DeKALB — The DeKalb City Council met on Monday to discuss infrastructure improvements, public service funding and community recognitions.
Mayor Cohen Barnes recognized October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Barnes also acknowledged the placement of the President John Williston Cook Mansion at 411 College Ave. on the National Register of Historic Places.
A public hearing was held to discuss the Irongate Annexation Agreement, which approves the donation of three acres of land for the new DeKalb Transit Center. The amendment extends the original agreement through 2053 and includes a public access easement for a pedestrian and bike path connecting the DeKalb County Health Department to the W. Dresser Road corridor.
Council members also reviewed new designs for the reconfiguration of the North First Street and Sycamore Road intersection. The updated plan replaces a previously proposed roundabout with a new layout aiming to improve safety and traffic flow.
Several resolutions were discussed that focus on improving city services and infrastructure.
The city receives annual federal funding to support public transit operating and capital purchases. For Fiscal Year 2025, $496,153 will go toward purchasing three new medium-duty paratransit buses. These ADA-accessible vehicles can accommodate six to 28 passengers and will be fully funded with Federal 5307 grant funds using State Transportation Development Credits.
It was also announced that local nonprofits, including Safe Passage, Hope Haven, Elder Care Services, the Children’s Learning Center and the Voluntary Action Center, will receive $60,100 in Community Development Block grant funding for 2025.
Two ordinances were introduced at the end of the meeting: one approving the first amendment to the Irongate Annexation Agreement to secure the Transit Land donation, and another approving the final plat for the DeKalb Gas Resubdivision at 802 S. Fourth St. This approves construction of a new Amoco gas station and convenience store.
The next City Council meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on Oct. 27 in the DeKalb Public Library.
