Fire Department Awarded $2.7 Million Grant |
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On August 31, 2021, the DeKalb Fire Department was awarded a 2020 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) federal grant in the amount of $2,721,256.47. The application was a collaborative effort by City of DeKalb and DeKalb International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), Local 1236.
This award will be used to fund the cost of hiring nine additional firefighter/paramedics. These positions will help reach the goal of increasing the Fire Department’s minimum shift staffing from thirteen to sixteen firefighter/paramedics by October 2, 2024, as stated in the 2021-2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the City of DeKalb and DeKalb IAFF, Local 1236.
Increasing the Fire Department’s daily minimum staffing benefits DeKalb citizens by making possible quicker and more efficient fire and emergency medical responses. The increased staffing will also reduce budgetary reliance upon overtime and the likelihood of on-duty injuries.
The award funds will be used for operational personnel salaries, insurance, pension contributions, and other contractual benefits over the course of three (3) years. These are DeKalb’s front-line emergency crews on ambulances and engines.
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Progress Made on New Fairview Pathway
Old Municipal Building Being Cleared for Revitalization
Police & Fire Departments Welcome New Members
Halloween Fire Safety Tips
Receive DeKalb Police Notifications
State Grant Could Help With Downtown Building Rehabs
Police Department Recognizes Citizens
Improvement of Twombly Road Begins
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Community Comes Together for Unity Walk |
DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes and Police Chief David Byrd joined NIU students and community members Tuesday for the annual Unity Walk around campus and through the Annie Glidden North Neighborhood. |
Facebook Photo Gallery
More photos from the Unity Walk can be seen here on the City of DeKalb Facebook page.
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Progress Made On New Fairview Pathway |
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The first leg of the new Fairview Pathway received it's asphalt surface the week of September 6th.
While there are a few final items to finish such as ADA compliant access ramps at the crossings, it was an apparent success in physical product, schedule, and budget. It will be opened to the public in October and will serve not only the employees of the large Park 88 who must or choose to walk and cycle to work, but any and all looking for expanded recreational routes.
This step was the first in several investments over the next 12 months in Pathways for the residents and visitors in DeKalb.
Following this in short order will be an additional extension eastward along Fairview Drive to approach the growing Peace Road Corridor, as well as the establishment this Fall of a pathway along Dresser Road connecting neighborhoods in AGN to the campuses of both the High School and County Health and Nursing Facilities in the City's northwest quadrant.
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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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The City is currently looking to fill the following positions:
• Finance Director. Initial Review of Applications: Monday, Oct. 11. Position will remain open until filled.
• Fire Chief. Application Deadline: Sunday, Oct. 17.
Click here to visit our Employment Page and view the full position job posting, hiring requirements, and application instructions. |
Get community news from the City of DeKalb all month long by following us on social media. |
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Old Municipal Building Being Cleared for Revitalization |
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Demolition is underway on DeKalb’s old Municipal Building as progress continues on the revitalization project that has returned the property to the tax rolls.
The ground and second floors have been razed and the contractor is now pulling out the basement.
While the Municipal Building served the City well for more than 50 years, it needed extensive repairs. In 2013, the repairs were estimated at more than $3 million. Overhauling the heating and cooling systems alone was expected to cost $1.1 million.
City officials had struggled with the question of what to do about the Municipal Building since at least 2011. The answer came in 2019 when the City Council agreed to move City Hall to the historic Nehring Building at 164 East Lincoln Highway, a far less costly option than repairing the Municipal Building or constructing a new City Hall.
The relocation of City staff and the sale of the property at 400 South Fourth Street means the city block is now generating property tax revenue. Three buildings of luxury apartments are planned for the site. Under an agreement with the developer, a forgivable TIF loan for the project must be repaid with new tax revenue.
