[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_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",6227079,"mediaKeyId","3494001-38d213d5b3fc1a77f6b9ab8957f4631d","parentId",3494001,"title","Council OKs $251,500 payment to Flock for license-plate readers; police cite investigative uses","audioSeconds",464,"startMs",4486000,"endMs",4950000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3494001-38d213d5b3fc1a77f6b9ab8957f4631d&start=4486&end=4950","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3494001-38d213d5b3fc1a77f6b9ab8957f4631d/thumbnail_4486000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6227079/Springfield/Sangamon-County/Illinois/Council-OKs-251500-payment-to-Flock-for-license-plate-readers-police-cite-investigative-uses","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6227079-58735b46535f1ec43e789838cc3c84a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427714&Signature=jfk2IwqSfXhgQ1~3ejH4Jl7TeW5pO4FWR0QU0PaZ3yfAI-x0E4r9UPE0fTvXyoZKWoZF9cIkR8Kn7~W7PFX4wsywPWGMWkYxJoY5iAbAIj~L4TgpKdOkMTierFpafAIo~mwck55xFWEqWLW8vRmZ4ComeiGnL0MXZBM6pUcLZ-ERBud-geu~RmVJ60KaKayd66b1ZsTVRl~fwlImJdeeyBCwLdBEvFWU5OmZP0KxYMt5RWeuBgxAqdEB~TuyPPWVQmbVDFYIokz3xMp1-DXseTkfyz-NggARntCZpyDbvTd2broUdGLp8gHVwbWFD64RMFLVNbfrn~rhhk7YR-55Bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Springfield, IL","date","2025-05-24T16:29:57.7Z","article","The Springfield City Council on May 20 approved an amended ordinance authorizing payment of $251,500 to Flock Group Inc. (DBA Flock Safety) for the city's Falcon automatic license-plate readers (ALPRs) covering Feb. 23, 2025, through Feb. 22, 2026.

Council members asked how the cameras are sited and whether the department coordinates ALPR placement with other technologies such as ShotSpotter. Police representatives said ALPRs are evaluated and relocated as needed and that the department had placed cameras under a recent grant to address organized retail crime.

A department representative described instances in which ALPR imagery was critical in investigations, including multiple homicide cases and more than 40 organized retail crime cases tied to cameras placed in retail corridors. \"We were able to secure a grant for organized retail crime where we could put some flock cameras in those retail areas,\" the chief said, citing arrests and case leads developed from camera footage.

Alderman Gregory said he wanted assurance the program would not be permanent in a single configuration and asked whether Flock would continue to work with the city on repositioning devices as needed. The police representative said the department routinely reevaluates camera placement based on data and community input.

Alderman Donlon asked the department to publicize options for neighborhood associations to buy cameras and participate in the city program; the chief agreed to work with neighborhood groups to promote those opportunities and to consider sharing cost and placement information to ease the city's financial burden.

The ordinance as amended passed 10-0. Council members said they expect the police department to report on camera performance, the cases supported by ALPR data and opportunities for neighborhood participation.

Ending: Flock Safety will be paid under the approved contract extension; the police department said it will continue to review camera siting and encourage neighborhood participation programs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting of Springfield Tuesday May 20 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved $251,500 to Flock Safety for automatic license-plate readers for the police department; police described cases where the cameras aided investigations and discussed neighborhood participation options.","taxTitle","Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois","taxId",2651,"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},6227085,"Council approves $384,095 animal-control payment to Sangamon County after aldermen press for contract accountability",588,3834000,4422000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3494001-38d213d5b3fc1a77f6b9ab8957f4631d&start=3834&end=4422","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3494001-38d213d5b3fc1a77f6b9ab8957f4631d/thumbnail_3834000.jpg","/articles/6227085/Springfield/Sangamon-County/Illinois/Council-approves-384095-animal-control-payment-to-Sangamon-County-after-aldermen-press-for-contract-accountability","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6227085-ef311a6fed69f8665ef8b55a97b245ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427714&Signature=G257covw~W0K3kBUqkuU0JUcmsUDi1mrrR~FCSh0vbnf66oWRtcSZTwrmkjlhDYGAuNuLdo6hcumuYkVJiy-65c~igW2yh-4KmvvQP-Ses4F0-rLkO8qGZb51x~JM0XalQUxNOd0MNe5wc-6Lw2II3NgZCVQSpP9wsUQ7b36m2XGPThqv5WZzq~VdJNDSDOaWYfSoPZM3kDaZqdf-LwxKThmTJQbQZdR2a~~SKKXT200tY8WAJaGmak-TUzAZMgx1moEM2xol6ZHs1b0M8rJ0Rx58LniAhrfIJ4a35ovMaX5aD4~IzftPGl-T8FPuuqCwGCAGvsaWfb5zM~N4yjSxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Springfield City Council voted 10-0 May 20 to authorize up to $384,095 to Sangamon County for animal-control services covering March 1, 2024, through Feb. 28, 2025.

