City Council
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · June 27, 2022
Minutes
MINUTES
CITY OF DEKALB
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 27, 2022
The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular meeting on June 27, 2022, 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.
Recording Secretary Ruth Scott called the roll, and the following members of the City Council
were present: Alderman Carolyn Morris, Alderman Barb Larson, Alderman Tracy Smith, Alderman
Greg Perkins, Alderman Scott McAdams, Alderman Mike Verbic, Alderman Tony Faivre, and
Mayor Cohen Barnes.
City Clerk Sasha Cohen was absent.
Others in attendance included City Manager Bill Nicklas, City Attorney Matt Rose, and Chief
Building Official Dawn Harper.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Shadow Gentry led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Alderman Smith.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
D. PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month – June 2022.
Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety.
2. Presentation of the Final Audit Report for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31, 2021.
City Manager Nicklas provided a brief overview of this item prior to the presentation. The final
audit report consists of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), the Single Audit
Report, the Report on Compliance with Public Act 85-1142 (TIF Report), the Downstate Operating
Assistance Certification, and the Independent Auditor’s Reports, and the Management Letter.
Brian LeFevre of Sikich made a presentation to Council based on the information provided in the
FY2021 ACFR. Mr. LeFevre also reported that the City had been awarded the Certificate of
Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 28th consecutive year.
There were no questions from Council following the presentation.
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Mayor Barnes commended City Manager Nicklas, Finance Director Carrie Dittman, and City staff
for their work on the audit.
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
There was none.
F. APPOINTMENTS
There were none.
G. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
1. Minutes Submitted by the City Clerk
There were none.
2. Minutes Submitted by the Recording Secretary
Mayor Barnes read the following by title only:
a. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of June 13, 2022.
MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to approve the minutes; seconded by Alderman
McAdams.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
H. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Barnes read the following Consent Agenda items by title only:
1. Accounts Payable and Payroll through June 27, 2022, in the Amount of $2,426,487.01.
2. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – May 2022.
3. DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation 2021 Annual Report.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Alderman
Faivre.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Mayor Barnes opened the Public Hearing at 6:17 p.m. and read the following by title only:
1. Public Hearing to Consider the Revocation of a Special Use Permit Approved by Ordinance
2012-070 for a Vehicle Salvage Yard Located at 1008 Oak Street (DIMCO).
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June 27, 2022
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Mr. Meyers from DIMCO stated he took ownership of the salvage yard approximately a year and
a half ago and he wasn’t aware of the special use permit until after the purchase. He further stated
that he’s attempting to combine other business locations with the one in question. Due to market
fluctuations, delivery issues, and the closing of General Iron, the piles started getting higher.
Currently, they’re working to clean up the east side of property where scrap metal is stored, and
they’ve been working with the City to keep balers on that side to process material. Mr. Meyers
further stated that with the City’s permission, he can have the yard cleaned up in 90 days.
Mayor Barnes confirmed that Mr. Mr. Meyers is requesting 90 days to clean up the property.
Alderman Larson asked Mr. Meyers if he would be installing new fencing, since one of the
violations is centered around that. Mr. Meyers replied that he’s going to be improving the property
all together and permit applications have been submitted. He added the property will never get to
this state again.
Mayor Barnes stated he’s received many complaints about the property.
Brief discussion continued.
Alderman Morris stated she supports a 90-day extension.
Mayor Barnes closed the Public Hearing at 6:27 p.m.
J. CONSIDERATIONS
There were none.
K. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2022-049 Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the
DeKalb Community Unit School District No. 428 as it Pertains to School Resource
Officers (SROs).
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Larson 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. The IGA has been under discussion throughout the past few weeks and the D428
Board of Education recently voted to approve it. The agreement, which has a term of three years,
would allow five SROs beginning with the 2022-2023 school year. Two will be assigned to the
high school, one will be assigned at each middle school, and one will be assigned for the six
elementary schools.
Continuing, City Manager Nicklas stated the district’s code of conduct, which is still under review,
will be distributed to all students and parents. He also briefly described the indemnity clause in
the agreement, which has been adjusted to modern standard.
Stating he agrees that SROs shouldn’t pursue truancy and residency investigation, Alderman
Verbic commented that he’d like to see the portion of the agreement that involves truancy to be
rewritten to include that truancy and residency fraud as criminal, as per state statute.
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City Attorney Rose stated there are violations that could be criminal, but the actual statutory
provisions for truancy and residency within the school code are not criminal in nature and cannot
be investigated or prosecuted by the City.
Alderman Larson urged collaboration between the City and the district to make the schools a safe
place for the students.
Alderman Larson then asked Police Chief Byrd about the timeline for training new SROs. Police
Chief Byrd replied that interviews are scheduled this week for two new SROs. Once selected,
those SROs will start training sometime in July.
City Manager Nicklas added that the district is included in the SRO selection process. He also
noted that the City and the district are working together to create a community service program.
Alderman Morris asked how the code of conduct will be distributed.
Commenting on Alderman Larson’s statement, the district’s school board director, Samantha
McDavid, stated that all parents and students will be informed of what is expected of them
throughout the school year.
