Sycamore public meetings in 2023

City Council

The Sycamore City Council will hold second readings and votes on the 2024 budget and tax levy ordinances, and will hear a presentation on a $119,999.07 over-taxation error. The council will also consider resolutions for public improvements, a real estate sale, and a memorandum of understanding, plus purchases for fire radios and water meters.

• Ordinance No. 2023.21: Adoption of 2024 Combined Budget and Appropriation Ordinance (second reading)
• Ordinance No. 2023.22: Tax levy for 2024 (second reading)
• Ordinance No. 2023.25: Illinois Paid Leave For All Workers Act (first and second reading)
• Resolution No. 965: Sale of surplus real estate at 1118 Wild Street
• Consideration: Purchase of Kenwood portable and mobile radios up to $348,130.40

Beautification Committee

The committee is reviewing proposed changes to the Sycamore City Code regarding membership terms and meeting frequency. Members are discussing the $25,000 budget for downtown façade and gateway improvement grants. The meeting also covers potential neighborhood competitions for painting utility boxes and hydrants.

• Proposed change of 'Chairman' to 'Chairperson' in City Code Section 2-10-1
• Proposal to hold monthly workshop meetings in addition to quarterly meetings
• Discussion of $25,000 budget for Downtown Façade and Gateway Improvement Grants
• Review of grant reimbursements up to $5,000 per project
• Proposed neighborhood competitions to paint fire hydrants, electrical boxes, and parking meter posts

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Sycamore Planning & Zoning Commission will not hold its scheduled meeting on December 11, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Sycamore Center Council Chambers. The agenda is a cancellation notice only, with no items for discussion or decision.

• Meeting cancelled for December 11, 2023

Fire Pension Board

The Sycamore Fire Pension Board is meeting to review its October 2023 investment statement, appoint a new city treasurer, discuss services from Lauterbach & Amen, and set 2024 meeting dates. The board will also consider membership applications for two new firefighters and approve bills. The agenda includes routine items like minutes approval and a treasurer's report.

• Appointment of Kristian Dominguez as City Treasurer (ex officio)
• Discussion of services offered by Lauterbach & Amen
• Determination of 2024 Fire Pension Board Regular Meeting Dates
• Application for membership: Tyler Barton (hire date 10/2/2023)
• Application for membership: Harold Halstead (hire date 10/2/2023)

Fire & Police Commission

The Sycamore Fire & Police Commission is meeting to consider promotional processes for sergeant, review a vacancy letter for a police officer position, conduct closed-session interviews, and determine pass/fail statuses and scores for several candidates. They may also make a conditional offer of employment for a police officer vacancy.

• Consideration of promotional process to the rank of Sergeant
• Closed session for entry-level and lateral police officer interviews
• Determination of candidate Sopha's pass/fail status based on oral examination
• Determination of scores for candidates Kooistra, McGreevy, and Topp based on oral examinations
• Possible conditional offer of employment for Police Officer Vacancy 4

City Council

The Sycamore City Council will hold public hearings on the proposed 2024 budget and property tax levy for both the city and the public library, and consider ordinances to adopt the budget and levy taxes. The council will also consider a new 5-year contract with Motorola for body-worn cameras, a request to spend up to $500,000 on a used fire engine, and options to address the over-collection of the 2022 tax levy.

• Public hearings on 2024 budget and tax levy for city and library
• Ordinance No. 2023.21: adoption of 2024 combined budget and appropriation
• Ordinance No. 2023.22: tax levy for corporate purposes for 2024
• Consideration of $500,000 for used fire engine to replace Engine 2
• Consideration of new 5-year Motorola contract for body-worn cameras

Fire & Police Commission

The Fire & Police Commission is holding a special meeting to review polygraph and background investigation results for six police officer candidates, including one entry-level and five lateral candidates. The meeting is primarily administrative, with no reports from the police or fire chiefs.

• Review of polygraph for entry-level candidate Sopha
• Review of background investigation for entry-level candidate Sopha
• Review of polygraph and background for lateral candidate Berellotti
• Review of polygraph and background for lateral candidate Kooistra
• Review of polygraph and background for lateral candidates Lupa, McGreevy, and Topp

City Council

The Sycamore City Council will receive the proposed 2024 budget, tax levy, and five-year capital improvement plans, and will hold first and second readings on ordinances including a special use permit for a restaurant/banquet hall at 421 North California Street. The agenda also includes resolutions for water services along IL Route 23, worker's compensation coverage, sale of surplus property at 1118 Wild Street, and a liquor license waiver. A purchase of a leaf loader for $80,176.27 is also up for consideration.

• Proposed 2024 budget, tax levy, and 5-year capital improvement plans
• Ordinance 2023.19: amendments to Unified Development Ordinance definitions and permitted uses
• Ordinance 2023.20: special use permit for restaurant/banquet hall, retail, tap room at 421 North California Street
• Resolution 960: declare surplus and sell property at 1118 Wild Street
• Purchase of ODB XtremeVac LCT600 leaf loader for $80,176.27

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Sycamore Planning and Zoning Commission will consider amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (definitions and permitted uses), a special use permit for a restaurant/banquet hall/tap room at 421 North California Street, and a workshop on a proposed rezoning of three Primm Drive properties for a 66-unit apartment complex. The agenda also includes approval of the October 9, 2023 minutes and public comment.

• Amendments to UDO Article 1.3.3 (Definitions) and Article 5.3.1 (Table of Permitted Uses)
• Special Use Permit request by BCM Industrial Park, LLC for restaurant/banquet hall, retail, tap room at 421 N California St
• Workshop on development proposal by Primm Commercial Development, LLC for 2145, 2235, 2265 Primm Dr (66 units, density 11.22 units/acre)
• Approval of minutes from October 9, 2023 meeting

City Council

The Sycamore City Council is meeting to consider an ordinance amending liquor control and gambling regulations, and resolutions to extend a lease with CASA and authorize a road improvement project. The council will also hear presentations on police K-9s and the general fund, and make appointments to the Planning & Zoning Commission.

• Ordinance 2023.18 amending Title 3 (Liquor Control) and Title 5 (Gambling) - first and second reading
• Resolution 956 extending lease with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) for Suite 301 in Sycamore Center
• Resolution 957 for improvement by municipality under Illinois Highway Code
• Appointments of Alan Zantout, Matt Woodstrup, Nate Kitterman, Dave Finney, Ted Strack to Planning & Zoning Commission
• Presentation on K-9s Wes & Dooley and general fund revenues/expenditures

Fire & Police Commission

The Commission will hold a special meeting to conduct interviews for the position of Police Sergeant. The meeting includes a closed session for these interviews and reports from the Police and Fire Chiefs.

• Closed session for Police Sergeant interviews

Police Pension Board

The Sycamore Police Pension Board will meet to appoint Kristian Dominguez as the new fund treasurer and receive an update on the fund's status. The board will also review monthly investment statements, approve an updated eCFM form, and consider a benefit transfer for Coraima Beltran. Additionally, four new police officers will be considered for pension fund membership.

