WEBVTT

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Oh, I got it.

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I didn't want to interrupt the conversation.

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Oh, no. I just slid it in under there. Yeah, I was going to say

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you. Okay, so we got Parker on every day.

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Rachel in yet? No. She's coming. There she is.

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There she is. Hold on. She's here now.

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Coming your way again.

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Good evening. Linda, could you please give the invocation?

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Let us bow our heads. Dear God, I praise you and I thank you for your love, mercy, and grace

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and that you see all you hear all and know all your word says and thus the lord builds the house the builders labor in vain unless the lord watches over the city the guards stand watch in vain therefore we come to you tonight to seek your face and ask you to build and guard our city pour out your spirit of knowledge and revelation over those who are seated here may all things done tonight be connected in a state of justice fulfillment and delight free from defects

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Huffines.

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Please join me in congratulating all of you who have come to this meeting today for the

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first time.

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This is an opportunity for all of us, promoting the health of this city.

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May this meeting be conducted in peace, friendliness, quietness, and tranquility.

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I bind all authority that links us to chaos and loose the Holy Spirit to rule and reign

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here in Jesus' name.

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I release Luke 24, 36, peace, shalom, to you all in Jesus' name, amen.

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Amen.

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Amen.

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Before I officially call this meeting to order, I want to remind this Council that we have

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been elected to serve the residents of Freeport, not to push personal agendas or create unnecessary

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distractions.

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Our job is to focus on policy, infrastructure, economic development, and public safety.

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That is the purpose of these meetings.

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City Council's role is to set the vision and the direction for Freeport.

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It is the City Manager's role to implement that vision by directing our staff and allocating

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Huffines.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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and

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John.

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I would like to encourage all of us to work together to manage

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department decisions instead of trusting the professionals that

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we've hired to do their jobs. The antagonistic tone and the

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constant personal attacks towards staff and leadership are

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unacceptable. We need to remain professional, keep our

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discussions on topic, and conduct city business efficiently.

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I would encourage all of us to lead by example, work together, and to stay committed to the

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task at hand, which is serving the people of Freeport.

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So with that, I'll officially call this meeting to order.

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Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

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Mayor Miller?

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Here.

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Alderpersons, Klemm?

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Here.

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Monroe?

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Here.

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Simmons?

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Here.

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Parker?

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Here.

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Stacy?

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Here.

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Shadle?

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Here.

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Sanders?

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Here.

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And Sellers?

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and I'm glad to lead you to the flag of the United States of America.

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Item number one is the approval of the agenda, however, we will not be having item number

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23, which is executive.

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And then also, just so you're aware, we're slightly out of order tonight.

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Normally, you know, it's our rules that we go second reading of ordinances, first

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three ordinances and resolutions.

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However, tonight, we are going to have the resolution to hire the MSA to be conducted

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directly after their presentation.

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So that way they don't have to wait the entire evening

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to have their resolution come up.

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So with that, is there a motion to approve the agenda?

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So moved.

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Second.

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The motion made by Alderman Monroe,

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seconded by Alderman Sellers.

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All those in favor signify by saying aye.

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Aye.

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Opposed?

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That motion passes.

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Item number two is the approve of the minutes

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from the regular meeting on February 18th, 2025.

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Is there a motion?

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Sommel. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman

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Parker. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.

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Public comment. We have two. Bill Schramm, you have three minutes. Some of you, I

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know, some of you I don't know. I'm a resident of Freeport. My parents moved

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here when I was 10 years old and I've lived here most of my life except for a

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and a couple years I spent with the United States government

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called the U.S. Army.

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But I'm here tonight to say I am pleased

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to see the city of Freeport is taking steps

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to secure our community's water future

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with a purchase of the property for well 12.

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The city's commitment providing safe, clean drinking water

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is evident in the speed and efficiency

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with which they are getting the job done.

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from the lead service line remediation efforts

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to the construction of the new water treatment plant

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on Burchard Hill.

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The city has demonstrated a clear dedication

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to protecting public health

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and modernizing our water infrastructure.

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The process, the progress made in such a short time

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is truly commendable and I fully support these efforts

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to ensure a reliable and substantial water supply

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for our community.

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Thank you so much.

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Thank you.

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Next, Wendy Slayton.

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You have three minutes.

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My name is Wendy Slayton.

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I'm a current resident of Freeport, Illinois,

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and I'm very happy to be here.

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I love Freeport and everything that it's done.

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I'm currently on a community block grant,

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and I am very, very anxious for it to go further.

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But right now we're talking about the MSA.

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The MSA is definitely a good idea for all of us

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for the residents of Freeport.

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It improves the quality of life for the current residents

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by ensuring homes are safe, sanitary and structurally sound.

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It also attracts and retains responsible homeowners.

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The investment demonstrates the commitment

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to the wellbeing of our neighborhoods,

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making Freeport a more desirable place to live.

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Number three, strengthening our community.

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Home ownership fosters a sense of pride and stability

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leading to greater civic engagement

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and more cohesive community.

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Number four, increasing community value.

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Rehabilitation of our homes increases the property values

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in the area, thus improving the overall value

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of the community.

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I am confident that this initiative

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will contribute significantly to the betterment of Freeport,

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creating a more vibrant and prosperous future for us all

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and all of our residents.

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I urge that the grant and the IHDA

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is recognized and prospered.

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Thank you.

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That concludes public comments.

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Number four is the consent agenda.

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The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature

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and acted as one motion.

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Unless there's a member of the council

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that would like to have something removed

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for further discussion.

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Seeing none, we've got the consent agenda consisting of approving to receive and place on file the board and commission minutes from the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners dated January 28th, 2025, the Greater Freeport Partnerships Annual Report for 2024, the Police Department Report January 25th, Greater Freeport Partnerships Monthly Report for February 2025, approval of the finance bills payable in the total of $2,780,624.53, and the approval of payroll for pay period

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ending February 22nd, 2025 in the total of $709,166.14.

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Is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle,

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seconded by Alderman Klemm.

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Discussion?

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Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

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Parker?

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Aye.

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Stacy?

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Aye.

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Shadle?

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Aye.

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Sanders?

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Aye.

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Sellers?

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Aye.

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Aye. And Simmons? Aye. The motion passes 8 to 0. Item number five is the presentation.

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Could you please read this for the record? Presentation regarding resolution to approve

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grant writing and implementation services for the Illinois Housing Development Authority

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or IDA, home repair and accessibility program for up to $1.2 million. Thank you. Tara Walters,

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thank you. Thank you. Good evening Mayor Miller, city council members as well as city

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I'm a Community Development Administrator with MSA Professional Services. I'm here with my colleague, Christina Tranel, who is a Community Development Specialist. We are here to provide the City Council with information regarding IDA's Home Repair and Accessibility Grant Program. That is open now.

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So, some program basics.

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Applications are due...

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applications are due March 14th of this year at 3 p.m. so I understand that is

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10 to 11 days away the which I'll call it a trap from here on out throughout the

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presentation for shortness sake the program is designed to assist low and

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very low income homeowners which is defined at less than or greater sorry

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less than or equal to 80% of the area median income the program will provide

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Huffines.

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This is round two of IDA's Home Repair and Accessibility Grant Program.

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This current round is offering $16 million in funding available.

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The funding comes from the Illinois Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and applicants, so the

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City of Freeport, if they were to apply, they can request a minimum of $400,000.

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The program guidelines do not specify a maximum ceiling, but we'll talk about that in our

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presentation.

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And the program is a two-year program term, so if awarded, the city would have two years

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to spend the funds.

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For definition purposes, I'd just like to outline what the eligible project costs are,

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because we'll talk about them in more detail.

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First being hard construction costs, your typical construction expenses, tangible brick

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and mortar type costs.

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There's also soft construction costs, which examples include title searches, recording

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fees, termite or insect inspections.

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There's also project delivery, which includes activities, intaking applications from participants

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in the program and homeowners, some income verification, cost estimates and work write-ups

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once inspectors get involved, as well as the inspections themselves and permit fees.

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And there's also administrative costs that are grant eligible.

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And this includes general management, oversight, project management, coordination, grant reporting,

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overhead costs.

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Through the program, there are three project types, full rehab, accessibility, and roof

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only.

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I've lumped full rehab and accessibility together because the same criteria follow for both

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programs.

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Under full rehab and accessibility, homeowners may receive up to $50,000 from the HREP funds

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to cover hard and soft construction.

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They also can get project delivery costs per home,

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not exceeding 15% of the construction costs.

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So if you're at the 50,000, 15% of that would be 7,500.

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If costs do not meet 50,000,

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it would be 15% of whatever those construction costs

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would be.

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This assistance is provided to homeowners

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in the form of a five-year forgivable loan,

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which is forgiven at 1.60th per month over the loan period.

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There's also a roof only option.

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So if homeowners just need a roof,

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everything else is up to code

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and public health and safety standards

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are met within the home and on the exterior.

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These homeowners can receive up to 25,000 for the roof.

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Again, project delivery is at 15%.

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So, and the assistance for a roof only option

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is given as a form of a three-year forgivable loan.

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So the maximum grant request for the city for the roof

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only option would be $28,750 per home.

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So what makes a property within the city eligible

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to participate with these funds?

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The property must be the sole residence

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of all homeowners on the deed.

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The property must be current on the mortgage.

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The property value must not exceed the property value limit

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which is established by IDA and for Stevenson County,

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it's 209,000.

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The property must be held in fee simple title,

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meaning no contract for deed

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and no ownership held in trust.

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The title must also be clear

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of mechanics liens and tax liens.

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A property is ineligible

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if taxes have been sold to a tax buyer

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and properties with open foreclosure

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Miller, or Foreclosure cases are also ineligible.

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The property must be able to record the item mortgage on the property, and it also must

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be owner, occupied, and single-family residents.

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What are some ineligible property types?

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No reverse mortgages, no investment properties, again, no ownership in a trust or contract

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for deed situation, no properties that are primarily used for business, meaning that

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We've got 50% or more of the floor space within the residence is used for business.

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And then also the IDA mortgage, so this five-year or three-year forgivable loan must be the

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first or the second position lien on the property.

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In certain circumstances, we can get written approval depending on those circumstances

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from IDA to allow the IDA mortgage to be the third lien.

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And lastly, ineligible properties involving conflicts of interest.

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They must be avoided at all costs.

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For example, the grantee being the city of Freeport may not enroll an employee's house

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in their HRAP program.

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So what does this forgivable loan look like to the homeowner?

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The homeowner does not have to pay back the loan at any period unless they sell the house

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or the ownership is transferred.

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So the loan balance will be due out at the net proceeds upon sale or transfer of the

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property if such an event occurs within that five-year or three-year time frame.

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The cash out, a cashing out will not be permitted during the loan period unless the unforgiven

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loan balance is paid in full.

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And then loans will be secured by a mortgage recorded against the property.

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So all homeowners will be required to sign a forgivable five-year or three-year promissory

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Rennow, based on the project type and construction costs with IDA.

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In terms of application scoring criteria, so what is IDA looking for?

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This is a competitive grant program.

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There is 16 million available statewide.

00:16:51.329 --> 00:16:56.009
So we have to convince the Illinois Housing Development Authority that the City of Freeport

00:16:56.009 --> 00:16:58.789
deserves this money and can use it wisely.

00:16:58.789 --> 00:17:02.089
They will score it based on organization and team capacity.

00:17:02.089 --> 00:17:07.250
So that would include the City of Freeport's previous management and team experience with

00:17:07.250 --> 00:17:10.329
housing rehabilitation type programs.

00:17:10.329 --> 00:17:15.690
The points will be awarded for this criteria that clearly show a team is in place to effectively

00:17:15.690 --> 00:17:18.369
administer and oversee the program.

00:17:18.369 --> 00:17:23.490
If the staff or city does not have the capacity to effectively administer the program, they

00:17:23.490 --> 00:17:28.289
can contract with a third party contractor who does have said experience.

00:17:28.289 --> 00:17:37.289
It's also scored on the city's work plan and budget and cost control, just ensuring that your program is cost effective and you have a reasonable budget.

00:17:37.289 --> 00:17:46.289
Again, the reasonable budget comes into play. The city would only have two years to spend these funds. So feasibly, how much can we get done in two years?

00:17:46.289 --> 00:17:56.289
So points would be awarded under this criteria for applicants that demonstrate a systematic approach to ensuring reasonable costs and efforts to target areas of greatest need.

00:17:56.289 --> 00:18:00.190
Third criteria is program need, impact, and demand.

00:18:00.190 --> 00:18:03.170
So the application needs to provide evidence

00:18:03.170 --> 00:18:05.889
supporting the need and the demand for the program,

00:18:05.889 --> 00:18:08.889
including data analysis, letters of support,

00:18:08.889 --> 00:18:11.670
and evidence of community input.

00:18:11.670 --> 00:18:14.049
And then lastly, readiness to proceed.

00:18:14.049 --> 00:18:17.089
If IDA were to turn around and say, yep, here's your money,

00:18:17.089 --> 00:18:21.690
how quickly can you mobilize and hit the ground running

00:18:21.690 --> 00:18:27.589
and administer your program?

00:18:27.589 --> 00:18:30.150
If the city decides to apply,

00:18:30.150 --> 00:18:33.549
some recommendations on how that application package

00:18:33.549 --> 00:18:38.549
would be in discussions with Director Duckman.

00:18:38.549 --> 00:18:41.269
I would recommend that you request

00:18:41.269 --> 00:18:45.230
the full rehab project type instead of divvying it out

00:18:45.230 --> 00:18:48.110
based on accessibility and roof only.

00:18:48.110 --> 00:18:50.329
This allows for the most flexibility

00:18:50.329 --> 00:18:52.829
when you're actually administering the program.

00:18:52.829 --> 00:18:56.630
So if we apply for 17 full rehab projects

00:18:56.630 --> 00:18:58.909
and we get into the weeds and figure out,

00:18:58.909 --> 00:19:03.090
oh, this homeowner actually needs more accessibility type

00:19:03.090 --> 00:19:05.230
activity or work done to their house.

00:19:05.230 --> 00:19:08.429
We can always transfer it to an accessibility project type.

00:19:08.429 --> 00:19:10.509
And similarly with roof only,

00:19:10.509 --> 00:19:12.509
if we approach it as a full rehab

00:19:12.509 --> 00:19:14.650
and find out later after inspections,

00:19:14.650 --> 00:19:15.750
they only need a roof.

00:19:15.750 --> 00:19:18.150
We can always transfer the project to a three year

00:19:18.150 --> 00:19:22.329
forgivable loan with a roof only.

00:19:22.329 --> 00:19:24.889
And my recommendation for how many homes,

00:19:24.889 --> 00:19:27.250
I believe the city would be able to, you know,

00:19:27.250 --> 00:19:29.250
and

00:19:30.349 --> 00:19:32.250
the other two are the two that are in the

00:19:32.250 --> 00:19:34.250
budget.

00:19:35.369 --> 00:19:37.769
The one that will feasibly get done in two years would be 17

00:19:37.769 --> 00:19:42.529
homes. What that looks like budget-wise or a budget request

00:19:42.529 --> 00:19:46.529
would be the construction, hard and soft would be $850,000.

00:19:46.529 --> 00:19:50.730
That's at the maximum $50,000 per home for a full rehab project

00:19:50.730 --> 00:19:55.730
type. That would allow for project delivery, 15% of

00:19:55.730 --> 00:19:57.230
and another 48,875.

