Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · June 26, 2017
Minutes
MINUTES
CITY OF DEKALB
CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION
JUNE 26, 2017
The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) held a regular meeting on
Monday, June 26, 2017 in the Glidden Conference Room of the DeKalb Municipal
Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois.
The meeting was called to order at 4:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Roll was recorded by Economic Development Planner, Jason Michnick, and the following
members of the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission members present were:
Chair Sue Johnson, Bob Boey, Deborah Booth, Brad Pietens, Michael Mooney, Cohen
Barnes, and Brad Hoey.
Chair Johnson arrived at 5:10. Mr. Mooney acted as Chair prior to Chair Johnson’s arrival.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mr. Mooney requested a motion to approve the agenda. Mr. Barnes moved to approve
the agenda. Mr. Hoey seconded the motion. The motion was carried on a voice vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Mooney requested a motion for approval of the minutes. Mr. Barnes moved to approve
minutes. Mr. Pietens seconded the motion. The motion carried on voice vote.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There were no members of the public present.
BUSINESS
1. Update on Downtown Mural
Planner Michnick updated the Commission on the status of the mural. Due to timing of
the demolition of the former Otto’s building, the original mural was unable to be removed
for relocation. The developer for the Cornerstone project, Mr. John Pappas agreed to
make a donation for replacement of the mural. A location would still need to be determined
so the design of the replacement could be planned. After discussion, the Commission
agreed that the best location for the new mural would be the east side of the stage tower
of the Egyptian Theatre. Planner Michnick stated he would discuss this with Egyptian
Executive Director, Alex Nerad, and look into any City requirements for relocating the
mural.
CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION
JUNE 26, 2017
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2. Update on Project Costs - #ProudlyDeKalb Signs and Stickers
Planner Michnick informed the Commission the street signs Public Works created in July
of 2016 cost $35 and $45 per sign. The Commission requested Planner Michnick to get
a total count of how many population signs there are in the City.
Planner Michnick also presented a potential project of creating new wayfinding signage
in the downtown through collaborating with NIU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts.
The Commission agreed that it was worth further investigation. Ms. Booth committed to
reaching out to faculty at the college to see if there was interest, and she would report
back at the July meeting.
3. DAAC Funding Request
The DeKalb Area Arts Council did not make a formal request for funding of the Fall Art
Walk. No further discussion took place.
4. New Business
Mr. Barnes requested feedback from the Commission on the idea of covering the windows
of his building during construction. He proposed using the various logos, similar to those
that were used for the window clings on the Otto’s building, as well as incorporating some
further design or artwork. The Commission was supportive of the concept. Planner
Michnick stated he would look into any permits that would be required, and he will work
with Mr. Barnes to coordinate.
The Commission also discussed a fire hydrant painting program. Planner Michnick stated
the Mayor spoke with Fire Chief Hicks and received positive feedback on the idea. Mr.
Hoey stated he would look into other communities’ programs and applications to
determine a best practice in order to make a recommendation to the City Council.
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Johnson requested a motion for adjournment. Mr. Barnes moved to adjourn the
meeting. Mr. Boey seconded the motion. The motion carried on voice vote. The meeting
adjourned at 5:18 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jason Michnick, Economic Development Planner
Minutes approved by the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission on July 17, 2017.
Agenda
DeKalb Municipal Building
PLEASE NOTE LOCATION
Glidden Conference Room, Second Floor
200 South Fourth Street
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
AGENDA
Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission
June 26, 2017
4:00 p.m.
A. Roll Call
B. Approval of Agenda – Additions / Deletions
C. Public Participation
D. Approval of Minutes
1. May 15, 2017 regular meeting
E. Old Business
1. Update on Downtown Mural
2. Update on Project Costs - #ProudlyDeKalb Signs & Stickers
3. DAAC Funding Request
F. New Business
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.
MINUTES
MEETING OF THE
CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION
CITY OF DEKALB
May 15, 2017
The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) of the City of DeKalb,
Illinois held a regular meeting on Monday, May 15, 2017 in the Haish Conference Room
of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois.
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Roll was recorded by Economic Development Planner, Jason Michnick, and the
following members of the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission members
present were: Chair Sue Johnson, Bob Boey, Deborah Booth, Brad Pietens, Michael
Mooney, and Cohen Barnes. Brad Hoey were absent.
Also present was Mayor Jerry Smith, and Alex Nerad.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Chair Johnson asked for someone to make a motion to approve the agenda, which was
made by Mr. Barnes. The motion was seconded by Mr. Moonehy and was carried on a
voice vote.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION
Chair Johnson requested a motion for approval of the minutes. Mr. Mooney moved to
approve minutes. Ms. Booth seconded the motion. Motion carried on voice vote.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mayor Smith formally introduced himself to the commission and requested information
in regards to the role and history of the commission. Several past projects were shared
with the mayor, including: Creation of the City’s logo, fundraising and coordinating the
window clings on the Otto’s building for Corn Fest, Project Liquid Sunshine, and the
distinction awards. The commission also shared other potential projects they are
interested in pursuing, such as, fire hydrant painting, welcome gateway signs into the
City, utility box wraps, a vacant window ordinance, and general increases in public art.
Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission
Page 2 of 2
BUSINESS
1. Collaborating on a Community Art Festival
Planner Michnick updated the mayor on the previous discussion that had taken place in
regards to partnering with the DeKalb Area Arts Council (DAAC). Alex Nerad,
representing DAAC, shared the past experience with coordinating the Fall Art Walk in
2016. He also shared his concern with the idea of growing the event too quickly, and
recommended a slow, sustainable growth model. The commission asked Mr. Nerad
how the commission could support the efforts of DAAC in the Fall Art Walk, including
potential support through a portion of the commission’s annual budget allocation. Mr.
Nerad stated that financial support for more advertising would be helpful. The
commission requested the Mr. Nerad make a formal request for funding. Mr. Nerad
agreed to write a letter to Chair Johnson.
2. Relocating Mural Currently Located on Former Ducky’s / Otto’s
This item was tabled until the next meeting.
3. Fiscal Year 2017 Funding
The commission discussed potential uses for the $5,000 that was allocated to the
commission in the FY2017 budget. The commission requested that Planner Michnick
investigate the cost of having #ProudlyDeKalb signs made by Public Works to be placed
under City’s “welcome” signs, as well as the cost of having the #ProudlyDeKalb vinyl
stickers made for the Police Department.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Chair Johnson requested a motion for adjournment. Mr. Pietens moved to adjourn the
meeting; seconded by Mr. Boey. Motion carried on voice vote. The meeting adjourned
at 5:13 p.m.
_____________________________________
Jason Michnick, Economic Development Planner