City Council
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · September 26, 2022
Minutes
MINUTES
CITY OF DEKALB
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 26, 2022
The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular meeting on September 26, 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 City Council were
present: Alderman Barb Larson, Alderman Tracy Smith, Alderman Scott McAdams, Alderman
Mike Verbic, Alderman Tony Faivre, and Mayor Cohen Barnes. Alderman Carolyn Morris and
Alderman Greg Perkins were absent.
City Clerk Sasha Cohen was absent.
Others in attendance included City Manager Bill Nicklas, City Attorney Matt Rose, and Police
Chief David Byrd.
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 as follows:
1. The addition of a Proclamation to the Drury Family under Item D. “Presentations”
2. The addition of an Executive Session to discuss Personnel under Item O. “Executive Session”.
MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to amend the agenda; seconded by Alderman Verbic.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the agenda as amended; seconded by Alderman
Faivre.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
D. PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation: Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, 2022.
Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety.
2. Proclamation: Morry and Joan Drury Day, September 21, 2022.
Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety, noting it was presented to the Drury’s at their
70th wedding anniversary celebration.
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September 26, 2022
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E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There was none.
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 Regular City Council Meeting of September 12, 2022.
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve the minutes; seconded by Alderman McAdams.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. 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 September 12, 2022, in the Amount of $2,656,612.
2. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – August 2022.
3. Resolution 2022-087 Authorizing the Execution of a Workers’ Compensation Lump Sum
Petition and Order in the Amount of $67,558.75 (James Sietsema).
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Alderman
Faivre.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were none.
J. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Consideration of a New Crime-Free Initiative.
Mayor Barnes read consideration by title only and opened the floor to those who signed up to
speak to this item.
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Nealy Erickson, on behalf of the HomeTown Association of Realtors, expressed concerns
regarding the proposed initiative and the potential for a landlord to deny a rental application if the
applicant has an arrest record, claiming it goes against the Illinois Human Rights Act.
Dwayne Brown spoke against the proposed initiative, stating it would be an unnecessary burden
on landlords.
David Jacobson spoke against the proposed initiative and provided Council with a history of the
Crime-Free ordinance. He added that landlords need more support, and the Police Department
should be responsible for the criminal aspect.
Will Heinisch stated that while change is needed, the proposed initiative doesn’t provide due
process. He added that the proposed document shouldn’t be rushed in to so that everyone
involved can have input.
Alsted Anderson stated that landlords should take responsibility by running credit and background
checks on potential tenants.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. This agenda item focuses on the ongoing violence and felonious activity within
the city’s rental housing.
Currently the City has a “three-strike” system, which puts a landlord and any related management
company “on the clock” once an arrest is made at a rental unit or property. The proposed changes
would compress the period required to establish a pattern of unlawful conduct in a city rental unit
or property, initiate the City’s involvement once any illegal activity is identified by responding
Police Officers, whether an arrest is made on the spot, and impose very stiff fines on those
landlords or managers whose rental unit(s) are the location of unlawful offenses.
Mayor Barnes stated criminal and violent activity has been an issue since he came into office. He
added that he and City Manager Nicklas have been meeting with the city’s landlords to address
the issues and while most run safe properties, there’s another set of landlords in the community
who don’t and force their residents to live in squalor. He further stated that the last thing the City
wants to do is cause undo hardship and harm on those running their properties in the right way,
but the City needs to go after the bad landlords.
Continuing, Mayor Barnes expressed his disdain for the violence happening in DeKalb. He noted
a recent “ride-along” with a DeKalb Police Officer and described some things he found quite
disturbing, such as people living in filthy, bug infested buildings where security cameras have
been removed or spray painted over, doors that are unsecure and broken, and a myriad of other
concerning issues. He added that the City will continue to work with its good landlords, but the
days of bad landlords are numbered.
Alderman Larson provided examples of experiences rental residents are coming up against due
to poor living conditions and crime within their neighborhoods, such as shots being fired, bullets
going through apartment walls, etc. She added that the City is committed to doing whatever it
takes to provide its residents with a safe environment to live in.
Police Chief Byrd provided perspective from the Police Department’s point of view, stating this is
a public safety issue and every stakeholder, including schools, clergy, business owners, etc.,
must do their part because we can’t police ourselves out of it. The City must find a way to make
it uncomfortable for criminals to be here.
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Police Chief Byrd continued, stating there are some very dangerous people in DeKalb. He added
that pop-up parties are becoming an issue most weekends and are a drain on the Police
Department’s services and resources.
Alderman Verbic asked how much of the crime DeKalb is experiencing is contributable gangs.
Police Chief Byrd replied the city isn’t seeing gang affiliations at this time.
Alderman Faivre thanked City Manager Nicklas for putting the proposed initiative together, adding
that changes are needed and input from the DeKalb Area Rental Association (DARA) and
community landlords will be helpful.
City Attorney Rose provided clarification for three points made within the proposed initiative:
1. The draft ordinance has a defense for landlords exercising reasonable care to prevent
unlawful activity on the premises.
2. When the Illinois Human Rights Act was amended in 2020, the state legislature also passed
an amendment that expressly exempted arrest records being a basis for crime-free housing,
which is why there are two ways that can trigger crime-free housing, one could be an arrest
record and the other is a conviction. That’s a policy choice and both are legal.
3. Under Illinois law, it’s unlawful for the City to consider calls from someone who’s a victim of
domestic as one of the concerns of crime-free housing activity
Brief discussion ensued.
Alderman Smith stated the City needs to give landlords tools to help them through this process.
He also stated that the Bail Reform Act will be put in place on January 1, 2023, which will
aggravate things. The City needs to take a stand and address issues with the bad landlords.
Alderman McAdams stated it’s important to address the issue of accountability.
Alderman Verbic asked how the City can we be more proactive, especially with DARA’s help.
Mayor Barnes confirmed consensus of Council for staff to bring forth an ordinance on first reading
at the next City Council meeting.
Discussion continued.
Alderman Smith asked what can be done to assist landlords. Mayor Barnes stated in meetings
with landlords, he and City Manager Nicklas are asking that same question.
Alderman Larson stated perhaps an incentive for security cameras would be helpful, as was
mentioned by one of the speakers at the top of this discussion.
Alderman McAdams mentioned implementing a social services role. City Manager Nicklas stated
there are two social workers imbedded within the Police Department already who receive referrals
from the Police Officers.
Mayor Barnes thanked all those who came out for this discussion, noting this is a work in progress.
He added the City has zero tolerance for bad behavior.
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K. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2022-088 Authorizing an Architectural Improvement Program (AIP) Economic
Incentive for 248 E. Lincoln Highway in the Amount of $1,388.30 (Chilton’s Sporting Goods).
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Faivre 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. The owners of Chilton’s Sporting Goods applied for an AIP grant to assist with
some emergency roof repairs. These types of repairs are considered deferred maintenance and
are only afforded a 10% grant under the AIP program’s hierarchy of eligible repairs. The estimated
cost of the repair is $13,883, with the AIP portion being $1,388.30.
