DeKalb Times

City of Sycamore City Council met Nov. 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

ROLL CALL 

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

INVOCATION- Moment of silence to recognize the late Alderman Spider Kramer

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Led by Alderperson Nancy Copple

APPROVAL OF AGENDA 

MOTION 

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

ROLL CALL VOTE 

Mayor Lang called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Braser, Copple, Huseman, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

AUDIENCE TO VISITORS -

In accordance with previously adopted Rules, Public Comments shall be limited to a maximum of thirty minutes per meeting and the public may participate only during the "Public Comment" portion of the meeting. Comments shall not exceed three minutes per speaker unless limited to a shorter duration if numerous people wish to speak. All participants will be required to provide their name and address for the record. No speaker may speak more than once during any meeting unless specifically permitted to do so by the presiding officer. The City encourages that a spokesperson be chosen for individuals wishing to speak about the same subject matter to avoid repetitive presentations. All remarks should be addressed to the City Council as a whole and not to any individual member or employee. In the event speakers pose questions the Council or City staff, they should be aware that those individuals may decline to answer. Each speaker shall maintain civility and decorum. The Presiding Officer retains the right to stop or remove any speaker who becomes disruptive to the meeting.

Amber Quitno, Sterling Drive and Crescent Drive, asked that the stance that the water is safe to drink is reconsidered until further investigations even though the City's stance is that they are EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) compliant. She said that the EPA guideline is the very minimum standard and we are not a minimum standard community.

Lori Strain, 303 East Elm Street, said that she had two test results come back with lead levels at 27.9 parts per billion (ppb) and 17.8 ppb and that it has nothing to do with the interior plumbing of your home. She is concemed that people don't have the means to make it safe for their families and agrees with Amber Quitno that a different stance should be taken on the safety of the water.

Sean Finn, 623 Edward Street, said that his two test results were 200 ppb and 826 ppb and said that he feels the city needs to declare the water unsafe as it is assaulting people's health, including his daughter. He heard that the ownership of the lead service lines were transferred to the owners back under Mayor Red Johnson and said that if it is true, it is immoral and perhaps illegal.

Jennifer Campbell, 440 Edward Street, said that her most recent test had no lead detected but that another test 24 hours later came back at 116 ppb. She wants everybody to know that just because you have a negative test, it doesn't mean that you do not have lead going into your home.

APPOINTMENTS

A. Appointment of David Stouffer to fill the Vacant Aldermanic Seat in Ward 4.

City Manager Brian Gregory said that this is to fill the vacant seat which was set to expire in 2023 after Alderman Spider Kramer's recent passing. Since that term is less than halfway complete, the Mayor will make an appointment. That appointee shall serve until the next regular election at which time, in the fourth ward, with a staggered election cycle, that appointee will have the opportunity to run for that seat. There will actually be two seats up in the fourth ward; a four-year term and a two-year term. Mayor Lang is bringing forward David Stouffer, who has previously served in the first ward as an alderman and thought he would be a good fit. If the Council concurs with the appointment, Mr. Stouffer will be sworn in by the City Clerk virtually and then will take that seat right away.

Mayor Lang said that he formally proposes that David Stouffer fill the term of Spider Kramer until the April 2021 election.

MOTION 

Alderperson Copple motioned to approve the appointment 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, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

Alderman David Stouffer joined the Council after he was sworn in by City Clerk Mary Kalk.

CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of November 2, 2020. 

B. Payment of the Bills for November 16, 2020 in the amount of $740,769.99. 

C. TIF Grant Close-Out for 445 Park Avenue.

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, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND BILLS 

Alderman Paulsen proposed that the elected body plant a tree in Spider Kramer's memory and is open to ideas of where to plant it. He asked the members of council to consider and contact him if they are willing to participate.

Mayor Lang spoke about the #Our TownChallenge campaign and said there have been 46 people that have taken a picture with the business owner to share on the Facebook page. The challenge is to share with 20 businesses and invite 20 people to share with you in buying a gift card to support our small businesses.

