City Council

MINUTES COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DEKALB April 14, 2014 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, April 14, 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: Mayor John Rey, Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Kristen Lash, Alderman Bob Snow, and Alderman Ronald Naylor, Alderman David Jacobson, Alderman David Baker, and Alderman Monica O’Leary. Also present were: Anne Marie Gaura, City Manager; Rudy Espiritu, Assistant City Manager; Dean Frieders, City Attorney; Gene Lowery, Police Chief; Eric Hicks, Fire Chief; John Laskowski Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer; Derek Hiland, Principal Planner; Jeff Birtell, I&T Technician; Liz Peerboom, City Clerk, Diane Wright, Deputy City Clerk; and Ruth Scott, Deputy City Clerk. B. ITEMS ALSO ON THE REGULAR MEETING AGENDA None C. Considerations 1) Police Department Annual Report Chief Lowery presented the Police Department’s Annual Report to Council. He covered multiple achievements by the Police Department over the last year, including the reorganization of the Police Department, the Police Department’s move to their new headquarters, the Crime Free Housing Bureau, the Resident Officer Program. The Chief also presented a brief overview of calls for service in 2013, and listed the numerous community awards the Police Department has received in the last year, including the Target Corporation’s National Night Out Award of Excellence, the DeKalb County Partnership for a Substance Abuse Free Environment’s Award of Excellence, and the Safe Passage Award for Commendable Service to our Community. Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes April 14, 2014 Page 2 of 3 In closing, Chief Lowery thanked the Mayor, City Council, and community for their continued support. Mayor Rey complimented Chief Lowery on his leadership for an efficient team and the effective results from that team. 2) Crime-Free Housing Annual Report The Crime-Free Housing Annual Report was presented by Carl Leoni, Crime-Free Housing & Inspection Coordinator. Mr. Leoni explained that the Crime-Free Housing Bureau actively partners with the Police Department, landlords, property managers, and tenants of the City of DeKalb. The goal of the bureau is to reduce crime in rental properties, improve communication and trust between the City, landlords, and tenants, and enhance the quality of life for all. Mr. Leoni reported that landlords have responded well to the Crime-Free Housing Bureau. Training has gone well with landlords who are being receptive to training, and offering the bureau positive feedback. Mr. Leoni provided a slide show of properties that have been brought up to Code along with properties that continue to be a problem throughout the City. In closing, Mr. Leoni listed future projects for the Crime-Free Housing Bureau that will include on-line registration, improving the website, enhancing communication, improving tracking methods, and enforcement measures. Mayor Rey thanked Mr. Leoni for his report and stated that he was receiving a lot of positive feedback from the community on this program. Mr. Rey further stated that other college communities are looking at DeKalb’s efforts to address housing issues. Alderman Jacobson asked what the actual number is for rental properties in DeKalb. Mr. Leoni responded that a housing study listed 8,894 dwelling units and noted that rooming houses are not included in the study. Alderman Jacobson asked how many hours a week inspectors are working. Mr. Leoni responded approximately 60 hours is allocated between the inspectors. Alderman Jacobson questioned the process, stating it was slow and inquired how all the units could be inspected. Mr. Leoni responded there is a learning curve and as the inspectors gain experience, they’ll become more efficient. Mr. Leoni further explained that every two hours spent inspecting properties create three hours of paperwork. The bureau’s goal is to inspect all properties within the next three years, he said. Alderman Jacobson asked how the bureau is making sure law enforcement efforts are not being duplicated. Mr. Leoni responded that he and Lou Larson, Building Supervisor, are in contact daily. Alderman Jacobson stated his concern that the City is going to bankrupt owners due to all the violations and repairs needed, and that empty buildings don’t help the neighborhoods. Chief Lowery stated there’s a fine line between public safety and a prosperous community. Alderman Jacobson stated properties are aging and not cost effective to invest in and would like Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes April 14, 2014 Page 3 of 3 Council to focus on addressing some properties that may be a future issue. Banks have an interest in flipping houses to make them livable and there’s going to need to be funding consideration for the problem neighborhoods, specifically the Hillcrest area, he said. Mayor Rey agreed that attention needs to be given, but would like to underscore positive results presented at this meeting. Mayor Rey stated that if some of the inspector’s efforts require three hours of paperwork, would it be possible to have the same type of software in inspectors’ cars that the police have in their vehicles for reporting. Mr. Leoni stated that the IT Department was looking into it. Mayor Rey stated he recently attended the Metro West Event in Springfield, Illinois, and was able to talk to community leaders with smaller populations about the positive results of the Crime-Free Housing Bureau. 