DeKalb Times

City of Sycamore City Council met March 17.

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 Ben Bumpus, Nancy Copple, Alicia Cosky, Jeff Fischer, Virginia Sherrod, who arrived at 6:05 pm after roll call, Chuck Stowe, who arrived at 6:01 pm after roll call, and Alan Bauer. Alderman Pete Paulsen was absent. Attorney Keith 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.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, Fischer, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 6-0

AUDIENCE TO VISITORS

CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of March 3, 2025.

B. Payment of the Bills for March 17, 2025, in the amount of $1,517,537.84.

MOTION

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

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bumpus, Copple, Cosky, Fischer, Stowe, and Bauer voted aye. Motion carried 6-0

APPOINTMENTS

PRESENTATION, PETITIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS

A. A Presentation by the Sycamore Police Department of the 2024 Annual Report.

City Manager Michael Hall announced Police Chief Jim Winters to present the 2024 Annual Report as his last official act as chief before retiring.

Police Chief Jim Winters presented the annual report giving thanks to Deputy Chief Meeks, Sergeant Binkowski, Sergeant Hooper, and Jen Diehl for their work on the report. The report is a fine representation of what the Officers, Student Resource Officers, and Detectives do every day to make this a safe and good community. He pointed out the crime statistics noting that Sycamore continues to be a safe community due to the wholistic approach of communication between the police department, city council, businesses, school district, and residents, as a group effort. He said the officers are on the street and they do a great job. The report speaks for itself. In closing he thanked the council for all their support of the police department over his tenure.

B. Swearing-in and Pinning of Erik Mahan, Police Chief.

City Manager Michael Hall announced the swearing-in of new Police Chief Erik Mahan and said that this was a long process with interviews and assessment center activities from January to March. He stood out as the best candidate for Sycamore for which he’s also been a Sycamore resident for 20 years and knows the community very well.

City Clerk Mary Kalk swore in Chief Erik Mahan as the new Police Chief.

Police Chief Erik Mahan said to Mayor Braser, Council members, City Manager Michael Hall, residents, and guests that he is honored and humbled to stand before them in service as the new Chief of Police. He thanked Michael Hall and the selection team for placing their trust in him and believing his vision for the Sycamore Police Department. He thanked Chief Jim Winters for his model of leadership and professionalism and for his help to him over the last few weeks. He said he was honored to be joined by his supportive and loving family. He is also humbled to stand before members of the Sycamore Police Department as it is his intention that the Sycamore Police Department continue to provide professional police services with a sense of duty and a high level of accountability. They will continue to be engaged with community partners and work to enhance those relationships wherever possible.

REPORTS OF STAFF, COMMITTEES, AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PUBLIC HEARINGS

A. Monthly Financial Report

City Manager Michael Hall said noted that that the two reports are a summary of the 2024 budget and the current 2025.

B. New Fire Station Update on Bidding Process

City Manager Michael Hall gave an update on the fire station that the bids came in for the subcontractors. He reviewed as per the agenda. There were more details from the handout just received which will is included here within. He said that this is the “not to exceed” number that he will sign as its still within the budget.

Greg Kladar, Ringland Johnson, said they have been working with the bidders over the last several days regarding the pricing, saying that “this is their trade knowing the pricing”.

Alderman Bauer confirmed that the low bid in each type of work is accepted.

Alderman Bumpus asked if the bidders are aware and said some council members received an email from a bidder who “had a touch of confusion about the process”. He asked who should respond.

Greg Klardar said they have not made any contractors aware as they will not move ahead without the city’s approval with a formal review.

City Manager Michael Hall said that the city will respond to the email.

REPORT: Alderman Bauer reported that he received a call from Mike Emmert, to make aware, that the VFW and American Legion is planning a 4th of July celebration for Sycamore.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

ORDINANCES

A. Ordinance No. 2025.03 – An Ordinance Amending the Combined Annual Budget and Appropriation Ordinance for the Fiscal Year 2024 in the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this is a state requirement to revise the budget each year based on the actual revenue and expenditure amounts.

