DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb Economic Development Commission met Sept. 6.

Here is the minutes provided by the commission:

The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m.

A. ROLL CALL

Executive Assistant Ruth Scott called the roll and the following EDC members were present: Grant Goltz, Trixy O’Flaherty, Jeff Richardson, Mark Sawyer, Sam Walt and City Council Liaison Pat Fagan, as well as ex-officio members Paul Borek (DCEDC) and Matt Duffy (DeKalb Chamber of Commerce). Member Vernese Edghill-Walden arrived at 8:33 a.m. Member Mohammed Labadi arrived at 8:37 a.m.

Others present included: City Manager Bill Nicklas, Mayor Jerry Smith, Transit Manager Marcus Cox, and Executive Assistant Ruth Scott (as recording secretary).

B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

MOTION

Mr. Richardson moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Mr. Sawyer. 

VOTE

Motion carried by a voice vote of the majority of members present.

C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Minutes of the Economic Development Commission meeting of August 2, 2019. 

MOTION

Mr. Goltz moved to approve the minutes; seconded by Mr. Walt.

VOTE

Motion carried by a voice vote of the majority of members present.

D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Bessie Chronopoulos spoke about good things happening on S. 4th Street, such as the continued cleanup of the former Protano’s site, as well as the 40th anniversary of G&L Auto Repair.

E. REPORTS

1. City Manager Report.

a. ChicagoWestBusinessCenter.

City Manager Nicklas provided information regarding two business prospects that have been looking at the site south of the tollway oasis. Brief discussion ensued regarding the prospective companies and their interest in DeKalb, which includes access to the tollway and rail system.

b. O’Leary’sBuilding.

City Manager Nicklas spoke of a promising prospect for the former O’Leary’s building, noting he and Mayor Smith had already met with them twice. City Manager Nicklas stated he would keep the EDC informed of the progress.

c. Mooney/Agora Tower.

City Manager Nicklas stated that the second reading on the development plan for the Mooney/Agora Tower project will be before Council on September 9, 2019 and encouraged EDC members to attend the meeting to show their support.

2. DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Report.

Mr. Duffy noted that Transit Manager Marcus Cox will be featured in an upcoming “In the Loop” video. “In the Loop” videos focus on on-goings in DeKalb. He also noted the upcoming State of the City event on October 15, 2019 and the Athena Award Reception on October 22, 2019. Mr. Duffy briefly stated that the Chamber is closing in on new office space.

3. DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation Report.

Mr. Borek expanded on City Manager Nicklas’ communication regarding prospective businesses coming to DeKalb. He noted that the DCEDC works on these projects in the early stages, addressing the potential companies concerns.

Mr. Borek also noted that the DCEDC has been working on Park 88 proposals as well.

Chair O’Flaherty noted that the business retention survey discussed at a previous meeting would be pushed to the October meeting.

F. OLD BUSINESS

1. Park 88 Bus Route Project.

Transit Manager Cox provided a comprehensive presentation of the new Park 88 bus route, now known as Route 19. The presentation also included information regarding the proposed bus route to the Elburn Train Station and the Annie Glidden North Resource Guide. (Click here for presentation)

Brief discussion ensued regarding the new route, the types of buses being used, times the bus route would be running, the date the route would start, which is October 28, 2019, and the importance of the resource guide. It was also noted that the new route would be added to the bus tracker app.

2. Schedule of Meetings.

Mayor Smith stated that some City boards, commissions and committees have discussed changing their monthly meeting to every other month. However, he doesn’t feel that the EDC is relevant to this discussion as there are important topics to discuss.

Chair O’Flaherty suggested that EDC members advise the commission when they’re aware of an upcoming absence.

G. NEW BUSINESS

1. Elburn Bus Route.

Transit Manager Cox provided information regarding the proposed Elburn bus route, a daily shuttle service to the Elburn train station that will run seven days a week, 362 days a year (further information provided in the linked presentation above). He also noted that a stop in Cortland on the way out and the way back in may be added. The tentative timeline for this route is September 29, 2019.

Chair O’Flaherty noted items on the October agenda, which include more information from Transit Manager Cox regarding the resource guide, an update from City Manager Nicklas on potential businesses, and business retention.

Mike Embrey asked that it be noted that the Beef Shack is now under the management of their corporate office, with an open house scheduled for September 19, 2019.

H. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION

Mr. Goltz moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Walt. 

VOTE

Motion carried by a voice vote of the majority of members present.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:57 a.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09062019-1683