DeKalb Times

City of Sycamore City Council met Oct. 18.

Here are 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, Pete Paulsen, Virginia Sherrod, David Stouffer, Chuck Stowe, and Alan Bauer. City Attorney Keith Foster was also present.

INVOCATION Led by Alderman Jeff Fischer

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Alderman Jeff Fischer

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

CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of October 4, 2021.

B. Payment of the Bills for October 18, 2021in the amount of $404,270.32.

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.

PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND BILLS

A. A Presentation by Members of the Turning Back Time Car Show Committee Including the Distribution of Proceeds from this Year’s Event to Local Non-profit Organizations.

Madeline DeVito, 1525 Sunflower Drive, President of Turning Back Time Car Show, gave a brief history of the show, thanked all the sponsors and participants, and introduced the members of the 501(c) 3 organization. Members include Michael DeVito, Bob Brown, Kelly Kuhn, Tim Kuhn, Mike DeVito Sr., Trenton DeVito, Mike Trittle, Joe & Heather Woodward, Jason Maness, and Ryan Hutchinson plus they had 38 day-of-the show volunteers. Recipients of fundraising include Disabled Veterans Transportation, Elder Care Services, TransVac, Safe Passage, YMCA Summer Camp Scholarships, Barn on Baseline, Midwest Women Riders, Kinder Bikes, Sycamore Park District, Radio Watch, Rachel Peterson Scrub Run, and the Chuck Criswell Scholarship.

B. Recognition of City Staff presented by Acting City Manager, Maggie Peck.

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck first thanked the DeVito’s and others for their continued support and appreciation to the City of Sycamore. Next, she said they have had a lot of struggles during covid, as in the last year, there has been a lot of turnover in the Finance/Business Office. She has had to rely on people that may not be finance people or people that maybe didn’t think that their job included other duties, as assigned. As they begin a new chapter in the Business Office, they have a new working staff downstairs. She wanted to highlight a few employees tonight. She thinks it’s important that, as much as she thanks them every day and she tells them that she tells the council how great they are, she needs the council to hear it and she wanted to publically recognize them even though they did not want to be publically recognized. She said Laura Herrmann, who works in the City Clerk’s office, stepped forward, no questions asked and has been more than accommodating. She gave a heartfelt thank you for doing that and looks forward to her getting to go back to her home base in the near future. Cindy Henderson, who has been with the city for over three years, has more than stepped up to the plate. She started as Executive Secretary and has worked in the Business Office, Clerk’s Office, Police Department, and most recently, as a crossing guard. She thanked Cindy, who continually comes in with a “can-do” attitude. She has great customer service and truly gets the big picture of what the City of Sycamore is all about. Next, she said she can’t say enough about Denise Setchell, who works in the Community Development Department, has been with the city for 12 years, and has really stepped up to the plate. Denise’s has a “can-do” attitude and she is also good at streamlining things that are supportive of the city but also for the betterment of the customers that are serviced every day. She cannot thank Denise enough for stepping up. Lastly, she can’t say enough about Jess Lingle, who has been with the city since March. Jess is her right hand and she comes in every day with a positive attitude. She said they have taken on more challenges than any other office has ever faced. She said that Jesshas gone above and beyond and she thanked her for all that she does for the City of Sycamore.

REPORT OF OFFICERS

Acting City Manager (ACM) – Maggie Peck introduced Finance Director Brien Martin, who will bring the team together downstairs. She reported that they are tying up some loose ends on the audit which should be wrapping up. She announced that the City of Sycamore is going to host Downtown Trick or Treat this year on October 27th from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm with the assistance of the Sycamore Park District, and the Sycamore Library, and Brian Bemis Auto Group who has graciously provided some assistance. She said that they have had an overwhelming response from businesses and may be the biggest group of businesses they will see. She reported that the kiosk that was recently moved has a new location at the corner of the courthouse after it recently got a facelift. Her office, with the assistance of Jess Lingle, developed a directory of all the downtown businesses and is located in the kiosk to assist those who visit downtown Sycamore. She reported that the planter outside Paulsen’s Appliance is nearly complete. The last piece will be finalized Tuesday morning at 8:00 am. She said that this is a special landmark in Sycamore and thinks it will become iconic. Making that planter unique, she said that the planter was made all in Sycamore and gave a special thank you to Doty Concrete, Weaver Construction, Kar-Fre Flowers, Banner Up Signs, and Sycamore Public Works for the combined efforts in making that masterpiece. In updating the TIF study, they have a Joint Review Board meeting on November 8th at 3:00 pm. There is also a Public Hearing set for November 22nd at 6:00 pm. Her office sent over 450 letters notifying residents surrounding the TIF 750 feet. Lastly, she participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the park district in collaboration with the DeKalb County Forest Preserve for the latest extension of The Great Western Trail where it was announced that the DeKalb County Forest Preserve and the Sycamore Park District received “The Best of the Best” award from The Illinois Association of Park Districts. This is the highest award at a state level for the intergovernmental cooperation on this project. She congratulated Jonelle Bailey, Terry Hannan, and staff for their hard working collaboration.

