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DeKalb e-News October 2021: $2.7 Million Grant, Old Municipal Building

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DeKalb e-News October 2021: $2.7 Million Grant, Old Municipal Building

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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.

In This Issue

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.

Progress Made On New Fairview Pathway

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.

Employment

Visit the City’s Employment Page to view and apply for open positions. For more info, contact Human Resources at 815-748-2398.

Human Resources Openings

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.

Old Municipal Building Being Cleared for Revitalization

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.

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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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.

Halloween Fire Safety Tips

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.