As for when the code of conduct will be distributed, Ms. McDavid stated there are a few more
steps they need to take, including allowing additional parental input. Further, there will be a
requirement at registration that parents must acknowledge the contents of the document. A variety
of other media campaigns will also be used to ensure that parents and students understand the
expectations. She noted an orientation could be scheduled where parents and students would be
required to watch a short video and sign off on the student handbook, a digital citizenship
document, and the code of conduct.
Alderman Morris suggested creating a one-to-two-page summary of the code of conduct. Ms.
McDavid agreed.
There was brief discussion regarding the creation of a reciprocal reporting system, which is
mentioned in the IGA, and how that report could be shared with the Council.
Alderman Verbic asked about goals that could be set in order to reduce the number of SROs. City
Manager Nicklas commented that the City and the district can collaborate to produce an incident
report on a monthly basis.
Alderman Smith commented on the code of conduct being provided in draft form. City Manager
Nicklas stated the district approves the document, not the Council. The draft document was
included as an exhibit to the IGA.
Alderman Smith then stated he isn’t happy with how the code of conduct is written at this time.
He added that he doesn’t want to see the City’s SROs get hurt and he will hold the school board
accountable.
Ms. McDavid stated it was her understanding that the City approached D428 about adding more
SROs. She added that she agrees that what’s occurring in the schools right now isn’t safe and
the district doesn’t want anyone to be hurt either and the district wants to work on the issue with
the City in partnership.
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June 27, 2022
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Mayor Barnes stated he’s been at multiple school board meetings where this item has been
discussed and he feels there’s commitment from the district to address and reduce the number
of incidents within the schools to create a safe environment for all students. He further commented
on incidents within certain housing developments that affect students and their behavior.
Ms. McDavid stated the school board has approved significant investment in social workers and
counselors, as well as a revamp of the social/emotional plan, and addressing student needs at
the root cause.
Alderman Perkins asked Police Chief Byrd if he’s in agreement with code of conduct, to which
Police Chief Byrd stated he was.
Alderman Perkins then asked if it was the expectation that the code of conduct will be in place for
the upcoming school year, to which Ms. McDavid replied in the affirmative.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
2. Resolution 2022-054 Receiving and Filing the FY2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial
Report (ACFR), Single Audit Report, Report on Compliance with Public Act 85-1142 (TIF
Report), Downstate Operating Assistance Certification and Independent Auditor’s
Reports, and Management Letter.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Faivre.
City Manager Nicklas spoke briefly to this item based on the information provided in the agenda
packet and the presentation provided by Mr. LeFevre earlier in the meeting.
There was no discussion among Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
3. Resolution 2022-055 Awarding a Three-Year Retainer Agreement Between the City of
DeKalb and Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. (CMT) for Professional Airport Consulting
Services at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Smith 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. The City has had a retainer agreement with CMT for a number of years. CMT
assists the City with airport improvement plans, land acquisition, applying for federal funding,
speaking with new companies coming to the area about the City’s flight path, etc.
Continuing, City Manager Nicklas explained that, as required by state and federal law, the City is
expected to request qualifications from interested firms such as CMT. During this cycle, CMT was
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June 27, 2022
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the only respondent. City staff knows CMT’s work and feel they’re fair and that their prices are
competitive.
There was no discussion among Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
4. Resolution 2022-056 Authorizing an Agreement with DeKalb Corn Fest, Inc. for the 2022
Corn Fest.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman McAdams moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Morris.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. This item approves a special event agreement, which permits DeKalb Corn Fest,
Inc. to conduct their event in the Central Business District and obtain a street closure on Lincoln
Highway. The agreement also defines hours of operation, insurance coverages, etc.
There was no discussion among Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
5. Resolution 2022-057 Approving the Regulation of Traffic for the Purpose of Holding the
Annual DeKalb Corn Fest on Illinois Route 38 (Lincoln Highway) Between First Street
and Fourth Street Beginning Thursday, August 25, 2022, at 4:00 p.m., through Sunday,
August 28, 2022, at 10:00 p.m.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Perkins.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. Approval of this resolution is required to formally request permission of the Illinois
Department of Transportation (IDOT) to close Illinois Route 38 between First Street and Fourth
Street beginning Thursday, August 25 at 4:00 p.m. and continuing through Sunday, August 28 at
10:00 p.m. to afford protected downtown space for the annual Corn Fest celebration.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
L. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
There were none.
M. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2022-028 Revoking Ordinance 2012-070 Providing a Special Use Permit for
a Vehicle Salvage Yard Located at 1008 Oak Street.
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Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic 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. DIMCO has been involved in metal salvage and recycling for many years. Due to
the closure of a large scrap iron yard, issues regarding an abundance of inventory were created,
to which DIMCO has acknowledged. For the past several years, the City’s Building Department
has had a series of conversations with the owners of the property and has issued written
advisories as well as code violations concerning the erratic, unsightly, and at times unsafe storage
of used vehicles at the site. In April of this year, the Building Department issued a formal Notice
of Violations and an order to discontinue the illegal uses on the property. As a part of that notice,
the property owner was given a clear indication of the City findings with related photographs and
was informed that a failure to remedy the violations could lead to a revocation of the special use
permit which allowed for vehicle recycling operations on the site. The property owner was also
given 45 days to appeal the City’s Notice, but the property owner did not appeal the City’s Notice.
