DeKalb Times

City of Sycamore City Council met July. 21.

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 Alan Bauer, Ben Bumpus, Nancy Copple, Mike Rodriguez, Virginia Sherrod, Chuck Stowe, and Marvin Barnes. Alderperson Alicia Cosky was absent. Attorney Keith Foster was also present.

INNVOCATION

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE led by Scouting America Troop 18.

The Scouting America Troop 18 also said the Scout Oath.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to approve the agenda and Alderman Barnes seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

AUDIENCE TO VISITORS

Michael Villalta, 1830 Truman, regarding the 1% grocery tax, asked if it is in the best interest to charge a consumed food tax and asked the council to do the right thing and not charge people just for living.

Adam Benn, 339 Roger’s Way, regarding the 1% grocery tax, asked the council to reconsider if the tax is really needed as more people will shop in Sycamore if it is not passed. He asked to let “Life Offer More in Sycamore” and not have this tax.

CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of June 16, 2025.

B. Payment of the Bills for July 7, 2025, in the amount of $1,486,583.90.

C. Payment of the Bills for July 21, 2025, in the amount of $1,355,833.57.

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 Bauer, Bumpus, Copple, Rodriguez, Sherrod, Stowe, and Barnes voted aye. Motion carried 7-0.

APPOINTMENTS

PRESENTATION, PETITIONS, AND PROCLAMATIONS

A. Swearing-in and Pinning of Ryan Hooper, Deputy Police Chief.

The Police Chief said that this is a special day for the Sycamore Police Department. He gave some background on Sergeant Hooper.

City Clerk Mary Kalk swore in Deputy Chief Ryan Hooper.

Deputy Chief Ryan Hooper, after being pinned by his wife, thanked the Chief and said he was honored. He looks forward to serving the city, the citizens, and the visitors and to continue the great work the department has already been doing.

REPORTS OF STAFF, COMMITTEES, AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

PUBLIC HEARINGS

A. Year-To-Date Budget Report.

City Manager Michael Hall said this is the halfway point in the budget and that General Fund Revenues exceed expectations and overall revenues exceed expenditures being in a healthy position at this time in the budget.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

ORDINANCES

A. Ordinance No. 2025.08 – An Ordinance Approving a Request by Chris Youssi of Youssi Rentals, LLC For an Amendment to a Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development for 3.47 Acres Located within Stonegate at Heron Creek Subdivision (PINS: 06-20-326-108, 06-20-326-110, 06-20-326-111, 06-20-326-113, 06-20-326-104, and 06-20-326-109) in Sycamore, Illinois in Accordance with Article 4.3 of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance. First and Second

City Manager Michael Hall said that this is a request to amend the Special Use Permit calling for the construction of 22 townhomes in seven buildings across 3.47 acres with each unit having private entrance and driveways. The plan includes expanding and relocating the park area to increase open space, improve pedestrian space, and for bike path connectivity. The Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) approved the plan with the condition for landscaping and screening berms around the park area to buffer adjacent properties and Peace Road.

Alderman Barnes asked if, in good faith, all phases could be under one Homeowner’s Association (HOA) as the current two HOAs are out of business. He is not tying this to the approval but just asking in good faith.

Chris Youssi said they bought phase I from a former developer but did phase II and III. They are separate HOAs because one is a condominium HOA and one is a townhome HOA. The challenge is that the ball was dropped with the former manager of the HOA but said that he and others have hired a new management company to take over. All owners of both HOAs have been notified. They have hired the same firm to take over this HOA, too.

MOTION

Alderman Stowe motioned to waive First Reading on Ordinance 2025.08 and Alderman Bumpus 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 approve Ordinance 2025.08 including the condition and Alderman Barnes seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

B. Ordinance No. 2025.10 – An Ordinance Approving a Planned Development Preliminary Development Plan and Plat in Accordance with Section 4.4.5.C of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance for the Property Located at 1235 Hathaway Drive (PIN 09-06-201-009) in the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this is a request for approval of a Planned Development Preliminary Development Plan and Plat for the referenced property which would construct 40 apartment units in a combination of two-, three-, and four-unit buildings. The project includes sidewalk and park improvements with 176 parking spaces far exceeding the minimum required. The development meets high density guidelines in the Comprehensive Plan and has been recommended by the PZC.

