WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.000 Okay, it's 545. Ruth, could you please give the invocation? 00:00:07.000 --> 00:00:08.000 Okay. 00:00:09.000 --> 00:00:11.000 Ruth, sit on him. 00:00:16.109 --> 00:00:18.109 Good to see all of you. 00:00:19.109 --> 00:00:22.109 I have a little scripture to share with you from Psalms. 00:00:22.109 --> 00:00:27.109 This is Moses and saying, Psalm 90, 12, 00:00:27.109 --> 00:00:35.270 So, teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom. 00:00:35.270 --> 00:00:40.549 Do return, O Lord, how long will it be, and be sorry for your servants. 00:00:40.549 --> 00:00:46.990 O, satisfy us in the morning with your loving kindness, that we may sing for joy. 00:00:46.990 --> 00:00:53.950 Make us glad according to the days you have afflicted us, and the years we have seen evil. 00:00:53.950 --> 00:00:58.789 Let your work appear to your servants and your majesty to their children. 00:00:58.789 --> 00:01:05.709 Let the favor of the Lord, our God, be upon us and confirm for us the work of our hands. 00:01:05.709 --> 00:01:10.859 Yes, confirm the work of our hands. 00:01:10.859 --> 00:01:15.340 Lord, we come before you with gratitude. 00:01:15.340 --> 00:01:22.079 We thank you for being a God of love who is with us now in this very room. 00:01:22.079 --> 00:01:25.540 You never leave us or forsake us. 00:01:25.540 --> 00:01:28.760 Your grace has brought us to tonight. 00:01:28.760 --> 00:01:35.000 We thank you for making each of us in this room, every person we meet, every citizen 00:01:35.000 --> 00:01:41.480 of this city, in your image with dignity and infinite worth. 00:01:41.480 --> 00:01:47.840 We thank you for the calling you have given every one of us to be good stewards of your 00:01:47.840 --> 00:02:01.040 We ask you Father to protect the plans you have from oppressors from those that seek destruction. 00:02:01.040 --> 00:02:09.400 We thank you for our Mayor, our City Manager, our City staff, and our City Council members. 00:02:09.400 --> 00:02:17.539 We give thanks for the way of service they have been chosen to take up on behalf of Freeport. 00:02:17.539 --> 00:02:24.979 We all come to this room tonight as complex human beings, carrying burdens, carrying joy 00:02:24.979 --> 00:02:31.159 and hope, trusting that you alone can hold us together in your love and peace. 00:02:31.159 --> 00:02:38.400 Help us, Lord, to trust you more, more than our fears and our wounds and even our accomplishments. 00:02:38.400 --> 00:02:45.319 May we lean on you, not only tonight, but also for the future plans of the city. 00:02:45.319 --> 00:02:52.560 We are humbled and reminded that those in authority are first and foremost your servants. 00:02:52.560 --> 00:02:58.240 That honoring you and doing your will is their higher purpose. 00:02:58.240 --> 00:03:02.120 And so we pray that you would be glorified this evening. 00:03:02.120 --> 00:03:09.400 We pray that we would have the eyes to see how our lives are all connected and how our 00:03:09.400 --> 00:03:16.199 Our common good is upheld as we listen and respect each other. 00:03:16.199 --> 00:03:24.680 We pray for wisdom, for strength, for courage to do what is right and good for all citizens. 00:03:24.680 --> 00:03:28.080 May we put the interests of others above our own. 00:03:28.080 --> 00:03:31.439 May we act with love for the common good. 00:03:31.439 --> 00:03:37.719 Thank you again for this council, our mayor, our city staff, our first responders, and 00:03:37.719 --> 00:03:43.599 and all of those who are working towards making Freeport a thriving city in the name of Jesus. 00:03:43.599 --> 00:03:44.599 Amen. 00:03:44.599 --> 00:03:45.599 Amen. 00:03:45.599 --> 00:03:46.599 Thank you. 00:03:46.599 --> 00:03:47.599 Thank you, Ruth. 00:03:47.599 --> 00:03:48.599 Thank you, Ruth. 00:03:48.599 --> 00:03:49.599 So now we'll officially call this meeting to order. 00:03:49.599 --> 00:03:51.360 Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? 00:03:51.360 --> 00:03:52.360 Mayor Miller? 00:03:52.360 --> 00:03:53.360 Here. 00:03:53.360 --> 00:03:54.360 Alderpersons, Klemm? 00:03:54.360 --> 00:03:55.360 Here. 00:03:55.360 --> 00:03:56.360 Johnson? 00:03:56.360 --> 00:03:57.360 Here. 00:03:57.360 --> 00:03:58.360 Simmons is absent. 00:03:58.360 --> 00:03:59.360 Parker? 00:03:59.360 --> 00:04:00.360 Here. 00:04:00.360 --> 00:04:03.960 Stacy is waiting on the phone for us, but will be marked absent. 00:04:03.960 --> 00:04:04.960 Shadle? 