City Council
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · March 14, 2016
Minutes
MINUTES
CITY OF DEKALB
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
MARCH 14, 2016
The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Committee of the Whole meeting on March 14,
2016, in the City Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street,
DeKalb, Illinois.
Mayor Rey called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
A. ROLL CALL
City Clerk Jennifer Jeep Johnson called the roll and the following members of the City Council
were present: Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Michael Marquardt, Alderman Bob Snow,
Alderman Kate Noreiko, Alderman Dave Baker, Alderman Tony Faivre, and Mayor John Rey.
Alderman David Jacobson arrived at 5:37 p.m.
Also present were: City Manager Anne Marie Gaura, Assistant City Manager Patty Hoppenstedt,
City Attorney Dean Frieders, Finance Director Cathy Haley, Fire Chief Eric Hicks, Community
Development Director Ellen Divita, Public Works Director Tim Holdeman, City Engineer John
Laskowski, Principal Planner Derek Hiland, Managements Analyst Lauren Stott, Management
Analyst Jared Heyn, and City Clerk Jennifer Jeep Johnson. Police Chief Gene Lowery arrived at
5:20 p.m.
B. ITEMS ALSO ON THE REGULAR AGENDA
C. CONSIDERATIONS
1. STEAM Learning Center.
Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt introduced the topic, and stated that staff had been
exploring a collaboration that would provide Dekalb with an interactive learning center,
nicknamed the STEAM Learning Center (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and
Manufacturing).
She stated that it will become a destination for those visiting DeKalb. There will be
activities for all ages, and she provided examples of what kinds might be included. She
added that she anticipated the inclusion of seasonal and traveling exhibits would also be
incorporated.
The vision was developed by merging ideas from key stakeholders, including: 1) NIU
Center for P-20 Engagement 2) Proudly DeKalb 3) DeKalb Historical Firefighters
Association.
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March 14, 2016
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Groundwork has been established for a STEAM learning center, including the City
Center Plan, which has at its core, a mission to establish DeKalb as a regional destination
for culture, learning, dining, and entertainment. There was a major strategy for
accomplishing that core mission, including greater collaboration between the City and
NIU.
Additional groundwork was laid by the City’s 10 Year Strategic Plan which set the
direction for the City, and incorporated input from the community. The STEAM center
will fulfill the needs of the community, as communicated in the series of community
events held.
The ABC grant described a smart space learning center as one of the key components for
downtown revitalization, and resident retention.
P20 Engagement Associate Director Marilyn Bellert and NIU STEM Outreach Director
Patricia Sievert explained that they manage off-campus activities with partners in
communities, and multiple partners throughout the campus.
Ms. Bellert explained that STEAM programs have been incorporated into schools,
libraries, and museums. She added there is also opportunity for furthering education, and
professional development as well, particularly for educators.
The STEAM Learning Center Initiative began in 2012, teaming up with the DeKalb
Public Library in 2014, as well as the City and the Egyptian Theatre. The Historical
Firefighters Association joined in 2015, and in 2016, the project was a featured
component of the ABC Grant Proposal.
Ms. Sievert, provided additional information, stating they began examining what
programs would greatly impact the community as part of this project, in 2012.
She made a brief presentation on what she imagines the STEAM Center to be like,
providing a “walk through”. She explained such concepts as an open lobby, classrooms
for art, electronics, etc. There will be a store with valuable learning tools, and supplies.
She thought there would be an area for hands-on interactive and educational play, a
grocery store for lessons in economics, etc. She added that they thought a farmers market
might be appropriate to reflect our local food initiatives. She went on to describe
computer learning centers, classrooms and fully equipped science labs for furthering
education for teachers, arts studios, a high tech computer lab, green screen and audio
studio, a “maker space” to be a learning area of all ages, which would provide an area for
age appropriate activities where you can observe others working to make things, a shop
for building the exhibits, an outdoor space for raised bed gardens, and sculpture or music
beds.
