Good evening.
Linda, could you please give the invocation this evening.
Let us bow our heads.
Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord on my soul.
While we live, we will praise the and thank you for our mayor our city manager the leaders in the city and this council they are all leaders and they are all servants serving the people of this community by making decisions that affect our lives we come to you with gratitude and thank you for being a God of love who is with us in this very room you never leave us nor forsake us your grace will lead us this evening We thank you for the calling you have placed on these leaders to be good stewards of the finances and possessions of this city and to have respect and honor for one another as the business is discussed and decisions are made.
We come into this room tonight as complex human beings, carrying burdens, carrying joy and hope and trusting that you alone can hold us together in your love and peace.
Pease.
Help us trust you more and lean not on our own understanding.
Remove all fears, cancel all animosity, and bring your peace as we lean on your everlasting arms to accomplish your purposes for this city and all who dwell here.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Amen.
Thank you, Linda.
Now we'll officially call this meeting to order.
Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?
Mayor Miller?
Here.
Alderpersons, Klemm?
Here.
Monroe?
Here.
Simmons is absent.
Parker?
Here.
Stacy?
Here.
Shadle?
Here.
Sanders?
Here.
And Sellers?
Here.
If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Sellers.
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Item number one is the approval of the and December 16, 2024.
Is there such a motion?
So moved.
Second.
Motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Klemm.
All those in favor signify by saying aye.
Aye.
Opposed?
That motion passes.
Public comment.
We have two that are on agenda topics for this evening.
Rhonda Scott, if you would like to have three minutes.
Hello, I'm Rhonda Scott.
Scott, I'd like to comment, really ask some questions before you consider resolution number 13, which has something to do with police health employment or employment health plan.
I read the notes on this and it was something about some contract had been negotiated and it wasn't clear.
What happened is when I read the memo, I had a whole lot of questions, like first of all, What do you mean police officers are getting a pension and we're paying for their health insurance like shouldn't they be paying for their health insurance?
So I looked at what other cities were doing and when I looked up Rockford and Chicago, the officers there, if they retire under the age of 55, the city contributes nothing.
They are allowed to participate in the city's healthcare plan but the officers have to pay out of their own pockets.
Once they are 55 they have the option of staying in the city plan and in Rockford the city contributes 50% the officer contributes the rest out of their pocket and in the city of Chicago the officers are required to contribute 3.5% of their annuity I'm not sure what that amount is I'm just passing this and John, and I'm going to turn this information onto you just because the memo, it's asking you to approve a resolution, which you probably have no idea what it means.
And so I would like for you to ask some questions and find out exactly what are we paying for retired officers, health insurance, is this a standard?
I know most people, the industry standard is when you retire after working at a company for 30 years, you Kessler.
You don't have the company paying for it.
So I hate to be negative, but it just seems like we should run a city like a business.
We have a business manager.
We should be running it like a business.
We should be aware of cost, and I would ask for you respectfully to look at the cost of what we're paying and ask some questions, please.
Thank you.
Next is Akia Sanders.
How are you doing?
My name is Akia Sanders.
Duckman.
So I wanted to speak on item number five, reappointing Steve Cox.
I don't believe he should be reappointed.
From November 19th, he actually assisted Wayne Duckman in illegally knocking down one of my residents from what I understand not to be even approved by council to get knocked down.
And I just don't think he should be reappointed at this time.
Okay.
Now we can move on to item number four, which is the consent agenda.
The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless a Huffines.
Thank you.
The next member of the council would like to have something removed for further discussion.
Seeing nothing, we will approve to receive and place on file the minutes from the boards and commission meetings from the Foreign Fire Insurance Board dated October 10th, 2024, the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners from October 25th and 26th, 2024, Greater Freeport Partnerships Monthly Report dated December 18th, 2024, the National Day of Racial Healing Proclamation, approval of finance bills payable in the total of $4,466,436.46.
The approval of payroll for pay period ending December 14th, 2024 in the total of $657,123.22 as well as payroll for December 28th, 2024 in the total of $668,168.88.
Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda?
So moved.
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.
Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
Aye.
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
Aye.
Stacy?
Aye.
Shadle?
Aye.
And Sanders?
Aye.
The motion is approved, eight to zero.
Thank you.
Reappointment of Patrick McDermott to the board of the Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone for a three-year term effective through December 31, 2027 and the reappointment of Steve Cox to the board of the Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone for a three-year term effective through December 31, 2027.
Thank you.
Is there a motion to reappoint these?
Yes.
So moved.
I would like to make a motion that we divide these up.
Sure.
Okay, so we'll start with the first one, Patrick McDermott.
Is there a motion to approve?
So moved.
Second.
Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.
Discussion?
Yes.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
This question goes to Community Development.
Do we know if Mr. McDermott has registered all of his rental properties here in the City of Freeport?
I'm not sure I'd have to look into that for you.
Any other discussion?
And clerk, please take the roll.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
No.
Simmons?
No.
Parker?
Aye.
Stacy?
No.
Shadle?
Aye.
And Sanders?
No.
We are tied at 4 to 4.
Madam Mayor, what say you?
Aye.
And McDermott is appointed 5 to 4.
And then next would be the reappointment for Steve Cox.
Is there a motion to approve?
I'll move.
Second.
The motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle.
Discussion?
Alderman Monroe.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
I'd like to make a motion that we move this to the next regularly scheduled meeting based on the fact that Mr. Cox is involved in negotiations and negotiations and advisement with the current city manager petition that's going around.
What does that have to do with this enterprise zone?
It has everything to do with it, Madam Mayor.
Okay, so that was a motion to move it?
Yes.
