DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council met Dec. 13.

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.

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

Others in attendance included City Manager Bill Nicklas and Transit Manager Marcus Cox.

B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Alderman Faivre led the Pledge of Allegiance.

C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Alderman Smith.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

D. PRESENTATIONS

There were none.

E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

There was none.

F. APPOINTMENTS

Mayor Barnes read the following by title only:

1. Appointment of Steve Honeywell as Chair to the Citizens’ Environmental Commission for a Two-Year Term through December 31, 2023.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the appointment; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

G. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

1. Minutes Submitted by the City Clerk

There were none.

2. Minutes Submitted by the Recording Secretary

MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to approve the minutes; seconded by Alderman Verbic. Mayor Barnes read the following by title only:

a. Minutes of the Special Joint City Council and Finance Advisory Committee Meeting of November 15, 2021.

b. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of November 22, 2021.

c. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of December 2, 2021.

d. Approval of Executive Session Minutes.

Alderman Verbic asked if Clerk Cohen was okay. Mayor Barnes replied that Clerk Cohen gave no notification of his absense.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

H. CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Barnes read the following by title only:

1. Accounts Payable and Payroll through December 13, 2021, in the Amount of $4,075,431.65.

2. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through October 2021.

3. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through October 2021.

4. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – November 2021.

5. Approval of the 2022 Schedule of Meetings.

6. DeKalb Police Pension Fund Municipal Compliance Report for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020.

7. DeKalb Firefighters Pension Fund Municipal Compliance Report for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2020.

8. Resolution 2021-104 Approving the Cancelation of the December 27, 2021, Regular Meeting of the City Council, and Approving the Payment of Invoices for the Second Part of December Prior to the January 10, 2022, Regular Meeting of City Council.

9. Resolution 2021-105 Authorizing the Release of Certain Executive Session Meeting Minutes and the Destruction of Certain Verbatim Recordings.

MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Alderman Larson.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

I. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. Public Hearing: Proposed FY2022 Budget.

Mayor Barnes opened the Public Hearing at 6:06 p.m., stating it was being held to discuss the FY2022 City Budget comprised of 32 funds with projected revenues of $108,510,518 against $106,180,581 in expenditures. All City funds are balanced in the FY2022 Budget.

There were no questions or comments from the public.

Mayor Barnes asked City Manager Nicklas if he had anything to add. City Manager Nicklas replied he would defer comments since this is a Public Hearing.

There were no questions or comments from Council.

Mayor Barnes closed the Public Hearing at 6:07 p.m.

J. CONSIDERATIONS

1. Consideration of a Report from Stantec about Transit Center Needs and Options for Location.

City Manager Nicklas stated that Transit Manager Marcus Cox and Public Works Director of Utilities and Transportation Bryan Faivre, among others, have been working on this project for the better part of the year. Since August of this year when Council approved a resolution that authorized an agreement with Stantec, there have been visits and conversations with City staff regarding priorities set forth by City Council. One was to define building needs, which includes the interior, as well as exterior parking spaces, turn around space, landscaping, etc. At this time, Stantec is reporting that approximately 11 acres of land will be needed. The other priority was the identification of the best area for the transit facility site. Stantec has provided a draft Site Selection Matrix, which will be used to assess relative advantages and disadvantages of the three sites selected for analysis. The matrix is divided into four categories: operations, acquisition, developability, and feasibility, with a number of criteria in each category.

A year ago, staff made a recommendation for a specific site that City Council was uncomfortable with. It was at that time that the idea of forming a temporary five-member Site Selection Committee (SSC) to bring in people involved with the City on a regular basis to assist with this project, with which City Manager Nicklas stated he accepted. The SSC will be comprised of Alderman Smith, who is also the Operations Manager at Voluntary Action Center of Northern Illinois, Matt Duffy, Executive Director of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, Ellingsworth Web, Property Manager for Eden’s Garden Apartments, Steve Irving, owner of Irving Construction, and Jennifer Groce, Director of Community Promotion at Northern Illinois University (NIU).

