The Salem Lakes Economic Development Committee voted to convene a permitting-process workshop with village and county staff to map existing procedures, clarify where village and county responsibilities lie, and recommend communications and turnaround timelines for applicants.

Committee members said the current county contract for planning, zoning and inspections had been adopted quickly and left unclear which party is responsible for specific steps in the permitting process. "We need to map out how it's done — current state," one member said, adding that staff and county representatives will need to provide the detailed procedures for review.

Why it matters: A clarified permitting workflow and an applicant-facing timeline or brochure would reduce confusion for property owners and developers seeking permits, and could shorten turnaround times if the village and county align responsibilities and communications.

What was discussed: Members proposed a workshop format that includes village staff, county staff and EDC members to review the contract, map current-state procedures, identify communication gaps, and recommend improvements. The committee emphasized that the workshop should result in an outline of existing procedures and suggested normal turnaround expectations for applicants.

Action taken: The committee moved and seconded a motion to assign Pete Polley as the point person to coordinate the permitting review and outreach to county staff. The motion passed by voice vote.

Next steps: Pete will gather materials from village and county staff, schedule the workshop and report back to the committee with an outline of findings and suggested communications for applicants.