DeKalb Times

City of Sycamore City Council met June 7.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

ROLL CALL

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOTION

Alderperson Stouffer motioned to approve the agenda and Alderperson Paulsen seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

AUDIENCE TO VISITORS

Jonathon Bridge, 949 Constance Lane and 811 Esther Avenue, asked to be considered for a transfer stamp exemption for the second house he bought in Sycamore in ten months and to amend the rule stating that a resident with more than one house purchase within 12 consecutive months wouldn’t have to pay again.

CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of May 17, 2021.

B. Approval of the Minutes from the Special City Council Meeting of May 19, 2021.

C. Payment of the Bills for June 7, 2021 in the amount of $641,333.60.

MOTION

Alderperson Bauer motioned to approve the Consent Agenda and Alderperson Stowe seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

APPOINTMENTS

PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND BILLS

REPORT OF OFFICERS

Acting City Manager – Maggie Peck said the street lighting contract is set to expire and so NIMEC went out to bid and the benchmark rate is 3.89¢ per kwh for ComEd. They are currently reviewing bids that came in with one, two, and three year options and said that they are all less than 3¢ per kwh. She has a call with NIMEC to determine which term they will use. Per the Governor’s order, we go into Phase 5 on June 11th therefore, she has notified employees that all employees and customers who are fully vaccinated will no longer have to wear masks. Signs provided by the DeKalb County Health Department will be posted.

Police Chief – Jim Winters said that they welcomed Michael Chicchetti, who was sworn in as one of our police officers last Thursday. Michael comes to Sycamore with 12 years of law enforcement experience and they wish him well as he begins his field training and gets acclimated to Sycamore. This week officers will be participating in joint training with DeKalb Police Department (PD), the Sheriff’s Office, NIU PD, and a couple other agencies. The training is in rapid deployment which focuses on addressing an active threat and how officers, even from different departments, can utilize a team concept in addressing those incidents should they arise.

Fire Chief – Pete Polarek said that a few firefighters went to Sioux Falls SD to visit the Rosenbauer Plant to visit the build of the pumper tender that council approved last year. They call it a mid-build where they can see what works on paper works for real. They found about 10 issues that they worked through. They should see the vehicle in September. He also said with the season of grilling, issues arise when grills are on non-combustible surfaces such as non-concrete decks and balconies, when children and pets get too close, when the grill is too dirty, when grills are left unattended, when briquettes are not disposed of property, and lastly, when there’s a gas leak. All this will be on the Fire Department’s Facebook page and a press release will be sent out.

City Treasurer Dan Prombo said at the end of the fiscal year, they prepare the payment for the DeKalb/Sycamore Boundary Agreement which is that we share tax revenue with the City of DeKalb based on certain property parcels that exist along the border of the two communities. Currently, our portion consists solely of the property tax. The amount paid to the City of DeKalb this year is $5,045.51, however, the amount that we received from the City of DeKalb was $26,039.36.

Director of Community Development John Sauter said they’re at 20 single family permits as of the end of May and were at 12 this time last year. The 2019 number of 18 as of the end of May is probably a more realistic comparison due to COVID. Field inspections have been very busy, probably due to the good weather and new submittals continue to be steady.

Director of Public Works Matt Anderson said that the Public Works staff has completed some storm sewer work on North Cross Street. This was done in advance of the construction that is going to occur in the next two months. He will defer all other time to agenda items. He introduced his daughter Anna who is present.

Representative of the DeKalb County Tourism Bureau Josh Huseman reported that the bureau has announced a new app called “Out and About” which helps with itineraries in DeKalb County and is in partnership with the State of Illinois to help get people out on the road again. It can be found on the app stores. He introduced his children Charlotte and Caleb who are present.

Mayor Braser said that Josh is doing a good job of getting Sycamore’s name out there.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Finance – Alan Bauer said no report.

Public Safety – Pete Paulsen said no report.

Public Works – Chuck Stowe said no report.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

ORDINANCES

A. Ordinance 2021.05—An Ordinance Amending Title 8, “Water and Sewer”, Chapter 2, “Water Use and Service”, Section 6, “Repairs or Replacement; Excavations”, of the City Code of the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said this is in reference to opportunities for residents who are unable to participate in both the Lead Service Replacement Program through the IEPA (Illinois Environmental Protection Agency) forgivable loan as well as the Water Main Replacement Program that we have established. Therefore, they are establishing the Lead Service Replacement Program similar to our current Sidewalk Replacement Program. Based on discussion at the last council meeting, she met with staff to come up with a resolution that is fair and consistent as with the current Sidewalk Replacement Program. She proposed $1,000 for the short side and $2,000 for the long side or if it involves street restoration. Once the work has been done by the contractor and inspected, we would reimburse the homeowner through their bi-monthly utility bill. She said that they propose the following verbiage as shown in the agenda:

C. Replacement of Lead Service Lines:

1. Lead Service Line Assistance Program: The City of Sycamore has established a program to assist and incentivize residents to replace privately-owned lead water service lines from the residence to the public water main. This program will be available to assist the first forty approved applicants per fiscal year.

2. Requirements: Any resident wishing to utilizing this program shall make application to the City of Sycamore and must receive approval prior to starting construction. This program requires the City to validate the service line material and all work must be completed by a licensed plumber.

3. Replacement of Private Lead Water Service Lines; City Subsidy Short-Side: Where residents have a verified lead water service line, the City will provide a utility bill credit to the owner in the amount of one-thousand ($1,000) toward the cost of replacement from the City-owned water main to the home if the public main is on the short side. The short side shall mean on the same side of the public street as the residence.

