City Council - Regular Meeting

Proclamation: Sexual Assault Awareness Month 25th Anniversary – April 2026.

Proclamation: National Transit Employee Appreciation Day – March 18, 2026.

DeKalb Police Department 2025 Annual Report.

America250 Pause for Patriotism: Texicans and a Young Man from Illinois.

City Manager's Summary: American history is richer and more challenging than a game of chance, of course, but chances and opportunities have abounded and so has private ambition – sometimes with no one keeping score. As the Revolutionary generation passed away, the chance for further western expansion beyond the Louisiana Territory presented itself. At no other time or place before the Civil War was the "main chance" so inviting or portentous, and our national values so shaken. The border region of Mexican Texas was largely populated in the early 1830s by immigrants from the United States, many of whom brought slaves with them. By 1836, there were approximately 5,000 enslaved persons in a total population of about 38,500. The white settlers were known as "Texians" or "Texicans" and made little effort to adapt to the Mexican culture. They quickly set up their own security forces which, though illegal, protected their exchange of goods and services as well as a slave culture that had been abolished in Mexico. In early March 1836, after smaller skirmishes in the "Texas Revolution," a Mexican army under General Santa Anna met and defeated a much smaller Texian garrison with fewer than 100 soldiers at the Alamo mission. The same Mexican army was defeated at the Battle of San Jacinto by a larger Texian force on April 21, 1836, which had been organized by Sam Houston who simultaneously engineered a state constitutional convention that declared the Republic of Texas. The bold action overnight threatened to change the sectional lines defined by the Missouri Compromise of 1820.

Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of March 9, 2026.

Accounts Payable and Payroll through March 23, 2026, in the Amount of $4,534,894.22.

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report – February 2026.

Consideration of Minor Revisions to the Roles and Responsibilities of Certain City Boards, Commissions, and Committees.

City Manager's Summary: The DeKalb Municipal Code identifies 14 different boards, commissions, and committees established by Council action. The list, in alphabetical order, is as follows: - Airport Advisory Board - Building Code Review Board - Board of Fire and Police Commissioners - Citizens' Community Enhancement Commission - Citizens' Environmental Commission - Citizen Police Review Board - DeKalb Public Library Board - Economic Development Commission - Finance Advisory Committee - Fire Pension Board - Human Relations Commission - Landmark Commission - Police Pension Board - Planning & Zoning Commission A number of these appointed bodies are required by state statute (highlighted in blue). Another group (highlighted in green) are not required by state statutes but regularly meet on some defined schedule. For example, the Citizen Police Review Board meets not less than six times per year if a quorum is present (Chapter 46.04). The Finance Advisory Committee meets in joint session with the City Council twice each fall and once more on its own during the annual City budget process. The Building Code Review Board is purposely an anomaly. It meets on an ad hoc basis and is convened by the Mayor to work with the Building and Code division to review and adopt new editions of the adopted building codes. This happens approximately once every four to five years. The three commissions highlighted in yellow have not met for some time and have no active members. The following staff suggestions are offered for Council consideration: Human Relations Commission (HRC). The staff propose to reactivate this Commission with a more inclusive and representative membership that can be called by the Mayor to advise on certain matters of policy, on an as-needed basis. When the HRC was active, the membership was patronage appointments by successive Mayors with no prior qualification than residency within one and a half miles of the City of DeKalb. Keeping the mission statement for the Commission intact (Chapter 49.01), the staff proposal is to identify certain local professional organizations notable for their human service focus as standing members, with full-time professionals from these organizations representing those agencies on the Commission. Nominees would be fielded by the Mayor and subject to the advice and consent of the Council. Examples of such organizations might include the following: - Hope Haven - Family Service Agency - Safe Passage - Elder Care Services - Ramp Economic Development Commission (EDC). On July 25, 2022, the Council approved Ordinance 2022-031 which changed the annual meeting requirements for the Economic Development Commission. Based on that ordinance, future meetings will be called by the Mayor on an as-needed basis. No change is recommended. Landmark Commission. The Commission has not had active members for many years and, by default, has operated in the same "as needed" manner as the EDC. Minor language revisions in Chapter 44 to formally implement this ad hoc status are recommended. City Council direction is requested.

Resolution 2026-039 Authorizing a Funding Request from Barb City Manor for Necessary Building Maintenance and Safety Projects at 680 Haish Boulevard in the Amount of $100,000.

City Manager’s Summary: On June 24, 2019, the City Council approved Resolution 2019-099, authorizing a 10-year lease and operating agreement with Barb City Manor (BCM). As part of the agreement, the City committed $50,000 annually for capital improvements through 2028. On July 27, 2020, the Council approved Resolution 2020-086, allowing BCM to apply the 2020 and 2021 allocations toward the extraordinary $716,275 cost of replacing its two main passenger elevators. On March 14, 2022, the Council authorized the 2022 allocation to assist with modernizing a third hydraulic elevator in the east wing via Resolution 2022-026. On October 9, 2023, the Council approved the 2023 allocation to support essential boiler system repairs via Resolution 2023-093, and on June 10, 2024, the Council authorized the 2024 allocation for repairs and replacement of the facility’s parking lots via Resolution 2024-059. In her attached letter to the Council, BCM’s Executive Director, Sarah Davis, requests authorization to combine the 2025 and 2026 allocations. The combined funds would be used to replace limestone caps on the parapet walls, replace deteriorating exterior doors, and replace several boiler valves. The total cost of these significant capital repairs exceeds $100,000. City Council approval is recommended. Executive Director Davis will be on hand to answer any Council questions.

Resolution 2026-040 Authorizing the Purchase of Two Single-Axle Dump Truck Chassis from TransChicago Truck Group in an Amount Not to Exceed $223,394.

