[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6085511,"mediaKeyId","2903164-442535ca663bdd4f6b7764c000ff008e","parentId",2903164,"title","Freeport fire department reports 13‑hour response to large structure fire at East Stephenson storage complex","audioSeconds",402,"startMs",12032000,"endMs",12434000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2903164-442535ca663bdd4f6b7764c000ff008e&start=12032&end=12434","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2903164-442535ca663bdd4f6b7764c000ff008e/thumbnail_12032000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6085511/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Freeport-fire-department-reports-13hour-response-to-large-structure-fire-at-East-Stephenson-storage-complex","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085511-b15d92fd7e5141aa84fb78d22d6639fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437767&Signature=aeRBihEyV26yln3gnclrsckhfm9z7qt-bN9lET97i3PzSWAlChxY5aWitpaMEWVll43qzG~nBO3dw5jHH8Ns-rvmZ3PcO3jg5rjrzFe5si2jKdfPrNcjuGbZ6NPDX3O7n5Okhvctq85F0UwyenDMFMqH9K~Jltm8sqofuns2on~YD3qO9tYH3Z1QQ5Ht1gN0zIbA-SrdvsQplxT5d4gCJfCRy3W8cyUHuoq5iTJWLSqZ9-Y0MpWuhJ0czKtiKOPRysFUNkgodk21TfdlckQDlWjRS6P9nGbyvd9BIxBMu-8Jh-nzUyRbR-mm6mAGiNEDACNScwD0~e~EqF-jdjJGIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Freeport, IL","date","2025-04-09T00:56:08.31Z","article","Freeport Fire Department officials reported to the council on a large structure fire at a storage complex on East Stephenson Street that required mutual aid and extended operations.

Deputy Chief (reporting) said the incident began about 4:16 p.m. after a grass/fire‑pit fire spread to a rear structure at 525 East Stephenson, then progressed into an adjoining larger building. Fire personnel confirmed a working structure fire and recalled off‑duty staff as conditions intensified.

Crews requested a MABAS division box alarm for mutual aid at 5:06 p.m.; the call brought additional pumpers, ladder/tower apparatus and water tankers from surrounding departments. The deputy chief said master streams and elevated devices were deployed and that the hydrant network in that area alone could not support multiple high‑flow devices at once, requiring tanker water operations. An excavator was used after midnight to open the structure for overhaul; final extinguishment and scene clearance concluded the following morning after roughly 13 hours of operations.

The incident involved approximately 120 personnel across responding agencies and an estimated 2.3 million gallons of water used to extinguish the fire. The deputy chief said three firefighters sustained minor injuries; all were evaluated on scene and did not require transport. Command staff cited challenges that included building construction and layout, access and proximity to adjacent structures, establishing traffic control, protecting utilities (ComEd secured power) and coordinating accountability across multiple agencies.

The report closed with department appreciation to mutual‑aid partners and a reminder that incidents of this scale require preplanned logistics for water supply, feeding and rehab of crews and heavy‑equipment support for overhaul. No cause or loss estimate was given in the briefing; the matter remains in the department’s investigative and insurance processes.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - 4/7/2025","oneSentenceSummary","A multi‑department response extinguished a major storage‑building fire after a 13‑hour operation involving mutual aid, heavy equipment and tanker water supply; three firefighters sustained minor injuries.","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},6085516,"Freeport council approves several ordinances and resolutions on consent and final readings; transportation and utility projects advance",1429,1746000,3175000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2903164-442535ca663bdd4f6b7764c000ff008e&start=1746&end=3175","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2903164-442535ca663bdd4f6b7764c000ff008e/thumbnail_1746000.jpg","/articles/6085516/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Freeport-council-approves-several-ordinances-and-resolutions-on-consent-and-final-readings-transportation-and-utility-projects-advance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085516-d0d800b9dba3d4e746df4c741621923a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437767&Signature=dJFjLVke~uzevp5cJsDjhPULb6ItvZ5XYnJKWpcPs9~Hh4r7phST9DNON9EDM99wjoGnPq2L98RUW-rm-NIglgdxMGa~sDFoIarA3Rw3FaP1SQjti~M7GalHAy30nIIdCf7QsTa4Ct~nfXxC8ukFbBdeoGvyGdMwWNMQsXfa1zlIyrKoCGAUcHJeDH-mQoMc5RUHyAFHDsJFEdVwUjU1W5mLJ444sb85k6uvdQqLuJESQM9HIhR-6YfH07tD7RwV5Dv80ndNjijcGolBh933BBwIjCtWTlFL7MrOi2rbP3d75l3nMNhzFSdNR49IvH~Wgpl9Dzy4v4nv0IZonG-IiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Freeport City Council moved a slate of consent and final actions on city business, approving ordinances and resolutions on zoning, surplus equipment, transit vehicles and several utility and grant‑funded projects.

