DeKalb public meetings in 2021
43 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The regular City Council meeting scheduled for December 27, 2021, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for January 10, 2022.
City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed FY2022 budget, which projects $108,510,518 in revenues. The meeting also includes discussions on a proposed property tax levy intended to cover fire and police pension obligations.
- Public Hearing: Proposed FY2022 Budget
- Appointment of Steve Honeywell to the Citizens’ Environmental Commission
- Resolution 2021-104: Canceling the December 27, 2021 City Council meeting
- Resolution 2021-105: Authorizing release of Executive Session minutes and destruction of recordings
- Approval of Accounts Payable and Payroll through December 13, 2021, totaling $4,075,431.65
City Council
The City Council is discussing Resolution 2021-103 to provide a $1 million incentive from the General Fund to Clear Investment Group, LLC. The funds would support the acquisition and renovation of the Hunter Ridgebrook apartment complex. In exchange, the developer must implement specific security measures and maintain the property for at least three years.
- Resolution 2021-103: Development Agreement with Clear Investment Group, LLC
- $1,000,000 incentive from City General Fund for Hunter Ridgebrook
- Renovation of 808 Ridge Drive, 832 Ridge Drive, and 835 Edgebrook Drive
- Proposed $22,500,000 total investment by developer to acquire 403 units from Hunter Properties
- Use of Special Service Area #30 funds for parking, grounds, and camera maintenance
City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding proposed 2021 property tax levies for the City and the Public Library. The agenda also includes appointments to the Citizen Police Review Board and the Citizens’ Environmental Commission, as well as resolutions for road maintenance and engineering services.
- Public Hearing: 2021 Annual City and Library Public Levies
- Proposed 2021 property tax levy of $9,546,025 (a 7.39% increase over 2020)
- Resolution 2021-100: Appropriating $1,825,000 in Motor Fuel Tax funds for street maintenance
- Resolution 2021-101: Supplemental agreement with Engineering Enterprises, Inc. for Lincoln Highway reconfiguration up to $32,066
- Resolution 2021-102: Waiver of competitive bidding for Stryker Powered System and Stair Chairs up to $350,000
City Council
The City Council and Finance Advisory Committee are holding a special joint meeting to consider the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 budget. The proposed budget includes 32 funds with projected revenues of $108,510,518 and expenditures of $106,180,581.
- Proposed FY2022 Budget with $108,510,518 in projected revenues
- Proposed FY2022 Budget with $106,180,581 in projected expenditures
- Allocation of $10,422,954 from the American Rescue Plan
City Council
The City Council will discuss a proposed corporate tax levy of $6,845,317 and a library levy of $2,700,708. The body will also consider appointments to the Human Relations Commission and the role of Recording Secretary.
- Public hearing for 2021 Annual Property Tax Levy
- Resolution 2021-097: $600,000 in Motor Fuel Tax funds for Twombly Road Reconstruction
- Resolution 2021-098: Insurance coverage agreements for 2022 not to exceed $554,523
- Resolution 2021-096: Amendment to City Attorney retainer increasing litigation hourly rate from $185 to $190
- Accounts payable and payroll through November 8, 2021, totaling $1,844,977.22
City Council
The City Council is discussing the 2021 annual property tax levy, which includes a proposed tax rate of 0.98273. The body is also considering the termination of the Central Area Tax Increment Financing (TIF 1) redevelopment area.
- Proposed City tax rate of 0.98273 based on a levy of $6,845,317
- Resolution 2021-095 to equip four police interceptor vehicles not to exceed $81,088
- Ordinance 2021-043 to terminate the Central Area Tax Increment Financing Redevelopment Area (TIF 1)
- Appointment of Julie Jesmer to the Citizens’ Environmental Commission
- Accounts payable and payroll through October 25, 2021, in the amount of $3,619,257.97
City Council
The City Council is reviewing a proposal to develop a 5 megawatt solar farm on 48 acres of airport property. The body is also deciding on several contracts for auditing, infrastructure, and business incentives.
