Sterling public meetings in 2022
37 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The Sterling City Council will consider approving a tax levy ordinance for $5,657,977, which is a 4.53% increase in projected collections but a decrease in the tax rate due to rising property values. The meeting also includes routine items such as approval of minutes and payment of bills.
- Tax Levy Ordinance No. 2022-12-30 for $5,657,977
- Approval of minutes from December 5, 2022
- Approval of bills and payroll
- Public comment period
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board is meeting to approve the library's FY24 tax levy before submitting it to the City Council. The board will also review routine reports and consent agenda items, including minutes, bills, receipts, and financial reports.
- Approval of FY24 tax levy (2022 estimated rate and funds request)
- Approval of bills payable (Accounts Payable, Expense Performance)
- Approval of receipts (Revenue Performance)
- Cash & Investment Report for October 2022
- Librarian's Report and circulation/story hour statistics
City Council
The Sterling City Council will vote on consent agenda items including pay requests for the Wallace Street project and Avenue D/E construction, and will consider ordinances to transfer properties for demolition and a resolution honoring a fallen fire captain. The Riverfront Committee will present its recommendations for the riverfront redevelopment.
- Pay Request #1 for Wallace Street to Gensini Excavating Inc. for $94,841.55
- Final pay request for Avenue D and Avenue E construction to Martin and Company Excavating for $153,361.14
- Ordinance 2022-12-28 to transfer properties at 901 and 905 First Avenue from GSDC to SIDC for demolition (combined purchase price $127,380.27)
- Resolution R2022-12-22 recognizing the anniversary of the line of duty death of Fire Captain Garrett Ramos
- Riverfront Committee recommendation on redevelopment proceeding
Sterling Riverfront Commission
The Riverfront Reimagined Commission is meeting for a planning session. The agenda lists only a discussion item, with no specific proposals or decisions detailed.
- Planning session discussion
City Council
The Sterling City Council will consider approving a tax levy estimate of $5,412,155, which is below the 5% threshold that would require a Truth-in-Taxation hearing. The council will also vote on contracts for grant writing services and two pay requests for the Central Memorial Park project, plus an easement from ComEd for Wallace Street.
- Tax levy estimate of $5,412,155, a 4.53% increase, no hearing required
- Pay request to Hibbard Builders for $40,037.59 for Central Memorial Park
- Pay request to MO-ST Plumbing for $42,895.00 for Central Memorial Park
- Contract with SynConn Solutions for grant writing services
- Acceptance of easement from ComEd for Wallace Street for $800
City Council
The Sterling City Council will consider a consent agenda that includes approving minutes, bills, and payroll, plus a proclamation for Small Business Saturday. The main items are 11 resolutions to abate the 2022 property tax levy totaling $8,602,600 for various general obligation bonds, using alternative revenues like sales taxes. The council will also hear presentations on electric vehicle infrastructure grants and the city's strategic plan, and hold a public hearing on a Brownfields grant application for the former Stanley and Lawrence Brothers buildings.
- Abate $611,090 for GO Refunding Bonds Series 2017 (R2022-11-13)
- Abate $255,800 for GO Refunding (ARS) Bonds Series 2020A (R2022-11-14)
- Abate $287,400 for GO (ARS) Bonds Series 2020B (R2022-11-15)
- Abate $2,216,037.50 for Taxable GO Bonds Series 2021A (CGH Medical Center) (R2022-11-17)
- Public hearing on USEPA Brownfields grant for 1 First Avenue and 2 First Avenue
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board is meeting to handle routine business including approving minutes, bills, receipts, and financial reports. The board will also discuss and potentially approve a holiday bonus/gift for staff and set the fee for non-resident library cards. Reports from the librarian, staff conference attendance, and circulation/story hour statistics are on the agenda.
- Discussion and approval of holiday bonus/gift
- Approval of non-resident card fee
- Approval of bills payable and receipts
- Cash & investment report for September
- Librarian's report including fall inspection
Sterling Riverfront Commission
The Riverfront Reimagined Commission is meeting for a planning session, with the agenda listing only a discussion of the commission's planning. No specific decisions, proposals, or action items are listed on the agenda.
- Planning session discussion
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board will hold a special meeting to discuss and vote on two change orders for fire-safety upgrades. The board will consider Change Order #1 to install three fire alarm devices in the elevator at a cost of $5,970 and Change Order #2 to add sprinkler heads, a sump pump, and related fire alarm work in the mechanical room and elevator shaft at a cost of $21,165.
