[{"_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",6391990,"mediaKeyId","2110617-4dae2205b4eac12aef02c0c81675ec7f","parentId",2110617,"title","Votes at a glance: committee moves six items to council, including liquor ordinance changes and plumbing permit increases","audioSeconds",3227,"startMs",2803000,"endMs",6030000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110617-4dae2205b4eac12aef02c0c81675ec7f&start=2803&end=6030","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110617-4dae2205b4eac12aef02c0c81675ec7f/thumbnail_2803000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6391990/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Votes-at-a-glance-committee-moves-six-items-to-council-including-liquor-ordinance-changes-and-plumbing-permit-increases","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391990-7ad42c350986a0d780a241a191317ddd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177743&Signature=HtL7CjFvi9HZz4CLTybGCXW5aSQ6BjoTe0tqcgMkYEgrgx6vhaSuifmCal2LQhmqRMMFHSPHYZA-qiY6bXSl3HNaRNPa-yA5~iDw5cIPz~1fIuWyK6otivNh-GNmqXfl3s9Br2Wpo0ucgWn~bMrNPUuJoojzyRIDDtNnFhmfdCdDL284EL0Bh9oXSicZD9ckXCG9Ez5PMcdS~HlHwyWHE7OcLJ2hKnJjB8QJAottVVyu3l2RuzONsOLR6vFtAo6CrGksGkyCiignQ5Wkr6TKTGR7ywbp1h8HSFlnYm9xn3dSE1G0XVzQMxNYwncf6x28pGNxT2IHT4sSyZ2XuAiVyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Freeport, IL","date","2025-01-14T18:53:34.643Z","article","The Freeport City Council’s committee of the whole on Monday approved motions to forward several formal items to the next council meeting for first reading or further action. The committee voted on a series of administrative and ordinance changes without final adoption; below are the items that the committee moved forward and the recorded committee votes.

Items moved to council and committee votes

- Liquor‑code amendments (chapters 608 and 806): Attorney Cox presented technical and policy updates to the city’s liquor ordinance, including deletion of a landline requirement, definitions aligning with Illinois Liquor Control Commission guidance, and removal of a requirement to list shareholders of publicly held corporations on license applications. Motion to move forward: first by Alderman Clem; second by Alderman Parker. Vote: Passed (all in favor).

- Ordinance increasing plumbing‑permit fees (Ordinance 2025‑04, chapter 144.14): Director Duckman presented a proposal to raise water/sewer service install permits from $50 to $150 and standard water‑line permits from $30 to $100, citing increased contractor/inspector rates and staff inspection time. Motion to move to the council agenda (first reading): moved and seconded; vote: Passed (all in favor).

- Memorandum of agreement to create a pay‑grade‑15 instrumentation/control technician (AFSCME MOA): City manager and labor staff discussed a proposed MOA to create a grade‑15 classification as a step toward a grade‑17 role; the committee voted to move the MOA to council for first reading. Motion: moved and seconded; vote: Passed.

- Memorandum of understanding with Fraternal Order of Police (post‑employment health plan transition): The committee approved a motion to move an MOU to first reading that would grandfather three employees into post‑employment health‑plan payouts if they retire within the contract term. Motion: moved and seconded; vote: Passed.

- Transfer of county property (431 and 437 South Adams): The committee recommended moving a resolution authorizing acceptance of two parcels from Stephenson County to the city (essentially a deed transfer); the county proposed deeding the land to the city for a nominal amount. Motion to move forward: Clem; second: Parker. Vote: Passed.

- Demolition discussion for 404 East Shawnee: the committee heard extended discussion about the fast‑track demolition statute and a contested demolition at 404 East Shawnee; after lengthy public comment members moved a separate motion to remove the item from tonight’s agenda for later consideration. Motion to remove tonight: moved and seconded; vote: Passed.

What the committee did not do

- The committee did not adopt final ordinances or appropriate funds; each forwarded item will return to the full council for first reading or further action as required. No procurement decisions were made during committee.

