WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.319 Good evening. Since it's six o'clock, Evelyn, could you please give the invocation? 00:00:05.799 --> 00:00:12.710 Shall we bow our heads? 00:00:12.710 --> 00:00:14.710 Heavenly Father, 00:00:14.710 --> 00:00:22.269 we lift up our city leaders, our mayor, council members, city manager, public servants to you today. 00:00:23.089 --> 00:00:28.789 We thank you for their willingness to serve our community and ask for your divine guidance in their work. 00:00:29.390 --> 00:00:31.309 Grant them wisdom, 00:00:31.309 --> 00:00:50.450 and 00:00:50.450 --> 00:00:57.530 Bates, and provide the most capable, godly council. May their leadership foster unity, 00:00:57.530 --> 00:01:06.530 peace, and prosperity within our city, reflecting your love and purpose for our community. Yes, 00:01:06.530 --> 00:01:12.730 Father. Help us, the citizens, to pray for them and to be good stewards in our own lives, 00:01:12.730 --> 00:01:21.489 contributing to a better city for all. And Father, I also ask you to, for the wisdom 00:01:21.489 --> 00:01:26.290 and for the health and strength of the council members and their families. 00:01:26.950 --> 00:01:30.129 Keep them safe, Father, for the rest of the year. 00:01:30.750 --> 00:01:33.950 And Jesus, holy and matchless name. Amen. Amen. 00:01:35.290 --> 00:01:37.489 And we'll call this meeting to order, Madam Clerk. 00:01:37.489 --> 00:01:40.450 Could you please, when you're done, could you please take the roll? 00:01:42.450 --> 00:01:45.150 Daring, would you mind checking in on this? 00:01:45.849 --> 00:01:47.730 Mayor Miller? Here. 00:01:47.730 --> 00:01:49.650 Alderpersons, Clem? Here. 00:01:49.650 --> 00:01:50.849 Johnson? Here. 00:01:50.849 --> 00:01:58.290 Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. 00:02:01.010 --> 00:02:03.890 If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Johnson. 00:02:06.689 --> 00:02:11.490 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America 00:02:11.490 --> 00:02:19.169 and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice 00:02:19.169 --> 00:02:31.300 for all. Item number four is the approval of the agenda. Is there such a motion? So moved. 00:02:31.300 --> 00:02:38.180 Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor signify 00:02:38.180 --> 00:02:45.139 by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes. Public comment, which there are none signed in. 00:02:46.259 --> 00:02:52.180 Item number six is update to what became of the funds from the December 13th, 2024 Christmas 00:02:52.180 --> 00:03:12.039 On December 13, 2024, the City of Freeport and the Greater Freeport Partnership hosted 00:03:12.039 --> 00:03:13.539 a fundraiser. 00:03:13.539 --> 00:03:21.580 The purpose of the Christmas Wizard Fundraiser was to raise money for new downtown Christmas 00:03:21.580 --> 00:03:53.560 Settlers, and a number of other decorations. Ticket prices for this event ranged from $25 to $50. My question and concerns are as follow. How many tickets were sold? How much money was raised? Were there any decorations purchased? If so, then where are they? And can you please provide the 00:03:53.560 --> 00:03:54.560 Huffines. 00:03:54.560 --> 00:04:00.960 Then where are the funds currently located and who has control of these funds? 00:04:00.960 --> 00:04:15.449 Greater Freeport Partnership or the City of Freeport? 00:04:15.449 --> 00:04:20.970 So were you presenting something that you, I mean normally in a presentation you're putting 00:04:20.970 --> 00:04:24.610 forward an idea or something to move forward. 00:04:24.610 --> 00:04:25.610 What are you presenting? 00:04:25.610 --> 00:04:26.610 Okay. 00:04:26.610 --> 00:04:32.800 I'm asking a question that I would like answers to. 00:04:32.800 --> 00:05:01.709 Okay. So pick up a phone. No, that's not how it's done. It's an agenda item. You knew this was coming to the council tonight. As a matter of fact, I'm so lucky to have the only thing that's on the agenda tonight. And so why do I not or can I not get answers to my questions? 00:05:01.709 --> 00:05:09.629 Okay, so just so that way everybody has a little bit of back history. Let's see, it would have been 00:05:11.230 --> 00:05:19.550 Thursday evening at 10 48 p.m. from Alderman Stacy's school email. She sent this 00:05:19.550 --> 00:05:28.589 memo with the questions. Madam Clerk forwarded it then to me, so I sent an email to Alderman 00:05:28.589 --> 00:05:36.029 and Stacy, back to her school email address and I also copied Andrea Winters who's the 00:05:36.029 --> 00:05:41.769 GFP and City Manager Boyer on that and I wrote to you and I said that Dovie had forwarded 00:05:41.769 --> 00:05:46.709 this to me and that I had copied those two on it that Andrea is the head of the GFP. 00:05:46.709 --> 00:05:50.110 I also explained that there was really no need to have a discussion on the COW because 00:05:50.110 --> 00:05:56.149 absolutely no funds were received or spent by the City of Freeport and as far as your 00:05:56.149 --> 00:05:57.149 and Stacey. 