City Council
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · May 23, 2022
Minutes
MINUTES
CITY OF DEKALB
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
MAY 23, 2022
The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular meeting on May 23, 2022, 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.
Recording Secretary Ruth Scott called the roll, and the following members of the 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.
City Clerk Sasha Cohen was absent.
Other in attendance included City Manager Bill Nicklas, City Attorney Matt Rose, Transit Manager
Mike Neuenkirchen, and Finance Director Carrie Dittman.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Shadow Gentry led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Barnes asked for a motion to amend the agenda in order to remove Item K.4. Resolution
2022-049 Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the DeKalb Community Unit School
District No. 428 as it Pertains to School Resource Officers.
MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to amend the agenda; seconded by Alderman Larson.
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.
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve the agenda as amended; 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.
Alderman Morris asked why the item was removed. Mayor Barnes replied that the City had
received modifications to the agreement from the school district’s attorney that the City had yet to
review.
D. PRESENTATIONS
There were none.
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There was none.
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May 23, 2022
Page 2 of 11
F. APPOINTMENTS
There were none.
G. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
1. Minutes Submitted by the City Clerk
There were none.
2. Minutes Submitted by the Recording Secretary
Mayor Barnes read the following by title only:
a. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of May 9, 2022.
b. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 9, 2022.
MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to approve the minutes as submitted by the Recording
Secretary; seconded by Alderman Morris.
Prior to the vote, Alderman McAdams asked that the City Clerk’s absence from City Council
meetings be noted in the minutes moving forward. Mayor Barnes agreed, noting that City Clerk
Cohen was absent from the May 9, 2022, City Council Special and Regular meetings, and this
meeting as well.
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. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Barnes read the following Consent Agenda items by title only:
1. Accounts Payable and Payroll through May 23, in the Amount of $ 2,172,381.06.
2. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through March 2022.
3. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through March 2022.
4. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – April 2022.
5. DeKalb Chamber of Commerce 2021 Annual Report.
6. DeKalb County Convention & Visitors Bureau 2021 Annual Report.
7. DeKalb Municipal Band 2021 Annual Report.
8. Resolution 2022-045 Authorizing the Execution of a Workers’ Compensation Lump Sum
Petition and Order in the Amount of $58,185 (Geoffrey Guzinski).
MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve the Consent Agenda items; seconded by Alderman
Verbic.
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May 23, 2022
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Prior to the vote, Mayor Barnes referenced a list provided to Council of the top 10 FOIA
requestors. City Manager Nicklas replied that the report, which includes time spent by City staff
collecting requested data, as well as the cost for time spent, was compiled for the Council’s
information.
Mayor Barnes asked what’s included in the “hours spent” calculation. City Manager Nicklas
replied that the calculation includes the base hourly rate for various City staff members, including
FOIA Officer Scott Zak, as well as City Attorney Matt Rose.
Mayor Barnes stated the report shows that the City spent $2,333 (47 staff hours) in the last year
on the top requestor (Mark Charvat), which is 25% of the total staff cost of all FOIA requests. He
further noted that the second top requestor was a reporter from the Daily Chronicle, which makes
sense.
Alderman Larson asked how much time the City has to respond to FOIA requests. City Attorney
Rose replied there’s a five-day response requirement, which can be extended for an additional
five days depending on certain factors. Commercial requests have a 21-day response time.
Alderman Larson commented that due to the timelines involved, normal City business is delayed
when a FOIA request is received. City Attorney Rose agreed.
Mayor Barnes asked Management Analyst Zak if processing FOIA requests was his only role, to
which Mr. Zak replied it was not.
Mayor Barnes commented he believes that the FOIA is an important component to transparency,
but 47 hours seems excessive. He then indicated his appreciation for the report.
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.
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were none.
J. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Consideration of the City’s Public Transit Fares.
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to bring this item to the floor for discussion; seconded by
Alderman Morris.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. The City suspended fares on all fixed route and paratransit service routes in
March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In July and December of 2021, Council discussed
the moratorium of fare collection and chose to maintain a fare free public transit system until
further notice. City staff have been tracking usage and believe that ridership will return to its 2019
levels by the end of this year.
Continuing, City Manager Nicklas stated the system does not rely on fares to maintain operations,
but it does generate approximately $60,000 in revenue per year, which is then used for a variety
of transit needs. He further noted that the City’s fixed route bus fare was one of the lowest in the
state with one-way trips for general public passengers costing only .50 cents. Senior citizens,
individuals with disabilities, and K-12 students pay a reduced fare of .25 cents, while Northern
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May 23, 2022
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Illinois University (NIU) students and children under the age of five riding free of charge. A portion
of NIU student tuition is devoted to public transportation, and NIU uses that portion of the tuition
to fund the annual transit contribution as agreed upon in the intergovernmental agreement
between the City and NIU.
Closing out his overview, City Manager Nicklas stated that City staff recommends a re-institution
of the 2019 fare system for the balance of 2022, with further consideration of bus fare levels in
general sometime before the end of the fiscal year.
Alderman Perkins asked about not only reinstituting the fares, but also adjusting the fares to a
rate that mirrors what the rest of the state is charging. Transit Manager Mike Neuenkirchen replied
that it would be hard to say what the impact of ridership would be if fares were increased. Further,
the City would be required under FTA regulations to allow for a public comment period in order to
study the impact.
Alderman Perkins stated that if the City is able to collect additional revenue, then it will be more
prepared to deal with some of the added pressures of inflation everyone is starting to see. City
Manager Nicklas agreed, stating if the City reinstitutes fares now, it will allow riders to get in the
habit of paying again. Then, come this Fall, Council can discuss the overall fare system in relation
to other parts of the state and follow the required public comment process. Alderman Perkins
agreed.
