WEBVTT

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Good evening, Pastor Coverstone, could you please give the invocation?

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Good evening, Madam Mayor, Council, everyone, would you please pray with me?

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Well, God, we thank you for your good gifts in our lives, and we come together tonight

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to do the business of this city and are grateful as we come that you have given us life and

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breath and health, as well as the ways that you've individually gifted and called each

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one of us and given us the capacities and the ability to do what you've called us to.

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We confess that we are often tempted to think otherwise and to ignore and forget those gifts,

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so we give you thanks tonight. Lord, we thank you for these new firefighters and pray that as they

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begin their service here in Freeport that you would bless them with wisdom and strength and

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safety and of course we don't ask it just for them but for all of our first responders and city

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employees and department heads and this council, the mayor and all that work in our office. Lord,

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we pray for them as well for wisdom and strength and safety and Lord we pray that for the purposes

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of this city you would grant good planning and blessings on the efforts that are made in that

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good planning Lord as spring is just around the corner and the busyness of summer Lord we do pray

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that the plans that are being made for the warming and what happens with it would go well

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Hall, and that you'd bless us in the year still ahead. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

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Amen. Thank you. I will officially call this meeting

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to order. Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

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Mayor Miller? Here.

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Alderpersons-Klemm? Here.

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Johnson? Here.

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Simmons? Here.

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Parker? Here.

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Stacy? Here.

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Shadle? Here.

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Sanders? Here.

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And Sellers? Here.

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If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Johnson.

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I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for

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which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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We would just like to take a moment this evening to observe a moment of silence for the passing

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of Reverend Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader for more than six decades.

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Thank you.

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Number One is the approval of the agenda and we will be including executive session tonight.

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Is there a motion?

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So moved.

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The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.

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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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Next, we have some swearing ins.

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This is Brandon Stokefield, he's one of our new firefighters who are swearing in tonight.

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He's from Orangeville. He's a marine veteran. God bless him. Hoorah.

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Alright. Raise your right hand if you have for me. I, Brayden Sofield,

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I, Brayden Sofield, do solemnly swear, do solemnly swear, that I will support the Constitution of the United States,

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that I will support the Constitution for Constitutional Lives Service, and the Constitution of the State of Illinois,

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and I will faithfully discharge the duties of the Office of Firefighter according to the best of my ability.

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Jace comes to us from Lena, originally, but he was also a firefighter in the EMT environment.

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Wright. I raise your right hand. I raise my hand. I solemnly swear that I support the Constitution of the United States

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I also support the Constitution of the United States

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and the Constitution of the state of Illinois

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and the constitution of the state of Illinois

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and I will faithfully discharge the duties

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I will faithfully discharge the duties

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of the Office of the Firefighter

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McCarty is the best of my ability.

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McCarty is the best of my ability.

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Can we take a picture?

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Oh yeah.

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My house is from Freeport.

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He doesn't have any first responder background,

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but we're going to teach him and get him going for us.

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All right, awesome.

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I am Andrew Thomas

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I am Anthony Thomas

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I am Kad gi Thomas

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I stand in the United States

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I support the Constitution of the United States

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and the Constitution of the state of Illinois

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and a Constitution on the State of Illinois

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and I will faithfully discharge the duties

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of the office fire fighter

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for the best of my ability

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and the self- sesi

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performing

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So this is Don that's us all, right? He's from Winnebago. He does have some EMS background and he's coming to us and we're going to give him training up also.

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We'll be going to the Romeoville Fire Academy starting March 6th, in about 9 weeks.

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Alright, Donald, if you can raise your right hand and preach that to me.

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I, Donald, will console. I, Donald, will console.

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I, Donald, will swear. I, Donald, will swear.

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That I will support the Constitution of the United States.

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I will support the Constitution of the United States.

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And the Constitution of the State of Illinois.

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And the Constitution of the State of Illinois.

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And I will faithfully discharge the duties.

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We'll start.

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Sharks, the Newbies, the Office of Firefighters, the Office of Firefighters, and that's the

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plan that I've been working on for the last few months.

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Huffines, Richard, I was going to say, they could leave, they could leave their families.

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Yes.

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You know I'm a snicker.

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Wow.

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All right, which flavor do you want before all this begins?

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Okay.

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Okay we'll move on to item number three which is public comment we have one that

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the clerk will be reading in this evening. This was received via email to whom it

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may concern I April Lenore on behalf of myself and Patricia Lenore of 711 East

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Pleasant Street in Freeport formally report a severe infestation of raccoons

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and other vermin in our area. Over the last year alone I have paid to have

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Trapped 38 Raccoons, 16 Opossums, and 4 Skunks. This has resulted in a significant financial burden, including a removal fee of $50 per animal and a total of $800 spent on traps to help manage the issue.

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Additionally, we spent additional funds on labor and materials to block off the area underneath our deck. I have multiple videos available to provide as evidence of this ongoing problem.

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A major contributing factor is the lack of proper waste

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management and the behavior of some neighbors in the area.

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Garbage is not being stored properly,

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which attracts more animals.

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And some residents are even feeding these wild animals

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as if they were pets.

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The situation has escalated to a point

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where it is no longer just a nuisance.

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It is a serious health and safety risk.

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Just two days ago, I encountered a raccoon face

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to face during daylight hours.

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We currently feel it is unsafe for our children

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to play outside or for our elders to enjoy the garden.

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I hope the city can take immediate action

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to address this problem

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and ensure the safety of our neighborhood.

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Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent matter.

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Sincerely, April Lenore.

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Thank you.

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That concludes public comment.

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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 council

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that would like to have something removed

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for further discussion.

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The consent agenda consists of approving

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to receive and place on file the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners minutes from December 23rd, 2025, the Building Permit Report and Fire Department Report for January 26th, Greater Freeport Partnerships Report from January 26th, approval of the finance bills payable in a total of $1,406,976.13, and for approval of payroll for pay period ending February 7th.

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6, 2026 in the total of $718,450.74. Is there a motion to approve?

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Second.

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A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, please take

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the roll.

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Johnson?

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Aye.

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Simmons?

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Aye.

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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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Item number five are appointments. Could you please read those?

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Appointment of Elaine Enriquez to the Arts and Culture Commission effective through August 31st, 2029.

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Appointment of Police Chief Jacqueline Frausto to the Ethics Commission effective immediately.

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Thank you. If it pleases the council, we'll do this in one motion.

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I'll move.

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Second.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Johnson.

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Any discussion on the appointments?

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Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

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Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm.

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The motion passes 8-0.

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Item number 6 is the second reading of ordinance 202606.

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Could you please read this?

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Ordinance amending part 10, Streets, Utilities, and Public Services Code, Title 6, Other Public

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Bostic Services, Chapter 1060, Waste and Recycling collection and disposal, Section

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1060.07, Temporary dumpsters, trash containers, trailers, construction trailers, or equipment

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used for construction projects, including trailers and wagons, use on public ways, and

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Section 1060.12, Construction debris containers and collection of the codified ordinances

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of the City of Freeport.

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Thank you.

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Mr. Stiegel.

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Yes, we discussed this at the last council meeting. This is simply an ordinance revision to allow for protection under dumpsters to the new street areas.

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We've seen some damage to the investment we're making in streets with dumpsters being placed and or dropped, probably not purposely.

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Again, I did talk to Gill's disposal before drafting this ordinance and they were on board with the changes that we wanted to make.

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There is, as a reminder, there's no permit fee for dumpsters. However, people are not abiding by getting a permit so we can track this situation in 2026. Sorry, 2025. There was only four permits that were issued.

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Thank you. Discussion on this ordinance.

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Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

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Johnson.

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Aye.

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Simmons.

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Aye.

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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? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The ordinance passes 8 to 0. Item number 7 is the second reading of

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Ordinance 2026-07. Please read this. Ordinance amending various provisions of Part 10, Streets,

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Utilities, and Public Services Code, Title 4, Utilities, Chapter 1042 and 1046 regarding water

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and sewer connections of the codified ordinances of the City of Freeport. Thank you. Manager

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Boyer. Thank your honor. We went over this at the February 2nd meeting. This is

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upgrading some common sense connection fees for water and sewer. We haven't

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revised this in over nine years and it is necessary to recapture some of those

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costs that have been eroded away in inflation. So staff recommends moving

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forward with this ordinance. Thank you. Discussion? Darren? Yeah, I just wanted to

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comment, this ordinance is not going to affect probably 90% of our clients that are already

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connected to the water and sewer.

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This is in effect to people that are not connected to our sewer.

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And there's always been connection fees involved with new homes or new properties connecting

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to water or sewer systems.

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So I just want to make that clear.

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I saw some posts that seemed confusing on it, but this really won't, won't apply to, to

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90, 95% of our, our users already.

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Thank you. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye.

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Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. And that ordinance passes 8 to 0.

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Okay, we have item number 8. However, we do need to have an addition to

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amendment A. The addition, or two things, a 2006 Vector truck and a 1977 holiday

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Rambler, Office Trailers. So we'll just need to have a motion to make that amendment to add them to the list.

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So moved.

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Second.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Is there discussion

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on that addition?

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What is the addition again?

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We have a list. It's called the Exhibit A. There's a list of items and there are two

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Two that needed to be added before we pass it and one is a truck and one is a trailer.

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Okay.

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Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on the, on the, Mr. Siegel?

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I just have one correction.

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I believe the Vactor truck is a 2003.

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Oh, I'm sorry.

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Did I not say that?

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I believe you said 2006.

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I'm sorry.

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You're right.

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It's 2003.

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Yes.

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Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

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Johnson?

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Aye.

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Simmons?

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Stacey, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers, and Klemm. The amendment passes 8 to 0.

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Okay, so now item number 8 would be the second reading of ordinance 2026-08 as

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the amended ordinance. I don't think I read it. Should I probably read that in

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the record? Okay, ordinance authorizing sale, recycling, donation, and or

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disposal of certain personal property.

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disposal of certain personal property owned by the city tonight we have

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Public Works Department equipment and Alberta's Airport equipment thank you

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manager Boyer I think your honor as we discussed there's a surplus inventory we

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need to have authorization to move forward to liquidate we'll do that

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through auction site Wisconsin surplus and staff requests moving forward with

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this surplus ordinance thank you discussion

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Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm.

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The ordinance passes 8-0 as amended.

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And item number 9 is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-09, could you please read this?

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Ordinance amending Chapter 873 and 664 of the Codified Ordinance of the City of Freeport

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Thank you. Director Heimerdinger?

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Thank you, Madam Mayor. The City of Report supports food trucks and the roles they play in our local economy. However, the current ordinance has created confusion, particularly regarding distance requirements from restaurants and overall licensing regulations.

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In response, the staff has reviewed Chapter 873 and are proposing amendments to clarify standards and improve administration.

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Key updates include establishing a clear $50 annual licensing fee, requiring renewal applications 30 days in advance,

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and clarifying that food trucks must remain at least 200 feet from restaurants without permission.

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This distance is measured from the nearest outside wall of a restaurant or the nearest inside wall,

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and the side wall if multiple businesses share that building.

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The amendments also clarify that trucks may only operate on occupied properties with permission

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and strengthen eligibility requirements, establish clear enforcement provisions for violations.

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These changes support public safety, fair compensation, and competition as well and

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and align with the city's strategic plan with implementation funded through licensing fees

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and fines without impacting the general fund. Staff recommends moving to a second reading

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and approving the amended chapter 873. Thank you.

00:22:13.799 --> 00:22:16.000
Thank you. Is there a motion to move this forward?

00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:17.000
So moved.

00:22:17.000 --> 00:22:18.000
Second.

00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:23.400
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on

00:22:23.400 --> 00:22:26.759
this ordinance. Alderman Stacy.

00:22:26.759 --> 00:22:30.480
Who would this affect?

00:22:30.480 --> 00:22:36.200
This will only affect people, those who are wishing to have a food truck and need to be

00:22:36.200 --> 00:22:39.240
licensed to operate in the city of Freeport.

