City of Sycamore City Council met Dec. 16.
Here is the agenda provided by the council:
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Led by students from North Elementary School
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. AUDIENCE TO VISITORS
6. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of December 2, 2019.
B. Payment of the Bills for December 16, 2019.
7. PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND BILLS
A. A Proclamation Honoring the Passing of Former Mayor Ken Mundy and Recognizing his 48 Years of Service to the City of Sycamore.
8. REPORTS OF OFFICERS
9. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
10. PUBLIC HEARINGS—None
11. ORDINANCES
A. Ordinance 2019.36—An Ordinance Levying Taxes for the Corporate Purposes of the City of Sycamore for the Fiscal Year Commencing May 1, 2020 and Ending April 30, 2021. Second Reading.
At the previous City Council meeting, a public hearing was held on the proposed 2019 corporate property tax levy for the City of Sycamore. The proposed corporate levy of $4,269,635 includes a City levy of $3,111,974 and a Sycamore Public Library levy of $1,157,661. Assuming a city-wide EAV of $472,578,869 in 2019—an increase of over $26 million in the City’s collective real estate wealth from 2018—the proposed corporate levy should result in a tax rate of $.90348 per $100 EAV. This rate represents a 4.03% decrease from the 2018 rate.
City Council approval is recommended.
B. Ordinance 2019.37—An Ordinance Abating the Debt Service Levy for the General Obligation Refunding Bond Issue Series 2012 for the City of Sycamore, DeKalb County, Illinois for Fiscal Year 2020-2021. Second Reading.
The 2012 Refunding Bond was issued in July 2012 to refinance the 2002 General Obligation Bond and the majority of the 2003 General Obligation Bonds. All of the debt service ($262,350) on the 2012 Refunding Bond series will be abated. This approach is consistent with the City policy of paying the greatest share of its annual general obligation bond debt service from general revenues other than property taxes. The attached ordinance will levy $262,350 and abate $262,350, so the extension will be $0.00. The debt service will be paid by the 2012 Bond Proceeds Fund (Fund 36) which gets its primary revenue from General Fund, Capital Fund (Fund 6) and Road & Bridge Fund (Fund 8) transfers. These are the same sources that funded the 2002 and 2003 issues.
City Council approval is recommended.
C. Ordinance 2019.38—An Ordinance Partially Abating the Debt Service Levy for the General Obligation Bond Issue Series 2017 Refunding Bond for the City of Sycamore, DeKalb County, Illinois for the Fiscal Year 2020-2021. Second Reading.
This ordinance concerns the FY2019-2020 debt service on the 2017 General Obligation Refunding Bond. Historically, the City has levied $155,000 for debt service to be applied to the 1999, 2005 and 2007 bond funds. Both the 1999 and 2005 bonds have been retired and the 2007 series was refunded as part of the 2017 Refunding Bond, therefore the levy will be applied to the 2017 series.
As a result, the total levy is $327,760 and $172,760 will be abated. The debt service will be paid from the 2017 Bond Fund (Fund 38) which receives its principal revenue from General Fund transfers.
City Council approval is recommended.
D. Ordinance 2019.39—An Ordinance Approving a Request by James Mason, Owner of Mason Properties, for a Special Use Permit in Accordance with Article 4.3 of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance for a Planned Unit Development for Approximately 2.48 Acres Located at 711 South Main Street, in the City of Sycamore, Illinois (PIN number 06- 32-456-023). First and Second Reading.
In late July, fire ravaged the forty-unit St. Albans Greens Apartment complex on S. Main Street. Jim Mason, the owner of the property, continues to work on plans for the site of the former apartment building. Mr. Mason brought a concept plan to the Planning and Zoning Commission in September requesting to build 33 units, each with three bedrooms and a two-car garage on the roughly 2.2-acre site. While the preliminary plan included less density (33 vs. 40 units), the City’s development guidelines when St. Albans Greens Apartments were built differ than today’s standards. The City’s comprehensive plan outlines low density as 0-3 units per acre, moderate density at 3-6 units per acre and high density at 6-9 units per acre. While the comprehensive plan is a guideline, the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) calls for 4,000 square feet of land per three-bedroom unit.
