Village of Bourbonnais Community & Economic Development Committee met March 8

By Kristine Gonzales-Abella

May 18, 2023

Village of Bourbonnais Community & Economic Development Committee met March 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

1. Meeting Opening

Meeting called to order at 3:30 PM by Trustee Jeff Keast

Action, Procedural: A. Roll Call - Trustee Jeff Keast

Members present: Mayor Paul Schore, Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jeff Keast, Trustee Jack Littrell, and Trustee Angie Serafini (on Zoom). Also in attendance, Treasurer Ron Riebe, Attorney Patrick Dunn, Administrator Mike Van Mill, Assistance Administrator Laurie Cyr, Finance Director Tara Latz, Chief Jim Phelps, Accounting Specialist, Holly St. Germaine, Public Works Superintendent Terry Memenga, Public Works Assistant Dave Herberger, Engineer Mike Gingerich, Marketing Manager Lindy Casey, and Admin Assistant Margie Beach

2. Review & Approve Minutes

Action, Minutes: A. Community & Economic Development Committee Meeting Minutes from February 2, 2023

Motion by Trustee Jack Littrell, second by Trustee Bruce Greenlee to approve the Community & Economic Development Committee minutes from February 2, 2023, as presented.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jeff Keast, Trustee Jack Littrell, and Trustee Angie Serafini

3. Community Development

Discussion: A. Perry Farm Annexation Presentation

> Bourbonnais Township Park District Executive Director Ed Piatt gave an update about the Perry Farm Annexation. Dr. Piatt stated they received a verbal proposal from Mayor Watson, of Bradley, for a possible annexation of Perry Farm into Bradley. Dr. Piatt stated he has offered Mayor Schore the same opportunity to see if the Village Board would be interested in possible annexation with the Park District. Dr. Piatt stated they are open to all possibilities. They have not made a decision, and are doing what's best for Perry Farm. He explained he did not prepare a presentation because he did not give one to the Village of Bradley, nor did they pursue the Village of Bradley. Bradley came to the Park District. Dr. Piatt explained he wants to make sure Bourbonnais has the same opportunity, and he attended this meeting for questions to help them move forward.

> Mayor Schore asked Dr. Piatt to share with the Board what are the needs of the Park District that would constitute an annexation? Dr. Piatt responded they are not looking for anything specific, it's the Village of Bradley who proposed possible annexation because they are forming a business taxing district, and thought if Perry Farm was in their jurisdiction, the Park District could apply for grant funding for that area. They would like to entertain the same offer to Bourbonnais. Mayor Watson attended a Committee of the Whole meeting and did a small presentation basically what the perimeters were for a business taxing district and that it maybe an interest to the Park District and proposed improvements at Perry Farm to the sidewalk situation on Kennedy Drive, moving it back. He discussed that with Engineer Gingerich to get a possible cost, that was something that was proposed because of the Scarecrow festival and how many people attend for safety reasons.

> Mayor Schore asked if there were any other concrete needs for funding? Dr. Piatt responded they are always looking to expand Perry Farm for increased recreational opportunities, as well as Diamond Point, and the Recreation Station. They are always entertaining ideas, but cannot give a specific concrete answer on that.

> Trustee King asked what different grants are available to the Park District that aren't there already? Dr. Piatt replied they were just told verbally that if they were annexed into Bradley in the business tax district they can apply for grant opportunities for funding to do various miscellaneous projects at Perry Farm. Trustee King questioned if there grants available for the Park if they didn't annex? Dr. Piatt responded, yes they could apply for other grants like OSLAD and State Grants as a Park District, not sure if there is federal grants available.

> Trustee King asked if they looked at other options for the Scarecrow Festival and moving it away from Kennedy Drive? Dr. Piatt said yes, but doesn't feel it will be seen as well for the drive by people, since it's a marketing tool.

> Mr. Van Mill asked what is the timeline for making a decision on the annexation? Dr. Piatt responded they do not have a timeline yet, it's just a proposal they are entertaining, they are open to all possibilities.

> Mayor Schore asked if he could speak to the Park Board at the April Committee of the Whole meeting? Dr. Piatt agreed all are welcome and Bourbonnais can present as well.

> Trustee Greenlee asked if they considered temporary cement barriers along Route 45, would they have to change all the fencing? Dr. Piatt responded they would have to talk to Engineer Gingerich about the easement, he doesn't know if they can do that, they would also have to contact IDOT about the barriers.

> Mayor Schore stated the sidewalk is one project, he heard that there was a number of $4M thrown around, is that correct? Dr. Piatt stated he could not answer that, he had not heard that number, it's just grant opportunities at this point.

> Mayor Schore also requested a copy of the minutes from the last meeting. Dr. Piatt said they will be available online after they are approved and can get a copy to him as well.

