City Council
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · October 25, 2021
Minutes
MINUTES
CITY OF DEKALB
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 25, 2021
The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular meeting on October 25, 2021, in the Yusunas
Meeting Room of the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, Illinois.
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Barnes called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
City Clerk Sasha Cohen called the roll, and the following members of City Council were present:
Alderman Carolyn Morris, Alderman Barb Larson, Alderman Tracy Smith, Alderman Greg Perkins,
Alderman Scott McAdams, Alderman Mike Verbic, Alderman Tony Faivre, and Mayor Cohen
Barnes.
Others in attendance were: City Manager Bill Nicklas and City Attorney John Donahue.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Barnes asked Police Chief Byrd to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. Approval Of The Agenda
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Alderman Faivre.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Ray Gentilcore congratulated Mayor Barnes on his new role with the City of DeKalb and thanked
him for doing all he’s done so far. He also congratulated Police Chief Byrd on his new role and
thanked him for taking on the responsibilities of the City of DeKalb. Continuing, Mr. Gentilcore
requested that a three-way stop sign be placed at the intersection of Gurler Road and Pearl Street
due to the number of drivers speeding through the area, noting his concern, as well as other
resident’s concerns, for school-aged children getting run over as they wait for the bus.
E. PRESENTATIONS
There were none.
F. APPOINTMENTS
1. Appointment of Julie Jesmer to the Citizens’ Environmental Commission (CEC) for the
Completion of a Two-Year Term through December 31, 2023.
Mayor Barnes moved to appoint Ms. Jesmer to the CEC and read the title above in its entirety.
He also noted that Ms. Jesmer is a part of the Trash Squirrels group that’s collected over three
tons of garbage throughout the community.
There was brief discussion between Mayor Barnes and City Attorney Donahue regarding the
procedure for his making an appointment. City Attorney Donahue indicated the Mayor moved to
make the appointment and now Council should consent with a roll call vote.
Regular Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2021
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VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
G. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to remove Consent Agenda items #2 and #3, indicating she
doesn’t think the minutes are complete and there are still some corrections needed. She further
stated that one set of the minutes in question was troublesome because it had less information
than what was listed on the agenda. Continuing, Alderman Larson stated that meeting minutes
should be a mirror reflection of City Council meeting proceedings so that citizens are aware of
what’s happening. Alderman McAdams seconded the motion.
Mayor Barnes stated there are a variety of errors throughout both sets of minutes, adding the City
is accustomed to a certain level of transparency in its minutes that he wants to maintain. Further,
City Council minutes are incredibly important because they’re part of the public record and they
need to be as accurate as possible.
Alderman Faivre stated there are a lot of grammatical or punctuation errors within the minutes
that need to be corrected as well, noting the minutes should be presented in a professional
manner.
Alderman Smith indicated that one set of the minutes has a name redaction and asked if Council
has the authority to redact a name. City Attorney Donahue replied that the minutes belong to the
Council so they can request what goes into to them. He then confirmed that Council can allow a
name redaction.
Alderman Smith stated the quality of the minutes needs to be improved, noting he’s received a
number of complaints about their quality and them not reflecting what happens in the meetings.
There was no further discussion.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
Mayor Barnes read the following Consent Agenda items in their entirety:
1. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of September 1, 2021.
2. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 13, 2021.
3. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 27, 2021.
4. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 11, 2021.
5. Accounts Payable and Payroll through October 25, 2021, in the Amount of $3,619,257.97.
6. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through August 2021.
7. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through August 2021.
8. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – September 2021.
9. FY2021 Human Services Funding 3rd Quarter Report.
Regular Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2021
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MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the Consent Agenda as amended; seconded by
Alderman Perkins.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were none.
I. CONSIDERATIONS
Mayor Barnes read the following title in its entirety:
1. Consideration of the Annual Property Tax Levy in the City of DeKalb.
MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to consider the item; seconded by Alderman Faivre.
Prior to his overview, City Manager Nicklas stated the levy is one of the most important financial
action steps the Council takes in the course of the year, next to the actual budget. Each year the
levy discussion relies on a best guess at where the City will be with the community EAV (Equalized
Assessed Value) and arriving at a number for discussion.
City Manager Nicklas then provided an overview of this item based on the information provided
in the agenda packet. Highlights included:
The tentative 2021 DeKalb Township multiplier is 1.0199.