There were no questions or comments from Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 5-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre. Nay:
None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
2. Resolution 2022-089 Approving a Bar Liquor License for The Grove Tavern LLC, 204 N.
Fourth Street.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Verbic.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. The Grove Tavern will be opening in the lower level of Agora Towers. The owners
of the business have applied for a Bar liquor license, which will be considered “conditional” until
the requirements laid out in the resolution are met. A conditional liquor license will allow the
business to apply for their State of Illinois liquor license, which is required to purchase liquor and
supplies. The owners have also requested the issuance of a Live Entertainment permit.
When asked by Alderman Smith when they anticipate opening, the owners hopefully by early
December.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
3. Resolution 2022-090 Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Hampton, Lenzini,
and Renwick, Inc. (HLR) for Design Engineering Professional Services for the Reconstruction
of Lucinda Avenue in an Amount Not to Exceed $400,230.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Faivre.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. The reconstruction and resurfacing of Lucinda Avenue from Annie Glidden to the
Kishwaukee Bridge abutment is overdue, as are upgrades to the roadway’s ADA features. The
project must be successfully bid by March 2024 and is planned for the summer of that year to
avoid interference with the return of students in the fall. This resolution awards funds for the
engineering design involved in the project to HLR. It is expected that the overall construction
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September 26, 2022
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project will have a price tag in the vicinity of $2 million. Major challenges in preparing the design
and bid documents will be maintaining traffic during construction, and the multiple intersections
that require ADA upgrades.
Alderman Larson asked if another roundabout would be considered in the area. Both Mayor
Barnes and City Manager Nicklas indicated that has yet to be determined.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
4. Resolution 2022-091 Authorizing the Award of a Contract to Elliott & Wood, Inc. in the Amount
of $212,053.64 for the Construction of Traffic Calming Measures on Fairview Drive and a Bike
Path Extension Near Grove Street with Staff Authority to Approve Change Orders Up to a
Combined Project Total Not to Exceed $225,000.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Larson.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. This item concerns two smaller road projects bid in the same packet to assure
their completion in the fall of 2022. As a result of many Fourth Ward concerns about traffic speeds
on Fairview Drive between First Street and Fourth Street, as well as regular, heavy truck traffic
that defies obvious postings prohibiting such truck traffic, a few traffic calming measures, including
a pedestrian island at the intersection with Monticello, and new striping along the corridor, have
been devised.
In addition to this project, the bid packet asked for pricing for the continuation of the Grove Street
bike path through the Vaughn Parking Lot, just south of the railroad tracks between S. Second
Street and S. First Street.
Mayor Barnes read aloud comments on behalf of Alderman Perkins, who supports the project.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
5. Resolution 2022-092 Authorizing the Award of a Contract to Alliance Contractors in the
Amount of $53,512.50 for the Construction of a Sidewalk Extension along Annie Glidden Road
with Staff Authority to Approve Change Orders Up to a Combined Project Total Not to Exceed
$60,000.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic 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. This project will result in the linkage of the new public sidewalk on Twombly Road
to the signalized intersection at Dresser Road and N. Annie Glidden Road, along the City’s right-
of-way on the west side of Annie Glidden Road. Since DeKalb High School opened on Dresser
Road, students living in the densely populated Suburban Apartment complexes or in Eden’s
Garden have had to walk or ride their bikes across the busy four-lane section of N. Annie Glidden
Road in unprotected space to go to and from the high school. This remedy will provide a protected
path running northward to Dresser Road, where students and others can traverse the intersection
as the traffic signals permit.
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There was confirmation that trees will be cut back in the area as well.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
6. Resolution 2022-093 Authorizing the Award of a Contract to Alliance Contractors in the
Amount of $202,138.70 for the Construction of Segmentation Measures along Edgebrook
Drive with Staff Authority to Approve Change Orders Up to a Combined Project Total Not to
Exceed $222,000.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Verbic.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. Since the fall of 2021, City officials have engaged Northern Illinois University
(NIU) officials and a variety of NIU Greek organizations in discussions about ways to calm traffic
in the Greek Row area and how to create additional common space for recreational purposes
serving Greek students as well as neighborhood families. One of the very popular approaches
under discussion has been the interruption of the Kimberly Drive and Edgebrook Drive “raceways”
with traffic-calming cul-de-sacs from both the Blackhawk Road and Normal Road ends. Provisions
for the turn arounds of plow trucks, garbage trucks, emergency vehicles and other traffic needed
to be included. City staff has vetted the proposed changes and has had enough time to create
plans for the Edgebrook corridor, where the City’s open space (the former location of 912
Edgebrook) already adds some recreational space.
There were no questions or comments from Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
7. Resolution 2022-094 Authorizing Standard Equipment Company to Repair and Refurbish a
2005 Elgin Pelican Street Sweeper in an Amount Not to Exceed $100,000.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Larson.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. The City purchased its Pelican-brand street sweeper in 2005, which has been the
workhorse in a small fleet of two mechanical sweepers in cleaning the City’s streets. The current
age of the sweeper, along with extended wear and tear, has left the unit inoperable in its current
condition. Standard Equipment Company has provided a quote to repair and refurbish the unit to
extend its life cycle for approximately three to five years.
There was brief discussion between Alderman Faivre and City Manager Nicklas about the
purchase of a new street sweeper versus repairing the old one. City Manager Nicklas indicated
there were no funds in the budget to purchase a new street sweeper at this time.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
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8. Resolution 2022-095 Authorizing the Waiver of Competitive Bidding and an Agreement with
Layne Christensen Company for Repair and Replacement of Well Parts and Equipment in an
Amount Not to Exceed $61,105.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Faivre.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. At its July 25, 2022, regular meeting, the Council approved Resolution 2022-065
authorizing Layne Christensen Company to perform repairs to the City’s Well No. 14. Layne
completed the repairs to the well on September 2 and the well has returned to service. It is
customary for the City to keep a spare pump and other parts in stock for the inevitable next failure,
so the recovery of the well’s capacity is expedited. Approval of this agreement allows the City to
have a spare motor, pump, and column piping for emergency well repairs in place. It will also
maintain the standardization of well equipment allowing components to be used at any of the
City’s six deep well sites.
There were no questions or comments from Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
L. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
1. Ordinance 2022-028 Revoking Ordinance 2012-070 Providing a Special Use Permit for a
Vehicle Salvage Yard Located at 1008 Oak Street (DeKalb Iron and Metal - DIMCO).
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve second reading of the ordinance; seconded by
Alderman Larson.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. This item was heard on first reading at Council’s June 27, 2022, regular meeting.
At that meeting, Council granted a 90-day grace period to rectify code violations concerning the
unsightly and unsafe storage of used vehicles at the site. City staff have indicated that no
significant progress has been made during the grace period. As such, approval of the revocation
ordinance on second reading is recommended, unless Council wants to take another direction.
Addressing Danny Meyers, the owner of DIMCO, Mayor Barnes asked why the issues haven’t
been rectified. Mr. Meyers explained there were a variety of issues to deal with when he
purchased the business, which included over 600 junk vehicles on the west side of the yard. In
order to move the vehicles, a special UDL license is required. Unfortunately, that license expired
two weeks after Council provided the initial grace period and it’s taken this long to renew it.
