Economic Development Commission

Regular Meeting

DeKalb, IL · September 3, 2021

Minutes

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 3, 2021 The Economic Development Commission (EDC) of the City of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular meeting on September 3, 2021, at the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation Office, 2179 Sycamore Road, Unit 102, DeKalb, Illinois 60115. The meeting was called to order at 8:31 a.m. A. ROLL CALL Executive Assistant Ruth Scott called the roll and the following EDC members were present: Members Vernese Edghill-Walden, Grant Goltz, Mark Sawyer, Brian Scholle, and Sam Walt. Also in attendance were: Ex-Officio Members Paul Borek and Matt Duffy. Chair Jeff Richardson was absent. Other present included: City Manager Bill Nicklas, Mayor Cohen Barnes, Alderman Carolyn Morris, and Transit Manager Marcus Cox. B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA MOTION: Mr. Goltz moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Ms. Edghill-Walden. VOTE: Motion carried by a voice vote of the majority of members present. C. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. May 7, 2021. MOTION: Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Ms. Edghill-Walden. VOTE: Motion carried by a voice vote of the majority of members present. MOTION: At this point in the meeting, Mr. Nicklas moved to appoint Mr. Goltz as temporary chair for this meeting; seconded by Mr. Scholle. VOTE: Motion carried by a voice vote of the majority of members present. D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was none. E. REPORTS 1. City Manager Report City Manager Nicklas provided an update on Ferrara’s employee numbers, the work being done at Gurler Road, the Project Barb site, and the Manning Ford sales tax sharing agreement. Economic Development Commission Minutes September 3, 2021 Page 2 of 4 City Manager Nicklas also spoke regarding the Hunter Hillcrest property acquisition. Once the sale is final, the current Commercial and residential tenants will be offered relocation options prior to demolition of the building in 2022. He noted there has been a lot of conversation regarding the use of the property once the building is demolished. Brief discussion ensued about eliminating the commercial businesses housed in the building from an area that depends on them. Mayor Barnes stated we’re in the infancy of redevelopment. The building is in atrocious and can’t be left in the condition it’s in. City Manager Nicklas agreed with Mayor Barnes’ comments, adding the building conditions are deplorable and not repairable and the residents there know that. He noted that some of the commercial tenants have stated they would want to come back to the area. Ms. Edghill-Walden asked how the businesses would be reintroduced to the area once redevelopment was complete. City Manager Nicklas replied that it could be a couple of years out and we will need something there that will serve a multitude of uses. Discussion ensued regarding relocation of the businesses. Ms. Edghill-Walden asked what role the AGN Revitalization group was playing in this scenario. City Manager Nicklas replied that the group meetings once a month and this topic is part of their discussions. Alderman Morris stated the AGN Revitalization group is the 501c3 that was born out of the AGN Revitalization Plan and they have their own ideas in place for the space. City Manager Nicklas agreed with Alderman Morris’ comments and stated that the AGN Revitalization Plan was emphatic that the area needs to be redeveloped. The group is happy with the steps City Council is taking to remove the building and redevelop the area. Discussion ensued regarding the plans for redeveloping the area. Ms. Edghill-Walden stated for the record that her issue is less about what goes there and more about what the community will have in the meantime. 2. DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Report Mr. Duffy reported he’s seeing opportunities in DeKalb is increasing. New businesses are coming to the area, such as Insomnia Cookies and Keg and Kernel. Mr. Duffy also reported on the video that was done by the ICMA, which showcases DeKalb, noting it’s an opportunity to tell our story and not letting someone else tell it for us. Mr. Duffy continued, providing information on upcoming event, such as the new Leadership Academy, Culture Fest, and a Campus Meetings Community event. Brief discussion ensued. Economic Development Commission Minutes September 3, 2021 Page 3 of 4 3. DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation Report Mr. Borek reported that Ferrara has already exceeded their projection of 500 employees, which is good news considering how tight the labor market has been. He also reported that as of June 30th, Facebook has hired 30 people. Construction continues on Facebook and should be complete in about a year. Mr. Borek continued, advising the EDC that new business proposals and prospects have already exceeded the average this year, adding there’s a lot of strong interest in DeKalb and DeKalb County at this time. He also stated that in response to the demand for labor, a program will be offered on September 14th called “Knowledge is Power” to discuss what’s happening now in hiring, retention, and employment across DeKalb County and the State of Illinois. F. OLD BUSINESS 1. Transit System Update Transit Manager Cox provided the EDC with an update on the transit system resource guide, noting changes had been incorporated as requested from the group last November. There’s also a Spanish version of the map available. City Manager Nicklas thanked Transit Manager Cox for the work he’s put into the guide, noting the guide will change and evolve as time goes on. Brief discussion ensued regarding the electronic version of the map and the work being done to make it more reliable and up to date in real time. There was brief discussion regarding ridership. In 2020 ridership dropped by 54% but it’s now trending back in the right direction. The paratransit service has come back stronger and quicker. Route 12 to Elburn ridership is starting to increase as well. Transit Manager Cox noted that the Suter Company is interested in getting ridership in their area. City Manager Nicklas added that the Suter Company has been a responsive business when it comes to DeKalb residents making reentry into the community who have been incarcerated. Brief discussion ensued. 2. Business Retention Program – Start or Stop City Manager Nicklas stated he thinks the Business Retention Program should be dropped at this time. Following a brief discussion, Mr. Goltz suggested that this item be tabled until the next EDC meeting in November. There was consensus among the group to add this item to the next EDC agenda. G. NEW BUSINESS 1. Alternative Focus for the Economic Development Commission There was consensus among the group to add this item to the next EDC agenda. Economic Development Commission Minutes September 3, 2021 Page 4 of 4 H. NEXT MEETING: NOVEMBER 5, 2021 The next meeting of the EDC will be on November 5, 2021. I. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ms. Edghill-Walden. VOTE: Motion carried by a voice vote of the majority of members present and the meeting adjourned at 9:53 a.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Ruth A. Scott, Executive Assistant Minutes approved by the Economic Development Commission on November 5, 2021.

