City Council

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB REGULAR MEETING MAY 8, 2017 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Regular meeting on May 8, 2017, in the City Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Rey called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. A. ROLL CALL Deputy City Clerk Ruth Scott called the roll and the following members of City Council were present: Alderman David Jacobson, Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Mike 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, Deputy Police Chief John Petragallo, Fire Chief Eric Hicks, Community Development Director Jo Ellen Charlton, Public Works Director Tim Holdeman, Human Resources Director Cris Randall, Information Technology Director Marc Thorson, Management Analyst Aaron Stevens, Principal Planner Dan Olson, Streets Superintendent Mark Espy, Information Technology Technician Jeff Birtell, Deputy City Clerk Ruth Scott, and City Clerk Jennifer Jeep Johnson. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Police Detective Keith Ehrke led the Pledge of Allegiance. C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS MOTION Alderman Noreiko moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Alderman Marquardt. VOTE Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Snow, Noreiko, Baker, Faivre, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. D. PUBLIC HEARINGS There were none scheduled. E. SPECIAL ITEMS OR PRESENTATIONS & CITIZEN’S COMMENTS Regular Meeting Minutes May 8, 2017 Page 2 of 11 Mayor Rey thanked his family for their support during his term as Mayor. He also thanked the Council members, City staff, and the numerous volunteers who serve on the City’s boards, commissions and committees for all their hard work and dedication. Mayor Rey also thanked the citizens of DeKalb who supported him through his term. 1. Special Items a. Swearing in Ceremony of Susanna M. Herrmann as City Clerk. Susanna M. Herrmann was sworn in as City Clerk by Attorney Ronald G. Klein. b. Swearing in Ceremony of William S. Finucane as Second Ward Alderman. William S. Finucane was sworn in as Second Ward Alderman by Attorney Ronald G. Klein. c. Swearing in Ceremony of Patrick E. Fagan as Fourth Ward Alderman. Patrick E. Fagan was sworn in as Fourth Ward Alderman by Attorney Ronald G. Klein. d. Swearing in Ceremony of Michael D. Verbic as Sixth Ward Alderman. Michael D. Verbic was sworn in as Sixth Ward Alderman by Attorney Ronald G. Klein. e. Swearing in Ceremony of Anthony L. Faivre as Seventh Ward Alderman. Anthony L. Faivre was sworn in as Seventh Ward Alderman by Attorney Ronald G. Klein. f. Swearing in Ceremony of Jerry Smith as Mayor. Jerry Smith was sworn in as Mayor by Attorney Ronald G. Klein. Following his swearing in, Mayor Smith thanked former Mayor Rey for his service to the City of DeKalb. Mayor Smith stated that he’s been very busy since being elected. He indicated that he’s visited with each Aldermen, as well as various City staff members. He spoke of several meetings he’s been to throughout the City and surrounding areas, meeting with different people and organizations.  Regular Meeting of City Council Agenda May 8, 2017 Page 3 of 11 Mayor Smith also stated that as he transitions into his role as Mayor, he pledges to do his very best and has asked Council and City staff to do the same. He further stated that he’s asked City staff to be friendly and courteous to all. Mayor Smith stated to citizens that their input is important. He wants to make DeKalb a safer place to live, work and raise a family, and make it a place where there’s opportunity for all, moving forward together for the common good. e. Proudly DeKalb  2017 Tree City USA Award and Recognition. Public Works Director Holdeman and Streets Superintendent Espy provided history and overview of the Tree City USA Award, stating it’s an honor for the City to be recognized as a Tree City USA award winner by the Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the Forestry Service and statewide foresters. Public Works Director Holdeman thanked Council for their continued support. f. Proclamation: Municipal Clerk’s Week, May 7 - 13, 2017. Mayor Smith read aloud the proclamation and presented it to City Clerk Herrmann. g. Proclamation: Public Service Recognition Week, May 7 - 13, 2017. Mayor Smith read aloud the proclamation and presented it to Public Works Director Holdeman. h. Proclamation: National Nursing Home Week, May 14 - 20, 2017. Mayor Smith read aloud the proclamation and stated it would be sent to a local nursing home for display. i. Proclamation: National Police Week, May 14 - 20, 2017. Mayor Smith read aloud the proclamation and presented it to Deputy Police Chief Petragallo. j. Proclamation: Bike to Work Day, May 19, 2017. Mayor Smith read aloud the proclamation and presented it to Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt. 2. Presentations a. Community Coordinated Child Care (4C) FY2017 Human Services Funding Annual Report by Executive Director Susan Petersen. Regular Meeting Minutes May 8, 2017 Page 4 of 11 4C Executive Director Susan Petersen thanked the outgoing Council members for their service to the community and thanked the seated Council for their continued support of 4C. She stated that 4C provides vital services to those struggling with poverty to continue their path to economic stability. Ms. Petersen provided an overview of the services provided to the community over the last year. b. KishHealth System Behavioral Health Services, Ben Gordon Center - DCP/SAFE FY2017 Human Services Funding Annual Report by Executive Director Kim Volk. The scheduled speaker did not attend this meeting. 