City of DeKalb City Council Met Dec. 28.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular City Council meeting in the Yusunas Meeting Room of the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, Illinois.
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
City Clerk Lynn Fazekas called the roll, and the following members of City Council were present: Aldermen Carolyn Morris, Bill Finucane, Tracy Smith, Greg Perkins, Scott McAdams, Mike Verbic, Tony Faivre, and Mayor Jerry Smith.
City Clerk Fazekas and Aldermen Morris, Finucane, and Smith attended via remote means.
Staff present included: City Manager Bill Nicklas.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES
Mayor Smith led the Pledge.
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Smith asked for any additions and deletions to the agenda. None were requested.
MOTION
Alderman Faivre moved to pass the agenda. Alderman McAdams seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the agenda passed as written.
D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mayor Smith read a comment sent online from JJ Wett, who said he supports the re- appointment of Steve Honeywell to continued service on the Citizens Environmental Commission.
E. PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation of the 2021 P.R.I.D.E. Awards to Carl Kron, Paul Laino, Nick Newman, and Armor Systems, as Nominated by the Citizens’ Environmental Commission.
F. Environmental Commission Chair Clare Kron presented the awards to the following:
• Nick Newman, of Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District, who coordinates KWRD’s Pollinator Project to restore native plant installations, including addressing long-term maintenance needs of the project.
• Paul Laino, the “Scrap and Pallet Man” of YouTube fame, whose recycling operation helps keep scrap out of the local landfill.
• Carl Kron (spouse of Chair Kron and nominated by Commission member Rachel Farrell), a letter carrier who, in his spare time, returns to his route to pick up recyclable items set out on curbs and sends the recycling revenues to charity.
• Armor Systems, which runs a recycling program that includes charging a nominal fee of $10 to take older, larger computer monitors.
APPOINTMENTS
1. Omnibus Approval of Board and Commission Appointments and Reappointments as follows:
- Appointment of Kenneth Brown and Aaron Robertson to the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission for a Three-Year Term, January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023;
- Appointment of Maria Pena-Graham to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a Five-Year Term, January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2025;
- Reappointment of Clare Kron, Steve Honeywell, Rachel Farrell, and Sharon Skala to the Citizens’ Environmental Commission for a Two-Year Term, January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2022;
- Reappointment of Tony Chulick to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for a Three-Year Term, January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023;
- Reappointment of Brad Hoey to the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission for a Three-Year Term, January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023;
- Reappointment of Jeff Richardson and Vernese Edghill-Walden to the Economic Development Commission for a Three-Year Term, January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023;
- Reappointment of Larry Apperson, Nadine Franklin and Lisa King to the Human Relations Commission for a Three-Year Term, January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2023;
- Reappointment of Paul Borek and Matt Duffy to the Airport Advisory Board for a Four-Year Term, January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2024; and
- Reappointment of Jerry Wright to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a Five-Year Term Beginning January 1, 2021 and Ending December 31, 2025.
MOTION
Alderman Finucane moved to approve the appointments in omnibus fashion. Alderman McAdams seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Morris, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared passage of appointments.
G. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Accounts Payable and Payroll through December 28, 2020, in the Amount of $3,026,037.52.
2. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through October 2020.
3. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through October 2020.
4. Hospitality Recovery Program Update through October 2020.
5. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – November 2020.
Mayor Smith read each item of the consent agenda and asked if any should be removed for separate consideration. No such request was made.
MOTION
Alderman Faivre moved to approve the consent agenda. Alderman Verbic seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Morris, Finucane, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the consent agenda passed.
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public Hearing: Vacation of an Alley Between Grove Street, S. Fourth Street, Franklin Street, and S. Fifth Street. (Johann DeKalb Suites).
Mayor Smith read the subject of the public hearing and opened the hearing at 6:25 p.m.
City Manager Nicklas explained the necessity of vacation for redevelopment of the old city hall property.
After ascertaining no one else wished to speak, Mayor Smith closed the hearing at 6:27 p.m.
I. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Consideration of a Matching Grant to the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District (KWRD) to Relocate the Former DeKalb Clinic Sewer.
City Manager Nicklas explained the sewer runs through the middle of the property, which was allowed in times past but not today, and it must be moved. A way has been found to avoid relocating it in the street, and the consideration is for sharing equally the estimated cost of $75,000 for the relocation between City, KWRD, and the new property owner.
Following brief discussion, Mayor Smith declared consensus for bringing the grant consideration forward for Council vote.
J. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2020-131 Authorizing Human Services Agreements with Local Social Service Agencies for Human Services Funding Beginning January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.
MOTION
Alderman McAdams moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Finucane seconded.
Sasha Cohen, of the 800 block of Edgebrook, commented in person on the proposal, saying the proposed amount allocated for these services is less than what was spent on them in 1998. He offered an alternative proposal, that of using $54,000 of the $100,000 expected to be generated from the new Special Service Area to better fund human services such as improved food access and services for children.
City Manager Nicklas pointed out other funding for similar services, such as community block grants and COVID funding.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the resolution passed.
2. Resolution 2020-132 Approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the City of DeKalb and the DeKalb International Association of Firefighters Local 1236 from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024.
Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Verbic moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Faivre seconded.
Lieutenant Noah Millard, president of IAFF Local 1236, spoke about the collaboration involved in coming to an agreement with the City, particularly when it comes to minimum staffing in the face of continually rising numbers of ambulance calls. He said the membership ratified the contract in a unanimous vote.
City Manager Nicklas commented that foregoing a cost-of-living increase for two years will help the department staff at a level of 16 fire fighters per shift.
Aldermen commented on the impacts of staffing levels on homeowners’ insurance, fire fighter recruitment, overtime costs, level of service, and safety.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the resolution passed.
3. Resolution 2020-133 Authorizing the Approval of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIPS) For Federal Fiscal Years 2022 – 2026 at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport.
Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Smith moved to pass the resolution. Alderman Faivre seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Verbic, Faivre, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the resolution passed.
K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
There were none.
L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2020-078 Vacating an Alley Between Grove Street, S. Fourth Street, Franklin Street, and S. Fifth Street. (Johann DeKalb Suites).
Mayor Smith read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Perkins moved to pass first reading. Alderman Verbic seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Faivre, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared passage of first reading.
MOTION
Alderman Finucane moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance. Alderman McAdams seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the ordinance passed.
2. Ordinance 2020-079 Amending Chapter 2 “City Council” by Deleting Section 2.06 “Committee of the Whole Meetings”, and Approving the 2021 Schedule of Meetings.
Mayor Smith read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION
Alderman McAdams moved to approve first reading. Alderman Verbic seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Morris, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared passage of first reading.
MOTION
Alderman McAdams moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance. Alderman Perkins seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Morris, Finucane, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the ordinance passed.
M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports
Alderman Morris said she has received complaints about trash in the Annie Glidden North corridor. She invited people to help clean up the area and suggested a “symbolic” date of January 8 but did not recommend an actual meet-up due to the pandemic.
Alderman Finucane acknowledged City departments struggling with the pandemic. He asked the public to wear masks and said he hopes vaccinations begin soon.
Alderman Scott McAdams announced Nathan Stein is making a documentary on the recent mural project in his ward.
Several aldermen wished everyone a happy new year.
Mayor Smith named some of the candidates and offices involved in the Consolidated Election and reminisced about his own run for mayor. He announced the City will make itself available for information about municipal operations.
2. City Clerk Report
City Clerk Fazekas announced upcoming dates for ballot position lotteries and the end of the period for filing objections to ballot petitions.
3. City Manager Report
City Manager Nicklas remarked on the past year and offered wishes for a healthy and rewarding new year.
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO 5 ILCS (120/2)
No executive session was authorized during this meeting.
O. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Alderman Verbic moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:24 p.m. Alderman McAdams seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared adjournment at 7:24 p.m.
https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12282020-1940
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