Mayor Barnes stated that official appointment of the Site Selection Committee will take place at the January 10, 2022, City Council meeting.

Alderman Faivre stated he reviewed the information provided and thanked everyone for the work that went into it. He looks forward to seeing what the committee will propose.

Alderman Smith added that these are federal grant dollars that need to be spent, which means there will be a lot of oversite. He further stated that a committee will steer the City in the right direction.

Alderman Verbic stated he also appreciates the information provided, the work that lies ahead, and the willingness to lend a hand to assist with the site selection. He added that from a standpoint of location, he’s received feedback regarding the nearness to residential properties and what kind of a setback will be included with whatever site selection for existing and future residential properties. He also stated there’s been some confusion that this is being called a site for a transit center when essentially, it’s more of a garage. He’s not sure if naming is important at this point but there has been some wonderment of what this will end up being.

City Manager Nicklas stated that this feedback is important to get more community involvement, adding the price tag is huge and an exciting opportunity for the City.

There was no further discussion.

2. Consideration of the City’s Public Transit Fares.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. He stated that that about six months ago the possibility of reinstating fares on the City’s transit and fixed routes. At that time, we were just getting out of the COVID year when most fares were suspended, and the City Council felt it would be best to continue that to later in the year.

Continuing, he stated that Transit Manager Cox compiled data of comparable transit agencies throughout the state, one of which is Decatur that is still operating fare free. The reason for that is more specific to their own interest as they’re waiting for new hands-free fare boxes to avoid the possibility of contamination. Some time was also spent looking at what DeKalb is charging now compared to what these other cities are charging for fares, with DeKalb charging less across the board.

City Manager Nicklas then spoke regarding fare revenue and what we might expect at the end of 2022. Barring any fare interruptions, the City could expect to collect approximately $100,000. In the past fare revenues have been used for a replacement transit staff vehicle, along with other small purchases for advertising, auditing, and public outreach purposes. Moving forward, the revenue could be dedicated toward current and future costs including engineering and architectural design as the City moves ahead with the space needs programming and site selection decision-making for the transit facility.

City Manager Nicklas then recommended to Council that fare collection on all fixed route and paratransit services be reinstituted on the first day of NIU’s spring semester, which is January 18, 2022.

Alderman Perkins asked why DeKalb’s fares are less than the other comparable cities. City Manager Nicklas replied that DeKalb is heavily subsidized and past Councils didn’t want to charge hefty fares.

Alderman Perkins asked where DeKalb benchmarks compared to the other cities in terms of federal funding percentage. Before responding to this question, Transit Manager Marcus Cox addressed Alderman Perkin’s original question as to why DeKalb fares are less that the other comparable cities, stating when transit services were consolidated in 2019, the Huskie line was a $1.00 fare. At that time a lower fare was recommended to entice more people to use the transit service. A higher ridership was seen on those charging routes from the outset. While 50 cents seems small, it’s been beneficial. It will be something that we will continue to monitor to see if it needs to increase.

Transit Manager Cox then addressed Alderman Perkin’s other question, stating the federal share or the state share the City receives is based on population. DeKalb gets approximately $1,000,000 in federal share a year, which is based on the DeKalb Urbanized Area Census population. He added that as a university town, DeKalb can earn more – $600,000 to $800,000 – from a small transit incentive cities fund that comes from Federal Transit Authority because we have a dense population in the urbanized area and have so many riders in such a small area. That’s also part of what we’re trying to work towards in order to increase the federal funding.

Alderman Perkins stated he’d be interested in hearing more about that and thinks there are some opportunities for additional revenue to offset some of the costs mentioned by City Manager Nicklas.

Alderman Verbic asked if the new garage would be cost neutral to the taxpayers of DeKalb, and if not, what will that cost be. Transit Manager Cox stated that all eligible operating costs of the facility will be expensed through state and federal funding and not impact on the general fund.

Alderman Verbic asked if fares would be needed to cover costs to DeKalb taxpayers. Transit Manager Cox replied there may be certain aspects that we could utilize those fares towards. He added that state and federal grants offset each other in terms of the local match and fares can’t be considered as the local match. However, we can utilize the fares for smaller purchases.

