WEBVTT

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Dear Heavenly Father, I come before you with love and admonishments or dominions or principalities or powers.

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All things were created through you and for you, and you are before all things, and in all things they consist, and all things consist through you.

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And in Psalm 33, 11, your word says, your plan stands firm forever, and your thoughts stand firm in every generation.

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Therefore, this city and all who are seated here tonight have been created by you and are here by your design.

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May they fulfill every purpose for which they were created and as they make

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decisions tonight may those decisions correlate with your plans for this city

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may they bring this city into prosperity peace hope and joy and shift this city

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into all it is intended to be a great place to live work raise a family and

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have enjoyment in Jesus name amen amen thank you Linda now we'll officially call

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this meeting to order madam clerk would you please take the role mayor Miller

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Miller, Alderpersons, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers.

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Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Monroe.

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

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Wichitaens, One Nation, Under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All.

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Item number one is approval M, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

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All those in favor signify by saying aye.

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Aye.

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Opposed?

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That motion passes.

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Item number two is approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on September 16th,

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2024.

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Is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

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All those in favor signify by saying aye.

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Aye.

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Opposed?

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That motion passes.

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Public comments.

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There was none signed up.

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Item number four is the consent agenda.

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The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless there's

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a member of the council like something removed for further discussion.

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Seeing none, the consent agenda is approving to receive and place on file the minutes of

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the boards and commissions from the Liquor Commission dated August 8th and the 30th,

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2024.

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Board of Trustees, August 14th, 2024, Board of Fire and Police, August 20th, September

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10th, 2024, the police department report for September and a new checking account to cover

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eventual closure of a compost site on Walnut Avenue used for bulky tree waste and leaf

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storage as required by the IPA, approval of the finance bills payable in the total of

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$5,581,448.30 and payroll for pay period ending September 21, 2024 in the total of $631,666.64. Is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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A motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

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Monroe?

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Aye.

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Simmons?

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

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Thank you. Item number five is the award of valor presented by Chief

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Shenberger

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Moore. Patrolman Moore was initially the only officer on scene and made contact with the suspect male who expressed to Patrolman Moore that he was experiencing a mental health crisis. Patrolman Moore remained calm while speaking with the male. He was able to convince the male to open the door so he could check on the welfare of the female who was inside of the apartment. Patrolman Moore could sense the male was clearly educated as he repeatedly told Patrolman Moore that he was afraid of the police. Patrolman Moore remained persistent

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and Paul during the encounter. Once the door was slightly open, he was able to pull the female

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from the apartment. The victim female's son was also up on the floor at the time. The company

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patrolled the morgue and patrolled the morgue valiantly, preventing the son from making a physical

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altercation with the male, which could have escalated into the worst situation. Outside of the

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apartment, the female was clearly distraught, pulled the morgue, the male was armed with firearms

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and others to be forced to be fled to the stairwell.

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Patrolman Moore stayed on scene, covering the apartment door

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until the officers were able to respond to the scene.

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Patrolman Moore showed some contested bravery by being able to remove the female from the apartment

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and then utilized his training experience to sense something was arriving

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with the male who was inside the apartment.

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When more officers arrived on scene, the male began threatening officers

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by saying he had hostages inside the apartment

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and he would shoot officers if they attempted to gain entry.

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This was in the beginning of a lengthy standoff with police,

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which eventually ended 12 hours at the initial call

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when the males surrendered without further incident.

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During the subsequent search of the apartment,

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we recovered two high-powered rifles,

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a cache of ammunition, a hundred-round drum magazine,

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and multiple high-capacity magazines.

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Upon review of Patrolman Moore's actions taken that day, I would no doubt recommend him for the Award of Valor, as he was first displayed bravely that went beyond equality.

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And two, this is the second Award of Valor, which is the highest Award of Valor that Patrolman Moore has received.

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Back in June of 2023, he received the Award of Valor for intervening in a domestic violence situation where a female was being literally choked to death.

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Thank you. I'm a firm believer that certain people are placed in certain situations, and I kind of believe that night, from June 20th to the end of the Hasbro incident, that Patrol Memorial was destined to be there that day to handle things the way we expect our officers to handle them.

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I don't know if that's the name of it or not.

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Not the name of it?

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I don't know.

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All right. Nice.

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Move on to item number six, which is an appointment. Madam Clerk, could you please read this?

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Tina Konova to the Arts and Culture Commission, effective through October 31st, 2025.

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Is there a motion to approve?

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Second.

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You have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

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Discussion?

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Yes.

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I'm sorry. I'm sorry, yeah.

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I was looking up the very thing that you was mentioning.

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Huffines.

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I have to excuse my voice, too.

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What title does she preserve, I mean, receive, what is the title?

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A title, it is a commissioner for the arts and culture.

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Oh, okay.

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Okay.

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Just do it.

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Like there are nine arts and culture commissioners, she would be one of them.

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She would be one of them.

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there's no further discussion all those in favor aye opposed that motion passes

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we'll move on to item number seven which is the second reading of ordinance 2024

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52 could you please read this ordinance approving the city to enter into a fourth

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renewal to lease agreement with Peter Albert regarding 103 to 111 South

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Liberty Avenue thank you madam mayor

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Okay, so upon the first reading of this ordinance, it was requested, there was two requests.

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We wanted to see a map of the location, which in the lights here you can see the structure

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that we're talking about that was subject to this lease agreement.

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There is also a question on the property taxes.

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So the property tax bill for 2023 payable in 2024 is $113.30.

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So that's the property taxes for that.

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And if there's any questions here, you can see.

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We also have the street.

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Well, you can see the red box around it

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is the structure itself, of which the first floor is

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subject to the lease, is the subject of the proposed lease.

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And it's called the iron-clad building or metal-clad building

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because it is clad in metal, as you can see here.

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That's the building that we're talking about today.

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So in terms of the, since it's the second reading,

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nothing has changed in the terms of this lease

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where our staff is proposing a one year lease

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paid $2,000 paid annually,

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and it would expire on September 14th, 2025.

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Any discussion?

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Alderman Sanders Yes. What is that building again? Wayne? What

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is that? Sure. It's called the metal clad building. It's a and what and what is this

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purpose for now? Well, it's being leased. It's mostly it's

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For

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Albert towing

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Sorry Albert towing

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They're basically storing equipment Peter Albert

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Sorry I was a bit distracted so I apologize

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Actually can I yep? Sorry go ahead. It has nothing to do with Albert towing it is your proto cutter

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Proto cutters who owns the building just south of their okay? So it's storage

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Proto cutter owns the building south of that

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Yes. They own the building that's on the other corner. That's the Raleigh Building I'm talking about, correct?

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Well, that's what we refer to it as, but it's not our building. But who owns the Raleigh Building?

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Well, there are four different buildings. Oh, okay. So, one is private. You want to answer that?

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Yes, sorry. And I apologize, I was distracted there earlier. I had some names mixed up.

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but anyways I we're here now and yes there's several properties that are

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called the Raleigh building or the Raleigh property so the answer here and

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Mayor Miller did a good job explaining the business that's actually in the

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first floor of this building but do you see this building right here that we're

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pointing out here it's tan yeah that's the building that Mayor Miller was

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speaking to that that is where the business is located that is also where

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that's the first floor that's being rented that is also subject to this

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lease okay you see you see what I'm speaking to correct this yes that is just

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the first floor of this this building here yeah and it's this building is

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Lease by one leasy is only occupied by that individual and what is the is it a monthly or annual what is being proposed is this is going to be the fourth renewal of this lease goes back to 2021 I can I can I can understand

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Right so right so I understand the practice of the lease, but the lease is coming up for renewal. Yes. Yes, all that's coming up for renewal. Correct. Have we done an evaluation? We did. There has been some interest in possibly purchasing the property. We have the property has been appraised because of the interest in possibly purchasing the property from the city. The city went through and had an appraisal. The property appraised at $60,000. So we're speaking about a property that has a total value

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Fisher. If it has to, yes. In this situation, there's no reason to. Why would you say that?

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Well, I mean, it's just it's a property like any other. If they had come to me and said,

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well, now we're going to put a restaurant in. Well, of course, I would go in there and inspect

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it because it's a change in use. If something along those lines, I would certainly inspect it.

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But at this point, they're operating the same business. It's a lease renewal. There's no reason

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to inspect this building at this point because you're saying that there's no

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change I'm sorry I wasn't done I didn't know that you didn't ask to speak go

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ahead yeah what you're indicating is that because you are you assuming that

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there's no change or have you went to inspect it to determine there has not

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been any change so and when it comes to businesses in excuse me and when it

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and

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and

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and

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correct

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then that that practice shouldn't be practice from that perspective we should

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be looking at anything that the city owns before we lease it we just can't assume

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that we're going to lease the property and we have not had an opportunity to

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and

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Knapp.

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I'm going to ask you to look at this property to see if it

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meet our policy standards, terms and whatever the case may be.

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Well, I did. I initiated and had an appraisal done on the

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property because somebody is still interested in possibly

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purchasing the property and that is going to give you the most

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fair, it's going to be an objective opinion as to the value

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and

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the other

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people that are in the building.

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I think the job of staff is to say to be fair to this potential

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buyer or any other potential buyer, we've had an appraisal

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done on it.

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So if there's a question as to having to have our building

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inspector or a fire inspector look at it, I could certainly

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contact my building inspector and have him look at it.

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I have no issue in that.

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Huffines.

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We're going to have to get the auction off, as opposed to having one person individual

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interested.

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We might have higher bidders for that property.

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And if that is the case, then we should just at least put it open to the public first before

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we just lock it in with an individual, simply because he wants to renew the lease.

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you know this lease is coming up and there's no there's no reason for the city not to do

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its due diligence when it comes to bidding or auctioning off that building.

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So I think I think some of those kinds of things needs to be well I think auctioning

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this building I think that the city of Freeport is certainly open to any ideas of what could

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be used in this property.

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If somebody if there was a developer that wanted to approach us with some ideas certainly

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would be open to that. I don't think necessarily just having an open auction for the sale of the property is the best idea in this situation. But I would say that I would also state that, you know, it's up for vote today. But I strongly suggest there's been no interest from anybody else to lease this property.

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You have not publicized it yet. You don't know that.

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you also have somebody currently in this property that's that that doesn't so

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dispute the facts about you're welcome to propose a different set of terms for

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this but otherwise they'd be operating in there without a lease at this point

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yeah it's an open it's open property for those types of options that we can

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consider putting it putting it out there for the general public to know that this

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this thing is available and possible bidding options and things of this nature. We haven't

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exhaust those areas yet. Right. So we would have to you would have to vote to terminate

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a lease agreement with Albert first or I'm sorry with Peter. So the name on this is with

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Peter Albert, you would have to vote. The vote would be to not. Yeah, but I'm talking

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about purchase. I'm not talking about leasing. We got to get back on track because we're

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not talking about auctioning or selling. We're talking about renewing a lease.

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I understand that, but the renewal time, it's open, that renewal gap is an opening for the general public to either have a say-so in the matter or make an offer or whatever.

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And since this is the second reading...

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You're making it sound like it's a done deal.

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It's the second reading, so that means it's been before you, before.

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before you before I'm just talking about the timing and the gap in the in the

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renewal that we have not general we have not presented it to the general public

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the leasee can always continue to lease don't get me wrong but I'm talking about

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the ownership of the property which has not changed that has not changed but

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the still the opening for purchase because I think that's what we were

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Miller, Sam, Larry, and Max.

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You know, I've done a lot of work for the

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community for the building to become more entertaining earlier.

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» No, there's never a question was asked about, is this for

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sale? Could this potentially be for sale?

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» Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. That's what I'm talking

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about. The possibility that the building could be for sale.

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» But there's never a discussion about putting this up for

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auction, and I would agree that with Mayor Miller that we should

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.

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and going for higher bidding and whatever the case is, you implied that the building went for $60,000 or something like that?

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There is an appraisal done, yes, on this property.

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And that means that it's open for things that we can evaluate to determine whether or not we're getting a fair value.

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Even if you've got an appraiser, I don't care what the appraiser is saying,

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it is what the council think that that property is worth.

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The appraiser can come in with one number, the council can come in with another number.

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We have opportunities to exploit those types of things.

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We're not getting that simply because it's just sitting there

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waiting for someone to renew it and possibly purchase it.

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That's what I'm looking at. That's how I look at it.

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Alderman, Stacy This is the lease of $2,000 for the year.

00:21:55.519 --> 00:21:59.039
Yes, that is what is being proposed, yes.

00:21:59.039 --> 00:22:01.720
And last year it was $1,000.

00:22:01.720 --> 00:22:08.279
No it, right, so in 2021 when it started it was $1,000 paid annually.

00:22:08.279 --> 00:22:15.759
Then in 2022 the annual rent was raised from that $1,000 to $2,000 and then last, excuse

00:22:15.759 --> 00:22:18.220
and

00:22:18.259 --> 00:22:21.700
now

00:22:21.720 --> 00:22:23.500
with

00:22:23.519 --> 00:22:25.860
the

00:22:25.900 --> 00:22:28.660
$2,000

00:22:28.700 --> 00:22:33.000
staying in line with the same rate from 2022 and 2023.

00:22:33.039 --> 00:22:35.440
That is what is being proposed.

00:22:35.480 --> 00:22:40.240
» What made it go up from 1,000 to 2,000?

00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:42.279
» I will answer that.

00:22:42.299 --> 00:22:44.920
I started this in 2022.

00:22:44.940 --> 00:22:47.480
I started my position here in 2022.

00:22:47.480 --> 00:22:53.880
I'll be honest with you, I wasn't directly involved with that exact negotiation to go from $1,000 to $2,000,

00:22:53.880 --> 00:23:03.119
but my understanding is that Billy C. and they had an agreement, and it went before council to raise that rent.

00:23:03.119 --> 00:23:12.470
Okay. So, okay, the red square you had up there.

00:23:12.470 --> 00:23:13.110
Sure.

00:23:13.110 --> 00:23:18.230
That's what he's leasing, because wasn't there

00:23:18.230 --> 00:23:21.750
some property that was purchased for $100?

00:23:21.750 --> 00:23:25.150
But this is not that property.

00:23:25.150 --> 00:23:28.829
I had said earlier that there was property taxes

00:23:28.829 --> 00:23:30.389
in the amount of, I'm trying to understand what

00:23:30.389 --> 00:23:31.789
was purchased for $100.

00:23:31.789 --> 00:23:35.509
I don't remember saying something was purchased for $100.

00:23:35.509 --> 00:23:40.430
Some of the building of the Raleigh building,

00:23:40.430 --> 00:23:43.389
some other areas, apparently.

00:23:45.829 --> 00:23:46.670
I'll be honest with you.

00:23:46.670 --> 00:23:48.430
I'm not aware of anything being purchased

00:23:48.430 --> 00:23:50.389
for a hundred dollars in the Raleigh building.

00:23:50.389 --> 00:23:52.190
I'm not aware of that.

00:23:52.190 --> 00:23:55.279
Madam Mayor.

00:23:55.279 --> 00:23:56.940
Actually, I think Darren had his hand up first,

00:23:56.940 --> 00:23:58.119
but I'll come back to you then.

00:23:58.119 --> 00:24:01.099
So the white structure that you see there,

00:24:01.099 --> 00:24:06.099
next to the red, that I believe Mr. Elbert currently owns

00:24:07.360 --> 00:24:10.759
and bought that piece of the Raleigh building from the city.

00:24:10.759 --> 00:24:15.559
I don't remember what the amount was but he... I think it was back in Gullwrap administration.

00:24:15.559 --> 00:24:21.960
Yeah he's had it for a while and he remodels it and it should be known that that's a conjoined building.

00:24:22.839 --> 00:24:29.240
Okay so the red building and the white building are conjoined. A question of clarity I had for

00:24:29.240 --> 00:24:35.480
Wayne is this lease is for one floor of the red building not the entire building. Correct.

00:24:35.480 --> 00:24:42.680
yes and if i recall right the white roofed building that he owns was basically defunct

00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:47.720
and he remodeled and fixed that building it was borderline going to be torn down

00:24:48.759 --> 00:24:54.440
and there's two more pieces of the rally building to that side over here one of them is the old

00:24:54.440 --> 00:24:59.960
office building that fair graham used to be in i believe winters owns that building and then the

00:24:59.960 --> 00:25:04.839
other big structure uh that has always been talked about doing something the city owns that structure

00:25:04.839 --> 00:25:11.759
as well. So what is the city doing with that structure? Is this one here? Yes. Are

00:25:11.759 --> 00:25:14.639
you speaking of this one here? We've showed it to potential developers. When

00:25:14.639 --> 00:25:18.599
potential developers come in and have interest in these properties, we do show

00:25:18.599 --> 00:25:24.599
them. But it should be known that when the city owns properties such as these,

00:25:24.599 --> 00:25:29.880
and this is in general in the region, it can sometimes take 15, 20 plus years

00:25:29.880 --> 00:25:34.019
before you find the right developer. Because somebody coming in and wanting

00:25:34.019 --> 00:25:40.220
to redevelop this in the Barbara Coleman building in Rockford, I believe was purchased by the

00:25:40.220 --> 00:25:45.579
city of Rockford in either 2003 or 2006 and you are just now starting to see construction

00:25:45.579 --> 00:25:46.579
done on it.

00:25:46.579 --> 00:25:53.660
So when a city owns property such as these, finding that right redevelopment partner is

00:25:53.660 --> 00:25:58.059
difficult and takes time, which is illustrated by Rockford.

00:25:58.059 --> 00:26:03.860
Now the other option is with properties such as these, if you can't lease out a floor or

00:26:03.860 --> 00:26:08.139
or you cannot find the correct developer, eventually you're going toward demolition.

00:26:08.139 --> 00:26:13.380
Obviously the city would like to entertain developers that have the means and the plan

00:26:13.380 --> 00:26:18.420
to not just take this and let it sit further, which we have enough of that in this city.

00:26:18.420 --> 00:26:22.220
We were looking for the right partner with the right funding to do something positive

00:26:22.220 --> 00:26:23.940
with something like this.