• Appointment of Kristian Dominguez as new Police Pension Fund Treasurer
• Review of Sycamore-specific monthly statements from April to September 2023
• Approval of Coraima Beltran transfer from SURS and calculated benefit time purchased
• Application for membership for Jacob Wolf, Grayson Zepeda, Patrick Villwock, and Kyle Arnold
• Payment of bills for October 19, 2023

City Council

The Sycamore City Council is meeting to consider a zoning variance request, a police vehicle purchase, appointments, and routine consent items. The most consequential item is a first and second reading of an ordinance granting a rear setback reduction from 30 to 25 feet for certain lots in the Sycamore Crossings subdivision.

• Ordinance 2023.17: variance to reduce rear setback from 30 to 25 feet for Sycamore Crossings lots
• Police request to purchase replacement squad car for $44,865.00
• Appointments: Cindy Henderson to Beautification Committee; Kristian Dominguez as City Treasurer and to Fire and Police Pension Boards
• Consent agenda: approval of Oct 2 minutes and payment of bills
• No resolutions or public hearings scheduled

Fire & Police Commission

The Fire & Police Commission is meeting to consider opening testing processes for entry-level police officers and firefighters, and to review requests from the City Manager to fill a Lieutenant vacancy and an upcoming Firefighter vacancy. The agenda also includes routine items like approval of the agenda and public comment.

• Consideration of opening Entry Level Police Officer testing process for integration into existing eligibility list
• Consideration of opening Entry Level Firefighter testing process to establish an eligibility list
• Consideration of City Manager's correspondence requesting to fill an open Lieutenant vacancy
• Consideration of City Manager's correspondence requesting to fill an upcoming Firefighter vacancy

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Sycamore Planning & Zoning Commission will consider a variation to reduce rear setbacks for duplexes in Sycamore Crossings, and hold workshops on a proposed distillery/restaurant at 421 North California Street and a 66-unit apartment complex on Primm Drive. The commission will also approve minutes from the prior meeting.

• Variation to reduce rear setback from 30 to 25 feet for Lots 3-20 in Sycamore Crossings (Youssi Custom Homes)
• Workshop: Windows Distillery proposal at 421 North California Street (BCM Industrial Park, LLC)
• Workshop: 66 luxury apartments at 2145, 2235, 2265 Primm Drive (Primm Commercial Development, LLC)
• Approval of minutes from September 11, 2023 meeting

City Council

The Sycamore City Council will consider several items at its October 2, 2023 meeting, including a collective bargaining agreement with the police union, a resolution to declare and sell surplus property at 1118 Wild Street, and an ordinance amending various city code fees. The council will also hear presentations on Fire Prevention Week, a car club event, and funding sources for a new Fire Station #1, and consider a downtown improvement grant application and two contract awards.

• Resolution No. 954: Approving collective bargaining agreement with Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #133
• Resolution No. 955: Declaring 1118 Wild Street surplus and authorizing sealed bid sale
• Ordinance No. 2023.16: Amending fees for streets, excavations, water, and building permits
• Contract award: $12,900 to GC Design for 2023 Tree Planting Project
• Purchase: $27,752 for a 2024 Chevrolet Equinox from Miles Chevrolet

City Council

The Sycamore City Council will hold a regular meeting with public comment, consent agenda, and two ordinances for first and second reading. The main items are a zoning map amendment for a Menards property and a resubdivision request for two properties on Mediterranean Drive.

• Ordinance 2023.14: Zoning map amendment for 1720 Mercantile Drive (PIN 09-06-300-051) from C-3 to M-1, requested by Menards, Inc.
• Ordinance 2023.15: Resubdivision of 1560 and 1630 Mediterranean Drive (PINS 09-06-399-008 and 09-06-399-007), requested by CTJ Development, LLC.
• Consent agenda: Approval of minutes from September 5, 2023, and payment of bills for September 18, 2023.
• Public comment limited to 30 minutes total, 3 minutes per speaker.

Beautification Committee

This meeting of the Sycamore Beautification Committee has been cancelled. The agenda included only procedural items and a workshop for generating and prioritizing committee ideas, with no specific decisions or discussions scheduled.

• Meeting cancelled
• Workshop on generation and prioritization of Committee ideas (cancelled)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission will consider two action items: a zoning map amendment for Menards' proposed outdoor self-storage facility at 1720 Mercantile Drive, and a resubdivision request by CTJ Development to combine two lots on Mediterranean Drive for a new IT business building. Public hearings have been noticed and the commission will vote on recommendations.

• Menards requests rezoning of 1720 Mercantile Drive from C-3 to M-1 for a 449-unit outdoor self-storage facility
• Menards plans over $3,000,000 investment in the property
• CTJ Development requests resubdivision of 1560 and 1630 Mediterranean Drive to combine lots 14 and 15
• CTJ Development plans a 4,740 sq ft one-story building with an 1,862 sq ft garage for an IT business
• Vacation of drainage and utility easements requested as part of the resubdivision

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended a zoning map amendment for a Menards, Inc. property and a resubdivision request for CTJ Development, LLC. Both items were moved forward for further consideration.

• Recommended rezoning of 1720 Mercantile Drive from C-3 Highway Business District to M-1 Light Manufacturing District (12-0)
• Recommended resubdivision of properties at 1560 and 1630 Mediterranean Drive (11-0-1)

Fire Pension Board

The Sycamore Fire Pension Board is meeting to review the treasurer's report and the Illinois Firefighters' Pension Investment Fund quarterly report, and to approve payment of bills from June 7 to September 5, 2023. The agenda also includes items on benefit applications, membership applications, and benefit reviews, but no specific decisions are listed for these items.

• Review of Treasurer's Cash and Investment Report
• Review of Total Fund Quarterly Investment Report as of June 30, 2023
• Review of Sycamore-specific monthly statements for May 2023 through July 2023
• Approval and payment of bills from June 7, 2023 to September 5, 2023
• Next meeting scheduled for December 6, 2023

The Board approved the treasurer's report and the payment of presented bills. Members voted to double the local expense fund to support potential future pension disability processes.

• Approved meeting minutes
• Approved treasurer's report
• Increased local expense fund from $300,000 to $600,000 (All in favor)
• Approved bills as presented

City Council

The Sycamore City Council will consider two main items: purchasing a new 2025 Foster Coach ambulance for the Fire Department and authorizing a letter of agreement with Xylem Vue for participation in the ICEAS 2.0 pilot program. The agenda also includes routine consent items like approving minutes and paying bills.

• Consideration of Fire Department request to purchase a new 2025 Foster Coach ambulance
• Consideration of Public Works request to authorize letter of agreement with Xylem Vue (XVPGA) for ICEAS 2.0 pilot program
• Consent agenda: approval of minutes from August 21, 2023, and payment of bills for September 5, 2023
• Public comments limited to 30 minutes total, 3 minutes per speaker

The City Council approved the purchase of a new 2025 Foster Coach ambulance and equipment. Council also authorized a letter of agreement for a SCADA monitoring system pilot program. Bills totaling $176,257.28 were approved for payment.