00:05:57.149 --> 00:06:00.509 I am sure that Andrea would have no problem answering them. 00:06:00.509 --> 00:06:05.589 Also the city's logo was on the flyer simply because the lead singer had contacted me about 00:06:05.589 --> 00:06:11.389 doing the show, so it seemed appropriate to acknowledge the city in a small way. 00:06:11.389 --> 00:06:16.750 And then that was at 9.13 on Friday morning. 00:06:16.750 --> 00:06:23.930 At 11.35 Friday morning, Andrea responded on that same email thread and she addressed 00:06:23.930 --> 00:06:28.089 O'Leary and Stacy and she said that the proceeds from the Christmas Wizards 00:06:28.089 --> 00:06:32.889 concert were used to purchase Christmas decorations that have been installed on 00:06:32.889 --> 00:06:37.529 streetlight poles on Chicago Avenue. Those wreaths have been installed by City 00:06:37.529 --> 00:06:42.170 Cruise. These wreaths and any further wreaths would be purchased from future 00:06:42.170 --> 00:06:46.970 concert proceeds would be installed annually with the rest of the downtown 00:06:46.970 --> 00:06:47.970 O'Donnell. 00:06:47.970 --> 00:07:00.329 Then at 1235, Alderman Stacy sent an email to me and did not include Andrea or the city 00:07:00.329 --> 00:07:06.009 manager on it, and her response was, okay, thank you for your mediocre response, however, 00:07:06.009 --> 00:07:12.370 I still want this on the agenda for discussion, and I have followed protocol, honor my request. 00:07:12.370 --> 00:07:23.709 So it is on for discussion, so not sure why the city would be discussing a GFP event. 00:07:23.709 --> 00:07:30.129 There are multiple entities throughout the city that have used the city's logo as a supportive 00:07:30.129 --> 00:07:31.129 measure. 00:07:31.129 --> 00:07:35.050 It does not include funds of any sort received or spent. 00:07:35.050 --> 00:07:43.930 So to have something on an agenda that is someone else's responsibility really is kind of a 00:07:43.930 --> 00:07:48.250 back door to them and the questions should be asked to that entity. 00:07:48.250 --> 00:07:54.410 I would not expect the YMCA with their fundraiser, if you had a question about that, to come 00:07:54.410 --> 00:07:58.329 to the city council meeting and want us to answer those. 00:07:58.329 --> 00:08:03.290 So again, I am sure that Andrea can and will answer those questions if you direct them 00:08:03.290 --> 00:08:10.569 to her. And so where is she denied? Because she's usually at every other council meeting. I don't set 00:08:10.569 --> 00:08:19.610 her agenda. No, of course. And again, she's she is not a city employee. She's not directed to be here 00:08:19.610 --> 00:08:28.329 to be a part of a council meeting. Well, she comes every quarter and she gives reports. Ask her at 00:08:28.329 --> 00:08:33.009 at the next at the next one or ask her sooner and we asked twice I have asked 00:08:33.009 --> 00:08:38.769 twice and the first one she was still collecting money since she didn't have a 00:08:38.769 --> 00:08:44.889 grand total I recall but she never came back with answers to the questions even 00:08:44.889 --> 00:08:51.809 then I recall that you are you are correct and so again ask her pick up the 00:08:51.809 --> 00:08:55.970 phone go see her I'm sure she's more than willing to give you all those 00:08:55.970 --> 00:08:57.970 and 00:08:58.970 --> 00:09:00.970 the rest of the board. 00:09:01.970 --> 00:09:04.970 I would not expect her to speak on my behalf and I won't speak on her 00:09:05.970 --> 00:09:07.970 behalf. 00:09:08.970 --> 00:09:11.970 Well, I mean, you're part of, well, I know city manager Boyer is on 00:09:12.970 --> 00:09:17.970 that board, so because this wasn't agenda items, even he could have 00:09:18.970 --> 00:09:21.970 had the answers to those questions for tonight's meeting. 00:09:22.970 --> 00:09:24.970 Could have. 00:09:25.970 --> 00:09:29.649 to speaking on behalf of another entity. 00:09:30.809 --> 00:09:32.610 Ask her, go to one of their meetings. 00:09:32.610 --> 00:09:35.409 He's a part of the entity, he's on the board. 00:09:35.409 --> 00:09:39.330 We give them $400,000 a year. 00:09:39.330 --> 00:09:41.570 It's not the city agenda. 00:09:41.570 --> 00:09:45.009 Yes it is, yes it absolutely is. 00:09:45.009 --> 00:09:50.009 Alderman Sanders, did you wanna have your four minutes? 00:09:50.649 --> 00:09:52.570 Stacy is having this conversation 00:09:52.570 --> 00:09:54.649 which is out of order, first of all. 00:09:54.649 --> 00:09:57.149 Okay, can you start the clock for Alderman Sanders? 00:09:57.149 --> 00:10:00.149 Well, you might start the clock for me, but I will. 00:10:00.149 --> 00:10:04.479 and I. I'm sorry to clock for me, but I will have you on notice, Mayor, because you cannot 00:10:04.479 --> 00:10:12.759 engage with counsel in this manner at all. Absolutely none. So while you and Sister Stacy 00:10:12.759 --> 00:10:17.799 is going back and forth with each other, you are out of order right now. And then you want 00:10:17.799 --> 00:10:27.519 to clock my time for when I want to speak. You are not in the right proper order to be 00:10:57.519 --> 00:11:27.519 and I dare anyone to try to refute what I'm saying because it's not an accusation, it's a proof of facts, but they're a taxpayer, they're receiving tax dollars, they answer and be accountable to this council, this council is supposed to be a governing body that legislates and determines what policies are to be applicable to the citizens of Freeport. 