March 2018

City Officials

Mayor

Jerry Smith

City Council

David Jacobson
Ward One

Bill Finucane
Ward Two

Michael Marquardt
Ward Three

Patrick Fagan
Ward Four

Kate Noreiko
Ward Five

Mike Verbic
Ward Six

Anthony Faivre
Ward Seven

City Clerk

Susanna Herrmann

City Manager

Anne Marie Gaura
Police Department Launches
Safe Streets Initiative Web Page
The Police Department has taken steps over the past few months to inform the public and collect input on the City’s Safe Streets Initiative. To support that effort, the Department recently launched a Safe Streets Initiative page on the City’s website. The page includes information on all phases of the initiative, updates to proposed parking restrictions, and an input form for residents to share their comments and concerns.

The Safe Streets Initiative is a multi-faceted plan that incorporates four phases of various parking provisions that help ensure streets are clear, have enhanced visibility, and improve first responder access. In December, the City Council approved an ordinance that implemented Phase One of the initiative. Phases Two through Four of the initiative will be brought to the City Council in the coming months.

The Police Department recognizes the importance of public input in this process. The department began collecting input from various stakeholders in early November as a response to criminal activity that peaked in late October. Police Chief Gene Lowery, along with members of the Police Command Staff, held meetings with a number of individuals and groups, including student leaders and staff from Northern Illinois University, members of the faith-based communities, landlords, and residents. The department also walked door-to-door to speak with residents in the first phase of the plan; an action that will be repeated in future phases. The public input received will be considered as the City moves forward with future phases.

To view the latest information and provide your input, we encourage you to visit the Safe Street Initiative page .
In This Issue

Safe Streets Initiative

Annie Glidden North Update

DeKalb 2025 Update

Spring Home Maintenance Tips

Tax Scam Information

Refuse Services Questionnaire

Deputy Fire Chief Receives Certification

Police Pancake Breakfast

Non-Profit Focus: TAILS Humane Society

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Annie Glidden North Revitalization Plan Update
The Annie Glidden North (AGN) Task Force, City staff and Camiros, the City’s planning consultant, continue to work toward the creation of the AGN Revitalization Plan. On February 12, 2018, Mayor Jerry Smith officially appointed each member of the AGN Task Force to serve on one of four subcommittees of the Task Force. These newly created subcommittees will focus their efforts on specific areas of concern, and develop desired outcomes and actionable ideas related to their focus area. The subcommittees will then report back to the Task Force at-large to incorporate their discussions into the planning process. The Task Force subcommittees are identified as follows:

  • Community Services Subcommittee
  • Housing and Commercial Development Subcommittee
  • Neighborhood Safety and Security Subcommittee
  • Transportation, Infrastructure and Open Space Subcommittee

All AGN Task Force and Subcommittee meetings are open to the public. Meeting dates and times are published on the City Calendar, which can be found on the homepage of our website . 

In April, the City will host a third community meeting. Members of the community, particularly those living in the Annie Glidden North neighborhood, are strongly encouraged to attend. Once details are finalized, information will be shared through the City's website and on social media.
Employment 
Opportunities

Visit the City's Employment  page on the website to view and apply for open positions. For more information, contact Human Resources at 815-748-2300. 
DeKalb 2025 Strategic Plan
In 2016, City Council approved and adopted the DeKalb 2025 Strategic Plan to be a 10-year guide for City operations. This document was developed using extensive public input and encompasses five visions for the community. The end of 2017 marks the first full fiscal year in which the City operated under the strategic plan. During the FY2017 budget process, the City’s department heads, in collaboration with department staff, identified action items to address during the year. The action items in the strategic plan are the building blocks in achieving the City’s five visions. The status of action items is reviewed on a quarterly basis and reported to the City Council. On March 12, City staff will report on the progress made under the strategic plan in 2017.
 
Here are just a few significant achievements from the past year:

  • Through the Illinois Departments of Transportation's Transportation Improvement Program, the Public Works Department secured $800,000 for the installation of new state of the art navigational aids at the Airport.

  • The City’s new electronic newsletter, DeKalb e-News, was launched in the first quarter of 2017. The newsletter highlights information on community interests, events, and activities, as well as updates and reports on major City projects

  • The Police Department successfully submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Justice and was awarded a $75,000 Criminal Justice-Mental Health Collaboration Grant. This will provide funding for a one-year study on how to best coordinate services among police and other social/public service partners for individuals exhibiting signs of mental illness.

  • The City hosted Cultural Competence and Inclusion Training sessions for all non-sworn staff. The City partnered with NIU to develop professional training which was conducted by professors from NIU’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction. The training focused on how we view ourselves and others, how our actions are perceived by others, and how a better understanding of these issues creates a more inclusive environment.

  • The City began the process of creating the Annie Glidden North (AGN) Revitalization Plan. In September, 30 community stakeholders were appointed to the AGN Task Force. Several community meetings were held to gather input from the community-at-large. The Task Force and community meetings helped identify early action projects that will address needs in the AGN neighborhood.

