Comprehensive Plan Implementation Subcommittee

Niles 2030 Plan Implementation Sub –Committee Meeting Summary Tuesday August 21st, 2012 The following persons were in attendance: Committee members Pat Dalessandro, Fred Kudert, Harry Major, Chairman Chuck Ostman, and Mike Shields. Committee member Steve Gorski provided prior notice that he would not be able to attend. Niles Village Manager George Van Geem, Niles Chamber of Commerce President Iwona Filipiak and Niles Community Development Manager Rich Wlodarski also attended. The meeting was called to order at 6:34 pm by Chairman Chuck Ostman. 1. The Minutes of the August 7th, 2012 meeting were presented and approved unanimously by the Committee members present. 2. Mike Shields requested an update of the objective summary document that the committee has been working from to correct small “grammatical” errors properly aligning commentary with objectives, votes, etc. and clearing duplicate objective entries. A request was made to Chairman Ostman for direction concerning the evenings meeting. Chairman Ostman indicated that, in general, the 2030 plan is being implemented and that the focus of the meeting should be to identify plan actions that need to be communicated to Village management and the Trustee’s, to develop objectives that can be divided into the work flow of the Village. The committee agreed. Chuck also added that he would provide direction to clarify the status of objectives: in process, in place or needs action; as the discussions proceed. (It is also noted for the record that this additional status information is to be incorporated into the objective summary document through the update process.) Village Manager Van Geem commented that it would be difficult to review all 10’s and 9’s, (80) eighty objectives in one meeting. Mike Shields added that there are 62 objectives which the committee rated at “8”, 2015 implementation. He suggested that the committee, as part of the review process, confirms each rating and also considers “8”s as potential candidates to move higher priority.  The committee elected to proceed and begin by initially reviewing all 10’s, by section, from the summary report document in order to develop a priority ranking. The results are described in the following sections. 3. Residential: There were no 10’s and the two 9’s were noted but not discussed in detail. 4. Commercial Areas, Goal 1 ‐ Objective 21.7: This objective relates to the modernization of outdated shopping centers and strip malls. It was noted that this is a consensus 10 among all members, and subsequently a major priority. The discussion centered on how this objective could be addressed in order to identify specific implementation approaches that would be included with the recommendation for priority action. Chairman Ostman indicated that this objective would be addressed by the Village Planner when the position is filled, and supported by the Community Development Director with a goal to establish a working relationship with Golf Mill and all other village shopping centers. Niles Chamber of Commerce President Iwona Filipiak commented that the Chamber is willing to participate in this process once their Membership Coordinator position has been filled. Harry Major added that it may be important to expand this effort and contact all Niles businesses. Village Manager Van Geem commented that this may not be possible for the Economic Planner because of other job functions such as developing a new web site, which is also a 10, but based on a question from Fred Kudert suggesting considering contacting (50) fifty businesses, Village Manager Van Geem indicated this should be possible. This led to a discussion concerning the measurement of results and accountability following Mike Shields comment noting this concern based on his prior participation and experience with other Village efforts. Pat Dalessandro supported the importance of accountability and Village Manager Van Geem agreed. Fred Kudert commented that periodic status reports from the planer, with details, should be considered. Mike Shields subsequently raised the following question: How will the planer’s performance be judged at the end of the year? Also during the review of this objective, Harry Major offered the following as a possible method to augment modernization and appearance improvement efforts. Oak Lawn for many years has used a “block captain” approach for dividing activities into smaller groups and “work units”. By his experience positive results in appearance have occurred through this approach with a recommendation on his part for Niles to consider this as an additional step. 5. Commercial Areas, Goal 2 ‐ Objective 21.6: This objective connects with the above with a focus on improvement of older buildings, facades, signage, streetscaping, etc. Chairman Ostman commented that primary action in this area will also be part of the new economic developers’ role including potentially surveying the work of other communities in this area with a specific goal to develop a façade program for the next budget cycle. Chairman Ostman also added that consideration could be given to retaining an architect to develop general improvement guidelines and concepts and perhaps specific proposals for certain buildings/areas. Mike Shields offered his opinion