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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 Hall Closures
City offices will be closed Tuesday, July 4, in honor of Independence Day. Normal hours will resume on Wednesday, July 5.
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New Emergency Notification System Encourages Two-Way Communication with Police
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The City is excited to announce the launch of a new emergency notification system available to all who live, work, or attend school in DeKalb.
Alert DeKalb is a free service that allows citizens to sign up to receive notifications sent directly from authorities in the event of potentially hazardous situations involving weather, traffic, and other emergencies. The City is replacing CodeRed and iWatch, which performed similar functions. Alert DeKalb offers the City a cost effective solution that allows for two-way communication with the public. Not only will citizens be able to receive notifications, but they can also submit tips directly to the DeKalb Police Department through their mobile device.
"Alert DeKalb enables authorities to notify the community in real time,” said Commander Craig Woodruff. “This service allows for critical communication with the public and provides individuals with the information needed to stay safe or take precautions during hazardous or emergency situations.”
DeKalb residents who have a landline phone may receive notifications without signing up, but only the most critical alerts containing potentially life-saving information will be sent via landline. To ensure that you are receiving all emergency notifications, the City recommends that citizens sign up online for Alert DeKalb. If you do not register your contact information, you will not receive alerts on your preferred devices and may miss out on important safety information.
The public can also send tips to Alert DeKalb by texting “67283.” The text message must begin with “AlertDeKalb.” The text will specifically alert the DeKalb Police Department and a Telecommunicator can respond to your text. Users have the ability to remain anonymous with this option. Anyone can report tips, you do not have to sign up for Alert DeKalb.
The Alert DeKalb system is in use today. To sign up, go to AlertDeKalb.com and complete your profile and contact preferences. Residents without computer access at home are encouraged to utilize the DeKalb Public Library.
Alert DeKalb is provided through Rave Mobile Safety powered by Smart911 and is trusted by thousands of users including state and local authorities, businesses, and educational institutions across the country.
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In This Issue
Alert DeKalb
Sycamore Road Resurfacing
Corn Fest 2017
Community CPR
Street Maintenance
National Night Out
Municipal Aggregation Update
Upcoming Meetings
Community Events
Hours of Operation
City Phone Numbers
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e-News delivered straight to your inbox...
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IDOT to Begin Resurfacing of Sycamore Road
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The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is scheduled to begin a $5 million resurfacing of Sycamore Road (IL 23) through DeKalb in July. The project will resurface approximately 4 miles of Sycamore Road from South Fourth Street in DeKalb to IL Route 64 in Sycamore and replace ADA-compliant curb ramps at intersections within the project area. The project, which is scheduled to last through summer, will require intermittent lane closures and lane reductions. Some work will be completed overnight to reduce traffic congestion, but residents should plan for delays when traveling through the area. Businesses along Sycamore Road will remain open and accessible during construction.
During project planning, IDOT approached the City and offered the opportunity to contribute a minimal amount of funding to the project for local right-of-way improvements to be made in conjunction with the project. IDOT secured federal funding for the project, which will cover about 80 percent of the project cost. The City Council approved a measure authorizing funding for improvements to pedestrian traffic signals at the entrance to Northland Mall and ADA-compliant curb ramp replacements on side roads and private entrances along Sycamore Road. The total cost to the City is $28,000. By entering into this agreement with IDOT, the City is able to make improvements to its local infrastructure in conjunction with the state project. This is not only economically advantageous, but it also reduces the potential for construction related traffic disruptions.
Residents should be aware that given the uncertainty surrounding the Illinois State Budget, there is potential that this project could be delayed. If the project is delayed, the City will attempt to inform residents of any developments through the City website and social media channels.
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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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Corn Fest Celebrates 40 Years of Music, Food, and Fun
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Celebrating its 40th year, Corn Fest will once again signal the end of summer in DeKalb. The City of DeKalb is excited to sponsor this year’s festivities, which will take place on August 25, 26, and 27 in downtown DeKalb. Corn Fest is proud to be one of the last remaining free summer music festivals in Illinois. This year’s musical acts include 7th Heaven, Uncle Kracker, Hi Infidelity, and Thompson Square. Admission to the fest is free. There is a $5 per day fee for admission to the sound stage area.
