City of Sycamore City Council Met June 21.
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: Nancy Copple, Jeff Fischer, Josh Huseman, Virginia Sherrod, David Stouffer, Chuck Stowe, Alan Bauer, and Pete Paulsen arrived at 7:03 after roll call. City Attorney Keith Foster was also present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Alderperson Copple motioned to approve the agenda and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.
VOICE VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
AUDIENCE TO VISITORS
Matt Woodstrup, 313 N. Locust St, noted in reference to Resolution 877, to make sure that there is a difference in North Locust Street and South Locust Street. He asked the City to reference it correctly and that the correct place is named in the record.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of June 7, 2021.
B. Payment of the Bills for June 21, 2021 in the amount of $539,325.62.
C. Plan Commission Meeting Minutes from May 10, 2021.
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 Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
APPOINTMENTS
PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND BILLS
A. Proclamation Declaring June 27 – July 4, 2021 Stage Coach Players Week.
Mayor Braser said that Stage Coach Players are celebrating their 75th year anniversary in the area.
REPORT OF OFFICERS
Acting City Manager – Maggie Peck said that staff is currently working on the various online trainings that will begin in July. The city currently still has some open positions and would encourage looking at the city website for information.
Police Chief – Jim Winters said that beginning July 1, many provisions of the 784 page criminal justice reform bill and the 202 page trailer bill will take effect. These bills address areas such as; use of force, eliminating cash bond, additional mandated training, police officer complaints and certifications, restrictions on officers viewing body cameras, and a whole host of other topics. Officers will receive in-service training as interpretation of probably the most significant change in the criminal justice system continues to roll out. These revisions will place even more demands on our officers, but he’s confident they will continue to provide policing at a high level that they currently do for the Sycamore community. He congratulated Sheriff Scott on behalf of the Police Department on an amazing career filled with integrity and compassion.
Fire Chief – Pete Polarek congratulated the Sheriff and said he is a very honorable man and a great leader within the Sheriff’s office. He said there was a rural fire in Clare on Saturday where they had to create a water supply which became a very challenging issue. The next day there was a fire another rural fire on Old State Road where they had to again create a water supply. He reported that the Fire Department received a $13,000 grant from the State for a chest compression device. He said that the Rockton incident drew resources from all over the state of Illinois including Sycamore sending an ambulance in the first round and a fire engine in the second round. Their engine was pumping into Aurora’s ladder that was putting water and foam on the remaining fire. Today is the first day of live-fire training at the Burlington Campus of the Elgin Community College. Deputy Chief Todd Turner is leading this and it will continue through Wednesday.
Assistant City Treasurer Caitlin Teague Congratulated Sheriff Scott on behalf of the Finance team and thanked him for his service. For the May Treasurer’s report, the benchmark is 8%. The General Fund Revenues are at 9.84% and the General Fund Expenditures are at 6.2%. We received the first property tax disbursement for $199,774.18 and received the Personal Property Replacement Tax for $108,744.
Director of Community Development John Sauter congratulated Sheriff Scott. They received building plans for a warehouse expansion at 1709 Afton Road and the plan review is in process. He expects that construction will begin very soon. They issued a permit for the new Memorial Park at Sycamore Park Sports Complex on Airport Road. The project will include the construction of new baseball fields, a Frisbee course and additional parking. Construction is expected to begin this summer.
Director of Public Works Matt Anderson congratulated Sheriff Scott. He reported that Well #6 on Maertz Drive is out of service for a media exchange which should take 10-14 days. He reminded property owners that they are responsible for that first eight feet of trees and shrubs around walk ways and streets to be maintained so as not to interfere with vehicles and pedestrians.
City Engineer Mark Bushnell congratulated Sheriff Scott on his retirement. He reported that the signals at Mt. Hunger Road and Route 23 are scheduled to be turned on June 28th.