The public is encouraged to monitor progress on the strategic plan by visiting the DeKalb 2025 page on the City’s website.
Spring Property Maintenance Tips from the Building Division
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Spring is just around the corner. As you watch the snow melt away and flowers and trees start to bloom, you'll want to start thinking about projects around the house. Here are some things to keep in mind as you make your to-do list for the upcoming year.

  • Check your roofs in the spring for signs of damage which may have occurred over the winter. Roofs are one of the most important components of your home. A good roof, which adequately sheds water, helps protect the rest of your home from unnecessary damage. If your shingles are curling or have been damaged by ice over the winter, contact several reputable roofing contractors and for an assessment of your roof's condition. Please note, most roofing projects do require a permit, which can be obtained at the Building Division or online.

  • Although it may seem to be an aesthetic issue, peeling or deteriorating paint can create more significant problems down the road. Wood surfaces, unless adequately protected from the elements, are prone to deteriorate over time. A good exterior grade paint is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to protect wood trim and other surfaces from decay and rot. It also helps to keep the elements out of your house, protecting the bones of your house from early fatigue and failure. 

  • As the snow melts, ground thaw and spring showers contribute to saturated soils. It is a good idea to check that your sump pump is working properly, and check that it is not discharging onto a public right-of-way or neighbor’s property. Sump pumps help keep your basement dry, but can also create problems for others if not correctly discharged. 

  • Once the weather gets warmer, grasses and vegetation need to be maintained around your property, generally to a maximum height of eight inches.  Similarly, bushes and trees should be maintained so as to not create a nuisance around public sidewalks. Please allow residents and visitors to the City access to walk and enjoy the beautiful weather.

These are just a few ways you can help extend the life of your property and contribute to a vibrant looking community. For questions regarding property maintenance and building permits, please contact the Building Division at 815-748-2070.
Protect Yourself from Identity Theft this Tax Season
With tax season in full swing, it is important to guard yourself against Identity Theft. Victims may be told they owe money to the IRS that must be paid promptly through a gift card or wire transfer. Some victims may be threatened with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or driver’s license. Others may be told they have a refund due and will be tricked into sharing private information.

Remember, the IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. The IRS will NEVER ask for payment via Gift Cards, PayPal, or Western Union. To protect yourself and learn more about tax scams, in particular, visit the IRS help page.

Here are some tips to protect yourself from Identify Theft, regardless of the season:

  1. Shred documents that contain personal information.
  2. Opt out of credit offers. Call 1-888-5-OPTOUT to learn more about opting out of pre-approved credit offers that clog your mailbox.
  3. Create complicated passwords. Generally, you want to use at least 8 characters with a combination of numbers and capital/lowercase letters.
  4. Create multiple passwords and change them every sixty days.
  5. Monitor your financial accounts on regular basis to catch unusual account activity.

If you have any questions or believe you are the victim of Identity Theft, please contact the Police Department at 815-748-8400. 
Deputy Fire Chief Completes Executive Fire Officer Program
Recently, Deputy Fire Chief Jeffery McMaster (left) became only the fifth member in the history of the DeKalb Fire Department to complete the Executive Fire Officer Program offered by the United States Fire Administration.

The Executive Fire Officer Program is the flagship series of leadership course at the National Fire Academy. It is designed to provide senior fire executives, fire chiefs, and others in key leadership roles the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, skills, and ability to lead the transformation of fire and emergency medical services.

In the program, students enhance their professional development through a unique series of four graduate and upper-division baccalaureate equivalent courses. The demanding program requires four mandatory core courses that span a four-year period. Each course is two weeks in length and must be attended at the National Emergency Training Center in Emmitsburg, Maryland. To graduate, participants must write and submit a graduate-level Applied Research Project that relates to their organization after each course.

Please join us in congratulating Deputy Chief McMaster as we thank him for his hard work and service to our community.
Police Benevolent & Protective Association Annual Pancake Breakfast
The DeKalb Police Benevolent and Protective Association is the charitable arm of the Police Department. Each year the association hosts a pancake breakfast as a primary fundraiser. This fundraiser allows the association to donate to numerous causes, including local children’s sports teams and other charitable causes.  

This year's Annual Pancake Breakfast will take place on Sunday, April 29, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1336 East Lincoln Highway, from 8 a.m. until noon. Ticket prices are $5 for adults and $2 for children. Tickets may be purchased at the Police Department or at the door.
Non-Profit Focus: TAILS Humane Society
TAILS Humane Society opened in 1999 and has been serving the DeKalb community from its Barber Green location since 2005. Management Intern Jason Blumenthal recently met with Nathan Tripp, development and marketing manager, to learn about TAILS and how community members can get involved with their organization.

What is the mission of TAILS?

The TAILS mission is to build a compassionate community through the care of companion animals.

What services do TAILS provide?

There are multiple services provided by the shelter. In 2009, we opened a low-cost Spay/Neuter Clinic providing quality, affordable services to the public. In addition to the clinic, we have a program in conjunction with Meals on Wheels called HomeBuddies. HomeBuddies provides pet food and veterinary care for pets of VAC’s Meals on Wheels recipients. If you are looking for dog training we have that too. Our programs are meant to advocate for animals by supporting pets in the home.

