WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.299
as we come through a bitter cold.

00:00:03.299 --> 00:00:07.080
Thank you for your protection and your care for us

00:00:07.080 --> 00:00:08.080
and our lives, Lord.

00:00:08.080 --> 00:00:14.640
We thank you as we begin tonight that you are the rewarder

00:00:14.640 --> 00:00:17.039
of those who diligently seek you.

00:00:17.039 --> 00:00:22.300
And so Lord, I come on behalf of those here tonight

00:00:22.300 --> 00:00:26.899
and with them to seek your face, to ask for your help

00:00:26.899 --> 00:00:28.800
and for your blessing.

00:00:28.800 --> 00:00:32.359
Lord, even as we've just gotten started here

00:00:32.359 --> 00:00:35.799
in this new year, 2025, Lord, we do pray

00:00:36.880 --> 00:00:41.520
for our plans, for our hopes, even for our dreams

00:00:41.520 --> 00:00:46.520
as a city, as citizens of Freeport of Stevenson County,

00:00:46.920 --> 00:00:51.600
Lord, as those who are directors and chiefs

00:00:51.600 --> 00:00:54.280
for the mayor, for city manager, Lord,

00:00:54.280 --> 00:00:56.840
not to leave anyone out, but for each one sitting here

00:00:56.840 --> 00:01:00.200
Tonight, that you would assist them in their work,

00:01:00.200 --> 00:01:05.239
that you would give them wisdom, that you would help them

00:01:05.239 --> 00:01:11.200
to seek you, as again, you are the rewarder of those who do so.

00:01:11.200 --> 00:01:13.920
And Father, we pray that you would

00:01:13.920 --> 00:01:17.959
bless beyond even what we request of you,

00:01:17.959 --> 00:01:20.920
that you would surprise us with your blessing.

00:01:20.920 --> 00:01:22.959
And Lord, we pray for wisdom tonight

00:01:22.959 --> 00:01:26.859
for the things on the agenda here this evening

00:01:26.859 --> 00:01:31.459
that you would give us your help and wisdom.

00:01:31.459 --> 00:01:33.700
And Lord, we ask these things,

00:01:33.700 --> 00:01:36.140
even as you've invited us to come and ask of you,

00:01:36.140 --> 00:01:37.879
in Jesus' name, amen.

00:01:37.879 --> 00:01:39.260
Amen.

00:01:39.260 --> 00:01:40.379
Thank you, Justin.

00:01:40.379 --> 00:01:41.939
Now we'll officially call this meeting to order.

00:01:41.939 --> 00:01:43.780
Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

00:01:43.780 --> 00:01:45.659
Madam Mayor Miller?

00:01:45.659 --> 00:01:46.780
Here.

00:01:46.780 --> 00:01:47.939
Alderpersons, Klemm?

00:01:47.939 --> 00:01:48.780
Here.

00:01:48.780 --> 00:01:49.599
Monroe?

00:01:49.599 --> 00:01:50.439
Here.

00:01:50.439 --> 00:01:51.780
Simmons is absent, Parker?

00:01:51.780 --> 00:01:52.620
Here.

00:01:52.620 --> 00:01:58.819
Casey, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers.

00:01:58.819 --> 00:02:30.250
And if you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Klemm.

00:02:30.250 --> 00:02:34.569
We had a request that if Councilmembers could please remember to speak into their microphones.

00:02:34.569 --> 00:02:35.569
Settlers.

00:02:35.569 --> 00:02:39.009
That's difficult sometimes for the audience to hear.

00:02:39.009 --> 00:02:43.409
So we will move on to item number one, which is the approval of the agenda.

00:02:43.409 --> 00:02:48.090
Staff has requested the removal of 8 and 23 for a later date, and there is also nothing

00:02:48.090 --> 00:02:51.610
to discuss on item number 30, so we will remove that.

00:02:51.610 --> 00:02:53.449
With that, is there a motion to approve?

00:02:53.449 --> 00:02:54.449
So moved.

00:02:54.449 --> 00:02:55.449
Second.

00:02:55.449 --> 00:02:56.449
Second.

00:02:56.449 --> 00:03:00.210
A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

00:03:00.210 --> 00:03:01.210
All those in favor?

00:03:01.210 --> 00:03:03.289
I have a question.

00:03:03.289 --> 00:03:12.830
Why are we removing 8 and 23? Staff requests? Not ready? Do you want Manager Boyer?

00:03:12.830 --> 00:03:20.129
Staff just needs a little, we need more time to consider the media, social media policy

00:03:20.129 --> 00:03:27.770
and also the transfer of properties. We're in a holding pattern until we receive some

00:03:27.770 --> 00:03:30.370
documentation back from the county on those.

00:03:30.370 --> 00:03:31.370
Miller.

00:03:31.370 --> 00:03:32.370
Alderman Monroe.

00:03:32.370 --> 00:03:34.729
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

00:03:34.729 --> 00:03:42.050
Why did we bring this up previously then if we weren't ready to move forward?

00:03:42.050 --> 00:03:45.969
I think the last conversation we had at the last council meeting highlighted some things

00:03:45.969 --> 00:03:51.319
that need more review.

00:03:51.319 --> 00:03:53.719
All those in favor signify by saying aye.

00:03:53.719 --> 00:03:54.719
Aye.

00:03:54.719 --> 00:03:55.719
Opposed?

00:03:55.719 --> 00:03:56.719
No.

00:03:56.719 --> 00:03:57.719
No.

00:03:57.719 --> 00:03:58.719
That's seven to one.

00:03:58.719 --> 00:03:59.719
That passes.

00:03:59.719 --> 00:04:00.719
Six.

00:04:00.719 --> 00:04:01.719
Two nays.

00:04:01.719 --> 00:04:02.719
Okay.

00:04:02.719 --> 00:04:03.719
Sorry.

00:04:03.719 --> 00:04:04.719
Huffines.

00:04:04.719 --> 00:04:05.719
6-2.

00:04:05.719 --> 00:04:06.719
5-2.

00:04:06.719 --> 00:04:07.719
Okay.

00:04:07.719 --> 00:04:08.719
5-2.

00:04:08.719 --> 00:04:15.460
Did he also say 30?

00:04:15.460 --> 00:04:16.459
I did, yes.

00:04:16.459 --> 00:04:17.459
You said 30.

00:04:17.459 --> 00:04:20.800
30, because there wasn't anything that was brought up for discussion.

00:04:20.800 --> 00:04:26.939
We normally have the executive session just as a standing in case something comes up,

00:04:26.939 --> 00:04:33.459
but there wasn't anything that was discussed, so I just put that out there for removal of

00:04:33.459 --> 00:04:38.279
just to keep things clean.

00:04:38.279 --> 00:04:40.600
Item number two is the approval of the minutes

00:04:40.600 --> 00:04:43.279
from the regular meeting on January 6th, 2025.

00:04:43.279 --> 00:04:45.439
Is there a motion to approve?

00:04:45.439 --> 00:04:46.279
So moved.

00:04:46.279 --> 00:04:47.100
Second.

00:04:48.360 --> 00:04:51.540
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers,

00:04:51.540 --> 00:04:54.319
seconded by Alderman Parker.

00:04:54.319 --> 00:04:56.560
All those in favor signify by saying aye.

00:04:56.560 --> 00:04:57.759
Aye.

00:04:57.759 --> 00:04:59.240
Opposed?

00:04:59.240 --> 00:05:00.279
That motion passes.

00:05:00.279 --> 00:05:01.339
Public comments.

00:05:01.339 --> 00:05:02.720
I don't believe there's any.

00:05:02.720 --> 00:05:03.920
Darren, can you take a look quick?

00:05:03.920 --> 00:05:05.879
Is there any public comments?

00:05:05.879 --> 00:05:07.879
No, okay, thank you.

00:05:07.879 --> 00:05:10.779
Item number four is the presentation

00:05:10.779 --> 00:05:12.779
of the year in review.

00:05:14.019 --> 00:05:15.220
Director, Bridge.

00:05:44.790 --> 00:05:45.750
Good evening, council.

00:05:45.750 --> 00:05:49.470
As I shuffle my papers around,

00:05:49.470 --> 00:05:51.569
I just wanna start off by saying that

00:05:52.449 --> 00:05:54.350
the numbers we are going to see tonight,

00:05:54.350 --> 00:05:59.350
the accomplishments that are put forward on these slides

00:05:59.350 --> 00:06:00.350
Huffines.

00:06:00.350 --> 00:06:14.149
These are simply numbers and again simply words on a screen, whereas the things that go on

00:06:14.149 --> 00:06:20.550
on a daily basis take a lot of time, a lot of effort, and I know certainly on behalf

00:06:20.550 --> 00:06:26.529
of all of our staff a lot of pride goes into what is presented here.

00:06:26.529 --> 00:06:36.399
So we'll start with the Street Department of Public Works.

00:06:36.399 --> 00:06:45.620
In a record-setting 2024, crews laid 15,221 tons of hot-mix asphalt, paving over seven

00:06:45.620 --> 00:06:48.259
and a half miles of streets.

00:06:48.259 --> 00:06:54.519
These streets, completed by city crews, included Oak Avenue, State Street, Chicago Avenue,

00:06:54.519 --> 00:06:58.120
Iroquois Street, Quail Ridge Drive, Sioux Drive,

00:06:58.120 --> 00:07:01.720
Dirk Drive, Coach Street, Yellowstone Court,

00:07:01.720 --> 00:07:05.079
Clinton Place and Street, and Salem Court.

00:07:07.620 --> 00:07:10.240
One of the strategic goals for Public Works

00:07:10.240 --> 00:07:13.060
is to implement the street improvement plan

00:07:13.060 --> 00:07:16.180
by paving eight miles of street per year

00:07:16.180 --> 00:07:18.680
using data including traffic count and condition

00:07:18.680 --> 00:07:22.120
of the street, curb, approaches, water, sewer,

00:07:22.120 --> 00:07:27.879
and Stormains to plan each replacement project.

00:07:27.879 --> 00:07:32.879
Crews also plowed 10,471 miles of roads in 2024.

00:07:33.439 --> 00:07:37.560
319 lots were mowed around the city.

00:07:37.560 --> 00:07:40.920
43 city owned lots were mowed weekly.

00:07:40.920 --> 00:07:44.259
Over 100 service cut repairs were managed

00:07:44.259 --> 00:07:49.259
and 4,566 calls from residents were fielded by Public Works.

00:07:51.600 --> 00:07:53.899
The street department is in charge of many aspects

00:07:53.899 --> 00:07:55.120
of this city.

00:07:55.120 --> 00:07:58.379
Crews were able to remove a total of 261

00:07:58.379 --> 00:08:03.180
dead and dangerous trees and plant 108 healthy trees

00:08:03.180 --> 00:08:05.439
with the help of the yield program.

00:08:05.439 --> 00:08:08.540
150 stumps were ground throughout the year.

00:08:09.379 --> 00:08:14.040
The department handled a total of 78 dog-related calls

00:08:14.040 --> 00:08:17.699
through animal control, which important detail.

00:08:17.699 --> 00:08:20.379
Our animal control officer was on medical leave

00:08:20.379 --> 00:08:22.120
for a portion of last year.

00:08:22.120 --> 00:08:27.120
Cruz also fixed 15 overhead lights around the downtown area,

00:08:27.800 --> 00:08:31.000
put up flags in a timely manner for all necessary holidays

00:08:31.000 --> 00:08:35.799
and put up and took down 61 Christmas decorations.

00:08:35.799 --> 00:08:38.200
One more thing before I ask Darren

00:08:38.200 --> 00:08:40.139
if he has anything else to add.

00:08:40.139 --> 00:08:41.820
One of the other strategic goals

00:08:41.820 --> 00:08:44.259
was to improve public works wage structure

00:08:44.259 --> 00:08:46.639
to increase recruitment and retention.

00:08:46.639 --> 00:08:49.399
And I believe that was done in 2024.

00:08:49.399 --> 00:08:51.080
Darren, is there anything else you'd like to add

00:08:51.080 --> 00:08:52.080
Kessler.

00:08:52.080 --> 00:08:54.679
Thank you.

00:08:54.679 --> 00:08:55.679
Thank you for that section.

00:08:55.679 --> 00:08:56.679
Is there anything from council?

00:08:56.679 --> 00:08:57.679
Oh, yeah.

00:08:57.679 --> 00:08:58.679
Parliament Sanders?

00:08:58.679 --> 00:08:59.679
I'm sorry.

00:08:59.679 --> 00:09:00.679
Are you conducting?

00:09:00.679 --> 00:09:01.679
Go ahead.

00:09:01.679 --> 00:09:02.679
Yeah.

00:09:02.679 --> 00:09:03.679
Okay.

00:09:03.679 --> 00:09:10.889
I have a question maybe too.

00:09:10.889 --> 00:09:17.049
In secession, in secession, that means I don't have to...

00:09:17.049 --> 00:09:18.049
Come on.

00:09:18.049 --> 00:09:19.049
Go ahead.

00:09:19.049 --> 00:09:22.289
I will omit my follow through.

00:09:25.090 --> 00:09:28.769
Your name is Director Bridges, right?

00:09:28.769 --> 00:09:29.850
Bridge, yes sir.

00:09:29.850 --> 00:09:32.169
Yes sir, I must not have been here

00:09:32.169 --> 00:09:36.850
when you were appointed as Director Bridge.

00:09:36.850 --> 00:09:40.889
And with that appointment, don't do that, don't do that.

00:09:40.889 --> 00:09:44.730
And with that appointment that you've been appointed to,

00:09:44.730 --> 00:09:49.730
I never understood your job description exactly.

00:09:49.929 --> 00:09:52.529
What is the full scope of your job description?

00:09:52.529 --> 00:09:54.769
Okay, Oldham and Sanders, this isn't on topic?

00:09:54.769 --> 00:09:55.610
No, it isn't.

00:09:55.610 --> 00:09:57.769
It's just I'm looking for the qualification

00:09:57.769 --> 00:10:00.169
for the annual report that is being made.

00:10:00.169 --> 00:10:02.120
and the other and we're going to take a few minutes to take a few minutes to talk about

00:10:02.120 --> 00:10:06.879
the annual report that is being made and that's why I'm the counsel, you're not the counsel,

00:10:06.879 --> 00:10:07.879
I'm asking him questions.

00:10:07.879 --> 00:10:08.879
I'm just trying to help you stay on track.

00:10:08.879 --> 00:10:09.879
Well I am on track.

00:10:09.879 --> 00:10:17.120
I know that I'm on track and the thing is if I don't know who you are, I don't know if

00:10:17.120 --> 00:10:23.320
you're eligible or legally eligible to be making any kind of annual report because I

00:10:23.320 --> 00:10:28.320
had not seen your personnel file nor your job description.

00:10:28.639 --> 00:10:33.639
And so you're standing here giving us analytics and reports

00:10:34.559 --> 00:10:37.960
about what is going on throughout the city.

00:10:37.960 --> 00:10:42.700
That is what I'm understanding as I listen to you.

00:10:42.700 --> 00:10:46.460
So until I do, I'm just trying to find out

00:10:46.460 --> 00:10:50.379
whether or not what you're saying is relevant at this point

00:10:50.379 --> 00:10:53.500
and who gave you the, what department are you in?

00:10:53.500 --> 00:10:57.840
First of all, who is your supervisor, manager

00:10:57.840 --> 00:10:59.440
or you're just a director?

00:11:00.519 --> 00:11:01.679
Okay.

00:11:01.679 --> 00:11:02.799
Director Bridge.

00:11:02.799 --> 00:11:04.559
I'm part of the communications department,

00:11:04.559 --> 00:11:07.240
communications director, and this is off topic.

00:11:07.240 --> 00:11:09.120
So you and I- No, it's not off topic

00:11:09.120 --> 00:11:09.960
because of this communication director.

00:11:09.960 --> 00:11:11.720
You and I made speak after the meeting about this.

00:11:11.720 --> 00:11:16.039
It was stated that you're a director of communication.

00:11:16.039 --> 00:11:20.080
It does not state that, it just says director Bridges.

00:11:20.080 --> 00:11:21.960
That's all it says.

00:11:21.960 --> 00:11:23.360
Okay.

00:11:23.360 --> 00:11:26.000
So the agenda item that we're talking about right now

00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:27.240
is the year in review.

00:11:27.240 --> 00:11:29.620
It's being presented by Director Bridge.

00:11:29.620 --> 00:11:32.279
Certainly Alderman, so that's the topic there.

00:11:32.279 --> 00:11:34.360
If Alderman Sanders, if you have questions

00:11:34.360 --> 00:11:37.240
about how Director Bridge was hired,

00:11:37.240 --> 00:11:39.139
his qualifications, all that sort of stuff,

00:11:39.139 --> 00:11:42.000
that is something that should be handled offline

00:11:42.000 --> 00:11:44.440
or at a separate meeting when we put it on

00:11:44.440 --> 00:11:46.240
as an agenda topic there.

00:11:46.240 --> 00:11:49.240
But the topic for right now is the presentation

00:11:49.240 --> 00:11:51.080
of the Year in Review.

00:11:51.080 --> 00:11:52.200
That is the topic that's on the agenda.

00:11:52.200 --> 00:11:55.139
Yeah, but it still doesn't say that he's qualified

00:11:55.139 --> 00:11:57.879
or eligible to do such a reporting.

00:11:57.879 --> 00:11:59.319
And that's not what we're,

00:11:59.319 --> 00:12:01.159
that's not what the agenda topic is about.

00:12:01.159 --> 00:12:03.240
So I can get any Joe blow off the street

00:12:03.240 --> 00:12:04.720
to give an annual report.

00:12:04.720 --> 00:12:09.120
Well, he is an employee of the city

00:12:09.120 --> 00:12:11.799
that is serving in the role of communications director.

00:12:11.799 --> 00:12:13.600
That's vague, very vague.

00:12:13.600 --> 00:12:15.340
And certainly if you want his qualifications,

00:12:15.340 --> 00:12:16.299
that is something that we can,

00:12:16.299 --> 00:12:18.759
but that is a different topic.

00:12:19.240 --> 00:12:24.680
So how many positions does he, that he holds within the city?

00:12:24.680 --> 00:12:26.440
He holds one, one position.

00:12:26.440 --> 00:12:28.159
He's the communications director.

00:12:28.159 --> 00:12:29.159
Okay.

00:12:29.159 --> 00:12:30.159
Okay.

00:12:30.159 --> 00:12:31.159
Okay.

00:12:31.159 --> 00:12:32.759
Would you like to proceed with your presentation, please?

00:12:32.759 --> 00:12:35.000
Alderman Monroe, did you have?

00:12:35.000 --> 00:12:36.000
Actually she had her hand up first.

00:12:36.000 --> 00:12:37.000
I'm sorry.

00:12:37.000 --> 00:12:38.000
I didn't see that.

00:12:38.000 --> 00:12:39.000
Alderman Stacey.

00:12:39.000 --> 00:12:44.519
The 15,221 tons of HMA laid.

00:12:44.519 --> 00:12:51.480
Did that include the program with Avery Harrell?

00:12:51.480 --> 00:12:52.480
Darren?

00:12:52.480 --> 00:12:54.319
No, it did not.

00:12:54.319 --> 00:12:58.720
That was only what the public works crew themselves laid on the street reconditions.

00:12:58.720 --> 00:13:06.440
The material they're talking about is hot patch asphalt that we make, we don't buy.

00:13:06.440 --> 00:13:10.960
This is purchased hot mix that goes on new streets only.

00:13:10.960 --> 00:13:18.159
Avery's numbers are not in there and I would have to consult with Pat Ingram to

00:13:18.159 --> 00:13:21.620
get the tons that we had from them I know we had it calculated I just don't

00:13:21.620 --> 00:13:25.319
believe it's in the presentation and correct me if I'm wrong Darren but this

00:13:25.319 --> 00:13:32.240
also talks about just city crew stuff not Adams Avenue so to speak correct this

00:13:32.240 --> 00:13:37.799
is just city numbers that were derived from the projects that we did and all

00:13:37.799 --> 00:13:42.840
All the numbers that you'll see in this presentation were provided by the departments themselves

00:13:42.840 --> 00:13:47.080
to Bryan for the annual report.

00:13:47.080 --> 00:13:48.080
Thank you.

00:13:48.080 --> 00:13:49.080
I withdraw.

00:13:49.080 --> 00:13:50.080
Okay.

00:13:50.080 --> 00:13:51.080
Go ahead, Director.

00:13:51.080 --> 00:13:52.080
All right.

00:13:52.080 --> 00:13:56.379
Thank you.

00:13:56.379 --> 00:13:57.379
Let's pull it.

00:13:57.379 --> 00:13:58.379
There we go.

00:13:58.379 --> 00:13:59.379
Okay.

00:13:59.379 --> 00:14:03.860
The Water and Sewer Department, still with Public Works.

00:14:03.860 --> 00:14:09.019
Phase one of the wastewater treatment plant upgrades continues to expedite the entire

00:14:09.019 --> 00:14:22.100
Friport was presented the Gold Water Ambassador Award in 2024.

00:14:22.100 --> 00:14:27.819
The Treatment Plant team has maintained water chemistry to EPA standards, helping to provide

00:14:27.819 --> 00:14:30.339
a safe source of drinking water.

00:14:30.339 --> 00:14:35.960
In 2024, water and sewer crews responded to 35 water main breaks.

00:14:35.960 --> 00:14:42.720
The team also installed 10 new fire hydrants around the city and assisted with 490 lead

00:14:42.720 --> 00:14:44.720
service line replacements.

00:14:44.720 --> 00:14:51.759
12 miles of sewer main were cleaned and 10 sewer main slash lateral repairs were executed

00:14:51.759 --> 00:14:53.039
throughout the year.

00:14:53.039 --> 00:14:59.559
On average, these crews received 20 Julies requests per day.

00:14:59.559 --> 00:15:02.360
Once again, Darren, if there's anything you'd like to add.

00:15:02.360 --> 00:15:09.559
I would just like to point out here the average number of Jules per day is a lot and it takes

00:15:09.559 --> 00:15:13.639
up a lot of crew time to do the Jules, to do the research and to go out and actually

00:15:13.639 --> 00:15:14.639
mark them.

00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:18.839
That's a very high number which shows the amount of construction that's going on in

00:15:18.839 --> 00:15:28.240
Freeport between repairs and you know Jules are called in for various items but that is

00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:29.240
a big number.

00:15:29.240 --> 00:15:32.279
a lot of that has to do with the surf internet project

00:15:32.279 --> 00:15:36.819
that is providing low cost internet

00:15:36.819 --> 00:15:38.639
around the city of Freeport that's being built out.

00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:40.920
That's a $15 million infrastructure project.

00:15:40.920 --> 00:15:42.639
Let's not spend that.

00:15:42.639 --> 00:15:47.069
Let's not.

00:15:47.069 --> 00:15:47.910
Okay.

00:15:48.870 --> 00:15:49.990
Alderman Sanders.

00:15:49.990 --> 00:15:51.250
Sorry.

00:15:51.250 --> 00:15:52.089
Yeah.

00:15:53.549 --> 00:15:58.389
To mention Julie's and how the personnel

00:15:58.389 --> 00:16:02.730
is tied up with all of these julees.

00:16:06.069 --> 00:16:11.069
The julees is just water and sewer, is that what it is?

00:16:12.509 --> 00:16:15.430
How many people needs to be on that task

00:16:15.430 --> 00:16:19.289
to do those particular julees?

00:16:19.289 --> 00:16:23.450
Do you need a construction crew to go out and do julees?

00:16:23.450 --> 00:16:29.509
Do you need that to even do waters or water or sewer? You need a you need a

00:16:29.509 --> 00:16:35.950
crew to do that? With the amount of julees that we've been getting it usually

00:16:35.950 --> 00:16:40.149
takes two to three of our staff members to be able to go out and locate and mark

00:16:40.149 --> 00:16:47.149
julees out. It's not every day we try to concentrate it into segments but it does

00:16:47.149 --> 00:16:51.069
eclipse a lot of time because you actually have to do the research on each

00:16:51.069 --> 00:16:54.829
Street and and and get the measurements and the calculations to be able to set

00:16:54.829 --> 00:16:59.430
those points based on the way the system is. Okay well I understand that part but

00:16:59.430 --> 00:17:06.789
my point my thing is does it require many personnel staff to go out and do

00:17:06.789 --> 00:17:20.230
julees? Two to three. Go ahead director. All right. Madam Mayor is it possible to

00:17:20.230 --> 00:17:24.950
get the IT department to display the board the people at home are texting

00:17:24.950 --> 00:17:30.470
asking for it to be displayed. They can't see it for whatever reason.

00:17:30.470 --> 00:17:42.779
Okay, keep going Director. In case you couldn't hear he said it shows it's

00:17:42.779 --> 00:17:50.210
displaying. I will continue for the time being, but Mayor stop me if you

00:17:50.210 --> 00:17:55.970
need. Before I move on from water and sewer, a couple highlights from their

00:17:55.970 --> 00:18:02.769
strategic goals was to secure funding for well number 12. That happened.

00:18:02.769 --> 00:18:35.519
implement phase one of the wastewater treatment plan improvements and plan for future phases of the wastewater treatment plan improvements that is happening as we speak we will move on to community and economic development the improvements made throughout 2024 to the rental registration process highlighted a busy year for community and economic development the team implemented new software in the form of Ptolemy rental registration to give both landlords and the city access

00:18:35.519 --> 00:18:46.119
To keep all parties accountable, fees were also increased for non-compliant landlords.

00:18:46.119 --> 00:18:51.799
In addition, staff made it possible for contractors to now complete registration or license renewal

00:18:51.799 --> 00:18:57.480
online, a process that previously required a trip to City Hall.

00:18:57.480 --> 00:19:01.480
Another exciting development has been the ability to incorporate low-income homes into

00:19:01.480 --> 00:19:05.039
the land bank for the first time since 2020.

00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:10.220
This process ends with dilapidated homes being refurbished and getting a facelift in order

00:19:10.220 --> 00:19:12.360
to avoid demolition.

00:19:12.360 --> 00:19:20.519
The team also distributed $19,251 through the Facade Improvement Grant, including $15,000

00:19:20.519 --> 00:19:25.039
to the Freeport Art Museum for their move downtown.

00:19:25.039 --> 00:19:30.240
765 building permits were issued in 2024.

00:19:30.240 --> 00:19:37.400
5,144 code enforcement activities were completed, as well as 23 new chronic

00:19:37.400 --> 00:19:46.340
nuisance cases and 51 total demolitions. Before I open it up, Director Duckman

00:19:46.340 --> 00:19:52.240
spoke on this not too long ago, the strategic goals. Expanding enforcement

00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:57.400
time for the code enforcement team. Over 5,000 activities related to code

00:19:57.400 --> 00:19:59.759
enforcement.

00:19:59.759 --> 00:20:00.480
Tree removal,

00:20:02.900 --> 00:20:04.819
meaning increasing penalties

00:20:04.819 --> 00:20:06.799
in streamlining injunctive release process

00:20:06.799 --> 00:20:08.640
for issues like tree removal

00:20:08.640 --> 00:20:10.579
and trash clean up.

00:20:10.579 --> 00:20:12.480
Maybe Director Duckman,

00:20:12.480 --> 00:20:15.359
is there anything happening on that end

00:20:15.359 --> 00:20:17.720
or was it just increasing penalties for landlords?

