City of Sycamore City Council met Nov. 15.
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: Josh Huseman, Pete Paulsen, Virginia Sherrod, David Stouffer, Chuck Stowe, Alan Bauer, Nancy Copple, and Jeff Fischer. City Attorney Keith Foster was also present.
INVOCATION
Mayor Braser asked for a moment of silence to think about what we are thankful for and to share if anyone wishes.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Alderperson Stouffer 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
Brent Hueber, 332 Eli G Jewell Court, said that regarding Consideration E – Golf Carts, he is representing a group who believe that allowing Golf Carts would be overwhelming positive for the community. He highlighted the reasons and some background that’s included in the supporting documentation that he handed out; proposal included herein.
Charlie Sharp, Vista Terrace, said that there is not 100% support. Being at his address for 35 years, he said that before the current ordinance, he had ATV’s, snowmobiles, and 3-wheelers behind the house and in his yard at all hours of the night. It was dangerous and destructive and said that his neighborhood could submit to the council another list of the people that would be against it.
CONSENT AGENDA
A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of November 1, 2021.
B. Payment of the Bills for November 15, 2021 the amount of $715,159.75.
C. Approval of the Closed Session Minutes for the Meetings of: 3/1/21, 3/15/21, 5/19/21, 8/16/21.
D. Release of the Closed Session Minutes for the Meeting of: 2/18/19, 8/5/19, 9/21/20, 10/5/20, 3/15/21. (Typos corrected).
E. Approval to Destroy the Auditory Tapes from the Closed Session City Council Meetings during the period from 8/05/2019 through 3/16/2020
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
Alderperson Nancy Copple, Library Board, said the Sycamore Library has scheduled the following:
• November 18th & 19th Book Sale, during library hours in meeting room #1
• November 24th, library closing early at 5:00 pm
• November 25th & 26th library closed for Thanksgiving
• December 7th Friends of the Library Annual Meeting and Holiday Mingle at 5:30 pm. If interested contact friendsofthesycamorelibrary@gmail.com
• December 13th through February 25th Warm up your Reading Challenge
• January 16th week, Winterfest Week
• January 21st, After Hours Event, 6-7:30 pm
• April, We Love our Library event, more to come.
Alderman Josh Huseman, DeKalb County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, said for an update on the state of the restaurant industry, by no surprise, there are positives and negatives. Over half of restaurants are reporting higher traffic and higher sales then this time last year. The concerns are staffing, supply chain issues with pricing, and food supply. The IHSA (Illinois High School Association) Football Playoffs will be on November 26th at NIU. Even Sycamore we will see higher occupancy rates as well as restaurant & bar taxes during this and that having the Sycamore Football home games also benefitted the downtown. He announced Moonlight Magic on November 19th and the Winter Chocolate Walk on December 2nd.
REPORT OF OFFICERS
Acting City Manager (ACM) – Maggie Peck said that leaf pickup will continue as weather permits and reminded residents that leaves should be placed in the parkway, not in the street. That is an important emphasis. They are beginning work on the FY23 budget which she will start bringing to council early January. There will be a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on December 13th at 7:00 pm for a petition for rezoning and for a workshop. There was a Joint Review Board Meeting last Monday, November 8th in regards to the planning and development of TIF # 2. All taxing bodies were present. There will be a public hearing Monday, November 22nd at 6:00 pm at City Hall with plans to bring a TIF #2 consideration at the December 6th council meeting. Lastly, she congratulated Sycamore School District with the number of accomplishments recently. The Cross Country boys and girls have both been very successful and there was a national contender in FFA (Future Farmers of America). She also said, being a little biased with a son on the team, she wished the Football boys good luck this Saturday at the Semi-Finals and hopes that most of Sycamore will support our boys as this is only the fourth time they’ve done this. “Go Spartans!”