• Approved payment of bills for September 5, 2023, in the amount of $176,257.28 (7-0)
• Approved purchase of 2025 Foster Coach ambulance and equipment for $469,000 (7-0)
• Approved agreement with Xylem Vue Powered by GoAigua for ICEAS 2.0 Pilot Program at $35,000 annual software cost (7-0)

Fire & Police Commission

The Fire & Police Commission is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes and hearing public comments. The main items are closed-session oral examinations for entry-level firefighter candidates and determining the pass/fail status of three named candidates. The commission may take action after the closed session.

• Closed session for entry-level firefighter oral examinations
• Pass/fail determination for candidate Barton
• Pass/fail determination for candidate Peterson
• Pass/fail determination for candidate Halstead
• Reports from Police Chief and Fire Chief

The Fire & Police Commission conducted oral examinations for entry-level firefighter candidates. Following these interviews, the commission voted to pass two candidates and extend conditional offers of employment to both.

• Passed candidate Barton on oral interview (3-0)
• Passed candidate Halstead on oral interview (3-0)
• Extended conditional offer of employment to candidate Barton (3-0)
• Extended conditional offer of employment to candidate Halstead (3-0)
• Approved minutes for meetings on 6/30/23, 8/4/23, 8/8/23, and 8/30/23 (3-0)

Fire & Police Commission

The Commission voted to pass three entry-level firefighter candidates through the polygraph and background investigation stages of the testing process. Fire Chief Gilmore reported two current vacancies and four potential retirements for next year.

• Passed candidate Halstead on polygraph element (2-0)
• Passed candidate Halstead on background element (2-0)
• Passed candidate Barton on polygraph element (2-0)
• Passed candidate Barton on background element (3-0)
• Passed candidate Peterson on polygraph element (3-0)
• Passed candidate Peterson on background element (3-0)

City Council

The agenda for the Sycamore City Council meeting on August 21, 2023, lists only item numbers (6A, 6B, 11A, 12A, 13A) with no descriptive text. The meeting appears to be procedural, as no specific actions or discussions are detailed.

• Agenda items 6A, 6B, 11A, 12A, 13A are listed without descriptions

The City Council authorized an agreement with FGM Architects to plan a new Fire Station 1, citing significant deferred maintenance and space needs. The council also extended the city's refuse contract and approved a paving project for Peace Road Crossings and Sycamore Creek.

• Approved architect agreement with FGM Architects for new Fire Station 1 (8-0)
• Approved five-year refuse contract extension with Waste Management of Illinois, Inc. (8-0)
• Approved contract for 2023 Peace Road Crossings Sycamore Creek Paving Project (8-0)
• Approved $614,507.22 in bill payments (8-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Alicia Cosky to DeKalb County Historical Society (8-0)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Sycamore Plan/Zone Commission will not hold its scheduled meeting on August 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. The notice provides no agenda items or discussion topics, indicating the meeting is cancelled.

• No meeting on August 14, 2023

Fire & Police Commission

The Fire & Police Commission is meeting to consider filling anticipated Police Officer vacancies. They will conduct closed-session interviews, determine pass/fail status for four candidates based on oral exams, and possibly make conditional offers of employment for up to four vacancies. The meeting also includes routine items like agenda approval and public comment.

• Consideration of City Manager's letter to fill an anticipated Police Officer vacancy
• Closed session for Entry Level Police Officer interviews
• Pass/fail determinations for candidates Arnold, Walsh, Villwock, and Zepeda
• Possible conditional offers for Police Officer Vacancies 1-4
• Reports from Police Chief and Fire Chief

The Fire & Police Commission approved a request to fill police officer vacancies and conducted oral interviews for four candidates. Three candidates passed their interviews and received conditional offers of employment.

• Approved City Manager's letter to fill police officer vacancy (3-0)
• Passed candidate Arnold on oral interview (3-0)
• Passed candidate Walsh on oral interview denied (0-3)
• Passed candidate Villwock on oral interview (3-0)
• Passed candidate Zepeda on oral interview (3-0)
• Extended conditional offer of employment to candidate Arnold (3-0)
• Extended conditional offer of employment to candidate Villwock (3-0)
• Extended conditional offer of employment to candidate Zepeda (3-0)

City Council

This agenda lists only item codes (6A, 6B, 12A, 13A, 13B) with no accompanying descriptions, titles, or actions. It is purely procedural boilerplate with no substantive information for residents.

The City Council approved the transfer of the Engh Farm property to the DeKalb County History Center for $1. The council also authorized the purchase of a new brush chipper and engineering services for a street improvement project.

• Approved Resolution 952 to convey Engh Farm to DeKalb County History Center for $1 (7-0)
• Approved purchase of 2023 Vermeer BC1500 DOM Brush Chipper for $85,246.56 (7-0)
• Approved $77,900 agreement with Hampton, Lenzini, and Renwick Inc. for 2024 STU Street Improvement Project engineering (7-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Alicia Cosky to the Beautification Committee (7-0)
• Approved payment of bills for August 7, 2023, totaling $2,114,656.45 (7-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)

Fire & Police Commission

The Sycamore Fire & Police Commission is holding a special meeting to review polygraph and background investigation results for eight entry-level police officer candidates. They will also consider the City Manager's correspondence regarding the promotion of three firefighters to lieutenant and three lieutenants to battalion chief.

• Review of polygraph and background for candidates Mrofcza, Gary, Rivera, Villwock, Arnold, Marchione, Walsh, Zepeda
• Consideration of City Manager's correspondence on promotion of three firefighters to Lieutenant
• Consideration of City Manager's correspondence on promotion of three Lieutenants to Battalion Chief

The Commission approved the promotion of three firefighters to Lieutenant and three Lieutenants to Battalion Chief. The board also reviewed polygraph and background results for eight police officer candidates, passing some and failing others based on background investigations.

• Approved promotion of three Firefighters to Lieutenant (2-0)
• Approved promotion of three Lieutenants to Battalion Chief (2-0)
• Passed candidates Villwock, Arnold, Walsh, and Zepeda on polygraph and background (2-0)
• Failed candidates Mrofcza, Gary, Rivera, and Marchione on background investigations (2-0)
• Passed all eight reviewed police candidates on polygraph elements (2-0)

Police Pension Board

The Sycamore Police Pension Board is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes and bills, reviewing the treasurer's report, and discussing investment fund statements. The board will also consider fund transfer requests and applications for membership from two newly hired police officers.

• Approval of minutes and payment of bills for April 20, 2023
• Review of Sycamore-specific monthly statements from April, May, and June 2023
• Approval of Fund Transfer Requests from SURS to Sycamore Article 3 Downstate Fund for Beltran, Williams, and Sotomayor
• Application for membership: Robert Williams, hired 04-24-2023
• Application for membership: Andrew Sotormayor, hired 06-12-2023

The board approved membership applications for Robert Williams and Andrew Sotomayor. The board also approved the agenda, the April 20, 2023 meeting minutes, and the payment of bills for April 20, 2023.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved April 20, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved payment of bills for April 20, 2023 (4-0)
• Approved treasurer's report (4-0)
• Approved membership application for Robert Williams (4-0)
• Approved membership application for Andrew Sotomayor (4-0)

City Council

This agenda is largely procedural, listing agenda items by number without descriptions. The council is meeting to address the items listed, but no specific details are provided.

