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City Officials
Mayor
John Rey
City Council
David Jacobson, Ward One
Bill Finucane, Ward Two
Michael Marquardt, Ward Three
Bob Snow, Ward Four
Kate Noreiko, Ward Five
David Baker, Ward Six
Anthony Faivre, Ward Seven
City Clerk
Jenny Jeep Johnson
City Manager
Anne Marie Gaura
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City Hall Closures
In honor of Memorial Day, City offices will be closed Monday, May 29. Normal hours will resume Tuesday, May 30.
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DeKalb Firefighter to Receive Firefighter Medal of Honor
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DeKalb Firefighter/Paramedic Jared Thorp will receive the Firefighter Medal of Honor on May 9 in Springfield, Illinois. The Medal of Honor is the highest award given by the State of Illinois to a firefighter for an act of outstanding bravery or heroism, by which the firefighter has demonstrated in great degree the characteristics of selflessness and personal courage above and beyond the call of duty, under adverse conditions, with the possibility of extreme personal risk.
While off duty on July 5, 2016, Firefighter/Paramedic Thorp heard a dispatch over the e-dispatch system, realized he was in the vicinity of the reported structure fire, saw the smoke and responded to the incident without hesitation. When he arrived on the scene, bystanders advised him there was an unconscious male trapped in an upstairs bedroom.
While bystanders on scene attempted to extinguish the fire with a garden hose prior to Fire Department arrival, Firefighter/Paramedic Thorp and another bystander entered the occupancy and made their way to the second-floor bedroom where the victim and fire were located. The victim was found laying against the door of the upstairs interior of the bedroom, which made the door impossible for them to open. They valiantly tried several times to reach the victim, without success.
As a result of the high heat and smoke conditions, Firefighter/Paramedic Thorp suffered scorch injuries to his face and head. Upon arrival of the Fire Department, Thorp was able to advise the department of the exact location of the fire and the exact location and rescue attempts of the victim. With the knowledge he supplied, the arriving Fire Department Truck Company was able to make entry and rescue the victim while the arriving Engine Company provided hose line assistance to the Truck Company.
DeKalb Medic 1 crew, along with Firefighter/Paramedic Jared Thorp, provided advanced life support emergency medical care and assistance to the fire victim and transported him to the hospital. The fire victim has survived his fire injuries.
Nine other DeKalb firefighters will also be recognized at the award ceremony for their actions at the same incident. Lieutenant/Paramedic Brett Gautcher, Firefighter/Paramedic Tim Stiker, Firefighter/Paramedic Todd Adamson, Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Krupa, Firefighter Matt Klotz, Captain Mike Thomas, Firefighter/Paramedic Andrew Romano, Firefighter/Paramedic Jon Ritter will be receiving the Unit Citation Award.
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In This Issue
Budget Award
Student Presentation
Electrical Aggregation Update
Local Business Expansion
New Shift Commander Vehicle
Upcoming Meetings
Community Events
Hours of Operation
City Phone Numbers
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DeKalb Farmer's Market
The DeKalb Farmer's Market features locally-grown produce, wine, baked goods, flowers and artisan crafts. The Market occurs on Thursdays from June 1 to September 30 in Van Buer Plaza.
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City Recognized with Bicycle Friendly Community Designation
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On November 16, 2016, the League of American Bicyclists presented the City with a Bronze level award for its commitment to becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community
(BFC).
To recognize this achievement, signage has been placed on the bike path along Annie Glidden Road. As a newly awarded BFC, the City received an award certificate, road signs and a report card with feedback on the City's future bicycling needs.
DeKalb was recognized as a Bronze-level BFC due to its’ cultivated network of stakeholders who are dedicated to creating a safe and comfortable bicycle network. Bronze communities are actively taking the steps to improve their community’s bikeability.
“The Bicycle Friendly Distinction is an outstanding achievement as a first-time applicant,” said Assistant City Manager Patty Hoppenstedt. “The distinction aligns with the City of DeKalb’s 2025 Strategic Plan Vision of Accessibility.
