On the agenda: Dekalb meeting — data center (Mar 9)

CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
MARCH 9, 2026
6:00 P.M.
DeKalb Public Library
Yusunas Meeting Room
309 Oak Street
DeKalb, Illinois 60115
In accordance with Chapter 2, “City Council,” Section 2.04, “Council Meetings,” individuals who wish to
address the City Council during this meeting must register with the Recording Secretary prior to the
meeting’s start by completing a Speaker Request Form. Each speaker will be allotted a maximum of three
(3) minutes for public comment. Additional details regarding the public comment process are available on
the Speaker Request Form.

A. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
B. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
C. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
D. PRESENTATIONS
1. America250 Pause for Patriotism: The Fire Bell in the Night.
City Manager’s Summary: In more or less chronological order, our previous “Pauses for
Patriotism” have focused on the revolutionary principles of the Declaration of Independence
and the several generations who tried to memorialize them in law and everyday practice after
the American Revolution, even as powerful external forces (especially warring European
powers) and internal divisions (over constitutional government, and property rights)
threatened that grand experiment. In the span of a little more than 40 years (from 1820 to
1863), our young country passed from what was known as an “era of good feelings” into a
cataclysmic civil war, which led the national government into a second revolutionary period,
ultimately corrupted, as Americans wrestled with the promise and the social challenge
embodied in a “new birth of freedom.”
James Monroe and the Border Between Freedom and Slavery
In January 1815, the “War of 1812”, which was fought over maritime rights, ended with the
triumph in New Orleans of an improvised American army of militia, French privateers, native
Americans, and Creole settlers under the leadership of Andrew Jackson. They decisively beat
a larger, professional British army consisting of regulars recently victorious over Napoleon at
Waterloo. No one really won that war. The British depredations, which included the burning
of the capitol city of Washington, were roughly offset by continuing American successes at
sea. Two of these victories were widely celebrated: the American frigate captain, James
Lawrence, briefly captured by the British, rallied his sailors with the immortal “Don’t Give Up
the Ship” and prevailed. Another intrepid American captain, Oliver Hazard Perry, defeated a
small British fleet on Lake Erie and famously messaged that “We have met the enemy and
they are ours.” As if to remind us that timing is sometimes everything and to punctuate the
end of a war that need not have been fought, the significant British losses in New Orleans

Assistive services, including hearing assistance devices, available upon request.

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March 9, 2026
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came a month after the war actually ended with the Treaty of Ghent (Belgium) in December
1814.

When James Monroe was elected in 1816, the preoccupation of most Americans was the
exploding migration into the Ohio Valley and the greater “West,” which by then included a
million square miles annexed by the United States in 1803 with a payment of about
$15,000,000 (4 cents per acre) to France. In his earlier role as American diplomat, Monroe, a
Virginian, cut the deal. In the fall of 1816, Monroe became the fifth President of the United
States (four of the first five were from Virginia). He was the last president to fight in the
Revolution (he fought with Washington at Trenton).
Washington

Adams

Jefferson

Madison

Monroe

When he ran for a second term in 1820, Monroe was almost unanimously elected. He won
231 of the 232 electoral votes cast. The one dissenting elector voted for Secretary of State
John Quincy Adams (John’s son) because he admired him.
Monroe’s presidency is notable for two historic measures that asserted much future influence.
One was the so-called Monroe Doctrine, which was articulated in a speech to Congress in
1823 essentially declaring that the United States would not tolerate intervention in the
Americas (North, South or Central) by European nations. This muscular diplomatic position
was aimed at the crumbling Spanish empire and adventurous ambitions of France, in
particular. It continues to be the basis for sometimes defensive and other times offensive
military actions.
Ultimately, the most impactful of the two Monroe-era milestones was the Missouri
Compromise. The massive real estate addition under the Louisiana Purchase invited a