Agenda

AGENDA Economic Development Commission Meeting September 3, 2021 8:30 a.m. LOCATION DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) 2179 Sycamore Road, Unit #102 DeKalb, Illinois 60115 A. Roll Call B. Approval of the Agenda C. Approval of Minutes 1. May 7, 2021. D. Public Participation E. Reports 1. City Manager Report. 2. DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Report. 3. DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation Report. F. Old Business 1. Transit System Update. 2. Business Retention Program – Start or Stop? G. New Business 1. Alternative Focus for the Economic Development Commission? H. Next Meeting: November 5, 2021. I. Adjournment MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING MAY 7, 2021 The Economic Development Commission (EDC) of the City of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular meeting on May 7, 2021, at the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation Office, 2179 Sycamore Road, Unit 102, DeKalb, Illinois 60115. The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. A. ROLL CALL Executive Assistant Ruth Scott called the roll and the following EDC members were present: Chair Jeff Richardson, Members Vernese Edghill-Walden, Grant Goltz, and Sam Walt. Also in attendance were Ex-Officio Members Paul Borek, and Matt Duffy. Member Mark Sawyer arrived at the meeting at 8:33 a.m. Member Brian Scholle was absent. Others present included City Manager Bill Nicklas and Mayor-Elect Cohen Barnes. B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA MOTION Mr. Walt moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Mr. Goltz. VOTE Motion carried by a 5-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Richardson, Edghill-Walden, Goltz, Sawyer, Walt. Nay: None. Absent: Scholle. C. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. March 5, 2021. MOTION Mr. Goltz moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Ms. Edghill-Walden. VOTE Motion carried by a 5-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Richardson, Edghill-Walden, Goltz, Sawyer, Walt. Nay: None. Absent: Scholle. D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was none. E. REPORTS 1. City Manager Report. City Manager Nicklas reported on interest in Park 88, east of the Target warehouse area, noting the site would qualify for enterprise zone package. Economic Development Commission Minutes May 7, 2021 Page 2 of 4 City Manager Nicklas also reported that interest in the downtown area continues. A letter of intent has been signed by John Pappas, owner of the former Tavern on Lincoln, indicates that the Tangled Roots Brew Pub will be leasing the space, along with the former nail salon next door for future production. Brief discussion ensued. City Manager Nicklas further reported that there’s a new owner of the building located at Fourth Street and Locust Street. The general commercial businesses will stay, and the apartments will be fixed up. There was brief discussion regarding the former GE site and the Wurlitzer building site. City Manager Nicklas stated that a meeting with Facebook’s Development Director, Matt Sexton, Mayor-Elect Barnes, Police Chief David Byrd and the new District 428 superintendent, Minerva Garcia-Sanchez, noting that education is one of Facebook’s biggest interests. At some point Kishwaukee College and Northern Illinois University (NIU) will be included in these discussions. Mr. Walt asked if the City still owned the former gas station at the corner of First Street and Hillcrest Drive. City Manager Nicklas indicated the property had been sold. The new owner could reopen it, but they still have obligations to the EPA for monitoring, which is a slow process. Brief discussion ensued regarding the sale of packaged liquor at gas stations. 2. DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Duffy began his report by commenting on his interaction with Facebook so far, stating they’ve been great to work with. Mr. Duffy also reported on upcoming events being sponsored by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, beginning with the Local Showcase and Springfest at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DTMA) on May 14, 2021. Mayor-Elect Barnes asked why Sycamore was not part of the event as they have been in the past. Mr. Duffy responded that Sycamore wanted to hold the event indoors and the space they would be using was not large enough to accommodate both groups due to COVID. Mr. Duffy continued his report, stating that a Part-Time and Summer Job Fair would be held on May 25, 2021, noting that businesses in the area are struggling to find employees. Brief discussion ensued. Mr. Duffy also reported that a Back Alley Market would be held on May 8, 2021, to be run by downtown