City Council
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · March 8, 2021
Minutes
MINUTES
CITY OF DEKALB
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 8, 2021
The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular City Council meeting on March 8, 2021,
in the Yusunas Meeting Room of the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street, DeKalb,
Illinois.
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 6 p.m.
City Clerk Lynn Fazekas (attending remotely) called the roll, and the following members
of City Council were present: Aldermen Carolyn Morris, Bill Finucane (attending
remotely), Tracy Smith, Greg Perkins, Scott McAdams, Mike Verbic, and Tony Faivre;
and Mayor Jerry Smith.
Staff present included: City Manager Bill Nicklas, City Attorney Matt Rose, and Utilities,
Engineering & Transportation Director Bryan Faivre.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES
Mayor Smith led the pledge.
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Smith solicited requests for additions and deletions to the agenda. There were
none.
MOTION
Alderman Faivre moved to approve the agenda. Alderman Morris seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared approval of the agenda.
D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mayor Smith read a comment submitted by J.J. Wett, who asked that Council take windy
days into consideration in discussing the question to limit open burning in DeKalb.
E. PRESENTATIONS
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1. United States Census Bureau Recognition.
City Manager Nicklas said local efforts led to results that exceeded the national response
rate to the census. He credited several staff and the mayor for their contributions.
2. Update on the Police Chief Search.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of the search process and announced the
hiring of David Byrd as the City’s new chief of police.
F. APPOINTMENTS
There were none.
G. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of the February 22, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting.
2. Accounts Payable and Payroll through March 8, 2021 in the Amount of
$6,640,716.20.
Mayor Smith read each item of the consent agenda.
MOTION
Alderman Perkins moved to approve the consent agenda. Alderman Morris seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic,
Faivre, Morris, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. The mayor declared the consent agenda passed.
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
I. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Consideration of a Citizen’s Environmental Commission Request to Amend
the City’s Open Burning Codes and Ordinances.
City Manager Nicklas explained the recommendation is to prohibit the burning of leaves
and yard waste, but not outdoor cooking or fire pits used responsibly. He cautioned the
City does not have the staff or training to test air quality.
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Council members discussed the issues involved, including greenhouse gas emissions,
bonfires and other large fires, combustibles that produce smoke, and enforceability of a
ban. Attorney Rose said the legal standard is whether a fire would be obnoxious to a
reasonable person and, if so, it would constitute a nuisance, which is easier to enforce.
The aldermen narrowed the scope of a ban to grass and leaf burning since yard waste
pickup is available as an alternative and because these materials in particular can
produce heavy smoke.
Mayor Smith summarized and confirmed Council’s decision to proceed.
2. 2021 Liquor License Renewal Update.
City Manager Nicklas reported that restaurants and bars are still struggling due to
pandemic-related issues. He reminded Council that license holders have been allowed to
pay for their licenses in installments and said they would like to continue this for one more
licensing cycle beginning in May.
Mayor Smith asked if there was consensus to continue the arrangement. No one voiced
objections.
3. Consideration of the Contractor Bids for the Painting and Repair of the South
Water Tower.
City Manager Nicklas summarized action so far, where Council had rejected all bids the
previous summer and began the bidding process again in December to be ready to start
work with return of better weather. He reported two new state-level developments
affecting the process, one being a law that requires hiring of 90% Illinois workers when
an unemployment threshold is reached, the other a new training rule for corrosion repair.
Mr. Nicklas said following both would disqualify the three lowest bidders.
Mandy Ganieany, of Painters’ District Council 30 in Aurora, said she had submitted an
82-page document in February that listed both the Illinois Preference Act and the new
IEPA standards. She said she believes both would apply to this project and therefore the
lowest responsible bidder would be Era Valdivia.
Clark Johnson said he wanted to speak in support of the intent of the two laws. He said
the community water supply law is about the coating application specialist certification,
which requires training in technique and safety in corrosion protection and is a third-party
certification for anyone working on a water tower. Mr. Johnson also remarked that the
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Illinois Preference Act has been on the books for years but was dormant until triggered
last summer by two consecutive months of unemployment above 5%.
Alderman Faivre said he would like to hire locally but wanted to know if the City had asked
the three lower bidders if they could meet the requirements. He also questioned the
oversight provided by the consulting engineer, which only rejected one of the low bids.
Alderman Smith commented that he believed local preference ordinances were
overturned by the Supreme Court and asked how the state is allowed to have one.
