WEBVTT 00:00:02.609 --> 00:00:53.399 Good evening. Evelyn Ramos, could you please give the invocation this evening? 00:00:53.399 --> 00:01:02.600 Good evening. We're going to start out with Philippians 4, 6, 7. 00:01:02.600 --> 00:01:09.599 Do not be anxious about anything but in every situation by prayer and supplication. 00:01:09.599 --> 00:01:17.599 With thanksgiving, let us pray. Holy Spirit, we invite your presence into this meeting today. 00:01:17.599 --> 00:01:24.719 today. Guard their minds and hearts as they discuss important matters. Grant them your 00:01:24.719 --> 00:01:32.640 peace that surpasses understanding, keeping them focused and productive. Guide their conversation 00:01:32.640 --> 00:01:41.359 and inspired creative solutions. In your mighty name we pray. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Evelyn. Now 00:01:41.359 --> 00:01:45.840 we'll call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? Mayor Miller? 00:01:45.840 --> 00:02:01.840 Alderpersons, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy will be at marked absent at the moment. Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. 00:02:01.840 --> 00:02:08.840 And if I would allow a motion to allow Alderman Stacy to remote in. 00:02:08.840 --> 00:02:10.840 I'll make the motion. 00:02:10.840 --> 00:02:11.840 Second. 00:02:11.840 --> 00:02:15.840 We have a motion made by Alderman Simmons, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:02:15.840 --> 00:02:17.840 Any discussion on that motion? 00:02:17.840 --> 00:02:19.840 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:02:19.840 --> 00:02:21.840 Klemm? Aye. 00:02:21.840 --> 00:02:23.840 Johnson? Aye. 00:02:23.840 --> 00:02:25.840 Simmons? Aye. 00:02:25.840 --> 00:02:27.840 Parker? Aye. 00:02:27.840 --> 00:02:29.840 Shadle? Aye. 00:02:29.840 --> 00:02:31.840 Sanders? Aye. 00:02:31.840 --> 00:02:33.840 And Sellers? Aye. 00:02:33.840 --> 00:02:35.840 The motion passes 7-0. 00:02:35.840 --> 00:02:42.219 Thank you. If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Klemm. 00:02:42.219 --> 00:02:44.219 To the flag of the United States of America 00:02:44.219 --> 00:02:46.219 and 00:02:47.580 --> 00:02:49.580 the 00:02:50.960 --> 00:02:52.960 United States of America. 00:02:58.340 --> 00:03:00.939 One nation, one God, indivisible, with liberty and 00:03:00.939 --> 00:03:02.939 justice for all. 00:03:04.159 --> 00:03:06.520 ≫ Item number one is the approval of the agenda. I have a 00:03:06.520 --> 00:03:09.719 couple of changes to that. Items five and six are the 00:03:09.719 --> 00:03:12.719 proclamations and swearing in which will be done immediately 00:03:12.719 --> 00:03:14.719 after the approval of the agenda. 00:03:14.719 --> 00:03:21.840 B. Item number 26, which is resolution 2025-67. Just as a housekeeping rule, we normally have 00:03:21.840 --> 00:03:25.939 all the resolutions put together at one place, but this one is going to be at the end because 00:03:25.939 --> 00:03:32.699 it's important that we have the approval of the bids for items number 21 through 24 first. 00:03:32.699 --> 00:03:35.800 So with that, is there a motion to approve the agenda? 00:03:35.800 --> 00:03:36.800 So moved. 00:03:36.800 --> 00:03:37.800 Second. 00:03:37.800 --> 00:03:44.159 We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Any discussion? 00:03:44.159 --> 00:03:52.199 Clerk, please take the roll. Is a voice okay for this? Oh, we are, we are, roll 00:03:52.199 --> 00:04:05.759 call all night, my apologies. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. 00:04:05.759 --> 00:04:14.199 Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The motion passes 8 to 0. 00:04:14.199 --> 00:04:28.389 Ms. Norman, if you'd like to join me in this proclamation, you can actually turn towards the camera if you want. 00:04:28.389 --> 00:04:31.389 Okay. 00:04:31.389 --> 00:04:44.160 Okay, so American Freedom Days. Whereas we as Americans celebrate the 4th of July to commemorate our Declaration of Independence 00:04:44.160 --> 00:04:49.319 Penance, and the ultimate freedom of two million of our ancestors from the political tyranny 00:04:49.319 --> 00:04:54.800 of a monarchy, even though over 400,000 of our ancestors remained in physical bondage 00:04:54.800 --> 00:04:57.319 to some of those so freed. 00:04:57.319 --> 00:05:02.759 And whereas June 19th commemorates the time over three quarters of a century later when 00:05:02.759 --> 00:05:08.100 over four million of our ancestors were finally freed from this physical bondage. 00:05:08.100 --> 00:05:11.680 And now therefore, I, Jodi Miller, Mayor of the City of Freeport, do hereby declare the 00:05:11.680 --> 00:05:17.000 the two weeks between June 19th and July 4th as American Freedom Days in Freeport and 00:05:17.000 --> 00:05:22.360 invite us all to unite in celebrating our American heritage of liberty as the natural 00:05:22.360 --> 00:05:37.600 right of all God's children, all created equal. 00:05:37.600 --> 00:05:43.480 On behalf of the officers, executive committee, and members of the Freeport branch of the 00:05:43.480 --> 00:05:51.680 NAACP, thank you for proclaiming Juneteenth through Independence Day as American Freedom 00:05:51.680 --> 00:05:52.680 and Huffman. 00:05:52.680 --> 00:06:02.360 The NACP began after a deadly race riot rocked the city of Springfield, Illinois. 00:06:02.360 --> 00:06:11.519 That's Springfield, Illinois, not Mississippi, Alabama, or Georgia, but Springfield, Illinois. 00:06:11.519 --> 00:06:18.540 Since that time, the NACP has become the oldest and the boldest civil rights organization 00:06:18.540 --> 00:06:20.699 in the country. 00:06:20.699 --> 00:06:30.699 We have a scholarship in the NAACP is open to anyone who lives or works within the branch jurisdiction and who supports our purpose. 00:06:30.699 --> 00:06:36.699 The Freeport branch was reactivated in February of 2021. 00:06:36.699 --> 00:06:44.699 And we have promoted scholarships for deserving high school seniors, a national day of racial healing event. 00:06:44.699 --> 00:06:51.100 and we often partner with other organizations that are striving to eliminate racial prejudice 00:06:51.100 --> 00:06:58.300 and improve the political, educational, social, and economic status of African Americans and other 00:06:58.300 --> 00:07:04.540 minorities. We inform the community of our existence, our activities, and our events. 00:07:05.180 --> 00:07:12.860 We solicit new members to do the work of the various committees and to emphasize to the public 00:07:12.860 --> 00:07:21.500 that the NAACP is open to all who support it. Again, thank you and I would like for 00:07:21.500 --> 00:07:31.600 all members of the NAACP if you would care to stand. Thank you. Once again, thank you for 00:07:36.129 --> 00:07:43.009 thank you for proclaiming the two weeks between Juneteenth and Independence Day as American 00:07:43.009 --> 00:07:50.889 Freedom Days in Freeport as we celebrate the American heritage of liberty as the 00:07:50.889 --> 00:08:14.750 right for all. Again, thank you. Mike, thank you for joining me for this 00:08:14.750 --> 00:08:19.350 proclamation. Proclamation of Fellowship of Christian Athletes Day. Whereas the 00:08:19.350 --> 00:08:23.870 youth in our country are hurting due to the vast amount of peer pressure, poor 00:08:23.870 --> 00:08:28.829 for options available to them and more, and whereas God knows them personally, He cares 00:08:28.829 --> 00:08:34.110 and He is constantly reaching out to them, which leads them to open their ears and hearts, 00:08:34.110 --> 00:08:38.529 and whereas the fellowship of Christian athletes is dedicated to reaching the youth where they 00:08:38.529 --> 00:08:43.870 are, both spiritually and physically, and whereas the positivity is presented to the 00:08:43.870 --> 00:08:47.929 youth is immeasurable and must be replicated throughout our community. 00:08:47.929 --> 00:08:52.750 Now therefore, I, Jodi Miller, hereby declare June 2nd, 2025 as Fellowship of Christian 00:08:52.750 --> 00:09:15.899 Fowler, and I would like to thank you very much. Fellowship of Christian Athletes is 00:09:15.899 --> 00:09:22.820 an international organization that started in 1954, and it combined the passions of faith 00:09:22.820 --> 00:09:27.740 and athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. 00:09:27.740 --> 00:09:34.379 The mission is to lead every coach and athlete to a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ 00:09:34.379 --> 00:09:36.259 and his church. 00:09:36.259 --> 00:09:44.590 We have no, FCA does not want to replace any churches or any church programs. 00:09:44.590 --> 00:09:49.590 There are an additional ministry working alongside of them. 00:09:49.590 --> 00:09:54.549 The vision is to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches 00:09:54.549 --> 00:09:56.549 and athletes. 00:09:56.549 --> 00:09:59.950 Our strategy is three-fold, we call it E3. 00:09:59.950 --> 00:10:05.480 Gold. We call it E3. Engage, equip, and empower. To engage, we need to go out and meet new 00:10:05.480 --> 00:10:10.720 people and make strong relationships with them, but we need to meet them where they're 00:10:10.720 --> 00:10:18.480 at, both physically and spiritually. To equip, we pour on the coaches and athletes scripture, 00:10:18.480 --> 00:10:26.919 prayers, and community, such as Bible studies, which are deemed huddles. To empower, this 00:10:26.919 --> 00:10:27.919 and others. 00:10:27.919 --> 00:10:32.799 This is achieved by modeling, watching, assisting, and launching. 00:10:32.799 --> 00:10:41.360 As the FCA associate models a God-fearing relationship with Christ to the coach and athletes, when 00:10:41.360 --> 00:10:49.519 we start to see either the coach or the athletes increase in their relationship with Christ, 00:10:49.519 --> 00:10:55.080 we encourage them to go out and model to and speak to other people, but we don't just send 00:10:55.080 --> 00:10:56.080 them out. 00:10:56.080 --> 00:11:01.080 and I are with them. So if they have any questions, problems, we're right there to help. 00:11:01.080 --> 00:11:07.460 I did hand out a paperwork there. 00:11:07.460 --> 00:11:12.460 A snapshot of FCA's global impact of 2024 00:11:12.460 --> 00:11:17.460 is that we have recorded over 53,000 conversions to Christ 00:11:17.460 --> 00:11:22.460 and have donated almost 220,000 Bibles. 00:11:22.460 --> 00:11:27.360 Hall, with a staff of less than 3,000 people. 00:11:27.360 --> 00:11:31.200 My position, I will be representing six plus counties, 00:11:31.200 --> 00:11:36.879 Stevenson, Winnebago, Boone, Ogle, Lee, and DeKalb. 00:11:36.879 --> 00:11:40.960 In those, there's roughly 70 middle schools, 70 high 00:11:40.960 --> 00:11:48.319 schools, and over 100 colleges within a 100 mile radius. 00:11:48.319 --> 00:11:49.799 Those are all my responsibility, but I 00:11:49.799 --> 00:11:54.319 will be focusing on four high schools and two colleges 00:11:54.319 --> 00:12:04.430 to get going. The FCA is a donor-supported ministry and relies on the support of generous 00:12:04.430 --> 00:12:14.769 partners to impact the world for Jesus Christ through support. My mission's monthly budget 00:12:14.769 --> 00:12:24.009 is in my paperwork. It is roughly $7,150. All of the inclusions are in there, and ask 00:12:24.009 --> 00:12:26.009 is working on a program where he is a member of the board of trustees of Christian Athletes. 00:12:26.009 --> 00:12:29.549 One of the members of the board of trustees of Christian Athletes is a member of the board of trustees of Christian Athletes. 00:12:29.549 --> 00:12:31.549 I have been asked about any or all of them. It is not a problem. 