Aldermen pressed city staff and asked the county to appear before the council to answer questions about service levels, whether the county contract should be bid competitively, and staffing. Alderman Williams said residents in his ward report inconsistent service and asked why county representatives were not present to answer questions; he urged the council to require the county to appear before future votes.

City staff said Sangamon County continues to perform services while negotiations on a new contract continue and that the county is not currently under a formal contract for the current months. The council was told the prior contract expired Feb. 28, 2025, and county staff requested payment for the prior service year.

Alderman Williams asked whether the county's animal-control operation is competitive and suggested requests for proposals (RFPs) to make service providers compete for the work. He and others asked for clearer data on service levels, vehicle and staffing counts and response times; the council was told the county currently has five animal-control officers and operates the county shelter, though details on distribution of units and response coverage were discussed as in need of clarification.

Alderman Gregory said he would like the county to be required to appear at council meetings to answer performance questions before the next agreement is finalized. Mayor Buscher said she would request county attendance during negotiations and that staff is working to reduce costs and secure better service in the new contract.

The motion to place the intergovernmental cooperation agreement on final passage passed 10-0. Several aldermen said they would support the payment for prior service but push for competitive bidding, clearer reporting and county presence before future approvals.

Ending: The council approved payment for the past year of animal-control services but directed staff to insist on county participation, more data and competitive procurement steps for any new multi-year agreement.","The council approved an intergovernmental agreement payment to Sangamon County for animal-control services, but aldermen pressed county and city staff for answers about service quality, bidding and the expired contract.",{"_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},6227090,"Council confirms Joseph Beal as Springfield police chief; members ask about command staff and traffic enforcement",80,3495000,3575000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3494001-38d213d5b3fc1a77f6b9ab8957f4631d&start=3495&end=3575","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3494001-38d213d5b3fc1a77f6b9ab8957f4631d/thumbnail_3495000.jpg","/articles/6227090/Springfield/Sangamon-County/Illinois/Council-confirms-Joseph-Beal-as-Springfield-police-chief-members-ask-about-command-staff-and-traffic-enforcement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6227090-0a066abf2c30858ec7a43564284af087/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427714&Signature=n0KMBcdFCSb~TmLrTlBfq~fYbPaGt6oRVRfrOa7ECqeztKLWHR8L~C~lG7RZghGACi64FljnezR9cUvjatFE8UxuMd3nG-dL84nRIFWgTL8IYv4N3B3cjhoIHROW13Gaw46lXI2cJ6K4K8HlJoBe27funCLhpkc8Wcz3ME3tO7coi0HqlRoRTxqZ74BUi4y1LK6vR5hSOnlrA1CKQ0LhwTkU9fysiRtxUWR3GnNfQyBsn2JVQe7ZUNVrEMuWhcvyerNDnkuMta3R1EA6I3NtYMBsau6nMX9tUHzW5Un9v-xWx8ay6hcBGl3KYcV-lbrGFAZTsx45XaBb1VpbdQKggA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Springfield City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on May 20 appointing Joseph Beal as police chief, effective May 31, 2025.

Assistant Chief Beal addressed the council before the vote, outlining priorities of community engagement, transparency and officer training. \"Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of our department,\" Beal said, adding a pledge to support officer wellness and to maintain open communications with residents.

Aldermen asked about the command staff under the incoming chief and promotions. Beal said some openings exist and the department will pursue promotions, noting that Commander Leach is slated to be promoted to assistant chief on June 2 and that deputy chiefs and commanders will remain part of the leadership team.

Council members also raised operational concerns. Alderman Carlson pressed Beal on traffic enforcement and speeding complaints, asking residents to provide locations and times for targeted enforcement. Chief Beal said staff are ready to coordinate with the municipal traffic office and neighborhood groups on locations and data-driven enforcement.