City Manager Nicklas continued, stating the owner has proposed a 90-day extension to continue
to clean up the property, as well as the addition of adequate fencing.
Steps to be taken could include that Council defer action for 90 days as requested by the owner,
change the timeframe to a lesser period of time, or proceed with the revocation.
Discussion ensued on how to proceed with this item on the Council level such as amending the
ordinance, allowing the extension of the revocation pending Mr. Meyers compliance as presented
at this meeting, or approving this item on first reading only and bringing it back in 90 days for
second reading.
Mr. Meyers asked about extending the hours of operation until the 90 days concludes. City
Attorney Rose stated there are no complaints about the hours of operation.
Discussion ensued regarding the hours of operation. Mr. Meyers indicated the current business
hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. but believes he would need more time on a daily basis.
Information was located regarding the business hours allowed, which include being able to work
from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Mr. Meyers asked how many cars he will be allowed to process until they get caught up. City
Manager Nicklas stated he should operate aggressively to get the property cleaned up.
Discussion ensued.
Alderman Smith expressed alarm that DIMCO didn’t respond to the City’s concerns. Mr. Meyers
disagreed, and Chief Building Official Harper stated there was no compliance, not necessarily no
response.
Alderman Smith then stated he’d like to see the site back in compliance with how the original
special use permit was laid out.
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June 27, 2022
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Mayor Barnes stated the City is trying to be as business friendly as possible. He then added that
the reverse is also true concerning noncompliance and lack of communication.
Alderman Morris stated she believes Mr. Meyers is attempting to express that business hours
from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. aren’t sufficient to get the property cleaned up in 90 days. Mr. Meyers
stated those hours are sufficient, he was just looking for more time to crush cars, which is limited
to a certain amount of time daily.
City Manager Nicklas confirmed that Council is indicating temporary stand down on enforcement.
Mr. Meyers stated he can clean up the west yard quickly, but cleanup in the east yard won’t be
so easy. City Manager Nicklas indicated the east yard is the focus at this time.
Alderman Faivre asked Mr. Meyers if he understands the ordinance, to which Mr. Meyers replied
he does.
Alderman Faivre stated the City wants to be business friendly. He then asked Mr. Meyers how he
will handle this situation in the future if there’s no one to purchase the cars. Mr. Meyers stated he
will stop taking cars at that point.
Alderman Faivre stated his support for extending the time for clean up to 90 days.
Alderman Perkins asked if both yards will be cleaned in 90 days. It was confirmed that the 90 day
extension is for the cleanup of the east lot only.
Alderman Perkins then asked about fencing. There was discussion among Mr. Meyers and Chief
Building Official Harper regarding fencing. Mr. Meyers indicated that piles need to be reduced in
order to replace the fencing that’s been crushed on the east side.
Brief discussion ensued.
Speaking to Mr. Meyers, Alderman Morris reiterated that the City wants to be business friendly
so if he finds this special use permit is not meeting his needs, he needs to let the City know so it
can be discussed.
Mayor Barnes clarified that this item will be passed on first reading and it’s ok to crush as many
cars as he can between 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in order to meet the 90-day deadline.
It was indicated that this item will return to Council on September 26, 2022.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
2. Ordinance 2022-029 Approving a Special Use Permit for a Vehicle Tow Facility and
Storage Yard at 407 Industrial Drive (J&S Towing and Recovery).
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by
Alderman Faivre.
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June 27, 2022
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City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. J&S Towing and Recovery is requesting approval of a special use permit for a
vehicle tow facility and storage yard at 407 Industrial Drive. The site will function as an auxiliary
impound yard to handle overflow vehicles from their current site at 110 Industrial Drive, which
received a special use permit in 2020.The applicant also applied for a variance to permit an
adjacent eight-foot-high sight-proof fence to serve as screening for a portion of the storage yard
in lieu of the required 10-foot-high sight-proof fence. The Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC),
which has the authority to approve or deny variances, has approved the request. The PZC also
recommends that Council approve the special use permit, as does City staff.
Mayor Barnes asked about the fence location, which is in the Zimmerman scrap yard.
Alderman Larson commented that she read somewhere that another towing company stated J&S
would not be meeting all the requirements because they wouldn’t have all their towed vehicles in
one location and wondered if the City should be worried about that. City Manager Nicklas replied
that the information she read was from a competitor of J&S, and the City does allow multiple
locations.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
MOTION: Alderman Morris moved to waive second reading of the ordinance and approve;
seconded by Alderman Larson.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
N. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
Alderman Morris stated her ward meeting will be rescheduled for July 12 and will tentatively be
held at Jefferson Elementary School.
Alderman Smith thanked the Street Department for helping keep the dust down as work continues
on Thirteenth Street and Fourteenth Street.