00:12:31.549 --> 00:12:33.549 An individual is not an employee of a fellowship of Christian Athletes until they are fully funded. 00:12:33.549 --> 00:12:35.549 So if you are for a fellowship of Christian Athletes and my mission, I will be honored to accept your sponsorship. 00:12:35.549 --> 00:12:49.080 You can ask any questions there. 00:12:49.080 --> 00:12:51.080 All of my contact information is on the board of trustees of Christian Athletes. 00:12:51.080 --> 00:12:52.080 and John. 00:12:52.080 --> 00:12:55.080 And I'm going to ask you all of the questions that you have. 00:12:55.080 --> 00:12:58.080 If you have any questions, ask me any questions. 00:12:58.080 --> 00:13:14.080 All of my contact information is on the partner card that I've got. 00:13:14.080 --> 00:13:15.080 Thank you very much. 00:13:15.080 --> 00:13:16.080 Thank you. 00:13:16.080 --> 00:13:23.149 I'd like to invite John Kelly up here. 00:13:23.149 --> 00:13:32.769 So I'd just like to introduce our newest firefighter. 00:13:32.769 --> 00:13:33.769 This is firefighter. 00:13:33.769 --> 00:13:36.769 To introduce him, I wrote a few things down because I didn't want to screw it up. 00:13:36.769 --> 00:13:39.769 So again, this is John Kelly. 00:13:39.769 --> 00:13:43.850 Smith, what I like to say a 30-year career. 00:13:43.850 --> 00:13:47.250 Immediately after he started, a week and a half later, he was detailed to the Roan Mill 00:13:47.250 --> 00:13:53.129 ville Fire Academy, which he did quite well, won special certificates there. 00:13:53.129 --> 00:14:00.250 He graduated from Roan Millville on May 2nd, and then he began his assignment on B-Shift, 00:14:00.250 --> 00:14:03.889 which is today's shift, on May 21st. 00:14:03.889 --> 00:14:20.819 He comes to us now as a EMT basic and a basic firefighter operations level, so welcome. 00:14:20.819 --> 00:14:25.339 Congratulations John, just a few words, I'm Commissioner Gridley and this is Commissioner 00:14:25.339 --> 00:14:31.220 Bush and our responsibility on the commission has a number of duties but one of the great 00:14:31.220 --> 00:14:37.779 pleasures that we have is being able to interview and to select great candidates for a fantastic 00:14:37.779 --> 00:14:42.700 Department. We have an amazing group on our Freeport Fire Department. We should be very 00:14:42.700 --> 00:14:48.339 proud of each and every one of them. But also, one of the things that we talk about is, is 00:14:48.339 --> 00:14:55.339 this the kind of person in our time of need that we would depend on to help save our lives, 00:14:55.339 --> 00:15:00.460 protect our property, and more important, care for our entire community? Not only for 00:15:00.460 --> 00:15:05.100 our own families, but for every citizen in the city of Freeport. So John, you're standing 00:15:05.100 --> 00:15:10.299 here today because our confidence is in you and so it's your responsibility to uphold 00:15:10.299 --> 00:15:16.100 that confidence. So congratulations. It's my pleasure on behalf of the commission to 00:15:16.100 --> 00:15:21.379 read your official commission. City of Freeport Board of Fire and Police Commission, to all 00:15:21.379 --> 00:15:27.180 to whom these presents shall come, John M. Kelly, having been duly appointed to the position 00:15:27.180 --> 00:15:33.259 of firefighter in and for the City of Freeport in the County of Stevenson and State of Illinois 00:15:33.259 --> 00:15:39.779 For the term from the second day of June 2025 until his successor shall have been duly appointed 00:15:39.779 --> 00:15:46.639 and qualified is hereby fully authorized and empowered to assume and perform all the duties 00:15:46.639 --> 00:15:52.279 of his said office according to the law and ordinance of said city and all persons are 00:15:52.279 --> 00:15:57.019 required to respect him in the discharge of his said duties by the order of the Board 00:15:57.019 --> 00:15:58.019 and Fire Commission. 00:15:58.019 --> 00:15:59.019 Congratulations, John. 00:15:59.019 --> 00:16:18.720 John. Yes, we're going to swear you in so I'm going to give this to you. I, John Kelly, do solemnly 00:16:18.720 --> 00:16:26.410 swear that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the state 00:16:26.410 --> 00:16:35.519 of Illinois and I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of firefighter according to 00:16:35.519 --> 00:17:49.500 the best of my abilities. Okay, we will move on to item number two which is the approval of the 00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:53.500 The minutes from the May 19th, 2025 meeting. Is there such a motion? 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:55.500 So moved. Second. 00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:59.500 A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:17:59.500 --> 00:18:01.500 Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? 00:18:01.500 --> 00:18:03.500 Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. 00:18:03.500 --> 00:18:07.099 Simmons? Aye. 00:18:07.099 --> 00:18:09.099 Parker? Aye. 00:18:09.099 --> 00:18:11.099 Stacy? Abstain. 00:18:11.099 --> 00:18:17.069 Think she said abstain. 00:18:17.069 --> 00:18:19.069 Abstain. 00:18:19.069 --> 00:18:21.069 Shadle? Aye. 00:18:21.069 --> 00:18:23.069 Sanders? No. 00:18:23.069 --> 00:18:32.869 and Sellers. Aye. The minutes are approved 2, 4, 5, to 1, to 1. That can't be right. 2 to 1. 00:18:32.869 --> 00:18:52.470 We have a few public comments this evening. Ted Odendahl. Hi, Ted Odendahl of 1405 South Benson. 00:18:52.470 --> 00:19:00.470 I'm here to just talk briefly about the 10 shared principles of policing item 16 on the agenda. I 00:19:00.470 --> 00:19:16.470 I've had an opportunity to come to a number of the ward meetings. Council people have invited me and I've talked with the public about the ten shared principles and I'm happy to see it come before the council this evening. 00:19:16.470 --> 00:19:25.470 Now the ten shared principles have been a part of the police, your police department, our police department for a number of years. 00:19:25.470 --> 00:19:30.230 and I may ask, well, why are you bringing it to the council? 00:19:30.230 --> 00:19:33.990 And the police chief signed onto it several years ago. 00:19:33.990 --> 00:19:36.190 And the reason is that at that time, 00:19:36.190 --> 00:19:39.429 I don't think anyone was aware of the, 00:19:39.429 --> 00:19:41.590 anyone in the public was really aware 00:19:41.590 --> 00:19:43.670 of the 10 shared principles. 00:19:43.670 --> 00:19:47.470 And at this time in cooperation of working with the chief, 00:19:47.470 --> 00:19:50.529 but also working with the public at large, 00:19:50.529 --> 00:19:54.130 we wanna bring this forward to say to everyone, 00:19:54.130 --> 00:19:58.049 This is something we all agree to and we're all working together. 00:19:58.049 --> 00:20:00.319 Do, and we're all working together on. 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:06.099 The police department is holding themselves accountable by saying we ascribe to these, 00:20:06.099 --> 00:20:13.779 and we as the public need to hold ourselves accountable also by saying we ascribe to these. 00:20:13.779 --> 00:20:15.200 We're all in this together. 00:20:15.200 --> 00:20:21.660 We all want a better, safer community, and I think stating and adhering to these ten 00:20:21.660 --> 00:20:22.660 Huffines. 00:20:22.660 --> 00:20:34.299 So I hope that we'll have all of your support, and I appreciate that support and the time 00:20:34.299 --> 00:20:36.500 that you have given us along the way. 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:44.440 And I should say that this movement or this initiative is coming out of the Criminal Justice 00:20:44.440 --> 00:20:50.299 Committee of the NAACP, and if you've looked at the ten shared principles, you know that 00:20:50.299 --> 00:20:57.380 but those are something that the state NAACP organization developed in conjunction with 00:20:57.380 --> 00:21:01.500 the Illinois Chief of Police Association. 00:21:01.500 --> 00:21:12.400 So again, thank you for your support, we appreciate it. 00:21:12.400 --> 00:21:13.400 Next is Diane Yocum. 00:21:13.400 --> 00:21:29.680 Good evening, I'm Diane Yocum and I live at 1004 Birchham Drive here in Freeport, Illinois. 00:21:29.680 --> 00:21:39.000 I'm here to speak against Agenda Item 11, Ordinance Number 2025-37 and Agenda Item 20, 00:21:39.000 --> 00:21:43.519 Resolution 2025-66. 00:21:43.519 --> 00:21:48.079 Power strikes back when certain truths come to light the city doesn't want the public 00:21:48.079 --> 00:21:52.920 to see or know about, though the public has had lots of questions for a long time that 00:21:52.920 --> 00:21:55.079 have never had answers. 00:21:55.079 --> 00:22:00.599 Prophetic voices are not appreciated in their own hometowns, and power and privilege will 00:22:00.599 --> 00:22:07.480 do whatever it can to silence or squelch prophetic voices, to put them in their place, to discredit 00:22:07.480 --> 00:22:12.980 them and use whatever tools they have at their disposal to suppress them. 00:22:12.980 --> 00:22:18.240 As on the national level, there are times when resistance becomes the only option, especially 00:22:18.240 --> 00:22:23.160 when power wants to maintain its status quo control. 00:22:23.160 --> 00:22:29.639 The city made sure of that last week by swearing in an older person behind the scenes before the council meeting began. 00:22:30.519 --> 00:22:38.680 Tonight's agenda for this council meeting is noteworthy in that there are ordinance changes coming into play to give more power to the mayor and the city 00:22:39.360 --> 00:22:42.680 and lessening some power of the council older persons. 00:22:43.160 --> 00:22:50.480 Steps of punishing retribution are being brought back again by the city to be considered tonight and voted upon. 00:22:50.480 --> 00:22:56.220 and John. The fines, some are being raised. If you have money to pay a fine, it doesn't 00:22:56.220 --> 00:23:02.619 touch you as much. If you don't, you're stuck. An example of the enfranchised versus 00:23:02.619 --> 00:23:09.940 the disenfranchised in our community, a story as old as time itself. Also, this administration 00:23:09.940 --> 00:23:15.740 is seeking to make it harder to put things on the agenda or to bring certain items back 00:23:15.740 --> 00:23:17.740 and the rest of the board of trustees. 00:23:17.740 --> 00:23:20.740 I would like to return to the agenda by requiring a majority 00:23:20.740 --> 00:23:24.740 rather than the two or three older persons it once needed. 00:23:24.740 --> 00:23:28.740 I find these moves to be less democratic and a power grab. 00:23:28.740 --> 00:23:32.740 Weaken the populace power so the privileged maintain their power 00:23:32.740 --> 00:23:36.740 and control for the status quo which benefits them. 00:23:36.740 --> 00:23:41.740 We know where our local elected state officials stand on their politics. 00:23:41.740 --> 00:23:43.559 and 00:23:43.559 --> 00:23:45.559 Commissioner. 00:23:45.559 --> 00:23:49.039 It is our privilege to have you present and to make an 00:23:49.039 --> 00:23:52.539 appearance on the local level before our eyes tonight. 00:23:52.539 --> 00:23:57.079 Silence, suppress, enact further measures of retribution in 00:23:57.079 --> 00:24:00.960 order to control. Power and control blended with 00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:04.980 privilege does not always result in just actions. It does 00:24:04.980 --> 00:24:09.500 reveal the motivations of those behind these moves. It is for 00:24:09.500 --> 00:24:15.180 comes across as trying to suppress voices they don't like, and finding ways to punish 00:24:15.180 --> 00:24:17.119 them even more. 00:24:17.119 --> 00:24:22.059 We the public have noticed who has been allowed to get away with certain actions and behaviors 00:24:22.059 --> 00:24:23.720 and who hasn't. 00:24:23.720 --> 00:24:24.720 Thank you. 00:24:24.720 --> 00:24:25.720 Your time has expired. 