City Council
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · June 28, 2021
Minutes
MINUTES
CITY OF DEKALB
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
June 28, 2021
The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular City Council meeting on June 28, 2021, in
the Yusunas Meeting Room of the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, Illinois.
A. Call to order and roll
Mayor Barnes called the meeting to order, in attendance were Aldermans Morris,
Larson, Perkins, Smith, McAdams, Faivre, Mayor Barnes, City Clerk Cohen
Absent, Ald Verbic
B. Pledge of Allegiance
Ald. Faivre led the pledge
C. Approval of the agenda
Moved by Ald. Morris, seconded by Ald. Faivre
Passed roll call 7-0
D. Public Participation
Mary Hess, Township supervisor spoke to thank Mr. Cox of the city, who assisted them
in establishing a bus stop on South 4th st.
E. Presentations
Mayor Barnes read a proclamation declaring June Pride Month in DeKalb
Mayor Barnes read a proclamation declaring June 27-July4 Stage Coach Players week
in DeKalb
F. Appointments
None
G. Consent Agenda
1. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of June 14, 2021.
2. Accounts Payable and Payroll through June 28, 2021, in the Amount of
$2,134,568.25.
3. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through April 2021.
4. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through April 2021.
5. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – May 2021.
6. Authorization of Northern Illinois University Masters of Public Administration (MPA)
Internship Annual Agreement.
Moved by Ald. Perkins, Seconded by Ald. Morris
Passed on roll call vote 7-0
H. Public Hearings
None
I. Considerations
1. Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) Presentation
CM Nicklas reported that we are tonight celebrating the completion of our annual audit,
the largest component of which is the CAFR. Also included is the TIF report, as well as
various other auditors reports.
We have received good results, and the reporting is done well and fairly. Our accounts
are in order, services are properly funded, and the city is in a good financial position-
including pension funding which is on track to meet statutory requirements
Brian LeFevre from Sikiich provided additional detail to council
Ald. Faivre thanked the CM, ACM and city finance team for their excellent work, as did
Mayor Barnes, who additionally thanked the audit team for their work in taking the time
to do a proper audit, ensuring everything is done well.
2. Report on the American Rescue Plan as it Pertains to the City of DeKalb.
CM Nicklas walked the council through considerations relating to the utilization of the
ARP, noting that it will provide an aggressive amount of aid to governmental units.
Where the CAREs act primarily served to refill coffers due to extended spending during
the pandemic, the majority of the ARP is forward looking, towards recovery and growth,
though there is additional consideration for revenue loss.
There is also funding to aid marginalized people, as well as towards infrastructure.
The City of DeKalb is potentially eligible for $10,422,954. On May 19, the City received a
US Treasury transfer of $5,211,477. After consultation with the City’s auditors (Sikich,
LLC), the money was placed in escrow and a new Fund 110 was established in the
City’s financial software to provide the shell for tracking future revenues and
expenditures under the ARP program.
There will be routine reporting on expenditures made both to council and to the US
Treasury, including a quarterly and annual report to the treasury.
In background to the council there is a brief explanation of potential uses for the funds.
3. Commemoration of the Juneteenth National Holiday in DeKalb
CM Nicklas shared that there was a wonderful event on blackhawk to celebrate, and
wished to share something about the importance of the day. Particularly due to recent
developments and strides made towards honoring the diversity of our community.
After approval in the Senate in April 1864, the House of Representatives had finally
voted in favor of the Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution on January 31, 1865
and proposed the amendment to the states on February 1, 1865. However, at the close
of general hostilities in April 1865 the requisite three-fourths of the states had not ratified
the enactment to enshrine it in the Constitution. This was not accomplished until January
15, 1866, when Georgia became the 27th state out of the then-total 36 states of the
Union to ratify. Major General Granger, appointed by General Grant as the commander
of the Headquarters District of Texas, was determined to bring greater urgency
regarding the news of liberation to people in his district. On June 19, 1865, he issued
General Order No. 3 which informed the people of Texas that all slaves were free,
meaning “an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former
masters and slaves.”
The City Manager will bring the Council action steps for the full recognition of Juneteenth
in the City of DeKalb as a paid holiday for celebration and reflection over what unites us,
and how we can collectively promote racial understanding and healing.
Mayor Barnes noted that he attended and was very impressed by the event
J. Ordinances Second Reading
1. Ordinance 2021-019 Amending the FY2020 City Budget to Conform to Audited
Findings.
Mayor Barnes recused himself from this discussion, and passed the gavel to Ald. Faivre.
Acting Chair Faivre said he would entertain a motion to bring this to the floor, moved by
Ald. McAdams, Seconded by Ald. Morris
CM Nicklas said that this was discussed at the last meeting extensively, and he urges
approval.
Motion passes roll call 6-0, with Mayor Barnes recused
K. Resolutions
1. Resolution 2021-047 Receiving and Filing the FY2020 Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report (CAFR), Audit Report and Management Letter.
