DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council Met Nov. 23.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

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

Staff present included City Manager Bill Nicklas.

B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance.

C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Mayor Smith asked the City Council if there were any additions or deletions to the agenda; there were none.

MOTION

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

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane (Remote), Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic (Remote), Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: None. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed.

D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mark Charvat, speaking remotely, expressed his concerns regarding City Council meetings taking place in the library when it’s closed to taxpayers and the public, and the recent cancellations of Committee of the Whole meetings. Mr. Charvat also commented that he was pleased with the positive decision the City Council made this year regarding the tax levy. Closing out his comments, Mr. Charvat suggested that the City Council follow suit with neighboring communities and refund City of DeKalb liquor license holders 50% of their renewal fee charge.

E. PRESENTATIONS

There were none.

F. APPOINTMENTS

There were none.

G. CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Smith read each of the following Consent Agenda items by title only: 1. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of November 9, 2020.

2. Accounts Payable and Payroll through November 23, 2020 in the Amount of $2,562,548.56. 3. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through September 2020.

4. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through September 2020. 5. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – October 2020.

6. Hospitality Recovery Program Update.

7. DeKalb Police Pension Fund Municipal Compliance Report for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019.

MOTION

Alderman Perkins moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Alderman Faivre. 

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane (Remote), Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic (Remote), Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: None. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed.

H. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. 2020 Annual Property Tax Levy.

Mayor Smith opened the Public Hearing at 6:10 p.m., read the title above into the record, and asked if there was anyone from the public present (in person or remotely) wishing to speak to this item; no one came forward.

City Manager Nicklas proceeded to provide an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet.

Mayor Smith closed the Public Hearing at 6:10 p.m.

2. Proposed FY2021 Budget.

Mayor Smith opened the Public Hearing at 6:12 p.m., read the title above into the record, and asked if there was anyone from the public present (in person or remotely) wishing to speak to this item; no one came forward.

City Manager Nicklas proceeded to provide an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet.

Mayor Smith closed the Public Hearing at 6:15 p.m.

I. CONSIDERATIONS

There were none.

J. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2020-122 Appropriating the Sum of $2,075,000 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for Maintaining Various Streets and Highways Under the Applicable Provisions of the Illinois Highway Code (Section 21-00000-00-GM) from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.

Mayor Smith read the Resolution by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Smith moved to approve Resolution 2020-122; seconded by Alderman Morris.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. There was no discussion among Council following City Manager Nicklas’ comments.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane (Remote), Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic (Remote), Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: None. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed.

2. Resolution 2020-123 Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation – Aeronautics for Construction Services for Project DKB-4800 to Rehabilitate Runway 2-20 at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport at a Total Estimated Cost of $2,741,893.90 with a City Contribution Towards Costs in an Amount Not to Exceed $7,000.

Mayor Smith read the Resolution by title only.

MOTION

Alderman McAdams moved to approve Resolution 2020-123; seconded by Alderman Morris.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. There was no discussion among Council following City Manager Nicklas’ comments.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane (Remote), Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic (Remote), Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: None. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed.

3. Resolution 2020-124 Authorizing the Award of a Contract to Anthem Excavation & Demolition, Inc. for the Abatement, Demolition and Restoration of 912 Edgebrook Drive in the Amount of $295,680.

Mayor Smith read the Resolution by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Morris moved to approve Resolution 2020-124; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. There was no discussion among Council following City Manager Nicklas’ comments.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane (Remote), Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic (Remote), Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: None. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed.

K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING

There were none.

L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING

1. Ordinance 2020-069 Authorizing the 2020 Levy and 2021 Collection of Taxes in and for the Corporate and Municipal Purposes and Special Service Areas of the City of DeKalb for Fiscal Year 2021.

Mayor Smith read the Ordinance by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Smith moved to approve Ordinance 2020-069 on First Reading; seconded by Alderman Finucane.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet.

Following City Manager Nicklas’ comments, Alderman Faivre commended the DeKalb Taylor

Municipal Airport, noting this was the first time since he’s been on Council that the airport has reported positive financial numbers rather than negative. Alderman Faivre also stated how much he appreciates the Market Square Special Service Area (SSA), noting that it’s much easier to travel through now that the pavement has been fixed.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane (Remote), Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic (Remote), Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: None. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed.

