DeKalb Township trustees approve cemetery IGA, billing and financial reports; discuss apartment fire response and road projects

The DeKalb Township Board of Trustees on June 17 approved an intergovernmental agreement for cemetery maintenance, accepted the township audit and monthly bills, and authorized a one‑year contract extension for bookkeeping services while hearing reports on a recent apartment fire that displaced residents and on ongoing road and building projects.

Supervisor Mary Hess reported that a fire at an apartment complex on Greenbrier displaced 17 residents. Hess said the Red Cross set up a temporary shelter at the Red Roof Inn and that the township and a local agency had applied for emergency grant funding to cover extended hotel stays. "The Red Cross has set up a temporary shelter at the Red Roof Inn where they'll be able to provide lodging for 2 days. After that, we're not quite sure what's happening," Hess said. She added township staff would visit the Red Roof Inn to distribute gift cards to verified leaseholders for essentials and food and would continue to monitor needs.

The board heard several administrative reports and updates. Kim, the township marketing and special events staff member, briefed trustees on a newsletter plan: the township will publish newsletters in March and August each year, with additional special issues as needed; the township has begun using Constant Contact to distribute electronic newsletters. Hess also announced the township's annual human services funding application window will open July 1 and close July 30; applicants must be registered not‑for‑profit organizations serving township residents. Hess said last year's awards ranged "anywhere from $175,000 last year to $210,000," and that reviewers will consider reduced federal funding when making awards.

Highway Commissioner Smith reported on several infrastructure projects. Local excavating contractor Elliot Wood has the site work contract for the township building, and work will begin Monday, Smith said. Smith described a multiyear reconstruction of Nelson Road, noting the current year's paving covers roughly 4 miles of roadway and includes paved shoulders to improve safety for farm equipment and bicyclists. He said Gurnler Road will receive final pavement after culvert and drainage work completed last year and that the road district installs and replaces field entrance culverts at no cost to property owners.

On new business the board approved Resolution 2025‑006T, renewing an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the DeKalb Township Road District to maintain Oakwood and Evergreen cemeteries, the recently purchased Peace Park parcel, and the Bush Reserve parcel on First Street. The IGA covers mowing, pruning, watering for plantings and related grounds maintenance; the road district bills the township monthly and provides an appendix showing employee hours and tasks.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to approve the May audit report ($247,348.71) and June bills to pay ($165,457.53): approved (unanimous roll call). - Motion to receive, file and approve the treasurer's May budget reports: approved (unanimous roll call). - Resolution 2025‑006T: approve IGA with DeKalb Township Road District for maintenance of Oakwood and Evergreen cemeteries and Bush Reserve (includes Peace Park parcel): approved (unanimous roll call). - Authorization for the supervisor to approve a one‑year agreement with Keith and Associates Accounting for professional services: approved (unanimous voice/roll call). - Approval of minutes from the special board meeting 05/19/2025 and the regular meeting 05/20/2025: approved.

Several routine items concluded the meeting, including reports from the assessor and trustees, announcements about upcoming events and a reminder that the next regular board meeting is July 15 at 6 p.m. The board adjourned at 6:51 p.m.