Moved by Ald. Smith, Seconded by Ald. McAdams
With the approval of the ordinance, the details of which will be added to the final audit
documents, the CM urges acceptance of this so it may be filed
Motion passes 6-0, with Mayor Barnes recused
Mayor Barnes took back the gavel
2. Resolution 2021-048 Authorizing the Waiver of Competitive Bidding and
Payment to Foster & Foster, Inc. in the Amount of $20,467 for Fiscal Year 2020
Actuarial Services.
Ald. Morris moved, seconded by Ald. McAdams
CM Nicklas explained that the actuary presents yearly reports, which we pay for each
year. The cities fire and police pension funds do reimburse the city for their portion. This
exceeds the CM spending authority by $467
Motion carried 6-0-1 (abstention by Smith)
3. Resolution 2021-049 Authorizing a Law Enforcement Embedded Social Worker
Agreement with Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center.
Moved by Ald. McAdams seconded by Ald. Smith
The setup of this has taken a year, including a pilot program of this, which has been
largely successful, the one year agreement has expired, which was formerly funded by
the county mental health department. Now council approval is sought to continue this
successful program.
There are individuals who utilize the PD rather extensively, who are in need of mental
health services, and the addition of a social worker to connect them with resources has
proven beneficial.
The CM strongly recommends approval.
Ald Morris asked a clarifying question: we have had 1 social worker working how many
hours per day? Answer is approximately 40 a week, 8 hours a day.
She continued discussion by highlighting the great results, and suggested they could be
even better with a second
Chief Byrd added that reduced response times can be very beneficial to getting people
to accept assistance. He highlighted that full coverage will benefit immensely,
particularly since many calls occur in the later hours.
Ald Morris wondered if there was tracking of subsequent results oriented statistics to
track outcomes. Chief Byrd responded that he has spoken to the individual, who is
tracking it but hard numbers are not yet available.
CM Nicklas also noted that the social worker has done crisis management training not
only with DPD but with other LE agencies within the county.
Ald Perkins asked a point of clarity that this was budgeted for? CM Nicklas noted yes,
but the third will require a budget amendment.
Ald Morris noted that outcomes related to recidivism should also be tracked
Motion carries 7-0
4. Resolution 2021-050 Adopting the Upper South Branch of the Kishwaukee River
Watershed Improvement Plan.
Moved by Ald. Faivre seconded by Ald. Morris
CM Nicklas explained that we are on the edge of one of the most phenomenal water
recharge areas in the US, and that we must be careful and work hard to protect it,
particularly the upper south branch of the Kishwaukee River.
It was thought useful to establish a plan
Ald. Larson said that being from a farm background, she knows well that these
tributaries are very important to farmers, and that it’s important for everyone to be on the
same page
Motion carries 7-0
5. Resolution 2021-051 Authorizing an Architectural Improvement Program (AIP)
Economic Incentive for Hickey’s Corner Store, Located at 218 W. Lincoln Highway
in the Amount of $1,185.
Mayor Barnes recused, due to TIF conflicts, passed gavel to Ald. Faivre
Moved by Ald. Perkins, seconded by Ald. Morris
We have a long standing family owned corner store at 218 W. Lincoln, which is making a
substantial improvement to their asphalt lot, which is appreciated. The program will
approve up to 10% reimbursement, which $1,185 is. The AIP program is basically a
forgivable loan, based on the recipient remaining in Dekalb for 5 years.
Motion carries 6-0, with Mayor Barnes recused
Mayor Barnes resumed the chair position
L. Ordinances First Reading
1. Ordinance 2021-021 Amending Chapter 51 “Traffic”, Schedule A “One Way
Traffic”, as it Pertains to Establishing One Way Traffic for a Segment of N. 6th
Street.
Moved by Ald. Smith seconded by Ald. Faivre.
This first reading will give time before a subsequent council meeting for public comment
from property owners and businesses.
This particular change was suggested by the county housing authority, and this segment
of N. 6th St will create opportunities for street parking. We have a one way section
already from Lincoln to Locust. The concern we had heard was about one lane traffic vs
two lane.
There are multiple options, including passing the proposal, making it all one way to pine,
and choosing to make no change.
Ald. Larson asked about the lots north and south of the old farm bureau, to make sure
they were in fact private lots. The CM explained that yes they are
Ald. Smith noted he’d spoken with city engineer Gill, and had concerns about it being
rather confusing turning onto 6th street, and he believes it would be beneficial if the
entire street was one way rather than a mixed segmented approach. He asked if signs
could be placed towards businesses so that patrons could know where businesses are.
Ald. Smith verified that the residents were supportive of this. All 3 on the relevant block
responded in the affirmative.
Further discussion ensued regarding resident and business desires.
If the council is of the opinion that it should be one way all the way to Pine then the CM
can bring it forward
There was a discussion of what should be done,
Roll call vote: 0-7 motion fails
2. Ordinance 2021-022 Approving the Final Development Plan for the Property
Located at 217 Franklin Street (Safe Passage).