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 2021.07—An Ordinance Approving a Special Use Permit for Stephanie Davies, owner of Maplewood Montessori School, to Operate a Day Care Center, as required by Article 5.3.1.H of the Sycamore Unified Development Ordinance, at 1415 Stonehenge Drive, Sycamore, Illinois, PIN number 08-01-251-026. First and Second Reading.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said that Stephanie Davies, who owns and operates Maplewood Montessori School wants to relocate her business to 1415 West Stonehenge Drive. Her parents, Steve and Elizabeth Peerboom, who are owners of the building plan to relocate to this building making it their residence. The site was previously used as a daycare and again will need a Special Use permit to occupy this space. A Public Hearing was held at the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting and comes with a favorable recommendation by a vote of 8-0.
Per Section 4.3.3 of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance, a Special Use Permit shall be granted only if evidence is presented to establish that:
A. The proposed structure or use at the particular location requested is necessary or desirable to provide a service or a facility which is in the interest of the public and will contribute to the general welfare of the neighborhood or community;
B. The proposed structure or use will not have a substantial adverse effect upon the adjacent property, the character of the neighborhood, traffic conditions, utility facilities and other matters affecting the public health, safety, and general welfare; and
C. The proposed structure or use will be designed, arranged, and operated so as to permit the development and use of neighboring property in accordance with the applicable district regulations.
D. Such other standards and criteria as are established by the ordinance for a particular Special Use as set forth in Section 4.3.4 and as applied to Planned Developments as set forth in Article 4.4.
Alderperson Copple asked about it being residential and commercial.
Maggie Peck said that it is zoned that way.
MOTION
Alderperson Copple motioned to waive the First Reading for Ordinance 2021.07 and Alderperson Stowe seconded the motion.
VOICE VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
MOTION
Alderperson Copple motioned to approve Ordinance 2021.07 and Alderperson Fischer seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
B. Ordinance 2021.08—An Ordinance Amending Title 7, “Public Ways and Property,” Chapter 3, “Excavations” Sections 7-3-1 through 7-3-10 in the City Code of the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said as they continue to see permits for utility construction with the addition of various communication and data companies, the city would like to codify and streamline the process for companies that are not on a franchise agreement from the city, making the process consistent while protecting city to make sure the work will be completed satisfactory. These proposed changes, as outlined in the agenda, are aimed at streamlining and creating expectations for contractors.
MOTION
Alderperson Stowe motioned to waive the First Reading for Ordinance 2021.08 and Alderperson Stouffer seconded the motion.
VOICE VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
MOTION
Alderperson Stowe motioned to approve Ordinance 2021.08 and Alderperson Stouffer seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
C. Ordinance 2021.09—An Ordinance Amending Title 6, “Motor Vehicles and Traffic,” Chapter 4, “Traffic Schedules,” Section 6-4-13 “Limited Load Streets” and Section 6-4-14 “Limited Load Top Intersections,” in the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said that this ordinance comes as part of an administrative clean-up Section in 6-4-13. The intent is to provide uniformity between code and signage reducing the weight limit from ten to four tons. This will simplify the process for the Sycamore Police Department as enforcement of this ordinance will be by the classification of the vehicle’s registration. The proposed changes are outlined in the agenda but highlighted to amend Borden Avenue is from South Prairie Drive to Foxpointe Drive. The second part of this ordinance is Section 6-4-14, “Limited Load Top Intersections”. Staff has clarified clarification of the truck route limits along DeKalb Avenue and Elm Street, both of which are Class II Truck Routes, adopted and defined by the Illinois Vehicle Code, as well as prohibit truck traffic on Sacramento Street between Route 64 and DeKalb Avenue/Elm Street. This change does not prohibit vehicles from traveling on these roads for the purpose of a delivery; it only prohibits use as a pass-through route. City staff has communicated this to local trucking companies who have
acknowledged the concerns and are willing to adjust their practice to comply. This addresses safety concerns as well as additional ware on the streets.
MOTION
Alderperson Copple motioned to waive the First Reading for Ordinance 2021.09 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.
