Sterling public meetings in 2024

City Council

The Sterling City Council is holding a special meeting to approve waiving bid processes and awarding contracts for environmental abatement and demolition projects, all funded by ARPA. The urgency is due to updated ARPA fund requirements that don't allow time for a full bid process before the deadline to commit funds. The council will also consider hiring a lobbying firm for a River Edge Redevelopment Zone designation.

• Waive bid and contract with Sterling Environmental for $30,325 asbestos abatement at 402 Locust Street (Sterling Theater)
• Waive bid and contract with Stichter Construction for $46,475 demolition at 410, 412, 414 East 3rd Street
• Waive bid and contract with Stichter Construction for $62,500 demolition at 501 and 503 Avenue B
• Waive bid and contract with Stichter Construction for $24,080 demolition at 302 4th Avenue
• Authorize Mayor to hire lobbying firm (MRH Solutions) for River Edge Redevelopment Zone designation

City Council

The Sterling City Council will vote on a tax levy ordinance of $6,139,584, a $98,514 payment for the Riverfront Splashpad, and several other contracts and ordinances. They will also discuss downtown dumpster issues and a wage study.

• Tax Levy Ordinance No. 2024-12-29 for $6,139,584 (4.94% increase)
• Pay request of $98,514 to Vortex Aquatic Structures for Riverfront Splashpad
• Final pay request of $21,968.51 to Otto Baum for Farmers Market tuck pointing
• Pay request of $54,702.50 to Irwin Seating for Sterling Theater seating
• Ordinance for easement at 16th Ave and Lynn Blvd. for sanitary sewer

Sterling Public Library Board

The Sterling Public Library Board will meet to discuss and potentially approve two new policies: an Artificial Intelligence policy and a revised Patron Behavior policy. The AI policy aims to guide responsible use of AI tools to avoid copyright issues and prepare for future adoption, while the Patron Behavior policy updates rules for library users. The board will also approve minutes, bills, receipts, and a cash report.

• Approval of November meeting minutes
• Approval of November bills payable (invoices.pdf)
• Approval of November receipts (November Revenue.pdf)
• Approval of November cash & investment report
• Discussion and approval of Artificial Intelligence policy

City Council

The Sterling City Council will decide on several ordinances including one amending public camping rules, a 5% hotel tax, and a municipal grocery tax to replace a state tax being repealed. They will also vote on a $54,452 playground equipment purchase, authorize a street reconstruction project, and transfer property to the Industrial Development Commission.

• Approve Ordinance 2024-12-28 amending public camping regulations
• Approve 5% hotel tax to fund tourism and economic development
• Approve municipal grocery tax to retain $600K–$750K in annual revenue
• Purchase $54,452 playground equipment for Wallace Park from Kompan
• Authorize $6.2M 2nd Street reconstruction project with IDOT

Plan Commission

The Sterling Plan Commission will meet to consider a petition to vacate a 17-foot right-of-way in the 100 block of 4th Ave. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from the previous meeting. No other substantive items are listed.

• Petition to vacate 17' ROW in the 100 block of 4th Ave
• Approval of minutes from September 26, 2024

Sterling Riverfront Commission

The Sterling Riverfront Reimagined Commission will discuss updates on the Lawrence and National project, construction timelines for Riverfront Park phases, and fundraising progress. They will also review media plans to promote park development and fundraising efforts.

• Lawrence and National project update by Ron Clewer
• Construction update and estimated timeline for Riverfront Park Phases I, II, and III by Scott Shumard
• Fundraising totals: cash received and commitments by Josh Johnson
• Veterans Memorial update: Sterling Federal Bank donation and Legion/Skoog design and construction timing
• Media plan to promote park development and fundraising

City Council

The Sterling City Council will consider approving a 2024 tax levy estimate of $6,139,584, a 4.94% increase that stays below the 5% threshold requiring a Truth-in-Taxation hearing. The council will also vote on a $77,133 pay request to Gorman & Company for riverfront redevelopment work, plus routine consent items like minutes and bills.

• Tax levy estimate of $6,139,584 (4.94% increase, no hearing required)
• Pay request #9 to Gorman & Company for $77,133 for riverfront redevelopment
• Approval of minutes from Nov 4, 2024 meeting
• Approval of bills and payroll with budget performance report

Sterling Public Library Board

The Sterling Public Library Board will meet to approve minutes, bills, receipts, and investment reports. Key decisions include adopting the FY25 levy, combining service awards with the City, and setting non-resident card fees. The board will also discuss remodeling the upstairs public restroom.

