DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council met Nov. 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Regular meeting on November 25, 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.

Also in attendance were 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 Powell moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Alderman Smith.

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

There were none.

E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mark Charvat spoke regarding his opposition to the proposed S. Fourth Street TIF district. He stated he attended a meeting where Mayor Barnes stated if the residents didn’t want the TIF, the City wouldn’t move forward with it. Mr. Charvat further stated he doesn’t believe the residents are ready, with some wanting more information and others firmly against it. He also noted his belief that the map of the proposed TIF district keeps changing.

Continuing, Mr. Charvat reiterated comments made at previous Council meetings regarding his concern that taxing bodies will raise taxes in order to recoup monies lost to the TIF district. He encouraged the Council to vote no on the proposed S. Fourth Street TIF.

F. APPOINTMENTS

There were none.

G. CONSENT AGENDA

Mayor Barnes read the items on the Consent Agenda by title only.

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

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

3. Accounts Payable and Payroll through November 25, 2024, in the Amount of $5,908,876.73.

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

5. DeKalb Police Pension Fund Municipal Compliance Report for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023.

6. DeKalb Fire Pension Fund Municipal Compliance Report for the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2023.

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

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: Proposed FY2025 Budget.

Mayor Barnes read the above title for the record and opened the Public Hearing at 6:05 p.m.

Mark Charvat stated he gives the City an A+ on their portion of the tax levy, noting he fully supports its actions to help taxpayers. He also stated he isn’t pleased with the levy originally proposed by the DeKalb Public Library Board, nor is he pleased with the amount the board reduced it to. Mr. Charvat told the Council that even though they think they can’t change the library’s levy, he believes they can. He then read an excerpt of minutes from the November 24, 2008, Council minutes where the then seated Council did reduce the library’s levy. He also noted that he searched state statute and found nothing that indicates the Council can’t change the levy and asked for the citation of law in effect that says so.

Continuing, Mr. Charvat spoke regarding new hires in the proposed FY2025 budget. He stated he believes adding additional employees will only make the City’s pension liability worse, causing more problems in the future. Mr. Charvat also referred to the portion of the budget that provides snow plowing and shoveling for downtown properties/businesses, adding no other business in DeKalb receives that perk. He doesn’t think it’s fair and suggested it be removed from the proposed budget.

Mayor Barnes closed at 6:10 p.m.

I. CONSIDERATIONS

There were none.

J. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2024-115 Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) Relating to the South Fourth Street Tax Increment Financing District By and Between the City of DeKalb, DeKalb County, DeKalb Community Unit School District No. 428, DeKalb Township, DeKalb Township Road and Bridge District, DeKalb Park District, Kishwaukee Community College, DeKalb Public Library, DeKalb Forest Preserve District, and Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

City Manager Nicklas gave an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. He also spoke to beliefs that the map keeps changing, stating early on in the process the Joint Review Board (JRB) determined that the geography of the map be cut down and so it was. Since then, the map included within the backup material of this agenda, and the map provided to residents within the proposed TIF district, is the correct map.

City Manager Nicklas then addressed beliefs that not everyone within the proposed TIF district received proper notice. He stated that each parcel listed within the S. Fourth Street TIF Redevelopment Plan and Project document received proper notice by regular mail on August 6, 2024, and September 13, 2024, and by certified mail on October 11, 2024. He noted that each of the mailings is referenced in a detailed report that can be requested through the City’s FOIA process.

Alderman Verbic noted that this process has come a long way and thanked City Manager Nicklas and his staff for their work. He also noted that the agreement lists the DeKalb County Forest Preserve as the DeKalb Forest Preserve.

Alderman Zasada stated she believes this is a brilliant solution to the challenges on S. Fourth Street.

Alderman Perkins thanked City Manager Nicklas for his work regarding the proposed TIF district.

Alderman Walker noted his concern that taxing bodies will raise their taxes to recoup monies lost to the proposed TIF district and asked if wording could be added to the IGA that states the taxing bodies can’t raise their levies.

City Manager Nicklas stated the IGA includes a section that indicates the Council will review every TIF project put before it for approval or denial. He also noted that the other taxing bodies could be asking themselves the same thing about the City, adding he believes the framework of the IGA is good and fair.

Mayor Barnes stated the idea of raising taxes to recoup monies hasn’t been in any of the conversations he’s had with the school district or other taxing bodies.

Alderman Perkins stated the IGA is set up in a way that each taxing body, including the City, will have to account for its actions.

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.

2. Resolution 2024-116 Authorizing Agreements for Insurance Coverage Effective December 1, 2024, through December 1, 2025, in the Amount of $869,453.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

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

There was brief discussion regarding increased insurance pricing, customer service, and the possibility of changing deductible levels.

