Chambana Sun

City of Champaign City met Nov. 26.

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 None

Absent:

Staff Present:

Matt Roeschley, Deputy City Manager

Fred Stavins, City Attorney

Rob Kowalski, Assistant Planning and Development Director

Bruce Knight, Planning and Development Director

Others Present:

Jayne DeLuce, Visit Champaign County, President and CEO

Tim Bannon, University of Illinois Willard Airport, Executive Director

Time Starded: 7:01 p.m.

Topics Discussed:

Mayor Feinen noted CM Kyles and Fourman are attending the Community Violence Response Forum. CM Fourman arrived at 7:06 p.m. and CM Kyles arrived at 7:11 p.m.

Visit Champaign County (VCC) Annual Presentation of Activities

[SS 2019-045]

Staff Presentation:

Assistant Director Kowalski introduced Jayne DeLuce, President and CEO of Visit Champaign

County (VCC), and recognized members of the VCC Board of Directors that were in the audience: Laura Bleill, Board Chair; Nathan Escue, Hamilton Walker’s; and Dennis Robertson,

Market Place Shopping Center. Assistant Director Kowalski also provided some VCC background information. President DeLuce’s presentation included the following highlights:

• Experience Guide and Website

• Social Media Reach

• Outside of Ordinary Maker Video – Wood N’ Hog BBQ

• Champaign County Area Restaurant Week

• Meetings and Conferences

• Sports Illinois Huddle w/video

• Upper Midwest CVB Conference

• Talent Development

• Chambana Proud

• Destination 2023 – Strategic Plan

− Destination Infrastructure

− Facility Development

− Transportation Advocacy

− Destination Experience

▪ Cream of the Crop Monthly Award

▪ Living Outside of Ordinary

− Festival and Events Culture

▪ Hot Rod Power Tour

▪ Countywide Events Impacting Champaign

▪ IHSA Basketball Bid

− Destination Organization

− Funding Partnerships

− Community Partnerships

• VCC Team, Board of Directors, and Foundation Board

Assistant Director Kowalski noted Ms. DeLuce is celebrating her 10th year with VCC, and expressed appreciation for Ms. DeLuce and her team’s work.

(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 work with Visit Champaign County, supporting the implementation of the new strategic plan and development of the corresponding work plan.

Council Members’ Technical Questions: CM Bruno questioned types of events that have the most retail impact at Market Place Mall.

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

Public Input: None

Council Members’ General Discussion: Council Members’ comments included thanks for the work being done by VCC; like how VCC promotes businesses, restaurants, events, parks, and other local asset to the community; congratulations to Ms. DeLuce on her ten years with VCC; supporting travel and tourism promotion is a great investment; like VCC’s social media feeds, and all of the information provided on their website; impressed at every board meeting how VCC is always reaching out to people trying to bring new events to the community; and marketing the City is important for retention and attraction of business and talent.

Poll: Mayor Feinen polled Alternative 1 directing staff to work with Visit Champaign County in implementing the new strategic plan and developing the corresponding work plan. The result of the poll was 9 ayes and 0 nays.

Willard Airport Udpdate

[SS 2019-046]

Deputy City Manager Roeschley noted Tim Bannon from Willard Airport, along with Planning and Development Director Knight will discuss Willard Airport, and provide an update on the airport’s activities.

Staff Presentation: Director Knight provided background information. Executive Director Bannon’s presentation included the following topics:

• Current Operations

• Willard Airport Priorities

• Air Service Demand

• Why People Fly Elsewhere

• Air Service Development

• American Airlines

• New Airline Recruitment

• SkyWest Airlines

• Pilot Shortage Challenge

• Community Involvement and Support

• Customs and Border Protection General Aviation Facility

• 2020-2021 Anticipated Airport Projects

• Airport Master Plan

• Economic Impact Study – 2019

• Strategic Plan 2014

− Accomplishments

− Ongoing Action Items

• Strategic Plan 2019 Goals

(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 continue to support community efforts to improve air service at the airport.

Council Members’ Technical Questions: Council Members’ technical questions concerned several topics including operation schedule for daily flights; the Customs and Border Protection facility; significance of being owned by the University instead of an airport authority; airport staff; taking off, landing, and flying in fog; how Willard compares to other downstate Illinois airports; process of switching to an airport authority model and the University’s stance; and getting Southwest Airlines at Willard.

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

Public Input: None

Council Members’ General Discussion: Council Members’ comments included Willard Airport is a great community asset for business recruitment and retention, and provides good paying jobs; reasons to fly out of Willard; the cost of free parking; need a thriving airport to continue to promote Champaign County’s rich aerospace industry; looking forward to further growth; thanks for the interesting presentation; happy to see discounted airlines like Allegiant are being courted; thanks for addressing why people would go to other airports; additional airlines would be appreciated; wish more people knew about the airport and how vital it is to the business community; impact of a Customs and Border Protection facility; economic impact of the airport; and appreciation for what Mr. Bannon is doing.

Poll: Mayor Feinen polled Alternative 1 directing staff to continue to support community efforts to improve air service at the airport including serving on the Executive Committee, attending quarterly Advisory Committee meetings, and promoting the Fly Local campaign for the airport. The result of the poll was 9 ayes and 0 nays.

Audience Participation: None

Council and Manager Comments:

CM Fourman noted the Mayor’s Office and the Liquor Commissioner has control over what happens with liquor licenses, and they can not deny a person a license or the right to operate a business because of what might happen on that property. She addressed responsible behavior and encouraged people to take ownership of their neighborhoods and community. CM Fourman noted she is very proud of how the community came out to the Community Violence Response Forum, and it is very important to constantly have these types of conversations. CM Fourman thanked City staff, Tracy Parsons and Mary Catherine Roberson, for all the work they are doing in the community, noting the big picture is to make the community safe no matter what neighborhood, or business, is being visited.

Mayor Feinen noted a celebration was held today to honor Nick Holonyak, inventor of the LED. Mr. Holonyak will also be the Honorary Grand Marshall for the Parade of Lights this year. Mayor Feinen invited everyone to shop local businesses this weekend as part of the Shop Small campaign, and to attend the Parade of Lights on Saturday.

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 8:30 p.m.

http://documents.ci.champaign.il.us/v/1s6rkVmbX1qfotCNctyTT-feaU9cgzo7x