WEBVTT

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I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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and some of the most recent city council meetings.

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I just wanted to draw the council's attention

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to section 220.10 rules of council.

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And note that while we have not in the past

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strictly adhered to this,

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we may need to start looking at adhering

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to the rules of council in the future,

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primarily as it relates to assuring that we have quorum

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for purposes of necessary meetings

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like we unfortunately didn't have tonight

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for the finance committee of the whole.

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The quorum section under rules of council

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is in subsection eight and it states at all meetings,

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a majority of all older persons elected

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shall constitute a quorum.

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In addition, there is a section

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entitled frequency of speaking subsection 15

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and it states no member shall speak more than twice

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to the same general question.

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no more than once to a previous question

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without unanimous leave of council,

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nor more than once in any case

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until every member choosing to speak shall have spoken.

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In the past, I think that the city has not necessarily

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strictly adhered to that particular section

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under 15 frequency of speaking,

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but we have been contacted by members of council.

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When I say we, I mean, Attorney Zito

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has been contacted by members of council

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just with some concerns about frequency of speaking

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as it relates to certain items

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and the overall length of the meeting

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and getting through agenda items.

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So we just ask council to review those.

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And if you have any questions,

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please feel free to direct those to myself

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or to attorney Zito,

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but we do suggest that the council continue to adhere

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to the rules that have been adopted now

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for many, many, many years, dating back to 1977.

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So if anyone has any questions, happy to answer those,

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but just wanted to bring those to your attention.

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Thank you.

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Item number one is approval of the agenda.

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And just so you know, we do have executive session tonight.

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So is there a motion to approve the agenda?

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So moved.

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Second.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle,

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seconded by Alderman Parker.

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Madam Clerk, could you please take the role?

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Parker?

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Aye.

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Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Klemm, and Simmons.

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The motion passes 6-0.

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And item number two is approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on October 21, 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 Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker.

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Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

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Parker?

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Aye.

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Stacy?

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Aye.

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Sanders, Klemm, and Simmons. The motion passes six to zero. And there were no public

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comments signed in so we'll move on to item number four which is the consent

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agenda. The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and act as one

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motion unless a member of council would like to have something removed for

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further discussion. Is there anything? Seeing none the consent agenda consists of

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approving to receive and place on file the board and Commission minutes from

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from the Joint Review Board for the Lamb Road TIF District November 8th, 2022, the Joint

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Review Board, Downtown West Avenue Meadows and the Berchard Hills TIF Districts November

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8th, 2022, the Foreign Fire Board August 8th, 2024, the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

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September 23rd and 24th, also is the Greater Freeport Partnership Monthly Report dated

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October, 2024. The approval of the finance bill is payable in the total of $1,845,653.82.

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And the approval of payroll for pay period ending October 19, 2024, in the total of $651,206.30.

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Is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker. Madam Clerk, could

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you please take the roll?

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and Simmons. And that motion passes six to zero. Item number five are some

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reappointments. Could you please read those? Darren Steckel to the Planning

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Commission effective through October 31st, 2028. Andrea Scholl-Swinder to the

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Planning Commission effective through October 31st, 2028. Is there a motion to

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We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion. Alderman Simmons.

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I feel as though this is a conflict of interest with Darren and Andrea both being on, or members, how do I say it?

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Employees of companies that we do business with, and this being the Planning Commission sort of like a board.

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they shouldn't be part of that. They should report to that commission. So I'm confused at why they're on it and why we're

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reappointing them.

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Why would we? They're active members in the community.

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That's what

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commissions are.

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People that want to be involved in boards and commissions are just people that care about the community.

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So again,

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seeing as they are employed by

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companies that the city employs and

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does business with, that is a, in my eyes, that's a conflict of interest to have them on this Planning

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Commission. If I had to remove people on boards and commissions based on that, I wouldn't have that

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terrible many people. I mean, people are involved in many ways, so that's where that was. We have a

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substantial community of people that are qualified. And getting them to step up and serve is another

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Sanders.

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It's a big commitment.

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Alderman Sanders?

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Moving on that notion of the conflict of interest, it does illustrate a conflict of interest.

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As a matter of fact, it's a direct conflict of interest.

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I don't know who's doing the appointment, but if someone is doing the appointment without

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the consent of the council, well, that's not supposed to be happening.

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But anyway, because that's something that is going on, it's got to immediately stop.

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No more appointing any business, profit organizations, or anything without the Council's consent.

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You cannot appoint people to any position that directly becomes a conflict of interest

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to the community and not only that to the council.

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We're not talking about the administration,

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we're talking about the council.

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And for us to not be able to give the consent

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of hiring practices, we're gonna have to reevaluate

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how these things have been, how these things are done.

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We need to move forward with it

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because there's gotta be some recalibration.

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And you know what I mean when I say recalibration

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because we had not had the privilege to get involved

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in the consent efforts of Darren Steakle

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that is in direct correspondence with Fehr and Graham,

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another organization we have in too many boards,

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we've got too many boards within

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that we don't have no say so in certain matters

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and that's gotta stop.

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we're going to put a complaint in enforcing these rules

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so the city becomes compliant to the way order

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of the council, the administration of the city,

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the board of whoever they are

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because we still haven't nailed that down

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and that's one of the things that I wanna bring address

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and we need to move forward on those things.

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This is not gonna lay down easy

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because it's gonna be brought up on each matter

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or each council chamber meetings.

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We're going to make that a priority.

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That's an absolute thing that we wanna talk about.

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There's a direct priority that as council,

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we move forward to recognize and evaluate

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all of the things that I'm stipulating and I have more.

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I'm not even at the tip of the iceberg.

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And we need to take a very good look at how we doing things

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and how things are being done.

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And so we're gonna address those.

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and so we're gonna address those.

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I want everybody to be aware of that,

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especially in our council.

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I want us to know that we're gonna be

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vengeance, vigilantly trying to get down

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to how we orchestrating things.

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That's all I have to say, Mayor.

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Mayor Miller, just to address some of the comments

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that have been made by council

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with regard to the appointments.

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So these appointments under item five

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are in fact recommendations by the mayor

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that then are placed on the agenda for council approval.

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So the council is to give advice and consent,

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that is the process.

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So the mayor makes the recommendation

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under the appointment process,

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and then the council gets to give advice and consent

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by way of voting on these two appointments.

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If it is the will of the council

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not to reappoint Darren or Andrea to the Planning Commission,

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that's completely within the council's purview

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to make that decision that the council's not going

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to reappoint these individuals to the board.

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If in fact the individuals that are not appointed

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to the board, the positions will then just be vacant

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until the mayor then brings forth new names

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and the council then provides their advice

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and consent at that time.

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So these are appointments that are being brought

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to the council for advice and consent.

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And that is the formal legal process

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that would be required under state's DHU.

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With regard to the conflict issue,

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I would note that we do have a number of in fact even city employees that sit on different

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boards and commissions throughout the city.

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There is not a legal conflict to Mr. Steckel or Ms. Winter to serve on the Planning Commission.

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The Planning Commission is a recommending body only.

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They make recommendations to the council, but ultimately the council has to make the

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final determination.

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Now, with regard to a potential legal conflict, could it occur if, for example, Ms. Winter

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had a planning matter that she was involved in, and if she served on the Planning Commission,

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she would then be required to recuse herself if it was something that rose to the level

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of being in a matter of which she was financially involved.

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Illinois law only prohibits conflicts of interest in which there is a financial relationship

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and

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the board of trustees.

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We have a number of recommendations for

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board members to be able to get directly involved by the

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individual who would otherwise be serving.

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Again, these two recommendations are for counsel's review and for

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you to decide as a body whether or not you want to move forward

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with these appointments.

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Just to piggyback on that, the comment of hiring practices,

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boards and commissions are not hired.

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Sosnowski said about our current ordinance and everybody having an opportunity to speak

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before the second time. I really need to allow that for others before I call on you, Larry.

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Well, I just wanted to address her. She's making a comment by the last address.

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Well, you can after everybody else has had a chance. Wayne, did you?

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Well, do you want my thought to diminish or what I'm going to talk about?

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Well, that's not my fault. I'm trying to go by the ordinance. Director Duckman?

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I just want to say something quick as well.

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If there's many matters, variations, special use

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permits, right now we have a subdivision plat that's

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going to be going through.

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And we're required by ordinance to have a Zoning Board of Appeals

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meeting or a Planning Commission meeting.

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Many of these petitions require the Planning Commission

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to review it.

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So just keep in mind that there's

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going to be developers waiting on permits

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to be reviewed if we do push this off.

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So the longer we wait, and it is a challenge every week

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to get people to show up, meaning our planning

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commission members to make quorum.

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So I just want to throw that out there,

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that if there are decisions on changing somebody,

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we're going to have a backlog of variation, special use,

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and different permits.

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Alderman Stacey.

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I feel that their roles place them in a position of power,

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that while beneficial in some ways,

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also present a risk of bias.

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We must be cautious in the context

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of the existing mistrust and concern surrounding transparency

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in our local government.

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It is crucial that we maintain the public confidence

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in appointing people to the Planning Commission

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which such close ties to inferential organizations

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could only fuel further distrust.

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We should err on the side of caution

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and ensure that we do not give our citizens more reason

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to distrust the decisions that we make.

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So I would just like to say about the transparency.

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Every council member is invited to every board,

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and

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John, and I think we have a say in everything that commission does

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and what these two do. Thank you.

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»» Anyone that has not yet spoken? Larry, did you want to do a second

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round now? »» Oh, second round. Yes. By all

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means. I have to excuse my voice. But the thing about it is I

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have, I just want to make sure I get my point across. Okay?

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and the magnitude of your position, but for you talking to the council at this time, that's

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not something that we have to consider based upon what you're saying without the documents

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or the policy before us or the ordinance before us.

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So when you're sending out messages like that, you're talking as if though it's a fact.

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We don't know that it's a fact and we get to judge whether or not you're being honest

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or trustworthy or we have the confidence of the things that you're saying.

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So first of all, when you start doing that, then we have to evaluate you for your action

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and then your influence on what you're trying to impose upon the council about without addressing

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anything that we tangibly can look at for ourselves to see if we can walk this thing

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with you so we can determine whether or not we are out of alignment with what you're discussing.

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You haven't brought us anything of circumstantial evidence to prove that what you're saying

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has a factual basis.

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And so that is one of the things that I am not pleased with when you inject like this.

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I know who she is.

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And besides that, this is totally off-subject of reappointment.

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Yes, it's within the confines of what I have to discuss.

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It's what I'm discussing.

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Wesson. Let me ask you this, is what you're saying relevant to the reappointments? Okay, well, I put it like this here. Since I'm being imposed upon about where I should be at. I know that we're talking about reappointments, but the thing about it is I just want people to know it is not acceptable just for someone to inject their viewpoints into

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for this council for any determination on what we should think

00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:39.000
and how we should think about it.

00:18:39.000 --> 00:18:43.639
Only thing we know is that what's on the agenda

00:18:43.639 --> 00:18:47.519
and all this other outside conversation that is being made,

00:18:47.519 --> 00:18:51.119
we haven't found the validity of truth there.

00:18:51.119 --> 00:18:56.119
So, but anyway, if we're going to talk about reappointments,

00:18:56.119 --> 00:19:16.119
We're not just gonna, we just don't want to vote on reappointing someone without evaluating their progress. If we had not done that, then we're doing ourself a disservice as council members, and then we're doing the citizens of Freeport a disservice.

00:19:16.119 --> 00:19:17.119
and John.

00:19:17.119 --> 00:19:22.119
We have to make sure that we're doing what we can to make sure that we're making progress.

00:19:22.119 --> 00:19:27.639
If we had not done that, then we're doing ourself a disservice as council members, and

00:19:27.639 --> 00:19:31.400
then we're doing the citizens of Freeport a disservice.

00:19:31.400 --> 00:19:40.039
And so we need to be making sure that any reappointment of anything is being scrutinized

00:19:40.039 --> 00:19:46.039
to the fullest so we can make sure that what we're doing, we're making an educated vote.

00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:53.079
and and we just can't just mishandle their confidence when they have confidence in us

00:19:53.079 --> 00:19:57.880
to do the right thing or talk about the right thing or to bring the issues out and those kinds of

00:19:57.880 --> 00:20:08.059
So, I just want to make sure that we're treading that path and that we're not dodging and suppressing

00:20:08.059 --> 00:20:14.359
information that needs to be brought forward to the council, and I yield my argument.

00:20:14.359 --> 00:20:15.359
Thank you.

00:20:15.359 --> 00:20:18.240
Is there any other discussion on the reappointment?

00:20:18.240 --> 00:20:19.240
Alderman Stacey.

00:20:19.240 --> 00:20:24.759
Alderman Parker, I understand how this process work.

00:20:24.759 --> 00:20:30.200
I've been at it a little over a year now.

00:20:30.200 --> 00:20:37.450
Madam Mayor, there's people out there willing

00:20:37.450 --> 00:20:44.279
and wanting to be on this committee.

00:20:44.279 --> 00:20:47.759
They're just not asked or invited to be.

00:20:48.640 --> 00:20:53.640
And the truth remains to have our public's work director

00:20:56.420 --> 00:21:00.140
who's also involved with Fehr Graham's

00:21:00.140 --> 00:21:04.579
who does 95% of all the work here in the city

00:21:04.579 --> 00:21:08.980
to have the head person of Greater Freeport Partnership.

