City Council

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING JULY 25, 2017 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Special Committee of the Whole meeting on July 25, 2017, in the City Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. A. ROLL CALL City Clerk Herrmann called the roll and the following members of City Council were present: Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Mike Marquardt, Alderman Pat Fagan, Alderman Kate Noreiko, Alderman Mike Verbic, Alderman Tony Faivre, and Mayor Jerry Smith. Alderman Jacobson arrived at 5:10 p.m. Also present were: City Manager Anne Marie Gaura, Assistant City Manager Patty Hoppenstedt, Police Chief Gene Lowery, Fire Chief Eric Hicks, Community Development Director Jo Ellen Charlton, Public Works Director Tim Holdeman, Information Technology Director Marc Thorson, Human Resources Director Cris Randall, Management Analyst Lauren Stott, Management Analyst Aaron Stevens, Economic Development Planner Jason Michnick, Utilities Superintendent Bryan Faivre, and City Clerk Susanna Herrmann. B. ANNIE GLIDDEN NORTH REVITALIZATION PLAN PROPOSAL DISCUSSION. Community Development Director Charlton provided an overview of this item stating that in 2016, the City began a process to solicit proposals for consulting services to develop a strategy for the revitalization of the Annie Glidden North (AGN) neighborhood. The AGN Revitalization Plan is intended to be a subarea plan that focuses on neighborhoods located in the northwest corner of DeKalb, along both sides of Annie Glidden Road. The total cost of this project is $83,550, spanning two fiscal years. The cost for phases one through three in the amount of $43,630 was included in the FY2016.5 and FY2017 budgets. The final phase, phase four, will be included in the FY2018 budget process in the amount of $39,920. Ultimately, the goal of the plan is to develop action items for making the AGN neighborhood become more desirable, walkable, safe, and economically vibrant places to live. Community Development Director Charlton informed Council that Economic Development Planner Michnick would be providing a history of the development of the project and speakers would include Police Chief Lowery, Fire Chief Hicks, Northern Illinois University (NIU) Police Chief Thomas Phillips, and three representatives from Camiros. Economic Development Planner Michnick identified the AGN Focus Area, divided into neighborhoods numbered one, two and three, and discussed some of the key contributors to the discovery of a need for revitalization in the area, including: Special Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes July 25, 2017 Page 2 of 8  Highest population density in the City.  Highest percentage of rental properties.  Over half of the City’s subsidized dwelling units.  Lowest median age.  Lowest median income.  Highest number of exterior property maintenance issues.  More than half of the City’s quality of life and personal safety threats.  Very low access to commercial services.  Classified as a “Food Desert”, a term used to describe an area with a population over 500 with a distance greater than one mile to a grocery store. Economic Development Planner Michnick stated that the purpose of the project would be to improve the quality of life for residents in the above mentioned neighborhoods. Using a PowerPoint presentation, he provided a labeled map of the neighborhoods included in the AGN Focus Area and gave a brief history of the development of those neighborhoods. He mentioned that part of the AGN neighborhood was utilized in the 1950’s and 1960’s when housing was built to satisfy the needs of NIU as it transitioned to a university from a Teacher’s College. This area developed as affordable student and university staff housing. Over time, the neighborhood became occupied by families and individuals who were being misplaced from Cook County and other urban areas. Economic Development Planner Michnick continued with his presentation, noting that in June of 2016, Council approved the release of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the AGN Revitalization Plan project, in furtherance of both the discussions started through the housing study, and in furtherance of the City’s 2025 Strategic Goals. The AGN Revitalization Plan is necessary to implement the community’s vision for this area and to achieve the following goals:  stability of the neighborhood;  economic development (of tax base, jobs and services of the residents within the neighborhood);  meet the needs of the residents in the neighborhoods (join them to service providers and not duplicate services);  decreased crime;  property code issues addressed;  turn towards a positive reputation for the neighborhood; and  a neighborhood able to attract investment. Alderman Jacobson arrived at 5:10 p.m. Special Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes July 25, 2017 Page 3 of 8 Economic Development Planner Michnick concluded his portion of the presentation by stating that the main goal for the project is to develop action items that will make the area desirable, walkable, safe, and an economically vibrant place to live. He also stated that the AGN Revitalization Plan is critical to the wellbeing of not only neighborhood residents but also NIU and DeKalb as a whole, and staff is not equipped to handle the depth of