Village of Lincolnwood Economic Development Commission and... · economic development commission...

Village of Lincolnwood Economic Development Commission

Meeting Wednesday, July 22, 2020

8:00 A.M.

MEETING HELD VIA GOTO MEETING.

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IN-PERSON PARTICIPATION : Members of the public may attend the meeting in-person, per the requirements of Illinois State Senate Bill 2135, and provide real-time comments in-person in the Council Chambers located in Village Hall at 6900 North Lincoln Avenue. However, pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order, no more than 50 people may gather at Village Hall for the meeting. Accordingly, the opportunity to view the virtual meeting at Village Hall is available on a “first come, first-served” basis, as the room allows, given the requirement for social distancing.

Meeting Agenda

1. Call to Order/Quorum Declaration

2. Minutes Approval May 27, 2020 Meeting*

3. Visioning Exercise – Development in the Northeast Gateway Focus Area*

4. Update on Lincolnwood-Specific Re-Opening Strategies and Initiatives*

5. Reports

a. Business Licenses*

6. Other Business 7. Public Forum

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8. Prospective Businesses Forum 9. Adjournment

*Commissioner Enclosures

The next scheduled meeting of the Economic Development Commission is on August 26, 2020 Posted Date: July 17, 2020

Economic Development Commission

Wednesday, May 27, 2020 Held Via “GoToMeeting”

Commissioners Present Commissioners Absent James Kucienski, Chairman James Berger, Vice Chairman Rivak Albazi Joe Spagnoli Myles Berman Maureen Ehrenberg Tim Garcia Jennifer Spino Leonard Weiss Staff Present Anne Marie Gaura, Village Manager Steve McNellis, Community Development Director Doug Hammel, Development Manager Charles Meyer, Assistant Village Manager Jake Litz, Management Analyst

1. Call to Order/ Quorum Declaration Noting that a quorum of seven members was present electronically, the meeting was called to order by Chairman Kucienski at 8:03 a.m.

2. Minutes Approval Chairman Kucienski asked the Commission if any edits were to be made to the February 26, 2020 meeting minutes. Commissioner Ehrenberg noted that her name was misspelled on the previous meeting minutes. Management Analyst Litz noted the change and corrected the minutes. Chairman Kucienski called for a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Commissioner Spino moved and Commissioner Albazi seconded the motion. There was a consensus to approve the minutes as corrected. At the request of the EDC Chairman, commissioners introduced themselves to the invited guests attending the meeting, including Terry Lawler from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Nicole Olson from the Walmart Pick-Up Store, Erin Lyons from the

Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes May 27, 2020

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Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce, and Peter Abraham from the Lincolnwood Town Center Mall.

3. Presentation on COVID-19 Impacts to Business and Re-Opening Strategies, by Ibie Hart, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Ibie Hart from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) provided a presentation regarding the impacts of COVID-19 to business. She discussed some of the funding issues at the state level throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Hart explained that she oversees all women-owned businesses throughout the State of Illinois. She stated that the DCEO has rolled out several initiatives including a $14 million hospitality industry grant. A downstate stabilization grant fund, Illinois small business fund, and a job portal were also established through the DCEO. The Department has also been advocating for additional federal funding for Illinois small businesses via the Cares Act. Webinars are now available for local businesses and the DCEO’s customer service efforts have increased. She said that new State incentives for local businesses will become available in the coming weeks. Ms. Hart said the goal is to foster a stable and sustainable economy as the State moves into “Phase 3” of the Restore Illinois reopening plan. Ms. Hart highlighted several of the DCEO’s guidelines for reopening the state. The guidelines included a focus on various safety elements. These elements include safety in the physical workspace (social distancing), disinfecting and cleaning procedures, and staffing and attendance (external interactions with patrons/customers). The DCEO also states that signage stating safety protocols, including face-covering reminders, is essential for retail businesses. The DCEO provides visual signs on their website for businesses. Water fountains should be touchless or closed off to the general public. Visual markers of 6 foot distancing are important to maintain physical distance between patrons. Impermeable barriers should be added when 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained. The DCEO recommends that there should not be any “shareable” items in a workplace. Additionally, Ms. Hart explained the Department’s recommendation on increasing outside airflow to the inside of the building. Commissioner Berman asked via GoToMeeting Chat if the State of Illinois’ Minority and Women-Owned Business certification is the same as the City of Chicago’s certification. Ms. Hart said that the two entities have two different certifications. Commissioner Berman also asked via Chat if there was any movement in the Governor’s office to expand the State's 4 “regional health zones” into more zones in Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan. He stated that the 4 zones are fraught with problems. He highlighted the problems in “collar counties” around suburban Cook. Ms. Hart said that the State is currently discussing this matter but nothing has been decided at this point. Commissioner Berman also asked via Chat if final regulations have been promulgated for the


