City of Dekalb City Council met Jan. 12

City of Dekalb City Council met Jan. 12.

Here is the agenda provided by the council:

A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL 

B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA 

D. PRESENTATIONS 

1. America250 DeKalb: Pause for Patriotism 

City Manager’s Summary: The City of DeKalb’s America250 Committee, chaired by Mayor Barnes, initially met on September 11, 2025, and is working on a number of initiatives to identify and illustrate the ways in which the eloquent lines of the Declaration of Independence still impact the human spirit and the political principles of this country. The Committee has recommended beginning each City Council meeting in 2026 with a brief reference to people who have put service to the American ideals of liberty and equality above self.

There are many definitions of patriotism. In America, it’s not just about the places we share, the holidays we celebrate, the government we elect, the sports teams we cheer, the television programs we watch, or showy behavior that cheers some at the expense of others. It is about our guiding principles: the dignity of each individual, freedom of thought and speech, and equality before the law. They provide the glue that essentially holds Americans together. It is what many have fought and died for, and it is what ties us to our past while uniting us in our future.

This initial “pause” is uniquely appropriate. It happens that on this day in American history, John Hancock was born (January 12, 1737) in Braintree, Massachusetts. Hancock was a Boston merchant and one of the richest men in America at the start of the Revolution. He was also a fiery patriot who did not hesitate to risk all his worldly belongings for the cause of independence.

Before the first shots of the Revolution were fired at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, British General Thomas Gage determined that two feisty rebels, Samuel Adams (second cousin of John Adams) and John Hancock, needed to be seized. Hearing of the British intentions, a young physician and patriot from Boston, Joseph Warren, dispatched fellow patriot Paul Revere through the night of April 18 to warn Hancock and Adams that British

Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.

troops were on the move and might attempt to arrest them. Revere reached Lexington around midnight and gave the warning. Hancock, a colonel of militia in the Seven Years War (1756- 1763), reportedly wanted to take the field with the patriot militia as the sun was rising on Lexington, but Adams and others convinced him to avoid battle, arguing that he was more valuable as a political leader than as a soldier.

Soon after the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, the British commander issued a proclamation granting a general pardon to all who would “lay down their arms, and return to the duties of peaceable subjects,” with the exception of Hancock and Samuel Adams, on whose heads a high price was laid.

As president of the Second Continental Congress, Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He signed in bold letters and was reported to have said: “There! His Majesty can now read my name without glasses. And he can double the reward on my head!”

John Hancock

2. Promotion of Acting Fire Chief Luke Howieson as Full-Time Fire Chief in the City of DeKalb. 

City Manager’s Summary: Upon former Fire Chief Mike Thomas’s retirement on July 11, former Deputy Fire Chief of Operations Luke Howieson was appointed Acting Fire Chief. Very soon after his tenure began, he provided excellent overall leadership to the multi-agency emergency responses surrounding a tragic drowning on DeKalb’s north side. Since then, he has continued to very ably coordinate the DeKalb Fire Department’s emergency and fire suppression efforts. He has also provided detailed guidance in the preparation of the Department’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, encouraged a review of fireground tactics as new equipment such as the Rosenbauer King Cobra Aerial Truck and higher shift strengths demand, and has established his leadership on a variety of City and regional Fire committees. Like his predecessor, Luke Howieson has served in every rank of the Department and has a proven record of strategic decision-making and operational leadership. And, also like former Chief Thomas, he has served a six-month probationary period as acting chief in which he has distinguished himself. Accordingly, with the authority provided by the DeKalb Municipal Code (Chapter 3, Section 3.08) to appoint and remove all officers, department heads, and employees of the City except those Police officers and Firefighter/Paramedics appointed by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, the City Manager has appointed Luke Howieson the full-time permanent Fire Chief of the City of DeKalb, effective this day.

In concert with tradition in the Fire service, Chief Howieson will be duly sworn and pinned by his son, Luke, at the Council meeting on January 12, 2026.

E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 

F. APPOINTMENTS 

None. 

G. CONSENT AGENDA 

1. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of December 8, 2025. 

2. Accounts Payable and Payroll through December 22, 2025, in the Amount of  $4,600,213.71. 

3. Accounts Payable and Payroll through January 12, 2026, in the Amount of $ $2,995,716.58.  

4. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through November 2025. 5. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through November 2025. 6. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – December 2025. 

