City Council
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · January 28, 2019
Minutes
MINUTES
CITY OF DEKALB
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 28, 2019
The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular City Council meeting on January 28,
2019, in the City Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth
Street, DeKalb, Illinois.
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
City Clerk Lynn Fazekas called the roll, and the following members of City Council were
present: Alderman David Jacobson, Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Joyce Stupegia,
Alderman Pat Fagan, Alderman Kate Noreiko, Alderman Mike Verbic, Alderman Tony
Faivre, and Mayor Jerry Smith.
Also present were: City Manager Bill Nicklas, Police Chief Gene Lowery, Interim Fire
Chief Jeff McMaster, Interim Support Services Superintendent Andy Raih, and City
Attorney Dean Frieders.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES
Alderman Jacobson led the Pledge.
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION
Alderman Finucane moved to approve the agenda. Alderman Jacobson seconded.
VOTE
Motion was approved 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Stupegia, Fagan, Noreiko,
Verbic, Faivre, Jacobson, Smith. Nay: none.
D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Dwayne Brown spoke to the considerations for personnel changes, saying previous city
managers did not address issues of overstaffing. He said he supports staff reductions
and reductions to grants, such as to the Chamber of Commerce, and said people should
shovel their sidewalks as it’s a safety issue.
Brad Hoey expressed support for maintaining the City’s grant amount to DeKalb County
Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (DCCVB) by pointing out steady increases in tourism-
related economic activity each year. He said every dollar DeKalb contributes to the
organization is matched by the State of Illinois.
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January 28, 2019
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Vicki Torres commented that reducing the City’s grant to DCCVB by $10,000 translates
into a loss of twice that amount.
E. PRESENTATIONS AND CITIZENS’ COMMENTS
1. Proudly DeKalb: Sergeant Keunte Mallett Pinning Ceremony.
Police Chief Gene Lowery introduced Sergeant Mallett and his family and offered a
brief biography of Sergeant Mallett before overseeing the ceremony.
F. APPOINTMENTS
1. Appointment of Evelina Cichy to the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners for
the Completion of a Term through December 31, 2019.
Mayor Smith read the title of the item.
MOTION
Alderman Finucane moved to approve the appointment. Alderman Noreiko
seconded.
VOTE
Motion was approved 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Stupegia, Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic,
Faivre, Jacobson, Finucane, Smith. Nay: none.
G. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of December 18, 2019.
2. Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting of January 14, 2019.
3. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 14, 2019.
4. Minutes of the Annie Glidden North Revitalization Plan Task Force Meeting of
May 7, 2018.
5. Accounts Payable and Payroll through January 28, 2019, in the Amount of
$2,800,987.67.
6. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through November 2019.
7. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through November 2019.
8. FY2018 Human Services Funding Fourth Quarter Report.
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9. Omnibus Approval of FY2019 Human Services Funding Resolutions 2019-012
Adventure Works of DeKalb County, Inc.; 2019-013 Court Appointed Special
Advocates (CASA); 2019-014 Community Coordinated Child Care (4C); 2019-
015 DeKalb County Community Gardens; 2019-016 DeKalb County Youth
Services Bureau; 2019-017 Elder Care Services; 2019-018 Family Service
Agency of DeKalb County; 2019-019 Hope Haven; 2019-020 Kishwaukee
YMCA, Camp Power; 2019-021 Nguzo Saba; 2019-022 RAMP (Regional
Access and Mobilization Project, Inc.); 2019- 023 Safe Passage; and 2019-024
Voluntary Action Center (VAC), Authorizing Human Services Agreements for
Human Services Funding Beginning January 1, 2019, through December 31,
2019, in the Amount of $144,500.
Mayor Smith read the title of each item of the Consent Agenda.
MOTION
Alderman Noreiko moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Alderman Fagan
seconded.
VOTE
Motion was approved 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre,
Jacobson, Finucane, Stupegia, Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the motion
passed.
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were none.
I. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Consideration of Personnel Changes to Address Fiscal Imbalances in the
General Fund.
Mayor Smith read the item by title only.
City Manager Nicklas highlighted budget issues including General Fund balance and
rising pension and healthcare expenses. He said time is of the essence for taking
action. Four department directors will be laid off, and three vacant positions will
remain unfilled. He said he and the Assistant City Manager will step up to help meet
service demands, and he will be recommending additional measures to cut costs.
Mayor Smith observed that the City Manager could have just made the decisions
without Council input, and said he appreciated the opportunity to discuss them.
Council Members generally expressed appreciation for the work of the staff who face
layoffs and support for the City Manager’s recommendations, though Alderman
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Jacobson cautioned these actions are preliminary to other difficult decisions Council
needs to make.
J. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2019-001 Authorizing an FY2019 Tourism Agreement with the
DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau in the Amount of $50,000 for
Tourism Activities Beginning January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019.
Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Finucane moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Stupegia seconded.
City Manager Nicklas noted the City has contributed $425,000 to DCCVB over the
past nine budget years, and he recommended a grant of $40,000 for this year.
MOTION
Alderman Faivre moved to amend the resolution by changing the grant to the
recommended amount of $40,000. Alderman Finucane seconded.
Brad Hoey confirmed for Council that the state match applies to private donations
also.
VOTE
Motion to amend was approved 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre,
Jacobson, Finucane, Stupegia, Fagan, Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the
amendment passed.
VOTE
Motion to pass the resolution as amended was approved 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye:
Verbic, Faivre, Jacobson, Finucane, Stupegia, Fagan, Noreiko, Smith. Nay: none.
Mayor Smith declared the resolution passed.
2. Resolution 2019-002 Authorizing a Funding Agreement with the DeKalb
Chamber of Commerce in the Amount of $45,000 for the Purpose of
Facilitating Community Events Beginning January 1, 2019 through December
31, 2019.
Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.
MOTION
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Alderman Finucane moved to approve the resolution in the amount of $35,000 as
recommended by the City Manager. Alderman Faivre seconded.
VOTE
Motion was approved 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Faivre, Jacobson, Finucane,
Stupegia, Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic, Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the
motion passed.
3. Resolution 2019-003 Authorizing a Funding Agreement with the DeKalb
County Economic Development Corporation in the Amount of $45,000 for
Economic Development Services Beginning January 1, 2019 through
December 31, 2019.
Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only, except he replaced the $45,000 amount
with the recommended amount of $35,000.
MOTION
Alderman Verbic moved to approve the resolution as stated by the Mayor. Alderman
Stupegia seconded.
