City of Crest Hill City Council met Dec. 9.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The December 9, 2019 City Council work session was called to order by Mayor Raymond R. Soliman at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, 1610 Plainfield Road Crest Hill, Will County, Illinois.
The following Council members were present: Mayor Raymond Soliman, City Clerk Vicki Hackney, City Treasurer Glen Conklin, Alderman Scott Dyke, Alderman John Vershay, Alderwoman Barbara Sklare, Alderwoman Claudia Gazal, Alderwoman Tina Oberlin, Alderman Marco Coladipietro, Alderman Nate Albert, Alderman Joe Kubal.
Also present were: City Administrator Heather McGuire, Assistant City Administrator/HR Director Megan Fulara.
Absent were: Community Development Director Scott McMaster, Director of Water/Wastewater Mark Siefert, Police Chief Ed Clark, Public Works Director Tom Migatz, Finance Supervisor Ashli Motyka.
TOPIC: Serafin Update
Mayor Soliman presented the Serafin Logo Options and Update per the memo dated December 6, 2019. Colleen, Scott, Joshua and David from Serafin were in attendance to give a presentation to the Council. A representative from Serafin gave a presentation on the results of the survey that was sent out to the residents and businesses. There were also four focus groups that were held to get input on the City. The responses that were received were very informative. The majority of the residents are happy to live in the city and raise their families here. Residents commented that they received a lot of information from the City newsletter. Also, some of the items that residents commented best represented the City were Statesville and the Lidice Monument. One of the questions was, what is the greatest physical asset of the City. Access to the interstates was on the high end of the survey, along with schools, the library and retirement communities. Another question on the survey was how outsiders look at the City in general. The best messengers for the City are the people who live or work in the City. As far as the findings from the business surveys, the responses were positive. Some of the things that the City could do to promote itself is to have an active Chamber of Commerce, have a social media program and a promotional website. Discussion followed on how people are getting their information on the City, such as social media, local newspapers and newsletters. Alderwoman Gazal felt that the current social media groups do not promote the City. We need a site where we can put information out there and not receive comments back. Discussion followed on social media. Alderwoman Oberlin commented that we very rarely have people in the audience to address the Council. Discussion followed on City events and how they showcase the City. Discussion followed on the inconsistencies between the fonts and pictures on the business cards, vehicles, and signage. Discussion followed on the new resident packet. Recommended messaging would include words such as neighborly, affordable, family friendly, business-friendly, quiet/safe good location, diversity. The recommended positioning statement would start with “Welcome to Crest Hill, the City of Neighbors" and continue from there. Discussion followed on two proposed City logos and how they would be incorporated in signage, pamphlets and City vehicles. Alderman Coladipietro liked the color pallets, but not the actual logos. Alderwoman Gazal liked option B Alderman Albert liked option A. Discussion followed among the members of the Council regarding the designs. Administrator McGuire asked if the Council would be receptive to a simpler house design, such as an outline or just rooftops. Alderman Dyke felt the flower design resembled the BP gas logo. Alderwoman Oberlin asked why we did not go with the rose pattern. They chose to go with an abstract design that was minimal. As far as colors, they chose ones that would work together. Discussion followed on the type of font they would like to see. Alderman Vershay felt that no one really looks at signage. Alderwoman Gazal would like to see a third option for the logo. Further discussion followed on the two logos that were presented. The representative from Serafin said that only 12% of those answering the survey knew what the rose on the current logo represents. The Council would like to see some type of simplified logo that more represents the City. Discussion followed on option B-2, with lower case letters. Alderman Vershay suggested taking the bottom portion off of Option A and see how it would look. Administrator McGuire asked that the Council think about what they would like to see and share those ideas. Discussion then followed on developing the Crest Hill brand. The recommendation was for an integrated approach to review and inventory all the current and planned events with potential direct and indirect impact on the City brand. Use a communications calendar to organize all communications for the calendar year. Partner closely with civic organizations, businesses and taxing bodies to market the City. There was a suggestion to give the new municipal center some type of name such as City Center. You can