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City Council

Regular Meeting

DeKalb, IL · November 22, 2021

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Minutes

MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 2021 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular meeting on November 22, 2021, in the Yusunas Meeting Room of the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, Illinois. A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Mayor Barnes called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. City Clerk Sasha Cohen called the roll and the following members of City Council were present: Alderman Carolyn Morris, Alderman Barb Larson, Alderman Greg Perkins, Alderman Scott McAdams, Alderman Tony Faivre, and Mayor Cohen Barnes. Alderman Tracy Smith and Alderman Mike Verbic were absent. Others in attendance included City Manager Bill Nicklas and City Attorney John Donahue. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Barnes asked Julie Jesmer, a Trash Squirrel team member, as well as a Citizens’ Environmental Commission (CEC) member, to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Alderman Perkins. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Speaking as a public participant, Sasha Cohen stated there should be some sort of recourse for citizens who don’t feel represented by their elected officials and encouraged Council to bring forth a recall ordinance to assist the public in getting their voices heard. Ryan (last name withheld by request) expressed his opinion regarding what he feels is an oversight by the local news media by not sharing his complaint that he’s being discriminated against by the City of DeKalb, DeKalb County, Northern Illinois University, and other local governmental entities. E. PRESENTATIONS 1. Trash Squirrels Recognition. Mayor Barnes recognized the Trash Squirrels organization for their efforts in keeping the community clean by picking up over 6,022 pounds of trash. Julie Jesmer, one of the organizers of the Trash Squirrels, stated their work for the year is complete, with 24 events under their belt for the 2021 season. Efforts will begin again next spring, with hopes to coordinate with sorority and other local groups. Regular Meeting Minutes November 22, 2021 Page 2 of 13 F. APPOINTMENTS Mayor Barnes read the following appointments in their entirety: 1. Initial Appointment of Justin Carlson to the Citizen Police Review Board for a One-Year Term from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. 2. Initial Appointment of Maurice McDavid to the Citizen Police Review Board for a One-Year Term from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. 3. Initial Appointment of Kate Noreiko to the Citizen Police Review Board for a Two-Year Term from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2023. 4. Initial Appointment of Veronica Origel to the Citizen Police Review Board for a Two-Year Term from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2023. 5. Initial Appointment of John Walker to the Citizen Police Review Board for a Two-Year Term from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2023. 6. Appointment of Dakota Burke of the DeKalb County Health Department as an Ex-Officio Member of the Citizens’ Environmental Commission. MOTION: Alderman Morris moved to approve the appointments; seconded by Alderman Faivre. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. G. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Mayor Barnes read the title below and asked for a motion to bring the item to the floor for approval. There was no motion offered by Council. 1. Minutes Submitted by the City Clerk a. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 23, 2021. b. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 13, 2021. c. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 27, 2021. d. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 25, 2021. Mayor Barnes read the title below and asked for a motion to bring the item to the floor. 2. Minutes Submitted by the Executive Assistant MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to approve the minutes; seconded by Alderman Morris. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. For the record, Mayor Barnes then read the following by title only: a. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 23, 2021. Regular Meeting Minutes November 22, 2021 Page 3 of 13 b. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 13, 2021. c. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 27, 2021. d. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 25, 2021. e. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of November 8, 2021. H. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Barnes read the following by title only: 1. Accounts Payable and Payroll through November 22, 2021, in the Amount of $4,622,544.25. 2. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through September 2021. 3. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through September 2021. 4. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – October 2021. MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Alderman Perkins. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS Mayor Barnes opened the public hearing at 6:17 p.m., stating the Public Hearing was being held to discuss the Aggregate City Levy, which includes the DeKalb Public Library. 1. Public Hearing: 2021 Annual City and Library Public Levies. Mark Scott began by stating he thinks the proposed $60-$70 tax rebate on real estate taxes being discussed should be put into a fund to help fix DeKalb’s roads. Mr. Scott then expressed his feelings regarding the library’s proposed 14% tax levy, stating the library has been financially mismanaged for eight to ten years. Continuing, Mr. Scott stated he was opposed to the library’s expansion. However, the expansion happened and when the library couldn’t pay for it, they came to the City for assistance and the City took out a 20-year loan on their behalf. Mr. Scott continued, expressing his disdain for the library’s actions then and now. He further stated that surveys indicate library functions as we know them won’t be needed 25 years from now. Concluding his comments, Mr. Scott stated the library should come off the tax bill and conduct their business with the funding they receive from the state or through donations, or they should be added to the City’s budget. Ryan (last name withheld by request) provided his opinion regarding what he believes is a lack of City services being provided to citizens from their tax dollars, his belief that Hispanics are being mistreated in DeKalb, including himself, how there should be a forensic audit for City spending, how he believes a license plate reader was placed outside his home so that police could see who’s coming and going, and how he doesn’t feel safe in DeKalb. At this point in the meeting, Mayor Barnes asked for clarification regarding a time limit for public hearing speakers. City Attorney Donahue stated it has long been the City’s practice to limit comments to three minutes. Ryan (last name withheld) continued, reiterating his tax dollars are paying for City services he’s not receiving, and how the City needs a forensic audit for how the City is spending its money. Regular Meeting Minutes November 22, 2021 Page 4 of 13 Mark Charvat began his comments by stating there’s no speaking time limit during a public hearing as long as you stay on subject. He then complimented the City for levying a lower tax for the second year in a row. Continuing, Mr. Charvat stated he’s repulsed that Council has been blind to what the library has been doing regarding fiscal matters. He reminded Council that the levy doesn’t have to be passed at this meeting and that they can request that the library board revise their proposed levy. At this point in the meeting, Mayor Barnes told Mr. Charvat that he has met with library representatives regarding their proposed tax levy, and they have agreed to take a look at it again. Further, Council will be postponing their vote on the levy until further information is received from the library. Mr. Charvat continued, stating the background information does indicate that Mayor Barnes was going to have a conversation with the library director, Emily Faulkner, regarding the library’s proposed levy and asked what was discovered in that conversation. Mayor Barnes stated