WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.879 were agreed upon. 00:00:01.879 --> 00:00:06.879 The RFQ and the draft agreement are two different documents. 00:00:07.759 --> 00:00:09.679 They do not coincide. 00:00:09.679 --> 00:00:13.080 In fact, there are contradictions between both. 00:00:13.080 --> 00:00:15.240 There are requirements listed in the RFQ 00:00:15.240 --> 00:00:18.839 that do not appear in the draft agreement and vice versa. 00:00:18.839 --> 00:00:21.199 It is essential that the agreement you approve 00:00:21.199 --> 00:00:24.320 truly reflects what is intended 00:00:24.320 --> 00:00:26.920 and what is best for Alberta's airport's future, 00:00:26.920 --> 00:00:29.199 not just what you were told in a memo. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.039 Thank you for listening. 00:00:33.039 --> 00:00:40.670 Ashley Howman? 00:00:40.670 --> 00:00:43.369 Ashley Howman, I'm here tonight to speak on item number nine. 00:00:43.369 --> 00:00:46.609 I'm here tonight on behalf of one of my owners and myself. 00:00:46.609 --> 00:00:49.649 I would first like to note that neither myself nor my owner 00:00:49.649 --> 00:00:52.049 was notified of a possible change to an ordinance 00:00:52.049 --> 00:00:55.210 in regarding the short-term rental 00:00:55.210 --> 00:00:59.090 and noting that I am the registered agent 00:00:59.090 --> 00:01:00.689 for the rental registry. 00:01:00.689 --> 00:01:02.210 Please note that you would have had 00:01:02.210 --> 00:01:04.650 to go to the Planning Commission agenda 00:01:04.650 --> 00:01:06.329 to know that there was a public hearing 00:01:06.329 --> 00:01:09.769 to discuss the changes being presented to you this evening. 00:01:09.769 --> 00:01:12.170 With that said, when it comes to short-term rentals, 00:01:12.170 --> 00:01:14.370 often called vacation rentals, 00:01:14.370 --> 00:01:16.730 everyone seems to become a real estate expert, 00:01:16.730 --> 00:01:18.829 quick to say that they destabilize neighborhoods 00:01:18.829 --> 00:01:20.170 or create problems. 00:01:20.170 --> 00:01:24.170 In reality, vacation rentals also serve important purposes. 00:01:24.170 --> 00:01:28.430 Corporations need them to use to just house their employees. 00:01:28.430 --> 00:01:31.810 Families use them to test neighborhoods before buying. 00:01:31.810 --> 00:01:33.890 Individuals who are displaced from their home 00:01:33.890 --> 00:01:37.129 Due to certain circumstances, traveling employment, 00:01:37.129 --> 00:01:40.049 such as the traveling nurses that work for FHN. 00:01:40.049 --> 00:01:42.049 These homes are typically well-maintained 00:01:42.049 --> 00:01:45.409 because owners depend on good reviews and constant bookings. 00:01:47.250 --> 00:01:48.709 I am in the real estate business 00:01:48.709 --> 00:01:52.390 and I have firsthand acknowledged of vacation rentals, 00:01:52.390 --> 00:01:55.530 complimenting housing markets rather than harming them. 00:01:55.530 --> 00:01:57.250 I personally own several 00:01:57.250 --> 00:01:59.569 and have stayed at numerous short-term rentals. 00:01:59.569 --> 00:02:02.329 They provide flexibility for property owners, 00:02:02.329 --> 00:02:05.409 support local tourism and offer families and employees 00:02:05.409 --> 00:02:07.870 more housing choices throughout a city. 00:02:07.870 --> 00:02:10.530 Many of the issues often raised with these rentals, 00:02:10.530 --> 00:02:13.569 noise, property maintenance, nuisance activities 00:02:13.569 --> 00:02:15.990 are already addressed by city ordinance. 00:02:15.990 --> 00:02:19.770 The city has tools to address problems with these properties 00:02:19.770 --> 00:02:22.689 without stripping the rights of responsible owners. 00:02:22.689 --> 00:02:25.349 Instead of the current proposed changes and rezoning 00:02:25.349 --> 00:02:27.610 to only allow in certain districts 00:02:27.610 --> 00:02:29.210 and removing those rights, 00:02:29.210 --> 00:02:31.530 the city could cap the number of vacation rentals 00:03:01.530 --> 00:03:03.689 for short-term rentals no matter the zoning. 00:03:03.689 --> 00:03:06.629 The village of Cherry Valley with only 2,300 people 00:03:06.629 --> 00:03:08.490 has a short-term rental ordinance 00:03:08.490 --> 00:03:12.610 with no zoning restrictions with many successes. 00:03:12.610 --> 00:03:14.810 Many of these areas have asked for support 00:03:14.810 --> 00:03:16.509 and guidance in the ordinance. 00:03:16.509 --> 00:03:19.569 Freeport has some opportunity to balance regulation 00:03:19.569 --> 00:03:20.949 that works for everyone. 00:03:20.949 --> 00:03:22.389 To strengthen the ordinance further, 00:03:22.389 --> 00:03:24.710 the city could add guardrails, 00:03:24.710 --> 00:03:27.490 tie guest limits to the bedroom counter square footage, 00:03:27.490 --> 00:03:30.830 require a local property manager if the owner is not nearby, 00:03:30.830 --> 00:04:03.680 Johnson, John Staben, 1070 North Canyon Drive. 00:04:03.680 --> 00:04:08.699 I'm here to speak on item 16, the airport manager agreement. 00:04:08.699 --> 00:04:10.520 Thank you for this time. 00:04:10.520 --> 00:04:14.599 I was the fifth person interested in the airport manager position. 00:04:14.599 --> 00:04:18.040 I have fought for Alberta's airport for years. 00:04:18.040 --> 00:04:22.680 When I found out Ms. Jensen was going to be removed, I thought I might be able to help. 00:04:22.680 --> 00:04:27.839 I looked for a notice that an RFP for the airport position was available. 00:04:27.839 --> 00:04:30.120 I found none. 00:04:30.120 --> 00:04:35.980 On April 30th, I went to the City Hall and requested the RFP request for a proposal. 00:04:35.980 --> 00:04:43.240 I received the RFQ request for quotation on August 13th and was required to respond by 00:04:43.240 --> 00:04:51.500 September 1st, 18 days, to create an LLC, get the bonds and other requirements. 00:04:51.500 --> 00:04:56.980 Only possible if you had prior knowledge this was happening. 00:04:56.980 --> 00:05:02.959 I responded to Mr. Boyer declaring that the RFQ was not biddable, which you all know last 00:05:02.959 --> 00:05:03.959 Johnson. 00:05:03.959 --> 00:05:07.959 Last year in this chamber, it became known that arrangements were underway to fill this 00:05:07.959 --> 00:05:12.779 position with a friend of the city. 00:05:12.779 --> 00:05:16.980 They just needed to wait until Mrs. Johnson's contract expired. 00:05:16.980 --> 00:05:23.959 The draft contract to tonight's agenda was presented as presented on the web, is nothing 00:05:23.959 --> 00:05:27.680 like the contract Mr. Boyer will sign. 00:05:27.680 --> 00:05:32.319 Please read the final contract before you approve this. 00:05:32.319 --> 00:05:39.279 East, remember, this is a one year contract with 19 automatic renewals. 00:05:39.279 --> 00:05:42.519 This runs 20 years. 00:05:42.519 --> 00:05:51.079 I must compliment Mr. Boyer, this hurts. 00:05:51.079 --> 00:05:57.879 He has bragged for a year privately he was going to throw Angie Johnson off the airport. 00:05:57.879 --> 00:06:01.680 He has done just that. 00:06:01.680 --> 00:06:09.339 It wasn't pretty, it wasn't moral, and it certainly wasn't legal. 00:06:09.339 --> 00:06:14.439 In the next two years, the cost of operations at Albertus Airport will go up considerably 00:06:14.439 --> 00:06:16.740 due to lost hangar rent. 00:06:16.740 --> 00:06:19.620 I think the taxpayers should know this. 00:06:19.620 --> 00:06:20.620 Thank you. 00:06:20.620 --> 00:06:21.620 Thank you. 00:06:21.620 --> 00:06:22.620 Thank you. 00:06:22.620 --> 00:06:23.620 Cheryl Altman. 00:06:23.620 --> 00:06:33.740 My name is Cheryl Altman. 00:06:33.740 --> 00:06:38.540 I'm going to start with number 13 first for the solar savings program. 00:06:38.540 --> 00:06:43.040 I'd like to know, are the taxpayers the one that are paying for all these solar panels going up? 00:06:44.040 --> 00:06:48.040 And also, who's getting all the incentives from all these solar's going up? 00:06:49.040 --> 00:06:51.540 My next one is number five. 00:06:52.540 --> 00:07:01.040 They're renting to Pete Elber for $2,000. That's $166.66 a month. 00:07:01.540 --> 00:07:08.040 You tell me where anybody in this town can go rent a space for $166.66 a month. 00:07:08.540 --> 00:07:11.100 only if you're friends and family with the mayor. 00:07:20.420 --> 00:07:22.360 Madam Clerk, could you please note for the record 00:07:22.360 --> 00:07:24.920 that Alderman Simmons joined at 622? 00:07:25.839 --> 00:07:27.180 622. 00:07:27.180 --> 00:07:28.019 Correct. 00:07:28.019 --> 00:07:29.019 Thank you. 00:07:29.019 --> 00:07:30.480 So we'll move on to item number four, 00:07:30.480 --> 00:07:31.759 which is the consent agenda. 00:07:31.759 --> 00:07:34.560 The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature, 00:07:34.560 --> 00:07:35.600 unless there's a member of the council 00:07:35.600 --> 00:07:36.439 who would like to have something removed 00:07:36.439 --> 00:07:37.639 for further discussion. 00:07:39.420 --> 00:07:42.100 The consent agenda consists of approving to receive 00:07:42.100 --> 00:07:44.959 and place on file business, I'm sorry, 00:07:44.959 --> 00:07:50.740 Building permit reports, police department reports, and fire department reports all dated August 2025. 00:07:50.939 --> 00:07:57.120 The proclamation for National Sea Treks thinks train week, September 15th through the 21st. 00:07:57.920 --> 00:08:04.360 Approval for the 2026 holiday schedule, City Council schedule, and the Committee of the Whole schedule. 00:08:04.800 --> 00:08:10.579 Approval for the finance bills payable in total of $3,900,279.24 and 00:08:10.579 --> 00:08:22.579 and Payroll ending September 6th, 2025 in the total of $668,777.79. Is there a motion to approve? 00:08:22.579 --> 00:08:23.579 So moved. 00:08:23.579 --> 00:08:24.579 Second. 00:08:24.579 --> 00:08:30.579 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:08:30.579 --> 00:08:31.579 Sanders? 00:08:31.579 --> 00:08:38.159 Here. 00:08:38.159 --> 00:08:40.159 On the consent agenda, do you approve? 00:08:40.159 --> 00:08:41.159 No. 00:08:41.159 --> 00:08:43.440 Klemm? 00:08:43.440 --> 00:08:44.440 Aye. 00:08:44.440 --> 00:08:45.440 Johnson? 00:08:45.440 --> 00:09:05.639 Simmons, Parker, Stacy, and Shadle. The motion passes 6 to 2. 5 to 2. Thank you. 00:09:05.639 --> 00:09:12.649 Okay, item number 5 is the second reading of ordinance 2025-53. Could you 00:09:12.649 --> 00:09:18.210 please read this? Ordinance authorizing the city to enter into a fifth renewal 00:09:18.210 --> 00:09:24.370 to lease agreement with Pete Albert for 103 to 111 South Liberty Avenue. Thank 00:09:24.370 --> 00:09:54.370 Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank your honor. Pete Elber currently leases the first floor of the Raleigh Metal clad building. There are several floors in the building that are also available for rent. If anyone's interested, they're welcome to come to the city and solicit their interest in that. As for right now, Mr. Elber is leasing it for $2,000 annually. And this is the fifth renewal staff request moving forward with 00:09:54.370 --> 00:09:59.090 This Fifth Lease Renewal. 00:09:59.090 --> 00:09:59.590 Discussion? 00:09:59.590 --> 00:10:02.740 Discussion, Alderman Stacey. 00:10:04.139 --> 00:10:09.139 To my understanding, city manager Boyer, forgive me. 00:10:12.919 --> 00:10:17.759 You speak about other floors being able to be rented. 00:10:17.759 --> 00:10:20.000 However, how would one know that 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:22.519 when it's not put out there? 00:10:22.519 --> 00:10:29.500 You spoke about $2,000 a year. 00:10:29.500 --> 00:10:39.450 a year. It's a steal. But what you didn't speak about is how the taxes that's paid on that building 00:10:41.370 --> 00:10:53.230 is paid by the city because it's in the city's name. And so it's maybe a little over a hundred dollars 00:10:55.230 --> 00:11:01.710 for the whole year. But that's not accurate, Alderman Stacy. It's the, as it was discussed 00:11:01.710 --> 00:11:06.909 in the last meeting there the city is reimbursed for it yes the city is 00:11:06.909 --> 00:11:14.509 reimbursed but why get those French benefits why is in the city's name why 00:11:14.509 --> 00:11:24.669 isn't because because he's renting that floor why isn't the rental agreement 00:11:24.669 --> 00:11:30.809 drawn up and the taxes on him and not weeping the benefit of the city because 00:11:30.809 --> 00:12:00.809 We're the tech we are we own it. It's no different than manager. Where I just wanted to add There's a change to this lease. It'll allow us to work out a sale price for the building between now and the next time this renews. So it would actually It would actually do exactly what you're asking for. So if he was able to purchase the building from the city, which I believe the city is willing to liquidate at some point here soon, that would put the tax burden on. At what cost? 00:12:00.809 --> 00:12:07.690 We're not hearing what are you wanting to sell? We're not quite there yet and we have to renew the lease right now because we have a 00:12:07.690 --> 00:12:13.009 lease expiring but in this version we've made it available so we could open it up 00:12:13.009 --> 00:12:17.970 and sell the building if that meets council's approval. What I don't want is 00:12:17.970 --> 00:12:27.389 that it be sold for a dollar. I understood. I understand. So there's no 00:12:27.389 --> 00:12:29.950 Do you have any further discussion, Alderman Sanders? 00:12:29.950 --> 00:12:30.789 Yeah. 00:12:32.990 --> 00:12:36.430 This ordinance that we're looking at 00:12:36.430 --> 00:12:39.029 is considered an authorized ordinance 00:12:39.029 --> 00:12:42.309 by the city of Freeport, the city. 00:12:42.309 --> 00:12:46.710 Who's authorizing this, and is it a real ordinance? 00:12:46.710 --> 00:12:49.990 Is it, because I see here, I see it's doctored up here, 00:12:49.990 --> 00:12:53.430 an Ordinance 2025-53. 00:12:53.430 --> 00:12:58.430 is that a legit ordinance authorization from the city? 00:12:58.669 --> 00:13:00.750 And that means from the council. 00:13:00.750 --> 00:13:05.750 That means the council has to authorize that lease 00:13:06.629 --> 00:13:10.710 before you, Mr. Boyer, even consider, 00:13:10.710 --> 00:13:12.430 and it needs a revision. 00:13:12.430 --> 00:13:16.789 That ordinance and the leasing needs a revision 00:13:16.789 --> 00:13:20.750 for council to go back to justify whether or not 00:13:20.750 --> 00:13:25.750 the price or the annual cost of the leasing 00:13:26.529 --> 00:13:30.870 meets the value of all of the other city properties. 00:13:30.870 --> 00:13:36.120 And the thing about it is where is this ordinance at 00:13:36.120 --> 00:13:38.960 and where is it coming from and who's creating it? 00:13:38.960 --> 00:13:43.039 And how is it being bypassed by the authorities 00:13:43.039 --> 00:13:44.039 of the city? 00:13:44.039 --> 00:13:46.840 And we've got to remember it's the council 00:13:46.840 --> 00:13:49.600 that is the authority of this particular ordinance, 00:13:49.600 --> 00:13:51.480 not the city manager. 00:13:51.480 --> 00:13:54.940 and you can't call the shots on this particular leasing. 00:13:57.319 --> 00:13:58.159 A lot of questions there, 00:13:58.159 --> 00:13:59.559 do you mind if I answer a few of them? 00:13:59.559 --> 00:14:02.139 Okay, so where did it come from? 00:14:02.139 --> 00:14:05.680 We've had, we've been renting that building 00:14:05.680 --> 00:14:08.039 to Pete Elber since 2021. 00:14:08.039 --> 00:14:10.559 Then the rent at that time was a thousand. 00:14:10.559 --> 00:14:13.840 Then in 2022, the rent was increased to 2000. 00:14:13.840 --> 00:14:14.839 Who was authorizing? 00:14:14.839 --> 00:14:15.839 The city council. 00:14:15.839 --> 00:14:16.680 City council? 00:14:16.680 --> 00:14:17.500 Yes. 00:14:17.500 --> 00:14:18.339 Okay. 00:14:18.339 --> 00:14:21.120 So in the city council is authorized it four previous times. 00:14:21.120 --> 00:14:22.120 Fowler. 00:14:22.120 --> 00:14:27.819 Yes, and we talked about it last meeting, and we discussed this, and so... 00:14:27.819 --> 00:14:30.460 Let's review rules of Robert's Rules. 00:14:30.460 --> 00:14:33.559 When someone has the floor, please allow them to speak. 00:14:33.559 --> 00:14:35.259 This back and forth doesn't happen. 00:14:35.259 --> 00:14:38.079 If you have specific questions, that's a phone call. 00:14:38.079 --> 00:14:39.079 Uh-uh. 00:14:39.079 --> 00:14:41.200 Attorney Zeta, would you like to address that question? 00:14:41.200 --> 00:14:43.839 You can't implement a Robert's Rule nor a home rule. 00:14:43.839 --> 00:14:45.399 I am the chair of this. 00:14:45.399 --> 00:14:49.240 You need to just back yourself up away from the microphone before you're called out of 00:14:49.240 --> 00:14:50.240 order. 00:14:50.240 --> 00:14:51.259 Please stop talking. 00:14:51.259 --> 00:14:52.779 I'm going according to the rules. 00:14:52.779 --> 00:14:53.940 Please stop talking. 00:14:53.940 --> 00:14:55.220 You don't want to run. 00:14:55.220 --> 00:14:57.539 Attorney Zeta, would you like to answer any of that? 00:14:57.539 --> 00:14:58.940 You don't want to implement it. 00:14:58.940 --> 00:14:59.740 Robert rules. 00:14:59.740 --> 00:15:02.860 So to address some of your questions, 00:15:02.860 --> 00:15:08.079 in addition to what manager Boyer said, the ordinance, 00:15:08.079 --> 00:15:09.660 this ordinance is before you tonight, 00:15:09.660 --> 00:15:11.579 so that the council can vote on it. 00:15:11.579 --> 00:15:12.899 This is not a done deal. 00:15:12.899 --> 00:15:14.539 It's here tonight for you guys. 00:15:14.539 --> 00:15:16.059 The reason why we're talking about it 00:15:16.059 --> 00:15:18.339 is so that the council can vote on whether or not 00:15:48.339 --> 00:15:49.700 Settling on this agenda. 00:15:49.700 --> 00:15:54.500 You have a draft of an ordinance for you guys for you to approve or not approve. 00:15:54.500 --> 00:15:55.860 Has this been drafted? 00:15:55.860 --> 00:15:57.700 Has this ordinance been drafted? 00:15:57.700 --> 00:15:59.819 Yes, it's in the packet. 00:15:59.819 --> 00:16:00.819 Okay. 00:16:00.819 --> 00:16:05.360 It's a draft ordinance to be considered by the council tonight. 00:16:05.360 --> 00:16:09.620 If you guys vote to approve it, then it will become a approved ordinance. 00:16:09.620 --> 00:16:12.940 If you vote not to approve it, then it goes away. 00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:13.940 Okay. 00:16:13.940 --> 00:16:18.180 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:16:18.180 --> 00:16:42.089 Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, I have five to two. 00:16:42.089 --> 00:16:46.170 For the lease of property an ordinance has to pass by three fourths vote of the corporate 00:16:46.170 --> 00:16:50.329 authority so three fourths of nine so because the corporate authorities are the council 00:16:50.329 --> 00:16:55.809 plus the mayor you would need a vote of seven in order to pass so this would not pass. 00:16:55.809 --> 00:16:56.809 Thank you attorney. 00:16:56.809 --> 00:17:01.809 We'll move on to item number six which is the second reading of ordinance 2025-57. 00:17:01.809 --> 00:17:12.809 Could you please read this? Am I in the wrong place? I'm on 54. Okay you skipped 00:17:12.809 --> 00:17:18.170 ahead a little. 54. Ordinance establishing the Gladewood special service area and 00:17:18.170 --> 00:17:23.009 accepting dedication of roadways and levy of taxes to offset the cost of 00:17:23.009 --> 00:17:30.009 Thank you, Your Honor. So the city received a petition from a majority of property owners 00:17:30.009 --> 00:17:34.889 in the Gladewood subdivision requesting the creation of a special service area following 00:17:34.889 --> 00:17:41.190 required notices and a public meeting held on May 28th. No valid objections were filed. 00:17:41.190 --> 00:17:47.450 The ordinance establishes the special service area, dedicates the subdivision roadway to 00:17:47.450 --> 00:17:57.849 The SSA ensures improvements to the subdivision's upper and lower entrances, including roadway 00:17:57.849 --> 00:18:01.490 base and asphalt upgrades meeting engineering standards. 00:18:01.490 --> 00:18:06.910 The City will also create a sustainable mechanism for funding services to the benefit area without 00:18:06.910 --> 00:18:11.610 burdening existing taxpayers with the full cost of the needed improvements. 00:18:11.610 --> 00:18:18.970 The ordinance provides for an annual levy of $400 per taxable parcel across 16 parcels. 00:18:18.970 --> 00:18:23.930 The revenues will offset costs of roadway maintenance and improvements specific to Gladewood 00:18:23.930 --> 00:18:26.569 ensuring equitable cost recovery. 00:18:26.569 --> 00:18:33.369 Staff recommends moving forward with the ordinance establishing the Gladewood SSA or special 00:18:33.369 --> 00:18:35.130 service area. 00:18:35.130 --> 00:18:38.450 And then, Manager Boyer, there's also the lined copy. 00:18:38.450 --> 00:18:42.740 Do you want to speak to that? 00:18:42.740 --> 00:18:47.659 We have a few comments. This would go for approximately 15 years. I know that was a 00:18:47.659 --> 00:18:52.340 or it will go for 15 years. That was a question that came up before and also 00:18:52.340 --> 00:18:59.179 identifies the lot numbers and parcel IDs. So what you have counsel would be 00:18:59.179 --> 00:19:04.900 motion to add that amendments to clarify, correct, to clarify that there's 15 years 00:19:04.900 --> 00:19:10.579 put into the agreement. Right, so from the version that was previously presented to 00:19:10.579 --> 00:19:11.579 and Mary. 00:19:11.579 --> 00:19:13.659 The 15-year ordinance was also in effect for the SSA. 00:19:13.659 --> 00:19:17.019 They had agreed that this could be made filming the last council meeting, and when they asked 00:19:17.019 --> 00:19:22.259 the last council, there was inadvertently left out of the ordinance, the timeframe for 00:19:22.259 --> 00:19:25.380 which the SSA would be effective, which is 15 years. 00:19:25.380 --> 00:19:29.380 The petitioners actually, when they petitioned for the SSA also agreed that it would be 15 00:19:29.380 --> 00:19:30.380 years. 00:19:30.380 --> 00:19:34.099 So it was just inadvertently, a reference was left out of the ordnance there. 00:19:34.099 --> 00:19:38.920 So what you have that was on your desk in the red line, the underlying language is the 00:19:38.920 --> 00:19:43.559 and I will clarify the fact that it's a 15 year assessment of this SSA tax. 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:50.279 A motion and a second to add this underlying language in would be made, seconded. 00:19:50.279 --> 00:19:55.360 If that's approved, then you guys will move the second reading final vote on the ordinance 00:19:55.360 --> 00:19:57.599 as amended. 00:19:57.599 --> 00:19:58.440 So is there... 00:19:59.099 --> 00:20:01.200 So, is there a motion to add the 15 years into the document? 00:20:01.200 --> 00:20:03.200 So moved. Second. 00:20:06.400 --> 00:20:08.700 A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman 00:20:08.700 --> 00:20:12.700 Klemm, discussion on the 15-year amended portion. 00:20:12.700 --> 00:20:16.700 Alderman Stacey? What do we do after the 15 years? 00:20:16.700 --> 00:20:25.950 Then it goes away. That assessment goes away. 00:20:25.950 --> 00:20:27.950 Alderman Sanders? 00:20:27.950 --> 00:20:34.960 to, well, I wanted to call it the special, 00:20:35.720 --> 00:20:40.400 the special maintenance upkeep and everything. 