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Demolition of the old DeKalb Municipal Building began on Sept. 13. The last of the ground and second floors came down on Sept. 21. |
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Follow DeKalb on Social Media
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Police & Fire Departments Welcome New Members |
Last month, the DeKalb Police Department swore in Officer Patterson. Officer Patterson was a lateral transfer from the Decatur Police Department. The department will be swearing in another lateral transfer on Oct. 18 at 1 p.m. The swearing in will be live streamed on the DeKalb Police Facebook page. |
DeKalb's newest firefighter/paramedic Sarah Faivre was sworn in on Sept. 13. Mayor Cohen Barnes (left) and City Manager Bill Nicklas joined the ceremony at Fire Station 1. |
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Halloween Fire Safety Tips |
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Halloween is Sunday, Oct. 31. The DeKalb Fire Department offers these safety tips:
• Use a battery operated candle or glow-stick in your pumpkin.
• When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric.
• Teach children to stay away from open flames including pumpkins with candles in them.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper can catch fire easily when used as decorations. Keep them away from open flames and other heat sources.
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks any escape routes.
• Only have children go to homes they are familiar of and make sure they wear costumes that can be seen in the nighttime.
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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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Receive DeKalb Police Notifications |
The DeKalb Police Department wanted to remind residents about the various features of ALERT DeKalb.
ALERT DeKalb is a free service that allows individuals to sign up for notifications sent from state and local authorities and provides an anonymous reporting option for certain offenses.
Residents can sign up to receive weather and crime alerts by visiting ALERT DeKalb.
Residents can also send tips to ALERT DeKalb by texting “67283.” The text message must begin with “AlertDeKalb.” The text will alert the DeKalb Police Department and a telecommunicator can respond to your text.
Residents can remain anonymous while reporting criminal or suspicious activity, quality of life concerns, and any requests for services.
Residents who currently utilize a "spam blocker" for unwanted phone calls will find that alerts from ALERT DeKalb are blocked. To work around this, residents will need to contact their spam block provider and authorize the following number to call their phone: 815-748-8400.
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State Grant Could Help With Downtown Building Rehabs |
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Have you ever thought of rehabbing a building in downtown DeKalb? A new state grant could cover up to half the cost.
Gov. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) have announced a new $50 million program to revitalize commercial corridors and main street areas. Each Rebuild Illinois Main Street & Downtown grant will be between $250,000 and $3,000,000.
Private businesses are eligible for the grants, and the eligible projects include investment in or modernization of structures in disrepair.
The grants are tailor made for areas like downtown DeKalb. DeKalb is in one of the state’s disproportionately impacted areas, and helping these areas is one of the priorities of the grant.
Projects in our downtown would match many of the grant priorities including benefiting a business district hard-hit by COVID-19, being likely to attract additional investment and preserving structures of historic significance that enhance the unique character of the business corridor.
For the grant, private businesses need to provide matching funds of at least 50 percent of the project costs. The other half is covered by the state. Expenses that are eligible to be covered by the grant include: land and building acquisition, architectural planning and engineering design, demolition in preparation for additional work, new construction and reconstruction or improvement of existing buildings and structures.
The application deadline is January 10 but applicants are encouraged to begin the grant process as soon as possible. For more information from the DCEO, click here, or contact Josh Boldt at joshua.boldt@cityofdekalb.com.
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Police Department Recognizes Citizens |
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On Sept. 21, DeKalb Police Department held a Citizen Appreciation Ceremony to recognize citizens who assisted the department in the prior year.
Citizens included, William F, Della P, Dave G, Danielle B, Steven G, Carrie L, Bob M, Marshion B, Izrael B, Gloria P, and Brianna M.
These citizens without consideration of life and limb, took extended action to assist officers in providing public safety and service to the DeKalb community. The department commended citizens who acted as supporters of the department and for the service and loyalty they have provided.
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Improvement of Twombly Road Begins |
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Progress as promised – The resurfacing and upgrade of Twombly Road has started.
Construction crews have poured concrete to add curbing between Annie Glidden Road and Rosenow Way. The roadway will then be milled and resurfaced, and a pathway will be created as part of a longer off-road route to DeKalb High School.
The project is a joint effort of the City of DeKalb, DeKalb County and DeKalb Township. The work will be completed this fall.