3) Approval to Hold a Closed Session to Discuss Personnel as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); Security Procedures and the Use of Personnel 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8) and Pending or Imminent Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). MOTION Ald. Jacobson moved to approve holding a Closed Session to discuss Personnel as provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); Security Procedures and the Use of Personnel as provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8); Pending or Imminent Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11); and Worker’s Compensation as provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(12); seconded by Ald. Naylor. Motion carried on roll call vote 8-0. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, and Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. Mayor Rey closed the meeting to the public at 5:46 p.m. Mayor Rey opened the meeting to the public at 6:05 p.m. D. ADJOURNMENT: MOTION Ald. Finucane moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald. Snow. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m. _______________________________ RUTH A. SCOTT, Deputy City Clerk Approved by City Council April 28, 2014  MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF CITY COUNCIL CITY OF DEKALB April 14, 2014 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a regular meeting on Monday, April 14, 2014 in the Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Rey called the meeting to order at 6:10 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: Anne Marie Gaura, 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; John Laskowski Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer; Jennifer Diedrich, Economic Development Coordinator; Jeff Birtell, I&T Technician; Liz Peerboom, City Clerk, Diane Wright, Deputy City Clerk and Ruth Scott, Deputy City Clerk. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Ald. Lash led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA – ADDITIONS/DELETIONS MOTION Ald. Snow moved to approve the Agenda; 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. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. E. SPECIAL ITEMS OR PRESENTATIONS & CITIZEN’S COMMENTS 1. Special Items:  Proclamation: Administrative Professionals Week – April 20-26, 2014 Mayor Rey read the Proclamation declaring April 20-26, 2014 as Administrative Professionals Week and presented it to Executive Assistant, Diane Wright. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2014 Page 2 of 7  Proclamation: Earth Day – April 22, 2014 Mayor Rey read the Proclamation declaring April 22, 2014 as Earth Day and presented it to Public Works Director, TJ Moore.  Proclamation: Arbor Day – April 25, 2014 Mayor Rey read the Proclamation declaring April 25, 2014 as Arbor Day and presented it to Public Works Director, TJ Moore.  Proclamation: Cities of Service Mayor Rey read the Proclamation for Cities of Service and presented it to Public Works Director,  DeKalb County Partnership For A Substance Abuse Free Environment (DCP/SAFE)– Human Services Funding Update Ms. Mary Hess addressed Council and provided an update on DCP/SAFE and its programs. She thanked Council for their continued support.  Ben Gordon Center– Human Services Funding Update Ms. Kimberly Dulles addressed Council and reported on the services offered by Ben Gordon Center. 2. Approval of Mayor Appointments Appointment of Mike Verbic to Finance Advisory Committee (2014-2017) MOTION Ald. Snow moved to approve the appointment of Mike Verbic to the Finance Advisory Committee; seconded by Ald. Naylor. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. 3. Citizens’ Comments There were no citizen comments. F. Consent Agenda – Omnibus Vote Ald. Naylor asked to remove items F.4 and F.8 from the Consent Agenda. Ald. Lash requested that item F.2 be removed from the Consent Agenda. Ald. O’Leary asked to remove item F.7 from the Consent Agenda. A citizen asked Ald. Baker to remove item F.3 from the Consent Agenda. MOTION Ald. Finucane moved to approve the Consent Agenda as amended; 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.  