City Council

MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DEKALB September 9, 2013 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, September 9, 2013 in the City Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Rey called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. A. ROLL CALL: City Clerk Peerboom called the roll and the following members of City Council were present: Alderman David Jacobson, Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Kristen Lash, Alderman Bob Snow, Alderman Ronald Naylor, Alderman David Baker, Alderman Monica O’Leary and Mayor John Rey. Also present were: Rudy Espiritu, Interim 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; Liz Peerboom, City Clerk and Diane Wright, Deputy City Clerk. Mayor Rey announced that the requestor asked that Item C.1 be removed from the Agenda. B. ITEMS ALSO ON THE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA 1) CONSIDERATION OF ORDINANCE 13-56 AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS, CHAPTER 55, “HOTELS AND MOTELS.” Mr. Espiritu stated that the State previously performed inspections on hotels, but no longer conducts them. The City has since addressed this. Mr. Frieders noted that other cities have some form of annual inspections of hotels. In that there Staff has been made aware of issues that would warrant an inspection process and is proposing a licensing program which includes inspection of the rooms. He noted that last week a meeting was held with all DeKalb hotels and the hotels acknowledged the importance of an inspection program although the fees were an issue. He added that current personnel would be used and the preliminary inspections could be completed in sixty (60) days or less in order to address any concerns in advance of the IHSA championships. Mr. Frieders explained the inspection program to Council. Which involves an annual license fee that includes inspection of the entire premises, he said. Glen Ellyn is considering a similar inspection program and they are estimating approximately $3,000 for a Committee of the Whole Meeting September 9, 2013 Page 2 of 3 100+ room hotel. DeKalb would use off-duty Firefighters for the inspections, he said. Our fees would amount to less than $20 per room, he said. Updates were distributed to Council and Mr. Frieders enumerated them. Staff had originally contemplated inspections in July and August; now the inspections are proposed to occur in April or May. Additionally, staff is proposing that hotels would be exempt from a Fire Life Safety license. Also, he said, other communities have health and sanitation standards; standards have been added to the ordinance regarding mattresses, etc. and addressing the number of appliances. The recommendation also includes that the City could adopt detailed further health and safety standards, as needed. This ordinance has been addressed with the Convention and Visitors Bureau, hotel owners, IHSA representatives, and DARA, he said. Ald. Naylor inquired when a long term rental becomes a rental property. Mr. Frieders replied that some cities are not allowing long term rentals; Staff is not changing anything in this aspect. He emphasized that staff is not attempting to modify the manner in which hotels do business. Under the City’s existing Codes, however, longer term stays could be subject to the City’s existing regulations, he said. Ald. Snow stated he is hesitant to begin inspections immediately in that inspection standards are not defined at this point, although this is a good ordinance to build on, he added. Additionally, he said, he is concerned with the proposed fee schedule. He noted that motels pay 7% hotel tax to the City which generates thousands of dollars of revenue to the City. Finally, he said, he is in favor of the ordinance, but would suggest refining it over the next month. Ald. Lash inquired if standards are set forth in the ordinance. Mr. Espiritu replied minimum standards are addressed. Mr. Frieders added that the inspection process covers the bulk of the hotel with specific attention regarding room cleaning, records of cleaning, insuring tenants are moved periodically, functional utilities in the rooms and some behavioral-oriented standards. Also, he said, a significant bulk of the applicable standards would be covered by existing plumbing electrical and fire standards currently in place. Our Fire personnel are already trained in those codes. At this point we are not anticipating enumerating additional standards to what we already have in place. Ald. Lash asked if there will be scheduled or “surprise” inspections. Mr. Frieders replied that the visits may be made to the property during the year. In the event there is a complaint, there would be a mandatory inspection. If the complaint is not well-founded, there would not be a charge for the inspection. He said The City does not currently have a policy in place to inspect premises if a complaint is received, he said. Mr. Espiritu added that the intent is not to do surprise inspections but to have minimum standards. Ald. Lash suggested that information be posted in the hotel rooms so that complaints could be directed to the City, if necessary. Also, she said, she is hesitant to have additional requirements in place without the advice and consent of Council. Ald. Finucane suggested there be a standard cost for