Continuing, Mr. Meyers stated no more cars are being taken in and requested an additional 60
days to clean up the yard.
Discussion ensued between Mayor Barnes and Mr. Meyers. Mayor Barnes asked Mr. Meyers if
he had been communicating with City staff regarding the issue, to which Mr. Meyers replied he
had not.
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Mayor Barnes asked why there had been no communication and Mr. Meyers replied this was his
first time dealing with this type of situation and agreed he should have done a better job
communicating the issues he was experiencing.
Alderman Faivre expressed frustration that Mr. Meyers didn’t come forward during the grace
period to ask for help when he realized there were issues. Mr. Meyers agreed he should have
asked for help.
Discussion ensued.
City Manager Nicklas asked Mr. Meyers how much more time is needed to complete the clean-
up process, to which Mr. Meyers replied 60 days.
City Manager Nicklas stated he wants to see a report every Friday by 5:00 p.m., beginning this
week, regarding the status of the clean-up. If the report isn’t received, the business will be
assessed a $1,000 fine. The report will be sent to Chief Building Official Dawn Harper.
Brief discussion ensued.
Alderman Smith stated he will be monitoring the progress over the next 60 days. He added he
will petition for this item to come back to Council before the additional grace period is up if he isn’t
seeing any improvement.
Mayor Barnes stated the City must set a standard for every business owner. He also agreed with
City Manager Nicklas regarding the weekly report and the assessed fine if the report isn’t received
as requested.
Mayor Barnes confirmed that DIMCO will be granted an additional 60 days to complete the clean-
up process.
City Manager Nicklas commented that City staff, especially Fire Prevention Officer Tom Conley,
have other issues to attend to so anything Mr. Meyers can do to cooperate is welcome.
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to table this item for 60 days; seconded by Alderman Faivre.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
City Manager Nicklas indicated this item will be brought back before Council at the November 28,
2022, Council meeting.
M. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2022-047 Authorizing a Development Agreement with American Marketing and
Publishing Company.
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by
Alderman McAdams.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. This item is presented in relation to the next agenda item concerning Nehring
Electric. Since July of this year, City Manager Nicklas and Alderman Perkins have been in
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discussions with Nehring Electric and neighboring properties to find a solution to the increasing
friction regarding limited on-street parking, tractor trailer conflicts with passenger vehicles, and
nighttime noise. One of the neighboring properties, American Marketing and Publishing Company
at 915 E. Lincoln Highway, has made it known that the proposed closure of E. Locust Street from
N. Tenth Street to N. Seventh Street to help create a “campus” for truck traffic serving Nehring
Electric poses some significant challenges for the parking and access of his employees. In
response to those concerns, City staff have been working with the owner of American Marketing,
Abe Andrzejewski, to draft some parking changes that would serve not only American Marketing’s
employees, but also Nehring Electric’s. The proposed solutions include the creation of about 22
perpendicular parking stalls on N. Ninth Street, the creation of ingress and egress points for the
American Marketing parking adjoining N. Tenth Street, and the preservation of the public sidewalk
on the south side of E. Locust Street to afford unfettered transit for pedestrians and employees of
the various adjoining businesses.
Mr. Andrzejewski spoke briefly, stating he endorses the proposed solution.
Alderman McAdams praised American Marketing’s Optima program.
Mayor Barnes thanked Mr. Andrzejewski for his cooperation.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
This item was heard on first reading only and will return to an upcoming Council meeting for
second reading.
2. Ordinance 2022-048 Authorizing a Development Agreement with Nehring Electrical Works
Company.
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by
Alderman McAdams.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. As the Nehring Electric continues to grow, issues continue to rise with neighboring
property owners over tractor trailer conflicts with passenger vehicles, limited on-street parking,
and night-time noise. Ongoing discussions have turned to the possibility of creating a campus
that would more effectively insulate both the company and neighboring properties from potential
conflicts. The development agreement contains several features, including Nehring Electric’s
purchase of the former Virgil Cook & Son properties at 119 N. Eighth Street, the City’s construction
of a modified cul-de-sac on N. Ninth Street, the City’s vacation of N. Ninth Street from the new
cul-de-sac to E. Locust Street, the City’s vacation of E. Locust Street from N. Seventh Street to
N. Tenth Street to create a private parking area where tractor trailers loading and unloading
wouldn’t conflict with other vehicular traffic, the City’s vacation of the alley immediately west of
the former Virgil Cook properties, the City’s vacation of N. Eighth Street from E. Lincoln Highway
to E. Locust Street for unrestricted use by Nehring, the City’s enlargement of the storm drainage
piping leaving the catch basin at N. Ninth Street and E. Locust Street to eliminate chronic ponding
that restricts truck movements whenever there is a large rain event, and the rezoning of the
subject parcels to “PD-I” Planned Development District, Industrial, to provide the maximum
flexibility for the company as it rearranges vital functions within the proposed complex.
There were no questions or comments from Council.
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VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
This item was heard on first reading only and will return to an upcoming Council meeting for
second reading.
3. Ordinance 2022-049 Approving the Annexation of Certain Property to the City of DeKalb
(Afton Road Right-of-Way from E. Gurler Road to Keslinger Road).
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by
Alderman Larson.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. The City purchased sufficient right-of-way in 2020 to create a new rural roadway
connecting Gurler Road with Keslinger Road. Although City-owned, the new rural roadway known
as Afton Road, which runs along the east boundary of the Meta development, has not been
annexed and rezoned. Annexation will provide the City with contiguity to other developable
parcels to the south and east of the Meta development. The roadway has a 66-foot right-of-way
and features two, asphalt-paved driving lanes and rural shoulders and ditches.
There were no questions or comments from Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to waive second reading of the ordinance and approve;
seconded by Alderman McAdams.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
4. Ordinance 2022-050 Approving the Rezoning of the Afton Road Right-of-Way from E. Gurler
Road to Keslinger Road from the “SFR1” Single-Family Residential District to the “HI” Heavy
Industrial District (City of DeKalb).
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by
Alderman Smith.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. With Council approval of the annexation of the new Afton Road, the roadway
comes into the City with the most restricted zoning, "SFR-1” Single Family, as provided in state
statute. This item would zone the road right-of-way more appropriately to conform to the zoning
of the surrounding industrial parcels, which is “HI” Heavy industrial.
There were no questions or comments from Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
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MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to waive second reading of the ordinance and approve;
seconded by Alderman Verbic.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
N. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
Alderman McAdams reported on his attendance at the recent Illinois Municipal League (IML)
conference.
Alderman Larson reported on how excited she is to see all the small projects that have been
completed throughout the City, including connecting sidewalks and new signage in the Greek
Row area.
Alderman Faivre reported on the great turnout for the Young Eagles event a week ago. He also
reported on his participation in the recent DeKalb Corn Classic and thanked City staff for their
work on the event.
Mayor Barnes reported on recent events and meetings he’s attended and been a part of, which
included meeting with NIU leadership regarding pop-up parties and other issues, his attendance
at the recent IML Conference, his attendance at a Citizens’ Community Enhancement meeting,
Crime Free housing discussions with some of the city’s landlords, speaking with Oakcrest
residents about happenings in DeKalb, speaking to the Business Leadership Academy, attending
the Drury Family celebration, and participating in the DeKalb Corn Classic.
