DeKALB – Barbershops, salons and spas are now able to apply for licenses to sell alcohol.

The City Council passed an ordinance to add a cosmetic liquor license with a 5-2 vote.

Council members who voted for the ordinance were 1st Ward Alderwoman Carolyn Zasada, 2nd Ward Alderwoman Barb Larson, 3rd Ward Alderman Tracy Smith, 4th Ward Alderman Greg Perkins and Mayor Cohen Barnes. Sixth Ward Alderman Mike Verbic and 7th Ward Alderman John Walker voted against the ordinance.

Fifth Ward Alderman Andre Powell abstained from the vote. Powell owns In & Out Cuts, a barbershop in the Oakland Place Shopping Center, located at 1963 DeKalb Ave, Sycamore Road.

After the ordinance passed, Barnes addressed speculation that the city council adopting the measure was influenced by an alderman on the council owning a barbershop.

“I know he (Powell) has been vilified repeatedly online for this for no reason whatsoever,” Barnes said. “I’m sorry you had to go through this.”

The first reading of the ordinance was Sept. 9.

“In & Out Cuts absolutely will not be applying for this license,” Powell said while addressing speculation about his connection to the ordinance. “I don’t like that that narrative was put on me.”

The ordinance will allow cosmetic establishments to sell beer in up to 12 ounce containers and wine in up to 6 ounce containers between noon and 8 p.m.

WATER MAIN

A water main lining will be installed to the South of the I-88 expressway for $288,780.

The water main experienced a break over the summer. During repairs for the break, the City of DeKalb discovered deterioration to other sections of the pipe.

In order to avoid risk of additional breaks and avoid a higher cost associated with installing a new water main, the city has decided to install a lining.

The lining will be pulled through the pipe and will be cured in place.

The lining will be installed by Fer-Pal Construction.

The city authorized a waiver of competitive bidding for this project to be completed. According to the city, the project will take two weeks to complete and customers will not experience any interruptions to their water supply.

REZONING of 2100 PLEASANT STREET

The Southeast corner of Pleasant Street and Peace Road will be rezoned from a heavy industrial district to a general commercial district.

The city anticipates that rezoning the area will attract commercial business and stoke investment in the area.

The land to be rezoned is to the west of Dekalb Taylor Municipal Airport.

The next City Council meeting will be on Oct. 7 in the Yusunas Meeting Room in the DeKalb Public Library.