REPORT OF OFFICERS 

City Manager - Brian Gregory said that Sweet Earth's owner Rich and Roseann Para retiring after many years of being a staple in the downtown. The small business community is such a big part of our culture and they have been struggling with COVID impacts so the #Our TownChallenge is to buy any amount of gift card to show we care. It's more about the love and the Sycamore Spirit. He appreciates the Chronicle and WLBK for covering this challenge. This is our community and we need to collectively step up and do our part. He asked for those to find their way to help. He said that COVID-19 numbers are on the rise and asked everyone to follow the guidance of social distancing, wearing masks, etc.

Police Chief - Jim Winters said that even though there may be less travel this upcoming Thanksgiving, they still want to remind everyone the importance of the proper use of seat belts and child safety seats as the holidays approach. The annual "Click it or Ticket" campaign runs from November 20th to November 30th and they will have officers emphasizing occupant restraint laws. As a reminder, if someone is in need of assistance with a child safety seat, they are welcome to call the Police Department (PD) to set up an appointment as the PD has officers certified in installation of those seats.

Fire Chief - Pete Polarek said the latest installment of Firefighter lan's public education videos was released last week. It is on carbon monoxide and although it is aimed at young kids, the content is also valid for adults. This can be seen on the Fire Departments Facebook page or on YouTube. He reported that the "Red Wreath" program will kick off on Thanksgiving Day and continue until past the New Year.

Director of Public Works - Fred Busse said in an effort to support the small town businesses during this challenging time, Public Works Department has implemented a temporary sidewalk snow removal area for the 2020 and 2021 winter season focusing on the Downtown businesses. Following a two inch snowfall or more, city staff will clear a four to five foot path on the

State Street sidewalks from Sacramento Street to Main Street. The business owners will still be responsible for removing the rest of the snow to the curb line and for any ice control needed. He thanked DHAR Maggie Peck for helping get the word out by visiting each of the businesses to hand out an informative letter that will address the program. He reported a water main break this afternoon at Sabin and East Exchange so residents may experience some dirty water. Anytime residents experience this, they should call the Water Department.

Director of Community Development - John Sauter said they issued building permits for Northwestern Health last week; one at the Clinic at 1850 Gateway Drive where work is expected to begin later this month and one at 2530 Hauser Ross Drive where work is expected to begin mid-to-late December. Also, the NICOR project on Dosen Drive is making progress. Precast walls should be complete the end of this week and they hope to have the buildings weathered in by the end of December

Director of Human and Administrative Resources (DHAR) – Maggie Peck said they completed the entry level police officer hiring last week. Starting Saturday, November 7th, they did testing and today they wrapped up interviews. They hope to have the final list completed by the end of the week. A Laborer position that has been open since May was posted today and will be open until it's filled.

City Engineer Mark Bushnell said that they have received a lot of calls reporting downed communication lines in relation to the wind storms so if you do have a downed line, feel free to call and they can help track down the corresponding utility. He said welcome back to Alderman Stouffer.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES 

Finance - Alan Bauer - no report 

Public Safety – Pete Paulsen - no report 

Public Works - Chuck Stowe - no report

PUBLIC HEARINGS - None

ORDINANCES- None

RESOLUTIONS

A. Resolution 845-A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of the Worker's Compensation and Liability Coverage for City Employees with Corkill Insurance.

City Manager Brian Gregory said DHAR Maggie Peck has worked with the broker Corkill Insurance who we have worked with for the past three years. They seek quotes on the Worker's Compensation and Liability Coverage. After reviewing the quotes, staff recommends that the insurance be placed with Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust for the liability portion and the Illinois Public Risk Fund through Corkill Insurance in the amount of $605,656.

DHAR Maggie Peck said there is an additional savings of $1,500. Kudos to Fred Busse for catching something that they missed taking off of the premium renewals, so they will be reviewing those for additional reductions.

MOTION 

Alderperson Braser motioned to approve Resolution 845 and Alderperson kuseman seconded the motion. 

ROLL CALL VOTE 

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

B. Resolution No. 846—A Resolution Approving a Grant of $15,000 to the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation for Direct Services to Citizens of the City of Sycamore, Illinois.

