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City Officials
Mayor
Jerry Smith
City Council
David Jacobson
Ward One
Bill Finucane
Ward Two
Michael Marquardt
Ward Three
Patrick Fagan
Ward Four
Kate Noreiko
Ward Five
Mike Verbic
Ward Six
Anthony Faivre
Ward Seven
City Clerk
Susanna Herrmann
City Manager
Anne Marie Gaura
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City Seeks Public Participation to Improve
Annie Glidden North Neighborhoods
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In August, the City Council authorized an agreement with Camiros, Ltd. and the Northern Illinois University (NIU) Center for Governmental Studies for completion of the Annie Glidden North (AGN) Revitalization Plan. The AGN Revitalization Plan focuses on several neighborhoods in the northwest corner of the City. The plan will identify actionable items that will improve the quality of life in the AGN neighborhoods. To assist in this effort, Mayor Jerry Smith appointed community members to serve on the AGN Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of residents, business leaders, social service providers, educational leaders, and public officials The Task Force will provide valuable guidance and input towards the creation of the plan.
The community is invited to participate in the planning process by attending a series of Community Meetings. On September 27, the City hosted the first Community Meeting. Approximately 140 members of the community attended this meeting. Participants offered valuable input on issues and opportunities that exist in the neighborhoods.
On Thursday, November 2, at 6 p.m., a second Community Meeting will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 830 North Annie Glidden Road. This meeting will provide participants with the opportunity to help define the vision for the future of the AGN neighborhoods. To view the meeting announcement,
click here.
Please visit the City website to view AGN Revitalization Plan information. To view that page,
click here.
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In This Issue
AGN Revitalization
Parking Amnesty
Development Updates
CO Safety
Landscape Waste Collection
Winter Readiness
City Hall Closures
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Police Department Offers Parking Amnesty
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The Police Department is providing vehicle owners with outstanding parking fines an opportunity to pay those fines at a discounted rate. Beginning November 1 and continuing through November 30, vehicle owners who have outstanding parking tickets issued between 2013 and 2016 may receive a $25 discount per ticket. Individuals with 10 or more tickets are excluded from the amnesty program, and Snow Emergency Route and Handicap Zone parking tickets will not be discounted. Refunds will not be given for any late fees and collection fees paid prior to the start of the program.
Owners with outstanding parking tickets were mailed a notice. If you are unsure if you have outstanding parking tickets, please call the Police Record’s Division at 815-748-8400. Staff will need the owner(s) names and license plate to conduct an effective search.
Following the conclusion of the amnesty program, any outstanding balances from tickets issued prior to 2016 will be sent to collections for the full fine amount.
Parking tickets can be paid:
- In person Monday through Friday at the Police Department, 700 West Lincoln Highway, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or at City Hall, 200 South Fourth Street, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
- By check and through the mail to the DeKalb Police Department, 700 West Lincoln Highway.
Further information can be found on the
Parking Amnesty page of the City website.
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Employment
Opportunities
Visit the City's
Employment
page on the website to view and apply for open positions. For more information, contact Human Resources at 815-748-2300.
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Updates on Downtown Development Projects
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Two of the downtown redevelopment projects approved this year are progressing. Framing of the second story of the Cornerstone project located at the southeast corner of South First Street and East Lincoln Highway is now complete. Future commercial uses on the first floor include Barb City Bagels, slated to open in early 2018, and Tavern on Lincoln, a new restaurant planning to open in the summer of 2018.
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Facade work recently commenced on the eastern most buildings of the Plaza DeKalb project located at the northeast corner of North Second Street and East Lincoln Highway. The facade work will be completed this fall and demolition and reconstruction of the remaining buildings in the project will begin next spring. Once completed, Plaza DeKalb will contain 23 apartment units and first floor commercial space.
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In addition to these larger projects, several other locations in and around the downtown made noticeable improvements this summer. Sundog IT completed an exterior overhaul of its new home at 230 East Lincoln Highway, and Gordon Hardware renewed its look with a fresh coat of exterior paint. These efforts continue to enhance downtown DeKalb!
