DeKalb Times

City of Sycamore City Council met June 17.

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 Alan Bauer, Ben Bumpus, Nancy Copple, Alicia Cosky, Jeff Fischer, Pete Paulsen, Virginia Sherrod, and Chuck Stowe. Attorney Keith Foster was also present.

INNVOCATION led by Alderperson Nancy Copple

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderperson Nancy Copple

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to approve the Consent Agenda and Alderperson Cosky seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, and Stowe voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

AUDIENCE TO VISITORS

Brian Swanson, Sycamore High School Principal, spoke about the partnership with Alicia Cosky and the high school students for the downtown planters and logo for the Beautification Committee working with the Agriculture and Art teachers and students. He said thank you for the collaborative effort with the city and community.

CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of June 3, 2024

B. Payment of the Bills for June 17, 2024, in the amount of $1,088,469.49.

MOTION

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

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, and Stowe voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

APPOINTMENTS

PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND BILLS

A. Presentation by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police awarding the Sycamore Police Department Tier 1 accreditation under the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP).

Marc Maton, President for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, presented to Chief Jim Winters, Accreditation Manager, Sergeant Stacy Binkowski, and the Sycamore Police Department with the 2024 Tier 1 Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Award, for which only 61 agencies in Illinois are accredited. This award represents that the department is following national best practices on policies and procedures and that the auditing process they have gone through tests whether the department is operating in compliance to the standards set. The department had to demonstrate compliance with 69 professional standards covering four critical policy areas including administration, operations, personnel, and training. This ensures they are serving and protecting their communities according to the highest professional and ethical standards.

Chief Jim Winters thanked Sergeant Binkowski, the officers, and the council for all their support.

Sergeant Binkowski said it is a city-wide effort that proves that the department has a good foundation, they know what they are doing and strive for the best. Additionally, they are always willing to change and adapt as they need to.

REPORT OF OFFICERS

A. Monthly Financial Report

City Manager Michael Hall reported on the financial report as per the agenda. He reported that 80% of the levy refund checks have been cashed, 52 have been remitted to the State, and have checks remaining which totals about $17,984.

REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES

Finance – Alan Bauer – no report

Public Safety – Pete Paulsen – no report

Public Works – Chuck Stowe – no report

PUBLIC HEARINGS

ORDINANCES

A. Ordinance No. 2024.09 – An Ordinance Approving a Request from the City of Sycamore for a Special Use Permit to Construct a Park, to Include a Walking Path, on the Property Located South of Borden Avenue and East of South Prairie Drive, Sycamore, Illinois, PIN Number 09-05-151-010. First and Second Reading.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this comes from the Planning & Zoning Commission with a favorable recommendation for the walking path that IDEAL Industries is constructing on city land for their 100th year anniversary. It requires a Special Use permit for this zoning and staff is recommending approval.

Alderman Bauer asked if the maintenance falls on the city.

City Manager Michael Hall said yes, it’s part of the agreement that will be coming in the considerations.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to waive First Reading for Ordinance 2024.09 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to approve Ordinance 2024.09 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, and Stowe voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

B. Ordinance No. 2024.10 – An Ordinance Approving Amendments to Article 6.7.5., “Schedule of Required Parking,” Article 6.6.2.E., “Additional Parking Lot Landscaping Requirements,” and Article 6.7.3., “General Off-Street Parking and Loading Standards,” of the Unified Development Ordinance, Adopted May 1, 2005, in the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this comes from the Planning & Zoning Commission with a favorable recommendation to update the parking and landscaping requirements, general off-street parking with changes based on best practices that have been researched.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to waive First Reading for Ordinance 2024.10 and Alderman Stowe seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to approve Ordinance 2024.10 and Alderman Fischer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, and Stowe voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

RESOLUTIONS

A. Resolution No. 993 – A Resolution Authorizing the Disposal of Certain City Property.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this is seeking approval to dispose of a 2010 Ford F250 and a 2009 Ford Escape.

MOTION

Alderman Fischer motioned to approve Resolution 993 and Alderperson Copple seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, and Stowe voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

CONSIDERATIONS

A. Consideration of a Downtown & Gateway Improvement Program Application from Francis Mathey for Exterior Improvements to Hill Heating at 423 N. Main Street, Sycamore, Illinois.

City Manager Micheal Hall said that the estimated scope of the work is $7,793 and the petitioner is requesting a grant in the amount of $3,896.50 to assist in the improvement by replacing the fascia & soffit, painting of south building, replacing two windows, and flashing.

MOTION

Alderman Bumpus motioned to approve the Consideration and Alderman Fischer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, and Stowe voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

B. Consideration of a Downtown & Gateway Improvement Program Application from Eric Mathey for Exterior Improvements to Mark’s Machine Shop at 416 N. Main Street, Sycamore, Illinois.

