December 17, 2013

1. Call to Order

Mayor Martin Tully called the regular meeting of the Village Council of the Village of Downers Grove to order at 7:06 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Downers Grove Village Hall.

Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag

Mayor Tully led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

2. Roll Call

Present: Commissioner Bob Barnett, Commissioner Sean P. Durkin, Commissioner Becky Rheintgen, Commissioner Geoff Neustadt, Commissioner Greg Hosé, Commissioner David S. Olsen and Mayor Martin Tully  Non Voting: Village Manager David Fieldman, Village Attorney Enza Petrarca and Village Clerk April Holden  T he Council meeting is broadcast over the local FM radio station, WDGC.  In addition, a tape recording and videotape of the meeting are being made using Village owned equipment.  The videotape of the meeting will be used for later rebroadcast of the Council meeting over the Village cable television Channel 6.

The Council will follow the rules of conduct for this meeting as provided in Sec. 2.5 of the Downers Grove Municipal Code.  These offer the public the opportunity to comment at several points in the meeting.  First, immediately following approval of the minutes of the past meetings, an opportunity will be given for public comments and questions of a general matter.  If a public hearing is scheduled for this meeting, an opportunity is given for public comments and questions related to the subject of the hearing.  Finally, an opportunity is given for public comments and questions on items appearing on the Consent Agenda, the Active Agenda and the First Reading.

The presiding officer will ask, at the appropriate time, if there are any comments from the public.  If anyone wishes to speak, the individual should raise their hand to be recognized and, after acknowledgment from the presiding officer, approach the microphone and state their name and address.  Remarks should be limited to five minutes, and asked that individuals refrain from making repetitive statements.

Mayor Tully said there are agendas located on either side of the Council Chambers, and he invited the audience to pick up an agenda and follow the progress of the Council meeting.

3. Minutes of Council Meetings

Council Meeting - December 10, 2013 M ayor Tully asked for a Motion to approve the minutes as submitted.

Commissioner Neustadt moved to approve the minutes as presented.  Commissioner Durkin seconded the motion.

The Mayor declared the Motion carried by voice vote.

Proclamation

Mayor Tully read a proclamation recognizing Good Samaritan Hospital as a Downers Grove Green Business.  He presented the proclamation to Laura Neiberg, Vice President for Ancillary Services and Community Health.

Ms. Neiberg thanked the Council for the proclamation.  She acknowedged the hospital's Green Team leaders.  She said there are 25 employees of the hospital who make up this team and are behind this work and this effort.  They are proud to be the third Green Business in the Village.

4. Public Comments - General Comments on Matters Not Appearing on Tonight's Agenda

Frank Falesch, 820 Prairie, asked about the pavement on Elm Street between Grant and Lincoln.  He asked as to the reason for an 18" strip of concrete at this location and noted that this is costly.

Mayor Tully asked Public Works staff to get back to Mr. Falesch on this matter.

5. Council Member Reports

Commissioner Hosé wished everyone a happy and safe holiday season.

Commissioner Olsen wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Commissioner Rheintgen said thsi is the last week for the Santa house downtown.

Commissioner Durkin wished his son, Gavin, a happy 5th birthday tomorrow.  He wished everyone a happy holiday season and safe travels.  He encourage people to shop in Downers Grove.

Commissioner Neustadt wished residents and visitors a Merry Christmas and happy holidays.  He extended thanks to the Village staff for making the Council look good.  He asked people to remember the staff working on holidays to protect and serve the residents of the Village.

Mayor Tully agreed with his colleagues.

6. Public Hearings

7. Consent Agenda

COR 00-05435 A.  Claim Ordinance:  No. 6033, Payroll, November 29, 2013

Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A

BIL 00-05436 B.  List of Bills Payable:  6090, December 17, 2013

Sponsors: Accounting A motion was made to Approve this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: N/A

RES 00-05437 C.  Resolution:  Authorize an Agreement for Prosecution Services with McMahon Law Offices

Sponsors: Village Attorney

Summary of Item: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT FOR PROSECUTION SERVICES WITH MCMAHON LAW OFFICES

RESOLUTION 2013-83 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Village Prosecutor

RES 00-05438 D.  Resolution:  Authorize a Software Maintenance Agreement with Hyland Software, Inc.

Sponsors: Information Services

Summary of Item: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE AND HYLAND SOFTWARE, INC.

