Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission

MINUTES MEETING OF THE CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION CITY OF DEKALB September 17, 2018 The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) of the City of DeKalb, Illinois held a regular meeting on Monday, September 17, 2018 in the Haish 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 present were: Chair Brad Hoey, Brad Pietens, Jeanine Holcomb, Melissa Beck, and Ellingsworth Webb. Sue Johnson and Deborah Booth were absent. Also present were Mayor, Jerry Smith, and Management Analyst, Aaron Stevens. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION Chair Hoey asked for a motion to approve the agenda, which was made by Mr. Webb. The motion was seconded by Ms. Beck and was carried on a voice vote. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION Chair Hoey requested a motion for approval of the August 20, 2018 minutes. Mr. Pietens moved to approve the minutes. Ms. Holcomb seconded the motion. Motion carried on a voice vote. NEW BUSINESS 1. Introduction and Discussion of the Annie Glidden North Revitalization Plan Prior to the meeting, Planner Michnick distributed a draft of the Annie Glidden North Revitalization Plan (AGN Plan) to the commission for their review. The commission was asked to consider their potential involvement with implementing the plan while reading Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission August 20, 2018 Page 2 of 3 through the document. Mayor Smith commented that the AGN Task Force process is winding down and that he is pleased with the process thus far. Planner Michnick introduced Management Analyst, Aaron Stevens who has been the City’s point-person and coordinator of the process that has resulted in the draft document. Analyst Stevens provided an overview of the AGN Plan, with an emphasis on the ten projects that have been called out as being transformational to the neighborhood. Although there is a degree of prioritization to the projects in the plan, it does not preclude other projects from being pursued in the near-term. The commission discussed the various projects and commented that their recent discussion on the mission of the CCEC aligns well with communication efforts and helping to create a neighborhood identity or brand. The commission recommended engaging the Proudly DeKalb group to help with communications as their social media channels have a greater following than the City’s. The commission will continue to discuss the plan and develop strategies to assist in the implementation of the projects and initiatives in the AGN Plan. OLD BUSINESS 1. Discussion and Recommendation of funding the Paint-a-Plug Program Mr. Pietens informed the commission that he has had discussions with staff at the DeKalb Public Library about the Paint-a-Plug program and they wish to paint the hydrants around the library. They are interested in having the children in their reading clubs come up with themes and paint the hydrants. There is not enough time remaining prior to the 2018 deadline for submission to get the necessary coordination and feedback from children. Therefore, the library is requesting that the commission reserve the three hydrants nearest to the library to be painted in the Spring. The commission was supportive of the concept and believes engaging youth could lead to additional participation around the community. Mr. Pietens made a motion to reserve the three hydrants closest to the library. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hoey. The motion was approved unanimously. The commission also discussed whether their $5,000 budget should be used to help cover the cost of paint and have a grant for applicants. One of the commissioners stated that they are pursuing a sponsorship for the paint and would report back at a future meeting. The commission also discussed recruiting various groups such as Proudly DeKalb and the Egyptian Theatre to paint hydrants this season. Footage of the groups painting could be used as a promotional video over the winter to recruit artists in the Spring. The commission also discussed working with ARTigras and having a “Paint-a-Plug Day” where everyone paints hydrants the weekend of ARTigras. 2. Continued Discussin on the Mission and Duties of the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission August 20, 2018 Page 3 of 3 Mr. Webb shared the themes suggested by the community conversations that took place during the creation of the City’s 2025 Strategic Plan, which are included as Exhibits A and B in that document. The commission could use these themes rather than expending funds on conducting another community survey. The themes help identify the strengths and weaknesses of the community, and that should be incorporated into any conversations or strategies about branding or promotion. The commission also discussed the importance of engaging the community’s youth as a source of energy. Mr. Webb also shared an article about the Fargo indoor skate park and recommended reaching out to that group about potential projects. The commission agreed and advised that an invitation should be sent to the owner to attend a future commission meeting. Planner Michnick also informed that commission that he meets monthly with NIU student leaders and they could be an additional group to tap into. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Mr. Pietens made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Ms. Beck. The motion carried on a voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 5:24 p.m. ________________________________ Respectfully Submitted by Jason Michnick, Economic Development Planner