4. Replacement of Private Lead Water Service Lines; Long Side or Street Restoration: Where residents have a verified lead water service line, the City will provide a utility bill credit to the owner in the amount of two-thousand ($2,000) toward the cost of replacement from the City-owned water main to the home if the public main is on the long side or in replacements that require the excavation and restoration of the street. The long side shall mean on the opposite side of the public street as the residence.

5. Permit Fees Waiver: A permit is required, however the City will waive permit fees outlined in 8-2-6.B.3 of this section for any approved project under this program.

6. Additional Incentive: The City will provide the saddle and corp. stop, and tap the water main (up to 1” service).

MOTION

Alderperson Stowe motioned to waive the First Reading for Ordinance 2021.05 and Alderperson Huseman seconded the motion.

Maggie Peck added that they will do as many residents that come forward so there is no cap on it at this point. It will be similar to the Tree Program they did this year where after a pilot year they can see those true numbers. They will use year two as the plan on how they budget in the future for covering those expenses.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

MOTION

Alderperson Huseman motioned to approve Ordinance 2021.05 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

B. Ordinance 2021.06—An Ordinance Extending the Refuse Contract Between the City of Sycamore, Illinois and Waste Management of Illinois. First and Second Reading.

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said the City’s refuse and recycling contract is set to expire and Waste Management (WM) approached them about a contract extension. They shared with them the need to have an increase less than the previous. WM proposed a two-year extension with the exact services that they currently offer us including the following as per the agenda:

• Continue “At Your Door” services at no additional cost.

• Increase the per unit/per month charge by 2.5% each year ($23.35 in 2022 and $23.93 in 2023).

• Waste Management will continue to extend the period for the 30cy container for leaves (located at Public Works) four additional weeks; two weeks in fall (the first two full weeks in December) and two weeks in Spring (the last two full weeks in March).

• Continue to promote the 35-gallon and 64-gallon cart options for seniors with no cost for a conversion from a 96-gallon size.

• Maintain the same level of service presently enjoyed in terms of recycling, yard waste, etc.

• WM will assume the cost of a new informational mailer to be sent to all residents participating in the residential refuse program to give them a guide to the services provided locally. The guide will also be made available in a digital format so it can be accessed on the City’s website.

Basic services will remain the same and include:

• WM provides every residence in town a 96-gallon rolling cart for refuse at no cost.

• In addition to the 96-gallon rolling cart, homeowners can use other containers for extra refuse so long as they are 32 gallons or less and no more than 50 pounds.

• Senior citizens can apply for a 64-gallon or 35-gallon refuse cart instead of a 96-gallon cart. The smaller carts are easier to roll and may be more suitable to smaller households.

• Refuse collection is once per week. Eligible residents are owners of all single-family residences, two family residences, and three and four-unit attached structures.

• On each collection day, residents may place their refuse in approved containers, recyclables in approved carts or bins, and landscape waste (seasonally) at the curb.

• One large item (e.g. chairs, tables, televisions, mattresses, bicycles, etc.) may be placed at the curb each week for free removal.

• Every week, small tied bundles of carpeting, tree branches, etc. may be placed at the curb in four-foot lengths for free removal.

• WM recycles several dozen types of refuse including; paper, cardboard, metals, glass and plastics.

She said they have taken this out to bid in the past but other providers cannot provide the same level of service that our customers have come to expect. She also mentioned that in times past WM was not the lowest bid but the contract was still awarded to them based on the service and loyalty that we have as we have a great partnership with WM. Vaughn Kuerschner, Public Sector Representative for Waste Management, is present to answer any questions.

Alderman Fischer asked what the cost per house.

Vaughn Kuerschner, WM, said it will go from $22.78 to $22.35.

MOTION

Alderperson Huseman motioned to waive the First Reading for Ordinance 2021.06 and Alderperson Fischer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

MOTION

Alderperson Huseman motioned to approve Ordinance 2021.06 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

RESOLUTIONS

A. Resolution No. 875—A Resolution Declaring Surplus Property, Authorizing the Sale of the Property and Authorizing a Sealed Bid Sale of the Real Estate Located at 258 Lucas Street in the City of Sycamore, Illinois.

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said everything has been completed in order to sell the property and they are ready to declare 258 Lucas Street as surplus property and begin a sealed bid process. At this time, they are beginning the bids at

$18,000 which is the cost they are trying to recoup for the costs that were put into the property. She said they have worked with MEC Engineering who is ready to publish that. The bids will be opened on July 19th with an award to occur at the following city council meeting.

MOTION

Alderperson Paulsen motioned to approve Resolution 875 and Alderperson Stowe seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

CONSIDERATIONS

A. Consideration of a Public Works Department Update and Recommendation to Proceed for the Painting of Water Tower #1.

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said that as they continue to review the Water Master Plan, KLM Engineering was hired to complete an external and interior inspection of Tower 1 which was last painted in 1987. Weighing the options with a comparative cost analysis, staff has reviewed options and have made a determination that it is better, at this point, that we paint Tower #1 now that the repairs are done rather than look to build a new tower at this time. Building a new tower would be over three million dollars, painting would be roughly $1.2 million plus we do not have land at this time to build another one, and it currently meets our capacity and will continue to meet past the projection of 2031. She is going to take this out to bid at this time to paint it like Tower #2 and council direction is requested.

Consensus of the council was to paint the tower.

OTHER NEW BUSINESS

ADJOURNMENT

https://cityofsycamore.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/cc20210607.pdf