Kankakee Times

Village of Bourbonnais Community & Economic Development Committee met Nov. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Meeting Opening

Meeting called to order at 3:30 PM by Trustee Jeff Keast electronically via Zoom per the Governor's directive.

Procedural: A. Roll Call

Members present

Mayor Paul Schore, Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Jeff Keast, Trustee Jack Littrell, and Trustee Angie Serafini. Also in attendance, Treasurer Ron Riebe, Attorney Patrick Dunn, Administrator Mike Van Mill, Assistant Administrator Laurie Cyr, Finance Director Tara Latz, Building Commissioner Paul Hafner, Engineer Dave Tyson, Marketing Manager Lindy Casey, Administrative Assistant Margie Beach, and Gene Norber. Absent: Trustee Randy King

2. Review & Approve Minutes

Action, Minutes: A. Community & Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes from September 2, 2020

Motion by Trustee Rick Fischer, second by Trustee Jack Littrell approve Community & Economic Development Committee Meeting minutes for September 2, 2020.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Jeff Keast, Trustee Jack Littrell, and Trustee Angie Serafini

3. Building Department

Discussion: A.

> Building Commissioner Paul Hafner gave an update on the Bourbonnais Terrace Nursing home roof repair, we are waiting for Chuck Keslin's review for the project, we will forward it to the nursing home once we approve it.

4. Planning & Zoning

Discussion: A. Review of Main Street Business District Eligibility Report

> Gene Norber from EDR gave an overview of the Main Street Business District (on Board Docs). This proposed District consists of 252 parcels and 225 acres positioned along the frontage of Main Street between Career Center Road/Briarcliff Lane on the north and North Street on the south. There is a significant amount of retail activity, residential and other uses including Olivet Nazarene University. This area has been found to meet the eligibility requirements for a "Blighted area". Which means "by reason of the predominance of defective, non-existent, or inadequate street layout, unsanitary or unsafe conditions, deterioration of site improvements, improper subdivision or obsolete platting, or the existence of conditions which endanger life or property by fire or other causes, or any combination of those factors, retards the provision of housing accommodations or constitutes an economic or social liability, an economic underutilization of the area, or a menace to the public health, safety, morals or welfare."

> Mr. Norber explained the Review of Qualifications for the Proposed Business District. After completing their field work, Mr. Norber gave examples from their eligibility study analysis on each factor. The next step is working with Village staff to develop a Plan which would include various policies and objectives. An outline of projects will be created so that both public and private entities will be able to use the Business District's revenues from the additional sales tax. These revenues will be used to address factors that qualify the area to be eligible, and to provide revenues to assist in public and private projects.

> Trustee Greenlee questioned how do we go about repairing property that is in disrepair with this revenue? Mr. Norber explained the use of the monies is at the discretion of the Village. In the Plan, we will identify a potential use of money for rehabilitation of private or public buildings which is permissible. If the Village wishes to reach out to private and public entities notifying them that there are funds to rehab their building - it will be allowed.

> Administrator Van Mill stated Mr. Norber will work on the Plan in the next few weeks. Next step will be to present to the Board for acceptance, a notice needs to be published, and a public hearing. We are looking at action to be taken in February 2021.

> Mayor Schore questioned how soon would the Village actually start collecting the 1% sales tax within that district? Ms. Cyr responded July 2021. The deadline with Kankakee County is April to make the July deadline. Department of Revenue only implements business districts twice a year, in July and October.

Trustee Randy King arrived at 3:40 PM

Discussion: B. Presentation of the Village of Bourbonnais Parks and Recreation Planning Questionnaire Results

> Ms. Cyr gave a summary of the results from the Parks survey (on Board Docs). The assessment does not include the location of the Campus Plan.

> 90% who responded live in Bourbonnais - 300 responded to survey, average age 31-40.

> 66% feel the parks are extremely important, 30% say very important.

> Majority said they visit parks weekly or monthly - this finds our parks are being utilized. The main reason is they want to enjoy outdoors and nature, ride bikes and the children use playground equipment.

> The majority of respondents ranked the existing parks as good to average.

> Activities residents use the most - for exercise, biking, fishing, sports and picnics.

