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
|
|
DeKalb Earns Class 2 Rating From
Insurance Services Office
|
The DeKalb Fire Department recently underwent a review with the Insurance Services Office (ISO) in order to survey and update the fire protection classification rating of our community. The City is proud to announce that ISO awarded the Fire Department a Class 2 rating, a significant improvement from the previous Class 4 rating. Only 1,324 fire departments in the United States have attained a Class 2 rating. This places DeKalb into the top 3.4% of the nation. This is exciting news for property owners as the improvement could translate into lower insurance rates for residences and businesses located within five miles of a DeKalb fire station. The ISO rating is based largely on a fire department’s response capabilities, also taking into account the community's water supply system and emergency communication systems.
The ISO rating is one of the primary elements used by the insurance industry to develop fire protection premiums for homes and businesses. As the City’s ISO rating changes, the City encourages all property owners, both residential and commercial, to contact their insurance agent and ask for a review of their individual fire insurance premium. Insurance companies – not ISO – establish the premiums they charge to policyholders. The methodology a company uses to calculate premiums for fire insurance may depend on the company’s fire loss experience, underwriting guidelines and marketing strategy. Assuming all other factors are equal, the price of your property insurance in DeKalb may decrease.
For additional details on the ISO rating upgrade,
click here.To learn more about the DeKalb Fire Department, please visit the
website.
|
|
In This Issue
ISO Rating Update
Fingerprinting Policy
Business Spotlight: Thai Pavillion
Charitable Work by First Responders
Christmas Tree Recycling
Winter Parking
Police Dept. Seeks Applicants
Online Payments
City Hall Closures
|
Get DeKalb
e-News delivered straight to your inbox...
|
|
Changes Made to City Fingerprinting Policy
|
The mission of the DeKalb Police Department is to reduce crime and enhance the quality of life through an active partnership with our community. In keeping with that mission, the Department recently initiated a number of proactive and community-oriented policing measures, all of which are intended to increase the presence of officers in key areas of the City and promote public safety. In order to maximize the resources that are available for those efforts, the Police Department has changed its service priorities resulting in updates to its public fingerprinting policy and procedures.
Due to the exceptionally high demand for this service and limited staff, inked fingerprint services will no longer be provided to the public. This includes students, banks, lawyers, hospital staff, and other various requests for fingerprints. A number of private companies nearby offer fingerprinting services. Several are listed below, in no particular order. The City does not advocate one company over the other.
- Accurate Biometrics: 866-361-9944
- Biometric Impressions: 630-532-5922
- iTouch Biometrics: 847-706-6789
- Gurukrupa Grocery & Copy Services: 815-758-1151
Fingerprint services will continue to be provided only to City of DeKalb licensees and non-profit groups conducting business within the City of DeKalb. The fee for Livescan prints will be $50 for City licensees and $27 for non-profit agencies. The fees cover expenses incurred by the City. City license applicants that fail to arrive at their scheduled appointment time will forfeit their fee and must reapply for a city license.
If you have any questions regarding the new policy, contact Officer Kelly Sullivan at 815-748-8446.
|
|
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.
|
|
Business Spotlight: Thai Pavillion
|
Thai Pavilion, a stable downtown business for more than eight years, completed interior and exterior renovations of a new, larger space in early 2017. Matching funds through the City's Architectural Improvement Program were used to improve the facade of the building located at 251-255 East Lincoln Highway, which would become the restaurant's new home. Economic Development Planner Jason Michnick recently caught up with Sam Wong, owner of Thai Pavilion, to see how the business is doing in their new space.
Please tell us about the improvements you made at your new location.
We've updated the front facade and vestibule, added a new office, repaired the water pipes and we're putting more restrooms in the basement. The atmosphere of the restaurant is much better. We now have air conditioning and better heat. The new location itself is an improvement. Moving one block over has allowed a higher volume of people to see the restaurant.
What is your favorite part of the new building?
Everything! But, if I had to choose it would be the new sign and front door. The sign was very well done and people passing by can easily remember the restaurant. The facade also looks wonderful.
