[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6367615,"mediaKeyId","2158562-e63651de5ca156fbfafd1b772974dcc8","parentId",2158562,"title","Residents urge DeKalb to spend FTA transit security funds on lighting and shelters; transit manager defends police ride‑alongs and bus purchase","audioSeconds",3411,"startMs",287000,"endMs",3698000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2158562-e63651de5ca156fbfafd1b772974dcc8&start=287&end=3698","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2158562-e63651de5ca156fbfafd1b772974dcc8/thumbnail_287000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6367615/DeKalb-City/DeKalb-County/Illinois/Residents-urge-DeKalb-to-spend-FTA-transit-security-funds-on-lighting-and-shelters-transit-manager-defends-police-ridealongs-and-bus-purchase","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6367615-73be6fe253b6f59d60e6b4b5052f7b5a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213822&Signature=Rw1boG5WWcWs2wsy1tad5UOaBFvGaqaYAYzgqDfmYcZXj7lajtDgVbmOoPBr08Ek2aA7rEogGnnAgT7bhhtSlqESJqEEegwvauXM2qJhgDCX4qpCVafO3J1AsDU~wzsz32llfDLj25Q25wEMI1CLWk1AzJtxF6qknuA~MhKzqET7jZrZqsR4NX0O0X6yKm41PWv-7iWaNZwA3VqiR98HgwNZR28tSqygmNPiPCATTPrOG2OzyfS1Khkibjw7oytQkmv7jO1nUk22Q3V3HuEXiDx8gfPMKEiZCMHgaFu3uPOsE8nb~0897IhHtIOk~BEVO2Ko-Zwxgd57enIUgFvjIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Dekalb, IL","date","2025-01-28T02:04:31Z","article","Public comment at the Jan. 27 DeKalb City Council meeting focused on a planned use of up to $50,000 in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5307 funds for transit security, with several residents urging the city to invest in lighting, shelters and other station amenities instead of paying officers to ride buses.

“I genuinely don't think having police patrols on the buses will ingratiate the police to the community. I think it will scare the community,” said Alicia Iverson, who delivered a packet of materials to council members and recommended lighting stops, cameras, emergency telephones or transit ambassadors as alternatives to police overtime.

Other public commenters expressed similar concerns. Chris David Falco, who identified himself as a lifelong county resident, told the council that DeKalb Transit “does not presently see significant reports of crime or disturbances on transit routes,” and argued the federal funds would be better used to expand service or improve stop infrastructure. Student and transit rider Cody Cahill described repeated waits at unlit stops and asked the council to prioritize benches, shelter lighting and emergency phones for riders who rely on transit every day.

Transit manager Mike Neukirchen responded during the agenda item discussion, saying the FTA 5307 guidance asks recipients to address safety and security as part of the program and that there are several eligible options. He said the proposed plan to fund police ride‑alongs was intended as a limited familiarization pilot, not a permanent omnipresent police presence: “It's really to get the officers to some familiarization with how the system works because they do respond to issues.” Neukirchen added the FTA issued a directive in September 2024 urging proactive steps to address assaults on transit workers, which informed staff thinking.

Neukirchen told the council the $50,000 figure could translate to roughly 500 officer hours over a year if the council directs funds to voluntary overtime; he also said the FTA funds are not strictly limited to police as the security measure and can be used for cameras, lighting or other eligible projects.

Council members and staff discussed shelter and lighting costs. Neukirchen said a single new enclosed shelter can cost about $50,000–$60,000 and that capital funding sources and federal review processes (including NEPA) govern shelter installation. He said staff has allocated some money for shelters in the budget and that major shelter upgrades will require separate capital grants and environmental review.

The public exchange preceded staff’s presentation and council vote on a separate resolution authorizing purchase of fixed‑route buses under a Gillig master contract (Resolution 2025‑012). Staff described a recommended mix of five diesel and one hybrid heavy‑duty bus after a 10‑year fuel‑cost and capital analysis; the council approved the bus procurement item during the meeting.

Why it matters: transit riders, including students and people with disabilities, told the council they value lighting, seating and emergency access at stops and are wary that visible police presence on buses could make some riders feel unsafe. Staff said the city must follow FTA guidance on eligible security expenditures and that both capital amenities and limited police familiarization have been pursued.

