City Council

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING OCTOBER 27, 2014 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, October 27, 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 5:03 p.m. A. ROLL CALL Economic Development Coordinator Jennifer Diedrich called the roll and the following members of City Council were present: Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Bob Snow, Alderman Ron Naylor, Alderman Dave Baker, Alderman Monica O’Leary, and Mayor John Rey. Alderman David Jacobson and Alderman Kristen Lash were absent at roll call. Alderman Jacobson arrived at 5:10 p.m. Alderman Lash arrived at 5:10 p.m. Also present were City Manager Anne Marie Gaura, City Attorney Dean Frieders, Finance Director Cathy Haley, Police Chief Gene Lowery, Fire Chief Eric Hicks, Public Works Director T.J. Moore, City Planner Derek Hiland, Human Resources Director Michelle Anderson, Economic Development Consultant Rodger Hopkins, Economic Development Coordinator Jennifer Diedrich, and Deputy Clerk Ruth Scott. B. ITEMS ALSO ON THE REGULAR AGENDA None. C. CONSIDERATIONS 1. Sustainability Plan City Manager Gaura introduced Economic Development Coordinator Jennifer Diedrich. Ms. Diedrich stated she has been the staff liaison to the Citizen’s Environmental Commission (CEC). Two years ago, the CEC started drafting the Sustainability Plan. Ms. Diedrich then introduced Dan Kenney, chair of the CEC. Mr. Kenney thanked Alderman Finucane who had been the chair of the CEC when the process of creating a Sustainability Plan started. Mr. Kenney also acknowledged Linda Yates, a DeKalb citizen who is part of the citizen’s task force regarding this topic. Mr. Kenney also thanked City Manager Gaura, Public Works Director Moore, and other City staff who assisted with this project. Committee of the Whole Meeting October 27, 2014 Page 2 of 5 Mr. Kenney stated creating the Sustainability Plan had been a long process. At the start of the project, stakeholders, elected officials, and citizens in support of the Plan were sought out. A variety of sustainability Plans from various municipalities throughout the state were reviewed. A task force was created that spoke to aldermen and different levels of staff. The Plan contains short, medium, and long term goals. The CEC made sure to not commit the City to anything that would possibly be troublesome in the future. Mr. Kenney stated that the CEC would report to Council on a regular basis of any revisions made to the Plan. Mr. Kenney used item C1 on page three of the Plan as an example to explain to Council how to read the Plan. Mr. Kenney concluded his presentation by asking Council if they had any questions. Mayor Rey complimented the task force as well as the CEC for the work put into the Plan. The Mayor stated it was well done and comprehensive in nature. Mayor Rey asked Mr. Kenney if the comments Council received had been incorporated into the Plan. Mr. Kenney stated they had. Mr. Kenney further stated that a meeting between the CEC and task force members was held where they reviewed each comment and incorporated them into the documents. Alderman Naylor complimented the group for putting the Plan together and recognized it had been several years in the making. Mr. Kenney stated that there are sustainability Plans that go into much more detail than the one the CEC has created, however, they wanted to make the document readable. Alderman Naylor asked if there had been an assessment of the goals regarding what had been done by the City and the community relative to these areas on a scale of one to ten. Mr. Kenney replied there was not rating but they did seek staff input along with input from members of the group who work on the Green Team at NIU. Alderman Naylor stated it was good to see what’s been accomplished over time. Alderman Snow was in agreement with the proposed Plan but wanted it to be more recognizant of economic cost. Mr. Kenney stated that one of the general rules included in the Plan was if it’s not paid back within five to seven years then a closer look needs to be taken. Mayor Rey asked if implementation resources had been thought about or included in the Plan. Mr. Kenney stated they had not but moving forward with the Plan, the CEC will select three of four more goals. If the goals are economic goals, the CEC will work with staff to get them into the budget. Mayor Rey asked if there was a potential for grants to be applied. Mr. Kenney stated yes.  