VOTE
Motion was approved 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Stupegia,
Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre, Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the motion
passed.
4. Resolution 2019-025 Authorizing the Appointment of Jeff McMaster as Fire
Chief Effective February 1, 2019.
5. Resolution 2019-026 Authorizing the Appointment of Raymond Munch to
Assistant City Manager Effective February 1, 2019.
6. Resolution 2019-027 Authorizing the Appointment of Andy Raih to Street
Department Superintendent Effective February 1, 2019.
MOTION
Alderman Finucane moved to approve the above appointments, Items 4, 5, and 6,
via omnibus vote. Alderman Jacobson seconded. Mayor Smith read each of the
above resolutions by title.
VOTE
Motion was approved 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Stupegia, Fagan, Noreiko,
Verbic, Faivre, Jacobson, Smith. Nay: none.
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7. Resolution 2019-028 Authorizing a Retail Tobacco Store License for The
Smoke Shop NIU, Inc., Located at 818 W. Lincoln Highway, Suite 3.
Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Noreiko moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Faivre seconded.
VOTE
Motion was approved 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Stupegia, Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic,
Faivre, Jacobson, Finucane, Smith. Nay: none.
8. Resolution 2019-029 Authorizing the City Manager to Sign Loan
Application Forms and Supporting Documents on Behalf of the City to Apply
for Funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program through the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency in an Amount Not to Exceed $1,700,000.
Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Stupegia moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Verbic seconded.
City Manager Nicklas said the funds are for water main work.
VOTE
Motion was approved 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre, Jacobson,
Finucane, Stupegia, Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Fagan. Mayor Smith declared the
resolution passed.
9. Resolution 2019-030 Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with B&F
Construction Code Services, Inc. for the Provision of Plumbing Plan Review,
Inspection, and Related Services.
Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Faivre moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Noreiko seconded.
City Manager Nicklas reported two bidders responded to the Request for Proposal,
and recommendation is based on price point and experience with level of service.
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VOTE
Motion was approved 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Verbic, Faivre, Jacobson, Finucane,
Stupegia, Fagan, Noreiko, Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the motion
passed.
10. Resolution 2019-031 Authorizing the Transportation Improvement Program
for Federal Fiscal Years 2020 – 2024 for the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport.
Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Verbic moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Fagan seconded.
VOTE
Motion was approved 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Faivre, Jacobson, Finucane,
Stupegia, Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic, Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the
motion passed.
11. Resolution 2019-032 Authorizing the Waiver of Competitive Bidding and
Approving the Purchase of Water Meters and Radio Transmitters from Badger
Meter Inc. and Core & Main in an Amount Not to Exceed $70,000.
Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Stupegia moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Noreiko seconded.
VOTE
Motion was approved 8-0 on roll call vote: Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Stupegia,
Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre, Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the motion
passed.
12. Resolution 2019-033 Ratifying an Intergovernmental Agreement with DeKalb
County Pertaining to Sales Tax Sharing and a Memorandum of Understanding
Relating to Emergency Telecommunications.
Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Stupegia moved to approve the resolution. Alderman Fagan seconded.
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VOTE
Motion was approved 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Stupegia, Fagan, Noreiko,
Verbic, Faivre, Jacobson, Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the motion
passed.
K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
1. Ordinance 2019-002 Authorizing a Zoning Map Amendment from the “HI”
Heavy Industrial District to the “PD-I” Planned Development – Industrial District
and Approval of a Planned Development Preliminary Plan for a Community
Solar Garden to be Located Along the North Side of Gurler Road,
Approximately 500 Feet East of South First Street (SunVest Solar, Inc.).
(Second Reading)
Mayor Smith read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Stupegia moved to approve the ordinance. Alderman Finucane seconded.
VOTE
Motion was approved 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Stupegia, Fagan, Noreiko, Verbic,
Faivre, Jacobson, Finucane, Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the ordinance
passed.
L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2019-006 Amending Chapter 2 “City Council.” (First Reading)
Mayor Smith read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Verbic moved to approve first reading. Alderman Faivre seconded.
Council discussed the proposed removal of quarterly planning/visioning meetings
from the Municipal Code because they haven’t been meeting as often as the
regulation calls for. Several Council members said they find value in holding an
informal meeting or retreat at least once per year for longer-range planning.
Several Council members opposed the proposal to limit public comments to one
public participation portion of the meeting, saying they want to preserve the option
for comments to be made to agenda items as they come up for consideration. The
Mayor and several Aldermen invited public input into the question of changing public
comment.
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VOTE
Motion to approve first reading carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Fagan, Noreiko,
Verbic, Faivre, Jacobson, Finucane, Stupegia, Smith. Mayor Smith declared the
motion passed.
2. Ordinance 2019-007 Amending the Fiscal Year-End December 31, 2018 Budget
in the Amount of $171,669.20 for the Remainder of the 2018 Street
Maintenance Program with Curran Contracting Company. (Passage on
First Reading, Waiver of Second Reading)
Mayor Smith read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Finucane moved to approve first reading. Alderman Fagan seconded.
VOTE
Motion was approved 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Noreiko, Verbic, Faivre, Jacobson,
Finucane, Stupegia, Fagan, Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the motion
passed on first reading.
MOTION
Alderman Finucane moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance.
Alderman Fagan seconded.
VOTE
Motion was approved 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Verbic, Faivre, Jacobson, Finucane,
Stupegia, Fagan, Noreiko, Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the motion
passed.
M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Monthly Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Summary.
Mayor Smith read this item by title only.
City Manager Nicklas said he anticipates the report will be given on the second
meeting of each month and will track staff time spent fulfilling requests for information
under FOIA.
2. Other Reports and Communications.
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Mayor Smith and several Council members spoke in anticipation of the extreme cold
coming the next several days of that week, including announcing various cancellations
and offering of cold weather safety information, and expressing appreciation for Public
Works and other public safety employees.
Mayor Smith announced that the swearing-in ceremony of newly-appointed Fire Chief
Jeff McMaster, originally scheduled for the next morning, had changed due to the dire
weather forecast. Chief McMaster’s family being present, City Clerk Fazekas
administered the Oath of Office at that point in the meeting.
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO 5 ILCS (120/2)
Council did not hold an Executive Session during this meeting.
O. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Alderman Jacobson moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:03 p.m. Alderman Verbic
seconded.
