DeKalb Times

City of Sycamore City Council met April 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

ROLL CALL

Mayor Lang called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and City Clerk Mary Kalk called the roll. Those Alderpersons present were: Steve Braser, Nancy Copple, Josh Huseman, Rick Kramer, Pete Paulsen, Virginia Sherrod, Chuck Stowe, and Alan Bauer. City Attorney Keith Foster was also present.

INVOCATION- Led by Alderperson Nancy Copple

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Alderman Steve Braser

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOTION

Alderperson Braser motioned to approve the agenda and Alderperson Kramer seconded the motion. 

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Lang called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

AUDIENCE TO VISITORS via email

CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of April 6, 2020. 

B. Payment of the Bills for April 20, 2020 in the amount of $783,743.76.

MOTION

Alderperson Bauer moved to approve the Consent Agenda and Alderperson Stowe seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Lang called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Braser, Copple, Huseman, Kramer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND BILLS

A. A Proclamation Declaring April 24th as Arbor Day in the City of Sycamore, Illinois.

Mayor Lang said that Sycamore has been a Tree City for many years which goes well with the Sycamore Grove Tribute to Veterans and that there will be a dedication on Veteran’s Day, November 11th.

Mayor Lang said he is so proud of staff for doing what they do during this time as the main goal is safety. He added that working with the County is a big deal and that they have a monthly mayor’s meeting where the comments and working with the other mayors has worked out nicely. He also said that there is a lot of information in the Illinois Municipal League updates that he can share. He offered to share the number to listen to the Governor’s conference call discussing the President’s three- phase program.

REPORT OF OFFICERS

City Manager – Brian Gregory said with the COVID-19 emergency, the City continues to provide the same level of services that we provided prior to the outbreak, but more calculated. There is a focus on employee and resident safety which includes following the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) in social distancing and wearing all of the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). He said that there will be an impact as the city is dependent on Sales Tax revenue as 45%-50% of the budget is from Sales and Use Taxes. They don’t know what that impact will be yet, but the City came into this emergency with a healthy reserve position to combat the volatility in Sales Tax and the revenue side. We were having a strong FY20 and we should finish April 30th close to our budget, but it is hard to say not yet knowing the impact. They will monitor as we go and make adjustments accordingly. He reminded everyone, as always, to shop local and support the local businesses as now it is imperative. Shop online or by phone and protect yourself if you pick up in person. With mention of the three-phase plan to opening up the economy, he wants to make sure that when we open up, all our businesses are sustained and continue to operate here in Sycamore as they are a huge part of our identity. He appreciates that Kesley Rettke from the Daily Chronicle and Scott Zak from WLBK are on the meeting and said that they have done a good job with their stories promoting everyone to support their favorite local businesses. Lastly, he reported that there will be a Special Planning & Zoning Commission meeting Monday, April 27th, at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom of which a public Notice has gone out. It involves a public hearing dealing with an amendment for the Planned Unit Development (PUD) for the reconstruction of the St. Albans property. He appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding as the city works through the electronic means for meetings.

Police Chief – Jim Winters said that Officers are adapting well to the many changes in modifications and that it is the Police Departments’ goal is to continue to protect the officers, their families, and the community while also ensuring they maintain a high level of service. He thanked our officers for their diligence during this time. Currently, their department is in decent shape with a supply of PPEs and they thank the community and various groups that donated additional PPEs. Finally, last week was National Telecommunicator Week and thanked all of them for what they do behind the scenes to serve our citizens. They are the people that take the emergency calls from the public and also keep our public safety personnel connected to information and resources and we thank them for all they do.

Fire Chief – Pete Polarek said they got notification from IDPH that they received a $4,800 grant for some PPE (not COVID- related) but for helmets and vests and they are very thankful. He expressed thanks, on behalf of the Fire Department, for the amount of support in meals for on-duty staff to comments or emails. He is thankful they are able to provide a service and haven’t had any of their folks go down.

Director of Public Works – Fred Busse said Arbor Day is Friday, April 24th. Although the Arbor Day Foundation waived the requirement to hold an observance day and tree-planting, the Public Works team is still going to observe Arbor Day. They will plant an Armstrong Maple tree on Friday at 10 a.m. on the Main Street side of the Post Office and will submit a video and pictures to the Arbor Day Foundation. He reported that they are in week two of the three-week fire hydrant flushing. Last week, they focused on hydrants north of Route 64. This week, they will focus on south of Route 64 and west of Somonauk Street. Next week, they will focus on hydrants south Route 64 and east of Somonauk Street. He said that residents may experience some discoloration in the water but it will clear up and that it has no harmful effects.