00:21:10.740 --> 00:21:13.220
It's just, there's other people out there

00:21:13.220 --> 00:21:15.420
that can hold that position

00:21:15.420 --> 00:21:21.589
and can bring something to the table.

00:21:21.589 --> 00:21:25.769
When we use these same people over and over and over again,

00:21:25.769 --> 00:21:28.230
you all start to play in one another's hand,

00:21:28.230 --> 00:21:30.309
giving each other what they want.

00:21:30.309 --> 00:21:33.710
and yes, it's gonna come to the council and yes,

00:21:33.710 --> 00:21:36.589
we're gonna say yes or no and we're gonna take a vote

00:21:36.589 --> 00:21:40.230
and guess what, you will break the tie

00:21:40.230 --> 00:21:44.460
and it will always be what you want.

00:21:44.460 --> 00:21:45.559
Well, that's a lot of accusing.

00:21:45.559 --> 00:21:46.400
Anything else?

00:21:47.839 --> 00:21:48.680
That's what?

00:21:50.039 --> 00:21:52.200
If there's no further discussion,

00:21:52.200 --> 00:21:56.119
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:21:56.119 --> 00:21:56.960
Parker?

00:21:56.960 --> 00:21:57.779
Aye.

00:21:57.779 --> 00:21:58.619
Stacy?

00:21:58.619 --> 00:21:59.440
No.

00:21:59.440 --> 00:22:00.279
Shadle?

00:22:00.279 --> 00:22:01.119
Aye.

00:22:01.119 --> 00:22:01.940
Sanders?

00:22:01.940 --> 00:22:02.779
No.

00:22:02.779 --> 00:22:12.700
Simmons no we are tied at three to three attorney Sosnowski do we need a five to

00:22:12.700 --> 00:22:23.799
pass this okay mayor what say you aye and the motion passes four to three item

00:22:23.799 --> 00:22:26.799
number six is second reading of ordinance twenty twenty four fifty seven

00:22:26.799 --> 00:22:33.170
could you please read this ordinance amending boundaries of the joint

00:22:33.170 --> 00:22:37.049
northwest Illinois certified enterprise zone for the operation of an enterprise

00:22:37.049 --> 00:22:38.049
Boyer.

00:22:38.049 --> 00:22:39.049
Thank you.

00:22:39.049 --> 00:22:40.049
Manager Boyer.

00:22:40.049 --> 00:22:41.049
Thank you, Your Honor.

00:22:41.049 --> 00:22:42.049
This change of the Enterprise Zone came up at the October Committee of the Whole.

00:22:42.049 --> 00:22:43.049
It was discussed and had a presentation by Andrea Schultz-Winner also at the last Council

00:22:43.049 --> 00:22:44.049
meeting.

00:22:44.049 --> 00:22:45.049
This was moved forward for a second reading.

00:22:45.049 --> 00:22:46.049
And staff recommends moving forward with Ordinance 2024-57.

00:22:46.049 --> 00:22:47.049
Any further discussion on this matter?

00:22:47.049 --> 00:22:48.049
Thank you.

00:22:48.049 --> 00:22:49.049
Thank you.

00:22:49.049 --> 00:22:50.049
Thank you.

00:22:50.049 --> 00:22:51.049
Thank you.

00:22:51.049 --> 00:22:52.049
Thank you.

00:22:52.049 --> 00:22:53.049
Thank you.

00:22:53.049 --> 00:22:54.049
Thank you.

00:22:54.049 --> 00:22:56.210
at the last council meeting.

00:22:56.210 --> 00:22:58.610
This was moved forward for second reading.

00:22:58.610 --> 00:23:07.490
And staff recommends moving forward with ordinance 2024-57.

00:23:07.490 --> 00:23:12.240
Any further discussion on this ordinance?

00:23:12.240 --> 00:23:16.150
Alderman Sanders.

00:23:16.150 --> 00:23:20.230
Director Boyer, question.

00:23:20.230 --> 00:23:25.230
have you guys have did your scope of a survey of all of this

00:23:32.710 --> 00:23:36.069
that is taking place in this particular sector?

00:23:36.069 --> 00:23:41.069
And then I wanna ask you a question in regards to

00:23:43.230 --> 00:23:45.630
whether or not this is something

00:23:45.630 --> 00:23:47.869
that we made a discussion fully

00:23:47.869 --> 00:23:56.589
and I think we're leaving a lot of details out of this thing because we don't know for

00:23:56.589 --> 00:24:05.069
sure who's running this program or attempting to run this program without the consent and

00:24:05.069 --> 00:24:11.509
the action of the council itself to make a decision on whether or not we should get involved

00:24:11.509 --> 00:24:13.509
with this particular program.

00:24:13.509 --> 00:24:20.029
and so we have not done enough study, have the, whoever brought this to us or this program

00:24:20.029 --> 00:24:26.970
project to us has enough study been brought to the commission or the council so that can

00:24:26.970 --> 00:24:34.150
be an in-depth study on all of the things that is required of us as council people to

00:24:34.150 --> 00:24:39.470
evaluate to see if we can make a sound decision whether we should move forward or not.

00:24:39.470 --> 00:24:46.970
If not, if we don't have that information before us, then we should think about sustaining

00:24:46.970 --> 00:24:49.230
this until we do.

00:24:49.230 --> 00:24:55.309
Put this on the back burner, move it out the way until we have absolutely done a complete

00:24:55.309 --> 00:25:00.670
study because I have to know who's in place, who's running this project, and I have to

00:25:00.670 --> 00:25:05.950
know who's all involved in it, okay, and how we get to that point.

00:25:05.950 --> 00:25:12.430
I like to know all of those things and I don't speak for everyone but I'm just

00:25:12.430 --> 00:25:20.889
I'm just versing my my own study and opinion about it and I believe that we

00:25:20.889 --> 00:25:26.430
can get further down the road if I had more information so I can make a

00:25:26.430 --> 00:25:33.430
conscious decision with it. Alderman Parker? Yes this here is a thing we're

00:25:33.430 --> 00:25:36.970
doing for Pearl City Elevator because they're in the Enterprise Zone down the

00:25:36.970 --> 00:25:40.730
Road. We may have a project we want in Freeport and they would have to approve

00:25:40.730 --> 00:25:45.410
it for us. So we don't want to cut our own throats by telling them no on this. So

00:25:45.410 --> 00:25:50.529
I think we need to move it forward, pass it, and let them get it going. My opinion.

00:25:50.529 --> 00:25:55.650
Manager Boyer, did you have something you wanted to say? Alderman Sanders, we have

00:25:55.650 --> 00:25:59.329
gone through all of this. It's essentially, it's just adding two parcels

00:25:59.329 --> 00:26:03.610
in that they exist in Alena to the enterprise zone that originally weren't

00:26:03.610 --> 00:26:07.089
Incorporated. This isn't expanding the footprint of the enterprise zone and

00:26:07.089 --> 00:26:12.130
there's many other communities have to pass this as well. So my recommendation

00:26:12.130 --> 00:26:18.569
is to move forward with it. Alderman Stacey? Yes. What or who is the TIF

00:26:18.569 --> 00:26:23.349
district that this is used for? It's not a TIF district, it's the enterprise zone

00:26:23.349 --> 00:26:30.130
and the enterprise zone is made up of eight different governing bodies. Village

00:26:30.130 --> 00:26:37.889
of Lina, Stevenson County, Joe Davis County, Hanover, Freeport, I'm missing some. Lina.

00:26:37.889 --> 00:26:44.930
Did you say Stevenson County? Stevenson County. There are several governing bodies that make

00:26:44.930 --> 00:26:50.130
up the Enterprise Zone and so many of them have already passed this and so that way they

00:26:50.130 --> 00:26:55.970
can get moving. It's no different than when we wanted to extend the Meadows Shopping Center

00:26:55.970 --> 00:26:57.610
into the enterprise zone.

00:26:57.610 --> 00:27:00.170
We had to get them to buy in and pass

00:27:00.170 --> 00:27:02.210
so that way we could extend the enterprise zone.

00:27:02.210 --> 00:27:05.130
So it's a give and take on multiple levels

00:27:05.130 --> 00:27:07.349
of government organizations.

00:27:09.250 --> 00:27:11.690
Anybody else have something before I call

00:27:11.690 --> 00:27:15.400
a second round of questions?

00:27:15.400 --> 00:27:16.680
Alderman Sanders, if you'd like to have

00:27:16.680 --> 00:27:18.079
your second opportunity.

00:27:18.079 --> 00:27:21.779
Yeah, Mayor, I noticed that you're very well versed

00:27:21.779 --> 00:27:25.740
in the activities of this particular project.

00:27:25.740 --> 00:27:29.599
and my thing is, since you're so versed into it,

00:27:29.599 --> 00:27:31.759
why isn't that the council

00:27:32.880 --> 00:27:36.480
is reverberating the things that you're talking about?

00:27:36.480 --> 00:27:39.480
That's what I'm evaluating.

00:27:39.480 --> 00:27:44.480
And all of the things that you know, council should know.

00:27:45.039 --> 00:27:49.119
You should not have the opportunity to sit before us

00:27:49.119 --> 00:27:52.639
and tell us the story of a project

00:27:52.639 --> 00:27:55.039
that I expect my city manager,

00:27:55.039 --> 00:27:57.880
My developers and people of that nature

00:27:57.880 --> 00:28:02.880
to be giving us the whole concept of this whole project.

00:28:03.799 --> 00:28:07.160
I don't expect you to be sitting there in your chair

00:28:07.160 --> 00:28:11.059
trying to direct us in what's taking place.

00:28:11.059 --> 00:28:14.779
It is not your place to be telling us this

00:28:14.779 --> 00:28:18.220
because we need to have this information before us.

00:28:18.220 --> 00:28:22.519
We don't need you to read off of whatever you're reading

00:28:22.519 --> 00:28:24.720
from or demonstrating from.

00:28:24.720 --> 00:28:26.559
We need to see that for ourselves.

00:28:26.559 --> 00:28:30.960
So we are not here in the council trying to wreck our brains

00:28:30.960 --> 00:28:33.799
on how did we get from A to B.

00:28:33.799 --> 00:28:35.400
And that's where we at right now.

00:28:35.400 --> 00:28:38.000
So I just wanna make sure that

00:28:39.200 --> 00:28:42.360
a complete evaluation study has been made,

00:28:42.360 --> 00:28:44.240
survey has been made.

00:28:44.240 --> 00:28:46.240
The things that you're talking about

00:28:47.559 --> 00:28:50.039
and discussing with council

00:28:50.039 --> 00:28:52.700
that we have this literature before us.

00:28:52.700 --> 00:28:54.519
I don't see it and I don't have it.

00:28:54.519 --> 00:29:03.519
Actually, you do. It's all in your packet. I read it off of the ordinance just like you have the ability to do, and I didn't read a script.

00:29:03.519 --> 00:29:08.519
Yeah, but it doesn't allow me much time to sit here and try to read.

00:29:08.519 --> 00:29:16.519
Well, this is the second reading of this ordinance, so you've actually had a good several weeks to bring your questions before the council.

00:29:16.519 --> 00:29:17.519
Several weeks?

00:29:17.519 --> 00:29:26.519
This is the second ordinance, the second reading, so we're going to move on to Alderman Stacy, your second one.

00:29:26.519 --> 00:29:33.519
Yes, the cost of this project is $4.5 million. Is it costing the city of Freeport anything?

00:29:33.519 --> 00:29:34.519
No.

00:29:34.519 --> 00:29:46.519
Okay, and it says that it will generate $5.6 million in property taxes. Is it bringing our city anything?

00:29:46.519 --> 00:29:50.679
You want my opinion on that?

00:29:50.679 --> 00:29:55.240
Boyer, yours, I don't care, whoever.

00:29:55.240 --> 00:30:00.720
Fowler, Kare, whoever. I'm just asking, is it going to bring anything into our city?

00:30:00.720 --> 00:30:03.160
Are we going to reap any benefits from this project?

00:30:03.160 --> 00:30:09.259
Well, the benefits are many. I mean, it's about working together. They could have, all

00:30:09.259 --> 00:30:14.720
of those taxing bodies could have said something contrary when we wanted to extend our enterprise

00:30:14.720 --> 00:30:21.799
zone. What did they have to gain from us doing that? No different than what do we personally

00:30:21.799 --> 00:30:53.940
Gain. It doesn't matter. It's about being a good partner. I don't know that they did or didn't. That's why I'm asking the question. If there is anything for us to gain? Well, we've had many enterprise amendments and we've never had an issue. Manager Boyer? I just wanted to say, older person Stacy, the thing we gain is indirect, right? We work with other communities for the benefit of the enterprise zone. They work with us.

00:30:53.940 --> 00:30:58.099
Meadows Mall was an example that was brought into the enterprise zone and that

00:30:58.099 --> 00:31:03.819
does benefit us. So in this particular case there's no direct benefit to the

00:31:03.819 --> 00:31:08.420
city of Freeport outside of the fact that we are able to work together as a

00:31:08.420 --> 00:31:14.140
community to improve our total economic picture.

00:31:14.140 --> 00:31:35.869
Anyone that has not spoken yet? No one has anything further on their second?

