DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council met Aug. 26.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Regular meeting on August 26, 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 6:01 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 Greg Perkins, Alderman Andre Powell, Alderman Mike Verbic, Alderman John Walker, and Mayor Cohen Barnes. Alderman Tracy Smith was absent.

Others in attendance included City Manager Bill Nicklas, Assistant City Manager Bob Redel, and City Attorney Matt Rose.

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 Zasada.

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

D. PRESENTATIONS

1. Proclamation: Celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Joseph F. Glidden’s “The Winner” Barbed Wire Patent.

Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety and presented it to representatives of the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center.

2. Proclamation: Honoring Senior Citizens.

Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety.

3. Proclamation: National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – September 2024. Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety.

E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mark Charvat commented that all three of the announced Mayoral candidates were in attendance (Cohen Barnes, John Walker, and Linh Nguyen).

Mr. Charvat then stated that the Illinois Attorney General’s Public Access Bureau (PAC) recently determined that the City Council violated the Open Meetings Act (OMA) when it restricted the public comments of a registered public speaker on February 26, 2024.

Mayor Barnes noted that the PAC’s determination also indicated that no remedial action was required as he, and Alderman Larson, addressed the incident during the March 11, 2024, City Council meeting by stating the actions of the City Council on February 26, 2024, were inappropriate and would not happen again.

F. APPOINTMENTS

Mayor Barnes read the following proposed appointment for the record:

1. Appointing Linda Srygler to the Citizens’ Environmental Commission for the Completion of a Two-Year Term through December 31, 2025.

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

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

G. CONSENT AGENDA

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

1. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of July 22, 2024.

2. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 12, 2024.

3. Accounts Payable and Payroll through August 26, 2024, in the Amount of $3,270,862.20.

4. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – July 2024.

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

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

H. PUBLIC HEARINGS

Mayor Barnes read the following title for the record:

1. The “Distant Early Warning Public Meeting” and Consideration of the Proposed South Fourth Street Corridor Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Redevelopment Project Plan and Area.

Mayor Barnes addressed those in attendance regarding this item, stating City Manager Nicklas would provide a brief overview of the TIF process and then allow a few minutes for citizen comment. He noted that a Special Town Hall meeting would be held in the near future where all City resources would be available for a deeper dive into this topic.

City Manager Nicklas gave an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. He also noted that approximately 200 parcels were included in the proposed TIF, which is situated along the South Fourth Street corridor from Taylor Street south to Illinois Toll Highway 88 (I-88).

City Manager Nicklas also noted that a special Joint Review Board (JRB) meeting would be held on September 27, 2024, where more information would be provided.

Both Mayor Barnes and City Manager Nicklas provided their contact information for anyone wishing to speak to them regarding this topic.

Mayor Barnes then opened the meeting up for a brief Q&A.

Tim Detwiler asked what type of improvements would be eligible for industrial buildings. City Manager Nicklas replied that a current property and/or building could be eligible for rehabilitation.

City Attorney Rose noted the Illinois TIF Act statute (65 ILCS 5/11-74.4-3) specifically outlines what TIF funding can be used for.

City Manager Nicklas stated the agenda background provided for this topic provides a chart with categories that apply.

Discussion continued regarding the use of TIF funds collected.

David Zoberis noted there are properties on S. Fourth Street have drainage issues.

City Manager Nicklas stated poor drainage is a good example of a public works project that could be completed with TIF funding.

Discussion continued.

Mayor Barnes noted for the record that no TIF funded projects have been proposed to him at this time.

Alderman Perkins agreed that Mr. Zoberis’ neighborhood drainage issues is a great example, noting TIF is a great tool for consolidating and prioritizing projects.

City Manager Nicklas noted that accrual of TIF funding wouldn’t start until the end of 2025.