Committee of the Whole Meeting September 22, 2014 Page 3 of 5 Alderman Finucane stated the Plan included items that the City could implement right away. For example, vehicles not in operation could be shut off for an immediate cost savings. Alderman Naylor asked about food deserts and how they could be prevented. Mr. Kenney explained that a food desert was an area where affordable and healthy foods are not easily found locally, particularly for those without access to transportation. Mr. Kenney further stated that food deserts were found primarily in the northwest and southeast section of the City. Mr. Kenney gave examples of incentives that could be offered to “quick marts” and gas stations in the area to encourage them to carry healthy food selections. Alderman Jacobson asked why the grocery store in Hillcrest Plaza didn’t qualify and listed a variety of food options the store carries such as milk, bread, eggs, fruit, and vegetables. Mr. Kenney stated that store had been overlooked and he would do more research. Alderman Baker suggested that Council should be aware of incentives that are being offered as he remembers that the City wasn’t going to get the Schnuck’s store if incentives were given to that area. Mr. Kenney stated that Council could contact him if they had any further questions or comments. He also stated that the CEC would be meeting on November 6th at 4:30 p.m. and Council was welcome to attend. Mayor Rey requested periodic status updates from the CEC and along with receiving minutes from the meetings. City Manager Gaura stated this item would be brought before Council for approval at the November 10th meeting. Mayor Rey stated that any prioritization done prior to the November 10th meeting should be incorporated into the report. City Manager Gaura stated a summary memo could be created for the Council to review. Ms. Gaura also suggested bringing the item to Council at a later date if necessary. Mr. Kenney asked where the Plan would be stored for viewing by citizens of DeKalb and asked if it would be part of the comprehensive Plan. City Manager Gaura stated it wasn’t necessary for the Plan to part of the comprehensive Plan and that it would be listed separately. However, it could be reviewed during the strategic Plan process. Ms. Gaura also stated the Sustainability Plan could be reviewed under “Downloads” on the City’s website. However, in the future, these types of Plans would be posted in their own specific area once the City’s new website was created. Committee of the Whole Meeting October 27, 2014 Page 4 of 5 2. Service Animals City Manager Gaura introduced City Attorney Frieders who recommended tabling this item and bringing it back at a future meeting so that the Human Relations Commission and Advisory Commission on Disabilities could participate in the discussion. 3. Request for Proposal (RFP) for an Airport Organizational and Governance Study Public Works Director T.J. Moore stated that the regionalization of the airport has been discussed for years. The proposed RFP would solicit responses from the professional consulting community on what the best form of governance would be for the airport, including remaining as an operating division of City government. In turn, the City would be better able to made decisions regarding the airport’s future. It is expected that this item will return to Council for review at the January 26, 2015 meeting. The final report is anticipated to return to Council the summer of 2015. Alderman Naylor suggested having the RFP include some sort of cost analysis. Public Works Director Moore stated he would make sure that was done. Alderman Naylor stated that costs should be spread over the greater taxing body rather than just the City. Public Works Director Moore replied that could be challenging since it is unknown what future geology will look like. Alderman Snow asked that the final report include detailed cost along with a comparison of other airports. Mr. Moore stated he would make sure that was included. Alderman Naylor requested a presentation to Council on this item once the proposals were received. Mr. Moore stated that once the RFPs went out, it would be late winter or early spring before they were returned. City Manager Gaura stated she wanted to make sure staff addressed Alderman Naylor’s comments and asked if this item should be brought back to Council prior to the RFPs being sent out. Mayor Rey asked Council if they were comfortable with the item. There were no interjections from Council. City Manager Gaura stated a detailed timeline would be presented at the November 10th Council meeting. Alderman Lash stated that the timeline laid out was a concern, especially if the first review would be done in January and the second in the summer of 2015. A new Council will be seated at that point. The current Council might agree with the RFP but then incoming Council may not. Alderman Lash further stated that perhaps the incoming Council should deal with this issue as big issues in the past  Committee of the Whole Meeting September 22, 2014 Page 5 of 5 have changed due to new Councils. City Manager Gaura stated this project had timeline concerns along with concerns regarding direction of the policy. Ms. Gaura further stated that as this project moves forward, staff will be sure to share information with anyone running for Council. D. RECESS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION Alderman Jacobson moved to recess for Executive Session to discuss the following items; seconded by Alderman O’Leary: 1. Pending or Imminent Litigation as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). Not acted upon at this meeting. 