How has business been since the move?
Business has been great. We are up 20-30% from last year. We have even needed to hire more staff due to the increased business. We went from having five servers at lunchtime to six servers. People from all over, including St. Charles and Aurora, are coming to DeKalb to try our food.
Tell us about the food. What is your favorite dish?
All of our dishes are homemade. My two favorite dishes are the Basil Chicken and the Green Curry. I like the little bit of spice in the Green Curry. Our bestselling item is our Pad Thai.
Thai Pavilion Restaurant, located at 251 East Lincoln Highway, is open for lunch and dinner. Visit their
website for more information.
|
|
First Responders Spread Holiday Cheer to Local Children
|
|
|
|
On December 4th, the 3rd annual "Toys for Tots" Basketball Game was played at Huntley Middle School. Members of the DeKalb Fire & Police Departments joined forces to take on a team of DeKalb teachers in a friendly game of hoops. Admission was $5 or a wrapped toy to be donated to Toys for Tots. Papa John's donated pizzas to sell by the slice, along with other area vendors donating their time and resources for the game. All proceeds were donated back to the community. The event raised over $200, plus four large bins of presents that will benefit children in need throughout DeKalb County. We are also happy to report that our Fire & Police team won in overtime this year, 49-44.
|
|
|
|
On December 17th, DeKalb Police Officers, civilian staff and volunteers participated in the "Heroes & Helpers" shop with a cop program at the DeKalb Target store. During this event, local children nominated by their school play "hero" for the day, buying Christmas gifts for their families with the help of a prepaid Target gift card. Children were paired up with Police "helpers" who helped each child pick out gifts for their family members. The event was funded by The DeKalb Police Benevolent & Protective Association, Target, and a variety of community donors. Coordinating this event provides an opportunity for the Police Department to spread holiday cheer to children in need during the holiday season.
|
|
Christmas Tree Recycling Information
|
Residents can dispose of live Christmas trees in one of two ways. Waste Management will offer curbside collection of Christmas tree during the first two weeks of January. Trees must be placed at the curb on your regular collection day. All lights, tinsel, and decorations must be removed before disposal. Trees placed in plastic bags will not be picked up.
Residents may also drop off their tree at one of three collection locations. Landscape waste containers will be in place from December 27th through January 12th at the following locations: southeast corner of North Seventh & Oak Streets; Fire Station #2 at 1154 South Seventh Street; and the City Garden Plots near Fire Station #3 at 950 West Dresser Road.
Questions regarding refuse and recycling services can be directed to Waste Management at 815-758-6607.
|
|
Winter Parking Restrictions
|
The Public Works Department would like to remind residents that winter parking restrictions are in effect from December 1 through April 1 on certain City streets regardless of weather conditions. Parking is not allowed at any time on these streets. For a full list of streets with winter parking restrictions, please refer to
Chapter 51, "Schedule C", Section 19 of the Municipal Code.
Additionally, parking is prohibited on Snow Routes after a 2" snowfall and until such time time that snowplows have completely cleared the street. Signage similar to that which is pictured is posted on Snow Routes. Please check for restrictions before you park your vehicle. A list of Snow Routes can also be found in
Chapter 51, "Schedule I" of the Municipal Code.
|
|
City Seeking Applicants for Certified Police Officer
|
|
The City is currently accepting applications to establish an eligibility list for the position of Certified Police Officer. Applicants must possess certification as a full-time permanent Police Officer, as defined in 50 ILCS 705/1
et seq, by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board. Other requirements include: at least 21 years of age; no felony convictions and good moral character; must be a citizen of the United States; valid Driver's License; minimum of a High School diploma or equivalent; and 30-mile residency requirement after 15 months of employment.