- Proposal from SunVest Solar, Inc. for a solar farm at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport with estimated 25-year rental income of $2,767,000
- Resolution 2021-090: $25,000 Architectural Improvement Program incentive for AccuLab of Illinois at 509 Oak Street
- Resolution 2021-091: Auditing services agreement with Sikich, LLP for FY2021-2024 totaling $240,410
- Resolution 2021-092: $194,220.95 contract to Elliot & Wood, Inc. for a shared use path along Dresser Road
- Consent agenda item for accounts payable and payroll through October 11, 2021, totaling $1,268,382.88
City Council
The City Council is reviewing a second reading of an ordinance to create a Citizen Police Review Board to oversee use-of-force investigations. The body is also considering several vehicle purchases and infrastructure agreements.
- Ordinance 2021-040 to establish a Citizen Police Review Board
- Purchase of four police interceptor vehicles not to exceed $150,000
- Purchase of a single-axle dump truck not to exceed $185,000
- Professional services agreement with Jacob & Hefner Associates for Gurler Road and IL Rt. 23 improvements not to exceed $75,050
- Agreement with Commonwealth Edison for a $20,700 roadway and utility easement for Macom Drive
City Council
The City Council is discussing a proposed new ward map to address population imbalances following the 2020 Census. The body is also reviewing several contracts for infrastructure and equipment, as well as event authorizations.
- Proposed redistricting of seven city wards due to a population loss of 3,805 persons
- Construction contract for Illinois Route 23 and Gurler Road improvements with Curran Contracting Company for $1,736,419.37
- Purchase of a single-axle utility vehicle from Rush Truck Center not to exceed $204,035
- Payment of $41,088 to the DeKalb County Community Foundation for the DeKalb Municipal Band
- Agreement with Ferrara Candy Company regarding Economic Development Program responsibilities
City Council
The City Council is meeting to consider a resolution authorizing the City Manager to purchase a replacement fuel truck for the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport. The proposal includes the disposal of a 1991 Argus 100 LL fuel truck.
- Resolution 2021-079: Allocate up to $100,000 from Fund 420 for a replacement fuel truck
- Authorization to dispose of a 1991 Argus 100 LL fuel truck
City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing and consider applying for a $12 million Rebuild Illinois grant to design and build a transit maintenance and operations facility. The body is also reviewing several grants, infrastructure contracts, and a residential electricity aggregation agreement.
- Proposed $12 million Rebuild Illinois grant for a transit maintenance and operations facility
- Contract with Stantec Architecture, Inc. for transit facility site selection not to exceed $264,153
- American Rescue Plan Grant to DeKalb Park District for security equipment not to exceed $50,000
- Engineering services agreement with Fehr-Graham & Associates, LLC for Joanne Lane water main replacement not to exceed $48,000
- Architectural Improvement Program grant for 151 N. Fourth Street in the amount of $25,000
City Council
The City Council and Finance Advisory Committee are reviewing projected revenues and expenditures for the Fiscal Year 2022 budget. The discussion focuses on the General Fund and several other critical city funds, including the American Rescue Plan Fund and Capital Projects Fund.
- Projected FY2022 General Fund revenues of $42,463,057
- Projected FY2022 General Fund expenditures of $40,102,800
- Estimated 2021 City tax rate of 1.05638, payable in 2022
- Projected $1,278,142 shortfall for Fire and Police pension obligations in 2022
- Estimated $25,521,310 in new construction EAV, including Ferrara Distribution and Pack Centers
City Council
The City Council will consider a public hearing regarding an amendment to an annexation agreement for a proposed warehouse and distribution center. The meeting also includes a review of the proposed schedule for developing the FY2022 municipal budget.
- Presentation of $6,603 donation from Rotary Club for Memorial Clock repair
- Public hearing for 'Project Barb' warehouse/distribution center at Chicago West Business Center
- Proposed FY2022 Budget development schedule including joint meetings and hearings
- Omnibus approval of CDBG Public Services funding agreements totaling $63,000
- Approval of accounts payable and payroll through July 26, 2021, for $2,483,389.21
City Council
The City Council is discussing whether to restore fares for fixed route transit services that were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. The body will also hold a public hearing regarding the 2020 Community Development Block Grant performance report.