00:20:40.400 --> 00:20:42.799 Is it because the city is gonna 00:20:46.359 --> 00:20:50.119 take on the responsibilities of this particular site area? 00:20:51.200 --> 00:20:52.019 Yes. 00:20:52.019 --> 00:20:52.859 Mr. Boyer? 00:20:52.859 --> 00:20:55.960 Just to kind of hit some of the highlights. 00:20:55.960 --> 00:20:59.319 It was plotted that the road was a private street 00:20:59.319 --> 00:21:01.799 back in 19, I believe 63. 00:21:02.720 --> 00:21:06.079 No one really knew that until we did some investigation 00:21:06.079 --> 00:21:08.660 as to the relation, it related to Gladewood Bridge 00:21:08.660 --> 00:21:10.680 and who was responsible there. 00:21:10.680 --> 00:21:13.559 Because it came to our attention, 00:21:13.559 --> 00:21:17.680 then we notified the residents of the area, affected area, 00:21:17.680 --> 00:21:21.200 that it was unclear as to who was the ownership. 00:21:21.200 --> 00:21:23.279 I think there were some arguments one way or the other 00:21:23.279 --> 00:21:25.880 as far as why it wasn't, 00:21:25.880 --> 00:21:27.519 why the city wasn't responsible today, 00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:29.319 but it was doing work in the past. 00:21:29.319 --> 00:21:32.319 This is essentially our negotiated settlement 00:21:32.319 --> 00:21:34.440 with the property owners in the area 00:21:34.440 --> 00:21:37.640 so that they're participating in the cost of the road 00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:40.140 that was never built to city specification 00:21:40.140 --> 00:21:43.319 and we're offsetting the cost to fix it 00:21:43.319 --> 00:21:46.079 so that it's not completely borne by the taxpayers. 00:21:46.079 --> 00:21:47.240 Did that answer your question? 00:21:47.240 --> 00:21:50.599 Is that the taxpayers of that particular area? 00:21:50.599 --> 00:21:51.940 Yeah, well, in Gladewood, 00:21:51.940 --> 00:21:54.119 the lots that are mentioned in the ordinance, 00:21:54.119 --> 00:21:57.240 each one of them will be assessed $400 per year for 15 years. 00:21:57.240 --> 00:21:59.359 So there's approximately 16 landowners. 00:21:59.359 --> 00:22:00.359 Oh, okay. 00:22:00.359 --> 00:22:01.359 All right. 00:22:01.359 --> 00:22:04.279 Any other discussion on the amendment? 00:22:04.279 --> 00:22:09.319 Madam Clerk, could you please take the role on the amendment of adding the language of 00:22:09.319 --> 00:22:11.319 15 years to the document? 00:22:11.319 --> 00:22:14.079 Sanders? 00:22:14.079 --> 00:22:15.079 Yes. 00:22:15.079 --> 00:22:16.079 Klemm? 00:22:16.079 --> 00:22:17.079 Aye. 00:22:17.079 --> 00:22:18.079 Johnson? 00:22:18.079 --> 00:22:19.079 Aye. 00:22:19.079 --> 00:22:20.079 Simmons? 00:22:20.079 --> 00:22:21.079 Aye. 00:22:21.079 --> 00:22:22.079 Parker? 00:22:22.079 --> 00:22:23.079 Aye. 00:22:23.079 --> 00:22:24.079 Stacy? 00:22:24.079 --> 00:22:25.079 Aye. 00:22:25.079 --> 00:22:26.079 And Shadle? 00:22:26.079 --> 00:22:27.079 Aye. 00:22:27.079 --> 00:22:28.079 The motion passes seven to zero. 00:22:28.079 --> 00:22:29.079 Huffines. 00:22:29.079 --> 00:22:43.319 So I guess my only problem with this is we add them and then they jumped the line. 00:22:43.319 --> 00:22:49.839 Like we start on Gladewood when we've had roads that have been part of the city infrastructure 00:22:49.839 --> 00:22:52.279 and have been waiting to get done. 00:22:52.279 --> 00:22:57.839 And then this area gets to go first because we added them and haven't done it. 00:22:57.839 --> 00:23:03.720 it's a yes asterisk okay right now the entrance and exit of the area is in 00:23:03.720 --> 00:23:08.119 really poor degraded shape so in the sense that yes we're gonna fix 00:23:08.119 --> 00:23:15.079 approximately 400 feet of that road so that the entry and exit is passable but 00:23:15.079 --> 00:23:20.680 the rest of Gladewood will have to wait in the normal road program when council 00:23:20.680 --> 00:23:25.799 brings it to staff's attention that need to move forward so it doesn't this is 00:23:25.799 --> 00:23:53.240 I guess my problem with that is most of our roadways the entry and exit areas need to be redone so that's that's my only thing with that like that's fine but in time in your turn like we should just I don't see the 00:23:53.240 --> 00:23:58.079 Faraday and that letting them we do it right away just because. Well in in to 00:23:58.079 --> 00:24:04.319 answer that these residents are paying an additional $400 a month for I'm sorry 00:24:04.319 --> 00:24:09.920 $400 a year for 15 years so that we would be able to have the cost offset to 00:24:09.920 --> 00:24:19.440 make repairs to that area so there is a given a take there. Yeah is that a 00:24:19.440 --> 00:24:34.440 Are there a collective annual $400 a year for the collective area or individual? Individuals. Individuals, okay good, alright. 00:24:34.440 --> 00:24:35.440 Hold on, Ms. Stacey. 00:24:35.440 --> 00:24:45.440 Every home in this Glenwood area will be paying $400 every year. 00:24:45.440 --> 00:24:46.440 For 15 years. 00:24:46.440 --> 00:24:47.440 For 15 years. 00:24:47.440 --> 00:24:48.440 Yes. 00:24:48.440 --> 00:24:52.440 And they're in agreement with this? 00:24:52.440 --> 00:24:54.160 Yes, that's what took so long to make. 00:24:54.160 --> 00:24:55.160 The majority? 00:24:55.160 --> 00:25:01.039 Yes, there's going to be people who may not agree, but we have gone through the process, 00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:05.619 followed the legal procedures, and we are able to move forward with a special assessment 00:25:05.619 --> 00:25:07.799 based upon the participants. 00:25:07.799 --> 00:25:08.799 Yes. 00:25:08.799 --> 00:25:15.730 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:25:15.730 --> 00:25:18.329 This is on final passage with the amendment. 00:25:18.329 --> 00:25:19.329 Sanders? 00:25:19.329 --> 00:25:23.599 Yes. 00:25:23.599 --> 00:25:46.450 Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. And Shadle? Aye. And the ordinance passes seven to zero. Item number seven is the second reading of Ordinance 2025-56. Could you please read this? 00:25:46.450 --> 00:25:56.450 Ordinance amending chapters 1248 and 1250 of the Zoning Code of the City of Freeport concerning ground mounted solar arrays. Thank you, Director Duckman. 00:25:56.450 --> 00:26:01.910 thank you madam mayor so the last time this was up we're at second reading 00:26:01.910 --> 00:26:07.009 right now and at the first reading it was discussed a little more might maybe 00:26:07.009 --> 00:26:12.450 wanted a little more detail about the voting and what was discussed so as 00:26:12.450 --> 00:26:19.250 stated in the first the first reading it the vote was five to zero to zero and at 00:26:19.250 --> 00:26:25.250 our planning Commission and the people that were present were Ryan Walton Matt 00:26:25.250 --> 00:26:28.529 Moyer, Andrea Schultz-Winner, Dr. George Walker, and Dustin 00:26:28.529 --> 00:26:29.130 Wilkinson. 00:26:29.130 --> 00:26:33.930 So specifically, that's who was present. 00:26:33.930 --> 00:26:39.730 I know Director Steekle had also mentioned, 00:26:39.730 --> 00:26:42.769 had talked about this matter, but he was not present. 00:26:42.769 --> 00:26:44.490 Bill Green also wasn't present. 00:26:44.490 --> 00:26:49.089 So just giving a little background here. 00:26:49.089 --> 00:26:52.049 Due to the fact that Mr. Steekle and Mr. Green 00:26:52.049 --> 00:26:56.450 We're not present they were you know as we stated earlier two members who were 00:26:56.450 --> 00:27:02.130 had strong opinions on this matter they were not actually at the meeting truly 00:27:02.130 --> 00:27:08.849 there was discussion but it wasn't I wouldn't call it lengthy and you know 00:27:08.849 --> 00:27:12.889 with all that being said this matter was discussed at the Planning Commission 00:27:12.889 --> 00:27:18.130 meeting and staff is recommending moving the recommending moving this ordinance 00:27:18.130 --> 00:27:34.190 Ford. Discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the role. Alderman Sanders. Last meeting, were you making 00:27:34.190 --> 00:27:44.190 reference to not moving it forward? No. The first reading I recommended and it was voted to move it 00:27:44.190 --> 00:27:46.470 Ford for second reading. 00:27:46.470 --> 00:27:47.470 Oh, it was? 00:27:47.470 --> 00:27:48.110 Yes. 00:27:48.110 --> 00:27:55.660 OK, my thing is, OK, with that, who 00:27:55.660 --> 00:27:59.860 does all of the infrastructure or the construction 00:27:59.860 --> 00:28:09.569 of this solar mounting, and who benefits from it? 00:28:09.569 --> 00:28:15.069 Well, I mean, I would have to agree. 00:28:15.069 --> 00:28:18.110 that really doesn't have anything to do with this ordinance of 00:28:18.110 --> 00:28:19.110 who does what. 00:28:19.110 --> 00:28:28.170 We have a question on the ordinance about it can go in that 00:28:28.170 --> 00:28:30.710 direction. 00:28:30.710 --> 00:28:31.710 There is not. 00:28:31.710 --> 00:28:32.710 I think another way. 00:28:32.710 --> 00:28:36.429 I think what Mayor Miller is saying is that this ordinance has 00:28:36.429 --> 00:28:44.230 to do with somebody being allowed to put or install a solar 00:28:44.230 --> 00:28:45.630 panel in their backyard. 00:28:45.630 --> 00:28:46.630 Miller. 00:28:46.630 --> 00:28:54.590 Yeah, I know that before I was rudely interrupted, I understand that. 00:28:54.590 --> 00:29:02.990 But my thing, it says concerning, there's a concern there when I'm reading this about 00:29:02.990 --> 00:29:08.029 the mounting, the ground mounting, is the City of Freeport, or the residents should 00:29:08.029 --> 00:29:15.549 be concerned about the mounting of this particular product, or what are we talking about? 00:29:15.549 --> 00:29:45.549 Well I think the idea here is that there was quite a bit I would say in what was discussed in the first reading is that it tends to be a contentious topic when we're in residential neighborhoods it tends to be people coming to the hearings more than most and there's a negative opinion in residential neighborhoods generally that ground mounted solar doesn't fit with the character of the neighborhood 00:29:45.549 --> 00:29:52.950 and so sorry go ahead and you give me the characteristics of this ordinance and kind of defined it for 00:29:52.950 --> 00:29:55.950 me so I can understand exactly how did this ordinance 00:29:55.950 --> 00:29:59.440 I don't understand exactly how did this ordinance came to be, came into existence. 00:29:59.440 --> 00:30:04.000 Director Stiegel, would you like to address that? 00:30:04.000 --> 00:30:09.359 I sat on the Planning Commission and it was the direction of the Commission members that 00:30:09.359 --> 00:30:12.680 they are not interested in having ground-mounted solar. 00:30:12.680 --> 00:30:19.160 Currently our ordinance provides, if you wish to have roof-mounted solar, that's fully acceptable 00:30:19.160 --> 00:30:23.720 and you don't need city approval to do that in order to put it on the ground which most 00:30:53.720 --> 00:31:23.720 O'Neill. Currently how many ground mount solar do we have? So I did a little bit of research on that. We had, and this is in the past two years, we've had an uptick in the amount of the solar projects. And the reason that there's an uptick is there's many of the private sector is truly 00:31:23.759 --> 00:31:25.660 beggしゃ the installation of solar 00:31:25.759 --> 00:31:29.619 due to the fact that there's incentives to construct solar. 00:31:29.720 --> 00:31:32.359 So essentially, salespeople are, 00:31:32.460 --> 00:31:34.519 I'm sure everyone in this room has had a salesperson 00:31:34.619 --> 00:31:36.799 trying to sell them solar. 00:31:36.880 --> 00:31:39.759 So in the past year, we've had Park Hills, 00:31:39.859 --> 00:31:43.420 which is owning a port of appeals, 00:31:43.519 --> 00:31:46.720 they recommended approval four to zero. 00:31:46.819 --> 00:31:50.579 Planning commission at that point recommended five to one. 00:31:50.680 --> 00:31:51.579 It passed. 00:31:51.579 --> 00:32:21.579 one it passed city council. Park Hills has had quite a few people complain after the fact. They don't like the way it looks. And I think in moving on from there, we had 1405 South Benson, which was a large residential lot, the Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval five to zero planning commission voted five to zero. That ended up passing our city council. One 00:32:51.579 --> 00:32:52.579 and John. 00:32:52.579 --> 00:32:55.940 The attitudes of our people have said, our Planning Commission was listening and was 00:32:55.940 --> 00:33:01.200 saying, okay, we remember what happened at Park Hills Church. 00:33:01.200 --> 00:33:05.940 We know that our community isn't happy about ground-mounted solar residential neighborhoods 00:33:05.940 --> 00:33:11.039 and you're starting to see it in the evidence because 1161 West Lincoln, Planning Commission 00:33:11.039 --> 00:33:12.039 voted against it. 00:33:12.039 --> 00:33:14.059 It failed City Council. 00:33:14.059 --> 00:33:20.960 Then you look at Harmony Church, that was a highly contested ground-mounted solar project. 00:33:20.960 --> 00:33:24.279 That went through the zoning board of appeals five to zero, planning commission was zero 00:33:24.279 --> 00:33:26.319 to six to one. 00:33:26.319 --> 00:33:30.960 So at this point you're starting to see our planning commission is digging in its heels, 00:33:30.960 --> 00:33:36.639 not really seeing the connection to our community with ground mounted solar. 00:33:36.639 --> 00:33:42.019 Ultimately that did pass council, although it took several hearings before it was heard. 00:33:42.019 --> 00:33:49.440 So the point here is that to your point, to your point, our planning commission noticed 00:33:49.440 --> 00:33:52.680 that it's not really been, it was not well received 00:33:52.680 --> 00:33:54.440 in our community and they directed staff 00:33:54.440 --> 00:33:59.440 to draft an ordinance that would eliminate it zoning wise 00:33:59.759 --> 00:34:03.420 in residential neighborhoods. 00:34:04.720 --> 00:34:06.799 Director Duckman. 00:34:06.799 --> 00:34:09.780 Yes. 00:34:09.780 --> 00:34:13.179 I think giving all that information 00:34:13.179 --> 00:34:18.409 about how the zoning department feel 00:34:18.409 --> 00:34:23.409 is being said to sway the vote. 00:34:24.570 --> 00:34:29.570 My original question was in the past two years, 00:34:30.010 --> 00:34:35.900 how many have we approved? 00:34:35.900 --> 00:34:40.900 We've approved three out of four. 00:34:40.900 --> 00:34:44.940 We have approved three out of the four. 00:34:44.940 --> 00:34:47.460 We're not approving any ground monitor tonight. 00:34:47.460 --> 00:34:49.659 We're trying to remove it. 00:34:49.659 --> 00:34:54.659 I understand, but it goes back, Madam Mayor, 00:34:58.739 --> 00:35:03.739 it goes back to us allowing some and now not others. 00:35:08.679 --> 00:35:13.679 And how do you say yes to one and no to someone else? 00:35:14.840 --> 00:35:17.460 I guess you just say it, but- 00:35:17.460 --> 00:35:18.460 and Aaron. 00:35:18.460 --> 00:35:29.820 So this goes back to realistically the error of City Manager Crowe who decided at that 00:35:29.820 --> 00:35:36.039 time with the council that we were a solar friendly city and we were experimenting with 00:35:36.039 --> 00:35:42.000 solar and trying to you know a lot of communities were looking at the facts of what solar was 00:35:42.000 --> 00:35:47.220 and wasn't and so as with any new process you learn things over time what works and 00:35:47.220 --> 00:35:48.619 and what doesn't work. 00:35:48.619 --> 00:35:52.619 And we did allow a handful of these projects 00:35:52.619 --> 00:35:53.820 to move forward. 00:35:53.820 --> 00:35:57.820 And we've gotten feedback from community members 00:35:57.820 --> 00:35:59.220 more than like them. 00:35:59.220 --> 00:36:02.019 We've had more feedback that people don't like them. 00:36:02.019 --> 00:36:05.619 The biggest example is the one that's at Park Hills Church. 00:36:06.500 --> 00:36:08.699 There's, I don't wanna say there's been issues 00:36:08.699 --> 00:36:10.940 with it throughout, but maintenance has been a problem. 00:36:10.940 --> 00:36:12.500 Fencing has been a problem. 00:36:12.500 --> 00:36:14.340 It's obtrusive to the neighbors. 00:36:14.340 --> 00:36:17.619 those are something that nobody could see happening 00:36:17.619 --> 00:36:19.420 until it started to happen. 00:36:19.420 --> 00:36:20.940 And we're also talking the difference 00:36:20.940 --> 00:36:24.619 between residential zoning and commercial zoning. 00:36:24.619 --> 00:36:28.500 So this application here is for residential home zoning. 00:36:28.500 --> 00:36:32.300 So it'd be if your next door neighbor came to the council 00:36:32.300 --> 00:36:35.139 and said, I wanna fill my backyard full of an array 00:36:35.139 --> 00:36:37.380 and you can see it from your house 00:36:37.380 --> 00:36:38.980 while it's their property. 00:36:38.980 --> 00:36:40.139 Is there property? 00:36:41.460 --> 00:36:44.139 Well, I'm glad you feel that way 00:36:44.139 --> 00:36:48.820 but a lot of other people don't because it becomes their problem. 00:36:48.820 --> 00:36:50.800 And Wayne's exactly right. 00:36:50.800 --> 00:36:53.980 In dealing with a lot of solar companies over the last year, 00:36:53.980 --> 00:36:56.779 many of the solar companies are pushing the ground mount 00:36:56.779 --> 00:36:59.619 because it's cheaper for them to install than the roof mount 00:36:59.619 --> 00:37:02.159 and it's less work for them long term, 00:37:02.159 --> 00:37:04.460 even though it hides it better from the community. 00:37:04.460 --> 00:37:08.019 So while I do sit on the planning commission 00:37:08.019 --> 00:37:10.980 and I agree totally with their recommendation 00:37:10.980 --> 00:37:12.139 to get rid of this. 00:37:12.139 --> 00:37:14.340 This wasn't pushed by me. 00:37:14.340 --> 00:37:16.220 This was a completely unanimous vote 00:37:16.220 --> 00:37:19.300 by the Planning Commission and we directed council, 00:37:19.300 --> 00:37:22.460 which is Mr. Cox that sits on that committee 00:37:22.460 --> 00:37:24.220 to draft this ordinance. 00:37:24.220 --> 00:37:26.900 So we don't have to keep having these hearings 00:37:26.900 --> 00:37:28.800 and discussions about ground mount solar 00:37:28.800 --> 00:37:31.900 because we don't think that it fits the residential platform. 00:37:31.900 --> 00:37:34.340 We're not talking about panels that are two by two. 00:37:34.340 --> 00:37:36.980 We're talking about panels that are 10 by eight. 00:37:36.980 --> 00:37:38.500 It's a big difference. 00:37:38.500 --> 00:37:40.059 Yeah, it is. 00:37:40.059 --> 00:37:42.699 and so the panels they get primarily mounted 00:37:42.699 --> 00:37:46.139 on rooftops now are about a two by two square 00:37:46.139 --> 00:37:49.099 and bundles that they put on based on your usage. 00:37:49.099 --> 00:37:50.699 The ones that they put in the backyards 00:37:50.699 --> 00:37:54.739 are actually a trapeze of steel that they get put on 00:37:54.739 --> 00:37:57.380 and most of the panels are eight to 10 foot tall 00:37:57.380 --> 00:37:59.739 and probably four foot wide and the average house 00:37:59.739 --> 00:38:02.400 probably needs four to six of them to gain power. 00:38:02.400 --> 00:38:05.820 So we're talking about a mini RV of solar panels 00:38:05.820 --> 00:38:08.159 sitting in the backyard that everybody's got to steer at 00:38:08.159 --> 00:38:09.000 in their community. 00:38:09.000 --> 00:38:12.300 but that's not what Harmony asked for. 00:38:12.300 --> 00:38:14.239 That's not what... 00:38:14.239 --> 00:38:16.239 That is exactly what Harmony asked for. 00:38:17.480 --> 00:38:18.960 That large... 00:38:18.960 --> 00:38:19.800 Yes ma'am. 00:38:19.800 --> 00:38:21.480 And it was in the back. 00:38:21.480 --> 00:38:26.480 It was by their garage near the trees of their property 00:38:27.420 --> 00:38:29.480 but that is exactly what they asked for 00:38:29.480 --> 00:38:31.880 and that's what this council approved. 00:38:31.880 --> 00:38:35.880 Yes, cause what was the danger of it 00:38:35.880 --> 00:38:40.880 other than we might see it driving down, what's the road? 00:38:42.639 --> 00:38:43.480 Pearl city road. 00:38:43.480 --> 00:38:44.300 Yes. 00:38:46.039 --> 00:38:48.360 The danger of it in my opinion 00:38:48.360 --> 00:38:50.440 is exactly what we're talking about here. 00:38:50.440 --> 00:38:54.039 That church is in a residentially zoned area 00:38:54.039 --> 00:38:57.559 that opens up to more residentially zoned people 00:38:57.559 --> 00:39:01.159 adding this and so what the planning commission 00:39:01.159 --> 00:39:04.920 is recommending and I'm not speaking for everyone 00:39:04.920 --> 00:39:06.679 but I think based on the vote I can, 00:39:06.679 --> 00:39:08.840 we're recommending that this is not a path 00:39:08.840 --> 00:39:10.159 that Freeport should move forward, 00:39:10.159 --> 00:39:14.800 that it will not long-term benefit residential properties 00:39:14.800 --> 00:39:16.599 and it'll become an eyesore 00:39:16.599 --> 00:39:20.000 like an old car sitting in a yard over time. 00:39:20.000 --> 00:39:20.840 That's what these- 00:39:20.840 --> 00:39:22.480 Well, we get plenty of that. 00:39:22.480 --> 00:39:23.960 Mm-hmm. 00:39:23.960 --> 00:39:24.800 Yes. 00:39:24.800 --> 00:39:28.880 So that's just the recommendation. 00:39:28.880 --> 00:39:31.920 What the council does with it is there will. 00:39:31.920 --> 00:39:33.239 There's no further discussion. 00:39:33.239 --> 00:39:35.119 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:39:35.119 --> 00:39:36.079 Sanders? 00:39:36.079 --> 00:39:38.199 No. 00:39:38.199 --> 00:39:38.840 Klemm? 00:39:38.840 --> 00:39:39.599 Aye. 00:39:39.599 --> 00:39:40.239 Johnson? 00:39:40.239 --> 00:39:41.039 Aye. 00:39:41.039 --> 00:39:41.800 Simmons? 00:39:41.800 --> 00:39:42.480 Aye. 00:39:42.480 --> 00:39:43.039 Parker? 00:39:43.039 --> 00:39:43.559 Aye. 00:39:43.559 --> 00:39:44.639 Stacy? 00:39:44.639 --> 00:39:45.400 No. 00:39:45.400 --> 00:39:45.960 And Shadle? 00:39:45.960 --> 00:39:47.039 Aye. 00:39:47.039 --> 00:39:53.279 The motion passes 5 to 2. 00:39:53.279 --> 00:39:54.079 Item number 8 is. 00:39:54.079 --> 00:39:57.849 Item number 8 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-57. Could you please read this? 00:39:57.849 --> 00:40:02.849 Ordinance revising codified ordinances to create the position of Operations Superintendent. 00:40:02.849 --> 00:40:04.849 Thank you, Manager Boyer. 00:40:04.849 --> 00:40:12.849 Thank you, Your Honor. The Freeport Public Works team is requesting that Council create a job description for the department in a restructuring effort. 00:40:12.849 --> 00:40:17.849 At this time, we are requesting the creation of a new position, Public Works Operations Superintendent. 