Moved by Ald. Morris seconded by Ald. Smith.
Safe passage has worked to find a final development plan for the property over some
time now,
Motion carries 7-0
Ald. Morris moved to waive 2nd reading and approve, seconded by Ald. Perkins
Motion carries 7-0
M. Reports and communications
Council member reports
Morris
There is an AGN neighborhood meeting, Tuesday at 5:30 at Westminster Presbyterian
Larson
Neighborhood news, intakes are getting full, please get out and clean.
Perkins
No report
Smith
Thanks to all who attended the ward meeting, it was a good meeting.
Mcadams
No report
Faivre
No report
Mayor Barnes
Mayor Barnes was at the Juneteenth celebration, noted the food was amazing, and
vendors were wonderful, and he looks forward to seeing it again.
Thanks to all the individuals who have met with him, including commission chairs and
council members.
Thanks to Ald Smith and Fire Chief McMaster for hosting the ward meeting
Also, thanks to the trash squirrels, but also a plea to the community, please take your
trash to a garbage can.
N. Executive Session
1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session to Discuss Personnel as Provided for in 5
ILCS 120/2(c)(1).
Moved by Ald. Faivre, seconded by Ald. Mcadams
Motion carries 7-0
The Clerk was participating remotely via zoom, and was required to disconnect for the
Executive Session.
7:28 council recessed to executive session.
O. Adjournment
Minutes approved by the City Council on September 13, 2021.
Agenda
DEKALB CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 28, 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 who
are not vaccinated should 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-
12 dated June 11, 2021 (the “Executive Order”), 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 guidelines.
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
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speakers.
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 28, 2021
Page 2 of 13
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
E. PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month – June 2021.
2. Proclamation: Stage Coach Players Week, June 27 – July 4, 2021.
F. APPOINTMENTS
None.
G. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of June 14, 2021.
2. Accounts Payable and Payroll through June 28, 2021, in the Amount of
$2,134,568.25.
3. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through April 2021.
4. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through April 2021.
5. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – May 2021.
6. Authorization of Northern Illinois University Masters of Public Administration
(MPA) Internship Annual Agreement. This agreement continues the long-standing
partnership by which Northern Illinois University and the City of DeKalb collaborate to
give young graduate students some experience in city administration. (click here for
additional information)
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
I. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) Presentation.
City Manager’s Summary: The Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR); 2020
TIF Report; 2020 Downstate Operating Assistance Certification and Independent
Auditor’s Reports (Transit); and the 2020 Auditor’s Communication to the City Council
and management will be presented by Brian LeFevre who led the Sikich auditing
team’s independent audit in recent months. Copies of each of these documents are
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 28, 2021
Page 3 of 13
attached. The auditors have reported a clean audit with no deficiencies in internal
control that were considered material weaknesses.
The City’s 2020 fiscal year was like no other. Extraordinary political constraints on
economic activity imposed by Illinois Governor Pritzker to combat the COVID-19
pandemic led to a severe business recession in 2020. In anticipation of significant
general revenue shortfalls, the City Manager proposed a number of significant General
Fund expenditure cuts in a Committee of the Whole meeting on May 11, 2020, which
represented a unique consensus among the City’s various collective bargaining units
and employee groups. The City Council adopted these cuts in regular session on May
26, 2020 (Ordinance 2020-033). The table below charts some of the fiscal measures
that were taken:
GENERAL FUND FY2017 FY2018 FY2019
FY2020 FY2020 FY2021
Actual Actual Actual
Budget Actual Budget
(Rev.)
Beg. Fund Balance $9,229,121 $9,073,799 $7,402,857 10,524,704 $10,524,704 $12,286,411
Revenue Categories
Property Taxes $5,523,532 $5,869,058 $5,897,168 $6,269,649 $6,178,386 $6,522,456
Sales & Use Taxes $15,238,720 $15,475,476 $15,944,998 $15,764,982 $14,504,006 $13,511,686
Gross Receipts Taxes $3,643,995 $3,721,204 $3,601,811 $3,611,000 $3,375,859 $3,507,592
Intergovernmental $4,805,948 $5,054,131 $5,591,020 $5,475,534 $7,424,155 $5,723,513
Licenses & Permits $875,518 $731,200 $960,699 $868,500 $997,277 $872,133
Service Charges $2,212,674 $2,599,455 $3,834,754 $3,341,500 $3,119,087 $3,763,507
Fines $608,515 $699,309 $629,943 $688,500 $422,112 $506,393
Other Income $1,218,294 $1,215,128 $1,637,132 $1,439,592 $1,235,589 $1,054,481
Transfers In $1,588,852 $652,386 $605,604 $1,308,000 $1,295,038 $778,000
Total Revenues $35,716,048 $36,017,347 $38,703,129 $38,767,257 $38,589,510 $36,239,761
*Includes $1.816 million in federal Cares Act Funding
Despite revenue shortfalls (actual vs. budget) of $442,948 (-22.7%) in restaurant/bar
taxes, $140,910 (-47%) in hotel/motel tax revenues, $480,174 (-8.7%) in state sales
tax revenues, and $721,045 (-11%) in home rule sales tax revenues in 2020, the City
received offsetting revenues of $1.816,369 million in Cares Act funding (“state
grants”) and an increase of $524,101 (+36.3%) in local use taxes which reflect online
purchases. Additionally, the $104,304 (+2.2%) increase in state-shared income tax
proceeds (reflecting 2019 incomes) provided a welcome bump in general operating
revenues.
