MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB REGULAR MEETING MARCH 28, 2016

Transcription

1 MINUTES CITY OF DEKALB REGULAR MEETING MARCH 28, 2016 The City Council of DeKalb, Illinois held a Regular City Council meeting on in the City Council Chambers of the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, Illinois. Mayor Rey called the meeting to order at 6:08 p.m. A. ROLL CALL City Clerk Jennifer Jeep Johnson called the roll, and the following members of the City Council were present: Alderman Michael Marquardt, Alderman Bob Snow, Alderman Kate Noreiko, Alderman Dave Baker, Alderman Tony Faivre and Mayor John Rey. Alderman Bill Finucane arrived at 6:09 p.m. Alderman David Jacobson was absent. 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, Community Development Director Ellen Divita, Public Works Director Tim Holdeman, City Engineer John Laskowski, Principal Planner Derek Hiland, Streets Superintendent Mark Espy, and City Clerk Jennifer Jeep Johnson. B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Officer Geoffrey Guzinski led the Pledge of Allegiance. C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS Alderman Snow moved to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Alderman Noreiko. Faivre, Rey. Nay: None. Absent: Alderman Jacobson. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. D. PUBLIC HEARINGS There were none scheduled. E. SPECIAL ITEMS OR PRESENTATIONS & CITIZEN S COMMENTS 1. Special Items a. Proudly DeKalb

2 Page 2 of 9 Bicycle Friendly Community Application Overview by Live Healthy DeKalb County. A representative provided background on Live Healthy DeKalb County, explaining it was formed in 2012 with the goal of making a more walkable county, as well as increasing healthy food and beverage options in the area. Part of their efforts center on education on health and wellbeing, and the importance of walking. They also advocate for additional trails, and path development. She stated they secured grant funding, which was used to complete the small piece of sidewalk in front of the YMCA, connecting the trails all around. This small change was very important to the safety of the paths in that area. The representative also pointed to the following examples of their achievements: Bike to Work Day, educational programs, community rides, and increasing awareness of connectivity issues in the area. She introduced the partners of the initiative, commending them for their dedication to the community. Live Healthy DeKalb County About the League of American Bicyclists: Mission: To create a bike friendly America for everyone. The representative explained the Bike Friendly Community (BFC) Program, stating it started in 1996, reorganizing communities for bike friendliness. It will provide a roadmap and assistance to make biking better and safer. They seek permission to submit the application, saying that the study will be a great tool in their efforts to increase our bicycle friendliness. Jessica Hyink explained a bit more of the application criteria, stating the deadline is August 9, She explained the award levels, and what they mean. The award lasts for four years. She expects that DeKalb would likely fall within the bronze category. She highlighted the benefits of a BFC designation, including: 1) promoting a healthy lifestyle and quality of life; 2) helps secure grants; 3) entices new residents and businesses; and 4) provides toolkits on how to improve. Ms. Hyink highlighted that the City s strategic plan supports the same values as the BFC award.

3 Page 3 of 9 Ms. Hyink asked the City to help support the initiative through infrastructure, education, policies, and ordinances, and asked for support in submitting their application. Alderman Noriko thanked the Live Healthy group for their efforts. She stated her belief that this is the kind of project the City hopes to encourage. Ms. Capek thanked the City and staff for being helpful and proactive. Mayor Rey thanked the group for their initiative. b. Human Services Funding Annual Report by Director Teresa Gobeli of KishHealth Hospice. Ms. Gobeli reported that in 2015, 70% of patients served were DeKalb residents. She provided background on how the organization operates, the patients they serve, and their methods of care, which include: music therapy, and bereavement coordination and support; First Friday Friends (a bereavement group for children, the only of its kind in our area). The majority of their funding comes from Medicare. The majority of additional funds come through community support, and fundraising efforts. Ms. Gobeli highlighted the fact that patients are accepted despite their inability to pay, making community support very important. Mayor Rey thanked Ms. Gobeli for her report, and extended his compliments to the organization for their services. c. Human Services Funding Annual Report of the Nguzo Saba Men s Club. Jerry Wright introduced a video which explained the organization s mission: Using basketball to engage young men in community involvement, starting at Haish gym. The program now accommodates children as young as preschool-college age, totaling around 200 students, with a slight increase this past year, especially in kids under first grade. In addition to playing basketball, the children are also introduced to community leaders who make a positive impact. Mr. Wright reported that the program has been successful at getting kids off the street in the summertime, and replacing idle time which can lead to trouble, with positive activities. The program has expanded to include both girls, and children who are not interested in playing basketball, but want to be included in the other aspects of the program.