00:26:23.940 --> 00:26:26.059
So we're waiting for that right developer.

00:26:26.059 --> 00:26:39.059
okay so um something that you're telling me is valued at 60 000 we're just leasing for

00:26:40.339 --> 00:26:53.220
2000 that's what i'm stating yes how many floors is is is in there six six are the other

00:26:53.860 --> 00:26:59.460
five floors being occupied no and you have to remember that this is uh have you ever been in

00:26:59.460 --> 00:27:07.380
in there it's just it's just cement and when he took over the occupying of that

00:27:07.380 --> 00:27:11.299
first floor there was no electricity there was no there was no piping of any

00:27:11.299 --> 00:27:15.099
kind no heat no air no nothing everything that's been put in there for

00:27:15.099 --> 00:27:20.880
him to be able to keep his equipment in there has been on his expense so the

00:27:20.880 --> 00:27:23.259
other floors don't have anything you'd have to go up in there with the

00:27:23.259 --> 00:27:24.259
Miller.

00:27:24.259 --> 00:27:38.710
We're talking a couple different periods of time and a couple different sets of rules

00:27:38.710 --> 00:27:39.710
here.

00:27:39.710 --> 00:27:44.110
If you go back to that building that was sold to Pete Elber, yeah, it was sold for the vicinity

00:27:44.110 --> 00:27:45.110
of $100.

00:27:45.110 --> 00:27:53.589
It was sold under the mayorial form of government, which the mayor or the council could sell

00:27:53.589 --> 00:28:23.589
Piedelberg spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the building. Brought his business in from out of town, created taxes in town, created jobs in town. So it was an asset for the city to do that. I go back a little while in construction to 1967, and that particular building, there's a good reason to go back and sell it at any price they wanted to sell it at.

00:28:23.589 --> 00:28:24.589
Huffines.

00:28:24.589 --> 00:28:27.430
It's got a metal clad on it because it's a piece of crap under it.

00:28:27.430 --> 00:28:33.070
It was put on by Garmin Construction years ago and it was done just to cover it up when

00:28:33.070 --> 00:28:36.549
Micro used it for nothing more than a warehouse.

00:28:36.549 --> 00:28:43.950
So like the mayor said, basically he's renting out the space and supplying anything that

00:28:43.950 --> 00:28:49.509
he needs to function and whatever he's doing there.

00:28:49.509 --> 00:28:54.990
So he on his own and with agreement with the city doubled the rents once.

00:28:54.990 --> 00:29:00.329
I mean, we can look at this and say if I owned a radio station and I had it on the first

00:29:00.329 --> 00:29:05.869
floor there and my contract was up, does that mean we should go out and look for somebody

00:29:05.869 --> 00:29:07.789
to rent it to somebody else higher?

00:29:07.789 --> 00:29:12.710
I mean, that's what's kind of being insinuated here.

00:29:12.710 --> 00:29:16.570
The building, it can be sold at any point in time.

00:29:16.570 --> 00:29:22.730
if it's sold at any point in time, then Pete Elber has got a lease for 11 months and he's

00:29:22.730 --> 00:29:28.450
out of there. Pete Elber wants to buy the building, Pete Elber can buy the building.

00:29:28.450 --> 00:29:35.450
Very simple. So all we're asking for in this document is to take and extend the lease for

00:29:35.450 --> 00:29:39.450
one more year at the same price it was last year.

00:29:39.450 --> 00:29:54.409
Deren. Yeah, I remember the conversation. I believe it was a year ago when the price was raised and it was the council didn't feel like it was enough. That's why we went from 1000 to 2000 or maybe that was two years ago. Excuse me. And

00:29:54.409 --> 00:30:00.240
and since that time we announced at that time that anybody that had interest could rent any other

00:30:00.240 --> 00:30:04.799
floors in that building and we've had no interest to my knowledge of anybody that's approached the

00:30:04.799 --> 00:30:09.920
city wanting to develop that or put anything in that building because those other five floors are

00:30:09.920 --> 00:30:22.059
for rent yeah i just want to say i do remember that conversation we were the ones that raised

00:30:22.059 --> 00:30:29.950
from the thousand to the two thousand. Well if there's no further discussion,

00:30:29.950 --> 00:30:41.500
Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye.

00:30:41.500 --> 00:30:51.859
Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The ordinance passes 8 to 0. Item number 9 is the

00:30:51.859 --> 00:30:56.220
first reading of ordinance 202454. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending

00:30:56.220 --> 00:31:03.220
Part Six, General Offenses, Chapter 694, Weeds and Grass of the Codified Ordinances, by adding, oh, oh, oh.

00:31:03.220 --> 00:31:06.220
We skipped that one.

00:31:06.220 --> 00:31:12.220
Sorry about that. Ordinance amending Chapter 220, Council, Section 220.06, Compensation.

00:31:12.220 --> 00:31:22.220
Section and Chapter 226.03, Mayor Compensation, and Section 228.03, City Clerk, Compensation.

00:31:22.220 --> 00:31:24.220
Thank you. Manager Boyer?

00:31:24.220 --> 00:31:54.220
Thank you, Your Honor. For the purposes of discussion, I'd like to break this up into three. We brought it up at the COW at the last meeting. We do need to like move forward with a decision, whatever that may be. So I'd like to start with the alder person's compensation. So with the municipal elections scheduled for April 2025, the City Council must set the salaries of these positions by November 19th. The salaries of elected officials may not take effect during the term of any official holding an elective office.

00:31:54.220 --> 00:31:59.700
In addition, the salaries must be adopted 180 days prior to the term of the office commencing.

00:31:59.700 --> 00:32:03.980
In the case of the City of Freeport, a new rate for alder persons will only be effective

00:32:03.980 --> 00:32:07.420
for those elected in 2025 and future elections.

00:32:07.420 --> 00:32:11.180
The current rate for alder persons is $3,800 per year.

00:32:11.180 --> 00:32:16.240
A 3% increase would bring the rate to $3,915.

00:32:16.240 --> 00:32:20.900
Those alder persons up for election in 2025 would receive the new rate going forward.

00:32:20.900 --> 00:32:34.539
So, per your direction, we've provided some comparables. If you'll look at the table,

00:32:34.539 --> 00:32:44.099
we've got Batavia annual salary for older persons is $7,200 per year. Belvedere is $7,100

00:32:44.099 --> 00:32:54.180
year, Carbondale is $6,000 per year, and as requested, Chicago is $111,308 per year,

00:32:54.180 --> 00:33:04.180
Decatur is $4,000, Dixon is $9,500, Galesburg is $5,000, Moline is $8,000, Sterling is $2,400,

00:33:04.180 --> 00:33:13.380
and Woodstock is $6,000. So staff request council to approve the 3% increase unless otherwise directed.

00:33:14.099 --> 00:33:19.259
to the amount of $3,915 annually.

00:33:19.259 --> 00:33:22.259
Do you see this as each thing separate,

00:33:22.259 --> 00:33:24.220
or are we just going to talk each one separately?

00:33:24.220 --> 00:33:27.660
I thought we'd look at each one separately, but I mean then.

00:33:27.660 --> 00:33:29.339
To move forward separately?

00:33:29.339 --> 00:33:33.420
I'd like to get council's thought on council pay at this time.

00:33:33.420 --> 00:33:37.139
OK, so do we need a motion for that first then?

00:33:37.139 --> 00:33:41.980
To, well, Rob, did you want to give your report for all of it

00:33:41.980 --> 00:33:43.299
and then discuss?

00:33:43.299 --> 00:33:44.579
I can do that, sure.

00:33:44.579 --> 00:33:47.019
So moving on with mayor compensation,

00:33:47.019 --> 00:33:49.460
similar situation obviously,

00:33:49.460 --> 00:33:51.900
at the city council meeting held on September 16th,

00:33:51.900 --> 00:33:54.819
council was provided with potential salaries increases

00:33:54.819 --> 00:33:57.099
for mayor as listed below.

00:33:57.099 --> 00:33:59.980
The prepared ordinance details a 3% increase.

00:33:59.980 --> 00:34:04.460
So if there was a 3% increase currently,

00:34:04.460 --> 00:34:05.819
let me hang on one second.

00:34:07.619 --> 00:34:12.619
So that would move the, let's see, Batavia was,

00:34:13.300 --> 00:34:20.980
31,000 for their annual salary for the mayor. Carbondale is 9,000 to 20,000.

00:34:20.980 --> 00:34:30.019
Chicago is 221,000. Decatur is 8,000. Dixon's 19,500. Galesburg is 12,000.

00:34:30.019 --> 00:34:36.659
Rock Island is 15,000. Sterling is 6,000. And Woodstock is 12,000. So as I mentioned

00:34:36.659 --> 00:34:48.800
24 in terms of City Freeport. If we did a 3% increase, we'd be looking at $28,700 for

00:34:48.800 --> 00:35:02.619
25 to 26. In 26 to 27, it would be $30,820. And in 27, 28, it'd be $31,000. So with that...

00:35:02.619 --> 00:35:11.059
Good question mayor. I just want to add clarification on are these

00:35:11.059 --> 00:35:17.460
comparables city manager form of government or are they not? Most are

00:35:17.460 --> 00:35:25.220
except Chicago. Chicago is not and let's see here. Carbondale is but they're

00:35:25.220 --> 00:35:28.860
currently moving their they're increasing the wages for the for the

00:35:28.860 --> 00:35:38.300
mayor in Carbondale. Okay with that I'd like to move on to city clerk. Again

00:35:38.300 --> 00:35:44.699
we need to improve the increase if it was going to be made effective for the next

00:35:44.699 --> 00:35:53.539
election so in the case of Dovie we talked about a 4% increase for Dovie

00:35:53.539 --> 00:35:59.579
that would increase her to fifty seven thousand five hundred for twenty five

00:35:59.579 --> 00:36:06.340
twenty six sixty two thousand for twenty six twenty seven sixty four

00:36:06.340 --> 00:36:36.099
for years 27 and 28 and 67,500 for years 28 and 29. Again, her salary is someone at the bottom of the pack. If you'll look at Belvedere and Sterling, they're already currently making that much, although I would like to mention that Dovie does receive a certification bonus that will be proposed, a $4,000 certification.

00:36:36.099 --> 00:36:43.500
so you have to factor that in as you make your decision.

00:36:43.500 --> 00:36:44.340
Madam Mayor.

00:36:44.340 --> 00:36:49.769
So I've proceeded a motion to move this forward.

00:36:49.769 --> 00:36:50.610
So moved.

00:36:50.610 --> 00:36:52.090
As stated, okay.

00:36:52.090 --> 00:36:53.570
Alderman Shadle, is there a second?

00:36:53.570 --> 00:36:54.409
Second.

00:36:55.529 --> 00:36:57.570
Seconded by Alderman Parker.

00:36:57.570 --> 00:36:58.409
Alderman Klemm.

00:37:00.170 --> 00:37:03.869
I believe that as we move this forward,

00:37:03.869 --> 00:37:07.250
I would appreciate if we could take and split it up

00:37:07.250 --> 00:37:08.929
into the three different sections

00:37:08.929 --> 00:37:09.929
Higgins.

00:37:09.929 --> 00:37:19.489
I believe there's, I have reasons for that, but I believe it would be more advantageous

00:37:19.489 --> 00:37:23.889
and possibly make it to where it would go through easier.

00:37:23.889 --> 00:37:32.260
I would second that.

00:37:32.260 --> 00:37:40.900
So you would, so right now there was a motion and a second to move it forward as presented.

00:37:40.900 --> 00:37:47.739
I hear now a motion to, a motion in a second to break it up into three separate ordinance,

00:37:47.739 --> 00:37:52.220
which is fine. And then, you know, so, but you got a motion right now to, to break it

00:37:52.220 --> 00:37:53.940
up into three separate ordinances.

00:37:53.940 --> 00:37:54.940
Okay.

00:37:54.940 --> 00:37:55.940
Okay.

00:37:55.940 --> 00:37:56.940
So,

00:37:56.940 --> 00:37:57.940
Excuse me.

00:37:57.940 --> 00:38:03.500
Do, do we just take a roll on it or do we talk about the breaking it up?

00:38:03.500 --> 00:38:04.500
Talk about the breaking it up.

00:38:04.500 --> 00:38:08.059
Okay. So if you have a comment about breaking it into three different pieces.

00:38:08.059 --> 00:38:13.940
No, I have a comment before that comment even happened because we have not had a discussion.

00:38:13.940 --> 00:38:19.420
Well, we aren't talking about the actual salary increases or however you want to word it.

00:38:19.420 --> 00:38:24.760
It's just what's on the floor right now is should we break it into three pieces?

00:38:24.760 --> 00:38:25.760
Without a discussion?

00:38:25.760 --> 00:38:26.760
We'll come back to that.

00:38:26.760 --> 00:38:27.760
No, we'll come back to it.

00:38:27.760 --> 00:38:30.420
It's just do we want to break it into three pieces?

00:38:30.420 --> 00:38:36.320
And then talk about all three separately, then discuss it in three separate chunks instead

00:38:36.320 --> 00:38:49.579
of one big ordinance. I have a, excuse me, where is this coming from? Where are we drawing

00:38:49.579 --> 00:38:59.980
this out of and how are we coming to this conclusion of three sections? Help me understand.

00:38:59.980 --> 00:39:05.619
Sure. I happen to agree with one or two of the sections, but will not vote for the same

00:39:05.619 --> 00:39:06.619
Huffines.

00:39:06.619 --> 00:39:08.619
That's the same thing for all sections of it.

00:39:08.619 --> 00:39:09.619
There's three sections.

00:39:09.619 --> 00:39:15.739
In other words, I may agree on the alderman pay, I may agree on the city clerk pay, but

00:39:15.739 --> 00:39:17.619
I may not agree on the mayor's pay.

00:39:17.619 --> 00:39:18.619
Oh, okay.

00:39:18.619 --> 00:39:21.139
So we're talking three separate that way.

00:39:21.139 --> 00:39:22.619
Okay, that's what you're referring to.

00:39:22.619 --> 00:39:23.619
Yeah, that's all I'm referring to.

00:39:23.619 --> 00:39:29.179
Yeah, because I didn't realize that he was grouping all of the...

00:39:29.179 --> 00:39:30.619
That's the way it is in your packet as a group.

00:39:30.619 --> 00:39:35.220
Yeah, I know that's in the packet, but the thing that we were talking about was the things

00:39:35.220 --> 00:39:41.619
Williams of Dovie and how we like to, then the next thing I hear is breaking it up in

00:39:41.619 --> 00:39:42.619
sections.

00:39:42.619 --> 00:39:43.619
Okay.

00:39:43.619 --> 00:39:45.099
So do you understand what the motion is right now?

00:39:45.099 --> 00:39:49.860
Yeah, I understand what the motion is now, but I didn't at the initial start.

00:39:49.860 --> 00:39:53.940
So is there any discussion on the motion that's on the floor about breaking it into three

00:39:53.940 --> 00:39:55.659
that's on the floor about breaking it into three different pieces, Dovie. The

00:39:55.659 --> 00:40:05.199
first and second were Klemm and Monroe. Thank you.

00:40:05.199 --> 00:40:16.619
Madam Clerk, could you take the roll on that? Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Parker? Aye.

00:40:16.619 --> 00:40:26.739
Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. Motion passes 8 to 0.

00:40:26.739 --> 00:40:39.260
which one you want to start with? Madam Mayor, if I may, I'll start with one

00:40:39.260 --> 00:40:47.739
since I've been an alderman the longest as far as time frame goes. On the time I've

00:40:47.739 --> 00:40:52.179
been on council there has never been a vote for a raise for an alderman as long

00:40:52.179 --> 00:40:57.980
as going back to 2005. It's been discussed one time or another but it's

00:40:57.980 --> 00:40:59.980
and

00:41:00.980 --> 00:41:02.980
Mr.

00:41:04.079 --> 00:41:06.079
Mayor, I believe that the number of

00:41:07.199 --> 00:41:09.699
members of the city has never been increased. I'm not saying

00:41:09.699 --> 00:41:12.699
it shouldn't be increased, okay? But there has never been

00:41:12.699 --> 00:41:14.699
discussion of an increase before.

00:41:17.699 --> 00:41:21.699
I believe when we went to city manager form of government, it

00:41:21.699 --> 00:41:25.699
was naturally split up then with the mayoral being a part-time

00:41:25.699 --> 00:41:40.699
If I'm correct, James, you can maybe tell me if I'm wrong, the mayor's salary was set at 20X number thousand dollars and then I believe at one time it was raised like one or two percent possibly.

00:41:40.699 --> 00:41:59.699
I have to tell you, I don't, I don't really ever recall a conversation on the city clerks, you know, if it has been, it's been a long time ago, you know, that's just some of the history of it and that's kind of where I come from.

00:41:59.699 --> 00:42:04.699
I'm not sure about that. Do you have figures, Michelle?

00:42:04.699 --> 00:42:11.860
Because if I recall I believe when I was on council in 2015 the salary was 3,300 and today it's 38.

00:42:21.139 --> 00:42:24.980
Is it right? I don't know. I need a second while you're talking I can look. Okay.

00:42:26.179 --> 00:42:32.920
So so to get back to your point is that are you saying that the three percent increase that's proposed is are you in agreement with?

00:42:32.920 --> 00:42:39.760
I would be in agreement with it. It doesn't affect me, you know

00:42:39.760 --> 00:42:51.760
and I'm saying that, the people that will affect first are the people that are up for vote in the second ward, the fourth ward and the sixth ward.

00:42:51.760 --> 00:42:52.760
Correct.

00:42:52.760 --> 00:43:02.760
The other people will not get an increase until 2025 or 2028 or whatever.

00:43:02.760 --> 00:43:19.760
I'm for increasing the city clerk's position. The city clerk's position has changed considerably over the years to have more responsibility, you know.

00:43:19.760 --> 00:43:23.760
I have absolutely nothing against the city mayor.

00:43:23.760 --> 00:43:24.760
Miller.

00:43:24.760 --> 00:43:31.960
But I have to say to you, at the time we set the salary for the city mayor, it was considered

00:43:31.960 --> 00:43:34.840
high by a considerable number of people.

