Sycamore rehires lobbyist used by DeKalb, county

SYCAMORE - City council extended the contract of its Washington lobbyist Monday night and told her to go after funds for a variety of area projects. The Daley Policy Group, headed by Patricia Daley, will be paid a $78,000 retainer to lobby on behalf of the city's interests in Washington and Springfield. City Manager Bill Nicklas said her top priority will be securing funds for the city's work in cleaning up the Harvester Square brownfield site at 370-450 South Ave. The city has paid a lot for the work that has already been done, he pointed out, while the federal government's share has been minimal. After that, he said, Daley should go after money for: 4The Bethany Road reconstruction from Peace Road to Somonauk Street. 4The reconstruction of California Street from Exchange Street to Elm Street. 4The Peace Road bike path from Bethany Road to Route 64. Council approved the extension of Daley's contract with little debate. Fourth Ward Alderwoman Terry Kessler asked Daley if there would be a conflict of interest if DeKalb and Sycamore were going after the same federal funds. Daley also represents DeKalb, as well as the county. Daley said it was highly unlikely that the two cities would have the same set of priorities or would be going after exactly the same money. This will be a challenging year in Congress, she said, because it is an election year. Budget resolutions might not be passed until after the election. Also Monday, council approved bids for street repaving. Under the plan, work will be done at Maness Court, Becker Place, Brickville Road, Charles Street and Freed Road. The repairs will be made in the 2nd and 4th wards, a fact that was not lost on 1st Ward Alderwoman Cheryl Maness. &#8220I hope next year there will be emphasis on the 1st and 3rd wards,” she said. Nicklas said it was just a coincidence the work was concentrated in the two wards. John Kelleher can be reached at jkelleher@daily-chronicle.com.