City Council
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · January 14, 2013
Minutes
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF DEKALB
January 14, 2013
The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday,
January 14, 2013 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 Monica O’Leary and Mayor Kris
Povlsen. Absent was Alderman David Baker.
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; Joel Maurer, Assistant Director Public Works–Engineering/ Transportation;
Jennifer Diedrich, Economic Development Coordinator; Jeff Birtell, I&T Technician; and Diane
Wright, City Clerk.
B. ITEMS ALSO ON THE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA:
None.
C. CONSIDERATIONS:
1) CONSIDERATION OF NEW TIF DISTRICT OPTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES.
Mr. Biernacki stated that during the FY 2013 budget process, Council set aside funds to create
the possibility of new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts in addition to the two active ones.
He referred to a report that exhibited the potential designation of four areas as TIF districts.
Council discussed and reviewed the four proposed areas which included West Lincoln Highway,
Greek Row, South Fourth Street and 2131/2211 Sycamore Road.
MOTION
Ald. Teresinski moved to direct staff to bring back a consultant service contract to explore the
designation of TIF districts for South Fourth Street and 2131/2211 Sycamore Road; seconded by
Ald. Lash.
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January 14, 2013
Page 2 of 3
Ald. Jacobson noted that he supports the motion, but the other two areas have problems and
would like to help those areas.
VOTE
Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
2) CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY THE PRESERVATION OF THE
EGYPTIAN THEATRE TO AMEND THEIR FY 12-13 TIF AGREEMENT WITH
THE CITY OF DEKALB.
Ms. Diedrich stated that the Egyptian Theatre was granted bond money to be used toward
replacement of the auditorium seats, replacement of the sound system and air conditioning
system. The total cost of these improvements was $890,000. The seats and sound system projects
have been completed, she said; bids on the air conditioning project were received and were much
higher than expected. Additionally, she stated that the Preservation of the Egyptian Theatre
(P.E.T.) is requesting that the remaining $374,080 be combined with the remaining bond monies
and TIF funds to be reallocated towards a complete sprinkler system.
Ald. Jacobson asked how the bidding qualification is determined. Mr. Alex Nerad, Executive
Director of the Egyptian Theatre stated that the consultant developed the specifications and three
bids were received. The consultant determined there was one qualified bidder. Ald. Jacobson
asked Mr. Nerad additional questions on the bid process. He noted that Council has asked for an
outlook of projects and added that the City has spent several million dollars on the building. Mr.
Nerad pointed out that there will always be projects that need to be done in an historic building.
Ald. Jacobson asked if the 2012 strategic plan has been finalized; Mr. Nerad responded it has
been. He added that plans are for the Egyptian to sustain itself and be able to fund projects when
TIF funds are no longer available.
Council discussed further the sprinkler system request. Ald. Gallagher stated that choosing the
highest bidder is the issue. He added he supports the request but asked that more due diligence be
completed on the bidding. Ald. Lash stated she would like to see the Egyptian’s comprehensive
plan for the future.
MOTION
Ald. Lash moved to direct staff to prepare a resolution amending the agreement with the P.E.T.
to finance the fire sprinkler and other facility improvements; seconded by Ald. Naylor. Motion
carried 4-3-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Teresinski, Lash, Naylor, Povlsen. Nay: Jacobson,
Gallagher, O’Leary. Absent: Baker. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
Ald. Naylor stated that consultants are hired for the qualification process and negotiating further
will hold up the project and it is a disgrace to go back to the bidders. He added that the City was
not involved in the bidding process.
3) CONSIDERATION OF DAVID AVENUE CLOSURE TO TRAFFIC.
Mr. Maurer stated that the last home on David was demolished as part of the multi-year
floodplain buyout program near Lions Park. Plans are to transfer lots to the DeKalb Park District
for recreational use as Lions Park can be expanded. Staff sent a questionnaire to 27 homes along
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January 14, 2013
Page 3 of 3
Dawn Court and Sharon Drive; seventeen responses were received with nine supporting the
closure and eight opposed.
Council discussed the proposal including traffic control, safety, visibility and access.