2. City Manager Report.
City Manager Nicklas read a “proclamation” in honor of Mayor Barnes’ birthday, and everyone
sang happy birthday.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mayor Barnes read the following Executive Session exemption title as follows:
1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss Personnel as Provided for in 5
ILCS 120/2(c)(1).
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to recess for Executive Session; seconded by Alderman
Faivre.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and
recessed the meeting at 8:06 p.m.
Following adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Barnes opened the meeting to the public
at 8:20 p.m.
P. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to adjourn the Regular meeting; seconded by Alderman Faivre.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
September 26, 2022
Page 13 of 13
VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Larson, Smith, McAdams, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Morris, Perkins. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and
adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________
Ruth A. Scott, Recording Secretary
Minutes approved by the City Council on October 10, 2022.
Click here to view the agenda packet for the September 26, 2022, Regular City Council meeting.
Click here to view the video recording of the September 26, 2022, Regular City Council meeting.
Agenda
DEKALB CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 26, 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 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
1. Proclamation: Fire Prevention Week, October 9-15, 2022.
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 Regular City Council Meeting of September 12, 2022.
H. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Accounts Payable and Payroll through September 12, 2022, in the Amount of
$2,656,612.
2. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – August 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
September 26, 2022
Page 2 of 15
3. Resolution 2022-087 Authorizing the Execution of a Workers’ Compensation Lump
Sum Petition and Order in the Amount of $67,558.75 (James Sietsema). (click here for
additional information)
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
J. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Consideration of a New Crime-Free Initiative.
City Manager’s Summary: A series of senseless shootings on three consecutive days in late
August, capping a summer of numerous weapons-related offenses and citizen complaints
concerning “shots fired,” have aroused public interest in a variety of potential city government
policies to address the public safety threat. This agenda item focuses upon violence and
felonious activity in the City’s rental housing.
BACKGROUND
Currently, the three legal pillars behind the “rules” that define our local governance on this
topic are:
Municipal Code, Chapter 10 “Landlord Tenant Regulations”;
Municipal Code, Chapter 17 “Administrative Hearing Procedure”; and
Municipal Code, Chapter 52 “Offenses Against the Public Peace, Safety and Morals”.
All three Municipal Code sections touch on both criminal behavior and criminal property
management, and variously assign penalties for both. Chapter 52, Section 52.05, promulgates
the current “Criminal Housing Management” conditions and penalties. Chapter 10 is more
widely known and generally describes the reciprocal responsibilities of landlords and tenants
in DeKalb that are elsewhere described in the City’s Landlord-Tenant Handbook. Chapter 10
introduces and details a “Crime-Free Housing Lease Provision.”
These “crime-free housing” provisions were generally developed in 2013 after nearly two
years of collaborative discussion involving local landlords, tenants, City officials, and
interested City residents. The intent was to reduce crime in the thousands of rental properties
throughout the City and to foster a unique and positive relationship between the DeKalb Police
and local residents and businesses.
The “three-strike” system (Section 52.05 of the Municipal Code) currently in place puts a
landlord and any related management company on the clock once an arrest is made at a
rental unit or property. For a first offense, the part-time Crime-Free Housing Coordinator
contacts the landlord about an unlawful activity and asks the landlord to complete a form that
explains the steps to be taken to prevent the incident from reoccurring. For a second unlawful
incident at the same address, the Coordinator again serves notice to the landlord with a
warning that a third offense might lead to the declaration of a “disorderly house,” which might
carry fines of no less than $750 nor more than $1,500 for the third incident and each
subsequent incident. In addition, if an administrative hearing officer rules that the property or
unit is a disorderly house, a further penalty would be a restriction on entry to the unit or
property for a period determined by the hearing officer.
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
September 26, 2022
Page 3 of 15
The attached draft ordinance would (a) compress the period required to establish a
pattern of unlawful conduct in a City rental unit or property; (b) initiate the City’s
involvement once any illegal activity is identified by responding Police officers,
whether or not an arrest is made on the spot; and (c) impose very stiff fines on those
landlords or managers whose rental unit(s) are the location of unlawful offenses.
THE PROPOSED CRIME-FREE INITIATIVE
Targeted Offenses.
The draft ordinance targets the following unlawful activity on rental property located in the
City:
(i) Any offense defined and prohibited by Section 6-16 (Prohibited Sales and Possession)
or Section 6-20 (Transfer, possessions, and consumption of alcoholic liquor; restrictions)
of the Liquor Control Act of 1934, 235 ILCS 5/6-16 and 5/6-20, as may be amended from
time to time.
(ii) Any offense that constitutes a felony or misdemeanor under the Illinois Criminal Code of
1961, 720 ILCS 5/1-1, et seq., as may be amended from time to time.
(iii) Any offense defined and prohibited by the City of DeKalb Municipal Code, as may be
amended from time to time.
Pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/1-2-1.5, unlawful activity does not mean the following:
(i) Contact made to the police or other emergency services, if: a) the contact was made with
the intent to prevent or respond to domestic violence or sexual violence; b) the
intervention of emergency assistance was needed to respond to or prevent domestic
violence or sexual violence; or c) the contact was made by, on behalf of, or otherwise
concerns an individual with a disability and the purpose of the contact was related to that
individual's disability;
(ii) An incident or incidents of actual or threatened domestic violence or sexual violence
against a tenant, household member, or guest occurring in the rental unit or on the leased
premises; or
(iii) Unlawful activity occurring in the rental unit or on the leased premises that is directly
relating to domestic violence or sexual violence, engaged in by a tenant, member of a
tenant's household, guest, or other party, and against a tenant, household member,
guest, or other party.
Criminal Nuisance Property Violation.
The occurrence of an unlawful activity on a rental property is a nuisance. Any person, owner,
landlord, or tenant who controls rental property or a rental unit and allows, commits, maintains,
permits, or fails to prevent the occurrence of an unlawful activity on the rental property or
rental unit shall be liable for a criminal nuisance property violation.
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
September 26, 2022
Page 4 of 15
The Process for Establishing a Criminal Nuisance Property Violation.
1) Any sworn officer of the DeKalb Police Department who responds to any unlawful activity
at a rental property shall document the unlawful activity pursuant to applicable policies,
procedures, ordinances, and laws, and report such unlawful activity to a shift supervisor,
who shall promptly refer it to the Director of the Crime-Free Bureau (the “Director”). This
referral shall be automatic regardless of whether any arrests were made, or citations were
issued by the responding officers. Furthermore, the Police Chief, Fire Chief, Chief Building
Official, or their respective designees shall review all police, fire, and code enforcement
contacts on a daily basis for any unlawful activity at a rental property and promptly refer
any such unlawful activity to the Director.
2) Director’s Preliminary Determination. The Director shall review a referral of potential
unlawful activity within 48 hours of receiving said referral and determine whether there
may be a reasonable basis to believe that the referral constitutes evidence of unlawful
activity at the rental property in violation of this Section (the “Preliminary Determination”).