City Attorney Rose commented that the state decided quite recently to enforce the
preference law. He suggested Council could reject the bids and negotiate directly with its
preferred firm.
Council members debated whether to reject the bids and, if so, whether to restart the
process or to negotiate. City Manager Nicklas said there is a time constraint; he said if
one tower is out of service, it would not be a problem, but if a second issue came up at
the same time it could conceivably affect water pressure and the City will soon be
contractually obligated to Facebook to maintain water pressure at a certain level. The city
manager also suggested the three lowest bidders would probably not be paying prevailing
wage, which he said would be asking for a lawsuit against the City.
Several aldermen voiced support for the negotiation strategy. Mayor Smith closed
discussion by asking the city manager and city attorney to craft a solution would meet all
legal requirements.
J. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2021-021 Authorizing the Lease Purchase of a Single-Axle Dump
Truck Through Rush Truck Center Based on the State Bid Contract Price in an
Amount Not to Exceed $154,526.
Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Smith moved to approve the resolution. Alderman McAdams seconded.
City Manager Nicklas observed the total cost would be spread over the term of the lease.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Morris,
Finucane, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the resolution approved.
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2. Resolution 2021-022 Authorizing an Architectural Improvement Program (AIP)
Economic Incentive for the Egyptian Theater, 135 N. Second Street, in the
Amount of $4,314.
Mayor Smith read the resolution by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Finucane moved to approve the resolution. Alderman McAdams seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Morris,
Finucane, Smith, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the resolution passed.
K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
There were none.
L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2021-009 Publishing the Official Zoning Map of the City of DeKalb.
Mayor Smith read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Faivre moved to approve first reading. Alderman Morris seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Morris, Finucane,
Smith, Perkins, Mayor Smith. Nay: none.
MOTION
Alderman Morris moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance. Alderman
McAdams seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Verbic, Faivre, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins,
McAdams, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. The mayor declared the ordinance passed.
2. Ordinance 2021-010 Amending Chapter 9 “Establishment of Fees,” Section
9.04 “Ambulance Service Fees,” in Order to Reflect Actual Costs of Providing
Emergency Medical Transportation Service.
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Mayor Smith read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Verbic moved to approve first reading. Alderman Faivre seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Faivre, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins,
McAdams, Verbic, Mayor Smith. Nay: none.
MOTION
Alderman Perkins moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance. Alderman
Faivre seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: none.
3. Ordinance 2021-011 Amending Chapter 23 “Unified Development Ordinance,”
Article 5.03 and Article 5.04 by Allowing Two-Family Attached Dwellings and
Multiple Family Attached Dwellings Not Meeting the Minimum Lot Area
Requirements as a Special Use in the “TFR” Two-Family Residential District
and the “MFR1” Multi-Family Residential District.
Mayor Smith read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION
Alderman McAdams moved to approve first reading. Alderman Verbic seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic,
Faivre, Morris, Mayor Smith. Nay: none.
MOTION
Alderman Morris moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance. Alderman
Faivre seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Morris,
Finucane, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the ordinance approved.
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4. Ordinance 2021-012 Approving a Special Use Permit for Existing Antennas
and Associated Equipment on Top of the 16-Story Building at 507 E. Taylor
Street to Allow for an Upgrade of Communication Equipment (US Cellular).
Mayor Smith read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION
Alderman Morris moved to approve first reading. Alderman Verbic seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Perkins, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Morris,
Finucane, Smith, Mayor Smith. Nay: none.
MOTION
Alderman Verbic moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance. Alderman
McAdams seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: McAdams, Verbic, Faivre, Morris, Finucane,
Smith, Perkins, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared the ordinance approved.
M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports
Each alderman welcomed/congratulated Police Chief Byrd.
Alderman Finucane said the census will mean redistricting City wards, and he urged
Council to start planning now to do it as neutrally as possible. He also congratulated the
county for reaching the milestone of 15,000 doses of vaccine administered and said he
would receive his second dose the next day.
Alderman Faivre reminded residents to watch for pooling water and to ensure storm
drains are not blocked.
Mayor Smith asked others to join him in objecting to further cuts to cities’ shares of the
state’s Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF).
2. City Clerk Report
City Clerk Fazekas gave no report.
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3. City Manager Report
City Manager Nicklas thanked David Byrd for accepting the position of police chief.
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO 5 ILCS (120/2)
1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss Executive Session
Minutes as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21).
Mayor Smith read the item to be authorized for discussion in executive session.