00:40:17.849 --> 00:40:25.289 This is not an additional position to the department, but a promotional opportunity for a department 00:40:25.289 --> 00:40:30.329 leader to assume more management duties and responsibilities within the combined department 00:40:30.329 --> 00:40:31.969 leadership team. 00:40:31.969 --> 00:40:36.090 Due to a key employee leaving the city public works team, the department is looking to restructure 00:40:36.090 --> 00:40:40.650 important key roles and responsibilities, allowing better collaboration and uniting 00:40:40.650 --> 00:40:42.449 the overall team. 00:40:42.449 --> 00:40:45.929 Creating an operations superintendent role will enable the department leader to effectively 00:40:45.929 --> 00:40:50.969 manage the daily activities of the construction crew and be involved in the utility operations 00:40:50.969 --> 00:40:56.409 division. This change will facilitate more departmental collaboration. Strategic plan 00:40:56.409 --> 00:41:00.849 alignment aligned with teamwork integration and departments are especially important because 00:41:00.849 --> 00:41:07.250 they direct impact the efficiency, consistency and overall performance of the division. This 00:41:07.250 --> 00:41:12.329 position changes an important first step in evaluating overall non-bargaining job duties 00:41:12.329 --> 00:41:17.289 to ensure a unified approach to the departments. This new job description is 00:41:17.289 --> 00:41:23.130 budgeted for through the public works budget and should not increase the overall 00:41:23.130 --> 00:41:29.010 payroll of the department. Staff recommends moving forward with this and 00:41:29.010 --> 00:41:33.809 there's a request due to the timeliness of this there is a request for suspension 00:41:33.809 --> 00:41:40.239 of the rules. Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved. Second. A motion made by 00:41:40.239 --> 00:41:48.000 Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm. Discussion on this Alderman Stacey? 00:41:48.000 --> 00:41:58.860 Alderman Stacey? Does this have something to do with an open position in Public 00:41:58.860 --> 00:42:05.940 Works? It does have something to do with an open position in Public Works in the 00:42:05.940 --> 00:42:11.940 Water Utility. So recently the utility operation or the utility superintendent 00:42:11.940 --> 00:42:18.059 has moved on and we felt that this was a good opportunity to consolidate the 00:42:18.059 --> 00:42:23.980 the department's overall and that's why staff is asking for a new person to 00:42:23.980 --> 00:42:28.179 oversee the Public Works Department. 00:42:28.179 --> 00:42:31.699 Is that a salary-based position? 00:42:31.699 --> 00:42:37.860 yes sir and we're going to replace we're going to replace it as a salary or we're 00:42:37.860 --> 00:42:43.340 going to incorporate it within the city structure so we'll incorporate it it 00:42:43.340 --> 00:42:47.780 would basically mean the street superintendent position would remain it 00:42:47.780 --> 00:42:51.539 would it would no longer be filled and the utility superintendent wouldn't be 00:42:51.539 --> 00:42:56.900 filled and then we would fill it with a operation superintendent whose overall 00:42:56.900 --> 00:43:01.139 responsibility covered both and then we would we'll be bringing back an 00:43:01.139 --> 00:43:06.019 Assistant for that individual to help cover weekends and times that they're 00:43:06.019 --> 00:43:09.980 unable to be there and also have a little bit more background in the 00:43:09.980 --> 00:43:14.659 operations and regulatory end of the water utility. Okay, the assistance is not 00:43:14.659 --> 00:43:18.940 going to be... Would you like your second time of speaking, Robert Sanders? I thought I was in a 00:43:18.940 --> 00:43:25.260 conversation. Yeah, I just want to give a point of clarity to Rob's statement 00:43:25.260 --> 00:43:31.460 there so this is creating a job position that we currently don't have in the 00:43:31.460 --> 00:43:35.300 structure that's what it's doing it's not adding a role it's giving it's 00:43:35.300 --> 00:43:39.980 giving a new role to an old position that we currently don't have so this will 00:43:39.980 --> 00:43:44.179 allow us to change the job description of an individual and allow him to 00:43:44.179 --> 00:43:48.699 manage more areas than currently is aligned in his job duties his or her job 00:43:48.699 --> 00:43:57.380 Doudouis. So this provides us opportunity to somewhat restructure and reorganize the department, 00:43:57.380 --> 00:44:02.460 which we started again many years under City Manager Crowe. And then we've been doing this 00:44:02.460 --> 00:44:08.380 little at a time as jobs have turned over. So we're not adding, asking for an additional 00:44:08.380 --> 00:44:13.460 position. We're asking for merging a few positions together at this time to have one person oversee 00:44:13.460 --> 00:44:18.619 more areas. And we don't currently have this role. And that's why we're asking approval 00:44:18.619 --> 00:44:20.179 to create this role. 00:44:20.179 --> 00:44:21.619 Alderman Johnson. 00:44:21.619 --> 00:44:27.340 So would this be filled by someone inside already here, or would this be something we would 00:44:27.340 --> 00:44:37.739 We believe we have a qualified internal candidate for this position. 00:44:37.739 --> 00:44:47.300 Would this position also be covering the position where the gentleman resigned from? 00:44:47.300 --> 00:44:48.420 That's correct. 00:44:48.420 --> 00:44:56.940 and so it's like in a roundabout way, I hear what you're saying and I hear what you're 00:44:56.940 --> 00:45:08.300 saying but it's like we're ignoring the fact that a person you put in position has left 00:45:08.300 --> 00:45:17.019 the department and so that is an opening position or you're telling me it's not going to be 00:45:17.019 --> 00:45:22.779 We are opening position because we're going to add those duties to someone else's duty. 00:45:22.779 --> 00:45:29.840 So if we could have done that from the beginning, why did we ever hire this gentleman? 00:45:29.840 --> 00:45:35.260 Because that's who you chose, that's who you wanted, and we hired him. 00:45:35.260 --> 00:45:38.340 Well, you'll have to ask that individual. 00:45:38.340 --> 00:45:41.860 However, we're asking for counsel. 00:45:41.860 --> 00:45:46.500 I'm not going to speculate on the motivations or the needs of that individual. 00:45:46.500 --> 00:45:48.619 I mean, why did we need that position then 00:45:48.619 --> 00:45:50.139 if we don't need it now? 00:45:51.420 --> 00:45:55.260 Well, as I mentioned, it'll be the superintendent 00:45:55.260 --> 00:45:57.900 will oversee all of public works 00:45:57.900 --> 00:46:00.139 and will be asking for an assistant 00:46:00.139 --> 00:46:03.619 to also come alongside to cover weekends. 00:46:03.619 --> 00:46:08.340 And the superintendent did not do that before? 00:46:08.340 --> 00:46:13.340 Correct, they did, but it was not a clearly defined role. 00:46:13.340 --> 00:46:24.220 Droll. And the way it's being explained tonight is not clearly defined. Well, the job description 00:46:24.220 --> 00:46:33.960 is provided, so I could give that to you if you'd like. No, I have it. Okay, there's no 00:46:33.960 --> 00:46:39.000 further discussion. We'll move on. Oh, actually, it was a request for suspension of the rules 00:46:39.000 --> 00:46:44.679 if someone wants to make that motion. So moved. Second. The motion made by Alderman Klemm, 00:46:44.679 --> 00:46:47.480 and Shadle for suspension of the rules. 00:46:47.480 --> 00:46:48.320 It's not debatable. 00:46:48.320 --> 00:46:49.920 It was passed by two thirds majority. 00:46:49.920 --> 00:46:51.559 Madam Clerk, would you please take the role 00:46:51.559 --> 00:46:53.279 in the suspension only? 00:46:53.279 --> 00:46:54.480 Sanders? 00:46:54.480 --> 00:46:55.840 No. 00:46:55.840 --> 00:46:56.659 Klemm? 00:46:56.659 --> 00:46:57.500 Aye. 00:46:57.500 --> 00:46:58.320 Johnson? 00:46:58.320 --> 00:46:59.159 Aye. 00:46:59.159 --> 00:47:00.000 Simmons? 00:47:00.000 --> 00:47:00.820 No. 00:47:00.820 --> 00:47:01.659 Parker? 00:47:01.659 --> 00:47:02.500 Aye. 00:47:02.500 --> 00:47:03.320 Stacy? 00:47:03.320 --> 00:47:04.159 No. 00:47:04.159 --> 00:47:05.000 And Shadle? 00:47:05.000 --> 00:47:05.840 Aye. 00:47:05.840 --> 00:47:09.119 The motion to suspend fails because it needs two thirds 00:47:09.119 --> 00:47:11.940 and we only ended up with what, four to three? 00:47:11.940 --> 00:47:19.860 American vote because half the council has voted in favor. Repeat that again. 00:47:19.860 --> 00:47:25.860 Don't we need six people attorney Zito? Correct. One, two, three, we only have four. 00:47:25.860 --> 00:47:32.739 One, two, three. We have four to three. Oh I'm sorry so so you can you can you can 00:47:32.739 --> 00:47:35.820 call the mayor's vote but I don't depending how you vote I don't know if 00:47:35.820 --> 00:47:40.739 it makes a difference or not. I object. You can't object this is an attorney 00:47:40.739 --> 00:47:41.739 Huffines. 00:47:41.739 --> 00:47:42.739 This is not an attorney ruling. 00:47:42.739 --> 00:47:43.739 What? 00:47:43.739 --> 00:47:44.739 Wait a minute. 00:47:44.739 --> 00:47:45.739 It's not an attorney ruling. 00:47:45.739 --> 00:47:46.739 It's a council ruling. 00:47:46.739 --> 00:47:47.739 What are you talking about? 00:47:47.739 --> 00:47:48.739 This is not a... 00:47:48.739 --> 00:47:50.659 Please, please don't interrupt Alderman Sanders. 00:47:50.659 --> 00:47:53.779 Well, you, you can't be saying things like that. 00:47:53.779 --> 00:48:00.900 So, um, no, no, cause right now you have one, two. 00:48:00.900 --> 00:48:02.860 The best we'd have is five to three. 00:48:02.860 --> 00:48:03.860 Right. 00:48:03.860 --> 00:48:04.860 So that's still one pass. 00:48:04.860 --> 00:48:05.860 Okay. 00:48:05.860 --> 00:48:06.860 So the suspension fails. 00:48:06.860 --> 00:48:10.880 We'll move this on to the next regularly scheduled meeting. 00:48:10.880 --> 00:48:12.519 Come on, Mayor. 00:48:12.519 --> 00:48:15.960 Item number nine is the first reading of ordinance 2025-58. 00:48:15.960 --> 00:48:17.279 Could you please read this? 00:48:17.279 --> 00:48:20.559 Ordinance amending chapters 810 and 1250 concerning 00:48:20.559 --> 00:48:23.360 the licensing and zoning of vacation rentals. 00:48:23.360 --> 00:48:25.159 Director Duckman. 00:48:25.159 --> 00:48:27.000 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 00:48:27.000 --> 00:48:29.800 The Community Economic Development Department 00:48:29.800 --> 00:48:33.599 has been directed to draft an amended ordinance. 00:48:33.599 --> 00:48:38.960 And the idea here is that vacation rentals, which 00:48:38.960 --> 00:48:43.760 is the RBO, Airbnb. 00:48:43.760 --> 00:48:45.559 It's getting a little less technical here 00:48:45.559 --> 00:48:48.400 to kind of give you a better idea of what we're talking about. 00:48:48.400 --> 00:48:53.239 Short term rental in line with those popular products 00:48:53.239 --> 00:48:55.800 is essentially what currently happens here 00:48:55.800 --> 00:48:58.000 is you could own a single family house 00:48:58.000 --> 00:49:01.679 and you could put it on Airbnb with proper licensing 00:49:01.679 --> 00:49:07.320 and have a short term rental weekend, et cetera. 00:49:07.320 --> 00:49:12.519 So it has been brought to our attention to, 00:49:12.519 --> 00:49:17.079 and we were directed to draft a new ordinance that essentially 00:49:17.079 --> 00:49:23.639 is removing vacation rentals from the R1 through R4 00:49:23.639 --> 00:49:24.720 residential district. 00:49:24.720 --> 00:49:28.880 So again, to kind of break down what's going on here, 00:49:28.880 --> 00:49:31.840 R1 through R4, that is where you're 00:49:31.840 --> 00:49:36.480 allowed to have a single family home, not a duplex, 00:49:36.480 --> 00:49:44.760 not a four unit, that is your true one family residential neighborhoods and what has been 00:49:44.760 --> 00:49:51.599 directed and what staff is proposing tonight is eliminating short term rentals in single 00:49:51.599 --> 00:49:53.139 Family. 00:49:53.139 --> 00:49:54.719 Bauer, John, and then we have the two short-term rentals 00:49:54.719 --> 00:49:56.840 in single-family housing. 00:49:56.840 --> 00:50:00.239 That's the simplest way to kind of boil it down. 00:50:00.239 --> 00:50:04.380 In a little background here, and also what would essentially 00:50:04.380 --> 00:50:07.719 happen is if you have a single-family home, 00:50:07.719 --> 00:50:12.519 we're proposing to eliminate the short-term vacation rentals. 00:50:12.519 --> 00:50:18.559 If you have a two-unit duplex, three-unit, four-unit, et 00:50:18.559 --> 00:50:23.480 So that I hope gives a basic understanding 00:50:23.480 --> 00:50:25.440 of what's being proposed here. 00:50:25.440 --> 00:50:29.840 To go with a little bit of background, on August 14, 00:50:29.840 --> 00:50:32.800 a public hearing was held by our planning commission. 00:50:32.800 --> 00:50:37.559 And the outcome of that meeting was that our planning 00:50:37.559 --> 00:50:39.400 commission heard public comment. 00:50:39.400 --> 00:50:42.519 We had one supporter and one objector present. 00:50:42.519 --> 00:50:54.659 and to be clear, the pro vacation rental would be Clerk Anderson, do you remember being there 00:50:54.659 --> 00:50:57.079 just to confirm? 00:50:57.079 --> 00:50:58.179 I was the opposer. 00:50:58.179 --> 00:51:03.659 I'm sorry, you were opposing the, I'm getting the pros and negatives, but to be fair, you're 00:51:03.659 --> 00:51:08.420 pro, you were pro, you are not pro, you're against. 00:51:08.420 --> 00:51:09.760 I'm against the ordinance change. 00:51:09.760 --> 00:51:10.760 Yes, yes. 00:51:10.760 --> 00:51:11.760 And I was present. 00:51:11.760 --> 00:51:41.760 Just wanted to make that clear and that Alderperson Klemm was also at the hearing and he was for the ordinance which would outlaw the vacation rentals so I wanted to make that clear for some background so after that hearing was held by our planning commission they wanted to take some time and a motion was made to discuss at the next hearing which was September 11th of 2025 and all that being said 00:51:41.760 --> 00:51:47.719 The Planning Commission recommended approval of this text amendment pertaining to vacation 00:51:47.719 --> 00:51:53.260 rentals with what I had said earlier, eliminating them from the single-family residences. 00:51:53.260 --> 00:51:58.119 And with that in mind, staff is recommending moving this ordinance forward. 00:51:58.119 --> 00:52:00.079 Is there a motion to move this forwarder? 00:52:00.079 --> 00:52:01.079 So moved. 00:52:01.079 --> 00:52:02.079 Second. 00:52:02.079 --> 00:52:06.000 A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. 00:52:06.000 --> 00:52:07.000 Discussion on the ordinance? 00:52:07.000 --> 00:52:09.380 Alderman Klemm? 00:52:09.380 --> 00:52:10.380 Sure. 00:52:10.380 --> 00:52:19.579 The real crux of this comes from everybody here believes in Airbnb's, everybody believes 00:52:19.579 --> 00:52:26.340 that it can be a positive thing for the community, there's no doubt about that, but it mostly 00:52:26.340 --> 00:52:32.019 stems from an incident and where it was at basically. 00:52:32.019 --> 00:52:40.179 I believe it was June 6th at one of these Airbnbs that this person, first of all I'll 00:52:40.179 --> 00:52:46.360 We go back to the point where I was here when they originally discussed Airbnbs over a year 00:52:46.360 --> 00:52:51.659 ago and nobody really brought up the thought of what was going to happen in that area, 00:52:51.659 --> 00:52:55.980 what could happen in that area, what could develop in that area. 00:52:55.980 --> 00:53:00.019 Nobody in that area would know who's going to be in that house, when they're going to 00:53:00.019 --> 00:53:05.199 be in that house, when it's rented, when it isn't going to be rented and who's there. 00:53:05.199 --> 00:53:09.659 Also this person that rents this house doesn't have all the capabilities in the world of 00:53:09.659 --> 00:53:13.559 finding that out who calls them up and says I went to rent your house for the 00:53:13.559 --> 00:53:20.119 evening. So this house here is in a neighborhood that's probably 250 to 00:53:20.119 --> 00:53:26.599 $300,000 houses. On a Friday night all of a sudden a whole bunch of cars started 00:53:26.599 --> 00:53:34.460 pulling up to the house and keep in mind as this person rents this Airbnb they 00:53:34.460 --> 00:53:39.500 have their total family with little kids above this. They rent out just their 00:53:39.500 --> 00:53:40.500 Miller. 00:53:40.500 --> 00:53:46.460 They've developed a sidewalk and entrance into that basement. 00:53:46.460 --> 00:53:51.699 They've created a pool out there and they've created an area where this could be used. 00:53:51.699 --> 00:53:57.340 Approximately, they got a phone call, I'm not sure what the time was, confirm it with 00:53:57.340 --> 00:54:00.780 the chief, but 10 o'clock is the area in there. 00:54:00.780 --> 00:54:04.260 One of the neighbors called, the owner also called. 00:54:04.260 --> 00:54:07.300 He had a whole bunch of people downstairs. 00:54:07.300 --> 00:54:14.179 There were cars out in the street and come to find out the whole end of this deal was 00:54:14.179 --> 00:54:24.340 there were probably I believe 10 to 15 years under 20 years old left and they confiscated 00:54:24.340 --> 00:54:32.059 I'm going to say at least a dozen loaded weapons, okay. 00:54:32.059 --> 00:54:36.500 Now I don't think this is a normal thing that should happen at your house on Friday night, 00:54:36.500 --> 00:54:41.500 especially if you live in a $200,000, $300,000 neighborhood. 00:54:41.579 --> 00:54:42.659 That's my concern. 00:54:42.659 --> 00:54:46.420 The people have come to me, okay, and said, 00:54:46.420 --> 00:54:50.139 look, if I buy a house in a residential area 00:54:50.139 --> 00:54:53.340 in single family homes, I'm expecting it 00:54:53.340 --> 00:54:55.239 to be a single family home. 00:54:55.239 --> 00:54:58.420 I'm not expecting a commercial thing to be rent out. 00:54:58.420 --> 00:55:02.480 The night before this happened, there were 10 cars there. 00:55:02.480 --> 00:55:03.860 Okay. 00:55:03.860 --> 00:55:08.900 What this person actually did is there's zero security involved in it. 00:55:08.900 --> 00:55:13.380 They provided no security and instantly the police were called. 00:55:13.380 --> 00:55:18.099 So we were their security for this whole thing to try and straighten it out. 00:55:18.099 --> 00:55:23.420 And you've got people still that from the DNA, all these weapons are gonna be 00:55:24.539 --> 00:55:29.260 possibly traced to different people and to be arrest made off the deal. 00:55:29.260 --> 00:55:31.940 So that enlightened everybody there to say, hey, 00:55:31.940 --> 00:55:32.940 Johnson. 00:55:32.940 --> 00:55:35.619 This is what we got in our neighborhood and we don't like it. 00:55:35.619 --> 00:55:41.000 So that's where my opinion and the opinion of all the people in that neighborhood come 00:55:41.000 --> 00:55:46.550 from. 00:55:46.550 --> 00:55:47.550 Any other discussion? 00:55:47.550 --> 00:55:49.989 Alderman Johnson. 00:55:49.989 --> 00:55:56.389 I'm not sure how many of these Airbnbs we have here in Freeport, but they are businesses. 00:55:56.389 --> 00:55:57.670 Three is all we have? 00:55:57.670 --> 00:55:59.590 We have three in Singleton. 00:55:59.590 --> 00:56:00.590 Okay. 00:56:00.590 --> 00:56:03.429 And they bring, I mean, they bring people in who spend money here. 00:56:03.429 --> 00:56:06.029 So that's, you know, part of the city. 00:56:06.029 --> 00:56:09.010 The other thing I'm thinking about, you know, 00:56:09.010 --> 00:56:11.449 you do take a chance when you're a person 00:56:11.449 --> 00:56:13.929 that owns an Airbnb of who you rent to, 00:56:13.929 --> 00:56:16.610 but I know any of the vacation rentals 00:56:16.610 --> 00:56:18.970 that we've ever rented, there's a very long contract 00:56:18.970 --> 00:56:20.670 that you have to fill out with them 00:56:20.670 --> 00:56:22.489 that has a lot of stipulations on it, 00:56:22.489 --> 00:56:24.010 what you can do and what you can't do, 00:56:24.010 --> 00:56:25.529 how many cars you can park there, 00:56:25.529 --> 00:56:29.250 and a lot of things that regulate that 00:56:29.250 --> 00:56:31.690 that I think could be put in place 00:56:31.690 --> 00:56:34.090 for those that do have Airbnbs. 00:56:36.029 --> 00:57:06.029 So I don't know, and you know, plus the fact that when you live in a home, you don't really know if that house beside you goes up for sale, you don't know who might come in there, you don't know if they might have guns, you don't know if they might be on drugs, and you know, that sort of thing, so there's, you know, you take chances every day. So I'm not sure that this would be friendly for the City of Freeport to say we don't want your Airbnb businesses in our residential areas. 00:57:06.029 --> 00:57:07.550 and 00:57:07.550 --> 00:57:09.550 we have a number of air bnbs that are in the air bnbs. 00:57:09.570 --> 00:57:11.570 There are not very many R5 or R6 areas. 00:57:11.650 --> 00:57:15.650 I know west of west of west, there's a lot that are east of 00:57:15.650 --> 00:57:19.650 west, so I'm not sure how all that plays out for fairness for 00:57:19.650 --> 00:57:23.650 people that own those homes and maybe are looking to have a 00:57:23.650 --> 00:57:25.650 business here in freeport. 00:57:25.650 --> 00:57:29.650 We could put a limit maybe on the number of air bnbs we have. 00:57:29.650 --> 00:57:34.650 Also I'm thinking could we do like they have to have a 00:57:34.650 --> 00:57:35.650 Huffines. 00:57:35.650 --> 00:57:42.010 We're going to have a special use permit every year or something like that instead of totally 00:57:42.010 --> 00:57:44.409 disregarding this altogether. 00:57:44.409 --> 00:57:45.409 Those are my thoughts. 00:57:45.409 --> 00:57:46.409 All right. 00:57:46.409 --> 00:57:49.409 Hold on one second. 00:57:49.409 --> 00:57:51.489 I'm sorry, but that is laughable. 00:57:51.489 --> 00:57:56.449 So because it happened in this area and these houses are worth that much, we're going to 00:57:56.449 --> 00:57:59.449 ban it for single-family houses. 00:57:59.449 --> 00:58:04.329 But in the areas that happen to be mostly apartments, we're going to allow it because 00:58:04.329 --> 00:58:10.250 these houses are $250, $300,000 which was repeated a couple of times so it's not 00:58:10.250 --> 00:58:14.650 okay there but it's okay in other neighborhoods and to even feel safe 00:58:14.650 --> 00:58:31.400 making a statement as such is is wow. Director, I have a question in this would 00:58:31.400 --> 00:58:37.079 that be in effect immediately or is there can you enlighten that there's 00:58:37.079 --> 00:58:42.000 M. 00:58:42.000 --> 00:58:49.579 So essentially the ordinance reads that this would, they would have to still, basically 00:58:49.579 --> 00:58:55.539 the current licenses for the three properties that we're speaking of, they would still 00:58:55.539 --> 00:59:01.119 have to reapply for the license. If they let it lapse on their own, they let it lapse on 00:59:01.119 --> 00:59:02.119 Johnson. 00:59:02.119 --> 00:59:10.880 If they continue to reapply, it would sunset January 1st, 2029 and after such date, all 00:59:10.880 --> 00:59:14.320 licenses would cease to be valid. 00:59:14.320 --> 00:59:15.679 So a little over three years. 00:59:15.679 --> 00:59:18.400 Correct. 00:59:18.400 --> 00:59:19.400 Any other discussion? 00:59:19.400 --> 00:59:20.400 I have my second. 00:59:20.400 --> 00:59:21.400 Yeah. 00:59:21.400 --> 00:59:22.400 Sure. 00:59:22.400 --> 00:59:24.599 I would like to agree with Alderperson Johnson. 00:59:24.599 --> 00:59:29.480 We are trying to be a tourist town, we are trying to do things to draw people here. 00:59:29.480 --> 00:59:35.199 We only have two, I'm not sure if the other one is still open, legitimate hotels that 00:59:35.199 --> 00:59:37.079 you wouldn't mind staying in. 00:59:37.079 --> 00:59:43.119 So and myself, I have a couple of kids, so when we go, we use Airbnbs, I don't understand 00:59:43.119 --> 00:59:47.679 why you would want to stop that for the city of Freeport. 00:59:47.679 --> 00:59:50.000 I can't. It just doesn't. 00:59:50.000 --> 00:59:54.150 It just doesn't make sense. 00:59:54.150 --> 00:59:55.030 Anyone else? 00:59:55.030 --> 00:59:55.530 Yeah. 00:59:55.530 --> 00:59:56.829 Alderman Sanders? 