Police Chief – Jim Winters said that today was Officers Raven Buress and Kevin O’Keefe’s first day after graduating from the police academy last Thursday. They will now begin their 14-week field training program with multiple field training officers. They welcome them and wish them well as they enter into this phase of their training. As the holiday season approaches, on-line shoppers are reminded to use caution when ordering on-line to prevent being a victim of fraud. They also recommend considering precautions such as package tracking, delivery notification, or having deliveries sent to places of employment, if allowed, or to a family members or friends who can accept them. This reduces the opportunity of those packages being unattended and vulnerable to being taken.
Fire Chief – Pete Polarek said that as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, they will kick off the Red Wreath Program. They will release information to the public as well as post it on their Facebook page to raise awareness during the holiday season. He announced that new Firefighter Michael Mathey (former POC Firefighter) will be starting on Monday, November 22nd. He is Lieutenant Kurt Mathey’s son and said they are excited to have him and he’s excited to be back home.
Director of Community Development John Sauter said that they’re reviewing a couple new submittals that came in last week. The first is for a new 5-unit townhome building by Worthington Enterprises in the North Grove Crossings subdivision. This development has sat idle for several years so they’re looking forward to seeing some activity out there. The second is the final commercial building in the Gateway Center subdivision on Hauser Ross Drive, also by Worthington Enterprises. The plan is to construct the building shell and come back later with interior build-out plans.
Director of Public Works Matt Anderson said that Well #9 will be back into service tomorrow from a WRT Media exchange. Staff replaced the VFD (Variable Frequency Drive which regulates the speed at which the pump motor runs) at Well #6. Also, as a reminder, please place leaves in the parkway which prevents flooding and not into the street. Collection will continue through Friday, December 3rd. Landscape Dumpsters will be at Public Works from December 6th through Dec. 17th.
REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Finance – Alan Bauer said no report, but he noted that a page was missing from the background, not the agenda, so he recognized Laura Herrmann for calling that up and getting it sent out to everybody and Maggie Peck who has the replacement for Option #1 on the tax rate. He appreciates what they do to get them accurate documentation for the meeting. Public Safety – Pete Paulsen said no report.
Public Works – Chuck Stowe said no report
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ORDINANCES
RESOLUTIONS
A. Resolution 896—A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of the Worker’s Compensation and Liability Coverage for City Employees with Corkill Insurance.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said the city has worked with Corkill Insurance for the last four years. This year the city is adding cyber liability for approximately $8,300 which is well worth the price. After reviewing quotes, the city recommends that the insurance be placed with Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust for the liability portion and the Illinois Public Risk Fund through Corkill Insurance in the amount of $648,354. This includes the $8,300 for the cyber insurance as well as an increase due to law enforcement liability due to police reform. In addition, this will be the first year the new treatment plant is included.
MOTION
Alderperson Stowe motioned to approve Resolution 896 and Alderperson Fischer seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Huseman, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, and Fischer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
CONSIDERATIONS
A. Consideration of the Annual Property Tax Levy in the City of Sycamore.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said the city has to pass a levy by the end of the year. Sycamore has historically worked within our means which means they have been able to keep property taxes down. A total of nine local taxing bodies, including the City, annually receive operating revenue from property taxes.
