December 2020
Holiday Home Fire Safety
The DeKalb Fire Department is thinking about you and your family this Holiday season, and would like to provide you some facts about Holiday home fire safety.
  • One out of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems
  • A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every four of Christmas tree fires
  • December is the peak time of year for home candle fires
  • One-third of all candle fires start in the bedroom.

With this in mind, here are some quick tips for safely displaying and decorating a Christmas tree in your home:
  • Natural trees should be cut at a 45 degree angle
  • Place tree away from sources of heat
  • Use only non-flammable decorations
  • Inspect lights for frayed wire or other defects before use
  • Do not leave lights on unattended
  • Keep the tree stand full of water at all time
  • When the tree becomes dry, discard it immediately

In This Issue
Holiday Home Fire Safety

Coping with the Holidays During COVID-19

Ferrara and Facebook Developments

The Great 2021 Aircraft Raffle

Vehicle Theft Prevention

Johann DeKalb Suites

Seasonal Parking Restrictions

Snow Removal Requirements
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Coping With The Holidays During COVID-19
DeKalb County TRIAD in collaboration with Heartland Hospice will be hosting a Zoom based presentation focusing on ways to navigate the holidays within this new normal

Family gatherings with friends are usually a joyous tradition for many during the holiday season. However with COVID-19 cases on the rise, the holidays can create an added level of stress.

The presentation will be led by Heartland Hospice's Bereavement Coordinator Ambre Bethoux. The discussion will be focused on the stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and ways to cope during the holiday.

For questions and to pre-register, which is required for this event, please contact Meghan Wilinski of Heartland Hospice at 779-200-4350.
Ferrara and Facebook Developments
The contractor working on the Ferrara and Facebook developments have completed the 16" water main that will service both of these developments. The water main has been turned on and is now an active part of the City's distribution system. Over 2.5 miles of new public water main was added to service the developments.

Additionally, two columns were recently erected at the center of the new round-a-bout located at the intersection of Peace and Gurler Road. The columns welcome drivers as they enter the new ChicagoWest business park and list the first two developments to the park, Ferrara and Facebook. The columns are designed to add new placards as future businesses develop in the region.
Employment
Visit the City's Employment Page to view and apply for open positions. For more info, contact Human Resources at 815-748-2398. 
The Great 2021 Aircraft Raffle
The DeKalb Taylor Municipal (DTMA) Airport welcomed the Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA) 50th Anniversary raffle aircraft, a brand new Piper Super Cub single-engine taildragger, N50AV, flown by one of the C&D Aviation owners who stopped for self-serve fuel on his flight from Helena, Alabama, to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The Aviator who stopped by for the fuel enjoyed visiting the DTMA and he said he would stop by again. The Great 2021 Aircraft Raffle will be held during the EAA AirVenture Fly-in and Airshow on August 1, 2021. Raffle tickets may be purchased starting now at the EAA Aviation Museum or onsite during the EAA AirVenture fly-in and airshow week, July 26 - Aug. 1, 2021. Only 4,000 tickets will be sold for $100/each.

For more information you can visit the EAA webpage here.
Vehicle Theft Prevention
As the weather gets cooler, the DeKalb Police Department (DPD) wants to remind residents of ways they can prevent themselves from being a victim of a vehicle theft. Many of these vehicle thefts occur as a result of a vehicle burglary. These crimes are usually considered "opportunity crimes" since the offender takes advantage of an opportunity with little effort.

The DPD recommends that community members remain vigilant to prevent motor vehicle theft and reduce the opportunity for offenders to burglarize vehicles. Please follow these prevention tips:

  • Do not leave your vehicle running while unlocked and unattended when the keys are inside
  • Lock your car, even in your driveway and do not leave spare keys in the vehicle
  • Do not leave your electronic devices, wallets, purses, cash, or keys visible from outside your vehicle
  • Keep garage doors shut and locked when you are not present
  • Keep outside lights on after dark
  • Please report any suspicious activity or persons immediately to the DPD.

