DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council met Oct. 24.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular meeting on October 24, 2022, in the Yusunas Meeting Room of the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, Illinois.

A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Mayor Barnes called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

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

City Clerk Sasha Cohen was absent.

Others in attendance included City Manager Bill Nicklas and City Attorney Matt Rose.

B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Shadow Gentry led the Pledge of Allegiance.

C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

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

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

D. PRESENTATIONS

There were none.

E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

DeKalb Public Library Director Emily Faulkner provided Council with a report on the library’s current Strategic Plan (2019-2022), as well as their upcoming Strategic Plan (2023-2025). The report also included information regarding building updates, financial status, staffing, and upcoming events.

Mayor Barnes encouraged Council members to reach out to Ms. Faulkner with any questions.

F. APPOINTMENTS

1. Appointing Jane Levinsky to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for a Three-Year Term through December 31, 2025.

Mayor Barnes read the appointment by title only.

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

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

G. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

1. Minutes Submitted by the City Clerk

There were none.

2. Minutes Submitted by the Recording Secretary

Mayor Barnes read the following by title only:

a. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 10, 2022.

MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to approve the minutes as submitted by the Recording Secretary; seconded by Alderman Morris.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. 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 October 24, 2022, in the Amount of $2,611,778.96.

2. Freedom of Information Action (FOIA) Report – September 2022.

3. FY2022 Human Services Funding 3rd Quarter Report.

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

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

I. PUBLIC HEARINGS

There were none.

J. CONSIDERATIONS

1. Consideration of Providing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds to the Egyptian Theatre ($75,000) and Stage Coach Players ($25,000).

Mayor Barnes read the consideration by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Morris moved to bring this item to the floor for discussion; seconded by Alderman McAdams.

Steve Lundin, Joseph Flynn, Greg Anderson, Steve Duchrow, Paul Kassel, and Brian Reynolds all spoke on behalf of the Egyptian Theatre and Stage Coach Players, encouraging Council to provide the requested funding.

Egyptian Theatre Executive Director Alex Nerad also spoke to Council regarding the requested funding, noting both organizations suffered financial hardships due to the COVID pandemic. He added that if the funding was granted, the Egyptian Theatre would use it to build up its reserves.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. Both the Egyptian Theatre and Stage Coach Players are requesting funds for unrestricted operational use. He also provided Council with a summary on what the City has used the ARPA funds for since 2021. Currently, ARPA funding in the amount of $278,912 remains. Continuing, City Manager Nicklas provided Council with information regarding federal funding assistance the Egyptian Theatre has received.

Alderman Larson stated she has been a supporter of the Egyptian Theatre for many years, and she supports their request for funding from the City.

Alderman McAdams asked Mr. Nerad why the Egyptian Theatre was asking for funding. Mr. Nerad provided an instance where a national touring act was booked for a fee of $60,000, but because of a snowstorm on the evening of the event, as well as a train blocking the downtown area, those who purchased tickets and couldn’t make the show asked for refunds. However, the act still had to be paid and the Theatre ended up being between $60,000 to $80,000 in the red. He added that the organization can’t afford to take a hit like that again and the requested funding would provide a cushion in their financial reserves.

Alderman Verbic stated that while he understands their plight, the City needs to consider what is the best use for the funds and the greater good of the community. He then asked City Manager Nicklas what the deadline was for using the ARPA funds. City Manager Nicklas replied the funds need to be spent by the end of 2024.

Alderman Faivre stated that while he agrees the Egyptian Theatre makes a large impact throughout the community, there are other public safety community uses for the ARPA funding. He added he is not in support of providing the requested funding.

Alderman Smith expressed his support for granting the requested funding. Alderman Morris also expressed her support for granting the requested funding.

Alderman Perkins stated he’s uneasy with making a decision today without some vision for what the funds would be used for. He added there may be other organizations who should have a voice in what the funding is used for.

