City of Dekalb City Council met Sept. 26.
Here is 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 City Council were present: Alderman Barb Larson, Alderman Tracy Smith, Alderman Scott McAdams, Alderman Mike Verbic, Alderman Tony Faivre, and Mayor Cohen Barnes. Alderman Carolyn Morris and Alderman Greg Perkins were absent.
City Clerk Sasha Cohen was absent.
Others in attendance included City Manager Bill Nicklas, City Attorney Matt Rose, and Police Chief David Byrd.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Shadow Gentry led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Barnes asked for a motion to amend the agenda as follows:
1. The addition of a Proclamation to the Drury Family under Item D. “Presentations”
2. The addition of an Executive Session to discuss Personnel under Item O. “Executive Session”.
MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to amend the agenda; seconded by Alderman Verbic.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the agenda as amended; seconded by Alderman Faivre.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
D. PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation: Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, 2022.
Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety.
2. Proclamation: Morry and Joan Drury Day, September 21, 2022.
Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety, noting it was presented to the Drury’s at their 70th wedding anniversary celebration.
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There was none.
F. APPOINTMENTS
There were none.
G. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
1. Minutes Submitted by the City Clerk
There were none.
2. Minutes Submitted by the Recording Secretary
Mayor Barnes read the following by title only:
a. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 12, 2022.
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve the minutes; seconded by Alderman McAdams.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
H. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Barnes read the following Consent Agenda items by title only:
1. Accounts Payable and Payroll through September 12, 2022, in the Amount of $2,656,612.
2. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – August 2022.
3. Resolution 2022-087 Authorizing the Execution of a Workers’ Compensation Lump Sum Petition and Order in the Amount of $67,558.75 (James Sietsema).
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Alderman Faivre.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were none.
J. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Consideration of a New Crime-Free Initiative.
Mayor Barnes read consideration by title only and opened the floor to those who signed up to speak to this item.
Nealy Erickson, on behalf of the HomeTown Association of Realtors, expressed concerns regarding the proposed initiative and the potential for a landlord to deny a rental application if the applicant has an arrest record, claiming it goes against the Illinois Human Rights Act.
Dwayne Brown spoke against the proposed initiative, stating it would be an unnecessary burden on landlords.
David Jacobson spoke against the proposed initiative and provided Council with a history of the Crime-Free ordinance. He added that landlords need more support, and the Police Department should be responsible for the criminal aspect.
Will Heinisch stated that while change is needed, the proposed initiative doesn’t provide due process. He added that the proposed document shouldn’t be rushed in to so that everyone involved can have input.
Alsted Anderson stated that landlords should take responsibility by running credit and background checks on potential tenants.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. This agenda item focuses on the ongoing violence and felonious activity within the city’s rental housing.
Currently the City has a “three-strike” system, which puts a landlord and any related management company “on the clock” once an arrest is made at a rental unit or property. The proposed changes would compress the period required to establish a pattern of unlawful conduct in a city rental unit or property, initiate the City’s involvement once any illegal activity is identified by responding Police Officers, whether an arrest is made on the spot, and impose very stiff fines on those landlords or managers whose rental unit(s) are the location of unlawful offenses.
Mayor Barnes stated criminal and violent activity has been an issue since he came into office. He added that he and City Manager Nicklas have been meeting with the city’s landlords to address the issues and while most run safe properties, there’s another set of landlords in the community who don’t and force their residents to live in squalor. He further stated that the last thing the City wants to do is cause undo hardship and harm on those running their properties in the right way, but the City needs to go after the bad landlords.
Continuing, Mayor Barnes expressed his disdain for the violence happening in DeKalb. He noted a recent “ride-along” with a DeKalb Police Officer and described some things he found quite disturbing, such as people living in filthy, bug infested buildings where security cameras have been removed or spray painted over, doors that are unsecure and broken, and a myriad of other concerning issues. He added that the City will continue to work with its good landlords, but the days of bad landlords are numbered.
Alderman Larson provided examples of experiences rental residents are coming up against due to poor living conditions and crime within their neighborhoods, such as shots being fired, bullets going through apartment walls, etc. She added that the City is committed to doing whatever it takes to provide its residents with a safe environment to live in.
Police Chief Byrd provided perspective from the Police Department’s point of view, stating this is a public safety issue and every stakeholder, including schools, clergy, business owners, etc., must do their part because we can’t police ourselves out of it. The City must find a way to make it uncomfortable for criminals to be here.