• Approval of FY25 levy with estimated $549,325 operating funds
• Approval to combine service awards with City ($10 per year of service plus pin)
• Approval of Edward Jones investment
• Approval of non-resident card fee (details in attached document)
• Discussion on remodeling the upstairs public restroom

City Council

The Sterling City Council will consider a consent agenda that includes approving minutes, bills, and several resolutions to abate property taxes for various bond series, totaling over $7.6 million for the 2024 levy. They will also vote on a proclamation for Small Business Saturday, a Jaycees bucket brigade petition, and a new energy contract for street lighting.

• Abate $613,515 for 2017 GO Refunding Bonds
• Abate $263,000 for 2020A GO Refunding Bonds
• Abate $290,200 for 2020B GO Bonds
• Abate $456,000 for 2020C GO Refunding Bonds
• Approve energy contract for dusk-to-dawn street lighting

City Council

The Sterling City Council is meeting to approve several consent agenda items, including contracts for asbestos abatement at six properties totaling $43,865, and to consider ordinances on a utility tax exemption for Sterling Steel and a comprehensive plan amendment. They will also receive the annual audit and actuarial reports for the fire and police pension funds.

• Asbestos abatement contracts with Sterling Environmental: $19,780 (410/412 E 3rd St), $1,495 (414 E 3rd St), $2,325 (406 Broadway), $17,075 (907 1st Ave), $1,495 (501 Ave B), $10,695 (503 Ave B)
• Pay Request #2 to Otto Baum for $90,225.60 for tuck pointing at Farmers Market
• Ordinance No 2024-10-22: municipal utility tax exemption for Sterling Steel Company LLC
• Ordinance No 2024-10-25: amendment to Comprehensive Plan for solar and East Lincoln Way housing
• Resolution R2024-10-18: street closures for Sights and Sounds Christmas Walk on Dec 6

Sterling Riverfront Commission

The Riverfront Reimagined Commission is meeting to discuss the phased budget plans, including missing items like engineering services, and to review construction timelines and updates for Phase I. They will also consider the timing for putting Phase II amenities out to bid, site planning for seating and trees, and receive an update from the foundation on commitments and designations. The agenda is discussion-only, with no formal votes or decisions listed.

• Discussion of budget gaps, specifically engineering services
• Construction timeline and updates for Phase I
• Timing for Phase II amenities to go to bid
• Site planning for seating and trees
• Foundation update on commitments, including earmarked funds and donor interests (e.g., Veteran's Memorial, bicycle racks, memorial benches)

City Council

The Sterling City Council will meet to vote on several items, including the appointment of Aida Baker to fill the Ward Four alderperson vacancy, approval of a $655,203 local match for a bikeway path on East 2nd Street, and the donation of surplus police radios to a local career center. The meeting also includes routine procedural actions, proclamations, and discussions on fire department false alarms and surplus property transfers.

• Appoint Aida Baker to fill Ward Four alderperson vacancy
• Approve $655,203 local matching funds for East 2nd Street bikeway path from Broadway to 1st Avenue
• Donate 8 surplus Kenwood radios to Whiteside Area Career Center
• Amend false alarm ordinance to include fire department notifications
• Transfer jurisdiction of 907 1st Avenue and 812 West 10th properties to Industrial Development Commission

Sterling Public Library Board

The Sterling Public Library Board will hold its regular meeting to approve minutes from September 2024 and bills payable for September. The board will also review financial reports, librarian reports, and circulation statistics. No formal decisions are scheduled, but discussions will include an art display policy, starting a friends group, and an estate giving program.

• Approval of September 2024 minutes
• Approval of September bills payable (file attached)
• Review of September financial reports (revenue and expenses)
• Discussion of an art display policy (file attached)
• Discussion on starting a friends group and an estate giving program

Plan Commission

The Sterling Plan Commission is meeting to consider a request to subdivide lot 11-16-102-002 (also referred to as lot 22) to create a new 1.3-acre lot for a new commercial building. The agenda includes a consent agenda for approving minutes and the main business item regarding the subdivision. Attachments reference Dollar General and Locust Street, suggesting the commercial building may be for that retailer.

