City Council
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · October 8, 2012
Minutes
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF DEKALB
October 8, 2012
The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday,
October 8, 2012 in the City Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South
Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois.
Mayor Povlsen called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
A. ROLL CALL:
Assistant City Manager Espiritu called the roll and the following members of City Council were
present: Alderman David Jacobson, Alderman Tom Teresinski, Alderman Kristen Lash,
Alderman Brendon Gallagher, Alderman Ronald Naylor, Alderman David Baker, and Mayor
Kris Povlsen. Absent was Alderman Monica O’Leary.
Also present were: Mark Biernacki, City Manager; Rudy Espiritu, Assistant City Manager;
Dean Frieders, City Attorney; Gene Lowery, Police Chief; Eric Hicks, Fire Chief; T.J. Moore,
Public Works Director; Joel Maurer, Assistant Director Public Works–Engineering/
Transportation; Jennifer Diedrich, Economic Development Coordinator; Bryan Faivre, Assistant
Public Works Director – Water; Jeff Birtell, I&T Technician; and Tammey Higgins, Deputy City
Clerk. Additionally, Roger Hopkins, Economic Development Marketing Consultant was present.
B. ITEMS ALSO ON THE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA:
None.
C. CONSIDERATIONS:
1) CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST BY DARDEN RESTAURANTS FOR A
$900,000 TIF FORGIVABLE LOAN TO CONSTRUCT AN OLIVE GARDEN
ON THE FORMER SMALL’S FURNITURE PROPERTY AT 2211 SYCAMORE
ROAD.
Mr. Hopkins provided the Council with background on the history of discussions with Darden
Restaurants. He advised that Darden Restaurants is considered an industry leader and that
community input had indicated this to be a strongly desired entity in the community. He
discussed the TIF application pertaining to redevelopment of the project area and provided
examples of other redevelopment projects. He also mentioned sales receipts that would be gained
instead of lost revenues resulting from residents traveling out of town to visit Olive Garden
restaurants. He advised Council on the background of preparation required for the redevelopment
of the site and the required interaction with NIU concerning their NIU Annex property and
pointed out the site improvement costs relating to multiple items to be performed. He stated that
an agreement with Darden Restaurants would include clauses providing for a seven year window
for re-payment of the loan, but that it was anticipated that it would be achieved within four years,
and that if Darden Restaurants closed the facility before the end of the seven year period, the
balance would be called for payment. He advised Council that if the consideration goes forward,
an intergovernmental agreement will be produced for approval between NIU and the City.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 8, 2012
Page 2 of 3
Ms. Diedrich then introduced representatives of Darden Restaurants; Trudy Blakeman (Darden
Restaurants), Allea Newbold (Ryan LLC [financial consultants]), and Ziya Hajiyev (Ryan LLC).
Ms. Blakeman presented an overview of Darden Restaurants Corporation, advising that the
company owns all facilities, there are no franchisees. She advised the Council that if the
incentive package was not approved, Darden would no longer consider DeKalb as a potential
site.
Ms. Newbold shared additional information with Council pertaining to the strength of Darden
Restaurants; background of financial responsibility in keeping each site fresh and updated;
competition for site selection; criteria for site selection; and their process in opening a new
facility. She advised that it was possible that a new facility could open in late 2013 or early 2014.
She stated that the expected cost for this site would be approximately $4.5 Million. She also
advised that the employee headcount was estimated to be 55 full-time employees.
Council discussed the project in detail and asked extensive questions. Some issues were raised
regarding the use of TIF funds.
MOTION
Ald. Teresinski moved to approve the request by Darden Restaurants for a $900,000 forgivable
loan and directed staff to bring back an ordinance for formal Council approval; seconded by Ald.
Gallagher. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
MOTION
Ald. Gallagher motioned to have the meeting extended past 7:00 p.m.to allow Council to address
all issues on the Committee of the Whole Agenda. Ald. Naylor seconded the motion. Mayor
Povlsen declared the motion passed.
2) CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM ARCH RICHOZ TO FINANCE AN
FY 13 ARCHITECTURAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT WITH
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING FUNDS AT 221 WEST LINCOLN
HIGHWAY.
Ms. Diedrich explained the Architectural Improvement Program (AIP) and shared with Council
that this was the first AIP request since 2010. She proceeded to provide a general overview of the
project and the matching funding request.
MOTION
Ald. Gallagher moved to approve the request and directed staff to prepare a resolution for formal
Council approval; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared
the motion passed.
3) CONSIDERATION OF A REQUEST FROM BRIAN SCHOLLE TO FINANCE
AN FY 13 ARCHITECTURAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT WITH
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING FUNDS AT 850-852 SOUTH FOURTH
STREET.
Committee of the Whole Meeting
October 8, 2012
Page 3 of 3
Ms. Diedrich provided a general overview of the project and the matching funding request. She
advised that this property was in an area that had been added in the prior extension of the TIF
district.
MOTION
Ald. Gallagher moved to approve the request and directed staff to prepare a resolution for formal
Council approval; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared
the motion passed.
