City Council

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING NOVEMBER 24, 2014 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Committee of the Whole Meeting on Monday, November 24, 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 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, and Mayor John Rey. The following members of City Council were absent at roll call: Alderman David Jacobson (arrived at 5:22 p.m.), Alderwoman Kristen Lash (arrived at 5:05 p.m.), and Alderwoman Monica O’Leary (arrived at 5:15 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, Community Development Director Ellen Divita, City Engineer John Laskowski, City Planner Derek Hiland, Economic Development Coordinator Jennifer Diedrich, and Deputy Clerk Ruth Scott. B. ITEMS ALSO ON THE REGULAR AGENDA None. C. CONSIDERATIONS 1. Chief Lowery provided an overview of the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant. If the DeKalb School District votes to fund the cost not covered by the grant during their meeting of December 2, 2014, the grant will be used to staff a School Resource Officer. Chief Lowery stated the City is committed to hiring a military veteran to fill the role. Mayor Rey thanked Chief Lowery for the presentation. Alderman Naylor stated he is in support of approving the grant and asked if the officer would start at the first of the year. Chief Lowery stated the officer would start in the spring based on the criteria set by the Department of Justice. Committee of the Whole Meeting November 24, 2014 Page 2 of 3 Alderman Naylor asked how many Resource Officers are currently housed in the school district. Chief Lowery stated there is one officer at the high school and one at each of the junior high schools. Chief Lowery also stated there are typically four officers but one officer is a member of the military and currently deployed overseas. Alderman Naylor asked if the officer’s time is strictly dedicated to the schools. Chief Lowery stated it is but the officers would be pulled if there was a citywide emergency situation. The officer’s time is also utilized during the summer months when school is out of session. Alderman Naylor and Chief Lowery had a brief discussion regarding the cost of the program. Alderman Snow stated he is in support of the request as long as the school district approves and the resources are available. Alderman Baker asked Chief Lowery if the school board was in favor of the grant. Chief Lowery stated he recently made a presentation to school board. They’re supportive but have to look at cost of role financially. 2. Finance Director Haley gave a brief overview of the City’s relationship with IMET. Finance Director Haley also commented on the current status of the fraudulent activity at IMET where 2.8 percent of the City’s investment was affected. Mayor Rey stated he appreciates the proactive stance taken by Finance to secure the City’s finances. Alderman Naylor referred to an article from the Chicago Tribune regarding this issue. 3. City Manager Gaura stated that due to the depth of this item and the vast amount of information involved, City Engineer John Laskowski would provide an overview of this item and bring it back to the Regular meeting of December 8, 2014 for action. City Engineer Laskowski provided an introduction and listed highlights of the Watershed Plan. After City Engineer Laskowski’s presentation, Mayor Rey asked Council if they had any questions; there were none. Mayor Rey thanked City Engineer Laskowski and urged Council to review the back-up data provided. D. RECESS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. Pending or Imminent Litigation as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). Not acted on at this meeting.  Committee of the Whole Meeting November 24, 2014 Page 3 of 3 2. Collective Bargaining as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2). Not acted on at this meeting. E. ADJOURNMENT Alderman Finucane moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Alderman O’Leary. Motion carried on a voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the meeting adjourned at 5:41 p.m. __________________________________________ RUTH A. SCOTT, Deputy City Clerk Approved by City Council Date: January 12, 2015  MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 24, 2014 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular Meeting on Monday, November 24, 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 6:02 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, Alderwoman Kristen Lash, Alderman Bob Snow, Alderman Ron Naylor, Alderman Dave Baker, Alderwoman Monica O’Leary, and Mayor John Rey. The following members of City Council were absent at roll call: Alderman David Jacobson (arrived at 6:03 p.m.). Also present were City Manager Anne Marie Gaura, City Attorney Dean Frieders, Finance Director Cathy Haley, Assistant Finance Director Robert Miller, Police Chief Gene Lowery, Fire Chief Eric Hicks, Community Development Director Ellen Divita, Public Works Director T.J. Moore, City Engineer John Laskowski, City Planner Derek Hiland, Economic Development Coordinator Jennifer Diedrich, and Deputy Clerk Ruth Scott. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Officer Kelly Sullivan led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA – ADDITIONS / DELETIONS MOTION Alderman Snow moved to approve the Agenda; seconded by Alderwoman O’Leary. Motion carried on a roll call vote of 8-0. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. D. PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Rey opened the Public Hearing at 6:05 p.m. Finance Director Cathy Haley provided highlights of the 2014 Property Tax Levy. Regular Meeting November 24, 2014 Page 2 of 14 After Ms. Haley’s presentation, Mayor Rey asked Council if they had any questions; there were none. Mayor Rey then asked if there was anyone present wanting to speak regarding this item; there were none. Mayor Rey closed the Public Hearing at 6:11 p.m. E. SPECIAL ITEMS OR PRESENTATIONS & CITIZEN’S COMMENTS 1. Special Items a. City Manager Gaura introduced the new Community Development Director Ellen Divita and listed highlights of her education and career. b. Chief Lowery introduced Officer Jason Goodwin who was sworn in by Deputy Clerk Ruth Scott. c. Chief Lowery introduced Officer Sonny Streit who was sworn in by Deputy Clerk Ruth Scott. After the officers were sworn in, Chief Lowery commented on each of their backgrounds and each officer’s wife pinned on their badges. Chief Lowery also shared his four pillar program with the new officers. d. Mayor Rey read a proclamation proclaiming the month of December 2014 as “Drunken and Drugged Driving” month. e. See item D. “Public Hearing” for details. 2. Presentations There were none. 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.  Regular Meeting November 24, 2014 Page 3 of 14 MOTION Alderman Finucane moved to approve the Consent Agenda as amended; seconded by Alderwoman O’Leary. 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 Naylor moved to approve the listings on the Consent Agenda as amended; seconded by Alderwoman O’Leary. 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. Approval of City Council Minutes a. Committee of the Whole Minutes of October 27, 2014. Passed in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. b. Regular Meeting Minutes of October 27, 2014. Passed in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 2. Receive & File a. FY15 Accounts Payable through November 25, 2014, in the Amount of $524,792.18. Received and filed in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. b. Minutes of the Citizen’s Community Enhancement Commission of September 15, 2014. Received and filed in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 3. Ordinance 2014-039 Amending Chapter 3 “City Administration”, Section 3.08 “Powers and Duties of the City Manager”, Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Waive Fees to Other Units of Government, Not-For-Profit Organizations, Occupants of City Buildings, and City Funding Projects on a Per Project Basis. (First Reading) Mayor Rey read Ordinance 2014-039 by title only. MOTION Alderman Naylor moved to receive and file Ordinance 2014-039, seconded by Alderman Finucane. Alderman Naylor asked that the ordinance be amended to state that the City Manager will inform Council when fees are waived. VOTE Alderman Jacobson moved to approve the amendment, seconded by Alderwoman Regular Meeting November 24, 2014 Page 4 of 14 Lash. Motion carried on an 8-0 voice vote. Motion to receive and file Ordinance 2014-039 as amended 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. Ordinance 2014-040 Amending Chapter 35 “Towing Policy”, Section 35.07 “Vehicle Impoundment or Immobilization: Tow for Specified Violations. (First Reading) Received and filed in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 5. Resolution 2014-107 Authorizing Service Agreements with Various Service Providers for the Repair and Replacement of Police Department Communications Equipment Damaged by Lightening on August 29, 2014, in the Amount of $26,329.38, and if Necessary, Additional Amounts to Repair or Replace Other Items Found to be Damaged. Passed in the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. G. ITEMS FOR SEPARATE ACTION 1. Ordinance 2014-041 Authorizing the Levy and Collection of Taxes for Corporate and Municipal Purposes for the Fiscal Year Beginning June 1, 2014, and Ending June 30, 2015. (First Reading) Mayor Rey read Ordinance 2014-041 by title only. MOTION Alderman Snow moved to receive and file Ordinance 2014-041 on the first reading; seconded by Alderwoman Lash. Finance Director Haley presented a brief overview of the ordinance. Alderman Naylor listed a number of issues he had with the levy as presented and stated he would like to see the levy held to a similar amount as levied in the past year. Alderman Snow stated no one likes to raise taxes but expenses do increase. If Council keeps saying more dollars aren’t needed, other areas will be cut. Alderman Jacobson stated this would be the perfect time to task staff with finding the needed cuts and doesn’t support raising taxes.  