[{"_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",6060799,"mediaKeyId","3288135-3edbec84bf68c3c289c89c69586b7335","parentId",3288135,"title","County approves purchase of Toro mower from local vendor with 36-month warranty requirement","audioSeconds",345,"startMs",2978000,"endMs",3323000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288135-3edbec84bf68c3c289c89c69586b7335&start=2978&end=3323","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288135-3edbec84bf68c3c289c89c69586b7335/thumbnail_2978000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6060799/Stephenson-County/Illinois/County-approves-purchase-of-Toro-mower-from-local-vendor-with-36-month-warranty-requirement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6060799-949f23efcb7b2edcf19f4c726ab4f909/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437794&Signature=BjAgpPORg5aNdYbeMg2wZtiZMrL6MIyOSXFw1VY51NJNmrF~FEx1c9suw8Fez2AAGyqAGswiThTJjrfgR7cF5UZqgPrA~Yv~e-k5abVV~yRkX56vlpXWf9BX1QrTipZSApDgrMOXtmRudoCmaDmitd1~dwlXV9sYJlfsv9Y7aYHKbekRCwFsmKECB25nKQyx-C31BtQRmdy1LRXZwsEC4TXiMnsjlVnQspwLB05kOUoYDPZwKqyhEDWIPUvLRgG-EeaQCcjGAghVnIQNG9hvEP20y4agrhZyVUWeXZnawd~IXEu2b6S8X1RZ~3SVubeGuzNfNOEmm0aU3NWBthTRBw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Stephenson County, IL","date","2025-05-13T21:07:12Z","article","Stephenson County board members approved the purchase of a Toro zero-turn mower from local vendor Hyde Repair for facilities maintenance, adding a stipulation that the mower include at least a 36-month warranty.

Facilities staff presented two state-bid quotes for a mower; the board heard that the Hyde Repair quote was slightly higher than an alternate quote but recommended because Hyde Repair is a local business. County board member Larry Jogers, who moved to approve the Toro mower, cited the Toro’s Kohler engine, lighter weight and perceived transmission and balance advantages. Administrator/ staff noted that quotes were for new units and that online information indicated a minimum 36-month manufacturer warranty for comparable models; the board amended the motion to require a 36-month warranty and approved the purchase.

Board members asked for more detailed warranty documentation and comparative warranty terms on future purchases; some members said they wanted warranty and longer-term service information available before approval. The amended motion passed and the original motion to approve the purchase (with the 36-month warranty stipulation) carried. The board recorded no further procurement details such as invoice amounts or delivery dates during open session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Stephenson County Board Meeting - 05/13/25","oneSentenceSummary","Stephenson County approved purchase of a Toro mower from local Hyde Repair after discussion about warranties, vendor locality and equipment features; the board amended the purchase to require a 36-month warranty before final approval.","taxTitle","Stephenson County, Illinois","taxId",64464,"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},6060805,"County board approves addendum to nursing home administrator employment agreement after executive session",49,1489000,1538000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288135-3edbec84bf68c3c289c89c69586b7335&start=1489&end=1538","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288135-3edbec84bf68c3c289c89c69586b7335/thumbnail_1489000.jpg","/articles/6060805/Stephenson-County/Illinois/County-board-approves-addendum-to-nursing-home-administrator-employment-agreement-after-executive-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6060805-cbc830315bed2d8fa20020fc42306361/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437794&Signature=m3gJiGaD~W78QmDnQIWoGRDYP-~sqmpLmcrrNbj1-4NTbWElUg9cw1bqG52zh-uToUmiCt~fh5onfIRfKJ4BrzfqidJ8gYK7182D-AqqG1-UIYsmHbPj7O9XWRHZV5Vk60i38SlpGM0zcptlOBmdklOzMchuf13iVCl9DCWgAPgFEXSs0j5CSylUzgsCGB-SMnVD8Usknm02KohLiSn7k4Lzc3rWZhrY7I8tvVfvvxkXVjPvu66vPrAF1NM1rB2NpflNu0HvWL1VJiogxapZqj6E8KHSB9NT-CaT4XFxa4DopcEcuoNjwm~o2~RldmtXCpzARJ64Xz8pZc8UGl0IOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Following an executive session held under 5 ILCS 120/2(c) for employment matters, the Stephenson County Board approved an addendum to the nursing home administrator’s employment agreement by unanimous roll-call vote, 15-0.

