DeKalb Clears Way for Project Barb |
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The DeKalb City Council has cleared the way for Project Barb – a 700,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center that will bring new jobs and increased tax revenue to the DeKalb region.
Annexation agreement amendments approved by the City Council at their July 26 meeting bring the plans for the Chicago West Business Center, which was annexed in 2006, up to date for this project and today’s distribution centers.
DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) Executive Director Paul Borek says Project Barb will generate abundant tax revenue and create jobs to further expand the City and DeKalb County economy and increase the prosperity of residents.
“Developments like Project Barb will continue and expand momentum established by recent developments in the City of DeKalb and DeKalb County, and will keep our region, our communities, top of mind for future development and continued growth,” said Borek.
The amendments received the unanimous support of the City Council.
“I enthusiastically support this, and certainly applaud everyone involved,” said Sixth Ward Alderman Mike Verbic. “DeKalb works. We’re serious about forming more partnerships with business and industry.”
Project Barb is the third large project to be announced for the Chicago West Business Center in a year and a half following the Ferrara Candy Company’s distribution and packing centers and Facebook’s DeKalb Data Center. The Council thanked Krusinski Construction Company CEO Jerry Krusinski, whose firm owns the business center, for his partnership with the City.
“Thank you for the investment that you’ve made in our community,” said Seventh Ward Alderman Tony Faivre. “You’ve worked very diligently with DCEDC, the City of DeKalb and the County to look for businesses that would enhance our community, and I really appreciate what you have done.”
Mass grading on the Project Barb site, which is directly east of the Ferrara packing center, is expected to begin in early August.
Upper-right photo: DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes shakes hands with Krusinski Construction Company CEO Jerry Krusinski after the City Council approved annexation agreement amendments to allow for Project Barb.
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The Project Barb site in the Chicago West Business Center is on the northside of Gurler Road, directly east of the Ferrara Candy Company packing center. |
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Pathways to Improve Safety to Park 88, DHS
Public Transit Fares Remain Free
McMaster Announces Retirement
Four New Police
Officers Sworn In
Final Plans Approved for Safe Passage
Lifesavers Honored
DeKalb Wins Budget Award
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Community Bonds Over Ice Cream |
DeKalb Police Chief David Byrd gave a boy a boost to get his free ice cream on July 7 at El Paraiso Minimart on North Tenth Street.
The store was part of a four-stop ice cream social where community members could meet DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes, Chief Byrd and DeKalb School District Superintendent Minerva Garcia-Sanchez.
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Facebook Photo Gallery
More photos from the ice cream social can be seen here on the City of DeKalb Facebook page.
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Pathways to Improve Safety to Park 88, DeKalb High School |
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DeKalb is building new pathways to make it safer for pedestrians and bike riders traveling to some large employers and DeKalb High School.
The DeKalb City Council approved an engineering agreement for three phases of pathways at their July 26 meeting.
One phase will be built along Dresser Road, connecting Annie Glidden Road to an existing pathway to DeKalb High School and ending the need for students to walk on the shoulder to reach the school. A leg of this pathway will also connect to existing paths on the nearby DeKalb County campus, providing a safe route for students traveling from Eden’s Garden to the high school.
First Ward Alderwoman Carolyn Morris is pleased to see the project happening.
“I know it’s critical to people in my ward. It’s critical to safety for students going to school,” said Morris. “I’m thrilled to see this come to fruition.”
The Dresser Road Pathway, which will be funded through a state grant, will be done over two years. A stable, off-street walkway will be created this year. The pathway will then be paved next year.
At the same time, a walkway will be built this year along Twombly Road as part of a project by the City, DeKalb County and DeKalb Township.
After its completion, students will be able to walk and bike down Twombly and use the existing sidewalk on the eastside of Annie Glidden Road to reach the new pathway. In a later project, another sidewalk will be built on the westside of Annie Glidden.
Two additional phases of pathways will be built along Fairview Drive to allow pedestrians and cyclists to access employers in Park 88.
Phase One, which will be built this year, will extend from South Seventh Street to an existing pathway at Macom Drive to alleviate dangerous conditions for those traveling to work. This phase will be constructed with funds from agreements for Park 88, and two community groups, Kishwaukee Kiwanis Club of DeKalb and the Fairview Cemetery Association, have made donations toward the project.
Next year, a second phase for the Fairview Drive pathway will be built from the existing pathway at Macom Drive to near Peace Road, improving access to additional employers. This phase will be done through federal funds and a city match.
