DeKALB – City Council members will consider three resolutions Monday to establish a wellness program that would give DeKalb firefighters a reason to voluntarily prepare for their health care costs after retirement.

In December, the council unanimously approved a four-year contract between the city and the DeKalb firefighter union. The contract is intended to implement an improved wellness program structure. 

The three resolutions up for a vote at Monday’s meeting include adding the Illinois Public Pension Fund Association Deferred Compensation Plan as an employee benefit, voluntary employees’ beneficiary association to pay life, sick, accident or similar benefits and adding a tax-exempt base for funding retiree health benefits.

The program encourages the employee to reduce sick time usage, which will reduce overtime burdens on the city to meet minimum staffing requirements. 

The current minimum staffing level at the fire department is 13 firefighters. The low staffing number is affecting the rising call volume in relation to COVID-19 to perform emergency medical services.

Laundromat liquor license

Council members will also consider a resolution for a laundromat liquor license for South 4th Street Mega Laundromat. The resolution is up for a second vote after it failed with two in favor and five against on Jan. 25. 

The resolution will be considered because the owner of the limited liability company promoting the laundromat license requested a “reconsideration” of the Council’s vote, as there was no discussion at the Jan. 25 meeting. 

A motion to reconsider the resolution must be made by an alderperson who voted against the resolution in order to be reconsidered, according to the Feb. 8 City Council agenda. Any member may second the motion.

A motion to reconsider doesn’t obligate a “yes” vote; it only introduces the opportunity for the owner to explain their plan and their reason for asking the Council’s support. Monday’s City Council meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak St., in the Yusunas Meeting Room, or can be viewed via Zoom.