00:04:04.960 --> 00:04:05.960 Here. 00:04:05.960 --> 00:04:11.879 is absent and Sellers here. If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by 00:04:11.879 --> 00:04:22.620 Alderman Sellers. I apologize Alderman Stacey. I need a motion to allow Alderman Stacey to 00:04:22.620 --> 00:04:28.759 attend remotely. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Johnson seconded by Alderman 00:04:28.759 --> 00:04:35.879 Sellers. Could you please take the roll? Klemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Parker. Aye. Johnson. Aye. 00:04:35.879 --> 00:04:50.339 Shadle and Sellers. The motion passes 5-0. Alderman Stacey, are you on? Thank you. Okay. Now we'll stand for the pledge. 00:04:50.339 --> 00:05:06.339 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:05:06.339 --> 00:05:13.790 So, for the record, I would just like to state that we just concluded our Finance Committee 00:05:13.790 --> 00:05:19.110 of the Whole where the meeting was exclusively for public comment on the budget. 00:05:19.110 --> 00:05:24.170 Please note that no members of the public were in attendance for input. 00:05:24.170 --> 00:05:28.250 With that, we will move on to item number four, which is the approval of the agenda. 00:05:28.250 --> 00:05:29.250 Is there such a motion? 00:05:29.250 --> 00:05:30.250 So moved. 00:05:30.250 --> 00:05:31.250 Second. 00:05:31.250 --> 00:05:34.430 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:05:34.430 --> 00:05:37.149 Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? 00:05:37.149 --> 00:05:38.149 Sellers. 00:05:38.149 --> 00:06:11.569 Klemm, Johnson, Parker, Stacy, and Shadle. The motion passes six to zero. Item number five is approval of the minutes from the Committee of the Whole held on September 8th, 2025. Is there a motion? Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? And Shadle? Aye. 00:06:11.569 --> 00:06:12.569 Winslow. 00:06:12.569 --> 00:06:13.569 All right. 00:06:13.569 --> 00:06:15.009 The motion passes six to zero. 00:06:15.009 --> 00:06:19.970 And I don't believe there's any public comments signed in, so we'll move on to item number 00:06:19.970 --> 00:06:28.769 seven, which is the Greater Freeport Partnerships Quarterly Report, Executive Director Winter. 00:06:28.769 --> 00:06:30.889 Good evening, everyone. 00:06:30.889 --> 00:06:32.529 Good evening. 00:06:32.529 --> 00:06:38.129 Tonight's presentation will provide more detailed information in key project areas, a full summary 00:06:38.129 --> 00:06:44.129 of the partnerships activities and all our strategic focus areas is provided in our quarterly 00:06:44.129 --> 00:06:48.689 report which Nicole is distributing right now. 00:06:48.689 --> 00:06:53.649 October is manufacturing month and we are taking the opportunity to celebrate this key 00:06:53.649 --> 00:06:55.490 industry in Freeport. 00:06:55.490 --> 00:07:05.649 Do I just need to click here? 00:07:05.649 --> 00:07:15.240 Oh, okay, gotcha. 00:07:15.240 --> 00:07:19.379 Apologies, there was a video that isn't going to play but we'll just talk about the pictures 00:07:19.379 --> 00:07:20.639 that are on the slide. 00:07:20.639 --> 00:07:26.199 Every October, Illinois Manufacturers Association, in conjunction with Illinois Manufacturers 00:07:26.199 --> 00:07:30.079 Excellence Center, highlight manufacturers throughout the state of Illinois with their 00:07:30.079 --> 00:07:36.600 Makers on the Move bus tour, which stops at select manufacturers throughout the state. 00:07:36.600 --> 00:07:41.639 Through coordination with our office, Snack King was selected as a stop on the tour. 00:07:41.639 --> 00:07:46.600 This was a great opportunity to shine a light on manufacturing careers, Snack King, and 00:07:46.600 --> 00:07:48.920 their employees. 00:07:48.920 --> 00:07:52.720 Let's break down the economic impact of manufacturing. 00:07:52.720 --> 00:08:19.459 Approximately 30% of Stevenson County's economy is so valuable to our local economy. 00:08:19.459 --> 00:08:23.699 Approximately 30% of Stevenson County employees 00:08:23.699 --> 00:08:26.620 are directly or indirectly employed 00:08:26.620 --> 00:08:28.860 by the manufacturing industry. 00:08:28.860 --> 00:08:31.860 The average wage across all manufacturing jobs 00:08:31.860 --> 00:08:35.899 is just shy of $72,000 a year. 00:08:35.899 --> 00:08:39.419 $2.8 billion is the economic impact 00:08:39.419 --> 00:08:42.700 of the manufacturing industry, and it continues to grow. 00:08:43.600 --> 00:08:46.340 Recently, the expansion of Sevencia, 00:08:46.340 --> 00:08:48.960 formerly known as Colblena, 00:08:48.960 --> 00:08:51.419 expanded or is undergoing an expansion. 