DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council Met Dec. 14.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Regular 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 p.m.

City Clerk Lynn Fazekas (attending remotely) called the roll; and the following members of City Council were present: Aldermen Carolyn Morris, Bill Finucane (attending remotely), Tracy Smith, Greg Perkins, Scott McAdams, Mike Verbic, and Mayor Jerry Smith.

Alderman Tony Faivre was absent.

Staff present included: City Manager Bill Nicklas and Transit Director Marcus Cox. 

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 additions and deletions to the agenda. Hearing none, he himself requested a change in order of business, putting J.1. (“Considerations”) after ordinances.

MOTION

Alderman Perkins moved to approve the agenda with the requested change. Alderman Smith seconded.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote: Aye: Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Morris, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre.

D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mayor Smith asked Council members to read a comment from Liz Hyink about flea infestations that was sent to them individually so they would not miss out on linked information. The mayor then read a second comment sent by Liz Hyink that asked about a plan for keeping people in the community in housing.

E. PRESENTATIONS

1. Proclamation: Gary Hanson Day – December 14, 2020.

Mayor Smith read the proclamation in honor of Mr. Hanson’s years of service to DeKalb County administration.

Mr. Hanson expressed his appreciation and emphasized his ties to organizations and individuals associated with the City.

2. Certificate of Recognition Presented to Mayor Jerry Smith, the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District, and Facebook.

Reece Ehret and Megan Greene from NIU, along with Meryl Domina of 350Kishwaukee, made the presentation to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of the awardees in environmental preservation.

F. APPOINTMENTS

There were none.

G. CONSENT AGENDA

1. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of November 23, 2020.

2. Minutes of the Special Joint Meeting of the City Council and Finance Advisory Committee of November 16, 2020.

3. Accounts Payable and Payroll through December 14, 2020 in the Amount of $3,365,355.22.

Mayor Smith asked if any Council member wished to remove an item for separate consideration. No such request was made. The mayor read each consent agenda item.

MOTION

Alderman Morris moved to approve the consent agenda. Alderman Verbic seconded.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Morris, Finucane, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre.

H. PUBLIC HEARINGS

There were none.

I. CONSIDERATIONS

1. Consideration of a Transit Maintenance and Operations Facility Site.

City Manager Nicklas explained this specifically was consideration of a location. He said 9-15 acres are needed for buildings and large bus turns, and the City owns one site that is appropriate in size and location, including:

• The site is near Fire Station 3.

• It lies near a densely populated area of principal bus ridership.

• Development of the area would improve a water issue.

Mayor Smith noted the location was recommended by Transit Director Cox.

Alderman Morris expressed concern about the trail and trees on the site, and she asked about hybrid buses. Director Cox confirmed the trail and trees would remain and that buses using compressed natural gas are part of the plan.

Alderman Verbic brought up traffic concerns on Dresser Road for children walking to and from the high school. He suggested looking at ingress/egress on Annie Glidden and said Dresser might require improvements to handle traffic.

Following additional discussion of traffic issues, Mayor Smith declared consensus to move forward with the plan.

2. Consideration of the Council’s Order of Meetings.

Alderman Verbic read a comment submitted by Mark Charvat, who said there is more work to be done, yet so many scheduled committees of the whole have been canceled and quarterly workshop meetings not getting done. He connected the failure to meet with what he called triangulation by the city manager in place of public meetings.

Mayor Smith read some prepared remarks in which he disagreed with Mr. Charvat’s assessment.

Alderman McAdams commented that people bring this up regularly and they have a point that more should be discussed in front of residents. He said better meetings, not more meetings, might be the answer; and he expressed a liking for Saturday morning meetings.

Alderman Verbic said he felt that including considerations generally on agendas captures the spirit of committees of the whole.

Morris noted negative feedback and confusion from canceling committee of the whole meetings. She said it would be more efficient to do the meetings differently and that being thorough would be key.

Alderman Verbic said he would like an ordinance brought forward. J. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2020-125 Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement Relating to Tax Increment Financing Districts By and Between the City of DeKalb, DeKalb County, DeKalb Community Unit School District No. 428, DeKalb Township, DeKalb Township Road and Bridge District, DeKalb Park District, Kishwaukee Community College, DeKalb Public Library, DeKalb Forest Preserve District, and Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District.

Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Smith moved to approve the resolution. Alderman McAdams seconded.

City Manager Nicklas said the two main purposes of the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) were to codify changes in the direction of more transparency and accountability, and to addresses concerns about the transfers from TIF districts to the General Fund.

DeKalb County Administrator Gary Hanson said he endorsed the plan and encouraged support.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre. Mayor Smith declared the resolution passed.

2. Resolution 2020-126 Authorizing a Social Services Agreement for University Village Effective January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.

Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Morris moved to pass the resolution. Alderman Perkins seconded.

Mayor Smith recused himself from the vote.

VOTE

Motion carried 6-0-2 on roll call vote. Aye: McAdams, Verbic, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins. Nay: none. Absent: Mayor Smith (recusal), Faivre. Mayor Smith declared the resolution passed.

3. Resolution 2020-127 Authorizing Approval of the City of DeKalb Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan and Establishing Safety Performance Targets for City of DeKalb Public Transit.

Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.

MOTION

Alderman McAdams moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Finucane seconded.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Verbic, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre. Mayor Smith declared the resolution passed.

4. Resolution 2020-128 Authorizing the Transfer of City-Owned Transit Equipment to DeKalb County.

Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Verbic moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Perkins seconded. Mayor Smith read a comment submitted by JJ Wett, who wrote he supports the action.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre. Mayor Smith declared the resolution passed.

5. Resolution 2020-129 Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Jacob & Hefner Associates, Inc. for Engineering Design of Gurler Road and Illinois Route 23 Intersection Improvements in an Amount Not to Exceed $67,850.

Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Morris moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Smith seconded.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Morris, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre. Mayor Smith declared the resolution passed.

6. Resolution 2020-130 Approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the City of DeKalb and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Council 31, Local 813, from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.

Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.

MOTION

Alderman McAdams moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Morris seconded.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Morris, Finucane, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre. Mayor Smith declared the resolution passed.

K. ORDINANCES – SECOND 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 Verbic moved to approve the ordinance. Alderman Perkins seconded.

Mark Charvat expressed support for this year’s levy, saying he was pleasantly surprised. He asked that increases in property tax revenues coming from new developments Facebook and Ferrara not go to additional spending but sent back to residents instead.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre. Mayor Smith declared the ordinance 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 Perkins moved to approve the ordinance. Alderman Verbic seconded.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: McAdams, Verbic, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre. Mayor Smith declared the ordinance 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 Smith moved to approve the ordinance. Alderman Morris seconded.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Verbic, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre. Mayor Smith declared the ordinance passed.

L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING

1. Ordinance 2020-074 Establishing City of DeKalb Special Service Area Number 30 (Hunter Ridgebrook Properties and 912 Edgebrook Drive).

Mayor Smith read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Verbic moved to pass first reading. Alderman Finucane seconded.

Sasha Cohen, who identified himself as a resident of the proposed SSA, spoke in opposition to the proposal, likening it to a settlement of the landlord’s $500,000 in court fines in exchange for a $100,000 yearly “bribe” to the City, which cost would be passed on to tenants already struggling. Mr. Cohen also opined it would add insult to injury to spend SSA tax revenues on increased surveillance for an already overpoliced neighborhood.

Andrew Tillotson expressed concern that the taxes will be paid by the tenants themselves, people who have already been impacted by the pandemic, through rent increases. He said he has ideas and would like to see the vote delayed until it can be worked out that tenants will not have to pay it yet will not be kicked out.

Joe Rathke said he stood in opposition to the SSA for the same reasons as previous commenters. He urged delay of a vote until others have their say.

A petition submitted to the City against formation of the SSA was briefly discussed, but the city manager said it did not meet the requirement of having been signed by 51% of the electors of the proposed area.

Council discussion turned to whether the risk of Hunter’s passing on the cost of the SSA property taxes to its tenants was worth it in view of the potential for improvements to the common areas of the property.

