DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council met Aug. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City of DeKalb City Council convened for a Regular meeting on August 11, 2025, in the Yusunas Meeting Room of the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, Illinois.

A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.

Noting the absence of Mayor Cohen Barnes, City Clerk Brad Hoey asked the Council for a motion to appoint Alderman Tracy Smith as Temporary Chair for this meeting.

MOTION: Alderman Justin Carlson moved to appoint Alderman Smith as the Temporary Chair; seconded by Alderman Barb Larson.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes. The motion passed.

City Clerk Hoey then 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, and Seventh Ward Alderman John Walker.

Following roll call, City Clerk Hoey turned the meeting over to Temporary Chair Smith.

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, Planning Director Dan Olson, and Recording Secretary Ruth Scott.

B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Shadow Gentry led the Pledge of Allegiance.

C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

MOTION: Alderman Powell moved to approve the Agenda; seconded by Alderman Zasada.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes. Temporary Chair Smith declared the motion passed.

D. PRESENTATIONS

There were none.

E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

There was none.

F. APPOINTMENTS

There were none.

G. CONSENT AGENDA

Temporary Chair Smith read the items on the Consent Agenda by title only.

1. Minutes of the TIF 3 Joint Review Board Meeting of April 25, 2025.

2. Minutes of the TIF 4 Joint Review Board Meeting of April 25, 2025.

3. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of July 28, 2025.

4. Accounts Payable and Payroll through August 11, 2025, in the Amount of $2,268,766.40.

5. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through June 2025.

6. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through June 2025.

7. Crime Free Housing Bureau Report – July 2025.

MOTION: Alderman Larson moved to approve the Consent Agenda; seconded by Alderman Zasada.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes. Temporary Chair Smith declared the motion passed.

H. PUBLIC HEARINGS

There were none.

I. CONSIDERATIONS

There were none.

J. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2025-078 Authorizing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Economic Incentive for Heartland Bank, Located at 205 S. Fourth Street.

Temporary Chair Smith read the resolution by title only.

City Manager Nicklas gave an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet. He added that this subject matter was presented to the Joint Review Board at their July 25, 2025, meeting, and they were in favor of it.

Alderman Zasada stated that while she’s excited about the project and thinks it’s exactly what TIF is intended for, she would prefer to spend a little less than $83,000.

City Manager Nicklas stated there are tradeoffs in these situations – sometimes there’s a direct benefit to the City, but sometimes it's a direct benefit in the way of economic development.

Alderman Larson stated she’s okay with investing $83,000 into an area that needs attention, adding that the project will provide the momentum needed to enhance the area.

Alderman Verbic stated he appreciates Heartland Bank’s long commitment to DeKalb, however, $83,000 is a lot of money that could possibly be put toward other more impactful projects.

Alderman Larson stated she understands Alderman Verbic’s concerns, but she doesn’t want to wait for another project to come along and lose out on this opportunity.

City Manager Nicklas stated the building that was there previously was public property for approximately 70 years, so any private reinvestment in the site is going to generate TIF dollars. He noted that the former City Hall site across the street from the subject property has made an enormous difference in the TIF 3 fund.

Alderman Carlson stated he wants to make sure the existing sanitary, water, and storm sewer lines are removed prior to the new building being constructed.

City Manager Nicklas stated that just from today’s excavation, an original fiber line encased in concrete was uncovered that no one knew was there. Further, as the workers were trying to get to the nearest storm manhole, they discovered a three-inch live gas main that hadn’t been marked, and just off that an inch-and-a-half gas main and two water lines that may or may not be alive.

Alderman Zasada stated she is prepared to support the project. She then asked if TIF dollars are going to be requested for revitalizing the old building into apartments.

City Manager Nicklas stated no one has approached him about that, but it would be the Council’s decision. He also noted that there are higher priorities at this time, such as the cleanup of the Protano site.

Alderman Verbic asked if it was possible to work with the sanitary district to waive certain fees as an incentive versus using TIF funds.

City Manager Nicklas stated that the sanitary district doesn't have a program for incentivizing this type of project. Further, the sanitary district has only one or two sources of revenue and the extension of sanitary lines to serve a new site are typically considered the responsibility of the developer or the business owner.

Brief discussion ensued.

Temporary Chair Smith stated the owner of the former City Hall property ran into problems with underground lines and water issues as the building was being demolished.

MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Powell.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes. Temporary Chair Smith declared the motion passed.

2. Resolution 2025-079 Authorizing a Fund 400 (Non-TIF) Architectural Improvement Economic Incentive for Burritoville, Located at 1026 W. Hillcrest Drive, in the Amount of $17,459.42.

Temporary Chair Smith read the resolution by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Carlson.

City Manager Nicklas gave an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet.

Alderman Zasada stated she’s excited about supporting this item, noting the business is in her ward.

Brief discussion ensued regarding the many years Burritoville has been in business at this site.

It was noted that funds are still available for other projects that may come along.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes. Temporary Chair Smith declared the motion passed.

3. Resolution 2025-080 Authorizing a Bar Liquor License with Supplemental Gaming for Hades Teop LLC, d/b/a Jazzy’s Spot, 870 W. Lincoln Highway.