On March 24, Mayor John Rey along with Assistant City Manager Hoppenstedt, DeKalb-Sycamore Area Transportation Study Transportation Planner Jessica Hyink, Public Works Management Analyst Patrick DiDiana and members of the Live Healthy DeKalb County Active Transportation Group visited the newly placed BFC Sign at Prairie Park on Annie Glidden Road.
“The effort by many local leaders to achieve this distinction is remarkable,” said Planner Hyink. “The new sign will serve as a constant reminder of the City’s dedication to accessibility and bikeability.”
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Employment
Opportunities
Visit the City's Employment section on the website to view and apply for specific positions. For more information, contact the Human Resources Department at (815) 748-2300.
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DeKalb Budget Honored with Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
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The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has announced that the City of DeKalb’s 2016.5 Budget has received the GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
This award is the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting and represents a significant achievement made by the City of DeKalb.
The award reflects the commitment of City staff, under the direction of City Council, to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.
“Staff worked diligently to ensure that our budget would qualify,” said Finance Director Cathy Haley. “It’s an impressive accomplishment to receive this award for the second year in a row.”
In order to receive the budget award, DeKalb had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity’s budget serves as:
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A policy document
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A financial plan
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An operations guide
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A communications device
Budget documents must be rated “proficient” in all four categories, and the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.
The Government Finance Officers Association is a professional association servicing the needs of nearly 19,000 appointed and elected local, state, and provincial-level government officials and other finance practitioners. Since the inception of the GFOA’s distinguished budget presentation awards program in 1984, only approximately 900 entities out of more than 4,800 GFOA member units in the United States and Canada have received the award.
The GFOA’s distinguished budget presentation awards program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.
Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and to provide an excellent example for other entities throughout North America to follow.
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NIU Students Present Report on Downtown Community Conversation Event
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On Monday, April 24, NIU student Leaders Group members Caleb Tomaszewski and Christine Wang presented to City Council on results from a survey and downtown community conversation event that took place in February. Economic Development Planner Jason Michnick and Management Intern Chris Jackson also joined the presentation.
On February 1, 2017, 60 NIU students participated in the downtown dinner and community conversation at O’Leary’s Ale House that also included a guided bus tour. NIU staff, Proudly DeKalb community members, and City of DeKalb staff facilitated individual conversations at each table that revolved around downtown revitalization, student issues, and other community ideas. The night ended with each group electing a student speaker to summarize their table’s discussion points and main takeaways. Staff is now using the ideas and feedback to drive initiatives. The presentation gave a recap of the event and survey. The presentation and report highlights five themes from the event including communication, street/sidewalk lighting, downtown transportation, weekend activities and sense of community.
In April 2016, the City Manager's office initiated an outreach effort to NIU in order to establish a direct communication link between the City and students. The work group and downtown community convseration event was a result of this effort. The full report presented to City Council can be found here.
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City Council Approved Discontinuing Homefield Energy Contract
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At the April 24 City Council meeting, staff recommended and Council approved to discontinue the City of DeKalb’s electrical aggregation program. The current contract with Homefield Energy for electrical aggregation services expires at the end of July. All residents currently participating in the program will have their electricity accounts default back to ComEd. No action is required by residents.
Since 2012, the City has utilized electrical aggregation to procure competitive rates. However, the market is changing. ComEd’s declining rates continue to close the pricing gap previously realized through aggregation. Collapsing natural gas prices combined with the influx of numerous suppliers also drove prices downward. Cities such as Sycamore, Elgin, Downers Grove, Westmont, and Park Ridge have also discontinued their electrical aggregation programs.
If you are considering an agreement with an alternative electrical supplier or are promised better rates, the City recommends the following two steps to ensure you are receiving the best rate.
1. Identify your supplier by locating this image at the bottom of the first page of your invoice.
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2. Confirm your current rate by locating this image on page two of your invoice. The sum of the electricity supply charge and transmission services charge is your current rate per kWh. The current ComEd rate is .06318 per kWh. Rates quoted higher than ComEd’s current rate mean you’ll be paying more.
