DeKalb Times

Dekalb County Board met May 20.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

*Due to COVID-19, this Meeting was held as a Virtual Public Meeting

The DeKalb County Board met virtually in regular session through a cloud-based, peer-to-peer software platform called Zoom at 7:00 p.m. Chairman Pietrowski called the meeting to order and the Clerk called the roll. Those Commissioners virtually present were Mr. Paul Stoddard, Mr. Larry West, Mr. Jeff Whelan, Ms. Suzanne Willis, Mr. Tim Bagby, Mr. Scott Campbell, Ms. Rukisha Crawford, Mrs. Karen Cribben, Mrs. Laurie Emmer, Mr. Steve Faivre, Vice-Chairman John Frieders, Ms. Kiara Jones, Mr. Tracy Jones, Ms. Maureen Little, Mr. Jim Luebke, Ms. Terri Mann-Lamb, Mr. Roy Plote, Mr. Craig Roman, Ms. Linda Slabon, and Chairman Mark Pietrowski, Jr. Those absent were Mr. Tim Hughes, Ms. Dianne Leifheit, Mr. Jerry Osland, and Mr. Chris Porterfield. A quorum was established with twenty Members virtually present and four absent.

Chairman Pietrowski asked Mr. Stoddard to lead in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion

It was moved by Mr. Jones and seconded by Mr. Whelan to approve the agenda as presented.

Voice Vote

Chairman Pietrowski called for a voice vote to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carried unanimously.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion

Mr. Luebke moved to approve the minutes of the April 15, 2020 County Board Meeting. Ms. Mann-Lamb seconded the motion.

Voice Vote

Chairman Pietrowski asked for a voice vote on the approval of the minutes. All Members voted yea. Motion carried unanimously.

COMMUNICATIONS AND PROCLAMATIONS

Chairman Pietrowski shared that he recently had the privilege of speaking with all of the County's Mayors about COVID-19 responses and how they can continue to work together and with the state to ensure the highest levels of safety while continuing a much needed phasing back of our small businesses and religious institutions. The letter represents their thoughts as local leaders that they sent to the Governor, our State Reps and State Senators, the media and other DeKalb County leaders and organizations. The Chair noted that they will continue to work with the state and our region on the Restore Illinois plan and just want to have dialogue on possible adjustments to the plan while maintaining safety regulations and working with local, state and federal health organizations. He also thanked DeKalb County U N I T E S for their additional letter as well that was sent.

He continued that less than 24 hours after the letter was sent, Governor JB Pritzker announced loosening restrictions on reopening guidelines. The Governor announced Tuesday he’ll allow campgrounds, restaurants and bars to reopen in Phase 3 (expected to begin in nine days), provided the latter offer outdoor seating only". More details will be coming out soon and the dialog has started so Chairman Pietrowski was sure there will be more updates and adjustments to the phase-in plan in the days and weeks ahead.

Proclamation P2020-03: Extending a Proclamation of a Disaster in DeKalb County

Chairman Pietrowski shared that he understood there was some misunderstandings surrounding the reasoning for this Proclamation. He explained that the Proclamation is a formality to continue to qualify for federal disaster aid and grants. It has nothing to do with the stay at home orders. “The Extension of the Declaration of a Disaster Area continues to allow DeKalb County to receive resources, such as PPE (masks, gloves, face shields, etc.), for Long-Term Care Facilities and First Responders throughout the County from IEMA & FEMA". - Dennis Miller, Emergency Services Disaster Agency (ESDA) Coordinator.

Motion

Mr. Jones moved to approve Proclamation P2020-03 proclaiming that the COVID-19 disaster still exists within DeKalb County, Illinois and that the original Proclamation (approved March 18, 2020) is extended starting May 20, 2020 and shall continue for a period not to exceed thirty days, unless extended by the County Board of DeKalb County. Mr. Luebke seconded the motion.