3) Director’s Informal Notice and Meeting. If the Director determines that there may be
sufficient evidence of a criminal nuisance property violation, then within 48 hours of that
determination, the Director shall notify the Landlord, Tenant, or any other person who may
be cited for a criminal nuisance property violation by mail, phone, email, fax, or in person
about the unlawful activity and provide a report identifying the location, a copy of any
citations or arrest reports, and the names of the tenant(s), occupant(s), or others involved
(the “Director’s Informal Notice”). The Director’s Informal Notice shall invite the Landlord,
Tenant, any other person who may be cited for a criminal nuisance property violation, and
their respective attorneys to a meeting (in person or remotely), which shall occur within
five (5) business days from the date of the Director’s Informal Notice, with the Director
and/or the Police Chief, City Manager, City Attorney, or their respective designee(s) to
discuss the unlawful activity, efforts to prevent the unlawful activity, and the abatement of
the unlawful activity (the “Meeting”).
4) Violation Notice. If the Director issues a violation notice for a criminal nuisance property
violation, the violation notice shall be given pursuant to the City’s administrative hearing
procedure under Chapter 17 of the City’s Municipal Code. Except if there is a failure to
respond to the Director’s Informal Notice and Meeting, the Director shall have the
discretion to issue a violation notice for a criminal nuisance property violation based on
factors including, but not limited to, the nature of the unlawful activity, the existence of
prior unlawful activity at the rental property, the reasonable efforts to prevent the unlawful
activity, the reasonable efforts to abate the unlawful activity, and any agreement made at
the Meeting. If there is a failure to respond to the Director’s Informal Notice and Meeting,
then the Director shall issue a violation notice.
5) Administrative Hearing. The hearing on the violation notice for a criminal nuisance
property violation shall be heard by a neutral administrative hearing officer pursuant to the
procedures established by Chapter 17 of the City’s Municipal Code.
Remedies are defined:
Upon a finding by a preponderance of the evidence that the respondent committed a criminal
nuisance property violation, the Administrative Hearing Officer shall order the following
remedies:
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
September 26, 2022
Page 5 of 15
1) Abatement Order. An abatement order requiring the respondent to abate the violation
including, but not limited to, enforcing the crime-free lease addendum; compliance with a
security plan to prevent the occurrence of unlawful activity at the premises; and providing
reasonable security measures to prevent unlawful activity at the rental property (e.g.,
alarms, cameras, keys, lighting, private security, routine inspections of the rental property,
criminal history/background investigation of Tenants by a reputable agency that uses a
national database, and prompt enforcement of the crime free housing lease provision).
2) First Violation. For the respondent(s)’s first violation, a mandatory minimum fine of
$2,500.00. The order shall require the Landlord to abate the violation by enforcing the
applicable Crime Free Lease provisions which may include eviction for engaging in or
facilitating unlawful activity. Additionally, the order may require the respondent to abate the
violation(s) by enforcing a security plan including such measures as alarms, cameras, better
lighting, private security, etc.).
3) Second Violation. For the respondent(s)’s second violation within 180 days, a mandatory
minimum fine of $5,000.00 shall be imposed plus an order requiring the Landlord or
designee to make restitution including relocation expenses to any tenant victim whose
health or safety was imperiled because of the violation.
4) Subsequent Violations. For the respondent(s)’s third violation and all subsequent
violations, a mandatory minimum fine of $10,000.00 for each violation and the mandatory
closure of the rental property or rental unit for at least 12 months.
5) Stay Order. An order pausing the enforcement of any of these remedies if the respondent
shows sufficient proof of commencing an action to enforce the crime free housing lease
provisions and obtaining an order for possession of the rental property or rental unit
pursuant to the provisions of the Illinois Forcible Entry and Detainer Act (735 ILCS 5/9-
101, et seq.).
Retaliation and interference with an abatement order is prohibited. No Landlord, Owner, or
any other person in control of the Rental Property may retaliate against any person who
complains or testifies about the alleged occurrence of an unlawful activity on the rental
property, nor shall any rental agreement prohibit any such complaint or testimony, nor shall
any rental agreement or lease be terminated, or Tenant evicted because of any such
complaint or testimony. Furthermore, no Landlord, Owner, or any other person in control of
the Rental Property may interfere with an abatement order or the City’s efforts to enclose or
inspect the Rental Property or Rental Unit pursuant to an abatement order.
Crime-Free Leasing Provision.
The proposed Crime-Free initiative embraces the City’s existing Crime-Free Housing Lease
provision (Section 10.10 of the Municipal Code) which grew out of the community discussions
in 2013 and has evolved to its present status—most recently reviewed and supported by the
City’s Human Relations Commission. All landlords are currently required to include the
following crime-free lease addendum in all rental contracts:
Crime Free Housing Lease Provision:
In consideration of the execution or renewal of a lease of the rental unit identified in this lease
(the “leased premises), Landlord and Tenant agree as follows:
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
September 26, 2022
Page 6 of 15
1. The Tenant, any member of the Tenant's household, Tenant's guest(s), and any person
under Tenant's control shall not engage in or facilitate unlawful activity in, on, at or about
the leased premises.
2. The Tenant, any member of the Tenant's household, Tenant's guest(s), and any person
under Tenant's control shall not permit the leased premises to be used for, or to facilitate,
unlawful activity, regardless of whether the individual engaging in such activity is a
member of the household, or a guest.
3. The Tenant, any member of the Tenant's household, Tenant's guest(s), and any person
under Tenant's control shall not engage in or facilitate any breach of the lease agreement
that jeopardizes the health, safety, and welfare of the Landlord, his agent, or other Tenant,
or involves imminent or actual serious property damage.
4. The Tenant is vicariously liable for the unlawful activity of any member of the Tenant's
household, Tenant's guest(s), and any person under Tenant's control, whether or not the
Tenant had knowledge of the activity or whether or not the household member or guest
was under the Tenant's control.
5. In case of conflict between the provisions of this addendum and any other provisions of
the lease, the provisions of this addendum shall govern.
6. For purposes of this Lease Section, unlawful activity shall mean:
(i) Any offense defined and prohibited by Section 6-16 (Prohibited Sales and Possession)
or Section 6-20 (Purchase or Acceptance of Gift of Liquor by Persons Under Age 21) of
the Liquor Control Act of 1934, 235 ILCS 5/6-16 and 5/6-20, or similar City of DeKalb
ordinance.
(ii) Any offense that constitutes a felony or misdemeanor under the Illinois Criminal Code
of 1961, 720 ILCS 5/1-1 et seq.
(iii) Any offense defined and prohibited by Chapter 52, “Offenses against Public Peace,
Safety and Morals” of the City of DeKalb Municipal Code.
7. Violation of any of the above provisions shall be a material and irreparable violation of the
lease and good cause for termination of the tenancy, provided, however, a Tenant shall
not be retaliated against nor evicted when merely a victim of any unlawful act prohibited
herein, but shall be responsible for the acts of his/her guests and persons under his/her
control. A single violation of any of the provisions hereof shall be deemed a serious
violation and material non-compliance with the lease. It is understood and agreed that a
single violation shall be good cause for immediate termination of the lease. Unless
otherwise provided by law, proof of violation shall not require criminal conviction, but shall
be by a preponderance of the evidence. Tenant consents to venue in any court within the
county wherein the unit is located in the event Owner initiates legal action against the
Tenant.