On final readings and votes the council approved the annual Ordinance adopting the official zoning map (Ordinance 2025‑14) by unanimous vote and passed an ordinance authorizing disposal/recycling/donation of city property (Ordinance 2025‑15) after a successful suspension and final roll call. Council also adopted an ordinance to amend vehicle lease agreements for the Pretzel City Area Transit (Ordinance 2025‑20) after a successful suspension‑and‑final vote; staff said the action lets the city accept three vehicles from the Illinois Department of Transportation for local transit service.

Other approvals included: a variance for Madonna Renewal Center’s large sign at 1209 S. Wallen Avenue (Ordinance 2025‑21) after zoning board and planning commission recommendations; several hangar lease ordinances for Albertus Airport; and multiple resolutions to support transit and public safety. The council adopted a resolution ratifying an agreement with United Diagnostic Services to provide firefighter health and safety screenings ($14,625), and two related transit resolutions authorizing federal grant applications and accepting the special warranty for public transportation funding for Pretzel City Area Transit.

On infrastructure and procurement matters the council approved contracting or bid awards that advance multi‑year work: a $2,525,000 low‑bid award to 5 Star Energy Services LLC for Lead Service Line Replacement Phase 4 (IEPA‑funded, reimbursable project), and approval of the low bid from AngelTrax to install camera systems on Pretzel City transit vehicles. The council also authorized engineering design agreements for lift station rehabilitation and emergency generator capacity with Fairgram (design fee ~ $125,025) and approved a Fairgram agreement for EV charger station design (approximately $90,307); staff said EV charger grant funding is available and designs must proceed this year to qualify for state interconnect grants.

Other adopted resolutions and approvals included an agreement to join the state joint rock salt purchase program (motor fuel tax resolution), emergency repair ratification for a wastewater blower, purchase of streetlight fixtures under ComEd grant support, and airport fuel system payment upgrades. Several items on the agenda were approved after suspension of the rules; suspension votes are noted in the council minutes for each item.

Votes at a glance (selected final outcomes recorded at this meeting):
- Ordinance 2025‑14, Official Zoning Map — adopted, vote 8–0.
- Ordinance 2025‑15, Sale/recycling/disposal of city property — adopted, vote 8–0 (suspension passed 7–1).
- Ordinance 2025‑20, Amendment to vehicle lease agreement for Pretzel City Area Transit (acceptance of three vehicles) — adopted, suspension passed 7–1; final passage unanimous.
- Ordinance 2025‑21, Variance for Madonna Renewal Center sign — adopted (final vote recorded 6–1–1 with one abstention).
- Hangar lease ordinances (several hangars) — adopted, 7–0 (one member absent) on suspension; final vote recorded as adopted.
- Resolution ratifying agreement with United Diagnostic Services for firefighter screenings — adopted, vote 8–0.
- Resolutions authorizing federal 5311 grant application and accepting special warranty for Pretzel City Area Transit — both adopted, vote 8–0.
- Bid award: Lead Service Line Replacement Phase 4 to 5 Star Energy Services LLC — low bid accepted ($2,525,000), motion passed 8–0; project to be funded with IEPA forgivable loan funds.
- Bid award: Vehicle camera installation (Pretzel City transit buses) to AngelTrax — low bid accepted; motion passed 8–0.
- Resolution approving EV charger design agreement (Fairgram) — adopted, vote 8–0; staff said the project is tied to a $320,000 state grant and design must proceed this year.