• Subdivision of lot 11-16-102-002 (lot 22) to create a 1.3-acre lot for a new commercial building
• Approval of minutes from the August 15, 2024 meeting
• Attachments include a plat dated 2024-09-18 and civil/site plans referencing Dollar General on Locust Street

Sterling Riverfront Commission

The Riverfront Reimagined Commission is meeting to discuss several items related to the riverfront project, including an update from Ron Clewer on Gorman, a City Council naming rights policy, groundbreaking and promotional planning, fundraising updates, and construction phases. All items are listed as discussions, with no formal votes or decisions indicated.

• Gorman update presented by Ron Clewer
• City Council naming rights policy discussion
• Groundbreaking update and promotional planning
• Fundraising update
• Phase I, II, and III construction and fundraising

City Council

The Sterling City Council will consider awarding the low bid for Phase 1 construction of the Sterling Riverfront Park, along with several other actions. They will also hold a public hearing on a Brownfields grant application, consider waiving the bid process for wastewater plant repairs, and vote on appointments and consent agenda items.

• Award low bid of $4,740,853.26 to Sjostrom and Sons, Inc. for Riverfront Park Phase 1 construction
• Public hearing on Brownfields Cleanup Grant for former Stanley National Hardware and Lawrence Brothers Buildings at 1 and 2 First Avenue
• Waive bid process and accept $223,660.00 proposal from Sabel Mechanical for wastewater treatment plant trough and scum box replacement
• Adopt Resolution 2024-09-15 establishing naming guidelines for city facilities and memorial benches/trees
• Approve bucket brigade petitions from Knights of Columbus (Sept 21) and Happy Tails (Oct 5)

City Council

The Sterling City Council is holding a special meeting on September 9, 2024, at 4:00 pm. The main action item is a vote on Ordinance 2024-09-19, which authorizes a pre-annexation agreement with TN Hermes LLC for property at the southeast corner of McCue Road and West LeFevre Road. The meeting also includes procedural items like roll call and public comment.

• Ordinance 2024-09-19 authorizing annexation agreement with TN Hermes LLC
• Property at southeast corner of McCue Road and West LeFevre Road (PIN 11-19-126-004)
• Public comment period

Sterling Public Library Board

The Sterling Public Library Board will discuss and potentially act on several policy changes, including revising the internet policy for juvenile patrons, enabling automatic renewal of library items, and allowing student cardholders to check out Go-Go Gadgets with a parent present. The board will also review routine consent agenda items such as minutes, bills, receipts, and financial reports.

• Proposed internet policy would remove parent permission slips for patrons 14 and under, but staff recommendation against allowing parents/caregivers to use juvenile computers
• Request to turn on automatic renewal for patrons in good standing, with no renewal if item is on hold
• Proposal to allow student use cards to check out Go-Go Gadgets if parent/guardian is present
• Approval of bills payable and receipts for August 2024
• Discussion of new bookmobile

City Council

The Sterling City Council will vote on several action items, including awarding a $690,976.40 street construction contract and authorizing the purchase of a vacant lot at 601 West 7th Street. The council will also consider appointing Alderperson Retha Elston as Vice Mayor and approve multiple consent agenda items, including parade requests and fee waivers. A presentation on the Sterling Riverfront Foundation's fundraising efforts is scheduled.

• Award 2024 Street Construction Program bid to Martin & Company Excavating for $690,976.40
• Ordinance 2024-09-20 authorizing purchase of 601 West 7th Street (PIN: 11-21-310-006)
• Resolution 2024-09-14 appointing Alderperson Retha Elston as Vice Mayor
• Approve Explore Downtown Sterling Halloween Parade on October 26, 2024, with road closures
• Approve Cubscout Pack 305 request to use Grandon Civic Center on September 30, 2024, with rental fee waiver

City Council

The Sterling City Council will vote on several consent agenda items, including a $107,500 pay request to Gorman and Company for riverfront work, a road closure, and a parade permit. They will also consider an ordinance allowing liquor license holders to apply for outdoor sidewalk café permits, an amended budget for the riverfront master plan, and a resolution transferring property to the Industrial Development Commission. A study session will discuss a potential camping ordinance.