It should be noted that spending reductions managed by the City’s department heads
were very significant in yielding a balanced, year-end budget. Actual FY2020 year-end
spending was $36,827,803 or $156,681 (-0.004) below the amended FY2020
Expenditure Budget of $36,984,483 and $1,310,013 below the approved budget of
January 1, 2020. As a result, the General Fund balance on December 31, 2020 was
$12,286,410 or 33.36% of the revised annual expenditures, including transfers.
This is $1,762,844 higher than the actual FY19 fiscal-year end balance of $10,524,704
(29.08% of actual expenditures).
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 28, 2021
Page 4 of 13
The table below spreads the City’s recent fiscal year expenditures and fund balances:
GENERAL FUND FY2017 FY2018 FY2019 FY2020 FY2020 FY2021
ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET
(Rev)
Expenditures
Personnel $28,106,454 $29,766,715 $29,219,048 $29,823,624 $30,566,531 $29,195,223
Commodities $841,632 $888,567 $928,541 $1,021,186 $774,146 657,006
Contractual Services $4,642,360 $4,290,540 $4,059,014 $4,384,966 $3,635,519 $3,819,988
Equipment $234,774 $80,649 $72,256 $40,000 $19,922 $22,000
Transfers Out $2,046,150 $2,661,818 $1,913,583 $1,714,707 $1,831,685 $1,859,305
Total Expenditures $35,871,370 $37,688,289 $36,192,442 $36,984,483 $36,827,803 $35,553,522
Rev-Exp -$155,322 -$1,670,942 $2,510,687 $1,782,774 $1,761,707 $686,239
Prior Period $0 $0 $611,160 $0 $0 $0
Adjustment
Ending Fund Balance $9,073,799 $7,402,857 $10,524,704 $12,307,478 $12,286,410 $12,972,650
vs Reserve Policy 25.30% 19.64% 29.08% 33.28% 33.36% 36.49%
(25%)
In connection with the Sikich report, it is recommended that the Council approve
Ordinance 2021-019 on second reading (see below) and approve Resolution
2021-047, below. (click here for additional information)
2. Report on the American Rescue Plan as it Pertains to the City of DeKalb.
City Manager’s Summary: On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) was
signed into law and established the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund and
Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, which together make up the Coronavirus
State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). This federal program is intended to
provide support to state, territorial, local, and tribal governments in responding to the
economic and public health impacts of COVID-19, and also – prospectively – to
mitigate negative economic circumstances that were exacerbated by the COVID-19
pandemic.
Since the enactment of the ARP, the US Department of the Treasury has identified
potential allocations to constituent governments and has published a series of
expectations and best practices for such governments to follow as they consider
programs that might be funded by this federal program.
The City of DeKalb is potentially eligible for $10,422,954. On May 19, the City received
a US Treasury transfer of $5,211,477. After consultation with the City’s auditors
(Sikich, LLC), the money was placed in escrow and a new Fund 110 was established
in the City’s financial software to provide the shell for tracking future revenues and
expenditures under the ARP program.
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 28, 2021
Page 5 of 13
For what purposes can these federal funds be spent?
The City of DeKalb is classified as a “metropolitan city” with an expanded list of
potential uses. These uses include, but are not limited to, the following general
categories:
a) Revenue Loss. The American Rescue Plan recognizes that the response to the
COVID-19 public health emergency evolved in 2020 and will continue to change.
Several successive interim rules issued by the Treasury have determined that
funds may be used for payroll and covered benefits for public safety, including
police, firefighter/paramedics, and public works employees.