Police Chief Byrd continued, stating there are some very dangerous people in DeKalb. He added that pop-up parties are becoming an issue most weekends and are a drain on the Police Department’s services and resources.
Alderman Verbic asked how much of the crime DeKalb is experiencing is contributable gangs. Police Chief Byrd replied the city isn’t seeing gang affiliations at this time.
Alderman Faivre thanked City Manager Nicklas for putting the proposed initiative together, adding that changes are needed and input from the DeKalb Area Rental Association (DARA) and community landlords will be helpful.
City Attorney Rose provided clarification for three points made within the proposed initiative:
1. The draft ordinance has a defense for landlords exercising reasonable care to prevent unlawful activity on the premises.
2. When the Illinois Human Rights Act was amended in 2020, the state legislature also passed an amendment that expressly exempted arrest records being a basis for crime-free housing, which is why there are two ways that can trigger crime-free housing, one could be an arrest record and the other is a conviction. That’s a policy choice and both are legal.
3. Under Illinois law, it’s unlawful for the City to consider calls from someone who’s a victim of domestic as one of the concerns of crime-free housing activity
Brief discussion ensued.
Alderman Smith stated the City needs to give landlords tools to help them through this process. He also stated that the Bail Reform Act will be put in place on January 1, 2023, which will aggravate things. The City needs to take a stand and address issues with the bad landlords.
Alderman McAdams stated it’s important to address the issue of accountability. Alderman Verbic asked how the City can we be more proactive, especially with DARA’s help.
Mayor Barnes confirmed consensus of Council for staff to bring forth an ordinance on first reading at the next City Council meeting.
Discussion continued.
Alderman Smith asked what can be done to assist landlords. Mayor Barnes stated in meetings with landlords, he and City Manager Nicklas are asking that same question.
Alderman Larson stated perhaps an incentive for security cameras would be helpful, as was mentioned by one of the speakers at the top of this discussion.
Alderman McAdams mentioned implementing a social services role. City Manager Nicklas stated there are two social workers imbedded within the Police Department already who receive referrals from the Police Officers.
Mayor Barnes thanked all those who came out for this discussion, noting this is a work in progress. He added the City has zero tolerance for bad behavior.
K. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2022-088 Authorizing an Architectural Improvement Program (AIP) Economic Incentive for 248 E. Lincoln Highway in the Amount of $1,388.30 (Chilton’s Sporting Goods).
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman McAdams.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. The owners of Chilton’s Sporting Goods applied for an AIP grant to assist with some emergency roof repairs. These types of repairs are considered deferred maintenance and are only afforded a 10% grant under the AIP program’s hierarchy of eligible repairs. The estimated cost of the repair is $13,883, with the AIP portion being $1,388.30.
There were no questions or comments from Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
2. Resolution 2022-089 Approving a Bar Liquor License for The Grove Tavern LLC, 204 N. Fourth Street.
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. The Grove Tavern will be opening in the lower level of Agora Towers. The owners of the business have applied for a Bar liquor license, which will be considered “conditional” until the requirements laid out in the resolution are met. A conditional liquor license will allow the business to apply for their State of Illinois liquor license, which is required to purchase liquor and supplies. The owners have also requested the issuance of a Live Entertainment permit.
When asked by Alderman Smith when they anticipate opening, the owners hopefully by early December.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
3. Resolution 2022-090 Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) for Design Engineering Professional Services for the Reconstruction of Lucinda Avenue in an Amount Not to Exceed $400,230.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic 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 reconstruction and resurfacing of Lucinda Avenue from Annie Glidden to the Kishwaukee Bridge abutment is overdue, as are upgrades to the roadway’s ADA features. The project must be successfully bid by March 2024 and is planned for the summer of that year to avoid interference with the return of students in the fall. This resolution awards funds for the engineering design involved in the project to HLR. It is expected that the overall construction project will have a price tag in the vicinity of $2 million. Major challenges in preparing the design and bid documents will be maintaining traffic during construction, and the multiple intersections that require ADA upgrades.