Voice Vote

The Chairman called for a voice vote on the motion as presented. All Members present voted yea. The motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Tim Hughes and Mr. Chris Porterfield virtually arrived to the meeting. The roll call now reflects twenty-two Members present and two absent.

Employee Service Awards for May 2020

Chairman Pietrowski recognized the following County Employees who were celebrating Service Awards in the month of May 2020: Five Years: Scott Siuda – Forest Preserve, Dale Harrolle – Forest Preserve, Christie Klein – County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, Jesse Gloria – Sheriff’s Office; Ten Years: Jillian Miller – Sheriff’s Office, Grant Erickson – Sheriff’s Office; Twenty Years: Joshua Duehning – Sheriff’s Office; Twenty-Five Years: Erin McRoberts – Sheriff’s Office.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Mr. Paul Callighan commented that he was in support of the Property Tax Penalty Waiver Ordinance. Mr. Callighan is a member of the Kishwaukee United Way Board and they have been trying to provide a number of safety net opportunities for the public but individuals are still suffering due to the systems being overburdened. Although there are financial safety nets in place, most won’t be able to get back on their feet in a timely fashion and he would appreciate the Committee’s thoughtful consideration on the Ordinance before them later on the Agenda.

Terry Lozier residing on Gerry Lane in Sycamore Township thanked County Engineer Nathan Schwartz, the County Highway Committee, and all who were instrumental in installing double striping and establishing a no passing zone on Plank Road in front of Gerry Lane.

APPOINTMENTS

Chairman Pietrowski recommended approval of the following appointments:

a. Regional Planning Commission: Steve Faivre (County), Alyssa Seguss (Genoa), Frank Altmaier (Kingston), Steve Devlieger (Kirkland), and Becky Morphey (Somonauk) all appointed immediately until March 31, 2023.

b. Regional Planning Commission – Alternates: Suzanne Willis (County), Dan Chambers (Kirkland), and Rich Gentile (Genoa) all appointed immediately until March 31, 2023.

c. Clinton-Shabbona Drainage District: Wesley Anderson appointed immediately to fill the unexpired term of Leonard Anderson until August 31, 2022.

Motion

It was moved by Mr. Porterfield and seconded by Mr. Hughes to approve the recommended appointments as presented.

Voice Vote

Chairman Pietrowski called for a voice vote. The motion carried unanimously.

REPORTS FROM STANDING COMMITTEES

COUNTY HIGHWAY COMMITTEE

Resolution R2020-31: Award Resolution for 13 Timber Pile Repairs on Two Bridges (Anderland Road & Haumesser Road)

Motion

Mr. Plote moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves the lowest bid meeting specifications to Civil Constructors Inc. of Freeport, Illinois for the repair to 9 certain timber piles of the middle branch of the Kishwaukee River carrying the Anderland Road Bridge (1135 feet south of Perry Road) and 4 certain timber piles of the south branch of the Kishwaukee River carrying the Haumesser Road Bridge (2680 feet north of Perry Road) in the total amount of $241,514.00. Mr. Stoddard seconded the motion.

Roll Call

Chairman Pietrowski called for a roll call vote on the motion as presented. Those Members voting yea were Mr. Stoddard, Mr. West, Mr. Whelan, Ms. Willis, Mr. Bagby, Mr. Campbell, Ms. Crawford, Mrs. Cribben, Mrs. Emmer, Mr. Faivre, Vice-Chair Frieders, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Jones, Mr. Jones, Ms. Little, Mr. Luebke, Ms. Mann-Lamb, Mr. Plote, Mr. Porterfield, Mr. Roman, Ms. Slabon, and Chairman Pietrowski. The motion carried unanimously with all Members present voting yea.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Ordinance O2020-08: An Ordinance Authorizing Boundary Modifications to the Area Known as the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone and Approval of an Amendment to the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement

Motion

Mrs. Emmer moved the DeKalb County Board hereby approves and concurs with expanding the boundary of the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone to include those areas as described in Exhibits “A” and “B,” also referred to as Amendment 2 to the Zone Boundary, and further approves an amendment to the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone Intergovernmental Agreement to reflect modifications to the Legal Description of the Enterprise Zone as reflected in said Ordinance and authorizes and directs the Chairman of the DeKalb County Board to sign and execute said Agreement on behalf of DeKalb County, Illinois. Mr. Hughes seconded the motion.

DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) Executive Director and DeKalb County Enterprise Zone Administrator Paul Borek provided a brief description of Project Buffalo/Syngenta and introduced Ms. Rachel Gardner of CBRE, consultant to Syngenta. She provided a few comments on behalf of the company and introduced Mr. Adam Nissen of Syngenta.

Chairman Pietrowski, Mr. Jones, and Vice-Chairman Frieders all welcomed Syngenta to

DeKalb County and expressed their excitement for the company to come to DeKalb County.

Voice Vote

The Chairman called for a voice vote on the motion as presented. All Members voted yea. The motion carried unanimously.

Resolution R2020-32: A Resolution to Extend the Deadline for Filing Applications for Senior Freeze Exemptions

Motion

Mrs. Emmer moved that the DeKalb County Board, pursuant to the authority granted to the County Board by Property Tax Code 35 ILCS 200/15-172(C), hereby extends the filing deadline for the Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption for the 2020 Tax Year (payable in 2021) through October 31, 2020. Mr. Whelan seconded the motion.

Voice Vote

The Chairman called for a voice vote on the motion as presented. All Members voted yea. The motion carried unanimously.

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE

Resolution R2020-33: Award of the Senior Services Tax Levy Funding

Motion

Mr. Porterfield moved the DeKalb County Board hereby approves the recommendation of the Health and Human Services Committee and agrees to purchase services from the agencies listed within the Resolution in a total amount not exceeding $430,000 for the period beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021. Mr. Stoddard seconded the motion as presented.

Roll Call

Chairman Pietrowski called for a roll call vote on the motion as presented. Those Members voting yea were Mr. Stoddard, Mr. West, Mr. Whelan, Ms. Willis, Mr. Bagby, Mr. Campbell, Ms. Crawford, Mrs. Cribben, Mrs. Emmer, Mr. Faivre, Vice-Chair Frieders, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Jones, Mr. Jones, Ms. Little, Mr. Luebke, Ms. Mann-Lamb, Mr. Plote, Mr. Porterfield, Mr. Roman, Ms. Slabon, and Chairman Pietrowski. The motion carried unanimously with all Members present voting yea.

LAW & JUSTICE COMMITTEE

Resolution R2020-34: Approval of the Sheriff’s Dispatching Agreements

Motion

Mr. Luebke moved the DeKalb County Board hereby approves the attached agreements for consolidated PSAP entities (Exhibits A-1 thru A-4), as well as the planning amounts for rural Fire Departments and non-PSAP Police Departments, and that the County Board Chairman is authorized to sign each contract as the individual entities approve them through their own legal processes as appropriate. Ms. Slabon seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

The Chair called for a roll call vote on the motion. Those Members voting yea were Mr. Stoddard, Mr. West, Mr. Whelan, Ms. Willis, Mr. Bagby, Mr. Campbell, Ms. Crawford, Mrs. Cribben, Mrs. Emmer, Mr. Faivre, Vice-Chair Frieders, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Jones, Mr. Jones, Ms. Little, Mr. Luebke, Ms. Mann-Lamb, Mr. Plote, Mr. Porterfield, Mr. Roman, Ms. Slabon, and Chairman Pietrowski. The motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Jerry Osland virtually arrived to the meeting. The roll call now reflects twenty-three Members present and one absent.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Ordinance O2020-09: An Ordinance in Relation to the COVID-19 Health Emergency and the Tax Year 2019 (Payable 2020) Collection of Property Taxes in the County of DeKalb, Illinois

Motion

Mr. Bagby moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby approves that the penalty interest shall be waived for the first installment of property taxes due June 5, 2020, for the 2019 taxable year (payable 2020) for those who pay the first installment of their property taxes owed on or before September 3, 2020 with the condition that property owners seeking this waiver of interest penalties must complete a form that contains the language in (Attachment A to this Ordinance) attesting to current or potential financial need for this waiver and that this form must be submitted with any payment made after June 5, 2020. Mrs. Emmer seconded the motion as presented.

