Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION August 19, 2019 The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) held a regular meeting on August 19, 2019, in the Executive Conference Room of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Management Analyst Jason Blumenthal called the meeting to order at 4:04 P.M. He opened the floor to nominations for a Temporary Chair. MOTION Brad Pietens moved to select Susan Johnson as the Temporary Chair; seconded by Melissa Beck. VOTE Motion carried by a majority voice vote of those present. A. ROLL CALL Roll call was recorded by Management Analyst Jason Blumenthal and the following members of the CCEC were present: Jeanine Holcomb, Susan Johnson, Brad Pietens, Deborah Booth and Melissa Beck. Members absent at roll call were: Ellingsworth Webb and Chair Brad Hoey. Chair Brad Hoey arrived at 4:26 P.M. Also present were, Gary Mullis (guest speaker), Ward 1 Alderman Carolyn Morris, City Manager Bill Nicklas, and Management Analyst Jason Blumenthal. B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS MOTION Ms. Holcomb moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Mr. Pietens. VOTE Motion carried by a majority voice vote of those present. C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION Ms. Beck moved to approve the CCEC minutes of July 15, 2019; seconded by Ms. Holcomb. VOTE Motion carried by a majority voice vote of those present. CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION AUGUST 19, 2019 PAGE 2 OF 3 D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Gary Mullis (DeKalb resident, songwriter, author) presented to the Commission a desire to have a mural painted downtown. This mural would be reflective of the painting that was done based on his award for being inducted into the VIP Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in Lexington, Alabama. Mr. Mullis would like to see this mural at the southeast corner of Lincoln and Third Street. He shared that there is an artist interested in creating this painting as well. The Commission indicated they would be open to this idea and supportive once the Public Art Policy is completed and approved by the City Council. E. NEW BUSINESS 1. “Eye Bombing” Ms. Holcomb explained that “Eye Bombing” is putting craft eyes on inanimate objects to make them seem like people. #ProudlyDeKalb has purchased 300 googly eyes and on Thursday, August 22nd, they will be putting these on objects throughout the downtown region. This is a cute way of creating public art that will hopefully get some attention during Corn Fest. A hashtag has been made for individuals to post their pictures and it is #KeepDeKalbCorny. F. OLD BUSINESS 1. Paint-A-Plug Approvals/Discussion on Event Management Analyst Blumenthal indicated that the Public Library had all three hydrants completed. Additionally, NIU’s Office of the President was painting a hydrant downtown at the corner of Lincoln Highway and First Street. Management Analyst Blumenthal shared with the members that the program is really picking up interest in the community. Interim Chair Johnson stated she saw the article in the Midweek about the program. All Commission members noted that the momentum is building. Mr. Pietens indicated he would still like to see a workshop put together about the process of painting a plug. Mr. Pietens and Management Analyst Blumenthal will work together in the coming weeks to get a timeline for that program in place to show the Commission. Management Analyst Blumenthal then presented an application for a Paint-A-Plug that was based on the DeKalb High School logo and colors. MOTION Mr. Pietens moved to approval the submitted application; seconded by Ms. Beck. VOTE Motion carried by a unanimous voice vote of those present. CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION AUGUST 19, 2019 PAGE 3 OF 3 2. Public Arts Policy Management Analyst Blumenthal indicated that he and Mr. Webb were still working on the details of the policy. Management Analyst Blumenthal will send an updated policy out to the Commission when the amendments inputted for review. The goal is to have the policy in a recommendable format at the next CCEC meeting. Alderwoman Morris asked if a database could be created providing information on properties and locations where paintings would be permitted. This database would work in tandem with the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Management Analyst Blumenthal stated this suggestion is something that can be explored further. G. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Mr. Pietens moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Chair Hoey. VOTE Motion carried by a unanimous voice vote of those present. The meeting was adjourned at 4:57 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Jason Blumenthal, Management Analyst Minutes approved by the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission on September 16, 2019.