00:31:35.869 --> 00:31:39.190
Well Alderman Sanders you've you've spoken twice and I'm trying to adhere to

00:31:39.190 --> 00:31:44.589
to our the rules that the council have and that was explained by attorney

00:31:44.589 --> 00:31:50.789
Sosnowski at the beginning of the meeting you spoke twice when on this

00:31:50.789 --> 00:31:54.869
particular subject and the last subject on this particular subject that's correct

00:31:54.869 --> 00:31:59.210
so if there's no further discussion madam clerk would you please take the

00:31:59.210 --> 00:32:10.809
Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Simmons? Aye. The ordinance

00:32:10.809 --> 00:32:16.610
passes 6-0. Thank you. Item number 7 is the second reading of ordinance 20-24-58.

00:32:16.610 --> 00:32:20.849
Could you please read this? Ordinance amending newly revised building code to

00:32:20.849 --> 00:32:26.970
2018 ICC additions. Thank you. Director Duckman. Thank you Madam Mayor.

00:32:26.970 --> 00:32:33.529
Presented this last week, no major changes. Just kind of give you a recap here.

00:32:33.529 --> 00:32:39.690
So the City of Freeport adopted the 2018 edition of the ICC building codes and we

00:32:39.690 --> 00:32:47.130
did that back in August of this year and in reviewing this recent ordinance, staff

00:32:47.130 --> 00:32:51.970
saw a few changes that they would like to make, mostly clerical, and based on

00:32:51.970 --> 00:33:00.529
that in line with last week staffs recommending amending chapters 14 20 26 29 and 82 of our

00:33:00.529 --> 00:33:06.849
codified ordinances for the 2018 ICC building code additions thank you is there any further

00:33:06.849 --> 00:33:14.740
discussion on this ordinance madam clerk would you please take the role Parker I Stacy I

00:33:14.740 --> 00:33:24.180
Shadle, Sanders, Klemm, and Simmons, and that ordinance passes six to zero.

00:33:24.180 --> 00:33:29.220
Thank you. Item number eight is the second reading of ordinance 2024-59. Could you please read this?

00:33:29.220 --> 00:33:35.940
Ordinance approving two airport farm leases, one with the Kemple family and one with Dan Julius.

00:33:36.579 --> 00:33:38.099
Thank you. Manager Boyer.

00:33:38.099 --> 00:33:42.819
Thank you, your honor. Staff's been working on all the farm leases at the airport

00:33:42.819 --> 00:33:49.539
and we would like to move forward on two of them, one with the Kemple family and one with the

00:33:49.539 --> 00:33:56.339
Julius's family. Both of the parcels are relatively small but they make sense for their standpoint

00:33:56.339 --> 00:34:02.259
because they have contingent farmland. So staff is recommending moving these two farm leases

00:34:03.139 --> 00:34:15.010
or approval of these two farm leases. Discussion? Alderman Stacey? Yes, so this 481 is for the entire

00:34:15.010 --> 00:34:31.099
Year, 481. Yes, that's correct. Anyone else? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Parker? Aye.

00:34:31.099 --> 00:34:49.929
Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Klemm and Simmons? No. Attorney Sosnowski, do we need

00:34:49.929 --> 00:34:56.690
five on this one? Okay, the motion passes four to two. Thank you. Item number nine

00:34:56.690 --> 00:35:03.010
is the first reading of Ordinance 2024-60. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving Airport

00:35:03.010 --> 00:35:10.210
Hangar M8 lease with David Hayes. Manager Boyer. Thank you, your honor. David Hayes is interested

00:35:10.210 --> 00:35:17.250
in renting Hangar M8 at Alberta's airport. The agreement is for $165 per month. Staff recommends

00:35:17.250 --> 00:35:24.610
moving forward with the lease. Is there a motion to move Ordinance 2024-60 onto the next regularly

00:35:24.610 --> 00:35:25.970
Scheduled Meeting.

00:35:25.970 --> 00:35:27.409
So moved.

00:35:27.409 --> 00:35:29.570
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm,

00:35:29.570 --> 00:35:31.529
seconded by Alderman Shadle.

00:35:31.529 --> 00:35:33.010
Discussion on this ordinance.

00:35:34.610 --> 00:35:37.639
Alderman Stacy.

00:35:37.639 --> 00:35:43.300
Earlier this year, we had a discussion

00:35:43.300 --> 00:35:48.300
about all these hangers and the screwed up leases,

00:35:50.579 --> 00:35:55.579
if you will, and we were supposed to be able,

00:35:55.579 --> 00:36:01.920
and Gable as a council to get a clean cut lease

00:36:01.920 --> 00:36:06.920
to view and see that it was designed as it needed to be.

00:36:09.920 --> 00:36:14.920
And that has yet to happen, yet we continue to be given

00:36:19.480 --> 00:36:27.940
hanger's lease to approve when the lease have not been

00:36:30.699 --> 00:36:37.460
To our knowledge all the scribble and whatever on on this have not even been

00:36:39.869 --> 00:36:47.470
Still redlined. What are we doing here? Are you addressing me? Yes, sir

00:36:49.170 --> 00:36:55.869
At the request of the airport manager, we are enacting a new lease format at the end of the year

00:36:57.489 --> 00:36:59.489
That was a request by the airport manager

00:36:59.489 --> 00:37:06.610
Bender. So the new lease format will be approved and we'll discuss it.

00:37:06.610 --> 00:37:11.610
So why wasn't that brought to the council? That it's not going to be November, now it's

00:37:11.610 --> 00:37:14.849
going to be the end of the year? Well, it's essentially the first of the year where the

00:37:14.849 --> 00:37:17.809
new leases will take effect, so we'll approve. The first of the year?

00:37:17.809 --> 00:37:23.050
Yes, the first of the year. The end of 2024, beginning of 2025, the new lease format will

00:37:23.050 --> 00:37:33.070
go into place and then we'll approve those leases.

00:37:33.070 --> 00:37:47.610
Miller. I apologize. We need to go back to item number 8. The item did fail. I just pulled

00:37:47.610 --> 00:37:56.429
the statute. The requisite section is 11-76-1, and it states for leases, there does need

00:37:56.429 --> 00:38:02.050
to be, this power should be exercised by an ordinance passed by three-fourths vote of

00:38:02.050 --> 00:38:04.050
and

00:38:05.150 --> 00:38:06.050
the

00:38:06.050 --> 00:38:08.050
next item is the corporate authorities.

00:38:09.150 --> 00:38:11.150
It's the corporate authorities of the city then holding office.

00:38:12.449 --> 00:38:14.449
So not what that means is the corporate authorities as a whole,

00:38:15.550 --> 00:38:17.550
not the corporate authorities that happen to be present.

00:38:18.750 --> 00:38:20.750
It is the corporate authorities then holding office.

00:38:22.050 --> 00:38:24.050
So item 8 failed as it did not have the requisite number of votes to

00:38:25.150 --> 00:38:27.150
pass. It isn't even necessary to call the

00:38:28.250 --> 00:38:30.250
Mayor's vote in this particular case because we would not be able to

00:38:32.050 --> 00:38:36.929
, вр,y of Officer Jodi and Mayor Bob Sinewan .

00:38:36.929 --> 00:38:49.510
I apologize for being wrong the first time. I didn't have a second to pull the statute both item 8 and item 9, so item 8 did fail.

00:38:49.510 --> 00:38:56.409
And so are you saying that every council member needs to be present when there's an instance like this?

00:38:56.409 --> 00:39:48.739
We're talking about 2024-60, is that the one we're referring to?

00:39:48.739 --> 00:39:55.739
Gertrude, Heimerdinger, Emmet, Mike, my question is...

00:39:55.739 --> 00:40:22.199
My question is who's determining or evaluating what the value is for the leasing, who's doing that, who has the authority to do that and then do not bring it to the council to let them know that that's what they would like to present instead of giving us this right on an agenda to make decisions on.

00:40:22.199 --> 00:40:26.260
if we're not doing that, if that's not what we're doing,

00:40:26.260 --> 00:40:30.400
then why are we discussing this matter

00:40:30.400 --> 00:40:34.900
when we had not had an opportunity to discuss it as a whole?

00:40:34.900 --> 00:40:39.900
As a whole, I mean, we just get saying yes to everything,

00:40:40.059 --> 00:40:45.059
no to everything without looking at the stipulations

00:40:45.219 --> 00:40:50.219
of these leases and how we got to 1.8.B.

00:40:50.280 --> 00:40:51.739
Is that what we're doing?

00:40:51.739 --> 00:40:53.579
Well, I have a problem with that.

00:40:53.579 --> 00:40:58.579
So I just wanna know that those kinds of actions

00:41:01.019 --> 00:41:06.019
are not something that council should be considering

00:41:09.699 --> 00:41:12.539
when it comes to making sound decisions.

00:41:12.539 --> 00:41:16.559
And right now we're discussing something

00:41:16.559 --> 00:41:21.559
that is ready to be fired off to be not looked into

00:41:21.559 --> 00:41:30.599
because $165 for a hanger. I'd like to understand what was the previous leases on this particular

00:41:30.599 --> 00:41:37.239
property. I do believe that the leases were set by council. Well, that's what I want to know.

00:41:38.360 --> 00:41:45.239
Council set those leases. So if you're wondering, that would be the council. Okay. Did we sign off

00:41:45.239 --> 00:41:46.239
Huffman.

00:41:46.239 --> 00:41:47.239
Do you want to jump on that?

00:41:47.239 --> 00:41:48.239
Well, it would have been done.

00:41:48.239 --> 00:41:49.239
2021.

00:41:49.239 --> 00:41:50.239
Yeah.

00:41:50.239 --> 00:41:51.239
Okay.

00:41:51.239 --> 00:41:52.239
So we're going to move on to Alderman.

00:41:52.239 --> 00:41:53.239
It's before our time.

00:41:53.239 --> 00:41:54.239
Okay.

00:41:54.239 --> 00:41:55.239
It's before our time.

00:41:55.239 --> 00:41:56.239
Okay.

00:41:56.239 --> 00:42:01.239
I just want to mention that fact that these are governed by, the amounts are governed

00:42:01.239 --> 00:42:09.650
by an ordinance and it's been discussed several times on the floor in the past.

00:42:09.650 --> 00:42:12.250
That was before our time.

00:42:12.250 --> 00:42:13.250
2021?

00:42:13.250 --> 00:42:14.250
Yeah.

00:42:14.250 --> 00:42:15.250
That's what they said.

00:42:15.250 --> 00:42:16.250
What's before our time?

00:42:16.250 --> 00:42:18.250
This topic has been discussed.

00:42:18.250 --> 00:42:24.250
The topic of how the numbers have arrived, we've talked about that before, but you are correct.

00:42:24.250 --> 00:42:31.250
Those specific numbers were set in 21 as far as what those leases are.

00:42:31.250 --> 00:42:39.250
So you obviously weren't sat in that seat in 21, but we've talked about how that comes about several times.

00:42:39.250 --> 00:42:47.139
Just before you, is there anybody that hasn't spoken yet that would like to?

00:42:47.139 --> 00:42:48.900
then Alderman Stacey.

00:42:48.900 --> 00:42:51.860
Yes, we have talked about it.

00:42:52.780 --> 00:42:57.780
However, we did not make any decisions on the cost,

00:42:59.659 --> 00:43:02.579
but I understand the cost.

00:43:02.579 --> 00:43:05.099
I don't have a problem with the cost.

00:43:05.099 --> 00:43:11.019
I'll even say I agree with the cost,

00:43:11.019 --> 00:43:13.260
but the bigger picture here is that

00:43:14.219 --> 00:43:17.159
this gentleman is already in that hanger

00:43:17.159 --> 00:43:24.030
as of, was it October 11th?

00:43:24.030 --> 00:43:26.900
Yes.

00:43:26.900 --> 00:43:32.380
So do this need a three thirds vote to pass?

00:43:34.059 --> 00:43:35.539
Yes.

00:43:35.539 --> 00:43:38.059
But the person is already in there

00:43:39.860 --> 00:43:41.860
before it even came to the council.

00:43:41.860 --> 00:43:44.420
He's been in there since October 11th.

00:43:44.420 --> 00:43:47.519
It came to the council today.

00:43:48.739 --> 00:43:51.900
And this is the things that keep happening

00:43:51.900 --> 00:43:54.300
that has to stop.

00:43:54.300 --> 00:43:59.300
Now, do we make the customer, the one who's in need of,

00:44:01.179 --> 00:44:03.659
the ones who's paying suffer?

00:44:03.659 --> 00:44:08.220
That's not fair either.

00:44:08.220 --> 00:44:12.099
And let's say he came on the spot, he wanted it,

00:44:12.099 --> 00:44:14.500
this one was open, so he got it.

00:44:14.500 --> 00:44:16.619
The very next council meeting,

00:44:16.619 --> 00:44:18.519
that should have been in our face.

00:44:20.260 --> 00:44:22.000
Not today.

00:44:22.000 --> 00:44:27.000
because now we don't have three fourth vote even available

00:44:27.039 --> 00:44:31.199
for it to pass, but it's already happening, so it done passed.

00:44:32.079 --> 00:44:34.039
Yeah, we have six people here.

00:44:34.039 --> 00:44:34.880
Manager Boyer.

00:44:36.279 --> 00:44:40.840
First, I'd like to say that this hanger lease was signed

00:44:40.840 --> 00:44:44.679
with our airport manager who was going through surgery.

