DeKalb Times

City of Sycamore City Council met Sept. 3.

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 Pete Paulsen, who arrived at 6:01 pm after roll call, Chuck Stowe, Alan Bauer, Ben Bumpus, Nancy Copple, Alicia Cosky, and Jeff Fischer. Alderperson Virginia Sherrod was absent. Attorney Kevin Foster was also present.

INNVOCATION led by Alderperson Nancy Copple

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Alderperson Nancy Copple

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOTION

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

VOICE VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a voice vote to approve the motion. All Alderpersons voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

AUDIENCE TO VISITORS

Bill Schofield, 215 Wilkins Road, recapped his experience with his trailer being parked on the city street violating city ordinance 6-2-8. He previously mentioned city violations and named more specific ones. He once again asked what recourse the taxpayer has when the city violates their own ordinances and what is a reasonable time for the city to rectify these violations. He feels he is being targeted and harassed and asked for progress.

Brian Grainger, 662 Zagreb Avenue, referenced the letter he wrote that was included in the agenda packet and said that he respectfully wants to speak to the council, if the ordinance from the previous meeting is reconsidered, addressing density, windows, and mental health issues that were mentioned.

Kathy Nuss, 26 Briden Lane, said that she is in support of Brian Grainger’s proposal and is concerned that their home values will decrease if this isn’t approved or is no longer being dedicated to seniors and is asking for fair consideration from the council.

James Stuart, 41 Briden Lane, asked the council to reconsider the vote and take the facts that they are an over 55 years of age community with no children, their driveways are wide and mostly empty, there are very few work commuters, and errands are generally done on off-peak times. These facts warrant special consideration from the council, either making an exception to the regulation, or amending the existing regulations.

Bonnie Nowinski, 51 Briden Lane, read a letter that was sent to the council from neighbor Rick Vogler, 64 Briden Lane, explaining the mobility issues of being in a wheelchair and said that although the Americans with Disabilities Act has greatly increased the existence of ramps, etc. for access to a home. Brian Grainger thinks outside of the box regarding daily functions.

Kevin Bunge, 25729 Schafer Rd, Clare, spoke about density making sure the comparison was “apples to apples” in not comparing the square footage of the buildings but density of units which is the people. These units average 1.4-1.5 people per unit while apartments have an average of 3 people per unit so in terms of people, this really is low-density. He also noted that Old Mill Park has the same separation of buildings and has no issues.

Eli Hamingson, 1750 Briggs Street, member of the community and the Planning & Zoning Commission for a number of years, said he has heard all the proposals and participated in the Comprehensive Plan. According to the plan this is a perfect fit, providing a variety of housing, senior living, and proximity to downtown. He asked the council to reconsider.

CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of August 19, 2024.

B. Payment of the Bills for September 3, 2024, in the amount of $681,488.64.

MOTION

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

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Paulsen, Stowe, Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, and Fischer voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

APPOINTMENTS

Community Development Director John Sauter introduced Community Planner Carter Moran who started on June 17th. He graduated from Ball State University with a Master’s Degree in Urban & Regional Planning and comes with a wide and solid toolbox of skills for the city as he’s already been very helpful.

Mayor Braser reported that Community Planner Carter Moran has been appointed to the DeKalb County Regional Planning Commission.

PRESENTATION OF PETITIONS, COMMUNICATIONS, AND BILLS

City Manager Michael Hall wants to give an opportunity to anyone who wants to reconsider their vote on Ordinance 2024.13 regarding Brian Grainger’s petition. Seeing interest, he explained the procedure in that the motion must come from a prevailing “no” vote member, be seconded from any member, and will then be opened back up with a majority of votes. It would go to discussion and the ordinance would be voted upon again.

MOTION

Alderperson Cosky motioned to reconsider the vote on Ordinance 2024.13 and Alderman Bumpus seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Paulsen, Bumpus, and Cosky voted aye while Alderpersons Stowe, Bauer, Copple, and Fischer voted nay. Motion failed 3-4.

