Latest news with #SterlingCityCouncil
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Report: Sterling's crime down in most categories in 2024, but murders, burglaries, aggravated assaults up
May 8—STERLING — A report presented to the Sterling City Council on Monday, May 5, 2025, indicates crime in most categories decreased in 2024 when compared to the previous year. During his annual department report to the Sterling City Council, Sterling Police Chief Alex Chavira said calls for service decreased from 16,774 to 15,782 (6%), crimes against persons decreased by 5.4% and crimes against property reduced by 13.5%. There were, however, some major crime categories that saw an increase in the number of reports: Categories that saw an increase were murder, three in 2024 compared with zero in 2023; rape, which increased from nine reports in 2023 to 14 in 2024; and aggravated assault at 25 in 2024 compared with 21 in 2023. The number of reports of stolen vehicles and burglaries also increased in 2024, according to the report. Additionally, a 14.6% decline in traffic accidents within the community was noted. Chavira attributed reductions to the department's "proactive policing initiatives and strong community partnerships." Here's a snapshot of 2024 crime statistics compared with those from 2023, according to the report. Crimes against persons Crime 2024 2023 Total 233 246 Murder 3 0 Negligent Manslaughter 0 1 Rape 14 9 Fondling 9 13 Sodomy 0 2 Aggravated Assault 25 21 Simple Assault 156 182 Intimidation 22 10 Kidnapping/Abduction 3 8 Incest 1 0 Crimes against property Crime 2024 2023 Total 317 363 Robbery 3 3 Burglary/Breaking & Entering 49 37 Larceny/Theft Offenses 133 150 Motor Vehicle Theft 25 16 Arson 1 1 Destruction of Property 61 86 Counterfeiting/Forgery 5 5 Fraud Offense 37 62 Embezzlement 1 0 Extortion/Blackmail 1 0 Stolen Property Offenses 1 3 Crimes against society Crime 2024 2023 Total 98 93 Drug/Narcotic Violations 56 61 Drug Equipment Violations 22 4 Pornography/Obscene Material 5 8 Weapons Law Violation 15 20 There were a total of 835 adult arrest charges in 2024, a 14% increase over 2023. The top five arrest charges included: 1. Warrant arrests: 317 2. Drug offenses: 94 3. Criminal trespass to property: 71 4. Theft: 68 5. Interference with public officers: 55 Calls for service * Total: 15,782 * Traffic stops: 2,337 * Adult and juvenile arrests: 904 * Written warnings: 902 * DUI's: 23 The total number of emergency 911 calls decreased by 4% in 2024, with 8,588 calls compared to 8,969 in 2023. Here are some other statistics listed in the SPD's annual report for 2024: * 455 traffic crashes * 648 Group A crimes (serious crimes including homicide, robbery, sexual assault and others) * 2,573 traffic/ordinance citations * 28 sworn SPD officers and 10 civilian employees. There are two officers per 1,000 residents.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sterling announces land agreement for site of new wastewater treatment facility
Apr. 24—STERLING — Sterling officials have reached a preliminary agreement with a private landowner to secure a site for a new wastewater treatment facility. The announcement was made by City Manager Scott Schumard during Monday's Sterling City Council meeting. "The city recently came to an agreement with the property owner for the purchase of land for the city's next wastewater treatment plant," Schumard said. "That happened last week. With that secured, the city will begin planning and engineering to replace the 46-year-old plant currently in use and unable to meet upcoming regulations." Wastewater Superintendent Cory Bradshaw said the project has been planned for several years to address upcoming state regulatory changes, including phosphorous reduction. "We have to start reducing the phosphorus, and that is going to be a whole new treatment process that we're not capable of doing here," Bradshaw said. Wastewater treatment facilities in Illinois are facing tougher phosphorus reduction regulations. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's new restrictions mainly apply to larger plants treating at least 1 million gallons a day. By 2030, these facilities will need to lower phosphorus levels to 0.5 milligrams per liter, as part of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy. Although some details of the project currently are confidential while the land deal is being finalized, including the new facility's location and the landowner's name, Bradshaw said construction is expected to begin two to three years after the acquisition, with an additional two years for completion. The new plant will replace Sterling's aging wastewater facility at 2400 W. Lynn Blvd., which was built in the 1970s. Bradshaw said the current lagoon-based treatment system is becoming outdated and inefficient in terms of cost and environmental performance. Original cost projections for the project from several years ago were calculated at $50 million to $60 million, although that figure may increase. While the exact size and square footage of the new plant has not been finalized, Bradshaw said that it will be "completely different" from the current facility. "It should be state-of-the-art once it's finished," Bradshaw said. "We're looking at being a lot more efficient. As far as the treatment process, it should cost a lot less to treat the water." The current plant will not be decommissioned, but will instead be converted into a large lift station. Half of its 32-acre lagoon will be filled in, while the remaining portion will be used for stormwater retention. From there, wastewater will be pumped to the new facility for treatment. Despite the size of the project, Bradshaw does not anticipate any service disruptions for residents, and the new facility will not require additional staff.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Sterling approves new residential rental housing code, inspection program