VOTE
Motion was approved on majority voice vote. Mayor Smith declared the Regular Meeting
adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
________________________________
LYNN A. FAZEKAS, City Clerk
Approved by City Council: February 11, 2019.
Agenda
DEKALB CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
JANUARY 28, 2019
DeKalb Municipal Building
City Council Chambers
Second Floor
200 S. Fourth Street
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
6:00 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
E. PRESENTATIONS
1. Proudly DeKalb: Sergeant Keunte Mallett Pinning Ceremony.
City Manager’s Summary: Officer Keunte Mallett was promoted to the rank of
Sergeant effective January 3. He had served since November in an acting
supervisory capacity following the retirement of former Sergeant Tom Petit. Sgt.
Mallett began his career with the DeKalb Police Department in 2007, coming from
the NIU Police Department. He has served in the Patrol Division and in specialty
assignments such as Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Officer, Domestic
Violence Unit Officer, and with the Special Operations Team. The ceremonial
pinning and swearing-in is a Council tradition. Sgt. Mallett is the first African-
American officer promoted to the rank of Sergeant in the history of the DeKalb Police
Department.
F. APPOINTMENTS
1. Appointment of Evelina Cichy to the Board of Police and Fire
Commissioners for the Completion of a Term through December 31, 2019.
Assistive services available upon request.
Hearing assistance devices are available in the Information & Technology
Office, which is located to the right, just before entering Council Chambers.
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 28, 2019
Page 2 of 18
Mayor’s Summary: Evelina Cichy has lived in DeKalb since 1973. She graduated
from Northern Illinois University with a Master’s Degree in Political Science. Since
retiring in 2013 as Vice President of Instruction at Kishwaukee College, Evelina has
been active as a volunteer with the Kishwaukee Filipino-American Association,
Northern Illinois University’s Pick Museum, and Oak Crest. She has served on the
Board of Directors for the following organizations: the Kishwaukee College
Foundation, 4 Cs, the DeKalb County Community Foundation, Hope Haven, the
National Bank & Trust Company of Sycamore, and Safe Passage. City Council
approval is recommended. (Click here for further information.)
G. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of December 18, 2019.
2. Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting of January 14, 2019.
3. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of January 14, 2019.
4. Minutes of the Annie Glidden North Revitalization Plan Task Force
Meeting of May 7, 2018.
5. Accounts Payable and Payroll through January 28, 2019, in the Amount
of $2,800,987.67.
6. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through November 2019.
7. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through November 2019.
8. FY2018 Human Services Funding Fourth Quarter Report.
9. Omnibus Approval of FY2019 Human Services Funding Resolutions
2019-012 Adventure Works of DeKalb County, Inc.; 2019-013 Court
Appointed Special Advocates (CASA); 2019-014 Community Coordinated
Child Care (4C); 2019-015 DeKalb County Community Gardens; 2019-016
DeKalb County Youth Services Bureau; 2019-017 Elder Care Services;
2019-018 Family Service Agency of DeKalb County; 2019-019 Hope
Haven; 2019-020 Kishwaukee YMCA, Camp Power; 2019-021 Nguzo Saba;
2019-022 RAMP (Regional Access and Mobilization Project, Inc.); 2019-
023 Safe Passage; and 2019-024 Voluntary Action Center (VAC),
Authorizing Human Services Agreements for Human Services Funding
Beginning January 1, 2019, though December 31, 2019, in the Amount of
$144,500.
City Manager’s Summary: Since 1998, the City has awarded Human Services
Funding (HSF) grants as a means of supporting local non-profit agencies that
provide essential social services for the most vulnerable individuals and families in
Assistive services available upon request.
Hearing assistance devices are available in the Information & Technology
Office, which is located to the right, just before entering Council Chambers.
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 28, 2019
Page 3 of 18
the community. Grantees have traditionally been considered in order of the following
priorities:
1. Providers of services that help meet basic emergency needs, such as food,
clothing, and shelter;
2. Providers of services that are preventative in nature and promote the highest
degree of self- support, self-care, and self-help; and
3. Providers of services that seek to enhance the quality of life of persons whose
basic needs are already met, with priority given to services that primarily benefit
low- and moderate-income residents.
Targeted populations include, but are not limited to: individuals and families who are
at risk of homelessness, individuals who suffer with substance abuse or mental
health conditions, victims of domestic and/or sexual violence, abused and neglected
children, older adults, individuals with disabilities, at-risk children and youth, and
households with low-to-moderate incomes.
In its first year (FY1998), HSF grants totaled $184,000. The highest amount of HSF
grants was awarded in FY2008 and FY2009, when 13 recipients received a total of
$211,900 in each of those years. Since that time, the total amount distributed has
remained at or near $150,000. For FY2019, Council budgeted total HSF funds of
$144,500, the same level as was awarded in FY2018.
A new review and ranking system was established in FY2018 and was used to
evaluate the increased requests for funding for FY2019. A scoring rubric, using a
numeric scale and a variety of standards was utilized. Several factors were
considered including, but not limited to, the following:
• What targeted populations will be served?
• How many DeKalb residents will be served?
• Does the agency have demonstrated experience providing services?
• Are the proposed services a duplication of another agency’s services?
• Does the agency leverage financial support from sources other than the City?
• If the applicant is a past grant recipient, does the agency have a history of timely
and accurate submission of quarterly reports?
Applications were individually reviewed and scored. Grant amounts were considered
with respect to the number of people to be served and the type of services being
offered to ensure the most prudent investment of City funds.
Assistive services available upon request.
Hearing assistance devices are available in the Information & Technology
Office, which is located to the right, just before entering Council Chambers.
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 28, 2019
Page 4 of 18
The following table depicts the recommended grants and their amounts:
FY2018 FY2019
Agency Program Description Funding Funding Recommended
Provided Requested Funding
Adventure Works of Adventure- based therapy for at-
$10,000 $10,000 $9,200
DeKalb County, Inc. risk children.
Court Appointed Special Advocates for abused/neglected
$3,000 $5,000 $5,000
Advocates (CASA) children in the justice system.
Community Coordinated Advocates for quality, affordable,
$18,000 $20,000 $19,000
Child Care (4C) accessible childcare.
DeKalb County Fresh and healthy food access
New
for food insecure and low- $5,000 $5,000
Community Gardens Request
income populations.
Youth and family counseling
DeKalb County Youth along with substance abuse $30,000 $30,000 $25,000
Services Bureau early intervention.