City Manager Nicklas added that the facility will be built with state and federal dollars and the operations will be covered by state and federal dollars.

Alderman Smith stated that fares can only be used for transit. Transit Manager Cox agreed.

Alderman Smith then stated that the comparable cities are classified as mass transit districts and have a separate funding source with separate requirements; DeKalb doesn’t fall into that classification. Transit Manager Cox agreed, stating that most of them have a tax levy.

Alderman Faivre stated that at this time he agrees with returning the fares to the current set pricing. However, he would like to have a discussion in the future about raising the fares if we aren’t able to meet our expenses with grants and state and federal funding.

Alderman Verbic asked why DeKalb is charging fares at all if there’s enough state and federal dollars available. If we can make this cost neutral to everyone, including riders, we should do that.

City Manager Nicklas stated this item, as well as the transit facility item, will come back before Council at the second meeting of February 2022.

Mayor Barnes stated he agrees with Alderman Perkins that this is an opportunity for a revenue stream that will help offset additional expenses that aren’t covered with state and federal matching grants. But if they are, then why not let our citizens ride for free on a transit system that runs exceptionally well.

K. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2021-106 Authorizing a Two-Year Purchasing Agreement with Petroleum Traders Corporation for the Purchase of Vehicle Fuel for the Period of January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Smith 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. He stated that this item is pertinent to the fuel that’s purchased by the Public Works Department and used in all City vehicles. It’s also used by the Voluntary Action Center (VAC), the Children’s Learning Center, and the DeKalb Park District, all by previous agreement.

There was no discussion among Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

2. Resolution 2021-107 Authorizing a Purchase Agreement with Midwest Salt Company for the Purchase of Water Conditioning Bulk Softener Salt for a Period of One Year from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, for the Purpose of Treating the City’s Drinking Water.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Perkins 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. The City requested bids for its annual salt contract for water conditioning rock salt for softening our potable water system and the only bid received was from Midwest Salt Company. Unfortunately, a few of the companies that have bid in the past are no longer in the salt business.

Continuing, City Manager Nicklas stated that while the City will be paying about $33,000 more for 2022, we aren’t in a position at this time to look for other pricing. A one-year contract is recommended at this time.

Alderman Faivre asked if the result is because we’re now at the end of the year and salt manufacturers are getting road salt ready and don’t have the product available. City Manager Nicklas replied there’s nothing obvious. It’s a different type of manufactured salt with different ingredients.

Alderman Faivre then asked if request for bids could be done earlier in the year to see if there would be a different result. City Manager Nicklas replied that the City used to go out for bid earlier in the year when we had the July 1 through June 30 budget year. However, he doesn’t think that played a factor this year.

There was no further discussion among Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

3. Resolution 2021-108 Authorizing a Fuel Supply/Branding Agreement with Ascent Aviation Group, Inc. for Aviation Fuels and Services to the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Smith 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 stated that in addition to the actual price, aviation fuel has in more recent years been a competition that invites both the price per gallon and the willingness to entertain certain branding incentives, which figures seriously into the pricing. Ascent Aviation, who offered the most competitive fuel price in response to our request for proposals, has a large network of flight department users in Illinois which may have affected the pricing.

There was no discussion among Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

4. Resolution 2021-109 Approving a Collective Bargaining Agreement Between the City of DeKalb and Council 31 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union (AFSCME) Local #813 from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2024.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

Prior to his overview, City Manager Nicklas introduced Mike Taylor and John Lucius as the City’s AFSCME representatives. He then added that a year ago when a terrific economic challenge was thrown our way through the COVID pandemic, AFSCME took leadership with our other bargaining groups to help navigate necessary changes such as salary freezes.

Continuing, City Manager Nicklas stated that this is a three year agreement with pay increases reinstated, as well as a memorandum of understanding to work with other bargaining groups within the City in order to look at our fully insured health care products to see what can be done to lessen their costs as well as our own. He further stated that he feels this is a very fair contract from an economic standpoint as well as a language standpoint.