RESOLUTION 2013-84 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Computers, Computer Licensing

RES 00-05439 E.  Resolution:  Authorize an Agreement for the Purchase of Services for the Provision of Bus Service with the Suburban Bus Division of the Regional Transportation Authority (Pace)

Sponsors: Public Works

Summary of Item: A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT FOR THE PURCHASE OF SERVICES FOR THE PROVISION OF BUS SERVICE WITH THE SUBURBAN BUS DIVISION OF THE REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (PACE)

RESOLUTION 2013-85 A motion was made to Pass this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Pace

MOT 00-05440 F.  Motion:  Award $142,876.80 for a Three-Year Contract to Emerald Tree Care, LLC, Carol Stream, IL, for Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Services for Group 1 and 2 Ash Trees

Sponsors: Public Works A motion was made to Award this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Trees and Shrubs

MOT 00-05441 G.  Motion:  Award $18,453.90 for a Three-Year Contract to TruGreen LP, West Chicago, IL, for Emerald Ash Borer Treatment Services for Group 3 Ash Trees

Sponsors: Public Works A motion was made to Award this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Trees and Shrubs

MOT 00-05443 H.  Motion:  Authorize $50,000 Payment to the Economic Development Corporation for Tourism Related Activities

Sponsors: Deputy Village Manager C ommissioner Olsen said the Naperville and Lisle Visitor and Convention bureaus have budgets of over $1 million and $750,000 respectively.  He asked if that revenue was generated exclusively from hotel tax or if there is supplemental revenue.

Michael Cassa, President, Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation (EDC), said each municipality allocates money to support tourism in different ways.  Naperville has an in-house economic development staff as part of the city.  He does not know the budget that supports this function.  Lisle allocates approximately 90% of their hotel tax to tourism.  Their economic development budget is separate from tourism.  Mr. Cassa said our model is somewhat aligned with Naperville in that we have an Economic Development Corporation that also supports the tourism function.

In 2006 when the EDC took on tourism activities, they leveraged the resources in the EDC, such as space, personnel, equipment, etc. to support tourism.  He said 50% of the hotel tax is allocated to the EDC for economic development, but it supports tourism as well.  Every municipality uses a different formula.

Commissioner Olsen asked if $416,228 represents one-half of the hotel tax for 2013.

Village Manager Dave Fieldman responded affirmatively.

Commissioner Olsen said the EDC budget for 2013 is $466,228 which is one-half of the hotel sales tax plus $50,000 from the Village for tourism.

Mr. Cassa said Naperville's budget is large because they have 23 hotels.

Commissioner Olsen said Downers Grove is spending less money than comparable municipalities and getting, arguably, more services.    A motion was made to Authorize this file on the Consent Agenda. Indexes: Economic Development Corporation

Passed The Consent Agenda

A motion was made by Commissioner Neustadt, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, that the consent agenda be passed. The motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Rheintgen, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Hosé, Commissioner Olsen and Mayor Tully

8. Active Agenda

ORD 00-05428 A.  Ordinance:  Establish Special Service Area #6 in the Village of Downers Grove

Sponsors: Community Development

Summary of Item: This adopts SSA #6 for the Fairview Fire Protection District.

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING SPECIAL SERVICE AREA #6 IN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE

ORDINANCE NO. 5352 C ommissioner Rheintgen thanked the members of the Fairview Fire Protection District for their help in solving this issue.  She expressed appreciation to them for their time to resolve this.

Mayor Tully added his congratulations and thanks to the Fairview Fire Protection District, the County and Village staff for finding a sustainable solution at a reasonable cost. A motion was made by Commissioner Neustadt, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Rheintgen, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Hosé, Commissioner Olsen and Mayor Tully  Indexes: Special Service Area 6 - Fairview Fire Protection District

ORD 00-05424 B.  Ordinance:  Amend Parking Restrictions on Washington Street from Maple to Curtiss

Sponsors: Public Works and Transportation and Parking Commission

Summary of Item: This amends parking restrictions on Washington from Maple to Curtiss.

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PARKING RESTRICTIONS ON WASHINGTON FROM MAPLE TO CURTISS

ORDINANCE NO. 5353 A motion was made by Commissioner Durkin, seconded by Commissioner Olsen, to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Rheintgen, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Hosé, Commissioner Olsen and Mayor Tully  Indexes: Parking Restrictions, Parking Restrictions - Washington

ORD 00-05389 C.  Ordinance:  2013 Aggregate Tax Levy

Sponsors: Manager's Office

Summary of Item: This establishes the 2013 Downers Grove Tax Levy in the amount of $20,205,152.84 for the Village of Downers Grove and $5,056,919.00 for the Library.

