Downtown Advisory Commission

400 S. Eagle Street City of Naperville Naperville, IL 60540 Meeting Minutes Downtown Advisory Commission Thursday, August 8, 2019 3:30 PM NEU Conference Room A. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Rubin called the meeting to order at 3:41 p.m. B. ROLL CALL: Present: Kelly, Rubin, Frank, Zangler, Jeffries, Andersen, Wood, Schatz, Nagle, Hitchcock (arrived at 3:50 p.m.) Absent: White, Miers, Costello Also Present: Laff, Louden, Novack - City of Naperville Julie Carlsen, DuPage Children's Museum C. PUBLIC FORUM: There was no public forum. D. OLD BUSINESS: There was no old business. E. REPORTS: 1. Approve the February 7, 2019 Downtown Advisory Commission minutes. Commissioner Frank made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Andersen, to approved the DAC minutes of February 7, 2019. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: Rubin, Frank, Zangler, Jeffries, Andersen, Wood, Schatz, Nagle, Kelly Nay: 0 F. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Downtown Updates: Discuss DAC meeting frequency, the downtown retail and cultural environment, and planned infrastructure improvements. Rubin noted that he personally feels a cultural change occurring in the City of Naperville Page 1 Printed on 11/21/2019 Downtown Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes August 8, 2019 downtown and wants to make sure that the downtown is not moving in the wrong direction. DNA covers the retail and special events side, but there are other pieces that DAC needs to keep an eye on. Rubin opened the floor to DAC for comment on the need to meet more frequently to continually assess and discuss. Jeffries asked for an update on the streetscape improvements. Frank feels that it would be beneficial to meet quarterly. She visits the downtown as a resident but does not feel like she is as much in touch with the pulse of downtown as she has previously. On the other hand, Frank does not feel the need to meet if there are no agenda items, but there should be items to discuss. Zangler feels that quarterly meetings are important at minimum and finds that meeting every other month may be beneficial. Zangler asked what the status is of moving DAC to a taskforce. Rubin also noted that there is some additional parking work to be done. Wood is interested in feedback about the culture. She is not hearing many concerns right now. Prior concerns include construction (Main & Jefferson, Old Nichols, home at Van Buren & Webster). Jeffries noted that we should work more on construction management so as to minimize impact on businesses. Regarding meeting frequency, DAC confirmed that they will maintain the quarterly meeting schedule and continue to reserve monthly meeting dates for meetings as needed. In advance of the meeting, staff will ask the Commissioners if they have any items to add to the agenda. Rubin asked staff to provide updates: Bridge: Novack noted that our consultant can begin design work but that the City is waiting for approval from IDOT to move forward. The earliest time that we may begin construction is 2021; construction will take approximately 1.5 years. Temporary fixes, such as lane restrictions, may need to be put in place based on the existing bridge restrictions depending on when construction can proceed. Phase I of the design is complete. Phase II design will include a review of the construction process; there may be additional public meetings as the construction rolls out. Hitchcock noted that it is critical for DAC (and the Riverwalk Commission) to weigh in on the final bridge design. Novack noted that the biggest opportunity for input occurred during Phase I. Phase II needs to be consistent with the Phase I drawings. Kelly asked how construction will impact Edward Hospital, ambulances and safety vehicles. Streetscape: Novack noted that there will be upcoming public meetings regarding streetscape installation at Jefferson & Main Street. Discussions will include the options that can be used for construction, including potential street closures and staging. Work will begin in early April 2020. Novack noted that the construction contract will have bonuses and penalties associated with the City of Naperville Page 2 Printed on 11/21/2019 Downtown Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes August 8, 2019 construction schedule. Wood confirmed that both sides of Main Street will be completed, as well as the south side of Jefferson. Wood questioned why the north side of Jefferson isn't being converted from angled parking; Louden noted that DAC did not recommend the conversion of the north side of Jefferson during discussion of the streetscape plan. Hitchcock encouraged constant communication by the City with stakeholders on this project. Wood and Frank noted that the Filson corner looks great. Culture: Rubin noted that retail is difficult and if the restaurant/bar market continues to expand in replacement of existnig retail stores, it could tip the balance. Special events also place pressure on the downtown, as do loud uses occurring within the downtown (live music, etc.). Rubin noted the importance of maintaining the balance in the downtown to continue to attract customers and Naperville residents. Zangler noted that brick and mortar stores are under attack as a result of the internet. Are we trying to cater to an outdated retail model? Rubin noted that it is important to continue to discuss and stay on top of the trends. Hitchcock noted that it is important to continually review the zoning code to determine if the established use restrictions are still working for the changing nature of downtown. Jeffries noted that we review requested uses on a case-by-case basis and are flexible when the proposed use is appropriate and contributory to the intended downtown nature. Tattooing: Staff provided an overview of the proposed text amendment to expand zoning allowances for tattooing and microblading. Kelly asked if DAC has a concern with the proposed amendment, as it would permit accessory tattooing/microblading in the downtown in conjunction with a salon. Andersen noted that tattoo parlors in Chicago are stunning; DAC needs to be aware that today's tattooing establishments are not what they used to be. Andersen supports free enterprise. Wood noted that she is not in favor of a tattoo parlor as a stand alone use in the downtown; however, she is supportive of permitting tattooing as an accessory use to permitted uses Citywide (i.e., staff's proposed text amendment). Jeffries seconded the motion. Approved 9-1 (Nagle dissented based on concern over applicability to salon suite establishments). Cannabis: Rubin wants to notify the City Council that there is no desire to have retail sales of cannabis in the downtown. City of Naperville Page 3 Printed on 11/21/2019 Downtown Advisory Commission Meeting Minutes August 8, 2019 G. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m. City of Naperville Page 4 Printed on 11/21/2019