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, May 12, 2014 7:00 PM Village Hall - Community Room 1.0 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Fitzpatrick at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, led by Dennis McNicholas. 2.0 Roll Call Present 7 - Trustee Laura Fitzpatrick, Dennis McNicholas, Matthew Pike, Brian LaVaque, Markus Pitchford, Christopher Carter, and Andrea Harnden Absent 2 - Garrick Nielsen, and Angel Camacho Also present: William Heniff, Director of Community Development; Jennifer Ganser, Assistant Director of Community Development; and Walter Smith, President of the Lombard Town Centre. 3.0 Public Participation There was no public participation. 4.0 Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Matthew Pike, seconded by Markus Pitchford, to approve the minutes from the March 10, 2014 meeting. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6- Dennis McNicholas, Matthew Pike, Brian LaVaque, Markus Pitchford, Christopher Carter, and Andrea Harnden Village of Lombard Page 1 Economic & Community Minutes May 12, 2014 Development Committee Absent: 2- Garrick Nielsen, and Angel Camacho 5.0 Old Business There was no old business. 6.0 New Business 140199 Restaurant Forgivable Loan Program Review and approve edits to the program language. (DISTRICTS - ALL) Ms. Ganser gave an overview of the Restaurant Forgivable Loan Program, which is available in the Downtown and St. Charles West TIF Districts. This program is to help sit-down restaurants with capital costs they would incur developing a restaurant. The proposed edits are for clarity and grammar only. Mr. Heniff added that the program helps creates life and vitality in the downtown and makes our downtown more competitive with surrounding communities. Mr. Pitchford asked if the program could be used for a sprinkler system and Mr. Heniff replied yes adding that other eligible items would be black iron, plumbing, or electrical. Mr. Smith asked what the reference to the 1987 plan was. Ms. Ganser replied that was when the Downtown TIF was created. A motion was made by Brian LaVaque, seconded by Christopher Carter, to approve the edits. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6- Dennis McNicholas, Matthew Pike, Brian LaVaque, Markus Pitchford, Christopher Carter, and Andrea Harnden Absent: 2- Garrick Nielsen, and Angel Camacho 140200 New Businesses Promotion Review and discussion on how the Village supports new and expanding businesses. (DISTRICTS - ALL) Ms. Ganser reviewed the Village’s policy on new business promotion. She mentioned that the Village needs to be sensitive to businesses that prefer to handle the grand opening announcement themselves or have confidentiality agreements. Ms. Ganser also noted that the Chamber of Commerce plans ribbon cuttings for new members. Village of Lombard Page 2 Economic & Community Minutes May 12, 2014 Development Committee Mr. McNicholas said he remembers when the Trustees would announce and recognize new businesses at the Board meetings. Trustee Fitzpatrick said the Village could consider adding new businesses to our Facebook page or our website. Mr. Carter discussed his involvement with other Chambers such as attending ribbon cuttings and other events. The ECDC asked if they could be added to the Chamber email list to be aware of ribbon cuttings. Mr. Heniff added that Lombard Town Centre could do ribbon cuttings or grand openings for downtown businesses. Mr. Carter suggested the Village’s website could be promoted as well. 140209 Grant Eligibility Policy Review and discussion regarding setting provisions pertaining to eligibility and dispersal of Village public funds. (DISTRICTS - ALL) Trustee Fitzpatrick started the discussion by giving background information on why the Village’s grant programs were being discussed. She stated that when a Trustee’s daughter was named a Lilac Princess she received a scholarship check from the Village, which some members of the Board thought was inappropriate. With an unclear policy Trustee Fitzpatrick is asking staff for recommendations. Since Lombard does not have a policy of gifts, the Village uses the State Code which limits amounts over $2,000. Mr. LaVaque asked if issuing a bond to the Lilac Princesses would be better, in case they did not have a checking account. Trustee Fitzpatrick said a broader policy is needed. This item is also be reviewed at the Community Relations Committee. Mr. Heniff reviewed the memo and started with who would be eligible for grants from a TIF District. He stated that Garrick Nielsen is an ECDC member who is also a downtown commercial property owner. Would he need to step down from the ECDC or recuse himself from a vote? Mr. McNicholas