The Planning and Zoning Commission directed Mr. Mason to consider meeting today’s density guidelines which would allow for twenty-four three-bedroom units on the 2.2-acre site. Since that time, staff has met with the petitioner and his team to discuss a Planned Unit Development (PUD) that factors in Planning and Zoning Commission discussion and concerns including lot coverage, density, total bedrooms, and opportunities to enhance and bring the adjacent Building B into better conformance with current regulations. These discussions led to the framework of a PUD that was presented in November as follows:
Number of Units/Density:
The initial concept plan assumed a site of 2.2-acres; however, the revised concept plan indicates a subdivided “Lot Two” that is 2.48 acres or 107,930 sq. ft. The remaining 2.60-acres of the property become “Lot One” and is the site of Building B, the remaining apartment complex. With 4,000 square feet required per three-bedroom unit, a total of 26.98 units could be built without a PUD. The proposed plan would allow for 27 three-bedroom units and 1 one-bedroom ADA accessible unit. This brings the total number of bedrooms proposed to 82, matching the number that was in the building that was destroyed.
Lot Coverage:
Significant discussion focused on lot coverage during the workshop in September. The proposed plan for Lot 2 includes 70% lot coverage (Lot Coverage: shall mean the percentage of a zoning lot occupied by buildings, including accessory buildings and structures, driveways, sidewalks, decks, and patios) which is below the 75% maximum.
Parking:
The proposed plan meets the requirement of 77 parking spaces for Lot 2 as 85 are provided (2 within each unit and 29 existing spaces). As part of the PUD an additional 22 parking spaces (includes two ADA stalls) are being constructed on Lot 1 to bring the parking for Building B into better conformance.
Building B:
As part of the PUD the petitioner will upgrade the fire alarm system in Building B. While the current manual system is operable, it is older technology than the system that was in Building A when the fire started in July. The new system likely played a role in ensuring that the residents were able to safely exit the building. This is an important component of the PUD as it enhances the existing building by adding heat and smoke detection in the hallways and common areas.
Another safety enhancement Mr. Mason is making is the installation of draft-stopping in the attic of Building B. This is another preventative measure that would significantly slow the spread of a fire event in the attic.
The Planning and Zoning Commission forwarded a favorable recommendation by a vote of 7 to 0 after holding a public hearing on December 9th.
City Council approval is recommended.
E. Ordinance 2019.40—An Ordinance Approving a Preliminary Plat and Plan and Final Plat and Plan of Phase Five of the Krpan’s Thanks America Commercial Division Subdivision in the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.
In the late 1990’s the Krpan Thanks America Subdivision was presented to the Plan Commission and City Council. Final plats for both the commercial and professional subdivisions were approved in 1998. In subsequent years the concept plan was expanded and included a roughly 35- acre parcel that was zoned M-1, Light Manufacturing. Four phases were platted in the 2000’s and have led to a number of commercial and industrial uses.
The City was approached by the Krpan family with a request to adjoin certain lots and subdivide the 35-acre parcel east of Dosen Drive to create a 10-acre lot (Lot 1) and a 25.86-acre lot (Lot 2). The Krpans have a buyer for Lot 1 which would be the site of a light manufacturing user that would likely begin construction in 2020.
Typically, this type of request can be done administratively by the City’s Plat Officer, however, because the 35-acre parcel was never platted the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requires several steps be followed. These steps include an updated Concept Plan, Preliminary Plat and Final Plat for Phase Five of the Thanks America Commercial Subdivision.
Since this property was not platted previously, the UDO looks at it similarly to a new development. Therefore, other applicable requirements of the UDO including engineering, a drain tile survey, existing sanitary & storm sewers, fire flows, drainage plans, proposed site grading, erosion control, dust control, location of all existing and proposed public sanitary sewer and structures, location of all existing and proposed public storm sewers and structures, culverts, drain tiles, etc. location of all public water mains, structural design of public roads, traffic study, and design of misc. items (parkway trees, street lights, sidewalks, bike paths, driveway approaches) will be deferred. The deferred items will be reviewed as part of the building permit issuance for Lot 1 and addressed at the time Lot 2 is subdivided in the future.
The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the request on December 9th and forwarded a favorable recommendation by a vote of 7 to 0.
City Council approval is recommended.
F. Ordinance 2019.41—An Ordinance Amending Title 10 “Subdivision Regulations”, Chapter 3 “Design Standards”, Section 10-3-4, ‘Contribution of Cash in Lieu of Dedication of School Site’, of the City Code of the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.
