Economic & Community Development Committee

Village Hall Village of Lombard 255 East Wilson Ave. Lombard, IL 60148 villageoflombard.org Minutes Economic & Community Development Committee Trustee Laura Fitzpatrick, Chairperson Trustee Peter Breen, Alternate Chairperson Dennis McNicholas, Garrick Nielsen, Matthew Pike, Angel Camacho, Brian LaVaque, Markus Pitchford, Christopher Carter and Andrea Harnden Staff Liaison: William Heniff Monday, November 25, 2013 7:00 PM Village Hall - Board Room 1.0 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Fitzpatrick at 7:01 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, led by Markus Pitchford. 2.0 Roll Call Present 6 - Trustee Laura Fitzpatrick, Dennis McNicholas, Garrick Nielsen, Brian LaVaque, Markus Pitchford, and Andrea Harnden Absent 3 - Matthew Pike, Angel Camacho, and Christopher Carter Also present: William Heniff, AICP, Director of Community Development; Jennifer Ganser, Assistant Director of Community Development; Sarah Richardt, Executive Director of the Lombard Town Centre; Walter Smith, President of the Lombard Town Centre; Lombard Town Centre Board Members; Members of CAPS; and George Jorgji, MaidPro Trustee Fitzpatrick asked the ECDC for a motion to name Dennis McNicholas chair of the ECDC if she or Trustee Breen were unable to attend a meeting. A motion was made by Mr. Pitchford, seconded by Ms. Harden. The motion passed by a unanimous vote. 3.0 Public Participation There was no public participation. Village of Lombard Page 1 Economic & Community Minutes November 25, 2013 Development Committee 4.0 Approval of Minutes The minutes of the October 14, 2013 meeting were approved by the members present. A motion was made by Mr. McNicholas, seconded by Mr. Pitchford, to approve the minutes from the October 14, 2013 meeting. The motion passed by a unanimous vote. 5.0 Unfinished Business 130535 Ordinance Amending Chapter 90 of the Lombard Village Code - Animal Sale Regulations Ordinance establishing regulations to Section 90 of the Lombard Village Code to limit the sale of animals associated with temporary sales activity. (DISTRICTS - ALL) Trustee Fitzpatrick directed the ECDC to the draft ordinance. Mr. McNicholas had two comments that staff will incorporate into the draft ordinance: in 90.50 (B) a 501c3 should be in existence for at least 1 year, and in 90.90 the fines should be $50 per animal per day with a maximum fine of $750. He also noted that Veterinary Associations have national standards regarding cage size and the number of animals per cage. On a motion by Mr. McNicholas, seconded by Mr. LaVaque, a recommendation of approval to the Village Board of the ordinance amending Title 9, Chapter 90 of the Lombard Village Code in regard to the temporary sales of animals. 130533 Retail Business Grant Program Motion to approve the revised Downtown Retail Business Grant Program Policy as recommended by the Economic and Community Development Committee. (DISTRICTS #1 and #4) Mr. Nielsen arrived at 7:18pm. Ms. Ganser reviewed the staff memo on guidelines that can be used to determine if the lien portion of the Retail Business Grant should be waived. Mr. McNicholas said he feels it is ok for staff to review the criteria with the business. Mr. Nielsen said staff could be subjective and the guidelines need objectivity. Mr. McNicholas asked if there is an application fee. Mr. Heniff said no. Mr. McNicholas said a business should first meet with staff to go over the request for a lien waiver. Trustee Fitzpatrick clarified that the request for a waiver of lien is still subject to review by the ECDC and approval from the Board of Trustees. Mr. Heniff said yes that that staff can add these guidelines to future memos to the ECDC. Village of Lombard Page 2 Economic & Community Minutes November 25, 2013 Development Committee 6.0 New Business 130567 Downtown Improvement and Renovation Grant Program Request for a grant for new signage at 15 North Main Street. (DISTRICT #4) Ms. Ganser reviewed the memo for a grant request at 15 N. Main Street for a new sign. Staff and the Lombard Town Centre Design Committee do not support the request because it does not meet the criteria of the Downtown Revitalization Project Guidebook. The sign does meet the standards of the Lombard Village Code. Mr. Jorgji introduced his business, MaidPro, and discussed the proposed sign. Mr. Nielsen asked if the sign was illuminated and to explain the sign mounting. Mr. Jorgji said yes there is LED lighting. A strip would be mounted to the brick building and the sign would be