00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:21.539
Excuse me, are we speaking on the specifically

00:20:21.539 --> 00:20:24.440
the tree removal.

00:20:24.440 --> 00:20:53.440
We've worked on a couple different ways. One major way we've accomplished that is working with our public works team, you know, once we're getting chronic nuisance activities or getting a property into chronic nuisance or through proper notice, we're working better to clean up properties that have been habitual, dumping grounds, etc.

00:20:53.440 --> 00:20:57.099
to continue funding and implementation

00:20:57.099 --> 00:21:02.180
of the demolition and blight reduction program.

00:21:02.180 --> 00:21:05.619
Facilitate art museum transition to new location.

00:21:05.619 --> 00:21:08.279
All these things were worked on in 2024.

00:21:09.180 --> 00:21:12.220
Before I move on, I'll take a pause.

00:21:12.220 --> 00:21:13.319
Parliament, Stacy?

00:21:13.319 --> 00:21:17.900
Yes, I would like to know if all letters have been sent out

00:21:17.900 --> 00:21:21.460
or if letters have been sent out to all landlords

00:21:21.460 --> 00:21:24.099
pertaining to registering their property.

00:21:25.420 --> 00:21:43.420
They have not been sent out yet. I met with them or talked to them last week and we're using a company that basically we send them the addresses to send out these mailers and they had some issues on their end, technical issues on getting the letter out.

00:21:43.420 --> 00:21:47.420
So we've been working with them for the better part of a month working through those technical issues.

00:21:47.420 --> 00:22:17.420
We usually have good success working with that company. They do our water bills and other other billing or other mailers that we have. It's just for some reason. I know that our IT departments worked tirelessly with them to try to get that resolved. So it should be sent out soon. And, you know, obviously InfoSend sends their regrets, but we've been working really hard with them to try to get through it. But we're right there. So that's possible for the council to get it up.

00:22:17.420 --> 00:22:50.460
Miller, John, John, John, John, John, John,

00:22:50.460 --> 00:22:52.460
and the rest of the city.

00:22:52.460 --> 00:22:56.460
And we've been doing this for over 30 years and using

00:22:56.460 --> 00:23:00.460
Ptolemae, which was a major success and breakthrough for us

00:23:00.460 --> 00:23:04.460
to not only, you know, for the city to kind of put all the data

00:23:04.460 --> 00:23:08.460
in one place, but it also kind of helps. It's also completely helped us identify

00:23:08.460 --> 00:23:12.460
who's out there that hasn't registered. So my estimation is

00:23:12.460 --> 00:23:18.220
that there's 1900 properties that need to register

00:23:18.220 --> 00:23:26.460
and Mary. How many fines have been sent out since you took office? I can't give you that

00:23:26.460 --> 00:23:36.019
number. I will get you that number. And it's just to the registration? No other fines? Correct.

00:23:36.019 --> 00:23:41.980
Be honest with you, I can get you that number next week. In my opinion, it's low, if any.

00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:47.180
And coming into it, our biggest concern when I came into this process and was talking with

00:23:47.180 --> 00:23:52.740
with, first I was talking to City Manager Bucus, then talking with City Manager Boyer.

00:23:52.740 --> 00:23:57.059
Our biggest concern was, if we're sending out fines for not registering, how do you know

00:23:57.059 --> 00:23:58.940
somebody's not a registered rental?

00:23:58.940 --> 00:24:04.180
You know, if you were to drive down one block in Freeport, and you say, is that person registered?

00:24:04.180 --> 00:24:05.740
Should that person be registering?

00:24:05.740 --> 00:24:09.139
You know, if we're going to be fair, and I said this to Manager Bucus, and I'm saying

00:24:09.139 --> 00:24:15.860
this continuing to counsel, as well as Manager Boyer is saying, well, before we really start,

00:24:15.860 --> 00:24:20.420
You know, enforcing our rental registry with these fines, to be fair, we should really

00:24:20.420 --> 00:24:22.180
know who should be registering.

00:24:22.180 --> 00:24:27.579
And we call that, and we worked with Ptolemae, and when we selected Ptolemae in April of

00:24:27.579 --> 00:24:31.940
24, one of the major things I said to them was, I really want to identify who should

00:24:31.940 --> 00:24:35.059
be registered so I can know who to actually find.

00:24:35.059 --> 00:24:39.740
Because otherwise, you know, you're, and when I told you, we identified 1,900 properties

00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:44.139
we think should register, without that software, how do we know who to, how do we know who

00:24:44.139 --> 00:25:05.700
and Stacey, who should be fine. I'm asking, you know, that's a legitimate point. How do we know? You know, we're going off of an old list and it's saying, hey, we need to take care of this. And I'm like, well, we need some technology to help us along to say who should be registered. Who should we be holding accountable?

00:25:05.700 --> 00:25:15.139
Stacy. Are you secure now in knowing who should be registered and who isn't? Yes. Yes. We

00:25:15.139 --> 00:25:19.099
have a much better picture of that. Yes. And that's where I said that there's roughly

00:25:19.099 --> 00:25:24.380
3,000 properties that should be registered. We have 1,100 that are currently registered

00:25:24.380 --> 00:25:29.700
and there's 1,900 properties that should be registered. So yes, I feel like we have a

00:25:29.700 --> 00:25:30.880
much better picture.

00:25:30.880 --> 00:25:39.420
How effective are we collecting data on these particular registries?

00:25:39.420 --> 00:25:47.559
What kind of mechanism do we have in place that we total up registered and non-registered?

00:25:47.559 --> 00:25:52.599
What do we have in place right now without going out to survey the community or whatever

00:25:52.599 --> 00:25:57.940
the case because this is not the first time that this subject comes up.

00:25:57.940 --> 00:26:05.299
So what kind of mechanism or data that we have retrieved to make these determinations? Because

00:26:05.299 --> 00:26:14.900
right now, from what I'm hearing, we're not trying to be competent enough to go and find

00:26:14.900 --> 00:26:24.099
out these kinds of things. In other words, the data is there. What measures are we using

00:26:24.099 --> 00:26:26.700
to implement this or retrieve it.

00:26:26.700 --> 00:26:27.940
That's my question.

00:26:27.940 --> 00:26:28.980
It's a good question.

00:26:28.980 --> 00:26:30.639
A couple of things there.

00:26:30.639 --> 00:26:33.180
That question was posed to me, and I

00:26:33.180 --> 00:26:35.139
had the fun job of solving it.

00:26:35.139 --> 00:26:38.059
And so what we did, my team and I, and also

00:26:38.059 --> 00:26:40.619
the help of the IT department.

00:26:40.619 --> 00:26:42.420
So I want to make sure I include them.

00:26:42.420 --> 00:26:45.180
We got together, started looking into this,

00:26:45.180 --> 00:26:47.460
and trying to answer that question.

00:26:47.460 --> 00:26:52.900
How do we know who is not registered and should be?

00:26:52.900 --> 00:26:56.900
We came up with the key here was looking at different areas of this building.

00:26:56.900 --> 00:27:00.900
We looked at this and said, you're a rental property, because when

00:27:00.900 --> 00:27:04.900
you drive by a house, you can't tell if it's a rental property.

00:27:04.900 --> 00:27:08.900
You can't. It looks like a house.

00:27:08.900 --> 00:27:12.900
So we came and we did research on different software,

00:27:12.900 --> 00:27:16.900
different companies that were specializing in this data, because you're asking about

00:27:16.900 --> 00:27:20.900
data. And so the key here is

00:27:20.900 --> 00:27:29.539
What Ptolemae does is it mines the data from different sources and is, for example, one

00:27:29.539 --> 00:27:34.299
excellent item that it does is it's going to take, essentially, let's just say from

00:27:34.299 --> 00:27:38.220
a tax assessor, it's going to look through all the properties in the city of Freeport

00:27:38.220 --> 00:27:44.299
and then it's going to say, okay, where is the site address different than the property

00:27:44.299 --> 00:27:45.500
address?

00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:50.639
So if you're sending your tax bill, if your tax bill doesn't go to the same as the house,

00:27:50.639 --> 00:27:57.319
and Tom, so that's one of many flags that are being used.

00:27:57.319 --> 00:28:02.279
It also can work through water bills and it can flag suspect.

00:28:02.279 --> 00:28:06.639
The data calls it a suspected rental.

00:28:06.639 --> 00:28:12.079
That software, when we ended up having that, that is how we said okay, to answer your second

00:28:12.079 --> 00:28:17.220
part of the question is okay, now we know who we need to go after, or how, first we

00:28:17.220 --> 00:28:19.099
have to identify, then we need to know how to go after.

00:28:19.099 --> 00:28:23.759
and then go after part Alderperson Stacy is correct correctly asking me hey when

00:28:23.759 --> 00:28:28.860
are these letters going out so we know that these letters have to go out to say

00:28:28.860 --> 00:28:35.740
the deadline for registration is April 1st of 2025 and at that point after do

00:28:35.740 --> 00:28:40.340
notice if a property owner doesn't say hey you know what that's not a rental

00:28:40.340 --> 00:28:44.179
property I have my son lives there or it's a second house if they could prove

00:28:44.179 --> 00:28:48.940
some sort of you know sending a utility bill other proof that it's not a

00:29:18.940 --> 00:29:29.429
All right. Go ahead director. Thank you. Our next section is human resources and I

00:29:29.429 --> 00:29:35.809
know Kim isn't here tonight physically but if you have any questions she's

00:29:35.809 --> 00:29:41.409
happy to answer them through email. In 2024 the city had 196 employees

00:29:41.409 --> 00:29:48.090
throughout many departments. City Hall 24, Police Department 65, Fire Department 49,

00:29:48.090 --> 00:29:54.269
Public Works, Street Department, 17, Water and Sewer Department, 24, and the

00:29:54.269 --> 00:29:57.570
Library, 17.

00:29:57.570 --> 00:30:01.839
and the Library 17. Over the course of the year, 53 new hires were managed with 37 separations

00:30:01.839 --> 00:30:19.019
and four retirements. I move on. The Clerk's Office. The Clerk's Office managed 136 resolutions in

00:30:19.019 --> 00:30:30.380
2024, a 37% increase from 2023 and a 68% increase from 2022. 164 FOIA requests were received

00:30:30.380 --> 00:30:39.579
a 43 percent increase from 2023. Licenses for the following were processed 36 video gaming licenses,

00:30:39.579 --> 00:30:48.059
64 liquor licenses, 39 tobacco and vape licenses, and 11 food truck licenses. In 2024 the clerk's

00:30:48.059 --> 00:30:54.539
office processed 41 special event permits and attended and managed the agenda for 64 meetings.

00:30:54.539 --> 00:30:57.690
Jones.

00:30:57.690 --> 00:30:59.869
I move on.

00:30:59.869 --> 00:31:00.869
The police department.

00:31:00.869 --> 00:31:05.490
I want to start with their strategic goals.

00:31:05.490 --> 00:31:09.890
Increase police force census and implement proven strategies for reducing crime, including

00:31:09.890 --> 00:31:14.869
a three-pronged staffing approach that includes community service officers, law enforcement,

00:31:14.869 --> 00:31:17.890
and social workers to reduce crime.

00:31:17.890 --> 00:31:22.309
Hire and retain a diverse team to reflect the community we serve.

00:31:22.309 --> 00:31:23.309
and

00:31:23.309 --> 00:31:24.309
the

00:31:24.309 --> 00:31:25.309
police.

00:31:25.309 --> 00:31:26.309
We have also

00:31:26.309 --> 00:31:27.309
been

00:31:27.309 --> 00:31:30.160
able to

00:31:30.160 --> 00:31:31.160
deploy more

00:31:31.160 --> 00:31:32.160
technology to

00:31:32.160 --> 00:31:33.160
reduce

00:31:33.160 --> 00:31:34.160
gun

00:31:34.160 --> 00:31:35.160
violence

00:31:35.160 --> 00:31:36.160
and

00:31:36.160 --> 00:31:37.160
improve

00:31:37.160 --> 00:31:38.160
the

00:31:38.160 --> 00:31:39.160
efficiency

00:31:39.160 --> 00:31:40.160
of

00:31:40.160 --> 00:31:41.160
the

00:31:41.160 --> 00:31:42.160
police

00:31:42.160 --> 00:31:43.160
force.

00:31:43.160 --> 00:31:44.160
2024

00:31:44.160 --> 00:31:45.160
saw the

00:31:45.160 --> 00:31:46.160
Freeport

00:31:46.160 --> 00:31:47.160
Police Department

00:31:47.160 --> 00:31:48.160
continue to

00:31:48.160 --> 00:31:49.160
hire

00:31:49.160 --> 00:31:50.160
new

00:31:50.160 --> 00:31:51.160
officers

00:31:51.160 --> 00:31:52.160
which

00:31:52.160 --> 00:31:53.160
allowed

00:31:53.160 --> 00:32:06.240
4,457 police 911 calls were received, 1,533 arrests were made, and 1,884 traffic citations

00:32:06.240 --> 00:32:13.539
were written, 485 pounds of prescription drugs were collected and taken in for disposal.

00:32:13.539 --> 00:32:18.440
Just last month in December, 17 kids were taken on a shopping spree for shop with a

00:32:18.440 --> 00:32:24.839
Coop and the FOP Lodge sponsored a family of four children who lost their father to gun violence.

00:32:25.720 --> 00:32:31.400
56 neighborhood watch meetings were hosted and the department continues to offer a civilian police

00:32:31.400 --> 00:32:35.720
academy. If there's anything you'd like to add Chief, you're more than welcome to.

00:32:37.799 --> 00:32:51.039
No thank you. I move on. The fire department. With six new firefighters joining the department,

00:32:51.039 --> 00:32:57.039
Crews had a busy and successful 2024. They responded to and investigated an estimated 95

00:32:57.039 --> 00:33:03.759
fires where flames were present. More than 400 fire inspections were conducted to ensure safety

00:33:03.759 --> 00:33:10.480
in commercial and residential buildings. 19 fire drills were held at schools and multi-unit

00:33:10.480 --> 00:33:18.480
apartment buildings. 288 fire alarms were installed in 115 homes in the city, a service that is free

00:33:18.480 --> 00:33:21.400
to all residents.

00:33:21.400 --> 00:33:24.960
Department highlights include the revival of National Night Out in collaboration with

00:33:24.960 --> 00:33:27.759
the police to bring the community together.

00:33:27.759 --> 00:33:32.360
A new fire engine was delivered and is now stationed near Adams Avenue.

00:33:32.360 --> 00:33:37.519
And the Emergency Telephone Systems Board approved the purchase of a complete VHF radio

00:33:37.519 --> 00:33:38.880
network replacement.

00:33:38.880 --> 00:33:45.319
This project would have a total cost of more than $120,000, but is being completed at no

00:33:45.319 --> 00:33:48.880
No cost to the city.

00:33:48.880 --> 00:33:52.839
Once again, Chief, if you need to add anything, feel free.

00:33:52.839 --> 00:33:54.200
So yes, thank you.

00:33:54.200 --> 00:34:00.559
So when we talk about 288 fire alarms installed, it's actually smoke detectors that are received

00:34:00.559 --> 00:34:11.599
from Red Cross, and then they're installed by the firefighters in 215 homes.

00:34:11.599 --> 00:34:14.119
Thank you.

00:34:14.119 --> 00:34:18.929
We move on to the Freeport Public Library.

00:34:18.929 --> 00:34:24.650
and their goals to launch the Arts and Culture Commission, which I believe happened, support

00:34:24.650 --> 00:34:33.409
cultural festival and events, sorry, support cultural and cultural festival events to engage

00:34:33.409 --> 00:34:36.409
and build connections among diverse groups.

00:34:36.409 --> 00:34:41.570
A major highlight of the library every year continues to be the attendance of the Summer

00:34:41.570 --> 00:34:42.849
Reading Program.

00:34:42.849 --> 00:34:51.829
In 2024, 498 children and teens registered, with 274 completing the program's goals such

00:34:51.829 --> 00:34:54.789
as reading 60 books and more.

00:34:54.789 --> 00:34:57.829
The program doesn't just get children to read, however.

00:34:57.829 --> 00:35:04.630
From June 3rd to August 10th, the library offered 141 programs as part of summer reading.

00:35:04.630 --> 00:35:11.590
6048 children, teens, and adults attended, an increase of 25% from 2023.

00:35:11.590 --> 00:35:17.190
This number sets a new mark for one of the library's most popular programs.

00:35:17.190 --> 00:35:26.989
Throughout the year, 107,508 books were circulated along with 21,531 digital materials, a total

00:35:26.989 --> 00:35:36.590
of 344 youth programs tallied in attendance of 17,026, a total of 109 adult programs tallied

00:35:36.590 --> 00:35:40.269
in attendance of 1,271.

00:35:40.269 --> 00:35:49.150
There are 4,568 active library cards, 27 public computers occupy both floors of the library,

00:35:49.150 --> 00:36:04.190
9,506 computer sessions were logged in 2024, 43,728 visits were paid to Freiburgpubliclibrary.org,

00:36:04.190 --> 00:36:15.190
The meeting rooms were used 450 times, while the study rooms were used 456 times, and in 2024, 165 notarizations were completed.

00:36:15.190 --> 00:36:20.190
Once again, I forget your last name, Director Huffines, okay.

00:36:20.190 --> 00:36:24.559
I will continue.

00:36:24.559 --> 00:36:25.559
Hold it, hold it.

00:36:25.559 --> 00:36:30.559
Oh.

00:36:30.559 --> 00:36:31.559
Alderman Sanders?

00:36:31.559 --> 00:36:57.559
Yeah, question about, you know, yeah, okay, she's sitting there and she probably can give me more insight on how books are acquired and do we make requests, recommendations on books, categories and classifications and things of this nature?

00:36:57.559 --> 00:37:11.559
How do we proceed to put more books in our library than what we have because I don't know if they're selected or chosen or they're made by request from the citizens of the community?

00:37:11.559 --> 00:37:24.559
It's both. So anybody can make a recommendation for adding books to the collection and we often do add the books when they're requested. We just don't get that many of them.

00:37:24.559 --> 00:37:28.480
but we do have a collection development policy

00:37:28.480 --> 00:37:33.079
that we follow that's implemented by the Board of Trustees

00:37:33.079 --> 00:37:35.440
and then all of, we have,

00:37:37.239 --> 00:37:39.679
we have two main staff members

00:37:39.679 --> 00:37:42.760
that pick all of the items in the collection

00:37:42.760 --> 00:37:47.760
and then we do have rules and policies in place

00:37:48.000 --> 00:37:50.800
for where they go in the collection

00:37:50.800 --> 00:37:54.639
and a lot of that is based on cataloging rules,

00:37:54.639 --> 00:37:58.039
which are associated with our library consortium.

00:37:58.039 --> 00:38:01.440
And we have 138 libraries that are in the same consortium

00:38:01.440 --> 00:38:04.659
following the same rules of where to put things.

00:38:05.679 --> 00:38:09.960
But we also have flexibility to create our own section.

00:38:09.960 --> 00:38:13.720
Like this year we created an urban fiction section

00:38:13.720 --> 00:38:16.279
with grant money and we were able to purchase

00:38:16.279 --> 00:38:21.119
about 250 books for that, specifically for that collection.

00:38:22.639 --> 00:38:25.720
And that, you know, did that help answer your question?

00:38:25.720 --> 00:38:26.559
Yes, it did.

00:38:26.559 --> 00:38:30.900
Absolutely did, because I will look into the exploration

00:38:30.900 --> 00:38:34.019
of looking at those catalogs again.

00:38:34.019 --> 00:38:34.860
Okay.

00:38:34.860 --> 00:38:35.679
Okay, thank you.

00:38:35.679 --> 00:38:36.519
You're welcome.

00:38:37.619 --> 00:38:39.220
Thank you.

00:38:39.220 --> 00:38:42.000
We move on to the Department of Finance.

00:38:43.220 --> 00:38:45.840
The Finance Department prepared and assisted auditors

00:38:45.840 --> 00:38:49.400
during the 2023 financial audit process,

00:38:49.400 --> 00:38:53.300
resulting in a clean opinion from the auditors.

00:38:53.300 --> 00:38:57.159
The 2025 balanced spending plan was approved by council.

00:38:57.159 --> 00:38:58.559
The team also participated

00:38:58.559 --> 00:39:01.760
in the career tech job shadow program.

00:39:01.760 --> 00:39:06.760
In 2024, 3,916 vendor payments were processed,

00:39:07.159 --> 00:39:11.360
5,203 paychecks for an average of 200 employees

00:39:11.360 --> 00:39:16.360
for the year, 140 new water and sewer accounts per month,

00:39:16.639 --> 00:39:20.960
155 disconnects per month, and they issued an average

00:39:20.960 --> 00:39:29.989
of 11,490 water bills per month, good?

00:39:30.070 --> 00:39:31.949
Okay, we'll move on.

00:39:31.949 --> 00:39:32.789
Hold it.

00:39:32.789 --> 00:39:35.779
Oh.

00:39:35.779 --> 00:39:37.099
Alderman Sanders.

00:39:37.099 --> 00:39:42.099
Yeah, I just wanted to understand the 140 new accounts

00:39:45.099 --> 00:39:47.360
and what are those accounts?

00:39:47.360 --> 00:39:52.360
and what are the purpose of 140 some accounts like that?

00:39:53.360 --> 00:39:54.360
I know you probably.

00:39:54.360 --> 00:40:06.000
I know you probably have an answer for that already, but the thing is, I'm not aware of what the purpose of all of those accounts are for.

00:40:06.000 --> 00:40:16.000
So the pertains to water and sewer accounts, so new renters moving in, people moving around town.

00:40:16.000 --> 00:40:38.000
So we consider that, or moving into town, they have a new account set up for water sewer, so that could be either they moved within town, that's still a new account at a new address, so they could be either locally moving around in Freeport or coming out of town moving into town.

00:40:38.000 --> 00:40:39.000
Thank you.

00:40:39.000 --> 00:40:43.880
I'll move on.

00:40:43.880 --> 00:40:51.320
IT, Information Technology, 254 total work tickets were processed in 2024.

00:40:52.119 --> 00:40:57.559
The department also replaced 18 computer workstations. They worked extensively on

00:40:57.559 --> 00:41:03.559
cleaning data for the new Ptolemy rental registration and planned a 2025 migration to

00:41:03.559 --> 00:41:04.400
and

00:41:04.400 --> 00:41:05.559
the

00:41:05.559 --> 00:41:06.400
office 365.

00:41:06.400 --> 00:41:11.000
Throughout the year, 3,700 network level attacks were

00:41:11.000 --> 00:41:16.000
prevented and 595,882 emails were scanned and archived.

00:41:21.579 --> 00:41:26.579
Who's protecting our system throughout the city

00:41:30.300 --> 00:41:35.300
when the city is responsible for all technologies

00:41:36.699 --> 00:41:37.699
Fowler.

00:41:37.699 --> 00:41:44.699
Who is responsible for those kinds of tasks?

00:41:44.699 --> 00:41:49.820
Director Suttman can come up here if he wants, but the simple answer to your question is

00:41:49.820 --> 00:41:57.420
our information technology team protects city staff.

00:41:57.420 --> 00:42:02.820
They do not protect residents, so to speak.

00:42:02.820 --> 00:42:04.059
I don't know if that answered your question.

00:42:04.059 --> 00:42:05.059
No, it doesn't.

00:42:05.059 --> 00:42:06.059
Okay.

00:42:06.059 --> 00:42:13.659
I was looking for another angle. Okay. Okay. I wasn't looking for that particular

00:42:16.699 --> 00:42:22.619
information. Sure. I misunderstood the question. Well, no, no, you assumed that I may have said

00:42:22.619 --> 00:42:30.940
something that triggered that. But yeah, but when we're talking about attacks on this, the attacks

00:42:30.940 --> 00:42:38.179
Hicks, that the Internet or the technology, softwares and things like that is being attacked

00:42:38.179 --> 00:42:45.219
throughout the city. Who is responsible for those kinds of things when we have a hiccup

00:42:45.219 --> 00:42:55.139
in our system that violates all of the, I don't know if we had any successful attacks

00:42:55.139 --> 00:43:00.780
because there are always someone out there attacking the system. Have we been able to

00:43:00.780 --> 00:43:08.219
Rolfe, John, Knapp, and John, and I think it's a great opportunity for us to divert any of those kinds of attacks from being placed in our system and corrupting our system, have we been able to do that?

00:43:08.219 --> 00:43:12.219
To my knowledge, we haven't had any network malware attacks since we've had an IT department.

00:43:12.219 --> 00:43:25.400
All the attacks are sent back either by IT staff or our software and hardware appliances, they're built for that.

00:43:25.400 --> 00:43:26.400
Williams.

00:43:26.400 --> 00:43:27.400
They're built for that.

00:43:27.400 --> 00:43:28.400
Okay.

00:43:28.400 --> 00:43:29.400
Yeah.

00:43:29.400 --> 00:43:30.400
Okay.

00:43:30.400 --> 00:43:31.400
That sounds good.

00:43:31.400 --> 00:43:36.440
I just wanted to see who was attacking, who was covering for all of these attacks that

00:43:36.440 --> 00:43:39.039
we're getting, you know, throughout the city.

00:43:39.039 --> 00:43:46.480
So it's good to know that we have someone or some technical specialist that is taking

00:43:46.480 --> 00:43:47.840
care of those issues.

00:43:47.840 --> 00:43:48.840
All right.

00:43:48.840 --> 00:43:54.380
Thank you.

00:43:54.380 --> 00:43:57.900
And we will finish with communications.

00:43:57.900 --> 00:44:04.519
The strategic goals for communications include making bilingual communications available

00:44:04.519 --> 00:44:07.880
for all key documents and outreach efforts.

00:44:07.880 --> 00:44:10.500
I can speak directly on that.

00:44:10.500 --> 00:44:17.039
As far as the website goes, we continue to find ways to be more ADA compliant, and part

00:44:17.039 --> 00:44:24.940
of ADA compliance includes making things on the website bilingual.

00:44:24.940 --> 00:44:28.019
We are still putting effort into that.

00:44:28.019 --> 00:44:32.659
we have seen a success in creating bilingual communications

00:44:32.659 --> 00:44:37.659
as far as newsletters and a few graphics.

00:44:37.699 --> 00:44:38.940
It does take time.

00:44:38.940 --> 00:44:42.860
However, being a one person department,

00:44:42.860 --> 00:44:45.059
I can say that I am getting better at it

00:44:45.059 --> 00:44:47.139
and it will only get better from here.

00:44:48.739 --> 00:44:51.340
Expand city participation in community events

00:44:51.340 --> 00:44:52.679
to increase visibility.

00:44:52.679 --> 00:44:53.519
Hold it.

00:44:53.519 --> 00:44:54.699
Are you finished?

00:44:55.840 --> 00:44:56.679
Where are you finished?

00:44:56.679 --> 00:44:57.679
and Dr. Mayor.

00:44:57.679 --> 00:45:01.480
Can he finish his presentation on that?

00:45:01.480 --> 00:45:03.279
Yeah, I thought he was done.

00:45:03.279 --> 00:45:04.279
Go ahead.

00:45:04.279 --> 00:45:05.840
Sorry about that.

00:45:05.840 --> 00:45:12.119
Expand city participation in community events to increase visibility and improve connections

00:45:12.119 --> 00:45:14.199
with residents.