City Manager Michael Hall said that the scope of this work is $19,455 and the petitioner is requesting a grant of $10,000 to assist in the improvements of painting the exterior of two buildings, landscaping and drainage.

Alderman Bauer asked if the grant is maximum of $5,000.

City Manager Michael Hall said yes, it is per address.

Mayor Braser also said that it is on a corner lot.

Alderperson Cosky asked about the signage.

Eric Mathey, 12979 Whipple Road, explained the signage but said he will make drawings, for when he submits it for sign approval.

MOTION

Alderman Bauer motioned to approve the Consideration and Alderman Fischer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, and Stowe voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

C. Consideration of Revisions to the City of Sycamore Consolidated Fee, Bond, and Penalty Schedule to Restore Ambulance Fees Omitted in Error.

City Manager Michael Hall said that these are not new fees, but this is to correct the schedule for fees that are already in place but didn’t get put on the schedule.

MOTION

Alderman Fischer motioned to approve the Consideration and Alderperson Copple seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8-0. D. Consideration of a Beautification Committee Request to Adopt an Official Beautification Committee Logo. City Manager Michael Hall said that the committee is seeking approval of a logo as per the agenda. Alderperson Copple asked and confirmed that no other committees have their own logo.

Alderperson Cosky said the Fire and Police Departments have their own logos and provided some background. She introduced the committee members; Cindy Henderson, Alec Rossiter, Mark Zientec, Ed Kuhn, who were all present, and Suzanne Lehto and Chelsea McGhee. She stated the logo is for immediate identification, is a sense of pride, and is for residents to know that there is a committee working to beautify the community.

Mayor Braser said he likes it and has been something that he has wanted in place for a long time.

MOTION

Alderman Bauer motioned to approve the Consideration and Alderman Bumpus seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, and Stowe voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

E. Consideration of a Beautification Committee Request to Pay Sycamore High School Graduate Anna Aska for the Design of the Beautification Committee Logo in the Amount of $100.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this is a request from the committee and said the money will come from the grant money they received.

MOTION

Alderman Fischer motioned to approve the Consideration and Alderperson Copple seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, and Stowe voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

F. Consideration of an Administration Request to Enter into an Agreement with IDEAL Industries for the Maintenance of a Walking Path on the Property Located South of Borden Avenue and East of South Prairie Drive, Sycamore, Illinois.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this is the Maintenance Agreement with IDEAL Industries which obligates the city to assume liability and maintenance of the walking path along with the surrounding area. The city is currently responsible for the surrounding area but will be adding the maintenance of native plants after a three-year period.

MOTION

Alderperson Cosky motioned to approve the Consideration and Alderman Fischer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, and Stowe voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

G. Consideration of a Public Works Department Recommendation to Place an Order for a 2025 Freightliner Single Axle Dump Truck Chassis and Build-out Equipment from Lindco Equipment Sales, Merrillville, IN, in the Amount Not to Exceed $250,000.

City Manager Michael Hall said this is budgeted for this year but due to the build time, the city will not receive or pay for the truck until 2025. Half of the cost will be budgeted in the General Fund and half the cost will be from the Wastewater fund.

Public Works Director Matt Anderson added that it is a 300–400-day build. This will be a 2025 model because the 2026 models will have a significant price increase.

MOTION

Alderman Fischer motioned to approve the Consideration and Alderman Paulsen seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, and Stowe voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

H. Consideration of an Engineering Recommendation to Award a Contract to Visu-Sewer Inc. for the Lining of a Section of Sanitary Sewer on Edward Steet at Martin’s Ditch in the Amount of $25,760.00.

City Manager Michael Hall said that staff went to bid, and Visu-Sewer was the lowest bidder per the agenda but is asking not to exceed $30,000.

MOTION

Alderman Stowe motioned to approve the Consideration and Alderperson Cosky seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, Fischer, Paulsen, Sherrod, and Stowe voted aye. Motion carried 8-0.

OTHER NEW BUSINESS

Alderperson Cosky passed along that The American Red Cross will install free smoke alarms and left flyers. She also invited everyone to attend the Park District prior to the Concert in the Park about 6:40 pm for a special presentation ceremony for the Beautification Committee that will include free ice cream.

City Manager Michael Hall reminded that the next City Council meeting will be July 15th as there will not be a July 1st meeting. He also reminded everyone of the City Council WORKSHOP meeting to tour the Streamwood Fire Station on Saturday, July 27th.

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION

Alderman Stowe motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:41 p.m. and Alderman Paulsen seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 8 -0.

https://www.cityofsycamore.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07152024-302