DeKalb is leading the way as it asks taxing bodies to help drive down the City’s total property tax rate.

The City Council, at its meeting on Oct. 24, supported an estimated property tax levy that would reduce the City’s tax rate by 6 percent to 92.6 cents per $100 of equalized assessed valuation (EAV). The estimated levy would hold what homeowners pay to the City about flat, and the amount could be less by the time the City’s total EAV is finalized.

The lower City tax rate is another step towards lower taxes; however, the City’s share is only a small portion of a homeowner’s total tax bill. City officials are asking the other taxing bodies to join a three-year effort to use EAV-boosting projects like Meta’s DeKalb Data Center to lower DeKalb’s total tax rate. Mayor Cohen Barnes (second from right in photo) said that would drive more economic development and potentially housing starts.

“We have … to be always thinking about the taxpayer, always thinking about our fiduciary responsibilities up here, but again, showing leadership to the rest of the taxing bodies that were at an 11.1 percent aggregate tax rate right now. We’ve got to get to 9.5,” said Barnes. “We can only do that collectively.”

Springfield could help the local effort to lower taxes by passing pension reform. Once again, all of the City’s property tax revenue next year will go towards the required contribution to the downstate police and fire pensions, and another $1.7 million from other revenue sources will be needed to meet the obligation. 

Fourth Ward Alderman Greg Perkins (left in photo) said the City could be forced into a deficit without downstate pension system reforms.

“The reality of it is we’re going to be in a difficult position in a few years, and I think it’s incumbent upon us to lean on our representatives to get something done,” said Perkins. “It’s a very real issue.”

DeKalb officials are working with local partners to push for action on pension reform.

The Council will hold a public hearing on the tax levy at its meeting on Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Meeting Room at the DeKalb Public Library.

In This Issue

Northern Illinois University President Lisa Freeman and Mayor Cohen Barnes led cheers during a pep rally that was part of the NIU Homecoming Block Party in downtown DeKalb Oct. 6. The new event also included the March of the Huskies, a classic car show and kids activities.

The DeKalb City Council has given final approval to a new Crime-Free Initiative to hold landlords accountable for refusing to take action to prevent crime at their properties.

The initiative approved unanimously Oct. 24 stiffens penalties for landlords found to have allowed crime to occur at their properties. Along with additional police officers and new technology, the initiative is part of the City’s strategy to combat serious crimes, including weapons offenses.

The plan includes clear protections for crime victims. The program does not apply to police calls related to domestic and sexual violence, crime victims, child abuse or calls from disabled individuals and those in need of police services. Additionally, landlords who take retaliatory action against crime victims face a minimum fine of $1,000.

There are also protections for landlords working to create safe places to live. These provisions make sure landlords are not fined when they show efforts are being made to prevent crimes. Third Ward Alderman Tracy Smith (left in photo), a retired DeKalb Police officer, said the City would prefer to work cooperatively with landlords.

“I think the key here, … for someone who has been on both sides of this now, is just communication,” said Smith. “I think landlords want to reach out to us and I think, at least for my years, that was always great to have them on your side.”

City Manager Bill Nicklas said promoting this cooperation will be the role of the new Director of the Crime-Free Bureau.

“The new Director is going to have to build relationships, and they have to be strong working relationships, and not just based on phone conversations and e-mails, but getting out, getting eyeball to eyeball with units, buildings, people who are involved in our housing scene,” said Nicklas.

William Heinisch, a member of the Board of Directors for the DeKalb Area Rental Association (DARA), requested that the initiative be allowed to move forward. Since it was introduced last month, the City has been working collaboratively on the plan with DARA, an organization of landlords and property managers.

Through the development of the program, careful attention was given to ensuring the initiative follows state and federal laws. The program does not require evictions and, under the Illinois Human Rights Act, a prior arrest record cannot be used in the screening of potential tenants.

The public is invited to a Sixth Ward meeting with Alderman Mike Verbic to discuss opportunities and challenges within DeKalb.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 9, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Joseph F. Glidden Homestead and Historical Center, 921 W. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, Illinois.

Alderman Verbic will provide opening remarks and discuss Ward 6 matters along with Citywide projects. The team from Glidden Homestead will join the meeting for a presentation about their initiatives and activities. Time will be allotted for citizen comment.

Please forward any other topics for discussion to mike.verbic@cityofdekalb.com. Those will be presented at the meeting and the feedback shared when possible.

A Wheels UP private charter King Air 350i twin-engine turboprop arrived at DKB on Oct. 6 and parked on the South Ramp for the night.