Fire Lieutenant Todd Stoffa, Director of the Historical Firefighters Association, provided
background on the organization, stating they wanted to preserve the history of the fire
department organizing the DHFA in 2012 with the hopes of opening a museum. He
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explained that a fire museum is difficult to maintain on its own, so when the opportunity
to collaborate with the STEAM effort arose, it was a perfect fit.
He provided what the museum will offer. In addition to a showcase of history, it will be
an educational resource center regarding fire, home safety, severe weather, and much
more. He believes that this could showcase our community in a way that attracts
residents from other areas.
Brett Brown, a volunteer with Proudly DeKalb, offered support to make the STEAM
center a reality. He provided background on Proudly Dekalb: 1) a local grassroots
communications effort showcase the wonderful things in DeKalb, and 2) The marketing
brand for the ABC grant, where we are now a national semi-finalist. He wants to see the
STEAM center in downtown Dekalb, and use space that is currently vacant. He added
that it is possible that some of the other initiatives could potentially partner with the
space.
He stated that overall, the seven projects of Proudly Dekalb center around innovation,
and leadership, so the STEAM center is a perfect representation.
Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt explained that the project team has identified that an
analyst should be consulted to help steer the project forward, including feasibility,
operating model, and further guidance. She sought to introduce this collaborative
process, and states that they will return with further updates, as the plans develop.
Alderman Noreiko stated she is thrilled with the idea, and encourages that the space be
planned in such a way as to include as wide a group as possible.
Alderman Snow also expressed his excitement about the project, and feels that it is an
exciting concept for our city.
Mayor Rey added that the STEAM Center complements the library expansion, and
thanked the group for their efforts.
2. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program
Community Rating System Class Rating Increase.
Public Works Director Holdeman introduced City Engineer Laskowski, who provided
background on the issue, stating that the City has advanced in its rating system from a
class 8 to a class 7, which reduces the rates for those residents required to hold flood
insurance. He presented a plaque from FEMA, acknowledging the upgraded status.
City Engineer Laskowski explained that the City undertook a lot of outreach techniques,
requiring no capital, to help upgrade the status. He explained that Project Engineer Mike
Bauling will be the certified flood plain manager for the City.
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Alderman Noreiko asked what the City would have to do in order to move up again, with
City Engineer Laskowski explaining that a large manual informs what projects can be
undertaken to accomplish that task.
D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There was none.
E. RECESS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session to Discuss Personnel as Provided for in 5
ILCS 120/2(c)(1).
2. Approval to Hold an Executive Session to Discuss Pending or Imminent
Litigation as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).
MOTION
Alderman Faivre motioned to hold an Executive Session; seconded by Alderman
Finucane.
VOTE
Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt,
Snow, Noreiko, Baker, Faivre, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed, and
closed open session at 5:42 p.m.
The meeting to the public at 6:00 p.m.
F. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION
Alderman Finucane moved to adjourn the Committee of the Whole; seconded by
Alderman Jacobson.
VOTE
Motion carried on an 8-0 voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed, and
concluded the meeting at 6:01 p.m.
__________________________________________
JENNIFER JEEP JOHNSON, City Clerk
Approved by City Council on April 11, 2016.
Agenda
AGENDA
Committee of the Whole Meeting
March 14, 2016
5:00 p.m.
A. Roll Call
B. Items Also on the Regular Agenda
C. Considerations
1. STEAM Learning Center.
2. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance
Program Community Rating System Class Rating Increase.
D. Public Participation
E. Recess for Executive Session of the City Council
1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session to Discuss Personnel as Provided for
in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1).
2. Approval to Hold an Executive Session to Discuss Pending or Imminent
Litigation as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11).
F. Adjournment
Assistive services available upon request.
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DATE: March 9, 2016
TO: Honorable Mayor John Rey
City Council
FROM: Anne Marie Gaura, City Manager
Patty Hoppenstedt, Assistant City Manager
Lauren Stott, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: STEAM Learning Center.