00:24:25.720 --> 00:24:35.099 Therefore, I ask you to vote no on the resolution and to consider changes to the ordinance. 00:24:35.099 --> 00:24:36.099 Kelvin McElwain. 00:24:36.099 --> 00:24:45.230 Hi. 00:24:45.230 --> 00:24:46.230 I'm Kelvin McElwain. 00:24:46.230 --> 00:24:49.529 I live at 515 West Moseley Street. 00:24:49.529 --> 00:24:54.950 In the mini-series Band of Brothers, there was a scene where a man at a lower rank was 00:24:54.950 --> 00:25:01.170 not going to salute a man at a higher rank because they had bad prior history. 00:25:01.170 --> 00:25:05.610 The major told him, you salute the rank, not the man. 00:25:05.610 --> 00:25:07.690 That message is crystal clear. 00:25:07.690 --> 00:25:13.490 Regardless of how you feel about the person, you respect and honor the rank and act accordingly 00:25:13.490 --> 00:25:17.009 for the sake of preserving order in the military. 00:25:17.009 --> 00:25:20.930 The same is true about each and one of these council seats. 00:25:20.930 --> 00:25:25.569 Regardless of how you feel about who sits in a seat or what they are doing, there are 00:25:25.569 --> 00:25:32.110 certain duties and rights that seat has that can't be obstructed because we need to protect 00:25:32.110 --> 00:25:36.809 the democratic process of this city council. 00:25:36.809 --> 00:25:41.529 Each person in these seats was elected by the people of that ward to represent them 00:25:41.529 --> 00:25:43.490 on this council. 00:25:43.490 --> 00:25:48.849 The purpose of each seat is to bring issues and concerns to the council floor for awareness, 00:25:48.849 --> 00:25:51.170 discussion, or action. 00:25:51.170 --> 00:25:55.329 The items they bring to the council may be specific to their ward, another part of the 00:25:55.329 --> 00:25:58.289 city, or citywide issues. 00:25:58.289 --> 00:26:03.889 The proposed ordinance that changes the requirement for requiring at least two other persons to 00:26:03.889 --> 00:26:09.589 place an item on the agenda and changing that to where you need a majority of the city council's 00:26:09.589 --> 00:26:10.589 Settlers. 00:26:10.589 --> 00:26:32.950 This ordinance, if passed, would prevent anyone sitting in the council seat today, a year 00:26:32.950 --> 00:26:39.670 from now, five years from now, or 10 years from now to bring items to the council floor 00:26:39.670 --> 00:26:44.710 that the people who elected them want to be addressed by the city council. 00:26:44.710 --> 00:26:49.309 A majority requirement is a very high bar to just bring something to the council floor 00:26:49.309 --> 00:26:51.389 as an agenda item. 00:26:51.389 --> 00:26:56.509 If the majority doesn't want to even talk about an issue, it won't make it to the floor. 00:26:56.509 --> 00:26:59.049 That issue won't even see the light of day. 00:26:59.049 --> 00:27:03.610 This ordinance will only serve to silence the citizens of Freeport residents by silencing 00:27:03.610 --> 00:27:05.450 their elected auto person. 00:27:05.450 --> 00:27:07.009 And that's just not right. 00:27:07.009 --> 00:27:08.450 That's not democratic. 00:27:08.450 --> 00:27:13.990 I have served on this city council, the Freeport School District Board, multiple boards of 00:27:13.990 --> 00:27:19.009 directors for local organizations, and I have never, never been part of an organization 00:27:19.009 --> 00:27:25.190 that required a majority of the group's approval to put an item on the meeting agenda. 00:27:25.190 --> 00:27:30.009 This requirement doesn't even exist in our United States Congress nor any of our state 00:27:30.009 --> 00:27:35.650 legislators. So why would our city council want to operate this way? I'm asking each 00:27:35.650 --> 00:27:40.529 other person to vote no on that part of the ordinance. At the end of the day, your no 00:27:40.529 --> 00:27:47.029 vote may benefit you because you may want to bring an issue to the agenda and deny the 00:27:47.029 --> 00:27:51.089 majority of the council declined about that item. Voting yes limits your rights as an 00:27:51.089 --> 00:27:52.450 Thank you, your time has expired. 00:27:52.450 --> 00:27:53.889 Why would you want to do that? 00:27:53.889 --> 00:27:54.730 Casey Anthony. 00:27:54.730 --> 00:28:07.389 Casey Anthony. 00:28:07.389 --> 00:28:09.049 Hello, I'm Casey Jacobs Anthony. 00:28:09.049 --> 00:28:12.569 I live at 1441 South Plum Avenue here in Freeport. 00:28:12.569 --> 00:28:15.130 And I'm here to speak on number 11 and number 20, 00:28:15.130 --> 00:28:17.730 but specifically with number 11 in relation 00:28:17.730 --> 00:28:21.990 to the two minute time limit on speaking for council members. 00:28:21.990 --> 00:28:23.849 Coming from being a representative formerly 00:28:23.849 --> 00:28:28.450 of the county board, it would be very difficult 00:28:28.450 --> 00:28:30.650 to be able to present information in two minutes 00:28:30.650 --> 00:28:31.970 to be able to get your point across. 00:28:31.970 --> 00:28:34.509 Now I understand the need for efficiency 00:28:34.509 --> 00:28:38.369 that happens within the council. 00:28:38.369 --> 00:28:40.570 And each council member has an obligation 00:28:40.570 --> 00:28:43.570 to do their research, ask the questions, 00:28:43.570 --> 00:28:46.170 talk to the city manager to get everything clarified 00:28:46.170 --> 00:28:47.529 so that when they come here, 00:28:47.529 --> 00:28:49.889 they can present their findings, present their research, 00:28:49.889 --> 00:28:51.230 and express their opinion. 00:28:51.230 --> 00:28:53.909 You simply cannot do that in two minutes. 00:28:53.909 --> 00:28:55.869 Robert's Rules of Order, which governs 00:28:55.869 --> 00:28:57.889 and kind of guides these types of bodies 00:28:57.889 --> 00:29:00.130 on how to run an efficient, effective government, 00:29:00.130 --> 00:29:03.409 says it should be 10 minutes, not two. 00:29:03.409 --> 00:29:05.610 So I ask that you reconsider that time limit 00:29:05.610 --> 00:29:09.570 within that particular piece of that ordinance. 00:29:09.570 --> 00:29:12.750 Moving on to number 20 with the censure. 00:29:13.869 --> 00:29:15.849 There have been many times over the past year 00:29:15.849 --> 00:29:19.670 that things have happened within this building 00:29:19.670 --> 00:29:22.250 during these meetings that would warrant behavior 00:29:22.250 --> 00:29:23.409 that would be considered something 00:29:23.409 --> 00:29:25.250 that you could call for censure for. 00:29:25.250 --> 00:29:27.409 Language, disrespect, 00:29:27.409 --> 00:29:35.409 So much so that, you know, people outside of this community talk about the lack of decorum that exists within these chairs. 00:29:35.409 --> 00:29:38.409 I'm just concerned that it's just being done now. 00:29:38.409 --> 00:29:45.409 When people have brought it up before, community members have come and asked for things to be done about the behavior that's occurred on this council. 00:29:45.409 --> 00:29:48.409 They were told that there's nothing that this council could do. 00:29:48.409 --> 00:29:55.409 And now it's apparent that they were aware that censure does exist and that it can be brought forth, but they're choosing to bring it up now. 00:29:55.409 --> 00:29:56.409 and others. 00:29:56.409 --> 00:29:56.429 Thank you. 00:29:56.429 --> 00:29:59.000 We're choosing to bring it up now, which then brings up the question why now and why not 00:29:59.000 --> 00:30:03.799 against other certain members of the council that have exhibited abhorrent behavior. 00:30:03.799 --> 00:30:07.279 So I ask that you just consider that when moving forward with this, if you're going 00:30:07.279 --> 00:30:12.200 to censure some members of this body, then you need to do it equally and across the board. 00:30:12.200 --> 00:30:20.529 Thank you. 00:30:20.529 --> 00:30:24.769 Barbara Vines, if you don't have something on the agenda itself, then you have to wait 00:30:24.769 --> 00:30:27.289 till the end. 00:30:27.289 --> 00:30:28.289 And Rachel. 00:30:28.289 --> 00:30:41.579 Hi, everyone. 00:30:41.579 --> 00:30:46.299 for those of you who don't know me my name is Rachel Simmons. At this time I'm 00:30:46.299 --> 00:30:53.259 speaking both duly as a citizen, excuse me, and a council member. So what I have 00:30:53.259 --> 00:30:59.299 to say applies to item 11 and item 20. I will first start with item 20 by saying 00:30:59.299 --> 00:31:03.019 you have nowhere on record of me saying that I had any intent to disrupt any 00:31:03.019 --> 00:31:08.220 meeting and no actions of mine disrupted that meeting. So that's all I have on 00:31:08.220 --> 00:31:09.220 and that. 00:31:09.220 --> 00:31:18.539 Now as far as item 11, it's so ironic that we just declared freedom day against tyranny. 00:31:18.539 --> 00:31:20.779 Just did that at the beginning of this meeting. 00:31:20.779 --> 00:31:25.640 However, with the changes in this ordinance, all the persons defined will be changed from 00:31:25.640 --> 00:31:32.420 a maximum of $100 to $250 if we speak more than two minutes or more than twice on any 00:31:32.420 --> 00:31:33.420 issue. 00:31:33.420 --> 00:31:43.420 All the authority that has been given to Alder Persons in the city ordinance is now replaced with the wording of City Council and Alder Persons has been crossed out. 00:31:43.420 --> 00:31:52.420 So Alder Persons will no longer also serve as chair for Committee of the Whole meetings as we have all taken turns using doing that responsibility. 00:31:52.420 --> 00:32:02.420 In addition, this prevents Alder Persons from placing items on the agenda without the consent of the majority of everyone. 00:32:02.420 --> 00:32:05.860 So, if you have something that you want to bring that is an issue to your community, 00:32:05.860 --> 00:32:08.860 you cannot bring that unless we all agree to it. 00:32:08.860 --> 00:32:11.339 Why would we be so scared to have a discussion? 00:32:11.339 --> 00:32:13.860 You can vote no if you disagree. 00:32:13.860 --> 00:32:17.639 Voting concerning the approval of budgets no longer requires a majority vote of the 00:32:17.639 --> 00:32:22.680 older persons, the council, the people put in charge, the ones that are supposed to employ 00:32:22.680 --> 00:32:25.839 Mr. Boyer and the other department heads. 00:32:25.839 --> 00:32:30.460 We have no say so, we have a small say so in that now because that includes other votes, 00:32:30.460 --> 00:32:31.860 not just ours. 00:32:31.860 --> 00:32:34.500 The Social Justice Committee has been removed. 00:32:34.500 --> 00:32:38.259 There has been no rewording, it has just been removed. 00:32:38.259 --> 00:32:41.660 All of this has been noted under the premise of home rule. 00:32:41.660 --> 00:32:44.660 We can do this because we have home rule. 00:32:44.660 --> 00:32:47.900 I must express my concerns regarding these proposed changes. 00:32:47.900 --> 00:32:50.759 The shift in authority appears to be an abuse of power, 00:32:50.759 --> 00:32:53.139 effectively granting the mayor and city manager 00:32:53.139 --> 00:32:55.880 ultimate control over our city's governance. 00:32:55.880 --> 00:32:58.740 All their persons are intended to be the voice of the people, 00:32:58.740 --> 00:33:01.299 yet this ordinance will not only silence them, 00:33:01.299 --> 00:33:03.779 but also strip away any checks on the actions 00:33:03.779 --> 00:33:05.759 of the city manager and mayor. 