Alderman Larson asked if another roundabout would be considered in the area. Both Mayor Barnes and City Manager Nicklas indicated that has yet to be determined.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
4. Resolution 2022-091 Authorizing the Award of a Contract to Elliott & Wood, Inc. in the Amount of $212,053.64 for the Construction of Traffic Calming Measures on Fairview Drive and a Bike Path Extension Near Grove Street with Staff Authority to Approve Change Orders Up to a Combined Project Total Not to Exceed $225,000.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Larson.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. This item concerns two smaller road projects bid in the same packet to assure their completion in the fall of 2022. As a result of many Fourth Ward concerns about traffic speeds on Fairview Drive between First Street and Fourth Street, as well as regular, heavy truck traffic that defies obvious postings prohibiting such truck traffic, a few traffic calming measures, including a pedestrian island at the intersection with Monticello, and new striping along the corridor, have been devised.
In addition to this project, the bid packet asked for pricing for the continuation of the Grove Street bike path through the Vaughn Parking Lot, just south of the railroad tracks between S. Second Street and S. First Street.
Mayor Barnes read aloud comments on behalf of Alderman Perkins, who supports the project.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
5. Resolution 2022-092 Authorizing the Award of a Contract to Alliance Contractors in the Amount of $53,512.50 for the Construction of a Sidewalk Extension along Annie Glidden Road with Staff Authority to Approve Change Orders Up to a Combined Project Total Not to Exceed $60,000.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman McAdams.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. This project will result in the linkage of the new public sidewalk on Twombly Road to the signalized intersection at Dresser Road and N. Annie Glidden Road, along the City’s right of-way on the west side of Annie Glidden Road. Since DeKalb High School opened on Dresser Road, students living in the densely populated Suburban Apartment complexes or in Eden’s Garden have had to walk or ride their bikes across the busy four-lane section of N. Annie Glidden Road in unprotected space to go to and from the high school. This remedy will provide a protected path running northward to Dresser Road, where students and others can traverse the intersection as the traffic signals permit.
There was confirmation that trees will be cut back in the area as well.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
6. Resolution 2022-093 Authorizing the Award of a Contract to Alliance Contractors in the Amount of $202,138.70 for the Construction of Segmentation Measures along Edgebrook Drive with Staff Authority to Approve Change Orders Up to a Combined Project Total Not to Exceed $222,000.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman McAdams 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. Since the fall of 2021, City officials have engaged Northern Illinois University (NIU) officials and a variety of NIU Greek organizations in discussions about ways to calm traffic in the Greek Row area and how to create additional common space for recreational purposes serving Greek students as well as neighborhood families. One of the very popular approaches under discussion has been the interruption of the Kimberly Drive and Edgebrook Drive “raceways” with traffic-calming cul-de-sacs from both the Blackhawk Road and Normal Road ends. Provisions for the turn arounds of plow trucks, garbage trucks, emergency vehicles and other traffic needed to be included. City staff has vetted the proposed changes and has had enough time to create plans for the Edgebrook corridor, where the City’s open space (the former location of 912 Edgebrook) already adds some recreational space.
There were no questions or comments from Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
7. Resolution 2022-094 Authorizing Standard Equipment Company to Repair and Refurbish a 2005 Elgin Pelican Street Sweeper in an Amount Not to Exceed $100,000.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Larson.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. The City purchased its Pelican-brand street sweeper in 2005, which has been the workhorse in a small fleet of two mechanical sweepers in cleaning the City’s streets. The current age of the sweeper, along with extended wear and tear, has left the unit inoperable in its current condition. Standard Equipment Company has provided a quote to repair and refurbish the unit to extend its life cycle for approximately three to five years.
There was brief discussion between Alderman Faivre and City Manager Nicklas about the purchase of a new street sweeper versus repairing the old one. City Manager Nicklas indicated there were no funds in the budget to purchase a new street sweeper at this time.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
8. Resolution 2022-095 Authorizing the Waiver of Competitive Bidding and an Agreement with Layne Christensen Company for Repair and Replacement of Well Parts and Equipment in an Amount Not to Exceed $61,105.
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. At its July 25, 2022, regular meeting, the Council approved Resolution 2022-065 authorizing Layne Christensen Company to perform repairs to the City’s Well No. 14. Layne completed the repairs to the well on September 2 and the well has returned to service. It is customary for the City to keep a spare pump and other parts in stock for the inevitable next failure, so the recovery of the well’s capacity is expedited. Approval of this agreement allows the City to have a spare motor, pump, and column piping for emergency well repairs in place. It will also maintain the standardization of well equipment allowing components to be used at any of the City’s six deep well sites.