City Manager Nicklas commented that the remaining funds should be committed in the next 12 to 18 months and spent. He added the small amount left could address some of the community’s concerns regarding safety.

Alderman Larson stated this isn’t just about entertainment because the Theatre also hosts programs that address serious community issues, such as mental health, domestic violence, and racism.

Mr. Nerad stated the Theatre is a community center of sorts and offers many free events for local schools and organizations.

Speaking to safety concerns, Mr. Nerad commented that people from other communities coming to the Theatre for events and shows often state how safe they feel DeKalb is.

Alderman Verbic stated he appreciates all the free events, but he doesn’t believe they’re all free and asked what the annual transfer from the school district to the Theatre is to help cover those costs. Mr. Nerad responded that if school groups had to pay to use the Theatre, they wouldn’t be able to afford it and that’s why the Theatre provides the space at no cost.

Alderman Verbic then stated there’s a lot more revenue flowing through the school district than the City of DeKalb and perhaps other help can be found to help bridge the gap. Mr. Nerad responded that he’d be open to having a conversation with the school district.

Mayor Barnes stated he is also supportive of the Egyptian Theatre, but for him it comes down to public safety and using the remaining ARPA funds for that. Mr. Nerad responded that he agrees public safety is important, but so is the sales tax the Theatre brings in.

Mayor Barnes stated he agrees with Mr. Nerad’s comments, but the City has to spend money on the rest of the community as well. He added that the City has provided substantial financial support to the Theatre over the years.

Discussion ensued regarding the next step for this discussion and the decision to be made regarding the funding request.

Alderman Morris suggested providing a partial portion of the funding request over time and then reassessing at a later date.

Alderman Perkins stated he’s not ready to vote yes and he’d like to see more of what the community needs because he believes those needs exist.

City Manager Nicklas stated the remaining ARPA funds won’t go far and there are other needs within the community.

Mr. Nerad stated requests for funding started in June of 2021 and urged Council to consider moving both the requests forward as soon as possible.

Brief discussion continued regarding the decision for the requested funding.

Alderman Larson commented that the decision should be made soon, and she would like to see the matter on an upcoming agenda.

Mayor Barnes thanked those who came out in support of the Egyptian Theatre and Stage Coach Players.

Since this item is a consideration, Mayor Barnes asked Council to voice their support or non support of the funding request from the Egyptian Theatre and Stage Coach Players. Alderman Larson, Alderman Morris, Alderman Smith, and Alderman McAdams voiced their support of the funding request. Alderman Perkins, Alderman Faivre, Alderman Verbic, and Mayor Barnes voiced their non-support of the funding request.

There was brief discussion between Mayor Barnes and City Attorney Rose regarding the outcome.

City Manager Nicklas and City Attorney Rose suggested putting a placeholder in the upcoming budget for Council to discuss and decide on at a later date.

Mayor Barnes stated the decision is at an impasse and agreed with City Manager Nicklas’ suggestion.

2. Consideration of the Annual Property Tax Levy in the City of DeKalb.

Mayor Barnes read the consideration by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to bring this item to the floor for discussion; seconded by Alderman Perkins.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. Some highlights included:

▪ Community wealth has increased by $182,773,161, which is over 31%, since 2019.

▪ The City’s aggregate rate is about 20% higher than the City’s nearest geographical competitors, such as Sycamore, Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, North Aurora, South Elgin, and East Dundee.

▪ An explanation of the Illinois pension crisis.

He then provided a brief explanation of each option put before Council:

Option 1: Identify a City levy that promises little or no increase in the City’s share of homeowner property taxes, regardless of what other taxing bodies do. This option proposes no increase in the City’s share of homeowner property taxes with a rate of 0.92607. This is the option supported by the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC), as does City staff.

Option 2: Identify a community aggregate rate target in coming years. This option would raise the rate to 0.936814, which would mean a little more out of pocket dollars for the levy impact.