Mark Charvat stated this topic affects the area he lives in and encouraged others to research the disadvantages of TIF. He noted that a TIF district takes money away from schools, the library, and the City, among others, and residents will have to make up the shortfall, perhaps by paying higher taxes. Mr. Charvat also noted that residents will not get a say where the TIF money goes, adding that it seems funding always goes to the same developers.

Mr. Charvat then addressed Alderman Perkins, asking when TIF funds have gone to private citizens.

Alderman Perkins told Mr. Charvat to dig a little deeper because those projects are out there, and he (Mr. Charvat) knows it. He also told Mr. Charvat to not be disingenuous by lobbying for something he doesn’t like and that he should state his opinion and move on. Mayor Barnes agreed.

Mr. Charvat responded he has the same right as everyone else to ask questions. Both Mayor Barnes and Alderman Perkins stated he was lecturing, not asking questions.

Discussion continued between Alderman Perkins and Mr. Charvat regarding TIF funding for private homeowners.

Mayor Barnes attempted to move the meeting along, however, Mr. Charvat indicated this was a public hearing, which is treated differently than public comment.

Alderman Walker stated the proposed TIF could be used as a method to build up the southside of DeKalb, which he has seen decline drastically over the past 26 years. He commented that he doesn’t want residents to get scared or nervous about the proposed action.

Brief discussion continued.

Alderman Zasada stated she studied TIF for her capstone project in economics at Northern Illinois University (NIU). She noted the findings indicated that sometimes TIF works great and sometimes it doesn’t. She also noted that in the past, TIF has worked successfully within the DeKalb community.

Alderman Zasada continued, stating she wants to look at objective solid evidence when communicating these ideas. She then addressed Mr. Charvat, stating that while she understands what he’s trying to communicate, TIF has helped increase DeKalb’s EAV (Estimated Assessed Value), which is the goal.

Mr. Charvat responded that TIF has also increased DeKalb’s taxes.

Brief discussion ensued.

Alderman Zasada stated she’s excited about the map as presented but wondered why Huntley Middle School isn’t included. City Manager Nicklas responded that the DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 (D428) Administration Building is included in the map, as are Founders Elementary School and Lincoln Elementary School. He noted the proposed TIF will be a modest generator and there’s substantial opportunity for D428 to find some capital projects that may qualify.

Brief discussion ensued between Alderman Zasada and City Manager Nicklas.

Patrick (last name unknown), who lives within the TIF area proposed, noted his concern that taxes will be raised, which will make it more difficult for him to sell his house.

Mayor Barnes stated DeKalb’s tax rate has decreased within the last four years.

Alderman Perkins noted that the Joint Review Board (JRB), which is made up of each taxing body, will have to approve the proposed TIF before the City can move forward.

Lengthy discussion continued.

Patrick noted that he has made renovations to his home, which was built in 1946, over the years and wondered if he would have to comply with the building codes proposed within the TIF redevelopment plan.

City Manager Nicklas stated new building codes are adopted approximately every six years, and while safety within residential homes is a concern, the biggest concern is public safety within retail and industrial buildings.

Discussion continued.

Alderman Walker asked what modifications to residential homes wouldn’t qualify under TIF. City Manager Nicklas replied it’s based on available funding.

Alderman Zasada added that typically the City provides a certain percentage towards repairs with the property owner also contributing.

Mayor Barnes noted that a Town Hall meeting regarding this topic will be held within the next 30 to 45 days so that residents can voice their opinion, ask questions, etc.

Mayor Barnes thanked those residents in attendance for coming to the meeting. He noted that Resolution 2024-092, which is up for discussion at this meeting, will establish a time and place for a public hearing to consider the TIF redevelopment plan and project. Another notice will be provided to those in the proposed area and the information will be placed on the City’s website, social media pages, and in the monthly newsletter.

There was brief discussion between Mr. Charvat and City Manager Nicklas regarding the size of the proposed TIF area and past TIF areas.

Mayor Barnes closed this portion of the meeting at 7:16 p.m.

