DeKalb Times

City of DeKalb Economic Development Committee met Nov. 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the committee:

The Economic Development Commission (EDC) of the City of DeKalb, Illinois held a regular meeting on November 1, 2019 in the Executive Conference Room of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois.

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

A. ROLL CALL

Chair Trixy O’Flaherty called the roll and the following EDC members were present: Chair Trixy O’Flaherty, Grant Goltz, Jeff Richardson, Mohammed Labadi and Sam Walt, as well as Ex-Officio Members Matt Duffy (DeKalb Chamber of Commerce - DCC) and Paul Borek (DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation- DCEDC).

The following EDC members were absent: Vernese Edghill-Walden and Mark Sawyer.

Others present included: City Manager Bill Nicklas and Mayor Jerry Smith.

B. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Mr. Goltz moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Mr. Walt. Motion carried by a voice vote.

C. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Walt moved to approve the minutes from the October 4, 2019 meeting; seconded by Mr. Labadi. Motion carried by a voice vote.

D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mike Embry made an announcement that the community is encouraged to donate their leftover Halloween candy to the Troops. This can be done at the local fire stations.

E. REPORTS

1. City Manager Report

City Manager Nicklas gave an overview of current projects and developments in the city.

a. Chicago West project is waiting on multilevel commitments from tenants before any more development of the property will take place. The incentive packages are being hammered out between the various taxing bodies. City Council has approved the phase 1 development. Members discussed other ideas to attract or incentivize new employees to relocate to DeKalb.

b. K&M Tires is moving warehousing operations to the old Barber Greene building.

c. Wehrli Products from Sycamore is looking to move into the old Harvestore space.

d. Cole Pallet may expand operations on south 7th.

2. DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Report

Mr. Duffy gave us an update of the Chamber’s office relocation. They have moved to the second floor of the First Midwest Bank building on Lincoln Hwy in DeKalb. He also spoke to support the River Heights Golf Course.

3. DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation Report

Mr. Borek said that they are speaking with several potential prospects about expanding or locating their businesses in DeKalb County. He also said the they are working on a new/ updated branding strategy for DeKalb County. This new approach will not only focus on industry, but include small business, student and family life. He also mentioned that they are holding their annual dinner at Faranda’s on Nov. 21 at 5pm. Tim Suter will be the keynote speaker.

Member Labadi mentioned that he thought it would be helpful to emphasize the value for the dollar on homes as part of the new branding strategy.

F. OLD BUSINESS

1. Status of the Business Retention Survey

Members discussed ideas and goals for the survey. Length of survey was discussed. The time commitment of this project was discussed. Chair O’Flaherty brought up ideas to focus our first round of inquiries on businesses that have moved, opened or expanded in the last 2 years. Member Labadi brought up the idea of a town hall meeting for businesses. Members discussed how we can help remold/ focus the attitudes of the building and planning departments. Mr. Nicklas said he would compile a list of businesses and a rudimentary survey for next month.

2. New Bus Routes

Marcus Cox was unable to attend so Mr. Nicklas let us know that the routes have both begun and now we wait to see how successful they are. This is a 1- year pilot program. Member Richardson asked about the resource guide and we were told that they have been printed and were available in a few locations.

G. NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business discussed.

H. NEXT MEETING: December 6, 2019

Chair O’Flaherty mentioned for members that are unable to attend please let Ruth Scott know as soon as possible.

I. ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Labadi moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Mr. Goltz. Motion carried by voice vote and the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11012019-1714