• Agenda items 6A and 6B
• Agenda item 11A
• Agenda items 12A through 12D
• Agenda items 13A through 13D

The City Council approved a loan and contract for radium removal improvements at Well 7. Other actions included updating liquor sale hours for specific events and holidays, approving a $40,000 donation to the Chamber of Commerce, and authorizing several public works purchases and reimbursements.

• Approved $5,477,190 IEPA loan for Well 7 radium removal (7-0)
• Awarded Well 7 radium removal contract to Manusos General Contracting Inc. (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2023.12 changing liquor sale hours for codified events and holidays (7-0)
• Approved $40,000 donation to Sycamore Chamber of Commerce (7-0)
• Approved $39,890 purchase of asphalt recycler and hot box trailer (7-0)
• Approved $103,567.90 reimbursement for St. Albans Development public improvements (7-0)
• Approved disposal of 2018 Ford Explorer for $12,000 (7-0)
• Confirmed appointments to DeKalb County Tourism Board, Library Board, and Planning & Zoning Commission (7-0)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Sycamore Planning & Zoning Commission will not hold its scheduled meeting on July 10, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. at the Sycamore Center Council Chambers. The agenda contains only a cancellation notice with no items for discussion or decision.

• Meeting cancelled for July 10, 2023

City Council

The Sycamore City Council meeting scheduled for July 3, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. has been cancelled. No business will be conducted at that time.

• Meeting cancelled

Fire & Police Commission

The Fire & Police Commission is meeting to review a police officer candidate's polygraph and background investigation, and to conduct lateral and entry-level police officer interviews in closed session. Possible action may follow the closed session. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from previous meetings.

• Review of police officer candidate polygraph (Chapter III, Section 6.D)
• Review of police officer candidate background investigation (Chapter III, Section 6.E)
• Closed session for lateral and entry-level police officer interviews
• Possible action from closed session
• Approval of minutes from meetings on 3/17/23, 4/5/23, 4/6/23, 5/18/23, and 6/6/23

The Commission approved the polygraph and background reports for candidate Bowie and placed him on the Lateral Police Officer Eligibility List. Additionally, the Commission passed candidate Wolf's oral interview and extended a conditional offer of employment to him.

• Passed candidate Bowie on polygraph report (3-0)
• Passed candidate Bowie on background report (3-0)
• Certified the Lateral Officer Eligibility List (3-0)
• Passed candidate Wolf in oral interview (3-0)
• Extended conditional offer of employment to candidate Wolf (3-0)

City Council

The agenda for the Sycamore City Council meeting on June 20, 2023, lists only agenda item numbers (6A, 6B, 11A, 11B, 11C, 13A–13F) with no accompanying descriptions. It is purely procedural boilerplate with no substantive items to report.

The City Council approved a zoning map amendment for an auto sales business and authorized multiple professional service agreements for sewer, water, and road projects. The council also approved the FY2022-2023 budget amendment and the city employee health insurance renewal.

• Approved Ordinance 2023.09 amending FY2022-2023 budget (7-0)
• Approved zoning change for 1710 DeKalb Avenue from C-2 to C-3 for auto sales (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2023.11 regarding Townsend Woods P.U.D. plat of vacation (7-0)
• Approved purchase of two Ford Explorer utility vehicles for Fire Department (7-0)
• Approved $397,170 agreement with RedZone Robotics for sanitary sewer data (7-0)
• Approved $224,458 contract with AC Pavement Striping for microsurfacing project (7-0)
• Approved design engineering agreement with Trotter and Associates for BCM Industrial Park watermain (7-0)
• Approved construction engineering services for Well 7 radium removal system not to exceed $229,800 (7-0)

Beautification Committee

The Sycamore Beautification Committee scheduled a meeting for June 12, 2023, at the Council Chamber. The agenda listed standard procedural items and workshops for generating ideas. However, the document explicitly states that the meeting was cancelled.

• Meeting cancelled

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended a zoning map amendment for a property at 1710 DeKalb Avenue to allow for an auto sales business. The commission also recommended approval of a plat of vacation for roadway and public utility purposes.

• Recommended zoning map amendment for 1710 DeKalb Avenue from C-2 to C-3 (9-0)
• Recommended approval of a Plat of Vacation for Roadway and Public Utility Purposes (9-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (9-0)
• Approved May 8, 2023 meeting minutes (9-0)

Fire Pension Board

The Sycamore Fire Pension Board is meeting to review the treasurer's report, investment fund statements, and discuss old business regarding two remaining CDs. They will also consider applications for benefits and membership, and approve bills for the period from March 1 to June 6, 2023.

• Review of Treasurer's Cash and Investment Report
• Discussion on remaining two CDs
• Application for benefits by Pete Polarek
• Application for membership by Sean Peek and Logan Wright
• Approval of bills from March 1 to June 6, 2023

The board approved an application for benefits for Pete Polarek and accepted new memberships for Logan Wright and Sean Peeks. Members also approved the Fiduciary automatic withdrawal system and a reciprocity packet for Tylor Lampkins.

• Approved Fiduciary automatic withdrawal system (All in favor)
• Approved Pete Polareks application for benefits (All in favor)
• Accepted Logan Wright and Sean Peeks applications for membership (All in favor)
• Approved Tylor Lampkins reciprocity packet with hire date of April 3 (All in favor)
• Approved bills presented in the agenda (All in favor)

Fire & Police Commission

The Sycamore Fire & Police Commission is meeting to review background and polygraph results for two police officer candidates, Nielson and Wolf. The commission will also consider a City Manager's letter to fill Police Department vacancies and possibly engage alternate sources for psychological exams for police and fire candidates.

• Review of Police Officer candidate Nielson polygraph and background investigation
• Review of Police Officer candidate Wolf polygraph and background investigation
• Consideration of City Manager's letter to fill Police Department vacancies
• Consideration of alternate sources for psychological examinations for Police and Fire candidates

The Commission approved a request to fill a budgeted police vacancy following a resignation. It also reviewed two candidates, passing one and failing the other based on background investigations.

• Passed candidate Nielson's polygraph report (3-0)
• Failed candidate Nielson on the background investigation element (3-0)
• Passed candidate Wolf's polygraph element (3-0)
• Passed candidate Wolf's background investigation (3-0)
• Approved City Manager's request to fill police department vacancy (3-0)

City Council

This agenda lists only agenda item codes (6A, 6B, 11A, 12A, 13A–13F) with no accompanying descriptions. It is purely procedural boilerplate with no substantive items to report.

The City Council approved Ordinance 2023.08 to declare a property a Historical Landmark for the DeKalb County History Center. Council also authorized a mutual aid agreement and awarded a contract for the 2023 Motor Fuel Tax Project. The 2023 Concrete Project contract was presented for consideration.

