City of Sycamore City Council met Dec. 20.
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: David Stouffer, Chuck Stowe, Alan Bauer, Nancy Copple, Jeff Fischer, Josh Huseman, Pete Paulsen, and Virginia Sherrod who arrived at 7:01 after roll call. City Attorney Keith Foster was also present.
INVOCATION Led by Alderman Josh Huseman
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Alderman Josh Huseman
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION
Alderperson Copple motioned to approve the agenda 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 December 6, 2021.
B. Payment of the Bills for December 20, 2021 in the amount of $834,979.73.
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, reported that Friends of the Library had a mini book sale on November 19th & 20th raising $700. They hope to have mini book sales quarterly throughout the year. The library partnered with the DeKalb County Forest Preserve and the Park District to create Literacy Lane which is a story trail along the a section of the Great Western Trail behind Sycamore Forest Preserve. The Winter Reading Program is December 13th - February 25th. The theme is Warm up your Winter. The library will be closed on December 24th & 25th. It will close at 1 pm on December 31st and be closed on January 1st.
Alderman Josh Huseman, DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Board, said the board reported an estimated $300,000 just from hotel/motel spend in the county regarding the IHSA football games and Elementary Cheer. This included the increased occupancy reported in Sycamore hotels. The Chamber’s Winter Chocolate Walk sold almost 500 tickets of which over half the tickets sold were from outside DeKalb County. They had more participating businesses than in 2019.
Alderman Alan Bauer recognized Public Works Grant Miller for helping fill some pot holes on Walnut Street after being asked if he had any extra asphalt. He said Grant did a remarkable job as he did it even though Alan didn’t even introduce himself.
A. Annual Presentation by Maggie Peck of Service Awards to City of Sycamore employees in recognition of their milestone anniversaries in service to the Citizens of Sycamore.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck introduced the following:
New Hires include: Anne Bachara, Marvin Barnes, Tim Basseuner, Raven Burress, Michael Ciccetti, Marla Duncan, Connor Hickey, Ron Lieving, Jessica Lingle, Aaron Lockhart, Brien Martin, Zach Nelson, Kevin O’Keefe, Carri Parker, Jen Poe-Diehl, Dan Rink, Matt Schroeder, Erica Surges, Michael Mathey, Valerie St. James, and Tanner Pumfrey.
REPORT OF OFFICERS
Acting City Manager (ACM) – Maggie Peck said there will be a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on January 10th. They will start presenting the General Fund Budget on January 3rd on First Reading. She wished everyone a save and healthy holiday season.
Police Chief – Jim Winters said the Police Department (PD) is participating in the annual holiday safe driving campaign with additional grant funding from IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) for officers to work extra traffic patrols. The focus is on impaired drivers and seat belts usage. We strongly encourage anyone engaging in holiday events where there is alcohol being served to make a plan for a designated driver or use a ride-sharing service. Also, as we get closer to the likelihood of measurable snow, he reminded that vehicles must be removed from city parking lots and city streets after 2” of snow. This allows the city plows to do their job and also ensure clearer paths for emergency vehicles, especially on the narrower streets. Lastly, on behalf of everyone at the PD, he wished everyone a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
Fire Chief – Pete Polarek said that last week they found a leak in a water service line from the fire station to the Community Development (CD) Department. Public Works (PW) workers Randy, Justin, Vince, and Grant, investigated and confirmed there was an issue. He can’t say enough about the professionalism and the attention that those guys gave. He said, he had a front row seat from his office and said if this is an indication of what they do day in and day out, we are “very, very blessed”. He wished everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
Director of Community Development John Sauter said that the Nighthawk Video expansion on Afton Road is making progress. Roof trusses are being set, which will be followed by deck steel and roofing, at which point the building should be close to being weathered-in for the winter. They issued a footing/foundation permit to Worthington Enterprises for the first 5- unit townhome building out at North Grove Crossings. He said Merry Christmas and Happy New Year on behalf of CD.
Director of Public Works Matt Anderson said PW Staff will be out tree-trimming with the dump truck and chipper leading close to the curb. This is for snow plowing, to identify low hanging branches. PW Staff has also been out with the jetter and camera truck inspecting sewer mains in preparation for the FY23 improvements for street and water main. Also, staff repaired 3 water main breaks since the last council meeting. Last year in 2020, there were 41 main repairs and through today for 2021, there have been 36. He wished everyone Happy Holidays!
