[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6162780,"mediaKeyId","5437584-67386977d83fff817568a7056e3ed809","parentId",5437584,"title","Council ratifies multiple emergency repairs and purchases for utilities, airport and public safety","audioSeconds",178,"startMs",2940000,"endMs",3118000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5437584-67386977d83fff817568a7056e3ed809&start=2940&end=3118","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5437584-67386977d83fff817568a7056e3ed809/thumbnail_2940000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6162780/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Council-ratifies-multiple-emergency-repairs-and-purchases-for-utilities-airport-and-public-safety","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162780-e94fc4404c6ff035afc91b9d0b1d3c74/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440132&Signature=buMR9mbVel00AFHr8je1uy8USNrgHCYT2FExZJnK20mpmsrEGXwuMSxMKSCyO7SO0PW9vCac8TnNWeqg2oiIMEBv3N7agB4~EDoom-ztgKGd8z0h-Rkq2L0r38-Sr01BnPeyJoYEO7QTkXfWg5NfJkEn92zHg3xQzfKMVxjI6zxy~weC7BX6hihGmf4vRdEFRnxKPYNyXRIJXypXu9Pq8FN~v6YWoIsFUmnm35zzp8Ezf6i3pCso97mf4LehBtjS8WgVDSptWNgFxrCciDLYZdTMtf928rwLF5rfiUBGuL9sMuzeSTSu4b1TlxT316HTAWw~wCj7OSVrEzi2NruE4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Freeport, IL","date","2025-07-22T07:40:52.3Z","article","The City Council ratified several emergency purchases and time‑and‑material agreements to address urgent infrastructure and public‑safety needs.

Fisher Excavating — construction debris hauling: staff said city crews had accumulated roughly 18 months of commingled construction materials and needed an emergency time‑and‑material agreement to move 2,700 cubic yards (about 230 loads). City staff reported the hauling cost totaled about $21,000 and asked the council to ratify the action.

Fisher Excavating — Galena Avenue water‑main repair: staff described a difficult water‑main break near the Lincoln Mall/McDonald’s entrance that required specialized cutting beneath full‑depth concrete. Fisher’s work assisted city crews; the council ratified $11,330 for the emergency repair.

Nelson Carlson Mechanical — 9‑1‑1 dispatch AC replacement: the city replaced an aging mini‑split unit that had leaked and whose parts were obsolete. The Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) indicated it would pay for the unit; staff requested ratification of the emergency replacement.

Airport taxiway lighting — William Charles Electric: the airport’s aging taxiway lighting system failed and required emergency work and custom parts; the council ratified payment of $15,523.31 and noted a future capital replacement for a full lighting upgrade is in the airport capital plan.

Portable cooling equipment — Granger and GeoStar: the utility and police departments used emergency rentals or purchased a portable air conditioning unit to keep variable‑frequency drives and dispatch computers from overheating. Staff reported purchasing a portable unit for $11,126.34 (sized to serve well houses and VFD rooms) and renting a unit for the police department; staff said the police rental will be submitted for reimbursement to ComEd for a billing/power issue and the ETSB agreed to pay the dispatch replacement.

Equipment and vehicles: council approved the purchase of two pickup trucks budgeted for 2025 (street/utility use) and approved other planned capital replacements. The council also approved emergency concrete and sewer work at the Park Boulevard fire station and the low bid for demolition of 17–19 West Main Street under a Brownfields grant (Fishers Excavating, $1,145,456) after other bidders withdrew.

Why it matters: council ratifications allowed immediate remedial action on public‑safety and operational risks — water service continuity, 9‑1‑1 center cooling and airport safety — and regularized payment for unexpected or time‑sensitive work.