00:45:14.199 --> 00:45:21.559
I got here in April and since that point we have attended, if not all, most large community

00:45:21.559 --> 00:45:23.559
and

00:45:24.559 --> 00:45:26.559
John.

00:45:27.880 --> 00:45:29.880
And then the next one is the

00:45:31.079 --> 00:45:33.079
community events with the goal of speaking to residents and

00:45:34.300 --> 00:45:36.300
hearing their concerns face-to-face in an environment

00:45:38.300 --> 00:45:40.300
where it's not as formal.

00:45:42.599 --> 00:45:44.599
And I believe that the numbers, which I don't have in front of

00:45:45.619 --> 00:45:47.619
me, but the numbers that we got from these different events just

00:45:48.720 --> 00:45:50.720
shows that being at those events is very important.

00:45:51.559 --> 00:45:55.139
to better highlight the progress being made in Freeport.

00:45:55.139 --> 00:45:57.559
I believe that one speaks for itself.

00:45:57.559 --> 00:46:01.460
The city posted 371 times on Facebook in 2024.

00:46:02.440 --> 00:46:06.500
The city's page reached 7,400 Facebook followers,

00:46:06.500 --> 00:46:10.139
which is a 23% increase from 2023.

00:46:10.139 --> 00:46:15.139
384,300 accounts viewed city posts throughout the year,

00:46:16.179 --> 00:46:19.760
a 114% increase in visibility.

00:46:19.760 --> 00:46:28.159
68 press releases were sent, a 467 percent increase from 2023, and a major step taken in 2024

00:46:28.159 --> 00:46:34.539
was beginning to produce highlights after each city council meeting. Alderman Sanders.

00:46:35.260 --> 00:46:41.900
Are we set up for comments from the general public and not only the general public but the city staff

00:46:42.860 --> 00:46:46.539
and people of that nature? Are we set up to make comments so we can

00:46:46.539 --> 00:46:55.779
We can respond to whatever it is that is injected into our media accounts and things of that

00:46:55.779 --> 00:46:56.779
nature.

00:46:56.779 --> 00:46:59.019
Are we on the verge of doing all of those things?

00:46:59.019 --> 00:47:05.059
So I believe you're speaking about Facebook because all the other media accounts that

00:47:05.059 --> 00:47:08.579
we have don't allow for comments.

00:47:08.579 --> 00:47:17.510
For Facebook, the topic was brought up in December and then two weeks ago and at this

00:47:17.510 --> 00:47:25.769
This time we are choosing to review what we have put forth and review it until we come

00:47:25.769 --> 00:47:27.170
up with a better solution.

00:47:27.170 --> 00:47:31.449
At this time, at this time, comments are not allowed.

00:47:31.449 --> 00:47:32.449
Okay.

00:47:32.449 --> 00:47:39.690
And now we're going to increase the staff in that department area to help in the process

00:47:39.690 --> 00:47:41.690
and

00:47:42.769 --> 00:47:44.690
the other two, and I'm going to ask you about the

00:47:44.690 --> 00:47:49.690
process of mitigating all kinds of communications, media,

00:47:49.690 --> 00:47:53.690
information, and anything like that that's going to help you to

00:47:53.690 --> 00:47:57.690
improve your work status there.

00:47:57.690 --> 00:48:05.449
At this time, the goal is not to increase staff.

00:48:05.449 --> 00:48:09.449
We do have options for internships here and there.

00:48:09.449 --> 00:48:26.449
I believe back in 2021, it's still a fairly new department, the numbers speak for itself. I do believe that the communication that we have put forth improves our transparency at every level.

00:48:26.449 --> 00:48:35.449
And whether or not we choose to pursue more staff members for the communications team, that is not our goal at this time.

00:48:35.449 --> 00:48:40.489
Okay, well, I'm looking at that I'm looking at that chart right not chart

00:48:40.489 --> 00:48:43.789
But that information chart you have up there

00:48:44.369 --> 00:48:50.449
Who's who's doing the analytical and where the where's that information is coming from that?

00:48:50.970 --> 00:48:52.170
that I'm

00:48:52.170 --> 00:48:55.170
Looking at at this current time and we talk about

00:48:55.849 --> 00:49:01.130
Transparencies and press releases and things like that who's handling all of these

00:49:01.130 --> 00:49:15.130
I'm looking at this chart and I'm like, where are you getting that information from, because I like to know. Yeah, I like to know where it's coming from.

00:49:15.130 --> 00:49:30.889
That is all done in my office by looking at a screen and seeing the stuff that we have done. I counted those numbers by hand. It's not a big enough number to where I have to use any software.

00:49:30.889 --> 00:49:36.150
the Facebook followers accounts it for me the accounts viewed that counts it for me

00:49:36.150 --> 00:49:43.550
the press releases I counted that myself we had 12 in 2023 and then the numbers

00:49:43.550 --> 00:49:48.289
in the chart I counted those by hand those were simple right off of Facebook

00:49:48.289 --> 00:49:53.250
Hold on, Stacy, did you have something? No.

00:49:53.250 --> 00:50:01.000
I would like to ask Attorney Zito to look into the actual blocking of any and all comments

00:50:01.000 --> 00:50:03.519
on government platforms.

00:50:03.519 --> 00:50:08.760
I believe the Supreme Court as well as several other federal courts have ruled very clearly

00:50:08.760 --> 00:50:11.360
on this.

00:50:11.360 --> 00:50:19.480
And if this is our position, you know, I think it's behoo of us to double check that this

00:50:19.480 --> 00:50:21.480
and

00:50:22.480 --> 00:50:24.480
Knapp.

00:50:26.480 --> 00:50:28.480
I think that's something that's okay.

00:50:29.480 --> 00:50:31.480
Clearly, the director doesn't understand what the rules are.

00:50:32.480 --> 00:50:35.480
The city manager doesn't. But that's something that's, it's

00:50:35.480 --> 00:50:37.480
very clear.

00:50:39.480 --> 00:50:42.480
There's a couple of cases, and this is just quick search on

00:50:42.480 --> 00:50:44.480
Google.

00:50:46.480 --> 00:50:48.480
It's by no means legal, you know, but it's very clear several

00:50:48.480 --> 00:50:55.480
and it has generally been ruled that you cannot block opinions just because you feel like

00:50:55.480 --> 00:51:01.880
it. If it is vulgar, if it's offensive, if it's threatening, then that makes sense,

00:51:01.880 --> 00:51:06.000
but that line is pretty well laid out by the Supreme Court.

00:51:06.000 --> 00:51:09.599
Okay, so are you making a motion to task him to do this?

00:51:09.599 --> 00:51:10.599
Yes.

00:51:10.599 --> 00:51:13.199
Is there a second to do that?

00:51:13.199 --> 00:51:14.199
Second.

00:51:14.199 --> 00:51:22.199
okay so if it be the will of the council for Alderman Monroe's motion seconded by

00:51:22.199 --> 00:51:28.480
Alderman Stacey to task the attorney to look into that is there any discussion

00:51:28.480 --> 00:51:37.179
concerning that topic itself madam clerk yeah director I'll discuss it this topic

00:51:37.179 --> 00:51:43.239
was brought up as you are very well aware my view on it is that we need to

00:51:43.239 --> 00:51:46.730
Cronin, and

00:51:46.730 --> 00:51:47.730
Allison.

00:51:47.730 --> 00:51:48.730
I'm going to talk about the

00:51:48.730 --> 00:51:49.730
decision to open it.

00:51:49.730 --> 00:51:50.730
It needs to be reviewed

00:51:50.730 --> 00:51:52.449
further as to whether or not that's the best option based on the discussion we had on this

00:51:52.449 --> 00:51:55.889
floor among these individuals here.

00:51:55.889 --> 00:52:04.110
So we were involved, all of us, in that decision to discuss it further, which led to a, hey,

00:52:04.110 --> 00:52:05.769
let's review it further.

00:52:05.769 --> 00:52:06.769
As far as the

00:52:06.769 --> 00:52:14.409
legality that does fall under Aaron or Attorney Zito, as far as the knowledge on

00:52:14.409 --> 00:52:26.250
On my end, I have seen many communities put forth guidelines to where no comments at all

00:52:26.250 --> 00:52:31.909
are allowed, and I have reached out to them specifically and they have permission from

00:52:31.909 --> 00:52:32.909
their attorney.

00:52:32.909 --> 00:52:40.889
So, we have a motion on the floor.

00:52:40.889 --> 00:52:46.809
If there's no further discussion on that, Madam Mayor, I'll withdraw that motion on

00:52:46.809 --> 00:52:56.440
the grounds that I'll seek other means to address it. Alderman Stacy? I withdraw.

00:52:56.440 --> 00:53:02.840
Okay, is there any further discussion concerning the year-end review? I

00:53:02.840 --> 00:53:07.179
appreciate your time. Thank you. We could have the lights back on. We'll move on to

00:53:07.179 --> 00:53:11.119
item number five, which is the consent agenda. The consent agenda is considered

00:53:11.119 --> 00:53:15.440
to be routine in nature and acted as one motion, unless a member of council would

00:53:15.440 --> 00:53:24.500
The consent agenda consists of approving to receive and place on file the minutes of boards

00:53:24.500 --> 00:53:29.500
and commission meetings from the Liquor Commission meeting December 12, 2024.

00:53:29.500 --> 00:53:33.980
The building permit reports, the police department reports, the fire department reports dated

00:53:33.980 --> 00:53:36.019
December 2024.

00:53:36.019 --> 00:53:41.380
Also is a semi-annual report to the city manager from July to December 2024.

00:53:41.380 --> 00:53:49.179
of the finance bills payable in the total of $4,995,298.61 and the approval of payroll

00:53:49.179 --> 00:53:58.460
for pay period ending July 11th, 2025 in the total of $706,602.71. Also is the finance

00:53:58.460 --> 00:54:04.300
report, the cash and investment reports for November 2024 and the adoption of resolution

00:54:04.300 --> 00:54:12.139
for resolution 2025-11 for resolution requesting temporary closure of streets for the annual

00:54:12.139 --> 00:54:13.739
Memorial Day Parade.

00:54:13.739 --> 00:54:16.579
Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda?

00:54:16.579 --> 00:54:17.579
So moved.

00:54:17.579 --> 00:54:18.579
Second.

00:54:18.579 --> 00:54:24.500
We have a motion made by Aldermen Sellers, seconded by Aldermen Shadle.

00:54:24.500 --> 00:54:25.500
Madam Clerk, could you please take the motion?

00:54:25.500 --> 00:54:28.179
Oh, that should probably be a roll, shouldn't it?

00:54:28.179 --> 00:54:34.420
Sorry.

00:54:34.420 --> 00:54:35.420
Klemm?

00:54:35.420 --> 00:54:36.420
Aye.

00:54:36.420 --> 00:54:37.420
Monroe?

00:54:37.420 --> 00:54:38.420
Aye.

00:54:38.420 --> 00:54:39.420
Simmons?

00:54:39.420 --> 00:54:50.460
Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The consent agenda is

00:54:50.460 --> 00:54:57.260
approved, 8-0. Thank you. Item number 6 is a reappointment. Could you please read this?

00:54:57.260 --> 00:55:00.460
Reappointment of Steve Cox to the Board of the Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone for

00:55:00.460 --> 00:55:07.179
a three-year term effective through December 31, 2027. Mr. Cox has asked that his name

00:55:07.179 --> 00:55:13.820
be pulled for consideration. Madam Clerk, could you please read for the record his statement?

00:55:13.820 --> 00:55:17.980
Mayor Miller, I am requesting that you please withdraw my name for consideration for the

00:55:17.980 --> 00:55:22.340
city's appointed enterprise zone seat. I understand that this appointment has been the source

00:55:22.340 --> 00:55:26.980
of some disagreement, and I do not want to be the source of any further division on the

00:55:26.980 --> 00:55:31.539
council. I would, however, ask that you please make clear to council that the apparent origin

00:55:31.539 --> 00:55:36.139
of the discussion, a courtroom photograph indicating that I was somehow a participant

00:55:36.139 --> 00:55:41.940
in the petition controversy is, in that respect, a complete misrepresentation.

00:55:41.940 --> 00:55:46.659
My purpose in attending court that morning, as I do quite regularly, was to cover some

00:55:46.659 --> 00:55:51.279
routine probate matters. I actually had no idea the petition hearing, which was scheduled

00:55:51.279 --> 00:55:56.260
for the following day, was set for consideration. Being pulled into a political controversy

00:55:56.260 --> 00:56:00.059
was certainly not on my agenda when I went to the office that morning.

00:56:00.059 --> 00:56:03.800
Thank you for the original consideration for the position. It has been an honor to serve

00:56:03.800 --> 00:56:04.800
Fowler.

00:56:04.800 --> 00:56:16.260
This is exactly the kind of thing which will continue to happen if we create an issue out

00:56:16.260 --> 00:56:20.400
of every unsupported accusation that comes along.

00:56:20.400 --> 00:56:27.720
Now we have a subject matter expert, Steve Cox, who has donated his time as this is not

00:56:27.720 --> 00:56:32.260
a paid position in an effort to help this community who does not want to be pulled into

00:56:32.260 --> 00:56:37.059
to another baseless argument just because someone tagged him on a Facebook post.

00:56:37.059 --> 00:56:43.300
This will continue to happen as long as every unfounded accusation is allowed to disrupt

00:56:43.300 --> 00:56:44.980
the business of our city.

00:56:44.980 --> 00:56:49.300
We are going to lose more and more people who have historically been willing to participate

00:56:49.300 --> 00:56:53.779
on our boards and commissions, who do not want to be pulled into the chaos that now

00:56:53.779 --> 00:56:55.779
surrounds this council.

00:56:55.779 --> 00:57:02.239
And when all we have left to choose from are people who want to pull us down to their

00:57:02.239 --> 00:57:17.019
We'll move on to item number seven, which is the second reading of Ordinance 2025-02.

00:57:17.019 --> 00:57:19.239
Could you please read this for the record?

00:57:19.239 --> 00:57:23.860
Ordinance authorizing Northern Illinois Gas Company doing business as NICOR Gas Company

00:57:23.860 --> 00:57:28.139
to construct, operate, and maintain a gas distributing system in and through the city

00:57:28.139 --> 00:57:29.720
of Freeport.

00:57:29.720 --> 00:57:30.720
Manager Boyer.

00:57:30.720 --> 00:57:32.380
Thank you, Madam Chair.

00:57:32.380 --> 00:57:37.059
As discussed at the Committee of the Whole in the last meeting, NICOR has brought forth

00:57:37.059 --> 00:57:44.900
a request to renew the agreement with the City of Freeport in past years.

00:57:44.900 --> 00:57:50.179
We have pretty much covered the cost of all city buildings, but we have included the library

00:57:50.179 --> 00:57:56.940
in this particular agreement to move forward that will provide us with decades of gas for

00:57:56.940 --> 00:57:59.699
heat at no cost to the city.

00:57:59.699 --> 00:58:09.699
Thank you. Is there any further discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:58:09.699 --> 00:58:19.579
Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye.

00:58:19.579 --> 00:58:25.860
And Sellers? Aye. The ordinance passes 8-0. Item number 9 is the first reading of Ordinance

00:58:25.860 --> 00:58:31.340
and

00:58:31.340 --> 00:58:33.980
regarding Part 14, Building and Housing Code,

00:58:33.980 --> 00:58:38.260
Chapter 1442.14, Increasing Plumbing Permit Fees

00:58:38.260 --> 00:58:43.260
and Adding, Chapter 1477.14, Solar Interconnection Types.

00:58:44.619 --> 00:58:46.059
Thank you, Director Duckman?

00:58:47.179 --> 00:58:48.940
Last COW that we had,

00:58:48.940 --> 00:58:51.679
the Committee of the Whole meeting in January,

00:58:51.679 --> 00:58:54.779
we talked about part of this ordinance

00:58:54.779 --> 00:58:57.739
and that part of the ordinance discussed

00:58:57.739 --> 00:58:59.980
the plumbing permit fees.

00:58:59.980 --> 00:59:03.159
So just to kind of, for a refresher here,

00:59:03.159 --> 00:59:06.599
we talked about how water and sewer service installs

00:59:06.599 --> 00:59:09.519
would be, go from $50 to 150.

00:59:09.519 --> 00:59:13.320
So from 50 to 150, which is $100 increase.

00:59:13.320 --> 00:59:18.320
And then we also talked about how installing a fixture

00:59:18.679 --> 00:59:23.599
or requiring a new water line would go from $30 to $100.

00:59:23.599 --> 00:59:28.360
And for a refresher here again, we talked about how

00:59:28.360 --> 00:59:31.239
When we're doing our water and sewer service installs,

00:59:31.239 --> 00:59:35.480
it's requiring time from our public works team,

00:59:35.480 --> 00:59:38.480
our water superintendent actually

00:59:38.480 --> 00:59:41.199
having to inspect these services.

00:59:41.199 --> 00:59:45.599
And also for the water service is not

00:59:45.599 --> 00:59:49.880
requiring an actual service line that's going to our asset,

00:59:49.880 --> 01:00:16.000
We have a service line that's going to our asset which is the water main. Those are going from $30 to $100 for the fact that our consultants, BNF, Building Code Services, they've upped their prices to $100 an hour so the idea is that staff is just trying to be more responsible and recuperate some of these fees and some of the time included there.

01:00:16.000 --> 01:00:46.000
and so forth. So that's the one part of it. And where this comes from, and I talk about it in my memo, but it's also written in the ordinance is that this goes in front of our Building Commission. And in our last Building Commission meeting, this portion was voted in favor by a vote of six to zero. The other part of it is a little more technical and it deals with interconnection types for solar. So I'll try not to get too technical or in the weeds here.

01:00:46.000 --> 01:00:50.719
at our building commission was, how are we connecting?

01:00:50.719 --> 01:00:54.320
How are we requiring solar panel install

01:00:54.320 --> 01:00:56.960
or solar installation companies to connect actually

01:00:56.960 --> 01:00:58.539
into the ComEd meter?

01:00:58.539 --> 01:01:02.659
And there's been some issues, and it's

01:01:02.659 --> 01:01:05.199
been some contention in how they're actually doing it.

01:01:05.199 --> 01:01:09.860
And one of the methodologies or one of the issues

01:01:09.860 --> 01:01:11.920
that we're having is we're requiring

01:01:11.920 --> 01:01:15.280
UL approved connections.

01:01:15.280 --> 01:01:19.920
And main reason there is that we have some older wiring

01:01:19.920 --> 01:01:22.800
and we want to make sure that when people are installing

01:01:22.800 --> 01:01:26.480
the transition from the solar power back into the ComEd

01:01:26.480 --> 01:01:29.119
meter, we want to ensure that there's not actually damage

01:01:29.119 --> 01:01:34.159
being caused to the property owner.

01:01:34.159 --> 01:01:36.159
We want to make sure that our contractors are not

01:01:36.159 --> 01:01:38.880
cutting any corners with there as well.

01:01:38.880 --> 01:01:41.800
And then they're also talking about

01:01:41.800 --> 01:01:44.079
there's an adapter that they're putting on

01:01:44.079 --> 01:01:45.840
for the interconnection that actually connects

01:01:45.840 --> 01:01:47.199
to the existing meter.

01:01:47.199 --> 01:01:52.199
And another issue there is it can impede certain driveways.

01:01:53.639 --> 01:01:56.199
We know that in Freeport, we're an older city

01:01:56.199 --> 01:01:58.719
and we have some smaller, tighter lots.

01:01:58.719 --> 01:02:00.760
And that if people are, if we're allowing

01:02:02.500 --> 01:02:05.559
our solar contractors to just simply put on

01:02:05.559 --> 01:02:09.559
these meter adapters, we wanna make sure

01:02:09.559 --> 01:02:24.960
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle to approve the approval of a 6-0 vote of 6-0

01:02:24.960 --> 01:02:30.079
and staff is recommending moving this forward.

01:02:30.079 --> 01:02:31.920
Is there a motion to move this forward?

01:02:31.920 --> 01:02:33.719
So moved.

01:02:33.719 --> 01:02:34.719
Second.

01:02:34.719 --> 01:02:42.480
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion?

01:02:42.480 --> 01:02:49.400
Alderman Monroe. Thank you Madam Mayor. Director Duckman, so I know that

01:02:49.400 --> 01:02:56.079
negotiations have been kind of going back and forth with some other city

01:02:56.079 --> 01:03:01.320
officials. Is this is this going to cover the cost that once the pay raises go in

01:03:01.320 --> 01:03:07.119
and of the problem the city manager is that going to cover the cost of the

01:03:07.119 --> 01:03:09.840
have the superintendents and go out there.

01:03:09.840 --> 01:03:19.059
I don't believe that was the intent here is to help cover the cost for their time

01:03:19.059 --> 01:03:21.619
to inspect that connection.

01:03:21.619 --> 01:03:25.059
We are trying to be more responsible.

01:03:25.059 --> 01:03:26.059
and so on.

01:03:26.059 --> 01:03:29.659
So I think the public works department is, hey, we've, especially with sewer connections,

01:03:29.659 --> 01:03:34.019
but it's also water connections is saying like, for example, in sewer connections, and

01:03:34.019 --> 01:03:38.019
I worked for a sanitary district of Rockford for seven years, so I have a lot of a large

01:03:38.019 --> 01:03:43.579
body of experience in these sewer service connections, is if you don't have the Fernco

01:03:43.579 --> 01:03:48.300
connected correctly, you could have issues of infiltration in the system of stormwater

01:03:48.300 --> 01:03:52.739
and then that goes into the system and then you're actually essentially training stormwater.

01:03:52.739 --> 01:03:56.219
So you have a better system when you are there inspecting.

01:03:56.219 --> 01:04:01.780
So I've worked with our acting director, Steekle, to say, hey, we got to do a better job of scheduling

01:04:01.780 --> 01:04:05.199
these inspections and making sure they're there.

01:04:05.199 --> 01:04:09.760
I will tell you that in any time we're talking about permitting, because it's a public service,

01:04:09.760 --> 01:04:13.860
I don't think we're intending to recuperate all of our costs because I think that would

01:04:13.860 --> 01:04:20.139
be too, I think that would be injurious to our people to, you know, to truly try to recuperate

01:04:20.139 --> 01:04:43.460
Every cost that's involved with an inspection, you know, $100 going to $150. I couldn't say that in a straight face that that would cover, you know, all the administrative time and and you know, a superintendents time to go check it, the pictures that are taken, the documentation, etc. So I, I think it's just helping to incorporate some of that cost.

01:04:43.860 --> 01:04:44.659
Okay, thank you.

01:04:44.860 --> 01:04:45.659
Alderman Sanders.

01:04:45.659 --> 01:05:15.159
Yeah. I'm listening to that report that Alderman Monroe was given. In addition to that, are we, the city, absorbing any of the costs for inspections and not only that, who come up with the notion that these things needs to come be applied?

01:05:15.159 --> 01:05:20.159
who's making that decision for the increases,

01:05:20.880 --> 01:05:25.059
for the inspection for these homes

01:05:25.059 --> 01:05:28.000
when there's new water or sewer services?

01:05:28.000 --> 01:05:32.380
Who's putting this in place and how do we come up

01:05:32.380 --> 01:05:36.079
with the fees and the costs and why is it put in place?

01:05:36.079 --> 01:05:41.079
Because you gotta remember before you came on board,

01:05:41.340 --> 01:05:44.960
these kinds of things were already in place

01:05:44.960 --> 01:05:45.960
and others.

01:05:45.960 --> 01:06:05.360
I'm just trying to get an understanding to when was this put in place to make these types

01:06:05.360 --> 01:06:13.320
of decisions, to take fees up to charge folks and things of this nature, additional fees

01:06:13.320 --> 01:06:14.679
to what they're already getting.

01:06:14.679 --> 01:06:16.679
They're paying for their water bills,

01:06:16.679 --> 01:06:19.239
their utility bills already.

01:06:19.239 --> 01:06:23.079
And I thought the city was part of the ordinance

01:06:23.079 --> 01:06:26.519
of making sure that all homes and owners

01:06:27.579 --> 01:06:29.320
have the proper hookups.

01:06:31.300 --> 01:06:33.420
I'm trying to understand this.

01:06:34.300 --> 01:06:37.420
How do we get into the business of charging folks

01:06:37.420 --> 01:06:41.920
for hooking up water services and inspections

01:06:41.920 --> 01:06:43.480
and things of this nature.

01:06:43.480 --> 01:06:44.360
You are correct.

01:06:44.360 --> 01:06:48.599
This was here well before my time and more than likely

01:06:48.599 --> 01:06:52.440
since the city was incorporated that if you have a water

01:06:52.440 --> 01:06:56.360
service or a sewer service, you need to get a permit

01:06:56.360 --> 01:06:58.440
and then pay for the permit.

01:06:58.440 --> 01:07:01.900
And then ultimately, there's an inspection.

01:07:01.900 --> 01:07:04.360
What I'm presenting to council, what

01:07:04.360 --> 01:07:07.300
I presented in the committee the whole last week,

01:07:07.300 --> 01:07:10.539
and what I'm also now putting for first reading

01:07:10.539 --> 01:07:16.820
is the reasoning behind why staff presented to our building

01:07:16.820 --> 01:07:22.539
commission raising our water and sewer service installation

01:07:22.539 --> 01:07:23.539
when you get a permit.

01:07:23.539 --> 01:07:25.779
So if your sewer collapses and you

01:07:25.779 --> 01:07:29.220
have to call a company in Freeport and say,

01:07:29.220 --> 01:07:33.659
I need to fix my sewer service, it's collapsed,

01:07:33.659 --> 01:07:37.019
there's currently a fee of $50.

01:07:37.019 --> 01:08:07.019
and in working with public works saying look there's we're we're spending more time improving our system making sure that people aren't doing this under the table you know we're stepping it up making sure that we're there we're making sure people pay the appropriate fees in working with you know with our public works department it was saying hey this this seat this fee seems to be seems to be low we should be incorporating some more of our fees and I said well the proper way to ask for a larger

01:08:07.019 --> 01:08:08.019
and more.

01:08:08.019 --> 01:08:11.019
I would like to just say that, again, we're not, we're not doing this to get a permit

01:08:11.019 --> 01:08:13.059
fee, but we are doing this to get a permit fee.

01:08:13.059 --> 01:08:16.060
When we do it, we're not doing it to get a permit fee.

01:08:16.060 --> 01:08:21.420
We're just trying to make sure that our permit fee is to present it to council, and the committee

01:08:21.420 --> 01:08:25.300
of the whole, explain our reasoning, and then ultimately, now this is the first reading

01:08:25.300 --> 01:08:27.140
of the ordinance, and now it's up to you.

01:08:27.140 --> 01:08:31.699
I mean, certainly, you could, you may have the position, and I know other other people

01:08:31.699 --> 01:08:35.220
have had the position that, you know, we need to keep permit fees low.

01:08:35.220 --> 01:08:40.539
has a licensed plumber on, you know, we have a licensed plumber on the building commission

01:08:40.539 --> 01:08:41.539
that reviewed this.

01:08:41.539 --> 01:08:43.260
They thought it was reasonable.

01:08:43.260 --> 01:08:47.220
So there is some support for it other than just staff.

01:08:47.220 --> 01:08:51.340
And that's really their program.

