City of Dekalb City Council met May 22.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Regular meeting on May 22, 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 the City Council were present: Alderman Carolyn Zasada, Alderman Barb Larson, Alderman Tracy Smith, Alderman Greg Perkins, Alderman Scott McAdams, Alderman Mike Verbic, Alderman John Walker, and Mayor Cohen Barnes.
Others in attendance included City Manager Bill Nicklas, City Attorney Matt Rose, and Police Chief Byrd.
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 Larson.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
D. PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation: National Public Works Week, May 21 – May 27, 2023.
Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety and presented it to City of DeKalb Public Works staff.
2. Proclamation: National Emergency Medical Services Week, May 21 – 27, 2023.
Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety and presented it to City of DeKalb Fire Department staff.
3. Proclamation: Older Americans Month – May 2023.
Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety and presented it to Voluntary Action Center Director of Development Ellen Rogers.
4. Presentation by Sam Schwartz Consulting Regarding the Comprehensive Study of the Potential for Commuter Rail To and From DeKalb.
Mark Charvat commented on additional taxes that would be assessed if this project moves forward, noting he isn’t against the project but would like to see the true costs addressed to the public.
City Manager Nicklas provided a brief introduction of this item and introduced Matt Orenchuck of Sam Schwartz Consulting.
Mr. Orenchuck provided an overview of the key findings of the study, which included purpose and need, travel market, current service, potential service, expected travel time, potential ridership, key stakeholders, operating costs, capital costs, additional governance, and next steps. He also announced upcoming dates for public engagement regarding the project on May 23 at the DeKalb Public Library and virtually on May 25.
Discussion ensued regarding the City’s potential partnership with Northern Illinois University (NIU), rail availability between Elburn and DeKalb, crossings, grant and funding availability, ridership, and potential property tax increases if the project is approved.
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Tom Riley spoke of his concerns about speeding on Barb Boulevard and noted it would be nice to have more stop signs in that area.
Mark Charvat spoke of his concerns regarding the lack of transparency within the Citizen Police Review Board (CPRB).
Pete Vander Bleek addressed the Council regarding comments made about him by a neighbor at the May 8 City Council meeting. Mr. Vander Bleek stated he finds the comments slanderous and feels Council meetings are no place to air personal vendettas.
F. APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Barnes read the following appointments for the record:
1. Appointment of Andre Powell as Chair of the Human Relations Commission for the Completion of a Two-Year Term through December 31, 2024.
2. Appointment of Tom Riley to the Citizens’ Environmental Commission for the Completion of a Two-Year Term through December 31, 2024.
3. Appointment of Brandon Elion to the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission for the Completion of a Three-Year Term through December 31, 2025.
MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to approve the appointments in omnibus form; seconded by Alderman McAdams.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
G. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Barnes read the following Consent agenda items by title only:
1. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 8, 2023.
2. Accounts Payable and Payroll through May 22, 2023, in the Amount of $3,767,027.20.
3. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – April 2023.
4. Crime Free Housing Bureau Report.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the items listed on the Consent Agenda; seconded by Alderman Walker.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were none.
I. CONSIDERATIONS
There were none.
MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to amend the agenda so that the listed ordinances could be discussed before the listed resolutions; seconded by Alderman Zasada.
J. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2023-020 Amending Chapter 23 “Unified Development Ordinance” (UDO) by Adding a “GS” Government Sanitary District and Associated List of Permitted Uses and Conditions of Use for the District and Amendments to Remove the Use “Sewage Treatment Facilities” from the SFR-1, SFR-2, TFR, MFR-1, MFR-2, and LI Zoning Districts.
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic 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.
There were no questions or comments from Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to waive second reading of the ordinance and approve; seconded by Alderman Zasada.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District Present Dennis Collins stated this is a “win win” for the community and both taxing bodies.
2. Ordinance 2023-021 Authorizing an Amendment to the Special Use Permit Approved by Ordinance 2020-044 in Order to Extend the Timeframe for a Modular Classroom to Remain on the Site at 1121 School Street (Littlejohn Elementary School).
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Walker 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.
There were no questions or comments from Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to waive second reading of the ordinance and approve; seconded by Alderman Walker.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
3. Ordinance 2023-022 Amending Chapter 52 “Offenses Against Public Peace – Safety and Morals”, Section 52.02 “Disorderly Conduct”, Section 52.130 “Parental Responsibility”, and Section 52.411 “Nuisance Gathering”.
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman McAdams.
Shrestha Singh stated she is wary of this ordinance and encouraged the Council not to rush to a decision before more data can be gathered.