Entity-Wide: Recipients are to calculate reimbursable revenue losses on an
“entity-wide” basis, rather than relying on financial reporting which may vary in
methodology from recipient to recipient. Specifically, the formula allows for a
“growth adjustment” that posits what might have been the 2020 revenue growth
if the pandemic had not occurred (4.1% times the base year 2019 general
revenue), then subtracts the actual 2020 general revenues from that growth
adjustment. The table below illustrates this calculation:
GL CATEGORY Actual 2019 2020 = 4.1 % Actual 2020
Growth Factor
Applied
Fund 100 - GENERAL FUND
PROPERTY TAXES $5,897,168 $6,138,952 $6,178,386
SALES & USE TAXES $15,944,997 $16,598,742 $14,504,006
GROSS RECEIPTS TAXES $3,601,811 $3,749,485 $3,375,859
OTHER INCOME $1,183,881 $1,232,420 $709,936
LICENSES & PERMITS $960,698 $1,000,087 $997,277
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUES $5,516,509 $5,742,686 $5,549,153
SERVICE CHARGES $3,834,754 $3,991,979 $3,119,088
FINES $629,943 $655,771 $422,112
TOTAL GENERAL FUND REVENUES $37,569,761 $39,110,121 $34,855,817
Excludes $1.816 Million from IL CURE ACT
2020 Growth Factor Minus 2020 Actual: $ 4,254,304
March 3, 2021, through May 31, 2021. Excluding public health and safety costs
already reimbursed through the 2020 IL CURE Act and the entity-wide expenses
charted above, the estimated qualified expenditures should be forward-looking
for costs incurred after March 3, 2021. For the first reporting period, the City will
request a draw for the period March 3, 2021 through May 31, 2021. These costs
are outlined in the table that follows:
a) Fire Department $1,526,290
b) Police Department
Sworn Officers $15,845
Telecommunicators $244,566
c) Public Works Department $50,584
Total: $1,837,285
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 28, 2021
Page 6 of 13
Total “entity-wide” and 2021 eligible costs: $6,091,589
The allocations for revenue loss cannot be dumped into the City’s General Fund
reserve or “rainy day” fund. The federal monies can be used to fund the Fire, Police
and Public Works positions that were frozen in May 2020 and remained frozen in
the FY2021 General Fund Budget. The City Manager will bring the Council
some proposed FY2021 Budget amendments to put these monies to work in
our general operations.
b) Investments in Water, Sewer, Roads, and Broadband. These investments
should promote equitable outcomes to historically underserved, marginalized, or
adversely affected groups. This would include relocation assistance for persons
and businesses located in Hunter Hillcrest as a part of the property’s
redevelopment. This assistance must be “evidence-based” which in this instance
means the following:
The program is offered in a physical location within a Qualified Census Tract
(QCT);
The primary intended beneficiaries earn less than 60 percent of the median
income for the relevant jurisdiction. The forthcoming Census information will help
identify such criteria.
Over 25% of the intended beneficiaries are below the federal poverty line as
defined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The proposed programming addresses health disparities, education disparities,
and builds stronger neighborhoods.
A particular emphasis of the American Recovery Plan is projects to replace
lead service lines. This expense, if part of a matching 50/50 program created
by the City, might reach $3.5 million. Another potential target is the repair of
streets and sidewalks in our qualified census tracts. For such repairs, a
provisional tally might include $1.5 million in contracted expenses. Finally,
there is more to do in assuring broadband access for underserved
neighborhoods. The AGN project is nearly complete, but several other qualified
census tracts might be considered for broadband upgrades not provided by private
cable companies that tie system improvements to the ratepayers’ ability to pay.
Total estimated eligible costs: $5,500,000
c) Transfer of Funds to Non-Entitlement Units (NEUs): The ARP also allows
metropolitan cities (DeKalb) to allocate funds to “Non-Entitlement Units” (NEUs)
including smaller single-purpose taxing bodies which experienced significant
revenue losses owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and were not eligible for direct
2020 Cares Act reimbursements. The Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District
(KWRD) has documented losses associated with a particular impact, namely, the
loss of revenues associated with services to NIU in 2020. The losses are portrayed
in the following chart:
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 28, 2021
Page 7 of 13
at $3.36/unit
NIU--Units Billed 2019 $678,599
NIU--Units Billed 2020 $436,955
Difference from 2019 $241,644
% Difference from 2019 -35.61%
Total estimated cost: $241,644.
How is the City required to account for its expenditures under the ARP and In
what time period must all ARP allocations be spent?
The very provisional total of costs detailed above total $11,833,233 which exceeds the
current DeKalb allocation, so further staff-level review and research is needed.
Nevertheless, the City of DeKalb must complete an initial, one-time interim report to
the US Treasury by August 31, 2021. The interim report will cover activity through June
30, 2021. Following this interim report, the City will be required to submit quarterly
reports (within 30 days of the close of each quarter) and a separate annual report from
the initial award through December 31,2027.
The City will also likely be required to annually submit a Single Audit prepared by an
independent auditor as it currently does for the Community Development Block Grant
program. Federal guidance on this point is evolving.
Subject to Council direction, the city administration plans to include any and all ARP
quarterly reports on Council consent agendas and will include more detailed annual
ARP reports on regular Council agendas. Additionally, the intention is for the Council
to review and approve any and all ARP programmatic initiatives in regular meetings
going forward.
3. Commemoration of the Juneteenth National Holiday in DeKalb.
City Manager’s Summary: On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed the Juneteenth
National Independence Day Act into law. The Act makes June 19 – Juneteenth – a
federal holiday and commemorates the day (June 19, 1865) when Union General
Gordon Granger and a contingent of about 2,000 Union troops brought news of
emancipation to one of the deepest parts of the former Confederacy in Galveston,
Texas.