To the extent permitted by law, Tenant agrees that service of process of any legal
proceeding, including but not limited to, a special detainer or forcible detainer action, or
service of any notice to Tenant, shall be effective and sufficient for purposes of providing
legal service and conferring personal jurisdiction upon any Illinois court as to any Tenant,
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
September 26, 2022
Page 7 of 15
co-signor, occupant or guarantor, if served upon any occupant or other person of suitable
age and discretion who is present at the premises and residing therein, notwithstanding
the fact that a Tenant, co-signor, occupant or guarantor may reside at a different location
other than the property address described in the lease agreement. This agreement
regarding service is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any manner of service authorized
under Illinois law or rule. By signing this lease, the undersigned hereby waives any
objection to service carried out under the terms of this agreement.
It should be noted that a landlord is currently authorized to ban a tenant’s guests or invitees
who engage in conduct that the landlord reasonably believes is prohibited by the Crime Free
Housing Lease Addendum.
Additionally, tenants are expressly advised of the potential for inspection of their tenant space
if deemed to be Chronically Disorderly under Chapter 52 of the City Code, or in violation of
the No-Trespass Agreement and Banned List provisions of Section 10.20 of City’s Municipal
Code.
The failure of landlords to comply with the Crime Free Housing Lease Provision is currently
punishable by a minimum fine of $250.00. That fine would be raised to $1,000 per day for
every day that the rental agreement does not contain the Crime Free Housing Lease provision.
Director of the Crime-Free Bureau.
The key to the success of the proposed system is the fairness, consistency, and dedication
of the person serving in the new full-time management position of “Director of the Crime-Free
Bureau.” The Director could be a seasoned police officer having attained the rank of sergeant
or commander, or a professional with experience in the management of rental properties,
among others.
City Council direction is recommended. (click here for additional information)
K. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2022-088 Authorizing an Architectural Improvement Program (AIP)
Economic Incentive for 248 E. Lincoln Highway in the Amount of $1,388.30
(Chilton’s Sporting Goods).
City Manager’s Summary: Stacy and Kirby Chilton, the owners of Chilton’s Sporting Goods,
have applied for an Architectural Improvement Program (AIP) TIF grant to assist them with
some emergency roof repairs. Such repairs are considered deferred maintenance and are
only afforded 10% grant under the AIP program’s hierarchy of eligible repairs.
The estimated cost of the repair of the hot-processed roofing is $13,883 (see attached
estimate). The AIP portion would be $1,388.30.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
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
September 26, 2022
Page 8 of 15
2. Resolution 2022-089 Approving a Bar Liquor License for The Grove Tavern LLC, 204
N. Fourth Street.
City Manager’s Summary: A new business is coming to Agora Tower – The Grove Tavern.
The owners of the business have applied for a Bar liquor license, which will be considered
“conditional” until the requirements laid out in the resolution are met. A conditional liquor
license will allow the business to apply for their State of Illinois liquor license, which is required
to purchase liquor and supplies. The owners have also requested the issuance of a Live
Entertainment permit.
Upon approval of the liquor license, the City will receive an initial issuance fee of $10,766, as
well as $377 for the Live Entertainment permit. The license term for a Bar liquor license and
the supplemental Live Entertainment permit begins January 1 and ends December 31.
Typically, this type of liquor license carries an annual renewal fee of $2,830. However, The
Grove Tavern’s 2023 annual renewal fees will be reduced by 50% since the initial liquor
license and Live Entertainment permit will be issued nine months into the current licensing
term.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
3. Resolution 2022-090 Authorizing a Professional Services Agreement with Hampton,
Lenzini, and Renwick, Inc. for Design Engineering Professional Services for the
Reconstruction of Lucinda Avenue in an Amount Not to Exceed $400,230.
City Manager’s Summary: The reconstruction and resurfacing of Lucinda Avenue from Annie
Glidden to the Kishwaukee bridge abutment is overdue, as are upgrades to the roadway’s
ADA features. Fortunately, such a project is eligible for federal Surface Transportation Urban
(STU) funds which pass through the Illinois Department of Transportation as projects qualify
for IDOT’s regional reconstruction program.
The project must be successfully bid by March 2024 and is planned for the summer of that
year, so as not to interfere with the return of students in the fall. The attached resolution would
award funds for the engineering design involved in the project to Hampton, Lenzini and
Renwick (HLR) in the amount of $400,230. A breakdown of the HLR charges is attached. It is
expected that the overall construction project will have a price tag in the vicinity of $2 million.
Major challenges in preparing the design and bid documents will be maintaining traffic during
construction, and the multiple intersections that require ADA upgrades.
The engineering services will be paid from the Motor Fuel Tax Fund (Fund 210). City Council
approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
4. Resolution 2022-091 Authorizing the Award of a Contract to Elliott & Wood, Inc. in
the Amount of $212,053.64 for the Construction of Traffic Calming Measures on
Fairview Drive and a Bike Path Extension near Grove Street with Staff Authority to
Approve Change Orders Up to a Combined Project Total Not to Exceed $225,000.
City Manager’s Summary: This resolution concerns two smaller road projects bid in the same
packet to assure their completion in the fall of 2022. As a result of many Fourth Ward concerns
about traffic speeds on Fairview Drive between First and Fourth Streets, as well as regular,
heavy truck traffic that defies obvious postings prohibiting such truck traffic, the City Engineer
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
September 26, 2022
Page 9 of 15
has devised a number of traffic calming measures including a pedestrian island at the
intersection with Monticello, and new striping along the corridor.
In addition to this project, the bid packet asked for pricing for the continuation of the Grove
Street bike path through the Vaughn Parking Lot, just south of the railroad tracks between S.
Second and S. First Streets. The combined work was recently bid, and two bidders responded.
Elliott & Wood was the low bidder in the amount of $212,053.64. An allowance for change
orders was recommended by the City Engineer, bringing the not-to-exceed price for the
combined projects to $225,000. The two projects will be paid from the American Rescue Plan
(ARPA) Fund or Fund 110.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
5. Resolution 2022-092 Authorizing the Award of a Contract to Alliance Contractors in
the Amount of $53,512.50 for the Construction of a Sidewalk Extension along Annie
Glidden Road with Staff Authority to Approve Change Orders Up to a Combined
Project Total Not to Exceed $60,000.
City Manager’s Summary: This public safety project is long overdue. It will result in the linkage
of the new public sidewalk on Twombly to the signalized intersection at Dresser Road and N.
Annie Glidden Road, along the City’s right-of-way on the west side of Annie Glidden. Since
the DeKalb High School was opened on Dresser Road, students living in the densely
populated Suburban Apartment complexes or in Eden’s Garden have had to walk or ride their
bikes across the busy four-lane section of N. Annie Glidden Road in unprotected space to go
to and from the high school. This remedy will provide a protected path running northward to
Dresser Road, where students and others can traverse the intersection as the “stop and go”
signals permit.
