Meeting Events

Meeting: acuu1pmxfkw.stephenson_county_il_planning_development_committee_meeting_5-11-26

Meeting date: 2026-05-11

Meeting type: planning_development_committee

This is a deterministic derived artifact, not official meeting minutes. Related records may be grouped for review while complete machine provenance remains in the JSON artifact.

Decisions and Votes

• Approval of Agenda — Passed

  • Summary: Motion made to approve the agenda.
  • Evidence: “Move to approve. We have a motion.”
  • Evidence: “All in favor? Aye. Motion carries.”
  • Source timestamp: 00:40

• Approval of Claims — Passed

  • Summary: Motion made to approve claims totaling $1,872.50.
  • Evidence: “This evening we have claims totaling $1,872.50 and mostly of necessity. So moved.”
  • Evidence: “Motion to approve.”
  • Evidence: “All in favor? Aye. Any opposed?”
  • Source timestamp: 00:47

• Meeting Minutes from April 26th — Passed

  • Summary: Motion made to approve the meeting minutes from April 26th.
  • Evidence: “We’ll have the meeting minutes from April 26th. Move to approve.”
  • Evidence: “Second. Motion in a second.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor? Aye. That motion carries as well.”
  • Source timestamp: 00:47

• Approval of $1,250 quote for stump removal

  • Summary: Motion to approve a $1,250 quote, which does not include the removal of stones.
  • Evidence: “They’re just telling it, make a motion to approve the 1,250.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor of Fransons taking out the stump for 1250, say right by say nine.”
  • Source timestamp: 41:29

• Approval of tree removal by Fransons

  • Summary: Motion to proceed with Fransons taking care of the stump and tree removal.
  • Evidence: “Well, our motion is to have Fransons take care of this and the tree removal. We don’t need to add anything else to it.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 43:31

• Approval of removal of three trees by Fransons

  • Summary: Motion to authorize Fransons to remove three trees for a total cost.
  • Evidence: “All friends in tree service. Second?”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 46:54

• Rescinding or removing motions regarding tree service — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to rescind the other motion or remove the other three items related to tree service.
  • Evidence: “Do we need to rescind the other motion or no? Remove the other three.”
  • Evidence: “All friends in tree service. Second? All those in favor? Aye. Motion carries as well.”
  • Source timestamp: 46:54

• Submission of revised recommendation to state

  • Summary: Motion to submit the revised recommendation to the state for consensus.
  • Evidence: “So what we need is a motion to submit this revised recommendation to the state.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:04:49

• Approval of mortgage release for land use agreement — Passed

  • Summary: Motion to approve the mortgage release for the land use agreement.
  • Evidence: “All in favor of the approval of the mortgage release for the land use agreement?”
  • Evidence: “Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries on to the special use permit for Scott and Tiffany Ferry on AYP Road.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:06:34

• Special use permit for Scott and Tiffany Ferry on AYP Road — Passed

  • Summary: Motion regarding the special use permit for Scott and Tiffany Ferry on AYP Road.
  • Evidence: “Any opposed? Motion carries on to the special use permit for Scott and Tiffany Ferry on AYP Road.”
  • Evidence: “Motion to approve this special use permit.”
  • Evidence: “All in favor. Aye. That motion carries.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:06:34

• Amendment for article four: Fences — Passed

  • Summary: Motion regarding amendments to Article Four concerning fences.
  • Evidence: “Vote amendment for article four. Fences.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor say aye. Aye. That motion carries as well.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:08:20

• Text amendment for chapter three sections: Vehicles and operable — Passed

  • Summary: Motion regarding text amendments to Chapter Three concerning vehicles.
  • Evidence: “Oh, text amendment for chapter three sections. Yes, vehicles and operable.”
  • Evidence: “All in favor? Aye. Any opposed? Motion carries as well.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:11:40

• Approval of recommendations

  • Summary: A motion was made to approve the document assuming all stated recommendations are agreed upon.
  • Evidence: “They would make our motion, assuming that those are all going to be- If you agree to them.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor? Aye. And I am one of them as well.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:18:41

• Adjournment

  • Summary: A motion was made to adjourn.
  • Evidence: “Hearing none, motion to adjourn.”
  • Evidence: “All those in favor? Aye.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:21:14

Procedural Actions

• Opening Prayer
  • Summary: A word of prayer was offered to thank God for blessings and guide discussions.
  • Evidence: “Certainly. Definitely, Father, we come to you tonight to thank you for all the blessings. Thank you for bringing this group of people together tonight to discuss important Stephenson County business. And please guide us as we make decisions and have discussions about current businesses. And thank you Jesus for the love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
  • Source timestamp: 00:13

Financial and Contract Events

• Lien recording on 26th North House
  • Summary: The lien on the 26th North House was recorded and filed.
  • Evidence: “And finally, the lien on the 26th North House was recorded and filed.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:20

Projects

• Airport economic development plan

  • Summary: Working with Alberta’s airport on a five-year economic development plan, hoped to be wrapped up by the end of June.
  • Evidence: “with Alberta’s airport to do a five year economic development plan. Hope to have that wrapped up optimistically the end of June.”
  • Source timestamp: 23:06