this project without recommendations from a consulting agency. Adam Rosa introduced himself and gave Council a history of his firm, Camiros. Camiros is an urban planning firm that provides a full range of services in the areas of neighborhood and community planning, land use regulation, economic development, landscape architecture, and urban design. Camiros has completed similar projects for numerous neighborhood-based community development organizations and has extensive experience working with other University and College communities including:  Bowling Green State University and the Eastside Area - Bowling Green, Ohio  Notre Dame University and the Eddy Street Corridor - South Bend, Indiana  Olivet Nazarene University and the Downtown Area - Bourbonnais, Illinois  University of Illinois and the Downtown Area - Urbana, Illinois  Indiana State University and the Downtown Area - Terre Haute, Indiana  Bradley University and the Downtown Area - Peoria, Illinois  Lawrence University and the Downtown Area - Appleton, Wisconsin  University of Alabama at Birmingham and Southside Area - Birmingham, Alabama  University of Chicago and the Hyde Park Commercial Center - Chicago, Illinois Kimberly Behr, Marketing and Community Development Expert with Place Consulting, provided a brief history of her experience as a community development specialist. She discussed the success of some of her past projects and emphasized on the practicality of the action plans Mr. Rosa discussed some of the engagement techniques that his team will be using to implement the action plan for the AGN project and mentioned the collaboration taking place with NIU’s Center for Governmental Studies. Mr. Rosa also provided Council with examples of community events that will assist in the process of gathering support for the project and discussed Goals of a Revitalization Plan. He asked Council to participate in a series of voting exercises to determine critical areas of focus. Mayor Smith declined to participate. Alderman Noreiko expressed that she voted for Social Services as a comprehensive area of focus. Special Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes July 25, 2017 Page 4 of 8 Mr. Rosa continued with his PowerPoint presentation and provided Council with a breakdown of the three-step process Camiros will take to ensure the success of the AGN project. He mentioned that Camiros will be conducting a survey of residents in the focus area to justify their recommendations at the conclusion of their consultation. Ms. Behr used the University Commons Bookstore as an example of a site that is ideal for redevelopment in the AGN Focus Area and provided Council with a brief history of Place Consulting. She discussed the main functions and goals of Place Consulting and gave examples of other projects they have successfully completed. Mr. Rosa continued with his portion of the presentation by using Camiros’ success with Notre Dame University as an example of what they have accomplished. Community Development Director Charlton thanked Mr. Rosa and Ms. Behr for their presentation and explained the importance of Camiros’ experience and expertise with these types of projects. Police Chief Lowery stated that the neighborhoods included in the AGN Focus Area have the highest demand of police presence in DeKalb. He expressed concern for the condition of the neighborhoods in the AGN Focus Area and cited the rental property surplus as a key contributor to the crime rate in the area. He noted that the area has virtually no social services, which contributes to the elevated crime rate and the demand for a higher police presence. In conclusion, Police Chief Lowery emphasized the importance of a consultant to direct Council and City staff towards a viable solution for the issues presented in the AGN Focus Area. Fire Chief Hicks provided data collected by the Fire Department regarding service calls they have received from 2012 to 2016. He noted that the majority of the EMS calls the Fire Department received are from people in the AGN Focus Area and most of those calls are from people that are unable to care for themselves and do not have a means of transportation to obtain medical attention. Residents in the audience inquired about the boundaries of Neighborhood 3 and Police Chief Lowery listed the streets composing the boundaries. Fire Chief Hicks concluded his presentation by stating that all entities involved would need to work together to formulate a plan to help residents in the AGN Focus Area. Community Development Charlton thanked Police Chief Lowery and Fire Chief Hicks for their presentations, noting how important they were in helping Council and staff understand how this study will directly impact the residents of the community. She introduced Anne Kaplan, Vice President of the Division of Outreach, Engagement, and Development at NIU. Ms. Kaplan stated she is attending the meeting as a representative for NIU, the Division of Outreach, Engagement, and Development, and for Acting NIU President Freeman, who was unable to attend. She referenced a letter from Acting NIU President Freeman Special Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes July 25, 2017 Page 5 of 8 regarding the AGN project and stated that Acting NIU President Freeman would emphasize the main points of that letter if she were in attendance. Ms. Kaplan echoed Police