Sterling public meetings in 2021
34 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Sterling City Council will consider a $5,412,155 tax levy ordinance, award a $204,845 electrical contract for Central Park, and approve an ordinance redefining ward boundaries. The council will also vote on several consent agenda items, including pay requests for construction projects, and recognize a local volleyball star with a proclamation.
- Tax Levy Ordinance No. 2021-12-36 for $5,412,155
- Bid for Electrical Work at Central Park to CEC of the Sauk Valley for $204,845
- Ordinance No. 2021-12-34 permitting recreational fires with restrictions
- Ordinance 2021-12-35 redefining ward boundaries, shifting Ward 3/4 line west to Ave H
- Pay Request #5 to Martin and Company for $591,602.41 for 1st Avenue reconstruction
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board will consider approving the FY23 tax levy request of $454,203 and an intergovernmental agreement to join the Illinois Libraries Present (ILP) cooperative for online events. The board will also handle routine consent agenda items including minutes, bills, receipts, and reports.
- Approval of FY23 levy: $454,203 total, including $381,422 for library operations, $34,675 for building maintenance, and $38,106 for insurance
- Approval of intergovernmental agreement with Illinois Libraries Present (ILP) for pilot program January-June 2022; fee based on operating budget
- Consent agenda: approval of November minutes, bills payable, receipts, and cash & investment report
- Librarian's report and circulation/story hour statistics for November
- Closed session for employment/appointment matters per 5 ILCS 120/2
City Council
The Sterling City Council will vote on a consent agenda that includes approving minutes, bills, a stormwater engineering pay request, and several tax abatement resolutions. They will also consider a demolition bid, a splash pad purchase, and a property sale ordinance. The meeting includes public comment and a presentation on a service line warranty program.
- Pay request to Strand Associates Inc. for 2020 Stormwater Projects: $37,243.75
- Resolution R2021-11-21 abating 2021 tax levy by $3,396,600 for 2012 GO Refunding Bonds
- Resolution R2021-11-22 abating 2021 tax levy by $611,890 for 2017 GO Refunding Bonds
- Award bid to CPS Construction for demolition at 1802 East 3rd Street: $8,700
- Waive bid process and approve splash pad fixtures purchase: $65,413.00
City Council
The Sterling City Council will consider accepting the April 30, 2021 actuarial reports for the fire and police pension funds, which show funding ratios in critical territory. The recommended minimum contributions are $1,421,342 for the fire fund and $1,511,171 for the police fund. The meeting also includes consent agenda items, including a final payment for the Lynn Blvd/LeFevre Rd roundabout and a change order for the City Hall elevator.
- Pay Request #7 & Final to Martin & Company Excavating for $25,558.60 for the Lynn Blvd/LeFevre Rd Roundabout
- Change order to Schindler Elevator Corporation for $3,745 for security changes to the new elevator
- Acceptance of actuarial reports: fire pension funding ratio 54.3%, police pension funding ratio 56.01%
- Commendations for Johnson Ave rescue on September 27
- Approval of bills and payroll as presented
City Council
The Sterling City Council will consider several action items, including approving a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for the Lincoln Highway redevelopment project area (former Kmart site), amending fire prevention code, and awarding contracts for demolition and construction. The meeting also includes consent agenda items for payments and a proclamation, plus a presentation of the FY 2020/2021 audit.
- Ordinances to approve TIF eligibility study, designate redevelopment area, and adopt TIF for Lincoln Highway project
- Pay requests to Fischer Excavating for 4th/5th Avenue drainage project: $157,520.95 and $373,606.51
- Pay request to Gehrke Construction for National Training Building demolition/renovation: $29,205.90
- Waive bid and award $19,750 to Complete Electric for Dale Park lighting upgrade
- Award demolition contract for 602 W. 7th Street to Stichter Construction for $11,675
City Council
The Sterling City Council will hold a public hearing on establishing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for the Lincoln Highway area, including the former Kmart property. The council will also consider several consent agenda items, including a $426,195.80 payment for 1st Avenue reconstruction, a $122,101.99 elevator replacement payment, and an ordinance regarding railroad track rights. The meeting includes a study session to discuss allocating $1,996,161 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.
- Public hearing on Lincoln Highway Redevelopment TIF District
- Pay Request #3 to Martin and Company for 1st Avenue: $426,195.80
- Pay Request #1 to Schindler Elevator Corporation: $122,101.99
- Ordinance 2021-09-24 to vacate railroad grants and claim track rights by adverse possession
- Surf Broadband fiber license agreement for city right-of-way
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board is meeting to handle routine business including approval of minutes, bills, receipts, and reports. A contract to hire Willett Hoffman for a natural gas generator proposal was removed from the agenda. The board will also discuss and potentially approve COVID-19 hours and policies.