The projected new construction for 2021 is $74,084,443.50. This includes recovered TIF value
in the amount of $59,148,535 as a result of the termination of the Central Area TIF District;
$11,735,908.50 in combined taxable EAV from the Ferrara Distribution Center and Packaging
Center (50% of the EAV gain as a result of a 50% property tax abatement); and a projected
$3,200,000 in additional new EAV from other new residential, commercial, and industrial
construction.
The projected City EAV for 2021 is $696,563,133.
The proposed City levy for 2021 is $6,845,317. This does not include the Library levy of
$2,700,708 or special service area levies which will be abated.
The estimated 2021 City Tax Rate of 0.98273 ($6,845,317 divided by $696,563,133) is 8.04%
lower than the 2020 City rate of 1.06868 per $100 EAV.
Alderman Faivre asked if the City was in line with other municipalities as far as pension
obligations. City Manager Nicklas replied that all are struggling. Some who have had a higher
funding levels are in better shape but we’re all racing toward an irrational deadline. We have to
continue to lobby to make sure the legislature keeps this in their top three to five issues and has
discussion toward action.
For confirmation, Mayor Barnes stated we’re projecting that the actual out of pocket dollars that
someone spends on property taxes is going to be lower. He then commended City Manager
Nicklas, City staff and previous Council’s for the work done to continue the trend of the reduction
of the tax rate. Mayor Barnes further stated this is one of the ways we can chart our course
towards more affordable housing throughout DeKalb.
Regular Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2021
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There was brief discussion between Alderman Morris and City Manager Nicklas regarding the
impact the termination of TIF #3 had on the ability to reduce the rate and how it will affect DeKalb’s
future.
Alderman Faivre indicated this was the fourth year the city has decreased its rate and thanked
City Manager Nicklas and his staff for their hard work. He also stated the City should be working
with other taxing bodies to reduce the tax rate in order to make DeKalb more attractive to
businesses.
Mayor Barnes stated the plan is to start having discussions with the other taxing bodies after the
first of the year.
City Manager Nicklas spoke complimentary about administrative and front-line staff, stating it’s
their responsibility, sense of purpose and commitment that make the numbers work. He’s proud
of what’s been done with less for a long time and now the City has a chance to do it with a little
bit more, but it will be done responsibly and we’re planning for the future.
There was no further discussion.
J. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2021-095 Authorizing the Equipping of Four Police Interceptor Vehicles Based
on State Bid Contract Pricing in an Amount Not to Exceed $81,088.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Faivre.
Prior to providing an overview of this item, City Manager Nicklas stated there will be a Public
Hearing on the levy at the November 8, 2021, City Council meeting, as well as first readings of
the levy ordinance and abatement ordinance.
City Manager Nicklas then provided an overview of the item based on the information provided in
the agenda packet. At the September 27, 2021, City Council meeting, Council approved the
purchase of four police interceptor vehicles. This resolution is a follow-up to that item and requests
approval to upfit those vehicles with the necessary equipment, such as lights, radios, etc. The
state pricing is the most competitive pricing.
There was no further discussion.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
1. Ordinance 2021-040 Amending the Municipal Code by Adding a New Chapter 46 “Citizen
Police Review Board”.
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Morris moved to approve second reading of the ordinance; seconded by
Alderman McAdams.
Regular Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2021
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City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. This item was tabled at the October 11, 2021, City Council meeting in order to
allow the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 115 to review language on issues that arose
from the discussion of the proposed CPRB. A tentative agreement has been reached and the
membership of Lodge 115 will be voting on amendments to the collective bargaining agreement
between the FOP and the City before the next City Council meeting of November 8, 2021.
Therefore, it was requested that this item be tabled again to allow for that review and vote.
There was no further discussion.
MOTION: Alderman Morris moved to table the ordinance; seconded by Alderman McAdams.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2021-043 Providing for the Termination of the Central Area Tax Increment
Financing Redevelopment Area (TIF 1) and the Transfer of Funds from TIF 1’s Special Tax
Allocation Fund to TIF 3.
Mayor Barnes recused himself from this item and asked Alderman Faivre to temporarily chair the
meeting. Mayor Barnes then exited the room at 6:34 p.m. Alderman Faivre then read the
ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by
Alderman Perkins.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet, stating the termination of the Central Area TIF #1 is set for December 31, 2021,
meaning it will no longer be designated as a redevelopment project area under the TIF act. The
termination is called out in the intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between the City and the Joint
Review Board (JRB), which is comprised of other local taxing bodies. Approval of the ordinance
was requested on first reading, with a waiver of the second reading.