00:59:56.829 --> 01:00:03.730 Yeah. 01:00:03.730 --> 01:00:07.010 Director Duckman, how long has this, 01:00:07.010 --> 01:00:10.690 do you know, if you know, that this ordinance has 01:00:10.690 --> 01:00:15.659 been in existence? 01:00:15.659 --> 01:00:19.840 Well, the current short-term vacation rental ordinance, 01:00:19.840 --> 01:00:21.460 I would say, has been what? 01:00:21.460 --> 01:00:25.380 Clerk Anderson, five years, right around COVID, I think. 01:00:25.380 --> 01:00:28.900 We had bed and breakfast on the books for a very long time, 01:00:28.900 --> 01:00:32.460 because that's an older model. 01:00:32.460 --> 01:00:37.139 But we added the Airbnb pre-COVID. 01:00:37.139 --> 01:00:39.300 I've been here eight years, somewhere between five 01:00:39.300 --> 01:00:40.739 and eight years. 01:00:40.739 --> 01:00:42.099 It's a newer concept, correct? 01:00:42.099 --> 01:00:44.059 So when we're talking short-term rentals, 01:00:44.059 --> 01:00:48.300 the idea generally is that short-term rentals, by the way, 01:00:48.300 --> 01:00:51.860 it is not just in the city of Freeport. 01:00:51.860 --> 01:00:52.860 It's a hot topic. 01:00:52.860 --> 01:00:56.900 It causes quite a bit of conflict. 01:00:56.900 --> 01:00:58.260 on one side of the coin. 01:00:58.260 --> 01:01:00.739 People believe that they're good for the community 01:01:00.739 --> 01:01:02.420 because they are adding tourism. 01:01:02.420 --> 01:01:06.019 And it also allows property owners 01:01:06.019 --> 01:01:07.260 to make some extra revenue. 01:01:07.260 --> 01:01:10.000 On the other side, not just in the city of Freeport, 01:01:10.000 --> 01:01:12.579 but there has been complaints with people use them 01:01:12.579 --> 01:01:15.340 for parties or use them for nefarious activities. 01:01:15.340 --> 01:01:18.099 And it makes neighbors upset. 01:01:18.099 --> 01:01:22.699 So I think there's good discussion here. 01:01:22.699 --> 01:01:26.300 Staff was directed to draft this ordinance. 01:01:26.300 --> 01:01:28.039 It's through the Planning Commission. 01:01:28.039 --> 01:01:29.659 It's at two Planning Commission meetings. 01:01:29.659 --> 01:01:31.860 And I anticipate for the next two readings, 01:01:31.860 --> 01:01:33.579 if it gets that far, there's going 01:01:33.579 --> 01:01:35.260 to be plenty more heated discussion. 01:01:35.260 --> 01:01:35.760 So. 01:01:35.760 --> 01:01:36.539 Oldham and Sanders? 01:01:36.539 --> 01:01:45.340 Yeah, just elaborating on the concerning of neighborhood 01:01:45.340 --> 01:01:49.699 areas that has got a concern about the vacationing 01:01:49.699 --> 01:01:55.260 property and the zoning and the licensing. 01:01:55.260 --> 01:02:00.260 and we have not set up any policies 01:02:01.099 --> 01:02:05.340 or anything like that, guidelines for the people 01:02:05.340 --> 01:02:08.659 who does have concerns about the area 01:02:08.659 --> 01:02:13.380 of vacationing rentals and things like that. 01:02:13.380 --> 01:02:16.539 We have not set up guidelines for those kinds of things. 01:02:16.539 --> 01:02:20.659 What are the policy terms and conditions 01:02:20.659 --> 01:02:24.179 that helps to guide to let the community know 01:02:24.179 --> 01:02:27.539 or the citizens know in the community area 01:02:27.539 --> 01:02:30.719 that these are the guidelines that you have to abide by 01:02:30.719 --> 01:02:34.300 and what is permitted and what is not permitted. 01:02:34.300 --> 01:02:36.260 Have we had that discussion 01:02:36.260 --> 01:02:40.699 or have you had that discussions with those residents 01:02:40.699 --> 01:02:43.420 that are already currently living in those areas? 01:02:43.420 --> 01:02:45.820 Yes, we had, let's see, 01:02:45.820 --> 01:02:49.059 we had two planning commission meetings 01:02:49.059 --> 01:02:51.460 that we talked about before. 01:02:51.460 --> 01:02:56.380 I took some notes on that. 01:02:56.380 --> 01:02:58.139 We had a meeting on August 14th. 01:02:58.139 --> 01:03:01.340 And as I stated before, Clerk Anderson and Alderperson Klemm 01:03:01.340 --> 01:03:04.219 were in attendance there. 01:03:04.219 --> 01:03:05.980 Notes I wrote down from that meeting 01:03:05.980 --> 01:03:09.820 was quite a bit of consideration and discussion. 01:03:09.820 --> 01:03:13.420 And based on that, from August 14th, 01:03:13.420 --> 01:03:16.739 the meeting was moved to the next regularly scheduled meeting 01:03:16.739 --> 01:03:18.460 for more discussion. 01:03:18.460 --> 01:03:23.340 So the second meeting would have been September 11th. 01:03:23.340 --> 01:03:27.940 And again, some of the issues that were one of the notes 01:03:27.940 --> 01:03:31.619 I wrote was that one supporter, Alderperson Klemm, 01:03:31.619 --> 01:03:34.619 his concerns were for safety, illegal activities, 01:03:34.619 --> 01:03:36.340 and parking concerns. 01:03:36.340 --> 01:03:40.780 And as Clerk Anderson has stated, 01:03:40.780 --> 01:03:44.900 she's provided that she obviously works in the licensing 01:03:44.900 --> 01:03:48.380 and can fill you in on all of the requirements for a license. 01:03:48.380 --> 01:03:49.380 Huffines. 01:03:49.380 --> 01:03:51.019 She's a member of the public, but she also came in as a member of the public issuing 01:03:51.019 --> 01:03:55.320 her support of the, you know, of the matter. 01:03:55.320 --> 01:03:59.460 So I mean, to answer, the reason I'm stating this is to answer your question, has the public 01:03:59.460 --> 01:04:00.460 been notified? 01:04:00.460 --> 01:04:05.380 Well, yes, through two meetings before we've even gotten to this part of it. 01:04:05.380 --> 01:04:06.380 And we've had members of our- 01:04:06.380 --> 01:04:08.940 So does this ordinance have protocols to it? 01:04:08.940 --> 01:04:10.699 Does this ordinance have protocols? 01:04:10.699 --> 01:04:11.699 Yes. 01:04:11.699 --> 01:04:12.699 It does have protocols. 01:04:12.699 --> 01:04:17.139 And so that should spill everything out to the residents of those areas. 01:04:17.139 --> 01:04:20.619 The easiest thing to explain to somebody is no. 01:04:20.619 --> 01:04:25.260 If I have a single family house, what is the protocol for having a vacation rental? 01:04:25.260 --> 01:04:26.260 That's easy. 01:04:26.260 --> 01:04:27.260 No. 01:04:27.260 --> 01:04:28.260 That's what you're voting for. 01:04:28.260 --> 01:04:36.340 I'm not trying to be insulting, but that's literally what this says. 01:04:36.340 --> 01:04:39.539 I want to have an Airbnb in my single family house. 01:04:39.539 --> 01:04:43.300 If you vote for this, you're saying no, you cannot. 01:04:43.300 --> 01:04:48.300 Or if you're in favor of it, you're saying, yes, you can do it. 01:04:48.300 --> 01:04:49.300 That's the heart of it. 01:04:49.300 --> 01:04:50.300 You know what I mean? 01:04:50.300 --> 01:04:53.340 There is no, I mean, once, if you vote for this ordinance, you're saying, we don't think 01:04:53.340 --> 01:04:55.300 it fits in our community, no. 01:04:55.300 --> 01:04:56.300 You can't do it. 01:04:56.300 --> 01:04:57.300 Alderman Parker? 01:04:57.300 --> 01:04:58.300 That's, go ahead. 01:04:58.300 --> 01:04:59.300 Sorry, I'm sorry. 01:04:59.300 --> 01:05:00.300 Yeah, I'm sorry. 01:05:00.300 --> 01:05:12.929 And I, yes, I was asked to clarify that, okay, so I'm just, I always try to talk and make 01:05:12.929 --> 01:05:13.929 Walsh, and so on. 01:05:13.929 --> 01:05:17.090 So I'm going to make things simple by best I can. 01:05:17.090 --> 01:05:23.690 Right now what you would be voting on is single family house, no, you cannot have an Airbnb. 01:05:23.690 --> 01:05:31.449 If you have a duplex, you would have to go to a hearing and ask for permission or ask, 01:05:31.449 --> 01:05:34.929 you'd have to have it voted on by council, which is that special use hearing. 01:05:34.929 --> 01:05:38.369 If you have a duplex, you would have to come, it wouldn't be allowed by right. 01:05:38.369 --> 01:05:42.849 You would still have to show up to a zoning board hearing, to a planning commission hearing, 01:05:42.849 --> 01:05:49.949 to a city council hearing to be allowed to have a Airbnb or BRBO. 01:05:49.949 --> 01:05:51.789 And we're not voting on anything tonight. 01:05:51.789 --> 01:05:52.789 This is first reading. 01:05:52.789 --> 01:05:53.789 Okay. 01:05:53.789 --> 01:05:54.789 Alderman Parker? 01:05:54.789 --> 01:05:58.949 I wasn't going to say anything, but the way I understand this, I own a single family home 01:05:58.949 --> 01:06:01.989 and if I happen to be a snowbird and want to go to Florida for the winter and I have 01:06:01.989 --> 01:06:05.869 some friends that want to come in and rent my house, I can't do it under this ordinance. 01:06:05.869 --> 01:06:10.230 You know, it's my house, I didn't ask permission when I bought the thing. 01:06:10.230 --> 01:06:12.230 What's defined short term? 01:06:12.230 --> 01:06:15.029 Winslow short-term, what have I got a month, two weeks? 01:06:15.029 --> 01:06:15.789 What's a short-term? 01:06:15.789 --> 01:06:16.849 Less than 30 days. 01:06:18.210 --> 01:06:19.170 Less than 30. 01:06:19.170 --> 01:06:20.349 Okay. 01:06:20.349 --> 01:06:22.510 Maybe I wanna go visit my family out in California 01:06:22.510 --> 01:06:24.070 for two weeks or three weeks. 01:06:24.070 --> 01:06:26.070 Somebody said, needs a place, yeah, come on in, 01:06:26.070 --> 01:06:27.550 I can't do that. 01:06:27.550 --> 01:06:29.389 But I didn't get permission when I bought the place. 01:06:29.389 --> 01:06:31.829 So I'm just against it, so thank you. 01:06:34.730 --> 01:06:35.809 All right, then we will move on. 01:06:35.809 --> 01:06:37.449 I did wanna just share, 01:06:37.449 --> 01:06:38.570 if nobody else, 01:06:40.449 --> 01:06:42.409 if nobody else mirrored my thoughts. 01:06:42.409 --> 01:06:47.250 So I believe the Airbnb craze is really popular. 01:06:47.250 --> 01:06:49.250 I think it's growing nationwide. 01:06:49.250 --> 01:06:53.210 I think it adds a lodging option. 01:06:53.210 --> 01:06:58.690 Personally, I've stayed in many, in several states, 01:06:58.690 --> 01:07:01.809 single-family homes, multi-units. 01:07:01.809 --> 01:07:03.449 I've stayed by myself. 01:07:03.449 --> 01:07:08.300 I felt very safe. 01:07:08.300 --> 01:07:11.519 Currently, there are three license holders, 01:07:11.519 --> 01:07:13.099 but we've had more. 01:07:13.099 --> 01:07:16.699 and if you go onto an Airbnb website, 01:07:16.699 --> 01:07:19.940 as many as like maybe even seven will pop up. 01:07:19.940 --> 01:07:23.659 It's very difficult to find where these are located 01:07:23.659 --> 01:07:26.619 and you don't get an address until you make that reservation. 01:07:26.619 --> 01:07:29.460 So you don't know the location. 01:07:30.579 --> 01:07:33.820 I have already sent out applications to, 01:07:33.820 --> 01:07:36.980 I'll find an address, I'll find a homeowner 01:07:36.980 --> 01:07:40.860 and they will sometimes ignore the application. 01:07:40.860 --> 01:07:42.920 Our third one just got licensed this year 01:07:42.920 --> 01:07:44.400 because it's a new owner. 01:07:44.400 --> 01:07:46.500 But I knew where it was for years. 01:07:46.500 --> 01:07:48.840 They just never turned the application back in. 01:07:48.840 --> 01:07:51.079 There's probably about three I don't know of. 01:07:52.159 --> 01:07:56.039 Three I know of that I don't know the address for. 01:07:56.039 --> 01:07:58.619 One of my concerns is if this passes, 01:07:58.619 --> 01:08:01.440 it will be very punitive to the people 01:08:01.440 --> 01:08:04.320 who have followed the rules. 01:08:04.320 --> 01:08:07.239 We have three people who have come in religiously 01:08:07.239 --> 01:08:10.300 and got licensed, very easy to work with. 01:08:10.300 --> 01:08:15.300 but I don't see any enforcement or no gut to go out 01:08:16.220 --> 01:08:18.979 and find those ones who aren't licensed. 01:08:18.979 --> 01:08:22.819 So we're gonna punish the ones who have been licensed 01:08:22.819 --> 01:08:24.619 by taking their license away. 01:08:24.619 --> 01:08:27.159 That doesn't make sense to me. 01:08:28.460 --> 01:08:31.020 I attended both planning commissions. 01:08:31.020 --> 01:08:34.840 I heard, you know, we don't want it in our neighborhood. 01:08:34.840 --> 01:08:38.079 I think that special use is the tool to solve that 01:08:38.079 --> 01:08:39.680 because you ask our neighbors, 01:08:39.680 --> 01:08:43.199 You could leave a special use, R1, single family. 01:08:43.199 --> 01:08:45.119 It could be special use all the way through. 01:08:45.119 --> 01:08:49.039 And then when somebody wants to get licensed, 01:08:49.039 --> 01:08:50.000 they get the special use. 01:08:50.000 --> 01:08:52.039 Can you ask your neighbors, do you want us here? 01:08:52.039 --> 01:08:53.279 They can say yes. 01:08:53.279 --> 01:08:54.319 They can say no. 01:08:54.319 --> 01:08:56.279 And that'll just take care of itself. 01:08:56.279 --> 01:08:58.119 It'll be in the neighborhoods that want it. 01:08:58.119 --> 01:09:00.399 It'll be in the neighborhoods that don't. 01:09:03.159 --> 01:09:06.279 We do have ordinances on the books. 01:09:06.279 --> 01:09:08.520 And I'm quite certain the number of cars are limited 01:09:08.520 --> 01:09:11.520 because I remember that being a big discussion. 01:09:11.520 --> 01:09:13.199 We might have even limited it to one, 01:09:13.199 --> 01:09:15.399 but no more than two cars are allowed. 01:09:15.399 --> 01:09:17.840 And I suspect that's maybe why the owners maybe 01:09:17.840 --> 01:09:21.000 started calling because they knew that was something 01:09:21.000 --> 01:09:24.520 they could call about was too many cars in the driveway. 01:09:24.520 --> 01:09:27.239 And I just wanted to address, this 01:09:27.239 --> 01:09:28.760 was a very unfortunate event. 01:09:28.760 --> 01:09:30.800 I don't want it to happen again. 01:09:30.800 --> 01:09:33.159 But I think this is kind of throwing the baby out 01:09:33.159 --> 01:09:34.119 with the bathwater. 01:09:34.119 --> 01:09:41.119 I think we're knee-jerking too many rules over one bad incident and I just wanted to 01:09:41.119 --> 01:09:45.800 add that there was concern about that in this particular incident there were 01:09:45.800 --> 01:09:49.559 children living upstairs and I 01:09:49.559 --> 01:09:55.199 and I feel for that, I understand that, but also this homeowner chose to get that license 01:09:55.199 --> 01:09:59.880 knowing he has two children and I think that should be the homeowner's choice. 01:09:59.880 --> 01:10:00.880 My two cents. 01:10:00.880 --> 01:10:09.199 All right, we will move on to item number 10, which is the adoption of resolution 2025-109. 01:10:09.199 --> 01:10:11.439 Could you please read this? 01:10:11.439 --> 01:10:15.760 Resolution authorizing the payment of an invoice from Green Road Tire Recycling for Citywide 01:10:15.760 --> 01:10:16.760 Huffines. 01:10:16.760 --> 01:10:17.760 Thank you. 01:10:17.760 --> 01:10:18.760 Thank you. 01:10:18.760 --> 01:10:19.760 Thank you. 01:10:19.760 --> 01:10:20.760 Good evening. 01:10:20.760 --> 01:10:29.180 In August, the City of Freeport conducted a tire recycling event where residents could 01:10:29.180 --> 01:10:33.520 bring passenger car and semi-truck tires to be disposed of. 01:10:33.520 --> 01:10:38.600 The City utilized the services of Green Road Tire Recycling to dispose of the tires. 01:10:38.600 --> 01:10:42.680 This event was planned in coordination with other dumping events such as Refresh Freeport 01:10:42.680 --> 01:10:45.560 and the Electronic Recycling Event. 01:10:45.560 --> 01:10:48.199 Gills Freeport Disposal recommended Green Road 01:10:48.199 --> 01:10:50.479 to be the main collector of the tires. 01:10:50.479 --> 01:10:54.720 At the event, they collected 7,029 passenger car tires 01:10:54.720 --> 01:10:57.779 and 118 semi-truck tires. 01:10:57.779 --> 01:11:00.279 Hundreds of residents took advantage of the service 01:11:00.279 --> 01:11:02.039 and the city received positive feedback 01:11:02.039 --> 01:11:04.720 from residents and surrounding communities. 01:11:04.720 --> 01:11:08.960 The full amount of the invoice, which is about 38,000, 01:11:08.960 --> 01:11:10.779 has been budgeted for and will be paid 01:11:10.779 --> 01:11:14.659 from the Health and Environment Fund. 01:11:14.659 --> 01:11:15.500 Thank you. 01:11:15.500 --> 01:11:16.420 Is there a motion to adopt? 01:11:16.420 --> 01:11:17.420 So moved. 01:11:17.420 --> 01:11:18.420 Second. 01:11:18.420 --> 01:11:22.500 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson. 01:11:22.500 --> 01:11:25.630 Discussion on the resolution? 01:11:25.630 --> 01:11:28.590 Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:11:28.590 --> 01:11:30.510 Sanders is temporarily absent. 01:11:30.510 --> 01:11:31.510 Klemm? 01:11:31.510 --> 01:11:32.510 Aye. 01:11:32.510 --> 01:11:33.510 Johnson? 01:11:33.510 --> 01:11:34.510 Aye. 01:11:34.510 --> 01:11:35.510 Simmons? 01:11:35.510 --> 01:11:36.510 Aye. 01:11:36.510 --> 01:11:37.510 Parker? 01:11:37.510 --> 01:11:38.510 Aye. 01:11:38.510 --> 01:11:39.510 Stacy? 01:11:39.510 --> 01:11:40.510 Aye. 01:11:40.510 --> 01:11:43.500 And Shadle? 01:11:43.500 --> 01:11:44.500 Aye. 01:11:44.500 --> 01:11:45.500 The resolution is adopted six to zero. 01:11:45.500 --> 01:11:47.779 And we'll move on to item number 11, which is the adoption of resolution 2025-111. 01:11:47.779 --> 01:11:56.770 Resolution setting the date and hours for trick-or-treating in the city for 2025. 01:11:56.770 --> 01:11:59.029 Thank you, Manager Boyer. 01:11:59.029 --> 01:12:00.029 Thank you, Your Honor. 01:12:00.029 --> 01:12:03.649 In the past, trick-or-treating has been observed on Halloween, October 31st. 01:12:03.649 --> 01:12:07.750 For the past several years, the hours have been from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 01:12:07.750 --> 01:12:10.289 This year, Halloween falls on a Friday. 01:12:10.289 --> 01:12:13.789 This year, the city is collaborating with the Freeport School District second graders 01:12:13.789 --> 01:12:16.729 and their civic responsibility unit for social studies. 01:12:16.729 --> 01:12:24.090 You'll be touring City Hall and the police station and have the opportunity to role-play a City Council meeting deliberating on the same resolution. 01:12:24.449 --> 01:12:30.250 Staff recommendation is to keep the trick-or-treating on Friday, October 31st from 5 p.m. To 7 p.m. 01:12:32.210 --> 01:12:36.090 Staff requests the approval of this resolution. Is there a motion to adopt? 01:12:37.369 --> 01:12:41.770 Second. Motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle. 01:12:42.909 --> 01:12:44.909 Discussion on the resolution. 01:12:44.909 --> 01:12:47.909 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:12:47.909 --> 01:12:49.909 Sanders is absent. 01:12:49.909 --> 01:12:50.909 Klemm? 01:12:50.909 --> 01:12:51.909 Aye. 01:12:51.909 --> 01:12:52.909 Johnson? 01:12:52.909 --> 01:12:53.909 Aye. 01:12:53.909 --> 01:12:54.909 Simmons? 01:12:54.909 --> 01:12:55.909 Aye. 01:12:55.909 --> 01:12:56.909 Parker? 01:12:56.909 --> 01:12:57.909 Aye. 01:12:57.909 --> 01:12:58.909 Stacy? 01:12:58.909 --> 01:12:59.909 Aye. 01:12:59.909 --> 01:13:00.909 And Shadle? 01:13:00.909 --> 01:13:01.909 Aye. 01:13:01.909 --> 01:13:02.909 The resolution is adopted, 6-0. 01:13:02.909 --> 01:13:03.909 And item number 12 is adoption of resolution 2025-112. 01:13:03.909 --> 01:13:06.550 Could you please read this? 01:13:06.550 --> 01:13:11.369 Resolution approving application for contract with FLOC safety for live video cameras, additional 01:13:11.369 --> 01:13:15.069 and a license plate reader cameras and mobile trailer cameras. 01:13:15.069 --> 01:13:16.590 Thank you, Chief Shenberger. 01:13:16.590 --> 01:13:17.430 Thank you. 01:13:17.430 --> 01:13:20.350 So as I discussed last week, earlier in the year, 01:13:20.350 --> 01:13:22.590 I had some representatives from FLOC 01:13:22.590 --> 01:13:24.710 that came and did a presentation 01:13:24.710 --> 01:13:26.710 on the products that they offer 01:13:26.710 --> 01:13:29.850 and how they could help us as law enforcement officers. 01:13:31.149 --> 01:13:33.310 I've applied for several grants 01:13:33.310 --> 01:13:37.130 and looked for different funding throughout this year. 01:13:37.130 --> 01:13:41.270 And fortunately, I was able to secure some funding 01:13:41.270 --> 01:13:43.789 through Senator Durbin's office, 01:13:43.789 --> 01:13:47.510 by utilizing lobbyists through sound thinking. 01:13:47.510 --> 01:13:51.270 There's a wish list of things that comes with that. 01:13:51.270 --> 01:13:54.670 However, we realize that if that funding falls through, 01:13:54.670 --> 01:13:57.189 more than likely, it's not going to happen. 01:13:57.189 --> 01:14:00.829 And within the contract for FLOC, 01:14:00.829 --> 01:14:03.850 there's a contingency, if the appropriations 01:14:03.850 --> 01:14:07.270 for some reason don't pass, then we're not, 01:14:07.270 --> 01:14:09.390 or we don't have to pay that amount of money. 01:14:09.390 --> 01:14:14.390 So I also secured organized crime retail theft grant 01:14:15.770 --> 01:14:18.189 from the attorney general's office for $9,000. 01:14:18.189 --> 01:14:21.989 So the plan basically is to leverage that money 01:14:21.989 --> 01:14:24.470 to start this project one month early 01:14:24.470 --> 01:14:26.989 that gives us into December 01:14:26.989 --> 01:14:30.310 and then utilize the appropriations dollars 01:14:30.310 --> 01:14:34.229 for the year of 2026 and 2027. 01:14:35.149 --> 01:14:35.989 Thank you, chief. 01:14:35.989 --> 01:14:36.909 Is there a motion to adopt? 01:14:36.909 --> 01:14:38.029 So moved. 01:14:38.029 --> 01:14:38.869 Second. 01:14:38.869 --> 01:14:40.529 Motion made by Alderman Shadle, 01:14:40.529 --> 01:14:42.390 seconded by Alderman Parker. 01:14:42.390 --> 01:14:43.869 Discussion on the resolution. 01:14:45.449 --> 01:14:47.029 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:14:47.029 --> 01:14:48.550 I have. 01:14:48.550 --> 01:14:50.109 Oh, Alderman Stacy, I'm sorry. 01:14:50.109 --> 01:14:54.350 So this is, you're asking for a voting to approve this. 01:14:55.270 --> 01:14:57.949 Approve the resolution for the chief to move forward 01:14:57.949 --> 01:15:00.189 on what he just made a comment on. 01:15:01.590 --> 01:15:02.430 Okay. 01:15:04.069 --> 01:15:09.079 I do have a question, but I don't know, 01:15:09.079 --> 01:15:12.560 Do it come now or later? 01:15:12.560 --> 01:15:16.920 This is the one pertaining to the drones 01:15:16.920 --> 01:15:18.279 you were speaking of? 01:15:18.279 --> 01:15:21.920 No, this is for license plate reader cameras, 01:15:21.920 --> 01:15:24.760 some live video bundles with those, 01:15:24.760 --> 01:15:28.319 a trailer camera that is live video, 01:15:28.319 --> 01:15:29.399 and then a trailer camera 01:15:29.399 --> 01:15:32.239 that has a license plate reader camera in it. 01:15:32.239 --> 01:15:34.319 And also it's like a speed wagon 01:15:34.319 --> 01:15:36.539 with a license plate reader camera in it. 01:15:36.539 --> 01:15:40.119 Can you tell me like what does it cost per year 01:15:40.119 --> 01:15:41.800 to operate this. 01:15:41.800 --> 01:15:44.680 Right, so, I mean, this is covered, 01:15:44.680 --> 01:15:47.279 this would be covered under appropriations, dollars, 01:15:47.279 --> 01:15:52.279 and grant money, but roughly, I know it's in the agreement, 01:15:52.520 --> 01:15:55.520 but the money that we're utilizing is $200,000 01:15:55.520 --> 01:15:59.680 from appropriations, $69,000, 01:15:59.680 --> 01:16:02.319 that's for the license plate reader cameras, 01:16:02.319 --> 01:16:06.000 or I'm sorry, $100, $100,000 for two years 01:16:06.000 --> 01:16:10.760 for license plate reader cameras, $69,200 01:16:10.760 --> 01:16:14.140 for two trailer cameras for two years. 