the common areas and standard costs for rooms. Ald. Baker stated if the room is rented for thirty (30) or more days, it could fall under the Rooming House licensing. He added he is in favor of moving forward with the licensing but the fee schedule may need more work. Mr. Frieders noted that many of the City’s current inspection programs do not offset staff time. Staff looked at the length of a reasonable inspection and  Committee of the Whole Meeting September 9, 2013 Page 3 of 3 figured our hourly cost and that is how the fees were developed. Mr. Espiritu added that the fees were structured in order to keep the revenue neutral. Should Council decide to lower the fees, the General Fund would be impacted, he said. Mr. Frieders stated that an annual license fee of $100 was discussed along with charging for actual staff time. It was determined this would be more complicated and possibly more costly for the hotels. Ald. Snow inquired if any citations have been issued to hotels for violations in the last year. Mr. Frieders replied that he is not aware of any citations being issued, however, he added, he is aware of a number of violations being reported. Staff wanted to bring this item before Council before pursuing code violations, he said. Ald. Snow stated he would like to see violations being addressed, and address them as they occur, not once a year. Ald. Naylor asked that Council be notified of any changes to procedures when they occur. He stated that he supports Staff’s fee structure recommendation. He agreed with the utilization of off-duty firefighters which could be incorporated as part of their responsibilities. Mr. Espiritu stated we are still below staffing levels. He added that the firefighters could be called off inspections for emergencies. Mr. Frieders replied that could be added along with notices posted on the rooms of the hotels as previously requested. Mr. Espiritu advised that this item is also on the regular Agenda and the hotel owners will be able to address Council at that meeting. C. CONSIDERATIONS 1) REQUEST FROM MANNING FORD REGARDING SALES TAX REBATE FOR EXPANSION PURPOSES. Removed from Agenda. 2) APPROVAL TO HOLD A CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL AS PROVIDED FOR IN 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); COLLECTIVE BARGAINING 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2); SALE OF REAL PROPERTY 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6); PENDING LITIGATION 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). Not acted on in this meeting. D. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION Ald. Lash moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald. Finucane Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the meeting adjourned at 5:53 p.m. Passed by the City Council: September 23, 2013 ______________________________________ DIANE K. WRIGHT, Deputy City Clerk  MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DEKALB September 9, 2013 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a regular meeting on Monday, September 9, 2013 in the Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Rey called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. A. ROLL CALL: City Clerk Peerboom called the roll and the following members of City Council were present: Mayor John Rey, Alderman David Jacobson, Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Kristen Lash, Alderman Bob Snow, Alderman Ronald Naylor, Alderman David Baker and Alderman Monica O’Leary. Also present were: Rudy Espiritu, Interim 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; Liz Peerboom, City Clerk and Diane Wright, Deputy City Clerk. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Ald. Jacobson led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – ADDITIONS/DELETIONS Mayor Rey stated that the School District did not wish to pursue Item H.2, Ordinance 13-52 and requested that it be removed from the Agenda. MOTION Ald. Finucane moved to approve the Agenda as modified; seconded by Ald. O’Leary. Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. D. SPECIAL ITEMS OR PRESENTATIONS & CITIZEN’S COMMENTS 1. Special Items  Presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation from the Environmental Commission to Bill Finucane.  Mr. William Oleckno of the Environmental Commission presented the certificate to Ald. Finucane who served as the Chair of the Environmental Commission from 2008 to 2013.  Fourth Quarter Financial Report – Laura Pisarcik. Ms. Pisarcik stated this is an unaudited report. This FY looks to end at $500,000 surplus. She Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2013 Page 2 of 9 provided a recap of expenses and revenues for the period. 2. Approval of Mayor Appointments NONE. 3. Citizens’ Comments E. CONSENT AGENDA – OMNIBUS VOTE Ald. Lash asked that her name be corrected in the Regular Meeting Minutes of August 26th. MOTION Ald. Snow moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Ald. Finucane. Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. MOTION Ald. Naylor moved to approve the Consent Agenda listings; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. 