NIU and the city have suffered from parking problems for as long as most can remember.

This results in vehicles getting towed for one reason or another and people getting angry when they find out their car is no longer where they left it.

As a result of the towing complaints the city has received, a public hearing is scheduled for Monday to address the situation.

“It’s not unusual for the city to receive complaints about towing,” said Margo Ely, DeKalb’s city attorney who also is conducting the hearing.

City Clerk Donna Johnson added that the meeting is to determine if the code needs to be revised.

One of the concerns expressed is the distance where tow companies relocate vehicles.

According to Chapter 35 of the DeKalb Municipal Codes, a tow company may not relocate a vehicle one-and-a-half miles outside of the corporate limits of DeKalb. If so, the towing company must be able to provide the owner transportation to the vehicle.

Some companies that could be affected by a change to the section of the code.

According to the code, a relocation company hired by property owners must be licensed with the city. However, towing companies that tow broken down vehicles, do not.

This could affect some companies as well, Johnson said.

Any other suggestions or revisions to the chapter will be considered during the hearing, Ely said.

Some towing companies are in favor of the hearing.

Bill Lovett, owner of Lovett’s Rite-way Rebuilders, said the revisions may be needed and could be for the better.

Ely said Lovett’s has the city’s contract for towing and the extension of the deal prompted any possible revisions.

Lovett said he planned on attending the hearing on Monday.

Bill Arhos of Tri-State Towing said he also planned on attending the hearing.

Based on the information received during Monday night’s public hearing, Ely said a recommendation would be drafted for the City Council to consider.

The hearing starts at 5 p.m. Monday in the City Council Chambers at the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St.