CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Conduct the first reading of an ordinance amending Section 2-20-2 (Downtown Advisory Commission: Membership) to add a seat to the commission for the Downtown Naperville Alliance.
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Allison Laff, AICP, Deputy Director
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
At their November 8, 2018 meeting, the Downtown Advisory Commission recommended that an additional seat be added to the commission for the Downtown Naperville Alliance (vote 10-0).
BACKGROUND:
Per Section 2-20 (Boards and Commissions: Downtown Advisory Commission) of the Naperville Municipal Code, the Downtown Advisory Commission (DAC) is comprised of twelve (12) members, appointed by the Mayor with the approval of City Council. Said membership shall include the following:
5 Positions Exempt from Term Limits:
§ President of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, or his or her designee.
§ President of the Naperville Development Partnership.
§ Two City Council members.
§ City Manager or his designee.
4 Positions Eligible for Four Three-Year Terms:
§ Two downtown property owners.
§ One downtown business owner.
§ Architecture or design professional.
3 Positions Subject to Standard Term Limits:
§ Three citizens at large, at least two of which shall reside or own property within the downtown area or within ½ mile of the downtown.
DISCUSSION:
At their November 8, 2018 meeting, DAC reviewed the purpose, goals, and membership of both the Downtown Advisory Commission and the Downtown Naperville Alliance (DNA) - draft minutes from this meeting are attached. During discussion, it was noted that DAC’s primary purpose is the development and implementation of the Downtown Plan, as well as oversight of proposed brick and mortar improvements within the Downtown, such as streetscape and parking supply. In contrast, DNA focuses on day-to-day operations, including parking management and marketing, while also providing feedback on long-term projects discussed by DAC, including streetscape and parking supply.
Nicki Anderson, President of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, submitted comments on this topic for DAC’s discussion during the meeting (see attached). At the conclusion of the overall discussion, those present agreed that DAC and DNA serve different purposes and should both remain intact in order to promote and implement their separate missions. DAC also discussed the importance of the DNA’s voice being represented on the commission. While staff noted that Nicki Anderson could designate her seat to Katie Wood, Executive Director of the DNA, DAC felt that it was important to have a seat for both the Chamber and the DNA on DAC.
At the conclusion of the discussion, a motion was made to recommend that City Council increase the membership of DAC to include a seat for the DNA, in addition to the existing Chamber seat (vote 10-0). Based on a follow-up conversation after the DAC meeting, Nicki Anderson indicated her concurrence with DAC’s recommendation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None