00:33:05.759 --> 00:33:08.139 If approved, this will mean that the city manager 00:33:08.139 --> 00:33:09.740 will answer solely to the mayor, 00:33:09.740 --> 00:33:12.259 leaving the voices of the community unheard. 00:33:12.259 --> 00:33:14.420 It raises serious questions about the purpose 00:33:14.420 --> 00:33:17.180 of having all the persons if their authority is diminished 00:33:17.180 --> 00:33:18.880 in such a significant way. 00:33:18.880 --> 00:33:21.660 It is truly disheartening to witness a council 00:33:21.660 --> 00:33:25.339 that seems more inclined to silencing dissenting opinions 00:33:25.339 --> 00:33:27.860 rather than engage in constructive dialogue. 00:33:27.860 --> 00:33:30.099 The ability to listen to opposing viewpoints 00:33:30.099 --> 00:33:34.039 and Rich compromises is essential for the betterment of our city. 00:33:34.039 --> 00:33:39.019 I'm generally appalled at the thought of supporting an ordinance that would mute the input and 00:33:39.019 --> 00:33:52.480 diminish the importance of the older persons in the representation of the people. 00:33:52.480 --> 00:33:57.440 Larry, Larry, if you have something you want to say as general, you have to wait till the 00:33:57.440 --> 00:33:58.440 end. 00:33:58.440 --> 00:34:03.819 Okay. 00:34:03.819 --> 00:34:04.819 Okay. 00:34:04.819 --> 00:34:05.819 Then that concludes public comments. 00:34:05.819 --> 00:34:08.380 We move on to item number four, which is the consent agenda. 00:34:08.380 --> 00:34:13.440 I'm sorry. 00:34:13.440 --> 00:34:15.440 Is it an agenda item? 00:34:15.440 --> 00:34:29.630 which one is removed yes so that way we can read it and be ready so if you'd 00:34:29.630 --> 00:34:49.079 like to speak on a topic on agenda items which number which one okay okay my name 00:34:49.079 --> 00:34:53.760 is Wendy Pearson I live at 1323 South Chicago Avenue here in Freeport Illinois 00:34:53.760 --> 00:35:03.720 as far as the agenda item number 11 our City Council has certain members of this 00:35:03.720 --> 00:35:14.360 when you try to limit the voices of the people by way of their older person. 00:35:14.360 --> 00:35:21.159 The disrespect that flows through this council by certain council members I would like to 00:35:21.159 --> 00:35:24.039 address as well. 00:35:24.039 --> 00:35:32.360 I will not shut up and I will not leave and the only time that I will shut up is when 00:35:32.360 --> 00:35:37.360 and you and anybody else in this town can say that they're a national award winner, they're 00:35:37.360 --> 00:35:41.320 a presidential award winner, they've shut down drug houses, they've helped bring the 00:35:41.320 --> 00:35:44.279 Boys and Girls Club back into Futation. 00:35:44.279 --> 00:35:50.480 When anybody in this town can say those things to me, that's when I'll shut up. 00:35:50.480 --> 00:35:56.840 Disrespectful, cowardly, because the entire time I stood there, you were turning around 00:35:56.840 --> 00:36:03.639 Smiley and Winking and then you get up after I get off you wait till I'm walking out the door 00:36:03.639 --> 00:36:09.559 and you tell me to shut up and to leave. It's pretty obvious that some of you are so silly and 00:36:09.559 --> 00:36:14.360 stupid in some ways that you don't have sense enough to turn the mics off when you're saying 00:36:14.360 --> 00:36:20.199 disrespectful things to people who have paid taxes in this town for over 20 years and two houses. 00:36:20.920 --> 00:36:25.400 We know your history. We know how you got in the seat that you sat in when you were 00:36:25.400 --> 00:36:27.300 and the Chief of Police. 00:36:27.300 --> 00:36:32.340 The same crap that was going on then is going on now. 00:36:32.340 --> 00:36:36.220 You know for a fact and we know for a fact that the Chief of Police at that period of 00:36:36.220 --> 00:36:41.659 time should have been Mr. Lenore, your trainer, the person that trained you to do this job. 00:36:41.659 --> 00:36:44.739 So don't go there with us because we're not going to shut up. 00:36:44.739 --> 00:36:46.119 We're not going to stop. 00:36:46.119 --> 00:36:48.079 We're going to continue to fight. 00:36:48.079 --> 00:36:51.800 We're going to continue to fight for our rights to be able to speak up here for longer than 00:36:51.800 --> 00:36:58.800 for our older persons to be able to speak more than two times without having a vote from each and every one of you to tell them they can speak again. 00:36:58.800 --> 00:37:07.800 When they were elected into that seat, they were elected to represent those of us in the wards that put them there. 00:37:07.800 --> 00:37:13.800 And when some of them stood outside that door, you can believe that some of us were standing outside that door too. 00:37:13.800 --> 00:37:20.800 So if you think for a second that they don't have people that are respectful towards them and that is willing to fight, you got another thing coming. 00:37:20.800 --> 00:37:32.220 Sinkerman. As far as 20 is concerned, you guys know it's a bunch of crap. Move on to 00:37:32.220 --> 00:37:36.179 item number four, which is the consent agenda. The consent agenda is considered to be routine 00:37:36.179 --> 00:37:39.019 in nature and acted as one motion unless there's a member of the council would like to have 00:37:39.019 --> 00:37:44.360 something removed for further discussion. Seeing none, the consent agenda consists of 00:37:44.360 --> 00:37:48.699 approving to receive and place on file the board and commission minutes from the police 00:37:48.699 --> 00:37:55.539 pension board, December 30th, 2024, January 29th, 2025. Historic Preservation Commission 00:37:55.539 --> 00:38:00.539 May 21st, 2024 and April 15th, 2025. 00:38:01.900 --> 00:38:05.260 Fire Pension Board, January 29th, 2025. 00:38:05.260 --> 00:38:08.500 The Board of Fire and Police Commission, April 22nd, 2025. 00:38:08.500 --> 00:38:10.380 Also reports from the Police Department, 00:38:10.380 --> 00:38:13.300 Cash and Investment and Finance Department 00:38:13.300 --> 00:38:14.699 for April 2025. 00:38:14.699 --> 00:38:16.900 The Greater Freeport Partnerships Monthly Report 00:38:16.900 --> 00:38:18.579 for May 2025. 00:38:18.579 --> 00:38:21.820 The resolution of 2025-57, 00:38:21.820 --> 00:38:24.139 which requests temporary closure for streets 00:38:24.139 --> 00:38:28.460 for the Teddy Baker Fest Parade dated July 13th, 2025. 00:38:28.460 --> 00:38:30.220 Approval of the finance bills payable 00:38:30.220 --> 00:38:35.220 in a total of $2,520,550, I'm sorry, $585.78 00:38:37.139 --> 00:38:41.619 and payroll for a pay period ending May 17th, 2025 00:38:41.619 --> 00:38:46.559 in the total of $665,616.82. 00:38:46.559 --> 00:38:48.420 Is there a motion to approve? 00:38:48.420 --> 00:38:49.480 So moved. 00:38:49.480 --> 00:38:52.630 Second. 00:38:52.630 --> 00:38:54.510 The motion made by Alderman Klemm, 00:38:54.510 --> 00:38:56.389 seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:38:57.309 --> 00:38:58.989 Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? 00:38:58.989 --> 00:38:59.829 Klemm? 00:38:59.829 --> 00:39:00.650 Aye. 00:39:00.650 --> 00:39:01.489 Johnson? 00:39:01.489 --> 00:39:02.309 Aye. 00:39:02.309 --> 00:39:03.150 Simmons? 00:39:03.150 --> 00:39:03.989 Aye. 00:39:03.989 --> 00:39:04.829 Parker? 00:39:04.829 --> 00:39:05.650 Aye. 00:39:05.650 --> 00:39:06.489 Stacy? 00:39:06.489 --> 00:39:07.329 No. 00:39:07.329 --> 00:39:08.150 Shadle? 00:39:08.150 --> 00:39:08.989 Aye. 00:39:08.989 --> 00:39:09.829 Sanders? 00:39:09.829 --> 00:39:10.650 No. 00:39:10.650 --> 00:39:11.489 And Sellers? 00:39:11.489 --> 00:39:12.329 Aye. 00:39:12.329 --> 00:39:15.139 The motion passes six to two. 00:39:15.139 --> 00:39:16.779 Item number seven is appointments. 00:39:16.779 --> 00:39:21.070 When you're caught up, can you read those? 00:39:21.070 --> 00:39:23.190 Bestegene Bush to the Housing Authority, 00:39:23.190 --> 00:39:26.230 effective through October 31st, 2028, 00:39:26.230 --> 00:39:30.949 and Bobby Yount to the Housing Authority effective through October 31st, 2030. 00:39:31.590 --> 00:39:33.190 Is there a motion to approve? 00:39:33.190 --> 00:39:33.829 So moved. 00:39:33.829 --> 00:39:34.550 Second. 00:39:34.550 --> 00:39:39.590 Moving motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. 00:39:40.230 --> 00:39:41.429 Discussion on the appointments. 00:39:43.110 --> 00:39:44.710 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:39:44.710 --> 00:39:45.269 Klemm? 00:39:45.269 --> 00:39:45.909 Aye. 00:39:45.909 --> 00:39:46.550 Johnson? 00:39:46.550 --> 00:39:47.110 Aye. 00:39:47.110 --> 00:39:48.070 Simmons? 00:39:48.070 --> 00:39:48.630 Aye. 00:39:48.630 --> 00:39:49.190 Parker? 00:39:49.190 --> 00:39:49.670 Aye. 00:39:49.670 --> 00:39:50.150 Stacy? 00:39:55.980 --> 00:40:05.739 Alderperson, Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The motion passes 8 to 0. 00:40:05.739 --> 00:40:10.940 Item number 8 is the first reading of ordinance 2025-34. Could you please read this? 00:40:10.940 --> 00:40:25.099 Ordinance amending part 10, Streets, Utilities, and Public Services Code, Title 4, Utilities, Chapter 1046, Sewers Generally, Section 1046.10, Specific Local Discharge Limits 00:40:25.099 --> 00:40:27.420 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Freeport. 00:40:28.219 --> 00:40:29.340 Thank you. Manager Boyer. 00:40:29.900 --> 00:40:39.099 Thank you, Your Honor. Every four years or so, the City renews our National Discharge Permit. 00:40:40.059 --> 00:40:48.780 During the process, we do what's called a streamline calculations to determine what's allowed 00:40:48.780 --> 00:40:53.739 that industry can convey to the wastewater treatment plant. This is based on flow, 00:40:53.739 --> 00:40:58.780 it's based on the chemical or the constituents involved this year we're in 00:40:58.780 --> 00:41:05.019 the process of renewing our NPDES permit and the city the EPA requires that our 00:41:05.019 --> 00:41:10.300 local limits are viewed by the City Council and approved we have some 00:41:10.300 --> 00:41:16.420 adjustments here all well within the range of normal activity and staff 00:41:16.420 --> 00:41:21.800 recommends a suspension of the rules and to approve the local limits the new 00:41:21.800 --> 00:41:30.260 Settlers, and 00:41:30.260 --> 00:41:31.539 Alderman, Shadle. 00:41:31.539 --> 00:41:32.539 Discussion? 00:41:32.539 --> 00:41:33.539 Yes. 00:41:33.539 --> 00:41:35.300 Alderman, Sanders? 00:41:35.300 --> 00:41:36.300 Yes. 00:41:36.300 --> 00:41:50.340 I have concern about the way that we're receiving any notification or information, 00:41:50.340 --> 00:42:05.780 and the other kind of Illinois statutes. 00:42:05.780 --> 00:42:12.039 What I'm having concerns with is that none of the material that is being brought up in 00:42:12.039 --> 00:42:17.739 these agendas does not give you full detail. 00:42:17.739 --> 00:42:26.460 I know we got it written in there, but it's limited and it's only discretionary whenever 00:42:26.460 --> 00:42:33.820 important information from the IEPA is trying, it has already declared what the policies 00:42:33.820 --> 00:42:39.539 and statutes are, but I'm trying to find out because of the fact that we're not sitting 00:42:39.539 --> 00:42:48.659 here, reading what it is that has been handed down to us from the IEPA. That material has 00:42:48.659 --> 00:42:58.619 not made it to our council for discussion and to elaborate on what they're suggesting 00:42:58.619 --> 00:43:06.820 or recommendation that we as a city, municipality, should follow. And so since we do not have 00:43:06.820 --> 00:43:18.260 We have that, it's hard for us to make a good, sound, conscious decision on recommending 00:43:18.260 --> 00:43:23.260 or voting on any of the things that is being reported on the agenda. 