Second.
So a motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Stacy.
Any I don't know.
I'm just trying to figure out what is it, why we wouldn't want an attorney, you know, on the Enterprise Zone.
I know we had one complaint, but I still just want to know, is it?
I don't want this to be my second.
I'll respond, but I don't want it to be my second.
That's up to you.
Oh, okay.
Then I won't.
I'm good.
Madam Mayor, could you repeat what the motion was?
That the appointment of Steve Cox to the Enterprise Zone be moved to the COW?
No, next regularly scheduled meeting.
January 21st?
Okay.
Yes.
Settlers.
Okay, so if there's no further discussion on moving that, Madam Clerk, would you please take the role on moving it to the next meeting, next regularly scheduled meeting?
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
No.
Monroe?
Aye.
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
No.
Stacy?
Aye.
Shadle?
No.
And Sanders?
Aye. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
It will be moved to the January 21st council meeting by a vote of 4 to 3.
Should be 5 to 3.5 to 3.
Thank you.
Okay, next is recognition of service awards.
Manager Boyer.
I would have to acknowledge the fire chief on this one.
Yes, thank you.
So it's my pleasure to to introduce firefighter paramedic, Kevin Meads.
Here we're recognizing his five year anniversary with the department.
He comes to us from Winnebago and his higher date was January 13th, 2020.
So he's almost five years to date.
Some certifications and documents that he holds in his position is basic firefighter operations, advanced firefighter technician, paramedic, fire service vehicle operator, fire service instructor one, and then several technical rescue classes consisting of structural collapse, confined space, VMO or vehicle machinery operations, and rope operations and technician level.
He's currently a member of the Mavis technical rescue team, meaning he can respond anywhere within the county and also outside the county on special request through Mavis.
He is also a member of the department's TEMS team, the Tactical Emergency Paramedics that also assist with the police department.
So, and then lastly, he's currently working on his associate's degree in fire science through Rock Valley College.
So with that, let's present Kevin with this certificate of five years and congratulations.
I also wanna add that half the room here is his family.
I appreciate the opportunity to work in this city.
It's been an awesome experience for me.
I've learned so much.
I've gotten to meet the wonderful residents of the city and had a good time doing it with all my friends.
Thank you so much.
We'll move on to item number seven, which is the second reading of Ordnance 2025-01.
This was formally Ordinance 2024-86 from last year, amending airplane hanger fees at Freeport Albertus Airport and adopting revised hanger lease form.
Thank you.
Manager Boyer.
Thank you, Your Honor.
We've gone over this at several meetings.
We're requesting Council move forward with the new lease format and the new rental rates for J hanger.
So staff requests approval of this at second reading.
Discussion?
Oldham and Stacy?
I want to be sure.
This is talking about 61 hangars?
This is a new lease agreement, and the hanger rate adjustment is for J-hanger.
So we've recommended no changes at this time, except for Jay Hanger to increase that to $800 a month.
Any further discussion?
Alderman Monroe.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
So, City Manager Boyer, the rates for the hangers that have working water and other amenities, I would call them, I guess.
Those hanger prices aren't changing?
Manager Boyer.
We have had the airport manager review all the hangar rates, compared them to other communities of our similar size and traffic, and she has recommended that we do not, right now our rental rates are in line with other communities of a similar size.
Can you tell me who is the owner of Hangar J?
The City of Freeport.
I think she means Leslie.
Who's renting it.
There's a there's a tenant in there currently not from Freeport but recently was approved to move in there so council approved the last one I don't recall it off the top of my head.
Holden Parker.
Motion to approve.
Oh I don't need it.
Okay.
If discussion is done Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
Aye.
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
Aye.
Stacy?
Aye.
Shadle?
Aye.
And Sanders?
Aye.
The ordinance passes 8-0.
Item number 8 is first reading of ordinance 2020-502.
Could you please read this?
Ordinance authorizing Northern Illinois Gas Company, doing business as NICOR Gas Company, to construct, operate, and maintain a gas distributing system in and through the City of Freeport.
Manager Boyer.
I think your honor about every 50 years the city has an opportunity to re-enter or renew their and their enterprise agreement with NICOR gas.
This has recently come up and was negotiated essentially the same terms that we have had in the past however we've also negotiated free therms for the Freeport library.
It's one of our larger gas using facilities and I I think that will save the city somewhere approximately $70,000 a year.
Correction, it'll save the library $70,000.
Motion to approve.
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers to move Ordinance 2020-502 onto the next meeting.
Is there discussion?
Move on to item number nine, which is the first reading of Ordinance 2020-503.
Could you please read this?
This was formerly ordinance 2024-85 from last year, adopting social media policy, governing use of city-owned social media accounts.
Thank you, Director Bridge.
Good evening, council, good evening, mayor.
We spoke about this at December's COW.
Since 2017, the city has managed social media pages for city postings, information, and more.
A social media policy for all staff has been in place to set guidelines for personal use but has yet to set guidelines for page administrators.
In addition, public comment on city pages has been limited since 2017.
In order to improve transparency and strengthen the communication pipeline between the city Residence.
As the city's statement of purpose in the policy reads, the City of Freeport believes that the use of social media platforms can effectively broaden the reach of government communication to its constituents.
The use of social media by the city is to convey or obtain information that is useful to, or will further the goals of this local government.
The revised policy also outlines important guidelines for page administrators to ensure discourse remains informational and appropriate.
This is the first reading tonight, but in the end, we recommend that the council approves this policy.
Thank you.
Is there a motion to move this forward?
So moved.
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.
Discussion?
Alderman Sanders?
Do I understand that there's no administrator at this point in time?
