Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · July 18, 2016
Minutes
MINUTES
MEETING OF THE
CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION
CITY OF DEKALB
July 18, 2016
The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) of the City of DeKalb, Illinois
held a regular meeting on Monday, July 18, 2016 in the Haish Conference Room of the DeKalb
Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois.
The meeting was called to order at 4:09 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Roll was recorded by Economic Development Planner, Jason Michnick, and the following
members of the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission were present: Susan Johnson,
Chair; Cohen Barnes; Brad Hoey; Mike Mooney; Brad Pietens; and Deborah Booth. Absent
were Bob Boey, Lisa Small, and Camyle Tate.
Also present were: Community Development Director, Ellen Divita; Economic Development
Planner, Jason Michnick.
In addition, NIU STEAM Works staff, Tracy Rogers and Mary Baker
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Chair Johnson asked if any changes to the agenda needed to be made. Economic Development
Planner, Jason Michnick, informed the Chair that the minutes from the June 6 joint meeting that
were included in the packet needed to be added to the agenda for approval as well. Mr. Barnes
moved to add the minutes from June 6 the Agenda; seconded by Ms. Booth. Motion carried on
voice vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION
Chair Johnson requested a motion for approval of the minutes. Mr. Barnes moved to approve
minutes. Mr. Hoey seconded the motion. Motion carried on voice vote.
BUSINESS
1. Play Anywhere Grant Presentation by NIU STEAM Works
NIU staff, Tracy Rogers and Mary Baker, were present to share with the commission a grant that
NIU STEAM Works has applied for, called Play Anywhere. The grant is through the
organization Kaboom, and offers packages up to $50,000 for the installation of various
interactive play areas throughout the community, which are traditionally not thought of as areas
Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission
July 18, 2016
Page 2 of 3
for play. Examples of these play areas were provide, such as: hop-scotch tile mosaics in
pathways, chalk boards on bus stops, PVC musical instruments in right-of-ways, and durable
posters with game instructions near laundromats or vacant properties.
The exhibits that would be installed throughout the City would be a part of a circuit that could be
pulled up by a mobile application that would also be designed by NIU STEAM Works. 12 sites
have currently been identified throughout the City, with a potential for more to be added. The
application would also provide further instructions or fun facts about each installation.
The grant application was in the second phase, and Ms. Rogers indicated that NIU was in the top
200. Ms. Booth asked how many grants were to be awarded in total. Ms. Rogers said that
Kaboom had not stated the total number of grants, but that a total of $1 million in prize money
was to be awarded. She also stated that there were few universities left in the applicant pool, and
that it could be an advantage.
Ms. Rogers said one of the requirements for the next submission are letters of support from
various public stakeholders. Ms. Divita said that if the commission was in support, a letter could
be drafted that included components of the City’s Strategic Plan, and signed by the commission.
Mr. Hoey made a motion for the commission to support the efforts of NIU in the Play Anywhere
grant, and draft a letter. Mr. Barnes seconded the motion. The motion carried by a voice vote.
2. Discussion of Window Clings on Vacant Windows
Mr. Hoey summarized the previous conversation that took place during the June 20 commission
meeting about the idea of using window clings to cover vacant windows in the downtown area of
the City. Mr. Michnick also summarized the memo that was included in the packet about the
current sign regulations, the process of making changes to the policy, and a potential pilot
program on the Old Ducky’s building. In order to move forward with a pilot program at that
location, a concept would need to be finalized, and funds would need to be raised to cover the
cost of the clings.
Mr. Hoey spoke with the vendor that provided the previous year’s NIU athletics clings and the
cost for the building was roughly $1000. Mr. Michnick urged the commission to investigate the
potential for private funding, due to a potential conflict of interest between the City and the
property owner. Mr. Barnes also sits on the Proudly DeKalb board and said that he would bring
back the concept of Proudly DeKalb putting forward $500 and being the supporting organization
for the program, if other organizations could provide additional funding to cover the funding gap.