- Change Order #1: $5,970 for three fire alarm devices in elevator
- Change Order #2: $21,165 for sprinkler heads, sump pump, and fire alarm work in mechanical room and elevator shaft
City Council
The Sterling City Council will hear presentations on electric vehicle infrastructure grants and grant writing, discuss the fire and police pension actuarial reports, and hold a discussion-only item on a rental inspection program. The consent agenda includes routine approvals such as minutes, bills, fee waivers, and a final construction pay request.
- Approve final pay request of $12,625.20 to Gehrke Construction for former National Training Building demolition renovation
- Waive fees for Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Shred Event at Sterling Marketplace on Nov 11, 2022
- Approve PADS Homeless Shelter bucket brigade on Nov 5, 2022
- Fire pension funding ratio increased to 59.71%; police pension to 65.40%
- Discussion on rental inspection program
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board will meet to approve routine consent items, including minutes, bills, receipts, and financial reports. The main action item is a possible agreement with Gehrke Construction for sprinkler and sump improvements related to the elevator.
- Approval of bills payable (Accounts Payable.pdf)
- Approval of receipts (Revenue Performance.pdf)
- Cash & Investment Report for August 2022
- Consideration of agreement with Gehrke Construction for sprinkler and sump improvements
City Council
The Sterling City Council will consider several consent agenda items, including a 10-year Comcast cable franchise renewal, fee waivers for local nonprofits, and a $41,182.58 pay request for Central Memorial Park construction. A separate ordinance would remove Class A liquor store licenses from the city's cap, potentially allowing more package stores. The council will also hear an update on the wastewater treatment plant project plan and discuss a railroad quiet zone study.
- Approve 10-year Comcast cable franchise agreement
- Ordinance 2022-10-27 to remove Class A liquor licenses from the 38-license cap
- Pay request of $41,182.58 to Hibbard Builders for Central Memorial Park
- Waive fees for Sauk Valley Foodbank fundraiser at Sterling Marketplace on Oct 26
- Approve Trick or Treat hours 4:30-7:00 p.m. on Oct 31
City Council
The Sterling City Council will consider several action items, including approving $250,000 in ARPA funds for housing-related projects, a $530,117.22 pay request for the 2022 street program, and an economic development grant for a fire-damaged multiplex. The council will also accept the FY 2021/2022 audited financial statements and may enter a closed session to discuss real property purchase or lease.
- Approve $250,000 in ARPA funds to SIDC for housing needs (acquisition, rehab, demolition, new construction)
- Pay Request #1 to Helm Civil for $530,117.22 for 2022 Street Contract Program
- Ordinance 2022-09-26: Economic Development Grant to FTH Holdings LLC for 405 16th Ave, $3,246/year for 5 years ($16,230 total)
- Resolution R2022-09-12 to close streets for Christmas Walk on Dec 2, 2022
- Accept FY 2021/2022 audited financial statements by Hopkins & Associates
Sterling Riverfront Commission
The Riverfront Reimagined Commission is holding a planning session to discuss the future of the riverfront area. The agenda lists only a discussion item, with no specific proposals or decisions detailed.
- Planning session for Riverfront Reimagined Commission
Plan Commission
The Sterling Plan Commission will consider a petition to subdivide lots 9 and 10 of the Meadowlands Business Park into lots 109 and 110. The meeting also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes as a consent agenda item.
- Petition to subdivide lots 9 and 10 of Meadowlands Business Park into lots 109 and 110
- Approval of minutes from June 16, 2022 meeting
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board will consider several action items, including approving a $15,000 certificate of deposit from Wells Fargo Bank using Gray Trust funds, and digitizing 207 reels of microfilm with a quote from Advantage Archives. They will also discuss a proposed policy for issuing free library cards to non-resident students, and review loan period and automatic renewal changes. The meeting includes routine consent agenda items such as minutes, bills, receipts, and reports.
- Approval of $15,000 CD from Wells Fargo Bank at 3% interest for 1 year using Gray Trust funds
- Discussion and approval of loan period for materials and automatic renewal
- Approval of library cards for non-resident students under 75 ILCS 5/4-7
- Approval of quote from Advantage Archives to digitize 207 reels of microfilm
- Reconsideration of material policy with current and proposed policies attached
City Council
The Sterling City Council will consider a redevelopment agreement with Highlands Development, LLC for the former Kmart property at 2901 E. Lincolnway, involving about $14 million in improvements with TIF/BDD assistance and sales tax sharing. The council will also act on consent agenda items including pay requests for drainage and demolition work, and personnel reappointments.