that another survey is redundant and not needed based on his recall of various façade studies which have been conducted over approximately the past five years. Mike Shields noted that in mid-December 2011 he walked Milwaukee Ave. between Oakton and Monroe visiting several business owners and asking if they had ever considered working together as a group to improve the appearance of their section of Milwaukee Ave., including considering replacing or upgrading some of the dated and unattractive external facades or fronts. They indicated that they hadn't considered undertaking any changes to date but some of those contacted indicated they would be open to consider some improvements. As a result of this discussion Harry Major agreed to review this area (Oakton to Monroe) with Mike Shields to identify a potential candidate for further follow up. Harry Major also offered a general “price point” in this area for the committee’s benefit. Common small business façade awnings are typically in the range of $5M to $7M which may be more than what a small business owner may be willing to spend. A comment was made that Village incentives may be needed. 6. Infrastructure and Development, Goal 1 Objective 22.1: This objective relates to continuous budgeting for the maintenance and improvement of the Village infrastructure: roadways, sewers and water. Chairman Ostman commented that the capital plan is updated annually making this an in process objective. Village Manager Van Geem expressed concern about the historical approach of holding annual budget amounts at essentially a constant level leading to potential longer term issues. He commented that increased spending should be considered and the committee’s identification of this objective as a priority area would be supportive of a request for additional funding. Fred Kudert commented that the committee should consider reviewing specific details in this area at a future meeting in order to determine specifically if the committee should support a request for additional funding and the best approach if justifiable. 7. Infrastructure and Development, Goal 1 Objective 22.4: This objective relates to the Village’s Storm Water Master Plan. Chairman Ostman noted this is an approved formal and active program with $15MM in funding. Niles Chamber of Commerce President Iwona Filipiak asked if this program could be connected with commercial street improvements. Chairman Ostman answered no, this program relates only to residential areas and streets. 8. Community Facilities and Village Services Goal 1 Objective (not marked): This objective relates to improving signage of Village, Library and Park District facilities. Fred Kudert referred to Village Manager Van Geem’s comment at a previous meeting regarding general Village signage improvements, that this should be considered as an achievable near term objective. Chairman Ostman commented that some support can come from a submitted grant application for the next phase of streetscape improvement, if approved. He will provide the committee with the basic details of a potential signage program and the costs for an initial phase for the committee to review and consider for recommendations in the details of the upcoming fall presentation. 9. Community Facilities and Village Services Goal 2 Objective 24.1: This relates to the communities electrical and water distribution systems and sewer and telecommunications infrastructure. Chairman Ostman indicated that this area is an ongoing in process activity. Regarding electrical power, he commented that he will provide the committee with details concerning Commonwealth Edison’s five year improvement plan for our region. Village Manager Van Geem commented that a potential change in water supply from Chicago to Evanston is in consideration. Niles is currently participating in a feasibility study. He also added that this would be a long term program, possibly in the 2020 time frame and beyond. He also added that there is periodic maintenance spending in water distribution. Fred Kudert asked if there are any specific capital projects to consider beyond general maintenance. Village Manager Van Geem responded that he was not aware of any at this time. 10. Community Facilities and Village Services Goal 2 Objective 24.2: This relates to continuation of an adequate level for Village fire and police protection. Chairman Ostman commented that this is an in place on going activity. Mike Shields asked if any changes in terms of spending would occur over the coming years citing the magnitude of overall Village spending reflected by fire and police. Village Manager Van Geem commented: yes, changes over the next twenty years are to be expected. 11. Community Facilities and Village Services Goal 2 Objective 24.8: This relates to updating the Villages zoning ordinances. Chairman Ostman commented that this is in process as noted at a previous meeting. Harry  Major commented from his business owner’s perspective of the importance to consider the cost of regulations and permit application and processing time in developing changes in this area. Chairman Ostman noted that Niles is pro‐business and streamlining the administration of zoning matters is always a concern and it will be an important part of the review and re‐write process. 