DeKALB | Local residents have raised their voices and the city has listened — Tyler Elementary School has a flood risk.

At the DeKalb City council meeting Monday night, local residents voiced concerns about the location of an expanded playground and parking lot at Tyler Elementary school.

The residents accused the school district of improperly obtaining a permit to conduct construction at the site.

The city was alerted that the parking lot at Tyler was being built on a flood plain and there was not a permit for the job, but work on the project did not stop, DeKalb resident James Schmitz said.

“My concerns were minimized when I spoke to city staff,” said DeKalb resident Lynn Schmitz.

Schmitz explained she believed the city office gave false information to the Department of Natural Resources when they applied for the permit.

Third Ward Alderman Kris Povlsen recommended the city immediately look into the problem.

Schmitz also claimed concrete and other construction debris were littered along the Kishwaukee River bank. Schmitz said a potential flood would become worse with large debris in the way of the water flow.

“I fully expect that the city staff will respond,” said Mayor Frank Van Buer. “We don’t want to minimize the problem.”

Fifth Ward Alderman Patrick Conboy reminded the council of a joint meeting between the city and the school district on October 16 to discuss the communication issues among the neighborhood and city.

“I am concerned about what we learned tonight,” said 6th Ward Alderman David Baker.

Janessa Ensinger is a DeKalb city government reporter for the Northern Star.