Council honors outgoing City Manager Fiegenschuh

Tesreau steps in as interim city manager

City authorizes $5 million bond issuance for capital projects

Federal grants to offset airport construction costs

Critical redundancy planned for technology center

Engineers advise rejection of low bid for power line project

Council approves $1.47 million purchase of steel poles

Residential utility late fees suspended through 2026

Council honors outgoing City Manager Fiegenschuh

ROCHELLE, Ill. — The city council recognized City Manager Jeff Fiegenschuh for his eight years of service as he departs for a new position in Washington, Ill. Mayor John Bearrows presented Fiegenschuh with a plaque and a key to the city, praising his "exceptional leadership and visionary guidance" from 2017 to 2026. Fiegenschuh thanked the staff and residents, stating it was an honor to serve the community and hinting he might return to Rochelle in retirement.

Tesreau steps in as interim city manager

ROCHELLE, Ill. — Following the departure of Jeff Fiegenschuh, Sam Tesreau has assumed the role of interim city manager for the city of Rochelle. During the meeting's opening invocation, Mayor John Bearrows expressed the council's support for Tesreau, asking for "clarity, strength and discernment" as he leads city departments during the transition. Tesreau will manage daily operations while the city determines the long-term leadership of the administration.

City authorizes $5 million bond issuance for capital projects

ROCHELLE, Ill. — Council members approved an ordinance authorizing the issuance of up to $5 million in general obligation bonds to fund improvements at the Rochelle Municipal Airport and the city's RMU Technology Center. The bond issuance serves as a funding mechanism to cover upfront construction costs for a new T-hangar and electrical infrastructure upgrades. Officials stated that existing revenue streams and federal grants are expected to service the debt, preventing the need for a property tax increase.

Federal grants to offset airport construction costs

ROCHELLE, Ill. — The city revealed that the construction of a new eight-unit T-hangar at the Rochelle Municipal Airport will be largely subsidized by federal funding. While the city must issue bonds to pay for construction upfront, officials expect to receive reimbursement grants covering all but approximately $700,000 of the project costs. The new hangars replace aging infrastructure dating back to the 1960s and will eventually generate revenue to pay down the remaining debt.

Critical redundancy planned for technology center

ROCHELLE, Ill. — During the discussion on bond issuance, city officials highlighted a critical vulnerability in the RMU Technology Center's current infrastructure. The facility, which serves as a hub for local internet services, currently relies on a single feed for its electrical power, posing a risk of extended outages in the event of a failure. The bond funding will prioritize electrical upgrades to create a dual-feed system, ensuring service redundancy and reliability.

Engineers advise rejection of low bid for power line project

ROCHELLE, Ill. — City staff and engineers from BHMG recommended that the council reject the low bid for the Ritchie Road to CHS transmission line project, despite it being $1.9 million lower than the next competitor. Helm Electric, a local company, submitted the lowest bid, but according to the engineering report presented at the meeting, engineers raised concerns regarding the firm's experience with 69-kV high-voltage lines, T2 conductors and four-mile-long installations. The council discussed the risks of potential change orders and safety issues, with plans to vote on awarding the contract to another qualified contractor at a future meeting.

Council approves $1.47 million purchase of steel poles

ROCHELLE, Ill. — The council voted 7-0 to award a $1.47 million contract to Meyer Utility Structures, rejecting a lower bid from KBS. Director of Utility Operations Blake Toliver told the council that KBS acts as a broker for Chinese steel, which would expose the city to potential tariff costs and quality control issues. The director stated that the selected manufacturer uses U.S. steel, offering greater security for the utility infrastructure.

Residential utility late fees suspended through 2026

ROCHELLE, Ill. — The council unanimously passed an ordinance extending the suspension of late fees for residential utility customers through Dec. 31, 2026. The moratorium on fees began during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been renewed annually to assist residents. City officials noted that the policy does not apply to commercial or industrial accounts and suggested the council eventually consider making the waiver permanent.

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