[{"_1":2,"_108":-5,"_109":-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",[32,74,86,96],{"_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":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6530998,"mediaKeyId","3630274-de31c9e31e61ea149559bfc07353ad33","parentId",3630274,"title","DeKalb Township approves budgets, cemetery purchase, energy aggregation and job‑coach contract","audioSeconds",2767,"startMs",4545000,"endMs",1778000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3630274-de31c9e31e61ea149559bfc07353ad33&start=4545&end=1778","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3630274-de31c9e31e61ea149559bfc07353ad33/thumbnail_4545000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6530998/Sandwich/DeKalb-County/Illinois/DeKalb-Township-approves-budgets-cemetery-purchase-energy-aggregation-and-jobcoach-contract","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530998-2abcaa1b3602d99811dd63215c71fcb2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187838&Signature=Uf6NBizDf28QivMoJtTxL5NV-jfuwsZQHpKsgMEe5bPloH5OpAW9Az-uQYv3PEBbfiTi8-QdX9SJHU-XNIT59so0zjjnrrkRaSBomG1gTutbTEnLB8HpTHwXGeZlMQabeNAB5KVkP8xqWkID~bob8h1gncVNy4kcehUyX4K4Xs5BU3tiAgsVEluudAPQ3sc4WZ2kvqD2cCN-98yzjQfizxmsJ~zDAwHkJNjSW7BfuMR66MAXCpp4WBZ0rmgNIqHheJHCqYFgqGYP9YV9dIxsD7mstZF16NiZNi2kWTmwynAGB9qTYSIT70uGTMvmhmXGto9FiQ~Dje4asDyECou2hg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-03T05:00:35Z","article","DeKalb Township trustees on May 20 approved multiple fiscal and program actions, including two budget appropriation ordinances for the township and its road district, a resolution to use donated funds to buy a parcel adjacent to Oakwood Cemetery, a 36‑month electricity aggregation contract for residents outside DeKalb city limits and a contract with Passion Pursuit for job‑coaching services.

The board also approved the April audit report and May bills to pay and received and filed the treasurer’s April budget reports.

Why it matters: The approved budget ordinances set spending and revenue authority for the fiscal year beginning April 1, 2025. The cemetery purchase will allow development of Peace Park and cemetery expansion using restricted donor funds. The energy aggregation locks residents outside the city into a supplier contract for up to three years unless they opt out. The employment contract continues a locally provided job‑coaching service that staff said helps township residents seeking work.

Details of formal actions and roll calls

- Ordinance 2025-001T — DeKalb Township budget appropriation ordinance for fiscal year 04/01/2025–03/31/2026. Motion to approve made and seconded; roll call recorded: Trustee Bridal: Yes; Trustee McLaughlin: Yes; Trustee Thurman: Aye; Trustee Akers: Aye; Supervisor Hess: Yes. Outcome: approved.

- Ordinance 2025-00020R — DeKalb Township Road District budget appropriation ordinance for fiscal year beginning 03/01/2025–03/31/2026. Motion to approve made and seconded; roll call recorded: Trustee McLaughlin: Yes; Trustee Thurman: Aye; Trustee Akers: Aye; Trustee Brella: Yes; Supervisor Hess: Yes. Outcome: approved.

- Resolution 2025-004T — Authorizing use of donated funds for purchase and development of property for Oakwood Cemetery. Motion and second; roll call recorded: Trustee Akers: Aye; Trustee Thurman: Aye; Trustee McLaughlin: Aye; Trustee Branagh: Yes; Supervisor Hess: Yes. Outcome: approved. The supervisor reported a settlement statement totaling $13,097 in closing costs and purchase price will be drawn from the Peace Park restricted fund.

- Ordinance 2025-002T — Approve an electricity aggregation program with Direct Energy (36‑month contract). Motion and second; roll call recorded: Trustee Thurman: Aye; Trustee McLaughlin: Aye; Trustee Akers: Aye; Trustee Brelandt: Yes; Supervisor Hess: Yes. Outcome: approved. Board packet showed updated bid rates; the 3‑year supplier price used to set letters to opt‑out households was reported at about 9.32¢/kWh (price subject to supplier confirmation and market movement).

- Authorization to enter continued contract with Passion Pursuit (job coaching services). Motion and second; roll call recorded: Trustee Bridal: Yes; Trustee Thurman: (recorded in roll call as present/aye); Trustee Akers: Aye; Trustee McLaughlin: Yes; Supervisor Hess: Yes. Outcome: approved. Staff will prepare the contract for signature.