MOTION
Alderman Faivre moved to recess for executive session. Alderman Smith seconded.
The mayor said due to privacy and legal concerns, no remote access to the executive
session would be provided.
VOTE
Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Verbic, Faivre, Morris, Finucane, Smith, Perkins,
McAdams, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Mayor Smith declared a recess at 8:12 p.m.
O. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Following conclusion of executive session, Alderman McAdams moved to adjourn the
regular meeting of Council. Alderman Perkins seconded.
VOTE
Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Smith, Perkins, McAdams, Verbic,
Faivre, Mayor Smith. Nay: none. Absent: Finucane. Mayor Smith declared adjournment
at 8:26 p.m.
_____________________________________
LYNN A. FAZEKAS, City Clerk
Approved by City Council on March 22, 2021.
Agenda
DEKALB CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 8, 2021
6:00 P.M.
DeKalb Public Library
Yusunas Meeting Room
309 Oak Street
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
COVID-19 Notice: This meeting will be conducted in-person with a physically present quorum and open to the
public. The corporate authorities of the City of DeKalb intend to conduct this meeting in compliance with all
applicable social distancing and public health requirements. All persons attending this meeting in-person shall
be required to wear protective face masks/coverings. Furthermore, the corporate authorities of the City of DeKalb
intend to conduct this meeting pursuant to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s Executive Order 2021-4 dated February
5, 2021 (the “Executive Order”), which prohibits meetings of more than 50 people for Phase 4 mitigations, unless
the City of DeKalb determines that it is necessary to invoke the Governmental Functions exemption “to ensure
the operation of government agencies or to provide for or support the health, safety and welfare of the public.”
As a convenience to the public, the City of DeKalb may also provide video, audio, telephonic or internet access
for the public to monitor this meeting. The provision of any such remote means of access is not intended to
provide for attendance by a means other than physical presence due to the COVID-19 public health emergency,
nor is it intended to provide an opportunity for the public to address public officials, make public comment or
otherwise participate in the meeting.
Persons wishing to provide public comment or otherwise address public officials in person during this meeting
must comply with all applicable rules governing the conduct of this meeting including, but not limited to, the
aforementioned social distancing and face covering requirements.
The City of DeKalb is providing the following conveniences for the public to monitor and participate in this
meeting:
Persons wishing to view the meeting from home or elsewhere can tune in to Channel 14 or by following the
link provided here.
Persons wishing to provide public comment but are unable to attend the meeting in person or remotely may
forward their comments by clicking on the link provided here. Note that all submissions must be received no
later than 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting in order to ensure dissemination to the City Council before the
meeting convenes.
Zoom Meeting Information
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or prior to Council’s discussion of a particular item, please click on the link provided here and add in the
Comment Section that you wish to address Council verbally. Note that all submissions must be received no
later than 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting in order to ensure your name is added to the list of remote
speakers.
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
Regular Meeting Agenda
March 8, 2021
Page 2 of 12
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
E. PRESENTATIONS
1. United States Census Bureau Recognition.
2. Update on the Police Chief Search.
F. APPOINTMENTS
None.
G. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of the February 22, 2021 Regular City Council Meeting.
2. Accounts Payable and Payroll through March 8, 2021 in the Amount of
$6,640,716.20.
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
I. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Consideration of a Citizen’s Environmental Commission Request to Amend the
City’s Open Burning Codes and Ordinances.
City Manager’s Summary: The City’s Municipal Code (Chapter 24, Section 24.02)
adopts the International Fire Code which has certain restrictions on the open burning
of leaves and garden debris. Specifically, the current code provisions, as amended by
the Council in 2017, read as follows:
307.1.2 Burning of leaves and garden debris. The burning of leaves and garden
debris within the corporate limits of the City of Dekalb shall be allowed within the
following regulations:
1. The burning of leaves and garden debris shall be kept to a minimum of thirty (30)
feet from any house, fence, accumulations of combustibles, other buildings, or lot
line.
2. Only small amounts are permitted to be burned at one time and shall be supervised
by at least one responsible adult at all times until the fire is extinguished.
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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March 8, 2021
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3. A garden hose or other suitable fire-fighting equipment is required near the site for
immediate use.
4. Leaves and garden debris are prohibited from being burned on a public right-of-
way. Leaf and garden debris burning is prohibited after sunset.
5. Open burning of leaves or garden debris that will be offensive or objectionable
because of smoke or odor emissions when atmospheric conditions or local
circumstances make such leaf or garden debris burning hazardous or
objectionable shall be prohibited.