Members of City staff been exploring potential strategies for a one-of-a-kind collaboration to
provide DeKalb with a community learning center. This learning center collaboration will provide
hands-on interactive experiences that explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math
(STEAM), as well as the history of the DeKalb community. The project team envisions a state-of-
the-art learning center which will attract a wide cross section of the population and will be a
destination designed to bring visitors to DeKalb. This learning center will be a collaborative
venture between the City of DeKalb, the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Center for P-20
Engagement, Proudly DeKalb, Inc. and the DeKalb Firefighters Historical Foundation. The vision
for the STEAM Learning Center includes activities and opportunities for all ages to learn, play
and explore.
Learning Center Vision
The City’s downtown is the strongly preferred location for the STEAM Learning Center, but other
locations can be considered. This learning center will include a variety of exhibits that demonstrate
elements of STEAM, and will also incorporate the City’s rich history. Exhibits may include, but
are not limited to: hands-on activity spaces; media and technology labs; art space/room(s); science
classroom(s); a Makers’ Space workshop; a mock Fire Station; a Safety Town, which replicates a
community and will help teach children about safety; various historical fire engines and other
equipment; a historic community jail, to include cell doors, frame, bunk, lavatory; a Police patrol
car; and space for traveling or seasonal exhibits.
Interactive Public Works and environmental exhibits would showcase the municipal services
provided by the City for the residents and businesses of DeKalb. Key areas of Public Works to
showcase include construction, traffic, transportation, solid waste, and water and wastewater. An
exhibit on the history of the City of DeKalb would include maps illustrating the City’s growth,
incorporation of new subdivisions, annexation and changes to the community landscape, as well
as the community’s rich agricultural history. A local aviation exhibit would feature the DeKalb
Taylor Municipal Airport and its history to include the Wurlitzer Piano Company’s conversion of
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its peacetime piano factory into an aircraft production facility, flight simulators and other
educational elements.
Stakeholders
The vision of a STEAM Learning Center was developed by merging individual concepts from the
stakeholders. Each stakeholder has a seat at the table to ensure their interest is fulfilled through a
comprehensive and transformative learning center for the DeKalb community.
NIU Center for P-20 Engagement
NIU’s Center for P-20 (pre-school through graduate school) Engagement is the region’s premier
provider of informal learning opportunities for students, families and educators. P-20 Center
programs last year engaged 46,714 P-12 students; 2,763 P-12 teachers; 11,800 community
members; 1,372 NIU students; and 280 NIU faculty members. The P-20 Center has cooperated in
developing a variety of STEM programs in the community, collectively known as STEAM Works.
NIU’s Center for P-20 Engagement has been investigating the concept of a multi-age learning
center. The Smart Space Learning Center is one of the featured community projects included in
Proudly DeKalb, Inc.’s Revitalization Plan submission to the America’s Best Communities
competition.
Proudly DeKalb, Inc.
Proudly DeKalb, Inc. is a community stakeholder group, developed with the goal of promoting
civic pride and community advancement. The group is led by area business and local nonprofit
volunteers and has the support of volunteers from governmental organizations, including NIU,
Kishwaukee College, DeKalb CUSD428, DeKalb Public Library, the DeKalb Park District and
the City of DeKalb. An early initiative of the group is #ProudlyDeKalb, a grassroots effort to
recognize positive achievements and potential within the community. The group started as a way
to promote DeKalb’s entry in the America’s Best Communities contest, a national community
revitalization competition among 350 original submission communities. The competition is
ongoing, with Proudly DeKalb, Inc.’s community revitalization plan now one of fifteen remaining
national semi-finalists competing for top prizes up to $3 million. In its quest to be named one of
America’s Best Communities, Proudly DeKalb, Inc. selected NIU’s Smart Space Learning Center
as a project for inclusion in the grant competition, integrated with six other revitalization projects.
DeKalb Historical Firefighters Association
The DeKalb Fire Department was established in 1869 and has a long history in the City of DeKalb.