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March 9, 2026
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competition between expanding slave-based agricultural production in the South and freesoil/free laborer ambitions in the North growing out of an industrial revolution that was
transforming Northern cities from Maine to the Great Lakes. The political eruption that nearly
led to a divided nation two decades before the election of Abraham Lincoln was over the
admission of Missouri as a state.
The spark was the petition of the Missouri Territory for statehood in 1817. With Henry Clay of
Kentucky taking the lead in finding a compromise, a heated three-year Congressional debate
ended in 1820 with Missouri admitted as a slave state, Maine admitted as a free state, and
slavery prohibited anywhere else north of Missouri’s southern border. Every politician,
including Thomas Jefferson, could see the sectional lines that were emerging, and few
believed the Compromise would forever resolve the problem. “This momentous question,”
Jefferson wrote, “like a fire bell in the night, awakened and filled me with terror. I considered
it at once the knell of the Union.” President John Quincy Adams, who succeeded Monroe in
1825, agreed when he stated that “the present question is a mere preamble – a title page to
a great tragic volume.”
In a remarkable historical moment that belongs to the ages, Thomas Jefferson and John
Quincy’s father, John Adams, died on the same day, July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after the
Declaration was approved. Benjamin Rush, another exceptional patriot who likewise served
in the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration, and served as a physician in
Washington’s army, called Adams and Jefferson the North and South of the Revolution.
At the time of their deaths, there were 24 states: 12 Free and 12 Slave. Ten days before his
death, Jefferson penned a last letter – a sort of testament to the creed that still bound the
nation. “May it be to the world, what I believe it will be (to some parts sooner, to others later,
but finally to all), the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish
ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves.” It is a “palpable truth,”
he continued, “that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor
a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of God… For
ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights and
an undiminished devotion to them.”
Next: The Halls of Montezuma and the Narrowing Path to Civil War.
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
F. APPOINTMENTS
None.
G. CONSENT AGENDA
1. Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 23, 2026.
2. Accounts Payable and Payroll through March 9, 2026, in the Amount of
$3,226,801.51.
3. Investment and Bank Balance Summary through January 2026.
4. Year-to-Date Revenues and Expenditures through January 2026.
5. Crime Free Housing Bureau Report – February 2026.

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6. Resolution 2026-033 Authorizing a Workers’ Compensation Lump Sum Petition and
Order in the Amount of $31,377.60 (Jacob Watson).
H. PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
I.

CONSIDERATIONS
None.

J. RESOLUTIONS
1. Resolution 2026-034 Adopting a Civility Pledge for the DeKalb City Council.
City Manager’s Summary: In April 2023, the Illinois Municipal League (IML) introduced a
Civility Pledge to encourage respectful dialogue, reduce conflict, and rebuild public trust
across Illinois’ 1,295 municipalities. The pledge was created in response to growing political
division and rising tensions in government meetings nationwide, underscoring the fact that
civil discourse is essential for addressing complex community issues.
The pledge outlines four principles: listening, respecting others, recognizing a shared
responsibility for improving the community, and valuing diverse ideas that contribute to that
goal. It aims to strengthen relationships, support open communication, and reinforce the
notion that, despite political differences, officials are working toward the common purpose of
bettering their municipality.
The pledge states: “In the interest of civility, I pledge to promote civility by listening, being
respectful of others, acknowledging that we are all striving to support and improve our
community, and understanding that we each may have different ideas for achieving that
objective.”
President Abraham Lincoln ended his first Inaugural Address by reminding the nation, “We
are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies.” He urged Americans to preserve the
bonds of affection despite rising tensions. That message remains relevant today, highlighting
the need for local officials across Illinois to take the lead in fostering civility and strengthening
community dialogue.
If approved, the Civility Pledge document will be circulated for each Council member’s
signature.
City Council approval is encouraged.
2. Resolution 2026-035 Approving the Regulation of Traffic for the Purpose of Holding
a Cinco de Mayo Celebration on Illinois Route 38 (Lincoln Highway) Between First
Street and Fourth Street on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
City Manager’s Summary: The requested closure of Illinois Route 38 on May 3, 2026, supports
the community’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. The event, which began in 2023 and has
grown steadily, previously took place on S. Third Street, then expanded to Lincoln Highway
in 2024.
The move to Van Buer Plaza last year proved too limited, prompting organizers to seek a
return to Lincoln Highway and part of S. Third Street based on community feedback. The

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March 9, 2026
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planned activities closely follow the 2024 layout, including a parade, entertainment stage, food
vendors, a beer garden, and children’s activities, with the only notable change being an
extended end time of 8:00 p.m.
Organizers have provided the required insurance documents, and the primary City cost
involves Public Works staff setting up and removing barricades.
City Council approval is recommended to ensure timely coordination with the Illinois
Department of Transportation.
3. Resolution 2026-036 Authorizing the Transit Manager to Act as the Authorized
Official to Submit Grants and Sign Certifications and Assurances on Behalf of the
City of DeKalb for the Federal Transit Administration CY2026 5307 Transit Grant.
City Manager’s Summary: As the designated recipient of federal and state transit funding for
the DeKalb Urbanized Area, the City must appoint an authorized representative to perform
required grant functions. This resolution assigns that role to the Transit Manager, granting
authority to execute all Federal Transit Administration grant activities in CY2026, including
applications, agreements, payment requests, and the annual Certifications and Assurances.
It also designates the City Attorney as Legal Counsel for FTA matters.
Although the FTA does not require annual reauthorization, the City Manager presents this
resolution each year as a best practice for program compliance. Approval preserves the City’s
ability to execute necessary grant documents and maintain access to Section 5307 funding,
with more than $13 million available across current awards as of February 13, 2026. These
funds are managed through Transportation Fund 200.
Currently Available by Commitment Purpose
Grant #