Alderman Morris asked what percentage of the entire cost of the bus system are fares. Transit
Manager Neuenkirchen stated it’s a very small amount, noting that local income is an important
element to the long-term health of the system. In reference to Alderman Morris’ question, City
Manager Nicklas commented that it’s less than one percent.
There was consensus among Council to move forward with reinstating transit fares.
City Manager Nicklas asked if the FTA would require further action with the reinstatement. Transit
Manager Neuenkirchen stated that Council is not raising the fares, but merely lifting the
suspension. City Attorney Rose agreed.
2. Consideration of Refunding General Obligation Bonds, Series 2013A (DeKalb Public
Library Bonds).
MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to bring this item to the floor for discussion; seconded by
Alderman Faivre.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. The City has one outstanding bond issue, the General Obligation Bonds, Series
2013A (Library Bonds), that meets the eligibility and logical requirements for refunding
(refinancing). The bonds, used to finance the DeKalb Public Library’s renovation and expansion,
have a call date of January 1, 2023, and could be refunded up to three months in advance, in
October 2022, to take advantage of the current market’s low interest rates and reduce the overall
debt service over the remaining term of the bonds.
Continuing, City Manager Nicklas stated that Baird Public Finance, the City’s underwriters on five
previous bond issues, has advised that the City’s greatest savings opportunity may lie with a
private placement (i.e., direct placement to a bank), which the City undertook with its 2019
refunding bonds. Referencing the background information provided in the agenda packet, City
Manager Nicklas stated that City staff is recommending Option #2, which is a Four-Month Forward
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May 23, 2022
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Delivery that locks in a tax-exempt rate in June with delivery to occur in October, eliminating some
market risk. If the City pursues a forward delivery, it will save approximately $190,000.
There was consensus among Council to move forward with the recommended option.
City Manager Nicklas stated an action item will be brought before Council at the June 13, 2022,
Regular meeting.
K. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2022-046 Authorizing an Architectural Improvement Program Economic
Incentive for the Aurora Music Company, Inc., 137 E. Lincoln Highway, in the Amount
of $25,000.
Mayor Barnes recused himself from this item siting a conflict of interest and asked Alderman
Faivre to step in on his behalf during this portion of the meeting. Mayor Barnes left the meeting at
6:24 p.m.
Alderman Faivre read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Morris moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman McAdams.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet, stating this type of project is what the AIP program was designed for. The owner,
Rob Mondi, has already invested approximately $75,000 into the project, which focuses on ADA
compliance. Based on the AIP criteria, Mr. Mondi qualifies for the maximum AIP forgivable loan
of $25,000. He has provided the required number of estimates and is hoping to keep working
through his prime list of building improvements, with the City’s AIP assistance.
Continuing, City Manager Nicklas stated that if Council approves this request, the remaining funds
available in the AIP budget for FY2022 will be $8,085 due to several late-2021 projects that were
not reimbursed until the work was completed in January 2022.
Alderman Larson thanked Mr. Mondi for choosing DeKalb. Referencing the photos provided in
the agenda’s background material, she stated it looks fabulous.
Alderman Perkins agreed with Alderman Larson’s comments and encouraged citizens to look at
the photos provided, noting they tell a story of the changes made so far. He welcomed Mr. Mondi
to DeKalb and wished him good luck.
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 and
welcomed Mr. Mondi to DeKalb’s downtown area.
Mayor Barnes returned to the meeting at 6:29 p.m.
2. Resolution 2022-047 Authorizing a Concurrence Letter as Requested by the Illinois
Department of Transportation (IDOT) Concurring with a Bid Award and Authorizing
Local Funding of a Bid Over-Run (Peace Road and Fairview Drive).
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Smith.
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May 23, 2022
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City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. He briefly described the project, which is a multi-phased upgrade of Peace Road
from the Peace Road interchange to the railroad bridge north of Illinois Route 38. The first phase
extends the widening and reconstruction from the interchange to a point north of Fairview Drive,
with improvements finished with a narrowing taper, northbound, until other funding can be
secured. The first phase will also receive funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation,
DeKalb County, and the developer of Park 88.
Continuing, City Manager Nicklas explained that re-surfacing costs are skyrocketing. The
estimated City’s share in the first phase project was to be about $500,000 but it has since doubled.
If the City doesn’t accept the concurrence letter recommended by IDOT, it stands to lose a $1.5
million IDOT grant. As such, IDOT is recommending that the City accept and award the contract
to the low bidder, William Charles Construction Company. The additional funding will be provided
via the City’s 210 Fund (Motor Fuel Tax Fund).
There was no discussion among Council.
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.
3. Resolution 2022-048 Authorizing a Payment to the DeKalb County Community
Foundation on Behalf of the DeKalb Municipal Band for Services Beginning January 1,
2022, through December 31, 2022, in the Amount of $41,088.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Perkins.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. The City’s FY2022 budget contains an allocation of $41,088 for the DeKalb
Municipal Band’s 2022 season. Because the band was unable to obtain a 503c non-profit standing
due to their affiliation with the City, a pass-through fund was created with the DeKalb County
Community Foundation to encourage private donations.
There was no discussion among Council.
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.
4. Resolution 2022-049 Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the DeKalb
Community Unit School District No. 428 as it Pertains to School Resource Officers.
No action was taken on this item at this meeting as per the agenda amendment.
5. Resolution 2022-050 Authorizing a Change Order to Expand the Scope of Work
Provided by Northern Illinois Services Company in Relation to the Demolition and
Restoration of 1011-1027 W. Hillcrest Drive in the Amount of $49,824.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Faivre.
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May 23, 2022
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City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet, explaining that while removing the asphalt parking lot, an existing reinforced
concrete parking was discovered below the surface, which was unknown at the time of the initial
bidding process. Northern Illinois Services Company has provided a change order proposal in the
amount of $49,824 to remove and crush the additional concrete to make the site ready for future
re-development opportunities. The concrete will be crushed into a CA-6 gradation that will be
repurposed by the Public Works Department for backfill on utility projects in the future.
