The tone at Wednesday’s DeKalb Plan Commission meeting had decidedly changed. Speakers were relaxed and cheerful.

Tensions in the past have been caused by disputed projection numbers.

Informational meetings between city staff and developers prior to Wednesday’s meeting cleared up some past miscommunications, Community Development Director Russ Farnum said.

By a 3-1 vote, the commission recommended initiating impact fees. The issue will come before the city council Nov. 14 for consideration.

After a motion by Commissioner Michael Welsh, the board passed the recommendation, but did not specify dollar amounts.

The meeting’s agenda had only the issue of impact fees. These fees would increase the cost of new residential developments.

The added revenue would help account for the growing demand for local services resulting from population increase.

Additional services required include greater school and park district capacity.

Developers and city staff are compromising and cooperating since the last argumentative plan commission meeting. An effort was made to establish mutual respect and allow the dialogue to continue.

“We have been working cooperatively with the taxing bodies as well as the developers,” Farnum said.

“We don’t have a negative feeling toward the developers. These are good men,” said School District 428 President Andy Small.

School District 428 needs the funding most as they rapidly approach capacity.

“The school district is reaching critical mass,” commission member Vincent Frye said.

Commission member John Guio proposed a motion to refer this issue to city council without recommendation. The motion faltered when no one chose to second it.

The amount of the impact fees was passed on to the city council.

“I’m concerned with the role of determining dollar amounts,” Frye said.

The commission felt part of the decision was outside their realm.

“I view this as a political decision, but this isn’t a political body,” Welsh said.

DeKalb is trying to stay consistent with standards set by other communities.

“I recognize this is a big hit, but we are staying in line with other communities with similar circumstances,” Farnum said.

DeKalb County Building and Developers Association and city staff will continue discussions to try to accurately define the number of new students caused by new development.

Commission member Nolan Davis was not present and has not been at the last several meetings.