Alderman McAdams stated that nothing has been more contentious or caused more problems in
the City of DeKalb than the TIF district and it will be an honor and a privilege to vote it away.
There was no further discussion.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre. Nay: None. Recused: Barnes. Alderman Faivre declared the motion passed.
MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to waive second reading of the ordinance and approve;
seconded by Alderman Smith.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre. Nay: None. Recused: Barnes. Alderman Faivre declared the motion passed.
Mayor Barnes returned to the room at 6:37 p.m.
M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
Regular Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2021
Page 6 of 7
Alderman Larson urged citizens to be on the look out for trick-or-treaters this year.
Alderman Smith reported he had the honor of being present at the swearing in of the City’s new
firefighter today, Jackson Marbutt, noting he worked with Jackson’s grandfather at the DeKalb
County Sheriff’s Department many years ago.
Alderman Faivre thanked all those who came out to pick up trash over the weekend and
encouraged citizens to continue picking up trash in their neighborhoods. He also stated that trick-
or-treating will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Halloween.
Mayor Barnes made the following report on recent activities and meetings he’s been a part of:
He attended the Egyptian Theatre grand re-opening, noting it was well attended, and commended
the theatre for their continued efforts to keep the venue open and shows coming.
He and City Manager Nicklas met recently with Greek leadership members from fraternities and
sororities, as well as their advisors and other leaders from the community, in order to discuss
what the City is doing pertaining to their environment. It was a great discussion, and he was happy
to have formed another bridge to another group within the community that now has more of a
voice. He looks forward to working with them in the future.
He participated with the Trash Squirrels and Green Paws groups, as well as the Citizens’
Environmental Commission (CEC), over the weekend to pick up trash within the community.
He reported that he is meeting with each Council member one-on-one to discuss City business
and ensure everyone is on the same page. He noted he has already met \ with Alderman Morris,
Alderman Larson, and Alderman Smith and will be scheduling meetings with the other Council
members as well.
He attended the Athena Award event, noting the winner, LaCretia Konan of Kishwaukee College,
is incredibly deserving of the award.
He noted that the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) has vacancies and encouraged anyone
with financial experience to reach out to him if they’re interested in becoming a member.
2. City Manager Report.
City Manager Nicklas made an announcement on behalf of Public Works Director of Streets and
Facilities Andy Raih, stating the kick-off for community leaf collection was supposed to start today
but the weather didn’t cooperate. They hope to do at least one pass through the city this week,
with more consistent pick up to take place over the next month. He thanked the public works staff
for their hard work and encouraged citizens to keep their storm sewer drains clear of leaves and
debris. season but the weather didn’t cooperate.
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Barnes read the following Executive Session exemption titles in their entirety:
1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss the Purchase or Lease of Real
Property as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5).
2. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss the Appointment, Discipline,
Performance or Removal of a Public Officer as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3).
Regular Meeting Minutes
October 25, 2021
Page 7 of 7
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to recess for Executive Session; seconded by Alderman
Faivre.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and recessed the
meeting at 6:43 p.m.
Mayor Barnes closed the meeting to the public at 6:50 p.m. for Executive Session.
Following adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Barnes opened the meeting to the public
at 7:30 p.m.
O. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to adjourn the Regular meeting; seconded by Alderman
Perkins.
VOTE: Motion carried on an 8-0 voice vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the
meeting at 7:31 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________
Ruth A. Scott, Executive Assistant
Minutes approved by the City Council on November 22, 2021.
Click here to view the agenda packet for the October 25, 2021, Regular City Council meeting.
Click here to view the video recording of the October 25, 2021, Regular City Council meeting.
Agenda
DEKALB CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 25, 2021
6:00 P.M.
DeKalb Public Library
Yusunas Meeting Room
309 Oak Street
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
COVID-19 Notice: The corporate authorities of the City of DeKalb intend to conduct this
meeting in-person with a physically present quorum that is open to the public and in
compliance with all applicable public health requirements. All persons attending this
meeting are recommended, but not required, to wear protective face masks/coverings.
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
E. PRESENTATIONS
None.
F. APPOINTMENTS
1. Appointment of Julie Jesmer to the Citizens’ Environmental Commission for the
Completion of a Two-Year Term through December 31, 2023.
G. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of September 1, 2021.
2. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 13, 2021.
3. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 27, 2021.
4. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 11, 2021.
5. Accounts Payable and Payroll through October 25, 2021, in the Amount of
$3,619,257.97.
6. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through August 2021.
7. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through August 2021.
