DeKALB—The DeKalb City Council voted Monday night to proceed with a significant investment in street repairs, approving more than $4 million for asphalt resurfacing across several neighborhoods. The decision is part of a broader push to address residents’ long-standing concerns about deteriorating road conditions.
The $4,083,655.11 contract was awarded to Curran Contracting under Resolution 2025-040, with a maximum approved contingency of $4.24 million. The funding will support resurfacing work throughout the city, including targeted improvements in neighborhoods with some of the worst-rated pavement conditions.
“This is a historic undertaking,” DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes said. “I have high confidence in our administration that they are always doing what they can to ensure the taxpayer’s money is spent wisely.”
Despite a lower bid from Schroeder Asphalt Services, council members cited serious concerns over the firm’s capacity and reliability. City Manager Bill Nicklas explained that Schroeder lacked an IDOT certificate of eligibility for a project of this scale, with only a 1,200-ton capacity compared to the city’s over 20,000-ton requirement. Curran, a long-time city contractor, has performed well on multiple past projects and is pre-qualified by IDOT.
Deliberation over the project focused heavily on balancing cost with quality assurance. Nicklas said Curran had the equipment, labor and production reliability needed to meet the city’s demands.
New Local Restaurant receives licensing green light
The council approved Iniga Pizzeria Napoletana for a bar/restaurant liquor license ahead of its grand opening at 206 E. Lincoln Highway. The council also authorized a land lease to allow Iniga to operate a sidewalk patio on the city’s right-of-way space.
Tim Cottingim, the owner of Iniga, worked closely with the city to secure a TIF grant for renovations and has overseen ADA upgrades and modernized HVAC systems for the building.
Zana’s Woodfired Pizza at 1406 Sycamore Road was also approved for a bar license with supplemental gaming. The restaurant will install six video gaming terminals, adding new entertainment options for patrons.
Council Continues Investment in Police & Social Services
The council unanimously approved the purchase of 30 new police radios from J&K Communications for $91,000. The upgrade will replace aging 2017 units that the manufacturer no longer supports.
“The prompt dispatch of police officers, firefighters and paramedics is critical to the protection of life, preservation of property and public safety,” Barnes said during a discussion on the importance of telecommunicators to first responders.
The council also passed a resolution to renew the city’s embedded social worker program in partnership with the Northwestern Medicine Ben Gordon Center. The $135,714 agreement funds three full-time mental health professionals embedded in DeKalb Police operations.
The council issued several proclamations recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and designated April 14-20 National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. Disability Book Week, to be celebrated April 20-26, was also acknowledged as part of the city’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and public awareness.
The next DeKalb City Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 28 in the DeKalb Public Library.