Discussion took place in regards to the concepts that could be used to highlight the several
strengths of the City, and also tied into potential funders. One idea was to highlight specific
sectors within the City, and another was to tell specific stories from the history of DeKalb. A
final concept was not determined during the meeting. Chair Johnson assigned two working
groups to finalize a concept and another to work on fundraising for the cost of the pilot program,
in order to complete the project before Corn Fest. Mr. Hoey and Mr. Pietens were assigned to the
concept working group, and Mr. Barnes, Ms. Booth, and Mr. Mooney were assigned to the
fundraising group.
A motion for the creation and assignment of the working groups was made by Mr. Hoey, and
seconded by Mr. Barnes. The motion carried by a voice vote.
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July 18, 2016
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3. Discussion of the Yard of Distinction Award
Mr. Pietens provided nominations for the July 2016 awards. The three submissions will be
brought forward during the second meeting in August. Mr. Pietens also stated that the current
submissions had wonderful back-stories to why the properties looked the way they did. He asked
if it would be possible to feature future nominations on the City website with stories and
descriptions. Mr. Barnes said that they could also be featured on the Proudly DeKalb website.
Ms. Booth indicated that should would be willing to help with the writing of the content to be
featured with the photos. The commission asked to bring the topic back for further discussion at
the following meeting in August.
Chair Johnson advised attendees that the next regularly-scheduled meeting with CCEC was
August 15, 2016.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Chair Johnson requested a motion for adjournment. Mr. Mooney moved to adjourn the meeting;
seconded by Mr. Hoey. Motion carried on voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 5:25 p.m.
__________________________________________
Jason Michnick, Economic Development Planner
These minutes were approved by the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission on August
22, 2016.
Agenda
DeKalb Municipal Building
PLEASE NOTE LOCATION
Haish Conference Room, Second Floor
200 South Fourth Street
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
AGENDA
Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission
July 18, 2016
4:00 p.m.
A. Roll Call
B. Approval of Agenda – Additions / Deletions
C. Public Participation
D. Approval of Minutes
1. June 20, 2016 regular meeting
E. New Business
1. Play Anywhere Grant – NIU STEM Outreach
F. Old Business
1. Downtown window treatments
2. Photos of Distinction
3. Announcements
G. Adjournment
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.
DATE: July 15, 2016
TO: Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission
FROM: Jason Michnick, Economic Development Planner
SUBJECT: Expansion of Yards/Lights of Distinction Program
I. Summary
Over the past years, the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) has
awarded fellow citizens of the City for their efforts to increase the curb appeal of their
homes through the use of landscaping and holiday lighting. These awards are presented
during the second City Council meeting of the month in July, August, September, and
January. During the June 20, 2016 CCEC meeting, discussion took place on additional
awards that could be granted, including an award for photography that highlights the City
or event that takes place in the City. It was also asked during conversation, how can the
awards program or efforts by the CCEC better align with #ProudlyDeKalb efforts to
promote pride within the community?
II. Background
The creation of a Photos of Distinction award could be formatted similarly to the existing
awards, where submissions are brought forward to the CCEC and winners are selected
by the members. The method for submission of photos could include either emailing it to
a City liaison that would subsequently present the submissions to the CCEC during the
following month’s meeting. Submissions could also be posted on the City’s website for
citizens to see.
Another method for submission could be through social media, such as Instagram,
Twitter, and Facebook. Of the three, Instagram’s platform would be the best for managing
and displaying submissions. It would also promote the use of #ProudlyDeKalb throughout
the City, due to Instagram’s search feature using hashtags. It would also increase the
likelihood of more community engagement, especially among younger generations and
students at NIU. This is due to the quality and ease of use of smartphone cameras.
Should photos only be taken from emailed submissions, it may only attract photography
hobbyists, versus the wider user base of social media.
Currently, there are about 1,600 Instagram posts using #ProudlyDeKalb. An example of
a city that has promoted the use of Instagram to engage with citizens and visitors is the
City of Geneva. There are currently over 12,500 Instagram posts using #GenevaIL.
However, Geneva devotes staff resources towards social media promotion, and it has
taken multiple years to build up the following that there currently is.
