Economic Development Commission — Skokie, IL
Date: 2024-04-17

Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes
 Date: April 17, 2024


EDC MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Rosen, Chair,
 Steve Franklin, Jeremy Gleason,
 Marc Battista, Brian Levinson,


EDC MEMBERS ABSENT: Howard Meyer, Vice-Chair,
 Alexis Barbour, Barbara Carley,
 Scott Gendell, Trustee Pure-Slovin


STAFF PRESENT: Michael Lorge, Corporation Counsel
 Johanna Nyden, Community Dev. Director,
 Carol White, Economic Vitality Coordinator
 Marlene Bargamian, Administrative Asst.


(I) CALL TO ORDER
 A quorum being present, Chair Rosen called the meeting to order at 8:32 AM.

(II) APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM MARCH 20, 2024
 A motion was made to accept the draft minutes of the March 20, 2024 meeting. The motion
 passed by unanimous voice vote.

(III) INTRODUCTIONS
 Members gave short introductions and welcomed Rodney Tonelli, former City Manager from
 Joliet, as the new Economic Vitality Manager for the Village of Skokie. Two representatives
 from the Skokie Chamber of Commerce were present on behalf of Howard Meyer.

(IV) OLD BUSINESS
 a. Economic Vitality Strategy Update – Workshop Schedule
 The last plan was created in 2015 with workshops held in 2016 where small sub-
 groups met over an evening session to brainstorm ideas regarding the different
 economic areas in Skokie and report back to the group. Chairman Rosen asked
 for feedback from the commission; possibly organizing another evening meeting -
 he would circulate some dates and times. This is a new team with new staff.

 Steve Franklin asked who would be involved in these sub-groups. It was thought
 that it would be a hybrid of Village staff, community members, commission
 members, marketing staff and business owners. Invitations could be extended to
 others depending on subject matter (retail, professionals, healthcare, industrial, &
 research) for different meetings. Everyone involved could have their voice heard.

 Carol White will take the lead and include Rod Tonelli.




# 618960 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes April 17, 2024
 Director Nyden added that money has been encumbered from the budget for
 assistance. She also suggested a regional poll with people participating virtually
 bringing in international companies into Illinois.


 b. Video Gaming
 Corporation Counsel, Michael Lorge, distributed an updated memo and gave a
 summary of Skokie’s video gaming proposal. He gave a historical timeline of
 Skokie’s considerations to introduce video gaming in the village dating back from
 2017.

 Now 7 years later, the negative connotations have diminished about video
 gaming machines and they are more socially acceptable. Nearby communities
 already have them. Restaurants are still feeling the impact of COVID and as a
 way to enhance revenue, they have shown interest in having video gaming be
 considered once again by the Village Board. They don’t want to lose customers
 by not offering them. Video gaming could promote patrons to stay longer in an
 establishment or come back more often.

 Guidelines were discussed with the group which included the general
 requirements for licensing, site location, interior placement, limitations of number
 of machines per establishment, prohibiting advertising & signage, and fees.

 Diana Rumsley, Village Inn owner, joined the group at 8:50 AM.

 Chairman Rosen stated that the machines are licensed and heavily regulated by
 the State of Illinois but wondered about game content. Diana added that all
 machines as well as their content are controlled by the State.

 Mr. Rosen, from an unofficial interest poll, stated that 3 restaurants in the Village
 are strongly interested. Not all restaurants are prepared to build out a separate
 area for the gaming machines. It might take away from the family atmosphere.
 Initially, 3 machines per establishment was recommended.

 Steve Franklin asked if the market is too saturated. He also inquired about the
 reward system from the games. Ms. Rumsley offered that there is an ATM-like
 machine strictly used to redeem winning slips. The vendor keeps the machine
 supplied; not the restaurant. A sweepstakes ticket could be used also that the
 restaurant would redeem (like a free beverage or dessert).

 Brian Levinson asked if these machines are like slot machines and suggested
 that they be geographically dispersed through a lottery system rather than
 targeted in one area.

 Mr. Levinson asked if the state regulates winnings. If so, does it compete with
 the state lottery. He also asked if there were requirements for the machine
 vendors. Mr. Lorge to find out and report back for the next meeting.




# 618960 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes April 17, 2024
 Ms. Rumsley inquired how regulations would impact Village Inn? The proposal
 stipulates that a user must be a customer of the restaurant or bar – no walk-ins;
 but that would be difficult to enforce.

 An attorney representing Skokie’s Chamber of Commerce offered his strong
 support and cautioned the Village to take the necessary time to get it right – not
 like Morton Grove or Niles where they allow 4-5 gaming machines in small
 storefronts selling liquor only.

 Mr. Levinson asked about any police input. There has been no increase in crime
 or petty outbursts according to Mr. Lorge when he conferred with other
 communities.

