The DeKalb City Council welcomed back Rick Monas as the new director of Public Works on Monday night.

Monas began his tenure as the new director Aug. 16. He previously worked in DeKalb for the Municipal Airport and for the past three years in the public works department of West Dundee.

At the meeting, the board approved a consideration for a special service area in the Kensington Pointe subdivision, which will provide funding for the perpetual maintenance of the nearby retention pond.

Residents from the subdivision voiced their concerns of the retention pond and the maintenance required.

There was some debate over whether the park district or the city workers would be in charge of tending to the pond.

DeKalb City Manager Mark Biernacki clarified that the city will eventually own the property near the retention pond and that it would be in charge of maintenance.

All other resolutions were approved at the meeting, including the authorization of DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow to enter into an agreement with ComEd for lighting installation upgrades as part of the Greek Row revitalization plan.

The council also approved a special-use permit for the Road Ranger gas station at 933 S. Fourth St. The permit will allow them to expand the gas station from three pumps to four. There was also a proposal to remodel the existing site to add a 3,150 square-foot convenience store.

Fourth Ward Alderman Michael Knowlton expressed concern for an increased amount of traffic once the expansion occurs.

“It’s already a very busy intersection with the restaurants nearby. This will definitely increase traffic in the area,” Knowlton said.

Knowlton and 5th Ward Alderman Patrick Conboy commented on the possibility of a grocery store to be built on the south side of DeKalb.

Conboy said the installment of a grocery store on the south side is an important need for people.

“It’s important to see a store serving the 4th and 5th wards,” Conboy said.