There was no discussion among Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

Mayor Barnes thanked Mr. Taylor and the Public Works staff for their hard work.

L. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING

1. Ordinance 2021-044 Authorizing the 2021 Levy and 2022 Collection of Taxes in and for the Corporate and Municipal Purposes and Special Service Areas of the City of DeKalb for Fiscal Year 2022.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the ordinance on second reading; seconded by Alderman Perkins.

City Manager Nicklas reminded Council that this item was first heard on November 8, 2021 and brought back for second reading on November 22, 2021. At that time there was some conversation about engaging the library board to look at the proposed pass through levy, which is incorporated with the City’s levy to form the aggregate levy. A meeting was held by the library board on December 8, 2021 and they agreed to adjust their levy amount to $2,675,708. He further stated that the City is obligated to have its levy filed with the County Clerk no later than December 28, 2021, and therefore recommends that it be approved at this meeting.

City Manager Nicklas then added that, by the efforts of Mayor Barnes, all local taxing bodies have been engaged in conversation over the last several months regarding the early termination of TIF #1, as well as the the rising EAV attributed to new development, particularly on the south side, but throughout the city. Those conversations have also included thoughts about what can be done to lower the overall community tax rate, which not only plays into how we attract new business, but how we keep businesses and families in our community as property tax does effect livability. He is heartened and pleased with the Council’s keen interest in this and he thinks that will only continue and build into more engagement in 2022.

Alderman Verbic provided thanks for the time spent reaching out to partnering governing bodies. He added that we need find things we have in common to have that cost savings or share where we can do more for those paying in than we are now in order to offer better quality services. With regard to the library, it’s a matter of trying to convince others to be as responsible as possible so we can offer that cost tax savings to property tax payers and get that done without impacting quality of services. He thinks conversations with our governing body partners will be very valuable toward that effort.

Alderman Perkins stated his biggest issue is from a financial side of things, adding he hates surprises, especially when the library’s levy is coming in at 13% – $300,000 more – when everyone else is fighting to keep everything flat to down. He thinks this surprise underscores a bit of a process issue and moving forward he’d like to see some changes within those processes so we’ll know when this is going to happen.

Alderman Verbic wondered how we can avoid this situation in the future so the library can’t come to us in the future with whatever increase in the levy they’d like to pass along and making this Council is accountable. He added that he takes this very seriously and thinks we need to look at what other options there are. While he’s not sure what it takes to run a library, he can speak to this being excessive.

Alderman Perkins stated that while the Council has the right to vote yes or no on an item, we’re running out of time on this one and have no voice in the matter. It’s passing through Council and holding all the accountability.

City Manager Nicklas commented that by January of 2022 we should see how each taxing body was affected by the property tax limitation legislation and then start some internal and community planning with our governing counterparts.

There was brief discussion between Alderman Verbic and City Manager Nicklas regarding ways to improve DeKalb’s future.

Alderman Smith noted a difference in the figures provided in the background information. City Manager Nicklas stated the $2,675,708 is the correct number.

Mayor Barnes stated when it comes to the library situation, he also doesn’t know what it takes to run the library, but next year we will need to know those things and understand it better. The City of DeKalb has done an amazing job lowering the tax rate and controlling the levy to a point to put money back in the taxpayer’s wallet, which sends a big sign, especially when we’re one of the highest overall tax rate in the area, making us less competitive. To have the library take a levy that’s almost equal in size from a dollar perspective than the entire City of DeKalb is doing from a property tax standpoint is frustrating. He looks forward to working with Council members in the coming year so this situation doesn’t repeat itself.

Continuing, Mayor Barnes stated it’s important to him that citizens within the community have decent and affordable housing. Bringing in more economic development will help not only with that but also with DeKalb’s tax rate, as well as other taxing bodies.