6. The fire code official is authorized to order the extinguishment of such fires.
7. A citation may be issued by a code enforcement official for repeated violations,
starting with the second offense within one week.
The Citizen’s Environmental Commission has proposed a local revision to the
International Fire Code which would prohibit the burning of leaves and yard waste,
under any circumstances. The Commission believes such open burning “endangers
physical health and well-being, interferes with legitimate business and recreational
activities, offends the senses, create public nuisances, and in other respects reduces
the quality of our environment.” Further, the Commission recommends that the current
applicable codes be revised to include the following definitions:
Yard Waste: Any waste generated as the result of tree trimming, lawn mowing,
gardening, leaf raking, and other yard activities and consisting of trees, tree
trimmings, branches, stumps, brush, weeds, leaves, grass, sod, shrubbery, yard
trimmings, and other plant waste from yard and garden sources.
Open Burning. The combustion of any matter in such a way that the products of the
combustion are emitted to the open air without originating in or passing through
equipment for which a permit could be, and has been, issued under the
Environmental protection Act.
City Council direction is requested. Upon Council direction, an ordinance revising
the Municipal Code can be presented at the Council meeting on March 22. Unless
otherwise directed, it will be assumed that any revisions would not bear on backyard
grilling or the recreational use of fire pits.
2. 2021 Liquor License Renewal Update.
City Manager’s Summary: On January 11, City Council supported the extension of
liquor license renewal fees for the January 1 through December 31, 2021 licensing
term through the end of June, payable in three installments. The attached spreadsheet
provides information regarding the most current payment status of the fees. The
second installment payment is due by March 20. Second installment invoices were
mailed to the businesses on February 24.
Also attached is a spreadsheet that provides information regarding the liquor licensing
renewal term of May 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022. Processing of this liquor license
cycle will begin in mid-March. While some businesses are open, they are presently
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allowed to operate up to 25% capacity. Therefore, City staff again ask for Council
support to allow these businesses to pay their liquor license renewal fees in three
installments with no late penalty. The first installment payment would be due in April,
the second in July, and the third in October.
The next liquor license renewal term begins September 1, 2021 through August 31,
2022. Processing of these renewals will begin in mid-July.
City Council direction is requested. (Click here for additional information)
3. Consideration of the Contractor Bids for the Painting and Repair of the South
Water Tower.
City Manager’s Summary: On December 11, 2020, a Request for Bids (RFB) was
released for the painting and repair of the City’s South Water Tower located at 2851
Corporate Drive. This was the second RFB that had been released for this project.
A Request for Bids (RFB) for the painting and repair of the City’s South Water Tower
was previously released on May 29, 2020, and three bids were received and publicly
opened on June 22, 2020, with the results as follows:
Total Amount
Company Name
of Proposal
Seven Brothers Painting Inc. $ 710,100
L.C. United Painting Co. Inc. $ 996,000
Viking Painting $1,249,800
The low bid was Seven Brothers in the amount of $710,100 which was $50,900 below
the engineering estimate of $761,000. A recommendation was brought before Council
at its July 13, 2020 meeting to award the contract to the low bidder, Seven Brothers
Painting Inc. During the Public Participation portion of that meeting, several audience
members raised concerns regarding Seven Brothers, particularly with respect to state-
level Department of Labor investigations into the firm’s prevailing wage practices, as
well as safety concerns. To allow further staff time to investigate these concerns, the
Council deferred action until July 27, 2020.
After further consideration at the July 27, 2020 regular meeting, the Council decided
to reject all bids and rebid the project in the wintertime. The Council’s decision to rebid
took into account the difficulty in completing the prescribed work before adverse
weather conditions arrived in the late fall and early winter. Additionally, the Utility
Department also needed to perform preventative maintenance work on Well #13, at
the base of the water tower. This well work could not proceed at the same time as the
South Tower painting. Finally, there was the possibility that rebidding the project in the
winter might result in additional bidder interest.
The second Request for Bids released on December 11, 2020 attracted 8 bids which
were opened on January 26, 2021. The results of the second bidding process are
shown in the table on the following page:
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Total Amount
1st Request for Bid
Company Name of Proposal
June 22, 2020 Bid
January 26, 2021 Bid
V&T Painting (Michigan) $ 765,000 No bid submitted
Seven Brothers (Michigan) $ 843,550 $ 710,100
G&L Sandblasting (Tennessee) $ 930,700 No bid submitted
Era Valdivia (Illinois) $1,064,270 No bid submitted
Viking Industrial $1,129,800 $1,249,800
LC United $1,142,000 $ 996,000
Maxcor $1,297,501 No bid submitted
TMI Coatings $1,356,000 No bid submitted
V&T Painting is a Michigan-based company and was the low bidder at $765,000.