Initial application deadline is Friday, January 19, 2018. However, applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Oral interviews will be conducted in January/February 2018, after-which a final eligibility list will be established. The full job posting is available
here. If you have any questions, please contact the Human Resources Department at 815-748-2094.
|
|
City Accepts Online Payments
|
The City began accepting online payment for parking tickets in November. Any outstanding parking tickets can now be paid online. To pay a parking ticket online, you will need your ticket number and vehicle information. Online payments can be made
here. If you have any questions or need assistance locating ticket information, please call the Police Records Division at 815-748-8400, option 2.
City water bills can also be paid online. First time users of this service will need their 12-digit account number to create a user ID and password. The City's online payment processing center can be found
here. Another convenient option for paying water bills is the City's
automatic withdrawal program. For questions on these or any other water billing issues, please call the Finance Department at 815-748-2000.
|
|
Upcoming City Hall Closures
|
|
City offices will be closed on the following dates in January and February.
- January 15 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- February 19 - Presidents' 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.
|
|
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
January 3, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers
Citizens' Environmental Commission Meeting
January 4, 4 p.m. at City Hall
Economic Development Commission Meeting
January 5, 8:30 a.m. at City Hall
Committee of the Whole Meeting
January 8, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
January 8, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers
DeKalb Firefighters Pension Fund Quarterly Meeting
January 11, 8 a.m. at Ellwood Conference Room
Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission Meeting
January 16, 4 p.m. at Haish Conference Room
Finance Advisory Committee Meeting
January 16, 5 p.m. at
Training Room #203
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
January 17, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers
Police Pension Board Meeting
January 19, 10 a.m. at DeKalb Police Department
Committee of the Whole Meeting
January 22, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
January 22, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers
Airport Advisory Board
January 23, 7 p.m. at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport Maintenance Facility
|
|
Citizens' Environmental Commission Meeting
February 1, 4 p.m. at City Hall
Economic Development Commission Meeting
February 2, 8:30 a.m. at City Hall
Human Relations Commission Meeting
February 6, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall
Board of Fire-Police Commissioners
February 6, 5 p.m. at DeKalb Police Department
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
February 7, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers
Committee of the Whole Meeting
February 12, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
February 12, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers
Citizens Community Enhancement Commission
February 20, 4 p.m. at Haish Conference Room
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
February 21, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers
Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Board Meeting
February 26, 8 a.m. at Ellwood Conference Room
Committee of the Whole Meeting
February 26, 5 p.m. at Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
February 26, 6 p.m. at Council Chambers
Airport Advisory Board
February 27, 7 p.m. at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport Maintenance Facility
|
|
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
.
|
|
Mental Health First Aid Training
DeKalb County Community Community Outreach Building, 2500 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb, IL
January 12, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that teaches how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use disorders. This training provides anyone with the skills needed to reach out and provide initial help to someone who may be experiencing a crisis and/or developing a mental health or substance use problem. This event is open to all community members and is free. Contact Barb Stagner at 815-756-4875 *201 to register.
Egyptian Theatre Events
135 North Second Street, DeKalb, IL
Check out one of the many great events occurring in January and February including Jazz at the Egyptian,
featuring performances by Jazz in Progress, the DeKalb High School Jazz Ensemble, the Sycamore High School Jazz Ensemble, and the NIU Jazz Orchestra!
|
|
Forward, Together Forward
February 9 through February 20
Ten years have passed since tragedy struck the NIU community on February 14, 2008. This year, NIU will host a number of events in remembrance of that day. These events are open to the public. Additional details and a schedule of events can be found
here.
POLARpalooza
February 11 at 12 p.m.
Join the DeKalb Park District for family-oriented winter activities at the annual POLARpalooza Winter Festival in Hopkins Park! Stay turned to the
Park District's
website for details.
DeKalb Public Library Events
309 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL
The DeKalb Public Library offers a variety of programs and events for children and adults of all ages. Check out their
website for details.
Northern Illinois University Events
DeKalb Campus
Northern Illinois University offers a variety of music, arts, and entertainment events that are open to the public. Check out NIU's
Events Calendar for a full list of events.
|
|
Event dates, times, and locations are subject to change without notice. Please contact the event sponsor for additional details.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