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A new sidewalk and pathway on the northside of Dresser Road will connect Annie Glidden Road to an existing path to DeKalb High School. |
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Visit the City's Employment Page to view and apply for open positions. For more info, contact Human Resources at 815-748-2398.
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Want to be notified when positions open up within the City?
Complete our online job interest card. For the next 12 months after you submit this form, you will receive an email notification each time a position opens in the City that matches one of the categories you've chosen.
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Get community news from the City of DeKalb all month long by following us on social media. |
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Public Transit Fares Remain Free |
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At the Monday, July 12, City Council meeting, Council directed staff to maintain fare free public transit through December 31, 2021.
The City's transit system has operated fare free since March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. All fixed route buses, with the exception of the Route 12 that operates to/from the Elburn Metra Station, will remain free for the public through the end of the year. Paratransit services, including Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT), will also remain fare free.
In addition to operating fare free through the end of the year, the Huskie Line fixed route bus service will transition from a break service to a full service schedule on Monday, August 23rd when Northern Illinois University returns for the start of the fall semester.
A full service schedule includes additional transit service both on and off campus with increased frequencies on various routes. To view maps, schedules, and other transit related information, please visit the City of DeKalb Public Transit website here.
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The City of DeKalb, Police Department and Fire Department enjoyed meeting everyone who turned out to the DeKalb Chamber's family Fun Fest in Hopkins Park on July 20. |
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Fire Chief McMaster Announces Retirement |
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DeKalb Fire Chief Jeff McMaster has notified City Manager Bill Nicklas of his intention to retire, effective Saturday, November 27, 2021 when he reaches the threshold of 26 full creditable service years with the DeKalb Fire Department. Chief McMaster started with the department as a probationary firefighter/paramedic on November 27, 1995.
City Manager Bill Nicklas explained that Chief McMaster’s career interests within the department included hazardous materials, public education, and fire service training. “In Jeff’s long and dedicated career, he held the ranks of Lieutenant/Paramedic (2004-2009), Captain (2009-2012), Battalion Chief (2012-2013), Assistant Fire Chief of Training (2013-2017), Deputy Fire Chief (2017-2018), and interim Fire Chief (November 30, 2018 to February 1, 2019), before his appointment as Fire Chief on February 1, 2019. We are grateful for his many years of unselfish leadership and service.”
During Chief McMaster’s career, he served for many years as a member of the MABAS Division 6 Hazardous Materials Team and as coordinator of the DeKalb Fire Department’s Public Education team. Chief McMaster received many certificates through the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as well. He has also proudly maintained his paramedic licensure. In 2017, Chief McMaster graduated from the Executive Fire Officer Program through the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, Maryland.
City Manager Nicklas reported that a search for a permanent successor will be undertaken in the near future.
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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.
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Four New Police Officers Sworn In |
On July 28, four new DeKalb Police Officers were official sworn into the department. Recruits Schaefer-Carrington, Diedrich, and Jacquin will attend the ISP Academy and Recruit LaPointe will be headed to the Macon County Academy. |
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Final Plans Approved for Safe Passage |
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The Final Development Plan for Safe Passage’s new home in downtown DeKalb has been approved.
The plan, approved by the City Council at their June 28 meeting, included architectural elevations, a final plat and engineering, lighting and landscaping plans for the new building on the former DeKalb Clinic site on Franklin Street.
Safe Passage, a domestic violence and sexual assault crisis center, is constructing a two-story, 40,320-square-foot building that will house an emergency shelter, counseling services, administrative offices and other uses. There will also be an outdoor playground.
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An architectural rendering shows Safe Passage’s new building planned on Franklin Street in downtown DeKalb. |
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On July 15, the DeKalb Police Department honored four officers for their life-saving actions taken over the past year.
While off-duty, Officer Pristave provided care for a victim who sustained a life-threatening gunshot wound. Officer Pristave saved the victim’s life by using a tourniquet to stop the bleeding.
Officers Burdick, Dusek, and Kleinmaier saved multiple lives when they responded to a report of gunfire six months ago. The three officers provided first aid by applying direct pressure and a tourniquet to wounds, saving more than one life.
Stay up to date with the DeKalb Police Department by following the DPD Facebook Page.
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The Government Finance Officers Association has announced announce that the City of DeKalb has received GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget for Fiscal Year 2021.