• Approved Ordinance 2023.08 to declare property a Historical Landmark (8-0)
• Approved Resolution 947 for the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System agreement (8-0)
• Approved contract for 2023 Motor Fuel Tax Project to Elliott & Wood (8-0)

Fire & Police Commission

The Commission approved a conditional offer of employment for candidate Sotomayor after reviewing his polygraph, background, and interview. The board also voted to open entry-level police officer testing to replenish the eligibility list and failed one candidate on a psychological evaluation.

• Passed candidate Sotomayor on polygraph report (3-0)
• Passed candidate Sotomayor on background report (3-0)
• Approved request to open Entry Level police officer testing (0-3)
• Failed candidate Arnold on psychological evaluation (3-0)
• Extended conditional offer of employment to candidate Sotomayor (3-0)

City Council

This agenda lists only agenda item numbers (6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 7C, 11A&B, 11A, 11B, 13A, 13B, 13D) with no descriptive text. It is purely procedural boilerplate with no substantive items, decisions, or discussion topics provided.

• No substantive items listed

The City Council approved a final development plan for Old Mill Park and a special use permit for an equipment rental business at 2900 DeKalb Avenue. The council also authorized the demolition of a blighted property on Wild Street and approved a collective bargaining agreement for firefighters.

• Approved special use permit for equipment rental store at 2900 DeKalb Avenue (8-0)
• Approved final development plan and plat for Old Mill Park (8-0)
• Approved plat of dedication for roadway and public utility purposes at Old Mill Park II (8-0)
• Approved up to $20,490 to Wagner Excavation for demolition of 1118 Wild Street (8-0)
• Approved collective bargaining agreement with International Association of Firefighters Local 3046 (8-0)
• Approved payment of bills in the amount of $2,717,646.14 (8-0)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The commission voted 9-0 to recommend a special use permit for Terrance Powell to operate a U-Haul equipment rental store at 2900 DeKalb Avenue. It also voted 8-0-1 (Commissioner Strack abstained) to recommend approval of a special use permit and preliminary development plan for Old Mill Park, LLC, for a planned unit development north of Mt. Hunger Road and east of Route 23. Both items will go to the city council for final action.

• Approved special use permit for U-Haul rental at 2900 DeKalb Avenue (9-0)
• Approved special use permit and preliminary development plan for Old Mill Park PUD north of Mt. Hunger Road (8-0-1)

City Council

The agenda for the Sycamore City Council meeting on May 1, 2023, lists numerous agenda items (7A, 7B, 9A, 9B, 9C, 13A-13E, 14A-14I, 15A, 15B, 15D) but provides no descriptions, making it impossible to know what will be discussed or decided. The agenda is essentially procedural boilerplate with no substantive information.

• Agenda items 7A and 7B (likely consent agenda or similar)
• Agenda items 9A, 9B, 9C (possibly public hearings or ordinances)
• Agenda items 13A-13E (possibly reports or resolutions)
• Agenda items 14A-14I (possibly new business or ordinances)
• Agenda items 15A, 15B, 15D (possibly adjournment or other)

The City Council approved the combined budget and appropriation ordinance for Fiscal Year 2023B. Council also authorized borrowing up to $6 million for the Public Water Supply Loan Program and adopted a new Consolidated Fee Schedule. Several roadway project agreements and event-related road closures were approved.

• Approved Fiscal Year 2023B Combined Budget and Appropriation Ordinance (7-0)
• Authorized borrowing up to $6 million from Public Water Supply Loan Program (7-0)
• Adopted Consolidated Fee Schedule and amended City Code fee references (7-0)
• Amended ambulance service fees to align with GEMT rates (7-0)
• Approved $80,742 for two 2023 Ford Explorer police vehicles
• Awarded construction engineering contract to Trotter and Associates Inc. (7-0)
• Issued notice of intent to award Well 7 Radium Treatment contract to Manusos General Contracting, Inc. (7-0)
• Approved five IDOT road closure requests for community events (7-0)

Police Pension Board

The Sycamore Police Pension Board will meet to review the quarterly investment performance report, approve bills and minutes, and consider applications for benefits and membership. The board will also review a participant board report and discuss refund requests from two former officers.

• Review of Total Fund Quarterly Investment Performance Review for period ending December 31, 2022
• Application for benefits by Cori Beltran, hired February 27, 2023
• Refund of contributions requests from Michael Cicchetti and Sebastian Szpara
• Approval of bills for April 20, 2023
• Review of Sycamore-specific monthly statements for January and February 2023

The Board approved the payment of April bills and the treasurer's report. It authorized membership for Cori Beltran and approved contribution refunds for Michael Cicchetti and Sebastian Szparai. Andrew Mankivsky and Justin Kness were appointed as authorized agents for fund transactions.

• Approved payment of bills for April 20, 2023 (5-0)
• Approved treasurer's report (5-0)
• Approved investment fund report for period ending December 31, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved Participant Board Report as of April 30, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved membership for Cori Beltran (5-0)
• Approved refund of contributions for Michael Cicchetti (5-0)
• Approved refund of contributions for Sebastian Szparai (5-0)
• Appointed Andrew Mankivsky and Justin Kness as authorized agents for fund transactions (5-0)

City Council

The agenda for the Sycamore City Council meeting on April 17, 2023, lists only item codes (e.g., 6A, 6B, 8A, 12ABCD, 13A, 14A-C) with no titles or descriptions. As a result, the specific topics, decisions, or discussions cannot be identified from this document. The agenda appears to be procedural boilerplate without substantive content.

• Item 6A and 6B (repeated multiple times)
• Item 8A
• Item 12ABCD (multiple sub-items)
• Item 13A
• Item 14A, 14B, 14C

The City Council approved amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance regarding cannabis craft growers and tobacco product definitions. They also approved a residential resubdivision and updated liquor license regulations for tasting rooms.

• Approved Ordinance 2022.30 amending cannabis craft grower setbacks to 2,500 feet from schools and residential areas (6-1)
• Approved Ordinance 2022.29 for Krpan’s Parkside Estates Unit Four resubdivision (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2022.32 updating tobacco and smoking definitions in the Unified Development Ordinance (7-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2022.34 updating Class M Tasting Room size and requirements for Class D license holders (7-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Interim Chief Bart Gilmore to the Sycamore Fire Pension Board (7-0)
• Approved payment of bills for April 17, 2023, totaling $976,044.20 (7-0)
• Waived first reading and held first reading for the Fiscal Year 2023B Combined Budget and Appropriation Ordinance

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Sycamore Planning & Zoning Commission will consider a special use permit for a cannabis craft grower at 421 North California Street, along with amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance to align with state cannabis regulations. They will also review a resubdivision of lots in Krpan's Parkside Estates. Public comments are limited to 30 minutes total, 3 minutes per speaker.

• Special use permit for cannabis craft grower at 421 North California Street (PIN 06-32-126-002)
• Amendments to UDO Articles 1.3.3, 4.3, 5.2.1.F, and 5.3.1 regarding cannabis uses
• Resubdivision of Lots 221, 222, 223 of Krpan's Parkside Estates, Unit Four
• Second set of UDO amendments to Articles 1.3.3, 4.3, and 5.3.1
• Approval of minutes from February 13, 2023 meeting

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval for a cannabis craft grower at 421 North California Street and approved updates to the Unified Development Ordinance regarding cannabis and tobacco. The commission also approved a resubdivision of lots in Krpan’s Parkside Estates.