There was no discussion among Council.
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 – SECOND READING
There were none.
M. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2022-022 Approving the Final Development Plan and Final Plat for Arista
Residences Located at 1383 Barber Greene Road.
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by
Alderman Faivre.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. The City Council passed Ordinance 2022-008 in January of this year, which
approved the annexation, rezoning, and preliminary plan for the construction of Arista
Residences. The development consists of a residential building with 61 one-bedroom dwelling
units, located on the former site of Buhr’s Landscaping and Lawncare. Based on comments made
by Council in January, some building appearance changes have been made, including a revised
elevation, the color of the masonry, additional greenery, etc.
Continuing, City Manager Nicklas explained there were three points of access proposed on the
original plat: 1) a right-in/right-out access along Barber Greene Road; 2) a full entrance at County
Farm Road; and 3) an access point at an existing access along a private access drive along the
north side of the property. The proposed third access point is controlled by the ownership of
Northland Plaza Shopping Center, who is no longer interested in the private drive access. The
site plan has been revised and the change will not diminish effective emergency access to the
site.
Adding that the Planning and Zoning Commission has reviewed and approved the final
development plan and plat, City Manager Nicklas recommended Council approval of this item.
Referencing discussion among Council in January, Alderman Morris asked about amending the
parking ordinance with regard to the number of parking spaces required in the development. City
Manager Nicklas replied that the City is in the process of revising the Comprehensive Plan and
the issue of parking spaces required is being reviewed. In this case, however, the developer is
content with the number of parking spaces required.
Alderman Faivre commented that he likes the revised elevation.
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May 23, 2022
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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.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to waive second reading of the ordinance and approve;
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.
2. Ordinance 2022-023 Amending the Fiscal Year-End December 31, 2022, Budget.
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by
Alderman Perkins.
City Manager Nicklas provided a brief overview of this item based on the information provided in
the agenda packet. Recommended amendments were briefly described by Finance Director
Dittman and are as follows:
Items 1 and 2 relate to ongoing road projects that are partially funded by the MFT Fund and
partially by the TIF 3 Fund. Within MFT architect/engineering services, one project needs to be
increased – $30,000 for the continuation of Afton Road. Also, within MFT, $650,000 is added to
street improvements for local maintenance projects and the local share related to the Peace Road
and Fairview Drive reconstruction project due to a bid overrun by IDOT. Further, the Lincoln
Highway reconfiguration project received one bid that exceeded the budget and engineer’s
estimates. The construction will be paid from TIF 3. The TIF 3 “Other Capital Improvements” line
item will increase by $550,000 to accommodate the higher contractor bid plus a 2% contingency.
The total increase to expenditures in MFT and TIF 3 is $680,000 and $550,000, respectively.
Items 3 and 4 relate to capital equipment purchases. When the FY2022 budget was adopted, a
transfer of $800,000 from the General Fund to the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund was
budgeted to apply to the purchase of a new fire truck. Upon further analysis, it’s preferable to
track the fire capital purchases in the GEMT Fund. Item 3 moves the $800,000 budgeted transfer
from Capital Equipment Replacement to GEMT. There is no net effect from this transaction. Item
4, the vehicle expense line item in Capital Equipment Replacement, is reduced by $800,000.
Within GEMT, the vehicle expense line item is increased by $615,000 to account for the fire truck
purchase at a revised price. An additional $314,000 is added to GEMT equipment to purchase
motorized cots and SCBAs. The net increase to expenditures from Item 4 is $129,000.
Item 5 relates to the continuation of several large road projects in the Capital Projects Fund. Within
architect/engineering services, $236,000 is added for the carryover of the Fairview Road bike
path, Route 23/Gurler Road construction, and Lincoln Highway reconfiguration. Within street
improvements, $1,892,020 is budgeted to fund the continuation of Afton Road, Dresser Road,
Gurler Road/Route 23, and for work on the Knolls subdivision. Offsetting reimbursement revenue
from Ferrara of $573,000 and grants from the State of Illinois totaling $1,580,020 are also
increased. Additionally, $75,000 in revenue from the sales of surplus City property is not likely to
occur and has been eliminated. The net effect to the fund is an increase in expenditures of
$50,000.
Items 6 and 7 relate to reclassifications between departments of the General Fund related to
budgeted pension contributions. Item 6 reclassifies between Fire Department accounts, and item
7 reclassifies between Police Department accounts. There is no net effect to the General Fund.
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May 23, 2022
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Item 8 relates to reclassifications between two revenue line items of the General Fund and
pertains to the material amount of revenue received as part of the IGA with the school district for
utilizing City police officers as School Resource Officers. The City’s auditors have recommended
that this revenue be presented within charges for services, rather than refunds/reimbursements.
There is no net effect to the General Fund.
Item 9 is a housekeeping item to correct a minor error in the FY2022 budget. Within the Police
Department, Community Support Services (CSS) was combined with Communications in
FY2022. The line item for CSS supplies/parts for vehicles was inadvertently zeroed out, however
there are four CSS vehicles, which are quite old that typically require a small amount of
maintenance each year. An amount of $2,000 has been added to the General Fund budget for
this line item.
Item 10 – As the final 2021 tax extensions are now available, the revised estimate for TIF property
taxes to be received in FY2022 is $507,254. A $47,000 amendment to increase the property tax
revenue to $507,000 will be offset by an increase of $47,000 to the private property
rehab/development expenditure to fund additional AIP projects in the downtown TIF. There is no
net effect to the fund.
Item 11 – With the recent award of a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile to the City to fund a public art
program, $50,000 of revenue is added which is offset by $50,000 in contracted services to
complete the projects. There is no net effect to the fund.
Item 12 is a reclassification between accounts in the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund. A
$40,000 budgeted leaf vacuum purchase was postponed when high quotes were received, so
instead, a second F-250 pickup truck is planned to be purchased for $40,000. There is no net
effect to the fund.