4 Page 4 of 9 2. Presentations None. The Mayor inquired as to how long the program has existed, with Mr. Wright confirming, since Alderman Noreiko asked what the name Nguzo Saba means, with Mr. Wright explaining that it is what the seven principles of Kwanzaa are called. Alderman Baker provided a brief history of the group s interaction with Council, and commended them for their growth. 3. Approval of the Mayor s Appointments None. 4. Public Participation None. F. CONSENT AGENDA OMNIBUS 1. Approval of City Council Minutes 2. Receive & File a. Accounts Payable & Payroll through in the Amount of $2,316, b. Investment & Bank Balance Summary through February c. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures for the General Fund through February Resolution Approving the Regulation of Traffic on Illinois Route 38 Between First Street and Fourth Street on Monday, May 30, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for the Purpose of Holding a Memorial Day Parade. 4. Resolution Approving the Regulation of Traffic on Illinois Route 38 Between First Street and Fourth Street Beginning on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. through Sunday, August 28, 2016 at 10:00 p.m. for the Purpose of Holding the Annual DeKalb Corn Festival.

5 Page 5 of 9 5. Resolution Approving the Final Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan (One Year Use of Funds) for Program Year 23 (April 1, 2016 through March 31, 2017). 6. Resolution Approving the DeKalb-Sycamore Area Transportation Study (DSATS) Budget for the Illinois Department of Transportation Fiscal Year Alderman Noreiko moved to approve the consent agenda; seconded by Alderman Marquardt. Alderman Snow moved to approve the items on the consent agenda; seconded by Alderman Finucane. G. ITEMS FOR SEPARATE ACTION 1. Request for Proposal for the STEAM Learning Center. Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt provided that different strategies have been explored to bring the STEAM center to DeKalb. She explained that the next step is to conduct a feasibility study to determine the best course of action to fulfill the vision. She offered that several areas of support are in place, including the City Center, and Strategic Planning documents, as well as the ABC Grant application. She highlighted that the groundwork has been laid by various initiatives. Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt explained that the RFP would yield a detailed study determining the cost, design, market and community needs, competition, and usage. It would also provide planning parameters, best location, kinds of spaces, etc. She explained the requirements of the RFP, and provided the timeline for presenting to the Council. Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt explained that June 13, 2016 would be when the recommended consultant would be presented to Council. She explained the budgeting process for the RFP. Alderman Noreiko asked how many firms might be interested, with Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt stating that a list has already been generated. Pati Sievert (P-20) estimated there were between 8-12 firms capable of conducting this kind of study.

6 Page 6 of 9 Alderman Finucane moved to approve the RFP; seconded by Alderman Noreiko. 2. Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Two Side Letter Agreements with Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 115 Relating to Vacation Time and Promotions. Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt provided background on the side letter agreements with FOP Lodge 115 regarding vacation time and promotions. She explained this agreement was an interim solution to address the new hires with the current contract language, which does not currently provide for the appropriate vacation time for their high stress work. In order to address this concern, staff asks for consideration of an interim solution for vacation time in lieu of holiday. She stated that active negotiations for the collective bargaining agreement will begin, but this would provide an interim solution to remaining competitive. The second agreement is to allow the City to enter into agreement to eliminate the position of Corporal, and would instead promote to Sergeant (Fire and FOP). In exchange, the City will be able to permanently eliminate the shift preparation time, realizing a cost savings. Alderman Marquardt moved to approve Resolution ; seconded by Alderman Baker. The Mayor thanked the FOP and City staff for their efforts. Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt added that the conversations have been collaborative and productive, and that she s pleased with the partnership. 3. Resolution Approving the Regulation of Traffic on Illinois Route 38 Between First Street and Fourth Street on Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the Purpose of Holding the Second Annual ArtiGras (Art) Parade. Alderman Finucane motioned to move the parade to Locust Street; seconded by Alderman Baker. Community Development Director Divita, representing ArtiGras Parade, stated that Alderman Finucane s motion was due to some merchants not wanting to close Route 38. She added that other merchants were in favor of the parade along Lincoln Highway (Route 38). She pointed out that parking would be available, because the parade is low impact. She estimated the total closure of the road at about 45 minutes.

