DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council met Feb. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Regular meeting on February 12, 2024, 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, and Mayor Cohen Barnes. Alderman John Walker was absent.

Others in attendance included City Manager Bill Nicklas and City Attorney Matt Rose. 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 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Walker. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

D. PRESENTATIONS

There were none.

E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

There was none.

F. APPOINTMENTS

1. Appointing Ken George (Electric) and Jason Bero (Plumbing) to the Building Code Review Board, Each for a Two-Year Term through December 31, 2025.

Mayor Barnes read the appointments by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to approve the appointments; seconded by Alderman McAdams.

Alderman Zasada mentioned that some former members of the City’s boards, commissions, and committees (BCCs) were upset that they had not been reappointed.

Mayor Barnes commented that all Council members were emailed a BCC status report that provides information regarding each BCC, including current members, vacancies, expiring or expired terms, etc. He added that he looks forward to the Council’s assistance in recruiting new members.

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

2. Reappointing Max Maxwell to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a Five-Year Term through December 31, 2028, and Reappointing Him as Chair for a Two-Year Term through December 31, 2025.

Mayor Barnes read the reappointment by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to approve the reappointment; seconded by Alderman Larson.

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

G. CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Barnes read the following Consent Agenda items by title only:

1. Joint Review Board Meeting Minutes of October 27, 2023.

2. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 22, 2024.

3. Accounts Payable and Payroll through February 12, 2024, in the Amount of $3,176,648.68.

4. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through December 2023.

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

6. Crime Free Housing Bureau Report – January 2024.

7. FY2023 Fourth Quarter Human Services Funding Report.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Alderman Larson.

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

H. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. Public Hearing Regarding a Third Amendment to an Annexation Agreement for Lot 8 in the Glidden Crossing Subdivision Located at 1130 S. Malta Road in Order to Accommodate an 8,000 Square Foot Fire Station (City of DeKalb).

Mayor Barnes read the above by title only and opened the Public Hearing at 6:05 p.m. No one from the public spoke to this item.

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

Mayor Barnes closed the Public Hearing at 6:05 p.m.

2. Public Hearing Regarding an Application for Body Art Establishment Licensure at 150 E. Lincoln Highway (Séance at Tiffany’s).

Mayor Barnes read the above by title only and opened the Public Hearing at 6:06 p.m.

Owner Randi Lockhart explained that the services she’s proposing (permanent cosmetic tattooing), are different than traditional tattooing. She further stated that the boutique portion of the business, which is already open, will also be offering tarot card readings.

City Manager Nicklas explained that Chapter 67 “Body Art Establishments” of the City’s Municipal Code allows for no more than three tattooing establishments in the downtown area within the boundaries of First Street, Grove Street, Seventh Street and Locust Street. Current tattooing establishments within those boundaries are Out On A Whim, Mindful Tattoo, and Proton Tattooing. Chapter 67 further states that there must be 500 feet from property line to property line between each tattooing establishment. Ms. Lockhart’s business is only 125 feet from Out On A Whim Tattooing, which is located at 127 E. Lincoln Highway.

City Manager Nicklas stated that if the Council chooses to approve the services proposed by Ms. Lockhart, Chapter 67 would need to be amended.

Mayor Barnes stated he thought Proton Tattooing already provided permanent cosmetic tattooing. Ms. Lockhart stated that Proton has someone on staff who does paramedical tattooing for cancer patients, i.e., someone who has undergone a mastectomy.

Mayor Barnes asked Ms. Lockhart if she would be providing traditional tattooing services. Ms. Lockhart replied she would not.

Alderman Perkins asked if there’s something that can be done to limit the scope of Ms. Lockhart’s services to ensure her business doesn’t turn in to a traditional tattooing establishment.

City Attorney Rose stated the services Ms. Lockhart is proposing are considered “microblading”, defined as permanent/semi-permanent cosmetic tattooing, which requires a State of Illinois Body Art Establishment license. He added that if the Council wanted to allow such services, Chapter 67 could be amended, and conditions could be added to the City’s license stating only “microblading” would be allowed.

Alderman Larson stated she can see the need for the services Ms. Lockhart is proposing.