00:43:23.260 --> 00:43:35.420 So if we're limited to the information that probably sits at the EPA, then we are ignorant 00:43:35.420 --> 00:43:37.780 to what's really going on with the city. 00:43:37.780 --> 00:43:40.179 Now I'm reporting certain details 00:43:40.179 --> 00:43:44.059 about what the EPA is really recommending 00:43:44.059 --> 00:43:47.940 and the statutes that we have to follow as a community. 00:43:47.940 --> 00:43:50.219 And so that's my concern. 00:43:50.219 --> 00:43:52.460 And that's what I wanted to bring up is the fact 00:43:52.460 --> 00:43:56.420 that when these kinds of things come into play, 00:43:56.420 --> 00:43:59.139 that we are properly notified 00:43:59.139 --> 00:44:01.860 and that the community is in tune 00:44:01.860 --> 00:44:04.260 with what is the reason why we make 00:44:04.260 --> 00:44:07.139 in these conscious decisions about why we're voting 00:44:07.139 --> 00:44:10.940 for certain things that we're not certain about 00:44:10.940 --> 00:44:14.460 simply because city managers, mayors, 00:44:14.460 --> 00:44:17.119 or whoever, public works or whatever, 00:44:17.119 --> 00:44:20.139 getting information that is not trickling down 00:44:20.139 --> 00:44:23.059 to the council nor to the general public. 00:44:23.059 --> 00:44:24.820 I just want them to be, 00:44:24.820 --> 00:44:28.139 I just want things to be promptly notified 00:44:28.139 --> 00:44:31.460 and put on notice that the citizens of Freeport 00:44:31.460 --> 00:44:39.220 understands what it is that you do and that we do as a council so they will be more educated 00:44:39.220 --> 00:44:42.260 into whatever is going on within their city. 00:44:42.260 --> 00:44:48.139 And I don't care what it is, we can't leave detailed information out because it could 00:44:48.139 --> 00:44:55.539 be very pertinent or very detrimental to the health of the people of the city of Freeport. 00:44:55.539 --> 00:45:00.260 I'm just conscious about that and I just wanted to bring that out and I understand what our 00:45:00.260 --> 00:45:07.260 and I think that our public relations with our general public has a lot of concerns. 00:45:07.260 --> 00:45:14.260 Well, certain areas of what should be really important to us is not being addressed. 00:45:14.260 --> 00:45:21.260 And I feel that we need more disclosure. We need to bring it out more and elaborate it. 00:45:21.260 --> 00:45:33.260 I'm looking for this to come from my city manager, my public directors, and people of that nature, firms, lawyers, or whoever the case is. 00:45:33.260 --> 00:45:43.260 Nothing is to be suppressed from the general public, and I feel that sometimes we're not being forthcoming. 00:45:43.260 --> 00:45:45.260 That's my take on that one. 00:45:45.260 --> 00:45:54.000 To reiterate what city manager said, this is nothing to do with the EPA limits. 00:45:54.000 --> 00:45:58.300 This is our internal city limits of what we can accept for 00:45:58.300 --> 00:46:00.460 waste to our treatment plant. 00:46:00.460 --> 00:46:02.860 It's called a mass balance equation. 00:46:02.860 --> 00:46:09.619 And our lab technician and chief lab manager did these equations and 00:46:09.619 --> 00:46:14.739 got them approved by EPA prior to coming to council to revise our local limits. 00:46:14.739 --> 00:46:17.420 So we've had some industry changes. 00:46:17.420 --> 00:46:31.220 We've had some flow changes at the plant that are allowing us to accept more waste in certain categories to our system, which is sometimes helpful to the wastewater treatment plant as well. 00:46:31.420 --> 00:46:38.420 So these are just local changes, has nothing to do with changing our limits with EPA or outfall to the stream or anything. 00:46:38.420 --> 00:46:43.139 it's just internal waste that the City of Freeport can take in at the plant giving 00:46:43.139 --> 00:46:49.639 our commercial accounts, our industrial accounts, a little bit less that they 00:46:49.639 --> 00:46:53.239 have to treat to at their place because our plant can handle it and this is 00:46:53.239 --> 00:46:58.340 evaluated every five years and adjusted every five years. People that have been 00:46:58.340 --> 00:47:03.019 sitting here have seen us do this before. Are there any other public comments? I'm 00:47:03.019 --> 00:47:09.099 Sorry, any other comments from from the council? Alderman Parker? Motion to suspend the rules. 00:47:10.139 --> 00:47:15.420 Second. We have a motion to suspend the rules made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle. 00:47:16.460 --> 00:47:19.900 Suspension of the rules is non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds majority. Madam Clerk, 00:47:19.900 --> 00:47:28.619 could you please take the roll? Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? 00:47:28.619 --> 00:47:58.619 Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The suspension passes 8 to 0. So now before you is the final passage for this ordinance. Any further discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. And the ordinance is adopted 8 to 0. 00:47:58.619 --> 00:48:03.420 Item number nine is the first reading of ordinance 2025-35. Could you please read this? 00:48:03.420 --> 00:48:08.860 Ordinance authorizing the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency public water supply loan program 00:48:08.860 --> 00:48:14.300 and loan agreement for well number 12 entire four projects including construction project bid cost 00:48:14.300 --> 00:48:20.300 and all engineering costs. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you your honor. As everyone here is quite 00:48:20.300 --> 00:48:27.739 aware we've been working on well 12 which is the last piece to our renovation of our source water 00:48:27.739 --> 00:48:34.779 capacity. The city of Freeport recently had a bid opening for phase four or four phases of well 12 00:48:35.420 --> 00:48:41.420 water improvement project. The EPA public water loan program requires a current city of Freeport 00:48:41.420 --> 00:48:48.220 authorizing debt ordinance for the water project funding. This is part of every IEPA funding project 00:48:48.220 --> 00:48:54.380 regardless of whether the community receives any forgiveness or not. The IEPA project management 00:48:54.380 --> 00:48:59.659 and as standard practice is requesting a well 12 project authorizing debt ordinance to be 00:48:59.659 --> 00:49:02.659 passed for this four-phase project. 00:49:02.659 --> 00:49:09.699 The IEPA requires this ordinance as part of the project every state revolving fund or 00:49:09.699 --> 00:49:12.380 SRF loan process. 00:49:12.380 --> 00:49:16.380 The staff is also asking for the suspension of the rules on this item tonight to expedite 00:49:16.380 --> 00:49:23.900 this to the EPA as we currently have 13.2 million dollars in outside grant and in 00:49:23.900 --> 00:49:30.059 outside funding for this project. The city requires this construction project to 00:49:30.059 --> 00:49:35.179 be completed in order to abandon our current Brick Street plant and eventual 00:49:35.179 --> 00:49:41.739 demo of that plant where the water facility will be permanently closed down 00:49:41.739 --> 00:49:46.300 Brown due to the fact that it has perfluorinated compounds. 00:49:46.300 --> 00:49:50.900 This project is funded through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency State Revolving 00:49:50.900 --> 00:49:52.019 Fund. 00:49:52.019 --> 00:49:57.039 C. State Revolving Fund, and this would be based on user rates with current $13.2 million 00:49:57.039 --> 00:50:02.719 in forgivable loans and congressionally directed spending to the city. 00:50:02.719 --> 00:50:08.139 So staff recommends council pass the debt ordinance so the city can issue the loan. 00:50:08.139 --> 00:50:14.179 The total for the debt ordinance is $32 million, which is the total cost of the project is 00:50:14.179 --> 00:50:19.780 coming in about $28 million, and so this 32 is to create a small buffer in case there 00:50:19.780 --> 00:50:22.960 there's some unexpected aspects related to construction. 00:50:22.960 --> 00:50:25.739 So staff asks council to move forward 00:50:25.739 --> 00:50:27.340 with this dead ordinance. 00:50:27.340 --> 00:50:29.099 Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? 00:50:29.099 --> 00:50:29.940 So moved. 00:50:29.940 --> 00:50:31.019 Second. 00:50:31.019 --> 00:50:32.820 A motion made by Alderman Shadle, 00:50:32.820 --> 00:50:34.539 seconded by Alderman Klemm. 00:50:34.539 --> 00:50:38.030 Discussion on the ordinance. 00:50:38.030 --> 00:50:38.989 Alderman Parker. 00:50:38.989 --> 00:50:41.909 No, just motion to suspend the rules. 00:50:41.909 --> 00:50:43.030 Second. 00:50:43.030 --> 00:50:45.590 A motion to suspend the rules made by Alderman Parker, 00:50:45.590 --> 00:50:47.550 seconded by Alderman Shadle. 00:50:47.550 --> 00:50:50.309 Again, two thirds majority and non-debatable. 00:50:50.309 --> 00:50:52.670 Madam Clerk, would you please take the role in the suspension? 00:50:52.670 --> 00:50:53.510 Klemm? 00:50:53.510 --> 00:50:54.269 Aye. 00:50:54.269 --> 00:50:55.110 Johnson? 00:50:55.110 --> 00:50:55.929 Aye. 00:50:55.929 --> 00:50:59.789 Simmons? 00:50:59.789 --> 00:51:00.630 Parker? 00:51:00.630 --> 00:51:01.449 Aye. 00:51:01.449 --> 00:51:02.789 Stacy? 00:51:02.789 --> 00:51:03.710 No. 00:51:03.710 --> 00:51:04.550 Shadle? 00:51:04.550 --> 00:51:05.369 Aye. 00:51:05.369 --> 00:51:06.210 Sanders? 00:51:06.210 --> 00:51:07.050 No. 00:51:07.050 --> 00:51:07.889 And Sellers? 00:51:07.889 --> 00:51:08.730 Aye. 00:51:08.730 --> 00:51:11.230 We do have two thirds, six to two. 00:51:12.630 --> 00:51:14.989 So now before you is the final passage of this ordinance. 00:51:14.989 --> 00:51:16.190 Any further discussion? 00:51:17.230 --> 00:51:18.550 Madam Clerk, please take the role. 00:51:18.550 --> 00:51:19.389 Klemm? 00:51:19.389 --> 00:51:20.230 Aye. 00:51:20.230 --> 00:51:21.050 Johnson? 00:51:21.050 --> 00:51:21.889 Aye. 00:51:21.889 --> 00:51:22.730 Simmons? 00:51:22.730 --> 00:51:34.250 Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. And Sellers? Aye. The ordinance passes six to two. 00:51:35.130 --> 00:51:40.570 Item number 10 is the first reading of ordinance 2025-36. Could you please read this? Ordinance 00:51:40.570 --> 00:51:47.530 amending chapter 1060 waste and recycling collection and disposal section 1060.04 regarding 00:51:47.530 --> 00:52:17.530 Garbage Fees. Thank you. Director Richter. Thank you, your honor. A little bit of background before I start into the memo. If you remember last year, we made an adjustment to the garbage rate. We actually kept it the same. We chose to not increase it. And so we had to change the ordinance last year. So this is building on to what happened last year. So the city's health and environment fund accounts for the revenue and expenses 00:52:17.530 --> 00:52:19.809 Delano. 00:52:19.809 --> 00:52:25.829 Let's take a look at the 00:52:25.829 --> 00:52:29.429 coverage listed here. 00:52:29.429 --> 00:52:33.730 As the fund is considered an enterprise fund it is run like a business with fees coming 00:52:33.730 --> 00:52:36.510 in to cover expenses. 00:52:36.510 --> 00:52:43.369 City ordinance 1060.04 details the amount charge to residents per month for garbage 00:52:43.369 --> 00:52:45.369 and recycling pickup. 00:52:45.369 --> 00:52:59.369 In 2024, City Council voted to suspend the annual increase to residents that would have taken effect on July 1st of last year, 2024, due to the fund accruing a positive balance. 00:53:00.369 --> 00:53:07.369 So this year, the fund has sufficient reserves to warrant adjustment to the rate schedule. 