Ending: staff said some emergency expenditures will be funded from operating budgets, ETSB funds, airport operating budget or grants, and that some budget adjustments may be required and will be brought back to council as needed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - 7/21/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council ratified emergency contracts and payments to address accumulated construction debris hauling, water‑main repairs, dispatch air‑conditioning, airport taxiway lighting and portable cooling equipment — several items funded from operating budgets, ETSB or grants.","taxTitle","Freeport, Stephenson County, Illinois","taxId",70202,"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},6162785,"Council approves redevelopment agreement for Merritt Crane; staff says project includes $150,000 in site improvements and tax‑increment incentives",245,3491000,3736000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5437584-67386977d83fff817568a7056e3ed809&start=3491&end=3736","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5437584-67386977d83fff817568a7056e3ed809/thumbnail_3491000.jpg","/articles/6162785/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Council-approves-redevelopment-agreement-for-Merritt-Crane-staff-says-project-includes-150000-in-site-improvements-and-taxincrement-incentives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162785-7976bee306a6639cfdff16bbeb7afbf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440132&Signature=AD3IVD0DSt2Hx7ChYWaEnhCrBB3B5KYKXY1GRF3hDDU8z2Vq2LDJDk35Xx-5EqdAZR828ojmij0E5apoCYKiQQ5l9rvf0wbj7XVu-096Uz1Q6pyq~QN7IiMT2jEH7XlCIscwQgW-0P34cWmUErGAzSz7qsrtDjtMCc9vC~QGRIMbRWzx-hO~q8O0HcE7uSO2DwjNztl-T1TRN4qoJLBw~5r4T4qerzgeXWM6JXlFL5gZlmcbABG~NBFKDOCC8t4foV4MVfavb~tiIsNeK3RotB7c1zCmrGtjLoLXt0cC1u8ynEJxOTBgR2dGJhX7QR1RQjDfiNVNybglEFOexODzFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council adopted a redevelopment agreement with Garrett and Siobhan Miller of Merritt Crane Rentals for property at 310 East Jackson Street that will fund site improvements and provide tax‑increment incentives.

Director Duckman summarized the proposal: the developer plans approximately $100,000 in building/storage improvements (a roughly 3,200‑square‑foot storage addition attached to the existing building) and about $50,000 in parking and drainage repairs — a combined project value staff estimated at $150,000. Under the proposed agreement the developer would be eligible to receive reimbursements equal to 3% of those two project costs after completion (presented as $3,500 for the $100,000 portion and $1,500 for the $50,000 portion in staff remarks), and then receive 75% of tax increment attributable to the property’s increased assessed value for the life of the TIF district, subject to an overall cap.

Staff told council the proposed total cap on payments to the developer would not exceed $50,000. Duckman said the city budget includes $50,000 earmarked for new redevelopment agreements in 2025 and that the TIF is the financing vehicle. The staff memo on the agreement included an estimate for the anticipated increase in assessment and the proposed structure of annual TIF payments.

Council discussion touched on the expected job creation; Duckman said he did not have a precise headcount but did not expect more than three to five new positions and said the developer had reported frequent equipment movement and intent to expand operations. Alderman Shadle noted the company is a union shop and pays “substantial wages” for crane operators.

Why it matters: the agreement is a standard redevelopment tool intended to stimulate property improvements and leverage private investment to address a site in poor condition while retaining and modestly expanding local business operations. Staff said the improvements also include stormwater and drainage work intended to fix persistent standing-water issues in the parking area.

Ending: the council adopted the resolution authorizing the redevelopment agreement and directed staff to complete the terms and monitor reimbursable work and TIF payments per the agreement’s schedule.","The council approved a redevelopment agreement with Merritt Crane Rentals for improvements at 310 E. Jackson Street, including a storage addition and parking/ drainage work; the agreement includes reimbursement tied to incremental property tax increases and a capped payout.",{"_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},6162790,"Council advances overweight/oversized vehicle permit ordinance with fees and penalties proposed",73,1126000,1199000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5437584-67386977d83fff817568a7056e3ed809&start=1126&end=1199","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5437584-67386977d83fff817568a7056e3ed809/thumbnail_1126000.jpg","/articles/6162790/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Council-advances-overweightoversized-vehicle-permit-ordinance-with-fees-and-penalties-proposed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162790-78927346473f657e281994c35c25fbc8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440132&Signature=YBARWeXox8acn1FA56yRGL5N0ilpspH44t4RZnZs3a-gjWrS71T8oHzRHF-yhMHF6zKc2UP~vbpWSA80ODUzon5rUCl2jx1FhWRU6OTHmHm1h-NxhY-4tGfdcMld9lMQK5CgVixHM4lIH8FVWhyGChKOQ9k0iuY9J2Vz8dOIGr0-uGkqSKpLTK-uuHieXiFnqdF8es8xgZQp~tcP0pFaaV2B3Mt2qmIIFzCDXr--ijmHgtwRQpSSNyFTTc6MKH8ZN0A9eGVGx1Fb~p5oXjxxI9C6Nyw3t782np3csZUfStq8elRULo0---u3OfZ7rDGUhDtCZKjJs0EOjD15vXoS-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff presented a proposed ordinance to require an overweight and oversized City of Freeport permit for heavy vehicles operating inside city limits, and the council moved the ordinance forward from first reading.