There is an administrator for the city, an administrator for the police, an administrator for the fire and the library, and the communications director, which is myself, also administrates all pages.
So who is supervising that media page?
So the media page that you are probably referring to is Facebook and the administrator for the city is myself, the communications director.
So you're the sole person that is managing that website?
You're the sole person that is managing that website?
For the most part I am the sole person, however there are other people who have access to it that in times of need are able to post.
So how many administrators can you have at one time, or not at just one time, but at the council's discretion, the city's discretion to have privy information to enter into those administrative areas?
I don't think there is a limit that Facebook or Metta puts on their site.
However within this policy the branch that we are adopting is city manager oversees the administrators so ultimately discretion discretion falls on city manager city manager but that does not mean the city manager posts nor comments on anything okay I just want to see what how is is operated and the mission and goals of the website and what is this protocol?
I'd like to see that because we all need to see the protocol of that website and how it's going to be governed.
And that's an excellent point that you make and that is exactly what this policy does.
Okay.
All right.
Thank you.
Any further discussion?
Monroe.
Thank you, madam mayor.
This is a topic that's come up quite a bit across the country.
The Supreme Court, many of you may or may not know, recently ruled on this back in 2024.
And it actually would put the city, in my opinion, at greater risk of lawsuit.
Social media itself has tools that have been designed across all platforms to report posts that go against community standards.
And I don't believe in a lot of ways this is creating any transparency in a lot of ways it's creating a lack of transparency because it allows city officials and staff to block comments that they find divisive based on their viewpoints it could be religious it could be social it could be whatever it might be but in a general scheme of the First Amendment we're given those rights to speak out and the problem is this may be well intentioned but in a lot of ways this is the rabbit hole that once you open it doesn't get applied appropriately and with so many people having access to this, the citizens don't know who's blocking them.
It could be the city manager who disagrees with somebody who doesn't like what he's doing with the roads.
Fowler.
That doesn't mean what they posted was wrong or incorrect or inflammatory or anything else.
It just means that they spoke out and they voiced their opinion in a community forum.
And I think it's a very, very dangerous path to go down to allow any member of the city staff to block and, you know, I know the police department does it regularly.
They turn off posts.
They turn off things.
And people would even make comments encouraging them and saying they've done a great job.
But as citizens, we've got a responsibility as well, but I think as all of us here on this council and as staff have a responsibility to the citizens to protect their right to speak out in the public forum.
And I will say this, the government could completely change and the other party is in Fowler, and the ability to block posts becomes something that now the people that supported it would be against.
And I think it's a very dangerous path to take when you start messing with First Amendment because it is really our ability as citizens to speak out.
And we've seen in the last, today as a matter of fact, the city officials trying to block people from speaking out.
And I think that this just gives another avenue for that to happen.
And I really believe strongly this should not go through.
I hope the citizens will call and speak up and say that they feel it shouldn't go through.
But our First Amendment here in the United States is the foundation for what all of our society is built on.
And if we don't have the ability to speak out and we have a few people who are trying to control that speech from the government level, that is a horrible, horrible thing.
Director Bridge Alderman Monroe I understand your perspective because we have heard it within City Hall that hey we need to be prepared to not use too much of our opinion right so I totally understand your perspective and I won't say that you are entirely wrong however this policy does lay out really good guidance Huffines.
We have to understand that posts that attack a person are not going to be blocked because of this policy.
We don't have a policy right now.
So those comments can get blocked.
So technically we are not having good transparency right now.
So I understand your perspective.
I still would say let's see what this policy can do for us because I know what goes on at City Hall.
We are trying our best to represent the residents of Freeport.
Right now we're not doing that as well as we can be doing if we have this policy in place.
Alderman Sanders.
Yeah, I have an understanding what the Alderman Monroe is saying and I also feel there's not enough detail as he is explaining for transparency and I think before we initiate any movement on this particular ordinance that we do a due diligence of evaluation of this particular ordinance, because you're giving some form of speculation, your perspective and opinion.
We need to see things that you are actually speaking on in writing.
How we look at it from a different viewpoint when it's in writing and then we can probably move forward because not only that you're setting up a policy, but you got to remember the public, the council, the administrative staff of this city hall also have input on and some of the other members of the Board of Governors.
I don't want certain things in guidelines.
So I don't want everything to be narrowed from your perspective and how things should be written and how things should go.
So what we're saying is we need more of a dialogue about how you plan to do this operation and what we can insert with you or not go forward with certain things that you're referring to.
We need to be able to talk on everything even with comments from the general public we need to be able to bring those We need to be able to bring those things forth.
I understand the concerns.
There is a big concern here.
And let us move cautiously with all of that.
Just in case you weren't aware, in your packet there's seven pages in writing on this policy.
There's seven pages.
Director Bridge.
So I'll say a couple things.
Number one, we did talk about this at the Committee of the Whole.
There was no discussion.
There was nothing from council members.
So if there had been something from council members, and that is not to blame anyone on this floor, but I wish that some discussion would come, and that is why this is a first reading so that we can have those kinds of talks.
Miller.
Let me read from section three of the social media policy in case someone doesn't have it in front of them.
Social media platforms not only provide the government with a communications venue but often allow for public comment to be posted to the city's sites.
Any comment made by a member of the public as a social media user is that user's opinion only.
Publication of the comment does not imply endorsement or agreement by the government nor reflect the opinions or policies of the government.
The following enumerated list of content may not be permitted on the city's social media platforms and such content is subject to removal and or restriction by the administrator.
Content that promotes discrimination, violates a legal ownership interest such as a copyright or trademark, threatens any person or organization, includes personally identifiable information and others.