County Board Member Nicole Baker moved to approve the addendum; Tim Whelan seconded the motion. The clerk’s roll call recorded 15 ayes and no nays. The board stated in open session that no action was taken during executive session and then voted on the addendum in open session.

The meeting did not include discussion of the addendum’s terms in open session, and the specifics of the amendment were not read into the public record at the time of the vote. On the record, the board indicated only that the addendum pertained to the nursing home administrator’s employment agreement; further details were not specified.","After an executive session on employment matters under 5 ILCS 120/2(c), Stephenson County board approved an addendum to the nursing home administrator’s employment agreement by unanimous vote; the contract terms discussed in executive session were not disclosed in open session.",{"_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},6060810,"Stephenson County OKs federal Highway Safety Improvement Program grants, engineering agreements and guardrail contract",2199,706000,2905000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288135-3edbec84bf68c3c289c89c69586b7335&start=706&end=2905","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288135-3edbec84bf68c3c289c89c69586b7335/thumbnail_706000.jpg","/articles/6060810/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Stephenson-County-OKs-federal-Highway-Safety-Improvement-Program-grants-engineering-agreements-and-guardrail-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6060810-e6d84b6acf24456ff01e63088ed7dd22/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437794&Signature=fAgvf-XdG036V3zi6Ee6jVln0yxMdubQ20necr~IyHml8JOx9snLMn0IHZKNFP8QdtrpYzqewTxPaNZ~DPBCf703mdx3LPojFZw4Ld6wSiexwNOOXw3EGij7jIxJpkQa~tSvE4LufqJxsCjHbHSPmDcJGMtWHIIg~MxjEYo-ACjSzqHcm0Ju492-3ukf17IGMtVi1GqQvrmqyrjQ6fsdxNYEEmseG38gD4gJWtRlWWQGKz4al8-M6~rS3ls7vCSNUwHXaMduh-IyFKC2CvpWxpJU52hRXiQutMwtM0DIH8bA2hNGdtZ8RKgzArFHzO~tWlOEjC5ivpDoGdmAjibL1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Stephenson County board members approved multiple applications for the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), authorized four engineering agreements to prepare grant applications, and approved a low-bid award for a guardrail project after questions about costs and matching funds.

At the meeting, County Board Member William Hadley asked whether engineering work must be complete before applying for grants. A staff member replied the engineering agreements before the board were intended to prepare the grant applications. Public Works Committee Chair Brian Brandt presented four engineering agreements (HD2510, 20511, 20512 and 25213) and the board approved them by roll call, 14-1.

Board members discussed a guardrail project that had received three bids; the low bidder was identified as Northern. Staff said the department had a grant for approximately $1,000,000 and that the county’s match would be $100,000 under a 90/10 funding split. One board member asked about whether budget money was available this year; staff confirmed funds were budgeted. The consent agenda items that included the HSIP grants and the guardrail contract were approved earlier in the meeting by roll call, 14-1.

Public works reported the 2025 construction season was underway, including a multi-mile closure on Cedar Hill Road and a pavement preservation program that will seal-coat multiple miles of county roads. The public works committee said the pavement preservation program is progressing and highlighted Lamb Road and other projects in the county’s pavement program.