00:43:34.840 --> 00:43:41.039
I'm not saying that the mayor doesn't deserve a raise or I'm not saying where we need to

00:43:41.039 --> 00:43:47.559
be, but the mayor and I have had this discussion and it has nothing to do with, and we should

00:43:47.559 --> 00:43:51.519
all take like somebody mentioned before and don't think about the person that's in the

00:43:51.519 --> 00:43:53.000
position at the moment.

00:43:53.000 --> 00:43:58.239
You know, that's got nothing to do with it because somebody else is in turn going to replace them at some time.

00:43:58.840 --> 00:44:05.400
So let's stick on the one piece that we have right now. Let's stick with Alderman and talk about what we want to move forward there.

00:44:06.440 --> 00:44:08.440
Alderman discussion.

00:44:08.440 --> 00:44:11.519
I had my hand up for the longest.

00:44:13.679 --> 00:44:16.119
Yeah, we're talking about increases,

00:44:17.519 --> 00:44:19.519
but increases without

00:44:19.880 --> 00:44:21.880
evaluations or

00:44:21.880 --> 00:44:48.880
We need to know how aldermen are defined, why are we aldermen, and why do we deserve 1%, 2%, or 3% These are the evaluations that we're not having or discussing.

00:44:48.880 --> 00:44:56.880
so what we're doing is we're prematurely talking about these things but there's no action behind it

00:44:57.599 --> 00:45:02.960
there's nothing going on behind it to make these determinations for these increases and so that's

00:45:02.960 --> 00:45:09.840
what i'm getting at uh we're just throwing this out here and uh and and we have not addressed it

00:45:09.840 --> 00:45:15.679
properly that's my opinion and i don't think we have addressed it properly and i think we need to

00:45:15.679 --> 00:45:25.760
to reevaluate, we need to evaluate what it is that the change is for if there is a change.

00:45:25.760 --> 00:45:29.239
City Manager, did you have your hand up?

00:45:29.239 --> 00:45:34.380
Yes, I just wanted to pass along to Alderman Sanders that it's essentially just a cost

00:45:34.380 --> 00:45:35.840
of living increase.

00:45:35.840 --> 00:45:38.920
So that's the, what's behind that.

00:45:38.920 --> 00:45:39.920
Okay.

00:45:39.920 --> 00:45:44.039
And you have to remember you don't personally evaluate the person in the seat.

00:45:44.039 --> 00:45:45.039
It's about the seat.

00:45:45.039 --> 00:46:00.039
It's a job title. It's a job. And every one of us sitting here has to have a job, just our purpose and our description of what it is that we do and what it is that we do on a regular basis.

00:46:00.039 --> 00:46:13.039
The people need to know whether or not how to define our job position, even as councils, even as mayor, even as attorneys and whoever else.

00:46:13.039 --> 00:46:21.039
People need to know how their dollars are spent and how we come to the conclusions that we do.

00:46:21.039 --> 00:46:27.039
And so without us being able to address the general public or ourselves,

00:46:27.039 --> 00:46:36.039
then we're doing a disservice not only just to ourselves but to the general public at the same time.

00:46:36.039 --> 00:46:41.039
And I feel that we need to not be so hasty

00:46:41.039 --> 00:46:57.039
to make these types of votes without taking the consideration and allowing us as council people and elected officials to look at the whole thing without just jumping increases here and there.

00:46:57.039 --> 00:47:07.039
And we need to know why it is that we're doing what we're doing, Manager Boyer says, because of cost of living.

00:47:07.039 --> 00:47:12.039
that is one word, cost of living, two words rather, three.

00:47:13.940 --> 00:47:18.220
But nevertheless, that as far as we are getting,

00:47:18.220 --> 00:47:20.539
far as these increases is concerned,

00:47:20.539 --> 00:47:22.460
based on what he is saying,

00:47:22.460 --> 00:47:26.579
we have not even made a comparison

00:47:26.579 --> 00:47:30.559
with cost of living in our wage increase

00:47:30.559 --> 00:47:32.460
or any increase, period.

00:47:32.460 --> 00:47:34.599
So we have not factored all of those things

00:47:34.599 --> 00:47:35.599
Huffines.

00:47:35.599 --> 00:47:42.880
So we need to be able to stop and pace ourselves.

00:47:42.880 --> 00:47:50.000
I don't know if it's something that we need to expedite, something that we need to do

00:47:50.000 --> 00:47:54.599
in a hurry to get this determined, but if that is the case, then we needed to bring

00:47:54.599 --> 00:47:56.720
that to the floor long before now.

00:47:56.720 --> 00:48:01.519
Well, we've had it on the floor before, and it was made known to the council that they

00:48:01.519 --> 00:48:02.519
Miller.

00:48:02.519 --> 00:48:06.239
We have to move something forward tonight by law in order to pass it in so many days before

00:48:06.239 --> 00:48:07.239
the next election.

00:48:07.239 --> 00:48:11.880
Alderman, I'm sorry, Manager Boyer, did you want to add to that?

00:48:11.880 --> 00:48:16.679
Alderman Sanders, it's just my recommendation that 3 percent, you can make it whatever you

00:48:16.679 --> 00:48:17.679
want.

00:48:17.679 --> 00:48:20.199
I mean, just, it's entirely up to the council.

00:48:20.199 --> 00:48:21.199
Alderman Monroe.

00:48:21.199 --> 00:48:22.360
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

00:48:22.360 --> 00:48:26.760
You know, I think when you come back to the conversation, it's more than just the cost

00:48:26.760 --> 00:48:28.119
of living.

00:48:28.119 --> 00:48:33.279
What you're asked to do is take phone calls day in, day out for the position that we hold.

00:48:33.279 --> 00:48:39.480
We want to get people who want to participate, study what we're going over that evening,

00:48:39.480 --> 00:48:45.079
bring in people of high quality, high value to help our city to continue to grow and move

00:48:45.079 --> 00:48:46.599
in the right direction.

00:48:46.599 --> 00:48:52.079
Those with financial minds, I will tell you, it's a hard sell at the price that it's set

00:48:52.079 --> 00:48:53.079
out right now.

00:48:53.079 --> 00:48:55.300
You have three meetings a month on Monday nights.

00:48:55.300 --> 00:48:58.500
you miss family time, you miss sporting events,

00:48:58.500 --> 00:49:00.139
you miss a lot of stuff.

00:49:00.139 --> 00:49:02.900
Notwithstanding, then you've got those times a year,

00:49:02.900 --> 00:49:05.079
we're in the fall, you're also coming in

00:49:05.079 --> 00:49:07.300
for those finance meetings.

00:49:07.300 --> 00:49:09.460
And it's important that we do the research

00:49:09.460 --> 00:49:11.400
and understand each line item.

00:49:11.400 --> 00:49:13.820
It's not easy to sit in the seat

00:49:13.820 --> 00:49:15.619
and to tell a department head

00:49:15.619 --> 00:49:17.940
who thinks that you're attacking their department

00:49:17.940 --> 00:49:20.380
that no, you shouldn't get that much money,

00:49:20.380 --> 00:49:22.940
but you have to balance it with the needs of the city.

00:49:22.940 --> 00:49:25.779
it's a service that you're providing.

00:49:25.779 --> 00:49:28.579
And in order to get people who really wanna

00:49:28.579 --> 00:49:32.239
to dive into this role, you need people to be able to,

00:49:33.340 --> 00:49:36.460
who are gonna feel like they're being financially compensated

00:49:36.460 --> 00:49:39.079
for the position and the work that they're doing.

00:49:39.079 --> 00:49:40.980
I mean, because if you break it down,

00:49:42.300 --> 00:49:44.179
are we getting the $15 an hour

00:49:44.179 --> 00:49:45.579
that's mandated by the state?

00:49:45.579 --> 00:49:49.019
I don't know, but I think out of all of us

00:49:49.019 --> 00:49:51.659
that are sitting here, I'm the only one that's not running

00:49:51.659 --> 00:49:52.500
and the next.

00:49:52.500 --> 00:49:53.119
I'm the only one that's not running in the next election.

00:49:53.119 --> 00:49:57.199
So I think it's pretty easy to say, looking forward,

00:49:57.199 --> 00:50:02.800
we need to raise that value to raise the amount of money

00:50:02.800 --> 00:50:05.119
to draw people in that want to do this.

00:50:05.119 --> 00:50:09.400
And to give you kind of an idea, you get about $1,500

00:50:09.400 --> 00:50:11.760
to be an assistant football coach.

00:50:11.760 --> 00:50:14.920
So that's for three months, $1,500.

00:50:14.920 --> 00:50:17.719
And we're paying a little over double that

00:50:17.719 --> 00:50:22.000
and I have been doing that for an entire year of putting up with everything that goes on.

00:50:22.000 --> 00:50:25.800
We all know that we have our neighborhood watch meetings, we have other meetings that

00:50:25.800 --> 00:50:31.159
we come to, so we participate in a lot of stuff, we talk to a lot of people, we do a

00:50:31.159 --> 00:50:36.139
lot of research with the department heads as well and it's important that we take care

00:50:36.139 --> 00:50:40.179
of the duty that we are putting here and I think financially it makes a lot of sense

00:50:40.179 --> 00:50:44.659
to give that raise not just for cost of living but to bring it in line with what people are

00:50:44.659 --> 00:50:47.219
being asked to do.

00:50:47.219 --> 00:50:52.480
I think it's kind of obvious that these positions, elected officials, are really about labor

00:50:52.480 --> 00:50:55.800
of love because the pay isn't good.

00:50:55.800 --> 00:50:58.679
Your motive is you want to move the city forward.

00:50:58.679 --> 00:51:00.599
You want to, what's best for the community.

00:51:00.599 --> 00:51:02.880
Alderman Sellers, you've had your hand up.

00:51:02.880 --> 00:51:11.239
Yes, I just wanted some clarification on the way it was going to be set up.

00:51:11.239 --> 00:51:19.239
So we do the 3% tonight, and how does it affect older people?

00:51:19.239 --> 00:51:23.760
I guess I've missed all that one.

00:51:23.760 --> 00:51:27.679
After the April election, anyone who is elected

00:51:27.679 --> 00:51:29.840
will receive that raise at that point.

00:51:29.840 --> 00:51:34.199
OK, so the previous ones, we still would get the,

00:51:34.199 --> 00:51:36.239
oh, that don't make sense to me.

00:51:36.239 --> 00:51:38.119
I would say no, because if I'm sitting here

00:51:38.119 --> 00:51:40.920
and I'm doing the same exact thing you're doing,

00:51:40.920 --> 00:51:41.920
and Stacey.

00:51:41.920 --> 00:51:47.360
By law though, Alderman Stacey, it can't change when it's set, it's set for four years.

00:51:47.360 --> 00:51:54.280
Can I ask one clarifying, what's the dollar amount difference between the 3% and what's

00:51:54.280 --> 00:51:55.519
being paid right now?

00:51:55.519 --> 00:51:56.519
$115.

00:51:56.519 --> 00:52:00.559
So, $115 divided by 12, we're talking.

00:52:00.559 --> 00:52:01.559
Okay.

00:52:01.559 --> 00:52:02.559
Okay.

00:52:02.559 --> 00:52:03.559
Okay.

00:52:03.559 --> 00:52:09.679
We're not even talking Culver's.

00:52:09.679 --> 00:52:22.719
and Stacy with coupons you know I'm hearing what's everyone is saying and

00:52:22.719 --> 00:52:34.130
something that has not happened that has got to happen and it can't just happen

00:52:34.130 --> 00:52:39.130
over this mic at a council meeting openly on the floor.

00:52:41.409 --> 00:52:46.409
We as the council need to come together and discuss,

00:52:50.610 --> 00:52:55.610
I don't care if it's 3%, if it's 5%, if it's 10%,

00:52:57.369 --> 00:53:02.369
but we need to be able, the eight of us,

00:53:04.130 --> 00:53:15.849
to come together, weigh out what needs weighing out and determine what we want, not what's

00:53:15.849 --> 00:53:18.090
being presented to us.

00:53:18.090 --> 00:53:19.090
Then say it.

00:53:19.090 --> 00:53:20.090
What do you want?

00:53:20.090 --> 00:53:21.090
Because this is the forum that happens.

00:53:21.090 --> 00:53:23.610
It doesn't happen behind closed doors.

00:53:23.610 --> 00:53:25.849
I'm not saying behind closed doors.

00:53:25.849 --> 00:53:28.650
We all can't meet behind closed doors.

00:53:28.650 --> 00:53:29.650
Right.

00:53:29.650 --> 00:53:33.110
So this is your moment.

00:53:33.110 --> 00:53:44.260
So if you want to add something personal in that, then say it. This is your moment.

00:53:44.260 --> 00:53:56.260
Like Alderman Monroe said, we have got to get these positions at a place where people

00:53:56.260 --> 00:54:07.779
are going to want to take them over. They're going to want to do whatever is required,

00:54:07.779 --> 00:54:11.199
the necessary, whatever that is,

00:54:12.739 --> 00:54:17.739
to make the best decisions for the city.

00:54:18.119 --> 00:54:24.769
This little penny, Annie, this and that,

00:54:24.769 --> 00:54:26.090
it's not gonna work.

00:54:26.989 --> 00:54:35.670
We're not gonna better the city like that.

00:54:35.750 --> 00:54:36.650
Alderman Sanders.

00:54:39.010 --> 00:54:45.199
I have a thought on whether

00:54:45.199 --> 00:55:00.199
and I don't know if it's in order or not, whether or not the general public or the people in the assembly here might have an opinion,

00:55:00.199 --> 00:55:08.199
might want to shed some light on this because there's a lot of people who know about how this thing works

00:55:08.199 --> 00:55:28.199
and I would appeal to the general public if they have any insight or understanding that they should be able to feel, be able to come to the podium and express those kinds of thoughts because obviously we, me myself personally, I don't think we're approaching this right with all due respect to the general public.

00:55:28.199 --> 00:55:29.199
Huffines.

00:55:29.199 --> 00:55:30.199
Thank you.

00:55:30.199 --> 00:55:35.920
I just want to address those kinds of thoughts because obviously we, I mean myself personally,

00:55:35.920 --> 00:55:41.400
I don't think we're approaching this right with all of the, with all of the information

00:55:41.400 --> 00:55:46.480
that is needed behind these types of things that we're pursuing.

00:55:46.480 --> 00:55:51.800
I just want to get a feel for what some folk in the general public might be feeling, give

00:55:51.800 --> 00:55:58.400
Give us some kind of input or their expression, you know, something of that nature.

00:55:58.400 --> 00:56:03.639
Give us something other than the fact that we got council members sitting here trying

00:56:03.639 --> 00:56:08.559
to determine whether it's good or bad, whether we should move forward or not.

00:56:08.559 --> 00:56:09.559
That's my whole thing.

00:56:09.559 --> 00:56:14.480
I don't know if I'm out of order to do that or to say that, but that's the thing that

00:56:14.480 --> 00:56:15.880
I feel at this moment.

00:56:15.880 --> 00:56:16.880
Holder, McClemm.

00:56:16.880 --> 00:56:24.760
I just have a question to ask, Madam Mayor. You and I discussed when I went back on the

00:56:24.760 --> 00:56:33.079
council, you discussed that you had talked to numerous people before you talked to me.

00:56:33.079 --> 00:56:37.239
Recently there's been some positions talked about and you're probably the person that's

00:56:37.239 --> 00:56:43.179
called up more people than anybody. Have any one of those people ever asked you how much

00:56:43.179 --> 00:56:44.179
it paid?

00:56:44.179 --> 00:56:50.639
No, in fact, I had one say, it gets paid. It's what public service is.

00:56:50.639 --> 00:56:56.039
I'm just bringing up a point, you know. Right. That's all.

00:56:56.039 --> 00:57:02.480
Manager Boyer. Just submitting for counsel, if you look at the table that's provided,

00:57:02.480 --> 00:57:11.779
it's very clear that all the persons in Freeport are among the lowest paid with the comparables

00:57:11.779 --> 00:57:15.550
that we've supplied. Sure.

00:57:15.550 --> 00:57:26.550
So, with that in mind, I would venture to say that it is not a stretch to do something to keep pace with the surrounding communities.

00:57:26.550 --> 00:57:38.550
I think that's probably smart. However, a 3% increase is what we generally are doing for the rest of City Hall and the rest of our workers.

00:57:38.550 --> 00:57:44.550
Therefore, that's why that's suggested. But it's up to the council what it is.

00:57:44.550 --> 00:58:14.550
I'm just saying that when evaluate the public I go to the neighborhood watch meetings every month with my activity in this town I have at least a hundred people talk to me every month about this position you know you want it you don't want it they can't believe how much you do how many complaints I get about the roads and stuff I probably spend I put

00:58:14.550 --> 00:58:15.550
Fowler.

00:58:15.550 --> 00:58:18.789
I've had 50 bucks worth of gas in my vehicle running around this town looking at stuff

00:58:18.789 --> 00:58:20.529
that people call me about.

00:58:20.529 --> 00:58:22.029
So I don't have a problem.

00:58:22.029 --> 00:58:24.829
If they don't want me there, they can gladly tell me that.

00:58:24.829 --> 00:58:29.150
But I've had at least that many people insist that I run again.

00:58:29.150 --> 00:58:33.710
I wasn't going to, but they want me to do it and it makes me feel good when they give

00:58:33.710 --> 00:58:34.750
me a pat in the back.

00:58:34.750 --> 00:58:40.590
So I think this 3% is pennies, doesn't matter, but at least something.

00:58:40.590 --> 00:58:59.590
Holderman, Sanders. Yeah, I sympathize with you on that part, Brother Parker. People are trying to engage aldermen to get more insight and information on their district areas and things of this nature.

00:58:59.590 --> 00:59:04.590
and we become a value to them to be able to talk with them

00:59:05.289 --> 00:59:09.949
and then bring it to the council or city manager

00:59:09.949 --> 00:59:14.949
and express what the citizens are talking about.

00:59:14.989 --> 00:59:18.029
That is an absolute truth to it, fact to it

00:59:18.029 --> 00:59:20.389
because I've been exposed to it.

