DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council met July 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Regular meeting on July 22, 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 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 City Engineer Zac Gill.

B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Shadow Gentry led the Pledge of Allegiance.

C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to remove item L.1. (Ordinance 2024-031 Approving the Final Plat of the L&S Re-subdivision No. One – Fairview Drive) from the agenda; seconded by Alderman Perkins.

Alderman Walker asked why the item was being removed, to which Mayor Barnes replied that the parties involved are still in negotiations regarding the sale/purchase of the property. Alderman Perkins added that communication is happening, but more time is needed.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Barnes. Nay: Walker. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

D. PRESENTATIONS

There were none.

E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mark Charvat thanked Alderman Walker for holding his most recent ward meeting and expressed that other aldermen should be doing the same.

Mr. Charvat then expressed concern that the Council is considering the elimination of the City Clerk role and spreading the salary among themselves. He also noted that eliminating the salary of the City Clerk role indicates no one in the community is qualified, which he fines insulting.

Mayor Barnes stated the subject of splitting the City Clerk’s salary among the Council isn’t on the agenda.

Ray Gentilcore expressed his concern over the lack of parking in the downtown area, which he believes caused two businesses to leave. He also encouraged the Council to stop worrying so much about Northern Illinois University (NIU) and the south side of DeKalb and give the DeKalb Police Department what they need to control crime. Mr. Gentilcore concluded his comments by stating the City should be taking care of its residents as they’re the most important thing it has.

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 July 8, 2024.

2. Accounts Payable and Payroll through July 22, 2024, in the Amount of $4,193,931.42.

3. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – June 2024.

4. FY2024 Human Services Funding 2nd Quarter Report.

5. Resolution 2024-080 Authorizing a Workers’ Compensation Lump Sum Petition and Order in the Amount of $20,917.25 (Matthew Holuj).

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

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

1. Public Hearing Regarding the Proposed Amendments to the Annexation and Development Agreement and the Rezoning Ordinance for the Goldin Property Located at the Northeast Corner of Gurler Road and Peace Road to Accommodate a Data Center.

Mayor Barnes opened the Public Hearing at 6:14 p.m.

Lynn Fazekas stated that while she doesn’t oppose the addition of data centers, she’s concerned about the impact another data center may have on DeKalb’s water supply. She also stated the water agreement with Facebook/Meta is problematic, noting it’s not resident friendly when it comes to priorities for water. Further, the agreement seems to indicate that Facebook/Meta would fight the release of their water usage data if a FOIA was filed. Ms. Fazekas noted that the agreement allows for the amendment of terms every five years and encouraged the Council to do so for everyone’s sake.

Deborah Ritter, who lives just south of the Golden property, expressed her concern regarding safety measures of the proposed ComEd substation and protocols for the safety of the surrounding wells of the proposed detention pond. She also asked what the plan are for landscaping and fencing.

Mayor Barnes suggested that Ms. Ritter speak with the City’s Principal Director, Dan Olson, who could provide further detailed information.

Alderman Zasada stated she felt the speakers brought up valid points. She also stated that she had been contacted by a resident wanting to know if there’s enough energy to support data centers.

Mayor Barnes stated that he and City Manager Nicklas attended a meeting last week with most of ComEd’s leadership on the power requirements and them being able to meet those requirements for the prospects we have, noting it was good news.

Mayor Barnes closed the Public Hearing at 6:18 p.m.

I. CONSIDERATIONS

1. Consideration of Fixed Route Service Changes for DeKalb’s Public Transit System.

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

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

Alderman Perkins asked when the City could expect an update on the potential train connection to the Elburn Metra station. City Manager Nicklas stated a response is still pending from the State of Illinois.

Alderman Zasada noted a gap in the service numbers and the estimated cost in changes. City Manager Nicklas stated the transit system can’t sustain itself on rider fees and depends on grant support from the federal government to cover the shortage.

