funding can still be maintained. There was consensus that incentive investments represent a long-term strategy to strengthen the community, with the goal of increasing median housing values and median income. Chairperson Leman recommends keeping the documentation and reporting easily accessible, as they help demonstrate the value of the programs and incentives along with their overall impact. Any Other Business to Come Before the Commission D. Owens noted that she has served on the committee for many years and has not seen the level of positive traction currently occurring in the community. She attributed this progress to Mr. Wray’s efforts and commended him for his work. The committee collectively expressed their appreciation. Adjourn Motion to adjourn the meeting by D. Short at 1:08 P.M., with a second by B. Hanley. The motion passed by voice vote. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 8, 2025 at Noon in the City Council Chambers. Page 3 of 13 REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Agenda Date: December 8, 2025 To: Members of the Economic Development Advisory Committee From: Joshua Wray, Economic Development Director AGENDA ITEM: Monthly Staff Report DESCRIPTION: Commercial • City Council approved an incentive agreement with JPG Commercial Real Estate for the development of the 1-acre stormwater site in front of Menards. JPG is still in discussion with Menards regarding access and potential land acquisition from them to enlarge the buildable area. • City Council approved a site plan for the Center for Prevention of Abuse. They expect to break ground in the spring. • Staff published an RFP for the sale/lease and development of City-owned property at the corner of Broadway and 3rd Street. We expect 2 cell tower companies to submit, and we are hopeful a food/beverage developer we have previously met with may also submit. Industrial • Staff received an inquiry from a real estate agent representing a client looking for 4 acres for semi parking. While that is not typically a land use the City would encourage, we do think there is an opportunity for the City to benefit in the Brenkman Drive area, so we have sent an offer to the agent. • City Council approved a site plan for Epic Medical. • GPEDC has submitted an existing building in the Riverway Business Park for a statewide request for information for a prospective printing company. • Staff met with Alto, Heart of Illinois Port District, and a federal grant consultant to discuss submitting a project for next year's port development grant. Residential • The Chicagoland residential developer interested in the Lutticken Property has hired a design group to create a concept plan. Staff gave the designer a tour of the site last month. Other • There is one more opportunity to participate in our Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) preparation lead by GPEDC on December 10, 2025, at Tremont High Page 4 of 13 School Cafetorium, 400 W Pearl St, Tremont, IL 61568 from 4 PM – 7 PM. • The City intends to annex most of the Lutticken property at the Council meeting on December 8. The only property that will not yet be annexed is the residence at 3501 Sheridan Rd; there is a tenant living there, so the annexation process requires a few more steps. Page 5 of 13 REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Agenda Date: December 8, 2025 To: Members of the Economic Development Advisory Committee From: AGENDA ITEM: Greater Peoria EDAC Updates DESCRIPTION: Greater Peoria EDC Update - November 14 Greater Peoria EDC Update - November 21 Greater Peoria EDC Update - December 5 Page 6 of 13 REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Agenda Date: December 8, 2025 To: Members of the Economic Development Advisory Committee From: Joshua Wray, Economic Development Director AGENDA ITEM: Marketing Update DESCRIPTION: City Council provided some late feedback that they wanted some changes to the previously approved City logo and brand. McDaniels prepared an adjusted logo that is set to be officially approved on December 8. The economic development marketing campaign will kick-off thereafter. Videos and photography have been prepared and will be ready to launch in short order. Page 7 of 13 MAIN BADGE LOGO 1 | CITY OF PEKIN REVISED LOGO DECK FULL COLOR REVERSE ONE COLOR ALTERNATIVES Page 8 of 13 TAGLINE BADGE LOGO 2 | CITY OF PEKIN REVISED LOGO DECK FULL COLOR REVERSE Y W O U O R PL GR ACE TO ONE COLOR ALTERNATIVES Page 9 of 13 HORIZONTAL LOGO 3 | CITY OF PEKIN REVISED LOGO DECK FULL COLOR REVERSE ONE COLOR ALTERNATIVES Page 10 of 13 TAGLINE HORIZONTAL LOGO 4 | CITY OF PEKIN REVISED LOGO DECK FULL COLOR REVERSE ONE COLOR ALTERNATIVES Page 11 of 13 City of Pekin Economic Development Advisory Committee 2026 Regular Meeting Schedule Regular meetings will be held at 12:00 PM (noon) in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 111 S. Capitol St. Pekin, IL 61554, on the second Monday of each month, unless otherwise noted, as follows: Monday, January 12 Monday, February 9 Monday, March 9 Monday, April 13 Monday, May 11 Monday, June 8 Monday, July 13 Monday, August 10 Monday, September 14 Tuesday, October 13 Monday, November 9 Monday, December 14 Page 12 of 13 REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION Agenda Date: December 8, 2025 To: Members of the Economic Development Advisory Committee From: Joshua Wray, Economic Development Director AGENDA ITEM: Input on Residential TIF Town Hall DESCRIPTION: Councilmember Phillips has asked staff's assistance in hosting a town hall regarding residential TIFs. Staff would like the Committee's input on what topics/issues we should specifically cover before opening up to questions from the public. Page 13 of 13