01:08:51.340 --> 01:08:58.579
In place where it helps the homeowners to offset these, these types of increases and

01:08:58.579 --> 01:09:03.100
bills that that's going to be due coming to them.

01:09:03.100 --> 01:09:11.420
is there a program to help those individuals who are struggling as it, as already struggling

01:09:11.420 --> 01:09:21.619
to be able to go to some kind of office or place to try to get a lower adjustment price

01:09:21.619 --> 01:09:26.220
on these kinds of things because these fees, people just don't have these kinds of dollars

01:09:26.220 --> 01:09:33.100
In this current time, in day and age, we don't have, folks don't have that.

01:09:33.100 --> 01:09:40.800
And so what I'm getting at is that I feel that we're nickel and diming homeowners, pinching

01:09:40.800 --> 01:09:44.260
them for everything that we are doing.

01:09:44.260 --> 01:09:48.020
as far as I'm concerned, as I hear what I'm hearing.

01:09:48.020 --> 01:09:51.279
as I hear what I'm hearing what is the city doing for the homeowners who are

01:09:51.279 --> 01:09:56.520
paying their enormous amount of taxes each year to make sure that they are in

01:09:56.520 --> 01:10:04.239
compliance with the city and that they need stress level mitigation as well.

01:10:04.239 --> 01:10:10.159
What what are we doing for the citizens here in Freeport because you guys what

01:10:10.159 --> 01:10:17.760
What you're saying to me, the staff, the staff or public works or whoever thought that was

01:10:17.760 --> 01:10:26.880
a great deal to increase or something to increase the cost for all the work that they're doing.

01:10:26.880 --> 01:10:36.760
You know, there was a time, I'm like, there was a time we just did it to secure the fact

01:10:36.760 --> 01:10:37.760
Fowler.

01:10:37.760 --> 01:10:41.079
The fact that we did the work, or the plumbers did the work, that they don't have to come

01:10:41.079 --> 01:10:47.239
back 10, 15, 20 years from now to repeat the same task.

01:10:47.239 --> 01:10:52.319
And that's what I feel that should happen when a homeowner takes his dollars and pay

01:10:52.319 --> 01:10:59.720
it out to these utility companies and plumbers and water and sewer and all these other kind

01:10:59.720 --> 01:11:01.279
of stuff.

01:11:01.279 --> 01:11:05.560
People just don't have that kind of budget to do that.

01:11:05.560 --> 01:11:12.319
Water and sewer service is an expensive, horrible event that you don't want to have happen to

01:11:12.319 --> 01:11:13.319
you.

01:11:13.319 --> 01:11:14.319
Exactly.

01:11:14.319 --> 01:11:19.560
Nobody wants to have a water line break from the city, you know, from the service side

01:11:19.560 --> 01:11:22.520
because now you have a house without water.

01:11:22.520 --> 01:11:29.359
And nobody wants a sewer service to break because you're going to have your basement

01:11:29.359 --> 01:11:31.039
full of raw sewage.

01:11:31.039 --> 01:11:32.760
It's horrible.

01:11:32.760 --> 01:11:35.199
Many people hopefully have insurance to cover that.

01:11:35.199 --> 01:11:38.600
I know it's something that is covered by some insurance

01:11:38.600 --> 01:11:39.439
companies, some aren't.

01:11:39.439 --> 01:11:41.920
So some of these horrible experiences

01:11:41.920 --> 01:11:43.960
are going to be covered by insurance.

01:11:43.960 --> 01:11:47.039
And when they're not, regardless of how it's handled,

01:11:47.039 --> 01:11:49.159
nobody wants to deal with it.

01:11:49.159 --> 01:11:52.319
Nobody wants to have a water or sewer service go down.

01:11:52.319 --> 01:11:53.680
Absolutely.

01:11:53.680 --> 01:11:57.399
But city staff is saying here, and the benefit,

01:11:57.399 --> 01:11:59.399
we're talking about right now the benefit

01:11:59.399 --> 01:12:01.600
costs $50 to the homeowner.

01:12:01.600 --> 01:12:03.880
And what staff is saying is we believe

01:12:03.880 --> 01:12:06.920
and I, and I'm going to say that the price should be increased to 150.

01:12:06.920 --> 01:12:11.359
Again, you're voting on that and you may certainly say you do have a strong standpoint to say,

01:12:11.359 --> 01:12:13.640
look, we're holding the line at 50.

01:12:13.640 --> 01:12:19.279
But the benefit is that when you do go through this and you have raw sewage in your basement,

01:12:19.279 --> 01:12:24.039
you have a house without water, is that you have a public works employee who's coming

01:12:24.039 --> 01:12:30.020
to look at that connection and is going to say the connection was done correctly so that

01:12:30.020 --> 01:12:37.140
Now, when before they fill the hole or backfill the hole where the sewer connection was made,

01:12:37.140 --> 01:12:43.180
the inspection had to be done, and that homeowner can rest assured that at the time the hole

01:12:43.180 --> 01:12:47.220
was backfilled, the work was done correctly because the city said it was done.

01:12:47.220 --> 01:12:53.579
Now, not accusing anybody, but I'm not going to accuse any contractor, but if a contractor

01:12:53.579 --> 01:12:58.939
doesn't have that inspector there, it's essentially a check, and that is a benefit to a homeowner.

01:12:58.939 --> 01:13:03.939
I have seen jobs repeated because of poor construction work

01:13:05.899 --> 01:13:09.460
to homeowners when they have to pay double

01:13:09.460 --> 01:13:12.819
to make sure that they get the right plumber

01:13:12.819 --> 01:13:14.739
and the right inspection in there.

01:13:14.739 --> 01:13:18.340
They have to pay double duty to make these corrections.

01:13:18.340 --> 01:13:20.159
It comes from the homeowner.

01:13:20.159 --> 01:13:22.699
I have seen poor inspections,

01:13:22.699 --> 01:13:25.899
even with our own city's inspectors.

01:13:25.899 --> 01:13:27.380
I have seen those kinds of things.

01:13:27.380 --> 01:13:29.979
I'm talking about my experience.

01:13:29.979 --> 01:13:34.979
And so these things happen and God forbid,

01:13:35.180 --> 01:13:39.619
any homeowner runs into this kind of situation

01:13:39.619 --> 01:13:42.460
and have no recovery, they can't recover.

01:13:42.460 --> 01:13:45.159
That's the reason why I'm asking is their program

01:13:45.159 --> 01:13:49.380
that will allow homeowners to offset these types of costs

01:13:49.380 --> 01:13:54.380
because they can amount to thousands of dollars

01:13:54.380 --> 01:14:05.380
If we're not careful about how we're going about trying to raise increases for any kind of utility, it can be enormous.

01:14:05.380 --> 01:14:10.380
Okay, so you've had three times now that you've spoken. Darren, do you want to finish that?

01:14:10.380 --> 01:14:17.380
I just wanted to state that the public works fees, water and sewer enterprise funds,

01:14:17.380 --> 01:14:23.859
We need to capture at least our cost on these items in order to make sure that we're not

01:14:23.859 --> 01:14:26.380
running these departments at a loss.

01:14:26.380 --> 01:14:31.479
We are only going by the codes and ordinances and, for instance, a sewer lateral is owned

01:14:31.479 --> 01:14:34.800
by the homeowner from the house to the main.

01:14:34.800 --> 01:14:36.539
That is our code, right?

01:14:36.539 --> 01:14:43.020
And EPA is requiring documentation to show that we are, per our CMOM, reporting that

01:14:43.020 --> 01:14:49.180
we are inspecting those connections and making sure we're not getting water, water infiltration

01:14:49.180 --> 01:14:50.180
into the sewer.

01:14:50.180 --> 01:14:52.460
That's just on that.

01:14:52.460 --> 01:14:56.260
We have always had cost in place to do these works.

01:14:56.260 --> 01:15:01.119
The costs that are there now are not covering the cost and per our enterprise zone to make

01:15:01.119 --> 01:15:05.319
sure that water and sewer doesn't get in the shape that it was years ago.

01:15:05.319 --> 01:15:10.699
We have to cover the cost of the work that's taken.

01:15:10.699 --> 01:15:16.020
We do have multiple trips and I will say just in the last month we've had two sewer repairs

01:15:16.020 --> 01:15:21.300
that had to be redone because on the inspections they were wrong, so the inspections are important

01:15:21.300 --> 01:15:22.300
to happen.

01:15:22.300 --> 01:15:25.420
Alderman Stacey, you had your hand up.

01:15:25.420 --> 01:15:38.199
Yes, last week we spoke about $100 going from $50 to $100 fee.

01:15:38.199 --> 01:15:40.720
Was that even considered?

01:15:40.720 --> 01:15:47.600
is considered now, I mean, 100% considered now, if that's the motion you'd like to make,

01:15:47.600 --> 01:15:53.119
you know, staff, staff's recommending 150, but certainly you could recommend $100.

01:15:53.119 --> 01:16:02.689
Okay, these duties that we're saying we need more money for, it's nothing that's been added

01:16:02.689 --> 01:16:04.770
to this job title.

01:16:04.770 --> 01:16:08.890
It is what it is, correct?

01:16:08.890 --> 01:16:14.750
is their duties, is what they're hired to do.

01:16:14.750 --> 01:16:17.149
Do you want me to, I can answer it.

01:16:17.149 --> 01:16:18.149
Go ahead.

01:16:18.149 --> 01:16:19.149
Yes.

01:16:19.149 --> 01:16:23.510
I believe what you're asking here is, the inspector that goes out and looks at the sewer

01:16:23.510 --> 01:16:26.989
connection, has their job duties changed?

01:16:26.989 --> 01:16:32.590
No, they are required, that specific job duty has not changed.

01:16:32.590 --> 01:16:41.579
So if we feel like they deserve more money for doing their duties, then should that be

01:16:41.579 --> 01:16:54.819
To clarify, the money doesn't go to the employee, the money goes to the utility company, the

01:16:54.819 --> 01:17:00.819
sewer or water department, whichever one it is, it goes as a fee just like everything

01:17:00.819 --> 01:17:07.500
else that goes back into our general fund and our accounts, it's a permitting fee is

01:17:07.500 --> 01:17:08.500
what it is.

01:17:08.500 --> 01:17:09.500
To recoup some costs.

01:17:09.500 --> 01:17:13.500
There's nothing to do with any payment to any water and sewer employee whatsoever.

01:17:13.500 --> 01:17:17.500
Attorney Zito, did you want to add to it as well?

01:17:17.500 --> 01:17:24.500
No, well, I was just going to try to give another example of the fact that, you know, I think the permit

01:17:24.500 --> 01:17:29.500
fee increase that's being requested or being proposed, it's just like with anything else.

01:17:29.500 --> 01:17:34.500
You know, over time, this fee hasn't changed probably for over a decade, if not more.

01:17:34.500 --> 01:17:37.500
It's been $50 for the inspection permit fee, right?

01:17:37.500 --> 01:17:41.859
Well, over the course of time, inflation, this, that, the cost of everything, whether

01:17:41.859 --> 01:17:46.859
people get raises over time, cost of paper costs more, cost of ink costs more, whatever

01:17:46.859 --> 01:17:53.340
it is, costs more, right, 10 years later, now, and so every so often, whether it's permit

01:17:53.340 --> 01:17:57.140
fees or the cost of a hamburger when you go to the store, things get more expensive because

01:17:57.140 --> 01:18:01.420
inflation, so I think that's all they're looking to do, is to try to recoup some costs

01:18:01.420 --> 01:18:05.779
because it hasn't been, the fee's been the same for the last God knows how many years.

01:18:05.779 --> 01:18:09.859
I understand that, but to go from 50 to 150,

01:18:11.180 --> 01:18:13.100
I feel it's a bit much.

01:18:13.100 --> 01:18:15.500
And certainly as Director Duckman said,

01:18:15.500 --> 01:18:17.600
this is before the council right now

01:18:17.600 --> 01:18:18.800
for your guys' consideration.

01:18:18.800 --> 01:18:22.180
So certainly if you guys want to change it from,

01:18:22.180 --> 01:18:23.819
deviate from staff's recommendation

01:18:23.819 --> 01:18:25.500
and take it to a different number,

01:18:25.500 --> 01:18:29.220
you guys can make a motion to amend it to $100

01:18:29.220 --> 01:18:30.920
or whatever the number you guys want.

01:18:30.920 --> 01:18:33.260
And if the consensus of the council is to say,

01:18:33.260 --> 01:18:38.220
Yeah, we think 100 is better than 150, then that's how the ordinance will be amended and

01:18:38.220 --> 01:18:40.539
we'll draft it up that way and go from there.

01:18:40.539 --> 01:18:42.819
But they didn't just pull a number out of the hat.

01:18:42.819 --> 01:18:50.819
This was an evaluation of expense and at the recommendation of the Building Commission.

01:18:50.819 --> 01:18:54.460
So if you want to change it, it's just that's the recommendation that's coming forward.

01:18:54.460 --> 01:18:56.340
Alderman Monroe, did you have a question?

01:18:56.340 --> 01:18:57.340
Yes.

01:18:57.340 --> 01:18:58.340
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:18:58.340 --> 01:19:01.619
A couple of questions, then I'd like to comment on your response.

01:19:01.619 --> 01:19:06.619
How many of these do you do per year, and what's the average hourly rate of the people

01:19:06.619 --> 01:19:09.460
that are going out to do these inspections?

01:19:09.460 --> 01:19:19.180
We, excuse me, we had 40 of these last year, and I can get, um...

01:19:19.180 --> 01:19:20.180
Rough estimate.

01:19:20.180 --> 01:19:25.220
Well, the only reason I'm saying, I'm going to go to our public works team on this one

01:19:25.220 --> 01:19:31.140
is, so, and to give you some background is, we'll get a plumbing permit for a sewer service,

01:19:31.140 --> 01:19:38.059
My department will and we'll say, okay, that's $50. And then what Attorney Stiegel is saying

01:19:38.059 --> 01:19:42.500
is, hey, you know, we have by our EPA permit, we've got to check that connection to our

01:19:42.500 --> 01:19:45.779
sewer system. So then he has to, we have to coordinate with him to say.

01:19:45.779 --> 01:19:54.000
We have to coordinate with him to say, okay, we have a plumbing permit for a sewer, you need to send your people out and inspect it.

01:19:54.000 --> 01:20:03.000
And the reason why I would say the hourly rate a little bit out of my department is when I'm calling Public Works, I'm saying, hey, we're getting this.

01:20:03.000 --> 01:20:08.000
You have to, in conjunction with my department, you also have to be there.

01:20:08.000 --> 01:20:36.000
I'd like to make my comment. $150 and you just hit where I was going with my comment. We've already charged for a lot of this because they've gotten a permit that we're now increased at the 1% of the cost.

01:20:36.000 --> 01:20:37.000
Miller.

01:20:37.000 --> 01:20:44.279
So the permit, anything, any works done, driveway, any home improvement, all of that.

01:20:44.279 --> 01:20:47.180
We just voted on that within the last, what, two, three months?

01:20:47.180 --> 01:20:48.720
That's 1%.

01:20:48.720 --> 01:20:53.159
And I don't know any time that somebody goes and starts digging in your yard, working on

01:20:53.159 --> 01:20:59.680
water and sewer, that it's less than a few hundred dollars that's probably coming back

01:20:59.680 --> 01:21:01.520
to the city.

01:21:01.520 --> 01:21:02.520
Miller.

01:21:02.520 --> 01:21:08.640
Those types of breaks at that point where it goes back into the system cause substantial

01:21:08.640 --> 01:21:10.819
damage to the interior of the house.

01:21:10.819 --> 01:21:15.199
They cause damage to the, there's damage into the lines going back and forth, the water

01:21:15.199 --> 01:21:23.539
and sewer, and they've already paid probably a few hundred bucks, is my guess, because

01:21:23.539 --> 01:21:26.420
I had a backup in my basement.

01:21:26.420 --> 01:21:31.359
It was easily, it would have exceeded the 10 grand that I had coverage.

01:21:31.359 --> 01:21:39.079
So when you get into this, these numbers get big and it's just like another 150 bucks.

01:21:39.079 --> 01:21:40.760
Water bill's already 200.

01:21:40.760 --> 01:21:45.359
I mean at what point, that's where Alderman Sanders was going, at what point does it make

01:21:45.359 --> 01:21:50.840
sense to say okay, we're getting to that breaking point for a lot of the citizens in the city

01:21:50.840 --> 01:21:57.359
of Freeport and once again I'll come back to it, there's a lot, the average salary or

01:21:57.359 --> 01:21:58.359
Miller.

01:21:58.359 --> 01:22:02.560
The average income per family in this city is less than $50,000 a year, so right around

01:22:02.560 --> 01:22:06.800
44, 45,000, I think, last time I checked.

01:22:06.800 --> 01:22:10.079
And these are going to be substantial costs to them.

01:22:10.079 --> 01:22:14.479
And that's why we end up with these houses that we have these discussions about that

01:22:14.479 --> 01:22:17.279
we're tearing down, because people can't afford to fix them.

01:22:17.279 --> 01:22:19.119
They can't afford to live.

01:22:19.119 --> 01:22:24.239
And just throwing a number out, see, these are things that should be known.

01:22:24.239 --> 01:22:28.760
If I'm doing this 40 times per year, I should know what the cost is, and this is the difference

01:22:28.760 --> 01:22:30.899
between government and business.

01:22:30.899 --> 01:22:33.020
Business would know every single piece of this.

01:22:33.020 --> 01:22:37.399
I guarantee you Alderman Shadle goes out and does an electric job, they know how many hours,

01:22:37.399 --> 01:22:40.960
they know how many miles they drove, they know everything about it, they've estimated

01:22:40.960 --> 01:22:43.560
every piece of that.

01:22:43.560 --> 01:22:45.619
We're not leaving the city limits.

01:22:45.619 --> 01:22:48.640
So the estimation of the mileage, that's pretty minimal.

01:22:48.640 --> 01:22:50.439
But how long does it take to do the permit?

01:22:50.439 --> 01:22:52.640
How long does it take to do the inspection?

01:22:52.640 --> 01:22:53.640
Fowler.

01:22:53.640 --> 01:22:58.600
Those are the things that we need to kind of have a basis, and you should have a better

01:22:58.600 --> 01:23:05.079
idea before you come to council and say, oh, we're just going to take it from 50 to 150.

01:23:05.079 --> 01:23:06.079
That's $100.

01:23:06.079 --> 01:23:11.239
You know, that's a significant increase, and we need to know those costs, and we can't

01:23:11.239 --> 01:23:16.460
just keep going back to the well and taxing the hell out of the citizens of Freeport just

01:23:16.460 --> 01:23:18.020
because we haven't done our jobs.

01:23:18.020 --> 01:23:26.000
We haven't sat down and thought this through and thought of it as it's our money and that's

01:23:26.000 --> 01:23:30.539
that's where we're at right now and and I'll leave it at that.

01:23:30.539 --> 01:23:32.779
Olin Sellers?

01:23:32.779 --> 01:23:38.579
In the memo it says a hundred dollars so it was already I think it's it was an increase

01:23:38.579 --> 01:23:39.579
of a hundred dollars.

01:23:39.579 --> 01:23:40.579
Yeah it was an increase of a hundred.

01:23:40.579 --> 01:23:41.579
So it wasn't the 150.

01:23:41.579 --> 01:23:42.579
So it's 150.

01:23:42.579 --> 01:23:43.579
So it was an increase of a hundred.

01:23:43.579 --> 01:23:44.579
It's to increase it to a hundred.

01:23:44.579 --> 01:23:45.579
Of a hundred instead of fifty.

01:23:45.579 --> 01:23:46.579
It's to increase it to 150.

01:23:46.579 --> 01:23:53.460
said 150 they did do the the hundred no no no it's an increase what's being

01:23:53.460 --> 01:24:00.260
proposed is 150 also the whole thing so you want to do it a hundred to make it a

01:24:00.260 --> 01:24:05.659
hundred and fifty correct correct not just the hundred and again the idea here

01:24:05.659 --> 01:24:11.659
is to recuperate the Public Works Department's time that they have to go

01:24:11.659 --> 01:24:14.300
Watt, and do the inspection.

01:24:14.300 --> 01:24:17.220
But it's their job.

01:24:17.220 --> 01:24:18.819
Oldham and Klemm?

01:24:18.819 --> 01:24:19.819
Yeah.

01:24:19.819 --> 01:24:22.180
I'd just like to, as long as you're

01:24:22.180 --> 01:24:25.500
taking all this math into it that makes no sense,

01:24:25.500 --> 01:24:27.619
let's take and add the price of the employee,

01:24:27.619 --> 01:24:30.340
the price of work that's come, the price of the truck,

01:24:30.340 --> 01:24:32.979
the price of diesel, the price of tools,

01:24:32.979 --> 01:24:34.699
and the price of him going there and back,

01:24:34.699 --> 01:24:36.460
and going there and back.

01:24:36.460 --> 01:24:38.579
So that enters into it, too.

01:24:38.579 --> 01:24:40.739
I mean, and how many years has it

01:24:40.739 --> 01:24:54.300
Ben since there's been an increase. So everybody sounds like they're willing to talk about something, Harry. They've talked about we got it. This is only first reading. It's going to come back again. So we got plenty of time to work with it.

01:24:54.300 --> 01:25:02.520
Deren. Yeah, so we didn't willy-nilly throw this together. Andy Leverton and I

01:25:02.520 --> 01:25:09.819
did sit down and calculate his time and staff's time in doing this. Fuel, benefits,

01:25:09.819 --> 01:25:17.979
the whole package to the utility. So yes, 150 is a little bit more than we need,

01:25:17.979 --> 01:25:22.260
but also this hasn't been changed forever and we didn't want to come back.

01:25:22.260 --> 01:25:26.300
Back, this is not something that is annually looked at for a price.

01:25:26.300 --> 01:25:30.659
So if the council wants to change it, we're more than apt to that.

01:25:30.659 --> 01:25:36.220
But as directors and staff members, we are here to make sure that the city is covering

01:25:36.220 --> 01:25:40.640
our cost and doing the right thing for the city.

01:25:40.640 --> 01:25:41.939
And that's what we're trying to do.

01:25:41.939 --> 01:25:46.220
So if you guys want to change it to 100, so be it.

01:25:46.220 --> 01:25:48.220
We can make that work.

01:25:48.220 --> 01:25:53.439
The issue is, is that we do get called out to most of these places at least two times,

01:25:53.439 --> 01:25:56.060
if not three times, right?

01:25:56.060 --> 01:26:02.399
Anywhere in the city to travel, 15, 20 minutes here and there, fuel, gas, extra trips, it

01:26:02.399 --> 01:26:04.819
all adds up to the utility.

01:26:04.819 --> 01:26:09.600
And this is how we got in the situation of not being able to replace our infrastructure

01:26:09.600 --> 01:26:14.739
is the utility is actually nickel and dimed and then we don't have expenses to cover our

01:26:14.739 --> 01:26:15.739
and others.

01:26:15.739 --> 01:26:26.420
We are trying to do the responsible thing, and we did put the math to it, and this is

01:26:26.420 --> 01:26:27.859
our recommendation.

01:26:27.859 --> 01:26:31.300
You guys set policy, so if you want to set it lower, so be it.

01:26:31.300 --> 01:26:32.300
We'll accept it.

01:26:32.300 --> 01:26:38.000
I would like to make a motion.

01:26:38.000 --> 01:26:45.039
Well, actually, Alderman Sanders, you've already exceeded your limit of how many times you

01:26:45.039 --> 01:26:46.039
could speak.

01:26:46.039 --> 01:26:48.760
So Alderman, Stacy, do you have something more?

01:26:48.760 --> 01:26:58.039
I would just like to make a motion that we take this to a flat 100, a $50 increase, and

01:26:58.039 --> 01:27:03.239
not the $150 that was recommended.

01:27:03.239 --> 01:27:06.479
I'll second it.

01:27:06.479 --> 01:27:13.079
So you want to make a motion to make the increase to a $50 increase, taking it to 100.

01:27:13.079 --> 01:27:15.159
$50 increase to make it a flat 100.

01:27:15.159 --> 01:27:19.300
Okay, so that motion was made by Alderman Stacy, seconded by Alderman Simmons?

01:27:19.300 --> 01:27:20.300
No.

01:27:20.300 --> 01:27:21.300
No?

01:27:21.300 --> 01:27:22.300
Alderman Sellers.

01:27:22.300 --> 01:27:23.300
Alderman Sellers?

01:27:23.300 --> 01:27:26.630
I'm sorry.

01:27:26.630 --> 01:27:32.310
Is there more discussion on that amendment only?

01:27:32.310 --> 01:27:33.550
On that amendment?

01:27:33.550 --> 01:27:36.869
On that amendment, just to increase it to a flat $100.

01:27:36.869 --> 01:27:38.590
Alderman Simmons?

01:27:38.590 --> 01:27:39.590
Yeah.

01:27:39.590 --> 01:27:41.670
So, I would support that.

01:27:41.670 --> 01:27:47.310
I know it needs to be increased and I understand that, but when it came to recouping costs

01:27:47.310 --> 01:27:55.489
Graham, James, Alex, Susanna,

01:28:19.840 --> 01:28:32.899
on this motion yeah yeah who's liable to with this notion to to raise these rates

01:28:32.899 --> 01:28:41.079
and and what department I know you say public works but who who's losing does

01:28:41.079 --> 01:28:47.399
the city lose anything because these kinds of things usually the city has

01:28:47.399 --> 01:28:48.399
and John.

01:28:48.399 --> 01:28:58.979
We're not doing anything to help homeowners.

01:28:58.979 --> 01:29:03.300
What we're doing is throwing them under the bus by saying, well, we're going to charge

01:29:03.300 --> 01:29:07.359
you this, this, this, but what are we doing for the citizens of Freeport?

01:29:07.359 --> 01:29:12.359
Because what I'm hearing is that we're throwing fees out there to increase something that

01:29:12.359 --> 01:29:18.039
has been going on for decades and now all of a sudden they're looking at this, this is

01:29:18.039 --> 01:29:22.159
a surprise to a lot of the homeowners to give that-

01:29:22.159 --> 01:29:24.199
Alderman Sanders, Attorney Zito wants to-

01:29:24.199 --> 01:29:29.559
So Alderman Sanders, so the motion that's on the floor right now is just about changing

01:29:29.559 --> 01:29:32.920
from 150 to 100.

01:29:32.920 --> 01:29:36.000
And I say no, period.

01:29:36.000 --> 01:29:43.520
I was trying to give an explanation to why I was saying no for any increase because this

01:29:43.520 --> 01:29:44.020
has not

01:29:44.020 --> 01:29:45.000
Thank you.

01:29:45.000 --> 01:29:46.000
Thank you.

01:29:46.000 --> 01:29:47.000
Thank you.

01:29:47.000 --> 01:29:48.000
and Stacey.

01:29:48.000 --> 01:29:54.800
That's my position on that subject, and I just wanted to make it clear that just to throw

01:29:54.800 --> 01:30:00.239
that out there like that, there has not been a study for the council to even make that

01:30:00.239 --> 01:30:08.119
distinction of what we used to have and what we're trying to do today or whenever we ask

01:30:08.119 --> 01:30:09.119
people.

01:30:09.119 --> 01:30:10.119
Okay.

01:30:10.119 --> 01:30:11.119
So we've talked about this at a COW.