- Redevelopment agreement with Highlands Development, LLC for 2901 E. Lincolnway (former Kmart) with ~$14M improvements and 50% sales tax sharing for 15 years
- Pay request to Strand Associates Inc. for Griswold Avenue Drainage Improvements: $35,443.61
- Pay request #9 to Gehrke Construction for former National Training Building demolition/renovation: $9,238.06
- Reappointment of Scott Wolber to CGH Hospital Board and Colin Reynolds to Police Pension Board
- Authorize $1,500 in ARPA funding for PC's for People program with Whiteside Area Career Center
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board is holding a special meeting to discuss and potentially approve a bid for elevator modernization. The agenda includes roll call and a single discussion/action item regarding the elevator bid.
- Discussion and approval of elevator modernization bid
City Council
The Sterling City Council will consider approving a redevelopment agreement for the former K-Mart property at 2901 E. Lincolnway, including $14 million in improvements funded through TIF/BDD incentives. The council will also vote on a $464,219 sewer rehabilitation project, a $30,000 ARPA-funded truancy program, and several pay requests totaling $100,124.41 for park and building projects.
- Approve $464,219 bid to Hoerr Construction for sanitary sewer rehabilitation on Avenue G, 5th Avenue E, and 16th Avenue Easement
- Approve Ordinance No 2022-07-22 for $14M redevelopment agreement with Highlands Development, LLC for 2901 E. Lincolnway (former K-Mart)
- Approve $75,269.84 pay request to Hibbard Builders for Central Memorial Park concessions, bathroom, and splash pad facility
- Approve $24,854.57 pay request to Gehrke Construction for demolition and renovation of former National Training Building
- Approve $30,000 in ARPA funds for Whiteside County Healthier Communities Partnership's Post-Pandemic Truancy Program
Sterling Riverfront Commission
The Riverfront Commission is meeting to tour the Lawrence and National riverfront sites with representatives from Gorman and Studio GWA architects. After the tour, Gorman will discuss how to integrate the Commission and community into the development process and define partner roles.
- Discussion on the Riverfront (Lawrence and National sites)
- Tour of sites with Gorman and Studio GWA architects
- Discussion on integrating Commission and community into the process
Sterling Public Library Board
This meeting of the Sterling Public Library Board was cancelled. The agenda lists only routine items such as approval of minutes, bills, receipts, and reports, but no business will be conducted.
- Meeting cancelled for July 5, 2022
- Agenda included approval of minutes, bills payable, receipts, and cash/investment report
- Librarian's report and circulation/story hour report were listed but not held
City Council
The Sterling City Council will consider several action items, including a zoning change for a proposed assisted living facility, a police vehicle purchase, and a fire station kitchen remodel. The agenda also includes consent items such as road closures for community events and a payment for drainage improvements.
- Rezone 24.78 acres on West St. Mary's Road from SR-4 to MR-6 with special use for assisted living facility
- Waive bid and accept $59,201.99 quote for 2023 Police Package Chevrolet Tahoe
- Waive bid and accept $22,150.00 proposal for fire station kitchen remodel
- Pay $28,528.45 to Strand Associates for Griswold Avenue drainage improvements
- Close streets for Fiesta Parade on September 17, 2022
City Council
The Sterling City Council will hold its regular meeting to approve routine minutes, bills, and payroll, plus several consent items including a .02% library tax levy, street closures for fundraisers, and a $3.05 million bid for Wallace Street reconstruction. The council will also consider transferring jurisdiction of surplus residential lots to the Industrial Development Commission and amend the City Manager’s contract.
- Approve .02% Building and Maintenance Property Tax Levy for Sterling Public Library
- Close West 2nd Street between Avenue A and Avenue B for July 16 fundraiser
- Award Wallace Street Reconstruction Phase II bid to Gensini for $3,051,451.70
- Transfer jurisdiction of surplus residential lots to Industrial Development Commission
- Amend City Manager contract for compensation
Plan Commission
The Sterling Plan Commission will consider approving a rezoning of 24.78 acres on the south side of the 600-800 block of W 23rd St (W St Mary's Rd) from SR-4 to MR-6 with a Special Use. The meeting also includes procedural items: call to order, roll call, and approval of the April 21, 2022 minutes.