00:53:07.369 --> 00:53:14.369 The monthly rate charged to residents includes the hauler expense, bad debt expense, 00:53:14.369 --> 00:53:20.650 Billing and Collection Services and the Refresh Freeport Expenses. 00:53:20.650 --> 00:53:27.650 So what we're, there's, and there's a chart on the memo of what I'm proposing to change the rates to. 00:53:27.650 --> 00:53:38.889 The rates, when the, just a little bit more background, when the rates were established five years ago when we signed the new garbage rate agreement, 00:53:38.889 --> 00:53:42.289 all 10 years were put into ordinance. 00:53:42.289 --> 00:53:58.289 So last year, so what I have to do, last year since we changed, we held the line last year and did not change it, I would like to do similar and keep the rates a little bit lower than what's in the ordinance. 00:53:58.289 --> 00:54:08.289 And if you would like me to read them off and we're going to reduce the rate by $3 that would be in effect July 1 of 2025. 00:54:08.289 --> 00:54:13.289 we would reduce the rate $1.75 for 2026, $1.59 for 2027, 00:54:15.570 --> 00:54:20.570 and then $1.84 reduction from what the ordinance has. 00:54:23.369 --> 00:54:28.210 And so that will allow the fund balance to come down 00:54:28.210 --> 00:54:30.289 from where it is to a level 00:54:30.289 --> 00:54:32.470 of three months expenses in reserve. 00:54:33.529 --> 00:54:34.650 Thank you. 00:54:34.650 --> 00:54:36.329 Is there a motion to move this forward? 00:54:36.329 --> 00:54:37.170 So moved. 00:54:37.170 --> 00:54:44.489 We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Discussion on 00:54:44.489 --> 00:54:56.949 the ordinance? Yes. Alderman Sanders? Would that also make the improvements to the water 00:54:56.949 --> 00:55:05.329 increase? Has anything been modified as far as the water increase is concerned or has 00:55:05.329 --> 00:55:10.329 has it been addressed if we're gonna do same reduction rates 00:55:11.329 --> 00:55:14.329 with garbage and other utility rates? 00:55:14.329 --> 00:55:18.829 Are we doing the same thing with water? 00:55:18.829 --> 00:55:20.489 Director Richter. 00:55:20.489 --> 00:55:22.909 This only has to do with garbage rates. 00:55:22.909 --> 00:55:23.750 Yeah, I understand that. 00:55:23.750 --> 00:55:26.269 So no, I'm not proposing any changes 00:55:26.269 --> 00:55:27.909 with how the water structure is. 00:55:27.909 --> 00:55:32.909 Okay, so can I ask where did the water rates come from 00:55:32.909 --> 00:55:45.269 who asserted it, imposed it, who brought this water rate increase into our utility services 00:55:45.269 --> 00:55:49.309 and who put this into play. 00:55:49.309 --> 00:55:53.309 I just want to know who authorized the increase. 00:55:53.309 --> 00:55:54.869 Attorney Zito would like to say something. 00:55:54.869 --> 00:55:55.869 Well, I'm talking. 00:55:55.869 --> 00:55:56.869 Yeah, I know. 00:55:56.869 --> 00:55:57.869 But he wants to talk about what you're talking about. 00:55:57.869 --> 00:55:58.869 Well, he just can't be talking. 00:55:58.869 --> 00:56:02.230 Well, Alderman Sanders, because I need to get you on topic. 00:56:02.230 --> 00:56:07.630 The agenda item is only about garbage rates and you're asking about water rates. 00:56:07.630 --> 00:56:12.909 So the ordinance is just about lowering the garbage rates and nothing to do with water. 00:56:12.909 --> 00:56:18.309 So that's the only reason why I'm kind of reminding you to stay on topic. 00:56:18.309 --> 00:56:22.340 Is there any other discussion? 00:56:22.340 --> 00:56:25.539 Seeing none, we'll move on to item number 11, which is the first reading of ordinance 00:56:25.539 --> 00:56:26.539 2025-37. 00:56:26.539 --> 00:56:28.739 Could you please read this? 00:56:28.739 --> 00:56:35.460 Yes, amending Chapter 220, Council, Section 220.10, Rules of Council, and Section 220.11, 00:56:35.460 --> 00:56:36.460 Council Committees. 00:56:36.460 --> 00:56:37.460 Thank you. 00:56:37.460 --> 00:56:38.460 Attorney Zito. 00:56:38.460 --> 00:56:39.460 Thank you, Your Honor. 00:56:39.460 --> 00:56:46.079 So, City of Freeport, Court of Ordinance, Section 220.10 and 220.11 provide for various 00:56:46.079 --> 00:56:51.320 rules that govern how the City Council and its various committees, meetings are conducted. 00:56:51.320 --> 00:56:54.820 These rules include, but are not limited to how meetings are called, establishment of 00:56:54.820 --> 00:56:57.679 of a Quorum, procedures for placing items on agenda, 00:56:57.679 --> 00:56:59.639 frequency of speaking, decorum at meetings, 00:56:59.639 --> 00:57:02.639 and then penalties for violating any of these rules. 00:57:02.639 --> 00:57:05.279 The ordinance before the City Council for consideration 00:57:05.279 --> 00:57:09.480 proposes changes to Section 2.20.10 and 2.20.11 00:57:09.480 --> 00:57:11.400 in effort to increase efficiency at meetings, 00:57:11.400 --> 00:57:15.079 clarify ambiguities that exist in the existing language, 00:57:15.079 --> 00:57:16.159 and then set forth procedures 00:57:16.159 --> 00:57:18.639 for having items placed on the agenda. 00:57:18.639 --> 00:57:22.639 In pertinent part, the changes, or in key parts, 00:57:22.639 --> 00:57:26.920 The changes include that the mayor, the city manager, or a majority of the city council 00:57:26.920 --> 00:57:31.059 can cancel a meeting, that the mayor, city manager, or majority of city council may call 00:57:31.059 --> 00:57:35.320 a special meeting of the city council, three, that quorum would be established based on 00:57:35.320 --> 00:57:37.199 a majority of the city council. 00:57:37.199 --> 00:57:40.559 City council is defined as the older persons plus the mayor. 00:57:40.559 --> 00:57:44.420 This section is being proposed to be amended also to provide for a hundred dollar fine 00:57:44.420 --> 00:57:49.920 upon conviction of city council members who are willfully absent without reasonable reason 00:57:49.920 --> 00:57:51.679 for such absence. 00:57:51.679 --> 00:57:57.279 For the further, this section also goes on to provide an example that purposely missing 00:57:57.279 --> 00:58:02.539 a meeting to try to obstruct the conduct of city business is not considered to be a reasonable 00:58:02.539 --> 00:58:04.420 reason for being absent. 00:58:04.420 --> 00:58:09.500 Fourth, currently the rules provide that each member can speak twice on an agenda item, 00:58:09.500 --> 00:58:12.820 but that by unanimous vote of the council, a member can speak more than twice. 00:58:12.820 --> 00:58:17.739 This ordinance proposes to change the unanimous vote requirement to just the majority vote 00:58:17.739 --> 00:58:21.260 so that it would be allowed that you don't, if you want to speak more than twice, that 00:58:21.260 --> 00:58:24.659 We didn't no longer would need a unanimous vote of the council to speak an additional 00:58:24.659 --> 00:58:25.659 time. 00:58:25.659 --> 00:58:28.739 It would just be a majority vote to allow for that additional time. 00:58:28.739 --> 00:58:34.380 Finally, the proposed change to this section would limit each turn that a council member 00:58:34.380 --> 00:58:36.340 is allowed to speak to two minutes in time. 00:58:36.340 --> 00:58:40.460 However, the two minutes can be extended then by a majority vote of the council to allow 00:58:40.460 --> 00:58:43.739 for additional time to speak. 00:58:43.739 --> 00:58:49.019 Throughout the entirety of section 220-10, where there are vote requirements specified, 00:58:49.019 --> 00:58:54.019 It's been clarified that a vote is to be determined based on the membership in the city council, 00:58:54.019 --> 00:59:01.279 i.e. the older persons plus the mayor. Regarding the quorum at meetings, a proposed change 00:59:01.279 --> 00:59:05.900 in this ordinance is that any person who's deemed to be out of order or violating the 00:59:05.900 --> 00:59:13.220 rules of council twice can be removed by the police chief or their designee. Regarding 00:59:13.220 --> 00:59:17.579 penalties for violating rules, this provides a $250 fine for any member who's convicted 00:59:17.579 --> 00:59:19.900 Settler, Ritter, Tate, and Dane. 00:59:19.900 --> 00:59:24.659 A new rule is being proposed to govern meeting agendas. 00:59:24.659 --> 00:59:29.480 Items can be added to the agenda by the mayor, city manager, or majority of the older persons. 00:59:29.480 --> 00:59:33.059 And then it also provides that items can be removed by the persons who requested that 00:59:33.059 --> 00:59:37.220 the item be placed on the agenda originally. 00:59:37.220 --> 00:59:43.500 Another new rule being proposed governs city council requests of city staff. 00:59:43.500 --> 00:59:47.940 This proposed change provides that members of the City Council can make reasonable informational 00:59:47.940 --> 00:59:49.980 requests to City staff or contracted staff. 00:59:49.980 --> 00:59:50.000 Thank you. 00:59:50.000 --> 00:59:51.000 Thank you. 00:59:51.000 --> 00:59:52.000 Thank you. 00:59:52.000 --> 00:59:53.000 Thank you. 00:59:53.000 --> 00:59:54.000 Thank you. 00:59:54.000 --> 00:59:59.840 a request requires staff to compile information that staff will be given at least five business days 00:59:59.840 --> 01:00:04.239 to compile the information it further provides that the city manager has the right to extend 01:00:04.239 --> 01:00:09.119 this five business day time frame taking into consideration items like workload illness 01:00:09.119 --> 01:00:18.400 verification of staff members. The ordinance also makes a change to section 220-11 regarding 01:00:18.400 --> 01:00:22.719 the various committees of the city council to reflect that committee meetings can be called 01:00:22.719 --> 01:00:27.440 by the Mayor, City Manager or Majority of the City Council. It further provides that the agenda items 01:00:27.440 --> 01:00:31.519 can be removed by the person who requested the items be placed on the agenda originally. 01:00:32.079 --> 01:00:36.800 And finally, Section 220-11 is amended to remove the provisions of the Social Justice 01:00:36.800 --> 01:00:41.360 Committee as the committee was originally intended to be a temporary committee. There's 01:00:41.360 --> 01:00:46.639 no financial impact to the city budget related to these proposed ordinance changes. Staff recommends 01:00:46.639 --> 01:00:52.159 approval of the ordinance and this ordinance is in line with the strategic plan based off 01:00:52.159 --> 01:01:07.599 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm. Discussion on the ordinance. 01:01:09.360 --> 01:01:15.039 Alderman Sellers. Yes, could I get a better understanding of number eight that you just 01:01:15.039 --> 01:01:27.420 you just read? Please. You're talking about section eight of the item or number eight of the 01:01:27.420 --> 01:01:36.260 of the Ordinance, regarding quorum, I'm sorry, or a new rule of council is being proposed 01:01:36.260 --> 01:01:43.380 to be added to gov, what memo number eight, oh memo number eight, I'm sorry, that's okay, 01:01:43.380 --> 01:02:06.219 to go over meeting agenda, added to the agenda, oh 21029, got it, hang on one second, so the 01:02:06.219 --> 01:02:25.219 The proposed change would basically say that for agenda items, that agenda items for the city council meeting or any committee meetings can be added at the request of the mayor, the city manager, or a majority of the older persons can add an agenda item to the agenda. 01:02:25.219 --> 01:02:27.219 and 01:02:28.219 --> 01:02:30.219 John. 01:02:31.480 --> 01:02:34.960 And I'm going to move on to agenda item. Currently right now, agenda 01:02:34.960 --> 01:02:42.070 items can be added by any two alder persons. So this would change it to a 01:02:42.070 --> 01:02:46.230 majority of the alder persons to add an item to the agenda for any council 01:02:46.230 --> 01:02:50.230 meeting or committee meeting. Alderman Sanders. 