The Fire Department has maintained much of its history, including apparatus, a fire alarm system,
original fire poles, photos, documents, and other artifacts for the community to learn and enjoy the
history and traditions of this great organization. Members of the DeKalb Fire Department have
been working since early 2004 to collect, preserve and display pieces of the Department’s history.
The Foundation has worked with NIU’s archives and the Joiner History Room to research the
department’s history. In 2012, a total of 80 members formed the DeKalb Firefighters Historical
Foundation. This group’s goal is to continue to expand the collection with the hopes of building a
museum to display the history for the community and surrounding area. The Foundation envisions
the learning center as a shared and collaborative space that is not only a visual fire museum, but
also a community and children’s safety and educational learning center. The group’s vision is an
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all-encompassing place for the entire family and community to learn about safety and the history
of the DeKalb Fire Department.
Groundwork
Several critical community planning documents already have outlined the need for this concept.
City Center Plan
In July 2013, the City Council adopted an updated City Center Plan with the following vision:
“DeKalb City Center will be a regional destination for culture, learning, dining and entertainment
joined with a world class university and surrounded by well-connected, desirable neighborhoods.”
The plan outlined a major strategy for achieving this vision: a greatly increased level of
collaboration between the City and University. The learning center is on track to be one of several
downtown cornerstones for community learning and engagement.
Strategic Plan
In February 2016, the City Council adopted the DeKalb 2025 Strategic Plan, which sets the
direction for City policy, budgeting, and program development for the next 10 years. An extensive
community engagement effort was conducted to capture the opinions and ideas about the future of
DeKalb from people who live, work, and/or learn in the city. The STEAM Learning Center will
fulfill the community’s needs as identified in the plan’s Vision of a Sense of Place and Vision of
Community Vitality and a Vibrant Downtown.
These visions outline the need for providing a broad spectrum of enjoyable activities and
entertaining events as essential for attracting and retaining residents and drawing visitors to the
City. This element is also essential for DeKalb’s youth, who are the future of the community.
Actions described by the community included the creation of gathering places that bring people
together within neighborhoods and across the City. The community described elements of
community vitality as a strong business community, a thriving downtown, a rich array of cultural
and recreational activities for people of all ages, and a flourishing natural environment.
Specifically, the plan identifies support for the establishment of a regional technology, art and
cultural children’s learning space, and support for place-making in DeKalb’s neighborhoods,
downtown, at entrance gateways, the airport, and on NIU’s campus. This goal can be realized with
the following strategies and actions, as outlined in the plan: Promote initiatives that celebrate
DeKalb’s heritage and legacy, encourage historic preservation initiatives, celebrate DeKalb’s
agricultural history and heritage, and establish a City history museum that recognizes various
elements of community heritage, e.g., public safety.
America’s Best Communities
As identified in the America’s Best Communities grant application, Proudly DeKalb, Inc.
describes a Smart Space Learning Center as one of its cornerstone projects for community
revitalization. STEAM skills are recognized as key areas for young learners, right from the very
start, and remain crucial throughout life. The next generation of innovators must learn how to
communicate and connect in an increasingly fast-paced, tech-centered world. NIU and the City of
DeKalb are exploring development of SmartSpace, an innovative, one-of-a-kind community
learning center. SmartSpace would provide visitors of all ages with fun, hands-on, interactive
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experiences that explore STEAM, increasing their STEAM interest and skills, and exposing them
to careers in the STEAM professions. A cutting-edge community learning center would benefit
both the DeKalb community and NIU by helping to anchor downtown renovation, attracting
tourism and revenue for area businesses, and establishing the City as a university town on the rise.
Objectives
The project team has identified that the next step in concept development for the STEAM Learning
Center is to rely on the expertise of a consultant to analyze the feasibility of this vision. The
consultant will make recommendations regarding the steps that will lead to the learning center’s
creation. Specific deliverables and items from the consultant to be analyzed will be detailed in a
Request for Proposals (RFP). The project team would like the consultant’s expertise to explore the
potential for a learning center, what resources/support will be needed for success, and what
ownership/operating model will be best suited for the learning center now and into the future.