2013 AGGREGATE TAX LEVY ORDINANCE

ORDINANCE NO. 5354 The Mayor said that this and a number of other tax levy items have been the subject of numerous public meetings. A motion was made by Commissioner Neustadt, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Rheintgen, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Hosé, Commissioner Olsen and Mayor Tully  Indexes: Tax Levy - 2013

ORD 00-05390 D.  Ordinance:  Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January 2013 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December 2013 for the Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #2 (Downers Grove Downtown Service Area)

Sponsors: Manager's Office

Summary of Item: This establishes the Special Service Area #2 (Downtown Special Service Area) tax levy in the amount of $246,446.00.

AN ORDINANCE FOR THE LEVYING OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY 2013 AND ENDING ON THE THIRTY-FIRST DAY OF DECEMBER 2013 FOR VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE SPECIAL SERVICE AREA #2 (DOWNERS GROVE DOWNTOWN SERVICE AREA)

ORDINANCE NO. 5355 A motion was made by Commissioner Neustadt, seconded by Commissioner Barnett, to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Rheintgen, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Hosé, Commissioner Olsen and Mayor Tully  Indexes: Special Service Area 2 - Downtown, Tax Levy - 2013

ORD 00-05391 E.  Ordinance:  Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January 2013 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December 2013 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #4 (Green Acres Subdivision)

Sponsors: Manager's Office

Summary of Item: This establishes the Special Service Area #4 (Green Acres Subdivision) tax levy in the amount of $0.00.

AN ORDINANCE FOR THE LEVYING OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY 2013 AND ENDING ON THE THIRTY-FIRST DAY OF DECEMBER 2013 FOR VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE SPECIAL SERVICE AREA #4 (GREEN ACRES SUBDIVISION)

ORDINANCE NO. 5356 A motion was made by Commissioner Neustadt, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Rheintgen, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Hosé, Commissioner Olsen and Mayor Tully  Indexes: Special Service Area 4 - Green Acres Subdivision, Tax Levy - 2013

ORD 00-05392 F.  Ordinance:  Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January 2013 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December 2013 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #5 (Atwood Subdivision)

Sponsors: Manager's Office

Summary of Item: This establishes the Special Service Area #5 (Atwood Subdivision) tax levy in the amount of $0.00.

AN ORDINANCE FOR THE LEVYING OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY 2013 AND ENDING ON THE THIRTY-FIRST DAY OF DECEMBER 2013 FOR VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE SPECIAL SERVICE AREA #5 (ATWOOD SUBDIVISION)

ORDINANCE NO. 5357 A motion was made by Commissioner Neustadt, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Rheintgen, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Hosé, Commissioner Olsen and Mayor Tully  Indexes: Special Service Area 5 - Atwood Subdivision, Tax Levy - 2013

ORD 00-05393 G.  Ordinance: Levying of Taxes for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of January 2013 and Ending on the Thirty-First Day of December 2013 for Village of Downers Grove Special Service Area #6 (Fairview Fire Protection District)

Sponsors: Manager's Office

Summary of Item: This establishes the Special Service Area #6 (Fairview Fire Protection District) tax levy in the amount of $82,355.00.

AN ORDINANCE FOR THE LEVYING OF TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING ON THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY 2013 AND ENDING ON THE THIRTY-FIRST DAY OF DECEMBER 2013 FOR VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE SPECIAL SERVICE AREA #6 (FAIRVIEW FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT)

ORDINANCE NO. 5358 A motion was made by Commissioner Neustadt, seconded by Commissioner Durkin, to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Rheintgen, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Hosé, Commissioner Olsen and Mayor Tully  Indexes: Special Service Area 6 - Fairview Fire Protection District, Tax Levy - 2013

Motion to Adopt Ordinances 00-05395 through 00-05401, and Ordinance 00-05405 (Active Agenda Items H-O)