Alderman McAdams reported that he will be hosting a ward meeting at the end of July at
Cornerstone, with the date still to be determined.
Alderman Faivre reported on the upcoming Airport Advisory meeting, scheduled for June 28,
noting the meeting is open to the public.
Alderman Verbic reported that the 2022 Tour of Champions Drum and Bugle Corps will be at
Northern Illinois University (NIU) on July 9.
Alderman Larson noted her appreciation for the audit report. She also reminded citizens that June
28 was the general primary and encouraged everyone to vote. She also thanked the Fire
Department for bringing the smoke house to Jonamac Orchard, noting there was a great turn out.
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June 27, 2022
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Mayor Barnes reported on some of his recent activities, which included attending the Downtown
Merchants meeting, speaking to the Rotary Club, attending the Pride Celebration, attending a
collaboration meeting at NIU, and meeting with the Greek organization with City Manager Nicklas.
2. City Manager Report.
City Manager Nicklas had no report.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
There was none.
P. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Alderman Morris.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, McAdams,
Verbic, Faivre, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the
meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
______________________________
Ruth A. Scott, Recording Secretary
Minutes approved by the City Council on July 11, 2022.
Click here to view the agenda packet for the June 27, 2022, Regular City Council meeting.
Click here to view the video recording of the June 27, 2022, Regular City Council meeting.
Agenda
DEKALB CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 27, 2022
6:00 P.M.
DeKalb Public Library
Yusunas Meeting Room
309 Oak Street
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
Pursuant to Chapter 2 “City Council”, Section 2.04 “Council Meetings”, persons wishing to
address the City Council during this meeting are required to register with the City Clerk or the
Recording Secretary by filling out and submitting a Speaker Request form, copies of which are
located on the table just outside the meeting room, along with copies of the agenda. Comments
will be limited to three (3) minutes. Further information for addressing the City Council can be
found on the Speaker Request form.
A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
D. PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month – June 2022.
2. Presentation of the Final Audit Report for the Fiscal Year Ending December 31,
2021.
City Manager’s Summary: As Finance Director Carrie Dittman explains in her background
memorandum, the following reports have been produced in conjunction with the independent
audit of the City’s finances for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021:
1. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
2. Single Audit Report
3. Report on Compliance with Public Act 85-1142 (TIF report)
4. Downstate Operating Assistance Certification and Independent Auditor’s Reports
5. Management Letter
The ACFR is the primary report encompassing all funds and operations of the City, including
the Police Pension and Firefighter’s Pension Funds, and the DeKalb Public Library (as a
discretely presented component unit). A synopsis of that report is detailed below.
The single audit report contains information on all of the federal grant programs
administered by the City during fiscal year 2021.
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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. Pursuant to current public health guidelines, persons attending this meeting
are not required to wear protective face masks/coverings.
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 27, 2022
Page 2 of 11
The Report on Compliance with Public Act 85-1142 contains information on the operations
of the City’s two Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts, TIF #1 and TIF #3. TIF #1 expired
on December 31, 2021.
The Downstate Operating Assistance Certification and Independent Auditor’s Reports is an
audit of one specific City grant program of the Mass Transit Fund. The reports are prepared
on the grant year, which ends June 30, 2021.
The Management Letter discloses any instances of material weaknesses in the City’s internal
control identified during the audit (there were no such instances for FY 2021).
The City must be audited annually in accordance with state statutes. The independent audit
firm of Sikich LLP conducted the audit of the City of DeKalb for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2021. Sikich LLP issued an unmodified (“clean”) opinion on the City’s
financial statements, which is the highest opinion level an entity can receive.
Excerpts pertaining to the City’s General Fund found in the ACFR are presented below:
GENERAL FUND REVENUES
General Fund revenues and other financing sources exceeded the amended budgeted
amount by $4,120,541, or 10.3%.
Original Final
General Fund Budget Budget Actual
Revenues
Property Taxes $ 6,522,456 $ 6,522,456 $ 6,433,050
Home Rule Sales Tax 5,190,000 6,818,432 7,675,584
Utilities & Other Taxes 5,532,555 5,811,727 6,749,943
Licenses and Permits 735,272 735,272 1,057,539
State Sales Tax 4,975,000 5,813,320 6,205,962
Income Tax 4,423,080 4,423,080 5,787,319
Intergovernmental-Other 2,981,558 2,981,558 3,808,085
Charges for Services 3,900,368 3,900,368 4,941,856
Fines and Forfeits 513,426 513,426 476,283
Other 677,419 677,419 567,166
Total 35,451,134 38,197,058 43,702,787
Transfers In 311,000 1,708,996 311,000
Sale of Capital Assets 10,627 10,627 23,435
Total Revenues &
Other Financing Sources $ 35,772,761 $ 39,916,681 $ 44,037,222
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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. Pursuant to current public health guidelines, persons attending this meeting
are not required to wear protective face masks/coverings.
