[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6399468,"mediaKeyId","2084941-3fc662a677945b59baa8fc92c9130ca4","parentId",2084941,"title","Council directs staff to assess lighting, trimming and fixture options at Iroquois and State after residents cite safety concerns","audioSeconds",534,"startMs",3112000,"endMs",3646000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2084941-3fc662a677945b59baa8fc92c9130ca4&start=3112&end=3646","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2084941-3fc662a677945b59baa8fc92c9130ca4/thumbnail_3112000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6399468/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Council-directs-staff-to-assess-lighting-trimming-and-fixture-options-at-Iroquois-and-State-after-residents-cite-safety-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6399468-ce04d11fc223191f8dec08ebcd809b28/orig.mp4?Expires=1775670997&Signature=d7R-7PD9WWs2F8zj7saTH0~ZNmYmDqdbJShHNqH7qKmOjc~VZXerf0ZqXGNl4UNyRa49CVAo~~8805dJVs8yaDpgZfiK7e5MXHwCxNJdKI2EuHv7W7iS3HiicALioiwdukuxLhYXCl5YEXRFFU7ZV46ywPGFSFUfsSEHiBoNat9m6Zlm-ZJXikqLi-J43iT5jfgoQoqOgl8UAf~AiP0FecEF1zqxbHhdZLGyhWyI7jmmjvrK5-D~EiQXGTc9cMPOFH0K7wr7-ci9lMnp8S7c~BpqbMjnZO26JEuA-aq2Qgfo-PP0UixLC~nzhIdCe~bXRSPkixXX1HZF6CYHuHF3Bw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Freeport, IL","date","2025-01-07T13:28:43Z","article","Council members and residents urged action to brighten the intersection of Iroquois Street and State Avenue during the Jan. 7 meeting, citing crime and a recent homicide in the area. Alderman Stacy said the corner near Shalom Park is \"pitch black\" and asked the council to act to improve lighting.

Public works and ComEd representatives described options and constraints. City staff said they could trim trees within approximately 5 to 10 days (weather permitting) and check whether the city has a brighter fixture in inventory; replacement of a fixture on a ComEd-owned pole requires coordination and typically costs the city to purchase and install a different head unit. A ComEd representative said Freeport’s street lights had been converted to LEDs in most areas; replacing the head unit with a higher-lumen fixture would cost roughly $500 per fixture (staff estimate) and adding a new pole and tap to the electric system would be roughly $15,000 per pole. Staff proposed a targeted inspection of the intersection and agreed to perform tree trimming and, if available, a brighter fixture replacement as an initial step. If those steps do not sufficiently illuminate the block, staff said they would investigate adding another pole or lighting specific to the park.

Council members asked staff to conduct a ward-by-ward lighting survey and to prioritize locations identified by police as having safety concerns. A city/ComEd walk-through of the 5th Ward will be scheduled; staff said they would bring cost estimates and recommendations for broader action to council after the field assessment.

No formal ordinance or appropriation was adopted at the meeting; council directed staff to act on tree trimming and evaluate fixture replacement and additional poles if necessary.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - 1/6/25","oneSentenceSummary","Aldermen requested trimming, brighter fixtures or additional poles to improve visibility at Iroquois Street and State Avenue after residents and council members described the intersection as \"pitch black;\" staff and a ComEd representative agreed to inspect and pursue immediate tree trimming and potential fixture replacement.","taxTitle","Freeport, Stephenson County, Illinois","taxId",70202,"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},6399473,"Council splits on Enterprise Zone reappointments; McDermott confirmed, Cox postponed amid concerns",245,480000,725000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2084941-3fc662a677945b59baa8fc92c9130ca4&start=480&end=725","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2084941-3fc662a677945b59baa8fc92c9130ca4/thumbnail_480000.jpg","/articles/6399473/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Council-splits-on-Enterprise-Zone-reappointments-McDermott-confirmed-Cox-postponed-amid-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6399473-0592421aa142353ebb1ffe8c782cfdd2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775670997&Signature=YQd-qiAR1arioihBhTjEQAcoXvvB9Pv7h2IHBuXuzEVw1xJnjoXlKOD55mXbH2tN7XSnrpzBTk43NTqz-lc2-5DSVCkmxRd7VdAB6veXIZZEi8YDN2dFSyBLu8-T05GHsPM9QDVMXNAMgpBhpSvp4rDgaKDaHJx7WCY4Q318LmFVjQarlhg4vqnDarNG8PCug4~6ybGd6mnCcZQ-GMOh5S6FQ6370s4jt3QBEYwHgELs0EZOqdYCw4o0DyONtkEw-eVSKx3LThWk8moiWjUh9EqthrspTeyf8sgydTA5SDcFhqOcLrHfIX8Ewg2mlaa8PTciCnZQMtKo8QP2QL5XbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During its Jan. 7 meeting the Freeport City Council considered two reappointments to the Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone board. The council reappointed Patrick McDermott to a three-year term ending Dec. 31, 2027, by a 5-4 vote after questions were raised about whether McDermott had registered rental properties in the city.