Alderman Barnes asked, with no retention pond, where would the runoff water flow to.

Randy Yoch, 38W304 Deerpath Road, Batavia, said with preliminary engineering, they did a water study in terms of drainage. When Farm & Fleet developed that subdivision, they put enough retention, and his development will meet those needs. They will add storm sewers that will shoot over to the retention pond.

MOTION

Alderman Bumpus motioned to waive First Reading on Ordinance 2025.10 and Alderman Rodriguez 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 Bumpus motioned to approve Ordinance 2025.10 and Alderman Rodrigues seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

C. Ordinance No. 2025.11 – An Ordinance Approving a Planned Development Preliminary Development Plan and Plat in Accordance with Section 4.4.5.C. of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance for the Property Located at 2110 Coltonville Road (PIN 08-01-276-006) in the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this is a request from Chuck Shepard for Planned Development Preliminary Development Plan and Plat that was annexed into the city last month. The 4.97-acre site will be developed initially with three commercial buildings on the east side with future plans for a multi-family residential development on the west side. The plan includes private driveways, storm management, and utility improvements. Questions from residents regarding screening, traffic, and noise will be addressed at a later time. The PZC has reviewed and recommended approval of the proposal which allows phased development of the property while addressing infrastructure needs.

Alderman Barnes asked if there is a plan for a berm.

Chuck Shepard, 2400 Coltonville Road, said yes, and that his initial plan was to start with a four-foot berm with a six-foot fence above it.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to waive First Reading on Ordinance 2025.11 and Alderman Barnes 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 approve Ordinance 2025.11 and Alderman Barnes seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

D. Ordinance No. 2025.12 – An Ordinance Approving a Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation of a Request by Chuck Shepard, on Behalf of Old Rich Point, LLC, for a Zoning Map Amendment for the property located at 2110 Coltonville Road, Sycamore, IL (PIN 08-01-276-006) From the Current Zoning of R-1, Single-Family District to C-3, Highway Business District, in the City of Sycamore, Illinois. First and Second Reading.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this is to rezone the property to accommodate the proposed commercial development phase as when it was annexed into the city, it automatically defaults to R-1, Single Family Residential. This will rezone it to C 3, Highway Business District. Public Notices were published, mailed, and a sign was posted. The PZC recommended approval.

MOTION

Alderman Barnes motioned to waive First Reading on Ordinance 2025.12 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 Barnes motioned to approve Ordinance 2025.12 and Alderperson Copple seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

E. Ordinance No. 2025.13 – An Ordinance Amending Title 3, “Business and License Regulations,” to Add a New Chapter Entitled “Municipal Grocery Tax” to Implement a Municipal Grocery Retailers’ Occupation Tax and a Municipal Grocery Service Occupation Tax for the City of Sycamore. First and Second Reading.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this does not propose a new tax, nor does it increase the existing 1% grocery tax that has been in place for over 40 years. This is necessary because the State of Illinois repealed the tax effective January 1, 2026, but allows municipalities to adopt their own by October 1, 2025. Continuing this tax preserves approximately $720,000 annually to support core services such as police, fire protection, and street maintenance. The tax is broadly applied to all shoppers coming to Sycamore including non-residents which helps reduce the reliance on property tax. The estimated cost to an average household is $65-$100 per year. This is a modest amount compared to the impact on maintaining services.

Alderman Barnes, regarding the State charging a 3% administrative fee, asked if that is the case or if it will be waived.

City Manager Michael Hall said he and Finance Director Kristian Dominguez met with the State Department of Revenue and confirmed that they are not charging this fee on this tax. They do charge the administrative fee on all the other municipal taxes imposed.

Alderman Bumpus, in addition to the two gentlemen that spoke, said he has had a dozen people from the community reach out to him. Looking at the high volume of commentary on the Daily Chronicle’s and “What’s Happening in Sycamore” social media sites, he found the the majority is not in support of this. He wants to make sure the council is aware of that before casting a vote.