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mainstream loan programs. Ms. Hart stated that they have not due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Discussion on Lincolnwood-Specific Re-Opening Strategies and Initiatives Director McNellis reintroduced the guests from the business community who were present at the meeting. He then highlighted details of the Restore Illinois Plan. He stated that the State is currently in Phase 2 of the plan and that the State is anticipated to enter Phase 3 on May 29th. Phase 3 allows for the re-opening of non-essential businesses, including retail and outdoor seating for restaurants. However, gatherings must still be limited to 10 individuals or fewer. Phase 4 isn’t anticipated to occur until at least June 26th. Director McNellis overviewed initiatives that other communities have taken to assist businesses. Northwest Municipal Conference (NWMC) conducted a survey of 16 communities to better understand what municipalities are doing to support local businesses. So far, many communities have listed resources for businesses on their respective websites. Some of the other initiatives municipalities have taken include: listing open restaurants/businesses on village websites and social media platforms, extending deadlines for payment of Village services and/or licenses, permitting temporary signage, extending liquor sales permissibility to delivery and curbside, and working with chambers of commerce to promote and assist businesses. All of these initiatives have also been undertaken by Lincolnwood. Most municipalities are working on business re-opening plans, but are waiting for the Governor’s guidance. Director McNellis highlighted some of the proposed ideas other communities are considering as part of a re-opening plan, including potential modifications to ease some requirements in their codes and regulations. This includes allowing outdoor seating areas in parking lots, consideration of street closures for pedestrian zones, promotional advertising, and loosening temporary signage restrictions. Most communities who responded to the NWMC survey either haven’t decided or will not use municipal funds for re-opening initiatives. Director McNellis stated that Morton Grove, Wilmette, and Schaumburg were the three communities that would be using municipal funds for related initiatives. Director McNellis separated staff’s recommendations for Lincolnwood-specific assistance for businesses into three categories. These categories include Business Operations, Relief from Village Codes and Regulations, and Business Promotion and Outreach. He then overviewed the categories in detail. The first category, Business Operations, includes the Village providing businesses to source essential PPE, as well as written communications on the proper use of PPE, hygiene, and exposure control. Additionally, the Village will continue to provide information on various loan and grant options from state and federal agencies. The Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce provides a Business Tool Kit that the Village continues to promote.


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The second category discussed by Director McNellis, Relief from Village Codes and Regulations, focused on ways the Village can be more lenient when it comes to certain restrictions. He proposed allowing Village staff to make administrative decisions to reduce lengthy bureaucratic reviews. A good example of this would be outdoor restaurant seating operations. Additionally, he suggested that relaxed restrictions should have an expiration date at some point. Director McNellis mentioned that the Village Board is considering postponing and/or pro-rating certain Village fees such as Liquor and Business Licenses. He also said the Village Board is considering adjusting restaurant outdoor seating requirements. Commissioner Weiss recommended that restaurants which utilize outdoor seating should be allowed an open-sided tent. Director McNellis said that issue would be discussed at a Special Village Board meeting and that any tent would have to comply with state guidelines. Chairman Kucienski said that he would want to make it as easy as possible for businesses to reopen. Commissioner Weiss asked if there was a plan for restaurants in the Lincolnwood Town Center (LTC) Mall. LTC Mall Manager Peter Abraham said that there was not currently a plan in place. However, curbside pick-up at the mall might be made available. Continuing on with Village Code regulation relief ideas, Director McNellis said that banners, balloons, signs, and/or other displays could potentially be permitted. Commissioner Ehrenberg said that caution should be taken when allowing any and all signs as it could become distracting and actually deter people from shopping. Commissioner Spino said that the Village should be mindful of trash collection and signage as restaurants shift outdoors. Commissioner Weiss said that this is a great opportunity to bring Chicago residents into the Village of Lincolnwood, as the Village is a few weeks ahead of Chicago in terms of reopening. Commissioner Berman said that he would favor a more expansive open and allow for any of the proposed initiatives. Commissioner Weiss suggested that hand-written signs be prohibited. Commissioner Albazi suggested that local print shops be included on the proposed initiative. The third category discussed by Director McNellis was Business Promotion and Outreach. This included various campaign ideas for reopening and buying local. The various promotions could be done through signage and/or web-based promotions. He also said a “Grand Re-Opening” week could be another way to promote business through a festival-like event. Commissioner Weiss suggested that the Lincolnwood Review should be utilized to promote local businesses as well. Commissioner Berman said that one issue that could arise with the proposed initiatives is that Lincolnwood business areas are highly disjointed. He stated that the Village will need to be highly flexible throughout the reopening of the Village. Commissioner Albazi proposed a business fair in Proesel Park to promote the reopening of their respective business. He suggested a fair with booths


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that contain advertising for the business; their products and promotional discounts may be all that is needed. Several Commissioners supported this concept.