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City staff expect an increase in phone and door-to-door solicitors as the current contract nears expiration. Door-to-door solicitors operating in the City of DeKalb are required to register with the City and obtain a license. If a solicitor approaches your home and cannot produce a city-issued permit, please contact the Police Department's non-emergency number at (815)-748-8400.
For more information or assistant, contact Public Works Management Analyst Patrick DiDiana at (815)-748-8135.
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Local DeKalb Business to Expand Into Downtown Property
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Long-time local DeKalb business Sundog, formerly TBC, plans to relocate from 444 East Hillcrest Drive to 230 East Lincoln Highway by the end of this year.
Sundog President and CEO Cohen Barnes explored various options for expanding his business, including building a new facility, moving to a newer existing building, moving the operation to Sycamore or renovating a historic downtown DeKalb building.
“Mr. Barnes chose to relocate to downtown DeKalb, not because it was less costly, but because he is committed to investing in the community that has helped him grow his company,” said Community Development Director Jo Ellen Charlton.
Sundog’s plan to move to the downtown property also included a plan for needed improvements, such as building code compliance work, roof replacement, second-floor window installation, elevator installation, HVAC repairs and façade replacement to beautify the property. To help fund these improvements, Mr. Barnes sought TIF funds from the City. The TIF district in which this downtown property lies allows distribution of funds for projects that encourage private investment in properties within the district.
Mr. Barnes contacted contractors for bids and developed a budget for proposed improvements. The estimated total is $1.2 million, $400,000 of which the City will contribute in the form of TIF funds. On March 13, 2017, the City Council approved the TIF funding agreement on first reading. In April, Sundog IT came under contract to purchase 230 East Lincoln Highway, contingent upon the City’s contribution of the requested TIF funds.
“Sundog’s purchase of this property increases the property sales velocity, which makes the downtown area more attractive to other buyers, spurring additional sales and encouraging further improvements,” said Economic Development Planner Jason Michnick. “This project will act to boost the economic health of downtown DeKalb and the City as a whole.”
Construction and improvements at the property are anticipated to begin this month. At the end of this year, Sundog will relocate to the second floor of the property. The first floor will be rented out for use as offices, retail, or restaurant space. When Sundog expands further, it will discontinue renting out the first floor to allow for expansion into that space.
Established in 1989, Sundog was the first commercial internet service provider in the DeKalb area. In addition to Mr. Barne’s work with Sundog, he is also an advocate for the DeKalb community, actively promotes #ProudlyDeKalb events, is a member of the City of DeKalb Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission, and he acted as a spokesperson in the America’s Best Communities competition for DeKalb.
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New Shift Commander Response Vehicle is Put Into Service
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The Fire Department purchased a 2016 Ford Expedition 4X4 SSV to be utilized as the department’s new Shift Commander response vehicle. The vehicle was placed into service in March.
Prior to the purchase, the department was faced with many aging vehicles. The purchase of the new Shift commander Response Vehicle was made after extensive research that examined the purchase of a used or new model, in addition to comparisons of the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe models. Ultimately, the department purchased the 2016 Ford Expedition 4X4 SSV at a base cost of $31,985. The purchase of the vehicle, with options and equipment required, did not exceed the FY2017 budgeted allocation total of $40,000.
The Department utilized the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) to purchase the vehicle. The goal of CMS is to provide more effective and efficient services to better serve state agencies, employees, Illinois citizens, the business community and the legislature. CMS offers local governments the opportunity to save time and money when purchasing many commodities, services and equipment ranging from car parts to bulk electricity to rock salt to computer hardware and software.
Not only do local governments save a percentage per purchase, but Illinois municipalities can significantly reduce their administrative expenses when purchasing from these select statewide contracts.