Item 13 is an increase to vehicle expenditures in the Capital Equipment Replacement Fund. A
used squad became available for purchase from another police department, as well as a new
2021 squad, which was approved at the January 24, 2022, Council meeting. The purchase price
plus upfitting necessitates an increase of $51,000 to the fund’s expenditures.
There was no discussion among Council.
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.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to waive second reading of the ordinance and approve;
seconded by Alderman Morris.
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.
N. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
Alderman Faivre reported that an Airport Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for May 24, 2022.
He further reported that the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) will be hosting events at the
DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport on June 4 and June 5.
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May 23, 2022
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Alderman McAdams congratulated Associate Judge John McAdams who was recently appointed
to the Illinois Supreme Court in the 23rd Judicial Circuit.
Alderman Smith reported on the continuing improvements being made on the 13th Street project,
noting the residents are happy with how it’s progressing, as are 14th Street residents.
Alderman Morris reported she will be hosting a Ward 1 meeting on June 28 at 6:30 p.m. The
location has yet to be determined.
Alderman Larson reported that she was pleased to be present at the swearing in ceremonies of
a new police officer and a new firefighter. She also complimented those involved with setting up
the City’s downtown planters, noting they look lovely.
Alderman Perkins reminded everyone of the Ward 4 meeting scheduled for May 25. He also
encouraged citizens to take part in upcoming Memorial Day events.
Mayor Barnes reported on his attendance at the Northern Illinois Mayor’s Association event. He
further reported on his participation at the swearing ceremonies of the new police officer and
firefighter and asked that not only he, but the entire Council, be invited to the swearing in
ceremonies moving forward.
Mayor Barnes also reported on a recent meeting with the school district regarding School
Resource Officers, as well as a meeting with Opportunity DeKalb to discuss the former Hunter
Hillcrest location and future possibilities within Annie Glidden North. He further reported that he
met with a developer with an interesting prospect.
Continuing, Mayor Barnes reported on the recent Welsh Park ribbon cutting, noting there was a
great turnout. Lastly, he reported that he and City Manager Nicklas met with NIU leadership, as
they do on a regular basis, to keep each entity informed on what the other is doing.
2. City Manager Report.
City Manager Nicklas had no report.
Alderman Smith reminded everyone of the Memorial Day Parade scheduled for May 30 and
Management Analyst Zak provided details. City Manager Nicklas also mentioned the Mayor’s
Breakfast scheduled for the same day.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Barnes read the following Executive Session exemption titles as follows:
1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss the Sale or Lease of Real Property
as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6); and
2. Pending Litigation as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).
MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to recess for Executive Session; seconded by Alderman
Smith.
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 6:59 p.m.
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May 23, 2022
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Following adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Barnes opened the meeting to the public
at 8:03 p.m.
P. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to adjourn the Regular meeting; seconded by Alderman
Smith.
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 adjourned the
meeting at 8:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________________
Ruth A. Scott, Recording Secretary
Minutes approved by the City Council on June 13, 2022.
Click here to view the agenda packet for the May 23, 2022, Regular City Council meeting.
Click here to view the video recording of the May 23, 2022, Regular City Council meeting.
Agenda
AMENDED
DEKALB CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 23, 2022
6:00 P.M.
DeKalb Public Library
Yusunas Meeting Room
309 Oak Street
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
Pursuant to Chapter 2 “City Council”, Section 2.04 “Council Meetings”, persons wishing to address the City
Council during this meeting are required to register with the City Clerk or the Recording Secretary by filling
out and submitting a Speaker Request form, copies of which are located on the table just outside the
meeting room, along with copies of the agenda. Comments will be limited to three (3) minutes. Further
information for addressing the City Council can be found on the Speaker Request form.
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
D. PRESENTATIONS
None.
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
F. APPOINTMENTS
None.
G. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
1. Minutes Submitted by the City Clerk
None.
2. Minutes Submitted by the Recording Secretary
a. Minutes of the Special City Council Meeting of May 9, 2022.
b. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of May 9, 2022.
H. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Accounts Payable and Payroll through May 23, in the Amount of $ 2,172,381.06.
2. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through March 2022.
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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. Pursuant to current public health guidelines, persons attending this meeting
are not required to wear protective face masks/coverings.
Regular Meeting Agenda
May 23, 2022
Page 2 of 11
3. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through March 2022.
4. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – April 2022.
5. DeKalb Chamber of Commerce 2021 Annual Report.
6. DeKalb County Convention & Visitors Bureau 2021 Annual Report.
7. DeKalb Municipal Band 2021 Annual Report.
8. Resolution 2022-045 Authorizing the Execution of a Workers’ Compensation Lump
Sum Petition and Order in the Amount of $58,185 (Geoffrey Guzinski).
City Manager’s Summary: On August 9, 2016, and August 30, 2018, Geoffrey Guzinski
was injured while working as a Police Officer with the City’s Police Department. Mr.
Guzinski has undergone medical treatment for his injuries. The City has reached a
tentative agreement on a proposed settlement of his Workers’ Compensation claims,
which is subject to approval by the City Council, and also subject to approval by the Illinois
Workers’ Compensation Commission Arbitrator.
The proposed settlement contemplates that all current medical bills will be paid, future
medical treatment will be closed, and the City will pay a permanent partial disability
payment in the amount of $58,185. If this claim is not settled, it is likely to proceed to a
contested hearing, with an uncertain outcome, with the City incurring further defense
costs.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
J. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Consideration of the City’s Public Transit Fares.
City Manager’s Summary: On March 18, 2020, the City of DeKalb Public Transit System
suspended fares on all fixed route and paratransit services due to the COVID-19
pandemic. The removal of fares reduced the exchange of money and enhanced safety
efforts for both passengers and transit service provider employees. In addition, the
suspension of fares eased financial burdens for frontline workers and community
members reliant on public transit to get to critical jobs, grocery stores, and health care
facilities. Fare free public transportation was commonplace across the nation at this time
as transit agencies developed plans to maintain the safety of all public transit users amidst
the novel coronavirus.