01:16:14.140 --> 01:16:17.960 And then we're also using the $9,000 01:16:17.960 --> 01:16:20.359 that we're getting from the Organized Crime 01:16:20.359 --> 01:16:21.439 Retail Theft Grant. 01:16:21.439 --> 01:16:25.380 So that's what it's gonna cost for two years. 01:16:25.380 --> 01:16:27.800 However, all that money is not coming out 01:16:27.800 --> 01:16:30.000 of the city's funds, that's all money 01:16:30.000 --> 01:16:31.840 that's being appropriated to us 01:16:31.840 --> 01:16:33.800 and already given to us through grant. 01:16:33.800 --> 01:16:37.800 Okay, any further Alderman Sanders? 01:16:37.800 --> 01:16:48.800 Yeah, have you had an opportunity to determine whether this is appropriate for this particular 01:16:48.800 --> 01:16:56.800 county or this city to determine if it doesn't violate anybody's rights or anything of that 01:16:56.800 --> 01:16:58.000 nature? 01:16:58.000 --> 01:17:03.640 So in order for us to even do a search, we have to have a reason, a law enforcement reason, 01:17:03.640 --> 01:17:07.399 So generally, you know, a crime's occurred or if there's a missing person or something 01:17:07.399 --> 01:17:08.399 like that. 01:17:08.399 --> 01:17:09.399 So we have to put a reason in. 01:17:09.399 --> 01:17:12.720 And there are certain things you can't search for. 01:17:12.720 --> 01:17:14.439 We also have to put a case number in there. 01:17:14.439 --> 01:17:19.000 And all that data is collected by the state and it's audited. 01:17:19.000 --> 01:17:23.479 So we have to have a law enforcement reason to even access the cameras. 01:17:23.479 --> 01:17:28.279 Now, the live video, that's something that I've talked to people in the community. 01:17:28.279 --> 01:17:32.920 They feel like, you know, we need more live video out there. 01:17:32.920 --> 01:17:36.880 It's very helpful, you know, as long as it's in the right place, in the right time, capturing 01:17:36.880 --> 01:17:40.319 the right thing, you know, it's very helpful for us for certain things. 01:17:40.319 --> 01:17:43.960 So we do utilize license plate reader cameras right now. 01:17:43.960 --> 01:17:48.880 There's through Motorola or Vigilant, something that the city committed to, I think it was 01:17:48.880 --> 01:17:50.920 in 2021. 01:17:50.920 --> 01:17:57.880 So it's a different platform, but Vigilant doesn't have the trailer cameras and the other 01:17:57.880 --> 01:18:00.399 two things that we're looking to get to. 01:18:00.399 --> 01:18:05.399 Fock is a smoother, easier to use, more modern platforms. 01:18:06.199 --> 01:18:09.279 It's something that wasn't available in 2021. 01:18:09.279 --> 01:18:12.159 It kind of really became popular about two years ago. 01:18:12.159 --> 01:18:14.079 A lot of agencies are going to that. 01:18:14.079 --> 01:18:16.479 So that's why I chose them. 01:18:16.479 --> 01:18:17.319 Well- 01:18:17.319 --> 01:18:18.960 Would you like your second time, Alderman Sanders? 01:18:18.960 --> 01:18:19.800 Yeah. 01:18:19.800 --> 01:18:21.239 Okay. 01:18:21.239 --> 01:18:22.559 I'll be able to elaborate a little bit longer. 01:18:22.559 --> 01:18:24.079 Go ahead. 01:18:24.079 --> 01:18:26.720 I need to use my four minutes. 01:18:26.720 --> 01:18:28.279 No, just to ask your question. 01:18:30.399 --> 01:18:37.760 All police vehicles will be designated with a plate reader. 01:18:37.760 --> 01:18:40.960 No, these are not mobile devices. 01:18:40.960 --> 01:18:42.960 These would be stationary. 01:18:42.960 --> 01:18:43.960 Stationary? 01:18:43.960 --> 01:18:45.720 Yeah, and they're solar powered. 01:18:45.720 --> 01:18:47.640 And they're located throughout the city? 01:18:47.640 --> 01:18:48.640 They would be, yes. 01:18:48.640 --> 01:18:49.880 Okay. All right. 01:18:49.880 --> 01:18:51.319 Thank you. 01:18:51.319 --> 01:18:53.000 Alderman Stacey? 01:18:53.000 --> 01:19:16.399 You know, um, I hear you talk about more cameras, more, you know, we tried to get cameras and it was shot down like fire burning in a forest. 01:19:18.399 --> 01:19:25.779 It was not wanted. Now, all of a sudden, now we want cameras. 01:19:25.779 --> 01:19:35.619 and so I don't know if this will pass or not but since we want cameras we could 01:19:35.619 --> 01:19:44.890 get them and it was grants and money out there where we could have had cameras on 01:19:44.890 --> 01:19:47.690 every telephone 01:19:47.690 --> 01:19:51.970 Cameron's on every telephone pole to help detour some of the crime here in our city 01:19:52.930 --> 01:19:54.930 And we were denied that right 01:19:57.489 --> 01:20:02.970 but now 01:20:02.970 --> 01:20:04.970 With you bringing it to the council 01:20:08.350 --> 01:20:12.970 They're all in 01:20:12.970 --> 01:20:14.970 little sad to me 01:20:15.609 --> 01:20:18.369 Because I don't know what rights were denied Alderman Johnson 01:20:19.010 --> 01:20:24.850 So did this grant just come out recently or it just came out recently you could apply for it 01:20:24.850 --> 01:20:31.090 So the yeah, the retail theft grant it's an annual grant. It's one that you can reapply for every year 01:20:31.090 --> 01:20:39.329 Okay, and that's for the $9,000 the appropriations. That's something totally different. You know, that's being appropriated to us through Senator Durbin's office. So 01:20:39.890 --> 01:20:44.670 I don't Darren's probably more knowledgeable about that type of money this first time I've ever 01:20:45.449 --> 01:20:51.449 Been able to secure funds that way. I've been able to get a lot of grants, but so 01:20:51.449 --> 01:20:56.970 Winslow, but it's for two years, that one's for two years, the attorney general's $9,000. 01:20:56.970 --> 01:20:59.569 That's just a one year thing, but we can reapply for it. 01:20:59.569 --> 01:21:01.369 You want your second? 01:21:01.369 --> 01:21:02.369 Sure. 01:21:02.369 --> 01:21:07.329 And so just to clarify, this won't go forward unless we get the grant money and we'll use 01:21:07.329 --> 01:21:12.210 part the appropriations money for part of these things, but we won't get it all unless 01:21:12.210 --> 01:21:13.649 we get the grant money. 01:21:13.649 --> 01:21:14.649 Is that correct? 01:21:14.649 --> 01:21:15.649 Right. 01:21:15.649 --> 01:21:19.729 So, I mean, let's say the grant, the $9,000 for sure thing, I've already been awarded 01:21:19.729 --> 01:21:20.729 that. 01:21:20.729 --> 01:21:33.729 I'm just playing it safe, you know, I asked for a contingency in the contract and there is one in there, so if the appropriations fail, then we're left with $9,000, which gives us about two to three cameras. 01:21:33.729 --> 01:21:34.729 Okay, thank you. 01:21:34.729 --> 01:21:38.489 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:21:38.489 --> 01:21:40.739 Sanders. 01:21:40.739 --> 01:21:49.449 Aye. 01:21:49.449 --> 01:21:50.449 Klemm. 01:21:50.449 --> 01:21:51.449 Aye. 01:21:51.449 --> 01:21:52.449 Johnson. 01:21:52.449 --> 01:21:53.449 Aye. 01:21:53.449 --> 01:21:54.449 Simmons. 01:21:54.449 --> 01:21:55.449 Aye. 01:21:55.449 --> 01:21:56.449 Parker. 01:21:56.449 --> 01:21:57.449 Aye. 01:21:57.449 --> 01:21:58.449 Stacy. 01:21:58.449 --> 01:21:59.449 Aye. 01:21:59.449 --> 01:22:07.010 And Shadle. 01:22:07.010 --> 01:22:17.109 7, 7-0. Did you say 6, Madam Clerk? It's 7. Oh, yes, that's because we have everybody 01:22:17.109 --> 01:22:22.710 back on the floor now. 7-0. Thank you, Attorney Zito. Sorry. Item number 13 is the adoption 01:22:22.710 --> 01:22:28.149 of Resolution 2025-113. Could you please read this? Resolution Endorsing Community Solar 01:22:28.149 --> 01:22:33.229 Savings Program through Illinois Shines, which is a state-administered incentive program 01:22:33.229 --> 01:22:38.310 to support the development of new solar projects. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. The 01:22:38.310 --> 01:22:41.329 City of Freeport has been asked if we would like to participate in the Illinois Solar 01:22:41.329 --> 01:22:43.649 Energy Incentive Program. 01:22:43.649 --> 01:22:48.270 Solar developers are often required to offer subscription incentives. 01:22:48.270 --> 01:22:53.750 The city's largest accounts, 100KW and under, would be eligible to receive the monetary 01:22:53.750 --> 01:22:57.510 bill credits from the program incentive. 01:22:57.510 --> 01:23:02.029 These incentive programs work on a 20-year subscription timeline, and this program was 01:23:02.029 --> 01:23:09.390 almost reviewed by Mr. Mudge, who is here tonight on September 8th, 2025. 01:23:09.390 --> 01:23:13.750 This subscription program application will allow Freeport to participate and receive 01:23:13.750 --> 01:23:18.590 solar incentives from solar array projects that are being installed in the area. 01:23:18.590 --> 01:23:22.390 Freeport will not have any financial or... 01:23:22.390 --> 01:23:23.390 I did not pass that out. 01:23:23.390 --> 01:23:24.390 I'm so sorry. 01:23:24.390 --> 01:23:25.390 Do you want me to get copies for everyone? 01:23:25.390 --> 01:23:26.390 We're just going to read it. 01:23:26.390 --> 01:23:27.390 I'm just going to... 01:23:27.390 --> 01:23:28.390 I'll read it. 01:23:28.390 --> 01:23:29.390 I'm so sorry, Robert. 01:23:29.390 --> 01:23:30.390 That's okay. 01:23:30.390 --> 01:23:32.670 That's OK. 01:23:32.670 --> 01:23:35.189 The city utility accounts are appealing to the program 01:23:35.189 --> 01:23:37.829 due to the large and consistent use of electricity. 01:23:37.829 --> 01:23:41.529 Many Northwestern Illinois cities are joining this program, 01:23:41.529 --> 01:23:44.189 and there is a brochure if someone 01:23:44.189 --> 01:23:45.789 is interested to see it. 01:23:45.789 --> 01:23:48.510 But Mike did present at the last Committee of the Whole, 01:23:48.510 --> 01:23:52.069 so there were many questions as to that time. 01:23:52.069 --> 01:23:54.970 So there is no financial requirement 01:23:54.970 --> 01:23:57.670 except the provider will charge a subscription fee 01:23:57.670 --> 01:23:58.829 from the credit received. 01:23:58.829 --> 01:24:03.550 staff will also incur work time to subscribe and provide detailed account 01:24:03.550 --> 01:24:07.789 information. Staff is recommending the City Council to approve moving forward 01:24:07.789 --> 01:24:12.390 with the community solar with Illinois Shine to receive solar credit incentives. 01:24:12.390 --> 01:24:19.829 Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded 01:24:19.829 --> 01:24:26.069 by Alderman Klemm. Discussion on the resolution? Alderman Simmons. So if I can 01:24:26.069 --> 01:24:31.649 Persuade any of you even since before my time on council I cannot think of one 01:24:31.649 --> 01:24:37.430 person that has said I'm glad that the city has done this program and I would 01:24:37.430 --> 01:24:41.449 like to remind you all that last time we set up we signed up for this the 01:24:41.449 --> 01:24:45.829 company was not able to honor their contract so please just keep those 01:24:45.829 --> 01:24:52.050 things in mind when making your decision. Manager Boyer? I'd like to make one minor 01:24:52.050 --> 01:24:53.050 Johnson. 01:24:53.050 --> 01:24:55.050 I have a minor comment related to this. 01:24:55.050 --> 01:24:58.170 The aggregation contract is what the city has done in the past. 01:24:58.170 --> 01:25:02.369 This is something new and this is completely different from the aggregation contract. 01:25:02.369 --> 01:25:07.170 This would allow the city to receive solar credits for the solar arrays that are already 01:25:07.170 --> 01:25:12.000 being built by other people. 01:25:12.000 --> 01:25:15.000 It's the next item. 01:25:15.000 --> 01:25:16.960 Alderman Johnson. 01:25:16.960 --> 01:25:22.840 From what I understood, the gentleman telling us, is that the subscriptions that we do 01:25:22.840 --> 01:25:27.840 are to give money to have more solar farms or plots put up. 01:25:30.439 --> 01:25:33.960 So if we get electricity, he said that's already used 01:25:33.960 --> 01:25:37.279 in all these other farms that are around. 01:25:37.279 --> 01:25:40.779 So this means they're going to be putting more solar farms 01:25:40.779 --> 01:25:42.439 around the city of Freeport, right? 01:25:43.720 --> 01:25:45.060 Well, we have Mr. Mudge here. 01:25:45.060 --> 01:25:46.899 Maybe he can be a little more specific. 01:25:46.899 --> 01:25:55.439 Mr. Mudge, would you wanna address that? 01:25:55.439 --> 01:25:56.840 Thank you for the question. 01:25:56.840 --> 01:26:03.460 Basically the state, the state and the governor wants to promote clean, clean 01:26:03.460 --> 01:26:09.859 power and the subscriptions when you subscribe on it's going to be for new 01:26:09.859 --> 01:26:15.159 new fields that are being developed right now or being developed in 2026 and 01:26:15.159 --> 01:26:23.340 they need subscribers. Will it continue on past 26 or 27? We really don't, we do 01:26:23.340 --> 01:26:26.939 really don't know, it all depends on the incentives 01:26:26.939 --> 01:26:28.000 and things like that. 01:26:28.939 --> 01:26:31.720 Where they will be built and where they'll be placed 01:26:31.720 --> 01:26:34.859 is where it's gonna be economically beneficial 01:26:34.859 --> 01:26:37.380 to connect into the ComEd grid. 01:26:37.380 --> 01:26:41.020 So, I don't know if that's answering 01:26:41.020 --> 01:26:45.579 your specific question, Linda, Ms. Johnson, 01:26:45.579 --> 01:26:48.819 but wherever these are going to be built 01:26:48.819 --> 01:26:57.420 will be in approved locations through the Illinois Shines program and doesn't 01:26:57.420 --> 01:27:03.180 necessarily mean there's gonna be a lot more here in Freeport or not. Probably 01:27:03.180 --> 01:27:09.699 nothing in their city but in most likely rural areas where the connection fees to 01:27:09.699 --> 01:27:19.210 comment are lower. Does that help? Go ahead. So chances are they would be in agriculture, 01:27:19.210 --> 01:27:37.390 For example, a good solar project is like what's being built right here in the city 01:27:37.390 --> 01:27:40.170 of Freeport on the old landfill. 01:27:40.170 --> 01:27:45.970 That's a perfect use for land that cannot be really used for anything else. 01:27:45.970 --> 01:27:53.449 But there's more incentives for solar companies to go into like brown areas and different 01:27:53.449 --> 01:27:59.649 things like that, you know, throughout and build them. 01:27:59.649 --> 01:28:01.329 Will it draw up more farmland? 01:28:01.329 --> 01:28:02.890 That's possible. 01:28:02.890 --> 01:28:07.569 But that's a farmer's choice or his opportunity. 01:28:07.569 --> 01:28:13.329 What we're looking at though for the specific city accounts is take advantage of the program 01:28:13.329 --> 01:28:17.569 that the state's created to promote solar 01:28:17.569 --> 01:28:20.529 and we can do this now. 01:28:20.529 --> 01:28:23.170 Everyone, I mentioned last time, 01:28:23.170 --> 01:28:27.770 everyone in combat area pays into the solar fund. 01:28:27.770 --> 01:28:31.770 So it's up to the council here whether or not 01:28:31.770 --> 01:28:34.329 you want to get some of that money 01:28:34.329 --> 01:28:37.690 that's being paid and leaving City Freeport 01:28:37.690 --> 01:28:42.190 back in for public works, accounts only. 01:28:43.329 --> 01:29:09.010 Any further discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Sanders? No. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? No. Simmons? No. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. And Shadle? Aye. 01:29:09.010 --> 01:29:15.010 I have three in favor, four against and the resolution fails. 01:29:15.010 --> 01:29:23.010 Move on to item number 14, which is the adoption of resolution 2025-114. Could you please read this? 01:29:23.010 --> 01:29:37.010 Resolution approving an electrical aggregation agreement with, if we agree on our low bidder, that'll be that person, for the retail supply of electric for residential and small business customers in the city of Freeport. 01:29:37.010 --> 01:29:38.010 Manager Boyer? 01:29:38.010 --> 01:29:43.809 Thank you, Your Honor. As we discussed at the Committee of the Whole last week, we received 01:29:43.809 --> 01:29:44.309 B- 01:29:44.309 --> 01:29:44.720 Last week, we received bids. 01:29:44.720 --> 01:29:47.399 I believe MC squared was a little better. 01:29:47.399 --> 01:29:52.079 And let's see, we've got it up on the screen here for you. 01:29:52.079 --> 01:29:53.560 That's why I forgot to pass out. 01:29:53.560 --> 01:29:58.439 So with that being said, staff would 01:29:58.439 --> 01:30:05.000 recommend moving forward with MC squared for the low kilowatt 01:30:05.000 --> 01:30:07.439 provider at two years. 01:30:07.439 --> 01:30:08.840 At what rate are we talking about? 01:30:08.840 --> 01:30:12.880 at 9.89 cents per kilowatt hour. 01:30:12.880 --> 01:30:14.439 9.89? 01:30:14.439 --> 01:30:20.460 Yes. 01:30:20.460 --> 01:30:21.340 Yes. 01:30:21.340 --> 01:30:23.539 Is that your conclusion? 01:30:23.539 --> 01:30:25.539 Yes, staff recommends the two-year, 01:30:25.539 --> 01:30:28.180 but obviously it's at council's discretion. 01:30:28.180 --> 01:30:29.460 So I move. 01:30:29.460 --> 01:30:30.180 Second. 01:30:30.180 --> 01:30:33.420 Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. 01:30:33.420 --> 01:30:37.779 Discussion on approving MC squared. 01:30:37.779 --> 01:30:41.189 Alderman Stacey. 01:30:41.189 --> 01:30:46.189 As Alderman Simmons stated earlier, 01:30:51.819 --> 01:30:55.739 that last year when we did this, 01:30:56.960 --> 01:31:00.720 everybody was automatically changed. 01:31:00.720 --> 01:31:03.500 If you didn't want the change, 01:31:03.500 --> 01:31:08.039 you had to send in a paper apting out, 01:31:08.039 --> 01:31:13.039 and then they couldn't even fulfill 01:31:13.399 --> 01:31:27.489 and the need and so why are we back here again and being that we're back here again I hope 01:31:27.489 --> 01:31:36.210 this time if people choose to take it that they have a choice and not that they're automatically 01:31:36.210 --> 01:31:46.770 and others, and then they had to change back. So I don't know how that works, but to change 01:31:46.770 --> 01:31:59.739 everybody to this MC2, I think it should be optional. If they want MC2, they can call 01:31:59.739 --> 01:32:12.739 But to switch everybody automatically? No. We were clearly shown last year. It did not work. 01:32:12.739 --> 01:32:19.970 And now we're all back with comment. 01:32:19.970 --> 01:32:20.970 Manager Boyer? 01:32:20.970 --> 01:32:27.970 Mr. Mudge, I don't know if you can provide some clarity on this, but we've done this for many different times. 01:32:27.970 --> 01:32:34.430 people have saved thousands of dollars on their overall power bill but could you 01:32:34.430 --> 01:32:38.710 explain why last year was different than the past years and why it's different 01:32:38.710 --> 01:32:43.329 than this year and just based on those rates how much do you think we'll end up 01:32:43.329 --> 01:32:50.489 saving based on ComEd's base rate right now? Sure, last year Council did agree 01:32:50.489 --> 01:32:59.369 and we had a signed agreement with Nordic Energy. However, their cost, not to their 01:32:59.369 --> 01:33:02.810 fault, but it was a pass-through charge, increased the charges where they could 01:33:02.810 --> 01:33:08.170 not honor that contract. However, we decided to give it a rest and have 01:33:08.170 --> 01:33:12.970 everyone go back to ComEd. At that time, we did not know what the ComEd rate was 01:33:12.970 --> 01:33:19.329 going to be. Now, we know what the ComEd rate is and the actuality, this one I 01:33:19.329 --> 01:33:22.529 I looked at the new ComEd rate tariffs that came out 01:33:22.529 --> 01:33:26.069 for September through May 01:33:26.069 --> 01:33:31.069 and the ComEd rate now is at 10.6 cents. 01:33:31.069 --> 01:33:34.189 The MC squared rate, whether you do a one year 01:33:34.189 --> 01:33:39.189 or two year contract, that's what it'll be. 01:33:40.590 --> 01:33:44.390 Now the bottom line is the state set up the program 01:33:44.390 --> 01:33:46.069 where it would be an opt out program. 01:33:46.069 --> 01:33:50.430 If you don't want to be in it, that is the customer's choice. 01:33:50.430 --> 01:33:56.829 But by not passing or adopting a contract, 01:33:56.829 --> 01:33:58.869 customers do not have a choice at all. 01:33:58.869 --> 01:34:02.470 They're just on ComEd or on a supplier of their own. 01:34:02.470 --> 01:34:06.949 And they have that choice. 01:34:06.949 --> 01:34:11.989 So what difference does the difference between the one 01:34:11.989 --> 01:34:14.109 or the two-year contract make? 01:34:14.109 --> 01:34:24.890 If there's a penny difference, and we have 3,000 customers in Freeport, then the average 01:34:24.890 --> 01:34:30.649 customer uses about 700, 730 kilowatt hours, ComEd customers. 01:34:30.649 --> 01:34:37.510 So that's saving each customer $7, $7.50 if they want it. 01:34:37.510 --> 01:34:40.510 If they don't, they can stay on ComEd right now. 01:34:40.510 --> 01:34:43.050 So ComEd's rate is set. 01:34:43.050 --> 01:34:53.770 So, by passing this ordinance, you're giving the customers a choice back that was really 01:34:53.770 --> 01:35:00.130 taken away from them when we all agreed we didn't know what the new comment rate was 01:35:00.130 --> 01:35:05.409 back in April or May when we had to replace that original contract. 01:35:05.409 --> 01:35:11.329 What's going to stop it from happening, no, he's called up to take questions. 01:35:11.329 --> 01:35:17.449 I have a question. What's going to stop it from happening again? We can't say that it 01:35:17.449 --> 01:35:22.989 is or isn't going to happen again. It's out of your hands too. 01:35:22.989 --> 01:35:29.489 The regulated rate that was passed on to Nordic Energy has now set for the next two years. 01:35:29.489 --> 01:35:34.250 The suppliers know what their costs are. They will hold that rate. 01:35:34.250 --> 01:35:38.770 But you told us that last year about... 01:35:38.770 --> 01:35:44.890 When we did this last year, we did not know what the federal pass-through costs were going 01:35:44.890 --> 01:35:51.090 to be, and in the past, in the past it was known. 01:35:51.090 --> 01:35:56.689 It all has to do with the demand for power going up so, so, so much. 01:35:56.689 --> 01:36:03.970 But to me, I'm just simply saying, if you want to give your residents and your very 01:36:03.970 --> 01:36:36.619 Schadl, Alderman Schadl If we look at 3,000 residents, which is low? 01:36:36.619 --> 01:36:45.619 Oh, the city? Not the residents, the city. This has nothing to do with the city? No, on this contract, how much do we save as the city of Freeport? 01:36:45.619 --> 01:37:01.619 The city does not save any money at all? No. This is strictly for your residents? No, no, no. Not the city residents. I'm talking the city water department, the city sewer department. Our billing, the city of Freeport, billings. 01:37:01.619 --> 01:37:06.180 All right, I'll answer that. Our contract, decision contract right now ends December 01:37:06.180 --> 01:37:14.020 2026 for the city water accounts, as I get the rate of 5.61 cents. And that's, that's 01:37:14.020 --> 01:37:15.020 the public word. 01:37:15.020 --> 01:37:16.020 Attorney Sito can answer. 01:37:16.020 --> 01:37:22.140 If I'm understanding your question, it'll, electric aggregation, this particular contract 01:37:22.140 --> 01:37:29.619 is strictly for residential, city, residential and small, small businesses. We have a separate 01:37:29.619 --> 01:37:38.619 for the city accounts like our Wastewater Treatment Plant and etc. So that's a separate contract that we have each year for the city accounts. 