City Council

MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DEKALB February 25, 2013 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, February 25, 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 David Baker, Alderman Monica O’Leary and Mayor Kris Povlsen. Absent was Alderman Ronald Naylor. Also present were: Mark Biernacki, City Manager; Rudy Espiritu, Assistant City Manager; Dean Frieders, City Attorney, Gene Lowery, Police Chief; Greg Hoyle, Deputy Fire Chief; T.J. Moore, Public Works Director; Derek Hiland, Principal Planner; Laura Pisarcik, Finance/Purchasing Director; Jeff Birtell, I&T Technician; and Diane Wright, City Clerk. Mayor Povlsen announced that Ald. Naylor would be unable to attend the meeting. B. ITEMS ALSO ON THE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA: None. C. CONSIDERATIONS: 1) CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST TO JOIN THE ILLINOIS METROPOLITAN INVESTMENT FUND (IMET). Ms. Pisarcik introduced Ms. Laura Allen to discuss the IMET and answer questions of Council. Ms. Allen stated that IMET, a local government investment firm was created seventeen years ago by local councils of government. IMET offers a more diversified avenue to invest funds, she said. The agencies are able to pool their funds together and, therefore, have the ability to invest in intermediate term securities and govern the fund. Currently there are 265 members, she said. Ms. Allen answered questions of Council regarding no fee to join, amount required to invest, audits and convenience funds. Committee of the Whole Meeting February 25, 2013 Page 2 of 3 MOTION Ald. Gallagher moved to direct staff to prepare an agreement and resolution to join the Illinois Metropolitan Investment Fund for formal Council approval; seconded by Ald. Teresinski. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed. 2) UPDATE ON LIBRARY FINANCING AND BONDING. Ms. Dee Coover, Director of the DeKalb Library advised that a delegation from the City met with the State Librarian since the last meeting. She noted that they were advised that all monies be in an account designated for the expansion before the state will issue the grant funds. Additionally, the Library is required to maintain the footprint submitted in the grant application. She added that the state supported the expansion because it remediated the building while maintaining its historical nature. Ms. Coover presented a video presentation of a DeKalb family with a handicapped child with the difficulties they face maneuvering through the Library due to the lack of handicap accessibility. Additionally Ms. Coover noted the patrons who frequent the Library which numbers approximately 1,000 daily. Of the $24M cost, $4M is targeted for rehab of the building, $1M for the infrastructure on 3rd Street and $19M for the remainder of the building, she said. Currently the focus is on the private phase of fund raising, she said. She added that local foundations, private donors and banks have all been contacted, with a capital campaign planned. She asked Council for their input as to moving forward. Mayor Povlsen acknowledged Ms. Coover for bringing $8.5M into the community through the state grant and complimented her on the excellent proposal presented to the state. Also, he said, that before the community makes a financial commitment they need to know the City will also make a commitment. He added that the City is being asked to bond $7.5M on the $24M project and asked Mr. Espiritu about the City’s commitment. Mr. Espiritu noted that if the Council chooses to proceed with the bond, the state wants all funding in place at the latest by June 30. The process for the City should take three-four weeks, he said. Ald. Teresinski stated he is comfortable with the process and this presents an opportunity to improve the Library. Ald. Gallagher gave his support for the project and stated the City needs to back it. Ald. Lash added her support. Ald. O’Leary added her support but voiced concern that donations will be brought in. Ald. Jacobson stated before Council approves, the plan should be shown to them; if the donations do not come in, he stated he is concerned it will fall on the taxpayers. Ms. Coover noted that the banks have been very supportive of the project. Ald. Jacobson stated there is concern the state doesn’t pay its bill. Ms. Coover replied these funds are capital, not operating funds. Mayor Povlsen thanked Ms. Coover and noted consensus appeared that Council would proceed with the bond. 3) CONSIDERATION OF WATER SYSTEM DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS. Mr. Moore presented Council with information on the possibility of a long range plan to replace  Committee of the Whole Meeting February 25, 2013 Page 3 of 3 aged water mains and develop a financial plan for replacement of same. Council discussed the proposal including hiring a consultant or doing the work in house. The consensus was to direct staff to conduct more research, look at other communities and possibly determine in the budget cycle. 