• Pay Request #8 to Gorman and Company for $107,500.00 for engineering and environmental work by Fehr Graham
• Ordinance 2024-08-18 amending liquor license rules to allow outdoor sidewalk café permits with a 5-foot walkway
• Amended budget for the Master Plan under the Master Developer Agreement, including roof repairs at the National complex
• Resolution R2024-08-13 transferring jurisdiction of property (PIN 1121406017 at 701 1st Avenue) to the Industrial Development Commission
• Road closure of Reins Street from Locust to 1st Ave on Sept 7, 2024, for an Action Power Sports event

Plan Commission

The Sterling, IL Plan Commission will meet on August 15, 2024, to conduct two public hearings: one for a special use request at 310 Light Street and another for Comprehensive Plan amendments. The meeting will also include procedural items such as approval of prior minutes and a consent agenda.

• Public Hearing: Special Use request for 310 Light Street
• Public Hearing: Comprehensive Plan amendments (multiple files attached)
• Approval of prior meeting minutes (July 18, 2024)

Sterling Riverfront Commission

The Riverfront Reimagined Commission is meeting to discuss updates on the riverfront redevelopment project, including remediation work and timelines at the Lawrence building, next steps for windows, security, and lighting, hotelier updates, national testing costs and roof, and the bidding process for GWA updates. The meeting is primarily a discussion of ongoing project items.

• Remediation work and timeline at Lawrence
• Next steps for windows, security, and lighting at Lawrence
• Hotelier updates
• National testing costs and roof
• GWA bidding process implications and timelines

Sterling Public Library Board

The Sterling Public Library Board is meeting to handle routine business including approving minutes, bills payable, receipts, and financial reports. The board will also receive the Librarian's Report and circulation/story hour statistics. The agenda consists of standard consent agenda items and reports, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approval of June and July accounts payable
• Approval of June and July revenue receipts
• Cash & Investment Report for May and June
• Librarian's Report
• Circulation statistics and story hour reports for June and July

City Council

The Sterling City Council will hold its regular meeting to approve routine items via consent agenda, including minutes, bills, and petitions for local events. Key decisions include a vote on Ordinance 2024-08-17 to cap aggregate liquor licenses at 30 and swearing in a new police officer. The council will also discuss the city’s role in housing issues during a study session.

• Approve Ordinance 2024-08-17 to cap aggregate liquor licenses at 30
• Swear in new Police Officer Eldon Oltmanns
• Promote Fire Lieutenant Alex Vlakancic to Captain and Firefighter Vincent Morris to Lieutenant
• Approve petitions for bucket brigades by Sterling American Legion (Aug 10) and Sterling Moose Lodge (Aug 24)
• Approve petition to close Miller Road for Sterling High School Boosters fundraiser

Plan Commission

The Sterling Plan Commission will consider a petition for a special use permit for a solar farm on Le Fevre Road, which also involves rezoning the parcel from B2 to A1. Staff recommends sending a letter of objection or no objection to Whiteside County. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from a previous session.

• Special use permit petition for Whiteside County W Lefevre Solar
• Rezoning of parcel from B2 to A1 requested
• Staff recommendation: letter of objection or no objection to Whiteside County
• Approval of minutes as presented

City Council

The Sterling City Council will consider accepting an engineering proposal from Willett Hofmann & Associates for expanding the Meadowlands Retention Pond to handle increased stormwater runoff. The council will also swear in new firefighter and police officer, and approve routine consent items including minutes and bills.

• Engineering proposal from Willett Hofmann & Associates for Meadowlands Retention Pond expansion, estimated $40,000
• Swearing in of new Firefighter
• Swearing in of new Police Officer
• Approval of minutes from July 1, 2024 meeting
• Approval of bills and payroll

Sterling Riverfront Commission

The Sterling Riverfront Reimagined Commission will review updates on the riverfront park project, including final designs and timelines, a report from Gorman, city updates, and next steps with the Riverfront Foundation. Marketing plans for the park will also be discussed.

• Final Designs and Timeline for the Park
• Written report/update from Gorman
• City Updates relevant to moving forward with the Park
• Riverfront Foundation Next Steps
• Marketing of the Park/Recreation Space

Sterling Public Library Board

The Sterling Public Library Board meeting scheduled for July 2, 2024, has been cancelled. The agenda lists standard items such as call to order, roll call, consent agenda, and reports, but no business will be conducted.

• Meeting cancelled
• Consent agenda items (minutes, bills, receipts, cash report) not acted upon
• Librarian's report and circulation statistics not presented

City Council

The Sterling City Council will hold its regular meeting on July 1, 2024, at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers. The agenda includes procedural items, a public comment period, and a consent agenda with routine approvals. Two notable business items are a referral for a 4MW commercial solar facility on West LeFevre Road and a vote on a TIF redevelopment agreement for 311 1st Avenue.