2. Consideration of a Staff Report on a Years-Long Effort to Update the City’s Central Recordkeeping System.

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

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

Recording Secretary Scott then provided the Council with summary of the work that she’s done since creating the City’s central recordkeeping system in 2015. She noted that upon her hire in 2014, she recognized the need for a better system of maintaining the City’s important documents, which at the time were somewhat unorganized and scattered throughout multiple locations. It was also noted that to date, 13,156 records have been reviewed, indexed, scanned, and electronically filed.

Continuing her report, the Recording Secretary noted that citizens can access ordinances and resolutions from 2010 to the present on the City’s website.

Closing her report, the Recording Secretary provided the Council with interesting data found while sifting through the City’s documents. She also noted that she would continue to update the Council as she continues to organize the City’s records.

City Manager Nicklas noted that most documents put before the Council pass through the Recording Secretary’s office before and after Council meetings.

Brief discussion ensued regarding the progress of the project over the years. Alderman Walker thanked the Recording Secretary for the work she does for the City.

3. Consideration of the Bi-Annual Review of Compensation of Elected Officials According to Chapter 2 “City Council”, Section 2.15 “Elected Officials Salary Review”, Preceding the April 1, 2025, Consolidated Election.

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

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

Discussion ensued.

Alderman Zasada noted her support of a cost of living adjustment (COLA), stating she believes it creates more equity to have the positions funded at a level that allows the broader community to engage in them as elected officials.

Alderman Walker agreed with Alderman Zasada, stating most of the work of a Council member happens behind the scenes, which can sometimes take way time from jobs and families.

Alderman Verbic stated this Council is doing quite well compared to like populated cities such as Bartlett and Oswego, therefore he isn’t looking for an adjustment, but he does understand what Alderman Zasada and Alderman Walker are saying.

Alderman Larson stated she’d be ok with leaving the City Clerk salary at $8,000 if needed for budgeting purposes, but she’d rather see that amount go towards social services.

Alderman Perkins stated he likes the idea of a COLA, adding it removes some of the politics and simplifies things.

It was noted that the appropriate ordinance will be brought before Council at a future meeting. J. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2024-074 Approving a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement with the NIU Real Estate Foundation in the Amount of $200,000 (PIN 08-15-151-011 and PIN 08-15-101- 013).

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

Iwana Filipiak stated she attended the meeting to represent a Greek row homeowner, who is in favor of the proposed Greek Life Center because it’s an investment in the future of NIU.

Matthew Klawitter, a senior at NIU and the chapter president of Phi Kappa Theta, stated this project would be pivotal to the success of NIU and DeKalb. He noted that conditions in DeKalb and NIU have declined since 2021. Further, adding the Greek Life Center would benefit those Greek chapters that currently don’t have a place to meet. Concluding his comments, Mr. Klawitter stated the addition of the Greek Life Center would greatly benefit NIU.

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

Alderman Verbic stated he agrees with Alderman Zasada’s comments at a previous meeting that the proposed project isn’t necessarily the purpose citizens are looking for based on the public meetings held regarding this matter. However, he believes this is our one option for now that will spur other development. He further stated that the City has a lot invested in this property and it’s up to the Council to ensure that something happens there.

Continuing, Alderman Verbic stated that supports allowing NIU four years to make the project happen, however, at the end of the four years, he doesn’t want to see an NIU Foundation vacant lot.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to include a claw back to the agreement that would return the land to the City if the project does not come to fruition, and in turn, the City would return the amount paid for the property to the NIU Foundation.

Brief discussion ensued.

There was no second to Alderman Verbic’s motion.

Alderman Walker stated a clawback may scare donors away. He then asked City Attorney Rose if there’s a law that states if an entity doesn’t follow through with an agreed upon plan within a certain amount of time, the agreement would be null and void.

City Attorney Rose stated the agreement states the property will be redeveloped as the NIU Greek Center within four years. If there is a breach of the contract, then a party could seek to have the breach remedied.