00:08:51.419 --> 00:08:53.039 The partnership worked to expand 00:08:53.039 --> 00:08:54.919 the Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone 00:08:54.919 --> 00:08:59.659 to incorporate Sevincia Colblina into the zone. 00:08:59.659 --> 00:09:03.120 Benefits of the zone have made a $7 million expansion 00:09:03.120 --> 00:09:07.740 possible with the addition of adding 42 new positions. 00:09:07.740 --> 00:09:11.120 Burner Food and Beverage is utilizing the Enterprise Zone 00:09:11.120 --> 00:09:14.840 to expand a milk intake and storage facility 00:09:14.840 --> 00:09:16.879 to enhance their production lines. 00:09:16.879 --> 00:09:19.960 this is a $5.5 million investment 00:09:19.960 --> 00:09:24.980 and both projects are currently under construction. 00:09:24.980 --> 00:09:28.399 As slide, as these companies expand, excuse me, 00:09:28.399 --> 00:09:31.100 their number one challenge is always workforce. 00:09:31.100 --> 00:09:32.840 Having enough trained people to hire 00:09:32.840 --> 00:09:35.639 in an already tough labor market. 00:09:35.639 --> 00:09:37.539 And these numbers tell the story. 00:09:37.539 --> 00:09:41.899 In August of this year, there were 946 people 00:09:41.899 --> 00:09:44.899 unemployed and looking for work in Stevenson County. 00:09:44.899 --> 00:09:49.500 there were over 1,100 unique job postings in that same month 00:09:49.500 --> 00:09:52.899 representing 313 different employers. 00:09:53.779 --> 00:09:55.299 There's more information on the slide 00:09:55.299 --> 00:09:56.980 but what we continue to see 00:09:56.980 --> 00:10:00.139 even as our unemployment rate has eeked up. 00:10:00.139 --> 00:10:03.039 The unemployment rate has eeked up throughout the calendar of 2025. 00:10:03.039 --> 00:10:08.480 We're still approximately just below the state unemployment average, but it continues to 00:10:08.480 --> 00:10:12.480 hold to be a very tight job market. 00:10:12.480 --> 00:10:16.639 So we understand the importance of keeping our talent local. 00:10:16.639 --> 00:10:21.519 That is why the partnership continues to work on initiatives and programs that connect employers 00:10:21.519 --> 00:10:24.200 to students. 00:10:24.200 --> 00:10:29.240 We are partnering with Midland Institute, Freeport High School, and the Foundation for 00:10:29.240 --> 00:10:33.159 Northwest Illinois to develop the Midland CEO Program. 00:10:33.159 --> 00:10:38.720 The CEO Program will launch in fall of 2026 and build entrepreneurial and leadership skills 00:10:38.720 --> 00:10:44.299 in high school juniors and seniors, teaching them to develop their own businesses while 00:10:44.299 --> 00:10:49.720 developing mentorship relationships with local business leaders. 00:10:49.720 --> 00:10:54.159 We know students that develop these relationships are more likely to stay in the area post-grad. 00:10:54.159 --> 00:10:58.279 on October 31st, area high school students 00:10:58.279 --> 00:11:00.679 will tour local manufacturing facilities 00:11:00.679 --> 00:11:04.080 and learn about available career pathways. 00:11:04.080 --> 00:11:07.919 This is a great opportunity for local students 00:11:07.919 --> 00:11:09.440 to get out of the classroom 00:11:09.440 --> 00:11:11.720 and to get into some manufacturing buildings 00:11:11.720 --> 00:11:14.720 to really understand what innovation 00:11:14.720 --> 00:11:17.639 in manufacturing is in this day and age. 00:11:17.639 --> 00:11:21.080 It is not dirty, old jobs. 00:11:21.080 --> 00:11:25.240 These are high tech, brightly lit, clean facilities 00:11:25.240 --> 00:11:28.539 that offer a great career opportunity. 00:11:29.399 --> 00:11:31.480 Looking ahead on November 12th, 00:11:31.480 --> 00:11:33.759 Highland Community College, Freeport High School 00:11:33.759 --> 00:11:37.319 have joined forces to offer a joint career and job fair. 00:11:37.319 --> 00:11:39.360 We're working with local employers to make sure 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:41.399 that they take advantage of this opportunity 00:11:41.399 --> 00:11:44.480 to get in front of soon to be graduates. 00:11:44.480 --> 00:11:46.159 Additionally, the partnership is working 00:11:46.159 --> 00:11:48.720 with the Yield Program and the Awaken Foundation 00:11:48.720 --> 00:11:51.519 to explore how the program could be expanded 00:11:51.519 --> 00:11:56.519 to incorporate desired manufacturing related skill sets 00:11:56.519 --> 00:12:00.639 to prepare students to enter careers in manufacturing. 