Chief Lowery in that the AGN Focus Area is lacking social services, opportunities for residents to obtain medical attention, and a lack of food options. She provided personal history as a resident of DeKalb and the changes in the neighborhoods she has witnessed. She hopes Council will support the AGN Project, and quickly. Community Development Director Charlton again emphasized the importance of a team of consultants to develop an action plan that is equipped to handle the recommendations at the conclusion of the consultation, and provided three main reasons:  To rearrange the community;  To identify strategies that will allow the City to seek out and apply for grants; and  To be able to provide direction for developers who are already being incorporated into the project. Mayor Smith read aloud two communications from residents regarding the AGN Project. The first one, from Herb Katz, a resident and property owner in the AGN Focus Area, was in support of the project. The second one, from Phil Young, the President of the DeKalb Park District Board, noted that three of the parks included in the scope of the project are Park District property, but without any discussion, the Park District is unable to supply a consensus on the project at this time. Bryan Morsch, with DARA, expressed his opposition for the AGN project. He provided examples of criminal activity he has experienced and suggested Council shift their focus from the AGN project to crime in DeKalb as a whole. William Heinisch, with DARA, referenced his presentation at the July 24, 2017, Regular City Council meeting and clarified his message from that presentation. He echoed Mr. Morsch, expressing his desire for Council to shift their focus from the AGN project to DeKalb as a whole. He expressed his opinion that the Strategic Plan for the AGN project does not contain a strategy for repairing what he feels are the three main contributing factors to the AGN issues – poverty, crime, and taxes. He also expressed disdain towards NIU’s involvement in the study, wondering aloud if they were going to be able to remain unbiased and participate in the process of identifying issues, programs, grants, and other funding that he believes have helped cause the problems with the AGN Focus Area. Joseph Mitchell, Pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, stated that the AGN project is long overdue. He provided historical perspective of the changes he has seen taking place in DeKalb over time and expressed his concerns that DeKalb is exhibiting similar characteristics of Chicago. He closed his presentation emphasizing the need for a revitalization, not a gentrification, of the AGN Focus Area. Special Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes July 25, 2017 Page 6 of 8 Maurice Bailey, DeKalb resident since 1993, stated that subsidized housing projects, like Amber Manor and University Village, are not designed for permanent residency, but instead are meant to aid the transition to a better lifestyle. He gave his opinions regarding the condition of DeKalb, mentioning the development of townhomes in residential neighborhoods, the misplacement or eradication of inner-city residents, and the importance of a family structure. He supports the AGN project, stating there needs to be more collaboration from different people in the community to be able to cohere solutions. Alderman Marquardt left the dais at 6:46 p.m. Jim Mason, Mason Properties, stated that residents are afraid. He discussed the drug problem in DeKalb, the rising crime rate, and the need for reform in the DeKalb School District 428 (D428). In conclusion, he stated there needs to be more funding for the police (with the possibility of utilizing drone technology), an increase in manufacturing within DeKalb, and suggested that Council postpone the AGN project until crime in DeKalb has decreased. Alderman Marquardt returned to the dais at 6:48 p.m. Kevin Kedzior, NIU Alum 1987-1992, stated he was surprised to have heard about a possible relocation of the Greek Row student housing and expressed his opinion that if the City could create an environment where investors were able to develop Greek Row student housing, there would be an increase in revenue to the City from outside of the community. He mentioned there are over 600 student residents belonging to Greek Row who share the concerns of permanent residents regarding the rising crime rate and their personal safety. He suggested that the consultation process include the potential redevelopment of Greek Row student housing because of its iconic presence in a university town. In closing, he expressed appreciation to Police Chief Lowery and Pastor Mitchell for their comments, but dissented the statement that it “takes a village to raise a child”. He believes that a two parent family is essential to successfully raise a child. Tom Phillips, NIU Police Chief, began his presentation by giving Council a brief personal history. He provided his perspective on crime and how it relates to the AGN project. Bert Simpson, former Alderman and DeKalb resident for 30 years, began his presentation by stating that for the first time in 30 years, he is encouraged by the general attitude of the Police Department to participate in crime prevention by engaging with community members in the AGN Focus Area. He discussed his personal perspective of the condition