Economic Development & Neighborhood Renewal

COMMISSION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND NEIGHBORHOOD RENEWAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING SUMMARY Thursday, June 16, 2016 Persons in Attendance: Executive Committee: Denise M. McCreery - Trustee Charles Ostman – Executive Director Ross Klicker – Associate Executive Director Mike Shields Alan Zielinski Joe Bialko Jason Trunco I. Call to Order Meeting was called to order at approximately 5:04pm. II. Approval of Minutes Minutes of the March 3, 2016 Executive Committee Meeting and April 6, 2016 Economic Development Commission Meeting were unanimously approved. III. Façade Grant Application for 7727 N. Milwaukee The application for a Facade Grant at 7727 N. Milwaukee – Royal Kitchen and Bath was presented . After some brief discussion a motion was made by Alan Zielinski and seconded by Jason Trunco to approve a $5,000 Façade Grant for 7727 N. Milwaukee. This motion was unanimously approved. IV. EDNR Agenda Items It was reported that the Community Signage will be sent to the Sub-Committee for further review prior to presentation to the Village Board. After some discussion It was determined that the Next EDNR Agenda would include the following:  Touhy Land Use Plan  Small Business Discussion with Mike Shields suggesting this should focus around what tools are available for small businesses to increase the chances of their success. It was also suggested that a summary of the new zoning code could be a topic but it was determined that there were better and more appropriate committee’s and forums for that topic. V. Other Business Jason Trunco brought up attendance at the full EDNR meeting and that it appears that the same people attend the meetings with a sizable number of no shows. There was some discussion as to what could be done to address this and Trustee McCreery stated she would contact those who have been chronic no shows to gauge their interest in continuing on this commission. Jason also brought up the subject of safety around the parks, specifically traffic safety. Trustee McCreery stated that the Village has been working on a plan for this issue and is being addressed by another committee in the Village. There was discussion about how this is a very important issue for the entire Village and how it impacts all aspect of community life. It was suggested that this should be made an agenda item for the Next EDNR Meeting where all parties involved, Police, Park District and the Village could have a forum for residents to present their concerns and talk about potential solutions. After some additional discussion it was determined to not make this an agenda item for the next EDNR meeting, but future discussion of this topic may be warranted. Joe Bialco asked about house appearance issues and how some in our community have begun to not take maintenance of their properties as a high priority. Chuck Ostman asked that Joe contact him to provide addresses and that Community Development would investigate. Property Maintenance is a high priority for the Village and we have 2 dedicated inspectors to this task. Joe also mentined speeding on Greenwood and that issue will be passed along to the Police. Joe also talked about the Taste of Des Plaines and how that could be used as a model for a future Village of Niles Event. The Events the Village currently undertakes were discussed and how to add additional events at this would be difficult with current staff demands and duties. If additional Village events were to be added the Village would have to look at an outside agency to plan and organize. This obviously impacts costs and that would need to be evaluated during a budget process. Rather it was stated that the Village should continue to support our great community organizations in their efforts to host events such as the Maria SS. Lauretaina feast held over Labor Day. VI. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:30pm.