City Council

MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DEKALB April 21, 2012 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Special meeting on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at the Best Western DeKalb Inn and Suites, 1212 West Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, Illinois. Notice was given and the meeting was called pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2, Section 2.05 of the Municipal Code of the City of DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Povlsen called the meeting to order at 8:40 a.m. A. ROLL CALL: City Clerk Wright called the roll and the following members of City Council were present: Mayor Kris Povlsen, Alderman David Jacobson, Alderman Tom Teresinski (arrived at 8:45 a.m.), Alderman Kristen Lash, Alderman Brendon Gallagher, Alderman Ronald Naylor, Alderman David Baker and Alderman Monica O’Leary. Also present were: Mark Biernacki, City Manager; Rudy Espiritu, Assistant City Manager; Ron Pearson, Interim Police Administrator, Eric Hicks, Interim Fire Chief, T.J. Moore, Public Works Director; and Diane Wright, City Clerk. CONSIDERATION ITEM: 1. DISCUSSION OF UPDATING THE CITY’S STRATEGIC PLAN WITH A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR GOVERNMENTAL STUDIES. Mr. Biernacki advised that the purpose of the meeting would be for Council to discuss updating their Strategic Goals which were implemented in 2010. He introduced Ms. Diana Robinson, Interim Director of the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University, who would be the facilitator for the meeting. Ms. Robison summarized her professional background for Council. She distributed a handout “DeKalb City Characteristics” which was generated by the Center for Governmental Studies. Council discussed the different categories and statistics in the report. Ms. Robinson suggested that Council devise six basic categories of assets that can be built on, specifically; define the main strengths of the community. Ald. Teresinski arrived at 8:45 a.m. Discussion followed with the participants describing their views on the City’s strengths and suggestions for attention. Comments focused on public safety, public perception, finances and collaboration with other entities. Additionally, Council discussed that emphasis be placed on Special City Council Meeting Minutes April 21, 2012 Page 2 of 2 advertising and marketing the City (highlight the positives), quality housing, assessment of inventory, perception of safety, branding, jobs, economic growth and the ability to work collaboratively with NIU. It was also stressed that communications must be improved with all local government agencies. Council next focused on setting specific goals for the upcoming year. After discussion, it was agreed that categories included: collaboration/cooperation with NIU and other entities; economic goals; quality and safe housing; public safety; marketing/advertising/branding and fiscal management. The group broke out into small groups with each developing goals for assigned categories. Some suggested goals for each of the categories included: Collaboration/cooperation with NIU and other entities: assign a Council liaison to each of the taxing bodies, including NIU; invite government bodies to attend Council meetings semi-annually to share with Council their projects, goals, etc.; revisit the summit meeting concept to address perception issues. Economic goals: focus on creating high quality paying jobs to increase the tax base; market and better utilize fiber optics, etc., increase retail spending – reduce leakage through the use of initiatives. Quality and safe housing: develop data base; evaluate Municipal Code and ordinances; develop an action plan to implement the Code with enforcement and resources. Public safety: further collaboration with NIU; address staffing issues; address and focus on safe housing. Marketing, advertising and branding: optimize the web’s search engine to increase DeKalb’s visibility; make the City’s website more visually appealing; hire a public relations professional; budget funds for public relations and marketing. Fiscal management; look at other fund balances for possible transfer reductions from the General Fund; increase pension funding; reexamine the workforce and future needs of the City (including possible reorganization of the workforce). Council and staff addressed at length the focused areas and goals for each category. Ms. Robinson thanked everyone for their participation and stated she would work with Mr. Biernacki to prepare a summary from the meeting from the discussion and input. ADJOURNMENT: Ald. Jacobson moved to adjourn the meeting at 12:55 p.m.; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed and the meeting adjourned. Approved by City Council DIANE K. WRIGHT, City Clerk May 14, 2012