This includes any public or state or local law violation, is obscene, sexual or pornographic in content and or language, promotes commercial activities not related to government business, is spam or links to malware or viruses, or discloses confidential government information, sensitive information or personal information relating to government officials and employees or members of the public.
And lastly, before I turn it back over, if you are in City Hall, walking alongside me, you know what kind of person I am, and I am not one who makes decisions by myself.
Though the communications department is a one-person thing, I do not make decisions by myself.
The city manager does not make decisions by himself.
He and I do not make decisions by ourselves.
It is a team effort here and that is why this is on the floor before you.
Manager Boyer, did you want to say something?
No, I'm good.
Any further discussion?
Alderman Monroe.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Thank you for reading that, Director.
You know, you bring up a couple of really good points.
I'm going to go through them.
Promotes discrimination.
Define discrimination for me.
That's a gray area, Mr. Thank you.
Exactly.
Miller.
Number six, I think we all know what obscene sexual and pornographic content is, but explain to me what that language is.
That's a gray area, Mr. Monroe.
Thank you.
Once again, here we are going down a rabbit hole.
What you consider to be obscene, what the city manager or the mayor considers obscene, the Supreme Court says is free speech.
And those are things that you're taking into your powers as a government official and applying Gershman, and so on, and they're all our friends.
And so I think the city is trying to make sure that we're providing those to individuals in the community.
That limits the communication and the ability of those citizens to stand up and voice their opinions about how the city is doing.
And this is where it comes.
There was recently, within the last six months, a gentleman who walked into a city council meeting, started swearing, much like my buddy beside me here did it and a small group of people that I met in the room that I've been working with are a couple of the biggest issues that have come up.
I've seen people say, I've been told that it's not allowed.
Well, guess what happened two weeks later?
His lawyer and he came back to the room and they served them papers.
The city paid $50,000 for violating their constitutional rights.
This is where this is going.
And the problem is, you want me to trust you.
Huffines.
And all of a sudden, now you're coming here in front of this forum, the people that represent the citizens of Freeport, and you want to take away those people's rights to speak.
And that is a major problem anywhere in the United States of America.
Director Bridge?
Only thing I'll say to that is this is not taking away.
We are taking away right now.
This is adding to what they can say.
If there's no further discussion, move on to the next item.
Resolution approving memorandum of understanding with U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs for response to calls for service.
Thank you.
Chief Shenberger.
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs operates facility within the City of Freeport at 750 South Kiwanis Drive.
The VA is requesting the City of Freeport to enter an MOU regarding the response to calls for service at the VA.
This MOU will be effective upon signature and the date will be reviewed every three years.
Is there a motion to adopt?
So moved.
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers.
Discussion on the resolution?
Seeing none, Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
Aye.
Stacy?
Aye.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders is currently absent.
The resolution is adopted 7-0.
Item number 12 is the adoption of Resolution 2025-03.
Could you please read this?
Resolution approving invoice from Stevers Ford for upfitting for three new squad vehicles.
Thank you.
Chief Shenberger?
The Freeport Police Department is currently in need of purchasing and replacing three squad cars.
The squad cars will be Replace F2, which is a 2021 Dodge Durango with about 75,000 miles.
F5, a 2021 Dodge Durango with about 90,000 miles.
And F6, a 2022 Ford Explorer with 75,000 miles.
All three squad cars are currently utilized by the Patrol Division.
On December 16th, 2024, the Council approved the squad bid submitted by Stivers Ford in and Waukee, Iowa at $48,190 for each for three 2025 Ford Explorer police interceptors for a total of $144,570, minus $19,000 to trade in the four older squad cars.
The total cost to purchase the three new squad cars will be $125,570.
During subsequent conversations with Stivers Ford, salesmen agreed to discount squad cars by $500 each, which ended up being a total of $124,070, which includes the $19,000 deduction for trade-ins.
Stivers Ford also submitted a bid to upfit the three marked squad cars.
Stivers Ford upfitted the squad cars purchased by the police department in 2024, and the Clark performed was very efficient and high quality.
The cost to upfit the two Ford Explorers from Dodge Durangos will be $8,375 each.
The cost to upfit the third Ford Explorer police interceptor will be $7,372.
So the total cost to upfit all three vehicles will be $148,192.
The funding for the three new squad cars and upfitting is provided in the fiscal year 2025 Police Department Capital Budget 331-302-7005.
Thank you.
Is there a motion to adopt?
Motion to adopt, Mayor.
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Parker.
Discussion on the resolution?
Seeing none.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Alderman Stacey.
Yes.
And it maybe was spoken of the first time.
I just do not remember.
And I would just like to know why did we, why Iowa?
Why not our Ford dealership right here in good old Freeport?
Couldn't we get the discounts and all the extra right here?
You know?
I would agree with that, but we did post the bid and we had only one full response and that was from Stivers in Iowa and we had one incomplete response which was out of Detroit, Michigan.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Chief, there are only a few dealerships within say 400 miles up here that Say, 400 miles up here that sell these type of vehicles.
Is that true or not?
Well, I mean, there's probably more dealerships.
I don't know.
I mean, you can, you know, we've bought them locally before.
But like I said, we posted the bid, and we only had one complete response, so.
There's no further discussion.
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
Aye.
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
Aye.
Stacy?
Shadle and Sanders.
The resolution is adopted 8 to 0.
Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2025-04.
Could you please read this?
Resolution approving memorandum of understanding with Fraternal Order of Police regarding post-employment health plan or PEP.
Thank you.
Manager Boyer.
Madam Mayor.
Chief.
Sure.