00:59:20.389 --> 00:59:24.989
And I think that we should consider all of those things

00:59:24.989 --> 00:59:29.989
and not put the public expressions behind us

00:59:34.510 --> 00:59:37.710
and don't look at it.

00:59:37.710 --> 00:59:39.570
If they have expressions,

00:59:39.570 --> 00:59:41.829
we should take that into considerations

00:59:41.829 --> 00:59:46.590
and I feel that that's what councilmen are for.

00:59:46.590 --> 00:59:47.989
Can we call the question in?

00:59:50.190 --> 00:59:56.210
there's nothing to do this this was only for first reading so there was only a

00:59:56.210 --> 01:00:00.130
motion and second to move it forward and then there was a motion that was

01:00:00.130 --> 01:00:06.230
approved to break it up into three separate ordinances that being said you

01:00:06.230 --> 01:00:13.309
know at this point it's a you know each topic is individually still 3% raise

01:00:13.309 --> 01:00:20.710
Three-Percent Raise, four percent raise for the clerk's position, I believe, there, unless

01:00:20.710 --> 01:00:25.570
there's another motion or motions for each category saying oh well we think

01:00:25.570 --> 01:00:29.429
it should be this for Alderman and not three but this or this should be this

01:00:29.429 --> 01:00:34.070
for mayor or this for the clerk, then it would just be drafted as three separate

01:00:34.070 --> 01:00:39.329
ordinances for Second Read, but at the same dollar amounts. That's presented.

01:00:39.329 --> 01:00:47.809
I just have a question clarification so if nothing's done with this then

01:00:47.809 --> 01:00:56.449
everything stays status quo for how long? Four years. Four years. I disagree. You and I

01:00:56.449 --> 01:01:02.610
will not be paid mayor if we don't get this resolved. Our wages are only good

01:01:02.610 --> 01:01:07.489
through May of... Right so it has to be it would have to be set for whatever

01:01:07.489 --> 01:01:15.010
whatever whatever's current yeah same as Alderman it'd have to be set for what's

01:01:15.010 --> 01:01:27.769
current right so the per the way that our ordinance is written for the clerk's

01:01:27.769 --> 01:01:32.050
position and the mayor's position it was set out for their four-year terms what

01:01:32.050 --> 01:01:37.030
their amounts are so if you don't set what the clerk's position is going to be

01:01:37.030 --> 01:01:43.070
then whoever fills that position there is no salary for them so and same thing

01:01:43.070 --> 01:01:48.650
for the mayor. So it was set up where, for whatever reason back then, every four years

01:01:48.650 --> 01:01:53.030
you got to figure out what the clerk and the mayor are going to be paid.

01:01:53.030 --> 01:01:57.670
So my understanding is we need to act on this tonight.

01:01:57.670 --> 01:02:02.190
We have to move something forward tonight. It won't be voted on, it just moves forward.

01:02:02.190 --> 01:02:03.670
Okay, gotcha.

01:02:03.670 --> 01:02:10.590
So right now, before you, is the suggested, for Alderman, on the next election cycle,

01:02:10.590 --> 01:02:15.710
A 3% increase, which amounts to $115. That's what's before you.

01:02:15.710 --> 01:02:17.710
Yeah. That's a hell of a lot.

01:02:17.710 --> 01:02:18.789
Alderman Stacy.

01:02:18.789 --> 01:02:25.030
Can what, whatever is moved forward tonight, can that be changed?

01:02:25.030 --> 01:02:26.590
Anything can have an amendment.

01:02:26.590 --> 01:02:32.150
Did you hear me? I'm being sarcastic. That's all. That's all.

01:02:32.150 --> 01:02:35.309
Right. So at this point, as far as the amendments,

01:02:35.309 --> 01:02:37.269
if you want to make an amendment, let's say for,

01:02:37.269 --> 01:02:42.909
because again we already voted to break it up into three separate ordinances so if

01:02:42.909 --> 01:02:49.510
you wanted to say okay further staff you know I know I move that we raise the

01:02:49.510 --> 01:02:54.809
aldermen from 3% to 4% if that gets seconded and you guys vote to

01:02:54.809 --> 01:02:58.869
approve that then I would draft the ordinance for second read at 4% instead

01:02:58.869 --> 01:03:03.469
of 3% if someone I mean this is your opportunity to have that discussion same

01:03:03.469 --> 01:03:04.469
Sanders.

01:03:04.469 --> 01:03:05.469
I think that's a good point.

01:03:05.469 --> 01:03:06.469
Same thing, then, for the clerk's position.

01:03:06.469 --> 01:03:07.469
Same thing, then, for the mayor's position.

01:03:07.469 --> 01:03:08.469
Norman Sanders.

01:03:08.469 --> 01:03:09.469
Yeah.

01:03:09.469 --> 01:03:25.579
Entertaining this whole thought process, is it the limit point of percentage that has

01:03:25.579 --> 01:03:29.420
a cap to it?

01:03:29.420 --> 01:03:35.159
The percentage that we're talking about, three percent, four percent, is that a cap?

01:03:35.159 --> 01:03:36.619
It's up to whatever you guys want.

01:03:36.619 --> 01:03:37.619
Winslow.

01:03:37.619 --> 01:03:38.619
There's not a cap to this.

01:03:38.619 --> 01:03:39.619
Nope.

01:03:39.619 --> 01:03:42.340
You can say you want a 20 percent increase, but it would look really bad to the city.

01:03:42.340 --> 01:03:51.300
Yeah, I know, but what I was going to say is in comparison to the things that Manager

01:03:51.300 --> 01:03:59.300
Boyer presented to us, in comparison, are we in a position to bring our cost of living

01:03:59.300 --> 01:04:07.519
or our comparison balance to some other community, even though they're doing much better than

01:04:07.519 --> 01:04:16.340
we are here in Freeport, can we find out what the percentages are and then determine whether

01:04:16.340 --> 01:04:24.699
or not we should bring our increased percentage to those kinds of balances or levels?

01:04:24.699 --> 01:04:26.099
I'm just curious.

01:04:26.099 --> 01:04:32.760
I don't want to say that we're capping ourselves off and there's no headroom, but we do need

01:04:32.760 --> 01:04:42.230
to be able to see where we are in line with other communities and other counties.

01:04:42.230 --> 01:04:47.190
So I think what Manager Boyer has presented to you is some comparables as to what other

01:04:47.190 --> 01:04:52.869
communities are currently paying the position of older person there.

01:04:52.869 --> 01:04:58.829
Now, the thing about it is you can't necessarily go to these same communities and say, oh,

01:04:58.829 --> 01:05:02.470
well, what percentage increase are you doing this year or this election cycle?

01:05:02.470 --> 01:05:10.230
Because just as in Freeport, these compensation amounts aren't changing every four years.

01:05:10.230 --> 01:05:17.230
Sometimes they've sat for eight, 12, 15, 16 years, so it's hard to get a percentage

01:05:17.230 --> 01:05:22.190
increase because it's not like people's everyday wages.

01:05:22.190 --> 01:05:23.949
if you're an employee somewhere, you owe,

01:05:23.949 --> 01:05:25.710
every year you get a cost of living adjustment,

01:05:25.710 --> 01:05:28.230
3%, 2%, whatever, this is different.

01:05:28.230 --> 01:05:29.150
It's up to each community.

01:05:29.150 --> 01:05:33.309
But what you do have is, well, you know that

01:05:33.309 --> 01:05:36.909
all the men here are getting paid roughly $3,800.

01:05:36.909 --> 01:05:38.230
And then you have the chart that shows,

01:05:38.230 --> 01:05:39.470
well, what are older people

01:05:39.470 --> 01:05:42.750
in similarly sized communities getting paid?

01:05:42.750 --> 01:05:45.590
And so you can see that.

01:05:45.590 --> 01:05:50.590
Yeah, do we, based on our cost of living in this city,

01:05:50.590 --> 01:06:01.470
based on what measures that we use to determine what is the cost of living of Freeport that

01:06:01.470 --> 01:06:07.429
applies to everyone here in the city of Freeport when it comes to cost of living. And then

01:06:07.429 --> 01:06:13.590
I wanted to find out, I also want to make it in comparisons, is it population or what

01:06:13.590 --> 01:06:18.269
is it that causes an inflation to change?

01:06:18.269 --> 01:06:21.989
So there's a standard put out by the Department of Labor

01:06:21.989 --> 01:06:24.510
what the cost of living adjustment is.

01:06:24.510 --> 01:06:26.070
I think that is broken up into regions,

01:06:26.070 --> 01:06:28.110
but I'm not positive there.

01:06:28.110 --> 01:06:30.470
But generally speaking, you can Google,

01:06:30.470 --> 01:06:33.389
what's the cost of living increase this year?

01:06:33.389 --> 01:06:36.670
And it'll come up that the Department of Labor

01:06:36.670 --> 01:06:39.670
usually issues that number.

01:06:39.670 --> 01:06:41.309
Gary, did you have a statistic there?

01:06:41.309 --> 01:06:42.789
Yeah, I was looking it up.

01:06:42.789 --> 01:06:46.029
So the statistics, I'll just go back to 2020.

01:06:46.029 --> 01:07:00.190
The consumer price index was 1.2% in 2020, 4.7 in 2021, 8% in 2022, and 4.1% in 2023.

01:07:00.190 --> 01:07:01.389
Alderman Klemm?

01:07:01.389 --> 01:07:02.989
What was that for, Darren, again?

01:07:02.989 --> 01:07:07.989
That's the consumer price index multiplier for cost of goods.

01:07:07.989 --> 01:07:10.869
I'll make a motion, but I'll wait till everybody's here.

01:07:10.869 --> 01:07:17.190
We aren't going to get one of these six vote deals again.

01:07:17.190 --> 01:07:19.909
Actually, we aren't voting anything.

01:07:19.909 --> 01:07:25.429
OK, well, I was going to make a motion that had to be voted on.

01:07:25.429 --> 01:07:27.389
I'm just saying somebody's asking.

01:07:27.389 --> 01:07:29.989
Right, right, to set the amount.

01:07:29.989 --> 01:07:31.789
Because right now, it's moving forward.

01:07:31.789 --> 01:07:35.550
It would be moving forward at just the suggested rates.

01:07:35.550 --> 01:07:37.050
If you guys want to change the rates,

01:07:37.050 --> 01:07:39.789
then a motion needs to be made, seconded, voted on.

01:07:39.789 --> 01:07:43.570
that will give me direction that how to bring the ordinance back for second read

01:07:43.570 --> 01:07:50.769
for you guys to actually take the final vote on. I'll go ahead and do it, doesn't

01:07:50.769 --> 01:07:55.429
make any difference. I'll make a motion to raise the alderman salary and this can

01:07:55.429 --> 01:08:00.550
all be changed. It's not cast in gold, it's just nobody wants to talk about

01:08:00.550 --> 01:08:07.090
anything. I make a motion that we raise the alderman salary to $4,500, raise the

01:08:07.090 --> 01:08:14.260
and the city clerks wages by 5% and keep the mayor the same.

01:08:14.340 --> 01:08:16.899
Why don't we, well, okay, so I hear that, Tom,

01:08:16.899 --> 01:08:19.140
but let's take them all separately,

01:08:19.140 --> 01:08:20.340
because that's what we talked about doing.

01:08:20.340 --> 01:08:24.420
So you laid it out for us so we know where you're going.

01:08:24.420 --> 01:08:26.100
No, I'm fine, I'm fine.

01:08:26.100 --> 01:08:29.460
Yeah, I would go along with the-

01:08:29.460 --> 01:08:31.359
We're doing the older person first, right?

01:08:31.359 --> 01:08:33.699
I would kind of go along with what he suggested

01:08:33.699 --> 01:08:38.699
or for the clerk, is that where we're at?

01:08:40.699 --> 01:08:43.619
Again, let's just do it, aldermen one at a time, please.

01:08:43.619 --> 01:08:44.619
Okay.

01:08:44.619 --> 01:08:49.260
So, I'll say move the aldermen's wages to $4,500.

01:08:49.260 --> 01:08:51.220
Yeah, I concur, anyone else?

01:08:51.220 --> 01:08:53.220
What's that percentage increase?

01:08:53.220 --> 01:08:54.619
18%, I don't think.

01:08:54.619 --> 01:08:56.119
18%?

01:08:56.119 --> 01:08:56.960
I don't know.

01:08:56.960 --> 01:08:58.220
I think, I don't know.

01:08:58.220 --> 01:08:59.059
I'll calculate.

01:08:59.059 --> 01:09:01.180
Raise it, raise it, if you're actually raising it.

01:09:01.180 --> 01:09:03.059
I'm just curious, what's the percentage

01:09:03.059 --> 01:09:08.059
from 3,800 to 45, yeah, I'm just, oh, gosh.

01:09:08.220 --> 01:09:10.380
Yes, sounds about right.

01:09:13.100 --> 01:09:15.260
Yeah, cause someone could go 50.

01:09:15.260 --> 01:09:16.100
18.

01:09:16.100 --> 01:09:16.940
18.

01:09:16.940 --> 01:09:18.140
18.4.

01:09:18.140 --> 01:09:19.659
Pardon me?

01:09:19.659 --> 01:09:21.819
18.4%.

01:09:21.819 --> 01:09:23.279
Oh, good night.

01:09:23.279 --> 01:09:28.199
Why are you grunting, Mayor?

01:09:29.380 --> 01:09:31.460
Got something stuck in your throat?

01:09:31.460 --> 01:09:32.300
I do.

01:09:32.300 --> 01:09:41.600
it's cough drop okay okay so on the floor is a motion made by Alderman Klemm

01:09:41.600 --> 01:09:49.699
seconded by Alderman Sanders to raise the alderman pay by 18.4 percent

01:09:49.699 --> 01:10:14.020
and

01:10:14.020 --> 01:10:24.579
I agree. I agree. So the discussion is on the 18.4% which amounts to $4,500. Alderman Sellers.

01:10:24.579 --> 01:10:30.979
I really don't think we should go 18% right now, but that's just me. I think that's a little high.

01:10:30.979 --> 01:10:41.020
What? I just think it's a little high to jump into on 18%. I can say five. Mayor? Yes, Alderman

01:10:41.020 --> 01:10:48.300
Simmons. I'm sorry, we have spent millions of dollars in the snap of a finger and we have been

01:10:48.300 --> 01:10:57.180
debating not even a total of $35,000 a year and raises for almost 30 minutes. Can we please vote?

01:10:57.180 --> 01:11:02.939
Can we do something? Can we move it forward? Please. It's not even a hundred bucks a month.

01:11:36.340 --> 01:11:38.340
We have questions on that.

01:11:38.340 --> 01:11:40.340
Can we round it?

01:11:40.340 --> 01:11:42.340
I mean there's some

01:11:42.340 --> 01:11:44.340
a long percentage, 18.4 dot

01:11:44.340 --> 01:11:46.340
whatever. Can we round it?

01:11:46.340 --> 01:11:48.340
To simply say 4500?

01:11:48.340 --> 01:11:50.340
Yeah, can we do that instead of a percentage?

01:11:50.340 --> 01:11:52.340
I think that's actually what Alderman Klemm said.

01:11:52.340 --> 01:11:54.340
It was 45. 45?

01:11:54.340 --> 01:11:57.869
Okay, if there's no further discussion

01:11:59.869 --> 01:12:01.869
Can I call this or do we have to wait

01:12:01.869 --> 01:12:03.869
for the bathroom break? No, we're good.

01:12:03.869 --> 01:12:05.869
I'll go.

01:12:05.869 --> 01:12:08.390
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:12:08.390 --> 01:12:12.310
Monroe? Yes.

01:12:12.310 --> 01:12:14.390
Simmons? Aye.

01:12:14.390 --> 01:12:15.829
Parker? Aye.

01:12:15.829 --> 01:12:18.829
Stacy? Aye.

01:12:18.829 --> 01:12:20.470
Shadle? No.

01:12:20.470 --> 01:12:23.109
Sanders is absent, Sellers?

01:12:23.109 --> 01:12:25.590
No. Klemm? Aye.

01:12:25.590 --> 01:12:31.949
The motion passes five to two.

01:12:31.949 --> 01:12:35.189
So that's not official gone through.

01:12:35.189 --> 01:12:38.789
There's second reading that that's what's going forward on second reading in two weeks.

01:12:38.789 --> 01:12:39.869
18%, 14%.

01:12:39.869 --> 01:12:41.949
So now let's talk about clerk.

01:12:43.430 --> 01:12:47.130
Make a motion, will you raise the clerk's salary 5%?

01:12:48.829 --> 01:12:50.470
I'll second that.

01:12:50.470 --> 01:12:52.270
We have a motion on the floor, maybe Alderman Klemm,

01:12:52.270 --> 01:12:56.310
seconded by Alderman Simmons to raise clerk position 5%.

01:12:56.310 --> 01:12:58.590
Discussion on the clerk's position.

01:12:58.590 --> 01:12:59.609
Madam Mayor. Yes.

01:12:59.609 --> 01:13:01.350
What is 5% increase?

01:13:03.470 --> 01:13:04.470
Michelle.

01:13:04.470 --> 01:13:06.369
Quick question with that too, is it,

01:13:06.369 --> 01:13:10.930
So as we calculated them, it was 4% year over year.

01:13:10.930 --> 01:13:14.050
So 4% and then the next year, 4% on top

01:13:14.050 --> 01:13:16.250
and then 4% on top.

01:13:16.250 --> 01:13:19.630
So it's not a flat for each year.

01:13:19.630 --> 01:13:22.250
So I just wanted to make sure that was clear.

01:13:22.250 --> 01:13:25.770
And so if we're going to five, we're going five plus five.

01:13:25.770 --> 01:13:27.010
Each year.

01:13:27.010 --> 01:13:27.850
Each year.

01:13:27.850 --> 01:13:28.670
Correct.

01:13:28.670 --> 01:13:30.609
So yeah, yes.

01:13:30.609 --> 01:13:31.449
That's the way that-

01:13:31.449 --> 01:13:32.609
So what does that amount to?