If you have information on any of these crimes, you can contact the DPD at 815-748-8400 or contact Crime Stoppers at 815-895-3272. You can also text ALERTDEKALB to 67282 and provide an anonymous tip.
Quick Links
Johann DeKalb Suites
On October 26th the City Council approved the rezoning of the former City Hall property at 200 South Fourth Street, and the construction of three, two-story structures with 57 furnished upscale residences for lease. Amenities will include meeting space, exercise and recreational facilities, accessory enclosed parking and greenspace. The development will be called Johann DeKalb Suites and is by John Pappas of City Hall Suites, LLC. Demolition of the former City Hall building will occur in early 2021 with construction on the project to follow.
Seasonal Parking Restrictions
There are a handful of ordinances that designate seasonal parking restrictions that residents should be aware of this winter. Residents are encouraged to refer to Chapter 51 of the municipal code for additional details.

For residents who park on a designated snow route, all vehicles must be removed from the street during snowfall in which there is an accumulation of 2 of snow or more. Vehicles in violation are subject to a $75 fine. This prohibition remains in effect until such time as the street or alley had been plowed or snow has been removed. All streets designated as a snow route are marked with a sign and can be found in the Municipal code under Chapter 51. It is unlawful to park on a public street or City parking lot that has not been cleared of snow, and it is also prohibited to remain parked for more than 72 hours following snowfall that accumulates more than 6 inches of snow. This offense is subject to a parking violation up to $75.

Additionally, vehicles are subject to a tow in the following circumstances:

  1. The vehicle is parked on a part of a Snow Emergency Route on a Municipal parking lot when a parking prohibition is in effect
  2. The vehicle is stalled on a part of a Snow Emergency Route on which there is a covering of snow, sleet, or ice, or on which there is a parking prohibition in effect and the person who was operating such vehicle does not appear to be removing it in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter 51.21
  3. The vehicle is parked on any public street within the City, or parked in any City parking lot, in a parking space or location that has not yet been snowplowed, during the period that is 48-96 hours after deactivation of the Snow Routes.
  4. The vehicle is parked in violation of any parking ordinance or provision of law and is interfering or about to interfere with snow removal operations.

You can find more information on seasonal parking restrictions here.

ALERT DeKalb
Receive important notifications from the City by signing up for ALERT DeKalb. Text, email, and phone messages are used to alert the public to emergency situations, severe weather, and traffic disruptions.

Users can also text ALERTDEKALB to 67283 to report criminal or suspicious activity and quality of life concerns.
Snow Removal Requirements
It's that time of year once again to bring out the shovel and bucket of salt!

Here are the snow/ice removal requirements for residents and business owners:

  • All public sidewalks area shall be kept free of ice and snow
  • Snow must be removed within 48 hours of onset of a snow event over 2"

You can ready more information on the removal of snow in Chapter 51.21-5 of the Municipal Code

Municipal Code also requires clearing of private parking lots within 48 hours of a 2" snow event

You can access further details in Chapter 24.10-302 - Amendments to the International Property Maintenance Code starting on page 89.

Upcoming City Hall Closures
City offices will be closed on the following days in December:

  • December 24 - Christmas Eve
  • December 25 - Christmas 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
Please note that due to ongoing COVID-19 health concerns, meetings are subject to cancellation. Check the City of DeKalb's Agenda Center for the most up to date information.
Human Relations Commission
December 1, 6:30 p.m. at the DeKalb Police Department

Citizens' Environmental Commission
December 3, 4 p.m. at the DeKalb Police Department

Economic Development Commission
December 4, 8:30 a.m. at the DeKalb Police Department

Planning and Zoning Commission
December 7, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library

DeKalb Public Library Board
December 9, 7 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library

Committee of the Whole Meeting
December 14, 5 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library

Regular City Council Meeting
December 14, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library
Airport Advisory Board
December 15, 7 p.m. at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport

Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission
December 21, 4 p.m. at the DeKalb Police Department

Planning and Zoning Commission
December 21, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library

Committee of the Whole Meeting
December 28, 5 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library

Regular City Council Meeting
December 28, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library
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
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.

