[{"_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",6232402,"mediaKeyId","3426164-2a562ea731b7e23e3dfd5fdb87f9a0ae","parentId",3426164,"title","Freeport removes residency requirement for department heads in city code","audioSeconds",104,"startMs",2284000,"endMs",2388000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3426164-2a562ea731b7e23e3dfd5fdb87f9a0ae&start=2284&end=2388","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3426164-2a562ea731b7e23e3dfd5fdb87f9a0ae/thumbnail_2284000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6232402/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Freeport-removes-residency-requirement-for-department-heads-in-city-code","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6232402-9e52beaa876a29cf15969dacd1f51c67/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137058&Signature=bE-x554XGWFeEuBEVYTumjhhgvGxarcMb4qdC7icxuu-UVM2nO8y5PQEc7kFLu-LCJENPYxYOVycukgsEGZZyD6rmYGbMzUvw4SLCJ-zq4BtkyQ-abqtvsBWbHUwiV1Tfe5IabL~WRW9wOyHPrFr8im-A51BzIgpAiTNvZOOWb2X1pMDYedJWNz4i4i91MmigbDnbcXb4GfeqCnDMguCjsekIYY2N9E1slrdQccRnw6Cs9j4wXpuaifp7pVI9d7wqHoxTROb-aD2Tkac5FWiw5kutm00Rm8O0idlTYNI~aUydsOJbUEFlG3BFz7YCw-tm4ptsK44IIDEx1a3bz3uow__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Freeport, IL","date","2025-05-21T16:50:58.667Z","article","The Freeport City Council voted 5–0 to adopt an ordinance amending the city code to remove residency requirements for department heads and certain other employees.

Manager Rob Boyer said staff had discussed the matter at multiple council meetings and asked the council to suspend the rules to advance the ordinance. The ordinance amendment was described as a change to “various provisions of the city code of ordinances regarding residency requirements for department heads and certain other employees.”

Alderman Sellers spoke in favor, saying he supported removing residency requirements because public‑safety personnel and other department heads “put their lives on the line” and the change would help recruiting and retention. No council member recorded a vote in opposition; the ordinance passed on roll call.

Why it matters: removing municipal residency requirements can broaden candidate pools for key municipal positions and affect recruitment and retention, particularly in public safety and other specialized roles.

The council approved the ordinance after suspending the rules for immediate consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - 5/19/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council adopted an ordinance removing residency requirements for department heads and certain employees; Alderman Sellers cited public‑safety staffing considerations in supporting the change.","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},6232406,"Freeport approves EV‑charger project after securing roughly $960,000 in grants",158,3672000,3830000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3426164-2a562ea731b7e23e3dfd5fdb87f9a0ae&start=3672&end=3830","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3426164-2a562ea731b7e23e3dfd5fdb87f9a0ae/thumbnail_3672000.jpg","/articles/6232406/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Freeport-approves-EVcharger-project-after-securing-roughly-960000-in-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6232406-81eb11500907a50ca2872fcd34a9d006/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137058&Signature=M2lWP08KZkLqKMhBAOx-xmGcCWCpYmabi7apTnIRbahkpNxWkcWhlPgfPozZxLLZRMmrfAANiSQh4tX7tzFNrVA8mrgYbQT8-UDGjgPtA-zGzXSOIA0guoY6jeRSE9eCFGcKu6ILcfOQojAMyYKQAFso4ILV2tKC3E1Vo-TPiun5FyltC-4Q~Yl-XenaWtOZio6yfXTk5CnVIfyQvmGKo4eAVi-S~~qQs-tbNGOelJ2Fu8S2fW-mFuZtFWPLC17f8BkVCj5SxcQlOjy~mf7PB5pQiw3WxK~VyCLH0tXAthtkAoJODTqnDl6dMajPKLyfsLA0-oYJnv-rfcWYF0ablA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Freeport City Council approved a resolution to move forward with an EV‑charger installation agreement with Thayer after staff reported the city had secured a combination of state and utility grants that largely cover project costs.

City Manager Rob Boyer told the council that the city received $320,000 from the Illinois EPA Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CJA) for charger installation, and that ComEd had confirmed about $640,000 in interconnection and make‑ready incentives, which staff said could bring the program’s reimbursable funding to about $960,000. Manager Boyer said the city has budgeted $180,000 for the project in case of residual costs but that the grant and incentive mix could reduce the city’s direct outlay to only restoration costs such as concrete and parking‑lot striping for ADA compliance.

Staff said each of two downtown lots — one near the post office and one at the Lindo lot — is planned to receive four ChargePoint CP‑280 chargers per location (eight chargers total). ComEd make‑ready incentives have a December 31, 2025 deadline, which staff identified as time‑sensitive. Acting Public Works Director Darren Stiekel and consultant Thayer worked with ChargePoint and ComEd to maximize funding opportunities and develop a build cost estimate.