01:13:32.609 --> 01:13:35.949
From what the salary is right now at the end of this term?

01:13:36.369 --> 01:13:57.609
10,200 per year total total in four years any further discussion madam clerk please

01:14:30.460 --> 01:14:47.439
Do you want to vote on this or is that an aye? Passes 8 to 0. Okay so that's what's

01:14:47.439 --> 01:14:51.920
moving forward to the second reading. Next item is the mayor's salary. Mayor's

01:14:51.920 --> 01:15:01.060
salary to remain the same. That's a motion made by Alderman Klemm. Is there a

01:15:01.060 --> 01:15:20.630
I second. I will make a motion to, he don't have a second. Oh, I'll second it. Don't let it die. I'll second it. Yeah, I can vote no.

01:15:20.630 --> 01:15:27.630
Okay, so we have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Simmons, to increase the mayor's salary by 0%.

01:15:27.630 --> 01:15:34.000
Any discussion? Madam Clerk, would you please take...

01:15:34.000 --> 01:15:47.000
Oh, I have one question. Is that, is that because of, of the, you don't think the, the cost of living thing? I mean, even just the 3% is not that much, but I just wanted to know.

01:15:47.000 --> 01:16:00.699
I have, I have absolutely nothing against the job being, that's being done. The, the people that have been in it have been, have more than put in their time, without a doubt.

01:16:00.699 --> 01:16:06.600
Jodi's you know been there is really heavily involved in stuff I'm basing it

01:16:06.600 --> 01:16:12.119
upon the fact that years ago when it was put in place if you take a look at it

01:16:12.119 --> 01:16:16.920
based at other places of part-time mirrors it's hot it's all it's high

01:16:16.920 --> 01:16:22.380
that's all that's all I'm basing it on you know like you say next week we can do

01:16:22.380 --> 01:16:27.460
anything in the world and that's what I based it on because I can remember at

01:16:27.460 --> 01:16:30.060
at the period of time that it was set,

01:16:30.060 --> 01:16:33.119
you know, and I was one of the people that set it.

01:16:33.119 --> 01:16:36.000
Everybody said, why are we paying X amount

01:16:36.000 --> 01:16:39.520
for a part-time mayor when Rochelle is paying X amount

01:16:39.520 --> 01:16:42.939
for a part-time mayor that was half the cost?

01:16:42.939 --> 01:16:43.779
Yeah.

01:16:43.779 --> 01:16:45.000
And you know, it's not totally inclusive.

01:16:45.000 --> 01:16:47.479
I mean, call McChesney Park.

01:16:47.479 --> 01:16:50.239
McChesney Park is almost identical in population

01:16:50.239 --> 01:16:52.859
and their part-time mayor gets 51,000.

01:16:52.859 --> 01:16:53.699
Is how much?

01:16:53.699 --> 01:16:54.539
51,000.

01:16:54.539 --> 01:16:56.119
Have we got that on our list?

01:16:56.119 --> 01:16:56.960
No.

01:16:57.460 --> 01:16:59.619
but you can call and verify it if you want.

01:16:59.619 --> 01:17:00.779
Okay.

01:17:00.779 --> 01:17:01.619
No, no, I appreciate that.

01:17:01.619 --> 01:17:03.100
Yeah.

01:17:03.100 --> 01:17:03.939
Michelle.

01:17:03.939 --> 01:17:06.140
There were some communities I just couldn't find online.

01:17:06.140 --> 01:17:06.979
Right.

01:17:06.979 --> 01:17:09.220
So, I mean, I tried my darndest.

01:17:09.220 --> 01:17:12.310
Thank you.

01:17:12.310 --> 01:17:13.149
Alderman Stacey.

01:17:14.829 --> 01:17:19.829
If we go cheap, you gon' get cheap.

01:17:19.869 --> 01:17:24.869
You get what you pay for.

01:17:31.020 --> 01:17:32.380
Alderman Klemm.

01:17:32.380 --> 01:17:35.979
just a point and it's not an argument whatsoever.

01:17:35.979 --> 01:17:38.340
How many times have you heard everybody say

01:17:38.340 --> 01:17:43.140
since we hired a city manager, we're paying 150,

01:17:43.140 --> 01:17:46.539
I'm throwing out figures, they aren't actually accurate.

01:17:46.539 --> 01:17:51.539
$150,000 here and $28,000 here,

01:17:52.460 --> 01:17:56.579
that's $175,000 and we used to do it for how much money?

01:17:58.739 --> 01:18:01.300
So that's the only thing I'm basing it on.

01:18:01.300 --> 01:18:02.300
Huffines.

01:18:02.300 --> 01:18:03.300
Thank you.

01:18:03.300 --> 01:18:04.300
Thank you.

01:18:04.300 --> 01:18:06.550
Well, maybe we're paying our city manager too much.

01:18:06.550 --> 01:18:08.550
Well, his salary is not for discussion right now, so.

01:18:08.550 --> 01:18:09.550
Uh-oh.

01:18:09.550 --> 01:18:10.550
Let's.

01:18:10.550 --> 01:18:11.550
I mean.

01:18:11.550 --> 01:18:12.550
Well, I'm just saying.

01:18:12.550 --> 01:18:13.550
I'm sorry.

01:18:13.550 --> 01:18:14.550
It's not.

01:18:14.550 --> 01:18:15.550
It's not.

01:18:15.550 --> 01:18:16.550
Larry.

01:18:16.550 --> 01:18:17.550
I'm finna have an argument.

01:18:17.550 --> 01:18:18.550
It's not, Larry.

01:18:18.550 --> 01:18:20.229
Maybe it's not debatable now.

01:18:20.229 --> 01:18:21.229
It's not.

01:18:21.229 --> 01:18:22.229
It will be.

01:18:22.229 --> 01:18:23.229
There's gotta be a...

01:18:23.229 --> 01:18:24.229
Oh, okay.

01:18:24.229 --> 01:18:25.229
It will be.

01:18:25.229 --> 01:18:26.229
It's not now.

01:18:26.229 --> 01:18:27.229
Okay.

01:18:27.229 --> 01:18:28.229
Okay.

01:18:28.229 --> 01:18:30.989
So what's on the floor right now with the first and the second is a 0% increase.

01:18:30.989 --> 01:18:32.430
If you don't like it, then vote no.

01:18:32.430 --> 01:18:34.050
if you do, say yes.

01:18:34.050 --> 01:18:35.430
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:18:35.430 --> 01:18:36.309
Monroe?

01:18:36.309 --> 01:18:37.149
No.

01:18:37.149 --> 01:18:37.989
Simmons?

01:18:37.989 --> 01:18:38.809
No.

01:18:38.809 --> 01:18:39.649
Parker?

01:18:39.649 --> 01:18:40.489
No.

01:18:40.489 --> 01:18:41.309
Stacy?

01:18:41.309 --> 01:18:42.149
No.

01:18:42.149 --> 01:18:42.989
Shadle?

01:18:43.890 --> 01:18:44.729
No.

01:18:44.729 --> 01:18:45.569
Sanders?

01:18:45.569 --> 01:18:46.409
No.

01:18:46.409 --> 01:18:47.229
Sellers?

01:18:47.229 --> 01:18:48.069
No.

01:18:48.069 --> 01:18:48.909
And Klemm?

01:18:48.909 --> 01:18:49.750
Aye.

01:18:49.750 --> 01:18:50.569
I feel like I'm just...

01:18:50.569 --> 01:18:52.630
The motion fails, seven to one.

01:18:52.630 --> 01:18:54.630
Okay, something has to be decided though.

01:18:54.630 --> 01:18:57.470
So I will make a motion that I was gonna make earlier

01:18:57.470 --> 01:19:02.309
that we do the same as what we did for the City Clerk.

01:19:02.309 --> 01:19:05.880
and

01:19:06.119 --> 01:19:08.119
Okay

01:19:08.199 --> 01:19:16.699
And so is that a motion Alderman Monroe? Yes, ma'am. It's a motion. We have a motion made by Alderman Monroe to raise mayor's salary

01:19:16.699 --> 01:19:18.699
5% is there a second?

01:19:19.539 --> 01:19:22.940
Yeah, you heard me right. Is that 5% every year?

01:19:23.359 --> 01:19:29.880
That's how the clerk and the mayor's positions are set. Yeah, so all seconded by Alderman Sanders

01:19:30.680 --> 01:19:33.520
Right? Okay. Are you asking me again?

01:19:33.880 --> 01:19:36.199
I couldn't understand you. You weren't at the microphone.

01:19:36.199 --> 01:19:37.680
Oh, I'm sorry.

01:19:37.680 --> 01:19:39.880
I'm sorry.

01:19:39.880 --> 01:19:40.840
All right.

01:19:40.840 --> 01:19:42.000
I'm sorry.

01:19:42.000 --> 01:19:45.960
OK, so we have a we have a motion and a second discussion on the five percent.

01:19:45.960 --> 01:19:48.600
in a second, discussion on the 5%.

01:19:48.600 --> 01:19:49.840
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:19:49.840 --> 01:19:51.119
Monroe?

01:19:51.119 --> 01:19:51.800
Yes.

01:19:51.800 --> 01:19:52.680
Simmons?

01:19:52.680 --> 01:19:53.520
Aye.

01:19:53.520 --> 01:19:54.199
Parker?

01:19:54.199 --> 01:19:54.840
Aye.

01:19:54.840 --> 01:19:55.359
Stacy?

01:20:05.199 --> 01:20:06.279
You know me too well.

01:20:06.279 --> 01:20:09.109
Aye.

01:20:09.109 --> 01:20:10.710
That's not a strong one.

01:20:10.710 --> 01:20:11.390
Aye.

01:20:11.390 --> 01:20:11.989
She said aye.

01:20:11.989 --> 01:20:12.989
Shadle?

01:20:12.989 --> 01:20:13.710
No.

01:20:13.710 --> 01:20:14.710
Sanders?

01:20:14.710 --> 01:20:15.270
Aye.

01:20:15.270 --> 01:20:16.270
Sellers?

01:20:16.270 --> 01:20:17.189
No.

01:20:17.189 --> 01:20:17.989
Klemm?

01:20:17.989 --> 01:20:19.470
No.

01:20:19.470 --> 01:20:20.630
1, 2, 3.

01:20:20.630 --> 01:20:23.109
We do have five in favor, three opposed.

01:20:23.109 --> 01:20:24.270
The motion passes.

01:20:25.109 --> 01:20:28.149
Okay, so again, this is what moving on to the second reading.

01:20:28.149 --> 01:20:28.970
Okay.

01:20:28.970 --> 01:20:29.810
Okay, correct.

01:20:29.810 --> 01:20:31.310
We're gonna move on to item number 10,

01:20:31.310 --> 01:20:34.069
which is the first reading of ordinance 20, 24.

01:20:34.069 --> 01:20:36.550
And I have no idea what the double X is.

01:20:37.430 --> 01:20:39.909
That means the clerk forgot to put a number on there

01:20:39.909 --> 01:20:42.789
and it should be 106.

01:20:42.789 --> 01:20:44.630
Ordinance approving revised lease

01:20:44.630 --> 01:20:46.229
with Illinois Central Railroad

01:20:46.229 --> 01:20:48.630
for Brick Street Water Treatment Plant.

01:20:48.630 --> 01:20:50.029
Thank you, Manager Boyer.

01:20:50.029 --> 01:20:50.750
Thank you, Your Honor.

01:20:50.750 --> 01:20:54.869
The city owns the water treatment plant on Brick Street.

01:20:54.869 --> 01:20:59.710
It was built before 1900 on CN's property

01:20:59.710 --> 01:21:02.909
by the rail spur there.

01:21:02.909 --> 01:21:05.029
The proximity of the rail was for coal

01:21:05.029 --> 01:21:06.949
to be delivered to the water plant.

01:21:06.949 --> 01:21:09.750
When the water company first began in Freeport,

01:21:09.750 --> 01:21:14.029
it was burning coal and running coal burning pumps.

01:21:14.029 --> 01:21:16.390
CN requires a lease agreement for the water plant

01:21:16.390 --> 01:21:18.069
located on this property.

01:21:18.069 --> 01:21:22.029
CN presented the city with an updated five year lease.

01:21:22.029 --> 01:21:24.989
This lease has normal requirements including nuisance

01:21:24.989 --> 01:21:27.390
and protection of the rail, I'm sorry,

01:21:27.390 --> 01:21:29.069
insurance and protection for the railroad

01:21:29.069 --> 01:21:30.869
in the event of an emergency.

01:21:30.869 --> 01:21:32.670
The lease was reviewed by the city attorney

01:21:32.670 --> 01:21:34.189
prior to being presented.

01:21:34.189 --> 01:21:39.270
And the lease in 1962 was $75 annually.

01:21:39.270 --> 01:21:43.630
That changed to basically $1,000 in 2023

01:21:43.630 --> 01:21:47.510
and they've raised it to $2,000 in the next five years.

01:21:47.510 --> 01:21:57.949
So the cost is considered very reasonable with the majority of the 1900 water plant being located on CN's property adjacent to the rail line.

01:21:57.949 --> 01:22:10.270
It is anticipated with the proposed well and well house 12 being brought online with the distribution system that it can be decommissioned eventually within the next several years.

01:22:10.270 --> 01:22:16.550
This lease can be canceled at that time if building demolition happens before the five years lapses.

01:22:16.550 --> 01:22:20.909
City will need to find funding for the facility decommissioning demolition so

01:22:20.909 --> 01:22:25.229
that's not a guarantee right at the moment we haven't we're not moving in

01:22:25.229 --> 01:22:29.510
that budget right now but it is anticipated the cost will vary be

01:22:29.510 --> 01:22:34.069
somewhat expensive being that it's so close to the rail yard so staff

01:22:34.069 --> 01:22:38.949
recommends that City Council move forward with the CN lease. Is there a

01:22:38.949 --> 01:23:12.439
motion to move this forward? So moved. Second. Okay, we have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion? Darren? Yeah, I just wanted to say that up on your screen up there is the Brick Street water plant. It's the white building and also the tanks that are there to the right so you can see the proximity to the line. These lines aren't perfect because they're downloaded off

01:23:12.439 --> 01:23:18.359
Jass, but it's very close, so we do have quite a bit of real estate that is on top of the CN

01:23:20.359 --> 01:23:25.000
rail, so the lease is considered very reasonable. They know that our eventual

01:23:25.000 --> 01:23:30.439
idea is to decommission this plant and remove it. The reason it's so close is years ago,

01:23:31.239 --> 01:23:34.680
the white box that's clearly close to the trail was where coal was delivered

01:23:34.680 --> 01:23:35.680
Fowler.

01:23:35.680 --> 01:23:44.960
They are requiring insurance upgrades, but based on any accident that would happen there,

01:23:44.960 --> 01:23:52.380
the insurance that they're asking for is extremely reasonable.

01:23:52.380 --> 01:23:55.819
Yeah.

01:23:55.819 --> 01:24:01.699
Whenever we are looking at things through the projector as far as maps, pictures or

01:24:01.699 --> 01:24:15.699
We need to do better with the surveys of displaying what is actually on the ground as opposed to something that's coming out of orbit.

01:24:15.699 --> 01:24:28.699
We're not getting a full view as great as technology is in cell phones with pictures and movies.

01:24:28.699 --> 01:24:39.699
We should be able to display those types of images on our screen so we can see what actual location, what that building is for.

01:24:39.699 --> 01:24:45.699
We're not getting enough information is what I'm getting at.

01:24:45.699 --> 01:24:49.699
And I think we can do better. We should be able to do better.

01:24:49.699 --> 01:24:54.699
because the options are there, the data is there,

01:24:55.460 --> 01:24:58.979
the pictures and everything can be available

01:24:58.979 --> 01:25:02.060
to that projector or whatever,

01:25:02.060 --> 01:25:04.819
but I think we should do better than what we're getting

01:25:04.819 --> 01:25:08.819
because I'm in here looking around at this map,

01:25:08.819 --> 01:25:11.460
but I don't know what the buildings are

01:25:11.460 --> 01:25:15.180
and I don't know what the adjacent of the railroad is

01:25:15.180 --> 01:25:17.859
to those buildings or the will itself.

01:25:17.859 --> 01:25:21.539
Well, first of all, if you want to do better, yeah, read the memo.

01:25:21.699 --> 01:25:23.859
No, no, that has nothing to do with Darren.

01:25:23.859 --> 01:25:25.699
Go ahead. There you go again.

01:25:25.699 --> 01:25:27.420
This box nothing to do with it.

01:25:27.420 --> 01:25:29.420
I want a better image. OK.

01:25:29.420 --> 01:25:31.659
Better images are available.

01:25:31.659 --> 01:25:32.779
So I'm getting that.

01:25:32.779 --> 01:25:33.779
Let me clarify.

01:25:33.779 --> 01:25:37.220
There would be not a better image than this to show where things are,

01:25:37.220 --> 01:25:42.020
because the entire tree line around the water plant and the rail is wooded.

01:25:42.020 --> 01:25:45.300
So if I even went and took pictures of it, you'd see nothing but trees.

01:25:45.619 --> 01:25:46.859
So this is the best angle.

01:25:46.859 --> 01:26:08.859
This is the 1900 Brick Street water plant. This is where 75% of our water used to go to. The well fields are out here next to the river. And this is the water storage tank. We have water mains that run under the rail adjacently. And this is the old coal chute. And this box right here is all railroad property.

01:26:08.859 --> 01:26:38.859
Yeah, well the first look is that is what you're trying to display or indicate to us, but if we wanted to revisit those photos, that map again and look at more detail, we should be able to have that detailed to be more vivid than what it is, and so just you just are trying to explain to us what is what from this map, it's not good enough, it's not efficient enough and I know

01:26:38.859 --> 01:26:39.859
Fowler.

01:26:39.859 --> 01:26:50.460
So, if we're going to be watching these kinds of things, let us get better photos and better

01:26:50.460 --> 01:26:52.340
understanding of what we're looking at.

01:26:52.340 --> 01:26:57.300
Because right now, everybody is not on the same page as you are.

01:26:57.300 --> 01:26:58.539
This is our first look.