5. Other Business There was no other business discussed.

6. Public Forum There was no public comment.

7. Prospective Businesses Forum No business was discussed.

8. Adjournment

Commissioner Berman moved for adjournment and was seconded by Commissioner Ehrenberg. By consensus, the meeting was adjourned at 9:35 a.m.

Respectfully submitted: Jake Litz Management Analyst Fire Department/Community Development

MEMORANDUM TO: Chair and Members

Economic Development Commission

FROM: Doug Hammel Community Development Manager

DATE: July 22, 2020

SUBJECT: Item #3 - Visioning Exercise: Development in the Northeast Gateway Focus Area

In February 2020, the EDC discussed a more proactive vision for the Northeast Gateway and South Gateway focus areas. That discussion focused on identifying “big picture” ideas or guiding principles for future development in those areas. At the end of the discussion, it was requested of Commissioners to provide names or images of other places that capture certain characteristics that would be transferable and appropriate in the focus areas. During the July 22 meeting, the visioning discussion will focus on the Northeast Gateway focus area. (The South Gateway focus area will be discussed at a future EDC meeting.) This discussion will focus on places and design concepts provided by Commissioners since the February 2020 meeting. Staff is preparing slides with imagery of those places, and will facilitate a discussion seeking to answer the following questions:

• What characteristics about each place make it a unique experience? • What characteristics can be integrated into future development in either or both focus

areas? • What characteristics might serve as a catalyst or “anchor” for development in each focus

area. The results of this discussion will help establish a more concrete vision for the Northeast Gateway focus area and provide a series of strategic actions that can support implementation of each vision. This past spring, the Village Board saw the opportunity to update an existing Retail Analysis and Feasibility report for the NEID TIF district and surrounding properties which make up the Northeast Gateway focus area. In furtherance of that goal, the Board authorized the hiring of a consultant to update that market assessment and potentially expand that analysis to include land

use recommendations and design strategies. A recent request for proposals has yielded several consultants interested in completing this study, which requires a quick turnaround, as it is being funded through TIF funds which expire at the end of 2020. The Village Board will be selecting a consultant at their August 4th meeting, and the results of this EDC visioning exercise and subsequent Northeast Gateway Focus Area report are anticipated to be utilized as a foundational document for the consultant in preparing their report.

MEMORANDUM TO: Chair and Members

Economic Development Commission FROM: Steve McNellis

Community Development Director DATE: July 22, 2020 SUBJECT: Agenda Item #4 – Update on Re-Opening Strategies & Initiatives

As you will recall, at the May 27, 2020 EDC meeting there was discussion regarding re-opening strategies and initiatives for the Village. Staff provided a summary of the limitations in the Governor’s Restore Illinois Plan, and discussed the result of a survey of comparison communities regarding the efforts they are undertaking to support their local business community. The State has now moved into Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan, as of June 26th. Phase 5, which is a return to normal operating procedures, will likely not be implemented until there is either a vaccine or highly-effective treatment widely-available. Since the May 27th meeting, the Village Board has been provided the EDC’s comments and recommendations, and the first phase of the proposed initiatives has been approved and undertaken. These initiatives include: Outdoor dining permissibility, relaxing Codes for Outdoor Advertising, Village “Grand Reopening” banner program, and waiver/extension of Business and Liquor License fees. In addition, planning is well underway for the second phase of initiatives, including a Virtual Business Roundtable meeting, a positive messaging campaign, and a local business survey inquiring as to the types of assistance businesses find to be of value. Other ideas, such as a restaurant voucher program, have been discussed and rejected at this time. In addition, staff is gathering information and feedback on the Business Fair concept, which was brought up by several Commissioners and Trustee Sargon at the May 27th meeting. It is important, moving forward, that we recognize that the state will likely not reach Phase 5 until at least early 2021, and likely later in 2021. Therefore, it is important to look at initiatives to support business being phased-in over time, with some recurring or potentially being sustainable for at least a year. As these projects move forward, their status is a moving target. So, staff will provide an up-to-the-minute detailed update, as part of a presentation, at the July 22nd meeting.

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Attachments: 1. Restore Illinois Plan 2. Staff Memorandum to the Village Board, dated June 2, 2020 3. Staff Memorandum to the Village Board, dated June 16, 2020

A Public Health Approach To Safely Reopen Our State

O!ice of the GovernorJB Pritzker

May 5, 2020

RESTOREILLINOIS

From the beginning of the new coronavirus pandemic, Illinois’ response has been guided by data, science, and public health experts. As community spread rapidly increased, Governor Pritzker moved quickly to issue a Disaster Proclamation on March 9, restrict visitors to nursing homes on March 11, close bars and restaurants for on-site consumption on March 16, move schools to remote learning on March 17, and issue a Stay at Home order on March 21. This virus has caused painful, cascading consequences for everyone in Illinois, but the science has been clear: in the face of a new coronavirus with unknown characteristics and in the absence of widespread testing availability and contact tracing, mitigation and maintaining a 6-foot social distance have been the only options to reduce the spread and save as many lives as possible.