00:19:57.230 --> 00:20:00.799
for $48,875, which is 5% of your construction

00:20:00.799 --> 00:20:02.880
and project delivery request,

00:20:02.880 --> 00:20:07.880
totaling a total grant request at $1,026,375.

00:20:12.789 --> 00:20:15.589
So what does this look like if the city were awarded

00:20:15.589 --> 00:20:20.589
and how the steps it takes to get to construction?

00:20:20.589 --> 00:20:23.950
So IDA, the applications are due in March.

00:20:23.950 --> 00:20:28.869
IDA intends to review applications until June or July

00:20:28.869 --> 00:20:58.869
once awards are announced, the programs will get, you know, their grant agreement and be able to start doing the work and expending funds in August of 2025. So that gives us till July of 2027. So what does the participant selection process look like? Who is going to get these funds or benefit from these funds from the city? So the grant is awarded to the city. The city can then contract with the third party vendor to administer the program. That's when

00:20:58.869 --> 00:21:03.869
the third party administrator would work with the city to develop a participant

00:21:03.869 --> 00:21:08.470
selection plan. Once you develop your participant selection plan there are

00:21:08.470 --> 00:21:15.009
things within that plan that are already not only recommended but required by IDA

00:21:15.009 --> 00:21:21.089
but we can play around with the details in terms of media, outreach, application

00:21:21.089 --> 00:21:25.450
intake, things like that. Once we develop our participant selection plan it's sent

00:21:25.450 --> 00:21:30.450
to IDA for review to ensure that it complies with regulations.

00:21:30.490 --> 00:21:32.069
We then, once they approve that,

00:21:32.069 --> 00:21:34.609
we can market the program to the public,

00:21:34.609 --> 00:21:36.789
develop an interested participant list.

00:21:36.789 --> 00:21:40.210
So anybody that, any homeowner that contacts the city

00:21:40.210 --> 00:21:42.769
wants seeing, you know, the social media posts

00:21:42.769 --> 00:21:43.710
or letter in the mail.

00:21:43.710 --> 00:21:46.769
However, the city decides to market the program,

00:21:46.769 --> 00:21:49.130
they would be put on a list on a first come first serve

00:21:49.130 --> 00:21:52.529
basis in order of correspondence.

00:21:52.529 --> 00:21:55.329
Then the administrator would take that list

00:21:55.329 --> 00:21:57.809
and have everyone on that list

00:21:57.809 --> 00:21:59.309
fill out a pre-application form,

00:21:59.309 --> 00:22:01.650
which is very basic information,

00:22:01.650 --> 00:22:03.890
what they believe they make for income,

00:22:03.890 --> 00:22:06.329
how many people in the household,

00:22:06.329 --> 00:22:08.650
are you current on your mortgage, things like that.

00:22:08.650 --> 00:22:10.490
Once the pre-application forms are in,

00:22:10.490 --> 00:22:12.690
we then can begin scheduling interviews

00:22:12.690 --> 00:22:17.410
and that's when eligibility will really become important

00:22:17.410 --> 00:22:19.410
or will determine homeowner eligibility.

00:22:21.009 --> 00:22:23.970
So IDA has a process in which to schedule interviews

00:22:23.970 --> 00:22:25.210
to make it fair.

00:22:25.210 --> 00:22:29.610
They would involve three calls or emails within 48 hours

00:22:29.610 --> 00:22:33.610
in the order that you have in your intended participant list.

00:22:33.610 --> 00:22:35.970
If no response within that 48 hours,

00:22:35.970 --> 00:22:38.210
you would send a certified letter in the mail.

00:22:39.610 --> 00:22:42.750
After 10 days and still no response,

00:22:42.750 --> 00:22:45.490
you would then remove that participant

00:22:45.490 --> 00:22:48.490
from the interested participant list

00:22:48.490 --> 00:22:52.130
and they essentially forfeit their ability

00:22:52.130 --> 00:22:54.009
to use program funds.

00:22:54.009 --> 00:22:56.210
and we would also send a letter informing them

00:22:56.210 --> 00:22:58.210
that they've been removed from the list.

00:22:59.509 --> 00:23:01.049
If you are able to get ahold of somebody,

00:23:01.049 --> 00:23:02.170
you then schedule an interview

00:23:02.170 --> 00:23:06.170
and at this interview is when we determine income

00:23:06.170 --> 00:23:10.329
and income is calculated based on IDA's income calculator

00:23:11.529 --> 00:23:14.009
as well as a level of home inspection.

00:23:14.009 --> 00:23:16.690
So the home inspection is important

00:23:16.690 --> 00:23:20.490
because when I would be there,

00:23:20.490 --> 00:23:22.809
in taking everybody's income information,

00:23:22.809 --> 00:23:28.650
figuring out which documents you know we need in order to process this. The income calculations

00:23:28.650 --> 00:23:33.930
after I would finish them would be sent to IDA to review so we would get the final say from IDA

00:23:33.930 --> 00:23:38.970
but the home inspection we only have fifty thousand dollars and priority has to go to

00:23:40.089 --> 00:23:46.009
code violations and public health and safety type work. So the home inspection would be important

00:23:46.009 --> 00:23:51.930
simply because if a home needs a lot more than fifty thousand dollars to bring it up to code

00:23:51.930 --> 00:24:00.490
it's just not a feasible project for these funds. Once the income calculations are approved by IDA,

00:24:01.210 --> 00:24:05.769
the city would then take them and rank them determining participant eligibility and then

00:24:05.769 --> 00:24:12.089
moving forward with program administration. A note at the bottom, once the city does submit

00:24:12.089 --> 00:24:19.289
their participant selection plan, it can be amended. So say this is our plan, we're doing this and

00:24:19.289 --> 00:24:24.250
and something isn't working any longer, something that's not going to jeopardize the fairness

00:24:24.250 --> 00:24:29.490
of the participant selection, but maybe something in the process that needs to change, we can

00:24:29.490 --> 00:24:35.950
always amend it with IDA approval.

00:24:35.950 --> 00:24:38.910
A little more information on the income calculator.

00:24:38.910 --> 00:24:43.089
So how does IDA calculate income?

00:24:43.089 --> 00:24:47.250
It's calculated for all household members over the age of 18.

00:24:47.250 --> 00:24:49.309
Income includes earned income.

00:24:49.309 --> 00:24:57.069
So the full amount before any payroll deductions of wages and salaries, overtime pay, commissions,

00:24:57.069 --> 00:25:02.389
fees, tips, and bonuses, and other compensation for personal services.

00:25:02.389 --> 00:25:07.569
It also includes assets, which is derived income such as checking and savings account

00:25:07.569 --> 00:25:14.869
balances, certificates of deposit, stocks, value of home, etc., as well as unearned income,

00:25:14.869 --> 00:25:19.150
so benefits including pensions, social security benefits.

00:25:19.150 --> 00:25:22.549
The income calculator also takes into consideration

00:25:22.549 --> 00:25:24.410
adjustments and deductions.

00:25:24.410 --> 00:25:27.029
So the number of dependents, childcare deductions,

00:25:27.029 --> 00:25:34.940
disability, elderly and disabled.

00:25:34.940 --> 00:25:39.940
The application due March 14th asks the applicant

00:25:40.220 --> 00:25:42.339
to describe your procedures and mechanisms

00:25:42.339 --> 00:25:43.980
for intake and selection,

00:25:43.980 --> 00:25:46.420
including how your organization will prioritize

00:25:46.420 --> 00:25:49.200
eligible participants in your program.

00:25:49.200 --> 00:25:52.380
If the city moves forward with the application,

00:25:52.380 --> 00:25:54.819
I would recommend to stay in line

00:25:54.819 --> 00:25:56.299
with IDA's recommendations

00:25:56.299 --> 00:26:01.180
by prioritizing households or homeowners

00:26:01.180 --> 00:26:03.099
that have a household income of less than

00:26:03.099 --> 00:26:06.579
or equal to 50% of the area median income.

00:26:07.940 --> 00:26:11.759
This would not only ease the administrative burden

00:26:11.759 --> 00:26:13.779
and some of the administrative costs

00:26:13.779 --> 00:26:16.579
to process the number of applications

00:26:16.579 --> 00:26:18.319
when it's open citywide,

00:26:18.319 --> 00:26:22.660
it would also prioritize the most in need homeowners

00:26:22.660 --> 00:26:23.599
and households.

00:26:24.519 --> 00:26:28.059
So what is 50% area median income?

00:26:28.059 --> 00:26:33.059
So Stevenson County, one person household is 28,500,

00:26:33.059 --> 00:26:36.559
two person household 32,600 and so on so forth.

00:26:36.559 --> 00:26:38.259
They're highlighted on this table.

00:26:39.880 --> 00:26:43.579
Eight person household is $53,750.

00:26:43.579 --> 00:26:49.299
And again, people in the household are only people over 18.

00:26:49.299 --> 00:26:54.299
So then if we have, so say we're doing 17 homes,

00:26:54.339 --> 00:26:57.460
we're going to write the application and request 17 homes.

00:26:57.460 --> 00:27:00.380
However, if one of the homes is less than 50,000,

00:27:00.380 --> 00:27:03.480
we could always add to it.

00:27:03.480 --> 00:27:06.119
And this process allows for that to happen.

00:27:06.119 --> 00:27:08.860
So if more than 17 participants are eligible

00:27:08.860 --> 00:27:11.740
in this less than 50% threshold,

00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:13.779
the city would hold a lottery

00:27:13.779 --> 00:27:16.339
to determine the recipient of those funds.

00:27:16.339 --> 00:27:20.500
If less than 17 participants are eligible,

00:27:20.500 --> 00:27:23.059
we would then bump up the income threshold

00:27:23.059 --> 00:27:25.119
to less than or equal to 80%,

00:27:25.119 --> 00:27:30.119
which is viable or recommended by IDA.

00:27:33.690 --> 00:27:35.809
And that way, if houses are done,

00:27:35.809 --> 00:27:37.690
we use less than $50,000,

00:27:37.690 --> 00:27:39.730
so we can go to the next one on the list.

00:27:39.730 --> 00:27:41.529
The lottery system would ensure

00:27:41.529 --> 00:27:46.529
that the eligible participants are fairly considered.

00:27:52.420 --> 00:27:53.259
Any questions?

00:27:53.259 --> 00:28:25.910
Questions? Darren? Hi Tara, how are you? Good, how are you? Good presentation. I would like a couple clarifications just for city questions. Can any of the money be spent in the flood zone or a flood way? In a flood way? Flood way or a flood zone? Freeport has quite a few homes that are in the flood way, so I think I know the answer. I just wanted to ask that out loud. Sure. I do not have that answer on hand.

00:28:25.910 --> 00:28:33.110
right now but I will definitely research it and provide it to the city okay another question I

00:28:33.110 --> 00:28:41.909
had is this for only owner occupied properties not landlords correct correct and I think you stated

00:28:41.909 --> 00:28:47.990
this but let's pretend that a house has a value of only ten thousand dollars and fifty thousand

00:28:47.990 --> 00:28:52.309
dollars won't bring it up to code they will not end up qualifying for the program correct

00:28:52.309 --> 00:28:53.309
Scott.

00:28:53.309 --> 00:28:54.309
Thank you.

00:28:54.309 --> 00:28:58.630
With recommendation from a housing, you know, a certified housing inspector.

00:28:58.630 --> 00:29:00.029
Yep.

00:29:00.029 --> 00:29:02.029
Thank you.

00:29:02.029 --> 00:29:04.429
Any other questions?

00:29:04.429 --> 00:29:08.980
Alderman Stacey.

00:29:08.980 --> 00:29:14.579
Why did we, if this was something we wanted to consider, why didn't we restart on the

00:29:14.579 --> 00:29:15.579
21st?

00:29:15.579 --> 00:29:20.639
Why are we starting 11 days behind?

00:29:20.639 --> 00:29:21.639
Sure.

00:29:21.639 --> 00:29:25.519
The program information, it opened up on February 5th.

00:29:25.519 --> 00:29:32.119
I got the information out to the city. We didn't talk about it seriously until probably last

00:29:32.119 --> 00:29:38.500
week or the week before when we were talking about housing rehab efforts within the city.

00:29:38.500 --> 00:29:42.880
And that's when Wayne and I said, yep, this is something we need to take to council. It's

00:29:42.880 --> 00:29:50.720
an opportunity that's out there. We need to be ready to go for it if the council so chooses.

00:29:50.720 --> 00:29:55.960
So I also want to add there, too, that that would be six weeks Ida gives.

00:29:55.960 --> 00:30:00.599
6 weeks IDA gives the community to make a decision to apply.

00:30:00.599 --> 00:30:08.579
They call it a notice of applications or notice of funding opportunity and that came out on

00:30:08.579 --> 00:30:15.039
February 5th and so Tara and I had several conversations about grant capacity, the community

00:30:15.039 --> 00:30:20.220
development block grant, where we were at with that current efforts and ultimately we

00:30:20.220 --> 00:30:23.779
We were talking about bringing it to the last council meeting in February.

00:30:23.779 --> 00:30:26.180
I want to thank you, Tara.

00:30:26.180 --> 00:30:28.240
You did an excellent job with this presentation.

00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:33.680
We felt that it would be better to come better prepared March 3rd.

00:30:33.680 --> 00:30:37.819
We worked, you know, I know typically this council has a lot of questions, so we really

00:30:37.819 --> 00:30:43.779
wanted to make sure working on this presentation, we didn't want to be hasty and not have answers.

00:30:43.779 --> 00:30:50.059
So I give you a lot of credit, Tara, for coming out and really putting a lot of effort

00:30:50.059 --> 00:30:53.119
Spitz, Carrie, Casey, John, Jeff, Ray, Ryley, and so on.

00:30:53.539 --> 00:30:56.619
So for us, we felt that we needed to be more involved in

00:30:56.619 --> 00:31:06.440
this. And it's really important that everybody who is

00:31:06.440 --> 00:31:09.839
standing in front of us be aware of you and how this work is

00:31:09.859 --> 00:31:16.000
going to go on. So it's going to cost us

00:31:16.000 --> 00:31:20.720
$6,500 to go after this money, but there's no guarantee that

00:31:20.720 --> 00:31:24.799
Who's the third-party vendor that'll manage the program? Is that MSA?

00:31:24.799 --> 00:31:28.720
I would recommend it be MSA because we've worked with the city on

00:31:29.279 --> 00:31:34.759
existing housing rehab programs. So in terms of an experienced grant administrator, it would

00:31:35.180 --> 00:31:39.039
behoove the city to work with somebody else. Awesome. It is not

00:31:39.880 --> 00:31:45.079
the city is able to work with whomever. I would just recommend it be with MSA. No, that sounds great.

00:31:45.759 --> 00:31:50.400
So the way I understood your presentation that this could apply to new home builds

00:31:50.720 --> 00:31:54.900
Such as maybe, you know, maybe tiny homes or manufactured homes that are put on

00:31:56.559 --> 00:32:03.519
Empty lots in our community. Is that correct? That is correct. There is a new home property value

00:32:04.240 --> 00:32:10.160
Threshold as well. The existing home was two hundred nine thousand and there is a new home number. I believe it's

00:32:10.880 --> 00:32:14.440
It's more than two hundred thousand. Okay, but I can pull that

00:32:14.440 --> 00:32:15.440
Winslow.