At the July 12, 2021, City Council meeting, the Council reviewed the question of fares
again and chose to maintain a fare free public transit system through the remainder of
2021. Further consideration of the moratorium on fare collection occurred at the December
13, 2021, City Council meeting. After extended discussion, action on this item was again
postponed.
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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. Pursuant to current public health guidelines, persons attending this meeting
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Regular Meeting Agenda
May 23, 2022
Page 3 of 11
Although new strains of the COVID virus are being tracked world-wide, local reporting
statistics are remarkably low at this time. The State of Illinois has changed its reporting
methods and now tracks hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID symptoms as a
percentage of patients in all hospital beds. Across the State of Illinois, the average
percentage is 2.7% presently, and the average percentage at Northwestern
Hospital/Kishwaukee Hospital is 2.5%. With ongoing bus cleaning every day, and
voluntary mask usage on local public transit, ridership is returning to pre-COVID levels.
What were the system fares in late 2019, prior to the eruption of the COVID-19
pandemic?
The City of DeKalb Public Transit System operates 11 fixed routes, one deviated fixed
route, and one commuter shuttle throughout and beyond the DeKalb Urbanized Area. The
11 fixed routes operate on the campus of Northern Illinois University (NIU) and throughout
the DeKalb area including along Sycamore Road and around southern DeKalb. The
deviated fixed route operates in and around Sycamore while the one commuter shuttle
travels to and from the Metra Station in Elburn. Of the 13 routes noted above, six of them
do not collect or require fares for any members of the public. These six routes are the
routes that operate primarily on the NIU campus and are short, express-style routes. The
remaining seven buses do require fares, and are the routes that operate to southern
DeKalb, Sycamore Road., Elburn Metra Station, Sycamore, etc.
The City’s fixed route bus fare in 2019 was one of the lowest in the state with one-
way trips for general public passengers costing only fifty cents. Senior citizens,
individuals with disabilities, and K-12 students paid a reduced fare of twenty-five
cents while NIU students and children under the age of five ride all fixed route buses
free of charge. A portion of NIU student tuition is devoted to public transportation,
and the university uses that portion of the tuition to fund the annual transit
contribution as agreed upon in the intergovernmental agreement between the City
and NIU.
The table below provides a summary of fixed route and paratransit fare structures
throughout the State at all other urban transit systems:
Transit Agency Fixed Route Adult Fare Paratransit Fare
DeKalb $0.50 $1.00
Champaign/Urbana $1.00 $2.00
Danville $1.00 $2.00
Decatur $1.00 $2.00
Moline $1.00 $2.00
Peoria $1.00 $2.00
Bloomington/Normal $1.25 $1.25
Springfield $1.25 $2.50
Rockford $1.50 $3.00
In 2019, the City collected $55,437 in fare revenue from the fixed route system. Based
upon January 1, 2021, to January 1, 2021, fixed route ridership data, the City’s fixed route
system would have generated approximately $25,000 in fares while the paratransit service
would have generated approximately $60,000 within the same time; a combined estimated
total of $85,000. If fares were reinstated on July 1, 2022, it is assumed that the 2022 fare
revenue would be about $40,000.
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Regular Meeting Agenda
May 23, 2022
Page 4 of 11
City staff recommend a re-institution of the 2019 fare system for the balance of 2022,
with further consideration of bus fare levels in general sometime before the end of
the fiscal year. Over many years, the City has benefited mightily from the substantial
federal and state subsidies it annually receives to operate its public transit system. Some
local municipal contribution is merited to sustain such subsidies going forward. (click here
for additional information)
2. Consideration of Refunding General Obligation Bonds, Series 2013A (DeKalb Public
Library Bonds).
City Manager’s Summary: The City has one outstanding bond issue, the General
Obligation Bonds, Series 2013A (Library Bonds), that meets the eligibility and logical
requirements for refunding (refinancing). The bonds have a call date of January 1, 2023,
and could be refunded up to three months in advance, in October 2022, to take advantage
of the current market’s low interest rates and reduce the overall debt service over the
remaining term of the bonds.
As of May 1, 2022, the City has five bond issues outstanding:
1. General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2010C (matures 1/1/2023)
2. General Obligation Bonds, Series 2012A (matures 1/1/2030)
3. General Obligation Bonds, Series 2013A (matures 1/1/2033)
4. General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2019 (NC) (matures 1/1/2028)
5. General Obligation Refunding Bonds, Series 2020 (NC) (matures 1/1/2030)
The 2010C bonds will be paid off in about seven months, and the 2019 and 2020 bonds
are non-callable, so they could not be refunded. The 2012A (Police Station) bonds are
eligible to be refunded; however, they carry very low interest rates (2.00%-2.50%) and a
cost savings would not be achieved in the current interest rate environment.
The 2013A bonds were issued June 18, 2013, for $6,685,000 to finance the expansion
and renovation of the DeKalb Public Library. The bonds are callable on January 1, 2023,
meaning that is the first opportunity to pay off the remaining principal. As of May 1, 2022,
$4,010,000 of principal is outstanding. The remaining interest payments range from 3.00%
to 4.00%. Annual debt payments, which are paid by the City from the City’s General Fund,
average $485,000. Property taxes are abated every year, and the City uses other General
Fund revenues to repay the debt.
In early May, City staff met with Baird Public Finance – the City’s underwriters on five prior
bond issues – to discuss savings opportunities that could be achieved by refunding the
2013A bonds. Baird advised that based on current market conditions it is not economical
to advance refund the 2013A bonds at taxable interest rates now, nor currently refund the
2013A bonds at tax-exempt rates in the fall using current public offering rates.