Alderman Donlon asked the department to publicize opportunities for neighborhood associations to participate in the license-plate-reader program and to consider partnerships that allow neighborhood groups to purchase cameras to augment city coverage.

The council placed the appointment on final passage by motion and adopted it with a 10-0 roll call. Members congratulated Beal and asked that the department brief the council on staffing changes and neighborhood camera participation going forward.

Ending: Beal will take office May 31; the council requested follow-up briefings on promotions, traffic enforcement data and neighborhood camera participation.","The council unanimously approved Joseph Beal as police chief and discussed command staffing and traffic enforcement priorities, including community requests to publicize neighborhood camera programs.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6227095,"Council appoints Nicholas Sumo as fire chief and approves small EMS system changes",0,3339000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3494001-38d213d5b3fc1a77f6b9ab8957f4631d&start=3339&end=3339","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3494001-38d213d5b3fc1a77f6b9ab8957f4631d/thumbnail_3339000.jpg","/articles/6227095/Springfield/Sangamon-County/Illinois/Council-appoints-Nicholas-Sumo-as-fire-chief-and-approves-small-EMS-system-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6227095-077fbfac694a819c2cfd5164ccb6d3e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427714&Signature=oaCnnnpxFbAwLVzuksTziejFp9uoJximobd3b12rqCUP13sFUgx169VfI4V4rpIY224saFi2d504m2nuAGJn5UT6OUqIokC4y1uQQFtq0VF0~0Cq9oefY6D5IrrdQ-N61v3DwQc0h5hGfQ1B2wKhM7mEEQApc4wrO-CABTbu4paHw-EPnlUMnWzWp1gU-YKaJp-j06QVJX4SsKszN~T3b8ZHGZRC-ujj9DZxCwz1UDwj7lY-XKc2XH9VjKk5NW3li5LAEVkctSgimslgjSUbgoExZghPov437mcl2FaNDZHffRyhtw3La77I~jeeJcgrOZ5H5igtS~kc~2rI7FKuNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Springfield City Council voted 10-0 May 20 to confirm Nicholas Sumo as fire chief and adopted an ordinance implementing modest changes to the city\u0000EMS system intended to increase oversight and accountability.

The appointment ordinance for Nicholas Sumo took effect May 17, 2025; the council approved the motion placing his appointment on final passage and voted unanimously. Sumo addressed the council, saying he had worked through every rank in the department and described his local ties and service in the Illinois Air National Guard.

Separately, the council placed on final passage an EMS-related ordinance that supporters described as the first significant update to the local EMS framework in decades. Canaan Renneberger, president of the Springfield Firefighters Union, spoke in favor, calling the measure \"a great first step\" and urging continued work to reduce response delays and expand coordination among ambulance providers and hospitals.

Renneberger told the council the local system has seen an increase in calls and longer wait times and urged further steps for mental health and unhoused populations who frequently require emergency services. \"This is a great first step,\" he said, adding the ordinance can be revisited annually.

Council members thanked outgoing staff and former leaders for earlier work on EMS and said they expect continued collaboration among private ambulance companies, the hospital-based EMS director and county dispatch to improve performance. Several aldermen said they wanted additional, ongoing review of system metrics and partnerships to address nonemergency demand for EMS.

The council approved the EMS ordinance and Sumo's appointment by roll call; both measures passed 10 yes, 0 no. The council noted the EMS ordinance is intended to be a starting point, not a final solution, and asked staff and partners to continue work on broader system reforms, including potential shared presence or integrated response models.