Egyptian Theatre Events
135 North Second Street, DeKalb, IL

The Egyptian Theatre invites you to join them for the events they will be organizing in December! Some of these events include Beth Fowler Dancy Company: Nutcracker, Movie: It's A Wonderful Life, and Movie: White Christmas. For more information and tickets, please visit the Egyptian Theatre website.

DeKalb Hometown Hero
Downtown DeKalb

DeKalb Hometown Hero banners have returned to downtown to acknowledge some of our local veterans. To register for a banner, request an application from the DeKalb American Legion. You will be notified if your application is approved and a $100 fee will be required.

Stage Coach Players Fabric Giveaway + Food Drive
Stage Coach Theatre, 126 S. 5th St. DeKalb, IL
December 8, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

The stage coach players is pleased to announce a partnership with the DeKalb Salvation Army to fill the hearts and bellies of hundreds of local families in need throughout the upcoming 2020 holiday season. This will be done by collecting 100 thanksgiving food boxes and hundreds of gifts for children who will otherwise go without. To facilitate donations we will return to a weekly Food drive and Fabric Giveaway every Tuesday, rain (or snow!) or shine, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the parking lot.
DeKalb Public Library Events
309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL

The DeKalb Public Library is offering virtual and in person programs and events for children and adults of all ages. Some of the events they are hosting in December are virtual stories at home, virtual concert: Hawaiian Show, and Virtual LEGO club: Winter Wonderland. For more information on events in December at DPL, check out their website for details.

DeKalb Park District: Drive-Thru Santa Express
Hopkins Park, 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, IL
December 5, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Enjoy some holiday cheer at Hopkins Park! Seasonal lights at the Hopkins Park Shelter will sparkle your holiday spirit as you drive up to meet with the Big Guy himself! Each vehicle will get a photo opportunity, holiday take-home activity, and a special gift from Santa. Fee is $25 per vehicle and pre-registration is required. Hot cocoa will be available for a small fee. Resident registration opens up on November 1 and non-residents on November 15. You can find additional information here.

Lights on Lincoln and Santa Comes Thru Town
Downtown DeKalb
December 4, 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Celebrate the start of the holiday season in Downtown DeKalb with Lights on Lincoln and Santa Comes Thru Town! Enjoy holiday lights that line the streets and wave to Santa as he rides through Downtown Dekalb! Please practice social distancing from other families and wear a face covering. You can find more of the details here.
Please note that due to the ongoing COVID-19 health concerns, these events are subject to cancellation.
City Officials
Jerry Smith, Mayor

Carolyn Morris, Alderman - 1st Ward

Bill Finucane, Alderman - 2nd Ward

Tracy Smith, Alderman - 3rd Ward

Greg Perkins, Alderman - 4th Ward
Scott McAdams, Alderman - 5th Ward

Mike Verbic, Alderman - 6th Ward

Anthony Faivre, Alderman - 7th Ward

Lynn Fazekas, City Clerk

Bill Nicklas, City Manager
Hours of Operation
City Phone Numbers
City Hall          
164 E. Lincoln Highway
Monday - Friday  
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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

Public Works
1216 Market Street
Monday - Friday
7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport    
3232 Pleasant Street  
Monday - Friday     
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
City Clerk 815-748-2095 

City Manager's Office 815-748-2090

Community Development Department 815-748-2070

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport 815-748-8102

Finance Department 815-748-2000

Fire/Police Emergency 911

Fire Non-Emergency 815-748-8460

Mayor's Office 815-748-2099

Police Non-Emergency 815-748-8400

Public Works Department 815-748-2040
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