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
Regular Meeting Agenda
October 25, 2021
Page 2 of 7
8. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – September 2021.
9. FY2021 Human Services Funding 3rd Quarter Report.
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
I. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Consideration of the Annual Property Tax Levy in the City of DeKalb.
City Manager’s Summary: The property tax is the most stable source of municipal
revenues. What is levied is applied and generally distributed, assuming property
owners pay their taxes. It is important to note the following, however:
a) None of the property taxes that the Council will levy in December 2021,
payable in 2022, will be used for general operations. In addition, the
$1,278,142 shortfall between the City’s levy and the actuarial obligations for 2022
will need to be drawn from other General Fund revenues or the General Fund
reserve.
CITY PENSION FUNDING AND PENSION OBLIGATIONS
2018 Actuarial 2018 Levy
Difference* % Difference
Obligation Funding
Fire Pension $3,503,332 $3,220,517 $282,815 8.07%
Police Pension $3,079,438 $2,796,623 $282,815 9.18%
Total $6,582,770 $6,017,140 $565,630 8.59%
2019 Actuarial 2019 Levy
Difference* % Difference
Obligation Funding
Fire Pension $3,920,907 $3,322,914 $597,993 15.25%
Police Pension $3,477,031 $2,946,735 $530,296 15.25%
Total $7,397,938 $6,269,649 $1,128,289 15.25%
2020 Actuarial 2020 Levy
Difference* % Difference
Obligation Funding
Fire Pension $4,282,230 $3,569,403 $712,827 16.65%
Police Pension $3,614,881 $2,953,053 $661,828 18.31%
Total $7,897,111 $6,522,456 $1,374,655 17.41%
2021 Actuarial 2021 Levy
Difference* % Difference
Obligation Funding
Fire Pension $4,415,632 $3,720,878 $694,415 15.73%
Police Pension $3,707,827 $3,124,439 $583,727 15.74%
Total $8,123,459 $6,845,317 $1,278,142 15.73%
In 2014 the City dedicated 10.4% of its General Fund revenues toward Fire
and Police pension contributions. In 2022 about 20.23% of the projected
General Fund expenditures will be dedicated to Fire and Police pension
obligations.
b) According to DeKalb Township and County assessment officials, the projected
2021 City levy, payable in 2022, will capture the following new assessed values:
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
Regular Meeting Agenda
October 25, 2021
Page 3 of 7
Recovered Central Area TIF: In the 2020 Intergovernmental Agreement relating
to tax increment financing districts in the City of DeKalb (dated November 15,
2020), the parties agreed that the last Central Area TIF annual surplus payment
pertained to tax year 2020, with the last annual surplus payment paid by the
DeKalb County Collector in 2021.
With the termination of the Central Area TIF, the “recovered” TIF value is treated
the same as new property. The 2021 tax year (with taxes payable in 2022) is the
first year that the recovered TIF increment can be taxed. Under the Property Tax
Extension Limitation Law (PTELL), the amount of the extension (total taxes
billed) for non-home rule taxing districts is limited to an inflationary increase on
the value of existing property, plus an additional amount for new construction.
The inflationary increase is limited to the lesser of 5 percent or the increase in
the consumer price index for the year preceding the levy year. PTELL does not
apply to home rule units of government such as the City of DeKalb, but the City
Council has been very mindful of the impact of their levy decisions in recent
years. The “recovered TIF” value is estimated to be $59,148,535.
Ferrara Distribution Center: (Parcel #08-35-300-012): Total 2021 EAV equals
$17,547,861, but $44,165 of that EAV represents existing value. $17,503,696 in
new EAV times 0.50 (50% abatement) equals $8,751,848 in abatement. The
total EAV of $17,547,861 minus the $8,751,848 abatement equals the 2021
taxable EAV of $8,796,013.
Ferrara Pack Center: (Parcel #08-35-400-009): The total EAV of $5,860,804
includes $18,987 in existing value. The abatement will equal $5,841,817 times
0.50 equal to $2,920,908.50. The total EAV of $5,860,804 minus the
$2,920,908.50 abatement equals the 2021 taxable EAV of $2,939,895.50.
The combined taxable EAV for the Ferrara Distribution Center and
Packaging Center in 2021 is $11,735,908.50. At the expiration of the 15-year
term for the Ferrara distribution and packaging centers, 100% of the EAV will be
taxable.