Regular Meeting November 24, 2014 Page 5 of 14 Alderman Baker stated the City should be run like a business and Council should direct staff to find cuts. Alderman Baker also stated that the City should be paying people to develop here. Alderman Snow stated it was a fallacy to fund government on new growth as more development means more City services. The City needs to “live within our means” even if it means cutting services. Alderman Baker stated the school district has said they can handle 600 more kids. Subdivisions need to be developed. Alderman Baker also stated that retailers are leaving the City and developers are pledging they are done with DeKalb. VOTE Motion to receive and file Ordinance 20141-041 as presented was defeated by a roll call vote of 4-4. Aye: Snow, Finucane, Lash, Rey. Nay: Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Jacobson. Mayor Rey declared the motion defeated. Mayor Rey asked City Attorney Frieders what levy the City has to offer to the County. City Attorney Frieders replied there was none. Alderman Finucane asked Finance Director Haley if she had any options to offer. Finance Director Haley stated the ordinance could be brought back to Council with an estimate on new construction. City Manager Gaura stated staff could survey other taxing districts and provide Council with other options. Alderman Baker asked how new construction would offset what a homeowner may need to pay. MOTION Alderman Naylor moved to leave the levy flat with only a small increase for construction, seconded by Alderman Baker. Alderman Jacobson stated this is the opportunity to set change and stated he was in agreement with Alderman Naylor’s motion to amend the ordinance. Finance Director Haley stated if taxes are levied at the same dollar amount, there was potential that a homeowner’s taxes could go down if there was new construction in the district. Regular Meeting November 24, 2014 Page 6 of 14 VOTE Motion was defeated by a roll call vote of 4-4. Aye: Jacobson, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary. Nay: Finucane, Lash, Snow, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion defeated. Alderwoman Lash asked how new services would be paid for if taxes were not raised. There needs to be a fundamental change to operate differently. Alderman Jacobson stated the school district’s levy was being increased, and so was the library’s. The bottom line is that people don’t want to come to DeKalb because our tax rates are already in the top tier. Businesses are moving to neighboring communities. The current model the City is using is not working and it was confirmed by the auditors. Alderman Naylor stated we need to look for other income sources other than raising taxes. Alderwoman Lash stated she agrees with Alderman Jacobson but why should the City suffer because other districts are raising their taxes. The City’s portion is low compared to neighboring communities. Mayor Rey stated cutting back on services would impact public safety. If the burden is put back on the general fund and cuts are to be made, what are the specific areas for those cuts? Alderman Finucane asked what changes should be made. Alderman Jacobson stated strategic planning is needed. Alderman Finucane offered for discussion purposes the idea of levying taxes at half of what was proposed and asked staff for comments. City Manager Gaura stated it is staff’s goal to work around what Council decides. Mayor Rey asked City Manager Gaura if there have been any discussions with the Finance Advisory Committee regarding the 2016 budget. City Manager Gaura stated discussions started in August. Alderman Jacobson stated that at some point cuts need to be discussed. At no level have the elected officials discussed where cuts should be. Alderman Baker stated the Finance Advisory Committee should be meeting on a regular basis with Council. Council and staff should also be reviewing the suggestions made by consulting firms in the past for ideas or consider them  Regular Meeting November 24, 2014 Page 7 of 14 obsolete. Alderman Baker also suggested that the rate of pay for Aldermen should be reviewed before the next election. City Attorney Frieders instructed Council that without a vote on the proposed levy, it would remain the same. If Council wants to change what is proposed, it has to be discussed. Alderman Baker stated cuts have to be made, starting with what is nonessential, or spend down on the general fund. Discussion ensued regarding the tax levy. MOTION Alderman Finucane moved to increase the tax levy by 2.15 percent, seconded by Alderwoman Lash. Alderman Finucane stated staff should be given the opportunity to further discuss with Council and the Finance Advisory Committee where cuts can be made in operating expenses. Alderman Naylor asked Finance Director Haley what the total amount would be if the levy is decreased to 2.15 percent. Finance Director Haley replied it would be approximately $109,000. Mayor Rey asked for a roll call vote on the motion. VOTE Motion defeated by a roll call vote of 4-4. Aye: Finucane, Lash, Snow, Rey. Nay: Jacobson, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary. Mayor Rey declared the motion defeated. MOTION Alderman Baker motioned to keep the tax levy at the same dollar amount, seconded by Alderman Jacobson. VOTE Motion carried by a roll call vote of 5-3. Aye: Jacobson, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Nay: Finucane, Lash, Snow. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. 2. Ordinance 2014-042 Authorizing the Levy and Collection of Taxes in and for the City of DeKalb Special Service Area Number Four for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2014 and Ending June 30, 2015. (First Reading) Mayor Rey read Ordinance 2014-042 by title only. Regular Meeting November 24, 2014 Page 8 of 14 MOTION Alderman Snow moved to receive and file Ordinance 2014-042; seconded by Alderman Jacobson. There was no discussion regarding this item. 