Sidewalk to Nowhere is Off-Limits, People!

Says ReNew DeKalb: Crosswalks on Lincoln [sic] The thermoplastic crosswalks on Lincoln Highway are not performing per the warranty. Unfortunately this is rather unsightly, but they will be replaced by the contractor in the spring at no additional cost to the City of DeKalb. Sidewalk De-icing Salt Business and building owners are strongly encouraged to…

Does DeKalb Have the Authority to Determine the Library’s Levy?

In the Daily Chronicle today, I see this: During Monday night’s DeKalb City Council meeting, McIntryre [sic] asked aldermen to not approve the library’s levy request. He said the library board did not receive approval to accumulate funds for the purpose of building or purchasing a site for a new library, which he said was…

2010 Property Tax Assessments

These came out last week. They’ve come down a wee bit over 6% for every primary residence I’ve checked so far in DeKalb Township — everyone, that is, but our esteemed mayor and 2nd Ward alderman Tom Teresinski, who enjoyed downward adjustments of about 19% and 19.5%, respectively. Way to share the pain, guys.

Friends of Kish College

The referendum PAC called Friends of Kishwaukee College does not actually have many friends, but no worries: they’ve selected well-heeled ones. In its pre-election report, 10 donors contributed $29,950. More contributions of $500+ have continued to roll in, including $10,000 from Demonica Kemper Architects of Chicago, for a grand total greater than $60,000 from about…

Straightforward Explanation of Illinois Budget Complications

Eric Zorn explains why calling for 10% across-the-board cuts in the state budget wouldn’t solve our money problems. I happen to disagree with him about the value/ROI of a forensic audit of state spending, however. Here’s another discussion, including a recap of Adam Andrzjewski’s arguments in support of such an audit, here.

Civic Campus Master Plan

Wow, they already have an architect involved: The Library is proceeding with their plans to purchase the Clinic properties. The School District has expressed interest in having its administrative office space relocated into downtown. Other governmental units may also have interest in a downtown presence. With what will become a sizeable amount of publicly owned…