Facebook: Although the 500-acre development has been annexed and zoned
“Planned Development – Industrial” since March of 2020, the Afton Township
Assessor has determined that, because no principal buildings have yet been
occupied, the “developer’s exemption” still applies for the land, which has not
been farmed since the fall harvest of 2018.
Other: An estimated $3,200,000 in additional EAV tied to new construction
across all other residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Total Estimated 2021 New Construction: $74,084,443.50.
c) The tentative 2021 DeKalb Township multiplier is 1.0199. The 2020 EAV of
$610,333,062 times the multiplier of 1.0199% = $622,478,690.
d) The projected 2021 City EAV is $696,563,133 (+14.13%).
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
Regular Meeting Agenda
October 25, 2021
Page 4 of 7
e) A City levy of $6,845,317 would include only the City levy obligation for the Fire
and Police pensions, and would not include the Library bond debt payment.
f) The resulting City tax rate of .98273 ($6,845,317 divided by $696,563,133)
would be 8.04% lower than the 2020 rate of 1.06868 per $100 EAV.
The following table puts the proposed City tax rate of 0.98273 in the context of the
recent history of City tax rates:
Tax Levy Year Rate-Setting EAV: City City Levy City Rate
2011 582,504,715 4,196,890 0.7205
2012 533,805,903 4,244,718 0.7952
2013 485,923,623 4,270,457 0.9809
2014 464,966,381 4,270,540 1.0245
2015 468,077,742 5,094,730 1.1942
2016 503,861,829 5,565,384 1.2021
2017 529,629,464 6,004,594 1.2268
2018 547,947,687 6,017,140 1.1883
2019 585,726,839 6,269,649 1.1541
2020 610,333,062 6,522,507 1.06868
2021 696,563,133 6,845,317 0.98273
The next table depicts the trend in actual tax dollars paid if the proposed DeKalb rate
is 0.98273:
Twp DeKalb
Year Base EAV New EAV Homestead Final EAV DeKalb Tax
Multiplier Rate
2019 $97,906 1.0351 $101,343 -$6,000 $95,343 1.1549 $1,101.11
2020 $101,343 1.0409 $105,488 -$6,000 $99,488 1.06868 $1,063.21
2021 $105,488 1.0199 $107,587 -$6,000 $101,587 0.98273 $998.33
The significant proposed drop in the City’s tax rate, which should benefit all City
taxpayers, seems the responsible course in light of the one-time benefit of the
“recovered” TIF increment.
Finally, a word of caution: the continuing heavy burden imposed on DeKalb and other
Illinois municipalities by a rising “ramp” in Fire and Police pension obligations imposed
by the state legislature in 2011 will remain a fiscal drain in the next levy year. According
to the 2011 pension compromise, a closed amortization period was created that
requires all pension funds to be 90% funded on the arbitrary date of 2040. This
approach builds in increasing levels of contribution beyond annual increases owing to
such actuarial factors as the number of lives covered, the wage levels at retirement,
mortality, disability, etc. If funding ratios are low (the average state-wide is around
55%), the additional funds needed each year rise significantly the closer we get to
2040. As of January 1, 2022, the funding levels of DeKalb’s Fire and Police Pension
Funds are 40% and 50.2%, respectively.
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
Regular Meeting Agenda
October 25, 2021
Page 5 of 7
This burden will continue until action downstate leads to reform of the actuarial cost
method. Because of the COVID crisis, the two state-wide boards which are to handle
the larger, consolidated investment pools to the advantage of local communities have
not completed the consolidations anticipated by the Legislature in 2019. As a result,
no relief in terms of reduced fund management costs has been realized. The City
Manager is working collaboratively with the Illinois Municipal League and the
Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois to press the state legislature and the recently-
consolidated state pension boards toward an actuarial cost method that can be
sustained over time.
City Council direction is requested. (Click here for additional information)
J. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2021-095 Authorizing the Equipping of Four Police Interceptor
Vehicles Based on State Bid Contract Pricing in an Amount Not to Exceed
$81,088.
City Manager’s Summary: At the regular Council meeting of September 27, the Council
authorized the purchase of four (4) Ford Interceptor vehicles in an amount not to
exceed $150,000 (Resolution 2021-086). This agenda item concerns the “upfitting” of
those vehicles with light bars, in-car technologies, etc.
As Deputy Chief Leverton writes in the attached memorandum, the Police Department
plans to deploy the four new vehicles in the following manner: two for ordinary patrol
purposes, one as a K9 vehicle to accommodate an additional K9 that was recently
acquired, and one as the Chief’s vehicle. The existing vehicles in those assignments
will be passed on for use by School Resource Officers (SRO’s) and Community
Service Officers (CSO’s). In turn, the current oldest vehicles being used by the SRO’s
and CSO’s, being the last remaining 2008 and 2011 Ford Crown Victorias, will be
retired from the fleet.