There were no questions or comments from Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
L. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
1. Ordinance 2022-028 Revoking Ordinance 2012-070 Providing a Special Use Permit for a Vehicle Salvage Yard Located at 1008 Oak Street (DeKalb Iron and Metal - DIMCO).
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve second reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Larson.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. This item was heard on first reading at Council’s June 27, 2022, regular meeting. At that meeting, Council granted a 90-day grace period to rectify code violations concerning the unsightly and unsafe storage of used vehicles at the site. City staff have indicated that no significant progress has been made during the grace period. As such, approval of the revocation ordinance on second reading is recommended, unless Council wants to take another direction.
Addressing Danny Meyers, the owner of DIMCO, Mayor Barnes asked why the issues haven’t been rectified. Mr. Meyers explained there were a variety of issues to deal with when he purchased the business, which included over 600 junk vehicles on the west side of the yard. In order to move the vehicles, a special UDL license is required. Unfortunately, that license expired two weeks after Council provided the initial grace period and it’s taken this long to renew it.
Continuing, Mr. Meyers stated no more cars are being taken in and requested an additional 60 days to clean up the yard.
Discussion ensued between Mayor Barnes and Mr. Meyers. Mayor Barnes asked Mr. Meyers if he had been communicating with City staff regarding the issue, to which Mr. Meyers replied he had not.
Mayor Barnes asked why there had been no communication and Mr. Meyers replied this was his first time dealing with this type of situation and agreed he should have done a better job communicating the issues he was experiencing.
Alderman Faivre expressed frustration that Mr. Meyers didn’t come forward during the grace period to ask for help when he realized there were issues. Mr. Meyers agreed he should have asked for help.
Discussion ensued.
City Manager Nicklas asked Mr. Meyers how much more time is needed to complete the clean up process, to which Mr. Meyers replied 60 days.
City Manager Nicklas stated he wants to see a report every Friday by 5:00 p.m., beginning this week, regarding the status of the clean-up. If the report isn’t received, the business will be assessed a $1,000 fine. The report will be sent to Chief Building Official Dawn Harper.
Brief discussion ensued.
Alderman Smith stated he will be monitoring the progress over the next 60 days. He added he will petition for this item to come back to Council before the additional grace period is up if he isn’t seeing any improvement.
Mayor Barnes stated the City must set a standard for every business owner. He also agreed with City Manager Nicklas regarding the weekly report and the assessed fine if the report isn’t received as requested.
Mayor Barnes confirmed that DIMCO will be granted an additional 60 days to complete the clean up process.
City Manager Nicklas commented that City staff, especially Fire Prevention Officer Tom Conley, have other issues to attend to so anything Mr. Meyers can do to cooperate is welcome.
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to table this item for 60 days; seconded by Alderman Faivre.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
City Manager Nicklas indicated this item will be brought back before Council at the November 28, 2022, Council meeting.
M. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2022-047 Authorizing a Development Agreement with American Marketing and Publishing Company.
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman McAdams.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. This item is presented in relation to the next agenda item concerning Nehring Electric. Since July of this year, City Manager Nicklas and Alderman Perkins have been in discussions with Nehring Electric and neighboring properties to find a solution to the increasing friction regarding limited on-street parking, tractor trailer conflicts with passenger vehicles, and nighttime noise. One of the neighboring properties, American Marketing and Publishing Company at 915 E. Lincoln Highway, has made it known that the proposed closure of E. Locust Street from N. Tenth Street to N. Seventh Street to help create a “campus” for truck traffic serving Nehring Electric poses some significant challenges for the parking and access of his employees. In response to those concerns, City staff have been working with the owner of American Marketing, Abe Andrzejewski, to draft some parking changes that would serve not only American Marketing’s employees, but also Nehring Electric’s. The proposed solutions include the creation of about 22 perpendicular parking stalls on N. Ninth Street, the creation of ingress and egress points for the American Marketing parking adjoining N. Tenth Street, and the preservation of the public sidewalk on the south side of E. Locust Street to afford unfettered transit for pedestrians and employees of the various adjoining businesses.
Mr. Andrzejewski spoke briefly, stating he endorses the proposed solution. Alderman McAdams praised American Marketing’s Optima program.
