[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_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":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6231797,"mediaKeyId","3428769-28caca229e3466f7f591e2550d1d9271","parentId",3428769,"title","Council approves purchase of a Hach DR3900 spectrophotometer for in-house nutrient testing","audioSeconds",292,"startMs",3710000,"endMs",4002000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3428769-28caca229e3466f7f591e2550d1d9271&start=3710&end=4002","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3428769-28caca229e3466f7f591e2550d1d9271/thumbnail_3710000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6231797/Illinois/Council-approves-purchase-of-a-Hach-DR3900-spectrophotometer-for-in-house-nutrient-testing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231797-217a3149eea8500ff9d93d990c201bde/orig.mp4?Expires=1773611437&Signature=k8yDT5JVEBPOIH4S~2kOXgTsQLjsjOkF0ykUOcPZSnrYL629q1ZDiozE--GLtHrc0meJcoLvraCF2fDdPO6wINXc4yy1l103Bthsyod-O1TZNYsWajK6~YMHAqt6m-005AvQGTHJK8nt8dUwhAPmug3S1CqShPG-wlcpJe2G~OksenzAx0bIeS4BOsXV-m7Rxvh8PLsK7EGgXdCRPPwNtnjPeglKpiE5vZ2sEQv65tJAaxNBhqmg99fj2YjiEWRgejDTD689A9iygFrtItiZMBSLdwgYGZjeftOKtzlbVBRmAsL-LTbK2vSeJwPpxrJY7IrjR3UISmF6l9u15y0vAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Pontiac, IL","date","2025-05-21T20:15:57.31Z","article","The Pontiac City Council approved a purchase that will allow the wastewater department to perform nutrient testing in-house rather than send samples to an outside laboratory.

A wastewater department presenter explained that under the city’s NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit the city must test nitrates, total nitrogen and phosphorus in effluent. The department has been sending those nutrient tests to an outside lab (PACE Labs in Peoria) and pays about $800 per month for the outsourcing. The presenter said the department trialed a spectrophotometer and block heater for roughly 30 days and trained staff on the EPA-approved test modules (TNT modules) used with the unit.

After comparing quotes, staff recommended a serviceable instrument (presented in the meeting as the Hach DR3900 series model) with a vendor service plan; staff said the Hach unit is expected to be serviceable and have a longer lifespan (estimated 15–20 years) and that vendor servicing would cost about $941 per service visit. The presenter estimated the purchase would recoup the current external testing costs in roughly 10 months.

Councilmember Jerry Kooser moved to accept the staff recommendation and purchase the Hach spectrophotometer; Councilmember Scott Cranford seconded. Kelsey recorded a roll call showing council approval; the clerk announced the motion carried.

Staff said the department samples nitrates twice weekly, total nitrogen once monthly and phosphorus once monthly; in-house testing brings faster turnaround (tests take about 15–45 minutes per TNT module) and gives staff more control over sampling timing for process adjustments. The council asked about service and lifecycle costs and the presenter confirmed the recommended unit was serviceable while a competing quote (Thermo Scientific) was not.

The council approved the purchase and directed staff to proceed with vendor negotiations and procurement.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting May 19th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved buying a serviceable spectrophotometer (Hach DR3900 or equivalent) and block heater to bring nitrate, total nitrogen and phosphorus testing in-house; staff said the equipment would pay for itself in roughly 10 months compared with current outsourcing costs.","taxTitle","Pontiac, Pontiac, Livingston County, Illinois","taxId",70395,"location","Illinois","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6231803,"Council adopts ordinance requiring local licensing and manager designation for manufactured-home parks",338,2826000,3164000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3428769-28caca229e3466f7f591e2550d1d9271&start=2826&end=3164","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3428769-28caca229e3466f7f591e2550d1d9271/thumbnail_2826000.jpg","/articles/6231803/Illinois/Council-adopts-ordinance-requiring-local-licensing-and-manager-designation-for-manufactured-home-parks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231803-bb1876b7e0ae34744449064351052370/orig.mp4?Expires=1773611437&Signature=UIj4J~e-TheA3wBolqknucZlWYmBzj5sCMEQp8RhKHESRTPu86DSWaXH0EiLBgfYxtN8nY1ltX7q4kpY-JhwnwogqNhw6nKTcbk0CciblcL~L31Ak4QgG-RZpu~~Stfi6V3lYY0E9yniff2TO9XKr4rvabeA6sj1oiWD14XEVPKvRIt1vEOyXSPl94SHyqQ6L7mOhGwyE~p8JObhmNPV4xf9OqnoI8BcRJbjdEJ8JQorpyeT~7Fx3sYIBY3ClaRnHHVfE9DwCVJxc5kAqxYqaDhef1Ef91mgJ~JOlHavLNMp-eqypJFYMRE2QNDKsEACroa3bh4~XJG8mUSeO6XXxA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pontiac City Council approved an ordinance (20 25 0 0 10) to expand local regulation of manufactured-home parks by requiring park operators to provide proof of their state license and most recent state inspection, and by designating a local manager for service of process.