The council then considered the reappointment of Steve Cox. Alderman Monroe moved to postpone Cox’s reappointment to the next regularly scheduled council meeting (Jan. 21), citing Cox’s involvement in negotiations and advisory activity related to the current city manager petition. Aldermen discussed whether an attorney should serve on the enterprise zone board and whether the pending matters were relevant to the board position. The motion to postpone passed 5-3; the appointment will be considered at the Jan. 21 council meeting.

Council members asked staff to gather any additional background the council requested. No vote to confirm Cox occurred on Jan. 7.","Council reappointed Patrick McDermott to the Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone board by a 5-4 vote and postponed the reappointment of Steve Cox to Jan. 21 after councilmembers raised concerns and questions about Cox’s outside activities.",{"_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},6399478,"Council moves police post-employment medical provision to Committee of the Whole for more information",654,2437000,3091000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2084941-3fc662a677945b59baa8fc92c9130ca4&start=2437&end=3091","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2084941-3fc662a677945b59baa8fc92c9130ca4/thumbnail_2437000.jpg","/articles/6399478/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Council-moves-police-post-employment-medical-provision-to-Committee-of-the-Whole-for-more-information","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6399478-9952adf27cdb1c61e3ec59a6eda994ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1775670997&Signature=fgBzmTGaQiU3JBPdrhwROAh4LleLWm36ivtSHnysZoiQmhQwysNvHJb9mtL93VuHMjd7T8RyfWKzCnEGqYpY7G3jJrwjbTgBCozPuLRaEpGqLDpbMeBbiBIevTWMG5L2Mdk0G1ny6cP1uJQafGxfslu6isITTe4D6KNZ1TgzzBX3exBaoqJRad1UhXh7gxzaCTHEIl~hw6KqM8pm9G3xOlx06TNDQXqmsVZaU~z2-gSytv2ZNze4yERjqv0o54DA8bOmJoDc9FKBeO7Ql3n7-nEUSJhAr1RUO2PUvltnGPYEZgS6NSdfQDkaFcD0SGWHXLDU8V1TYrJp2WFbdJIkww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council voted to move discussion of Resolution 202504 — a measure to extend prior post-employment medical subaccount provisions to three existing police officers if they retire during the current collective-bargaining agreement — to the Committee of the Whole for further information and discussion.

City staff described the program as a PEP (post-employment plan) medical subaccount in which the city previously contributed a percentage of base wages into accounts that employees may use for medical expenses after separation. Under the language discussed, if one of the named officers retires during the current contract and has 20 or more years of service, the city would contribute $4 per hour of unused sick time accumulated during the employee’s 10 years of service, up to a maximum $5,556 at retirement. Staff said the accounts already contain some contributions accrued during employees’ tenure, and that the formula applies only at separation — it is a payout tied to unused sick time rather than an ongoing insurance subsidy.

Council members questioned the financial magnitude and requested account balance information. Alderman Monroe said he had asked for the financial figures before the meeting and had not received them; City staff agreed to supply account balances and further detail to inform the Committee of the Whole review. After discussion, Alderman Stacy moved, and the council voted 5-4 to table the resolution and continue the matter at the Committee of the Whole.","A proposed extension of prior post-employment medical account provisions to three officers prompted questions about account balances and payout formulas; council voted 5-4 to send the item to the Committee of the Whole for further review.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6399482,"Council debates social media policy on First Amendment and administrative control during first reading",817,1151000,1968000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2084941-3fc662a677945b59baa8fc92c9130ca4&start=1151&end=1968","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2084941-3fc662a677945b59baa8fc92c9130ca4/thumbnail_1151000.jpg","/articles/6399482/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Council-debates-social-media-policy-on-First-Amendment-and-administrative-control-during-first-reading","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6399482-cec4e40c5ec7947a49751a6836347326/orig.mp4?Expires=1775670997&Signature=opicP0YNe1GnV1MzWS1YtHrcT70y8TOF6vy3EAjcumKzCjiQ98XXxCwiD7H8B9OLaMsWuu0oiko5kLWpMVX5lHcDJ4We-KzYkOFWIHJ~fB4mgGrFyf36RXVXSQTzB7PRb7-wml6L~NdIGPKPt9Ig-ooOOAqrMIbruFrWa4lI8-MyvKk2aBxLtYVeGYcXb2ZeMJYOsGM9Tai5jCOFXqHchUBigKLEFua5dUhBsNLxfjM7wJsXV-gmsWBXaNz4FsbY4PO-xSeM5j7llXfHaps9KEX5C7ewmJzOlkoq672DWqFdmjVJOsmpyKgdUqPrwiqrYhYEg5owZrM8U-JKb~RW9Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Freeport City Council held a first reading of a proposed social media policy (Ordinance 202503) on Jan. 7, prompting extended discussion about how the city will balance moderation, transparency and legal risk.

City Communications staff presented the seven-page draft, which the administration described as a framework to govern city-operated accounts and clarify who may administer pages. The policy as presented states that public comments on city pages \"are that user's opinion only\" and that publication of a comment does not imply government endorsement. It also enumerates categories of content that may be removed or restricted, including content that \"promotes discrimination,\" that violates copyright, that threatens a person or organization, that includes personally identifiable information, or that is obscene or pornographic.