• Enterprise zone expansion

  • Summary: Andrea is working on expanding the enterprise zone and finalizing paperwork for submission to the state.
  • Evidence: “Um, we are expanding the enterprise zone. Andrea is working on that, um, and more to come on that as she gets ready to finalize the paperwork to send into the state”
  • Source timestamp: 23:43

• Bridge repair at J8 near Brush Tree Road

  • Summary: A bridge repair project for the bridge J8, north of the brush tree road, is planned with a $250,000 grant and a 20% local match. The start date was moved from March to mid-July, with completion by September.
  • Evidence: “Yeah, there’s one item. We are going ahead with a bridge repair. It’s the bridge J8, just north of the brush tree road. And we’ve got a grant for $250,000. The local match will be 20%. This has all been budgeted and we’re just moving ahead with it. The original plan was to start the project in March and with a completion date of June, but they moved that back to begin mid July and be completed by September”
  • Source timestamp: 34:12

Presentations and Reports

• Employment numbers for March 2026

  • Summary: Stephenson County’s unemployment rate was 4.7% in March, compared to 4.9% for reports, which is down from February’s 5.6%. There were 1,097 unemployed persons and 1,207 unique job postings.
  • Evidence: “Employment numbers for March 2026, which are the most recent apples to apples comparison that we have. Stephenson County’s unemployment rate is less than it was in March at 4.7% and for reports is at 4.9% which is also down from February’s 5.6%. As has been the trend lately, there are 1,087, why did I write that? No, 1,097 unemployed persons in Stephenson County. However, there are 1,207 unique postings.”
  • Source timestamp: 17:06

• Upcoming community events

  • Summary: Future events include May 21st (Business After Hours at Park Mills Golf Course), June 4th (Rise and Shine at Oakley Courts), and June 5th (debut of the Center Series of Music on Chicago).
  • Evidence: “We have our future events May 21st. We have our Business After Hours at Park Mills Golf Course, and June 4th, Rise and Shine at Oakley Courts, and then the debut of the Center Series of Music on Chicago on June 5th.”
  • Source timestamp: 20:39

• Workforce alignment meeting

  • Summary: The next workforce alignment meeting is scheduled for June 11th.
  • Evidence: “We do have our next workforce alignment meeting, which is a continuation of the meeting that I referenced earlier, and that is on June 11th.”
  • Source timestamp: 21:10

• Manufacturers Roundtable

  • Summary: The Manufacturers Roundtable is scheduled for May 29th, where a DCEO representative will discuss a new state grant program geared toward very large manufacturers.
  • Evidence: “We also are hosting the Manufacturers Roundtable scheduled for May 29, a little bit excited about that. We have our DCEO or Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity representative coming to talk about a new grant program that the state is offering.”
  • Source timestamp: 21:54

• County owned landings inspections

  • Summary: Nicole and I visited each county owned landing as well as the camp monument to close them down due to flooding in the area.
  • Evidence: “Nicole and I visited each county owned landing as well as the camp monument to close them down due to flooding in the area.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:00

• County Solid Waste Program updates

  • Summary: The state contacted Jasmine and requested an updated plan because the one on file was 20 years old, which was supposed to be updated every five years.
  • Evidence: “So what this was, I think this was brought up last meeting, this, the state contacted Jasmine and said, you need an updated plan. The one that they had on file was 20 years old, which was updated every five years.”
  • Source timestamp: 47:55

• Agreement with Wyminski for building inspector

  • Summary: Discussion regarding an agreement with Wyminski to serve as a building inspector, noting his qualifications and the need for approval.
  • Evidence: “On to Discussion on the agreement with Wyminski for building inspector.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:14:20

Metrics

• April deposit totals for general fund

  • Summary: The deposit for April was $16,314.80, and the total deposits to date for the general fund are $151,345.77.
  • Evidence: “The deposit for the month of April was totaled $16,314.80. The total deposits to date for the general fund are 151,345.77.”
  • Source timestamp: 30:10

• Code enforcement violations and cases

  • Summary: Nicole and I issued six code enforcement violations for April, closed two cases, and have one pending case.
  • Evidence: “Nicole and I issued six code enforcement violations for the month of April. We closed two cases and one is pending.”
  • Source timestamp: 30:41

• Inspection counts for April

  • Summary: Nicole performed nine inspections, and the speaker performed 12 inspections for the month.
  • Evidence: “Nicole performed nine inspections. I performed 12 for the month.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:29

Discussion

• Information regarding ordinance conflicts and meeting procedure

  • Summary: A request was made for an open meeting with discussion allowed prior to a probable approval in two days at the administrative meeting, noting that simply having citizens speak for three minutes without being allowed to ask questions is insufficient.
  • Evidence: “I’d like to request an open meeting with discussion being allowed prior to the probable approval in two days at the administrative meeting. Just citizens speaking of concerns for three minutes and not allowed to ask questions to obtain answers isn’t sufficient.”
  • Source timestamp: 07:58