00:11:27.519 --> 00:11:39.819 and so forth. For someone to sit here and talk about entity, yes, GFP is an actual entity of the city of Freeport. 00:11:39.819 --> 00:11:48.719 Oh, you guys can shake your head all you want, but the point of the matter is if you don't know a thing, you shouldn't speak out on a thing. 00:11:48.719 --> 00:11:50.019 I agree with that. 00:11:50.019 --> 00:11:55.859 Yeah, if you don't know a thing, you should speak out on it and make nuances about making 00:11:55.859 --> 00:12:03.779 gestures as if though you're correct and things of this nature. So while you and Alderman 00:12:03.779 --> 00:12:11.299 Stacy is going back and forth as a point of order, that you are out of order. That's my whole point. 00:12:11.299 --> 00:12:19.939 And council directs what is and what isn't. Don't assume that there's another administration that's 00:12:19.939 --> 00:12:20.939 Huffines. 00:12:20.939 --> 00:12:25.499 We are a body entity of the city of Freeport. 00:12:25.499 --> 00:12:30.859 We are self-autonomous here in the city of Freeport. 00:12:30.859 --> 00:12:38.379 Whether you know it or not, you are the governing body, the legislators, the policymakers, the 00:12:38.379 --> 00:12:40.499 enforcers here. 00:12:40.499 --> 00:12:45.379 Whether we know it or not, I may not bring all the definition out, but it's something 00:12:45.379 --> 00:12:46.139 and 00:12:46.139 --> 00:12:59.139 we're not practicing our own duties and we're not being accountable and we should be having our board with a chairperson. 00:12:59.139 --> 00:13:13.139 The board needs a chairperson of itself so we don't have these interference and distractions from other administrative bodies that's working against council as opposed to with council. 00:13:13.139 --> 00:13:19.959 So I just wanted to point that out for now so people don't misunderstand what part of 00:13:19.959 --> 00:13:26.379 GFP plays into the city ordinances and things of that nature. 00:13:26.379 --> 00:13:34.309 And I will point out, I am the chair, Alderman Sellers. 00:13:34.309 --> 00:13:43.149 I'm trying to figure out, we're here because you want to understand the fundraiser and 00:13:43.149 --> 00:13:50.789 and where the money is from the fundraiser that the GFP did to get Christmas decorations 00:13:50.789 --> 00:13:53.669 for downtown. 00:13:53.669 --> 00:13:54.669 Is that correct? 00:13:54.669 --> 00:14:04.189 I'm just asking because, I mean, we're arguing, we're fussing, and it's a simple call, Andrea. 00:14:04.189 --> 00:14:05.189 Get the numbers. 00:14:05.189 --> 00:14:06.189 She can give you the numbers. 00:14:06.189 --> 00:14:08.509 She gave them to me. 00:14:08.509 --> 00:14:09.789 She's talked to me about it. 00:14:09.789 --> 00:14:14.829 All you have to do is actually go there, sit down, talk with her, get your information. 00:14:14.829 --> 00:14:19.229 But calling a meeting? I'm trying to figure it out. 00:14:19.229 --> 00:14:21.389 This is the regular scheduled meeting. 00:14:21.389 --> 00:14:23.629 Yeah, but there's nothing on here. 00:14:23.629 --> 00:14:25.149 Why is there nothing on there? 00:14:25.149 --> 00:14:28.189 Talk to Mayor and City Manager Boyer. 00:14:28.189 --> 00:14:29.309 But this is not the first time we have it. 00:14:29.309 --> 00:14:31.789 If it wasn't the COW, last week we had 21 items. 00:14:31.789 --> 00:14:33.709 Alderman Sellers has the floor. Please allow that. 00:14:33.709 --> 00:14:36.509 Last week we had 21 items on the agenda. 00:14:36.509 --> 00:14:40.509 That's a regular council meeting. This is a COW meeting. If we don't have anything... 00:14:40.509 --> 00:14:41.549 And if they wanted something... 00:14:41.549 --> 00:14:43.069 But we don't have anything to talk about. 00:14:43.069 --> 00:14:43.789 It would have been on there. 00:14:43.789 --> 00:14:45.789 Alderman Stacy, allow Alderman Sellers to finish. 00:14:45.789 --> 00:14:46.509 But we don't have anything... 00:14:46.509 --> 00:14:48.269 She's talking to me. 00:14:48.269 --> 00:14:55.069 But we don't have anything that is worth bringing people out of their homes, away from their families, 00:14:56.669 --> 00:15:02.589 so we can get numbers from a fundraiser. That's not fair. 00:15:02.589 --> 00:15:02.989 Apparently we did. 00:15:02.989 --> 00:15:04.429 That is not fair. 00:15:04.429 --> 00:15:05.069 Apparently we did. 00:15:05.069 --> 00:15:06.109 That is not fair. 00:15:06.109 --> 00:15:13.069 and when the draft was sent out there was other items on the agenda that was conveniently removed. 00:15:13.069 --> 00:15:20.829 Okay okay. It's not fair. Alderman Shadle. Make a motion to table this indefinitely. Second. 00:15:21.949 --> 00:15:28.589 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle seconded by Alderman Parker to table this topic indefinitely. 