00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:42.360
So if they came from out of town?

00:22:42.360 --> 00:22:46.039
They would need to get a license.

00:22:46.039 --> 00:22:47.960
And that license is good for how long?

00:22:47.960 --> 00:22:49.759
A one-year term.

00:22:49.759 --> 00:22:56.400
They need to, and then for the renewal, they need to apply 30 days before their license

00:22:56.400 --> 00:23:02.079
is up.

00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:21.339
So where this said, so the first year they get a license, if they're coming in July,

00:23:21.339 --> 00:23:26.980
they have to get this license by June, a month in advance?

00:23:26.980 --> 00:23:32.819
For renewals, for renewals, if they're going to renew their license, they can't have it

00:23:32.819 --> 00:23:38.579
expire, they need to renew it within 30 days.

00:23:38.579 --> 00:23:42.980
So if they come and they get a license in June, they can start in June?

00:23:42.980 --> 00:23:46.470
Yes.

00:23:46.470 --> 00:23:47.470
Oh, okay.

00:23:47.470 --> 00:23:56.710
Oh, if they don't do it the 30 days ahead of time, what happens?

00:23:56.710 --> 00:23:58.430
If they can't get it, where does it go?

00:23:58.430 --> 00:23:59.789
If they don't do the renewal?

00:23:59.789 --> 00:24:00.789
Right.

00:24:00.789 --> 00:24:06.110
So if they don't renew, then they just do a new, they're just a new food truck.

00:24:06.110 --> 00:24:08.210
And so it'd just be a longer process.

00:24:08.210 --> 00:24:13.009
So we'd have to, you know, vindicate everything and go through the entire process.

00:24:13.009 --> 00:24:18.730
So the renewal is just, they come in, we check that they don't have any issues with the renewal

00:24:18.730 --> 00:24:20.730
process and then they can be applied.

00:24:20.730 --> 00:24:21.730
Madam Clerk?

00:24:21.730 --> 00:24:22.730
No.

00:24:22.730 --> 00:24:25.329
Renewal, new and renewal are exactly the same.

00:24:25.329 --> 00:24:27.569
We ask for the same things every year.

00:24:27.569 --> 00:24:32.610
They need to provide proof that their truck's licensed and that they have insurance.

00:24:32.610 --> 00:24:33.610
Okay.

00:24:33.610 --> 00:24:34.610
Sorry about that.

00:24:34.610 --> 00:24:35.610
Alderman Stacey?

00:24:35.610 --> 00:24:37.809
What is the price for renewal?

00:24:37.809 --> 00:24:47.809
$50. So it's 50 for a license or 50? Yes. For renewal. And that's for the entire year.

00:24:51.880 --> 00:24:56.680
Okay, we'll move on to item number 10, which is the first reading of ordinance 202610. Could you

00:24:56.680 --> 00:25:02.839
please read this? Ordinance amending Title 10, Employment Provisions, Chapter 290, Compensation

00:25:02.839 --> 00:25:09.079
and Benefits, Section 290.01d3 of the codified ordinances of the City of Freeport regarding

00:25:09.079 --> 00:25:14.639
classification plan. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. The City Public Works

00:25:14.639 --> 00:25:21.980
team is requesting the creation of a new position for the department. At this time, we're requesting

00:25:21.980 --> 00:25:28.799
the creation of a Public Works Environmental Health and Safety Operations Coordinator.

00:25:28.799 --> 00:25:34.559
This would not be a new position, this would essentially be a change of an existing position

00:25:34.559 --> 00:25:40.639
which is now the Environmental Compliance Officer position. So we'd be adding additional duties

00:25:40.639 --> 00:25:48.319
to this role. As part of our strategic realignment, the Public Works Department is re-evaluating

00:25:48.319 --> 00:25:53.360
these key responsibilities to improve collaboration and unite the team. Creating an Environmental

00:25:53.360 --> 00:25:58.000
Health Safety and Operations Coordinator role will enable the department to effectively

00:25:58.000 --> 00:26:02.480
manage the day-to-day operations under the direction of the Operations Superintendent

00:26:02.480 --> 00:26:08.680
for the lab operations and maintenance personnel while continuing to lead environmental and

00:26:08.680 --> 00:26:12.940
regulatory compliance for the utility operations division.

00:26:12.940 --> 00:26:17.680
This change will facilitate greater departmental collaboration and enable the division to appoint

00:26:17.680 --> 00:26:27.240
a new safety, add the safety coordinator position duties to this role as required for our compliance.

00:26:27.240 --> 00:26:31.779
So staff recommends moving forward with the creation of this new position.

00:26:31.779 --> 00:26:32.779
Thank you.

00:26:32.779 --> 00:26:33.779
Is there a motion to move this forward?

00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.779
So moved.

00:26:34.779 --> 00:26:35.779
Second.

00:26:35.779 --> 00:26:39.819
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson.

00:26:39.819 --> 00:26:40.819
Discussion on the ordinance?

00:26:40.819 --> 00:26:41.819
Alderman Stacy?

00:26:41.819 --> 00:26:42.819
Is this a union position?

00:26:42.819 --> 00:26:43.819
I'm sorry.

00:26:43.819 --> 00:26:44.819
Can you say that again?

00:26:44.819 --> 00:26:45.819
Is this a union position?

00:26:45.819 --> 00:26:46.819
No, it is not.

00:26:46.819 --> 00:26:47.819
Would you like?

00:26:47.819 --> 00:26:48.819
Yes.

00:26:48.819 --> 00:27:08.099
I'm trying to understand, is this what was brought to us pertaining to the gentleman

00:27:08.099 --> 00:27:16.559
that already does this that needed to have someone back him up if he needed time off.

00:27:16.559 --> 00:27:17.720
This is part of it.

00:27:17.720 --> 00:27:25.420
So in lieu of replacing the operations superintendent for the utility, we've come together as a

00:27:25.420 --> 00:27:32.740
group and we feel that it's our best interest to have, to add additional duties to several,

00:27:32.740 --> 00:27:40.599
Two existing positions, one we passed a meeting or two ago for the utility, I'm sorry, the

00:27:40.599 --> 00:27:42.900
operations foreman.

00:27:42.900 --> 00:27:44.700
So that's one part of this.

00:27:44.700 --> 00:27:49.740
And the second part of this is adding some duties to this role, which is also non-union,

00:27:49.740 --> 00:27:54.710
but would be taking on more responsibility.

00:27:54.710 --> 00:27:58.509
Was the operation foreman position union?

00:27:58.509 --> 00:28:01.019
Yes.

00:28:01.019 --> 00:28:02.019
Okay.

00:28:02.019 --> 00:28:04.420
Mr. Stegall?

00:28:04.420 --> 00:28:14.740
This position is currently exempt, so non-union and the city has the need to add the safety

00:28:14.740 --> 00:28:16.180
coordinator position.

00:28:16.180 --> 00:28:17.700
We need to have a safety coordinator.

00:28:17.700 --> 00:28:19.860
We currently don't.

00:28:19.860 --> 00:28:25.980
Randy does a lot with compliance and regulatory requirements for us and would be very good

00:28:25.980 --> 00:28:27.559
at the safety coordinator spot.

00:28:27.559 --> 00:28:33.420
So she'll cover all of public works in the utility, which currently has kind of been

00:28:33.420 --> 00:28:39.139
and Ad Lib position where a handful of people have been trying to do it, but it hasn't been

00:28:39.139 --> 00:28:46.980
done very well. So our team agreed that this would be a nice position increase for the

00:28:46.980 --> 00:28:51.200
person that already has it. So it's again, not an additional position, but just giving

00:28:51.200 --> 00:28:56.860
somebody more duties and responsibilities within our current structure.

00:28:56.860 --> 00:29:04.299
Okay, we'll move on to item number 11, which is the first reading of ordinance 2026-11.

00:29:04.299 --> 00:29:06.619
Would you please read this?

00:29:06.619 --> 00:29:12.820
Ordinance granting of variance from the requirements of section 1268.07A concerning location of

00:29:12.820 --> 00:29:17.860
accessory structures at 1219 South Sealy Avenue.

00:29:17.860 --> 00:29:18.860
Thank you.

00:29:18.860 --> 00:29:19.860
Director Heimerdinger.

00:29:19.860 --> 00:29:20.860
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

00:29:20.860 --> 00:29:26.099
Staff received a variance request for 1219 South Sealy Avenue in Freeport to allow replacement

00:29:26.099 --> 00:29:30.619
Necessary Garage to remain closer than the required 10-foot separation from the

00:29:30.619 --> 00:29:35.500
home. The original garage was damaged by a fallen tree and was rebuilt in the same

00:29:35.500 --> 00:29:40.200
location through an insurance claim. Because prior zoning laws did not require

00:29:40.200 --> 00:29:44.820
the current 10-foot separation, a variance is needed under today's standards.

00:29:44.820 --> 00:29:50.259
The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval by a 4-0 vote. The Planning

00:29:50.259 --> 00:29:55.380
Commission recommended approval by a 5-0 vote. Staff presents this request for

00:29:55.380 --> 00:29:56.220
you're considering.

00:29:56.220 --> 00:30:10.579
Thank you. Is there a motion to move this forward?

00:30:10.579 --> 00:30:11.579
So moved.

00:30:11.579 --> 00:30:12.579
Second.

00:30:12.579 --> 00:30:17.019
There will be a motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on

00:30:17.019 --> 00:30:18.019
this ordinance?

00:30:18.019 --> 00:30:21.259
Alderman Parker?

00:30:21.259 --> 00:30:23.380
A motion to suspend the rules.

00:30:23.380 --> 00:30:24.380
Sure.

00:30:24.380 --> 00:30:33.380
We have a motion to suspend made by Alderman Parker, is there a second? Second. Was that you Greg? Alderman Shadle for the second.

00:30:33.380 --> 00:30:42.380
Suspension of the rules is non-debatable and was passed by two-thirds majority. So Madam Clerk, could you please take the role on the suspension only?

00:30:42.380 --> 00:31:06.339
Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye.

00:31:06.339 --> 00:31:13.460
and Klemm. The suspension passes six to two. Thank you. So now Before You Council is the final

00:31:14.660 --> 00:31:22.019
for this ordinance. If there's no further questions, concerns, Madam Clerk, please take

00:31:22.019 --> 00:31:38.210
the roll on the passage. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye.

00:31:38.210 --> 00:31:44.970
Sellers, Sellers, and Klemm. The ordinance passes 8 to 0.

00:31:44.970 --> 00:31:51.650
Item number 12 is the adoption of resolution 2026-15. Could you please read this?

00:31:51.650 --> 00:31:55.730
Resolution approving purchase of Neptune water meters from Ferguson Water Works.

00:31:55.730 --> 00:31:57.210
Thank you. Manager Boyer?

00:31:57.210 --> 00:32:03.829
Thank you, Your Honor. We're restocking our water meters. We need about 100 new meters.

00:32:03.829 --> 00:32:10.990
The total cost is about $14,000 and this exceeds discretionary spending limits for myself.

00:32:10.990 --> 00:32:15.430
So we're bringing it to council to move forward on and staff requests moving forward with

00:32:15.430 --> 00:32:17.190
this purchase order.

00:32:17.190 --> 00:32:18.190
Thank you.

00:32:18.190 --> 00:32:19.190
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:32:19.190 --> 00:32:20.190
So moved.

00:32:20.190 --> 00:32:21.190
Second.

00:32:21.190 --> 00:32:22.190
Okay.

00:32:22.190 --> 00:32:25.110
Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.

00:32:25.110 --> 00:32:26.110
Discussion on the resolution?

00:32:26.110 --> 00:32:27.110
Just a question.

00:32:27.110 --> 00:32:28.110
Yes.

00:32:28.110 --> 00:32:29.110
Go ahead.