City Manager’s Summary: The Street Division is seeking authorization to purchase two new single-axle dump truck chassis from TransChicago Truck Group in an amount not to exceed $223,394. These vehicles will replace two aging units that have surpassed their functional service life: - 2004 International Dump Truck (22 years old) - 2005 International Dump Truck (21 years old) The new chassis are essential for snow and ice control, loose-leaf collection, and general construction operations. Due to long industry lead times for upfitting, the FY2026 procurement strategy has been adjusted. Purchasing the chassis now with FY2026 funds allows the City to lock in current pricing and align with the 90 to 120 day delivery window. A subsequent resolution (Resolution 2026-041) will request approval for the upfitting work through Bonnell Industries, to be funded in FY2027. Completing both approvals this year provides price protection and ensures the vehicles will be fully operational by late 2027. This purchase complies with State Purchasing Requirements through the TransChicago Truck Group state contract. Funding will come from the FY2026 Capital Equipment Replacement Fund (Fund 420). City Council approval is recommended to ensure the continued reliability and readiness of the Street Division's fleet.

Resolution 2026-041 Authorizing an Agreement with Bonnell Industries for the Upfitting of Two Single-Axle Dump Trucks in an Amount Not to Exceed $260,585.64.

City Manager's Summary: The Street Division is seeking authorization to enter into an agreement with Bonnell Industries to upfit two single-axle dump trucks at a cost not to exceed $260,585.64, funded through the FY2027 Capital Equipment Replacement Fund (Fund 420). The Public Works staff obtained competitive quotes, with Bonnell Industries submitting the lowest total cost as shown in the chart below. | Supplier | Cost Per Unit | Total Project Cost | | --- | --- | --- | | Bonnell Industries | $130,292.82 | $260,585.64 | | Cives Group / Lindco Equipment | $139,699.00 | $279,398.00 | Early approval will lock in current pricing, avoid expected inflationary increases, and secure placement in the upfitter's production schedule for an anticipated late-2027 delivery. City Council approval is recommended to support the continued reliability and operational readiness of the Street Division's fleet.

Resolution 2026-042 Approving of the Replacement of Four Overhead Doors and Three Door Operators at Fire Station 1 by Raynor Door Authority in an Amount Not to Exceed $41,700.

City Manager's Summary: The Fire Department is seeking approval to allocate $41,700 from the FY2026 Buildings and Improvements Budget in Fund 400 to replace the aging overhead doors and door operators at Fire Station 1. Repair needs have increased in recent years, and replacing the equipment will reduce maintenance costs and help ensure reliable emergency response. Quotes were requested from Raynor Door Authority, J & D Door Sales, Inc., and All American Door LLC. Only Raynor Door Authority and J & D Door Sales, Inc. responded, with Raynor providing the lower estimate. The department has previously been satisfied with Raynor's work. Two doors were replaced in 2024 and 2025, and the four proposed replacements would match the recently installed units. The funding is set aside in the City's Capital Projects Fund (Fund 400) in FY2026. City Council approval is recommended.

Approval in Omnibus Form of Resolution 2026-043 Authorizing a Special Event Agreement with DeKalb Corn Fest, Inc. for the 2026 Corn Fest; Resolution 2026-044 Approving a Non-Profit Special Event Liquor License for the 2026 Corn Fest; and Resolution 2026-045 Approving the Regulation of Traffic on Illinois Route 38 (Lincoln Highway) for the 2026 Corn Fest.

City Manager's Summary: These three resolutions authorize a special event agreement, liquor license, and traffic regulations for the 2026 Corn Fest, consistent with the approvals granted by the City Council in prior years. The special event agreement permits DeKalb Corn Fest, Inc. to hold the festival in the Central Business District and to obtain a street closure permit from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for Lincoln Highway. The agreement outlines event hours, required insurance coverage, and other operational details. The liquor license resolution authorizes the Corn Fest committee to sell alcoholic beverages within designated areas during the event. Early approval enables the committee to apply for the required State of Illinois liquor license. The traffic regulation resolution is necessary for requesting IDOT approval to close Illinois Route 38 (Lincoln Highway) between First Street and Fourth Street from Thursday, August 27 at 3:00 p.m. through Sunday, August 30 at 10:00 p.m., providing a safe and secure space for the annual downtown festival. City Council approval of these three resolutions, in omnibus fashion, is recommended.

Resolution 2026-046 Authorizing a Restaurant-Bar Liquor License for DeKalb Wing Company, LLC, d/b/a Buffalo Wild Wings, 2466 Sycamore Road.

City Manager’s Summary: City staff have received a liquor license application from DeKalb Wing Company, LLC for the Buffalo Wild Wings located at 2466 Sycamore Road, in anticipation of the restaurant’s sale to a new owner. Blazin Wings, Inc., the current operator, will continue to run the restaurant and maintain all City and County licenses until DeKalb Wing Company, LLC obtains the necessary approvals or the sale is completed. The buyer intends to keep the existing branding, layout, and menu, with no expected changes to customer-facing operations. If approved, a City of DeKalb liquor license will be issued to DeKalb Wing Company, LLC, subject to the conditions outlined in the attached resolution, including the requirement that the applicant first obtain a State of Illinois liquor license. The City will receive an initial issuance fee of $5,659 upon approval. Non-refundable application fees for the liquor license, Fire Life Safety review, and background investigations totaling $766 have already been paid. The Restaurant-Full liquor license term runs from May 1 through April 30, with an annual renewal fee of $3,735. Background investigations for the new owner and one manager have been approved by the DeKalb Police Department. City Council approval is recommended.

Council Member Reports.

City Manager Report.