Voters will decide which candidates take up three contested aldermanic seats in the City of DeKalb on April 5.

Seven aldermen and the mayor make up the city council, whose primary job is to be the policy making body in the city, DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow said.

When the policy is made, it is up to the city manager and his or her staff to carry it out, he said.

“Basically we have three meetings a month and some special meetings here and there,” Sparrow said. “I choose to be involved as much as I can. I keep an eye on the city to make sure things are carried out. And in cases of tie votes, I do vote.”

As the mayor, Sparrow presides over the council and works part-time for $25,000 a year, but he said he must be available at all times to carry out the job effectively. Aldermen make $6,000 a year, City Clerk Donna Johnson said.

“It’s really up to the individual how much work they put into it,” Sparrow said.

Steve Kapitan, 3rd Ward Alderman in DeKalb said the job can vary quite a bit.

“The council is the policy-making body in DeKalb,” he said. “Things like development decisions with regard to development projects are one of the policies we could make.”

He said constituents may contact their alderman if they feel the city staff is not serving them properly.

“Let’s say there’s a problem with parking on a certain street. That is not something the staff can universally change,” Kapitan said. “An alderman can look at what solutions would be appropriate and suggest them.”

Members of the council serve four-year, staggered terms. This year the even numbered wards will be voted on, as well as the mayor. In 2007, the odd numbered wards will be voted on.