Baird advised that the City’s greatest savings opportunity may lie with a private placement
(i.e., direct placement to a bank), which the City undertook with its 2019 refunding bonds.
The advantages to this are:
Private placement typically has lower issuance costs and can be done more quickly,
because a bond rating and an official statement are typically not required.
The benefits will change with market conditions.
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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
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Regular Meeting Agenda
May 23, 2022
Page 5 of 11
Currently, bank rates have not caught up to (higher) public offering rates.
Baird offered two alternatives to the City utilizing private placement:
Option #1: Standard Delivery - Wait to sell the bonds in early September for delivery
in October through a standard delivery. This would subject the City to market risk for the
next three months, and interest rates are increasing.
Option #2: 4-Month Forward Delivery – Lock in a tax-exempt rate in June with delivery
to occur in October, eliminating the market risk.
Both options assume the refunding of $3,310,000 of principal for maturities occurring
between 2026 and 2033 (the higher interest rate years). As of April 20, 2022, the standard
delivery interest rate was 2.53% and the 4-month forward delivery rate was 2.64%. The
forward delivery rate is typically 0.10%-0.15% higher because the banks assume the
market risk.
Option #1: This option offers a hypothetical gross debt service savings over the remainder
of the bonds’ term of $220,828 (about $20,000 annually)
Option #2: This option offers a hypothetical gross debt service savings of $189,532 (about
$17,200 annually). Both options include the costs to issue the new bonds (placement
agent, bond counsel, escrow agent, etc.), which is approximately $50,000.
If the City pursued a forward delivery, it would need to meet the credit criteria of the bank(s)
and in the event a bid was not palatable, the City would need to reevaluate its options.
The City would not incur any up-front costs as all participants are paid out of bond
proceeds upon successful closing of the bonds. The City could adopt an ordinance with
flexible parameters (private placement, public offering, standard delivery, or forward
delivery) in the event the private placement bids did not come back favorably and a new
approach could be taken without adopting a new ordinance.
The City Staff recommend Option #2. If the Council concurs, the City Manager will
bring an ordinance back for the Council’s review and approval at the regular
meeting of June 13. (click here for additional information)
K. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2022-046 Authorizing an Architectural Improvement Program Economic
Incentive for the Aurora Music Company, Inc., 137 E. Lincoln Highway, in the
Amount of $25,000.
City Manager’s Summary: Rob Mondi, the owner of the Aurora Guitar Company at 137 E.
Lincoln Highway, has been renovating the formerly vacant building since he purchased it
in late July 2021. He has rather spectacularly upgraded the interior spaces as the
photographs in the Agenda background depict. His personal investment has reportedly
exceeded about $75,000 and he is seeking some TIF assistance through the City’s
Architectural Improvement Program (AIP) to complete some ADA compliance goals,
including the conversion of the first-floor bathroom into an accessible facility and a similar
conversion in the lower-level bathroom. Over time, as he opens and builds his customer
base, he hopes to do some exterior tuckpointing and window replacement.
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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. Pursuant to current public health guidelines, persons attending this meeting
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Regular Meeting Agenda
May 23, 2022
Page 6 of 11
Based on the AIP criteria, Mr. Mondi qualifies for the maximum AIP forgivable loan of
$25,000. He has provided the required number of estimates and is hoping to keep plowing
through his prime list of building improvements, with the City’s AIP assistance. The project
is a “poster child” for the AIP program as originally conceived and Mr. Mondi’s
collaboration has been very strong since the beginning of the project. City Council
approval of the $25,000 forgivable loan is recommended.
The growing popularity of the modest TIF #3 AIP program now that TIF #1 has been
terminated is making a difference in the look and commerce in the downtown area. If the
Council approves the $25,000 request, the remaining funds available in the $70,000 AIP
budget for FY2022 will be $8,085 because several late-2021 projects were not reimbursed
until the work was completed in January 2022. Accordingly, the draft FY2022 budget
amendments lower on this Agenda will include revisions in Fund 262 (TIF #3) to assist
future downtown private renovation projects over the remaining months of 2022. (click here
for additional information)
2. Resolution 2022-047 Authorizing a Concurrence Letter as Requested by the Illinois
Department of Transportation Concurring with a Bid Award and Authorizing Local
Funding of a Bid Over-Run (Peace Road and Fairview Drive).
City Manager’s Summary: For several years, the Illinois Department of Transportation
(IDOT) and the City of DeKalb have been collaboratively involved in the planning and
design work associated with a multi-phased upgrade of Peace Road from the Peace Road
Interchange to the railroad bridge north of Illinois Route 38. The first phase would extend
the widening and reconstruction from the interchange to a point north of Fairview Drive,
with the improvements then finished with a narrowing taper, northbound, until other
funding can be secured. The first phase will also receive funding from the U.S. Department
of Transportation, the County of DeKalb, and the developer of Park 88.
As the Council learned several weeks ago, re-surfacing costs are skyrocketing. The
estimated City’s share in the first phase project was to be about $500,000 but the City
share has doubled. A complicating factor is that the City stands to lose a 1.5 million IDOT
grant if it does not concur with the higher-than-expected bid results, pictured in the table
below:
Company Name Base Bid
Curran Contracting Inc $3,577,777.77
William Charles Const. $3,514,779.56
IDOT recommends accepting and awarding the contract to the low bidder, William Charles
Construction Co., LLC. In view of the potential for losing a valuable state grant if the City
does not concur with this IDOT recommendation, the City Manager and City Engineer
recommend Council concurrence. Fund 210 (Motor Fuel Tax Fund) has sufficient
reserves to absorb this over-bid, as will be explained in the FY22 budget amendments
later in this agenda. (click here for additional information)
3. Resolution 2022-048 Authorizing a Payment to the DeKalb County Community
Foundation on Behalf of the DeKalb Municipal Band for Services Beginning January
1, 2022, through December 31, 2022, in the Amount of $41,088.
