Industrial & Commercial Development Commission

DRAFT MINUTES OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTHBROOK INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Village Hall Terrace Room September 25, 2012 Members Present: Chairman Patrick Lederer, Curt Wilens, Larry Herskovitz, Richard Rushkewicz, Brian Lee, Susan Elfant, Mark Freeman, David Gottlieb, Dick Leopold, Jill Narens and Tensley Garris. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: David Schoon and Colleen Brunner. Other: James Karagianis. Call to Order & Introductions Chairman Lederer called the meeting to order in the Terrace Room of Village Hall at 7:35 a.m. Review of Minutes: On a motion made and seconded, the minutes from the August 28, 2012 ICDC meeting were approved as presented. Public Comment- Hear from the Audience None Discussion with Village Board Members Regarding Economic Development in the Community At the September 24th Village Board meeting, the Board 1) reviewed the library’s expansion proposal and directed staff to prepare zoning relief approval; 2) a new development is being considered at 1856 Walters with retail on the first floor and a restaurant and conservatory occupying the second and third floors. Generally the Board is receptive to the concept but parking issues are a concern; and 3) Dundee/Skokie property redevelopment plans may consist of commercial at the south end and a residential development at the north end. Developers are interested in help with the off- site improvements with possible TIF funding. Community Planning and Economic Development Coordinator Report A written report was provided. Schoon’s additional comments included: 1) He is working on a shop Northbrook campaign with the Chamber of Commerce; 2) Schoon attended a trade show in Bloomingdale where he spoke to brokers concerning the desirability of conducting business in Northbrook and the 6b incentive program. Attendance was low but he made many good contacts; 3) the Village and the Park District are cooperating in a sustainability plan. During the month of October, there will be two community meetings to provide members of the public an opportunity to provide input regarding the plan. A survey is being distributed via the Village newsletter, Northbrook Notify, Chamber of Commerce email and the ICDC Meeting Minutes September 25, 2012 Village’s website. After some discussion, the ICDC recommended that they have input on the issue as green purchases may mean higher costs. Discussion Regarding the Class 6b Program- Existing Guidelines & Proposed Changes Schoon presented a written report as well as a power point overview of both the Village’s and Cook County’s guidelines and processes related to the Class 6b program. He explained in detail the steps necessary from the application submittal and how it makes its’ way through various Village divisions and local affected taxing bodies to the final decision. Currently this process takes about sixty days. A lengthy discussion concerning review process, fees charged, time frame, etc. occurred amongst the ICDC members. Comments and recommendations from the commission are 1) whether justified of not, Northbrook has the reputation that they are not very receptive to granting 6b incentives. The Village needs to send a message to brokers that they are “open for business” or to the possibility of granting them. The current message is that Northbrook is not receptive to granting them; 2) buildings themselves are really the deciding factor in granting 6b’s- smaller building are more desirable and some are functionally obsolete and either need demolition or the incentive for occupancy.; 3) have a brokers open house with Village staff to discuss the Villages view on 6b incentives; 4) reduce the application fee; 5) prepare a list of 6 to 8 industrial properties that have merit in respect to qualifying for a 6B incentive - basically a pre approval. These properties would absolutely need a site visit by staff and ICDC members. The commission made a motion to vote to see who is in favor of granting 6b incentives in general. Nine ayes, one no vote, one said yes but judicially. Prior to the next meeting a tour will be set up for Commission members to view buildings that have challenges in finding new owners and tenants. Village Board members will also be invited. Agenda Items: Downtown Property Maintenance (#7) and Shop Northbrook Campaign (#8) Due to time constraints these items will be discussed at the October 23rd meeting. New Business Rotary raffle tickets are for sale. October 29th the Chamber is having an auction event. Old Business - None Next Meeting - The next ICDC meeting had been scheduled for October 23, 2012. Adjourn On motion made and seconded, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 a.m. Respectfully Submitted – Colleen Brunner