DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council met June 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Regular meeting on June 10, 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 Andre Powell, Alderman Mike Verbic, Alderman John Walker, and Mayor Cohen Barnes.

Others in attendance were City Manager Bill Nicklas, City Attorney Matt Rose, and Community Services Coordinator Jennifer Yochem.

B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Shadow Gentry led the Pledge of Allegiance.

C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Alderman Powell.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

D. PRESENTATIONS

1. Proclamation: LGBTQ Pride Month – June 2024.

Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety and presented it to members of the LGBTQ community.

2. Presentation of the Final Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2023.

Brian LeFevre of Sikich presented the ACFR based on the information provided in the agenda packet and encouraged the Council to read the Management’s Discussion and Analysis within the report.

Mr. LeFevre also noted that the City was the recipient of the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the year 2022, adding that it’s the 29 consecutive year the City has received the award.

Other reports briefly reviewed included the Single Audit Report, the Report on Compliance with Public Act 85-1142 (TIF), the Downstate Operating Assistance Certification and Independent Auditor’s Reports, the Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act – Consolidated Year End Financial Report, and the Management Letter.

It was noted that the City’s fund balance was at 75%, while the fund balance policy only requires it to be at 25%. Mr. LeFevre encouraged the Council to review the policy to see if they want to retain the balance at that level or make decisions on what to do with the additional reserves.

Closing his report, Mr. LeFevre stated the audit went smoothly with no issues. He also noted that Sikich has a good working relationship with City staff, who are easy to work with and professional.

Alderman Zasada asked the percentage of the City’s fund balance. City Manager Nicklas replied the policy calls for it to be 25% funded, however, the current balance is at 75%.

Alderman Zasada asked City Manager Nicklas if there were any plans for the additional funds. City Manager Nicklas replied that FY2025 budget discussions would begin in late July when he will provide options for the additional funding.

Brief discussion ensued regarding the State of Illinois pension crisis.

Mayor Barnes stated the City is advocating at the state level and being represented by other organizations to hold the state legislature accountable for the pension crisis.

Further brief discussion ensued.

Mayor Barnes thanked City Manager Nicklas and the Finance Department for their hard work.

City Manager Nicklas also thanked the Finance Department, and Sikich for their guidance throughout the process.

E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mark Charvat spoke about the City’s hiring practices, adding perhaps that’s adding to the pension crisis. He also spoke about the Council’s April 27 special meeting where raising general sales and gas taxes was discussed. Mr. Charvat noted his concern that raising taxes will affect those who shop in DeKalb, as well as DeKalb businesses that will be put at a competitive disadvantage by pushing shoppers to go out of town to make gasoline and other purchases.

Continuing his comments, Mr. Charvat mentioned the City’s possible reinstatement of the 1% grocery tax that’s being eliminated at the state level in 2026. He also mentioned that construction at the Kraft Heinz location has stopped due to issues with the building and wondered if local taxpayers will have to pay for that as well.

Lynn Fazekas commented on the proposal on this agenda to raise DeKalb’s water rates and fees, which she does not yet support. She stated she discovered the City’s practice of using the water fund to cover some employee wages a few years ago during a budget hearing and encouraged the Council to postpone the vote on the water rate increase until they explore the City’s dependency on the water fund.

F. APPOINTMENTS

There were none.

G. CONSENT AGENDA

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

1. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 28, 2024.

2. Accounts Payable and Payroll through June 10, 2024, in the Amount of $1,988,286.17.

3. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through April 2024.

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

5. Crime Free Housing Bureau Report – May 2024.

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

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

H. PUBLIC HEARINGS

There were none.

I. CONSIDERATIONS

There were none.

J. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2024-058 Receiving and Filing the FY2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), Single Audit Report, Report on Compliance with Public Act 85-1142 (TIF Report), Downstate Operating Assistance Certification and Independent Auditor’s Reports, Illinois Grant Accountability and Transparency Act – Consolidated Year-End Financial Report (CYEFR), and Management Letter.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Verbic. There were no questions or comments from the Council.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

2. Resolution 2024-059 Authorizing the Dedication of the FY2024 Allocation in the Amount of $50,000 to Barb City Manor for the Resurfacing of Parking Lots.