- Approval of bills payable (Invoices.pdf, 511 KB)
- Approval of receipts (August Revenue.pdf, 155 KB)
- Cash & Investment Report (July CI.pdf, 33 KB)
- Librarian's Report and circulation statistics
- Discussion and approval of COVID-19 hours/policies
City Council
The Sterling City Council will hold a public hearing on creating a Business Development District for the former Kmart property on Lincolnway, and will consider several consent agenda items including payments for stormwater and street projects. The council will also vote on referring a rezoning request for 409 Avenue L to the Plan Commission and on approving a collective bargaining agreement with the Teamsters union.
- Public hearing on Lincoln Highway Business Development District for former Kmart site
- Pay request of $29,656.28 to Strand Associates for 2020 Stormwater Projects
- Pay request #2 of $146,768.87 to Martin and Company for 1st Avenue reconstruction
- Resolution R2021-08-19 to close streets for Fiesta Parade on September 18, 2021
- Refer 409 Avenue L to Plan Commission for rezoning to CB with special use for truck parking
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board held a regular meeting on August 3, 2021. The board reviewed and approved minutes, expenditures, and revenue reports. They also discussed a proposed non-resident library card fee and the concept of a fine-free library policy.
- Approval of July board minutes
- Approval of July expenditures and revenue reports
- Approval of non-resident library card fee
City Council
The Sterling City Council will consider several action items, including setting a public hearing for a new Lincoln Highway TIF district, waiving the bid process to replace the City Hall elevator, purchasing a new street sweeper, and awarding a contract for Avenue D and E reconstruction. The consent agenda includes routine approvals and pay requests for ongoing construction projects.
- Ordinance to set public hearing for Lincoln Highway TIF on Sept 20, 2021
- Waive bid process and accept Schindler proposal for City Hall elevator replacement at $229,002
- Purchase A9 Monsoon street sweeper from RNOW INC for $258,308
- Award Avenue D and E reconstruction to Martin and Company for $498,387.47
- Pay requests: Northland Mall Detention Pond $12,146.75, Dillon Ave final $6,103.64, 1st Ave $258,723.44
City Council
The Sterling City Council is meeting remotely on July 19, 2021. The main business includes a public hearing on establishing a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for the Lincoln Highway redevelopment area, plus several consent agenda items and other actions. The council will also consider selling surplus property, purchasing two police vehicles, and approving multiple contractor payments.
- Public hearing on Lincoln Highway Redevelopment Tax Increment Financing District
- Pay Request #1 to Fischer Excavating for 4th and 5th Avenue drainage project: $97,329.15
- Pay Request O6 Environmental for hazardous waste removal: $24,850
- Purchase of two 2022 Ford AWD Utility Police Interceptors: $45,838.00
- Ordinance authorizing sale of surplus property at 910 5th Avenue at 80% of appraised value
City Council
The Sterling City Council will meet remotely to decide on several items, including a public hearing for the Lincoln Highway Business Development District, a $20,000 grant for abandoned residential property renovation, and updates to liquor license classifications. The meeting will also approve minutes, bills, and a pay request for demolition work at the former National Training Building.
- Approve pay request of $25,648.20 to Gehrke Construction for demolition and excavating at former National Training Building
- Close 500 block of Second Avenue for Fall Fest Celebration by Amazing Grace Church on September 19, 2021
- Adopt Ordinance 2021-07-18 setting August 16, 2021 public hearing for Lincoln Highway Business Development District
- Accept $20,000 grant from Illinois Housing Development Authority for abandoned residential property renovation
- Amend city code to add brewpub, craft distiller, and winery liquor license classifications
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board is meeting to approve routine consent items and reports, and to discuss several action items. Key decisions include approving a professional services contract for elevator repair, transferring $42,863.40 from the Coleman Estate to retire debt, and considering expenditures from the Coleman Estate for items like an RFID system and security gate. The board will also vote on a quote to continue digitizing microfilm.
