MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MAY 26, 2015

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1 MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MAY 26, 2015 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a on Tuesday, in the City Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Rey called the meeting to order at 6:14 p.m. A. ROLL CALL Deputy City Clerk Julie Abraham called the roll and the following members of City Council were present: Alderman Jacobson (arrived at 6:16 p.m.), Alderman Bill Finucane, Alderman Michael Marquardt (arrived at 6:15 p.m.), Alderman Bob Snow, Alderman Kate Noreiko, Alderman Dave Baker, Alderman Monica O Leary, and Mayor John Rey. Also present were City Manager Anne Marie Gaura, Assistant City Manager Patty Hoppenstedt, City Attorney Dean Frieders, Finance Director Cathy Haley, Police Chief Gene Lowery, Fire Chief Eric Hicks, Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer John Laskowski, Community Development Director Ellen Divita, Economic Development Coordinator Jennifer Diedrich, Community Services Planner Jamie Smirz, Management Analyst Lauren Stott, Management Intern Jared Heyn, Deputy City Clerk Ruth Scott, and Deputy City Clerk Julie Abraham. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Boy Scout Troop 33 led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA ADDITIONS / DELETIONS Alderman Snow moved to approve the Agenda; seconded by Alderman Noreiko. Motion carried 8-0 on a roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Snow, Noreiko, Baker, O Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. D. PUBLIC HEARING None

2 Page 2 of 10 E. SPECIAL ITEMS OR PRESENTATIONS & CITIZEN S COMMENTS 1. Special Items a. Ben Gordon Center FY2015 Human Services Funding Annual Report by Discovery House Coordinator Katherine Griffith. Michael Flora, President and CEO of the Ben Gordon Center (BGC), spoke about the services provided to the community. He also handed out a BGC brochure and information regarding the Discovery House for Women. b. Safe Passage FY2015 Human Services Funding Annual Report by Executive Director Mary Ellen Schaid. Mary Ellen Schaid, Executive Director of Safe Passage thanked Council for the support given to Safe Passage and provided information about the services her agency provides to the community. b. Recognition of the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Supermileage Alternate Car Design Team. 2. Presentations On behalf of the NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, Brad Hoey, Director of Campus Communications & Divisional Operations, thanked Council for this recognition. The competition NIU students are involved with is the Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2015, a global program that challenges high school and college student teams to design, build and test the most energy-efficient vehicles. He spoke about the competition and the students being surprised but excited about the nationwide attention. Mr. Hoey played the TV commercial the students recorded with Jay Leno in California. a. ArtiGras Committee Follow-Up Presentation. Billie Giese, member of the ArtiGras steering committee, showed a video of the ArtiGras parade and thanked the Council, Economic Development Coordinator Jennifer Diedrich, and local merchants for their support and participation. The committee is planning to meet this fall to plan next year s event.

3 Page 3 of 10 b. Presentation of the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting Award by Dave Richardson and Stan Helgerson Representing the Government Finance Officers Association. Dave Richardson presented the award and Stan Helgerson gave background information on the Government Finance Officers Association. The purpose of this program is to encourage and assist governments to prepare financial reports of the highest quality for the benefit of citizens and other parties with a vital interest in government finances. The program has gained wide spread recognition as a premier indicator of excellence in government accounting and financial reporting. To earn the award, the City had to substantially perform to the program s demanding criteria which goes well beyond the minimum requirements of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Receiving this award reflects the professionalism and commitment of numerous individuals as well as many hours of hard work. It also reflects the dedication and leadership on the part of Council. The Government Finance Officers Association hopes this award will serve as an example and encourage others to strive for the same high standards in a role of financial reports. 3. Approval of Mayor Appointments a. Appointment of Alderman Bill Finucane to the DeKalb-Sycamore Area Transportation Study Policy Committee to May 31, Public Participation Alderman Noreiko moved and Alderman Snow seconded a motion to appointment Alderman Bill Finucane to the DeKalb-Sycamore Area Transportation Study Policy Committee. Motion carried 8-0 on a roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Snow, Noreiko, Baker, O Leary, and Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. Citizen Michael Haji-Sheikh stated he knows it s hard sometimes when you believe you have to raise salaries to attract good workers in a tough time but at the same time the rise in the cost of government over the last year has been significant. There is no sign to the taxpayers that this is going to change. Immediately the Council is talking about raising taxes simultaneously with raising the cost of government. He