Millions of Illinoisans working together by staying at home and following experts’ recommendations have proven these mitigation and social distancing measures effective so far. The result has been a lower infection rate, fewer hospitalizations, and lower number of fatalities than projected without these measures. Our curve has begun to flatten. Nevertheless, the risk of spread remains, and modeling and data point to a rapid surge in new cases if all mitigation measures were to be immediately lifted.

Now that Illinois is bending the curve, it is vitally important that we follow a safe and deliberate path forward to get our Illinois economy moving. That path forward is not what everyone wants or hopes for, but it will keep Illinoisans as safe as possible from this virus as our economy is reopening.

Restore Illinois is about saving lives and livelihoods. This five-phased plan will reopen our state, guided by health metrics and with distinct business, education, and recreation activities characterizing each phase. This is an initial framework that will likely be updated as research and science develop and as the potential for treatments or vaccines is realized. The plan is based upon regional healthcare availability, and it recognizes the distinct impact COVID-19 has had on different regions of our state as well as regional variations in hospital capacity. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has 11 Emergency Medical Services Regions that have traditionally guided its statewide public health work and will continue to inform this reopening plan. For the purposes of this plan, from those 11, four health regions are established, each with the ability to independently move through a phased approach: Northeast Illinois; North-Central Illinois; Central Illinois; and Southern Illinois.

An Introduction tt

The five phases for each health region are as follows:

Phase 1 – Rapid Spread: The rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital is high or rapidly increasing. Strict stay at home and social distancing guidelines are put in place and only essential businesses remain open. Every region has experienced this phase once already, and could return to it if mitigation efforts are unsuccessful.

Phase 2 – Flattening: The rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital beds and ICU beds increases at an ever slower rate, moving toward a flat and even a downward trajectory. Non-essential retail stores reopen for curb-side pickup and delivery. Illinoisans are directed to wear a face covering when outside the home and can begin enjoying additional outdoor activities like golf, boating and fishing while practicing social distancing. To varying degrees, every region is experiencing flattening as of early May.

Phase 3 – Recovery: The rate of infection among those surveillance tested, the number of patients admitted to the hospital, and the number of patients needing ICU beds is stable or declining. Manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops and salons can reopen to the public with capacity and other limits and safety precautions. Gatherings limited to 10 people or fewer are allowed. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.

Phase 4 – Revitalization: The rate of infection among those surveillance tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital continues to decline. Gatherings of 50 people or fewer are allowed, restaurants and bars reopen, travel resumes, child care and schools reopen under guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.

Phase 5 – Illinois Restored: With a vaccine or highly effective treatment widely available or the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period, the economy fully reopens with safety precautions continuing. Conventions, festivals and large events are permitted, and all businesses, schools and places of recreation can open with new safety guidance and procedures in place reflecting the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Until COVID-19 is defeated, this plan also recognizes that just as health metrics will tell us it is safe to move forward, health metrics may also tell us to return to a prior phase. With a vaccine or highly effective treatment not yet available, IDPH will be closely monitoring key metrics to immediately identify trends in cases and hospitalizations to determine whether a return to a prior phase may become necessary.

All public health criteria included in this document are subject to change.

As research and data on this novel coronavirus continue to develop, this plan can and will be updated to reflect the latest science and data.

Iroquois

Will

Lee

Pike

Ogle

LaSalle

McLean

Henry

Fulton

Knox

Adams

Bureau

Ford

Shelby

Wayne

Clay

Edgar

Kane

Fayette

Livingston

Lake

Logan

Peoria

Clark

Vermilion

Hancock

Coles

Macoupin

Macon

DeKalb

Madison

Mason

Marion

Perry

Mercer

Sangamon

Christian

Tazewell

St. Clair

Cass

Warren

Greene

Morgan

Jasper

Jackson

Bond

DeWitt Piatt

Whiteside

Clinton

Kankakee

McHenry

Carroll

Randolph

Jefferson

Grundy

Jersey

Jo Daviess

Montgomery

Cook

Woodford

Stark

Monroe

Douglas

Schuyler

McDonough

Hamilton

Crawford

Scott

Washington

Brown

Stephenson

Marshall

Effingham

Winnebago Boone

DuPage

Kendall

Menard

Moultrie

Lawrence

Rock Island

Cumberland

Putnam

Champaign

Franklin

Williamson

Henderson

Calhoun

Wabash

White

UnionPope

Saline Gallatin

Johnson

MassacPulaski

Hardin

Alexander

Richland

Edw

ards

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2

36

4

5

7

89

10

11

RESTORE ILLINOIS HEALTH REGIONS

NORTHEASTNORTH-CENTRALCENTRALSOUTHERN

WHAT THIS PHASE LOOKS LIKE

COVID-19 is rapidly spreading. The number of COVID-19 positive patients in the hospital, in ICU beds, and on ventilators is increasing. The public health response relies on dramatic mitigation measures, like stay at home orders and social distancing, to slow the spread of the virus and prevent a surge that overwhelms the health care system. With a Stay at Home order in place, only essential businesses are in operation and activities outside of the home are limited to essentials, like grocery shopping.