7. Crime Free Housing Bureau Report – December 2025. 

H. PUBLIC HEARINGS 

None. 

I. CONSIDERATIONS 

1. Consideration of a U.S. EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant Application for the Former  Protano’s Auto Salvage Site (1151 S. Fourth Street). 

City Manager’s Summary: The City of DeKalb plans to apply for a 2026 U.S. EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant to remediate contamination at the former Protano’s Auto Salvage site (1151 S. Fourth Street). An environmental assessment performed by Fehr-Graham has confirmed hazardous lead levels and other contaminants (PCBs, VOCs, heavy metals) in shallow soil. The site, acquired by the City in 2015 and cleared of structures in 2016, remains vacant due to these environmental concerns. Located within the South Fourth Street TIF District #4, it is a priority property for corridor revitalization.

The IEPA grant program offers $315 million nationally and covers 100% of remediation costs. Successful cleanup will result in a No Further Remediation (NFR) Letter, clearing title and liability for future redevelopment. Fehr Graham will provide technical grant-writing services for $8,000, leveraging their experience securing over $24 million in similar IEPA funding.

City Council authority to authorize the City Manager to submit all required grant materials is recommended. Ross Grimes of Fehr-Graham will be on hand to address any Council questions or concerns.

J. RESOLUTIONS 

1. Resolution 2026-001 Authorizing a FY2026 Funding Agreement with the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation for Economic Development Services  in the Amount of $35,000, Covering the Period January 1, 2026, Through December  31, 2026. 

City Manager’s Summary: As part of the FY2026 City Budget approved on December 8, 2025, the City of DeKalb allocated $35,000 (Community Development: 100-40-41-63700) to support the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC). The City of DeKalb was a founding member of DCEDC in 1987 and has consistently benefited from its efforts in business attraction, retention, and strategic planning. Serving as the economic development arm of DeKalb County, DCEDC plays a critical role as a clearinghouse for industrial and commercial prospects, working closely with site selectors, developers, and brokers interested in opportunities within the City and surrounding planning area. The City Manager serves as a standing member of DCEDC’s Executive Committee, while the Mayor holds an ex-officio seat on the Board of Directors, ensuring strong representation and collaboration.

DCEDC’s value is evident in its involvement with major projects such as Ferrara, Meta, Amazon, Kraft Heinz, Karis, Project Midwest, and Edged. In addition to project facilitation, the organization administers the DeKalb County Enterprise Zone, conducts labor market and business activity surveys, and leads long-range planning initiatives like Opportunity Unbound to provide the City with comprehensive data and strategic insights that support continued growth and development. City Council approval is recommended. 

2. Resolution 2026-002 Authorizing a FY2026 Funding Agreement with the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau for Tourism Activities in the Amount of $50,000, Covering the Period January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. 

City Manager’s Summary: The FY2026 City Budget includes a $50,000 allocation (Community Development: 100-40-41-63700) to support the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). Importantly, each dollar contributed by the City is matched by the Illinois Office of Tourism, effectively doubling the impact of local investment. This funding helps promote events such as the IESA State Wrestling Championships, among others, through a wide range of marketing channels – including the annual DeKalb County CVB Guide.

While the City of DeKalb is a primary beneficiary of the CVB’s promotional efforts, it also contributes disproportionately compared to the other 14 municipalities in the county. Between 2010 and 2025, the City contributed $705,000 to the CVB, and on an annual basis has contributed more than the combined contributions of all other political entities in DeKalb County. This sustained investment underscores the City’s commitment to regional tourism and economic development.

City Council approval is recommended.

3. Resolution 2026-003 Authorizing a FY2026 Funding Agreement with the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce for Community Event Facilitation in the Amount of $35,000, Covering the Period January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.  

City Manager’s Summary: The City Manager serves as an ex-officio member of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, reflecting the City’s longstanding partnership with the Chamber in promoting community engagement and economic vitality. For over 25 years, the City of DeKalb has provided financial support for Chamber events management. An initial investment of $15,000 in 2000 evolved into an annual grant, reinforcing the City’s commitment to community development. In subsequent years, this support included additional grants to Mainstreet DeKalb and Renew DeKalb and thence to the Greater DeKalb Chamber:

*Indicates TIF funding.