City Manager Nicklas stated the NIU Real Estate Foundation is a private not-for-profit organization and subject to the City’s zoning and building codes.

Alderman Smith noted his support for the project, stating the property has been sitting vacant for some time and it’s a good use of the property. He added this is the right thing to do for the area and he has no doubts that the Foundation will follow through and will get the donations and funds needed.

Alderman Larson noted her support of the project, as did Alderman Walker.

Alderman Verbic stated the City can’t have the property lay vacant after investing $4,000,000 into it.

Alderman Perkins stated he was in favor of adding the claw back, but now he’s comfortable with the agreement as written. He added that the highest and best use of things hasn’t always been available as an option, and he believes this a great option and opportunity to partner with one of the City’s key partners in the area.

Mayor Barnes stated the City and NIU have been partners since 1895, and he sees this as a continuation of that.

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 2024-081 Authorizing the Purchase of Four Single-Axle Dump Trucks through Lindco Equipment Sales in an Amount Not to Exceed $921,740 for the Public Works Department Streets Division (Fund 420).

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Perkins 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.

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 2024-082 Approving a Fifth Amendment to the Transdev Fixed Route Service Provider Agreement.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic 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.

4. Resolution 2024-083 Authorizing the Award of a Construction Services Contract to Alliance Contractors in the Not-to-Exceed Amount of $313,000 for Reconstruction of the Pavement through the Annie Glidden Road Underpass.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

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

There was confirmation that the project is expected to be complete before NIU’s homecoming.

Alderman Verbic stated his support for option c., which would reduce the highest unit costs for traffic control and surface removal by as much as $100,000 by splitting the project into two parts. He added that when it rains, a waterfall of water comes off the Terraces parking lot so anything that can be done to reroute the water so that it’s not overflowing would be good.

Brief discussion ensued.

Alderman Perkins and Alderman Walker both stated their support for option c. as well.

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.

5. Resolution 2024-084 Amending Resolution 2024-021 to Increase the Not-to-Exceed Cost of One Stryker Power Load System and Cot from $55,531.14 (Using GEMT Funding) to $57,580.55.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

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.

6. Resolution 2024-085 Resolving that a Public Question Referendum be Placed on the November 5, 2024, General Election Ballot for the City of DeKalb, Illinois Asking if the City Clerk of the City of DeKalb, Illinois Should be Appointed, and Shall Commence with the First Regular Meeting of the City Council in May 2025.

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, noting his recommendation for option 1, which would ask the question, “Shall the City Clerk of the City of DeKalb be appointed, rather than elected”?

Alderman Verbic asked City Attorney Rose asked City Attorney Rose if it’s ok to be without a City Clerk. City Attorney Rose stated the City Clerk role is vacant; however, the City litigated the issue before the appellate court, which held that the Executive Assistant could perform all the duties of the Clerk.

Alderman Verbic asked if that’s why the City could use language to abolish the City Clerk role because those duties to the community are still being performed. City Attorney Rose stated that’s correct, adding there are communities that have abolished the City Clerk role by ordinance. He also stated that if the referendum were to pass, the Council could pass an ordinance that would transfer all duties of the City Clerk to a specific officer, noting, however, that the Council wouldn’t need to do that since it already has the Executive Assistant, but that is another option.

Alderman Zasada asked City Manager Nicklas what the wording was on previous referendums. City Manager Nicklas replied that the 2006 referendum read as follows: Shall the City Clerk of the City of DeKalb be appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council instead of elected and shall the term of the office commence with the first regular meeting of the City Council in May of 2009?

Continuing, City Manager Nicklas stated the 2012 referendum read as follows: Shall the City Clerk of the City of DeKalb be selected by the City Manager with the advice and consent of the Mayor and City Council rather than elected? He stated that the word abolish is scary, adding if residents research the issue, become familiar with its past, and consider how the role is being performed now, they could make the decision on whether it should be an appointed role or an elected one, which is why he recommends option 1.

