12/11/2013��« �- 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 Conunission
December 11, 2013
Call to Order: Chairman Ulett called the meeting to order at 7:39 A.M. on Wednesday, December
11, 2013, in Des Plaines City Hall 1420 Miner Street, Room 101.
Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve the September 24, 2013 meeting minutes was macle by
Mr. Chester and seconded by Mr. Lee. Motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
Members Present: Jim Ulett, Jin Lee, Cortney Anderson-Wascher, Richard Grosse, Barbara Ryan,
Malcom Chester, Anthony Bottalla, Patrick McGeean, and Patrick Devereaux.
Members Absent: Christen Osowski, Mohammad Khokhar, Randall Rapp, and Louis Psihogios.
Also Present: Alderman Walsten and Alderman Sayad.
New Business:
a. The appointment of the new Director of Community and Economic Development, Mr.
George Sakas.
Mr. George Sakas will start on December 16, 2013.
b. The new EDC role in City business for 2014.
Mr. Ulett met with City Manager Mr. Bartholomew regarding meeting dates and
times and now is the time to change meeting dates and times if the Commission
desires. Commission consensus was to keep the 7:30 AM start time and designate
meeting dates as needed.
c. Discussion of O'Hare Northwest Corridor/ attracting and relocating businesses to Des
Plaines.
Mr. Ulett proposed to the Commission that businesses around the O'Hare Northwest
Corridor should be contacted by the Economic Development Commission
explaining incentives offered by the City of Des Plaines to relocate within the City
limits. Whether they be tax relief or monetary incentives.
Alderman Walsten discussed the history when the Casino was being built and the
businesses that were lost in that area. He urged to go to the businesses and speak
with them before they leave.
Discussion ensued regarding developing a survey to send to current businesses in the
City and find out how they feel about City of Des Plaines. What makes them want to
stay or leave the City.
Mr. Ulett explained that he had previously spoken to Oakton Community College
and they would be willing to give the City an intern that could possibly be used to
tabulate the surveys.
Mr. Chester explained that the students would need to organize the types of
businesses and then the correct EDC member with expertise in that field should
contact the business.
Mr. Lee stated that the survey should be completed first. He will send Mr. Ulett an
example survey that he uses for his business. Mr. Ulett asked each Commissioner to
prepare 2-3 questions for the survey to discuss at the next meeting.
Ms. Ryan noted that it would be a great idea for the Alderman to send out cards to
the businesses within their ward.
d. Discussion of potential action items for new/existing business retention of City Council
to review.
Ms. Anderson-Wascher suggested that a yearly strategic planning session be held
with the EDC. It should be held outside of City Hall and in the evening. The
Commission could go over goals and at the end of the year discuss the ones that
were set.
Mr. Grosse explained that the Commission needs to take action. The sub -committees
were set up and certain tasks were distributed. He expressed the need to stop talking
about it and start acting.
Alderman Walsten explained that the City can transfer neighboring TIF district
funds from one to the other. Certain restrictions do apply, but it can be done.
New Business:
Chairman Ulett previously asked Mr. Chan Yu for the Cook County Living Wage Ordinance to
review further. Mr. Yu explained that on Page 5 of the application there, is a check box that if the
property is owner occupied, they should check the box to comply with the Cook County living wage
standards; however, if the property is leased to another entity, they could choose the box indicating
that they are not required to pay a living wage (per Cook County Code Section 34-160).
Mr. Lee requested that the City or Alderman needs to notify the Economic Development
Commission regarding new construction, new business, or any new economic information going on
in the City.
Chairman Ulett asked if there were any other comments. There were none.
Meeting was adjourned by Chairman Ulett at 8:50 A.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Lauren Griffin, Administrative Assistant
Approved on March 11, 2015