it’s still an ongoing conversation. Mr. Charvat then asked if the library would be coming before Council to explain why they need a 14% increase. He stated while the Census indicates population in DeKalb is down by 9%, the library is still asking for 14.1% more tax dollars, adding they’re the only taxing body levying for more. He reminded Council that they aren’t required to rubberstamp the levy as presented and it needs to be dealt with this year. Mr. Charvat then spoke regarding DeKalb Township’s multiplier, stating agenda packets from the last few meetings has listed the multiplier as 1.0199 or 1.02 and the revised amount is 1.62. Mayor Barnes corrected Mr. Charvat, stating the multiplier is 1.0162. There was brief discussion between Mayor Barnes and Mr. Charvat regarding the correct multiplier, where Mr. Charvat stated 1.0162 is 1.62%. Continuing, Mr. Charvat stated previously it was 1.02% and the multiplier for everyone is higher than originally thought. Mayor Barnes stated it’s lower. Brief discussion ensued. Mr. Charvat went on, again stressing that the library is the only taxing body that won’t reduce its rate. Mayor Barnes reiterated that the City is in discussions with the library regarding the matter. Mr. Charvat then referenced emails he received from Ms. Faulkner that claim the library is asking for more money for necessary repairs to the building. Mr. Charvat wondered what repairs could possibly be needed in a new building. Mayor Barnes indicated there’s another portion of the library that’s 100 years old. Mr. Charvat stated it was indicated that the repairs were needed in the new portion of the building. Mr. Charvat continued, stating the most ridiculous response he received from Ms. Faulkner was that more money was needed to address any unexpected issues that may arise in the future. Concluding his comments, Mr. Charvat stated another issue he has with the library is that although the building was closed for 18 months, there were still employees working while other businesses had to close and/or find ways to cut back. The next speaker (Amy Ferraro) asked when Council would be voting on the levy. City Manager Nicklas indicated it would be December 13, 2021. Continuing, Ms. Ferraro stated she moved to DeKalb three years ago and she loves the area, however she will have to consider leaving if taxes continue to rise. She further stated that Council needs to hold the library fiscally responsible for their actions. Concluding her comments, Ms. Ferraro stated we need to see what we can do as a community to lower taxes. Regular Meeting Minutes November 22, 2021 Page 5 of 13 Mayor Barnes said a priority of the City of DeKalb is the reduction of the tax rate and putting money back into people’s pockets, which is a conversation that takes place constantly between himself, the City Council, and the City Manager. He also stated the City will be working diligently at having discussions with other taxing bodies to achieve what we all want, which is a reduction in the overall tax rate, affordable housing, and good and dependable services. Speaking as a citizen, Sasha Cohen stated it should be remembered that the library isn’t a business but a public service organization that exists to provide benefits to residents, however, that doesn’t mean they’re immune from criticism when exceeding their spending or when asking for more money during times when people are struggling. He further stated that the library is run for the betterment of the community, not for a profit. Continuing, Mr. Cohen stated he’s a new homeowner and when he looks at the direction of taxes in DeKalb, he doesn’t see this city as the place that he would want to purchase another home. With regard to City spending, he stated there always seems to be money to make purchase or pay salaries, but never enough money for the city services that would help citizens. He encouraged Council to take a second look at the budget to see what the priorities are. Mayor Barnes asked anyone wishing to speak further to make their final comments. Ryan (last name withheld by request) asked again about a forensic audit on City spending and how that can be accomplished. Mayor Barnes stated to Ryan that his previous comments would give Council “food for thought”. Stating that the library board is an independent body appointed by the Mayor, Sasha Cohen asked Mayor Barnes if he had a plan for replacing board members with expiring terms, if any, with members more fiscally responsible. Mayor Barnes stated he doesn’t have a plan at this time. Mark Charvat spoke again about the property tax rate, stating it’s important that citizens know that a property tax rate reduction doesn’t mean a reduction in the dollars paid to each taxing entity. Mayor Barnes stated just to be clear, the City of DeKalb is putting money back in the wallets of taxpayers. There were no comments from City Manager Nicklas or the City Council. Mayor Barnes closed the public hearing at 6:49 p.m. J. CONSIDERATIONS 1. Consideration of the Exemplary Career of Retiring Fire Chief Jeff McMaster. City Manager Nicklas began by stating there was a ceremony in honor of Fire Chief McMaster at Fire Station #1 on November 19, 2021, which was well attended. City Manager Nicklas expressed how grateful the City was for Fire Chief McMaster’s 26 years of dedication and service (November 27, 1995 – November 27, 2021). Fire Chief McMaster then received a very deserving standing ovation. K. RESOLUTIONS 1. Resolution 2021-100 Appropriating the Sum of $1,825,000 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for Maintaining Various Streets and Highways Under the Applicable Provisions of the Illinois Regular Meeting Minutes November 22, 2021 Page 6 of 13 Highway Code (Section 22-00000-00-GM) from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only. MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman McAdams. City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet, stating the City is annually required to enter a resolution and agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) in order to receive our share of motor fuel tax (MFT). We expect to receive approximately $1,825,000 in funding for 2022, which can then be used for road salt, engineering services, electricity for streetlights and traffic signals, and street resurfacing. Approval of this item was recommended. There was no discussion among Council. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. 2. Resolution 2021-101 Authorizing a Supplemental Professional Services Agreement with Engineering Enterprises, Inc. (EEI) for Engineering Design of Lincoln Highway Lane Reconfiguration in an Additional Amount Not to Exceed $32,066. Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only. MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Faivre. City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet, stating this project, which has been ongoing for approximately two years, will turn Lincoln Highway (from First Street to Fourth Street at the Union Pacific (UP) railroad tracks) from a four-lane highway to three lanes with a center turn lane. He added not only will this help reduce speeding vehicles, but also provide businesses in that area more sidewalk space for sales and local events. A bikeway lane will also be placed on Grove Street, which is parallel with Lincoln Highway. Recently, IDOT has raised issues with the project concerning the railroad tracks at Fourth Street, stating further review was needed, which would delay the project 16 to 18 months. Therefore, this supplemental agreement will allow EEI to redraft plans to meet IDOT’s permitting cycle. There was no discussion among Council. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. City Manager thanked City Engineer Zac Gill for his earnest and continual work to help make this project succeed. Mayor Barnes commented that for the short time he’s been Mayor, many City staff have been accommodating and easy to work with, including Mr. Gill. 3. Resolution 2021-102 Authorizing the Waiver of Competitive Bidding and Award of a Contract to Stryker Powered System and Stair Chairs in an Amount Not to Exceed $350,000. Regular Meeting Minutes November 22, 2021 Page 7 of 13 Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only. MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Perkins. City Manager Nicklas began his overview by thanking Fire Chief McMaster, Deputy Fire Chief Mike Thomas, and Local 1236 for their assistance in finding replacement for pricey but necessary new cots, stair chairs and power lifts, not only to protect the backs of firefighters but also for be for the benefit of patients loaded in and out of the ambulances. The current equipment has reached the age where it cannot be repaired due to the lack of replacement parts. City Manager Nicklas continued, stating alternative vendors were reviewed; however, Stryker provided the best price. Further, the stated the purchase price won’t have to be paid until 2022. Council’s approval is recommended now to avoid sizable price increases that will occur as of January 1, 2022. Council approval was recommended. There was no discussion among Council. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. L. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING 1. Ordinance 2021-044 Authorizing the 2021 Levy and 2022 Collection of Taxes in and for the Corporate and Municipal Purposes and Special Service Areas of the City of DeKalb for Fiscal Year 2022. Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only. MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve the ordinance; seconded by Alderman McAdams. City Manager Nicklas stated that he and Mayor Barnes recently met with the library to discuss their proposed tax levy and are confident there will be some change. Therefore, it’s recommended that this item be tabled at this meeting to allow the library to make adjustments. City Manager Nicklas also stated that he will be requesting the tabling of Ordinance 2021-045 as well, for the same reason. MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to table this ordinance until the next meeting of City Council, which will be December 13, 2021; seconded by Alderman Perkins. There was no discussion among Council. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. 2. Ordinance 2021-045 Abating the 2021 Tax Levy for the Debt Service of the General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds of the City of DeKalb. Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only and asked for a motion to bring this item to the floor. Regular Meeting Minutes November 22, 2021 Page 8 of 13 MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to bring the item to the floor; seconded by Alderman McAdams. Based on City Manager Nicklas’ comments during discussion of the Ordinance 2021-044, Mayor Barnes asked for a motion to table this item until the next City Council meeting of December 13, 2021. MOTION: Alderman Morris moved to table this item to December 13, 2021; seconded by Alderman Faivre. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. City Manager Nicklas stated it’s important that all local taxing bodies, including the City, take into consideration what citizens are actually paying in the way of taxes on an annual basis. Mayor Barnes stated there will be an increased EAV (Equalized Assessed Value) in the future with Facebook and Project Barb and added this is an opportunity for taxing bodies in the community to show leadership in order to continue to drive down the overall tax rate in the city of DeKalb. M. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING 1. Ordinance 2021-047 Approving a Plat of Vacation for Northland Plaza Resubdivision No. 3 (B33 Northland Plaza, LLC). Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only. MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve the ordinance on first reading; seconded by Alderman Larson. City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet, stating the owner of the development is requesting vacation of a 7-foot by 106- foot portion of the easement that partially goes under the building. The request reflects a concern by TJ Maxx regarding their lease and use of the building interior. There are no utilities in the portion of the easement that would be vacated. The applicant has contacted all the utilities involved and received releases from the City (water), the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District (KWRD) (sanitary sewer) Comcast, MetroNet, Frontier, and AT&T, and is currently in the process of obtaining approvals from Nicor and Commonwealth Edison. The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC) has recommended approval of the request subject to all utility company releases being obtained prior to the recording of the plat. Approval of this item was recommended. There was no discussion among Council. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to waive second reading of the ordinance and approve; seconded by Alderman Morris. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. Regular Meeting Minutes November 22, 2021 Page 9 of 13 2. Ordinance 2021-048 Approving a Special Use Permit for a Self-Service Storage Facility with Interior Unit Access to be Located at 1700 Sycamore Road (DeKalb – Harlem, LLC). Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only. MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Larson. City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet, stating the PZC considered this request on November 15, 2021. The petitioner has been in control of the DeKalb Shopping Center for some time, once known as the Eagle Shopping Center. The space is about 20,000 square feet and hasn’t been leased since 2015. Therefore, the owners of the property are requesting placement of an interior, climate controlled secure self-storage facility, which has been done successfully in other communities and often times brings in regular traffic. Continuing, City Manager Nicklas stated parking at the property is more than adequate and all other requirements are met in terms of utilities. Support of the PZC’s recommendation was requested. Alderman Larson stated she thinks it’s a great idea but there are concerns regarding large amounts of trash that may be left behind when renters of the units vacate the unit. Mark Robinson, Chief Operating Officer of First Midwest Group, replied that quarterly checks will be completed to see what’s been left behind by those not renewing their lease. Some items will be thrown away and some items will be auctioned off. Along with Bob Tumminaro, also of First Midwest Group, Mr. Robinson stated a similar successful project was completed on a large piece of property in Rockford, which inspired additional development. Mayor Barnes stated it’s top of mind right now to ensure litter and trash will be maintained and the property kept clean. Alderman Faivre offered thanks for taking care of the property and continuing to invest in DeKalb. Mayor Barnes said he hopes DeKalb has been a good partner during this process, with Mr. Robinson stated it has. There was no further discussion among Council. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to waive second reading of the ordinance and approve; seconded by Alderman Morris. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. Regular Meeting Minutes November 22, 2021 Page 10 of 13 3. Ordinance 2021-049 Amending Chapter 2 “City Council”, Section 2.12 “Rules of Order and Procedure”, and Chapter 3 “City Administration”, Section 3.14 “City Clerk”, as it Pertains to the Appointment of a Recording Secretary to the City Council. Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only. MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman McAdams. Ryan (last name withheld by request) provided his opinion regarding the appointment of the Executive Assistant to this role, stating Ruth Scott is one of the people in the City Manager’s Office he’s been complaining about. He then stated that approving this item would take away powers from the clerk. Continuing, Ryan then spoke to the previous item, stating self-storage units are geared to long term users and take advantage of low-income people. At this point, Mayor Barnes asked Ryan to stay on topic, in which Ryan stated he’s concerned with the appointment at hand. He stated again that the City is being discriminatory by not responding to his complaints of mistreatment. He claimed the City is in partnership with the local media, which is why the media isn’t following up with his complaints. He hopes for, and demands, some sort of official redress. Speaking as a public participant, Sasha Cohen stated the ordinance change isn’t necessary at this time since Ms. Scott was already appointed as recording secretary to City Council. He stated the issues and complaints regarding meeting minutes and how he has kept them has already been raised and noted they were reasonable. He then mentioned the possibility of a recall ordinance. Mr. Cohen continued, stating he sees no reason to make this a permanent change when Council has already successfully circumvented the issue by appointing Ms. Scott to perform as their recording secretary and he believes they’re satisfied with her performance. Further, there’s no reason to change the status quo regarding the enumerated duties of the City Clerk and the Executive Assistant. He then politely requested that Council not pass this ordinance change. City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet, stating that Council supported the recommendation to appoint Executive Assistant Scott as its recording secretary at their last regular meeting. This was intended to ensure that minutes of the Council’s proceedings in regular, executive, and special sessions would be professionally completed and submitted in a timely fashion. In response to their recommendation, this amendment is presented for their approval. Continuing, City Manager Nicklas stated that the change proposed to Chapter 3 does not revise the enumerated City Clerk duties that were established in October of 2019, but it does change the enumerated duties for the Executive Assistant, which are noted in red in the background information provided for this item so there’s no doubt about what’s being proposed. He then recommended approval of this item on first reading with a waiver of second reading. Alderman Morris stated she was originally in favor of this item but wonders at this point how necessary it is and if it isn’t redundant. She then asked for clarification as to the necessity. City Manager Nicklas replied that all we’ve had is an acting situation where Council has informally asked the Executive Assistant to prepare minutes that are confidently and professionally completed. This item establishes that duty and expectation in the City code. He noted that the Regular Meeting Minutes November 22, 2021 Page 11 of 13 Executive Assistant is a professional employee of the City of DeKalb and if Council were to ask any other employee, he assumes they’d want to enumerate what’s to be done, adding this is for the public’s knowledge and the employee’s expectations to be understood. Referring to comments from Council’s last meeting, Alderman Faivre stated Council now has the August 23rd meeting minutes, which weren’t available at the last meeting and if they hadn’t brought forth the consideration, those minutes may not have been available at this meeting. Further, he would ask anybody to review the two sets of minutes provided, make the comparison, and ask yourself two years from today which one of those sets of meeting minutes are going to explain what happened tonight. There was no further comments or questions from Council. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to waive second reading of the ordinance and approve; seconded by Alderman Faivre. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. 4. Ordinance 2021-050 Amending Chapter 51 “Traffic”, Schedule C “Parking Prohibited”, and Schedule I “Snow Emergency Routes”, as it Pertains to Establishing Snow Route Designation and School Zone Set-Backs on Barb Boulevard. Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only. MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Faivre. City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet, reminding Council of the changes made to parking on Barb Boulevard in the spring to make parking better for not only the residents of the area but also for those attending events at the middle school, and using the athletic fields. He then recommended approval of first reading and the waiver of second reading. Alderman McAdams thanked City Engineer Gill for his assistance with this issue, noting residents of Barb Boulevard are happy with the changes There was no further comments or questions from Council. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to waive second reading of the ordinance and approve; seconded by Alderman Perkins. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed. Regular Meeting Minutes November 22, 2021 Page 12 of 13 N. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 1. Council Member Reports. Referencing comments made by Ms. Jesmer of Trash Squirrels at the top of the meeting, Alderman Faivre recommended bringing two bags along when walking your dog – one bag for dog waste and one for trash. He also recommended that residents with hoses on their homes remove them before they freeze and burst a water line. Alderman Larson thanked Fire Chief McMaster for his great work and devotion and the giving of his family time to keep DeKalb safe. She added he will be missed. Alderman Morris reported that her younger children have been vaccinated (against COVID), noting it wasn’t as easy as getting her older children vaccinated, but it’s important for all to work towards that for everyone’s safety, and so at school they can move towards not having children wear masks anymore. Stating it’s been a busy couple of weeks, Mayor Barnes offered the following report:  He met with the DeKalb Area Renters Association board with great conversation where property taxes were a component. He noted it was good to get more educated on the real estate market in our community, adding there was also conversation regarding affordable housing.  He and City Manager Nicklas met with the Opportunity DeKalb board, formerly known as the Annie Glidden North neighborhood group. There was great conversation regarding steps, involvement, and priorities. He noted it was good to see interest from the community.  He and City Manager Nicklas also met with Dekalb Public Library Director Faulkner and library board members. It was a good conversation, and he looks forward to continuing conversations.  He attended a Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission (CCEC) meeting recently, noting it was awesome and they are a great group of people, dedicated to enhancing the community. He thanked City Engineer Gill for attending the meeting and offering options for the CCEC to consider.  He was at a Huskie Alumni Watch party for a championship game, noting it was not only fun but good to see so many community members present, as well as Northern Illinois University (NIU) alumni. He stated it was also good to see alumni reconnect with DeKalb.  He attended Fire Chief McMaster’s retirement party with Alderman Larson and Alderman McAdams. It was a great to see the support from his fellow firefighters. He then thanked Fire Chief McMaster for his service to the community.  Lastly, he stated that Keg & Kernel should be opening next week in the downtown area and encouraged everyone to come out and support the business. He also noted that they should be starting brewing operations after the first of the year. 2. City Manager Report. City Manager Nicklas had no report. Regular Meeting Minutes November 22, 2021 Page 13 of 13 O. EXECUTIVE SESSION Mayor Barnes read the following Executive Session exemption titles in their: Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss: 1. The Purchase or Lease of Real Property as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5). 2. Executive Session Minutes as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21). MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to recess for Executive Session; seconded by Alderman Morris. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and recessed the meeting at 7:37 p.m. Mayor Barnes closed the meeting to the public at 7:43 p.m. Following adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Barnes opened the meeting to the public at 8:02 p.m. P. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to adjourn the Regular meeting; seconded by Alderman Morris. VOTE: Motion carried by a 6-0-2 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Perkins, McAdams, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Smith, Verbic. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________________________ Ruth A. Scott, Executive Assistant/Recording Secretary Minutes approved by the City Council on December 13, 2021. Click here to view the agenda packet for the November 22, 2021, Regular City Council meeting. Click here to view the video recording of the November 22, 2021, Regular City Council meeting.