The revised school impact fee calculations are based on a weighted average of recent appraisals that defines $92,825 as the fair market value of an acre of land, replacing $99,375 which had been in the formula. This value was arrived at by using a smoothing technique that blends the fair market value looking back six years ago (15%), three years back (35%) and a current figure (50%). This formula aims at taking the peaks and valleys out of the land value figure. A considerable effort was made to establish a method of valuing land that could be utilized by both the School and Park Districts to allow for a streamlined update every three years. The table below outlines the proposed fee updates (Effective January 1, 2020):
Current:
| Per Unit | 2BR | 3BR | 4BR | 5BR |
| Detached SF | $607 | $2,453 | $4,167 | $3,210 |
| Attached SF | $572 | $1,107 | $2,215 | |
| Apartments | $593 | $1,599 |
| Per Unit | 2BR | 3BR | 4BR | 5BR |
| Detached SF | $567 | $2,291 | $3,892 | $2,998 |
| Attached SF | $535 | $1,034 | $2,069 | |
| Apartments | $554 | $1,494 |
City Council approval is recommended.
G. Ordinance 2019.42—An Ordinance Amending Title 10 “Subdivision Regulations”, Chapter 3 “Design Standards”, Section 10-3-5, ‘Contribution of Cash in Lieu of Dedication of Park Site’, in the City Code of the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.
The revised park district impact fee calculations are also updated using the fair market value of an acre of land as follows (Effective January 1, 2020):
Current: $524/unit
| Per Unit | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | 4BR | 5BR |
| Detached SF | $1,100 | $1,100 | $1,399 | $1,698 | $2,075 |
| Attached SF | $524 | $917 | $1,341 | $1,195 | |
| MF/Apartment | $921 | $1,003 | $1,600 |
| Per Unit | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | 4BR | 5BR |
| Detached SF | $1,054 | $1,054 | $1,340 | $1,626 | $1,988 |
| Attached SF | $502 | $879 | $1,285 | $1,145 | |
| MF/Apartment | $883 | $961 | $1,533 | $1,533 | $1,533 |
| Mobile Home | $1,004 | $1,004 | $1,606 | $1,606 | $1,606 |
| Per Unit | 1BR | 2BR | 3BR | 4BR | 5BR |
| Detached SF | $1,054 | $1,054 | $1,340 | $1,626 | $1,988 |
| Attached SF | $502 | $879 | $1,285 | $1,145 | |
| MF/Apartment | $883 | $961 | $1,533 | $1,533 | $1,533 |
| Mobile Home | $1,004 | $1,004 | $1,606 | $1,606 | $1,606 |
This equates to a Sycamore Park District impact fee factor of $502 per resident (((3.25 acres of neighborhood park space x $92,825 per acre of fully improved land) + (21.75 acres of community park space x $18,453 per acre of unimproved land x 50% to account for flood plain acres)) / 1,000 residents). This is a reduction from the current impact fee factor of $524 per resident.
The revised calculations are based on a weighted average of recent appraisals that defines $92,825 as the fair market value of an acre of improved land and $18,453 for an acre of unimproved land. This value was arrived at by using a smoothing technique that blends the fair market value looking back six years ago (15%), three years back (35%) and a current figure (50%). This formula aims at taking the peaks and valleys out of the land value figure. A considerable effort was made to establish a method of valuing land that could be utilized by both the School and Park Districts to allow for a streamlined update every three years.
The payment of this fee will be made toward the end of construction and prior to receipt of an occupancy permit from the City’s Building and Engineering Department.
City Council approval is recommended.
12. RESOLUTIONS
A. Resolution No. 807—A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Enter Into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Sycamore Library Regarding an Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity Grant.
In October 2018, City staff learned of grant funds available for community projects through the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The City applied for multiple projects including paving, utility infrastructure and window replacement/repair in the Carnegie portion of the Sycamore Public Library. After reviewing the submissions, the library window project was selected to receive a grant in the amount of $75,000. The grant award was made on November 11, 2019.
The location of the library in the downtown and the historic architecture of the building are staples in Sycamore’s past, present and future. The Sycamore Public Library was built in 1905 with the help of a $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie. In the late 1990’s, an addition was constructed to increase space and services. The new addition was seamlessly added to preserve the iconic architecture of the Carnegie portion that has helped define downtown Sycamore for over 100 years.
The Library started a fund 18 years ago to repair or replace what is believed to be the original 113 year-old windows in the Carnegie section of the building. Unfortunately, the efforts have only yielded $27,000 of the estimated $129,000 cost of the project. Addressing the windows is a priority to the Library Board as the project improves energy efficiency, allows additional function of the space and helps weatherize and preserve the iconic building.