00:32:15.440 --> 00:32:19.539
That's fair enough if you want to pull that up.

00:32:19.539 --> 00:32:21.880
This next one should be pretty easy.

00:32:21.880 --> 00:32:24.599
Who's authorized to do the home inspections?

00:32:24.599 --> 00:32:27.079
Does the person go out and get their own home inspector?

00:32:27.079 --> 00:32:28.519
Does the city?

00:32:28.519 --> 00:32:29.519
How do we do that?

00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:33.400
So when you do contract with a third party grant administrator such as MSA, we would

00:32:33.400 --> 00:32:37.160
sub-consult with a lead certified housing inspector.

00:32:37.160 --> 00:32:40.440
Okay, thank you.

00:32:40.440 --> 00:32:41.799
Any other questions?

00:32:41.799 --> 00:32:42.960
Yes.

00:32:42.960 --> 00:32:50.920
Does this have anything to do with why the city wanted to purchase that property that

00:32:50.920 --> 00:32:54.799
was brought to the council last meeting?

00:32:54.799 --> 00:32:58.289
City Manager Boyer?

00:32:58.289 --> 00:33:00.690
Not specifically.

00:33:00.690 --> 00:33:02.450
Not specifically.

00:33:02.450 --> 00:33:05.250
I don't understand that answer.

00:33:05.250 --> 00:33:10.130
Well, if it can be used for something like this, I don't, you know, infill housing, that

00:33:10.130 --> 00:33:12.289
and

00:33:12.329 --> 00:33:12.829
Denney.

00:33:12.869 --> 00:33:13.829
They

00:33:13.869 --> 00:33:15.110
would be great for it.

00:33:15.130 --> 00:33:16.670
But that wasn't specifically what we were

00:33:16.710 --> 00:33:17.329
getting it for.

00:33:17.369 --> 00:33:18.130
It was either

00:33:18.170 --> 00:33:18.970
infill housing or some commercial property

00:33:19.009 --> 00:33:19.569
development.

00:33:19.610 --> 00:33:21.069
Okay.

00:33:21.110 --> 00:33:25.049
I also noticed that Brittany had already

00:33:25.069 --> 00:33:27.750
signed, the team leader had already signed.

00:33:27.789 --> 00:33:32.630
It's typical practice for the professional

00:33:32.650 --> 00:33:34.650
services agreements we send to clients.

00:33:34.690 --> 00:33:37.190
That means it's been reviewed at the MSA

00:33:37.230 --> 00:33:39.349
level and we're ready to move forward once

00:33:39.349 --> 00:33:42.150
makes a decision and executes the contract.

00:33:46.150 --> 00:33:51.150
What's gonna be in play to keep from having another incident

00:33:51.950 --> 00:33:56.490
like 1010 South Adams?

00:33:56.490 --> 00:33:58.650
She would have no idea what you're talking about there.

00:33:58.650 --> 00:33:59.490
Yes, she does.

00:33:59.490 --> 00:34:00.730
She was here.

00:34:00.730 --> 00:34:01.769
Well, I can answer that.

00:34:01.769 --> 00:34:04.210
There's different guidelines for IDA,

00:34:04.210 --> 00:34:06.930
which I thought you did an excellent job talking about

00:34:06.930 --> 00:34:09.670
how IDA has its own calculator right there,

00:34:09.670 --> 00:34:12.349
and you can go look at how they actually calculate

00:34:12.349 --> 00:34:14.550
what income is and that's it.

00:34:14.550 --> 00:34:19.210
IDA sends a spreadsheet, there's the link,

00:34:19.210 --> 00:34:21.289
they fill in the spreadsheet based on the data

00:34:21.289 --> 00:34:25.029
that's given to them and if they fall within the parameters

00:34:25.029 --> 00:34:28.929
of area median income, they qualify for the grant

00:34:28.929 --> 00:34:31.929
and that's what IDA looks at, IDA reviews it

00:34:31.929 --> 00:34:34.050
and you gotta remember, IDA's talking about

00:34:34.050 --> 00:34:35.889
the state of Illinois and helping out people

00:34:35.889 --> 00:34:38.250
which is really what this grant is about.

00:34:38.250 --> 00:34:46.090
There's no, you know, MSA and TARA approached me about this grant opportunity and it's really

00:34:46.090 --> 00:34:48.110
to bring help to people that are in need.

00:34:48.110 --> 00:34:53.590
They live in their homes, they're low income and you know, no government program's perfect

00:34:53.590 --> 00:34:58.909
but they've been doing this for a long time and they have a standardized form and it's

00:34:58.909 --> 00:35:06.070
really just meant to get people in the most need, the help that they can.

00:35:06.070 --> 00:35:11.929
Time. The need is going to extend past what is available. You know, we're going to request

00:35:11.929 --> 00:35:16.309
up to a million dollars. We may not get up to a million dollars. You might only get 400,000,

00:35:16.309 --> 00:35:20.829
but should we stop? Should we quit? I mean, somebody is going to need these funds. We just

00:35:20.829 --> 00:35:25.510
had a community member up here, Wendy Slayton. She's telling you that the community is telling

00:35:25.510 --> 00:35:30.429
you we need help. Should we stop because you know what? We don't have enough money and

00:35:30.429 --> 00:35:35.889
just say we're not going to do 17 homes or 10 homes because we can't bring aid to everybody.

00:35:35.889 --> 00:35:37.690
I think it's worth trying.

00:35:37.690 --> 00:35:40.010
I think it's something you should look into yourself

00:35:40.010 --> 00:35:41.529
and think that it's probably worth trying

00:35:41.529 --> 00:35:42.730
to help our community.

00:35:42.730 --> 00:35:47.730
Director Duckman, you were the first person

00:35:49.369 --> 00:35:53.570
pertaining to that other grant that said

00:35:53.570 --> 00:35:56.170
you would never go after another grant

00:35:57.650 --> 00:36:00.650
because you don't want the responsibility.

00:36:00.650 --> 00:36:03.750
You didn't want the responsibility of the last one.

00:36:03.750 --> 00:36:06.989
That's why it fell in others' hands.

00:36:06.989 --> 00:36:09.110
I deny it, saying it that.

00:36:09.110 --> 00:36:10.590
Of course you would.

00:36:10.590 --> 00:36:12.909
Let's not throw out unfounded accusations.

00:36:12.909 --> 00:36:17.150
But now it's like the people, and if we can only

00:36:17.150 --> 00:36:21.349
help this many compared to that many.

00:36:21.349 --> 00:36:24.429
Well, I mean, it's pretty clear what the IDA guidelines are.

00:36:24.429 --> 00:36:29.470
And I'm trying to bring an opportunity

00:36:29.470 --> 00:36:30.510
to help the community.

00:36:30.510 --> 00:37:00.510
and if honestly and I'm not I'm being very respectful here and saying it if if this council thinks that IDA has unfair practices maybe it's just not the right grant for our community if that's what you're saying I mean if you if you feel that way I'm being very honest but I'm telling you that I believe in my role is to bring as much aid as I can to the community and I think this is a good program and I think it could help I think we can bring some aid to our community I'm not down speaking Stacy you've had like seven at all there are other older person but now

00:37:00.510 --> 00:37:06.510
Now all we have is 11 days. If it was so important, why you didn't come?

00:37:06.510 --> 00:37:13.750
It's just the application is 11 days. This whole process, the grant award will probably

00:37:13.750 --> 00:37:19.630
come at some point. IDA will make its decision. Right now what we're talking about is $6,500

00:37:19.630 --> 00:37:26.150
to retain MSA to write the grant application. And IDA will review it and they'll make a

00:37:26.150 --> 00:37:30.230
determination whether the city can move forward and then there will be plenty of time for

00:37:30.230 --> 00:37:34.590
We're marketing this program, processing applications, determining income.

00:37:34.590 --> 00:37:39.289
All this being talked about today is to write the grant.

00:37:39.289 --> 00:37:40.289
It's writing the grant application.

00:37:40.289 --> 00:37:46.269
Yeah, I just want to say I do really like the program, and I think I agree with you,

00:37:46.269 --> 00:37:47.269
Wayne.

00:37:47.269 --> 00:37:54.150
So many people out there that is really looking for help to get their roofs done, their windows

00:37:54.150 --> 00:37:57.670
done, doors done, whatever they can get done to their house.

00:37:57.670 --> 00:38:03.869
I also think that you know we got to look at if there's grants out there that we can go after and help

00:38:04.349 --> 00:38:08.550
That's what we're supposed to be doing. I guess that's what his department is supposed to be doing

00:38:08.630 --> 00:38:12.389
so I do think that is something that we need to

00:38:12.829 --> 00:38:18.829
Go after and help people in our community because it goes all over the city of Freeport, correct?

00:38:18.829 --> 00:38:24.970
So anybody that other grant just went for a certain area this can go anywhere so anybody can get help

00:38:25.070 --> 00:38:27.190
So I think it's it's a good idea

00:38:27.190 --> 00:38:36.250
D. I really do. Alderman Klemm? I just have one question, and it was the fact of reaching

00:38:36.250 --> 00:38:42.070
out to people after the grants were selected and so on and so forth. Are there extra grants

00:38:42.070 --> 00:38:50.170
selected in case somebody falls out from not being able to be, well, it was listed more

00:38:50.170 --> 00:38:55.989
so as sending them out a letter or three phone calls or three emails or something like that

00:38:55.989 --> 00:39:25.989
We would have a list our intended participant list that would likely have a lot more folks than we need to reach out to so once you know once we don't get we go through the appropriate processes and don't get a response for somebody we just move on down to the next one thank you any other

00:39:25.989 --> 00:39:33.730
another discussion thank you for your presentation we move on to item number six

00:39:33.730 --> 00:39:37.489
which is the adoption of resolution 2025 30 madam clerk could you please read

00:39:37.489 --> 00:39:43.610
this for the record resolution to approve an agreement with MSA professional

00:39:43.610 --> 00:39:48.050
services to provide IDA home repair and accessibility program grant writing

00:39:48.050 --> 00:39:49.170
Services.

00:39:49.170 --> 00:39:50.130
Director Duckman.

00:39:50.130 --> 00:39:52.050
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

00:39:52.050 --> 00:39:55.210
So what this resolution would.

00:39:55.210 --> 00:39:55.360
So what this resolution is discussing

00:39:55.360 --> 00:39:58.519
is moving forward with MSA.

00:39:58.519 --> 00:40:00.239
We just saw their presentation.

00:40:00.239 --> 00:40:04.039
And it would be in the amount of $6,500

00:40:04.039 --> 00:40:08.500
for them to write a grant application for the IDA Home

00:40:08.500 --> 00:40:09.960
Repair and Accessibility Program.

00:40:09.960 --> 00:40:13.480
And staff recommends moving forward with the resolution.

00:40:13.480 --> 00:40:14.880
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:40:14.880 --> 00:40:15.599
So moved.

00:40:15.599 --> 00:40:16.440
Second.

00:40:16.440 --> 00:40:19.159
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker,

00:40:19.159 --> 00:40:26.199
seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:40:27.400 --> 00:40:42.780
Excuse me. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye.

00:40:42.780 --> 00:40:44.619
The motion passes six to two.

00:40:49.210 --> 00:40:52.889
Item number seven is service awards. Manager Boyer.

00:40:54.409 --> 00:40:59.130
Thank you, Your Honor. I'm going to turn this over to Darren for Brandon Wells and then Chief

00:40:59.130 --> 00:41:07.909
Shenberger for Emily. Yeah, thank you. I'll do Brandon Wells. He's not here tonight. He had a

00:41:07.909 --> 00:41:13.510
family event that he couldn't make it, but Brandon Wells has been with the Public Works Department

00:41:13.510 --> 00:41:20.550
for 15 years. Brandon has worked for the city in the maintenance department. His first position

00:41:20.550 --> 00:41:25.190
was maintenance electrician and serves as the maintenance foreman today. Brandon and his team

00:41:25.190 --> 00:41:30.389
are responsible for maintaining the water plants, wells, wastewater treatment plant, all of our lift

00:41:30.389 --> 00:41:39.989
stations and ensuring the facilities are functioning and properly running 24-7. Brandon and his highly

00:41:39.989 --> 00:41:45.150
Branden has a wide variety of specialized maintenance skills, including but not limited

00:41:45.150 --> 00:41:49.190
to electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and building repairs.

00:41:49.190 --> 00:41:54.590
Branden is highly motivated, enjoys tough challenges that we seem to have plenty of.

00:41:54.590 --> 00:41:59.230
He manages routine preventative maintenance and performs significant repairs to equipment

00:41:59.230 --> 00:42:00.630
and to the facility.

00:42:00.630 --> 00:42:06.750
He humbly goes about his day and daily tasks, and Branden has no tasks that's beneath him

00:42:06.750 --> 00:42:08.329
within the city.

00:42:08.329 --> 00:42:13.690
He's also a great teacher of his craft and enjoys passing his skills on to others.

00:42:13.690 --> 00:42:20.349
Brandon performs his task at a high level consistently and provides high value to the city utility.

00:42:20.349 --> 00:42:22.150
You might ask how he provides that.

00:42:22.150 --> 00:42:27.429
Many of the repairs that Brandon does saves the city's thousands of dollars in cost of

00:42:27.429 --> 00:42:30.170
outside people to come in and do that.

00:42:30.170 --> 00:42:36.809
Him and his team provide significant value and tackle many projects that are beyond our

00:42:36.809 --> 00:42:45.170
He oversees most of the repairs at all the facilities and provides significant savings

00:42:45.170 --> 00:42:46.170
regularly.

00:42:46.170 --> 00:42:50.929
We appreciate his 15 years of faithful service and wish him the best.

00:42:50.929 --> 00:42:51.929
Thank you.

00:42:51.929 --> 00:42:52.929
Chief.

00:42:52.929 --> 00:42:53.929
Thank you, Mayor.

00:42:53.929 --> 00:43:01.610
I'd like to recognize Emily Danikis for her five years of service with the City of Freeport.

00:43:01.610 --> 00:43:07.250
Emily actually started off as a member of our Police Explorer program and then she transitioned

00:43:07.250 --> 00:43:13.530
as a member of our Freeport Police Department Auxiliary Unit when she became old enough.

00:43:13.530 --> 00:43:18.849
About five years ago, Emily was hired as a telecommunicator in the Dispatch Center and

00:43:18.849 --> 00:43:23.449
during her time with the City of Freeport, she's established herself as a dependable

00:43:23.449 --> 00:43:25.829
and valued employee.

00:43:25.829 --> 00:43:32.269
and Emily also serves in other capacities, that being a trainer, so she trains new telecommunicators

00:43:32.269 --> 00:43:37.030
who are going through that training process, and again, she could not be here tonight because

00:43:37.030 --> 00:43:42.190
of a prior commitment, but I just want to express my sincere thanks to her for her commitment

00:43:42.190 --> 00:43:45.670
to the Dispatch Center and the City of Freeport.

00:43:45.670 --> 00:43:46.989
Thank you.

00:43:46.989 --> 00:43:48.469
Item number eight is an appointment.

00:43:48.469 --> 00:43:53.139
Could you please read this?

