City of Dekalb City Council met Nov. 10.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City of DeKalb City Council convened for a Regular meeting on November 10, 2025, at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, Illinois, in the Yusunas Meeting Room.
A. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Barnes called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
City Clerk Brad Hoey called the roll, and the following members of the City Council were present: First Ward Alderman Carolyn Zasada, Second Ward Alderman Barb Larson, Third Ward Alderman Tracy Smith, Fourth Ward Alderman Justin Carlson, Fifth Ward Alderman Andre Powell, Sixth Ward Alderman Mike Verbic, Seventh Ward Alderman John Walker, and Mayor Cohen Barnes.
Others in attendance included City Manager Bill Nicklas, Assistant City Manager Bob Redel, City Attorney Matt Rose, Acting Fire Chief Luke Howieson, Police Chief David Byrd, Director of Financial Services Susan Hauman, Public Works Director Andy Raih, City Engineer John Laskowski, Communication and Engagement Manager Scott Zak, Community Services Coordinator Jennifer Yochem, Transit Manager Mike Neuenkirchen, and Recording Secretary Ruth Scott.
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Shadow Gentry led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to modify the agenda to add a presentation from Police Chief Byrd as it pertains to Citizen Awards.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
D. PRESENTATIONS
1. City of DeKalb Police Department Citizen Awards.
Police Chief Byrd presented Citizen Awards to Mayor Barnes and Alderman Larson for their contributions to the 2024 Fun Jam event.
Alderman Larson expressed gratitude to Police Chief Byrd, acknowledging his leadership and vision as the foundation that enables others to contribute effectively to community efforts in DeKalb.
Mayor Barnes encouraged everyone to attend future community events like Fun Jam, praising its success and highlighting memorable moments, such as Alderman Powell’s involvement and a unique experience with an albino snake in 2025.
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Bill Finucane and T.D. Ryan addressed the increasing need for food assistance in DeKalb County, noting that daily visits to the Salvation Army food pantry have risen from 40 to 50 to over 80 clients. They emphasized the importance of two upcoming community events:
Let’s Talk Turkey (November 21 at the Salvation Army on Ninth Street and Grove Street). The goal is to provide Thanksgiving meals to over 700 families. Donations needed include turkeys, hams, or monetary contributions. Mr. Ryan paid tribute to the late Chuck Siebrasse who had a tradition of donating the largest turkey each year. He also thanked the DeKalb Fire Department for their support each year.
Freezing for Food (December 4 – 6 at the Hy-Vee Shopping Center. This event is celebrating its 25th year, with nearly 2.5 million pounds of food collected to date. Mr. Ryan and Mr. Finucane will camp out at the shopping center for three days to raise awareness. Donations needed include nonperishable food, hygiene items, paper goods, cleaning supplies, and cash.
Mr. Ryan closed with a heartfelt story of a young girl donating her birthday money to buy cereal for children, highlighting the strong community spirit behind these efforts.
Mayor Barnes thanked Mr. Finucane and Mr. Ryan for their contributions to the community. F. APPOINTMENTS
There were none.
G. CONSENT AGENDA
Mayor Barnes read the items listed on the Consent Agenda by title only. 1. Minutes of the Joint Review Board Meeting of July 25, 2025 – TIF 3. 2. Minutes of the Joint Review Board Meeting of July 25, 2025 – TIF 4. 3. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of October 27, 2025.
4. Accounts Payable and Payroll through November 10, 2025, in the Amount of $1,461,322.44.
5. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through September 2025. 6. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through September 2025. 7. Crime Free Housing Bureau Report – October 2025.
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve the items listed on the Consent Agenda; seconded by Alderman Powell.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. Public Hearing: Truth in Taxation Hearing Regarding the 2025 Property Tax Levy. Mayor Barnes opened the Public Hearing at 6:13 p.m. and read the item by title only. There were no public comments on this matter.
Mayor Barnes closed the Public Hearing at 6:14 p.m.
2. Public Hearing: Reallocation of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Year 2024 Funds from Public Facilities to Public Facilities Development.
Mayor Barnes opened the Public Hearing at 6:14 p.m. and read the item by title only. There were no public comments on this matter.
Mayor Barnes closed the Public Hearing at 6:14 p.m.
I. CONSIDERATIONS
There were none.
J. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2025-099 Authorizing a Transit Services Provider Agreement with Transdev Services Inc. to Provide Public Transportation Services Including Fixed Route, ADA Paratransit, and Dial-a-Ride Services from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Zasada.
City Manager Nicklas provided an overview of the proposed multi-year contract for transit services, covering fixed route, paratransit, and dial-a-ride operations from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028. The contract, awarded through a summer bidding process, includes provisions for new low-floor buses and continued use of aging vehicles. Transdev, the sole bidder and current provider, is recommended for the contract based on satisfactory past performance. The agreement includes a three-year base term with two optional one-year renewals. The City anticipates working with Transdev during the upcoming transit center development.