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A rollout strategy would need to be discussed on how to promote the use of
#ProudlyDeKalb on all social media platforms, but also to highlight the creation of the
Photo of Distinction contest.
Should the CCEC recommend the use of social media to promote citizen engagement
through the use of photos, it should also discuss the best plan for implementation and
promotion. Options could include maintaining accounts by City Staff, contacting another
agency within the City that could hire an intern, or CCEC members could manage the
accounts and submissions collectively.
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DATE: July 15, 2016
TO: Citizen’s Community Enhancement Commission
FROM: Jason Michnick, Economic Development Planner
SUBJECT: Vacant Windows in the Downtown
I. Summary
The Citizen’s Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) has discussed a desire for
more public art throughout the City, including, but not limited to, the use of window
coverings in the downtown area. During the June 20, 2016 meeting, CCEC conversed
about both the locations and methods for a window covering program. The outcome of
the conversation was a request for further investigation into a program that would either
incorporate public art or marketing for the City in the windows of vacant properties. The
property at 112-118 East Lincoln Highway (Otto’s) was identified as a potential location
for a pilot program. Several considerations need to be taken into account in regards to
the current zoning policy of signage, content, medium, and funding.
II. Background
According to the current sign code, window signage in storefronts cannot occupy more
than 40% of the total square footage of windows. This applied to both existing businesses
and vacant properties. It is recommended that for the pilot program, any signage at Otto’s
obey the ordinance and be limited to 40% of the total window space at that location.
Looking to the future, should the CCEC determine that they would like to see a larger
percentage of coverage for vacant properties, a text amendment would need to be made
to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). City staff would look to the CCEC for the
recommendation to Council in support of any increase in the percentage of coverage,
specifically for vacant properties.
Safety consideration has also been taken into account, and the Police Department was
contacted. So long as a vacant property is secured, and up-to-date contact information
is available, 100% coverage of windows would be allowed.
It is also important to consider the content of any signage that would be used for
coverings. During the previous meeting, both soliciting local artists for public art, and the
City marketing the vacant property were discussed. Another potential concepts could
include a storytelling experience that includes historic photos. For example, the story of
the barbed wire barons, or how the City was chosen as the location for Northern Illinois
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University. In the long term, depending on what medium is chosen, the theme could
change over time.
In regards to the pilot program at Otto’s, it was recommended that window clings be used,
similar to the ones used by NIU Athletics last year. These could be applied to the outside
of the windows, and provides the easiest methods for application and removal. It would
also be the fastest method from concept to application, potentially allowing any chosen
concept to be placed on the windows prior to Corn Fest on August 26, 2016.
Should the CCEC recommend that future window coverings be used to market the
downtown or specific properties, it may be more cost effective to use a medium that is
placed on the interior and could be reused from site to site. Further quotes would need
to be collected on different mediums.
A price quote has been provided by Kelmscott Communications for window clings, which
includes the Otto’s property, as well as others that were used in the previous year. The
cost estimate for the window clings in the pilot project is $956.84. Based on the current
situation with the property, it is not advisable to spend public dollars supporting the pilot
project. The CCEC could solicit private donations from different entities, depending on
the theme and concept that is chosen by the committee.
Page |2
MINUTES
JOINT MEETING OF THE CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT
COMMISSION AND DEKALB AREA ARTS COUNCIL
CITY OF DEKALB
June 6, 2016
The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) of the City of DeKalb, Illinois,
and the DeKalb Area Arts Council (DAAC) held a joint meeting on Monday, June 6, 2016 in the
Story Time and Activity Room, Second Floor, of the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street,
DeKalb, Illinois.
The meeting was called to order at 4:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Roll was recorded by Administrative Assistant Tammey Higgins and the following members of
the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission were present: Susan Johnson, Chair; Cohen
Barnes; Bob Boey, Brad Hoey (arrived at 4:25 p.m.); Mike Mooney; Brad Pietens; and Lisa
Small. Absent were Deborah Booth and Camyle Tate.
Also present were: Management Analyst Jared Heyn and Administrative Assistant Tammey
Higgins.