Agenda

DEKALB CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 22, 2021 6:00 P.M. DeKalb Public Library Yusunas Meeting Room 309 Oak Street DeKalb, Illinois 60115 COVID-19 Notice: The corporate authorities of the City of DeKalb intend to conduct this meeting in-person with a physically present quorum that is open to the public and in compliance with all applicable public health requirements. All persons attending this meeting are recommended, but not required, to wear protective face masks/coverings. A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION E. PRESENTATIONS 1. Trash Squirrels Recognition. F. APPOINTMENTS 1. Initial Appointment of Justin Carlson to the Citizen Police Review Board for a One-Year Term from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. 2. Initial Appointment of Maurice McDavid to the Citizen Police Review Board for a One-Year Term from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. 3. Initial Appointment of Kate Noreiko to the Citizen Police Review Board for a Two- Year Term from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2023. 4. Initial Appointment of Veronica Origel to the Citizen Police Review Board for a Two-Year Term from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2023. 5. Initial Appointment of John Walker to the Citizen Police Review Board for a Two- Year Term from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2023. 6. Appointment of Dakota Burke of the DeKalb County Health Department as an Ex-Officio Member of the Citizens’ Environmental Commission. Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request. Regular Meeting Agenda November 22, 2021 Page 2 of 13 G. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES 1. Minutes Submitted by the City Clerk a. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 23, 2021. b. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 13, 2021. c. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 27, 2021. d. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 25, 2021. 2. Minutes Submitted by the Executive Assistant a. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 23, 2021. b. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 13, 2021. c. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of September 27, 2021. d. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 25, 2021. e. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of November 8, 2021. H. CONSENT AGENDA 1. Accounts Payable and Payroll through November 22, 2021, in the Amount of $4,622,544.25. 2. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through September 2021. 3. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through September 2021. 4. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – October 2021. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Public Hearing: 2021 Annual City and Library Public Levies (Click here for additional information) City Manager’s Summary: On November 8, the City Council held a public hearing on the proposed 2021 City property tax levy. This public hearing invites public comment on the aggregate City levy which includes the DeKalb Public Library levy. The “black box” notice has been published and is included in its entirety on the following page: Regular Meeting Agenda November 22, 2021 Page 3 of 13 NOTICE OF PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY INCREASE FOR THE CITY OF DEKALB AND THE DEKALB PUBLIC LIBRARY 1. A public hearing to approve a proposed property tax levy increase for the City of DeKalb, Illinois for 2021 (for taxes paid in 2022) will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street, in the Yusunas Meeting Room, DeKalb, Illinois. Any person desiring to appear at the public hearing and present testimony to the DeKalb City Council may contact Ruth Scott, Executive Assistant, at the DeKalb City Hall, 164 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, Illinois, at (815) 748-2090. 2. The corporate and special purpose property taxes extended or abated for 2020 were $8,888,834. The proposed corporate and special purpose property taxes to be levied for 2021 are $9,546,025. This represents a 7.39% increase over the previous year. 3. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2020 were $0.00. The property taxes extended for debt service and public building commission leases for 2021 are $0.00. This represents a 0% increase over the previous year. 4. The total property taxes extended or abated for 2020 were $8,888,834. The estimated total property taxes extended or abated for 2021 are $9,546,025. This represents a 7.39% increase over the previous year. What does the statutory language in the “black box” notice mean? The following notes spell out the impacts of the proposed City and Library levies: City of DeKalb Property Tax Levy: 1. The 2021 DeKalb Township multiplier is 1.0162. 2. The projected new construction for 2021 is $74,084,443.50. This includes recovered TIF value in the amount of $59,148,535 as a result of the termination of the Central Area TIF District; $11,735,908.50 in combined taxable EAV from the Ferrara Distribution Center and Packaging Center (50% of the EAV gain as a result of a 50% property tax abatement); and a projected $3,200,000 in additional new EAV from other new residential, commercial and industrial construction. Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request. Regular Meeting Agenda November 22, 2021 Page 4 of 13 3. The DeKalb County Assessment Office has now estimated the City’s 2021 rate- setting EAV to be $708,207,670. The Property Tax Appeal Board which considers appeals of property assessments has just begun its annual work, but each year the City is prudent to make some adjustment in the estimate of city-wide EAV to allow for successful appeals. Based on notices copied to the City thus far, a 1.5% adjustment is prudent, and is close to our October rate-setting estimate of $696,563,133 in EAV. It is recommended that the Council use this number in the calculation of the City’s estimated tax rate. If the City-wide EAV is found to be larger as all appeals are completed, the taxpayer will only benefit in terms of a further reduction of the City rate in the spring of 2022. 4. The proposed City levy for 2021 is $6,845,317. This does not include the Library levy of $2,700,708. Further, special service area levies will be abated. 5. The estimated 2021 City Tax Rate of 0.98273 ($6,845,317 divided by $696,563,133) is 8.04% lower than the 2020 City rate of 1.06868 per $100 EAV. The table below illustrates the trend in actual City tax dollars paid by a local homeowner if the proposed rate is 0.98273: Base Twp Final DeKalb DeKalb Year EAV Multiplier New EAV Homestead EAV Rate Tax 2019 $97,906 1.0351 $101,343 -$6,000 $95,343 1.1549 $1,101.11 2020 $101,343 1.0409 $105,488 -$6,000 $99,488 1.06868 $1,063.21 2021 $105,488 1.0162 $107,197 -$6,000 $101,587 0.98273 $994.49 DeKalb Public Library Property Tax Levy: 1. The Library levy is a “pass-through” levy that is voted by the DeKalb Public Library Board. The DeKalb City Council cannot vote to approve or modify the Library levy. 2. The proposed DeKalb Public Library levy for 2021 is $2,700,708. The estimated Library rate based on an EAV of $696,563,133 is 0.38772. This is the same rate as in 2020. The table below ilustrates the trend in actual Library tax dollars paid by a local homeowner if the proposed rate is 0.38772: Base Twp Final Library Library Year EAV Multiplier New EAV Homestead EAV Rate Tax 2019 $97,906 1.0351 $101,343 -$6,000 $95,343 0.38683 $368.82 2020 $101,343 1.0409 $105,488 -$6,000 $99,488 0.38772 $385.74 2021 $105,488 1.0162 $107,587 -$6,000 $101,197 0.38772 $392.36 Library officials and City officials including Mayor Barnes have met to discuss how the Library might reduce its levy to assure that there would be no increase in out-of-pocket tax dollars from local citizens when the 2021 Library taxes are due in the spring of 2022. These talks have been lively and constructive. Further talks are likely to take place in the next few weeks and before final levy decisions must be made under state statute. Regular Meeting Agenda November 22, 2021 Page 5 of 13 Aggregate City of DeKalb and DeKalb Public Library Levies: 1. The proposed City of DeKalb property tax levy of $6,845,317 is $322,810 (+4.95%) greater than the City property tax levy of $6,522,507 in 2020. 