Mayor Barnes expressed support for the City’s growing ownership of its transit fleet, noting it provides greater flexibility and control for the future.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
2. Resolution 2025-100 Authorizing an Amendment to the Purchase Agreement with Gillig, LLC to Purchase One E-Gen Flex Hybrid and Five Diesel Buses Increasing the Not to Exceed Amount from $4,005,384 to $4,064,155 from Rebuild Illinois Capital Grant Funds.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Larson.
City Manager Nicklas provided an update on the purchase of six new buses (five diesel and one Flex Hybrid) for the City’s fleet, funded by the Rebuild Illinois capital grant program through IDOT. The city was authorized to receive up to $4.2 million, which will cover the full cost and be reimbursed. However, the total cost has now exceeded the original estimate by $58,771 due to price increases and modifications, including new bus wraps.
There were no questions or comments from the Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
3. Resolution 2025-101 Authorizing Five Farm Lease Agreements for 318 Acres of Land at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport for a Period Not to Exceed 36 Months.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Carlson moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Verbic.
City Manager Nicklas stated that bids were received from Halverson Farms and Northern Tier Farm Partnership, with Halverson Farms submitting the highest bid. The Airport Advisory Board reviewed the proposals and recommended awarding a three-year lease contract to Halverson Farms.
Mayor Barnes stated he’s happy to see the contract go to a multi-generational DeKalb farming family.
VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Abstain: Larson. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
4. Resolution 2025-102 Approving an Amendment to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2024 Annual Action Plan to Reallocate $50,000 from Public Facilities to Public Facilities Development.
Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Smith.
City Manager Nicklas explained that the City has an opportunity to support a new transitional youth shelter in DeKalb, led by the Family Service Agency. Approximately $50,000 in unspent 2024 CDBG funds could be reallocated to help acquire and renovate a former three-story house into individual youth units. He noted that while HUD approval is pending and the timing of fund release is uncertain, staff recommend supporting the project.
Alderman Zasada expressed her enthusiasm for supporting the Family Service Agency on this project, noting that it’s a much-needed initiative that has been long overdue.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
There were none.
L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2025-045 Authorizing the 2025 Levy and 2026 Collection of Taxes in and for the Corporate and Municipal Purposes and Special Service Areas of the City of DeKalb for Fiscal Year 2026.
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Carlson moved to approve First Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Powell.
City Manager Nicklas explained that this ordinance, along with the next, completes the City’s annual property tax levy process, which determines the tax rate applied to property values. The proposed levy funds state-mandated obligations to police and fire pensions and includes a pass-through for the DeKalb Public Library. The estimated City tax rate is expected to slightly decrease to $0.62286 per $100 Equalized Assessed Value (EAV).
The ordinance also includes levies for six Special Service Areas (SSAs), totaling $95,500. The only change is a reduction in the Hunter Ridgebrook SSA levy from $50,000 to $25,000 due to underuse. Funds from the Market Square SSA, which has accumulated over $200,000, will be used to repave driving aisles and improve access near the theater complex.
Alderman Verbic suggested considering annual increases to SSA levies, possibly tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), to keep pace with rising costs of materials and maintenance.
City Manager Nicklas responded that he and Public Works Director Raih had calculated the current figures, and based on recent budgets, there’s typically a small surplus – enough to cover necessary work.
Alderman Smith inquired whether Market Square SSA funds could be used to address lighting issues in that area.
City Manager Nicklas indicated they could not.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
2. Ordinance 2025-046 Abating Taxes Levied for Corporate Purposes of the City of DeKalb for the Tax Year 2025.
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve First Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Powell.
City Manager Nicklas provided background on the City’s General Obligation debt, much of which stems from past projects like the 2012 police station, public works upgrades, and a 2020 COVID-era bond strategy that saved $1.8 million. He noted that the City is steadily paying down its debt, with major obligations ending by 2028 and the final bond maturing in 2039. If no new debt is added, annual payments could drop from $2.33 million to about $400,000, improving the City’s financial flexibility and credit outlook.
City Manager Nicklas emphasized that the ordinance is not about taking on new debt but about abating existing debt service – choosing not to pass those costs onto taxpayers. However, he cautioned that the City is currently relying heavily on General Fund reserves to cover capital needs, including $1.4 million for street maintenance and over $500,000 for police, fire, IT, and vehicle replacements. Altogether, the City is using about $3.8 million in reserves this year, and if debt service weren’t abated, that figure would rise to $6.2 million.
City Manager Nicklas concluded by stressing the importance of ongoing discussions about the City’s financial strategy, especially as costs continue to rise.
