[{"_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",6375651,"mediaKeyId","2141021-7f2fc7ad5d569a846bb7c386548a703c","parentId",2141021,"title","Votes at a glance: Freeport council passes ordinances and routine resolutions","audioSeconds",3960,"startMs",3420000,"endMs",7380000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2141021-7f2fc7ad5d569a846bb7c386548a703c&start=3420&end=7380","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2141021-7f2fc7ad5d569a846bb7c386548a703c/thumbnail_3420000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6375651/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Votes-at-a-glance-Freeport-council-passes-ordinances-and-routine-resolutions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6375651-f1035f57a79869d0abc7d7989ea94f2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191003&Signature=SBZcBl6hwpWkA3Mso~eCCZRMJvO28YDpmmhcIqj81NjbNtIpDF-8wGBVJg6UzlZNxzrF5X8HLwKT-~0e9eVwsLdpOEBkFjwml7kQ78EDBHAfjzbzuO95GbJl1EtUOk5w~xHinfgCz7G1BootvXBw4HdgvF7OgcdEcfVeivFDASPkyXSWODUWxlV9EpRwFIhWgX7o~Mmw-7XhLSh3qsVEu3bUJNt8Fi-JxpwSjoJcc0toVTGMU7aScef1rCIsm7rrg1bdCGOgnLU0syVjpLNsOYgio65zpcLupZKreZOlYnq7gQNZC~NOsrkukY0LY9d6f0qvIyaaUL33EwLLLO~ugw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Freeport, IL","date","2025-01-22T03:17:14Z","article","At its January session the Freeport City Council approved a number of ordinances and resolutions, while advancing other items for later consideration. Key actions:

- Ordinance (second reading) authorizing Northern Illinois Gas Company (Nicor) to construct, operate and maintain a gas distribution system through the city (Ordinance 2020502): passed on roll call 8–0.

- Ordinance approving a special‑use permit to allow on‑ and off‑premises alcoholic beverage sales at 219 E. Stephenson (proprietors Michelle Davies and Jeff Schulz): council suspended rules and gave final passage; suspension and ordinance passed 8–0.

- Ordinance approving a special‑use permit to allow restaurants with outdoor serving areas at 219 E. Stephenson: final passage passed 7–0 (one alderman absent).

- Resolution adopting a new AFSCME position (Instrument and Control Technician / Electrician I) (Resolution 202501): passed 5–3.

- Resolution approving memorandum of understanding with the Fraternal Order of Police covering a post‑employment health plan (PEP): passed 8–0.

- Resolution ratifying emergency boarding and remitting payment for boarding services at 1300 E. South St. (former hotel/Travelodge) to Nycam Construction, $13,863: passed 8–0; staff said the property is condemned and legal proceedings for demolition are underway.

- Police subscription service: Lexipol knowledge‑management annual subscription, $15,180.52 (budgeted in FY2025): passed 8–0.

- Finance software purchase: Tyler Incode accounts‑payable automation module, quoted at $11,838 annually plus implementation costs: passed (roll call recorded 7–0; one alderman absent for that vote).

- Airport hangar lease (Hangar M2) with Kelsey Excavating, generating $165 per month: suspension of rules and final passage approved 8–0.

- Multiple Grama/Fairgram master service contracts for engineering and public‑works assistance (time‑and‑materials) for 2025: council adopted these resolutions; main master service and public‑works master service votes recorded 6–2.

Other procedural items included approval of minutes, consent agenda items and scheduling of second readings for several ordinances.

