DeKalb Times

City of Sycamore City Council met Dec. 6.

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: Virginia Sherrod, David Stouffer, Chuck Stowe, Alan Bauer, Nancy Copple, Jeff Fischer, Josh Huseman, and Pete Paulsen. City Attorney Keith Foster was also present.

INVOCATION Led by Alderperson Nancy Copple

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Alderperson Nancy Copple

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Mayor Braser amended the agenda by adding Report of Officers

MOTION

Alderperson Bauer motioned to approve the agenda as amended 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.

AUDIENCE TO VISITORS

CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of November 15, 2021.

B. Approval of the Minutes from the Public Hearing of November 22, 2021.

C. Approval of the Minutes for the Special City Council Meeting of December 1, 2021.

D. Payment of the Bills for December 6, 2021 in the amount of $1,354,479.42

E. Annual Report of the Condition of the Sycamore Fire and Police Funds.

MOTION

Alderperson Bauer motioned to approve the Consent Agenda 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.

PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND BILLS

REPORT OF OFFICERS

Acting City Manager (ACM) – Maggie Peck encouraged residents during the holiday season to continue to shop local to support the community businesses. There will be a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting December 13th at 7 pm for a workshop and two action items. At the next City Council meeting, she will be recognizing employees receiving milestone service years.

Police Chief – Jim Winters said that legislation passed this year that affected everything from police operations to statistical reporting to use of force parameters. The first effective date of some of the mandates was July 1 of this year. Officers were already doing many of these things, but nonetheless, policies and practices were reviewed and updated where needed to reflect compliance with these specific legal mandates. The next date that additional provisions become effective is January 1 which will include additional training, certification requirements, and custodial procedures. They will continue to prepare for those, as well as the next mandates that will take effect January 1 of 2023.

Fire Chief – Pete Polarek said that the new pumper tender was delivered from St. Louis and they are in the process of orienting their personnel and in the process of lettering it. Eventually, the equipment will be removed from the old pumper tender and put on the new one. They are hoping it will be in full service in the next couple of months and said that the broker is actively advertising the old one. With the holidays, he cautions everybody not overload circuits and not to exceed the capacity of strings used. He encouraged everybody to use UL equipment use LED lights and inspect their equipment. He said to stay safe and to water live trees daily!

Director of Community Development John Sauter said things are progressing nicely with the multi-tenant building over by Meijer. Parking lot paving is complete and they are working hard to get the building weathered in, which will be followed by interior utility work. To date, they do not have any building permit applications for that building at this time. They are at 42 single family homes as of the end of November. Last year at this time, they were at 34 so they’ve already exceeded last year’s total of 41 permits and may hit 50 before year’s end.

Director of Public Works Matt Anderson said the Public Works (PW) staff completed leaf pickup. They did have a few mechanical issues that slowed them down, but staff came in on Saturday and finished. The Waste Management dumpster is will be at PW (475N Cross St) from Dec. 6th to Dec. 17th for leaves only in biodegradable bags.

City Engineer Mark Bushnell said that he is happy to report that the Staff Engineer Tim Bassuener started a week ago. Mayor Braser acknowledged that Ordinance Officer Marvin Barnes was present tonight and introduced him.

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

A. A Public Hearing on the Proposed 2021 Corporate Property Tax Levy.

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said she previously walked through options as the city is required to pass the property tax levy before the end of the year. She reviewed the levy per the agenda and said that Ordinance 2021.21 is on First Reading. She pointed out that a Public Hearing is not required with flat or a reduction in the taxes. If the council or any other taxing body were to increase over 4.9%, they would be required, through the Truth & Taxation hearing but in past practices and tradition, she brought this in for public hearing.

Mayor Braser opened the Public Hearing at 7:10 pm. Hearing no comment, he closed the Public Hearing at 7:12 pm. Mayor Braser told Maggie it was great work on that.

ORDINANCES

A. Ordinance 2021.17— An Ordinance Approving an Employment Agreement Between the City of Sycamore and Michael Hall to Serve as City Manager in the City of Sycamore. First and Second Reading.

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said on the Mayor’s recommendation, this is an employment agreement for Michael Hall, who is present, for City Manager. The city has not had a city manager since February 28, 2021 as she has been the acting city manager since that day. Michael comes from being a Village Manager in Brown Deer, Wisconsin. The terms of the Employment Agreement are as follows:

a) The contract will be effective January 3, 2022 and extend to January 2, 2025.

b) The City Manager’s base salary will be $130,000 and conform to the management pay plan as defined by the annual salary ordinance thereafter.

c) The City will provide the City Manager with a monthly motor vehicle allowance of $375.00 for the use of his personal vehicle while performing his duties.

d) The City Manager will receive health insurance coverage and other benefits offered to all City employees as part of the City’s benefit package.