01:02:50.230 --> 01:02:55.710 So, aldermen are not the governing body of the city any longer when you start imposing 01:02:55.710 --> 01:03:04.289 yourself, injecting yourself into the government structure as the attorney or the mayor. 01:03:04.289 --> 01:03:11.590 You guys cannot just assume that we will go along with that part of the item simply because 01:03:11.590 --> 01:03:19.710 you want to impose that on the city by your opinion and estimation that you have the right 01:03:19.710 --> 01:03:20.710 and John. 01:03:20.710 --> 01:03:27.429 I want you to have the right or want to have the right to assert yourself in the censorship 01:03:27.429 --> 01:03:30.269 of the governing body of the council. 01:03:30.269 --> 01:03:38.429 In other words, you are not elected to do these kinds of things for governing the city 01:03:38.429 --> 01:03:39.590 of Freeport. 01:03:39.590 --> 01:03:44.510 It was the aldermen, it's the district people that is the people of the city of Freeport 01:03:44.510 --> 01:03:51.309 Howard are the ones who are making these decisions, but it's not left up to the mayor, nor is 01:03:51.309 --> 01:04:01.630 it left up to the city manager or the attorney, Zito or Aaron as you might call it, because 01:04:01.630 --> 01:04:09.070 that is not what this is stipulating and when you bring it out like that, people don't have 01:04:09.070 --> 01:04:15.849 and I have a full understanding of your motivational reasons for wanting to assert yourself into 01:04:15.849 --> 01:04:19.869 the government structure and policies of the city of Freeport. 01:04:19.869 --> 01:04:20.869 You weren't elected. 01:04:20.869 --> 01:04:27.250 The people of Freeport, the citizens, taxpayers are the ones who elected the aldermen to make 01:04:27.250 --> 01:04:33.070 these kinds of proposals and things of this nature. 01:04:33.070 --> 01:04:37.829 You're not the ones who are supposed to be able to do these kinds of things. 01:04:37.829 --> 01:04:44.349 and not only that, put it in writing and then try to camouflage it. 01:04:44.349 --> 01:04:53.429 You cannot do that and I just hope my councilmen who are reading this can see right through 01:04:53.429 --> 01:04:55.269 what is happening. 01:04:55.269 --> 01:05:04.710 I know that's hard to do but the point of the matter is we have to be, I don't want 01:05:04.710 --> 01:05:05.710 Huffines. 01:05:05.710 --> 01:05:14.389 We need to look at this with clear eyes and clear understanding and have a better conscious 01:05:14.389 --> 01:05:21.909 mind of who we're allowing to come in and just throw things around at their discretion 01:05:21.909 --> 01:05:27.309 or who wants to impose their viewpoints and opinions upon the council to make certain 01:05:27.309 --> 01:05:29.590 decisions for the citizens of Freeport. 01:05:29.590 --> 01:05:35.590 I think it's an injustice that you are doing these kinds of things and trying to blow it 01:05:35.590 --> 01:05:43.429 right through the council and impose an ordinance up on the citizens and the council, suppressing 01:05:43.429 --> 01:05:52.789 them from doing whatever it is that this ordinance is trying to annihilate them from doing. 01:05:52.789 --> 01:05:59.789 So my thing is, why are we even entertaining item eight? 01:05:59.789 --> 01:06:05.650 We shouldn't even be sitting here contemplating about something that is happening that has 01:06:05.650 --> 01:06:07.150 not happened yet. 01:06:07.150 --> 01:06:12.389 But it's almost as if people are asserting themselves into the government structure of 01:06:12.389 --> 01:06:17.190 the council as if though they have the right and the will to do so. 01:06:17.190 --> 01:06:22.470 And I'm totally against that and I have great concerns that the citizens of Freeport would 01:06:22.470 --> 01:06:27.470 and also look at that with another view lens to make sure 01:06:27.590 --> 01:06:30.630 that we are on board with all of the things 01:06:30.630 --> 01:06:34.150 that the citizens of the city of Freeport is describing 01:06:34.150 --> 01:06:36.909 to us when they make their complaints. 01:06:36.909 --> 01:06:39.429 So I just wanted to bring that out 01:06:39.429 --> 01:06:44.429 because I just want this council to make a form 01:06:44.550 --> 01:06:49.550 in education, educated decision when voting 01:06:49.630 --> 01:06:50.789 on things of this nature, 01:06:50.789 --> 01:06:55.349 Wood, I have not scrutinized any of the things that are being 01:06:55.349 --> 01:06:58.070 imposed at this point in time, especially item eight. 01:06:58.070 --> 01:07:01.029 There's probably others in there, but the thing about it is 01:07:01.029 --> 01:07:04.449 we need to look at that with a stronger view lens. 01:07:04.449 --> 01:07:05.289 Alderman Sellers. 01:07:06.909 --> 01:07:09.670 I would just like to say with number eight, 01:07:09.670 --> 01:07:13.809 right now at this time, I know that I would have to say no 01:07:13.809 --> 01:07:18.809 right now because we have such a new council, you know, 01:07:18.809 --> 01:07:23.809 even though most of us only either two years 01:07:24.309 --> 01:07:26.929 or Linda just coming in. 01:07:26.929 --> 01:07:31.809 Majority with having ideas and different things 01:07:31.809 --> 01:07:33.929 that we might think of at the last minute. 01:07:33.929 --> 01:07:38.929 I do understand some of the frustration that we get 01:07:39.690 --> 01:07:43.369 with too many things on the agenda, 01:07:43.369 --> 01:07:47.329 but I do think that not having a majority, 01:07:47.329 --> 01:07:51.170 but the two people being able to bring up ideas 01:07:51.170 --> 01:07:55.650 they might get, you know, just learning the whole process 01:07:55.650 --> 01:07:57.250 and how things work. 01:07:57.250 --> 01:07:59.970 So that's what my point of view is right now. 01:07:59.970 --> 01:08:01.190 Oren Klemm? 01:08:01.190 --> 01:08:02.029 Sure. 01:08:03.329 --> 01:08:07.889 Attorney Zito, would you politely tell us 01:08:07.889 --> 01:08:11.090 when the city voted in the city manager 01:08:11.090 --> 01:08:16.539 just exactly how city government works? 01:08:16.539 --> 01:08:18.619 This is in charge of who does what, 01:08:18.619 --> 01:08:26.539 so at a very high level they're so obviously with the city manager form of 01:08:26.539 --> 01:08:31.000 government the City Council is a legislative body there you guys make the 01:08:31.000 --> 01:08:35.100 legislative decisions you guys make policy this isn't so like you guys adopt 01:08:35.100 --> 01:08:38.779 ordinances you guys choose just like this ordinance is being brought before you to 01:08:38.779 --> 01:08:44.140 either vote yes or no on or to vote to make changes to this draft ordinance that 01:08:44.140 --> 01:08:49.460 That is the council's role now in the city manager form of government. 01:08:49.460 --> 01:08:56.619 The city manager's role then is to carry out the day-to-day operations of the city. 01:08:56.619 --> 01:09:01.579 The city manager is in charge of dealing with all the employees, making all the hirings 01:09:01.579 --> 01:09:07.420 and firings and disciplines of all the employees, and making recommendations to the city council 01:09:07.420 --> 01:09:12.359 as to how best to accomplish the goals, the policy goals that the council then sets as 01:09:12.359 --> 01:09:14.020 a legislative body. 01:09:14.020 --> 01:09:17.539 So you guys say, for example, I want you to go left. 01:09:17.539 --> 01:09:19.699 Get me the left, whatever that is. 01:09:19.699 --> 01:09:21.840 Then it's up to the city's manager's discretion 01:09:21.840 --> 01:09:26.539 on how he chooses or she chooses to get you left there. 01:09:26.539 --> 01:09:29.479 So the day-to-day isn't the purview of the council. 01:09:29.479 --> 01:09:33.140 It's just that you guys would set the overarching policy 01:09:33.140 --> 01:09:34.940 there, does that kind of at a high level 01:09:34.940 --> 01:09:37.699 without getting too far off topic? 01:09:37.699 --> 01:09:38.579 Thank you. 01:09:38.579 --> 01:09:40.420 Alderman Simmons. 01:09:40.420 --> 01:09:41.239 Thank you. 01:09:41.239 --> 01:09:43.140 So I will just say this. 01:09:43.140 --> 01:09:48.140 I definitely look forward to further discussions on how we can uphold the integrity of the 01:09:49.819 --> 01:09:51.819 John. 01:09:53.520 --> 01:09:55.880 We have discussions on how we can uphold the integrity of our 01:09:55.880 --> 01:10:02.470 council and better serve our community without tying the 01:10:02.470 --> 01:10:08.729 hands of our elected officials and with that being said, I 01:10:08.729 --> 01:10:11.979 would like to make a motion to table this indefinitely. 01:10:13.119 --> 01:10:15.119 Is there a second? Motion fails for a lack of a second. 01:10:16.640 --> 01:10:18.140 Did you ask who? I asked was there a second and no one said 01:10:18.140 --> 01:10:20.140 anything. With the clapping. 01:10:22.399 --> 01:10:24.399 You have been raising your hand. 01:10:25.119 --> 01:10:33.119 Okay, so we have a motion made by Alderman Simmons, seconded by Alderman Sanders, to table this indefinitely. 01:10:33.119 --> 01:10:41.930 Do we have discussion? Alderman Sellers. 01:10:41.930 --> 01:10:47.930 So when you say just table it indefinitely, you don't want to talk about it anymore? We can talk about to just try to... 01:10:47.930 --> 01:10:48.930 No, it means it's done. 01:10:48.930 --> 01:10:49.930 Oh, okay. 01:10:49.930 --> 01:10:52.930 I mean, go by what we already have on ordinance. 01:10:52.930 --> 01:11:03.350 Well, if there's no further discussion, we'll take the vote on tabling indefinitely. 01:11:03.350 --> 01:11:05.350 Klemm? No. 01:11:05.350 --> 01:11:07.350 Johnson? No. 01:11:07.350 --> 01:11:08.350 Simmons? Aye. 01:11:08.350 --> 01:11:10.350 Parker? No. 01:11:10.350 --> 01:11:12.350 Stacy? Aye. 01:11:12.350 --> 01:11:14.350 Shadle? No. 01:11:14.350 --> 01:11:16.350 Sanders? Aye. 01:11:16.350 --> 01:11:20.350 Sellers? I say no. 01:11:20.350 --> 01:11:21.350 Johnson. 01:11:21.350 --> 01:11:26.989 One, two, three in favor of tabling. 01:11:26.989 --> 01:11:27.989 It has failed. 01:11:27.989 --> 01:11:32.210 Of course, it would. 01:11:32.210 --> 01:11:40.189 And so next, if there's no further discussion, Alderman Johnson, I'm sorry. 01:11:40.189 --> 01:11:47.630 Yeah, just on number eight, I would like to see it amended to say that it can go back 01:11:47.630 --> 01:11:50.250 to the two older persons. 01:11:50.250 --> 01:11:57.350 but with that also with whatever's put on for discussion I would like to see a memorandum 01:11:57.350 --> 01:12:02.409 put on by those that put something up for discussion so as to the purpose of what we're 01:12:02.409 --> 01:12:05.369 discussing and why we're discussing it. 01:12:05.369 --> 01:12:08.289 Was that a motion or just a discussion point? 01:12:08.289 --> 01:12:09.289 That's a motion. 01:12:09.289 --> 01:12:17.329 Okay, so we have a motion made by Alderman Johnson to amend section 13 item number 29 01:12:17.329 --> 01:12:26.609 to remove the word majority and add the word to older persons and accompanying the agenda 01:12:26.609 --> 01:12:28.649 item must also be a memo. 01:12:28.649 --> 01:12:29.649 Right. 01:12:29.649 --> 01:12:30.649 Second. 01:12:30.649 --> 01:12:31.649 Second. 01:12:31.649 --> 01:12:32.649 Second. 01:12:32.649 --> 01:12:35.930 So we have a motion made by Johnson, seconded by Sellers. 01:12:35.930 --> 01:12:38.409 Discussion on that portion of the amendment. 01:12:38.409 --> 01:12:40.449 Alderman Simmons. 01:12:40.449 --> 01:12:42.409 I just have a question for attorney Zito. 01:12:42.409 --> 01:12:45.930 So once these amendments are made, it'll come back to council. 01:12:45.930 --> 01:12:51.970 for voting on sending it back to be amended to then come back for a vote, correct? 