Milwaukee Avenue Corridor Committee

Milwaukee Avenue Streetscape Committee MEETING SUMMARY July 12, 2011 The following persons were present: Chair Chris Hanusiak, Chuck Ostman, Bob Pilat, Denise McCreery and Rick Hambick from Bugle Newspaper. George Van Geem joined the meeting late. Chair Hanusiak opened the meeting at 10:39 a.m. I. Approve Draft Meeting Summaries: a. The Committee approved the draft summaries from July 6, 2011. II. Old Business: a. Banners and Milwaukee Avenue. Denise McCreery provided clarification about the spreadsheet last meeting mentioning the quotes and that the banner size was incorrect. The quotes were based on 30x60 and not 30 x 90. New quotes were provided. Ostman had inspectors check out the poles and count which had brackets, arms and what was missing. The brackets on the poles were ready for 30x90, but Mr. Van Geem requested they use the 30x60 with a higher quantity of banners requiring brackets to be moved. There was discussion about the painted poles and whether or not moving brackets will expose unpainted surface. This would not. The poles from Neva to Albion are painted and the rest to be done in 2012. Ostman mentioned that historically the Village used 30x90 due to the number of lanes and the Chair agreed. McCreery discussed how banners should not be too tight in the brackets. McCreery discussed the banners be hung from the CVS to Monroe. She further stated that 55 poles in the area would be covered well. The Chair stated that he agreed with Trustee Preston that the banners should not be limited to a single location and then asked about the status of seeking assistance from other government agencies. McCreery stated the Chamber, Library, and Park District were contacted and that they agreed that they could do more to promote the program. She would still like to contact Joe LoVerde further. The Chamber and Library are willing to sponsor some banners in their areas, but they are concerned that their logos are not on them. The most commitment from the library would be about $300 and not the $5,000 mentioned. They would like, however, to consider it in their next budget. There was discussion about the materials of the banners from the companies. McCreery had some examples for the Committee to review. She further stated that the good news is that there is not as much of a need for brackets as once thought. There was brief discussion about the sturdier banners made from Sumbrella. It was said that the graphics on this material are very vivid and really pop as compared to the vinyl. In the past the Village used vinyl and cloth. The cloth tended to dry rot. Screen printing lasts longer than digital design. Ostman stated that he is concerned if this is going to be the only banner and sparked the discussion of whether or not there would also be seasonal banners too. These promotional banners would not be run for the whole year. Award banners could be mixed with seasonal banners. Seasonal banners could create new life for the promotional banners each new season. It was stated that there was an opportunity to use some Milwaukee Avenue grant funds on more banners. Ostman stated he favors concentrating the banners in a particular area for impact. There would be 60 banners between CVS and Monroe. They can be separated the following year when there is a new budget and we get seasonal banners. Ostman stated that the flower baskets would remain in place and that the promotional banners would take place of the flags. There is agreement about location and size. With bracket cost down, more banners may be possible. The material of the banners must be decided. It is still unknown if Public Services will install the banners or a private company. The Chair stated that he would recommend that Public Services do the work. The Chair discussed that a private company may not want to mess around with used brackets. Bob Pilate stated that Forestry is the department that installs the banners, but there has been an extreme amount of work for them to complete with the removal of damaged and sick trees. The Chair wants to ensure the Village Manager had made a decision on who installs the banners. George Van Geem joined the meeting. Mr. Van Geem stated that the workload of Public Services is too great at this time and that it would be beneficial to utilize private installation at $3,500. The Chair discussed the installation costs and how the used brackets may increase the quotes. McCreery will clarify the number. Installation for 30x60 and 30x90 is the same. To update Mr. Van Geem, the Chair stated the group decided on (60) 30x90 banners. The banners would be ordered as soon as possible. Next year the banners will be staggered with new banners and (30) promotional placed near the Golf area. McCreery restated what other agencies offered regarding the banners. There was discussion about a past offer by the Chamber to implement a banner program. The Chair stated it may need to be brought up at the  Board level again. He stated he never heard about it. Ostman stated that the argument against the program was that the banners would be too static and not moved around or changed out often. Ostman stated that the Chamber is willing to work with the Village on this issue. There was brief discussion of what other municipalities do regarding banner programs. Denise was asked to look into installation costs. Project Graphics was chosen. The design is needed before the banners are ordered. There was discussion on the banner design choice. The material choice is still under consideration. The Chair suggested they look for references on others who used the materials. Large graphics with detail are best on vinyl. III. New Business: a. None IV. Adjournment at 11:18 a.m.