City Council
Regular MeetingDeKalb, IL · October 24, 2022
Minutes
MINUTES
CITY OF DEKALB
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 2022
The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular meeting on October 24, 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 and City Attorney Matt Rose.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Shadow Gentry led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve the 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.
D. PRESENTATIONS
There were none.
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
DeKalb Public Library Director Emily Faulkner provided Council with a report on the library’s
current Strategic Plan (2019-2022), as well as their upcoming Strategic Plan (2023-2025). The
report also included information regarding building updates, financial status, staffing, and
upcoming events.
Mayor Barnes encouraged Council members to reach out to Ms. Faulkner with any questions.
F. APPOINTMENTS
1. Appointing Jane Levinsky to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for a Three-Year
Term through December 31, 2025.
Mayor Barnes read the appointment by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve the appointment; seconded by Alderman Verbic.
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October 24, 2022
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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.
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 October 10, 2022.
MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to approve the minutes as submitted by the Recording
Secretary; 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.
H. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Barnes read the following Consent Agenda items by title only:
1. Accounts Payable and Payroll through October 24, 2022, in the Amount of $2,611,778.96.
2. Freedom of Information Action (FOIA) Report – September 2022.
3. FY2022 Human Services Funding 3rd Quarter Report.
MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve the Consent 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.
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were none.
J. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Consideration of Providing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds to the Egyptian Theatre
($75,000) and Stage Coach Players ($25,000).
Mayor Barnes read the consideration by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Morris moved to bring this item to the floor for discussion; seconded by
Alderman McAdams.
Steve Lundin, Joseph Flynn, Greg Anderson, Steve Duchrow, Paul Kassel, and Brian Reynolds
all spoke on behalf of the Egyptian Theatre and Stage Coach Players, encouraging Council to
provide the requested funding.
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October 24, 2022
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Egyptian Theatre Executive Director Alex Nerad also spoke to Council regarding the requested
funding, noting both organizations suffered financial hardships due to the COVID pandemic. He
added that if the funding was granted, the Egyptian Theatre would use it to build up its reserves.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. Both the Egyptian Theatre and Stage Coach Players are requesting funds for
unrestricted operational use. He also provided Council with a summary on what the City has used
the ARPA funds for since 2021. Currently, ARPA funding in the amount of $278,912 remains.
Continuing, City Manager Nicklas provided Council with information regarding federal funding
assistance the Egyptian Theatre has received.
Alderman Larson stated she has been a supporter of the Egyptian Theatre for many years, and
she supports their request for funding from the City.
Alderman McAdams asked Mr. Nerad why the Egyptian Theatre was asking for funding. Mr.
Nerad provided an instance where a national touring act was booked for a fee of $60,000, but
because of a snowstorm on the evening of the event, as well as a train blocking the downtown
area, those who purchased tickets and couldn’t make the show asked for refunds. However, the
act still had to be paid and the Theatre ended up being between $60,000 to $80,000 in the red.
He added that the organization can’t afford to take a hit like that again and the requested funding
would provide a cushion in their financial reserves.
Alderman Verbic stated that while he understands their plight, the City needs to consider what is
the best use for the funds and the greater good of the community. He then asked City Manager
Nicklas what the deadline was for using the ARPA funds. City Manager Nicklas replied the funds
need to be spent by the end of 2024.
Alderman Faivre stated that while he agrees the Egyptian Theatre makes a large impact
throughout the community, there are other public safety community uses for the ARPA funding.
He added he is not in support of providing the requested funding.
Alderman Smith expressed his support for granting the requested funding.
Alderman Morris also expressed her support for granting the requested funding.
Alderman Perkins stated he’s uneasy with making a decision today without some vision for what
the funds would be used for. He added there may be other organizations who should have a voice
in what the funding is used for.
City Manager Nicklas commented that the remaining funds should be committed in the next 12 to
18 months and spent. He added the small amount left could address some of the community’s
concerns regarding safety.
Alderman Larson stated this isn’t just about entertainment because the Theatre also hosts
programs that address serious community issues, such as mental health, domestic violence, and
racism.
Mr. Nerad stated the Theatre is a community center of sorts and offers many free events for local
schools and organizations.
Speaking to safety concerns, Mr. Nerad commented that people from other communities coming
to the Theatre for events and shows often state how safe they feel DeKalb is.
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Alderman Verbic stated he appreciates all the free events, but he doesn’t believe they’re all free
and asked what the annual transfer from the school district to the Theatre is to help cover those
costs. Mr. Nerad responded that if school groups had to pay to use the Theatre, they wouldn’t be
able to afford it and that’s why the Theatre provides the space at no cost.
Alderman Verbic then stated there’s a lot more revenue flowing through the school district than
the City of DeKalb and perhaps other help can be found to help bridge the gap. Mr. Nerad
responded that he’d be open to having a conversation with the school district.
Mayor Barnes stated he is also supportive of the Egyptian Theatre, but for him it comes down to
public safety and using the remaining ARPA funds for that. Mr. Nerad responded that he agrees
public safety is important, but so is the sales tax the Theatre brings in.
Mayor Barnes stated he agrees with Mr. Nerad’s comments, but the City has to spend money on
the rest of the community as well. He added that the City has provided substantial financial
support to the Theatre over the years.
Discussion ensued regarding the next step for this discussion and the decision to be made
regarding the funding request.
Alderman Morris suggested providing a partial portion of the funding request over time and then
reassessing at a later date.
Alderman Perkins stated he’s not ready to vote yes and he’d like to see more of what the
community needs because he believes those needs exist.
City Manager Nicklas stated the remaining ARPA funds won’t go far and there are other needs
within the community.
Mr. Nerad stated requests for funding started in June of 2021 and urged Council to consider
moving both the requests forward as soon as possible.
Brief discussion continued regarding the decision for the requested funding.
Alderman Larson commented that the decision should be made soon, and she would like to see
the matter on an upcoming agenda.
Mayor Barnes thanked those who came out in support of the Egyptian Theatre and Stage Coach
Players.
Since this item is a consideration, Mayor Barnes asked Council to voice their support or non-
support of the funding request from the Egyptian Theatre and Stage Coach Players. Alderman
Larson, Alderman Morris, Alderman Smith, and Alderman McAdams voiced their support of the
funding request. Alderman Perkins, Alderman Faivre, Alderman Verbic, and Mayor Barnes voiced
their non-support of the funding request.
There was brief discussion between Mayor Barnes and City Attorney Rose regarding the
outcome.
City Manager Nicklas and City Attorney Rose suggested putting a placeholder in the upcoming
budget for Council to discuss and decide on at a later date.
Mayor Barnes stated the decision is at an impasse and agreed with City Manager Nicklas’
suggestion.
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October 24, 2022
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2. Consideration of the Annual Property Tax Levy in the City of DeKalb.