• Job availability and workforce needs

  • Summary: Jobs available pay a median salary of $32,016 an hour and are concentrated in healthcare, construction, logistics (truck drivers), and manufacturing.
  • Evidence: “These are not, you know, fast food service jobs. These are jobs that pay a median salary of $32,016 an hour. So they’re not are not menial jobs. They are out there… Many of them do require, or many of the jobs that are available are in healthcare. Do and in part to Mercy Health is doing see pretty aggressive recruiting. So we assume that that’s one of the reasons why that health care need is so high construction, logistics, such as truck drivers, and then the manufacturing kind of rounds out the top, the top tier of the jobs that are available.”
  • Source timestamp: 18:48

• State grant funding limitations

  • Summary: The state grant funding discussed is geared more toward very large manufacturers, potentially leaving out smaller manufacturers.
  • Evidence: “Not a lot of details, but it’s geared more toward, in other words, they don’t have a qualified missed yet. But the state has grant funding to assist manufacturers, but that pool of money is geared more toward those very large manufacturers.”
  • Source timestamp: 22:15

• Housing availability issues

  • Summary: Affordability and availability of good, decent, safe housing stock are ongoing county-wide issues. Ideas include upper story residential in downtown Freeport and infill housing throughout the county.
  • Evidence: “Also availability of a good, decent, safe housing stock is always an issue and so we’re working on that and we have several ideas about our upper story, upper story residential and downtown Freeport. And not just downtown Freeport, we’ve talked about that in Lena pre-storm. So right now that’s not high on Lena’s priority list and building second story residential, but then we’re also looking at doing some infill housing in spots throughout the county, wherever there may be a vacant lot in town, which is very efficient because the utilities are already there and that’ll just help the community if we can put cities and towns in there.”
  • Source timestamp: 24:03

• Enterprise Zone expansion inquiry

  • Summary: A question was raised regarding Andrew considering expanding the enterprise zone.
  • Evidence: “When it’s Andrew considering expanding the enterprise zone. If you can find out, let me know that.”
  • Source timestamp: 25:23

• Infill housing options and developers

  • Summary: Discussion included modular housing as an option for infill development, and mentioning potential developer involvement in housing projects.
  • Evidence: “More specifics. Do you have developers? For infill, Gertrude Heimutter here, the community development director. She brought to the NAACP housing group of which we’re a member. The idea of putting modular housing, not manufactured, but modular where, you know, they trucked in a home and put it in, and that’s kind of the direction and that, that we’re leaning for some parts of the city.”
  • Source timestamp: 25:47

• Housing project location behind Meadows

  • Summary: A developer is reportedly ready to start a housing project behind Meadows.
  • Evidence: “we do have a developer that’s really getting ready to, um, dive off the diving board on a housing projects, um, behind Meadows back in that area.”
  • Source timestamp: 27:02

• Funding restrictions for grant-funded development

  • Summary: The speaker cautioned about funding issues related to grant money tying into income restrictions.
  • Evidence: “So, funding is always an issue because once you tap into any grant funding, then you’re tied to income restrictions, which in some areas, not a problem, other areas more so. And so we have to be careful about, you know, what restrictions we, you know, the minute you take federal or grant money, then you have to start planning by someone else’s rules so you don’t have lots of taxes on you.”
  • Source timestamp: 28:35

• Energy facility discussions

  • Summary: Discussions occurred regarding a potential solar facility upgrade with a small scale data center, and a co-located wind farm.
  • Evidence: “We met with a representative from a communications company to discuss a potential upgrade to a local solar facility in Western Stephenson County with a possible small scale data center. We also discussed the possibility of a co-located wind farm located in Eastern Stephenson County and Western Winnebago County.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:08

• Building inspector retirement

  • Summary: The building inspector resigned due to formal retirement, despite thinking he could assist part-time.
  • Evidence: “Our building inspector did resign as he is formally retiring. He thought he would take our county on part-time as needed. And he decided that he is going to formally retire.”
  • Source timestamp: 31:47

• Water district assistance to farmers

  • Summary: The water district is working with farmers on construction and conservation projects, ensuring adherence to agreed parameters.
  • Evidence: “So in the water district right now, so obviously farmers are out hitting the crops in and they’re working with them to assist them in any of the construction projects that they have to do as far as conservation projects, whether it’s new waterways or other programs that they provide and making sure that any questions are answered, that they’re building those projects within the parameters that they agreed to build them in.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:27

• Water district activities and conservation compliance

  • Summary: The water district assists farmers with construction projects, including new waterways or other programs, ensuring adherence to agreed parameters. They are also checking land changes from conservation reserve to farmed areas to ensure wetlands status is corrected for production.
  • Evidence: “So in the water district right now, so obviously farmers are out hitting the crops in and they’re working with them to assist them in any of the construction projects that they have to do as far as conservation projects, whether it’s new waterways or other programs that they provide and making sure that any questions are answered, that they’re building those projects within the parameters that they agreed to build them in. So, and they’re out checking any changes where land may have come out of conservation reserve to be farmed again and making sure that those plants have been met and making sure that that ground is back into, it’s not wetlands and that it can go back into production.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:27

• Soil and Wire District fish and tree sales timing

  • Summary: The Soil and Wire District fish and tree sales were held in March and are only done once a year.
  • Evidence: “Steve, I do have a question. Is the Soil and Wire District still doing the fish and tree sales? Yes, that was back in March. So it’s done? It’s done. Somebody called me and asked about that. So it’s just once a year in March. Once a year.”
  • Source timestamp: 33:32