Ms. Cindy Capek, Executive Director of the DeKalb Park District stated the District will look to
develop a master plan for the park. She noted that Lions Park is one of the most highly used
parks and needs drastic improvements. Also, she said, the Park District is sensitive to the
neighbors.
Ald. Naylor stated that this is an opportunity for the City and Park District and worth pursuing.
Mayor Povlsen agreed this is a prospect for green space.
MOTION
Ald. Jacobson moved to direct staff to bring back an ordinance for the closure of David Avenue;
seconded by Ald. Gallagher.
Mr. Biernacki noted that the vacation of a street will require a public hearing.
VOTE
Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
4) APPROVAL OF A STAFF REQUEST TO HOLD A CLOSED SESSION TO
DISCUSS PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5); SALE OF
REAL PROPERTY 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6) AND PENDING LITIGATION 5 ILCS
120/2(c)(11).
Not acted on in this meeting.
D. ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION
Ald. Jacobson moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried on voice
vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the meeting adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
______________________________________
DIANE K. WRIGHT, City Clerk
Approved by City Council
January 28, 2013
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF DEKALB
January 14, 2013
The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a regular meeting on Monday, January 14, 2013 in the
Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois.
Mayor Povlsen called the meeting to order at 7:19 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 7:25 p.m.), Alderman Tom
Teresinski, Alderman Kristen Lash, Alderman Brendon Gallagher, Alderman Ronald Naylor,
and Alderman Monica O’Leary. Absent was Alderman David Baker.
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; Joel Maurer, Assistant Director Public Works–Engineering/ Transportation; Jeff
Birtell, I&T Technician; and Diane Wright, City Clerk.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Ald. O’Leary 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 6-0-
2 on roll call vote. Aye: Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, O’Leary, Povlsen. Absent:
Jacobson, Baker. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
D. SPECIAL ITEMS OR PRESENTATIONS & CITIZENS’ COMMENTS:
I. SPECIAL ITEMS
● Lights of Distinction Awards:
Mr. and Mrs. Bargiel
348 Longvalley Lane
Tex and Barbara Sherman
302 Laurel Lane
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January 14, 2012
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Bob and Donna Portscheller
3028 Wedgewood Drive
Lena Ramm
911 Quail Run
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Carlson
3 Wedgewood Cove
Clarke and Beverly Renard
920 South 7th Street
Mayor Povlsen presented Lights of Distinction awards to the above for their holiday lighting in
2005.
II. APPROVAL OF MAYOR APPOINTMENTS:
NONE.
III. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS
Ms. Bessie Chronopoulos, DeKalb, Illinois thanked Council for their efforts in helping Kiwanis
Park remain a park. She asked that an ordinance be passed to prevent ComEd from tree trimming
in the future on the DeKalb Nature Trail. Also, she said, she was happy to see that Council is
considering designating South Fourth Street as a TIF district. She asked that the City provide an
explanation of TIFs to the public through the web or media for better understanding.
Alderman Jacobson arrived 7:25pm
E. CONSENT AGENDA – OMNIBUS VOTE:
MOTION
Ald. Teresinski moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Ald. O’Leary. Motion
carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, O’Leary,
Povlsen. Absent: Baker. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
MOTION
Ald. Jacobson moved to approve the items on the Consent Agenda; seconded by Ald. Teresinski
Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor,
O’Leary, Povlsen. Absent: Baker. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
1. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
Closed Session Minutes
Committee of the Whole: December 10, 2012
Regular Meeting: December 10, 2012
Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote.
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January 14, 2012
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2. RECEIVE AND FILE:
Airport Advisory Minutes: October 16, 2012
Received and filed in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote.
F. PURCHASES AND BID AWARDS:
NONE.
G. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
NONE.
H. OLD BUSINESS:
NONE.
I. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING:
NONE.
J. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING:
1. ORDINANCE 13-01
AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS,
CHAPTER 33, ‘PEDDLERS, SOLICITORS AND ITINERANT MERCHANTS”
FOR THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS.
Mayor Povlsen read Ordinance 13-01 by title only.
MOTION
Ald. Naylor moved to receive and file Ordinance 13-01; seconded by Ald. Gallagher. Motion
carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
MOTION
Ald. Gallagher moved to waive second reading of Ordinance 13-01; seconded by Ald. Jacobson.
Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor,
O’Leary, Povlsen. Absent: Baker. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
MOTION
Ald. Teresinski moved to pass Ordinance 13-01; seconded by Ald. Gallagher. Motion carried 7-
0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, O’Leary, Povlsen.
Absent: Baker. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
2. ORDINANCE 13-02
AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS,
CHAPTER 16, “FIRE LIFE SAFETY” AND CHAPTER 27, “GAS STATION
LICENSES” PERTAINING TO FIRE LIFE SAFETY AND GAS STATION
LICENSES FOR THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS.
Mayor Povlsen read Ordinance 13-02 by title only.
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January 14, 2012
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MOTION
Ald. Naylor moved to receive and file Ordinance 13-02; seconded by Ald. Gallagher. Motion
carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
MOTION
Ald. Teresinski moved to waive second reading of Ordinance 13-02; seconded by Ald.
Gallagher. Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher,
Naylor, O’Leary, Povlsen. Absent: Baker. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
MOTION
Ald. Teresinski moved to pass Ordinance 13-02; seconded by Ald. O’Leary. Motion carried 7-0-
1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, O’Leary, Povlsen.
Absent: Baker. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
3. ORDINANCE 13-03
AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS,
CHAPTER 52, “OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE” PERTAINING TO
POSSESSION OF CANNABIS OR DRUG PARAPHERNALIA FOR THE CITY
OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS.
Mayor Povlsen read Ordinance 13-03 by title only.
MOTION
Ald. Jacobson moved to receive and file Ordinance 13-03; seconded by Ald. Naylor.
Ms. Laura Miller, DeKalb, Illinois, as a representative from DCP noted that marijuana has over
400 known chemicals. Also, she said, our youth are more willing to drive with someone who is
under the influence of marijuana. She added she is concerned if there are less consequences,
people could obtain it more easily.
VOTE
Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
MOTION
Ald. Gallagher moved to waive second reading of Ordinance 13-03; seconded by Ald. Jacobson.
Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor,
O’Leary, Povlsen. Absent: Baker. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
MOTION
Ald. Jacobson moved to pass Ordinance 13-03; seconded by Ald. Gallagher. Motion carried 7-0-
1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, O’Leary, Povlsen.
Absent: Baker. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
4. ORDINANCE 13-04
AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS,
CHAPTER 38, “INTOXICATING LIQUORS” FOR THE CITY OF DEKALB,
ILLINOIS.
Mayor Povlsen read Ordinance 13-04 by title only.
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January 14, 2012
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MOTION
Ald. Gallagher moved to receive and file Ordinance 13-04; seconded by Ald. Jacobson.
Mr. Frieders summarized the amendments to Chapter 38. He asked that it be passed on first
reading tonight. He added it is staff’s intent to take Council’s feedback, update the ordinance and
host a meeting with liquor licensees.
Mayor Povlsen noted that this is an important step forward to make the Code more
understandable. It will maintain safety while not compromising any of the restrictions. He
thanked the Liquor Commission, Mr. Frieders and Mary Jo Harms for their efforts.
Council extensively discussed the amendments and asked questions of Mr. Frieders for
clarification. Ald. Naylor expressed concern regarding control and operations. He noted it is
confusing for some businesses to have a bar and restaurant license. Additionally, he asked about
the role of the Liquor Commission. Also, he said he had difficulty with the fee structure and
would like to see the fees more leveled.
VOTE
Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
5. ORDINANCE 13-05
PROPOSING A SPECIAL SERVICE AREA NO. 14 FOR HEARTLAND FIELDS
SUBDIVISION IN THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS.
Mayor Povlsen read Ordinance 13-05 by title only.
MOTION
Ald. Jacobson moved to receive and file Ordinance 13-05; seconded by Ald. Teresinski.
Mr. Maurer stated that the ordinance addresses the establishment of a Special Service Area in
Heartland Fields subdivision to fund the costs of providing services required to keep the
detention basin operational. A public hearing will be held, he said, to allow the residents to speak
on the issue.
