DeKALB | Controversy over ‘Kegs and Eggs’ heated up discussion at Monday’s DeKalb city council meeting.

The council opposed a consideration to open bars one hour earlier on Saturday, Oct. 21 for the NIU Homecoming tradition of ‘Kegs and Eggs.’ The opposition was not completely echoed; it resulted in a tie vote of 3-3.

Mayor Frank Van Buer had to break the tie vote. Van Buer was in opposition of the consideration.

“I can find no evidence that opening bars one hour earlier creates a successful Homecoming,” Van Buer said.

The aldermen in predominantly student wards voted for the bars to open at 5 a.m. instead of the already regulated 6 a.m. Seventh Ward Alderman James Barr was absent from the meeting.

Sixth Ward Alderman David Baker said that there have been no previous problems with the ‘Kegs and Eggs’ event and that he, himself, attended the event in the past. Baker did remain cautious about the idea, however.

“I would hate to change my mind since we haven’t had a problem,” he said.

Last year, the council approved the request to have bars open at 5 a.m. for the festivities.

Several aldermen asked the police department for advice on the situation.

“There’s virtually no way we can say if this event has prevented or created problems,” Police Chief Bill Feithen said.”If I were sitting in your place I would vote no.”

Baker continued to reiterate that there have been no problems at the event. When he attended it at the 5 a.m. opening, he said the whole process seemed to go much smoother for patrons and bar owners. Baker said he talked to aldermen before the meeting that were in favor of the 5 a.m. opening for the festivities.

“Well, I’m not surprised,” Baker said. “I’m disappointed that so many alderman changed their votes.”

During the regular city council meeting, the council members addressed the changes to the Outdoor Special Events ordinance regarding the specific regulations about issuing outdoor permits on Reading Day.

The council voted to receive and file the ordinance for a second reading.

The liquor commission already discussed the ordinance at their last meeting and advised the city council not to approve the legislation.

“I hope it turns into a healthy debate at the second reading,” Baker said.