DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council met Oct. 11.

Here are 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 Barnes called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Executive Assistant Ruth Scott called the roll and the following members of City Council were present: Alderman Carolyn Morris, Alderman Barb Larson, Alderman Tracy Smith, Alderman Greg Perkins, Alderman Scott McAdams, Alderman Mike Verbic, Alderman Tony Faivre, and Mayor Cohen Barnes.

Staff present included: City Manager Bill Nicklas, City Attorney John Donahue, Assistant City Manager Josh Boldt, and Police Chief David Byrd.

B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Police Chief Byrd led the Pledge of Allegiance.

C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

Mayor Barnes asked if the aldermen had any additions and/or deletions to make to the agenda; there were none.

MOTION

Alderman Smith moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

There were none.

E. PRESENTATIONS

There were none.

F. APPOINTMENTS

There were none.

G. CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Barnes read the following Consent Agenda item for the record:

1. Accounts Payable and Payroll through October 11, 2021, in the Amount of $1,268,382.88.

MOTION

Alderman Perkins moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Alderman Morris.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

H. PUBLIC HEARINGS

There were none.

I. CONSIDERATIONS

1. Consideration of a Proposal from SunVest Solar, Inc. to Develop a Solar Farm at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item, stating there have been ongoing discussions with Bill French, the Regional Director of Project Development for SunVest Solar regarding the possibility of a solar farm development on the northwest side of the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DTMA) property. The area is approximately 48 acres and has been used for farming for many years.

City Manager Nicklas continued, stating that the development of this site could build the DTMA’s annual revenue base, which in turn would allow it to offer additional services.

SunVest is proposing business terms as follows: construction of a five-megawatt solar farm, which would convert solar energy into electrical energy, construction and placement of solar panels on single-axis tracker racking systems, due diligence costs, a lease term of 25 years, and rent in the amount of $1,800 per acre with a two-percent escalator each year.

Alderman Morris asked what the current income is from farming. City Manager Nicklas replied it is approximately $10,000 per year.

Alderman Faivre stated this would be a great opportunity for the DTMA in order to make it self-sustaining.

This was brief discussion between Alderman Perkins and City Manager Nicklas regarding the proposed size of the solar farm which, if approved, would be five-megawatts.

Alderman Smith asked about notification to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Alderman Faivre explained that part of the approval process would be an inspection of the site by the FAA prior approval.

Alderman Smith asked about height restrictions. City Manager Nicklas explained that the panels would be installed on single-axis tracker racking systems supported on galvanized steel beams that are pile-driven eight to ten feet into the ground.

Brief discussion ensued.

Alderman Verbic asked what the plans are for this property beyond the 25-year lease. He further stated that some farmland is selling for large amounts and perhaps selling the land would maximize our potential for profit. City Manager Nicklas replied that SunVest isn’t interested in purchasing the property at this time but that could be a possibility after the 25-

year lease expires.

Alderman Faivre asked how many homes the energy would service. Mr. French stated that one megawatt would service about approximately 100 homes, depending on the usage.

Alderman Morris asked where the energy would be used. Mr. French stated it will service the localized grid.

There was consensus among Council to move forward with this proposal as an actionable item at a future meeting.

Alderman Morris stated she appreciates this efficient use of the DTMA’s land.

Mayor Barnes stated an additional revenue stream for the DTMA would be good for all involved.

J. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2021-090 Authorizing an Architectural Improvement Program Economic Incentive for AccuLab of Illinois at 509 Oak Street in the Amount of $25,000 (Former Camelot Building).

Mayor Barnes recused himself from this item and left the room.

Alderman Faivre read the resolution by title only and asked for a motion to move this item forward.

MOTION

Alderman Smith moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Larson.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet, stating that before this building was known as the Camelot building, it was the Farm Bureau building. The property has been vacant for many years and the new owner, Chris Brundies, is converting the space to accommodate his expanding business, which grinds optical lenses for world-wide distribution. Work to be done on the building includes a new plumbing and electrical systems, mechanical upgrades, an enhanced fire protection system, and window/door replacements.