- Rezone 24.78 acres on south side of 600-800 block of W 23rd St (W St Mary's Rd) from SR-4 to MR-6 with Special Use
- Approval of minutes from April 21, 2022 meeting
City Council
The Sterling City Council will vote on several consent agenda items and business items, including approving a $557,173 street construction contract, purchasing body-worn and fleet cameras for the police department, and amending the enterprise zone fee schedule. The meeting also includes a public comment period and an executive session for personnel matters.
- Award 2022 Street Construction Program to Helm of Freeport for $557,173.00
- Waive bid process to purchase 26 Axon body cameras and 9 fleet cameras for $178,145.70 over 5 years
- Approve MICA insurance renewal for FY 2022-2023 at $647,398 (4.59% increase)
- Approve Pay Request #7 to Gehrke Construction for $56,870.80 for National Training Building demolition
- Approve Ordinance No 2022-05-20 amending the Whiteside Carroll Enterprise Zone fee schedule
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board is meeting to handle routine business and consider a new maintenance contract with WIPFLI. The board will vote on approving the contract, which costs $810 per month or $9,720 per year, an increase from the previous $745 per month or $8,940 per year. The agenda also includes consent items like minutes, bills, receipts, and reports.
- Approval of WIPFLI Consulting Services Contract at $810/month ($9,720/year), up from $745/month ($8,940/year)
- Approval of minutes from April 5, 2022 meeting
- Approval of accounts payable (883 KB attachment)
- Approval of April revenue receipts (155 KB attachment)
- Cash and investment report for March (52 KB attachment)
City Council
The Sterling City Council will consider several ordinances, including rezoning 4204-4312 East Lincolnway to a Planned Development District for a multi-tenant commercial building with a drive-up facility. The council will also vote on an amended business district tax ordinance for the Lincoln Highway, an encroachment agreement for renovations at 121-123 East 3rd Street, and a contract for demolishing a house at 504 W. 6th Street. The agenda also includes consent items, proclamations, and a closed session for personnel matters.
- Ordinance 2022-05-18: Rezoning 4204-4312 East Lincolnway to Planned Development District for a multi-tenant commercial building
- Ordinance 2022-05-17: Amended ordinance imposing business district taxes within the Lincoln Highway Business District
- Ordinance 2022-05-19: Encroachment agreement for external ramps and stairs at 121-123 East 3rd Street
- Agreement with Wendler Engineering to develop a Pedestrian Plan
- Sale of 1996 Alexis Fire Apparatus to City of Springfield, SD for $25,000; demolition contract at 504 W. 6th St. to Stichter Construction for $14,825
Plan Commission
The Sterling Plan Commission will vote on two business items: an encroachment into the city right-of-way at 121-123 E 3rd St and adoption of a Planned Development District for properties at 4204-4406 E Lincolnway. The meeting also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes.
- Encroachment request for 121-123 E 3rd St
- Adopt Planned Development District for 4204-4406 E Lincolnway
- Approval of minutes from February 18, 2022
City Council
The Sterling City Council will vote on the FY 2022-2023 budget ordinance and a pay plan with a 3% raise for non-union staff. The council will also consider increasing wastewater service charges effective May 1, 2022, and approve several consent agenda items including a $20,000 housing grant and a $48,228.75 construction pay request. A closed session is scheduled to discuss pending litigation.
- Ordinance No. 2022-04-14 adopting the FY 2022-2023 budget
- Ordinance No. 2022-04-15 amending pay plan with 3% general increase for non-union personnel
- Ordinance No. 2022-04-16 raising minimum wastewater charge from $11.50 to $12.00 and basic user rate from $3.85 to $4.00 per 100 cu.ft.
- Resolution 2022-04-07 accepting $20,000 Illinois Housing Development Authority Strong Communities Program grant
- Pay Request #6 to Gehrke Construction Inc. for $48,228.75 for the National Training Building
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board will consider approving a fine-free policy that waives late fees on all materials except GoGo Gadget items, effective May 1, 2022. The board will also vote on routine consent agenda items, including approval of minutes, bills, receipts, and a $20,000 certificate of deposit purchase.
- Approval of fine-free library policy, waiving late fees except for GoGo Gadget items ($5/day overdue)
- Approval of $20,000 Certificate of Deposit from Goldman Sachs at 2.15% interest, maturing April 7, 2025
- Approval of FY23 library closures for holidays (e.g., Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving)
- Approval of FY23 board meeting dates (first Tuesday monthly at 7 p.m., July 5, 2022 cancelled)
- Consent agenda: minutes, bills payable, receipts, cash & investment report
City Council
The Sterling City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2022-23 annual budget, with adoption scheduled for April 18. The council will also consider several action items, including consent agenda approvals, a personnel policy revision, and contracts for demolition and park construction.
