[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-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",[32,75,86,98,109],{"_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",6177632,"mediaKeyId","5335442-d179f8d6f2f133152cee387ae263a6bd","parentId",5335442,"title","County discusses donated land offer near Kent Monument; no purchase approved","audioSeconds",146,"startMs",2348000,"endMs",2494000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5335442-d179f8d6f2f133152cee387ae263a6bd&start=2348&end=2494","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5335442-d179f8d6f2f133152cee387ae263a6bd/thumbnail_2348000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6177632/Stephenson-County/Illinois/County-discusses-donated-land-offer-near-Kent-Monument-no-purchase-approved","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177632-61fd9ee769002a201dfab3d93d0fd781/orig.mp4?Expires=1775907943&Signature=g4Cp6AM6hmmo4VxLrVE5BPgLB07Tp3krTFt5NoEANld9vU1YF2C4eKsLHbEV3-0Q1sP2KlfgeOb307m5tP1JzDp5-yhzmqxPSbMOwZf4U39O1Of015F9q6KHKO8zeau4vzF9hOeT8Z6nxF7jwcfOH6GccnyxQzgqDKrA3H9taqgr6pV3qccXTgw6-ePK-bcRMlTZjqQoWB7L-5re1ShgWUG0owKFwXaLcLwF4DAGWOPl-PJru-5gf5G0Jf~7gDFYmxn5Bqk-f2JlmHLpDGc0B~Ib7-3KqPxi~bQKNpvMjkirdJ97iK2xlbP1mV09sooS4kdgS4UnK~FTQdJZp6PvFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Stephenson County, IL","date","2025-07-09T08:32:55.647Z","article","The committee discussed an offer from landowner David Thompson (owner of Crow Valley) to donate roughly six acres adjacent to the Kent Monument — about four acres north of the road and two acres south — provided the county pays survey and closing expenses.

Thompson is reportedly not seeking payment for the land but would expect the county to cover the cost of surveying and closing. Staff said the north four‑acre parcel contains remnants of an original horse‑and‑buggy trail and older trees; the south parcel appeared wooded and would be best used for a nature trail. Commissioners noted the county would need to budget for survey, title work and future maintenance and said any acquisition would likely need to be scheduled in next year’s budget.

No formal purchase or budget appropriation was made. Several commissioners said they would like to visit the site with the owner to assess suitability and maintenance needs before committing funds. A staff member estimated survey and closing costs could be a few thousand dollars and cautioned maintenance and tree removal could add ongoing costs.

The committee left the matter for further exploration and possible inclusion in next year’s budget, instructing staff to obtain cost estimates and coordinate a site visit with the landowner.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Stephenson County IL Planning & Development Committee Meeting 7-7-25","oneSentenceSummary","A landowner offered about 6 acres adjacent to Kent Monument for donation if the county pays survey and closing costs; commissioners discussed maintenance and budget timing but took no formal action.","taxTitle","Stephenson County, Illinois","taxId",64464,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_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":73,"_74":73},6177637,"Stephenson County to solicit as‑needed building inspectors, zoning department to take on dangerous‑building enforcement",0,2007000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5335442-d179f8d6f2f133152cee387ae263a6bd&start=2007&end=2007","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5335442-d179f8d6f2f133152cee387ae263a6bd/thumbnail_2007000.jpg","/articles/6177637/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Stephenson-County-to-solicit-asneeded-building-inspectors-zoning-department-to-take-on-dangerousbuilding-enforcement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177637-7b451579ff5f5aec1b173911283eff8f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775907943&Signature=k8X9fpBPYyLF-2nO4Kg81gCyA8kDgtFJGhgFHSfDpJCcUD8u7cbShm0rz5vdn9H-mnh9AHa-aZZ~5uL5T3NSMUzOsFVhbM3ZnILH7WlgE7FFXVN5yMP5uatF5pLanps8aFOUimrg0WPaizvbwpm3ekUvkMgv4U1as5h3fkG0md24A13vZM5VL2zkbOGGgXqhwF6UimzKmHlE9dbFdMEZuTbWJT9FVtz1ItjPB~x00kqIDEKeVRZ4Ut9U7jsJRvVNd~mhj2bcKKZLv6e2LOkMCG6kETJsyBg-I-SZHOlTfTwSlJZzX2KozsutZkXLRo0Z9jEnflkt1BcOTunczPD5bw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee approved a request for proposals to establish an as‑needed building inspector roster to support enforcement under a new dangerous‑buildings code and to assist the zoning department with inspections.

County staff said the dangerous‑buildings code was drafted with outside counsel and that the zoning department will assume responsibility for dangerous building and nuisance complaints as the new process is implemented. The RFP will allow the county to solicit bids from licensed building inspectors and companies that can perform limited inspections on demand.

