Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · October 20, 2014
Minutes
MINUTES
MEETING OF THE
CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION
CITY OF DEKALB
October 20, 2014
The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission of the City of DeKalb, Illinois held a
regular meeting on Monday, October 20, 2014 in the Haish Conference Room of the DeKalb
Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois.
Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Roll was recorded by Deputy City Clerk Tammey Higgins, and the following members of the
Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission were present: Susan Johnson, Brad Hoey, Mike
Mooney, Brad Pietens, Cohen Barnes and Lisa Small. Absent were Bob Boey and Camyle Tate.
Also present were: Jennifer Diedrich, Economic Development Coordinator and Tammey
Higgins, Deputy City Clerk.
In addition, Michael MacDonald was also present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Mr. Barnes moved to approve the Agenda; seconded by Ms. Small. Motion carried on voice
vote. Chair Johnson declared the motion approved.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION
Ms. Small moved to approve the minutes of September 15, 2014; seconded by Mr. Barnes.
Motion carried on voice vote. Chair Johnson declared the motion approved.
BUSINESS
Ms. Diedrich advised members of her appointment as staff liaison for the Commission. Chair
Johnson advised of appointment of new Commission member, Deborah Booth and a brief
discussion of Ms. Booth followed.
1. Utility Box Mural Project
Ms. Diedrich reiterated the project status and commented on budget timing and project fee
concerns. Chair Johnson touched on discussions from the prior meeting relating to former
Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission
October 20, 2014
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Assistant City Manager Espiritu investigating the City purchasing a utility box to utilize as a
sample ready in time for the Artigras event. Discussion ensued relating to who would paint the
box, cost concerns regarding getting a sample prepared and placing the sample on a float for the
Artigras parade. Ms. Diedrich agreed to check on availability of a utility box and Mr.
MacDonald would investigate potential artists.
Mr. MacDonald brought up issue of different approaches to a conceptual piece including digital
overlay. He also commented on the existence of 19 boxes between the City center and campus;
theme considerations; sorting out different ideas; and different sizes and structure of the utility
boxes (some were silver with a kicker on the side, some were yellow). Ms. Diedrich commented
on the potential to simulate something similar to a utility box so that Mr. MacDonald could take
it to presentation – a portable prototype. Discussion followed amongst attendees relating to the
role of Mr. MacDonald, potential use of sponsors, price of conceptual piece to develop (former
Assistant City Manager Espiritu was to have been investigating this issue), display of prototype
during Artigras parade, consideration of promotional pieces providing a visual concept.
Mr. Pietens commented on the role of the Enhancement Commission in this project: setting
parameters, consideration of sponsorships, and establishing guidelines to provide to interested
parties. Discussion involving multiple aspects of the project including theme considerations, role
of Commission in accepting submissions, concerns of what entity will be responsible for
different aspects of project, project schedule and implementation, potential sites and selection
thereof, coordinating project with Artigras event, funding amounts, number of sites to include in
first year, contacting representative of Livermore’s team for information, concern for protection
of artwork, selecting correct materials to be utilized in project, and project implementation
schedule occurred. Ms. Small stated she would work on creating the guidelines. Attendees
continued discourse on multiple aspects of structuring the project, marketing the project, and
future sustainability of the project.
Chair Johnson advised the next meeting would be November 17, 2014 at 4:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Mr. Hoey moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Mooney. Motion carried on voice
vote. Chair Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
______________________________________
TAMMEY HIGGINS, Deputy City Clerk
Agenda
Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda
October 20, 2014
4:00 p.m.
DeKalb Municipal Building
PLEASE NOTE LOCATION
Haish Conference Room, Second Floor
Our mission statement: We will listen to the community to identify, develop and test initiatives to improve
the quality of life. We will develop public/private partnerships to implement sustainable initiatives.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA (ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 15, 2014
BUSINESS
1. Utility Box Mural Project
Map
Timeline
Budget
Guidelines
Recommendation
ADJOURNMENT
Assistive services will be provided upon request
MINUTES
MEETING OF THE
CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION
CITY OF DEKALB
September 15, 2014
The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission of the City of DeKalb, Illinois held a
regular meeting on Monday, September 15, 2014 in the Ellwood Conference Room of the
DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois.
Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m.
ROLL CALL:
Roll was recorded by Deputy City Clerk Tammey Higgins, and the following members of the
Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission were present: Susan Johnson, Bob Boey, Brad
Hoey, Mike Mooney, Brad Pietens, and Lisa Small. Absent were Cohen Barnes, and Camyle
Tate.
Also present were: Rudy Espiritu, Assistant City Manager; and Tammey Higgins, Deputy City
Clerk.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Mr. Boey moved to approve the Agenda; seconded by Mr. Hoey. Motion carried on voice vote.
Chair Johnson declared the motion approved.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION
Mr. Mooney moved to approve the minutes of June 16, 2014; July 21, 2014; and August 18,
2014, seconded by Mr. Pietens. Motion carried on voice vote. Chair Johnson declared the
motion approved.
BUSINESS
1. Commission Member Vacancy. Mr. Espiritu commented on the recent passing of
Commission member Paul Rasmussen. Comments were provided by Commission members on
Mr. Rasmussen’s valuable impact on the function of the Commission. Mr. Espiritu then advised
that Mayor Rey is requesting member input regarding candidates for the vacancy. He further
shared that the Mayor had a couple of candidates in mind and that members could email
suggestions to the Mayor. Discussion followed regarding potential areas of expertise for
candidates, and make-up of potential candidates (resident, business owner, etc.). Mr. Espiritu
was asked to contact Ms. Tate to confirm status of participating in Commission.
Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission
September 15, 2014
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2. Utility Box Mural Project. Mr. Espiritu provided a recap of the memo included in the
Agenda packet. He advised the members that an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
inquiry had been made regarding inclusion of IDOT utility boxes in the project. IDOT declined
to participate. Mr. Espiritu further advised members of a discussion held with Mr. Eric Fuentes
(3D Foundation Coordinator) at a recent ArtiGras meeting including budgetary values, and
participation in the ArtiGras parade (May 2, 2015). Discussion followed covering weather
concerns, stakeholders/sponsors, role of the Commission, potential make-up of a subcommittee,
and the need for further technical discussion with Mr. MacDonald. Additional topics addressed
encompassed selection of utility box sites, quantity of sites for initial implementation of project,
and the need for members to visually review all sites for recommendations. The issue of a
project theme was discussed including the concerns of making the theme too broad or too
narrow. The production of a prototype utility box for use in potential sponsor review, additional
information relating to potential stakeholders/sponsors, the responsibility of the Commission in
carrying project to conclusion for at least the first year of the program was also discussed along
with utilizing the guidelines of the Livermore, California project. It was the decision of
members that each would view all sites reflected on the packet map and comment at the next
meeting.
3. Yards of Distinction Submittals. Members reviewed the three submittals. They were
advised that this was the final submittal for the program for the season.
MOTION
Mr. Mooney moved to approve each of the submittals, seconded by Mr. Hoey. Motion carried
on voice vote. Chair Johnson declared the motion approved.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Ms. Small moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Hoey. Motion carried on voice vote.
Chair Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at 5:13 p.m.
______________________________________
TAMMEY HIGGINS, Deputy City Clerk
10‐16‐14
In patterning our project after the successful project in Livermore, California, we are suggesting the
following plan of action for consideration.
There are 19 utility boxes owned exclusively by the City of DeKalb
Most of the traffic utility boxes throughout the City are maintained 50/50 by the Illinois
Department of Transportation and the City of DeKalb
o IDOT was approached and is not interested in having artwork on utility boxes that they
share ownership in
Artists would fill out an application form, including concept drawing of project and which box
they would like to paint
o Artist would be required to sign liability and contract forms with the City
o Also open to art teachers to mentor a group of students and encouraged to choose
utility boxes near their school
Installation of art must be completed from May 18, 2015 – August 18, 2015 in anticipation of
Corn Fest
Applications due March 2 June 1, 2015
o Selection committee meet on March 9 June 8, 2015 and make recommendation to CCEC
o CCEC make final decision on March 16 June 15, 2015
o Artist meeting with CCEC __________, 2015
Artists will receive $125 stipend once contract is signed. Once project is completed, after review
by City Staff and CCEC member, artist will receive an additional $125.