City Engineer Mark Bushnell said that he is happy to report that contractors are taking advantage of the good weather as they actually have a private water-main project starting tomorrow. He wished everyone happy and safe holidays.
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
ORDINANCES
A. 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. Second Reading.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said that this is the proposed corporate levy which also includes Sycamore Public Library’s levy. Both are assuming the same, keeping the average property tax the same and picks up the new dollars from new construction. There was already a public hearing when this was held on First Reading at the December 6th meeting.
MOTION
Alderperson Bauer motioned to approve Ordinance 2021.21 and Alderperson Fischer seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, and Sherrod voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
B. 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. Second Reading.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said this is 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.
MOTION
Alderperson Stowe motioned to adopt Ordinance 2021.22 and Alderperson Stouffer seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, and Sherrod voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
C. 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. Second Reading.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said that this ordinance is for the 2017 General Obligation Refunding Bond for the 1999, 2005, and 2007 bond funds. 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)
MOTION
Alderperson Fischer motioned to approve Ordinance 2021.23 and Alderperson Paulsen seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, and Sherrod voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
D. Ordinance No. 2021.24—An Ordinance Amending the Combined Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Fiscal Year 2021-22 in the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said they need to revise the budget throughout the year. The proposed mid-year budget changes are represented in the table below:
Line Item Original Amended Notes
| 01-000-9023 | $150,000 | $250,000 | Increase Transfer for Accrued Leave Payouts |
| 22-000-8331 | 0 | $28,000 | Consulting Services to establish TIF #2 |
| 22-000-8497 | $45,000 | $17,000 | Reduction to offset additional expenses in 22-8331 |
| 22-000-3712 | 0 | $169,000 | Sale of Harvester Square properties |
| 22-000-8621 | 0 | $150,000 | Purchase of Public Works property from NIU |
| 23-000-3741 | $150,000 | $250,000 | Increase Transfer for Accrued Leave Payouts |
| 40-000-3411 | 0 | $1,246,000 | ARPA Fund Creation (Reflect first installment) |
| 40-000-3710 | 0 | $1,000 | Investment Interest in new Fund 40 |
| 40-000-3714 | 0 | $100,000 | ARPA Disbursement from DeKalb County |
| 40-000-8630 | 0 | $1,346,000 | Watermain Improvements Associated with ARPA |
MOTION
Alderperson Huseman motioned to waive First Reading of Ordinance 2021.24 and Alderperson Bauer seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, and Sherrod voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
MOTION
Alderperson Huseman motioned to approve Ordinance 2021.24 and Alderperson Bauer seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, and Sherrod voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
E. Ordinance No. 2021.25—An Ordinance Approving a Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation of a Request by Brian Grainger of Old Mill Park, LLC for a Change of Zoning of the Property Located North of Mt. Hunger Road and Route 23 (PIN numbers 0629427001, 0629427002, 0629427003 and 0629427004) Constituting 18.65 Acres from the Current Zoning of C-3, Highway Business District to R-3, Multi-Family Residential District. First and Second Reading.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck gave a brief background from the agenda. This plan includes 21 four-unit buildings for 84 total units with a botanical garden, clubhouse, and indoor swimming pool that would serve both phases. In order to be developed as planned, the property must be re-zoned from its current C-3, Highway Business District classification to R-3, Multi-Family Residential.
She said that the Planning and Zoning Commission, at the December meeting, voted 10-0 to have it rezoned. They had to consider the Comprehensive Plan, which includes the following goals: 1) Maintain a primarily single-family character of the community’s housing stock, but evaluate the potential to introduce more diversity in housing options to attract a variety of residents; and 2) Pursue the development of senior living neighborhoods or senior housing options near walkable centers, such as the downtown. This property is adjacent to Phase I of the Old Mill Park subdivision and is within walking distance of downtown. She said that Roy Smith is present to answer any questions.