00:32:29.110 --> 00:32:30.110
Are these for homes?

00:32:30.110 --> 00:32:31.110
Yes.

00:32:31.110 --> 00:32:34.799
Okay.

00:32:34.799 --> 00:32:35.799
Mrs. Stacy?

00:32:35.799 --> 00:32:45.400
Was this budgeted? Yes. And it was stated that this was being budgeted for this

00:32:45.400 --> 00:32:52.839
reason? Well, we have like a dollar amount that we budget for valves, meters, pipe,

00:32:52.839 --> 00:33:02.039
all kinds of materials, so this falls under that budget item, yes. Madam Clerk,

00:33:02.039 --> 00:33:08.779
please take the roll. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye.

00:33:08.779 --> 00:33:38.779
Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm. The resolution is adopted 8-0. Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2026-16. Could you please read this? Resolution approving a licensing agreement with Cindio Networks for pole attachment and conduit occupancy. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. Cindio, I believe that used to be JCWi-Fi, I'm sorry, Arrow, I'm sorry, Arrow. We've got quite a few of these anymore.

00:33:38.779 --> 00:33:47.119
Miller. They have rented the downtown city poles for use of their fiber optic cables for

00:33:47.119 --> 00:33:52.440
many years. Their agreement had expired a number of years ago, and we've been working

00:33:52.440 --> 00:33:59.200
very diligently with the new company that bought out Arrow to renew this license agreement.

00:33:59.200 --> 00:34:04.619
So this is essentially a continuation of what we have been doing with an inflation escalator

00:34:04.619 --> 00:34:09.500
Miller built into this new contract, so staff requests moving forward with the approval

00:34:09.500 --> 00:34:12.019
of this contract with Cindio Network.

00:34:12.019 --> 00:34:13.019
Thank you.

00:34:13.019 --> 00:34:14.019
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:34:14.019 --> 00:34:15.019
So moved.

00:34:15.019 --> 00:34:16.019
Second.

00:34:16.019 --> 00:34:19.380
A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

00:34:19.380 --> 00:34:20.860
Discussion on this resolution?

00:34:20.860 --> 00:34:22.900
Alderman Stacy?

00:34:22.900 --> 00:34:30.300
What would be the main purpose for them adapting the city polls?

00:34:30.300 --> 00:34:35.960
They had essentially installed their fiber years ago on the city light poles and it's

00:34:35.960 --> 00:34:38.500
still there and it's still being used.

00:34:38.500 --> 00:34:41.599
We had an agreement that expired a number of years ago and it took us quite a while to

00:34:41.599 --> 00:34:46.539
get that resolved because the arrow went under new management with Cindio.

00:34:46.539 --> 00:34:49.679
So this is a new agreement with Cindio.

00:34:49.679 --> 00:34:54.260
So okay, I'm trying to understand what does it do for the city?

00:34:54.260 --> 00:34:59.940
We receive, I believe it's about 50 bucks a pole per year for the, is that right?

00:34:59.940 --> 00:35:03.980
I believe the rent is $25 per poll per year.

00:35:03.980 --> 00:35:08.860
And that has a 3% cost inflator, uh, every year over five years.

00:35:09.260 --> 00:35:13.779
Um, the main purpose of this is a lot of the businesses in the downtown

00:35:13.779 --> 00:35:19.440
area originally had aero, uh, internet because it was high speed before they

00:35:19.440 --> 00:35:24.880
were there, that connectivity was, there's a map in the, um, agenda that

00:35:24.880 --> 00:35:29.260
shows that connectivity was gone through the city concrete polls, but

00:35:29.260 --> 00:35:51.260
The absolute most significant thing that they do is they provide 24-7 broadband to the ESB at the police station so they are part of the 9-1-1 center and that is the main reason that that network was built out so that's that that line is currently the main feed to the ESB.

00:35:51.260 --> 00:35:57.199
Madam Clerk, please take the role.

00:35:57.199 --> 00:36:00.470
Johnson.

00:36:00.470 --> 00:36:01.470
Hi.

00:36:01.470 --> 00:36:02.470
Simmons.

00:36:02.470 --> 00:36:33.980
Oh, I'm sorry. She is absent currently. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The resolution is adopted 7-0. Item number 14 is the adoption of resolution 2026-17. Could you please read this? Resolution approving the purchase of turnout gear for the fire department from Dinges Fire Company. Did I say that right? Dinges. Chief Cordy? Thank you, Banna Mayor. Since 2023, the

00:36:33.980 --> 00:36:42.980
The Department's been exploring replacement turnout gear, and in this case, what we're talking about is the heavy coat and pants that they wear internal in the fire.

00:36:44.980 --> 00:36:57.980
Most of our current gear was purchased about eight years ago, but in the last few years, we found out that a lot of that gear has the PFAS chemicals in it, the cancer causing.

00:36:57.980 --> 00:37:06.619
Browsing. So we formed a turnout gear committee to try and find out what was the best brand

00:37:06.619 --> 00:37:15.119
and make that was out there. The committee after going through multiple different manufacturers

00:37:15.119 --> 00:37:21.860
and vendors have recommended the purchase of Lion Brand V4 Structural Firefighting Turnout

00:37:21.860 --> 00:37:32.659
Hogehr. Our current plan then is over the next six years that we're going to purchase 16 sets

00:37:33.300 --> 00:37:39.220
every two years. Instead of having one big bulk purchase, we're going to try and step it out.

00:37:39.220 --> 00:37:45.860
That way it'll also help in the next 10 years when we have to come back and do this all over again.

00:37:45.860 --> 00:37:53.340
Plus, it also allows us to re-evaluate what we're currently purchasing and if there's

00:37:53.340 --> 00:37:59.400
anything any better coming up over the next couple of years, we can go to that brand or

00:37:59.400 --> 00:38:01.659
that manufacturer.

00:38:01.659 --> 00:38:05.360
So currently, the department's requesting approval to the resolution of the purchase

00:38:05.360 --> 00:38:10.860
of 16 sets of Lion V4 Structural Fire Framing Turnout Gear from DINJA's Fire Company from

00:38:10.860 --> 00:38:40.860
and Boy. The replacement will take place and like I said in phases. Each cost, each set of gear cost $4,465. So what we're asking for is a purchase not to exceed $75,000, which again goes above the the spending limits that we have to come and make a request. This brand and or this vendor is a source

00:38:40.860 --> 00:38:46.460
Swell, Vendor, and we're asking to move this forward.

00:38:46.460 --> 00:38:47.460
Thank you, Chief.

00:38:47.460 --> 00:38:49.019
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:38:49.019 --> 00:38:50.019
So move.

00:38:50.019 --> 00:38:51.019
Second.

00:38:51.019 --> 00:38:54.380
A motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

00:38:54.380 --> 00:38:55.380
Discussion on the resolution?

00:38:55.380 --> 00:38:56.380
Alderman Stacy?

00:38:56.380 --> 00:39:02.860
Was this budgeted in your budget for this to happen this year?

00:39:02.860 --> 00:39:03.900
Yes, it is.

00:39:03.900 --> 00:39:06.539
It comes out of our Capital Improvement Fund.

00:39:06.539 --> 00:39:12.059
How long are these outfits good for?

00:39:12.059 --> 00:39:13.739
NFPA says 10 years.

00:39:13.739 --> 00:39:14.779
10 years. Thank you.

00:39:17.909 --> 00:39:19.510
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:39:19.510 --> 00:39:20.230
Johnson?

00:39:20.230 --> 00:39:20.710
Aye.

00:39:20.710 --> 00:39:21.590
Simmons?

00:39:21.590 --> 00:39:22.309
Aye.

00:39:22.309 --> 00:39:23.029
Parker?

00:39:23.029 --> 00:39:23.510
Aye.

00:39:23.510 --> 00:39:23.989
Stacy?

00:39:24.630 --> 00:39:25.110
Aye.

00:39:25.110 --> 00:39:25.670
Shadle?

00:39:25.670 --> 00:39:26.150
Aye.

00:39:26.150 --> 00:39:26.710
Sanders?

00:39:26.710 --> 00:39:27.190
Aye.

00:39:27.190 --> 00:39:27.750
Sellers?

00:39:27.750 --> 00:39:28.150
Aye.

00:39:28.150 --> 00:39:28.869
And Klemm?

00:39:28.869 --> 00:39:29.349
Aye.

00:39:29.349 --> 00:39:31.429
The resolution is adopted 8-0.

00:39:32.789 --> 00:39:36.389
Item number 15 is the adoption of resolution 2025-18.

00:39:36.389 --> 00:39:44.989
Resolution authorizing memorandum of agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration or

00:39:44.989 --> 00:39:53.989
the FAA facilities for incorporating runway 24, MALSR, which is a runway alignment indicator

00:39:53.989 --> 00:39:56.619
which is a runway alignment indicator into the national airspace system at

00:39:56.619 --> 00:39:59.039
Albertus Airport. Thank you, Manager Boyer.

00:39:59.719 --> 00:40:04.280
Thank you, Your Honor. The city has a continuing agreement with the FAA to

00:40:04.280 --> 00:40:06.079
operate the city owned airport.

00:40:07.840 --> 00:40:10.000
That is time to renew that agreement.

00:40:10.719 --> 00:40:16.280
It expires September 30th, 2026 and therefore new MOA is required to extend

00:40:16.360 --> 00:40:18.960
the agreement so that we can continue to operate the airport.

00:40:18.960 --> 00:40:36.960
The MOA under construction is a 20-year term expiring in 2046. The MOA allows the FAA the right to maintain FAA-owned navigation, communication, and weather-aided facilities, grade and install drainage facilities, seating, and remove obstructions.

00:40:36.960 --> 00:40:46.960
So the city staff recommends moving forward. There is no cost impact to this. It is just an agreement with the FAA. So staff recommends moving forward.

00:40:46.960 --> 00:40:54.909
Fort. Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Alderman Klemm. Motion made by

00:40:54.909 --> 00:40:59.070
Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution.

00:41:02.030 --> 00:41:10.349
You said this is a 20-year commitment? Yes. And it costs the city nothing? No, it's no cost to the

00:41:10.349 --> 00:41:15.469
city. It's just an agreement between the city and the FAA that we're going to operate under FAA rules.

00:41:15.469 --> 00:41:25.550
So if it ever got to the point where they could not meet our needs then what?

00:41:25.550 --> 00:41:31.630
Well essentially this allows us to operate legally under the FAA so if we aren't working

00:41:31.630 --> 00:41:37.150
with the FAA we don't have a legal airport.

00:41:37.150 --> 00:41:38.829
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:41:38.829 --> 00:41:39.829
Johnson?

00:41:39.829 --> 00:41:40.829
Aye.

00:41:40.829 --> 00:41:41.829
Simmons?

00:41:41.829 --> 00:41:42.829
Aye.

00:41:42.829 --> 00:41:43.829
Parker?

00:41:43.829 --> 00:41:44.829
Aye.

00:41:44.829 --> 00:41:52.389
Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm. The resolution is adopted 8-0. Item number 16 is the

00:41:52.389 --> 00:41:56.789
adoption of resolution 2026-19. Could you please read this for the record?

00:41:56.789 --> 00:42:01.269
Resolution approving an agreement with I-Work Systems. Thank you. Director

00:42:01.269 --> 00:42:08.949
Suttman. Thank you Mayor. Council, this is an agreement for all of our I-Work modules

00:42:08.949 --> 00:42:14.809
software that staff uses. A little background, we started a relationship

00:42:14.809 --> 00:42:44.809
I work in 2018. I think it's been highly successful. We've seen a lot of efficiencies through using their software. Over the years, we started getting piecemeal modules here and there. So we ended up with like three or four agreements. The main purpose of this was to get that into one agreement so we can pay it once a year, keep track of it better. This agreement happened to coincide with our desire to get two new modules added. So we thought while we're consolidating, let's get it all in one. So that's what you're seeing in this agreement. There is a

00:42:44.809 --> 00:42:47.929
Cost increase this year over last year, about $22,000.