Roll Call Vote

After discussion, Chairman Pietrowski called for a roll call vote on the motion. Those Members voting yea were Mr. Stoddard, Mr. West, Mr. Whelan, Ms. Willis, Mr. Bagby, Mr. Campbell, Ms. Crawford, Mrs. Cribben, Mrs. Emmer, Mr. Faivre, Vice-Chair Frieders, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Jones, Mr. Jones, Ms. Little, Mr. Luebke, Ms. Mann-Lamb, Mr. Osland, Mr. Plote, Mr. Porterfield, Mr. Roman, Ms. Slabon, and Chairman Pietrowski. All Members voted yea. The motion carried unanimously.

Claims – May 2020

Motion

Mr. Bagby moved to approve the payment of claims for this month, and the off-cycle claims paid during the previous month, including all claims for travel, meals, and lodging, in the amount of $9,183,994.04. Mrs. Cribben seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote

Chairman Pietrowski asked for a roll call vote on the approval of the May 2020 Claims. Those Members voted yea were Mr. Stoddard, Mr. West, Mr. Whelan, Ms. Willis, Mr. Bagby, Mr. Campbell, Ms. Crawford, Mrs. Cribben, Mrs. Emmer, Mr. Faivre, Vice-Chair Frieders, Mr. Hughes, Ms. Jones, Mr. Jones, Ms. Little, Mr. Luebke, Ms. Mann-Lamb, Mr. Osland, Mr. Plote, Mr. Porterfield, Mr. Roman, Ms. Slabon, and Chairman Pietrowski. All Members present voted yea. The motion carried unanimously.

Reports of County Officials

Motion

Mr. Bagby moved to accept and place on file the following Reports of County Officials:

1. Cash & Investments in County Banks – April 2020

2. Public Defender’s Report – April 2020

3. Adult & Juvenile Monthly Reports – April 2020

4. Pretrial Report – April 2020

5. Sheriff’s Jail Report – April 2020

6. Building Permits & Construction Reports – April 2020

Ms. Slabon seconded the motion.

Voice Vote

The Chairman requested a voice vote to accept the Reports of County Officials as presented. Motion carried unanimously.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Ordinance O2020-10: Amendment to the DeKalb County Long-Term Recovery Plan to Allow for Virtual Zoning Hearings

Motion

Vice-Chairman Frieders moved that the DeKalb County Board hereby amends the Long-Term Recovery Plan for DeKalb County, by adding a new paragraph to the list of “Duties & Temporary Authorities of Key County Officials” contained in Section #5, as outlined within the Ordinance, for the purposes of the County Hearing Officer to conduct virtual public meetings for zoning issues, if, and as long as, the flexibility for virtual meetings is granted by the appropriate State authority. Mr. Stoddard seconded the motion.

Voice Vote

The Chair called for a voice vote on the motion as presented. All Members voted yea.

The motion carried unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS / NEW BUSINESS

Mr. Stoddard wondered if there was any way that the County could make short-term loans to individuals who are experiencing hardships due to COVID-19. He wasn’t sure if that was something the County could do or was in a financial position to be able to do but asked if the Finance Committee could look into the possibility further at one of their future meetings.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion

Mr. Whelan moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m. and Ms. Mann-Lamb seconded the motion.

Voice Vote

The motion to adjourn the meeting carried unanimously.

https://dekalbcounty.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/min20-cbmay.pdf