The need for better mass transit in DeKalb was the main topic in an SA forum with city leaders at the Holmes Student Center Monday night.

Mayor Greg Sparrow told students the Mass Transit Board and not the City Council has stalled attempts to increase public transportation services in DeKalb.

Assistant City Manager Gary Boden said DeKalb tried unsuccessfully to get $500,000 from the Illinois Department of Transportation for paratransit services as recently as a year and a half ago.

“The city of DeKalb has always been open to the Mass Transit Board in terms of trying to help, if it’s talking about going for state funding,” Sparrow said.

Bill Nicklas, director of Building and Community Services, responded to concern about Stadium View apartment problems by saying he only can deal with enforcing the building codes.

Other factors, like broken agreements between landlords and tenants and unkept contractor timetables are “beyond the control of my depatment,” he said.

SA Sen. Kelly Marie McDonald wanted the city to fund a tenants’ union while other city officials agreed a union would make more sense separate from the government.