> Improving park system - overwhelmingly residents want to upgrade playground equipment, more sports fields and a community center, handicap accessible, and parks being connected.

> The highest priorities for facilities is a Village-wide trail system. Also, residents requested a community pool, splash pad, and area to be able to sit outside, and river access for recreation.

> Administrator Van Mill requested Board members review responses and come back with some recommendations at a future meeting.

Discussion: C: Campus Plan Update

> Ms. Cyr gave an update on the final Campus Plan survey results (on Board Docs).

> We had 514 responses, 467 live in Bourbonnais, and 25-45 year olds were the majority who responded.

> Respondents said they would use the Community Center, water play area, and band shell at least once a week.

> The concept is broken down into three main areas: Northern, Central, and Southern.

> Northern area top 3 priorities - festival plaza, pedestrian festival street and flex space for seasonal programming.

> Central area top 3 priorities - band shell/performance stage, sled hill/winter activity spaces and interpretive nature walk.

> Southern area top 3 priorities - restroom facility, activity play spaces/playground and play water area.

> Name game exercise the top 3 picks were Bourbonnais Commons, Bourbonnais Grove and Friendship Village, we will need the Mayor and Trustees to decide on a name, so we can move forward.

> Next steps - Lakota is planning to have a draft by the end of the week. A final study will be sent to the Advisory Committee and Trustees to review around November 20, and we would like to have a final meeting by December 16. We will take the report and adopt an Ordinance, the goal is to be done by the end of the year with an adopted plan.

Discussion: D. November Planning Commission Agenda

> Ms. Cyr reported the Planning Commission will be having a meeting on Thursday, November 19 via Zoom, they will need to discuss the approval for the final plat for the OAK project.

Discussion E. Christmas Contests - Coloring & Lights

> Marketing Manager Lindy Casey described two free upcoming Community Engagement events, a holiday lighting contest, and a coloring contest. Trying to help spread positive holiday cheer during these uncertain times, and a safe way to do something festive (on Board Docs).

> Holiday Lighting Contest attached are draft fliers - we are asking Village residents in the corporate limits to pre-register for the contest by November 30, a press release will go out this week. Decorations will need to be up by the end of November, contest runs from December 4-25, 2020. Forms are available online and can be dropped off at the Admin building. We will provide an online map so residents can go visit all the homes that are participating - no names - addresses only. Judges will not be affiliated with the Village. Categories: Traditional, Themed and Peoples Choice. Visa Gift Cards will be the prizes funded by sponsors Com Ed and Brandon Casey's Comfort Crew for first, second and third place winners

> Decorations need to be up by the first of December, judging will be taking place approximately by the first weekend in December.

Trustee Randy King arrived at 4:05 PM

>Coloring Contest - initial draft attached with Santa at the skate park. This will be for all ages, different categories by age groups - 6 and under, 7-10 year olds, all ages/family and special needs. Prizes for first, second and third place - Visa gift cards. Coloring page is 8.5" x 11" and will be available on the Village website, so residents can download and print. Residents can mail in or drop off their completed page. We will also have hard copies available at the Administration building for pick up. We have not decided on a deadline yet for submitting their finished page - looking at either a 2, 3 or 4 week time frames? Open to the Board's for suggestions.

Community & Economic Development Committee agrees to move forward with these two events.

> Salvation Army Annual Coat drive barrels are located in the front office and over at the Police department.

> Online Bear's Sign Auction begins this Friday, November 13, 2020 and runs through Sunday, November 22, 2020 at 7:00 PM.

5. New Business - None

6. Old Business - None

7. Public Comments

Discussion: A. Village Clerk or designee will read complying statements into record if any. - None

Discussion: B. The Village will unmute ZOOM participants so public comment can be made directly by the public. (Participants are required to take turns and be recognized by the President/Chairman prior to making statements). - None

8. Executive Session - Not applicable.

9. Adjournment and Time

Action, Procedural: A. Adjournment Time

Motion by Trustee Jack Littrell, second by Trustee Rick Fischer to adjourn the meeting at 4:26 PM.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Rick Fischer, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jeff Keast, and Trustee Jack Littrell

Not Present at Vote: Trustee Angie Serafini

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/vobil/Board.nsf/Public