00:42:47.929 --> 00:42:49.969
That's because we've added the new modules.

00:42:55.809 --> 00:43:02.610
The $69,100 will be split up between city funds and water and sewer, because

00:43:02.610 --> 00:43:07.989
there's the facilities management portion on there and staff recommends

00:43:07.989 --> 00:43:10.530
moving forward with this agreement.

00:43:11.130 --> 00:43:11.530
Thank you.

00:43:12.329 --> 00:43:14.010
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:43:14.730 --> 00:43:15.170
So moved.

00:43:15.409 --> 00:43:15.929
Second.

00:43:15.929 --> 00:43:21.449
A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers, discussion on the resolution.

00:43:23.579 --> 00:43:24.699
Alderman Stacy?

00:43:24.699 --> 00:43:28.539
You said it was about a $22,000 increase this year?

00:43:28.539 --> 00:43:34.619
Yes, we added some automation tools for community development and some additional features for them

00:43:34.619 --> 00:43:36.300
and then a licensing module.

00:43:36.300 --> 00:43:37.980
Is it going to be an increase yearly?

00:43:39.820 --> 00:43:42.059
As things change as fast as they do?

00:43:42.940 --> 00:43:45.019
I would assume if things are added to it, it would.

00:43:45.019 --> 00:43:51.579
otherwise I'd expect to go up with inflation but not drastically but I can't predict the future either.

00:43:51.579 --> 00:43:57.820
Is this drastically 22,000? Is that considered drastically?

00:43:57.820 --> 00:44:02.300
I don't think because we're adding features. Okay. If it was just a jump of 22,000 I'd have

00:44:02.300 --> 00:44:10.300
major questions if it was the same feature set. Okay. Thank you. Madam Clerk please take the

00:44:10.300 --> 00:44:24.309
Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm.

00:44:24.309 --> 00:44:27.309
And that resolution is adopted 8-0.

00:44:27.309 --> 00:44:30.610
Item number 17 is the adoption of resolution 2026-20.

00:44:30.610 --> 00:44:32.289
Could you please read this?

00:44:32.289 --> 00:44:36.130
Resolution approving an agreement with Greystone Construction for the purchase and construction

00:44:36.130 --> 00:44:38.070
of a salt storage shed.

00:44:38.070 --> 00:44:39.070
Thank you.

00:44:39.070 --> 00:44:40.070
Manager Boyer.

00:44:40.070 --> 00:44:49.070
Thank you, Your Honor. The city has two salt sheds that are in really bad condition. Curt, I don't know if you can put those pictures up for the projector. Are they up there?

00:44:52.070 --> 00:45:02.070
Okay, well, as soon as we get the projector going, then we'll be able to look at those pictures. But essentially, we have two pole barn style sheds that are falling apart.

00:45:02.070 --> 00:45:07.730
Actually they're unsafe and they're going to fall down eventually in a very short order.

00:45:07.730 --> 00:45:12.650
So staff knowing this has been working on replacing the salt sheds.

00:45:12.650 --> 00:45:16.190
Obviously we've known for a little while that we need to replace them.

00:45:16.190 --> 00:45:24.090
We have come, looked at three different manufacturers and worked with all three to kind of get the

00:45:24.090 --> 00:45:29.409
best analysis of how they're built and the best layout for the city.

00:45:29.409 --> 00:45:37.289
decided on an 80 foot by 126 bright span Atlas building.

00:45:37.289 --> 00:45:42.289
This package includes 12 inches of aggregate base, civil site work, grating,

00:45:42.289 --> 00:45:47.010
concrete foundation and base, concrete foundation piers, rebar mats,

00:45:47.010 --> 00:45:49.090
and basically the structure.

00:45:49.090 --> 00:45:55.130
The total cost of the salt shed is $833,795.

00:45:55.130 --> 00:46:00.130
and the building will hold up to 4,400 tons.

00:46:00.130 --> 00:46:04.610
And to give you a context, that is about one,

00:46:04.610 --> 00:46:07.289
basically 1.3 years worth of salt on hand.

00:46:07.289 --> 00:46:10.769
Currently, because of the small size of our salt sheds,

00:46:10.769 --> 00:46:12.210
we take deliveries as needed.

00:46:12.210 --> 00:46:14.090
Sometimes when it's a cold winter

00:46:14.090 --> 00:46:17.130
and we have a lot of snow, our supplier actually

00:46:17.130 --> 00:46:19.690
has to prioritize who gets salt. And sometimes we

00:46:19.690 --> 00:46:21.489
don't get as much as we want.

00:46:21.489 --> 00:46:26.610
so this will enable us to have an entire year supply on hand at any given time.

00:46:27.409 --> 00:46:34.130
This was included in the capital improvement plan as in the budget and staff request council move

00:46:34.130 --> 00:46:42.210
forward with the salt shed. Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. A motion made

00:46:42.210 --> 00:46:48.849
by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Discussion on the resolution? Alderman Sellers?

00:46:48.849 --> 00:46:55.250
Yeah, with this shed, you're also making it that big for a little storage too, aren't you?

00:46:55.250 --> 00:46:59.329
Are you storing anything else in there besides just the salt?

00:46:59.329 --> 00:47:04.929
No, you know, salt's corrosive, so anything we put in there would be subject to that corrosion.

00:47:04.929 --> 00:47:10.529
However, this will give us operational flexibility when the salt deliveries come in.

00:47:10.529 --> 00:47:17.570
If they're on a tilt, like a large truck with a tilt bed, the trucks will be able

00:47:17.570 --> 00:47:45.489
Would you ever order three years worth of salt at one time?

00:47:45.489 --> 00:47:46.489
I think you misunderstood.

00:47:46.489 --> 00:48:05.809
I'm just curious if this includes demolition of the existing, or are we just going to have

00:48:05.809 --> 00:48:08.130
somebody like maybe hit it with a feather?

00:48:08.130 --> 00:48:12.650
I'm going to leave that to Darren, I think we've got some operations.

00:48:12.650 --> 00:48:15.090
This quote does not include demolition.

00:48:15.090 --> 00:48:19.090
The city staff decided that we're going to use our own crews to do demolition of the

00:48:19.090 --> 00:48:21.489
buildings because they're in such bad shape.

00:48:21.489 --> 00:48:26.289
So we're going to recycle, excuse me, recycle the steel and we're going to just dispose

00:48:26.289 --> 00:48:27.289
of the wood.

00:48:27.289 --> 00:48:31.309
And then we have the ability with the clam truck and stuff to remove the concrete ourselves

00:48:31.309 --> 00:48:36.409
to kind of sweat equity, save some money to try to bring the costs down.

00:48:36.409 --> 00:48:40.849
Very expensive building and we know that, but it's, it's very needed and, and we wanted

00:48:40.849 --> 00:48:44.389
to do everything possible to make sure that we could get this facility this year.

00:48:45.389 --> 00:48:49.349
I really believe that by the time we empty the buildings, they'll probably fall over.

00:48:50.050 --> 00:48:52.329
It's I looked at it.

00:48:52.329 --> 00:48:55.050
It's extremely bad shape. Yeah.

00:48:57.699 --> 00:49:00.699
Only when Stacy is this down on island.

00:49:00.980 --> 00:49:05.099
Yes, ma'am. OK.

00:49:05.099 --> 00:49:07.199
Madam Clerk, please take the role. Johnson.

00:49:07.199 --> 00:49:09.199
I Simmons.

00:49:09.760 --> 00:49:11.900
Hi, Parker. Hi, Stacy.

00:49:11.900 --> 00:49:23.900
Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. The resolution is adopted, 8 to 0. Item number 18 is approval of a bid. Could you please read?

00:49:23.900 --> 00:49:33.900
Bid opening on February 4th, 2026 for HVAC preventative and service maintenance for equipment at seven city-owned locations. Thank you. Manager Boyer?

00:49:33.900 --> 00:49:38.460
Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. So for the past three years, we've had a company doing our

00:49:38.460 --> 00:49:44.659
contract HVAC work for just City Hall and for the police department. That has been problematic

00:49:44.659 --> 00:49:49.900
and we worked very hard this time to make sure that our bid was written very specifically

00:49:49.900 --> 00:49:52.059
Lee to cover, you know, we can calculate.

00:49:52.059 --> 00:49:54.719
to cover, you know, we could calculate all the costs and we weren't getting hit with

00:49:54.719 --> 00:50:00.079
high uncalculated increases from the supplier.

00:50:00.079 --> 00:50:07.599
We also added several locations to this bid, including the facilities down at Island.

00:50:07.599 --> 00:50:14.039
And so staff moved forward with a bid opening and Helm was the most responsive bidder.

00:50:14.039 --> 00:50:23.719
and Staff Request with a total cost of approximately, let's see here, bear with me one second here,

00:50:23.719 --> 00:50:31.460
$77,703, sorry, didn't see that. So staff recommends moving forward with this bid from

00:50:31.460 --> 00:50:37.469
Helm.

00:50:37.469 --> 00:50:38.869
Is there a motion to approve?

00:50:38.869 --> 00:50:39.869
Salmon.

00:50:39.869 --> 00:50:40.869
Second.

00:50:40.869 --> 00:50:46.309
A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Seller's discussion on the bid.

00:50:46.309 --> 00:51:01.179
So do I understand this contract to be saying one year is 60 compared to three years being

00:51:01.179 --> 00:51:02.179
77?

00:51:02.179 --> 00:51:07.420
No, that's incorrect, but I think Darren can speak that pretty clear.

00:51:07.420 --> 00:51:15.659
As what's listed in the memo, year one's cost is the $60,314, year two is $69,708, and year

00:51:15.659 --> 00:51:31.500
We did this as a three year, the city has the right or option to approve a three year bid.

00:51:31.500 --> 00:51:43.139
And then we can opt out at any time that we want to year to year, it's written in the contract that we can hop out if we feel that service isn't what we thought it would, if we decide we can't afford what we're doing.

00:51:43.139 --> 00:51:49.739
Based on the evaluation of how many units are in this bid, it's a very good price.

00:51:49.739 --> 00:51:54.579
And the current contract we've been under has been very insufficient over the last three

00:51:54.579 --> 00:51:59.099
years that we've been dealing with a lot of problems with it.

00:51:59.099 --> 00:52:04.940
That's why we did an RFQ request for qualifications and Helms packet that they submitted was far

00:52:04.940 --> 00:52:09.539
superior to the other packets that were submitted as far as the details and the things that

00:52:09.539 --> 00:52:13.760
that we asked for regarding each facility within Freeport.

00:52:13.760 --> 00:52:18.219
So I would like to tell you that the city went away

00:52:18.219 --> 00:52:22.539
from an all-inclusive package of many years ago.

00:52:22.539 --> 00:52:24.880
I would say Michelle could tell us,

00:52:24.880 --> 00:52:26.340
but I think it was about four years ago

00:52:26.340 --> 00:52:28.320
we went away from an all-inclusive package

00:52:28.320 --> 00:52:29.940
like what we're suggesting here.

00:52:29.940 --> 00:52:32.219
And that cost was over $100,000 a year

00:52:32.219 --> 00:52:33.820
that we were paying at that time

00:52:34.739 --> 00:52:37.480
for all the labor included and all the PMs

00:52:37.480 --> 00:52:39.420
and everything that are out here.

00:52:39.420 --> 00:52:48.460
I was scanning my memo here and we have 168 touch points of heating, cooling,

00:52:48.460 --> 00:52:51.500
exhaust fans, things like that within this contract.

00:52:51.500 --> 00:52:54.260
That's a lot of units to maintain within the city of Freeport.

00:52:54.619 --> 00:52:59.739
And to be frank with you, we don't even have a good inventory of the condition

00:52:59.739 --> 00:53:01.780
or status of the things that we have currently.

