The death of Mayor Frank Van Buer to pancreatic cancer on Wednesday caused the City Council to discuss the vacant position in a closed session. But Sixth Ward Alderman David Baker attempted to make the discussion public at Monday’s City Council meeting.

“The public has a right to know what our options are so we can mull them over,” Baker said, sounding unsure whether he could discuss such matters in the open.

Baker said he “felt uncomfortable” during some of the recent closed sessions because of a number of open topics that were being discussed by the council.

The first order of business was Second Ward Kris Povlsen being chosen as the chair of the meeting.

City Attorney Norma Guess explained the options in filling the mayor’s vacancy.

The council elects one of its members to the position. Upon accepting the position, the temporary mayor has the option of either retaining his or her former alderman position in tandem with the mayoral powers, minus veto power, or can be the temporary mayor exclusively, with veto power, and then appoint an alderman to fill his or her vacancy.

The temporary mayor will stay at the position until the May election.

If the temporary mayor selects to relinquish his or her alderman privileges, he or she would have to run against his or her appointee if he or she wanted t o return as alderman.

Baker’s attempt to publicize the discussion amounted to no more than a round of applause from the audience.

There was no significant deliberation concerning the vacant seat.

Other business included a bid being approved for Big Muddy Services to remove and dispose of underground storage tanks at First and East Locust Streets for nearly $14,000.

Fifth Ward Alderman Ronald Naylor proposed holding off on the approval after the council was informed that soil contamination was a possibility.

Three items involving the DeKalb Fire Department were discussed.

Retiring fire department chaplain Dr. Arra Garab was commended for his 22 years of service to the city. Jeffrey Jossendahl was promoted from firefighter to lieutenant. The council also commended and congratulated Chief Lanson Russell for his six years of service upon his retirement, effective as of July 30.

Before adjourning, each member of the council had parting words for the former mayor.

Seventh Ward Alderman Brent Keller told a story about Van Buer from his days on the NIU staff. Keller recalled the advice he received from Van Buer’s experience: “When you believe and know what you are doing is right, no amount of criticism can deter you off your path.”

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