I. CONSIDERATIONS

There were none.

J. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2024-092 Establishing a Time and Place for a Public Hearing to Consider the Redevelopment Plan and Project for the South Fourth Street TIF Redevelopment Project Area.

Mark Charvat read an excerpt of an article he found while researching TIF, noting it states that one of the disadvantages of TIF districts is that they are considered unfair as they pick winners and losers in the local economy by exempting certain businesses for taxes, thereby making the burden to pay for essential services to fall to other businesses and citizens. Further, the additional tax burdens slow the growth of other businesses and reduce spending from citizens.

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. He also referenced handouts provided to the Council regarding the proposed TIF project and the timeline for moving it forward.

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

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

2. Resolution 2024-093 Authorizing an Architectural Improvement Program (AIP) Economic Incentive for the DeKalb Elks Lodge at 209 S. Annie Glidden Road in the Amount of $25,000.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic 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 a 6-0-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Recused: Perkins. Absent: Smith. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING

There were none.

L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING

1. Ordinance 2024-039 Approving the Final Development Plan for the Towneplace Suites and Fairfield Inn Hotel at 902 Peace Road (Peace Road Hotels LLC).

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Perkins 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.

Alderman Zasada asked how big the swimming pool would be, to which the owner, Pramit Patel, replied it would be bigger than the pool at the local Hampton Inn and Home2Suites, noting the pool size is based on the number of rooms within the hotel.

Discussion ensued.

Alderman Larson asked if the businesses surrounding the proposed hotel will remain, to which Mr. Patel indicated they would.

Alderman Zasada asked if the parking area of the hotel would contain electric car chargers. Mr. Patel stated there would initially be four, with room to grow to eight.

Mayor Barnes thanked Mr. Patel for continuing to invest in the community.

Alderman Larson stated the addition of this hotel will provide accommodations for those attending local events who would normally stay outside of DeKalb.

Mr. Pramit added that the hotel will also allow Marriott reward members to stay locally.

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

MOTION: Alderman Walker 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, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

2. Ordinance 2024-040 Authorizing Northern Illinois Gas Company (d/b/a Nicor Gas Company), Its Successors and Assigns, to Construct, Operate, and Maintain a Gas Distributing System In and Through the City of DeKalb, and Approving a Letter of Agreement Concerning a Therm Allocation Without Charge to the 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 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 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

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

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

3. Ordinance 2024-041 Providing for an Increase or Decrease in the Salary of the Elected Officers of the City of DeKalb for the Terms of Office Beginning in May 2025 and May 2027.

Mark Charvat stated he feels it’s unprofessional for this ordinance to specifically name an individual (the former City Clerk). He noted that while he doesn’t believe the former City Clerk performed the role well, he believes he did attempt to do so. He added that he hopes the referendum fails, noting that zeroing out the salary is punitive. Mr. Charvat also stated he believes the City Clerk salary is being zeroed out in order to give the City Council a raise.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Perkins 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.

Alderman Zasada asked if there will be an opportunity to reinstate the salary for the City Clerk if the referendum fails. It was determined there would not be.

City Manager Nicklas stated the result of the referendum is unknown. If it fails, someone may still run to be elected to the office. He also noted that the Executive Assistant/Recording Secretary has completed duties of the City Clerk for the past 10 years.

Alderman Zasada stated she understands the struggles the role has brought upon the City, however, her hesitation to vote in favor of the ordinance is because she thinks the salary should remain as is until it’s been decided by the public one way or another via the referendum.

Alderman Walker asked how that could be done. City Attorney Rose replied that the salary for any official office must be set no less than 180 days before the term of office begins, therefore, the decision of the Council must be made now.

Alderman Zasada asked if the salary would go to no one if it were to remain in place and the public decided to eliminate the role. City Attorney Rose stated that was correct.

Alderman Zasada stated she didn’t see the harm in that as the City would keep the money.