Option 3: Identify a City levy that covers the shortfall in property taxes for downstate pensions. This option would raise the rate to 1.15803, which would mean a large increase in taxes to the City’s homeowners.

As liaison to the FAC, Alderman Perkins stated he attended their October 19th meeting. He encouraged everyone to take the time to read the minutes provided on that meeting’s agenda as they provide detail where a perspective budget is laid out. Continuing, Alderman Perkins stated he supports Option 1 because it simplifies the City’s responsibility and earmarks the pension issue the City and the State of Illinois are going to have and will force us into a deficit position in a few years. It’s incumbent on us to lean on our representatives to get something done because this is a very real issue.

Mayor Barnes stated he also supports Option 1. He feels it’s the Council’s fiduciary responsibility to always be thinking about the taxpayer, as well as showing leadership to other taxing bodies. The City is at a 11.1% aggregate tax rate currently, with the goal of getting to 9.5%, and the only way to do that is collectively. In turn, it will drive more economic development.

Alderman Faivre stated he also supports Option 1 and thanked City staff for putting together a budget to help reduce the tax burden on DeKalb citizens.

There was consensus among Council to move forward with Option 1.

Alderman Smith stated if we want to get to 9.5%, who isn’t helping us get there. City Manager Nicklas directed Alderman Smith to the chart on page 4 in the agenda packet, stating that most taxing bodies helped last year, and the City was encouraged by that. He noted that for the first time this year, the City is receiving some valuation from Meta, and we should be grateful for the enormous investment they continue to make. But these issues aren’t going away, and urgency is key.

K. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2022-103 Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District (KWRD) Regarding Waste Treatment Buildings, Improvements, and Appurtenances Located within the City of DeKalb.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. He briefly covered the history of the KWRD since its inception in 2017 and the improvements they’ve made since then. He then explained that this resolution would approve the replacement of an IGA that was contentious and not reflective of the spirit of cooperation between the City and the KWRD. In summary, the IGA basically states the City and the KWRD are co-equal units of local government and will continue to work together on the future growth of both organizations.

There were no questions or comments from Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

The president of the KWRD, Dennis Collins, spoke on behalf of KWRD, stating they’ve already passed a resolution making their tax rate less than the City’s. He further stated that the KWRD hopes for the collectiveness between taxing bodies the City is encouraging. The KWRD would also like to see taxing bodies come together to address the school board’s high tax rates. The growth on the south side of DeKalb will be the most important thing and if we can capitalize before that money comes in on making decisions to lower tax rates, the City will see growth like it did in the 70s and encourage further commercial development.

Mr. Collins then praised Mayor Barnes and City Manager Nicklas for their continued leadership within the community.

2. Resolution 2022-104 Authorizing a Purchase Agreement with Compass Minerals for the Purchase of Water Conditioning Bulk Softener Salt for a Period of One Year from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, for the Purpose of Treating the City's Drinking Water.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Morris 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. This resolution would approve the purchase of water conditioning rock salt used for softening the City’s potable water supply. Bids were opened on October 2nd and Compass Minerals provided the lowest rate.

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

3. Resolution 2022-105 Authorizing a Purchase Agreement with Alexander Company for the Purchase of Chlorine for a Period of One Year from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, for the Purpose of Treating the City's Drinking Water.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Morris 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. This resolution would approve the purchase of chlorine, which is added to the City’s water supply for the purpose of water purification. Bids were opened on October 2nd and only one bid was received from Alexander Company.

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

4. Resolution 2022-106 Authorizing a Purchase Agreement with Water Solutions Unlimited for the Purchase of Fluoride for a Period of One Year from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, for the Purpose of Treating the City's Drinking Water.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Perkins.

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. This resolution would approve the purchase of fluoride, which is added to the City’s water supply as a means of improving oral health in the community. Bids were opened on October 2nd and Water Solutions Unlimited provided the lowest rate.