2. Collective Bargaining as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2). 3. Personnel as provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). Motion carried 8-0 on a roll call vote. 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 5:42 p.m. Mayor Rey opened the meeting to the public at 6:00 p.m. E. ADJOURNMENT Alderman O’Leary moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Alderman Jacobson. Motion carried on a voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m. __________________________________________ RUTH A. SCOTT, Deputy City Clerk Approved by City Council Date: November 24, 2014  MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 27, 2014 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular Meeting on Monday, October 27, 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 6:00 p.m. A. ROLL CALL Economic Development Coordinator Jennifer Diedrich called the roll and the following members of City Council were present: Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Kristen Lash, Alderman Bob Snow, Alderman Ron Naylor, Alderman Dave Baker, Alderman Monica O’Leary, and Mayor John Rey. Alderman David Jacobson was absent at roll call and arrived at 6:08 p.m. Also present were City Manager Anne Marie Gaura, City Attorney Dean Frieders, Finance Director Cathy Haley, Police Chief Gene Lowery, Fire Chief Eric Hicks, Public Works Director T.J. Moore, City Engineer John Laskowski, City Planner Derek Hiland, Human Resources Director Michelle Anderson, Economic Development Consultant Rodger Hopkins, Economic Development Coordinator Jennifer Diedrich, and Deputy Clerk Ruth Scott. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Officer Reyes led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS MOTION Alderman Lash moved to approve the Agenda; seconded by Alderman O’Leary. Motion carried on a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Absent: Alderman Jacobson. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. D. PUBLIC HEARING 1. Public Hearing on the Enterprise Zone. Regular Meeting October 27, 2014 Page 2 of 8 Mayor Rey stated that the John/Harrison Street area would be removed from the Enterprise Zone map. Alderman Baker asked if there was anyone present that wanted to keep the John/Harrison Street area on the Enterprise Zone map. There was no comment from those present. Paul Borek, Executive Director of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) presented highlights of the Enterprise Zone application process and history. Mr. Borek stated that businesses have been lost to DeKalb due to the lack of an Enterprise Zone. After Mr. Borek’s presentation, there was a brief discussion regarding the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Student Center being included on the map. Mr. Borek stated that NIU requested the west side of campus be included on the map for potential future private use and explained that the Student Center currently has private uses within. City Planner Derek Hiland explained the differences between the Comprehensive Plan and the Enterprise Zone. City Attorney Dean Frieders clarified points of miscommunication concerning the Enterprise Zone and stated that the Enterprise Zone doesn’t automatically change zoning or change the process for rezoning. Inclusion in an Enterprise Zone make property eligible for incentives should the owner want to redevelop. Further, eminent domain for private development is not permitted in the State of Illinois. An Enterprise Zone designation doesn’t change that issue. Mayor Rey opened the Public Hearing at 6:34 p.m. Misty Haji-Sheikh stated she was in favor of the Enterprise Zone but had several questions concerning it. For the record, Ms. Haji-Sheikh stated the map has “commercial” and “industrial” on the zoning, even for areas that are currently residential. Mr. Frieders said that the Enterprise Zone would not change anything. Zoning changes do change perception. As all realtors will tell you, it’s location, location, location. William Blair stated he was pleased with Mayor Rey’s announcement that the John/Harrison Streets area would be removed from the Enterprise Zone map. Rich Rice stated he appreciates Mayor Rey’s announcement that the John/Harrison Streets area was being removed from the Enterprise Zone map and City Attorney Frieder’s clarifications. Mr. Rice suggested removing the entire Ellwood neighborhood from the Enterprise Zone map.  