The city is continuing its efforts to bring popular retail businesses to DeKalb thanks to the council taking the first step by passing a resolution to bring a Kohl’s department store to DeKalb.

The agreement is a developmental one with DeKalb County and the First Rockford Group, Inc. to develop a store at the vacant property located at the southeast corner of Greenwood Acres Drive and Route 23. Few concerns were raised regarding the resolution with the council eventually passing it by a majority vote, thus setting an anticipated opening date for the store at Nov. 1, 2004.

The greatest opposition swirled around a consideration of a request by Sisler’s Ice to waive the capital water service fees at 274 Harvestore Drive. The worries of many council members dealt with the possibility that by allowing Sisler’s Ice to waive the capital water service fee for this particular location, a bevy of other areas are going to step in line looking for the same opportunity.

Fifth Ward Alderman Patrick Conboy said he was leery as well of the consideration, but upon reading a recommendation letter by J.E. Sisler, felt more confidant that this wouldn’t be setting a precedent and would be a reasonable measure for Sisler’s Ice.

The resolution passed five to two votes with 2nd Ward Alderman Kris Povlsen and 3rd Ward Alderman Steve Kapitan opposing the votes based on a variety of measures, but most notably their fear that this request might set a precedent.

Closer to the NIU campus, there was a consideration to talk about how to utilize the open property on Russell Road and Lucinda Avenue where a well site was located.

Sixth Ward Alderman David Baker suggested the council discuss putting the property up for sale because of the significant revenues it could bring to the city, therefore giving some relief potentially to the school district and city budget. He also mentioned the already proposed idea to install two city official parking spots on Garden Road for times when officials have business to tend to on campus.

The council approved a resolution to support the troops in Iraq, a measure that Kapitan felt was important because many men and women fighting in the war basically come from local communities like DeKalb.

He said despite criticism from various people in the city that a council doesn’t have the power to make such decision as supporting the war or troops, he stands by his belief that it’s simply a unified voice speaking one way or another regarding a war rather than simply individuals.

The city voted in favor of a consideration to to award Curran Contracting Company $107,042.50 to widen and improve the Annie Glidden Road and Taylor Street intersection. The project is considered an interim improvement and would also include implementation of temporary traffic signals.

Mayor Greg Sparrow ended the meeting by suggesting all residents of DeKalb place the American flag in front of their homes to show support of American troops in Iraq.