Ending: The committee’s motions reflect staff recommendations and, in several cases, prior Building Commission or Liquor Commission review; all forwarded items will appear on an upcoming council meeting for formal consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - COW - 1/13/25","oneSentenceSummary","The committee of the whole approved motions to forward multiple ordinances, agreements and resolutions to the full council, including liquor‑code updates and a proposed increase in plumbing permit fees.","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},6391993,"Greater Freeport Partnership reports Q4 wins, workforce and attraction efforts to council",1364,2387000,3751000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110617-4dae2205b4eac12aef02c0c81675ec7f&start=2387&end=3751","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110617-4dae2205b4eac12aef02c0c81675ec7f/thumbnail_2387000.jpg","/articles/6391993/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Greater-Freeport-Partnership-reports-Q4-wins-workforce-and-attraction-efforts-to-council","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391993-d05a4c75600d415c505210b8bda411a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177743&Signature=bzyrHCvhGC2-GJ~os2P0avFQwCNCwV71CVJr0btZmM2pGTvzHoI8wU2-jjzduW4wa7SoBLBFy4xvBg29RY-7sXiCTNgTSKRZ~L6jkGPCCjpddzYHhPUqAH3XsUTtGEIZ1RSz1w-gY7ijP5xYROjCdg9-B~gP0tV3v8wY1KQaiXOj0ro9Ta20pvvVtLuFI7ZNMpFT7vl9rhUKVMR~exxv-H0-Vj~ZDJ4JNOob~o0HAJzo1~TYqrFf0YRD4q-gVb3ZZt1kRZQZFMvVVeVJK-10zuA5FA6xJXZeDzwU~05K1doxkaFUZzDGfJeJLqDInUeVzWeEsni02RpMUiHxu8u9yw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of the Greater Freeport Partnership (GFP) briefed the Freeport City Council on the organization’s fourth‑quarter report, summarizing business retention and expansion activities, workforce events and marketing and tourism efforts.

Andrea Schwartz Winters, GFP executive, told council members that a countywide business survey found 84 percent of respondents reported their companies were stable or expanding, and that local manufacturers had added jobs and explored new technologies. She said GFP connected businesses to state programs, linked workforce pipelines with local schools and secured grant connections that expanded the Yield workforce training program to include alternate‑energy and basic electrical construction curricula under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CJA).

Nicole (last name not stated) reviewed marketing work including a 12‑month community calendar printed with advertiser support and a “Shop Local” holiday campaign and reported that Pretzel City Brewfest drew more than 50 percent of attendees from outside a 30‑mile radius.

Council members asked for more detail on hotel‑occupancy figures, which GFP acknowledged were incomplete in the packet; GFP said it would circulate a revised occupancy report after a late submission from the last hotel. Alderman (last name) pushed for more granular documentation and analytics and asked how GFP measures success; GFP said the full Q4 report in the council packet contains detailed metrics and offered follow‑up meetings for deeper review.

Questions about grant funding, membership and new‑business leads followed. GFP said 14 new leads were logged in Q4 and that it is pursuing “site‑readiness” planning grant funding to help prepare land for possible large water‑use or heavy‑industry prospects. Council members asked about coordination with other economic development and the potential for shovel‑ready sites.

Ending: GFP said the full Q4 report is posted at greaterfreeport.com and offered to schedule follow‑up sessions with council members who want item‑level detail.","The Greater Freeport Partnership presented its Q4 report, highlighting business‑retention visits, a countywide business survey showing 84% stability/expansion among respondents, marketing campaigns and workforce events; council members asked for detailed hotel‑occupancy data and follow‑up materials.",{"_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},6392000,"Freeport police preview Flock license-plate readers, gunshot detection and video for city",1805,551000,2356000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110617-4dae2205b4eac12aef02c0c81675ec7f&start=551&end=2356","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110617-4dae2205b4eac12aef02c0c81675ec7f/thumbnail_551000.jpg","/articles/6392000/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Freeport-police-preview-Flock-license-plate-readers-gunshot-detection-and-video-for-city","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6392000-a2d52ddac1a43c53a64f82139626e715/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177743&Signature=nO2r9xFH9vp5DbzuMWb5FjO9353eGacm3tkTlhCCn8ogmRbFJgSwzIBLaK1BcYolvJqD9nfTulJmkaArjxrfbaJTfPC5fjJWOscrndXy0BM4LUuQ00nI~PCJSL9s29Tu7GOXBxcqPNUYtq21eNZHit0yPzrd8CC~sCDrdkzWXPORuJd5W6sA7mo~cpaeb~vmq3Beg6HGI72vqh6j0LLjcYj0zr~WIMmQHjxMl0PdLepK9k90MVrx9dJ~iBs3ZdPsZdLEnWZ9h92EhJ1m6MNSPCFvzPx2JS75QLS0xnMk0Bd2VRqNrdxY2SvBX1xq98ELNMiVGkzLMBoCbAiIgbDUNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Freeport Police Department on Monday presented a nonbinding proposal to explore Flock’s combined license-plate reader (LPR), live video and gunshot-detection systems as an option when existing contracts expire in 2027.