After approval in the Senate in April 1864, the House of Representatives had finally
voted in favor of the Thirteenth Amendment to the US Constitution on January 31,
1865 and proposed the amendment to the states on February 1, 1865. However, at
the close of general hostilities in April 1865 the requisite three-fourths of the states had
not ratified the enactment to enshrine it in the Constitution. This was not accomplished
until January 15, 1866, when Georgia became the 27th state out of the then-total 36
states of the Union to ratify. Major General Granger, appointed by General Grant as
the commander of the Headquarters District of Texas, was determined to bring greater
urgency regarding the news of liberation to people in his district. On June 19, 1865,
he issued General Order No. 3 which informed the people of Texas that all slaves were
free, meaning “an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between
former masters and slaves.”
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Regular Meeting Agenda
June 28, 2021
Page 8 of 13
For his bold action, General Granger was ridiculed and ostracized by many in Texas
and was relieved of his command on August 6, 1865. In succeeding years, the political,
social, and economic reaction to emancipation took many other forms in Texas and
throughout the country. Notwithstanding further Congressional action to ensure
personal and property rights for freed slaves in the later 1860s (the Civil Rights Act of
1866, the Southern Homestead Act of 1867, and the Fourteenth and Fifteenth
Amendments), freed slaves were driven into a sharecropping system that
economically deprived them of control over their property, and state restrictions on
voting and other rights protected in federal law prevented redress of these wrongs.
The rise of Jim Crow laws – upheld by the US Supreme Court in 1896 and maintained
legally until the Brown v. Board of Education case was settled in May 1954 – ensured
separate and substandard conditions for black citizens in education, health care,
employment, and all facets of American life. Even after the Brown ruling, many states
and citizens had to be dragged kicking and screaming into an acknowledgement that
General Granger’s order was finally the law of the land.
As evidenced by the current national conversation focusing on continuing obstacles to
racial equity and social justice, and to build hope out of community engagement and
action, the local marking of the Juneteenth holiday without institutional reservations is
overdue. By embracing Juneteenth as a holiday when we might honor and
commemorate those who have struggled for greater equity and mutual respect, we
move toward the culture of belonging that was General Granger’s aspiration 156 years
ago.
Accordingly, the City Manager will bring the Council action steps for the full recognition
of Juneteenth in the City of DeKalb as a paid holiday for celebration and reflection over
what unites us, and how we can collectively promote racial understanding and healing.
J. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
1. Ordinance 2021-019 Amending the FY2020 City Budget to Conform to Audited
Findings.
City Manager’s Summary: The City Council considered this ordinance on first reading
only at the regular meeting of June 14, 2021, with no objections. The ordinance
reconciles line items that were over budget for authorized reasons. Approval of these
amendments is necessary before the Council can approve Resolution 2021-047 (see
below) which officially receives and files the FY2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial
Report (CAFR) that is presented above.
FY2020 Budget Amendments
Fund 224: Special Service Area #4
Line Item FY2020 Budget Proposed Revision Difference
224-00-00-61100 4,000.00 7,000.00 3,000.00
Total Expenditures: 3,000.00
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 28, 2021
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Fund 260: TIF #1 Fund
Line Item FY2020 Budget Proposed Revision Difference
260-00-00-62100 10,247.00 85,247.00 75,000.00
260-00-00-83900 132,912.00 98,870.79 (34,041.21)
260-00-00-91265 0.00 37,646.00 37,646.00
Total Expenditures: 78,604.79
Fund 300: General Debt Service
Line Item FY2020 Budget Proposed Revision Difference
300-00-00-38800 0.00 1,900,000.00 1,897,867.41
300-00-00-39100 1,662,007.00 1,778,984.76 116,977.76
Total Revenues: 2,014,845.17
300-00-00-76000 371,532.00 397,833.95 26,301.91
300-00-00-79850 0.00 76,011.24 76,011.24
300-00-00-79800 0.00 1,795,554.26 1,795,554.26
Total Expenditures: 1,897,867.41
Fund 420: Capital Equipment Replacement Fund
Line Item FY2020 Budget Proposed Revision Difference
420-00-00-38700 0.00 414,385.61 414,385.61
Total Revenues: 414,385.61
420-00-00-79000 28,550.00 29,905.00 1,355.00
420-00-00-79100 3,848.00 2,492.86 (1,355.14)
420-00-00-87000 123,739.00 478,316.23 354,577.23
Total Expenditures: 354,577.09
Fund 700: Workers Compensation & Liability Fund
Line Item FY2020 Budget Proposed Revision Difference
700-00-00-69150 400,000.00 505,818.79 105,818.79
Total Expenditures: 105,818.79
Explanation:
Fund 224: Special Service Area #4. To address poor maintenance by a landscaper
formerly under contract in 2019, the City had to re-build the landscaping in a number
of cul-de-sacs. Fortunately, the SSA fund had a substantial fund reserve and was
able to cover these one-time expenses.
Fund 260: TIF #1 Fund. The principal difference of $75,000 was for one-half of the
Ernst & Young fees for the TIF forensic audit which were booked in 2020.
