DeKalb households will be limited to three three-day garage sales each year, the DeKalb City Council decided Monday.

The purpose of garage sales is to allow individuals to sell unwanted items and make some extra money, 2nd Ward Alderman Kris Povlsen said.

Excess garage sales can cause disruptions in the community including traffic congestion and possible danger to children, Povlsen said.

The city council was concerned that some residents had been operating the sales more as regular businesses than using them to empty their attics.

No staff will be specifically assigned to enforce the regulation. The ordinance will be enforced as each complaint is received by the city.

Those households that exceed the limit will be issued a warning and potentially be fined.

City Clerk Donna Johnson said that in her seven-year tenure she has received only two complaints related to garage sales.

Some people would see this as unnecessary government intervention but there are people that lack respect for their neighbors therefore regulations are needed, Povlsen said.

The council also approved a special-use permit that will allow Thirsty Liquors to move from its current location at 930 Pappas Drive to 1039 W. Hillcrest Drive, the former location of Around the Clock Diner.

DeKalb resident Bill Feldman complained to the council and questioned its leniency with liquor establishments.

He also alleged that Thirsty Liquors had received their license under false pretenses. Johnson quickly put down the accusation.

“The change in liquor license was perfectly legal,” Johnson said. “Do you want this piece of property to have a liquor store on it? That is the main question.”

Sixth Ward Alderman Dave Baker expressed his worry over the proximity of Thirsty Liquors to Lundeen’s, 1030 Arcadia Drive.

Two liquor stores next to each other may prove to be a problem. One could could put the other out of business, Baker said.

At its Monday meeting, the city council also welcomed Norma Guess as the new city attorney.

Recommended by City Manager Mark Biernacki, Guess received her law degree from NIU and has been practicing law for 25 years.

“I find her to be eminently qualified,” 5th Ward Alderman Pat Conboy said.