In addition, the following members of the DeKalb Area Arts Council were in attendance: Alex
Nerad, President; Jenny Jeep Johnson, Vice President; Debbie Armstrong, Director; and Billie
Giese, Director.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Chair Johnson asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Boey moved to approve the
Agenda; seconded by Mr. Barnes. Motion carried on voice vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
None.
BUSINESS
Chair Johnson provided background on the actions resulting in the Joint Meeting. This included
the process of getting artwork out, window clings and time constraints for display, developing a
better idea of how things go up/stay up, creating a joint effort to get things done with the City,
and overall development of a process to get things accomplished.
1. Introduction & Roles
Chair Johnson asked individual attendees to introduce themselves and provide a short
background on themselves. All attendees participated.
Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission
June 6, 2016
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2. Public Arts Projects Planned
3. Public Art Future Ideas
4. Discussion of Public Art Parameters
5. Discussion of Changes to City Ordinances/Permits to accommodate Public Art
6. Next Steps
A discussion began encompassing all of the above-listed topics. Mr. Nerad initiated discussion
by requesting the history of the CCEC. Chair Johnson provided the background on the formation
of the CCEC by the late City Mayor Van Buer to facilitate community ideas to Council for
consideration. CCEC members shared experiences of the CCEC including the task of creating
the current City logo; the Mission Statement; working on improving the community from a
perceived “C” level to an “A” level; creating both the Yards of Distinction and Lights of
Distinction programs to honor the efforts of both homeowners and businesses in beautifying their
properties; and the planters placed in the Central Business District, NIU campus, Public Library,
and the Park District.
Mr. Nerad provided information relating to the intent of the DeKalb Leadership Academy to
support the placement of a couple public sculptures. He commented on the intent for later this
year to move forward in placement at Park District locations, the Library, and also NIU campus.
The definition of the ACE Corridor locations was stated as being on Lincoln Highway from the
Convocation Center east to just past the City’s downtown area. He advised there was a current
inventory of about 40 pieces of sculpture, mostly on the campus, but that DAAC was trying to
get more off campus. He also commented on events such as Artigras, and art walks occurring at
different venues throughout the corridor.
Discussion then turned to what was perceived to be required from City Council. Having a dialog
or bigger discussion on setting a process was deemed very important. Having Council be an
advocate for public art was also a desired result. Mr. Nerad stated that with DAAC pushing from
the “art side,” help was needed from CCEC’s side for dynamics to process through Council. Mr.
Barnes shared his comments from a prior CCEC meeting and also his experience with the ABC
grant program. He shared his belief of the need for a conversation on a long-term plan; the
creation of a budget item for the process. He commented on the possibility of having a NIU
Center for Governmental Studies report providing information relating to such costs. He also
commented on the idea of having 10 – 15 sculptures to either consolidate or sprinkle throughout
the corridor. Mr. Nerad shared the potential of a bike sculpture tour, walking tours which would
enable community experiences within the corridor. Ms. Johnson submitted the consideration of
events scheduled around annual change-overs such as agricultural harvest; taking the essence of
the event and implementing it into a seasonal event, getting people into the downtown area and
provide an atmosphere of bonding. Mr. Boey asked for a description of the ACE Corridor. Mr.
Nerad provided information that the ACE Corridor included 33 different entities/organizations,
40 businesses, that there was a high density of venues within the corridor and that it was
DAAC’s desire to leverage and utilize information to attract students and families. Discussion
followed relating to utilization of the beauty of the lagoon area by NIU. Mr. Nerad brought the
concern regarding location of sculptures on private or public property; the need for clarification
of what could and could not be done.
Concerns relating to approach to interest submitted by businesses with sponsorship potential,
arbitrary editing of artwork, and the restatement of the ultimate goal being getting art into the
community were commented on by Ms. Johnson and attendees. Mr. B. Hoey joined the meeting
Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission
June 6, 2016
Page 3 of 4
at 4:25 p.m. Mr. Barnes commented on the issue of private sponsorship by stating that
businesses weren’t aware of what is allowed. Ms. Armstrong commented on signage issues and
Ms. Small commented on City permit requirements.