Regular City Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2014 Page 3 of 7 MOTION Ald. Naylor moved to approve the listings on the Consent Agenda as amended; seconded by Ald. Snow. 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: Special Meeting: March 15, 2014 Committee of the Whole: March 24, 2014 Regular Meeting: March 24, 2014 Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 2. Receive and File: Economic Development Committee Minutes: April 30, 2013 Environmental Commission Minutes: February 6, 2014 Check Register Received and filed in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 5. RESOLUTION 2014-010 SEEKING PERMISSION TO REGULATE TRAFFIC ON ILLINOIS ROUTE 38 BETWEEN FIRST STREET AND FOURTH STREET BEGINNING ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2014 AT 3:00 P.M., FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014 THROUGH SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 2014 AND SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2014 FOR THE ANNUAL DEKALB CORN FEST. Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 6. RESOLUTION 2014-011 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS TO EXERCISE THE OPTION IN THE EXISTING ENGINEERING SERVICES CONTRACT FOR THE 2014 STREET PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $95,472.50 WITH BAXTER AND WOODMAN. Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 9. RESOLUTION 2014-014 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN AGREEMENTS FOR INSURANCE COVERAGE EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2014 TO MAY 1, 2015 WITH TRAVELER’S INDEMNITY COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $381,105, SAFETY NATIONAL CASUALTY CORPORATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $119,723, CITIZENS INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,679, ARTHUR J. GALLAGHER RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,616 AND PARDRIDGE INSURANCE, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000 WITH A TOTAL COST OF $550,123. Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 10. APPROVAL OF THE DEKALB-SYCAMORE AREA 2040 LONG RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2014 Page 4 of 7 Human Relations Commission Minutes: February 11, 2014 (Removed from Consent Agenda) Ald. Lash stated there were suggestions made on Municipal Code updates to address service animals. She asked if this would be brought forward to Council. Mr. Frieders replied several committees are making recommendations and they would be brought forward. MOTION Ald. Finucane moved to receive and file the Human Relations Commission Minutes; seconded by Ald. Jacobson. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. G. PURCHASE AND BID AWARDS None. H. OLD BUSINESS None. I. ORDINANCES 1. ORDINANCE 2014-009 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS, TO ENTER INTO AN AMENDED LEASE AGREEMENT WITH BARB CITY MANOR, INC. FOR THE PURPOSE OF SHELTER FOR SOUTHMOOR ESTATES RESIDENTS. Ms. Diedrich advised Council that this Ordinance relates to emergency shelter for Southmoor Estates residents. Barb City Manor has agreed to serve as a tornado shelter for those residents, she said. Mr. Scott Bennett, DeKalb, Illinois, asked how the facility could serve the purpose of a shelter. He noted that people would have to drive their cars to the shelter. Mayor Rey stated Southmoor Estates requested an emergency shelter be provided. He added that City Hall is no longer a 24- hour facility and Barb City Manor offered the use of their facility. Ald. Snow stated there is a tornado warning for people to go to a facility which would give them time to drive. Ald. Baker stated a mobile home is the worst place to be in a tornado and it is safer to be in a car. He added that Barb City Manor is closer to Southmoor Estates than the previous shelter at City Hall. Mr. Moore stated this is an excellent solution for Southmoor Estates residents. MOTION Ald. Jacobson moved to receive and file Ordinance 2014-009; seconded by Ald. O’Leary. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. MOTION Ald. Lash moved to waive second reading of Ordinance 2014-009; 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. Lash moved to pass Ordinance 2014-009; seconded by Ald. Naylor. Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed.  Regular City Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2014 Page 5 of 7 J. RESOLUTIONS 1. RESOLUTION 2014-009 AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DEKALB, ILLINOIS, TO ENTER INTO A FY14 TIF FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH BARB CITY MANOR, INC. FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO PROPERTY LOCATED AT 680 HAISH BOULEVARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000. Mayor Rey read Resolution 2014-009 by title only. MOTION Ald. Finucane moved to pass Resolution 2014-009; seconded by Ald. O’Leary. Ald. Naylor stated that TIF funding will expire in 2018 and suggested that Barb City Manor and the City discuss Barb City Manor’s needs beyond that time. Ms. Gaura concurred with Ald. Naylor’s concerns and noted that staff will discuss this during the budget process. VOTE Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. 