[{"_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",6208782,"mediaKeyId","3740684-fd638ed9faed08af6aa9b496eb9b2021","parentId",3740684,"title","County committee approves ordinance to regulate camping on county property, pending liability review","audioSeconds",308,"startMs",1609000,"endMs",1917000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3740684-fd638ed9faed08af6aa9b496eb9b2021&start=1609&end=1917","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3740684-fd638ed9faed08af6aa9b496eb9b2021/thumbnail_1609000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6208782/Stephenson-County/Illinois/County-committee-approves-ordinance-to-regulate-camping-on-county-property-pending-liability-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6208782-49dbf4c0ca49195bf926eaa69174b137/orig.mp4?Expires=1774958988&Signature=kfRrufXTORtPx4X0z7ovuX7Gqnn0DKKWDxmhr3D-h59KgRO8zw~-i5fV47D~SHXV33HSrxTQZbqsOGsvF5w-j5LcbrEe0TU~wDTUjJdxlIM-mU9l4a-IP-H4okKdHH79eoRVGgqGfzYJ8S0gd5Al9Z-ZjbMk36r~mzngsbN3vEHs-yiBysINd8IEVG9yrkBRQJj95rbAbcTL4Q9bxCjlYcdj85FIEMFGGhrDm2ddYL56gr1zSWxJdtPVJK7g9t3KNU~PGnUgY66bSHZuJHzrWKKTJf~EeG6am8Q6aMZQ2iJgMEAXoG1UhWOXeq7WtsH2BGZSp0ox-398IkvgbsZKJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Stephenson County, IL","date","2025-06-10T12:06:58Z","article","Stephenson County committee members approved an ordinance establishing permit requirements and limits for camping and temporary occupancy on county‑owned property, with approval subject to a pending review of county liability.

A county staff member said the draft ordinance would prohibit camping on county property without a permit and that permits could be issued by the administration or zoning office. The draft limits temporary permits to no more than three days, contemplates vehicle parking rules (stopping or parking between midnight and 6 a.m. for more than two consecutive hours could constitute parking violations) and includes penalties: violations within a rolling 12‑month period could trigger fines (the draft referenced $100 and $200 tiers).

The presenter said the intended use is limited — examples included Cub Scout or Boy Scout groups who camp while using river access; staff suggested a QR‑code payment option for permit fees. Committee members discussed liability and whether state law trends could limit local restrictions; one member noted Illinois legislative proposals to allow camping on government‑owned land could complicate enforcement and cited past protest encampments elsewhere as a cautionary example.

After discussion, a motion to approve the camping and unauthorized‑occupancy ordinance pending liability review passed by voice vote. Staff were directed to complete or obtain the liability review prior to final adoption and to coordinate permit logistics and fee structures.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Stephenson County IL Planning & Development Committee Meeting 6-9-25","oneSentenceSummary","The committee approved an ordinance requiring permits for camping or temporary occupancy on county‑owned property, with limits (three days), penalties for violations, and a directive that final approval proceed pending a liability review.","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},6208785,"Committee approves quitclaim deeds clarifying landfill property covenants for Ameresco solar project",411,1193000,1604000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3740684-fd638ed9faed08af6aa9b496eb9b2021&start=1193&end=1604","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3740684-fd638ed9faed08af6aa9b496eb9b2021/thumbnail_1193000.jpg","/articles/6208785/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Committee-approves-quitclaim-deeds-clarifying-landfill-property-covenants-for-Ameresco-solar-project","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6208785-1d583614ad3e84b1341a9691466ddf1e/orig.mp4?Expires=1774958988&Signature=F8vA5PZqny6bgP3OLWRomWGI8MTviipuB40tjBOPDcgqbxQjJUYVsbXmKDV1jpD0vZnNCkkTe9VGk6pKPe8s~8T~fB1r4l9bUfJGZWkFylTSjFo9YtsArPfyqEqTVr8vrezPggoJInqSaL0~xSpD3a7UNd2vjs~6HLIRNnY2ncAhbCjGEK~s5DHBER3T3BsHlemNvd-hiUcDzNDIqrfH6REhaX04AVU6DFsev2AIx6FNGOwVf4k3ZF2GSOTkt3HzDABAyzdIZPBRuTsqZujwOESk4nUrOizzjEibz7y-9RKuu88~jNx7m6JwAd6hmetRdkchRdwNq6vAXXOovnqF7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Eric Boardman, attorney for Ameresco, told the committee the company seeks clarification of prior deeds for two landfill parcels so a title insurer will issue coverage for a solar project on the sites.

