DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council met May 13.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Regular meeting on May 13, 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 John Walker, and Mayor Cohen Barnes. Alderman Mike Verbic was absent.

Others present included City Manager Bill Nicklas, City Attorney Matt Rose, and Fire Chief Mike Thomas.

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 Walker.

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

D. PRESENTATIONS

1. Proclamation: Honoring WWII Veteran Anneta Lusiak on Her 107th Birthday.

Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety and noted he will deliver it to Ms. Lusiak personally, along with a Key to the City.

2. Proclamation: Community Action Month – May 2024.

Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety and presented it to representatives of the Family Service Agency.

3. Proclamation: National Public Works Week, May 19 - 25, 2024.

Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety and presented it to Public Works Department staff present.

4. Proclamation: National Police Week, May 15 - 21, 2024.

Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety and presented it to Police Department staff present.

5. Proclamation: International Firefighters Day – May 4, 2024.

Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety and presented it to Fire Department staff present.

6. Proclamation: National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, May 19 - 25, 2024.

Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety and presented it to both Fire Department and Police Department staff present.

7. DeKalb Fire Department 2023 Annual Report.

Prior to presenting the report, Fire Chief Thomas noted the pride he has for the work DeKalb Firefighters do every day.

Fire Chief Thomas then an overview of this item based on the report provided in the agenda packet. Highlights of the report call volume, fire incidents by property use, fire engine responses, response locations, staff training, 2023 retirements, hires, promotions, and recruitment.

Fire Chief Thomas stated he’s looking forward to the new Fire Station 4 and the receipt of long awaited new vehicles. He then thanked the Mayor, Council, City staff, and the community for their continued support.

Alderman Larson asked about Fire Department staffing. Fire Chief Thomas stated the department is two positions away from being fully rostered, noting one hire is in the works and the Human Resources Department is preparing a new list of recruits to fill the second spot.

Alderman Perkins thanked Fire Chief Thomas for the detailed report.

Referencing the response locations map within the report, Alderman Zasada asked if there’s a relationship between population density and call volume or if it’s disproportionate in the highlighted areas. Fire Chief Thomas said there is a relationship because some of the other highlighted areas are heavily populated throughout the city. He noted that a systematic healthcare problem plays a role.

Alderman Zasada thanked Fire Chief Thomas for the report and all that the Fire Department does for the community, as did Mayor Barnes.

E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

H.M. stated she has a right to anonymity as a Hispanic victim. She then stated the Recording Secretary knows words matter, and therefore, she wants the minutes to reflect accurately and truthfully what she’s reporting at Council meetings for fairness and transparency. H.M. then stated and/or claimed the following: she is a witness of intimidation who has come forward at Council meetings since February 12, 2024, to report her claims of false statements and accusations being made about her and her family to the press by City Manager Nicklas, Mayor Barnes, and Alderman Walker, which she feels is in violation of her rights and the law; she was unconstitutionally silenced at the February 26, 2024, meeting; Mayor Barnes should not be allowed to appoint a replacement to fill the vacant 5th Ward Alderman seat based on the withholding of official action as it relates to her situation, however, he has announced his intentions to appoint Andre Powell to replace Scott McAdams, the former 5th Ward Alderman, who resigned after using racial slurs; Mayor Barnes and the Council have decided not to discuss Mr. McAdams’ misconduct at Council meetings or with the press; there is precedence that City Managers have been investigated before; and Mr. Powell was chosen by Mayor Barnes to operate in the manner the Mayor wants him to and Mr. Powell’s willingness to do so will make him part of the criminal wrongdoing from day one. H.M. closed her comments by stating she still wants a criminal investigation.

F. APPOINTMENTS

1. Appointing Andre Powell as the Fifth Ward Alderman Until a Successor Qualifies and Takes Office.

Mayor Barnes provided background on Mr. Powell, stating he has served on the City’s Human Relations Commission and Citizen Police Review Board, as well as the DeKalb School Board. He then stated his intentions to appoint Mr. Powell to fill the vacant 5th Ward Alderman seat.

Alderman Walker stated he’d like more information regarding appointees moving forward so he can do his own research.

Mayor Barnes stated the Municipal Code currently states the Mayor makes all appointments, but he’d be open to amending the code to say otherwise.

Alderman Perkins agreed with Alderman Walker, stating to an extent the Council is spoiled by the level of detailed information provided in an agenda packet. However, no detail was given regarding these appointments.

Mayor Barnes stated he would work with the City Attorney regarding the process of amending the Municipal Code as it pertains to appointments.

Mayor Barnes also stated that a FOIA request was filed by someone requesting the resumes of every applicant for the vacant 5th Ward seat and noted that history has shown when that happens, it provides an opportunity for some in the community to vilify a person for volunteering, which will then drastically reduce and limit the amount of people that come forward.