 Chairman Rosen inquired what the next steps would be if the EDC and the Skokie
 Chamber of Commerce voted favorably to move forward. Mr. Lorge asked for a
 very informal straw poll of the interest from the commission. Of the members
 present, 6 were in favor of endorsing the proposal outlined in Corporation
 Counsel’s memo. Steve Franklin would endorse with further revisions. Marc
 Battista abstained. Brian Levinson would support it. Jeremy Gleason asked Diana
 if there was any concern about consumers boycotting her establishment for
 having them. She responded that the surrounds are 6 ft tall and the locations are
 tucked away in the back but it could happen. No commissioner voted against it. A
 target date could be for a June Village Board agenda.

 Brian Levinson asked how long before it can “go live”. As soon as a build-out is
 complete, the vendor payment of the $5,000 application fee, the state & Village
 licenses, a state inspection and camera regulations are met.

 The 2 Chamber of Commerce representatives left the meeting at 9:35 AM.


(V) NEW BUSINESS
 a. ISTP Update
 As Barbara Carley was not in attendance, the update has been postponed to the
 next meeting.


(VI) COMMUNICATIONS
 a. Village Staff
 Carol talked about the next Skokie event – Track the Torch in time for the
 Olympics.

 Johanna spoke of the Old Orchard area projects moving forward. Applications will
 be coming in June or July for the residential campus at the mall; the construction
 project for the Portland Cement site – (The Henry); and the Zeller project turning
 from offices to residential.

 It is a tough time for small developers and land owners now with interest rates.
 Materials and construction costs make it challenging to go higher than 5 stories
 and parking regulations make it difficult too. It was suggested that incentives could


# 618960 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes April 17, 2024
 be discussed at a future Village Board meeting for going higher and building
 smaller units.

 b. EDC Members
 Steve Franklin asked about the news that Oberweis declared Chapter 11
 Bankruptcy.

 Brian Levinson inquired about an estimate of new housing within the next 5 years.
 Approximately about 500-2,000 units are expected.

 Chairman Rosen asked for a hotel update. Mr. Lorge stated that the Village is not
 a direct player other than the TIF funding. It is an unusual situation – the
 investment and financing company are not going into foreclosure action. The
 general contractor locked the project up with high fees and costs. They are out of
 Iowa working with local sub-contractors. The general contractor, the sub-
 contractor and finance companies are forced into mediation. The Legal Dept is
 securing the site and building.

 Ms. Nyden offered that there is deep interest in a downtown Skokie hotel and as
 soon as the court issues are settled, a hotel is the only purpose for that site.


(VI) ADJOURNMENT
 Chairman Rosen adjourned the meeting at 9:50 AM.




 Respectfully submitted,
 Marlene Bargamian,
 Administrative Assistant




# 618960 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes April 17, 2024

Economic Development Commission Meeting Minutes
 Date: April 17, 2024


EDC MEMBERS PRESENT: Michael Rosen, Chair,
 Steve Franklin, Jeremy Gleason,
 Marc Battista, Brian Levinson,


EDC MEMBERS ABSENT: Howard Meyer, Vice-Chair,
 Alexis Barbour, Barbara Carley,
 Scott Gendell, Trustee Pure-Slovin


STAFF PRESENT: Michael Lorge, Corporation Counsel
 Johanna Nyden, Community Dev. Director,
 Carol White, Economic Vitality Coordinator
 Marlene Bargamian, Administrative Asst.


(I) CALL TO ORDER
 A quorum being present, Chair Rosen called the meeting to order at 8:32 AM.

(II) APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES FROM MARCH 20, 2024
 A motion was made to accept the draft minutes of the March 20, 2024 meeting. The motion
 passed by unanimous voice vote.

(III) INTRODUCTIONS
 Members gave short introductions and welcomed Rodney Tonelli, former City Manager from
 Joliet, as the new Economic Vitality Manager for the Village of Skokie. Two representatives
 from the Skokie Chamber of Commerce were present on behalf of Howard Meyer.

(IV) OLD BUSINESS
 a. Economic Vitality Strategy Update – Workshop Schedule
 The last plan was created in 2015 with workshops held in 2016 where small sub-
 groups met over an evening session to brainstorm ideas regarding the different
 economic areas in Skokie and report back to the group. Chairman Rosen asked
 for feedback from the commission; possibly organizing another evening meeting -
 he would circulate some dates and times. This is a new team with new staff.

 Steve Franklin asked who would be involved in these sub-groups. It was thought
 that it would be a hybrid of Village staff, community members, commission
 members, marketing staff and business owners. Invitations could be extended to
 others depending on subject matter (retail, professionals, healthcare, industrial, &
 research) for different meetings. Everyone involved could have their voice heard.

 Carol White will take the lead and include Rod Tonelli.




# 618960 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes April 17, 2024
 Director Nyden added that money has been encumbered from the budget for
 assistance. She also suggested a regional poll with people participating virtually
 bringing in international companies into Illinois.


 b. Video Gaming
 Corporation Counsel, Michael Lorge, distributed an updated memo and gave a
 summary of Skokie’s video gaming proposal. He gave a historical timeline of
 Skokie’s considerations to introduce video gaming in the village dating back from
 2017.