00:53:02.179 --> 00:53:06.780
So, one other thing I'd like to throw out is there's refrigerant laws,

00:53:06.780 --> 00:53:09.059
changes that happened here in 26.

00:53:09.059 --> 00:53:14.900
and so as units become aged because of the new refrigeration laws if they have

00:53:14.900 --> 00:53:18.300
anything to do with air conditioning they won't be able to be repaired with

00:53:18.300 --> 00:53:22.619
the current refrigerant they will have to be converted to new units because the

00:53:22.619 --> 00:53:27.739
EPA no longer allows the installation of that old refrigerant.

00:53:27.739 --> 00:53:44.119
Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm.

00:53:44.119 --> 00:53:48.699
The motion passes 8-0.

00:53:48.699 --> 00:53:50.099
Item number 19 is another bid.

00:53:50.099 --> 00:53:51.480
Could you please read?

00:53:51.480 --> 00:53:56.179
Bid opening on February 10th, 2026 for the tree removal for the year.

00:53:56.179 --> 00:53:58.360
Thank you, Manager Boyer.

00:53:58.360 --> 00:54:04.900
Thank you, Your Honor. The city has identified 31 dead or dangerous trees within the city.

00:54:04.900 --> 00:54:11.940
We do this every year. This year we received multiple bids, four bids, with the winning

00:54:11.940 --> 00:54:20.840
bid being tree landscaping of Economowoc. They are the little better at $60,187,000

00:54:20.840 --> 00:54:26.579
and this is budgeted in the forestry budget. Staff requests moving forward with accepting

00:54:26.579 --> 00:54:35.019
Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by

00:54:35.019 --> 00:54:45.199
Alderman Sellers. Discussion on this bid. Alderman Stacy? The company that gets this bid are these

00:54:45.199 --> 00:54:59.579
bids. They will have the necessary license and paperwork required by the state to do

00:54:59.579 --> 00:55:23.920
Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm.

00:55:23.920 --> 00:55:30.119
The motion is approved 8-0.

00:55:30.119 --> 00:55:36.119
On February 11, 2026, there was a bid opening for sanitary sewer cleaning for 2026.

00:55:36.119 --> 00:55:37.119
Manager Boyer?

00:55:37.119 --> 00:55:38.800
Thank you, Your Honor.

00:55:38.800 --> 00:55:45.599
Each year as we prepare for our road projects and our water mean replacements, we also evaluate

00:55:45.599 --> 00:55:53.599
our sanitary collection system before we move forward with any other work above ground.

00:55:53.599 --> 00:55:59.760
So this year we had solicited for bids for cleaning and televising corridors within the

00:55:59.760 --> 00:56:29.760
Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Discussion? So moved. So moved. So moved. So moved. So moved. So moved. So moved.

00:56:29.760 --> 00:56:45.329
Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm.

00:56:45.329 --> 00:56:48.409
The motion passes 8-0.

00:56:48.409 --> 00:56:51.570
And item number 21 is another bid opening.

00:56:51.570 --> 00:56:56.409
On February 11, 2026, wild animal trapping bids were opened.

00:56:56.409 --> 00:56:59.610
Thank you, Manager Boyer.

00:56:59.610 --> 00:57:05.529
Thank you, Your Honor. So, many times throughout the year, we get requests of residents of

00:57:05.529 --> 00:57:15.610
Freeport that have issues with raccoons or skunks or various large marsupial animals.

00:57:15.610 --> 00:57:21.250
And the city ordinance does not allow for us to trap, we simply, the ordinance allows

00:57:21.250 --> 00:57:26.389
our animal control officer to deal with dogs and cats. With that being said, with the number

00:57:26.389 --> 00:57:33.710
For requests that we've had, staff solicited bids for basically an exterminating contract

00:57:33.710 --> 00:57:39.090
for up to 20 of these types of problematic calls.

00:57:39.090 --> 00:57:46.489
We received one responsive bidder, Night Sight Solutions, and the total cost per trap is

00:57:46.489 --> 00:57:53.230
going to be $300, and that'd be $6,000 annually, and we'll do it on a first-come, first-serve,

00:57:53.230 --> 00:57:57.230
We will also be looking at the surrounding areas.

00:57:57.230 --> 00:57:58.670
So if you live in the woods, we're

00:57:58.670 --> 00:58:00.550
not going to be sending a trapping company out

00:58:00.550 --> 00:58:02.590
to capture possums.

00:58:02.590 --> 00:58:07.550
This is simply just to deal with the emerging issues that

00:58:07.550 --> 00:58:09.230
come up from time to time.

00:58:09.230 --> 00:58:11.349
And so staff recommends moving forward

00:58:11.349 --> 00:58:14.869
with the bid from Night Sight Solutions

00:58:14.869 --> 00:58:16.789
for a total of $6,000.

00:58:16.789 --> 00:58:17.289
Thank you.

00:58:17.289 --> 00:58:19.029
Is there a motion to approve?

00:58:19.029 --> 00:58:19.630
So moved.

00:58:19.630 --> 00:58:20.630
Second.

00:58:20.630 --> 00:58:23.029
Motion made by Alderman Sellers.

00:58:23.029 --> 00:58:27.269
Seconded by Alderman Shadle, discussion on this bid.

00:58:27.269 --> 00:58:28.590
Alderman Johnson.

00:58:28.590 --> 00:58:32.110
So currently, I understand the city doesn't pay anything

00:58:32.110 --> 00:58:35.190
or doesn't do any of the trapping of any wild animals.

00:58:35.190 --> 00:58:37.269
Really, we're not doing anything for that right now.

00:58:37.269 --> 00:58:38.150
Is that correct?

00:58:38.150 --> 00:58:39.429
Right.

00:58:39.429 --> 00:58:41.630
It is not allowed by ordinance, and we

00:58:41.630 --> 00:58:45.670
have no qualified individuals who have the proper ability

00:58:45.670 --> 00:58:47.909
to do that.

00:58:47.909 --> 00:58:48.949
Alderman Sellers.

00:58:48.949 --> 00:58:51.989
I do want to say, also, in this trapping,

00:58:51.989 --> 00:58:56.949
I think we need to look at our community development

00:58:56.949 --> 00:59:00.110
on some of the garbage.

00:59:00.110 --> 00:59:02.309
Because that's what these animals feed off of

00:59:02.309 --> 00:59:05.429
where people have just throw their garbage in the back

00:59:05.429 --> 00:59:07.909
or throw their garbage on the porch or whatever.

00:59:07.909 --> 00:59:10.949
But these animals have gotten really out of control.

00:59:10.949 --> 00:59:13.710
I know one day I saw, I thought it was a dog

00:59:13.710 --> 00:59:15.690
and it was a raccoon.

00:59:15.690 --> 00:59:16.989
It was that big.

00:59:16.989 --> 00:59:20.590
So, and it was 10.30 in the morning.

00:59:20.590 --> 00:59:28.190
So, I do see that there is a big problem in the community area where people live and children play, so.

00:59:29.789 --> 00:59:30.590
Mr. Segal?

00:59:30.590 --> 00:59:37.889
Yeah, I just want to add one point of context. So, in the memo we talked about, this is going to be a co-op program.

00:59:37.889 --> 00:59:45.889
We're not, as the city, just going to go out and remove animals. There's going to be a co-op cost with any resident that wants to do it.

00:59:45.889 --> 00:59:49.389
First of all, animals on private property presents an issue.

00:59:49.389 --> 00:59:50.230
and we're

00:59:50.230 --> 01:00:18.000
We're also going to require a hold harmless agreement to the city, because it's on private property, like a temporary easement as well, just because, you know, we have to be cautious and protect the city at all lengths when we do this. And I have specifically talked to NiteSite Solutions. This is a gentleman that is a very responsible person. He's a licensed trapper in Wisconsin and in Illinois. He works for the Rockies.

01:00:18.000 --> 01:00:24.840
Rockford Fire Department and he's planning on retiring and this is kind of his next part

01:00:24.840 --> 01:00:27.780
of his life for work and he likes doing it.

01:00:27.780 --> 01:00:33.159
So one of the things I'm concerned with with this is kind of the story that Dovie had wrote

01:00:33.159 --> 01:00:38.480
before that, you know, people think this is generally as simple as just tramping one animal

01:00:38.480 --> 01:00:43.480
sometimes when, you know, there might be a family of raccoons living under that deck.

01:00:43.480 --> 01:00:49.239
So, we need to be cautious as we move forward with this and very selective in the uses that

01:00:49.239 --> 01:00:50.239
we do with this.

01:00:50.239 --> 01:00:51.239
Thank you.

01:00:51.239 --> 01:00:52.239
Alderman Stacey?

01:00:52.239 --> 01:00:57.639
So, is this saying it would cost the customer or the person that's in need of the service

01:00:57.639 --> 01:01:03.320
$300 per trap?

01:01:03.320 --> 01:01:08.639
In this case, it's a co-op, so that $300 cost would be split 50-50 between the homeowner

01:01:08.639 --> 01:01:11.320
and the city if approved.

01:01:11.320 --> 01:01:13.039
The homeowner and the city?

01:01:13.039 --> 01:01:22.630
would split the $300 and that price from Night Sight is per animal trapped.

01:01:22.630 --> 01:01:23.630
The $6,000?

01:01:23.630 --> 01:01:24.630
$300.

01:01:24.630 --> 01:01:27.309
What's the $6,000?

01:01:27.309 --> 01:01:30.789
That was the annual estimated cost to the city of Brooklyn.

01:01:30.789 --> 01:01:33.750
I thought you said annual, but okay.

01:01:33.750 --> 01:01:34.750
Yeah.

01:01:34.750 --> 01:01:39.030
Which I did some cost comparisons about three or four months ago.

01:01:39.030 --> 01:01:43.989
Rob asked me to call around and get some prices because we had quite a few complaints about

01:01:43.989 --> 01:01:53.150
How much this trapping was costing, because there's very limited people that are actually licensed to do this. And the cost that I got from numerous calls was double this.

01:01:55.190 --> 01:01:58.630
Is there something we can change? Oh, I'm sorry.

01:01:58.710 --> 01:01:59.269
Sure, go ahead.

01:01:59.530 --> 01:02:03.030
Is there something we can change in the ordinance?

01:02:04.789 --> 01:02:05.989
That will be

01:02:07.230 --> 01:02:12.429
more supportive in the city with this?

01:02:12.429 --> 01:02:23.429
I mean, Ms. Lenore is very concerned. 38 raccoons, 16 possums, and I didn't get how many skunks.

01:02:23.429 --> 01:02:34.429
I mean, I think the idea here is to start with something and see how it goes and then go from there.

01:02:34.429 --> 01:02:39.429
But would that be something the city would consider? We don't have a licensed trapper.

01:02:39.429 --> 01:02:44.389
Right. That's the issue right there is what she said is we do not have a licensed

01:02:44.389 --> 01:02:49.150
state of Illinois licensed trapper on staff and that has to be happening to be

01:02:49.150 --> 01:02:58.659
on private property. So you're saying the ordinance could not change? I don't

01:02:58.659 --> 01:03:03.300
believe our ordinance, our city ordinance, could allow us to trap on

01:03:03.300 --> 01:03:07.139
private property. I don't believe that that would be the case. That would be a

01:03:07.139 --> 01:03:13.780
question for the attorney that is correct we can only enter on a private

01:03:13.780 --> 01:03:17.340
property if we have some kind of permission from the landowner or if

01:03:17.340 --> 01:03:21.179
there's a recorded easement that would allow the city to come on for some

01:03:21.179 --> 01:03:26.820
maintenance aspect so without permission we would we just can't enter

01:03:26.820 --> 01:03:30.860
onto the property unless it's an emergency situation like a fire aspect

01:03:30.860 --> 01:04:00.860
Alderman Johnson, I see here there's it says a single emergency call out less than 40 hour time, time is $200. So that'd be above and beyond the $300. Yeah, so $500 if it was an emergency situation. In my research, most of these animal problems are kind of ongoing, you know, and it's not like something that's a fire. And so 48 hours seem to be a reasonable time frame.

