City of Dekalb City Council Met June 14.
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 Barnes called the meeting to order at 6:00PM.
Present were: Aldermans Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Mcadams, Verbic, Faivre, Mayor Barnes, Clerk Cohen
Staff present included Fire Chief McMaster, Police Chief Byrd, City Manager Nicklas, Assistant City Manager Boldt, Executive Assistant Ruth Scott and City Attorney John Donahue
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Alderman Morris led the pledge
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Alderman Smith moved to approve the agenda, Alderman Faivre seconded. Passed on a roll call vote 8-0
D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Thomas Riley requested that the signs on Barb Blvd be amended to include “no parking if snow is over 2 inches”
E. PRESENTATIONS
1. DeKalb Police Department 2020 Annual Report.
CM Nicklas stated that this has been an eventful year, prompting many changes, and expounded upon those changes. Chief Byrd then spoke on the hiring process as well. More information is included in the written report provided.
Mayor Barnes conveyed thanks on behalf of council to former acting chief Redel
F. APPOINTMENTS
1. Appointment of Fire Lieutenant Noah Millard, Firefighter Paramedic Don Zuniga, Assistant City Manager Josh Boldt, and Fire Chief Jeff McMaster to the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) Committee.
G. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 10, 2021.
2. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 24, 2021.
3. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of June 1, 2021.
4. Accounts Payable and Payroll through May 24, 2021, in the Amount of $1,901,975.17.
Moved to accept by Alderman Morris, seconded by Alderman Verbic. Carried on a roll call vote 8-0
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
I. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Consideration of An Amendment to Chapter 7, Section 7.18 “Water Rates” and Section 7.18-6 “Water Service Fee.”
Moved by Alderman Perkins, seconded by Alderman Faivre.
City manager Nicklas informed council that previous councils had baked in an annual COLA increase, this year of 2.6%
Alderman Verbic agreed with the city manager, and will support option 2.
Alderman Faivre spoke regarding water usage rates, and discussed how increases in usage do not simply change revenue, they also can hit a point in which infrastructure expansion would become necessary. He also provided thanks to the city for their following of EPA best practices, running a utility. Our water pumped to water billed discrepancy is 7%, well below the World Bank recommendation of 25% or less, and the US national recommendation of 10% or less.
Alderman McAdams highlighted that inflation is at a higher rate than many consumers have faced in a long time, and would like to see some study of the impact of inflation on residents of the city- noting that he would like to consider postponing the rate hike, though he supports it in principle.
Alderman Morris noted that it would be her preference to keep up with inflation, rather than react or play catch up
Alderman Larson supported option 2, noting that no individual wants to go without water, or with unsafe water.
Alderman Smith discussed the necessity of water for fire prevention and management. He supports option 2
Alderman Morris also acknowledged that if we keep pace now and make the choice to ensure that our revenue funds repairs, so that we are not backing into a position of needing to tax to solve maintenance issues.
Alderman Verbic noted that new entrepreneurial growth will offset the need for capital fundraising to do water infrastructure.
J. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2021-045 Authorizing an Agreement with Bellefuil, Szur & Associates Inc. (BS&A) for the License and Professional Services for the Community Development Module in our Enterprise Resource Planning System (ERP) in an Amount Not to Exceed $108,000.
Moved by Alderman Smith, seconded by Alderman Verbic.
City Manager Nicklas explained how the software will simplify communication between departments, directly simplifying the process of residents obtaining permits.
Clerk Cohen asked a question on behalf of citizen Bill Feldman regarding if the software will enable transitioning to e-filing of permits eas
Roll call vote, passed 8-0
2. Resolution 2021-046 Authorizing a Hangar Lease Between the City of DeKalb and Commonwealth Edison Company for the former Airport Maintenance Hangar at 2200 Pleasant Street.
Moved by Alderman Perkins, Seconded by Alderman Mcadams
City Manager Nicklas explained that this is the final resolution of a long process, and a wonderful outcome, with a space that the city has (the Hangar) which is well suited for the usage, with a base rent of 30,000 a year, all utilities, and real estate taxes. 3% COLA increase to base rent. 3 year term to start with a 2 year continuation.
Alderman McAdams asked if there will be any impact on gasoline sales. CM Nicklas stated there will be an increase.
Alderman Faivre highlighted that the courtship with ComEd began with the usage of our airport for helicopter refueling. He thanked the airport manager, as well as public works director Raih for their work in getting this done.
Roll call vote passed 8-0
K. Ordinances second reading
None
L. Ordinances first reading
1. Ordinance 2021-019 Amending the FY2020 City Budget to Conform to Audited Findings.
Mayor Barnes has provided a disclosure to Clerk Cohen pursuant to the TIF act, which the clerk acknowledged receipt of. Alderman Faivre Chaired the meeting from this point, at the request of the Mayor
Alderman McAdams moved to bring to the floor, seconded by Alderman Smith. Motion carries 7-0
2. Ordinance 2021-020 Amending the Special Use Permit Approved by Ordinance 2018- 003 to Expand the Equipment Platform and Antennas in Relation to an Upgrade to the T Mobile Communications Equipment on Top of the 16-Story Building at 507 E. Taylor Street (Taylor Street Plaza).
Moved by Alderman Morris, Seconded by Alderman Faivre.
City manager Nicklas informed council that T-Mobil is looking to expand its service, and this particular upgrade will require a special use permit
CM Nicklas also noted that the Planning and zoning commission voiced approval 5-0 Motion passed 8-0
Alderman Faivre moved to waive second reading, seconded by Alderman Perkins Motion passed 8-0
M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
Alderman Morris: Juneteenth is this Saturday, New Hope Missionary will be holding an event to celebrate at the old Blackhawk lot
Alderman Larson: No report
Alderman Smith: Holding a ward meeting Fire station 1, on Tuesday the 22nd
Alderman Perkins: Yesterday attended a great belonging event
Alderman McAdams: No report
Alderman Verbic: No report
Alderman Faivre: It is time to get the lawnmowers out. It is the season.
City Clerk Cohen: Updated office hours Mon 3-5PM Tuesday 2-5PM. Noted Pride month is this month.
Mayor Barnes: Would like to make permanent the changes made during covid to permit alcohol sales outside of venues, to make the city more pedestrian friendly, and to allow business owners to capture more revenue.
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
O. ADJOURNMENT
Alderman Verbic Moved to adjourn, seconded by Alderman Morris
Passed 8-0 Meeting adjourned 7:07
https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06142021-2013
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