DeKALB — City Council members unanimously approved an ordinance that authorizes NIU’s annual contribution for integrated transit services at Monday’s meeting. 

For FY21, the university’s anticipated contribution is $2 million, according to Monday’s City Council agenda. The total cost between the city and the university is $5.2 million and includes all fixed-route and paratransit services that will be provided by Transdev, according to the agenda. 

Seventh Ward Alderperson Anthony Faivre asked if there were any COVID-19 impacts on the projected costs.

DeKalb Transit Manager Marcus Cox said he anticipates fluctuation within the projected costs in the future, but still follows the contract which states that NIU pays 40%. 

The 40% contribution comes from an intergovernmental agreement between the city and the university that was approved in 2018, according to the agenda. 

FY21’s projected costs match previous fiscal years as the university paid $2.1 million in FY20 and $2.5 million in FY19, according to an Oct. 15 Northern Star article. 

Those who use Route 19 consist primarily of DeKalb residents. NIU has agreed to provide a 20% local match, according to the agenda. If ridership data shows increased usage of the route by NIU OneCard holders, the NIU share will be reviewed.

CJ’s Gaming approved for relocation

Council members also unanimously approved a special use permit for CJ’s Gaming,1406 Sycamore Road, at a new location for 2022 Sycamore Road. 

The business is looking to relocate in January 2021 and needed approval for a special use permit because the site is currently zoned as a general commercial district, which requires a permit for video gaming, according to the agenda. 

CJ’s Gaming will take up the first floor of the new location, and the floor plan includes six video gaming machines, kitchen, bar, snack bar and seating area, according to the agenda. 

The proposed location shares a parking lot with 2020 Sycamore Road to the south, which formerly contained a Hertz car rental business. There’s also an internet auto sales operation proposing to locate in the building at 2020 Sycamore Road, according to the agenda. 

Two conditions made by the Planning and Zoning Commission at their Nov. 2 meeting were that the business must place a handicap space by the building and the dumpster will need to be screened with a six-foot-high sight proof fence, according to the agenda. 

There was no discussion or debate from council members on this item.