of the neighborhoods in the AGN Focus Area and expressed his concern that the task of revitalizing those neighborhoods is impractical, but verbalized his support for the project and wished Council luck in its implementation. Ellingsworth Webb, DeKalb resident since 1976, provided a brief introduction of himself and his ties to the community. He referenced some of the issues that other speakers previously mentioned such as jobs, school buses, investment housing, “free stuff”, two- parent families, and housing stock. He stated that all of those issues are inter-related and can be corrected if community members work together. In conclusion, he advised Special Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes July 25, 2017 Page 7 of 8 Council to find the money to support the AGN project in order to fix major issues in the community. Alderman Noreiko wants the AGN project to be acknowledged as a critical project to the success of DeKalb as a whole. Alderman Jacobson stated that the neighborhoods in the AGN Focus Area are designed to be suitable for a student centric lifestyle, they are not designed to be suitable for families. He shared historical perspective on the current degradation of the neighborhood and declared that the most effective way to mitigate crime in the area is to address the poverty of its residents. Alderman Fagan encouraged community members to reach out to their Aldermen with their thoughts and concerns regarding the AGN project. Alderman Finucane echoed Alderman Jacobson in that the neighborhoods in the AGN Focus Area are designed to sustain a student centric lifestyle, and not designed for families. Alderman Faivre addressed his fellow Council members and encouraged them to consider their level of commitment to the AGN project before they offer a vote. He does not want to see another funded study set aside and never developed past preliminary phases. Alderman Verbic echoed Alderman Faivre in that the study needs to form into an action plan. He mentioned some of the most notable topics of discussion regarding this item and referenced a communication he received from a resident regarding the possible addition of a DeKalb Police Sub-station in the AGN Focus Area. He expressed his desire to reduce the need for police presence and establish trust with residents, not just in the AGN Focus Area, but throughout DeKalb, and he believes this is a key component missing in the study. He also expressed his desire to begin taking action on projects that have already had studies done, in a financially responsible manner. In closing, Alderman Verbic stated it is time to step-up and take action. Alderman Jacobson provided examples of discussion topics that Council and staff could be currently participating in to promptly begin rectifying some of the issues identified in the AGN Focus Area. He echoed Alderman Verbic and stated that Council and staff need to take action on this item immediately, and expressed concerns similar to Alderman Faivre’s that this study will accumulate with other action plans that never mobilize. Mayor Smith challenged Alderman Jacobson to bring forth some of those action plans as part of a meeting agenda. He continued and thanked Mr. Rosa and Ms. Behr for their presentation. Alderman Verbic discussed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds and how they could be utilized to combine efforts for supporting the AGN Project. He stated there are several ways that the City could resourcefully fund the project in tandem with other issues. Special Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes July 25, 2017 Page 8 of 8 Pastor Mitchell addressed Alderman Jacobson, asking how many properties he owns in the AGN Focus Area. Alderman Jacobson replied that he owns one on Greenbrier Road, one commercial property across Hillcrest Drive, he manages one other property in the area, and has ties to at least one other property in the area. City Manager Gaura clarified that the collaboration with Camiros is going to facilitate the production of an action plan for the AGN Focus Area. She also discussed the City’s 2025 Strategic Plan and proposed that updates on the AGN project be presented to Council at their quarterly meetings, much like the 2025 Strategic Plan. Community Development Director Charlton clarified that the relocation of Greek Row on NIU’s campus is not included in the vision for the AGN project. She thanked members of the community and stakeholders who have participated in discussions for the project and those who attended the Special COW meeting. She expressed appreciation for the input from everyone involved and briefly touched over a key component of Police Chief Lowery’s presentation: bad living situations and a lack of opportunity cause people to make bad decisions. Mayor Smith echoed Community Development Director Charlton and thanked everyone who participated in the Special COW meeting. D. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Alderman Jacobson moved to adjourn the Special Committee of the Whole meeting; seconded by Alderman Noreiko. VOTE Motion passed on an 8-0 voice vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre, Smith. Nay: None. Mayor Smith declared the meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m. ________________________________ SUSANNA HERMANN, City Clerk Approved by City Council: August 28, 2017.