4 Page 4 of 10 believes the City will lose citizens. Mr. Haji-Sheikh stated most of the citizens are employees of NIU and the fact that those employees have not received a raise in many years. The City wants millions in streets, sewers and salaries increases and he doesn t believe it can all happen within five years. Mr. Haji-Sheikh believes it is cowardly for the Council not to vote on this as an independent, stand alone item on the agenda. Citizen Bessie Chronopoulos stated she thinks the consent items portion of the Council meeting agendas is confusing and an orderly fashion when listing items is needed. She stated that the three percent increase in salary for the City Manager should not be under consent items but should be its own agenda item. Additionally, she does not believe it s a good habit to waive most of the bidding process. Ms. Chronopoulos stated no tax increases try cuts. Ms. Chronopoulos asked if the Finance Advisory Committee has had the opportunity to meet on their own to review numbers by themselves and analyze the long range impact of what is going on especially with the pay and compensation plan. She believes this is what the committee really should be doing. Ms. Chronopoulos believes the City does not have a handle on the City Clerk s office. The public voted for this to be an elected position and also the budget has been significantly cut. Furthermore, no office space has been provided for the Clerk. She stated this Council and Mayor have the opportunity to fix it and make sure the wishes of the voting public are met. Ms. Chronopoulos thanked Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Laskowski for his quick response and follow through on her complaint regarding Huskie Buses driving down brick streets. These streets are not meant to handle bus weight. Mayor Rey stated he would like to clarify that the past two City Clerks were offered space in City Hall and declined. Alex Nerad, Egyptian Theatre Executive Director, stated he would like to comment on the FY2016 budget proposal funding for the Egyptian Theatre. He started by providing background of the Theatre. They are thrilled to be considered for air conditioning funding for the Theatre. Currently the Theatre is closed during the summer months and believes this impacts the downtown economy. He believes business owners and visitors are looking for arts and culture in a community. Mr. Nerad stated this funding gives the Council an opportunity to show continued support of arts. A handout from the American for the Arts was given to Council which shows some reasons to support the arts.

5 Page 5 of 10 F. CONSENT AGENDA OMNIBUS Alderman Finucane moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Alderman Noreiko. Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Snow, Noreiko, Baker, O Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. Alderman Finucane moved to approve the listings on the Consent Agenda; seconded by Alderman O Leary. Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Snow, Noreiko, Baker, O Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. 1. Approval of City Council Minutes a. Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting of April 27, b. Minutes of the City Council Meeting of April 27, c. Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting of May 11, d. Minutes of the City Council Meeting of May 11, All approved under the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote. 2. Receive & File a. Accounts Payable and Payroll through in the Amount of $1,949, b. Minutes of the Citizens Environmental Commission of April 2, c. Minutes of the Airport Advisory Board of April 15, d. Minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission of April 22, e. Minutes of the Planning and Zoning Commission of April 29, All Received and Filed under the Consent Agenda by Omnibus Vote.

6 Page 6 of Approval of a Three Percent (3%) Increase in Base Compensation for the City Manager. 4. Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with DeKalb Corn Fest, Inc. for the 2015 DeKalb Corn Festival from August 27 through August 30, Resolution Authorizing an Update of the Existing Intergovernmental Agreement with the DeKalb Sanitary Sewer District By Not Later Than December 31, Resolution Authorizing the Waiver of Competitive Bidding and Execution of an Agreement with Layne Christensen Company for a Repair To Well No. 7, Not to Exceed $60,000 in Total Project Cost. 7. Award of a Bid to Meyer Paving, Inc. in the Amount of $26, for Fire Station No. 1 Parking Lot Resurfacing with Staff Authority to Approve Change Orders up to $30, Ordinance Amending Chapter 40 Fire Insurance Tax Pertaining to Foreign Fire Insurance Tax. (Second Reading) G. ITEMS FOR SEPARATE ACTION 1. Resolution Declaring Intent to Provide Financial Assistance for Project Black Bear on Lot 12 Located in Park 88. Mayor Rey read Resolution by title only. Alderman Snow motioned to adopt Resolution ; seconded by Alderman Marquardt.