What’s next: staff said it will continue to pursue capital shelter funding, complete required federal procurement and environmental reviews for bus purchases and explore options—such as shelter benches, lighting and outreach to local service organizations—to improve station safety and rider comfort.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting for January 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Several residents urged DeKalb City Council to spend up to $50,000 in FTA 5307 transit security funds on lighting, benches and shelter upgrades rather than on police overtime to ride buses.","taxTitle","DeKalb City, DeKalb County, Illinois","taxId",4986,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6367618,"DeKalb council approves $225,000 in human services grants, CDBG plan and several vehicle purchases",3688,927000,4615000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2158562-e63651de5ca156fbfafd1b772974dcc8&start=927&end=4615","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2158562-e63651de5ca156fbfafd1b772974dcc8/thumbnail_927000.jpg","/articles/6367618/DeKalb-City/DeKalb-County/Illinois/DeKalb-council-approves-225000-in-human-services-grants-CDBG-plan-and-several-vehicle-purchases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6367618-b69f5f70c31f5e3f5a279810dda543b0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213822&Signature=ntQKzRrleKCyKlQLffgkHkuqAiK6nfxOJyk2rWVSNZivL6dXrl0ZY0iMSM2wUnk-mqlL4rxHFg8q1XS3pfxNXVVekNwuK7wfEMFjajJkTH8Gx3RcRNlWa8QP6TX~X6DF8UYRGLRdUgdLQzeaNMZ24p30EGt4fJWFOAyimjuvnEXSSt7RXb27-KQNAdyuWyziHVGIqphkzmqkge0U~ucrnwImJYUVcYgSVPw04QYLT71BvjO3FJlswaxgejzatdbi7tKFEaBUBxBJ7DhqaEeIAwW-RMJT6kydPo2nr2JbYdwFs5UT0jN5BrqyGzZVGXeHQzVtE5eBnBVzsU7yRBEBNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","DeKalb City Council on Jan. 27 approved a package of funding and procurement measures that included $225,000 in local human-services contracts, a $40,000 one‑time grant to the Voluntary Action Center and the city’s annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) plan, along with capital purchases for transit and public safety.

The council passed Resolution 2025‑009 to continue annual human‑services funding from the city’s general operating budget, and approved a one‑time $40,000 supplemental grant to the Voluntary Action Center (Resolution 2025‑010) paid from remaining ARPA funds. City staff also secured council approval for the five‑year CDBG consolidated plan and the 2025–26 annual action plan (Resolution 2025‑011), using an estimated CDBG allocation of $352,979 for the coming program year.

Council members also approved capital contracts and purchases: a master purchase contract to buy six heavy‑duty transit buses (five diesel and one hybrid) under a Gillig LLC master contract (Resolution 2025‑012), purchases of water meters and radio transmitters from Badger Meter (Resolution 2025‑013), and authorizations to buy six police vehicles from local dealers (Resolutions 2025‑014 and 2025‑015). Separately, the council voted to accept a negotiated termination and settlement with MetaNet for outstanding franchise fees (Resolution 2025‑016).

Why it matters: the human services grants underwrite local nonprofits that provide food, clothing and shelter; the VAC supplemental grant was described by staff as a one‑time rescue for Meals on Wheels and related services. The CDBG plan steers federal block grant funds toward public facilities, housing rehabilitation and limited public services. The transit purchases and related decisions shape the city’s fleet and capital program for the next decade.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2025‑009 — Authorize human services funding agreements totaling $225,000 for calendar year 2025. Moved by Alderman Perkins; seconded by Alderman Larson. Roll call: 7 ayes, 0 nays. Outcome: approved.

- Resolution 2025‑010 — Supplemental one‑time human services grant of $40,000 to Voluntary Action Center to cover a shortfall in Meals on Wheels and related programs (paid from ARPA fund 110). Moved by Alderman Perkins; seconded by Alderman Larson. Roll call: 7 ayes, 0 nays. Outcome: approved.

- Resolution 2025‑011 — Approve Community Development Block Grant five‑year consolidated plan (2025–2029) and the annual action plan for program year 32 (April 1, 2025–March 31, 2026) with a projected allocation of $352,979. Moved by Alderman Zazada; seconded by Alderman Powell. Roll call: 7 ayes, 0 nays. Outcome: approved.

- Resolution 2025‑012 — Authorize master contract and addendums to purchase up to six Gillig heavy‑duty buses (five diesel, one hybrid) not to exceed $4,118,400. Moved by Alderman Larson; seconded by Alderman Powell. Outcome: approved (roll call recorded as affirmative).

- Resolution 2025‑013 — Waive competitive bidding and purchase Badger water meters and radio transmitters not to exceed $80,000. Moved by Alderman Larson; seconded by Alderman Zazada. Roll call: 7 ayes, 0 nays. Outcome: approved.

- Resolution 2025‑014 — Authorize purchase of two DeKalb Police Department vehicles from Galena Dodge and upfitting equipment not to exceed $87,407. Moved by Alderman Larson; seconded by Alderman Furbick. Roll call: 7 ayes, 0 nays. Outcome: approved.

- Resolution 2025‑015 — Authorize purchase of four police vehicles from Cooney’s Dodge not to exceed $178,001.16. Moved by Alderman Perkins; seconded by Alderman Zazada. Roll call: 7 ayes, 0 nays. Outcome: approved.