MOTION

Alderperson Bauer motioned to waive First Reading of Ordinance 2021.17 and Alderperson Stowe seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, and Paulsen voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

MOTION

Alderperson Bauer motioned to approve Ordinance 2021.17 and Alderperson Huseman seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, and Paulsen voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

B. Ordinance 2021.18—An Ordinance Approving the Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan and Project for the TIF 2 Redevelopment Project Area. First and Second Reading.

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said she is bringing forward three ordinances related to opening this TIF Redevelopment Project #2. The city retained PGAV Planners to do a feasibility study and the proposed area was indeed blighted. PGAV staff conducted field investigations on July 21, 2021, with herself and City Engineer Mark Bushnell to document existing conditions of the buildings. On September 7, 2021, the Sycamore City Council passed Resolution 883 which states the City’s intent to designate a portion of the City as a tax increment finance, or “TIF,” Redevelopment Project Area and to induce development interest within such area pursuant to the Illinois Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act, 65 ILCS 5/11-74.4-1 et seq. (the “Act”). The Area contains approximately 56 acres, including street right-of-way, and 39 parcels of real property. Some parcels are vacant and others contain buildings, associated parking areas, and other site improvements. The Joint Review Board met on November 8, 2021 to discuss the review of the proposed Tax Increment Redevelopment Project Area Number 2. PGAV representation was present at this meeting to outline the TIF and field questions. Representation from all taxing bodies was present at this meeting, and a favorable recommendation to move forward was presented. On November 22, 2021, the City of Sycamore hosted a Public Hearing to address any questions the general public may have. Staff recommends approving the Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan and Project for the TIF 2 Redevelopment Project Area.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to waive First Reading of Ordinance 2021.18 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, and Paulsen voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

MOTION

Alderperson Stowe motioned to approve Ordinance 2021.18 and Alderperson Paulsen seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, and Paulsen voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

C. Ordinance 2021.19—An Ordinance Designating the TIF 2 Redevelopment Project Area. First and Second Reading.

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said, as shown in the map below, City staff recommends the designation of the area referred to in said plan as the TIF 2 Redevelopment Area.

MOTION

Alderperson Paulsen motioned to waive First Reading of Ordinance 2021.19 and Alderperson Copple seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, and Paulsen voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

MOTION

Alderperson Paulsen motioned to approve Ordinance 2021.19 and Alderperson Copple seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, and Paulsen voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

D. Ordinance 2021.20—An Ordinance Adopting Tax Increment Financing for the TIF 2 Redevelopment Project Area. First and Second Reading.

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said the City of Sycamore desires to adopt tax increment financing pursuant to the Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act, 65 ILCS 5/11-74.4-1 et. seq., as amended hereinafter referred to as the “TIF Act”. Tax increment financing is hereby adopted in respect to the Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan and Project for the TIF 2 Redevelopment Project Area (Area) approved and adopted pursuant to Ordinance No. 2021.18. She said they have discussed the boundaries and now they have to discuss the financing. What this does, is after the total equalized assessed valuation of each of the taxing properties has been figured, any of the taxes received, the County Collector turns those funds over to the City of Sycamore rather than to the various taxing bodies. The city is required to deposit the money in a special fund called "the Special Tax Allocation Fund for the TIF 2 Redevelopment Project Area". She said they will amend the budget to create an additional fund for these monies that come in. The background in the packet lists what the monies can be used for so the various businesses can come to them as ask for assistance.

Alderman Huseman asked when projects do come up, if council approval is sought for the projects and expenses or is there a level that just gets done without approval.

ACM Maggie Peck said that technically, there is a level that they don’t need to get approval, but in historical, Sycamore city fashion, they would bring those forward. She thinks it’s important for the community to know and for the businesses to be aware of what’s happening in our area. She also added that a company could come in to ask for financing, but they might be able to fund the whole amount so that is something they discuss as well.

MOTION

Alderperson Huseman motioned to waive First Reading of Ordinance 2021.20 and Alderperson Fischer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, and Paulsen voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

MOTION

Alderperson Huseman motioned to approve Ordinance 2021.20 and Alderperson Fischer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, and Paulsen voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

Mayor Braser thanked Maggie for all her work on this. It is outstanding and he knows it took a lot of time and effort and he really appreciates it. It’s a big project.

ACM Maggie Peck said thank you and that she is excited for the future.

E. Ordinance 2021.21—An Ordinance Levying Taxes for the Corporate Purposes of the City of Sycamore for the Fiscal Year Commencing May 1, 2022 and Ending April 30, 2023. First Reading.