Boardman said the county deeded a north parcel to the city in 1971 and a south parcel in 1974, and that the original deeds included restrictive covenants. A 2023 quitclaim deed extinguished a reverter covenant requiring land to revert to county ownership when it ceased to be used as a landfill, but Boardman said title underwriters have interpreted that 2023 language as ambiguous because it did not explicitly name other covenants — namely a 100‑foot building setback restriction and a screening (fence/landscape) requirement.

To satisfy the title insurer, Ameresco proposed updated quitclaim deeds to clarify that any county interest in the parcels is extinguished and that the identified covenants are not in effect; Boardman described the request as a housekeeping measure to resolve differing title interpretations. Boardman and project engineer Dawn Fisher said Ameresco specializes in brownfield and closed‑landfill solar projects and noted Ameresco has a lease with the city for the landfill parcels.

A county representative confirmed they had discussed the deeds with County Attorney Larson and that Larson agreed with the clarification. Committee members moved to approve the updated quitclaim deeds; the motion passed on a voice vote.

During discussion Ameresco described similar projects elsewhere, including a community solar installation on a closed landfill in Boone County (Belvidere) where the county is a subscriber and receives bill credits. Ameresco suggested the county could consider subscribing to community solar to reduce electricity costs, a step Boardman and Fisher said is straightforward for local governments.

The committee approved the deeds; staff and Ameresco said the action resolves the title insurer’s concern and enables the project to proceed under the parties’ lease and project timeline.","The committee approved updated quitclaim deeds to clear ambiguous restrictive covenants on two landfill parcels as requested by Ameresco and described how the deeds address a title insurer's concerns; Ameresco representatives described company experience developing solar on closed municipal landfills and noted potential community‑solar models.",{"_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},6208790,"County committee approves boundary amendment and intergovernmental agreement for Savencia expansion",68,1096000,1164000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3740684-fd638ed9faed08af6aa9b496eb9b2021&start=1096&end=1164","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3740684-fd638ed9faed08af6aa9b496eb9b2021/thumbnail_1096000.jpg","/articles/6208790/Stephenson-County/Illinois/County-committee-approves-boundary-amendment-and-intergovernmental-agreement-for-Savencia-expansion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6208790-15477c76aadc8bed5a31f4408c8ed9cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1774958988&Signature=QSWlADx~EqOu6uUDx-7Kmpk3jGuwDv~0N6BFhdzCXo6WrPwkYd20mYu1mhzwPkSQ-u4gZajncdZKso0~ZLH6KsJEFUD1AOHDvVB4fbb86vU3LqXbAXDa1brs4gNocjCSAoMnLN45Hnfnm538OObNgCJ7QwP6yanCLTUr5Np~PuYO6cl8f~hOrrwtJwBVmmW8j1W~3~DusS9jCEWjy8d1NYY0INZ-hFNLnS2Oma4g0oTEgQZht~zxVQCqjwosZJ3wLwnEJJD-GuAkFGOiUO70WbRKA-94PccV7OinAM3YSCfI~4T0t51o-bn9nHy7tb2ExDy6iAJujRWm1aGJQy8x-Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Stephenson County committee members approved an amendment to the intergovernmental agreement and a boundary amendment to include parcels owned by Savencia in the county enterprise zone, staff said.

A county staff member told the committee the project represents about a $7,000,000 investment and would create 42 additional jobs. The company plans a small building addition and a reconfiguration of existing plant space so the facility can add a product line currently produced in France, the presenter said. Staff said Savencia owns three parcels that would be added to the enterprise zone to allow for future phases of development.

Committee members voted by voice to approve forwarding the amendment and the boundary change; the motion carried.

Staff said the intergovernmental agreement and the boundary amendment were intended to enable the immediate project and simplify any future expansion on Savencia‑owned parcels. The committee discussed whether to approve the documents together and moved the item forward after questions.

