03/11/2015��« �- Cityof Des Plaines
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Planning and Zoning
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kDES PLAINES% Des Plaines, IL 60016
Tel: 847-391-5306
Fax: 847-391-5371
ILLINOIS
Minutes of Meeting
Economic Development Commission
March 11, 2015
Call to Order: Economic Development Coordinator Lauren Pruss called the meeting to order at
7:35 A.M. on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, in Des Plaines City Hall 1420 Miner Street, Room 101.
Mayor Matthew Bogusz welcomed the Commissioners. The general sentiment of the current and
former Economic Development Commission is not being used enough. We strive for the EDC to be
used to its full ability. The main value is your connection to the community and understanding of
the current business economy. Staff cannot get out in the community and listen to everyone they
need to listen to. Itis harder to get a business to come to the City of Des Plaines and stay rather than
prevent a business from leaving.
City Manager Michael Bartholomew stated we need to the EDC as ambassadors. If each
Commissioner can reach out to five businesses a year it will make communication that much better.
The City is currently undergoing a new branding effort.
Commissioner McGeean asked for a current full list of businesses. Director Sakas responded that
we are currently working on that. The Community and Economic Development Department just
implemented new software and the data needs to be placed in the system.
Commissioner Devereaux stated he heard about the marketing goal for over a year when is that
happening? City Manager Bartholomew responded hopefully soon, we have a meeting at the end of
March.
Director Sakas opened the floor for a volunteer to chair the meeting. Commissioner Richard Grosse
volunteered to chair this meeting and we will vote next meeting for the official Chairman after the
by-laws have been reviewed.
Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve the December 11, 2013 meeting minutes was made by
Mr. Devereaux and Seconded by Mr. Bottalla. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Members Present: Louis Psihogios, Richard Grosse, Barbara Ryan, Malcom Chester, Anthony
Bottalla, Patrick McGeean, Mohammad Khokhar, Randall Rapp, and Patrick Devereaux.
Members Absent: Christen Osowski, Cortney Anderson-Wascher, Pat Mauro, and Jin Lee.
Also Present: Mayor Matt Bogusz, City Manager Mike Bartholomew, Community & Economic
Development Director George Sakas, Economic Development Coordinator Lauren Pruss and
Administrative Assistant Lauren Griffin.
New Business:
a. Introduction and Mayor's Guidance to the Commission. Previously discussed.
b. Appoint Chairperson and Secretary. After reading the by-laws the Commission decided
to appoint a Chairperson and Secretary at the next meeting.
c. Commissioner and Staff Introductions. All staff members present gave a short
introduction.
d. Review Contact Information. Please give any changes to Lauren Griffin to update the
contact list.
e. Business Assistance Programs.
Economic Coordinator Lauren Pruss began with a power point presentation. The
existing programs consist of, Awning Prograrn 75% of eligible costs up to $5,000,
Facade Rehabilitation Prograrn 50% of eligible costs up to $20,000, Interior Build -Out
Program 50% of eligible costs up to $15,000, and Outdoor Dining Prograrn 50% of
eligible cots up to $10,000. New proposed program is the Shopping Center
Rehabilitation Program, 50% reimbursement for rehabilitation of commercial shopping
centers, minimum 5,000 sf of floor area and three tenant spaces to be eligible, a
minimum $15,000 in eligible improvements, 5,000-10,000 sf floor area for $15,000
maximum grant, 10,000-30,000 sf in floor area for $30,000 maximum grant and 30,001
sf or more for $50,000 grant. If they do not qualify for this grant they can still apply for
other existing grants. Coordinator Pruss stressed to the Commission we are looking for
feedback, do these figures seem appropriate?
Commissioner Bottalla noted that the older commercial spaces typically have a smaller
square footage. Should look at a smaller square footage maybe 3,000 to qualify for
grants, because those are the spaces are that sitting empty.
Commissioner Chester explained that we should still have an exception to the rule if
someone were to come in and propose an application but still remains under the square
footage threshold. We could treat it like an appeals board.
Commissioner Ryan questioned if the grant money was for both interior and exterior.
Coordinator Pruss indicated that it is more for exterior.
City Manager Bartholomew mentioned that it doesn't stop them for applying for interior
grant money too.
Commissioner Ryan asked how much money had been budgeted for these grants.
Coordinator Pruss said $150,000 for downtown grants and $150,000 citywide grants.
We need to get the word out, we have been giving all the landlords and leasing agents
this information, but we need EDC help.
Commissioner Devereaux suggested that the EDC put together a quarterly newsletter to
the businesses in Des Plaines. We can explain what the City is doing for them as a
business and for owners. We could feature each ward of the City, and can archive them
on the website. We need to take advantage of all communication possibilities. It will
prove to them that we are thinking about them and want to help.
Director Sakas indicated that the new software that is being implemented should be
putting the tools into place to get this information out.
f. The Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Commissioner Ryan explained that Chamber has been around since 1934. Provide
many networking capabilities. We promote business and provide legislation every
month by having a speaker. The Chamber hosts the Mayors annual address to the City.
We hold many community events and partner with the City and Park District. We
partner with many various groups in the City. The Chamber has a ton of free resources
for business owners. Looking at starting an "Entrepreneur Cafe" and encourage all to
participate.
g.
License Status.
Coordinator Pruss showed via power point presentation the numbers of business licenses
and categories that were issued this year. We will begin working on re -vamping the
application to get more detailed information from each business owner. We are also trying
to make the renewal process easy and electronic.
h. Discussion of Business Surveys - New and Existing.
Director Sakas explained that we want to get more specific numbers and exact types of
businesses. Should we conduct a survey? New Businesses and Old Businesses? Or do we
compile a couple questions and have members of the EDC go out and ask the questions
to the businesses? Coordinator Pruss indicated that we need to work using a pyramid
system, need to set the framework and work down. Commissioner Chester stated we
should all send our survey questions to Lauren Pruss and we can discuss at the next
meeting.
Staff Comments:
EDC Members you have your homework. Please send your survey questions and feedback to
Lauren Pruss.
Chairman & Commissioners Comments:
Commissioner Bottalla indicated that the zoning hearing process is too long and that should be
looked into. It needs to be an easier, quicker process for approval. City Manager Bartholomew
stated that we do need to adopt a new zoning ordinance to ease up on the requirements.
Comments from the Public:
Chairman Chester asked if there were any other comments. There were none.
Adjourn:
Meeting was adjourned by Chairman Chester at 9:05 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Lauren Griffin, Administrative Assistant