- Approval of proposal from Willet Hoffman for elevator repair and improvements
- Transfer of $42,863.40 from Coleman Estate to Building-Capital account for copper banding debt
- Discussion of Coleman Estate expenditures: RFID system ($63,000), security gate ($16,000), staff bonuses, benches, phone system
- Approval of quote from Advantage Preservation to digitize 100 microfilm reels at $13,320 from Gray Trust
City Council
The Sterling City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on adopting the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the city's long-range planning document. The council will also consider ordinances to purchase two properties with chronic maintenance issues, plus several consent agenda items including a $338,302.11 street contract payment and a street closure for the Fiesta Parade.
- Public hearing and Resolution 2021-06-18 to adopt the City of Sterling Comprehensive Plan 2040
- Ordinance 2021-06-16 to purchase property at 602 W 7th Street (PIN 11-21-306-014) for demolition and green space
- Ordinance 2021-06-17 to purchase property at 204 W 5th Street (PIN 11-21-377-010) to address illegal parking and abandoned camper
- Pay Request #2 for 2020 Street Contract Program #2 to Martin and Company Excavating for $338,302.11
- Resolution R2021-06-17 to close streets for Fiesta Parade on September 18, 2021
City Council
The Sterling City Council will meet remotely to consider several action items, including awarding a $212,241 contract for a Public Works building addition, approving a $98,467 park playground equipment purchase, and authorizing a 40% health insurance premium rebate. The agenda also includes consent items, appointments, a public hearing for a small business grant, and a discussion of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
- Award contract to Martin & Company for Public Works Building Addition Project, $212,241
- Waive bid process and purchase park playground equipment from NuToys Leisure Products, $98,467
- Approve pay request to O6 Environmental for $165,150 for wastewater treatment plant cleanup
- Ordinance to sell surplus 1995 Aerial Ladder Truck to Nestucca Fire Protection District for $65,000
- Resolution for Sterling Public Library .02% Building and Maintenance Property Tax Levy
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board is meeting remotely due to COVID-19. The main action item is approval of the FY2023 appropriation. The board will also handle routine consent agenda items including minutes, bills, receipts, and financial reports.
- Approval of FY2023 appropriation
- Approval of minutes (May)
- Approval of bills payable (May)
- Approval of receipts (May)
- Cash & investment report
Plan Commission
The Sterling Plan Commission will hold a public hearing on annexing and zoning three parcels in Steelton Group 16, recommending SR-8 zoning to the City Council. They will also consider referring the completed 2040 Comprehensive Plan to the City Council for a public hearing and adoption on July 21, 2021. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions.
- Public hearing on annexation and zoning for Steelton Group 16 (3 parcels, SR-8 zoning)
- Referral of 2040 Comprehensive Plan to City Council for adoption on July 21, 2021
- Approval of minutes from March 18 and April 15, 2021 meetings
City Council
The Sterling City Council will vote on several contracts and purchases, including a $1.49 million drainage improvement bid, a $619,009 insurance renewal, and a new TIF district for the former Kmart site. They will also consider agreements for park improvements, playground equipment, a warning siren, and a dump truck cost increase. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom due to COVID-19.
- Award $1,493,921.75 bid to Fischer Excavating for 4th and 5th Avenue drainage improvements
- Approve $619,009 MICA insurance renewal for 2021-2022 (9.83% increase)
- Adopt ordinance setting July 19, 2021 public hearing for Lincoln Highway TIF
- Approve $98,467 purchase of playground equipment from NuToys for Wallace and Platt Parks
- Approve $23,549 purchase of outdoor warning siren from Braniff Communications
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board will hold its May 4 meeting remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions. Members will approve minutes, bills, receipts, and a cash report, then vote on the 2022 meeting schedule and holiday closures. They will also consider amending the non-resident student library card policy and elect officers.
- Approve FY2022 meeting schedule: first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Library Community Room
- Approve FY2022 holiday closures including Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Christmas Day
- Amend non-resident student library card policy to waive fees for students receiving free/reduced lunch
- Elect officers for the board
- Approve bills payable, receipts, and cash/investment report
City Council
The Sterling City Council will vote on several major expenditures, including a $2.49 million contract for the full reconstruction of 1st Avenue, a $619,000 purchase of three used fire apparatus, and a $24,198 demolition contract. The meeting also includes routine consent agenda items, personnel actions, and a proclamation for Police Memorial Day.