mounted to the strip. Ms. Harden asked if the sign could be easily removed, Mr. Jorgji replied yes. Trustee Fitzpatrick asked if this was the standard sign for the franchise. Mr. Jorgji said yes it is for many franchises. Trustee Fitzpatrick reviewed the Downtown Revitalization Project Guidebook that was completed with Lombard Town Centre and the historic nature of downtown. Mr. LaVaque asked if other signs types were researched. Mr. Jorgji said yes, but an illuminated sign is needed to attract customers. Mr. Nielsen asked about adding an illuminated sign in the window. Mr. Jorgji said he has window signs with the MaidPro logo and contact information. Ms. Harden asked if the contractors were asked to provide goose neck lighting. Mr. Jorgji said he did ask, and though it can be done it does not provide the same effect as an illuminated sign. Mr. McNicholas recused himself from voting on this petition due to a conflict of interest. On a motion by Mr. LaVaque, seconded by Mr. Pitchford, the Downtown Improvement and Renovation Grant Program request for 15 N. Main Street was denied. 130568 Lombard Town Centre Request for Funding - Calendar Year 2014 Request from Lombard Town Centre for funding for calendar year 2014. (DISTRICT #1) Mr. Smith reviewed the Lombard Town Centre budget request for $55,000. In 2013, LTC changed office locations to a first floor location. The new space has generated additional foot traffic but the rent and utilities expenses are higher, which is the reason for the grant level increase. Three outdoor viewing events were held with over 1,000 people attending. LTC also obtained corporate sponsorships Village of Lombard Page 3 Economic & Community Minutes November 25, 2013 Development Committee this year for Spooktacular. LTC noted their Facebook likes have increased, their brand is getting stronger, and in 2014 they would like to be more financially independent. Mr. Nielson asked how that would be defined. Mr. Smith noted that according to the Illinois Main Street Association they should be obtaining approximately 35% of their funding from the Village. This is a goal for LTC and increasing sponsorships and memberships will help accomplish that goal. Ms. Richardt said LTC is doing a membership push for the end of the year. Mr. McNicholas asked how long LTC has been in existence and Mr. Heniff replied since 2005. Mr. McNicholas said he was concerned the TIF is ending in 2023 and how LTC would be funded after the TIF ended. He said he is impressed and pleased with the activities done by LTC. Trustee Fitzpatrick suggested that next year LTC addresses that comment in their report. On a motion by Mr. McNicholas, seconded by Mr. LaVaque, a recommendation of approval to the Village Board for funding of $55,000 to Lombard Town Centre for the calendar year of 2014. 7.0 Other Business 8.0 Information Only Billboard Amortization Study Mr. Heniff shared the 2013 update of the Billboard Amortization White Paper. Three billboards are scheduled to be removed in 2014. Staff is looking at different opportunities to minimize the number of billboards or to remove them through Redevelopment Agreements. Mr. McNicholas said he is opposed to tradeoffs that would allow for an electronic billboard. Lombard Town Centre Report Trustee Fitzpatrick asked for an update on Cabinet Depot. Ms. Richardt said they moved into a larger location in Carol Stream. Ms. Richardt also mentioned that LTC has a volunteer that designed six options for banners along the street poles. Development Project Update Staff provided an update on recent development activity. Mr. McNicholas asked what 401 E North Avenue was formerly. Mr. Heniff said that property is the southeast corner of Grace and North and was a former gas station. Mr. McNicholas asked when Maxfield’s would be completing their outdoor seating. Mr. Heniff said that project will take place in the spring. Mr. Pitchford asked if staff knew where a medical cannabis facility could open in Lombard. Mr. Heniff replied that this item was recently before Plan Commission and the Board of Trustees Village of Lombard Page 4 Economic & Community Minutes November 25, 2013 Development Committee due to new legislation from the State. A medical cannabis dispensary will need a conditional use permit in the office district and will also need to follow the State guidelines to open. 9.0 Adjournment A motion was made by Mr. LaVaque, seconded by Mr. Pitchford to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 PM. The motion passed by a unanimous vote. Village of Lombard Page 5