00:44:45.639 --> 00:44:50.420
So she moved forward so this person could get into a hanger

00:44:50.420 --> 00:44:52.539
and we did not receive this at City Hall

00:44:52.539 --> 00:44:59.559
until she was well enough to come bring it to us.

00:44:59.559 --> 00:45:02.760
We are simply approving a hanger lease

00:45:02.760 --> 00:45:06.840
for $165 a month as prescribed by ordinance.

00:45:06.840 --> 00:45:10.659
We are working on the farm leases as requested by council.

00:45:11.880 --> 00:45:15.039
We are bringing all of the leases before council

00:45:15.980 --> 00:45:20.820
and we will give council the updated hanger rates

00:45:20.820 --> 00:45:24.059
when we have an opportunity to get that data collected.

00:45:25.019 --> 00:45:27.800
So I am a little bit incensed

00:45:27.800 --> 00:45:30.500
that I am being accused of something here

00:45:30.500 --> 00:45:39.579
that is not correct.

00:45:39.579 --> 00:45:40.779
Any further discussion?

00:45:41.860 --> 00:45:44.599
Alderman Sanders, your second time.

00:45:44.599 --> 00:45:47.000
Okay, my second time, okay.

00:45:48.019 --> 00:45:53.019
Manager Boyer, you may think that we might be

00:45:57.820 --> 00:45:58.820
and John.

00:45:58.820 --> 00:46:06.980
I want to make sure that we are not harsh with our comments or our opinions what the point

00:46:06.980 --> 00:46:09.260
of the matter is.

00:46:09.260 --> 00:46:18.340
If these things were brought to our attention beforehand, consideration for anyone having

00:46:18.340 --> 00:46:26.420
any issue in their personal lives should not be affecting the council at any given time.

00:46:26.420 --> 00:46:29.699
It's either that we put it on hold.

00:46:29.699 --> 00:46:36.260
I don't know who's signing off on it. Did we sign off as a council on this particular hanger?

00:46:36.260 --> 00:46:45.699
I understand you're saying that the airport manager or whatever has signed off on this hanger,

00:46:45.699 --> 00:46:52.420
but did the council, the city hall, did we sign off on this issue or this hanger or this lease?

00:46:52.420 --> 00:46:58.739
I don't know. That's the reason why the question is being asked. So, you know, if you can explain

00:46:58.739 --> 00:47:28.739
Fowler, John Fowler, John Fowler

00:47:28.739 --> 00:47:58.739
Anderson. If you you asked it did we sign off? We meaning the council. That's what this is. No, that's what this is. We are bringing you this ordinance in the first reading. It goes to second reading. And then that's your sign off when you vote. Yes, that's how it works. That's how it works since you sat in the seat. But we're still in discussion. What are you talking about? We're still is there anything else that someone would like to bring up before we move on? See, that's what I'm talking

00:47:58.739 --> 00:48:03.139
because you've already had two times to talk and what you're doing please stop

00:48:03.139 --> 00:48:07.139
talking stop it you need to stop talking you are out of order and you need to

00:48:07.139 --> 00:48:12.400
quit well far as I'm concerned okay so we're gonna move on to we already have a

00:48:12.400 --> 00:48:15.779
motion on the floor to move this ordinance forward so it will be on the

00:48:15.779 --> 00:48:20.820
next council meeting so we'll move on to item number 10 which is the adoption of

00:48:20.820 --> 00:48:27.239
resolution 2024 112 madam clerk could you please read this resolution to

00:48:27.239 --> 00:48:41.420
Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you your honor. So just moments ago we approved the ordinance

00:48:41.420 --> 00:48:47.599
amending the boundaries and this resolution authorizes the amendment for the intergovernmental

00:48:47.599 --> 00:48:52.159
agreement for the operation of the enterprise zone. So this is essentially a two-step process.

00:48:52.159 --> 00:48:57.159
The first is we authorize it through the ordinance and then through the resolution we enact it.

00:48:57.159 --> 00:49:02.940
I recommend moving forward with resolution 2024-112.

00:49:02.940 --> 00:49:03.440
Thank you.

00:49:03.440 --> 00:49:05.480
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:49:05.480 --> 00:49:06.239
Second.

00:49:06.239 --> 00:49:08.440
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker,

00:49:08.440 --> 00:49:10.639
seconded by Alderman Shadle.

00:49:10.639 --> 00:49:14.320
Discussion?

00:49:14.320 --> 00:49:16.320
Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:49:16.320 --> 00:49:16.960
Parker?

00:49:16.960 --> 00:49:17.559
Aye.

00:49:17.559 --> 00:49:18.559
Stacy?

00:49:18.559 --> 00:49:19.059
Aye.

00:49:19.059 --> 00:49:19.559
Shadle?

00:49:19.559 --> 00:49:20.119
Aye.

00:49:20.119 --> 00:49:20.840
Sanders?

00:49:20.840 --> 00:49:21.720
Aye.

00:49:21.720 --> 00:49:23.119
Klemm?

00:49:23.119 --> 00:49:23.679
Aye.

00:49:23.679 --> 00:49:24.800
And Simmons?

00:49:24.800 --> 00:49:25.559
Aye.

00:49:25.559 --> 00:49:28.320
The resolution is adopted 6 to 0.

00:49:28.320 --> 00:49:32.480
Item number 11 is the adoption of resolution 2024-116.

00:49:32.480 --> 00:49:33.720
Could you please read this?

00:49:33.720 --> 00:49:36.699
Resolution accepting 53-11 grant award

00:49:36.699 --> 00:49:38.519
for Pretzel City Transit.

00:49:38.519 --> 00:49:39.360
Thank you.

00:49:39.360 --> 00:49:40.179
Director Duckman.

00:49:40.179 --> 00:49:41.019
Thank you.

00:49:41.019 --> 00:49:42.320
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

00:49:42.320 --> 00:49:46.679
So looking at the Pretzel City area transits,

00:49:46.679 --> 00:49:49.579
every year we need to receive funding

00:49:49.579 --> 00:49:50.779
from two different sources.

00:49:50.779 --> 00:49:51.940
Mainly it's the.

00:49:51.940 --> 00:50:20.000
and others.

00:50:20.000 --> 00:50:22.000
P. Huffines, Michael, and John.

00:50:22.000 --> 00:50:30.099
So we're going to go through the application to apply for these grant funds, which is the 5311 and the downstate operating assistance funding.

00:50:30.099 --> 00:50:32.099
So we've gotten past that step.

00:50:32.099 --> 00:50:42.000
And this resolution before you today is to accept the actual funds and any matching funds that would be necessary here.

00:50:42.000 --> 00:50:52.179
would be to accept $198,017 just shy of $200,000 and staff recommends moving forward with this

00:50:52.179 --> 00:50:54.719
resolution to accept.

00:50:54.719 --> 00:50:55.719
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:50:55.719 --> 00:50:56.719
Yes.

00:50:56.719 --> 00:50:57.719
So moved.

00:50:57.719 --> 00:50:58.719
So moved.

00:50:58.719 --> 00:51:02.739
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Klemm.

00:51:02.739 --> 00:51:03.739
Discussion on the resolution?

00:51:03.739 --> 00:51:08.739
Seeing none, Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

00:51:08.739 --> 00:51:09.739
Parker?

00:51:09.739 --> 00:51:10.739
Aye.

00:51:10.739 --> 00:51:11.739
Stacy?

00:51:11.739 --> 00:51:12.739
Aye.

00:51:12.739 --> 00:51:13.739
Shadle?

00:51:13.739 --> 00:51:21.980
and Simmons. This resolution is adopted 6-0. Item number 12 is the adoption of

00:51:21.980 --> 00:51:27.519
resolution 2024-117. Could you please read this? Resolution approving an

00:51:27.519 --> 00:51:30.579
intergovernmental agreement with Stevenson County regarding sharing the

00:51:30.579 --> 00:51:35.159
cost of an electronic ticketing system. Thank you. Chief Shenberger. Thank you.

00:51:35.159 --> 00:51:40.119
Excuse me. The Stevenson County Circuit Clerk is moving to an electronic

00:51:40.119 --> 00:51:42.119
and

00:51:43.119 --> 00:51:45.119
Knapp.

00:51:46.719 --> 00:51:49.719
We have a new electronic ticketing platform in 2025. Staff

00:51:49.719 --> 00:51:51.719
from the Freeport Police Department, the Stevenson County

00:51:51.719 --> 00:51:53.719
Sheriff's Office and Stevenson County Circuit Clerk's Office

00:51:53.719 --> 00:51:58.719
evaluated two platforms, a DigiTicket and QuickIt. After

00:51:58.719 --> 00:52:00.719
evaluating both, the agencies determined that QuickIt would be

00:52:00.719 --> 00:52:02.719
the best fit for the law enforcement agencies in Stevenson

00:52:02.719 --> 00:52:04.719
County and has an overall lower cost.

00:52:04.719 --> 00:52:06.719
and

00:52:08.719 --> 00:52:10.719
John.

00:52:12.239 --> 00:52:14.239
We have a number of benefits and benefits of using electronic

00:52:15.360 --> 00:52:17.360
ticketing systems. One of those benefits, some of the benefits

00:52:19.460 --> 00:52:21.460
include the following. An improved efficiency and use of

00:52:23.039 --> 00:52:25.039
time for officers by using less time detaining motorists on

00:52:26.139 --> 00:52:28.139
traffic stops. Electronic ticketing systems reduces the

00:52:29.639 --> 00:52:31.639
amount of errors associated with handwritten tickets.

00:52:31.639 --> 00:52:32.639
Miller.

00:52:32.639 --> 00:52:37.079
And after the initial investment, moving to an electronic ticketing system could be more

00:52:37.079 --> 00:52:42.400
cost-effective when factoring in the cost of paper citations and the decrease in manpower

00:52:42.400 --> 00:52:45.320
hours for officers and clerical staff.

00:52:45.320 --> 00:52:49.420
The state of Illinois allocates funds to law enforcement agencies to help cover the cost

00:52:49.420 --> 00:52:53.440
of maintaining an electronic ticketing system.

00:52:53.440 --> 00:52:56.440
Many law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Illinois have already moved to an

00:52:56.440 --> 00:52:59.360
electronic ticketing system.

00:52:59.360 --> 00:53:04.159
Moving to an electronic ticketing system would digitize traffic citations, non-traffic

00:53:04.159 --> 00:53:06.679
citations, and crash reports.

00:53:06.679 --> 00:53:11.880
The cost for the Freeport Police Department to transition to an electronic ticketing system

00:53:11.880 --> 00:53:21.019
would include the following, $9,450, which would include the cost of the equipment, ten

00:53:21.019 --> 00:53:25.440
Zebra printers, and equipment for nine squad cars, and the main booking room at the police

00:53:25.440 --> 00:53:26.440
Huffines.

00:53:26.440 --> 00:53:33.199
This is an annual cost made payable to the Stevenson County Circuit Clerk due the 15th

00:53:33.199 --> 00:53:38.599
of January beginning on January 15th, 2026.

00:53:38.599 --> 00:53:42.760
This agreement can be canceled with 60 days notice.

00:53:42.760 --> 00:53:46.940
The Stevenson County Circuit Clerk is going to assume the initial implementation costs

00:53:46.940 --> 00:53:51.679
of $40,000 which is due in January 2025.

00:53:51.679 --> 00:53:55.800
The Freeport Police Department has budgeted $5,000 in 2024

00:53:55.800 --> 00:53:57.619
and in 2025 to cover the costs

00:53:57.619 --> 00:54:00.480
of purchasing paper citations.

00:54:00.480 --> 00:54:03.960
This budget has been exhausted in 2024.

00:54:03.960 --> 00:54:06.320
Further, the state of Illinois has allocated a total

00:54:06.320 --> 00:54:11.320
of $8,549.87 to the Freeport Police Department since 2020

00:54:12.720 --> 00:54:15.440
to implement a digital ticketing system.

00:54:16.360 --> 00:54:21.360
Staff intends on utilizing the $8,549.87

00:54:21.679 --> 00:54:28.400
and digital ticket funds plus an additional $900.13 from DUI funds to cover the startup

00:54:28.400 --> 00:54:35.519
cost of the equipment purchase. Starting in 2026, staff intends on using the $5,000 traditionally

00:54:35.519 --> 00:54:41.559
budgeted for paper citations plus $2,000 for a combination of digital ticket funds and

00:54:41.559 --> 00:54:49.199
DUI funds to cover the annual cost to the Stevenson County Circuit Clerk.

00:54:49.199 --> 00:54:50.199
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:54:50.199 --> 00:54:51.199
I got a question, please.

00:54:51.199 --> 00:54:53.119
Do I have to have a motion to adopt first?

00:54:53.119 --> 00:54:58.800
to adopt it. Second. The motion by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Alderman

00:54:58.800 --> 00:55:04.159
Parker, what's your question? The question, me just being ignorant to this, what is the

00:55:04.159 --> 00:55:08.519
offender going to have in his possession to tell him to go to court or whatever? Sure,

00:55:08.519 --> 00:55:15.639
so there's going to be a printout that would explain the citation, what's being issued,

00:55:15.639 --> 00:55:20.420
if it's a mandatory court appearance or not, how to take care of the ticket, if sometimes

00:55:20.420 --> 00:55:21.420
Huffines.

00:55:21.420 --> 00:55:22.420
You can just pay for it.

00:55:22.420 --> 00:55:25.940
And then that can be done on the online platform or at the clerk's office, or if it's a must

00:55:25.940 --> 00:55:26.940
appear.