01:30:11.119 --> 01:30:14.159
We've got this, and it's Alderman Stacey and Alderman Sellers that have put this forward

01:30:14.159 --> 01:30:39.680
Clem, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers,

01:30:39.680 --> 01:30:54.060
We are tied at four to four. Mayor? No. That motion fails. Four to five. Okay, so we're

01:30:54.060 --> 01:30:58.539
back to the original of moving this forward. So are we ready to move this on to the next

01:30:58.539 --> 01:31:04.380
City Council meeting? No. We have that motion. So I mean, is the discussion done is what

01:31:04.380 --> 01:31:12.699
I mean. Darren? Yeah. You know, sitting back, so if it's went to 100, we're talking about

01:31:12.699 --> 01:31:42.699
We're talking about 40 inspections. So it's a $50 increase. We're talking about $2,000. If it went to 150, what are we talking about? An increase of $100, it's $3,700, right? So again, we did the math and the study of what it costs. The city at the $50 rate currently on the inspections, we don't break even on what the employee, the equipment, the inspection time that it costs.

01:31:42.699 --> 01:31:48.939
and the city whole so we don't lose ground and end up in the same boat that the utility was in

01:31:49.739 --> 01:31:56.220
seven or eight years ago when we had to do massive increases for utility rates for every person in

01:31:56.220 --> 01:32:03.899
town. This is how you get behind in your utility and you can't afford it. So we are just trying

01:32:03.899 --> 01:32:10.380
to do the right thing for the utility and the city that owns the utility. That's what we're trying to

01:32:10.380 --> 01:32:16.819
to do, is make sure that we at least cover costs of the goods and services we provide.

01:32:16.819 --> 01:32:20.500
That is our responsibility as the enterprise zone.

01:32:20.500 --> 01:32:24.140
So we will, you've already exceeded your- Again, I exceeded?

01:32:24.140 --> 01:32:25.140
You have exceeded.

01:32:25.140 --> 01:32:26.140
You've already spoken like four times.

01:32:26.140 --> 01:32:28.060
Well, how many times does he get to speak?

01:32:28.060 --> 01:32:29.420
As many times as I let him.

01:32:29.420 --> 01:32:30.979
Oh, that's my point.

01:32:30.979 --> 01:32:31.979
You got a- Yes.

01:32:31.979 --> 01:32:35.260
I got a problem with just what you said, and that should not affect-

01:32:35.260 --> 01:32:39.060
He's just trying to bring clarity all the time, and he's trying to bring clarity to

01:32:39.060 --> 01:32:40.060
your-

01:32:40.060 --> 01:32:56.020
Aldermen, Stacy, I believe you've already spoken twice.

01:32:56.020 --> 01:32:58.220
I just need some clarity.

01:32:58.220 --> 01:33:01.939
Okay, so this is going to move to the next?

01:33:01.939 --> 01:33:05.020
The next city council meeting, the way it stands.

01:33:05.020 --> 01:33:06.020
Okay.

01:33:06.020 --> 01:33:16.300
So what if the ones that said yes to the 100 now say no to no change at all, then we're

01:33:16.300 --> 01:33:18.220
right back where we started.

01:33:18.220 --> 01:33:19.220
No or no.

01:33:19.220 --> 01:33:20.220
Right where we started.

01:33:20.220 --> 01:33:23.260
Mayor Miller's gonna, she's gonna raise it.

01:33:23.260 --> 01:33:25.260
Who gonna do that?

01:33:25.260 --> 01:33:26.260
You go.

01:33:26.260 --> 01:33:27.260
Alderman Sellers, did you have something else?

01:33:27.260 --> 01:33:28.260
You haven't spoken twice.

01:33:28.260 --> 01:33:29.260
I'm out of line.

01:33:29.260 --> 01:33:30.260
We'll go to second reading.

01:33:30.260 --> 01:33:31.260
You're done?

01:33:31.260 --> 01:33:32.260
So we're gonna go to second reading.

01:33:32.260 --> 01:33:33.260
Okay.

01:33:33.260 --> 01:33:34.260
All right.

01:33:34.260 --> 01:33:35.260
I'll get some more information.

01:33:35.260 --> 01:33:37.260
Okay.

01:33:37.260 --> 01:33:39.460
All right, item number 10 is the first ring of ordinance,

01:33:39.460 --> 01:33:42.100
2025,05, could you please read this?

01:33:42.100 --> 01:33:44.859
Oh, ordinance approving special use permit application

01:33:44.859 --> 01:33:47.140
at 219 E. Stephenson street,

01:33:47.140 --> 01:33:50.140
submitted by Michelle Davies and Jeff Schultz

01:33:50.140 --> 01:33:52.819
to examine the special use of a B2,

01:33:52.819 --> 01:33:55.619
limited service business district zone property

01:33:55.619 --> 01:33:58.539
to allow restaurants, taverns, package liquor stores,

01:33:58.539 --> 01:34:01.500
and any other establishment selling alcoholic beverages

01:34:01.500 --> 01:34:03.720
for consumption on or off the premises.

01:34:03.720 --> 01:34:22.439
section B 11. Director Duckman. Thank you Madam Mayor. Staff received a special use application from Michelle Davies and Jeff Schultz for their restaurant and it was an application to sell alcoholic beverages at 219 E Stevenston Street.

01:34:22.439 --> 01:34:52.439
Excuse me, and staff brought this petition to the Zoning Board of Appeals on January 2nd and it was recommended for approval of a vote of 5-0 with zero abstentions and January 9th staff brought this to the Planning Commission and it was also recommended for approval by a vote of 5-0 with zero abstentions and staff in line with the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission is recommending approval but also wanted to state that

01:34:52.439 --> 01:35:00.439
Per the request of the new proprietors of the business, they are requesting a suspension of the rules so they can get moving on their liquor license.

01:35:00.439 --> 01:35:02.439
Is there a motion to move this forward?

01:35:02.439 --> 01:35:03.439
So move.

01:35:03.439 --> 01:35:04.439
Second.

01:35:04.439 --> 01:35:08.439
There will be a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

01:35:08.439 --> 01:35:10.439
Discussion on this ordinance?

01:35:10.439 --> 01:35:17.329
We'll move on to item number 11, which is...

01:35:17.329 --> 01:35:21.329
We wanted the rules for you.

01:35:21.329 --> 01:35:32.369
and who made that motion? Second. Alderman Klemm seconded by alderman Sellers to

01:35:32.369 --> 01:35:36.770
suspend the rules. Suspension of the rules is non-debatable and must pass by

01:35:36.770 --> 01:35:41.210
two-thirds majority. Madam Clerk please take the rule on the suspension only.

01:35:41.210 --> 01:35:51.989
Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers.

01:35:51.989 --> 01:35:54.869
The suspension of the rules passes eight to zero.

01:35:54.869 --> 01:35:59.869
So then now before you counsel is for the final passage of this ordinance. Any further discussion?

01:35:59.869 --> 01:36:02.369
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:36:02.369 --> 01:36:11.189
Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers.

01:36:11.189 --> 01:36:19.350
Hi. The ordinance passes 8 to 0. And item number 11 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-06. Could

01:36:19.350 --> 01:36:25.430
you please read this? Ordinance approving special use permit application at 219 East Stevenson Street

01:36:25.430 --> 01:36:30.949
submitted by Michelle Davies and Jeff Scholz to examine the special use of a B-2-2 limited

01:36:30.949 --> 01:36:36.949
service business district zone property to allow restaurants with outdoor serving areas section B-10.

01:36:36.949 --> 01:36:43.350
Director Duckman thank you madam mayor so staff received a special use

01:36:43.350 --> 01:36:49.229
application from Michelle Davies and Jeff Schultz same same proprietors of the

01:36:49.229 --> 01:36:53.350
business at 219 East Stevenson Street and what this special use was for was to

01:36:53.350 --> 01:36:57.390
allow them to have a restaurant with an outdoor serving area and I'll put up on

01:36:57.390 --> 01:37:04.029
the screen the prior owners had a also had an outdoor serving area at their

01:37:04.029 --> 01:37:05.029
Weir.

01:37:05.029 --> 01:37:12.210
This was brought to the Zoning Board of Appeals on January 2nd, and it was recommended for

01:37:12.210 --> 01:37:15.770
approval with a vote of 5-0, with zero abstentions.

01:37:15.770 --> 01:37:21.369
And on January 9th, it was brought before the Planning Commission, and it was recommended

01:37:21.369 --> 01:37:25.550
for approval by a vote of 5-0, with zero abstentions.

01:37:25.550 --> 01:37:30.689
And the proprietors of this business are not looking to suspend the rules, it's fairly

01:37:30.689 --> 01:37:31.689
cold outside.

01:37:31.689 --> 01:37:46.689
I don't think that they plan on having any outdoor dining for a few months, so they had not sought a suspension of the rules here, so in line with the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission, we are recommending moving this forward.

01:37:46.689 --> 01:37:48.689
Motion to move it forward.

01:37:48.689 --> 01:37:50.689
So moved. Second.

01:37:50.689 --> 01:37:56.689
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers to move this ordinance forward.

01:37:56.689 --> 01:38:01.100
Any discussion?

01:38:01.100 --> 01:38:04.619
did you want this you said you did not care about this being moved for the

01:38:04.619 --> 01:38:09.380
suspension there's no there's not been a request for suspension the rules madam

01:38:09.380 --> 01:38:14.899
mayor yes this this would affect me in issuing their liquor license however if

01:38:14.899 --> 01:38:19.739
we did the outdoor later I'd have to issue it twice and and read motion to

01:38:19.739 --> 01:38:24.659
suspend the rules mayor second we have a motion to spend the rules by alderman

01:38:24.659 --> 01:38:34.399
Monroe, seconded by Alderman Sellers? Stacy. Stacy? Alderman Stacy? Again, suspension of

01:38:34.399 --> 01:38:38.260
the rules is non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds. Madam Clerk, could you please

01:38:38.260 --> 01:38:45.579
take the role in the suspension only? Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Absent. Oh, I am

01:38:45.579 --> 01:38:53.140
so sorry. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The suspension

01:38:53.140 --> 01:38:57.940
passes seven to zero. So then now before your council is the final passage of

01:38:57.940 --> 01:39:02.659
ordinance 2025-06. If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the

01:39:02.659 --> 01:39:11.819
roll. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Well, she's still absent. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye.

01:39:11.819 --> 01:39:19.180
Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. And the ordinance passes seven to zero. Thank you

01:39:19.180 --> 01:39:22.859
for making my load a little easier. Thank you. Item number 12 is the first reading

01:39:22.859 --> 01:39:29.779
of Ordinance 2025-07. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving variance application at 207

01:39:29.779 --> 01:39:37.059
West Empire Street submitted by Tim and Vicki Rowe to seek relief from 1252.05 F1 to allow a

01:39:37.059 --> 01:39:42.059
front yard of less than 25 feet. Thank you. Director Duckman. Thank you.

01:39:42.059 --> 01:39:45.760
thank you director duckman thank you madam mayor and i'm going to be putting up uh on the screen

01:39:45.760 --> 01:39:51.600
here just some images so we can see it a little better what's going on here so staff received a

01:39:51.600 --> 01:39:57.760
permanent application on december 13th uh for 207 west empire for a front yard setback of less than

01:39:57.760 --> 01:40:04.079
they require 25 feet and um if we scroll down here i could show you an image of what we're talking

01:40:04.079 --> 01:40:06.079
and

01:40:07.079 --> 01:40:09.079
John.

01:40:10.300 --> 01:40:13.300
So, I think that's what we're talking about here. The setback

01:40:13.300 --> 01:40:18.300
that they're requesting is a two-foot setback, so right off

01:40:18.300 --> 01:40:22.300
the cuff, it sounds to be a little extreme, but the

01:40:22.300 --> 01:40:27.300
reasoning for this front yard setback is it's for an

01:40:27.300 --> 01:40:29.300
accessibility ramp.

01:40:31.300 --> 01:40:33.300
So, staff has put this forward on January 2nd to the Zoning

01:40:33.300 --> 01:40:41.600
At that hearing, there was one neighbor who gave support for the variation.

01:40:41.600 --> 01:40:50.100
It was also wanted to mention that this property owner has been at the same address for 30 years and now needs accessibility into their property.

01:40:50.100 --> 01:40:59.100
So that was recommended for approval on January 2nd. It was also recommended for approval by Planning Commission on January 9th.

01:40:59.100 --> 01:41:11.100
and it was recommended approval with a vote of 5 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 abstentions and in line with these recommendations, staff is recommending moving this forward.

01:41:11.100 --> 01:41:15.470
Is there a motion to move this forward?

01:41:15.470 --> 01:41:16.470
Second.

01:41:16.470 --> 01:41:23.840
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion? Alderman Stacy?

01:41:23.840 --> 01:41:31.069
Are my eyes deceiving me or is it already done?

01:41:31.069 --> 01:41:37.750
Yes and I'll give a little background that it's already built and the son was

01:41:37.750 --> 01:41:44.510
helping the father bring his father back home and started construction so that he

01:41:44.510 --> 01:41:49.590
could help his father who is having mobility issues into the house so started

01:41:49.590 --> 01:41:55.590
the work without the permit came to the city and based on the fact that it was

01:41:55.590 --> 01:42:00.689
practically and you can see it's practically touching the sidewalk said

01:42:00.689 --> 01:42:05.090
Look, we're gonna need a variation. We'll work with you on the permit. We want to

01:42:05.090 --> 01:42:11.130
help the situation. We don't want to be difficult, but at the same time we also

01:42:11.130 --> 01:42:16.329
want to make sure that you went through the proper channels with the permit and

01:42:16.329 --> 01:42:21.729
also to have counsel approve this variation. So that's that's why we're here.

01:42:21.729 --> 01:42:28.729
I, okay, I understand all that, but it just seemed like we're already past that.

01:42:28.729 --> 01:42:39.729
So why aren't we just asking counsel to accept what needs to be accepted so that the father have access to the house and move forward?

01:42:39.729 --> 01:42:44.729
I mean, that's what we're asking here is saying that this happened, this was constructed.

01:42:44.729 --> 01:42:53.729
They should have gotten a permit. They should have, in theory, done this before, you know, their father, the patriarch of the family, fell ill.

01:42:53.729 --> 01:42:59.149
Ryan, Judge, Sean, Yuri, Howard, Duane, 63.

01:42:59.149 --> 01:43:03.430
So they built the permit, they said, Well, sir, you need the

01:43:03.430 --> 01:43:08.850
ped because of how close you've built to the front yard setback.

01:43:08.850 --> 01:43:10.250
So, I totally agree.

01:43:10.250 --> 01:43:11.789
This was built.

01:43:11.789 --> 01:43:16.590
The son had this built in haste prior to getting a permit.

01:43:16.590 --> 01:43:16.609
Right.

01:43:16.609 --> 01:43:18.170
Attorney Zedou?

01:43:18.170 --> 01:43:23.850
I was just going to Wayne summed it up basically they they put the car before

01:43:23.850 --> 01:43:28.170
the horse but in this case you still make them apply for the variance so that it

01:43:28.170 --> 01:43:32.850
it's a legal it's legal that they are that close to the to the sidewalk that

01:43:32.850 --> 01:43:38.170
yes that's why they that's why this before you now because they were told

01:43:38.170 --> 01:43:41.529
hey you got the car before the horse apply for the variance we'll run it

01:43:41.529 --> 01:43:47.090
through the council and that's what's before you guys now okay if there's no

01:43:47.090 --> 01:43:57.720
further discussion and we'll move on to the next item which is item number 13

01:43:57.720 --> 01:44:02.359
the first reading of ordinance 2020 508 would you please read this ordinance

01:44:02.359 --> 01:44:08.399
amending chapters 608 and 806 of the Liquor Code Alderman Parker would you

01:44:08.399 --> 01:44:14.399
mind flipping the lights back on thanks manager Boyer thank you your honor

01:44:14.399 --> 01:44:18.800
periodically the Liquor Commission legal counsel and the city clerk review

01:44:18.800 --> 01:44:24.319
to Chapter 608 and 806 of the Liquor Codes to ensure the verbiage is current and reflects

01:44:24.319 --> 01:44:27.199
current practices and trends.

01:44:27.199 --> 01:44:31.680
Modifications to Chapter 608 and 806 of the Liquor Code have been identified as portions

01:44:31.680 --> 01:44:36.880
for the code that are out of date, such as requiring landline phone numbers or the need

01:44:36.880 --> 01:44:40.239
for further clarifications.

01:44:40.239 --> 01:44:45.960
For example, the requirement for a certificate of insurance has been listed in the codes

01:44:45.960 --> 01:44:52.319
for some time in the language all such certificates shall list the city of Freeport as a certificate

01:44:52.319 --> 01:44:57.520
holder has been added to clarify that the city does not need to be named as an additional

01:44:57.520 --> 01:44:59.020
insured.

01:44:59.020 --> 01:45:03.800
Other outdated sections of the code have been adjusted or removed to match observed needs

01:45:03.800 --> 01:45:10.239
of the license holder and actual circumstances throughout the city and staff requests you

01:45:10.239 --> 01:45:13.199
to move this forward to second reading.

01:45:13.199 --> 01:45:14.199
Is there such a motion?

01:45:14.199 --> 01:45:15.199
So moved.

01:45:15.199 --> 01:45:23.739
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm. Discussion on

01:45:23.739 --> 01:45:29.579
this ordinance. Move on to item number 14, which is the first reading of ordinance

01:45:29.579 --> 01:45:35.020
2025-09. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving airport hangar M2

01:45:35.020 --> 01:45:39.659
lease with Kelsey Excavating. Thank you. Manager Boyer? I think your honor, by the

01:45:39.659 --> 01:45:43.619
way, staff is requesting suspension rules on this one. Kelsey Excavating is

01:45:43.619 --> 01:45:47.659
is interested in leasing Hangar M4 at Alberta's Airport.

01:45:47.659 --> 01:45:49.920
The agreement generates $165 per month

01:45:49.920 --> 01:45:50.779
in revenue to the city,

01:45:50.779 --> 01:45:53.380
and staff recommends approval of the lease.

01:45:53.380 --> 01:45:54.739
Is there a motion to approve?

01:45:54.739 --> 01:45:55.579
So move.

01:45:55.579 --> 01:45:56.899
Second.

01:45:56.899 --> 01:45:59.340
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers,

01:45:59.340 --> 01:46:01.859
seconded by Alderman Parker.

01:46:01.859 --> 01:46:03.539
Any discussion on the ordinance?

01:46:03.539 --> 01:46:04.539
Alderman Shadle.

01:46:04.539 --> 01:46:07.699
I just want to point out that I believe

01:46:07.699 --> 01:46:10.979
the memo said it was Hangar M4.

01:46:10.979 --> 01:46:13.300
I'm sorry, correction M2, yep.

01:46:13.300 --> 01:46:23.300
thank you make motion for suspension second you have a motion to suspend the

01:46:23.300 --> 01:46:27.039
rules made by Alderman Clem seconded by Alderman Sellers again must pass by

01:46:27.039 --> 01:46:30.000
two-thirds majority madam clerk would you please take the role in the

01:46:30.000 --> 01:46:39.920
suspension only Clem aye Monroe aye Simmons Parker aye Stacy Shadle Sanders

01:46:39.920 --> 01:46:45.479
and Sellers aye the suspension of the rules passes eight to zero okay then now

01:46:45.479 --> 01:47:03.800
Klem, Aye. Monroe, Aye. Simmons, Aye. Parker, Aye. Stacy, Aye. Shadle, Aye. Sanders, Aye.

01:47:03.800 --> 01:47:11.239
And Sellers, Aye. And the hanger lease under the new format is approved, 8 to 0.

01:47:11.239 --> 01:47:17.239
We move on to item number 15, which is the adoption of resolution 2025-01. Could you please read this?

01:47:17.239 --> 01:47:27.239
Resolution approving memorandum of agreement between the city and AFSCME to create the position of instrument and control technician slash electrician one.

01:47:27.239 --> 01:47:28.239
Manager Boyer.

01:47:28.239 --> 01:47:32.640
Thank Your Honor. As previously discussed at the Committee of the Whole, staffs

01:47:32.640 --> 01:47:37.960
identified the need for a stair-step grade 15 to allow individuals from

01:47:37.960 --> 01:47:43.560
within the city utility to be able to apply for a future position within the

01:47:43.560 --> 01:47:48.960
maintenance department, ultimately ending at a grade 17. So staff requests

01:47:48.960 --> 01:47:55.359
approval from City Council to move forward in creating the interim grade 15

01:47:55.359 --> 01:47:56.359
Fowler.

01:47:56.359 --> 01:48:04.000
So that we can allow qualified applicants to begin the process to move to grade 17.

01:48:04.000 --> 01:48:07.680
Is there a motion to adopt Alderman Sellers?

01:48:07.680 --> 01:48:08.680
Second.

01:48:08.680 --> 01:48:15.770
Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Parker for the adoption of resolution

01:48:15.770 --> 01:48:16.770
2025-01.

01:48:16.770 --> 01:48:17.770
Discussion?

01:48:17.770 --> 01:48:20.690
Alderman Sanders?

01:48:20.690 --> 01:48:21.690
Yeah.

01:48:21.690 --> 01:48:44.690
Yeah. Manager Boyer, we did talk about this, about the grade, the pay grade. We talked about that and then I wanted to ask you, have this, this is a new position, am I correct?

01:48:44.690 --> 01:48:48.690
Yes, this would be the creation of a new position.

01:48:48.690 --> 01:49:07.690
Okay. Is that the going classification rate for that position? Is that across? Is that, since it's new, who created the pay grade? Who did that?

01:49:07.690 --> 01:49:17.690
So in consultation with the utility superintendent, we were looking for a solution in line with some of our other pay grades, similar to a street trainee.

01:49:17.690 --> 01:49:23.449
is hired on the city and there's an interim so that first step they hire in

01:49:23.449 --> 01:49:28.850
at a lower grade I believe it's a 13 and then they move into a grade 14 when

01:49:28.850 --> 01:49:33.090
they become a street maintenance worker this is a similar thing just for a bit

01:49:33.090 --> 01:49:39.210
higher classification of in technical ability requirement 15 so that so the 15

01:49:39.210 --> 01:49:41.569
would be

01:49:41.569 --> 01:50:09.500
So the 15 would be if we have some employees in the city that have a pretty good mechanical background, have rudimentary understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, but maybe don't possess the understanding of how to do programming on starters, motors and drivers and controllers, or don't have any background on rebuilding some of the motors or pumps. This gives us that transitionary step to go from wherever they are in the

01:50:09.500 --> 01:50:42.350
I'm waiting for you to tell me I spoke too many times that's what I'm waiting for. You spoke once. Did you want to speak again? Yeah. Okay then how about you do that? Okay, nobody opposing it. Okay. Why not the highest pay grade? If it's recommended that that you want to move into a 15, it's recommended that you move into a 15, it's recommended that you move into a 15, it's recommended that you move into a 15, it's recommended that you move into

01:50:42.350 --> 01:50:49.949
is it because he hasn't met the skill levels yet, or the knowledge, or the training, is

01:50:49.949 --> 01:50:58.630
the reason why he's at that, you propose a 15, as opposed of a 17, and what would be

01:50:58.630 --> 01:51:05.430
the requirement, he meets all of the training skills and things of this nature before you

01:51:05.430 --> 01:51:07.630
can move him a step higher?

01:51:07.630 --> 01:51:12.229
Essentially what I'm seeing here is you need a year or two of mentorship with the maintenance

01:51:12.229 --> 01:51:20.750
Department to gain the finer skills necessary to do the job. That would be your recommendation, right? Yes. Yeah. Okay. All right. I'm good. Alderman Stacey.

01:51:22.470 --> 01:51:43.979
My biggest or deal with this whole deal is that there are weeks from going into negotiation. And I don't know why this could not have been settled in negotiations, first of all.

01:51:44.380 --> 01:52:10.439
Second of all, we have had people placed in positions that were not equipped for that position, yet they were still placed there, they were given extra training and whatever they needed through Highland or wherever to get what they needed to qualify.

01:52:10.439 --> 01:52:47.680
and so how do we determine who we do that for and who we don't do that for I just feel that this position should have stayed at the level 17 as it was and the person that was bidding on the position should have been given the education or the training or whatever it needed at that level because even

01:52:47.680 --> 01:52:55.680
and even the person before the level was empty was not qualified for the position.

01:52:55.680 --> 01:53:00.680
Yet they remained at the level 17.

01:53:00.680 --> 01:53:11.770
And we have got to treat people equally.

01:53:11.770 --> 01:53:16.470
What's good for the goose is good for the gander.

01:53:16.470 --> 01:53:22.470
These people have to work in one another's faces daily.

01:53:22.470 --> 01:53:29.470
They don't need to be enemies working side by side. They got to work together.

01:53:29.470 --> 01:53:43.970
And we as a council need to make sure that things are happening fair and just. That's all.

01:53:43.970 --> 01:53:50.149
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:53:50.149 --> 01:53:51.149
Klemm?

01:53:51.149 --> 01:53:52.149
Aye.

01:53:52.149 --> 01:53:53.149
Monroe?

01:53:53.149 --> 01:53:54.149
No.

01:53:54.149 --> 01:53:58.729
Simmons?

01:53:58.729 --> 01:53:59.729
Parker?

01:53:59.729 --> 01:54:00.729
Aye.

01:54:00.729 --> 01:54:01.729
Stacy?

01:54:01.729 --> 01:54:02.729
No.

01:54:02.729 --> 01:54:16.779
No. And Sellers? Aye. The resolution passes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to 3. Item number 16 is the adoption of

01:54:16.779 --> 01:54:23.260
resolution 2025-04. Could you please read this? Resolution approving memorandum of understanding

01:54:23.260 --> 01:54:28.859
with the fraternal order of police regarding post-employment health plan or PEP. Chief Shenberger?

01:54:29.420 --> 01:54:34.140
Yes, so this matter was before the council two weeks ago and then I think it got pushed to the

01:54:34.140 --> 01:54:41.180
DeKalb. So we've talked about this. I'm not going to read the entire memo, but basically

01:54:41.180 --> 01:54:48.500
what it says is during the negotiations with the FOP during this last contract, three officers

01:54:48.500 --> 01:54:57.579
were either at 20 years for years of retirement or will be at 20 years during the duration

01:54:57.579 --> 01:55:06.619
of this contract and they were offered an ability to be grandfathered into the prior PEP provisions

01:55:06.619 --> 01:55:12.380
where if they did retire with at least 20 years of service, they then would get compensation

01:55:12.380 --> 01:55:15.260
for their sick time that they accumulated.

01:55:15.260 --> 01:55:22.260
So this is just, I guess, solidifying that agreement and is something that we talked

01:55:22.260 --> 01:55:25.180
about for the last two weeks now.

01:55:25.180 --> 01:55:26.180
Thank you.

01:55:26.180 --> 01:55:31.899
At the last council meeting, we did have a motion to adopt this resolution made by Alderman

01:55:31.899 --> 01:55:36.140
Klemm, seconded by Alderman Parker, so we don't need to do that again.

01:55:36.140 --> 01:55:39.739
So is there any further discussion?

01:55:39.739 --> 01:55:41.659
Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:55:41.659 --> 01:55:42.659
Klemm?

01:55:42.659 --> 01:55:43.659
Aye.

01:55:43.659 --> 01:55:44.659
Monroe?