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 an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

3. Resolution 2024-060 Adopting a 2024 Environmental Sustainability Plan. Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic 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. He also thanked Alderman Larson for her valuable role as Council liaison to the Citizens’ Environmental Commission (CEC).

Alderman Perkins asked how the plan could be aligned with the City’s day to day activities. City Manager Nicklas replied that it all comes together when there’s a Council agenda item that concerns resources. He added that there aren’t just public challenges, but private ones as well, adding that the City will continue to learn from the experiences of others as we navigate the processes.

Alderman Perkins then asked about adding specific items, such as more complex recycling, to future requests for proposals when the current waste hauler contract expires. City Manager Nicklas replied that the waste hauler that didn’t secure the City’s contract was further along with recycling than the hauler that did secure the contract as the lowest bidder.

Discussion ensued.

Alderman Larson stated that prior to writing the proposed 2024 Sustainability Plan, the CEC reviewed the 2014 Sustainability Plan to see how far the City had come since then. The City now has charging stations and is taking first steps to acquire passenger train service and looking into the possibility of obtaining electric vehicles for the City’s fleet in the future.

Alderman Verbic suggested starting a funding model for each of the suggested components within the Sustainability Plan.

Discussion continued.

Alderman Smith stated there’s a bill pending that would require waste haulers to have a tighter cover on their trucks so that garbage doesn’t fly out and litter roadways.

CEC Chair Julie Jesmer stated being a part of the Greenest Region Compact of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus will provide access to those who know how to write grants for suggested components within the Sustainability Plan.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

4. Resolution 2024-061 Endorsing the Greenest Region Compact of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic 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.

It was noted that Management Analyst Scott Zak has been very helpful to the CEC as the City’s staff liaison.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

Mayor Barnes stated he would be recusing himself from the discussion of Resolution 2024-062 through Resolution 2024-067 as he owns property within the TIF district. He also noted that he would be asking for a motion to approve Resolution 2024-062 through Resolution 2024-067 in omnibus form and read each resolution by title only:

5. Resolution 2024-062 Authorizing an Agreement with Elliott and Wood, Inc. for the Installation of an 8-Inch Sanitary Sewer in an Amount Not to Exceed $96,720 (TIF Fund 262).

6. Resolution 2024-063 Authorizing an Agreement with Wagner Excavating LLC for the Installation of an 8-Inch Sanitary Sewer in an Amount Not to Exceed $52,650 (TIF Fund 262).

7. Resolution 2024-064 Authorizing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Incentive for 128 E. Lincoln Highway in the Amount of $11,367.50 (128 E. Lincoln Highway LLC).

8. Resolution 2024-065 Authorizing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Incentive for 214 E. Lincoln Highway in the Amount of $18,800 (Balli Rentals).

9. Resolution 2024-066 Authorizing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Incentive for 250 E. Lincoln Highway in the Amount of $2,250 (Ducky’s Formal Wear).

10. Resolution 2024-067 Authorizing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Incentive for 302 E. Lincoln Highway in the Amount of $21,187.50 (302 E. Lincoln Highway Partnership Trust #1281).

MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve Resolution 2024-062 through Resolution 2024-067 in omnibus form; seconded by Alderman Perkins.

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

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

Alderman Zasada thanked City Manager Nicklas and Public Works Director of Streets, Facilities and Airport Andy Raih for figuring out the issue of sewer odors in the downtown area due to illegal connections.

Alderman Smith asked if there were any connections under Lincoln Highway, to which City Manager Nicklas replied there’s a very deep one.

Alderman Smith added that the proposed option is a third of what it would have cost if the issue had been down Lincoln Highway.

Alderman Perkins stated his appreciation for tracking this down the issue the Public Works Department had been chasing for months, as did Alderman Walker.

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

K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING

There were none.