Additionally, the $37,646 was paid to the Treasurer of Illinois for the local share of
the 2019 Lighting/NAVAIDS project at the Airport, billed over a year after its
completion. It is not unusual for the final settlement of Airport projects to occur a year
or more after the fact, owing to the very extended process of state and federal
reviews and approvals.
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Regular Meeting Agenda
June 28, 2021
Page 10 of 13
Fund 300: General Debt Service. The revision covers the difference ($116,977.76)
between the actual General Fund transfer of $1,778,984.76 vs. the $1,662,007
budgeted. This was covered by the General Fund reserve.
Fund 420: Capital Equipment Replacement Fund. FY2020 was the first year of lease
payments. New GASB accounting standards require us to “book” the full value of the
leased vehicles in the first year, offset by a one-time posting of their asset value
under “Revenues.” Hence, the large numbers.
Fund 700: Workers Compensation & Liability Fund. This fund experienced a greater
than anticipated number of comp claims owing to the COVID crisis. Officers and
firefighters, in particular, were continually exposed in the performance of their duties
and under state guidance they were eligible for comp payments for COVID
treatments.
Across the revised City FY2020 Budget of 28 funds totaling over $101 million, the
necessary revisions in the tables above total a reduction of $10,637.30.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
K. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2021-047 Receiving and Filing the FY2020 Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report (CAFR), Audit Report and Management Letter.
City Manager’s Summary: By approving the attached resolution, the Council agrees to
receive and file the City’s annual independent audit for FY2020 as prepared by the
Sikich auditing team, described in detail above and in attached documents. The
appropriate documents will be filed with the Illinois Comptroller and the Government
Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
2. Resolution 2021-048 Authorizing the Waiver of Competitive Bidding and
Payment to Foster & Foster, Inc. in the Amount of $20,467 for Fiscal Year 2020
Actuarial Services.
City Manager’s Summary: The City annually contracts with an independent actuarial
service to prepare certain documents and reports related to the City’s Fire and Police
Pension Funds, as well as the City’s Retiree Health Insurance Plan. The City’s Fire
and Police Pension Funds reimburse the City an equal share of their respective
actuary costs.
In 2016, the City entered an agreement for actuarial services with Foster & Foster, Inc.
At the time, the costs associated with that agreement fell within the City Manager’s
spending authority. However, the cost for Fiscal Year 2020 actuarial services exceeds
$20,000. In order to conform to the City’s Purchasing Policy which authorizes the City
Manager to execute agreements with a cost not-to-exceed $20,000.00, this
expenditure must now be brought before the City Council for consideration and
approval.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 28, 2021
Page 11 of 13
3. Resolution 2021-049 Authorizing a Law Enforcement Embedded Social Worker
Agreement with Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center.
City Manager’s Summary: On July 13, 2020, the Council approved an agreement
(Resolution 2020-077) with Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center (NMBGC) to
formally imbed a social worker approximately 30 hours per week in the Police
Department to assist with mental and behavioral health referrals. The agreement
followed months of a pilot program involving a social worker in a follow-up role to
connect non-threatening but frequent callers with local mental health and behavioral
health services. The 2020 contract was fully funded by a grant from the DeKalb County
Mental Health Board.
The attached agreement extends the social work services to include two social
workers who will be assigned to the Police Department’s new Community Support
Services division (one approximately 30 hours/week; the other approximately 40
hours/week). When the department identifies a person with mental or behavioral
health issues that is generating a large number of Police responses, the social worker
can contact that person in an attempt to provide services that will reduce the need for
Police intervention. The social workers will also be available to respond to in-progress
calls to help officers on scene when appropriate. The goal is to ultimately fund three
social workers within the Community Support Services division – one in support of
each working shift.
If approved, NMBGC has indicated it will fill the two positions in July at which time they
will bill the City a start-up amount which is estimated to be $5,591 per month until the
beginning of NMBGC’s Fiscal Year (September 1, 2021 through August 31, 2022).
The net annual cost is estimated to be $67,092. This expenditure is funded in the
FY2021 DeKalb Police Department CSS Budget.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
4. Resolution 2021-050 Adopting the Upper South Branch of the Kishwaukee River
Watershed Improvement Plan.
City Manager’s Summary: A recent steering committee organized by the DeKalb Soil
and Water Conservation District has completed and recommended a watershed
improvement plan for the Upper South Branch of the Kishwaukee River, the primary
watercourse in our community. The City lies within the watershed for the Upper South
Branch of the Kishwaukee River, and was granted a seat on the steering committee
for the formulation of the watershed improvement plan.
The plan is a guideline to assist local agencies and developers in pursuing best
management practices and coordinating impactful environmental decisions with other
jurisdictions and private landowners. It also provides insights for the public to educate
themselves.