Alderman Stowe said that he has seen the discussions online and said if the city does “tighten their belts” only saving half of the amount, the city would still need to come up with another $360,000. Where would they find that money? If on property tax, everyone would see a 15% increase to cover $360,000. Right now, this is taxing people that don’t live in Sycamore.

Alderman Bauer added that he had only been contacted by one person. He said this is a fundamental budget item and if they cut expenses, it would be six personnel or equipment. The other option is to replace or increase the revenue by implementing a utility tax, raising taxes, or increasing the Hotel Motel Tax. This one seems the least painful of all the options.

Alderman Bumpus said he disagrees saying that a grocery tax is a regressive tax. It has been proven to create more of an impact on lower income households. We all have basic needs and if we are all buying the same basic goods, it will impact families with lower income. He completely disagrees that it’s the least painful option and would argue that it’s the worst.

Mayor Braser added that this is like an unfunded mandate that’s been in our budget for 40 years. It’s not saying that we couldn’t do this next year or the year after, but they have to find another source of revenue. To remove it “flat right now puts us in a terrible bind”. He doesn’t believe they will lose shoppers and the two store managers he spoke with weren’t even aware of the tax. He believes it should be put in for this year and can look at it again next year or the year after. He said that the 1% tax is not charged on the SNAP card.

Alderman Bumpus said it is such a wonderful opportunity for the community to actually be one of those to look at what is going on in the economy and what people are faced with saying they should take a small step to lower the tax burden.

Mayor Braser doesn’t disagree but doesn’t think they can do it right now. Should they lay off firefighters and police officers or not give to DCEDC, not give to the Chamber, and not give to tourism? They need to look at this to see where they will make up the 1% instead of doing it this quick in less than a year when budgetary items were already in place. He said that the State is considering putting the tax back in, too.

Alderman Barnes said this is just a change of ownership for political reasons. It is a continuation and said for that, he is in favor of reinstating it.

Mayor Braser said they are here to be non-partisan to do what’s best for the City of Sycamore. When suggested to bring solutions to the table, Alderman Bumpus said that he has met with City Manager Michael Hall with suggested solutions some of which were what the mayor just shared. He said that he has laid out solutions and unfortunately, they are some of the ones that would require them to make other difficult decisions.

Mayor Braser said he appreciates the input and the discussion.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to waive First Reading on Ordinance 2025.13 and Alderman Barnes seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bauer, Copple, Rodriguez, Sherrod, Stowe, and Barnes voted aye while Alderman Bumpus vote nay. Motion carried 6-1.

MOTION

Alderperson Copple motioned to approve Ordinance 2025.13 and Alderman Barnes seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

Mayor Braser called for a roll call vote to approve the motion. Alderpersons Bauer, Copple, Rodriguez, Sherrod, Stowe, and Barnes voted aye while Alderman Bumpus vote nay. Motion carried 6-1.

RESOLUTIONS

A. Resolution No. 1016 – A Resolution of the City of Sycamore in Support of the Illinois America250 Commemoration.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this expresses Sycamore’s support of Illinois America250 Commemoration acknowledging the upcoming 250th year anniversary of the founding of the United States and acknowledging the community’s intent to participate in statewide efforts to celebrate this historic milestone.

MOTION

Alderman Stowe motioned to approve Resolution 1016 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.

CONSIDERATIONS

A. Consideration of an Administrative Recommendation to Award a Contract in the Amount of $456,426.00 to Martin Excavating of Oregon, IL for the 2025 Parkside Ditch Improvements, pending concurrence from Shodeen Inc.

City Manager Michael Hall said that this is for a construction contract to Martin Excavating for the 2025 Parkside Ditch Improvements. The award is contingent upon concurrence from Shodeen which has an interest in this project area.

City Engineer Mark Bushnell said as part of the development agreement, Shodeen is responsible for 2/3 of the cost.

MOTION

Alderman Bauer motioned to approve the Consideration and Alderman Rodriguez seconded the motion.

ROLL CALL VOTE

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

OTHER NEW BUSINESS

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION

Alderman Stowe motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:47 p.m. and Alderman Rodriguez 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/_08042025-369