00:55:26.940 --> 00:55:28.179
So he'll be handed a paper copy.

00:55:28.179 --> 00:55:30.739
Yeah, there'll be a paper copy.

00:55:30.739 --> 00:55:32.579
Same with accidents.

00:55:32.579 --> 00:55:38.059
So right now we use LexisNexis for our accident platform.

00:55:38.059 --> 00:55:41.739
And that's been a struggle at times.

00:55:41.739 --> 00:55:47.760
And both parties aren't on the forms that we issue or the note that we issue.

00:55:47.760 --> 00:55:55.519
This new platform, we would then have all the parties that were involved, which would help out the motorists who were involved in accidents.

00:55:55.519 --> 00:55:56.019
Thank you.

00:55:57.519 --> 00:55:59.119
Alderman Sanders.

00:55:59.619 --> 00:56:00.519
Oh yeah, Chief.

00:56:02.079 --> 00:56:16.559
Could you give us, I know Alderman Parker was just asking about the ticket, electronic ticket, how does that actually work so we can

00:56:17.760 --> 00:56:25.559
give the constituents an opportunity to visualize it, of how it will be administered, will it

00:56:25.559 --> 00:56:32.880
be like an old ticket issue, somewhat, you know, with the same information and everything,

00:56:32.880 --> 00:56:47.119
and on the site, will tickets be done right on the site, like a printing tool?

00:56:47.119 --> 00:56:48.119
Kessler.

00:56:48.119 --> 00:56:56.599
So that's part of the $9,450 which would include printers that would be in the vehicle in a

00:56:56.599 --> 00:56:59.199
squad car and in the booking room.

00:56:59.199 --> 00:57:06.019
So what we're trying to do is get rid of the paper, the carbon copy paper citations which

00:57:06.019 --> 00:57:09.760
are handwritten, handwriting can sometimes be sloppy.

00:57:09.760 --> 00:57:16.360
This way license can be scanned in and then it's a web-based platform so all that information

00:57:16.360 --> 00:57:20.260
is immediately uploaded or not well when it's done it will be uploaded and then

00:57:20.260 --> 00:57:25.239
transferred to the clerk's office so they have that information and then the

00:57:25.239 --> 00:57:29.659
the person who's getting the citation would then get a printout that would

00:57:29.659 --> 00:57:32.880
have all the important information that they would need to take care of that

00:57:32.880 --> 00:57:37.440
properly. Follow-up? Well we have to allow everyone else to have an

00:57:37.440 --> 00:57:43.760
opportunity first. Alderman Stacey. Okay I heard something about 40,000 and I

00:57:43.760 --> 00:57:46.279
I heard something about $7,000.

00:57:46.279 --> 00:57:47.119
Yeah.

00:57:47.119 --> 00:57:50.360
And the $40,000 is paid every year in January?

00:57:50.360 --> 00:57:54.440
No, the $40,000 that's being paid by the clerk's office,

00:57:54.440 --> 00:57:56.039
that's to get it started.

00:57:56.039 --> 00:57:59.360
So that's just a one-time cost for them.

00:57:59.360 --> 00:58:02.019
The $7,000 a year will be split between us

00:58:02.019 --> 00:58:03.679
and the sheriff's department.

00:58:03.679 --> 00:58:07.159
And since we already spend at least $5,000 a year

00:58:07.159 --> 00:58:11.199
on paper citations, we're gonna just use that money

00:58:11.199 --> 00:58:13.199
and

00:58:14.199 --> 00:58:18.199
Knapp, and we have a $7,000 budget to go towards our $7,000,

00:58:18.199 --> 00:58:25.199
plus we get roughly $2,500 or so a year to implement a digital

00:58:25.199 --> 00:58:30.199
ticketing system, and we also have a DUI fund that we can use

00:58:30.199 --> 00:58:34.199
this. So we're not, we don't want to have it, an increase in

00:58:34.199 --> 00:58:37.199
our budget that's going towards this. We want to use the same

00:58:37.199 --> 00:58:40.199
money that we've been using to purchase tickets, but then

00:58:40.199 --> 00:58:41.199
Miller.

00:58:41.199 --> 00:58:43.699
We're going to talk about the cost.

00:58:43.699 --> 00:58:46.139
Is there anyone that has not had a chance to speak yet?

00:58:46.139 --> 00:58:51.329
Alderman Sanders, would you like to give your second opportunity?

00:58:51.329 --> 00:58:52.329
Yeah.

00:58:52.329 --> 00:58:53.329
Chief.

00:58:53.329 --> 00:58:54.329
Yes.

00:58:54.329 --> 00:58:58.929
Would this device be administered to all vehicles?

00:58:58.929 --> 00:59:01.690
To our Mark Squad cars.

00:59:01.690 --> 00:59:02.690
Yeah.

00:59:02.690 --> 00:59:03.690
Okay.

00:59:03.690 --> 00:59:05.730
And this is what it would total up to?

00:59:05.730 --> 00:59:06.730
Yeah.

00:59:06.730 --> 00:59:07.730
The 9,450.

00:59:07.730 --> 00:59:08.730
Yeah.

00:59:08.730 --> 00:59:13.130
That's for the printers to go in the Squad cars.

00:59:13.130 --> 00:59:16.849
So, and then we'll have one in our main booking room.

00:59:16.849 --> 00:59:19.210
Okay, all right, thank you.

00:59:19.210 --> 00:59:20.489
Alderman Stacey.

00:59:20.489 --> 00:59:24.610
Yes, I understand that the $9,450

00:59:24.610 --> 00:59:26.690
is for the actual supplies.

00:59:26.690 --> 00:59:27.529
Correct.

00:59:27.529 --> 00:59:29.690
For all nine squad cars.

00:59:31.529 --> 00:59:34.730
But what is the fee, the yearly?

00:59:35.610 --> 00:59:37.130
$7,000.

00:59:37.130 --> 00:59:38.970
So every year is $7,000.

00:59:38.970 --> 00:59:39.809
Correct.

00:59:39.809 --> 00:59:46.809
Will this 9,450 even get us through a year of supplies?

00:59:46.809 --> 00:59:47.309
Yes.

00:59:47.309 --> 00:59:50.090
I mean, that includes the print.

00:59:50.090 --> 00:59:52.300
That includes the printers to get things started.

00:59:52.300 --> 00:59:54.820
It also includes the paper.

00:59:54.820 --> 00:59:58.940
Yeah, there'll be more additional costs with paper and stuff, but we can, like I said,

00:59:58.940 --> 01:00:03.940
we can utilize the digital ticket money that we get from the state as well as the money

01:00:03.940 --> 01:00:07.380
that we get from our, into our DUI fund.

01:00:07.380 --> 01:00:11.820
So then that way we're not taking or asking for more in our budget.

01:00:11.820 --> 01:00:17.619
We can utilize those monies to help pay for the system.

01:00:17.619 --> 01:00:21.780
but every year the city would have to pay that $7,000.

01:00:21.780 --> 01:00:25.429
Correct.

01:00:25.429 --> 01:00:27.409
Any other first time?

01:00:30.489 --> 01:00:32.369
The others have used up both of their spots.

01:00:32.369 --> 01:00:37.369
So if there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk.

01:00:39.329 --> 01:00:40.170
Parker.

01:00:40.170 --> 01:00:42.090
Would you like me to ask for council to have,

01:00:42.090 --> 01:00:44.889
it needs a unanimous vote for you to speak again, Larry.

01:00:44.889 --> 01:00:45.769
Do you want me to do that?

01:00:45.769 --> 01:00:46.590
Yeah.

01:00:47.929 --> 01:00:49.889
That's a new ordinance, right?

01:00:49.889 --> 01:00:53.130
No, actually, it's an ordinance that's been in place for a long, long time. It's just

01:00:53.130 --> 01:01:03.489
Right. And so we are we are using our ordinances correctly. That's our goal. Okay. So did you

01:01:03.489 --> 01:01:09.849
want me to call for a unanimous vote or are we moving on? Well, no. Well, no, I can do

01:01:09.849 --> 01:01:14.289
it another time. Okay. So there's no further discussion. Madam Clerk, could you please

01:01:14.289 --> 01:02:00.610
Please take the roll. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Simmons? Aye. The motion passes 5 to 1. Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution, I'm sorry, oh, the adoption of resolution 2024-118. Could you please read this? Resolution approving electrical supply agreement with a supplier

01:02:00.610 --> 01:02:03.429
to be determined tomorrow or tonight yet

01:02:03.429 --> 01:02:06.389
for downtown street lights for three locations.

01:02:06.389 --> 01:02:07.230
Thank you.

01:02:07.230 --> 01:02:08.050
Manager Boyer.

01:02:09.110 --> 01:02:10.789
Thank you, your honor.

01:02:10.789 --> 01:02:13.730
Every so often we have electrical aggregation contracts

01:02:13.730 --> 01:02:15.949
come up for council for approval.

01:02:15.949 --> 01:02:20.710
Tonight we have one such contract coming to expiration

01:02:20.710 --> 01:02:22.349
and we need to renew it.

01:02:22.349 --> 01:02:25.230
We've looked at the bids from Constellation,

01:02:25.230 --> 01:02:27.590
Dinergy, AEP, and MC2.

01:02:27.590 --> 01:02:33.829
These are all electrical aggregators, and the constellation numbers are coming in low,

01:02:33.829 --> 01:02:43.110
but city staff would request staff allow us to engage in an aggregator contract for the

01:02:43.110 --> 01:02:47.269
lowest rate tomorrow when the rates come out.

01:02:47.269 --> 01:02:54.949
So staff asked council to move forward with allowing staff to sign for that aggregator

01:02:54.949 --> 01:02:55.949
contract.

01:02:55.949 --> 01:02:56.949
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:02:56.949 --> 01:03:19.889
I'll move. Is there a second? Second. We have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Sanders, seconded, I'm sorry, made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sanders. Further discussion?

01:03:19.889 --> 01:03:34.889
Can we just have a minute to look at this? Okay. Go ahead. Mayor, these are example numbers that came out today, tomorrow they'll be different. In addition, I would, we will be moving forward with the 24 month column,

01:03:34.889 --> 01:03:40.210
Do the fact that it'll help us line up the other aggregator contracts at a similar time period for

01:03:40.730 --> 01:03:47.449
Next in 2026 so that when they all expire they'll be expiring around the same amount of time and we can be more efficient about

01:03:48.210 --> 01:03:50.329
Doing doing these kind of contracts in the future

01:03:52.639 --> 01:03:54.639
Alderman Sanders

01:03:54.719 --> 01:03:56.719
Are we doing according to

01:03:57.840 --> 01:04:03.760
This discussion that I'm reading are we following through with comparisons on this?

01:04:03.760 --> 01:04:13.079
Yes, on this item. If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the

01:04:13.079 --> 01:04:32.360
role. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm? And Simmons? The resolution is

01:04:32.360 --> 01:04:38.840
adopted 6-0. Item number 14 is approval of the bid. Can you read this please? Bid

01:04:38.840 --> 01:04:46.840
Good opening on October 24th, CD0102024 for rehabilitation of single home at 1010 South

01:04:46.840 --> 01:04:48.440
Adams.

01:04:48.440 --> 01:04:49.440
Thank you.

01:04:49.440 --> 01:04:50.440
Director Duckman.

01:04:50.440 --> 01:04:52.039
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:04:52.039 --> 01:04:55.880
So the City of Freeport, as we know, has been awarded the Community Development Block Grants

01:04:55.880 --> 01:04:58.559
Housing Rehabilitation.

01:04:58.559 --> 01:05:06.500
We've been awarded $550,000 where $64,000 is allocated to our Grant Administration and

01:05:06.500 --> 01:05:11.539
nearly 500,000 goes into the rehabilitation of homes.

01:05:11.539 --> 01:05:16.539
On October 24th, we had a bid opening for rehabilitation

01:05:16.539 --> 01:05:20.139
services of 1010 South Adams Avenue.

01:05:20.139 --> 01:05:24.139
We received one bid in the amount of $48,225

01:05:24.139 --> 01:05:26.980
by CMM and Associates.

01:05:26.980 --> 01:05:29.099
The scope of work has a few highlights.

01:05:29.099 --> 01:05:32.460
This property owner will be receiving a new furnace,

01:05:32.460 --> 01:05:35.860
a new hot water heater, a new central air conditioning

01:05:35.860 --> 01:05:42.659
Unite. They will have their gutters replaced, which includes gutter guards for the leaves,

01:05:43.539 --> 01:05:50.420
and the entire house will be painted. So staff recommends issuing a contract to

01:05:50.420 --> 01:05:56.739
CMM and Associates in the amount of $48,225. Is there a motion to approve?

01:05:57.460 --> 01:05:58.659
So moved. So moved.

01:05:58.659 --> 01:06:09.659
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sanders. Discussion. Alderman Sanders.

01:06:09.659 --> 01:06:21.659
How does one qualify to have their home rehabilitated and where do they get the information and how do they go through the process?

01:06:21.659 --> 01:06:26.659
It's closed now. It's closed now. And this was a 2021 grant.

01:06:26.659 --> 01:06:33.539
Okay. And right now we're at the point of implementing the the people who applied back in 2021. So right now

01:06:34.059 --> 01:06:38.619
there is no applications. We don't we do not have a current grant open for this.