Discussion: B. 2023 Zoning Map

> Mr. Van Mill explained the Zoning Map has to be updated each year and approved as the Official Zoning Map (on Board Docs). Ms. Cyr went over three zoning changes; 1) Rezone Stonemill Farms from R5 to R2; 2) Rezone the future property of Redwood Development from R1 to R4; and 3) Rezone the property at the north end of IM Steel on Larry Power Road from B1 to M2, so it is consistent with the rest of the properties on those parcels.

Community & Economic Development Committee agreed to the changes, and it will be presented at the next Planning Commission meeting for approval, then legislation will be created for the April Regular Board meeting.

Discussion: C. Jordan Park/Community Garden Presentation

> Ms. Cyr stated three years ago an assessment of all parks was done. In regard to Jordan Park, we are recommending to add a community garden and we would work with Kankakee Garden Club for this pilot program in which we would add 12 planter boxes. The assessment results on benefits, implementation, costs, details and timeline can be found on Board Docs.

> Trustee King asked who will maintain this? Ms. Cyr responded they would ask volunteers with the Garden Club. We would request Public Works to help build the planter boxes. We would need to hire a contractor to install water hook up. Funds have been earmarked from the GEO bond for park improvements. Also, there would be a fee to rent the planter box to help re-coup costs to build and maintain.

> Mayor Schore suggests having a timer system installed for the watering portion.

Community & Economic Development Committee agrees to move forward with the Jordan Park Community Garden project.

Discussion: D. Grant Submittals - Community Foundation and Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau

> Ms. Cyr explained she has submitted a Communityworks Grant application to the Community Foundation for approval. This would assist with land improvements at Riverfront Park, including ADA access to the river (on Board Docs). The grant is for $10,000 which would be put towards using the services of Kimley Horn to do a feasibility study at a cost of $34,400.

> Ms. Cyr explained another grant opportunity is through the Kankakee County Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Action Plan a 50/50 grant. Funds would be used to purchase and create a 72' x 49' mobile synthetic ice rink (on Board Docs). Suggests installing the rink at KENO Park, then eventually moving it toward the Village Green possibly on the Skate Park because it needs to be on concrete. Cost estimates are in the presentation, and it could be revenue generating.

Community & Economic Development Committee agrees to move forward and apply for the two grants, and discuss again once we find out how much we receive.

Discussion: E. Bourbonnais Parkway Streetscape Plan

> Ms. Cyr went over the Bourbonnais Parkway Streetscape plan improvements (on Board Docs). Engineers came up with suggestions for redevelopment of Road Ranger and Bourbonnais Parkway Business Park. Requesting to add light poles with larger banners and island enhancements. At the intersection of Route 45 & Bourbonnais Parkway we would like to add in ornamental trees and decorative columns with fencing and Village branding at the two corners, then would add a monument at Exit 318.

> Suggests adopting the Northern Gateway Streetscape Plan, so it would be available to developers to follow the expectations of landscape into their development plans.

> Mr. Van Mill stated the list of plans will be done in 6 phases, and will be completed once funding occurs through TIF districts, business district, and future developments.

Discussion: F. March Planning Commission Agenda

> Ms. Cyr went over the agenda for the next Planning Commission meeting to be held March 23, 2023 (on Board Docs).

> Swear in new Planning Commission Member Ulysses Hudson.

> Discuss Case PV23-0001 request to allow an increase of variance to install a shed in a R1 from 200 SF to 400 SF.

> Review the 2023 Official Zoning Map and approve.

Discussion: G. Boundary Agreement between Bourbonnais and Manteno

> Mr. Van Mill stated we have just received a draft, it will be reviewed, and will bring back to discuss at an upcoming meeting.

4. New Business

Information: A. IDOT Request to Close Streets for Friendship Festival Parades

> Ms. Cyr explained once these Resolutions are approved, we will need to submit a request to IDOT to close the roads for the Friendship Festival parades in June.

Discussion: B. Industrial TIF Extension

> Mr. Van Mill requested to table this for now.

5. Old Business

Action, Reports: A. Planning Commission PSU22-0004 - IM Steel Special Use Case

> Mr. Van Mill stated the Special Use is still being reviewed, there are no changes at this time.

6. Public Comments - None

7. Executive Session - Not applicable

8. Adjournment and Time

Action, Procedural: A. Adjournment Time

Motion by Trustee Jack Littrell, second by Trustee Randy King to adjourn the Community & Economic Development meeting at 4:38 PM.

Final Resolution: Motion Carried

Aye: Trustee Bruce Greenlee, Trustee Randy King, Trustee Jeff Keast, Trustee Jack Littrell, and Trustee Angie Serafini