WHAT’S OPEN?

Gatherings: Essential gatherings, such as religious services, of 10 or fewer allowed; No non-essential gatherings of any size

Travel: Non-essential travel discouraged

Health care: Emergency procedures and COVID-19 care only

Education and child care: Remote learning in P-12 schools and higher education; Child care in groups of 10 or fewer for essential workers

Outdoor recreation: Walking, hiking and biking permitted; State parks closed

Businesses:

• Manufacturing: Essential manufacturing only • “Non-essential” businesses: Employees of “non-essential” businesses are required to work from home except

for Minimum Basic Operations • Bars and restaurants: Open for delivery, pickup and drive-through only • Entertainment: Closed • Personal care services and health clubs: Closed • Retail: Essential stores are open with strict restrictions; Non-essential stores are closed

HOW WE MOVE TO THE NEXT PHASE

Cases and Capacity:

• Slowing of new case growth • Availability of surge capacity in adult medical and surgical beds, ICU beds, and ventilators

Testing:

• Ability to perform 10,000 tests per day statewide • Testing available in region for any symptomatic health care workers and first responders

Phase 1: Rapid Spread


The rise in the rate of infection is beginning to slow and stabilize. Hospitalizations and ICU bed usage continue to increase but are flattening, and hospital capacity remains stable. Face coverings must always be worn when social distancing is not possible. Testing capacity increases and tracing programs are put in place to contain outbreaks and limit the spread.

WHAT’S OPEN

Gatherings: Essential gatherings, such as religious services, of 10 or fewer allowed; No non-essential gatherings

Travel: Non-essential travel discouraged

Health care: Emergency and COVID-19 care continue; Elective procedures allowed once IDPH criteria met

Education and child care: Remote learning in P-12 schools and higher education; Child care in groups of 10 or fewer for essential workers

Outdoor recreation: Walking, hiking, and biking permitted; Select state parks open; Boating and fishing permitted; Golf courses open; All with IDPH approved safety guidance

Businesses:

• Manufacturing: Essential manufacturing only • “Non-essential” businesses: Employees of “non-essential” businesses are required to work from home except

for Minimum Basic Operations • Bars and restaurants: Open for delivery, pickup, and drive through only • Personal care services and health clubs: Closed • Retail: Essential stores are open with restrictions; Non-essential stores open for delivery and curbside pickup


Cases and Capacity: The determination of moving from Phase 2 to Phase 3 will be driven by the COVID-19 positivity rate in each region and measures of maintaining regional hospital surge capacity. This data will be tracked from the time a region enters Phase 2, onwards.

• At or under a 20 percent positivity rate and increasing no more than 10 percentage points over a 14-day period, AND

• No overall increase (i.e. stability or decrease) in hospital admissions for COVID-19-like illness for 28 days, AND

• Available surge capacity of at least 14 percent of ICU beds, medical and surgical beds, and ventilators

Testing: Testing available for all patients, health care workers, first responders, people with underlying conditions, and residents and staff in congregate living facilities

Tracing: Begin contact tracing and monitoring within 24 hours of diagnosis

WHAT COULD CAUSE US TO MOVE BACK

IDPH will closely monitor data and receive on-the-ground feedback from local health departments and regional healthcare councils and will recommend moving back to the previous phase based on the following factors:

• Sustained rise in positivity rate • Sustained increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19 like illness • Reduction in hospital capacity threatening surge capabilities • Significant outbreak in the region that threatens the health of the region

Phase 2: Flattening


The rate of infection among those surveillance tested is stable or declining. COVID-19-related hospitalizations and ICU capacity remains stable or is decreasing. Face coverings in public continue to be required. Gatherings of 10 people or fewer for any reason can resume. Select industries can begin returning to workplaces with social distancing and sanitization practices in place. Retail establishments reopen with limited capacity, and select categories of personal care establishments can also begin to reopen with social distancing guidelines and personal protective equipment. Robust testing is available along with contact tracing to limit spread and closely monitor the trend of new cases.