City Manager’s Summary: The Legislative budget in the City’s FY2022 Annual Budget
contains an allocation of $41,088 for the DeKalb Municipal Band, founded in 1854. The
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Regular Meeting Agenda
May 23, 2022
Page 7 of 11
Band has performed continuously for a longer period than any other municipal band in the
State of Illinois. The Band has established a pass-through fund with the DeKalb County
Community Foundation to encourage private donations. Going forward, this pass-through
fund will be the vessel for annual contributions – either public or private. The City’s FY2022
contribution will cover the expenses of the band during the summer of 2022.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
4. Resolution 2022-049 Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the DeKalb
Community Unit School District No. 428 as it Pertains to School Resource Officers.
City Manager’s Summary: Since the Council’s initial consideration of a City/School District
intergovernmental agreement (IGA) concerning school resource officers on May 9, the
Board of Education has met again, and a majority of the Board has supported the following
revisions:
A reduction in the total number of school resource officers (SROs) from six to five (or an
addition of two sworn officers to the current complement of three sworn officers.)
An understanding that the City and District may, by written mutual consent, expand or
contract the number of officers as needed over the three-year term of the Agreement.
An understanding that the City will be purchasing two new squad cars rather than three.
In the unlikely event that the complement of SROs will be further reduced from five to a
lesser number over the three-year term of the agreement, a pro rata reduction in the
District’s vehicle contribution will be considered.
The attached draft IGA reflects these adjustments. City Council approval is
recommended. Time is of the essence. The Police Department has a number of fine
candidates to fill the two new SRO positions. However, for the City to maintain Police shift
strength, which is presently 92% of authorized levels (60 of 65), then the extended hiring
and training processes for replacement officers must proceed without delay. The attached
table depicts the projected timeline for replacement officers. (click here for additional
information)
5. Resolution 2022-050 Authorizing a Change Order to Expand the Scope of Work
Provided by Northern Illinois Services Company in Relation to the Demolition and
Restoration of 1011-1027 W. Hillcrest Drive in the Amount of $49,824.
City Manager’s Summary: As Assistant Public Works Director Andy Raih writes in his
attached memorandum, on April 25, 2022, the City Council approved a contract with
Northern Illinois Services Company for the demolition and restoration of 1011-1027 W.
Hillcrest Drive. Demolition work began on May 10, 2022, with removal of (9) commercial
units and (14) apartment units. There was no allowance for change orders in this contract.
On Thursday, May 19, 2022, while removing the asphalt parking lot the contractor notified
Mr. Raih that there was an existing reinforced concrete parking lot below the
asphalt/aggregate parking surface. This condition was unknown at the time of the initial
bidding process and was not addressed in the initial scope of work. The subgrade concrete
lot is generally 6” in depth and equates to roughly 750 cubic yards of additional
impermeable surface that needs to be removed. Northern Illinois Services Company has
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Regular Meeting Agenda
May 23, 2022
Page 8 of 11
provided a change order proposal in the amount of $49,824 to remove and crush the
additional concrete to make the site ready for future re-development opportunities.
The Public Works Department respectfully requests a waiver of competitive bidding as
Northern Illinois Services Company is already mobilized with crushing equipment on-site
for the additional concrete. The concrete would be crushed into a CA-6 gradation that will
be repurposed by the Public Works Department for backfill on utility projects in the future.
The additional work would change the scope and overall cost of demolition and restoration
to $287,707. For reference, the next lowest bidder at the April 11, 2022, bid opening priced
the project at $300,450 which did not account for the unexpected change order discovered
May 19, 2022. (click here for additional information)
City Council approval is recommended.
L. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
None.
M. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2022-022 Approving the Final Development Plan and Final Plat for Arista
Residences Located at 1383 Barber Greene Road.
City Manager’s Summary: As Director of Planning Dan Olson writes in his background
memorandum, on January 24, 2022, the City Council passed Ordinance 2022-008, which
approved the annexation, rezoning, and preliminary plan for the construction of a four-
story executive suites residential building with (61) one-bedroom dwelling units located
along the north side of Barber Greene Road at County Farm Road. The 1.8-acre site once
contained the former Buhr’s Landscaping and Lawn Care business. The project is named
Arista Residences and is zoned PD-R, Planned Development Residential District.
Ordinance 2022-008 required the submittal of a Final Development Plan and Final Plat
prior to a building permit being issued for the site. The Final Development Plan includes
the final engineering plan and lighting (photometric) plan. The Ordinance also required
approval of the Plan and Plat by the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
The architectural elevations and landscape plan approved in the Ordinance were revised
and are included in the Council background.
As originally conceived, Arista Residences will include 61 one-bedroom fully furnished
apartment units with 12+ month leases. Each unit will contain about 700 square feet and
the estimated monthly rent will be $1,350. Amenities will include a hotel-style lobby,
hospitality room, business center, full gym, and EV charging stations. There will be no
commercial uses in the building.
The architectural elevations have been amended and improved since the preliminary plan
approval in January. The applicant added vertical stone elements in the center of the
building and changed the color of the masonry at the base to break up the visual building
expanse and soften the visual effect.
Three points of access were originally proposed for the subject site. A right-in/right-out
access was originally proposed along Barber Greene Road along with a full entrance at
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Regular Meeting Agenda
May 23, 2022
Page 9 of 11
County Farm Road. These access points are unchanged. A third access point was
proposed at an existing access along a private access drive along the north side of the
property. This access is controlled by the ownership of Northland Plaza Shopping Center
which is now disinterested in the private drive access. The site plan has been revised and
the change will not diminish effective emergency access to the site.
A detention basin is proposed at the north end of the site. An existing 16’ sanitary sewer
running through the property will be relocated to the perimeter of the property and will
connect an area main to the building. A sidewalk will be constructed along Barber Greene
Road to connect to existing walkways to the west and east. Finally, a landscape plan was
approved as part of the preliminary plan and was slightly enhanced due to the removal of
access to the northern access drive.