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Fire Department Reminds Residents of the Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
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As winter approaches, the Fire Department reminds residents to take necessary precautions to avoid the dangers of carbon monoxide, otherwise know as the "silent killer". According the the National Safety Council, more than 400 Americans die from carbon monoxide poisoning each year and another 20,000 are admitted to emergency rooms.
In addition to installing and maintaining carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms, the Fire Department offers these tips to stay safe this winter:
- Have your furnace, water heater, and any other gas burning appliance serviced by a qualified technician every year
- Never use portable fuel burning space heaters inside your home
- Do not use portable generators inside homes, basements, or garages
- Have your chimney cleaned and inspected every year, and make sure your fireplace damper is open before lighting a fire and well after it is extinguished
- Make sure gas appliances are vented properly
- Never use a gas oven to heat your home
- Do not allow your car to idle in the garage
Most importantly, never ignore your carbon monoxide detector. If it sounds, immediately move to fresh air, call 911, and do not reenter the residence until the Fire Department has determined it is safe.
Remember, Daylight Saving Time ends on November 5. Be sure to turn back your clocks one hour and change the batteries in all your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
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Landscape Waste Collection Concludes in November
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Collection of landscape waste by Waste Management, the City's refuse contractor, will conclude on the final regularly scheduled collection day of November. As a reminder, landscape waste must be placed in approved biodegradable (paper) bags or open garbage cans not exceeding 32 gallons. Brush must be bundled with twine in lengths no longer than four feet and not to exceed 50 pounds.
The City's three landscape waste drop off sites will also remain in place through November 30. Those sites can be found at:
- Fire Station #2 - 1154 South Seventh Street
- City Garden Plots west of Fire Station #3 - 950 West Dresser Road
- Southeast Corner of North Seventh and Oak Street
Regular curbside collection of landscape waste will resume on April 1 of next year. For additional information on refuse and recycling,
click here.
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Public Works Prepares for Winter Weather and So Should You
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With winter on the horizon, Public Works is working hard to ensure safe travel when snow starts to fall. Snow and ice removal is a core service of Public Works and preparation begins as early as September. Master Fleet Mechanics inspect plows and dump trucks for readiness and make necessary repairs. Early equipment inspections ensure efficient snow removal operations.
When snow falls, Public Works prioritizes streets by public safety, traffic volume, and access to emergency facilities and schools. During major storms, crews plow continuously in anticipation of high volume traffic hours. Major arterial streets are the City’s first priority, followed by snow routes and green streets which are made up of minor arterial and major collector streets. Residential streets are addressed after priority one and two streets are completed as time and weather conditions permit. Snow and ice removal operations require the assistance of residents and motorists. Here is how you can help.
Clear sidewalks as soon as possible. Prevent snow from turning into a pedestrian ice hazard. The City of DeKalb Municipal Code (Chapter 51. Sec. 21-5) requires property owners to shovel their sidewalks no later than 48 hours from the end of the snow event.
Do not shovel snow from driveways or sidewalks onto the street. Aim snow blowers into front yards away from sidewalks, parkways, and streets. Snow placed in the streets freezes and causes accidents.
Remove snow from around fire hydrants near your home. Help save lives and property.
Safe Driving Habits for Motorists. Sharing the road with snowplows creates challenges for motorists. Be prepared by following a few simple tips when you encounter a snowplow:
- Be visible - keep headlights on at all times when travelling.
- Slow down and keep to the right.
- Do not pass snowplows on the right and be cautious when approaching from behind. Snow and debris exit the plow on the right and reduce visibility.
- Keep a safe driving distance when traveling behind snowplows and avoid blind spots.
For more information, visit the City
website
.
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Upcoming City Hall Closures
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City offices will be closed on the following dates in November and December.
- November 10 - Veteran's Day
- November 23 - Thanksgiving Day
- November 24 - Day after Thanksgiving
- December 22 - Christmas Eve Observance
- 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.