00:15:28.589 --> 00:15:35.629 Any discussion on the motion? Yes. Alderman Sanders. This motion that has these types of 00:15:35.629 --> 00:15:44.029 is trying to squash the concept of agendas, resolutions, and adoptions and amendments. 00:15:44.029 --> 00:15:54.029 I told you once before, these are idiotic tabling and things of this nature. 00:15:54.029 --> 00:16:04.829 It is council that runs this city, not the mayor, not the administration, not the city council, 00:16:04.829 --> 00:16:10.829 and not aldermen's sidelining in conflict of interest because they need to be censured. 00:16:10.829 --> 00:16:21.829 Anyone that has not been collectively accountable for their actions and their responsibilities in this council 00:16:21.829 --> 00:16:32.559 should be held for that tabling something just to trying to squash a point of this meeting 00:16:32.559 --> 00:16:47.559 is something where we have to reconstruct as council members so we can get this council back where it's never been in place since I've known of it. 00:16:47.559 --> 00:16:55.559 But the thing about it is the council is not doing the duties of governing, legislating. 00:16:55.559 --> 00:17:01.679 if you don't have that knowledge about governing and legislation and policy terms and liabilities 00:17:01.679 --> 00:17:09.079 and bylaws and ordinances, if you don't have the concept of any of this stuff, you cannot 00:17:09.079 --> 00:17:17.399 sit systematically and start trying to table things because it doesn't suit the authorities 00:17:17.399 --> 00:17:21.799 of people that is injecting their views and opinions. 00:17:21.799 --> 00:17:27.679 you cannot just sit here as council justify why you're tabling it just like I talked 00:17:27.679 --> 00:17:35.599 to one of my council members on the last occasion you want to you want to suspend things so 00:17:35.599 --> 00:17:41.879 it doesn't get talked about I like for you to be called on records call call call before 00:17:41.879 --> 00:17:48.079 the people of the city and give them an explanation of why you're trying to table something and 00:17:48.079 --> 00:17:54.679 and while you're trying to suspend something, simply because we have a legitimate item on 00:17:54.679 --> 00:18:00.480 the agenda to talk about, to scrutinize, to debate and things like that. 00:18:00.480 --> 00:18:08.359 I hate to do this out in public simply because this should be something of a closed session 00:18:08.359 --> 00:18:11.159 amongst council members. 00:18:11.159 --> 00:18:16.439 Council members haven't had a meeting since the day that I was elected here, and so we 00:18:16.439 --> 00:18:28.559 We should have a closed session talking about reconfiguring the council so it can do its 00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:33.000 duty because we are lacking our responsibility. 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:35.679 We're following somebody else's agenda. 00:18:35.679 --> 00:18:38.679 We're not following the agendas of the council. 00:18:38.679 --> 00:18:45.319 The council is the last people to know about anything that is happening within this city. 00:18:45.319 --> 00:18:48.679 that means that we are not being held accountable. 00:18:48.679 --> 00:18:52.000 All kinds of fraud and all kinds of oversight, 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:55.119 all kinds of theft, all kinds of information 00:18:55.119 --> 00:18:57.639 that is not scrutinized by council. 00:18:57.639 --> 00:19:02.639 It is council responsibility to investigate everything. 00:19:03.119 --> 00:19:06.159 It is our job to investigate whether you know it or not. 00:19:06.159 --> 00:19:10.440 It is our job to investigate anything, policies, 00:19:10.440 --> 00:19:15.440 Ordinances, bylaws, all of this. 00:19:15.719 --> 00:19:20.719 We have not conformed adequately enough to do our job 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:25.119 and we need to get back to the business of the people. 00:19:25.119 --> 00:19:27.799 I don't even know why we, I don't even understand 00:19:27.799 --> 00:19:30.159 how we got elected if this is not 00:19:30.159 --> 00:19:32.039 what your agenda is all about. 00:19:32.039 --> 00:19:35.759 And if we're not doing the responsible thing. 00:19:35.759 --> 00:19:37.279 Your time has expired, Alderman Sanders. 00:19:37.279 --> 00:19:42.159 Look, you might say that- Your time has expired Alderman Sanders. 00:19:42.159 --> 00:19:44.279 On what policy and ordinance? 00:19:44.279 --> 00:19:49.399 I want to know the ordinance citing- No, I want to know the ordinance citing- 00:19:49.399 --> 00:19:52.079 I'll get that to you, you need to stop talking. 00:19:52.079 --> 00:19:54.119 Do you have the numbers? 00:19:54.119 --> 00:19:57.759 House of Council 220, Chapter 10 or 11, it's one of those two. 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:57.999 and 00:19:58.999 --> 00:20:00.999 the 00:20:01.999 --> 00:20:03.999 Council. 00:20:04.999 --> 00:20:16.999 This is your warning, Alderman Sanders, stop being interruptive. If you do it again, I will call you out of order. We have other ones that had wanted to say something, and I have to tell you, you are correct about your positions here. 00:20:16.999 --> 00:20:25.279 I know. Have to do with legislative policy and the problem with the agenda tonight, there's no legislative policy. Alderman Parker, did you have something? 