00:43:53.139 --> 00:43:56.960
Appointment of Roger Scholz to the Library Board for a three-year term effective through

00:43:56.960 --> 00:44:04.159
May 31, 2028. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Klemm,

00:44:04.159 --> 00:44:11.199
seconded by Alderman Monroe. Any discussion? Madam Clerk? Why did you choose this gentleman?

00:44:12.400 --> 00:44:18.720
I'm sorry, can you repeat that? Why did you choose this gentleman? He's willing to serve. He's been

00:44:18.720 --> 00:44:25.599
on the board previously, back I think 20 years ago. He seems to be a good fit. Talked about it

00:44:25.599 --> 00:44:32.320
with Director Huffines and she agrees. And for the record, he's also a local Arthur.

00:44:33.599 --> 00:44:40.699
That was my question. If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the role.

00:44:41.420 --> 00:44:50.139
Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons?

00:44:50.860 --> 00:44:56.460
Aye. And the motion is approved, eight to zero. And item number nine is the second reading of

00:44:56.460 --> 00:44:59.320
of Ordinance 2025-12, could you please read this?

00:44:59.320 --> 00:45:02.480
Ordinance amending chapters 1248 and 1252

00:45:02.480 --> 00:45:04.679
of the Zoning Code of the City of Freeport

00:45:04.679 --> 00:45:07.260
concerning storage facilities in business

00:45:07.260 --> 00:45:09.559
and agricultural districts.

00:45:09.559 --> 00:45:11.159
Director Duckman.

00:45:11.159 --> 00:45:12.360
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

00:45:13.360 --> 00:45:15.519
So in this second reading, I'll just give a recap

00:45:15.519 --> 00:45:18.720
of what we talked about in the last meeting.

00:45:18.720 --> 00:45:21.360
So essentially what is going on here is

00:45:21.360 --> 00:45:25.279
storage facilities were, currently they're allowed

00:45:25.279 --> 00:45:30.720
and the B3 district, the agricultural district, and they are also allowed by a special use

00:45:30.720 --> 00:45:40.920
permit in the B2 zoning districts. So what this is proposing is to only allow storage

00:45:40.920 --> 00:45:45.840
facilities like a CubeSmart, for example, in the manufacturing districts.

00:45:45.840 --> 00:45:51.320
And just a little recap, what drove this, we brought this to our planning commission

00:45:51.320 --> 00:46:21.320
Mets, David, and Richard. So we're working to have a virtual workshop on February 13th which was recommended by approval of 6 to 0. What has spurred this is, we've had several expansions in the past year, several self storage facilities. We've seen a large increase in our retail areas and we anticipate that it could potentially grow and continue to grow and take over areas where we really could use some more variety in our retail.

00:46:21.320 --> 00:46:22.320
and Settler.

00:46:22.320 --> 00:46:25.320
We have a lot of work to do to make sure that we have a lot of people who are going to be

00:46:25.320 --> 00:46:29.320
able to come to our retail, especially considering that these self-storage facilities take up

00:46:29.320 --> 00:46:31.320
large geographic areas.

00:46:31.320 --> 00:46:36.320
So with that being said, staff is recommending approval in line with our planning commission

00:46:36.320 --> 00:46:37.320
of this ordinance.

00:46:37.320 --> 00:46:38.320
Thank you.

00:46:38.320 --> 00:46:41.980
Any further discussion?

00:46:41.980 --> 00:46:42.980
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:46:42.980 --> 00:46:43.980
Parker?

00:46:43.980 --> 00:46:44.980
Aye.

00:46:44.980 --> 00:46:45.980
Stacy?

00:46:45.980 --> 00:46:46.980
Aye.

00:46:46.980 --> 00:46:47.980
Shadle?

00:46:47.980 --> 00:46:48.980
Aye.

00:46:48.980 --> 00:46:49.980
Sanders?

00:46:49.980 --> 00:46:50.980
Aye.

00:46:50.980 --> 00:46:51.980
Sellers?

00:46:51.980 --> 00:46:52.980
Aye.

00:46:52.980 --> 00:46:58.779
the ordinance passes 8 to 0 and item number 10 is the second reading of

00:46:58.779 --> 00:47:04.179
ordinance 2025 11 could you please read this ordinance approving hanger leases

00:47:04.179 --> 00:47:10.500
for a 1 Dennis Miller h1 Alexander blocker J Matt van Bergen l1 Ron Jansen

00:47:10.500 --> 00:47:18.300
l2 heritage aviation l3 Rob to campy doing business as tangle 34 l5 Paul Oda

00:47:18.300 --> 00:47:27.059
Bouda, L7, Pam Mannes, M1, John Eink, M3, Greg Manuel, M4, Ken and Paula Irwin, M8,

00:47:27.059 --> 00:47:30.699
David Hayes, and N10, John Staben.

00:47:30.699 --> 00:47:32.900
Manager Boyer.

00:47:32.900 --> 00:47:33.900
Thank you, honor.

00:47:33.900 --> 00:47:37.760
Just following up, this is cleaning up the leases situation at the airport.

00:47:37.760 --> 00:47:43.340
We have the new lease format, which was approved by council, and these individuals were reviewed

00:47:43.340 --> 00:47:48.699
last council meeting and staff request moving forward with these leases there

00:47:48.699 --> 00:47:59.619
any discussion on these particular leases Alderman Stacey yes hanger l3 Rob Tecumple

00:47:59.619 --> 00:48:13.059
and then it says tango 34 LLC different hanger so this is two hangers when we

00:48:13.059 --> 00:48:19.900
sent the leases out, his came back in a different hanger, so it's not two hangers, he just

00:48:19.900 --> 00:48:29.699
was previously not an L3, he's moved to a different hanger, which is L3.

00:48:29.699 --> 00:48:30.699
Any other discussion?

00:48:30.699 --> 00:48:34.539
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:48:34.539 --> 00:48:35.539
Parker?

00:48:35.539 --> 00:48:36.539
Aye.

00:48:36.539 --> 00:48:37.539
Stacy?

00:48:37.539 --> 00:48:38.539
Aye.

00:48:38.539 --> 00:48:39.539
Shadle?

00:48:39.539 --> 00:48:40.539
Aye.

00:48:40.539 --> 00:48:41.539
Sanders?

00:48:41.539 --> 00:48:42.539
Aye.

00:48:42.539 --> 00:48:43.539
Kessler.

00:48:43.539 --> 00:48:44.539
Aye.

00:48:44.539 --> 00:48:45.539
And Simmons.

00:48:45.539 --> 00:48:46.539
Aye.

00:48:46.539 --> 00:48:47.539
The ordinance passes 8-0.

00:48:47.539 --> 00:48:52.380
Item number 11 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-13, could you please read this?

00:48:52.380 --> 00:48:55.279
This is the next batch of hangers that have come back in.

00:48:55.279 --> 00:49:02.920
This is an ordinance approving those, E-1, Propwash, K-8, the Champ Club, New Lease,

00:49:02.920 --> 00:49:12.019
so they've not previously been in K-8 before, L-6, KCS, LLC, KCS is also in L-8, M-6, David

00:49:12.019 --> 00:49:18.779
Slye, N1 Howard Norman, N9 Tim Mickle. Manager Boyer. Thank your honor. Again we

00:49:18.779 --> 00:49:22.639
have been getting these in as rapidly as possible. This is the second batch that's

00:49:22.639 --> 00:49:26.739
come through. Staff requests a suspension of the rules and approval of these leases.

00:49:26.739 --> 00:49:38.349
Is there a motion to move this forward? Second. Motion made by Alderman Klemm,

00:49:38.349 --> 00:49:43.610
seconded by Alderman Monroe. Alderman Monroe. Thank you Madam Mayor. This is

00:49:43.610 --> 00:49:49.610
How many of these are still outstanding after this batch goes through?

00:49:49.610 --> 00:49:51.610
I mailed out 50.

00:49:51.610 --> 00:49:57.139
Madam Clerk? I mailed out 50. So I haven't done a count, but this isn't half. No. No. Thank you.

00:50:01.019 --> 00:50:13.900
Go ahead. Why do some hangers have the holder's name and some have the listed business? Why if

00:50:13.900 --> 00:50:17.820
if they have a business aren't, isn't the business listed?

00:50:20.579 --> 00:50:23.619
Alderman Stacy, my guess is that these are private airplane,

00:50:23.619 --> 00:50:25.460
you know, pleasure aircraft,

00:50:25.460 --> 00:50:27.900
where the other ones are listed under a business.

00:50:27.900 --> 00:50:29.219
Dovie, did you have something else?

00:50:29.219 --> 00:50:33.440
Yeah, if they provide a business name, it's listed.

00:50:33.440 --> 00:50:35.639
If they don't provide a business name,

00:50:37.039 --> 00:50:42.079
then they're leased under the individual's name.

00:50:42.079 --> 00:50:43.219
Any further discussion?

00:50:43.219 --> 00:50:50.139
as per requested is there if anyone would like to motion motion to suspend the

00:50:50.139 --> 00:50:57.659
rules second Alderman Monroe seconded by Alderman Sellers a suspension of the

00:50:57.659 --> 00:51:00.900
rules is non debatable and was passed by two-thirds majority madam clerk would

00:51:00.900 --> 00:51:06.019
you please take the role on the suspension only Parker aye Stacy aye

00:51:06.019 --> 00:51:13.219
Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. And Simmons? Aye.

00:51:13.219 --> 00:51:18.579
Okay then now before you council would be the final reading for the ordinance 2025-13

00:51:18.579 --> 00:51:24.340
if there's no further discussion. Madam Clerk please take the roll. Parker? Aye.

00:51:24.340 --> 00:51:33.219
Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. And Simmons? Aye.

00:51:33.219 --> 00:51:38.019
This ordinance has passed 8 to 0. And item number 12 is the first reading of

00:51:38.019 --> 00:51:43.780
ordinance 2025-14. Could you please read this? Ordinance adopting the official

00:51:43.780 --> 00:51:49.789
zoning map of the city of Freeport. Thank you. Director Duckman. Thank you Madam

00:51:49.789 --> 00:51:55.909
Mayor. So the state of Illinois requires communities to publish annually their

00:51:55.909 --> 00:52:02.909
zoning maps and also to publish any or discuss if there was any zoning map

00:52:02.909 --> 00:52:03.909
and

00:52:03.909 --> 00:52:04.909
John.

00:52:04.909 --> 00:52:07.909
I'm going to move to the next item, which is the zoning map amendments and in the year

00:52:07.909 --> 00:52:10.909
of 2024, I have it up here.

00:52:10.909 --> 00:52:14.909
I can turn off the lights if necessary, but essentially there were zero map amendments

00:52:14.909 --> 00:52:17.909
in the year of 2024.

00:52:17.909 --> 00:52:24.909
So with this being stated and with the zoning map in front of you, staff is recommending

00:52:24.909 --> 00:52:29.909
moving this ordinance forward for a second reading.

00:52:29.909 --> 00:52:37.909
We have a motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the ordinance.

00:52:37.909 --> 00:52:45.639
Seeing none, we'll move on to item number 13, which is the first reading of ordinance 2025-16. Could you please read this?

00:52:45.639 --> 00:52:53.639
Ordinance approving the acquisition of real property interests, including land and easements, along Fairgrounds Road for well number 12.

00:52:53.639 --> 00:52:55.639
Thank you, Manager Boyer.

00:52:55.639 --> 00:53:01.840
Thank Your Honor. As discussed February 10th in closed session, city staff is

00:53:01.840 --> 00:53:05.440
recommending moving forward with the purchase of a property approximately

00:53:05.440 --> 00:53:13.519
seven acres south of Crate Park. We'll have the map up here shortly. Maybe we

00:53:13.519 --> 00:53:19.719
have it up there. As you know, the City of Freeport's water system has been

00:53:19.719 --> 00:53:24.599
systematically upgraded since we were first made aware of forever chemicals in

00:53:24.599 --> 00:53:27.840
in our main water plant source water at Brick Street.

00:53:27.840 --> 00:53:31.360
Since then, we have gone offline on the Brick Street plant,

00:53:31.360 --> 00:53:36.360
have been developing new source water and filtration capacity

00:53:36.800 --> 00:53:38.599
that has recently come to a conclusion

00:53:38.599 --> 00:53:41.800
on the Burchard plant at Burchard Hill.

00:53:41.800 --> 00:53:44.619
We have one more well and treatment plant that is necessary

00:53:44.619 --> 00:53:47.559
to ensure that we have redundant capacity in place.

00:53:47.559 --> 00:53:49.920
And so staff has been working for the last year

00:53:49.920 --> 00:53:51.400
trying to find a location for that.

00:53:51.400 --> 00:53:54.119
We located the best, not only quality of water,

00:53:54.119 --> 00:54:24.119
We then reached out and worked up an option agreement with the property owners and we are ready to move forward to ensure that we receive grant funding that's available and whether it's $5 million in forgivable loans, another $7 million in emergent contaminants money, we're interested in moving along rapidly from the standpoint of making sure that those funds we actually receive given the change in administration. So staff is asking for a suspension of $5 million.

00:54:24.119 --> 00:54:25.119
Settler.

00:54:25.119 --> 00:54:42.239
I just want to emphasize the importance of this moving forward.

00:54:42.239 --> 00:54:47.800
We are planning on going out to bed at the end of the month with well house number 12

00:54:47.800 --> 00:54:53.199
and it's imperative that we have the property in place in order to get the forgiveness and

00:54:53.199 --> 00:54:55.440
and the emergent contaminants money.

00:54:55.440 --> 00:55:00.320
Again, Rob rounded, it's $12.2 million are on the line.

00:55:00.320 --> 00:55:04.139
And this plan property, not this exact property,

00:55:04.139 --> 00:55:07.500
but property was planned in the 2025 budget

00:55:07.500 --> 00:55:09.920
for this purchase.

00:55:09.920 --> 00:55:14.119
Why it's taken so long is a city manager

00:55:14.119 --> 00:55:16.599
and I have been working on real estate

00:55:16.599 --> 00:55:20.239
in that corridor for probably over six months

00:55:20.239 --> 00:55:22.199
and had to move from property to property

00:55:22.199 --> 00:55:27.559
because we had significant issues trying to gain enough property to build the structure

00:55:27.559 --> 00:55:31.760
and the well that we need in a quality area.

00:55:31.760 --> 00:55:33.059
This area's been tested.

00:55:33.059 --> 00:55:38.320
We feel that we'll have significant good water quality like we did at well 11.

00:55:38.320 --> 00:55:47.079
It's 6,500 feet away and also has the yellow creek as the aquifer foundation to the well

00:55:47.079 --> 00:55:48.320
that we'll be drilling there.

00:55:48.320 --> 00:55:56.199
So if anybody doesn't know, this is on the curves out on Fairgrounds Road and Park.

00:55:56.199 --> 00:55:57.279
City Manager.

00:55:57.279 --> 00:56:03.519
And one last thing, just the city provided $9,500 in the first option agreement with

00:56:03.519 --> 00:56:06.079
the landowners and that is non-refundable.

00:56:06.079 --> 00:56:10.079
So I would like to move forward as not part of the purchase price.

00:56:10.079 --> 00:56:11.920
Alderman Monroe.