In addition to great music, festival goers can enjoy great food and fun for the whole family. Activities include the always popular Corn Fest Car Show and Chuck Siebrasse Corn Boil on Saturday and three days of fun at the Corn Fest Carnival. Craft Fest will also return this year featuring vendors selling family-friendly merchandise throughout the three-day festival. Local performers will entertain crowds on the Community Stage. Those looking for a little friendly competition should sign up for the bags tournament that takes place Saturday afternoon.
For the safety and enjoyment of everyone, all backpacks, knapsacks, and tote bags will be subject to search upon entering the festival grounds. The following are a few items that are prohibited at Corn Fest: outside alcoholic beverages, coolers, glass bottles, pets, grills, bicycles, skateboards, and firearms.
For additional information on schedules, parking, and public transportation, please visit the Corn Fest website or call 815-748-2676.
Location:
Downtown DeKalb, Lincoln Highway between First and Fourth Streets
Hours:
Friday, August 25th: 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday, August 26th: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday, August 27th: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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Fire Department Offers Community CPR Training
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On Thursday, June 22, 2017, the DeKalb Fire Department hosted its first community CPR and first aid class. This four-hour American Heart Association certified training provided an opportunity for the public to learn life-saving techniques from Fire Department staff. The Fire Department intends to offer these classes on a regular basis and additional classes are already being planned.
According to Deputy Fire Chief Jeff McMaster, the Fire Department recognizes the importance of having people in the community who can perform CPR and first aid while first responders are being summoned to a scene. In a cardiac emergency, properly administered CPR and the use of an AED can mean the difference between life and death, and nobody can predict when or where an emergency may occur.
The Fire Department plans to offer CPR courses to the public several times throughout the year. Initially, the Fire Department has made plans to host classes quarterly, but the frequency of those classes may increase if there is enough demand by the community. Participants will learn and be certified in CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants, AED use on adults and children, choking relief for adults, children, and infants, and basic first aid techniques.
Whether it is a requirement for employment or the desire to be prepared for an emergency, the Fire Department wants everyone in the community to have access to training at a reasonable price. The cost to attend the class is $35, which includes a CPR/AED certification card upon completion.
Future class dates will be posted on the City of DeKalb website. For more information, please contact the DeKalb Fire Department at 815-748-8460.
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Fire Department Reminds Residents to Test Smoke Detectors
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The DeKalb Fire Department urges everyone to test the smoke detectors in their homes monthly to ensure proper operation. For questions, assistance with smoke detector maintenance, or for a free smoke detector, contact the DeKalb Fire Department at 815-748-8460. It is the goal of the DeKalb Fire Department to have a working smoke detector in every home.
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Upcoming City of DeKalb Construction Projects
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Street Maintenance
The City’s 2017 Street Maintenance Program begins on July 5. The program consists of three types of maintenance.
Mill and overlay is the first type of maintenance. This two-step process begins with the removal of damaged pavement via a milling machine. Once milled, workers spray a liquid binder to assist the new asphalt overlay bind with the pavement. Streets scheduled for mill and overlay maintenance are listed below.
- North Eleventh Street: Lincoln Highway to Locust Street
- North Tenth Street: RR Tracks (south of 38) to Pleasant Street
- Earl Court: Home Drive to end
- Market Street: Seventh Street to Tenth Street
- Pine Street: Fourth Street to Seventh Street
- Taylor Street: Fourth Street to Seventh Street
- North Ninth Street: Lincoln Highway to Locust Street
- Annie Glidden Road: Left turn lane south of Lincoln Highway
- Normal Road: Lincoln Highway to Locust Street
- Ally between Lincoln Highway and Grove Street: Fourth Street to Fifth Street
Brick and base leveling is the second type of scheduled maintenance. Years of moisture seeping into brick streets has resulted in a weak base susceptible to shifting as evidenced by large pools of water on the surface after a rainfall. The contractor will remove the bricks manually, repair the base, and reinsert the bricks by hand to maintain the character of the historical area. Streets scheduled for brick maintenance are listed below.