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Citizens' Environmental Commission Meeting
November 2, 4 p.m. at City Hall
Finance Advisory Committee Meeting
November 2, 5 p.m. at Police Department Training Room
Economic Development Commission Meeting
November 3, 8 a.m. at Haish Conference Room
AGN Task Force Meeting
November 7, 3:30 p.m. at DeKalb County Community Outreach Building - Blank Slate Room
2500 N. Annie Glidden Road
Board of Fire & Police Commissioners Meeting
November 7, 5 p.m. at Police Department
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
November 8, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers
Human Relations Commission Meeting
November 9, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 13, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
November 13, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers
Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission Meeting
November 20, 8 a.m. at Haish Conference Room
Airport Advisory Board
November 21, 7 p.m. at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport Maintenance Facility
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
November 22, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers
Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 27, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
November 27, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers
Economic Development Commission Meeting
December 1, 8 a.m. at Haish Conference Room
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
December 6, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers
Citizens' Environmental Commission Meeting
December 7, 4 p.m. at City Hall
Human Relations Commission Meeting
December 7, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall
Committee of the Whole Meeting
December 11, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
December 11, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers
Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission Meeting
December 18, 4 p.m. at Haish Conference Room
Airport Advisory Board
December 19, 7 p.m. at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport Maintenance Facility
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
December 20, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers
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To view agendas for City meetings, please go to the City's Agenda Center
here
.
To check for meeting cancellations and locations updates, please check the City Website
here
.
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Annie Glidden North Revitalization Plan: Community Meeting
November 2, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Westminster Presbyterian Church, 830 N. Annie Glidden Road.
The public is invited to participate in the second of several Community Meetings to discuss the Annie Glidden North (AGN) Revitalization Plan. This community initiative seeks to improve the quality of life for residents of the AGN neighborhoods. Participants at this meeting will have the opportunity to help define the vision for the future of the AGN neighborhoods. Families with children are welcome. A Spanish translator will be available upon request.
Sip, Shop, Socialize: Holiday Sneak Peek
November 3, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Get a jump start on your holiday shopping and enjoy a evening out in downtown DeKalb! You'll find personalized items, home decor, clothing and accessories, holiday treasures, antiques, and more!
Holiday Traditions at Ellwood House
November 15 through December 3
Every November, the Ellwood House Museum partners with area businesses, community sponsors, and volunteers to decorate the mansion room-by-room on all four floors. From November 15 to November 30, guided holiday tours give visitors the opportunity to see the mansion in a new light. At the end of the regular tour season, the museum opens it's doors for a three-day Holiday Open House weekend. Volunteers will be stationed in each room, presenting the history of the home and the Ellwood family.
Egyptian Theatre Events
135 North Second Street, DeKalb, IL
Check out one of the many great holiday themed events occurring in November and December including concerts, classic movies, and performances of The Nutcracker!
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NIU CSA Concerts
December 2, 5, 6 & 13 (times vary)
Experience the arts at NIU! Founded in 1988, the NIU Community School of the Arts brings many of the most talented teachers in the region together with children, teens, and adults at all levels of ability. Approximately 500 people from more than 50 different cities and towns in the region come to NIU each semester to pursue their study of the arts. To view the concert calendar,
click here.
Carriage Rides & Visit with Santa in Downtown DeKalb
Saturdays, December 2 - 17
Enjoy a complimentary old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage ride around downtown DeKalb and visit with Santa.
Stage Coach Players Events
126 South Fifth Street, DeKalb, IL
Check out a performance of
A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Several showings are scheduled for November and December.
Northern Illinois University Events
DeKalb Campus
Northern Illinois University offers a variety of music, arts, and entertainment events that are open to the public.
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City Hall
200 South Fourth Street
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Police Station
700 West Lincoln Highway
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Public Works
1216 Market Street
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport
3232 Pleasant Street
Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
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Police/Fire Emergency
911
Police Non-Emergency
815-748-8400
Parking Ticket Inquiries
815-748-8412
City Clerk
815-748-2095
City Manager's Office
815-748-2090
Finance Department
815-748-2000
Fire Department
815-748-8460
Mayor's Office
815-748-2099
DeKalb-Sycamore Area
815-748-2367
Transportation Study
DeKalb Taylor Municipal
815-748-8102
Airport
Public Works - Street Division
815-748-2040
Public Works - Utility Division
8
15-748-2050
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