4) APPROVAL OF A STAFF REQUEST TO HOLD A CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL AS PROVIDED FOR IN 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); COLLECTIVE BARGAINING 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2); PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5); 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. Teresinski Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. ______________________________________ DIANE K. WRIGHT, City Clerk Approved b City Council March 11, 2013  MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DEKALB February 25, 2013 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a regular meeting on Monday, February 25, 2013 in the Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Povlsen called the meeting to order at 7:10 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;12 p.m.), Alderman Tom Teresinski, Alderman Kristen Lash, Alderman Brendon Gallagher, Alderman David Baker and Alderman Monica O’Leary. Absent was Alderman Ronald Naylor. 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; Derek Hiland, Principal Planner; Laura Pisarcik, Finance/Purchasing Director; Jeff Birtell, I&T Technician; and Diane Wright, City Clerk. Mayor Povlsen announced that Ald. Naylor advised he would be out of town and unable to attend the meeting. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Ald. Gallagher led The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – ADDITIONS/DELETIONS: Mayor Povlsen requested that Item E3, Ordinance 13-08 be removed from the Agenda. MOTION Ald. Gallagher moved to approve the Agenda as amended; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Baker, O’Leary, Povlsen. Absent: Naylor. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed. D. SPECIAL ITEMS OR PRESENTATIONS & CITIZENS’ COMMENTS: ● Community Coordinated Child Care Human Services Funding Update Regular City Council Meeting Minutes February 25, 2013 Page 2 of 6 Ms. Susan Peterson provided a recap of services provided by 4C for DeKalb. She acknowledged the funding received from the City which allows them to leverage funds with those received from the state and federal governments. ● TIF Semi-Annual Report Mr. Biernacki provided Council with TIF information that includes anticipated expenses identified by Council for the life of the TIF districts. He noted the projects that are included in the districts. Additionally he said that $1M per year of street projects is combined over the two TIF districts. Ald. Jacobson voiced concern when the TIF ends and inquired about the projects being absorbed. Ald. Gallagher pointed out that the $60,000 dedicated to City Hall maintenance will likely decrease significantly when the renovation occurs. Ald. Teresinski noted that the residual impact of going off TIF results in the same tax dollars going to the tax entities and the money would be redirected to the taxing districts on a pro rata basis. ● FY 14 Budget Calendar Ms. Pisarcik presented the proposed budget calendar and suggested that Council consider meeting on a Saturday as opposed to six night meetings. After discussion, Council agreed to meet on two Saturdays in May. Ms. Pisarcik will advise all of the dates via email. 1. APPROVAL OF MAYOR APPOINTMENTS: NONE. 2. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS Mr. Mike Larson, DeKalb, Illinois suggested that Council eliminate building and impact fees for five years. Mr. Paul Sauser, DeKalb, Illinois disagreed and stated there were reasons for the impact fees. Mr. James Mitchell, DeKalb, Illinois cautioned Council to be aware of Shodeen’s problems in Kane County and stated DeKalb doesn’t need another development. E. CONSENT AGENDA – OMNIBUS VOTE: MOTION Ald. Gallagher 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, Baker, O’Leary, Povlsen. Absent: Naylor. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed. MOTION Ald. Teresinski moved to approve the listing of Consent Agenda items; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Baker, O’Leary, Povlsen. Absent: Naylor. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed. 1. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES: Committee Of The Whole Meeting: February 11, 2013 Regular Meeting: February 11, 2013 Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote.  