01:04:00.860 --> 01:04:06.099
to respond. If somebody just, it's dire and they can't wait 48 hours for the trap.

01:04:06.099 --> 01:04:10.739
Yes, then there is an additional $200 emergency fee to break this person away

01:04:10.739 --> 01:04:11.659
from their other work.

01:04:13.699 --> 01:04:14.220
Thank you.

01:04:14.860 --> 01:04:15.360
Okay.

01:04:15.460 --> 01:04:16.099
Oh, one question.

01:04:16.099 --> 01:04:17.059
Yes, Owen Sellers.

01:04:17.860 --> 01:04:21.900
What if the animal is dead?

01:04:23.460 --> 01:04:24.860
So who picks that up?

01:04:25.820 --> 01:04:29.500
In the right of way, the city of Freeport picks it up on the private property.

01:04:29.500 --> 01:04:57.500
It's a great question. I might have to define that. I don't believe he would charge us for an animal that was already dead. Catching animals like this and baiting them in traps takes time and effort. And there's always safety risks with different kinds of things like rabies and things like this.

01:04:57.500 --> 01:05:05.320
Director Suttman can you check the video feed we keep getting it's blacking out

01:05:05.320 --> 01:05:12.760
the audio stays on but the video was blacking out thank you if there's no

01:05:12.760 --> 01:05:16.920
further discussion madam clerk could you please take the role oh I'm sorry go

01:05:16.920 --> 01:05:21.239
ahead so once we exhaust the number of calls can you just bring it back to

01:05:21.239 --> 01:05:27.720
Council, and then maybe we can renew and add more or I think is that what you were

01:05:27.720 --> 01:05:32.519
getting at? Maybe can we increase the number of calls from or just bring it

01:05:32.519 --> 01:05:37.360
back? I think it's really a starting point. Yeah I think there's the whole

01:05:37.360 --> 01:05:42.480
point was let's let's we've not done it before let's go ahead and try it let's

01:05:42.480 --> 01:05:46.159
put a cap on it so it doesn't get out of hand this is an unbudgeted item that

01:05:46.159 --> 01:05:50.260
we're gonna have to look at other areas within a budget to pay for so I just

01:05:50.260 --> 01:05:58.260
and I just wanted to make sure that it was bookended and we weren't, you know, moving forward with something that gets out of hand.

01:05:58.260 --> 01:06:00.260
Mr. Stegall?

01:06:00.260 --> 01:06:11.260
Yeah, so in the bid we did ask for a price over 20 to kind of lock it in in the bid if we choose to do more and he gave us the same price for 21 through whatever.

01:06:11.260 --> 01:06:17.260
So if Council determined that there was a greater need here, it would still be the same price.

01:06:17.260 --> 01:06:27.260
But I think we need to also remember Alderman Seller's point of, you know, enforcement of garbage and things that draw those types of animals in.

01:06:27.260 --> 01:06:33.260
It's kind of a dual piece there. So it's a starting point.

01:06:33.260 --> 01:06:36.260
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:06:36.260 --> 01:06:37.260
Johnson?

01:06:37.260 --> 01:06:38.260
Aye.

01:06:38.260 --> 01:06:39.260
Simmons?

01:06:39.260 --> 01:06:40.260
Aye.

01:06:40.260 --> 01:06:41.260
Parker?

01:06:41.260 --> 01:06:42.260
Aye.

01:06:42.260 --> 01:06:43.260
Stacy?

01:06:43.260 --> 01:06:44.260
Aye.

01:06:44.260 --> 01:06:45.260
Shadle?

01:06:45.260 --> 01:06:46.260
Aye.

01:06:46.260 --> 01:07:10.340
and Larry. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The motion passes 7-0. And item number 22 is another bid opening. On February 12th, 2026, we opened bids for demolition of 1300 Business Route 20 East or the former Holiday Inn. Director Heimerdinger.

01:07:10.340 --> 01:07:24.340
Thank you, Madam Mayor. Last month on January 20th, 2026, I provided testimony on behalf of the City of Freeport at the Stevenson County Courthouse regarding the formal holiday in at 1300 Business 20 East.

01:07:24.340 --> 01:07:37.340
This property has been in the court system for years and based on all the testimony and supporting evidence, the court ultimately ruled in favor of the city, determining that the structure is not suitable for rehabilitation,

01:07:37.340 --> 01:07:42.539
is a life safety hazard and ordered the demolition of the building following the

01:07:42.539 --> 01:07:45.579
court's decision the community development department moved forward

01:07:45.579 --> 01:07:51.900
with the demolition bid process the bids were publicly bid addendums were issued

01:07:51.900 --> 01:07:57.340
to clarify scope and requirements and a walkthrough was held on February 11th so

01:07:57.340 --> 01:08:02.860
contractors could review site conditions bids were open on February 12th and the

01:08:02.860 --> 01:08:08.579
The City received six competitive bids. The lowest responsible bid was submitted by Elburn

01:08:08.579 --> 01:08:16.659
Suns Earthworks in the amount of $169,700. The other five bid totals and contractors can

01:08:16.659 --> 01:08:22.539
be reviewed in the memo attached to tonight's agenda. This project will be funded through

01:08:22.539 --> 01:08:29.199
the Demolition Fund and represents an important step in removing a long-standing unsafe structure

01:08:29.199 --> 01:08:33.520
and preparing the site for future redevelopment that will generate new

01:08:33.520 --> 01:08:37.479
investments, support future businesses and increase revenue for the city.

01:08:37.880 --> 01:08:42.319
The city will be seeking developers and I encourage anyone interested to

01:08:42.319 --> 01:08:45.760
contact me at 815-235-8221.

01:08:46.159 --> 01:08:51.159
And finally, I'd like to take a moment to thank my team, Doug, John, Ben,

01:08:51.199 --> 01:08:55.920
Elizabeth, Sadie and Katie, as well as our city attorney for their dedication

01:08:55.920 --> 01:08:58.520
in bringing this long process to resolution.

01:08:58.520 --> 01:09:06.520
We are excited to see what the future holds for this property, and staff recommends approving the bid from Elber and Sons Earthworks.

01:09:06.520 --> 01:09:08.520
Thank you. Is there a motion to approve?

01:09:08.520 --> 01:09:09.520
So moved.

01:09:09.520 --> 01:09:10.520
Second.

01:09:10.520 --> 01:09:16.520
Is there a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers? Discussion on the bid.

01:09:16.520 --> 01:09:21.010
Alderman Stacy?

01:09:21.010 --> 01:09:36.260
If we accept this, how long is that building going to continue to sit? Or better yet, when

01:09:36.260 --> 01:09:42.260
would the process start and what is an estimated completion date?

01:09:42.260 --> 01:09:47.420
That's a great question. In our big documents that were signed by the contractors, it says

01:09:47.420 --> 01:09:48.420
is 25 years old.

01:09:48.420 --> 01:09:58.000
We have an extension signed by the contractors. It says 25 days for the complete demo of the building. So that means 25 days from the time that they receive the go-ahead to get started.

01:09:58.000 --> 01:10:09.000
If it takes longer than that, because it's a pretty big structure, they will need to submit to us an extension and give us proper reason for why that extension is necessary.

01:10:09.000 --> 01:10:13.600
Something that we are in the play with is that we would like to have this building

01:10:13.600 --> 01:10:17.159
down by the time that we are due back in court in April.

01:10:17.600 --> 01:10:23.159
So that's kind of the target is to have it completely down so that we can move

01:10:23.159 --> 01:10:25.720
forward with the next steps within the court system.

01:10:26.279 --> 01:10:28.159
Completely down by April?

01:10:28.319 --> 01:10:28.680
Yes.

01:10:33.029 --> 01:10:34.149
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:10:34.989 --> 01:10:35.590
Johnson?

01:10:36.029 --> 01:10:36.390
Aye.

01:10:36.470 --> 01:10:37.149
Simmons?

01:10:37.670 --> 01:10:38.029
Aye.

01:10:38.149 --> 01:10:38.710
Parker?

01:10:38.909 --> 01:10:39.189
Aye.

01:10:39.270 --> 01:10:39.909
Stacy?

01:10:40.590 --> 01:10:41.029
Aye.

01:10:41.109 --> 01:10:41.630
Shadle?

01:10:41.670 --> 01:10:41.909
Aye.

01:10:41.909 --> 01:10:50.090
Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm. The motion passes eight to zero. Item number 23 is

01:10:50.090 --> 01:11:02.970
discussion on viaduct project updates Alderman Stacey and Simmons. Okay. Several

01:11:02.970 --> 01:11:08.789
community members have expressed concerns regarding the lack of progress

01:11:08.789 --> 01:11:15.789
Knapp, and I am the chair of the VEDA project. On behalf of these citizens, I am requesting

01:11:15.789 --> 01:11:27.270
answers to the following questions. Why is the project currently at a standstill? What

01:11:27.270 --> 01:11:37.710
is the project's completion date? In the event of a fire or medical emergency, will EMS be

01:11:37.710 --> 01:11:39.710
and

01:11:40.710 --> 01:11:45.300
the

01:11:46.300 --> 01:11:48.300
city of

01:11:49.300 --> 01:11:51.300
Washington.

01:11:52.300 --> 01:11:54.300
We have been able to reach the Arcade area efficiently.

01:11:55.300 --> 01:11:57.300
Four, the approved permit from 2024 was pulled from this project

01:11:58.300 --> 01:12:00.300
after being approved for two years.

01:12:01.300 --> 01:12:03.300
When was the permit for this project pulled?

01:12:04.300 --> 01:12:06.300
By whom was the permit pulled?

01:12:06.300 --> 01:12:11.710
was the approved permit pulled.

01:12:11.710 --> 01:12:15.829
Who has had direct communication

01:12:15.829 --> 01:12:21.159
with Canadian national regarding this delay?

01:12:21.159 --> 01:12:25.479
Why was the council not informed of the permit being pulled

01:12:25.479 --> 01:12:31.720
and of delay the process would cause?

01:12:31.720 --> 01:12:36.720
What is the status of the road

01:12:37.020 --> 01:12:39.840
the city was supposed to pave

01:12:39.840 --> 01:12:50.310
for residents used west of the water treatment plant on Hancock, and what is the current

01:12:50.310 --> 01:12:58.470
status of the Hancock Bridge, and how long is it expected to sustain the extra overflow

01:12:58.470 --> 01:12:59.470
traffic?

01:12:59.470 --> 01:13:10.270
Alderman Stacey, you were given answers to every single one of these questions last Thursday

01:13:10.270 --> 01:13:13.010
prior to your request to put this on the agenda.

01:13:13.010 --> 01:13:33.939
from that point there is no other updates. Okay Mayor Miller I was given maybe five

01:13:33.939 --> 01:13:49.390
of the eight questions however the constituents are wanting to hear it from

01:13:49.390 --> 01:13:58.869
Boyer, Director Boyer or Director Steagall. I don't care which. I received five to eight

01:13:58.869 --> 01:14:05.869
calls in the last three weeks on this matter. Did I pick back up the phone and make five

01:14:05.869 --> 01:14:12.670
to eight calls? No. I put it on the agenda so they could get it firsthand directly from

01:14:12.670 --> 01:14:53.460
Horses' Mouth. Now, is that a problem? Requesting that? Asking that? Is that a problem? Like, you already know the ordinance. You have the ability to, Alderman, have the ability to put anything on for discussion. My point was that last Thursday, prior to the agenda, you knew all those answers. I did not know all those answers. Would you like to address any of those? I did not know all those answers because all those answers were not asked.