00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:35.399 Yes, I think we've answered the question. That's a private entity. It's nothing to do with the city. We have no say on it. And it's no different than maybe we telling Newell how to spend their money. 00:20:35.399 --> 00:20:39.599 Absolutely. We cannot do it. We are not responsible. We're not accountable. You don't know what you're doing. 00:20:39.599 --> 00:20:44.759 I think we've answered the question. So I think we just end this whole thing. 00:20:44.759 --> 00:20:51.159 Alderman Johnson, you were next. That's what I was referring to. I agree with transparency. I 00:20:52.039 --> 00:20:59.159 understand that. I would think that Andrew would be willing to give you an itemized list of the 00:20:59.159 --> 00:21:06.359 income, the expenditures of the event, of the profit that was made, and itemize where the money 00:21:06.359 --> 00:21:12.999 went for the decorations. If you have that, we have answers to all of our questions. If we don't 00:21:12.999 --> 00:21:15.319 Don't get those answers, then there maybe is a problem. 00:21:15.319 --> 00:21:18.999 But I would say try to get the answers to all those questions. 00:21:18.999 --> 00:21:20.679 And for right now, we could table this 00:21:20.679 --> 00:21:22.619 and see if you get the answers to your questions. 00:21:22.619 --> 00:21:24.699 And then alderman Sellers, you are next. 00:21:24.699 --> 00:21:29.219 No, I was going to also say that if you go in and get 00:21:29.219 --> 00:21:32.379 the information, because this is more of a question 00:21:32.379 --> 00:21:36.399 than it is a issue for us to sit here and discuss. 00:21:36.399 --> 00:21:39.679 It's just a question to go down and get your information. 00:21:39.679 --> 00:21:42.159 It's not like anybody is trying to hide anything. 00:21:42.159 --> 00:21:45.799 Just go ask your questions and get it done just like everybody else. 00:21:45.799 --> 00:21:47.639 Ask their questions. 00:21:47.639 --> 00:21:50.319 You know, we don't have to do it all in front of everybody. 00:21:50.319 --> 00:21:52.799 Just go ask your questions and you get your answers. 00:21:52.799 --> 00:21:58.839 Just like if I had a question for Michelle, I would call her up, get my answer, and I'm done. 00:21:58.839 --> 00:22:04.319 I wouldn't call a meeting to have everybody listen to the question I want to ask Michelle. 00:22:04.319 --> 00:22:06.159 So I guess that's what I'm saying. 00:22:06.159 --> 00:22:11.399 We're coming together, leaving our homes, our families, and all of that 00:22:11.399 --> 00:22:16.899 on a question, not for something that is said. 00:22:16.899 --> 00:22:23.439 So there is a motion for tabling indefinitely made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman 00:22:23.439 --> 00:22:24.439 Parker. 00:22:24.439 --> 00:22:29.159 If there's no more discussion on the motion itself, Madam Clerk, do you want to take a 00:22:29.159 --> 00:22:30.439 roll or should we just do a vote? 00:22:30.439 --> 00:22:32.279 Well, hold it before you do that. 00:22:32.279 --> 00:22:33.879 I have a question. 00:22:33.879 --> 00:22:35.679 You've actually had your twice to speak. 00:22:35.679 --> 00:22:36.679 Twice? 00:22:36.679 --> 00:22:37.679 Yes, sir. 00:22:37.679 --> 00:23:04.679 I want you to know that I have a motion for a point of order, whether the mayor knows it or not, whether you know it or not, I have a point of order here, motion, because I have something to say to council. 00:23:04.679 --> 00:23:07.839 Okay. So if you have something new to say to council, then- 00:23:07.839 --> 00:23:13.319 Yes, I do. Every time, but I don't need to have this debate with you. 00:23:13.319 --> 00:23:17.279 I don't need to have this debate with you is what I'm getting at. 00:23:18.719 --> 00:23:21.039 It is not your discretion to make that call. 00:23:21.039 --> 00:23:21.999 Start the clock, please. 00:23:21.999 --> 00:23:24.239 It's not your discretion to make that call. 00:23:24.919 --> 00:23:27.799 The point that I'd like to continue to make is this. 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:44.589 the suppression of the information that is being considered of the GFP acknowledging 00:23:44.589 --> 00:23:49.189 all of the information regarding to this agenda item. 00:23:49.189 --> 00:23:58.269 If we're not knowing the formality and procedures of how to obtain that because we could have 00:23:58.269 --> 00:24:05.069 made a request that someone sitting here saying that there are no entity. 00:24:05.069 --> 00:24:07.869 Oh yes, when they're receiving taxpayer dollars, 00:24:07.869 --> 00:24:12.989 they have to answer to the governing body of this council. 