WHAT’S OPEN

Gatherings: All gatherings of 10 people or fewer are allowed with this limit subject to change based on latest data & guidance Travel: Travel should follow IDPH and CDC approved guidance Health Care: All health care providers are open with DPH approved safety guidance Education and child care: Remote learning in P-12 schools and higher education; Limited child care and summer programs open with IDPH approved safety guidance Outdoor recreation: State parks open; Activities permitted in groups of 10 or fewer with social distancing Businesses:

• Manufacturing: Non-essential manufacturing that can safely operate with social distancing can reopen with IDPH approved safety guidance

• “Non-essential” businesses: Employees of “non-essential” businesses are allowed to return to work with IDPH approved safety guidance depending upon risk level, tele-work strongly encouraged wherever possible; Employers are encouraged to provide accommodations for COVID-19-vulnerable employees

• Bars and restaurants: Open for delivery, pickup, and drive through only • Personal care services and health clubs: Barbershops and salons open with IDPH approved safety guidance; Health

and fitness clubs can provide outdoor classes and one-on-one personal training with IDPH approved safety guidance • Retail: Open with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance, including face coverings


Cases and Capacity: The determination of moving from Phase 3 to Phase 4 will be driven by the COVID-19 positivity rate in each region and measures of maintaining regional hospital surge capacity. This data will be tracked from the time a region enters Phase 3, onwards.

• At or under a 20 percent positivity rate and increasing no more than 10 percentage points over a 14-day period, AND

• No overall increase (i.e. stability or decrease) in hospital admissions for COVID-19-like illness for 28 days, AND

• Available surge capacity of at least 14 percent of ICU beds, medical and surgical beds, and ventilators Testing: Testing available in region regardless of symptoms or risk factors Tracing: Begin contact tracing and monitoring within 24 hours of diagnosis for more than 90% of cases in region




Phase 3: Recovery t


There is a continued decline in the rate of infection in new COVID-19 cases. Hospitals have capacity and can quickly adapt for a surge of new cases in their communities. Additional measures can be carefully lifted allowing for schools and child care programs to reopen with social distancing policies in place. Restaurants can open with limited capacity and following strict public health procedures, including personal protective equipment for employees. Gatherings with 50 people or fewer will be permitted. Testing is widely available, and tracing is commonplace.

WHAT’S OPEN

Gatherings: Gatherings of 50 people or fewer are allowed with this limit subject to change based on latest data and guidance

Travel: Travel should follow IDPH and CDC approved guidance

Health care: All health care providers are open

Education and child care: P-12 schools, higher education, all summer programs, and child care open with IDPH approved safety guidance

Outdoor Recreation: All outdoor recreation allowed

Businesses:

• Manufacturing: All manufacturing open with IDPH approved safety guidance • “Non-essential” businesses: All employees return to work with IDPH approved safety guidance; Employers

are encouraged to provide accommodations for COVID-19-vulnerable employees • Bars and restaurants: Open with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance • Personal care services and health clubs: All barbershops, salons, spas and health and fitness clubs open

with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance • Entertainment: Cinema and theaters open with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance • Retail: Open with capacity limits and IDPH approved safety guidance


Post-pandemic: Vaccine, effective and widely available treatment, or the elimination of new cases over a sustained period of time through herd immunity or other factors.




Phase 4: Revitalization t


Testing, tracing and treatment are widely available throughout the state. Either a vaccine is developed to prevent additional spread of COVID-19, a treatment option is readily available that ensures health care capacity is no longer a concern, or there are no new cases over a sustained period. All sectors of the economy reopen with new health and hygiene practices permanently in place. Large gatherings of all sizes can resume. Public health experts focus on lessons learned and building out the public health infrastructure needed to meet and overcome future challenges. Heath care equity is made a priority to improve health outcomes and ensure vulnerable communities receive the quality care they deserve.

WHAT’S OPEN

• All sectors of the economy reopen with businesses, schools, and recreation resuming normal operations with new safety guidance and procedures.

• Conventions, festivals, and large events can take place.

Phase 5: Illinois Restored t

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MEMORANDUM TO: Anne Marie Gaura