The sidewalk work attracted three bids and Alliance Contractors was the low bidder at
$53,512.50. The contract provides an allowance for change orders to arrive at a not-to-exceed
price of $60,000. This project will be paid from the ARPA Fund (Fund 110).
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
6. Resolution 2022-093 Authorizing the Award of a Contract to Alliance Contractors in
the Amount of $202,138.70 for the Construction of Segmentation Measures along
Edgebrook Drive with Staff Authority to Approve Change Orders Up to a Combined
Project Total Not to Exceed $222,000.
City Manager’s Summary: Since the fall of 2021, City officials have engaged NIU officials and
a variety of NIU Greek organizations in discussion about ways to calm traffic in the Greek Row
area, and to create additional common space for recreational purposes serving Greek
students as well as neighborhood families. One of the very popular approaches under
discussion has been the interruption of the Kimberly and Edgebrook raceways with traffic-
calming cul-de-sacs from both the Blackhawk and Normal Road ends. Provisions for the turn
arounds of plow trucks, garbage trucks, emergency vehicles and other traffic needed to be
included. City Engineer Zac Gill has vetted the proposed changes and has had enough time
to create plans for the Edgebrook corridor, where the City’s open space (the former location
of 912 Edgebrook) already adds some recreational space. A rendering of the proposed project
is shown on the following page:
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
September 26, 2022
Page 10 of 15
Two bidders responded and the low bid was from Alliance Contractors in the amount of
$202,138.70. An allowance of an additional $19,861.30 (9.8%) is also recommended.
City Council approval of a project price not-to-exceed $222,000 is recommended. The
project will be paid from the ARPA Fund (Fund 110). (click here for additional information)
7. Resolution 2022-094 Authorizing Standard Equipment Company to Repair and
Refurbish a 2005 Elgin Pelican Street Sweeper in an Amount Not to Exceed
$100,000.
City Manager’s Summary: The City purchased its Pelican-brand street sweeper in 2005. It
has been the workhorse in a small fleet of two mechanical sweepers in cleaning the City’s
streets. Street sweeping helps to prevent debris from blocking storm water catch basins, which
alleviates flooding issues during heavy storms while improving the overall appearance of the
city. The sweeper also picks up debris that would otherwise litter our streets and
neighborhoods. The Pelican sweeper has logged 5,989 operating hours.
The current age of the sweeper along with extended wear and tear has left the unit inoperable
in its current condition. Standard Equipment Company has provided a quote (see background
exhibit) to repair and refurbish the unit to extend its life cycle for approximately 3-5 years.
As the cost for the repairs necessary to get the sweeper back in service may reach $100,000,
the cost of a new unit was investigated. A new Pelican sweeper (one of the most durable
brands on the market) was found to be worth about $266,000, allowing for a modest trade-in.
In anticipation of a wide disparity between a new unit and a repaired unit, the draft FY2023
capital budget (Fund 420) sets aside $100,000 for such repairs. This option was briefly
discussed at the joint Council/FAC meeting in August.
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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
September 26, 2022
Page 11 of 15
The City Manager recommends proceeding with a contract to repair the Pelican sweeper. The
unit will not be returned in good repair until early in FY2023. (click here for additional information)
8. Resolution 2022-095 Authorizing the Waiver of Competitive Bidding and an
Agreement with Layne Christensen Company for Repair and Replacement of Well
Parts and Equipment in an Amount Not to Exceed $61,105.
City Manager’s Summary: As Assistant Public Works Director Bryan Faivre writes in his
background memorandum, at its July 25, 2022, regular meeting, the Council approved
Resolution 2022-065 authorizing Layne Christensen Company to perform repairs to the City’s
Well No. 14. Layne completed the repairs to the well on September 2 and the well was
returned to service.
It is typical for the Utility division to keep a spare pump and other parts in stock for the next
failure, so the recovery of the well’s capacity is expedited. Layne Christensen has provided a
bid of $61,105 to replace well parts and equipment that were removed from the City’s
inventory during the repair of Well No. 14, and to pay for the cost of about 350 feet of well
column piping that was replaced during the repair process.
Layne is the authorized dealer and sole source provider for Byron Jackson pumps and motors
in the state of Illinois. Approval of this agreement will allow the City to have in place a spare
motor, pump, and column piping for emergency well repairs. It will also maintain the
standardization of well equipment allowing components to be used at any of the City’s six
deep well sites.
City Council approval of the not-to-exceed bid of $61,105 from Layne Christensen is
recommended. The funding for this purchase is found in the Water Capital Fund (620-00-00-
85500). It should be noted that the cost of the Well No. 14 repairs, including the replacement
equipment and parts mentioned in this Agenda item, was about $45,000 below the budget for
the well replacement that was anticipated when the FY22 Budget was prepared. (click here for
additional information)
L. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
1. Ordinance 2022-028 Revoking Ordinance 2012-070 Providing a Special Use Permit
for a Vehicle Salvage Yard Located at 1008 Oak Street.
City Manager’s Summary: On June 27, the City Council approved Ordinance 2022-028 on
first reading. The ordinance provided for the revocation of the special use permit granted to
DeKalb Iron and Metal and its successors for a vehicle salvage yard located at 1008 Oak
Street. The extraordinary act of revoking a special use permit is typically based on a property
owner’s disregard for the terms of the original permit and could involve practices that have a
deleterious effect on neighboring properties. All of these factors applied in late June and, as
the recent background photos illustrate, still apply today.
For the past several years, the City’s Building Department has had a series of conversations
with the owners of the property at 1008 Oak Street and has issued written advisories as well
as code violations concerning the erratic, unsightly, and at times unsafe storage of used
vehicles at the site. In April 2022, the Department issued a formal Notice of Violations and an
order to discontinue the illegal uses at 1008 Oak Street. As a part of that Notice, the property
owner was given a clear indication of the City findings with related photographs and was
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
September 26, 2022
Page 12 of 15
informed that a failure to remedy the violations could lead to a revocation of the special use
permit, which allowed for vehicle recycling operations on the site. The property owner was
also given 45 days to appeal the City’s Notice, but the property owner did not appeal the City’s
Notice. At the Council meeting on June 27, the Council provided the owner a 90-day grace
period to bring the property into compliance. As Chief Building Official Dawn Harper can attest,
no significant progress has been made during this 90-day period.
Approval of the revocation ordinance on second reading is recommended. (click here for
additional information)
M. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2022-047 Authorizing a Development Agreement with American
Marketing and Publishing Company.
City Manager’s Summary: On July 25, the City Council considered a development agreement
between the City of DeKalb and Nehring Electrical Works Company. The Company’s
impressive growth in and around the neighborhood where it was established early in the
twentieth century has rubbed up against neighboring properties, which include primarily
industrial or commercial-zoned properties between N. Seventh Street and N. Tenth Street,
and several residential-zoned properties east of the intersection of N. Tenth Street and N.
Eleventh Street. Recently, the company has made investments which promise further growth
in production and greater wire storage needs.
