Freeburg trustees keep inspection fee but lower non-resident side-by-side permit fee, extend hours to midnight

During the Legal and Ordinance Committee report at the Feb. 2 board meeting, trustees reviewed zoning items and considered changes to side-by-side (utility vehicle) permit rules.

Trustee Dana Miller reported discussion with Village Engineer Tim Pruett and noted the committee reviewed three occupancy permits and nuisance-property follow-up. The board addressed side-by-side permit rules after concerns were raised about fees and permitted hours. Trustees agreed to retain the current inspection fee, reduce the non-resident permit fee to $50, extend allowable operating hours through midnight and remove an inclement-weather clause previously in the permit language.

Trustee Elizabeth (Lisa) Meehling said she had fielded questions from residents about fee levels and hours; the board directed that the revised fee and hours be reflected in the ordinance language already on the agenda. The minutes do not specify an exact ordinance number for the side-by-side rule change or include a recorded roll-call vote in the minutes; the board indicated agreement during the committee report.

The committee also reported on development inquiries (including activity near the former Murphy Development and Phillips Co. plans) and ongoing FOIA process improvements. Village Engineer Tim Pruett indicated he was awaiting full plans for a Coffee Pot site and noted a property at 5 Commerce Drive is under contract according to auction records.