Assists low-income senior
citizens and people with
Elder Care Services disabilities to maintain $11,000 $15,000 $9,300
independence.
Family Service Agency Club 55 - Programs and
$10,500 $15,000 $12,000
of DeKalb County activities for senior citizens.
Emergency food and shelter for
homeless individuals and $5,000 $5,000 $5,000
Hope Haven
families with children.
Kishwaukee YMCA Summer camp for at-risk
$9,000 $12,000 $12,000
Camp Power children at University Village.
Summer basketball and
Nguzo Saba Men’s Club $4,000 $6,000 $4,000
mentoring program.
Employment services for people
RAMP with disabilities. $4,000 $5,000 $5,000
Services for victims of domestic
Safe Passage $10,000 $15,000 $9,000
and sexual violence.
Transportation and nutrition
services for the elderly, people
Voluntary Action Center $30,000 $45,000 $25,000
with disabilities and
transit-dependent populations.
TOTAL $144,500
Assistive services available upon request.
Hearing assistance devices are available in the Information & Technology
Office, which is located to the right, just before entering Council Chambers.
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 28, 2019
Page 5 of 18
Community Services Coordinator Joanne Rouse has prepared further background
which has been linked to this item. Resolutions appropriating the grants shown in
the table above are also posted. City Council approval of these Resolutions
(2019-012 to 2019-024) in omnibus fashion is recommended. (Click here for
further information.)
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
I. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Consideration of Personnel Changes to Address Fiscal Imbalances in the
General Fund.
City Manager’s Summary: The City Council and the general public are well aware
that the City government operating revenues are structurally out of balance. That is,
general operating expenditures have annually been outpacing general revenue
growth. There are a number of reasons for this fundamental dilemma. The housing
collapse and deep recession that impacted the country in the period 2008-2010
continued its grip on the local economy through 2014 in many sectors. The City’s
cumulative EAV has been rising since 2015 but median home values and household
incomes remain at the lower end of the scale of comparable communities developed
by our Finance Advisory Committee (FAC). In addition, the State’s disruption and
reduction of public funding for education rocked two large local employers - Northern
Illinois University and Kishwaukee College - and adversely affected payrolls and
enrollments, which translates to jobs.
In this constrained fiscal environment, there are promising portents. New
construction starts are increasing. Local businesses - with TIF assistance - have
invested in our downtown revitalization. Northern Illinois University - our largest
employer - has a dynamic and purposeful new president and a board that is publicly
committed to putting a floor under the University’s enrollment and spurring new
investment in research and development.
The strategic, long-term financial planning recently completed by the Council and
FAC has set directions for fiscal change to complement these new beginnings.
Among the objectives is the maintenance of a projected General Fund reserve
balance of 25% of budgeted General Fund expenditures. Another key objective is to
level the impact of local taxes on DeKalb businesses and residents.
The City’s FY2019 General Fund budget was approved with a projected reserve that
is about $1.1 million below the reserve threshold of 25%. The approved FY2019
Budget also does not balance realistic revenue growth against rising pension and
health care obligations.
Assistive services available upon request.
Hearing assistance devices are available in the Information & Technology
Office, which is located to the right, just before entering Council Chambers.
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 28, 2019
Page 6 of 18
The Mayor and Council purposely charged the new City Manager to address these
fiscal challenges in the first quarter of 2019. Time is of the essence; with each week
the challenge grows larger unless substantial change is made in the way the City
has “sized” local government to meet the essential service demands of the
community.
Accordingly, the City Manager is proposing some bold personnel changes to take
effect as of March 1. These changes have been carefully considered and discussed
in one-on-one sessions with the Mayor and Council, and in individual sessions with
the personnel most affected by the changes. As a result of these changes, the City
government will be able to sustain its essential services, but some management
personnel will be required to stretch their time and talent.
Top Management Layoffs
The following management layoffs are not disciplinary separations but are purely
based on budgetary concerns. Each manager is a dedicated employee and has
shown the utmost professionalism through difficult discussions leading up to these
recommendations. Upon Council approval, each layoff will be effective March 1.
Each affected employee will be expected to perform his or her assigned duties until
that time. Upon separation, each affected employee will be compensated for all
accrued paid time-off and will otherwise be eligible for the City’s COBRA provisions
regarding health care, and other benefits in accordance with City policies and
applicable laws. No one will be placed on leave or paid a severance.
The layoffs are:
• Tim Holdeman, Public Works Director
• Jo Ellen Charlton, Community Development Director
• Marc Thorson, Information Technology Director
• Robert Miller, Assistant Finance Director
In addition, the following vacancies will not be filled:
• Economic Development Planner (Jason Michnick has resigned to pursue another
position, effective February 1).
• Finance Director (Molly Talkington has separated according to the agreement
approved by the Council on January 14).
• Deputy Fire Chief (Deputy Chief Jim Zarek has resigned, effective February 15).
Budget Impacts
The estimated total Budget savings achieved by these decisions will be $1,105,258
in annualized personnel costs moving forward. However, previous city
administrations bailed out the General Fund from enterprise and other funds to hide
General Fund imbalances. As a result, the annualized General Fund savings will be
Assistive services available upon request.
Hearing assistance devices are available in the Information & Technology
Office, which is located to the right, just before entering Council Chambers.
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 28, 2019
Page 7 of 18
closer to $892,332 in FY2019, because the Water Fund is paying $190,917 of the
salaries of the seven positions above, and the Airport Fund is paying $22,009.
Further, in terms of closing the gap in the reserve balance, the recommended layoffs
in the period March 1 through December 31, 2019 only raise $583,650 because (a)
January and February personnel costs count against the General Fund; and (b)
substantial accrued leave balances must be fully paid at the time of separation. The
dedicated personnel on the layoff list have been reluctant to “burn” their leave
allowances in order to serve the City more productively.
Management Adjustments to Meet Service Demands
A number of other top managers will have to step up to assume more responsibility.
The Assistant City Manager will assume coordinating responsibilities for Information
Technology and Finance. The experience and talent in each of those areas will
sustain day-to-day operations under his overall supervision. The City Manager will
continue to assume the duties of chief financial officer and budget director, per the
Municipal Code.
In the areas of Community and Economic Development, the City Manager will
assume the overall coordination of City services. This is not untypical in smaller
cities. Principal Planner Dan Olson, Community Services Coordinator Joanne
Rouse, City Engineer Zac Gill, and Chief Building Official Thaddeus Mack will
continue to provide strong staff support in their areas.
