City Council

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 17, 2016 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Special Meeting on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the City Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Rey called the meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. A. ROLL CALL Deputy City Clerk Ruth Scott called the roll and the following members of the City Council were present: Alderman David Jacobson, Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Michael Marquardt, Alderman Bob Snow, Alderman Kate Noreiko, Alderman Dave Baker, and Mayor John Rey. Alderman Anthony Faivre was absent. Also present were: City Manager Anne Marie Gaura, Assistant City Manager Patty Hoppenstedt, Police Chief Gene Lowery, Fire Chief Eric Hicks, Community Development Director Ellen Divita, Public Works Director Tim Holdeman, City Engineer John Laskowski, Management Analyst Lauren Stott, Management Analyst Jared Heyn, and Deputy City Clerk Ruth Scott. B. DISCUSSION OF PARK 88 DEVELOPMENT Community Development Director Divita introduced Mark Goode, owner of Venture One Real Estate. Community Development Director Divita stated that City staff had met with Mr. Goode on March 10, 2016 regarding the subject matter and were in agreement that the current development agreement is in need of revision. Mr. Goode provided Council and staff with a presentation regarding Park 88 that included: current developments and renovations, future development, projected annual real estate tax, projected employment, a historical aerial of Park 88, current marketing plans, a current marketing aerial, proposed marketing plans, available DeKalb buildings, available bulk distribution facilities in the Chicago market, available Chicago industrial land, development agreement discussion points, and benefits to DeKalb. Mr. Goode began review of the presentation stating he has a long commitment to the DeKalb community as he’s been working with Park 88 since 2002 with such projects as Target and 3M. Over the last 10 years he’s been involved with 4.2 million square feet of new construction and purchase of land. Mr. Goode provided a brief history of Park 88. Mr. Goode expressed his concern regarding the current competitive market surrounding developments such as Park 88. Mr. Goode introduced Jason West of Cushman & Wakefield who confirmed Mr. Goode’s concerns. Special Meeting of City Council March 17, 2016 Page 2 of 4 Mr. Goode stated that, from his prospective, Park 88 starts with a disadvantage because it’s located on a toll road (I-88) as most companies looking to build or purchase are concerned with transportation costs. Mr. Goode reported that the meeting with City staff on March 10, 2016 went well. He referenced the current development agreement, stating it was written as more of a residential agreement rather than a commercial agreement. Mr. Goode touched on the following issues he has with the current development agreement: 1. It calls for certain roads to be built. However, those roads no longer have a purpose. 2. An upgrade will be needed in the future at Peace Road and Fairview Road. He doesn’t feel it should be his sole responsibility to make those upgrades as both roads are used by many. 3. The landscaping criteria isn’t realistic. 4. Roof shielding criteria. Newer buildings in Park 88 have received waivers on this criteria and he’d like to see that for future buildings. 5. Bike paths and fitness paths along the north side of Fairview. There’s concern regarding the safety of those using those paths as there are berms and culverts that obstruct the view of traffic. In conclusion of his presentation, Mr. Goode stated he’s working with a new client who will want to see a development agreement that works with today’s market. He looks forward to working with the City to create a development agreement that will attract businesses. Mayor Rey asked Mr. Goode about emergency vehicle access throughout Park 88. Mr. Goode referenced buildings included in his presentation, stating that all have emergency access around them. City Manager Gaura mentioned it would be beneficial for Council to direct questions to Mr. Goode at this time. This item will be brought before Council again in the future. Mayor Rey asked Mr. Goode if Park 88 was a residential park or an industrial park. Mr. Goode stated it was both as they are similar. Mayor Rey asked if there were amenity differences between the two and Mr. Goode said there were not. Alderman Noreiko asked Mr. Goode to explain the differences between a regular street and a fire lane in terms of use and cost. A representative from Mr. Goode’s development team stated that a street is a right-of-way for general public use. Fire lanes are privately owned by the business owner of the site and typically securitized. A fire lane goes around entire building for company vehicle access, but is opened up to the City for life safety issues.  Special Meeting of City Council March 17, 2016 Page 3 of 4 Alderman Snow stated he’s also concerned about public safety, especially because there are many who walk or ride their bikes to work within Park 88. Added jobs will increase that foot traffic and not having sidewalks or a bike path could cause a dangerous situation. Mr. Goode stated there is a sidewalk by Fairview. He added there would be one main access from Macom Drive. There isn’t an access from Macom Drive to 7th Street but he would be willing to talk to the owner of the property. Mr. Goode stated his biggest issue with the current development agreement is road construction. It’s a concept he’s never seen before and he doesn’t want to spend money on roads that aren’t needed. There was a brief discussion between Alderman Snow and Mr. Goode regarding the development of roads and the safety surrounding the area. Mr. Goode mentioned the 3M building currently under construction and stated anyone wanting a tour was welcome. Alderman Baker stated that he hadn’t realized that Macom Drive had a sidewalk and assumed a sidewalk or bike path was needed. He suggested that Council drive around Park 88 to familiarize themselves with the area. There was a brief discussion between Alderman Baker and Mr. Goode about the size of the sidewalk on Macom Drive and how it’s maintained. Alderman Baker suggested that City staff work on a Special Service Area for that area, and added that he agrees with Alderman Snow about safety. Alderman Marquardt stated that several plans show another road connecting Peace Road to the north and wondered if future development of the northern lots is predicated on having another access. Mr. Goode stated that it was always meant to tie into the Shodeen property, so yes. Alderman Baker asked what portion Shodeen owned. Mr. Goode stated the future Argus Drive. There was a brief discussion between Alderman Marquardt and Mr. Goode regarding future access. Alderman Finucane stated he appreciated the information provided and the joint effort being made by City staff and Mr. Goode. Mr. Goode stated he’s had great cooperation with City staff. Mayor Rey thanked Mr. Goode for his presentation and investment in DeKalb and encouraged continue dialogue regarding the issues at hand. C. PUBLIC COMMENT No one registered to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting. Special Meeting of City Council March 17, 2016 Page 4 of 4 D. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Alderman Snow moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Alderman Noreiko. VOTE Motion carried by a voice vote of 7-0-1. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Snow, Noreiko, Baker, Rey. Nay: None. Absent: Faivre. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed and adjourned the Special meeting at 10:51 a.m. __________________________________________ RUTH A. SCOTT, Deputy City Clerk Approved by City Council on April 11, 2016.