DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council met Oct. 25.

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.

City Clerk Sasha Cohen 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.

Others in attendance were: City Manager Bill Nicklas and City Attorney John Donahue.

B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Barnes asked Police Chief Byrd to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

C. Approval Of The Agenda

MOTION: Alderman Verbic 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

Ray Gentilcore congratulated Mayor Barnes on his new role with the City of DeKalb and thanked him for doing all he’s done so far. He also congratulated Police Chief Byrd on his new role and thanked him for taking on the responsibilities of the City of DeKalb. Continuing, Mr. Gentilcore requested that a three-way stop sign be placed at the intersection of Gurler Road and Pearl Street due to the number of drivers speeding through the area, noting his concern, as well as other resident’s concerns, for school-aged children getting run over as they wait for the bus.

E. PRESENTATIONS

There were none.

F. APPOINTMENTS

1. Appointment of Julie Jesmer to the Citizens’ Environmental Commission (CEC) for the Completion of a Two-Year Term through December 31, 2023.

Mayor Barnes moved to appoint Ms. Jesmer to the CEC and read the title above in its entirety. He also noted that Ms. Jesmer is a part of the Trash Squirrels group that’s collected over three tons of garbage throughout the community.

There was brief discussion between Mayor Barnes and City Attorney Donahue regarding the procedure for his making an appointment. City Attorney Donahue indicated the Mayor moved to make the appointment and now Council should consent with a roll call vote.

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.

G. CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to remove Consent Agenda items #2 and #3, indicating she doesn’t think the minutes are complete and there are still some corrections needed. She further stated that one set of the minutes in question was troublesome because it had less information than what was listed on the agenda. Continuing, Alderman Larson stated that meeting minutes should be a mirror reflection of City Council meeting proceedings so that citizens are aware of what’s happening. Alderman McAdams seconded the motion.

Mayor Barnes stated there are a variety of errors throughout both sets of minutes, adding the City is accustomed to a certain level of transparency in its minutes that he wants to maintain. Further, City Council minutes are incredibly important because they’re part of the public record and they need to be as accurate as possible.

Alderman Faivre stated there are a lot of grammatical or punctuation errors within the minutes that need to be corrected as well, noting the minutes should be presented in a professional manner.

Alderman Smith indicated that one set of the minutes has a name redaction and asked if Council has the authority to redact a name. City Attorney Donahue replied that the minutes belong to the Council so they can request what goes into to them. He then confirmed that Council can allow a name redaction.

Alderman Smith stated the quality of the minutes needs to be improved, noting he’s received a number of complaints about their quality and them not reflecting what happens in the meetings.

There was no further discussion.

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 read the following Consent Agenda items in their entirety:

1. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of September 1, 2021.

2. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 13, 2021.

3. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 27, 2021.

4. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 11, 2021.

5. Accounts Payable and Payroll through October 25, 2021, in the Amount of $3,619,257.97.

6. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through August 2021.

7. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through August 2021.

8. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – September 2021.

9. FY2021 Human Services Funding 3rd Quarter Report.

MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the Consent Agenda as amended; seconded by Alderman Perkins.

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

Mayor Barnes read the following title in its entirety:

1. Consideration of the Annual Property Tax Levy in the City of DeKalb. MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to consider the item; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

Prior to his overview, City Manager Nicklas stated the levy is one of the most important financial action steps the Council takes in the course of the year, next to the actual budget. Each year the levy discussion relies on a best guess at where the City will be with the community EAV (Equalized Assessed Value) and arriving at a number for discussion.

City Manager Nicklas then provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. Highlights included:

The tentative 2021 DeKalb Township multiplier is 1.0199.

The projected new construction for 2021 is $74,084,443.50. This includes recovered TIF value in the amount of $59,148,535 as a result of the termination of the Central Area TIF District; $11,735,908.50 in combined taxable EAV from the Ferrara Distribution Center and Packaging Center (50% of the EAV gain as a result of a 50% property tax abatement); and a projected $3,200,000 in additional new EAV from other new residential, commercial, and industrial construction.

The projected City EAV for 2021 is $696,563,133.

The proposed City levy for 2021 is $6,845,317. This does not include the Library levy of $2,700,708 or special service area levies which will be abated.

The estimated 2021 City Tax Rate of 0.98273 ($6,845,317 divided by $696,563,133) is 8.04% lower than the 2020 City rate of 1.06868 per $100 EAV.

Alderman Faivre asked if the City was in line with other municipalities as far as pension obligations. City Manager Nicklas replied that all are struggling. Some who have had a higher funding levels are in better shape but we’re all racing toward an irrational deadline. We have to continue to lobby to make sure the legislature keeps this in their top three to five issues and has discussion toward action.

For confirmation, Mayor Barnes stated we’re projecting that the actual out of pocket dollars that someone spends on property taxes is going to be lower. He then commended City Manager Nicklas, City staff and previous Council’s for the work done to continue the trend of the reduction of the tax rate. Mayor Barnes further stated this is one of the ways we can chart our course towards more affordable housing throughout DeKalb.

There was brief discussion between Alderman Morris and City Manager Nicklas regarding the impact the termination of TIF #3 had on the ability to reduce the rate and how it will affect DeKalb’s future.

