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Council discusses TIF rebate for 122 North Main redevelopment; approves several routine measures unanimously
Summary
Council discussed a proposed downtown redevelopment at 122 North Main with an estimated project cost of $383,426.30 and a proposed TIF rebate not to exceed $87,783.95 tied to phased completion and signed leases; the council also approved a USDA federal interest release and ordinances allowing remote attendance and creating a second deputy chief of police, all by unanimous votes.
City staff and a developer described a proposed renovation at 122 North Main and asked the council for feedback on financial assistance, and the council then approved several resolutions and ordinances unanimously.
"The revision of this and the overall project has slightly reduced the total estimated project cost to $383,426.30," staff member John told the council, noting updated contractor quotes for HVAC, plumbing, electrical and interior work. Staff proposed a TIF rebate with a not‑to‑exceed TIF total of $87,783.95 and a payment schedule in three equal installments, with the third installment withheld until a signed lease is submitted.
Developer Cliff Fear described the difficulty of restoring old buildings and said structural repairs had already begun. "They're always full of surprises," he said, describing prior restoration work in Peoria and urging patience with hidden costs. Several alderpersons voiced support for preserving the downtown building and for having rebate payments tied to sales‑tax‑producing tenants.
Immediately after that discussion, council approved a resolution to release the USDA Rural Development federal interest in the city revolving loan fund and committed to continued use of the funds for economic development; the motion passed unanimously. On second reading the council also adopted an ordinance authorizing electronic attendance by city boards and commissions, and a second ordinance amended city code to authorize a second deputy chief of police; both ordinances were approved unanimously on the floor.
Votes at a glance: - Reappointment of Jeff Labouze to Washington Fire Department Board of Directors — approved unanimously (motion/second recorded on the consent agenda). - Resolution: release USDA federal interest in revolving loan fund — approved unanimously (SEG 1210–1226). - Ordinance (second reading): allow remote attendance for boards and commissions — adopted unanimously (SEG 1230–1248). - Ordinance: establish second deputy chief of police position — adopted unanimously (SEG 1250–1268). - Motion to table approval of executive session minutes for 2025 — approved unanimously (SEG 1396–1422).
Staff said the TIF assistance agreement would be drafted with the council's feedback and returned for formal approval at a future meeting. No votes on the redevelopment incentive were taken at this meeting.