- Resolution 2025‑016 — Authorize Metronet franchise agreement termination and settlement; staff reported a negotiated settlement just under $19,000 and an estimated total to the city near $22,000 across years. Moved by Alderman Burbick; seconded by Alderman Larson. Roll call: 7 ayes, 0 nays. Outcome: approved.

What council said: City Manager (unnamed in the meeting transcript) briefed the council on the history of the human‑services program and said the annual grant pool, begun in 1998, is intended to “meet basic emergency needs such as food, clothing, and shelter” and support preventative programs that promote self‑sufficiency. On the VAC supplemental request the manager recommended using remaining ARPA funds in fund 110 to pay the one‑time grant.

On the CDBG plan staff presented a breakdown of the annual allocation and said the city’s CDBG funding has fallen in recent years (staff cited an allocation decline from over $400,000 in prior years to the estimated $352,979). The annual action plan includes modest public‑services funding, housing rehabilitation and administrative support for the city’s community development coordinator.

On fleet and capital purchases the finance director provided a net‑present‑value look at diesel versus hybrid buses over a 10‑year life and staff recommended a 5‑and‑1 (five diesel, one hybrid) purchase to balance capital cost, fuel savings and the city’s interest in reducing emissions.

What’s next: contracts and grant agreements will be finalized per the resolutions; the CDBG annual action plan will be implemented in FY 2025. The Gillig bus purchase proceeds through procurement and required federal concurrence and environmental reviews before delivery.

Ending: The council completed the votes unanimously; the next regular meeting will carry forward implementation items and routine follow‑up from staff.","At its Jan. 27 meeting the DeKalb City Council approved a $225,000 human services grant pool, a $40,000 ARPA supplemental grant to the Voluntary Action Center, a Community Development Block Grant plan and multiple capital purchases including buses and police vehicles.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6367609,"Resident asks DeKalb council to add stop signs on Larson Street; staff to follow up with engineer",134,137000,271000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2158562-e63651de5ca156fbfafd1b772974dcc8&start=137&end=271","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2158562-e63651de5ca156fbfafd1b772974dcc8/thumbnail_137000.jpg","/articles/6367609/DeKalb-City/DeKalb-County/Illinois/Resident-asks-DeKalb-council-to-add-stop-signs-on-Larson-Street-staff-to-follow-up-with-engineer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6367609-f8310b4617eedd36c3ff11a3ee8d8017/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213822&Signature=GMXxi7kTGCjj2hwoEu~jWf3nyh4HUvh0Wyz-lLbupvEgeXOzAB9UMnrv1CtKMnHn4YkYPrJIxma77P1B18nRCM6TfrH83K3-ZJ1PPWANxaTYQs2QXeUXlpfwVM85josMINGxLh~tGxHNxmyb9fv~ThgKgq406vt9kSltM7sC6nfwl0NcXTuCTRpgWlE0axU8JjEWig-dF2BndUcCiETQ3USBpvj~nnzfc5llDQeQJBQB1m~vrd82ai3BNBC5XsQ8ccc4r7av4XpQu8p3WeFE2x7KFySQmCvDh5bbmkJT0O0W1aZGeXjIk8sB2nIoJByM4XgLCVqR80DbG3bUnHiLNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Janet Shearer, a recent resident of the Larson Street development, told the DeKalb City Council on Jan. 27 that intersections on Larson and the adjacent Mason segment lack stop or yield signs and that she witnessed a driver failing to stop.

“I have grandsons that will be driving soon… I am asking you to consider putting a stop sign on Larson Street. This would entail 2 stop signs,” Shearer said, noting she believes traffic volume, speed, visibility and accident history are the usual engineering considerations and referencing the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices by name.

Mayor and staff directed the comment to the city engineer and the resident’s alderman. The City Manager said staff had already collected Shearer’s contact information and that he had spoken with the city engineer; staff will connect with the resident the following day to review maps and the request.

Why it matters: the request pertains to neighborhood traffic safety where residents and council members agreed an engineering review is the appropriate next step. Shearer asked for two stop signs and specifically referenced MUTCD criteria used by traffic engineers.

What’s next: city staff will follow up with the resident and the city engineer to review traffic volumes, sightlines and crash history and report back to the council or the resident with recommendations.","Janet Shearer asked the DeKalb City Council on Jan. 27 to install stop signs at intersections on Larson Street and the adjacent Mason segment. City staff said they would contact the city engineer and the resident, and follow up.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge DeKalb to spend FTA transit security funds on lighting and shelters; transit manager defends police ride‑alongs and bus purchase

DeKalb council approves $225,000 in human services grants, CDBG plan and several vehicle purchases

Resident asks DeKalb council to add stop signs on Larson Street; staff to follow up with engineer