City Council

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING AUGUST 14, 2017 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Committee of the Whole meeting on August 14, 2017, in the City Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. A. ROLL CALL Deputy City Clerk Scott called the roll and the following members of the City Council were present: Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Mike Marquardt, Alderman Kate Noreiko, Alderman Mike Verbic, Alderman Tony Faivre, and Mayor Jerry Smith. Alderman David Jacobson and Alderman Pat Fagan were absent. Also present were: City Manager Anne Marie Gaura, City Attorney Dean Frieders, Interim Finance Director Jeff Wilkins, Police Chief Gene Lowery, Fire Chief Eric Hicks, Public Works Director Tim Holdeman, Information Technology Director Marc Thorson, Management Analyst Aaron Stevens, Economic Development Planner Jason Michnick, Principal Planner Dan Olson, Management Analyst Patrick DiDiana, Airport Manager Tom Cleveland, and Deputy City Clerk Ruth Scott. B. ITEMS ALSO ON THE REGULAR AGENDA There were none. C. CONSIDERATIONS 1. Low-Margin Jet-Fuel Pricing Strategy Implementation Update. Public Works Director Holdeman provided an overview of this item, stating that the low- margin jet-fuel pricing strategy at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DTMA) began on May 1, 2017. The strategy reduces the resale price of jet fuel to incentivize jet traffic to land and refuel at the DTMA. After a little over three months, the monthly profit from jet fuels sales surpassed the average monthly profit prior to the incentive program. Public Works Director Holdeman further stated that the number of gallons sold increased significantly during the months of May, June, and July. In addition, the purchase price of jet fuel has been lower than average over the past two months. These factors have produced 25% and 45% increases in profits (compared to the average profit) for June and July, respectively. Also, during the first three months of implementing the low-margin jet-fuel pricing strategy, profits from jet fuel sales were better than average for two of the three months. The cumulative increase in profit since May is $443, indicating the program Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes August 14, 2017 Page 2 of 4 is just above the breakeven point. Staff believes the prospects for continued increases in jet traffic and profit are good. Alderman Faivre asked if the increase in jet fuel purchases was seasonal and what should the City expect in the upcoming winter months. Airport Manager Cleveland stated that purchases should continue as corporate flying increases in the fall. Alderman Finucane asked how the margin is determined. Airport Manager Cleveland replied that a new price is provided by the City’s supplier every Tuesday. Public Works Director Holdeman noted that jet fuel pricing is very volatile. Alderman Noreiko asked if there are particular groups or categories of pilots, planes, and/or companies that have utilized the lower fuel prices. Airport Manager Cleveland stated that it’s mostly cross country and owner/operator jets. Alderman Faivre thanked Public Works Director Holdeman and Airport Manager Cleveland for their work on this program. 2. City Engineer Position Update. Public Works Director Holdeman provided an overview of this item, stating that when the former City Engineer ended employment with the City on March 16, 2017, the City started working with WBK Engineering, LLC (WBK) for City Engineering services. He further stated that WBK has done an outstanding job in assisting the City with a variety of projects, including public sector infrastructure, capital improvements, site plan reviews, and private engineer, just to name a few. He added that the City’s agreement with WBK would expire on December 31, 2017. Public works Director Holdeman continued, stating that in order to stay within the budgeted amount, he has had to manage the level of work done by WBK so that it doesn’t average five hours a day. Some projects had to be cut, such as capital improvement projects. He added that he’s concerned that some of the more complex projects are not getting enough attention. Further, the City is missing some grant opportunities. He has also had to ask other departments to complete engineering reviews for permits, placing a burden on them. Public Works Director Holdeman further stated that staff has monitored the activity required to perform essential engineering services and the cost of a consultant to provide the services. It is clear that to stay within the current budget constraints requires staffing the City Engineer position with a permanent full-time employee. Thus, Public Works will post the City Engineer position with the intent to hire a qualified professional engineer before the end of 2017. The candidate will be someone with more than 10 years of experience, as well as experience in municipal engineering. He will be using current Interim City Engineer Greg Chismark to help with the process.  Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes August 14, 2017 Page 3 of 4 Alderman Verbic stated that if it’s the will of the Council, perhaps a residency component could be added to the position. Mayor Smith stated that he still feels strongly about City staff having residency in DeKalb. City Manager Gaura stated that certain positions are very competitive and residency decreases the pool of applicants, making it difficult to recruit, but City staff will follow Council’s advice as given. Public Works Director Holdeman stated he’s not going to hire someone who’s not fully qualified to provide the services the City needs. It would be a mistake to settle for something less than the standard established with WBK. Discussion ensued regarding residency requirements. Alderman Finucane expressed his preference that the position be required to live within City limits. Alderman Faivre concurred, stating that perhaps the geographical parameters could be the same as those used for the City’s firefighters. Alderman Noreiko stated that she’s okay with a broader geographic area. While she recognizes the value of residency, this position has such specific professional requirements that she wants to make sure the best person is available for this position. Alderman Verbic stated his preference for residency. Alderman Marquardt stated that he debates whether or not City employees should have to be residents, adding there are two sides to the discussion. However, the best person for the role should be considered. D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was none. E. RECESS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL Mayor Smith read aloud the following: 1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session to Discuss the Purchase or Lease of Real Property as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5). 2. Approval to Hold an Executive Session to Discuss Pending or Imminent Litigation as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). MOTION Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes August 14, 2017 Page 4 of 4 Alderman Verbic moved to hold an Executive Session; seconded by Alderman Faivre. VOTE Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Marquardt, Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre, Smith. Nay: None. Absent: Jacobson, Fagan. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed and closed the meeting to the public at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Smith opened the meeting to the public at 5:52 p.m. F. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Alderman Marquardt motioned to adjourn the Committee of the Whole meeting; seconded by Alderman Verbic. VOTE Motion carried on a 6-0-2 voice vote. Aye: Finucane, Marquardt, Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre, Smith. Nay: None. Absent: Jacobson, Fagan. Mayor Smith declared the motion passed and adjourned the Committee of the Whole meeting at 5:52 p.m. _____________________________________ RUTH A. SCOTT, Deputy City Clerk Approved by City Council: September 11, 2017.