• County match funding for bridge grant

  • Summary: Steve questioned if the county’s portion of the match for the bridge grant would come from the annual contribution.
  • Evidence: “Steve? Yes, sir. The county’s portion of the match for that grant for that bridge, is that being taken from our annual contribution?”
  • Source timestamp: 35:26

• County office building status

  • Summary: The potential county office building remains available despite having no current operations in it.
  • Evidence: “I have not seen any size things or anything like that come from anybody in this building yet. So that building is still available even though there’s no operations in it whatsoever.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:05

• Department head space planning

  • Summary: Department heads compiled information regarding the current spaces they occupy.
  • Evidence: “I do have some information from the department heads they did put together with them, with them building what their space currently is of the spaces that we have.”
  • Source timestamp: 36:36

• Balloon viewing opportunity

  • Summary: The possibility of viewing balloons was discussed and seemed like a good idea.
  • Evidence: “I’m looking forward to that discussion and the opportunity to check out the balloons and it sounds like a great idea to me if you’re thinking about them.”
  • Source timestamp: 37:02

• Quote for tree removal at Kent Monument

  • Summary: Two trees, including a hackberry tree with a 20 foot across root ball, came down in the storm at the Kent Monument. Fransons provided the best quote of $1,250 to clean up the two downed trees.
  • Evidence: “All right, as you’re well aware of, there was two trees that came down in the storm off at the Kent Monument. One was a hackberry tree. This is the root ball, it’s 20 foot across. It’s just massive. So I have one verbal quote and two hard quotes… Fransons was the better quote at $1,250 to clean up the two downed trees.”
  • Source timestamp: 38:24

• Scope of tree removal work

  • Summary: Clarification was sought on whether complete removal includes filling the holes back in, and if stump grinding is required.
  • Evidence: “When you say complete removal, is that filling the holes back in? They’re going to tip the stump back in, and then we have to have a stump grinder to take care of that.”
  • Source timestamp: 39:24

• Pearl City Historical Society assistance at Kent Monument

  • Summary: The Pearl City Historical Society offered willingness to help clean up the site and suggested leaving an eight foot stone.
  • Evidence: “I did have a conversation with the Pearl City Historical Society, and they were asking, they would be willing to come up there and do some work too, they didn’t say all. They didn’t say all but they would be willing to help clean it up. Their thought was that they would like to leave an eight foot stone.”
  • Source timestamp: 39:41

• Timeline for cleanup work

  • Summary: The Historical Society is looking at the timeframe for their event and offered equipment if allowed to help with cleanup.
  • Evidence: “If we wanted to allow them to help with the cleanup there, they would be more than willing to come with equipment as well. Once the time frame of these quotes, would they be able to get done prior to Wilson?”
  • Source timestamp: 40:28

• Tree planting concerns

  • Summary: A speaker recounted an incident where a large tree fell on previously planted saplings.
  • Evidence: “Two years ago, we had a big tree go down and it landed right on top of two of the new saplings I had planted. This tree went down and went right on one of the ones they planted last fall.”
  • Source timestamp: 40:54

• Scope of work regarding cleanup and stumps

  • Summary: Discussion about whether to involve the Historical Society further and how much of a stump should be left.
  • Evidence: “Do we want to involve the group in Coral City at all? Just asking. Sounds like with the short, if they’re ready to do it next week, that’s probably, I mean, I don’t know if they can just tell us how much of a stump they need left and just- They would tell you that.”
  • Source timestamp: 41:48

• Decision on leaving a tree stump

  • Summary: The decision rests with the committee regarding the appearance of any remaining stump.
  • Evidence: “So you need to decide that. Cause for instance, oh, the ghost city might be interested in working on this, cause they know they might have help they may not want.”
  • Source timestamp: 42:47

• Additional pending issue: Lincoln statue and dying oak trees

  • Summary: A speaker raised concern that several oak trees, due to oak wilt, are dying and could fall onto the Lincoln statue or other structures.
  • Evidence: “I’m sure you’re all aware that there’s a Lincoln statue up there. It’s been there four to five years now. Now, the reason a lot of these trees are coming, a lot of the oak trees are coming down. They have oak wilt. They are dying.”
  • Source timestamp: 44:22

• Quoting for removal of multiple trees

  • Summary: Franssen provided quotes to remove three specific trees: $1,200 for the second tree and $1,200 for a third nearby tree.
  • Evidence: “Franssen also included a price to remove that tree at $1,200. There’s another tree also nearby that would hit the Lincoln statue if the right wind pushed it over. It also was an oak tree. They all have oak wilt.”
  • Source timestamp: 45:00

• Budgetary consideration for multiple tree removals

  • Summary: A member noted that there is $3,000 available in the budget for maintenance and other lines.
  • Evidence: “We looked it up. There’s $3,000 for maintenance in the budget.”
  • Source timestamp: 45:21

• Solid Waste Program: Full-time Solid Waste Coordinator position

  • Summary: The original recommendation to create a full-time solid waste coordinator position is no longer feasible due to lack of funding; the previous funding source has disappeared.
  • Evidence: “What you see in the italics is what the old recommendation was from 20 years ago. And then the old is what we’ve updated. So the first one was create a full-time position for a solid waste coordinator within the environmental health section of the student’s health department. Pretty much the update is this is not happening because there’s no funding to do so.”
  • Source timestamp: 48:50