Mar. 19—STERLING — The Sterling City Council on Monday unanimously approved an ordinance establishing the city's new residential rental housing code, which includes a rental property registry and inspection program. According to the new ordinance, inspections will begin after June 1, 2025, and registration forms and a complete inspection checklist will be developed and provided to all landlords in advance of the implementation of the program. The new City of Sterling Residential Rental Housing Code is meant to hold negligent landlords and tenants accountable by creating "minimal standards" for rental properties. For years, Sterling has been dealing with rental properties described as having "atrocious" living conditions, some of which the city recently demolished. City Attorney Tim Zollinger said the city made several changes to the now-approved ordinance following a recent meeting with representatives from the IllinoisREALTORS group, although the two parties did not agree on everything. IllinoisREALTORS Governmental Affairs Director Neeley Erickson told Shaw Local that her group "was pleased to see that the screen and storm window requirement was removed, the reference to the 2021 International Building Code for substandard conditions was eliminated, property transfer registration was better defined, a clear registration date was established, significant remodeling was included under the new construction section for renovations, and housing providers will now be notified of all violations, including those related to tenants." Under the new ordinance, a rental property will now be declared substandard if it fails to meet the minimum standards set by the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, including any updates or changes. However, Erickson did not hold back when criticizing "major concerns" and "vague language" still found within the ordinance during Monday's City Council meeting. "While the changes will lead to less chaotic implementation, our concerns about vague enforcement mechanisms, tenant displacement and potential fair housing violations remain," Erickson said. "Once again, I want to be clear that this municipality does not have the authority under state statute or the Illinois constitution to impose a de facto licensing program for rental housing. The Illinois Municipal Code defines what municipalities like Sterling can regulate, and this ordinance exceeds those limits." Erickson said Sterling cannot implement the ordinance because the proposed Illinois House Bill HB 1025, which gives municipalities like Sterling the authority to do so, is currently stuck in the House Rules Committee and has not yet been approved. "Passing this ordinance without statutory authority will invite challenges, waste taxpayer dollars and create unnecessary hardship on housing providers and tenants alike," Erickson said. "Beyond the legal overreach, this ordinance fails to provide clear, objective standards and instead relies on broad, undefined language that invites inconsistent enforcement, and this is backed up by the city's comments that they will need to change things on the fly after this ordinance is implemented." Zollinger said this was a point where the two parties "agreed to disagree," referencing the Illinois Municipal League backing the city's position. "The IML has certainly given the opinion that they believe you [municipalities] can do this," Zollinger said. "Other organizations have done the same, or have said the same. If they challenge it, that will sort itself out in court, and we'll either be told yes or no, but the fact that a bill is pending on a topic doesn't mean it's not currently already properly under other statutes." The rental housing code Under the new ordinance, owners will have to register their rental properties with the city and provide their contact information and pertinent information about those properties. Owners who live at least 50 miles outside of the city will also have to provide contact information for a designated agent at least 18 years of age and who lives or maintains a physical office within 50 miles of the city to receive notices of code violations and/or receive process in any court or administrative enforcement proceeding on behalf of the owner. Owners will have to register their rental units on or before the date the unit is leased and pay an annual registration fee. Units