00:12:00.639 --> 00:12:02.940 Now I'll turn the presentation over to Nicole 00:12:02.940 --> 00:12:05.480 to discuss talent attraction strategies. 00:12:09.100 --> 00:12:09.940 Thank you. 00:12:11.639 --> 00:12:14.580 Recently the partnership has met with local employers 00:12:14.580 --> 00:12:18.419 to talk about how we can use all of the resources 00:12:18.419 --> 00:12:20.340 that we are using for talent attraction 00:12:20.340 --> 00:12:25.940 and retention campaigns throughout their employment postings as well. 00:12:25.940 --> 00:12:28.940 It's not just a job that anybody is coming for here. 00:12:28.940 --> 00:12:29.940 It's a life. 00:12:29.940 --> 00:12:33.740 So they need to understand the life that they are offered in Freeport and Stevenson County 00:12:33.740 --> 00:12:38.779 if they're looking to relocate here for one of the many jobs that are available. 00:12:38.779 --> 00:12:45.680 So we are providing employer toolkits that includes a relocation or recruitment packet 00:12:45.680 --> 00:12:50.299 that talks about housing, education systems, healthcare, everything you would need. 00:12:50.299 --> 00:12:52.299 We have a lot of work to do here. 00:12:52.299 --> 00:12:54.299 We have a lot of work to do here. 00:12:54.299 --> 00:12:56.299 We have housing, childcare, everything you would need as 00:12:56.299 --> 00:12:58.299 you're thinking about moving here. 00:12:58.299 --> 00:13:00.299 As well as continuing to put out positive messaging about 00:13:00.299 --> 00:13:02.299 Freeport, Stephenson County, and the lifestyle that we offer 00:13:02.299 --> 00:13:04.299 here. 00:13:04.299 --> 00:13:06.299 Also, we continue the Stephenson County Area Advocate 00:13:06.299 --> 00:13:08.299 Program. 00:13:08.299 --> 00:13:10.299 Just September 24th was our most recent one. 00:13:10.299 --> 00:13:12.299 Our two residents who had moved here were from Kansas City 00:13:12.299 --> 00:13:14.299 and 00:13:16.299 --> 00:13:18.299 two from Missouri. 00:13:18.299 --> 00:13:19.700 I guess Kansas City is Missouri. 00:13:19.700 --> 00:13:22.100 So all three households were coming from Missouri. 00:13:22.100 --> 00:13:26.220 We're also expanding that program to new employees as well. 00:13:26.220 --> 00:13:29.100 So that's being offered on October 22nd. 00:13:29.100 --> 00:13:31.940 If our local employers have hired somebody 00:13:31.940 --> 00:13:33.379 from outside of the county, 00:13:33.379 --> 00:13:35.940 we want them to know that Stevenson County 00:13:35.940 --> 00:13:38.059 and Freeport aren't just the place they work. 00:13:38.059 --> 00:13:39.779 This is also a place where they can spend 00:13:39.779 --> 00:13:41.340 their off hours as well. 00:13:41.340 --> 00:13:43.159 So we're encouraging local employers 00:13:43.159 --> 00:13:47.379 to allow those employees to come at either 9 a.m. 00:13:47.379 --> 00:13:51.819 or 1.30 p.m., so during the workday, not take off, 00:13:51.819 --> 00:13:54.419 before work, after work, or on their lunch hour, 00:13:54.419 --> 00:13:58.059 so they understand that their employer is investing in them 00:13:58.059 --> 00:14:00.700 and their opportunity to get to know 00:14:00.700 --> 00:14:02.559 the region in which they work. 00:14:02.559 --> 00:14:05.340 We're also offering one-on-one VIP tours 00:14:05.340 --> 00:14:08.279 to employers who are looking to recruit 00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:13.180 those high dollar positions, CEOs, deans of the college, 00:14:13.180 --> 00:14:16.579 things like that, that really need the one-on-one experience 00:14:16.579 --> 00:14:19.740 to get to know key positions within the community. 00:14:19.740 --> 00:14:24.620 Our alumni in manufacturing are two of the key positions 00:14:24.620 --> 00:14:27.360 that we are looking for in our workforce campaigns, 00:14:27.360 --> 00:14:31.100 bringing people back who came from Stevenson County, 00:14:31.100 --> 00:14:34.339 as well as recruiting specifically for those people 00:14:34.339 --> 00:14:36.420 who are in manufacturing industries. 00:14:36.420 --> 00:14:40.460 And what we like to say is as we continue to incentivize 00:14:40.460 --> 00:14:42.819 moving to Freeport in Stevenson County, 00:14:42.819 --> 00:14:45.860 we offer more life for less. 00:14:45.860 --> 00:14:48.860 So using those same principles and talking points 00:14:48.860 --> 00:14:50.500 throughout all of our employers, 00:14:50.500 --> 00:14:52.779 really make sure we are all on the same page 00:14:52.779 --> 00:14:54.740 representing Freeport and Stevenson County 00:14:54.740 --> 00:14:56.579 with the same narrative. 