City Council

MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DEKALB September 24, 2012 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, September 24, 2012 in the City Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Povlsen called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. A. ROLL CALL: City Clerk Wright called the roll and the following members of City Council were present: Alderman David Jacobson, Alderman Tom Teresinski, Alderman Kristen Lash, Alderman Brendon Gallagher, Alderman Ronald Naylor, Alderman David Baker, Alderman Monica O’Leary (arrived at 6:20 p.m.), and Mayor Kris Povlsen. Also present were: Mark Biernacki, City Manager; Rudy Espiritu, Assistant City Manager; Dean Frieders, City Attorney; Gene Lowery, Police Chief; Eric Hicks, Interim Fire Chief; T.J. Moore, Public Works Director; Jennifer Diedrich, Economic Development Coordinator; Jeff Birtell, I&T Technician; and Diane Wright, City Clerk. Mayor Povlsen announced that Ald. O’Leary would be late coming to the meeting. B. ITEMS ALSO ON THE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA: None. C. CONSIDERATIONS: 1) CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST TO REPLACE THE DEKALB THEATRE SIGN AT PROPERTY LOCATED AT 145 NORTH THIRD STREET. Mr. Biernacki stated that there is a request from Mr. Tom Rogers, owner of Debutante School of Cosmetology to utilize TIF funds for the project. Mr. Biernacki noted that two (2) proposals were received; one to rehab the sign, and the second to replace the sign. Staff recommends replacing the sign in its entirety, he said. Ald. Gallagher stated the sign is part of DeKalb’s history since 1949. He noted that although this is a unique situation, TIF funds have been given to other projects in the downtown area, specifically, the Architectural Improvement Program. He added that the school is centrally Committee of the Whole Meeting September 24, 2012 Page 2 of 3 located in the downtown area and would assist in advertising for the City. He added that the Debutante School would take care of operational expenses for the sign. Also, he said, there is a suggestion to seek another vendor in Springfield and obtain another quote. Mr. Rogers stated he started the school with his daughters and has a strong sense of the pride of the community and wants to be part of it. Mr. Rogers stated he appreciates Council’s consideration of his request. Council discussed the options of replicating and refurbishing the sign and asked questions of Mr. Rogers. Additionally they discussed the use of TIF funds for the project. Mr. Rogers also shared his plans for the ticket booth and expanded use of the building including wedding rentals. Ald. O’Leary arrived at 6:20 p.m. Ald. Naylor didn’t see the value to the community and said he was “on the fence” at this time. Ald. Teresinski said he was open to the request and noted that roads remain the highest priority for TIF funds. He added he wanted to ensure the road inventory is being prepared. Ald. Baker gave his support to the project. Ald. Jacobson stated the sign won’t bring businesses to the downtown area or jobs and doesn’t see the value. He added that building a replica defeats the purpose of the history of the sign. Mayor Povlsen gave his support to the request. Ald. Gallagher proposed that the vendor in Springfield be contacted for a third quote. Ald. Naylor said he could support it but needed additional information regarding costs. Ald. Lash suggested that the sign be refurbished, and the historical value should be maintained. Mayor Povlsen noted that the consensus of Council was to consider refurbishing the sign. 2) CONSIDERATION OF A DISCUSSION ON CITY OF DEKALB REFUSE PROGRAM. Mr. Moore stated that the City has one year left in its refuse contract. He brought the issue forward at this time, he said, for Council to provide their priorities in the upcoming request for proposals. Council discussed options and priorities for the request for proposals, including providing carts to customers, recycling, leaf pickup, toters, elimination of alley pickups, and current service. Additionally, they stated they want the bid packages to attract as many vendors as possible. After more discussion, Mayor Povlsen suggested that each Council Member email their priorities for the new refuse contract bid specification to Mr. Moore. The Council will be able to discuss and debate the issues at a future meeting, he said. Mr. Moore stated that once there is consensus he will prepare the request for proposal, send it unofficially to companies and ask if they have concerns regarding the package. 3) APPROVAL OF A STAFF REQUEST TO HOLD A CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL AS PROVIDED FOR IN 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); SALE OR LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY 5 ILCS 120/2 (c)(7); SECURITY PROCEDURES 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8) AND PENDING LITIGATION 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).  Committee of the Whole Meeting September 24, 2012 Page 3 of 3 Not acted on in this meeting. D. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION Ald. Gallagher moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald. Teresinski. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m. ______________________________________ DIANE K. WRIGHT, City Clerk Approved by City Council October 8, 2012  MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DEKALB September 24, 2012 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a regular meeting on Monday, September 24, 2012 in the Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Povlsen called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.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 (arrived at 7:20 p.m.), Alderman Tom Teresinski, 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; Dean Frieders, City Attorney; Gene Lowery, Police Chief; Eric Hicks, Fire Chief; T.J. Moore, Public Works Director; Bryan Faivre, Assistant Director of Public Works; Jeff Birtell, I&T Technician; and Diane Wright, City Clerk. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Ald. Teresinski led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – ADDITIONS/DELETIONS: MOTION Ald. Gallagher moved to approve the Agenda; seconded by Ald. Teresinski. Motion carried 7-0- 1 on roll call vote. Aye: Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Povlsen. Absent: Jacobson. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed. Ald. Jacobson arrived at 7:20 p.m. D. SPECIAL ITEMS OR PRESENTATIONS & CITIZEN’S COMMENTS: I. SPECIAL ITEMS ● Yards of Distinction Winners: Andrew and Gail Krmenec – 1 Arrowhead Lane Tom and Karen Matya – 2583 Wedgewood Drive Gary and Dee Coover – 803 Normal Road Bill and Marilyn Saunders – 1631 Schifly Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 24, 2012 Page 2 of 5 Gary and Dee Coover and Marilyn Saunders were present to accept their certificates. Mayor Povlsen congratulated them and the other winners for the work they put forward in their yards. II. APPROVAL OF MAYOR APPOINTMENTS: NONE. III. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS NONE. E. CONSENT AGENDA – OMNIBUS VOTE: Ald. Baker asked that Items E.3 and E.4, Ordinance 12-77 and Resolution 12-104 be removed from the Agenda for consideration. Ald. Teresinski moved to approve the Consent Agenda as amended; seconded by Ald. Naylor Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Povlsen. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed. MOTION Ald. Baker moved to approve the items on the Consent Agenda as amended; seconded by Ald. O’Leary. Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Povlsen. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed. 1. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Special Meeting: September 10, 2012 Committee of the Whole: September 10, 2012 Regular Meeting: September 10, 2012 Approved by Omnibus Vote. 2. RECEIVE AND FILE: Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes: June 27, 2012 Finance Division Check list: August 2012 Finance Division Bank Balance & Bank Statement: August 2012 Received and filed by Omnibus Vote. 3. ORDINANCE 12-77 AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS, CHAPTER 7, SECTION 7.19, RELATING TO WATER BILLING AND TERMINATION OF WATER SERVICE FOR THE CITY OF DEKALB. Mayor Povlsen read Ordinance 12-77 by title only. MOTION Ald. Naylor moved to receive and file Ordinance 12-77; seconded by Ald. Teresinski. Ald. Baker stated he is concerned that twenty (20) homes are shut off and 230 receive notices. Mr. Faivre replied that it is not the goal to shut water off. He added that staff will be lenient until  Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 24, 2012 Page 3 of 5 people become accustomed to the new procedure. Ald. Baker suggested continuing the postings on the doors, but changing the color of the posting from pink. Mr. Faivre repeated that the City cannot shut off water for 230 people, nor does staff want to. He added that new software is going to be utilized and there will be a change in delinquent notices. Ald. Baker said he cannot support this; Ald. Lash agreed with Ald. Baker. Ald. Gallagher asked how many customers repeatedly receive the late notices; Mr. Faivre replied there are a number of repeat notices. Council discussed extensively the current and proposed process, number of delinquencies, number of notices, and staff time. VOTE Motion carried 5-3 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Gallagher, Naylor, Povlsen. Nay: Lash, Baker, O’Leary. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed. MOTION Ald. Teresinski moved to waive second reading of Ordinance 12-77; seconded by Ald. Naylor. Motion failed 5-3 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Gallagher, Naylor, Povlsen. Nay: Lash, Baker, O’Leary. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion defeated and stated it would come back for second reading. 4. RESOLUTION 12-104 AMENDING THE FUND BALANCE POLICIES FOR THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS. Mayor Povlsen read Resolution 12-104 by title only. MOTION Ald. Teresinski moved to pass Resolution 12-104; seconded by Ald. Naylor. Ald. Baker stated he has concerns that money cannot be borrowed from these funds. Mr. Espiritu replied if there are deficits in funds at the end of the fiscal year, balances can be used from other funds to cover the deficits. He added that each time an audit is complete; staff presents funds that might be in deficit and will provide recommendations. Council discussed extensively Ald. Baker’s concerns. Ald. Teresinski noted that the purpose of the adjustments is to codify the requirements to insure Council will receive specific reports on a timely basis. He added that negative fund balances can be reviewed regularly. VOTE Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Povlsen. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed. F. PURCHASES AND BID AWARDS: NONE. G. PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE. H. OLD BUSINESS: NONE. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 24, 2012 Page 4 of 5 I. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING: NONE. J. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING: NONE. K. RESOLUTIONS: NONE. L. REPORTS – COMMUNICATIONS: Ald. Teresinski stated he and staff went to Moody’s regarding the City’s overall rating. Also, he said he was sorry to hear that Mayor Povlsen was not running for re-election. Ald. Lash stated that petitions can be circulated tomorrow for the election in April. Ms. Wright confirmed and added that the Candidate’s Packet is on the website and on the Illinois State Board of Elections website and seats for Wards 2, 4, 6, Mayor and Clerk are on the ballot. Ald. Lash stated that expired drugs can be brought to the Police Station on Saturday, September 29; Chief Lowery confirmed and added that a drive-through will be available. Ald. Gallagher reminded all to pull leaves from the streets to keep the drainage clear. Also, he noted that construction is continuing on 4th Street from Sycamore to Taylor. Mr. Frieders stated that the use of Police at some events is implemented and the cost will be shared by the event. M. RECESS FOR CLOSED SESSION: 1) APPROVAL OF A STAFF REQUEST TO HOLD A CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL AS PROVIDED FOR IN 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); SALE OR PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(7), SECURITY PROCEDURES 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8) AND PENDING LITIGATION 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). MOTION Ald. Gallagher moved to approve staff’s request to hold a closed session to discuss Personnel as provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); Sale Or Purchase Of Real Property 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(7), Security Procedures 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8) and Pending Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11); seconded by Ald. Jacobson. Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Povlsen. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed. Mayor Povlsen closed the meeting to the public at 7:55 p.m. Mayor Povlsen opened the meeting to the public at 8:25 p.m.  Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 24, 2012 Page 5 of 5 N. ADJOURNMENT: Ald. Jacobson moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. DIANE K. WRIGHT, City Clerk Approved by City Council October 8, 2012