So before we get into this memo, I just want to clarify something about that was brought up.
This is by no means this is not post-employment health insurance.
Once you separate, you don't have health insurance unless you participate in the COBRA.
So this is just a savings account, a medical savings account that the city was contributing to.
But during the recent negotiations with the FOP, they got rid of the PEP plan.
So this is to consider three people who had this benefit throughout their entire career and then during discussions with the union it was suggested that they would be allowed to have that during this next contract.
So, in a prior version of the collective bargaining agreement between the City of Freeport and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, employees were entitled to a post-employment health plan, a PEP plan, to help fund and health insurance costs post-employment.
The current CBA between the city and IL FOPLC no longer includes this benefit.
At the time the current CBA was negotiated, three employees either reached or will reach 20 years of service during the current agreement qualifying them for the at-retirement portion of the previous PEP provisions.
Patrolman Brandy Hilby, she reached 25 years of service in October of 2024.
Patrolman Eric Diemer will reach 20 years of service in September of 2025, and Patrolman Tony Bradbury will reach 20 years of service in October of 2027.
In recognition of the years of service, the officers and as part of the agreement reach with the ILFOPLC, the city desires to extend the specific at-retire provisions from the and former, Section 11.7 to these three officers.
So if one of these three officers chooses to retire during the current ILFOPLCCBA, the following language will be applicable and honored at the time of retirement.
Effective upon the retirement of an officer with 20 or more years of employment with the city, the city shall contribute to the employee's post-employment health plan, a healthcare premium sub-account, and amount equal to $4 for every hour unused sick time accumulated during the employees tenure service up to a maximum of $5,556.
Is there a motion to adopt?
So moved.
A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Parker.
Any discussion on the adoption?
Alderman Stacey.
Are you saying that these three, McEvoy.
And the city was contributing to the PEP plans.
That was something that was given up during the negotiations if you had 10 years or under the city was contributing 1% of the salary per year to this plan.
And if you had more than 10 years and the city was contributing 1.5%.
So that has been given up, the accounts are still there, whatever the officers were able to accumulate throughout their tenure here, it's just an extension to these three who could possibly reach the age of retirement during this current contract.
Because it was something that was afforded to them or offered to them up until this point.
Any other discussion?
So just to be clear, theoretically, there's an amount of cash in this amount in this these accounts already that's accumulated so they could already be at the $5,556 or no, no, I mean, yeah, they, they would have accounts with money in that the city has contributed to, you know, during the time they worked here up until this point.
That's just the maximum amount.
So if they have the maximum amount of sick time and they decide to leave next year, then the city would pay $4 an hour, which would be a max out of $5,556 that would go into that account.
So if they had 500 hours of sick time, it would be significantly less.
What you have said tonight has given me more insight and I'm using my last question so I would like to make a motion that we move this to the COW so that we can have a greater understanding and more discussion on this matter because I, if they're invested and have been invested, then just maybe they should be acknowledged.
But to add something back I second to a contract that was missed.
No, I'm not for that.
But according to what you're saying, that's not what's happening.
Am I correct?
This was brought up during the negotiations.
It's just not in the contract.
I make a motion that we move this to the COW for greater discussion.
Is there a second?
Yeah, I'll second.
Okay, so what's on the floor before you is a motion to move this to the COW, which should be next week.
Is there any discussion on the movement?
Madam Clerk, please take the role on the, I'm, yes.
So are we just trying to get information on moving it to the COW to get more information on understanding why just these three are getting this or are we moving it to.
Schoenberg.
No, it only pertains to these three, to my understanding.
It only pertains to these three.
Okay, so what are we, I just want to know what am I going to be looking for?
What questions should I ask because I don't understand what else we need to.
I don't know.
You might have to talk to Chief Schoenberger and get that.
But I'm saying I'm okay with it.
That's why I'm saying I just want to understand the reasoning for continuing the conversation on it.
I don't think any of these officers are retiring in the next two weeks, so the delay I don't think is a huge deal from that standpoint.
I've got a few questions myself.
I'd like to know how much is in those accounts financially, how much that means, and I had and I had asked that question before this meeting, but never heard back.
So I'd at least like to understand that.
I mean, we're probably talking a few hundred bucks to a thousand bucks maybe each, but I mean, it's just a thought.
Okay.
Director Richter, did you have an answer on that?
I do.
Oh, perfect.
So PEP is something that currently all employees get, but it's been, well, with police it has been negotiated out but it is up until 10 years until you work 10 years you get 1% of your wage so every payroll we calculate 1% of your base wage it doesn't apply to overtime it's just your base wage goes into an account so you know for an average employee you know it might just be $15 a paycheck but if If you're here for 20 years, if you're here for 30 years, yes, it is substantial.
And when I say substantial, you know, it could be $30,000 or something.
But you can't.
Settlers, or something.
But you can't use these funds until you separate from the city of Freeport and they are for medical expenses is the purpose of the funds.
So yes, they add up, you have to be here a while.
Chief?
Yeah, and just, and I'm sure this is already clear, I know people listening to me try to fumble through this.
So the only payout is is for let's say they retire, someone retires tomorrow and they have 500 hours of sick time.
The only payout is $4 an hour for the sick time.
So that's what it is.
It's not to continue to contribute to it.
It's just to pay out for the sick time.
That's all.
Alderman Klemm.
This would probably be for the chief or Michelle.
So basically this is similar to health savings account.
Similar, yeah.
Thank you.
Okay, so before you is the motion to move this to the next cow next week.
Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll on moving it to the cow?
Sellers?
No.
Klemm?
No.
Monroe?
Aye.
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
No.
Stacy?