Chief Schimberger told council members the department already uses Vigilant (Motorola) LPR cameras and ShotSpotter (SoundThinking) gunshot detection and that those contracts continue through 2027. He said staff has been meeting with Flock representatives to evaluate a single integrated platform that would include cloud storage and equipment replacement in a per‑camera subscription.

Flock representative Blaine Thomas described the company’s products and emphasized three points: (1) the system flags license plates and vehicle characteristics and links those hits to a nationwide Flock camera network; (2) live video analytics can detect people and vehicles and provide situational awareness; and (3) gunshot detection is most accurate when it can be triangulated to a small area. Thomas said data retention on Flock’s standard offering is 30 days and that a public transparency portal can display local policies and who has access to data.

Council members questioned civil‑liberties safeguards and technical details. Alderman (last name) raised the October 2024 lawsuit against Flock and asked what protections prevent routine plate lookups. Thomas said every search leaves an audit trail and that the company has a legal team available for more detailed questions. Alderman Clem and others asked how Flock would be operated and who would have access; Thomas said the police department would manage access and could grant it to other agencies at its discretion.

Chief Schimberger said the city could consider grant funding and plan for a transition once existing contracts expire; he described the presentation as exploratory and said there was no purchase or funding request at the meeting. Council members asked for pricing and for written budgetary quotes and copies of Flock’s proposed contract and privacy safeguards before any procurement decision. No motion or vote on procurement was taken at the meeting.

Council members also discussed operational details: whether Flock would replace existing systems and whether cameras would be pole‑ or solar‑mounted; Thomas said Flock installs infrastructure‑free solar poles where feasible but can also mount on utility poles subject to permission and fees. Thomas estimated a per‑camera subscription “around $3,000” for a standard unit but said prices vary by model and site specifics.

Next steps identified by the council: staff will obtain written quotes and technical requirements from Flock, provide comparative information about the existing Vigilant and SoundThinking contracts that run to 2027, and circulate information on audit, retention and public‑access policies. Any procurement would return to council for budget approval.

Ending: The council did not take formal action Monday. Schimberger said staff would continue discussions with Flock and bring back cost estimates and draft policies for council review.","The Freeport Police Department presented a proposal to evaluate Flock public-safety cameras, LPR and gunshot-detection technologies as possible replacements for the city’s current systems; the council asked for more detail and budget estimates and did not vote on procurement.",{"_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},6391982,"City explains fast‑track demolition process after contested teardown at 404 E. Shawnee",1903,5389000,7292000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110617-4dae2205b4eac12aef02c0c81675ec7f&start=5389&end=7292","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110617-4dae2205b4eac12aef02c0c81675ec7f/thumbnail_5389000.jpg","/articles/6391982/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/City-explains-fasttrack-demolition-process-after-contested-teardown-at-404-E-Shawnee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391982-adcd160643ccd0dd30b5c084f8ad00b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177743&Signature=ikQCJZ4UBIJ-yYn7e8-20zGjednT9Cw5rjVSNrDxBvCvxrv0YE4sDaCdCorv96gbvEd2YWyYmAuI~-TWgIYhPBWtpjIG4XoYazX~mj~MZY7IuyZ1Jj5MfJKSUgEHpYkYWyeRC0bJ7PT-xf-hx~z1Kf9dz-UKZ0hU9Xh6Wn5qh1QJgGY2HbRUjx4ltyq4-WvLzCqUoToHrgZ8MHkWrbE5RlVKqTg7eGHBdKEl3ljbmIYZ-gmUIcvpyK572CGfxUF3bpxj4~QwP~ROm9NSgU~QkiofSNX0j5Oh9qoMveYbaBNLDa4e82QVDbIVM9PfIzwCMaxuUh4saWavzEd2L-ooIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The city’s building‑code director delivered a detailed account Monday of the statutory fast‑track demolition process and the documented timeline for 404 East Shawnee, a vacant, fire‑damaged property that the city had demolished under the fast‑track statute after judicial review.

Director Wayne Duckman said state law allows a municipality to post a notice on a building declared an immediate, continuing hazard and to proceed to demolition if required administrative notices (certified mail, newspaper publication and recordation) are delivered and an owner does not successfully enjoin the action. Duckman and staff displayed time‑stamped photographs, permit history and hearing transcripts to show the sequence of permits and the three code‑enforcement hearings that produced default judgments and a chronic‑nuisance designation.

Duckman told the council the property had received three building permits across five years but that the work recorded was incomplete; the property also was the subject of two arson investigations in 2021 by the city fire marshal. Duckman said the city recorded a lien for demolition costs after the process and that Stephenson County tax‑delinquency processes may later change title to the county.

