City Council

MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DEKALB January 13, 2014 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, January 13, 2014 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 Monica O’Leary and Mayor John Rey. Absent were Alderman Ron Naylor and Alderman David Baker. 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; Michelle Anderson, Human Resources Director; Laura Pisarcik, Finance/Purchasing Director; Jennifer Diedrich, Economic Development Coordinator; Jamie Smirz, Community Services Planner; Jeff Birtell, I&T Technician; Liz Peerboom, City Clerk; and Diane Wright, Deputy City Clerk. Mayor Rey stated Ald. Naylor may be able to attend the Regular Meeting; Ald. Baker would not be at either meeting. B. ITEMS ALSO ON THE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA: None. C. CONSIDERATIONS: 1) CONSIDERATION OF CITY HALL RENOVATION. Mr. Moore advised Council Staff had investigated a tornado shelter for citizens at Council’s direction and stated that Barb City Manor management was open to exploring the option of utilizing that facility as a shelter. In that the Police Station does not have the area for a warming shelter, Staff is continuing to locate other facilities; possibly with some of the human services agencies. He stated that the Council Chambers could possibly be used as a warming shelter with a Public Works employee staffing it. Committee of the Whole Meeting January 13, 2014 Page 2 of 3 Mr. Moore next discussed the renovation of City Hall. The primary issue is where to place the Council Chambers, he said. Options are to keep it where it is, move it to the first floor or across the street to the Annex building. It would cost approximately $1.1 million to move Chambers to the first floor, he said. However, he added, the ceilings are lower and the HVAC system would not be able to maintain coolness in the summer. Moving Chambers to the Annex Building would cost approximately $500,000-$900,000, he said. Ald. Snow suggested putting an addition on to this building because of the problems mentioned with the first floor. Mr. Moore estimated this could cost $1-$1.5 million. Mr. Frieders stated if the expansion is to be considered by Council, it would require converting another area of the City for commercial development. Ald. Lash stated the concern should be to make the building more accessible. She added there are security concerns with Court remaining on the second floor. Ald. Jacobson asked what the total square footage is required for all Staff to be located in one building. Mr. Moore replied he does not have that figure, but there is 11,000 square foot per floor currently. Ald. Jacobson stated this building does not make sense to keep and the Annex building makes more sense. However, he added, the firing range is in this building and there is not enough parking at the Annex. Also, he suggested partnering with other agencies and looking at other buildings for Staff. Ald. O’Leary suggested building a new facility; Mr. Moore replied we would not be able to use TIF funds if Council decided to build. Mr. Espiritu stated TIF funding is available for the current City building and Annex building. Mr. Moore stated that the Annex building is not sufficient to move Council Chambers and all existing City staff. Ald. O’Leary stated she would prefer Council Chambers moved to the first floor for security reasons. Ald. Jacobson reiterated that it does not make sense to put millions of dollars into this building. Mr. Moore replied that there is $5.5 million set aside for renovation. Ald. Jacobson suggested having a developer develop property using TIF funds for a City Hall. Ald. Lash said she does not agree with partnering with a developer. Further, she said, she is leaning toward moving Council Chambers to the first floor. Ald. Snow stated he would prefer renovating this building. Mayor Rey stated he had a conversation with Ald. Naylor who suggested having a committee comprised of Council Members and Staff to determine spacing options and requirements. Mayor Rey asked if Council would consider placing two Council Members, a Finance Advisory Committee Member and Staff to form a committee. Council concurred. Mr. Espiritu stated there appears to be consensus to vacate the Annex building, move Council Chambers to the first floor and renovate this building. Mayor Rey stated he is concerned about public accessibility of the building. Mr. Moore asked that the first function of the committee be to work with a professional services contractor. It was determined that Ald. Finucane and Ald. Naylor work with a member of the Finance Advisory Committee and Staff to identify needs for City Hall. Mayor Rey stated Ms. Gaura will be on board as City Manager and he would like her input in this regard. 2) CONSIDERATION OF CDBG ANNUAL ACTION PLAN (ONE YEAR USE OF FUNDS) FOR PROGRAM YEAR 21 (APRIL 1, 2014 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2015).  Committee of the Whole Meeting January 13, 2013 Page 3 of 3 Ms. Smirz stated the City will continue many of the programs as has been in the past. A Public Hearing will be held at the January 27th meeting, she said with a resolution for Council consideration. 3) 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); AND PENDING LITIGATION 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). MOTION Ald. O’Leary moved to approve a request 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); and Pending Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11); seconded by Ald. Finucane. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. Mayor Rey closed the meeting to the public at 5:54 p.m. Mayor Rey opened the meeting to the public at 6:11 p.m. D. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION Ald. Finucane moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the meeting adjourned at 6:11 p.m. ______________________________________ DIANE K. WRIGHT, Deputy City Clerk Approved by City Council February 10, 2014  MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DEKALB January 13, 2014 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a regular meeting on Monday, January 13, 2014 in the Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Rey called the meeting to order at 6:15 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, and Alderman Monica O’Leary. Absent were Alderman Ronald Naylor and Alderman David Baker. 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; Jennifer Diedrich, Economic Development Coordinator; Jeff Birtell, I&T Technician; Liz Peerboom, City Clerk; and Diane Wright, Deputy City Clerk. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Ald. Snow led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – ADDITIONS/DELETIONS: Ald. Snow moved to approve the Agenda; seconded by Ald. O’Leary. Motion carried 6-0-2 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, O’Leary, Rey. Absent: Naylor, Baker. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. D. SPECIAL ITEMS OR PRESENTATIONS & CITIZEN’S COMMENTS: 1. Special Items  Family Services Agency (Diana King/David Miller) – Human Services Funding Update Ms. King provided a summary of services provided and thanked Council for their continued support.  Illuminate DeKalb video – Jennifer Diedrich Ms. Diedrich stated that Bart Woodstrup’s NIU students held an art show on December 5, 2013 and presented a video. Mayor Rey stated this is the second year the students have displayed visual art in the downtown area and he expects it will expand next year. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 2 of 4  Auditors’ Report FY 2013 Ms. Pisarcik introduced Ms. Jamie Wilke of the firm Lauterbach and Amen who reviewed the audit. 2. Approval of Mayor Appointments  Appointment of Clark Neher to City Center Project Management Team MOTION Ald. Lash moved to approve the appointment of Clark Neher to the City Center Project Management Team; seconded by Ald. Snow. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. 3. Citizens’ Comments NONE. E. CONSENT AGENDA – OMNIBUS VOTE: MOTION Ald. Lash moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Ald. Finucane. Motion carried 6-0- 2 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, O’Leary, Rey. Absent: Naylor, Baker. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. . MOTION Ald. Lash moved to approve the listings on the Consent Agenda; seconded by Ald. Finucane. Motion carried 6-0-2 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, O’Leary, Rey. Absent: Naylor, Baker. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. 1. Approval of City Council Minutes: Special Meeting: September 7, 2013 Committee of the Whole: December 9, 2013 Regular Meeting: December 9, 2013 Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 2. Receive and File: Airport Advisory Committee Minutes: October 15, 2013 Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission Minutes: October 21, 2013 Environmental Commission Minutes: November 7, 2013 November 2013 Investment and Bank Balance Summary November 2013 Check Register Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. F. PURCHASE AND BID AWARDS: NONE. G. PUBLIC HEARINGS: NONE.  Regular City Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 3 of 4 H. OLD BUSINESS: NONE. I. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING: NONE. J. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING: 1. ORDINANCE 14-01 AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS CHAPTER 52, “OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE – SAFETY AND MORALS,” SECTION 52.10, FIRE ARMS AND AIR GUNS, SECTION 52.400, POSSESSION OF CANNABIS, SECTION 52.410, POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. Mayor Rey read Ordinance 14-01 by title only. Mr. Frieders stated the City is compelled to follow what the State has adopted regarding possession of cannabis, drug paraphernalia and concealed fire arms. He listed the amendments to the ordinance. He stated it is important to recognize that the State of Illinois has not legalized marijuana; there are very strict rules in place for purchasing medical marijuana. Training will be conducted with the Police Department so that Staff is up to date on the requirements. Ald. Lash asked about limitations dispensing marijuana and advertising. Mr. Frieders replied this ordinance does not address dispensing. He added he can bring zoning information to Council, but doubts the City can regulate print advertising. Ald. Finucane asked for information on what the State statute will allow. MOTION Ald. Finucane moved to receive and file Ordinance 14-01; seconded by Ald. Jacobson. Motion carried 6-0-2 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, O’Leary, Rey. Absent: Naylor, Baker. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. MOTION Ald. Jacobson moved to waive second reading of Ordinance 14-01; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried 6-0-2 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, O’Leary, Rey. Absent: Naylor, Baker. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. MOTION Ald. Jacobson moved to pass Ordinance 14-01; seconded by Ald. O’Leary. Motion carried 6-0-2 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, O’Leary, Rey. Absent: Naylor, Baker. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. 2. ORDINANCE 14-02 AMENDING THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS CHAPTER 3, “CITY ADMINISTRATION,” REGARDING VARIOUS SECTIONS. Mayor Rey read Ordinance 14-02 by title only. MOTION Ald. Lash moved to receive and file Ordinance 14-02; seconded by Ald. O’Leary. Motion carried Regular City Council Meeting Minutes January 13, 2014 Page 4 of 4 6-0-2 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, O’Leary, Rey. Absent: Naylor, Baker. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. MOTION Ald. Finucane moved to waive second reading of Ordinance 14-02; seconded by Ald. O’Leary. Motion carried 6-0-2 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, O’Leary, Rey. Absent: Naylor, Baker. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. MOTION Ald. Finucane moved to pass Ordinance 14-02; seconded by Ald. O’Leary. Motion carried 6-0-2 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, O’Leary, Rey. Absent: Naylor, Baker. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. K. RESOLUTIONS: NONE. L. REPORTS – COMMUNICATIONS: Ald. Jacobson thanked Public Works Staff for their efforts plowing the streets. Mr. Moore advised the City received some salt today and would receive more tomorrow. The remaining Council Members thanked Public Works for their efforts in plowing the snow. Ald. Lash reminded citizens to shovel their sidewalks. Mr. Espiritu also thanked emergency personnel, particularly Public Works for their efforts. He also thanked staff for investigating a warming shelter. Additionally, he said, there was a great event at the Library today announcing the Library expansion with Secretary of State Jesse White, and Rep Pritchard attending. Ald. Finucane thanked Mr. Espiritu for his efforts as Interim City Manager the last six months. Chief Hicks asked all to refresh themselves where their water shutoffs are located. Mr. Moore thanked Council for their recognition to staff. Also, he asked Council to forward concerns regarding sidewalks not being cleared to him. 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); AND PENDING LITIGATION 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). Not acted on in this meeting. N. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION Ald. Finucane moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald. Lash. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m. ___________________________________ DIANE K. WRIGHT, Deputy City Clerk Approved by City Council February 10, 2014