Economic & Community Development Committee

Village Hall Village of Lombard 255 East Wilson Ave. Lombard, IL 60148 villageoflombard.org Minutes Economic & Community Development Committee Trustee Laura Fitzpatrick, Chairperson Trustee Peter Breen, Alternate Chairperson Dennis McNicholas, Garrick Nielsen, Matthew Pike, Angel Camacho, Brian LaVaque, Markus Pitchford, Christopher Carter and Andrea Harnden Staff Liaison: William Heniff Monday, January 13, 2014 7:00 PM Village Hall - Community Room 1.0 Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Fitzpatrick at 7:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, led by Sarah Richardt. 2.0 Roll Call Present 7 - Trustee Laura Fitzpatrick, Dennis McNicholas, Angel Camacho, Brian LaVaque, Markus Pitchford, Christopher Carter, and Andrea Harnden Absent 2 - Garrick Nielsen, and Matthew Pike Also present: Jennifer Ganser, Assistant Director of Community Development; Sarah Richardt, Executive Director of the Lombard Town Centre; and Walter Smith, President of the Lombard Town Centre. 3.0 Public Participation There was no public participation. 4.0 Approval of Minutes The minutes of the November 25, 2013 meeting were approved by the Village of Lombard Page 1 Economic & Community Minutes January 13, 2014 Development Committee members present with one change. A motion was made by Mr. Carter, seconded by Mr. Pitchford, to approve the minutes from the November 25, 2013 meeting. The motion passed by a unanimous vote. 5.0 Unfinished Business There was no unfinished business. 6.0 New Business 130656 Economic Development Overview Economic Development Overview Presentation by Staff on the role of the Village in Economic Development activity in the Village. (DISTRICTS - ALL) Ms. Ganser reviewed a presentation giving an overview of Village economic development functions. Ms. Ganser noted the Village wants to help businesses stay in Lombard, expand, and attract new business. The Village does this in numerous ways such as attending trade shows, networking, encouraging redevelopment, and offering grant and other incentive programs. She also reviewed factors considered by a developer or retailer such as demographic data, visibility, and traffic counts. Incentives used by the Village in the past such as Tax Increment Financing, Sales Tax Sharing Agreements, and Special Assessments were discussed. Mr. Pitchford asked for a status on the Westin Hotel project. Trustee Fitzpatrick said the Village owns the hotel and used bonds to finance the project. Mr. Camacho asked what the default amount is and Trustee Fitzpatrick answered approximately $20 million. She noted that the project did spur redevelopment at Yorktown Mall and helped the surrounding area. Mr. Carter asked if the Village keeps a list of retailers actively pursuing the Village. Ms. Ganser replied that staff does maintain contact with both businesses and the real estate community to follow up on interested projects. Staff also attends trade shows to learn about new retailers coming to the Chicago market who may have an interest in Lombard. Mr. McNicholas asked who controlled the advertising in the Lombard Metra Station. Ms. Ganser said that is controlled by Metra and Clear Channel Outdoor. 140025 Lombard Town Centre 2014 Report Lombard Town Centre report on their 2014 efforts and their role in facilitating activity in the downtown. (DISTRICT #1) Village of Lombard Page 2 Economic & Community Minutes January 13, 2014 Development Committee Ms. Richardt gave a presentation on Lombard Town Centre. She reviewed the organizations goals, what they do, and 2014 goals. The work done by LTC benefits the downtown; but also the Village as a whole including residents, business owners, and property owners. Ms. Richardt discussed the Illinois Main Street report which is submitted monthly. Ms. Richardt discussed a proposed Historic District being worked on by the Historical Commission. Trustee Fitzpatrick asked if this District would allow properties to qualify for a tax freeze and Ms. Richardt replied yes. Also discussed was downtown parking enforcement and sprinkler regulations which staff will provide a follow up to at the next ECDC meeting. The presentation was concluded by highlighting the strengths of downtown Lombard as a walkable transit orientated development area with a great community behind it. Mr. LaVaque asked if LTC looked into purchasing a small snow machine to help the businesses in the winter. Mr. Smith replied the idea was looked at a few years ago but it was difficult getting everyone to contribute. Mr. Camacho asked what happened to My Personal Touch and Ms. Richardt responded that the owner retired. 7.0 Other Business There was no other business. 8.0 Information Only Development Project Update Staff provided an update on recent development activity. 9.0 Adjournment A motion was made by Mr. Camacho, seconded by Mr. LaVaque to adjourn the meeting at 8:23 PM. The motion passed by a unanimous vote. Village of Lombard Page 3