Julia Haugen

Staff Writer

DeKALB | Flood prevention took center stage during Monday’s DeKalb Committee of the Whole meeting.

The council will consider establishing a storm water task force in response to August’s flooding.

“We want to further identify ways to lessen flooding,” said City Manager Mark Biernacki.

The first step, possibly beginning in October, will be gathering information and ideas from DeKalb residents.

“We will convene a community-wide forum for the public to give ideas, and potential candidates will surface,” Biernacki said.

This was met with approval by 5th Ward Alderman Ron Naylor and Mayor Frank Van Buer.

Naylor said he wanted to ensure as much residential representation on the task force as possible. Van Buer said he has received e-mails from residents already and would turn them over to the task force. He would also like to see as much citizen input as possible.

“Everyone has a role to play,” said Van Buer. “We’re going to have to have some creative solutions.”

Biernacki said the city wants to put together a task force of nine to 12 members. The task force would look at measures to help during future floods such as reverse 911 messages and permanent pumps in levee areas. They would also examine city and county projects for possible ways of incorporating flood control solutions in the future.

Rick Monas, DeKalb director of public works, said he hopes the task force could also serve as a conduit to the county as well.

Fire Chief Lanny Russell said DeKalb is still waiting to hear from the federal government if DeKalb will be declared a disaster area and be eligible for funds through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.