Staff described minimum qualifications for bidders: a license, two references, and professional credentials such as ICC (building inspector certifications), knowledge of the International Building Code and International Residential Code, electrical code familiarity, and experience with property‑maintenance codes. Staff said inspectors could perform roadside and exterior inspections when interior access is not available and could enter buildings if lawful access is granted.

The committee moved to approve the RFP. A board member thanked county staff for advancing what he described as a three‑year effort to improve enforcement in unincorporated areas. The motion carried by voice vote.

Zoning staff also reported compliance activity: 27 violation letters were sent in June, 57 violation letters have been sent so far in 2025, and 19 violations remain active. Staff said 22 of the letters were for work without a permit. Staff also said damaged solar panels at Zimmerman North have been removed and new emergency contact signage is being produced.","The county approved an RFP to hire as‑needed building inspectors to support enforcement of a dangerous‑buildings code; zoning staff will take over nuisance/dangerous building complaints and inspections, with qualifications and bidding details outlined.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6177642,"County approves 4.99‑megawatt solar generating facility on North Harlem Center Road",191,1679000,1870000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5335442-d179f8d6f2f133152cee387ae263a6bd&start=1679&end=1870","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5335442-d179f8d6f2f133152cee387ae263a6bd/thumbnail_1679000.jpg","/articles/6177642/Stephenson-County/Illinois/County-approves-499megawatt-solar-generating-facility-on-North-Harlem-Center-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177642-abc871df3d8f9778c21367b75a4634c5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775907943&Signature=QP73Ypkxx~3R5SLehmQvMiEWFns5lAwXvFv9y7BOLv5cqEeWMC-ruDudUkUZ-4OutVtyHw3YjjlC42frA6ZZpnzPYUoWVzDdxOUrEWkeq5IOz3CGK8MJ~Vb7BZKZxafnqxyDYukRguZQy9u2AWdhvWSI-xgwNrJMOhLinXiVI90sLA2tdiHmvL2mh-sUrXos1SNmr06~bHfyLDFp7Ecxlkej5RMMxhGCi6UWpc1se8wdjs1hX3v72at4lY0mFS5zUtBmfikSiThA5J1vvzvnaFaGB81kkdLDxrRfUp4x5lLMRYv1kGesKCStKLhfptrtrsDmOo0-hcOhTHPccxIhIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee approved a special use permit for 601 Freeport Solar LLC to construct a 4.99 megawatt (AC) solar generating facility on 40 acres of a 76.82‑acre parcel owned by Doug Firebaugh on North Harlem Center Road.

Zoning staff confirmed that the project is for a 4.99 MW AC generating plant and does not include battery storage. One adjacent landowner submitted a written objection; the committee discussed neighbors’ concerns but approved the permit by voice vote.

Members raised questions about whether large solar projects raise land values and change property tax distributions. A county staff member explained that the facility’s production component is taxed (assessment office tracks permits and production), while the landowner’s property tax on the dirt typically does not increase because of the lease; the staff member said, “Permits. The minute it's permitted...the taxation process starts” when assessment staff are notified and the facility is connected.

Committee members also discussed the practical siting constraint that utility proximity matters: panels are typically sited near substations or lines that can accept generated power. One member said proximity to a substation determines whether a given parcel is suitable for utility‑scale solar.

A motion to approve the special use was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. The record shows no battery storage was included in the application and that staff will coordinate any assessment and permitting steps with the county assessment office and zoning department.","Stephenson County approved a special use permit for 601 Freeport Solar LLC to develop a 4.99 MW AC solar array on 40 acres of a 76.82‑acre parcel; the facility will not include battery storage, and county staff discussed taxation and proximity to substations.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":90,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6177644,"Stephenson County OKs special use permit to convert Florence Road church into short‑term rental",233,1446000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5335442-d179f8d6f2f133152cee387ae263a6bd&start=1446&end=1679","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5335442-d179f8d6f2f133152cee387ae263a6bd/thumbnail_1446000.jpg","/articles/6177644/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Stephenson-County-OKs-special-use-permit-to-convert-Florence-Road-church-into-shortterm-rental","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177644-7d0e22d910effcbf5a87fb7977c3fa1f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775907943&Signature=Lfb587jCQleqBKW-UYP4-Gp7038KXI0Y7JjCMTGLjHoMRsp7~y2XAy2p2OADdR8QQ53GddmGqKuDP9DCl2iRUop9vLq88zAgsjs77KUrF7ukQpXk1fUfoBF0O2LAPEongTRf0aQndBe2KL6CqlIbZ40459G26c~8bIxc3EwDCMVNEBG3WwyQRUk4zjFLRiVvxHRYKs8njhfBRy6KOxK4sgvPemXwkIFMwODDQkbxQusriO19lrbGGwN0zZI43Yw2ZDjwd1Mr9Lqf0FaShO8j86VW8rdU7tpDzFNyxFJquLovNfVsXIW2kgu7rjozlyQ5HlYN3l0CjdMTmZxjgYFVOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bo and Renata Lee, applicants from Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, were granted a special use permit to convert a church on Florence Road into a short‑term rental after county staff said no adjacent landowners formally objected.

