[{"_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",5984628,"mediaKeyId","5764923-9bfed232edc64a2cf6168ebd1508bc91","parentId",5764923,"title","Council members prioritize pedestrian safety, speeding and downtown presence as staff set next-year initiatives","audioSeconds",1310,"startMs",3166275,"endMs",4476865,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5764923-9bfed232edc64a2cf6168ebd1508bc91&start=3166&end=4476","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5764923-9bfed232edc64a2cf6168ebd1508bc91/thumbnail_3166275.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5984628/Illinois/Council-members-prioritize-pedestrian-safety-speeding-and-downtown-presence-as-staff-set-next-year-initiatives","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984628-457cd7db40c65ce656db0febb462d3a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770519589&Signature=j-hekJZt68CiJ4ise-VtMTnvN5W9ItqADPNjDOvv-KI0EDJDmcqfE7sBfHNvgZYWxu-OK8RT9K~1C2iS1lk13LtoNN-qYkSkyMPTDiQ6EzSdfYV98tlwGGvZXBgGYg559dAx0piyyM8k-J40m9J7MF15NFX0NosjBWZBgfMUTbscIurIOcdO8Y1h4xjtd7OiWU2jum40n4oSfNkVvYvgA34UO3kaKJBVgIKmX9MOi3PNnB324C0JS~w9HiU8LVVecZCkpTEjJUtmqM6cGJ3uRWBFg9ABkaSzWldob3-IFfcZ1cU6fdYWo9TdB7Sro1rXcQwF1HMgMwmzygF7NIKbMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Saint Charles City, IL","date","2025-09-16T00:00:00Z","article","Council members used a Sept. 15 workshop to continue a wide-ranging discussion about public-safety-related items staff should prioritize in next year’s initiatives and budget. Heather (city staff) opened the continuation of a prior workshop and said the session was intended to shape council direction for vision, goals and budgeting rather than to enact immediate changes.

The discussion clustered around three themes: pedestrian-focused improvements, speeding mitigation and police presence/downtown safety. Council members described recurring neighborhood concerns: dangerous crossings near schools, an ongoing shortage of crossing guards, speeding on collector roads and state routes, and quality-of-life and safety problems downtown including transient encampments and activity in the multi-level parking garage.

Aldermen suggested a range of possible responses: expanded crossing-guard coverage (and exploration of shared arrangements with the local school district), targeted traffic-calming measures (mini-roundabouts, pavement markings, pedestrian islands), selective lane reconfiguration, speed cameras on high-speed road segments the city cannot safely enforce by patrol alone, and dedicating a community-service officer or downtown patrol officer during peak weekend hours. Several aldermen urged a strong education component to pair with enforcement, and multiple speakers raised the need to coordinate with county and state agencies (KDOT/IDOT) for roads outside the city’s direct control.

Police staff said crossing-guard staffing is difficult because the positions are short-duration (morning/afternoon) and hard to fill; they are exploring options with the school district. Staff cautioned that adding dedicated downtown officers or permanent patrol assignments carries staffing and budget implications, and Heather asked council to pair strategic objectives with funding when directing staff to pursue particular initiatives.

Council members asked staff to evaluate near-term, low-cost pilot measures (pavement markers, temporary speed displays) and to prepare cost estimates and potential grant opportunities for larger items (speed cameras, sidewalks, intersection reconfiguration). No formal motions or votes were taken; staff will fold the discussion into upcoming budget and strategic planning processes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Government Operations Committee 9-15-2025","oneSentenceSummary","At a Sept. 15 workshop discussion, council members and staff identified pedestrian safety, speeding mitigation and police presence as top priorities for next year’s strategic planning and budget direction; staff noted funding constraints and said formal directives will be needed to add patrol or permanent programs.","taxTitle","Saint Charles City, St. Charles County, Illinois","taxId",53340,"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},5984633,"Committee approves 12-year extension of First Street TIF to cover outstanding bond payments",218,2886725,3105355,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5764923-9bfed232edc64a2cf6168ebd1508bc91&start=2886&end=3105","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5764923-9bfed232edc64a2cf6168ebd1508bc91/thumbnail_2886725.jpg","/articles/5984633/Illinois/Committee-approves-12-year-extension-of-First-Street-TIF-to-cover-outstanding-bond-payments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984633-8b6ddb69259d81750e37cef0fd43bc11/orig.mp4?Expires=1770519589&Signature=RN8j324K0wUvHSbbUQMeE4Zl4icTK4gq3oaOwSQS~sW-2jZFkO~M7ZSZYNrNa5iA89Xw4hf2yJD4S-fwGOnj-cZzjVhREGguBKOdqgI14PDBO7QCFgbn2sr-SrAVhyp~1Vc-i7V2UaD5Er34m1ZMpCGSBP~-mC~685TgE8EN9JsyD3qOUhgZUfdn3z8sP3j0CFWvJYLcHA-YNp~M9mYjcVt~g2vz-ts0oK56CS~Q7S2YHY~WcZxSs2An3S6GUEZMcrrZlsHrQZrY93IFlveqASWG7YSczBBDxNgw8af14S6Izv~548edp8v39bcTKjEwJNJJvijjC4I15QTSI2UfUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Derek Hunt presented a proposal Sept. 15 to extend the First Street Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district by 12 years to cover outstanding bond obligations tied to First Street public improvements. The committee approved the extension by roll call.

