DeKalb Times

City of DeKalb City Council met March 26.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Special City Council meeting in the City Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois.

A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and provided an update on the City’s activities during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order, noting the steps being taken to abide by the order. He also commented on the DeKalb County Unites Small Business Task Force stating we all need to work together with collaboration and communication.

Executive Assistant Ruth Scott called the roll and the following members of City Council were present: Alderman Carolyn Morris (Remotely), Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Tracy Smith, Alderman Greg Perkins, Alderman Scott McAdams, Alderman Mike Verbic, Alderman Tony Faivre, and Mayor Jerry Smith.

Staff present included: City Manager Bill Nicklas, Interim Police Chief John Petragallo, City Attorney John Donahue, and Executive Assistant Ruth Scott.

C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

MOTION

Alderman Morris moved to add the topic of meeting remotely in the future. The motion died for lack of a second.

MOTION

Alderman Finucane moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Alderman Smith.

VOTE

Motion carried by a 7-1 roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: Morris. Mayor Smith declared the motion approved.

D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mayor Smith read comments from Shaun Langley on behalf of himself and others residing in the Fifth Ward regarding their concerns that Alderman McAdams does not take seriously their concern for their neighborhood’s safety.

Mayor read comments from Dan Schewe and his wife Kathy, thanking the Mayor, City Manager, Council Members and City staff for the good work being done on behalf of the citizens of DeKalb.

E. NEW BUSINESS

1. Ordinance 2020-022 Amending Chapter 55 “Hotels and Motels”, Section 55.04 “Transmittal of Tax Revenue”, and Chapter 60 “Restaurant, Bar and Package Liquor Tax”, Section 60.08 “Failure to File Return and Pay Tax” to Provide Economic Relief Related to COVID-19.

Mayor Smith read Ordinance 2020-022 by title only. 

MOTION

Alderman McAdams moved to approve the Ordinance on first reading; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

Mayor Smith read comments from John Finn of Pizza Villa regarding his support of this item.

Mayor Smith read comments from Pramit Patel, owner of the DeKalb Hampton Inn and Home2 Suites, regarding the effect the COVID-19 situation is having on the hotel business, noting his support of this item.

DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Matt Duffy spoke in favor of this item.

Mayor Smith read comments from Mark Charvat regarding Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and his thoughts on cutting City expenses.

Mayor Smith read comments from Mark Charvat regarding his thoughts on this item, suggesting the City should opt to not collect tax from restaurant and bar patrons, thereby lowering the cost to dine/carry out.

Brad Hoey stated businesses are taking an adverse hit at this time with regard to the COVID-19 situation and added that he appreciates Council’s leadership and concern during this challenging time.

City Manager Nicklas provided a brief overview of the actions taken by City Council on March 23, 2020 (Ordinance 2020-017), which provided assistance to DeKalb businesses. He then provided an overview of this item based on the background information provided.

Alderman Finucane and Alderman McAdams expressed their support for this item.

Alderman Perkins expressed his concern over the elimination of this revenue source and its effect on the City’s budget.

Alderman Finucane responded that no one has experienced this type of situation before and adjustments will need to be made as we go along. However, the immediate impact of the proposed ordinance will help local businesses.

Alderman Verbic stated he wants to keep the City’s fund balance at 25%.

Mayor Smith encouraged local businesses to take advantage of various state and federal assistance programs being put in place.

Alderman Morris expressed her support of this item and thanked City Manager Nicklas for coming up with it so quickly. She noted that perhaps the cannabis tax revenue the City receives will assist with revenue recovery.

Alderman Verbic suggested engaging the Finance Advisory Committee for their thoughts on working through this issue.

Alderman Faivre stated he would be in favor of having the fund balance fall below 25% as long as there’s a plan to replace it.

Alderman Smith, while concerned about the budget too, expressed his support of this item.

Alderman Perkins again expressed his concern over the loss of revenue and suggested some sort of deferment.

City Manager Nicklas stated that based on the current situation, he suspects there will be a two-year recovery plan for the City.

VOTE

Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Mayor Smith. Mayor Smith declared the motion approved.

MOTION

Alderman Finucane moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance; seconded by Alderman McAdams.

VOTE

Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Mayor Smith. Mayor Smith declared the motion approved.

2. Consideration of Further Action by the Liquor Commissioner.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of actions the Liquor Commissioner has taken provide additional relief to the local hospitality industry.

The first allows DeKalb liquor license holders with the authority to sell liquor for off- premises consumption to conduct home deliveries, except for brew pubs and distilling pubs.

The second provides that all license renewals due on April 30, 2020 will be deferred to June 30, 2020. They include restaurant liquor licenses, amusement device and facility licenses, hotel/motel licenses, pawnbroker licenses, tow/relocator licenses, taxi/livery licenses and food truck licenses.

There was brief discussion regarding the exception of brew pubs and distilling pubs.

Mayor Smith opened the floor for comments/reports from Council members and City staff.

Alderman Finucane encouraged the continuance of social distancing.

Alderman McAdams addressed comments made earlier in the meeting regarding the assumption of his not being concerned with citizen safety in the Fifth Ward. He stated that he is confident that the DeKalb Police Department does everything they can do to keep us safe.

Alderman Verbic thanked first responders and health care workers for all they are doing at this time with regard to the COVID-19 situation. He also requested an update on each agenda moving forward regarding the financial relief being provided to local businesses.

Mayor Smith encouraged communication and camaraderie as we all work through this situation.

City Manager Nicklas concurred with comments regarding first responders. He also thanked Council for doing what needs to be done to help local businesses.

F. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION

Alderman Smith moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Alderman Verbic.

VOTE

Motion carried on a majority voice vote. Mayor Smith declared the meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03262020-1797