DeKalb Times

City of Dekalb City Council met Sept. 8.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City of DeKalb City Council convened for a Regular meeting on September 8, 2025, in the at the DeKalb Public Library, 309 Oak Street, DeKalb, Illinois, in the Yusunas Meeting Room.

A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Mayor Cohen 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, 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. Second Ward Alderman Barb Larson was absent.

Others in attendance included City Manager Bill Nicklas, Assistant City Manager Bob Redel, City Attorney Matt Rose, Acting Fire Chief Luke Howieson, Police Commander Steve Lekkas, Public Works Director Andy Raih, Planning Director Dan Olson, Director of Financial Services Susan Hauman, Community Services Coordinator Jennifer Yochem, and Recording Secretary Ruth Scott.

B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Scout Troop 4 in celebration of their 100th anniversary.

C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

MOTION: Alderman Smith moved to approve the agenda; seconded by Alderman Zasada.

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

D. PRESENTATIONS

1. Proclamation: Recognizing the 35th Anniversary of the DeKalb Area Alano Club (August 16, 2025).

Mayor Barnes read a proclamation in its entirety, recognizing the club’s 35 years of service in DeKalb by supporting individuals in recovery from addiction. The proclamation was presented to club representatives.

2. Proclamation: Scouting America Troop 4 Day, September 14, 2025.

Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety and proclaimed September 14, 2025, as “Scouting America Troop 4 Day” in DeKalb in honor of the troop’s century of continuous service and youth development in DeKalb. The proclamation was presented to Troop Leader Jim Zurek and members of the troop.

3. Proclamation: “Be The One Day”, September 21, 2025.

Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety in recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and the American Legion’s “Be The One” initiative, and September 21, 2025, was proclaimed “Be The One Day” in DeKalb. The proclamation was presented to American Legion representatives.

4. Proclamation: Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month – September 2025.

Mayor Barnes read the proclamation in its entirety, declaring September 2025 as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in DeKalb to raise awareness of the disease and promote early detection and research.

E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

There was none.

F. APPOINTMENTS

There were none.

G. CONSENT AGENDA

1. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 11, 2025.

2. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of August 25, 2025.

3. Accounts Payable and Payroll through September 8, 2025, in the Amount of $2,190,787.46

4. Crime Free Housing Bureau Report – August 2025.

MOTION: Alderman Carlson moved to approve the items listed under the Consent Agenda; seconded by Alderman Verbic.

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

H. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. Public Hearing Regarding a Proposed Annexation and Development Agreement for Approximately 30 Acres of Property Located Along the West Side of Peace Road Between Greenwood Acres Drive and Challenger Drive for a Solar Energy System (Solar Field) and Two Data Storage Buildings (Donato Solar).

Mayor Barnes read the title above for the record and opened the Public Hearing at 6:15 p.m.

Elizabeth Johnson-Kueny raised concerns about feasibility, potential crypto mining, energy consumption, and noise from industrial air conditioning units.

David Johnson questioned the transparency of the project, citing the developer’s ties to crypto mining.

The next speaker, who did not provide his name for the record but stated he’s a local software engineer, presented data on potential increases in electricity costs and decreases in property values, and advocated for alternative uses like a daycare center.

Rita Buck voiced concerns about power reliability, air quality, and health impacts.

Jennifer Lucchese cited studies on property value decline near solar farms and criticized the lack of early community engagement.

There were no questions or comments from the Council. City Manager Nicklas stated he would reserve his comments for later in the meeting.

Mayor Barnes closed the Public Hearing at 6:33 p.m.

I. CONSIDERATIONS

There were none.

J. RESOLUTIONS

1. Resolution 2025-081 Approving a Hotel Tax Rebate Agreement with Peace Road Hotels LLC (902 Peace Road).

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

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

There were no questions or comments from the City Council.

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

2. Resolution 2025-082 Authorizing a Purchase and Sale Agreement with Mereo Real Estate Partners LLC for the Vacated Simonds Avenue Property and Adjacent Parcels.

Mayor Barnes read the resolution by title only.

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

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

There were no questions or comments from the City Council.

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

K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING

There were none.

L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING

1. Ordinance 2025-038 Amending Chapter 51 “Traffic”, Schedule Q “Speed Restrictions”. 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 gave an overview of this item based on the information provided in the agenda packet.

There were no questions or comments from the City Council.

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

2. Ordinance 2025-039 Authorizing an Annexation and Development Agreement with Donato Solar for Property Located Along the West Side of Peace Road Between Greenwood Acres Drive and Challenger Drive for a Solar Energy System (Solar Field) and Two Data Storage Buildings (Donato Solar).

Nick Mahoney of Gail Technology emphasized the project’s alignment with DeKalb’s comprehensive plan and its low-impact nature.

Peyton Childress of Donato Solar provided data from a similar project in Urbana, Illinois, which showed no negative impact on nearby property values.