4) CONSIDERATION TO AMEND THE CITY OF DEKALB MUNICIPAL CODE,
CHAPTER 18, “DOGS AND OTHER ANIMALS” REGARDING DOGS AT
LARGE AND DOG ATTACKS.
Mr. Frieders gave background on the basis for the proposed amendment and noted that it
provides for three levels of fine applications which range from a loose dog to the highest level of
an aggressive loose dog, and outlined the fine structure. Responding to an inquiry regarding
breed specific applications, he advised Council that the State of Illinois has a statute regarding
this situation and while the City is Home Rule; the uncertainly of litigation and potential
unfavorable outcome make this approach undesirable.
Council discussed the amendment and asked questions.
Doris Sernovitz, DeKalb, Illinois, addressed the Council. She provided background on the dog
that had attacked and killed her dog and expressed her fear and concern of walking in her
neighborhood. She stated that the City needed to be tougher in addressing these incidents and
wants to prevent this situation from happening to anyone else.
MOTION
Ald. Lash moved to approve staff’s request of the proposed ordinance and directed staff to bring
back to Council for formal adoption; seconded by Ald. Naylor. Motion carried on voice vote.
Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
5) APPROVAL OF A STAFF REQUEST TO HOLD A CLOSED SESSION TO
DISCUSS PERSONNEL AS PROVIDED FOR IN 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); PENDING
LITIGATION 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) AND WORKER’S COMPENSATION 5 ILCS
120/2(c)(12).
Not acted on in this meeting.
D. ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION
Ald. Teresinski moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried on voice
vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
______________________________________
TAMMEY M. HIGGINS, Deputy Clerk
Approved by City Council
November 13, 2012
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF DEKALB
October 8, 2012
The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a regular meeting on Monday, October 8, 2012 in the
Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois.
Mayor Povlsen called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m.
A. ROLL CALL:
Assistant City Manager Espiritu called the roll and the following members of City Council were
present: Mayor Kris Povlsen, Alderman David Jacobson, Alderman Tom Teresinski, Alderman
Kristen Lash, Alderman Brendon Gallagher, Alderman Ronald Naylor and Alderman David
Baker. Alderman Monica O’Leary was absent.
Also present were: Mark Biernacki, City Manager; Rudy Espiritu, Assistant City Manager; Dean
Frieders, City Attorney; Gene Lowery, Police Chief; Eric Hicks, Fire Chief; T.J. Moore, Public
Works Director; Joel Maurer, Assistant Director Public Works – Engineering/Transportation;
Derek Hiland, Principal Planner; Laura Pisarcik, Finance/Purchasing Director; Jeff Birtell, I&T
Technician; and Tammey Higgins, Deputy City Clerk.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Ald. Gallagher led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – ADDITIONS/DELETIONS:
MOTION
Ald. Teresinski moved to approve the Agenda; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried 7-0-1 on
roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, Baker, Povlsen. Absent:
O’Leary. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
D. SPECIAL ITEMS OR PRESENTATIONS & CITIZEN’S COMMENTS:
1. SPECIAL ITEMS
● Semi-Annual TIF Report
Ms. Diedrich delivered a presentation of the breakdown of fund analyses for both TIF 1 and TIF
2. Council asked specific questions on TIF funding which Ms. Diedrich answered.
● Proclamation Declaring October As the “Big Read” Month Featuring “The
Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain
Mayor Povlsen read the Proclamation declaring October as “Big Read” month. Ms. Dee Coover
thanked the Council for the proclamation. Ms. Craig provided background information on the
Big Read program and provided a copy of “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2012
Page 2 of 5
● Proclamation Declaring October 7-13, 2012 as “National Fire Prevention
Week”
Mayor Povlsen read the Proclamation declaring October 7–13, 2012 as National Fire Prevention
Week and presented it to Chief Hicks.
● Moody Bond Rating Report
Mr. Espiritu advised Council that Ald. Teresinski and City Staff had recently met with the bond
rating authority and were advised that the City had kept its AA2+ Negative rating. He stated that
while the City’s funds had gone from $22,000 to $4 Million, and Moody had acknowledged the
effort; Moody was being conservative. Ald. Teresinski commented that the rating put the City
where 46% of the nation has AA2 or higher. Ald. Gallagher commented on the efforts of staff.
Mr. Espiritu further advised the Council that the City is one of few communities not depleting
their fund balances.
● Police Report on August and September Activities
Chief Lowery commented on data contained in Statistical Report (August 23rd to September 30th
2011/2013 Comparison) provided to Council. He reviewed the multiple categories contained in
the Report and expanded on the increases/decreases per category. He spoke on the increased
productivity with the co-policing with NIU Police.
2. APPROVAL OF MAYOR APPOINTMENTS
NONE.
3. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS
Ms. Kay Shelton, DeKalb, Illinois reminded all of the October 17th Candidate’s Night to be held
at City Hall, Council Chambers, at 6:30 p.m.