Mayor Barnes read the consideration by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to bring this item to the floor for discussion; seconded by
Alderman Perkins.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. Some highlights included:
Community wealth has increased by $182,773,161, which is over 31%, since 2019.
The City’s aggregate rate is about 20% higher than the City’s nearest geographical competitors,
such as Sycamore, Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, North Aurora, South Elgin, and East Dundee.
An explanation of the Illinois pension crisis.
He then provided a brief explanation of each option put before Council:
Option 1: Identify a City levy that promises little or no increase in the City’s share of homeowner
property taxes, regardless of what other taxing bodies do. This option proposes no increase in
the City’s share of homeowner property taxes with a rate of 0.92607. This is the option supported
by the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC), as does City staff.
Option 2: Identify a community aggregate rate target in coming years. This option would raise the
rate to 0.936814, which would mean a little more out of pocket dollars for the levy impact.
Option 3: Identify a City levy that covers the shortfall in property taxes for downstate pensions.
This option would raise the rate to 1.15803, which would mean a large increase in taxes to the
City’s homeowners.
As liaison to the FAC, Alderman Perkins stated he attended their October 19th meeting. He
encouraged everyone to take the time to read the minutes provided on that meeting’s agenda as
they provide detail where a perspective budget is laid out. Continuing, Alderman Perkins stated
he supports Option 1 because it simplifies the City’s responsibility and earmarks the pension issue
the City and the State of Illinois are going to have and will force us into a deficit position in a few
years. It’s incumbent on us to lean on our representatives to get something done because this is
a very real issue.
Mayor Barnes stated he also supports Option 1. He feels it’s the Council’s fiduciary responsibility
to always be thinking about the taxpayer, as well as showing leadership to other taxing bodies.
The City is at a 11.1% aggregate tax rate currently, with the goal of getting to 9.5%, and the only
way to do that is collectively. In turn, it will drive more economic development.
Alderman Faivre stated he also supports Option 1 and thanked City staff for putting together a
budget to help reduce the tax burden on DeKalb citizens.
There was consensus among Council to move forward with Option 1.
Alderman Smith stated if we want to get to 9.5%, who isn’t helping us get there. City Manager
Nicklas directed Alderman Smith to the chart on page 4 in the agenda packet, stating that most
taxing bodies helped last year, and the City was encouraged by that. He noted that for the first
time this year, the City is receiving some valuation from Meta, and we should be grateful for the
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October 24, 2022
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enormous investment they continue to make. But these issues aren’t going away, and urgency is
key.
K. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2022-103 Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Kishwaukee
Water Reclamation District (KWRD) Regarding Waste Treatment Buildings, Improvements,
and Appurtenances Located within the City of DeKalb.
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. He briefly covered the history of the KWRD since its inception in 2017 and the
improvements they’ve made since then. He then explained that this resolution would approve the
replacement of an IGA that was contentious and not reflective of the spirit of cooperation between
the City and the KWRD. In summary, the IGA basically states the City and the KWRD are co-
equal units of local government and will continue to work together on the future growth of both
organizations.
There were no questions or comments from 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.
The president of the KWRD, Dennis Collins, spoke on behalf of KWRD, stating they’ve already
passed a resolution making their tax rate less than the City’s. He further stated that the KWRD
hopes for the collectiveness between taxing bodies the City is encouraging. The KWRD would
also like to see taxing bodies come together to address the school board’s high tax rates. The
growth on the south side of DeKalb will be the most important thing and if we can capitalize before
that money comes in on making decisions to lower tax rates, the City will see growth like it did in
the 70s and encourage further commercial development.
Mr. Collins then praised Mayor Barnes and City Manager Nicklas for their continued leadership
within the community.
2. Resolution 2022-104 Authorizing a Purchase Agreement with Compass Minerals for the
Purchase of Water Conditioning Bulk Softener Salt for a Period of One Year from January 1,
2023, through December 31, 2023, for the Purpose of Treating the City's Drinking Water.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Morris moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Verbic.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. This resolution would approve the purchase of water conditioning rock salt used
for softening the City’s potable water supply. Bids were opened on October 2nd and Compass
Minerals provided the lowest rate.
There were no questions or comments from the 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.
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October 24, 2022
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3. Resolution 2022-105 Authorizing a Purchase Agreement with Alexander Company for the
Purchase of Chlorine for a Period of One Year from January 1, 2023, through December 31,
2023, for the Purpose of Treating the City's Drinking Water.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Morris 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. This resolution would approve the purchase of chlorine, which is added to the
City’s water supply for the purpose of water purification. Bids were opened on October 2nd and
only one bid was received from Alexander Company.
There were no questions or comments from the 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 2022-106 Authorizing a Purchase Agreement with Water Solutions Unlimited for
the Purchase of Fluoride for a Period of One Year from January 1, 2023, through December
31, 2023, for the Purpose of Treating the City's Drinking Water.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Smith 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. This resolution would approve the purchase of fluoride, which is added to the
City’s water supply as a means of improving oral health in the community. Bids were opened on
October 2nd and Water Solutions Unlimited provided the lowest rate.
There were no questions or comments from the City 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.
L. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
1. Ordinance 2022-028 Revoking Ordinance 2012-070 Providing a Special Use Permit for a
Vehicle Salvage Yard Located at 1008 Oak Street (DeKalb Iron and Metal Company (DIMCO).
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to approve the ordinance on second reading; seconded by
Alderman McAdams.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. This item was heard on first reading on June 27th when the owner was given a
90-day extension to clean up the property in question. On September 26th, Council allowed an
additional 60-day extension. While the owner has made an effort to clean up the property and
crush the vehicles, most still remain in cubes and are stacked on site. Further the large piles of
rebar still remain. Therefore, City staff are recommending the revocation of the special use permit
approved via Ordinance 2012-070 in order to negotiate new terms for a special use permit to be
defined by the owner and the City.
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Referencing photos provided to Council, Alderman Faivre asked if the buses shown were new to
the site; it was confirmed they are not.
Chief Building Officer Dawn Harper, who was sitting in the audience, also commented, but the
comments were inaudible.
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 2022-051 Amending Chapter 10 “Landlord-Tenant Regulations” as it Pertains to
the Crime Free Housing Provisions.
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Morris moved to approve the ordinance on second reading; seconded by
Alderman Faivre.
Dwayne Brown, David Jacobson, and Neeley Erickson all expressed their reasoning for not
supporting the amendment.
Will Heinisch also spoke, stating that while there’s still work to be done, a majority of the DeKalb
Area Rental Association (DARA) is in favor of moving the amendment forward.
City Manager Nicklas then provided an overview of this item based on the information provided
in the agenda packet. This item was presented on first reading on October 10th. Since then, further
discussion has ensued with local rental property owners and representatives, as well as not-for-
profit agencies. He noted that some phrases have been revised to sharpen the intent of the
proposed ordinance for the benefit of those who may have been confused by the initial language.