Original
Award
Amount

Operating

IL-2024-005-01

$1,260,603

$401,479

IL-2024-005-02

$740,000

Facility
A&E

Bus/Fleet

Bus Route
Improvements

Unobligated

$740,000

IL-2024-005-04

$841,420

IL-2024-005-05-01 (A6)

$655,247

$754,837
$655,247

IL-2024-005-05-01 (A6)

$496,153

$496,153

IL-2024-005-05-01 (A5)

$35,000

IL-2024-005-05-01 (A7)

$1,209,785

FY23 Not Obligated

$2,754,213

$2,754,213

FY24 Not Obligated

$3,005,580

$3,005,580

FY25 Not Obligated

$3,072,793

$3,072,793

$35,000
$1,209,785

$1,611,264
Total Available Federal
5307 Funding

$754,837

$1,891,400

$35,000

$8,832,586

$13,125,087

Assistant City Manager Bob Redel will oversee the ongoing grant processes as the City
Manager’s designee.
Council approval is recommended.

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March 9, 2026
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4. Resolution 2026-037 Authorizing the SFY2027 Downstate Operating Assistance
Agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation in the Amount of
$11,555,810.
City Manager’s Summary: This resolution authorizes the Transit Manager to execute the
SFY2027 Downstate Operating Assistance (DOA) Agreement between the Illinois Department
of Transportation and the City of DeKalb, providing operating funds from July 1, 2026, through
June 30, 2027. DOAP will reimburse 80% of eligible expenses up to $11,555,810, serving as
the primary funding source for the City’s Public Transit program, with Federal 5307 funds and
Northern Illinois University (NIU) contributions supplying the required local match.
DeKalb is the designated recipient of federal and state transit funding for the DeKalb
Urbanized Area and has participated in the DOA program since 2005. The City currently
contracts with Transdev Services Inc. for transit operations. The Transit Manager is
responsible for executing the agreement and submitting required documentation, consistent
with standard City practices for state and federal transit grants. DOAP funds support transit
services in DeKalb, Sycamore, Cortland, and NIU, and provide access to the Elburn METRA
Station.
The SFY2027 allocation reflects a 39 percent increase from the prior year due to amendments
to the DOA Act that expanded statewide transit funding and increased the reimbursement rate
from 65 to 80 percent. The City has budgeted $14,662,384 in operating expenses for
SFY2027, with DOAP covering 80 percent and the local match supplied through NIU
contributions, Federal Transit Administration operating assistance, and fare revenue. Under
the City–NIU intergovernmental agreement, NIU’s share will equal 35 percent of total costs in
future years.

Organization
City of DeKalb

Total
Allocation
$2,663,023

2027 DOAP
Allocation
Amount
$2,076,315

DOAP
Allocation
Percentage
18%

2027
Local Match
Amount
$586,708

Purchased Services (Transdev)

$11,999,361

$9,479,495

82%

$2,519,866

TOTAL

$14,662,384

$11,555,810

100%

$3,106,574

Sources of
Local Match
Transit Fares
FTA Grant
NIU Funding
FTA Grant
NIU Funding

These funds, managed through Transportation Fund 200, will support Transdev operating
expenses, fleet maintenance and fueling, and City administrative and personnel costs for the
transit program.
City Council approval is recommended.
5. Resolution 2026-038 Authorizing the Purchase and Equipping of Two 2026
Chevrolet Tahoes through Miles Chevrolet for the DeKalb Fire Department in an
Amount Not to Exceed $118,208 Using Ground Emergency Medical Transportation
(GEMT) Funding.
City Manager’s Summary: The Fire Department is requesting approval to purchase two
Chevrolet Tahoes from Miles Chevrolet in an amount not to exceed $118,208. One vehicle
will replace an aging 2014 Ford Explorer with rising repair costs, and the other will be available
to battalion chiefs and deputy chiefs on any given day. Miles Chevrolet has committed to
providing two 2026 models that meet the department’s specifications, and funding for the
purchase is included in the FY2026 GEMT budget (Fund 130).