VOTE

Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre. Nay: None. Recused: Barnes. Alderman Faivre declared the motion passed.

Mayor Barnes returned to the meeting at 6:23 p.m.

2. Resolution 2021-091 Authorizing an Auditing Services Agreement with Sikich, LLP for Auditing Services Related to Fiscal Years 2021-2024.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Verbic moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet, stating the City’s contract for auditing services with Sikich has expired. While satisfied with Sikich’s services, City staff conducted a request for proposals to test the market in terms of price and quality. The focus was a four-year contract for auditing services related to fiscal years 2021 through 2024. Interested firms were invited to submit electronic proposals and four firms responded. They were: Lauterback & Amen, Sikich, PKR Mueller, and Wipfi. Of the four, only Sikich and Lauterback & Amen submitted proposals that met the required specifications.

Alderman Perkins asked about the price of an independent audit. Assistant City Manager Boldt stated an exact price wasn’t provided but during the interviews it was our impression that the cost was quite large.

Alderman Perkins asked how many auditors the City utilizes. City Manager Nicklas stated the City’s audit is completed by Sikich, as well as our Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) audits. Based on state statute, the pension fund can choose whomever it wants for auditing, and they utilize Lauterback & Amen.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

3. Resolution 2021-092 Authorizing the Award of a Contract to Elliot & Wood, Inc. in the Amount of $194,220.95 for Construction of a New Shared Use Path Along Dresser Road, with Staff Authority to Approve Change Orders Up to a Combined Project Total Not to Exceed $218,000.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Morris moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. He indicated that Dresser Road is a primary connection to both the DeKalb High School campus and the DeKalb County Health Department campus. The construction of this path will make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The path will be shaped and a stone base will be completed this fall to provide a safe, reliable walkway immediately, with final asphalt paving will be completed as part of a separate contract in 2022.

Alderman Verbic asked who would be maintaining the pathway. City Manager Nicklas stated City would maintain this portion of the path. Conversations with other partners of the project regarding maintenance could be scheduled in the future.

Alderman Perkins asked about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists at that area. City Manager Nicklas indicated there is a striped area there, but it hasn’t been successful.

Alderman Perkins asked if there was something that could be done to improve the issue. City Manager Nicklas indicated that pedestrians go up the west side from Twombly Road where there’s a signal.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

4. Resolution 2021-093 Authorizing the Purchase of Twelve (12) CDS Genetec License Plate Readers in the Amount of $145,865.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item as provided in the agenda packet, noting that at a recent meeting with the AGN neighborhood, the idea of using license plate readers (LPRs) was welcomed as a crime deterrent in that area. This was one of the ideas.

City Manager Nicklas continued, stating this type of technology has been successful in other communities and then went on to explain how the LPRs work.

Alderman McAdams asked if this information would be immediately “FOIAable”. City Manager Nicklas stated if the LPR reads a plate and there’s an arrest, and in that process the culprit is charged with a crime, the evidence that secures that charge would not be FOIAable until the investigation was complete. City Attorney Donahue concurred with City Manager Nicklas’ explanation.

Alderman Larson asked where the information comes from. Police Chief Byrd replied that a lot of these types of systems are in sync with one another.

Police Chief Byrd continued, stating that this technology does not take place of law enforcement. He further indicated that he had received emails from concerned residents worried about random tracking of their vehicles. This resource is to combat criminal activity in the city of DeKalb and will only be used for felonious vehicles coming into the city, and not for looking for expired license plates.

Alderman Perkins stated he was supportive of giving the Police Department more tools to work with and asked what type of criminal information would be put into the system. Police Chief Byrd indicated that minor traffic offenses are not what they’re looking for.

Discussion ensued between Alderman Perkins and Police Chief Byrd regarding the type of information that will be added to the system that would set off an alert for possible criminal activity.

City Manager Nicklas stated that generally speaking, we’re looking for persons in flight from something or toward something. He said ultimately this is a tool that police staff will be trained on, and it will go into standard operating procedures.