Alderman Larson asked if the Council were to choose option 1, which to her states the City would still have a City Clerk, would Ms. Scott hold the Executive Assistant and City Clerk role or would the City Clerk role remain vacant. City Attorney Rose stated the role would become appointed, to which the Council could appoint a non-resident to serve as the City Clerk.

Alderman Larson stated she’s leaning more towards abolishing the City Clerk role and not have anyone appointed.

City Manager Nicklas responded that someone would have to be appointed. Chapter 3 of the City’s Municipal Code covers the roles of both the City Clerk and the Executive Assistant. If the City Clerk role was removed, the Council could pass an ordinance describing the duties in a new way. It was also noted that the Council could be the appointing body.

Alderman Zasada asked if the word “abolish” is a legal term and could we use the word “eliminate” instead. City Attorney Rose replied that the Illinois Municipal Code uses the word “discontinue” the office, which could be used in place of “abolish”.

Discussion ensued.

Mayor Barnes stated he prefers option 1 because it gives options when it comes to the City Clerk role, but also indicates it won’t be an elected position in the future.

Alderman Verbic stated that some peer cities don’t seem to be having the same issues as DeKalb and wonders where did it go haywire with DeKalb. He added that in some peer cities, typically a City Clerk is elected and the Executive Assistant acts as the deputy clerk to ensure day to day operations are getting done. Concluding his comments, Alderman Verbic stated that at the end of the day he just wants to ensure that those day to day operations in serving DeKalb are getting done, regardless of whether it’s a City Clerk or an Executive Assistant.

Alderman Walker stated he believes it’s the Council’s job to get the word out, answer resident questions, and advise exactly what has happened in the past and why they’re moving towards this step. He believes that putting the question out there is a good thing because there haven’t been good people in the office in the recent past and at some point, the Council needs to take back the power and ensure that things are organized.

Alderman Perkins stated his patience is running low and he just wants it to go away. The function of the role has evolved tremendously over the years, and he doesn’t see any real need for the role now. So, if we don’t really need the role, then it should be abolished.

City Attorney Rose stated if the role became an appointed position, the Council could later decide to eliminate, discontinue or abolish appointed officers separately on its own authority under the Illinois Municipal Code.

Alderman Perkins stated he’s not sure he ever wants to talk about it again.

Alderman Larson stated it feels like the consensus is that the Council wants to get to a point where they’re not having to deal with the issue anymore so she’s trying to think of what verbiage will be the most tasteful but still explain to the voters what’s trying to be accomplished. She then noted that she’s leaning towards option 2 with a different word than abolish, because it sounds too harsh.

City Manager Nicklas stated the word “abolish” may make a voter ask themselves who will be doing the work if the role is abolished. But option 1 indicates that either elected or appointed, someone is going to do the work. Further, the word “abolish” diminishes the work the Executive Assistant already does daily and has been doing for many years. The position isn’t needed, but how do you explain that.

Alderman Zasada stated that option 1 acknowledges that someone will be doing the work and is less intimidating. She noted her past work with one of the previous City Clerks and the Executive Assistant and attempts to navigate and negotiate the role to make it work better, but it’s been a mess. Continuing, Alderman Zasada stated one of the biggest arguments for keeping the role of the City Clerk was to keep the record, keep the history, and keep it pure. She added that everything is recorded, everything is FOIAable, every deleted email is findable, every meeting is recorded electronically, and minutes are kept, so to a degree, that’s the checks and balances that has replaced the need for the City Clerk role.

Alderman Perkins stated that in order for the referendum to pass, the duties and functions of the role and how they will be absorbed will need to be communicated with the public. He noted that some in the community think it’s a “watchdog” role, but it isn’t. The “watchdog” is the City’s auditors that audit our financial statements.

City Manager Nicklas indicated that a community group is being organized to do just that, communicate to the public why this action is being sought. Elected and appointed officials can answer questions and be points of reference but can’t assume an advocacy role.

