May 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

Interim City Manager

Patty Hoppenstedt
May 5th is "City of DeKalb Day" at NIU Baseball
This Saturday, May 5th, the Northern Illinois University Men's Baseball team invites residents to come on out to the first ever City of DeKalb Day. Join your friends and neighbors for a great family friendly event as the Huskies take on the University of Toledo Rockets.

In honor of City of DeKalb Day, Mayor Jerry Smith will throw out the first pitch. First pitch will be at 1:00 p.m. with the game to follow. Entry is free to all members of the public and no tickets are needed. Come early to get the best seats.

Huskie baseball games are played at Ralph McKinzie Field located on the west side of Huskie Stadium. Free parking is available in any of the campus parking lots.

For more information on Huskie athletic events, check out the official website of NIU Athletics .

In This Issue

NIU Baseball

2018 Street Maintenance Program

Safe Streets Initiative

Kishwaukee Kiwanis Multi-Use Path

DeKalb Municipal Band

Summer Water Usage

Street Light Upgrades

CPR Training Classes

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Annual Street Maintenance to Begin Soon
The Public Works Department is gearing up for the 2018 Street Maintenance Program. This year's program will consist of street resurfacing and crack sealing. Public Works identified a list of streets to be repaired based on pavement condition, geographic location, location within a tax increment financing (TIF) district, and available funding to create the schedule of streets listed below. These streets will be milled and resurfaced from curb to curb.  
Crack sealing is also included in this year’s street maintenance program. Crack sealing is a cost-effective tool used to extend the life of asphalt and concrete pavements. Using a rubberized, hot-liquid, asphalt material, crews seal the cracks preventing moisture from penetrating the base of the roadway. Water is the most destructive element to pavement. As water enters the cracks, the freeze and thaw cycles of the winter weaken the base causing rapid deterioration.  However, with an aggressive and coordinated crack sealing program, Public Works can slow down the deterioration because the flexible, rubberized sealant shifts with the pavement as it expands and contracts.
As part of the 2018 Street Maintenance Program, Public Works will utilize $440,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to resurface 3,900 feet of roadway along Harvey, Tyler and Charter between South Fourth and South Seventh Streets. In addition, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalk ramp improvements will be made along South Sixth Street between Culver and Charter Streets.
Police Department Proposes Next Phase of the Safe Streets Initiative
In April, the Police Department outlined Phase Three and Four of the Safe Streets Initiative. It is anticipated that Phase Three will be brought before the City Council in the coming months.

Phase Three would establish no parking zones from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. on streets west of Annie Glidden Road, which are shown in blue on the map. This phase would help to curtail overnight parking by non-residents in areas with public safety 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.

For more information on the Safe Streets Initiative or to provide input on Phase Three, please visit the Safe Streets Initiative page on the City's website.
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. 
Kishwaukee Kiwanis Multi-Use Trail
Scheduled to Open in June
Construction of the Kishwaukee Kiwanis Multi-Use Trail resumed in April with the installation of a safety structure underneath the Union Pacific Bridge. The structure, which runs along the west bank of the river, will support a series of corrugated steel panels designed to protect bicyclists and pedestrians from falling train debris. A cold, wet spring slowed progress from last year, but the project manager believes the new path will be ready for a June 2018 opening.  
City Educates Residents through Budget Basics Video
Have you ever wanted to know how your local tax dollars are spent? In an effort to help educate the public about the City's Annual Budget, the Finance Department produced a video titled "Budget Basics 2018". This short 8-minute video provides an overview of the City's budget process and the services provided to residents through the taxes, charges and fees paid to the City.
Another Summer of Music in the Park Kicks Off June 12
This year marks 164 years for the DeKalb Municipal Band. The band has been around through two world wars, the Great Depression, and the turn of not one, but two centuries, making it the longest playing municipal band in Illinois.

Catch the opening night concert on June 12 at 8 p.m. at the Hopkins Park Band Shell. Concerts continued throughout the summer every Tuesday night. Admission is free so bring your family and friends to enjoy this great historic experience.
Water Usage Increases With Warm Weather
As warmer weather arrives, many residents will begin using more water for activities such as watering lawns and gardens, filling up pools, or washing cars. All of these things can affect your water bill.

The Finance Department receives many questions from residents about water bills as usage increases. Here is an example of a commonly asked question:

Do I pay sewer charges on my water bill when we are using water to fill our pool or to water our lawn and gardens?

Yes, all water that goes through the water meter at your residence will be billed on your regular bi-monthly water and sewer bill. However, there are provisions to install a secondary meter if you feel your consumption for lawns, gardens, and pools will be extensive. Here you will find the guidelines and charges associated with installing a secondary meter. This program is administered by the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District. You can contact Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District for more detailed information at 815-758-3513.