Ending: Staff said the routine approvals permit vendor work and essential services to continue; councilors who opposed some items asked for additional procurement transparency or requested more lead time before future contract approvals.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - 1/21/25","oneSentenceSummary","Council approved a package of ordinances and resolutions on routine items including a gas‑service agreement, restaurant special uses, a hangar lease, technology subscriptions, and emergency building boarding; several other items advanced for later action.","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},6375656,"Council approves general engineering contracts after heated debate over firm ties and process",1170,7800000,8970000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2141021-7f2fc7ad5d569a846bb7c386548a703c&start=7800&end=8970","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2141021-7f2fc7ad5d569a846bb7c386548a703c/thumbnail_7800000.jpg","/articles/6375656/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Council-approves-general-engineering-contracts-after-heated-debate-over-firm-ties-and-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6375656-e4c5fa5a998747dc4c2c697c6744b2a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191003&Signature=cUvlRXe1GHHHJu12kgL8KE1nflMzSAhdoyTtwvQn9DqYwld9~-jzPyWdPud5QL2tZhVy7iRBX77koTKC2bQz5bW44it1YHQpJMXSqMJ9Tf7rndni7zEgPOpbSyfXXMBP3RkVFjRG-T6XLD7O6goDFM8o2RQDr1Xe9VeS-nwssFMGcCIeeMmpolZNtOtJuJo7YLWpBfpDO9LhHOQYZ5~SqG5QQhIQMxC7XcQez~mAydOBXxQXB5DaIfoJiTx-J~Qg5AvIqw4lVRjrzT2WgQ2x6MB3CM09l1~xnBUq5v8NImHAnE-E6B1UbRkd7inx6ihWpM8DFvb-g2mNg2~mu8XY2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The council approved master service contracts to provide general engineering and public‑works professional assistance, but the items drew extended debate over process, vendor relationships and timeliness of contract materials.

Manager Boyer presented the standard time‑and‑materials Master Services Agreement used to supply engineering support across projects—topographic mapping, construction observation, grant assistance and emergency responses—and said the arrangement gives the city nimble access to technical staff without maintaining a full in‑house engineering division.

Several aldermen expressed concern about the extent of work being routed to the same firm and asked why the contracts were presented together and late in the agenda. Alderman Monroe noted a social‑media post by the engineering firm that referenced the city manager and said the relationship created troubling optics. “It causes the appearance, even if it's not happening, that something nefarious is going on,” Monroe said.

A representative of the engineering firm (listed in meeting records as a Grama/Fairgram representative) defended the firm’s record, cited years of projects and asserted the contractor has brought substantial grant funding to the city. “Our firm has brought in over $50,000,000 worth of funding that did not need to be repaid to the city of Freeport in the last...years,” the representative said. The representative said the firm employs local staff and has absorbed some cost overruns in past projects without asking the city to cover them.

Council action: Three separate contract items for engineering/public‑works assistance were approved on roll calls recorded as 6–2 (Aldermen Monroe and Sanders voted no on the main master service items). The public‑works master service agreement included a time‑and‑materials cap of $100,000 for 2025 in staff’s presentation; other project amounts were described as annual estimates.

Ending: City staff said the contracts are time‑and‑materials, used only as needed, and that consultant activity is overseen by staff. Aldermen who voted no said they want earlier distribution of contracts and a fuller public review of procurement and potential conflicts.","Council approved multi‑item master service contracts for engineering and public‑works assistance (time‑and‑materials), but several aldermen raised conflict‑of‑interest and procurement concerns; votes on the Grama/Fairgram contracts passed 6–2.",{"_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},6375661,"Council debates raising water/sewer permit fees and new solar interconnection rules; amendment to reduce increase fails",1960,3520000,5480000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2141021-7f2fc7ad5d569a846bb7c386548a703c&start=3520&end=5480","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2141021-7f2fc7ad5d569a846bb7c386548a703c/thumbnail_3520000.jpg","/articles/6375661/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Council-debates-raising-watersewer-permit-fees-and-new-solar-interconnection-rules-amendment-to-reduce-increase-fails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6375661-16554574329c649fe67fac1c9682e5dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191003&Signature=n0wgKahxX8XgwGLkdVcke5s3AKOenH6zICW~GizZ5ZYTGzwmZ30uWyZ5L-2cDgrrGzxZJv~IZqD4ckGjRDPQZR9aC9Ia4FS8kVmL0WGIa9HvHUeyjU9KGpXdb7a8n7MQuKjEK1FdJAsO8y4HHFtRcLIgq5A4kh002uaEg4Lopf40HYLJC4Mg2Hy2XVeh8ujbch2XZD8yPSQBSSgzKbvw8Mw2IlePgEy~52wGchax185iQ8TcY3edJUSXl64yMp4hKZv0q0DxegnfBPf2tKE8U9uBrT5AOqhXwLWS6hP4wxAde94BMZhlgEuOvPtWf1uXG1ZoIKY4GmlvqlHoQB5w1w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented a first reading of an ordinance proposing higher plumbing permit fees and new rules for solar interconnections; councilors debated whether the fee increase is appropriate and whether inspections already required of public‑works staff should be absorbed in department budgets.