Aye.
Shadle?
No.
And Sanders?
Aye.
I can't believe, I can't believe this man.
We are tied again, four to four, Mayor.
I'm not sure what more is going to be learned, but if you want to have more understanding, then let's move it to the cow.
Motion passes, five to four to move item 13 to the cow.
Item number 14, could you please read this?
Discussion and possible action to install a streetlight at the intersection of Iroquois Street and State Avenue.
Alderman, Stacy, and Simmons.
Yes, I am asking the city of Freeport to put a stoplight, I'm sorry, a light at State and Iroquois.
This is where a young man was murdered.
And it's Shalom Park or picnic area.
And it's pitch black.
Yes.
And you know, we say we wanna make a difference in these neighborhoods.
We want people to be safe and be better and do better.
Miller, if something goes down at that spot tonight, there's no way you'll even be able to tell if they're white or black, because the area is dark.
And so I am asking the city, we done marched over this, we done had gatherings over this, We don't have church outside on the lawn for this, so I'm asking the city to move forward in lightening that area.
I don't care if it's a street light, I don't care if it's a private light just over the Shalom Park area but we need to change that dilemma so that it doesn't happen again and we need light on that corner.
Alderman Shadle.
There's a street light on Warner there on the south east corner there's a pole it's got a street light on Alderman Shadle have you driven tonight okay was it dark outside it had not become lit yet okay so when you leave here tonight I'm gonna ask you to please Please drive through to Iroquois, all the way up to State, and you will see exactly what I'm speaking of.
It's pitch black.
Yes, there is a street light across the street, but it's heading toward the Iroquois way, not the State way.
Boyer.
Is there any way we can put a brighter light in that spot that's that Alderman Shadle's talking about?
I could go by there tonight and have a look and yes we can put a brighter light on the existing pole.
I'm sure Mr. Galrapp would be helpful with us on that one so yeah I'm sure we can make that happen.
Alderman Sellers.
I drive that way all the time but and I do know there is a light but I think I think the problem is not really the light.
I think that the trees around there need to be cut back a lot, because those trees cover that light, because that's the way I go all the time when I'm leaving my family home, and I go there all the time, but it's the trees that need to be cut back because they are too thick around that light.
Okay, Director Duckman, what are the chances of that too happening?
Of trimming back those trees?
Yes.
I'm sure we can ask Pat to cut some trees, right?
All right.
Alderman Sanders.
Yeah, my concern is it's not the one light that is not illuminating that whole block.
That's what we're referring to as the reason why you're the request to push trees back.
Even if you cut the trees down or cut them back, it's not going to illuminate that whole block, I will say that as I circle through the Fifth Ward, I see a lot of streetlights angled down, not up, and that too makes a difference in how much the area is able to illuminate.
So I'm going to ask that that too be taken into consideration.
A lot of the lights in third and fifth ward are angled downward, not upward where they can illuminate.
Thank you.
If there's no further discussion, we move on to department head reports, finance.
Nothing this evening.
Yes ma'am.
I mean, can we take action on this?
I asked if there was any further discussion and no one said anything.
I was hoping to take action on this tonight.
Well, I think it was kind of decided that we would task some trees to be removed or trimmed back and a brighter light put in and let's see how it looks.
We can always talk about it once those things are done if it's not satisfactory.
Okay.
I'm not all right with that, but what do I say?
What do you want to do?
Mayor Miller, there's people that know this area.
There's people that know the power in the angle of the light and the power in the bulb.
And so you already know what it's going to take to lighten up this area and make it better.
And George.
So, I'm asking for the angle of the light and the power in the bulb.
And so, you already know what it's going to take to lighten up this area and make it better.
So that's all I'm asking for.
So if people are committing to lighting up that area and making it better, then okay.
George, did you want to say something about that?
Okay, Darren.
So George and I can go look at it together.
We have no problem adding, you know, additional lighting if it's needed.
There's different kinds of lighting.
The existing lighting that ComEd utilizes on most of their poles, the new LEDs has a downward sweep on it, right?
So we can we can buy different lights to go on poles if that's the direction of council to try to illuminate it better and cutting trees this is just a function of ordering that to be done.
So we can absolutely have that done.
If it's not enough, then we can investigate adding another pole to the area or maybe adding some lighting to the park.
Although I don't believe it's a city park.
That's a city park.
But that's something we can investigate, too, to light up the corner better.
Alderman Sanders?
Oh, yeah.
In addition to what you're saying, if we're going to look at one area, let us take a survey of all the areas that has that potential problem.
And if that is the case, we want to look into those problem areas as well when it comes We did a lot of work to try to make a response to lighting any particular area that might be causing a little bit of darkness in the community or whatever the case may be.
If we can do that, also, in addition to what we are doing here in state and Iroquois, I think we will get a better understanding of what is going on throughout the city itself.
So we discussed this subject I want to say maybe six months ago and I brought numbers back about it so we can change lights out in areas the police chief and I sat down and targeted some areas in town to replace the lights is roughly probably $500 a fixture plus install to change them out to a brighter Fischer.
Something like you'd see in downtown Freeport.
That's not something ComEd can support.
That's something that we locally have to do.
If we want to add poles and lights and tap those into the electric system, roughly that's going to cost us about $15,000 per pole to add.
And that's a cost to the city of Freeport because those pole placements and everything are already all negotiated out.
And I've talked to Georgia at length Huffins.
They're more than willing to add them, but that's a bill that we have to sustain.
So realistically, when we change from an incandescent fixture, which used a lot more electricity, those had more of a bulb type of a fan light where the LEDs are more directional because they're way less wattage.