The board did not provide additional project-level details such as specific contractor timelines or final construction schedules during the meeting; the engineering agreements authorize staff to proceed with preparing the grant applications and related engineering work.","The county board approved multiple federal Highway Safety Improvement Program grant applications, related engineering agreements to prepare grant applications, and moved forward on a guardrail contract; board members discussed cost estimates, grant match and bidding outcomes.",{"_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},6060815,"Stephenson County Board approves Florence Township 3.75 MW solar project over local objections",622,1747000,2369000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3288135-3edbec84bf68c3c289c89c69586b7335&start=1747&end=2369","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3288135-3edbec84bf68c3c289c89c69586b7335/thumbnail_1747000.jpg","/articles/6060815/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Stephenson-County-Board-approves-Florence-Township-375-MW-solar-project-over-local-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6060815-754ac5c1f9dbfd3c399bb9b810fb9f89/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437794&Signature=oMdtCHU3u9trViiH8hC~wFmIewB7cFYa8Bb6o3mgkNah9ZESp-X2OBJr3h3TqKp8W7syQUifmlvsCB8nmvbLnxh3axuK4EQWkIy4LHo~iDRDBBY36hF~1ilpzbIQstwXECOcbdo-M45DcIoIZ3HWCQXnoXfjStyvQc5gAE7U4~7TMmw5mLvssgbApxTW0qHIyj93ok5bgMV8SUH9DL6o3EbHxqYtfUUMSS6ULe5YBwkLs43-4mGbLe3XzjHPVyf0IUjLpzyxWb~ljrNMTQ-s58JbWK9VTCZ9a5uFEoGoAkZSO0luZljZPiwXYHFWCyNlAilQxK28R3DyaR1tcZxVGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Stephenson County board members voted 11-4 to approve a special-use permit for Florence Township Solar LLC to build a 3.75-megawatt AC solar facility on 27 acres of a 71.24-acre parcel at Van Brockland and Pearl City Road.

The Zoning Board of Appeals had recommended approval 4-0 with a condition that the site entrance be moved from Van Brockland Road to Pearl City Road; one of 21 adjacent landowners objected at the ZBA hearing. The county board’s vote followed more than an hour of discussion in which members and speakers raised concerns about local authority, environmental impacts and land use.

Board members who opposed the permit cited property impacts, the county’s inability under state law to limit the number of solar installations and uncertainty over long-term environmental effects. County board member Larry Jogers said he would vote no and called statewide renewable goals “a bunch of climate change garbage,” adding that he believed other energy sources should be prioritized. County board member Tim Whelan said he would vote no “as a protest” because, he said, the county does not have final say if an application follows state statutes. Zoning Director Beth Henning told the board the site does not include battery storage and said, “Most solar facilities have a 20 year contract with a 5 and a 5 to 10 year re up, so about 30 years,” and that panels are often reused after decommissioning.

A public commenter raised broader concerns about the cumulative number of solar sites in the county; Karen Rivers cited information she said she received from zoning staff that 52 solar sites had been approved countywide and asked the board to review the county solar ordinance and impose stricter stipulations. Henning told the board that, according to state law as understood by county counsel, the county’s options are limited if applicants comply with state requirements and that denials solely on the basis of not wanting more projects could lead to litigation.

Board members asked staff whether the project included battery storage; Henning replied it did not. She also confirmed the ZBA vote and the single objection at zoning. The motion to approve the special-use permit was made by County Board Member Todd McKenna and seconded by Samuel Newton; the roll call recorded 11 ayes and 4 nays, and the motion carried.

The permit approval includes the ZBA condition to relocate the entrance to Pearl City Road. Board members were advised that, if the county board were to deny an application that otherwise conforms to applicable state statutes and local ordinance requirements, the matter could proceed to litigation.

The board did not detail any further local restrictions or decommissioning guarantees for the site during the meeting; terms such as decommissioning plans, enforcement mechanisms or financial assurances were not specified on the record.","The county board approved a special-use permit for a 3.75-megawatt AC solar facility in Florence Township on a 27-acre portion of a 71.24-acre parcel, 11-4, after a zoning board recommendation and extended public debate about local control, environmental impacts and property rights.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County approves purchase of Toro mower from local vendor with 36-month warranty requirement

County board approves addendum to nursing home administrator employment agreement after executive session

Stephenson County OKs federal Highway Safety Improvement Program grants, engineering agreements and guardrail contract

Stephenson County Board approves Florence Township 3.75 MW solar project over local objections