City Council

MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL DECEMBER 4, 2017 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Special meeting on December 4, 2017, in the City Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Deputy City Clerk Ruth Scott called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. Noting the absence of Mayor Smith, Alderman Finucane made a motion to appoint Alderman David Jacobson as Temporary Chair; seconded by Alderman Verbic. The motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre. Nay: None. Absent: Smith. A. ROLL CALL Deputy City Clerk Scott called the roll and the following members of City Council were present: Temporary Chair/Alderman David Jacobson, Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Mike Marquardt, Alderman Pat Fagan, Alderman Kate Noreiko, Alderman Mike Verbic, and Alderman Tony Faivre. Absent: Mayor Jerry Smith. Also present were: City Manager Anne Marie Gaura, Assistant City Manager Patty Hoppenstedt, City Attorney Dean Frieders, Police Chief Gene Lowery, Fire Chief Eric Hicks, Public Works Director Tim Holdeman, and Deputy City Clerk Ruth Scott. B. FY2018 PROPOSED BUDGET REVISIONS. Finance Director Talkington stated this meeting was being held as a workshop for further discussion of the FY2018 Budget, which was presented to Council at the November 27, 2017, Regular meeting. She then provided Council with an overview of the proposed changes and options to the FY2018 Budget. Finance Director Talkington also discussed the change in the budget process moving forward, starting with the FY2019 Budget, stating that discussions would begin in January of 2018. Following Finance Director Talkington’s overview, Council provided comments and suggestions regarding the FY2018 budget. There was discussion regarding snow removal on arterial streets and sidewalks outside the Central Business District, Police Department staffing, funding of the Municipal Band, Community Development staffing, Public Works equipment, IHSA funding, tuition reimbursement, and ongoing discussions between the City and the County in reference to the Peace Road Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA). Council and staff also discussed the proposed Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) increase of $0.02 for street improvement. Temporary Chair Jacobson called for public comment. Dwayne Brown provided his opinion regarding the proposed $0.02 MFT increase. He also called for an immediate hiring freeze throughout the City. Special Meeting of City Council December 4, 2017 Page 2 of 2 Jim Mason congratulated Council and staff for the cuts in expenditures. He also noted that DeKalb’s real estate taxes are one of the highest in the United States and hopes the City can get that under control. Larry Apperson provided his opinion regarding cuts in Cultural Competency Training for staff and provided options to retain some of the training. Pamela Verbic posed questions regarding the EAV and TIF funding. Ms. Verbic also provided her opinion regarding the funding of the Municipal Band, as well the Code Compliance position. Andre Williams provided his opinion regarding the FY2018 Budget. Alderman Finucane left the meeting at 6:50 p.m., returning at 6:52 p.m. Discussion among Council ensued regarding the FY2018 budget. Items discussed were the 25% fund balance, engineering lab supplies, drug lock boxes, the Wrike Project Management System, and staffing. Finance Director Talkington provided Council with an overview of specific items discussed at this meeting that will be either left out of or returned to the budget. Alderman Finucane commented on the productivity of this meeting and thanked staff for their hard work. He also thanked citizens for their input. C. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Will Heinisch commented on the upcoming D428 School District Board meeting and challenged the Board to hold the line on taxes. He also commended Council for their service. D. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Alderman Noreiko motioned to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Alderman Fagan. VOTE Motion carried on a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre. Nay: None. Absent: Smith. Temporary Chair Jacobson declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 7:27 p.m. _____________________________________ RUTH A. SCOTT, Deputy City Clerk Approved by Council: January 8, 2018.