However, V&T was not recommended by the City’s consultant, Dixon Engineering,
because the firm has specialized in ground tanks as opposed to elevated structures.
V&T has submitted a letter to the City through their legal team refuting Dixon
Engineering’s claim and recommendation (see attached).
Seven Brothers Painting Inc. was the next lowest bidder at $843,550 and is based
in Michigan as well. The firm was recommended by Dixon Engineering. However, the
Council will need to evaluate whether the safety and prevailing wage concerns raised
last July have been sufficiently resolved to merit the award of the contract to the firm.
Further, compliance with the state-level requirements instituted since last July need to
be taken into consideration (see below).
The next lowest bidder was G&L Sandblasting of Tennessee at $930,700. This firm
is a relative newcomer to the industry. A couple of the references they provided for
painting projects completed last year (Village of Davis Junction IL. and Henderson
Water Utility, TN.) provided Bryan Faivre with positive recommendations. It should be
noted that their work experience has principally been on smaller tanks although they
have completed a 1.5 million gallon (MG) and a 1.0 MG storage tank.
Era Valdivia is a Chicago-based painting company which submitted a bid in the
amount of $1,064,270. The company is widely experienced and has demonstrated the
ability to successfully complete projects similar to the South Water Tower project in
terms of size and scope.
New State-Level Requirements
Since the City’s initial bidding process in July of 2020 and the receipt of the second
round of bids on January 26, 2021, two state-level regulatory initiatives have come into
play and have impacted the City Manager’s recommendation.
1. Illinois State Statutes, 30 ILCS 570/1, “Employment of Illinois Workers on Public
Works Act,” commonly known as the “Illinois Preference Act.” This act became law on
July 1, 2020 and was a response to the COVID pandemic. It requires that 90% of the
workforce on all public works projects be comprised of a minimum of 90% Illinois
residents until the state unemployment rate falls below 5% for at least two consecutive
months. Initially, “public works” was interpreted to mean construction funded in whole
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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or in part with state funds or funds administered by the State of Illinois. The proposed
South Water Tower painting project is fully funded by local water fees.
However, based on the March 1, 2021 interpretation of Robert Parilli, the Illinois
Department of Labor’s division manager dealing with community water supplies (see
attached), any project (municipal or state) that uses taxpayer dollars is subject to the
Illinois Preference Act if it serves at least 15 connections and at least 25 residents.
Under this interpretation, the three lowest bidders which are based out of state and
travel with their predominantly out-of-state labor force would be disqualified. It should
be noted that the Village of Oak Brook recently issued an addendum to prospective
bidders for a tank painting project acknowledging the applicability of the “Employment
of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act” (see attachment).
2. Illinois Administrative Code, Title 35, Subtitle F, Chapter II Part 652 et passim,
“Corrosion Prevention Standards.” In January 2021, the Illinois Environmental
Protection Agency (IEPA) prescribed new training rules for workers employed in
“general maintenance” involving the prepping of corroded water tank surfaces prior to
painting. The City’s project involves such “corrosion control.” The specific training
standards are set by NACE International, a worldwide authority on corrosion
treatments. NACE’s equivalent organization in protective industrial coatings, SSPC,
also prescribes standards that would apply to the City’s project (SSPC-ACS-1).
The question is: do all workers employed on the City’s proposed painting project need
to be trained in corrosion protection? Opinions apparently vary on this, but the text of
Section 652.210 of the Illinois Administrative Code requires both “protective coatings
personnel” and “inspectors” to have such training. The consulting engineer, Chamlin
& Associates, working with the Village of DePue recently notified bidders of the
applicability of Part 652 to “protective coatings personnel” (see attached).
Recommendation
In light of further staff research into the applicability of recent state regulatory
provisions in the past week, the City Manager recommends the award of the City
painting contract to Era Valdivia, which can conform to both the Illinois Preference
Act and the recent IEPA training directives. The Era Valdivia bid of $1,064,270
exceeds the FY2021 Budget allocation of $850,000 (Fund 620) by $214,270, but the
Fund 620 budget could absorb the difference and maintain a positive fund balance for
FY2021. As important, the City will not be subject to significant administrative fines for
a failure to comply with the state regulatory provisions if the City were to award the
contract to one of the three lower, non-Illinois bidders. (Click here for additional
information)
J. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2021-021 Authorizing the Lease Purchase of a Single-Axle Dump
Truck Through Rush Truck Center Based on the State Bid Contract Price in an
Amount Not to Exceed $154,526.