MOTION

Alderman Bauer motioned to waive First Reading for Ordinance 2025.03 and Alderman Stowe seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

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

MOTION

Alderman Bauer motioned to adopt Ordinance 2025.03 and Alderman Stowe seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

B. Ordinance No. 2025.04 – An Ordinance Approving a Request by Steve Glasgow of Primm Commercial Development for Review and Approval of a Preliminary Development Plan and Plat in Accordance with Section 4.4.5.C of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance for the Properties Located 2145, 2235, 2265 and 2325 Primm Drive in Primm Prairie Commercial Subdivision (PIN Numbers 06-21-154-004, 06-21-154-003, 06-21-154-002 and 06-21-154-001 respectively) in Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.

City Manager Michael Hall said this comes with a favorable recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC). Staff have also reviewed the development plan and plat and also recommend approval. This is the first step in a multi-step process. The next step will be for the PZC and Council to approve the zoning changes and a PUD (Planned Unit Development) for the project to move forward.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to waive First Reading for Ordinance 2025.04 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.

MOTION

Alderman Stowe motioned to adopt Ordinance 2025.04 and Alderman Bauer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

C. Ordinance No. 2025.05 – An Ordinance Approving a Resubdivision of 103 of Krpan’s Parkside Estates, Unit Three and Lots 137 and 138 of Krpan’s Parkside Estates, Unit Four. (PINS: 09-04-127-001, 09-04-127-009, 09-04-127-010 respectively). First and Second Reading.

City Manager Michael Hall said this comes with a favorable recommendation from the PZC for a resubdivision combining two lots and taking 20 feet of the combined lot and adding it to Lot 103. Staff have reviewed and recommend approval.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to waive First Reading for Ordinance 2025.05 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.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to adopt Ordinance 2025.05 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

D. Ordinance No. 2025.06 – An Ordinance Approving Amendments to Article 1.3, Definitions, Article 5.3.1, Table of Permitted Uses, Article 6.2.D.1, Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, and Outdoor Spas and Article 6.8, Signs of the Sycamore Unified Development Ordinance. First and Second Reading.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this also comes from PZC with a favorable recommendation on amendments to various articles drawing on best practices and updates. The goal of these changes is to improve clarity and making the code easier to navigate.

MOTION

Alderman Fischer motioned to waive First Reading for Ordinance 2025.06 and Alderperson Copple seconded the motion.

VOICE VOTE

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

MOTION

Alderman Fischer motioned to adopt Ordinance 2025.06 and Alderperson Copple seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

RESOLUTIONS

A. Resolution No. 1003 – A Resolution Approving Roadway Construction utilizing Motor Fuel Tax Funds for FY 25 for the City of Sycamore.

City Manager Michael Hall said this resolution allocates up to $900,000 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds towards this year’s road projects.

MOTION

Alderman Bumpus motioned to approve Resolution 1003 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

B. Resolution No. 1004 – A Resolution Approving Preliminary and Construction Engineering Services with Municipal Engineering Corporation for Motor Fuel Tax Funds for FY 25 for the City of Sycamore

City Manager Michael Hall said this resolution allows for Motor Fuel Tax Funds to be used for engineering services for the fee of 11.5% of construction value.

MOTION

Alderman Stowe motioned to approve Resolution 1004 and Alderman Bauer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

C. Resolution No. 1005 – A Resolution Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement for Participation in the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN).

City Manager Michael Hall said that this updates agreement with the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network where over 400 agencies are part of the program. They updated their mutual aid bylaws as per the agenda.

MOTION

Alderperson Cosky motioned to approve Resolution 1005 and Alderperson Sherrod seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

D. Resolution No. 1006 – A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Director of Public Works to Sign Contracts, Including Joint Participation Agreements, with the State of Illinois to Participate in the State of Illinois’ CY2025- CY2026 Rock Salt Joint Participation Agreement, in the City of Sycamore, Illinois.

City Manager Michael Hall said the city does this every year allowing for the purchase of rock salt for the next year.

MOTION

Alderman Bumpus motioned to approve Resolution 1006 and Alderman Fischer seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

CONSIDERATIONS

OTHER NEW BUSINESS

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION

Alderman Stowe motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:29 p.m. and Alderperson Cosky 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/Agenda/_04072025-348