So I'm not saying we can't, we just have to have direction.
The last time we discussed this, and I could go back and get the date, there was no direction to do anything so we didn't do anything with it at that time because we can't have ComEd do it and not pay them for the work.
I don't know what the city can do with switching the heads or the light fixtures.
So on the ComEd-owned poles, ComEd has to change the fixtures on ComEd poles.
We can buy the lights and they can do the replacements, but they're fixtures, they're and Stacey are under their contracts.
Okay, I just don't want this to go another six months and don't see nothing happening or nothing done.
So I am asking that we move on this now.
Alderman Sellers.
Alderman Stacey, I totally agree with you about lighting, but that is all over Freeport.
If you go down to the corner of, what is it, Ottawa and Iroquois, it's dark down.
You can't hardly see down there.
If you go, if you ride down Lincoln, it's dark riding down Lincoln.
If you ride down, so we need to make it where it's a whole city looking into lighting, not just one area because to me the whole city needs more lighting.
I understand what you're saying Alderman Sellers, but we have to start somewhere.
We have to to start somewhere.
So I brought this tonight.
Rachel and I brought this tonight to the Council, hoping that we have a beginning of something wonderful and new.
But we have to start somewhere.
Darren, do you have any idea how many lights the City has replaced with the brighter LED?
Excuse me, I believe that the only brighter LED lights in town are the ones that the city actually owns and paid for, which are through the downtown loops, because the the ones that are outside of downtown are all comment owned, they're not directly ours.
That being said, if we want to do a light, I'm going to call it a light fixture replacement, because it's not something we just change a bulb and you got to change the whole head unit, Fowler.
We need direction on where that money will come from out of the budget, which is fine, and we can move on it.
And I would suggest that if we are going to make some changes, then we work off of Chief Shenberger's list of higher area of crime.
That's where we kind of started and sort of directed that before.
But we got to have a budget to purchase these fixtures out of because it will become our cost.
Alderman, Sanders.
Yeah, I gather all of that which you just said, which is a true statement as I believe it is.
But I also want, because my sister Alderman is crying about the scheduling and the planning of this project and how to get it moving, getting it off the ground.
I want Manager Boyer to give us a preview of how this is going to come about and what it's going to cost us and things of this nature because I'm thinking that his input to when this should be scheduled and done, we should be hearing it from Manager Boyer.
That's how we get this thing started.
That's what I'm trying to say.
Wants to get it started.
I'm quite sure everybody in this room wants to get it started because it's a necessity and we should not wait.
And so I'm asking Manager Boyer if it's possible that he can start this project planning so we can get a big view of how we're going to go about and what it's going to cost us and how we're going to plan it out for the council and the mayor.
So I think the public should be looking into this.
We should be able to understand how we are going to go about it in the community as well.
So I think starting this project is definitely something that I feel that should be something you are looking into.
You should look into that matter so we can get it started.
Because I don't want to hear her say Fowler.
I don't hear no sound.
I don't hear the reverberation that's supposed to be going on about, yeah, yeah, let's put more lights out there so people are not getting killed, you know, that kind of stuff.
And so that's the, and so we need a plan and strategy, survey all of the things that is required to make this thing happen.
I may not have all the answers right now, but I'm quite sure we all sitting here collectively Good evening, George Galrap, Freeport Residence, employed by ComEd.
So six months ago I did take a tour of the streets that Darren gave me, they are LED lights.
Freeport's, I believe all Freeport lights, incandescent lights have been replaced with LED.
Now maybe not to the standard of the alums that you want to have it, so I did We can go back and look at that.
Last Thursday I had a meeting scheduled with your city council, or excuse me, city manager Rob Boyer to drive the area, but unfortunately I attended the funeral of the state trooper who was killed last week, he's my friend's son.
And that's to be rescheduled.
I couldn't get it rescheduled today, but I'll call Rob's administrative assistant and make sure that we get that rescheduled and let's do it the right way the first time.
So if somebody else would like to join that tour or make suggestions, that's fine.
And like Alderman Sanders said, it's just not one area.
I live in Catherine Drive over in Highland Heights along with Alderman Klemm, and we have one streetlight period, single streetlight.
The developer traded out with the city 30 years ago that the homes are supposed to have a garage peak light to light the area.
Hardly any do.
So we'll make sure we include the entire city.
But next next week or this week coming up will be a tour of the fifth ward.
Any questions?
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Since you're here, I'll ask you face to face.
So northbound on 26 on the east side of the road there's a pole that was hit by lightning burned to the ground the wires are all the way to the ground power line appears I've been asking for over a year to get that fixed several people within the city administration not been fixed the other who do we call to notify of light street lights that are out and who's responsible for that pretty easy it's 1-800-Edison-1.1-800-Edison-1.
Yeah, so it's 1-800-334-7661, or you can cheat and call me, a lot quicker if you call me, and the city manager will give you my cell number.
Okay, any other questions?
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Thank you, George.
You're welcome.
Thank you, George.
Madam Mayor, I do have a question, not for you, Mr. Gorep.
Thank you for your time.
Yes, go ahead.
Okay, so my question would be for you, Baron, or Wayne, or whichever one.
So trimming the trees, getting a brighter bulb, what is our timeline?
Trimming trees, we can probably get done if the weather holds in the next five to ten days max.
Hicks.
Lights, I will have to see if we have anything in the inventory.
If we do, we can address that.
I don't know if we have any ones that are as bright as Freeport or as downtown.
If not, we can order one.
Based on supply, I would think within a couple weeks we could have that light changed out.
It shouldn't be that big a hassle to get done as long as that's the direction we want to move.