Stating he has also received calls regarding this item, Alderman Verbic offered his thanks for talking to the community about what can be done to fight the crime in DeKalb. He further stated that some citizens just aren’t aware of what’s happening in DeKalb and then read off a list of felony acts within the city of DeKalb over a two-week period.

Mayor Barnes stated this will be a great asset to the Police Department.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

5. Resolution 2021-094 Approving a Bar Liquor License for Tangled Roots Beverage Company, LLC, d/b/a Keg & Kernel, 106 E. Lincoln Highway.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Faivre moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Verbic.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet, indicating that the City will receive initial fees in the amount of $10,766 for the bar liquor license, as well as $377 each for catering and live entertainment permits. The company hopes to open as soon as December 1, 2021, with the liquor production (brewery) portion of the business opening sometime in 2022.

City Manager Nicklas continued, stating that staff is recommending the waiver of the 2022 renewal fees since the business won’t be opening until December. Alderman Faivre commended staff for recommending the waiver, noting it’s a business-friendly idea.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING

1. Ordinance 2021-040 Amending the Municipal Code by Adding a New Chapter 46 “Citizen Police Review Board”.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION

Alderman McAdams moved to approve the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

City Manager Nicklas asked that action on this item be deferred to the next Council meeting due to continued bargaining with the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) regarding this topic. Confident that this item will be back on the next meeting.

MOTION

Alderman Verbic moved to table this item; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING

1. Ordinance 2021-041 Approving the “Official Ward Map” of the City of DeKalb Following the 2020 Federal Census.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Smith moved to approve First Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Verbic.

City Manager Nicklas reminded Council that this item was brought forward as a consideration at the September 13, 2021, meeting. Consensus among Council at that meeting was for an ordinance be prepared in order to adopt a new Ward Map based on the impact of the 2020 Census count.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

MOTION

Alderman Morris moved to waive Second Reading and approve this ordinance; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

2. Ordinance 2021-042 Amending Chapter 23 “Unified Development Ordinance”, Article 3 “Definitions”, and Article 5 “Zoning District Regulations” Pertaining to Automobile Detailing, Car Washes, and Service Facilities.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Morris moved to approve First Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet, stating that the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) amendments proposed would add auto detailing in the Light Commercial (LC), General Commercial (GC), and Light Industrial (LI) zoning districts as a permitted use and as a special use in the Central Business District (CBD). In addition, the proposed amendments would add car washes as a permitted use in the Light Industrial (LI) district and modify the use “service facilities” in the LC district to allow minor vehicle services.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

MOTION

Alderman Perkins moved to waive Second Reading and approve this ordinance; seconded by Alderman Verbic.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Council Member Reports.

Alderman Morris highlighted all progress made at this meeting, from sidewalks to road work, and innovative policing and energy techniques.

Alderman Larson reminded everyone that local farmers are in the middle of harvest and large tractors are on the roadways. She asked that we all keep our eyes open for farmers.

Alderman Smith thanked AccuLab for moving to downtown DeKalb.

Alderman Faivre reported that he recently saw residents picking up trash in the Knolls. He noted it’s one of the easiest things to do to show respect for our community and encourages others to do the same. Alderman Faivre also encouraged tree trimming.

Noting the amount of information provided for this meeting, Mayor Barnes thanked City Manager Nicklas and Police Chief Byrd for their time over the last two weeks. He also agreed with the comments made by the Council during this portion of the meeting.

2. City Manager Report.

City Manager Nicklas reported that the entry sign into the Knolls had been defaced. The Public Works Department has since removed the sign and it will be replaced at no cost to the residents.

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss the Purchase or Lease of Real Property as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5).

Mayor Barnes read the Executive Session exemption by title only.

MOTION

Alderman Faivre moved to recess for Executive Session; seconded by Alderman Smith.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

Mayor Barnes closed the meeting to the public at 7:14 p.m. for Executive Session.

Following the adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Barnes opened the meeting to the public at 7:52 p.m.

O. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION

Alderman Perkins moved to adjourn the Regular meeting; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

VOTE

Motion carried by an 8-0 voice vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10112021-2066