Noting that Mr. Jacobson’s comments were cut short due to the City’s policy of keeping public
comments on any subject to three minutes or less, Alderman Morris asked if she could hear the
end of what he was going to say. Mr. Jacobson continued his comments and asked Council to
hold off voting on this item for two weeks so that conversations can be held to get it right.
Alderman Larson stated she’s received calls from area landlords stating their issues are not with
the document but their frustration with the eviction process. She asked if there was further
information that could be given to landlords in order to provide more support.
City Manager Nicklas commented that support has already been offered and has had an impact.
He further stated that the County Sheriff is responsible for evictions and the court system is
involved. The City is focusing its efforts on those who are committing egregious crimes on rental
property.
Alderman Verbic stated he would like to see a quarterly report on how things are proceeding, with
the report being presented via either a Council meeting, a DARA meeting, or both.
City Attorney Rose stated that part of the ordinance includes a requirement that the Crime Free
Director is to provide a quarterly report.
Mayor Barnes stated it’s also a requirement that the school district provide a report to Council on
how things are going.
City Manager Nicklas indicated both reports could be put on a Consent Agenda and pulled if
discussion is desired.
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October 24, 2022
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Alderman Smith stated communication is key and believes most landlords want to be helpful. He
then asked how the housing authority fits in to this with their eviction process. City Attorney Rose
replied the housing authority is exempted from this regulation, but separately they have their own
regulations regarding unlawful activity that allows for an eviction process.
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.
M. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2022-055 Amending Chapter 52 “Offenses Against Public Peace – Safety and
Morals” as it Pertains to Crime Free Housing Provisions.
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. This item provides revisions to Chapter 52 as it pertains to the Crime Free
Housing amendments made in Chapter 10 as discussed above.
There were no questions or comments from the 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.
MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance;
seconded by Alderman Verbic.
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 2022-056 Amending Chapter 18 “Dogs and Other Animals”, Section 18.04
“Impoundment”, to Increase the Fees for Impoundment.
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by
Alderman Morris.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. This item would allow the City to increase fees for picking up and holding stray
animals until their owner can be located. The Police Department recently installed a pair of
kennels to better serve this purpose and provides the food and care of impounded animals until
their release.
Stating he has a dog who runs because she doesn’t know any better, Alderman McAdams
indicated he has a would be voting no on this item on behalf of those who don’t have adequate
means to pay the fees.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-1 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
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MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance; seconded
by Alderman Morris.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-1 roll call vote. Aye: Morris, Larson, Smith, Perkins, Verbic, Faivre,
Barnes. Nay: McAdams. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
3. Ordinance 2022-057 Amending Chapter 36 “Amusements”, Section 36.01 “Amusement
Devices”, to Prohibit the Operation of Electronic Product Promotion Kiosks.
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by
Alderman Perkins.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. This item was discussed as a consideration at the October 10th Council meeting
where it was determined that the operation of electronic product promotion kiosks represent a
form of gaming and gambling, which is not acceptable. This ordinance would prohibit such devices
in DeKalb businesses.
There were no questions or comments from the City 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.
MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance;
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.
4. Ordinance 2022-058 Amending Chapter 38 “Intoxicating Liquors”, Section 38.27 “Gambling
Devices”, to Prohibit the Presence or Operation of Electronic Product Promotion Kiosks.
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Morris 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. This item would prohibit the use of electronic product promotion kiosks in licensed
liquor establishments with the City of DeKalb.
There were no questions or comments from the 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.
MOTION: Alderman Faivre moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance; 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.
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5. Ordinance 2022-059 Approving a Special Use Permit for an Amusement Establishment
(Cyber and Esports Café) at 901 Lucinda Avenue (4Willz LLC Represented by William
Williams).
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve first reading of the ordinance; seconded by
Alderman Verbic.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of this item based on the information provided in the
agenda packet. This item would allow a special use permit at 901 Lucinda Avenue for an
amusement establishment (cyber and e-sports café). The proposed use provides sporting
competition through video games and will initially feature between 30 and 40 computers and game
consoles. The business will offer non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Adequate parking is
provided to the east and north of the building. The applicant will also be required to apply for and
maintain an Amusement Facility license.
Alderman McAdams thanked the petitioner, Will Williams, for a unique and fun idea and he can’t
wait to see it in motion.
Alderman Faivre thanked Mr. Williams for the investment and bringing this to DeKalb.
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 McAdams moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance;
seconded by Alderman Perkins.
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.
6. Ordinance 2022-060 Approving a Preliminary and Final Plat of the DeKalb County Nursing
Home Subdivision and Approval of an Amendment to Ordinance 2019-003 to Amend the
Interior Lot Line Setbacks Between the DeKalb County Nursing Home and the DeKalb County
Health Department Located at 2550 and 2600 N. Annie Glidden Road (DeKalb County).
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. Ordinance 2019-003 approved an amendment to the original 1998 ordinance for
the campus to allow for an addition to the Nursing Home. The applicant, DeKalb County, is now
requesting an amendment to Ordinance 2019-003 and the approval of a Preliminary and Final
Plat for the DeKalb County Nursing Home Subdivision to remove the interior lot line setbacks
between the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center and the DeKalb County Health
Department.
There were no questions or comments from the City 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.
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MOTION: Alderman Morris moved to waive second reading and approve the ordinance; 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.
N. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
Alderman Smith reported that work on 14th Street is done. He also reported that resurfacing of the
Walmart shopping center area access roads is done as well.
Alderman Faivre commented about how proud he is to be on this Council and to be working
together with other governing bodies towards a vision of what this community can be.
Alderman Perkins thanked DeKalb Public Library Director Faulkner for providing an update on
the library. He also thanked the FAC for providing input at their meeting, which was helpful for
this meeting. Alderman Perkins also reported the Fairview project is done and signage is in place
indicating road closures.
Mayor Barnes reported on recent meetings and events he’s attended, which included:
a meeting he and City Manager Nicklas had with the Clear City Investment Group regarding the
progress they’ve made on their properties, one of which is the addition of new lighting;
attending the 1619 Play with Alderman Larson at the Egyptian Theatre;
attending the quarterly meeting of the DeKalb County Mayors group;
attending the MLTL (Middle Level Teaching and Learning) project event through Northern
Illinois University;
attending the Athena Awards event;
reading the Eagle charge for Payton Chester of Troop 33; and
meeting with the Mayor, City Manager, and Chief of Police of Aurora to discuss what they’ve
done from a crime free Housing perspective.
2. City Manager Report.
City Manager Nicklas had no report.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss the Sale or Lease of Real Property
as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6).
Mayor Barnes read the Executive Session exemption by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Morris moved to recess for Executive Session; seconded by Alderman Smith.
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 24, 2022
Page 13 of 13
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 recessed the
meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Following adjournment of the Executive Session, Mayor Barnes opened the meeting to the public
at 9:21 p.m.
P. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Alderman Perkins moved to adjourn the Regular meeting; 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 and adjourned the
meeting at 9:21 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________
Ruth A. Scott, Recording Secretary
Minutes passed by the City Council on November 14, 2022.
Click here to view the agenda packet for the October 24, 2022, Regular City Council meeting.
Click here to view the video recording of the October 24, 2022, Regular City Council meeting.
Agenda
DEKALB CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 24, 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
None.
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
F. APPOINTMENTS
1. Appointing Jane Levinsky to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for a
Three-Year Term through December 31, 2025.
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 October 10, 2022.
H. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Accounts Payable and Payroll through October 24, 2022, in the Amount of
$2,611,778.96.
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
October 24, 2022
Page 2 of 16
2. Freedom of Information Action (FOIA) Report – September 2022.
3. FY2022 Human Services Funding 3rd Quarter Report.
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
J. CONSIDERATIONS
1. Consideration of Providing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds to the
Egyptian Theatre ($75,000) and Stage Coach Players ($25,000).
City Manager’s Summary: At the regular City Council meeting of October 10, the executive
director of Preservation of Egyptian Theatre, Inc., Alex Nerad, requested the Council’s public
consideration of a recent written request for consideration of American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) grants for the Egyptian Theatre and Stage Coach Players. The Council directed the
City Manager to include such a consideration on this agenda. A copy of the written request is
appended in its entirety in the Council background.
The Egyptian’s not-for-profit board was organized in 1978 and has been dedicated to
preserving the historic theater which was opened in 1929. The facility seats 1,400 and – as
the supporting letters show – on the nights that the Egyptian has a show the downtown’s
restaurants and bars have substantially higher customer volumes. Additionally, the facility has
long provided local social service agencies and service clubs, scouts, etc. a remarkable,
economical performance stage for their volunteer or community-centered activities.
Stage Coach Players is one of the longest running community theaters in Illinois and has been
operating since 1947. It is an all-volunteer organization that produces 8-10 productions every
year. Each production typically runs for 7-8 performances. The Stage Coach facility on S. Fifth
Street seats 164 for a variety of plays and musicals featuring local talent.
In its guidance to state and local governments in 2021, the US Treasury identified the
hospitality, travel, and tourism industries as eligible targets for ARPA grants because of the
government-ordered closings for many months at the height of the COVID pandemic in 2020
and 2021. In Illinois, theaters were unable to operate for about 15 months, with the exception
of several months when the Illinois directives with respect to customer separation made it
more expensive to open and staff a performance than to stay closed with little or no staff on
the premises.
The specific requests are summarized below:
a) Egyptian Theatre. The 501(c)(3) organization has requested $75,000 for unrestricted
operational use. Mr. Nerad has explained that one particular operating use would be to
establish a sinking fund with which to guarantee the “gate” or a minimum ticket revenue to
attract larger acts that might be inclined to devote one night before or after a longer
performance commitment in Chicago to an outlying community venue.
b) Stage Coach Players. This 501(c)(3) organization has requested $25,000 for unrestricted
operational use.
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
October 24, 2022
Page 3 of 16
The ARPA Fund’s projects to-date and current balance are shown in the following table:
ARPA SPENDING – $10,422,954
FY21 FY22 FY23 FY24 Total
PROJECT
Public Safety Re-Hires $1,511,017 $1,997,435 $1,837,285 $1,019,023 $6,364,760
Lead Service Replacement $700,000 $300,000 $1,000,000
Purchase and Demo of Hunter Hillcrest $1,148,164 $353,949 $1,502,113
Tenant Relocation $50,981 $77,544 $128,525
Other Units of Government
$291,644 $291,644
(DeKalb Park District / KWRD)
Edgebrook Dr. Reconfiguration $222,000 $222,000
Kimberly Drive Reconfiguration (est.) $250,000 $250,000
Annie Glidden Road Sidewalk $60,000 $60,000
Grove St. bikeway; Fairview Calming $225,000 $225,000
Other AGN Investment $100,000 $100,000
Total $3,001,806 $3,635,928 $2,487,285 $1,019,023 $10,144,042
Balance $278,912
The Egyptian appeal letter (attached) did not note the federal assistance that appears to have
been received by the not-for-profit during the COVID pandemic. According to government
records, the federal Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue grant program awarded
$687,989 in grant funds to the Egyptian. The Egyptian also received $92,181 in Paycheck
Protection Program (PPP) loans which appear to have been forgiven. There is no record that
Stage Coach received funding from either federal program.
City Council direction is recommended. (click here for additional information)
2. Consideration of the Annual Property Tax Levy in the City of DeKalb.
City Manager’s Summary: The property tax is the most stable source of revenues for local
taxing bodies. What is levied is typically applied and generally distributed, assuming property
owners pay their obligations. However, DeKalb’s local taxing bodies are at a precarious
economic crossroad: the aggregate property tax burden on local businesses, homeowners,
and renters alike diminishes DeKalb’s competitive economic position. In many instances,
DeKalb’s aggregate property tax rate is 20% higher than that of the City’s nearest
geographical competitors (e.g., Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia, North Aurora, South Elgin, and
East Dundee).
The 2021 aggregate rate in DeKalb declined from $11.49927 per $100 EAV to $11.06394 per
$100 EAV owing in large part to the recent substantial increases in local equalized assessed
valuations tied to industrial development on the Gurler Road corridor:
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
October 24, 2022
Page 4 of 16
2021 Comparative Property Tax Rates
2019 2020 2021 2021/2020 % of
Taxing Body Rate Rate Rate Diff Agg Rate
County (blended) 1.07520 1.06293 1.03149 -2.96% 9.32%
Forest Preserve (blended) 0.07481 0.07396 0.07355 -0.55% 0.66%
DeKalb Township 0.16318 0.16002 0.14864 -7.11% 1.34%
DeKalb Road & Bridge 0.18671 0.18485 0.17298 -6.42% 1.56%
City of DeKalb 0.08451 0.00000 0.00000 0.00% 0.00%
DeKalb Pension Funds 1.07042 1.06868 0.98612 -7.73% 8.91%
DeKalb Library 0.38683 0.38772 0.38546 -0.58% 3.48%
DeKalb Park District 0.63957 0.61941 0.62870 1.50% 5.68%
DeKalb Park Pension Funds 0.08088 0.09034 0.06761 -25.16% 0.61%
School District 428 (blended) 7.18383 7.06491 6.80841 -3.63% 61.54%
Kishwaukee College 0.64101 0.64147 0.63000 -1.79% 5.69%
Kishwaukee College Soc. Sec. 0.01176 0.01131 0.01100 -2.74% 0.10%
KWRD 0.11811 0.11596 0.10442 -9.95% 0.94%
KWRD Pension Funds 0.01785 0.01771 0.01556 -12.14% 0.14%
11.73467 11.49927 11.06394 -3.79% 100.00%
How far can our community’s taxing bodies go in the reduction of their annual property tax
rates? In its leadership role, the City’s tax rate history should be scrutinized. The City’s rate
has declined for the past four tax years. The 2021 City Tax Rate of 0.98612 ($6,845,317
divided by $694,171,673) is 7.73% lower than the 2020 City rate of 1.06868 per $100 EAV.