• Solid Waste Program: Waste management education for residents

  • Summary: The recommendation to provide waste management education was discussed, noting that Freeport has educational materials but consistency among outlying communities is unknown.
  • Evidence: “And the second one provide waste management education to the residents of Stephenson County. And there’s a whole bunch. I’m not going to read all of that. We talked with the city of Freeport.”
  • Source timestamp: 49:47

• Solid Waste Program: Industrial, commercial, and governmental facility education

  • Summary: The recommendation for industrial, commercial, and governmental facilities to educate personnel on waste management was discussed; consistency in using metal dumpsters across county offices is lacking.
  • Evidence: “And then we can provide additional 3. Encourage or require industrial, commercial, and governmental facilities within the county to educate their personnel on waste management.”
  • Source timestamp: 50:22

• Solid Waste Program: Recycling dumpster consistency

  • Summary: There is no consistency regarding metal dumpsters for recycling among county offices; for example, the health department does not have access to one.
  • Evidence: “Public Works does utilize metal Dumpsters, but there’s no consistency that uses metal dumpsters for recycling. There’s no consistency among county offices.”
  • Source timestamp: 50:56

• Solid Waste Program: Recycling separation in buildings

  • Summary: A concern was raised that cleaning personnel are not separating recyclables correctly, even if bins were provided.
  • Evidence: “And so our recommendation would be to make sure that at least among all counted buildings or educating and cleaning portal that recyclables go here and in order to do that we have to have these bins consistently across all counties.”
  • Source timestamp: 51:59

• Solid Waste Program: Volume based charges ordinance revision

  • Summary: The current county recycle ordinance needs revising to include multifamily housing units, as the existing inclusion is limited to six or fewer attached units.
  • Evidence: “Continue with volume based charges. It says the current county recycle ordinance should be expanded to include multifamily housing units with consideration being given to industrial and commercial sectors.”
  • Source timestamp: 52:20

• Solid Waste Program: Demolition of existing buildings

  • Summary: The original suggestion to discourage demolition is noted, but it was confirmed that the code already requires a permit for property demolition through the zoning office.
  • Evidence: “Discouraged the demolition of existing buildings. So 20 years ago they were very much about, you know, recycling what you can, don’t demolish the building, get what you can out of it, et cetera.”
  • Source timestamp: 53:03

• Revised recommendation for property development and demolition

  • Summary: The revised recommendation should focus on collaborating with Greater Fertile Partnership to provide resources for owners to bring their property under code or pay for permits and demolitions, rather than discouraging demolition.
  • Evidence: “So I think that part of the plan should probably be taken out and then our revised recommendation then would be collaborating with Greater Fertile Partnership to provide resources for owners to bring their property under code or pay for the permit and demolitions.”
  • Source timestamp: 53:42

• Demolition permits for agricultural buildings

  • Summary: A demo permit is required for any building demolition, including barns, to ensure utilities like electric, gas, and water are properly shut off.
  • Evidence: “We still require a demo permit for any egg buildings as well, because we have to make sure the electric’s turned off, the gas, the water, everything appropriately.”
  • Source timestamp: 54:24

• Landscape composting facility development

  • Summary: The previous recommendation was to explore establishing landscape composting; however, Gills now accepts landscape waste.
  • Evidence: “So basically, the previous recommendation was to explore, you know, the establishment of landscape composting. We do know that Gills accepts landscape waste now.”
  • Source timestamp: 55:09

• Disposal plan for landscaping material

  • Summary: The revised recommendation is to encourage villages and townships outside of report to develop a plan to properly dispose of land scaling material, with the county providing technical assistance if necessary.
  • Evidence: “And then again, similar to the first one, our revised recommendation would be to encourage villages and townships outside of report to develop a plan to properly dispose of land scaling material and then the county could provide technical assistance if necessary.”
  • Source timestamp: 55:35

• Recycling program scope for multifamily/commercial dwellings

  • Summary: The initial recommendation was to develop a recycling program for issues not previously addressed, specifically regarding multifamily dwellings and business or commercial waste.
  • Evidence: “I think the difference here was that before the county did not address multifamily dwellings and or business or commercial waste. So the recommendation was to develop a recycling program for those issues.”
  • Source timestamp: 55:57

• County Highway Department recycling availability

  • Summary: The county highway department does not have recycling availability.
  • Evidence: “So the update is that the county highway department does not have recycling availability”
  • Source timestamp: 56:28

• Multifamily dwelling ordinance revision

  • Summary: If Article 346-1 were to be revised, it would include manufacturing or commercial dwellings of more than six units.
  • Evidence: “So again, if we were to revise Article 346-1 to include manufacturing or commercial dwellings of more than six units, that would be our recommendation.”
  • Source timestamp: 56:43

• Hazardous waste and battery recycling services

  • Summary: The City of Freeport hosts Refresh Freeport on the first Saturday of the month for Freeport residents only, which is not for hazardous waste; there remains a need for hazardous waste and battery recycling in the county.
  • Evidence: “The City of Freeport does host Refresh Freeport on the first Saturday of the month for Freeport residents only. This helps to promote the correct disposal of bulky trash items. Refresh Freeport is not for hazardous waste and there is a need for hazardous waste and battery recycling in our county.”
  • Source timestamp: 56:54

