Milwaukee Avenue Corridor Committee

Milwaukee Avenue Streetscape Committee MEETING SUMMARY Thursday, September 8, 2011 The following persons were present: Chair Chris Hanusiak, Chuck Ostman, Denise McCreery, Bob Pilat and Steve Vinezeano. Chris Hartke of HR Green joined via a conference call. Chair Hanusiak opened the meeting at 10:35 a.m. I. Approve Draft Meeting Summaries: a. The Committee approved the draft summary from July 29, 2011. II. Old Business: a. Update on Milwaukee Avenue Streetscape Project. Chris Hartke of HR Green provided an update on Phase II work.  September 23, 2011 – IDOT Letting Date  November 1, 2011 – Banner Designs Due  November 15, 2011 – Anticipated Award  December 6, 2011 – Kickoff Meeting  Winter/Spring, 2012 – Existing Utility Relocations. Some relocation may occur earlier this year.  April 2, 2012 – Begin Construction (Weather Permitting)  August 31, 2012 – Completion Date b. Special Banner Update – Denise McCreery provided an update of the special banners being placed for the “Best Place to Raise a Family.” She discussed how on day three of install, Public Services should finish today. There was a problem with both private installers and they were not used. The contractor, who charged $2,100, stated that installation could not be done by them. East side of street is done and the other side will be done today. There was a learning curve since it has been 10 years since banners were installed. c. Chamber Banner Program. Chuck Ostman opened by stating he met with Denise and Bob on the project. Denise stated that the granted banners limits what the chamber can do, but Katie is still interested. There was discussion about having flaps on the bottom of the banners for the option of a chamber ad. The Chair stated he would very much like to see businesses promoted on the banners if at all possible. He stated that they should know  how many banners they are working with. Monroe north on Milwaukee could be an option for the chamber to use. Vinezeano asked about the grommets and the specs for the banners to ensure HR Green had this information. There are 288 banners coming to the Village through the TCSP grant for 72 light poles. There was discussion about taking down the flags and use a banner with a flag on it. There was a question about whether or not a pole can have a banner and a flower basket. Pilat will check into this issue. In the past, Chuck stated, the chamber was going to take over the entire banner program as an original proposal. They were going to use the same banner over three year and they were not being changed out. If the chamber was to do the banner program, maybe they could use the revenue to put on an event for those businesses. The Chair reiterated that he would like to see the Village work with the chamber. The TCSP grant is paying for 72 (poles) x 4 (seasons) = 288 banners and the design must be to HR Green by November 1, 2011. There was discussion that the new banners be designed with the extra grommets to accept the flap. Denise was going to review this and provide it to Vinezeano. There was discussion with HR Green regarding the funds being used vs. the funds not being used. Chris Hartke will provide it to Vinezeano who will distribute it to the Committee. Ostman asked about the 2013 signal upgrades and Jerry’s is being done in 2012. The other signals are being done by IDOT at Oakton, Harlem, and Howard. The Chair asked about slowing down the countdown for Jerry’s crosswalk. HR Green was going to pursue this if possible. III. New Business: a. Seasonal Banner Designs. McCreery discussed that the Village must come up with a design by November 1, 2011. There is no design budgeted, so it would have to be done with the banner company or stock artwork would be required. There was discussion of whether or not the banners will be simply seasonal or event/marketing based. There are opportunities to go beyond seasonal and incorporate items from the Comprehensive Plan promoting volunteerism or shop Niles, etc. There was discussion about whether these new banner designs should go to the board for approval due to the interest of one or more Trustees. The Committee agreed that a custom design of the banners was the way to go and that McCreery and Ostman would discuss the funds with George Van Geem. The Chair stated that if any Trustees want to have input, that they can attend the meetings. Ostman stated that maybe it could be brought to the board in October for approval. The Chair stated we should try for September if possible because of the timing.  For the banner design, McCreery is asking for ideas on the designs. All American City is one. Shop Niles could be another. They are looking for specific ideas. There was discussion about two to three designs per season so there are options. There was discussion about the Taste of Niles for a Fall event with a date at the bottom. Summer would have All America City. Spring was a challenge, but environment was suggested. Bob Pilat voiced a concern about how quickly and often these must be changed. The next meeting should be used to discuss timing of banners. There was discussion about prevailing wage verification. Three quotes will be used for design, but the lowest bid is not required. McCreery learned that there were hundreds of banners not being used and could be turned into bags. Bob stated that the banners have an unfortunate smell. The revenue could be used for the banner program. b. Old All American City Signage. Do we take down the old signage and just incorporate it into the banners? The signs on the painted posts on Milwaukee were never replaced. Do we take them down now or wait until the poles are repainted? It was agreed that the signs look bad as stated by Mike Shields. It was agreed not to take them down now, but to wait until the poles are painted and take them down then. IV. Adjournment at 11:39 a.m. Next meeting TBD