The following table portrays this trend:
Recent City Property Tax Levies and Rates
Year Rate-Setting EAV: City City Levy City Rate
2011 582,504,715 4,196,890 0.7205
2012 533,805,903 4,244,718 0.7952
2013 485,923,623 4,270,457 0.9809
2014 464,966,381 4,270,540 1.0245
2015 468,077,742 5,094,730 1.1942
2016 503,861,829 5,565,384 1.2021
2017 529,629,464 6,004,594 1.2268
2018 547,947,687 6,017,140 1.1883
2019 585,726,839 6,269,649 1.1541
2020 610,333,062 6,522,507 1.06868
2021 694,171,673 6,845,317 0.98612
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
October 24, 2022
Page 5 of 16
The table below illustrates the trend in actual property tax dollars paid to the City alone by a
household living in a home with a market value of approximately $300,000 over the past three
years:
Base Twp New Final DeKalb DeKalb
Year EAV Multiplier 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 $101,197 0.98612 $997.92
A. City Levy Options
Option #1: Identify a City Levy that Promises Little or No Increase in the City’s Share of
Homeowner Property Taxes, Regardless of What Other Taxing Bodies Do.
This option is baked into the proposed FY2023 Budget reviewed by the Finance Advisory
Committee on October 19. The proposed FY2-23 General Fund Budget includes a 4% increase
in the City Levy (from $6,845,317 in 2021 to $7,119,130 in 2022). The exact levy is a worrisome
gamble at this time of the year. Township Assessors do not submit their final EAV numbers until
November 1, which means any pending occupancy certificates need to be issued by the City’s
Building Department before that date if a property is to get even a pro-rata assessment in 2022
that is based on final construction values. In this context, occupancies for certain portions of the
first data halls on the Meta site are pending. Whether or not these occupancies are issued will
have a significant impact on the County’s estimate of DeKalb’s community-wide rate-setting EAV.
Although uncertainty abounds, local decisions have to be made about levies by December. The
following assumptions are behind Option #1:
City Levy: $7,119,130 (an increase of $273,813 or 4%)
City Rate-Setting EAV (incl. Township multiplier of 1.0662): $768,500,000
City Rate: 0.92607
The estimated impact of Option #1 on the theoretical householder with a home carrying a present
market value of approximately $300,000 is illustrated in the table below:
Year Base EAV Twp Multiplier New EAV Homestead Final EAV DeKalb Rate DeKalb 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 $101,197 0.98612 $997.92
2022 $107,197 1.0662 $114,293 -$6,000 $108,293 0.92607 $1,002.86
The high DeKalb Township multiplier mirroring a steep spike in local home sale prices contributes
to the significant reduction in the City’s rate (-6.1%) in this option. The multiplier also falls hard on
the individual taxpayer, as the table above shows. The minor ($4.94) increase may become a
savings if the City’s actual EAV reported by the County Supervisor of Assessments in April 2023
is higher than the projected $768,500,000.
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
October 24, 2022
Page 6 of 16
Option #2: Identify a Community Aggregate Rate Target in Coming Years.
For discussion purposes, the following table suggests an aggressive timeline for achieving a 9.5%
target in the aggregate local property tax rate over the next three years:
Targeted Aggregate Rate Decline: 2022-2024
2021 % of 2022 2023 2024
Taxing Body Rate Agg Rate -5% -5% -3.5%
County (blended) 1.03149 9.32% 0.979916 0.93092 0.898338
Forest Preserve (blended) 0.07355 0.66% 0.069873 0.066379 0.064056
DeKalb Township 0.14864 1.34% 0.141208 0.134148 0.129452
DeKalb Road & Bridge 0.17298 1.56% 0.164331 0.156114 0.15065
City of DeKalb 0.00000 0.00% 0 0 0
DeKalb Pension Funds 0.98612 8.91% 0.936814 0.889973 0.858824
DeKalb Library 0.38546 3.48% 0.366187 0.347878 0.335702
DeKalb Park District 0.62870 5.68% 0.597265 0.567402 0.547543
DeKalb Park Pension Funds 0.06761 0.61% 0.06423 0.061018 0.058882
School District 428 (blended) 6.80841 61.54% 6.46799 6.14459 5.929529
Kishwaukee College 0.63000 5.69% 0.5985 0.568575 0.548675
Kishwaukee College Soc. Sec. 0.01100 0.10% 0.01045 0.009928 0.00958
KWRD 0.10442 0.94% 0.099199 0.094239 0.090941
KWRD Pension Funds 0.01556 0.14% 0.014782 0.014043 0.013551
11.06394 100.00% 10.51074 9.985206 9.635724
Based on this option, the estimated impact on the average DeKalb homeowner would be as
follows:
Base Twp New DeKalb DeKalb
Year EAV Multiplier EAV Homestead Final 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 $101,197 0.98612 $997.92
2022 $107,197 1.0662 $114,293 -$6,000 $108,293 0.936814 $1,014.50
Option #3: Identify a City Levy that Covers the Shortfall in Property Taxes for Downstate
Pensions.
Historically, pension fund boards, actuaries, and other fiduciary agents prefer the dedication of
property taxes to fund annual pension obligations because of their greater reliability as opposed
to sales and use taxes, which are more vulnerable to changes in the business cycle. For the last
ten years, all the property tax revenues collected by the City have been used for pension
contributions, although for many years the amount levied has not fully funded this annual
contribution, as shown below:
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
October 24, 2022
Page 7 of 16
Fiscal Actuarial Required City's Adopted Shortfall Shortfall
Year Contribution Tax Levy $ %
Fire Pension $3,503,332 $3,220,517 $282,815 8.07%
2019
Police Pension $3,079,438 $2,796,623 $282,815 9.18%
Total $6,582,770 $6,017,140 $565,630 8.59%
Fire Pension $3,951,651 $3,322,914 $628,737 15.91%
2020
Police Pension $3,446,287 $2,946,735 $499,552 14.50%
Total $7,397,938 $6,269,649 $1,128,289 15.25%
increase over PY 12.38% 4.20%
Fire Pension $4,282,230 $3,569,403 $712,827 16.65%
2021
Police Pension $3,614,881 $2,953,053 $661,828 18.31%
Total $7,897,111 $6,522,456 $1,374,655 17.41%
increase over PY 6.75% 4.03%
Fire Pension $4,415,632 $3,720,878 $694,754 15.73%
2022
Police Pension $3,707,827 $3,124,439 $583,388 15.73%
Total $8,123,459 $6,845,317 $1,278,142 15.73%
increase over PY 2.87% 4.95%
Fire Pension $4,933,015 $3,869,713 $1,063,302 21.55%
2023
Police Pension $3,901,382 $3,249,417 $651,965 16.71%
Total $8,834,397 $7,119,130 $1,715,267 19.42%
increase over PY 8.75% 4.00%
The annual shortfalls have typically been paid from the General Fund’s operating revenues (e.g.,
sales and use taxes, state income tax proceeds, etc.) and these shortfalls are increasing. In fact,
the pension shortfall is roughly equivalent to the projected gap between annual General Fund
revenues and expenditures in 2024 and 2025, on a combined basis.
