Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission

Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission Minutes March 19, 2012 Page 1 of 3 MINUTES MEETING OF THE CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION CITY OF DEKALB March 19, 2012 The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission of the City of DeKalb, Illinois held a regular meeting on Monday, March 19, 2012 in the Large Conference Room #212 of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South 4th Street, DeKalb, Illinois. PRESENT: Commissioners present: Cohen Barnes, Susan Johnson, Lisa Small, Camyle Tate, Brad Pietens, Brad Hoey and Bob Boey. Commissioners absent: Mike Mooney. Also present were Rudy Espiritu, Assistant City Manager; and Patti McAdams, Executive Secretary; Mr. Marshall Dirks, Proven Winners Representative. Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION Mr. Barnes moved to approve the Agenda; seconded by Ms. Small. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Johnson noted that Ms. Small was in attendance at the December 19, 2011 meeting. The minutes have been corrected to reflect that change. MOTION Ms. Small moved to approve the Minutes of December 19, 2011 as corrected; seconded by Mr. Pietens. Motion carried unanimously on voice vote. BUSINESS 1. America in Bloom. Mr. Marshall Dirks, who is a representative of “Proven Winners,” summarized his presentation from the February 21, 2012 meeting by reviewing the “America in Bloom” program. He explained that this is a national program that rewards and recognizes communities for beautifying their communities. The American in Bloom judging usually takes place in August and it was determined that it would be too late this year to participate. However, this spring and summer would be an ideal time to begin preparations to participate in 2013. Entrance fee is $1,500 if the City plans to officially participate next year. Mr. Dirks offered several ideas on how the commissioners could begin the process; and that he would be available to act as a resource for the City’s plan. He provided many suggestions for this  Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission Minutes March 19, 2012 Page 2 of 3 year including sprucing up the downtown as well as the entrances into the City. He especially recommended the Annie Glidden Road corridor into the NIU community. Mr. Dirks suggested getting the community interested in the program this year by contacting local banks and other community groups to volunteer to get the project off the ground. He also informed the Commissioners that recent studies have shown that streets with flowering planters and hanging baskets actually slow traffic and create a safer environment. He apologized, but stated he had misquoted the price of the planters at the last meeting. He had stated that he could provide fully planted 4’ x 4’ containers for $50.00 each to get started. He had suggested 20 planters which would have been $1,000. However, the cost would be five times what he had quoted, which is a significant change from the original quote. Mr. Dirks highly recommended that the City embrace the American in Bloom program; however the key to a successful program is community involvement. Mr. Hoey stated businesses must assist with the initial investment. Ms. Tate shared a concern about how long the containers would look nice and if it would be difficult to maintain a fresh new look from year to year. Mr. Barnes asked if it was too late to request planters for this year. Mr. Dirks stated he could have as many planters as the City wants delivered by May 18, 2012. However, he would need to know within a week’s time from this meeting in order to begin the planting as soon as possible. Mr. Barnes and Mr. Espiritu asked “How do we get started and what are the next steps?” Mr. Barnes would like to make this a priority for the Commission. It was concluded that this year should be a “pilot” program with the intention of the program repeating and growing each year. At a one-time purchase price of $450 for each planter, Mr. Dirks announced he would furnish as many planters that the City would like to order, and that they will be fully planted and delivered to the destinations specified by the City. Each year after that, for a fee of $100 per planter they will be picked up, cleaned, stored for the winter and be returned fully planted to the City the next spring. Mr. Boey will talk to NIU about funding assistance and Mr. Espiritu will review the City budget for start-up funding, as well as research the estimated maintenance cost for the planters if City employees were to do the maintenance. A suggestion was also made that perhaps local Master Gardeners would be willing and available to provide maintenance as well as prune and trim the planters. Much discussion took place on where to place the initial planters so people in the community will notice the program. Besides the downtown, suggestions included City entrances; Lucinda Avenue; Annie Glidden Road; and at the signage by City boarders as well as high profile and visibility locations. Ms. Small questioned who would be the decision maker to approve the logos on the planters. It was  Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission Minutes March 19, 2012 Page 3 of 3 determined that at the next meeting a common logo will be selected with the suggestion of using the theme “Communiversity in Bloom.” Mr. Dirks reiterated that if he plants next week, the planters will be in full bloom when they are delivered on May 18th. It was determined that Mr. Espiritu will notify Mr. Dirks by March 23, 2012 how many planters the City will order, and that Mr. Dirks will begin planting (using the theme of red and white flowers for the NIU corridor and a mixture of other colors for the City and signage locations) week of March 26, 2012. 2. Communications. The position of Communications Director is being recommended for the FY- 2013 City budget. Mr. Espiritu distributed a sample Communications & Marketing Coordinator Job Description and asked the Commissioners for suggestions of jobs or duties for this position. 3. Vacancy. Mr. Espiritu announced that Mr. Rasmussen had resigned his position on the Commission, which leaves the Commission membership short by one position. He asked that replacement suggestions be forwarded to him. Patti McAdams Executive Secretary Recorder MINUTES APPROVED: April 16, 2012