• Recommended approval of Special Use Permit for Cannabis – Craft Grower at 421 North California Street (7-2)
• Approved UDO amendments for cannabis definitions and permitted uses (7-2)
• Denied amendment to require 2,500-foot buffer for cannabis craft growers (4-5)
• Denied amendment to require odors be undetectable within 100 feet (1-8)
• Recommended approval of UDO amendments for tobacco-related products (9-0)
• Recommended approval of resubdivision of Lots 221, 222, and 223 of Krpan’s Parkside Estates, Unit Four (9-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved February 13, 2023 special meeting minutes (7-0)

Fire & Police Commission

The Fire & Police Commission is holding a special meeting to conduct entry-level police officer interviews in closed session, with possible action following. The agenda also includes reports from the Police and Fire Chiefs.

• Closed session for Entry Level Police Officer interviews
• Possible action from closed session
• Police Chief report
• Fire Chief report

The Commission conducted oral interviews for Entry Level Police Officer candidates in a closed session. One candidate was passed on the oral interview and given a conditional offer of employment, while another candidate failed the oral interview element.

• Passed candidate Arnold on the oral interview element (3-0)
• Passed candidate Parlberg on the oral interview element denied (0-3)
• Extended conditional offer of employment to candidate Arnold (3-0)

Fire & Police Commission

The Fire & Police Commission is meeting to review background checks and polygraph results for police officer candidates. The agenda includes reports from the Police and Fire Chiefs, with no old business items.

• Review of Police Officer Candidates' Background Check
• Review of Police Officer Candidates' Polygraph
• Reports from Police Chief and Fire Chief

The Commission reviewed background checks and polygraph reports for several police officer candidates. Two candidates passed both reviews, while two others failed their background check motions.

• Approved Arnold's background check (2-0)
• Approved Parlberg's background check (2-0)
• Denied Schmitt's background check (0-2)
• Denied Cummings' background check (0-2)
• Approved Arnold's polygraph report (2-0)
• Approved Parlberg's polygraph report (2-0)

City Council

The agenda lists numerous items under sections 6A, 6B, 13A-13D, and 14A-14C, but the actual descriptions are missing. The meeting appears to be a regular City Council session, but without item details, it is not possible to determine specific actions or discussions.

• Agenda items 6A and 6B (likely consent agenda or regular items)
• Agenda items 13A through 13D (multiple items)
• Agenda items 14A through 14C (multiple items)

The City Council approved several resolutions to utilize Motor Fuel Tax funds for roadway projects and authorized an agreement for emergency repairs to Well #8. The council also confirmed a library board appointment and discussed the upcoming FY23b budget and city fee changes.

• Approved payment of bills totaling $565,383.07 (8-0)
• Confirmed appointment of Mary Fischer to the Sycamore Public Library Board of Trustees (8-0)
• Approved Resolution 931 for Motor Fuel Tax Funds engineering and construction guidance (8-0)
• Approved Resolution 932 to use $1 million in Motor Fuel Tax Funds for roadway construction (8-0)
• Approved Resolution 933 to commit local funds for roadway projects (8-0)
• Approved Resolution 934 to submit sewer use and service reports to the EPA (8-0)
• Approved agreement with Layne Company for inspection and repair of Well #8 (8-0)

City Council

The Sycamore City Council will consider awarding contracts for the 2023 sanitary sewer lining and watermain improvements, totaling over $2.8 million, and a police vehicle purchase. They will also vote on an ordinance amending water rates and a resolution for license plate reading cameras. The meeting includes public comment and consent agenda items.

• Ordinance 2022.28 amending water rates (first and second reading)
• Resolution No. 930 authorizing revised IGA with DeKalb County for license plate reading cameras
• Contract award to Visu-Sewer of Illinois, LLC for $300,141 for 2023 Sanitary Sewer Lining Project
• Contract award to Copenhaver Construction for $2,513,287 for 2023 Watermain Improvements
• Police purchase of 2019 Chevrolet Traverse for $28,447.26

The City Council approved several infrastructure contracts, including watermain improvements and sewer lining. The council also voted to implement a two-tier water rate structure and authorized a revised agreement for license plate reading cameras.

• Approved Ordinance 2022.28 for a two-tier water rate structure (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 930 for license plate reading cameras agreement with DeKalb County (6-0)
• Approved $300,141.00 contract to Visu-Sewer of Illinois, LLC for sanitary sewer lining (6-0)
• Approved $2,513,287.00 contract to Copenhaver Construction for watermain improvements (6-0)
• Approved $28,447.26 purchase of a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse for the Police Department (6-0)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $501,502.75 (6-0)

Fire & Police Commission

The Sycamore Fire & Police Commission is meeting to approve the commencement and vendor selection for promotional processes to Sergeant, Battalion Chief, and Lieutenant, and to review background checks and polygraphs for police officer candidates. They will also consider filling three police officer vacancies and conduct lateral officer interviews in closed session.

• Approval to start Sergeant promotional process and select vendor for written and assessment exams
• Approval to start Battalion Chief and Lieutenant promotional process and select vendor for written exam
• Review of Police Officer Candidate's background check and polygraph
• Consideration of City Manager's request to fill 3 Police Officer vacancies
• Closed session for lateral police officer interviews

The Commission approved the hiring of a lateral police officer and authorized the filling of three police officer vacancies. It also approved the timelines and vendor selection processes for promotions within the police and fire departments.

• Approved promotional process for Police Sergeant to be posted May 1 (2-0)
• Authorized Police Chief to select a vendor for Sergeant promotional exams (2-0)
• Approved promotional process for Battalion Chief and Lieutenant (2-0)
• Authorized Fire Chief to select a vendor for Battalion Chief and Lieutenant exams (2-0)
• Approved background and polygraph results for candidate Williams (2-0)
• Approved City Manager's request to fill 3 Police Officer vacancies (2-0)
• Extended conditional offer of employment to candidate Williams as Lateral Police Officer (2-0)

Beautification Committee

This meeting of the Sycamore Beautification Committee was cancelled. The agenda included only procedural items and a workshop for generating and prioritizing committee ideas, with no action items listed.

• Meeting cancelled
• Workshop on generation and prioritization of Committee ideas listed on agenda

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Sycamore Planning & Zoning Commission will not hold its scheduled meeting on March 13, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The agenda is a public notice canceling the meeting, with no items for discussion or decision.

• Meeting canceled for March 13, 2023

Fire & Police Commission

The Fire & Police Commission is meeting to consider several administrative items, including amendments to its rules and regulations for fire department titles and changes to the promotional exam process for Battalion Chief candidates. The commission will also handle a request from a top police candidate to waive an offer while remaining on the eligibility list, and approve the final eligibility list for entry-level police officers.