Village Manager FROM: Steve McNellis Community Development Director DATE: June 2, 2020 SUBJECT: Business Re-Opening Strategies & Initiatives BACKGROUND Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois Plan, unveiled on May 5th, is a five-phase plan (see attached plan) for returning the State to a pre-pandemic fully-open condition, with no restrictions. While it is unlikely that Phase 5 will be achieved in the near term, as it relies on a vaccine or treatment option for COVID-19, the State transitioned into Phase 3 from Phase 2 on May 29th. With this move into Phase 3, the State has begun truly re-opening, as most all facets of business are now open, albeit with serious restrictions in some cases. Transition into Phase 3 also brought the partial re-opening of restaurants, with permissibility for outdoor seating only. On the current “Restore Illinois” timeline, a transition to Phase 4 could happen as early as June 26th, assuming that certain milestones dictated in the plan are met. Phase 4 will allow larger gatherings than Phase 3 (50 people versus 10 people), and importantly, also allows restaurants to open their interior dining rooms, with capacity limitations. As these phase changes are fast-approaching, the Village is looking at ways to effectively and responsibly partner with, and support, our business community in re-starting Lincolnwood’s economic engine. EDC Discussion: With that in mind, the Economic Development Commission (EDC) discussed re-opening strategies at their meeting on May 27th. This discussion occurred in conjunction with a presentation by Ibie Hart, a representative from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, who presented the EDC with a status update on programs available through the State, and next steps for re-opening, as outlined in the Restore Illinois Plan. The EDC then began a discussion on the pros and cons of several initiatives staff had proposed as a starting point. The EDC was joined by other local business leaders who had been invited to participate in Wednesday morning’s EDC meeting, including Peter Abraham, General Manager of Lincolnwood Town Center; Nicole Olson, Store Manager of the Wal-Mart Grocery Pick-Up facility; Terry Lawler, General Manager of L.Woods Tap & Lodge; and Erin Lyons, Executive

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Director of the Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce. Erin has worked collaboratively with staff on a number of projects during the pandemic, and her assistance has been invaluable in helping keep our business community connected. Staff noted that the discussion had been divided into three topic areas, with Business Operations, generally focused on the tools and regulations businesses need to be aware of in order to operate, and Village Code Relief focusing on specific codes and regulations that could be temporarily relaxed. While the EDC had no issues or changes regarding staff’s recommendations for Business Operations, there was discussion regarding Village Code Relief. In general, there was a consensus that the Village should be flexible in these challenging times, and that the relief proposed was appropriate, to a degree. There was support for outdoor dining in parking lots and for waivers and pro-rating of specific Village licenses. There was also support for relaxing requirements for temporary banners and other attention-getting devices, as well as outdoor display of products. However, the EDC made it clear that relaxing these codes should not allow the community to look like a flea market. In other words, some restraints would still need to be enforced. The third area discussed by the EDC was Business Promotion and Outreach. Discussion of this topic elicited comments ranging from a desire to implement several of the staff-generated ideas, to the feeling by one Commissioner that the lack of a cohesive business community made it difficult to roll-out a comprehensive strategy. This opinion was not shared by the other Commissioners. The EDC also offered up suggestions, including promoting temporary signage for individual businesses as well as Village-wide branding. In addition, there was much discussion and support for a fair of some sort at Proesel Park, in which local businesses could display their products and offer discounts. The idea being that this would remind residents of the businesses in the community, what they offer, and provide discounts as an incentive to visit that business. While some felt an open-air market might be appropriate, others felt this should be more of a display, to better insure the required physical distancing and smaller crowd sizes could be maintained. Additional detail regarding this discussion, and EDC recommendations, will be provided to the Village Board prior to Tuesday’s Village Board meeting. REQUESTED ACTION Direction from the Village Board regarding initiatives that should be undertaken immediately, as well as any additional research/information that is necessary in order to consider other strategies/initiatives to assist and support local businesses. DOCUMENTS ATTACHED

1. Staff Memorandum to the EDC, Dated May 27, 2020 2. Restore Illinois Plan 3. Business Re-Opening Survey 4. “Back to Business” Tool Kit, by Lincolnwood Chamber of Commerce 5. Articles on Restaurant Initiatives, from various sources

REFERRED TO BOARD: June 16, 2020 AGENDA ITEM NO: 10 ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: Community Development SUBJECT: Discussion Concerning Authorization of Temporary Outdoor Advertising Operations

During the COVID-19 Pandemic SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER: At the June 2, 2020 Regular Village Board meeting, Staff presented several EDC-endorsed ideas designed to assist and support local businesses as they re-open. The EDC specifically noted these ideas would require flexibility and a willingness to loosen typical restrictions, in order to be successful. The Village Board voiced support of the EDC’s recommendations to advertise and promote local businesses, while also providing businesses with the means to make their properties more visible through temporary permissibility of outdoor advertisement. In staff’s supplemental memorandum for the June 2 Village Board meeting, additional detail was presented regarding the proposed temporary relaxing of certain Zoning Codes related to outdoor advertising. Those code regulations address temporary signs, outdoor sales display and outdoor operations (including the sale of products). With Board support voiced for the idea of relaxing certain Codes, staff is seeking direction and consensus of the Village Board regarding the code regulations that are recommended to be temporarily relaxed. Those regulations, which are proposed to be relaxed through Labor Day (September 7, 2020), include the following:

1) Temporary Banner Signs – “Grand Opening” banners on private property are currently permitted to be utilized for up to 30 days. This is the maximum timeframe for any temporary signage that is on the exterior of a business property. Since the signs are being proposed for a Village-wide “Grand Re-Opening”, which is anticipated to occur throughout the summer, it is most appropriate to reference this sign type when permitting businesses to place banner signage on their property. The proposal is to allow “Grand Opening” banners on private property to remain installed through Labor Day (September 7, 2020).