VOTE
Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
MOTION
Ald. Teresinski moved to waive second reading of Ordinance 13-05; seconded by Ald. Lash.
Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor,
O’Leary, Povlsen. Absent: Baker. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
MOTION
Ald. Teresinski moved to pass Ordinance 13-05; seconded by Ald. Naylor. Motion carried 7-0-1
on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, O’Leary, Povlsen. Absent:
Baker. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
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January 14, 2012
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K. RESOLUTIONS:
1. RESOLUTION 13-01
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS, TO
ENTER INTO A LOCAL AGENCY AGREEMENT FOR FEDERAL
PARTICIPATION FOR BETHANY ROAD WIDENING IMPROVEMENT
FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,250,000, SECTION 10-00167-01-WR.
Mayor Povlsen read Resolution 13-01 by title only.
MOTION
Ald. Gallagher moved to pass Resolution 13-01; seconded by Ald. Teresinski.
Mr. Maurer explained that a federal participation agreement must be in place between the City
and Illinois Department of Transportation for distribution up to 80% federal funds on the
estimated $1,250,000 total project cost.
VOTE
Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor,
O’Leary, Povlsen. Absent: Baker. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
2. RESOLUTION 13-02
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS TO
SIGN AN ENGINEERING AGREEMENT WITH HAMPTON, LENZINI AND
RENWICK, INC. FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE WATER
MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT ON SOUTH FIRST STREET.
Mayor Povlsen read Resolution 13-02 by title only.
MOTION
Ald. Teresinski moved to pass Resolution 13-02; seconded by Ald. Gallagher.
Mr. Maurer explained the agreement would comprise engineering design services including
environmental testing for soil disposal for replacement of approximately 3,500 lineal feet of
water main on South First Street between West Taylor and Lincoln Highway.
Council discussed the agreement and asked questions of Mr. Maurer. Ald. Teresinski asked if
there is an approach to a long term plan. Ald. Naylor stated that Council should give direction to
staff on how they want to proceed on taking quotes and bidding since the item was addressed at
the previous meeting with another company. He added it is unprofessional when one company’s
numbers are exposed.
VOTE
Motion carried 6-1-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, O’Leary,
Povlsen. Nay: Naylor. Absent: Baker. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
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L. REPORTS – COMMUNICATIONS:
Mayor Povlsen read a statement of principles against illegal guns signed by 600 mayors. He
added that this Friday at 150 North First Street a seminar will be held regarding living
peacefully; Chief Lowery will be a speaker.
Mayor Povlsen and Council congratulated the NIU Huskies for their accomplishments this
season. Also, they congratulated the DeKalb High School Marching Band for their Sugar Bowl
trip and acknowledgements.
Ald. Teresinski noted that plans are to meet with the community, ComEd, Park District and
others to move forward to restoring the Nature Trail. Also, he said, it is an excellent time for
citizen participation in the TIF districts. Ald. Gallagher requested that residents keep their
sidewalks clean. He commended Mr. Frieders for the work done on Chapter 38.
Mr. Frieders stated that the Municipal Code updates included the cooperation of Police, Fire and
City Clerk’s departments. Chief Lowery applauded the recent efforts of Officers Brown and
Johnson for life saving measures which resulted in saving a life. Chief Hicks noted the Fire
Department staff also had a recent cardiac save.
M. RECESS FOR CLOSED SESSION:
1) APPROVAL OF A STAFF REQUEST TO HOLD A CLOSED SESSION TO
DISCUSS PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5); SALE OF
REAL PROPERTY 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6) AND PENDING LITIGATION 5 ILCS
120/2(c)(11).
MOTION
Ald. Jacobson moved to approve staff’s request to hold a closed session to discuss Purchase of
Real Property 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5); Sale of Real Property 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6) and Pending
Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11); seconded by Ald. Teresinski. Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call
vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, O’Leary, Povlsen. Absent: Baker.
Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
Mayor Povlsen closed the meeting to the public at 8:25 p.m.
Mayor Povlsen opened the meeting to the public at 9:10 p.m.
N. ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION
Ald. Jacobson moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried on voice
vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
DIANE K. WRIGHT, City Clerk
Approved by City Council
January 28, 2013