Mayor Barnes then addressed Alderman Walker’s concerns, stating we will have to figure out a way to give those with questions the opportunity to do so but in a way that isn’t going to cause those potential volunteers personal trauma due to the online community this community has.

Referencing Alderman Perkins’ comments regarding the detailed background the Council is provided in Council meeting agenda packets, Mayor Barnes stated he would commit to producing bullet points on significant factors that led him to make an appointment. He further stated that he plans to assign each Council member to one of the City’s boards, commissions, or committees (BCCs) who can then assist with vetting those interested in volunteering.

Continuing, Mayor Barnes stated he’d like to improve the process of notifying someone when they’re coming up for reappointment and advising whether or not they’ll be reappointed so there are no surprises.

Concluding his comments, Mayor Barnes asked the Council to hold him accountable for making changes to the process moving forward.

Alderman Zasada agreed with Alderman Perkins’ and Alderman Walker’s statements.

MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve the appointment of Andre Powell to fill the vacant 5th Ward Alderman seat; seconded by Alderman Walker.

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

Mayor Barnes stated Mr. Powell will be sworn in as the appointed 5th Ward Alderman at the May 28, 2024, Council meeting.

2. Appointing Kelvy Brown to the Citizen Police Review Board (CPRB) for the Completion of a Two-Year Term through December 31, 2025.

Mayor Barnes stated that Mr. Brown is a graduate of DeKalb High School and an Army veteran who returned to DeKalb seven years ago after serving in several government positions. He further stated that he feels Mr. Brown will be a good addition to the CPRB.

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

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

3. Appointing Deborah Booth to the DeKalb Public Library Board for a Three-Year Term through June 30, 2027.

Mayor Barnes stated he knows Ms. Booth from her involvement throughout the community. He noted that she also volunteers at the DeKalb Public Library.

MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to approve the appointment; seconded by Alderman Walker.

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

Mayor Barnes stated there’s a lot of chatter online about the appointment process that has skewed some of what’s been going on; however, he wants each Alderman who has expressed concern to know that he realizes the process needs to be changed and he looks forward to their assistance going forward.

G. CONSENT AGENDA

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

1. Minutes of the Joint Review Board Meeting of January 26, 2024.

2. Accounts Payable and Payroll through May 13, 2024, in the Amount of $3,995,164.17.

3. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through March 2024.

4. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through March 2024.

5. Crime Free Housing Bureau Report – April 2024.

6. Police Pension Fund Annual Treasurer’s Report for the Year Ended December 31, 2023.

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

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

H. PUBLIC HEARINGS

There were none.

I. CONSIDERATIONS

1. Getting to Know: The DeKalb Area Belonging Council.

City Manager Nicklas gave an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. He also added that Police Chief Byrd has initiated community activities as a way for the Police Department and City staff to engage with children and others in the community.

Mayor Barnes stated that Police Chief Byrd is a true representation of belonging in the DeKalb community. He further stated that he believes there’s an opportunity to create a greater sense of belonging in the community and he’d like to see the City engage further in the belonging movement.

City Manager Nicklas provided a well-known statement from Dr. john a. powell, who directs the Belonging institute at U.C. Berkeley – “Belonging is a long term prospect and changing hearts and minds doesn’t happen at the speed of light but at the speed of trust”.

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

J. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2024-044 Authorizing the Award of a Contract to Irving Construction Company, Inc. in the Amount of $3,688,000 for the Construction of Fire Station #4 at 1130 S. Malta Road.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

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

Alderman Smith asked if the project would be complete in 300 days as projected, to which City Manager Nicklas confirmed. He also stated that the building should be enclosed, and paving started by this Fall.

Mayor Barnes stated he’s glad the contract is going to a local contractor.

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

2. Resolution 2024-045 Authorizing the Waiver of Competitive Bidding and Approving an Agreement with Layne Christensen Company for the Repair and Replacement of Well Parts and Equipment Along with Miscellaneous Repairs to Well No. 13 in an Amount Not to Exceed $74,007.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

City Manager Nicklas gave 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 a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

3. Resolution 2024-046 Authorizing the Purchase of a Ford F-250 Pickup Truck through Morrow Brothers Ford in an Amount Not to Exceed $59,868.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

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

Alderman Walker asked why the City doesn’t purchase from local dealers. City Manager Nicklas explained that the State of Illinois has a list of dealers that work with municipalities etc. to provide costs savings on fleet purchases. While the City could purchase from local dealers, we try to go with the lowest price available statewide.

