City Council

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING NOVEMBER 13, 2017 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Committee of the Whole meeting on November 13, 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 City Clerk Herrmann called the roll and the following members of the City Council were present: Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Mike Marquardt, Alderman Pat Fagan, Alderman Kate Noreiko, Alderman Mike Verbic, Alderman Tony Faivre, and Mayor Jerry Smith. Alderman Dave Jacobson arrived at 5:02 p.m. Also present were: City Manager Anne Marie Gaura, Assistant City Manager Patty Hoppenstedt, City Attorney Dean Frieders, Finance Director Molly Talkington, Police Chief Gene Lowery, Fire Chief Eric Hicks, Community Development Director Jo Ellen Charlton, Public Works Director Tim Holdeman, Information Technology Director Marc Thorson, Human Resources Director Cris Randall, Management Analyst Aaron Stevens, Economic Development Planner Jason Michnick, Principal Planner Dan Olson, Police Commander Steve Lekkas, and City Clerk Susanna Herrmann. B. ITEMS ALSO ON THE REGULAR AGENDA There were none. C. CONSIDERATIONS 1. Safe Streets Initiative Police Chief Lowery provided an overview of this item, stating that due to the recent increase in violent crimes, it is recommended to consider the creation of an overnight street safety program incorporating parking provisions that help ensure streets are clear, have enhanced visibility, and first responders have improved access. He specified that based on current public safety challenges the City has experienced, it is recommended to consider the creation of areas within which parking by non-residents is prohibited between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Police Chief Lowery continued, providing a background of the development of the initiative and mentioned that the City currently has a multitude of parking regulations in various areas. He noted that following the occurrence of several incidents of significant crime, and the occurrence of street takeovers in the northwestern part of the City, there have been additional parking regulations adopted in that area over the past few years. He stated that those parking measures have had significant impact on reducing certain types of criminal behavior, and in maintaining ingress and egress from neighborhoods by first responders. Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes November 13, 2017 Page 2 of 3 Police Chief Lowery informed Council that many communities have utilized overnight parking prohibitions as an effective way of prohibiting non-residents from parking cars or remaining within areas of the community in late hours or overnight. After diligent consideration of all possible options, he is recommending that the City adopt overnight parking regulations. He noted that serious consideration of this matter is also recommended, as it is one critical part of a multifaceted approach to addressing ongoing public safety concerns within the City and to help create the conditions that lead to Safe Streets and a safe community. Police Chief Lowery discussed his experience as the Deputy Police Chief in Crystal Lake and mentioned that their Police Department has implemented an ordinance of this nature. He suggested that Council look into the crime rate in Crystal Lake and consider the positive impact that ordinance has had on that community. Police Chief Lowery expressed his opinion that the City needs to be more stringent regarding hours of operation and parking regulations at Welsh Park and other areas near Russell Road and Crane Drive in the Annie Glidden North Corridor. He discussed some of the issues that residents are experiencing in those areas and outlined some of the specific action steps that need to be taken by Council and staff in order to make the Safe Streets Initiative successful. Alderman Noreiko asked Police Chief Lowery for verbal clarification of the proposal. Police Chief Lowery stated that the specifics will depend on Council’s direction in regard to the Safe Streets Initiative. Discussion ensued between Police Chief Lowery and Alderman Noreiko regarding the specific regulations presented in the proposal. Alderman Fagan referenced the map Police Chief Lowery provided to Council in the agenda packet and clarified that the areas indicated are the ones that will be affected by the proposal. Police Chief Lowery confirmed. Alderman Finucane asked how the City would be able to identify which student residents are able to utilize on-street parking. Police Chief Lowery discussed some of the options the Police Department has to address that concern. Discussion ensued between Alderman Finucane and Police Chief Lowery regarding this issue. Alderman Jacobson discussed his concerns for the student population that resides in the area and expressed his opinion that a balance can be met between addressing public safety issues and allowing convenient parking for visitors to the City. He shared historical perspective regarding parking regulations in the Greek Row neighborhood and other neighborhoods identified in the map mentioned above. He also expressed his opinion that strict parking regulations could disenfranchise and further destabilize these neighborhoods. Police Chief Lowery disagreed with Alderman Jacobson that the parking regulations reflected in the proposal will disenfranchise and destabilize the areas that they cover.  Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes November 13, 2017 Page 3 of 3 Alderman Faivre commented that he agrees with components of the proposal and made suggestions for alternative parking areas. Patricia De Boo stated that her property on John Street is unable to be modified to accommodate parking for residents due to the close proximity of the property to the Kishwaukee River. She noted that her tenants rely on the availability of on-street parking and asked Council to consider these types of issues in moving forward with the proposal. Alderman Marquardt asked Police Chief Lowery if there has been any discussion regarding the permitting process. Police Chief Lowery confirmed there was. Discussion ensued between Alderman Marquardt and Police Chief Lowery regarding permit cost and collection of that revenue. D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION There was none. E. RECESS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session to Discuss Security Procedures as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8). 2. Approval to Hold an Executive Session to Discuss Pending or Imminent Litigation as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) Not acted on. F. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Alderman Jacobson moved to adjourn the Committee of the Whole Meeting; seconded by Alderman Fagan. 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 the meeting adjourned at 6:11 p.m. _____________________________________ SUSANNA HERRMANN, City Clerk Approved by City Council: December 11, 2017.