What can community members do to help and get involved?

For those who want to get involved, we have many different ways of participating. If you are looking for a hands-on experience, we offer a volunteer program. Our volunteers do everything from helping around the shelter, socializing with the animals, and helping greet visitors and find their forever friend. If your schedule doesn’t work for volunteering we have many other opportunities to get involved. Donations are accepted year round for towels, blankets, or pet food. We also have opportunities to sponsor kennels or general gifts to the shelter itself. Another way to help out is using Amazon Smile and selecting TAILS as your charity of choice. We also have an Amazon Wish List showing what the shelter needs. Services at TAILS only provide 50% of the revenue we need to provide for over 2,400 homeless animals each year. Every little bit helps run the shelter.

What community events do TAILS put on?

There are quite a few community events hosted by TAILS. The two largest are Tropical Tails Gala and the Mutt Strut 5K . This year the Tropical Tails Gala will be taking place on March 10 in the Duke Ellington Ballroom located in NIU’s Holmes Student Center. Tropical Tails is the largest event for TAILS and includes dinner and both a live and silent auction. The second event is the annual Mutt Strut 5K. Our event is one of the only dog-friendly 5Ks in the area. Typically, the race is held in September and information on this year's event will be coming out soon.

TAILS Humane Society is located at 2250 Barber Greene Road and is open every day in the afternoon. Visit their website for more information.
Upcoming Meetings
Committee of the Whole Meeting
March 12, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers

City Council Meeting
March 12, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers

Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission Meeting
March 19, 4 p.m. at Haish Conference Room

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
March 21, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers

Committee of the Whole Meeting
March 26, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers

City Council Meeting
March 26, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers

Airport Advisory Board
March 27, 7 p.m. at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport Maintenance Facility

Human Relations Commission Meeting
April 3, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
April 4, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers

Citizens' Environmental Commission Meeting
April 5, 4 p.m. at City Hall
Economic Development Commission Meeting
April 6, 8:30 a.m. at City Hall

Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 9, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers

City Council Meeting
April 9, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers

Fire Pension Board Meeting
April 12, 8 a.m. at Ellwood Conference Room

Citizens Community Enhancement Commission
April 16, 4 p.m. at Haish Conference Room

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
April 18, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers

Police Pension Board Meeting
April 20, 10 a.m. at DeKalb Police Department

Committee of the Whole Meeting
April 23, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers

City Council Meeting
April 23, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers

Airport Advisory Board
April 24, 7 p.m. at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport Maintenance Facility
To view agendas for City meetings, please go to the City's Agenda Center here .
To check for meeting cancellations and location updates, please check the City Website here .
Community Events
Ellwood House Museum Tours and Events
Beginning March 1

A new season of tours and events at the Ellwood House Museum begins on March 1st. Check out the museum's website for additional details on tour availability and upcoming events.

Breakfast with the Bunny
March 31 at Hopkins Park.

Join the DeKalb Park District for breakfast with the bunny and Easter egg hunt! Pre-registration is required. Stay turned to the Park District's website for details.

Stage Coach Players
Stage Coach Players, 126 S 5th St, DeKalb, IL
April 12 to 22

Come on out and see the musical based on the 1959 hit "Some like it Hot". For ticket information please visit their website by clicking here.
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Egyptian Theatre Events
135 North Second Street, DeKalb, IL

Check out one of the many great events occurring in March and April like rocking out with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers (Not the Peppers), seeing the timeless classic Rocky Horror Picture Show, or hanging out with Jack Hanna's Into the Wild. No matter what your interests there is an event for everyone to enjoy!

For more information and tickets, please visit the Egyptian Theatre website. 

DeKalb Public Library Events
309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL

The DeKalb Public Library offers a variety of programs and events for children and adults of all ages. Check out their website for details.

Northern Illinois University Events
DeKalb Campus

Northern Illinois University offers a variety of music, arts, and entertainment events that are open to the public. Check out NIU's Events Calendar for a full list of events.
Event dates, times, and locations are subject to change without notice. Please contact the event sponsor for additional details.
Hours of Operation
City Phone Numbers
City Hall           
200 South Fourth Street
Monday - Friday   
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Police Station
700 West Lincoln Highway
Monday - Friday   
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Public Works 
1216 Market Street
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport    
3232 Pleasant Street  
Monday - Friday     
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Police/Fire Emergency 911 

Police Non-Emergency 815-748-8400

Parking Ticket Inquiries 815-748-8412

City Clerk 815-748-2095 
          
City Manager's Office 815-748-2090

Finance Department 815-748-2000

Fire Department 815-748-8460

Mayor's Office 815-748-2099

DeKalb-Sycamore Area 815-748-2367
Transportation Study

DeKalb Taylor Municipal 815-748-8102
Airport

Public Works - Street Division 815-748-2040

Public Works - Utility Division 8 15-748-2050