DeKalb Times

City of Sycamore City Council met Aug. 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

ROLL CALL

Mayor Braser called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and City Clerk Mary Kalk called the roll. Those Alderpersons present were Jeff Fischer, Pete Paulsen, Chuck Stowe, Alan Bauer, Ben Bumpus, Nancy Copple, and Alicia Cosky. Alderperson Virginia Sherrod was absent. Attorney Keith Foster was also present.

INVOCATION led by Alderperson Nancy Copple

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderperson Nancy Copple

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOTION

Alderperson Stowe motioned to approve the agenda and Alderperson Fischer seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

AUDIENCE TO VISITORS

Ted Strack, 1370 Windfield Drive, said that the idea of building a new fire station for $12-14 million is a lot of money and suggested that the city ask the citizens what they want because it’s the citizen’s money. He suggested, as the Park District did, to state the case why and ask the citizens if they support it.

CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of July 17, 2023

B. Payment of the Bills for August 7, 2023, in the amount of $2,114,656.45.

MOTION

Alderperson Bauer motioned to approve the Consent Agenda and Alderperson Stowe seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Fischer, Paulsen, Stowe, Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, and Cosky voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND BILLS

REPORT OF OFFICERS

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Finance – Alan Bauer – no report

Public Safety – Pete Paulsen – no report

Public Works – Chuck Stowe – no report

PUBLIC HEARINGS

ORDINANCES

RESOLUTIONS

A. Resolution No. 952 – A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Execute an Agreement to Convey the Property Commonly Known as “Engh Farm” to the DeKalb County History Center.

City Manager Michael Hall said that the City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on June 5th to designate the DeKalb County History Center land a Historic Landmark as step one. Tonight, step 2 conveys the land, owned by the city where the history center is located, to the history center itself. Currently the city maintains the lawn, landscaping, snow removal and pays for the water and sewer utilities. This resolution gives them the land for $1. They will maintain all the land, maintenance, and pay for utilities. However, the city will continue to supply water to the community gardens. Executive Director Michelle Donahoe was present for any questions.

MOTION

Alderperson Bauer motioned to approve Resolution 952 and Alderperson Paulsen seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Fischer, Paulsen, Stowe, Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, and Cosky voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

CONSIDERATIONS

A. Consideration of a Public Works Department Recommendation to Purchase a New 2023 Vermeer BC1500 DOM Brush Chipper from Vermeer Midwest, Aurora, IL in the Amount of $85,246.56.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this is a budgeted item that received two quotes to replace a 2004 chipper. The lowest bid was for $85,246.56 which was approximately $20,000 under the budgeted amount.

MOTION

Alderperson Paulsen made a motion to approve the consideration and Alderperson Bumpus seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Fischer, Paulsen, Stowe, Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, and Cosky voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

B. Consideration of a Public Works Department Recommendation to Enter into a Professional Services Agreement with Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick Inc. of Elgin, IL, to Prepare Final Engineering Documents and Complete Bidding Services for the Proposed 2024 Surface Transportation Urban (STU) Street Improvement Project.

City Manager Michael Hall said that the city secured $656,256 through DSATS (DeKalb Sycamore Area Transportation Study) which will cover 80% of this road project ($656,256) and the city will cover the remaining 20%. The project covers Somonauk Street from Conlin Avenue north to High Street and includes ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) sidewalk improvements, and mill and overlay of the existing roadway. Consulting for Engineering services was advertised back in May for which three proposals were received. Staff recommends Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick, Inc. to complete the design for $77,900.

MOTION

Alderperson Fischer made a motion to approve the Consideration and Alderperson Bumpus seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Fischer, Paulsen, Stowe, Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, and Cosky voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

APPOINTMENTS

Mayor Braser appointed Alicia Cosky to the Beautification Committee replacing Josh Huseman as the Council Representative.

MOTION

Alderperson Stowe motioned to confirm the appointments and Alderperson Paulsen seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

OTHER NEW BUSINESS

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION

Alderperson Stowe motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:13 p.m. and Alderperson Paulsen seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

https://www.cityofsycamore.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08072023-166