Housing options for senior citizens in Mendota might get a boost after a developer expressed interest in locating in Mendota during the regular meeting of the Mendota City Council on March 1.

Jason Racine, vice president of The Stough Group of Burr Ridge, gave a presentation to the city council indicating the group's interest in locating senior housing in Mendota. The 22-year-old company specializes in affordable, independent senior living. The company currently has developments in Peru, Streator, Princeton and Spring Valley, among other communities.

Racine said there are typically six units located within a single-story, low-density building. Each unit would be 750 square feet with one bedroom. He said the developments average about 50 units with what he calls Phase I. After enough interest is shown, the developer typically adds Phase II to the equation.

The units are 85-90 percent brick exterior. Included in the development would be a 2,000-square foot community center where activities would be held for residents of the housing development, in addition to a 1,700-square foot residence for the facility manager.

Qualifications for living in the development include being at least 62 years old and a yearly income not to exceed $28,000 for one person and $30,000 for two people.

Racine said his company likes to hire from within the community as much as possible, and they also provide plenty of opportunity for local contractors during the construction phase.

The preliminary area being targeted for such a development is on the west side of Plaza Drive near the intersection with U.S. 34. With the blessing of the council to move forward on this proposal, the next step is to present the information to the Planning Commission for its consideration.



ALDERMANIC REPORTS

The council approved a request by the Mendota Evangelical Free Church to hold a concert by The Chosen Ones on Sunday, July 25 in Veterans Park.

Alderman Bill Hunt called a Finance Committee meeting for 6 p.m. Monday, March 8 at the city clerk's office. Also during Hunt's report, the council approved a CDAP (Community Development Assistance Program) loan in the amount of $30,000 for Sergio Mandujano for the construction of a welding shop on Plaza Drive. In order to be approved for the loan, the business must create the equivalent of three full-time jobs.

In action from Alderman Paul Norris's report, the council approved a contract with Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad for road construction work on E. Fifth Road at the Mendota Business Park.



MAYOR'S REPORT

During Mayor David Boelk's report, the council approved requests by the Mendota YMCA to hold its ninth annual “On the Right Track” 5K run/walk on Sunday, June 20, and by Mendota Community Hospital for its third annual Cornapalooza 5K/10K run/walk on Saturday, Aug. 14.

Mayor Boelk proclaimed March as National Youth Art Month.

The mayor also urged everyone to fill out their 2010 Census form as it aids the community in obtaining state and federal funding.



OTHER ITEMS

ESDA director Bill Politsch said March 1-7 is Tornado Preparedness Week in Illinois. The civil defense sirens will be tested the first Tuesday of the month through the spring and summer months.

Jon Kaufman, waste water treatment plant superintendent, said the sludge cover building has been completed.

Alderman Randy Morris said there is a traffic concern at the Fourth Avenue viaduct for a short period during the morning school commute in which vehicles are sometimes backed up onto U.S. 34. The police department will monitor the situation.

The next regular meeting of the Mendota City Council will be Monday, March 15 at 6:30 p.m.