Alderman Perkins asked if the role would be voluntary if the salary were zeroed out. City Attorney Rose stated that was correct.

Alderman Larson stated that no elected City Clerk has completed their term since the one elected in 2009, therefore, zeroing out the salary makes sense. She also stated she doesn’t want the salary to be dispersed to the City Council.

City Manager Nicklas stated if Council approves the ordinance, it would be spending less by almost $8,000 if the Clerk were still in office.

Alderman Walker agreed with Alderman Larson’s comments. He further stated that the City has had some not so good Clerks in the past and he doesn’t want to play around with it anymore. He also noted that the last City Clerk ran unopposed.

Continuing, Alderman Walker stated that the City’s documents and records need to be in order and the person doing it now (the Executive Assistant/Recording Secretary) is doing an excellent job and he trusts her. He noted his support of the ordinance.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: Zasada. Absent: Smith. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

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

Alderman Larson asked if the next vote is only in reference to a salary increase for those seats up for reelection. It was determined that the vote would be for the entire ordinance.

Mayor Barnes commented that the increase would be approximately less than 2.5%. Alderman Zasada stated she’s in support of the salary increase for the Council. Brief discussion ensued.

Alderman Perkins stated the two issues are not connected, adding the salary isn’t being taken from the City Clerk role and being given to the City Council, regardless of how it’s presented, and how some may speak about it.

Mayor Barnes agreed.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 5-2-1 roll call vote. Aye: Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: Zasada, Larson. Absent: Smith. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

4. Ordinance 2024-042 Amending Chapter 50 “Citizens’ Environmental Commission”, Section 50.01 “Establishment”, and Section 50.02 “Membership”, as it Pertains to Reducing the Number of Regular Members from Eight to Six.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic 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.

Alderman Larson stated meetings of the Citizens’ Environmental Commission (CEC) have had to be cancelled recently as there has been a lack of a quorum. She noted the new CEC chair, Julie Jesmer, has some wonderful ideas and the chapter amendment would be beneficial.

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

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

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

M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Council Member Reports.

Alderman Walker thanked Mayor Barnes for the proclamation regarding Senior Citizens, stating he asked for it in honor of two citizens he became acquainted with along his UPS route who challenged him to become more engaged in his community.

Alderman Verbic reported on the upcoming Airport Advisory Board (AAB) meeting on August 27, 2024.

Referring to Alderman Walker’s report, Alderman Perkins thanked him for answering the challenge.

Alderman Larson thanked those who attended Corn Fest, noting it was a great time. She also thanked the Public Works Department for the excellent job they did cleaning up afterwards.

Alderman Zasada reported she had to miss Corn Fest this year due to a medical issue. She added that she is planning a Ward 1 meeting after she’s healed.

Maor Barnes provided a report on the recent meetings and events he’s attended, including Corn Fest, noting it was well attended and fairly uneventful. He also thanked the Corn Fest Board for the work they do to pull off the event, as well as the City’s Public Works, Fire, and Police Departments for keeping attendees safe.

Continuing his report, Mayor Barnes noted his attendance at the recent Veterans Mural on the Plaza DeKalb Building on Second Street near Van Buer Plaza. He noted that during the presentation of the mural, speakers took the time to talk about veteran suicide and encouraged the community to be engaged with veterans they know.

Alderman Powell reported his attendance at Corn Fest, noting it was great. He also reported that he has relocated his business from Sycamore to DeKalb, and that he will be hosting a Ward 5 meeting on August 28, 2024.

2. City Manager Report.

City Manager Nicklas also thanked those City departments that assisted with Corn Fest. N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Barnes read the following executive session exception for the record:

1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss the Purchase or Lease of Real Property as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5).

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

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and recessed the meeting at 7:50 p.m.

Following adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Barnes opened the meeting to the public at 8:14 p.m.

O. ADJOURNMENT

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

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 8:14 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08262024-2578