01:55:44.659 --> 01:55:45.659
Aye.

01:55:45.659 --> 01:55:46.659
Simmons?

01:55:46.659 --> 01:55:47.659
Aye.

01:55:47.659 --> 01:55:48.659
Parker?

01:55:48.659 --> 01:55:49.659
Aye.

01:55:49.659 --> 01:55:50.659
Stacy?

01:55:50.659 --> 01:55:51.659
Aye.

01:55:51.659 --> 01:55:52.659
Shadle?

01:55:52.659 --> 01:55:53.659
Aye.

01:55:53.659 --> 01:55:54.659
Sanders?

01:55:54.659 --> 01:55:55.659
Aye.

01:55:55.659 --> 01:55:59.979
Item number 17 is the adoption of resolution 2020 505. Could you please read this?

01:56:00.579 --> 01:56:08.739
Resolution ratifying emergency board up of 1300 East South Street by NYCAM construction. Thank you, Director Duckman. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:56:09.579 --> 01:56:14.600
The former hotel on US 20 most recently branded as a travel lodge in

01:56:15.260 --> 01:56:17.260
formerly the Holiday Inn

01:56:18.020 --> 01:56:25.300
It has been condemned since January 11th of 2017 declared a chronic nuisance on November 16th of 2023

01:56:25.659 --> 01:56:30.659
and in 2024, it currently has a lien of $34,100 on it.

01:56:32.699 --> 01:56:35.500
The city is currently petitioned to the circuit court

01:56:35.500 --> 01:56:37.979
for demolition order, which is ongoing.

01:56:38.819 --> 01:56:42.779
On December 3rd of 2024, Fire Chief Scott Miller

01:56:42.779 --> 01:56:45.739
informed me via email that there was an apparent break-in

01:56:45.739 --> 01:56:47.819
at the property, which was immediately investigated

01:56:47.819 --> 01:56:49.020
by our police department.

01:56:50.100 --> 01:56:52.319
Chief Miller shared his immediate concern

01:56:52.319 --> 01:56:53.720
of the building being a fire hazard

01:56:53.720 --> 01:56:58.020
and the people potentially starting fires to stay warm in the upcoming winter months.

01:56:58.020 --> 01:57:03.319
Due to immediate health and safety concern, I solicited bids from three contractors in

01:57:03.319 --> 01:57:08.199
accordance with our codified ordinances to board up all entrances into the building with

01:57:08.199 --> 01:57:11.199
half-inch OSB.

01:57:11.199 --> 01:57:16.840
The three bids were provided below to you in the memorandum and they came in as NICAM

01:57:16.840 --> 01:57:23.159
construction bid $13,863 winter construction bid $15,000 and CMM and

01:57:23.159 --> 01:57:29.800
Associates bid $23,076. City moved forward with NICAM construction as the

01:57:29.800 --> 01:57:33.359
lowest responsible bidder to perform the emergency board up and the work was

01:57:33.359 --> 01:57:39.760
subsequently completed on December 16th of this year or 2024 rather. Staff

01:57:39.760 --> 01:57:43.520
recommends approval of the resolution to remit payment to NICAM construction for

01:57:43.520 --> 01:57:47.359
is the emergency board of services at 1300 South Street.

01:57:47.359 --> 01:57:48.659
Is there a motion to approve?

01:57:48.659 --> 01:57:49.479
So move.

01:57:49.479 --> 01:57:50.319
Second.

01:57:50.319 --> 01:57:52.800
A motion made by Alderman Seller,

01:57:52.800 --> 01:57:55.399
seconded by Alderman Shadle.

01:57:55.399 --> 01:57:57.760
Alderman Sanders, did you have something?

01:57:57.760 --> 01:57:58.260
Yes.

01:58:02.119 --> 01:58:10.239
Director Duckman was recommended to condemn and demolish

01:58:10.239 --> 01:58:11.319
this property.

01:58:11.319 --> 01:58:12.399
Is that what we're saying?

01:58:12.399 --> 01:58:15.520
We are working on that, and we do have an ongoing case on that

01:58:15.520 --> 01:58:17.159
to demolish this property.

01:58:17.159 --> 01:58:19.840
What prompted, what was the neglect

01:58:19.840 --> 01:58:23.720
that prompted this move?

01:58:23.720 --> 01:58:26.079
Well, it's long been neglected.

01:58:26.079 --> 01:58:28.440
It was condemned in 2017.

01:58:28.440 --> 01:58:30.960
And it was declared a chronic nuisance

01:58:30.960 --> 01:58:37.720
by the hard work of my department of November of 2023.

01:58:37.720 --> 01:58:42.720
and in that time, it's accumulated over $34,000

01:58:43.680 --> 01:58:46.159
in code violations on the property.

01:58:46.159 --> 01:58:51.159
And since early 2024, the city's been moving forward

01:58:52.079 --> 01:58:54.119
for its demolition.

01:58:54.119 --> 01:58:54.960
Okay.

01:58:58.159 --> 01:59:02.119
I know Chief Shenberger already made a comment,

01:59:02.119 --> 01:59:04.840
but I was just wondering, are we patrolling that area

01:59:04.840 --> 01:59:07.779
to prevent any other kind of provocations

01:59:07.779 --> 01:59:12.779
or whatever that might cause problems like incidents,

01:59:13.539 --> 01:59:18.539
fires, or anything that the city would be liable to

01:59:19.140 --> 01:59:21.779
from this abandonment of this property

01:59:21.779 --> 01:59:24.720
because we got to post it first, right?

01:59:24.720 --> 01:59:26.779
Or have we done that already?

01:59:26.779 --> 01:59:29.500
We are currently in that process right now.

01:59:29.500 --> 01:59:34.220
I do want to commend Chief Shenberger and Chief Miller

01:59:34.220 --> 01:59:37.059
for constantly keeping me abreast of what's

01:59:37.059 --> 01:59:39.220
going on on that property.

01:59:39.220 --> 01:59:40.600
They do a great job monitoring it.

01:59:40.600 --> 01:59:46.800
And prior to this time, my team, my inspectors have been boarding up the property, doing

01:59:46.800 --> 01:59:50.039
the best that they can, but they find another window to break in.

01:59:50.039 --> 01:59:54.880
And this last incident had several areas of entry and several broken windows.

01:59:54.880 --> 02:00:00.239
And it was to a point where with the winter months coming, really needed to secure the

02:00:00.239 --> 02:00:01.239
structure.

02:00:01.239 --> 02:00:02.239
Definitely.

02:00:02.239 --> 02:00:03.239
Okay.

02:00:03.239 --> 02:00:04.239
Thank you.

02:00:04.239 --> 02:00:06.520
Alderman Stacey.

02:00:06.520 --> 02:00:08.520
OK, you spoke about boarding it up.

02:00:08.520 --> 02:00:11.520
What are we looking at to board this up again?

02:00:11.520 --> 02:00:13.600
I didn't write down my totals.

02:00:13.600 --> 02:00:17.119
OK, so it's already boarded up right now.

02:00:17.119 --> 02:00:18.439
It's been boarded up.

02:00:18.439 --> 02:00:25.920
But the total cost to board it up was $13,863.

02:00:25.920 --> 02:00:28.439
OK, now this is what I don't understand.

02:00:28.439 --> 02:00:38.439
and Dan. Okay, I understand you're wreaking havoc from the owner? The landlord? The owner?

02:00:38.439 --> 02:00:44.600
I'm sorry, what was the question? Are you wreaking havoc from? I'm wreaking havoc from

02:00:44.600 --> 02:00:50.079
that person? Yes. Meaning I'm trying to understand how I'm wreaking havoc. Is he giving you a

02:00:50.079 --> 02:00:56.279
hard time? You don't want it tore down? Well, I will say that yes, the city is moving to

02:00:56.279 --> 02:00:58.279
and

02:00:59.279 --> 02:01:01.279
John.

02:01:02.800 --> 02:01:04.800
I'm going to go back to the

02:01:06.899 --> 02:01:08.899
first part of the question.

02:01:10.500 --> 02:01:12.500
I'm going to tear it down through the courts.

02:01:13.800 --> 02:01:15.800
≫ So we can't fast demo it? Is it getting $100 fines?

02:01:16.800 --> 02:01:18.800
≫ It is getting $100 fines a day and it will not be

02:01:20.300 --> 02:01:22.300
fast-tracked because it's a commercial property and not a

02:01:23.399 --> 02:01:25.399
abandoned residential property.

02:01:26.279 --> 02:01:32.520
with a petition at the Circuit Court. So it's an ongoing legal matter right now, and I just would

02:01:32.520 --> 02:01:40.920
say personally, I strongly believe it needs to be remediated yesterday. Yeah, I had to spend 13,000

02:01:40.920 --> 02:01:49.560
to board it up when it needs to come down. I'm with you 100%. I am with you 100%. You know,

02:01:49.560 --> 02:01:56.340
we're doing our best to get this done quicker. There's no further discussion. Madam Clerk,

02:01:56.340 --> 02:02:07.800
Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers.

02:02:07.800 --> 02:02:10.560
The resolution is adopted 8-0.

02:02:10.560 --> 02:02:15.319
Item number 18 is adoption of resolution 20-25-06, could you please read this?

02:02:15.319 --> 02:02:19.500
Resolution approving lexipol invoice for use of subscription material.

02:02:19.500 --> 02:02:20.819
Chief Shenberger.

02:02:20.819 --> 02:02:26.260
The Freeport Police Department has used lexipol knowledge management system for the development

02:02:26.260 --> 02:02:29.739
and issuance of policy and procedure since 2019.

02:02:29.739 --> 02:02:31.739
Strong policy and procedure is critical

02:02:31.739 --> 02:02:34.300
for law enforcement agencies to ensure staff responds

02:02:34.300 --> 02:02:37.100
to calls for service in a consistent manner.

02:02:37.100 --> 02:02:40.659
Some of the benefits of utilizing Lexipol KMS

02:02:40.659 --> 02:02:44.539
to develop and maintain policies and procedures include

02:02:44.539 --> 02:02:46.979
ensuring the agency's policies are current

02:02:46.979 --> 02:02:49.420
and comply with changes in laws.

02:02:49.420 --> 02:02:53.380
Lexipol KMS adapts policies to include legislative language

02:02:53.380 --> 02:02:58.380
when state legislator enacts new legislation.

02:02:58.579 --> 02:03:00.779
Responding to civil and criminal cases,

02:03:00.779 --> 02:03:03.220
Lexapol KMS monitors court cases

02:03:03.220 --> 02:03:04.979
and ensures the policy and procedures

02:03:04.979 --> 02:03:07.420
are compliant with changes in case law.

02:03:07.420 --> 02:03:10.340
And Lexapol KMS includes language necessary

02:03:10.340 --> 02:03:13.260
to facilitate the accreditation process.

02:03:13.260 --> 02:03:18.260
The annual subscription for Lexapol KMS is $15,180.52.

02:03:18.260 --> 02:03:28.260
This cost is included in the fiscal year 2025 PD budget underlying item 101-151-6150.

02:03:28.260 --> 02:03:32.539
Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second.

02:03:32.539 --> 02:03:39.539
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the resolution.

02:03:39.539 --> 02:03:43.539
Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye.

02:03:43.539 --> 02:03:45.539
Monroe? Aye.

02:03:45.539 --> 02:03:46.539
Simmons? Aye.

02:03:46.539 --> 02:03:47.539
Parker? Aye.

02:03:47.539 --> 02:03:48.539
Aye.

02:03:48.539 --> 02:03:49.539
Stacy?

02:03:49.539 --> 02:03:50.539
Aye.

02:03:50.539 --> 02:03:51.539
Shadle?

02:03:51.539 --> 02:03:52.539
Aye.

02:03:52.539 --> 02:03:53.539
Sanders?

02:03:53.539 --> 02:03:54.539
Aye.

02:03:54.539 --> 02:03:55.539
And Sellers?

02:03:55.539 --> 02:03:56.539
Aye.

02:03:56.539 --> 02:03:57.539
And that resolution is adopted 8-0.

02:03:57.539 --> 02:04:01.500
Item number 19 is the adoption of resolution 202507, please read this.

02:04:01.500 --> 02:04:05.220
Resolution approving purchase of ENCODE module for accounts payable automation.

02:04:05.220 --> 02:04:07.340
Director Richter.

02:04:07.340 --> 02:04:09.859
Thank you, your honor.

02:04:09.859 --> 02:04:16.500
Currently the City of Freeport uses Tyler ENCODE for payroll, general ledger accounting,

02:04:16.500 --> 02:04:22.579
Utility Billing and Accounts Payable since it was implemented in 2020.

02:04:22.579 --> 02:04:27.159
The current process, and this is just very basic from beginning to end,

02:04:27.159 --> 02:04:33.960
the current process for entering invoices for payment is inefficient and impacts many departments.

02:04:33.960 --> 02:04:38.260
Currently, the fire department, police, library,

02:04:38.260 --> 02:04:43.500
public works, and the finance department enter their own invoices into the system.

02:04:43.500 --> 02:04:54.500
The process for entering invoices is a hard copy of the invoice is received by mail or we print it out from an email.

02:04:54.500 --> 02:04:59.500
The invoice is reviewed and matched with packing lists as applicable.

02:04:59.500 --> 02:05:10.500
Once reviewed by the department head, the invoice is coded and signed as approval and the invoice along with any backup is scanned into the system.

02:05:10.500 --> 02:05:18.260
The invoice is hand-keyed into Tyler Encode for payment and the scanned document is then attached.

02:05:19.859 --> 02:05:25.779
Each of the departments I listed before, they submit their packets of invoices electronically

02:05:25.779 --> 02:05:32.819
to finance for review. The city accountant reviews all packets by checking the keyed data

02:05:32.819 --> 02:05:40.180
and comparing it to the original invoice. And that pile of bills, so for example,

02:05:40.180 --> 02:06:09.100
Taylor Incote has developed an advanced module called Accounts Payable Automation.

02:06:09.100 --> 02:06:13.979
Once a scanned document is uploaded into the software, the information from the invoice,

02:06:13.979 --> 02:06:20.319
such as the date, the amount, the vendor, is electronically imported into the software.

02:06:20.319 --> 02:06:25.140
The information, the imported information does need to be verified, so you still need

02:06:25.140 --> 02:06:29.859
a human, and the account code needs to be entered.

02:06:29.859 --> 02:06:35.779
Once the invoice is entered, the invoice is put into an electronic workflow.

02:06:35.779 --> 02:06:42.560
For example, instead of manually signing and coding a piece of paper, the invoice is electronically

02:06:42.560 --> 02:06:48.380
forwarded to the department head for approval and then into a flow to go to the city accountant

02:06:48.380 --> 02:06:54.079
for review, finance director, city manager.

02:06:54.079 --> 02:07:00.659
By adding this technology, we anticipate the reduction of staff time necessary to enter

02:07:00.659 --> 02:07:02.720
and approve invoices.

02:07:02.720 --> 02:07:07.640
This will not only positively impact the finance department but also all departments that enter

02:07:07.640 --> 02:07:08.640
their own invoices.

02:07:08.640 --> 02:07:14.119
The strategic plan alignment here is responsive, efficient government.

02:07:14.119 --> 02:07:18.699
The finance department staff request approval to purchase the accounts payable automation

02:07:18.699 --> 02:07:28.760
module that is just a piece, a new piece of Tyler Encode at the quoted price of $11,838

02:07:28.760 --> 02:07:31.439
annually with a 250 implementation cost.

02:07:31.439 --> 02:07:36.119
Is there a motion to adopt? So move. Second.

02:07:36.119 --> 02:07:41.880
A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Parker. Discussion on

02:07:41.880 --> 02:07:54.279
the resolution. Yes, I I'm concerned that it took us four years to realize this

02:07:54.279 --> 02:08:06.560
This isn't giving us what we need or really want and we're willing to buy a second piece

02:08:06.560 --> 02:08:12.059
of the same ENCODE, Tyler ENCODE company.

02:08:12.059 --> 02:08:21.229
Is that the route we need to go or do we need to look at something totally different?

02:08:21.229 --> 02:08:22.670
Manager Boyer, did you want that?

02:08:22.670 --> 02:08:23.670
Yes.

02:08:23.670 --> 02:08:29.190
Elder woman, Stacy, I think you're referring to when we went from when we changed accounting systems,

02:08:29.190 --> 02:08:34.149
and I think you get an opportunity when you first purchase a new piece of software to elect to find

02:08:34.149 --> 02:08:38.550
out what of the modules you actually want to use, because there's a lot more modules there

02:08:38.550 --> 02:08:43.510
that you may not use. So you go ahead and elect the ones that you want, you implement them, you

02:08:43.510 --> 02:08:48.229
see how the system works, and then over a period of time in review you have a look like Michelle has

02:08:48.229 --> 02:08:54.390
Don and say that we might need to add this accounts payable module. So I think

02:08:54.390 --> 02:09:00.069
this is a kind of a little bit of a tuning of the system right now. It's the

02:09:00.069 --> 02:09:04.069
addition of something we need that has come essentially to our attention that

02:09:04.069 --> 02:09:07.789
it really could be streamlined if we were able to do that. So I would just

02:09:07.789 --> 02:09:11.750
submit to you that this is actually more of an evolutionary process, a refinement

02:09:11.750 --> 02:09:19.840
process, and I think it's a I support it fully. So thank you. There's no further

02:09:19.840 --> 02:09:28.960
discussion and please take the role. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye.

02:09:28.960 --> 02:09:36.559
Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Sanders is absent. Sellers? Aye.

02:09:36.559 --> 02:09:39.600
The resolution is adopted, 7-0.

02:09:39.600 --> 02:09:46.239
Item number 20 is the adoption of resolution 20-2508, could you please read this?

02:09:46.239 --> 02:09:50.319
Resolution approving Fehr Graham master service contract for 2025.

02:09:50.319 --> 02:09:51.720
Thank you, Manager Boyer.

02:09:51.720 --> 02:09:52.720
Thank you, your honor.

02:09:52.720 --> 02:09:58.520
So the city has various annual engineering needs, projects that come up and things as

02:09:58.520 --> 02:10:02.220
as we go along with the large construction schedule

02:10:02.220 --> 02:10:05.680
that we have put before ourselves the last several years.

02:10:05.680 --> 02:10:08.760
So some of the things that come up throughout the year

02:10:08.760 --> 02:10:13.119
are topographical studies, infrastructure system mapping,

02:10:13.119 --> 02:10:15.840
geo information systems, construction survey

02:10:15.840 --> 02:10:20.000
and staking, elevation records, ADA issues,

02:10:20.000 --> 02:10:22.239
multiple grants and loan assistance,

02:10:22.239 --> 02:10:26.539
water, storm and sanitary sewer utility system design,

02:10:26.539 --> 02:10:44.399
Structural Assessments, Street Infrastructure, Airport Engineering Support, Various Right-of-Way Permitting, Illinois EPA Protection Agency Requirements, Illinois Department of Transportation Necessities and Quality Assurance and Quality Control via Inspections and Observations Related to Construction.

02:10:44.399 --> 02:10:51.939
In addition, Soil Boorings and Analysis, and All Emergency Needs for Professional Engineering Requirements.

02:10:51.939 --> 02:10:59.859
So this this consultant work is performed outside of specific project contracts brought to the council and it requires specific funding sources

02:11:00.539 --> 02:11:03.539
Freeport requires an engineering firm to provide support with staff

02:11:04.220 --> 02:11:09.180
technical professional licensed engineers who specialize in these diverse areas of

02:11:09.779 --> 02:11:15.180
Expertise so the city of Freeport approves various engineering contracts throughout the year

02:11:15.619 --> 02:11:21.020
And the support for all the city staff departments as it needed so this would be a contract

02:11:21.020 --> 02:11:26.699
that's related back to the time and material needed by staff at various times throughout the year

02:11:26.699 --> 02:11:32.380
during the construction phases. This contract allows general engineering requirements not related to a

02:11:32.380 --> 02:11:38.140
specific contract to be performed on a day-to-day need basis so it also enables the city to be

02:11:38.140 --> 02:11:43.899
reactive to our daily needs and requirements as the infrastructure emergencies arise. We've been

02:11:43.899 --> 02:11:50.300
doing this for several years and all the major projects are handled separately and I've you know

02:11:51.020 --> 02:11:55.859
if we do not use this entire agreement we do not use it all we just use what we

02:11:55.859 --> 02:12:01.300
need so it's been very helpful and it allows us to contend with issues that

02:12:01.300 --> 02:12:07.220
emerge in the field efficiently and effectively so with that I would

02:12:07.220 --> 02:12:12.340
request council approve this resolution is there a motion to adopt

02:12:12.340 --> 02:12:19.140
second motion may be Alderman Sellers seconded by Alderman Clem discussion on

02:12:19.140 --> 02:12:34.949
the Resolution, Aldrin Sanders. Yeah, what are we trying to say here? That Fehr Graham

02:12:34.949 --> 02:12:42.729
made a proposal, is Fehr Graham making a proposal to the city? Well, each year the city actually

02:12:42.729 --> 02:13:12.729
Request that that program put together this master services agreement. And as I mentioned, just a little while ago, this gives us the flexibility to get certain projects done and completed throughout the year, because whenever you're dealing with construction, whenever you're dealing with things day in and day out, like we do, whether it be lining, whether it's sewer cleaning or replacements of sewer mains, this gives us the operational flexibility to to get

02:13:12.729 --> 02:13:19.729
and I have done a lot of work to get those things done and we have kind of a cap amount and I don't believe we've exceeded that since we started.

02:13:19.729 --> 02:13:26.729
Should I wait? Alderman Sanders, go ahead.

02:13:26.729 --> 02:13:34.729
Using Fehr and Graham services to do the inspection, the whole entire ball of wax or whatever.

02:13:34.729 --> 02:14:03.729
We are dependent upon Farum-Graham to make that assessment and determination and the cost and the estimated cost that we have not had a chance to determine whether or not their cost is justifiable to work on a particular project.

02:14:03.729 --> 02:14:08.729
to work on the city for the city at large.

02:14:09.890 --> 02:14:14.890
In other words, what Fehr and Graham

02:14:15.250 --> 02:14:20.250
has not revealed to us, all of its cost services,

02:14:22.050 --> 02:14:24.930
all of its structural cost service

02:14:24.930 --> 02:14:27.010
and infrastructure cost services

02:14:27.010 --> 02:14:31.510
and are these estimated costs?

02:14:31.510 --> 02:14:39.470
because I like to have a cost that is already something

02:14:39.470 --> 02:14:42.909
that the council has determined whether or not

02:14:42.909 --> 02:14:48.989
we will go forward with certain services and certain costs.

02:14:48.989 --> 02:14:49.789
Director Boyer.

02:14:49.789 --> 02:14:51.189
If I could speak to that point.

02:14:51.189 --> 02:14:54.590
Number one, it's been my experience

02:14:54.590 --> 02:14:57.229
and I've dealt with a number of different engineering design

02:14:57.229 --> 02:14:59.630
firms and different engineers.

02:14:59.630 --> 02:15:05.390
Fehr Graham, not only is local, they know and understand our systems, whether it's

02:15:05.390 --> 02:15:11.390
transportation, water, sewer, storm, and a whole lot of other systems. They have

02:15:11.390 --> 02:15:16.510
always delivered at or below cost and when they have had a problem where

02:15:16.510 --> 02:15:20.029
they've had a cost overrun, we didn't see a change order. They just took care of it.

02:15:20.029 --> 02:15:23.630
They took care of it internally because Freeport is an important customer to

02:15:23.630 --> 02:15:31.109
to their organization. However, I want to address your point, which is as far as

02:15:31.109 --> 02:15:36.029
the time and material portion of this contract is concerned, okay, this is

02:15:36.029 --> 02:15:42.390
definitely reviewed and overseen by staff. We make sure that anything they're

02:15:42.390 --> 02:15:46.750
doing, we're keeping track of those times and we're also keeping track of all of

02:15:46.750 --> 02:15:49.909
the activities that they're doing and that we go through and parse those out

02:15:49.909 --> 02:15:54.909
out and approve them individually when the invoices come through, but I wanted to make

02:15:54.909 --> 02:16:02.229
one last point, which was in the relationship that we have with Fehr Graham, the only difference

02:16:02.229 --> 02:16:06.869
you would do in other ways, like for instance, if you had another project and you were interested

02:16:06.869 --> 02:16:12.050
in pursuing other help or other engineering services contracts, you wouldn't, this wouldn't

02:16:12.050 --> 02:16:16.810
be a bidding situation, it would be a statement of qualification where you would submit to

02:16:16.810 --> 02:16:22.930
to various engineering companies, their statement of qualifications, and you would receive those.

02:16:22.930 --> 02:16:27.210
I've looked at a number of those, different process, different statements on different

02:16:27.210 --> 02:16:33.010
projects, and I will suggest because of their, not only their track record of success and

02:16:33.010 --> 02:16:39.290
their knowledge, deep knowledge of the city, they are very, very qualified and to the point

02:16:39.290 --> 02:16:42.090
where it would be difficult to find anyone more qualified.

02:16:42.090 --> 02:16:55.889
Yes. I don't know that we did, but I don't know that we didn't go over last year because

02:16:55.889 --> 02:17:05.809
Fehr Graham came back and asked for $250,000 extra. Now I know what was budgeted, what

02:17:05.809 --> 02:17:14.370
was started with and I know there's also a 20% increase that can be added up in there

02:17:14.370 --> 02:17:17.229
as well if I'm not mistaken.

02:17:17.229 --> 02:17:37.639
My only concern, my only request, we have 20, 30 items on this agenda and three are

02:17:37.639 --> 02:17:42.680
are contracts with Fehr Graham.

02:17:42.680 --> 02:17:53.540
It would have been nice to have gotten these in November or December at the latest to go

02:17:53.540 --> 02:18:05.340
through all this instead of spending the weekend trying to understand and I know it happens

02:18:05.340 --> 02:18:10.719
So how many people are really even reading them to even understand what it's saying and

02:18:10.719 --> 02:18:17.680
what we're committing to or are we just getting back and saying yes, aye, aye, aye?

02:18:17.680 --> 02:18:26.920
We don't take the police, we don't take Ashley, when their contract is up and take a couple

02:18:26.920 --> 02:18:34.379
days to approve their contract and we just need to see this information before it runs

02:18:34.379 --> 02:18:54.350
We're going to get this out in advance. I'm not against it happening. We're indebted to Fehr Graham. I'm not against Fehr Graham, but it would be nice to get these type of things in advance.

02:18:54.350 --> 02:19:05.350
Well, if you, if you think that, you know, it's going to be two, three months in advance, I mean, we'll never get anything done. I mean, this is normal procedure to put moving forward.

02:19:05.350 --> 02:19:20.750
Mayor Jodi Miller, all I'm asking is that not that nothing be changed but that we receive

02:19:20.750 --> 02:19:28.270
it in advance to go through it in case we have any questions because I don't want to

02:19:28.270 --> 02:19:32.270
make a motion to move this to the COW in February.

02:19:32.270 --> 02:19:33.469
That would be my right.

