Community Development Committee approves Nov. 3 minutes and $174,084 voucher draw; ECDA reports steady housing pipeline

KANKAKEE — The Kankakee County City Council Community Development Committee on Dec. 1 approved its Nov. 3 meeting minutes and accepted a November draw voucher list that totaled $174,084.09, committee members said.

During the meeting ECDA executive director Barbara Brewer Watson presented the voucher report and said roughly $83,000 of the total covered recently completed lead-abatement and housing rehabilitation construction work. She told the committee the vouchers also included salary reimbursements to the city, routine operational bills such as a Verizon wireless charge, reimbursements for small purchases charged to department credit cards, and promotional or outreach expenses including developer materials and a Thrive magazine advertisement.

Alderman Cobbs moved to approve the Nov. 3 minutes; Alderman Otsenga seconded. The minutes were approved “as presented,” the chair said. Alderman Swanson moved to accept the draw vouchers and Alderman Otsenga seconded. A roll call vote recorded individual aye/abstain responses; the chair announced the vouchers passed. The minutes and voucher motion were handled during open committee business and no executive session was convened.

ECDA’s monthly departmental report outlined progress across its construction and grant programs. Brewer Watson and assistant director Maya Pedagua reported 33 construction projects in progress citywide. Program-by-program counts given to the committee included: three completed LEHI projects with 11 still in progress and an expectation that three more could finish in December; one Healthy Homes project completed with 10 more in progress; and two completions and five projects in progress under the CDBG housing rehabilitation line.

Staff warned some work may be delayed by winter weather and material delivery schedules. For one Mirror program project, staff said flooring materials are delayed and family/contractor holiday schedules push expected completion into January. For a CDBG-funded demolition on 5th Avenue, ECDA reported structures already removed but remaining debris and cold ground conditions could postpone landscaping or ground work until spring.

The committee also heard updates about community outreach and grant administration. Brewer Watson noted the 2025–26 CDBG public service awards are finalized; some awardees have not yet drawn down funds and ECDA staff — led by a staff member named Marlena — is assisting agencies with late reporting and drawdown requirements.

The committee adjourned at 6:37 p.m.

What’s next: ECDA staff reminded potential applicants that informational sessions for CDBG public service funds are scheduled for Dec. 2 and Dec. 4 (both at noon and 5 p.m.), with a letter of intent due in person by 3 p.m. on Dec. 19 and full applications due by 4 p.m. on Jan. 16. A public hearing before the Community Advisory Board is set for Feb. 4, with a funding recommendation anticipated in March and council consideration in April.