01:06:39.260 --> 01:06:43.980
Follow. Well, as soon as if there's anybody else has a question. That's what I'm talking about.

01:06:45.779 --> 01:06:54.260
Is there any? I'm not done with my thought. And I will give you the floor back if no one else has a question.

01:06:54.260 --> 01:06:58.260
Gossian. Alderman Sanders, would you like to have your second round?

01:06:58.260 --> 01:07:00.260
It's a routine thing every year.

01:07:00.260 --> 01:07:07.000
Alderman Sanders, would you like to have your second?

01:07:07.000 --> 01:07:08.000
Is no one else's?

01:07:08.000 --> 01:07:14.000
Yeah, I would probably like to have a third too, but you know, you're disqualifying me at that point.

01:07:14.000 --> 01:07:21.000
But anyway, I didn't damn near forgot what I was going to say now. See, that's what I'm talking about.

01:07:21.000 --> 01:07:23.000
Well, I can't help what the ordinance says, Larry.

01:07:23.000 --> 01:07:26.000
Yeah, I understand. I'm trying to get used to it.

01:07:26.000 --> 01:07:31.000
I'll get back with you, I'll make contact with you later.

01:07:31.159 --> 01:07:32.000
All right.

01:07:33.159 --> 01:07:35.360
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk,

01:07:35.360 --> 01:07:36.400
please take the roll.

01:07:36.400 --> 01:07:37.239
Parker?

01:07:37.239 --> 01:07:38.059
Aye.

01:07:38.059 --> 01:07:38.900
Stacy?

01:07:38.900 --> 01:07:39.739
Aye.

01:07:39.739 --> 01:07:40.559
Shadle?

01:07:40.559 --> 01:07:41.400
Aye.

01:07:41.400 --> 01:07:42.239
Sanders?

01:07:42.239 --> 01:07:43.059
Aye.

01:07:43.059 --> 01:07:43.900
Klemm?

01:07:43.900 --> 01:07:44.739
Aye.

01:07:44.739 --> 01:07:45.559
And Simmons?

01:07:45.559 --> 01:07:46.400
Aye.

01:07:46.400 --> 01:07:47.779
The motion passes six to zero.

01:07:48.720 --> 01:07:50.639
Next, if it's acceptable to the council,

01:07:50.639 --> 01:07:52.960
I'd like to deviate from the agenda just for a moment

01:07:52.960 --> 01:07:55.619
to allow Chairman Helms to do a short presentation.

01:07:55.619 --> 01:07:56.619
Are we okay with that?

01:07:56.619 --> 01:07:57.619
Yes.

01:07:57.619 --> 01:08:06.279
Well, I would have put it on, but I didn't know his time frame of when he'd be here.

01:08:06.279 --> 01:08:09.440
So I guess we could have it abode if we need to.

01:08:09.440 --> 01:08:11.559
No, it's not on the agenda.

01:08:11.559 --> 01:08:14.559
Who wants to talk?

01:08:14.559 --> 01:08:15.559
I didn't catch.

01:08:15.559 --> 01:08:18.600
He wants to give two minutes of a presentation.

01:08:18.600 --> 01:08:19.600
Is it acceptable?

01:08:19.600 --> 01:08:20.600
No.

01:08:20.600 --> 01:08:21.600
We follow the rules.

01:08:21.600 --> 01:08:22.600
We follow the rules.

01:08:22.600 --> 01:08:27.159
Madam Clerk, would you please take the role?

01:08:27.159 --> 01:08:28.159
I have a question.

01:08:28.159 --> 01:08:29.159
Huffines.

01:08:29.159 --> 01:08:40.399
So it's, it says, you know, that we take a vote if a council member says no, it's not

01:08:40.399 --> 01:08:41.399
on the agenda.

01:08:41.399 --> 01:08:45.479
Where do it say you could just take a vote like that?

01:08:45.479 --> 01:08:50.880
Well, it's like anything else that someone would just want to come and just say something

01:08:50.880 --> 01:08:54.760
kind to us for once.

01:08:54.760 --> 01:08:55.760
Mayor.

01:08:55.760 --> 01:08:56.760
Go ahead.

01:08:56.760 --> 01:09:03.680
We could cover this item under agenda item number 19, which is just after the reports

01:09:03.680 --> 01:09:08.440
of department heads, managers report and mayor's report.

01:09:08.440 --> 01:09:12.699
Anyone can speak during public comments, so the individual could speak number under item

01:09:12.699 --> 01:09:13.699
number 19.

01:09:13.699 --> 01:09:21.130
Taking a vote or are we going to move?

01:09:21.130 --> 01:09:26.029
There would need to be a motion to amend the agenda, I suppose to move the public comment

01:09:26.029 --> 01:09:31.090
up to above reports of department heads if there is an emotion to amend the agenda then

01:09:31.090 --> 01:09:33.850
and it would go under item number 19.

01:09:33.850 --> 01:09:37.050
So do we have a motion to amend to allow County Board Chairman

01:09:37.050 --> 01:09:39.609
to have a couple of minutes to speak now?

01:09:39.609 --> 01:09:41.170
So moved.

01:09:41.170 --> 01:09:42.649
Is there a second?

01:09:42.649 --> 01:09:44.050
Second.

01:09:44.050 --> 01:09:46.529
Any discussion on this particular motion?

01:09:46.529 --> 01:09:51.829
and

01:09:51.829 --> 01:09:53.909
Kovach.

01:09:53.909 --> 01:09:56.229
I would like to speak to the person who wants to speak.

01:09:56.229 --> 01:10:00.069
If we're following rules from A to B, we're following rules from A to B.

01:10:00.069 --> 01:10:03.590
I'm sorry, did you have something?

01:10:03.590 --> 01:10:06.649
Yes, she made a motion not to do this.

01:10:06.649 --> 01:10:10.729
And then you asked for someone to make a motion,

01:10:10.729 --> 01:10:13.789
well, she didn't make a motion, but she made a statement.

01:10:13.789 --> 01:10:17.430
so she would have had to say I make a motion

01:10:17.430 --> 01:10:27.380
that we not do this.

01:10:27.380 --> 01:10:28.220
Madam Clerk.

01:10:28.220 --> 01:10:31.340
This is most, it's recommended to put most motions

01:10:31.340 --> 01:10:32.340
in the positive.

01:10:32.340 --> 01:10:34.359
Attorney Sosnowski, would you agree?

01:10:37.100 --> 01:10:41.039
It's just seem like tonight we are making so much up

01:10:41.039 --> 01:10:47.689
that we have never done before

01:10:47.689 --> 01:10:55.460
and I don't even know who wants to speak

01:10:55.460 --> 01:11:01.880
and I, whoever it is, I think it can be done

01:11:01.880 --> 01:11:04.119
at Public Comments.

01:11:05.600 --> 01:11:07.079
Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

01:11:07.079 --> 01:11:07.920
Parker?

01:11:07.920 --> 01:11:08.739
Aye.

01:11:09.600 --> 01:11:11.479
I'm sorry, I was out of voting sheets here.

01:11:11.479 --> 01:11:12.640
I'm going by shorthand.

01:11:12.640 --> 01:11:13.640
Stacy?

01:11:13.640 --> 01:11:14.840
No.

01:11:14.840 --> 01:11:15.680
Shadle?

01:11:15.680 --> 01:11:16.720
Aye.

01:11:16.720 --> 01:11:17.560
Sanders?

01:11:17.560 --> 01:11:18.399
No.

01:11:19.279 --> 01:11:21.970
Plum?

01:11:21.970 --> 01:11:23.210
And Simmons?

01:11:23.210 --> 01:11:24.289
No.

01:11:24.289 --> 01:11:26.369
We have a tie at three to three.

01:11:26.369 --> 01:11:28.250
Mayor, what say you?

01:11:28.250 --> 01:11:29.090
Aye.

01:11:30.289 --> 01:11:31.569
The tie is broken.

01:11:31.569 --> 01:11:38.720
4-3, the motion passes.

01:11:38.720 --> 01:11:43.510
Figures.

01:11:43.510 --> 01:11:46.390
Mayor Miller, councilmembers, thank you very much

01:11:46.390 --> 01:11:48.750
for those of you who don't know who I am.

01:11:48.750 --> 01:11:49.949
My name is Scott Helms,

01:11:49.949 --> 01:11:53.029
I am the Stevenson County Chairman of the Board.

01:11:53.029 --> 01:11:57.510
From 2005 to 2013, I sat in,

01:11:57.510 --> 01:12:00.270
I think that spot right there, a different building.

01:12:00.270 --> 01:12:02.329
I have a unique perspective of serving

01:12:02.329 --> 01:12:06.550
on the Freeport City Council, as well as the county board.

01:12:06.550 --> 01:12:10.350
and in that time, it was not lost on me

01:12:10.350 --> 01:12:13.789
how little the city and the county worked together.

01:12:13.789 --> 01:12:16.710
Collaboration was virtually non-existent.

01:12:16.710 --> 01:12:21.710
When I was elected to the county board in 2016, it continued.

01:12:21.829 --> 01:12:24.189
So when I became chairman of the board two years ago,

01:12:24.189 --> 01:12:28.149
I vowed to make sure that this county worked locked in step

01:12:28.149 --> 01:12:32.409
with the city of Freeport as exactly half of our board

01:12:32.409 --> 01:12:34.310
resides within the city of Freeport.

01:12:34.310 --> 01:12:37.109
and it's critically important that we all work together

01:12:37.109 --> 01:12:39.789
and find areas of commonality to make sure

01:12:39.789 --> 01:12:42.789
that the citizens of this county

01:12:42.789 --> 01:12:45.010
are treated fairly and correctly.

01:12:46.789 --> 01:12:49.270
So as I became chairman, I notified the mayor

01:12:49.270 --> 01:12:52.590
that I had a strong intent of making sure

01:12:52.590 --> 01:12:54.909
that the county worked for crime suppression

01:12:54.909 --> 01:12:56.430
with the city of Freeport,

01:12:56.430 --> 01:12:58.989
which we've been very successful at so far,

01:12:58.989 --> 01:13:00.810
and as economic development.

01:13:00.810 --> 01:13:03.109
And again, through greater Freeport partnership,

01:13:03.109 --> 01:13:06.670
I feel we've done a reasonably good job with that.

01:13:06.670 --> 01:13:08.130
To the credit of the mayor,

01:13:08.130 --> 01:13:10.989
she found another item of collaboration,

01:13:10.989 --> 01:13:13.109
which was Locust Avenue here in Freeport

01:13:13.109 --> 01:13:15.789
and the complete renovation of that project

01:13:15.789 --> 01:13:19.670
using county funds, half a million dollars worth.

01:13:19.670 --> 01:13:23.069
So while I know it's unorthodox to have me speak now,

01:13:23.069 --> 01:13:24.069
I do appreciate it.

01:13:24.069 --> 01:13:27.590
I understand your meetings are quite lengthy,

01:13:27.590 --> 01:13:30.010
but what I would like to do is thank the mayor

01:13:30.010 --> 01:13:32.069
for her leadership on this

01:13:32.069 --> 01:13:34.949
and recognizing that this was an excellent opportunity

01:13:34.949 --> 01:13:37.710
for both the city and the county to work towards

01:13:37.710 --> 01:13:41.090
and to present this check for a half a million dollars.

01:13:41.090 --> 01:13:42.670
We're gonna turn this way.

01:13:42.670 --> 01:13:43.510
All right.

01:13:43.510 --> 01:13:49.310
Okay.

01:13:49.310 --> 01:13:50.130
Thank you, Mayor.

01:13:50.130 --> 01:13:51.470
Appreciate your leadership very much.

01:13:51.470 --> 01:13:52.750
The city's lucky to have you.

01:13:52.750 --> 01:13:59.789
Well, thank you very much.

01:13:59.789 --> 01:14:01.029
And I would just like to say,

01:14:01.029 --> 01:14:03.670
it's been a pleasure meeting with you on a regular basis

01:14:03.670 --> 01:14:04.869
and being able to work together

01:14:04.869 --> 01:14:06.909
to accomplish something far greater

01:14:06.909 --> 01:14:08.550
for the entire city of Freeport.

01:14:08.550 --> 01:14:09.949
And so without that,

01:14:09.949 --> 01:14:12.310
without your participation in that,

01:14:12.310 --> 01:14:13.510
Locust would not have gotten done.

01:14:13.510 --> 01:14:15.149
So thank you for that.

01:14:15.149 --> 01:14:30.039
Thank you.

01:14:30.039 --> 01:14:32.680
So finance director, I'll be happy to give you this check

01:14:32.680 --> 01:14:33.880
when the meeting's over.

01:14:35.119 --> 01:14:36.359
I'll be waiting for it.

01:14:36.359 --> 01:14:39.680
We will move on to reports of department heads, finance.

01:14:39.680 --> 01:14:41.399
Nothing this evening.

01:14:41.399 --> 01:14:42.220
Thank you.

01:14:42.220 --> 01:14:43.060
Community development.

01:14:43.060 --> 01:14:44.800
Nothing tonight, Madam Mayor.

01:14:44.800 --> 01:14:45.640
Thank you.

01:14:45.640 --> 01:14:46.460
Fire?

01:14:46.460 --> 01:14:47.300
Nothing from fire.

01:14:47.300 --> 01:14:48.140
Thank you.

01:14:48.140 --> 01:14:48.979
Thank you.