City Manager’s Summary: The Public Works Department is requesting authorization
to purchase one new single axle dump truck in an amount not to exceed $154,526.
The vehicle will replace a 1997 International tandem axle truck used by the Street
Division for snow plowing, leaf collection, and street repairs. The approved FY2021
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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Capital Equipment Replacement Budget (Fund 420) includes up to $205,144 to be
utilized for lease purchases of this and several other vehicles.
Under the City’s current lease arrangements, the acquisition is the first step, and the
financing is the second step. The dump truck in question is available through dealers
with authorized contracts for International-brand dump trucks, and companies that
participate in the State of Illinois purchasing program. The State of Illinois annually
solicits bids on a broad list of vehicles and equipment. Participating vendors willing to
offer such vehicles and equipment at the state-determined competitive prices in effect
pass along the savings to government purchasers.
Rush Truck Center of Huntley is an authorized International dealer and can secure the
truck through the state purchase program. Upon Council approval, the City will
proceed to enter a five-year lease payment agreement with Tax Exempt Leasing
Corporation as it did for the 5-yard, tandem dump truck in 2020.
City Council approval is recommended. (Click here for additional information)
2. Resolution 2021-022 Authorizing an Architectural Improvement Program (AIP)
Economic Incentive for the Egyptian Theater, 135 N. Second Street, in the
Amount of $4,314.
City Manager’s Summary: As Assistant City Manager Josh Boldt explains in the
attached memorandum, the Egyptian Theatre has applied for a TIF Architectural
Improvement Program (AIP) grant in the amount of $4,134 to undertake an
unexpected accessibility project mandated by the Illinois Fire Marshall’s Office. During
an elevator inspection by the Fire Marshall’s Office on December 10, 2020, the
inspector condemned the existing wheelchair lift that rises approximately four feet from
the main floor to the stage. The lift had been installed in 1998 and had passed all
previous annual inspections. The inspector further “locked out” the lift, effectively
making the stage inaccessible for performers and guests in wheelchairs.
The Egyptian Theatre staff solicited competitive bids which ranged from $9,777.30 to
$30,998.50. Because of the substantial operating losses suffered by the Theatre in
2020 owing to the COVID pandemic and government-imposed constraints on
gathering, the Theatre is not in a position to meet this cost entirely on its own and
cannot resume its planned range of programming until the lift is replaced.
The AIP program offers a 50% reimbursement for projects that bring a facility into
compliance with ADA regulations. A 50% grant would be $4,314.00.
City Council approval of the Egyptian Theatre’s hardship application is
recommended. (Click here for additional information)
K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
None.
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Regular Meeting Agenda
March 8, 2021
Page 8 of 12
L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2021-009 Publishing the Official Zoning Map of the City of DeKalb.
City Manager’s Summary: The Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/11-13-19) requires
municipal authorities to annually publish an Official Zoning Map. The attached map
prepared by Principal Planner Dan Olson and Planning Technician Doug Eaton
reflects the changes that were reviewed and approved by the Planning and Zoning
Commission (PZC) and City Council in 2020 and in January and February of 2021.
The annual publication also provides an occasion for the correction of any map errors
that may have been identified in the past year.
The following changes to the Official Zoning Map were approved since January 2020:
CASE NAME ORDINANCE ACTION
Project Ventus – Facebook 2020-026 Rezoning from SFR-1 to PD-I to
Gurler Road accommodate a data center and
accessory uses.
Northland Plaza Shopping Center 2020-028 Amendments to Ordinance 2019-004
Sycamore Road to modify setbacks to allow for
approval of a final plat of subdivision.
Gehrke Construction 2020-041 Rezoning from CBD to PD-C to
421 Grove Street accommodate a contractor’s office
and material storage.
Isaac Suites 2020-042 Rezoning from GC to PD-C for 59
Sycamore Road and Oakland Drive executive suites with ground level
commercial space.
DeKalb First United Methodist Church 2020-048 Rezoning from SFR-1 to PD-R to
N. Annie Glidden Road accommodate a church and
accessory uses.
