Microsoft word - minutes 01.10.11.doc

PRESIDENT AND BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 10TH, 2011 AT 8:00 P.M. PRESENT: Trustees Brewer, Hale, Hedges, Johnson and Lueck; President Pope ABSENT: Trustee Pate QUORUM: President Pope called the meeting to order at 8:37 p.m. and declared that a It was moved and seconded that Ordinance 2011-O-3 entitled ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE SUBMISSION TO THE ELECTORS OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK PARK, COOK COUNTY, THE QUESTION WHETHER THE VILLAGE SHOULD HAVE THE AUTHORITY AND OPTION UNDER PUBLIC ACT 096-0176 TO ARRANGE FOR THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY FOR ITS RESIDENTIAL AND SMALL COMMERCIAL RETAIL CUSTOMER WHO HAVE NOT OPTED OUT OF SUCH PROGRAM be adopted. President Pope explained that this would allow the Village to solicit bids to obtain a lower cost for residences and smaller businesses in the community than what otherwise would be provided through Commonwealth Edison's delivery system by Exelon, who is the primary provider of power in the State of Illinois. Village Manager Tom Barwin clarified that the approval of this ordinance would place this question on the April ballot. The roll call on the vote was as follows: AYES: Trustees Brewer, Hale, Johnson and Lueck; President Pope NAYS: Trustee Hedges ABSENT: Trustee Pate The ordinance was adopted Discussion of Economic Development Activities and Strategies – Part I Mr. Barwin stated that this discussion would lead to important policy decisions in regards to maintaining, adapting and growing the local economy. He added that according to various surveys, people’s highest priorities, when choosing a community to live in, are public safety, good local services, aesthetics and jobs in or nearby the area. Business Services Manager Loretta Daly gave an overview of the business community and summarized the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) Analysis. VILLAGE OF OAK PARK MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF JANUARY 10TH, 2011 Trustee Hale commented that a key weakness in the market is structurally; the Village is generally precluded from any new retail, office or entertainment site of significant size. He also questioned whether there was a viable future for 12 neighborhood business districts or were they detracting from the central business districts that have a greater potential for development. Trustee Johnson suggested that the next step in relation to weaknesses and threats would be to prioritize those that can be controlled or mitigated. Village Planner Craig Failor reviewed plans for the business districts. Trustee Lueck commented that some of these plans were more advanced than others and asked if all areas would be addressed equally. Trustee Johnson raised the subject of vacancies and asked what strategies would be used to fill them. President Pope discussed businesses being able to build upon the traffic that is generated by other surrounding businesses. He also said that the consultants who helped create the Downtown Master Plan commented that you can build in a strengthening of your attendant retail districts once there is strong core downtown. Trustee Hale said the idea of marketing the districts together as a greater unit is a great and long overdue development. Mr. Barwin thanked all staff who worked on this presentation and suggested that retention and recruitment be discussed at the next meeting. It was moved and seconded to adjourn the meeting. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved. The meeting adjourned at 9:47 P.M. Monday, January 10, 2011. SUBMITTED AND RECORDED IN THE OFFICE OF:

Source: http://www.oak-park.us/sites/default/files/village-board-agendas/2011-minutes/01.10.11_minutes.pdf