01:14:48.979 --> 01:14:49.819
Police?

01:14:49.819 --> 01:14:50.640
I have no report.

01:14:50.640 --> 01:14:51.479
Thank you.

01:14:51.479 --> 01:14:52.300
Library?

01:14:52.300 --> 01:14:53.140
Nothing tonight.

01:14:53.840 --> 01:15:02.060
Nothing from communication, IT? All right, then we will move on to the City

01:15:02.060 --> 01:15:07.479
Manager's report. Thank you, Your Honor. Just like to report that the city crews

01:15:07.479 --> 01:15:12.680
have started leaf season. They actually started late last week so make sure your

01:15:12.680 --> 01:15:17.319
leaves are raked to the curb in a continuous line and don't park vehicles

01:15:17.319 --> 01:15:21.279
adjacent to leaf piles and we should have a very efficient and effective year

01:15:21.279 --> 01:15:22.279
Miller.

01:15:22.279 --> 01:15:24.279
Thank you.

01:15:24.279 --> 01:15:29.359
And then I just have three things actually that I wanted to touch briefly on.

01:15:29.359 --> 01:15:36.159
Before the council, I put a map on each one of your desks with the last five years worth

01:15:36.159 --> 01:15:42.500
of projects, mainly infrastructure projects with a little bit of blight reduction mixed

01:15:42.500 --> 01:15:44.760
in there as well as some tree removal.

01:15:44.760 --> 01:15:51.960
So you'll be able to see by the map, it's all specified to each ward.

01:15:51.960 --> 01:15:59.439
And so Alderman Klemm for ward one, in the last five years, $4.6 million has been spent.

01:15:59.439 --> 01:16:04.680
For ward number two with Alderman Monroe, $2.2 million.

01:16:04.680 --> 01:16:10.420
Alderman Simmons in ward three has been $16.6 million spent.

01:16:10.420 --> 01:16:18.279
Parker in Ward 4, 3.5 million, Alderman Stacy Ward number 5, there's been 10.4

01:16:18.279 --> 01:16:24.819
million spent, Alderman Shadle in Ward 6, 8.2 million, Alderman Sanders in Ward 7,

01:16:24.819 --> 01:16:30.699
3.5 million, and at large across the city to benefit all has been an

01:16:30.699 --> 01:16:37.979
additional 70.9 million dollars spent. So the numbers don't lie, they're

01:16:37.979 --> 01:16:39.779
We're right there.

01:16:39.779 --> 01:16:46.380
And so to be able to bring that before you as a huge success in infrastructure within

01:16:46.380 --> 01:16:48.939
the City of Freeport in the last five years.

01:16:48.939 --> 01:16:55.939
And then also the second thing is just wanted to give a little attention to I have been

01:16:55.939 --> 01:17:02.800
in contact with the captain that is over the 333rd on our National Guard.

01:17:02.800 --> 01:17:05.380
They were deployed a little while ago.

01:17:05.380 --> 01:17:06.939
They were sent to Alaska.

01:17:06.939 --> 01:17:36.939
I talked with the captain and I just said you know I I'd like to as a community be able to support these men and women that are serving and what could possibly be their need and so he quickly got back to me and had a list of things that they were in need of as you can imagine Alaska is very cold this time of year they need toiletry items hand warmers snacks wool socks and batteries and so we are collecting here at City Hall right here

01:17:36.939 --> 01:17:41.760
in the council chambers to be able to bring whatever those

01:17:41.760 --> 01:17:43.920
needs might be, there are 62 of them.

01:17:43.920 --> 01:17:47.380
And so if you would like to donate to that project,

01:17:47.380 --> 01:17:50.060
you have the month of November to be able to do that.

01:17:50.060 --> 01:17:54.300
And then my last piece is tomorrow is the election.

01:17:54.300 --> 01:17:56.500
Please do your duty and vote.

01:17:57.359 --> 01:18:01.119
So we will move on to council announcements.

01:18:01.119 --> 01:18:02.359
Alderman Parker.

01:18:02.359 --> 01:18:03.640
Nothing tonight, your honor.

01:18:03.640 --> 01:18:05.680
Thank you, Alderman Stacey.

01:18:05.680 --> 01:18:14.399
Yes, I do have something.

01:18:14.399 --> 01:18:18.940
Last week, I sent an email to Director Richter

01:18:20.399 --> 01:18:22.720
and I had four questions.

01:18:23.600 --> 01:18:27.359
How many bank accounts does the city currently have?

01:18:27.359 --> 01:18:29.460
The answer was 30.

01:18:29.460 --> 01:18:32.520
What is the total of all these accounts?

01:18:32.520 --> 01:18:35.159
The answer was 183 million.

01:18:36.659 --> 01:18:41.279
Do we have an Illinois Fund commingo account?

01:18:41.279 --> 01:18:42.800
The answer was yes.

01:18:44.180 --> 01:18:47.760
If so, how much is in that account?

01:18:47.760 --> 01:18:50.020
And the answer is 27 million.

01:18:51.559 --> 01:18:56.559
In April 2019, memorandum from city treasurer, Randy Bukas,

01:19:01.960 --> 01:19:06.960
to then city manager, Lowell Crowe,

01:19:06.960 --> 01:19:11.960
states that the city had 45 accounts

01:19:12.539 --> 01:19:14.619
that they reduced to 41.

01:19:15.699 --> 01:19:19.140
In that same 2019 memorandum,

01:19:19.140 --> 01:19:23.500
the total dollars amount in those 41 accounts

01:19:24.579 --> 01:19:26.940
was $78 million.

01:19:28.220 --> 01:19:32.619
As of October, 2024, we have 30 banks account

01:19:32.619 --> 01:19:37.619
and the total of those accounts are $183 million.

01:19:37.720 --> 01:19:41.640
This is an increase of $105 million collected

01:19:41.640 --> 01:19:43.920
over the past five years.

01:19:43.920 --> 01:19:45.640
The average out.

01:19:45.640 --> 01:19:49.000
the average out to be $21 million of tax revenue collected

01:19:51.899 --> 01:19:54.359
by the city per year.

01:19:55.560 --> 01:19:58.180
Councilman, I've been receiving questions

01:19:58.180 --> 01:19:59.819
from my constituents.

01:19:59.819 --> 01:20:04.199
I even overheard the conversations of some of the attendees

01:20:04.199 --> 01:20:09.199
at the mayor's so-called budget input meeting

01:20:09.199 --> 01:20:14.199
meeting, questioning how much money is our city spending

01:20:16.239 --> 01:20:21.140
and what really are they're spending the money on?

01:20:22.539 --> 01:20:26.840
This leads me to a comment by Alderman Monroe,

01:20:26.840 --> 01:20:30.260
who I wish was here at our last council meeting

01:20:30.260 --> 01:20:34.800
when he said, I asked this question a couple of years ago,

01:20:34.800 --> 01:20:38.840
where did all the money go over the last 30 years?

01:20:38.840 --> 01:20:41.020
and I never got an answer.

01:20:41.020 --> 01:20:45.939
Matter of fact, I'll like to see line items

01:20:45.939 --> 01:20:49.939
of where the money was spent.

01:20:49.939 --> 01:20:54.939
As I too desire to see a line item document showing

01:20:57.399 --> 01:21:00.039
where monies have been spent.

01:21:00.920 --> 01:21:03.020
I agree with Audemar Monroe,

01:21:03.020 --> 01:21:08.020
we need to know exactly where taxpayer's dollars

01:21:08.020 --> 01:21:10.600
and Sellers are being spent.

01:21:10.600 --> 01:21:14.399
Alderman Monroe also said that records

01:21:17.500 --> 01:21:20.399
only go back to 2017.

01:21:20.399 --> 01:21:25.399
Before that, we can't even get accurate, clear information

01:21:25.699 --> 01:21:28.840
as to where these monies have been spent.

01:21:29.979 --> 01:21:30.819
Really?

01:21:32.100 --> 01:21:34.699
Council members, this is a problem.

01:21:34.699 --> 01:21:39.699
We are collecting and spending taxpayers money

01:21:39.859 --> 01:21:43.279
imposing sales tax increase,

01:21:43.279 --> 01:21:47.140
denying referendums to be placed on ballots

01:21:47.140 --> 01:21:52.140
and can't even get a clear accurate information

01:21:52.279 --> 01:21:54.880
on how this money is being spent.

01:21:56.260 --> 01:22:00.760
It was March of 2017 when the city stated

01:22:00.760 --> 01:22:04.800
collecting capital improvement from,

01:22:04.800 --> 01:22:09.680
started collecting capital improvement from our residents.

01:22:09.680 --> 01:22:12.399
Based on the information that I get

01:22:12.399 --> 01:22:14.680
from finance director Richter,

01:22:15.520 --> 01:22:20.260
the city has 15 million in its capital improvement fund.

01:22:21.600 --> 01:22:26.600
And so that leads me to another question, director Richter.

01:22:26.600 --> 01:22:35.600
Can you tell me how much money we have spent out of the Capital Improvement Fund since 2017?

01:22:35.600 --> 01:22:44.960
Would you like to get back to her?

01:22:44.960 --> 01:22:45.960
I can tell her right now.

01:22:45.960 --> 01:22:46.960
Okay.

01:22:46.960 --> 01:22:47.960
Please, and thank you.

01:22:47.960 --> 01:22:54.960
Alderperson Stacy, I really wish you would have asked me prior to this meeting what exactly these accounts are.

01:22:54.960 --> 01:23:04.210
Because $61 million is fire pension and $55 million is police pension, which you can't touch.

01:23:04.210 --> 01:23:11.800
As far as the CIP funds, I have an Excel spreadsheet

01:23:11.800 --> 01:23:15.680
that I'd be happy to send to you that details every dollar

01:23:15.680 --> 01:23:18.819
that went into the CIP fund and went out.

01:23:18.819 --> 01:23:20.619
Please contact me at any time.

01:23:20.619 --> 01:23:22.659
I'd be happy to sit down and meet with you

01:23:22.659 --> 01:23:24.020
as I have not met with you.

01:23:26.930 --> 01:23:28.590
Alderman Shadle.

01:23:28.590 --> 01:23:31.489
I'm not done.

01:23:31.489 --> 01:23:35.850
Council, in order for us and taxpayers

01:23:35.850 --> 01:23:38.909
to gain a full understanding

01:23:38.909 --> 01:23:42.529
as to where their tax dollars are being spent.

01:23:42.529 --> 01:23:45.489
I feel it is necessary for this council

01:23:45.489 --> 01:23:50.329
to request a forensic audit to be conducted

01:23:50.329 --> 01:23:54.270
starting with the capital improvement fund.

01:23:54.270 --> 01:23:59.270
The range of the audit should be from March 1st, 2017

01:23:59.270 --> 01:24:04.270
2017 through December 31st, 2024.

01:24:07.130 --> 01:24:10.630
This is the only way that we will get the truth

01:24:10.630 --> 01:24:13.369
of how tax dollars are being spent.

01:24:13.369 --> 01:24:18.369
Truth be told, the hidden agenda, the lies, they must stop.

01:24:19.909 --> 01:24:21.829
I will be bringing this recommendation

01:24:21.829 --> 01:24:26.390
before the council for approval in January, 2025.

01:24:26.390 --> 01:24:29.510
For my final request, let the record show

01:24:29.510 --> 01:24:34.270
that I am asking for, in PDF form,

01:24:34.270 --> 01:24:39.270
copies of all itemized and regular invoices

01:24:39.670 --> 01:24:44.670
of all work between the City of Freeport and Fehr Graham.

01:24:45.949 --> 01:24:50.949
These files need to represent information

01:24:51.229 --> 01:24:56.229
from January 1st, 2024 to present.

01:24:56.390 --> 01:24:57.390
Thank you.

01:24:59.390 --> 01:25:00.390
Alderman Shadle.

01:25:00.390 --> 01:25:08.699
I think it's best I pass.

01:25:08.699 --> 01:25:09.699
Alderman Sanders.

01:25:09.699 --> 01:25:20.979
Yes, I have something I'd like to elaborate with what I just heard.

01:25:20.979 --> 01:25:23.380
It's nothing new to me.

01:25:23.380 --> 01:25:33.739
I was not surprised with the reading that Ms. Alderman Stacy was reporting.

01:25:33.739 --> 01:25:47.460
I'd just like to say, when I heard the numbers of accounts that the city holds, and we don't

01:25:47.460 --> 01:25:56.100
see these accounts in our financial reports, and well, I don't see, yeah, but it doesn't

01:25:56.100 --> 01:25:59.899
and talk about what bank's accounts that these are.

01:25:59.899 --> 01:26:00.739
Yeah.

01:26:00.739 --> 01:26:04.220
Oh, well, if it is, then I need to see more of it.

01:26:04.220 --> 01:26:08.619
Maybe I'm not here enough to, no, don't do that.

01:26:08.619 --> 01:26:09.619
Don't do that.

01:26:09.619 --> 01:26:12.020
You're making yourself a nuisance, so don't do that.

01:26:12.020 --> 01:26:14.500
Please don't speak to our department heads that way.

01:26:14.500 --> 01:26:15.340
Wait a minute.

01:26:15.340 --> 01:26:16.220
They deserve respect.

01:26:16.220 --> 01:26:18.859
Well, you tell her that.

01:26:18.859 --> 01:26:20.300
You're accusing her of something.