Park 88 2020-053 Amendment to Ordinance 2019-052
Macom Drive to remove a 3.3 acre “Public Use”
site.
Kelly and Natalie Diehl 2020-058 Rezoning from TFR to LC to
822 E. Lincoln Highway accommodate a parking lot for an
adjacent business.
Joanne DeKalb Suites 2020-066 Rezoning from CBD to PD-R for 57
200 S. 4th Street executive suites and accessory
uses.
Safe Passage 2020-077 Rezoning from CBD to PD-C for an
217 Franklin Street emergency shelter and accessory
uses.
Goldframe - Facebook 2021-004 Amendment to Ordinance 2020-026
Gurler Road to accommodate a ComEd
substation.
Midland Trust – SunVest Solar 2021-007 Rezoning from HI to PD-I to allow for
Gurler Road future solar, industrial, and
manufacturing development.
City Council approval is recommended. (Click here for additional information)
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Regular Meeting Agenda
March 8, 2021
Page 9 of 12
2. Ordinance 2021-010 Amending Chapter 9 “Establishment of Fees”, Section 9.04
“Ambulance Service Fees”, in Order to Reflect Actual Costs of Providing
Emergency Medical Transportation Service.
City Manager’s Summary: As he explains in the attached memorandum, Fire Chief
McMaster has proposed that ambulance service fees be adjusted annually according
to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) annual cost report
submitted to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (“HFS”) for the
Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (“GEMT”) program supplemental
payment.
In response to 9-1-1 calls, the DeKalb Fire Department provides emergency medical
services (“EMS”) to patients within the DeKalb city limits, as well as the DeKalb
Community Fire Protection District, Northern Illinois University, and our mutual aid
area with Sycamore. Currently, the City of DeKalb bills a flat fee of $1,800.00 for
emergency medical transportation to the hospital. This fee is billed to the patient’s
private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or, when no medical insurance is available, the
patients themselves. This approach is codified in the DeKalb Municipal Code, Chapter
9, “Establishment of Fees,” Section 9.04, “Ambulance Service Fees.” The actual cost
of service in 2020 was actually in the range of $1,891 to $1,903.
The Fire Department received approval from the DeKalb City Council to participate in
the Illinois GEMT program on September 14, 2020 and entered into an
intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and
Family Services (Resolution 2020-105). The Illinois GEMT program was established
in 2019 as a federal funding opportunity to allow Illinois agencies that provide
emergency medical transportation service for Medicaid patients to receive
supplemental reimbursement for unrecovered costs associated with serving those
patients.
Currently, the State of Illinois Medicaid cost schedule sets reimbursement rates that
are below the actual costs of service delivery. As a participant in the GEMT program,
the City is required to submit annual budgetary information to the state department of
Healthcare and Family Services. This cost report calculates the estimated actual cost
of providing emergency medical transportation services. Applying this calculation to all
emergency medical transportation service patient bills would allow the City to recoup
the actual cost of services rendered more accurately and equally.
City Council approval is recommended. (Click here for additional information)
3. Ordinance 2021-011 Amending Chapter 23 “Unified Development Ordinance”,
Article 5.03 and Article 5.04 by Allowing Two-Family Attached Dwellings and
Multiple Family Attached Dwellings Not Meeting the Minimum Lot Area
Requirements as a Special Use in the “TFR” Two-Family Residential District and
the “MFR1” Multi-Family Residential District.
City Manager’s Summary: The proposed revisions to the City’s Unified Development
Ordinance (UDO) would support creative proposals to downsize properties previously
serving multi-family uses to two-family uses, or to remodel multi-family uses that have
deteriorated in older multi-family districts that don’t meet modern lot-area
requirements. These steps will allow a prospective buyer to re-purpose a structure in
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Regular Meeting Agenda
March 8, 2021
Page 10 of 12
a densely populated city block at a cost that is reasonable in terms of the property’s
assessed valuation and future market value. Presently, the UDO requirements for
minimum lot area would discourage such constructive conversions, even though the
outcome might be less density in terms of occupancy or less impact in terms of off-
street parking and landscaping. The protection against unwelcome results is the
proposed requirement for a special use permit that involves a public hearing, as well
as a review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approval by the Council.
Specifically, the City staff are proposing text amendments to Chapter 23 of the
Municipal Code (Unified Development Ordinance) to allow two-family and multi-family
attached dwellings not meeting the minimum lot area requirements as a special use in
the “TFR” Two-Family Residential District and “MFR1” Multi-Family Residential
District. Also proposed is an amendment to the “MFR2” Multi-Family Residential
District to allow the owner of a multiple-family dwelling not meeting the building height
requirements to apply for a special use permit.