02:19:33.469 --> 02:19:42.719
that would be my right so please understand where I'm coming from I know what's been norm

02:19:42.719 --> 02:19:53.360
but what's been norm don't mean it's been right all I am is trying to take time three contracts

02:19:53.360 --> 02:20:09.069
am I correct on this agenda I don't want to just okay all I'm asking if that if we're going to

02:20:09.069 --> 02:20:14.430
to vote on something in January pertaining to Fehr Graham's

02:20:14.430 --> 02:20:20.270
three contracts is that we get them in November

02:20:20.270 --> 02:20:25.809
to look over them, to ask questions,

02:20:25.809 --> 02:20:28.469
to do whatever we may want to do.

02:20:28.469 --> 02:20:30.149
Maybe some don't want to do nothing

02:20:30.149 --> 02:20:33.430
because they ain't done nothing for so long,

02:20:33.430 --> 02:20:39.459
but some of us want to understand.

02:20:39.459 --> 02:20:41.459
Stearn, did you want to add to that?

02:20:41.459 --> 02:20:42.819
Yeah, sure.

02:20:42.819 --> 02:20:45.620
We can certainly try to get contracts here sooner.

02:20:45.620 --> 02:20:49.659
I would like to state that this is the exact same contract,

02:20:49.659 --> 02:20:53.899
the exact same everything for the last three years.

02:20:53.899 --> 02:20:56.659
That is why it wasn't presented sooner.

02:20:56.659 --> 02:20:58.620
It's an annual contract.

02:20:58.620 --> 02:21:02.860
And it is a time and material estimation contract,

02:21:02.860 --> 02:21:03.860
if you read it.

02:21:03.860 --> 02:21:07.899
So we could continue on the current contracts

02:21:07.899 --> 02:21:10.780
that we have because there's not a final set amount on it,

02:21:10.780 --> 02:21:14.420
but city manager direction was to bring new contracts

02:21:14.420 --> 02:21:17.020
yearly so they can be brought to council

02:21:17.020 --> 02:21:19.180
and gone, you know, in front of everybody.

02:21:19.180 --> 02:21:23.079
So everybody was still in agreeance of moving that forward

02:21:23.079 --> 02:21:25.520
to your statement of the cost.

02:21:26.899 --> 02:21:31.059
I believe we budgeted the same amount as last year,

02:21:31.059 --> 02:21:34.340
but city manager directed me to bring only part

02:21:34.340 --> 02:21:37.040
of the contract first to see what we actually need

02:21:37.040 --> 02:21:39.040
and

02:21:40.180 --> 02:21:42.180
I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to get

02:21:43.280 --> 02:21:45.280
the numbers right for the year because it will vary from year

02:21:45.280 --> 02:21:47.280
to year. Last year was a very busy year.

02:21:49.479 --> 02:21:51.479
So, you know, if we exceed the 350, we would have to bring in

02:21:52.760 --> 02:21:54.760
additional surfaces back. That would come back.

02:21:55.879 --> 02:21:57.879
I understand all of that. I get all of that.

02:22:00.000 --> 02:22:02.000
Alderman Monroe, did you have something?

02:22:03.100 --> 02:22:05.100
Yes, thank you, Madam Mayor. Normally I've supported this in

02:22:07.040 --> 02:22:08.040
Huffines.

02:22:08.040 --> 02:22:13.840
On January 8th, Fehr Graham made a post on Facebook.

02:22:13.840 --> 02:22:19.440
That post says we are proud to collaborate with clients like Rob Boyer, City Manager

02:22:19.440 --> 02:22:21.719
of the City of Freeport, City Hall.

02:22:21.719 --> 02:22:26.079
Rob shares how Fehr Graham's dedication, communication, exceptional service sets us

02:22:26.079 --> 02:22:28.319
apart from other firms.

02:22:28.319 --> 02:22:31.600
Join us in making a difference and enhancing our communities we cherish.

02:22:31.600 --> 02:22:34.479
Together we create real change.

02:22:34.479 --> 02:22:38.940
So most people don't realize, a lot of people in the city of Freeport, is that happens to

02:22:38.940 --> 02:22:46.940
be right around the same time a local citizen was trying to change the form of government

02:22:46.940 --> 02:22:50.860
in the city of Freeport.

02:22:50.860 --> 02:22:59.219
So is there other things going on in this situation?

02:22:59.219 --> 02:23:07.200
So we've got the, this is how convoluted this has become.

02:23:07.200 --> 02:23:14.040
We've got the Public Works Director signing off on a contract with Fehr Graham to the

02:23:14.040 --> 02:23:22.600
City of Freeport that is then countersigned and sent back to the City Manager.

02:23:22.600 --> 02:23:29.760
These agreements come back and forth, the communications, so the Director sits in multiple

02:23:29.760 --> 02:23:30.760
positions.

02:23:30.760 --> 02:23:32.159
He works for Fehr Graham.

02:23:32.159 --> 02:23:33.159
Stiegel.

02:23:33.159 --> 02:23:43.120
He participates in a lot of this work that's done and no doubt Mr. Stiegel does a great

02:23:43.120 --> 02:23:45.760
job in a lot of things.

02:23:45.760 --> 02:23:49.719
But it creates a conflict of interest.

02:23:49.719 --> 02:23:59.159
And that conflict of interest gives the impression of a pay for play or something that's nefarious

02:23:59.159 --> 02:24:00.159
going on.

02:24:00.159 --> 02:24:03.559
It doesn't have to actually be going on to break and violate the law.

02:24:03.559 --> 02:24:04.559
Huffines.

02:24:04.559 --> 02:24:10.639
A class four felony, class four felony, and we walk in this room, hundreds and hundreds

02:24:10.639 --> 02:24:15.040
of thousands of dollars, and it's like, well, this is what we've always done.

02:24:15.040 --> 02:24:20.440
Well, we should be questioning everything we do because we're spending money that we

02:24:20.440 --> 02:24:29.000
don't always have, and we're constantly raising rates on everything, and we have to come back.

02:24:29.000 --> 02:24:31.719
And this is the Illinois law.

02:24:31.719 --> 02:24:37.239
A conflict of interest occurs when a person's personal interest could compromise their judgment,

02:24:37.239 --> 02:24:39.000
decisions, or actions.

02:24:39.000 --> 02:24:45.540
This includes financial interest, family relationships, friendships, or social factors.

02:24:45.540 --> 02:24:46.959
This is the state of Illinois.

02:24:46.959 --> 02:24:49.559
This is not my opinion.

02:24:49.559 --> 02:24:52.000
This goes above that as well.

02:24:52.000 --> 02:24:56.760
And these things have been going on behind closed doors and they've been occurring over

02:24:56.760 --> 02:24:59.360
and over and over again.

02:24:59.360 --> 02:25:20.360
I bring this up because here we go, we're just going to say 350,000 for this, 100,000 here, 150 here, another 100 over here, doesn't matter, Fehr Graham loves us, of course, I would love the city of Freeport if they gave me half a million or three-quarters of a million dollars a year every year, minimum.

02:25:20.360 --> 02:25:26.420
but it causes the appearance even if it's not happening it causes the

02:25:26.420 --> 02:25:30.920
appearance that something nefarious is going on and we're blocking out other

02:25:30.920 --> 02:25:36.079
engineering firms that theoretically could be bringing opportunities to the

02:25:36.079 --> 02:25:42.120
city of Freeport as well and not putting all of our eggs in one basket and having

02:25:42.120 --> 02:25:48.159
been in a business and run a business I understand the dangers of doing that it

02:25:48.159 --> 02:25:58.840
It puts you in a situation where you're no longer able to check, could somebody else do the same thing at a cheaper cost, at a better solution, you don't know.

02:26:00.040 --> 02:26:03.719
We've completely pushed all of the other players out.

02:26:04.600 --> 02:26:12.559
And now we've built this deep relationship where we've got a Fehr Graham employee who's also a city employee, kind of, I don't really know.

02:26:13.000 --> 02:26:16.959
I asked the question, nobody's really given me a great answer on that yet.

02:26:16.959 --> 02:26:17.959
and John.

02:26:17.959 --> 02:26:19.159
I happen to like him a lot.

02:26:19.159 --> 02:26:21.479
I think he does a lot of great things for the city.

02:26:21.479 --> 02:26:28.600
But it doesn't change the fact that this looks not good.

02:26:28.600 --> 02:26:31.840
My personal opinions don't matter on that.

02:26:31.840 --> 02:26:37.940
My duty is to the citizens of the Second Ward and the rest of the citizens of Freeport.

02:26:37.940 --> 02:26:41.040
And when I see things like this coming through that, well, we don't know how much it's going

02:26:41.040 --> 02:26:42.040
to be.

02:26:42.040 --> 02:26:43.280
It could be more, it could be less.

02:26:43.280 --> 02:26:44.280
Winslow.

02:26:44.280 --> 02:26:50.120
It just depends on what we do, how busy we are, what we've got going on, and last year

02:26:50.120 --> 02:26:51.120
was a busy year.

02:26:51.120 --> 02:26:52.120
I mean, we did a lot.

02:26:52.120 --> 02:26:53.120
We did Adams.

02:26:53.120 --> 02:26:54.120
We did a lot of streets.

02:26:54.120 --> 02:26:55.940
We did a lot of work.

02:26:55.940 --> 02:27:01.559
But at the same time, now we're starting to understand why I'm asking the question.

02:27:01.559 --> 02:27:07.079
We've already paid for the city employees on the other page who are going out and checking

02:27:07.079 --> 02:27:11.600
and following up to make sure the water mains are connected the right way.

02:27:11.600 --> 02:27:15.639
but now we understand why we're asking for an increase there as well because now we need

02:27:15.639 --> 02:27:18.559
more money to pay fair gram more money.

02:27:18.559 --> 02:27:24.879
It's not about our city employees, it's about our contractors and the people of Freeport

02:27:24.879 --> 02:27:28.719
deserve better than this and Cecelia's right.

02:27:28.719 --> 02:27:31.440
Alderman Stacy is 100% right.

02:27:31.440 --> 02:27:33.239
This should have come to the cow.

02:27:33.239 --> 02:27:37.559
There's no reason it couldn't have come to the cow and we talked about it last week.

02:27:37.559 --> 02:27:39.559
and

02:27:41.559 --> 02:27:43.559
John. Instead, you're going to shove it through all three at

02:27:43.559 --> 02:27:47.559
once, and you know what? We know what's going to happen. It's

02:27:47.559 --> 02:27:51.559
going to pass. But it's not going to pass because I say yes.

02:27:51.559 --> 02:27:54.559
But people should start questioning. People should start

02:27:54.559 --> 02:27:56.559
looking at what's going on in this building and asking

02:27:56.559 --> 02:28:00.559
questions. Not enough people are involved, and they should be.

02:28:00.559 --> 02:28:06.559
But these three contracts, $350,000 master service contract

02:28:06.559 --> 02:28:07.559
Winslow.

02:28:07.559 --> 02:28:11.760
You should have to come back to us or put it in the overall budget, lay it out, here's

02:28:11.760 --> 02:28:15.200
what we're going to do, here's the projects, here's what we think it's going to be.

02:28:15.200 --> 02:28:17.700
But once again, we don't do that.

02:28:17.700 --> 02:28:20.280
We don't lay it out.

02:28:20.280 --> 02:28:26.719
And again, that's three years of the same contract and a lot of unsupported accusations.

02:28:26.719 --> 02:28:29.479
Darren, did you want to defend that?

02:28:29.479 --> 02:28:32.079
Yes, I would.

02:28:32.079 --> 02:28:38.840
So I am going to take those comments personal because there is no situation going on here.

02:28:38.840 --> 02:28:41.840
I work very hard for the City of Freeport every day.

02:28:41.840 --> 02:28:48.840
I don't know another consultant that has brought in 13 million dollars of funding just this

02:28:48.840 --> 02:28:55.879
year which maybe we have a great relationship going on and the interactions between government

02:28:55.879 --> 02:29:01.360
and a consultant is actually producing more than other areas.

02:29:01.360 --> 02:29:06.520
I'm very proud of the work that I've done and I will state again there is nothing going

02:29:06.520 --> 02:29:10.299
on between city government and Fehr Graham.

02:29:10.299 --> 02:29:14.100
We have been embedded in this community for 51 years.

02:29:14.100 --> 02:29:16.680
We have done the city engineering here.

02:29:16.680 --> 02:29:22.979
There is no employees from any other engineering firm that live in the city of Freeport.

02:29:22.979 --> 02:29:30.559
We employ 40 people down at our office that are all people that spend money in Freeport.

02:29:30.559 --> 02:29:31.959
We have a long-term plan.

02:29:31.959 --> 02:29:34.989
We have a long-term lease at our building in Freeport. So we are embedded here.

02:29:36.389 --> 02:29:43.469
I can give you examples of other projects that have happened here over the years and one of them you guys just approved money for a

02:29:43.709 --> 02:29:45.709
contract that

02:29:46.149 --> 02:29:53.110
An engineer that didn't even finish their work and decided to pay them but accusations are coming after us

02:29:53.110 --> 02:29:56.709
I will tell you Mr. Monroe our firm lost

02:29:56.709 --> 02:30:03.829
We lost $21,000 on the landfill contract last year and we never came back and asked for

02:30:03.829 --> 02:30:04.829
a penny.

02:30:04.829 --> 02:30:08.190
We wrote it off, we ate it because that was the agreement.

02:30:08.190 --> 02:30:13.430
The general engineering contract, which this is the master service, is what it is, that

02:30:13.430 --> 02:30:18.110
is in replacement of the city engineering department that doesn't exist here.

02:30:18.110 --> 02:30:21.770
These are things that we have to be nimble on it when buildings fall down.

02:30:21.770 --> 02:30:26.309
When IDOT permits are needed to do water main construction, there is a lot of work

02:30:26.309 --> 02:30:31.590
in the city of Freeport that requires this everyday engineering with engineering stamps

02:30:31.590 --> 02:30:36.629
and with a team of people that are nimble and can react for the city of Freeport.

02:30:36.629 --> 02:30:41.870
Again, I have 40 people in a building down there that we are paying family wages to.

02:30:41.870 --> 02:30:43.989
There is not, there is another firm in town.

02:30:43.989 --> 02:30:47.069
They have nobody that lives in the city of Freeport.

02:30:47.069 --> 02:30:49.629
So compare apples to apples.

02:30:49.629 --> 02:30:51.430
We invest in the community.

02:30:51.430 --> 02:30:55.790
We also donate to the community and we have been a great partner to the city of Freeport.

02:30:55.790 --> 02:31:03.229
I just added this up and we have personally our firm has brought in over 50 million dollars worth

02:31:03.229 --> 02:31:08.909
of funding that did not need to be repaid to the city of Freeport in the last I believe it's 10 or

02:31:08.909 --> 02:31:15.149
12 years so we have been a good partner and I am taking it personal that you are putting out on

02:31:15.149 --> 02:31:20.190
the council floor that there's accusations that are not there and you know me better than that.

02:31:20.190 --> 02:31:51.600
Klemm. Yeah I'd just like to bring up that I've had the pleasure of working with a number of people in my 20 years as an alderman. Many of them have been from many other engineering firms. Some of those firms have been successful. Some of those firms have caused us problems. I've worked with probably three or four city

02:31:51.600 --> 02:32:06.600
We're the engineers over that period of time, at least, that caused us great problems and great cost to the city of Freeport, who were employed by the city of Freeport, where everybody thought they were saving money.

02:32:06.600 --> 02:32:16.840
So last year, as Director Bryan gave his speech about the City of Freeport, we did seven

02:32:16.840 --> 02:32:19.079
miles of road last year.

02:32:19.079 --> 02:32:22.239
That's never been done in the City of Freeport.

02:32:22.239 --> 02:32:30.639
And it took cooperation between Fehr Graham, their partners, and remember they oversee

02:32:30.639 --> 02:32:34.680
all these projects, too, that happened.

02:32:34.680 --> 02:32:40.719
took them there's never been a year where that much has been produced without any

02:32:40.719 --> 02:32:46.120
asshole without any overcharges I mean you mentioned they came back once for

02:32:46.120 --> 02:32:52.459
monies for things they have managed the landfills for years I go to fitness

02:32:52.459 --> 02:33:00.760
lifestyles every morning at 5 o'clock or 5 15 6 5 15 5 30 in the morning who do I

02:33:00.760 --> 02:33:06.159
Who do I see in Honkat going into work? Darren. Who do I call at six o'clock at

02:33:06.159 --> 02:33:11.920
night when I've got a question on a project? Darren. Fehr Graham has been a

02:33:11.920 --> 02:33:18.159
greatest partner to the City of Freeport as any firm we've ever worked for and I

02:33:18.159 --> 02:33:23.600
would never say I can't think of one project that we went back on that Fehr

02:33:23.600 --> 02:33:24.600
Huffines.

02:33:24.600 --> 02:33:38.280
I believe if you read this, they're asking for X number of dollars and they're asking

02:33:38.280 --> 02:33:45.280
for there's a limit set on the amount of money that they can make on this project.

02:33:45.280 --> 02:33:51.760
There's nothing more favorable in the world and I know this is being a contractor than

02:33:51.760 --> 02:33:56.760
and a time and material contract that you can work

02:33:56.760 --> 02:34:02.600
with a company that you can trust to get a job done.

02:34:02.600 --> 02:34:04.000
And I call the question.

02:34:05.739 --> 02:34:06.940
I, um.

02:34:06.940 --> 02:34:08.940
Well, I have to ask for a procedure here,

02:34:08.940 --> 02:34:09.899
what am I doing?

02:34:09.899 --> 02:34:13.760
Oh, if, that's cool, that's cool.

02:34:13.760 --> 02:34:15.620
Are you, Alderman Klemm, are you making a motion

02:34:15.620 --> 02:34:16.540
to call the question?

02:34:16.540 --> 02:34:17.819
Yes.

02:34:17.819 --> 02:34:20.079
So a motion's been made, it would need a second

02:34:20.079 --> 02:34:21.280
and then a vote.

02:34:21.280 --> 02:34:23.319
If that passes by two thirds majority,

02:34:53.319 --> 02:34:59.340
Knapp. So it's not debatable. It has to pass by two-thirds majority. And so, Madam Clerk,

02:34:59.340 --> 02:35:03.799
could you please call the roll on calling the question? Do you understand what this is?

02:35:03.799 --> 02:35:04.799
Yeah, I understand.

02:35:04.799 --> 02:35:05.799
Okay.

02:35:05.799 --> 02:35:06.799
Were you asking me?

02:35:06.799 --> 02:35:07.799
No.

02:35:07.799 --> 02:35:08.799
Okay. Sorry.

02:35:08.799 --> 02:35:12.040
So if you could please call the roll on calling the question.

02:35:12.040 --> 02:35:13.040
Klemm?

02:35:13.040 --> 02:35:14.040
Aye.

02:35:14.040 --> 02:35:15.040
Monroe?

02:35:15.040 --> 02:35:16.040
No.

02:35:16.040 --> 02:35:17.040
Simmons?

02:35:17.040 --> 02:35:18.040
No.

02:35:18.040 --> 02:35:19.040
Parker?

02:35:19.040 --> 02:35:20.040
Yes.

02:35:20.040 --> 02:35:21.040
Stacy?

02:35:21.040 --> 02:35:22.040
No.

02:35:22.040 --> 02:35:23.040
Shadle?

02:35:23.040 --> 02:35:53.040
Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. One, two, three, we only have four in favor so that fails. So then more discussion. You've already had twice a talk. Alderman Stacey's wants, Alderman Klemm's wants, Alderman Rose wants. Are we on the same subject? Yeah, we're on the same subject. So Alderman Parker, Alderman Simmons, Alderman Shadle, Alderman Sellers, do you have anything you want to add? No.

02:35:53.040 --> 02:35:56.559
to this resolution, adopting this resolution.

02:35:56.559 --> 02:35:57.600
I do.

02:35:57.600 --> 02:35:59.479
OK.

02:35:59.479 --> 02:36:01.840
The first thing is, why wouldn't I

02:36:01.840 --> 02:36:06.040
want someone that I could trust or I'm a good partner with?

02:36:06.040 --> 02:36:08.040
I mean, that's life.

02:36:08.040 --> 02:36:09.600
You want a good partner in marriage.

02:36:09.600 --> 02:36:11.100
You want a good partner in business.

02:36:11.100 --> 02:36:13.319
You want a good partner in friendship.

02:36:13.319 --> 02:36:16.399
You know, why wouldn't I want to be working with somebody

02:36:16.399 --> 02:36:20.040
that I have a good relationship with?

02:36:20.040 --> 02:36:21.639
That's what I can't understand.

02:36:21.639 --> 02:36:26.639
it's the same thing that we've done the year before,

02:36:27.840 --> 02:36:30.680
the year before, we've got the ball rolling,

02:36:30.680 --> 02:36:33.559
we're moving, we're making some strides,

02:36:33.559 --> 02:36:35.719
people are complimenting us on our work,

02:36:36.639 --> 02:36:39.959
but we come and we complain on every,

02:36:41.079 --> 02:36:46.079
on every number, on every part of the agenda.

02:36:46.959 --> 02:36:50.479
We have, it's just combative on everyone

02:36:50.479 --> 02:36:56.659
and it's tiresome.

02:36:56.659 --> 02:36:58.979
Alderman Shadle or Alderman Simmons,

02:36:58.979 --> 02:37:08.500
did either one of you have anything you want to add?

02:37:08.500 --> 02:37:10.940
You've already had your twice, Larry.

02:37:10.940 --> 02:37:12.100
I will.

02:37:12.100 --> 02:37:12.940
Alderman Simmons?

02:37:12.940 --> 02:37:16.139
Yeah, I just want to say, asking questions,

02:37:16.139 --> 02:37:18.659
we got to stop considering that combative.

02:37:18.659 --> 02:37:22.059
We shouldn't be expected to just come say yes to everything.

02:37:22.059 --> 02:37:23.940
Some things you may have the answer for,

02:37:23.940 --> 02:37:26.379
and you want to ask those questions,

02:37:26.379 --> 02:37:29.299
and you want to ask those questions on public record.

02:37:29.299 --> 02:37:31.959
But it's always assumed that people aren't prepared

02:37:31.959 --> 02:37:33.540
or they're combative and aggressive

02:37:33.540 --> 02:37:35.139
when they have questions.

02:37:35.139 --> 02:37:36.620
And I just don't think that's fair.

02:37:36.620 --> 02:37:38.819
Like I don't have any more questions or discussion,

02:37:38.819 --> 02:37:40.819
but if somebody else does,

02:37:40.819 --> 02:37:43.379
then I'm gonna vote no to call in the question

02:37:43.379 --> 02:37:45.940
so they can finish their discussion.

02:37:45.940 --> 02:37:46.899
That's only fair.

02:37:48.760 --> 02:37:50.860
All right, Stacy, did you have your hand up?

02:37:52.100 --> 02:37:56.079
No, but I will say that I too said no

02:37:56.079 --> 02:38:00.520
because I feel that if someone has something to say,

02:38:00.520 --> 02:38:03.500
they should have the option to say it.

02:38:03.500 --> 02:38:06.120
I mean, we've been limited to two questions.

02:38:06.120 --> 02:38:09.159
So I'm not going to take that from someone

02:38:09.159 --> 02:38:12.520
if they have further discussion.

02:38:12.520 --> 02:38:15.399
I said what I said.

02:38:15.399 --> 02:38:18.600
I meant what I said.

02:38:18.600 --> 02:38:22.159
We have three contracts on this agenda.

02:38:22.159 --> 02:38:27.409
It would have been nice just to have gotten them in advance.

02:38:27.409 --> 02:38:35.739
I'm not saying anything negative about anybody.

02:38:36.500 --> 02:38:37.340
All the time.

02:38:37.340 --> 02:38:39.940
All I just said, no, not all the time.

02:38:39.940 --> 02:38:41.139
Most of the time.

02:38:41.139 --> 02:38:43.979
No, no, not all the time.

02:38:43.979 --> 02:38:50.860
I'm just saying I wanted the contracts in advance.

02:38:51.399 --> 02:38:54.120
I understand we'd have had the same contract

02:38:54.120 --> 02:38:58.870
for the last three years.

02:38:58.870 --> 02:39:00.930
Last year I believe was my first time voting

02:39:00.930 --> 02:39:01.969
on the contract.

02:39:01.969 --> 02:39:09.819
and I didn't know what I was voting on I couldn't understand half of the stuff

02:39:09.819 --> 02:39:20.139
that was in them do that make me stupid no that make me ask questions and maybe

02:39:20.139 --> 02:39:31.620
it should prepare you and that's my right and so just like when I go into

02:39:31.620 --> 02:39:37.760
when I go into contract negotiations it's a three, four, five month ordeal. I'm not asking for that.

02:39:39.600 --> 02:39:48.850
I'm just saying so that when the year is up like we're where we're at today then I've already

02:39:49.649 --> 02:40:00.799
didn't just have Friday till today to prepare. I know I could call you, I call you often,

02:40:00.799 --> 02:40:10.670
gonna keep calling you, called you yesterday and I'm all right with that but I'm not gonna be

02:40:10.670 --> 02:40:20.100
called combative because I open my mouth and I speak. Amen. Well we have a resolution to adopt

02:40:21.059 --> 02:40:24.819
for Fehr Graham's Master Service Engineering Agreement. You've already spoken twice.

02:40:25.379 --> 02:40:31.700
I did. Yes. So if there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the role.

02:40:31.700 --> 02:40:46.979
Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers. The resolution is adopted 6-2.

02:40:47.780 --> 02:40:55.920
Item number 21 is the adoption of resolution 2025-09. Could you please read this? Resolution

02:40:55.920 --> 02:41:01.440
approving Fehr Graham master service contract for public works service for 2025. Thank you,

02:41:01.440 --> 02:41:02.959
Thank you, Manager Boyer.

02:41:02.959 --> 02:41:03.959
Thank you, Your Honor.

02:41:03.959 --> 02:41:09.959
The city also requires a professional public works assistant for various civil, environmental,

02:41:09.959 --> 02:41:14.719
engineering, and managerial duties daily to oversee the city department effectively and

02:41:14.719 --> 02:41:15.719
efficiently.

02:41:15.719 --> 02:41:20.559
It's essential to have a director who's immersed in the city infrastructure and has the history

02:41:20.559 --> 02:41:24.959
and knowledge to handle the various demands of the position.

02:41:24.959 --> 02:41:29.319
City requests assistance to handle the volume of daily duties required by this large department,

02:41:29.319 --> 02:41:34.319
including, but not limited to, right-of-way permitting, over-weight permitting, IDOT bridges,

02:41:34.319 --> 02:41:38.760
streets, forestry, water, wastewater, sewer, and storm infrastructure.

02:41:38.760 --> 02:41:42.479
City staff requires professional assistance as needed from Fehr Graham to assist in the

02:41:42.479 --> 02:41:48.000
management of the department and specifically duties related to the various civil, environmental,

02:41:48.000 --> 02:41:52.520
engineering, and project management services that require an expert level of knowledge

02:41:52.520 --> 02:41:53.760
and experience.

02:41:53.760 --> 02:41:58.139
The Public Works Master Service Agreement provides a team of local engineer experts

02:41:58.139 --> 02:42:04.299
for the city resources as needed. The total cost of these services is $100,000 on a time and

02:42:04.299 --> 02:42:13.420
material basis and is billed as needed as the city manager or department directors require. So this

02:42:13.420 --> 02:42:17.899
contract represents cost savings to the city. A public works director hired position with full

02:42:17.899 --> 02:42:25.420
salary and benefits with compensation would be essentially $130,000 or more. So recommendation,

02:42:25.420 --> 02:42:29.340
Staff recommend city council approve the public works professional related

02:42:29.340 --> 02:42:35.860
assistance. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. There will be a motion made by Alderman

02:42:35.860 --> 02:42:43.979
Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on this resolution? Alderman

02:42:43.979 --> 02:42:52.459
Sanders? Yeah, we throw in that term directors without the consultation from

02:42:52.459 --> 02:42:58.979
and the Council into knowing who is stepping up to play these roles.