• Sewage waste disposal on agricultural lands

  • Summary: The health department inspects septic pumpers’ trucks when a sewage waste complaint occurs, issuing two warnings and referring the case to the state’s attorney’s office for further legal action.
  • Evidence: “the health department does inspect the trucks of septic pumpers. When there is a complaint about sewage waste, the health department does issue two warnings and then refers the case to the state’s attorney’s office for further legal action.”
  • Source timestamp: 58:02

• Transfer station services expansion

  • Summary: The Freeport Transportation facility is operational and accepts trash and bulk items, but only for Freeport residents; collaboration with the city and waste haulers is needed to expand services.
  • Evidence: “So the revised recommendation would be to collaborate with the city and waste haulers to expand services to outside villages and townships.”
  • Source timestamp: 58:35

• Waste hauler licensing status

  • Summary: The deletion of the section regarding licenses for waste haulers was approved by the County Board in March 2013, making it no longer applicable.
  • Evidence: “The only thing I could find is that the deletion of this section of the Stephenson County Code was approved by the County Board in March 2013, and the Southern Advisory recommendation is to remove that from the plan because it’s no longer applicable.”
  • Source timestamp: 59:10

• Construction and demolition debris landfill siting

  • Summary: The update found indicates that the owner of such debris is responsible for contracting with waste haulers.
  • Evidence: “The update that I can find is that the owner of such debris is responsible for contracting with waste haulers”
  • Source timestamp: 01:01:05

• Solid waste fund implementation recommendation

  • Summary: Because there is no longer a solid waste fund, the recommendation regarding its implementation should be approved.
  • Evidence: “There is no longer a solid waste fund. So this recommendation should be approved.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:01:54

• Purpose of state plan submissions

  • Summary: The intent of submitting information to the state is so that they can advise if the county is on track with its current activities.
  • Evidence: “This, the intent and everything is, is this information needs to get to the state so that they can tell us if we’re on track with what we’re doing or not in order for them to get back to us so we know what we have to do before the clock starts ticking.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:03:00

• Scope of plan requirements for villages outside Freeport

  • Summary: Villages outside of Freeport are able to continue with the things they are already doing.
  • Evidence: “They are able to do the things they’re already doing.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:04:39

• Mortgage release for land use agreement

  • Summary: The mortgage releases are needed because properties have changed hands since initial filings related to an SRP grant, and the mortgage agents were not updated.
  • Evidence: “So as these properties have changed hands, there has not been releases on the paperwork that was filed initially on those, those mortgages.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:06:22

• Details of Special Use Permit request

  • Summary: Scott and Tiffany Ferry purchased a two-acre lot with an adjacent 50+ acres, all in the floodplain. They plan to use a portion as recreational hunting ground and construct a full shed with living quarters (minimum footage is 750 square feet). Soil boring was completed for conventional septic.
  • Evidence: “Scott and Tiffany Ferry purchased the two acre lot with an adjacent 50 plus acres and that all is in the floodplain. A portion of this two acres is, they plan on using it as recreational hunting ground. They’re going to be constructing, if this is approved, a full shed with living quarters and our minimum footage is 750 square feet.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:07:30

• Inspection approval status

  • Summary: The speaker requested approval for inspections tonight due to several houses needing inspection.
  • Evidence: “I do understand if you need to, you know, if you don’t want to approve it tonight, I greatly appreciate it if you approved it tonight because we have several houses we need to get inspected.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:15:20

• Section 4.3 invoicing and payment change request

  • Summary: A change is needed for Section 4.3, invoicing and payment, changing the distribution time from 30 days of receipt to at least 45 days to fit into the claim cycle.
  • Evidence: “so section 4.3, invoicing and payment that says, It says county shall pay them to distribute a demolition of 30 days of receipt. That needs to be changed to at least 45 to fit into our claim cycle.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:16:36

• Section 5.1 status wording clarification

  • Summary: A question was raised regarding the phrasing ‘independent contractor, personnel dependent’ in Section 5.1 status.
  • Evidence: “Then 5.1 status. I don’t know if a word is run together. What we’re trying to do here where it says independent contractor, personnel dependent. What is that? Independent.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:16:57

• Section 11.1 Termination notice period preference

  • Summary: A preference was stated for increasing the termination notice period from seven days to at least 30 days, with a personal preference of 60 days.
  • Evidence: “11.1 Termination. I personally would like more than a seven-day ready notice. What’s customary is at least 30 days. I’d prefer 60.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:17:24

• Insurance documentation update

  • Summary: The speaker noted that the city of Blanark has additional insured status, but this would need to be changed to Stephenson County.
  • Evidence: “And I know he’s just showing this. He doesn’t have an agreement with the County, but this does show the city of Blanark has the additional insured.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:17:46

• Illinois Department of Employment Security Report discussion

  • Summary: Chairman Helms asked if the monthly update from the Illinois Department of Employment Security could be added to the agenda for discussion.
  • Evidence: “Chairman Helms asked if I would add that to the agenda as a discussion, since we get into the conversation with Gregory Freeport partnership monthly, just so that we’re all more in tune to it.”
  • Source timestamp: 01:19:42