Alderman Morris, who said she had delivered space heaters and down comforters to residents of the area the evening before, detailed reports from residents of what she called a “predatory situation.” Ms. Morris said the tenants do not qualify for Section 8 housing and the protections of Section 8, but are not doing well, and often have only month-to-month, verbal, or at-will arrangements for housing. She said the SSA is not a good solution but might be the only option available; and she expressed the hope that a local eviction moratorium might be an option if the current moratorium is not extended.

Jacob Maas of the DeKalb Tenants Association said the SSA taxes would definitely be paid by the tenants, with people at the bottom getting hurt the most. Mr. Maas also said protection should be provided against landlord retaliation for being unable to pay rent, such as towing people’s cars.

Alderman McAdams observed there is a high vacancy rate for apartments in the City and suggested a City contact might be able to help tenants locate alternatives.

Alderman Perkins compared consequences for not paying fines versus not paying property taxes (i.e., losing one’s property).

The city manager cautioned if the levy was not recorded before the deadline, it would have to wait another year.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre.

MOTION

Alderman Verbic moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance. Alderman Finucane seconded.

VOTE

Motion carried 6-1-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Mayor Smith. Nay: Morris. Absent: Faivre. Mayor Smith declared the ordinance passed.

2. Ordinance 2020-075 Approving the Final Plat of the Theisen Resubdivision (1100 S. Seventh Street).

Mayor Smith read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Verbic moved to pass first reading. Alderman Finucane seconded. City Manager Nicklas noted Planning & Zoning recommended approval unanimously.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Morris, Finucane, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre.

MOTION

Alderman Finucane moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance. Alderman Morris seconded.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre. Mayor Smith declared the ordinance passed.

3. Ordinance 2020-076 Approving the Final Plat of Subdivision of ChicagoWest Business Center (DeKalb 343, LLC) (Gurler Road).

Mayor Smith read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION

Alderman McAdams moved to pass first reading. Alderman Morris seconded.

Mayor Smith read a comment submitted by ChicagoWest Business Center representative Timothy O’Driscoll, who requested approval of their three-lot subdivision.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: McAdams, Verbic, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre.

MOTION

Alderman Morris moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance. Alderman McAdams seconded.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Verbic, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre. Mayor Smith declared the ordinance passed.

4. Ordinance 2020-077 Approving the Rezoning of 217 Franklin Street from the “CBD” Central Business District to the “PD-C” Planned Development – Commercial District and the Planned Development Preliminary Plan (Safe Passage).

Mayor Smith read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Verbic moved to pass first reading. Alderman McAdams seconded.

City Manager Nicklas said Planning & Zoning talked to neighbors about their parking concerns. He reported P&Z recommended approval unanimously.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre.

MOTION

Alderman Perkins moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance. Alderman McAdams seconded.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Morris, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre. Mayor Smith declared the ordinance passed.

M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Council Member Reports

Several aldermen expressed wishes for a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Alderman Finucane said he is grateful for COVID-19 vaccine and reminded the audience to wear masks and socially distance.

Mayor Smith announced free drive-through viral testing for December and said distributions of vaccine should be arriving soon.

2. City Clerk Report

City Clerk Fazekas reported results of the first day of ballot petition filing for the Consolidated Election.

3. City Manager Report

City Manager Nicklas announced the renewal of the search for a new police chief following COVID-related delays, and he introduced new management analyst Scott Zak.

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO 5 ILCS (120/2)

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

Mayor Smith read the item to be discussed in executive session.

MOTION

Alderman Morris moved to recess for executive session. Alderman McAdams seconded.

VOTE

Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Morris, Finucane, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Faivre.

Mayor Smith announced the two persons participating remotely, Alderman Finucane and City Clerk Fazekas, would be excluded from executive session for security reasons. The mayor declared recess for executive session at 9:28 p.m.

O. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION

Following conclusion of executive session business, Alderman Smith moved to adjourn the regular meeting at 10:52 p.m. Alderman Perkins seconded.

VOTE

Motion carried 6-0-2 on roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Finucane, Faivre. Mayor Smith declared adjournment at 10:53 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12142020-1935