No actions or expenditures are required by the adoption of this plan, and it is simply
advisory in nature. The County Board has adopted the plan and its municipal adoption
is a requirement for access to several State and Federal grants which could be
pursued for local projects.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 28, 2021
Page 12 of 13
5. Resolution 2021-051 Authorizing an Architectural Improvement Program (AIP)
Economic Incentive for Hickey’s Corner Store, Located at 218 W. Lincoln
Highway in the Amount of $1,185.
City Manager’s Summary: Larry Hickey, the owner of Hickey’s Corner Store at 218 W.
Lincoln Highway, has applied for a TIF Architectural Improvement Program (AIP) grant
to defray some of the expense of resurfacing 3,400 square feet of the asphalt parking
and driving areas at his food/fuel station. The projected cost of this re-surfacing is
$11,850 and the AIP program offers a 10% ($1,185) reimbursement, if approved.
Mr. Hickey has provided the necessary application and bids. As a condition of
receiving AIP assistance, recipients must maintain them for a period of not less than
five (5) years. The loans are essentially grants because the principal amount is partially
forgiven by 20% each year and fully forgiven on the fifth anniversary of the City
payment.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2021-021 Amending Chapter 51 “Traffic”, Schedule A “One Way
Traffic”, as it Pertains to Establishing One Way Traffic for a Segment of N. 6th
Street.
City Manager’s Summary: Recently, City Engineer Zac Gill was approached by the
DeKalb County Housing Authority located on N. Sixth Street between Oak and Pine
Streets and asked if more parking might be achieved for their busy office facility if
North Sixth Street was re-configured as a one-way street. To address the request,
both street geometrics and neighborhood opinion were evaluated by the City Engineer,
Zac Gill.
In March, the City conducted a survey of homes and businesses along the route. Both
the engineering review and public survey yielded positive results. As North Sixth Street
already has a northbound one-way segment at Locust Street, residents north of Pine
currently do not have a direct route to Lincoln Highway. Comments from residential
property owners were not opposed to the one-way in general but did express a
preference for maintaining the parking along the east side to remain in the more
traditional parallel orientation, limiting any new diagonal alignment to the west side.
The City Engineer supports the residents’ request and would prefer that the one-way
section extend all the way from Locust to Pine; however, some businesses along that
stretch were opposed. Since the Locust to Oak block is not the block requiring added
parking capacity the one-way conversion proposal was limited to the one block
between Oak and Pine. The current parallel parking on the west side of North Sixth is
not striped, but can hold 10 to 11 vehicles, and some new diagonal striping on the
west side could accommodate a total of 20 stalls.
City Council approval on first reading is recommended. Holding this matter to a
second reading on July 12 will provide time for additional public comment. (click here
for additional information)
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 28, 2021
Page 13 of 13
2. Ordinance 2021-022 Approving the Final Development Plan for the Property
Located at 217 Franklin Street (Safe Passage).
City Manager’s Summary: On December 14, 2020, the City Council approved
Ordinance 2020-077 which granted the rezoning of the Safe Passage site at 217
Franklin Street from the CBD District to the PD-C District and also approved a
Preliminary Development Plan. The Ordinance required that a Final Development Plan
including architectural elevations, engineering plan, lighting (photometric) plan,
landscape plan, and final plat be submitted for review by the Planning and Zoning
Commission and City Council.
There is no public hearing required, just review of the Final Development Plan to
ensure substantial compliance with the approved Preliminary Development Plan and
the Unified Development Ordinance. Safe Passage is currently located in six buildings
(5 homes and 1 apartment building) along S. Fourth Street, Prospect Street and S.
Fifth Street. The former building on the subject site was demolished at the end of 2020.
The proposed building will be two stories with a lower level (basement). The total
square footage will be about 40,320 sq. ft., slightly less than the 42,000 sq. ft. shown
on the Preliminary Development Plan. The new building will contain an emergency
shelter, counseling services, administrative offices, outdoor playground, and other
accessory uses. The basement or lower level will have 9-foot ceilings and will feature
group therapy, children’s services, and storage. The first floor will contain counseling
services and administrative offices and the living quarters will be on the second floor.
The floor plans indicate there will be 15 separate living quarters on the upper level with
about 54 beds. The building will be fully sprinklered with alarms and security system.
Construction is planned to start by the end of 2021 with the opening of the facility in
late 2022.
Further details are offered by Principal Planner Dan Olson in his background report.
The architectural elevations, engineering plan, lighting (photometric) plan, landscape
plan, and final plat have been reviewed by City staff and all comments have been
adequately addressed. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the Final
Development Plan at their meeting on June 21, 2021. By a vote of 5 to 0
(Commissioner Wright was absent) the Commission recommended City Council
approval of the Final Development Plan for the Safe Passage Facility at 217 Franklin
Street per the plans in Exhibit A of the staff report.
City Council approval of the Planning & Zoning Commission’s recommendation
is requested. The petitioner has requested Council approval on second reading. (click
here for additional information)
M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session to Discuss Personnel as Provided for in
5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).
O. ADJOURNMENT
FULL AGENDA PACKET
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