The 61 apartment units require 92 required parking spaces. The approved preliminary
plan indicated 56 covered parking spaces and 36 uncovered spaces for a total of 92. An
earlier reference to covered parking spaces was removed on the final plans. If the
applicants decide to construct covered parking, they will bring their request back to the
City for approval.
The Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the final development plan and plat at their
regular meeting of May 16. By a vote of 5-0, the Commission recommended City Council
approval. City Council approval of the Planning & Zoning Commission
recommendation is requested. (click here for additional information)
2. Ordinance 2022-023 Amending the Fiscal Year-End December 31, 2022, Budget.
City Manager’s Summary: The city’s legal level of budgetary authority is at the fund level,
meaning that the budget officer may transfer amounts between departments within a fund,
but transfers between funds must be approved by the City Council. Expenditures may not
legally exceed budgeted appropriations at the fund level. As outlined below, several funds
require budget amendments to remain in compliance. Additionally, four amendments
within the General Fund are presented to “clean up” the accounting. The fund impacts
primarily fall within capital funds and are detailed as follows:
Items #1 & 2 relate to ongoing road projects that are partially funded by the Motor Fuel
Tax (MFT) Fund and partially by the TIF #3 Fund. Within MFT architect/engineering
services, one project needs to be increased: $30,000 for the continuation of Afton Rd.
Also, within MFT, $650,000 is added to street improvements for local maintenance
projects and the local share related to the Peace Road and Fairview Drive reconstruction
project due to a bid overrun by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
The Lincoln Highway reconfiguration project received one bid that exceeded the budget
and engineer’s estimates. The construction will be paid from TIF #3. The TIF #3 “Other
Capital Improvements” line item will increase by $550,000 to accommodate the higher
contractor bid plus a 2% contingency.
The total increase to expenditures in MFT and TIF #3 is $680,000 and $550,000,
respectively.
Items #3 & 4 relate to capital equipment purchases. When the FY 2022 budget was
adopted, a transfer of $800,000 from the General Fund to the Capital Equipment
Replacement Fund was budgeted to apply to the purchase of one (1) new fire truck.
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Regular Meeting Agenda
May 23, 2022
Page 10 of 11
Upon further analysis, it is preferable to track the fire capital purchases in the GEMT
Fund. Item #3 moves the $800,000 budgeted transfer from Capital Equipment
Replacement to GEMT. There is no net effect from this transaction.
Within Item #4, the vehicle expense line item in Capital Equipment Replacement is
reduced by $800,000. Within GEMT, the vehicle expense line item is increased by
$615,000 to account for the fire truck purchase at a revised price. An additional
$314,000 is added to GEMT equipment to purchase motorized cots and SCBAs. The
net increase to expenditures from Item #4 is $129,000.
Item #5 relates to the continuation of several large road projects in the Capital Projects
Fund. Within architect/engineering services, $236,000 is added for the carryover of the
Fairview Road bike path, Rt. 23/Gurler Road construction, and Lincoln Highway
reconfiguration. Within street improvements, $1,892,020 is budgeted to fund the
continuation of Afton Road, Dresser Road, Gurler Road/Rt. 23, and for work on the
Knolls subdivision. Offsetting reimbursement revenue from Ferrara of $573,000 and
grants from the State of Illinois totaling $1,580,020 are also increased. Additionally,
$75,000 in revenue from the sales of surplus City property is not likely to occur and has
been eliminated. The net effect to the fund is a increase in expenditures of $50,000.
Items #6 & 7 relate to reclassifications between departments of the General Fund
related to budgeted pension contributions. Item #6 reclassifies between Fire Department
accounts, and item #7 reclassifies between Police Department accounts. There is no
net effect to the General Fund.
Item #8 relates to reclassifications between two revenue line items of the General Fund.
Due to the material amount of revenue received as part of the IGA with the DeKalb
Community Unit School District #428 for utilizing City police officers as School Resource
Officers, the City’s auditors have recommended that this revenue be presented within
charges for services, rather than refunds/reimbursements. There is no net effect to the
General Fund.
Item #9 is a “housekeeping item” to correct a minor error in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget.
Within the Police Department, Community Support Services (CSS) was combined with
Communications in FY 2022. The line item for CSS supplies/parts for vehicles was
inadvertently zeroed out, however there are four (4) CSS vehicles which are quite old
that typically require a small amount of maintenance each year. $2,000 has been added
to the General Fund budget for this line item.
Item #10 – as the final 2021 tax extensions are now available, the revised estimate for
TIF property taxes to be received in FY 2022 is $507,254. A $47,000 amendment to
increase the property tax revenue to $507,000 will be offset by an increase of $47,000
to the private property rehab/development expenditure to fund additional AIP projects in
the downtown TIF. There is no net effect to the fund.
Item #11 – with the recent award of a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile to the City to fund a
public art program, $50,000 of revenue is added which is offset by $50,000 in contracted
services to complete the projects. There is no net effect to the fund.
Item #12 is a reclassification between accounts in the Capital Equipment Replacement
Fund. A $40,000 budgeted leaf vacuum purchase was postponed when high quotes
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Regular Meeting Agenda
May 23, 2022
Page 11 of 11
were received, so instead, a second F-250 pickup truck is planned to be purchased for
$40,000. There is no net effect to the fund.
Item #13 is an increase to vehicle expenditures in the Capital Equipment Replacement
Fund. A used squad became available for purchase from another police department, as
well as a new 2021 squad, which was approved at the January 24, 2022, City Council
meeting. The purchase price plus upfitting necessitates an increase of $51,000 to
the fund’s expenditures.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
N. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
2. City Manager Report.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss:
1. The Sale or Lease of Real Property as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6); and
2. Pending Litigation as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).
P. ADJOURNMENT
REGULAR AGENDA PACKET – MAY 23, 2022
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