Concern about an insect infestation was the DeKalb City Council’s main focus at a meeting Monday.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture brought concerns about the emerald ash borer (EAB), an insect that feeds on ash trees. EAB program manager Scott Schirmer said residents of DeKalb need to take caution of these insects.

“As the trees become infested, they become a hazard and liability issue,” Schirmer said. “The trees can be infested two or three years before they show any symptoms.”

Mark Espy, assistant director of DeKalb Public Works, said DeKalb has 1280 ash trees, mainly on primary roads, though this number does not include those on residents’ front and backyards.

“Unfortunately, we are faced with a grave situation,” Espy said. “Everyone will be affected by this invasive bug. But there are a handful of treatments.”

Some of those solutions include chemical treatments and replanting the dead ash trees. Espy said these treatments will help slow the death of the ash trees and possibly saving them from infestation.

Also discussed meeting was the redistricting of some of DeKalb’s wards. Because this information is not directly presented to the public, some Aldermen had ideas about how to inform their new wards.

“I plan on going door to door and letting people know they’re in my ward,” said 3rd Ward Alderwoman Kristen Lash.

City manager Mark Biernacki said the redistricting changes will be made online as soon as possible in order for residents to make sure they are aware of the change.

Mayor Kris Povlsen also announced that DeKalb will again participate in Earth Hour. The city will turn off its lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday Saturday. Povlsen also encouraged citizens and businesses to participate.

Povlsen announced the 100 year anniversary of the Girl Scouts. He congratulated the leaders and members of northern Illinois’s girl scouts for their community service.