2. Ordinance 2020-070 Abating Taxes Levied for Corporate Purposes of the City of DeKalb, Illinois for the Tax Year 2020 (Bonds).

Mayor Smith read the Ordinance by title only.

MOTION

Alderman McAdams moved to approve Ordinance 2020-070 on First Reading; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. There was no discussion among Council following City Manager Nicklas’ comments.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane (Remote), Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic (Remote), Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: None. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed.

3. Ordinance 2020-071 Adopting the Annual Budget of the City of DeKalb, Illinois for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2021, and Ending December 31, 2021.

Mayor Smith read the Ordinance by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Verbic moved to approve Ordinance 2020-071 on First Reading; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. Following City Manager Nicklas’ comments, Mayor Smith commended the City Council, City Manager Nicklas, and the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) for the time put forth working on the FY2021 budget.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane (Remote), Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic (Remote), Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: None. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed.

4. Ordinance 2020-072 Amending Chapter 23 “Unified Development Ordinance”, Article 5.07 “LC” Light Commercial District, Article 5.08 “GC” General Commercial District”, and Article 5.11 “LI” Light Industrial District”, by Adding Automobile, Truck, Trailer and Recreational Sales to the “LC” Light Commercial District as a Special Use and Adding Trailer Rental and Sales as a Permitted Use to the “GC” General Commercial District and “LI” Light Industrial District.

Mayor Smith read the Ordinance by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Faivre moved to approve Ordinance 2020-072 on First Reading; seconded by Alderman Morris.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet, noting that it was supported unanimously by the Planning and Zoning Commission. There was no discussion among Council following City Manager Nicklas’ comments.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane (Remote), Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic (Remote), Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: None. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed.

MOTION

Alderman Morris moved to waive Second Reading and approve Ordinance 2020-072; seconded by Alderman Smith.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane (Remote), Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic (Remote), Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: None. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed.

5. Ordinance 2020-073 Approving a Special Use Permit to Allow Truck and Trailer Rental Storage at 1011-1027 W. Hillcrest Drive (U-Haul).

Mayor Smith read the Ordinance by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Morris moved to approve Ordinance 2020-073 on First Reading; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. There was no discussion among Council following City Manager Nicklas’ comments.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane (Remote), Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic (Remote), Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: None. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed.

MOTION

Alderman Morris moved to waive Second Reading and approve Ordinance 2020-073; seconded by Alderman Perkins.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane (Remote), Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic (Remote), Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: None. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed.

M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Council Member Reports

Alderman Morris reported on some positive things happening in the First Ward, such as the addition of more streetlights, updates to Twombley Road, the demolition of the former Campus Cinemas building, and approval for the demolition of 912 Edgebrook. She thanked everyone for their assistance.

Alderman Finucane reported on the increased COVID-19 cases throughout DeKalb County and the state, nothing that’s why he was attending this meeting remotely. He also reported on the Salvation Army’s “Let’s Talk Turkey” drive, stating that the number of turkeys received is the highest on record.

Alderman Smith reported that the Raising Canes Restaurant had opened and was doing well. He noted that during their first week they were constantly busy, but they kept things orderly and there were no issues reported.

Alderman Verbic wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Alderman Faivre mentioned the Airport Advisory Board meeting taking place on November 24, 2020, noting that the airport is very busy, and the amount of fuel being sold is amazing. He commended Airport Manager Renee Riani and City Manager Nicklas for their hard work managing the airport.

Mayor Smith commented on the COVID vaccine and its potential release in mid-December. He also responded to Mr. Charvat’s comments regarding the lack of Committee of the Whole meetings, noting that Committee of the Whole meetings were not established as required meetings. He further noted that Council can request a Committee of the Whole meeting if there are issues they want to discuss in that format.

2. City Clerk Report

The City Clerk was absent.

3. City Manager Report

The City Manager had no report.

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Smith read the following by title only:

1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss Collective Bargaining as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2).

MOTION

Alderman Faivre moved to recess for Executive Session; seconded by Alderman Smith. 

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane (Remote), Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic (Remote), Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: None. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed and recessed the meeting at 6:41 p.m.

O. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION

Following the completion of the Executive Session, Alderman McAdams moved to adjourn the Regular meeting; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

VOTE

Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Smith, McAdams, Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: None. Absent: Finucane, Verbic. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11232020-1929