Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission

MINUTES MEETING OF THE CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION CITY OF DEKALB April 20, 2015 The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission of the City of DeKalb, Illinois held a regular meeting on Monday, April 20, 2015 in the Haish Conference Room of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Chair Johnson called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m. ROLL CALL: Roll was recorded by Deputy City Clerk Tammey Higgins, and the following members of the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission were present: Susan Johnson, Cohen Barnes, Brad Hoey, Mike Mooney, Brad Pietens, Lisa Small, Camyle Tate, and Deborah Booth. Absent was Bob Boey. Also present were: Lauren Stott, Management Analyst, Jerad Heyad, City Intern, and Tammey Higgins, Deputy City Clerk. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Discussion regarding adding additional items to agenda occurred. Chair Johnson submitted the inclusion of Art Projects and Yards of Distinction in the agenda. MOTION Mr. Barnes moved to approve the Agenda as amended; seconded by Mr. Pietens. Motion carried on voice vote. Chair Johnson declared the motion approved. BUSINESS 1. DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association Historic Marker Request Status. Ms. Stott provided a status update and general background information to attendees regarding the DeKalb Area Agricultural Heritage Association (DAAHA) Historic Marker request. She advised she had met with Jason Mangum, Executive Director of the DeKalb Park District and discussed site concerns. Mr. Mangum had offered the consideration of mounting the marker onto the wall of the mural which would require less maintenance. Discussion followed regarding different site locations and concerns. Ms. Stott further advised attendees that she would update the current agreement and would provide updates to Commission members to keep them current. She then asked members to select a Council meeting date at which to present the Agreement for Council consideration and vote. She further advised that there would be a groundbreaking ceremony for the marker and that as many members as possible should be in attendance. Discussion followed relating to the dates of June 8, 2015 and June 22, 2015 with members providing their responses. Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission April 20, 2015 Page 2 of 3 Chair Johnson was open to either date, with Mr. Barnes stating he was unavailable for the June 22, 2015 date. MOTION Ms. Small motioned that the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission provide support to DAAHA for the Historic Marker project. A voice vote called for by Chair Johnson provided a unanimous response in favor of the motion. 2. Proven Winners Planters Status. Ms. Stott commented on status of the planters. Mr. Hoey provided background information regarding the planters program which began in the Fall of 2011. Discussion regarding funding, placement, and maintenance aspects, along with participation of other community entities of the program followed. 3. Art Projects. Chair Johnson commented on the utility box art project which had been considered by the Commission. She shared the concerns that had arisen and the results of ComEd’s response to the proposed project. She advised that the Public Works Dept. had suggested fire hydrant painting as a potential project. Ms. Stott then offered responses from preliminary discussion with Fire Chief Hicks and Interim Public Works Director Laskowski. Chief Hicks was supportive, while Mr. Laskowski was concerned with potential issues. Ms. Stott advised attendees that if the Commission was interested in proceeding with this project, it should bring to attention of Mayor and City Manager. Further discussion relating to Interim Public Works Director Laskowski’s concerns about maintenance issues and public safety distractions were held. Mr. Hoey commented on his agreement with Chief Hicks and provided information on past experiences with like programs. Discussion followed amongst attendees relating to different experiences and potential approach to this consideration. Ms. Stott advised attendees their best step would be to bring project proposal to Mayor for consideration. Chair Johnson commented on meeting with the Mayor and submitting a proposal for the project. Additional discussion relating to other community experiences. 4. Yards of Distinction. Mr. Pietens addressed members as to status of the program. Attendees responded with comments relating to positive inputs, getting more people engaged in the program and the consideration of residents taking a more active role. Discussion continued with consideration of revamping the parameters of the program to include highlighting different items such as rotating banners, etc. along with suggestion to permit citizens to place nominations on the website. Considerations as to scheduling for application submittal and parameters for nomination were provided. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Mr. Pietens moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ms. Tate. Motion carried on voice vote. Chair Johnson declared the meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m. ______________________________________ TAMMEY HIGGINS, Deputy City Clerk Approved: July 20, 2015 Committee of the Whole Meeting June 16, 2014 Page 3 of 3