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 2014-043 Authorizing the Levy and Collection of Taxes in and for the City of DeKalb Special Service Area Number Six for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2014 and Ending June 30, 2015. (First Reading) Mayor Rey read Ordinance 2014-043 by title only. MOTION Alderman Naylor moved to receive and file Ordinance 2014-043; seconded by Alderman Jacobson. There was no discussion regarding this item. 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. Ordinance 2014-044 Authorizing the Levy and Collection of Taxes in and for the City of DeKalb Special Service Area Number Fourteen for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2014 and Ending June 30, 2015. (First Reading) Mayor Rey read Ordinance 2014-044 by title only. MOTION Alderman Naylor moved to receive and file Ordinance 2014-044; seconded by Alderwoman O’Leary. There was no discussion regarding this item. 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.  Regular Meeting November 24, 2014 Page 9 of 14 5. Ordinance 2014-045 Abating Taxes Levied for Corporate Purposes for the Tax Year 2014 (Bonds). (First Reading) Mayor Rey read Ordinance 2014-045 by title only. MOTION Alderman Naylor moved to receive and file Ordinance 2014-045; seconded by Alderman Jacobson. Finance Director Haley stated the City has decided to abate all corporate taxes through other revenue sources except for the library. City Manager Gaura added a levy for the library needed to be considered. City Attorney Frieders suggested, for clarity, a motion be made for the library levy. 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. MOTION Alderman Finucane moved to approve the library levy, seconded by Alderwoman Lash. There was a brief discussion regarding the library levy. 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. 6. Ordinance 2014-046 Amending Chapter 51 “Traffic”, Schedule C “Parking Prohibited” Regarding Garden Drive Parking Restrictions. (First Reading) Mayor Rey read Ordinance 2014-046 by title only. MOTION Alderman Jacobson moved to receive and file Ordinance 2014-046; seconded by Alderwoman O’Leary. Chief Lowery stated parking issues on Garden Drive have been an ongoing issue. Amending this ordinance would change the parking ban from 2:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. on the east side of Garden Drive and Lucinda and West Hillcrest. Students support change. This change is supported by administration, DeKalb and NIU Police, residents of the area, and students. Chief Lowery also Regular Meeting November 24, 2014 Page 10 of 14 stated there were numerous conflicting parking ordinances in this area and it was time to clean it up. City engineering staff are currently going neighborhood-to- neighborhood to review parking restrictions. City Engineer John Laskowski explained that the Neighborhood Services Committee has gone through the parking ordinance and schedule and found there are conflicting ordinances in place. Changing this particular ordinance received overwhelming support from NIU students, teachers, and staff. A discussion ensured regarding this issue including the timeline of the change, neighborhood concerns, and demand for parking. Alderman Finucane suggested making the change effective after the current NIU semester ends and before the second semester starts. City Engineer Laskowski stated that could be accommodated. Alderman Baker commented on the parking history of the area in question and suggested the change be made immediately. Alderman Baker also commended Chief Lowery and City Engineer Laskowski for doing the work to get the change put into place. MOTION Alderwoman Lash suggested not making the change until after NIU finals week and made a motion to waive the first reading and pass on the second, seconded by Alderman Jacobson. A discussion ensued regarding the timeline of making the change, neighborhood support, and citizen concern. VOTE After further discussion, the motion was withdrawn by Alderwoman Lash and Alderman Jacobson. MOTION Alderman Baker motioned to put the ordinance into effect as of December 1, 2014. Mayor Rey declared the motion defeated for lack of a second. VOTE Motion to receive and file Ordinance 2014-046 as presented carried by a roll call vote of 8-0. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed.  Regular Meeting November 24, 2014 Page 11 of 14 7. Ordinance 2014-047 Amending Chapter 38 “Intoxicating Liquors”, Section 38.07 “Classification of Liquor Licenses” with the Addition of Subsection H “Golf Course”. (First Reading) Mayor Rey read Ordinance 2014-047 by title only. MOTION Alderwoman Lash moved to receive and file Ordinance 2014-047, seconded by Alderman Jacobson. City Attorney Frieders explained why this ordinance was being amended as this liquor license was different from other liquor license requests. For example, there will be an indoor golf area where alcohol will be served along with an outdoor tiki bar where alcohol will be served with or without food, similar to a beer cart. Further, this liquor license would be a “for profit” license where the Kishwaukee County Club’s license is a “not for profit”. City Attorney Frieders also anticipates a request for video gaming terminals for this location. City Attorney Frieders also stated that the applicants have been very cooperative during this process and requests the first reading be waived and passed on the second. Discussion ensued