The huge shift of property taxes to pension funding makes this levy option unattractive
because of the very negative impact on the local property taxpayer. The following
assumptions are behind Option #3:
City Levy: $8,899,427 (a general increase of 4.95% plus the pension funding shortfall of
$1,715,267)
City Rate-Setting EAV (incl. Township multiplier of 1.0662): $768,500,000
City Rate: 1.15803
The impact of Option #3 on the theoretical householder with a home carrying a present market
value of approximately $300,000 is illustrated in the table below:
Year Base EAV Twp Multiplier New EAV Homestead Final EAV DeKalb Rate DeKalb 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 $101,197 0.98612 $997.92
2022 $107,197 1.0662 $114,293 -$6,000 $108,293 1.15803 $1,254.06
On October 19, the Finance Advisory Committee recommended Option #1. The City Manager
requests Council support for the FAC recommendation.
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
October 24, 2022
Page 8 of 16
K. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2022-103 Authorizing an Intergovernmental Agreement with the
Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District Regarding Waste Treatment Buildings,
Improvements, and Appurtenances Located within the City of DeKalb.
City Manager’s Summary: This draft intergovernmental agreement recognizes the close, daily
working relationship and the integral connection between the City’s water distribution system
and the reclamation of clean water from the area’s sewer discharge. The Kishwaukee Water
Reclamation District (KWRD) is the heir to the DeKalb Sanitary District which was created in
1917 to collect, treat, and dispose of the area’s sewage before discharge to the Kishwaukee
River. KWRD was incorporated in 2017 to better reflect the district’s mission to recover
valuable resources from the sewage it receives.
Upon its incorporation in 2017, the KWRD began a $55 million upgrade to its reclamation
facility at 1301 Sycamore Road. The state-of-the-art facility created from this very substantial
investment is accomplishing the following goals:
Replacing treatment infrastructure beyond its useful design life.
Improving biological treatment to ensure regulatory compliance with current and future water
quality standards.
Improving water quality by removing contaminates.
Removing Phosphorus and Nitrogen which cause algal blooms.
Improving hydraulic efficiency.
Adding resource recovery and the creation of electrical power from sewage and other
renewable resources to be a “net-zero” facility by 2025.
Creating a facility footprint for the next 50 years.
Improving site safety and security.
Increasing excess flow (wet weather) treatment capacity.
The attached resolution replaces an intergovernmental agreement reflective of an earlier
generation that was built on competition over growth decisions and a general resistance
toward merging the talents of maintenance crews or managers to solve problems on behalf
of the citizens both taxing bodies serve. In fact, the inherent assumption in the former
agreement is that the trained and licensed professionals of KWRD are somehow deficient in
their dedication to the highest standards of construction, processing, safety, and community
awareness. The attached resolution is a statement of cooperation based on professional
respect.
Specifically, the proposed intergovernmental agreement has the following key points:
a) It explicitly recognizes that the City government and KWRD are “coequal units of local
government.”
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
October 24, 2022
Page 9 of 16
b) It recognizes that as the KWRD continues to upgrade its facilities, it will employ licensed
professional engineers and architects to design and oversee the construction of any new
features, including both occupied buildings and unoccupied buildings such as pump
houses.
c) Both parties are committed to assuring Fire and other emergency access and safety within
any KWRD spaces.
d) All property presently and hereafter owned by the KWRD will be treated as
public/institutionally zoned property (similar to NIU) and designated as such. A follow-on
amendment to the City’s UDO will confirm the zoning change.
e) Both the City and KWRD will work cooperatively to assure sewer service to future
development projects. Both parties also recognize that certain types of processes will
require “pre-treatment” on site to meet IEPA standards for the effluent as it enters the
treatment plant.
f) Both parties shall take into account requests for relevant easements for utilities, rights of
way, etc.
g) Neither party will require permits for work by the other on their own utilities and facilities,
even though they may be under City rights-of-way. However, both parties shall share any
necessary plans for such work in a timely manner so as not to inconvenience the other
party or impacted residents and businesses.
h) Aside from the main plant at 1301 Sycamore Road, the District owns farmland south of I-
88 used for sludge spreading (currently annexed) and an area north of I-88 known as the
“South Slope.” The South Slope was once considered for an additional treatment facility
and has not been annexed. The District agrees to annex the South Slope to the City within
90 days of the execution of this IGA.
i) If the District should acquire additional land in the future, the terms of this IGA shall apply.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
2. Resolution 2022-104 Authorizing a Purchase Agreement with Compass Minerals for
the Purchase of Water Conditioning Bulk Softener Salt for a Period of One Year from
January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, for the Purpose of Treating the City's
Drinking Water.
City Manager’s Summary: As Assistant Public Works Director Bryan Faivre writes in his
background memorandum, the Water department recently went out to bid for our annual
supply of bulk softener salt. Water conditioning rock salt is used for softening the City’s potable
water supply to ensure compliance with state and federal drinking water standards. It is a
purer form of salt than regular road salt and is specifically designed for the treatment of
drinking water. Although the term of the contract was one year, it also carried the option of
two, one-year extensions at the mutual agreement of the parties. A one-time economic
adjustment is allowed for each one-year extension not to exceed the published Chicago Area
Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the previous 12-month period. The volatility in the market
pricing of this material has made longer-term contracts financially unwise.
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
October 24, 2022
Page 10 of 16
On October 2, 2022, the Water staff opened bids for the purchase and delivery of water
conditioning bulk softener salt for the City’s five water treatment plants. Two bids were
received, as described below:
Water Conditioning Bulk Softener Salt
Tons used annually = 1,332
Current price = $132.50 per ton
Current Supplier: Midwest Salt Company
Bid Tabulation
Company Name Bid Price (per ton)
Compass Minerals $140.58
Midwest Salt Company $155.00
Accepting the low bid by Compass Minerals in the amount of $140.58 per ton will result in an
increase of approximately $10,762 (10.3%) annually when compared to the current price of
salt.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
3. Resolution 2022-105 Authorizing a Purchase Agreement with Alexander Company
for the Purchase of Chlorine for a Period of One Year from January 1, 2023, through
December 31, 2023, for the Purpose of Treating the City's Drinking Water.