- April audit report and May bills. Motion to approve combined warrants: April audit $144,628.53 and May bills $141,633.82; roll call recorded: Trustee Thurman: Aye; Trustee Akers: Aye; Trustee McLaughlin: Aye; Trustee Bradlow: Yes; Supervisor Hess: Yes. Outcome: approved.

- Receive and file treasurer’s April budget reports. Motion carried on roll call. Outcome: received and filed.

What the board did not finalize at the meeting: discussion of a vehicle purchase (resolution to authorize purchase of a 2025 Ford Escape) was presented and discussed but no roll‑call approval appears in the transcript excerpt.

Provenance (transcript evidence)

- Township budget ordinance motion and approval: excerpt beginning “So, can I get a motion to approve ordinance 20 25 dash 0 0 1 t…” and attendant roll call (transcript timestamp ~1681.71–1741.55).

- Road district budget ordinance motion and approval: excerpt beginning “Can I get a motion to approve ordinance 20 25 dash 0 0 0 2 0 r…” and attendant roll call (transcript timestamp ~1721.51–1778.32).

- Oakwood Cemetery resolution: excerpt beginning “May I get a motion to approve resolution 20 25 dash 0 0 4 t, authorizing use of donated funds for the purchase and development of property for Oakwood Cemetery?” and roll call (transcript timestamp ~3309.92–3597.68).

- Electricity aggregation ordinance: excerpt beginning “approval of ordinance 20 25 dash 0 0 2 t to approve aggregation program with service? Denergy…” and roll call (transcript timestamp ~3619.23–4430.49).

- Passion Pursuit contract authorization: excerpt beginning at the resumed item “Can I get a motion for the discussion and authorization for the supervisor to approve contract with Passion Pursuit for continued employment services?” and roll call (transcript timestamp ~4545–5474).

- Audit and bills: excerpt beginning “Can I get a motion to approve the April audit report in the amount of $144,628.53, and the May bills to pay in the amount of $141,633.82?” and roll call (transcript timestamp ~2903.94–3111.47).

(Transcript timestamps above correspond to the meeting transcript provided.)","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","GMT20250520 230311 Recording 640x360 mp4","oneSentenceSummary","DeKalb Township trustees on May 20 approved the township and road district budgets for FY2025–26, authorized purchase of land adjacent to Oakwood Cemetery using donated funds, approved a 36‑month electricity aggregation contract for residents outside city limits and authorized a contract with Passion Pursuit to continue job‑coaching services.","taxTitle","Sandwich, DeKalb County, Illinois","taxId",70460,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6530983,"Township OKs purchase of parcel for Oakwood Cemetery, plans phased Peace Park development",223,3309000,3532000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3630274-de31c9e31e61ea149559bfc07353ad33&start=3309&end=3532","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3630274-de31c9e31e61ea149559bfc07353ad33/thumbnail_3309000.jpg","/articles/6530983/Sandwich/DeKalb-County/Illinois/Township-OKs-purchase-of-parcel-for-Oakwood-Cemetery-plans-phased-Peace-Park-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530983-f45ad2313ec944826342403bb91072e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187838&Signature=XGi5NKEaDPZerOXhVDT2LfDmhoL~9Y4FapyBOz8MEzTG7QkiscjWtBvXGjJUM2iHbQHvowF9zfPrAB2eTt8H972nFseYeZ5Q5OOCgDwh~Q92GWiWGrWxcFvj6pAMTOcXb3moAQJMKcCID~fZhEifhGbUuTXXh7m34SejQ~F1bxulCpjXKIOCGu~qkgBh~q8rYmq-aSV57Dx1dTdtf4luHKE76MPTbeGjTbV07nZhUTSMpA9107JPV31UO3jQjJbChZRKvUa9F7YhyDwSD240tpbJyi9N9CdiVGOrDBg~kKpIhchT8tROglEjKNQgCgvFfRk1hGrbE0ljOkWhlp-z5g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","DeKalb Township trustees on May 20 approved a resolution to use donated funds to acquire a parcel adjacent to Oakwood Cemetery from First Congregational Church and to proceed with preliminary design for a donor‑funded Peace Park.