00:56:11.920 --> 00:56:13.920
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

00:56:13.920 --> 00:56:21.720
Even though Director Steekle didn't really sell me on the Yellow Creek, Yummy Water,

00:56:21.720 --> 00:56:26.199
I will make a motion to suspend the rules and move this forward.

00:56:26.199 --> 00:56:27.720
Second.

00:56:27.720 --> 00:56:31.400
We have a motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Sellers for suspension

00:56:31.400 --> 00:56:32.400
of the rules.

00:56:32.400 --> 00:56:34.480
Again, that's non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds majority.

00:56:34.480 --> 00:56:37.599
Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll on the suspension only?

00:56:37.599 --> 00:56:38.599
Parker?

00:56:38.599 --> 00:56:39.599
Aye.

00:56:39.599 --> 00:56:40.599
Stacy?

00:56:40.599 --> 00:56:41.599
Aye.

00:56:41.599 --> 00:56:42.599
Shadle?

00:56:42.599 --> 00:56:43.599
Aye.

00:56:43.599 --> 00:56:52.199
Klemm, Monroe, and Simmons. The suspension of the rules passes eight to zero. So now

00:56:52.199 --> 00:56:56.960
before you is the final passage for this ordinance Alderman Stacey. Yes I would

00:56:56.960 --> 00:57:11.300
like to know how much is this gonna cost us. Manager Boyer? Approximately $22,000 an acre.

00:57:11.300 --> 00:57:22.570
Baker, 22,000 an acre correct yes and that includes the earnest money as well

00:57:22.570 --> 00:57:28.369
and how many acres are we looking at so we originally asked for ten but we were

00:57:28.369 --> 00:57:33.289
able to get the work done that we needed for seven so we renegotiated with the

00:57:33.289 --> 00:57:42.130
owner and and seven was all we need any other discussion yes one more let me see

00:57:42.130 --> 00:57:46.779
If anybody else has, because you've already used your two.

00:57:46.779 --> 00:57:49.260
If no one objects.

00:57:49.260 --> 00:57:52.779
OK, Alderman Stacey.

00:57:52.779 --> 00:58:01.260
Without having this property, Darren, I'm sorry, Director,

00:58:01.260 --> 00:58:06.019
and without knowing how many acres,

00:58:06.019 --> 00:58:11.090
how did we budget for something like this?

00:58:11.090 --> 00:58:15.750
So anybody can easily research what commercial type properties

00:58:15.750 --> 00:58:19.710
Gofer in Stevenson County and in the city.

00:58:19.710 --> 00:58:22.750
And so we took a stab at what it might cost

00:58:22.750 --> 00:58:26.230
or what the max value we were willing to pay for properties.

00:58:26.230 --> 00:58:29.869
There was two other properties that city manager and I

00:58:29.869 --> 00:58:32.070
negotiated on.

00:58:32.070 --> 00:58:34.949
One of them was a half a million dollars an acre,

00:58:34.949 --> 00:58:38.630
and another one was $50,000 an acre.

00:58:38.630 --> 00:58:41.429
So we deemed them unaffordable and way beyond our budget.

00:58:41.429 --> 00:58:49.750
Jett. $20,000 would be high for farm ground, but not for commercial ground. And this opportunity

00:58:49.750 --> 00:58:55.289
gives us a lot of legs for the future growth of Freeport. And the attributes, as I discussed

00:58:55.289 --> 00:59:01.289
in executive session, to this property weigh into the price. So it's one of the areas of

00:59:01.289 --> 00:59:06.809
Freeport that doesn't flood, right? So we want to get just like Wellhouse 11, we need

00:59:06.809 --> 00:59:09.610
to place this in somewhere that's not low ground.

00:59:09.610 --> 00:59:12.730
The attributes to the Yellow Creek,

00:59:12.730 --> 00:59:14.210
one of the reasons that we like that

00:59:14.210 --> 00:59:16.090
is the water source is permanent

00:59:16.090 --> 00:59:17.889
and it filters through the ground layers.

00:59:17.889 --> 00:59:20.050
And we are drilling down to 1,300 feet

00:59:20.050 --> 00:59:23.409
is the expectation for this well, similar to well 11.

00:59:23.409 --> 00:59:27.409
So the attributes that come with the property

00:59:27.409 --> 00:59:30.170
and the future expansion to Freeport

00:59:30.170 --> 00:59:35.010
is significantly beneficial to this property.

00:59:35.010 --> 00:59:41.769
I will also remind everyone this well in particular will feed 70 percent of the people in Freeport

00:59:41.769 --> 00:59:45.650
because it feeds the low zone which is our largest population of zone.

00:59:45.650 --> 00:59:49.970
It's our business district, the down south, the east side, so we will be pumping.

00:59:49.970 --> 00:59:55.039
the east side. So we will be pumping that water across across Walnut Avenue and and to the east part of town.

00:59:55.039 --> 00:59:57.960
Did you say 70? About 70%

00:59:58.880 --> 01:00:01.559
Yeah, because it's most of our commercial businesses

01:00:02.280 --> 01:00:04.280
and and most of our

01:00:04.360 --> 01:00:06.360
downtown area and to the east

01:00:06.880 --> 01:00:09.679
and that's where we need the extra capacity at.

01:00:13.460 --> 01:00:15.460
There's no further discussion.

01:00:28.579 --> 01:00:30.900
The ordinance passes 8-0.

01:00:30.900 --> 01:00:35.940
Item 14 is the adoption of Resolution 2025-26.

01:00:35.940 --> 01:00:41.559
Resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding, or MLU, with Mississippi Centers for Supervision

01:00:41.559 --> 01:00:46.039
and a police social worker while obtaining masters of social work degree.

01:00:46.039 --> 01:00:47.039
Thank you.

01:00:47.039 --> 01:00:48.039
Chief Shenberger.

01:00:48.039 --> 01:00:49.039
Thank you.

01:00:49.039 --> 01:00:53.559
In October of 2024, the police social worker at that time resigned his position with the

01:00:53.559 --> 01:00:58.960
Freeport Police Department to pursue a position with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

01:00:58.960 --> 01:01:02.880
Human Resources advertised for the open position of police social worker.

01:01:02.880 --> 01:01:07.440
After the initial posting, the police department received interest from one applicant that

01:01:07.440 --> 01:01:09.559
was prepared to offer employment to the applicant.

01:01:09.559 --> 01:01:10.559
and John.

01:01:10.559 --> 01:01:14.179
However, the applicant declined to accept a position with another agency.

01:01:14.179 --> 01:01:18.820
The open position was posted a second time and HR received interest from one applicant.

01:01:18.820 --> 01:01:23.800
The applicant is local and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Psychology and Criminal

01:01:23.800 --> 01:01:29.019
Law and Justice from University of Illinois Chicago in 2023.

01:01:29.019 --> 01:01:34.059
She also had over two years of employment in the social services field and is a member

01:01:34.059 --> 01:01:36.599
of the United States Army National Guard.

01:01:36.599 --> 01:01:39.380
The applicant anticipates receiving her masters

01:01:39.380 --> 01:01:42.639
of social work in July, 2026.

01:01:42.639 --> 01:01:44.559
The police social worker position was offered

01:01:44.559 --> 01:01:46.480
to this applicant and she started her role

01:01:46.480 --> 01:01:48.519
on February 10th, 2025.

01:01:49.480 --> 01:01:50.980
The Freeport Police Department reached out

01:01:50.980 --> 01:01:53.440
to Mississippi Centers to have a licensed clinical

01:01:53.440 --> 01:01:56.539
social worker supervise the new police social worker

01:01:56.539 --> 01:01:59.280
on a weekly basis until she obtains her masters

01:01:59.280 --> 01:02:02.320
of social work in July of 2026.

01:02:02.320 --> 01:02:04.840
In 2022, the Freeport Police Department hired

01:02:04.840 --> 01:02:09.119
and the police social worker under similar circumstances who also required supervision

01:02:09.119 --> 01:02:13.480
from an LCSW until she received her certification.

01:02:13.480 --> 01:02:17.880
The police social worker will also work closely with the Stevenson County Sheriff's Office

01:02:17.880 --> 01:02:18.880
social worker.

01:02:18.880 --> 01:02:23.800
The supervision of a police social worker until she obtains her masters of social work

01:02:23.800 --> 01:02:25.480
is not uncommon.

01:02:25.480 --> 01:02:30.119
According to the National Association of Social Workers and Association of Social Work Boards,

01:02:30.119 --> 01:02:35.480
Working under an LCSW supervisor is important to the profession to have assurance that all

01:02:35.480 --> 01:02:40.860
social workers are equipped with the necessary skills to deliver competent and ethical social

01:02:40.860 --> 01:02:42.800
work services.

01:02:42.800 --> 01:02:48.079
Professional supervision is defined as the relationship between a supervisor and a supervisee

01:02:48.079 --> 01:02:53.300
in which the responsibility and accountability for the development of competence, demeanor,

01:02:53.300 --> 01:02:55.420
and ethical practice take place.

01:02:55.420 --> 01:03:00.820
The supervisor is responsible for providing direction to the supervisee who applies social

01:03:00.820 --> 01:03:07.139
work theory, standardized knowledge, skills, competency, and applicable ethical content

01:03:07.139 --> 01:03:09.619
in the practice setting.

01:03:09.619 --> 01:03:13.340
The supervisor and the supervisee both share responsibility for carrying out their role

01:03:13.340 --> 01:03:16.380
in this collaborative process.

01:03:16.380 --> 01:03:21.860
This MOU with Mississippi centers includes one two-hour session per week at no cost.

01:03:21.860 --> 01:03:22.860
Suttman.

01:03:22.860 --> 01:03:27.579
Any time spent by Mississippi over two hours a week could be subject to a charge of $40

01:03:27.579 --> 01:03:28.579
an hour.

01:03:28.579 --> 01:03:31.820
However, it's not anticipated that this will be necessary.

01:03:31.820 --> 01:03:32.820
Thank you.

01:03:32.820 --> 01:03:33.820
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:03:33.820 --> 01:03:34.820
So moved.

01:03:34.820 --> 01:03:35.820
Second.

01:03:35.820 --> 01:03:40.880
A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.

01:03:40.880 --> 01:03:41.880
Questions on the resolution?

01:03:41.880 --> 01:03:45.750
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:03:45.750 --> 01:03:46.750
Parker?

01:03:46.750 --> 01:03:47.750
Aye.

01:03:47.750 --> 01:03:48.750
Stacy?

01:03:48.750 --> 01:03:49.750
Aye.

01:03:49.750 --> 01:03:50.750
Shadle?

01:03:50.750 --> 01:03:51.750
Aye.

01:03:51.750 --> 01:03:52.750
Sanders?

01:03:52.750 --> 01:04:03.820
Monroe is absent. Simmons, since you're returning, Alderperson Monroe, do you want to vote or not?

01:04:03.820 --> 01:04:10.380
Okay, thank you. That is eight to zero and the resolution is adopted. Item number 15 is the

01:04:10.380 --> 01:04:16.460
adoption of resolution 2025-27. Could you please read? Resolution approving an agreement with

01:04:16.460 --> 01:04:22.300
Fehr Graham to provide civil engineering services related to IDOT surface transportation program,

01:04:22.300 --> 01:04:28.940
Graham, Urban Portion, which is STU, STU Funded Street Improvements Program.

01:04:28.940 --> 01:04:31.019
Manager Boyer?

01:04:31.019 --> 01:04:32.420
Thank you, Your Honor.

01:04:32.420 --> 01:04:38.460
So February 10th, we discussed the various FAU applicable routes.

01:04:38.460 --> 01:04:41.300
These are federal routes that we can use federal funding for.

01:04:41.300 --> 01:04:47.820
They are very particular about how work is done, and we're trying to make a point of

01:04:47.820 --> 01:04:50.720
using these funds for mill and overlay projects.

01:04:50.720 --> 01:04:55.760
So those projects were identified as Lincoln Boulevard from Locust to West, Stevenson Street

01:04:55.760 --> 01:05:03.039
from Locust to Sunset, Adams Avenue from Exchange to Float, and Walnut Avenue from Empire to

01:05:03.039 --> 01:05:04.039
South.

01:05:04.039 --> 01:05:06.960
So that is the list of projects we're hoping to do.

01:05:06.960 --> 01:05:12.279
However, because we have to do an environmental study, we'd like to move forward with design

01:05:12.279 --> 01:05:16.720
on this, even though construction won't begin until 2026.

01:05:16.720 --> 01:05:23.119
So staff requests, council move forward with this agreement with Fehr Graham to move forward.

01:05:23.119 --> 01:05:30.880
The total cost of the agreement is $218,150 and that will prepare us for utilization of

01:05:30.880 --> 01:05:33.920
these funds in the 2026 construction season.

01:05:33.920 --> 01:05:35.199
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:05:35.199 --> 01:05:36.199
So moved.

01:05:36.199 --> 01:05:37.199
Second.

01:05:37.199 --> 01:05:41.760
A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

01:05:41.760 --> 01:05:42.760
Discussion on the resolution?

01:05:42.760 --> 01:05:43.760
Madam.

01:05:43.760 --> 01:05:44.760
I have a question.

01:05:44.760 --> 01:05:45.760
Alderman Stacy.

01:05:45.760 --> 01:06:21.679
Alderman Stacy. Okay, this is a grant that will pay $2.5 million. It is not per se in a grant. This is funds that are dispersed through IDOT, but they have to be dispersed in a specific way with a very high level of parameters. So unfortunately, we were hoping to deploy these funds this year, but because of the environmental study that needs to be done, I think it's an

01:06:21.679 --> 01:06:26.199
or 9 month process, so these will end up being deployed in 26, but we still need to get the

01:06:26.199 --> 01:06:29.920
work done now so we can deploy these funds in 26.

01:06:29.920 --> 01:06:31.639
Alderman Stacey.

01:06:31.639 --> 01:06:43.389
Okay, so we currently have two contracts with Fehr Graham, Water Works Director and Master

01:06:43.389 --> 01:06:48.150
Service contract.

01:06:48.150 --> 01:07:01.309
Why wouldn't one of those cover this cost to go after this money?

01:07:01.309 --> 01:07:05.050
Those are different projects.

01:07:05.050 --> 01:07:08.449
So the public works director, I believe that's what you're referring to, that is dealing

01:07:08.449 --> 01:07:12.389
with the day-to-day management and working with the superintendents and the employees

01:07:12.389 --> 01:07:13.449
day-to-day.

01:07:13.449 --> 01:07:19.550
This is actually design and preparation for the STU funds to be deployed next year.

01:07:19.550 --> 01:07:22.429
It's just a completely different thing. I don't know if Darren wants to...

01:07:22.429 --> 01:07:29.110
But the second contract that we have with Fehr Graham.

01:07:29.110 --> 01:07:36.269
So we do multiple contracts with the city every year. The public works director is exactly

01:07:36.269 --> 01:07:40.889
what Rob said. That's me running the day to day of public works with the superintendents.

01:07:40.889 --> 01:07:47.269
So that's a standalone contract. The master service agreement is small contracts, things

01:07:47.269 --> 01:07:52.269
Huffines that we help the fire department with or the police department or specific things,

01:07:52.269 --> 01:07:57.550
building issues, other grants that we go after, smaller projects. Whenever we get into big

01:07:57.550 --> 01:08:05.070
projects, we do standalone contracts for them. It defines the scope of the project better

01:08:05.070 --> 01:08:10.989
than the master service agreement. If we could add this money on to the master service agreement,

01:08:10.989 --> 01:08:16.550
but when it comes to IDOT or EPA or anything that's federally funded, has money in it,

01:08:16.550 --> 01:08:20.710
Fowler, and they like to see stand-alone contracts for just that project alone.