01:26:58.539 --> 01:27:04.380
Well, I would like to say, frankly, I think this is a very easy discussion.

01:27:04.380 --> 01:27:07.979
Our facility is located on CN's property.

01:27:07.979 --> 01:27:11.060
We're requiring us to sign a lease and insure it.

01:27:11.060 --> 01:27:13.779
I don't think we really have a choice in the matter.

01:27:13.779 --> 01:27:16.020
It's a very reasonable amount.

01:27:16.020 --> 01:27:19.420
And so I really feel like this is a really simple discussion.

01:27:19.420 --> 01:27:22.779
We can't remove the facility because it's still active.

01:27:22.779 --> 01:27:26.380
It's been there for the better part of 100 years.

01:27:26.380 --> 01:27:31.180
And so I think it's a very simple concept that $2,000 is pretty cheap.

01:27:31.180 --> 01:27:37.899
I didn't miss that point that you're making, but what I'm saying is for visual purposes,

01:27:37.899 --> 01:27:44.180
What you're pointing to right now, half of everyone in here does not understand that.

01:27:44.180 --> 01:27:50.020
One thing that you were demonstrating and what facilities and buildings that you're indicating.

01:27:50.020 --> 01:27:57.020
So we're not getting the efficiency from the viewpoint that we need to be looking at.

01:27:57.020 --> 01:28:02.460
So we can have a better look at what buildings we're talking about, that if we decide to

01:28:02.460 --> 01:28:04.460
there's a lot of things that we can do to help people get to

01:28:05.560 --> 01:28:08.560
that point, but if we wanted to visit that site, then we'll know

01:28:08.560 --> 01:28:10.560
what building that we're visiting.

01:28:13.079 --> 01:28:15.079
Right now?

01:28:16.180 --> 01:28:18.180
It's a secured site, nobody can visit it.

01:28:20.180 --> 01:28:22.180
The point is, whether it's secured or not, if we wanted to

01:28:22.180 --> 01:28:24.180
visit it, we still don't know what we're looking at.

01:28:26.079 --> 01:28:28.079
That's all I'm saying. So the photos or pictures or videos or

01:28:29.380 --> 01:28:31.380
whatever is not available to us.

01:28:32.460 --> 01:28:44.059
I think the photos and the display is just fine and I appreciate your efforts, Darren. Thank you.

01:28:47.819 --> 01:28:51.180
If there's no further discussion, we're moving that forward to the next city council meeting.

01:28:52.539 --> 01:28:58.779
Move on to item number 11, which is the adoption of resolution 2024-106. Could you please read this?

01:28:58.779 --> 01:29:05.180
Resolution approving Fehr Graham construction engineering agreement for Shawnee and Hancock viaduct improvements.

01:29:05.180 --> 01:29:06.880
Thank you. Manager Boyer.

01:29:06.880 --> 01:29:14.380
Thank you, your honor. The city had a public bid opening on September 10th for the Shawnee-Hancock viaduct improvement project.

01:29:14.380 --> 01:29:18.380
Again, can we put that one up on the screen? Okay.

01:29:18.380 --> 01:29:27.380
So the viaduct project requires replacing the water main, the storm sewer, and lowering the road by two and a half feet to allow semi-truck traffic

01:29:27.380 --> 01:29:33.340
and safety equipment to enter the arcade area from the viaduct location permanently.

01:29:33.340 --> 01:29:42.739
Alternate solutions to this roadway issue were studied and are not cost-effective due to CN not allowing new track crossings.

01:29:42.739 --> 01:29:43.880
Crossings.

01:29:43.880 --> 01:29:48.800
The city project requires full-time construction engineering efforts for this technical project

01:29:48.800 --> 01:29:55.159
in the proximity of the CN Railway.

01:29:55.159 --> 01:30:00.800
The viaduct project has been the city's long-term project list for over 10 years, and it is

01:30:00.800 --> 01:30:04.560
a permanent solution to access to the east side of the viaduct.

01:30:04.560 --> 01:30:09.920
The project will be split between a fiscal year 24 and 25 budget.

01:30:09.920 --> 01:30:14.359
The project funding will come from the water, sewer, storm, and street funds to complete

01:30:14.359 --> 01:30:21.039
and there are resident engineering requirements with the west abutment to allow the lowering

01:30:21.039 --> 01:30:22.439
of the roadway.

01:30:22.439 --> 01:30:29.399
The project is expected to be completed in May of 2025 with final paving and city staff

01:30:29.399 --> 01:30:36.079
recommends city council approve the Fehr Graham professional services agreement to lower the

01:30:36.079 --> 01:30:39.819
Shawnee viaduct roadway.

01:30:39.819 --> 01:30:46.020
So as you're looking there, this is required so that trucks can get underneath there.

01:30:46.020 --> 01:30:50.979
Also moving vans, school buses, anything like that.

01:30:50.979 --> 01:30:54.539
It would be necessary to lower this two and a half feet for that to happen.

01:30:54.539 --> 01:30:59.619
This is also part and parcel to getting the Hancock Bridge deck replaced and the guard

01:30:59.619 --> 01:31:00.619
rails.

01:31:00.619 --> 01:31:06.460
So without this additional avenue, we would not be able to work on the Hancock Bridge.

01:31:06.460 --> 01:31:12.260
Right now we're looking at about a $2 million, $2.5 million upgrade to the Hancock Bridge

01:31:12.260 --> 01:31:16.140
and there really isn't any other choice except for going with a full reconstruct on the bridge

01:31:16.140 --> 01:31:19.380
and I think estimates came in over $14 million for that.

01:31:19.380 --> 01:31:25.020
So this is really an important project we need to move forward on so that we can have

01:31:25.020 --> 01:31:27.619
alternate access to the arcade.

01:31:27.619 --> 01:31:28.819
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:31:28.819 --> 01:31:29.819
So moved.

01:31:29.819 --> 01:31:30.819
Second.

01:31:30.819 --> 01:31:40.460
Okay, motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm. Discussion, Alderman Stacy.

01:31:40.460 --> 01:31:47.340
And how much did you say this was going to cost?

01:31:47.340 --> 01:31:56.020
This agreement is, Darren, would you go ahead and give me that?

01:31:56.020 --> 01:32:02.020
Yeah, it's item 14 on tonight's agenda. You're talking about the construction, correct?

01:32:02.020 --> 01:32:06.020
I'm talking about lowering the street.

01:32:06.020 --> 01:32:20.689
The low bid was $1,292,388.25, so almost $1.3 million.

01:32:20.689 --> 01:32:23.449
But that's for the later...

01:32:23.449 --> 01:32:28.010
That is for item 14, that is for the construction, that's the approval of the bid.

01:32:28.010 --> 01:32:35.539
This contract is for $138,600.

01:32:35.539 --> 01:32:38.180
I don't know what you just gave me.

01:32:38.180 --> 01:32:40.539
So you asked for the total construction cost.

01:32:40.539 --> 01:32:42.939
138,600.

01:32:42.939 --> 01:32:45.420
That's the price of the construction engineering,

01:32:45.420 --> 01:32:47.380
138,600.

01:32:47.380 --> 01:32:49.500
Item 14 that's on the agenda tonight.

01:32:49.500 --> 01:32:53.779
OK, no, I'm not on, I'm on 11.

01:32:53.779 --> 01:32:56.659
11 is 138,600.

01:32:56.659 --> 01:32:58.739
And that's to lower the street.

01:32:58.739 --> 01:33:01.060
No, that's for the engineering required

01:33:01.060 --> 01:33:08.100
to be in the field while they lower the segment.

01:33:08.100 --> 01:33:17.859
what is the cost of the project in lowering the street and everything?

01:33:17.859 --> 01:33:24.819
That's item number 14. That's on the bid tonight. Item 14 on your agenda and it's roughly 1.3 million dollars.

01:33:31.560 --> 01:33:35.000
So is there any further discussion on the engineering portion number 11?

01:33:35.640 --> 01:33:41.640
And we have the permission from the train? Yes, we do. Yeah, we have a permit from CN to move

01:33:41.640 --> 01:33:46.890
and I'll move forward with the project.

01:33:46.890 --> 01:33:47.729
Alderman Monroe.

01:33:47.729 --> 01:33:48.550
One quick question.

01:33:48.550 --> 01:33:50.850
What's the risk of something going wrong?

01:33:50.850 --> 01:33:53.289
Cause I mean, that's been there quite a while.

01:33:53.289 --> 01:33:54.210
Yeah.

01:33:54.210 --> 01:33:56.649
So we had structural engineers

01:33:56.649 --> 01:34:00.050
and specifically we had HDR involved as our subcontractor.

01:34:00.050 --> 01:34:03.409
They're the lead engineer for CN rail.

01:34:03.409 --> 01:34:04.890
They've studied the abutments.

01:34:04.890 --> 01:34:07.069
The east abutment, which in this picture

01:34:07.069 --> 01:34:08.130
would be the right-hand one

01:34:08.130 --> 01:34:10.210
has actually been totally replaced.

01:34:10.210 --> 01:34:13.810
Sorry, the east abutment would be the left-hand side,

01:34:13.810 --> 01:34:15.250
Excuse me with the sidewalk.

01:34:15.250 --> 01:34:18.949
That embutment was totally replaced a handful of years ago.

01:34:18.949 --> 01:34:21.449
CN came out and evaluated and said

01:34:21.449 --> 01:34:24.130
while the surface area on it's cracked,

01:34:24.130 --> 01:34:25.689
it's structurally sound.

01:34:25.689 --> 01:34:29.529
And so they've investigated two or three different

01:34:29.529 --> 01:34:31.250
structural ways to fix it.

01:34:31.250 --> 01:34:33.529
They're basically asked us to put shoring in

01:34:33.529 --> 01:34:35.210
to make sure the abutment doesn't move.

01:34:35.210 --> 01:34:37.890
And then there's also some anchor bolts

01:34:37.890 --> 01:34:39.810
that are fairly long that will be drilled in

01:34:39.810 --> 01:34:41.250
to make sure it holds in place.

01:34:41.250 --> 01:34:44.930
So the risk is really to the contractor,

01:34:44.930 --> 01:34:48.689
which CN requires special railroad insurance to do this.

01:34:48.689 --> 01:34:51.409
And flagging is also required the entire time

01:34:51.409 --> 01:34:53.770
that you work within 25 feet of the rail.

01:34:53.770 --> 01:34:56.590
Those costs are all included in the bid.

01:34:56.590 --> 01:34:59.050
So Helm Group is our low bidder.

01:34:59.050 --> 01:35:02.729
They'll have to require those two items

01:35:02.729 --> 01:35:05.210
every time they're within 25 feet of the rail.

01:35:05.210 --> 01:35:06.050
Okay.

01:35:06.050 --> 01:35:07.109
Alderman Stacey.

01:35:07.109 --> 01:35:11.350
and what was the reason why we couldn't use the space

01:35:11.350 --> 01:35:14.789
to the right of the west side?

01:35:14.789 --> 01:35:19.590
Yeah, in this picture that would be to the inertia side,

01:35:19.590 --> 01:35:20.930
which would be to the right side,

01:35:20.930 --> 01:35:25.270
there is a single pass that goes back behind inertia

01:35:25.270 --> 01:35:26.329
and goes to their back.

01:35:26.329 --> 01:35:29.550
It's a private entrance that the rail owns in them,

01:35:29.550 --> 01:35:31.710
but it's only single lane.

01:35:31.710 --> 01:35:33.670
So only single lane trucks could get through there

01:35:33.670 --> 01:35:35.770
and there is no road to get back through there.

01:35:35.770 --> 01:35:38.470
and that road only goes through inertia.

01:35:38.470 --> 01:35:41.689
Inertia has an agreement with the city right now

01:35:41.689 --> 01:35:43.590
till we can get this repaired

01:35:43.590 --> 01:35:47.050
to use that as emergency access in case we have flooding,

01:35:47.050 --> 01:35:48.390
in case something ever happens

01:35:48.390 --> 01:35:50.609
with this particular access point.

01:35:50.609 --> 01:35:53.529
Cause we really, the bridge is in horrendous shape

01:35:53.529 --> 01:35:56.489
at the moment and you know, getting worse every day.

01:35:56.489 --> 01:35:58.050
And if something were to happen this,

01:35:58.050 --> 01:36:01.689
the arcade people and businesses would be trapped back there.

01:36:01.689 --> 01:36:03.369
There is no other pass.

01:36:03.369 --> 01:36:04.970
I also wanna tell you guys

01:36:04.970 --> 01:36:08.130
that I explained this when we designed this,

01:36:08.130 --> 01:36:11.050
but we looked for alternate modes of transportation.

01:36:11.050 --> 01:36:13.689
We looked for a bridge passing,

01:36:13.689 --> 01:36:15.130
something else to get around here,

01:36:15.130 --> 01:36:17.649
maybe coming off Singer by the jail.

01:36:17.649 --> 01:36:19.569
Nothing else was affordable.

01:36:19.569 --> 01:36:21.050
Bridge over the end of Singer,

01:36:21.050 --> 01:36:23.250
I think was around $4 million.

01:36:23.250 --> 01:36:27.529
CN will not permit another crossing across the rail itself.

01:36:27.529 --> 01:36:29.770
They're trying to eliminate crossings

01:36:30.729 --> 01:36:33.050
because it's a huge liability risk for them.

01:36:33.050 --> 01:37:03.050
I would say working with them, they've been gracious enough to try to help Freeport find the cheapest and most economical way to undertake this project so it's affordable and the entire Hancock bridge project that is coming next summer is all contingent upon this work being done the Hancock bridge will be taken down for at least seven to nine months to rehab it in place and in order to do that

01:37:03.050 --> 01:37:06.770
that we have to have access, permanent semi-access

01:37:06.770 --> 01:37:09.970
through this by docked here.

01:37:11.770 --> 01:37:14.930
Just so everybody can see that sign says 11 foot five,

01:37:14.930 --> 01:37:17.569
we will be reducing the bridge or increasing the bridge

01:37:17.569 --> 01:37:20.250
to 14 foot six, which is lowering the pavement

01:37:20.250 --> 01:37:21.449
approximately three feet.

01:37:24.529 --> 01:37:26.050
Alderman Sanders.

01:37:26.050 --> 01:37:29.369
Yeah, is there any other alternative temporary rules

01:37:29.369 --> 01:37:33.649
that we can install in the arcade area

01:37:33.649 --> 01:37:37.409
so that we can have traffic continuously moving.

01:37:37.409 --> 01:37:41.329
So the rail goes eastbound here

01:37:41.329 --> 01:37:45.510
and continues all the way out by Highway 20.

01:37:45.510 --> 01:37:47.289
There is no passing across there

01:37:47.289 --> 01:37:49.029
to get back into the arcade.

01:37:49.850 --> 01:37:52.710
There is that emergency pass we just talked about.

01:37:52.710 --> 01:37:56.590
There's a dirt two track path that runs back behind,

01:37:59.369 --> 01:38:06.670
I can't think of the business name the old train depot I can't remember the

01:38:06.670 --> 01:38:13.189
name of their business ultrasonic excuse me it runs through their property so we

01:38:13.189 --> 01:38:17.949
physically don't have any access to that in an emergency I'm sure that they would

01:38:17.949 --> 01:38:22.750
let people through but it floods back there quite often as well so it's not a

01:38:22.750 --> 01:38:26.989
regular pass and then there is no other access across the tracks except for at

01:38:26.989 --> 01:38:33.750
Stevenson Street so this is pretty vital to the well-being of of the people that

01:38:33.750 --> 01:38:38.869
live back in the arcade I would also tell you right now I believe the chief

01:38:38.869 --> 01:38:44.550
would be able to back me up on this but if we had a very emergent situation and

01:38:44.550 --> 01:38:50.809
something happened to the bridge right now no other fire rescue team other than

01:38:50.809 --> 01:38:54.190
the city of Freeport themselves would be able to respond because they wouldn't be

01:38:54.190 --> 01:38:55.190
Miller.

01:38:55.190 --> 01:38:59.989
We have special equipment that would allow them to get through there.

01:38:59.989 --> 01:39:02.029
Our rural partners do not have that.

01:39:02.029 --> 01:39:03.029
Okay.

01:39:03.029 --> 01:39:04.029
Alderman Menor.

01:39:04.029 --> 01:39:08.390
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:39:08.390 --> 01:39:13.829
So it's a lot going on and I do believe we talked about with the Chief before that our

01:39:13.829 --> 01:39:17.149
equipment is all that can get back there.

01:39:17.149 --> 01:39:23.069
But is the Arcade Ave coming up to that point, is it going to be sufficient to support the

01:39:23.069 --> 01:39:26.109
the type of traffic that's going to be going through there, or are we going to have to

01:39:26.109 --> 01:39:27.829
look at redoing that after this?

01:39:27.829 --> 01:39:33.229
No, actually, not that it doesn't need to be redone, but Arcade Avenue, I'm not talking

01:39:33.229 --> 01:39:37.309
about going down Shawnee, that would not be a truck route, but Arcade itself is a truck

01:39:37.309 --> 01:39:40.309
route and Hancock is built as a truck route too.

01:39:40.309 --> 01:39:42.029
So while they need resurfacing.

01:39:42.029 --> 01:39:44.600
too, so while they need resurfacing, they're actually built for semi-traffic and that makes

01:39:44.600 --> 01:39:49.279
a logical termini to the new Adams Street that, you know, we're finishing up.

01:39:49.279 --> 01:39:54.079
So it does make sense ultimately for that traffic.

01:39:54.079 --> 01:39:55.079
Perfect.

01:39:55.079 --> 01:39:56.079
Thank you.

01:39:56.079 --> 01:39:57.079
Alderman Sanders.

01:39:57.079 --> 01:40:08.760
Yeah, the south east areas of that arcade where the residents live, there's no pathway

01:40:08.760 --> 01:40:17.439
to make that as an alternative so people can at least make a detour, put detours through.

01:40:17.439 --> 01:40:19.039
That's not an option.

01:40:19.039 --> 01:40:22.760
No, we looked, I believe it's off of 13th Avenue.