City Manager Brian Gregory said that each year the city supports DCEDC (DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation) with a contribution. They handle the industrial recruitment, cold calls on behalf of the city, and information and fact sheets for potential developments that may be looking at locating a business in the Illinois or Sycamore. There are considerable efforts and thanked Paul Borek and his team. In the past, he noted that the city has contributed $16,000 the past several years but this is a slight reduction to $15,000 with COVID-19 and the tightening of the belt across the board.

Paul Borek, Executive Director of DCEDC, thanked City Manager Brian Gregory, Mayor Curt Lang, distinguished members of Council and said they appreciate the partnership, leadership, and financial support of the City of Sycamore in this 33 year economic partnership for DeKalb County. He shared some history and contributions of DCEDC's efforts including DeKalb County Enterprise Zone, Meijer, Ideal, Suter Company, Seymour, Nicor, and more.

MOTION 

Alderperson Huseman motioned to approve Resolution 846 for $15,000 and Alderperson Stouffer seconded the motion. 

ROLL CALL VOTE 

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

CONSIDERATIONS

A. Consideration of the Annual Property Tax Levy in the City of Sycamore.

City Manager Brian Gregory said the city is required each year to consider and take action on a property tax levy by the end of the calendar year. Residents of Sycamore are actually paying to nine different taxing bodies as illustrated below:

The combined or composite property tax rate for residences and businesses located in Sycamore was $9.84235 per $100 EAV in 2019. The City's rate-$0.66509—represented 6.76% of the overall rate applied against the EAV of our residences and businesses. 

The City of Sycamore uses the monies raised through property taxes primarily to fund the general operations of the City departments but also uses a substantial portion of the collected taxes to fund pension obligations. The table below shows the breakdown of the annual levy including operational and pension obligations in recent years:

Fire and Police Pension 

The City's actuary has submitted assumptions for the Police and Fire Pension Funds indicating the required contribution using two options; a goal of 100% funding and the minimum required contribution with a 90% funding goal.

The City's 2011 tax levy was the first time that the option of a 90% funding goal was in line with State Statute. Funding significantly more than the minimum required contribution while maintaining a rather static tax levy and current service levels proves very difficult. The City uses a balanced approach to fund at least 90% ($600,888 for Police and $819,117 for Fire), while utilizing the levy or transferring alternative funds from other sources to ensure the contribution exceeds the minimum required by law. Toward that end, the City has contributed or committed to contribute an additional $305,000 to both the Fire and Police Pension Funds over the past four fiscal years.

The annual required contribution is funded by the property tax levy and a portion of personal property replacement tax receipts. The personal property replacement tax receipts are estimated to be $44,121 for the Police Pension Fund and $47,482 for the Fire Pension Fund next year. After deducting the PPRT portion, the levy required to meet the minimum is $771,635 (+5.67%) for Fire and $556,767 (-2.70%) for Police

The assumptions discussed below outline levy requests that ensure the minimum 90% threshold is met through the property tax levy. During the budget process or after the annual audit is presented each year, the City will work to determine if an alternative source can be added to the levy to ensure it exceeds the state requirement.

IMRF, Social Security and Medicare The City's IMRF and FICA (Social Security and Medicare) obligations are calculated by the City Manager. The IMRF/FICA obligations for Water Division and Treatment Plant employees are paid from the Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds. Collectively, IMRF, FICA, Fire and Police Pensions costs for which levies were voted in 2019 ($1,639,638) constituted 52.69% of the City's property tax receipts. As a point of reference, in FY01, pension obligations constituted 24% of the City's property tax receipts.

The City's combined obligation to Social Security and Medicare is 7.65%. Apart from Fire and Police personnel, full-time employees contribute to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). IMRF accumulates money needed to pay benefits from member and employer contributions and from investment returns. The Fund was 90.7% funded as of the end of 2019. The regular IMRF contribution rate for 2020 is estimated to be 9.72% based on a 10% per year phase-in option in response to IMRF lowering its rate of return estimate. Unlike the direct levy contributions for the Fire and Police pension plans, the City is required to make contributions to IMRF bi-weekly as the rate (currently 8.84%) is applied against each payroll. The City has maintained the same levy for IMRF, Social Security and Medicare ($337,175) since 2011 and the same is again proposed for 2020. The remaining costs will compete with general operating revenues.