Ms. Lockhart stated that she does use a traditional tattooing machine to provide the services, but the boutique doesn’t look like a tattooing business.

Alderman Zasada stated she believes the free market should be dictating the types of businesses being added to the downtown area. She further stated that body art history and culture has changed significantly so she feels that Chapter 67 should be amended to allow Ms. Lockhart to conduct the business model she’s proposing. Alderman Zasada also stated that a filled retail space is better than an empty one.

Discussion ensued.

Alderman Perkins stated he’s not interested in expanding the number of tattoo parlors. Further discussion ensued.

Alderman Larson reiterated that Ms. Lockhart’s proposed services aren’t the only thing that will be offered at the business.

Brief discussion ensued regarding the signage Ms. Lockhart will be using to promote the proposed services.

VOTE: Council indicated support of the proposed services by a roll call vote of 7-0-1. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Walker. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

Mayor Barnes closed the Public Hearing at 6:26 p.m.

I. CONSIDERATIONS

1. Consideration of a Status Report on Community Efforts to Organize Volunteer Support in Partnership with Local Agencies for Persons Who Might Arrive in DeKalb Seeking Asylum (Illinois Department of Human Services SMASS Funding (Supporting Municipalities for Asylum Seeker Services) Grant Application.

Salvador Arguello spoke in support of the grant application and provided a history of his family and the opportunities they’ve been provided since coming to the United States in the 1980s.

Linh Nguyen recited a poem titled “Home” by Warsan Shire.

Dan Kenney spoke in support of the grant application.

Steven Pace spoke in support of the grant application.

Jeff Miller spoke in support of the grant application.

H.M. did not speak regarding this item, but rather to alleged misconduct by City Officials, specifically City Manager Nicklas, regarding a complaint filed by her brother. She also alleged misconduct by Mayor Barnes, Alderman Zasada, and the DeKalb Police Department.

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

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

Frankie DiCiaccio provided an update on what has taken place since the special Council meeting in January of this year, including a gathering of residents throughout the community on January 17, which caused 78 people so far to volunteer their services. He also provided the Council with an updated plan overview.

Continuing, Mr. DiCiaccio stated that to be eligible for the grant, it must be applied for by the municipality and urged the Council to do so. He indicated that three partner agencies have been identified – DeKalb County Community Gardens, the Family Service Agency, and Northern Illinois University – who would provide the core services required by the grant.

Discussion ensued.

Alderman McAdams indicated his support for the grant.

It was at this time that Alderman McAdams addressed the speaker who identified herself as H.M., stating the proper venue for alleged misconduct of a City official is in a court of law.

Alderman Verbic stated he would like to see this as a component of the City’s growth in the future.

Alderman Perkins stated the grant application process is going to be consuming and he feels it’s too early in the process to make any final decisions.

Discussion continued about how to identify the number of people that would be served by the grant, where the funds would come from prior to reimbursement, the impact on other City services, and who would facilitate the funding.

City Manager Nicklas indicated that he, Community Services Coordinator Jennifer Yochem, and Crime Free Housing Director Bob Redel would be involved with facilitating the funding.

City Manager Nicklas reminded the Council of the five year projection provided during the FY2024 budget discussion that indicates the City will run out of money. He also mentioned the City’s ongoing pension obligations. Further, while the City has a financial reserve, it isn’t just a cushion that can be given away.

Mayor Barnes stated he supports the idea of providing a fund for immediate migrant need until it can be reimbursed by the grant.

City Manager Nicklas stated he will bring further options to the Council at an upcoming meeting. Mayor Barnes stated he wants to make sure Northwestern Medicine is in on this conversation. J. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2024-017 Authorizing an Independent Consultant Agreement with PGAV Planners, LLC Regarding the Feasibility of Establishing a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Redevelopment Project Area Along the South Fourth Street Corridor from Taylor Street to I 88.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

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

Alderman McAdams offered his support of a S. Fourth Street TIF District.

Alderman Perkins indicated his support and stated he sees a need for improving a key area of the community and believes getting professionals involved is a great fist step.

