===== PDF PAGE 2 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION DRAFT MEETING MINUTES August 26, 2025 – 10:30 a.m. Selection of Temporary Chairman With Chairperson Beles absence, a motion was made by Commissioner Harms and seconded by Commissioner Espinosa to appoint Commissioner Sabathne as temporary Chairperson for this meeting. The motion passed unanimously via voice vote. 1. Call to Order Chairperson Sabathne called the meeting to order at 10:32 a.m. 2. Roll Call Roll call found Temporary Chairperson Sabathne, and Commissioners Airhart, Espinosa, Harms, and Moran present. A quorum was established. Business & Community Relations Director Kelley Chrisse and one resident were also in attendance. 3. Public Comment None. 4. Approval of the January 28, 2025 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Moran made a motion to approve the January 28, 2025 Meeting Minutes, which was seconded by Commissioner Espinosa. With Commissioner Airhart abstaining, the motion passed unanimously via voice vote. 5. Status of 2025-2027 Economic Development Work Plan Ms. Chrisse reviewed the current work plan and highlighted the progress achieved to date. During the discussion of the downtown owners meetings initiative, a suggestion was made to expand translation services to enable two-way dialogue rather than limiting them to presentation content. It was also explained that several initiatives have been placed on hold due to staffing constraints, the need to complete other projects first, and shifting priorities. Additionally, a suggestion was raised to evaluate Business Interruption Funding for downtown businesses that may be affected by the upcoming Main Street infrastructure and streetscape improvements. Ms. Chrisse noted that while significant progress has been made on many initiatives, those not yet started or placed on hold will be carried forward into the 2026–2028 Economic Development Work Plan, where appropriate. 6. 2026-2028 Economic Development Work Plan Discussion Ms. Chrisse explained that the 2026–2028 Work Plan was developed to align with City Council priorities, with a particular emphasis on expanding community outreach. She noted that the Business & Community Relations Department currently has one vacancy and has requested 475 Main Street T 630.293.2200 Daniel Bovey MAYOR West Chicago, Illinois F 630.293.3028 Tia Messino 60185 westchicago.org INTERIM CITY ADMINISTRATOR ===== PDF PAGE 3 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] two additional positions in the 2026 Budget: a Business Support Specialist and a Program Support Specialist (Administrative Assistant). The Commission expressed their desire for Ms. Chrisse to resume and expand business outreach activities once the department has greater capacity. Ms. Chrisse also mentioned that the impending retirement of the Community Development Director may temporarily reduce that department’s capacity. In reviewing the draft Work Plan, Commissioners provided the following feedback: • West Washington Street Site: Commissioners questioned whether preparing a City- funded concept plan would be the best use of limited resources, noting that developers typically prepare their own plans based on market conditions. Commissioner Airhart suggested that a new City Hall on the site could generate consistent activity by attracting residents conducting City business. • Multi-Family Regulations: Commissioners recommended a broader review of multi- family housing regulations, rather than limiting changes to the R-6 zoning district near downtown. • Encouraging Investment: The Commission emphasized that the focus should be on reducing barriers to investment and development, with the broader goal of generating overall economic activity and making it easier for businesses and entrepreneurs to succeed in West Chicago. • Balancing Impact and Engagement: Commissioners agreed that initiatives should balance measurable economic impact with opportunities for the public to feel heard and involved. • Building on Momentum: There was consensus that new initiatives should build upon the City’s existing successes to further strengthen momentum. • Business Incubator Initiative: Commissioners discussed the need for partnerships with nonprofit and regional entities, such as a downtown association, Innovation DuPage, and the College of DuPage. They noted Innovation DuPage’s model as a public-private partnership that provides shared workspaces and resources, independent of the Village of Glen Ellyn. They also referenced Batavia’s Boardwalk Shops, operated by Batavia Main Street and separate from the City, as another example. Commissioners agreed that a farmer’s market in downtown West Chicago could serve as a strong starting point. • Measuring Impact: Commissioners underscored the importance of tracking outcomes and asked how the City plans to monitor the effectiveness of these initiatives. 7. Staff Report – None 8. Commissioner Reports – None 9. Adjournment – Commissioner Espinosa made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Commissioner Harms. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 12:12 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Kelley Chrisse, Business & Community Relations Director Economic Development Commission August 26, 2025 Minutes Page 2 of 2