The change was presented as an update to section 460.11 and would create an overweight and oversized permit form, require permits inside city limits regardless of roads used, and reference Illinois statute 625 ILCS 5‑1530.1 for authority. Staff described a proposed fee schedule: $150 for one‑time individual permits, $1,200 for annual permits (per vehicle), and a $500 penalty for noncompliance. Staff said invoices and permit issuance would be coordinated by public works and finance; permit fees would be returned to the general fund.

Public‑works staff explained exemptions in state statute: buses, garbage trucks and towing activities are exempt, as are farmers during field season per the statute. The ordinance targets severely overweight loads (staff said approximately those over 80,000 pounds) rather than routine legal truck loads.

Council debate focused on enforcement and oversight: Alderman Sanders asked which department head would monitor enforcement and how proceeds would be tracked. Staff said the process involves three people — the permit issuer, invoice issuer and finance staff cross‑reference — and that permits must be in place before loads move.

The matter was moved forward from first reading for later council action. If adopted, staff said they will notify local construction and heavy‑equipment contractors that overweight/oversized permits are now required.

Ending: council did not set an effective date in the meeting; staff will return the ordinance for second reading with implementation language.","The council advanced a first reading to require city permits for oversized/overweight vehicles operating inside city limits and proposed a fee schedule including $150 one‑time, $1,200 annual permits and $500 penalties for noncompliance.",{"_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},6162795,"Council approves two zoning reclassifications and advances a text change to let small gyms operate in more commercial districts",1240,1500000,2740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5437584-67386977d83fff817568a7056e3ed809&start=1500&end=2740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5437584-67386977d83fff817568a7056e3ed809/thumbnail_1500000.jpg","/articles/6162795/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Council-approves-two-zoning-reclassifications-and-advances-a-text-change-to-let-small-gyms-operate-in-more-commercial-districts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162795-c7819257e0aa3d170332bddcf179d625/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440132&Signature=o9PLV9eJ0jxUUWBbHhoOM57ozMnibjnflYT-7Xhg91wCkhbNp9LdT6-mbrWfn0OcavQEIVBxTRD4FO~7o3SuIv3gqGGn5Wkod3jw94QeVPMrFxdjbSA1PFuL5ZS1EYtKIOHyIU2FYYCs-HQuVhBN~OH87zV0lPL8jqxorLhEcX0WrlPbheDTLev7htZ9guzsxmbUAF1afiPMZumHJMMjV9sUdd2z-oUBAP1~4tgm~vZgy-xw7Lhqlev0B9ykubqO1A7oFd9ccu58oL0iJ0RINGp2bwvu80BzTEhkX0iYbiKiVtLE4-irMb2mENcBPglVEwao4XXwy6weVF4An3ymOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Freeport City Council approved multiple zoning matters tied to small fitness and wellness businesses and advanced a citywide zoning text amendment aimed at reducing the need for individual rezoning petitions.

On final passage the council approved the zoning reclassification for 2–6 East Stephenson Street — the planned Pilates and barre studio — and for 105–107 West Main Street — a martial-arts studio (dojo). Both reclassifications were recommended by the zoning board of appeals and the planning commission. Council also approved a variation allowing a 12-square-foot sign for a home-occupation dog-grooming business at 1625 South Locust Avenue.

Director Duckman told council staff recommended the actions and framed the items as business-friendly steps. “We’re trying to be business friendly,” Duckman said when members asked why staff sought suspensions to expedite final action on some of the items.

The council also advanced a text amendment — described in the agenda as an amendment to chapter 12‑52 concerning “physical culture centers” — so that small gyms, Pilates studios and similar “physical culture centers” may be permitted in B‑1 districts rather than requiring reclassification to B‑2 in every case. Duckman said the change is intended to prevent repeated zoning map amendments for small, low‑intensity fitness uses and to align land-use rules with how building and fire inspections already stamp occupancy.

Votes and procedure: Several items used suspension of the rules (non‑debatable procedural votes that require two‑thirds). The suspension motions for business-related zoning items passed unanimously (8–0) where recorded; final votes on individual rezoning items passed with recorded tallies: the ordinance to reclassify 2–6 East Stephenson passed 7–1; the 105–107 West Main reclassification passed 6–2; the home‑occupation sign variance passed 7–0. The text amendment was moved forward from first reading for later action.