The abatement ordinances as enumerated on the agenda will abate certain 2013 tax levies.  The total amount to be abated is $8,615,105.84.  This amount can be abated since other sources of revenue are available to pay these debt service obligations. A motion was made by Commissioner Olsen, seconded by Commissioner Barnett, to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried by the following vote: Votes: Y ea: Commissioner Barnett, Commissioner Durkin, Commissioner Rheintgen, Commissioner Neustadt, Commissioner Hosé, Commissioner Olsen and Mayor Tully

ORD 00-05395 H.  Ordinance:  Abate a Portion of the 2013 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2007

Sponsors: Manager's Office

Summary of Item: AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2013 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2007

ORDINANCE 5359 A motion was made to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried. Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement

ORD 00-05396 I.  Ordinance:  Abate a Portion of the 2013 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2008A

Sponsors: Manager's Office

Summary of Item: AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2013 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2008A

ORDINANCE 5360 A motion was made to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried. Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement

ORD 00-05397 J.  Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2013 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2008B

Sponsors: Manager's Office

Summary of Item: AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2013 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2008B

ORDINANCE 5361 A motion was made to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried. Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement

ORD 00-05398 K.  Ordinance:  Abate a Portion of the 2013 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2009

Sponsors: Manager's Office

Summary of Item: AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2013 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2009

ORDINANCE 5362 A motion was made to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried. Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement

ORD 00-05399 L.  Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2013 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2010

Sponsors: Manager's Office

Summary of Item: AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2013 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2010

ORDINANCE 5363 A motion was made to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried. Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement

ORD 00-05400 M.  Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2013 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2010B

Sponsors: Manager's Office

Summary of Item: AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2013 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2010B

ORDINANCE 5364 A motion was made to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried. Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement

ORD 00-05401 N.  Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2013 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2012

Sponsors: Manager's Office

Summary of Item: AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2013 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2012

ORDINANCE 5365 A motion was made to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried. Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement

ORD 00-05405 O.  Ordinance: Abate a Portion of the 2013 Tax Levy Related to the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2013A

Sponsors: Manager's Office

Summary of Item: AN ORDINANCE ABATING A PORTION OF THE 2013 TAX LEVY RELATED TO THE GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS, SERIES 2013A

ORDINANCE 5366 A motion was made to Adopt this file.  Mayor declared the motion carried. Indexes: Tax Levy Abatement

9. First Reading

RES 00-05446 A.  Resolution:  Authorize a First Amendment to the Redevelopment/Sales Tax Rebate Agreement with Perillo Motor Cars, Inc. and Gold Coast Exotic Imports, LLC

Sponsors: Manager's Office

Summary of Item: This approves a first amendment to the redevelopment/sales tax rebate agreement with Perillo Motor Cars, Inc. and Gold Coast Exotic Imports, LLC.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE REDEVELOPMENT/SALES TAX REBATE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE, PERILLO MOTOR CARS, INC. AND GOLD COAST EXOTIC IMPORTS, LLC

RESOLUTION 2014-01 M ichael Cassa, President, Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation, said the Village Council approved a sales tax rebate agreement with Gold Coast Exotic Imports, LLC in 2011, bringing a Bentley dealership to Downers Grove. In 2012, the Council approved an agreement bringing an Aston Martin dealership to the Village.  Now a resolution has been prepared to amend the agreement with Gold Coast Exotic Imports to include a Lamborghini dealership at the same site as the Bentley dealership, 310-330 Ogden Avenue.  Gold Coast is part of the Joe Perillo network.  The existing agreement provides a rebate of 50% of the sales tax revenue received by the Village for a period of ten years, after the base amount of $5 million in taxable sales is achieved each year.  The new Lamborghini dealership is project to generate $8 million in taxable sales annually.  The Village's net annual sales tax revenue is expected to increase by $40,000.  All improvements required in the agreement are to be made by 12/31/14 and Mr. Cassa noted that he expects the improvements to be done prior to the grand opening in the spring.  The Village may use funds from the Ogden Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District fund to make the rebate payments for TIF eligible expenses.  All other terms and conditions of the agreement will remain in place.  Mr. Cassa said the EDC strongly supports this agreement.  For several years, the Village and the EDC have pursued a very successful strategy to attract auto dealers to the Ogden Avenue corridor.  This strategy has been strongly supported by the Village Council.  The dealerships have had a tremendous impact on the local economy, having generated substantial sales tax revenue.  They have enhanced Ogden Avenue as a major commercial corridor and they have made the Ogden Avenue corridor more attractive.  The EDC will seek out other high-end dealers that may want to join this group.  He thanked the Council, staff, and Rod Mourad of Perillo Motors and Gold Coast Exotic Imports for their work on this matter.