- Consideration of restoring public transit fares (historically $0.50 for general public, $0.25 for seniors/disabled/K-12)
- Public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2020 Performance and Evaluation Report
- Accounts payable and payroll through July 12, 2021, totaling $2,110,371
- Appointment of Joe Gastiger, J.J. Wett, and Shannon Stoker to city commissions
- Proclamation declaring Juneteenth a Day of Racial Reconciliation and Healing
City Council
The City Council will receive a presentation on the 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report and the city's eligibility for American Rescue Plan funds. The body is also considering accounts payable and payroll totaling $2,134,568.25.
- Accounts Payable and Payroll through June 28, 2021: $2,134,568.25
- Potential American Rescue Plan eligibility: $10,422,954
- US Treasury transfer received for American Rescue Plan: $5,211,477
- Annual Agreement for Northern Illinois University MPA Internship
- Proclamations for LGBTQIA+ Pride Month and Stage Coach Players Week
DeKalb Public Library Board
The Board of Trustees will meet to approve monthly bills and a semi-annual preventative maintenance contract with R.J. O’Neill. Members will also discuss a new name for the Local History Room and review library standards and trustee files.
- Approval of R.J. O’Neill Semi-Annual Preventative Maintenance Contract
- Discussion of new name for Local History Room
- Approval of May 2021 monthly bills
- Review of Standards for Libraries Chapters 6 and 7
- Update on COVID-19 and Library Services
City Council
The City Council will review the 2020 annual report from the DeKalb Police Department, which details crime trends and institutional reforms. The body will also consider appointments to the Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) Committee.
- Presentation of DeKalb Police Department 2020 Annual Report
- Review of $150,000 expenditure for officer body cameras
- Appointment of Noah Millard, Don Zuniga, Josh Boldt, and Jeff McMaster to the GEMT Committee
City Council
The City Council is meeting to discuss an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation. The proposal seeks funding to improve a specific intersection to accommodate industrial development traffic.
- Resolution 2021-044: Intergovernmental Agreement with IDOT for $1,488,484.35 in Economic Development Program Funding for the Illinois Route 23 and Gurler Road intersection
City Council
The City Council is discussing a program to reimburse homeowners for removing illegal sump pump hookups from the sanitary sewerage system. The body will also receive the DeKalb Fire Department's 2020 annual report and a donation for a pathway extension.
- Proposed sump pump assistance program: reimbursements up to $3,000 or 50% of cost
- Accounts payable and payroll through May 17, 2021: $3,043,204.74
- Donation of $3,000 from Fairview Cemetery Association for Fairview Drive Pathway Extension
- Reappointment of Pat Fagan to the Police Pension Board
- DeKalb Fire Department 2020 Annual Report presentation
DeKalb Public Library Board
The Board of Trustees will meet via Zoom to discuss library standards and trustee facts. The body is deciding on the 2021-2 payscale and payments for fiber internet services.
- Approval of 2021-2 Payscale
- Payment for DeKalb Advancement Technology Authority Fiber Internet Services
- Approval of April 2021 bills
- Review of Trustee Facts File – Chapter 5
- Review of Standards for Libraries – Chapter 5
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners is holding a special meeting to conduct oral interviews. These interviews are for entry level and certified police officer candidates.
- Oral interviews for entry level and certified police officer candidates
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners is holding a special meeting to conduct oral interviews for entry level and certified police officer candidates. These interviews are scheduled to take place in executive session.
- Oral interviews for entry level and certified police officer candidates
City Council
The City Council will swear in the Mayor, three Ward Aldermen, and the City Clerk. The body will also consider a second reading of an ordinance regarding parking restrictions on Barb Boulevard.