Director Duchman reviewed the proposed changes: increase a water and sewer service‑install permit from $50 to $150, and raise fees for installations that require a new water line (from $30 to $100). Duchman said the building commission reviewed and recommended the permit changes unanimously.

Darren Stiegl, speaking for public works, said the city is not currently recovering its actual costs for inspections at the $50 permit level. “At the $50 rate currently on the inspections, we don't break even on what the employee, the equipment, the inspection time that it costs,” Stiegl said, adding that multiple trips, fuel and administrative time add up.

Council debate touched on affordability and transparency. Alderman Stacy and Alderman Sanders warned that increases could burden homeowners with limited means and asked whether wage increases or staffing should cover inspection costs instead of raising fees. Alderman Clem and others pointed to inflation and to consultant analysis used to set the new amounts.

Alderman Stacy moved to amend the proposed increase to $100 (a $50 increase rather than $100). The amendment was tied 4–4 in roll call and therefore failed. Council then voted to move the ordinance to second reading to the next council meeting for final consideration.

Solar interconnection language was discussed as part of the same ordinance package. Duchman said the change would require UL‑approved connections and address safety concerns on older wiring and tight lots where meter‑adapter hardware can impede access.

Ending: The ordinance will return for second reading with the proposed $150 permit fee remaining staff's recommendation; councilors who opposed the change said they may offer an alternative figure at the next meeting.","Council heard a first reading on an ordinance increasing certain plumbing permit fees (city staff recommended raising some permits from $50 to $150) and adding rules for solar interconnections. A council amendment to limit the increase failed 4–4, and the ordinance was moved to second reading for further consideration.",{"_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},6375667,"Freeport managers present 2024 ‘year in review’: streets, water and library mark gains",6110,370000,6480000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2141021-7f2fc7ad5d569a846bb7c386548a703c&start=370&end=6480","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2141021-7f2fc7ad5d569a846bb7c386548a703c/thumbnail_370000.jpg","/articles/6375667/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Freeport-managers-present-2024-year-in-review-streets-water-and-library-mark-gains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6375667-9a6df6894dc56fa8fe988f0bfd0246aa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191003&Signature=CuwFWT4Detk5iXhVxT9qbcSXo9n5HwwL3LyBgyomD19xzYv4~LzNmXLPZSkG9Cd-hN9~Fhw7BJaBy2sabZDoDC7~Wvt0LlTuFphLPB6N5SE6Jh-4u4IpLU-sXsfSeJx1ig6-vRd9YdpMUl2b0dNUlTIhHZFf4UROwFBv8J92RjuoHZ9HPz8mE~V7GgH6DQNAAJA2-D01jr3XkUMImBIRLgDEbk9w97phXFDAXyXeXA1PXcRmRMKtzFkTiPm3cH-CktdUvhsEa1NywM3OZtLQdTyKPoAnjF1zn6kqns12ixmtTnIUmdiqirkX39M1Pgkb2kkVMTiY7NopuHMsBGf07g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City department heads summarized 2024 accomplishments for the council, highlighting street resurfacing, water‑and‑sewer work, code‑enforcement activity, and library program growth.

Director Bridal, presenting the year‑in‑review slides, said public‑works crews laid 15,221 tons of hot‑mix asphalt in 2024—paving roughly 7.5 miles of streets—and plowed 10,471 miles of roads. The presentation listed 261 dead/dangerous trees removed, 108 trees planted, and more than 4,566 resident service calls routed through public works.

Darren Stiegl, public‑works staff, said Phase 1 of wastewater‑treatment upgrades continued and that crews installed 10 new fire hydrants and assisted with about 490 lead service line replacements. Stiegl said the city’s work to mark utilities (so‑called “Julies”) consumed significant crew time because construction activity and the Surf Internet project are extensive.

Library director Hopkins reported a banner year for patrons: 107,508 physical books circulated, 21,531 digital items borrowed and 6,048 children, teen and adult program attendees for the summer season. Hopkins also announced the library will go “fine free” on Feb. 1, 2025, and promoted the city’s One Book One Freeport kickoff.