12. Community Facilities and Village Services Goal 2 Objective 24.10: This relates to implementing the Villages Storm Water Plan. Item 7 above addresses the details and status of this objective. It is noted here for the record that this objective reflects a duplication of an earlier objective and consideration should be given to eliminating duplication, as previously discussed, in what is becoming the committee’s basic “project management document”. 13. Community Facilities and Village Services Goal 3 Objective 24.2: This objective relates to continually updating the various communication platforms used by the Village. Mike Shields commented that there are presentation issues with the current Village web site. Chairman Ostman indicated updating the Village web site is a near term priority. 14. Parks, Open Space and Environmental Features Goal 1 Objective 25.8: This objective relates to exploring potential locations for a civic gathering space in Niles. While this is a very specific objective, discussion thereof included other objectives, primarily in the area of image and identity. Pat Dalessandro offered the following comments: In terms of a location, he recommended looking for several locations; those that are or could readily become walkable which he views as very important based on his professional realtors’ experience. He also added that “gathering places” are very important to the Village’s image and identity. This perspective was also supported by other committee members. Pat also added an observation concerning the image aspect. He stated that there are many reasons to support image improvements in Niles because of the (6) six main roads that border or traverse the Village. He also raised a concern as a long standing Niles business owner regarding business community pride and what is observed as a low level or lack of “visible” civic interest and co‐operation by the business community as a whole in where they do business. And he noted that there are many long standing businesses along Milwaukee Ave. He asked: Is it (pride) present? Mike Shields expressed a similar opinion about the low to no apparent level of concern from the business community on image, etc. and  suggested that perhaps a “Milwaukee Ave. Association” should be considered as a method to demonstrate and foster a level of self‐ leadership within the business community. Harry Major added that he sees it as very important for a business owner to have a good feeling about the community where he does business with a co‐operative attitude. This comment did not reflect any specific concerns about Niles. It was offered to support the importance of this specific matter. Chairman Ostman stated that the Village has a clear role to facilitate the process of pride improvement and the overall civic business culture. Harry Major mentioned that the Oak Lawn Village manager takes a very active role in this aspect. Harry also cited Libertyville as a good example to investigate for its associations and programs. Rich Wlodarski indicated that he will follow up on this suggestion. Niles Chamber of Commerce President Iwona Filipiak added that the Chamber is very interested and willing to support and partner in furthering a co‐operative atmosphere. The membership coordinator position, currently open with hiring in process, would participate. Ms. Filipiak also added that the Chamber is interested in organizing a Niles festival, perhaps at Culver school or some other appropriate area. Preliminary plans are in place. 15. Image and Identity Objective 26.19: This relates to improving the Village web site. It was noted that this was addressed earlier in the meeting. 16. Image and Identity Objective 26.22: This relates to improving the Village’s relationship with media. Fred Kudert asked what opportunities or specific steps should be considered. Harry Major noted from his experience that this is an important area and one best served by a person or organization with public relations experience. He offered the suggestion to investigate the potential for establishing an intern relationship with the Northwestern University Business School providing specific projects, etc. He also noted the importance of adding focus beyond local community papers to larger circulation media such as the Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago business, etc. 17. Economic Development Goal 1 Objectives 27.6 and 27.7: It was noted that these objectives connect directly with item 4: the discussion concerning the Commercial Areas, Goal 1 ‐ Objective 21.7. These two goals can also be considered for consolidation in the committee’s basic “project management document”, as noted in time 12. 18. Economic Development Goal 1 Objective 27.9: This relates to ensuring that the Village permitting processes are easy to understand and expedient. Chairman Ostman stated that Community Development is carefully reviewing the efforts of other communities. Harry Major stressed that this is a key objective for the business community. 