City Council

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE JULY 11, 2016 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Committee of the Whole meeting on July 11, 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 5:03 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 Kate Noreiko, Alderman Tony Faivre, and Mayor John Rey. Alderman David Jacobson arrived to the meeting at 5:04 p.m. Alderman Dave Baker arrived to the meeting at 5:34 p.m. Alderman Bob Snow was absent. Also present were: City Manager Anne Marie Gaura, Assistant City Manager Patty Hoppenstedt, City Attorney Dean Frieders, Finance Director Cathy Haley, Police Chief Gene Lowery, Deputy Fire Chief Jeff McMaster, Community Development Director Ellen Divita, Public Works Director Tim Holdeman, City Engineer John Laskowski, Principal Planner Jo Ellen Charlton, Economic Development Planner Jason Michnick, and City Clerk Jennifer Jeep Johnson. B. ITEMS ALSO ON THE REGULAR AGENDA None. C. CONSIDERATIONS 1. Introduction of Principal Planner Jo Ellen Charlton. Community Development Director Divita provided background on Ms. Charlton. Ms. Charlton expressed her excitement over joining the City of DeKalb staff. 2. Introduction of Economic Development Planner Jason Michnick. Community Development Director Divita provided background information on Mr. Michnick. Mr. Michnick expressed his pleasure at joining the City of DeKalb staff. 3. Request for Proposal (RFP) for a DeKalb Sycamore Area Transportation Study (DSATS) Bus Shelter Project. Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes July 11, 2016 Page 2 of 5 City Engineer Laskowski provided information on the proposal. He explained that the project is for construction of bus shelters, eight of which will be located within the City. He explained that this request is for distribution of the study to potential vendors, and there is no cost to the City for this portion of the project. Brief discussion ensued as to how the locations will be selected, and any special requirements that might be necessary. Mayor Rey stated that Council looks forward to seeing the RFP when it returns to Council. 4. Video Gaming Terminal Discussion. Ms. Charlton stated the purpose of this discussion item is to evaluate whether Council is interested in limiting the number of such establishments within the City. She provided a brief history of these issues within DeKalb, as well as comparative data from other communities. She explained that the State limits such establishments to having five video gaming licenses per business, so there tends to be several establishments pop up within close proximity. Ms. Charlton presented options to Council: 1) do nothing, and let market reach saturation; 2) allow gaming as an accessory use, rather than principal use; and 3) limit within zoning districts, and decide whether it should be permitted, or special use. If permitted, there could be standards attached, such as distance allowable between such establishments. She explained that this goal could also be accomplished via special use permits, which would allow the public some input on the matter. She explained that staff sought input from the Council. City Manager Gaura explained that this item was before Council because several Councilmen have expressed that it might be something on which parameters should be established. Alderman Noreiko asked Police Chief Lowery whether gaming establishments were related to increased crime. Chief Lowery explained that while there is no quantifiable correlation between video gaming and need for policing, that anecdotally the effect of such establishments leads to an increase in domestic disturbances, often brought on by the stress of depleted funds.  Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes July 11, 2016 Page 3 of 5 Alderman Noreiko wondered whether there were any restrictions regarding the proximity of these establishments to parks, or schools, with City Attorney Frieders explaining that those of standard liquor licensing apply. Alderman Jacobson inquired as to distinction between principal and accessory use. City Attorney Frieders explained that there is a technical explanation, but practically speaking, they meet whatever requirements are necessary to get their five terminals. Alderman Jacobson expressed his opinion that the City should not intervene on this issue, and leave it to the free market to sort out. Alderman Faivre inquired as to why these businesses are brought before Council to discuss, compared to other kinds of businesses. City Attorney Frieders responded that the primary reason they are discussed with Council is because of the liquor licensing or special use permits they seek. Alderman Faivre responded that there are consequences to gambling within the community and that the City ought to consider what it wants DeKalb to look like. He raised the question of whether fees are high enough, and whether there is any way to dedicate the revenue from such establishments to a particular fund, such as services. Alderman Finucane added his belief that the free market should determine the saturation point of such establishments, but he isn’t opposed to considering a cap on the number operating within the City. He added that the fees will also impact the number of establishments seeking to come to DeKalb. Alderman Noreiko stated she hasn’t made up her mind on the issue yet, but she isn’t comfortable with a strip mall that has multiple establishments of this sort. She stated she might be in favor of implementing restrictions of some kind. Alderman Jacobson sought clarification on whether a single owner could own more than one establishment within a strip mall. Brief discussion ensued as to restrictions preventing this sort of occurrence. Alderman Marquardt added that proximity is an issue as well, but it might be trickier than we think. He stated he’d need to consider limitations without impeding businesses. Alderman Baker stated he’s in favor of these establishments, and that he supports the free market idea. City Manager Gaura inquired as to the will of Council. Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes July 11, 2016 Page 4 of 5 Community Development Director Divita asked for further discussion on the principal use versus special use component of the discussion. Alderman Finucane stated he believes it doesn’t matter, and the market will dictate the saturation point. Alderman Faivre inquired as to what transpired between the accessory idea to that of principal. Principal Planner Charlton briefly explained the evolution of the issue. Alderman Jacobson expressed that he thought this evolution happens when businesses prove they can create stand-alone entities. Mayor Rey asked Council for their thoughts on the specific items for which City Manager Gaura asked for guidance. Alderman Baker suggested that a pause on approving these businesses might allow for feedback to be gathered. City Attorney Frieders said that if Council wished to place a moratorium on the matter, they should set the number of contemplated establishments above the number currently in operation, or with pending applications. Alderman Jacobson reiterated that it wouldn’t be wise to limit economic opportunities, and that any number is going to be arbitrary, and cost the City opportunity for business development. Alderman Marquardt inquired as to whether Sycamore has a limit on such establishments, with the response being they do not. Alderman Noreiko said that setting a numeric limit seems arbitrary at this point, but establishing other limitations such as proximity, and reevaluating in six months would be her preference. Principal Planner Charlton explained that staff could put together data that might be useful to Council. City Manager Gaura stated that this conversation was a result of comments from the Aldermen, and there are three upcoming pending licenses for review. Principal Planner Charlton drew attention to the fact that the pending applicants are within close proximity to one another.  Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes July 11, 2016 Page 5 of 5 Alderman Jacobson said that establishments are going to want to be in high traffic areas, and limiting them is going to be difficult, though he supports other kinds of limitations. 5. Location Quotient and Employment Statistics. City Manager Gaura suggested tabling this item until the next Committee of the Whole meeting. Consensus was reached to move this item to the next meeting. D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None. E. RECESS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION OF THE CITY COUNCIL None. F. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Alderman Jacobson moved to adjourn; seconded by Alderman Faivre. VOTE Motion carried on a 7-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Noreiko, Baker, Faivre, Rey. Nay: None. Absent: Snow. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed, and adjourned the meeting at 5:59 p.m. _____________________________________ JENNIFER JEEP JOHNSON, City Clerk Approved by City Council August 8, 2016.