There were no questions or comments from the City Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. 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 Company (DIMCO).

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

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 on June 27th when the owner was given a 90-day extension to clean up the property in question. On September 26th, Council allowed an additional 60-day extension. While the owner has made an effort to clean up the property and crush the vehicles, most still remain in cubes and are stacked on site. Further the large piles of rebar still remain. Therefore, City staff are recommending the revocation of the special use permit approved via Ordinance 2012-070 in order to negotiate new terms for a special use permit to be defined by the owner and the City.

Referencing photos provided to Council, Alderman Faivre asked if the buses shown were new to the site; it was confirmed they are not.

Chief Building Officer Dawn Harper, who was sitting in the audience, also commented, but the comments were inaudible.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

2. Ordinance 2022-051 Amending Chapter 10 “Landlord-Tenant Regulations” as it Pertains to the Crime Free Housing Provisions.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

Dwayne Brown, David Jacobson, and Neeley Erickson all expressed their reasoning for not supporting the amendment.

Will Heinisch also spoke, stating that while there’s still work to be done, a majority of the DeKalb Area Rental Association (DARA) is in favor of moving the amendment forward.

City Manager Nicklas then provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. This item was presented on first reading on October 10th. Since then, further discussion has ensued with local rental property owners and representatives, as well as not-for profit agencies. He noted that some phrases have been revised to sharpen the intent of the proposed ordinance for the benefit of those who may have been confused by the initial language.

Noting that Mr. Jacobson’s comments were cut short due to the City’s policy of keeping public comments on any subject to three minutes or less, Alderman Morris asked if she could hear the end of what he was going to say. Mr. Jacobson continued his comments and asked Council to hold off voting on this item for two weeks so that conversations can be held to get it right.

Alderman Larson stated she’s received calls from area landlords stating their issues are not with the document but their frustration with the eviction process. She asked if there was further information that could be given to landlords in order to provide more support.

City Manager Nicklas commented that support has already been offered and has had an impact. He further stated that the County Sheriff is responsible for evictions and the court system is involved. The City is focusing its efforts on those who are committing egregious crimes on rental property.

Alderman Verbic stated he would like to see a quarterly report on how things are proceeding, with the report being presented via either a Council meeting, a DARA meeting, or both.

City Attorney Rose stated that part of the ordinance includes a requirement that the Crime Free Director is to provide a quarterly report.

Mayor Barnes stated it’s also a requirement that the school district provide a report to Council on how things are going.

City Manager Nicklas indicated both reports could be put on a Consent Agenda and pulled if discussion is desired.

Alderman Smith stated communication is key and believes most landlords want to be helpful. He then asked how the housing authority fits in to this with their eviction process. City Attorney Rose replied the housing authority is exempted from this regulation, but separately they have their own regulations regarding unlawful activity that allows for an eviction process.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

M. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING

1. Ordinance 2022-055 Amending Chapter 52 “Offenses Against Public Peace – Safety and Morals” as it Pertains to Crime Free Housing Provisions.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. This item provides revisions to Chapter 52 as it pertains to the Crime Free Housing amendments made in Chapter 10 as discussed above.

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

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

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

2. Ordinance 2022-056 Amending Chapter 18 “Dogs and Other Animals”, Section 18.04 “Impoundment”, to Increase the Fees for Impoundment.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. This item would allow the City to increase fees for picking up and holding stray animals until their owner can be located. The Police Department recently installed a pair of kennels to better serve this purpose and provides the food and care of impounded animals until their release.

Stating he has a dog who runs because she doesn’t know any better, Alderman McAdams indicated he has a would be voting no on this item on behalf of those who don’t have adequate means to pay the fees.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-1 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

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

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-1 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

3. Ordinance 2022-057 Amending Chapter 36 “Amusements”, Section 36.01 “Amusement Devices”, to Prohibit the Operation of Electronic Product Promotion Kiosks.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. This item was discussed as a consideration at the October 10th Council meeting where it was determined that the operation of electronic product promotion kiosks represent a form of gaming and gambling, which is not acceptable. This ordinance would prohibit such devices in DeKalb businesses.