Police Chief – Jim Winters said that the Police Department (PD) has handled 6,840 calls year-to-date. Last year during that same time period, the PD handled 6,421 calls for service so they are returning to pre-covid activity and officers are busy. He reminded that the recommended trick or treat hours for Sycamore are 4 pm to 8 pm on Sunday, October 31st. Besides all the safety tips for the kids on that day, he reminded drivers to exercise additional caution on that day for the increased pedestrian traffic, especially the younger ones who are excited, may have limited vision, and may not always be as cautious. Plan ahead for parking restrictions that are in place for pedestrian safety and the flow of events, especially the Pumpkin Run and parade. If everyone remembers to slow down, be alert, and be patient, we will all safely enjoy the various events.

Fire Chief – Pete Polarek said that as temperatures are getting low and furnaces are kicking in, he asked that everyone consider the common sense items of getting the furnace checked out, using clean filters, and moving items back three feet to give it space. Make sure the carbon monoxide detectors work and have fresh batteries. Lastly, for portable space heaters, be sure to give them at least three feet of space and use only when you are there.

Director of Community Development John Sauter said the outbuilding by Meijer is moving along nicely. It should be weathered in soon at which point interior work will be in full swing. The building expansion on Afton Road is also making progress as the focus is now on the parking lot curbing and paving. Pre-cast walls are expected to begin in 3-4 weeks and roof trusses will follow soon after.

Director of Public Works Matt Anderson said that leaf pickup started today and goes through December 3rd. Well #8 is anticipated to be brought back online later this week from the WRT Media Exchange and the WRT Media Exchange for Well 9 is scheduled for end of the month. Lastly, he said that they are busy preparing for Pumpkin Fest.

Finance Director Brien Martin said that he is glad to be here and he’s looking forward to working with everyone in the coming months and years. He said to stop by his office any time as his door is always open.

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

RESOLUTIONS

A. Resolution No. 888—A Resolution Declaring Wednesday, October 27, 2021 through Sunday, October 31, 2021 as Pumpkin Festival Weekend in the City of Sycamore, Illinois.

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said that this resolution is really just to encourage everyone to participate in Pumpkin Fest and to stay safe while following the guidance of the health officials.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to approve Resolution 888 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. B. Resolution No. 889—A Resolution Authorizing Disposal of Certain City Property.

ACM Maggie Peck said they are close to receiving the new pumper tender that will replace Engine 4 which becomes surplus. Per the purchasing manual, because it is over $500, it must be brought to council. The Fire Department staff has researched and selected broker Fire Truck Resource (FTR) out of Saunemin IL based on their appraisal and sale process. FTR owner appraised it at a beginning price of $29,000 knowing once it is assessed, it will go down in value a bit. Staff’s recommendation is to approve FTR as the broker to list and sell this engine.

MOTION

Alderperson Huseman motioned to approve Resolution 889 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.

C. Resolution No. 890—A Resolution Authorizing the Use of City Parking Lot #3 at the Corner of Sacramento Street and State Street for a Carnival to be Held From Wednesday, October 27, 2021 Through Sunday, October 31, 2021 in the City of Sycamore, Illinois.

D. Resolution No. 891— A Resolution Authorizing the Use of City Parking Lot #1 at the Corner of Sacramento Street and State Street for a Carnival to be Held From Wednesday, October 27, 2021 Through Sunday, October 31, 2021 in the City of Sycamore, Illinois.

Acting City Manager corrected this resolution to read Parking Lot #1 at the corner of Elm Street and Somonauk Street.

MOTION

Alderperson Stowe motioned to take Resolution 890 and 891 in omnibus fashion and Alderperson Fischer 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 Fischer motioned to approve Resolution 890 and 891 and Alderperson Huseman seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0. CONSIDERATIONS

OTHER NEW BUSINESS

APPOINTMENTS

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION

Alderperson Stowe motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:29 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.

https://cityofsycamore.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/cc20211018.pdf