Mayor Lang interjected that Assistant Director of Public Works Jake Keck helped the Future Farmers of America (FFA) students plant daffodil bulbs at the gateway welcome signs last year and said for everyone to take a look as they are blooming and looking good.

Treasurer/Asst. to the City Manager – Adam Orton said the Treasurer’s Report for March, on a cash-basis, has a benchmark of 92%. Currently, most of the revenue sources, including the Income Tax and Sales Tax, are trending above their budgeted benchmarks, however, given the COVID-19 situation, we need to consider the lag period for these revenues. The Sales Tax has a lag period of about three months, meaning that the Sales Tax in this report represent the numbers from December. The Restaurant & Bar Tax lags about one month and will continue to lag farther since the City has offered extended payments into June. These revenues will be accrued back so the FY20 will be whole but we have yet to see the full impact of COVID-19 but will continue to monitor all these revenue sources as they come in. Overall Revenues are at 98.4% and the General Fund Expenditures sit at about 89%. With the markets being down significantly, both fire and police pensions saw significant decreases. On a positive note, the City of Sycamore has received the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting and Popular Annual Financial Reporting again this year. The auditors always provide feedback on those reports and he thanks his team for their hard work. He also thanks his team for their work during this COVID-19, where they have been very creative in finding ways to serve the customers as well as stay safe at the same time.

Building & Engineering Director – John Sauter said they performed a final inspection of the Meijer Main Store and issued a temporary certificate of occupancy for employees only to allow them to start preparing the store for a grand

opening. Information regarding an opening date has not yet been made available. As a whole, everything is good at Community Development and is business as usual.

Director of Human and Administrative Resources (DHAR) – Maggie Peck said they sent out the Request for Proposal for medical and ancillary products two weeks ago. It is due back on May 8th and they are hoping to receive several back.

City Engineer – Mark Bushnell said on March 20th, KLM completed the inspection of Water Tower 1. This included a two- man team climbing the tower and placing a remote operated vehicle inside the bowl. We recently received the report which include recommendations to address paint, structural, and safety issues. Due to the age and condition of the tower, their estimate was more than anticipated. They are working with the engineer to complete value engineering to only address critical items to get the project closer to the budgeted cost with bidding scheduled for later this summer.

Mayor Lang complimented City Engineer Mark Bushnell for his quick response in helping a resident within two hours of being notified.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Finance – Alan Bauer - no report

Public Safety – Pete Paulsen - no report 

Public Works – Chuck Stowe - no report

PUBLIC HEARINGS

A. Public Hearing on the Proposed FY2020-21 City Budget.

Mayor Lang opened the public hearing. Hearing no comment, he closed the public hearing.

ORDINANCES

A. Ordinance 2019.53—An Ordinance Concerning the Adoption of the Combined Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Fiscal Year 2020-21 in the City of Sycamore, Illinois. Second Reading.

City Manager Brian Gregory said this ordinance that has been discussed for months represents the adoption of the budget for the next fiscal year that begins on May 1st. As mentioned several times before, COVID-19 emergency will have an impact on our budget. Not knowing what that will look like, he recommends the budget be passed as presented. There will be periodic updates as to our position and will have amendments to the budget as needed. As presented, this is a balanced budget and said we come into the fiscal year in a relatively solid position so while we are confident that we may have to make some modifications, we are on solid footing.

MOTION

Alderperson Kramer motioned to adopt Ordinance 2019.53 and Alderperson Stowe seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Lang called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Braser, Copple, Huseman, Kramer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

B. Ordinance 2019.54—An Ordinance Amending Title 1, “Administration,” Chapter 10, “Personnel Rules,” of the City Code of the City of Sycamore to Authorize Non-Elective Positions for the City of Sycamore, Illinois. Second Reading.

City Manager Brian Gregory said this is a companion ordinance that was discussed on First Reading at the last meeting that outlines the number of positions that are authorized and is the actual codification of the number of the non-elected positions.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to adopt Ordinance 2019.54 and Alderperson Kramer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Lang called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Braser, Copple, Huseman, Kramer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

C. Ordinance 2019.55—An Ordinance Establishing Offices and Fixing the Compensation of Certain Appointed Officers of the City of Sycamore, Illinois, County of DeKalb, State of Illinois for the Fiscal Year Commencing on the First Day of May 2020 and Ending on the Thirtieth Day of April 2021. Second Reading.

City Manager Brian Gregory said this establishes the salary schedules and ranges of those non-elected employees or those not represented by a collective bargaining agreement. This is consistent with other city employees.