- Award $2,486,500.19 bid to Martin and Company for 1st Avenue reconstruction from 5th Street to LeFevre
- Purchase three used fire apparatus (2007 KME tower ladder, two 2011 KME pumpers) for $619,000
- Waive bid process and accept $24,198 quote from Burke Excavating to demolish former Wastewater Treatment Facility at National Manufacturing
- Approve $250/week on-call pay for Wastewater employees
- Approve $175/week retroactive stipend for Deputy Fire Chief Michael Dettman as interim Chief
City Council
The Sterling City Council will vote on the FY 2021-2022 budget, a 2.5% pay increase for non-union staff, and increases to refuse and wastewater fees. They will also consider several other items including a roof repair contract, a TIF district termination, and a property purchase. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom due to COVID-19.
- Adopt FY 2021-2022 budget (Ordinance 2021-04-10)
- 2.5% general pay increase for non-union personnel and City Manager
- Refuse collection fee increase to $19.45/month (Ordinance 2021-04-08)
- Wastewater rate increases: minimum basic user charge to $11.50, basic user rate to $3.85 per 100 cu. ft. (Ordinance 2021-04-09)
- Award $20,200 contract to Premier Roofing Design for re-roofing at 405 16th Avenue
Plan Commission
The Sterling Plan Commission is meeting remotely via Zoom to discuss the draft Comprehensive Plan 2040 and consider approval of the previous meeting's minutes. The agenda includes only procedural items and one discussion item, with no formal votes on specific projects or ordinances scheduled.
- Discussion of Comprehensive Plan 2040 draft (Draft 1_Comprehensive Plan 2040_2021 03 12-compressed.pdf)
- Approval of March 18, 2021 meeting minutes
- Meeting held remotely via Zoom due to COVID-19 executive order
Sterling Public Library Board
The April 6, 2021 meeting of the Sterling Public Library Board is cancelled, but a remote Zoom session is scheduled under COVID-19 executive orders. The agenda includes routine items such as approval of minutes, bills, receipts, and reports, plus discussion of a slate of officers and fine amnesty. Public comments can be submitted by email before the meeting.
- Meeting cancelled, remote Zoom session scheduled
- Approval of minutes, bills, receipts, cash and investment report
- Librarian's report and circulation statistics
- Discussion of slate of officers
- Discussion of fine amnesty
City Council
The Sterling City Council is meeting remotely to hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2021-2022 budget and to consider several consent agenda items, including a 2.5% pay increase for the City Manager, street closures for community events, and disposal of surplus property. The budget adoption is scheduled for April 19, 2021.
- Public hearing on FY 2021-2022 budget
- Ordinance 2021-04-05 annexing Steelton Subdivision Group 15
- 2.5% general increase and $1,600 one-time check for City Manager
- Resolution R2021-04-08 closing Second Street for Main Street Car Show
- Ordinance 2021-04-06 authorizing disposal of 1994 International dump truck
Plan Commission
The Sterling Plan Commission is meeting remotely to consider a public hearing on the annexation and zoning of 26 parcels in the Steelton Group 15 area, recommending SR-8 zoning to the City Council. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and a discussion of the draft Comprehensive Plan 2040.
- Public hearing on annexation and zoning of Steelton Group 15 (26 parcels, SR-8 zoning)
- Approval of minutes from January 21, 2021 meeting
- Discussion of Draft 1 Comprehensive Plan 2040
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board is meeting remotely due to COVID-19. They will consider approving an amended FY21 budget and the FY22 budget, which includes a minimum wage increase to $12 for some staff and a 50-cent raise for others. The board will also discuss a security gate replacement quote and a possible historic preservation nomination, and will hold a closed session for employment matters.
- Approval of amended FY21 budget
- Approval of FY22 budget with staff raises (minimum wage to $12, 50-cent raise for others)
- Discussion of National Register of Historic Places nomination letter
- Discussion and approval of security gate replacement (quote from Bibliotheca)
- Closed session for employment/appointment matters
City Council
The Sterling City Council is meeting remotely to consider several action items, including awarding a $234,500 contract for demolition and renovation of the former National Training Building, and an ordinance to deny a request for a cell tower at 2601 E Lincolnway. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes, bills and payroll, and resolutions related to road maintenance funds and property tax abatements for bonds. A presentation from Sauk Valley Community College about its Impact Program is also scheduled.
- Resolution 2021-3-5: MFT supplemental resolution reimbursing General Fund $100,000 for road maintenance
- Resolution R2021-03-06: abatement of real property taxes for Taxable GO Bonds (Series 2021A)
- Resolution R2021-03-07: abatement of real property taxes totaling $1,018,135.56 for GO Bonds (Series 2021B)
- Ordinance 2021-3-3: deny request to rezone 2601 E Lincolnway for a 70-foot cell tower
- Bid award: Gehrke Construction, $234,500, for demolition/renovation of former National Training Building
City Council
The Sterling City Council will meet remotely to consider several property-related actions, including annexing territory for Steelton Subdivision Group 14, referring Group 15 annexation to the Plan Commission, vacating a portion of Harvey Drive, and authorizing a $246,400 IHDA grant for residential renovation and demolition. The agenda also includes routine consent items (minutes, bills, payroll) and a budget study session, followed by a closed session for employment matters.