o City would provide basic art supplies
Sponsorships would be encouraged, with identified name painted on the mural
Issues for the CCEC to consider:
Presentation to City Council:
o Recommendation
o Timeline
o Budget
Callforentry.org
supplies
It would be good to have a prototype box decorated by ArtiGras – May 2, 2015. Could the
spring weather negate this from happening? How will the timetable change to accommodate
this prototype?
How do we identify stakeholders and sponsors to involve them in the project?
What is the role of the CCEC in this project?
Traffic Signal Control Boxes*
*Owned exclusively by the City of DeKalb
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Call for Artists: Urban Art Program
Utility Box Mural Project
Date Issued:
February 15, 2013
Application Deadline:
April 30, 2013
11:00 pm
Imagine how your art can transform a street!
The City of Livermore and the Commission for the Arts invites artists to participate
in the City’s second Utility Box Mural Project.
The City and the Commission are seeking artists to showcase their work on a
minimum of 15 utility boxes located throughout Livermore. The program’s goals
are to enhance the beauty and vibrancy of Livermore, deter unsightly graffiti on
the utility boxes, and bring art to unexpected places.
Applications are available through callforentry.org, an online application
system. There is no charge to the artist for using callforentry.org or to apply for
the Utility Box Mural Project. If you are a first-time user, please allow adequate
time to learn and understand the online system. Applications will not be accepted
after the deadline.
Directions how to access the online application begin on page 3 of this document.
Please read this Call for Artists in its entirety
before completing the application.
Eligibility
This Call for Artists is open to all adult and student practicing artists. The Call is also open to
Art Teachers that are interested in mentoring a group of students. All entries must be an
original design and artwork of the entrant and must be suitable for viewing by all ages.
Description and Location of Utility Boxes
The City’s Utility Boxes vary in size, but typically they are 4 feet, 7 inches tall; 3 feet, 2½ inches
wide; and 2 feet, 2 inches deep. The boxes are currently grey and will require several
sequential applications of paint to complete the project (1. sand 2. prime 3. paint with acrylics
4. finishing with anti-graffiti clear coat). The boxes are visible to pedestrian, automobile, and
other passing traffic.
Although specific utility boxes are not selected for this project, the Commission for the Arts is
encouraging artists to choose boxes located on major thoroughfares into and throughout
Livermore. The streets are as follows,
• Stanley Boulevard between Isabel Avenue and Holmes Street
• North Livermore Avenue between 580 and Railroad Avenue
The Commission is also encouraging Art Teachers and students to select utility boxes near
their school.
This call is only for the City of Livermore Utility Boxes. If you choose a location that contains
more than one box, the City’s box is the largest of each of the boxes.
You may not choose to place art on a utility box that was painted in a previous year.
Artwork Opportunity
The proposed Utility Box Mural art must be acrylic paint and cover all four sides and the top of
the box.
The art should enliven the area, transform the street and reflect the neighborhood or area
where the utility box is located. Due to the location of the boxes, the art should be visible from
a distance; therefore you may choose to utilize bold colors and designs. Additional
consideration can be given to a project that showcases Livermore’s cultural diversity, historic
heritage, or acknowledges a key activity that takes place in the area.
Artists can submit more than one concept for the same location.
The art cannot restrict any vents or airflow through the boxes. City maintenance crews must
be able to fully access the components inside the box at all times.
Artists are responsible for prepping and painting the utility box. An anti-graffiti clear coat
must be applied to protect the art upon completion.
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The installation of the work must be completed from July 1 through October 7, 2013. The
artists may enlist assistants to help them complete the project. An art teacher may also mentor
a group of students.
The artist cannot begin the installation on the selected utility box until all liability and
contract forms are completed and submitted to the City. If you are under the age of 18, a
parent or guardian is required to sign all forms.