merchants. He noted this would be an annual spring and fall event. Brief discussion ensued regarding the S. Fourth Street corridor and the Annie Glidden North area and the need for more businesses in those areas. There was also brief discussion regarding the need for an updated land use plan since the one we have now is 15 years old. Economic Development Commission Minutes May 7, 2021 Page 3 of 4 There was brief discussion regarding the Opportunity Unbound program sponsored by the DCEDC. Mayor-Elect Barnes stated the program is amazing. There are a lot of negative impressions about DeKalb, and this is a great way to market ourselves. Brief discussion ensued regarding local bussing and the lack of ridership due to COVID. There was also brief discussion regarding the transit hub, the transit service, and the need for more bussing availability in the Annie Glidden North area. It was agreed that the City’s Transit Manager, Marcus Cox, would be invited to the next EDC meeting to provide an update on the transit system. City Manager Nicklas mentioned the Belonging Initiative, noting it is being advertised on buses. He further noted that community development, not just economic development, is important for DeKalb. We have an economic system that will provide leadership and growth possibilities for people of whatever income level. City Manager Nicklas also reported that what was once the City’s annex building is now the Belonging Center, which will be a place where people can go to see what’s going on within the community. Information regarding the DeKalb Area Rental Association (DARA) will be there, as well as information regarding the transit system, Safe Passage, and NIU. Further, Kishwaukee College will be moving their part of their GED service to the location. Mayor-Elect Barnes stated there needs to be a more concerted effort across all levels and asked Mr. Duffy for the demographics of Latino and black owned business within DeKalb. He also stated he would like to address the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce board on this issue. Mr. Duffy stated that he has reached out to these businesses in the past, but they are quite guarded. Ms. Edghill-Walden stated it has to do with building trust and part of that is making them feel like they belong. The DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and the Belonging Council can work together to do that. Discussion ensued regarding the Belonging Initiative. Mr. Nicklas suggested that the EDC temporarily meet more often in order to discuss all these issues. 3. DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC). Mr. Borek reported that DCEDC has been very busy working to identify sites and locations for development opportunities of all sorts. He also started that part of a strategic economic development initiative includes business retention. Mr. Borek continued, stating that he attended an industrial trade show in person recently. Brief discussion ensued regarding space availability within DeKalb for development. Economic Development Commission Minutes May 7, 2021 Page 4 of 4 F. OLD BUSINESS 1. Business Retention Program Update. Mr. Nicklas asked the group if the Business Retention Program was still something they wanted to move forward with. Discussion ensued regarding doing virtual or in-person visits. Mr. Borek stated that some smaller manufacturers would prefer an in-person visit. However, larger businesses, such as the distribution centers, are too busy for an in-person visit so a virtual visit would make sense. Discussion ensued regarding EDC goals, funding, the time it takes to complete the interview process. Mayor-Elect Barnes suggested that the EDC have more of a presence within the community, such as aiding with new building permit issues. City Manager Nicklas added that due to his busy schedule, he can’t be aware of every issue, but the EDC could be a good oversite committee for the process. He also spoke of the difficulties businesses had with the permit process during the Gaura administration. City Manager Nicklas stated the impression of DeKalb being difficult to work with still exists. Brief discussion ensued. Mayor-Elect Barnes stated that he would like for the EDC to be the lead on discussions regarding property taxes and disproportionate assessments. He added that he wants to see the EDC make a lasting impact beyond himself and City Manager Nicklas by creating a structure to keep the city business friendly. At this point in the meeting Mr. Goltz excused himself from meeting, as did Ms. Edghill- Walden, which created a non-quorum. G. NEW BUSINESS There was none. H. NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the EDC will be July 2, 2021. I. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:57 a.m.