Mayor Barnes praised City Manager Nicklas and the City Council for their efforts in attracting new businesses, emphasizing that continued economic development is key to addressing the City’s police and fire pension obligations. He noted that DeKalb’s business-friendly approach is helping grow the property tax base, which can reduce reliance on reserves. While acknowledging uncertainty about future economic downturns, he advocated for staying the course – supporting new projects, diversifying the tax base, and protecting the City’s financial stability.
Alderman Verbic expressed concern about the proposed tax increase, especially after recent years of financial progress, urging the monitoring of potential deficit spending throughout the year, rather than waiting until year-end to assess financial needs. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining affordability for residents, noting that cumulative tax increases from all taxing bodies can significantly impact housing costs, particularly for renters. Closing his comments, Alderman Verbic encouraged proactive financial planning to help provide relief where possible.
Mayor Barnes agreed with Alderman Verbic’s emphasis on focusing the discussion on tax rates. He explained that while the City can’t control rising prices – like milk, eggs or housing – it has consistently worked to maintain or reduce the tax rate, even as property values and costs increase. He stressed that keeping the rate stable helps protect taxpayers from additional burden and commended the Council for its efforts to minimize the impact on residents despite inflation and rising costs.
Alderman Verbic acknowledged the significant progress made in lowering the tax rate since 2018.
Mayor Barnes reflected on the positive impact of recent tax rate reductions, noting that despite a significant rise in home values – around 47% – the City and other taxing bodies have worked to minimize the financial burden on taxpayers. He encouraged continued collaboration with other taxing entities and expressed optimism that ongoing economic development could further lower the aggregate tax rate, potentially to 6.5% or 7%, which would be a major achievement.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
1. Ordinance 2025-034 Repealing Ordinance 2022-070 Which Approved a Zoning Map Amendment from the “NC” Neighborhood Commercial District to the “PD-R” Planned Development Residential District and the Preliminary Development Plan for the Property at 145 Fisk Avenue.
Mayor Barnes requested a motion to table this item until the Council meeting on December 8, 2025.
MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to table the ordinance until the December 8, 2025, Council meeting; seconded by Alderman Larson.
City Manager Nicklas explained that Mr. Sauser recently changed engineering firms, now working with Willet Hofmann. Due to the transition, the new firm needed more time to review previous work, possibly conduct new surveys, and complete a detailed final plan. Given their current workload at the end of the construction season, they requested to move the item to the December 8, 2025, Council meeting. Nicklas expressed confidence in Mr. Sauser’s sincerity and the need for the extension.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
4. Ordinance 2025-047 Approving the Preliminary/Final Development Plan and Final Plat for a Solar Farm at the Southwest Corner of Illinois Route 38 and John Huber Parkway (PSE Huber IL Solar LLC).
Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only.
MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to approve First Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Carlson.
City Manager Nicklas explained that the item relates to a solar farm project approved by the Council on November 12, 2024, via Ordinance 2024-056, through an annexation agreement. The project involves a 5-megawatt ground-mounted solar energy system at the southwest corner of Illinois Route 38 and John Huber Parkway. Approval of the ordinance would fulfill a requirement in the agreement to present the final site plan for Council approval.
There were no questions or comments from the Council.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
MOTION: Alderman Carlson moved to waive Second Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Zasada.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed.
Mayor Barnes expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting it as a valuable investment in alternative energy and a positive step toward strengthening DeKalb’s energy grid to support future development.
M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
Alderman Carlson reported a successful Halloween in the Fourth Ward, noting he ran out of candy. He also clarified comments from the previous Council meeting, confirming he intentionally criticized the school district for its high share – over 60% – of the property tax levy. He emphasized that meaningful tax relief is unlikely unless the school district reduces its portion and urged action on that front.
Alderman Smith reminded residents that it’s leaf collection season and encouraged them to clear leaves from gutters, as they’re filling up quickly – especially after the recent cold weather. He noted that doing so would help Public Works crews with their cleanup efforts.
Mayor Barnes shared highlights from recent community events and meetings he’s attended, including the downtown trick-or-treating, which drew large crowds and was a great success thanks to local businesses and the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. He also attended a pawpaw tree planting at Fire Station #1 and thanked the Fire Department for hosting. He met with David Castro, President of the DeKalb Park District, to continue building collaborative relationships. Additionally, he visited Meta with the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) to discuss potential future data center projects and praised Meta for being a strong community partner. He closed by honoring the 250th birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, offering a heartfelt “Semper Fi” to all Marines.
2. City Manager Report.
City Manager Nicklas had no report.
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION
There was none.
O. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Alderman Carlson.
VOTE: Motion carried by an 8-0 voice vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 6:56 p.m.
Click here to view the agenda packet for the November 10, 2025, Council meeting. Click here to view the video recording of the November 10, 2025, Council meeting.
https://www.cityofdekalb.com/DocumentCenter/View/20058/2-111025-Regular-Minutes