The combined or composite property tax rate for residences and businesses located in Sycamore was $9.77037 per $100 EAV in 2020. The City’s rate—$0.643520—represented 6.59% of the overall rate applied against the EAV of our residences and businesses. A breakdown of how property tax dollars are distributed:
The City of Sycamore uses the monies raised through property taxes primarily to fund the general operations of the City departments, but it also uses a substantial portion of the collected taxes to fund pension obligations. The table below shows the breakdown of the annual levy including operational and pension obligations in recent years:
| Property Tax Category | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
| General Operating | 1,407,322 | 1,407,322 | 1,407,322 | 1,407,322 | 1,432,476 | 1,432,476 | 1,452,336 | 1,452,336 |
| FICA/IMRF | 337,175 | 337,175 | 337,175 | 337,175 | 337,175 | 337,175 | 337,175 | 337,175 |
| Police Pension | 341,525 | 356,321 | 418,537 | 528,471 | 570,593 | 612,556 | 572,243 | 556,767 |
| Fire Pension | 518,599 | 530,747 | 594,763 | 595,926 | 613,614 | 659,218 | 730,220 | 771,635 |
| Crossing Guards | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| Totals | 2,624,621 | 2,651,565 | 2,777,797 | 2,888,894 | 2,973,858 | 3,061,425 | 3,111,974 | 3,137,913 |
Each year, an independent actuary reviews the current position of the Fire and Police Pension Funds and recommends amounts that the City would need to contribute in order to achieve specific funding benchmarks at the end of a specific period of time. This model makes assumptions regarding a number of different variables such as return on investment, rate of salary increases, and life expectancy.
In Illinois, pension funding has plagued many municipalities. The funding shortfall is a combination of lower-than-expected returns on investments, changes to pension provisions, greater frequency of disability pensions, and other plan-related factors. In addition, many municipalities fund an amount that is less than the actuarial-required amount. Sycamore has historically funded its pensions at or above the 90% State of Illinois requirement through a combination of property tax and personal property replacement tax dollars. Investment returns for both the Fire and Police Pension Funds experienced investment gains that are likely to exceed the actuarial assumption (+7.25%) for the year ending April 30, 2021. These numbers will not be confirmed until the annual audit is completed at some point later this year.
The combination of under-funding by many municipalities and market losses against a 2033 amortization period posed a serious problem as the economy was trying to rebound from the 2008-2009 recession. As a result, the State of Illinois passed Public Act 096-1495 to reset the amortization period to 2040 and establish 90% as the required funding target. These changes were designed to provide some relief, especially to municipalities like Sycamore that honored the funding obligation. In attempt to force municipalities to appropriately fund pensions, the Act stipulates that any City not making the minimum contributions will have state funding diverted to the pension funds.
The percent funded on actuarial value of assets was 68.3% for the Police Pension Fund and 64.8% for the Fire Pension Fund at the end of last year. Typically, the City’s actuary submits assumptions for the Police and Fire Pension Funds indicating the required contribution using two options: a goal of 100% funding and the minimum required contribution with a 90% funding goal. Given that the annual audit will not be completed until after the levy is considered this year, staff is recommending that an increase of 4.0% be used for both the Police and Fire Pension levies. This approach should prove conservative as several of the actuarial variables appear to have finished the year in a favorable position. In recent history, the City Council has made additional contributions to the pension funds, and these should cover any gap in the event that the figures exceed the estimate.
| Pension
Fund | FY22
Contribution | FY23
Contribution |
| Police | $600,888 | $624,924 |
| Fire | $819,117 | $851,882 |
The required contribution is funded by property tax and a portion of personal property replacement tax receipts. The personal property replacement tax receipts are estimated to be $43,200 for the Police Pension Fund and $60,000 for the Fire Pension Fund next year. After deducting the PPRT portion, the levy required to meet the estimated contribution is $791,882 for Fire and $588,336 for Police.
The assumptions discussed below outline levy requests that aim to ensure the minimum 90% threshold is met through the property tax levy. During the budget process or after the annual audit is presented each year, the City will work to determine if an alternative source can be added to the levy to ensure it exceeds the state requirement.
IMRF, Social Security and Medicare
The City’s IMRF and FICA (Social Security and Medicare) obligations are calculated by the City Manager. The IMRF/FICA obligations for Water Division and Treatment Plant employees are paid from the Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds. Collectively, IMRF, FICA, Fire and Police Pensions costs for which levies were voted in 2020 ($1,665,577) constituted 53.08% of the City’s property tax receipts. As a point of reference, in FY01, pension obligations constituted 24% of the City’s property tax receipts.
