[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6236469,"mediaKeyId","3359216-f63e9056e828d1b6e9932fdc1a60691a","parentId",3359216,"title","Council allows two gaming licensees a one‑time food‑truck and bags event; staff to draft broader BG license changes","audioSeconds",1201,"startMs",3354000,"endMs",4555000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3359216-f63e9056e828d1b6e9932fdc1a60691a&start=3354&end=4555","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3359216-f63e9056e828d1b6e9932fdc1a60691a/thumbnail_3354000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6236469/South-Beloit/Winnebago-County/Illinois/Council-allows-two-gaming-licensees-a-onetime-foodtruck-and-bags-event-staff-to-draft-broader-BG-license-changes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236469-2183d2770c5e6e758856faaa0a5e80b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154154&Signature=mwK~mgogSJklH6GZBHfnFpZH~Itp23QnoZ4oFj~7Gu8cC7u5hjr2GVTxk5zSjJwAKLIxiohE1YCQVGDrgjbclkLk8yElTOiAJ0DAfAmkkKMQ074zSPwVozwOx1-E5uGins8JOkeVmWUZzSMR8GAUAehl9vz~3JxfclnxzNXK~DWM9hB-J9kfEP2vTpeT5IC-HAtu3ZADlYnupfHB2j8HvbESfrHAAQdKlG0vdTcPG0k82H5yOW1MEk6ppp8LZ5wuj01FC70-LZj9HGfx4PNAJYcaXPAjCyoCFizvr7lAXo068j-9MB4UPv8veSq2PVumZi~9UuOHYoMtY2NwjA5BiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of South Beloit, IL","date","2025-05-17T01:05:37Z","article","The South Beloit City Council debated whether boutique gaming (BG) license holders should be allowed many of the same flexibilities as bars and approved a one‑time, test‑run allowance for two BG license holders to host a food truck and a bags tournament while staff prepares ordinance amendments.

City staff framed the issue as a legacy code problem: the city’s BG license rules were enacted roughly 15 years ago and have been amended piecemeal, producing enforcement difficulties. “We had this long list of things we would not allow under a BG license, and we just kinda keep chipping away at it. And so now it's kinda turned into a mess,” a staff member said. Council members and license holders disagreed about the best approach. Roxanne (last name not provided in the transcript) and other council members argued BG licensees should be granted more of the same operational flexibilities as bars; another council member recommended retaining the distinction because BG licensees typically do not meet the “50% of gross receipts from alcohol” test used for class A bar‑restaurant licenses.

Salvatore, who identified himself as owner of Sal Slots, urged the council to allow food trucks and other activities, noting BG licensees pay higher annual fees per location and that gaming revenues frequently exceed on‑premises alcohol sales: “I am wondering if Cousins' food truck... could come to Sal Slots… I think it makes more sense that a person that is paying more for a year would at least be allowed to do the same things as a bar,” he said. Staff and some council members expressed concern about fairness to restaurants and bars and about maintaining zoning and health standards for outdoor food service.

The council voted to permit two specific BG license holders to host the food‑truck and bags events as a one‑time test while staff drafts a consolidated ordinance. Councilmembers asked staff to examine ordinances from comparable municipalities (one councilmember suggested Loves Park as a model) and return with proposed language. Tracy, a city staff member, said the proposed ordinance changes will be prepared and brought back to a future meeting.

Next steps: staff will draft ordinance revisions to clarify allowable activities for BG license holders, return to the council with recommended changes, and in the interim the two named licensees may proceed with the one‑time events approved at this meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","5-5-2025 South Beloit City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","After a lengthy debate about boutique gaming ('BG') licenses, the council approved a one‑time permission for two license holders to host a food truck and a bags tournament while directing staff to draft more comprehensive ordinance changes.","taxTitle","South Beloit, Winnebago County, Illinois","taxId",52026,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6236473,"South Beloit approves hiring for EPA Brownfield cleanup oversight at 420 N. Blackhawk Boulevard",122,2372000,2494000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3359216-f63e9056e828d1b6e9932fdc1a60691a&start=2372&end=2494","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3359216-f63e9056e828d1b6e9932fdc1a60691a/thumbnail_2372000.jpg","/articles/6236473/South-Beloit/Winnebago-County/Illinois/South-Beloit-approves-hiring-for-EPA-Brownfield-cleanup-oversight-at-420-N-Blackhawk-Boulevard","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236473-9f74703c68142bdedc1b7321e6bc7aaa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154154&Signature=gxI7pzpOKHji4jmflgWscUHzgvv3~7XIHoaNqeVKT1dQee~2YFwdBgs2p1HrN1hRqkEBth7-uIZ3bAgdHZ5xo7YmFDVPRqDhktfOcwWBkvRY72VmjHEevIiQDTBxkS3NksPPaSuMLiQiNAvjh-Mrg3mrurb4B-~N47E8uRz1r7qb3PKUbjzvWTXaclu8PJohcYSaStYAkx09512J-YcCLVANH2UEE1JACTRGMGNAqBJGgkP3fzdkLXVXRsKznC-c4Z7LgogNiZsGjGJNiiSz86RDdeUwV5LlWCQ5fo7vmRuM2kSJ2wv7g1XCruwSGTjS4ault44MyKGjLrAB-5EPaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The South Beloit City Council approved a professional services agreement to support the city’s EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant for the property at 420 North Blackhawk Boulevard.