01:08:20.710 --> 01:08:26.190
So to be honest with you, this is a more transparent way of bringing it to the council and to the

01:08:26.190 --> 01:08:32.270
floor so everybody can see the contracts rather than just the day-to-day stuff that are, I

01:08:32.270 --> 01:08:35.909
don't want to say they're meaningless, but they're much smaller items like helping the

01:08:35.909 --> 01:08:40.550
fire chief get a grant for windows or helping the police station with their canopy that

01:08:40.550 --> 01:08:43.270
fell down, things like that.

01:08:43.270 --> 01:08:45.270
That's what the master service contract is for.

01:08:45.270 --> 01:08:49.470
OK, so this is not going to happen until 2026.

01:08:49.470 --> 01:08:50.789
The construction won't.

01:08:50.789 --> 01:08:53.630
The design process needs to start now

01:08:53.630 --> 01:08:56.590
if we want to get the project constructed.

01:08:56.590 --> 01:08:58.989
And we budgeted for this?

01:08:58.989 --> 01:09:00.949
We have engineering budgets for it,

01:09:00.949 --> 01:09:03.069
and all the expense won't come this year.

01:09:03.069 --> 01:09:07.590
Some of it will come this year, and some of it will come in 26.

01:09:07.590 --> 01:09:11.590
I would say this project was not budgeted for like it

01:09:11.590 --> 01:09:14.909
is shown today, because we didn't

01:09:14.909 --> 01:09:18.909
We didn't know that we were going to be able to get this money when we did budgets, right?

01:09:18.909 --> 01:09:24.909
So that's what I said in the memo. This is a chance to get two and a half million dollars,

01:09:24.909 --> 01:09:27.909
but we have to support the engineering ourselves.

01:09:27.909 --> 01:09:33.909
So I already have the negotiations done with IDOT.

01:09:33.909 --> 01:09:38.909
We will get this funding, maybe even a little bit more because it's a cost estimate.

01:09:38.909 --> 01:09:41.909
It's not perfect, right? It's 10,000 feet at the moment.

01:09:41.909 --> 01:09:47.970
But if we don't move forward with the engineering now, this will not be constructed in 26 because the

01:09:47.970 --> 01:09:48.000
McClendon, John, and John.

01:09:48.000 --> 01:09:51.000
I'm glad that we're not going to be constructed in 26 because

01:09:51.000 --> 01:09:53.000
the ESR alone is a nine-month process.

01:09:53.000 --> 01:09:55.000
Thank you for being truthful.

01:09:55.000 --> 01:09:56.000
Yep.

01:09:56.000 --> 01:09:58.000
Alderman Klemm.

01:09:58.000 --> 01:10:01.000
Darren, what's the environmental issue?

01:10:01.000 --> 01:10:04.000
It's being pushed down from the federal government.

01:10:04.000 --> 01:10:08.000
We went to a seminar about it, but anything that has a dollar

01:10:08.000 --> 01:10:11.000
of federal money tied to it anymore is going to end up

01:10:11.000 --> 01:10:12.000
and John.

01:10:12.000 --> 01:10:16.720
It's something that the government is pushing down through all their agencies.

01:10:16.720 --> 01:10:22.880
That and archaeological studies are the new buzzwords, and unfortunately, they're very

01:10:22.880 --> 01:10:25.739
expensive to do.

01:10:25.739 --> 01:10:30.239
We're working on some drainage issues over in the Sioux Basin, and we were just notified

01:10:30.239 --> 01:10:35.479
that we have to do an archaeological study to look for arrowheads and Indian findings

01:10:35.479 --> 01:10:38.260
because it came up on some reports.

01:10:38.260 --> 01:10:44.659
It's a hot buzz item within the engineering world and again the seminar that we went to

01:10:44.659 --> 01:10:50.020
said any project that has one dollar of federal funds in it is going to retire those two options

01:10:50.020 --> 01:10:51.979
to be done moving forward.

01:10:51.979 --> 01:10:53.880
Thank you.

01:10:53.880 --> 01:10:57.579
Any other discussion on this resolution?

01:10:57.579 --> 01:10:59.619
Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:10:59.619 --> 01:11:00.619
Parker?

01:11:00.619 --> 01:11:01.619
Aye.

01:11:01.619 --> 01:11:02.619
Stacy?

01:11:02.619 --> 01:11:03.619
Aye.

01:11:03.619 --> 01:11:04.619
Shadle?

01:11:04.619 --> 01:11:05.619
Aye.

01:11:05.619 --> 01:11:06.619
Sanders?

01:11:06.619 --> 01:11:07.619
Aye.

01:11:07.619 --> 01:11:17.460
and Simmons. The resolution is adopted 8 to 0. Item number 16 is the adoption of resolution

01:11:17.460 --> 01:11:23.500
2025-28. Could you please read this? Resolution ratifying emergency demolition of the structure

01:11:23.500 --> 01:11:30.220
located at 402 to 404 East Shawnee Street by Elbar and Sun Earthworks. Director Duckman.

01:11:30.220 --> 01:11:36.779
Thank you Madam Mayor. So we're bringing this back up to council for approval. It is the

01:11:36.779 --> 01:11:41.579
Emergency Demolition of 402-404-E Shawnee.

01:11:41.579 --> 01:11:43.340
This property was declared a chronic nuisance

01:11:43.340 --> 01:11:45.819
on May 16th of 2024.

01:11:45.819 --> 01:11:48.979
The city posted a notice for the Statutory Fast Track

01:11:48.979 --> 01:11:52.460
Demolition on September 3rd of 2024.

01:11:52.460 --> 01:11:55.500
And then due to the immediate health and safety concerns,

01:11:55.500 --> 01:11:58.819
I solicited bids for the demolition of this property

01:11:58.819 --> 01:12:03.500
on December 11th, 2024 from three contractors.

01:12:03.500 --> 01:12:11.600
In the memorandum, I posted the solicited bids as well as the return bids.

01:12:11.600 --> 01:12:18.420
The bids are listed below and are provided to you and they were Elburn Sun Earthworks

01:12:18.420 --> 01:12:21.760
provided a bid in the amount of $19,700.

01:12:21.760 --> 01:12:27.619
Northern Illinois Service Company provided a bid for $29,837 and Fisher Excavating did

01:12:27.619 --> 01:12:30.460
not respond to the request for bid.

01:12:30.460 --> 01:12:36.319
the city moved forward with the demolition from Alberts on Earthworks, which was met

01:12:36.319 --> 01:12:43.359
the statutory requirement of 120 days from the posting or the statutory fast track demolition

01:12:43.359 --> 01:12:47.319
and staff recommends approval of this resolution.

01:12:47.319 --> 01:12:49.840
Is there a motion to approve this resolution?

01:12:49.840 --> 01:12:50.840
Second.

01:12:50.840 --> 01:12:55.640
A motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

01:12:55.640 --> 01:12:56.640
Discussion on the resolution?

01:12:56.640 --> 01:12:57.640
Alderman Stacey?

01:12:57.640 --> 01:13:27.640
Oldham and Stacy. What was the real emergency? What was the emergency? Oh, gosh. I mean, I think I talked about that for an hour a couple weeks ago. But I think the biggest emergency here when we talk about public safety is our fire department had two arson calls on this property, confirmed arson calls from our fire marshal. It's a very serious matter. When we're talking about the safety of our community, we also know that the property did

01:13:27.640 --> 01:13:29.239
and I have insurance.

01:13:29.239 --> 01:13:34.640
So when you have a fire hazard that had two incidents of arson

01:13:34.640 --> 01:13:37.960
on it, and then since I've been in this position,

01:13:37.960 --> 01:13:40.239
I've been called several times on that property

01:13:40.239 --> 01:13:42.079
from the community saying, hey, somebody's

01:13:42.079 --> 01:13:43.920
been in the property, somebody's breaking in.

01:13:43.920 --> 01:13:49.359
So the true nature of the emergency for several reasons.

01:13:49.359 --> 01:13:53.460
But I believe the biggest threat to the community

01:13:53.460 --> 01:13:55.899
Connolly, Dave, Joe, and the Department of Public Health.

01:13:55.899 --> 01:13:57.420
We had a lot of blunders.

01:13:57.420 --> 01:13:58.659
It was hard to make out.

01:13:58.659 --> 01:14:00.060
We had a lot of blunders.

01:14:00.060 --> 01:14:02.600
We could not get a message.

01:14:02.600 --> 01:14:05.000
We got the information that we needed.

01:14:05.000 --> 01:14:06.520
We had a lot of blunders.

01:14:10.520 --> 01:14:11.819
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

01:14:15.819 --> 01:14:16.760
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

01:14:16.760 --> 01:14:18.180
Thank you.

01:14:18.180 --> 01:14:18.819
Thank you for having me.

01:14:18.819 --> 01:14:19.859
Thank you for having me.

01:14:19.859 --> 01:14:22.420
Let's start with a quick question.

01:14:22.420 --> 01:14:23.420
Huffines.

01:14:23.420 --> 01:14:27.039
But you stated it multiple times.

01:14:27.039 --> 01:14:34.300
But here we are May, August, September, October, December, and you never once thought of coming

01:14:34.300 --> 01:14:38.500
to council like you do with every other demo.

01:14:38.500 --> 01:14:40.539
Why didn't that occur?

01:14:40.539 --> 01:14:45.420
And two, when did the city actually take ownership of the property?

01:14:45.420 --> 01:14:48.140
A couple of questions there.

01:14:48.140 --> 01:14:56.140
Well, first answer is, this is now the second, well, I guess I'd say the third time I've talked about this demolition, right? We talked about it at a cowl.

01:14:56.140 --> 01:14:58.140
We talked about the emergency demolition.

01:14:58.140 --> 01:15:01.140
Just please answer the two questions I asked. That's all I'm asking.

01:15:01.140 --> 01:15:07.140
Okay, well, that's my first answer. So this is the third time we've talked about this demolition. So that's my answer to your first question.

01:15:07.140 --> 01:15:08.140
After the fact.

01:15:08.140 --> 01:15:14.140
Yes. Now, we're going to talk about the second question being, remind me of the second question so I can answer it.

01:15:14.140 --> 01:15:24.060
So the first one, why didn't you come to the council before you demoed the house with basically

01:15:24.060 --> 01:15:26.739
a structured agreement?

01:15:26.739 --> 01:15:30.359
Everything in place like we have every other demo we've done in the city.

01:15:30.359 --> 01:15:31.439
Why didn't you do that?

01:15:31.439 --> 01:15:36.060
Because clearly there was an opportunity through November and December to do that.

01:15:36.060 --> 01:15:37.579
No, I would say there wasn't.

01:15:37.579 --> 01:15:41.579
I would say it was done as an emergency demolition, which is what I talk about in the memo, which

01:15:41.579 --> 01:15:47.300
Walsh is what I talked about. I believe it was in February. So that's my answer there.

01:15:47.300 --> 01:15:52.800
This was done as an emergency demolition. I've stated that multiple times. Stand behind

01:15:52.800 --> 01:15:58.000
that. I could talk again. I could talk at length if you'd like about what an emergency

01:15:58.000 --> 01:16:02.460
demolition is and what the requirements are. I can go on and on about that. Do you want

01:16:02.460 --> 01:16:07.659
me to answer your second question? Yeah. When did we take possession of the property?

01:16:07.659 --> 01:16:13.180
the city does not own this property and a fast-track demolition the city does not

01:16:13.180 --> 01:16:16.859
own a property a fast-track demolition that's why you post notice to the

01:16:16.859 --> 01:16:22.100
property owners saying hey you've left this property vacant you've left it

01:16:22.100 --> 01:16:27.159
abandoned and you left it as a nuisance to the proper to this community and if

01:16:27.159 --> 01:16:30.460
you don't fix it or demolish it yourself the city is going to because it's a

01:16:30.460 --> 01:16:33.899
nuisance and a threat to the community and that's exactly what we told the

01:16:33.899 --> 01:16:38.060
property owner and we told it to multiple property owners this is not the

01:16:38.060 --> 01:16:39.060
and Stacey.

01:16:39.060 --> 01:16:42.310
That's the first one we've done.

01:16:42.310 --> 01:16:44.949
Alderman Sellers?

01:16:44.949 --> 01:16:52.590
I just want some clarification on, is this to just pay Albert and Sons for the work is

01:16:52.590 --> 01:16:54.630
done because the house is gone?

01:16:54.630 --> 01:16:56.270
So we can't change that.

01:16:56.270 --> 01:17:02.550
So this is to pay them for demoing the property?

01:17:02.550 --> 01:17:04.069
This is 100% correct.

01:17:04.069 --> 01:17:08.529
This is to pay them for the demolition of the property, yes.

01:17:08.529 --> 01:17:10.529
Alderman Stacy?

01:17:10.529 --> 01:17:12.529
and

01:17:13.670 --> 01:17:15.670
the other members of the community.

01:17:16.989 --> 01:17:20.989
So, was this a fast track demo or was it an emergency demo?

01:17:20.989 --> 01:17:24.989
Both. Because we've never heard emergency

01:17:24.989 --> 01:17:28.989
until now. You've always just said fast track.

01:17:28.989 --> 01:17:32.989
Correct. And when I actually brought up in January an

01:17:32.989 --> 01:17:36.989
emergency board up of the hotel which also had a threat of a

01:17:36.989 --> 01:17:39.989
fire in January. So, whenever there's a threat of a fire to

01:17:39.989 --> 01:18:09.989
I'm going to stand behind a demolition as fast as I can or a board up as fast as I can as long as there if there is a threat of fire in this community I'm going to stand behind the quickest action I can possible to protect this community from a fire threat. So I did it in January for the hotel. I solicited bids from three contractors. I'm sorry. I said I'm not talking about the hotel. Well, I mean, you asked if I'd ever done an emergency action in the past. And the answer to that question is yes. That's not what I said.

01:18:09.989 --> 01:18:18.989
I said, was this a fast track demo or was it an emergency demo? And when was the fires?

01:18:18.989 --> 01:18:23.989
It's both. It's both. So it's both emergency and fast track.

01:18:23.989 --> 01:18:25.989
And when were the fires?

01:18:25.989 --> 01:18:27.989
The last fires were in 2021.

01:18:27.989 --> 01:18:36.989
So if it was such a big hazardous to the community, we're in 24.

01:18:36.989 --> 01:18:37.989
Miller.

01:18:37.989 --> 01:18:45.369
I gave, I gave the property owner the opportunity to fix it.

01:18:45.369 --> 01:18:46.369
And they did nothing.

01:18:46.369 --> 01:18:48.369
Oh, they did a whole lot.

01:18:48.369 --> 01:18:49.369
Did they?

01:18:49.369 --> 01:18:50.369
Yes.

01:18:50.369 --> 01:18:51.369
Enlighten me.

01:18:51.369 --> 01:18:52.369
I, my question for you.

01:18:52.369 --> 01:18:53.369
I'd like...

01:18:53.369 --> 01:18:54.369
Let's get back on topic, please.