The City’s combined obligation to Social Security and Medicare is 7.65%. Apart from Fire and Police personnel, full-time employees contribute to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). IMRF accumulates money needed to pay benefits from member and employer contributions and from investment returns. The Fund was 94.1% funded as of the end of 2020. The regular IMRF contribution rate for 2022 is estimated to be 7.87%. Unlike the direct levy contributions for the Fire and Police pension plans, the City is required to make contributions to IMRF bi-weekly as the rate (currently 10.34%) is applied against each payroll. The City has maintained the same levy for IMRF, Social Security and Medicare ($337,175) since 2011, and the same is again proposed for 2021. The remaining costs will compete with general operating revenues.
The combined Fire and Police Pension Fund, IMRF, FICA and Medicare levy contributions total $1,710,781 for 2021.
Calculating the Levy and Rate
When considering the property tax levy, the starting point is to estimate the City’s equalized assessed valuation (EAV) for the coming year. Sycamore’s final rate setting EAV in 2020 was $487,885,213. The County Supervisor of Assessment’s preliminary estimates for the City’s EAV for 2021 is $508,768,557 (+4.28%), which includes $7,675,490 in new construction.
This estimate includes deductions for exemptions, the senior freeze, appeals, and TIF. Since the actual EAV for 2021 will not be known until the final tax extension is published next spring, the actual City tax rate, determined by dividing the City levy by the EAV, will be uncertain. If the actual EAV published next spring is not as high as the projected level, the final City rate may be slightly higher than expectations outlined below.
Historic City EAV, City Levy and City Tax Rate Totals:
| Year | EAV | City Levy | City Tax Rate*Per $100 EAV |
| 1966 | $27,220,176 | $216,252 | $0.79 |
| 1976 | $44,278,153 | $679,882 | $1.54 |
| 1986 | $56,800,908 | $934,248 | $1.64 |
| 1996 | $145,647,122 | $1,792,999 | $1.23 |
| 2006 | $359,225,508 | $2,401,957 | .66912 |
| 2016 | $389,722,536 (+9.01%) | $2,888,894 (+4.0%) | .74127 (-4.60%) |
| 2017 | $419,949,225 (+7.76%) | $2,973,858 (+2.9%) | .70815 (-4.47%) |
| 2018 | $445,724,508 (+6.14%) | $3,061,425 (+2.9%) | .68687 (-3.01%) |
| 2019 | $468,168,714 (+5.04%) | $3,111,974 (+1.65%) | .66475 (-3.22%) |
| 2020 | $487,885,213 (+4.21%) | $3,137,913 (+0.83%) | .64317 (-3.25%) |
The City has worked to reduce its reliance on property taxes as a percentage of general operating expenditures. This has been accomplished through a combination of fiscal restraint and increased reliance on less regressive alternative revenue sources, such as sales tax. In 2000, property taxes made up 25.7% of all general operating revenues. Since that time, property tax dollars as a percentage of general operating revenues have consistently declined. Property taxes as a percentage of general fund operating revenues have been reduced from 25.7% in 2000; 18.5% in 2005; 14.4% in 2010; and to approximately 12% in 2015 (without levy pass-through pension contributions). This number was 11.06% in 2021 (FY22) and looks to be reduced each year as expenditures rise with inflation and pension obligations continue to increase.
Although the City continues to present and deliver balanced budgets, bond rating agencies review finances for predictability. Property tax revenue presents more predictability than more volatile sources like sales tax. One way volatility concerns can be offset is by increasing the general fund reserve policy target. At the end of FY20, the City’s fund balance was 40.88% of total general fund expenditures (consistent with 4-5 months of reserves). This is expected to increase with final audited FY21 figures.
Four options are presented below for consideration. There are several factors that should be considered when reviewing the options. The narrative for each option highlights the proportionate share of property tax revenues as a percentage of the general fund and the net change in funds available for general operations.