00:14:56.579 --> 00:14:57.420 Thank you. 00:14:58.819 --> 00:15:00.720 And we'll take some questions. 00:15:02.019 --> 00:15:03.259 Thank you, ladies. 00:15:03.259 --> 00:15:05.940 Madam Clerk, could you please note that at 5.58, 00:15:05.940 --> 00:15:08.220 both Alderman Sanders and Alderman Simmons 00:15:08.220 --> 00:15:09.160 are in attendance. 00:15:10.579 --> 00:15:16.879 Questions, council discussion? 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:18.279 All right, thank you very much. 00:15:18.279 --> 00:15:20.910 Thank you. 00:15:20.910 --> 00:15:23.549 Item number eight is discussion regarding 00:15:23.549 --> 00:15:25.789 electrical aggregation program offered 00:15:25.789 --> 00:15:39.889 by MC Squared, Director Bridge. 00:15:39.889 --> 00:15:41.490 Good evening, Council and Mayor. 00:15:44.970 --> 00:15:49.649 Around 2010, the Illinois Power Agency Act, 00:15:49.649 --> 00:15:52.410 otherwise known as the IPA Act, 00:15:52.410 --> 00:15:57.370 was amended to include Chapter 20, Section 1-92, 00:15:57.370 --> 00:15:59.370 which essentially reads as the following. 00:16:00.569 --> 00:16:03.110 Municipalities, townships, or county boards 00:16:03.110 --> 00:16:06.589 can adopt ordinances to aggregate residential 00:16:06.589 --> 00:16:09.049 and small commercial electrical loads 00:16:09.049 --> 00:16:10.950 within their jurisdictions. 00:16:10.950 --> 00:16:13.110 This allows them to solicit bids 00:16:13.110 --> 00:16:15.850 and create service agreements for buying electricity 00:16:15.850 --> 00:16:17.750 and related services. 00:16:17.750 --> 00:16:20.309 A majority vote from each participating municipality 00:16:20.309 --> 00:16:24.129 or township is necessary to authorize this aggregation, 00:16:24.129 --> 00:16:27.870 especially if it is to be an opt-out program for customers. 00:16:28.889 --> 00:16:31.470 Before an ordinance can be adopted for this purpose, 00:16:31.470 --> 00:16:34.710 A referendum must be conducted to gauge the residents support 00:16:34.710 --> 00:16:36.230 for such a program. 00:16:36.230 --> 00:16:39.149 The proposed question in the referendum will ask residents 00:16:39.149 --> 00:16:41.990 if they wish to allow local authorities 00:16:41.990 --> 00:16:44.309 to arrange electricity supply for customers 00:16:44.309 --> 00:16:46.470 who do not opt out. 00:16:46.470 --> 00:16:51.470 So in March of 2012, a referendum was put on the ballot 00:16:52.190 --> 00:16:55.190 whether the residents of Freeport wanted to participate 00:16:55.190 --> 00:16:56.710 in this program. 00:16:56.710 --> 00:16:59.289 The majority voted yes. 00:16:59.289 --> 00:17:03.649 The city then held two public hearings in May of 2012 00:17:03.649 --> 00:17:05.889 before bringing it to this council 00:17:05.889 --> 00:17:08.410 where all eight Alder persons approved 00:17:08.410 --> 00:17:10.450 the implementation of the program. 00:17:11.610 --> 00:17:13.309 Since that time, the city of Freeport 00:17:13.309 --> 00:17:16.009 has entered into agreements with many different providers 00:17:16.009 --> 00:17:19.650 who supply energy at a fixed rate 00:17:19.650 --> 00:17:22.430 compared to ComEd's fluctuating rates. 00:17:22.430 --> 00:17:25.930 Trends show that at the time of these letters going out 00:17:25.930 --> 00:17:27.490 that we are about to discuss, 00:17:27.490 --> 00:17:32.490 the fixed rate is often just a bit higher than ComEd's rate. 00:17:32.750 --> 00:17:35.889 However, over the course of their agreement with the city, 00:17:35.889 --> 00:17:38.650 the fixed rate becomes a more viable option 00:17:38.650 --> 00:17:40.730 for those not wanting to be affected 00:17:40.730 --> 00:17:42.250 by a fluctuating market. 00:17:43.410 --> 00:17:47.849 A large part of the program is sending letters to residents, 00:17:47.849 --> 00:17:50.529 notifying them that they will be receiving a, 00:17:50.529 --> 00:17:53.250 Wayne, could you actually hit the lights or someone, sorry. 00:17:53.250 --> 00:17:56.849 I know, I'm gonna zoom in, so don't stress, okay? 00:17:57.490 --> 00:18:02.150 A large part of the program is sending letters to residents, notifying them that they will 00:18:02.150 --> 00:18:12.420 be receiving a different supply rate unless they opt out. 00:18:12.420 --> 00:18:18.380 One of my main goals tonight is to be as clear as possible on what residents should do with 00:18:18.380 --> 00:18:19.860 this letter. 