00:24:12.989 --> 00:24:15.669 It's because you have not been educated in this. 00:24:15.669 --> 00:24:18.349 That doesn't mean everybody else has not been. 00:24:18.349 --> 00:24:27.829 And so ones that are sitting here trying to sabotage and derail 00:24:27.829 --> 00:24:36.229 this item of agenda then you need to be censured too. Everyone that's opposing the taxpayers 00:24:37.029 --> 00:24:43.189 vision of what this council should look like and we're not being held accountable for the 00:24:43.189 --> 00:24:49.509 things that we're saying and the comments that we're making everything that is if it's not based 00:24:49.509 --> 00:24:57.029 upon what the citizens are recommending remember you have to remember you are an elected official 00:24:57.829 --> 00:25:07.189 you you're part of the governing body of this city and we should have board meetings to do to work out 00:25:08.389 --> 00:25:16.389 the errors and problems within the board itself and so we should and the fact that the question 00:25:16.389 --> 00:25:23.429 came up that opens up a lot of variables there's a lot of variables going on with the fact that 00:25:23.429 --> 00:25:25.869 that this item is on the agenda. 00:25:25.869 --> 00:25:29.129 And if everybody would start thinking, 00:25:30.569 --> 00:25:35.569 governing and legislating and learning the policies 00:25:35.569 --> 00:25:39.949 of this governing body and recognize the authority 00:25:39.949 --> 00:25:44.949 and the power that this council wills throughout the city. 00:25:46.569 --> 00:25:51.129 We are the voice of the people of the city. 00:25:51.129 --> 00:25:59.529 there's no other entity here in this city has the voice other than council because we are the ruling 00:25:59.529 --> 00:26:08.089 bodies we are the legislators we set the policies until we understand that you we're going to be 00:26:08.089 --> 00:26:15.129 like this for years and years simply because no one wants to change it's been like this for decades 00:26:15.129 --> 00:26:20.649 it's been like this for a long time but no one wants to step up and acknowledge it that's the 00:26:20.649 --> 00:26:28.129 and I'm sitting here for the last two, three years watching this confusion going on about 00:26:28.129 --> 00:26:32.409 what governing and legislating is all about. 00:26:32.409 --> 00:26:40.329 We just can't keep doing the same routine things that we consider as right in our own 00:26:40.329 --> 00:26:45.769 eyes and doing what is right for the board and the commission of the city. 00:26:45.769 --> 00:26:53.929 and until then, we have to be able to be accountable for our own action and be responsible for 00:26:53.929 --> 00:27:04.489 the actions of why we have agendas and calling on these agendas without council consent. 00:27:04.489 --> 00:27:08.049 There shouldn't be an agenda posed on this. 00:27:08.049 --> 00:27:14.929 There shouldn't be no agenda itemized ordinance resolution or an adoption should be on this 00:27:14.929 --> 00:27:42.369 Johnson, Johnson, Aye, Simmons, Parker, Aye, Stacy, No, Shadle, Aye, Sanders, No, Sellers, 00:27:42.369 --> 00:27:51.769 Sanders, and Klemm. The motion to postpone indefinitely passes five to three. Item number 00:27:51.769 --> 00:28:00.659 seven is public comment. Are there any public comments this evening? I just want to start 00:28:00.659 --> 00:28:04.539 off with, I may be a little jumpy, a little irritable right now because I've been up for 00:28:04.539 --> 00:28:10.779 15 hours. I worked a 12 hour shift and then I went over and had to re-plow my mom's yard 00:28:10.779 --> 00:28:14.579 or her sidewalks because the plowing is terrible. 00:28:14.579 --> 00:28:16.899 And I understand that, let me back up. 00:28:17.899 --> 00:28:19.139 Let me back up. 00:28:19.139 --> 00:28:23.619 Sitting here watching you talk to older people like that, 00:28:23.619 --> 00:28:26.119 I can't control how you talk to all these other people. 00:28:26.119 --> 00:28:28.319 But my mother, absolutely not. 00:28:28.319 --> 00:28:29.379 You should be embarrassed. 00:28:29.379 --> 00:28:30.859 This is not high school. 00:28:30.859 --> 00:28:33.859 I know you're not and you never are. 00:28:33.859 --> 00:28:35.219 That's the problem now. 00:28:35.219 --> 00:28:37.839 Anyway, the plowing needs work. 00:28:37.839 --> 00:28:39.499 There's an obvious difference when you drive 00:28:39.499 --> 00:28:41.179 between the East and the West sides. 00:28:41.179 --> 00:28:42.819 I understand the first snow was a big one, 00:28:42.819 --> 00:28:45.099 but I shouldn't have to slip and slide my way around Garden 00:28:45.099 --> 00:28:47.499 until I hit Galena, Adams, whatever. 00:28:48.339 --> 00:28:50.419 You wanna talk about there being no agenda items, 00:28:50.419 --> 00:28:51.779 here are some. 00:28:51.779 --> 00:28:53.919 Acknowledging the homeless woman who died, 00:28:53.919 --> 00:28:55.879 and how do we prevent that as a city? 00:28:55.879 --> 00:28:57.259 Discussion on what the city can do 00:28:57.259 --> 00:29:00.059 in the event of SNAP benefits being withheld again. 00:29:00.059 --> 00:29:02.499 Because, but we're too busy praising a couple 00:29:02.499 --> 00:29:04.779 who moved here from California, 00:29:04.779 --> 00:29:07.979 obviously one of the most expensive states in the country, 00:29:07.979 --> 00:29:09.539 Get in the damn sister city. 00:29:10.699 --> 00:29:11.659 You're gonna talk about pretzels 00:29:11.659 --> 00:29:13.499 and we have a leaf on our water tower. 