City Manager’s Summary: The Water department also recently requested bids for the City’s
annual supply of chlorine, which is added to the water supply for the purpose of water
purification. Chlorine is a safe and reliable disinfectant and helps maintain water quality within
the distribution system. The contract includes the option of two, one-year extensions at the
mutual agreement of the parties. As with the salt contract, a one-time economic adjustment is
allowed for each one-year extension not to exceed the published Chicago Area Consumer
Price Index (CPI) for the previous 12-month period. The volatility in the market pricing of this
material has made longer-term contracts financially unwise.
The approximate annual chlorine usage is described below:
Chlorine (Liquid Chlorine 2.3):
Pounds used annually = 34,897
Current price = $1.11/lb.
Current Supplier: Alexander Company
The Water Division held a public bid opening on October 2 and received just one bid – from
the Alexander Company, which is the current supplier.
Bid Tabulation
Company Name Bid Price (per pound)
Alexander Company $1.99
Accepting the low bid by Alexander Company in the amount of $1.99 per pound will result in
an increase of approximately $30,710 annually when compared to the current price of
chlorine.
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
October 24, 2022
Page 11 of 16
4. Resolution 2022-106 Authorizing a Purchase Agreement with Water Solutions
Unlimited for the Purchase of Fluoride for a Period of One Year from January 1,
2023, through December 31, 2023, for the Purpose of Treating the City's Drinking
Water.
City Manager’s Summary: Water fluoridation is a safe and effective means of improving oral
health in a community. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recognized
water fluoridation as one of the major public health achievements of the 20th century.
The approximate annual usage is described below:
Fluoride (Hydrofluosilicic Acid)
Pounds used annually = 6,119
Current price = $0.3863 per pound
Current Supplier: Alexander Company
The Water Division recently went to bid for the supply and delivery of fluoride. The annual
proposed contract carried the option of two, one-year extensions at the mutual agreement of
the parties. Additionally, a one-time economic adjustment is allowed for each one-year
extension not to exceed the published Chicago Area Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the
previous 12-month period. The Alexander Company is the currently supplier to the Utility
Division.
On October 2, 2022, the City of DeKalb publicly opened two bids for the purchase and delivery
of fluoride for the City’s five water treatment plants.
Bid Tabulation
Company Name Bid Price (per pound)
Water Solutions Unlimited $0.48
Alexander Company $0.559
Accepting the low bid by Water Solutions Unlimited in the amount of $0.48 per pound will
result in an increase of approximately $574 annually when compared to the current price of
fluoride.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
L. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
1. Ordinance 2022-028 Revoking Ordinance 2012-070 Providing a Special Use Permit
for a Vehicle Salvage Yard Located at 1008 Oak Street (DeKalb Iron and Metal
Company (DIMCO).
City Manager’s Summary: At the last regular Council meeting of September 26, the Council
postponed action on Ordinance 2022-028 on second reading because progress in the
crushing and compacting of vehicles in the DIMCO yard at 1008 Oak Street had been
substantial. At this writing, nearly all of the vehicles present when the Council first considered
Ordinance 2022-028 on June 27 have been crushed. However, few if any of the compacted
vehicle remains or “cubes” have been trucked from the site for recycling; they are stacked like
cord wood on the site. Additionally, none of the high piles of re-bar have been removed for
further salvage elsewhere. This means that the owner is still in violation of the special use
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
October 24, 2022
Page 12 of 16
permit of 2012, which allowed only limited storage, decommissioning, flattening, and shipping
of used vehicles for recycling purposes.
The City staff recommend the revocation of the original special use permit and the negotiation
of new terms for a special use to be defined cooperatively by the current owner and City. In
the meantime, the shipping of the crushed vehicles can be a pre-condition for any future
special use permit the Council may consider. The staff further recommend that any additional
“importing” of used vehicles or other materials (including re-bar and scrap) to the site at 1008
Oak Street should be considered a nuisance and subject to a fine of up to $500 for each
offense, as prescribed in Chapter 12 of the Municipal Code.
City Council revocation is recommended. (click here for additional information)
2. Ordinance 2022-051 Amending Chapter 10 “Landlord-Tenant Regulations” as it
Pertains to the Crime Free Housing Provisions.
City Manager’s Summary: Since a new crime free housing initiative was circulated for public
review in mid-September, the City Council considered the measure in detail on September 26
and, again, as Ordinance 2022-051 on first reading on October 10. Since the last Council
meeting, further discussion has ensued with representatives of the DeKalb Area Rental
Association (DARA) and a variety of not-for-profit agencies across the northern Illinois region.
The attached Ordinance 2022-051 is substantially the same as the ordinance draft considered
and unanimously supported by the Council on October 10. However, some phrases have
been revised to sharpen the intent of the proposed ordinance for the benefit of those might
have been confused by the initial language. Any sentence or paragraph that has been revised
since the original draft was presented on September 26 has been highlighted in yellow in the
final draft attached to this Agenda packet.
Several issues that have generated energetic debate in recent weeks are (1) whether or not
it was the City’s intent to discriminate against persons on the basis of an arrest record, or (2)
whether or not it was the City’s intent to discriminate against victims of crimes, including
domestic and sexual violence. Despite the resounding “no” offered in each case by the City
Attorney and City staff, and the actual language of earlier ordinance drafts, misinterpretation
continued. Accordingly, in collaborative work sessions involving City staff and the DARA
leadership during the week of October 10-14, and in conversation between that DARA
leadership and key representatives of concerned realtor and advocacy groups, some timely
wordsmithing has been achieved which clarifies the following:
a) The City does not require any evictions. A landlord’s initiative to begin eviction
proceedings in the district court in response to a pattern of unlawful activity in a rental unit
rests on the terms of the crime-free lease entered willingly by tenant and landlord. This
model lease has been required by local codes since 2013 (Section 10.10,c).
b) As the Illinois Human Rights Act states, a prior arrest record cannot be used in landlord
screenings of potential tenants. A felonious or unlawful act committed by a tenant who is
a responsible party to the City’s crime-free lease may trigger a Landlord’s eviction action
without violating the Human Rights Act (see Section 3-102.5 of the IHRA).
c) A Tenant may not be retaliated against nor evicted when merely a victim of unlawful
activity. Further, no Tenant may be evicted because of any complaint or testimony about
an alleged occurrence of unlawful activity. Any landlord or agent violating this stricture is
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
October 24, 2022
Page 13 of 16
subject to a mandatory minimum fine of $1,000 and such further relief to make whole any
victim of the retaliation (Section 10.17,h).
d) Nothing in the proposed ordinance is intended to cover police calls related to domestic
violence, sexual violence, crime victims, child abuse, or calls from disabled individuals, or
calls on behalf of an individual in need of police services (Section 10.17,a).
City Council approval of the attached ordinance on second reading is recommended.