2. The proposed DeKalb Public Library property tax levy of $2,700,708 is $334,330 (+14.13%) greater than the Library levy of $2,366,378 in 2020. 3. The combination of the proposed City and Library levies in 2021 is $9,546,025, an increase of $657,191 (+7.39%) over the combined levies ($8,888,834) in 2020. J. CONSIDERATIONS 1. Consideration of the Exemplary Career of Retiring Fire Chief Jeff McMaster. City Manager’s Summary: On November 27, Fire Chief Jeff McMaster will conclude an exemplary career with the DeKalb Fire Department. Chief McMaster started with the DeKalb Fire Department on November 27, 1995, as a probationary firefighter. In the Operations Division, Jeff rose to the rank of Lieutenant/Paramedic in 2004 and served in that capacity until 2009 when he was promoted to the rank of Captain. He served as Captain until 2012 when he was promoted to the rank of Battalion Chief. In 2013, Jeff was promoted to the Administrative Division as Assistant Fire Chief of Training (2013-2017). In 2017, Jeff was appointed Deputy Fire Chief of Operations. After the retirement of former Fire Chief Eric Hicks, Jeff was appointed to interim Fire Chief on November 30, 2018. On February 1, 2019, the City Manager appointed Jeff to the position of full-time Fire Chief. Chief McMaster’s interests throughout his career have been hazardous materials, public education, and fire service training. He is a long-time member of the MABAS Division 6 Hazardous Materials Team and the Fire Department Public Education Team, both of which he served as coordinator for many years. During his career, Jeff has obtained numerous certificates through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, FEMA, and has maintained his paramedic licensure. Also, in 2017, Jeff graduated from the Executive Fire Officer Program through the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Fire Chief McMaster has earned our abiding gratitude for his dedicated service in behalf of a grateful City organization. K. RESOLUTIONS 1. Resolution 2021-100 Appropriating the Sum of $1,825,000 of Motor Fuel Tax Funds for Maintaining Various Streets and Highways Under the Applicable Provisions of the Illinois Highway Code (Section 22-00000-00-GM) from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022. City Manager’s Summary: The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) requires municipalities to pass a resolution estimating total expenditures of Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds for general street maintenance for the upcoming fiscal year. It is estimated that $1,825,000 will be available for road salt, engineering services, electricity for Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request. Regular Meeting Agenda November 22, 2021 Page 6 of 13 streetlights/traffic signals, and street resurfacing. The table below summarizes the anticipated MFT expenditures budgeted for 2022: Operation Estimated Costs Road Salt $250,000 Engineering Services $175,000 Electricity – Street Lights and Traffic Signals $300,000 Street Supplies $100,000 Street Resurfacing $1,000,000 Total $1,825,000 City Council approval is recommended. (Click here for additional information) 2. Resolution 2021-101 Authorizing a Supplemental Professional Services Agreement with Engineering Enterprises, Inc. for Engineering Design of Lincoln Highway Lane Reconfiguration in an Additional Amount Not to Exceed $32,066. City Manager’s Summary: For about two years, the City has been working with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) on a design for the reconfiguration of Lincoln Highway between First Street and Fourth Street. Such work requires full permitting from IDOT which owns the right-of-way. Although project plans were submitted for permit review in May of 2020, and multiple iterations of the plans have been submitted in support of the permit request, IDOT recently raised the prospect of a concurrent review and approval from the Union Pacific Railroad which crosses Lincoln Highway at the eastern terminus of the proposed reconfiguration. It is estimated that such review could delay the project by as much as 16-18 months and would require considerable additional expense in terms of engineering and construction supervision. If the reconfiguration ends short of the UPRR area of influence, which is about midway between Third and Fourth Streets, the UPRR review and concurrence would not be necessary. Accordingly, the City Manager and City Engineer Zac Gill strongly recommend a timely re-drafting of the final plans to meet the IDOT permitting cycle in the early spring of 2022. This will require an addition to the scope of the current contract with Engineering Enterprises in the amount of $32,066. A conceptual rendering of the changed design for the 300 block of Lincoln Highway is attached. City Council approval is recommended. (Click here for additional information) 3. Resolution 2021-102 Authorizing the Waiver of Competitive Bidding and Award of a Contract to Stryker Powered System and Stair Chairs in an Amount Not to Exceed $350,000. City Manager’s Summary: In 2009, the DeKalb Fire Department placed into service Stryker patient cots and stair chairs on all the Department’s front-line and reserve ambulances. At the time, Stryker was, and still is, the leading developer and manufacturer of such equipment. The current cots and stair chairs are now functionally obsolete and require regular repair. Apart from supply chain delays that have become routine in many product areas, the search for replacement parts which are no longer manufactured is becoming difficult. Regular Meeting Agenda November 22, 2021 Page 7 of 13 Fire Chief McMaster has proposed the replacement of the Department’s inventory with the Stryker Power-LOAD system. Currently, Fire personnel must bear and hold the weight of the cot and patient while the stretcher legs are raised into a loading position before pushing the patient into the ambulance. This sequence requires two paramedics to lift and hold 200-700+ pounds of weight each time. Stryker offers a patient loading system that lifts and carries this weight with practically no exertion by Fire personnel. This system will almost eliminate the chance of an employee injury while loading and unloading the patient from the ambulance. Altogether, the Fire Department is seeking Council approval of the following:  The purchase of six (6) Stryker Power-PRO XT cots with a lifting capacity of 700 lbs. each.  The purchase of six (6) Stryker MTS Power-LOAD devices installed in the ambulances with a lifting capacity of 820 lbs. each.  The purchase of six (6) Stair-PRO Model 6252 stair chairs used to assist Fire personnel in maneuvering and lifting patents to the waiting ambulance, up and down stairs, and from other precarious positions where the patients cannot move themselves.  The purchase of the Stryker ProCare comprehensive maintenance agreement to maintain all Power Load Systems, cots, batteries, and charging equipment to supplement the manufacturer warranty for a total of eight (8) years. The stair chairs will receive annual preventative maintenance for seven (7) years on top of a one- year manufacturer warranty for a total of (8) years.  A related contract with Fire Service, Inc. of Naperville, Illinois to install the Power- LOAD system into each ambulance. Stryker has announced a price increase of eight percent (8%) on January 1, 2022. If the Council approves this purchase, the City will realize a savings of $27,191.95. Since the lead time for delivery is approximately four (4) months and our budget is not committed until the receipt of the merchandise, the Council would be approving a FY2022 purchase, which will be funded by the new Fund 130 (GEMT Fund). Further, Stryker’s payment policy allows the City to sign an agreement in 2021 and make its net 30-day payment after delivery of the equipment in 2022. In 2020, the City applied to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to participate in the Ground Emergency Medical Transport (GEMT) program which provides supplemental reimbursement to Fire Departments for the care and transport of Medicaid patients to the hospital. Revenue from these medical transports will be deposited into the GEMT Fund (Fund 130). Funds from the Equipment GL# 130-00-00-86000 in Fund 130 will eventually be used to finance this purchase. City Council approval is recommended. (Click here for additional information) L. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING 1. Ordinance 2021-044 Authorizing the 2021 Levy and 2022 Collection of Taxes in and for the Corporate and Municipal Purposes and Special Service Areas of the City of DeKalb for Fiscal Year 2022. Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request. Regular Meeting Agenda November 22, 2021 Page 8 of 13 City Manager’s Summary: This ordinance was considered by the City Council on first reading only on November 8. It would establish a corporate levy of $6,845,317 that includes $3,720,878 to partially meet the City’s Fire pension obligations and $3,124,439 to partially meet the City’s Police pension obligations. Based on a projected rate-setting City-wide EAV of $696,563,113 this levy should result in a City tax rate of 0.98273%, a 8.04% decrease from the 2020 City rate of 1.06868%. The City will not levy for its IMRF obligations, Social Security obligations, general corporate purposes, or the Library GO bond obligation. These obligations will be paid from other General Fund revenues – primarily sales and use taxes. The City’s aggregate levy includes a pass-through amount ($2,700,708) for DeKalb Public Library operations. The aggregate 2021 City levy is displayed in the table below: Increase / Increase / 2020 2021 Decrease Decrease Tax Tax Over Prior Over Prior Levy Levy After Year’s Year’s 2021 Aggregate & Extensions Abatements Extension Extension Special Purpose Levies ($) ($) ($) (%) Corporate $0 $0 $0 0.00% IMRF $0 $0 $0 0.00% Social Security $0 $0 $0 0.00% Fire Pension $3,569,403 $3,720,878 $151,475 4.24% Police Pension $2,953,053 $3,124,439 $171,386 5.8% Public Library (pass-through) $2,366,378 $2,700,708 $334,330 14.13% Total Aggregate & $8,888,834 $9,546,025 $657,191 7.49% Special Purpose Levy In 2021, the City will also levy for six special service areas (SSA), a decrease of one as compared with the 2020 levy (the 924 Greenbrier water debt – SSA #28 – has been redeemed). SSA #29 was activated in April 2020 to fund road repairs in the Market Square Shopping Center. SSA #30 was activated in December 2020 to fund public safety and security improvements at Hunter Ridgebrook. All other SSAs are levied at the same amounts as 2020 and are detailed in the following table: Increase / Increase / 2021 Decrease Decrease 2020 Tax Levy Over Prior Over Prior Tax Levy After Year's Year's Extensions Abatements Extension Extension 2020 Estimated Tax Levy ($) ($) ($) (%) Special Service Area Levies SSA #3 - Heritage Ridge $1,000 $1,000 $0 0.00% SSA #4 - Knolls $5,501 $5,500 $0 0.00% SSA #6 - Greek Row $16,400 $15,500 $0 -5.5% SSA #14 - Heartland Fields $2,500 $2,500 $0 0.00% SSA #28- 924 Greenbrier $8,704 $0 -$8,704 NA SSA #29 - Market Square $200,000 $50,000 -$150,000 -75% SSA #30 - Hunter Ridgebrook $100,000 $50,000 -$50,000 -50% Total Special Service $334,105 $124,500 -$209,605 -62.74% Area Levies Regular Meeting Agenda November 22, 2021 Page 9 of 13 The City is also required to levy for the principal and interest of bonds issued by the municipality. It is standard practice to abate all debt service levies immediately after their adoption, with the exception of debt related to the 2013 Library expansion project. For the 2021 levy year, the debt service payment (approximately $495,000) for the Library debt will be paid from General Fund revenues, as in the 2020 levy year, in order to hold the City tax rate down. City Council approval on Second Reading is recommended. (Click here for additional information) 2. Ordinance 2021-045 Abating the 2021 Tax Levy for the Debt Service of the General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds of the City of DeKalb. City Manager’s Summary: This ordinance was also considered on first reading on November 8. When a municipality issues bonds, a Bond Order is filed with the County Clerk that determines the amount to be levied each year until the bond is paid off. The City currently holds a number of bonds which automatically levy property taxes for the debt service. It has been the past practice of the City to use other revenue sources to pay for annual principal and interest payments. As a result, the City is able to abate the taxes levied for debt upon approval of the annual tax levy. Historically, the only debt payment that is not abated is the principal and interest for the 2013 Library expansion project (approximately $495,000 in 2021). While this debt is actually paid by the Library, the debt issuance is in the City’s name and the City has historically levied these dollars. In 2021, as in 2020, the Library GO debt service will be levied and abated by the City. The City will transfer General Fund dollars to the City Library Fund and thence to the Library. For the 2020 tax year, the General Fund’s general obligation debt service levies were adjusted for one year by the Refunding Bond of 2020, approved by the Council on September 28, 2020 (Ordinance 2020-063). The 2020 Refunding Bond “scooped” the January 1, 2021, and July 1, 2021, debt service on four of the City’s GO bonds payable from the General Fund and “tossed” them to 2028, 2029, and 2030 when the principal was sharply less. This resulted in one fiscal-year hiatus in GO debt payments to digest the harsh fiscal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In FY20022, the GO debt service returns. The outstanding bonds are identified below:  GO Refunding Bonds of 2010C. In December 2010, the City issued $5,415,000 of General Obligation Refunding Bonds to refinance prior debt at a lower interest cost. The original obligations were issued to finance storm sewer construction, road reconstruction, park land, and initial costs for the Police station.  GO Bonds of 2012A. In October 2012, the City issued $9,905,000 of G.O. Refunding Bonds for the purpose of construction of the new Police Station on West Lincoln Highway.  GO Bonds of 2013B. In June 2013, the City issued $2,380,000 of G.O. Bonds for the purpose of completing construction of the new Police Station. Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request. Regular Meeting Agenda November 22, 2021 Page 10 of 13  GO Refunding Bonds of 2019. In October 2019, the City issued $3,925,000 of G.O. Refunding Bonds to refinance the 2010B bonds at a lower interest cost.  GO Refunding Bond of 2020. On November 19, 2020, the City issued $1,900,000 of GO Refunding Bonds. The debt impact of the Refunding Bond of 2020 based on the fiscal year is provided in the table below: General Fund Supported Debt Fiscal Year Principal Interest Aggregate 2020 $1,380,000 $371,532 $1,751,532 2021 $0 $0 $0 2022 $1,535,000 $318,291 $1,853,291 2023 $1,595,000 $256,919 $1,851,919 2024 $1,650,000 $212,841 $1,862,841 2025 $1,680,000 $181,121 $1,861,121 2026 $1,715,000 $148,782 $1,863,782 2027 $1,750,000 $115,256 $1,865,256 2028 $1,375,000 $83,244 $1,458,244 2029 $1,405,000 $52,211 $1,457,211 2030 $1,440,000 $18,000 $1,458,000 Total $15,525,000 $1,758,197 $17,283,197 The table below portrays the GO Bond debt service that will be abated in levy year 2021: The TIF General Obligation Refunding Bonds of 2010A have now been retired. The last year of debt service (2021) on the 12-year amortization schedule will be paid from TIF #1 before the TIF #1 termination on December 31, 2021. City Council approval on Second Reading is recommended. (Click here for additional information) Regular Meeting Agenda November 22, 2021 Page 11 of 13 M. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING 1. Ordinance 2021-047 Approving a Plat of Vacation for Northland Plaza Resubdivision No. 3 (B33 Northland Plaza, LLC). City Manager’s Summary: As Planning Director Dan Olson explains in his background memorandum, the owner of the Northland Plaza Shopping Center, B33 Northland Plaza LLC, has requested approval of a Plat of Vacation for a portion of a 30-foot-wide utility easement that runs behind the main building along the east side of the site. The owner would like to vacate a 7’ by 106’ foot portion of the easement that partially goes under the building. The request reflects a concern by TJ Maxx regarding their lease and use of the building interior. There are no utilities in the portion of the easement that would be vacated. The applicant has contacted all the utility companies and has received releases from the City (water), KWRD (sanitary sewer) Comcast, MetroNet, Frontier and AT&T. The applicant is in the process of obtaining approvals from NICOR and ComEd and doesn’t expect to have any issues. However, the staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend approval of the Plat subject to all utility company releases being obtained prior to the recording of the Plat. The Planning and Zoning Commission discussed the Plat at their meeting on November 15, 2021. By a vote of 4-0 the Commission recommended approval of the Plat of Vacation for Northland Plaza Resubdivision No. 3 dated 11-4-21 as prepared by JLH Land Surveying, Inc. and shown on Exhibit A of the staff report subject to all utility company releases being obtained prior to the recording of the Plat. City Council approval of the Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation is requested. The petitioner has requested Council action on first and second reading. (Click here for additional information) 2. Ordinance 2021-048 Approving a Special Use Permit for a Self-Service Storage Facility with Interior Unit Access to be Located at 1700 Sycamore Road (DeKalb – Harlem, LLC). City Manager’s Summary: The petitioner has requested the City’s consideration of a new use for a vacant, 20,000 square foot space in the DeKalb Shopping Center that has not been leased since 2015. Once the location of the northside Eagle shopping center, the space is on the fringe of the more dynamic Market Square retail center to the north, and the depth of the space makes it economically infeasible to subdivide for “storefront” retail uses such as those which occupied the shopping center in the 1990s. The petitioner is interested in creating an interior, climate-controlled and secure self- service storage facility – a use which the petitioner has successfully leased for a number of years in a similarly underutilized shopping center in the Rockford area. The proposed facility would offer multiple sizes of indoor storage units with each unit having its own lockable metal roll-up door. The size of the self-storage units would range from approximately 30 sq. ft. to 300 sq. ft. The business would not be regularly staffed by an employee because there would be secured electronic access for all renters. The applicant’s summary documents indicate there will be regular janitorial and maintenance service at the facility. There will be no modifications to the exterior Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request. Regular Meeting Agenda November 22, 2021 Page 12 of 13 of the building, except for a wall sign. No goods will be offered for retail sale and the storage of hazardous materials will be strictly prohibited. Adequate parking is already provided, the parking lot is striped, and all handicap signage is in place. There is a total of 332 parking spaces (311 in the front and 21 behind the building) in the shopping center, which is much more than adequate for the use, which will have very little regular parking demand. It is estimated that there would be about 15 visitors a day during the week and 20-25 visitors a day on the weekends. The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing regarding the petition at their meeting on November 15, 2021. By a vote of 4-0 the Commission recommended City Council approval of a special use permit for a “self-service storage facility, interior unit access” to be located at 1700 Sycamore Road as indicated on Exhibit A of the staff report dated 11-10-21. City Council approval of the Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation is requested. The petitioner has requested Council action on first and second reading. (Click here for additional information) 3. Ordinance 2021-049 Amending Chapter 2 “City Council”, Section 2.12 “Rules of Order and Procedure”, and Chapter 3 “City Administration”, Section 3.14 “City Clerk”, as it Pertains to the Appointment of a Recording Secretary to the City Council. City Manager’s Summary: At the last regular Council meeting of November 8, the Council unanimously supported a recommendation to appoint Executive Assistant Ruth Scott the Council’s Recording Secretary, to assure that the minutes of Council proceedings in regular session, executive session, and special session will be professionally completed and submitted in a timely fashion. The proposed amendment to Chapter 3 does not revise the enumerated City Clerk duties established on October 14, 2019 (Ordinance 2019-059). The exact change is redlined in the passage below: Duties of the Executive Assistant. The full-time duties of the Executive Assistant shall include, but are not limited to: acting as the Recording Secretary to the City Council by taking and preparing minutes of the City Council’s proceedings; faithfully recording the results of resolutions, ordinances and other actions approved by the City Council in said minutes; overseeing the review, approval and release of all Executive Session minutes; attesting the Mayor’s signature on resolutions, ordinances, agreements and other documents approved by the City Council; recording copies of City ordinances, resolutions and other documents as needed with the County Clerk’s Office; certifying copies of City ordinances, resolutions and other documents; codifying the City’s Municipal Code; keeping one of the City’s corporate seals; affixing the City’s corporate seal to a variety of documents; processing and finalizing new and renewal licenses and permits; monitoring Open Meetings Act (OMA) training for City Council, City staff and all members of the City’s boards, commissions and committees as OMA Officer; annually preparing the Economic Benefit Statement for submission to the County Clerk’s office; notifying all persons appointed to offices within five days after the appointment is made; maintaining and overseeing official originals and copies of all the Regular Meeting Agenda November 22, 2021 Page 13 of 13 City’s ordinances, resolutions, agreements, agenda packets and a variety of other miscellaneous documents; overseeing bidding processes as needed; preparing the annual Schedule of Meetings; posting approved City Council minutes, and approved and released Executive Session minutes to the City’s website; attesting and notarizing signatures for the Mayor and City Manager; and performing all duties listed under “b) City Clerk Duties” to the same extent as if done by the City Clerk personally in the City Clerk’s absence. City Council approval is recommended. (Click here for additional information) 4. Ordinance 2021-050 Amending Chapter 51 “Traffic”, Schedule C “Parking Prohibited”, and Schedule I “Snow Emergency Routes”, as it Pertains to Establishing Snow Route Designation and School Zone Set-Backs on Barb Boulevard. City Manager’s Summary: As the Council will recall, the residents of Barb Boulevard asked the Council’s help in finding solutions to a variety of parking issues. The Council responded last Spring and promised some additional signage to alert visitors to parking restrictions after a two-inch snowfall. The attached ordinance establishes a snow route provision for the entire street to allow Public Works to maintain safer roadways in inclement winter weather. Additionally, the ordinance contains a minor adjustment to limit parking near a student crosswalk serving Huntley Middle School students. This will result in the loss of a single parking space floating between a “No Parking” area and a fire hydrant. Such action will keep the crossing visible and safe. City Council approval is recommended. (Click here for additional information) N. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 1. Council Member Reports. 2. City Manager Report. O. EXECUTIVE SESSION Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss: 1. The Purchase or Lease of Real Property as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5). 2. Executive Session Minutes as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(21). P. ADJOURNMENT REGULAR AGENDA PACKET – NOVEMBER 22, 2021 Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.