Before departing to the hotel, the copilot offered to allow the Kishwaukee Education Consortium Aviation students a close-up view and interior tour of the aircraft, including the flight deck. Many of the students are interested in becoming commercial or military pilots, aviation technicians, or aeronautical/aerospace engineers.

The pilots returned on Oct. 7, and after refueling, departed with two passengers to New Century AirCenter, Olathe, KS (IXD).

Site Selected for New DeKalb Transit Center

A site has been selected for a new DeKalb transit center that will bring the bus fleet close to most riders and provide the infrastructure needed for the transition to electric buses.

The DeKalb City Council Oct. 10 approved the recommendation of the Transit Site Selection Committee to locate the facility on City-owned property on Dresser Road, near Fire Station 3. It will replace the current facility on Pleasant Street, which is inadequately sized.

The Site Selection Committee, comprised of community representatives working with a design consultant, evaluated three possible sites using a weighted criteria model that included 20 factors, including distance to riders, neighborhood impacts, acquisition costs, ecological impacts, zoning, general topography and other features. The Dresser Road property outscored sites on Barber Greene Road and West Lincoln Highway, near the Convocation Center.

First Ward Alderwoman Carolyn Morris (left in photo) appreciates the due diligence done by the Committee.

“I really like that they did a weighted numerical value to the locations,” said Morris. “I think that helps make the argument for putting it there very strong.”

The Committee found one of the advantages of the Dresser Road site is its proximity to existing and potential future routes. This provides more efficient operations as buses travel a shorter distance from the transit center to riders.

In its analysis of the site features, the selection report prepared for the Committee notes, “There is no floodplain located within the project area.” It also states no disturbance is anticipated within the wetland area on the north end of the property. 

The new transit center prepares DeKalb for the transition to electric buses with no exhaust emissions, which is being incentivized by the Federal Transportation Administration. Transit Manager Mike Neuenkirchen says the new facility will have electrical infrastructure to charge the vehicles.

“Right now, if we were to say to our operator, ‘Bring in some electric vehicles,’ there would be some serious electrical upgrades that they would have to do on that (Pleasant Street) site, which they may or may not be able to do,” said Neuenkirchen. “Moving forward with this facility actually helps us to address that for the future.”

95 percent of the transit center construction costs will be funded through the IDOT Rebuild Illinois program and the remainder through federal transit capital assistance.

The full site selection report can be found here.

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A new cyber and esports café will be opening in the multitenant building at 901 Lucinda Ave., across from the NIU campus.

The DeKalb City Council, at their Oct. 24 meeting, approved a special use permit for the business, which will open in the unit next to Cast Iron Coffee. The business plans to have 30 to 40 computers and game consoles for customers.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is upon us and DeKalb Fire Department wants to make sure you cook those delicious meals safely. Here are some great tips in order to do so:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.

• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.

• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.

• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.

• Keep knives out of the reach of children.

• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.

• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.

• Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.

• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.

• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

Receive important notifications from the City by signing up for ALERT DeKalb. Text, email, and phone messages are used to alert the public to emergency situations, severe weather, and traffic disruptions.

Users can also text ALERTDEKALB to 67283 to report criminal or suspicious activity and quality of life concerns.

The DeKalb Police Department handed out candy from their jail on Palmer Court during Spooktacular on Oct.27. Along with downtown trick-or-treating, the event put on by the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, featured a free movie showing at the Egyptian Theatre.

View more photos from Spooktacular on DeKalb's Facebook page.

DeKalb’s annual Loose-Leaf Collection began on Oct. 24 and will continue through Friday, Dec. 2, weather permitting. 

Leaves are collected Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents should rake leaves into a narrow row parallel to the backside of the curb. Vacuum trucks traveling curbside will pick up the leaves. Leaf piles must be free of debris such as large tree branches and rocks. To help prevent street flooding, do not place leaves in the street.

Crews will begin in the south half of DeKalb and work north to Lincoln Highway, to the northern city limits. The City is anticipating 3-4 collection cycles. To ensure your leaves are picked up by the final collection cycle, please make sure all leaves are raked to the curb by 7 a.m., Nov. 28. Schedule and locations change to accommodate weather conditions. Public Works ceases leaf collection operations in the event of snow.

City offices are closed and there will be no leaf collection on the following days:

• Friday, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day
• Thursday, Nov. 24 - Thanksgiving Day
• Friday, Nov. 25 - Day after Thanksgiving

Lakeshore Recycling will also pick up your leaves, curbside, on your regularly scheduled garbage day. However, leaves must be placed in biodegradable yard-waste bags or open garbage cans. Leaves placed in plastic bags will not be collected. 