Why it matters: the grant/incentive package substantially reduces capital cost risk to the city and adds public EV infrastructure in downtown parking lots; staff said the project is already budgeted and that next steps include finalizing the build cost estimate and executing the Thayer agreement.

Council adopted the resolution; roll-call votes show unanimous approval by members present.","Council authorized an agreement with Thayer for EV charger installation after the city secured $320,000 from the Illinois Climate Equity Jobs Act and ComEd confirmed roughly $640,000 in make‑ready/incentives; two downtown lots will receive four chargers each.",{"_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},6232412,"Freeport renews Ptolemy rental‑registry contract after jump in registration rate",194,3484000,3678000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3426164-2a562ea731b7e23e3dfd5fdb87f9a0ae&start=3484&end=3678","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3426164-2a562ea731b7e23e3dfd5fdb87f9a0ae/thumbnail_3484000.jpg","/articles/6232412/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Freeport-renews-Ptolemy-rentalregistry-contract-after-jump-in-registration-rate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6232412-ebe3ff9a977c14680609cdad167b2f76/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137058&Signature=c2uyJWUVZxCW0T5XTmzP6jAABoY7-5e5FB~-N5w-vGFCkxWRQQhLRBlPUpp~hFc6FTTOsZnlYG2j3J7PPTBGOE7pJDV2l0TokKU4wPBURMqs2v7tO81R4MByB8~bIEfSqKSM0B-iOIwWEzVTOuuyDMN1WYJF3pkD7XfJLUD38iaqoPsiOO3kvgVH~6kPfEFmN9eNOpJfA0tyNfJDpjeoV32Hu6GZXLDoeBYuL2LKX~gs8XLKvusqkC8ixk3S8OQ8zh0XAm5qWcAKci7lgr3-9kUG6l99j8zlxxTjpT6KBtz8YJjM-Y9zYgFQ0kDlWdBVuEqtVn~dHaAwKkoNXJGEyg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Freeport City Council voted to renew the city’s rental‑registry platform contract with Ptolemy at an annual fee of $21,000, following staff reports that the software sharply increased rental registration and automated violation and late‑fee processes.

Director Duffman, who presented the item, said Ptolemy identified almost 2,700 suspected rental parcels in Freeport and that staff registered more than 2,000 properties through the platform, producing a 77% participation rate for 2025. By contrast, the city’s prior highest participation was 32% (858 rental properties) under a manual process.

Duffman told the council the software reduced staff time by automating application intake and by instantly notifying landlords of code violations; the city has collected about $2,200 in late fees so far. He said 606 properties still need to register; staff plans to issue $500‑per‑unit violations for those properties on July 1 and schedule adjudication hearings in late August or early September if they remain out of compliance.

Why it matters: city staff said the platform increased compliance and allowed quicker notification to landlords for code issues, while giving the city an automated method to assess and collect late fees.

Council adopted the resolution to renew Ptolemy’s platform by roll-call vote.","City council approved a one‑year renewal with Ptolemy at $21,000 after staff reported identified rental parcels nearly tripled registration and staff collected late fees; 606 properties remain unregistered and face $500 per‑unit fines beginning July 1.",{"_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},6232418,"Freeport awards engineering contracts and multiple street and water construction bids totaling millions",2007,3224000,5231000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3426164-2a562ea731b7e23e3dfd5fdb87f9a0ae&start=3224&end=5231","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3426164-2a562ea731b7e23e3dfd5fdb87f9a0ae/thumbnail_3224000.jpg","/articles/6232418/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Freeport-awards-engineering-contracts-and-multiple-street-and-water-construction-bids-totaling-millions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6232418-c5b18eb19cae4b048568285aab4c68e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137058&Signature=a5nXwc2rZvcMtG0j3gJhl8ZJi5Q2IvwnYw1LH6-JP3rrRsYZncMWlGJcVJ2IIQKfjVG49Zwt4AiwqUexmHfmaJ-wZ1ynEel6FN1A2L2xF-EbWimagH0MJ-8QulNyjN8LzduBaJsh0Yfba~hCSyhfALpESeMOPtbVcgqPQJwsCcOc-G58fqeRtvgU3yh4YJupQwagNDIuE37KvqHhNdNRFp37kT1Kr4~GCjaPVqc-q65aCciuMit-~tMqc9icAG2bqoSzfQt588Iu3S0oFKL4wG5Cu84iTX9nll5n90gv3170jFE4k4gUzlkX-5W5TwdqgxjpuwORLUBnrw7J3yGnGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Freeport City Council approved multiple professional-engineering contracts and awarded low bids for a roster of 2025 water-main and street projects that city staff said are part of the council’s five‑year plan.

City staff recommended and the council adopted a Professional Engineering Services agreement with Fairgram for 2025 water-main construction engineering at $337,500 and a separate Fairgram contract for 2025 street construction engineering at $225,000. Manager Rob Boyer presented the items and summarized the scope: the water work includes roughly 3,000 feet of replacement on Carroll Avenue, Blackhawk Avenue, Harvey and Willow; the street work is funded by a mix of IDOT, motor fuel tax, the city’s 1% local road fund and utility CIP funds.

