Chambana Sun

Champaign City Council met July 25.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

COUNCIL MEMBERS William Kyles Vanna Pianfetti

PRESENT: Greg Stock, Alicia Beck, Angie Brix, Tom Bruno, Clarissa Fourman, Matthew Gladney, Mayor Feinen

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: None

STAFF PRESENT: Dorothy Ann David, City Manager, Matt Roeschley, Deputy City Attorney, Donna Pittman, Library Director Terry J. Blakeman, Senior Planner

OTHERS PRESENT: None

TIME STARTED: 7:00 p.m.

TOPICS DISCUSSED:

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE CENTER AT CHAMPAIGN PUBLIC LIBRARY [SS 2017-028]

Staff Presentation: A presentation by Director Pittman and Senior Planner Blakeman included the following topics:

• Background

• Naper Launch (Naperville Public Library)

• New Business Service

• Ideal Location

• Existing Space

• Concept Design

• Supporting Spaces

• Common Purpose

• Budget

• Funding Model

• Timeline – 22 Weeks

(Note: Information on how to obtain staff’s written report on this subject is provided below.)

Action Recommended: The Administration recommends that Council direct staff to schedule approval of a $75,000 contribution towards implementation of a Business Assistance Center at the Champaign Public Library for Council consideration at a regular meeting.

Action Recommended: The Administration recommends that Council direct staff to schedule Council Members’ Technical Questions: Council Members’ technical questions concerned several topics including the ability to troubleshoot new technology; budget for new staff; responsible party for furniture specs and comparisons; assistance availability; discussions with potential partners; current usage of the library for small business purposes; whether the Business Assistance Center will eliminate the Small Business Development Center (no); similar competition; incorporating school work programs; role of the business librarian; and usage and limitations of the Business Assistance Center and supporting spaces.

(Note: Information on how to view video and audio recordings of the full Council Meeting is provided below.)

Public Input: The following members of the audience spoke regarding a Business Assistance Center at the Champaign Public Library:

• Don Elmore, 1008 W. University, Small Business Development Center Director

• Marc Changnon, 2110 Plymouth Dr., Young Entrepreneur Program, Champaign Unit 4 Schools

Council Members’ General Discussion: Council Members’ comments included great idea; great opportunity for people to learn and use technology; great way to encourage small business; the goal of the Business Assistance Center is to enhance businesses in Champaign County, and should not be seen as competition to businesses; need to consider adaptive and assistive technology; need to market as an idea launch/spark space and a business assistance space, rather than a workshop and training space; thanks for the thoughtfulness; appreciate maximizing available resources; Chattanooga Public Library and Harvard University have similar spaces; hope the Business Assistance Center will attract University of Illinois students; and thanks to the

Library Friends for their funding.

Poll: Mayor Feinen polled Alternative 1 directing staff to finalize plans for “Launch” and schedule a budget amendment for City Council consideration at a regular meeting. The result of the poll was 9 ayes and 0 nays.

Audience Participation: None

Council/Manager Comments: None

Adjournment: CM Stock, seconded by CM Gladney, moved to adjourn. A voice vote was taken on the motion to adjourn; all voted yes.

The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m

http://documents.ci.champaign.il.us/v/BwqebO6?hp=0B9AX7CNToF-5ODN0OU1mcnhiWE0%2C0B9AX7CNToF-5VGVFU09ZUENObjg%2C0BwyGnHue8C6RR3hSbkFZeE1RREk%2C0BxXlsxmGBHseRlItUHQzdXFMZEk&ht=0B9AX7CNToF-5VzRxUEQxbUxIZUE