• Refer to Plan Commission for Special Use of 4MW Commercial Solar Facility on West LeFevre Road
• Approve TIF Redevelopment Agreement for 311 1st Avenue with 90% tax increment reimbursement
• Approve minutes from June 17, 2024 meeting
• Approve bills and payroll as presented
• Closed session for self-evaluation with Illinois Municipal League representative

Sterling Riverfront Commission

The Riverfront Reimagined Commission is meeting for a planning session. The agenda lists only a discussion item for the commission's planning, with no specific proposals or decisions detailed.

• Planning session discussion

Sterling Public Library Board

The Sterling Public Library Board will hold its regular meeting to approve minutes, bills, receipts, and reports. The board will discuss and vote on holiday pay for part-time staff and receive updates on the library’s west windows and Bookmobile program.

• Approval of minutes from previous meeting
• Approval of bills payable and receipts
• Discussion and approval of holiday pay for part-time staff
• Discussion on west windows
• Update on Bookmobile program

City Council

The Sterling City Council will meet to consider a resolution authorizing the mayor to select an electricity supplier for the municipal aggregation program, along with several consent agenda items including proclamations, event requests, and approvals of minutes and bills. The meeting also includes the introduction of the interim fire chief.

• Resolution R2024-06-09 authorizing mayor to select electrical aggregation supplier and contract
• Approval of bills and payroll
• Juneteenth Proclamation approval
• Request from Sauk Valley Diversity Alliance to host Juneteenth Celebration at Grandon Civic Center and waive rental fees
• Request from Sterling Rock Falls Jaycees for Independence Day Celebration donation

City Council

The Sterling City Council will vote on several action items, including an ordinance to increase the number of liquor licenses to accommodate a new banquet facility, waiving the bid process to purchase two police vehicles and a wheel loader, and approving a side letter agreement that raises police wages. The consent agenda includes routine approvals, a construction pay request, an insurance renewal, and two street closure petitions.

• Ordinance 2024-05-16 to increase liquor license cap for The Mercantile Ballroom at 117 West 3rd Street
• Waive bid to buy two 2024 Chevrolet Tahoes for police from Karl Chevrolet for $103,542.40
• Waive bid to buy a 2024 John Deere 624 P Wheel Loader via Sourcewell for $245,260
• Approve police side letter raising wages 7-9% and extending contract 2 years with 3% annual increases
• Consent agenda includes $423,544.42 pay request to Nicam Construction and $855,574 MICA insurance renewal

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

Sterling Public Library Board

The Sterling Public Library Board is meeting to handle routine business and several action items. The board will consider approving two certificate of deposit purchases totaling $90,000, discuss purchasing a bookmobile, and discuss how to handle homeless or unsheltered patrons.

• Approve $45,000 CD at Citibank National Assn of Sioux Falls at 5% maturing 5/4/2026
• Approve $45,000 CD at Bank Hapoalim B.M. New York at 5.050% maturing 10/29/2025
• Discuss and approve purchase of a bookmobile
• Discuss homeless/unsheltered patrons
• Consent agenda: minutes, bills payable, receipts, cash & investment report

City Council

The Sterling City Council will vote on multiple contracts and ordinances, including a $7.65 million sanitary sewer rehabilitation project and a $34,765 tax-increment financing (TIF) consulting proposal for the Northland Mall redevelopment. The meeting will also consider real estate purchases, fire truck purchases, and proclamations for public service recognition.

• Award $7,649,268.80 bid to Hoerr Construction for sanitary sewer rehabilitation
• Approve $34,765 TIF consulting services with SB Friedman for Northland Mall redevelopment
• Purchase 304 4th Avenue property for $14,000 for redevelopment after fire damage
• Waive bid process to buy 2025 Peterbilt fire truck for $278,600
• Amend Enterprise Zone to include 2801 Hoover Road for Travel Center project

Sterling Riverfront Commission

The Sterling Riverfront Reimagined Commission will hold a planning session to discuss the ongoing Riverfront Reimagined project. This meeting is procedural and does not include formal decisions or votes.

