HomeMy Public PortalAbout01-23-2012 Special MeetingVILLAGE OF PLAINFIELD
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 23, 2012
AT: VILLAGE HALL
BOARD PRESENT: M.COLLINS, M.BONUCHI, P.FAY, B.LAMB, G.PECK, J.RACICH,
AND DRIPPY, OTHERS PRESENT: B.MURPHY, ADMINISTRATOR; M.GIBAS,
VILLAGE CLERK; J.PROULX, PLANNER; M.GARRIGAN, PLANNING SUPERVISOR;
A.PERSONS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR; T. PLECKHAM, MANAGEMENT SERVICES
DIRECTOR; AND J.KONOPEK, CHIEF OF POLICE.
CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL /PLEDGE
Mayor Collins called the meeting to order at 8:39 p.m. Roll call was taken, all Trustees were
present. Mayor Collins led the pledge to the flag. There were approximately 12 persons in the
audience.
BUSINESS MEETING
1) APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Trustee Fay moved to approve the Agenda. Seconded by Trustee Peck. Vote by roll call.
Bonuchi, yes; Fay, yes, Lamb, yes; Peck, yes; Racich, yes; Rippy, yes. 6 yes, 0 no. Motion
carried.
2) BUSINESS EVOLUTION CENTER
Trustee Fay moved to adopt Resolution No. 1648, a Resolution establishing the Village of
Plainfield Business Evolution Center. Seconded by Trustee Lamb.
Mr. Garrigan stated that staff is proposing the creation of a business incubator center which
would assist newly organized businesses in the community by providing them with an
economical and an affordable place to do business. The goal is not to compete with local
landlords, but instead to provide business start up with a professional space at the Village Hall.
The proposed business center would occupy the vacant building department space at the Village
Hall. The space includes a conference room and over fifteen cubicles. The monthly cubicle fee
would include the use of the conference room, telephones, internet, copier machines, fax, coffee
and tea, and custodial services. The hours of the business evolution center are consistent with
the hours of the Village Hall. The maximum term is 18 months, however, occupancy may
continue with approval of the Village. With the exception of MainStreet Plainfield, licensees
will not be given keys to the Village Hall.
Trustee Peck stated he supports the idea, however, he would like to see a full cost analysis
including what the property taxes, and a discussion with a commercial realtor to see if the
Village is stepping on toes.
Trustee Fay inquired about coaching or modeling. Administrator Murphy stated that Joliet
Junior College will be providing some resources. Trustee Fay expressed concern regarding the
security of the Village Hall. Mr. Garrigan stated that staff has taken the necessary steps to secure
the Village data, including separating the Business Evolution Center from the Planning
Department and restricting access to the basement.
Minutes
Special Meeting — January 23, 2012
Page 2 of 2
Trustee Racich stated that his only concern is security.
Trustee Rippy stated that this is a great opportunity for small businesses to start up and felt that
the Business Evolution Center would feed local businesses rather than compete with them.
Trustee Lamb stated that he views this as an experiment. If it creates problems, we can always
terminate it.
Trustee Bonuchi stated that with these economic times, people need to reinvent themselves and
this can help.
Vote by roll call. Bonuchi, yes; Fay, yes, Lamb, yes; Peck, abstain; Racich, yes; Rippy, yes.
5 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain. Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Trustee Fay moved to adjourn to Executive Session as permitted under the Open Meetings Act
Section 2 (c) (1) to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance,
or dismissal of employees or legal counsel, not to reconvene. Seconded by Trustee Peck. Vote
by roll call. Bonuchi, yes; Fay, yes, Lamb, yes; Peck, yes; Racich, yes; Rippy, yes.
6 yes, 0 no. Motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
Michelle Gibas, Village Clerk