- South Fifth Street: Grove Street to Roosevelt Street
- South Second Street: Franklin Street to Roosevelt Street
- South Third Street: Franklin Street to Roosevelt Street
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Citywide street patching is the final component to this year’s street maintenance program. Public Works and consultant Willett Hofmann inspected the following streets and identified large areas of salvageable pavement. The damaged areas listed below will be milled and patched with asphalt.
- Seventh Street: Lewis Street to Sycamore Road
- Second Street: Barb Boulevard to Taylor Street
- Peace Road: Fairview Drive to Lincoln Highway
- Bethany Road: First Street to Sangamon Road
- First Street: Dresser Road to Rich Road
- Annie Glidden Road: Twombly Road to Lincoln Highway
- Taylor Street: Kensington Boulevard to First Street
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Water Main Replacements
Water main construction begins July 17. The planned capital improvements involve replacing aging water mains with large diameter, ductile iron mains. Main replacements will occur in the roadway, and residents can expect parking restrictions and limited driveway access as the contractor backfills trenches. Residents directly affected by the planned construction will receive an informational letter via mail. Look for updates on the City’s website and social media channels. The list of scheduled replacements is as follows.
- East Sunset Place: First Street to Fourth Street
- South Eleventh Street: Eleventh Street to Taylor Street
- Maplewood Avenue: 500 block of Maplewood Avenue to Taylor Street
- Lewis Street along with sections of Clark Street and Seaman Avenue: 1500 block of Lewis Street to Vienna Boulevard
Public Works has scheduled an informational meeting for the public on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at 6 p.m. at the City’s Water Division facility located at 1216 Market Street. Staff will discuss project details and answer questions. If you cannot attend or have questions, please contact Utility Superintendent Bryan Faivre at 815-748-2050 or bfaivre@cityofdekalb.com.
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DeKalb Police to Host National Night Out Event on August 1
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DeKalb Police, in partnership with Target Corporation, invite the public to take part in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 1, 2017, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot of Target, 2555 Sycamore Road.
National Night Out is a community-building event meant to promote positive relationships between police officers and the community they serve. This year’s event will feature the DeKalb Police Department, the DeKalb Fire Department, and other area first responders. Community members can check out emergency vehicles on display, meet some of our local heros, and learn more about the work being done around DeKalb to enhance public safety. There will be fun activities for kids of all ages, car seat safety checks, and a police canine demonstration.
For more information, please visit the
National Night Out - DeKalb, IL Facebook page.
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Conclusion of Electrical Aggregation Program Prompts
Numerous Resident Inquiries
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Recently, DeKalb residents who participated in the City’s municipal aggregation program began receiving “Electric Supplier Choice – Confirmation of Drop” letters from ComEd. The letter informs participants that the City is discontinuing its municipal aggregation program with Homefield Energy and their account will default back to ComEd.
At the April 24, 2017 City Council meeting, Council approved to discontinue the electrical aggregation program. Bids received by the City from alternative electric suppliers were not below the current ComEd rate. As a result, the City expects an increase in phone and door-to-door solicitations by alternative electric suppliers. If you are considering an agreement with an alternative electric supplier or promised a better rate by a solicitor, the City recommends a rate lower than the ComEd rate of 6.892 cents per kWh. Also, watch for three-month teaser rates and gift card deals alternative suppliers may use to entice residents. For more information and current ComEd, rates go to pluginillinois.org.
On a related note, the City has learned that recently the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) unanimously approved stronger consumer protections to help consumers avoid bad deals peddled by alternative electric suppliers.
Among the proposed rules is the mandate that suppliers record and preserve telemarketing calls, require door-to-door sales be verified by a third party, and make price changes available online to customers before they take effect. The proposed rules will now go before the Illinois General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Administrative Rules for a final vote.