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 27, 2022
Page 3 of 11
GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES
General Fund expenditures and other financing uses came in under the amended budget
amount by $3,087 or 0.008%. Highlights of expenditures by department are as follows:
Original Final
General Fund Budget Budget Actual
Expenditures
Elected Officials $ 86,204 $ 86,204 $ 82,686
Municipal Band 41,088 41,088 41,088
City Manager's Office 807,542 815,542 784,341
Human Resources 226,668 281,948 270,359
General Support 3,146,676 3,741,676 3,636,661
Finance 312,235 317,735 312,345
Information Technology 827,315 869,075 781,994
Less Admin Costs Charged
to Other Depts (467,000) (564,500) (427,108)
Police Protection 13,521,877 14,368,164 14,363,965
Fire Protection 11,244,178 12,468,546 12,678,568
Public Works/Engineering 2,868,992 2,868,992 2,786,872
Community Development 1,096,092 1,096,092 1,075,704
Total 33,711,867 36,390,562 36,387,475
Transfers Out 1,374,655 47,500 47,500
Total Expenditures &
Other Financing Uses $ 35,086,522 $ 36,438,062 $ 36,434,975
The net increase in fund balance that resulted after all year-end adjustments and transfers
were made was $7,339,458, inclusive of a prior period adjustment of ($262,789) to correct
revenue recognition. The City’s original budget projected a net increase of $686,239. The
ending General Fund balance on December 31, 2021, is $19.6 million, of which $19.6 million
is unrestricted and unassigned. City Policy requires an unassigned fund balance at 25%
of annual General Fund expenditures. On December 31, 2021, the unassigned fund
balance was 53.88% of annual expenditures, an increase over the December 31, 2020
amount of 35.00%.
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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. Pursuant to current public health guidelines, persons attending this meeting
are not required to wear protective face masks/coverings.
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 27, 2022
Page 4 of 11
For the City’s other funds, the table below summarizes the changes during fiscal year 2021:
Beginning Revenues & Expenditures & Prior Period Ending
Fund Fund Balance Transfers In Transfers Out Adjustment Fund Balance
Mass Transit $ 2,635,259 $ 7,154,565 $ 7,304,375 $ - $ 2,485,449
TIF #1 781,277 6,741,587 7,503,393 - 19,471
Water* 27,593,866 8,255,470 4,526,143 459,766 31,782,959
Airport 30,269,910 1,873,767 1,743,851 - 30,399,826
ARPA - 1,490,902 1,490,789 - 113
GEMT - 325,748 - - 325,748
Motor Fuel Tax 4,085,226 2,761,360 2,750,471 - 4,096,115
Foreign Fire Ins. Tax 83,040 72,923 86,414 - 69,549
Housing Rehab 70,595 35 348 - 70,282
CDBG - 920,497 920,497 - -
SSA #3 2,635 999 1,298 - 2,336
SSA #4 2,028 5,491 4,398 - 3,121
SSA #6 10,229 16,403 11,661 - 14,971
SSA #14 8,951 2,501 500 - 10,952
SSA #28 2 28,721 28,723 - -
SSA #29 - 200,018 - - 200,018
SSA #30 - 100,004 97,500 - 2,504
TIF #3 1,271,337 3,109,906 754,442 - 3,626,801
Debt Service (6,782) 101,497 2,927 - 91,788
TIF Debt Service - 1,190,800 1,190,800 - -
Capital Projects 414,454 3,047,556 2,310,162 - 1,151,848
Capital Equip Replace 739,597 1,008,228 796,921 - 950,904
Refuse 5,270 2,044,455 2,048,917 - 808
Workers Comp/Liab 1,144,700 1,023,000 644,539 - 1,523,161
Health Insurance 664,303 6,831,179 6,823,350 - 672,132
Police Pension 45,703,198 9,855,837 4,523,416 - 51,035,619
Firefighters' Pension 34,072,837 9,703,324 4,372,136 - 39,404,025
BOLD funds are presented in the ACFR as Major Funds.
*Consists of Water Operating, Water New Construction, and Water Capital.
Brian LeFevre, a Partner with Sikich, LLP, will present his firm’s audit findings to the Mayor
and Council. Upon public review, the Council needs to receive and file this audit by June 30 (see
Resolution 2022-054).
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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. Pursuant to current public health guidelines, persons attending this meeting
are not required to wear protective face masks/coverings.
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 27, 2022
Page 5 of 11
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
F. APPOINTMENTS
None.
G. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
1. Minutes Submitted by the City Clerk – None
2. Minutes Submitted by the Recording Secretary
a. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of June 13, 2022.
H. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Accounts Payable and Payroll through June 27, 2022, in the Amount of
$2,426,487.01.
2. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report.
3. DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation 2021 Annual Report.
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public Hearing to Consider the Revocation of a Special Use Permit Approved by
Ordinance 2012-070 for a Vehicle Salvage Yard Located at 1008 Oak Street.
City Manager’s Summary: The revocation of a special use permit is a rare occurrence and
results from a remarkable and prolonged failure on the permit holder’s part to abide by the
original terms of the special Council permit.