00:18:19.860 --> 00:18:26.500 Just last year, City Hall received hundreds of phone calls from residents with questions. 00:18:26.500 --> 00:18:34.259 Each and every household will receive a letter from MC Squared beginning October 17th. 00:18:34.259 --> 00:18:38.220 This letter has the city logo at the top. 00:18:38.220 --> 00:18:45.019 There will be a little bit more paper to this envelope, but this will be the main part of 00:18:45.019 --> 00:18:46.019 it. 00:18:46.019 --> 00:18:49.279 And again, it has a city logo at the top. 00:18:49.279 --> 00:18:53.159 There are four different variations that residents could receive. 00:18:53.159 --> 00:18:59.440 Whatever, tonight I will be focusing on the most popular version residents will receive. 00:18:59.440 --> 00:19:04.039 That being the one that asks residents if they would like to opt out. 00:19:04.039 --> 00:19:10.759 If residents do nothing with this letter, they will be enrolled in the program. 00:19:10.759 --> 00:19:12.639 So like I said, I'm going to zoom in. 00:19:12.639 --> 00:19:16.679 Let's discuss how residents are able to opt out. 00:19:16.679 --> 00:19:20.980 The letter outlines four different ways to opt out. 00:19:20.980 --> 00:19:25.299 I would highly recommend using technology to accomplish this. 00:19:25.299 --> 00:19:28.659 There will be a QR code in each envelope 00:19:28.659 --> 00:19:31.820 that residents can scan and fill in information 00:19:31.820 --> 00:19:33.900 without having to talk to anybody 00:19:33.900 --> 00:19:36.299 and be opted out in a matter of seconds. 00:19:36.299 --> 00:19:40.220 I had a resident who talks to me often do this today 00:19:40.220 --> 00:19:42.059 and it took him three minutes. 00:19:43.019 --> 00:19:47.860 On each letter, the actual link is given right here. 00:19:47.860 --> 00:19:57.860 As well to go to the same page which can, again, be completed in a matter of seconds. 00:19:57.860 --> 00:20:00.819 Fowler, John, David, Michele, adult, Susan, Scott, Amie. 00:20:00.819 --> 00:20:03.599 If those two options aren't your style, option number two or 00:20:03.599 --> 00:20:09.519 option number four, there are two other options. Residents can 00:20:09.519 --> 00:20:12.859 call the toll free number on the letter and quickly speak to a 00:20:12.859 --> 00:20:16.119 real human about their decision. This option may take a little 00:20:16.420 --> 00:20:20.420 bit longer due to wait times and other factors. And finally, the 00:20:20.420 --> 00:20:25.140 option I would suggest the least unless you have limitations 00:20:25.140 --> 00:20:28.519 and Card that will be included in each envelope. 00:20:28.519 --> 00:20:30.519 There were many residents last year 00:20:30.519 --> 00:20:33.400 who took this route to opt out and had struggles, 00:20:33.400 --> 00:20:35.680 which then led to frustration and anger. 00:20:36.839 --> 00:20:38.240 I'll stress this again before I move 00:20:38.240 --> 00:20:40.500 on to why this program can be a benefit. 00:20:41.420 --> 00:20:43.480 This is a quote from the letter. 00:20:43.480 --> 00:20:45.660 If you do not opt out 00:20:45.660 --> 00:20:48.200 of the city's electric aggregation program, 00:20:48.200 --> 00:20:50.519 you will be deemed to have authorized 00:20:50.519 --> 00:20:52.359 and agreed to your enrollment 00:20:52.359 --> 00:20:54.539 in the electric aggregation program. 00:20:55.140 --> 00:21:00.500 So, why do some residents participate in this program? 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:04.059 I'd like to show you a sample energy bill up here on the screen. 00:21:04.059 --> 00:21:13.220 You can see that delivery right here is still controlled by ComEd, but what this program 00:21:13.220 --> 00:21:19.299 does is offer a different rate for the highlighted section titled supply. 00:21:19.299 --> 00:21:25.819 If that section says ComEd, which this one does, that would mean you have a fluctuating 00:21:25.819 --> 00:21:26.819 rate. 00:21:26.819 --> 00:21:30.039 And again, we're going to zoom in and talk about this in a second. 00:21:30.039 --> 00:21:33.539 One that we have observed spike and even plateau at times. 00:21:33.539 --> 00:21:38.819 However, if that section shows the name of the current program participants, this time 00:21:38.819 --> 00:21:44.839 it would read MC squared energy, that would mean that your rate is fixed for the duration 00:21:44.839 --> 00:21:46.759 of the agreement. 