In recent years, the City’s annual grant to the Chamber has supported varied downtown programming, including the Farmers’ Market, Santa’s arrival festivities, and other seasonal and community events that enhance the vibrancy of the downtown area.

City Council approval is recommended. 

4. Resolution 2026-004 Authorizing Payment of $41,088 to the DeKalb County Community Foundation on Behalf of the DeKalb Municipal Band for Services Provided from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.  

City Manager’s Summary: The Legislative budget within the City’s FY2026 Annual Budget includes an allocation of $41,088 to support the DeKalb Municipal Band, which was founded in 1854. The Band holds the distinction of being the longest continuously performing municipal band in the State of Illinois. In 2022, the Band partnered with the DeKalb County Community Foundation to establish a pass-through fund, designed to encourage and manage private donations. This fund now serves as the primary channel for both public and private contributions. The City’s FY2026 contribution will fund the Band’s summer 2026 performance season, continuing a tradition of musical excellence and community enrichment.

City Council approval is recommended. 

5. Resolution 2026-005 Authorizing Payment of $20,000 to Opportunity DeKalb in  Support of the Breakthrough Community Business Academy. 

City Manager’s Summary: At the joint meeting of the City Council and Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) to review the City’s draft fiscal year budget on November, Chad Glover, representing the Breakthrough Business board of directors, appealed to the Council to include an annual grant of $20,000 from the proposed FY2026 City Budget to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Mr. Glover explained that the FY2026 grant would specifically help sustain the Breakthrough Community Business Academy, which the Council previously supported with a $125,000 grant from the FY2024 CDBG fund in November 2023

(Resolution 2023-111) and a pass-through grant of $20,000 from Phase II of the DeKalb County Community Foundation’s economic development grant program in September 2024.

With the support of the Council and the FAC, the FY2026 City Budget allocates $20,000 in grant money from its “Developmental Services” line item (100-40-41-63700), which also supports the FY2026 grants to DCEDC, the DeKalb Chamber, and the DeKalb County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

City Council approval is recommended. 

6. Resolution 2026-006 Authorizing a Fourth Amendment to the Law Enforcement Embedded Social Worker Agreement with Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon  Center for the Service Term of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, in an  Amount Not to Exceed $194,183. 

City Manager’s Summary: The proposed resolution authorizes a Fourth Amendment to the Law Enforcement Embedded Social Worker Agreement between the City of DeKalb and Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center (NMBG), extending the program from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, at a cost not to exceed $194,183.

Originally established in 2018 with support from the U.S. Department of Justice, the program embeds licensed social workers within the DeKalb Police Department to assist in behavioral health crisis situations. Officers trained in Crisis Intervention Team principles collaborate with social workers to provide on-scene support, referrals, and follow-up services tailored to individual needs. This approach has proven effective in reducing repeat calls for service and improving outcomes for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Over time, the program has expanded to include two full-time Social Workers with partial support for a Social Worker supervisor, including administrative and supervisory support provided by Northwestern Medicine. The FY2026 agreement reflects growing community demand and a greater financial contribution from the City. Funding for this agreement is included in the adopted FY2026 budget – principally under the Police Department’s Community Support Services line item 100-20-25-63800, “Contracted Services.”

City Council approval is recommended.

7. Resolution 2026-007 Authorizing the Purchase of Four Police Vehicles from Galena Dodge and Acquiring the Necessary Upfitting Equipment from Various Vendors for a Total Cost Not to Exceed $266,080. 

City Manager’s Summary: The City of DeKalb’s FY2026 budget includes $300,000 to replace four Police vehicles. Galena Dodge has committed to providing four Dodge Durango police package vehicles at prices below the state bid, including one 2024 model at $41,492 and three 2026 models at $42,196 each. These prices include title and documentation fees and full factory warranties. Due to production delays, prior model years remain available as new vehicles, making this offer advantageous. The total cost for the vehicles is not to exceed $168,080. Additional upfitting equipment from trusted vendors is estimated at $100,000. The combined cost will not exceed $266,080, and adequate funding is included in the FY2026 adopted budget.

City Council approval is recommended. 

8. Resolution 2026-008 Approving a Package Liquor License for Prime Plus Liquors LLC to be Located at 1352 E. Dresser Road. 