Alderman Faivre indicated this was the fourth year the city has decreased its rate and thanked City Manager Nicklas and his staff for their hard work. He also stated the City should be working with other taxing bodies to reduce the tax rate in order to make DeKalb more attractive to businesses.

Mayor Barnes stated the plan is to start having discussions with the other taxing bodies after the first of the year.

City Manager Nicklas spoke complimentary about administrative and front-line staff, stating it’s their responsibility, sense of purpose and commitment that make the numbers work. He’s proud of what’s been done with less for a long time and now the City has a chance to do it with a little bit more, but it will be done responsibly and we’re planning for the future.

There was no further discussion.

J. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2021-095 Authorizing the Equipping of Four Police Interceptor Vehicles Based on State Bid Contract Pricing in an Amount Not to Exceed $81,088.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

Prior to providing an overview of this item, City Manager Nicklas stated there will be a Public Hearing on the levy at the November 8, 2021, City Council meeting, as well as first readings of the levy ordinance and abatement ordinance.

City Manager Nicklas then provided an overview of the item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. At the September 27, 2021, City Council meeting, Council approved the purchase of four police interceptor vehicles. This resolution is a follow-up to that item and requests approval to upfit those vehicles with the necessary equipment, such as lights, radios, etc. The state pricing is the most competitive pricing.

There was no further discussion.

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 Morris moved to approve second reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman McAdams.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. This item was tabled at the October 11, 2021, City Council meeting in order to allow the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 115 to review language on issues that arose from the discussion of the proposed CPRB. A tentative agreement has been reached and the membership of Lodge 115 will be voting on amendments to the collective bargaining agreement between the FOP and the City before the next City Council meeting of November 8, 2021. Therefore, it was requested that this item be tabled again to allow for that review and vote.

There was no further discussion.

MOTION: Alderman Morris moved to table the ordinance; seconded by Alderman McAdams.

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 2021-043 Providing for the Termination of the Central Area Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Area (TIF 1) and the Transfer of Funds from TIF 1’s Special Tax Allocation Fund to TIF 3.

Mayor Barnes recused himself from this item and asked Alderman Faivre to temporarily chair the meeting. Mayor Barnes then exited the room at 6:34 p.m. Alderman Faivre then read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Perkins.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet, stating the termination of the Central Area TIF #1 is set for December 31, 2021, meaning it will no longer be designated as a redevelopment project area under the TIF act. The termination is called out in the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the City and the Joint Review Board (JRB), which is comprised of other local taxing bodies. Approval of the ordinance was requested on first reading, with a waiver of the second reading.

Alderman McAdams stated that nothing has been more contentious or caused more problems in the City of DeKalb than the TIF district and it will be an honor and a privilege to vote it away.

There was no further discussion.

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.

MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to waive second reading of the ordinance and approve; seconded by Alderman Smith.

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 room at 6:37 p.m.

M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Council Member Reports.

Alderman Larson urged citizens to be on the look out for trick-or-treaters this year.

Alderman Smith reported he had the honor of being present at the swearing in of the City’s new firefighter today, Jackson Marbutt, noting he worked with Jackson’s grandfather at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department many years ago.

Alderman Faivre thanked all those who came out to pick up trash over the weekend and encouraged citizens to continue picking up trash in their neighborhoods. He also stated that trick or-treating will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Halloween.

Mayor Barnes made the following report on recent activities and meetings he’s been a part of:

He attended the Egyptian Theatre grand re-opening, noting it was well attended, and commended the theatre for their continued efforts to keep the venue open and shows coming.

He and City Manager Nicklas met recently with Greek leadership members from fraternities and sororities, as well as their advisors and other leaders from the community, in order to discuss what the City is doing pertaining to their environment. It was a great discussion, and he was happy to have formed another bridge to another group within the community that now has more of a voice. He looks forward to working with them in the future.

He participated with the Trash Squirrels and Green Paws groups, as well as the Citizens’ Environmental Commission (CEC), over the weekend to pick up trash within the community.

He reported that he is meeting with each Council member one-on-one to discuss City business and ensure everyone is on the same page. He noted he has already met \ with Alderman Morris, Alderman Larson, and Alderman Smith and will be scheduling meetings with the other Council members as well.

He attended the Athena Award event, noting the winner, LaCretia Konan of Kishwaukee College, is incredibly deserving of the award.

He noted that the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) has vacancies and encouraged anyone with financial experience to reach out to him if they’re interested in becoming a member.

2. City Manager Report.

City Manager Nicklas made an announcement on behalf of Public Works Director of Streets and Facilities Andy Raih, stating the kick-off for community leaf collection was supposed to start today but the weather didn’t cooperate. They hope to do at least one pass through the city this week, with more consistent pick up to take place over the next month. He thanked the public works staff for their hard work and encouraged citizens to keep their storm sewer drains clear of leaves and debris. season but the weather didn’t cooperate.

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Barnes read the following Executive Session exemption titles in their entirety:

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).

2. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss the Appointment, Discipline, Performance or Removal of a Public Officer as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3).

MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to recess for Executive Session; 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 and recessed the meeting at 6:43 p.m.

Mayor Barnes closed the meeting to the public at 6:50 p.m. for Executive Session.

Following adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Barnes opened the meeting to the public at 7:30 p.m.

O. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to adjourn the Regular meeting; seconded by Alderman Perkins.

VOTE: Motion carried on 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 7:31 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10252021-2077