L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING

1. Ordinance 2024-026 Amending Chapter 7 “Water Service”, Section 7.18 “Water Rates”, and Section 7.18-6 “Water Service Fee”.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

Mark Charvat stated the proposed increase in water fees is a breach of contract with Meta, as is the lack of a Public Hearing to discuss the proposed increase. He also remarked on Ms. Fazekas’ comments regarding the City’s use of the water fund for non-related water expenses, which was denied by City Manager Nicklas at a recent Council meeting. Mr. Charvat stated he believes Meta and the public are being misled.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic 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. He also addressed Mr. Charvat’s comments regarding the Meta agreement, stating the proposed increase would only require a public hearing if the City were to add fees that are attached to a new way of exacting charges or monies from a particular development that are outside the normal operating requirements of the utility.

Alderman Walker referenced Mr. Charvat’s comments about the City using the water fund for non related water expenses. City Manager Nicklas stated that other administrations and Councils did use the water fund for non-related water expenses in the early 2000s and 2010s. He noted the most was egregious the use of the TIF fund to offset administrative costs.

Continuing, City Manager Nicklas stated that some of the water fund is used for non-water related costs for legitimate purposes.

Alderman Walker asked if City Attorney Rose if the City is in violation of anything. City Attorney Rose responded there is no breach of contract, adding that Meta needed a certain amount of water for their equipment and wanted to ensure future rate increases wouldn’t affect them.

Alderman Verbic stated he would like to know which City departments the water fund is being used for and at what percentage to see if the use is justified.

Alderman Walker asked if funds could be pulled from another revenue source rather than the water fund. City Manager Nicklas stated funds could be pulled from the general fund to repay the water fund.

Alderman Walker asked what the pros and cons of that would be to which City Manager Nicklas replied, purity. He noted most of what is used is for employees who provide water related services, some of which are in the City Manager’s Office.

Continuing, City Manager Nicklas stated nothing untoward, illegal or unusual has been committed by using the water fund for non-water related expenses. He also stated that the Council could use some of the fund balance reserves to pay back the water fund if that’s what they’d like to do.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

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

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Council Member Reports.

Alderman Zasada reported that someone affected by the recent fire at the Husky Ridge Apartment Complex on Kimberly Drive had contacted her, which led her to reach out to Community Services Coordinator Jennifer Yochem to discuss what was being done to assist those residents. From the conversation with Ms. Yochem and the affected resident, Alderman Zasada learned that gift cards for gas and food would be helpful. She also learned that the Family Service Agency was accepting donations from the public to assist the affected residents.

Community Services Coordinator Yochem added that a resource fair sponsored by the Family Service Agency for the affected residents was held on May 31 at the DeKalb Public Library where the residents received a variety of gift cards and monetary funding that had been donated by local merchants and the DeKalb Township.

Mayor Barnes commended Ms. Yochem for the great work she’s doing with the affected residents, adding that a post-emergency conference will be held with local service providers to discuss the outcome and what can be done in the future to better assist, including the possibility of setting aside funds for emergencies.

Community Services Coordinator Yochem stated the American Red Cross liked the way DeKalb came together to assist the affected residents.

Alderman Zasada applauded Ms. Yochem’s efforts. Ms. Yochem stated it took the efforts and partnership of many such as the DeKalb Public Library, the Family Service Agency, and other local agencies to pull everyone together.

Alderman Larson reported she had recently received emails from residents regarding the high rate of speed some are traveling on N. First Street. She encouraged residents to slow down and be cautious of pedestrians.

Mayor Barnes reported on recent events and meetings he has attended, including Fun Jam in the Park, a block party at 912 Edgebrook, Meta’s presentation of community action grants, and the Pride in the 815 event at Hopkins Park.

Alderman Zasada stated that despite community efforts, those affected by the Husky Ridge Apartment Complex fire are still in need and encouraged citizens to make donations to assist.

Alderman Walker recommended renters insurance to those renting homes or apartments. 2. City Manager Report.

City Manager Nicklas had no report.

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 the Sale or Lease of Real Property as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6); and

2. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss Personnel as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).

MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to recess for Executive Session; seconded by Alderman Powell.

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and recessed the meeting at 7:36 p.m.

Following adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Barnes opened the meeting to the public at 8:00 p.m.

O. ADJOURNMENT

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

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06102024-2540