MOTION
Alderperson Copple motioned to waive First Reading of Ordinance 2021.25 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, and Sherrod voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
MOTION
Alderperson Copple motioned to approve Ordinance 2021.25 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, and Sherrod voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
RESOLUTIONS
A. Resolution No. 898—A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Lease Agreement Between the City of Sycamore and TCOT Boutique for Suite 101A Retail Space in the Sycamore Center.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said this would continue the lease for TCOT and as others, they have moved this to a month to-month lease. They have been very good tenants. She said they are not in the business of renting properties, except for in the City Center where the rent goes towards offsetting things such as tuck pointing or what council will see on the January agenda, an HVAC unit.
MOTION
Alderperson Stouffer motioned to approve Resolution 898 and Alderperson Copple seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, and Sherrod voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
B. Resolution 899—A Resolution Approving and Accepting Certain Public Improvements at the FMG – Shell Site located at 611 Puri Parkway, Sycamore, IL.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said the First Midwest Group (FMG) has completed the installation and successful testing of public sanitary sewer improvements. The City Engineer shall forward a recommendation to the City Council if the improvements are acceptable. Staff was present during the installation and testing. The City Engineer recommends the City Council accept the public portions of the sanitary sewer improvements. The developer is required to guarantee improvements for a period of one year.
MOTION
Alderperson Sherrod motioned to approve Resolution 899 and Alderperson Paulsen seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, and Sherrod voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
C. Resolution No. 900– A Resolution Authorizing the designated City Manager to Sign a Loan Agreement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and Execution of a Contract relative to the City of Sycamore Lead Water Service Replacement Project.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said they have recently received the loan agreement from the IEPA (Illinois Environment Protection Agency) originally in the amount of $1,462,671.20. The loan agreement includes construction, design and
construction engineering, legal expenses, and a small percentage for construction contingencies so the actual document they will sign is $1,606,426.00. She noted that this is a 100% forgivable loan.
Alderman Huseman asked if there is a list of prioritized projects that this will be used for this very specific purpose.
ACM Maggie Peck said yes, and that City Engineer Mark Bushnell and Staff Engineer have been going through it with Public Works Director Matt Anderson who said it is for the identified 120 service lines.
MOTION
Alderperson Stowe motioned to approve Resolution 900 and Alderperson Huseman seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, and Sherrod voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
CONSIDERATIONS
A. Consideration of a New Ward Map.
Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said the city may be required to redistrict the Ward Maps every ten years with the new census. They had significant changes where Sycamore grew from 17,636 to 18,577 in population. The redistricted map is not supposed to show how Sycamore might grow, but how Sycamore has grown. The DeKalb County Information Management Office provides three options for consideration that are in the agenda. She said that she is looking for direction as they look to see that each of the wards are equally dispersed and to consider growth and potential and what that looks like.
Alderman Stouffer asked if there is the population breakdown of each ward for the current map. Secondly, he asked if due to the census, if they have to choose a new map or if they can choose to keep it the way it is now.
ACM Maggie Peck apologized that she didn’t have that in front of her but could get that information. She was directed by the County that we have to change it because of the census as the variation is a 5% increase or decrease. They have two wards that went outside of the 5%.
Alderman Huseman asked if there has been any feedback from residents and said they don’t do anything ward specific. Alderperson Copple said that she received a call from a resident who wanted to keep her same alderpersons. Consensus of the council was option 2.
B. Consideration of an Administration Recommendation to Award the Bid for the City’s 2021 Salt Bid. Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said bids were received on November 18th as follows:
| 1 | Midwest Salt Inc. | $104,700.00 |
| 2 | Morton Salt Inc. | $112,320.00 |
| 3 | Cargill | $118,632.00 |
| 4 | Tiles in Style | $154,800.00 |
Alderman Bauer asked what the bid was last year.
PW Director Matt Anderson said they did 1600 ton last year, but the prices were significantly lower. Alderman Stouffer confirmed that this would lock in the price.
ACM Maggie Peck said that is correct.
MOTION
Alderperson Huseman motioned to approve the consideration to award $104,700 to Midwest Salt Inc. and Alderperson Stouffer seconded the motion.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Stouffer, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Fischer, Huseman, Paulsen, and Sherrod voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.
OTHER NEW BUSINESS
APPOINTMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Alderperson Stowe motioned to adjourn the meeting at 7:46 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/2021/12/cc20211220.pdf
Alerts Sign-up