Alderman Zasada also indicated her support and stated that while she would like to see something similar in the First Ward, she agrees that S. Fourth Street seems like an excellent fit.

Mayor Barnes stated he’s excited to see what the study says when it comes back.

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

2. Resolution 2024-018 Authorizing the Purchase of One Used 2017 Mack Single Axle Plow Truck with Wing to be Utilized by the Public Works Street Division in an Amount Not to Exceed $154,000 (Fund 420).

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Larson.

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

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

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

3. Resolution 2024-019 Authorizing the Purchase and Equipping of One 2023 Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup Truck for the Police Department Based on the Illinois Central Management Services Contract Pricing in an Amount Not to Exceed $45,991.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Larson.

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

Alderman Larson noted her appreciation of the Public Works Department for their efforts in keeping the City’s older fleet in service.

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

4. Resolution 2024-020 Authorizing the Waiver of Competitive Bidding and Approving the Purchase of Water Meters and Radio Transmitters from Badger Meter, Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $80,000.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Zasada.

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

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

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

5. Resolution 2024-021 Authorizing the Waiver of Competitive Bidding and Awarding the Purchase of One Stryker Power Load System and Cot from Stryker for the Fire Department in an Amount Not to Exceed $55,531.14 Using Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) Funding (Fund 130).

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

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

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

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

6. Resolution 2024-022 Authorizing the Waiver of Competitive Bidding and Awarding the Purchase of One Zoll Cardiac Monitor with Accessories for the Fire Department from Penn Care, Inc. in an Amount Not to Exceed $20,750.00 Using Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) Funding (Fund 130).

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Zasada.

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

Alderman McAdams referenced a past medical emergency and offered his support for the purchase.

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

K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING

There were none.

L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING

1. Ordinance 2024-007 Authorizing a Third Amendment to an Annexation Agreement for Lot 8 in the Glidden Crossing Subdivision Located at 1130 S. Malta Road in Order to Accommodate an 8,000 Square Foot Fire Station (City of DeKalb).

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to approve First Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Larson.

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

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

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

MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to waive Second Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Smith.

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

2. Ordinance 2024-008 Approving an Amendment to Ordinance 2006-059 and Approval of a Final Plan to Allow an Additional Full Access onto S. Malta Road to Accommodate an 8,000 Square Foot Fire Station (City of DeKalb).

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve First Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Perkins.

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

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

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

MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to waive Second Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman McAdams.

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

3. Ordinance 2024-009 Amending Chapter 23 “Unified Development Ordinance”, Article 7.06 “Fences”.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve First Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Zasada.

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

Brief discussion ensued regarding required setbacks.

Alderman Zasada offered her support for this item.

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

MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to waive Second Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Zasada.

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

4. Ordinance 2024-010 Amending Chapter 51 “Traffic”, Section 51.20 “Parades, Processions, Runs, Rides, Walks, and Marches”.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to approve First Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman McAdams.

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

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

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

MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to waive Second Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Smith.

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

M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Council Member Reports.

Mayor Barnes reported on recent events he’s attended, including the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Annual dinner, the WLBK Radio Program, the First National Bank Challenge, and a ribbon cutting at DeKalb Fresh Market. He also commented on seeing the DeKalb Police Department patrolling areas throughout the community.

2. City Manager Report.

Referencing comments made earlier in the meeting by H.M., City Manager Nicklas thanked Alderman McAdams for coming to his defense. He then stated that H.M.’s brother has verbally harassed most of the City’s staff.

Mayor Barnes stated he has instructed the Recording Secretary to revise the speaker request form to require speakers to provide their full name and address for the record.

City Attorney Rose stated that while he agrees with Mayor Barnes, the City can’t compel such a request per the Illinois Attorney General.

Alderman Zasada stated she isn’t comfortable with requiring speakers to provide their address. Brief discussion ensued regarding the Council’s speaker request form.

Alderman McAdams commented on past speakers who own businesses in DeKalb but don’t reside in DeKalb, noting he doesn’t think it’s appropriate to allow those who don’t reside in DeKalb to speak at Council meetings.

Brief discussion continued.

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

There was none.

O. ADJOURNMENT

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

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Walker. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02122024-2486