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12/08/2010CITY OF DES PLAINES 1420 Miner / Northwest Highway * Des Plaines, Illinois 60016 — 4498 * ( 847 ) 391— 5300 MINUTES OF MEETING Economic Development Commission December 8, 2010 Commissioner Collins called the regularly scheduled meeting of the Des Plaines Economic Development Commission to order at 7:35 A. M. on Wednesday, December 8, 2010, in Room 101 of the Des Plaines Civic Center. Commissioners Present: Barry Collins, Wendy Gruen, Graham Hills, Mary Howard, Pat Mauro, Robert Shambora, & Patsy Smith Also present: Economic Development Coordinator Jennifer Ganser; Interim Director of Community & Economic Development Steve Gutierrez; Aldermen Rosemary Argus & Mark Walsten Others in attendance: Randy Rapp, Gay Miezin, Dhitu Bhagwakar, Brian Wolf, Ted Arvanitis, George Sourounis, & Tom Diamond Commissioner Collins assumed the role of the Chairman. Chairman Ulett was absent. Commissioner Collins introduced Steve Gutierrez who was hired as the Interim Director of Community & Economic Development. Commissioner Collins introduced Randy Rapp who is potential new EDC Member. Mr. Rapp will be confirmed at the December 20, 2010 City Council meeting. Approval of Minutes of November 10, 2010 Meeting: A motion was made by Commissioner Shambora, seconded by Commissioner Gruen, to approve the minutes. MOTION CARRIED. New Business: Facade Rehabilitation Application: Greek American Restaurant Association 733 Lee Street The EDC welcomed the Greek American Restaurant Association who reviewed their renovation plans. Commissioner Gruen asked them to clarify what parts of the building would be washed only. Commissioner Hills asked if the projects were visible from the street. Commissioner Collins asked if the project was for exterior renovations only. Ms. Ganser said yes. Commissioner Hills said the new sign may not be allowed under the draft zoning code. Commissioner Howard said the project looks great and is exactly what downtown Des Plaines needs. Minutes: Economic Development Commission December 8, 2010 Page 2 A motion was made by Commissioner Hills, seconded by Commissioner Shambora, to approve the facade rebate in the amount of $41,000.00. MOTION CARRIED. Downtown Business Assistance Program Application: The Music Box Cafe 1476 Miner Street The EDC welcomed Gay Miezen who reviewed her plans for The Music Box Cafe interior build out. Commissioner Hills asked why a contractor's proposal was not supplied. The Commission reviewed the guidelines of the Downtown Business Assistance Program; a contractor's proposal is not required. Commissioner Howard said she believes the items on Ms. Miezen's list would exceed $5,000 and that her business would help generate retail sales in Des Plaines. Commissioner Gruen said she would like to see a new list and a contractor's proposal. Alderman Walsten said the application meets the guidelines today and said the program can be amended. A motion was made by Commissioner Hills, seconded by Commissioner Shambora, to approve the Downtown Business Assistance Program grant in the amount of $5,000.00 as the program exists on this date, December 8, 2010. MOTION CARRIED. Presentation of Des Plaines Theatre Business Plan Ms. Miezen reviewed the business plan for the Des Plaines Theater and showed pictures of the current renovations. Ms. Miezen will be the theater manager. The theater has signed groups on for performances in the future and will have a soft opening on December 19, 2010. Ms. Miezen would like to form a committee to help the theater receive funding from the City for future renovations. Commissioner Collins asked if the owner has committed money and if he needs funding to do renovations or operate. Ms. Miezen said the owner has committed in excess of $200,000 already and would need additional funding for renovations only. Commissioner Collins asked when the theater would open. Ms. Miezen said she expects performances by the middle of January since some of the renovations will not be complete until then. Renovations will continue after January and larger acts will be brought in. Commissioner Mauro asked how the City would recapture TIF money. Commissioner Collins said TIF money is generated thru incremental property taxes and referred everyone to pages 2 and 3 of the business plan. Commissioner Howard asked if there is enough parking to support the theater. Ms. Miezen said she believes there is enough parking since most of the events would be on the weekend. Weekday daytime events would consist of lessons and rehearsals. Old Business: None Staff Comments: None Commissioners Comments: Commissioner Collins thanked Ms. Ganser for her service to the EDC. Chairman's Comments: None Public Comments: None Aldermanic Comments: None The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 A. M. by Commissioner Collins. The next meeting of the EDC is scheduled for Wednesday, January 12, 2010. Minutes: Economic Development Commission December 8, 2010 Page 3 Respectfully submitted, (Chan u, Associate • . nner Approved on this 11-4.1 day of Ape L , 2011, by: James M. Ulett, Chairman