Milwaukee Avenue Corridor Committee

“Where People Count” Community Development 1000 Civic Center Drive, Niles, Illinois 60714 Mayor Telephone (847) 588-8040 ● Fax (847) 588-8050 ● TDD (847) 588-8059 Andrew Przybylo Trustees MILWAUKEE AVENUE STREETSCAPE COMMITTEE George D. Alpogianis Chris Hanusiak John C. Jekot MEETING SUMMARY Joe LoVerde Friday, May 31, 2013 Danette O’Donovan Matyas The following persons were present: Chair Chris Hanusiak, Chuck Ostman, Ross Rosemary R. Palicki Klicker, Bob Pilat, and Mary Ann Starzynski (recording). Village Manager Steven C. Vinezeano Chris Hanusiak called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. Village Clerk A motion was made by Chuck Ostman to accept the minutes of the May 1, 2013. It was Marlene J. Victorine seconded by Bob Pilat. All were in favor. Minutes were approved. ______________ Community PROJECT UPDATE: Development Chuck Ostman stated that the ornamental fencing is being installed at Oakton and Director Milwaukee. It is aluminum painted black. Chris Hanusiak stated it looked nice posts are Charles Ostman different heights, give it some depth. Chuck stated that Martam would not be out this week but would be back the week of June 4, 2013. Landscaper would be out June 20 to do their portion by Lone Tree and Rosati’s were waiting for traffic signal modification. Chris asked who is responsible for the grass, trees and watering. Chris stated to remind them to maintain. Bob Pilat responded he would check to verify who will maintain. Chuck Ostman stated that there are still complaints coming in about the wire on the trees. They are not covered properly as they were supposed to be covered with a plastic covering. Chris will follow up on this. NEW BUSINESS: Chuck had pictures to visualize the new project status. In front of Imperial Glass Block asked if a sidewalk should be established and landscaping. This is all concrete currently. Ross Klicker stated that he has talked to the owner and they have zero parking which would be an issue. Chuck stated going farther down the street before Jarvis should a sidewalk be added and grass on street side. Again Chris Hanusiak responded there is no parking currently. Ross Klicker stated that if a retail presence comes in no parking is an issue and that there should be parking available. The alley is tight so no parking is available back there. A sidewalk should be put in and greenery on street side. Chris asked if a curb was going to be put in also. Chuck stated he would inquire and tell them if bad replace curb. Bob Pilat responded that the cost will go up. Chuck then discussed the apron by Kiddie Kingdom. No entrance per say. Church to the north. If trying to clean up all aprons this apron could be done. This is very expensive though. Bob responded you would take out the asphalt 3’ wide on curbside and put grass in (salt tolerant). Chuck asked if trees could also be put in here like by the McDonald’s www.vniles.com area. Chris Hanusiak responded that grass and trees would keep the current standard. Ross Klicker asked about the chain link fence in front of the church just north of Kiddie Kingdom as it looks terrible. He asked if we can replace the fence. Chuck stated need to talk to the Church regarding the expense. Chuck said so asphalt on east side by Kiddie Kingdom and church is first with grass and trees. Chris Hanusiak stated that second would be continuation of sidewalk on west side by United Transmission. Bob Pilat thinks the fence would be difficult in time line status – to get materials. Ross Klicker responded so do the fence later. Chuck said so clean up apron also as asphalt is removed. Chris agreed. . OPEN DISCUSSION: Need to meet soon for next phase and decide what to do North of Oakton. Next meeting was agreed for June 18, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Chuck stated that some sample smaller banners on decorative poles (smaller) were put up by Oakton and Milwaukee. Trying to emphasize to make the intersections more attractive without overdoing. The poles on the Southwest corner are hidden, but by Riggio’s they are exposed and noticeable. These were put at 3 different heights. Up to 45” which may grab attention a little more. Chris Hanusiak stated that the flapping in the wind is not worth it. Chuck responded that the tails are getting beat up with the wind. Need to go back to the Chambers. Only been one year if want to do this a second year they need to put the extra bracket up. Chris Hanusiak stated that the Chamber does not have to pay for the initial design which was a huge cost. Chuck responded that the 1st year is up October 2013 and if the Chambers wants to continue a 2nd year a 3rd bracket would be required. Bob Pilat stated that new tails would have to be done no matter what. Ross Klicker stated he will speak with the Chambers and give her costs of a 3rd bracket. Chris Hanusiak stated that it is ideal to put banner poles in public spaces i.e. Civic Center Plaza. People walking get out of their cars and look up. Chuck stated that we want to relocate some entrance signs. Chris Hanusiak stated that the one on Harlem by the cemetery is terrible. No sidewalk just squeezed in. Ross Klicker stated there might be two separate functions going on. An analysis of where the best locations would be and the design which could be combined into one contract. There are sign and engineering firms that will come out and analyze the best location for way finding signs. Where these business types of signage would be appropriate. Chuck stated he felt we would be able to locate. He asked if there should be entrance signage once you enter the business district on Milwaukee Avenue up by Rosati’s. Ross Klicker asked if we are doing marketing and branding do we hold off on entrance signs until we have a new brand. Chuck stated hopefully branding this year – budgeted item as construction won’t begin until next year/next phase. Chuck wants to meet with the three new trustees and discuss ideas. He stated that we are coming on 50 years with the old logo and it is due for a change. Would hire a firm to propose ideas. Chris stated that the identity has changed and Niles is very diverse we are a melting pot. Have to put our arms around that and show people it is who we are. Ross is searching for a company for branding/identity. Chris Hanusiak stated “social” branding is important. A motion was made to close the meeting by Chuck Ostman, Bob Pilat seconded. Meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m. 2