Further Steps
Other cost-saving measures will be proposed by the City Manager at future Council
meetings as a continuing vetting process unfolds within the organization.
J. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2019-001 Authorizing an FY2019 Tourism Agreement with the
DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau in the Amount of $50,000
for Tourism Activities Beginning January 1, 2019 through December 31,
2019.
City Manager’s Summary: At the January 14 Council meeting, the Council directed
the City Manager to meet with the directors of the DeKalb County Convention and
Visitors Bureau (CVB), the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce (Chamber), and the
DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC). In the context of
tough budget decisions necessary to “right size” the city government, the Council
felt it was appropriate to reconsider the funding for these three not-for-profit agencies
contemplated in the FY2019 City Budget. The City Manager was able to meet with
all three executive directors, who were most gracious in sharing the considerations
behind their original funding requests.
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Regular Meeting Agenda
January 28, 2019
Page 8 of 18
During the meeting with CVB executive director Debbie Armstrong on January 16,
the City Manager inquired about the impact of a possible grant reduction of about
$10,000 to help address City budget imbalances. Ms. Armstrong explained that each
municipal dollar is matched by a dollar from the Illinois Office of Tourism to support
such events as the IHSA high school football championships and IESA state
wrestling championships, which will be held at NIU in 2019. The CVB markets these
and other events in DeKalb County through a variety of print media, including the
annual DeKalb County CVB Guide.
The City of DeKalb is a key beneficiary of this marketing, but at the same time
contributes disproportionately as compared to the 14 municipalities in the county. In
the period 2010 through 2018, the City of DeKalb contributed $425,000 to the CVB.
The City Manager recommends a grant of $40,000 to the CVB in FY2019. (Click
here for further information.)
2. Resolution 2019-002 Authorizing a Funding Agreement with the DeKalb
Chamber of Commerce in the Amount of $45,000 for the Purpose of
Facilitating Community Events Beginning January 1, 2019 through
December 31, 2019.
City Manager’s Summary: The City Manager met with executive director Matt Duffy
on January 17. In 2000 the City of DeKalb allocated $15,000 to the Chamber to
promote local tourism. This allocation became an annual grant and was
accompanied by grants to the former Mainstreet DeKalb and Renew DeKalb as
shown in the following table:
Year Chamber Tourism Mainstreet DeKalb Renew DeKalb Chamber Events Mgt.
2000 15,000
2001 20,000
2002 20,000
2003 20,000 25,000
2004 50,000 25,000
2005 50,000 25,000
2006 50,000 50,000
2007 50,000 50,000
2008 50,000 50,000
2009 50,000 45,000
2010 45,000
2011 45,000*
2012 45,000*
2013 45,000
2014 45,000
2015 45,000
2016.5 22,500
2017 45,000
2018 45,000
Total 375,000 75,000 330,000 247,500
*Indicates TIF funding.
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Regular Meeting Agenda
January 28, 2019
Page 9 of 18
In 2013, the annual grant was pegged to the estimated cost of a full-time employee
engaged in events management, including the Farmer’s Market, Santa’s House, etc.
The Chamber has begun its planning for 2019 events.
The City Manager recommends an FY2019 grant of $35,000. (Click here for
further information.)
3. Resolution 2019-003 Authorizing a Funding Agreement with the DeKalb
County Economic Development Corporation in the Amount of $45,000 for
Economic Development Services Beginning January 1, 2019 through
December 31, 2019.
City Manager’s Summary: The City of DeKalb was a founding member of the DeKalb
County Economic Development Corporation in the late 1980s and has significantly
benefited from the agency’s business attraction and retention efforts ever since.
DCEDC is the strategic planning arm of DeKalb County government and continues
to be a vital clearinghouse for business prospects and commercial brokers
interested in development sites in our community and our planning area. The DeKalb
city manager is automatically a member of the agency’s executive committee and
the DeKalb mayor is an ex officio member of the board of directors.
The corporation’s role as an intake point or an initial point of contact for industrial
and commercial prospects is very valuable. The organization’s ongoing surveys of
county-wide business activity and its retention visits are also very important. Long-
range planning in concert with all county communities is currently underway (the
DeKalb County Thriving initiative) and the City will substantially benefit from the
comprehensive data it generates.
The City of DeKalb’s fiscal challenges bring a brighter light to its very substantial
funding commitment that is only matched among public entities by the County of
DeKalb.
The City Manager recommends an FY2019 grant of $35,000. (Click here for
further information.)
4. Resolution 2019-025 Authorizing the Appointment of Jeff McMaster as
Fire Chief Effective February 1, 2019.
City Manager’s Summary: Three permanent appointments are needed to
stabilize City operations, particularly in view of the City Manager’s
recommended staffing reductions detailed under “Consideration #1,” above.
The City Manager has reviewed Interim Chief McMaster’s performance record and
considered the breadth of his experience and depth of his professional standing in
the fire profession. After careful consideration and in accordance with the DeKalb
Municipal Code, Section 5.04 (a), the City Manager requests the Council’s
concurrence in the appointment of Jeff McMaster as full-time, permanent Fire
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Regular Meeting Agenda
January 28, 2019
Page 10 of 18
Chief with a base salary of $141,244, effective February 1. Interim Chief
McMaster is currently earning an interim base salary of $139,500. The
recommended base salary is approximately the mid-point in the salary range for Fire
Chiefs among comparable northern Illinois cities. By way of comparison, former
Chief Hicks was earning a base salary of $145,003 at the time of his retirement.
Chief Lowery’s base salary is $147,903. Fire Battalion Chiefs currently earn a base
salary of $109,695, plus overtime (roughly $10,000 a year). (Click here for further
information.)
5. Resolution 2019-026 Authorizing the Appointment of Raymond Munch to
Assistant City Manager Effective February 1, 2019.
City Manager’s Summary: The City Council promoted Ray Munch from his
Management Analyst role to Interim City Manager on November 13, 2018. In that
role, Mr. Munch stepped up unselfishly and very effectively to lead the completion of
the annual budget process, manage the annual tax levy process, supervise the staff
support for the City Manager search process, guide the Council’s discussion of a
variety of TIF measures, and generally sustained operations at a time of intense
public scrutiny and public criticism of the city organization. In difficult circumstances,
he has demonstrated the leadership qualities expected of the Assistant City
Manager, as defined in the Municipal Code.