The combined Fire and Police Pension Fund, IMRF, FICA and Medicare levy contributions total $1,665,577 for 2020.

Calculating the Levy and Rate The starting point when considering the property tax levy is to estimate the City's equalized assessed valuation (EAV) for the coming year. Sycamore's final rate setting EAV in 2019 was $468, 168,714. The County Supervisor of Assessment's preliminary estimates for the City's EAV for 2020 is $486,900,285 (+4.00%), which includes $4,600,245 in new construction.

This estimate includes deductions for exemptions, the senior freeze, appeals, and TIF. Since the actual EAV for 2020 will not be known until the final tax extension is published next spring, the actual City tax rate, determined by dividing the City levy by the EAV, will be uncertain. If the actual EAV published next spring is not as high as the projected level, the final City rate may be slightly higher than expectations discussed below.

As a home rule community, the City and the Library (a component unit of the City) are not subject to the provisions of the Property Tax Extension Limitation Law, commonly referred to as "tax caps." However, where possible the City has chosen to levy within the extension limitation for the year, which for "capped"taxing bodies means the lesser of 5% or the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index during the twelve month calendar year preceding the levy year. For 2020 extensions, the County's cap has been established at 2.3%.

The City has worked to reduce its reliance on property taxes as a percentage of general operating expenditures. This has been accomplished through a combination of fiscal restraint and moving toward more reliance on less regressive alternative revenue sources, such as sales tax. In 2000, property taxes made up 25.7% of all general operating revenues. Since that time, property tax dollars as a percentage of general operating revenues has consistently declined. Property taxes as a percentage of general fund operating revenues have been reduced from 25.7% in 2000; 18.5% in 2005; 14.4% in 2010 to approximately 12% in 2015 (without levy pass-through pension contributions). This number was 11.01% in 2020 (FY21) and looks to be reduced each year as expenditures rise with inflation and pension obligations continue to increase.

Although the city continues to present and deliver balanced budgets, bond rating agencies review finances for predictability. Property tax revenue presents more predictability than more volatile sources such as sales tax. One way volatility concerns can be offset is by increasing the general fund reserve policy target. At the end of FY20, the City's fund balance was 40.88% of total general fund expenditures (consistent with a 4-5 months of reserves).

He reviewed the options shown in the agenda and recommended Option #3 or Option #4.

Overall Impact:

► Should result in a city tax rate of 0.64447.

►The total levy is $3,137,913 (0.84% overall increase attributed to new construction), with $1,452,336 going to general operations.

► Property Taxes minus the portion going directly to the Police and Fire Pension funds would represent only 11.06% of all budgeted FY21 General Fund expenditures, less pass-thru pension transfers ($16,358,026).

► Maintains the funds available for general operations.

Resulting Impact on Single-Family Homeowner: With each of the options, residents want to know what the impact is on their home. The chart below shows the estimated change in the City tax bill for a $200,000 home in 2019 (payable in 2020) and the same home in 2020 (payable in 2021) which is now valued at an estimated $206,037 based on the average increase in EAV (3.02%):

Overall Impact:

► Should result in a City tax rate of 0.64528.

►The total levy is $3,141,875 (0.96% overall increase attributed to new construction); with $1,456,298 going to general operations.

► The levy is maintained at the 2019 level and then applied to existing EAV to calculate the rate of 0.64528. The rate is then applied to new construction EAV of $4,600,245. Property Taxes minus the portion going directly to the Police and Fire Pension funds would represent only 11.09% of all budgeted FY21 General Fund expenditures, less pass-thru pension transfers ($16,358,026).

► Increases the funds available for general operations by $3,962.

Resulting Impact on Single-Family Homeowner: With each of the options, residents want to know what the impact is on their home. The chart below shows the estimated change in the City tax bill for a $200,000 home in 2019 (payable in 2020) and the same home in 2020 (payable in 2021) which is now valued at an estimated $206,037 based on the average increase in EAV (3.02%):

Option #3: Maintain Property Tax Levy for General Operations meets the City's stated financial goals and obligations:

► State requirements for funding pensions are met.