 Now 7 years later, the negative connotations have diminished about video
 gaming machines and they are more socially acceptable. Nearby communities
 already have them. Restaurants are still feeling the impact of COVID and as a
 way to enhance revenue, they have shown interest in having video gaming be
 considered once again by the Village Board. They don’t want to lose customers
 by not offering them. Video gaming could promote patrons to stay longer in an
 establishment or come back more often.

 Guidelines were discussed with the group which included the general
 requirements for licensing, site location, interior placement, limitations of number
 of machines per establishment, prohibiting advertising & signage, and fees.

 Diana Rumsley, Village Inn owner, joined the group at 8:50 AM.

 Chairman Rosen stated that the machines are licensed and heavily regulated by
 the State of Illinois but wondered about game content. Diana added that all
 machines as well as their content are controlled by the State.

 Mr. Rosen, from an unofficial interest poll, stated that 3 restaurants in the Village
 are strongly interested. Not all restaurants are prepared to build out a separate
 area for the gaming machines. It might take away from the family atmosphere.
 Initially, 3 machines per establishment was recommended.

 Steve Franklin asked if the market is too saturated. He also inquired about the
 reward system from the games. Ms. Rumsley offered that there is an ATM-like
 machine strictly used to redeem winning slips. The vendor keeps the machine
 supplied; not the restaurant. A sweepstakes ticket could be used also that the
 restaurant would redeem (like a free beverage or dessert).

 Brian Levinson asked if these machines are like slot machines and suggested
 that they be geographically dispersed through a lottery system rather than
 targeted in one area.

 Mr. Levinson asked if the state regulates winnings. If so, does it compete with
 the state lottery. He also asked if there were requirements for the machine
 vendors. Mr. Lorge to find out and report back for the next meeting.




# 618960 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes April 17, 2024
 Ms. Rumsley inquired how regulations would impact Village Inn? The proposal
 stipulates that a user must be a customer of the restaurant or bar – no walk-ins;
 but that would be difficult to enforce.

 An attorney representing Skokie’s Chamber of Commerce offered his strong
 support and cautioned the Village to take the necessary time to get it right – not
 like Morton Grove or Niles where they allow 4-5 gaming machines in small
 storefronts selling liquor only.

 Mr. Levinson asked about any police input. There has been no increase in crime
 or petty outbursts according to Mr. Lorge when he conferred with other
 communities.

 Chairman Rosen inquired what the next steps would be if the EDC and the Skokie
 Chamber of Commerce voted favorably to move forward. Mr. Lorge asked for a
 very informal straw poll of the interest from the commission. Of the members
 present, 6 were in favor of endorsing the proposal outlined in Corporation
 Counsel’s memo. Steve Franklin would endorse with further revisions. Marc
 Battista abstained. Brian Levinson would support it. Jeremy Gleason asked Diana
 if there was any concern about consumers boycotting her establishment for
 having them. She responded that the surrounds are 6 ft tall and the locations are
 tucked away in the back but it could happen. No commissioner voted against it. A
 target date could be for a June Village Board agenda.

 Brian Levinson asked how long before it can “go live”. As soon as a build-out is
 complete, the vendor payment of the $5,000 application fee, the state & Village
 licenses, a state inspection and camera regulations are met.

 The 2 Chamber of Commerce representatives left the meeting at 9:35 AM.


(V) NEW BUSINESS
 a. ISTP Update
 As Barbara Carley was not in attendance, the update has been postponed to the
 next meeting.


(VI) COMMUNICATIONS
 a. Village Staff
 Carol talked about the next Skokie event – Track the Torch in time for the
 Olympics.

 Johanna spoke of the Old Orchard area projects moving forward. Applications will
 be coming in June or July for the residential campus at the mall; the construction
 project for the Portland Cement site – (The Henry); and the Zeller project turning
 from offices to residential.

 It is a tough time for small developers and land owners now with interest rates.
 Materials and construction costs make it challenging to go higher than 5 stories
 and parking regulations make it difficult too. It was suggested that incentives could


# 618960 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes April 17, 2024
 be discussed at a future Village Board meeting for going higher and building
 smaller units.

 b. EDC Members
 Steve Franklin asked about the news that Oberweis declared Chapter 11
 Bankruptcy.

 Brian Levinson inquired about an estimate of new housing within the next 5 years.
 Approximately about 500-2,000 units are expected.

 Chairman Rosen asked for a hotel update. Mr. Lorge stated that the Village is not
 a direct player other than the TIF funding. It is an unusual situation – the
 investment and financing company are not going into foreclosure action. The
 general contractor locked the project up with high fees and costs. They are out of
 Iowa working with local sub-contractors. The general contractor, the sub-
 contractor and finance companies are forced into mediation. The Legal Dept is
 securing the site and building.

 Ms. Nyden offered that there is deep interest in a downtown Skokie hotel and as
 soon as the court issues are settled, a hotel is the only purpose for that site.


(VI) ADJOURNMENT
 Chairman Rosen adjourned the meeting at 9:50 AM.




 Respectfully submitted,
 Marlene Bargamian,
 Administrative Assistant




# 618960 Economic Development Commission meeting minutes April 17, 2024