01:14:53.460 --> 01:15:03.579
So the current project is at a standstill. The reason it's at a standstill is because

01:15:03.579 --> 01:15:09.020
we're at winter construction conditions and frost is in the ground. The reason we're at

01:15:09.020 --> 01:15:15.180
the standstill that we're at is our franchise partner NICOR had a two inch high pressure

01:15:15.180 --> 01:15:21.899
gas main that needed to be relocated under the pavement. Unfortunately, since the notice

01:15:21.899 --> 01:15:28.600
to proceed. They didn't complete their project till October of 2025. They hit a water main.

01:15:28.600 --> 01:15:37.699
They also hit a sewer main and created a large repair in that area. The city is a franchise

01:15:37.699 --> 01:15:43.399
partner with NICOR and we don't control their construction crews. And this relocation was

01:15:43.399 --> 01:15:48.560
at no cost to the project. So the timelines that they establish per the franchise agreements

01:15:48.560 --> 01:15:57.359
are what the public has to deal with on the relocations. We can't control NYCOR, we can

01:15:57.359 --> 01:16:03.640
only work with them. Additionally, CN owns all of the property that this project is going

01:16:03.640 --> 01:16:08.520
to be done on or is being done on, and they have the full authority to open, close, and

01:16:08.520 --> 01:16:15.399
permanently remove this access at any time they want to. CN actually has more authority

01:16:15.399 --> 01:16:21.199
and the city. And then in the rank of the railroad, they have more authority than anyone

01:16:21.199 --> 01:16:25.840
in probably the state of Illinois to do whatever they want with their facilities. Currently,

01:16:25.840 --> 01:16:32.279
it's expected the project will be completed in May before June of 26. If I was going to

01:16:32.279 --> 01:16:36.880
give you a date, I would say June 1st of 26, it should be done. And the reason for that

01:16:36.880 --> 01:16:42.859
is the asphalt plants do not open up till usually the end of the first week of May.

01:16:42.859 --> 01:16:46.300
and so we're not going to get pavement down to that point.

01:16:46.300 --> 01:16:52.420
The Fire Medical Emergency, the Public Works Department has worked with Chief Miller and

01:16:52.420 --> 01:16:57.539
the Fire Department has a plan in place and alternative routes established to get to this

01:16:57.539 --> 01:16:58.539
area.

01:16:58.539 --> 01:17:03.100
Unfortunately, there's only one access point through the Hancock Bridge and that does deter

01:17:03.100 --> 01:17:06.180
for the rails so they have routes around north to get there.

01:17:06.180 --> 01:17:09.539
I've discussed that with them thoroughly when we did the project.

01:17:09.539 --> 01:17:11.899
That's the best the city can do at the time.

01:17:11.899 --> 01:17:16.260
I would like the city council to know that before we even undertook this

01:17:16.260 --> 01:17:19.020
project, I tried to get a new above rail crossing.

01:17:19.020 --> 01:17:20.659
So we didn't ever have to deal with this again.

01:17:20.659 --> 01:17:24.859
And that was turned down in whole CN's not adding any above ground

01:17:24.859 --> 01:17:28.140
crossings on any rails due to liability issues.

01:17:28.140 --> 01:17:30.100
So this, this was really our only choice.

01:17:30.659 --> 01:17:37.060
Um, the approved permit being pulled, um, CN provided a permit access for one

01:17:37.060 --> 01:17:41.420
year, uh, the public flagging, which is required with these projects.

01:17:41.420 --> 01:17:52.579
Post, paused the project. In December of 25, at the end, excuse me, December 28th of 25,

01:17:52.579 --> 01:17:59.220
CN sent me an email asking for more information on the excavations on the water and storm,

01:17:59.220 --> 01:18:04.819
which we provided them numerous response in the month of January. And then they reissued

01:18:04.819 --> 01:18:11.180
permits on February 4th to Helm Group, which is the contractor on the project, who's had

01:18:11.180 --> 01:18:16.300
had communication with them during the project. Myself and the Helm Group project manager

01:18:16.300 --> 01:18:20.659
have had communication with Canadian national throughout. I'm the one that got involved

01:18:20.659 --> 01:18:24.940
in January to make sure the project could continue to move forward because I want to

01:18:24.940 --> 01:18:31.779
see it get done as well as everyone else. I also take tons of phone calls on this constantly.

01:18:31.779 --> 01:18:37.340
Unfortunately, this is what happens with public relocations of utilities. They're not always

01:18:37.340 --> 01:18:41.739
Gimley. We have to deal with the ICC and the regulations that go along with these types

01:18:41.739 --> 01:18:47.619
of utilities. Why was the council not being informed of the permit being pulled? Other

01:18:47.619 --> 01:18:53.020
than rumor statements, I have nothing in writing to inform you that they've been pulled other

01:18:53.020 --> 01:18:59.579
than that they asked for more excavation details on the water and storm in coordination with

01:18:59.579 --> 01:19:05.840
their abutments. So that's why nothing was afforded because nothing's going to move forward

01:19:05.840 --> 01:19:13.399
be finished until May of 26 because it's impossible to get hot mix asphalt to open the road up.

01:19:13.399 --> 01:19:21.199
So I think that answers most of those questions. Hancock Bridge. The Hancock Bridge is still

01:19:21.199 --> 01:19:27.159
rated for 80,000 pounds. So semi-traffic can go over that every day all day long. It is

01:19:27.159 --> 01:19:31.399
the deck and rating are in poor condition, but they're still a four of nine. That's why

01:19:31.399 --> 01:19:35.800
It's on the replacement schedule for the deck and the railings.

01:19:37.220 --> 01:19:40.600
Four out of nine means that there's advanced section loss, deterioration,

01:19:40.600 --> 01:19:42.640
spalling, and scouring deficiencies.

01:19:43.079 --> 01:19:45.960
IDOT is fully aware of this and that is an IDOT

01:19:45.960 --> 01:20:07.000
We're really aware of this and that is an IDOT bridge as long as the city of Freeport, it passed the 2025 inspection and it is on hopefully the July letting to bid for the new bridge, which would mean maybe a fall or spring start for the replacement until that project can commence, there's nothing we can do but patch the deck and the railings.

01:20:07.000 --> 01:20:11.560
One of the holdups on the bridge, which I didn't inform council this either, but the

01:20:11.560 --> 01:20:15.399
railings on the bridge are considered historical monuments.

01:20:15.399 --> 01:20:19.279
They were cast in place when they were originally built.

01:20:19.279 --> 01:20:23.600
And it has been going through a six month review through the historical society to decide

01:20:23.600 --> 01:20:28.800
if they want to keep the railings or we can demo them, which is out of our control again.

01:20:28.800 --> 01:20:30.859
And it's the IDOT process.

01:20:30.859 --> 01:20:36.159
And since IDOT's giving us nearly $2 million for the project, we have to follow their process

01:20:36.159 --> 01:20:38.239
through and through, or we forfeit the money.

01:20:39.000 --> 01:20:46.159
Um, the status of the road to the west.

01:20:46.460 --> 01:20:50.680
So the road to the west was a conversation that we had with the fire

01:20:50.680 --> 01:20:54.439
department about trying to get emergency access back there in case something

01:20:54.439 --> 01:20:58.460
happens to the Hancock bridge that crosses private property back at the

01:20:58.460 --> 01:21:03.899
old depot of ultrasonic, we don't have passage to cross their premises, but

01:21:03.899 --> 01:21:06.300
they told us in an emergency, they would let us through.

01:21:06.460 --> 01:21:07.840
So that's the backup plan.

01:21:07.840 --> 01:21:13.520
if the bridge goes out. Currently we have an access through inertia for the fire department

01:21:13.520 --> 01:21:19.560
in an emergency, an ambulance in the emergency, or semi-traffic that is overweighted has been

01:21:19.560 --> 01:21:25.239
permitted to use that passage since the wastewater treatment plant project has gone underway,

01:21:25.239 --> 01:21:33.539
and to my knowledge it's been being used monthly. I would give inertia a thank you for allowing

01:21:33.539 --> 01:21:34.539
Huffines.

01:21:34.539 --> 01:22:03.199
And we're hoping for completion by the end of May, or sometime during May.

01:22:03.199 --> 01:22:16.199
We're hoping for completion by June 1st. So, with the understanding that hopefully we have received in writing that the permit is back.

01:22:16.199 --> 01:22:26.199
I have emails from CN that they authorized the flagging permits to Helm to submit. Yes, that happened on February 4th.

01:22:26.199 --> 01:22:32.600
Okay, so if they can get out there and finish doing what they need to be doing, will it

01:22:32.600 --> 01:22:38.699
be filled up with gravel and open back up until it can be paved?

01:22:38.699 --> 01:22:43.000
Only if the city wants to pay the additional cost to fill it up and dig it all back out

01:22:43.000 --> 01:22:45.840
because that's not in the scope of the project.

01:22:45.840 --> 01:22:50.500
And unfortunately, with the weather conditions of winter, we cannot have the asphalt plant

01:22:50.500 --> 01:22:56.020
Turn on again before about the end of the first week of May is usually the typical time

01:22:56.020 --> 01:22:57.020
it opens.

01:22:57.020 --> 01:23:01.140
So if we as a city want to, if they can even get out there and finish it, because we've

01:23:01.140 --> 01:23:03.979
got to let the frost get out of the ground, we would have to pay to fill the whole thing

01:23:03.979 --> 01:23:07.100
with gravel and then we'll have to pay to remove it all and waste it.

01:23:07.100 --> 01:23:09.659
And I mean, that's, that's a conscious choice.

01:23:09.659 --> 01:23:12.180
And what kind of expense is that?

01:23:12.180 --> 01:23:27.529
I would have to ask for an expense, I'm guessing 15, 20,000.

01:23:27.529 --> 01:23:31.850
Unfortunately, there's always inconvenience when you have projects that you're dealing with.

01:23:31.850 --> 01:23:37.409
So, let's move on to reports of department heads.

01:23:37.409 --> 01:23:38.409
Finance.

01:23:38.409 --> 01:23:39.409
Not yet.

01:23:39.409 --> 01:23:40.409
Oh, I'm sorry.

01:23:40.409 --> 01:23:41.409
I didn't see you.

01:23:41.409 --> 01:23:47.449
I just want to be clear that in an emergency situation, if there's a train stopped on

01:23:47.449 --> 01:23:54.250
the tracks rather than going all the way around 26th, emergency services have permission to

01:23:54.250 --> 01:23:55.689
use the inertial way.

01:23:55.689 --> 01:23:57.250
They can cut the locks and go.

01:23:57.250 --> 01:24:19.529
We just like to, since we're talking about pest control, please take your garbage to

01:24:19.529 --> 01:24:24.970
the street the night before with your toters and then make sure that you grab it, make sure

01:24:24.970 --> 01:24:37.449
and you pack it tight. And then make sure that you pick your toters and you put your toters back to where they belong in your house, wherever you have deemed on your property, they need to sit, not on the roadway, not in the right of way.

01:24:38.090 --> 01:24:53.890
But we just please help us keep the keep animals that we don't want in here out and everybody enjoying their lives and can walk safely and play in their yards. Thank you.

01:24:53.890 --> 01:25:23.890
Public Works? Sure. A couple updates. When I left tonight, two of the chargers down at the Douglas lot are now live and working. Other two, I need to get a couple warranty parts for and the other section is going to get commissioned. Hopefully in the next two weeks, we're waiting for that schedule that be at the state lot. So that's good news. We also received

01:25:23.890 --> 01:25:30.409
We received, Michelle and I received confirmation on getting the, all the CEJA money and all

01:25:30.409 --> 01:25:31.609
the ComEd money back.

01:25:31.609 --> 01:25:37.810
We also, we actually got confirmation of about a third of the payment already from ComEd.

01:25:37.810 --> 01:25:44.270
I would also like to let everybody know that the 2026 street projects led by the city,

01:25:44.270 --> 01:25:45.930
we have three packages coming out.

01:25:45.930 --> 01:25:50.970
The first one should be going out to bid around the last week of February and then there'll

01:25:50.970 --> 01:25:53.609
will be one each week concurrently for three weeks.