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

4. Resolution 2024-047 Approving a Hospitality Liquor License for Cuatro Amigos LLC, Doing Business as Cuatro Amigos Venue, 240 E. Lincoln Highway.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

City Manager Nicklas gave 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 a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

5. Approval in Omnibus Form of Resolution 2024-048 Authorizing an Agreement with DeKalb Corn Fest, Inc. to Hold the 2024 Corn Fest; Resolution 2024-049 Approving a Non-Profit Special Event Liquor License for the 2024 Corn Fest; and Resolution 2024-050 Approving the Regulation of Traffic on Illinois Route 38 (Lincoln Highway) for the 2024 Corn Fest.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the resolutions in omnibus form; seconded by Alderman Perkins.

City Manager Nicklas gave 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 a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

6. Resolution 2024-051 Approving the Regulation of Traffic for the Purpose of Holding the Northern Illinois University Homecoming Block Party on Illinois Route 38 (Lincoln Highway) Between First Street and Fourth Street on October 17, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., through October 18, 2024, at 6:00 a.m.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

City Manager Nicklas gave 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 a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

7. Resolution 2024-052 Authorizing an Agreement for Construction Engineering Services with Fehr Graham & Associates, LLC for the 2024 General Street Maintenance Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $136,800.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

City Manager Nicklas gave 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 a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

8. Resolution 2024-053 Authorizing the Purchase of Sixteen (16) Police Portable Radios from J&K Communications in an Amount Not to Exceed $50,000.

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 item based on the information provided in the agenda packet.

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

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

9. Resolution 2024-054 Amending a Professional Services Agreement with Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick, Inc. for Construction Engineering and Professional Services for the Widening and Reconstruction of Peace Road Near Fairview Drive to a Project Amount Not to Exceed $406,991.76.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

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

There was brief discussion between Alderman Perkins and City Manager Nicklas regarding the completion of the project. City Manager Nicklas stated it should be done by the start of summer this year.

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

10. Resolution 2024-055 Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Northern Illinois University for Encroachment and Improvements During the Reconstruction of Lucinda Avenue.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

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

Alderman Perkins asked for an update on the construction occurring at the First Street bridge and the Lucinda Street bridge. City Manager Nicklas stated both projects are on track and work on the Lucinda Street bridge is being done quickly. As for the First Street bridge project, concrete is being poured for the bike path and they’re making repairs to a portion of NIU property that connects to it.

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

K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING

1. Ordinance 2024-021 Adopting an Amended Land Lease and Solar Agreement with DeKalb Taylor Solar, LLC.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve Second Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Walker.

City Manager Nicklas gave 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 a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING

1. Ordinance 2024-022 Approving a Special Use Permit for the Rental of Trucks and Trailers at 1371 S. Fourth Street (The Curtis Rental Group - DeKalb Tool Rental).

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

City Manager Nicklas gave 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 a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

Alderman Perkins asked that the Second Reading of this item be held over to the next Council meeting since the location of this business is in the 5th Ward in order to give Mr. Powell an opportunity to weigh in.

City Manager Nicklas stated the business is already in operation and the owner has made repairs to the parking lot and addressed concerns of surrounding citizens regarding truck parking, which is 75 feet from the existing tree line that separates the parking lot from the residential area.

Discussion ensued.

Alderman Perkins stated residents have been vocal about this item and he believes it would be respectful to get Mr. Powell’s input. He noted this has been going on for a year so there should be an issue with waiting a couple more weeks.

Further discussion ensued.

Alderman Walker indicated his preference to move forward with the waiver of Second Reading. Alderman Zasada stated she feels this use is reasonable.

Brief discussion ensued.

MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to waive Second Reading; seconded by Alderman Perkins.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 5-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Walker, Barnes. Nay: Perkins. Absent: Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

2. Ordinance 2024-023 Amending the Fiscal Year-End December 31, 2024, Budget. Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

City Manager Nicklas gave 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 a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to waive Second Reading of this item; seconded by Alderman Walker.

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

M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Council Member Reports.

Mayor Barnes reported on recent events and meetings he’s attended, including Anneta Lusiak’s 107th birthday party, the Putt for a Purpose event, an interview for the Egyptian Theatre for Give DeKalb County, a meeting with members of the DeKalb School District regarding truancy that included Police Commander Steve Lekkas and Alderman Mike Verbic, the DeKalb School District’s art show at the Egyptian Theatre where he picked the piece for the Mayor’s Choice Award, a special strategic planning meeting with the City Council, a radio interview on WLBK, moderating State Representative Lauren Underwood’s townhall meeting, a meeting with members of the community regarding the homeless, a meeting with the MetroWest Council of Government, attending a Sandwich Chamber of Commerce event, and last but not least, his son’s college graduation.

2. City Manager Report.

City Manager Nicklas reported that tax bills have been distributed and most property owners should see a reduction in the City of DeKalb, Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District, and DeKalb Township portion of the bill. However, that can’t be said for other taxing bodies. He noted that all taxing bodies need to be more cognizant of their tax levies and the impact they have on resident’s tax bills.

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

There was none.

O. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Alderman Walker.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 7:56 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05132024-2529