All dates are subject to change based on weather conditions, particularly snowfall events, and other factors beyond the control of the City.

For more information, contact the Public Works Office at (815) 748-2040.

Here’s a helpful tip as we get ready for holiday deliveries. Make sure your home or business address numbers can be easily seen from the street.

The City has heard from delivery drivers who say the address identification for several homes and businesses are either hard to see or not posted at all, making deliveries difficult. An easily visible address is also critical for emergency responses.

According to City Code, “Buildings shall have approved address numbers placed in a position to be plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property.”

Community input and participation will be a large part of a mural that will be created on the south wall of DeKalb City Hall.

The City Council, on Oct. 10, selected artist Danielle Casali for the collaborative effort, which will include detailed mosaic and painted motifs that celebrate the community’s Belonging initiative. Casali, who received her Master of Fine Arts from NIU, recently completed a mosaic mural in Hinckley.

Mayor Cohen Barnes said Casali has embraced the belonging theme.

“This whole idea of creating a sense of belonging in our community, she glommed right onto that because the mural that she did in Hinckley was just that. She engaged so many members of the community where they essentially co-created the mural together,” said Barnes. “I thought that was really cool. It’s not just an artist that’s putting it up. There’s going to be a lot of people that are going to be engaged that can say, ‘I did that.’” 

The process will begin next year with a series of community brainstorming workshops where the public will write and draw their mural ideas with a focus on the theme of belonging. Casali will use recurring ideas from these workshops to create a design draft. Focus groups will then provide feedback for the final design.

Next, Casali will lead community volunteers in creating the mosaic panels which will make up the mural. This will be done over multiple workshops allowing a variety of volunteers to participate. Once the mosaic pieces are completed, the wall will be primed and painted before the panels are installed.

The project is part of the beautification efforts by the Citizens’ Community Enhancement Commission to create a welcoming community through public art. A number of muralists with strong regional credentials offered designs, and Casali was selected by the Commission to create the mural.

The City Hall mural will be one of multiple projects to be supported by a T-Mobile Hometown Grant awarded to the City for the creation of public art.

Artist Danielle Casali recently completed this mosaic mural project in Hinckley.

DeKalb municipal offices will be closed the following days:

• Friday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day
• Thursday, Nov. 24, Thanksgiving
• Friday, Nov. 25, Day After Thanksgiving

November Community Events

Stage Coach Players

126 South Fifth Street

Clue: On Stage

The Stage Coach Players perform the play "Clue: On Stage," a comedy featuring all of the memorable characters from the 1985 film of the same name. 

Nov. 3rd-6th & 11th-13th

Purchase tickets here, and view the theater's full schedule.

DeKalb Park District

Pumpkin Smash'n'Bash

Hopkins Park Sled Hill

1403 Sycamore Road

Bring your carved pumpkins for various pumpkin activities and competitions. Have fun rolling your pumpkin down the sled hill in a pumpkin roll competition! Then smash your pumpkin and turn it into compost that will help nourish plants in the spring.

Saturday, Nov. 5 at 1 p.m.

Register for the event here. Find more activities on the Park District's calendar.

Egyptian Theatre

135 North Second Street

The Magic of Bill Blagg LIVE!

Blagg's show combines his mind-blowing magical talents along with his trademark off-the-cuff personality to take you on a magical journey you'll never forget!

Saturday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.

Purchase tickets here. Learn about more events on the Theatre's Events Schedule.

Northern Illinois University

NIU Basketball Home Openers

Convocation Center

1525 West Lincoln Highway

The NIU men’s basketball teams opens their season at home against Illinois Springfield while the NIU women’s basketball team hosts DePaul for their home opener.

Men's home opener v. Illinois Springfield

Monday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m.

Women's home opener v. DePaul

Saturday, Nov. 12 at 1 p.m.

View the men's team full schedule here, and view the women's full schedule here.

DeKalb Public Library

309 Oak Street

Hawaiian Show

Bill Tong and Dean Milano will perform a set of traditional and popular Hawaiian music songs during this afternoon concert. This program is free and open to all. No registration is required.

Saturday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m.

See all of the library's programs on its calendar.

View more fun activities in DeKalb on our Events Calendar.

Get community news all month long by following the City on social media.

City Hall          

164 E. Lincoln Highway

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

7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport    

3232 Pleasant Street  

Monday - Friday     

8 a.m. - 5 p.m.