City of Sycamore City Council met Feb. 16.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
ROLL CALL
Mayor Braser called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and City Clerk Mary Kalk called the roll. Those Alderpersons present were David Stouffer, Chuck Stowe, Marvin Barnes, Alan Bauer, Nancy Copple, Alicia Cosky, Mike Rodriguez, and Virginia Sherrod. Attorney Keith Foster was also present.
INNVOCATION led by Alderperson Virginia Sherrod
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderperson Virginia Sherrod
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Alderperson Copple motioned to approve the agenda and Alderperson Cosky seconded the motion.
VOICE VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
AUDIENCE TO VISITORS
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of February 2, 2026.
B. Payment of the Bills for February 16, 2026 in the entire amount of $488,434.80.
MOTION
Alderman Bauer motioned to approve the Consent and Alderman Stowe seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Stowe, Barnes, Bauer, Copple, Cosky, Rodriguez, and Sherrod voted aye. Motion carried 8-0
APPOINTMENTS
PRESENTATION, PETITIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS
A. Presentation by Rose Treml, Executive Director of the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce.
Executive Director Rose Treml thanked the council for their continued partnership in helping promote Sycamore beyond the borders. She explained, supported by statistics, that the partnership helps promote Sycamore as a destination for people outside the community and brings dollars into Sycamore. Some of the 2025 highlight statistics include the Discover Sycamore website having 56,741 views, of which 91.3% from outside 60178, per Google Analytics. In partnering with DCEDC (DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation) Placer AI software, actual visitor traffic during events were as follows: • Turning Back Time Car show – 8,800 visitors (typical Sunday in July is 1,100 visitors)
• Ribs, Rhythm, and Brews – 3,900 visitors (typically 1,300 visitors)
• Witches Night Out – 3,700 visitors (typically 1,300 visitors)
All this is measurable economic impact contributing to restaurants, pubs, and hotel sales.
Alderpersons Copple and Rodriguez requested for the number comparables year over year before next year’s presentation and consideration proposal.
Rose Treml explained further that they have Chamber events and also promote non-chamber events. She also confirmed that they still do the young professional’s group – Leadership Academy. They average 18 professionals each year as it is a 12- month program. They try to keep it at that number so that they all get to know each other and network. This program started in 2011 and has had 283 graduates. In responding to the question of economic development focus, she said it’s indirectly and could be considered more community development with all the events attracting businesses and families.
REPORTS OF STAFF, COMMITTEES, AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Police Chief Erik Mahan reported that Sergeant Sharon Anderson is retiring February 20th after 32 ½ years, making her the longest serving sworn member of their department. There will be a celebration on that day at the Police Department at 1 pm.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCES
B. Ordinance 2026.03 – An Ordinance Approving a Text Amendment to the Sycamore Unified Development Ordinance Article 4.3 – Special Uses. First and Second Reading.
City Manager Michael Hall said that this is a text amendment to the zoning ordinance for the existing 1,000 feet separation requirement that was adopted when adult-use cannabis first became legal in Illinois. The proposed amendment revises that separation to 250 feet. If adopted, the change would be citywide for all future dispensary proposals. This also establishes the framework for the next agenda item as under the current code, the proposed location would not meet the separation requirement without this change. Does this revised standard remain appropriate as a matter of land-use policy?
Alderperson Copple noted that the daycare provider also attended the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC)meeting last week, who was in favor. She said the proposal was more welcoming and had no pushback.
Alderman Barnes, who also attended the PZC meeting, said it is worth noting that the daycare provider was more concerned with the nearby gas station than this dispensary. He added that it is worth noting that the separation requirement is only 250 feet for tobacco, and only 100 feet for alcohol.
Alderman Stowe said to keep it the way it is, even though the daycare is fine with this one. There is no problem with this one, but this is setting a precedent.
Alderman Stouffer, in his research of the types of land around these types of businesses, said he didn’t see a lot of land that was zoned for this kind of business and for that reason, he doesn’t see a problem of making this 250 feet.
MOTION
Alderman Barnes motioned to waive First Reading on Ordinance 2026.03 and Alderperson Copple seconded the motion.
VOICE VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
MOTION
Alderman Barnes motioned to approve Ordinance 2026.03 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Barnes, Bauer, Copple, Cosky, Rodriguez, and Sherrod voted aye while Alderman Stowe voted nay. Motion carried 7-1
C. Ordinance 2026.04 – An Ordinance Approving a Request from Steve Weber of Echelon Grow for a Special Use Permit to Operate a Cannabis Dispensary at the Property Located at 1598 DeKalb Avenue in Sycamore, Illinois, PIN number 08-01-280-003. First and Second Reading.