already under lease will have 180 days from the date the ordinance was adopted to register, and failing to register on time could result in late fees. The registration fee covers one inspection and one re-inspection per unit, with an additional $25 fee for each extra re-inspection if the owner fails to provide access for a scheduled re-inspection. Registration fees are good from May 1 to the following April 30 at the following rates: * Residential rental units 1-4: $50 * Residential rental units 5-10: $75 * Residential rental units 11-15: $100 * Residential rental units 16-40: $150 * Residential rental units 41 and above: $200 plus $5 for each additional unit. According to the code, owners are responsible for their properties' general maintenance, including promptly addressing any interior or exterior repairs, pest infestations and substandard conditions. Vacant rental units cannot be rented unless they are clean, sanitary and fit for human occupancy. Owners must also provide adequate garbage containers and trash-removal services for those premises and maintain the safe and sanitary conditions of common areas in any multiple-family dwellings other than duplexes. Tenants are responsible for maintaining clean, safe and sanitary living conditions in their rental unit, including keeping the unit in good condition, properly disposing of trash and avoiding any damage to the property. They are also expected to act in a way that does not disturb their neighbors or create conditions that could be considered a nuisance under local laws and ordinances. Anyone found in violation of the code can be fined between $100-$750 for each day the violation continues. Each day a violation continues is treated as a separate offense, and intentionally submitting false information on a registration form can result in an additional fine of $50-$750. Rental inspections Rental units will undergo an initial inspection, with subsequent inspections to follow depending on initial findings. However, if the unit is occupied, the tenant has the right to refuse the initial inspection, and the owner can refuse if the unit is unoccupied. The city could still inspect units with alleged violations by obtaining an administrative warrant, or if the owner or occupants request one. If the owner or tenant does refuse inspection, the ordinance goes on to state that "in support of an application for an administrative warrant, the City may offer, and request that the court consider the following factors, along with such other matters that the court deems relevant, in its determination as to whether a warrant should be issued," including: * Eyewitness reports of violations * Citizen complaints * Permanent resident complaints * Plain view violation or violations * Violations apparent from city records or from other reliable sources * Deterioration of the property, including, but not limited to, observed exterior violations or conditions demonstrating or suggesting inadequate overall property maintenance * The age of the property * The nature of any reported or plain view violation, including, but not limited to, potential effects on the health or safety of occupants of the public * Conditions of similar properties in the area * Whether or not any prior inspections have been conducted, and, if so, the amount of time elapsed since any prior inspection Inspection notices will include the time and date of inspection, the name and agency of those conducting the inspection, the purpose of the inspection and information on the owner and occupant's right to object to it, and owners will be notified before the inspection date. A Certificate of Occupancy will be issued if a property passes inspection and complies with all city codes, and the registration and fees are completed. Owners will be notified of any violations found during the inspection and be given time to fix the issues. If those violations are corrected by the specified time, the Certificate will be issued, but if not, the city can take action to enforce compliance, including preventing occupancy of the rental unit. Following inspection, rental units will be graded and receive one of the following classifications: * Class A: The residential rental unit is in excellent condition and has no violations of applicable city codes requiring re-inspection. These units would be inspected every four years. * Class B: The residential rental unit has minor violations of applicable city codes requiring re-inspection, but the violations do not pose an immediate threat of danger to the life, health and safety of the occupants of the unit. These units would be re-inspected every two years. * Class C: The residential rental unit has multiple or significant violations of applicable city codes requiring re-inspection, but the violations do not pose an immediate threat of danger to the life, health or safety of the occupants of the unit. These units would be re-inspected yearly. * Class D: The residential rental unit has serious health and safety violations that pose a threat to the health and safety of the occupants or of the public. The Building Official/Inspector shall not issue a Conditional Certificate