02:42:58.979 --> 02:43:09.739
Obviously, we are being bypassed for these individuals who are directors as per se.

02:43:09.739 --> 02:43:15.100
And we don't understand the whole criteria of these directors and what are they here

02:43:15.100 --> 02:43:22.260
for and who is doing the hiring or putting people in place without the consultation of

02:43:22.260 --> 02:43:33.260
and the Council, and if we're doing that, no, I gotta keep talking because she's gonna shut me down and put me on the pause list.

02:43:33.260 --> 02:43:43.260
And so I don't want that right now. I don't want you to interject at this point in time because she's subject to negate what I'm trying to talk about.

02:43:43.260 --> 02:43:44.260
and so on.

02:43:44.260 --> 02:43:52.620
But my problem is we're putting people in place to make decision making decisions without

02:43:52.620 --> 02:43:53.620
the council.

02:43:53.620 --> 02:43:55.659
I have a problem with that.

02:43:55.659 --> 02:44:02.819
I have a problem with every prominent positions like directors.

02:44:02.819 --> 02:44:08.340
I need to know who these directors are because these directors are making decisions on how

02:44:08.340 --> 02:44:09.340
and so on.

02:44:09.340 --> 02:44:32.620
I want to make sure that everything is brought to the light, how we got here, because people

02:44:32.620 --> 02:44:36.059
are sitting at home is, well, where did he come from?

02:44:36.059 --> 02:44:37.459
How did he get here?

02:44:37.459 --> 02:44:41.700
who hired him, who authorized the position.

02:44:41.700 --> 02:44:45.299
Well, if the council is not mediating none of this,

02:44:45.299 --> 02:44:48.459
talking about it, then we're clueless.

02:44:48.459 --> 02:44:51.180
They're just popping up like popcorns, you know,

02:44:51.180 --> 02:44:53.020
and we got to get a handle on that.

02:44:53.020 --> 02:44:55.860
And when I look at my manager,

02:44:55.860 --> 02:45:00.579
I know that he's the link to these kinds of things,

02:45:00.579 --> 02:45:02.379
and we have to ask more questions.

02:45:02.379 --> 02:45:06.540
That's the reason why questions needs to be asked

02:45:06.540 --> 02:45:11.540
in terms of how we go about the day-to-day operation

02:45:11.540 --> 02:45:13.020
and business of the city.

02:45:13.020 --> 02:45:14.780
And so we need to know these things

02:45:14.780 --> 02:45:18.180
and we shouldn't have to be debating it.

02:45:18.180 --> 02:45:23.180
That's where we're combating it, slinging mud everywhere.

02:45:24.219 --> 02:45:29.219
I'm just going because the chairperson is running things

02:45:30.340 --> 02:45:33.819
and I don't want nobody to speak while I'm speaking

02:45:33.819 --> 02:45:34.819
and John.

02:45:34.819 --> 02:45:39.659
I want to make that a practice.

02:45:39.659 --> 02:45:44.340
I think every council person wants to make that a practice because I sit here and listen

02:45:44.340 --> 02:45:52.579
to others elaborate on their concerns, comments and views and everything, their opinions and

02:45:52.579 --> 02:45:53.579
everything.

02:45:53.579 --> 02:45:58.100
So I want the same respect when that comes forward.

02:45:58.100 --> 02:46:02.819
And my question was just one question, well, maybe more than one, but the point of matter

02:46:02.819 --> 02:46:09.920
is, I'm trying to find out how we are handling things when it comes to bringing people to

02:46:09.920 --> 02:46:18.620
the floor to make consultations to tell the council what is going on and what is expected

02:46:18.620 --> 02:46:20.739
and what they're trying to do.

02:46:20.739 --> 02:46:25.739
I want my city manager making these kinds of discussions and proposals.

02:46:25.739 --> 02:46:31.979
I want him to be more involved into understanding when I want to go to your office, if I want

02:46:31.979 --> 02:46:39.459
to go to your office and want to talk about what went on in council, I expect something

02:46:39.459 --> 02:46:44.500
different than what someone, what outside people are talking about.

02:46:44.500 --> 02:46:49.700
I want my council, I want my manager to know all these things so I can have a legitimate

02:46:49.700 --> 02:46:57.020
answer and when I come into council, the people can understand that I consulted with you.

02:46:57.020 --> 02:47:04.219
I have someone to say, well, this is the information I got from my manager, my city manager, and

02:47:04.219 --> 02:47:11.579
I'm just going to voice that to the general public so they can understand why we vote

02:47:11.579 --> 02:47:15.540
the way we vote and sustain and things of this nature.

02:47:15.540 --> 02:47:23.700
And so my whole thing is that I want to say we might need an overhaul on how we do things

02:47:23.700 --> 02:47:26.299
from the administrative position.

02:47:26.299 --> 02:47:34.700
so that's that's my that's my whole thing if you want to cut me off come on oh no i'm holding my tongue

02:47:34.700 --> 02:47:41.260
so um i i believe you're asking who gets to make the decision of the master service contract for

02:47:41.260 --> 02:47:50.040
the public works that's what this is so you can vote yes or no yeah but it's already in place

02:47:50.040 --> 02:47:55.879
it's it's for you to make a determination you either vote yes or vote no yeah that's what this

02:47:55.879 --> 02:47:57.879
and

02:47:58.879 --> 02:48:00.879
John.

02:48:02.399 --> 02:48:04.399
So, any further discussion?

02:48:06.000 --> 02:48:08.000
Darren?

02:48:10.100 --> 02:48:12.100
I'll answer your question or try to.

02:48:14.200 --> 02:48:16.200
This works no differently than it would if

02:48:17.299 --> 02:48:20.299
somebody else sat in this seat. Directors have a certain

02:48:20.299 --> 02:48:24.299
responsibility to the city. They can only approve so much.

02:48:24.299 --> 02:48:31.620
Insurers that we follow the purchasing policy of anything that's done. It all comes to council. I believe anything

02:48:32.540 --> 02:48:34.540
Rob can't prove anything over

02:48:35.579 --> 02:48:42.879
$9,999 per our ordinance. So everything's still run through the council. We don't make decisions independently of the council

02:48:43.659 --> 02:48:45.659
Rob and I work together on

02:48:46.100 --> 02:48:51.819
Public works every day to ensure that our team has a good mission and we're getting things done

02:48:51.819 --> 02:48:56.620
which I think is proven in the city that more and more and more is getting done

02:48:56.620 --> 02:49:03.659
since I've been assisting the city over the last two years. So I have sat in

02:49:03.659 --> 02:49:07.540
that director role for the last two years. We're asking to continue it. We're

02:49:07.540 --> 02:49:12.340
making great strides and our contract I believe is advantageous to the city

02:49:12.340 --> 02:49:17.659
because it's for less than they could hire somebody for with benefits, a truck,

02:49:17.659 --> 02:49:25.540
Rock, equipment, our cost is all in, 100%. It's time and material as needed. Last year

02:49:25.540 --> 02:49:27.879
we made it the whole year and we have enough to

02:49:27.879 --> 02:49:56.000
We do permitting for water and sewer permits for residents. We also do overweight permits. We also do civil reviews for the city of Freeport. So in these contracts, there's money returned to the city through those fees through Mr. Duckman's department. There's I don't know how much money that's going to go to the city of Freeport. I don't know how much money that's going to go to the city of Freeport.

02:49:56.000 --> 02:50:26.000
I don't know the exact number. Michelle could probably get it. There's probably over $100,000 in permit and civil review fees that get returned to the city for the work that we do every day through contractors, trucking companies, things like that, that before I took this role, nobody was really managing, and it wasn't really happening. So I have done my best to clean up the areas that we could and should, and I think the role has been very advantageous

02:50:26.000 --> 02:50:46.000
and I work hard for both parties and I'm living Freeport, I love Freeport and I work hard for Freeport every day and if you don't believe me, you can ask any other directors of the other departments that I work with every day from fire, police, finance, community development, even the library and let them judge it.

02:50:46.000 --> 02:50:49.819
Any other discussion?

02:50:49.819 --> 02:50:51.819
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

02:50:51.819 --> 02:50:52.819
Klemm?

02:50:52.819 --> 02:50:53.819
Aye.

02:50:53.819 --> 02:50:54.819
Monroe?

02:50:54.819 --> 02:50:55.819
No.

02:50:55.819 --> 02:50:56.819
Simmons?

02:50:56.819 --> 02:51:04.500
Stacy, aye. Shadle, aye. Sanders, no. And Sellers, aye. The resolution is adopted six to two.

02:51:05.780 --> 02:51:11.620
And item number 22 is the adoption of resolution 2025-10. Could you please read this? Resolution

02:51:11.620 --> 02:51:16.579
approving fair gram agreement to provide Alberta's airport stormwater inspections and reports.

02:51:16.579 --> 02:51:24.020
Manager Boyer. Thank you your honor. Similarly we have to every year we have to renew our stormwater

02:51:24.020 --> 02:51:25.020
Kessler.

02:51:25.020 --> 02:51:35.139
This is essentially an agreement with Fehr Graham to process a stormwater permit.

02:51:35.139 --> 02:51:44.479
The total amount budgeted for this item is about $5,000.

02:51:44.479 --> 02:51:45.479
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:51:45.479 --> 02:51:46.479
So moved.

02:51:46.479 --> 02:51:47.479
Second.

02:51:47.479 --> 02:51:52.440
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

02:51:52.440 --> 02:51:53.440
Discussion?

02:51:53.440 --> 02:52:08.030
Point of point of correction are $5,500. Alderman, Stacy? I thought it was okay. Any

02:52:08.030 --> 02:52:18.549
discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Stay. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye.

02:52:18.549 --> 02:52:26.350
Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders is absent. Sellers? Aye. The resolution is

02:52:26.350 --> 02:52:34.110
is adopted 601.

02:52:34.110 --> 02:52:39.870
Item number 24 is update of the city's goals for the Social Justice Committee presented

02:52:39.870 --> 02:52:42.270
by Manager Boyer.

02:52:42.270 --> 02:52:43.270
Thank you, Honor.

02:52:43.270 --> 02:52:48.629
In the interest of time, I will keep this as concise as I can.

02:52:48.629 --> 02:52:54.510
The Social Justice Committee, when it was meeting, offered several recommendations and metrics

02:52:54.510 --> 02:53:00.510
to assess the city's progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion within city employment

02:53:00.510 --> 02:53:07.590
primarily. There are some other metrics, but I do want to compare 2020 as our first year

02:53:07.590 --> 02:53:15.809
to quarter four of last year and just highlight a few of the pretty significant increases

02:53:15.809 --> 02:53:22.069
that have happened here. So in the police department, female employees were increased

02:53:22.069 --> 02:53:52.069
We started off with 19 working for the police department. We currently have 24. That was an increase of five. In terms of minority employees, we started off with six minorities in the police department in 2020. We have increased that to 16. That's a positive gain of 10. That's a total increase of 166%. And I would provide the

02:53:52.069 --> 02:53:58.469
total employment in 2020 we had 63 full-time employees the police department currently we

02:53:58.469 --> 02:54:06.149
have 67 that's a total staff increase of four so while we increased our diversity and our women

02:54:06.709 --> 02:54:13.110
employees we it was certainly didn't match the number of employees that we increase positions

02:54:13.829 --> 02:54:20.469
on fire we're working on fire it's a lengthy process that involves various steps and

02:54:20.469 --> 02:54:22.870
and requirements for qualification.

02:54:22.870 --> 02:54:26.989
I think we had reached out through various marketing

02:54:26.989 --> 02:54:30.790
methods this year when we solicited for new recruits.

02:54:30.790 --> 02:54:37.110
And I believe Chief has received the most recruits coming

02:54:37.110 --> 02:54:41.030
to the fire department that he's ever had before.

02:54:41.030 --> 02:54:43.590
But Chief, if you could elaborate on that,

02:54:43.590 --> 02:54:45.030
I would appreciate it.

02:54:45.030 --> 02:54:46.909
Sure, I'd be happy to.

02:54:46.909 --> 02:54:48.870
I believe this last recruitment effort,

02:54:48.870 --> 02:54:53.829
we had 37 applications picked up and 36 returned.

02:54:54.909 --> 02:54:59.909
A number of those applicants either failed to show up

02:55:01.229 --> 02:55:04.149
for the written exam, written exam and orientation

02:55:04.149 --> 02:55:08.190
or they could not produce the correct paperwork

02:55:08.190 --> 02:55:11.670
at the orientation and written exam.

02:55:11.670 --> 02:55:16.389
I believe it was 19 showed up for that.

02:55:16.389 --> 02:55:20.510
and then we had I believe six wash out

02:55:20.510 --> 02:55:23.350
from the written exam and then we also had

02:55:23.350 --> 02:55:25.569
number of other applicants wash out

02:55:25.569 --> 02:55:28.569
from the testing process, the honesty test,

02:55:31.190 --> 02:55:35.069
the background checks, so eventually we wound up

02:55:35.069 --> 02:55:38.709
with a final eligibility list of five.

02:55:38.709 --> 02:55:41.889
But just an example of our recruitment efforts this year,

02:55:41.889 --> 02:55:50.889
We recruited, we sent out publications, we advertised, I should say, in more than 42 different areas.

02:55:50.889 --> 02:55:58.889
So our outreach was greater. This recruitment process, the prior one, we advertised in about 24 different areas.

02:55:58.889 --> 02:56:02.889
So we more than doubled what we were trying to do.

02:56:02.889 --> 02:56:09.889
And recruitment retention is difficult in the fire service, whether it's here in the suburbs or even in the city.

02:56:09.889 --> 02:56:12.889
We want to put the eligibility list of five.

02:56:12.889 --> 02:56:29.889
Thank you, Chief. Just to round this out, so all other departments, so not including fire and police, we increased our female employees by 32 percent, our minority of employees by 100 percent out of a total increase of staff of about 30 percent.

02:56:29.889 --> 02:56:34.750
increased our female employees by 32%, our minority employees

02:56:34.750 --> 02:56:40.750
by 100% out of a total increase of staff of about 12%.

02:56:40.750 --> 02:56:46.110
So enterprise-wide, we increased our female employees by 30%,

02:56:46.110 --> 02:56:50.190
our minority employees by 116%, and that

02:56:50.190 --> 02:56:53.030
is with a total employment increase of 10%.

02:56:53.030 --> 02:56:56.270
So I just wanted to thank and reach out

02:56:56.270 --> 02:56:59.110
to all the department heads and everyone who's

02:56:59.110 --> 02:57:03.110
Thank you, Your Honor. I would just like to thank Council for the approval of the software. It's much appreciated. Thank you.

02:57:03.110 --> 02:57:07.110
Thank you, Council.

02:57:07.110 --> 02:57:11.110
Thank you.

02:57:11.110 --> 02:57:15.110
Thank you.

02:57:15.110 --> 02:57:19.110
Thank you.

02:57:19.110 --> 02:57:23.110
Thank you.

02:57:23.110 --> 02:57:27.110
Thank you.

02:57:27.110 --> 02:57:32.790
Thank you. Thank you. Community development? Nothing tonight, Madam Mayor. Thank you. Public works?

02:57:34.149 --> 02:57:37.670
Nothing except for thank you for the generous contracts.

02:57:39.110 --> 02:57:46.629
Byer? Yes, thank you. Each council member received a copy of the fire department's 2024

02:57:46.629 --> 02:57:51.829
annual report that's highlighting the department activities for the last calendar year.

02:57:51.829 --> 02:58:12.430
We are starting our One Book, One Free Port community read on Saturday. We have our book

02:58:12.430 --> 02:58:18.770
drop party from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and One Book, One Free Port is our biennial community

02:58:18.770 --> 02:58:20.770
Huffins.

02:58:22.770 --> 02:58:26.770
I'm going to introduce you to the community read program.

02:58:26.770 --> 02:58:30.770
Community read programs work to promote literacy while engaging

02:58:30.770 --> 02:58:34.770
an entire community in a common reading experience.

02:58:34.770 --> 02:58:38.770
Join us on Saturday, January 25th for our official kickoff

02:58:38.770 --> 02:58:42.770
event. For all ages, pick up your free book and enjoy live

02:58:42.770 --> 02:58:46.770
music from the early jazz society, tasty snacks, a

02:58:46.770 --> 02:58:47.770
Huffines.

02:58:47.770 --> 02:58:48.770
Thank you so much for joining us today.

02:58:48.770 --> 02:58:50.229
We're going to give away the library hosts a variety of programs to explore including

02:58:50.229 --> 02:58:55.329
film screenings, group discussions, story times, and crafts.

02:58:55.329 --> 02:59:01.049
Be sure to check out our website for our calendar of events, and I can officially tell you that

02:59:01.049 --> 02:59:07.530
the book that was chosen this year is Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury.

02:59:07.530 --> 02:59:12.049
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury.

02:59:12.049 --> 02:59:16.250
So be sure to come to the library to get your copy of the book, and it is free.

02:59:16.250 --> 02:59:24.010
you get to keep the book, 12 to 2 on Saturday.

02:59:24.010 --> 02:59:27.090
And then, really excited.

02:59:27.090 --> 02:59:27.600
and then a really exciting announcement.

02:59:27.600 --> 02:59:32.500
We are officially going fine free effective on February 1st.

02:59:33.479 --> 02:59:36.000
So have you heard that starting on February 1st,

02:59:36.000 --> 02:59:38.879
the Freeport Public Library is fine free.

02:59:38.879 --> 02:59:43.079
Returning late due to being out of town, no problem.

02:59:43.079 --> 02:59:46.440
Keeping a book a few days longer so you can finish,

02:59:46.440 --> 02:59:47.719
we've been there.

02:59:47.719 --> 02:59:50.700
Found a book and a pile of kids toys while you were moving

02:59:50.700 --> 02:59:52.840
and you're afraid to come back to the library

02:59:52.840 --> 02:59:54.879
because of how many fees you'll have.

02:59:54.879 --> 02:59:56.780
We understand life happens.

02:59:56.780 --> 02:59:58.360
Welcome back.

02:59:58.360 --> 03:00:00.500
Overdue fines are widely recognized

03:00:00.500 --> 03:00:02.639
by professional library organizations

03:00:02.639 --> 03:00:05.399
as a form of social inequity.

03:00:05.399 --> 03:00:09.440
And there's been multiple studies conducted

03:00:09.440 --> 03:00:13.219
that show that imposing fines neither teaches responsibility

03:00:13.219 --> 03:00:16.959
nor motivates borrowers to return their items on time.

03:00:16.959 --> 03:00:17.959
Huffins.

03:00:17.959 --> 03:00:24.280
And any outstanding late fines on Freeport Public Library items will be purged from

03:00:24.280 --> 03:00:29.239
our Patreon account starting on February 1st of 2025.

03:00:29.239 --> 03:00:33.840
All of our items will be fine free with the exception of our hotspots, our STEM kits,

03:00:33.840 --> 03:00:37.000
our parent kits, and the Library of Things items.

03:00:37.000 --> 03:00:41.559
Essentially those items cost a lot more money than the average book, so we'll still have

03:00:41.559 --> 03:00:44.360
some overdue fines on those.

03:00:44.360 --> 03:00:49.159
The borrowing privileges will be suspended for patrons with significantly overdue material

03:00:49.159 --> 03:00:53.319
and for lost and damaged items, the cost of the item will still be charged to the patron

03:00:53.319 --> 03:00:55.879
account if they do not return it.

03:00:55.879 --> 03:01:01.200
If you have more questions for us, feel free to call us at the library or come in and we'll

03:01:01.200 --> 03:01:06.040
be continuing to update our website with more information.

03:01:06.040 --> 03:01:07.559
Thank you for your time.

03:01:07.559 --> 03:01:08.559
Thank you.

03:01:08.559 --> 03:01:09.559
IT?

03:01:09.559 --> 03:01:10.559
Airport?

03:01:10.559 --> 03:01:11.559
City manager?

03:01:11.559 --> 03:01:41.559
City Manager. Thank you, your honor. I'll keep this quick. I just wanted to thank Director Bridge for his report tonight. I thought it was very comprehensive and it reflects a tremendous amount of work and effort and execution that's been done by the city staff. So thank you to the staff. Thank you to our employees. You all have done an excellent job in 2024. I agree. Alderman Klemm. Mayor.

03:01:41.559 --> 03:01:43.559
It is my turn.

03:01:43.559 --> 03:01:45.559
Okay.

03:01:45.559 --> 03:01:47.559
Only Klemm.

03:01:47.559 --> 03:01:49.559
I just wanted to announce that on January 28th,

03:01:49.559 --> 03:01:51.559
we will not have our

03:01:51.559 --> 03:01:53.559
neighborhood watch.

03:01:53.559 --> 03:01:55.559
Please attend the

03:01:55.559 --> 03:01:57.559
event being held at the library

03:01:57.559 --> 03:01:59.559
at 6 o'clock that night.

03:01:59.559 --> 03:02:01.559
It will be the new candidates

03:02:01.559 --> 03:02:03.559
that are

03:02:03.559 --> 03:02:05.559
running for positions.

03:02:05.559 --> 03:02:07.559
That's far more important than the

03:02:07.559 --> 03:02:09.559
neighborhood watches at this point.

03:02:09.559 --> 03:02:14.559
please participate in that whatever you do please get involved please vote thank

03:02:14.559 --> 03:02:21.200
you. Alderman Monroe? Nothing tonight. Alderman Simmons? No thank you. Alderman Parker? Nothing tonight.

03:02:21.200 --> 03:02:31.659
Alderman Stace? Last Saturday January the 18th we had our National Day of Racial

03:02:31.659 --> 03:02:43.659
Healing, what an empowering event it was. Also, we were scheduled yesterday to have our Dr. King

03:02:43.659 --> 03:02:52.780
celebration, and due to the cold weather, it was canceled, but we will be having it this Saturday,

03:02:53.500 --> 03:03:00.860
January 25th, opening up 430 with praise and worship and program at five.

03:03:01.659 --> 03:03:04.680
Please come out and show your support.

03:03:06.260 --> 03:03:13.270
Oldman, Shadle. I just want to

03:03:14.750 --> 03:03:18.030
commend Darren Steakle and Fehr Graham.

03:03:20.629 --> 03:03:22.629
A lot of things said tonight that

03:03:23.790 --> 03:03:25.549
were stretches.

03:03:25.549 --> 03:03:32.180
The amount of value that we get out of that corporation is

03:03:33.659 --> 03:03:35.100
phenomenal.

03:03:35.100 --> 03:03:37.100
The amount of integrity

03:03:37.579 --> 03:03:42.079
that sitting in that seat is phenomenal.

03:03:42.079 --> 03:04:16.319
Oldham and Sanders? Oldham and Sellers? Public comments? Tommy?

03:04:16.319 --> 03:04:25.950
You said about the hotel, you mentioned? When they're gonna...

03:04:25.950 --> 03:04:27.950
Open real soon, Tommy. Real soon.

03:04:27.950 --> 03:04:29.950
They have to go to court for that?

03:04:29.950 --> 03:04:32.950
They sure do, Tommy.

03:04:32.950 --> 03:04:38.709
and we'll let this Jodi, Jodi Mike, Angela wants to know when.

03:04:39.989 --> 03:04:42.229
We all want to know Tommy, we all want to know.

03:04:44.549 --> 03:04:57.989
Are there any other public comments? Bernie? Good evening everyone, Board and Madam Mayor.

03:05:02.149 --> 03:05:05.430
I'm going to take a very short thing. I think you're doing a fairly good job.

03:05:05.430 --> 03:05:14.909
Webb. I really appreciated Director Bridge's report tonight. There's only one thing missing

03:05:14.909 --> 03:05:23.270
on that report, and that's the association with dollars by department. And to that, I

03:05:23.270 --> 03:05:30.590
had noticed that in the consent agenda, the best we could do is having a report as of

03:05:30.590 --> 03:05:35.270
of November 30th, not December 31st.

03:05:35.270 --> 03:05:38.670
So I think these things need to merge together

03:05:38.670 --> 03:05:45.750
so that the strategic plans reports and the financials come

03:05:45.750 --> 03:05:50.350
together so we know what we've done, how much we've done,

03:05:50.350 --> 03:05:53.430
and what it cost us to get it done.

03:05:53.430 --> 03:05:58.430
In regards to the, I appreciate doing the scanning,

03:06:01.629 --> 03:06:04.270
but it's not gonna solve all problems.

03:06:04.270 --> 03:06:06.389
I think you're gonna have to take a look

03:06:06.389 --> 03:06:10.469
at purchase orders or purchase requisitions in the future

03:06:10.469 --> 03:06:12.389
so that you can get ahead of the game

03:06:12.389 --> 03:06:16.270
so that you can close your months on time.

03:06:16.270 --> 03:06:19.709
Now, I wanna divert to a little politics,

03:06:19.709 --> 03:06:22.670
and I think you're doing a good job, you're getting there.

03:06:23.430 --> 03:06:31.010
and these are some quotes from a person that lives, really had lived a long time ago from

03:06:31.010 --> 03:06:33.030
this particular area.

03:06:33.030 --> 03:06:37.670
He says, cheap cigars come in handy.

03:06:37.670 --> 03:06:43.889
They stifle the odor of cheap politicians.

03:06:43.889 --> 03:06:52.909
He also said that if we are to have another contest in the near future of our national

03:06:52.909 --> 03:07:06.909
I predict that the dividing line will not be the Mason-Dixon, but between patriotism and intelligence on one side and superstition, ambition, and ignorance on the other.

03:07:06.909 --> 03:07:19.909
Ulysses S. Grant quoted that. He also said, I would suggest a taxation on all property equally, whether church or corporation.

03:07:19.909 --> 03:07:27.350
Johnson. And there are a few more things that, oh, the last one is you can violate the law

03:07:27.350 --> 03:07:33.590
and banks may violate the law and be sustained in doing so. But the President of the United

03:07:33.590 --> 03:07:40.069
States cannot violate the law and he was a President. So some very interesting things

03:07:40.069 --> 03:07:48.950
that date a very long time ago. Something to ponder over and think about. And Mr. Boyer,

03:07:48.950 --> 03:07:53.950
I forgot to bring in my pink snout. I was going to share it with you.

03:07:53.950 --> 03:08:00.950
We used to live very close to each other in Virginia.

03:08:00.950 --> 03:08:06.950
And the commanders have won and are going to be in the playoffs.

03:08:06.950 --> 03:08:09.950
And at one point in time they were called the Hogs.

03:08:09.950 --> 03:08:13.950
And I think you probably are a Redskin fan.

03:08:13.950 --> 03:08:16.950
Is there any other public comment this evening?

03:08:16.950 --> 03:08:20.149
If not, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.

03:08:20.149 --> 03:08:21.149
So moved.

03:08:21.149 --> 03:08:22.149
Second.

03:08:22.149 --> 03:08:24.790
A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

03:08:24.790 --> 03:08:25.790
All those in favor?

03:08:25.790 --> 03:08:25.809
Aye.