Several council members raised constitutional concerns. Alderman Monroe warned that allowing administrators to remove or block posts could expose the city to First Amendment claims and reduce transparency, citing a recent court settlement he said occurred in another jurisdiction. Alderman Monroe asked for clearer definitions of terms such as \"discrimination\" and \"obscene\" and expressed worry about who on staff would have unilateral authority to block comments. Other aldermen—including Alderman Bridal and Alderman Sanders—said the draft policy provides needed guidance and could improve transparency compared with the status quo, where moderation practices were handled without written standards.

Communications staff said the city manager oversees administrators and that, in practice, the communications director is the primary administrator but other staff may have access when needed. Staff emphasized that decisions are not made unilaterally and that the policy is intended to give both guidance and guardrails for administrators. Councilmembers asked staff to provide written protocols and to continue the conversation at subsequent meetings.

The ordinance remained at first reading for later consideration; no final vote was taken.","Council heard a first reading of a proposed social media policy intended to guide city-managed accounts and comment moderation; aldermen raised First Amendment concerns and requested more written detail before final action.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6399487,"Council approves consent agenda, adopts police vehicle and VA agreements; several items moved for more review",2036,396000,2432000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2084941-3fc662a677945b59baa8fc92c9130ca4&start=396&end=2432","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2084941-3fc662a677945b59baa8fc92c9130ca4/thumbnail_396000.jpg","/articles/6399487/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Council-approves-consent-agenda-adopts-police-vehicle-and-VA-agreements-several-items-moved-for-more-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6399487-00ea70671f1d3e75d0a7c3cbffeb9a91/orig.mp4?Expires=1775670997&Signature=ncMiI~7atGJsM3pUAmuy4wFLhxi74vvqMbMX5sTd67k8yQ4e8iER5NTWxDgYczPT7a6Z927Ftgb24ADEoVAfGNws2mQ1xFpa-ggv66j7s-EKoC8mYek74gGhVq6Rwt53yWkQUXxA-rScv82ep5WgykPfDqJKxlJLC4~lsm50EMKPsWNyPWAuE6sktIeLm~mHD-aIn3xqqvcnJ6LCdh2Xy7kdrNzj6JNMQQBMLpIGElG43cUtvu3I5l-fh7zv4-5FTFB8piY5x6SM3a~Yfg6YdHD0YiI1khGZ9x2NsRJdh8i3-uwgCH6wRVflEjb2A8l1oXpe7gklrrEcjofm5M7-eg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Freeport City Council on Jan. 7 approved its consent agenda, adopted contracts to purchase and upfit police squad vehicles, and adopted a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, while postponing or tabling several personnel and benefits items for further review.

The council voted 8-0 to approve the consent agenda, which included receiving minutes from boards and commissions and payment of finance bills totaling $4,466,436.46. Payroll approvals included $657,123.22 for the pay period ending Dec. 14, 2024, and $668,168.88 for the pay period ending Dec. 28, 2024.

On ordinance and contract items: the council passed Ordinance 202501 (second reading), amending airport hangar fees and adopting a revised hangar lease, by an 8-0 vote. First readings were held for Ordinance 202502 authorizing Nicor Gas to operate in the city (moved forward for additional consideration) and Ordinance 202503, a proposed social media policy for city-managed accounts (first reading; discussion continued).

The council adopted Resolution 202502, a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for response to calls at the VA facility at 750 S. Kiwanis Drive, by a 7-0 vote. It also adopted Resolution 202503 to approve an invoice from Stivers Ford for upfitting three new squad vehicles and related purchases and trade-ins; that resolution passed 8-0. The funding for the vehicles and upfitting was reported as coming from the Police Department’s FY2025 capital budget (account 331-302-7005).

On personnel and benefits: Resolution 202504, concerning a post-employment medical subaccount (PEP) for three current officers who could qualify for prior benefits, was discussed and ultimately moved to the Committee of the Whole for additional review by a 5-4 vote. On appointments, the council reappointed Patrick McDermott to the Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone board by a 5-4 vote; the reappointment of Steve Cox to that same board was moved to the council’s next regular meeting (Jan. 21) by a 5-3 vote.

Where votes were recorded, tallies were read aloud and entered in the minutes; where the roll call was taken, results were read by the city clerk. Several items that generated council discussion were referred for further consideration rather than finalized at the Jan. 7 meeting.","Freeport City Council approved routine finance and payroll items, adopted contracts for police vehicles and a VA memorandum of understanding, passed an airport hangar fee ordinance, and moved two personnel- and benefit-related items to later review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council directs staff to assess lighting, trimming and fixture options at Iroquois and State after residents cite safety concerns

Council splits on Enterprise Zone reappointments; McDermott confirmed, Cox postponed amid concerns

Council moves police post-employment medical provision to Committee of the Whole for more information

Council debates social media policy on First Amendment and administrative control during first reading

Council approves consent agenda, adopts police vehicle and VA agreements; several items moved for more review