said many residents own businesses in Lombard and we wouldn’t want to deter people from volunteering if they cannot Village of Lombard Page 3 Economic & Community Minutes May 12, 2014 Development Committee apply for grants. He suggested differentiating between a Village employee, Trustee, and a volunteer Commission. Mr. Pike said grant applications should be first come, first serve. Trustee Fitzpatrick said this is being done to reduce corruption. Mr. McNicholas said everyone has to fill out a Statement of Economic Interest for the County and there is a $5,000 limit. Trustee Fitzpatrick said that is from a business and the $2,000 limit is a gift. Mr. Heniff asked the Commission how to define a family, and if a sibling could apply for a grant. He also brought up Village employees or Trustees being a part of, or serving for various organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, Lions, or Lombard Town Centre. Mr. Heniff discussed full time verses part time employment at the Village or an employee having a second job. Mr. McNicholas said if an employee doesn’t own the business or owns less a certain percentage it may not be a conflict. Trustee Fitzpatrick suggested asking if the government would be enriched and used the example of President Giagnorio no longer selling pizzas to the police training classes. Mr. McNicholas suggested extending it to immediate family of elected officials and employees. Mr. LaVaque suggested looking at what surrounding communities have done. Mr. McNicholas said if there is a conflict at the ECDC level the item could be sent to the Board of Trustees for final consideration. Ms. Harnden asked if there would be a grandfather or time sensitive clause in case someone had already applied for a grant. Trustee Fitzpatrick said this policy could be turned into a Trustee Manual. Mr. LaVaque asked if the Trustees could use the employee manual and Trustee Fitzpatrick said no, because many items, like sick leave, would not apply to them. Mr. Heniff asked if Commission volunteers and their families should be excluded from applying for grants. Mr. LaVaque said no. Mr. Carter said people join commissions Village of Lombard Page 4 Economic & Community Minutes May 12, 2014 Development Committee because they care about the community and the programs should be available for everyone. Trustee Fitzpatrick said if someone had to step down from the ECDC they could join another commission. Mr. McNicholas said he wouldn’t want to lose good volunteers and suggested a grant with a potential conflict of interest could go before the Board of Trustees. Mr. Heniff asked if employees should be eligible for grants and if the department they work for matters. Mr. Pike said they should be allowed to apply for grants and perhaps it could be only for those at a certain level or below. Trustee Fitzpatrick asked how that would look to the outside. Mr. Pike said that employees that are not department heads should be able to apply for grants so you give people the opportunity to make the town better. Mr. McNicholas asked what would happen if a business had multiple owners and one person had a potential conflict. Ms. Harnden said if there are too many road blocks someone might go to another town. Trustee Fitzpatrick said DuPage County has an ethics policy that staff can look into and bring back another rough draft for the ECDC to review. Mr. Heniff brought up the backyard drainage grant program. Many employees are also resident and taxpayers to the Village and this program can help an entire neighborhood, not just one resident. Mr. McNicholas said this example has strict criteria to follow and benefits more than one property. Staff was directed to continue to research the topic and present an updated draft at a future ECDC meeting. 140103 Lombard Town Centre Report Lombard Town Centre report on their efforts and their role in facilitating activity in the downtown. (DISTRICTS #1 and #4) Village of Lombard Page 5 Economic & Community Minutes May 12, 2014 Development Committee Mr. Smith reported on Lombard Town Centre. Three new businesses opened in 2014. The Arts and Craft Fair was successful. LTC is planning for the Blackhawks viewing event on May 24, 2014. 7.0 Other Business There was no other business. 8.0 Information Only Development Project Update Staff provided an update on recent development activity. 9.0 Adjournment A motion was made by Christopher Carter, seconded by Andrea Harnden, to adjourn the meeting at 8:42 p.m. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6- Dennis McNicholas, Matthew Pike, Brian LaVaque, Markus Pitchford, Christopher Carter, and Andrea Harnden Absent: 2- Garrick Nielsen, and Angel Camacho Village of Lombard Page 6