Discussion then turned to the aspect of private sculpture. Comments on the actions of the
community of Pilsen putting a call out for submissions. Concerns for neighborhood approval for
placement were shared which led to comments regarding ordinance regulations that control on
all types of property. Mr. Nerad submitted the concept of providing a 4-foot by 4-foot concrete
pad as a base. Ms. Johnson submitted the consideration of a meeting being held with
representatives of the City, DAAC, and Park District to discuss and create the parameters of a
program. She suggested the following points for consideration: 1 – create an organization; 2 –
call upon artists; 3 – consider amount of stipend; 4 – group would pay for pad installation; 5 –
lease term; 6 – potential purchase. Ms. Johnson also offered the consideration of the creation of
a collection within the City; potentially on an annual basis, provided there was interest from the
City to invest in sculpture. Ms. Johnson also commented on members of the program being part
from the City and part private with the additional concern of half liking a piece and half not, and
the important of having streamlined, cohesive parameters for approval authority.
Further conversation related to determining what potential roadblocks currently exist for mural
applications and art installations; the creation of an application of a generic approach that won’t
need to be re-invented every time. Ms. Armstrong inquired with respect to public liability who
would be responsible for damages. Mr. Nerad advised that artists hold insurance in pieces with
additional layers of provided by both the sponsor and property owner. Mr. Barnes commented
on the need for an ordinance to address art on private property; having the City open to the
concept of private art on public property; and openness to the creation of an application to submit
for approval. Mr. Nerad commented on the process occurring in other communities which made
it clear upfront what was and was not allowed and different potential applications (fire hydrants,
utility boxes, sides of buildings, etc.). Mr. Barnes offered the structure of an internal government
agreement as an example for consideration. Diverse conversation followed covering the
examples of the communities of Rockford and Champaign; building the reputation of DeKalb as
being “art friendly” and supporting investments in business to be part of the creative atmosphere.
Events such as musical concerts, public performances were also discussed. Concerns on how the
City can figure out how to address this topic were shared amongst attendees. Ms. Johnson
pointed out the recent Artigras Parade event wherein half of the downtown businesses were
supportive, while the other half were not with concerns of the event interrupting their businesses.
Comments continued concerning importance of supporting artistic efforts within the City, and
how something so easy on the surface truly wasn’t so easy to achieve. Discussion on addressing
Chapter 46 – DeKalb Arts Commission and correlation to CCEC’s mission was held. Attendees
further commented on existence of multiple statistics and studies on integration of artistic
activities/events which many were not aware of, Chair Johnson sharing recent interaction with
City staff in Stage Coach renovations and encouragement received from staff. Discussion
concerning the tangible contributions from the Leadership Academy occurred.
Chair Johnson put forth the task of providing a letter to City Council asking for ordinance
reviews to be performed to make them amenable to what CCEC is trying to accomplish. Mr.
Heyn was deemed to be the contact person for this task. Mr. Pietens addressed the existence of
Chapter 46 and discussion on getting that chapter active or having it removed followed. Ms.
Johnson commented on the importance of these efforts not just being City-specific, but more
area inclusive. Discussion on the importance of “picking battles” and the basis for the creation
of DAAC as a 5013(c) followed. Ms. Small initiated discussion on exploring the collapsing of
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June 6, 2016
Page 4 of 4
two existing chapters into one, and then introduced Chapter 47 – Cultural Affairs as an additional
target for inclusion. Mr. Hoey led discussion on re-envisioning and re-focusing on items that are
already existing, learning which thrived and which didn’t. Mr. Nerad shared that DAAC wanted
to be at the “table” as advocates and be a part of the process.
MOTION
Ms. Small submitted a motion for CCEC to explore submitting a request to the City to collapse
CCEC, DeKalb Arts Commission (Chapter 46), and Cultural Affairs Commission (Chapter 47)
into one entity. As Mr. Barnes seconded, discussion occurred to clarify request.
AMENDED MOTION
Ms. Small submitted an amended motion for CCEC to explore submitting a request to the City to
collapse CCEC, DeKalb Arts Commission (Chapter 46), and Cultural Affairs Commission
(Chapter 47) into one entity which included representatives of DAAC. Mr. Barnes seconded the
amended motion. Motion carried on voice vote. Mr. Heyn then provided clarification to
attendees that request must come from CCEC.
