DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council met Dec. 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Regular meeting on December 9, 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 at roll call: Alderman Barb Larson, Alderman Tracy Smith, Alderman Greg Perkins, Alderman Mike Verbic, Alderman John Walker, and Mayor Cohen Barnes. Alderman Andre Powell arrived at 6:02 p.m. Alderman Carolyn Zasada was absent.

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

B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

City of DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd led the Pledge of Allegiance.

C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

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

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Zasada, Powell. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.

D. PRESENTATIONS

There were none.

E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

There was none.

F. APPOINTMENTS

There were none.

G. CONSENT AGENDA

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

1. Minutes of the Special City Council and Finance Advisory Committee Meeting of November 18, 2024.

2. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of November 25, 2024.

3. Accounts Payable and Payroll through December 9, 2024, in the Amount of $2,503,537.50.

4. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through October 2024.

5. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through October 2024.

6. Crime Free Housing Bureau Report – November 2024.

7. Approval of the 2025 Notice of Annual Schedule of Regular Meetings.

8. Resolution 2024-118 Approving the Cancelation of the December 23, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Council, and Approving the Payment of Invoices for the Second Part of December Prior to the January 13, 2025, Regular Meeting of City Council.

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

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

H. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. Proposed FY2025 Budget.

Mayor Barnes read the above title for the record and opened the Public Hearing at 6:03 p.m.

No one from the public spoke to this item.

Mayor Barnes closed the Public Hearing at 6:03 p.m.

I. CONSIDERATIONS

There were none.

J. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2024-119 Appropriating Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Funds in the Amount of $2,251,000 for Maintaining Various Streets and Highways Under the Applicable Provisions of the Illinois Highway Code (Section 25-00000-00-GM) from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Smith 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.

Alderman Smith stated he appreciates the extra effort being made to repair DeKalb’s infrastructure.

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

2. Resolution 2024-120 Authorizing an Agreement for Preliminary Engineering Services with Fehr Graham & Associates, LLC for the 2025 General Street Maintenance Program in an Amount Not to Exceed $165,000.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic 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.

Mayor Barnes stated the number one thing he and the Aldermen hear about is the poor conditions of DeKalb’s infrastructure, noting the Council is committed to budgeting additional dollars for infrastructure repairs a priority for DeKalb’s residents.

City Manager Nicklas stated that he, and City staff, appreciates the Council’s support.

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

3. Resolution 2024-121 Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with Northern Illinois University to Provide Safety Services Including Fire Protection and Ambulance Service from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2029.

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 were no questions or comments from the Council.

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

K. ORDINANCES – SECOND 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 Smith moved to approve Second Reading of the ordinance; 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 a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Zasada. 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 Second Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Powell.

Dewayne Brown noted he is not in support of this item, stating growth on S. Fourth Street should be organic and not through a TIF district.

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

Alderman Perkins noted his support for the TIF district, stating the Fourth and Fifth Wards have been waiting for organic growth of the proposed area for over 50 years and hopes a TIF district, used effectively, will be the right tool.

Alderman Walker noted his agreement with Mr. Brown’s comments, adding he isn’t in support of this item.

Alderman Larson noted her support of the TIF district, as did Mayor Barnes.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Barnes. Nay: Walker. Absent: Zasada. 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 Second Reading of the ordinance; 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 a 6-1-1 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Barnes. Nay: Walker. Absent: Zasada. 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 Smith 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.

Mayor Barnes commented on concerns about the TIF district costing more money than it’s worth, noting that may be true if not for the unprecedented economic development taking place on the south side of DeKalb. He also noted that the impact of the TIF district on taxing bodies compared to the revenue coming in from the south side outweighs tax dollars the taxing bodies are going to miss out on.

Alderman Walker asked what happens in a few years when the revenue coming in now lessens and taxing bodies raise their levies.

Mayor Barnes stated developer interest in DeKalb is still strong, and while anything’s possible, development, and redevelopment, is expected to continue.

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

Mayor Barnes stated he’s very excited for the residents of the Fourth and Fifth Wards. L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING

1. Ordinance 2024-063 Amending Chapter 24 “Building Code”.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

Building Code Review Board Chair Chuck Shepard briefly commented on the work that’s gone into the recommended amendments to Chapter 24 over the last 10 months. He also requested that second reading of the ordinance be waived.

Mayor Barnes thanked Mr. Shepard and the Building Code Review Board for their efforts.

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

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

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

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

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

2. Ordinance 2024-064 Amending Chapter 5 “Fire Department”, Section 5.14 “False Fire Alarm Fee”, and Section 5.15 “Fire Hydrants and Fire Department Connections”.

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, noting the Chapter 5 amendments coincide with the Chapter 24 amendments.

There were no questions or comments from the Council.

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

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

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

3. Ordinance 2024-065 Authorizing the Extension of the Waiver of Water Impact Fees on New Construction in the City of DeKalb Until April 1, 2025.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

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

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

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

4. Ordinance 2024-066 Approving a Special Use Permit for a Four-Unit Apartment Building at 1015 Market Street (Legend Restoration).

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Smith 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.

It was noted that construction would start as soon as the owner obtains a building permit.

Mayor Barnes stated he’s excited to see development in the area and thanked the owner for his investment in the community. He also encouraged the owner to reach out to staff or Council for assistance if needed.

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

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

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

M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Council Member Reports.

Alderman Larson noted the downtown area looks fabulous with the addition of Christmas lights. She then encouraged residents to remove leaves from storm drains to prevent blockage. Closing out her report, Alderman Larson wished everyone a happy holiday season.

Alderman Walker commended LRS representative Katie Nearing for her responsiveness to issues in the Seventh Ward regarding trash pickup. Both Mayor Barnes and Alderman Powell agreed with Alderman Walker’s comments.

Alderman Verbic wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Alderman Perkins wished everyone a happy holiday season.

Mayor Barnes wished everyone happy holidays and merry Christmas. He then reported on recent meetings and events he’s attended, including the DeKalb Police Department Christmas party, a tour of Barb City Manor, a meeting with John Smith of the Let’s Dance/Make it Happen event, and an IML Board of Directors meeting.

2. City Manager Report.

City Manager Nicklas wished everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

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

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

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Zasada. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and recessed the Regular meeting at 6:45 p.m.

Following adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Barnes opened the meeting to the public at 7:25 p.m.

O. ADJOURNMENT

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

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, Perkins, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Zasada. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the Regular meeting at 7:26 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/DocumentCenter/View/18575/3-120924-Regular-Minutes