Commissioner Durkin said this agreement is the same we have with other dealerships.  If the Village does not have a sales tax rebate agreement with a car dealership, another municipality will.  He noted that the rebate will not be issued until the third quarter.

Commissioner Durkin said Lamborghini was in Westmont.  He asked for information regarding the move of the dealership to Downers Grove.

Mr. Fieldman said staff spoke with the people at Westmont who were aware of this move.  It speaks to the success and strength of Mr. Perillo and his team.  This was supported by corporate Lamborghini.  The dealership in Downers Grove is a good fit and we are happy to have them.

Mr. Cassa said Perillo Motors has a reputation for managing upscale, successful dealerships.  This is their niche.

Mr. Mourad said Gold Coast Exotic Imports manages several high end dealerships.  This will be a separate dealership from the Gold Coast Lamborghini dealership.  The strength for the operation in Downers Grove is that the Bentley and Lamborghini dealerships will have their own allocations from the factory for Downers Grove sales.

Commissioner Durkin said he supports this and expressed thanks for the commitment to Downers Grove.  It brings in people to Downers Grove from outside the Village.

Mayor Tully also expressed his thanks.  He noted that they have made a very wise choice. Indexes: Sales Tax Rebate

10. Mayor's Report

National League of Cities Conference Report

The Mayor said he attended the Annual Congress of Cities and Exposition Conference sponsored by the National League of Cities and held in Seattle on November 13-16, 2013.   The National League of Cities is a national organization of municipalities that includes 49 state municipal leagues and more than 19,000 cities, villages and towns.  He encouraged people to visit their website at www.nlc.org. to learn more.  Numerous seminars and workshops were available for the attendees.  He found mobile workshops particularly interesting, including information on Seattle.  He then shared highlights of the conference.

At the general opening session, one of the speakers was Brad Smith, General Counsel of Microsoft, who gave a riveting presentation.  The main benefit of the conference is meeting one's peers.  Mayor Tully said there were 2,400 attendees at the conference, many facing the similar challenges.

The 2013 conference focused on three areas:  Knowledge building, leadership training and engagement opportunities.  The Mayor then discussed a number of programs he attended, specifically, Evaluating Economic Development Incentive Programs; Pathways to Careers, Industrial Manufacturing Academy of South Seattle Community College; Food on Wheels:  Mobile Vending Goes Mainstream; and Priority-Driven Budgeting.

The Mayor said that in Seattle, an advisory group has partnered with local community colleges to provide career paths for students to aid in the manufacturing area.  The State of Washington included funding for this project.  He noted that a similar program is taking place in DuPage County through Aerogear and College of DuPage.  Mayor Tully then noted that the topic of Food on Wheels was very interesting, with presentations from Seattle, Portland and Cleveland.  As to why these should be made available, it supports entrepreneurship with lower financial risk, and allows for greater variety.  He noted information from the Cleveland presentation, and suggested that there are models available that are already in this area of interest.

Mayor Tully then reviewed a presentation given by the City of Cincinnati regarding priority-driven budgeting, which described how to identify the primary areas of a budget and how to make adjustments elsewhere to meet the priorities.  Cincinnati identified seven different areas and then reviewed the budget as to how to address those areas by reinventing or sharing other functions or services of their government.

The Mayor said the exposition is an opportunity to talk to vendors about municipal products.  There was a vendor talking about "municipal stuff" which is software allowing people to use their mobile devices through an app to report issues to a municipality.  It empowers citizens to bring issues to the attention of staff.  He spoke of a program called "Citizen Budget" whereby a municipality can enter its budget information and citizens can express their municipal wants and needs and learn about budget implications of these wants/needs.

Commissioner Durkin thanked the Mayor for attending the conference.  There is a great deal to be learned from these conferences and it is beneficial to send more than one elected official.  He then asked what programs the Mayor thought could be implemented in the next 12-18 months.

The Mayor referenced the information available about food trucks, measuring the success of economic development, and educating the public.  The partnership with community colleges is a terrific opportunity.  The opportunity to network and communicate with one's peers is remarkable in and of itself.

11. Manager's Report

Mr. Fieldman asked Tom Dabareiner, Director, Community Development, to provide information regarding the Zoning Ordin