Hunt said the TIF was created in February 2002 and that the city issued bonds in 2006 and 2008 totaling nearly $29 million for public improvements related to First Street. Development delayed by the Great Recession reduced incremental revenue in the early years while bond payments continued, Hunt said; the city refinanced and used additional TIF structuring to manage payments but still carried a remaining balance. As of 2024 the city owed about $23.6 million on those bonds, Hunt said.

Hunt told the committee that state statute requires a 12-year extension in this instance and that staff’s analysis shows the First Street increment is now sufficient to support the payments if the extension is approved. He described the outreach process: impacted taxing bodies were notified in 2024 and provided letters of support in many cases, SB Friedman was retained to prepare the TIF amendment, a joint review board recommended extension at a July 29 meeting, and a public hearing was held Sept. 2. Hunt said staff received one public comment that was answered before tonight’s committee action.

Hunt recommended extending the district’s life until Feb. 1937 so the city can meet the outstanding bond obligations without drawing on the general fund. Committee members asked whether a further extension would be possible; staff said statute limits the extension process and that the city believes the district’s increment will support the obligations through the proposed extended term. The committee approved the extension by roll call.

Speakers included Derek Hunt and multiple aldermen who asked clarifying questions about bond payoff timing and statutory limits on extensions. Staff indicated the extension is intended to avoid the need to use general-fund revenues for the bond payments and that staff are confident the extended TIF will be sufficient to meet the obligation by the proposed payoff date.","Staff presented a plan to extend the First Street TIF by 12 years (to Feb. 1937) to cover remaining bond obligations tied to First Street public improvements; committee approved the extension after staff described bond history and joint-review-board support.",{"_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},5984637,"Committee approves honorary street sign program with 5-per-year cap and initial deceased-only recognition",695,2108645,2804075,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5764923-9bfed232edc64a2cf6168ebd1508bc91&start=2108&end=2804","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5764923-9bfed232edc64a2cf6168ebd1508bc91/thumbnail_2108645.jpg","/articles/5984637/Illinois/Committee-approves-honorary-street-sign-program-with-5-per-year-cap-and-initial-deceased-only-recognition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984637-2c7e594989793b9e9cca9f3efff16661/orig.mp4?Expires=1770519589&Signature=OUCeAAwDQHvv7s~s2Rr9R-0MHVw35LICafrIw-qlGyg8X9Dj6NXRM9iXAQ1SECWhyLkv-pez7VST6ALqbM9BEZjmyXEO3ewc1iHNJIcfKjIi4ldXRBrhMcaLWHSSudgx-PZMRT4lKQWbTe-ULIWPrGaGo3U-MtZ5X~Mvw6GSIdRj5pytGr8NcNn9Yv4noa3FBg-ifZbTpwwIXCxpdSbWckcPZEELcFsj6Lt4GujyfArp7~SCLS2MO8~USmvg7YxBBT8~RbWLjIKVftHcf7u4Pr~9C6DB~w8-fV-Fdpp5Kv0FwudVHwvMzdIj1V5tblIBaiioMqTnZuZwtiLHuTNaaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brianna Boccaccalupo, the city’s management analyst, presented a proposed honorary street sign policy at the Government Operations Committee meeting Sept. 15; the committee approved the program with modifications, including a five-per-year cap and a recommendation that the first two honorees be deceased.

The program will permit applicants to nominate an individual for an honorary sign that is placed beneath the existing street name. The application requires a sponsoring city council member and staff review; final approval rests with the full council, the draft says.

Under the draft, a honoree must meet eligibility criteria: applicants were asked to prefer deceased individuals who resided in the city for most of their lives and to provide evidence (staff encouraged working with the St. Charles History Museum). Staff initially proposed a 20-year placement period for each block-level designation and estimated approximately $300 in fabrication costs per sign; after the 20-year period, the sign would be returned to the applicant. The designation covers one block section, not the entire length of a street.

Committee members raised two main concerns. Several aldermen said they would prefer to allow living honorees so the person — and their family — could attend and benefit from the recognition; staff said they brought the deceased-only approach to reduce politics in early iterations of the program and were open to revising it later. To limit program scale and staff burden, the committee unanimously agreed to a cap of five honorary signs per year (one per ward), with the suggestion that the first two signs under the program honor deceased individuals. The committee also discussed whether applicants or sponsoring aldermen should cover sign costs; staff said the city could absorb initial costs but that frequent demand might require a budget line item.

Committee members asked staff to return with a clarified application, an expenditure plan and the mechanics for sponsorship and installation; staff noted that the council can revise the policy later. A roll-call vote approved the modified program.