City Manager Michael Hall said the council is determining if the proposed Special Use request meets the standards of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) including site design, operation, security, and compatibility of the surrounding uses. Approval addresses only zoning. The State of Illinois controls licensing and approval so tonight’s action does not guarantee state licensing. Mr. Weber is in attendance for any questions.
Alderman Bauer asked if approved, when is opening day and how confident he is in approval?
Steve Weber, Echelon Grow, said they will open at the end of April to early May. They are very confident in approval. This will be Echelon Grow’s first facility, but its group has 16 facilities. He said that the daycare provider and the building owner are in the audience, so if approved, they will buy the building and move forward. He noted that there will also be a Jersey Mike’s in the building.
MOTION
Alderman Barnes motioned to waive First Reading on Ordinance 2026.04 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.
VOICE VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
MOTION
Alderman Barnes motioned to approve Ordinance 2026.04 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Stowe, Barnes, Bauer, Copple, Cosky, Rodriguez, and Sherrod voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
D. Ordinance 2026.05 – An Ordinance Approving a Request by Opportunity House for a Change of Zoning of the Property Located at 342 North Sacramento Street (PIN number 06-32-204-005) from the Current Zoning of R-3, Multi-Family District to M-1, Light Manufacturing District. First and Second Reading.
City Manager Michael Hall said this is a request to change the zoning from R-3, Multi-family to M-1, Light Manufacturing to better align with surrounding properties as per the agenda. Director Tom Matya is present to answer any questions.
MOTION
Alderperson Copple motioned to waive First Reading on Ordinance 2026.05 and Alderman Barnes seconded the motion.
VOICE VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
MOTION
Alderperson Copple motioned to approve Ordinance 2026.05 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Stowe, Barnes, Bauer, Copple, Cosky, Rodriguez, and Sherrod voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
RESOLUTIONS
A. Resolution No. 1033—A Resolution Authorizing an Establishment of a Defined Contribution (401(a)) Retirement Plan for Certain Police Officers.
City Manager Michael Hall said that this is formalization of a previous council action. Nothing in the proposal has changed. It’s coming forward again because the plan provider and legal counsel advise that the city must formally establish a 401(a) plan by resolution to proceed with implementation.
MOTION
Alderman Stowe motioned to approve Resolution 1033 and Alderman Bauer seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Stowe, Barnes, Bauer, Copple, Cosky, Rodriguez, and Sherrod voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
CONSIDERATIONS
A. Consideration of a Donation to Sycamore Chamber of Commerce in the Amount of $40,000 for visitor Attraction and Economic Development.
City Manager Michael Hall said that this is a consideration to fund the Visitor Attraction and Economic Development activities of the Sycamore Chamber. Council is being asked whether to provide financial support for those activities as part of the broader economic development strategy.
Alderperson Copple asked for clarification of economic development versus promoting and asked how are the businesses are being supported.
City Manager Michael Hall explained that businesses join the chamber to collaborate with each other. It’s the broader aspect of economic development by supporting current businesses in town and for the expansion of those businesses. They also look for others to come to the city by making the city inviting and having activities.
Mayor Braser added that when the fire happened at Tom & Jerry’s, Rose reached out to business owners for help and to get them involved plus she does “Business After Hours”, too. It’s a broad range.
Rose Treml clarified that this donation is not really to the chamber as it is kept totally separate. The chamber runs on the investment of the membership, not from tourism. This money is spent on economic development in terms of community development making sure the downtown looks the way it does and making sure our businesses stay in existence. She believes this has a huge impact on this….not just the events, but for what they are doing in the digital marketing, branding, and advertising of Discover Sycamore.
Alderperson Cosky, in the Beautification Committee working with the Chamber, said they are very cooperative and very supportive with the “Sycamore in Bloom” planters. They have also written letters of support for our grant application.
MOTION
Alderperson Cosky motioned to approve the Consideration and Alderman Bauer seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, Barnes, Bauer, Copple, Cosky, and Rodriguez voted aye. Motion carried 8-0
B. Consideration of an Administration Request for a Closed Session to Discuss the Appointment, Employment, Compensation, Discipline, Performance, or Dismissal of Specific Employees under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); and to Discuss Collective Negotiation Matters between the Public Body and its Employees or their Representatives, or Deliberations Concerning Salary Schedules for One or More Classes of Employees under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2).
MOTION
Alderman Stouffer motioned to enter into Closed Session at 6:39 pm and Alderman Rodriguez seconded the motion.
VOICE VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
MOTION
Alderperson Sherrod motioned to enter back into Open Session at 7:54 pm and Alderman Stowe seconded the motion.
VOICE VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Alderman Stowe motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:54 p.m. and Alderman Rodriguez seconded the motion.
VOICE VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
https://www.cityofsycamore.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02162026-406