City staff reported the city was awarded a $1,400,000 Brownfield Cleanup Grant for the site and issued a request for proposals to find a qualified professional to manage grant oversight and remediation work. Staff said only one responsive proposal was received; the review committee, which included three evaluators, scored that proposal 43.3 out of 45. The council approved entering into a professional services agreement with the proposer (identified in the staff report and resolution as Grama Engineering and Environmental).

City staff said they extended the proposal period beyond the minimum purchasing policy requirements and followed up with the EPA project manager to confirm the process met EPA rules. Staff recommended acceptance of the single proposal because it met the grant and purchasing requirements. The council approved the resolution authorizing the agreement; recorded votes show multiple affirmative votes.

Staff will proceed under the terms of the Brownfield grant and the selected firm’s proposal and return to the council with project updates and any additional approvals required by the EPA grant terms.","Council approved a professional services agreement for oversight of an EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant for 420 North Blackhawk Boulevard after a single responsive proposal scored highest in the RFP process.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6236478,"Right‑of‑way dispute with Union Pacific delays $90 million Rock River development; council approves extended timeline",314,2647000,2961000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3359216-f63e9056e828d1b6e9932fdc1a60691a&start=2647&end=2961","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3359216-f63e9056e828d1b6e9932fdc1a60691a/thumbnail_2647000.jpg","/articles/6236478/South-Beloit/Winnebago-County/Illinois/Rightofway-dispute-with-Union-Pacific-delays-90-million-Rock-River-development-council-approves-extended-timeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236478-1c369248005005411077f6e07e1afd0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154154&Signature=Dq4UXHoEIh5Vynqh~pgjSfePypLOlJZf5AeWVH9w2gfs4WHJjC7tCu6GUiCa~7AsbodO6um2beD~I~vrXMHlTvPfAxuZxiGYQDHUfukTQLIFLDSTTrI9T~9waNMY2e~OT8yyzk5DWu1mFK-ufTyIIBv9GrwZWSnW9GaAy6QdAhenWu6sQStK3mD-WNn1A1X1yDKdDrZeCV-NnS7pue28k72udDVoYu4UVam7MGmn~D9KM-TneAhFuisJqw~qmMNhVjUDiLzQcPoNDdIeYdSmKYfJT1KknfRw9JQfU-k2W-UhbzqKk0yMm9ALEesGGzbYLPnjGa0BqS4djXHBnEYtRQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The South Beloit City Council approved an amendment to a development agreement with Rock River Development LLC to extend timelines while the city and developer continue efforts to acquire a Union Pacific right‑of‑way needed for a multi‑phase project.

City staff told the council the requested extension is necessitated by protracted right‑of‑way negotiations with Union Pacific (UP). “We really just had to kick this thing down the road a little further,” a staff member said, describing time needed to acquire the UP parcel and to include the acquisition in the city’s EPA wrap cleanup plan. Staff reported the city previously attempted a direct offer to UP for the parcel and cited a figure of $7,075,000 as an earlier offer attempt.

During the discussion, a council member warned that a single UP‑owned acre is blocking what the speaker described as a $90,000,000 development project: “This is holding up a $90,000,000 development project. One acre of land owned by the railroad company is blocking a $90,000,000 project from happening in this town,” the council member said, urging residents to contact Union Pacific on the city’s behalf. City staff said the EPA has been asked to press Union Pacific and that staff will continue negotiating with the railroad and the developer to find alternatives, including proceeding without the one acre if necessary.

The council approved the agreement amendment and related extension; recorded votes show multiple affirmative votes and at least one abstention by the mayor. The amendment leaves the substantive terms of the development agreement in place while extending deadlines tied to right‑of‑way acquisition and EPA coordination. Staff advised the council that additional negotiation and possible redesign may be required if Union Pacific does not sell or grant the needed parcel.

