DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council met May 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Regular meeting on May 8, 2023, 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 Carolyn Morris, Alderman Barb Larson, Alderman Tracy Smith, Alderman Scott McAdams, Alderman Mike Verbic, and Mayor Cohen Barnes. Alderman Greg Perkins and Alderman Tony Faivre were absent.

Others in attendance included City Manager Bill Nicklas and Fire Chief Mike Thomas. Sasha Cohen was absent.

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 Verbic.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Perkins, Faivre. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

D. PRESENTATIONS

1. Swearing in of Newly Elected Officials:

Each of the Aldermen below were sworn in by Recording Secretary Scott:

a. Carolyn Morris, First Ward Alderman (2023-2027) (Second Term)

b. Tracy Smith, Third Ward Alderman (2023-2027) (Second Term)

c. Scott McAdams, Fifth Ward Alderman (2023-2027) (Second Term)

d. John Walker, Seventh Ward Alderman (2023-2027) (First Term)

Mayor Barnes congratulated each of the Aldermen and said he looks forward to working with each of them.

2. Proclamation: International Firefighter’s Day – May 4, 2023.

Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety and presented it to the City of DeKalb Firefighters in attendance.

3. Proclamation: National Police Week, May 15 – 21, 2023.

Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety and presented it to Police Chief David Byrd.

4. DeKalb Fire Department 2022 Annual Report.

Fire Chief Mike Thomas supplied highlights of the report, which included 2022 call volume, fire incidents, ambulance responses, fire engine responses, response locations, training hours, and personnel changes. He added that the Fire Department looks forward to raising the minimum daily staffing, and noted the good relationship the DeKalb Fire Department has with surrounding community Fire Departments.

Alderman Morris asked about the increase in staffing and if it’s helping to balance out the burden and reduce overtime, to which Fire Chief Thomas replied it has. He added that the Fire Department is down three positions at this time, however, and they are waiting for three new recruits to finish their required paramedic training.

Alderman Smith asked about when the second fire engine would be in service, to which Fire Chief Thomas replied that the City should take possession of the engine within four to six weeks.

Mayor Barnes said he’s very proud of the City’s Fire Department. Fire Chief Thomas thanked Council for their continued support.

E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Tom Riley said he recently attended a Citizens’ Environmental Commission (CEC) meeting, adding he’d like to be considered as a member. Mr. Riley also said his concerns about a neighbor’s automobile that is allegedly leaking oil onto the pavement.

There was brief discussion about Mr. Riley’s comments about his neighbor’s vehicle and encouraged him to speak with Public Works Director of Streets, Facilities and Airport Andy Raih, and City Engineer Zac Gill about his concerns.

Mike Tritle provided the Council with a proposal to eliminate traffic and parking concerns during sporting events at Huntley Middle School.

Mayor Barnes encouraged Mr. Tritle to speak to the DeKalb School District about his concerns, noting that he will also reach out to them.

City Manager Nicklas stated that Police Chief Byrd has a good working relationship with the DeKalb School District and will reach out to them about this issue.

Brief discussion ensued concerning potential life safety issues due to the increased traffic.

F. APPOINTMENTS

There were none.

G. CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Barnes read each of the Consent Agenda items by title only:

1. Minutes of the Joint Review Board Meeting of January 27, 2023.

2. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of April 24, 2023.

3. Accounts Payable and Payroll through May 8, 2023, in the Amount of $1,455,741.65.

4. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through March 2023.

5. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through March 2023.

6. FY2022 Community Development Block Grant Fourth Quarter Report.

7. FY2023 Human Services Funding First Quarter Report.

8. Police Pension Fund Annual Treasurer’s Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2022.

9. Resolution 2023-054 Authorizing a Workers’ Compensation Lump Sum Petition and Order in the Amount of $22,054.74 (Kelly Sullivan).

MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the items listed on the Consent Agenda; seconded by Alderman McAdams.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Perkins. Abstain: Walker. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

H. PUBLIC HEARINGS

There were none.

I. CONSIDERATIONS

There were none.

J. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2023-055 Authorizing a Petition to the Illinois Commerce Commission for an At-Grade Rail Crossing of Crego Road.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Larson 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.

There were no questions or comments from Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

2. Resolution 2023-056 Authorizing the Appropriation of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for the Local Share of the Peace Road and Fairview Drive Widening Project in the Amount of $1,000,000 and Concurring of the Illinois Department of Transportation Award of $3,514,779.56 for the Surface Transportation Urban Project (William Charles Construction).

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.

There were no questions or comments from Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

3. Approval in Omnibus Form of Resolution 2023-057 Authorizing an Agreement with DeKalb Corn Fest, Inc. to Hold the 2023 Corn Fest; Resolution 2023-058 Approving a Non-Profit Special Event Liquor License for the 2023 Corn Fest; and Resolution 2023- 059 Approving the Regulation of Traffic on Illinois Route 38 (Lincoln Highway) for the 2023 Corn Fest.

Mayor Barnes read the resolutions by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the resolutions in omnibus form; seconded by Alderman Smith.

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

There were no questions or comments from Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING

There were none.

L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING

1. Ordinance 2023-019 Approving the Rezoning of the Site at 902 Peace Road from the “HI” Heavy Industrial District to the “PD-I” Planned Development Industrial District and Approval of a Preliminary Development Plan (EO5 Hotels – Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott and TownePlace Suites by Marriott).

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Smith 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.

Mayor Barnes noted that the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation support the proposed plan.

Alderman Larson offered her support of the proposed plan, stating the City has lost out on IHSA events due to the lack of hotel availability.

Alderman McAdams, also in support of the proposed plan, commented on the tax revenue the City would receive if the project was approved.

Alderman Verbic offered his support, noting that the Hampton Inn and Home2 Suites hotels on Annie Glidden Road, owned by the petitioner, have been good neighbors.

Alderman Smith asked about adjustments to the entrance. City Manager Nicklas replied that this is a preliminary plan, with more planning to come.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

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

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Council Member Reports.

Alderman McAdams noted his commitment to service and the community and read a quote written by George Bernard Shaw.

Alderman Smith said he was pleased to see a large number of people in the downtown area on Friday, May 5, 2023.

Alderman Morris said she is honored to be elected again and thankful to serve the community.

Alderman Larson reported her attendance at a recent CEC meeting and at the swearing in ceremony of three new DeKalb Police Officers (Zackary Geraci, Rahveon Valentine, and Andrew Strub), noting they are all from DeKalb. She also reported on the new recycling center at the DeKalb County Health Department.

Alderman Verbic congratulated and welcomed the newly elected Aldermen.

Alderman Walker said that he’s about DeKalb and what makes it better and he’s here to the best job he can.

Mayor Barnes reported on recent events and meetings he’s attended, including a meeting with ComEd, being a guest speaker on the WLBK radio show, and a Farm to Table event at Blumen Gardens. He also reported that he recently rode along with a DeKalb Police Officer, noting it was a quiet night and his appreciation for DeKalb’s Police Department.

2. City Manager Report.

City Manager Nicklas congratulated the newly elected Aldermen. He also thanked Mr. Patel (Ordinance 2023-019 petitioner) for his continued interest in DeKalb.

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Barnes read the following Executive Session exceptions for the record: 1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss:

a. The Purchase or Lease of Real Property as Provided for In 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5); and

b. The Sale or Lease of Real Property as Provided for In 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6).

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

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and recessed the Regular meeting at 6:58 p.m.

Following adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Barnes opened the meeting to the public at 8:40 p.m.

O. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to adjourn the Regular meeting; seconded by Alderman Verbic.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the Regular meeting at 8:40 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05082023-2359