1. Approval of City Council Minutes: Regular Meeting: August 26, 2013 2. Receive and File: DeKalb Public Library Annual Report (submitted to City on August 21) Human Relations Commission Minutes: April 2, 2013 Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 3. RESOLUTION 13- 78 ADOPTING THE 2013 DEKALB COUNTY ALL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN. Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 4. APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND PURCHASE ONE (1) FORD EXPLORER FROM BRAD MANNING FORD FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,098.10. Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 5. APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION TO WAIVE COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND LEASE TWO LIVESCAN MACHINES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THREE YEARS IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,963.12 EACH. Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote.  Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2013 Page 3 of 9 6. APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD A BID FOR BUS LIFTS IN THE VAC MAINTENANCE FACILITY TO USA LIFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,945.09. Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 7. APPROVE STAFF’S RECOMMENDATION TO AWARD A BID FOR PAVEMENT CONDITION ASSESSMENT OF DSATS AREA STREETS TO INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (IMS) IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,150. Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. F. PURCHASE AND BID AWARDS NONE. G. PUBLIC HEARINGS NONE. H. OLD BUSINESS 1. RECONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION 13-35 PASSED JUNE 10, 2013 AUTHORIZING CONDITIONAL APPROVAL OF A BODY ART ESTABLISHMENT LICENSE FOR DEKALB TATTOO COMPANY, 817 W. LINCOLN HIGHWAY #A. Mayor Rey read Resolution 13-35 by title only. Mr. Frieders advised Council that in May 2013 the City received an application for a body art establishment at University City. At the time of app, Staff presented information that was available. Since that time Staff has learned that the applicant intends to use a portion of the building as massage area when it is not used for body art. The site plan that was proposed was presented to be used completely for body art, he said and Council conditionally approved the license dependent on the applicant providing insurance and his state license. Staff has not issued license at this time. Since we learned of this change in operation, it would require modification to site plan, and Staff was not certain if Council had other issues to address. Under the ordinance Council can impose other regulations, he added. Additionally, the spouse would be performing massages and is licensed in another state and has applied to the State of Illinois for a license. Ald. Lash stated she does not have an issue with the massage being added as long as sanitary conditions are met; can see where the two go together. Ald. Snow asked if there is a dedicated room and sink. Ald. Baker asked if Council imposed a maximum number of body art businesses in DeKalb. Mr. Espiritu replied that the ordinance allowed two in the Central Business District with at least 500’ between each other. There is no maximum number of actual licenses in the City, but only two in the downtown area. Mr. Nick Misitano, the applicant stated the room size is 12x11. He added that the room is designed for piercing, but piercing will not be conducted when there is massage. He added there would be no interaction between the two. He expressed apologies for not informing Council of the massage plans and stated he overlooked this aspect when applying for the license. He stated his Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2013 Page 4 of 9 wife would not do any massages until she gets her Illinois license. Mr. Frieders stated that all other requirements are in place and Staff could issue the license if Council approves. Council concurred to allow the massage aspect with the body art business and directed Staff to issue the license for body art and ask Mr. Misitano to add the massage aspect to the site plan and provide the State license. 2. ORDINANCE 13-52 AMENDING CHAPTER 52 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS, “OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE - SAFETY AND MORALS,” BY ADDING SECTION 52.92, “TRUANCY.” Item removed from Agenda. I. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING 1. ORDINANCE 13-53 APPROVING A REZONING AMENDMENT TO THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT COMMERCIAL “PD-C’ DISTRICT FOR A QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANT WITH A DRIVE THROUGH FACILITY AND APPROVE A FINAL COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN ILLUSTRATING THE DRIVE THROUGH LOCATION ON PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2476 SYCAMORE ROAD. Mayor Rey read Ordinance by title only. Mr. Espiritu advised Council that the petitioner asked that this item be moved to the September 23rd meeting. MOTION Ald. Lash moved to continue Ordinance 13-53 to the September 23rd Council meeting; seconded by Ald. Naylor. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. J. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING 1. ORDINANCE 13-56 AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS REGARDING HOTELS. Mayor Rey read Ordinance 13-56 by title only. Ms. Vicky Torres of the Best Western stated she realizes the urgency of getting ready for IHSA. However, she said there needs to be more investigation in the process and added that other cities do not charge for inspections. She stated she be willing to put together inspection forms. Best Western gets inspected twice a year, she said. Also, she said, the fees are too high, and added that having inspections once a year is not enough, perhaps twice a year or quarterly. Ms. Patel of the DeKalb Hotel stated they have no problem with inspections but the fees are too high. She stated they give towels daily and change sheets once a week. Also, she said, she pays $300 now for boiler inspection by the state. Mr. Frieders stated that is not charged by the City. Mr. Frieders stated that Staff requests Council accept the redlined revision outlined in the memo and ordinance distributed and include notice on door (Section 55.09g) and requiring notice given to Council on sanitation standards (Section 55.09f).  Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2013 Page 5 of 9 MOTION Ald. Naylor moved to amend Ordinance 13-56 and receive and file it with those conditions; seconded by Ald. Lash. Ald. Lash stated she supports the ordinance amendments but does not believe Council should waive second reading. Additionally, she suggested that the fee schedule be reviewed. MOTION TO AMEND Ald. Snow moved to amend Ordinance 13-56 to include that the fee be 50% of the total cost for this first year of the ordinance (eight months) for the initial inspection, and any reinspection would be at the full fee, and that the money be distributed from the General Fund, not the Fire Department budget. Ald. Lash seconded the Motion to Amend. Ald. Baker suggested creating a special account for the funds. Mr. Espiritu advised that the financial software has the capability to track these funds separately. Ald. Baker repeated he wanted a separate fund. VOTE ON MOTION TO AMEND Motion carried 7-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Nay: Naylor. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. VOTE ON RECEIVE AND FILE Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. MOTION Ald. Baker moved to waive second reading of Ordinance 13-56; seconded by Ald. Finucane. Motion failed 4-4 on roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Naylor, Baker, Rey. Nay: Jacobson, Lash, Snow, O’Leary. Mayor Rey declared the motion defeated. 2. ORDINANCE 13-55 AMENDING ORDINANCE 13-31 APPROVING THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS FY 2014 BUDGET AND ORDINANCE AND 13-32 APPROVING THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS FY 2014-FY 2018 STAFFING PLAN FOR PART-TIME PROPERTY INSPECTORS. Mayor Rey read Ordinance 13-55 by title only. Will Heinisch, President of DeKalb Area Rental Association addressed the placement of part time inspectors and code watch. The community believes the number 1 focus of the Police Department should be on reducing crime. He noted that code inspection should be a civil function, not a criminal function and those should be kept separate. Spoke about code watch and inspections. He pointed out Chapter 13 which addresses sidewalk inspections of the exterior and visible exterior common areas of all residential properties, including rental and owner-occupied properties. This was never addressed by the Task Force, Mr. Heinisch said. Instead of inspecting the whole City, code watch empowers the people, he said. Inspectors can focus on code issues and Police can focus on crime, he said. Inspection part should be dropped from the crime-free title, he added, and the program should be promoted as officer-friendly Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2013 Page 6 of 9 approach rather than heavy-handed approach. Program can be used as relation-building tool and gain trust and cooperation between Council, staff, residents and the whole City, he said. Mr. Espiritu recapped the program thus far: Crime free has opened up over 200 cases with 35 convictions. Domestic battery and disorderly houses are the main issues, he said. Approximately 9,000 rentals are in the City, he said with 87% compliance. The workbook for landlord training is completed; Staff is working on power point presentation for class. Classes will be scheduled at a minimum of one per month. He noted that supervision of inspectors seems to be main issue with DARA. He stated that the hiring process for the inspectors did not begin until the budget was adopted by Council. The focus of the inspectors will be some of problem properties. Staff has considered utilizing off-duty firefighters as an option. He stated he recommends moving forward with the way it was established by Council and after one year in the program, Council will be given a progress report. When we discussed this with other municipalities in the state, it was determined that some place the program in code, some in fire, and some in police. It is dependent on the community you are in. He added that Staff does not know what will work until we actually get moving on it. Ald. Lash stated she sees both sides but would lean toward leaving it as is to allow it an opportunity to work. She added that she does not think keeping it in the Police Department takes any focus from what they are doing, and keeping it under one department allows all functions to happen in one place; makes it easier to track