Next steps include continued negotiation with Union Pacific, further coordination with the EPA regarding the wrap cleanup plan, and ongoing discussions with Rock River Development about alternatives to include or exclude the UP parcel in the final project footprint.","Council approved an amendment to a development agreement after the developer and city sought more time to secure a Union Pacific right‑of‑way; officials said the delay is holding up a larger $90 million project and reported the city’s prior offer to UP of $7,075,000 for the parcel.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6236483,"South Beloit council discusses trap‑neuter‑return and revising decades‑old cat running‑at‑large ordinance",1164,647000,1811000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3359216-f63e9056e828d1b6e9932fdc1a60691a&start=647&end=1811","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3359216-f63e9056e828d1b6e9932fdc1a60691a/thumbnail_647000.jpg","/articles/6236483/South-Beloit/Winnebago-County/Illinois/South-Beloit-council-discusses-trapneuterreturn-and-revising-decadesold-cat-runningatlarge-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6236483-468d01805e88f783651a59d238c1735f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771154154&Signature=mrs6XCN-M~nam8rllnnIzDxLb1m~KqixyIMWeDeLDKJ~UxwQuiaiehwqfhPBhRDRL88U0civuyoNylYKwNlg0RdhnBaS5e-qxbUZmjVaPFlxu9ldrLofQ-jT66xspZRsja-NMR2uKWQZRHOI35uANyLG1cIC-cSRxsn8k3r6zTtq575K5sE0kNmkC7YKrJpmbqVQF7FUNF7VEsOmR5KUiEVXNXNrPZ0y2~~deRvJ2iZ12KUlNEmVUWYMgwYKcdRaWRwJgLN1ifnfKjuHN4Qm0rGe88eoLpTs3x3C9QNuGFT1RCfK6SyECSsh3XY9f5Kxt55yfyWJSTXUgUuk0Qj9pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a South Beloit City Council meeting, local animal‑welfare advocates and council members discussed changes to the city’s running‑at‑large ordinance for cats and possible adoption of trap‑neuter‑return (TNR) practices.

The discussion began after Stephanie, who identified herself as executive director of Care for Pets and a state humane investigator, told the council that modern animal‑control practice generally favors TNR and that South Beloit’s existing ordinance and local implementation may be causing avoidable euthanasia of cats. “If someone catches a cat, they go to animal services. They’re evaluated for 24 hours… If it’s evaluated to be not friendly within those 24 hours, it’s euthanized,” Stephanie said, attributing part of the problem to an ordinance that dates to 1972 and to differences between the city’s rules and county practice.

Council members and speakers discussed local pickup data and who is doing the hands‑on work. A community caretaker who identified herself as Sarah told the council that local volunteers and organizations are the ones taking in many feral litters and responding to calls: “We are the ones getting the calls. We are the ones taking in all the feral kittens that are being born to the feral mothers,” she said. Stephanie cited a population estimate method she attributed to the American Veterinary Association and said that, by that formula, “you should have, per your population size, approximately 500, give or take, outdoor cats in your community.” She also gave Winnebago County pickup totals the council should consider: “In 2022, the county only picked up 7. 2023, 6. 2024, they only picked up 14,” she said.

Speakers noted an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with Winnebago County Animal Services and differences in practice over time. Council members asked staff to confirm Winnebago County’s current procedures and whether the county is still operating a TNR program. Stephanie and others said county practice has shifted and that, in some cases, cats described as feral are being euthanized after intake. The transcript records a request for Winnebago County to put any procedural changes in writing.

Council members agreed there is a mismatch between the city ordinance language and newer TNR practices in other communities. City staff and council members directed the city attorney to draft ordinance language for the council to review; the attorney was asked to coordinate with Winnebago County Animal Services and to share proposed changes with the people who spoke at the meeting. Councilmember Pat (first name not provided in the transcript) said, “We wanna get the ordinance changed,” and the mayor and staff confirmed the attorney will work on proposed language.

Next steps are for city staff and the city attorney to follow up with Winnebago County Animal Services, obtain any written changes in county procedure, and present draft ordinance revisions to the council. Stephanie offered to provide contact information and supporting materials to staff.","Council members heard a presentation from a local animal‑welfare advocate about community cats, current city and county practices, and recommended changes; staff was directed to consult the city attorney and follow up with Winnebago County Animal Services.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council allows two gaming licensees a one‑time food‑truck and bags event; staff to draft broader BG license changes

South Beloit approves hiring for EPA Brownfield cleanup oversight at 420 N. Blackhawk Boulevard

Right‑of‑way dispute with Union Pacific delays $90 million Rock River development; council approves extended timeline

South Beloit council discusses trap‑neuter‑return and revising decades‑old cat running‑at‑large ordinance