Mayor Barnes thanked Mr. Andrzejewski for his cooperation.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
This item was heard on first reading only and will return to an upcoming Council meeting for second reading.
2. Ordinance 2022-048 Authorizing a Development Agreement with Nehring Electrical Works Company.
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman McAdams.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. As the Nehring Electric continues to grow, issues continue to rise with neighboring property owners over tractor trailer conflicts with passenger vehicles, limited on-street parking, and night-time noise. Ongoing discussions have turned to the possibility of creating a campus that would more effectively insulate both the company and neighboring properties from potential conflicts. The development agreement contains several features, including Nehring Electric’s purchase of the former Virgil Cook & Son properties at 119 N. Eighth Street, the City’s construction of a modified cul-de-sac on N. Ninth Street, the City’s vacation of N. Ninth Street from the new cul-de-sac to E. Locust Street, the City’s vacation of E. Locust Street from N. Seventh Street to N. Tenth Street to create a private parking area where tractor trailers loading and unloading wouldn’t conflict with other vehicular traffic, the City’s vacation of the alley immediately west of the former Virgil Cook properties, the City’s vacation of N. Eighth Street from E. Lincoln Highway to E. Locust Street for unrestricted use by Nehring, the City’s enlargement of the storm drainage piping leaving the catch basin at N. Ninth Street and E. Locust Street to eliminate chronic ponding that restricts truck movements whenever there is a large rain event, and the rezoning of the subject parcels to “PD-I” Planned Development District, Industrial, to provide the maximum flexibility for the company as it rearranges vital functions within the proposed complex.
There were no questions or comments from Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
This item was heard on first reading only and will return to an upcoming Council meeting for second reading.
3. Ordinance 2022-049 Approving the Annexation of Certain Property to the City of DeKalb (Afton Road Right-of-Way from E. Gurler Road to Keslinger Road).
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Larson.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. The City purchased sufficient right-of-way in 2020 to create a new rural roadway connecting Gurler Road with Keslinger Road. Although City-owned, the new rural roadway known as Afton Road, which runs along the east boundary of the Meta development, has not been annexed and rezoned. Annexation will provide the City with contiguity to other developable parcels to the south and east of the Meta development. The roadway has a 66-foot right-of-way and features two, asphalt-paved driving lanes and rural shoulders and ditches.
There were no questions or comments from Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to waive second reading of the ordinance and approve; seconded by Alderman McAdams.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
4. Ordinance 2022-050 Approving the Rezoning of the Afton Road Right-of-Way from E. Gurler Road to Keslinger Road from the “SFR1” Single-Family Residential District to the “HI” Heavy Industrial District (City of DeKalb).
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Smith.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. With Council approval of the annexation of the new Afton Road, the roadway comes into the City with the most restricted zoning, "SFR-1” Single Family, as provided in state statute. This item would zone the road right-of-way more appropriately to conform to the zoning of the surrounding industrial parcels, which is “HI” Heavy industrial.
There were no questions or comments from Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to waive second reading of the ordinance and approve; seconded by Alderman Verbic.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
N. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
Alderman McAdams reported on his attendance at the recent Illinois Municipal League (IML) conference.
Alderman Larson reported on how excited she is to see all the small projects that have been completed throughout the City, including connecting sidewalks and new signage in the Greek Row area.
Alderman Faivre reported on the great turnout for the Young Eagles event a week ago. He also reported on his participation in the recent DeKalb Corn Classic and thanked City staff for their work on the event.
Mayor Barnes reported on recent events and meetings he’s attended and been a part of, which included meeting with NIU leadership regarding pop-up parties and other issues, his attendance at the recent IML Conference, his attendance at a Citizens’ Community Enhancement meeting, Crime Free housing discussions with some of the city’s landlords, speaking with Oakcrest residents about happenings in DeKalb, speaking to the Business Leadership Academy, attending the Drury Family celebration, and participating in the DeKalb Corn Classic.
2. City Manager Report.
City Manager Nicklas read a “proclamation” in honor of Mayor Barnes’ birthday, and everyone sang happy birthday.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Barnes read the following Executive Session exemption title as follows:
1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss Personnel as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to recess for Executive Session; seconded by Alderman Faivre.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and recessed the meeting at 8:06 p.m.
Following adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Barnes opened the meeting to the public at 8:20 p.m.
P. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to adjourn the Regular meeting; seconded by Alderman Faivre.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09262022-2246
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