- Ordinance 2021-2-4: Annexing Steelton Subdivision Group 14 territory
- Resolution 2021-2-2: Referring Steelton Subdivision Group 15 annexation to Plan Commission
- Ordinance 2021-2-2: Vacating 0.116 acre of Harvey Drive adjacent to 2001 Chestnut Avenue
- Resolution 2021-2-4: Authorizing IHDA Strong Communities Program grant of $246,400
- Budget study session for FY 21-22 including sewer, solid waste, police pension funds
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board will meet remotely via Zoom due to COVID-19. The board will discuss the preliminary FY22 budget, a succession plan required for a state grant, and the possibility of going fine-free. It will also handle routine consent agenda items like minutes, bills, receipts, and reports, and may enter executive session for personnel matters.
- Discussion of preliminary FY22 budget
- Discussion and approval of Succession Plan (Per Capita grant requirement)
- Discussion of Fine Free Library policy
- Approval of bills payable (January, 360 KB attachment)
- Executive session for employee appointment/performance (5ILCS 120/2(c)(1))
City Council
The Sterling City Council will hold a remote special meeting to act on Ordinance 2021-1-1, which authorizes the Mayor to sign a grant agreement with the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Strong Communities Program. The $246,400 grant will fund renovation and demolition of residential properties, contingent on returning a signed Conditional Commitment Letter by February 1, 2021.
- Ordinance 2021-1-1 authorizing $246,400 IHDA Strong Communities Program grant
- Approval required to sign Conditional Commitment Letter by February 1, 2021
Plan Commission
The Sterling Plan Commission will hold public hearings on a US Cellular/Moose Lodge petition at 2601 E Lincolnway, an annexation and zoning request for Steelton Group 14, and a vacation of a portion of Harvey Drive. They will also discuss the Comprehensive Plan. The meeting will be held remotely via Zoom due to COVID-19.
- Public hearing and possible action on US Cellular/Moose Lodge petition at 2601 E Lincolnway
- Public hearing on annexation and zoning for Steelton Group 14 (1 parcel, SR-8 zoning recommended)
- Vacation of a portion of Harvey Drive adjacent to Lynn Boulevard
- Discussion of the Comprehensive Plan
- Approval of minutes from December 17, 2020
City Council
The Sterling City Council is meeting remotely due to COVID-19. The main business includes approving a resolution to commit Motor Fuel Tax funds for the West LeFevre Road reconstruction project, a memorandum of understanding to hire a temporary firefighter, and awarding a hazardous waste removal contract. The agenda also includes routine consent items and a proclamation for Mentoring Month.
- Resolution R2021-1-1 committing MFT funds for West LeFevre Road reconstruction (Ave K to Ave C)
- Memorandum of Understanding with IAFF Local #2301 to hire a float firefighter
- Hazardous waste removal bids for 1 First Avenue (Stanley-National facility)
- Proclamation declaring January 2021 as Mentoring Month
- Approval of bills and payroll
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board is meeting remotely due to COVID-19. They will vote on a new mission statement and collection policy for the Genealogy/Local History department, and on reimbursing the city for copper banding. They will also discuss going fine-free, the FY22 budget, and state library standards.
- Approval of scope for Genealogy/Local History Department, including new mission statement and collection development policy
- Discussion of Fine Free Library policy
- Preliminary discussion of FY22 Budget
- Approval to reimburse the City for copper banding
- Discussion of Serving our Public 4.0 Standards for Illinois Public Libraries Chapters 12-13
City Council
The Sterling City Council is meeting remotely due to COVID-19. The main discussion item is the First Avenue Road Project, which includes rebuilding 1st Avenue from 5th Street to Lefevre in 2021 and a proposal to convert the street from one-way to two-way. The council will also consider routine consent agenda items, including approval of minutes and bills/payroll.
- Discussion of First Avenue Road Project: rebuild 1st Avenue from 5th Street to Lefevre in 2021
- Proposal to convert 1st Avenue north of 5th Street from one-way to two-way
- Approval of minutes from December 21, 2020 meeting
- Approval of bills and payroll as presented