The DeKalb City Council passed a motion of consideration to give Old World Millworks $200,000 for economic development assistance.

Old World Millworks, based out of Maple Park, is a stair parts manufacturing company that wants to relocate to a vacant building at 1085 Peace Road.

The consideration met some opposition from 2nd Ward Alderman Kris Povlsen because of some concerns lingering about the previous occupants of the building.

The building was originally owned by Encoat, a company that primarily painted Caterpillar tractors coming from a Caterpillar plant located at the intersection of Peace and Barber Greene roads, said 3rd Ward Alderman Steve Kapitan.

Encoat was given incentives and DeKalb invested more than $200,000, Kapitan said. But the Caterpillar plant relocated a few years later and Encoat went with them.

“Some money the city invested was returned through property taxes but it wasn’t a good investment because they didn’t stay,” Kapitan said.

Betty Rickel, manager of Old World Millworks, said the privately-owned business has been growing steadily over the last five years and shows promise for a solid future.

Pat Conboy, 5th Ward Alderman said he thinks Old World Millworks’ relocation is a positive step forward.

“Not only is it another employer, it makes use of a building that has not been used for years,” Conboy said.

In other news, the council voted to increase the fine for illegally parking in a handicap parking space from $100 to $250.

Karega Harris, 1st Ward Alderman, refused to comment on his recent DUI arrest.