The property’s title history shown to council indicates the parcel was sold to Habitat for Humanity in 2016 and later quit‑claimed to private parties; Duckman said tax payments had lapsed and that the county planned action on the certificate of delinquency. Duckman said the demolition contractor temporarily removed personal property from the site when an injunction was filed and that most items were returned after the injunction resolved; the owner reported additional missing items and was advised to file a police report.

Property owner and public speakers disputed aspects of the process: they said they had been locked out, denied adequate notice and had property removed by the demolition contractor; several speakers asked why other long‑vacant structures in the city have not been treated similarly. Council members asked staff to produce more documentation on other long‑term blighted buildings and to schedule a focused session to review code enforcement priorities.

Committee action: after extended discussion, the committee voted to remove the 404 East Shawnee demolition item from tonight’s agenda and reschedule with additional documentation and time for affected residents to meet with staff. No further enforcement actions were announced at the meeting.

Ending: Staff said it will assemble the full hearing record, photo timeline and property‑title information for the council and public and reschedule the item for a future meeting.","City staff outlined the statute, notices and court history that led to the fast‑track demolition of 404 East Shawnee; the property owner and residents raised concerns about notice, removed personal property and consistency of enforcement across town. Council postponed further discussion to a later date.",{"_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},6391985,"Council hears frustrated residents about aggregation choice and rising distribution charges",375,5046000,5421000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2110617-4dae2205b4eac12aef02c0c81675ec7f&start=5046&end=5421","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2110617-4dae2205b4eac12aef02c0c81675ec7f/thumbnail_5046000.jpg","/articles/6391985/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Council-hears-frustrated-residents-about-aggregation-choice-and-rising-distribution-charges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6391985-085cb99ea43727528af40bd75ffd4d09/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177743&Signature=eKZbtOxXMAaQJl14FGQigk6l76nQSd9RkELbO2cj7XQXorc33ZB59sh8nSuxznnpVMVkIYXlZG9dR-wxDLmgPkmxokJwqlErZ~oefFb6ni4k8JDvwjQr2Kjb~4Ji0cl22XA-OxcSVyfeejmFzD2EXK1bFqMqy5AeC40JefXuA2TPSb2yZfDCSZ4O~l~IWuVbQA4JzKDuLVzvHcTm4nWpGd-4aqX7egVmmFtdQrofJ20lr6m68TGcOPtq8nJdwFrXyLe7k-SnSEDUMGWJhg9ajC7wNVtHf~kC29ibpNxPwZBkn0mrdS057TUWfAEGEAOf8xUSj-ZENEMM1sBczdCYcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Residents and council members pressed staff Monday for clearer information about an electricity aggregation contract the city awarded after a re‑bid and about recent and upcoming distribution rate increases by ComEd.

Councilors said many residents called city offices complaining that their electric bills are higher and that they were told by ComEd they could not be switched back unless the supplier released them. Several residents asked the council to publish clear steps and phone numbers for customers who wish to return to ComEd or opt out of a supplier contract.

City staff explained the distinction between the aggregation supplier (the company that sells generation, e.g., Rock River Energy/Nordic as used by some residents) and ComEd, which owns the wires and charges distribution fees. Council members and a ComEd representative (George Golarath) warned that a separate, ICC‑approved increase in ComEd’s distribution rates will raise customers’ monthly bills starting in June, and that switching suppliers will not eliminate those delivery charges.

Aldermen urged staff to prepare a short, plain‑language advisory explaining: how to opt out or request a release from a supplier; the supplier’s customer‑service number; and the expected ComEd distribution charge changes. Council also asked staff to ask the supplier for confirmation of any administrative fees for late opt‑outs and to publish that information prominently on the city website or social media.

Ending: Staff agreed to coordinate with the supplier and ComEd to publish opt‑out instructions, a supplier contact number for release requests and an explanation of the June distribution rate increase.","Residents told the council they are confused about the city’s electricity aggregation changes and how to return to ComEd; councilors and staff agreed to publish contact numbers and to clarify the difference between generation supplier contracts and ComEd distribution rate increases that take effect this year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: committee moves six items to council, including liquor ordinance changes and plumbing permit increases

Greater Freeport Partnership reports Q4 wins, workforce and attraction efforts to council

Freeport police preview Flock license-plate readers, gunshot detection and video for city

City explains fast‑track demolition process after contested teardown at 404 E. Shawnee

Council hears frustrated residents about aggregation choice and rising distribution charges