- Public hearing on FY 2022-23 Annual Budget
- Resolution R2022-04-06 to close Fourth Street for Memorial Day Celebration on May 30
- Personnel manual revision changing personal time accrual for new hires
- Award $4,000 contract to CPS Construction for demolition at 1008 Ash Avenue
- Waive bid process for $38,020 framing/drywall and $31,975 roofing at Central Memorial Park
City Council
The Sterling City Council is meeting for a strategic planning workshop, which is a discussion session rather than a decision-making meeting. The agenda contains only this single business item, so no formal votes or specific proposals are listed.
- Strategic Planning Workshop discussion
City Council
The Sterling City Council will decide on several key items including emergency repairs to the Coliseum ceiling, amendments to the liquor code to allow an axe-throwing business and increase liquor licenses, and a zoning change to permit retail incubators and light industrial uses. The meeting will also discuss a master developer agreement for the riverfront area and receive updates on park improvements and signage projects.
- Approve $33,669 payment to Gehrke Construction for former National Training Building demolition/renovation
- Approve Coliseum ceiling repairs by Winter Construction (includes LED lighting and drop ceiling upgrades)
- Amend liquor code to create new license for axe-throwing businesses and increase total liquor licenses from 34 to 38
- Amend zoning code to allow retail incubators in downtown and light industrial uses in RB district
- Discuss master developer agreement with Gorman & Company for riverfront redevelopment
City Council
The Sterling City Council will consider a resolution to object to a county rezoning request for 3818 River Road, approve a final payment for the Public Works addition, and waive bidding for doors and windows for Central Memorial Park. It will also discuss creating a temporary Assistant Wastewater Superintendent position and review several budget funds in a study session.
- Resolution 2022-02-03: object to rezoning 3818 River Road from R2-SPU to I-1 (Martin Kapp)
- Pay Request #1 (Final) to Martin and Company for Public Works Addition: $214,041.80
- Waive bid and purchase overhead doors from Raynor: $30,242.00
- Waive bid and purchase/install windows and doors from Dixon Glass: $29,902.00
- Authorize agreement with Wendler Engineering for Tori Pines subdivision road reconstruction
Sterling Public Library Board
The Sterling Public Library Board will meet to approve routine minutes and bills, receive the librarian’s report, and discuss two major items: a proposal to waive late fines for Sterling residents and a preliminary FY23 budget. No decisions are scheduled on the budget; it will be discussed only.
- Approval of minutes from December 2021
- Approval of December 2021 and January 2022 invoices and expenditures
- Consideration of a fine-free library policy for Sterling residents and certain cardholders
- Discussion of the Preliminary FY23 budget (no vote scheduled)
- Approval of the director’s contract extension and staff raises for FY22
City Council
The Sterling City Council will consider issuing up to $35.5 million in general obligation bonds: $27.5 million to address unfunded pension liabilities for police and firefighter pensions, and $8 million for road and stormwater infrastructure projects. The council will also vote on a pension bond policy and refer zoning text amendments to the Planning Commission. Consent agenda items include approval of minutes, bills, payroll, two proclamations, and a pay request for 1st Avenue reconstruction.
- Ordinance 2022-01-02: issue up to $27,500,000 in taxable GO bonds for police and fire pension unfunded liability
- Ordinance 2022-01-03: issue up to $8,000,000 in GO bonds for infrastructure including Lefevre Road, E. 2nd Street, Wallace Street, Griswold Ave
- Pay Request #6 to Martin and Company for 1st Avenue reconstruction in the amount of $312,7563.09
- Resolution 2022-01-01: adopt a Pension Obligation Bond Policy
- Referral to Planning Commission for zoning text amendments, including big box reuse and downtown retail incubator
City Council
The Sterling City Council will hold a public hearing on issuing up to $35.5 million in general obligation bonds for police/fire pension liabilities and infrastructure projects. They will also vote on an ordinance to raise annual video gaming terminal fees from $25 to $250.
- Approve $82,159.80 final payment to Martin and Company for 2020 Street Program (pavement markings on 43rd Avenue, 6th Avenue; manhole adjustments at 4th Avenue and 6th Street)
- Public hearing on $27.5M Taxable General Obligation Bonds (Series 2022A) and $8M General Obligation Bonds (Series 2022B)
- Vote on Ordinance 2022-01-01 to raise annual video gaming terminal fees from $25 to $250
- Approval of minutes and bills/payroll as presented