Alderman Walker noted that while he understands Alderman Larson’s preference of option 2, he supports option 1. He further stated that citizens are talking about the issue and are cognizant of what happened. Further, they may think to themselves if the role is being proposed as appointed then the City must already have someone to do the job and do it well, which he believes Ms. Scott does.

Alderman Verbic asked City Attorney Rose if all elected officials fall under the recall ordinance in the State of Illinois, for instance, if a City Clerk was elected and didn’t work out, could they be recalled. City Attorney Rose replied that the recall ordinance applies only to the governor in the State of Illinois Constitution. The City of DeKalb has not adopted an ordinance for the recall of elected officials, which would have to be done by referendum.

Mayor Barnes stated he’s in favor of option 1.

City Attorney Rose reminded the Council that the title read into the record is option 1 so that’s what they’d be voting for.

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.

7. Resolution 2024-086 Authorizing the Appropriation of Local Funds and a Joint Funding Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the Reconstruction of Lucinda Avenue at its Intersection with Normal Road for an Estimated $400,000.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

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

Alderman Verbic stated he’s receiving a lot of feedback from citizens that it’s difficult to not have access to the east entrance of the Holmes Student Center and asked City Engineer Gill if there has been any discussion, thought or consideration with keeping the access to the east side of the student center as opposed to a lane or drop off on Annie Glidden Road. City Engineer Gill replied there had not, however, he’s been working with his counterparts at NIU who think there’s a way to put a slip lane in so as a bus would approach, it would be in front of the northern door.

Brief discussion ensued between Alderman Verbic and City Engineer Gill.

Alderman Walker asked if the busses are still dropping off and picking up on W. Locust Street, to which City Engineer Gill replied they were.

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.

K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING

There were none.

L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING

1. Ordinance 2024-031 Approving the Final Plat of the L&S Re-subdivision No. One – Fairview Drive.

This item was removed from the agenda (see Approval of the Agenda on page 1 of these minutes).

2. Ordinance 2024-034 Amending Ordinance 2023-036 that Authorized an Annexation and Development Agreement for the Goldin Property Located at the Northeast Corner of Gurler Road and Peace Road to Accommodate a Data Center (Karis Acquisitions LLC).

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

Alderman Zasada asked about the view from Ms. Ridder’s home. Referencing Exhibit A of the ordinance, Goldin Property – Data Center Site Plan – City Manager Nicklas stated Gurler Road would have some deep setbacks that allows for sizable detention areas and greenspace, with berms and trees, etc.

Principal Planner Dan Olson made comments from the back of the room that were inaudible. Brief discussion ensued.

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. Ordinance 2024-035 Approving Amendments to Ordinance 2023-038 for the Goldin Property Located at the Northeast Corner of Gurler Road and Peace Road to Accommodate a Data Center (Karis Acquisitions LLC).

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

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.

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

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. Ordinance 2024-036 Amending Chapter 35 “Towing”, Section 35.09 “Unlawful Practice – Relocator”.

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 item based on the information provided in the agenda packet.

Alderman Verbic thanked City Manager Nicklas for the quick follow-up regarding this situation.

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 Walker moved to waive Second Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Verbic.

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 she will be scheduling a Ward 1 meeting in the near future.

Alderman Powell reported he will be hosting a Ward 5 meeting on August 28, 2024. Alderman Walker thanked those who attended his Ward 7 meeting.

Alderman Verbic reported that the 20th Annual 50 Men Who Cook event will be held on August 10, 2024, at the NIU Barsema Alumni Center.

2. City Manager Report.

City Manager Nicklas had no report.

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Barnes read the following Executive Session exception for the record:

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

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

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 8:13 p.m.

Following adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Barnes opened the meeting to the public at 8:26 p.m.

O. Adjournment

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

VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 voice vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 8:26 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/DocumentCenter/View/17920/6-072224-Regular-Mtg-Minutes