- Swearing in of Mayor Cohen Barnes, Aldermen Barb Larson, Greg Perkins, and Mike Verbic, and City Clerk Sasha Cohen
- Accounts payable and payroll through May 10, 2021, in the amount of $1,718,659.66
- Ordinance 2021-016 (second reading) to establish resident-only parking and a 10-minute loading zone on Barb Boulevard
- Proclamations for International Firefighter’s Day, National Police Week, and National EMS Week
- Executive session to discuss purchase or lease of real property
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
The scheduled quarterly meeting for the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of the City of DeKalb, Illinois, was cancelled.
City Council
The City Council is reviewing several legal settlements, including a police lawsuit and a property maintenance agreement. The body is also discussing transit service provider amendments and the transfer of a bus shelter advertising contract.
- Resolution 2021-034: Settlement of Elonte McDowell lawsuit for $285,000
- Resolution 2021-035: Settlement with Hunter Properties involving the sale of four properties and a $150,000 escrow
- Resolution 2021-036: Transfer of bus shelter agreement from Illinois Convenience & Safety Corporation to View Chicago Transit, LLC
- Resolution 2021-037: Amendment to Transdev Services, Inc. agreement to increase per revenue hour cost by up to $4 for driver wages
- Consent Agenda: Accounts payable and payroll through April 26, 2021, totaling $2,073,454.88
DeKalb Public Library Board
The Board of Trustees will meet via Zoom to discuss library standards and service plans. The body is considering the permanent adoption of fine free policies and the approval of updated Limited Library Service Plan and Procedures.
- Consideration of Permanent Adoption of Fine Free Policies
- Approval of Updated Limited Library Service Plan and Procedures
- Oath of Office for Kelli Meserole
- Approval of March 2021 bills
City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the 2021 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan. The body will also discuss 5G regulation and the sale of a city-owned property.
- Proposed 2021 CDBG Annual Action Plan totaling $509,458
- Sale of city property at 624 N. Eleventh Street for $64,500
- Payment of accounts payable and payroll through April 12, 2021, in the amount of $2,002,146.09
- Check presentation of $19,500 from Kishwaukee Kiwanis Club for Fairview Drive Bike Path
- Staff report on 5G regulation and potential Municipal Code revisions
City Council
The City Council is holding a special meeting to facilitate a bus tour for 2021 Consolidated Election candidates. The agenda consists of this tour and standard procedural items.
- 2021 Consolidated Election candidate bus tour of DeKalb
City Council
The City Council is reviewing two contracts for Fire Station One, including building remodeling and a vehicle exhaust system upgrade. The body is also considering revisions to the water service fee schedule for larger commercial and industrial meters.
- Contract with Gehrke Construction for Fire Station One repair and remodeling: $139,205.00
- Contract with Hastings Air Energy Control, Inc. for Fire Station One vehicle exhaust system: $42,349.00
- Proposed bi-monthly water service fee increases for meters 3" and larger
- Appointment of Kelli Meserole to the Dekalb Public Library Board
- Accounts payable and payroll through March 22, 2021: $2,837,137.04
DeKalb Public Library Board
The Board of Trustees will conduct its regular monthly meeting remotely due to a state-wide emergency. The agenda includes officer elections for vacant positions and reviews of library standards. The board will also take action on payroll and timekeeping company proposals.
- Board Officer Elections for Vacant Positions
- Review of Trustee Facts File – Chapter 3
- Review of Standards for Libraries – Chapter 3
- Action on Payroll and Timekeeping Company Proposals
- Approval of February 2021 Bills
City Council
The City Council is reviewing a proposal to prohibit the open burning of leaves and yard waste. The body is also discussing liquor license renewal payment plans and contractor bids for the South Water Tower.
- Proposed amendment to prohibit burning of leaves and yard waste
- Accounts payable and payroll through March 8, 2021 in the amount of $6,640,716.20
- Contractor bids for painting and repair of South Water Tower at 2851 Corporate Drive, with low bid of $765,000 from V&T Painting
- Proposed three-installment payment plan for 2021-2022 liquor license renewals
- Update on the Police Chief search
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners will meet to consider moving into executive session. The purpose of the session is to conduct oral interviews for certified police officer and firefighter/paramedic candidates.