(click here for additional information)
M. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2022-055 Amending Chapter 52 “Offenses Against Public Peace – Safety
and Morals” as it Pertains to Crime Free Housing Provisions.
City Manager’s Summary: The attached ordinance amends Chapter 52 in light of the revisions
in the Crime-Free Housing Program described in Chapter 10 (see above). The following
changes are proposed:
Deletion of the “Chronic Disorderly House” provisions in Section 52.06, (c);
Retention of the “Criminal Housing Management” provisions of Section 52.05, (a) and (b)
which refer to physical building conditions which fall under the enforcement of the City’s
Building Department.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
2. Ordinance 2022-056 Amending Chapter 18 “Dogs and Other Animals”, Section 18.04
“Impoundment”, to Increase the Fees for Impoundment.
City Manager’s Summary: Police Officers routinely pick up stray animals and attempt to locate
their owners. When an owner is not known, the Police Department will either turn over the
animal to the DeKalb County Animal Control office or impound the animal for pickup by either
the owner or Animal Control at a later time. The Police Department typically impounds animals
for 72 hours or more to screen for illness or disease before they are eligible for release to the
County or rescue agencies. The Police Department recently installed a pair of kennels to
better serve this purpose and provides the food and care of impounded animals until their
release.
The City’s current fees outlined in Ordinance 18.04(e) have not been updated for 32 years.
This proposed ordinance would update the fees from the 1990 amounts which include a $15
pickup charge and a $3 per day service charge. The proposed fees would match the current
DeKalb County Animal Control fees which include a $50 pickup fee and a $10 per day service
charge.
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
October 24, 2022
Page 14 of 16
3. Ordinance 2022-057 Amending Chapter 36 “Amusements”, Section 36.01
“Amusement Devices”, to Prohibit the Operation of Electronic Product Promotion
Kiosks.
City Manager’s Summary: At the last regular City Council meeting of October 10, the Council
considered electronic product promotion kiosks and whether or not it was in the public interest
to license their introduction and use in the City of DeKalb. The Council unanimously concluded
that such kiosks represent a form of gaming and gambling, which was not acceptable.
Accordingly, the attached ordinance specifically prohibits such devices in businesses within
the City of DeKalb.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
4. Ordinance 2022-058 Amending Chapter 38 “Intoxicating Liquors”, Section 38.27
“Gambling Devices”, to Prohibit the Presence or Operation of Electronic Product
Promotion Kiosks.
City Manager’s Summary: The attached ordinance specifically prohibits the introduction or
use of electronic product promotion kiosks in licensed liquor establishments within the City of
DeKalb.
City Council approval is recommended. (click here for additional information)
5. Ordinance 2022-059 Approving a Special Use Permit for an Amusement
Establishment (Cyber and Esports Café) at 901 Lucinda Avenue (4Willz LLC
Represented by William Williams).
City Manager’s Summary: As Planning Director Dan Olson writes in his background
memorandum, the petitioner, 4Willz LLC represented by William Williams, has requested
approval of a special use permit for an amusement establishment (cyber and e-sports café).
The location is tenant space 901-E at the Village Commons Bookstore building at 901 Lucinda
Avenue. The tenant space is 2,144 square feet and located near the middle of the lower level.
The proposed use provides sporting competition through video games. “E-sports” often take
the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions, between individuals or teams.
The space will initially feature between 30 and 40 computers and game consoles. The hours
of operation will be 6:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., Thursday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on
Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Sunday. From Monday through Wednesday, the
space will be reserved for appointments, tournaments, and special events. The business will
offer non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. Adequate parking is provided to the east and north
of the building. The applicant will also be required to apply for and maintain an Amusement
Facility license.
On October 17, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on the special
use request and by a vote of 4-0 recommended Council approval of the request. City Council
approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation is requested. (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
October 24, 2022
Page 15 of 16
6. Ordinance 2022-060 Approving a Preliminary and Final Plat of the DeKalb County
Nursing Home Subdivision and Approval of an Amendment to Ordinance 2019-003
to Amend the Interior Lot Line Setbacks Between the DeKalb County Nursing Home
and THE DeKalb County Health Department Located at 2550 and 2600 N. Annie
Glidden Road (DeKalb County).
City Manager’s Summary: The applicant, DeKalb County, is requesting approval of a
Preliminary and Final Plat for the DeKalb County Nursing Home Subdivision and an approval
of an amendment to Ordinance 2019-003 to remove the interior lot line setbacks between the
DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center and the DeKalb County Health Department. The
purpose of the request is to re-subdivide the DeKalb County Health Facilities Subdivision to
create separate lots for the Nursing Home and Health Department. Ordinance 2019-003
approved an amendment to the original 1998 Ordinance for the campus to allow for an
addition to the Nursing Home.
The background material from DeKalb County indicates the County Board has entered into a
letter of intent to sell the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center. As part of the sale
process, the Rehab and Nursing Center building needs to be subdivided from the Health
Department building and the rest of the County Campus. The subdivision plat shows a
proposed lot line running through a small corridor connecting the Health Department and
Nursing Home areas. The building setback between the proposed lots 1 and 2 needs to be
removed to prevent the building from violating the setbacks in Ordinance 2019-003 and the
City’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
The staff has reviewed the Plat and there are comments relating to the multi-use path along
the north side of the site, and the private sanitary sewer lines over the proposed Lot 2.
Planning Director Olson recommends the dedication of the multi-use path in a public
easement with language that it may not be removed or altered without written authorization
from the City. In addition, a blanket access easement is also needed for the benefit of the
proposed Lot 2 (Nursing Home) over Lot 1 (Health Department). Finally, the Kishwaukee
Water Reclamation District is requesting easements over the sanitary sewer lines on Lot 2
and has indicated that an investigation of the sewers is needed to check the condition of them
before taking over the maintenance. The applicant has noted the easements will be provided
under separate cover. The City staff have asked that the KWRD comments be addressed
prior to the recording of the Final Plat.
The Planning and Zoning Commission held a hearing on the proposed requests on October
17 and by a vote of 4-0 recommended City Council approval of (a) the Preliminary Plat of the
DeKalb County Nursing Home Subdivision dated 8-27-22; (b) the Final Plat of the DeKalb
County Nursing Home Subdivision dated 9-8-22 labeled as Exhibit A of the staff report; (c) an
amendment to Ordinance 2019-003 to remove the interior lot line setbacks between Lots 1
and 2 for the property located at 2550 and 2600 N. Annie Glidden Road; and (d) any other
amendments to allow for the sale of the Nursing Home property, subject to staff comments
related to easements on the Final Plat prior to recording.
City Council approval of the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation is
requested. (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
October 24, 2022
Page 16 of 16
N. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
2. City Manager Report.
O. EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss the Sale or Lease of
Real Property as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(6).
P. ADJOURNMENT
REGULAR AGENDA PACKET – OCTOBER 24, 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.