Alan (City Attorney) and Greg Knowles, Building and Zoning Director, presented the ordinance changes that emerged from the Finance and Administration Committee. The ordinance makes a city license contingent on submission of the park’s current state inspection report; if the state inspection shows no uncorrected major deficiencies, the city may issue a local license without conducting a full physical inspection. Alan explained the change was intended to reduce duplicative inspections while giving the city formal enforcement authority under local law.

A core change requires each park operator to designate a local manager and notify the city; that manager will be the operator’s agent for service of process so the city can pursue enforcement without having to serve out-of-state owners. As the city attorney explained, “that designated manager…is appointed as his agent as part of the licensing process to receive that service,” which streamlines enforcement when owners live outside the state.

The ordinance distinguishes parks where the operator owns units and would therefore require certificates of occupancy, from parks in which occupants own their homes; language was adjusted to use “ownership” rather than “title” after committee feedback. Council members discussed fines and enforcement; the ordinance leaves fines to the court’s discretion within a $50–$750-per-day range with each day constituting a separate violation. Council also discussed a local licensing fee; the council set a $250 local license fee by motion during the same agenda item.

Supporters of the change said the measure protects residents from retaliation when complaints are filed because inspections and enforcement will be initiated by city action rather than solely by resident complaint. Councilmembers noted the local licensing requirement also helps ensure the city can pursue remedies efficiently if an operator fails to address violations.

Councilmember Jerry Kooser moved to adopt the ordinance, and the council approved it by roll call. The ordinance gives city staff new enforcement tools while relying on state inspections to limit duplicative on-site reviews; staff noted minor language corrections requested by council would be made before final codification.","The council approved Ordinance 20 25 0 0 10 to create a city licensing regime for manufactured-home parks that leans on state inspections but requires a local designated manager for service of process; council also set a $250 local license fee.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6231808,"Council approves variance to allow Warren garage moved closer to lot lines with 2-foot setbacks",2512,1749000,4261000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3428769-28caca229e3466f7f591e2550d1d9271&start=1749&end=4261","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3428769-28caca229e3466f7f591e2550d1d9271/thumbnail_1749000.jpg","/articles/6231808/Illinois/Council-approves-variance-to-allow-Warren-garage-moved-closer-to-lot-lines-with-2-foot-setbacks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231808-43258f16b86a4108644b152c84f55cc0/orig.mp4?Expires=1773611437&Signature=O8Cc2wRf7oRpC~~iOChsdCi5Zu~2B-yiFnJjLbGYxSr6H7Nr7OE~Hfeuh3WudCeWq8MwHzKRaBRrDefW9ewv1Zije3pB3ibLXmiLRzfLNbwMjhqABtGltattRph-KSj3Y0JIWTOdIKX~6QTY9ER9u9iwyfI74C-dvK7BuO3s2Z6KsE6ynZ30Ct6ZmY52JBh~FruiRIgXzC-aBE3YNSVqRydAPpe4XjS2VrKPUzkvFxAvE1df~zPKAWRqAwAQAd5oA5AYiCz0ugj~VxazVqwzxS477ibBEjfEeqSRg5bOJk~NowPYUB3BLXMCgBNVVsg22oFMqPO2jzKLu7tsB~g38A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pontiac City Council voted to adopt Ordinance 20 25 0 0 11, approving a variance that lets homeowners at 416 East Howard move a proposed garage closer to the west and south property lines with a two-foot setback instead of the three-foot setback required by code.

Greg Knowles, Building and Zoning Director, summarized the request and the zoning board’s recommendation. He said the current garage sits on the property line as a legal nonconforming structure and that the applicants want to relocate the new garage “to give them room to turn around so that they can pull forward onto Howard Street as opposed to backing out.” Knowles said the zoning board recommended approving a reduced two-foot setback (varying from the required three feet) because of concerns about maintenance and neighbor access if a zero setback were granted.

Council members questioned whether the situation constituted a unique hardship required for a variance and whether amending the city code for main-street lots would be more appropriate. Knowles and other council members noted the property’s constrained access — neighbors on adjacent lots have different access arrangements — and said the zoning board concluded the hardship standard was met for this property.

The council then took formal action. Councilmember Jerry Kooser moved to adopt the ordinance with the zoning board recommendation; Councilmember Mike Barr seconded. Roll-call votes were recorded; the motion carried with six votes in favor and two opposed. After enactment the applicants were instructed to submit final construction plans to the building department and apply for a building permit.

The council’s discussion included practical details: the proposed garage will be 24 by 24 feet, the existing garage is approximately 12 by 20 feet, and moving the garage back was described as creating a larger “apron” and turning area in the backyard. The zoning board had considered a zero-foot setback but recommended two feet to preserve the ability for future maintenance and reduce potential conflicts if property ownership changes.