Council packet materials show additional items acted on by the council during the meeting, including routine board minutes, payroll and bills payable on the consent agenda, and several appointments and reappointments that received council approval. Where the council voted to suspend rules for immediate final passage, the meeting record lists the suspension roll call and the final outcome.

","Council approved routine consent items and a series of ordinances and resolutions including the official zoning map, disposal of surplus city property, transit vehicle leases, hangar leases, grants and contracts for transit and utilities, and bids for lead service line replacement and vehicle camera systems.",{"_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},6085520,"Council reviews first reading of ordinance restricting wells, septic systems inside city limits; suspension to adopt tonight fails",2385,2691000,5076000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2903164-442535ca663bdd4f6b7764c000ff008e&start=2691&end=5076","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2903164-442535ca663bdd4f6b7764c000ff008e/thumbnail_2691000.jpg","/articles/6085520/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Council-reviews-first-reading-of-ordinance-restricting-wells-septic-systems-inside-city-limits-suspension-to-adopt-tonight-fails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085520-d7a1e4f98e54cd91c8986fbe65ce6fe1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437767&Signature=I05VOxeFjlpTg~d6PavI7HnyjEHoZ4km-l~P62bqXczFrJB-AXgP9AId-WZg2dCj4Dn~uTi2VYXQF73GhF1OOjNNXmy8Mlaa7UXLmNzFLmTqX8swvgIq4CpmEmS1MqfFHCeXNKp~LpbPGqhovWfDgR9~kdypEhWN1y9oRyzfbePRCaXGMTVNDBXXOkfI1tS60cITgCbSkq9WSB7Z4JVN7XOYP2pnJbtsDMW~eaV~wceullFZ1aveZ9P0hSvP8lCUS~7YpdItyN9gTvV3i-OkoEGH8-IRVxHAgeKLFNXKfgdT4uQHP8rN6M2tfs~yq45tddJwZL~7lRlArirgRzYxxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Freeport officials held a first reading of an ordinance that would restrict new private wells and septic systems within the city limits as a measure to protect the municipal water supply.

Director Duchman told the council the proposal aligns with guidance from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Public Health and is intended to protect source water as Freeport plans substantial investments in well systems. Duchman said two areas on the city’s fringe — a westward expansion area and a wooded area — currently lack service and would receive exceptions where connection is infeasible.

Alderman Sanders pressed staff for documentation demonstrating the evaluations and studies behind the proposal, saying residents need “tangible” evidence that the city performed due diligence on contamination risks and service capacity. Duchman and other staff responded that the rule clarifies existing code, referenced the Source Water Protection concept, and that the city already follows relevant state guidance. He said the ordinance mostly clarifies rules and items had been discussed previously in Committee of the Whole.

Council considered a motion to suspend the rules and adopt the ordinance tonight (mover: Alderman Clem; second: Alderman Shadle); the suspension failed for lack of a two‑thirds majority (vote 4–4), so the ordinance returns for a subsequent council meeting and a public hearing process as required by state practice.

Staff noted the city is preparing major well and system projects (manager referenced nearly $30 million in planned investments) and said the proposed ordinance is intended to protect that investment and the city’s user‑funded water system from nearby private withdrawals or contamination. Aldermen asked that staff provide clearer supporting documentation about the impacts, studies and service maps before the next reading.