No roll‑call vote or dollar appropriations were recorded at the committee; staff said construction is hoped to start later this year and that the amendment allows the company to begin planned work.","The committee approved an amendment to an intergovernmental agreement and a boundary amendment to add Savencia parcels to the enterprise zone; staff said the project represents a roughly $7 million investment and 42 new jobs with construction expected to start later this year.",{"_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},6208795,"Stephenson County staff report lower unemployment, new school entrepreneurship program and child-care plans",672,88000,760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3740684-fd638ed9faed08af6aa9b496eb9b2021&start=88&end=760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3740684-fd638ed9faed08af6aa9b496eb9b2021/thumbnail_88000.jpg","/articles/6208795/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Stephenson-County-staff-report-lower-unemployment-new-school-entrepreneurship-program-and-child-care-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6208795-cc4d208b901b982fdf335d9df2838b30/orig.mp4?Expires=1774958988&Signature=lAXOfFXAjTP9DZLbZ9fgkEzGqXL6kZbwjnmja2sATqj7cFGHktbZBR53mIMWeXwxbZQaHBQzYYy68QLNw4q1fJ-AKfXoRMgDQTNVVXcFm2QtfIOdiMRMhzKK~KBa332jww7~ywPXpvtv8GOJ3TH4xyNh-yec8-QRLi1ypknE4D1t2PkFWuyIx1sJHO5gNBwZWWGjbvSxquv7ZCrrUL7-T1R3V5iqCRl5U5bByXQPuwT0yvjJa~8o9ZT0jGhh4MKNnhQp3~mi5KPtxlJqfPrwGMYHKyUzXLmJz6DpaaDDnJZisC-VJpYd7J9RQ62vNY7KcMUqHL16VLdaTZRbcSXEbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Andrea, a county staff member, reported labor and economic development updates at the Stephenson County board committee meeting, saying the county’s unemployment rate is 3.6%, down from 4.5% in March.

The unemployment figure, drawn from the April Illinois Department of Employment Security report, comes with other local indicators: 760 residents were listed as unemployed, 852 unique job postings were active, and 256 employers posted openings; the median posted wage across those listings was $26.52 per hour (about $55,000 per year), Andrea said.

Those figures matter because they set the backdrop for county efforts to grow workforce pipelines and retain talent. Andrea told the committee the county is partnering with Freeport High School and Highland Community College to adopt the Midland Institute CEO entrepreneurship program for juniors and seniors. A steering team of area business leaders will meet later this month, with a goal to form a board by the end of summer and start classes in fall 2026.

The report also said child-care is a continuing constraint on recruitment and retention. The YMCA of Northwest Illinois has submitted a letter of intent to purchase Stewart Center West and proposes a multi‑phase project that would include child-care and, if capital fundraising completes, would double current child‑care slots, Andrea said.

On business-attraction work, staff said they have expanded the study area for a DCEO (Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity) site‑readiness grant after obtaining a landowner letter of support. Staff continue to work with local manufacturers seeking to expand, coordinated a traffic study for 360 DMG at Bell Race Crossing, and are exploring redevelopment concepts for a vacant downtown plant.

Regarding the county’s enterprise zone, staff said they are finalizing a boundary application for the Sebencia project, moving through required units of government and hoping to wrap the application in July. The office is also updating application forms and web text and working with Blackhawk Hills Regional Council to host an interactive enterprise‑zone map; staff said the zone spans two counties and that the separate county mapping arrangements have complicated a single interactive map.

The staff update closed with outreach and community engagement notes: Auto Smart will host a ribbon cutting; discussions continue about restarting a stalled Freeport housing development and the NAACP housing committee has completed two public sessions and a follow-up “what we heard” meeting that grouped comments into education (homeownership/financial literacy), home improvement/code enforcement, and housing growth (infill and new development).

The county’s economic development staff offered to supply more in‑depth job data on request and encouraged referral of job seekers to Workforce Connections.","County staff reported a 3.6% local unemployment rate, outlined plans to launch a high‑school entrepreneurship course in 2026, described a YMCA proposal to expand child-care capacity at Stewart Center West, and updated progress on a DCEO site‑readiness grant and enterprise‑zone mapping.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County committee approves ordinance to regulate camping on county property, pending liability review

Committee approves quitclaim deeds clarifying landfill property covenants for Ameresco solar project

County committee approves boundary amendment and intergovernmental agreement for Savencia expansion

Stephenson County staff report lower unemployment, new school entrepreneurship program and child-care plans