Economic Development Commission
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · November 5, 2021
Minutes
MINUTES
CITY OF DEKALB
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
NOVEMBER 5, 2021
The Economic Development Commission (EDC) of the City of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Regular
meeting on November 5, 2021, at the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation
(DCEDC) office, 2179 Sycamore Road, Unit 102, DeKalb, Illinois 60115.
Chair Jeff Richardson called the meeting to order at 8:32 a.m.
A. ROLL CALL
Executive Assistant Ruth Scott called the roll and the following EDC members were present:
Vernese Edghill-Walden, Grant Goltz, Jeff Richardson, Mark Sawyer, Brian Scholle, and Sam
Walt. Also in attendance were Ex-Officio member Paul Borek, City Manager Bill Nicklas, and
Mayor Cohen Barnes. Ex-Officio member Matt Duffy and Council Liaison Carolyn Morris were
absent.
B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION: Mr. Walt moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Mr. Sawyer.
VOTE: Motion carried by a voice vote of the majority of members present.
C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. September 3, 2021
MOTION: Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the minutes; seconded by Mr. Walt.
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 reported that the City purchased the Hunter Hillcrest shopping center parcel
on October 18, 2021. The City is now working with commercial and residential tenants for
relocation. So far two commercial tenants have been relocated – a hair salon and American
Dream Tax.
Continuing, City Manager Nicklas reported that a fire in the second story portion of the building
on November 5, 2021, caused considerable smoke damage and shut the building down for 24
hours. Power has since been restored to the first level and commercial businesses are reopening.
The tenant spaces are all uninhabitable and plans to get them relocated have been accelerated.
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November 5, 2021
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City Manager Nicklas stated that moving expenses – first and last month rent and security deposit
– will be reimbursed to tenants providing proof of relocation (a signed lease, receipts, etc.).
City Manager Nicklas added that Northern Fresh Market will be the biggest relocation obstacle
due to the large pieces of equipment in the unit. Further, the business was the most compromised
because of the fire and water leakage issues.
Ms. Edghill-Walden asked about transportation for the clients who frequented the hair salon,
which moved to 10th Street. City Manager Nicklas replied that the new location is on a bus route,
noting that many of the owner’s clients lived in the area she moved to.
There was lengthy discussion regarding the relocation of Northern Fresh Market, initiated by Ms.
Edghill-Walden and her concern that there will be no market left in the area for residents to obtain
healthy fresh foods. She noted that she isn’t questioning the City’s commitment and effort, but
she’s concerned for the residents in the area.
City Manager Nicklas stated that the use of a mobile truck from DeKalb Community Gardens is a
possibility in the short-term.
Mayor Barnes stated that while we can’t force a grocery store to locate within the area, incentives
could be provided to assist if there was an interested party.
Discussion further ensued regarding transportation availability and Hunter’s lack of responsibility
regarding the condition of the building. The City is trying to be a responsible landlord and
attempting to make temporary repairs as needed, specifically on the roof.
Mayor Barnes stated he recently attended a breakfast that included many pastors from DeKalb
where there was discussion regarding the fresh food options situation. They are all working
together to figure out a resolution.
City Manager Nicklas continued his report, which included that Project Barb still hasn’t been
named, the ongoing search for a new Fire Chief, and that he and Mr. Borek are working on
interests and leads together, which includes the open area from the west of First Street and
Lincoln Highway down to Pearl Street.
There was brief discussion regarding truck route issues.
Mayor Barnes brought up the Lincoln Highway reconfiguration, which should get started in the
Spring of 2022. City Manager Nicklas added that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
has had some issues with the plan, which caused the project to stall but the project will happen.
Mayor Barnes stated there’s a developer interested in purchasing some of the Hunter properties.
Discussion ensued regarding the developer and Hunter’s standing fines, which would not be
transferred to the new owner.
There was also discussion regarding the demolition of the Hunter Hillcrest building. There will be
decisions to be made regarding what should be located on the property and the community will
be invited to provide input.
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November 5, 2021
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Mayor Barnes stated the City is starting to get a reputation for being business friendly and offered
his thanks to City Manager Nicklas for helping turn that around.
Ms. Edghill-Walden asked if it would be possible to do a Belonging presentation at an upcoming
EDC meeting. Those in attendance thought it was an excellent idea. Executive Assistant Scott
will send a link to the video to all EDC members.
2. DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Report
Mr. Duffy was absent from this meeting.
3. DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation Report
Mr. Borek reported that the demand on real estate and interest in DeKalb County and the city of
DeKalb is unprecedented, noting it is in response to the Facebook and Ferrara projects. He then
mentioned the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone and what it includes, stating a lot of great activity
has taken place within the enterprise zone.
Brief discussion ensued regarding the idea of a truck repair center within DeKalb.
Mr. Borek continued and spoke of the shortage of workers throughout the country. A DCEDC
sponsored webinar was held recently to discuss current trends, retention, recruiting, and on-the-
job training programs.
Mayor Barnes mentioned one of his employees was recruited from a program that helps
rehabilitate those attempting to reenter the workforce, and noted he’d like to see DCEDC come
on board with something like that.
Discussion ensued.
Mr. Borek also reported that he’s been approached by church groups regarding an Afghan
resettlement program in the area.
Mr. Borek further reported on the Opportunity Unbound program that promotes DeKalb County
as a place to work and live, noting that early next year a county wide campaign will be introduced
for ideas on what’s needed to keep moving forward.
Brief discussion ensued regarding a presentation on the Opportunity Unbound program at an
upcoming EDC meeting.
F. OLD BUSINESS
1. Business Retention Program – Start or Stop
This topic will be discussed at the January 7, 2022, meeting.
Ms. Edghill-Walden left the meeting at 9:42 a.m.
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G. NEW BUSINESS
1. Alternative Focus for the Economic Development Commission
There was brief discussion regarding refocus of the EDC. Mayor Barnes stated he’d like to see
this group gather feedback from developers after a project is complete to find out what processes
caused the most frustration.
Mr. Borek left the meeting at 9:45 a.m.
The viability of the EDC was questioned and those members still in attendance agreed that each
would come to the next meeting with ideas about moving the EDC forward.
H. NEXT MEETING
The next meeting of the EDC will be on January 7, 2022.
I. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Scholle.
VOTE: Motion carried by a voice vote of the majority of members present and the meeting
adjourned at 9:49 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________
Ruth A. Scott, Executive Assistant
Minutes approved by the Economic Development Commission on March 4, 2022.
Agenda
AGENDA
Economic Development Commission Meeting
November 5, 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. September 3, 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. Business Retention Program – Start or Stop.
G. New Business
1. Alternative Focus for the Economic Development Commission.
H. Next Meeting: January 7, 2022.
I. Adjournment
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.
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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.
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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.
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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