• Amend rules to replace Assistant Chief with Deputy Fire Chief and add Battalion Chief
• Replace Oral Examination with Assessment Exercise for Battalion Chief promotions
• Consider top candidate's request to waive offer but stay on police eligibility list
• Approve Entry Level Police Officer Final Eligibility List

The Commission amended fire department rules to include the Battalion Chief rank and replace oral examinations with assessment exercises. The board also approved the final Entry Level Police Officer Eligibility List and granted a 90-day offer waiver to one candidate.

• Approved amendments to Rules and Regulations to identify Deputy Chief and Battalion Chief (3-0)
• Approved replacing 'Oral Examination' with 'Assessment Exercise' for Lieutenant and Battalion Chief candidates (3-0)
• Approved 90-day waiver of conditional offer for Ariel Rivera to remain on Police Officer Eligibility List (3-0)
• Approved final Entry Level Police Officer Eligibility List (3-0)

City Council

The City Council approved a contract for the Wastewater Demolition Project and processed routine bill payments. Council members discussed the 2023 street program and proposed adjustments to water and radium treatment fees, though no final vote was taken on the fee changes.

• Approved $199,180 contract to N-Trak Construction for Wastewater Demolition Project (7-0)
• Approved payment of bills for March 6, 2023, totaling $549,539.60 (7-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved February 20, 2023, meeting minutes (7-0)

Fire Pension Board

The Sycamore Fire Pension Board is meeting to review quarterly investment reports, an actuarial valuation, and consider changes to payment methods and remaining CDs. They will also welcome new trustees and discuss the April election process. The agenda includes routine approvals of minutes and bills.

• Review of Sycamore Firefighters' Pension Fund Actuarial Valuation as of May 1, 2022
• Consideration of change to remittance method for monthly insurance payment
• Discussion regarding remaining two CDs
• Review of 2023 COLAs as provided by Lauterbach & Amen
• Approval and payment of bills from December 7, 2022 to February 28, 2023

The board approved the 2023 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and a benefit application for Tylor Lampkins. Members also decided to maintain three months of payroll and operational expenses in the local account, transferring excess funds to FPIF.

• Approved 2023 COLA (All in favor)
• Approved benefit application for Tylor Lampkins (All in favor)
• Approved keeping 3 months of payroll and operational expenses in local account with excess transferred to FPIF (All in favor)
• Approved closing one CD in June to send $171,585.00 to FPIF
• Approved closing a second CD immediately to send to FPIF if penalty does not exceed 3 months (All in favor)
• Approved Treasurer's report (All in favor)
• Approved bills from 12-7-2022 to 2-28-2023
• Approved previous meeting minutes (All in favor)

City Council

This agenda lists only item numbers (6A, 6B, 11A, 11B, 12A, 13A, 13B, 13C) with no descriptive text. It is purely procedural boilerplate with no substantive items to summarize.

• No concrete items are listed

The City Council approved a special use permit for a planned unit development at Old Mill Park and a zoning map amendment for 2425 Bethany Road. The council also awarded a microsurfacing contract and authorized participation in an electric collaborative for lower rates.

• Approved rezoning of 2425 Bethany Road from C-2 to C-3 (6-0)
• Approved Special Use Permit and Preliminary Development Plan for Old Mill Park (5-1)
• Approved Resolution 929 to participate in Northern Illinois Municipal Electric Collaborative (6-0)
• Approved plat of easement for Caliber Collision (6-0)
• Awarded $561,962.50 contract to Microsurfacing Contractors LLC (6-0)
• Approved $41,080 purchase of a 2023 Ford Police Interceptor Utility from Morrow Brothers Ford (6-0)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $1,004,906.92 (6-0)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Sycamore Planning & Zoning Commission will consider two action items: a zoning map amendment for 2425 Bethany Road from C-2 to C-3, and a special use permit and preliminary plan for an 84-unit age-restricted townhome development north of Mt. Hunger Road. The commission will also review a report on re-subdivisions approved in 2022. The agenda includes public comment and consent items.

• Zoning map amendment for 2425 Bethany Road (PIN 08-01-451-019) from C-2 to C-3
• Special use permit for Planned Unit Development at Old Mill Park Phase 2, 84 units on 18.57 acres north of Mt. Hunger Road and east of Route 23
• Plat Officer report on re-subdivisions approved during 2022
• Public comment limited to 30 minutes, 3 minutes per speaker

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended a zoning change for 2425 Bethany Road to allow more business uses. It also forwarded a favorable recommendation for a special use permit and preliminary plan for the Old Mill Park development.

• Recommended rezoning of 2425 Bethany Road from C-2 Central Business District to C-3 Highway Business District (10-0)
• Forwarded favorable recommendation for Old Mill Park, LLC special use permit and preliminary development plan (9-0-1)

City Council

The Sycamore City Council voted 0-8 against allowing a tattoo parlor at 331 West State Street, despite a request from Anna Thornton and Carmen Manno. The council also approved several ordinances, including new building permit fees for sheds and updates to fence and accessory structure rules, and discussed water rate increases.

• Ordinance 2022.19 to allow tattoo parlors in Conservation District failed 0-8
• Ordinance 2022.21 requires $25 permit for all sheds, any size
• Ordinance 2022.22 updates fence and accessory structure regulations
• Resolution 926 awards Phase II Lead Water Service Replacement contract to Five Star Energy Services
• Water rate increase options presented, with first reading scheduled for March 6

The City Council approved the annexation of two small property parcels and an intergovernmental agreement with DeKalb County for license plate reading cameras. The council also approved $565,940.26 in bill payments and the annual Stormwater Management Program Plan.

• Approved payment of bills for February 6, 2023, in the amount of 565,940.26 (8-0)
• Confirmed appointments of Riley Oncken to Police Pension Board and Chief Carl Reina to Fire Pension Board (8-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2022.24 for annexation of two small parcels (8-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2022.25 to partially abate debt service levy for General Obligation Bond Issue Series 2017 (8-0)
• Approved Resolution 928 for intergovernmental agreement with DeKalb County regarding license plate reading cameras (8-0)
• Approved annual review of the City of Sycamore Stormwater Management Program Plan (8-0)

Fire & Police Commission

The Commission approved a police candidate pending a TB test result and authorized an integrated list for entry-level firefighters. Following closed-session interviews, the board approved composite scores for two firefighter candidates to establish an eligibility list.

• Passed police candidate Beltran on exam elements G&H pending negative TB test (2-0)
• Approved running an integrated list for Entry Level Firefighters (2-0)
• Approved composite scores of 93% for Candidate Wright and 76% for Candidate Peek to establish Firefighter eligibility list (2-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Dailey to run the meeting in Chairperson Knetsch's absence (2-0)

Fire & Police Commission

The Sycamore Fire & Police Commission is meeting to review background checks and polygraph results for police officer candidates, consider correspondence about police and firefighter vacancies, and conduct lateral police officer interviews in closed session. Possible action may follow the closed session.

• Review of Police Officer Candidate’s Background Check
• Review of Police Officer Candidate’s Polygraph
• Consideration of City Manager’s correspondence regarding Police Officer vacancies
• Consideration of City Manager’s correspondence regarding Firefighter vacancies
• Closed Session for Lateral Police Officer interviews

The Commission approved the background check and polygraph results for candidate Beltran and extended a conditional offer of employment. The body also voted to fill a budgeted police officer vacancy and established a Lateral Police Officer eligibility list.