01:37:38.619 --> 01:37:41.729 Alderman Parker? 01:37:41.729 --> 01:37:50.729 Just a quick question. We approved this tonight. Do the people in the city have to do this or they can ignore it and stay with comment? 01:37:50.729 --> 01:38:10.729 People have two choices to opt out. Once they'll get a letter, under city letterhead, from MC Squared, if they were chosen, to say, here's what your rate will be starting in December, if you don't want to be part of this program, let us know. 01:38:10.729 --> 01:38:16.729 Secondly, a ComEd switch letter comes out, what was the state's the same thing, in case somebody misses it. 01:38:16.729 --> 01:38:21.729 This is state statute, how that's supposed to work. ComEd will send out a switch letter. 01:38:21.729 --> 01:38:26.729 And again, if you do not want to be part of the program, you cannot. 01:38:26.729 --> 01:38:31.729 Anyone else that would be automatically in the program. 01:38:31.729 --> 01:38:35.729 But one thought that I had I wanted to mention. 01:38:35.729 --> 01:38:38.729 What's the value of this to the city of Freeport? 01:38:38.729 --> 01:38:47.010 If it's $7 a month times 3,000 residents that's $21,000 a month that stays in the city might not seem like a lot 01:38:47.690 --> 01:38:53.369 But every to me every dollar count. So you have to opt out or you can just ignore it and not respond at all 01:38:53.850 --> 01:39:00.069 If you ignore it, you will be you you will be switched and that's the state. That's the state statute 01:39:00.770 --> 01:39:05.550 It's like it's always been Alderman Parker. If you want out you have to opt out. Otherwise you're in 01:39:05.550 --> 01:39:08.069 and Alderman Sanders. 01:39:08.069 --> 01:39:12.909 Yeah, I know exactly what you're doing, sir, 01:39:12.909 --> 01:39:16.670 with this Nordic thing and trying to get it 01:39:17.670 --> 01:39:19.470 proposed to the city of Freeport 01:39:19.470 --> 01:39:21.630 or the residents of Freeport. 01:39:21.630 --> 01:39:25.350 The thing that I found out, and it's like you said, 01:39:25.350 --> 01:39:30.350 they had issues managing how they want to 01:39:30.350 --> 01:39:35.350 want to implement their program, but they fail. 01:39:35.869 --> 01:39:37.630 They initially failed their program 01:39:37.630 --> 01:39:40.109 because I was part of that program, 01:39:40.109 --> 01:39:42.029 and they had so much difficult. 01:39:42.029 --> 01:39:43.239 and they had so much difficulties with it. 01:39:43.239 --> 01:39:45.800 In order for you to opt out of it, 01:39:45.800 --> 01:39:49.600 you have to not only go back to ComEd, 01:39:49.600 --> 01:39:52.520 but you have to go through another agency 01:39:53.680 --> 01:39:55.819 so they can enforce it. 01:39:55.819 --> 01:39:57.319 They have to enforce it. 01:39:57.319 --> 01:39:59.939 There's another agency that enforces it 01:39:59.939 --> 01:40:03.000 that keeps companies like Nordic 01:40:04.000 --> 01:40:07.560 and ComEd to impose upon residents 01:40:07.560 --> 01:40:12.159 to make, to opt them in when they don't want to be in there. 01:40:12.159 --> 01:40:15.199 If they don't, if they don't acknowledge it to, 01:40:15.199 --> 01:40:17.479 I forgot the name of the company, 01:40:17.479 --> 01:40:21.079 but there's another agency that they have to acknowledge it 01:40:21.079 --> 01:40:26.079 with them so they can inform ComEd. 01:40:26.720 --> 01:40:31.720 It's almost like another liaison that's working 01:40:31.920 --> 01:40:34.119 on behalf of these suppliers. 01:40:34.119 --> 01:40:39.119 and I ended up getting out of that program with Nordic 01:40:39.159 --> 01:40:41.840 even though I did have to go through the procedures 01:40:41.840 --> 01:40:46.840 but to get another agency to have come here to recognize 01:40:46.899 --> 01:40:49.079 that I wanna be with another supplier. 01:40:49.079 --> 01:40:51.159 Now you're back here again, 01:40:51.159 --> 01:40:54.039 trying to say that it's the state law. 01:40:54.039 --> 01:40:57.880 If it's the state law, then why am I with another supplier 01:40:57.880 --> 01:41:00.560 if it was, and Nordic was having all these issues, 01:41:00.560 --> 01:41:05.479 Why is Nordic coming back in to the picture? 01:41:05.479 --> 01:41:06.319 Nordic is not. 01:41:06.319 --> 01:41:07.140 Nordic's. 01:41:07.140 --> 01:41:07.979 MC. 01:41:07.979 --> 01:41:08.800 MC square? 01:41:08.800 --> 01:41:09.680 Is it MC square? 01:41:09.680 --> 01:41:10.520 Different. 01:41:10.520 --> 01:41:11.340 Oh, okay. 01:41:11.340 --> 01:41:12.180 Completely different supply. 01:41:12.180 --> 01:41:14.600 They just changed the name is what they did, huh? 01:41:14.600 --> 01:41:15.680 No. 01:41:15.680 --> 01:41:16.760 Oh, okay. 01:41:16.760 --> 01:41:21.159 But anyway, it's not something that I think, 01:41:22.000 --> 01:41:23.680 like one of the aldermen says, 01:41:23.680 --> 01:41:30.020 that if he doesn't comply or acknowledged 01:41:30.020 --> 01:41:35.020 to a certain agency, then they automatically back into 01:41:35.260 --> 01:41:38.920 whatever this is that you're talking about, this MC square. 01:41:40.840 --> 01:41:42.319 I don't think that should be something 01:41:42.319 --> 01:41:46.100 that the citizens of Freeport should be considering. 01:41:46.100 --> 01:41:50.319 If they have suppliers already in existence right now 01:41:50.319 --> 01:41:52.460 that they're using other than ComEd, 01:41:53.420 --> 01:41:57.859 that they should continue to use their supplier 01:41:57.859 --> 01:41:58.859 Miller. 01:41:58.859 --> 01:42:18.579 I know there's another agency in play that all residents have to acknowledge that they 01:42:18.579 --> 01:42:22.260 do or do not want to be part of this program. 01:42:22.260 --> 01:42:29.060 So I'm just saying, that's just my observation on these matters and I think we should take 01:42:29.060 --> 01:42:35.779 these into consideration that what you're proposing, I don't know, what really, does 01:42:35.779 --> 01:42:39.380 it have a clown mask on it or whatever, I don't know. 01:42:39.380 --> 01:42:41.579 Oldham and Johnson? 01:42:41.579 --> 01:42:43.300 Customers do have three choices. 01:42:43.300 --> 01:42:44.300 Three now. 01:42:44.300 --> 01:42:46.420 There are three choices. 01:42:46.420 --> 01:42:49.380 One, stay uncommitted. 01:42:49.380 --> 01:42:58.380 Two, they could go back, or they could go under the city program of P squared and appreciate 01:42:58.380 --> 01:43:01.979 a better rate and save a few dollars on a round-trip bill. 01:43:01.979 --> 01:43:08.539 Three, you can go out like you probably did and choose your own supplier at your own risk. 01:43:08.539 --> 01:43:13.079 So that's the three choices that all customers have. 01:43:13.079 --> 01:43:22.619 and I think that you, I don't say you owe it to it, but you should think about giving 01:43:22.619 --> 01:43:27.880 your residents all three options so that they can make their choice. 01:43:27.880 --> 01:43:34.119 It's their choice once it leaves here, it's back to them and their choice. 01:43:34.119 --> 01:43:35.760 Alderman Johnson. 01:43:35.760 --> 01:43:42.760 So the majority of the residents in the city of Freeport are just on ComEd right now. 01:43:42.760 --> 01:43:52.199 and according to this paper it says that from September 25 to May 26, it's 10.229 cents 01:43:52.199 --> 01:43:53.840 per kilowatt hour. 01:43:53.840 --> 01:43:56.600 Now you're saying it's 10.6 right now? 01:43:56.600 --> 01:44:06.039 It's 10.6 because it goes from September through May on the new rate. 01:44:06.039 --> 01:44:07.520 On the new rate of 10.6. 01:44:07.520 --> 01:44:08.520 Right. 01:44:08.520 --> 01:44:09.520 Right. 01:44:09.520 --> 01:44:14.520 that was like for the four summer months and blended to the winter but but now 01:44:14.520 --> 01:44:22.239 it's 10.6. So if we choose this contract MC2 we choose the two-year contract we 01:44:22.239 --> 01:44:27.399 would be locked in at nine point eight nine cents per kilowatt hour for those 01:44:27.399 --> 01:44:32.399 two years which is less than what we're paying now with ComEd which is the 01:44:32.399 --> 01:44:38.479 current rate is 10.6 which could change at the end of May or in May 26 it could 01:44:38.479 --> 01:45:09.619 Klem, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle. 01:45:09.619 --> 01:45:12.699 The resolution is adopted, five to two. 01:45:12.699 --> 01:45:14.100 No, that's not right. 01:45:14.100 --> 01:45:19.159 Four to three. 01:45:19.159 --> 01:45:21.560 So it's because half the council's voted, 01:45:21.560 --> 01:45:24.359 you would need to call the mayor's vote. 01:45:24.359 --> 01:45:26.000 Say that again, sir. 01:45:27.239 --> 01:45:30.720 So when you have half of the council, four, 01:45:30.720 --> 01:45:33.560 vote in favor of an item, then you can call the mayor's, 01:45:33.560 --> 01:45:34.659 that's one of the situations 01:45:34.659 --> 01:45:37.279 where the mayor's entitled to vote. 01:45:37.279 --> 01:45:39.119 I heard you say that. 01:45:39.119 --> 01:45:40.840 Okay, I'ma hold you to that. 01:45:40.840 --> 01:45:41.680 Okay. 01:45:41.680 --> 01:45:44.680 Okay, I'm gonna hold you right there, because I want to- 01:45:44.680 --> 01:45:46.159 Okay, this is a nonsense discussion. 01:45:46.159 --> 01:45:47.000 Mayor, what's- 01:45:47.000 --> 01:45:47.819 I'll stop that. 01:45:47.819 --> 01:45:48.659 Mayor, what say you? 01:45:48.659 --> 01:45:49.479 I'm talking- 01:45:49.479 --> 01:45:50.319 Aye. 01:45:50.319 --> 01:45:51.960 I'm asking him a question. 01:45:51.960 --> 01:45:53.239 You're talking nonsense. 01:45:53.239 --> 01:45:55.079 The resolution is adopted five to three. 01:45:55.079 --> 01:45:59.000 Item number 15 is the adoption of resolution 2025-115. 01:45:59.000 --> 01:46:01.760 Could you please read this for the record? 01:46:01.760 --> 01:46:03.119 That's the legal move, and I'm glad- 01:46:03.119 --> 01:46:06.359 Resolution authorizing memorandum of understanding 01:46:06.359 --> 01:46:09.119 with AFSCME for street or forest reform 01:46:09.119 --> 01:46:12.840 and Temporary Assignment as Acting Street Superintendent. 01:46:12.840 --> 01:46:14.840 That pass. 01:46:14.840 --> 01:46:16.079 Manager Boyer. 01:46:16.079 --> 01:46:17.920 Thank you, Your Honor. 01:46:17.920 --> 01:46:20.680 The city superintendent has a significant amount 01:46:20.680 --> 01:46:23.720 of personal time off due to his years of service. 01:46:23.720 --> 01:46:26.359 Additionally, his management leadership responsibilities 01:46:26.359 --> 01:46:30.239 require him to be on call a significant amount of the time 01:46:30.239 --> 01:46:33.000 due to the nature of his current public works role. 01:46:33.000 --> 01:46:35.920 To ensure our staff is fully supported 01:46:35.920 --> 01:46:38.800 and has adequate time off and receives appropriate rest 01:46:38.800 --> 01:46:43.920 Downtime staff is requesting that a Memorandum of Understanding be approved by the City Council 01:46:43.920 --> 01:46:49.720 to allow for additional hourly pay for appointed foreman who takes on added responsibilities 01:46:49.720 --> 01:46:52.039 thereby covering this time off. 01:46:52.039 --> 01:46:56.239 This MOU pay will be for approved and assigned coverage only. 01:46:56.239 --> 01:47:01.920 The MOU approval will allow our superintendent to take appropriate time off ensuring that 01:47:01.920 --> 01:47:06.119 the quality of their time off by knowing that they have some experienced staff who can handle 01:47:06.119 --> 01:47:07.119 the calls. 01:47:07.119 --> 01:47:12.840 is also allowed for scheduling formal coverage with the foreman in advance of 01:47:12.840 --> 01:47:19.039 their PTO or weekend off. This increase in pay for the foreman will only be for 01:47:19.039 --> 01:47:24.199 the added responsibility as actual work time assigned during approved time off 01:47:24.199 --> 01:47:28.520 by the superintendent. This arrangement is similar to the MOU that was proposed 01:47:28.520 --> 01:47:34.359 for the water main break assignments in the utility. The MOU will provide five 01:47:34.359 --> 01:47:39.279 $5 an hour increase in the appointed foreman hourly pay is approved only on 01:47:39.279 --> 01:47:43.319 an hours of coverage that are physically worked and logged in the absence of the 01:47:43.319 --> 01:47:47.880 superintendent during time off and recommendation to move forward with 01:47:47.880 --> 01:47:53.720 this $5 an hour increase to the foreman to cover for the street the street 01:47:53.720 --> 01:48:00.159 superintendent's time off. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. The motion 01:48:00.159 --> 01:48:03.479 made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm. 01:48:03.479 --> 01:48:07.119 Discussion on the resolution. 01:48:07.119 --> 01:48:09.319 Alderman Stacy. 01:48:09.319 --> 01:48:12.960 I don't understand how we can continue 01:48:12.960 --> 01:48:17.760 to move forward with increases when we're still 01:48:17.760 --> 01:48:31.390 waiting on a contract that's been not in action 01:48:31.390 --> 01:48:34.270 for three or four months. 01:48:34.270 --> 01:48:38.710 Dasme Union continue to wait for a contract 01:48:39.909 --> 01:48:44.909 and we continue to wanna make increases everywhere 01:48:46.250 --> 01:48:47.989 but with them. 01:48:47.989 --> 01:48:48.829 Manager Boyer. 01:48:48.829 --> 01:48:51.050 What do you mean by three or four months? 01:48:52.510 --> 01:48:53.670 You tell me. 01:48:53.670 --> 01:48:55.510 No, I don't know what you meant by that. 01:48:55.510 --> 01:48:57.390 When was their contract up? 01:48:57.390 --> 01:48:59.229 When did their contract end? 01:48:59.229 --> 01:49:01.630 Their contract is still in place and we're negotiating. 01:49:01.630 --> 01:49:03.309 Yes, it's in place now until we hit one. 01:49:03.309 --> 01:49:04.909 I believe you said something to the- 01:49:04.909 --> 01:49:08.789 However, but when did it end? 01:49:08.789 --> 01:49:11.989 And you were not prepared to move forward with it, 01:49:12.869 --> 01:49:17.029 but you're prepared to move forward with increases 01:49:17.029 --> 01:49:19.710 where you want increases. 01:49:19.710 --> 01:49:22.109 Let's be fair across the board. 01:49:22.109 --> 01:49:24.510 They deserve a fair contract. 01:49:24.510 --> 01:49:26.109 Let's make it happen. 01:49:26.109 --> 01:49:31.109 This is providing additional wages 01:49:31.109 --> 01:49:36.829 to a street superintendent to cover in between time we've already discussed it 01:49:36.829 --> 01:49:41.909 with the union it is acceptable but to the 01:49:41.909 --> 01:49:42.800 it is acceptable to the unions moving forward. 01:49:42.800 --> 01:49:45.800 So this is basically so that we can give 01:49:45.800 --> 01:49:47.880 our street superintendent time off 01:49:47.880 --> 01:49:50.880 and make sure that he gets to sign his duties 01:49:51.760 --> 01:49:53.840 during the time that he has weekend off. 01:49:53.840 --> 01:49:58.840 And what about our 9-1-1 people working 12 hour days? 01:49:59.920 --> 01:50:01.039 This has nothing to do with that. 01:50:01.039 --> 01:50:02.600 I know it has nothing to do with it 01:50:02.600 --> 01:50:04.479 because we don't want to discuss that. 01:50:04.479 --> 01:50:06.399 It's a different topic. 01:50:06.399 --> 01:50:08.840 and it's a topic that will never make the agenda 01:50:08.840 --> 01:50:10.600 because you're not gonna put it on. 01:50:12.319 --> 01:50:15.520 Ask me negotiations is not gonna be on the council floor. 01:50:15.520 --> 01:50:17.119 No, it will not. 01:50:17.119 --> 01:50:21.260 But I'm just saying get them a contract. 01:50:21.260 --> 01:50:22.579 Let's stay on task here. 01:50:22.579 --> 01:50:23.659 Is there any questions? 01:50:23.659 --> 01:50:25.500 Yep, let's stay on task. 01:50:26.899 --> 01:50:28.699 Please stop being disruptive. 01:50:28.699 --> 01:50:29.539 If there's no further discussion. 01:50:29.539 --> 01:50:31.260 But you're disruptive to me. 01:50:31.260 --> 01:50:33.380 If there's no further discussion. 01:50:33.380 --> 01:50:34.659 Madam Clerk, please take the role. 01:50:34.659 --> 01:50:36.100 Sanders. 01:50:36.100 --> 01:50:37.340 No. 01:50:37.340 --> 01:51:07.340 Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. The adoption, the resolution is adapted 5-2. Item number 16 is the adoption of resolution 2025-116. Could you please read this? Resolution approving an airport management agreement with Freeport Aviation for Albertus Airport. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. The city issued 01:51:07.340 --> 01:51:12.899 reviewed a request for quote or RFQ for the fixed base operator airport manager contract 01:51:12.899 --> 01:51:17.560 for Albertus Airport on August 11th, 2025. 01:51:17.560 --> 01:51:25.899 Initial meetings were held with four prospective applicants and three applicants submitted 01:51:25.899 --> 01:51:28.579 applications by the September 2nd deadline. 01:51:28.579 --> 01:51:36.420 The applications were opened on September 4th at City Hall and reviewed opening by myself, 01:51:36.420 --> 01:51:42.180 the Mayor, Alderman Sellers, the Public Works Director Darren Steekle, City Clerk 01:51:42.180 --> 01:51:48.060 Dovie Anderson, and Attorney Steve Cox were present. I am pleased to notify that 01:51:48.060 --> 01:51:52.819 all three applications received were excellent and all of them represented 01:51:52.819 --> 01:51:56.979 well-qualified applicants. The lowest of the three responsible applicants was 01:51:56.979 --> 01:52:04.659 Jeff Monica Freeport, Illinois at $157,500 per year. I am recommending the 01:52:04.659 --> 01:52:38.060 I'm just looking on the contract and it says that the operator airport operators shall 01:52:38.060 --> 01:52:41.380 who keep regular posted business hours, 01:52:41.380 --> 01:52:43.260 eight to six, Monday through Friday, 01:52:43.260 --> 01:52:46.520 eight to five, Saturday, and Sunday, eight to noon. 01:52:46.520 --> 01:52:49.140 Now, does that mean that the operator 01:52:49.140 --> 01:52:52.739 will be there in person all of those hours, 01:52:52.739 --> 01:52:55.000 or can they just be reached by phone, 01:52:55.000 --> 01:52:57.539 or how do they cover all of those hours? 01:52:58.840 --> 01:53:00.659 If I could answer that, I believe they can have 01:53:00.659 --> 01:53:07.739 a designee available during those hours. 01:53:07.739 --> 01:53:09.100 Thank you. 01:53:09.100 --> 01:53:10.279 Alderman Stacey. 01:53:10.279 --> 01:53:15.279 Yes, who's going to run the airport 01:53:16.880 --> 01:53:21.560 when this person is at his other job? 01:53:21.560 --> 01:53:26.560 And what terms was this negotiated under? 01:53:27.800 --> 01:53:32.800 And is the contract for a year or 19 years? 01:53:34.960 --> 01:53:36.399 I'll try to answer that. 01:53:36.399 --> 01:53:38.920 The operator is responsible to cover the hours 01:53:38.920 --> 01:53:39.760 and 01:53:39.760 --> 01:53:41.720 I'm just asking what is an alternate? 01:53:41.720 --> 01:53:45.720 Would you like me to finish the questions or go back to the alternate? 01:53:45.720 --> 01:53:46.720 Finish the question. 01:53:46.720 --> 01:53:47.720 Okay. 01:53:47.720 --> 01:53:52.720 So that I understand, would you please remind me of the last question? 01:53:52.720 --> 01:53:55.720 Yeah, that's a good question. 01:53:55.720 --> 01:53:58.220 Okay. 01:53:58.220 --> 01:54:01.220 So I'm just asking what is an alternate? 01:54:01.220 --> 01:54:04.220 I'm just asking what is an alternate? 01:54:04.220 --> 01:54:07.220 I'm just asking what is an alternate? 01:54:07.220 --> 01:54:15.760 remind me of the last question it is automatically renewed each year unless 01:54:15.760 --> 01:54:21.680 either the operator or the city is interested to open the contract and 01:54:21.680 --> 01:54:29.279 renegotiate it in which it will be a new request for quote be sent out in a 01:54:29.279 --> 01:54:34.500 similar fashion as this last one so it would be available for anyone to provide 01:54:34.500 --> 01:54:35.619 and I quote for him. 01:54:35.619 --> 01:54:40.619 Okay, you say some about the hours stated, unless what? 01:54:41.460 --> 01:54:44.140 No, I was trying to answer your question 01:54:44.140 --> 01:54:47.180 about the 19 years, one to 19 years. 01:54:47.180 --> 01:54:50.260 So if the operator's happy and the city is happy, 01:54:50.260 --> 01:54:52.579 it will auto renew each year. 01:54:52.579 --> 01:54:55.140 I said who is going to run the airport 01:54:55.140 --> 01:54:57.579 when he is at his other job? 01:54:57.579 --> 01:55:00.420 And you said something about it will be ran 01:55:00.420 --> 01:55:05.260 that the hours stated by him or an alternate. 01:55:05.260 --> 01:55:06.100 Right. 01:55:06.100 --> 01:55:07.159 So what's an alternate? 01:55:07.159 --> 01:55:09.380 We've never had an alternate before. 01:55:09.380 --> 01:55:10.220 That's incorrect. 01:55:10.220 --> 01:55:14.060 We have someone, it is, if there is an employee 01:55:14.060 --> 01:55:19.060 of the operator that can carry the office hours. 01:55:19.199 --> 01:55:22.579 But the employee of the operator is not 01:55:22.579 --> 01:55:25.479 who got interviewed for the position. 01:55:25.479 --> 01:55:28.380 You know, I just think it's sad that 01:55:30.420 --> 01:55:38.020 this lady that spoke to us tonight for 28 years you know this is her life this is 01:55:38.020 --> 01:55:46.819 her livelihood for 28 years she have ran that airport and there is nobody in miles 01:55:46.819 --> 01:55:52.819 that can touch her they're not equipped they don't know what they're doing 01:55:52.819 --> 01:56:01.800 Doerr and because they haven't done it and shame on you to take and not even consider 01:56:01.800 --> 01:56:05.439 her for this position. 01:56:05.439 --> 01:56:09.640 Manager Boyer. 01:56:09.640 --> 01:56:17.260 I will say that the current operator has been operating the airport for five years and this 01:56:17.260 --> 01:56:26.319 This was an open process that accepted three qualified statements or quotes. The quotes 01:56:26.319 --> 01:56:33.979 were opened with a panel who reviewed them all and the lowest quote was the one that 01:56:33.979 --> 01:56:38.680 was recommended for council to move forward with. 01:56:38.680 --> 01:56:39.680 Alderman Sanders? 01:56:39.680 --> 01:56:53.680 Yeah, this resolution that is being brought into our focus at this time, who is drafting this authorization of this resolution? 01:56:53.680 --> 01:57:06.680 And how do we even come to the decision of establishing whether or not we should move forward with this resolution in terms of who introduced this resolution? 01:57:06.680 --> 01:57:19.279 I mean, I mean, who gives the author, who gives the authorization to move on it on an issue of this caliber of this magnitude when it comes to contracts and things like that? 01:57:19.279 --> 01:57:27.920 I didn't know if I thought this was something that the council should be creating this type of resolution. 01:57:27.920 --> 01:57:37.920 It's not, it shouldn't be the city manager who's creating this resolution of hiring and firing someone that's dealing with the contract. 01:57:37.920 --> 01:57:52.920 I mean, just automatically spell out, had not spelled out the terms and things of this nature far as renewal and there's someone currently working there already. 01:57:52.920 --> 01:58:03.079 Already, and I feel that if council has not intervened in terms of the drafting of this 01:58:03.079 --> 01:58:11.680 resolution, I think this thing should be dismissed, thrown in the garbage until we come up with 01:58:11.680 --> 01:58:19.760 the right protocol on how we're going to conduct contracts with any management organization 01:58:19.760 --> 01:58:23.840 and system that we should be totally informed about it. 01:58:23.840 --> 01:58:26.520 And I feel that that is where we're at right now. 01:58:26.520 --> 01:58:30.479 We're not in a position to be doing resolution 01:58:30.479 --> 01:58:32.960 with the improper authorization 01:58:32.960 --> 01:58:35.680 of this particular resolution. 