","Council held first reading of an ordinance tightening rules on private wells and septic systems within Freeport to protect source water; staff and some aldermen pressed for more documentation before final passage. Motion to suspend rules failed; ordinance moves to next meeting.",{"_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},6085525,"Freeport council debates removing residency requirements for city directors; first reading moves forward after failed suspension",134,2015000,2149000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2903164-442535ca663bdd4f6b7764c000ff008e&start=2015&end=2149","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2903164-442535ca663bdd4f6b7764c000ff008e/thumbnail_2015000.jpg","/articles/6085525/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Freeport-council-debates-removing-residency-requirements-for-city-directors-first-reading-moves-forward-after-failed-suspension","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6085525-7e5f8a1fc3fd63e7e28cad14f3c25bd8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437767&Signature=jA06Sa9VY7IPKOKjjVRTYHmIPjqTA7dEcgeOc6jJt5V8214rLDWNwZ14p4i12mGBxh0SPyEIreTYAdGIy313P81C68SQUdDbFt70LZlJcS81vLNfsO6MgtRZRxblAeGYopoHT1d4jq4g3cKgDgfpk60Rvd3kSmPN7AlfjOd7w5ZbE1GDprwDoZ5RuuBWeruMTMX~ud7PBSIyP0wLklM14KhpaBb3NBz3uVaWaZHVFFYDZLCJXb9MRhAd63oCAw9NceyAEGludaf6Psq5M88q7UnHxtA~yrLA987yJfa0iR602vXsP7XFYmaSYO72dCx~UY9Ft81ijwMhCUjF4onXfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Freeport City Council heard a lengthy debate over a proposed change to city residency rules that would remove residency requirements for most department directors while keeping the requirement for the city manager.

City Manager Boyer urged the council to approve an ordinance amending residency rules, saying the change would “allow the city to have a little more flexible hiring practice in terms of who we can recruit” and help make Freeport competitive for qualified candidates, given a tight labor market.

The discussion centered on whether removing residency limits would undercut local accountability and city investment. Alderman Monroe said nonresident directors “don’t understand the problems” because they do not live in Freeport, and he argued the practice had allowed employees to benefit from city pay while taking tax dollars outside the community. Alderman Stacy said enforcement of existing rules had been inconsistent and called for holding staff accountable to current ordinances. Alderman Sellers and others said they supported the change as a recruitment tool; Sellers said it would “allow us to have a higher quality staff.”

Attorney Zito confirmed the city may legally adopt a residency requirement, but that councils sometimes revisit such policies when they become a barrier to hiring. Chief Schenberger and Deputy Chief Seacole described operational realities: long service and contractual arrangements have left some long‑tenured employees living outside city limits and several positions carry on‑call responsibilities. Seacole added that many staff “give you fine service” and urged the council to consider the practical effect on employees and emergency response.

A motion to suspend the rules and vote on the ordinance at the meeting (mover: Alderman Parker; second: Alderman Shadle) failed to obtain the required two‑thirds majority. The roll call on the suspension showed ayes from Stacy, Shadle, Sellers, Clem and Parker and nays from Sanders, Monroe and Simmons. With the suspension defeated, the proposal remains at first reading and is scheduled to return for a second reading at a future council meeting.

Discussion points raised by council members and staff that will inform the next hearing included: how the residency rule had been enforced historically; whether promotions created grandfathered exceptions; the operational impacts of personnel living outside city limits; potential effects on recruitment; and whether some positions (for example, the city manager) should remain subject to residency. Manager Boyer said staff would provide additional details requested by aldermen before the second reading.

The council did not adopt the ordinance at the meeting; the first‑reading motion remains on the agenda for a future session.

","City manager proposed removing residency rules for most director-level positions to widen hiring pool; council heard lengthy, at times heated, debate. Suspension to adopt ordinance on first reading tonight failed; item will return for second reading.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Freeport fire department reports 13‑hour response to large structure fire at East Stephenson storage complex

Freeport council approves several ordinances and resolutions on consent and final readings; transportation and utility projects advance

Council reviews first reading of ordinance restricting wells, septic systems inside city limits; suspension to adopt tonight fails

Freeport council debates removing residency requirements for city directors; first reading moves forward after failed suspension