3. Approval of the Mayor’s Appointments Mayor Smith stated he will be meeting with each board, commission and committee in the near future. He anticipates making appointments and reappointments over the next several week and months. 4. Public Participation There was no one registered to speak. F. CONSENT AGENDA – OMNIBUS VOTE Mayor Smith indicated that item F.3. would be removed from the Consent Agenda for separate discussion and action. Mayor Smith read the following items on the Consent Agenda by title only: 1. Approval of City Council Minutes a. Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting of April 10, 2017. b. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of April 10, 2017. 2. Receive & File a. Accounts Payable and Payroll through May 8, 2017 in the Amount of $2,105,535.27. b. Investment and Bank Balance Summary: March 2017. c. FY2017 First Quarter Financial Review. d. Human Services Funding FY2017 First Quarter Report. MOTION  Regular Meeting of City Council Agenda May 8, 2017 Page 5 of 11 Alderman Jacobson moved to approve the Consent Agenda as amended; seconded by Alderman Finucane. VOTE Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre, Smith. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed. MOTION Alderman Fagan moved to approve the items listed on the Consent Agenda; seconded by Alderman Marquardt. VOTE Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre, Smith. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed. G. ITEMS FOR SEPARATE ACTION 1. Ordinance 2017-024 Authorizing a Special Use Permit for a Gas Station at 1020 N. 1st Street (Kelley Williamson Company - Mobil). (Second Reading) Mayor Smith read Ordinance 2017-024 by title only. MOTION Alderman Finucane moved to consider Ordinance 2017-024; seconded by Alderman Marquardt. Principal Planner Olson provided an overview of this item, stating that the applicant, Kelley Williamson Company, has requested approval of a special use permit for a new unattended Mobil gas station for the property located at 1020 N. 1st Street. A variance was also requested to the lighting standards in the UDO, which was reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC). This item was reviewed on First Reading at the April 24, 2017, City Council meeting. Alderman Noreiko stated she had received several comments from the community regarding this item. She further stated that based on those comments, she thoroughly reviewed the proposal. She indicated that she’s still in favor of the item based on the time frame the property has been vacant (20 years), and the amount of time and expense the current owners have spent in remediating the property, noting that the vacant gas station on the nearby corner isn’t likely to be developed soon due to the numerous fines against it. Alderman Noreiko added that developing the property is preferable to a vacant site. Regular Meeting Minutes May 8, 2017 Page 6 of 11 Alderman Jacobson stated that it’s important to balance the need for growth and the need for development. He added that he’s also received several comments from citizens regarding wondering why he voted no at the First Reading. His issue is that there’s a vacant lot on the other side of the street, nor does he think that this project will generate any new tax revenue or provide more than one full time job or added services to local residents. Sharon Sipes, a Kelley Williamson representative, provided information on this matter, stating that while the station will be unattended, a manager will be there for at least an hour a day. She added that a maintenance person would also be there for two to three hours a day. Ms. Sipes stated that the station will provide regular and diesel fuel. Security cameras will be on site and the station will not be closed on holidays. Alderman Jacobson asked about the weight restrictions on the bridge on First Street, in terms of diesel fuel delivery. Principal Planner Olson replied that fuel delivery trucks will not be able to come from the south along N. 1st Street due to weight limits on the bridge. Trucks will enter along N. 1st Street, coming from the north, and exit onto Hillcrest Drive. He added that both the Police and Fire Departments have reviewed the plan. There was a brief discussion between Alderman Jacobson and City Attorney Frieders regarding fuel delivery trucks in residential areas. VOTE Motion carried on a 7-1 roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Marquardt, Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre, Smith. Nay: Jacobson. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed. 2. Resolution 2017-067 Authorizing an Engineering Services Agreement with WBK Engineering, LLC in an Amount Not to Exceed Phase 1 Costs of $34,480 for a Traffic Analysis and Intersection Design Study, and Phase 2 Costs in an Amount Not to Exceed $67,500 for IDOT Qualified Construction Design and Engineering Plans for Streetscape and Signalization Improvements Along 1st Street Between Lincoln Hwy. (IL Rt. 38) and the Railroad Tracks South of Lincoln Hwy. (IL Rt. 38) Adjoining the Cornerstone Project. Mayor Smith read Resolution 2017-067 by title only. MOTION Alderman Noreiko moved to consider Resolution 2017-067; seconded by Alderman Faivre. Community Development Director Charlton provided background information regarding this item, stating that the approval of the Cornerstone  Regular Meeting of City Council Agenda May 8, 2017 Page 7 of 11 project included proposed plans that provided for the demolition of the old building and construction of a new building in the same location as the existing building footprint. The footprint allows for only a very narrow sidewalk along the east side of 1st Street. The sidewalk along 1st Street is immediately adjacent to an active lane of traffic, providing little to no sense of security for pedestrians. Additionally, street lights along this section of roadway are not consistent with the lighting levels provided along Lincoln Highway, also contributing to a sense of insecurity for pedestrians. Community Development Director Charlton continued, stating that City staff approached Greg Chismark, the current City Engineering consultant from WBK, and asked him to provide an estimate of the scope of services that would be required to widen the sidewalk and improve lighting in this area. Mr. Chismark indicated that increasing the width of the sidewalk would require the elimination of the eastern most drive lane, leaving one north bound through lane and one north bound to west bound left turn lane. All or a portion of the eliminated lane could be designated for increased sidewalk width and/or other pedestrian or parkway enhancements including new lighting, and possibly include some on-street parallel parking or a drop off area. Mr. Chismark also informed the City that this modification would require IDOT approval given the relationship of traffic movement to the signalization at 1st Street and Lincoln Highway. IDOT approval requires a traffic study and an IDS. IDOT requires the traffic study in order to determine if the through lane can be lost and managed without causing traffic concerns. The IDS is a preliminary graphic representation of the proposed treatments for the improvement of an IDOT intersection. Community Development Director Charlton completed her presentation by noting that City staff recommends that the project be split into two phases. Phase 1 would include the traffic analysis and intersection design study. Phase 2 would include the IDOT qualified construction design and engineering plans for streetscape and signalization improvements. Phase 2 would be brought back before Council for approval prior to moving forward. Mayor Smith stated that he recently had a conversation with the developer, John Pappas, regarding the project, adding that Mr. Pappas has agreed to give the City $25,000 towards the project. Alderman Noreiko commented that she was pleased to see that part of the project would include lighting since the area in question isn’t very well lit. Alderman Fagan asked for clarification regarding the decision being made at this meeting, asking if the vote would be for Phase 1 of the project only. Community Development Director Charlton replied in the affirmative, adding that with the contribution from the developer, the City’s portion for Phase 1 would be $9,480. Regular Meeting Minutes May 8, 2017 Page 8 of 11 Alderman Finucane stated he’s in favor of Phase 1, especially where lighting is concerned. However, he’s concerned about losing the east most lane of traffic. Alderman Verbic stated that while he supports the safety of pedestrians on the sidewalk and feels the study will provide needed information, he’s concerned about the use of TIF dollars. Before the City commits any more money from TIF, a review of what’s available is needed. Alderman Jacobson asked if the TIF money being used for this project is sacrificing anything else. Community Development Director Charlton stated the balance in the TIF is healthy enough to absorb the amount requested. Discussion ensued. City Attorney Frieders commented that the motion on the floor was to approve the project as listed on the agenda, and not contingent upon the developer’s monetary provision. Pam Verbic stated that she had studied this item closely and asked if it would be possible for Phase I of the project to be completed in-house. She also asked if the type of lighting being added to the building had been discussed with the developer. Ms. Verbic added that if the parking lot lighting being added by