Why it matters: The purchase secures land for cemetery expansion, parking and a park development funded by donor‑restricted money. The resolution authorizes payment of the purchase price and closing costs from the Peace Park restricted fund and advances design work by a landscape architect.

Details

- Purchase and closing: The supervisor told trustees the purchase price and closing costs totaled $13,097 (purchase price $10,000 plus closing and usable costs). The supervisor said she received the final settlement statement and that the payment would be drawn from the Peace Park restricted fund.

- Project phases and next steps: The landscape architect provided a conceptual rendering tailored to available funds and proposed a two‑phase plan: Phase 1 — park development and removal/cleanup of existing garden and shed (highway department to assist); Phase 2 — convert the back woods to a walking path and scattering area for cremated remains. The firm proposed a tree location survey and final plan drawings with blueprints; staff estimated the tree survey and design stage would take about six weeks.

- Implementation tasks: The supervisor said site cleanup (removal of garden and a shed) could be done with highway department help and that the landscape architect’s next tasks are the tree survey and final drawings for bid documents.

Board action and provenance

The board passed Resolution 2025‑004T by roll call. The supervisor said closing was scheduled the following morning.

Provenance (transcript evidence): resolution motion, background, design discussion and roll call (transcript timestamps ~3311.96–3597.68).","The DeKalb Township Board approved a resolution to use donated funds to purchase a parcel from First Congregational Church for Oakwood Cemetery expansion and Peace Park. Closing costs and purchase totalled approximately $13,097; landscape architect work and tree surveys were authorized for the next design phase.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":44,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":50,"_51":92,"_53":93,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":94,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":95,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6530988,"Board authorizes continued contract with Passion Pursuit; coach reports 68 clients served this year",341,4886000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3630274-de31c9e31e61ea149559bfc07353ad33&start=4545&end=4886","/articles/6530988/Sandwich/DeKalb-County/Illinois/Board-authorizes-continued-contract-with-Passion-Pursuit-coach-reports-68-clients-served-this-year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530988-5d010545631ca2e7bed17c773cc27af1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187838&Signature=DWtg52-49W22h~8XaFv1ab6fsARSS-5Wpo7ikdFI3Eusm9DMOEwiFNqXCOp2k7~ho30oJG8QezR8rYbOy1wvpQaoskKlQEZnnnI57296YXS02KWqCW6C8TXEpHcH5WFCQLQxpA0M4qo78XcLWs4YvoT5UuQVl6JhpJWv9vaADoRQWrruIGOb-EAQRn4DuvEbKR6E9RBot655C4M1YyJ~5SrISI2qNkkDEr3zcbC0cB-4y6mlxBp3kBJ-gyp3~YoYjR04VsIA9rZa~jGn8Q-Q-omkvxXB~NJ4dwP7I8Z9p7K8x0dCSErJWdYjVtvQKduFnXUW4j2hj63AvJQSQm9nnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","DeKalb Township trustees authorized a contract on May 20 for continued employment services with Passion Pursuit, a local job‑coaching provider. The supervisor said the service helps township clients who seek work and can be required as part of general assistance intake for unemployed clients.

Why it matters: Township staff and trustees said employment services support self‑sufficiency for residents who rely on general assistance. Trustees approved the contract so the township can continue to refer residents to the program and reimburse services where applicable.

What the provider reported

Danita Sims of Passion Pursuit said the program served 68 clients in the past program year through approximately April 15 and that about 11% of those clients reported that they are now employed. Services include intake to identify barriers (criminal history, transportation, childcare), resume preparation and interview coaching, mock interviews, employer referrals and weekly social‑media postings highlighting local employers who are hiring. Sims said most client engagements are one to three sessions (typically about an hour each), and that switching to an on‑demand appointment model reduced no‑show rates to under 8%.

Board action and follow up

The board voted to authorize the supervisor to sign a contract with Passion Pursuit; the supervisor indicated she would have the contract available for signature the next day. The board asked for monthly reimbursement and client reports to be included in future board packets so trustees can monitor program usage and outcomes.