City Manager’s Summary: Prime Plus Liquors LLC has applied for a “Package” liquor license, which authorizes the sale of alcoholic beverages in their original packaging for off-premises consumption only. If approved, the license will be issued as conditional until all requirements outlined in the resolution are satisfied, which include obtaining a State of Illinois liquor license and a City of DeKalb Fire Life Safety license.

Background checks for both the owner and manager have been completed and approved by the DeKalb Police Department. If approved, the City will collect an initial license fee of $11,319. Non-refundable application fees totaling $766 – covering the liquor license application, background investigation, and Fire Life Safety application – have already been paid.

The licensing term for a package liquor license runs from January 1 through December 31, with an annual renewal fee of $2,830.

City Council approval is recommended. 

9. Resolution 2026-009 Approving an Amendment to Resolution 2025-013, Which  Authorized the Waiver of Competitive Bidding and Approved the Purchase of Water Meters and Radio Transmitters from Badger Meter, Inc., Increasing the Authorized  Not-To-Exceed Amount to $94,520. 

City Manager’s Summary: On January 27, 2025, the City Council approved Resolution 2025- 013, authorizing a contract with Badger Meter, Inc. for the routine replacement of aging water meters and radio transponders. The Water Division is responsible for maintaining accurate billing and supporting new development by replacing failing meters and supplying meters for residential and commercial construction.

While the original budget was intended for routine maintenance, several factors have increased costs beyond the approved limit:

▪ Greater than expected new home construction requiring upfront meter purchases (later reimbursed by developers).

▪ Special projects, including the new Park District Pool, requiring specialized meters.

▪ Compliance with the IEPA’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program, which mandates concurrent meter replacement.

▪ Critical large-scale meter replacements to maintain billing integrity.

To address these needs, Public Works recommends the amending of Resolution 2025-013 to increase the authorized contract amount by $14,520, bringing the total not-to-exceed amount to $94,520. All developer-related costs are fully reimbursed, ensuring no net impact on the Water Fund.

City Council approval is recommended. 

K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING 

None. 

L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING 

1. Ordinance 2026-001 Approving an Amended Final Development Plan and Final Plat  for 217 Franklin Street (Safe Passage). 

City Manager’s Summary: As Planning Director Dan Olson explains in his background memorandum, the petitioner, Safe Passage, has submitted an Amended Final Development Plan and Final Plat for the redevelopment of the property located at 217 Franklin Street. The proposed facility will serve as a vital community resource, providing emergency shelter and counseling services to individuals and families in need.

The revised plans include an expanded parking lot increasing capacity from 18 to 29 spaces, with access provided from S. Third Street and Franklin Street. Internal walkways will connect to existing sidewalks surrounding the site. Although the site is located within the Central Business District where off-street parking is not required, Safe Passage is coordinating with St. George Greek Orthodox Church to share its adjacent 32-space parking lot. Additional public parking is available nearby, including the 82-space Vaughn public parking lot and limited three-hour street parking for approximately 20 vehicles. Parking is prohibited along Franklin Street.

The Final Plat establishes a one-lot subdivision and includes a sanitary sewer easement along the north and west sides of the site to accommodate a relocated sanitary sewer. The plat has also been updated to include revised certificate language.

The City staff have reviewed the architectural elevations, engineering plans, lighting (photometric) plan, landscape plan, and Final Plat. Only minor plan comments remain. As a condition of approval, all outstanding comments must be addressed to the satisfaction of City staff prior to the issuance of a building permit and recording of the Final Plat.

The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the request at its December 15, 2025, meeting and voted 4-0 (with Commissioner Maxwell absent) to recommend City Council approval, with the understanding that Staff comments will be addressed. A request to waive the second reading has been submitted by the petitioner.

City Council approval is recommended.

2. Ordinance 2026-002 Approving the Rezoning and Special Use Permit for the Property Located at 315 N. Sixth Street to Accommodate a Private Therapeutic Day  School (Specialized Education of Illinois, Inc). 

City Manager’s Summary: Specialized Education of Illinois, Inc. has submitted a petition requesting approval of a rezoning and Special Use Permit to allow the operation of a private therapeutic day school – High Road School of DeKalb – at 315 N. Sixth Street. The proposed school will serve students between the ages of 3 and 21 who have emotional, intellectual, and learning disabilities, as well as other specialized needs. The facility will relocate from Garden Prairie, Illinois, where the applicant currently operates the High Road School of Belvidere.