01:18:54.369 --> 01:18:58.050
This is about paying a contractor that has already done the work.

01:18:58.050 --> 01:18:59.489
If there's questions on that, I will...

01:18:59.489 --> 01:19:01.170
That was not approved for.

01:19:01.170 --> 01:19:18.159
No, I've also, and I will also state that, and I said it in the last time this came up

01:19:18.159 --> 01:19:24.059
for Resolution, and I will say it again, if any council member would like to go to City

01:19:24.059 --> 01:19:29.260
Manager Boyer and do an investigation into how I work, I stand behind my work, and I

01:19:29.260 --> 01:19:36.840
always will. And if the way I operate is looked at as being deceitful, dishonest, inappropriate,

01:19:36.840 --> 01:19:41.800
etc., I stand behind that. And if there's some disciplinary action up to termination,

01:19:41.800 --> 01:19:46.000
I stand behind that. And if that's the decision of my manager, I respect that.

01:19:46.000 --> 01:19:46.319
My manager, I respect that.

01:19:46.319 --> 01:19:47.359
I'm not going to fight that.

01:19:47.359 --> 01:19:51.640
But I've proposed, and I've laid out everything I've done

01:19:51.640 --> 01:19:57.319
as part of this six-year process that was going on before me.

01:19:57.319 --> 01:20:01.079
And ultimately, I stand behind my decisions.

01:20:01.079 --> 01:20:03.760
And I do not believe the contractor

01:20:03.760 --> 01:20:05.319
should be punished for a decision

01:20:05.319 --> 01:20:09.600
that I made for the demolition of a property.

01:20:09.600 --> 01:20:10.439
Alderman Monroe.

01:20:10.439 --> 01:20:11.359
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:20:11.359 --> 01:20:12.680
One final question.

01:20:12.680 --> 01:20:18.760
You said you've done many fast track or emergency demolitions.

01:20:18.760 --> 01:20:21.680
Can you give an example of one?

01:20:21.680 --> 01:20:24.439
Many, many fast track demolitions, yes.

01:20:24.439 --> 01:20:28.039
This is the one emergency demolition

01:20:28.039 --> 01:20:29.680
that I can speak of.

01:20:29.680 --> 01:20:32.359
I said I did another emergency action of a board

01:20:32.359 --> 01:20:34.680
up of a hotel in January.

01:20:34.680 --> 01:20:36.600
So I've done two emergency actions

01:20:36.600 --> 01:20:40.000
since I've sat in this seat, both related to fire.

01:20:40.000 --> 01:20:45.590
and I brought both of them to council after the fact.

01:20:45.590 --> 01:20:53.869
Okay, so if there's no more discussion on paying this bill, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:20:53.869 --> 01:20:54.869
Parker?

01:20:54.869 --> 01:20:55.869
Aye.

01:20:55.869 --> 01:20:56.869
Stacy?

01:20:56.869 --> 01:20:57.869
No.

01:20:57.869 --> 01:20:58.869
Shadle?

01:20:58.869 --> 01:20:59.869
Aye.

01:20:59.869 --> 01:21:00.869
Sanders?

01:21:00.869 --> 01:21:01.869
No.

01:21:01.869 --> 01:21:02.869
Sellers?

01:21:02.869 --> 01:21:03.869
Aye.

01:21:03.869 --> 01:21:04.869
Klemm?

01:21:04.869 --> 01:21:05.869
Aye.

01:21:05.869 --> 01:21:06.869
Monroe?

01:21:06.869 --> 01:21:07.869
No.

01:21:07.869 --> 01:21:08.869
Simmons?

01:21:08.869 --> 01:21:09.869
No.

01:21:09.869 --> 01:21:10.869
We have a four to four to tie.

01:21:10.869 --> 01:21:11.869
Mayor?

01:21:11.869 --> 01:21:26.750
I believe Mayor Miller should be disqualified from voting on this matter due to the significant conflict of interest.

01:21:26.750 --> 01:21:34.750
Specifically, Mayor Miller is related to the party that is set to receive the funds and has a financial interest in their business.

01:21:34.750 --> 01:21:39.750
This situation violates our ethical standards and contravenes several legal provisions.

01:21:39.750 --> 01:22:09.750
Illinois Administrative Code 44-3, Admin Code 7000-.30 defines a conflict of interest as a situation where person and authority may benefit financially from a decision made in that capacity including indirect benefits to family members or associated businesses also the City of Freeport employee handbook while it primarily is for city employees emphasizes the city's commitment to an ethical conduct stating that no

01:22:09.750 --> 01:22:12.689
Karnes, DeVos, Huff, John, DeGeneres, Bill, Mike, Tai,

01:22:12.689 --> 01:22:14.689
Whittle, Richard, and many others.

01:22:16.670 --> 01:22:19.550
I think a good employee should use their position to promote a

01:22:19.550 --> 01:22:23.250
personal business interest and this reflects the city's stance

01:22:23.250 --> 01:22:27.069
against conflicts of interest. In light of these

01:22:27.069 --> 01:22:29.569
considerations, I respectfully request that the chair

01:22:29.569 --> 01:22:32.649
disqualify themselves from voting on this matter to uphold

01:22:32.649 --> 01:22:36.109
our organization's integrity and comply with applicable laws of

01:22:36.109 --> 01:22:38.210
federal, state, and local ordinances.

01:22:39.750 --> 01:22:44.069
I'm not a city employee, I'm an elected official, and I believe at the last one you actually

01:22:44.069 --> 01:22:48.949
abstained, but what would have been your reason? I don't even think you said it. So if I choose

01:22:48.949 --> 01:22:55.590
to vote, I believe that's my right. I object to this commentary. I appeal the decision

01:22:55.590 --> 01:23:02.479
of the chair then. What do we do with an appeal? I don't know what that is. Adam Clark? Can

01:23:02.479 --> 01:23:08.760
we have the definition of a family member? I think the owner is your first cousin once

01:23:08.760 --> 01:23:10.840
has a crash here, or that is a mystery.

01:23:10.840 --> 01:23:12.699
They're being ROI-reported.

01:23:12.739 --> 01:23:14.739
When that was removed, is that correct?

01:23:15.220 --> 01:23:18.640
Well, and it's a person that's been doing business with the

01:23:18.640 --> 01:23:19.920
city for many, many years.

01:23:19.920 --> 01:23:20.460
Prior.

01:23:20.460 --> 01:23:22.399
You have no interest in the business.

01:23:22.619 --> 01:23:23.520
Any direction.

01:23:24.020 --> 01:23:27.420
And you have no interest, financial interest in the

01:23:27.420 --> 01:23:27.680
business.

01:23:27.680 --> 01:23:28.520
None.

01:23:28.520 --> 01:23:31.300
It's your Uncle and your cousin.

01:23:31.300 --> 01:23:31.779
I believe I know who my relatives are.

01:23:31.779 --> 01:23:34.420
It's not an Uncle.

01:23:34.420 --> 01:23:41.020
We don't have a parliamentary ruling by the by the chair here like as to whether

01:23:41.020 --> 01:23:44.699
or not you know who gets to speak or or this or that that you could you know

01:23:44.699 --> 01:23:50.500
appeal the decision there statue says that when there's a vote when there's a

01:23:50.500 --> 01:23:55.739
tie the mayor gets to cast cast the vote on that she casts the vote but I'm

01:23:55.739 --> 01:23:59.420
appealing that vote under the Roberts rules as well as the rules of this

01:23:59.420 --> 01:24:04.180
chamber which she so eloquently tried to say we needed to follow earlier this

01:24:04.180 --> 01:24:05.180
Cronenberg.

01:24:05.180 --> 01:24:09.500
Well, I guess I'm not sure as far as when you're asking for a motion to reconsider

01:24:09.500 --> 01:24:10.500
the vote.

01:24:10.500 --> 01:24:17.159
No, I'm objecting to her vote in general.

01:24:17.159 --> 01:24:21.359
She's engaging in a decision where a member has a personal interest that can lead to a

01:24:21.359 --> 01:24:26.600
violation of state and local ordinances, potentially resulting in legal consequences for the individual

01:24:26.600 --> 01:24:27.600
and the city.

01:24:27.600 --> 01:24:34.600
Alderman Rowe, I guess my response would be to that is just as with any elected official,

01:24:34.600 --> 01:24:38.880
someone feels they should abstain they have the right to abstain but you're not

01:24:38.880 --> 01:24:44.279
obligated to abstain if you don't want to I'm very I'm not obligated so my vote

01:24:44.279 --> 01:24:53.800
stands Alderman Clem I just like to I just like to bring up the fact that this

01:24:53.800 --> 01:25:00.560
project was posted to the community for bidding anybody could bid it Elber

01:25:00.560 --> 01:25:29.560
I like to rebut all of that, this whole commentary that you guys are demonstrating before the public here and yeah, I resent the fact that you questioned ethics at the very beginning of our council meeting.

01:25:29.560 --> 01:25:30.560
Miller.

01:25:30.560 --> 01:25:38.680
I think it was very inappropriate for you to project that kind of comment or salutation

01:25:38.680 --> 01:25:39.680
or whatever.

01:25:39.680 --> 01:25:46.060
It wasn't a salutation, but the fact that you're making it and didn't give an explanation

01:25:46.060 --> 01:25:49.460
to why you're making it.

01:25:49.460 --> 01:25:56.039
And where did you pull that out of your hat is what got me perturbed right now, because

01:25:56.039 --> 01:25:59.199
it's like you pull that out from somewhere

01:25:59.199 --> 01:26:02.260
but no one was able to rebut you

01:26:02.260 --> 01:26:04.359
on the whole circumstances.

01:26:04.359 --> 01:26:06.960
And so, and when I'm sitting here listening to

01:26:06.960 --> 01:26:10.520
you're doing it again, you're out of order.

01:26:10.520 --> 01:26:13.359
And I have a right to say that you're out of order

01:26:13.359 --> 01:26:15.800
and reject whatever your sentiments are

01:26:15.800 --> 01:26:20.800
about the voting cast casting that took just taking place.

01:26:21.000 --> 01:26:23.039
Yeah, you should be repealed

01:26:23.039 --> 01:26:25.560
because if there is a conflict of interest

01:26:25.560 --> 01:26:29.840
and the council have an interest in wanting to investigate it,

01:26:29.840 --> 01:26:33.640
then we should have that opportunity to do so.

01:26:33.640 --> 01:26:36.640
And so, while we're talking about it,

01:26:42.359 --> 01:26:44.760
I just don't get how it is

01:26:44.760 --> 01:26:48.640
that you can vote for something

01:26:48.640 --> 01:26:50.899
that has a conflict of interest.

01:26:50.899 --> 01:26:57.300
you as as the mayor trying to break a conflict of interest i don't see how you can do that

01:27:03.500 --> 01:27:08.779
okay then the conversation is done we'll move on to item number 17 which is the adoption of resolution

01:27:08.779 --> 01:27:14.460
2025-29 could you please read this resolution approving a customer work agreement with ComEd

01:27:14.460 --> 01:27:26.779
to upgrade street lights here yeah so at the last meeting um i was tasked i'm not going to go through

01:27:26.779 --> 01:27:28.460
through the whole memo, but I was tasked

01:27:28.460 --> 01:27:32.420
to work on the list of high crime areas

01:27:32.420 --> 01:27:37.420
in the city of Freeport and get lights replaced.

01:27:37.579 --> 01:27:42.579
I received a list from Cecelia and from Chief Shenberger.

01:27:45.260 --> 01:27:46.760
I went through the list.

01:27:48.560 --> 01:27:53.520
We went block by block over the list with ComEd.

01:27:53.520 --> 01:27:55.579
They actually came out and did a survey.

01:27:56.779 --> 01:28:04.300
I authorized an agreement for 63 light replacements at a cost of $23,562.

01:28:05.899 --> 01:28:12.619
We authorized that last week. You guys decided at the last meeting it was an emergency to move this

01:28:12.619 --> 01:28:20.300
forward. The estimated increase in light cost is $5 a month to the rental and upkeep account

01:28:20.300 --> 01:28:28.380
Holt, and less than $3 a month per light in the electrical cost.

01:28:28.380 --> 01:28:35.940
Each one of the lights will be 149-watt LED similar to the Cobrahead lights that are downtown.

01:28:35.940 --> 01:28:39.180
I've been working with ComEd trying to get an installation date.

01:28:39.180 --> 01:28:43.220
I got an update for them late this afternoon that the lights are on order, but it's going

01:28:43.220 --> 01:28:45.420
to be 90 days to receive them.

01:28:45.420 --> 01:28:50.699
Thomas, they received them. They will start the installs on Oak Avenue in the areas identified

01:28:50.699 --> 01:28:58.699
in the memo. We researched solar lights. I had a couple calls today with some lighting

01:28:58.699 --> 01:29:05.619
options. I have a breakout of those lights. Ultimately, anywhere that we currently have

01:29:05.619 --> 01:29:13.460
ComEd lighting in our city where there's existing poles and existing arms to put the

01:29:13.460 --> 01:29:21.659
and the Cobra heads on, the existing lights are about 50% cheaper over a 20-year period

01:29:21.659 --> 01:29:29.180
than solar lights would be, and in my research today talking to a couple companies, solar

01:29:29.180 --> 01:29:36.380
lights are good installation practices when there is an existing ComEd or they're underground

01:29:36.380 --> 01:29:38.520
and you have to set new poles.

01:29:38.520 --> 01:29:42.960
They admitted that they can't compete on the cost of that full term.

01:29:42.960 --> 01:29:43.960
So the breakout over

01:29:43.960 --> 01:29:57.050
So the breakout over a 20 year period, a ComEd 40 to 60 watt light, which is our standard that we have all over Freeport, cost the city about $2,400 in rental cost and in upkeep cost and lighting cost as well.

01:29:57.050 --> 01:30:06.050
So those lights have a $10 rental cost per month and about $5 in electricity per month to our what they call our tower account.

01:30:06.050 --> 01:30:07.050
Fowler.

01:30:07.050 --> 01:30:13.250
The 149-watt ones will have a cost of $15 per month and an average estimated electrical

01:30:13.250 --> 01:30:16.289
cost of $8 per month.

01:30:16.289 --> 01:30:23.170
In the same scenario for solar lightings, if we buy 50 lights at a time, the cost of

01:30:23.170 --> 01:30:26.170
the lighting poles would be $4,100.

01:30:26.170 --> 01:30:32.970
If we don't buy 50 at a time and let's say we buy five at a time, the cost goes to $4,600.

01:30:32.970 --> 01:30:40.850
Each pole will cost $1,500 to install and each pole will cost an average of $580 to

01:30:40.850 --> 01:30:44.050
ship to Freeport during that purchase price.

01:30:44.050 --> 01:30:52.250
So a 20 year comparison on a, and these were 80 watt lights is what the solar ones were,

01:30:52.250 --> 01:30:56.409
a 20 year cost on that is $7,780.

01:30:56.409 --> 01:31:02.890
The batteries that light solar lights are only good for 10 to 12 years max and they're

01:31:02.890 --> 01:31:09.649
We're a replacement cost of $700. The light itself is only good for 20 years and has a

01:31:09.649 --> 01:31:17.890
replacement cost today to $200 a piece. And the photo pail cell is currently $200 a piece

01:31:17.890 --> 01:31:24.569
to replace. And they're estimated to last for about 30 years. So upfront cost wise and

01:31:24.569 --> 01:31:29.810
the 10 and 20 year comparison, there really wasn't any comparison. Now, if we have subdivisions

01:31:29.810 --> 01:31:30.810
Huffines.