Provenance (transcript evidence): presentation by Danita Sims and follow‑up Q&A (transcript timestamps ~4559.55–5474.56).","The board authorized the supervisor to approve a contract with Passion Pursuit to continue job‑coaching services. Provider Danita Sims reported 68 clients served to about April 15 and described one‑on‑one resume, interview coaching, employer outreach and a weekly employers‑hiring list on social media.",{"_33":97,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":98,"_41":99,"_43":100,"_45":101,"_47":102,"_49":103,"_51":104,"_53":105,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":106,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":107,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6530993,"Highway commissioner outlines road projects, capital fund and $1.5M building plan",496,917000,1413000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3630274-de31c9e31e61ea149559bfc07353ad33&start=917&end=1413","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3630274-de31c9e31e61ea149559bfc07353ad33/thumbnail_917000.jpg","/articles/6530993/Sandwich/DeKalb-County/Illinois/Highway-commissioner-outlines-road-projects-capital-fund-and-15M-building-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6530993-843d3a817a80017a9e42f7578991831c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771187838&Signature=g7zhIsLRzgiESkcUSkEPcuhF7~JHeZw3sbG3wIwCDA-6GgudboPlbhnKFL2MNH-vvE22nPZEhAUUom9IsM7IkzqMPwyK8jRRNK1Su~fZez5e0M1DQYQdWgUaE7P~c3u8UjLUeCpFtNj8Rf05MHaigq3kmWp2-t3Y8TLswWizzbOg4vtm3X3nTqLeePwtF1sbxbspoDiXppf6rKRG-wI86BP-L26ww4uDHcWQvDKI9P3857MDXtg-b9Q8A-Xn-WavPSBBNp5cg7xs~A8Ssm3Yy2hRGXQWAWL~1Y5SRSVQTPBqBMbMXey5jHobX2ETQ0CMhKmDov-NaMnjR9HwhPhEiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The DeKalb Township Highway Commissioner presented the road district budget at the May 20 board meeting and described how levied funds are restricted and used, plans for road reconstruction, a capital fund for a new building and the township’s approach to utility and construction permitting.

Why it matters: The road district’s spending and fund designations determine which projects can be paid from tax levies and which require separate levies or bonds. The commissioner said a proposed new building site work has been bid and steel building bids were set to be opened on the following day, with engineer estimates putting the project around $1.5 million.

Key points from the presentation

- Fund restrictions: The commissioner explained the difference among the general road (road and bridge) fund, permanent road fund (for designated permanent roads), building and equipment fund (levied for equipment purchases and building acquisition/construction) and the special bridge fund (restricted to bridge/culvert/pipe work only). He emphasized that some funds cannot be used for building maintenance or equipment maintenance and that the special bridge fund has not been levied in his 12 years but holds approximately $350,000 for emergency bridge work.

- Capital building project: The highway commissioner said site work has been awarded to a local contractor and that the steel building contract would be bid the next morning. He said the district may borrow against the building and equipment capital fund and the work could be financed under state statute for up to 20 years, though his stated goal is not to borrow to that maximum.

- Road projects: The presentation listed planned projects including reconstruction and paving (Nelson Road — roughly three‑quarters of a mile west of DeKalb) and in‑house right‑of‑way reconstruction. The paving contract for Nelson Road was awarded to a local contractor.

- Permitting, utility work and solar farms: The commissioner said fiber and other utilities increasingly seek access to township rights‑of‑way and that the township will begin charging permitting fees for those users (including a penalty for working without a permit). He described permits issued in the prior 10 days for fiber work (about 35 permits) and said the road district will require bonding and engineer inspections for solar‑farm construction that could otherwise damage township roads (bonds reported at roughly $1.5 million for a portion of road work; the commissioner cited a typical construction cost of about $1 million per mile as an example). He also noted overweight permits enforcement is handled by the sheriff’s office.

Supervisor and board follow‑up directions

The board asked questions about schedule, costs and permitting enforcement. The highway commissioner said he will provide a full equipment inventory at future meetings and will bring updates on bids and borrowing plans. He also proposed a public introduction of seasonal staff at an upcoming board meeting.

Provenance (transcript evidence): highway commissioner presentation and discussion (transcript timestamps ~917.92–1630.33 and ~2045.79–2771.32).","DeKalb Township highway commissioner presented the Road District budget, described fund restrictions, new capital fund activity and an upcoming building bid estimated at $1.5 million; discussed permitting and bonding for solar farm projects and permitting fees for utility work in township right‑of‑way.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

DeKalb Township approves budgets, cemetery purchase, energy aggregation and job‑coach contract

Township OKs purchase of parcel for Oakwood Cemetery, plans phased Peace Park development

Board authorizes continued contract with Passion Pursuit; coach reports 68 clients served this year

Highway commissioner outlines road projects, capital fund and $1.5M building plan