Tuesday’s Growth Summit meeting is one of the last, and members are moving toward final recommendations for growth in and around DeKalb.

Roger Dahlstrom, a senior research associate with the Center for Governmental Studies at NIU, opened the meeting by giving a 20-minute presentation on balanced growth.

In his presentation, he outlined his recommendations for development to the gathered group. He emphasized balance between development, nature, man-made systems, aesthetics, public services and financial impact.

Dahlstrom said he thought that concise development is more efficient than spread out development.

“I think this has a lot of applicability to our situation right now,” Mayor Greg Sparrow said.

Next, City Manager Jim Connors presented a proposed survey on development.

This survey, Connors explained, will be conducted through the Public Open Lab and is planned to hit 400 residents, excluding campus phone numbers.

Some changes to the 11-question survey were proposed by those sitting at the round table.

“We have a significant bilingual population,” Plan Commission member Herb Rubin said. He suggested that an alternate language be available.

Gary Wiggins, president of the DeKalb County Building Trades, suggested the summit members should take the survey themselves and compare the results.

The survey, which comes with a $7,000 price tag, is up for approval at Monday’s city council meeting.

Mary Olson, commissioner of the Housing Authority of DeKalb County, pointed out a number of industrial based jobs would be on the low paying end. Affordable housing would be needed to house those who would make about $10 an hour, Olson said.

Rubin suggested that if the proposed referendum does not pass in the April 1 election, the school district should provide information on its effect on growth.

Sparrow ended the meeting by setting the final Growth Summit meeting for April 22.