MOTION

Alderperson Bauer motioned to adopt Ordinance 2019.55 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Lang called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Braser, Copple, Huseman, Kramer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

D. Ordinance 2019.56—An Ordinance Amending Title 3, “Business and License Regulations,” Chapter 2, “Liquor Control,” Subsection 6, “Classification of Licenses; Fees; Hours and Days of the City Code of the Sycamore of Sycamore, Illinois. Second Reading.

City Manager Brian Gregory said these changes were discussed via Consideration in mid-March and on First Reading at the April 6th meeting. He reviewed the changes below as per the agenda:

Class B License, Optional Annual Catered Events Permit

Class B license holders have the option to receive an annual permit for indoor catered events for an additional annual fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00). This additional license holder would receive an annual permit and would waive the requirement to obtain a permit for each indoor catered event.

BanquetHallLiquorLicense

"Banquet Hall" shall mean a business conducted on premises at which the exclusive activity is the catering of private parties where there is service for consumption at tables of a full multiple course meal at a prearranged fixed unit price, or hors d'oeuvres, buffet or smorgasbord, and at which alcoholic liquor may be served or sold as an incident to such food services; provided that each of such private parties is prearranged under the sponsorship of a particular person or organization.

Class “L” License (Banquet Hall) shall authorize the serving and retail sale of alcoholic liquor for consumption on the premises designated therein in establishments containing banquet hall facilities and authorized for banquets as a principal use; provided that alcoholic liquor under this license may be served and sold only to invited guests. The annual fee for Class L licenses shall be two thousand dollars ($2,000.00).

Tasting Room

Class M, which shall authorize the holder of a Class D liquor license from the City to operate a tasting room for the sale of craft beers only for consumption on the premises. It is the intention of a Class M liquor license that the craft beer tasting room shall be an amenity and an accessory use to the primary business (Class D liquor license sales) operated by the applicant on the premises. The tasting room must be physically separated from the Class D licenses premises by walls with access through a door from the Class D licensed area. A Class M liquor license shall be subject to the following conditions and restrictions:

a. The tasting room shall only sell craft beers for consumption on the premises. No macro beers or other alcoholic liquors shall be sold for consumption on the premises from the tasting room. Craft beers for consumption on the premises may only be sold from the tasting room and not from the primary Class D licensed premises.

b. The primary Class D licensed premises may sell craft beer as a packaged item for off-site consumption. The sale of packaged goods from the tasting room is prohibited.

c. Customers may only consume the craft beers purchased in the tasting room on premises. No customer may leave the licensed premises with open alcohol.

d. The tasting room shall be limited in size to no more than 50 square feet. The tasting room must have a continuous, unobstructed passage and view to the primary Class D licensed premises.

e. No seating will be allowed in the tasting room area.

f. The tasting room shall be limited to no more than eight operational craft beer taps at one time.

g. The hours of operation of the tasting room shall be limited to 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on all days, unless specific permission for additional hours of operation are granted by the liquor commissioner.

h. The license holder must inform the local liquor commissioner at least 48 hours in advance of any special events where larger than normal crowds are expected. Special events may include, but are not limited to, the release of rare, specialty craft beers. The license holder shall obtain a special event permit.

Tasting sizes for sale are limited to the following quantities:

i. By the glass, having a capacity of not more than 4 ounces.

ii. By the flight, having not more than three glasses with each glass containing a capacity of not more than four ounces.

i. All persons serving craft beers in the tasting room for consumption on the premises must be BASSET certified.

j. The tasting room shall comply with all building, fire and other codes of the city.

The annual fee for Class M licenses shall be two hundred and fifty dollars ($250.00).

Video Gaming Café

3-2-1. Net Income from Vendors: money put into a video gaming terminal or any other vendor operating/owned machine, minus credits paid out to players.

3-2-6-A-3. Class B; Bar: Class B licenses authorize the retail sale of alcoholic liquors where the primary purpose of the establishment is for the on-site consumption of such alcoholic liquors on the premises, where food service may or may not be included. This license shall apply to establishments where the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises constitutes at least eighty percent (80%) of the gross annual receipts for alcoholic beverages. Bars may also sell package liquors, but under no circumstances may a bar be converted to a package goods store unless the location is in conformance with the provisions of this Code and by the licensing authority of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission. The annual fee for Class B licenses shall be two thousand dollars ($2,000.00). Bars that sell package goods shall pay an additional annual fee of two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00). Bars with State video gaming licenses must generate at least fifty one percent (51%) of its income from beverage and food sales and dedicate no more than twenty five percent (25%) of floor space to video gaming in order to maintain eligibility for a Class B license. For purposes of calculating “income,” the City will use the actual profit derived from beverage and food sales and the net income from vendors of video gaming terminals or any other machine owned or operated by a vendor. Therefore, the actual profit derived from beverage and food sales must be at least fifty one percent (51%) percent of the total economic activity entering the licensed establishment, including any vendor operated devices. The purpose of this calculation is to ensure that any licensee with a Class B license maintains the sale of alcoholic liquor as its primary business function and source of revenue.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to adopt Ordinance 2019.56 and Alderperson Huseman seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Lang called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Braser, Copple, Huseman, Kramer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

E. Ordinance 2019.57—An Ordinance Amending the Fiscal Year 2019-2020 Budget in the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.