E. CONSENT AGENDA – OMNIBUS VOTE:
MOTION
Ald. Naylor moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried 7-0-
1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, Baker, Povlsen. Absent:
O’Leary. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
MOTION
Ald. Teresinski moved to approve the items on the Consent Agenda; seconded by Ald. Naylor.
Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor,
Baker, Povlsen. Absent: O’Leary. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
1. APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MINUTES:
Special Meeting: September 19, 2012
Committee of the Whole: September 24, 2012
Regular Meeting: September 24, 2012
Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2012
Page 3 of 5
2. RECEIVE AND FILE:
Engineering Report: September 2012
Received and filed in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote.
F. PURCHASES AND BID AWARDS:
NONE.
G. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
NONE.
H. OLD BUSINESS:
NONE.
I. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING:
1. ORDINANCE 12-62
APPROVING A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A TWO-TENANT BUILDING
WITH A RESTAURANT DRIVE-THROUGH FACILITY IN ONE-HALF OF
THE BUILDING ON PROPERTY ZONED “GC” GENERAL COMMERCIAL
AND LOCATED AT 1101 WEST LINCOLN HIGHWAY, DEKALB ILLINOIS.
Mayor Povlsen read Ordinance 12-62 by title only.
MOTION
Ald. Lash moved to postpone action on Ordinance 12-62; seconded by Ald. Jacobson. Motion
carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
2. ORDINANCE 12-77
AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF DEKALB,
ILLINOIS, CHAPTER 7, SECTION 7.19, RELATING TO WATER BILLING
AND TERMINATION OF WATER SERVICE FOR THE CITY OF DEKALB.
Mayor Povlsen read Ordinance 12-77 by title only.
MOTION
Ald. Gallagher moved to pass Ordinance 12-77; seconded by Ald. Teresinski. Motion carried 5-
2-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Gallagher, Naylor, Povlsen. Nay: Lash, Baker.
Absent: O’Leary. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
J. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING:
NONE.
K. RESOLUTIONS:
1. RESOLUTION 12-105
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE AND EXECUTE AN
AGREEMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF WHOLESALE ELECTRICITY FOR
WATER WELLS AND WATER TREATMENT PLANTS IN THE CITY OF
DEKALB, ILLINOIS.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2012
Page 4 of 5
Mayor Povlsen read Resolution 12-105 by title only.
MOTION
Ald. Naylor moved to pass Resolution 12-105; seconded by Ald. Gallagher. Motion carried 7-0-1
on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, Baker, Povlsen. Absent:
O’Leary. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
L. REPORTS – COMMUNICATIONS:
Ald. Gallagher reminded everyone about Homecoming activities. Ald. Naylor provided his
congratulations to Tom Cleveland for his recent Roger C. Marquardt Excellence in Aviation
Leadership Award. Ald. Teresinski reminded residents of leaf pick-up activities and to keep piles
out of the gutters. Ald. Lash advised of the October 18, 2012 Children’s Learning Center open
house event; and the October 14, 2012 3:00 p.m. Kishwaukee Community Band Concert at NIU.
Mr. Moore stated that leaf pick-up would be commencing on the 15th; that leaves were to be
raked to the curb, not in the curb; and that pick-up was currently scheduled to go through
November 2nd at this time.
M. RECESS FOR CLOSED SESSION:
1) APPROVAL OF A STAFF REQUEST TO HOLD A CLOSED SESSION TO
DISCUSS PERSONNEL AS PROVIDED FOR IN 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); PENDING
LITIGATION 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) AND WORKER’S COMPENSATION 5 ILCS
120/2(c)(12).
MOTION
Ald. Gallagher moved to approve staff’s request to hold a closed session to discuss Personnel as
provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); Pending Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11) and Worker’s
compensation 5 ILSC 120/2(c)(12).
Mayor Povlsen closed the meeting to the public at 8:19 p.m.
MOTION
Ald. Teresinski moved to reopen the Regular Meeting of October 8, 2012; seconded by Ald.
Gallagher. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
MOTION
Ald. Jacobson moved to amend the Regular Meeting Agenda of October 8, 2012 to include under
Item M., Closed Session, Security Procedures and the Use of Personnel as provided for in 5
ILCS 120/2(c)(8); seconded by Ald. Teresinski. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen
declared the motion passed.
MOTION
Ald. Jacobson moved to adjourn to Closed Session with the addition of Security Procedures and
the Use of Personnel as provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8); seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion
carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Teresinski, Lash, Gallagher, Naylor, Baker,
Povlsen. Absent: O’Leary. Mayor Povlsen declared the motion passed.
Mayor Povlsen closed the meeting to the public at 8:29 p.m.
Mayor Povlsen opened the meeting to the public at 8:40 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
October 8, 2012
Page 5 of 5
N. ADJOURNMENT:
Ald. Gallagher moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald. Naylor. Motion carried on voice
vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
TAMMEY M. HIGGINS, Deputy Clerk
Approved by City Council
November 13, 2012