There was no further discussion among Councii.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

2. Ordinance 2021-045 Abating the 2021 Tax Levy for the Debt Service of the General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds of the City of DeKalb.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the ordinance on second reading; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. He stated the City has some bonded debt, adding that some communities pass along that cost to the taxpayers, but we abate it, meaning we pay for that debt service annually from other sources and property taxes. He noted that the City is taking off general obligation debt on an annual basis and that’s a good thing.

There was no discussion among Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

M. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING

1. Ordinance 2021-051 Adopting the Annual Budget of the City of DeKalb, Illinois for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2022 and Ending December 31, 2022.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

City Manager Nicklas stated that discussions regarding the FY2022 budget has taken place since the middle of the summer, including a page by page overview in November, with minor changes. As noted by Mayor Barnes in the Public Hearing portion of the meeting, all 32 funds are balanced appropriately. Further, the City’s general fund is in good shape and we are prepared to do some ambitious things in the next year.

In closing, City Manager Nicklas recommended that this item be passed on first reading, with a waiver of second reading.

There was no discussion among Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

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

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

2. Ordinance 2021-052 Approving a Development Agreement with DeKalb Taylor Solar, LLC (SunVest Solar).

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

Prior to his overview, City Manager Nicklas introduced Bill French, Regional Director of Project Development for SunVest Solar. He then reminded Council of the discussions that have already taken place regarding this item back in October. This agreement would allow the development of a solar farm on a 48-acre parcel at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DTMA). The agreement includes the following business terms: a development period, construction and placement, an operating term, an operating lease, compensation, and decommissioning.

In closing, City Manager Nicklas recommended that this item be passed on first reading, with a waiver of second reading, at the request of the vendor.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Perkins.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

N. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Council Member Reports.

Alderman Larson stated she’s been blown away by the devotion of City of DeKalb employees she see’s in every aspect. She further stated that she had no idea how proud she’d be to hold this position for some truly great people who live here and greater people who work here.

Alderman Smith reported he had the honor of attending the swearing in ceremony of new firefighter Austin Isham.

Alderman Faivre thanked those who offered condolences for the recent passing of his mother. He also welcomed Keg and Kernel to DeKalb. He then wished everyone a peaceful and unincidential holiday season.

Alderman Verbic wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, noting he’s looking forward to 2022.

Mayor Barnes reported as follows:

▪ He encouraged vaccinations and boosters against COVID.

▪ He had to opportunity to meet with the Opportunity DeKalb Board to discuss developments within the Annie Glidden North area. He noted it was a great discussion that led into discussions with State’s Attorney Rick Amato, County Administrator Brian Gregory, and Board Chair John Frieders, and Derek Hiland on some next steps for 2022 to continue to work to make our community safe.

▪ He’s been to Keg and Kernel a couple of times since they’ve opened and encouraged all to go there when and if they have an opportunity.

▪ He had the opportunity to make a presentation with Frank Roberts to the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Leadership Academy on sustainable economic vitality. It was a great discussion and he loves that the chamber is generating a lot of future leaders within the community.

▪ He attended the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Winter Bash. It was a great event, as well as a ribbon cutting for new DeKalb business, Proven Winners.

▪ He attended the 52nd Toys for Tots event at the Taylor Street highrise, which was a great event all around.

▪ He met with Mortensen representative Kathy Johnson regarding recruitment and community involvement. He noted that Mortensen is committed to this community by dedicating resources in both in personnel and financially in order to offer as many opportunities as possible.

▪ He was proud to be a part of the swearing in for two new K9s at the City of DeKalb Police Department – Riggs and Drax.

▪ He’s still excited about the special Council meeting that was held to discuss and approve an incentive to have a developer come in and purchase Hunter Properties. He commends the leadership of this Council for making that happen.

▪ He volunteered at the recent ISHA tournament, which was phenomenal, and brings in a tremendous amount of tourism revenue.

Lastly, Mayor Barnes wished everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and a happy everything. He stated it’s been a heck of a year and it’s been wonderful to work with this Council and even more wonderful to work and serve within the community.

2. City Manager Report.

City Manager Nicklas had no report.

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION

There was none.

P. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 voice vote by a majority of Council members present. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Mayor Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 7:12 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_12132021-2103