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 2024-117 Authorizing an Engineering Services Agreement with Baxter & Woodman to Provide Detailed Design, Permitting, and Bidding Services for a 16-Inch Transmission Main of Approximately 3.8 Miles for a Not-To Exceed Price of $510,000.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

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

Brief discussion ensued. A representative from Baxter & Woodman provided a timeline of the project.

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

1. Ordinance 2024-053 Authorizing the 2024 Levy and 2025 Collection of Taxes in and for the Corporate and Municipal Purposes and Special Service Areas of the City of DeKalb for Fiscal Year 2025.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve Second 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 Walker asked why the City can’t change the library’s levy.

City Attorney Rose responded that the issue has come up repeatedly throughout Illinois local government history. He explained that the Local Library Act provides language that states the City shall accept the corporate levy of the library. Although the library is a department of the City, it’s also known as a quasi-independent body. If the City were to reject the library’s levy and the library challenged it, they would likely prevail. City Attorney Rose also referred to a case from the 1980s – Gill vs. the City of Rockford – which speaks to this issue.

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. Ordinance 2024-054 Abating Taxes Levied for Corporate Purposes of the City of DeKalb, Illinois for the Tax Year 2024 (Bonds).

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to approve Second 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.

L. Ordinances – first reading

1. Ordinance 2024-059 Adopting the Annual Budget and Non-Bargaining Unit Pay Plan of the City of DeKalb, Illinois for the Fiscal Year Beginning January 1, 2025, and Ending December 31, 2025.

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 Smith thanked City Manager Nicklas for budgeting extra funds for street repair. Mayor Barnes thanked Alderman Smith for being an advocate for repairing the City’s streets.

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. Ordinance 2024-060 Approving the Tax Increment Redevelopment Plan and Project for the South Fourth Street TIF Redevelopment Project Area.

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 Perkins stated that as far back as he can remember, this area of DeKalb has gone unaddressed, noting it’s the same as it was 50 years ago. Properties have degraded over time, businesses have closed, and property values have decreased. He believes the proposed TIF district will be a great tool to develop the area.

Alderman Powell agreed, stating S. Fourth Street deserves the same attention other areas of DeKalb has received. He also noted that he hasn’t received pushback from any of the residents.

Alderman Walker stated he understands what’s being said but wondered if this is the best area for a TIF district. He referenced that the far east side of DeKalb also needs attention. Alderman Walker also stated this is a long time commitment for something that might not work.

Brief discussion ensued between Alderman Perkins and Alderman Walker.

Mayor Barnes stated he agrees with Alderman Perkins and Alderman Powell, adding that the S. Fourth Street corridor has been dwindling for years. He noted that this portion of the City is an important entry point to the community, so he supports using TIF as a catalyst for development and the improvement of life for its residents.

Alderman Perkins stated one great thing about TIF is that it ensures the money collected stays within the district.

Brief discussion ensued.

Alderman Larson stated she believes each Council member supports the need to deliver best services to DeKalb as a whole, regardless of the ward they represent.

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

3. Ordinance 2024-061 Designating the South Fourth Street TIF Redevelopment Project Area. Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Larson 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 stated he would be interested in seeing what could be done on E. Lincoln Highway as it is also an important gateway into the community.

City Manager Nicklas stated that previous Councils had that opportunity because there was a TIF that extended all the way to the airport. He noted that while it was an expansive TIF, the administration at that time was putting monies coming in towards general operating purposes while other things/projects were not being considered or done. City Manager Nicklas added he likes how this Council is approaching this subject matter.

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

4. Ordinance 2024-062 Adopting Tax Increment Financing for the South Fourth Street TIF Redevelopment Project Area.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

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

M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Council Member Reports.

Alderman Perkins commented on recent events in DeKalb, noting during one such event the downtown area was swarming with people, which he though was very cool.

Alderman Zasada reminded residents of her Ward 1 meeting scheduled for December 3, 2024, at Jefferson Elementary School.

Alderman Walker recognized the Public Works Department for the great job they do taking care of DeKalb’s streets. He also wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Alderman Verbic also wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.

Mayor Barnes reported on recent meetings and events he’s attended, including the WLBK radio show and the Let’s Talk Turkey Event, where a record number of turkeys were donated, as well as monetary donations. He noted another fundraising event sponsored by WLBK, Freezing for Food, will be held at Hy-Vee in the near future. Concluding his report, Mayor Barnes thanked Alderman Perkins for driving the discussion with the library regarding their tax levy.

2. City Manager Report.

City Manager Nicklas wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, as did Mayor Barnes.

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

There was none.

O. ADJOURNMENT

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

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 7:19 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/DocumentCenter/View/18456/3-112524-Regular-Minutes