For each option, the resulting impact on an owner of a $200,000 home is illustrated using the blended estimated increase in EAV for the three respective townships (Sycamore, Cortland and DeKalb).
She reviewed the corrected Option #1 handout and the other options shown in the agenda and recommended Option #3. Option #3: Maintain Levy and Apply Rate to New Construction
| Category | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
| General Operating | 1,407,322 | 1,407,322 | 1,407,322 | 1,432,476 | 1,432,476 | 1,452,336 | 1,452,336 | 1,455,179 |
| FICA/IMRF | 337,175 | 337,175 | 337,175 | 337,175 | 337,175 | 337,175 | 337,175 | 337,175 |
| Police Pension | 356,321 | 418,537 | 528,471 | 570,593 | 612,556 | 572,243 | 556,767 | 581,724 |
| Fire Pension | 530,747 | 594,763 | 595,926 | 613,614 | 659,218 | 730,220 | 771,635 | 791,882 |
| Crossing Guards | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 | 20,000 |
| Total Levy | 2,651,565 | 2,777,797 | 2,888,894 | 2,973,858 | 3,061,425 | 3,111,974 | 3,137,913 | 3,185,960 |
| City-Wide EAV | $337,661,389 | $357,501,358 | $389,722,536 | $419,949,225 | $445,724,508 | $468,168,714 | $487,885,213 | $508,768,557 |
| City Tax Rate | 0.78527 | 0.77703 | 0.74127 | 0.70815 | 0.68684 | 0.66475 | 0.64317 | 0.62621 |
⮚ Should result in a City tax rate of 0.62621.
⮚ The total levy is $3,185,960 (1.53% overall increase attributed to new construction); with $1,455,179 going to general operations.
⮚ The levy is maintained at the 2020 level and then applied to existing EAV to calculate the rate of 0.62621. The rate is then applied to new construction EAV of $7,675,490.
⮚ Property Taxes, minus the portion going directly to the Police and Fire Pension funds, would represent only 10.84% of all budgeted FY22 General Fund expenditures, less pass-through pension transfers ($16,716,202).
⮚ Increases the funds available for general operations by $2,843.
Resulting Impact on Single-Family Homeowner: Residents will want to know the impact of each option on their home. The chart below shows the estimated change in the City tax bill for a $200,000 home in 2020 (payable in 2021) and the same home in 2021 (payable in 2022) which is now valued at an estimated $205,415 based on the average increase in EAV (2.71%):
| 2020-21 | 2021-22 | |
| Property EAV | 66,667 | 68,472 |
| City Tax Rate | 0.64317 | 0.62621 |
| City Tax Bill | $428.78 | $428.78 |
| Difference | $0 |
Option #3: Maintain Levy and Apply Rate to New Construction meets the City’s stated financial goals and obligations:
⮚ State requirements for funding pensions are met.
⮚ Although not subject to “tax caps” as a home-rule unit, the City would stay within, in fact well below, the inflationary limit applied to other taxing bodies.
⮚ Should result in a City tax rate of 0.62621.
⮚ The total levy is $3,185,960 (1.53% overall increase attributed to new construction); with $1,455,179 going to general operations.
⮚ Increases the funds available for general operations by $2,843.
⮚ The property tax rate decreases by 2.63% and homeowners should pay slightly less to the City than last year.
She said council should feel good about this as the rate at the City of Sycamore continues to go down and falls in the lower third of the 14 municipalities within the county. She cannot stress enough the importance of modest development and new construction. She said that taking the responsible approach the city has with property taxes, is an example of how a diversified tax base benefits existing taxpayers. She is looking for concurrence and will bring this back at the December 6 City Council meeting for a public hearing and an ordinance on First Reading.
The consensus of the council was to move forward with Option #3.
B. Consideration of the Sycamore Library Annual Property Tax Levy.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said The Library Board met on November 9th and considered the Library’s budget and 2021- 22 levy. As a component unit of the city, the council is required to pass the library levy provided that it is less than .6% of the total EAV.