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Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission Meeting
May 4, 4 P.M. at DeKalb Municipal Buidling (Haish)
Economic Development Commission Meeting
May 5, 8 A.M.. at DeKalb Municipal Buidling
Committee of the Whole
May 8, 5 P.M. in Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
May 8, 6 P.M. in Council Chambers
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
May 10, 6 P.M. in Council Chambers
DSATS Policy Committee Meeting
May 10, 3 P.M. .at the
DeKalb County Highway Department Conference Room
Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission Meeting
May 15, 4 P.M. DeKalb Municipal Buidling (Haish Conference room)
Committee of the Whole Meeting
May 22, 5 P.M. in Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
May 22, 6 P.M. in Council Chambers
Airport Advisory Board
May 23, 7 P.M. at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (Airport Maintenance Facility
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
May 24, 6 P.M. in Council Chambers.
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Citizens' Environmental Commission Meeting
June 1, 4 P.M. at DeKalb Municipal Buidling(City Hall)
Economic Development Commission Meeting
June 2, 8 A.M.. at DeKalb Municipal Buidling
Human Relations Commission Meeting
June 6, 6:30 P.M. at the DeKalb Municipal Buidling (Executive Conference Room)
DSATS Technical Advisory Committee Meeting
June 7, 11 A.M. .at the
DeKalb County Highway Department Conference Room
Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 12, 5 P.M. in Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
June 12, 6 P.M. in Council Chambers
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
June 14, 6 P.M. in Council Chambers
DSATS Policy Committee Meeting
June 14, 3 P.M. .at the
DeKalb County Highway Department Conference Room
Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission Meeting
June 19, 4 P.M. at DeKalb Municipal Buidling (Haish)
Committee of the Whole Meeting
June 26, 5 P.M. in Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
June 26, 6 P.M. in Council Chambers
Airport Advisory Board
June 27, 7 P.M. at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (Airport Maintenance Facility
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
June 28, 6 P.M. in Council Chambers.
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To view agendas for City meetings, please go to the City's Agenda Center here. To check for meeting cancellations and locations updates, please check the City Website here.
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CSA Sinfonia Concert
May 3, 7:30 P.M.
Come hear the best high school musicians in the area perform at the NIU Music Building in the Concert Hall. This performance will feature the 2016/2017 CSA Sinfonia Concerto Competition winner, Thompson Wang. The concert is free and open to the public.
May 6
Presented by NIU and the City of DeKalb, ARTigras is a Celebration of the Arts, both in the DeKalb community as well as on the NIU campus. This year’s ARTigras, Spring Art Walk features student art exhibitions, student/local art in downtown venues, a costume contest and a Variety Show at the Egyptian Theater featuring dance, theatrical and music performances.
Community Day at Prairie Park
May 6, 9 a.m.
The DeKalb Park District is hosting a Community Day at Prairie Park. Participants will meet at Disc Golf Course (corner of Glidden and Clifford) and tackle some park clean up projects from 9:00-11:00 a.m.
CSA Steelband and NIUkulele Recital
May 6, 7 P.M.
Come hear the fun tunes and rhythms of the CSA Steelband, directed by Yuko Asada and the NIUkulele Ensemble, directed by Eric Schroeder. This concert is free and open to the public.
CSA Showcase Recital
May 6, 9 A.M., 11 A.M., 1 P.M.
This recital at the NIU Music Building features children and adult students who take private lessons on a variety of instruments. A reception will follow the performance. The event is free and open to the public.
CSA Suzuki Graduation and Group Recital
May 6, 10 A.M.
The annual group concert and graduation of Suzuki violin students will be held in the Concert Hall in the NIU Music Building. This event is free and open to the public.
CSA Recital
May 7, 12 P.M.
Come hear the harp and piano students of Jaina Krueger play at the NIU Music Building in the Recital Hall. This recital is free and open to the public.
DeKalb School District Art Show
May 9-11, 5-8 P.M.
Come see the great artwork coming out of our schools! The art show will take place at the Egyptian Theatre and is free and open to the public.
CSA Guitar Ensemble Concert
May 10, 8 P.M.