Ending: Nicholas Sumo will lead the Springfield Fire Department; council members said they expect ongoing work on EMS operations and performance reporting.","The council confirmed Nicholas Sumo as Springfield Fire Department chief and approved a package of EMS accountability measures; union and council members said the changes are a first step amid broader system reform talks.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6227099,"Council grants variance for boathouse at 38 Island View Lane over neighbor objections",1395,1458000,2853000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3494001-38d213d5b3fc1a77f6b9ab8957f4631d&start=1458&end=2853","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3494001-38d213d5b3fc1a77f6b9ab8957f4631d/thumbnail_1458000.jpg","/articles/6227099/Springfield/Sangamon-County/Illinois/Council-grants-variance-for-boathouse-at-38-Island-View-Lane-over-neighbor-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6227099-1bb9775d42e3846f1f3d3858914b0327/orig.mp4?Expires=1770427714&Signature=T7injvx8ML~ti66xYaVUOAWzOHeWuViW1o4rzYcUgX~jAbdpo4EU2ar0CkCPyaAzBTYy8qyR49hAuBSvLJf~CUbzbf9NKQgHFz-d-1k9GCtWWP5dpMznHqUnDq4lUVThchi1ZERB1PVEMSn-rm1N3F5a7cvJNRjfMu9lk-hGei8DJyL3Sc8fnIjvquoHgQEIIVjgojhe1AhRg9f4FH5PBZ9SqzwP72U~J9YhBFJQ4AOdPCY7RjiBL3uwJDHJRR3YmmR2V6jFwV1IgJXYChg1j5HLI7nqCgUqLzCY~gkj-hqvXZco-LlBZPnBFYaUXw9qW18Whz2Q0unC8wQcuPBkrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Springfield City Council voted 10-0 on May 20 to adopt the Planning and Zoning Commission\u0000and staff recommendation and approve requested variances for the property at 38 Island View Lane.

The action allows existing covered patio, enclosed boathouse and dock elements that exceed setback and square-foot limits in the Lake Land Use Plan to remain, subject to staff conditions limiting further expansion. The vote followed roughly 20 minutes of public comment and council discussion that focused on whether the city should reward construction completed before permits and whether permitting and lake-use oversight need reform.

Attorney Mike Horstman, representing a neighbor in opposition, told the council the petitioners built most of the structure before submitting plans or obtaining permits and that permit conditions were ignored. \"The only reason why they're here asking you for a variance is so that in the event that they are found liable in our litigation, they have this to fall back on,\" Horstman said, adding the structure sits \"28 and a half feet from the shoreline\" and arguing the city should not set a precedent for similar requests.

Neighbor Kim Hodgson described buying her leased lake property under the Lake Land Use Plan rules and said the Willies and their contractors did not follow conditions placed on permits by a prior mayor and corporation counsel. \"I implore you not to reward their repeated non compliance by granting this variance and instead reject this petition and let us have our day in court,\" Hodgson told the council.

Daniel Hamilton, an attorney for petitioners Brian and Kelly Wiley, said permits were issued, inspections performed and final approval granted on Aug. 26, 2022, and that any subsequent allegation of a \"technical violation\" arose years later in litigation. \"The Willie's built this building in compliance with everything that city asked it to do,\" Hamilton said, noting CWLP later suggested a possible technical violation in depositions.

Council members expressed differing concerns. Alderman Notriano said it was \"pretty disturbing\" that permitting mistakes could leave homeowners exposed; Alderman Hanauer and others said the Lake Land Use Plan and permitting process should be reviewed to avoid repeated disputes. Alderman Cox, who visited the properties and reviewed documents, said she would vote to grant the variance but pledged to work with lake stakeholders to improve definitions and processes.

The city staff recommendation that the footprint not increase and that the conditional relief be limited was adopted by motion; the roll call recorded 10 yes, 0 no. The council made clear the decision does not resolve the separate litigation between the parties.

The request cited sections of the municipal code and the Lake Land Use Plan including rules limiting boathouse square footage to 600 square feet and shoreline setbacks; those authorities were discussed by staff and in public comments during the hearing. The petitioners and opponents may pursue their claims in court independent of the council's zoning action.

The council's discussion included multiple calls for a review of lake permitting, inspection and plan enforcement practices so future projects follow clear, consistently applied rules and so homeowners and neighbors do not face similar disputes.

Ending: The council's approval allows the existing structure to remain under the conditions adopted; the parties continue litigation and city staff said they will review permitting processes and the Lake Land Use Plan language for future changes.","The Springfield City Council approved a zoning variance allowing a boathouse and related lakeshore structures at 38 Island View Lane, amid neighbors\u0000complaints, litigation and calls to protect the Lake Land Use Plan.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council OKs $251,500 payment to Flock for license-plate readers; police cite investigative uses

Council approves $384,095 animal-control payment to Sangamon County after aldermen press for contract accountability

Council confirms Joseph Beal as Springfield police chief; members ask about command staff and traffic enforcement

Council appoints Nicholas Sumo as fire chief and approves small EMS system changes

Council grants variance for boathouse at 38 Island View Lane over neighbor objections