Public Comment

• Stone Quarry Operations and Zoning Compliance

  • Summary: Kevin Sokup expressed concern that Zach Jeffery is operating a stone quarry for concrete and asphalt recycling without proper permitting, noting historical zoning violations by Ken Shealy.
  • Evidence: “I live north of town on Fairview Road. So I became aware of an operation, stone quarry that used to be owned by Ken Schielen last year that was sold to Zach Jeffery. And I didn’t know that Zach Jeffery was planning on operating that quarry as anything other than a stone and gravel quarry. I had heard that he was going to start operating it as a concrete and and DAS fault recycling operation, which kind of surprised me because they didn’t think that same thing as harvesting gravel and selling it. So I scheduled a meeting with Beth, Stevens County Zoning Commissioner to ask her about it. She told me that the only thing that Zach was going to be able to do at that quarry was harvest and crush and sell graphing that she was not even aware that the concrete and asphalt recycling operation was in the works. So I assumed that that was correct and I assumed that that thought that was correct also. I have no reason to doubt otherwise. So in the in the time Since then, it’s become evident that he’s going to be allowed to recycle asphalt and concrete. And last year, he was having asphalt and concrete dumped at his site in preparation of recycling it. And I was also aware that at that time, he did not have a certificate in occupancy. So in my mind, if you’re dumping materials in preparation of operating that quarry for that purpose, that’s operating the quarry without proper permitting.”
  • Source timestamp: 02:30

• Stone Quarry Zoning Violations History

  • Summary: Kevin Sokup detailed that Ken Shealy never planted required trees or built a fence to obtain an occupancy certificate despite a 1974 zoning violation.
  • Evidence: “On March 9th, during on the, oh wait, January 20th. Let me back up a little further. 1974, April, 1974, the then acting commissioner, zoning commissioner issued a zoning, a violation of zoning ordinances to Ken Shealy and said that there’s a big list that’s really hard to meet. If you meet the conditions of the cup, which there were two of, One was, plant a row of trees and build a fence. And then we’ll give you a certificate of occupancy. He never in the 50 years that he owned that planted those trees or built that fence and that occupancy certificate has not yet been awarded. So he was operating that quarry in my opinion, illegally that whole time. You need both according to the Stephenson County ordinances in order to operate.”
  • Source timestamp: 04:27

• Quarry Activity Changes and Violations

  • Summary: Karen Rivers noted changes in what Mr. Jeffrey could remove from the quarry and expressed ongoing concerns about his expanded activities violating EPA and county regulations.
  • Evidence: “The first I spoke was only Director Beth Hennie Williams, the end of April, William said that he was not allowed to conduct any aggregate activities, including the removal of rock or gravel out of the quarry. About a month later, she said he could remove rock. At the August 25 PND meeting, Mr. Sokov and I both spoke, referenced our continued concerns as Mr. Jeffrey had expanded his activities involving the quarry. He has since been in violation of numerous EPA and county regulations and has been cited a number of times by the EPA, but has continued to operate.”
  • Source timestamp: 05:28

• Health Risks from Quarry Operations

  • Summary: Karen Rivers expressed concern over Mr. Jeffrey’s 24/7 burning activities causing smoke that poses health risks to residents with asthma, allergies, and COPD.
  • Evidence: “I’ve expressed my concerns for our neighborhood’s health, safety, environment, multiple times at county meetings regarding Mr. Jeffries ongoing activities for nigh on a year now. At last month’s PND meeting, I spoke in part of concerns with his 24 seven nonstop, unattended two and a half straight weeks of burning. At times the heavy smoke lingered throughout the neighborhood. People with asthma, allergies, COPD, and other health issues are at great risk due to his assorted actions.”
  • Source timestamp: 06:28

• Concerns Regarding New County Ordinance 224-6

  • Summary: Karen Rivers requested an open meeting before the probable approval of a new county ordinance (224-6) because changes in state law and vague language regarding business owners could intensify health risks without citizen input.
  • Evidence: “The day after the April 6th meeting, Mrs. Williams began working on a new county ordinance as it was learned a portion required updating due to a change in state law. There are numerous questions regarding the changes as it appears the health risks will intensify, will be intensified for neighborhoods if improved without additional prohibitions or exceptions being added to 224-6. The addition of business owners is very vague and concerning for us should any owner of the quarry at 466 West Fairview obtain Secretary of State approval in the future. Our citizens were not informed of the perspective changes and the new ordinance. Had FOIA has not been done in the past month. We would not have known why the secrecy. There is no info stating exactly which ordinances or parts of ordinances are in conflict and will be replaced. I’d like to request an open meeting with discussion being allowed prior to the probable approval in two days at the administrative meeting.”