► Although not subject to "tax caps" as a home-rule unit, the City would stay within, in fact well below, the inflationary limit applied to other taxing bodies.

► Should result in a City tax rate of 0.64447. 

► The total levy is $3,137,913 (0.84% overall increase attributed to new construction); with $1,452,336 going to general operations.

► Maintains the funds available for general operations.

► The property tax rate decreases by 3.05% and homeowners should pay slightly less to the City than last year.

He said that there will be a public hearing on the property tax levy at the next meeting on December 7th based on the direction received tonight. The property tax levy will be done in two readings and ordinances that will abate the majority of our debt service obligations will be brought forward as well. He noted that any debt service that comes from property taxes is already included in the numbers.

Alderperson Copple agreed and chose option #4.

Alderman Huseman said that he is indifferent to option #3 or #4 and clarified that the property tax portion of our budget in 2000 was 26% and is now 11%. That is worth celebrating as he has had many conversations where residents assume that the city

is a big recipient of the property taxes. Kudos to the administration. He will support the option #3 recommendation,

Alderman Braser said that he would go with option #3 and gave kudos to Brian and Maggie for all the work they have put in. He's glad that Josh notices that reduction especially when you see how much the other taxing bodies get. It's even more amazing

Alderman Stowe said yes, as long as they can hold the line. When he first started on the council, they were at a $1.64 so kudos to all the managers as they did what they said they wanted to do back then.

Alderman Stouffer said he is leaning more towards option #4 as anytime you can save the tax payers money is a win. If you can keep it the same and also generate a bit of extra funds they could reinvest that $2,000-$4,000 back in the downtown, doing something for the small businesses. He would like to see that happen if they went with option #4.

Alderman Paulsen said that he would go with option #3 or #4 and that as long as we hold the line, we are doing well.

Alderman Bauer said he votes with the recommended option #3.

B. Consideration of the Sycamore Library Annual Property Tax Levy.

City Manager Brian Gregory said the library is a component unit of the City of Sycamore. The Library Board met on November 10th and considered the Library's budget and 2020 levy.

The Library has decided to request a slight increase (0.95%) in its levy bringing it to $1,168, 703. As a result, the Library tax rate decreases 2.93% from 0.24727 (2019) to 0.24003 (2020) as a result of the estimated increase in the estimated community EAV.

Resulting Impact on Single-Family Homeowner: With each of the options, residents want to know what the impact is on their home. The chart below shows the estimated change in the City tax bill for a $200,000 home in 2019 (payable in 2020) and the same home in 2020 (payable in 2021) which is now valued at an estimated $206,037 based on the average increase in EAV (3.02%):

The City Council is obliged to pass through the Library's levy request, provided the annual Library levy does not exceed 0.6% of the community's EAV ($2,921,402 based on the estimated EAV). Executive Director, Kim Halsey, has prepared a draft budget for the City Council and will be available to answer questions or provide clarification.

Combined, the City and Library levies make-up the corporate levy. Based on the options recommended above, the corporate levy totals $4,306,616, which represents a 0.87% increase. Current taxpayers should see slightly less in the amount of taxes paid to the City of Sycamore and Sycamore Public Library in 2020 as new construction accounts for any new dollars being added to the proposed levy.

He said that Director Kim Halsey is on the call tonight and said he appreciated the Library Board and team for working within what they have available to them, knowing the circumstances of the pandemic and keeping their portion of the property tax bill level for the Sycamore residents.

Library Director Kim Halsey said they have reviewed and discussed option #4 for no change to the existing tax payers. She did note that the library is expecting a loss of revenue due to a few factors all related to COVID - 19, some of which include not administering fines at this time, lower printing and copying revenue, and lower number of non-resident cards. This along with the lower estimated EAV from less newer construction means the library has had to decrease several budget lines. In order to keep the tax rate static for existing tax payers, they have reduced the capital improvement line by 65%, equipment and furnishings line by 77%, and professional development by 54% [to name a few].

Alderman Alan Bauer said it looks good as presented. Alderman Stowe and Braser concurred.