regarding the concern of minors being served, the location of the inside and outside bars. Alderman Naylor stated he has concerns about deviating from what other establishments are expected to do and that this facility seems more intent on alcohol intake rather than golf and providing more of an opportunity for minors to drink. Further, he is not in favor of passing this ordinance on the second reading without seeing the facilities set up first. The facility’s Director of Operations stated the outside tiki bar will be central to the miniature golf area and will be used as a check point making it a controlled area to ensure minors are not being served alcohol. VOTE Motion to receive and file carried with an amendment stating the establishment will be listed as “for profit” by a 7-1 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Nay: Naylor. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. MOTION Alderman Finucane moved to waive first reading of Ordinance 2014-047 and approve on second reading, seconded by Alderwoman Lash. Regular Meeting November 24, 2014 Page 12 of 14 Alderman Snow stated he was not in favor of waiving first and passing on second in order to review the ordinance and allow for public comments. VOTE Motion carried on a 6-2 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Nay: Snow, Naylor. MOTION Alderwoman Lash moved to pass Ordinance 2014-047 on the second reading, seconded by Alderman Finucane. VOTE Motion carried on a 6-2 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Baker, O’Leary, Rey. Nay: Snow, Naylor. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. 8. Resolution 2014-108 Approving a Golf Course Liquor License for Five Step Holdings, LLC, d/b/a Chicago Golf & Tiki Tees at 210 South Pointe Drive. Mayor Rey read Resolution 2014-108 by title only. MOTION Alderman Jacobson moved to pass Resolution 2014-108; seconded by Alderman Naylor. There was no discussion regarding this item. 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. H. NEW OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS. 1. DeKalb County Enterprise Zone Designation Update City Attorney Frieders stated the enterprise zone map has been updated and he is working through language changes with the County. Alderman Naylor asked when the revised map and other documents would be available for review. City Attorney Frieders stated the map can be circulated now and the documents would be made available after the changes were made.  Regular Meeting November 24, 2014 Page 13 of 14 I. REPORTS – COMMUNICATIONS Alderman Jacobson wished students good luck on their finals. He also asked that all be careful driving on the roads that night and stated he appreciated the work of the Public Works Department to keep DeKalb roads cleared. Alderman Finucane thanked staff for working on the parking issue and other issues throughout the City. Alderwoman Lash told everyone to stay warm. Alderman Snow had no report. Alderman Naylor gave a reminder of the DeKalb Municipal Band’s holiday concert on December 13, 2014, and urged everyone to get their tickets. He also congratulated the NIU football team and wished them good luck on their upcoming game. Alderman Baker wished the NIU football team good luck. Alderwoman O’Leary wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving. Mayor Rey stated the Feed ‘Em Soup organization was hosting a toy drive benefit and admission is one unwrapped child’s toy. City Manager Gaura gave an update on ongoing discussions regarding the commercial and industrial inspection program. A meeting with local stakeholders was held on November 21, 2014 which provided productive discussion among the groups in attendance. City Attorney Frieders stated a community meeting was held recently with residents of University Village. The meeting was facilitated by Alderman Finucane and City Planner Derek Hiland and the residents offered useful feedback. Finance Director Haley had no report. Chief Lowery mentioned the ongoing Ferguson, Missouri situation and stated that all parties concerned are entitled to freedom of speech. Tolerance and speaking in a peaceful manner should be exercised. Chief Hicks had no report. Community Development Director Divita stated she is already involved in numerous projects with a lot of things so far, including a new downtown directory. She reminded everyone to shop locally. City Engineer Laskowski thanked Public Works Director T.J. Moore for writing a letter of recommendation to the American Public Works Association. Regular Meeting November 24, 2014 Page 14 of 14 Mayor Rey asked anyone interested in the City Clerk position to contact him. Further, he hopes to be able to make a recommendation to Council by the December 8, 2014 or January 12, 2015 Council meeting. Alderwoman O’Leary stated that the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church will be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day. J. RECESS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. Pending or Imminent Litigation as provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). Not acted on at this meeting. 2. Collective Bargaining as provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2). Not acted on at this meeting. 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 8:24 p.m. ___________________________________ RUTH A. SCOTT, Deputy City Clerk Approved by City Council Date: January 12, 2015