Regular Meeting October 27, 2014 Page 3 of 8 Diane DeMers thanked Council for removing the John/Harrison Streets area from the Enterprise Zone map but has concerns it will be put back at some point and a commercial development will be in her backyard. Avi Bass thanked Council for removing the John/Harrison Streets area from the Enterprise Zone map and stated she doesn’t want that area to be commercially redeveloped. Tom Smith stated citizens had reasons to be suspicious of the City concerning the Enterprise Zone map. Jim Morel stated his concerns had been addressed. Jeff Hallgren shared his concerns about the lagoon. Mr. Hallgren asked how other university communities work with their cities on their enterprise zones and wonders if citizens have any input. Mr. Hallgren stated that Greek Row should be included in the Enterprise Zone. Mr. Hallgren also stated that he doesn’t trust the protocols of the City’s current zoning process. Toni Heinz thanked Council for removing the John/Harrison Streets area from the Enterprise Zone map and expressed concerns about dredging of the lagoon. Lynn Fazekas stated she was concerned that the City wasn’t challenging the creation of an Enterprise Zone as she’s read that Enterprise Zones don’t produce great results. Ms. Fazekas asked what businesses have been lost due the lack of an Enterprise Zone. Ms. Fazekas also stated that an Enterprise Zone can change property zoning. Steve Kapitan stated he couldn’t find the Enterprise Zone map online and it wasn’t attached as a back-up to the agenda. Mr. Kapitan also stated that a public meeting should be held where pros and cons could be provided. Kay Shelton stated she hopes not to see the John/Harrison Streets area in the Enterprise Zone map again. Mayor Rey closed the Public Hearing at 7:10 p.m. E. SPECIAL ITEMS OR PRESENTATIONS & CITIZEN’S COMMENTS 1. Special Items a. Mayor Rey recognized the Yards of Distinction recipients for the month of September 2014. They were Teresa Iverson of 210 W. Milner Avenue, and Paul and Ilga Janouskovec of 126 McConnell. Regular Meeting October 27, 2014 Page 4 of 8 2. Presentations a. Patrick Shafer of the Patrick Shafer Allstate Agency presented Police Chief Gene Lowery and Fire Chief Eric Hicks checks in the amount of $1,000 each on behalf of the Allstate Foundation. 3. Approval of Mayor Appointments There were none. 4. Citizen’s Comments There were none. F. CONSENT AGENDA – OMNIBUS VOTE Alderman Naylor asked to remove item F.3. MOTION Alderman O’Leary moved to approve the Consent Agenda as amended; seconded by Alderman Lash. Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. MOTION Alderman Finucane moved to approve the listings on the Consent Agenda as amended; seconded by Alderman Lash. Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. 1. Receive & File a. FY15 Accounts Payable through October 15, 2014, in the Amount of $1,002,528.40. Received and filed in the Consent Agenda. 2. Ordinance 2014-036 Revising the Management Pay Plan to Incorporate Changes to the Assistant Finance Director and Assistant City Manager Positions. Approved in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 3. Resolution 2014-099 Authorizing an Agreement with Commonwealth Edison to Install Additional Lighting on Greenbrier Drive, Hillcrest Drive, Kimberly Driver, and Edgebrook Drive (Greek Row). Mayor Rey read Resolution 2014-099 by title only.  Regular Meeting October 27, 2014 Page 5 of 8 MOTION Alderman Naylor moved to pass Resolution 2014-099; seconded by Alderman O’Leary. Alderman Naylor expressed concerns about the lighting on private properties on in this area and stated the private properties are not as well lit as the apartment buildings and rooming houses. Alderwoman Lash asked if a partnership could be created to help residents pay for extra lighting on their properties exterior. VOTE Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. G. ITEMS FOR SEPARATE ACTION 1. Resolution 2014-100 Authorizing the Approval of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIPS) for Federal Fiscal Years 2016 – 2020 at the DeKalb-Taylor Municipal Airport. Mayor Rey read Resolution 2014-100 by title only. MOTION Alderman Lash moved to pass Resolution 2014-100; seconded by Alderman Finucane. Public Works Director Moore gave an overview of this program and explained it will be combined with other Illinois municipalities and taken to Springfield for review. VOTE Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. 2. Resolution 2014-101 Authorizing an Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation – Division of Aeronautics to Construct a Detention Basin at DeKalb-Taylor Municipal Airport in the Amount of $990,000. Mayor Rey read Resolution 2014-101 by title only. MOTION Alderman Naylor moved to pass Resolution 2014-101; seconded by Alderman O’Leary. Regular Meeting October 27, 2014 Page 6 of 8 Public Works Director Moore reviewed the changes in the funding mechanism. The City will only be responsible for paying $26,000 for this project. VOTE Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. 