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Promotions Made in Police & Fire Departments |
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On Sept. 7, the Police Department celebrated the promotion of four officers to sergeant. These promotions occurred over the past several months, but due to COVID the celebration needed to be postponed. New sergeant include Sgt. Mecca, Sgt. Streit, Sgt. Ehrke and Sgt. Brown. |
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The DeKalb Fire Department has two new lieutenants. David DeLille (left) and Eric Blanken received the promotions in late September.
DeLille, an 18-year DFD veteran with extensive experience in pre-hospital care, will serve as Lieutenant of Emergency Medical Services. His primary responsibilities will be quality control and improvement in all EMS operations, serving as liaison with outside agencies and coordinating EMS education and training.
Blanken, a 20-year DFD veteran, has been promoted to Lieutenant/Paramedic. He serves on the technical rescue team, is a department vehicle mechanic and is a bagpiper with the Firefighter Highland Guard of DeKalb.
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Planning and Zoning Commission
Oct. 4, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library
Board of Fire & Police Commissioners
Special meeting, Oct. 5, 12:30 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Station
Human Relations Commission
Oct. 5, 6:30 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department
Citizens' Environmental Commission
Oct. 7, 4 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department
City Council
Oct. 11, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library
DeKalb Public Library Board
Oct. 13, 7 p.m. in the Bilder Family Room at the DeKalb Public Library
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Fire Pension Board
Oct. 14, 4 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department
Finance Advisory Committee
Oct. 18, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library
Planning and Zoning Commission
Oct. 18, 6 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department
Joint Review Board
Oct. 22, 1 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room at the DeKalb Police Department
City Council
Oct. 25, 6 p.m. in the Yusunas Room at the DeKalb Public Library
Airport Advisory Board
Oct. 26, 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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Downtown Merchants
Vintage Shop Hop
Whether you're searching for a replacement vintage nostalgic piece, a focal piece for your home, or just like exploring independent small businesses, it's a shopper's dream. Grab your friends and make Downtown DeKalb your first stop on an epic weekend adventure.
Oct. 1 & 2
For more information on events by the Downtown Merchants, visit their Facebook page.
Pleasant St. Neighborhood Gathering
Everyone is invited to meet their neighbors and discuss issues of interest in the Pleasant Street Neighborhood.
Thursday, Oct. 7, 5 p.m. at the Christ Community Church Outreach Center at 316 N. 6th St.
DeKalb Police Department
Bowling Fundraiser for Shop with a Cop
Do you love bowling and pizza? Do you love the idea of contributing to a cause that benefits kids who are facing tough challenges? We need you! Sign up at Lardi Gras Lane or contact Chad McNett at chad.mcnett@cityofdekalb.com.
Saturday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m. at Mardi Gras Lanes, 1730 Sycamore Rd.
Life Saving Award Ceremony
Two officers will be recognized for life-saving efforts.
Thursday, Oct. 21 at 4 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Training Room of the DeKalb Police Department.
Follow the activities of the DeKalb Police on the department's Facebook page.
Submit your event to be consider for the e-News Community Events calendar by e-mailing here.
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Stagecoach Players
126 South Fifth Street
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Visit the parlor of Mrs. Lovett where you can enjoy a savory meat pie and then have Mr. Sweeney Todd, shave that thick scruff of hair clean off.
Oct. 14-24
For tickets, click here or call 815-748-1940, and see the full schedule of shows here.
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce
Trick-or-Treat Spooktacular
Trick-or-treaters can go business to business collecting candy.
Thursday, Oct. 28, 4-6 p.m., Downtown DeKalb
DeKalb Public Library
309 Oak Street
Virtual Event: Wild Chicago
Ben Hollis, the original host of “Wild Chicago”, presents a history of this popular PBS show.
Saturday, Oct. 30, 2 p.m.
Register of the event here, and See all of the library's programs on its calendar.
Egyptian Theatre
135 North Second Street
Oak Ridge Boys
Their string of hits includes the Country-Pop chart-topper "Elvira", as well as "Bobbie Sue", "Dream On", "Thank God For Kids", "American Made", "I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes", "Fancy Free", "Gonna Take A Lot Of River" and many others.
Saturday, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m.
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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 815-758-1886
Police Non-Emergency 815-748-8400
Public Works Department 815-748-2040
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