7 Page 7 of 10 Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Snow, Noreiko, Baker, O Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. Economic Development Coordinator Jennifer Diedrich spoke about the proposed project of a Fortune 100 company building a distribution center in Park 88. With this Resolution the City is providing intent to give financial assistance by use of a tax abatement. Economic Development Coordinator Diedrich stated the Resolution originally stated 300 job opportunities; whereas it should have also included a minimum of 250 employees. City Attorney Frieders stated this is an intent to work with the participants of Project Black Bear, not a final approval. Alderman Baker motioned to approve the amended Resolution ; seconded by Alderman Jacobson. Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Snow, Noreiko, Baker, O Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. Alderman Noreiko asked Economic Development Coordinator Diedrich the anticipated timeframe of the project. Economic Development Coordinator Diedrich stated in early June the company will make a decision and anticipated completion of the project is June Alderman Finucane asked Economic Development Coordinator Diedrich the likelihood of the abatement going 10 years. Economic Development Coordinator Diedrich stated it s not feasible due to meeting the threshold. 2. Resolution Authorizing an Application to the U.S. Department of Transportation s 2015 Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) Discretionary Grant Program in the Amount of $13,450,000 for the Full Construction of a New Transit Facility. Mayor Rey read Resolution by title only. Alderman Noreiko motioned to adopt Resolution ; seconded by Alderman Snow. Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Snow, Noreiko, Baker, O Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed.

8 Page 8 of 10 Transportation Planner/MPO Coordinator of the DeKalb-Sycamore Area Transportation Study Brian Dixon stated a 2010 transportation study showed there is a severe need for a new Voluntary Action Center (VAC) facility as it is beyond its capacity. The City of DeKalb, County of DeKalb and VAC are actively seeking funding. At last month s City Council meeting is was approved for the City to apply for an Illinois Department of Transportation TIGER grant to provide for construction funds. The County is applying for a grant for the engineering and site work costs of the project. 3. Resolution Awarding a Bid and Authorizing and Agreement with Ascent Aviation Group, Inc. for the Purpose of Supplying Aviation Fuels and Services to the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DTMA) from May 1, 2015 through April 30, Mayor Rey read Resolution by title only. Alderman Marquardt motioned to adopt Resolution ; seconded by Alderman Jacobson. Motion carried on an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Marquardt, Snow, Noreiko, Baker, O Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. Airport Manager Tom Cleveland stated the City received two bid responses. After evaluating the bids, he recommends the bid go to Ascent Aviation Group, Inc. Alderman Finucane asked the approximate value of the contracts. Airport Manager Tom Cleveland noted that the margins are increasing due to the drop in fuel costs but approximates the cost before profit to be $300,000 and $450,000 is budgeted. H. NEW OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS. None I. REPORTS COMMUNICATIONS Mayor Rey No Report Alderman Jacobson No Report Alderman Finucane encouraged volunteers for Kishwaukee United Way Day of Caring on June 18, Alderman Marquardt No Report

9 Page 9 of 10 Alderman Snow No Report Alderman Noreiko stated she thought ArtiGras was fun and is hoping for more opportunities for NIU and the City to work together. She also encourages citizens to pay attention to storm drains as she has received many reports of flooding. She believes it would be a neighborly thing for citizens to watch and clean out the area around the storm drains. Alderman Baker No Report Alderman O Leary No Report City Attorney Frieders No Report City Manager Gaura No Report Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt No Report Police Chief Lowery No Report Finance Director Haley gave a reminder of the Joint City Council and Finance Advisory Committee meeting on May 27, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. Fire Chief Hicks reported that the Fire Department received a grant for 200 Kidde smoke detectors with a 10 year battery life. Contact Chief Hicks if a smoke detector is needed. Community Development Director Divita reported that the Community Development Department is getting ready to start work on the ABC grant as the City proceeds to the semi-finals and will work with Tom Kuschman from Frontier. Frontier is bringing in the CEO of Frontier Communications and we are looking forward to meeting her. An expectation of the grant is to use a video camera and blog about the community. Community Development Director Divita will let us know when that is up and running. Finally, she wanted to note the Joint Planning and Zoning meeting for May 27, 2015 will be held in the Executive Conference Room not the Council Chambers. Interim Public Works Director/City Engineer Laskowski No Report J. RECESS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION Alderman Jacobson moved to recess for Executive Session in order to discuss the following items; seconded by Alderman Noreiko.

10 Page 10 of Purchase or Lease of Real Property (Land Acquisition) as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5). 2. Personnel as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) Motion carried 8-0 on roll call vote. Aye: Jacobson, Finucane, Lash, Snow, Naylor, Baker, O Leary, Rey. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. Mayor Rey closed the meeting to the public at 7:09 p.m. Mayor Rey opened the meeting to the public at 7:23 p.m. K. ADJOURNMENT Alderman Jacobson moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Alderman O Leary. Motion carried on a voice vote. Mayor Rey declared the meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m. JULIE ABRAHAM, Deputy City Clerk