The City Manager requests the Council’s concurrence in the appointment of
Ray Munch as Assistant City Manager with a base salary of $120,000, effective
February 1. Mr. Munch is currently earning an annual base salary of $81,180. The
salary range for the assistant city manager position among comparable northern
Illinois cities is $107,312 to $155,603, with a mid-range of $131,457. (Click here for
further information.)
6. Resolution 2019-027 Authorizing the Appointment of Andy Raih to Street
Department Superintendent Effective February 1, 2019.
City Manager’s Summary: Andy Raih has been serving as Interim Street Department
Superintendent since January of 2018. In that capacity, he has assumed the
supervision of both street maintenance and facility maintenance. Mr. Raih has
shown inspired leadership and is highly regarded by his department staff, his
colleagues in other departments, downtown merchants, and local property owners
who appreciate his attention to detail and service.
The City Manager requests the Council’s concurrence in the appointment of
Andy Raih as full-time, permanent Street Department Superintendent with a
base salary of $96,000, effective February 1. Mr. Raih is currently earning an
interim salary of $76,021, based on a 10% increment over his previous position as
the Support Services Superintendent. The last full-time Street Superintendent
earned $111,413 upon his retirement. The starting point of the pay range for the
superintendent position is $80,444; the mid-point of the pay range is $98,543; and
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Regular Meeting Agenda
January 28, 2019
Page 11 of 18
the top salary is $116,644. In addition to the duties formerly assumed by his
predecessor, Mr. Raih’s job description now includes facility maintenance and
requires that Mr. Raih personally perform a variety of maintenance tasks including
sidewalk snow removal, painting, etc. in addition to his full-time supervisory
responsibilities. (Click here for further information.)
Taken altogether, the three recommended permanent appointments represent
a personnel increase of $60,543. Offsetting these increases is the
recommended savings of $30,000 from the original grant allocations to the
Chamber, DCEDC, and CVB, plus an additional $30,000 in savings drawn from
a reduction in the City Manager’s base salary. The residual difference is more
than offset by the fact that the proposed permanent salaries are not retroactive
to January 1.
Leaders lead. The City Manager must be fully on board for the spending
reductions needed to reach fiscal stability.
7. Resolution 2019-028 Authorizing a Retail Tobacco Store License for The
Smoke Shop NIU, Inc., Located at 818 W. Lincoln Highway, Suite 3.
City Manager’s Summary: The Council considered a similar item on January 14,
2019 when it approved a license for Aroma's Smoke Shop located at 811 W. Lincoln
Highway. This item concerns the proposed new ownership of the existing retail
tobacco store located at 818 W. Lincoln Highway. The business is presently
operated as Xtreme Smoke, and a new ownership proposes its operation under the
name of The Smoke Shop NIU, Inc. Under current City Code, a change in ownership
triggers a new license application, but existing retail tobacco stores are
grandfathered to permit continuing operation even under that new ownership. The
change in ownership does trigger City Council review. The application has been
reviewed by the City Attorney and staff. City Council approval is recommended,
subject to the conditions outlined in the background memorandum from City
Attorney Dean Frieders (see attached), and the payment of a license renewal
fee of $3,511. (Click here for further information.)
8. Resolution 2019-029 Authorizing the City Manager to Sign Loan
Application Forms and Supporting Documents on Behalf of the City to
Apply for Funds from the Public Water Supply Loan Program through the
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in an Amount Not to Exceed
$1,700,000.
City Manager’s Summary: The City has applied for a low-interest (1.82%) loan
through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s (IEPA) Public Water Supply
Loan Program (PWSLP). The loan proceeds would be used to replace the water
main along Joanne Lane, Ilehamwood Drive, and Golfview Place at a cost estimated
to be about $1.7 million. In previous action, the Council has dedicated cash reserves
from the Water Operating Fund (Fund 60) and the Water Capital Fund (Fund 62) to
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Regular Meeting Agenda
January 28, 2019
Page 12 of 18
pay for this loan. The IEPA requires Council to authorize a representative to sign the
loan application forms and supporting documents as part of the loan application
process. Molly Talkington was approved as the City’s representative at the June 25,
2018 Regular Council meeting (Resolution 2018-077). A new representative is
required. It is recommended that the City Council appoint the City Manager to
serve as the new signatory and city representative. (Click here for further
information.)
9. Resolution 2019-030 Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with
B&F Construction Code Services, Inc. for the Provision of Plumbing Plan
Review, Inspection, and Related Services.
City Manager’s Summary: In recent months, B&F Construction Code Services of
Elgin, Illinois has provided plumbing inspection services for the City of DeKalb,
following legal notice by HR Greene that they wished to withdraw from their contract
(see the attached memorandum from Jo Ellen Charlton and Thaddeus Mack). The
City circulated a request for proposals (RFP) for plumbing inspection services on
December 11, 2018 and received two proposals by the deadline for proposals on
January 2, 2019.
The two bidders were SAFEbuilt of Park Ridge and B&F Construction Code
Services. SAFEbuilt performed plan reviews and inspections for the City in the
period of 2014-2016. In terms of pricing, SAFEbuilt’s minimum four-hour show-up
time pushed their hourly rate higher than that proposed by B&F. In addition, in terms
of staff experience and public interaction, B&F is believed to be more reliable. The
projected annual cost of B&F’s services is about $40,000 in FY2019, which is within
the budgeted amount of $41,600 for plumbing inspection services. City Council
approval of the B&F proposal is recommended. (Click here for further
information.)
10. Resolution 2019-031 Authorizing the Transportation Improvement
Program for Federal Fiscal Years 2020 – 2024 for the DeKalb Taylor
Municipal Airport.
City Manager’s Summary:
The Federal Aviation Administration requires municipal airports that receive federal
funding to adopt and submit five-year strategic project plans. These plans –
Transportation Improvement Programs (TIPs) – are the collaborative outcome of
conversations on staff, with the Airport Advisory Board, with the FAA and IDOT and
the Council. The attached resolution would adopt the Transportation Improvement
Program for the period 2020-2024. Because of the years-long processes for
receiving federal dollars, projects are often funded years after the intended
timeframe for the improvement in the TIPs.