I believe that was clear, that's the direction we want to move, right?
Yes, you keep saying that.
Why do you keep saying that?
The one at the corner of Iroquois and State is no problem.
It's if we want to move further, then we have to have more direction.
That one is no problem.
Until we do the 5th Ward drive-through with Mr. Gorap, we don't know.
Correct that's where it comes back to one step at a time yep exactly okay we good and I believe finance you said no report nothing tonight madam mayor thank you public works just one thing we have a water main break on Galena North Galena Avenue by the McDonald's and the Lincoln Mall we have traffic control set up at Miller.
Thank you.
At this time, please avoid the area if at all possible until we get the area fixed.
I'm not sure if we'll get working on it tomorrow or actually Wednesday.
We're trying to pinpoint where the leak is before we start digging the road up.
Thank you.
Chief Miller?
No report from fire this evening.
Thank you.
Chief Schell?
I have nothing tonight.
Thank you.
Library.
Now is the perfect time to sign up for the library's e-newsletter and learn all about our upcoming events, which include our American History Lecture Series, our One Book One Freeport Community Read, which begins on January 25th, and we are also working on a collaboration with the Greater Freeport Partnership and the Link of Douglas Society for a Journey to Freedom, Illinois's Underground Railroad, and it's a museum exhibit.
Thank you.
Communication?
IT?
City Manager?
Thank your honor I just wanted to report on the successful refresh Freeport endeavor we did this last weekend we received had 83 vehicles come by with over 17 tons of garbage so that's a victory as far as I'm concerned the Gills did not anticipate anywhere near that much of a response so the way we have to look at it is this is garbage that's going to end up in the dump not on these empty lots.
So that's all.
Thank you, Mayor.
Yes, thank you to Gil's disposal.
Alderman Sellers?
No, nothing.
A couple things if I could.
First off, we'll have a neighborhood watch on the 28th at Schwartz Chapel.
I'll get email out on that.
And there's a group of concerned citizens working at the moment with an and extra amount of homeless people here in the city.
As we know, it's really gonna get cold tonight.
There's a set up at the church next door all ready to go.
The people are looking for somebody to help man it from different churches or different organizations.
So if there's anything we can do at all to help with this, you can please get ahold of me and I can pass it on or there's a number of people that you can get ahold of.
But it's really important because they have 10 setups and FACC is overwhelmed at the moment and it's something we as citizens need to help everybody out with.
Thank you.
My number is, I'll just give it 815-978-0484 and I'll be happy to pass any information on.
Thank you.
Alderman Monroe.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
I'm glad we're getting to that water break that's been there for about three weeks now.
That's important it's been wet for three weeks and you know I never mind that's all I've got mayor.
Thank you Alderman Simmons?
I don't have anything thank you.
Alderman Parker?
Nothing tonight.
Alderman State?
Nothing.
Alderman Shadle?
Nothing tonight.
Alderman Sanders?
Nothing.
That leaves us to public comment.
We had one that signed in.
Micaiah Stacy.
Good evening.
I'm here to express my deep concern regarding the events surrounding item number nine discussing the revisions to ordinance chapter 220 council section 220.10 rules of council which was discussed on November 12th.
It is a fact that after much conversation Alderperson Stacy moved and Alderperson Simmons seconded a motion to move this item to December 16th.
The motion was carried with full support from seven alder persons including Klemm, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers.
It appears that the direction given by our elected alder persons was ignored and not respected and the item was not placed on the December 16th agenda.
The people of Freeport would like to know why.
Not only was this a blatant disregard for the council's decision but it also further serious concerns about the transparency and accountability of Baird, and the board of the Board of Directors.
I believe that the revisions proposed by the current Mayor, which seem rooted in inclusion and hate, have been designed to restrict the voice of our elected officials, and by extension, the people of Freeport.
The proposal to increase fines and impose more strict rules further diminishes the public's ability to engage in local governance.
We expected this Mayor to provide some type of explanation for our proposal on December 16th.
Or did you think we'd forget?
The situation needs to be addressed immediately.
I urge the Mayor, City Council, and the City Manager to take the necessary steps to uphold the will of the Council and ensure that all items are discussed and placed on the agenda according to the proper procedures.
The public's trust in this administration has been shaken and transparency must be restored.
Thank you.
Are there any other public comments?
To branch off what I said earlier, on November 19th, when they thought that they were going I'm trying to figure out why they was not arrested.
The only thing I could say is that Chief Shenberger told me today that he was going to still look into it.
They continue to bring items every time they're spoken to.
Even today I got a call.
They have two of my bounce houses, commercial grade, that they keep getting.
I would have been arrested the second that they thought I committed felony theft.
I don't know why this is being ignored or being treated as is not important.
And then also, I have talked to Mayor Miller, I've talked to Rob Boyer about the direct misconduct that Wayne Duckman has been aiming towards me.
He actually said that he was going to knock down everything I own.
On the 27th of December, I served him and Steve Cox with a stop demolition order.
They tore down my house the same day.
The legal is to, if I am filing a legal court proceeding that at my house automatically halted demolition, he chose to knock it down anyway.
And I just don't understand why or who is ignoring what and why is he given so much power to do what he wants.
And if it wasn't part of the approval on the council member, it's 402 and 404 E. Shawnee that was not approved to get knocked down.
Thank you.
Are there any other public comments?
We have two items tonight pursuant to 5 ILCS 122 C 11 litigation when an action against effecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administration administrative tribunal or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting.
Pursuant to 5 ILCS 122 C 21, discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by section 2.06.
Is there a motion to enter into executive session?
So moved.
Second.
Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Monroe.
Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, and Sanders.