The current minimum lot area requirement for two-family attached dwellings is 7,000
sq. ft. and 3,500 sq. ft. per dwelling unit for multi-family attached dwellings. There are
some TFR and MFR-zoned lots in the City that are well under this size, particularly in
the older neighborhoods of the City. The UDO requires that when a non-conforming
use of a building is discontinued or abandoned for more than six (6) months, any new
occupancy must meet the standards in the underlying zoning district. This is often
economically infeasible because the prospective rents cannot offset the upfront cost
of rehabilitation.
The proposed amendments will allow prospective owners of some non-conforming
residential structures to re-establish dwelling units although they do not meet the
minimum lot area requirement. With the special use permit requirement, a public
hearing is required, surrounding property owners are notified and the criteria for a
special use in the UDO must be met before approval.
The UDO amendments are as follows:
1. Article 5.03.03. Allow two-family attached dwellings not meeting the minimum lot
area requirements as a special use in the “TFR” Two-Family Residential District;
2. Article 5.04.03. Allow two-family or multiple family attached dwellings not meeting
the minimum lot area requirements as a special use in the “MFR1” Multi-Family
Residential District;
3. Article 5.05.03. Allow multiple-family dwelling units not meeting the building height
requirements to apply for a special use permit in the “MFR2” Multi-Family
Residential District. Currently in the “MFR2” District, a special use can be applied
for if the minimum lot area cannot be met. It should be noted a variance can be
applied for if a structure in the “MFR2” District will exceed the maximum building
height requirement.
The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the proposed text amendments at
their regular meeting on Monday, March 1, and recommended Council approval by a
vote of 6-0.
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Regular Meeting Agenda
March 8, 2021
Page 11 of 12
City Council approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation
is requested. (Click here for additional information)
4. Ordinance 2021-012 Approving a Special Use Permit for Existing Antennas and
Associated Equipment on Top of the 16-Story Building at 507 E. Taylor Street to
Allow for an Upgrade of Communication Equipment (US Cellular).
City Manager’s Summary: The applicant, U.S. Cellular, and Site Acquisition Solutions
acting as their agent, recently submitted plans to the City showing upgrades to their
existing antenna and equipment on top of the 16-story Taylor Street Plaza Building at
507 E. Taylor St. A special use permit is required since they did not start the work after
a previously approved special use permit in 2017.
On March 13, 2017 the City Council approved Ordinance 2017-014 which approved a
special use permit for existing cellular antenna equipment located on top of the 16-
story building at 507 E. Taylor Street (Taylor Street Plaza). The building is owned by
the Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb and the equipment is owned by US
Cellular. The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requires a special use permit for
any antenna on existing non-tower structures. The applicant is requesting the re-
approval of a special use permit to upgrade existing cellular communications
equipment on top of the building.
A total of three carriers have equipment on top of the building. U.S. Cellular’s existing
equipment is in three different areas on the roof.
The City advised the applicant of the reflective material (concealment film) T-Mobile
placed on their antennas on the roof in 2018 per the special use permit they received.
The concealment film is from 3M and uses light management to create a camouflage
effect. The applicant was receptive and is proposing to add concealment tape on the
US Cellular antennas and equipment. The concealment tape will reduce the visual
impact of the antennas and mirrors the surrounding natural environment.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing regarding the petition at
their regular meeting on March 1, 2021. By a vote of 6-0 the Commission
recommended City Council approval of a Special Use Permit to allow for an upgrade
of communication equipment subject to the following:
The antennas and equipment upgrades shall comply with the drawings dated 2-12-
21 as indicated in the staff report.
The panel antennas shall be wrapped with 3M concealment film and 3M brick veneer
wrap to match the existing building. Exposed framing members on the proposed
gamma sector mount shall be wrapped with 3M concealment film.
The applicant is required to submit the necessary application and plans to the City
in compliance with applicable Building Codes and the regulations of Article 7.08 of
the UDO (Wireless Communications Ordinance).
City Council approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation
is requested. (Click here for additional information)
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
Regular Meeting Agenda
March 8, 2021
Page 12 of 12
M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports
2. City Clerk Report
3. City Manager Report
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss Executive Session
Minutes as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21).
O. ADJOURNMENT
FULL AGENDA PACKET
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