01:31:30.810 --> 01:31:31.810
Thank you.

01:31:31.810 --> 01:31:32.810
Thank you.

01:31:32.810 --> 01:32:01.810
The current lights, no matter where we put them in the city of Freeport, right now in 2025, will cost $374. The installation is included in that price and the maintenance costs that we pay will replace that light for life. So there will be no future cost other than the maintenance that we pay monthly.

01:32:01.810 --> 01:32:04.130
Is there a motion to adopt this resolution?

01:32:05.810 --> 01:32:06.810
I make a motion.

01:32:08.090 --> 01:32:08.689
Second it.

01:32:09.329 --> 01:32:13.609
A motion made by Alderman Stacy, seconded by Alderman Sanders.

01:32:13.770 --> 01:32:16.210
Discussion on the resolution, Alderman Sanders.

01:32:17.529 --> 01:32:19.010
Yeah, Director Darin.

01:32:21.800 --> 01:32:25.960
We're talking about the installation of these lights and everything.

01:32:26.840 --> 01:32:28.319
But are there going to be,

01:32:28.319 --> 01:32:49.319
Are we able to get the effectiveness and the brightness from these lights? Are we talking LED type lights and the looms are going to be at the highest peak of the looms that we can receive from these lightings that we're purchasing of that price?

01:32:49.319 --> 01:33:19.319
Yeah, so 149 watt light in the Cobra Head style, the widest looms or the strongest looms you can get is 18,000 looms. And that's what we've ordered with ComEd. They actually wanted to order, I think it was a 15,000 loom and I told them no to go to the brighter lights. I will tell you LED is brighter, right? So I don't want to get too bright. So you know, where we're burning earth house gas at night on Oak Street, but these should be plenty bright enough for the area. I walked down the area myself,

01:33:19.319 --> 01:33:49.319
There's a light on this specific block of oak we keep discussing. There's a light about every third pole, if not every other pole. So it should be much, much brighter. I would say anything more than that would be disruptive to the residents' properties themselves. We did address every light on Chief's List. It's a starting point. I don't know that it's a finishing point, but it's a starting point. There are programs

01:33:49.319 --> 01:33:53.479
I'm going to tell you, I have done more light research in the last week and a half than

01:33:53.479 --> 01:33:58.000
I'd like to have done in my whole life, but there's programs out there to change every

01:33:58.000 --> 01:34:03.279
light in town, but it's going to be very expensive and it'll be an added cost to every user in

01:34:03.279 --> 01:34:07.600
this town per month for the rest of our life if we want to do that. This is a starting

01:34:07.600 --> 01:34:13.600
point. I don't have the exact number of lights we have, but I believe it's over 1,500 lights.

01:34:13.600 --> 01:34:15.560
K. All right.

01:34:15.560 --> 01:34:17.880
Hold on, Stacy.

01:34:17.880 --> 01:34:27.449
Director Stico, will we still be cutting back trees?

01:34:27.449 --> 01:34:28.729
Yes, we are.

01:34:28.729 --> 01:34:35.250
A matter of fact, Pat was out on a tour this week with Rob

01:34:35.250 --> 01:34:35.810
and myself.

01:34:35.810 --> 01:34:37.090
We went at different times.

01:34:37.090 --> 01:34:41.810
So some of the trees, we're trying to get them clipped back.

01:34:41.810 --> 01:34:44.090
Based, I will be honest with you,

01:34:44.090 --> 01:34:46.409
Our number one focus of trimming trees back

01:34:46.409 --> 01:34:48.250
is generally started on the streets

01:34:48.250 --> 01:34:49.369
that we're addressing this year,

01:34:49.369 --> 01:34:53.210
because we're prepping to get the streets paved

01:34:53.210 --> 01:34:54.729
and the material, and that's the first step

01:34:54.729 --> 01:34:56.449
in the process is trimming them up.

01:34:56.449 --> 01:34:58.649
But in the crime areas, we're trying to go in those

01:34:58.649 --> 01:35:02.649
and clip all the limbs back that we can as well.

01:35:02.649 --> 01:35:04.729
The forestry crew has been working on that

01:35:04.729 --> 01:35:06.449
with the great weather we've been having.

01:35:06.449 --> 01:35:08.369
I just want to say, I appreciate you.

01:35:08.369 --> 01:35:10.329
I thank you for all your hard work.

01:35:10.329 --> 01:35:22.329
This from the beginning of my campaign had my heart and I'm just grateful for your time and effort that you have put into making this happen.

01:35:22.329 --> 01:35:24.329
You're welcome. Thank you.

01:35:26.329 --> 01:35:29.329
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:35:29.329 --> 01:35:30.329
Parker. Aye.

01:35:30.329 --> 01:35:32.329
Stacy. Aye.

01:35:32.329 --> 01:35:34.329
Shadle. Aye.

01:35:34.329 --> 01:35:35.329
Sanders. Aye.

01:35:35.329 --> 01:35:36.329
Sellers. Aye.

01:35:36.329 --> 01:35:37.329
Klemm. Aye.

01:35:37.329 --> 01:35:38.329
Monroe. Aye.

01:35:38.329 --> 01:35:39.329
And Simmons. Aye.

01:35:39.329 --> 01:35:44.449
Simmons. The resolution is adopted eight to zero.

01:35:44.449 --> 01:35:48.609
Reports from department heads, finance. Thank you, community development.

01:35:48.609 --> 01:35:51.569
Nothing tonight, Madam Mayor. Thank you, public works.

01:35:51.569 --> 01:35:58.850
I believe it's only 730. Nothing tonight, thank you.

01:35:58.850 --> 01:36:01.050
Boyer? Nothing this evening.

01:36:01.050 --> 01:36:03.930
Police? I have no report.

01:36:03.930 --> 01:36:10.010
Library? I will take up all of their time.

01:36:10.010 --> 01:36:19.050
On Thursday we are going to have our opening house for our exhibit titled Journey to Freedom,

01:36:19.050 --> 01:36:21.649
the Underground Railroad exhibit.

01:36:21.649 --> 01:36:26.449
Journey to Freedom, Illinois's Underground Railroad is a new museum quality exhibit highlighting

01:36:26.449 --> 01:36:31.689
the courageous stories of freedom seekers and the multiracial conductors who assisted

01:36:31.689 --> 01:36:34.529
them on the Underground Railroad in Illinois.

01:36:34.529 --> 01:36:38.649
The exhibit is located on the second floor of the Freeport Public Library and is open

01:36:38.649 --> 01:36:43.970
to the public, experienced selected stories of freedom seekers, conductors, and communities

01:36:43.970 --> 01:36:49.930
in Illinois that were part of the journey to freedom on the Illinois Underground Railroad.

01:36:49.930 --> 01:36:56.029
This exhibit uses photos, videos, maps, personal stories, and illustrations created specifically

01:36:56.029 --> 01:37:00.930
for this exhibit, and visitors will learn about the people and communities who took

01:37:00.930 --> 01:37:03.649
part in this hidden history.

01:37:03.649 --> 01:37:08.449
Highlighted stories include freedom seekers John and Eliza Little, who traveled barefoot

01:37:08.449 --> 01:37:09.449
Huffines.

01:37:09.449 --> 01:37:31.329
This exhibit is open March 6th through April 5th for all Open Hours of the Library.

01:37:31.329 --> 01:37:36.329
it is a collaboration between the Lincoln Douglas Society,

01:37:36.369 --> 01:37:39.409
the Greater Freeport Partnership, the library

01:37:39.409 --> 01:37:43.250
and Looking for Lincoln, which is a state organization.

01:37:43.250 --> 01:37:45.229
Can you repeat those dates again?

01:37:45.229 --> 01:37:47.649
March 6th through April 5th.

01:37:47.649 --> 01:37:48.489
Thank you.

01:37:48.489 --> 01:37:49.970
And then we have featured events

01:37:49.970 --> 01:37:53.210
that you can find on our calendar in our newsletter,

01:37:53.210 --> 01:37:58.090
but this open house is this Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

01:37:58.090 --> 01:37:59.010
Thank you.

01:37:59.010 --> 01:38:03.340
I.T., City Manager.

01:38:03.340 --> 01:38:05.180
I think, Your Honor, just wanted to report

01:38:05.180 --> 01:38:07.579
another successful Refresh Freeport event

01:38:07.579 --> 01:38:11.539
where we collected over 25 tons of garbage

01:38:11.539 --> 01:38:13.500
and over 50 mattresses.

01:38:13.500 --> 01:38:17.140
So that's work our crews no longer have to get done with

01:38:17.140 --> 01:38:19.940
and we thank everybody for participating.

01:38:19.940 --> 01:38:21.420
And I have nothing new this evening.

01:38:21.420 --> 01:38:22.619
Alderman Parker.

01:38:22.619 --> 01:38:23.739
Nothing tonight, Your Honor.

01:38:23.739 --> 01:38:25.100
Alderman Statham.

01:38:25.100 --> 01:38:26.539
Nothing, thank you.

01:38:26.539 --> 01:38:28.180
Alderman Schaefer.

01:38:28.180 --> 01:38:33.779
I'd like to mention the 6th Ward Neighborhood Watch is this Thursday night at 6 p.m. at

01:38:33.779 --> 01:38:35.940
Schwartz Park Boulevard.

01:38:35.940 --> 01:38:36.940
Alderman Sanders?

01:38:36.940 --> 01:38:37.940
Nothing.

01:38:37.940 --> 01:38:38.940
Alderman Seller?

01:38:38.940 --> 01:38:46.619
Yes, I would just like everyone to remember to join the Citizens Utility Board Environmental

01:38:46.619 --> 01:38:52.220
Study Group and State Representative John Cabello to learn about how to reduce your

01:38:52.220 --> 01:38:56.940
utility bills and to tap into money-saving clean energy programs.

01:38:56.940 --> 01:38:57.940
Kessler.

01:38:57.940 --> 01:39:01.940
It is Thursday, March 6th, 530 to 730 at the Freeport Public Library.

01:39:01.940 --> 01:39:03.539
And thank you.

01:39:03.539 --> 01:39:04.859
Alderman Klemm?

01:39:04.859 --> 01:39:10.260
Just a reminder of Neighborhood Watch later this month, I'll get information out to all

01:39:10.260 --> 01:39:11.260
the constituents.

01:39:11.260 --> 01:39:12.260
Thank you very much.

01:39:12.260 --> 01:39:13.260
Alderman Monroe?

01:39:13.260 --> 01:39:14.260
Nothing to nightmare.

01:39:14.260 --> 01:39:15.260
Alderman Simmons?

01:39:15.260 --> 01:39:16.260
No.

01:39:16.260 --> 01:39:19.059
No, I don't.

01:39:19.059 --> 01:39:20.059
Thank you.

01:39:20.059 --> 01:39:22.460
That leaves us with public comment.

01:39:22.460 --> 01:39:26.460
Are there any public comments this evening?

01:39:26.460 --> 01:39:34.819
Take your pick whichever wants to come first.

01:39:34.819 --> 01:39:36.579
I just want to thank Director Darren.

01:39:36.579 --> 01:39:38.779
Can you identify yourself, please?

01:39:38.779 --> 01:39:39.779
Makaya Stacey.

01:39:39.779 --> 01:39:40.779
Sorry.

01:39:40.779 --> 01:39:42.020
I just want to thank Director Darren.

01:39:42.020 --> 01:39:44.050
I just want to thank Director Darren for all the work you've put in getting us our lights

01:39:44.050 --> 01:39:47.750
I know it's been a back-and-forth problem on the council floor

01:39:47.750 --> 01:39:53.270
But I feel like this entire time you've been set on making Freeport a better safer place, so I appreciate you. Thank you

01:39:55.430 --> 01:39:56.430
Next

01:40:01.359 --> 01:40:07.680
My name is Kia Sanders. I just want to say like when you when you use the word emergency that doesn't mean four years in gap

01:40:08.520 --> 01:40:13.899
Got to be raising a question. I mean my head's too thick or maybe I'm crazy, but that doesn't mean emergency to me

01:40:13.899 --> 01:40:22.819
and then I want to know like pay somebody that is gonna have to pay me as a I don't

01:40:22.819 --> 01:40:26.300
know why you decided to you know not to tell them that there is a pending lawsuit

01:40:26.300 --> 01:40:31.859
against this city of Freeport at any given time they're gonna pay me for the

01:40:31.859 --> 01:40:36.500
stuff they stole or for knocking down my house somebody is going to pay me the

01:40:36.500 --> 01:40:41.939
fact that you showed no compassion about a citizen having a problem and you don't

01:40:41.939 --> 01:40:46.380
Don't even weigh his question, why he used the word emergency and waited four years.

01:40:46.380 --> 01:40:49.659
And this is the only case that he does like this.

01:40:49.659 --> 01:40:53.819
And I just want to thank Alderman Stacy and Alderman Monroe for noticing and working for

01:40:53.819 --> 01:40:55.340
the people, not just me.

01:40:55.340 --> 01:40:59.340
I believe if it wasn't me, somebody else going through what I'm going through, they would

01:40:59.340 --> 01:41:00.779
also fight the battle.

01:41:00.779 --> 01:41:02.979
Appreciate you.

01:41:02.979 --> 01:41:04.539
Any other public comments?

01:41:04.539 --> 01:41:06.140
Three minutes.

01:41:06.140 --> 01:41:09.289
Linda Johnson.

01:41:09.289 --> 01:41:13.369
I just want to invite the public to the meet and greet.

01:41:13.369 --> 01:41:17.449
It's going to be March 5th, 6 to 8 at the Eagles Club

01:41:17.449 --> 01:41:18.289
to meet and greet.

01:41:18.289 --> 01:41:21.069
There's write-in candidates for District 145,

01:41:21.069 --> 01:41:23.470
Pat Ludwig and Dennis Myers,

01:41:23.470 --> 01:41:26.210
plus all the candidates that are running for office

01:41:26.210 --> 01:41:27.369
will be at this meet and greet.

01:41:27.369 --> 01:41:29.729
So we'd like people to come out and meet them.

01:41:30.970 --> 01:41:31.970
Any other public comments?

01:41:31.970 --> 01:41:36.220
Tommy?

01:41:36.220 --> 01:41:39.600
Wayne Dickerman, do you like that picture of the agate

01:41:39.600 --> 01:41:40.439
for you?

01:41:40.439 --> 01:41:44.119
I love Jersey Mike, so yeah, it was a good picture.

01:41:44.119 --> 01:41:47.560
And Don Parker, I just wanted to tell you, you did a good job.

01:41:47.560 --> 01:41:51.800
You did best of all of them in the three points.

01:41:51.800 --> 01:41:53.399
Thank you, Tom.

01:41:53.399 --> 01:41:57.000
Are there any other public comments this evening?

01:41:57.000 --> 01:41:58.119
Then that concludes our meeting.

01:41:58.119 --> 01:41:59.840
I'll take a motion for adjournment.

01:41:59.840 --> 01:42:01.800
So moved.

01:42:01.800 --> 01:42:02.920
All those in favor?

01:42:02.920 --> 01:42:03.600
Aye.