Mr. Hoey advised attendees of his experience of good interaction with City representatives; that
everyone sees the challenges. Ms. Small commented that DAAC as a 5013(c) is able to obtain
donations. Mr. Heyn then advised of the intention of the City Manager and Community
Development Director to attend the next regularly scheduled meeting of CCEC (June 20). Chair
Johnson led discussion on intent for upcoming meeting including clings concerns, and revision
of letter from CCEC to City Council on ordinance reviews.
7. Other Items
Chair Johnson advised attendees that the next regularly-scheduled meeting with CCEC was June
20, 2016.
Discussion occurred regarding the Scrivener’s error on the agenda reflecting a past month’s date.
No further action was requested.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Chair Johnson requested a motion for adjournment. Ms. Small moved to adjourn the meeting;
seconded by Mr. Hoey. Motion carried on voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
__________________________________________
TAMMEY HIGGINS, Administrative Assistant
MINUTES
MEETING OF THE
CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION
CITY OF DEKALB
June 20, 2016
The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) of the City of DeKalb, Illinois
held a regular meeting on Monday, June 20, 2016 in the Executive Conference Room of the
DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois.
In response to expected arrival delay of Chair Susan Johnson, Management Analyst Jared Heyn
requested attendees select an acting chair to oversee the meeting. Motion was made by Brad
Pietens to select Brad Hoey as Acting Chair, motion was seconded by Deborah Booth. Motion
carried on voice vote.
The meeting was called to order at 4:08 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Roll was recorded by Administrative Assistant Tammey Higgins and the following members of
the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission were present: Bob Boey; Brad Hoey,
Acting Chair; Mike Mooney; Brad Pietens; and Deborah Booth. Absent were Susan Johnson,
Cohen Barnes, Lisa Small, and Camyle Tate. Chair Johnson arrived at 4:35 p.m.
Also present were: Mayor John Rey; City Manager Anne Marie Gaura; Director of Community
Development Ellen Divita; Economic Development Planner Jason Michnick; Management
Analyst Jared Heyn; and Administrative Assistant Tammey Higgins.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Acting Chair Hoey asked for a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Boey moved to approve the
Agenda; seconded by Mr. Pietens. Motion carried on voice vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION
Acting Chair Hoey asked for a motion to approve the minutes of May 16, 2016. Mr. Mooney
moved to approve said minutes; seconded by Mr. Boey. Motion carried on voice vote.
BUSINESS
City Manager Gaura announced to attendees that Management Analyst Heyn would no longer be
the liaison for CCEC; Economic Development Planner Michnick would be assuming this
position under the oversight of Director of Community Development Divita. Mr. Hoey then
provided a brief background on CCEC for the benefit of new City staff. Mr. Mooney inquired as
Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission
June 20, 2016
Page 2 of 5
to status of minutes from the June 6, 2016 Joint Meeting with the DeKalb Area Arts Council
(DAAC). He was advised the draft was not yet available.
Old Business
1. Downtown Window Treatments
Mr. Hoey requested clarification on behalf of CCEC of what could be done on an on-going basis;
if CCEC submitted with a vision or initiative, could this approach be sustainable. Last clings
went 6-8 months longer than prior; could there be an agreement on planning exhibit for 1 year.
City Manager Gaura requested clarification on issue with clings; length of time or ugliness.
Director of Community Development Divita commented on the safety element; empty building
windows not covered for long time – can’t see in. She further commented on the issue of
permanent art as clings advising this was an issue to be addressed. She shared that she had sent
an inquiry to the owner of the Otto’s building and had forwarded same to Chair Johnson. In
communication with a representative of the owner, the request had been approved with the
directive that a description of the mural be submitted to the owner. City Manager Gaura
suggested that CCEC agree on action items on this task including that the owner was to review
and approve final artwork.