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Regular Meeting Agenda
January 28, 2019
Page 13 of 18
As the attached memorandum from Public Works Director Tim Holdeman and Airport
Manager Tom Cleveland explains, our staff presented the proposed 2020-2024
Transportation Improvement Program (TIPs) to the FAA and IDOT-DOA at the
annual TIPs meeting in Springfield on October 30, 2018 (Exhibits A and B). In
addition, the attached list of projects including runway and taxiway repairs and new
instrumentation were discussed in detail at the meeting.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Illinois Department of
Transportation – Division of Aeronautics (IDOT-DOA) recommend proceeding with
these projects. City Council approval of the attached Resolution is
recommended. (Click here for further information.)
11. Resolution 2019-032 Authorizing the Waiver of Competitive Bidding and
Approving the Purchase of Water Meters and Radio Transmitters from
Badger Meter Inc. and Core & Main in an Amount Not to Exceed $70,000.
City Manager’s Summary: For a number of years, the City of DeKalb has installed
water meters and radio transmitters from two companies, Badger Meter, Inc. and
Core & Main LP (Core & Main). The replacement of aging meters is an ongoing
process, and the installation of new meters with identical recording features is
important so the Water Department’s labor-saving, radio-reading instruments can be
effective. Due to the proprietary nature of the meter radio transmitters, mobile drive-
by reading equipment, and billing software applications, the City Manager
recommends that the City Council waive competitive bidding as it has in
recent years. The funding for this commitment is budgeted in FY2019. (Click here
for further information.)
12. Resolution 2019-033 Ratifying an Intergovernmental Agreement with
DeKalb County Pertaining to Sales Tax Sharing and a Memorandum of
Understanding Relating to Emergency Telecommunications.
City Manager’s Summary: This item provides for ratification of an intergovernmental
agreement with DeKalb County pertaining to sales tax sharing and public safety
communications. Some detailed background is in order; a more extensive report is
presented in the attached memorandum from City Attorney Dean Frieders.
Some History to the City/County Partnership at Market Square
The City of DeKalb, as a home rule municipality, has the legal authority to establish
home rule sales taxes and to periodically adjust the rates for the same. Rates can
be adjusted in 0.25% increments and there is no maximum or minimum rate
prescribed by statute. No referendum approval is required for home rule sales tax
adjustments. The City of DeKalb’s current tax rate for home rule municipal sales
taxes is 1.75% pursuant to Section 57.03 of the City Code.
In 1993, the City of DeKalb carried a 0.75% home rule sales tax rate into an
intergovernmental agreement with DeKalb County regarding the proposed
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Regular Meeting Agenda
January 28, 2019
Page 14 of 18
development of the former County Farm property (“the 1993 IGA”, a copy of which
is attached hereto). The resulting Market Square commercial retail development
comprises 138 acres of land located at Barber Greene Road and Route 23; the
agreement has a 40-year term through 2033. Under the terms of the 1993 IGA, the
City and County agreed that they would equally share the sum of revenues
generated from the “State of Illinois Municipal Retailers’ Occupation Tax (one
percent), the City of DeKalb Home Rule Sales Tax (three quarters of one percent)
and the County of DeKalb Sales Tax (one quarter of one percent), derived from
taxable sales on the Property. This cumulative 2% sales tax-sharing results in the
City paying approximately $2,200,000 to the County on an annual basis. The 1993
IGA also provided for the annexation of the County Farm property to the City.
In late 1997, the City entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois
Toll Highway Authority providing for the improvement of the Peace Road (I-88)
interchange. The City agreed to incur roughly $2,300,000 in expenses, which were
due and payable by June 30, 2004 to the Illinois Toll Highway Authority. The City
and County subsequently entered into a 2004 intergovernmental agreement passed
by City Resolution 2004-031 (“the 2004 IGA”, a copy of which is attached hereto).
The 2004 IGA indicates that the City requested County funding for the Peace Road
interchange improvements and further indicates that the County budgeted to provide
such financial support, provided that the City increased its home rule sales tax. It
goes on to indicate that the City passed Ordinance 2003-100, which effected a 0.5%
increase in the City’s home rule sales tax, which took effect as of January 1, 2004.
This 0.5% increase from Ordinance 03-100 is specifically identified and defined in
the 2004 IGA as the “City Sales Tax Increase.”
The City has, since 2004, shared the proceeds of the City Sales Tax Increase with
the County. In FY2017, this represented a roughly $245,000 expenditure to the City,
from sales tax revenues that otherwise could be utilized by the City to meet any City
financial need.
The 2004 IGA goes on to indicate that the “City agrees to share half of the City Sales
Tax Increase for revenues generated from the DeKalb Market Square property
during the term of this agreement.” The City also pledged “one half of its share of
the revenue received as a result of Ordinance 03-100, the .5% (one half of one
percent) increase in the City Home Rule Sales Tax. As such, the City hereby
pledges to the County .25% of the City Sales Tax Increase generated from the
DeKalb Market Square Shopping Center during the term of this Agreement.” Based
on those agreements, the City has continued to share one-half of a 1.25% sales tax
(and the City retains the full remaining 0.5% sales tax).
Recent Negotiations
In recent years, the City and County have disagreed over the historical bases of
each IGA. In 2018, negotiations were entered to resolve these differences. The
negotiations have been led by Alderman Jacobson and Mayor Smith on the City
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January 28, 2019
Page 15 of 18
side, and County Board Chairman Mark Pietrowski and County Administrator Gary
Hanson on the County side. Through those discussions, the City and County Board
have put together a list of projects that the County would assist the City with, in
exchange for the City agreeing to continue to share the 1.25% sales tax through the
end of the IGAs in 2033.
The projects include a number of areas of collaboration, with the City and County
leveraging DeKalb Sycamore Area Transportation Study funds, County cash
contributions towards certain projects, the provision of in-kind engineering services
from the County, and other examples of collaboration, in order to provide for interim
and long-term improvements to portions of Peace Road, Gurler Road, and Twombly
Road. Those projects are described in greater detail in the staff memorandum.
Recommendation
The City Council conditionally approved the sales tax IGA on September 24, 2018
and extended the period for ratification of the IGA on November 13, 2018. This item
would constitute final ratification of that IGA and continuation of the sales tax-sharing
agreement.
One final point of interest: in November, the Council discussion of the proposed IGA
was continued to allow time for the negotiation of a companion intergovernmental
agreement pertaining to public safety communications. As the Council is aware, the
City is converting from daily utilization of a Motorola Starcomm digital radio system
to using the County’s P-25 digital radio system. The parties had discussed entering
into an IGA to address joint dispatch and emergency telecommunications issues.
Such an IGA is not needed at this time, because Chief Lowery and County Sheriff
Roger Scott have developed a memorandum of understanding that the County has
ratified. The attached resolution similarly affirms that MOU on behalf of the City.
