Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission

MINUTES MEETING OF THE CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION CITY OF DEKALB November 21, 2016 The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) of the City of DeKalb, Illinois held a regular meeting on Monday, November 21, 2016 in the Haish Conference Room of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. ROLL CALL Roll was recorded by Economic Development Planner, Jason Michnick, and the following members of the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission members present were: Susan Johnson, Chair, Cohen Barnes, Brad Hoey, Brad Pietens, and Deborah Booth, and Michael Mooney. Bob Boey was absent. Also present were City Manager, Anne Marie Gaura, and Executive Director of the DeKalb County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (DCCVB), Debbie Armstrong. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION Chair Johnson asked for someone to make a motion to approve the amended agenda, which was made by Mr. Pietens. The motion was seconded by Ms. Booth and was carried on a voice vote. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION Chair Johnson requested a motion for approval of the minutes. Mr. Hoey moved to approve minutes. Ms. Booth seconded the motion. Motion carried on voice vote. BUSINESS 1. Clinton-Rosette Middle School Art Project Planner Michnick informed the commission that a group of about 15 students at Clinton- Rosette Middle School painted the front windows of City Hall. The group painted a fall inspired collage and is excited about the prospect of coming back to paint other seasonal themes on the City Hall and other windows throughout the community. The group of students have named themselves, “Project Paint the City.” 2. OMA Certifications Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission November 21, 2016 Page 2 of 2 Planner Michnick asked if any commissioners had any questions in regards to their certifications for the Open Meetings Act compliance. No commissioners had any questions about the process or Act. Planner Michnick informed the commission that they can reach out to Ruth Scott with future questions. 3. Merchant Suggestions Planner Michnick informed the commission that he also serves as a liaison to the downtown merchants, which includes a monthly meeting to discuss events, policies, and an opportunity to voice concerns. One of the merchants is interested in getting involved with the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission and sent a list of suggestions for consideration to explore. The first suggestion involved more seasonal decorations through the downtown. Several merchants have expressed delight with how the lighting looks this season. A suggestion was made that the downtown planters be changed in the spring, summer, and fall, as well as updating the banners located on the light poles. Mr. Hoey brought up the past practice of maintaining planters, but it has since transferred to the City. Also, the planters are brought in at the end of the fall to protect them from cold weather. City Manager Gaura confirmed this. Another suggestion from the merchants was to investigate a music system in the downtown. Mr. Hoey stated that there are a number of communities that do this, and that some businesses in the downtown currently broadcast music outside. Chair Johnson also mentioned that the system could be used for PSA’s during festivals and events. She also stated that DeKalb used to have a music system when she was a child. Planner Michnick informed the commission that the project was proposed for the 2017 fiscal year, and he would bring the topic back when updates were available. 4. City of DeKalb Marketing Video Planner Michnick shared the latest version of the City’s marketing video that will be used for marketing DeKalb as a place to do business. He stated that the video would be shared on the City’s website, social media outlets, and sent to brokers and site selectors as part of an email marketing campaign. It will also be shared through the DCEDC website and social media outlets. As a sponsor of the DCEDC, the City is entitled to being featured for a week on various channels. Mr. Barnes also suggested that the video be shared on channel 14, as many residents may not know about the City’s assets and businesses that are located here. He also stated that businesses in the community may want to post the video on their website as a way to recruit talent. 5. Growing Tourism in DeKalb Planner Michnick introduced Executive Director of the DCCVB, Debbie Armstrong, stating that he invited her to speak to the commission because their vision for the community aligned with that of the DCCVB. This includes a desire to see more public art throughout the community and for DeKalb to become a tourism draw for its offerings of cultural arts. Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission November 21, 2016 Page 3 of 3 Ms. Armstrong educated the commission on the role of the DCCVB in tourism development and marketing. Currently, the DCCVB is working on multiple ads that feature businesses and events that are occurring this holiday season. The organization is also responsible for maintaining a calendar of events for the area. Mr. Hoey and Mr. Barnes both stated that the DCCVB’s calendar was the most comprehensive of any available. Ms. Booth asked if NIU events were featured on the calendar and Ms. Armstrong confirmed that many, but not all of them are. There are several events on a regular basis, but the DCCVB tries to feature the largest events that are open to the public. A recent example of an NIU event that the DCCVB worked on was the MAC Volleyball Championship. This event brought in roughly 2100 people to DeKalb for a four day tournament. This involved coordinating hotel rooms for visiting teams, and other various behind the scenes coordination. Planner Michnick asked Ms. Armstrong if she thought there were any strategies for continuing to develop the tourism industry. Ms. Armstrong replied that more events are needed. Special events have a significant economic impact on local businesses. She also suggested that future support be given for the Art Walk that recently occurred. Mr. Barnes stated that his family went and although the event was not well attended, it was a lot of fun. Ms. Armstrong pointed out that events take a couple of years to gain a following, but students and merchants that participated were happy with the experience. Ms. Armstrong also pointed out the importance of aesthetics throughout the community, and a need to invest in the “front door” of the City. An example of this would be a program that matches signage and awning in the community to create a cohesive look. Mr. Barnes shared a story of two visitors that asked him directions while dining at O’Learys. Mr. Barnes asked them how they ended up in DeKalb and choosing that restaurant. The men stated that they came for an event and stopped because of how inviting the location was from the outside. This proves the importance of curb appeal, and needing to get that message out to businesses and property owners. Events will draw people to the area, but it is the curb appeal (facades, public art, seasonal decorations, etc.) that brings them back again. Mr. Barnes asked if there was an update on the sculpture walk with the DeKalb Area Arts Council. The last heard was there was still some confusion on what the City required for installation of concrete pads in public right of way. City Manager Gaura suggested that Planner Michnick bring this up at the next Development Review Team to discuss locations, which he confirmed he would do. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Chair Johnson requested a motion for adjournment. Mr. Hoey moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Mooney. Motion carried on voice vote. The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m. _____________________________________ Jason Michnick, Economic Development Planner