01:40:22.760 --> 01:40:28.359
There's a spot that could have probably been maybe a logical crossing into one of the factory

01:40:28.359 --> 01:40:30.239
parking lots that's over there.

01:40:30.239 --> 01:40:35.180
CN won't permit it because they don't want any more track crossing across.

01:40:35.180 --> 01:40:40.899
If you go farther to the east, the rail actually embeds pretty much underground in both directions,

01:40:40.899 --> 01:40:45.020
so that would require a bridge going over, which would be way more expensive than what

01:40:45.020 --> 01:40:46.020
this would be.

01:40:46.020 --> 01:40:48.060
That would be over by the Singer location.

01:40:48.060 --> 01:40:50.619
So we did a lot of investigation.

01:40:50.619 --> 01:40:56.180
There just really is not a good path to get through other than these two access points,

01:40:56.180 --> 01:40:57.739
this one and the bridge.

01:40:57.739 --> 01:40:59.779
Everything else is private access.

01:41:23.079 --> 01:41:26.039
The resolution is adopted 8-0.

01:41:26.039 --> 01:41:31.119
Item number 12 is the adoption of resolution 2024-107, could you please read this?

01:41:31.119 --> 01:41:36.720
Authorizing Execution and Amendment of Downstate Operating Assistance Program or the DOPE Grant

01:41:36.720 --> 01:41:39.439
Agreement for Fiscal Year 2025.

01:41:39.439 --> 01:41:40.439
Thank you.

01:41:40.439 --> 01:41:41.439
Director Duckman.

01:41:41.439 --> 01:41:42.439
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:41:42.439 --> 01:41:47.439
The City of Freeport operates the Pretzel City Area Transit Program, which is essentially

01:41:47.439 --> 01:41:54.119
our bus program for not only the City of Freeport, but also Stevenson County, and this program

01:41:54.119 --> 01:42:00.760
is funded largely in part to the Downstate Operating Assistance Program, totaling nearly

01:42:00.760 --> 01:42:29.600
Parker, Parker, Stacy, Suttman, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Suttman, Monroe, Simmons, Parker,

01:42:29.600 --> 01:42:36.359
Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm.

01:42:36.359 --> 01:42:39.359
The resolution is adapted 8-0.

01:42:39.359 --> 01:42:42.720
Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2024-108.

01:42:42.720 --> 01:42:44.520
Could you please read this?

01:42:44.520 --> 01:42:48.640
Resolution approving a grant agreement with the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System

01:42:48.640 --> 01:42:54.880
regarding less lethal alternatives for law enforcement for a less lethal device grant.

01:42:54.880 --> 01:42:56.279
Thank you.

01:42:56.279 --> 01:42:57.279
Chief Shenberger?

01:42:57.279 --> 01:42:58.279
Thank you, Mayor.

01:42:58.279 --> 01:43:04.560
In the summer of 2024, staff applied for the fiscal year 25 less lethal alternatives for

01:43:04.560 --> 01:43:09.100
law enforcement grant offered by the state of Illinois. The grant would allow departments

01:43:09.100 --> 01:43:13.720
throughout the state of Illinois to upgrade their conducted energy device programs with

01:43:13.720 --> 01:43:19.319
the TASER 7 or TASER 10 devices. Freeport Police Department requires officers to carry

01:43:19.319 --> 01:43:26.800
a CED as a less lethal use of force option. The current devices used by the Freeport Police

01:43:26.800 --> 01:43:27.800
and others.

01:43:27.800 --> 01:43:40.880
These are the devices that have been in service for more than 10 years.

01:43:40.880 --> 01:43:45.319
Axon has indicated that the company will be discontinuing the use of both models in the

01:43:45.319 --> 01:43:51.279
near future, thus requiring agencies to upgrade to the TASER 7 or TASER 10.

01:43:51.279 --> 01:43:55.720
United States Department of Justice, in conjunction with the Police Executive Research Forum,

01:43:55.720 --> 01:44:01.000
has found that CEDs when used appropriately and with a full understanding of their risks

01:44:01.000 --> 01:44:06.079
are a useful device that can effectively help to resolve serious situations.

01:44:06.079 --> 01:44:12.600
CEDs can reduce the need for other force options and can enable officers to subdue actively

01:44:12.600 --> 01:44:19.399
resisting or aggressive subjects while lowering the rates of injury to law enforcement officers

01:44:19.399 --> 01:44:21.520
and subjects.

01:44:21.520 --> 01:44:26.760
The Freeport Police Department has the most current and acceptable lexical policy outlining

01:44:26.760 --> 01:44:28.960
the use of CEDs.

01:44:28.960 --> 01:44:35.279
Freeport Police Department also has two certified CED instructors on staff and require annual

01:44:35.279 --> 01:44:40.300
recertification that involves scenario-based training curriculum that is certified by the

01:44:40.300 --> 01:44:43.460
Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

01:44:43.460 --> 01:44:47.119
On October 1st, staff was informed that the Freeport Police Department has been awarded

01:44:47.119 --> 01:44:55.500
We have a total of 405 Taser 10 packages totaling just over $15,000, $15,686.

01:44:55.500 --> 01:45:00.760
There were 404 departments who applied for this grant throughout the state of Illinois

01:45:00.760 --> 01:45:04.760
and 223 were awarded this grant.

01:45:04.760 --> 01:45:09.520
This award will significantly upgrade the Freeport Police Department CED program and

01:45:09.520 --> 01:45:14.180
offset future costs of updating the program.

01:45:14.180 --> 01:45:20.300
There is no funding for this because we essentially purchased these packages and then are reimbursed

01:45:20.300 --> 01:45:21.779
by the state of Illinois.

01:45:21.779 --> 01:45:23.899
Thank you, Chief.

01:45:23.899 --> 01:45:25.300
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:45:25.300 --> 01:45:26.300
So moved.

01:45:26.300 --> 01:45:27.300
Second.

01:45:27.300 --> 01:45:33.739
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

01:45:33.739 --> 01:45:34.739
Discussion?

01:45:34.739 --> 01:45:37.659
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:45:37.659 --> 01:45:38.659
Monroe?

01:45:38.659 --> 01:45:39.659
Aye.

01:45:39.659 --> 01:45:40.659
Simmons?

01:45:40.659 --> 01:45:41.659
Aye.

01:45:41.659 --> 01:45:42.659
Parker?

01:45:42.659 --> 01:45:43.659
Aye.

01:45:43.659 --> 01:45:48.460
Mitchell, Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm.

01:45:48.460 --> 01:45:55.180
The resolution is adopted 8-0.

01:45:55.180 --> 01:46:01.220
Bids were opened on September 10th, 2024 for the Shawnee and Hancock viaduct improvements.

01:46:01.220 --> 01:46:02.220
Thank you.

01:46:02.220 --> 01:46:03.220
Manager Boyer.

01:46:03.220 --> 01:46:04.220
Thank you, Your Honor.

01:46:04.220 --> 01:46:08.180
The city held a public bid opening on September 10th as previously discussed for the Shawnee

01:46:08.180 --> 01:46:10.979
Hancock viaduct improvements.

01:46:10.979 --> 01:46:25.560
There is one bidder, city staff, our engineers in two local bids from, I'm sorry, from Helm Group and Civil Freeport was the lowest responsive bidder at $1,292,388.25.

01:46:25.560 --> 01:46:34.180
The bid was just over the engineering estimate for the project. City engineers received and obtained CN permission to do the construction at Hancock and Shawnee.

01:46:34.180 --> 01:46:43.180
the project will be split between fiscal year 24 and 25 and staff recommendation to move forward with the Helm Group bid.

01:46:43.180 --> 01:46:47.939
Is there a motion to approve the bid as stated?

01:46:47.939 --> 01:46:49.939
So moved.

01:46:49.939 --> 01:46:50.939
Second.

01:46:50.939 --> 01:46:56.939
Motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the bid.

01:46:56.939 --> 01:47:01.500
Alderman Sanders.

01:47:01.500 --> 01:47:14.039
I understand we got, I'm sorry, I understand the Helms Group and Civil, they're the same, right?

01:47:14.039 --> 01:47:14.539
Yes.

01:47:14.539 --> 01:47:20.760
That's anonymous. But what I don't see is any other bidders. Have we considered any other bidders?

01:47:22.199 --> 01:47:28.520
Yeah, there's two bidders on the job that was in the packet. Helm Group, which is Civil, and the

01:47:28.520 --> 01:47:34.479
and the second was Fischer's Excavating, both bidders were off Freeport, they were bid very

01:47:34.479 --> 01:47:40.680
close together, a matter of fact they were 1.4% difference in cost or $19,000 so it was

01:47:40.680 --> 01:47:43.600
a very tight bid for something this large.

01:47:43.600 --> 01:47:49.560
It's in your packet, both of them were in your packet.

01:47:49.560 --> 01:47:51.840
They're both in the package for consideration?

01:47:51.840 --> 01:47:56.199
No, the city's moving forward with one but both of them.

01:47:56.199 --> 01:48:02.680
of them. Right? Is that just one? We're moving forward. We're asking to move forward with

01:48:02.680 --> 01:48:07.560
the lowest responsive bidder, which was Helm Group. So you're going to hold another bidding

01:48:07.560 --> 01:48:11.560
even in the package because you got to have one or the other. Are they working together?

01:48:11.560 --> 01:48:16.760
Are they jointly working together? They both had independent bids. Helm Group had one bid.

01:48:16.760 --> 01:48:21.199
Fishers had another bid. Helm was the lowest responsive bidder. So they will be the final

01:48:21.199 --> 01:48:25.000
awarded if you approve it. Okay. That's what I was getting at. Yeah, that's what I was

01:48:25.000 --> 01:48:39.640
So this comes up occasionally, can you explain how the bids are, how they're placed, you

01:48:39.640 --> 01:48:40.640
know?

01:48:40.640 --> 01:48:41.640
Sure.

01:48:41.640 --> 01:48:49.079
So all the city bids that Fehr Graham or the city staff is a part of, if you run them through

01:48:49.079 --> 01:48:57.199
Fehr Graham, we have a bid site, it's called quest.cbn, and it is a professional bidding

01:48:57.199 --> 01:48:58.199
site.

01:48:58.199 --> 01:49:04.479
Many contractors in the Midwest pay to be part of this service, and then anytime a project

01:49:04.479 --> 01:49:12.159
comes out, for instance, this one would check Watermain, Storm, Road, Railway, they automatically

01:49:12.159 --> 01:49:15.279
get notifications if they assign for those notifications.

01:49:15.279 --> 01:49:20.039
So it's instant. As soon as we post it, they get a notification. City Freeport has a bid,

01:49:20.039 --> 01:49:25.440
blah, blah, blah. If you're interested, you can download the package, right? We also do

01:49:25.440 --> 01:49:33.920
a local paper ad that's required by city ordinance. So we file a paper ad. It runs in an edition.

01:49:33.920 --> 01:49:38.680
Anybody locally can contact us for the bid packets if they wish to. When you're talking

01:49:38.680 --> 01:49:39.960
about a project of the.

01:49:39.960 --> 01:49:42.960
when you're talking about a project of this nature it's very specialized there's only a handful of

01:49:42.960 --> 01:49:49.359
people around that could even handle something like this with CN that's why you see very reduced

01:49:49.359 --> 01:49:56.159
bidders plus the market's been pretty flush with work this year and we're leading into the end of

01:49:56.159 --> 01:50:00.239
the season where everybody's struggling to get the work done they have on the books so far so

01:50:00.239 --> 01:50:05.199
it's not surprising to me that we only got two bidders and you should remember I don't remember

01:50:05.199 --> 01:50:06.199
Miller.

01:50:06.199 --> 01:50:10.159
I don't remember what the exact number is, but Helm Group is one of the largest contractors

01:50:10.159 --> 01:50:16.920
in the Midwest and physically do a lot of structure work type like this.

01:50:16.920 --> 01:50:17.920
Follow-up.

01:50:17.920 --> 01:50:20.960
Thank you, ma'am.

01:50:20.960 --> 01:50:25.039
So when the bids are delivered, are they delivered in person or are they mailed in or how does

01:50:25.039 --> 01:50:26.039
that work?

01:50:26.039 --> 01:50:27.560
They can do both.

01:50:27.560 --> 01:50:32.560
Any city bid can be mailed in or delivered on the day.

01:50:32.560 --> 01:50:37.520
They have to be checked in to the clerk, Dovie has to check them in with a time and a date

01:50:37.520 --> 01:50:44.079
stamp and then they're open publicly at the meeting room that anybody can come to and

01:50:44.079 --> 01:50:47.560
they're open in the order that they're received.

01:50:47.560 --> 01:50:48.560
Thank you.

01:50:48.560 --> 01:50:49.560
Yep.

01:50:49.560 --> 01:50:54.239
Okay, so if there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:50:54.239 --> 01:50:55.239
Monroe?

01:50:55.239 --> 01:50:56.239
Aye.

01:50:56.239 --> 01:50:57.239
Simmons?

01:50:57.239 --> 01:50:58.239
Aye.

01:50:58.239 --> 01:50:59.239
Parker?

01:50:59.239 --> 01:51:00.239
Aye.

01:51:00.239 --> 01:51:01.239
Stacy?

01:51:01.239 --> 01:51:02.239
Aye.

01:51:02.239 --> 01:51:11.039
Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm. The motion passes seven to zero with one abstention.

01:51:12.079 --> 01:51:18.159
And item number 15 if you could read this approval. Another bid was opened on September 12,

01:51:18.159 --> 01:51:26.720
2024 for CD 007-2024 for rehabilitation of a single home at 749 East Center Street.

01:51:26.720 --> 01:51:33.239
Thank you, Madam Mayor. The City of Freeport was awarded the Community Development Block

01:51:33.239 --> 01:51:43.239
Grants Housing Rehabilitation in the amount of $550,000. In this particular grant, $64,000

01:51:43.239 --> 01:51:48.819
is allocated to grant administration and a total of $486,000 goes to the rehabilitation

01:51:48.819 --> 01:51:56.640
of homes. Working with our state agency, that's the Department of Commerce Economic Opportunity,

01:51:56.640 --> 01:52:04.720
the DCEO. Currently, we are awarded to have $60,000 in rehabilitation of homes. So a little

01:52:04.720 --> 01:52:10.960
detail here. Many people locally know this as the Adams Avenue Corridor Rehabilitation

01:52:10.960 --> 01:52:18.680
Grant. This was started in 2021. And since I've been here, we have been working tirelessly

01:52:18.680 --> 01:52:23.600
with two different consultants through that period. And we are now at that finish line

01:52:23.600 --> 01:52:29.359
where we are bringing aid to our first property owner.

01:52:29.359 --> 01:52:33.880
So what is being presented to you is a,

01:52:33.880 --> 01:52:35.399
we had a bid opening for this.

01:52:35.399 --> 01:52:37.720
We had one bidder.

01:52:37.720 --> 01:52:40.399
It was properly noticed in similar fashion

01:52:40.399 --> 01:52:44.359
as Mr. Steekle just explained.

01:52:44.359 --> 01:52:48.399
And so when the bid was opened, we

01:52:48.399 --> 01:52:56.199
We received a lowest responsible bid of $52,925, which some of the highlights that was included

01:52:56.199 --> 01:53:01.640
in the scope of work is the installation of 16 new windows, a new electrical system, exterior

01:53:01.640 --> 01:53:09.159
siding repairs, stair replacement, and interior drywall patching, among other things that

01:53:09.159 --> 01:53:11.680
were attached in the scope of work.

01:53:11.680 --> 01:53:16.079
And staff is recommending approval of this resolution.

01:53:16.079 --> 01:53:23.600
and that would be entering into an agreement to for in a total amount of $52,000 and $52,925

01:53:23.600 --> 01:53:28.760
for CMM and Associates to perform the work rehabilitation services at 749 East Center

01:53:28.760 --> 01:53:29.760
Street.

01:53:29.760 --> 01:53:30.760
Is there a motion to approve?

01:53:30.760 --> 01:53:31.760
So move.

01:53:31.760 --> 01:53:32.760
Second.

01:53:32.760 --> 01:53:37.560
We have a motion made by Aldermen Sellers, seconded by Aldermen Shadle.

01:53:37.560 --> 01:53:39.760
Discussion Aldermen Sanders.

01:53:39.760 --> 01:53:40.760
Huffines.

01:53:40.760 --> 01:53:46.760
What's the eligibility requirement for?

01:53:46.760 --> 01:53:51.079
It's lengthy and that process closed in 2021.

01:53:51.079 --> 01:53:52.399
So it's closed.

01:53:52.399 --> 01:53:57.000
The eligibility requirements closed three years ago.

01:53:57.000 --> 01:54:03.640
But essentially what was done in 2021 was staff at that time went out and canvassed

01:54:03.640 --> 01:54:04.640
the area.

01:54:04.640 --> 01:54:06.159
It was a census block track.

01:54:06.159 --> 01:54:09.279
I can't remember the exact census block track number.

01:54:09.279 --> 01:54:14.479
But in the application process for the grants, they would have gone to each houses in the

01:54:14.479 --> 01:54:19.119
neighborhood and they had to fill out a survey, two parts.

01:54:19.119 --> 01:54:27.319
It was several parts, but mainly it was their income, also any disabilities they may have

01:54:27.319 --> 01:54:35.279
had, also there was also the analysis of the condition of their property and this was compiled

01:54:35.279 --> 01:54:37.279
into a grant application.

01:54:37.279 --> 01:54:49.600
Okay. You have a list of homes that meets the eligibility for this program.

01:54:49.600 --> 01:54:55.800
That was done approximately a year ago. We had our consultant, we had 64 properties that

01:54:55.800 --> 01:55:01.920
applied for this grant. And then the consultant, which is Region One Planning Council, it's

01:55:01.920 --> 01:55:06.159
It's a Metropolitan Planning Commission and it's in Rockford, Illinois.

01:55:06.159 --> 01:55:11.920
They were retained to look at that data and do an objective analysis on which properties

01:55:11.920 --> 01:55:19.920
of the 64 they prioritize the properties that would be available for this type of assistance.

01:55:19.920 --> 01:55:22.859
Okay.