The applicant is part of a national organization that partners with school districts to provide specialized educational and therapeutic services. The DeKalb location is expected to serve up to 100 students and employ up to 64 staff members, with full staffing phased in over a 12 to 18-month period following the opening.

The subject property currently has split zoning. The northern one-third of the site, which includes the existing parking lot, is zoned “LC” Light Commercial District, while the southern two-thirds is zoned “LI” Light Industrial District. The applicant is requesting that the southern portion be rezoned to “LC” to allow for the proposed school use, as private schools are not permitted in the “LI” District but are allowed as a special use in the “LC” District. The building previously housed Camelot School, a therapeutic day school serving a similar student population.

The existing facility includes classrooms, therapy rooms, offices, multi-purpose spaces, food preparation areas, and restrooms. The applicant plans to make interior updates to meet current building codes and improve functionality but does not propose any changes to the exterior of the building. The north parking lot will be redesigned to accommodate staff and visitor parking, as well as bus pick-up and drop-off. A new curb cut on N. Sixth Street is proposed to improve traffic flow and allow buses to exit directly onto the street, eliminating the need to loop through the lot. This change will result in the removal of two diagonal parking spaces on N. Sixth Street.

The redesigned site will include 40 on-site parking spaces, down from the existing 42. Based on the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), 64 spaces are required for private school use. To meet this requirement, the applicant is negotiating a lease for 50 additional parking spaces located at the southwest corner of Oak Street and N. Sixth Street. Traffic circulation will be managed by separating bus and car entry points and installing directional signage to guide vehicles safely through the site.

The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on December 15, 2025. By a vote of 4-0 (with Commissioner Maxwell absent), the Commission recommended Council approval of the rezoning and Special Use Permit, subject to the following conditions:

1. The applicant shall obtain a lease for the off-site parking lot (PIN 08-23-184-011).

2. Employees shall park either north of the building or in the leased lot.

3. Directional signage shall be installed per UDO requirements.

4. The facility shall be limited to a maximum of 100 students, ages 3 to 21.

During the public hearing, Randy Bourdages, representing the Housing Authority of the County of DeKalb, which operates an office at 310 N. Sixth Street, expressed support for the project. The applicant has also submitted a formal request to waive second reading.

City Council approval is recommended. 

3. Ordinance 2026-003 Approving a Preliminary/Final Development Plan and Final Plat  for 145 Fisk Avenue (Jon Sauser). 

City Manager’s Summary: The property at 145 Fisk Avenue, originally constructed in 1922 as St. Mary’s Hospital, was rezoned in November 2022 from “NC” Neighborhood Commercial to “PD-R” Planned Development Residential under Ordinance 2022-070. The ordinance allowed up to 32 residential apartments with accessory uses and required approval of a Final Development Plan before construction.

However, the applicant did not meet UDO deadlines for plan submission and initially failed to secure the vacant building, resulting in code violations. After compliance and payment of fines, the City Council considered repealing the PD-R zoning in July 2025 but ultimately granted extensions. Final plans were submitted in December, and a motion to repeal the zoning failed.

The Preliminary Development Plan has expired and must be re-approved. The applicant now seeks approval of a Final Development Plan and Final Plat, revised for fire access and intersection improvements. The plat creates a one-lot subdivision, includes utility easements, and requires a privacy fence and minor landscape adjustments per UDO standards.

City staff have reviewed all plans and identified only minor comments, which must be addressed before issuing a building permit and recording the plat. On January 5, 2026, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4 to 0 (McMahon absent) to recommend approval of the plans, subject to Staff comments being addressed.

The proposed redevelopment will preserve a historic structure and strengthen the tax base. Staff recommend approval of the plan and plat as prepared, and the petitioner has requested a waiver of the second reading.

City Council approval is recommended. 

M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS 

1. Council Member Reports. 

2. City Manager Report. 

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION 

Approval to Hold an Executive Session in Order to Discuss: 

1. Personnel as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); and 

2. Workers’ Compensation as Provided for in 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(12). 

O. ADJOURNMENT 

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01122026-2793