The council also awarded the build contracts after public bid openings: Helm Group was the low bidder for the Carroll Avenue water‑main and street reconstruction project at $1,028,338.50 (reported in the packet as $1,000,520 plus $28,338.50), Fisher Excavating was the low bidder for water‑main work on South Blackhawk, Willow and Harvey at $1,233,392.70, and Kelsey Excavating was the low bidder for contractor street improvements (mill, grinding, ramps) at $1,615,161. The annual MFT materials bid (hot mix asphalt) was awarded to Helm at a delivered price reported as $63.10 per ton. City staff said several low bids were below engineer estimates.

Funding for the projects will come from a combination of sources: the city’s previously approved 1% local road fund, IDOT and motor fuel tax funds, plus utility (water) reserves for the water‑main components. Manager Boyer and public‑works staff said the projects address pipes and pavements with frequent breaks and “deplorable” pavement conditions; council discussion emphasized an aggressive construction timeline using a mix of contractor work and city crews for paving.

Why it matters: the awarded contracts and bids represent the bulk of Freeport’s 2025 pavement and water‑infrastructure program; the work is intended to reduce water-main breaks and improve transport corridors, and staff said some paving will be completed by city crews to reduce cost.

All contract and bid awards listed on the agenda were approved by recorded roll-call votes.","The council approved construction–engineering contracts and awarded low bids for water-main and street reconstruction projects, including Carroll Avenue, Blackhawk/Willow/Harvey and contractor roadwork; funding will combine state, city and utility sources.",{"_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},6232424,"Freeport Council approves enterprise-zone expansion to support Savencia dairy project",245,1927000,2172000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3426164-2a562ea731b7e23e3dfd5fdb87f9a0ae&start=1927&end=2172","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3426164-2a562ea731b7e23e3dfd5fdb87f9a0ae/thumbnail_1927000.jpg","/articles/6232424/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Freeport-Council-approves-enterprise-zone-expansion-to-support-Savencia-dairy-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6232424-72b26728ab48f5691bfc9c6f394ef732/orig.mp4?Expires=1771137058&Signature=B3UYJxCN9HKUPMyc4oTKhjdDbcjqQX50jSgtyNxWqEF7m3abQ4OE8HMkQeRYI0Nh0XPETFlVCpWuYehhBdcwluU~VsRwn6ptXQkhBXA8N7rWTUcoiW9tbiIpyLu2c2BBFuGVH0kRyJhUftrmpx8icDMjWVi-XGrfv~C5GBa2njvSw6tHk41iG009p7zQqwFOq2dqeKMlqphzYJYP7AOsTiuWMnY9Ri9vfYEnbV7O72RzM-lsNve7oRSGMFCO9D7dnhoBBqWYgEIfK7aE1VQb8bt5e0pr3HjPY7SiouuimQa2HCvaMazNEO~qz6UDJ~vVkCls9X6jmMMR1Q6MAsI3wA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Freeport City Council voted unanimously to amend the Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone to add 104.39 acres for the Diamond Savencia project, enabling a $6,900,000 plant expansion that council staff said will create 42 jobs at a Lena facility.

City staff presented the boundary change and requested council approval so the project could proceed. Andrea Schultz, a staff member who presented the item, said the expansion “will create 42 jobs at the Lena facility” and noted that roughly 40% of Savencia’s workforce — about 52 employees — live in Freeport.

The ordinance changes the enterprise-zone map for the regional Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone, a state-authorized program that local units of government use to attract investment by offering site-specific incentives. Schultz told the council the zone is capped at 20 square miles and that adding the Savencia acreage would bring the zone to about 13.6648 square miles, leaving capacity for future additions.

Council members moved and adopted both the ordinance and a parallel amendment to the intergovernmental agreement that governs the six participating jurisdictions. The council approved suspension of the rules to consider the ordinance promptly and then voted to adopt the change. Roll calls on suspension and final passage showed unanimous support from members present.

Why it matters: the enterprise-zone expansion clears a local approval hurdle so Diamond Savencia — formerly identified in staff materials as Colbelina — can start a summer construction timeline using local contractors and recruit additional workers to the region.

The council approved the ordinance and the IGA amendment by recorded votes; the ordinance passed on final reading and the IGA amendment was adopted by the council.","The City Council approved an amendment to the Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone and an intergovernmental agreement change to allow a 104.39-acre addition that will support Diamond Savencia’s $6.9 million expansion and create 42 jobs at the Lena facility.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Freeport removes residency requirement for department heads in city code

Freeport approves EV‑charger project after securing roughly $960,000 in grants

Freeport renews Ptolemy rental‑registry contract after jump in registration rate

Freeport awards engineering contracts and multiple street and water construction bids totaling millions

Freeport Council approves enterprise-zone expansion to support Savencia dairy project