The Library has decided to request a slight increase (1.53%) in its levy, bringing it to $1,186,584. As a result, the Library tax rate decreases 2.63% from 0.23954 (2020-21) to 0.23323 (2021-22) as a result of the estimated increase in the estimated community EAV.
| Year | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
| Library Levy | $971,702 | $1,020,287 | $1,066,295 | $1,119,500 | $1,138,857 | $1,157,661 | $1,168,703 | $1,186,584 |
| 0.00% | 5.00% | 4.50% | 4.99% | 1.73% | 1.65% | 0.95% | 1.53% | |
| City-Wide
EAV | 337,661,389 | 357,501,358 | 389,722,536 | 419,949,225 | 445,724,508 | 468,168,714 | $487,885,213 | $508,768,557 |
| Library Rate | 0.28778 | 0.28539 | 0.27360 | 0.26658 | 0.25551 | 0.24727 | 0.23954 | 0.23323 |
| 1.77% | -0.83% | -4.63% | -2.57% | -4.25% | -3.22% | -3.13% | -2.63% |
| 2020-21 | 2021-22 | |
| Property EAV | 66,667 | 68,472 |
| Library Rate | 0.23954 | 0.23323 |
| Library Tax Bill | $159.70 | $159.70 |
| Difference | $0 |
When combined, the City and Library levies make-up the corporate levy. Based on the options recommended above, the corporate levy totals $4,372,544, which represents a 1.53% increase. Current taxpayers should see roughly the same amount of taxes paid to the City of Sycamore and Sycamore Public Library in 2021 as new construction accounts for any new dollars being added to the proposed levy.
She said that although the city levy is well below Illinois Truth and Taxation requirements for a public hearing, the city still plans to hold one at the December 6th City Council meeting.
Sycamore Library Executive Director Kim Halsey said that she is happy to answer any questions.
Consensus of council was to move forward.
C. Consideration of an Annual Update from the Sycamore Public Library.
Sycamore Library Executive Director Kim Halsey, who started when the library was still closed due to the pandemic, said that they opened for curb-side service, remote printing services, one-on-one notary services, and one-on-one computer services. These services were so well received that they decided to keep them permanently with 60 curb-side transactions per month. Staff continued to work during all the pandemic changes. The Visitor Programming & Computer hours and Circulation statistics were down last year for obvious reasons, however, there were 184,000 items circulated in FY20 pre-covid. Last year in FY21 during covid, there were 141,000 items. They also issued 5,755 new library cards last year. Pre-covid, they had issued 6,800 new library cards. She said they did well, all things considered. Being closed a few months out of the year or having reduced hours, said she is proud of what they were able to do despite those challenges, all while keeping a balanced budget. She is also proud to say that they kept the staff working that entire time and have received numerous compliments and statements of gratitude for all the ways they met the resident’s needs and their safety concerns. They continue to offer a hybrid version of in person and virtual services. She invited everyone to stop in to show you what they have to offer.
D. Consideration of a Police Department Recommendation to Purchase a 2022 Ford Police Interceptor Utility through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperation Competitive Bid Contract #204 from Currie Motors in Frankfort, IL for $33,705.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said that as part of the FY22 Capital Budget, the Police Department budgeted for a 2022 Ford Police Interceptor Utility from Currie Motors through the Suburban Purchasing Cooperative for $33,705. This vehicle will replace either a 2016 or 2017 Ford Utility Interceptor approaching 100,000 miles.