Mayor Barnes then read the ordinance by title only.

MOTION: Alderman Carlson 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 Zasada stated her opposition to the proposed development, citing clear and consistent community opposition voiced during the September 2, 2025, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, and during the Public Hearing at this meeting. She stated that as a realtor with personal ties to the neighborhood, she has concerns about potential impacts on property taxes and stresses that the community’s wishes should be prioritized. She also dismissed the idea that worse alternatives justify approval, expressing confidence that the community would resist any such future proposals.

Alderman Walker asked if there’s any evidence of health hazards related to the proposed development.

City Manager Nicklas responded that there is no such evidence for this specific design.

Mayor Barnes added that even large-scale projects like META, which is significantly bigger, haven’t shown such issues.

Alderman Smith shared that he’s received an overwhelming amount of community feedback on the issue – more than any other in the past five years. He expressed concerns about existing infrastructure in the neighborhood, such as a high-power ComEd line and a significantly expanded substation, which may not have been widely known. Alderman Smith acknowledged the community’s concerns and reflected on whether a larger buffer should have been planned between the subdivision and industrial areas. He thanked residents for their input and emphasized how seriously he takes the matter.

Alderman Verbic questioned why the proposal was on the Council agenda despite being unanimously rejected by the Planning and Zoning Commission. He emphasized the importance of respecting and supporting the Commission’s work, noting that approving the proposal would undermine their role. He expressed his intent to honor their decision and thanked the community for engaging in local government.

Alderman Smith noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission seemed initially supportive but later reversed its stance, likely due to public input. While he respects that process, he also worries about the potential negative impact this situation could have on future development discussions and suggested it may be worth revisiting in the future.

City Manager Nicklas clarified that, according to City ordinances, proposals like this must come before the Council, even if the Planning and Zoning Commission recommends denial, unless it's a variance they can approve independently. He stressed that the process followed proper procedure.

Mayor Barnes stressed the importance of resident input, including subjective concerns, in shaping decisions. He explained that elected officials are responsible for determining what fits within both the citywide and ward-specific vision for DeKalb.

Alderman Zasada advised Donato Solar and Gail Technologies representatives that if they wish to pursue the project in the future, they should first hold a community meeting and be fully prepared to address resident’s concerns. She suggested that if the community’s questions, especially around safety, are thoroughly answered and residents are satisfied, there may still be a path forward for the proposal.

Alderman Verbic acknowledged that the area is zoned industrial but pointed out that "industrial" can encompass many types of uses. Given the proximity to residential neighborhoods, he suggested it's time to reconsider what kinds of industrial developments are appropriate near homes. He proposed that the City work to better define acceptable industrial uses in such areas to ensure future developments are more compatible and that residents are more engaged in the process.

Mayor Barnes noted that a solar farm was recently approved near residential areas by the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport, highlighting that industrial use near homes isn't unprecedented.

City Manager Nicklas explained that the land in question has long been owned by Curran Contracting and was historically intended for industrial use, as outlined in comprehensive plans dating back to the 1980s. While the land could have been used differently, the owners refrained from certain uses once nearby residential development began.

Alderman Walker stated that he watched the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting and expressed admiration for the Commissioners, suggesting they are highly capable.

Mayor Barnes expressed concern that the Planning and Zoning Commission may have overstepped its role by focusing on subjective concerns – like the "ick factor" of data centers and water usage – rather than evaluating the proposal based on objective criteria such as compliance with the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) and comprehensive plan. He emphasized that their role is administrative, not policymaking, and that the Council is the final decision-making body. He acknowledged a need for better training and clarification for the Commission and took responsibility for that oversight.

Alderman Walker agreed with Mayor Barnes’ points but noted a perceived inconsistency: when the Commission votes unanimously in favor of something, the Council typically accepts it without question. However, when the Commission votes against a proposal, it becomes a larger issue. He suggested this inconsistency should be addressed.

Alderman Zasada asked whether the Planning and Zoning Commission has any responsibility regarding safety or community impact.

City Manager Nicklas clarified that while safety is a concern, the Commission’s legal role is limited. They are tasked with ensuring proposals align with long-range planning and zoning codes, not making policy decisions or being swayed by public opinion.

City Attorney Rose reinforced that the Planning and Zoning Commission functions like a quasi judicial body, evaluating zoning map amendments based on evidence and legal criteria. Broader policy decisions and community sentiment are the responsibility of the City Council.

Alderman Walker reflected on the challenge Council members face in balancing what they believe is best for DeKalb with the desires of the community. He expressed concern that some key information might be missing, not intentionally, but possibly due to the right questions not being asked.