• Quarry Compliance Status

  • Summary: Karen Rivers stated that Mr. Jeffrey has operated without compliance or an occupancy permit for approximately a year.
  • Evidence: “Mr. Jeffrey has owned the quarry for approximately two years and has been operating without compliance, nor an occupancy permit and abiding by its requirements for a year now.”
  • Source timestamp: 08:08

• Quarry operational history and concerns

  • Summary: A speaker recounted that in the early 90s, they built a house near an abandoned gravel pit; since then, they have seen frequent truck traffic with falling concrete into the pit, causing noise concerns.
  • Evidence: “I’m Carl Kastney and back in the early 90s, my wife and I built a house in Oakley Glen, and we were totally unaware of a gravel pit there, but there was nothing going on. It was completely abandoned and we never were worried about any concerns there. And the thought now and even last summer we saw truck after truck after truck falling concrete up to the pit there and the thought of crushing that in the noise that that provides and it’s quite quite a bit of noise would be very pretty breaking down our neighborhood I think”
  • Source timestamp: 08:47

• Economic impact of quarry noise

  • Summary: A speaker warned that the noise from the quarry could lead to property loss, as people might not be able to sell their homes due to the ongoing noise.
  • Evidence: “It would be not, it would not be good for the county to find property loss that we’re going to see over a period of time as people aren’t going to be able to sell their homes with the noise that’s going on there. And I think as a county, we would lose a lot of that income and need to do a better job of managing that than I think what we are.”
  • Source timestamp: 09:59

• Concerns regarding water and noise from quarry

  • Summary: A speaker expressed worry about water and noise pollution near their home, located 200 feet from the quarry.
  • Evidence: “My name is Carl Chris, live on 542 Fairview Road and we moved there about six years ago and the board was said not to be active and we didn’t know none of this was going on and we just worry about water and noise and pushing, we’d rather have smack dab in front of it. 200 Feet, it’s right there.”
  • Source timestamp: 10:22

• Real estate value drop near operating quarry

  • Summary: A speaker stated that within a mile of an operating quarry or asphalt recycling, real estate values drop 30%.
  • Evidence: “The second thing is within a mile of an operating quarry or asphalt recycling, real estate values drop 30%.”
  • Source timestamp: 11:52

• Concerns about burning ordinance at the quarry site

  • Summary: A speaker expressed huge concerns about allowing an ordinance that would permit the owner of the quarry to burn landscape waste and potentially other materials, citing detrimental effects on quality of living.
  • Evidence: “But I want to specifically address another ordinance that I understand is going to come before the committee or Board in the next week regarding a burning ordinance that is going to allow the owner of that quarry to burn landscape waste and who knows what else.”
  • Source timestamp: 12:45

• Request for restrictions on burning at quarry site

  • Summary: A speaker requested that if burning must be considered, it should be restricted to only landscape waste specifically generated from the quarry (not hauled in) and limited to one day a week during limited hours.
  • Evidence: “And ideally there would be no burning allowed. If you have to consider such, I ask that you restrict what may be burned such as only landscape waste that is specifically generated from the quarry and not hauled in and restrict when burning may be allowed, like one day a week and during limited hours.”
  • Source timestamp: 13:40

• Impact of smoke/smoke on residential quality of life

  • Summary: A speaker noted that smoke from unauthorized burning can permeate homes, interrupting the quiet country air residents moved there for.
  • Evidence: “I’ve witnessed many times it’s a beautiful day. Like today, I want to open my windows in my home and you have smell and smoke and it fumigates your home.”
  • Source timestamp: 14:07

• Conflict with county mission regarding quality of life

  • Summary: A speaker noted that the Greater Freeport Partnerships emphasizes ‘quality of life’ and ’enriching the fabric of Stephenson County,’ which they believe the proposed ordinance would not achieve.
  • Evidence: “And their mission includes the words of enriching the fabric of Stephenson County, and this ordinance would not enrich our lives.”
  • Source timestamp: 15:19

• Ordinance impact on quality of life and county enrichment

  • Summary: A speaker noted that the proposed ordinance would not enrich the lives of the community, referencing the county’s emphasis on quality of life and housing as a main attraction.
  • Evidence: “And they say, they emphasize quality of life. And they also emphasize that housing is a main attraction and Stephenson County. And being one of the most picturesque spots in Illinois, as the county does offer it, and their mission includes the words of enriching the fabric of Stephenson County, and this ordinance would not enrich our lives.”
  • Source timestamp: 15:11

Proclamations and Recognitions

• Bench donation in memory of Mr. Ginger

  • Summary: Mrs. Ginger donated a bench in memory of Mr. Ginger, similar to the one at Bobtown Landing, which will be placed at West Black.
  • Evidence: “Mrs. Ginger, Joe Ginger was on the Friends of the Peck and one of the founding members and Mrs. Ginger has donated a bench in memory of Mr. Ginger. This is similar to the bench at Bobtown Landing. This will be placed at West Black.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:04

• Donation of bench at West Black

  • Summary: Ginger donated a bench in memory of Mr. Ginger to be placed at West Black.
  • Evidence: “Ginger has donated a bench in memory of Mr. Ginger. This is similar to the bench at Bobtown Landing. This will be placed at West Black.”
  • Source timestamp: 32:04

Follow-ups

• Enterprise Zone expansion details
  • Summary: The speaker agreed to get information regarding the contiguous nature of the Enterprise Zone expansion.
  • Evidence: “Yeah, I know some areas, but I can’t give you a comprehensive, but I will get you one. So it’s going to be contiguous.”
  • Source timestamp: 25:31