Regular Meeting February 25, 2013 Page 3 of 6 2. RECEIVE AND FILE: Environmental Commission Minutes: November 7, 2012, and January 9, 2013 Finance Division Bank Balance & Bank Statement: January 2013 Quarterly Investment Report: December 2012 Finance Division Check List: January, 2013 Received and filed in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 3. ORDINANCE 13-08: AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS, BY REPEALING CHAPTER 37, “GAMES OF CHANCE – RAFFLES” IN ITS ENTIRETY. Removed from the Agenda. 4. RESOLUTION 13-12: SEEKING PERMISSION TO REGULATE TRAFFIC ON ILLINOIS ROUTE 38 BETWEEN FIRST STREET AND FOURTH STREET MONDAY, MAY 27, 2013 FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOLDING A MEMORIAL DAY PARADE. Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. F. PURCHASES AND BID AWARDS: 1. APPROVAL OF A REQUEST TO PURCHASE SIGNS THROUGH AURORA SIGN COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $61,385 FOR THE DEKALB TAYLOR MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. MOTION Ald. Gallagher moved to approve staff’s request to purchase signs through Aurora Sign Company in the amount of $61,385 for the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport; seconded by Ald. Lash. Mr. Moore advised the item was initially discussed at the last meeting and requires a super majority vote. Ald. Lash stated that the City’s logo should be included. VOTE Motion carried 6-1-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Baker, O’Leary, Povlsen. Nay: Jacobson. Absent: Naylor. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed. G. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. PUBLIC HEARING ON IRONGATE ANNEXATION. Mayor Povlsen opened the Public Hearing at 7:55 p.m. Mr. Jack Bennett, DeKalb, Illinois stated this is a continuation from ten years ago when Council voted to preserve farm land in DeKalb. He added the only positive aspect of the annexation is that the lots are small. Also, he said, every time there is a new development the City will have to Regular City Council Meeting Minutes February 25, 2013 Page 4 of 6 raise taxes. Impact fees were established ten years ago and should be increased, he said. This is not a good development for the City, he added. Ms. Bessie Chronopoulos, DeKalb, Illinois stated that Normal Road should be taken care of by the developer. She stated there is not enough information on the project. Additionally, she stated that impact fees should be left alone. Mr. Jon Sauser, DeKalb, Illinois stated there is no demand for housing at this time and does not agree with approving the development. He said that the Police Department needs help in policing the community and adding to the supply of homes will make the problem worse. He pointed out Shodeen’s project on Lincoln Highway with the broken windows and weeds and asked how good of a community member is Shodeen. He stated that Irongate is not needed and encouraged Council to keep the impact fees. Mr. Paul Sauser, DeKalb, Illinois agreed with Jon Sauser about the Shodeen property on Lincoln Highway and stated it is obvious Shodeen does not care about the community. Mr. Dave Patzelt, Geneva, Illinois, representing Shodeen stated that following the last meeting, he has revised the plan and incorporated the changes. He noted that the density conforms to the comprehensive plan of four units per acre. Reductions were made in senior units, single family homes, townhomes and elimination of apartments, he said. He outlined the current proposal. Mr. Patzelt addressed the comments made regarding the Shodeen property on Lincoln and noted Council has not provided adequate direction on the property. He added that Shodeen brought forward a plan and was told Council was not interested. Any downtown redevelopment requires TIF, he said and Shodeen was asked to come to DeKalb and do redevelopment and TIF funds would be granted. He asked Council what project they would like to see at that location. Ald. Gallagher stated he appreciated the efforts made. Ald. Teresinski agreed and stated DeKalb has avoided many substantial problems regarding bankruptcies and asked Mr. Patzelt his thoughts. Mr. Patzelt responded that Shodeen continues to develop projects and none have failed and added that Shodeen regulates itself. He stated that Shodeen only builds units when they are purchased. Additionally, he said, there is an opportunity for a better development and for people to buy different types of homes. Council asked further questions regarding the School District, Normal Road and impact fees. Mr. Biernacki noted that it was clear Council did not want residential development on Normal along Dresser, but wanted to see Normal Road extended. The developer’s concern is that when building a road, it is desirable to have lots adjacent to the road to sell in order to pay for the road. He suggested that a portion of the road impact fees be credited to the developer for the cost of building the road and asked for Council direction. Ald. O’Leary stated there are many vacant homes in DeKalb now and jobs are needed. She stated that NIU will require freshmen and sophomores to live on campus. She added she does not see that the community can support this development as she doesn’t see the growth. Mr. Patzelt stated Shodeen believes they can provide a different product and philosophy. He added Shodeen will only build homes when they know they can sell them. Ald. O’Leary stated that the City’s efforts should be placed on selling vacant homes now.  