As a reminder, if you are moving, please contact the Finance Department. You will need to have the following information ready: your address, the last day of service, and a forwarding address so you can receive your final bill. If you have questions, please call 815-748-2085.
ComEd to Upgrade Street Lights to LED Technology
ComEd plans to upgrade approximately 1,969 ComEd-owned street lights in DeKalb. The LED Street Lighting Program replaces the current sodium-based lights to LED technology. Beginning this summer, ComEd will conduct an inventory of their lights and begin to replace 969 lights this year, followed by 1,000 next year. Public Works anticipates the Annie Glidden North neighborhood will be the first area to see the improvements. LED streets lights offer greater energy efficiency, which will result in a cost savings to the City, and offer brighter light than that which is produced by current light fixtures. 
Fire Department Offers CPR Training
The DeKalb Fire Department and the American Heart Association have teamed up to offer four CPR certification classes this year. The second class will be held on May 24, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Fire Station #1, located at 700 Pine Street. The 4-hour class will teach participants the life-saving knowledge and skills necessary to perform CPR. At the end of the course, participants will be required to pass a written exam to become CPR certified.

Additional classes are scheduled for July 26 and November 8 also from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The fee for CPR classes is $35. To register and pay the enrollment fee, please visit the Customer Service counter at City Hall.

If you have any questions or would like more information please feel free to contact the Fire Department at 815-748-8460 or E-mail Firefighter/Paramedic Patrick Eriksen or Firefighter/Paramedic Noah Millard.

We can also accommodate requests to certify large groups. Please contact the Fire Department for more information.
Upcoming City Hall Closures

City offices will be closed on the following dates in May and June:

  • May 28 - Memorial Day

Normal office hours will resume on the following business day. If you need more immediate assistance, please call the Police Department's non-emergency number at 815-748-8400.
Upcoming Meetings
Board of Fire & Police Commissioners
May 1, 5 p.m. at DeKalb Police Department

Human Relations Commission
May 1, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall

Citizens' Environmental Commission
May 3, 4 p.m. at City Hall

Economic Development Commission
May 4, 8:30 a.m. at City Hall

Planning and Zoning Commission
May 9, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers

DeKalb Public Library Board
May 9, 7 p.m. at DeKalb Public Library

Committee of the Whole
May 14, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers

City Council
May 14, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers

Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Board
May 21, 8 a.m. at Ellwood Conference Room

Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission
May 21, 4 p.m. at Haish Conference Room

Airport Advisory Board
May 22, 7 p.m. at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport Maintenance Facility

Planning and Zoning Commission
May 23, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers

Committee of the Whole
May 29, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers
City Council
May 29, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers

Economic Development Commission
June 1, 8:30 a.m. at City Hall

Human Relations Commission
June 5, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall

Planning and Zoning Commission
June 6, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers

Citizens' Environmental Commission
June 7, 4 p.m. at City Hall

Committee of the Whole
June 11, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers

City Council
June 11, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers

DeKalb Public Library Board
June 13, 7 p.m. at DeKalb Public Library

Citizens Community Enhancement Commission
June 18, 4 p.m. at Haish Conference Room

Planning and Zoning Commission
June 20, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers

Committee of the Whole
June 25, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers

City Council
June 25, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers

Airport Advisory Board
June 26, 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
ARTigras!
May 4 and 5 at various locations

Come celebrate the arts at ARTigras! On May 4th and 5th, Northern Illinois University and the City of DeKalb will sponsor a celebration of the arts with an art exhibition, wine tasting, a variety show and more! For more information, please click here.

City of DeKalb Day at NIU Baseball
May 5 at Ralph McKinzie Field

Mayor Smith will be throwing out the first pitch at 1 p.m. Come on out and support your NIU Huskies as they take on the University of Toledo Rockets. Admission is free!

Hopkins Pool Season Opening
May 26 at Hopkins Pool

Are you ready for warm days relaxing by the pool? We certainly are, and luckily Hopkins Pool is about to open for the summer. On May 26 the wading pool will open at 10 a.m. with the general pool to follow at 11:30 a.m. Start the summer season with some fun! Check out the Park District's website for additional details.

Memorial Day Parade
May 28 at 8:30 am

The annual DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Memorial Day Parade will kick off at 8:30 a.m. from Second St. and Lincoln Hwy. The parade will continue west to North First St., north to Locust St., west to Linden Pl., and north on Linden Pl.

DeKalb Municipal Band
June 12 at Hopkins Park Band Shell

This year marks the 164th continuous year the DeKalb Municipal Band will be preforming. Bring your friends and family every Tuesday night to enjoy some music! Find out more information about the band at their website.
Stage Coach Players
Stage Coach Players, 126 S 5th St, DeKalb, IL
June 7 to 17

Do you enjoy slamming doors, mistaken identities, and non-stop laughing? If so, Stage Coach has the show for you. This June they will be performing Lend Me a Tenor by renowned playwright Ken Ludwig. For ticket information please visit their website by clicking here.

Egyptian Theatre Events
135 North Second Street, DeKalb, IL

Check out one of the many great events occurring in May and June like a Toby Keith Tribute Band. Not down for a thrown down? That is okay because you can dance through the decades with Dance Dimensions. The Egyptian Theatre has a wide variety of performances for all 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