Alderperson Copple said there is no question or doubt about the wonderful product Mr. Grainger provides and the service that he gives to people it’s just that the city has parameters, one of which is density. She loved the original plan.

Alderman Bauer echoed Alderperson Copple, agreeing that Grainger’s workmanship is outstanding and said he would vote yes if he just complied with the ordinance. He asked Mr. Grainger to fix the density and setbacks reducing one six-unit building.

A. Presentation by City Manager Michael Hall Regarding the City’s Long-Range Strategic Objectives.

City Manager Michael Hall spoke about the Key Accomplishments and the City’s Long-Range Strategic Objectives as per the agenda asking for consensus and explaining one of the primary roles of the council as a legislative body is to create visions or ideas. These are not goals but big ideas to consider for the next five to 10 years for primary services and service levels. He asked the council to review and rank them in order of importance. These will be brought back to council to vote and move forward.

REPORT OF OFFICERS

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. 2024.14 – An Ordinance Amending Title 1, “Administration,” Chapter 6, “City Council,” Section 5, “Committees,” in the City Code of the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this ordinance modifies the code to remove the standing committees replacing it with the ability to create special committees as needed.

Alderman Bumpus asked what happens after the vote as this is addressing the wrong problem as these committees were vehicles to help the city stay accountable or move forward. Getting rid of these and creating new ones doesn’t create value.

Alderman Bauer said there never used to be a finance department so the committee would deliberate and review every line item in the budget taking two to three hours for two nights. Now, there is a Finance Department who creates a budget for the council to review and approve. We have the City Manager managing and doing evaluations of streets, sewer, safety, etc. It’s all happening because of the internal management structure.

Alderman Stowe added that it was months to review the individual items in the budget as at that time the city had a mayor, a city clerk, and a treasurer that made up the administration before they had an administration. The committee chairmen would say what work to do and order the trucks needed. These committees have become superfluous.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to waive First Reading for Ordinance 2024.14 and Alderman Fischer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Paulsen, Stowe, Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, and Fischer voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to adopt Ordinance 2024.14 and Alderman Fischer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Paulsen, Stowe, Bauer, Copple, Cosky, and Fischer voted aye while Alderman Bumpus voted nay. Motion passed 6-1.

B. Ordinance No. 2024.15 – An Ordinance Establishing and Fixing Compensation for Mayor, Liquor Commissioner, and City Clerk of the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this ordinance is set every four years setting the salaries. There is no change for the mayor’s salary but there is a 3% cost of living increase for the city clerk. If the referendum passes, the part of the ordinance for the city clerk will be null and void.

MOTION

Alderman Fischer motioned to waive First Reading for Ordinance 2024.15 and Alderperson Copple seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Paulsen, Stowe, Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, and Fischer voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

MOTION

Alderman Fischer motioned to adopt Ordinance 2024.15 and Alderperson Copple seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Paulsen, Stowe, Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, and Fischer voted aye. Motion passed 7-0.

C. Ordinance No. 2024.16 – An Ordinance Amending Title 6, “Motor Vehicles and Traffic,” Chapter 4, “Traffic Schedules,” Section 10, “No Parking Zones,” in the City Code of the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.

City Manager Michael Hall said this is to update the code for some striping and parking that was left off and never amended as an oversight.

City Engineer Mark Bushnell noted the typo should reflect Mediterranean not Mercantile Drive.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to waive First Reading for Ordinance 2024.16 and Alderperson Cosky seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Paulsen, Stowe, Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, and Fischer voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to adopt Ordinance 2024.16 and Alderman Stowe seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Paulsen, Stowe, Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, and Fischer voted aye. Motion failed 7-0.

RESOLUTIONS

CONSIDERATIONS

OTHER NEW BUSINESS

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION

Alderman Stowe motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:51 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 7-0.

https://www.cityofsycamore.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09032024-309