On August 27, 2012, the City’s corporate authorities adopted Ordinance 2012-70 (the
“Ordinance”), which approved DeKalb Iron and Metal Company’s (DIMCO) petition for a
special use permit for a vehicle salvage yard and recycling operation at 1008 Oak Street (the
“Property”) to store, decommission, flatten and ship used vehicles for recycling purposes,
subject to several conditions including, but not limited to, the following:
The Installation of a sight-proof fence not less than 10 feet in height or the height of the
materials being screened, but no more than 15 feet above the ground level;
Restriction of the vehicle recycling operations entirely within a 130-foot by 85-foot area; and
Restricted hours of operation.
.
The Property was zoned “HI” Heavy Industrial. Section 5.12 of the City’s Unified Development
Ordinance (“UDO”) permits vehicle salvage yards as a special use in the HI District if they are
“conducted within an enclosed building or surrounded by a solid sight-proof fence not less
than 10 feet in height, or the height of the materials being screened, whichever is greater, and
where no materials shall be piled or stacked to a height in excess of 15 feet above the ground
level.”
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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. Pursuant to current public health guidelines, persons attending this meeting
are not required to wear protective face masks/coverings.
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 27, 2022
Page 6 of 11
On April 25, 2022, the City’s Chief Building Official issued to DIMCO a “Notice of Violations
and Order to Discontinue Illegal Use of 1008 Oak Street” (the “Notice of Violations”). The
Notice of Violations stated the following findings of the Chief Building Official:
1. The Property is not completely surrounded by a sight-proof fence that is the height of the
materials being screened in violation of the Ordinance and UDO;
2. The Property is overcome with materials that are piled or stacked to a height in excess of
15 feet above the ground level in violation of the UDO;
3. The Property has been used to store materials that are not used vehicles in violation of
the Ordinance; and
4. The Property’s use of the vehicle recycling operations does not occur entirely within a 130-
foot by 85-foot area in violation of the Ordinance.
The Chief Building Official’s findings were supported by photographs depicting the violations.
The Chief Building Official ordered DIMCO to correct the violations and discontinue its illegal
use of the Property. The Chief Building Official warned DIMCO that its failure to correct the
violations might result in the revocation of its special use permit. Furthermore, the Chief
Building Official instructed DIMCO that it had 45 days to file its written notice to appeal the
Notice of Violations; however, DIMCO failed to appeal the Notice of Violations, or correct its
violations, or discontinue its illegal use.
Finally, it should be noted that this matter does not involve DIMCO’s use of the property
located at 900 Oak Street, which is DIMCO’s primary center of operations. The 900 Oak Street
property has been the subject of several ordinance violations and IEPA investigations, but its
use as a junkyard appears to be a “legal non-conforming use” under the UDO. Ultimately,
DIMCO may seek to comply with any potential revocation of the special use for the Property
by moving all of its materials to 900 Oak Street.
The Council should hold a public hearing to consider the revocation of DIMCO’s special use
permit pursuant to due notice, even though DIMCO has waived its right to a hearing by not
appealing the Notice of Violations. At the hearing, DIMCO and any other interested parties
should be given an opportunity to cross-examine any witnesses, present testimony or
evidence, and receive a full and fair opportunity to be heard on the matter. (click here for
additional information)
J. CONSIDERATIONS
None.
K. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2022-049 Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the DeKalb
Community Unit School District No. 428 as it Pertains to School Resource Officers.
City Manager’s Summary: The attached draft represents a consensus document between the
City and District staffs, and the respective legal counsels for the two taxing bodies. The
principal economic terms are as follows:
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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. Pursuant to current public health guidelines, persons attending this meeting
are not required to wear protective face masks/coverings.
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 27, 2022
Page 7 of 11
The Agreement has a term of three (3) years and may be rescinded by either Party provided
written notice is given at least ninety (90) days before the beginning of the Fall school term.
The revised IGA funds five (5) School Resource Officers (SROs) for the fall term of 2022.
The Parties may mutually agree, in writing, to reduce the number of SROs during the term
of the Agreement, provided such reduction is agreed at least ninety (90) days in advance of
the beginning of the next Fall school term.
The five (5) SROs will be assigned as follows: two SROs in the High School; one (1) SRO
in each middle school; and one (1) SRO for the six elementary schools within the DeKalb
corporate limits. The City of DeKalb will not provide funding for SROs in the Malta or
Cortland jurisdictions.
The District will reimburse the City in an amount equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of the
total cost of each SRO including base salary, benefits, and overtime pay directly arising from
the SRO’s work in the District. These costs may be amended at the beginning of each school
year in relation to the following: applicable changes in salary and benefits as defined by the
City’s collective bargaining agreement with the DeKalb Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge
115; annual actuarial changes in the individual pension costs; and annual changes in the
City’s group health care costs.
The District will additionally reimburse the City for a pro rata share of the Police
Department’s acquisition of two (2) additional Police vehicles, within the standard Police
package including light bars and a variety of electronic equipment, similar to but not greater
in cost than the package for other patrol vehicles. Because such vehicles will be available
over a 24-hour period throughout the year, the District’s one-time upfront cost shall not
exceed 75% of 33% (or, 25%) of the combined vehicle cost and the cost of related upfitting.