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March 9, 2026
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The vehicles will serve multiple functions within the department, including daily staff use,
incident command duties, and the transportation of personnel and equipment. Miles Chevrolet
has also offered a $3,000 trade-in allowance for the 2014 Ford Explorer which has over 73,000
miles.
The purchase will utilize pricing available through the State of Illinois Central Management
System and the NWMC Suburban Purchasing Cooperative contracts, which meet or exceed
state public bidding requirements. This approach complies with the City’s Purchasing Manual
and removes the need for a separate bid process.
City Council approval is recommended.
K. ORDINANCES – SECOND READING
None.
L. ORDINANCES – FIRST READING
1. Ordinance 2026-010 Publishing the Official Zoning Map of the City of DeKalb.
City Manager’s Summary: The Illinois Municipal Code (65 ILCS 5/11-13-19) requires the City
to publish an Official Zoning Map annually. The attached map includes all zoning changes
approved over the past year, along with any necessary corrections. It reflects updates such
as rezonings, special use permits, and annexation-related actions, with special uses also
shown on the Interactive Zoning Map on the City’s website.
Case Name
Michael Warfel, 209 Grove St.

Ordinance
2025-016

Action
Rezoning from LI to CBD.

DeKalb Township, 611-615 N. First St.
(Oakwood Cemetery)
DeKalb Park District, 1403 Sycamore Rd.

2025-021

DeKalb CUSD #428, 1133 N. Thirteenth St.
(Littlejohn Elementary School)
Heartland Bank and Trust Co.
205 S. Fourth St.
Amoco Hossen, 802 S. 4th St.

2025-026

Irongate – 855 West Dresser Rd.

2025-043

JJK 343, LLC – Edged – Project Vector,
approx. 560 acres generally located along
the east and west sides of IL Route 23, north
of Keslinger Rd. and west of Crego Rd.
Family Service Agency, 220 College Ave.

2025-052

Special use permit for the expansion of Oakwood
Cemetery.
Special use permit to allow for construction of a
new public swimming pool facility.
Special use permit to extend the timeframe for a
modular classroom to remain on the site.
Special use permit to allow a bank with drivethrough facilities.
Rezoning from GC to PD-C to allow a gas station
and convenience store.
Amending Irongate Annexation Agreement for
donation of property for the DeKalb Transit Center
Rezoning from SFR1 to PD-I, upon annexation, to
allow a data center.

2025-055

Special use permit to allow a lodging house.

JJK 343 LLC, ChicagoWest Region IV,
DeKalb Commerce Center, 114 acres
located at the southeast corner of Peace
Rd. and Fairview Dr.
Specialized Education of Illinois, Inc.
315 N. 6th St.

2026-006

Rezoning from SFR1 to PD-I, upon annexation, to
allow a Pilot Travel Center and future commercial
uses.

2026-002

Rezoning from LI to LC and a special use permit
for a private therapeutic day school.

2025-025

2025-033
2025-037

Planning Director Dan Olson will post the updated map online.
City Council approval, along with the waiver of second reading, is recommended.

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March 9, 2026
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2. Ordinance 2026-011 Amending Chapter 38 “Intoxicating Liquors”, Section 38.07
“Classifications of Liquor Licenses”, by Adding a Hotel Suite Liquor License.
City Manager’s Summary: City staff were recently contacted by Pramit Patel, president and
CEO of eo5 Hotels, which owns and operates the Hampton Inn and Home2 Suites on Annie
Glidden Road, regarding a request to offer single-bottle beer and wine for sale in the hotels’
“suite store”, which would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round, and be
managed by the front desk clerk.
The proposal includes adding two rows of bottled beer and two rows of half-bottle wines in a
cooler similar to the example shown in the photo below.

The City staff and City Attorney recommend establishing a new liquor license classification,
“Hotel Suite,” with an initial fee of $500 and an annual renewal fee of $500. Additionally, the
participating hotel will need to have any cooler area staffed at all times by a staff member who
is 21 years of age or older to prevent under-aged individuals from acquiring alcoholic
beverages.
City Council approval is recommended.
M. REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
1. Council Member Reports.
2. City Manager Report.
N. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None.
O. ADJOURNMENT
REGULAR AGENDA PACKET
MARCH 9, 2026