City Council

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING APRIL 24, 2017 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois, held a Committee of the Whole meeting on April 24, 2017, 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 Jennifer Jeep Johnson called the roll, and the following members of the City Council were present: Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Mike Marquardt, Alderman Bob Snow, Alderman Kate Noreiko, and Mayor John Rey. Alderman Tony Faivre arrived at 5:02 p.m. Alderman David Jacobson arrived at 5:17 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 Jo Ellen Charlton, Public Works Director Tim Holdeman, Information Technology Director Marc Thorson, Assistant Human Resources Director Michelle Anderson, Economic Development Planner Jason Michnick, Principal Planner Dan Olson, Management Analyst Lauren Stott, Management Analyst Aaron Stevens, Management Analyst Patrick DiDiana, Information Technology Specialist Jeff Birtell, Management Intern Chris Jackson, Deputy City Clerk Ruth Scott, and City Clerk Jennifer Jeep Johnson. B. ITEMS ALSO ON THE REGULAR AGENDA There were none. C. CONSIDERATIONS 1. Downtown Student Community Conversation. City Manager Gaura introduced the topic at hand, explaining that the project began two years ago. Management Intern Jackson provided some information on the event, and introduced Caleb Tomaszewski, Northern Illinois University (NIU) Director of Governmental Affairs for the Student Association, and Ms. Christine Wang, NIU Speaker of the Senate. Committee of the Whole Minutes April 24, 2017 Page 2 of 5 Regarding communication, Ms. Wang explained that students lacked knowledge of downtown events, such as being unaware of the presence of an indoor skate park. She stated that the students came up with several ideas as to how they might be better targeted. Management Intern Jackson explained how the identified theme of communication relates to the action items already identified by the Strategic Plan, and that the City has already taken steps to be more present. Mr. Tomaszewski addressed streets and lighting concerns by suggesting that increased police presence and emergency call boxes would increase comfort with coming downtown at night. Management Intern Jackson explained that the City's steps related to the Strategic Plan are being addressed. Regarding transportation, Ms. Wang stated there is a desire to be downtown, but with no easy way to get there. Students don't want to walk that far, so the introduction of a shuttle and additional bus routes would be beneficial. She also highlighted that the addition of ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft could address this concern. Management Intern Jackson explained that this relates to the matter of accessibility, and further research is being done to address these points. Regarding weekend activities, Mr. Tomaszewski conveyed an interest in non-alcohol options, including a food truck for late night snacks, a consolidated shopping area, and other underage activities. Regarding sense of community, Ms. Wang offered suggestions of ways to bolster community pride, highlighting the success of such initiatives as #ProudlyDekalb. Additionally, a job fair/internship fair is being contemplated. Economic Development Planner Michnick provided information on the student survey results. He highlighted that the City would love to engage students earlier in their careers so they are more involved in the community throughout their tenure in DeKalb. He also explained that a follow-up survey was created, and went through the data. Economic Development Planner Michnick stated that he wanted to dispel the common belief that NIU is a commuter school, as the survey did not indicate that the students identify that way. Additionally, the students were surprised at how much there is downtown. Most students are attracted  Committee of the Whole Minutes April 24, 2017 Page 3 of 5 downtown for restaurants or to the Egyptian theatre, which presents a huge opportunity for investment in those areas. Economic Development Planner Michnick continued reviewing the survey results as follows:  There was interest in setting up a bike sharing program, with much interest in downtown as a hub.  Students felt that increasing lighting would go a long way to increasing downtown patronage.  A shuttle would be very helpful for getting to the downtown.  Student email is the best way to reach them, though the survey indicated the need to communicate in many different ways, as the students all receive info differently.  The students also expressed interest in festival offerings and special events, such as a Taste of DeKalb event, music festivals, etc.  The students were encouraged by the citizens wanting them to be more engaged, as they have often felt overlooked. Economic Development Planner Michnick offered additional ways to engage the students. Alderman Noreiko expressed her gratitude for the work that was put in to the discussions with the students. She wondered whether there was a diverse cross section of student involvement, which was confirmed. City Manager Gaura thanked everyone involved, including NIU Director of Communiversity Affairs Jennifer Groce, for helping set up this communication line. She also thanked all of the partners involved. Mayor Rey thanked everyone for their involvement, and for the presentation. 2. Asset Management Plan for Streets, Facilities, Stormwater, and Fleet Update. Public Works Director Holdeman provided background on the Request for Proposals (RFP), stating that only four responses were received because the scope of the project isn't big enough for many firms. Public Works Director Holdeman then provided an alternate plan, adding that streets and fleet are the two assets to be addressed for this fiscal Committee of the Whole Minutes April 24, 2017 Page 4 of 5 year. He also suggested that City staff should take a more active role in project management, rather than completely outsourcing. Public Works Director Holdeman explained that the City will also be looking for a municipal advisor on how best to analyze the finances, and determine a dedicated funding source. Alderman Noreiko stated that the condition of the streets is a major concern within the community, and she looks forward to seeing the results. Alderman Marquardt wanted to know how the public input would be made, with Public Works Director Holdeman explaining there will be a series of meetings. Alderman Baker offered his opinion that most of this information should be able to be accessed, and suggested that a tax on stormwater maintenance could be introduced. Public Works Director Holdeman highlighted that it is important to engage the public, and provide them options so they can understand what they're paying for. 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 Collective Bargaining as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2). 3. Approval to Hold an Executive Session to Discuss Pending or Imminent Litigation as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). MOTION Alderman Noreiko moved to hold an Executive Session; seconded by Alderman Faivre. 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.  Committee of the Whole Minutes April 24, 2017 Page 5 of 5 Mayor Rey closed the meeting to the public at 5:47 p.m. Mayor Rey opened the meeting to the public at 6:03 p.m. F. ADJOURNMENT MOTION Alderman Jacobson moved to adjourn; seconded by Alderman Marquardt. VOTE Motion carried on an 8-0 voice vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Snow, Noreiko, Baker, Faivre, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed and concluded the meeting at 6:03 p.m. _____________________________________ JENNIFER JEEP JOHNSON, City Clerk Approved by City Council: May 22, 2017.