Regular Meeting February 25, 2013 Page 5 of 6 MOTION TO EXTEND MEETING At 8:58 p.m., Ald. Teresinski moved to extend the meeting past 9:00 p.m.; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed. Ald. Jacobson stated Council has told Mr. Patzelt what the parameters are. He added he doesn’t believe there is a demand for this development, and doesn’t support reducing impact fees. Mr. Patzelt encouraged Council to approve the project with the list of criteria and call for a vote. Ald. Lash stated she was bothered about the comments made regarding the Shodeen project being blighted in order to receive TIF funds. She stated she has heard too many problems on Irongate from the community and cannot support it. Ald. Baker asked if the School District can simply reduce their fees on their own. Mr. Biernacki replied they will wait to see what the City does and have made no commitment at this time. Mayor Povlsen stated Mr. Patzelt could come forward in March with a proposal. Mr. Biernacki noted that the current memo can be further refined and brought back. At 9:15 p.m., Mayor Povlsen continued the Public Hearing to the March 25, 2013 regular meeting. H. OLD BUSINESS: NONE. I. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING: NONE. J. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING: 1. ORDINANCE 13-09: AMENDING ORDINANCE 12-69 REGARDING THE TWO STORY, PUBLIC FACILITY (POLICE STATION) AND ALLOW FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY FOOT COMMUNICATIONS TOWER INSTEAD OF THE CURRENTLY APPROVED ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY FOOT TOWER. Mayor Povlsen read Ordinance 13-09 by title only. MOTION Ald. Lash moved to receive and file Ordinance 13-09; seconded by Ald. O’Leary. Mr. Hiland explained the recommendation to change the tower to 190’. He added that staff is investigating the cost. Mr. Moore noted they are approximately $40,000 which would be an additional expense to the budget. Ald. Teresinski stated he would like to see the total costs. VOTE Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed. K. RESOLUTIONS: NONE. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes February 25, 2013 Page 6 of 6 L. REPORTS – COMMUNICATIONS: Mayor Povlsen asked all to remove cars from the streets during snowstorms in order for the plows to do their work. Ald. Gallagher noted that the McDonalds at 6th and Lincoln is closed for remodeling. Council thanked Public Works for their efforts during the recent storms with the plowing. Mr. Biernacki announced there is an orientation session for candidates on March 4th at 6:00 p.m. Staff will send a notice for a special meeting. Additionally, a special meeting is scheduled for March 26 regarding the report on the housing study. Mr. Frieders noted that the GMP has been brought forward on the police station project. Chief Lowery met with a group regarding the parking fines issue and will bring recommendations at a later date. Ald. Teresinski noted there is a candidates’ night scheduled at the Egyptian on March 7th. 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); COLLECTIVE BARGAINING 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(2); PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(5); AND PENDING LITIGATION 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(11). MOTION Ald. Lash moved to approve staff’s request to hold a closed session to discuss Personnel as provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); Collective Bargaining 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2); Purchase of Real Property 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5); and Pending Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11); seconded by Ald. O’Leary. Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Baker, O’Leary, Povlsen. Absent: Naylor. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed. Mayor Povlsen closed the meeting to the public at 9:38 p.m. Mayor Povlsen opened the meeting to the public at 10:15 p.m. N. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION Ald. O’Leary moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. ___________________________________ DIANE K. WRIGHT, City Clerk Approved by City Council March 11, 2013