also integrate the upcoming 60th birthday of the City into the branding. The City could bundle all events for partnerships or sponsorships rather than generate donations and fundraising for individual programs. The City's 60th birthday would be an opportunity to honor the past as well as showing people that the city is looking forward to the future. It is suggested that the rebranding be a part of the letterhead, business cards, newsletter and gateway banners. Alderwoman Oberlin explained that for the City's 50th birthday we sold space on the banners to businesses which were displayed throughout the City. Treasurer Conklin explained that there was one municipality that had a City banner and then a business banner in between The City can tell its story by activating a deploying key members and assets of its internal audience as messengers. Anyone who lives or works in the City could be potential messengers to promote the City's brand. The City can establish social media content and other partners and channels could use or share that content. Most resident and social organizations are utilizing Facebook, and this could be used to promote content for and about the City. Alderman Albert was pleased with the results of the surveys. Alderman Kubal questioned the rose emblem and why did we not use it. Residents were questioned about the rose emblem and the feedback wasn't in favor of it. Alderman Albert was not sure where the rose symbol came from. He felt that the Memorial Garden had a bigger impact. Alderwoman Oberlin explained that the rose is tied to the Lidice Memorial. There was a rose bush planted for each child who lost their lives in the tragedy. There is only one other City that has a monument for Lidice. Discussion followed on the results of the survey. Administrator McGuire informed the Council that we can bring this up for discussion again after the first of the year.
TOPIC: City Hall Police Station Façade Sample Mayor Soliman announced that the City Hall Police Station Façade Sample would be tabled until a future meeting.
TOPIC: Lighting Plan for Kubinski and Patrick Drive
Mayor Soliman presented the Lighting Plan for Kubinski and Patrick Drive per the memo dated December 5, 2019. Administrator McGuire presented a proposal from Christopher Burke Engineering to provide design services for lighting along Patrick and Kubinski Drive. TIF funds in the amount of $24,750.00 would be used for the improvements. City Staff recommends approving the contract. Alderwoman Oberlin asked for some background on the project. Alderman Albert asked if this is the decorative lighting. This would be for the streetlights along Kubinski and Patrick.
Mayor Soliman asked for an informal vote for the Lighting Plan for Kubinski and Patrick Drive. All members present were in agreement.
TOPIC: RFP Solid Waste Collection
Mayor Soliman presented the RFP for Solid Waste Collection Services per the memo dated December 6, 2019. Administrator McGuire informed the Council that this is the RFP that was drafted for solid waste disposal. She went over the background of the contract. Alderman Coladipietro questioned the e-waste. Administrator McGuire explained this could be for curbside pickup or scheduled pick up. Discussion followed on curbside pickup or scheduled pick up. The intent is to send this out on Friday and also have it on the website. Alderman Kubal asked if we are taking anything away. We are not. Administrator McGuire went over the contract. Treasurer Conklin questioned service for condos and townhomes. Administrator McGuire explained that if its four units or under it's a part of the water bill. If it's more than four units than they have to provide their own garbage service. Once we receive the proposals they will reviewed and then will be presented to the Council at the work session scheduled for February 24, 2020. The procedure is different than a bid opening.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no public comments.
MAYORS UPDATES: Mayor Soliman presented a request for the approval of a $100.00 donation for the Old Timers Banquet. We have donated to them in the past.
Mayor Soliman asked for an informal vote for the Old Timers Banquet in the amount of
$100.00. All members present were in agreement.
COMMITTEE/LIAISON UPDATES: There were no committee/liaison updates.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR UPDATES: Administrator McGuire informed the Council that if anyone has not taken a look at the shirts and jackets, please do so by Wednesday Administrator McGuire announced that we closed on the bonds on December 3, 2019. Everything went through as planned. The City received a storm water grant for Raynor Avenue in the amount of $22,000.00. Fuller's Car Wash had a soft opening on Friday. They will have a grand opening in the future. Alderwoman Gazal questioned a letter that was received from the IEPA. This is for some changes that are being made at the LaFarge property. The property is located on Renwick across from Borio Drive.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
https://www.cityofcresthill.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12092019-428
Alerts Sign-up