Crain’s Chicago Business reports that alternative suppliers are preparing to lobby the committee to weaken the rules this summer. They argue that the new rules go beyond the ICC’s authority and would be too costly to implement.
The City will continue to closely monitor the market and provide updates to residents as they become available. If residents have additional questions, please contact Public Works Management Analyst Patrick DiDiana at 815-748-8135.
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Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
July 5, 6 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall - Council Chambers
Human Relations Commission Meeting July 5, 6:30 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall
Citizens' Enviromental Commission Meeting
July 6, 4 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall
Economic Development Commission Meeting
July 7, 8 a.m. at DeKalb City Hall - Haish Conference Room
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 10, 5 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall - Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
July 10, 6 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall - Council Chambers
DeKalb Firefighters Pension Board Meeting
July 13, 8 a.m. at DeKalb City Hall - Ellwood Conference Room
Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission Meeting
July 17, 4 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall - Haish Conference Room
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
July 19, 6 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall - Council Chambers
Committee of the Whole Meeting
July 24, 5 p.m. at
DeKalb City Hall - Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
July 24, 6 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall - Council Chambers
Airport Advisory Board
July 25, 7 p.m. at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport - Maintenance Facility
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Board of Fire & Police Commissioners Meeting
Aug 1, 5 p.m. at DeKalb Police Department, 700 W. Lincoln Hwy.
Human Relations Commission Meeting
Aug 1, 6:30 p.m.. at DeKalb City Hall
Citizens' Environmental Commission Meeting
Aug 3, 4 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall
Economic Development Commission Meeting
Aug 4, 8 a.m. at DeKalb City Hall
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Aug 9, 6 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall - Council Chambers
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Aug 14, 5 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall - Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
Aug 14, 6 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall - Council Chambers
Foreign Fire Insurance Board Meeting
Aug 21, 8 a.m. at DeKalb City Hall - Ellwood Conference Room
Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission Meeting
Aug 21, 4 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall - Haish Conference Room
Airport Advisory Board
Aug 22, 7 p.m. at DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport - Maintenance Facility
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
Aug 23, 6 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall - Council Chambers
Committee of the Whole Meeting
Aug 28, 5 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall - Council Chambers
City Council Meeting
Aug 28, 6 p.m. at DeKalb City Hall - 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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Fourth of July Celebration
July 4 at 2 p.m.
Bring chairs, blankets, games, and appetites for an afternoon and evening with family and friends. Food booths from many favorite local caterers, grills, and vendors will be on site in the early afternoon hours. The DeKalb Municipal Band will perform in the band shell before and during the fireworks. Fireworks at dusk are co-sponsored by the DeKalb Park District and City of DeKalb.
Blues at the Mansion,
featuring Johnny and the Boomers
July 5 at 7 p.m.
This summer, the Ellwood House Museum is partnering with Kishwaukee Fest and FunME events to present a new live outdoor music series "Music at the Mansion". Concerts start at 7 p.m. on the mansion terrace. Concerts are open to the public and free to attend. Lite refreshments will be available for purchase by Boy Scout Troop 33.
DeKalb Municipal Band Concerts
July 4, 11,18, 25 at 8 p.m.
The DeKalb Municipal Band performs at the Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road in DeKalb, every Tuesday in July. Performances include soloists each week and a special "Pops Concert" and fireworks show on the Fourth of July. All concerts are free. Guests are encouraged to come early and bring a picnic dinner. Please join the City of DeKalb and DeKalb Park District for an enjoyable evening at these concerts and special programs.
DeKalb Farmers' Market
Every Thursday, June through September, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The DeKalb Farmers’ Market will be held in Van Buer Plaza, at North Second and Locust Street, and will be open every Thursday, June through September. The DeKalb Farmers’ Market features more than 30 vendors and provides the community with fresh locally grown produce, bread, baked goods, coffee, flowers, food trucks and more!
Downtown DeKalb Sidewalk Sale
July 14 at 5 p.m.