City Council

The Sterling City Council will vote on adopting the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget and related ordinances, including a 5% pay increase for non-union staff and a $200 weekly stipend for the Acting Fire Chief. The council will also consider raising wastewater and refuse collection fees, approving $370,000 in ARPA-funded projects, and writing off $29,017.62 in uncollectible accounts. Several consent agenda items include budget amendments, proclamations, and event permits.

• Ordinance 2024-04-08 adopting FY 2024-2025 budget
• Ordinance 2024-04-09: 5% pay increase for non-union personnel
• Ordinance 2024-04-10: wastewater rates up (min. charge $12.50 to $13.50; per 100 cu.ft. $4.25 to $5.25)
• Ordinance 2024-04-11: refuse collection charge set at $20.00/month (55-cent increase)
• $370,000 in ARPA funds for 5 projects including $175,000 wayfinding signage and $150,000 Sterling Theater improvements

Sterling Public Library Board

The Sterling Public Library Board will vote on the fiscal year 2025 meeting schedule, holiday closures, and the strategic plan. Members will also discuss and potentially approve a fundraiser for the LIFE program, an after-hours event on October 24, 2024.

• Approval of FY25 meeting schedule: first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Library Community Room
• Approval of 2024 holiday closures including Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving
• Approval of the Strategic Plan Activity Plan
• Discussion and potential approval of LIFE fundraiser on October 24, 2024, 5–8 p.m., with liquor service and early library closure

City Council

The Sterling City Council will hold a public hearing on the FY 2024-2025 budget and consider several action items, including a resolution to send a letter of non-objection for a 5MW community solar project, a software agreement for the Building and Zoning and Clerk's offices, and multiple street closures for community events. The meeting also includes a presentation on intersection analysis and a proclamation for Michael Dettman's retirement.

• Public hearing on FY 2024-2025 budget
• Resolution 2024-04-07: letter of non-objection for 5MW community solar project at Freeport Road and Science Ridge Road
• IWORQ software agreement for Building and Zoning and City Clerk's Office ($13,000/year plus $8,000/year for licensing apps)
• Street closures for Sterling Municipal Band concerts, Movies in the Park, and Memorial Day service
• Proclamation recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Plan Commission

The Sterling Plan Commission will discuss a Special Use Permit application from Apex Clean Energy for a 5-MW ground-mounted solar farm on Freeport Road in Sterling Township. Staff recommends issuing a letter of no objection for the 76-acre project, which would develop 36 acres within the city's extraterritorial jurisdiction.

• Special Use Permit for 5-MW solar farm on Freeport Road
• 76-acre site with 36 acres proposed for development
• Staff recommends letter of no objection
• Parcel located in City's 1.5-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction
• Zoned A-1, Agricultural District

City Council

The Sterling City Council will hold its regular meeting to approve routine items via a consent agenda, including minutes, bills, payroll, and a temporary road closure for a high school event. The council will also discuss budgets for multiple funds and consider a resolution urging state leaders to protect a local grocery sales tax.

• Miller Road closure from 3rd Ave to 5th Ave on March 22, 7am–9pm for IHSA Drama State Finals
• Approval of $251,010.00 Pay Request #3 to Nicam Construction for Public Works Building Addition Phase 2
• Authorization to purchase rock salt through State of Illinois Central Management
• Acceptance of bid for concrete for city curb and sidewalks from Rock River Ready Mix
• Resolution No. 2024-03-03 urging protection of 1% grocery sales tax, estimated $1M annual loss if eliminated

Sterling Public Library Board

The Sterling Public Library Board is meeting to approve an amended FY24 budget and the FY25 budget, with three proposals for FY25 expenditures. The board will also discuss strategic planning and may enter executive session to discuss employee matters. Other items include routine approval of minutes, bills, receipts, and reports.

• Approval of amended FY24 budget (revenue +0.23%, expenditures +0.6%)
• Approval of FY25 budget with three expenditure proposals
• Discussion of strategic planning timeline
• Executive session for employee matters
• Approval of February minutes, bills, receipts, and cash/investment report

City Council

The Sterling City Council will hold a special meeting to decide whether to approve Resolution 2024-02-07, which commits the city to a 20% local match for a federal RAISE grant. If approved, the $20M grant would fund reconstruction of Griswold and Woodburn streets with curb and gutter, sidewalks, and a multi-use path connecting Scheid Park to LeFevre Road.