00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:50.779 So again, I'd like to quickly show you what some of these numbers mean. 00:21:50.779 --> 00:21:58.319 With supplier energy charges highlighted, we see how many kilowatts per hour this resident 00:21:58.319 --> 00:22:00.160 used during the month. 00:22:00.160 --> 00:22:06.180 That number is then multiplied by the rate that I keep referring to in this presentation. 00:22:06.180 --> 00:22:13.500 You can see that this rate is 8.26 cents per kilowatt hour. 00:22:13.500 --> 00:22:14.860 If this resident were enrolled 00:22:14.860 --> 00:22:17.940 in the upcoming electrical aggregation program, 00:22:17.940 --> 00:22:22.940 that rate would be 9.89 cents per kilowatt hour. 00:22:23.059 --> 00:22:27.180 Everything else on this bill 00:22:27.180 --> 00:22:28.779 is not affected by the program. 00:22:30.259 --> 00:22:32.460 It's also important to understand the distinction 00:22:32.460 --> 00:22:35.139 between ComEd and MC Squared. 00:22:35.139 --> 00:22:38.779 In a power outage or other emergency, who does one call? 00:22:38.779 --> 00:22:41.619 Let's look at this graphic from the Citizens Utility Board 00:22:41.619 --> 00:22:42.860 where we can better understand 00:22:42.860 --> 00:23:07.619 and I will quickly address a main concern that we heard often from residents calling City 00:23:07.619 --> 00:23:11.259 Hall last year, the legality of this program. 00:23:11.259 --> 00:23:15.420 I've already outlined how Freeport adopted this program through a referendum that was 00:23:15.420 --> 00:23:19.779 voted on by residents themselves and of course the council approving the implementation of 00:23:19.779 --> 00:23:20.779 it. 00:23:20.779 --> 00:23:25.119 But I'd like to use what the Citizens Utility Board has to say about the legality of this 00:23:25.119 --> 00:23:28.360 matter to address resident concerns. 00:23:28.360 --> 00:23:30.220 This is straight from Cub. 00:23:30.220 --> 00:23:36.339 Quote, the Illinois Power Agency Act allows municipalities and counties to purchase electricity 00:23:36.339 --> 00:23:43.380 on behalf of residential and small business utility customers living within their borders. 00:23:43.380 --> 00:23:49.539 Plugin.illinois.gov has a full list of those participating in this program, which is too 00:23:49.539 --> 00:23:50.819 many to count. 00:23:50.819 --> 00:23:51.819 I tried. 00:23:51.819 --> 00:23:52.819 Too many. 00:23:52.819 --> 00:23:58.940 Hundreds of communities across the state have implemented this program for their residents. 00:23:58.940 --> 00:24:04.299 To residents who may still question the legality of the manner in which they must opt out, 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:11.180 I highly suggest reviewing the Illinois Power Agency Act, specifically Chapter 20, Section 00:24:11.180 --> 00:24:13.180 1-92. 00:24:13.180 --> 00:24:19.839 The most important thing I want to stress is please stay on the lookout for a letter 00:24:19.839 --> 00:24:22.259 in your mailbox in the coming weeks. 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:25.079 Do not throw mail away that you have not checked. 00:24:25.079 --> 00:24:33.139 And of course, if residents have questions, they can certainly call me at 815-801-8008. 00:24:33.139 --> 00:24:38.450 and we can see if we can resolve those concerns. 00:24:38.450 --> 00:24:40.690 Director, you did an absolutely phenomenal job 00:24:40.690 --> 00:24:42.029 explaining that, thank you. 00:24:42.029 --> 00:24:45.809 And all the way back to how we got here since 2012. 00:24:45.809 --> 00:24:46.930 Discussion Council. 00:24:47.930 --> 00:24:48.769 I just have one thing. 00:24:48.769 --> 00:24:49.589 Go ahead. 00:24:49.589 --> 00:24:52.250 Can you get in and out at any time if you want to? 00:24:52.250 --> 00:24:56.069 If I wanna go with ComEd, then I can at any time 00:24:56.069 --> 00:24:58.490 or if I wanna get out, I can get out at any time? 00:24:58.490 --> 00:25:03.490 So while we are not the companies themselves, right? 00:25:03.490 --> 00:25:15.930 We have been told that they can do somewhat of what you're talking about. 00:25:15.930 --> 00:25:20.049 They can maybe be on ComEd for a little bit. 00:25:20.049 --> 00:25:27.009 They can opt out like we were talking about, be on ComEd, and then get on. 00:25:27.009 --> 00:25:31.930 Usually they want you to wait a couple of months to do that. 00:25:31.930 --> 00:25:32.930 Huffines. 00:25:32.930 --> 00:25:38.049 If you don't opt out and you are then put onto MC Square, they have told us that they 00:25:38.049 --> 00:25:42.369 will be very willing to opt you out if you have missed that deadline. 