Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION September 16, 2019 The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) held a regular meeting on September 16, 2019, in the Executive Conference Room of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Chair Brad Hoey called the meeting to order at 4:06 P.M. A. ROLL CALL Roll call was recorded by Management Analyst Jason Blumenthal and the following members of the CCEC were present: Jeanine Holcomb, Chair Brad Hoey, Brad Pietens, Ellingsworth Webb and Melissa Beck. Members absent were Susan Johnson and Deborah Booth. Also present were Brian Oster, Ward 1 Alderman Carolyn Morris, and Management Analyst Jason Blumenthal. B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS MOTION Mr. Webb moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Ms. Holcomb. VOTE Motion carried by a majority voice vote of those present. C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION Mr. Pietens moved to approve the CCEC minutes of August 19, 2019; seconded by Ms. Beck. VOTE Motion carried by a majority voice vote of those present. D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Brian Oster of OC Creative, provided input as to the success of the “Eye Bombing” effort during Corn Fest. The effort was well-viewed and considered a great idea which will now attempt to be an annual activity. Mr. Oster had spoken with the Chairperson of Corn Fest and “Eye Bombing” can hopefully be folded into the official Corn Fest activities. CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 16, 2019 PAGE 2 OF 3 Mr. Oster led conversation regarding other possible simple events. The members stated a potential activity could be yarn bombing where trees are covered in yarn to add character to the downtown. Additional ideas included using the barbed wire and agriculture history more, creating a geocaching opportunity for facts, expanding distinctly DeKalb and creating a list of activities to do. A final idea that was discussed was sponsoring “take one-give one” events for boots and/or clothes. E. NEW BUSINESS 1. Appearance of Downtown Ms. Beck had requested a discussion relating to the overall appearance of the downtown area. The appearance of the flower beds as well as the signage and faced of downtown buildings was to be included. With regard to the downtown flower beds, Management Analyst Blumenthal advised the flower beds were owned by the City and a few options could arise. Ms. Beck suggested talking to the downtown businesses to see if they would like to “adopt” a flower bed. Management Analyst Blumenthal agreed with this possibility and he would mention it at the downtown merchants meeting the following morning. This approach would be addressed for the next spring season and will be brought to the City Manager. Ms. Beck continued the conversation to the facades of the downtown buildings. She stated her concerns about the clashing of the old-style architecture and new styles of facades as well as the font of some of the signs. Management Analyst Blumenthal said there are limitation on what the City can control from a content and font style standpoint. However, he will contact Dan Olson, the City’s Principal Planner, to discuss opportunities in the Central Business District. Mr. Webb stated that care should be taken to prevent the City from stifling the creative flow of people with the added aspect that different types of buildings could be a form of art in its own sense. Additional conversation will occur after Management Analyst Blumenthal has more information on the Central Business District. F. OLD BUSINESS 1. Paint-A-Plug Approvals Management Analyst Blumenthal presented three applications for Paint-A-Plug. One was for the three stages of the Monarch Butterflies, second was for a R2D2 hydrant, and third for a Rotary plug. MOTION Mr. Pietens moved to approval the submitted application; seconded by Mr. Webb. VOTE Motion carried by unanimous voice vote of those present. CITIZENS’ COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENT COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 16, 2019 PAGE 3 OF 3 2. Public Arts Policy Management Analyst Blumenthal advised he had sent out the final version of the Arts Policy and asked for any other suggestions. Ms. Booth, though not present, sent comments indicating she was not able to compare the new version to the earlier version and regrets not being at the discussion. Mr. Webb and Management Analyst Blumenthal both stated they are excited and believes the policy is ready for the City Council. A consensus agreed that no additional changes were needed. Chair Hoey asked for a motion. MOTION Ms. Beck moved to approve the Public Arts Policy; seconded by Mr. Webb VOTE Motion carried by unanimous voice vote of those present. G. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Mr. Pietens moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Webb. VOTE Motion carried by unanimous voice vote of those present. The meeting was adjourned at 4:58 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Jason Blumenthal, Management Analyst Minutes approved by the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission on October 21, 2019.