City Council

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE JUNE 13, 2016 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Committee of the Whole meeting on June 27, 2016 in the City Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Rey called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. A. ROLL CALL City Clerk Jennifer Jeep Johnson called the roll, and the following members of the City Council were present: Alderman David Jacobson, Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Michael Marquardt, Alderman Bob Snow, Alderman Kate Noreiko, Alderman Dave Baker, Alderman Tony Faivre, and Mayor John Rey. Also present were: City Manager Anne Marie Gaura, Assistant City Manager Patty Hoppenstedt, City Attorney Dean Frieders, Finance Director Cathy Haley, Police Chief Gene Lowery, Fire Chief Eric Hicks, Community Development Director Ellen Divita, Public Works Director Tim Holdeman, City Engineer John Laskowski, Assistant Transportation Planner Jessica Hyink, and City Clerk Jennifer Jeep Johnson. B. ITEMS ALSO ON THE REGULAR AGENDA None. C. CONSIDERATIONS 1. Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Transit Development Plan for the DeKalb Sycamore Area Transportation Study. Mayor Rey introduced Assistant Transportation Planner Hyink to explain the topic at hand. Assistant Transportation Planner Hyink explained the purpose of the study is to analyze efficiencies for Northern Illinois University (NIU) and Voluntary Action Center (VAC) transit services. They are trying to leverage more funding in order to maximize efficiencies. She explained the RFP has been a collaborative effort between several organizations. The RFP has gone before several committees for review, and was approved at the June 22nd DSATS meeting. She explained that Council will have an opportunity to approve the plan at a later date, explaining the Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 27, 2016 Page 2 of 3 funds will come entirely from DSATS, and will not impact the City’s budget at all. Brief discussion ensued as to how the plan would impact the budget, and how the selection process for service providers will occur. Mayor Rey expressed that he was happy the parties were at the table to discuss efficiencies. 2. Proposed Revisions to Chapter 50 “Citizen Environmental Commission”. Public Works Director Holdeman introduced the memorandum explaining the proposed changes to Chapter 50 of the Municipal Code. He turned it over to Citizen Environmental Commission Chairman William Oleckno. Chairman Oleckno summarized some of the changes to Chapter 50: 1. He introduced the Citizen Environmental Commission, stating that it is one of several commissions and boards established by the City of DeKalb. 2. He provided the experience of the current members of the commission. 3. He explained that while they service many functions, their mission is to improve the environment in DeKalb for the benefit of its citizens, while fostering sustainability in the area. 4. He explained that the revisions are recommended for updating because they are 12 years old, and that new demands have been placed on the commission, requiring a new sustainability plan. 5. He explained that the proposed changes: 1) increase representation of the community stakeholders, including adding representation from the DeKalb Sanitary District; and 2) clarify the duties and responsibilities of the commission members. 6. He also pointed out general “housekeeping rules”: 1) change the Commission’s Name to “citizens’”; 2) revise dates for the terms of membership, reporting requirements, and officer selection; 3) update residency requirements; and 4) clarify responsibilities of the City Staff Liaison Alderman Noreiko extended her thanks to the commission for examining ways to improve efficiency. She offered a couple of suggestions to Chairman Oleckno.  Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes June 27, 2016 Page 3 of 3 Brief discussion ensued as to the best language in terms of the meetings requirement. Mayor Rey expressed that Council had reached consensus to have the changes brought back before Council in a formal capacity. Mayor Rey added that the Commission is one of the more active commissions, and thanked the Chairman Oleckno for his leadership. D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None E. RECESS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL None. F. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Alderman Finucane moved to adjourn; seconded by Alderman Noreiko. VOTE Motion carried on an 8-0 voice vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Snow, Noreiko, Baker, Faivre, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed, and adjourned the meeting at 5:22 p.m. _____________________________________ JENNIFER JEEP JOHNSON, City Clerk Approved by City Council July 25, 2016.