As the applicant for the grant, the City is the “Grantee” and has executed the grant agreement (19- 203215) with DCEO. This Intergovernmental Agreement outlines the Sycamore Library’s administrative and financial responsibilities as a “Sub-grantee” with the City. The Library will follow normal bidding procedures and make regular progress reports as required by the grant. City Council will need to award the contract for the services being rendered. The grant requires that the work be completed by June 30, 2020.
City Council approval is recommended.
B. Resolution No. 808—A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Amended DeKalb County Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement.
On October 7th the City Council approved amendments and technical corrections to the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone property tax abatement program. These amendments enable build-out, rehabilitation and renovation of existing buildings that generate new assessed value to qualify for Enterprise Zone tax abatement. Projects proposing major renovation or improvement of existing buildings that generates increased valuation are important to communities with vacant or underutilized industrial buildings. The proposed amendment enables the Enterprise Zone Tax Abatement Program to help attract businesses to build-out, rehabilitate or renovate such buildings, provided they create the required number of jobs at the wage levels mandated by the Enterprise Zone program.
An amended Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the designating municipalities (DeKalb County, Town of Cortland, City of DeKalb, City of Genoa, City of Sandwich, City of Sycamore and Village of Waterman) is required to accompany the previously approved modifications. Resolution 808 authorizes the Mayor to execute the amended IGA on behalf of the City of Sycamore.
City Council approval is recommended.
13. CONSIDERATIONS
A. Consideration of a Public Works Department Recommendation to Purchase a Schwarze A9 Monsoon Sweeper from R.N.O.W. Inc in the amount of $248,822.65.
The FY20 Street Division capital budget included the purchase of a new street sweeper. The new sweeper replaces the 1998 Elgin Pelican three-wheel mechanical type sweeper.
A committee was formed of Public Works staff members that routinely operate and maintain our current sweepers. The objectives expected from the new sweeper were outlined as follows:
• Cleaning performance
• Maneuverability
• Operator visibility
• Increased productivity
• Durability and dependability
• Service and support network
• Ability to efficiently pick up leaves
With the focus on a truck mounted vacuum style sweeper, a bid specification was created with features that would best meet the current needs and a machine that would provide years of service.
Key features are:
• Conventional truck cab with dual steering wheels
• Stainless steel debris hopper
• Dual gutter brooms
• Multi camera system to increase operator’s field of vision
• Rear mounted suction hose
• Tight turning radius
• Factory training for the Mechanic
During the course of the summer, Public Works staff researched and demonstrated many types of sweepers. This provided the opportunity to operate the sweeper in varying situations and allowed a number of staff members to test the equipment firsthand. The sweeper that fulfills the current needs of the Public Works Department is the Schwarze A9 Monsoon Sweeper.
Features of the Schwarze sweeper are:
• 33% larger debris body (8 cu yds vs 6 cu yds)
• Stainless steel debris body has a lifetime warranty
• Freightliner chassis
• 35% larger auxiliary sweeper engine (134 hp vs 99hp)
• Training for two city staff at the Huntsville, AL factory training facility. This is a two-day session which includes class fees, airfare, meals and hotel
• Lower cost
The Schwarze sweeper is available through Sourcewell and HGACBuy cooperative purchasing contracts and R.N.O.W. Inc. also submitted a dealer direct bid price as follows:
| Schwarze, A9 Monsoon - R.N.O.W. Inc. | $248,822.65 |
| Schwarze, A9 Monsoon - HGACBuy Contract | $250,200.00 |
| Schwarze, A9 Monsoon - Sourcewell Contract | $250,972.61 |
| TYMCO, Model 600 - HGACBuy Contract | $265,115.00 |
| TYMCO, Model 600 - Sourcewell Contract | $265,310.00 |
The Public Works Department recommends purchase of the Schwarze A9 Monsoon sweeper from R.N.O.W. Inc at a cost of $248,822.65.
City Council approval is recommended.
B. Consideration of the City of Sycamore’s Drug Free and Smoke Free Workplace Policy.
The City of Sycamore has a drug free and smoke free policy that has been part of the City’s handbook. With the legalization of medical and recreational cannabis the policy has been updated as a stand-alone policy to prohibit employees from possessing, using or being under the influence of cannabis at the workplace. The remainder of the policy is unchanged.
City Council approval is recommended.
14. OTHER NEW BUSINESS
15. APPOINTMENTS
16. ADJOURNMENT
https://cityofsycamore.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cc20191216a.pdf
Alerts Sign-up