Mayor Barnes acknowledged the difficulty Council members face in balancing ward-specific concerns with the broader needs of DeKalb. He emphasized that while Council members should listen to their constituents, their ultimate responsibility is to make decisions in the best interest of DeKalb as a whole. He praised residents for voicing their concerns and highlighted the importance of public meetings as a space for community input and thoughtful decision making.

Alderman Carlson noted that much of DeKalb’s recent economic development has occurred near the 4th Ward and residents have generally viewed it positively. He shared that younger constituents see data centers and similar technologies as part of the future, comparing them to past generations’ now-obsolete tech. He then noted conflict over leaving land vacant for decades versus embracing new business, suggesting that fear may stem from unfamiliarity with new technology.

Alderman Zasada clarified that the proposal under discussion is not simply a solar farm. While she strongly supports solar energy projects, this project is fundamentally different. She believes that distinction is why the community is so opposed to it and why she supports their concerns.

Mayor Barnes stated that the proposed project involves two relatively small 6,000-square-foot data center buildings on a 30-acre site, with the majority of the land dedicated to solar panels and water retention. He emphasized that public confusion may have stemmed from comparisons to massive data centers like META or Microsoft, which this project is not. He also acknowledged the community’s concerns and said he personally visited the site in question to better understand the situation. During his visit, he noted that the noise residents mentioned likely comes from existing power lines. He also pointed out that the site is visually shielded by dense tree lines, making the solar panels and buildings difficult to see, even in winter.

Continuing, Mayor Barnes stated that he also reviewed studies and emails from residents, noting that some data suggests solar installations have no negative or positive impact on property values, especially when replacing previously unappealing land. He concluded that, compared to other potential industrial uses like construction yards or large manufacturing facilities, this project would likely generate less noise, traffic, and disruption, and could actually help protect the neighborhood’s character.

Alderman Verbic raised concerns about frequent power outages in the 6th Ward and questioned whether ComEd has confirmed sufficient electrical capacity for the proposed project and future developments. He suggested that the City should engage with ComEd to assess current capacity and understand the causes of outages, whether due to increased demand or other issues. He also emphasized that ensuring reliable power is essential for attracting new businesses without negatively impacting residents.

Mayor Barnes addressed Alderman Verbic’s concern by noting that the Illinois Commerce Commission is in the final stages of approving the CARE project, which includes ComEd building a 168-acre substation in the southern part of DeKalb. This project is expected to provide DeKalb with a surplus of electrical power to support future developments. He further stated that while he wasn’t aware of the outages in the 6th Ward, he’s committed to following up with ComEd to investigate. He also emphasized that the outages are likely isolated and not due to a citywide power shortage. He concluded by stating his support for the project.

VOTE: Motion failed by a 2-5 roll call vote. Aye: Carlson, Barnes. Nay: Zasada, Smith, Powell, Verbic, Walker. Absent: Larson. Mayor Barnes declared the motion failed.

3. Ordinance 2025-040 Approving the Annexation of Certain Property Located Along the West Side of Peace Road Between Greenwood Acres Drive and Challenger Drive for a Solar Energy System (Solar Field) and Two Data Storage Buildings (Donato Solar).

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only and asked for a motion to bring it to the floor; there was none. No further action was taken.

4. Ordinance 2025-041 Approving the Zoning Petition of Donato Solar to Rezone Certain Property Located Along the West Side of Peace Road Between Greenwood Acres Drive and Challenger Drive to the “PD-I” Planned Development Industrial District and Approving a Preliminary and Final Development Plan for the Development of a Solar Energy System (Solar Field) and Two Data Storage Buildings on Approximately 30 Acres.

Mayor Barnes read the ordinance by title only and asked for a motion to bring it to the floor; there was none. No further action was taken.

M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Council Member Reports.

Alderman Verbic shared that several 6th Ward residents have contacted him about DeKalb Park District’s proposed bike path near their area, adding that he encouraged them to reach out directly to park board members to express their concerns and ideas. He also thanked Public Works for promptly removing graffiti from the underpass on Annie Glidden Road.

Alderman Carlson noted that the THC sign at Rocky’s has been turned off and praised the broader effort by local stores to reduce visibility of such signage. He also shared that he attended the AMVETS event on Labor Day and enjoyed hearing positive feedback about DeKalb. He also revisited the new roundabout on Lucinda Avenue and highlighted how it has effectively created a quad for Northern Illinois University, something he believes the university had been missing. He commended the Council for the improvement and expressed appreciation for seeing students enjoying the space.

2. City Manager Report.

City Manager Nicklas had no report.

N. EXECUTIVE SESSION

There was none.

O. ADJOURNMENT

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

VOTE: Motion carried by a 7-0-1 voice vote. Aye: Zasada, Smith, Carlson, Powell, Verbic, Walker, Barnes. Nay: None. Absent: Larson. Mayor Barnes declared the motion passed and adjourned the meeting at 7:41 p.m.

https://www.cityofdekalb.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09082025-2744