the developer provided a certain amount of illumination, perhaps the City wouldn’t have to make that investment. Public Works Director Holdeman Tim replied that since the City is currently contracting its engineering services through WBK, the costs associated with this type of project and the resources associated with it are not available in the engineering budget. MOTION Alderman Verbic moved to amend the motion to include the $25,000 contribution from the developer; seconded by Alderman Fagan. There was a brief discussion between Alderman Finucane and City Attorney Frieders regarding the motion on the floor. City Attorney Frieders clarified that the motion to amend includes the approval of Phase 1 of the project, contingent upon the developer’s contribution of $25,000, and authorization for staff to move forward with the agreement. VOTE  Regular Meeting of City Council Agenda May 8, 2017 Page 9 of 11 Motion carried on a 5-3 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Fagan, Verbic, Faivre, Smith. Nay: Finucane, Marquardt, Noreiko. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed. VOTE Motion carried on a 6-2 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre, Smith. Nay: Finucane, Marquardt. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed. 3. Resolution 2017-066 Authorizing an Agreement with DeKalb Corn Fest, Inc. for the 2017 DeKalb Corn Fest from August 24, 2017, through August 27, 2017. Alderman Fagan left the dais at 7:10 p.m. Mayor Smith read Resolution 2017-066 by title only. MOTION Alderman Noreiko moved to consider Resolution 2017-066; seconded by Alderman Faivre. Community Development Director Charlton provided an overview of this item stating that Corn Fest is a long-standing annual event in DeKalb. This year’s event will take place downtown beginning Friday, August 25, 2017, through Sunday, August 27, 2017. Alderman Finucane stated there was an issue with last year’s event involving streets closing earlier than 4:00 p.m. on opening day, which caused a stir among downtown merchants. He wants to make sure that doesn’t happen again this year. Community Development Director Charlton indicated that she has spoken with representatives from DeKalb Corn Fest, Inc. regarding the issue. There will only be four parking spaces closed prior to 4:00 p.m. on that Friday for the delivery of the generators. VOTE Motion carried on a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Noreiko, Baker, Faivre, Smith. Nay: None. Absent: Fagan. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed. Alderman Fagan returned to the dais at 7:13 p.m. H. NEW OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was none. I. REPORTS – COMMUNICATIONS Regular Meeting Minutes May 8, 2017 Page 10 of 11 Alderman Finucane thanked former Mayor Rey, Alderman Snow, and Alderman Baker for their service to the City. He also welcomed Mayor Smith, Alderman Fagan, and Alderman Verbic, stating he looks forward to working with them. Alderman Finucane also complimented the participants of the NIU ArtiGras event. Alderman Fagan reported that he’s excited about being an alderman. He added that he will be working on a date to hold a town hall meeting for the Fourth Ward. Alderman Noreiko welcomed the new Council members and offered her assistance as needed, adding that she’s looking forward to working with them. Alderman Verbic thanked his family, friends, and local supporters for their support. City Manager Gaura welcomed the new Council members. Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt welcomed the new Council members. She also encouraged residents to sign up for the City’s new e-Newsletter, available on the City’s website. City Attorney Frieders reported that during this meeting he had already received an email from developer John Pappas regarding the monetary contribution to the Phase 1 costs for a traffic analysis and intersection design study (Resolution 2017-067). Mr. Pappas indicated that he will come to City Hall to provide his intentions in writing. Fire Chief Hicks welcomed the new Council members. Public Works Director Holdeman stated he’s in the process of narrowing down dates for public meetings regarding an asset plan for streets and fleet, with a final announcement being made within the next two days. Both meetings will be held at the Police Department. Human Resources Director Randall welcomed the new Council members. Information Technology Director Thorson welcomed the new Council members. J. RECESS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION There was nothing scheduled. K. ADJOURNMENT In his closing comments, Mayor Smith stated, “It’s a new day in DeKalb.” MOTION Alderman Verbic moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Alderman Marquardt.  Regular Meeting of City Council Agenda May 8, 2017 Page 11 of 11 VOTE Motion carried on an 8-0 voice vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre, Smith. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m. _____________________________________ RUTH A. SCOTT, Deputy City Clerk Approved by City Council: June 12, 2017.