C. Consideration of a Recommendation from the Public Works Department to Enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Fehr-Graham for Preliminary and Final Engineering Documents for the Proposed Lead Water Service Replacement Project in the Amount of $9,875.00.

City Manager Brian Gregory said City Engineer Mark Bushnell has done a lot of work on submitting the application for just under

ding for lead service line replacement. The next step is to have the preliminary engineering done so proposals were reviewed based on qualifications and are recommending Fehr-Graham for $9,875.

City Engineer Mark Bushnell said that this company has done work for Rockford and Forreston where they have applied for IEPA loans with debt forgiveness. Application was submitted in February and to date, all the work to move the application along has been done in-house. This is a small step but we need their assistance or expertise to move the project along.

City Manager Brian Gregory said nothing guarantees the application but this positions us in a stronger position especially working with a company that has done this prior,

Alderman Huseman asked that if we receive the funds, is there a timeline and process as to how projects will be prioritized.

City Engineer Mark Bushnell said that the timeline is set by the IEPA so there will actually be a public hearing coming up in regards to this. They are looking for the preliminary environmental sign-off soon and then having the engineering run concurrently with that. The best case scenario would be sending bids out in calendar year 2021 and hopefully breaking ground later in the year. He said that there are a bunch of unknown services, but they had to show the 150 documented lead services to be eligible for the money. Later in the process, they will be able to narrow down exactly which ones get done.

MOTION Alderperson Stowe motioned to approve the agreement with Fehr-Graham for $9,875 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, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

D. Consideration of a Fire Department Recommendation to Award a Contract to Municipal Emergency Services in the Amount of $314,491 for Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Replacement (SCBA).

City Manager Brian Gregory said that this is a critical piece of our fire service and are replaced on a cycle. The Fire Department applied for a grant back in 2019 from Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) which requires a 5% local contribution. At that time, the estimate was $338,116 for the replacement. Previously, the Fire Department was awarded $229,461.00 including the local share contribution of $10,927.00 was received. The remaining match is to come from the City's capital program as outlined

in the FY21 revised budget. Since that time, the team lead by Deputy Chief Art Zern, worked with the brand refining and identifying everything that is needed, ultimately working down the price to $321,785 which includes $314,491 to Municipal Emergency Services for the equipment and $$7,294 to Air One equipment to outfit Squad One's air system. The latter is within administrative spending authority, but this consideration is just for the main portion. In the end, the city share ends up being about $103,251.

Deputy Chief Art Zern explained that the AFG grant is through FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) who has very strict criteria on what can be applied for. Sycamore was able to apply for SCBA based on riding positions for each vehicle. Funding was requested for 31 complete SCBA units, each unit to include one hamess/backpack, one face piece, and two air-cylinders. He said that additional items will need to be purchased for the overall SCBA replacement project including:

• (4) Rapid Intervention Packs - These are emergency firefighter rescue air supply kits carried on each of our fire engines in case a firefighter becomes trapped or incapacitated.

• (2) Spare SCBA harness/backpack - For training and replacement due to damage or required maintenance.

• (10) Additional SCBA face pieces and regulators - In order to supply each SFD member with their own.

• Upgrade the cascade air system on Squad 2 to accommodate the new higher pressure SCBA air cylinders.

Alderman Huseman confirmed with the City Manager, as a point of clarification, if the budget has already been amended to set aside the funds for this request.

MOTION 

Alderperson Huseman motioned to award the contract to Municipal Emergency Services for $314,491 and Alderperson Paulsen seconded the motion. 

ROLL CALL VOTE 

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

OTHER NEW BUSINESS

ADJOURNMENT

Jennifer Campbell interjected asking if there is any purpose to the "chats" [within the Zoom platform) asking if anyone is reading the chats, if anyone will answer them, and if they and the minutes will be available.

Mayor Lang said the chats will be distributed to the council.

MOTION Alderperson Stowe moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:38 p.m. and Alderperson Paulsen seconded the motion. 

ROLL CALL VOTE 

Mayor Lang called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Braser, Copple, Huseman, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stouffer, and Stowe voted aye. Motion carried 7-0. Alderman Bauer was disconnected.

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