01:55:22.859 --> 01:55:26.260
Is that agency located here in Freeport or Rockford?

01:55:26.260 --> 01:55:27.260
It's Rockford, Illinois.

01:55:27.260 --> 01:55:28.260
It's Rockford.

01:55:28.260 --> 01:55:33.260
How do the people here in Freeport sign up for that type of program?

01:55:33.260 --> 01:55:34.619
It's no longer available.

01:55:34.619 --> 01:55:35.739
Oh, it's no longer available?

01:55:35.739 --> 01:55:37.619
In 2021 was when that was done.

01:55:37.619 --> 01:55:40.659
So this is an effect as we speak today.

01:55:40.659 --> 01:55:41.619
Correct.

01:55:41.619 --> 01:55:44.180
The properties, there were 64 applicants

01:55:44.180 --> 01:55:47.920
that were analyzed by a separate entity independent

01:55:47.920 --> 01:55:51.699
of the city of Freeport that have,

01:55:51.699 --> 01:55:54.260
that's essentially one of their, in their scope of work,

01:55:54.260 --> 01:55:55.260
that's what they would do.

01:55:55.260 --> 01:55:57.300
They perform that analysis for us.

01:55:57.300 --> 01:56:02.300
They prioritized, according to the 64 properties,

01:56:03.079 --> 01:56:05.300
the top need based.

01:56:05.300 --> 01:56:07.380
And this particular property was the top need

01:56:07.380 --> 01:56:09.100
based on their analysis.

01:56:09.100 --> 01:56:11.460
And in working with our grant manager at the state,

01:56:11.460 --> 01:56:15.260
we worked down from that list and we provided,

01:56:15.260 --> 01:56:18.319
we went through the process and had a bid opening

01:56:18.319 --> 01:56:20.140
and that's where we're at right now.

01:56:20.140 --> 01:56:23.380
So what's the percentage of work that has been done

01:56:23.380 --> 01:56:26.619
here in the Freeport regarding to this?

01:56:26.619 --> 01:56:29.460
I am so happy and proud to say that in the three years

01:56:29.460 --> 01:56:32.020
I've beat my head against the table to get the state

01:56:32.020 --> 01:56:34.619
to allow me to give some aid to some of these people.

01:56:34.619 --> 01:56:36.460
This is the first one.

01:56:36.460 --> 01:56:39.100
And I am ecstatic that it's the first one.

01:56:39.100 --> 01:56:41.819
It has been one of the hardest grants I've worked through.

01:56:41.819 --> 01:56:44.920
So I am thrilled that I can actually give people some aid.

01:56:44.920 --> 01:56:46.020
Okay, thank you.

01:56:48.819 --> 01:56:51.859
Yes, so will there be another house after this one

01:56:51.859 --> 01:56:53.220
and another?

01:56:53.220 --> 01:56:54.220
Yes.

01:56:54.220 --> 01:56:55.220
Yes.

01:56:55.220 --> 01:56:57.680
All six before or until the money runs out?

01:56:57.680 --> 01:57:02.859
Until the money runs out. We estimate it will probably be between eight to ten properties

01:57:02.859 --> 01:57:08.399
that will end up getting the aid. I have a bid opening. Part of this process is I have

01:57:08.399 --> 01:57:17.220
to do a walkthrough with registered, which happened already six months ago. Certain contractors

01:57:17.220 --> 01:57:22.739
had to register and there was a process that the State made us go through. And all these

01:57:22.739 --> 01:57:25.579
these contractors that are interested in bidding, there's going to be a walk through on two

01:57:25.579 --> 01:57:29.500
more properties on October 10th and there's going to be another bid opening on October

01:57:29.500 --> 01:57:37.140
24th for two more houses on this list. So based on that information, in November I should

01:57:37.140 --> 01:57:43.199
be presenting two more resolutions of this nature to council. So there would be a total

01:57:43.199 --> 01:57:48.619
of three homes. And there's a fourth home that has a walk through on October 18th. So

01:57:48.619 --> 01:57:53.579
So essentially I could have four homes by November.

01:57:53.579 --> 01:57:55.060
Thank you for your hard work.

01:57:55.060 --> 01:57:56.060
Thank you all.

01:57:56.060 --> 01:57:57.060
The first is Stacy.

01:57:57.060 --> 01:57:58.060
There's no further discussion.

01:57:58.060 --> 01:58:00.739
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:58:00.739 --> 01:58:01.739
Monroe?

01:58:01.739 --> 01:58:02.739
Aye.

01:58:02.739 --> 01:58:03.739
Simmons?

01:58:03.739 --> 01:58:04.739
Aye.

01:58:04.739 --> 01:58:05.739
Parker?

01:58:05.739 --> 01:58:06.739
Aye.

01:58:06.739 --> 01:58:07.739
Stacy?

01:58:07.739 --> 01:58:08.739
Aye.

01:58:08.739 --> 01:58:09.739
Shadle?

01:58:09.739 --> 01:58:10.739
Aye.

01:58:10.739 --> 01:58:11.739
Sanders?

01:58:11.739 --> 01:58:12.739
Aye.

01:58:12.739 --> 01:58:13.739
Sellers?

01:58:13.739 --> 01:58:14.739
Aye.

01:58:14.739 --> 01:58:15.739
And Klemm?

01:58:15.739 --> 01:58:16.739
Aye.

01:58:16.739 --> 01:58:17.739
The motion passes 8-0.

01:58:17.739 --> 01:58:24.140
it's a long night. Finance? Nothing, your honor. Thank you. Thank you.

01:58:24.140 --> 01:58:28.819
Community development? Nothing tonight, Madam Mayor. Thank you. Public Works? Yep.

01:58:28.819 --> 01:58:34.079
We've got a handful of things. First, I would like to announce that hydrant

01:58:34.079 --> 01:58:39.300
flushing will be taking place in the city of Freeport the week of October 21st.

01:58:39.300 --> 01:58:43.300
It's gonna take probably two to three weeks to get through the town to flush

01:58:43.300 --> 01:58:49.940
Hydrance. During this period you may get some rusty water. Just make sure that you run tub

01:58:49.940 --> 01:58:56.500
faucets and flush it out. Look for cleaning your aerators in your home. It's a typical process that

01:58:56.500 --> 01:59:05.380
we do every year in the fall. Happy to say that the City Streets program, we have two streets left

01:59:05.380 --> 01:59:12.899
for this year, Greenfield out by Business 20 and Salem Court. We hope to get those done later this

01:59:12.899 --> 01:59:15.979
this week or possibly next week.

01:59:15.979 --> 01:59:19.680
Today we started hot patching with crews.

01:59:19.680 --> 01:59:24.440
We put down about 16 tons today.

01:59:24.440 --> 01:59:29.600
The west side water main expansion is out to EPA permit.

01:59:29.600 --> 01:59:34.479
Next week you're going to see at the Committee of the Whole the ADA transition plan coming

01:59:34.479 --> 01:59:35.479
forth.

01:59:35.479 --> 01:59:37.960
something that we need to do for iDOT.

01:59:37.960 --> 01:59:53.000
We've talked about that a handful of times and we've delayed it to this point, but we tried to get grant funds for it and we've been unavailable to get those grant funds.

01:59:53.000 --> 01:59:54.000
What was that called?

01:59:54.000 --> 01:59:57.000
It's called the IDOT ADA transition plan.

01:59:57.000 --> 01:59:58.000
ADA.

01:59:58.000 --> 02:00:03.000
ADA, so those are the handicap accessible ramps that we find at our intersections.

02:00:03.000 --> 02:00:33.000
We're also working on 2025 streets program, so you're going to see a work order coming forward for that soon, and we're also working on the 2025 EV Chargers grant that we were awarded to place eight EV Chargers in downtown Freeport, I'm working with Mr. Duckman on that, and our biggest project, well number 12 that Eric Sorensen was here today to award Freeport some money, we're working on getting that moving to design and

02:00:33.000 --> 02:00:49.279
We're currently taking applications for our fall session of the Civilian Police Academy.

02:00:49.279 --> 02:00:54.859
We're taking applications through October 17th, and we'd like to have our first session

02:00:54.859 --> 02:00:57.279
on October 24th.

02:00:57.279 --> 02:01:04.920
The last eight weeks goes from about 6 p.m. to roughly 8 p.m., or maybe earlier, but also

02:01:04.920 --> 02:01:10.560
offers applicants an opportunity to do a ride along with the police department.

02:01:10.560 --> 02:01:14.819
So if anyone's interested, they can contact the police department, or I believe that there's

02:01:14.819 --> 02:01:20.020
also on our Facebook page, there's a QR code that take them right to the application so

02:01:20.020 --> 02:01:23.920
they can complete that and get it in before it closes.

02:01:23.920 --> 02:01:24.920
Thank you.

02:01:24.920 --> 02:01:25.920
Library?

02:01:25.920 --> 02:01:33.199
Nothing tonight. Thank you. IT? Then we'll leave this with the city manager's

02:01:33.199 --> 02:01:38.760
report. Nothing tonight, your honor. I just wanted to remind council that next

02:01:38.760 --> 02:01:42.680
Monday is a holiday, it's Columbus Day, so the committee of the whole is on

02:01:42.680 --> 02:01:48.600
Tuesday, so don't come on Monday, it's Tuesday. And just to piggyback on what

02:01:48.600 --> 02:01:52.680
Darren said, we were honored today to have Congressman Sorensen come to City

02:01:52.680 --> 02:02:22.680
Hall. He presented us with the check for nearly one million dollars to go towards well number 12. So very fortunate for that. Had also the pleasure of having our almost all of our public works department here for that photo op. And it was actually one of the highlights that Congressman Sorensen said that was a big deal to him to be able to have the people that actually do the work standing with him. So thank you to him. Council announcement, Alderman Monroe.

02:02:22.680 --> 02:02:29.720
thank you madam mayor for those of you there's you know we've had you know very tragic situation

02:02:29.720 --> 02:02:35.239
down in north carolina tennessee georgia south carolina there are several area churches that

02:02:35.239 --> 02:02:41.720
are collecting dry goods food clothing other things for the relief efforts down there and

02:02:43.800 --> 02:02:49.640
keep your prayers out also for the folks in florida i don't since we've been in this room

02:02:49.640 --> 02:02:55.960
Hurrican Milton is now a category 580 mile an hour winds up to 220 mile per hour gusts

02:02:56.520 --> 02:03:03.720
and it's headed directly for Tampa and Orlando so it will be a very very rough day on Wednesday there.

02:03:04.760 --> 02:03:10.520
A lot of us have friends and family who've retired down that way so keep them in your prayers but

02:03:11.079 --> 02:03:15.159
you know hey great work on all the city streets that we've seen we've been getting a lot of

02:03:15.159 --> 02:03:19.600
comments about that I think we're finally turning the tide the roads here in the

02:03:19.600 --> 02:03:23.619
city of Freeport and the infrastructure so it's a it's a very positive time thank

02:03:23.619 --> 02:03:28.140
you thank you Alderman Simmons I don't have anything thank you alderman Parker

02:03:28.140 --> 02:03:31.680
just want to echo what he said about the roads I'm getting a lot of good comments

02:03:31.680 --> 02:03:35.359
about our roads and the work going on just hopefully the weather holds off and

02:03:35.359 --> 02:03:40.119
they keep doing it thank you Alderman Stacy nothing

02:03:40.119 --> 02:03:46.279
Holderman Shadle? Nothing tonight. Holderman Sellers? Just want to say I also

02:03:46.279 --> 02:03:51.600
have gotten a lot of comments on how nice the streets look so thank you.

02:03:51.600 --> 02:04:00.319
Holderman Klemm? Nothing your honor. Okay Larry I'm guessing since you're over in

02:04:00.319 --> 02:04:04.920
the corner you must not have anything to say? Okay then leaves us with item

02:04:04.920 --> 02:04:17.500
number 20 of public comments Tommy did you go ahead three minutes council city

02:04:17.500 --> 02:04:27.060
staff thank you Joshua hmm that was rough I want to go back to the alderman pay

02:04:27.060 --> 02:04:34.140
the mayor pay city clerk pay discussion you guys get the agendas just like all

02:04:34.140 --> 02:04:38.020
of us get the agendas out here differences is a lot of us look at them

02:04:38.020 --> 02:04:41.119
and it seems like you guys continue to not look at them.

02:04:42.920 --> 02:04:44.460
When you guys talk about the Alderman pay,

02:04:44.460 --> 02:04:46.500
I wanna stick to that here, okay?

02:04:47.779 --> 02:04:49.760
Alderman Sanders asked a question,

02:04:50.699 --> 02:04:52.020
what do the Alderman do?

02:04:53.260 --> 02:04:54.939
How long have you guys all been Alderman?

02:04:54.939 --> 02:04:57.539
You guys should know what the job description is, okay?

02:04:57.539 --> 02:05:00.220
If you don't, we have a bigger problem in Freeport

02:05:00.220 --> 02:05:03.140
or probably we can pinpoint why we are where we are.

02:05:04.500 --> 02:05:05.840
How much is this position worth?

02:05:05.840 --> 02:05:07.180
You're not answering the question

02:05:07.180 --> 02:05:09.779
of how much you are worth or how much your brother or sister

02:05:09.779 --> 02:05:10.939
on this council are worth,

02:05:10.939 --> 02:05:13.420
you're asking what is that position worth?

02:05:13.420 --> 02:05:16.100
Sitting out here, we just want to know

02:05:16.100 --> 02:05:19.220
how much is it going to cost for our elected officials

02:05:19.220 --> 02:05:21.060
to do their jobs?

02:05:21.060 --> 02:05:23.659
Come to the meetings prepared, do the jobs,

02:05:23.659 --> 02:05:25.060
discuss outside of council,

02:05:25.060 --> 02:05:27.420
whether it be via the email or telephone,

02:05:27.420 --> 02:05:29.500
but come here knowing what you're talking about

02:05:29.500 --> 02:05:31.460
and what you're voting on.

02:05:31.460 --> 02:05:32.579
That is frustrating.

02:05:32.579 --> 02:05:37.579
that is what is driving people to leave town.

02:05:37.979 --> 02:05:39.420
That is a problem.

02:05:39.420 --> 02:05:42.020
We need you guys to step up and do the job

02:05:42.020 --> 02:05:43.260
or get out of the way.

02:05:44.800 --> 02:05:47.739
You guys are Alderman 365 days a year.

02:05:48.739 --> 02:05:51.619
City clerk is a city clerk 365 days a year.

02:05:51.619 --> 02:05:55.859
Madam Mayor, you are our representative 365 days a year.

02:05:55.859 --> 02:05:59.460
By my calculations, City Alderman,

02:05:59.460 --> 02:06:01.880
you get paid less than $10 a day

02:06:01.880 --> 02:06:04.079
to represent your ward.

02:06:04.079 --> 02:06:07.199
To speak for me, Larry Sanders, Alderman Sanders.

02:06:07.199 --> 02:06:09.159
You speak for me, you represent me.

02:06:09.159 --> 02:06:11.159
If I have a problem, I should be able to call you.

02:06:11.159 --> 02:06:13.260
You should answer the phone, you should email,

02:06:13.260 --> 02:06:16.260
and I'm directing it to you because you're my alderman.

02:06:16.260 --> 02:06:17.979
This goes for all of you.

02:06:17.979 --> 02:06:21.420
Tonight, the four hours, over four hours now,

02:06:21.420 --> 02:06:23.859
we, the city of Freeport, paid our aldermen,

02:06:23.859 --> 02:06:27.500
each one of you, $1.50 to sit through this.

02:06:27.500 --> 02:06:35.500
I'm willing to pay a lot more to get good government in here. Let us know what that number is.

02:06:35.500 --> 02:06:45.909
Madam Mayor, we paid the mayor about $13 to sit through this tonight. We pay our mayor right now about $80 a day.

02:06:45.909 --> 02:06:54.909
I get it's a part-time position. She is my mayor right now every single day of the year for the past seven and a half years.

02:06:54.909 --> 02:07:30.899
What is that position is worth? So I challenge you and I know I'm gonna run out of time here take this week like you should have taken the past two weeks think of something you asked our city manager to go pull numbers he did that he did his job how come our eight aldermen didn't do their jobs go figure out what your plan is what your proposal is and come to some kind of agreement so we can move forward we need better people wanting these positions thank you mayor thank you Tommy

02:07:30.899 --> 02:07:39.560
Osment is going to be a Special Olympics banquet for the awards and dinner

02:07:39.560 --> 02:07:48.630
Wednesday the 16th at 530. And where's it at Tommy? It's going to be at Nyla

02:07:48.630 --> 02:07:59.149
Church, yeah, Nyla Church something, at 626 West Pearl City Road. All right, thank

02:07:59.149 --> 02:08:02.470
Thank you for sharing your information.

02:08:02.470 --> 02:08:09.210
Any other public comments?

02:08:09.210 --> 02:08:13.050
Okay, then that leaves us with item number 21, which is executive session.

02:08:13.050 --> 02:08:15.130
Madam Clerk, could you please read that?

02:08:15.130 --> 02:08:16.130
Three items.

02:08:16.130 --> 02:08:21.489
Pursuant to 5 ILCS 122C1, the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance

02:08:21.489 --> 02:08:26.710
or dismissal of specific employees or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing

02:08:26.710 --> 02:08:30.989
testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the

02:08:30.989 --> 02:08:33.369
public body to determine its validity.

02:08:33.369 --> 02:08:48.369
To 5ILCS 120 2C 2, collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees.

02:08:48.369 --> 02:09:04.369
Pursuant to 5 ILCS 122C21, discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by section 2.06.

02:09:04.369 --> 02:09:08.369
Is there a motion to enter into an executive session?

02:09:08.369 --> 02:09:10.940
So moved.

02:09:10.940 --> 02:09:12.940
Is there a second?

02:09:12.940 --> 02:09:13.940
Second.

02:09:13.940 --> 02:09:17.940
Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.

02:09:17.940 --> 02:09:24.859
Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye.

02:09:24.859 --> 02:09:34.500
Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Sellers? And Klemm? Aye. The motion passed.