Temperature perfect and humidity down. Perfect day to golf or just a walk in one of our beautiful area parks!
The Journal Standard had no reports on the Freeport City Council meeting, so it is up to Good Day Illinois to summarize the meeting on June 17!
Brief summary of June 17 Freeport Council meeting:
Public Comments: Several people commented on the proposal to change Chicago Avenue from a one way street to a two way street. One problem which was raised is that the boxes for depositing the mail next to the post office would no longer work since they would not be on the driver’s side.
First reading of an Ordinance to make increased tax on electricity permanent: No real discussion and certainly no objections. Alderman Koester even suggested that the tax should be raised even more to pay for City Hall Improvements. Laid over till next meeting.
First reading of ordinance to make Chicago Avenue two way street. Laid over until next meeting on July 1. No more discussion since discussed during public comment time.
First reading of appropriation ordinance: No discussion at this time. Mayor indicated it could be discussed at next meeting at public hearing on budget. Hopefully, members of the public will look at it and forward questions to their alderman. It is available online. Just go to the meeting agenda for June 17 at city web site at http://www.ci.freeport.il.us.
First reading of ordinance to expand enterprise zone to East Dubuque to assist Sunflower Enterprises in East Dubuque, Illlinois: Since it would not really benefit Freeport, it was high priority with this council. Waived requirement of laying it over and passed it immediately!
Discussion of Fireworks: Council authorized mayor to spend up to $15,000 on fire works. Would not be on the 4th of July. Mayor can determine date!
Reports of Department Heads (if not listed nothing of interest):
Community Development: no report – should have been present and spoke on the benefits to Freeport of the expansion of Sunflower Enterprises, a company headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa.
Finance Department: Duane Price spoke earlier in the meeting.
Public Works: Nothing of interest from Tom Dole.
Fire Department: Special open house for council members. Public open house at later date.
Water and Sewer: New Burchard water tower ahead of schedule and should be done in September.