01:58:35.680 --> 01:58:39.840 And I feel that everyone here in council 01:58:39.840 --> 01:58:42.239 should really take a good look at this 01:58:43.079 --> 01:58:48.079 and see what is causing friction within the city 01:58:49.760 --> 01:58:59.520 and eliminating a superintendent out at the airport, eliminating that job and opening it up for 01:58:59.520 --> 01:59:05.840 others to come in and look at that job without any scrutiny. I don't feel we should be 01:59:07.600 --> 01:59:15.920 conducting this type of thing and I think council has the last say so when it comes to the resolution 01:59:15.920 --> 01:59:26.600 of Authorizing Any Memorandum, and I'm just saying that should be the procedure, unless 01:59:26.600 --> 01:59:34.840 you show me something else in writing that does not give the council the authorization 01:59:34.840 --> 01:59:38.079 to dismiss something that we have not even considered. 01:59:38.079 --> 01:59:40.880 Something that we have not even considered to authorize for a contract. So I think 01:59:41.680 --> 01:59:43.680 the council 01:59:43.840 --> 01:59:50.680 Not not no administrative heads or city manager mayor or attorney Zito or anyone like that 01:59:51.159 --> 01:59:58.539 Injecting or imposing anything on this particular resolution matter and I think this should come directly from the 01:59:59.680 --> 02:00:05.319 Intelligent minds that sits here in our council to look at the overall picture 02:00:06.000 --> 02:00:07.000 Miller. 02:00:07.000 --> 02:00:23.880 We have to make sure that what we're accepting here is properly set right or we got the proper 02:00:23.880 --> 02:00:28.840 provisions to allow such an authorization to go through. 02:00:28.840 --> 02:00:33.000 I don't even think we should be even entertaining this matter at this time. 02:00:33.000 --> 02:00:41.399 So let us re-evaluate ourselves and look at this thing real strong. 02:00:41.399 --> 02:00:43.439 Your four minutes has expired, Aldrin Sanders. 02:00:43.439 --> 02:00:44.439 Can I adopt it? 02:00:44.439 --> 02:00:45.439 Yeah, your four minutes has expired. 02:00:45.439 --> 02:00:46.439 Can I adopt it? 02:00:46.439 --> 02:00:47.439 Can I adopt another minute? 02:00:47.439 --> 02:00:48.439 No. 02:00:48.439 --> 02:00:51.880 And no one's fired. 02:00:51.880 --> 02:00:52.880 Every contract has an end date. 02:00:52.880 --> 02:00:53.880 Are you making a comment, Mayor? 02:00:53.880 --> 02:00:54.880 I can. 02:00:54.880 --> 02:00:55.880 You can? 02:00:55.880 --> 02:00:59.359 Would you please stop interrupting? 02:00:59.359 --> 02:01:01.399 Every contract has an end date. 02:01:01.399 --> 02:01:05.899 This is just an end date where... Alderman Sanders, please stop. 02:01:05.899 --> 02:01:08.600 I'm sorry. 02:01:08.600 --> 02:01:12.159 Attorney Zito. 02:01:12.159 --> 02:01:19.760 Just for clarification, this contract is being presented to you, the council, to vote on. 02:01:19.760 --> 02:01:21.800 You can vote yes or no on it. 02:01:21.800 --> 02:01:27.779 You guys have the final say on whether or not to approve who the city manager is recommending. 02:01:27.779 --> 02:01:29.659 It's just a recommendation. 02:01:29.659 --> 02:01:32.020 The council has the final say on it. 02:01:32.020 --> 02:01:36.350 And that's what's before you guys tonight. 02:01:36.350 --> 02:01:41.909 If you read the memo, it says that all three were qualified, the chosen one with lowest 02:01:41.909 --> 02:01:42.909 amount. 02:01:42.909 --> 02:01:43.909 We're going to see. 02:01:43.909 --> 02:01:44.909 Well, I want my second. 02:01:44.909 --> 02:01:46.869 So unless there's any further discussion. 02:01:46.869 --> 02:01:47.869 I want my second. 02:01:47.869 --> 02:01:48.869 Oh. 02:01:48.869 --> 02:01:49.869 You would like your second? 02:01:49.869 --> 02:01:50.869 Yeah. 02:01:50.869 --> 02:01:51.869 I like my second. 02:01:51.869 --> 02:01:52.869 Okay. 02:01:52.869 --> 02:01:53.869 Go ahead. 02:01:53.869 --> 02:01:54.869 Yeah. 02:01:54.869 --> 02:02:03.189 Attorney Zito, you failed to mention the fact that the person that put this on this agenda 02:02:03.189 --> 02:02:05.170 was not authorized to do so. 02:02:05.170 --> 02:02:08.729 We failed to acknowledge that. Yeah, go ahead. 02:02:08.729 --> 02:02:11.130 The City Manager has the authority to place items on the agenda. 02:02:11.130 --> 02:02:16.529 Well, we didn't see that in the memo. There was no memo drafted on that matter. 02:02:16.529 --> 02:02:20.130 Because we have to go through the same protocol. 02:02:20.130 --> 02:02:25.369 That is an authority that the City Manager has to, I mean, all these other items are 02:02:25.369 --> 02:02:30.119 on the agenda that the City Manager put on the agenda. 02:02:30.119 --> 02:02:32.039 Is there any other discussion on the resolution? 02:02:32.039 --> 02:02:35.000 Whether it's the right protocol or not is one. 02:02:35.000 --> 02:02:37.479 you should probably have a better understanding. 02:02:37.479 --> 02:02:38.600 If there's nothing further, 02:02:38.600 --> 02:02:40.159 Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? 02:02:40.159 --> 02:02:41.359 Sanders? 02:02:41.359 --> 02:02:42.279 No. 02:02:42.279 --> 02:02:43.119 Klemm? 02:02:43.119 --> 02:02:43.960 Aye. 02:02:43.960 --> 02:02:44.779 Johnson? 02:02:44.779 --> 02:02:45.619 Aye. 02:02:45.619 --> 02:02:46.460 Simmons? 02:02:46.460 --> 02:02:47.479 No. 02:02:47.479 --> 02:02:48.319 Parker? 02:02:48.319 --> 02:02:49.199 No. 02:02:49.199 --> 02:02:50.039 Stacy? 02:02:50.039 --> 02:02:50.880 No. 02:02:50.880 --> 02:02:51.720 Shadle? 02:02:51.720 --> 02:02:52.560 Aye. 02:02:53.520 --> 02:02:58.239 We have three in favor, four against, 02:02:58.239 --> 02:03:04.109 the resolution is not adopted, it fails. 02:03:04.109 --> 02:03:05.449 Please withhold. 02:03:07.270 --> 02:03:14.229 Such inappropriate tonight. It boggles my mind. Let's try to remain professional. Item number 02:03:14.229 --> 02:03:20.470 17 is approval of a bid. Could you please read this? We had a bid opening on September 10th, 2025, 02:03:20.470 --> 02:03:24.149 sewer lining for 2025. Manager Boyer. 02:03:27.909 --> 02:03:33.510 The City of Freeport has nearly 130 miles of sanitary sewer during the annual project 02:03:33.510 --> 02:03:34.510 hand. 02:03:34.510 --> 02:03:35.510 Thank you so much for being here. 02:03:35.510 --> 02:03:36.510 We are getting into the process of doing our public evaluation, curing, and placing lining. 02:03:36.510 --> 02:03:40.949 Locations are identified for rehab of the sanitary sewer piping that has cracks and 02:03:40.949 --> 02:03:45.210 defects, inflow and infiltration, or sags or settlements. 02:03:45.210 --> 02:03:51.189 Our IEPA mandatory CMOM, that's the Sewer Capacity Management Plan, specifies that the 02:03:51.189 --> 02:03:58.109 Freeport addresses annual sewer rehabilitations for our collection system, mainline piping 02:03:58.109 --> 02:04:00.550 for environmental concerns. 02:04:00.550 --> 02:04:08.189 Sewer lining is considered an industry accepted method of sewer main pipe rehabilitation and 02:04:08.189 --> 02:04:11.550 is more economical than open-cut excavation methods. 02:04:11.550 --> 02:04:16.729 Sewer lining is over 10 times cheaper to install and industry standards estimate over 60 years 02:04:16.729 --> 02:04:20.930 of sustainable, useful life after installation. 02:04:20.930 --> 02:04:27.829 On September 10, 2025, Fehr Graham and city staff had a public bid for 10,813 linear feet 02:04:27.829 --> 02:04:30.029 of sanitary sewer lining. 02:04:30.029 --> 02:04:34.630 These sewer areas are identified as areas of street replacement. 02:04:34.630 --> 02:04:40.550 The city has four reputable bidders that specialize in sewer lining and submitted bids. 02:04:40.550 --> 02:04:48.109 National power rotting was the low bidder at $419,763 under the engineering estimate, 02:04:48.109 --> 02:04:49.289 I might add. 02:04:49.289 --> 02:04:56.229 With approval, the installation should be completed by February 2026 and staff has budgeted 02:04:56.229 --> 02:04:58.470 this in the sewer budget. 02:04:58.470 --> 02:05:04.149 recommends moving forward with that national power riding with the lowest responsive bid. 02:05:04.149 --> 02:05:05.710 Is there a motion to approve? 02:05:05.710 --> 02:05:10.420 So moved. 02:05:10.420 --> 02:05:11.420 We have a second? 02:05:11.420 --> 02:05:12.420 Seconder. 02:05:12.420 --> 02:05:15.819 There will be a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm. 02:05:15.819 --> 02:05:16.819 Discussion on the bid? 02:05:16.819 --> 02:05:17.819 Alderman Sanders. 02:05:17.819 --> 02:05:18.819 Is there anybody else? 02:05:18.819 --> 02:05:19.819 Alderman Sanders. 02:05:19.819 --> 02:05:20.819 Oh, okay. 02:05:20.819 --> 02:05:21.819 Sanders. 02:05:21.819 --> 02:05:23.579 Oh, okay. 02:05:23.579 --> 02:05:34.180 Managers of Boyer, we had this conversation before, I believe, and we talked on some of 02:05:34.180 --> 02:05:42.779 the things that would take place to make sure that the residents are aware of the construction 02:05:42.779 --> 02:05:46.100 work that is going to take place. 02:05:46.100 --> 02:05:48.100 and 02:05:50.119 --> 02:05:52.119 John, and I'm going to ask you a question. 02:05:54.220 --> 02:05:56.579 Will any of this interfere with their service as these guys 02:05:56.579 --> 02:05:58.579 begin to do their project lining program and everything? 02:06:02.119 --> 02:06:04.380 Will anything disrupt their service in the process of you 02:06:04.380 --> 02:06:06.380 guys taking care of those linings? 02:06:08.479 --> 02:06:12.479 ** Should not. ** And you guys are doing 02:06:12.479 --> 02:06:13.479 Huffines. 02:06:13.479 --> 02:06:16.920 So I think we can do an installation that we can make sure that this is the appropriate 02:06:16.920 --> 02:06:19.960 thing to be doing for this particular area. 02:06:19.960 --> 02:06:27.899 I don't know how extensive our televising program is, and so I couldn't, I really can't 02:06:27.899 --> 02:06:36.119 make an observation to determine what it is that is going on in that field, but I suspect 02:06:36.119 --> 02:06:42.159 you guys would keep us informed about the conditions of these lines and why we are investing 02:06:42.159 --> 02:06:52.840 into these projects. Yes, that's correct. Any further discussion? Madam Clerk, please 02:06:52.840 --> 02:07:01.640 take the roll. Sanders? Oh yes. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. 02:07:01.640 --> 02:07:12.119 Stacy? Aye. And Shadle? Aye. The motion passes 6-7 to 0. Item number 18, would you please 02:07:12.119 --> 02:07:15.159 Please read this discussion. 02:07:15.159 --> 02:07:19.640 Discussion regarding awarding contracts to a dissolved business entity. 02:07:19.640 --> 02:07:20.640 Alderman Simmons. 02:07:20.640 --> 02:07:35.869 I'll try to get through this as quickly as possible. 02:07:35.869 --> 02:07:41.029 Pursuant to my responsibilities as a duty, duly elected all the person I am formally requesting 02:07:41.029 --> 02:07:46.270 that the following might be placed on the agenda, which was just read by City Clerk 02:07:46.270 --> 02:07:53.109 Anderson, considering consideration and discussion regarding the city procurement practices in 02:07:53.109 --> 02:08:23.109 In relation to the awarding of contracts to a business entity that was involuntarily dissolved by the Illinois Secretary of State in June 2025, it has come to my attention that a business whose corporate status was involuntarily dissolved under 805 ILCS 512.40 of the Illinois Business Corporation Act continues to be awarded bids and contracts for city projects as dissolution terminates the legal standing of the corporation except for limited purposes. 02:08:53.109 --> 02:08:54.109 and Stacey. 02:08:54.109 --> 02:09:21.609 I would just like to read 805 ILCS 5-1240 of the Illinois Business Corporation Act outlines 02:09:21.609 --> 02:09:29.250 the procedure for the administrative dissolution of a corporation by the secretary of state 02:09:29.250 --> 02:09:35.729 for failing to correct a default, such as failure to maintain a 02:09:35.729 --> 02:09:36.229 Are- 02:09:36.229 --> 02:09:42.340 to maintain a registered office or file required document. 02:09:42.340 --> 02:09:49.960 The secretary first sends a notice of delinquency to the corporation. 02:09:49.960 --> 02:10:03.739 If the default is not corrected within 90 days for most defaults, 30 days for certain 02:10:03.739 --> 02:10:05.460 others. 02:10:05.460 --> 02:10:10.380 the secretary issues a certificate of dissolution, 02:10:11.579 --> 02:10:14.420 formally dissolving the corporation. 02:10:14.420 --> 02:10:17.060 And that's what has happened here 02:10:17.060 --> 02:10:22.060 with Albert and Son Earthworks LLC. 02:10:25.479 --> 02:10:31.760 And if you go back in August, the 18th meeting, 02:10:31.760 --> 02:10:46.180 Davis, the 18th meeting, they were awarded these demos. However, I believe it was June 02:10:46.180 --> 02:10:58.180 the 13th, 2025, they were already in an involuntary dissolved situation. They're not even listed 02:10:58.180 --> 02:11:15.140 as a company currently and 90 days before that would have taken it three more months back. 02:11:15.140 --> 02:11:21.979 So we're probably looking at them not having a license or being affiliated in the state 02:11:21.979 --> 02:11:26.539 as a company back into March. 02:11:26.539 --> 02:11:59.710 Huffines, James, Jim, Jodi. However, we just gave them jobs totally almost a quarter million, and they're not even registered in good standing. How does that happen? You know, we send out for these bids, and we're supposed to trust what you're bringing us. And time and time again, we're finding that we can't trust what you're bringing us. 02:11:59.710 --> 02:12:08.750 This should not be, this should not be coming to us if you're not in good standing. 02:12:08.750 --> 02:12:20.270 You knew back in March that your license were suspended, April, May, June, July, August 02:12:20.270 --> 02:12:24.109 is when you were granted these. 02:12:24.109 --> 02:12:29.409 And whoever chose this, I know it was the lower bid, but who's looking at the people 02:12:29.409 --> 02:12:31.590 that's bidding for these jobs? 02:12:31.590 --> 02:12:44.069 and why didn't you know that they were not adequately a business with the state? 02:12:44.069 --> 02:12:45.770 All of that is false. 02:12:45.770 --> 02:12:46.770 Go ahead, Director. 02:12:46.770 --> 02:12:47.770 No. 02:12:47.770 --> 02:12:48.770 See, this is what I talk about. 02:12:48.770 --> 02:12:51.909 You're telling me, don't be disrespectful to you, but you, this is the third time. 02:12:51.909 --> 02:12:54.409 And you are putting out information that is not true. 02:12:54.409 --> 02:12:56.229 This is the third time you have. 02:12:56.229 --> 02:12:57.989 You are putting out information that is not true. 02:12:57.989 --> 02:12:58.989 No, it's not. 02:12:58.989 --> 02:13:00.989 I have it all right here. 02:13:00.989 --> 02:13:01.989 Please. 02:13:01.989 --> 02:13:04.350 Director Duckman, would you like to address those? 02:13:04.350 --> 02:13:12.550 No, I understand and I think that it's certainly something I can see that you're upset. I understand. I'm not trying to talk. Go ahead. I'm sorry. 02:13:12.550 --> 02:13:21.850 No, I'm just saying she's telling me I'm rude and I'm interrupted and don't but then she have fronted me three times tonight. 02:13:21.850 --> 02:13:25.970 All right. Go ahead, Wayne. 02:13:25.970 --> 02:13:33.670 I was just going to say let's start back with what we're talking about here and I'll start with a simply with a simple explanation as I can. 02:13:33.670 --> 02:13:39.010 and then I'll get I'll get into more of the details of the contract etc. What 02:13:39.010 --> 02:13:43.310 what we're talking about here is when you have a company corporation the state 02:13:43.310 --> 02:13:49.229 of Illinois requires you to file the fee I do it every year I have a company and I 02:13:49.229 --> 02:13:55.130 believe it's right around $72 for corporation you file some paperwork it's 02:13:55.130 --> 02:14:02.409 usually about a page and every year you're required to file as a corporation 02:14:02.409 --> 02:14:04.609 in the state of Illinois, that's a rule. 02:14:04.609 --> 02:14:08.770 So what we're talking about here is that Albert and Son, 02:14:08.770 --> 02:14:13.569 it has to do with when they filed their paperwork. 02:14:13.569 --> 02:14:16.930 I have been in contact with Albert and Son on this matter. 02:14:16.930 --> 02:14:19.329 They have filed their paperwork. 02:14:19.329 --> 02:14:21.449 I've seen the receipts. 02:14:21.449 --> 02:14:22.130 I have them. 02:14:22.130 --> 02:14:28.050 I mean, I have no reason to be dishonest about that. 02:14:28.050 --> 02:14:31.329 They have filed their paperwork. 02:14:31.329 --> 02:14:33.850 My understanding is they filed their paperwork late, 02:14:33.850 --> 02:14:35.770 which is probably why it's showing up 02:14:35.770 --> 02:14:39.810 as an involuntary dissolved organization. 02:14:39.810 --> 02:14:43.529 So if you file, I believe the deadline is August 1st. 02:14:43.529 --> 02:14:46.970 Again, there's different types of corporations. 02:14:46.970 --> 02:14:49.050 When I filed my corporation in the state of Illinois, 02:14:49.050 --> 02:14:51.130 the deadline was August 1st. 02:14:51.130 --> 02:14:53.609 So if you don't file on August 2nd, 02:14:53.609 --> 02:14:56.649 you're going to be involuntarily dissolved by the state of Illinois. 02:14:56.649 --> 02:15:00.329 The state of Illinois will let you file your paperwork late, 02:15:00.329 --> 02:15:02.529 But until you do file that paperwork late, 02:15:02.529 --> 02:15:06.649 you're involuntarily dissolved. 02:15:06.649 --> 02:15:09.729 Now, going back to how does the city of Freeport 02:15:09.729 --> 02:15:13.409 protect itself from this type of inaction, 02:15:13.409 --> 02:15:15.489 whether it be with malice or not, 02:15:15.489 --> 02:15:18.729 whether they intended to, how do we protect ourselves? 02:15:18.729 --> 02:15:22.210 There is a clause in our contract that says, 02:15:22.210 --> 02:15:24.890 we require all contractors to follow 02:15:24.890 --> 02:15:27.149 all state and federal laws. 02:15:27.149 --> 02:15:28.609 When they bid on the project, they 02:15:28.609 --> 02:15:32.850 We know it's not just City of Freeport ordinances, it's state and federal laws. 02:15:32.850 --> 02:15:42.130 Obviously, staff does everything they can to understand and to find any misuse of if 02:15:42.130 --> 02:15:44.229 somebody doesn't follow state or federal law. 02:15:44.229 --> 02:15:49.489 They're obviously long, there's many rules, but when we know about it, we will address 02:15:49.489 --> 02:15:54.409 it, which is why I had been in contact with Albert and Son to figure out what's the issue 02:15:54.409 --> 02:15:55.409 here. 02:15:55.409 --> 02:16:01.569 is when staff becomes aware of an issue, they have the right to bring it back to 02:16:01.569 --> 02:16:06.630 council to terminate the contract. We are now aware of the issue. Albert and Son 02:16:06.630 --> 02:16:11.770 has filed the paperwork, they've showed me the receipts, I've seen the receipts, 02:16:11.770 --> 02:16:17.289 and now the next step would be council can either say there was an issue, they 02:16:17.289 --> 02:16:22.170 fixed it, or council can say you know what, that's not good enough for us, we're 02:16:22.170 --> 02:16:24.250 We're going to move to terminate the contract. 02:16:24.250 --> 02:16:27.649 And there's really, I mean, those are your options. 02:16:27.649 --> 02:16:31.289 To be fair, I mean, if you think that filing this paperwork 02:16:31.289 --> 02:16:33.969 is egregious enough to where they need 02:16:33.969 --> 02:16:36.409 to have these contracts revoked, I 02:16:36.409 --> 02:16:38.649 think you talk to counsel and see if that's something 02:16:38.649 --> 02:16:39.930 you want to talk about. 02:16:39.930 --> 02:16:41.930 If you're like, no, you know what? 02:16:41.930 --> 02:16:44.129 They made a mistake. 02:16:44.129 --> 02:16:45.690 They were honest. 02:16:45.690 --> 02:16:48.170 They showed that they filed their paperwork late. 02:16:48.170 --> 02:16:50.250 We think that they've remedied the situation. 02:16:50.250 --> 02:16:51.489 Let's move this forward. 02:16:51.489 --> 02:16:54.549 I mean, that's a decision that I believe you should make. 02:16:54.549 --> 02:16:57.370 I mean, if we want to talk about it more, 02:16:57.370 --> 02:16:59.409 I answer more questions about it, that's fair. 02:16:59.409 --> 02:17:03.049 I mean, I'm here to answer them. 02:17:03.049 --> 02:17:05.370 Alderman Sanders. 02:17:05.370 --> 02:17:09.450 Thank you. 02:17:09.450 --> 02:17:19.200 Director Duckman, I understand the incompliance 02:17:19.200 --> 02:17:23.200 of the contract, but the fact of the matter, 02:17:23.200 --> 02:17:26.319 what came first, the horse or the cart? 02:17:26.319 --> 02:17:33.170 and the thing is, if the company or corporation 02:17:33.170 --> 02:17:39.110 was not in good standing with the state of Illinois, 02:17:39.110 --> 02:17:44.110 you cannot award or consider awarding any business entity, 02:17:45.309 --> 02:17:48.170 now let me finish, any business or entity 02:17:49.350 --> 02:17:54.350 with any acknowledgement of a potential contract, 02:17:54.350 --> 02:17:55.350 Huffines. 02:17:55.350 --> 02:17:58.909 They're off the table. 02:17:58.909 --> 02:18:05.670 They're not part of the bidding, whatever, receiving of the awards and contracts and things 02:18:05.670 --> 02:18:07.950 like that. 02:18:07.950 --> 02:18:16.229 If there's others in line and one falls off that didn't come into compliance, then the 02:18:16.229 --> 02:18:18.030 others move up. 02:18:18.030 --> 02:18:23.549 Other corporations move into that slot. 02:18:23.549 --> 02:18:53.549 and so on. But until then, that contract is still, like you say, they came in, they came in and came and got their company back on status and everything, but we're talking about time, dates, and when the state of Illinois gave them that status to do so. But until then, that contract is still in play. Or contracts or awards are still in play. 02:18:53.549 --> 02:19:00.829 I don't know who the players are but the fact of the matter is the one that didn't come 02:19:00.829 --> 02:19:04.989 into compliance just can't jump back into the first line. 02:19:04.989 --> 02:19:06.750 They just can't do that. 02:19:06.750 --> 02:19:13.110 You know, they just can't, just because they fell off, they can't be the first who receives 02:19:13.110 --> 02:19:14.969 an award, contract award. 02:19:14.969 --> 02:19:16.069 They can't do that. 02:19:16.069 --> 02:19:18.309 That's not the proper way it should be done. 02:19:18.309 --> 02:19:23.309 I don't know who else application was on file, 02:19:23.870 --> 02:19:25.270 but we needed to know that. 02:19:25.270 --> 02:19:28.149 We need to know if there was other considerations 02:19:28.149 --> 02:19:32.270 that could have been awarded those contracts 02:19:32.270 --> 02:19:33.870 and things of that nature, so. 02:19:33.870 --> 02:19:41.120 Fowler, and so on. So until we understand the timing and the dates of those contracts 02:19:41.120 --> 02:19:49.600 or the awarding, then there shouldn't be any awards out if there was only one person receiving 02:19:49.600 --> 02:19:54.000 the award or one company receiving the award. There shouldn't be any. We shouldn't even 02:19:54.000 --> 02:19:58.879 be entertaining it. As a matter of fact, it should have came back to the council so the 02:19:58.879 --> 02:20:03.600 and the Council could reevaluate it and say whether or not we want to move forward or 02:20:03.600 --> 02:20:04.600 not. 02:20:04.600 --> 02:20:11.260 We can't just take it and say, well, we're going to wait until you come into compliance. 