ROCHELLE — The village of Mount Morris is now part of the Lee Ogle Enterprise Zone following Rochelle City Council’s approval Monday evening. The village requested the zone expansion to include certain industrial and commercial property totaling nearly 200 acres.
Lee Ogle Enterprise Zone Administrator Andy Shaw addressed councilman Bil Hayes’ question regarding future map changes, if any, would require an amended ordinance approved by all designated units of government.
“Mount Morris is a good community, they’ve got some great industrial property that’s available there and are really interested in getting the best incentives available for it,” Shaw said.

Other business
Council approved a variety of items, including a change order regarding the radium removal project at Well 11. The additional cost is about $16,000. Several delays in the project have occurred but projections estimate the enclosed structure to be completed near the end of February.
Council also authorized an ordinance approving an option to purchase about 90 acres near the Rochelle Business and Technology Park. A new three-year agreement has been drafted. Although there is not a cost involved to own the option, the city agreed to market the property in partnership with Jim Planey of Lee and Associates for a purchase price of $28,940 per acre with a five percent increase per acre in the second and third year.
Also approved is a resolution authorizing the execution of a memorandum of agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration if Rochelle is selected as a testing site for an unmanned aircraft systems pilot program.
Council approved an ordinance authorizing the sale of a 2006 Dodge Dakota pickup truck used by the community development department due to its condition.
Surplus electrical equipment from the city’s inventory consignment program will be sold for scrap, including 86 transformers that have reached their useful lifespan.
Mayor Chet Olson, along with councilmen Don Burke and John Bearrows were absent from Monday evening’s meeting. Councilman Dan McDermott was appointed Mayor Pro Tem for the meeting.