• Resolution 2024-02-07: 20% local match for RAISE grant (up to $20M)
• Reconstruction of Griswold and Woodburn streets with curb and gutter
• Addition of sidewalks and multi-use path from Scheid Park to LeFevre Road
• Local funding match sourced from Local Option Sales Tax
• Public comment period included per policy

City Council

The Sterling City Council will vote on two ordinances updating rules for mobile food vendors and peddlers/solicitors, including fee changes and new operating restrictions. The council will also consider a resolution objecting to a special use request for mini-warehouses, approve the purchase of two properties for $100,000, and authorize a $5,000 donation to the Sterling Riverfront Foundation. A budget study session will follow the regular meeting.

• Ordinance 2024-02-03: updates mobile food vendor rules, raises registration fee from $75 to $100, allows street parking in business district, prohibits parking within 100 feet of a restaurant without permission, sets hours 6am-10pm Mon-Thu and 6am-2am Fri-Sat
• Ordinance 2024-02-04: updates peddler/solicitor rules, raises background check fee from $10 to $25, one-week permit fee from $75 to $100, extends review period from 5 to 14 days, makes permit fees non-refundable if revoked
• Resolution 2024-02-02: authorizes letter of objection to Whiteside County regarding Busy Properties LLC's special use request for mini-warehouses at 3705 Emerson Road
• Ordinance 2024-02-05: approves real estate contract to purchase 501 and 503 Avenue B for $100,000 for potential future fire training facility
• Authorize $5,000 donation to Sterling Riverfront Foundation as seed money

Plan Commission

The Sterling Plan Commission will meet to consider a rezoning petition from Busy Properties for a parcel involving Whiteside County, with staff recommending a letter of objection. The agenda also includes the call to order, roll call, and the approval of meeting minutes.

• Whiteside County Petition - Busy Properties rezoning request from B2 to A1 with a staff recommendation for a letter of objection

Sterling Riverfront Commission

The Riverfront Reimagined Commission is meeting for a planning session. The agenda lists only a discussion of the commission's planning, with no specific decisions or proposals detailed.

• Planning session discussion

Sterling Public Library Board

The Sterling Public Library Board is meeting to handle routine consent items (minutes, bills, receipts, cash report) and receive the librarian's report. The main discussion items are whether to pursue purchasing a used bookmobile from Aurora Public Library, a strategic planning activity, and preliminary FY25 budget options, with final budgets to be passed in March.

• Discussion of purchasing Aurora Public Library's used bookmobile, which will be put out for bid
• Preliminary discussion of FY25 budget, with four options presented; FY24 amended and FY25 budgets to be passed in March
• Strategic planning activity discussion with draft plan attached
• Approval of January minutes, accounts payable, receipts, and cash/investment report

City Council

The Sterling City Council is deciding on an ordinance to allow non-highway vehicles like UTVs on city streets, a three-year animal control agreement with Whiteside County, and a $270,000 Motor Fuel Tax resolution. The council will also review minutes, bills and payroll, an IDOT maintenance engineering agreement, and amendments regarding multi-family dwelling garbage containers. Following the regular meeting, the council plans to hold a budget study session and an executive session to discuss real property.

• Resolution R2024-02-01 for Motor Fuel Tax expenditures of $270,000
• Ordinance 2024-02-01 amending Chapter 90 to allow non-highway vehicles (UTVs) on city streets
• Three-year agreement with Whiteside County Animal Control costing $15,862 in year one, $17,304 in year two, and $18,746 in year three
• Ordinance No 2024-02-02 amending Chapter 74 regarding multi-family dwelling garbage containers
• IDOT Maintenance Engineering Agreement

Sterling Public Library Board

The Sterling Public Library Board is meeting to approve routine consent items, including minutes, bills, receipts, and the FY23 tax levy for submission to the City Council. They will also discuss the draft strategic plan for 2024-2026 and begin preliminary discussions on the FY25 budget.

• Approval of FY23 tax levy, including estimated rate and funds request
• Discussion of draft strategic plan 2024-2026 with consultant Amanda Standerfer
• Preliminary discussion of FY25 budget
• Approval of bills payable for November and December
• Approval of receipts and cash & investment reports

City Council

The Sterling City Council will meet on January 2, 2024, to handle routine business including approving minutes and bills, and to hold a closed session to discuss purchasing real property and review closed session minutes. No action will follow the closed session.

• Approval of minutes from December 18, 2023 meeting
• Approval of bills and payroll as presented
• Closed session to discuss purchase of real property and review closed session minutes (ILCS 120/2(c)(5))