There were no questions or comments from the City Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

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

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

4. Ordinance 2022-058 Amending Chapter 38 “Intoxicating Liquors”, Section 38.27 “Gambling Devices”, to Prohibit the Presence or Operation of Electronic Product Promotion Kiosks.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. This item would prohibit the use of electronic product promotion kiosks in licensed liquor establishments with the City of DeKalb.

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

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

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

5. Ordinance 2022-059 Approving a Special Use Permit for an Amusement Establishment (Cyber and Esports Café) at 901 Lucinda Avenue (4Willz LLC Represented by William Williams).

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. This item would allow a special use permit at 901 Lucinda Avenue for an amusement establishment (cyber and e-sports café). The proposed use provides sporting competition through video games and will initially feature between 30 and 40 computers and game consoles. The business will offer non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Adequate parking is provided to the east and north of the building. The applicant will also be required to apply for and maintain an Amusement Facility license.

Alderman McAdams thanked the petitioner, Will Williams, for a unique and fun idea and he can’t wait to see it in motion.

Alderman Faivre thanked Mr. Williams for the investment and bringing this to DeKalb.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

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

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

6. Ordinance 2022-060 Approving a Preliminary and Final Plat of the DeKalb County Nursing Home Subdivision and Approval of an Amendment to Ordinance 2019-003 to Amend the Interior Lot Line Setbacks Between the DeKalb County Nursing Home and the DeKalb County Health Department Located at 2550 and 2600 N. Annie Glidden Road (DeKalb County).

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. Ordinance 2019-003 approved an amendment to the original 1998 ordinance for the campus to allow for an addition to the Nursing Home. The applicant, DeKalb County, is now requesting an amendment to Ordinance 2019-003 and the approval of a Preliminary and Final Plat for the DeKalb County Nursing Home Subdivision to remove the interior lot line setbacks between the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center and the DeKalb County Health Department.

There were no questions or comments from the City Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

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

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

N. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Council Member Reports.

Alderman Smith reported that work on 14th Street is done. He also reported that resurfacing of the Walmart shopping center area access roads is done as well.

Alderman Faivre commented about how proud he is to be on this Council and to be working together with other governing bodies towards a vision of what this community can be.

Alderman Perkins thanked DeKalb Public Library Director Faulkner for providing an update on the library. He also thanked the FAC for providing input at their meeting, which was helpful for this meeting. Alderman Perkins also reported the Fairview project is done and signage is in place indicating road closures.

Mayor Barnes reported on recent meetings and events he’s attended, which included:

▪ a meeting he and City Manager Nicklas had with the Clear City Investment Group regarding the progress they’ve made on their properties, one of which is the addition of new lighting;

▪ attending the 1619 Play with Alderman Larson at the Egyptian Theatre;

▪ attending the quarterly meeting of the DeKalb County Mayors group;

▪ attending the MLTL (Middle Level Teaching and Learning) project event through Northern Illinois University;

▪ attending the Athena Awards event;

▪ reading the Eagle charge for Payton Chester of Troop 33; and

▪ meeting with the Mayor, City Manager, and Chief of Police of Aurora to discuss what they’ve done from a crime free Housing perspective.

2. City Manager Report.

City Manager Nicklas had no report.

O. EXECUTIVE SESSION

1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss the Sale or Lease of Real Property as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6).

Mayor Barnes read the Executive Session exemption by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Morris moved to recess for Executive Session; seconded by Alderman Smith.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and recessed the meeting at 9:05 p.m.

Following adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Barnes opened the meeting to the public at 9:21 p.m.

P. ADJOURNMENT

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

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 9:21 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10242022-2260