3. Ordinance 2014-037 Amending Chapter 12 “Nuisances”, Section 12.03 “Abatement of Nuisances”, of the Municipal Code. Mayor Rey read Ordinance 2014-037 by title only. MOTION Alderman Finucane moved to pass Ordinance 2014-037; seconded by Alderwoman Lash. City Attorney Frieders explained the change in the ordinance. City Manager Gaura requested this be the first reading of Ordinance 2014-037. MOTION Alderman Finucane moved to receive and file Ordinance 2014-037; seconded by Alderman Snow. VOTE Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. 4. Resolution 2014-102 Authorizing the Execution of a Change Order with Elliot & Wood Inc. for Improvements to the Haish Street Public Parking Lot (#7) in the Amount of $20,000. Mayor Rey read Resolution 2014-102 by title only. MOTION Alderman Naylor moved to pass Resolution 2014-102; seconded by Alderwoman O’Leary. City Manager Gaura explained that she was notified of an issue with the construction of the Haish Street Public Parking Lot (#7) after this meeting’s agenda had already been posted. The agenda was amended to include this item in order bring the issue to the Council’s attention. City Engineer Laskowski explained that the change order was being requested because during construction it was discovered that asphalt amounts in the Haish Street lot were lower than expected.  Regular Meeting October 27, 2014 Page 7 of 8 VOTE Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. Alderman Naylor stated in the past these types of issues were seldom brought to Council’s attention and thanked staff doing so with this item. H. NEW OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS. There were none. I. REPORTS – COMMUNICATIONS Alderman Jacobson had no report. Alderman Finucane wish the DeKalb High School football team good luck on their upcoming football game. Alderman Lash had not report. Alderman Snow stated he liked seeing the public at this meeting but wished they had stayed for its entirety. Alderman Naylor thanked those who attended his coffee event on October 18th and thanked the public for coming to this meeting. Alderman Naylor added that the Fifth Ward map on the City’s website is incorrect and was being updated. Alderman Naylor also wished the DeKalb High School football team good luck on their upcoming football game. Alderman Baker made reference to the comments from the public regarding the lagoon and stated that the lagoon was dredged approximately 13 years ago to rid it of the sediment from surrounding farmland. Alderman Baker added that the City has no control of the lagoon. Alderman O’Leary had no report. Mayor Rey stated the Worldfest Music Group would hold a public concert on November 1 and mentioned an upcoming survey by a NIU Geography class on November 6th. st City Manager Gaura gave an update on the building ordinance and stated one combined meeting of all stakeholders would be held on November 21st. Ms. Gaura also gave Council a timeline of events regarding the proposed ordinance. Alderwoman Lash suggested holding a public hearing and then presenting the ordinance so that the general public had a chance to give input. There was a brief discussion regarding the timeline. Regular Meeting October 27, 2014 Page 8 of 8 Alderwoman Lash asked when the City would be ending this year’s leaf pick-up program. Public Works Director Moore stated leaf pick-up would continue through November 21st as long as the weather was favorable. Alderman Baker stated that perhaps the City’s leaf pick-up program should be terminated because leaves can be taken to the Dresser Road drop-off site. Alderman Baker added that by asking the public to take their own leaves to the drop-off site, the wear and tear on City vehicles would be reduced. There was a brief discussion regarding the leaf pick-up program. J. RECESS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION Alderwoman Lash moved to recess for Executive Session in order to discuss the following items; seconded by Alderwoman O’Leary: 1. Pending or Imminent Litigation as provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). 2. Collective Bargaining as provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2). 3. Personnel as provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1). 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 7:40 p.m. Mayor Rey opened the meeting to the public at 8:28 p.m. K. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Alderman Finucane moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Alderwoman Lash. Motion carried on a voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m. ___________________________________ RUTH A. SCOTT, Deputy City Clerk Approved by City Council Date: November 24, 2014