Economic Development Commission

MINUTES MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION CITY OF DEKALB June 1, 2018 The Economic Development Commission (EDC) of the City of DeKalb, Illinois held a regular meeting on Friday, June 1, 2018 in the Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. The meeting was called to order at 8:32 a.m. ROLL CALL Roll was recorded by Economic Development Planner, Jason Michnick, and the following members of the Economic Development Commission were present: Trixy O’Flaherty, Vernese Edghill-Walden, Jeff Richardson, Tom DeVries, David Barrow, and Mark Sawyer. Not present was Mohammed Labadi. Also present were Alderman Pat Fagan, Executive Director of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Matt Duffy, and Mayor Jerry Smith. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION Mr. Sawyer made a motion to approve the agenda as posted. The motion was seconded by Mr. Richardson. The motion was approved by voice vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION Mr. Richardson made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 11, 2018 meeting. Mr. Sawyer seconded the motion. The motion carried on a voice vote. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None NEW BUSINESS 1. Review of the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport Strategic Plan The commission was provided with a draft of the strategic plan for the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DTMA) prior to the meeting. The draft was developed by Volaire Aviation, a consultant that was hired by the City to work with the Airport Advisory Board. Planner Michnick and Executive Director Duffy (member of the Airport Advisory Board) informed the commission on the background of the plan and why it was put together. The vision for the DTMA is self-sufficiency and to be leveraged as a regional economic development engine. The City has historically been required to support the operations of DTMA, as it does not currently generate enough revenue to cover operational and capital expenses. The commission felt that the two early action items of aggressive fuel pricing and bringing in a new fuel type through Swift were feasible. The commission also discussed the goal of Part 139 certification, which would allow for larger commercial charters to use the airport, such as the NIU football team and opponents. This would require the existing runways to be resurfaced and also the installation of a taller fence around the perimeter of the airport. The cost to benefit ratio did not make this goal seem feasible in the near term. The commission also discussed business recruitment and industrial development in proximity to the airport. Reference was made to the Rockford airport, which has several aviation based businesses adjacent to the airport. The commission also stated that DTMA was lucky to have a successful business like Win Aviation, and that there is potential for more maintenance facilities. The last recommendation that the commission discussed was in regards to a change in the name of DTMA. The commission was not opposed to a name change. A change in name should include something that references the region, and not just the municipality. A reference was again made to the Rockford airport which changed its name to the Chicago Rockford International Airport. No proposal has been made for a name change at this time. Mr. Richardson made a motion to accept the document as drafted and recommend its adoption by City Council. Seconded by Mr. Barrow. The motion was approved 6-0-1. 2. Discussion on Defining “Business Friendliness” The commission continued its discussion on defining the term “Business Friendly”. Several key words were discussed, including: Cooperative, consistent, transparent, predictable, and communication. The commission also discussed the challenges and importance of operationalizing the definition, and how it would be used. The commission does not want to recommend a definition of “Business Friendly” if it will only be theoretically. Business friendliness goes beyond just policy. It is critical to have the right people in the right roles, and have an adequate amount of discretion to be flexible in specific situations. Leadership is also critical. If the City has a rigid leader (City Manager), there will be rigid processes. Planner Michnick will use the terms and discussion around those terms to draft a definition and present it at the next meeting. 3. Update on Annie Glidden North Revitalization Plan Planner Michnick informed the commission that the City had received confirmation from the State that three census tracts within the City had been designated as an Opportunity Zone. Opportunity Zones are a new program that was created through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December of 2017. The program allows investors to realize reduces capital gains if they invest into a designated Opportunity Zone. The IRS and US Treasury are still determining how the program will be administered and more information will be available later in 2018. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Mr. Barrow made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Edghill-Walden. The motion carried on a voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 10:02 a.m. ________________________________ Respectfully Submitted by Jason Michnick, Economic Development Planner