01:25:53.609 --> 01:25:56.010
So we'll have lots of bids coming through.

01:25:56.010 --> 01:25:59.890
And also we appreciate the approvals of the salt building.

01:25:59.890 --> 01:26:03.010
It's a much needed facility for the street department.

01:26:03.010 --> 01:26:05.890
It's very deteriorating.

01:26:05.890 --> 01:26:09.930
How does, how is it known on apps

01:26:09.930 --> 01:26:12.250
that we now have two chargers that are?

01:26:13.250 --> 01:26:14.729
Great question.

01:26:14.729 --> 01:26:17.369
I looked before I came and I don't believe it was live

01:26:17.369 --> 01:26:20.430
Menard, Paul, John, George, Chris, Debra, Mike, and John, Nathan, and

01:26:20.430 --> 01:26:21.909
John, and they are all in charge of it.

01:26:21.909 --> 01:26:27.270
But on the ChargePoint site and on the car maps once this is fully commenced

01:26:27.270 --> 01:26:31.029
and opened they'll actually be on the maps for people that have EV cars

01:26:31.029 --> 01:26:32.029
when they need to charge.

01:26:32.029 --> 01:26:32.529
Who's they?

01:26:33.789 --> 01:26:34.710
People that own EVs.

01:26:35.909 --> 01:26:37.289
Or who will put it up?

01:26:37.409 --> 01:26:37.909
Yeah.

01:26:37.909 --> 01:26:40.130
Where's the, how does the app know?

01:26:40.810 --> 01:26:45.310
ChargePoint and Fehr, who was our partner in building them is loading all

01:27:15.310 --> 01:27:21.789
all utilized or something like that. So I have had a lot of calls over these charging units and

01:27:22.670 --> 01:27:26.670
very, very much a lot of excitement from people traveling through and asking questions.

01:27:27.949 --> 01:27:31.869
Just had talks with two gentlemen this week, which pass through Freeport all the time,

01:27:31.869 --> 01:27:37.149
looking for these chargers to be available. And they told me that these will be the best units

01:27:37.149 --> 01:27:40.109
between Chicago and Butte. Well done.

01:27:40.109 --> 01:27:47.069
could you share the name of that app again it'll be it's charge point charge

01:27:47.069 --> 01:27:51.630
point is like one of the leaders in the charging industry and again I wanted to

01:27:51.630 --> 01:27:57.229
point out that we specifically picked charge point because they're a nationwide

01:27:57.229 --> 01:28:00.869
vendor they're a name in the business they're not going anywhere so we didn't

01:28:00.869 --> 01:28:05.670
want to get into a unit that might not be able to be serviced Thayer Energy out

01:28:05.670 --> 01:28:09.630
of believe it's Belvedere who's one of our partners they're actually a

01:28:09.630 --> 01:28:15.590
We have a retail warranty distributor of them, so when there's issues, they'll get notification

01:28:15.590 --> 01:28:20.149
as well too that something's not working correctly so it can be fixed.

01:28:20.149 --> 01:28:21.149
It's a complete package.

01:28:21.149 --> 01:28:25.430
And we also have the software as part of the package that Michelle's group and Public Works

01:28:25.430 --> 01:28:32.270
has to facilitate the finances and the payments and the operation of the utilities.

01:28:32.270 --> 01:28:36.750
And the cost structure we came up with was just an average cost structure to start with

01:28:36.750 --> 01:28:39.949
Freeport, I think it's very fair and will be advantageous to people using it.

01:28:40.630 --> 01:28:40.829
Okay.

01:28:41.390 --> 01:28:41.670
Boyer.

01:28:43.630 --> 01:28:44.270
Nothing, Your Honor.

01:28:44.949 --> 01:28:45.350
Please?

01:28:45.989 --> 01:28:46.510
Nothing, ma'am.

01:28:47.229 --> 01:28:48.069
And library.

01:28:48.670 --> 01:28:49.510
Thank you, Your Honor.

01:28:49.949 --> 01:28:54.190
The new library director, Emily Schaub, starts next Monday, February 23rd.

01:28:54.550 --> 01:28:56.670
We are all looking forward to her arrival.

01:28:56.989 --> 01:29:00.630
Thank you all for your support of Mia's interim director and your continued

01:29:00.630 --> 01:29:04.670
support of the library, and I will see you again in September for my annual

01:29:04.670 --> 01:29:05.630
summer reading wrap-up.

01:29:05.630 --> 01:29:15.510
We always look forward to that. IT? City manager? I have one thing and I am often

01:29:15.510 --> 01:29:22.069
surprised pleasantly with how competent and hard-working our staff here at the

01:29:22.069 --> 01:29:25.750
city is. That not only goes for everybody in this room but everybody that works for

01:29:25.750 --> 01:29:31.369
the city. One case in point, we had an issue with the aircraft refueler. We have

01:29:31.369 --> 01:29:37.449
have a very good lease arrangement that saves the city a tremendous amount of money on that.

01:29:37.449 --> 01:29:43.050
But we had an ongoing issue and it was causing a back siphoning in fuel and nobody could

01:29:43.050 --> 01:29:43.809
figure it out.

01:29:43.809 --> 01:29:47.920
and Fuel and nobody could figure it out and I just want to thank our mechanics specifically

01:29:47.920 --> 01:29:55.840
tonight for the work that they put into diagnosing a very difficult problem and solving it when

01:29:55.840 --> 01:29:57.960
other professionals could not.

01:29:57.960 --> 01:29:58.960
So thank you.

01:29:58.960 --> 01:30:01.239
I have nothing new to share.

01:30:01.239 --> 01:30:02.239
Alderman Johnson?

01:30:02.239 --> 01:30:10.359
Yes, this Thursday we have our neighborhood watch meeting at 3002 Farmedale Lane at 630

01:30:10.359 --> 01:30:14.359
I don't have anything. Thank you.

01:30:14.359 --> 01:30:15.359
Alderman Parker?

01:30:15.359 --> 01:30:21.359
Yeah, our neighborhood watch meeting is next Monday night on Laurel Street where it's always been. Thank you.

01:30:21.359 --> 01:30:22.359
Alderman Stacy?

01:30:22.359 --> 01:30:24.359
Nothing tonight. Thank you.

01:30:24.359 --> 01:30:25.359
Alderman Shadle?

01:30:25.359 --> 01:30:35.359
Just would like to add to the neighborhood watch list. It should be scheduled for March 5th, but we're going to move that.

01:30:35.359 --> 01:30:48.359
The police officer and myself both have something going that night. It's going to move to the second Thursday, which would be March 12th at Schwartz on Park Boulevard.

01:30:48.359 --> 01:30:49.359
Alderman Sanders?

01:30:49.359 --> 01:30:50.359
Nothing.

01:30:50.359 --> 01:30:51.359
Alderman Sellers?

01:30:51.359 --> 01:30:52.359
Nothing.

01:30:52.359 --> 01:30:53.359
Alderman Klemm?

01:30:53.359 --> 01:31:04.359
I'd just like to give out a shout out to Pat Ingram that's in the audience tonight. Pat, thank you and all your crew for all the extra work you've done on the leaf pickup and everything lately.

01:31:04.359 --> 01:31:11.079
Lately. We know we've really ran into trouble with weather and all that and a bunch of issues,

01:31:11.079 --> 01:31:16.439
but I know the guys were out sweeping today and the guys were out also picking up leaves and stuff

01:31:16.439 --> 01:31:23.640
and thank you for continuing to make the effort. People appreciate it. Item number 28 is public

01:31:23.640 --> 01:31:42.609
Thank you for boiling on that town down there. And Darren, you did a good job with it. And

01:31:42.609 --> 01:31:46.090
Jodi Miller, you did a good job with the mayor.

01:31:46.090 --> 01:31:47.090
Yes, sir.

01:31:47.090 --> 01:31:51.420
Hi, everyone.

01:31:51.420 --> 01:31:58.920
If you could please state your name.

01:31:58.920 --> 01:32:04.279
I'm Mike Olinger. I moved in here. I've got an answer for your raccoons. I just got done

01:32:04.279 --> 01:32:12.399
with a groundhog that took a year to solve. Put some mothballs out. I did that. Put some

01:32:12.399 --> 01:32:17.640
vinegar out. I did that. I'm the old school certified chimney sweep by the Chimney Safety

01:32:17.640 --> 01:32:25.890
Institute of America. I was called repeatedly about animal infestation. I have an answer

01:32:25.890 --> 01:32:30.989
for you, Rob, in regards to you mentioning that if we have another cold winter, we're

01:32:30.989 --> 01:32:33.829
We're not going to have one.

01:32:33.829 --> 01:32:40.710
Yale Climate just said that January was our warmest on record for global temperatures.

01:32:40.710 --> 01:32:50.029
In the past three years, we have reached a milestone, the hottest three years on record.

01:32:50.029 --> 01:32:55.670
We're going to have periods of yes, cold and warm.

01:32:55.670 --> 01:33:04.550
But that is a problem that our government has doled us with weather modification.

01:33:04.550 --> 01:33:13.270
It's out of control from radar, from these cell towers all around that you folks had put

01:33:13.270 --> 01:33:23.069
in or you went to the telecommunication companies, came and talked to you folks and put them

01:33:23.069 --> 01:33:24.550
in.

01:33:24.550 --> 01:33:37.880
I came here for freedom of information in regards to finding out what is going on and you folks

01:33:37.880 --> 01:33:40.180
have no clue.

01:33:40.180 --> 01:33:44.979
There is a chimney of emissions going directly up towards the clouds.

01:33:44.979 --> 01:33:52.159
One of the reasons why we have all different kinds of clouds now because we're basically

01:33:52.159 --> 01:33:58.079
electrifying our atmosphere.

01:33:58.079 --> 01:34:05.939
So folks, be prepared. You're the fire chief? It's going to get worse. Thank you for all

01:34:05.939 --> 01:34:13.789
you do. Because you're right in the front lines. So folks, I got a question for all

01:34:13.789 --> 01:34:21.170
you sitting here. Last year in the fall, we had some of the most ridiculous amount of

01:34:21.170 --> 01:34:29.189
smoke coming down from Canada. The fires are burning right now in the ground. The amount

01:34:29.189 --> 01:34:39.550
What a wood fire load that we have or Canada has up there is incredibly overwhelming.

01:34:39.550 --> 01:34:46.810
So now that we're going to have this dry environment, again, weather modification, with all this

01:34:46.810 --> 01:34:55.189
particulate matter up in the air, electrifying it, what's your next plan for it getting really

01:34:55.189 --> 01:35:04.590
Smoky and people calling the chief here. Truthfully you don't have a plan. Thank

01:35:04.590 --> 01:35:09.750
you sir your time has expired. Thank you ma'am I'll be back but take care of the

01:35:09.750 --> 01:35:19.310
raccoons. Clearly. Thank you folks. Are there any other public comments? Next we

01:35:19.310 --> 01:35:22.630
have item number 29 which is executive session. Madam Clerk could you please

01:35:22.630 --> 01:35:27.989
Please read this for the record. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 122C5, the purchase or

01:35:27.989 --> 01:35:32.149
lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the

01:35:32.149 --> 01:35:36.949
purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired.

01:35:36.949 --> 01:35:39.949
Thank you. Is there a motion to enter into executive session?

01:35:39.949 --> 01:35:40.949
So moved. Second.

01:35:40.949 --> 01:35:45.670
There will be a motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Madam Clerk,

01:35:45.670 --> 01:35:47.789
could you please take the roll? Johnson?

01:35:47.789 --> 01:35:48.789
Aye. Simmons?

01:35:48.789 --> 01:35:51.750
Thank you for elucidating. Was that an aye?

01:35:51.750 --> 01:35:58.470
Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm.

01:35:58.470 --> 01:36:00.590
The motion passes 8-0.