Sip, Shop, and Socialize in Downtown DeKalb on July 14 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be a 50/50 raffle to benefit Hope Haven and a performance by Garage Orchestra.
Movies in the Park
July 14 at 8 p.m.
Avengers: Age of Ultron (rated pg-13) will play on our inflatable big screen at Hopkins Park!
The show starts when nature turns off the lights, but show up early to grab a spot, enjoy some outdoor activities, and live music. The event is free for all ages.
Family Fun Fest
July 25 at 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Save the Date for the Family Fun Fest at Hopkins Park sponsored by the DeKalb Park District
! This free event features games, prizes, food, and touch-a-truck.
Jazz at the Masion,
featuring Mary J Harris Trio
July 26 at 7 p.m.
This summer, the Ellwood House Museum is partnering with Kishwaukee Fest and FunME events to present a new live outdoor music series "Music at the Mansion". Concerts start at 7 p.m. on the mansion terrace. Concerts are open to the public and free to attend. Lite refreshments will be available for purchase by Boy Scout Troop 33.
Stage Coach Players Events
126 South Fifth Street, DeKalb, IL
Little Women: The Broadway Musical
July 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15 at 7:30 p.m.
July 9 and 16 at 2 p.m.
California Suite
Aug 10, 11, 12, 18, and 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Aug 13 and 20 at 2 p.m.
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DeKalb Municipal Band Concerts
Aug 1, 8,15, 22 at 8 p.m.
The DeKalb Municipal Band performs at the Hopkins Park Band Shell, 1403 Sycamore Road in DeKalb, every Tuesday in August. Performances include soloists each week as well as other special featured events. All concerts are free. Guests are encouraged to come early and bring a picnic dinner. Please join the City of DeKalb and DeKalb Park District for an enjoyable evening at these concerts and special programs.
National Night Out
Aug 1 at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Take a stand against crime and come out to Target, 2555 Sycamore Road, to meet our first responders. There will be games, food, and demonstrations to entertain. The event is free.
Art Fair, Ice Cream Social, & Municipal Band Concert
Aug 6 at 10 a.m.
Join us for a fun-filled day of activities, art, music, and good food on the grounds of the Ellwood House Museum. The day will feature first floor tours of the Ellwood Mansion and Ellwood-Nehring House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., more than 15 of your favorite artists, music by the DeKalb Municipal Band at 2:30 p.m., delicious ice cream and savories, displays by the DeKalb Area Garden Club and Kishwaukee Valley Art League, special history programs, and hands-on art activities for youth.
Movies in the Park
Aug 11 at 8 p.m.
Pee Wee's Big Adventure (rated pg) will play on the inflatable big screen at Hopkins Park!
The show starts when nature turns off the lights but show up early to grab a spot, and enjoy some outdoor activities and live music. This event is free for all ages.
Big Band at the Mansion,
featuring Jazz in Progess Big Band
Aug 16 at 7 p.m.
This summer, the Ellwood House Museum is partnering with Kishwaukee Fest and FunME events to present a new live outdoor music series. "Music at the Mansion". Concerts start at 7 p.m. on the mansion terrace. Concerts are open to the public and free to attend. Lite refreshments will be available for purchase by Boy Scout Troop 33.
Aug 19 at 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church presents Back to School Bash featuring free school supplies, food, live music, and games. This event will be held at the DeKalb Park District Sports & Recreation Center, 1765 S. Fourth Street in DeKalb. A shuttle bus will provide transportation to and from Littlejohn Elementary and Huntley Middle Schools.
NIU Move-in Day
Aug 25 at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
New and returning students move in to NIU residence halls. Join us in welcoming students back to DeKalb!
Corn Fest
Aug 25, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Aug 26, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Aug 27, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Celebrating its 40th year, the festival will be held in downtown DeKalb on Lincoln Highway, between First and Fourth Streets. All shows are free to the public. There is a $5 admission fee into the soundstage area. For more information, call (815) 748-CORN or visit the
website.
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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
815-748-8400
Non-Emergency
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 815-748-2050
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