19. Economic Development Goal 2 Objectives 27.1, 27.2 and 27.3: These three objectives relate to promoting the Niles commercial corridors and variety of businesses in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce. Mike Shields stated that they are all connected and need funding. Fred Kudert asked if there are specific efforts the committee should consider. Niles Chamber of Commerce President Iwona Filipiak proposed that the Chambers membership coordinator, once in place, could meet weekly with the Villages economic developer to develop, implement and monitor a common plan of specific projects based on 2030. Ms. Filipiak indicated that she will discuss this proposal at the next Chamber Board Meeting. She also mentioned the potential of large scale events and festivals including giving thought to some form of participation with one of Niles (4) four sister cities. 20. Sustainability Objective 28.6: This relates to developing a Village of Niles Sustainability Strategic Plan. Mike Shields noted that an environmental action plan is being developing through a formal committee headed by Trustee Palicki with completion scheduled for early 2013. The committee agreed that this addresses the objective. It is in process. This concluded the detailed review of the committees collective “10’s”. 21. The following summarizes the discussion of separate other topics primarily after the review of 10’s was completed. Mike Shields provided his summary of the 9’s and 10’s by section, the (12) vision elements for discussion (see attached). The summary tabulated the 9’s and 10’s identifying three key “vision elements” to focus on: Commercial, Image and Identity, and Economic Development. The committee agreed with the analysis and recommends these as priority areas to communicate in the fall presentation. It was also noted that these areas were also cited as priority areas through the various community workshops that were conducted in developing the plan, providing reassurance to the fit of the committees’ independent review with the communities’ direction. Mike also highlighted and emphasized his opinion that implementing the high priority objectives in these three Vision elements alone: Commercial, Image and Identity, and Economic Development could potentially provide Niles with a larger economic boost than the aggregate of the 2030 Plan's nine other Vision elements because these other elements in many respects either only sustain or just incrementally improve what we already have in Niles. The main three elements or sections have in his view a vastly larger upside potential which supports higher emphasis in these areas. Mike Shields also proposed that objective 21.3 in Commercial areas, related to the creation of mixed use walkable districts in the Village be moved up in priority even though it was rated as an 8, because it interconnects with 9’s and 10’s concerning Milwaukee Ave objectives. Chairman Ostman indicated that this needs to start next year and should be included in the Milwaukee Ave. programs. The committee agreed. Mike Shields shared a conceptual time lapse photo of the transformation of a section in a hypothetical Village from a single conventional store and parking lot to an upscale walkable mixed use area raising a question if it would benefit Niles to enlist the support of a professional developer to provide concepts for part or parts of Niles, to expand the thought process. Pat Dalessandro supported this idea and cited its importance from his long standing realty experience. This is similar to a proposal that Chairman Ostman had offered at a previous meeting. Chairman Ostman noted that Palatine and other Villages have been successful with a similar approach in defining areas in their Villages in detail in their comprehensive plan. Fred Kudert commented that since there is a consensus among the committee on the importance of this issue consideration should be given to developing some specific proposal(s) of this type. Chairman Ostman agreed to provide details on key steps and funding that would be needed to address this. Through a question from Mike Shields concerning the committees’ next steps in the coming months and with direction from Chairman Ostman to develop recommendations for the Board, in the discussion that followed it was agreed that the next meeting would focus on the details for a committee communications presentation to the Village Board with a target for the October meeting. Mike Shields and Fred Kudert will cooperatively develop the presentation draft for review and discussion at the next meeting. The committee agreed to schedule the meeting for September 18, 2012 at 6:30 PM. The meeting was adjourned at 8:32 PM.  2030 Plan Objectives Rated ‘10’ or ‘9’* and Requiring Additional Funding (As Viewed by Mike Shields) Objectives Rated ‘10’ and ‘9’ Rated Objectives 2030 Plan Total ‘10’ (2013 Requiring Funding Above and Vision Element Objectives Implementation) Beyond Current Funding and ‘9’ (2014)* (2030 Plan Page #: Objective #) Residential 14 2 ‐ Commercial 22 10 1 (Page 5:Objective 21.9) Industrial 11 3 ‐ Infrastructure 14 6 1 (Page 7:Objective 22:11) Transportation 22 4 2 (Page 8: Objectives 23:1, 23:7) Facilities & Services 28 12 1 (Page 15: Objective 24:8) Parks/Open Spaces 16 7 1 (Page 19: Objective 25:8) Image and Identity 22 16 4 (Page 20: Objectives 26:3, 26:4; Page 21: Objectives 26:10, 26:14) Econ. Development 19 13 2 (Page 24: Objectives 27:2, 27:3) Sustainability 6 3 1 (Page 27: 28:3) Arts & Culture 9 4 ‐ TOTAL 183 80 13 * Per 2030 Plan Implementation Committee Ratings Worksheets as of week of 8/13/12 MJS 8/17/12