City Council Meeting for November 9th, 2026

The DeKalb City Council meeting of November 9, 2026, included several contract and utility actions. The council approved a contract with Northern Illinois Service Company for demolition and restoration at 148 North Third Street, not to exceed $294,548, with staff authorized to approve change orders up to a total expenditure of $319,548. Staff reported that five bids were received; the mayor recused himself because the property is in a TIF district. The council also approved an engineering services agreement with Baxter & Woodman, not to exceed $82,000, for ion-exchange media replacement and softener inspections at the Corporate Drive water treatment plant. A water-treatment chemical purchase was also considered: the city received one bid, staff said annual costs would be under $100,000 and that rebidding was unlikely to improve the price, and funding is available in the water fund. The council approved an amendment to the T-Mobile lease on the East Water Tower; monthly lease revenue will decrease from $3,461 to $2,975, with the revenue supporting the capital equipment replacement fund.

The consent agenda, including accounts payable and payroll totaling $3,578,861.86, was approved. The council advanced a proposed 2026 property tax levy of $8,979,039, representing no increase in the city levy, and approved an ordinance abating taxes for certain city bonds on first reading. It also approved on first reading, and waived second readings for, annexation and zoning measures covering approximately 125 acres for the DeKalb Commons development, allowing consideration of commercial, industrial, and multifamily uses; council members emphasized that specific plans will return for review and raised concerns about placing housing near industrial uses. The council also approved amendments establishing a large-truck-stop liquor license classification and authorizing video gaming at a qualifying establishment. No other procurement awards were identified.