- Oral interviews for firefighter/paramedic candidates
- Oral interviews for certified police officer candidates
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners is holding a special meeting to move into executive session. The purpose of the session is to conduct oral interviews for firefighter/paramedic candidates.
- Oral interviews for firefighter/paramedic candidates
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners is holding a special meeting to conduct oral interviews for firefighter/paramedic candidates. This portion of the meeting will take place in executive session.
- Oral interviews for firefighter/paramedic candidates
DeKalb Public Library Board
The Board of Trustees will meet via Zoom to discuss library operations and finances. Key decisions include the transfer of local history materials and the replacement of Hyper-V servers. The board will also consider the temporary use of reserves for operating expenses.
- Action on replacement of Hyper-V Servers
- Action on temporary use of reserves for operating expenses
- Action on transfer of local history materials to DeKalb County History Center
- Approval of January 2021 bills
- Annual Report to the City of DeKalb
City Council
The City Council is deciding on several resolutions, including a $5 million IDOT grant for a transit maintenance facility and a $100,000 grant for demolishing condemned homes. The body will also consider a reconsideration of a liquor license for a laundromat and new employee benefit plans for firefighters.
- Resolution 2021-018: Intergovernmental Agreement with IDOT for Rebuild Illinois capital funding not to exceed $5,000,000
- Resolution 2021-014: $100,000 IHDA grant for demolition of three condemned residential properties
- Resolution 2021-012: Engineering services with Fehr Graham & Associates, LLC for 2021 Street Maintenance Program not to exceed $135,000
- Resolution 2021-010: Reconsideration of a laundromat liquor license and video gaming for South 4th Street Mega Laundromat, LLC at 1387 S. Fourth Street
- Accounts Payable and Payroll through February 8, 2021 in the amount of $2,311,115.00
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners will hold a special meeting to announce written examination results. These results pertain to the testing process for Fire Captain and Battalion Chief positions.
- Announcement of written examination results for Fire Captain testing
- Announcement of written examination results for Battalion Chief testing
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
The quarterly meeting scheduled for February 2, 2021, has been cancelled.
City Council
The City Council is meeting to vote on several resolutions, including a new liquor and gaming license and a regional hazard mitigation plan. The body is also considering a special use permit for an employee parking lot at 1030 E. Locust Street.
- Liquor and video gaming license for South 4th Street Mega Laundromat at 1387 S. Fourth Street
- Adoption of the 2019 DeKalb County All Hazards Mitigation Plan
- Payment of $48,938.40 to LiftOff for Microsoft Office 365 subscription renewal
- Special use permit for a 20-space parking lot at 1030 E. Locust Street (Nehring Electrical Works)
- Accounts payable and payroll through January 25, 2021, totaling $3,143,716.98
DeKalb Public Library Board
The Board of Trustees is meeting via Zoom to review library standards and trustee files. The body will take action on a service contract with RK Dixon and several policy revisions. The board will also approve bills from December 2020.
- Action on RK Dixon Service Contract
- Action on Computer and Internet Use Policy Revision
- Action on FOIA Compliance Policy Revision
- Action on Public Comment Policy Revision
- Action on Video and Photography Policy Revision
City Council
The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding an amendment to add $272,425 in CARES Act funding to the Community Development Block Grant plan for coronavirus response. Mayor Jerry Smith will also deliver a State of the City address.
- Public hearing on adding $272,425 in CARES Act funding to the CDBG 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan
- Payment of accounts payable and payroll through January 11, 2021, totaling $1,784,914.56
- Resolution 2021-001: $35,000 funding agreement with DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation
- Resolution 2021-002: $35,000 grant to DeKalb Chamber of Commerce for community events
- Resolution 2021-003: $35,000 tourism agreement with DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners will meet to consider moving into executive session. The purpose of the session is to conduct oral interviews for Battalion Chief and Captain promotional candidates and discuss personnel.
- Oral interviews for Battalion Chief promotional candidates
- Oral interviews for Captain promotional candidates
- Personnel discussion under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1)