City Manager Brian Gregory said the budget is usually amended twice a year, at the close of a fiscal year and roughly midway through a fiscal year once the prior year’s audit is completed to reflect actual bid prices, show revised priorities, register unforeseen costs or to balance accounts. The attached ordinance amends the Fiscal Year 2020 budget by making the adjustments shown in the following table:

Line Item	Original	Amended	Notes
02-000-4502	170,000	250,000	Transfer from water reserves
02-000-9002	170,000	250,000	Transfer from water reserves
02-741-8632	195,000	275,000	Well #6 repairs
06-000-3411	83,905	84,073	Reflect actual grant revenues
06-000-3722	14,500	45,000	Reflect actual grant revenues
06-000-8495	98,405	138,000	Reflect actual grant expenditures
06-000-8521	191,000	401,223	Street Sweeper Purchase
10-000-3213	30,500	36,000	Reflect increase in expenditures
10-000-8219	0	1,500	Reflect actual expenditures
10-000-8373	23,000	27,000	Reflect actual expenditures
11-000-3712	0	475,000	Sale of Water building and Engh Farm building
11-000-8639	100,000	150,000	City Building improvement expenses
15-000-8190	856,460	860,750	Refund of contributions
16-000-8349	1,600	2,000	Reflect actual expenditures
28-000-8490	395,000	424,000	Reflect actual amount transferred to School District
30-000-8103	0	22,950	Reclass PT engineer to Street Maintenance Fund
30-000-8171	0	1,423	Reclass PT engineer to Street Maintenance Fund
30-000-8173	0	333	Reclass PT engineer to Street Maintenance Fund
30-000-8637	1,247,000	1,222,294	Reclass offset

MOTION

Alderperson Stowe motioned to waive First Reading of Ordinance 2019.57 and Alderperson Kramer seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Lang called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

MOTION

Alderperson Stowe motioned to adopt Ordinance 2019.57 and Alderperson Bauer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Lang called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Braser, Copple, Huseman, Kramer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

RESOLUTIONS

A. Resolution No. 820—A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Extension to the Lease Agreement Between the City of Sycamore and Zea Mays Holdings for Suite 301 in the Sycamore Center in the City of Sycamore, Illinois.

City Manager Brian Gregory said he will summarize the next three resolutions as they all deal with leases for the upcoming fiscal year for the businesses that have operated in the Sycamore Center. The rent for Zea Mays, who rents the third floor, is $2856 per month, the rent for Shop in Style SIS, who rents on the first floor, is $900 per month, and the rent for Mr. G’s Music, who rents space in the basement, is $714 per month. This is what is proposed and also said this rental income helps offset expenditures throughout the City in some of the public buildings. This rent, deposited into the Public Buildings Fund, includes improvements at Fire Station #1 and some of the cost differences in the sale of the Engh Farm building, the water building, and the new building at Public Works campus. This fund helps city operations, keeps taxes down, and adds foot traffic downtown.

MOTION

Alderperson Kramer motioned to approve Resolution 820 and Alderperson Huseman seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Lang called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Braser, Copple, Huseman, Kramer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

B. Resolution No. 821—A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Extension to the Lease Agreement Between the City of Sycamore and Shop in Style for Suite 101A the Retail Space in the Sycamore Center.

MOTION

Alderperson Huseman motioned to approve Resolution 821 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Lang called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Braser, Copple, Huseman, Kramer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

C. Resolution No. 822—A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Extension to the Lease Agreement Between the City of Sycamore and Mr. G’s Music for Suite B101 in the Sycamore Center.

MOTION

Alderperson Sherrod motioned to approve Resolution 822 and Alderperson Kramer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Lang called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Braser, Copple, Huseman, Kramer, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

CONSIDERATIONS- None APPOINTMENTS

Mayor Lang appointed Rachel Sauber to the Planning and Zoning Commission to replace Penny Carter who resigned.

MOTION

Alderperson Huseman motioned to approve the appointment and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Lang called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

OTHER NEW BUSINESS

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION

Alderperson Stowe moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 p.m. and Alderperson Paulsen seconded the motion. VOICE VOTE

Mayor Lang called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

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