This performancej will take place at the NIU Music Building and features the CSA Guitar Ensemble directed by Quentin Dover. The recital is free and open to the public.
CSA Guitar Ensemble Concert
May 10, 8 P.M.
This performancej will take place at the NIU Music Building and features the CSA Guitar Ensemble directed by Quentin Dover. The recital is free and open to the public.
ARTigras Variety Show,
May 06
Free Documentary: Paper Tigers,
May 16
Movie: The Inspector General,
May 18
Performing Arts Academy:
Decades with Disney,
June 3
Beth Fowler School of Dance: Grease,
June 09-11
Dance Dimensions: The Litte Mermaid, June 16-17
Laughter on the 23rd Floor
126 South 5th Street
June 1,2,3,9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m.
June 4 and 11 at 2:00 p.m.
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CSA Suzuki Violin Recital
May 13, 4 and 6 P.M.
Come hear the Suzuki violin students of Ann Montzka-Smelser and Laurie Rodriguez perform at the NIU Music Building in the Recital Hall. This recital is free and open to the public.
Cop on a Rooftop
May 19, 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Keep an eye out for DeKalb police and NIU police who will be on the rooftop at Dunkin' Donuts, 1101 W. Lincoln Highway on May 19. Customers arriving at Dunkin’ Donuts will have the option to help support The Special Olympics by giving a donation. For those that decide to donate they will be rewarded with coffee mugs, t-shirts, hats and Dunkin’ Donuts coupons.
CSA Suzuki Piano Recital
May 20, 5:30 P.M.
Come hear the Suzuki violin students of Ann Montzka-Smelser and Laurie Rodriguez perform at the NIU Music Building in the Recital Hall. This recital is free and open to the public.
CSA Suzuki Cello Recital
May 21, 3 P.M.
This recital features the Suzuki cello students of Tom Cappaert at the NIU Music Building in Recital Hall. The recital is free and open to the public.
Coffee with the Chief
May 24, 9 to 11 A.M.
Have coffee with the Chief at the DeKalb Police Department on May 24. A light breakfast will be served.
An Immigrant's Song, the Celtic Influx
May 27, 2-3:30 p.m.
Join the Dekalb Public Library in the Yusunas meeting room for an entertaining event with performer Barry Cloyd! This family friendly event is free and requires no registration!
Memorial Day Service
May 29, 10 A.M. to 12 P.M.
Join community members at Ellwood Museum after the Memorial Day Parade from 10:00 am - noon. Celebrate, remember and reflect upon our country and the heroes that made us great. The Mansion will be open free of charge following the Memorial Day Parade and the service.
Movies in the Park: Secret Life of Pets
June 9, 8 P.M.
Head on out to Hopkins park for a movie in the park.The show starts when nature turns off the lights but show up early to grab a spot, and enjoy some outdoor activities and live music. Free for all ages.
DeKalb Municipal Band Concert: Opening Night
June 14, 2017 at 8 P.M.
The DeKalb Municipal Band will have there opening night concert at the Band Shell in Hopkins Park at 1403 Sycamore Road.
Danny Santos Folk Music Concert
June 19, 7
Join the DeKalb Public Library in the Yusunas Meeting room for a free concert! No registration is required and all are welcome.
DeKalb Municipal Band Concert: A Tribute to Broadway and the Movies
June 20, 2017 at 8 P.M.
The DeKalb Municipal Band will have there opening night concert at the Band Shell in Hopkins Park at 1403 Sycamore Road.
DeKalb Municipal Band Concert
June 27, 2017 at 8 P.M.
The DeKalb Municipal Band will have there opening night concert at the Band Shell in Hopkins Park at 1403 Sycamore Road.
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City Hall
200 South Fourth Street
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Police Station
700 West Lincoln Highway
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Public Works
1216 Market Street
Monday - Friday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport
3232 Pleasant Street
Monday - Friday
7:30 am - 5:30 pm
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Police/Fire Emergency
911
Police
815-748-8400
Non-Emergency
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 815-748-2050
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