The award represents a significant achievement by the entity. It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. In order to receive the budget award, the entity had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as:
• a policy document
• a financial plan
• an operations guide
• a communications device
Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, and in the fourteen mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award.
“The annual preparation of the municipal budget is a team effort involving all city departments, but the most fierce number-crunching is completed by the senior accountant, Susan Hauman; Assistant City Manager Josh Boldt, and the city manager. I am proud of our collective effort and look forward to the creation of another notable budget document for fiscal year 2022,” said DeKalb City Manager Bill Nicklas.
When a Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is granted to an entity, a Certificate of Recognition for Budget Presentation is also presented to the individual(s) or department designated as being primarily responsible for having achieved the award. This has been presented to the Finance Department.
There are over 1,700 participants in the Budget Awards Program. The most recent Budget Award recipients, along with their corresponding budget documents, are posted quarterly on GFOA's website. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.
DeKalb’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget can be viewed here.
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The City of DeKalb and its Finance Department has been recognized with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association. From left to right are Finance and Accounting staff members Beth Patrick, Amy Frantz, Susan Hauman, Meagan Challand and Assistant City Manager Josh Boldt. |
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Planning and Zoning Commission
The August 2 meeting has been cancelled.
Human Relations Commission
August 3, 6:30 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department
Citizens' Environmental Commission
August 5, 4 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department
City Council
August 9, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library
DeKalb Public Library Board
August 11, 7 p.m. in the Bilder Family Room at the DeKalb Public Library
Foreign Fire Insurance Tax Board
August 16, 8 a.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department
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Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission
Special meeting, August 16, 4 p.m. in the 1st Floor Conference Room at City Hall
Joint Meeting of City Council and Finance Advisory Board
August 16, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library
Planning and Zoning Commission
August 16, 6 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department
City Council
August 23, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library
Airport Advisory Board
August 24, 7 p.m. in the West Community Hanger at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport
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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 location updates, please check the City Website here.
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Corn Fest
Downtown DeKalb
Enjoy the Sound Stage, Chuck Siebrass Corn Boil, Community Stage, carnival, and more
Aug. 27-29
Find more information here.
DeKalb Municipal Band
Hopkins Park
Enjoy weekly concerts at the Dee Palmer Band Shell.
Aug. 3, 10 & 17, 7:30 p.m.
See the band's full schedule here.
Music at the Mansion
Ellwood House Mansion, 509 North First Street
The DeKalb Brass Ensemble & Jazz in Progress will perform for the final shows of the season.
Aug. 4, pre-show events at 6:30 p.m. & main show at 7 p.m.
Egyptian Theatre
135 North Second Street
Resurrection Journey
Resurrection - A Journey Tribute, considered to be ''The Gold Standard'' by which all Journey tributes are measured, faithfully recreates the experience of a 1980’s Journey concert.
Friday, Aug. 6, 8 p.m.
Send an e-mail to submit your event to possibly be included in our calendar!
Please note that due to the ongoing COVID-19 health concerns, these events are subject to cancellation.
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Stagecoach Players
126 South Fifth Street
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
George and Martha care deeply for each other, but events have turned their marriage into a nasty battle between two disenchanted, cynical enemies. Even though the pair arrives home at two o’clock in the morning, they are expecting guests. And then the fun begins.
Aug. 12-15 & 20-22
For tickets, click here or call 815-748-1940, and see the full schedule of shows here.
Downtown Merchants
2nd Fridays
Most Downtown Merchants are joining together to offer extended hours for an extra shopping opportunity in Downtown DeKalb for you. Merchants will be staying late until 8 p.m. the 2nd Friday of the month.
Aug. 13 & the second Friday of each month
For more information on events by the Downtown Merchants, visit their Facebook page.
DeKalb Public Library
309 Oak Street
Virtual Event: Politics Behind the 2021 Summer Olympics
Political statements and the Olympics have gone on hand in hand since 1904. Join Evan Weiner for a virtual presentation on the politics behind the 2021 Summer Olympics.
Saturday, Aug. 21, 2 p.m.
Register for the event here, and see all of the library's programs on its calendar.
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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
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
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City Clerk 815-748-2095
City Manager's Office 815-748-2090
Community Development Department 815-748-2070
DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport 815-748-8102
Finance Department 815-748-2000
Fire/Police Emergency 911
Fire Non-Emergency 815-748-8460
Mayor's Office 815-748-2099
Police Non-Emergency 815-748-8400
Public Works Department 815-748-2040
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