Dewayne Brown advised the Council to reject the ordinance, noting he feels there are other ways to address the issues, such as strong schools, stable jobs, and social networks.
Mark Charvat stated this ordinance hasn’t been properly vetted and he thinks it should go before the Human Relations Commission (HRC) for further review.
Sid Kincaid stated the ordinance may add further stress on those parents already struggling financially, and possibly cause them to punish their children physically for their indiscretions.
City Manager Nicklas briefly addressed the public statements, stating it’s essential for citizens to understand that there’s nothing in the proposed ordinance that isn’t already vetted by state statute. He then provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet.
A lengthy discussion ensued regarding parental responsibility, recent violent and criminal events involving minors, increased involvement of social service agencies and the school district, and current state statutes.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 5-3 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Barnes. Nay: Zasada, McAdams, Walker. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed, noting this item will be further discussed at the June 12, 2023, Council meeting.
K. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2023-060 Authorizing a Five-Year Agreement with LRS for Refuse, Recycling, Yard Waste, Hazardous Household Waste and Electronics Recycling Collection Services.
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.
LRS representative Katie Neary provided a history of LRS and highlights of their offered programs and services.
Alderman Perkins brought up a recent issue he had with LRS customer service. Ms. Neary apologized to Alderman Perkins, explaining that they have recently installed a new phone system, which may have been a part of the issue.
Alderman Walker and Alderman McAdams also spoke to issues with LRS they’ve experienced within their wards, including garbage and recycling not being picked up and rude drivers. Ms. Neary apologized for the negative experience and stated she will work on improvement.
Mayor Barnes asked what can be done to prevent garbage from blowing out of the trucks. Ms. Neary stated their garbage trucks now have nets to keep garbage from blowing around.
Waste Management (WM) representative Vaughn Kuerschner also offered highlights of their proposal, programs, and services, as did two other Waste Management employees.
Discussion ensued regarding the difference in price between LRS and WM, with the WM proposal coming in much higher than LRS.
Mayor Barnes, Alderman Zasada, Alderman Larson, Alderman Perkins, Alderman Walker, and Alderman Smith all stated that while WM services are excellent, the 25% price difference is hard to overlook. Mr. Vaughn stated that WM staff met several times to review and put forward their best proposal based on their costs and the service they provide, noting he feels good about the proposal placed before Council.
City Manager Nicklas then provided a brief overview of the information provided in the agenda packet.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
2. Resolution 2023-061 Authorizing Construction Services with Herlihy Mid-Continent Company in the Amount of $461,392.90 for 290 Feet of Water Main Replacement on N. First Street Across the Kishwaukee River with a Project Total Not to exceed $478,000.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Zasada.
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 the Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
3. Resolution 2023-062 Authorizing the Award of a Contract to Curran Contracting Inc. in the Amount of $162,775.15 for the Resurfacing of Lucerne Lane with Staff Authority to Approve Change Orders Up to a Combined Project Total Not to Exceed $170,000.
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.
There were no questions or comments from the Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
4. Resolution 2023-063 Authorizing the Award of a Contract to N-Trak Group, LLC. in the Amount of $188,632 for the Reconstruction of Various Annie Glidden North Sidewalk Ramps with Staff Authority to Approve Change Orders Up to a Combined Project Total Not to Exceed $190,000.
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 the Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
L. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
There were none.
M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
Alderman Zasada reported that she was recently married and changed her last name to Zasada.
Alderman Verbic reported on Ward 6 activities, including many high school and college graduations at the NIU Convocation Center, one of which included his son from the NIU College of Law. He also wished his wife a happy 30th wedding anniversary.
Alderman Larson reported that she recently attending the awards ceremony at the DeKalb Police Department and assisted in the planting of flowers in the downtown area.
Mayor Barnes reported on recent meetings and events he’s attended, including an NIU alumni event, the recent Police Department event honoring police officers who have passed, an open house at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church regarding the DCCG and NIU proposals for the City owned property at the northwest corner of W. Hillcrest Drive and Blackhawk Road, a recent Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) meeting, a meeting with Brandon Elion regarding a CCEC appointment, a meeting in Rockford with other mayors, the NIU Steam event at Welsh Park, and the DeKalb Police Department promotion ceremony.
2. City Manager Report.
City Manager Nicklas thanked the Council for their selfless service to DeKalb.
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Barnes read the following Executive Session exception for the record:
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).
MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to recess for Executive Session; seconded by Alderman Verbic.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and recessed the Regular meeting at 9:06 p.m.
Following adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Barnes opened the meeting to the public at 9:42 p.m.
O. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to adjourn the Regular meeting; seconded by Alderman Verbic.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the Regular meeting at 9:42 p.m.
https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05222023-2365
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