02:20:11.260 --> 02:20:14.200 Make sure your status come into compliance. 02:20:14.200 --> 02:20:15.920 We can't do that. 02:20:15.920 --> 02:20:23.479 We have to be able to have that discussion while it's out there before someone has to 02:20:23.479 --> 02:20:24.920 correct their mistakes. 02:20:24.920 --> 02:20:27.479 I understand your point completely. 02:20:27.479 --> 02:20:33.000 I'm hearing you clearly. What I'm saying is you need to make a vote now and make a motion 02:20:33.000 --> 02:20:40.040 to say I motion that the council revoke the contract and move to the next person because 02:20:40.040 --> 02:20:43.280 the contract has been awarded and then you have to make that motion. 02:20:43.280 --> 02:20:44.280 That shouldn't have happened. 02:20:44.280 --> 02:20:45.280 What's that? 02:20:45.280 --> 02:20:46.280 That shouldn't have happened. 02:20:46.280 --> 02:20:47.280 Wait a minute. Wait a minute. This is wrong. 02:20:47.280 --> 02:20:49.459 I mean, if that's what you want to do, go ahead. 02:20:49.459 --> 02:20:54.000 You can't vote on anything. You can't vote tonight. Tonight's a discussion only. If something's 02:20:54.000 --> 02:20:58.659 This is putting out in a future council meeting for action, that's fine, but no vote can happen 02:20:58.659 --> 02:20:59.659 tonight. 02:20:59.659 --> 02:21:03.360 I understand, and I apologize for my speaking, but my point, what I'm trying to say here 02:21:03.360 --> 02:21:06.280 is they are currently in compliance. 02:21:06.280 --> 02:21:09.059 I have the receipts of them being in compliance. 02:21:09.059 --> 02:21:13.340 So we're talking about this, and we're talking about that. 02:21:13.340 --> 02:21:18.120 Our contract awards say that we require a person entering into the contract to follow 02:21:18.120 --> 02:21:23.620 federal, state, all laws, and when we know, as staff, that a law has been broken, that 02:21:23.620 --> 02:21:24.620 Huffines. 02:21:24.620 --> 02:21:27.260 They're not in compliance with the law, and we know about it. 02:21:27.260 --> 02:21:29.219 We're talking about it right now. 02:21:29.219 --> 02:21:32.739 So if there's something, but we also know that a remedy was made. 02:21:32.739 --> 02:21:34.059 They filed their paperwork. 02:21:34.059 --> 02:21:35.500 I have the receipts. 02:21:35.500 --> 02:21:38.540 They're now in compliance. 02:21:38.540 --> 02:21:40.819 This is not about an awarding and a bid, Alderman. 02:21:40.819 --> 02:21:42.819 We're not awarding a bid. 02:21:42.819 --> 02:21:47.379 Alderman Simmons, did you have something? 02:21:47.379 --> 02:21:57.670 so because as of June 2025 that on the state website that had not been resolved so I would 02:21:57.670 --> 02:22:05.190 like to know when also the bids we awarded we used grant funding knowing that they were 02:22:05.190 --> 02:22:11.989 or if not knowingly they were not compliant will that affect our future grants or put 02:22:11.989 --> 02:22:15.909 us from being able to get grants because we aren't doing what we're supposed to do. 02:22:15.909 --> 02:22:21.870 No. And I would say no, and I would confidently say no. Anytime a grant manager is when you're 02:22:21.870 --> 02:22:27.549 working in a grant, they will always have comments, questions. We need you to file a 02:22:27.549 --> 02:22:32.829 certain way. We notice that you're missing this compliance here. Anytime that you find 02:22:32.829 --> 02:22:39.389 an issue and you work to remedy the issue, they're not going to penalize you for that. 02:22:39.389 --> 02:22:43.430 It's the same with the state of Illinois. You missed your compliance date to register 02:22:43.430 --> 02:23:12.709 and 02:23:12.709 --> 02:23:15.950 If there's a remedy that wants to be investigated or discussed 02:23:15.950 --> 02:23:19.229 with our legal counsel, what remedies and options we have, 02:23:19.229 --> 02:23:24.639 I maybe ask that question. 02:23:24.639 --> 02:23:25.139 I'm sorry. 02:23:25.139 --> 02:23:27.879 My second question was the date. 02:23:27.879 --> 02:23:33.840 I became aware of this probably early part of late last week. 02:23:33.840 --> 02:23:37.559 It's probably my guess is when I became aware of the. 02:23:37.559 --> 02:23:39.680 That's when I became aware that they weren't in compliance 02:23:39.680 --> 02:23:40.559 with this. 02:23:40.559 --> 02:23:44.299 That's when I found out. 02:23:44.299 --> 02:23:56.299 Yes, I have it on my phone. If you give me a minute, I'll try to find it. But I do have it. It says receipts, filed the paperwork, paid the receipt. I have it. I have it in my phone. 02:23:56.299 --> 02:24:12.299 Without using my second time, Attorney Zito, do you have anything to say to that? Because I know in most cases when you use grant funding, you are audited and they come and they look at those things with a fine-tooth comb. Do you have anything to add to that? 02:24:12.299 --> 02:24:17.180 I don't know the specifics as whether or not this would create a problem for our 02:24:17.180 --> 02:24:21.180 grants. I suppose that is a question ultimately for the grant administrators to 02:24:21.180 --> 02:24:26.379 say hey do you guys think this would cause a problem that at the time of the 02:24:26.379 --> 02:24:30.780 award they technically were not in good standing with the Secretary of State's 02:24:30.780 --> 02:24:34.620 office. They have now remedied it. What say you grant administrator does that 02:24:34.620 --> 02:24:39.120 create a problem? I can't speak for the grant people. We would have to ask them 02:24:39.120 --> 02:25:11.040 to know for certain. Oldham and Klemm. Just a question for Gertrude or Director Duckman. Was a bid bond issued on this, Jim? Yes, there's a bid bond in this. It's actually a check. They have a bid bond. When contractors bid, they have the option stated clearly. They can either do a check, cashier's check, or a bond. So, and this one is a check. Dollars and cents, regardless of what happens, we're covered. 02:25:11.040 --> 02:25:20.950 yeah yes then we will move on to item number 19 which is reports of department 02:25:20.950 --> 02:25:31.709 heads finance development nothing tonight madam mayor public works two things 02:25:31.709 --> 02:25:38.829 quickly we've had a significant amount of calls recently about sewer laterals or 02:25:38.829 --> 02:25:43.629 or Sewer Services at homes that have root issues. 02:25:43.629 --> 02:25:46.590 Just a point of clarification for residents. 02:25:46.590 --> 02:25:50.190 Sewer laterals or sewer services are owned by the homeowner 02:25:50.190 --> 02:25:51.950 from the house to the main. 02:25:51.950 --> 02:25:55.110 Those issues, while you can call the city 02:25:55.110 --> 02:25:58.030 and ask for assistance, those are financially 02:25:58.030 --> 02:26:00.510 borne by the residents themselves 02:26:00.510 --> 02:26:02.270 as part of our codes and ordinances. 02:26:02.270 --> 02:26:04.590 So that's one point I wanted to make. 02:26:04.590 --> 02:26:07.510 The second point I'd like to make tonight, 02:26:07.510 --> 02:26:13.870 and I've hinted on this a handful of times, but recently we've seen an uptick from really 02:26:13.870 --> 02:26:19.510 abusive behavior to our public works staff and our people that answer the phones. 02:26:19.510 --> 02:26:24.149 And I'm making it a point of clarification that we're not going to tolerate it at the 02:26:24.149 --> 02:26:26.229 public works department. 02:26:26.229 --> 02:26:30.469 We will pull up lightly and all calls that are made that are abusive. 02:26:30.469 --> 02:26:32.790 Our staff does not get paid to be abused. 02:26:32.790 --> 02:26:37.030 I realize people are having situations that they're upset about. 02:26:37.030 --> 02:26:41.870 that doesn't mean we get to scream, cuss and yell and take it out on the city employees. 02:26:41.870 --> 02:26:48.510 We're here to help solve problems and moving forward, we will politely end all calls that 02:26:48.510 --> 02:26:52.149 are not done in a professional manner with our department. 02:26:52.149 --> 02:26:54.870 Fire? 02:26:54.870 --> 02:26:56.670 Nothing from fire this evening. 02:26:56.670 --> 02:26:59.790 I just have two things. 02:26:59.790 --> 02:27:05.129 First off, on the Freeport Police Department Facebook page, there is a flyer about the 02:27:05.129 --> 02:27:06.729 is a civilian police academy. 02:27:06.729 --> 02:27:09.729 So we do have openings, we're looking for more people. 02:27:09.729 --> 02:27:13.850 So if anyone's interested, you can visit our Facebook page. 02:27:13.850 --> 02:27:16.930 We're taking people until September 26th 02:27:16.930 --> 02:27:19.909 and planning on starting on October 2nd. 02:27:19.909 --> 02:27:23.010 So all the information's on there, there's a flyer. 02:27:23.010 --> 02:27:28.010 Secondly, back in 2024, the Stevens County ETSB 02:27:28.409 --> 02:27:32.770 voted to switch report management systems. 02:27:32.770 --> 02:27:35.489 So currently, the Freeport Police Department, 02:27:35.489 --> 02:27:38.610 Stevens County Sheriff's Department, and FIRE, 02:27:38.610 --> 02:27:42.530 we utilize a system called CIS. 02:27:42.530 --> 02:27:47.530 We've been with CIS probably since 2012, I'm guessing. 02:27:47.530 --> 02:27:50.209 Since 2012, CIS hasn't evolved at all. 02:27:50.209 --> 02:27:52.370 It's just kind of remained stuck 02:27:52.370 --> 02:27:54.049 in the same form as what it was. 02:27:54.049 --> 02:27:56.850 And so we felt that there was a need for a change. 02:27:56.850 --> 02:28:00.930 So ETSB voted to switch to Central Square. 02:28:00.930 --> 02:28:03.170 This is a huge project. 02:28:03.170 --> 02:28:06.409 It's gonna go live tomorrow at eight o'clock. 02:28:06.409 --> 02:28:08.489 There has been training, obviously, 02:28:08.489 --> 02:28:13.209 but we're gonna flip the switch tomorrow at eight a.m. 02:28:13.209 --> 02:28:15.250 So please be patient, 02:28:15.250 --> 02:28:17.610 because that's gonna affect the way calls are generated. 02:28:17.610 --> 02:28:20.069 It's gonna affect the way that we write reports. 02:28:20.069 --> 02:28:23.530 It's also gonna, things that we've had available 02:28:24.610 --> 02:28:27.409 in certain parts of this program 02:28:27.409 --> 02:28:29.770 may not be available in Central Square. 02:28:29.770 --> 02:28:30.770 We'll figure that out. 02:28:30.770 --> 02:28:32.930 We'll work out the kinks on that. 02:28:32.930 --> 02:28:34.809 I know one of the things that's really popular 02:28:34.809 --> 02:28:39.049 is our police activity blotter that's posted. 02:28:39.049 --> 02:28:42.110 I believe that's like an algorithm or something correct. 02:28:42.110 --> 02:28:43.450 That's not anything we control, 02:28:43.450 --> 02:28:47.129 but it was something that IT helped start. 02:28:47.129 --> 02:28:49.209 As far as Central Square, we have to determine 02:28:49.209 --> 02:28:50.809 if that's even possible right now. 02:28:50.809 --> 02:28:53.049 I mean, tomorrow is gonna be just the basics 02:28:53.049 --> 02:28:54.389 on how to operate it. 02:28:54.389 --> 02:28:57.569 And then from there, we will dig deeper in there 02:28:57.569 --> 02:29:00.170 and find out exactly all the stuff that it has. 02:29:00.170 --> 02:29:02.409 it definitely has a lot of different options 02:29:02.409 --> 02:29:03.969 and opportunities for us, 02:29:03.969 --> 02:29:05.290 but we're gonna have to learn it 02:29:05.290 --> 02:29:09.450 before we're able to showcase all that stuff. 02:29:09.450 --> 02:29:12.409 Library. 02:29:12.409 --> 02:29:13.489 Thank you. 02:29:13.489 --> 02:29:16.290 I just wanted to make sure everybody here knows 02:29:16.290 --> 02:29:21.290 that the Sculpture Walk is having our big opening events 02:29:21.850 --> 02:29:22.850 this week. 02:29:22.850 --> 02:29:26.329 On Friday, there is a ribbon cutting at 12 p.m., 02:29:26.329 --> 02:29:31.329 which will be down by the gateway area of the Arts Plaza. 02:29:31.329 --> 02:29:32.280 area of the Arts Plaza. 02:29:32.280 --> 02:29:35.760 And then the reception for the sculpture walk 02:29:35.760 --> 02:29:38.440 is from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library. 02:29:38.440 --> 02:29:41.840 It is open to the public and you will be able to meet 02:29:41.840 --> 02:29:44.739 and greet with some of the artists of the sculptures. 02:29:45.879 --> 02:29:50.860 IT, airport, city manager. 02:29:52.100 --> 02:29:54.899 Yes, Madam Mayor, I have two items. 02:29:54.899 --> 02:29:57.100 The project that's going on at the intersection 02:29:57.100 --> 02:30:00.700 of Stevenson and Perk Boulevard has had an expected 02:30:01.340 --> 02:30:06.940 completion date of Friday September 19th due to a gas main issue this project 02:30:06.940 --> 02:30:12.500 will be worked on through the next week. The gas main in the intersection is at 02:30:12.500 --> 02:30:15.940 risk of being disrupted and the gas company has been notified and their 02:30:15.940 --> 02:30:20.219 efforts are currently the final step before paving can take place. We 02:30:20.219 --> 02:30:23.659 understand the inconvenience this is causing to the community and we are 02:30:23.659 --> 02:30:27.620 excited to open this up area up with upgraded infrastructure as soon as 02:30:27.620 --> 02:30:31.219 possible. Thank you and I appreciate your patience and understanding on that. 02:30:31.219 --> 02:30:39.500 In addition, for the better part of this summer, our new and excellent animal control officer 02:30:39.500 --> 02:30:44.180 has been under attack by groups on social media that have gone even as far as making 02:30:44.180 --> 02:30:49.739 threats to the officer, those involved in their daily tasks. 02:30:49.739 --> 02:30:54.420 I find it necessary to stand up for all employees of the city and specifically our animal control 02:30:54.420 --> 02:30:59.540 officer who is doing an outstanding job in ensuring that the laws are followed, the job 02:30:59.540 --> 02:31:00.540 Johnson. 02:31:00.540 --> 02:31:03.340 The job gets done, and most importantly, these animals are taken care of. 02:31:03.340 --> 02:31:08.340 To everyone making these misinformed and hateful posts, understand that these employees are 02:31:08.340 --> 02:31:13.700 members of our community who show up to work every day in order to serve the city in their 02:31:13.700 --> 02:31:14.700 capacity. 02:31:14.700 --> 02:31:19.819 We appreciate the community's input, but threats and hateful speech should not be aimed at 02:31:19.819 --> 02:31:20.819 our workers. 02:31:20.819 --> 02:31:21.819 Thank you. 02:31:21.819 --> 02:31:25.819 I have nothing new. Alderman Sanders? 02:31:25.819 --> 02:31:32.190 Oh, no. 02:31:32.190 --> 02:31:36.190 Alderman Parker? Sorry. Alderman Klemm. My apologies. 02:31:36.190 --> 02:31:40.190 Nothing, Madam Mayor. Alderman Johnson? 02:31:40.190 --> 02:31:44.190 Yes, we have a neighborhood watch meeting this Thursday at 630 at 02:31:44.190 --> 02:31:48.190 3002 Farmedale Lane and also this Saturday is 02:31:48.190 --> 02:31:52.190 the block party at Franken State from 1 to 4 and Church in the 02:31:52.190 --> 02:31:56.190 from 1 to 2.30 on Sunday at Frankenstein. 02:31:56.190 --> 02:31:58.190 Alderman Simmons? 02:31:58.190 --> 02:32:00.190 No, I don't have anything, thank you. 02:32:00.190 --> 02:32:01.190 Alderman Parker? 02:32:01.190 --> 02:32:08.190 Yes, the Civilian Police Academy the chief talked about is an excellent program and I highly recommend anybody can take it. 02:32:08.190 --> 02:32:11.190 Then the others, we have a neighborhood watch meeting next Monday night. 02:32:11.190 --> 02:32:12.190 Thank you. 02:32:12.190 --> 02:32:14.729 Alderman Stacey? 02:32:14.729 --> 02:32:19.729 Fifth Ward has a neighborhood watch meeting tomorrow. 02:32:19.729 --> 02:32:22.729 It's six o'clock at the church on Carroll. 02:32:22.729 --> 02:32:37.399 Alderman Shadle. Nothing tonight. Public comments. My name is Cheryl Alton and so 02:32:37.399 --> 02:32:43.309 Wayne you admitted that you knew Albers didn't have the right states filed out 02:32:43.309 --> 02:32:51.309 with states but that you allowed them to tear down buildings and also you Darren 02:32:51.309 --> 02:32:57.909 or Rob should have been out there they did not follow EPA regulations at all 02:32:57.909 --> 02:33:03.030 I've got pictures of it with dust flying everywhere. No fences surrounding stuff. 02:33:03.030 --> 02:33:08.790 And that's on my property. Shh! And I'm sure they didn't follow it anymore 02:33:08.790 --> 02:33:13.770 because we've got pictures of this. Also, you tore down my house Wayne. You think 02:33:13.770 --> 02:33:19.950 you got a big win. Now that I found out tonight, you don't. Also, you took my 02:33:19.950 --> 02:33:25.430 driveway, my back lot, and my steps. Why? That driveway was not part of the 02:33:25.430 --> 02:33:26.430 Miller. 02:33:26.430 --> 02:33:33.309 And Rob, I've been on you for three weeks to get me the paperwork of all this. 02:33:33.309 --> 02:33:38.739 And you sit there and Mayor Miller, you don't like it when people come up here and talk 02:33:38.739 --> 02:33:39.739 about elders. 02:33:39.739 --> 02:33:42.299 It irritates you. 02:33:42.299 --> 02:33:46.139 It irritates you because, you know, they get things wrong. 02:33:46.139 --> 02:33:50.260 And I sure hope they pay for it soon because people are waking up and they've not followed 02:33:50.260 --> 02:33:55.219 it and thank God that this lady will be able to hopefully keep her job because people voted 02:33:55.219 --> 02:33:56.219 for that. 02:33:56.219 --> 02:33:58.219 and 02:33:59.500 --> 02:34:01.500 John. 02:34:02.680 --> 02:34:06.260 You want to get somebody in there that's crooked just like the 02:34:06.260 --> 02:34:10.260 rest of the people. That's why you wanted her out. 02:34:10.260 --> 02:34:12.260 Any other public comments? 02:34:30.799 --> 02:34:36.670 Hi, Winchester Drive. I notice that we go for the lowest bid. 02:34:36.670 --> 02:34:39.629 I know you look to save the buck because that's what everybody 02:34:39.629 --> 02:34:40.629 and so on. 02:34:40.629 --> 02:34:41.629 That's what everybody does. 02:34:41.629 --> 02:34:42.629 They always go for the lowest bid. 02:34:42.629 --> 02:34:51.469 And we're a distressed city, and I hate that label, distressed city, Freeport isn't distressed. 02:34:51.469 --> 02:35:02.270 So maybe sometimes going for maybe not the lowest bid, maybe the next, maybe looking 02:35:02.270 --> 02:35:05.790 at everybody's qualifications and saying, yeah, they came with a low bid and they have 02:35:05.790 --> 02:35:11.129 have all the qualifications we need, but this person really knows the area. So I'm very 02:35:11.129 --> 02:35:18.209 happy that it didn't go through. Also, for the people that are on oxygen when we're talking 02:35:18.209 --> 02:35:29.309 about this, ComEd or MC Squared, if they're on oxygen with ComEd or if they're on a ventilator 02:35:29.309 --> 02:35:35.790 Bader, or if they're on any kind of home oxygen equipment or home medical equipment and the 02:35:35.790 --> 02:35:41.790 power goes out, you are on a list that immediately your area is worked on right away because 02:35:41.790 --> 02:35:43.309 some of these people, they cannot go. 02:35:43.309 --> 02:35:47.229 They have generators, but the generators don't go that long. 02:35:47.229 --> 02:35:54.430 So ComEd immediately works on your property so that the oxygen comes back up and the ventilators 02:35:54.430 --> 02:35:55.430 come back on. 02:35:55.430 --> 02:35:59.829 I know this is about disability rights and I know this is about the ADA and maybe that 02:35:59.829 --> 02:36:04.750 group should have been pulled in, but I don't know, Mr. Mudge, what would happen with MC 02:36:04.750 --> 02:36:09.309 Squared because everybody, like I started out saying, everybody likes to save a buck. 02:36:09.309 --> 02:36:17.069 If MC Squared really does save the dollars, do they also have this list to be able to 02:36:17.069 --> 02:36:23.590 lift the people that are on oxygen, are on ventilators, are on home medical equipment, 02:36:23.590 --> 02:36:24.510 Speider, Prime Minister, Melvin Hego. 02:36:24.510 --> 02:36:26.790 Thank you. 02:36:26.790 --> 02:36:36.209 Our 02:36:36.209 --> 02:36:44.649 itz 02:36:44.649 --> 02:36:46.649 Thank you. 02:36:46.649 --> 02:36:48.649 Any other public comments? 02:36:48.649 --> 02:36:53.559 Sir? 02:36:53.559 --> 02:36:55.559 Just for the record, ComEd is 02:36:55.559 --> 02:36:57.559 sort of a delivery company 02:36:57.559 --> 02:36:59.559 for all the power. 02:36:59.559 --> 02:37:01.559 They control the list and everything, 02:37:01.559 --> 02:37:03.559 that doesn't go away. 02:37:03.559 --> 02:37:05.559 So if the power goes out, 02:37:05.559 --> 02:37:07.559 ComEd will send a message 02:37:07.559 --> 02:37:09.559 or whatever to say they're calling to 02:37:09.559 --> 02:37:11.559 no matter who it's by. 02:37:11.559 --> 02:37:13.559 Okay, thank you very much. 02:37:13.559 --> 02:37:34.799 Any other public comments? 02:37:34.799 --> 02:38:08.000 Councilmen and women and you my constituents. I take my position seriously and yeah sometimes I too fall short and get upset because right is right and wrong is wrong. 02:38:08.000 --> 02:38:20.799 So I stand before you tonight apologizing for my shortcomings. I'm only human. 02:38:20.799 --> 02:38:42.879 For future reference, Director Duckman, I just think it's only right that everybody be in good standing. 02:38:42.879 --> 02:38:49.520 that bids on jobs and maybe that's something that can be added to the 02:38:49.520 --> 02:38:57.120 ordinance or to the process or to the whatever that they have to show that 02:38:57.120 --> 02:39:06.639 they are in right standing. I'm not trying to take nobody's life hood away. 02:39:06.639 --> 02:39:19.600 Right is right and wrong is wrong and we have to come correct. We all have to come 02:39:19.600 --> 02:39:30.079 Correct. It's not this can work for you and not for me. We're in this together. 02:39:30.079 --> 02:39:41.899 and with that being said I just want to read Isaiah 40 and 8. The grass withers 02:39:41.899 --> 02:39:53.020 and the flowers fade but the word of God stands forever. Father God in the name of 02:39:53.020 --> 02:40:01.159 Jesus we praise you we thank you for being God all by yourself Lord. Continue 02:40:01.159 --> 02:40:10.360 to look down upon us your people, O God. Continue to lead us and guide us. Order our steps according 02:40:10.360 --> 02:40:22.739 to your word, for it's your word that cannot return void. Give us understanding. Give her 02:40:22.739 --> 02:40:33.370 a greater knowledge and understanding of what we need to do for this year's city, for we 02:40:33.370 --> 02:40:50.920 We stand in victory. We walk by faith and not by sight. We thank you for being in control. 02:40:50.920 --> 02:40:54.819 In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 02:40:54.819 --> 02:40:59.360 Any other public comments this evening? I'll entertain a motion for adjournment. 02:40:59.360 --> 02:41:00.360 So moved. 02:41:00.360 --> 02:41:01.360 Second. 02:41:01.360 --> 02:41:04.239 We have a motion made by Shadle. 02:41:04.239 --> 02:41:05.239 Second. 02:41:05.239 --> 02:41:07.840 Seconded by Alderman Parker. All those in favor? 02:41:07.840 --> 02:41:08.840 Aye. 02:41:08.840 --> 02:41:09.840 Have a good evening.