Council questions centered on process and qualifications. Alderman Sanders pressed Bridal and other directors about hiring and job descriptions; Bridal said personnel details were separate from the annual report and could be addressed at a subsequent meeting. Questions about timing of rental‑registration mailers and about staffing for social‑media moderation were referred to staff for follow up.

Ending: Council accepted the presentation and asked staff for clarifying follow‑ups on mailings, vendor issues and personnel records; staff said it would return with updates.","City staff told the council about 2024 accomplishments: 15,221 tons of hot-mix asphalt paved (about 7.5 miles), 490 lead service line replacements, 107,508 library books circulated, and increased social media reach; councilors asked follow-ups on qualifications, mailers and staffing.",{"_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},6375672,"Freeport staff pushes rental-registration sweep after Ptolemy analysis; April 1st registration deadline set",380,4650000,5030000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2141021-7f2fc7ad5d569a846bb7c386548a703c&start=4650&end=5030","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2141021-7f2fc7ad5d569a846bb7c386548a703c/thumbnail_4650000.jpg","/articles/6375672/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Freeport-staff-pushes-rental-registration-sweep-after-Ptolemy-analysis-April-1st-registration-deadline-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6375672-09a3cd952c4e0734f81d1d399bbe97c7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771191003&Signature=HkrYpxxf43jeGo64bCa1EwOFTiwt3sDzEYtnV5Ncdvupttd9EO4-51qTqKG9~Af8b-Ff6ap~jHRPKchvtqEiNmgBN1tnN~Petks~kLekyKnjNRvvQEnbHhnyLhyAfwrSJ8QTHQ7ia4O6UdAlf8tNpsukUNfc8UrXdiDcznV-Hu57ZT6CYjMJ8gq8~-RdLWnCTnrztxTpqXIttwbLkJC4JdHTGFxSsHz2yCwAPzZeH5A04GkuPJWykIFoXroMjyLqp6GIqzdGtTgwxn2RjrONwRZeuWal-IKCfTSaJe2GnjVx5wH9nf1j5ojZOpgYsYEIV680p7RFaYywurble0R~9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Freeport city staff said the city has completed a data-driven identification of likely rental properties and will send registration notices ahead of an April 1, 2025 deadline.

Director Duchman, the city’s Community and Economic Development director, told the council the city has about 1,100 properties currently registered and estimates roughly 3,000 properties should be registered—leaving about 1,900 that remain to register. Duchman said staff compiled addresses and prepared a mailer but a vendor delay has slowed distribution.

The work relied on Ptolemy rental‑registration software, Duchman said. “When we selected Ptolemy in April of ’24, one of the major things I said to them was, I really want to identify who should be registered,” Duchman said. The software flags likely rentals by mining assessor records, water‑bill data and other indicators, he said.

Why it matters: Council members pressed staff on enforcement and fairness. Alderman Monroe asked how many properties and how the city would know which homes are rentals; Duchman replied the new data gives staff “a much better picture” of who should register. Duchman told the council that letters will give property owners an opportunity to show a home is not a rental (for example by providing a utility bill) before fines would be assessed.

Council members asked for follow‑up materials. Duchman agreed to provide a status update at the next council meeting and to produce counts of fines issued. When asked about current fines, Duchman said he could not provide an exact number immediately and offered to email the figure to council.

Staff emphasized notice and process. Duchman said the registration program includes outreach and that the deadline allows owners time to comply before enforcement steps begin.

Ending: Duchman said staff will continue mailing notices and report back to the council; the April 1, 2025 registration deadline remains the target date for initial enforcement steps.","City staff told the council that software analysis shows about 1,100 rental properties are registered and roughly 1,900 more should register; council discussion focused on outreach, fairness and next steps before fines are issued.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Freeport council passes ordinances and routine resolutions

Council approves general engineering contracts after heated debate over firm ties and process

Council debates raising water/sewer permit fees and new solar interconnection rules; amendment to reduce increase fails

Freeport managers present 2024 ‘year in review’: streets, water and library mark gains

Freeport staff pushes rental-registration sweep after Ptolemy analysis; April 1st registration deadline set