Mr. Hoey provided input on CCEC’s interaction with DAAC. He also commented on the
process to solicit ideas, format discussion on media to be utilized, shared that Mr. Barnes and
Chair Johnson had been looking into media, and his belief that clings were easier and more
sizable, while the use of boards had limited aspects. Discussion relating to the pros and cons of
clings versus boards followed. City Manager Gaura then directed staff to produce an agenda
memo outlining options with Mr. Hoey to work with Economic Development Planner Michnick
on cost estimates and media examples. Mr. Pietens stated it was critical that the first installation
be done very right with others to follow suit. Continued discussion on potential theme
considerations, funding sources, number of potential properties for consideration, potential
benefit for building owner, code enforcement aspects, and impact of fresh look in community.
City Manager Gaura then brought up the topic of Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
amendments. Director of Community Development Divita advised her staff were looking at
updates to the UDO and shared that Principal Planner JoEllen Charlton and Economic
Development Planner Michnick were both new employees developing their knowledge of the
City. Conversation regarding CCEC updates on UDO, the ability to address the Otto’s situation
or subsequent buildings, and the importance of the creation of a climate where art was welcome
was held. City Manager Gaura then confirmed with attendees that the issue of downtown
window treatments had been fully addressed.
2. #ProudlyDeKalb Signs
Acting Chair Hoey inquired as to the capability of getting the #ProudlyDeKalb signage on
welcome signs/population signs. Management Analyst Heyn showed 2 mock-up signs produced
by staff with 2 different concepts for viewing by attendees. City Manager Gaura advised that the
reference to the ABC Grant should be removed. Mr. Boey commented on the need for the signs
to be positioned horizontally. Discussion relating to different types of signs for consideration,
potential of being included on monument, IDOT permission required for any street placement
ensued. City Manager Gaura advised that the agenda item be brought back for consideration
with a GIS plot referencing sign locations. Acting Chair Hoey cautioned against the
proliferation of signs and that #ProudlyDeKalb needed to be integrated on City signage.
Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission
June 20, 2016
Page 3 of 5
Consideration of sign re-sizing need, inclusion of City logo, City entry-point monuments
locations and monument materials ensued.
City Manager Gaura advised attendees of the fiscal year change for the City from a fiscal year
structure to a calendar year structure, that the switch would be effective January 1, 2017; and that
the CCEC should get cost estimates for this consideration and get them submitted for
consideration and potential approval for the budget.
Additional discussion relating to past efforts of Re:New DeKalb organization, National Register
of historic places, recollection of arches on Route 38 took place.
3. Public Art Projects
Acting Chair Hoey advised that the topic of utility boxes had come about from the Joint Meeting
with DAAC. City Manager Gaura asked Management Analyst Heyn to provide an overview of
the current information on utility boxes. Management Analyst Heyn advised attendees that
further discussion with ComEd had occurred and he had learned that the only way anything
could be done with a ComEd utility box was if ComEd employees did the task. He also advised
attendees that while he had previously advised them that fire hydrants were not an available item
for a painting project, it was the City’s position that it would do whatever it could to have this
happen. Discussion of ideas for this project followed including the need to get a specific outline,
type of paint, type of wrap, type of art (art or message, art with a theme), local cling production
companies, need to let artist know surface/canvas to be worked on to ensure piece will translate.
City Manager Gaura advised that the project should be addressed in 2 phases; 1 right away
(Otto’s), and 1 with more planning. Additional discussion addressed the use of wraps as
opposed to paint with support going toward wraps. City Manager Gaura offered the
consideration of a potential project to be the underpass on Annie Glidden, with either side for
artwork. She advised that a 1.5 year agreement with Union Pacific Railroad entailed a one page
agreement. Acting Chair Hoey shared with attendees the experience of CornFest utilizing
ground clings. The clings were ripped up within minutes by foot traffic. City Manager Gaura
further advised that with regard to the Union Pacific Railroad, nothing could be placed on the
tracks, but the center support in the underpass could be wrapped. She directed Economic
Development Planner Michnick to prepare a memo regarding utility boxes showing City-owned
and ComEd-owned locations. Discussion regarding potential lighting applications for the
overpass were held with references to the lighting on Congress, and the lighting of the
colonnades at Soldier Field (red/black).