In early July, Council member Greg Perkins and the City Manager met with the President of
Nehring Electric, Ray Hott, and members of his staff including CFO Tom Jackowski and
Operations Director Charles Dobbel to find a “global” solution to frictions with neighboring
property owners over tractor trailer conflicts with passenger vehicles, limited on-street parking,
and night-time noise. Given the Company’s expanding investment in adjoining properties, the
conversation turned to the prospect of the creation of a “campus” that would more effectively
insulate both the Company and neighboring properties from potential conflicts. To achieve
such a campus in the restricted geographic area, the City Manager recommended—and the
Council encouraged--some creative thinking to forge a lasting solution. The next Agenda item
details the final draft of a development agreement with Nehring Electric that will hopefully
contribute to such a lasting solution.
However, not all contiguous commercial properties would come under the control of Nehring
Electric. The most prominent of these is the American Marketing and Publishing Company at
915 E. Lincoln Highway, owned by Abe Andrzejewski. American Marketing is also a success
story which has long served as one of DeKalb’s largest employers. In 2021, the Company
employed 351 persons, which made them the eighth largest City employer on a list that
included NIU, Walmart, Ferrara, 3M and others. The Company occupies much of the land
between N. Ninth Street and N. Tenth Street, north of E. Lincoln Highway and south of E.
Locust Street.
Since the Council’s public discussion on July 25, Mr. Andrzejewski has made it known that
the proposed closure of E. Locust Street from N. Tenth Street to N. Seventh Street to help
create a “campus” for truck traffic serving Nehring Electric posed some significant challenges
for the parking and access of his employees. Some of his employees compete for the available
parking stalls on E. Locust each morning, and also on N. Ninth Street. Additionally, one of the
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Regular Meeting Agenda
September 26, 2022
Page 13 of 15
two existing access points to the American Marketing parking lots connects with E. Locust
Street.
City Engineer Zac Gill, Planning Technician Doug Eaton, and the City Manager have been
working with Mr. Andrzejewski for several weeks to draft some parking changes that would
serve American Marketing’s employees as well as Nehring Electric’s employees. The
proposed “solution” has the following components:
a) The creation of about 22 perpendicular parking stalls on N. Ninth Street. This will involve
the paving of the parkway but will assure two-way traffic on N. Ninth Street northward to
that point where the transition to the vacated right-of-way begins (see the rendering,
below).
b) The creation of ingress and egress points for the American Marketing parking adjoining
N. Tenth Street. Approximately 10 additional parking stalls will be created as the new
access points are established.
c) The preservation of the public sidewalk on the south side of E. Locust Street to afford
unfettered transit for pedestrians and employees of the various adjoining businesses.
The City’s cost to create the additional parking can be wrapped into the larger street
maintenance projects in FY23.
City Council approval is recommended on First Reading only, to invite further public
consideration. (click here for additional information)
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
September 26, 2022
Page 14 of 15
2. Ordinance 2022-048 Authorizing a Development Agreement with Nehring Electrical
Works Company.
City Manager’s Summary: As noted above, the City Council’s July 25 discussion of a
development agreement with Nehring Electrical Works Company is a creative approach to the
redevelopment of an industrial area which has roots in the City’s distant past. Without a TIF
district to partially support redevelopment in the area, the City has been working on alternative
paths to a neighborhood solution for traffic congestion and limited on-street parking.
The Nehring agreement has the following features:
a) The Company’s acquisition of the former Virgil Cook & Son properties at 119 N. Eighth
Street;
b) The City’s construction of a modified cul-de-sac on N. Ninth Street stretching about 100
feet north of E. Lincoln Highway to allow access to the rental unit at 116 N. Ninth Street
and new perpendicular parking serving American Marketing. This restriction will
demarcate the transition to the private use of E. Locust by trucks backing into Nehring
Electric’s principle loading dock;
c) The City’s vacation of N. Ninth Street from the new cul-de-sac to E. Locust Street to allow
for the unrestricted backing of tractor trailers into the prime loading dock area serving the
original Company building;
d) The City’s vacation of E. Locust Street from N. Seventh Street to N. Tenth Street to create
a private parking area where tractor trailers loading and unloading would not conflict with
other vehicular traffic. A cross-access easement will be demarcated for the eastern portion
of this vacated right-of-way to allow for access to the American Marketing parking lot from
Locust Street;
e) The City’s vacation of the alley immediately west of the former Virgil Cook properties.
f) The City’s vacation of N. Eighth Street from E. Lincoln Highway to E. Locust Street for
unrestricted use by Nehring because the short street section would no longer serve
other vehicular traffic;
g) The City’s enlargement of the storm drainage piping leaving the catch basin at N. Ninth
Street and E. Locust Street to eliminate chronic ponding that restricts truck movements
whenever there is a large rain event.
h) The re-zoning of the subject parcels to “PD-I,” Planned Development District, Industrial,
to provide the maximum flexibility for the Company as it re-arranges vital functions within
the proposed complex.
The City would make a good faith effort to repair the Locust Street storm sewer this fall
before the winter weather arrives. The remaining street work Is planned to occur in 2023.
City Council approval is recommended on First Reading only, to invite further public
consideration. (click here for additional information)
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
September 26, 2022
Page 15 of 15
3. Ordinance 2022-049 Approving the Annexation of Certain Property to the City of
DeKalb (Afton Road Right-of-Way from E. Gurler Road to Keslinger Road).
City Manager’s Summary: The City purchased sufficient right-of-way in 2020 to create a new
rural roadway connecting Gurler Road with Keslinger Road. This roadway replaced the long-
established Crego Road right-of-way that connected Gurler and Keslinger Roads until that
portion which coursed through the current Meta property was vacated through Council action
in the spring of 2020.
Although City-owned, the new rural roadway known as Afton Road which runs along the east
boundary of the Meta development has not been annexed and rezoned. Now that the roadway
is completed and the metes and bounds are clearly determined, the City is in a position to
annex the roadway. Annexation will provide the City with contiguity to other developable
parcels to the south and east of the Meta development. The roadway has a 66-foot right-of-
way and features two, asphalt-paved driving lanes and rural shoulders and ditches.
The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the annexation petition at its regular
meeting on September 19, and by a vote of 6 to 0 the Commission recommended Council
approval. City Council approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission
recommendation is requested. (click here for additional information)
4. Ordinance 2022-050 Approving the Rezoning of the Afton Road Right-of-Way from
E. Gurler Road to Keslinger Road from the “SFR1” Single-Family Residential
District to the “HI” Heavy Industrial District (City of DeKalb).
City Manager’s Summary: With Council approval of the annexation of the new Afton Road,
the roadway comes into the City with the most restricted zoning – "SFR1,” Single Family – as
provided in state statute. The attached ordinance would zone the road right-of-way more
appropriately to conform to the zoning of the surrounding industrial parcels. That zoning is
“HI” Heavy industrial.
The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the rezoning petition at its regular meeting
on September 19, and by a vote of 6 to 0 the Commission recommended Council approval.
City Council approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation is
requested. (click here for additional information)
N. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
2. City Manager Report.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
P. ADJOURNMENT
SEPTEMBER 26, 2022, AGENDA PACKET
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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
are not required to wear protective face masks/coverings.