Kewanee’s Kentville Road Industrial Park has attracted “serious” interest from several business owners, the City Council learned Monday.
“We now have several serious inquiries” from businesses that want to locate in the park at the corner of Cole Street and Railroad Avenue, Mayor Gary Moore said.
The park extends from Cole Street to the Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center on the south side of Kentville Road.
The council voted to hire the firm of Bruner, Cooper and Zuck to do preliminary design and survey work in the industrial park.
City Manager Gary Bradley said that firm has done previous design work at the industrial park and is familiar with the area. That will enable them to do the new work at lower cost than competing firms, Bradley said.
Also Monday, the council:
— Approved Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funding for the Players Edge for their building at 1516 Burlington Ave.
The funds will pay for replacing damaged portions of the wall along the south and east sides of the building.
TIF funds not to exceed $62,674 were approved for the work.
The company will also receive a $25,000 loan at three percent interest for five years. The city will forgive one-fifth of the loan each year until the entire loan has been forgiven.
The city will also reimburse the firm 50 percent of the annual net real estate tax increase on the property until the developer has received the $62,674.
The Players Edge manufactures athletic courts and playing surfaces. It has 10 employees.
— The council approved a Source Water Correction Plan, which is designed to prevent contamination of the city’s water supply from old wells or other sources.
— An amendment to the city electrical code approved by the council will remove the requirement for a special use permit to build an electric charging station on a property with B-1 business zoning.
— The council also approved adoption of an electrical code that will bring the city’s regulations into compliance with state and federal rules.
— Councilman Mike Komnick, who is co-chair of the Hog Festival Committee, commented that this year’s festival was an immense success. Mayor Moore said that success was due to the efforts of the festival committee members and many other volunteers.