00:29:13.499 --> 00:29:15.739 We're not the Freeport leaves. 00:29:15.739 --> 00:29:20.219 Anyway, and asking the GFP to be straightforward yet again. 00:29:20.219 --> 00:29:22.759 But I guess that can just be a phone call, right? 00:29:22.759 --> 00:29:24.959 It's embarrassing that the only, 00:29:25.779 --> 00:29:28.339 it's embarrassing to only have one agenda item. 00:29:28.339 --> 00:29:30.859 It's also embarrassing to see new concrete poured 00:29:30.859 --> 00:29:33.499 for EV chargers and parking lots with pocket holes 00:29:33.499 --> 00:29:34.839 big enough to make me wanna get out 00:29:34.839 --> 00:29:36.339 and check my truck suspension. 00:29:36.339 --> 00:29:48.339 and Ms. Dovie. Replying to a FOIA request with a document that is 99% blacked out is the reason why there's still a glaring mistrust in the city government, especially with the mayor and the way that she acts. 00:29:48.339 --> 00:29:55.339 It really feels like some of the council thinks this town is full of idiots and it has and will continue to come back and bite you in the ass. Thank you. 00:29:55.339 --> 00:30:18.339 I like to talk about one other thing that council or anyone or department heads or directors 00:30:18.339 --> 00:30:19.659 or people of this nature. 00:30:19.659 --> 00:30:33.859 We had a conflict of embarrassment over the week and the thing about it is I am surprised 00:30:33.859 --> 00:30:39.699 that no one is talking about on this subject the fact that I received double payments in 00:30:39.699 --> 00:30:48.659 my account and we have not been able to scrutinize who's at fault for these fraudulent payments 00:30:48.659 --> 00:30:52.319 that was administered, that was submit to us over the week. 00:30:52.319 --> 00:30:57.319 I'm quite sure every councilman receive these statements, 00:31:00.719 --> 00:31:02.759 increase on the account. 00:31:03.839 --> 00:31:07.059 Now, the part that this is where the governing body 00:31:07.059 --> 00:31:08.539 comes into play. 00:31:08.539 --> 00:31:12.899 When an incident like that happens on that level 00:31:12.899 --> 00:31:22.899 where people are getting double payments, there's a problem within our system. 00:31:22.899 --> 00:31:25.899 Why isn't this been brought to our attention? 00:31:25.899 --> 00:31:33.899 It's because there are people in the background that's suppressing this information. 00:31:33.899 --> 00:31:40.899 If we don't get a handle on this, we need to be able to scrutinize it to the limit 00:31:40.899 --> 00:31:43.239 because if fraud is taking place, 00:31:43.239 --> 00:31:47.379 then we need to have our oversight committee in place 00:31:47.379 --> 00:31:50.939 to make a determination where things are going on. 00:31:50.939 --> 00:31:54.699 And not only that, we need a secretary of agency 00:31:54.699 --> 00:31:57.379 within our own structure of governing. 00:31:57.379 --> 00:32:01.499 We don't need people that are working independently 00:32:02.859 --> 00:32:07.139 neutral, supposedly, outside of the council. 00:32:07.139 --> 00:32:11.439 that includes our mayor, that includes our clerk, 00:32:11.439 --> 00:32:14.879 that includes our city director. 00:32:14.879 --> 00:32:19.479 No one in this council should be looking forward 00:32:19.479 --> 00:32:23.599 to getting the answers from the things 00:32:23.599 --> 00:32:25.959 that we should know about. 00:32:25.959 --> 00:32:29.719 And so until we make an appeal to understand 00:32:29.719 --> 00:32:32.479 why these kinds of things happen, 00:32:32.479 --> 00:32:34.919 we don't know what else is going on within the city 00:32:34.919 --> 00:32:54.919 We have not done a full investigation of this administration part of it, and until we do, things are going to be, as they put, tabled, suspended, topics that should be part of the subject of the city, understanding how the moneys of Freeport is being spent. 00:32:54.919 --> 00:33:02.719 to Spend It, topics that should be part of the subject of the city, understanding how 00:33:02.719 --> 00:33:05.599 the moneys of Freeport is being spent. 00:33:05.599 --> 00:33:07.119 And for someone to sit here and say that- 00:33:07.119 --> 00:33:08.119 Your time has expired. 00:33:08.119 --> 00:33:09.119 Thank you. 00:33:09.119 --> 00:33:10.119 Oh, yeah? 00:33:10.119 --> 00:33:11.119 Oh, okay. 00:33:11.119 --> 00:33:12.119 All right. 00:33:12.119 --> 00:33:14.639 And that's the part that needs to be changed right there. 00:33:14.639 --> 00:33:15.639 Yeah. 00:33:15.639 --> 00:33:20.159 So I don't normally suggest there be any response to public comment, but Michelle, if you would 00:33:20.159 --> 00:33:26.019 would like to defend the finance department just because there was a lot of accusations 00:33:26.019 --> 00:33:27.019 made there. 00:33:27.019 --> 00:33:30.019 You're welcome to. 00:33:30.019 --> 00:33:31.019 Thank you, your honor. 00:33:31.019 --> 00:33:43.429 You would have to go to the podium. 00:33:43.429 --> 00:33:44.729 Thank you for allowing me to speak. 00:33:44.729 --> 00:33:50.989 I would just like to address Alderperson Sanders' accusation about fraud regarding the payroll 00:33:50.989 --> 00:33:53.489 incident that happened on Friday. 