00:25:42.369 --> 00:25:44.170 Again, I'm not that business. 00:25:44.170 --> 00:25:48.450 I can't promise anything, but that's what we have been told. 00:25:48.450 --> 00:25:49.450 Thank you. 00:25:49.450 --> 00:25:50.450 Alderman Sanders? 00:25:50.450 --> 00:25:51.450 Yeah. 00:25:51.450 --> 00:26:04.930 Yeah, if anyone that's part of the MC Square as a supplier and you want to opt out, there 00:26:04.930 --> 00:26:14.569 is a delay before you can actually sign up with another supplier, and during that time, 00:26:14.569 --> 00:26:16.569 and 00:26:18.610 --> 00:26:20.610 John. 00:26:21.930 --> 00:26:26.529 I'm wondering how rates will fluctuate to whatever standard 00:26:26.529 --> 00:26:28.529 that comment may hit you with. 00:26:32.349 --> 00:26:37.529 So is it a positive thing to if you chose to opt out and you put 00:26:37.529 --> 00:26:44.410 on a delay because you want to go to another supplier, you can 00:26:44.410 --> 00:27:07.410 I hear what you're saying, and I believe you're partially correct. So the rate that you choose, whether it be through opting out or opting in, will be reflected on your December bill. So these letters, as I outlined, will be going out October 17th, which I believe is Friday, or maybe Saturday. 00:27:07.410 --> 00:27:11.410 and 00:27:11.410 --> 00:27:13.410 John. 00:27:13.410 --> 00:27:17.410 So while the letters are coming very soon here and people might 00:27:17.410 --> 00:27:21.410 start or residents might start opting out as soon as they come, 00:27:21.410 --> 00:27:24.410 yes, it will not be reflected until December. I believe that's 00:27:24.410 --> 00:27:26.410 what you were asking. 00:27:26.410 --> 00:27:29.410 Anything else, Council? 00:27:29.410 --> 00:27:31.410 Alderman Johnson. 00:27:31.410 --> 00:27:34.410 So if somebody wants to opt out, like say they accept now and 00:27:34.410 --> 00:28:04.410 there's like just a phone number something they have to call right it's not going to be a real hard long drawn out process they just call a number and say I don't want this anymore and then it automatically goes back to ComEd for the supplier would it automatically just go back to ComEd yeah so we we have had people call about that within the last year that you know they again I outlined how when these letters get sent out oftentimes the fixed rate that we are offering to these people is a little bit higher 00:28:04.410 --> 00:28:06.250 and 00:28:06.250 --> 00:28:08.250 then what ComEd is offering at that time. 00:28:08.250 --> 00:28:12.250 So sometimes residents will see that and go, well, what the heck? 00:28:12.250 --> 00:28:14.250 Put me back on ComEd. 00:28:14.250 --> 00:28:16.250 It happens quite often, actually. 00:28:16.250 --> 00:28:20.250 And so, yes, we have always told people to call MC Squared. 00:28:20.250 --> 00:28:22.250 At that point, it was another name. 00:28:22.250 --> 00:28:24.250 MC Squared. 00:28:24.250 --> 00:28:26.250 I wouldn't recommend calling ComEd. 00:28:26.250 --> 00:28:28.250 They would probably direct you to MC Squared. 00:28:28.250 --> 00:28:30.250 And again, I'm not the business. 00:28:30.250 --> 00:28:32.250 I can't promise anything. 00:28:32.250 --> 00:28:38.789 but usually these people completely understand and as long as you are able 00:28:38.789 --> 00:28:43.470 to get your information across the right way they'll understand. Thank you. Anyone 00:28:43.470 --> 00:28:51.650 else? Thank you. Thank you. No problem. We'll move on to item number nine which is public 00:28:51.650 --> 00:28:56.170 comment. Is there any public comment this evening? Seeing none I will entertain a 00:28:56.170 --> 00:29:00.429 motion for adjournment. So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded 00:29:00.429 --> 00:29:02.829 by Alderman Shadle, Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? 00:29:02.829 --> 00:29:04.549 Oh, yes, we need to do that. 00:29:04.549 --> 00:29:07.029 I wasn't prepared. 00:29:07.029 --> 00:29:07.990 Sellers? 00:29:07.990 --> 00:29:08.950 Aye. 00:29:08.950 --> 00:29:09.630 Klemm? 00:29:09.630 --> 00:29:10.309 Aye. 00:29:10.309 --> 00:29:11.110 Johnson? 00:29:11.110 --> 00:29:11.610 Aye. 00:29:11.610 --> 00:29:12.349 Simmons? 00:29:12.349 --> 00:29:12.849 Aye. 00:29:12.849 --> 00:29:13.349 Parker? 00:29:13.349 --> 00:29:13.849 Aye. 00:29:13.849 --> 00:29:17.809 Stacy? 00:29:17.809 --> 00:29:18.309 Shadle? 00:29:18.309 --> 00:29:18.809 Aye. 00:29:18.809 --> 00:29:19.769 And Sanders? 00:29:19.769 --> 00:29:21.170 Aye. 00:29:21.170 --> 00:29:22.450 Unanimous, 8 to 0.