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said this has already been discussed and just had the public hearing tonight. She reminded that this is just here on First Reading.

F. Ordinance 2021.22—An Ordinance Abating the Debt Service Levy for the General Obligation Refunding Bond Issue Series 2012 for the City of Sycamore, DeKalb County, Illinois for Fiscal Year 2022-2023. First Reading.

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said the 2012 Refunding Bond was issued in July 2012 to refinance the 2002 General Obligation Bond and the majority of the 2003 General Obligation Bonds. All of the debt service ($262,650) on the 2012 Refunding Bond series will be abated. This approach is consistent with the City policy of paying the greatest share of its annual general obligation bond debt service from general revenues other than property taxes. The attached ordinance will levy $262,650 and abate $262,650, resulting in an extension of $0.00. The debt service will be paid by the 2012 Bond Proceeds Fund (Fund 36), which receives its primary revenue from General Fund, Capital Fund (Fund 6), and Road & Bridge Fund (Fund 8) transfers. She said as a Home Rule community, they do this as collateral rather than property tax dollars so they are not burdening taxpayers. This here on First Reading.

G. Ordinance 2021.23—An Ordinance Partially Abating the Debt Service Levy for the General Obligation Bond Issue Series 2017 Refunding Bond for the City of Sycamore, DeKalb County, Illinois for the Fiscal Year 2022- 2023. First Reading.

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said this ordinance concerns the FY2022-2023 debt service on the 2017 General Obligation Refunding Bond. Historically, the City has levied $155,000 for debt service to be applied to the 1999, 2005, and 2007 bond funds. The 2007 series was refunded as part of the 2017 Refunding Bond; therefore, the levy will be applied to the 2017 series. As a result, the total levy is $326,000, and $171,000 will be abated. The debt service will be paid from the 2017 Bond Fund (Fund 38), which receives its principal revenue from General Fund transfers. This is on First Reading. She also stated that the City of Sycamore has not issued any new debt since 2009 when they built the police department.

Mayor Braser thanked Maggie again for her work on this and said that it’s outstanding.

RESOLUTIONS

Resolution No. 897—A Resolution for Approval of the Sale of Surplus Property Known as Lot 202 of the South Avenue Resubdivision in the City of Sycamore, DeKalb County, Illinois as filed in Plat Cabinet 11 at Slide 15-D as Document No. 2021003542 in the Recorder's Office of DeKalb County to Joel and Joan Barczak, owners of Blumen Gardens, in the Amount of $155,902.02.

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck gave a brief background from the agenda and said the agreement is for the full MAI Certified appraisal amount of $155,902.02. Upon approval of the sale of this surplus property, City Attorney Keith Foster will work on a closing date prior to the end of 2021 and place this property back on the tax role. Jill Barczak, daughter of Joan and Joel Barczak, is present. She thanked her for attending.

MOTION

Alderperson Fischer motioned to approve Resolution 897 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, and Paulsen voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

ACM Maggie Peck said thank you to Jill and the Barczak family for continuing to support Sycamore and being part of the community. They look forward to a lasting relationship.

CONSIDERATIONS

A. Consideration of a Recommendation from the Public Works Department Regarding the Award of the Bid for the 0.75 MG Elevated Storage Tank Painting and Repairs to JETCO LTD of Lake Zurich, IL in the amount of $1,443,579.00

Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said they started discussion with a consideration with council in June to do some repairs and maintenance to Tower #1. An inspection of the tower was completed in 2020 where it was suggested it needed serious maintenance and painting as it was last painted in 1987. Earlier this year, the City hired JETCO LTD through a public bid process to complete a small portion of the repairs, while Dixon Engineering prepared construction specifications to complete the remaining repairs and repaint both the inside and outside or the tank. The finished project is intended to match the color scheme and lettering of the north water tower. On November 2nd, the City of Sycamore opened bids. The City received three bids from nine potential contractors, four of which are located in Illinois. Staff has reviewed the bids and recommends awarding the elevated tank painting and repairs to JETCO LTD out of Lake Zurich, Illinois in the amount of $1,443,579.00. She said that Mark Bushnell has worked intimately on this and is present for any questions.

Alderman Huseman asked what the useful life of a water tower is and what this extends it to.

City Engineer Mark Bushnell said that the useful life depends on how it’s maintained and how often it’s painted. This is definitely past the useful life of the last coat of paint and said they could feasibly repaint this two or three more times with an anticipated duration between paintings of 25-30 years.

MOTION

Alderperson Stouffer motioned to approve the consideration to award $1,443,579 to JETCO LTD and Alderperson Paulsen seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, and Paulsen voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

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.

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