2 RESOLUTION 2014-012 OFFERING SUPPORT OF THE TRANSPORTATION INVESTMENT GENERATING ECONOMIC RECOVERY (TIGER) GRANT FOR THE DEKALB/DEKALB COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FACILITY PROJECT. Mayor Rey read Resolution 2014-012 by title only. Mr. Laskowski described the application process. Ald. O’Leary asked if there is alternative funding if the grant is not approved. Mr. Laskowski stated they will seek additional funding. MOTION Ald. Lash moved to pass Resolution 2014-012; 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. 3. RESOLUTION 2014-013 AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO SIGN AGREEMENTS FOR A GROUP MEDICARE HEALTH PROGRAM BEGINNING MARCH 1, 2014 WITH BENISTAR EMPLOYER SERVICES TRUST, THE HARTFORD AND EXPRESS SCRIPTS AT A COST OF $409,919. Mayor Rey read Resolution 2014-013 by title only. MOTION Ald. Lash moved to pass Resolution 2014-013; seconded by Ald. Finucane. Mr. Espiritu stated this will move retirees’ Medicare plan to a new one, saving the City approximately $50,000 annually. Ald. Naylor stated he would abstain from voting on the issue since he is retired from the City. Regular City Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2014 Page 6 of 7 VOTE Motion carried 7-0-1 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Abstain: Naylor. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. 1. RESOLUTION 2014-015 AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO AN EMPLOYEE LEASING AGREEMENT WITH GOVTEMPS USA LLC FOR A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS FROM APRIL 1, 2014 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2014 AT A COST NOT TO EXCEED $45,000. Mayor Rey read Resolution 2014-015 by title only. MOTION Ald. Naylor moved to pass Resolution 2014-015; seconded by Ald. Snow. Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. Ald. Naylor suggested that a review of investment policies and procedures and a breakdown of what is included in bonds at the airport be included in the scope of services. Ms. Gaura replied staff is looking at the structure of funds, and we would look at the airport bonds. Ms. Gaura provided a recap of the contract and the two individuals who are working on this project. She noted that part of the costs from the Compensation Study will be utilized this year along with savings from the vacant Finance Director position to pay for this contract. Ald. Jacobson stated out sourcing is an issue that could be looked at through this contract. Ald. Finucane stated staff and Council need to maintain a close watch and reduce expenditures while making the City more transparent. He added he supports this process. VOTE Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. K. REPORTS – COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Rey stated we will update the business wall in the lobby of City Hall. Ald. Finucane encouraged all to volunteer; there are many worthy organizations. Ald. Naylor stated he attended a drive down to Springfield and found it interesting to meet with legislators. Mayor Rey added Metro West organized the drive down. Chief Lowery announced the Police Department will hold an open house on April 26th. Chief Hicks encouraged all residents to sign up for Code Red. Mr. Moore stated that 49,000 pounds were collected on the latest electronics recycling event. L. RECESS FOR CLOSED SESSION 1. APPROVAL TO HOLD A CLOSED SESSION TO DISCUSS PERSONNEL AS PROVIDED FOR IN 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); SECURITY PROCEDURES AND THE USE OF PERSONNEL 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8) AND PENDING OR IMMINENT LITIGATION 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).  Regular City Council Meeting Minutes April 14, 2014 Page 7 of 7 MOTION Ald. Jacobson moved to approve request to hold a closed session to discuss Personnel as provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2((c)(1); Security Procedures and the Use of Personnel 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(8) and Pending or Imminent Litigation 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11); 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. Mayor Rey closed the meeting to the public at 7:13 p.m. Mayor Rey opened the meeting to the public at 8:00 p.m. M. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Ald. Finucane moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Ald. Naylor. Motion carried on voice vote. Mayor Povlsen declared the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. ___________________________________ RUTH A. SCOTT, Deputy City Clerk Approved by City Council April 28, 2014