===== PDF PAGE 1 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES January 27, 2026 – 10:30 a.m. Approved April 28, 2026 1. Call to Order Chairperson Beles called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. 2. Roll Call Roll call found Chairperson Beles and Commissioners Airhart, Espinosa, Harms, and Moran present. A quorum was established. Business & Community Relations Director Kelley Chrisse was also in attendance. 3. Public Comment None. 4. Approval of the October 28, 2025 Meeting Minutes Commissioner Espinosa made a motion to approve the August 26, 2025 Meeting Minutes, which was seconded by Commissioner Moran. The motion carried unanimously via voice vote. 5. 2025 Annual EDC Report Ms. Chrisse reviewed the 2025 EDC activity report. Commissioners identified topics for 2026, including re-evaluation of Downtown grant programs (loan options, reimbursement structure, and estimate requirements). They also suggested enhancing the Downtown Investment Program by providing a list of participating local banks and contractors. It was agreed these items should be discussed prior to budget recommendations to allow for potential updates. Commissioner Harms made a motion to approve the 2025 Annual EDC Report, which was seconded by Commissioner Espinosa. The motion carried unanimously via voice vote. 6. Discussion of Business Regulations Ms. Chrisse explained that the majority of business regulations are contained within Chapter 9 of the City Code, which will serve as the starting point for the review. She noted that this effort is included in the 2026–2028 Economic Development Work Plan and aligns with the Commission’s role as an advisor to the City Council on economic policy. The purpose of the review is to improve clarity and predictability, enhance business-friendliness, modernize regulations to reflect current business practices, and identify priority updates in the event that not all provisions can be revised at once. The Commission proceeded to review the regulations article by article. A question was raised regarding how contractor registration fees are structured, which Ms. Chrisse indicated she would confirm. Commissioners also discussed the distinction between peddlers and solicitors and suggested the potential to combine these categories into a broader mobile vendor 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 2 ===== [Extraction: embedded PDF text] classification with varying levels of regulation based on the intensity of activity. There was consensus that the regulations related to itinerant or transient photographers are outdated and should be removed. In reviewing the scavenger regulations, Commissioners expressed concern that portions of the language function more as contract terms with the City’s waste collection provider rather than general regulations, and noted that certain provisions applicable to homeowners should be relocated. When discussing carnival regulations, it was noted that these activities are typically associated with special events, and relocation to the Special Event section of the Code may be more appropriate. Additional questions were raised regarding the necessity of regulations for auctions and auctioneers, as well as the City’s ability to enforce provisions related to relocators and repossessors. With respect to taxicabs and livery services, Ms. Chrisse noted the limited presence of such businesses in West Chicago and the prevalence of rideshare services, indicating that the practicality and enforceability of these regulations should be evaluated. The Commission agreed to continue reviewing Chapter 9 in advance of the next meeting and to identify regulations that should be updated, relocated, or eliminated. In support of better serving the business community, the Commission emphasized the importance of removing outdated or unnecessary regulations and incorporating stakeholder feedback. Focus groups were identified as a potential outreach tool, with targeted discussion topics to help ensure ease of entry for businesses and industries in West Chicago. 7. Staff Report – None 8. Commissioner Reports – None 9. Adjournment – Commissioner Espinosa made a motion to adjourn, which was seconded by Commissioner Airhart. The motion passed unanimously by voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 11:58 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Kelley Chrisse, Business & Community Relations Director Economic Development Commission January 27, 2026 Minutes Page 2 of 2