Mr. Pietens brought the topic of Yards of Distinction to the attention of attendees and the striking
photos that he had experienced from within the community. Director of Community
Development Divita shared her thought of placing pictures on the City’s Facebook site, obtaining
permission to use the photos in ads, etc.
Chair Johnson referenced the usage of the #ProudlyDeKalb sign and how the community used to
represent themselves, neighborhood block parties, and how such actions promote and build the
community. City Manager Gaura suggested the creation of a process through the liaison wherein
photos would be reviewed at each meeting with attendees taking formal action on disposition.
Acting Chair Hoey and Mr. Pietens provided background on the Yards of Distinction program.
City Manager Gaura suggested the creation of a Photos of Distinction to be placed on the City’s
website. Discussion of the positive effects of this effort ensued. City Manager Gaura directed
Economic Development Planner Michnick to submit a memo to bring current the awards of
Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission
June 20, 2016
Page 4 of 5
distinction with additional discussion on supporting community pride, award categories, and
block parties. Acting Chair Hoey commented on the need to further define these activities to
compliment the #ProudlyDeKalb effort and combine resources.
4. Agenda Item Coordination
Not addressed at this meeting.
New Business
1. Commission Structure and Schedule
Chair Johnson presented the inquiry as to whether some commissions could be rolled/combined
into one commission. City Manager Gaura clarified inquiry as to new entity to assume all
aspects of all combined commissions. Chair Johnson confirmed and further advised this issue
had come about as a result of the Joint Meeting with DAAC and consideration of working
together with DAAC. City Manager Gaura advised attendees that the Mayor was looking at the
roles of the Commission/Committees and would be revising and updating the Municipal Code
chapters. Chair Johnson stated that consolidation would further define CCEC and its role. Mr.
Pietens stated that the CCEC had struggled with achieving quorum. City Manager Gaura
commented on additional layers had a tendency to make things more difficult and that perhaps a
7 person membership would be better. Mr. Pietens further inquired as to whether there was a
mechanism to provide for a meeting to be rescheduled so that a quorum could be achieved. City
Manager Gaura advised that dates and times can be modified. She also stated that meetings can
be cancelled and reposted for different dates. Chair Johnson inquired as to the applicability of
the use of “ex officio” members of a commission. Her example was the membership of Ms.
Small, who had previously represented the Park District along with herself, but now that Ms.
Small was retired, there was no interaction with the Park District. Chair Johnson asked for
clarification if the Park District could be an ex officio member of the CCEC. City Manager
Gaura confirmed that was possible and directed Economic Development Planner Michnick to
prpare a memo identifying current members and their terms, with the inclusion of the Park
District as a member. Chair Johnson inquired of Management Analyst Heyn if the Park District
was interested in participation. Management Analyst Heyn advised that a representative of the
Park District had expressed interest in being on the CCEC. City Manager Gaura asked attendees
if there was any entity not mentioned beyond the Park District. Acting Chair Hoey responded
with NIU and DAAC. Chair Johnson shared that the CCEC had expressed a welcome to DAAC
to work together, bringing items to CCEC’s attention to assist. City Manager Gaura advised that
a clarification of the term “ex officio” should be achieved.
Director of Community Development Divita advised attendees that she felt the mission statement
needed to be reviewed and updated, that she felt it didn’t articulate the strong view the CCEC
had shared at this meeting.
City Manager Gaura advised attendees that a lot of ideas and approaches had been thrown at
them at this meeting to help CCEC succeed and move forward.
Mr. Boey thanked senior staff and the Mayor for their presence and felt this had helped to
energize members.
City Manager Gaura stated she would personally be at the next meeting.
Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission
June 20, 2016
Page 5 of 5
2. Announcements
Not addressed at this meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Acting Chair Hoey requested a motion for adjournment. Mr. Boey moved to adjourn the
meeting; seconded by Ms. Johnson. Motion carried on voice vote. The meeting adjourned at
5:23 p.m.
__________________________________________
TAMMEY HIGGINS, Administrative Assistant