Economic & Community Development Committee

Village Hall Village of Lombard 255 East Wilson Ave. Lombard, IL 60148 villageoflombard.org Minutes Economic & Community Development Committee Bill Johnston, Chairperson Reid Foltyniewicz, Alternate Chairperson Dennis McNicholas, Garrick Nielsen, Matthew Pike, Brian LaVaque, Markus Pitchford, Christopher Carter and Paula Dillon Advisory Members: Alan Bennett and Larry Kelly Staff Liaison: William Heniff Monday, April 11, 2016 7:00 PM Village Hall - Community Room 1.0 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order by Trustee Johnston at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 2.0 Roll Call Present 8 - Bill Johnston, Dennis McNicholas, Brian LaVaque, Garrick Nielsen, Markus Pitchford, Paula Dillon, Alan Bennett, and Larry Kelly Absent 2 - Matthew Pike, and Christopher Carter Also present: William Heniff, Director of Community Development; Jennifer Ganser, Assistant Director of Community Development; Keith Steiskal, Building Official; Mary Klimczak, Senior Building Division Representative; Sarah Richardt, Executive Director of Lombard Town Centre; and Dana Moreau, Babcock’s Grove House. 3.0 Public Participation 4.0 Approval of Minutes On a motion by Mr. McNicholas seconded by Mr. LaVaque the minutes of the March 21, 2016 meeting were unanimously approved by the members present. 5.0 Unfinished Business 6.0 New Business Village of Lombard Page 1 Economic & Community Minutes April 11, 2016 Development Committee 160144 Downtown Improvement and Renovation Grant Program - 101 W. St. Charles Road Request a grant for 101 W. St. Charles Road (Babcock’s Grove House). (DISTRICT # 1) Ms. Ganser said Babcock’s Grove House is seeking a façade grant in the amount of $1,936 for outdoor signage and lighting. As this request is under $10,000 it does not require consideration by the Village Board. Ms. Moreau said her request is for a sign and outdoor lighting. The lighting is small and used for ambiance and the outdoor seating. The sign was based on the historical plaque. Mr. McNicholas asked if the grants have a timeframe to start or to finish. Ms. Ganser said that is not noted in the grant policies, but typically staff uses a one year mark, similar to how building permits expire after one year. Mr. Nielsen said that banks usually give businesses a time commitment for a loan, but the applicant can reapply and come back if the time expires. Ms. Ganser said staff can look into the matter. On a motion by Ms. Dillon, with a second by Mr. Pitchford, the ECDC approved 5-0 the Downtown Improvement and Renovation Grant request for 101 W. St. Charles Road in the amount of $1,936.00. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 5- Dennis McNicholas, Brian LaVaque, Garrick Nielsen, Markus Pitchford, and Paula Dillon Absent: 2- Matthew Pike, and Christopher Carter 7.0 Other Business 160145 Business Retention Update Discussion of business retention initiatives and outreach strategies. (DISTRICTS - ALL) Ms. Ganser reviewed the memo and noted that staff met with three businesses. She hopes to schedules more meetings and continue to update the ECDC. The meetings have been positive and staff received good feedback. 160146 Community Development Technology Enhancements Discussion of various technology enhancements within the Community Development Department. (DISTRICTS - ALL) Mr. Heniff introduced the topic and offered that the technology enhancements offer a greater level of service. Village of Lombard Page 2 Economic & Community Minutes April 11, 2016 Development Committee Ms. Ganser gave an overview of the Village’s website and discussed the available properties inventory, current development page, and the new retail in Lombard page. She briefly discussed how these new pieces are also promoted on social media. Ms. Dillon asked if the retail page would be featured on the homepage under Spotlight. Ms. Ganser said she will coordinate that. Mr. Pitchford said the retail page should also be under the business tab. Mr. Bennett asked if the available properties list could be featured on the home page. Ms. Ganser said she will look into those suggestions. Mr. Steiskal and Ms. Klimczak went through various online permitting functions. They noted that residents and contractors can view permit status, request inspections, and receive alerts online. Certain permit, called instant permits, can be applied for online. An example is a permit for new windows. Staff also purchased Bluebeam software for electronic plan review. This will improve efficiencies between staff and permit applicants. Plans are therefore being stored electronically. Field inspectors are now using I-Pads to email inspection reports to customers, which reduces paper and staff time. Mr. Nielsen asked if time benchmarks are noted on online permit system. Mr. Steiskal said no, but staff can look into adding that. Benchmarks are on the Village’s website. Ms. Richardt asked if this is live and if it was publicized. Mr. Steiskal said it is live, but will be publicized once it is final the system has undergone further testing. Ms. Dillon and Mr. McNicholas noted the time savings may attract more people to Lombard. Ms. Richardt asked if both a contractor and resident can have access to check on a permit. Ms. Klimczak said yes, they would both obtain a separate account to check. 8.0 Information Only Lombard Town Centre Ms. Richardt said she accepted a job as Executive Director of the Lombard Historical Society and her last day at LTC will be April 21st. She reviewed her memo and added that an offer has been placed on the former Capone’s restaurant. Ms. Richardt said Babcock’s Grove House is working on punch-list items. Trustee Johnston asked how Balkan Bakery is going and Mr. Steiskal said they passed their rough framing inspection recently. Ms. Richardt reviewed a map of new proposed LTC boundaries. She explained that her Board worked on these boundaries, which is larger than the Downtown TIF. The Executive Director will need to keep track of their hours worked both in the TIF and outside. Village of Lombard Page 3 Economic & Community Minutes April 11, 2016 Development Committee 9.0 Adjournment On a motion by Mr. McNicholas and a second by Mr. Pitchford, the meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m. Village of Lombard Page 4