• Passed candidate Beltran on background investigation (3-0)
• Passed candidate Beltran on polygraph element (3-0)
• Approved filling the Police Officer vacancy (3-0)
• Approved composite score of 95 and established Lateral Police Officer eligibility list (3-0)
• Extended conditional offer of employment to candidate Beltran (3-0)

Police Pension Board

The Sycamore Police Pension Board is meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes and bills, receiving a treasurer's report, and appointing Riley Oncken as a trustee. The board will also discuss upcoming elections, review a resignation application for benefits, and consider annual COLA increases. The meeting includes a report on the fund's financial status, showing a total balance of about $11.1 million.

• Appointment of Riley Oncken as Trustee
• Approval of checks totaling $1,095.00 to Lauterbach & Amen and Collins Radja & Hartwell
• Treasurer's report: total fund balance of $11,121,961.00 across all sources
• Application for benefits: Sebastian Szpara (resignation December 29, 2022)
• Review of annual COLA increases

The board appointed Riley Oncken as Trustee and approved annual COLA increases. Members also approved the January 19, 2023, bill payments and the treasurer's report.

• Approved appointment of Riley Oncken as Trustee to replace Jim Buck (4-0)
• Approved annual COLA increases (5-0)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $1,095.00 (4-0)
• Approved treasurer's report (4-0)
• Approved October 20, 2022, meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)

Beautification Committee

The Sycamore Beautification Committee will decide on the colors for the 2023 downtown hanging flower baskets and generate and prioritize initial project ideas. The committee must place the flower order before February, and the budget for the baskets comes from the Downtown Development Fund.

• Consideration of downtown hanging flower basket colors for 2023 season
• Generation and prioritization of initial Committee ideas
• Order of 80 baskets with Petunias (E3 Easy Wave or Wave) from Clesen Brothers
• Funding source: 13-000-8639 (Downtown Development Fund – Other Capital Improvement)

The committee approved the use of red or pink flowers for the 2023 downtown hanging baskets. Members discussed various beautification project ideas, including murals and bike racks, and noted potential budgets for the Façade/Gateway Grant Program and the committee.

• Approved red or pink flowers for 2023 downtown hanging baskets (7-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (7-0)
• Approved December 12, 2022 meeting minutes (7-0)

City Council

The agenda for the January 17, 2023 Sycamore City Council meeting lists only agenda item codes (e.g., A3, 6B, 11ABCD, 12C) with no descriptive text. It is procedural boilerplate with no substantive information about what will be decided or discussed.

• Agenda contains only item codes, no descriptions

The City Council voted to reject a zoning amendment that would have allowed tattoo parlors in the Conservation District. The council approved new permit fees for sheds of all sizes and updated regulations for accessory structures and fences. Additionally, the council authorized a lead water service replacement project and appointed several board members.

• Denied Ordinance 2022.19 to allow tattoo parlors in the Conservation District (0-8)
• Approved Ordinance 2022.21 requiring a $25 permit for sheds of any size (8-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2022.22 updating fence and accessory structure regulations (8-0)
• Approved Ordinance 2022.23 adding a Deputy Treasurer position (8-0)
• Approved Resolution 924 to extend lease for 35:35 Makers Collective, LLC (8-0)
• Approved Resolution 925, 926, and 927 for the Phase II Lead Water Service Replacement Project (8-0)
• Approved plat of easement for Belle Tire (8-0)
• Confirmed appointments to Library Board, Fire Pension Commission, and Treasurer (8-0)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission will consider a special use permit for a tattoo parlor at 331 West State Street and an ordinance amendment to allow such uses. They will also review staff-recommended revisions to several sections of the Unified Development Ordinance. Public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker.

• Special Use Permit for Tattoo Parlor/Body Art Establishment at 331 West State Street (PIN 06-32-255-070)
• Amendment to Article 5.3.1 Table of Permitted Uses to allow tattoo parlors
• Staff revisions to definitions, yard obstructions, fences/walls, and accessory structures
• Approval of minutes from October 10, 2022 special meeting

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended that the City Council keep the current Unified Development Ordinance, which restricts tattoo parlors in the Conservation District. A request for a Special Use Permit for a tattoo studio at 331 West State Street was denied. The commission also approved modifications to fence and accessory structure definitions.

• Recommended City Council keep UDO as is regarding tattoo parlors in Conservation District (6-5)
• Denied favorable recommendation for Special Use Permit for tattoo parlor at 331 West State Street (5-6)
• Approved modification of open fence definition to 35% light penetration with minimum one-inch slat spacing (11-0)
• Approved agenda (10-0)
• Approved October 10, 2022 special meeting minutes (10-0)

Fire & Police Commission

The Fire & Police Commission is holding a special meeting to review police officer candidate background checks, propose its 2023 meeting schedule, and conduct lateral police officer interviews in closed session. Possible action may follow the closed session. The agenda is otherwise routine, with standard items like call to order and consent agenda.

• Review of Police Officer candidate background checks
• Proposed Fire and Police Commission Meeting Schedule for 2023
• Closed session for Lateral Police Officer interviews
• Possible action from closed session
• Report from Chief Winters

The Commission approved a police candidate's background and polygraph results and extended a conditional offer of employment to candidate Bowie. The board also established a Lateral Police Officer eligibility list based on a cumulative score of 89 and set the 2023 meeting schedule.

• Passed candidate Bowie on background and polygraph results (3-0)
• Approved 2023 meeting schedule for first Tuesday of the last month of each quarter at 11:00 AM (3-0)
• Approved cumulative score of 89 and established Lateral Police Officer eligibility list (3-0)
• Extended conditional offer of employment to candidate Bowie (3-0)

City Council

This is a largely procedural meeting with consent agenda items including approval of prior minutes, payment of bills, and destruction of closed session tapes. The only substantive action is a resolution to authorize the city manager to designate FOIA and Open Meetings Act officers for 2023, and a consideration to extend a $5,000 façade grant to Jim and Susan Mizgalski.

• Resolution No. 923: Authorizing city manager to designate 2023 FOIA and Open Meetings Act officers
• Consideration of extending $5,000 façade grant to Jim and Susan Mizgalski
• Approval of minutes from December 19, 2022 meeting
• Payment of bills for January 3, 2023
• Approval to destroy closed session audio tapes from 5/18/2020 through 7/2/2021

The City Council approved the payment of bills totaling $1,018,336.88 and authorized a $5,000 façade grant for Jim and Susan Mizgalski. The council also designated the 2023 Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act officers.

• Approved payment of bills for January 3, 2023 in the amount of $1,018,336.88 (8-0)
• Approved Resolution No. 923 designating 2023 FOIA and Open Meetings Act Officers (8-0)
• Approved $5,000 Façade Grant Program fund extension to Jim and Susan Mizgalski (8-0)
• Approved December 19, 2022 meeting minutes (8-0)
• Approved destruction of closed session auditory tapes from 5/18/2020 through 7-2-2021 (8-0)