2) Banner Size(Area) – Currently, the Zoning Code shows different permissibility for banners attached to a wall (or window) versus free-standing banners. Banners attached to a wall/window have a maximum size based on what is known as the “signable area”. Regardless of signable area, there is an overall cap of 100 square feet for such banners. Free-standing banners are simply considered temporary signs and have a maximum area of 9 square feet if the property is less than one acre in size or 16 square feet if the property is one acre or larger. The proposal is to allow all banner signs, whether applied to a wall/window, or free-standing, to have a maximum size of 36 square feet if the property is less than one acre in size or 48 square feet if the property is one acre or larger.

Request For Board Action

3) Banner Height - Banners are currently permitted to be installed on a wall/window, at a height no taller than the top of the wall on which they’re located , so long as that is not above the sills of any second floor windows. Free-standing banners are considered temporary signs, and are permitted a maximum height of 6’. The proposal is to allow banner signs, whether wall/window-monted or free-standing, at a maximum height of 8’ from grade.

4) Feather Signs – The Zoning Code does not currently permit “feather signs”, which are free-standing banners in a vertical format, in contrast with the typical horizontal-format banner. These temporary signs are eye-catching, and can be found in many other communities. The proposal is to allow one banner or one feather sign to be permitted per single business property/tenant space, with feather signs being permitted the same maximum area as is proposed for banner signs, at a maximum height of 8’ from grade.

5) Party Balloons – Currently, the Zoning Code prohibits “inflatable signs.” While party balloons are not defined in the Zoning Code, they most closely approximate inflatable signs. The proposal is to allow a single bunch of balloons or a single arch of balloons per single business. property/tenant space.

6) Outdoor Displays (of products) – Outdoor displays are prohibited, unless the display meets one of the exceptions listed in the Code. Those include displays such as: displays associated with auto/light truck sales, garden center, lumberyard, etc. The standard retail displays envisioned in this proposed code amendment would not meet one of those exceptions. The proposal is to allow one outdoor display structure per business property/tenant space that is one acre or less in size, with additional display structures on proeprties greater than one acre in size to be approved by the community Development Director on a case by case basis. Displays on any size property must be brought inside the businesspremises nightly, can contain only items customarily sold inside the business premises, and cannot block sidewalk accessto the front of the store or between stores when the tenant space is in a multi-tenant center.

7) Sidewalk Sales – The Zoning Code does not permit outdoor operations, specifically noting that all business, service and commercial activities must be conducted within completely-enclosed buildings. The proposal is to permit sidewalk sales.

Staff and the Village Attorney recommend that the Village Board provide direction by consensus, at the June 16th Village Board meeting, regarding the proposed relaxation of certain Village Codes related to outdoor advertising. The Village Attorney is comfortable that such consensus is the most appropriate way to memorialize the Board’s direction. If the Board determines it is necessary or advisable to prepare a Resolution or proceed through the code amendment process to permit the proposed Code relaxation, that process will involve additional meetings. In that case, staff would propose allowing businesses to advertise under these new rules/guidelines, in the interim. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None VILLAGE ATTORNEY REVIEW: The Village Attorney has reviewed staff’s recommendations to relax certain Codes and noted that such approval is best sought through Board direction and consensus. DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:

1. Staff Memorandum June 2, 2020 RECOMMENDED MOTION:

Move to direct the Village Manager to proceed with authorization of outdoor advertising as recommended by staff, with any amendments by the Village Board.

Village of Lincolnwood Community Development Department

New Business Licenses June 12, 2020 – July 13, 2020

Business Type

Business Name

Business Address

Contact Name

Telephone Number

Service Establishment

Chicago Center for Healthy Minds, LLC.

4433 West Touhy Avenue, Suite 206

Edward Meyer

(224) 217-7600

Warehousing Cubework, LLC.

7080 North McCormick Blvd.

N/A

(312) 543-4429

Funeral/Cremation Services

Del Carmen Funeral & Cremation

Services

4433 West Touhy Avenue, Suite 525 Violeta Corona

(312) 404-7868

Service Establishment Dentistry for Kids, LTD.

7250 North Cicero Avenue

Dr. Kirk Kollmann

(773) 592-2648

Retail/Cigarette ICloud Smoke & Vape, Inc.

6526 North Lincoln Avenue

Wahab Memon

(773) 981-4498

Service Establishment Illumination Psychotherapy

7300 North Cicero Avenue, Suite 102A Garrett Shotwell

(773) 318-7304

Service Establishment Pacific Pulmonary Services

6677 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 325 Luke McGee

(773) 851-5800

Village of Lincolnwood Economic Development Commission and... · economic development commission...

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