No additional code change was adopted; the council approved a variance specific to this property and directed the owners to submit certified survey and permit applications to ensure the structure is sited correctly.","The council adopted an ordinance approving a variance to allow homeowners at 416 East Howard to move and enlarge a garage closer to property lines with 2-foot setbacks after the zoning board recommended that compromise; council vote carried 6–2.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6231812,"Pontiac to move farmers market, expand summer events at Block 59; city expects large crowds for Great Race stop",89,863000,952000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3428769-28caca229e3466f7f591e2550d1d9271&start=863&end=952","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3428769-28caca229e3466f7f591e2550d1d9271/thumbnail_863000.jpg","/articles/6231812/Illinois/Pontiac-to-move-farmers-market-expand-summer-events-at-Block-59-city-expects-large-crowds-for-Great-Race-stop","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6231812-c0b8d472ea4a812f398abc8f7089c4f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773611437&Signature=F~c8uxvxP~hcKgmIA1seXP8QGzObK2EVGBKqOIjLSgCAnDYtHbHiUV1WP0igE1n~YJbstOf3mefdphCrovdt7RHOlmFg8A4yJ3XIfGoCs78Uv-ACpepGaK77Uj49JYIzFI3lCkceOe8--6otNLTHd1l9CR7qTWTdwJv7r0vT8CjxJS8RV045CkV3s3t1yXaaKiyotSgDuWQC96CtcLVVSb0tuho91RSoKbKhBWCDNE~M0MFspoSgqJYIIGQYwcEbvRl3bu40lLLgEDHIeQrdK3YuyZRwN8UacE0r0rW2KQ7PQtXjSvT8b-aOUU~VXi23xHOqOAnD2OPo9tJPs2T9zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Pontiac City Council that the city’s summer events calendar has been expanded and reorganized, with the farmers market and cruise nights moved to Block 59 to avoid safety conflicts with courthouse construction.

The overview was given by a city events staff member, who said the farmers market will run Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, June through October, and that vendors already selected plots for the season. “With all of the construction going on around the courthouse for safety purposes, we felt it's best to move it down to Block 59,” the staff member said.

The staff member also reported that cruise nights have new volunteer organizers from the Twisted Machines Car and Truck Club, and that the kickoff attracted more than 100 cars. The council was told that the move to Block 59 “did change the traffic pattern” but that the first cruise night “seemed to flow really well.”

The council heard details of a concert series scheduled through the summer, with shows moved to earlier evening hours (6:30–8:30 p.m.) to encourage families to attend after dinner. The June 19 concert will feature an ’80s cover band, and the calendar includes a range of acts from jazz and rockabilly to funk and a Saturday finale timed with the GTO weekend.

Council members and staff also discussed the second annual Taste of Pontiac on June 21. The staff member thanked council for approving amended street closures and said the art center will run a street-side paint-night demonstration. She added that vendors and downtown retailers will be encouraged to participate and that organizers expect higher attendance than last year.

The council was told Pontiac will host several automotive events back-to-back: the Bullets/Bullitt Nationals (Steve McQueen–style Mustangs), roughly 30–50 McQueen-style cars during the Taste weekend, and the Great Race, which the presenter said will stop in Pontiac two days later. “This year they go from Saint Paul, Minnesota to Lake Murray, South Carolina,” the presenter said. She described the Great Race as a precision event for cars at least 50 years old and told the council she expects “huge crowds downtown.”

Staff said the city is preparing FAM (familiarization) tour materials for more than 100 inbound travel trade, media and tour operators who will visit from Chicago as part of the IPW industry show. The events presenter said the city will hand out “goodie packages” and noted the installation of a downtown kiosk and printed maps for visitors and bus tours.

Council members asked about logistics: one councilmember asked who will provide lunches for the Great Race stop; the presenter said she was “still working on that” and that local food vendors will be used. Another member asked about routes for visiting coach buses; staff said they could provide arrival/parking points (coming up Mill Street) and offered to bring example visitor packets to a future council meeting.

The presenter also reviewed other recent and planned tourism visits, including national car clubs, the Porsche Club “Porsches and Pastries” run in mid-June, and increased RV caravan traffic. She said the VisitPontiac.org events calendar would be updated as new groups confirm.

City staff asked council members to remind constituents about event dates and to help promote downtown participation; councilmembers agreed to review sample visitor packets at a future meeting.

Looking ahead, staff noted the concentration of events on Block 59 and asked planners to finalize traffic and vendor logistics before the busiest weekends. No formal council action was required during the agenda item; staff closed by inviting questions and offering to present printed visitor packets at the next council meeting.","City staff described an expanded summer events calendar centered at Block 59, including a relocated farmers market, cruise nights, a concert series, the second annual Taste of Pontiac and a Great Race lunch stop; staff said the changes aim to improve safety around courthouse construction and to boost downtown activity.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves purchase of a Hach DR3900 spectrophotometer for in-house nutrient testing

Council adopts ordinance requiring local licensing and manager designation for manufactured-home parks

Council approves variance to allow Warren garage moved closer to lot lines with 2-foot setbacks

Pontiac to move farmers market, expand summer events at Block 59; city expects large crowds for Great Race stop