Temporary Chair Smith read the resolution by title only.

Motion: Alderman Verbic moved to approve the resolution; seconded by Alderman Walker.

City Manager Nicklas gave an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet.

Alderman Walker stated this establishment has always been top notch with courteous staff and no riffraff and it’s good to see businesses like this prosper.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes. Temporary Chair Smith declared the motion passed.

K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING

There were none.

L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING

1. Ordinance 2025-035 Amending Chapter 6 “Streets, Alleys and Sidewalks”, Section 6.20 “Arboricultural Specifications and Standards of Practice for Trees and Shrubs on Public and Private Property.”

Temporary Chair Smith read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to approve First Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Carlson.

City Manager Nicklas gave an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet.

Alderman Larson stated she’s the Council Liaison for the Citizens’ Environmental Commission and the members are excited about this topic because it finally puts all expert advice and criteria in one place.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes. Temporary Chair Smith declared the motion passed.

MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to waive Second Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Powell.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes. Temporary Chair Smith declared the motion passed.

2. Ordinance 2025-036 Amending Chapter 64 “Smoking Regulations”, Section 64.16 “Tobacco/Smoking Sales, Use and Licensing”, to Increase Fines for the Sale of Tobacco Products to Minors, Increase the Fees for Tobacco License Applications, and Establish Fines for the Untimely Submission of a Renewal Application.

Temporary Chair Smith read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Verbic moved to approve First Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Walker.

City Manager Nicklas gave an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet.

Alderman Walker asked if the fines for selling to minors could be higher. City Manager Nicklas stated that would be a decision to be made by the Council.

City Attorney Rose agreed that the fine amount is within the Council's discretion, but there are other sanctions that can be had, such as suspension and/or revocation of the license.

Discussion ensued.

Alderman Powell stated he’d like to see a higher fine placed on cashiers, especially for good business owners that have employees not doing their job.

Further discussion ensued regarding the fine amounts for the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors and the process that follows, such as required attendance at an administrative hearing or the revocation of the tobacco license. It was also noted that the City of DeKalb initiates at least two sting operations, which are announced, each year at businesses that sell tobacco products.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes. Temporary Chair Smith declared the motion passed.

MOTION: Alderman Powell moved to waive Second Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Walker.

Prior to roll call, City Manager Nicklas stated that by the end of the year, the Council will be advised of the results of the upcoming sting operation.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes. Temporary Chair Smith declared the motion passed.

3. Ordinance 2025-037 Approving the Rezoning of Property Located at 802-810 S. Fourth Street from the “GC” General Commercial District to the “PD-C” Planned Development Commercial District to Accommodate a Gas Station and Convenience Store (Amoco Hossen).

Nancy Dougherty spoke in support of the proposed development of the subject property. Temporary Chair Smith read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Carlson moved to approve First Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Larson.

City Manager Nicklas gave an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet.

Alderman Carlson stated he’s spoken with quite a few people about this topic over the last two weeks who have stated they do not want cannabis nor alcohol sold at the location.

Alderman Zasada reminded the Council that the City of DeKalb does not allow the sale of alcohol at gas stations and boundaries have been set up regarding the required distance from schools cannabis dispensaries must adhere to.

Alderman Walker thanked Ms. Dougherty for her input regarding this matter.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes. Temporary Chair Smith declared the motion passed.

MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to waive Second Reading of the ordinance; seconded by Alderman Powell.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 roll call vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes. Temporary Chair Smith declared the motion passed.

M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Council Member Reports.

Alderman Verbic thanked those who attended the recent 50 Men Who Cook event on August 9, 2025, and noted that the event raises funds for CASA.

Alderman Walker thanked the Crime Free Housing team, led by Assistant City Manager Redel, for the hard work they put into the program. He then stated that property owners and managers should be aware that the City of DeKalb will not tolerate poor treatment of tenants.

Alderman Zasada noted the positive decisions made at this Council meeting and she’s honored to be a part of it.

Alderman Larson reported on her attendance at the recent opening of the new Mitchell Elementary School and how happy she was to meet Dr. Mitchell.

Alderman Carlson reported that citizens have been contacting him with a variety of questions, such as what they can do about trees growing over streets, etc. He added that he’s been meeting with the citizens in person when he can, which he has enjoyed.

Continuing, Alderman Carlson commended City staff for making downtown DeKalb brighter with the addition of six new historic light poles.

Temporary Chair Smith noted that the work on lead pipe removal has caused disruption on some streets, but the work seems to be going well. He encouraged citizens to be patient as the work continues.

2. City Manager Report

City Manager Nicklas acknowledged Temporary Chair Smith’s comments regarding the lead pipe removal, stating that four to six of them are removed daily and replaced with copper piping.

Continuing, City Manager Nicklas also acknowledged Alderman Carlson’s comments regarding the light poles placed in the downtown area, noting that all light poles now have energy saving bulbs.

Concluding his report, City Manager Nicklas reminded the Council of their joint meeting on August 18, 2025, with the Finance Advisory Committee.

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

There was none.

O. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: Alderman Zasada moved to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Alderman Powell.

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Zasada, Larson, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker. Nay: None. Absent: Barnes. Temporary Chair Smith declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08112025-2730