City Council approval is recommended. (Click here for further information.)
K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
1. Ordinance 2019-002 Authorizing a Zoning Map Amendment from the “HI”
Heavy Industrial District to the “PD-I” Planned Development – Industrial
District and Approval of a Planned Development Preliminary Plan for a
Community Solar Garden to be Located Along the North Side of Gurler
Road, Approximately 500 Feet East of South First Street (SunVest Solar,
Inc.). (Second Reading)
City Manager’s Summary: This item was heard on First Reading at the City Council
meeting of January 14, 2019.
The applicant, Bill French of SunVest Solar, Inc., is requesting approval of a zoning
map amendment from the "HI" Heavy Industrial District to the "PD-I" Planned
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Regular Meeting Agenda
January 28, 2019
Page 16 of 18
Development-Industrial District and the approval of a planned development
preliminary plan for a 36.34 acre site located along the north side of Gurler Road,
approximately 500 feet east of the intersection with South First Street. The parcel
will be subdivided into three lots, with Lots 1 and 2 (totaling about 26 acres)
containing a 2-megawatt community solar garden, with Lot 3 (about 10 acres)
reserved for future industrial uses. The solar panels will be installed on fixed-tilt
racking systems supported on galvanized steel beams that are pile-driven 8-10 feet
in the ground. The panels will be oriented south, with rows stretching from west to
east. Access will be from a private drive connecting with Gurler Road. A seven (7)
foot high deer fence is proposed for the perimeter of the panels with a gate at the
entrance. A 100-foot setback will separate the panels from the adjacent residence
on South First Street. A minimum setback of 40 feet will parallel Gurler Road and
South First Street. Twenty (20) foot easements will also be established along the
south and west frontages to allow for future water main and sewer main extensions.
The developer will be required to contribute 50% of the estimated cost of any future
water main extension through three annual payments of $40,833.33. Further details
are noted in the attached memorandum from Principal Planner Dan Olson.
A public hearing was held on the application on November 7, 2018 before the
Planning and Zoning Commission. The Commission voted 5-0 (Commissioner
Castro was absent) to recommend Council approval, with the conditions outlined in
the attached memorandum. City Council approval of the attached ordinance on
second reading, with conditions, is requested. (Click here for further
information.)
L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2019-006 Amending Chapter 2 “City Council.” (First Reading)
City Manager’s Summary: City Attorney Dean Frieders has prepared some minor
revisions to Chapter 2 of the DeKalb Municipal Code regarding the conduct of City
Council meetings. The proposed changes are red-lined. There are a number of non-
substantive modifications intended to clarify or simplify existing language.
The substantive modifications include:
• Noting the ability of Council to approve the Consent Agenda and to approve waiver
of second reading and approval of ordinances with a single motion.
• Amending the process for public comment at public meetings. Rather than
separating public comment between “Public Participation” (for items not on the
agenda) and discussion at the time of individual agenda items, all public comment
would be offered under “Public Participation,” with the exception of persons who
have a unique standing relative to a given item for separate action, such as the
petitioner in a zoning matter. Such persons could be recognized by the Mayor to
speak at the time of the action if desired.
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January 28, 2019
Page 17 of 18
• This approach also allows members of the public the ability to provide their
comment at the very beginning of the meeting for their convenience (rather than
waiting until much later in the meeting) and allows the Council a more orderly flow
for agenda items.
• Eliminationof the quarterly Discussion, Planning, and Vision Meetings. The
Council has not adhered to the requirement of conducting these meetings on any
regular schedule since this code provision was adopted, and it is recommended to
remove this language if the Council does not intend to follow it.
• Removal of the language permitting imposition of penalties for Council members
who do not attend meetings. The Council has not previously utilized this language.
• Updating the provisions relating to approval of meeting minutes to be compliant
with the requirements of the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
• Noting that the Council has adopted Robert’s Rules of Order under its home rule
authority, which gives clarity to the legal effect of votes taken by Council under
certain circumstances. For example, where fewer than all members of the Council
are in attendance at a meeting and an ordinance is approved by a vote that is a
majority of those present, but not the concurrence of a majority of the full Council,
under Robert’s Rules (as interpreted by recent Illinois case law), the vote would be
effective. In the absence of this amendment, the outcome is not as reliable.
These revisions are proposed for consideration by Council and are subject to such
further revisions as Council may wish to direct. City Council approval is
recommended. (Click here for further information.)
2. Ordinance 2019-007 Amending the Fiscal Year-End December 31, 2018
Budget in the Amount of $171,669.20 for the Remainder of the 2018 Street
Maintenance Program with Curran Contracting Company. (Passage on
First Reading, Waiver of Second Reading)
City Manager’s Summary: Curran was awarded the 2018 Street Maintenance
construction contract on June 25, 2018, based on their competitive bid. City Council
approved staff to spend up to $1,852,203 for construction services with funding from
four sources: the MFT Fund, TIF #1 Fund, TIF #2 Fund, and the Capital Projects
Fund. The Capital Projects Fund share was to be $340,000: $228,000 for
construction and $112,000 for engineering services. This amount would have been
covered by the two-cent increase in the Local Motor Fuel Tax (approved in January
2018) which generates about $360,000 per year. The Capital Project Fund balance
as of December 31, 2018 was $574,160.88.
Because of an oversight in budgeting in the Capital Projects Fund 2018 budget, only
$132,400 was allocated for the Street Maintenance Program. Thus, the budget must
be amended from $132,400 to $304,069.20 (+$171,669.20) to fully fund the 2018
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January 28, 2019
Page 18 of 18
Street Maintenance Program. This is $35,930.80 less than the original estimate,
because Curran completed the project under the budget. Although the actual year-
end balance would cover the error, it is important to show a true 2018 budget for
audit purposes.
City Council approval of the proposed amendment to the Capital Fund budget is
recommended. (Click here for further information.)
M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Monthly Freedom of Information Act (F.O.I.A.) Summary.
City Manager’s Summary: Beginning in February, the City staff will provide the
Council with a summary of the previous month’s Freedom of Information Act
requests, including the name of the interested party, the nature of the request, the
staff hours spent preparing appropriate responses, and the cost of those staff hours.
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO 5 ILCS (120/2)
1. Pending or Imminent Litigation as Provided for in 5 ILCS (120/2)(c)(11).
O. ADJOURNMENT
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