DeKALB – The DeKalb City Council discussed limiting the amount of retail tobacco stores in DeKalb on Monday.

RETAIL TOBACCO STORES

The City Council considered setting a limit on the number of tobacco stores able to operate in the city.

After discussion at its Monday meeting, the city will vote on an ordinance for the limit at a future meeting.

DeKalb’s Unified Development Ordinance defines a retail tobacco store as one that gets more than 30% of its gross revenue from the sale of nicotine or tobacco products and accessories.

City Manager Bill Nicklas explained why the consideration was brought before the council.

“Until recently we had five retail tobacco stores,” Nicklas said. “One of those has gone out of business. Now there is another party interested in going through the process to get a license.”

Alderman John Walker supported the restriction.

“I want to set the limit, I don’t want any more. If anything I would like to take them all away,” Walker said.

Alderwoman Carolyn Zasada said she supports a more hands-off approach.

“I do think that these stores don’t bring any true value to our community and can result in having a negative impact on our community,” Zasada said. “I do generally like to let the free market do its thing, however I can see benefit to our community in limiting them and if that is the direction that y’all want to go I would support that.”

TRANSIT CENTER PROJECT
The City Council discussed finalizing the design and pre-construction package bid of a new transit facility on Dresser Road by April. Its construction is set to begin as soon as possible in 2026 and it is expected to be completed by early fall 2026.

The new transit facility is meant to ensure proper maintenance of the buses that operate within the transit system in NIU and DeKalb.

Nicklas said the layout will consist of multiple buildings featuring work and shop areas.

Alderman Tracy Smith supported the design.

“One thing that’s critical to understand is: The buses won’t be outside, but having a wash – a chassis wash – is critical to maintain the life of the vehicles,” said Smith.

The next City Council meeting will take place on Feb. 24.