7 Page 7 of 9 Alderman Noreiko asked for the advantages and disadvantages to moving the parade. Community Development Director Divita said there would be less visibility for the event. She added that the organizing body for ArtiGras had reached out to the merchants to see what they might need to support the event. Alderman Finucane stated that disadvantage of having to close the street is burdened by the merchants. Community Development Director Divita corrected the timeframe listed in the backup. Brief discussion ensued as to the wording of the amendment. Christy Carter of Carter s Cottage Interiors provided graphs to show how business is negatively impacted by road closures. She stated that she appreciates Council s consideration in how businesses on Route 38 are negatively impacted by road closures. Motion carried on a roll call vote. Aye: Finucane, Marquardt, Noreiko, Baker, Faivre, Rey. Nay: Snow. Absent: Jacobson. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. 4. Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with the State of Illinois Not to Exceed the Amount of $240,000 for the Purpose of a Cooperative Purchase of 3,500 Tons of Road Salt for the Snow Season. Alderman Finucane moved to consider Resolution ; seconded by Alderman Faivre. Director Holdeman provided background on the item. Currently, the options are to renew at the current price, or enter into a new agreement. Due to the fact there is believed to be a surplus of salt, plus the current low cost of fuel, he believes we can secure a lower price, and recommends that we renegotiate, rather than renew the old agreement. Brief discussion ensued as to the remaining salt supply, and how to store it. 5. Ordinance Publishing the Official Zoning Map of the City. (First Reading) Alderman Noreiko moved to consider Ordinance ; seconded by Alderman Finucane. Principal Planner Derek Hiland presented the zoning map for consideration.

8 Page 8 of 9 H. NEW OR UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was none. I. REPORTS COMMUNICATIONS Alderman Snow reminded residents that landscaping pickup begins on April 1 st, and reminded everyone to clean up after their pets. Alderman Noriko thanked the library for their presentation with Juliette Alvarez on the value of reading. Alderman Faivre welcomed DeKalb s newest resident his granddaughter. City Attorney Frieders updated everyone on the lawsuit regarding University Village. In a detailed memo provided to Council, Attorney Frieders explained the legality of the vote in question, as well as the code supporting the validity of the vote. Mr. Frieders offered to answer any lingering questions the Council may have on this matter. Alderman Baker stated that in former years, the City Clerk would ensure sure that Alderman were present for important votes. Community Development Director Divita told Council of Saturday art walks that DAAC will soon begin hosting, and encouraged everyone to stay tuned for more information. Public Works Director Holdeman stated that the CRTTV collection day would be held on April 2 nd at 2550 N. Annie Glidden Road from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Mayor Rey referenced Mr. Haji-Sheikh s comments at the outset of the meeting, reiterating that his involvement in the college town partners was in conversation only. J. RECESS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. Approval to Hold an Executive Session to Discuss Purchase or Lease of Real Property as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(5). Not acted upon. K. ADJOURNMENT Alderman Noreiko motioned to adjourn; seconded by Alderman Faivre.

9 Page 9 of 9 Motion carried on a voice vote. Aye: Finucane, Marquardt, Snow, Noreiko, Baker, Faivre, Rey. Nay: None. Absent: Jacobson. Mayor Rey declared the motion passed. Mayor Rey declared the meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m. JENNIFER JEEP JOHNSON, City Clerk Approved by City Council April 25, 2016.