VOICE VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
MOTION
Alderperson Copple motioned to approve Ordinance 2021.09 and Alderperson Bauer seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
RESOLUTIONS
A. Resolution No. 876—A Resolution Authorizing Disposal of Certain City Property.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said, per the city’s purchasing manual, Resolution 876 authorizes the disposal of the following property that will be sent to the Wisconsin Surplus auction site. Staff estimates that these vehicles have approximately $5,100.00 in total value:
• 1996 International 4900 Dump Truck (P40)
• 2001 International 4900 Dump Truck (P38)
• 1997 Chevy S10 Blazer (P06)
Alderman Stouffer asked how the funds get redistributed after the vehicles are sold.
Public Works Director Matt Anderson said that it goes back to the Capital Fund toward new purchases.
MOTION
Alderperson Stouffer motioned to approve Resolution 876 and Alderperson Fischer seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
B. Resolution No. 877—A Resolution Declaring Locust Street, from Exchange Street to Sycamore Street within the DeKalb County Campus, as Roger Scott Boulevard.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said for more than 52 years, Sheriff Roger Scott has served DeKalb County communities and has been an integral part of the local law enforcement community. He has dedicated his life to law enforcement and positively affecting countless lives and careers with his “serving others first” approach. It is fitting to honor Sheriff Scott by naming the block of North Locust, from Exchange Street to Sycamore Street within the County’s campus, as “Roger Scott Boulevard.”
MOTION
Alderperson Sherrod motioned to approve Resolution 877 and Alderperson Copple seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
Maggie Peck along with John Frieders, DeKalb County Board Chairman, Andy Sullivan, DeKalb County Deputy Chief, Brian Gregory, DeKalb County Administrator, and Jim Winters, Sycamore Police Chief, presented Sheriff Scott a street sign “Roger Scott Blvd”.
Sheriff Scott thanked everyone and said that is has been a real honor to work with Sycamore Police, Fire, and Council throughout the years.
C. Resolution No. 878—A Resolution to Enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Baxter and Woodman to Prepare Final Engineering Documents and Complete Bidding Services for the Proposed 2022 Watermain and Street Improvement Project.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said that earlier this year, Public Works Department presented a plan for proposed watermain improvements between calendar years 2022 and 2025. The first project includes the replacement of watermain along Illinois Route 64, Sabin Street, Exchange Street and North Governor Street. Due to the size and manpower required to complete the design, City staff requested Statements of Qualifications and proposals from firms with expertise in roadway and watermain design. After receiving bids, staff has reviewed them and recommends Baxter and Woodman for the completion of the design and bidding in the amount of $99,200. This is 20% less than budgeted for. At this time staff has limited the scope to design and bidding in the event that staffing levels allow the City to complete construction phase services in house.
MOTION
Alderperson Bauer motioned to approve Resolution 878 and Alderperson Huseman seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
CONSIDERATIONS
A. Consideration of a Recommendation of the Architectural Review Committee to Award a $5,000 Façade Grant to Don Sukach, Owner of 303 West State Street, Sycamore, Illinois.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said Mr. Sukach, owner of 303 W. State Street (home of Lizzy’s Boutique) is requesting a grant to replace the windows and upgrade the entrance. He is also adding additional lighting. The cost of the project is $13,647.18. The Downtown Improvement Program is intended to reimburse up to $5,000. The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) considered this request on June 14th and voted 4-0 to forward a favorable recommendation.
Alderman Stouffer, ARC representative, said the committee talked about how it’s going to clean it up nicely, give them more space to showcase, and falls in line with the downtown.
MOTION
Alderperson Stowe motioned to approve the consideration for $5,000 and Alderperson Paulsen seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
B. Consideration of a Recommendation of the Architectural Review Committee to Award a Façade Grant to Brian Rosenow, Owner of 513 West State Street, Sycamore, Illinois.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said that Brian and Allie Rosenow, owner of 513 West State Street, is looking to repair the stucco and limestone on the front of the building as part of the Gateway Grant Program. The cost is $12,500. The ARC considered this request on June 14th and voted 4-0 to forward a favorable recommendation for a matching grant up to $5,000.
Alderman Stouffer said that they are grateful the applicants are investing in the building and said they are looking forward to what color they end up choosing.
MOTION
Alderperson Huseman motioned to approve the consideration for $5,000 and Alderperson Fischer seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Alderperson Stowe motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:33 p.m. 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 8-0.
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