of Occupancy and may issue a condemnation order. These units would be inspected again in 60 days and occupancy would not be allowed. Rental units of newly built properties will not be inspected again for five years after a Certificate of Occupancy is issued unless a complaint is made about the property. Exempt property types include owner-occupied, single-family homes and portions of owner-occupied multi-family buildings, licensed nursing home facilities, hotels, motels and other lodging that rents for 30 days or less, not including short-term rentals like Airbnb. Properties owned by government agencies or public housing authorities are also exempt, provided they are subject to inspection by other agencies. City officials are proposing a "rough budget" for the rental inspection program, including $76,009 for personnel pay and $70,050 for materials and services, which includes a truck for the rental inspector, two desktop computers, a computer dock for the truck and an iWorQ software module to help manage the program.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Sterling approves purchase of new $2M firetruck with aerial ladder
Mar. 18—STERLING — The Sterling City Council approved the purchase of a new $2 million firetruck Monday. The decision to waive the bid process and accept a proposal from Jefferson Fire and Safety for the purchase of a customized Rosenbauer King Cobra firetruck with a 101-foot articulating aerial ladder came after a series of reports on the state of the Sterling Fire Department's apparatus and vehicles. Sterling Deputy Fire Chief David Northcutt said the new truck is needed to replace Truck/Tower 4, the department's only truck with an aerial ladder. He said it will take 18 to 24 months to get the truck once the order is submitted due to new Environmental Protection Agency requirements on emissions. On Aug. 5, 2021, the EPA launched a three-year plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants from heavy-duty trucks through a progressive series of rules. The Clean Trucks Plan was completed in March with the signing of the final two rules focusing on greenhouse gases for heavy-duty engines and emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles. Supply chain issues during the COVID-19 pandemic also contributed to a backlog of apparatus orders that have increased wait times for these vehicles. The SFD has spent over $400,000 trying to fix several of its vehicles with "severe operational issues," according to a report given by interim Fire Chief Forrest Reeder in October 2024. During that report, Reeder said that due to repairs, Truck/Tower 4 had "been in service less than 100 days in the less than three years" the department has had the vehicle. Truck/Tower 4 was bought in May 2021 for $319,000. Its first significant repair occurred a little over a year later, in August 2022, at a cost of $9,200, with other substantial repairs following only a year later. The truck has cost the department more than $200,000 in repairs since its purchase. According to Northcutt, the new fire truck will be built by a single manufacturer, eliminating the need to send it to multiple vendors for repairs, and also would include improved safety features — such as roll protection and electronic stabilization — that the current truck does not possess. Truck/Tower 4 was manufactured by KME Fire Apparatus, which does not have a recognized local vendor. "Thank you for the support and allowing us to put together the idea," Northcutt said. "Hopefully, this will be something that will be with us for 20 to 30 years and serve us well." To help offset the cost of the new truck, the SFD plans to sell Truck/Tower 4 and one of its fire engines once the new aerial truck arrives. The fire department could also save an additional $50,000 if it can use its current emissions motor, but Northcutt said that is not guaranteed. The city had several payment options to choose from and elected to go with the 100% pre-payment option that provides a credit of $111,204, making the total cost $1,946,843. City Manager Scott Schumard said during the March 3 City Council meeting that there is adequate funding in the city's capital fund from previous savings, and the purchase would not affect currently planned road repair expenditures.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Sterling City Council approves donating 2 police squad cars to Ukraine
Mar. 7—STERLING — The Sterling City Council on Monday approved donating two 2021 Ford Interceptor squad cars to Ukraine. The surplus vehicles were recently taken out of service and stripped of their police equipment. The donation is being coordinated through US Ambulances for Ukraine, a group based in central Illinois that has already delivered 90 vehicles to Ukraine, including ambulances and firetrucks. In 2023, the City Council approved donating an out-of-service fire apparatus to the group. "These donations demonstrate Sterling's commitment to global peace and safety, emphasizing unity over division and providing essential lifesaving resources to Ukraine's citizens," Sterling Mayor Diana Merdian said in an interview with Shaw Local News Network.