What it means: If adopted as drafted, the text amendment would allow small studios and dojos to open in more of the city’s low‑intensity commercial corridors without an individual zoning map amendment — although those businesses still must pass building, fire and occupancy inspections. Council members asked staff about fairness and grandfathering: legal counsel advised that changes would not retroactively alter earlier decisions, so businesses that started under prior rules still had to finish the process that applied at their application time.

Ending: Staff and council members characterized the package as an effort to make Freeport more responsive to small business openings while preserving inspection and occupancy safeguards. The text amendment will return to council for a future vote after public notice and any required hearings.","The council approved rezoning for a Pilates studio and a martial-arts dojo, granted a home-occupation sign variance, and advanced a text amendment to permit ‘physical culture centers’ in lower-intensity commercial (B‑1) districts going forward.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6162800,"Freeport council approves 1% municipal grocery tax amid 5-3 split",94,1025000,1119000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5437584-67386977d83fff817568a7056e3ed809&start=1025&end=1119","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5437584-67386977d83fff817568a7056e3ed809/thumbnail_1025000.jpg","/articles/6162800/Freeport/Stephenson-County/Illinois/Freeport-council-approves-1-municipal-grocery-tax-amid-5-3-split","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6162800-7134bb91281488c7a01ddd75e96d0b19/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440132&Signature=jPLby5Qr97sTqdWVynNagEs4zrKC3dwuuuvaP2-E9Y59cSTFQzGZdvwa5OmzhLT9gdV0iMfwAFNjPaY4HNAxUFwXBle7UQknCwT9b3OPjo42IdbJ4FWMYD0W6FSN1tSbUZC3lCbL~lnMGbeRKq-peWruD1DIQ7WNk4JQMhqIcD3HDOHpBLr11CgMjM-bn7Tun3q2cRF0v1lq0kCbrJZx-KFe~1j~jfWGNSP8Njmz9IYUFjQV5N5pbNvFvRtVHDAck4CzWt1s6a~dl4-b-LQ2UU6EVqFQql7oHwqcbEdl0hICcelPDcdIOTROrj2WKTat4g2zRRX9uQIig8IKdCTJFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Freeport’s City Council voted 5–3 to adopt an ordinance allowing a 1% municipal grocery retailers occupation tax and a matching municipal grocery service occupation tax.

Manager Boyer told the council staff’s recommendation was to move forward with a 1% grocery tax and noted that dozens of Illinois communities have enacted similar local grocery levies. “371 communities in Illinois have already passed it,” Boyer said during the council discussion.

The measure drew sharp opposition from several aldermen during the roll call. Alderman Stacy said she was “absolutely not” in favor during the vote; Alderman Sanders and Alderman Simmons also voted no. The aye votes were recorded from Alderman Parker, Alderman Shadle, Alderman Sellers, Alderman Clem and Alderman Johnson. The ordinance passed, 5–3.

Why it matters: council members and staff described the tax as a potential revenue source to replace state-collected funds the city previously received. During discussion, opponents framed the change as a burden on residents and local retailers; supporters and staff argued it restores local revenue streams the state no longer distributes.

The ordinance moved on second reading and, per the council action, will become effective according to the timeframe in the adopted ordinance and state law. The council did not amend the ordinance on the floor; the final implementation schedule and administrative rules for collection were not specified during the meeting.

What remained unresolved at the meeting: council members pressed staff for details on how the revenue would be used and for additional analysis of impacts on consumers and small grocers. Manager Boyer’s presentation referenced annual receipts the city has seen historically but the council did not provide a new line-item budget allocation on the floor.

Ending note: the tax now joins a growing list of Illinois municipalities that collect a local grocery tax; the city will follow state procedures for local implementation and administration.","The Freeport City Council approved a 1% municipal grocery retailers and service occupation tax on second reading after debate over fairness and impact; the ordinance passed 5–3.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council ratifies multiple emergency repairs and purchases for utilities, airport and public safety

Council approves redevelopment agreement for Merritt Crane; staff says project includes $150,000 in site improvements and tax‑increment incentives

Council advances overweight/oversized vehicle permit ordinance with fees and penalties proposed

Council approves two zoning reclassifications and advances a text change to let small gyms operate in more commercial districts

Freeport council approves 1% municipal grocery tax amid 5-3 split