00:33:53.489 --> 00:33:57.229 Had absolutely nothing to do with the city of Freeport. 00:33:57.229 --> 00:33:58.749 We didn't push the button twice. 00:33:58.749 --> 00:34:04.869 We didn't send the email twice, it was a bank error, it had to do with our bank. 00:34:04.869 --> 00:34:11.469 Those payments, we contacted everyone as fast as we could, let the employees know what happened, 00:34:11.469 --> 00:34:14.329 and the bank recouped those, the exact same funds. 00:34:14.329 --> 00:34:19.349 We did not receive any calls today that there were any issues, like, you know, that was 00:34:19.349 --> 00:34:21.749 taken back twice or anything like that. 00:34:21.749 --> 00:34:28.629 As far as the other comments you made regarding fraud, I do take a large offense to that. 00:34:28.629 --> 00:34:35.589 The City of Freeport is audited every year, and every alderman is given a form to turn 00:34:35.589 --> 00:34:38.749 in if you have any suspicions of fraud. 00:34:38.749 --> 00:34:43.269 There's a form to fill out, and that doesn't come to us. 00:34:43.269 --> 00:34:45.749 If it happens again, you'll be removed. 00:34:45.749 --> 00:34:47.349 Go ahead, finish your comment. 00:34:47.349 --> 00:34:50.149 I just wanted to say that that form doesn't come to the city. 00:34:50.149 --> 00:34:55.469 It goes directly to the auditors, a third party. 00:34:55.469 --> 00:35:00.909 So, please, when you get that form, fill it out if there is something that you are suspicious 00:35:00.909 --> 00:35:06.509 of, but to my knowledge, you have not filled out a form the last two years you've been 00:35:06.509 --> 00:35:07.509 here. 00:35:07.509 --> 00:35:10.269 That's what you say. 00:35:10.269 --> 00:35:13.229 And that concludes tonight's meeting, taking motion for adjournment. 00:35:13.229 --> 00:35:22.309 Oh, I'm sorry. 00:35:22.309 --> 00:35:37.549 As Fifth Ward Alderwoman, I will not be told what I can and cannot put on an agenda. 00:35:37.549 --> 00:35:42.509 I don't have to go to a third party. 00:35:42.509 --> 00:35:56.359 I'm coming direct to you, City Manager Boyer, and to you, Mayor Miller. 00:35:56.359 --> 00:35:58.479 I don't work for you, you work for me. 00:35:58.479 --> 00:36:00.599 I work for the people. 00:36:00.599 --> 00:36:04.239 The people are asking questions 00:36:05.759 --> 00:36:10.399 and I trying to get them answers. 00:36:11.439 --> 00:36:13.759 And so if you have a problem, 00:36:13.759 --> 00:36:18.959 would it be an openly discussed? 00:36:18.959 --> 00:36:24.239 That's something you have to work out within. 00:36:24.239 --> 00:36:29.239 We have the same Christmas tree decorations 00:36:29.239 --> 00:36:37.799 and I have been hanging on the poles that we have had for the last 50 years and half of 00:36:37.799 --> 00:36:41.439 the lights don't even light up anymore. 00:36:41.439 --> 00:36:53.509 But that's our glorified downtown. 00:36:53.509 --> 00:37:00.909 I want to talk about meeting with you, City Manager Boyer, and how it's always made so 00:37:00.909 --> 00:37:04.709 obvious that, oh, if you come talk to me. 00:37:04.709 --> 00:37:07.269 I used to meet with you, yeah. 00:37:07.269 --> 00:37:11.249 Me and another older person used to meet with you. 00:37:13.049 --> 00:37:15.069 But then you no longer allowed that 00:37:15.069 --> 00:37:16.509 because you brought the mayor 00:37:16.509 --> 00:37:21.029 and then we were in violation with Robert's rules. 00:37:21.029 --> 00:37:23.409 So I am not gonna be dictate. 00:37:23.409 --> 00:37:25.709 I'm not gonna be caught up in a room 00:37:25.709 --> 00:37:29.149 with you and the mayor coming at me. 00:37:29.149 --> 00:37:32.709 So when you talk about me not meeting with you, 00:37:32.709 --> 00:37:37.509 Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. 00:37:37.509 --> 00:37:43.559 You won't meet with me and another council person, 00:37:43.559 --> 00:37:45.919 because you bring the mayor, and that's the only way 00:37:45.919 --> 00:37:48.639 you're willing to meet with me. 00:37:48.639 --> 00:37:50.639 Truth be told, I'm not allowed to talk 00:37:50.639 --> 00:37:53.119 to any of the directors. 00:37:53.119 --> 00:37:56.199 If I call Michelle tomorrow and ask her a question, 00:37:56.199 --> 00:37:58.399 she cannot give me an answer. 00:37:58.399 --> 00:38:05.889 She have to call Rob Boyer so that he can give me the answer. 00:38:05.889 --> 00:38:09.369 I don't work for you, City Manager Boyer. 00:38:09.369 --> 00:38:13.119 You work for me. 00:38:13.119 --> 00:38:16.439 Just like I asked for the second list 00:38:16.439 --> 00:38:19.519 for the lighting from Police Shenberger, 00:38:19.519 --> 00:38:23.199 Chief Shenberger, before he retired. 00:38:23.199 --> 00:38:26.499 And you were gonna get that to me. 00:38:26.499 --> 00:38:30.479 And I'm still waiting, City Manager Boyer. 00:38:30.479 --> 00:38:32.039 I will take a motion for adjournment. 00:38:32.039 --> 00:38:32.879 So moved. 00:38:32.879 --> 00:38:33.699 Second. 00:38:33.699 --> 00:38:34.539 All those in favor? 00:38:34.539 --> 00:38:35.379 Aye. 00:38:35.379 --> 00:38:36.199 Have a good evening.