County zoning staff clarified that approving the special use for the church would not change neighboring properties’ zoning. A staff member told the committee, “No. It’s not. They get a little confused,” when asked whether one permit would rezone adjacent properties.

Committee members expressed concern about the reach and effectiveness of the county’s notification process. One member noted the county notified six adjacent property owners for the hearing and observed that in a small settlement like Florence Station that may not reach half the town. Several commissioners suggested placing a sign on the property to alert passersby that a zoning action is pending; staff said posting signs is not required by state law and that other counties which tried signage reported it drew commenters who were not adjacent landowners and whose objections carried no legal weight.

A motion to approve the special use passed by voice vote. The committee record shows the motion was seconded and carried with all present voting in favor.","The county approved a special use permit allowing applicants from Wisconsin to convert a Florence Road church to a short‑term rental; discussion focused on adjacent‑owner notice and whether signage should be used to inform the public.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6177646,"Stephenson County partnership reports tighter labor market, new downtown projects and $50,000 T‑Mobile grant",327,93000,420000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5335442-d179f8d6f2f133152cee387ae263a6bd&start=93&end=420","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5335442-d179f8d6f2f133152cee387ae263a6bd/thumbnail_93000.jpg","/articles/6177646/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Stephenson-County-partnership-reports-tighter-labor-market-new-downtown-projects-and-50000-TMobile-grant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6177646-cec15fd8179f58ceb56900e1c3715cf8/orig.mp4?Expires=1775907943&Signature=HOyTRlQZ1RBMkmqLhZQPf6K7yDex5vqRFBWNDDMmAmkn9AL66ixZpLq9ayekVmvomGRTFhLxVBvNx7dkTUOArzaMZN5BUELGpjtF~dATP0VY8qy0URiELyMFTOJ-uskl-oLvwQVjen~6TaOrNySFvkIkBWyaHDKg8w9ZGE~qhfdjnGR3yCT5ELBXV-k~dObwCnTkkHLLsuovdQR3p~Bsega3UhjOh5hp~veJIBTD7f2Cy7ZZBEM0qiPUA4fxiCDAFGA3NdkW8TSAD4aGixVdQJikmcgIQYRpH6Jdd6C~W8ibfXFgxG1HnxgCPddvme9bovV054QdXDqmQWJNtK6How__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Andrew, a Partnership staff member, told the committee that Stephenson County’s local labor market is “tight” and that May data show 776 people were unemployed while employers posted 927 unique job openings.

That mismatch — 776 job‑seekers versus 927 unique job postings — reflects increased postings and competition among about 249 employers, Andrew said. He reported an average advertised wage of $26.40 per hour, roughly $54,000 a year.

The update outlined several active projects and initiatives. Partnership staff are discussing a redevelopment agreement with a local automotive dealership to expand its facility and add about 10 maintenance positions. Officials are also in talks with a small data center interested in locating adjacent to a downtown substation. Andrew said he is convening a meeting with the Economic Development Administration and Black Hawk Hills Regional Council to explore potential EDA technical‑assistance or planning grant opportunities.

On downtown redevelopment, staff are working with a Rockford architectural studio on conceptual plans for an existing downtown building and how it could be marketed to developers. The Partnership was awarded $50,000 through T‑Mobile’s Hometown Grant program to create a small public pocket park adjacent to downtown restaurants to support outdoor dining and public use.

Workforce resources include links aggregated by Lightcast (via IDES) and local workforce connections at the 524 Building in Freeport, where staff can help residents prepare resumes and search for jobs. Andrew also briefed the committee on the Midland Institute CEO entrepreneurship program, which will use the coming school year as a planning year for a fall 2026 launch in local high schools; the nearest chapter is at the Whiteside Area Career Center.

Andrew said additional business events — a social‑media workshop July 16, an HR roundtable July 29, and a presentation from the Quad City Regional Economic Development Authority later in the month — are planned to support local employers’ recruitment and redevelopment needs.

Committee members asked about timing and grant availability; Andrew said the EDA is funded and operates on a rolling basis but that award timing this year is uncertain. He concluded that more details will be shared as grant and developer conversations advance.","County economic development staff reported a tighter local labor market, 927 job postings in May, and several business recruitment and downtown redevelopment efforts, including a $50,000 T‑Mobile hometown grant for a small downtown park.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County discusses donated land offer near Kent Monument; no purchase approved

Stephenson County to solicit as‑needed building inspectors, zoning department to take on dangerous‑building enforcement

County approves 4.99‑megawatt solar generating facility on North Harlem Center Road

Stephenson County OKs special use permit to convert Florence Road church into short‑term rental

Stephenson County partnership reports tighter labor market, new downtown projects and $50,000 T‑Mobile grant