In the event that the Parties agree to a reduction in SROs from the five (5) officers identified
in Section 3 during the three-year term of this Agreement, the City will consider a pro rata
reimbursement toward the District’s share of the original vehicle cost.
Additionally, the following non-economic terms are featured in the draft intergovernmental
agreement:
Code of Conduct. The Agreement requires that a revised code of conduct now under final
review by District staff shall be distributed to all parents and students “prior to the start of
the 2022-2023 school year.” The District will also distribute a “student handbook,” including
the District disciplinary policies and rules, to each student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) within
15 days of the beginning of the school year.
Citations. It is more likely than not that in the future ordinance violations issued by the SROs
shall result in a rigorous community service program operated by the District. In the event
of a potential criminal or security issue, the SRO shall proceed with criminal law enforcement
actions in cooperation with District officials. Representatives from the City and District will
meet on a regular basis to brief cases and discuss any issues that may arise under the
Agreement.
Indemnity. The District shall indemnify and hold the City harmless from any damages
(including reasonable attorney’s fees) or actions relating to the negligent or intentional acts
or omissions of the District. Such indemnity shall not extend to any negligent or intentional
acts of the SROs that violate the Agreement.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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. Pursuant to current public health guidelines, persons attending this meeting
are not required to wear protective face masks/coverings.
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 27, 2022
Page 8 of 11
2. Resolution 2022-054 Receiving and Filing the FY2021 Annual Comprehensive
Financial Report (ACFR), Single Audit Report, Report on Compliance with Public
Act 85-1142 (TIF Report), Downstate Operating Assistance Certification and
Independent Auditor’s Reports, and Management Letter.
City Manager’s Summary: At the top of this Agenda, there is a presentation by the City’s
auditing firm, Sikich LLP, regarding the City’s financial statements for Fiscal Year 2021, which
extended from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021.
If the attached resolution is approved, the City’s corporate authorities hereby receive, file, and
approve the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, Single Audit Report, Report on
Compliance with Public Act 85-1142 (TIF report), Downstate Operating Assistance Certification
and Independent Auditor’s Reports and Management Letter attached to this Council
background. Upon approval, the City Manager or designee is authorized and directed to file
and electronically submit the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report with the Office of the
Comptroller of the State of Illinois in accordance with 65 ILCS 5/8-8-3(f).
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
3. Resolution 2022-055 Awarding a Three-Year Retainer Agreement Between the City
of DeKalb and Crawford, Murphy & Tilly, Inc. for Professional Airport Consulting
Services at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport.
City Manager’s Summary: The FAA requires airports receiving Federal funds for
improvements to review engineering retainer agreements at least every five years. The current
retainer with Crawford, Murphy, Tilly (CMT) expires on July 9, 2022. Airport Manager Renee
Riani published a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) through IDOT-DA on May 6, 2022. The
consultant selection procedures conformed with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA)
Advisory Circular No. AC 150 5100-14E and the guidelines published by the Illinois
Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics (IDOT-DA).
The Airport staff received three phone inquiries and emailed the RFQ to CMT and Primera
Engineering—two firms with considerable experience in the northern Illinois area. The City
received one Statement of Qualifications proposal from CMT by the May 31, 2022 deadline.
CMT has helped guide the City’s major runway improvements for many years. The firm has
also provided timely assistance in assessing potential flight path encroachments that might
arise from the construction of larger corporate structures in the City’s two active business
parks.
The Public Works department has recommended a three-year retainer agreement with CMT.
The pricing of their services follows federal guidelines and varies among staff depending upon
such factors as education, field experience, etc. (see attached). CMT’s retainer proposal is
attached in its entirety to this Agenda.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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. Pursuant to current public health guidelines, persons attending this meeting
are not required to wear protective face masks/coverings.
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 27, 2022
Page 9 of 11
4. Resolution 2022-056 Authorizing an Agreement with DeKalb Corn Fest, Inc. for the
2022 Corn Fest.
City Manager’s Summary: This resolution approves a special event agreement similar to one
approved by the Council in recent years. It permits DeKalb Corn Fest, Inc. to conduct their
event in the Central Business District and obtain a street closure on Lincoln Highway. The
agreement also defines hours of operation, insurance coverages, etc.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
5. Resolution 2022-057 Approving the Regulation of Traffic for the Purpose of Holding
the Annual DeKalb Corn Fest on Illinois Route 38 (Lincoln Highway) Between First
Street and Fourth Street Beginning Thursday, August 25, 2022, at 4:00 P.M., through
Sunday, August 28, 2022, at 10:00 P.M.
City Manager’s Summary: The attached resolution is required to formally request permission
of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to close Illinois Route 38 between First
Street and Fourth Street beginning Thursday, August 25 at 4:00 p.m. and continuing through
Sunday, August 28 at 10:00 p.m. to afford protected downtown space for the annual Corn
Fest celebration.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
L. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
None.
M. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2022-028 Revoking Ordinance 2012-070 Providing a Special Use Permit
for a Vehicle Salvage Yard Located at 1008 Oak Street.
City Manager’s Summary: As noted in the Public Hearing portion of this Agenda, the attached
Ordinance 2022-028 would revoke Ordinance 2012-070 which approved a special use permit
for a vehicle salvage yard and recycling operation at 1008 Oak Street to store, decommission,
flatten, and ship used vehicles for recycling purposes. The extraordinary act of revoking a
special use permit is typically based on a property owner’s disregard for the terms of the
original permit and could involve practices that have a deleterious effect on neighboring
properties. All of these factors apply.
For the past several years, the City’s Building Department has had a series of conversations
with the owners of the property at 1008 Oak Street and has issued written advisories as well
as code violations concerning the erratic, unsightly, and at times unsafe storage of used
vehicles at the site. In April 2022, the Department issued a formal Notice of Violations and an
order to discontinue the illegal uses at 1008 Oak Street. As a part of that Notice, the property
owner was given a clear indication of the City findings with related photographs and was
informed that a failure to remedy the violations could lead to a revocation of the special use
permit which allowed for vehicle recycling operations on the site. The property owner was also
given 45 days to appeal the City’s Notice, but the property owner did not appeal the City’s
Notice.
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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. Pursuant to current public health guidelines, persons attending this meeting
are not required to wear protective face masks/coverings.
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 27, 2022
Page 10 of 11
Lacking any appeal from the owner of 1008 Oak Street, the City Manager and staff
recommend the revocation of the special use permit issued upon the Council’s
approval of Ordinance 2012-070. (click here for additional information)
2. Ordinance 2022-029 Approving a Special Use Permit for a Vehicle Tow Facility and
Storage Yard at 407 Industrial Drive (J&S Towing and Recovery).
City Manager’s Summary: The petitioner, J&S Towing and Recovery, is requesting approval
of a special use permit for a vehicle tow facility and storage yard at 407 Industrial Drive. The
site will function as an auxiliary impound yard to handle overflow vehicles from their current
site at 110 Industrial Drive, which received a special use permit in 2020.The applicant also
applied for a variance to permit an adjacent 8-foot-high sight-proof fence to serve as screening
for a portion of the storage yard in lieu of the required 10-foot-high sight-proof fence. The
Planning and Zoning Commission has the authority to approve or deny variances.
The 1.4-acre site currently houses Pinkston-Tadd Roofing Services and has a large storage
area at the rear of the property. J&S will initially fence in a 100’ x 150’ storage area at the far
west end of the lot. There is a supply issue with the type of fence they want so the initial
storage area will only take up a portion of the lot. The applicant would like to eventually have
the ability to utilize the entire rear of the property for the storage of vehicles. The petitioner
submitted a site layout showing the proposed vehicle storage area, which will be west of the
existing building.
The UDO (Article 5.12.03) requires that junkyards, salvage yards and vehicle wrecking yards
have their activities within an enclosed building or surrounded by a solid sight-proof fence not
less than ten (10) feet in height, or the height of the materials being screened, whichever is
greater. The regulations also state no materials shall be piled or stacked to a height in excess
of fifteen (15) feet above the ground level.
There is an existing 8-foot-high sight-proof fence on the site to the north (Zimmerman
Recycling) along the common lot line of the subject site that provides adequate screening.
The site to the north is a recycling center with a large amount of materials stored outdoors. If
the applicant were to construct a 10-foot-high privacy fence along the north property line, it
would not provide any additional screening for a use that has more outside storage.
The applicant will not be occupying a space in the existing building, only utilizing the outside
storage area. A paved parking area is provided in front of the building. As part of the special
use, the staff is recommending the parking spaces be striped and a handicap space added
with appropriate signage prior to final occupancy of the towing operation. The applicant will
have to go through the licensing process for towing operations located in Chapter 35 “Towing”
of the Municipal Code.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing regarding the special use petition
at their meeting on June 21, 2022. By a vote of 4 to 0 (Commissioners Wright, Stoker and
Pena-Graham were absent) the Commission recommended to the City Council approval of a
Special Use Permit for a vehicle tow facility and storage yard located at 407 Industrial Dr. per
the site plan dated 5-31-22 and labeled as Exhibit A and per the conditions listed in Exhibit B
of the staff report. The Commission also approved the variance request for the fence height
by a vote of 4 to 0. The approval allows an adjacent 8-foot-high sight-proof fence to serve as
screening along the north property line of the storage yard in lieu of the required 10-foot-high
sight-proof fence.
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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. Pursuant to current public health guidelines, persons attending this meeting
are not required to wear protective face masks/coverings.
Regular Meeting Agenda
June 27, 2022
Page 11 of 11
City Council approval of the Planning & Zoning Commission recommendations is
requested. (click here for additional information)
N. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
2. City Manager Report.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
P. ADJOURNMENT
REGULAR AGENDA PACKET – JUNE 27, 2022
Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.
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. Pursuant to current public health guidelines, persons attending this meeting
are not required to wear protective face masks/coverings.