The RFP will require a detailed study to provide the guidance for feasibility, design, cost/financial
impact, construction, and operations for a learning center in DeKalb. The study will define the
market area and community needs, analyze current and projected demographics, competition, and
forecast usage. It will determine potential financial impact, potential ownership, partnership, and
management options, and provide planning parameters such as total land size needed, best
location, and types and sizes of spaces required.
The planning process has been collaborative and productive, and the project team looks forward
to providing more specific information as it is finalized. The project team will be in attendance at
the March 14, 2016 Committee of the Whole meeting to provide an overview of the STEAM
Learning Center and answer any questions regarding the project. The team appreciates any
feedback at this time and throughout the planning process.
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DATE: March 9, 2016
TO: Honorable Mayor John Rey
City Council
FROM: Anne Marie Gaura, City Manager
Tim Holdeman, Public Works Director
John Laskowski, City Engineer
SUBJECT: Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Flood Insurance Program
Community Rating System Class Rating Increase.
I. Summary
The National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) Community Rating System (CRS) is a voluntary
incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities
that exceed the minimum NFIP requirements. The CRS was implemented in 1990 as a voluntary
program for recognizing and encouraging community floodplain management activities
exceeding the NFIP’s minimum standards. Any community that is in full compliance with the
NFIP’s minimum floodplain management requirements may apply to join CRS.
When a community joins the CRS program, flood insurance premium rates are discounted to
reflect the reduced flood risk resulting from community actions that meet three goals: 1) reduce
flood damage to insurable property; 2) strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP;
and 3) encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management.
For CRS participating communities, flood insurance premium rates are discounted in increments
of 5% (i.e., a Class 1 community would receive a 45% premium discount, while a Class 9
community would receive a 5% discount (a Class 10 is not participating in the CRS and receives
no discount)).
Currently the City is a Class 8 and receives a 10% discount. However, the City has increased its
class rating in the CRS from a Class 8 to a Class 7. This means the discount that citizens
required to carry flood insurance has increased from a 10% discount to a 15% discount.
There are 97 policies throughout the City with an average of $1,621 per policy. Currently,
policy holders average a discount of $162. The total City-wide discount is $15,714. With the
increase in class to a Class 7, the discount is 15% and the total savings will be $23,585, an
increase in city-wide savings of $7,871.
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II. Background
In 1968, Congress created the NFIP to help provide a means for property owners to financially
protect themselves. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business
owners if their community participates in the NFIP. Since standard homeowners insurance
doesn't cover flooding, it's important to have protection from floods associated with hurricanes,
tropical storms, heavy rains and other conditions that impact the U.S. The NFIP does more than
make flood insurance available, it also supports local communities in their efforts to reduce the
risk and consequences of serious flooding. In order to participate in the NFIP, a community
must agree to adopt and enforce sound floodplain management regulations and ordinances. In
exchange for these practices, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes flood
insurance available to homeowners, renters and business owners in these communities.
III. Community Groups/Interested Parties Contacted
The community groups contacted were those residents identified to be in the Repetitive Loss
Areas (RLA) within the City’s corporate limits. RLA’s are geographic areas of town that
surround properties that have had multiple flood insurance claims. There are 71 total property
owners that have been contacted in each of the RLAs.
IV. Legal Impact
The NFIP’s CRS is an optional program that promotes responsible risk management of flood
events. There is no legal risk associated with the City’s participation.
V. Financial Impact
The only resources required to participate in the CRS program is limited engineering staff time
and postage associated with outreach activities.
VI. Options
1. Council can direct staff to continue to participate in the CRS program.
2. Council can direct staff to stop participating in the CRS program.
VII. Recommendation
Staff recommends continued participation in the CRS program.
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