The art may include the name of the artists and the sponsor (no larger than a 3” x 5” space).
Entries that use a copyrighted or trademarked image will not be accepted. In addition, the art
must not be plagiarized, stolen, or copied from any other source. Entries must not defame or
invade the rights of any person, living or dead.
The artwork is a long-term installation and will become the property of the City of Livermore.
How to Apply for this Call
You must use the online site callforentry.org to apply for the Urban Mural project. Please
access the “How to Apply” section in the bar at the top of the page to begin this process. If you
have any questions or concerns, please review the “Cafe Help” section in the same bar at the
top of the page.
The name of this call is City of Livermore: Utility Box Mural Project. It is listed in
alphabetical order on the “Call Listing” page. There are many ways to access the “Call Listing”
page, but the easiest is to use the link named “View All Calls” on the front page of the website.
Application
All requirements listed below must be met or the application will be removed from
consideration.
• Full application completed through the online website
• A concept drawing that shows the front, sides, and top of the utility box must be
included in the application.
• Submissions may be hand drawn or computer generated.
• If interested, the artist can select the location of the box they would like to paint. The
Commission will accept up to 5 location choices. Please rank the specific location with
#1 being the most desired, #2 being the next, and so forth.
• A statement of interest (2,000 characters maximum) that describes why you are
interested in painting a utility box and your experience working on public art projects.
How does the artist believe the art will transform the street and/or enliven the area?
Page 3 of 5
• A résumé that includes exhibition history, past projects; or a brief description of
cooperative, community-based projects (do not exceed four pages). If you are a
student, a letter of recommendation from an art teacher will be accepted in lieu of a
résumé.
• A minimum of 3 examples of previous work including a brief description.
• All visuals including utility box designs and examples of previous work must meet the
online format specifications required for uploading:
o File type: JPG
o Dimensions: minimum 1920 pixels on the longest side.
o Resolution: 72 ppi/dpi
Artist Selection Process
The Selection Sub-committee will consist of three members of the City’s Commission for the
Arts, one visual art professional that is not a current member of the Commission for the Arts,
and up to two at-large members of the community. The Selection Sub-committee will conduct
its review on May 8, 2013 in the City Council Chambers beginning at 6:00 pm. All
applicants are invited to attend this meeting to make a five-minute presentation to the
Subcommittee describing their proposed utility box mural.
The Selection Sub-committee will recommend which murals will be completed and the
location of the utility boxes to the full Commission for the Arts at their regularly scheduled
meeting on May 28, 2013. Please note this is an open meeting and the public is invited to
attend. The Commission for the Arts is the final decision making body for this process.
Selection Criteria
The Selection Committee and Commission for the Arts consider the following when making the
selection for the Urban Mural Project
• Artistic excellence, innovation, and originality.
• Does the artist have the experience to complete the project within time frame?
• Does the art meet the goals of the project?
o Transform the area?
o Does the art relate to the area where the utility box is located?
o Show the City’s cultural diversity, historic heritage, or a key activity?
If you are selected to complete a Utility Box Mural
The selected artists and all assistants must attend a meeting on June 13, 2013 beginning
at 6:30 pm in the City Council Chambers.
At this meeting, City Staff will distribute contracts, liability releases. Commission members
will provide details and additional information to complete the mural. If you are under the age
Page 4 of 5
of 18 and selected to complete a mural, a parent or guardian MUST attend this meeting with
you and sign all liability releases.
All artists must sign a City of Livermore liability release before beginning work on the selected
utility box. The process time window for the Utility Box Mural Project begins on July 1, and is
open through October 7, 2013. The installation of the work must be completed in a five-week
time period, within the July - October time frame.
The artists will receive a $125 stipend when they begin the work. You must notify the City
when your project is completed. After review from City Staff and a Commission for the Arts
member, you will receive an additional $125.
The City will provide basic art supplies to help complete the project. This information will also
be provided at the June 13th meeting.
Questions?
Please contact City staff at arts@cityoflivermore.net or call (925) 960-4586.
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