01:26:20.300 --> 01:26:21.140
I didn't accuse her of anything.

01:26:21.140 --> 01:26:23.380
You are accusing her and she has-

01:26:23.380 --> 01:26:24.220
I have not accused her of anything.

01:26:24.220 --> 01:26:41.220
I have not accused her of anything. So don't you even go there. You can't direct me when I'm talking. That's my point. You're always interjecting when you're not supposed to be doing that.

01:26:41.220 --> 01:26:50.100
and that, but my thing about it is, if I had not received that information, I'm inquiring

01:26:50.100 --> 01:26:52.380
about it right now, okay?

01:26:52.380 --> 01:27:00.699
I like to get a copy of all of that myself, not just Alderman Stacy, but Alderman Sanders

01:27:00.699 --> 01:27:06.539
would like to get a copy of what that report was all about, and you're making it sound

01:27:06.539 --> 01:27:07.539
and John.

01:27:07.539 --> 01:27:29.180
So, I'm just going by what I know and what I know is that I have not heard about 40-some

01:27:29.180 --> 01:27:36.500
bank accounts that we deposit taxpayers' dollars in and we need to do an itemization

01:27:36.500 --> 01:27:37.500
and Stacey.

01:27:37.500 --> 01:27:51.539
I need to know every transition that took place, same thing that Alderman Stacey was recommending.

01:27:51.539 --> 01:27:56.579
That's what needs to be done, it needs to be brought to the floor, it's one of our priorities

01:27:56.579 --> 01:28:05.180
that we hear this stuff many times before because we're speaking before our tax payers

01:28:05.180 --> 01:28:07.420
and they're concerned about it too.

01:28:07.420 --> 01:28:10.859
You know, we're not just, the council is not the only ones

01:28:10.859 --> 01:28:13.779
that are concerned about it, but the constituents out there,

01:28:13.779 --> 01:28:16.020
they're concerned about it and they need to know

01:28:16.020 --> 01:28:19.739
how we're governing the finances of tax dollars

01:28:19.739 --> 01:28:22.340
and they need to hear this on a regular basis

01:28:22.340 --> 01:28:24.619
and they need to be trained to understand

01:28:24.619 --> 01:28:29.380
and educated on every aspect of what the city is governing.

01:28:29.380 --> 01:28:32.579
And so that's the reason why I'm injecting that

01:28:32.579 --> 01:28:58.579
simply because we need to reveal anything that has been brought up. I mean, it's not like you are trying to hide anything. I'm not saying that, but the thing about it is if it's available to us, then if we're requesting for it, then it should be presented to us. That's all I'm saying. Thank you. I yield.

01:28:58.579 --> 01:29:07.579
So I would like to say you should probably start by reading the agenda because twice a month the consent agenda is on there and every detail is available to you.

01:29:07.579 --> 01:29:12.579
Alderman Klemm, would you like to have anything to say, Alderman Klemm?

01:29:12.579 --> 01:29:19.899
Your comment was not necessary.

01:29:19.899 --> 01:29:22.949
Tell you.

01:29:22.949 --> 01:29:26.949
Thank you. Alderman Simmons.

01:29:26.949 --> 01:29:43.949
A couple of things. So, I would just like to comment on tonight's meeting, and we are not doing this city any service by behaving the way that we behave. I understand and appreciate the quorum as a way to keep the meeting fair and timely.

01:29:43.949 --> 01:29:44.000
and

01:29:46.000 --> 01:29:48.000
John.

01:29:50.220 --> 01:29:52.779
I think that we need to have a meeting fair and timely and

01:29:52.779 --> 01:29:54.779
moving in a manner that it should.

01:29:56.119 --> 01:29:58.119
When it is used to silence people, that is not okay.

01:29:59.239 --> 01:30:01.239
When we gaslight certain councilmembers because we know

01:30:02.340 --> 01:30:04.260
we're going to get aroused out of them, those were unnecessary

01:30:04.260 --> 01:30:08.260
comments and gestures. Your comments were unnecessary.

01:30:08.260 --> 01:30:10.260
Everybody was unnecessary tonight.

01:30:10.260 --> 01:30:11.260
Huffines.

01:30:11.260 --> 01:30:16.079
Let's do it in a way that makes us better, not to silence who we don't want to hear.

01:30:16.079 --> 01:30:21.420
My official comment for the night is, though, Third Ward, please stay tuned.

01:30:21.420 --> 01:30:26.819
We are having a meeting at the library again on Friday, November 22nd, and we'll start

01:30:26.819 --> 01:30:28.220
at 4 o'clock.

01:30:28.220 --> 01:30:34.739
So again, I will keep bringing that up, and hopefully I can see you all there.

01:30:34.739 --> 01:30:38.180
Then that concludes Council Announcements public comments.

01:30:38.180 --> 01:30:48.210
Go ahead.

01:30:48.210 --> 01:30:56.210
I wasn't going to say anything tonight, but this debate, it brought me up to a point that something must be said.

01:30:58.210 --> 01:31:15.210
And my ward is Stacy, and we talked a little bit before, and I did mention that $173 million is a portion of the police and pension funds.

01:31:15.210 --> 01:31:20.569
and before that that was totally reported we're still reporting that I would

01:31:20.569 --> 01:31:25.050
suggest that we would report just the city funds that we control and the

01:31:25.050 --> 01:31:31.970
pension funds as a separate sub item to prevent some confusion. Thirdly as I went

01:31:31.970 --> 01:31:37.170
through this budget completely in the budget is in in fair shape there are

01:31:37.170 --> 01:31:42.789
some issues with it I did find a an issue with transfers not being totally

01:31:42.789 --> 01:31:43.789
Huffines.

01:31:43.789 --> 01:31:55.270
We are going to probably invest almost $70 million in infrastructure this year.

01:31:55.270 --> 01:32:08.609
We have the ability to do that based upon this sheet that was presented by the city manager.

01:32:08.609 --> 01:32:12.710
And it is all entirely possible.

01:32:12.710 --> 01:32:20.289
We might have to go through this capitalization listing to see and prioritize it to determine

01:32:20.289 --> 01:32:25.989
what comes first and how fast it can come so that we can actually maintain our cash

01:32:25.989 --> 01:32:27.649
flow.

01:32:27.649 --> 01:32:36.149
When it's all said and done, we're going to start off with, in our governmental funds,

01:32:36.149 --> 01:32:39.109
a little over $41 million.

01:32:39.109 --> 01:32:46.550
We will end up with $34 million after it's said and done with the loans, the grants,

01:32:46.550 --> 01:32:53.550
and the difference between that, we're going to be investing and reducing our fund reserves

01:32:53.550 --> 01:32:56.350
by $7.8 million.

01:32:56.350 --> 01:33:03.229
All of this is possible if we work together and make it all happen.

01:33:03.229 --> 01:33:05.229
She's doing a pretty good job.

01:33:05.229 --> 01:33:11.390
I had been able to take all of the documents, bring them into a system, model it, and I

01:33:11.390 --> 01:33:18.909
can produce reports in many different formats, which is what we probably don't have available

01:33:18.909 --> 01:33:22.289
here at the city, unfortunately.

01:33:22.289 --> 01:33:26.869
But having said that, I'm optimistic moving forward.

01:33:26.869 --> 01:33:31.390
I will be in the hospital for a couple weeks, so I won't be at the next meeting.

01:33:31.390 --> 01:33:34.750
That's why I presented this today.

01:33:34.750 --> 01:33:41.850
and what happens after I get out, maybe it won't even matter where we go in the budget.

01:33:41.850 --> 01:33:47.829
One other final thing on the budget, and I'll get out of it, property taxes. You're probably

01:33:47.829 --> 01:33:55.550
not interested in raising that. And I looked at it in terms of perspective. I live with

01:33:55.550 --> 01:33:58.550
emoji, Tommy, Joey, Mr. Miller, we are still on a public road.

01:33:58.550 --> 01:34:00.729
We have a 63 feet of road.

01:34:00.729 --> 01:34:02.449
Mr. Ferriero, your time has exceeded.

01:34:02.449 --> 01:34:03.850
That is maintained by the state.

01:34:03.850 --> 01:34:05.550
Mr. Ferriero, your time has exceeded.

01:34:05.550 --> 01:34:06.550
Thank you.

01:34:06.550 --> 01:34:07.550
Okay.

01:34:07.550 --> 01:34:09.390
Is there any other public comments?

01:34:09.390 --> 01:34:14.739
Tommy?

01:34:14.739 --> 01:34:19.640
Joey Dickerman, the beef roux is open.

01:34:19.640 --> 01:34:21.899
Joy Miller, you do a good job.

01:34:21.899 --> 01:34:23.899
Thanks, Tommy.

01:34:23.899 --> 01:34:35.880
I went, I had to be food, but those were heating, and it was good food in there.

01:34:35.880 --> 01:34:40.880
Thank you, Tommy. Is there any other public comments this evening? Yes, ma'am.

01:34:40.880 --> 01:35:05.770
Last week, last week I was, I had heard, not last week, the week before, I've heard Alderman Sellers mention something about the parking lots.

01:35:05.770 --> 01:35:09.430
and there was a discussion about it

01:35:09.430 --> 01:35:12.949
and possibly that this would be moved to 2026

01:35:12.949 --> 01:35:14.470
instead of 2025.

01:35:15.489 --> 01:35:19.529
And I park in the municipal parking lot a lot

01:35:19.529 --> 01:35:21.609
right in the handicap area.

01:35:21.609 --> 01:35:23.250
And if you look at the handicap area,

01:35:23.250 --> 01:35:24.609
it kind of looks like a war zone

01:35:24.609 --> 01:35:26.970
because it does one of these things with big pockets.

01:35:26.970 --> 01:35:29.250
And if you look across the municipal lot,

01:35:29.250 --> 01:35:31.529
which is kind of the municipal lot

01:35:31.529 --> 01:35:32.770
and the lot across from Lickies

01:35:32.770 --> 01:35:35.289
are the two biggest lots in Freeport.

01:35:35.289 --> 01:35:37.050
and we have all these beautiful stores

01:35:37.050 --> 01:35:39.310
with all this gorgeous shopping coming up.

01:35:40.229 --> 01:35:45.229
And we have divots that are the size of a car

01:35:45.750 --> 01:35:49.350
in the handicap parking area, as well as other places.

01:35:49.350 --> 01:35:53.750
And I remembered Alderman Sellers saying

01:35:53.750 --> 01:35:57.609
that she pushed her ankle in one over across from Lickies.

01:35:57.609 --> 01:36:02.609
So rather than waiting until maybe 2026,

01:36:02.609 --> 01:36:05.989
if you could possibly look at that budget item

01:36:05.989 --> 01:36:08.310
and see if those parking lots,

01:36:08.310 --> 01:36:10.890
especially municipal lot where you have the Stewart Center

01:36:10.890 --> 01:36:13.989
and all these beautiful buildings to shop in,

01:36:13.989 --> 01:36:17.310
it's our prize, it's our huge parking lot.

01:36:18.189 --> 01:36:21.109
To come out of a car and twist your ankle in a pothole

01:36:21.109 --> 01:36:21.949
isn't fun.

01:36:23.229 --> 01:36:26.970
So if we could possibly think of that for 2025

01:36:26.970 --> 01:36:30.630
instead of pushing it off until 2026,

01:36:30.630 --> 01:36:31.829
that was the only thing I was asking.

01:36:31.829 --> 01:36:38.829
We have executive session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120 slash 2C2 collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning Sally and her colleagues.

01:37:04.550 --> 01:37:05.550
Suttman.

01:37:05.550 --> 01:37:09.170
And finally, salary schedules for one or more classes of employees.

01:37:09.170 --> 01:37:11.270
Is there a motion to enter into executive session?

01:37:11.270 --> 01:37:12.270
So moved.

01:37:12.270 --> 01:37:16.000
Is there a second?

01:37:16.000 --> 01:37:17.000
Second.

01:37:17.000 --> 01:37:20.399
We have a motion made by Shadle, seconded by Parker.

01:37:20.399 --> 01:37:22.800
Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

01:37:22.800 --> 01:37:23.800
Parker?

01:37:23.800 --> 01:37:24.800
Aye.

01:37:24.800 --> 01:37:25.800
Stacy?

01:37:25.800 --> 01:37:26.800
Aye.

01:37:26.800 --> 01:37:27.800
Shadle?

01:37:27.800 --> 01:37:28.800
Aye.

01:37:28.800 --> 01:37:35.560
Sanders?

01:37:35.560 --> 01:37:36.560
Aye.

01:37:36.560 --> 01:37:37.560
Klemm?

01:37:37.560 --> 01:37:38.560
Eric, does it look like Klemm is still connected?

01:37:38.560 --> 01:37:39.560
Okay.

01:37:39.560 --> 01:37:40.560
Simmons?

01:37:40.560 --> 01:37:41.560
Aye.

01:37:41.560 --> 01:37:45.560
We still have a vote of five to zero to enter closed session.

01:37:45.560 --> 01:37:47.560
Thank you.

01:37:47.560 --> 01:37:49.560
Cindy. Lucinda.

01:37:49.560 --> 01:37:59.750
Thank you very much.

01:37:59.750 --> 01:38:17.649
That's a real check.

01:38:17.649 --> 01:38:19.649
Wow.

01:38:19.649 --> 01:38:21.649
Thank you.

01:38:21.649 --> 01:38:23.649
The big one.