In outfitting these vehicles, all but the Chief’s vehicle will need a complete computer
and camera system, which is provided by CDS Office Technologies, who holds the
state bid for the provision of these technology items. The quoted price for outfitting
three vehicles with the computer and camera systems is $41,088. Morrow Ford holds
the state bid for the provision and upfitting of vehicles, which includes push bumper,
emergency lighting, center console and controls, prisoner seat and partition, and other
ancillary equipment. Morrow Ford provided a quote of $11,280 for an ordinary patrol
vehicle. The K9 vehicle kennel and climate control system will add some cost, but the
Chief’s vehicle only needs the basic items, so the total cost for the Morrow Ford
provision is not expected to exceed $40,000.
City Council approval is recommended. (Click here for additional information)
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
Regular Meeting Agenda
October 25, 2021
Page 6 of 7
K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
1. Ordinance 2021-040 Amending the Municipal Code by Adding a New Chapter 46
“Citizen Police Review Board”.
City Manager’s Summary: At the last regular Council meeting of October 11, the
Council postponed action on second reading to allow time for the Administration and
representatives of the FOP Labor Council to reach agreement on several bargainable
issues that arose in the discussion of the proposed Citizen Police Review Board. A
tentative agreement has been reached and the membership of Lodge 115 will be
reviewing the language and, ultimately, will have the opportunity to vote on the
proposed amendments to the collective bargaining agreement between the FOP Labor
Council and the City of DeKalb. Because the voting will not be complete until after this
Agenda is published, the City Manager requests a final postponement of Ordinance
2021-040 on second reading until the regular City Council meeting of November 8.
(Click here for additional information)
L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2021-043 Providing for the Termination of the Central Area Tax
Increment Financing Redevelopment Area (TIF 1) and the Transfer of Funds from
TIF 1’s Special Tax Allocation Fund to TIF 3.
City Manager’s Summary: Early in 2019 and continuing throughout 2020, City
representatives worked with other local government officials serving on the TIF Joint
Review Board to make DeKalb’s TIF program more transparent and accountable. A
key result of this collaboration was an intergovernmental agreement dated November
15, 2020, in which the parties agreed that the Central Area Tax Increment Financing
District (TIF #1) would be terminated by the end of 2021. Parties to this agreement
included the City of DeKalb, the County of DeKalb, the DeKalb Community Unit School
District No. 428, DeKalb Township, the DeKalb Township Road and Bridge District,
the DeKalb Park District, the DeKalb Public Library, the DeKalb County Forest
Preserve, and the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District.
On September 17, the City Manager mailed a letter to representatives of each of the
participating taxing bodies to provide some guidance regarding the termination of the
Central Area TIF District, including assistance as local taxing bodies prepare for their
Fall 2021 levy decisions and the impact of the “recovered” TIF value. A copy of that
letter is attached.
The last Central Area TIF annual surplus payment to the other taxing bodies pertains
to tax year 2020, and the payment will be processed by the County of DeKalb in late
2021 or early 2022. The proposed FY2022 TIF #1 Budget will show this last surplus
payment as an FY2021 expenditure. A residual FY2022 TIF #1 budget will be
presented to the Council in November that retains a modest allocation ($21,778) for
property assessment appeals that are pending before the Property Tax Appeal Board.
Finally, the TIF #1 Fund (Fund 260) will transfer or “port” its remaining reserve to the
City’s TIF #3 Fund (Fund 262).
The attached ordinance references all vital City enactments bearing on the creation
and subsequent development of the Central Area TIF District. In approving this
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
Regular Meeting Agenda
October 25, 2021
Page 7 of 7
measure, TIF #1 as amended will be terminated as of December 31, 2021, and shall
no longer be designated as a redevelopment project area under the TIF Act (Illinois
Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act, 65 ILCS 5/11-74.1-1, et seq.).
City Council approval is recommended. (Click here for additional information)
M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
2. City Manager Report.
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss the Purchase or
Lease of Real Property as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5).
2. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss the Appointment,
Discipline, Performance or Removal of a Public Officer as Provided for in 5 ILCS
120/2(c)(3).
O. ADJOURNMENT
REGULAR AGENDA PACKET – OCTOBER 25, 2021
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.