MOTION
Alderperson Paulsen motioned to approve the consideration for $33,705 to Currie Motors and Alderperson Fischer seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Huseman, Paulsen, Sherrod, Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, and Fischer voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
E. Consideration and Discussion of Permitting of Golf Carts on Public Roads Within the City Limits of the City of Sycamore.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said that, as this is a novel idea for the City of Sycamore, there are some things. She has worked closely with staff and Chief Jim Winters on this for about a year as a resident brought this up a while back. She said that this was not considered for the Comprehensive Plan as the city has not been built for or planned for this. There are some additional safety and additional policing concerns. She said we have to look at this from a Park District standpoint in if these are going to be allowed on park district trails and from a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) standpoint and holding the city indemnified of any injuries or property damage.
Alderperson Stouffer asked her to speak more on the HOA implications.
ACM Maggie Peck said that one of the suggestions was to put something in to indemnify the city; putting it on the HOA making the HOA’s take out additional insurance in an umbrella policy to cover any damages. The residents in the HOA may pay an additional fee towards that insurance and any legal costs.
Alderperson Copple said that she has gotten calls against this and the feedback was about if there were plans for special sidewalks and age restrictions. She said that she got a lot of “no’s” from the conversations.
Alderman Bauer said that he also got calls against it and said that it is interesting that the discussion is about increasing liability with HOA’s and what we are going to do about all the issues that come up. He doesn’t hear any positives of it, only the negatives. He said with police calls are up, he doesn’t think we need to put any more on them. He said that this is not a golf community and not designed around that kind of activity. He said it, unfortunately, benefits a precious few and he doesn’t care to have all the negative things that come with it. He doesn’t think the police have the capacity to manage the bullet points listed in the agenda.
Alderman Fischer said he agrees with Alderman Bauer as there are so many unanswered questions. He is personally not in favor of it.
Alderman Huseman asked if a golf cart was street-legal today and had all the necessary features, if it would be allowed in the ordinance as it stands. Secondly, if the city had an ordinance allowing street-legal golf carts, he’s having a hard time understanding how that puts the city at risk with HOA’s because there is an ordinance allowing street-legal golf carts.
ACM Maggie Peck said no it is not allowed. She stated that they changed the ordinance a few months back to allow for emergency vehicles but not for the average citizens to drive on the streets. She said that it’s just a suggestion as one way to take some of the liability off the city. If it’s certain HOA’s or subdivisions that want it, that’s an option that someone brought forward.
Alderman Huseman asked Chief Winters if they are getting dozens or hundreds of complaints.
Chief Winters said they definitely don’t get hundreds and that they get the usual weather-based calls in the summer and they are addressed. He could try to get a total but said it is definitely not in the hundreds and maybe not even in the dozens.
Alderman Huseman said that he polled residents and has 100% in favor. His feedback was all around being neighborly and encouraging a lot of neighborhood get-togethers. Everyone knew that they would have to do somethings to make it be appropriate and that it was more in the neighborhood.
Alderman Stowe said the one thing he is hearing is about “neighborly”. It seems like it is more of a neighborhood-type thing than a complete city-wide thing. He said maybe there are some neighborhoods that want to go through their HOA’s and talk to the council about it as if it’s a contained neighborhood, they might be able to work something out.
Alderman Huseman asked if there is any way to test it out – pilot it.
Alderman Stouffer asked if it could be just parts of Sycamore, but at the end of it, he doesn’t think that’s possible to have an ordinance that is just specific subdivisions or specific communities within the city.
ACM Maggie Peck said you are segregating people at that point. She said that it sounds like the majority of council is not for it and asked if it is being tabled.
Mayor Braser said that he would table it until they have more information getting in touch with some HOA’s to see how they feel about it. He noted that there is a great difference between golf carts and ATV’s.
Brent Hueber said if they polled the north side, they would probably get a 9 out of 10.
F. Consideration of an Administration Request for Closed Session to Discuss Personnel Matters.
MOTION
Alderperson Huseman motioned to enter into Closed Session at 7:47 pm 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.
MOTION
Alderperson Bauer motioned to go back into Open Session at 8:20 pm 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. APPOINTMENTS
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Alderperson Stowe motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:21 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/2021/11/cc20211115.pdf
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