DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission met May 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

The Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) held a regular meeting on May 20, 2019, in the Executive Conference Room of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois.

Management Analyst Jason Blumenthal called the meeting to order at 4:13 P.M. Mr. Blumenthal opened the floor for nominations to Acting Chair in the absence of Chair Brad Hoey.

MOTION

Mr. Brad Pietens moved to select Ms. Susan Johnson as the Acting Chair; seconded by Ms. Deborah Booth.

VOTE

Motion carried by a majority voice vote of those present. 

A. ROLL CALL

Roll call was recorded by Management Analyst Jason Blumenthal and the following members of the CCEC were present: Jeanine Holcomb, Deborah Booth, Brad Pietens, and Susan Johnson. Members absent at roll call were: Chair Brad Hoey, Melissa Beck, and Ellingsworth Webb.

Also present were Mayor Jerry Smith, City Manager Bill Nicklas, and Management Analyst Jason Blumenthal

B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS

MOTION

Ms. Booth moved to approve the agenda as is; seconded by Mr. Pietens.

VOTE

Motion carried by a majority voice vote of those present.

C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION

Mr. Pietens moved to approve the CCEC minutes of April 15, 2019; seconded by Ms. Holcomb.

VOTE

Motion carried by a majority voice vote of those present. 

D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mayor Smith and City Manager Nicklas spoke to the new banners that will be hung downtown throughout the summer. These banners will be administered by the American Legion and showcase different military veterans from our community. Following this discussion, they provided information regarding the proposed installation of two pianos in the downtown area. The pianos would be painted with acrylic paints for weather protection and would be available to play for patrons enjoying the downtown district.

City Manager Nicklas went on to discuss the Memorial Day parade and how affected roadways would be closed during the event.

E. NEW BUSINESS

1. Community Calendar

Discussion regarding this item centered around who should be responsible for a community calendar and the resources available to create one. Multiple Commission members indicated that DeKalb County has so many different calendars that it would be difficult to get them all into one place. The inquiry was made regarding the possibility of the City providing a page on its website with links to these calendars. If an entity was interested in being represented on the page, it would be directed to contact the City for inclusion on the page.

2. Paint-A-Plug Application Approval

Management Analyst Blumenthal presented a Paint-A-Plug application from Mr. Aaron Robertson. Commission members commented on the colorfulness of the application.

MOTION

Mr. Pietens moved to approve the Paint-A-Plug application; seconded by Ms. Holcomb. 

VOTE

Motion carried by a majority voice vote of those present.

Additional discussion of the Paint-A-Plug program occurred regarding the potential of the City coordinating with the Public Library in an attempt to host a painting workshop for the fire hydrants. The premise would be to coordinate a day for everyone to paint their hydrants together or get ideas on how to do their painting. Ms. Holcomb advised she would reach out to the Egyptian Theatre’s painter for any helpful tips. This would hopefully occur prior to the next Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission

3. Public Arts Projects

Discussion occurred about Public Art Policy in the City and centered on the creation of a draft policy for presentation to Council. Several Commission members advised they would get any relevant information forwarded to Mr. Blumenthal for compilation. Members also requested that an invite be extended to Mr. Paul Kassel with NIU to discuss possible ways for NIU students to participate in public art.

Mayor Smith stated he would like to see the Commission work with folks like Mike Embrey on his downtown pianos project as well as other ideas Mike might have.

F. OLD BUSINESS

There was no old business for discussion.

G. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION

Ms. Holcomb moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Pietens.

VOTE

Motion carried by a majority voice vote of those present. The meeting was adjourned at 4:52 P.M.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05202019-1627