problems, recognize and deal with repeat offenders, maintain relationships with landlords and tenants. There are compelling arguments for keeping it the way it is. The time to change it is at budget time, she said. Ald. Naylor stated he generally concurs with Mr. Espiritu – to go forth with the way it is currently set up. When this was discussed in October 2012, all this was discussed, the bottom line was to keep it centralized under one boss, he said. He added he respects the input from DARA; code watch is great idea; and would support it as supplement to iwatch. Council has debated this at various meetings. These inspectors will be inspecting code issues, not dealing with criminals. He urged Council to accept the program as it is and give it a chance. Ald. Baker agreed with Ald. Lash that budget is the time to discuss this and also agreed with Ald. Naylor. However, he added, this “is Biernacki’s plan;” not the Council’s plan and he does not want to saddle this Council with Mark Biernacki’s plan. The task force has been ignored. This new idea of off-duty Firefighters is an excellent idea and they will be doing the work as needed. Previously, he said, he was in favor of $15/hour employees but not now. He added he does not believe we can do this with the community feeling uncomfortable with this. It is up to Code to have a checks and balances. He stated that five people should be able to pass this but because Biernacki did this we need six to change it. Why fight it, we will change it in May, he stated. Ald. Jacobson stated these are people enforcing City code – not enforcing criminal violations. We have a department for this that is set up to handle this. Do not want any other department handling other’s issues. Enforcing the City code is the code enforcement’s responsibility. Ald. Naylor stated the job description would probably be no different than code enforcement official, not as a police officer. Regarding Ald. Baker’s comments about Mr. Biernacki’s plan, this plan was approved by City Council, and was approved piece by piece. The original ordinance passed on a 6-1-1 vote. I look at this as a process to tear apart two to three years of work to address property maintenance issues.  Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2013 Page 7 of 9 Ald. O’Leary stated she would like to see the code enforcement built up. I am constantly seeing properties gone to waste and no one to enforce it. She asked why we can’t put these three part timers in code to enforce the issues now. Mayor Rey stated that the three part time inspectors would be dedicated to sidewalk inspection of housing. Ald. O’Leary stated we still need people in code. Mr. Espiritu replied that is a bigger discussion; we will need a lot more than three part time inspectors. Ald. Lash stated that code enforcement is already under-staffed. If we put these inspectors in Code Enforcement, will this ordinance be their main job or used in other places? Ald. Jacobson stated their job description will be to enforce the Code under property maintenance He asked what the current inspectors are doing. Mr. Espiritu replied that their primary focus is new building, new construction. They use some of their time towards property maintenance, but it is reactionary. Their primary focus is buildings. Ald. Jacobson said the issue is that they are under-staffed to focus on property maintenance. Mayor Rey stated it is more than crime free – it is safe quality and crime free housing. My view is there are four charges to that bureau. Ald. Naylor stated that Council is losing the understanding of the whole program. The initial thrust was we did not know what was out there. That was what the sidewalk inspections were to accomplish. It was decided to keep it in one area. Ald. Baker stated he is uncomfortable with three part-time employees and asked who is keeping track of them and what are they up to? He added that he will never trust $15 an hour employees with this, but is comfortable with adding as many Firefighters as needed. He urged Council not to hire part timers, but use the budget as needed for Firefighters. MOTION AMEND Ald. Baker moved to amend Ordinance 13-55 to eliminate the use of part time inspectors at $15 an hour and use the money towards as needed off duty Firefighters to perform inspections; seconded by Ald. Jacobson. Ald. Naylor stated this is too expensive. He asked the cost of the Firefighters. Chief Hicks replied $38-$43 per hour. Mr. Espiritu stated he was obligated to advise Council there is additional cost; this would be higher to utilize the Firefighters. Staff budgeted $61,000 for the part time inspectors. If Council directs Staff to utilize Firefighters, it would be double the cost and impact the General Fund. Ald. Baker stated he is sure all the money would not be used and added we have lots of money to play with. Mr. Espiritu stated that the $150,000 put in the last budget was to help create the program – that money was moved into the Crime-free inspection program. There is not an extra $150,000. We budgeted $227,000 for this program specifically. There would be an additional cost for the Firefighters. Ald. Lash stated she takes offense at Ald. Baker’s remarks that he doesn’t trust part time $15 an hour employees to handle this job. How many we have now taking care of just as important jobs right now, she asked. We (Council) are paid far less than $15 an hour. Then we wonder why people don’t trust us up here, she added. Ald. Baker stated he doesn’t think a landlord would trust a part timer who could turn over every few months. The Firefighters will be there year after year. Ald. Lash stated if they are under one supervisor it gives them a chance to form relationships. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2013 Page 8 of 9 VOTE MOTION TO AMEND Motion failed 2-6 on roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Baker. Nay: Jacobson, Lash, Snow, Naylor, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion defeated. MOTION Ald. Jacobson moved to receive and file Ordinance 13-55; seconded by Ald. Baker. Motion failed 3-5. Aye: Jacobson, Baker, O’Leary. Nay: Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion defeated. Ald. Baker suggested that the vehicles have GPS installed to track them. K. RESOLUTIONS NONE. L. REPORTS – COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Rey announced that the Castle Challenge this Friday at Huskie Stadium. Ald. Finucane will represent Council. Mayor Rey stated he is traveling to Moscow, Idaho with a contingency of NIU President Baker to tour some university projects there. The following week, he said, he and Ald. Jacobson will be in Washington DC attending various committee meetings. Last Friday President Baker convened leadership summit Mayor Rey attended. Students and Staff met to discuss diversity issue. Last Sat Council and Department Heads attended effective governance workshop. We will further discuss it at COW meeting, he said. Ald. Jacobson stated that many Council Members have switched to digital. There are some aldermen who are still getting paper agendas printed. He offered to help anyone who needed assistance and asked Council to reduce the cost of paper agendas use digital devices at the next meeting. Ald. Lash stated she has heard nothing but good things about Cornfest this year. She announced that a chamber music concert will be held on Sunday at Westminster Church featuring Victoria Young, pianist who will be doing Bach concerto. Also, she said, she has moved and has a new phone number which is listed on the website. Ald. Naylor congratulated Ald. Finucane on his term on the environmental commission. Additionally, he congratulated police officers who received commendations from Chief. One week from tomorrow Oktoberfest will be held at the Airport. He asked staff for an update on the study of City Hall renovation. Ald. Baker stated there is a football game this Saturday between Sycamore High and DeKalb High School. Mr. Espiritu stated that the plan was in October to go electronic. The City Hall project will be brought back at the next COW meeting. Mr. Frieders stated he previously advised our ordinance on synthetic drugs is being used nationwide. They have asked if he would join their national conference in October – they are talking about expanding it nationwide. Chief Lowery stated that on September 11 officers will serve dinners at Feed ‘em Soup as a fund  Regular City Council Meeting Minutes September 9, 2013 Page 9 of 9 raiser. Chief Hicks announced a program is scheduled on September 11th for Patriots Day at Fire Station 1. Mr. Moore announced that next Monday toters will be rolled out for refuse and recycle which will take two weeks. Residents will have an opportunity to change size of toter after the rollout. He encouraged all to use the largest size possible; difference in footprint is quite modest. Mr. Maurer reported that First Street construction will be complete September 13th. Ms. Pisarcik stated that utility billing is online now. Mayor Rey stated he felt moved to express personally and believe it is the opinion of the majority of Council’s high level of trust of City employees – both full time and part time in the execution of their work. Ald. Baker agreed with the comment regarding current employees. M. RECESS FOR CLOSED SESSION 1. APPROVAL TO HOLD A CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL AS PROVIDED FOR IN 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); COLLECTIVE BARGAINING 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2); SALE OF REAL PROPERTY 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6) AND PENDING LITIGATION 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). MOTION Ald. Jacobson moved to approve request to hold closed session to discuss Personnel as provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); Collective Bargaining 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2); Sale of Real Property 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6) and Pending Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11); seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. Mayor Rey closed the meeting to the public at 8:11 pm. Mayor Rey opened the meeting to the public at 9:00 pm. N. ADJOURNMENT Ald. Lash moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald. O’Leary. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm. N. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Ald. Naylor moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald. Finucane. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Passed by the City Council: __________________________________ September 23, 2013 DIANE K. WRIGHT, Deputy City Clerk