Speakers who discussed the item included Brianna Boccaccalupo and multiple aldermen who asked about eligibility, the 20-year period and program caps. The committee asked staff to draft updated policy language reflecting the cap and initial deceased requirement for the first two honors.","Staff proposed an honorary street sign program; the committee approved a modified program limiting signs to five per year (one per ward) and recommending the first two honors be posthumous, with signs produced by the city at an estimated $300 each and placed for 20 years.",{"_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},5984643,"Committee approves updated micromobility ordinance, bars sidewalk riding downtown",1984,69540,2053685,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5764923-9bfed232edc64a2cf6168ebd1508bc91&start=69&end=2053","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5764923-9bfed232edc64a2cf6168ebd1508bc91/thumbnail_69540.jpg","/articles/5984643/Illinois/Committee-approves-updated-micromobility-ordinance-bars-sidewalk-riding-downtown","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5984643-6110d6cfcb5ab9ddc4d518a340b0a318/orig.mp4?Expires=1770519589&Signature=incjj~o-vlCRLWAhpxIJstEpTgL6pUaT6jv4AaI9AbrM~TVNPIyxAgAWYUvsWFboPTgsYyLyjK4FavmW-imfetX3z~iTmVICxeWtGSvcxj9y6~-~5T5~SvgzhLwETnWeydF9p-VyPXRc5lJgARY3SRYNQlI6Tdcpzc2DlWpqpxYNduJ7ciAf00hu9Ul6HNUDAXiXfPJ03B65VXZ5GBjywEbErD2ql2DsY1T8urg3FkE6fWTD-8Urj6xlRpgKF6ahaVJHW1UZO8B2liQxl55MBG1z8Es~3gQ6zQPuY-nfZZd6DqB8ZoT5YUeqThJ6lHB7Uqvu7aAD1mMuRwonWQ5IHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Government Operations Committee voted Sept. 15 to approve a local ordinance updating rules for bicycles and micromobility devices after a presentation by city staffer Derek Connolly. The ordinance clarifies device classes, reinforces state rules and creates a local equipment requirement and escalating fines.

The update matters because committee members said they have seen a rise in resident complaints about electric devices on sidewalks and in pedestrian areas; the ordinance aims to balance safety and the city’s bike-friendly goals.

Connolly told the committee the draft mirrors state law and guidance from Ride Illinois, a nonprofit advocacy group. The ordinance defines Class 1–3 electric bicycles (Class 3: higher power and top speeds), distinguishes e-motos (motors >750 watts capable of exceeding 20 mph without pedaling) from e-bikes, and separates low- and high-speed electric scooters at a 10 mph breakpoint. Connolly said Class 3 e-bikes should be treated as road vehicles and noted state labeling requirements for e-bike classes.

The draft retains Illinois vehicle-code duties for riders (hand signals, lights, reflectors) and incorporates several state rules Connolly highlighted: a 16-year minimum age for Class 3 e-bikes, a 16-year/from-license requirement for mopeds, and an 18-year minimum plus a valid driver’s license for certain high-speed electric scooters. The ordinance also contains one city-only equipment requirement: all micromobility devices must have a bell or audible warning device to alert pedestrians.

The local proposal restricts sidewalk riding inside the downtown overlay district: any bicycle or micromobility device entering that overlay must use a bike lane or the roadway or dismount and walk. Non-motorized bicycles and low-speed scooters (under 10 mph) are permitted on sidewalks elsewhere outside the overlay, per the draft.

Enforcement and penalties: the ordinance creates an escalating fine schedule — $25 for a first offense, $50 second, $100 third — and specifies that guardians will be notified for violators 17 and under. Connolly and police staff described a fourth-or-subsequent-offense path to the city adjudication process with a minimum fine and possible community service; staff emphasized education and warnings as the primary enforcement tool. Commander Tim Ocassik of the Special Services Unit told the committee that citations to juveniles would be issued to the juvenile and that devices treated as motor vehicles (some e-motos and gas-powered bikes) are subject to registration and insurance requirements under Illinois law.

Committee members pressed on practical enforcement limits, age compliance and the need for an education campaign; members and staff discussed a brochure and a webpage for officers to hand out and possible business-alliance giveaways (bells) to raise awareness. Several aldermen said they want school outreach to reach parents and students before summer. Connolly noted the ordinance may need future amendments as new devices appear and as state law evolves.

The committee approved the ordinance by roll call. Supporters on the committee said the ordinance provides tools for education and graduated enforcement rather than immediate, heavy penalties for juveniles.

A list of direct quotes used in this article comes from Derek Connolly and Commander Tim Ocassik, attributed below in the speakers section.","On Sept. 15 the Government Operations Committee approved a city ordinance updating definitions and rules for e-bikes, e-motos, scooters and other micromobility devices, aligning local rules with Illinois law and adding a city requirement for bells and an escalating fine schedule.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council members prioritize pedestrian safety, speeding and downtown presence as staff set next-year initiatives

Committee approves 12-year extension of First Street TIF to cover outstanding bond payments

Committee approves honorary street sign program with 5-per-year cap and initial deceased-only recognition

Committee approves updated micromobility ordinance, bars sidewalk riding downtown