City of Mt. Vernon, Illinois

Public Hearing

TIF – Redevelopment Plan and Project for the Industrial

Park Conservation Area

September 20, 2010

The Mt. Vernon City Council held a Public Hearing on Monday, September 20, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in the Rolland W. Lewis Community Building at Veterans Park.

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley called the Public Hearing to order. Present were: Council Member Mary Burgan, Council Member Dennis McEnaney, Council Member Todd Piper, Council Member David Wood and Mayor Mary Jane Chesley.

Mayor Chesley stated that the purpose of this Public Hearing was to explain and receive Public Comment regarding the Adoption of a TIF Redevelopment Plan and Project for the Industrial Park Conservation Area. 

City Manager Ron Neibert stated that the Public Hearing is a requirement of the Statutes.  Mr. Neibert presented Mr. Mike Weber of PGAV of St. Louis, Missouri to explain the TIF area.

Mr. Weber showed a map of the proposed TIF area.  He stated that the area is approximately 900 acres. This TIF is different than traditional TIF areas. It is orientated to business and industrial areas.  This would bring in jobs to the City. Mr. Weber explained that the unemployment in the City is very high. One project that is looking at this area is a 350,000 to 500,000 square foot building that would employ up to 200 full time people. Another project looking is a 200,000 square foot building that would employ up to 60 full time jobs.

Mayor Chesley asked if Mr. Weber could show the boundary lines. Mr. Weber stated that the area is south of Wal-Mart, west of the new Interchange.  The area is mostly agricultural right now but with secure commitments, the City could use TIF Funds for infrastructure inside or within 750 feet of the perimeter. 

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley asked if there were any public comments. Council Member Todd Piper asked if the entire area was limited to industrial.  Mr. Weber stated that it is not.  The zoning does have to permit for industrial uses.  Council  

Member Dennis McEnaney asked how strong the two prospects are.  City Manager Ron Neibert stated that Mt. Vernon is one of the many communities being looked at and the names are still in the confidential status. Mayor Mary Jane Chesley stated that the creation of jobs is a very important issue for Mt. Vernon. Council Member McEnaney asked what the next step would be. City Manager Ron Neibert stated that to complete the Zoning and place the TIF and Zoning Ordinances on the agenda would be the next important steps.  All of the annexations have been done.  Mr. Weber stated that it would take between 14 and 90 days to finish out this project.

Motion by Council Member David Wood to adjourn this Public Hearing regarding the TIF Redevelopment Plan and Project for the Industrial Park Conservation Area. Second by Council Member Mary Burgan.  Yeas: Burgan, McEnaney, Piper, Wood and Chesley.