01:12:51.970 --> 01:12:58.369 So if this proposed amendment passes, then because there was a motion to move it forward 01:12:58.369 --> 01:13:03.890 to for second reading there in between now and second reading, I'll make that amendment 01:13:03.890 --> 01:13:07.729 because if the amendment passes right now, right? 01:13:07.729 --> 01:13:12.930 So then it'll come back to you guys for second reading as amended. 01:13:12.930 --> 01:13:18.689 so why not come back as first a reading as amended you're amending it because if 01:13:18.689 --> 01:13:23.250 you guys would or if the motion to amend passes right now then it's passed and 01:13:23.250 --> 01:13:27.770 then you would the ordinance as a whole as amended them would still move forward 01:13:27.770 --> 01:13:35.060 for second reading so the the vote now would be just on the amendment right 01:13:35.060 --> 01:13:40.779 motion however it would still move this ordinance not yet reading to say it 01:13:40.779 --> 01:13:42.899 Right, it's already been moved to the second reading. 01:13:42.899 --> 01:13:48.140 Right, it already has by Alderman, Shadle, and Klemm. 01:13:48.140 --> 01:13:51.180 Right, so they moved it forward, and now Alderman Johnson's 01:13:51.180 --> 01:13:54.420 proposing to make an amendment to it. 01:13:54.420 --> 01:13:57.579 And so if the amendment passes, then it would move forward 01:13:57.579 --> 01:14:00.579 as amended. 01:14:00.579 --> 01:14:02.819 Do you have a question on the amendment? 01:14:02.819 --> 01:14:06.819 Yeah, I have a question about the whole proposition. 01:14:06.819 --> 01:14:11.140 but it's still part of the subject. 01:14:11.140 --> 01:14:16.140 And my question is, who brought this to the council? 01:14:17.380 --> 01:14:21.739 I need someone to declare this particular ordinance 01:14:21.739 --> 01:14:26.460 or this particular adoption or who proposed it? 01:14:26.460 --> 01:14:30.380 Who brought it to the council for us to even be sitting here 01:14:31.420 --> 01:14:35.539 to even contemplate voting on this thing? 01:14:35.539 --> 01:14:43.539 and not only that having amendments done with it who brought this to us okay so what's before you so 01:14:43.539 --> 01:14:50.340 and i like to know who authorized it to make that proposal made known unto the council 01:14:50.340 --> 01:14:55.220 let's stay on track yeah this amendment is what we're talking about that has nothing to do with 01:14:55.220 --> 01:14:59.779 the amendment so do you understand what the amendment is that's the course okay all right 01:14:59.779 --> 01:15:03.300 yeah i just wanted to know who brought this whole apparatus that has nothing to do with the 01:15:03.300 --> 01:15:05.300 and 01:15:06.300 --> 01:15:08.300 the 01:15:10.579 --> 01:15:13.579 amendment. Is there any other discussion on the amendment? Seeing 01:15:13.579 --> 01:15:16.579 none, Madam Clerk, would you please take the role on the 01:15:16.579 --> 01:15:18.579 amendment only? 01:15:21.239 --> 01:15:24.239 » Well, don't do that yet. » Did you have another question? 01:15:24.239 --> 01:15:28.239 » I have another motion. » If you have a different motion, 01:15:28.239 --> 01:15:32.239 do you want to amend her motion or is it a completely different 01:15:32.239 --> 01:15:33.239 Johnson. 01:15:33.239 --> 01:15:34.239 And then you can make another motion. 01:15:34.239 --> 01:15:38.359 I thought any motion took over the motion in order. 01:15:38.359 --> 01:15:41.680 It depends on the hierarchy of a ladder there. 01:15:41.680 --> 01:15:43.479 So we're in the pending motion right now. 01:15:43.479 --> 01:15:45.560 You can amend this motion. 01:15:45.560 --> 01:15:46.560 That's fine. 01:15:46.560 --> 01:15:49.600 But if you're making a completely separate motion, that has nothing to do with the motion 01:15:49.600 --> 01:15:53.840 that Alderman Johnson made, like you don't want to tweak her motion or, or postpone indefinitely 01:15:53.840 --> 01:15:57.039 her motion or whatever it is there, then you have to wait. 01:15:57.039 --> 01:15:58.640 We have to address this motion first. 01:15:58.640 --> 01:15:59.640 Okay. 01:15:59.640 --> 01:16:00.640 Well, I'll tweak her motion. 01:16:00.640 --> 01:16:05.260 Tweaker motion to have the proposed changes put in there and then it'd be 01:16:05.260 --> 01:16:11.640 brought back to the Cal for discussion before our second reading so it is it's 01:16:11.640 --> 01:16:16.359 so it's not that so basically she made a motion to make that particular change to 01:16:16.359 --> 01:16:22.460 two aldermen plus a memo right you're asking to lay that motion over right now 01:16:22.460 --> 01:16:27.220 for further discussion to another meeting I'm asking once those changes are 01:16:27.220 --> 01:16:34.460 May, it is brought to the Cal for discussion. Oh, once you're saying we go 01:16:34.460 --> 01:16:38.020 right in the second reading which will put it on our next regular meeting to be 01:16:38.020 --> 01:16:43.779 then voted on to pass. Correct. So if this motion passes then you can make a 01:16:43.779 --> 01:16:49.140 motion to refer it back to Cal then if you want to talk about it more. Let's deal with just the 01:16:49.140 --> 01:16:53.140 amended motion first. A Cal discussion has nothing to do with the 01:17:23.140 --> 01:17:29.619 you would just motion to table this to the next COW to discuss Alderman Johnson's language 01:17:29.619 --> 01:17:38.170 more before you even vote on it. 01:17:38.170 --> 01:17:42.369 That will work because then we can change and ask for amendments as well. 01:17:42.369 --> 01:17:43.369 Yeah. 01:17:43.369 --> 01:17:44.369 Right. 01:17:44.369 --> 01:17:48.909 So if you want to make a motion, it would be improper to lay her amendment motion. 01:17:48.909 --> 01:17:52.369 You can make a motion to lay it over to the next COW. 01:17:52.369 --> 01:17:53.369 That would be a proper motion. 01:17:53.369 --> 01:17:56.270 If that's how we have to go about it, that's what I would like to do. 01:17:56.270 --> 01:18:00.350 so you only want the amendment on the cow is that what you're saying yep that's it 01:18:00.350 --> 01:18:06.229 maybe other amendments that along with the entire thing yeah there may be other 01:18:06.229 --> 01:18:12.510 amendments we want to add in addition to hers yeah but if don't we have to vote 01:18:12.510 --> 01:18:17.670 on the amendment in order to move that forward no so Oldham & Johnson's made a 01:18:17.670 --> 01:18:22.149 motion to make an amendment that can be tabled for further discussion to like 01:18:22.149 --> 01:18:25.229 that can be tabled to another meeting or laid over to excuse me to another 01:18:25.229 --> 01:18:26.229 Winslow. 01:18:26.229 --> 01:18:27.229 Thank you. 01:18:27.229 --> 01:18:28.229 Thank you. 01:18:28.229 --> 01:18:29.229 Thank you. 01:18:29.229 --> 01:18:30.229 Thank you. 01:18:30.229 --> 01:18:31.229 Thank you. 01:18:31.229 --> 01:18:32.229 and John. 01:18:32.229 --> 01:19:02.609 So we have a motion made by Alderman Simmons to lay the amendment of Alderman Johnson's 01:19:02.609 --> 01:19:08.050 to the Cow. Is there a second to that? I second it. We have a second by Alderman 01:19:08.050 --> 01:19:14.050 Sanders. So before you, Council, is just this piece of it of the amendment moving 01:19:14.050 --> 01:19:24.489 to the Cow? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Yes. Johnson? No. Simmons? Yes. 01:19:24.489 --> 01:19:37.770 Parker? No. Stacy? Yeah. Shadle? No. Sanders? Yes. Sellers? Yes. The motion passes five to three. 01:19:37.770 --> 01:19:47.890 Okay so just for clarity the only thing that is 01:19:47.890 --> 01:20:14.000 just for clarity the only thing that is on the Committee of the Whole next week is this amendment that was just made and the second reading for the entire ordinance is on for the 16th correct okay so let's move on to item number 12 which is the first reading of ordinance 2025 38 could you please read this ordinance approving hanger leases we have k-10 with Lynn peace and m-10 with 01:20:14.000 --> 01:20:16.840 Timothy Graydon. 01:20:16.840 --> 01:20:18.039 Manager Boyer. 01:20:18.039 --> 01:20:18.800 Thank you, Your Honor. 01:20:18.800 --> 01:20:24.159 Again, we're wrapping up with the final new leases. 01:20:24.159 --> 01:20:27.640 So we've received K-10 and M-10. 01:20:27.640 --> 01:20:30.079 Staff is requesting a suspension of the rules 01:20:30.079 --> 01:20:32.520 and approval of this ordinance. 01:20:32.520 --> 01:20:35.119 Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? 01:20:35.119 --> 01:20:36.159 So move. 01:20:36.159 --> 01:20:39.579 Second. 01:20:39.579 --> 01:20:42.539 Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm 01:20:42.539 --> 01:20:44.500 to move this ordinance forward. 01:20:44.500 --> 01:20:48.239 Any discussion on the ordinance? 01:20:48.239 --> 01:20:50.399 A request for suspension of the rules. 01:20:50.399 --> 01:20:52.000 So move. 01:20:52.000 --> 01:20:54.119 There will be a motion made by Alderman Klemm, 01:20:54.119 --> 01:20:56.359 seconded by Alderman Sellers for suspension of the rules. 01:20:56.359 --> 01:20:59.640 The suspension is non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds. 01:20:59.640 --> 01:21:01.319 Madam Clerk, could you please take 01:21:01.319 --> 01:21:03.119 the role in the suspension? 01:21:03.119 --> 01:21:03.920 Klemm? 01:21:03.920 --> 01:21:05.159 Aye. 01:21:05.159 --> 01:21:05.800 Johnson? 01:21:05.800 --> 01:21:06.479 Aye. 01:21:06.479 --> 01:21:07.640 Simmons? 01:21:07.640 --> 01:21:08.319 Aye. 01:21:08.319 --> 01:21:09.000 Parker? 01:21:09.000 --> 01:21:09.640 Aye. 01:21:09.640 --> 01:21:17.609 Stacy? 01:21:17.609 --> 01:21:26.310 Alder person Stacy, are you still with us? 01:21:26.310 --> 01:21:36.779 How do you vote on the suspension of rules for the hanger leases? 01:21:36.779 --> 01:21:37.739 I'll come back to you. 01:21:37.739 --> 01:21:38.659 Shadle? 01:21:38.659 --> 01:21:39.260 Aye. 01:21:39.260 --> 01:21:40.659 Sanders? 01:21:40.659 --> 01:21:41.579 Is absent. 01:21:41.579 --> 01:21:42.539 And Sellers? 01:21:42.539 --> 01:21:43.819 Aye. 01:21:43.819 --> 01:21:47.460 Alder person, Stacy, do you have a vote? 01:21:47.460 --> 01:21:50.140 Can you tell me what we are voting on? 01:21:50.140 --> 01:21:53.060 For whatever reason, the phone went dead, 01:21:53.060 --> 01:21:56.260 and I had to call back in. 01:21:56.260 --> 01:21:59.859 We have two hanger leases. 01:21:59.859 --> 01:22:01.460 And Mayor Miller, I apologize. 01:22:01.460 --> 01:22:07.060 I missed the motion in the second. Is that also Klemm and Sellers? Yes. Yes. And then 01:22:07.060 --> 01:22:18.460 we had suspension of the rules, motion made by Klemm and Sellers. What say you? Thank 01:22:18.460 --> 01:22:32.359 you. The suspension pass is seven to zero. I don't ever count the absence. All right. 01:22:32.359 --> 01:22:37.600 So now before you counsel is the final passage of this ordinance on the hanger leases. Any 01:22:37.600 --> 01:22:41.479 further discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:22:41.479 --> 01:22:54.800 Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, and Sellers. And the ordinance passes 7 to 0. 01:22:54.800 --> 01:23:01.039 Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2025-58. Could you please read this? Resolution 01:23:01.039 --> 01:23:07.119 approving ADA transition plan. The word plan should have been in there. My apologies. Thank 01:23:07.119 --> 01:23:10.640 you. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. The federal and state governments brought 01:23:10.640 --> 01:23:16.399 significantly more focused to the ADA access and mobility challenges for residents and 01:23:16.399 --> 01:23:18.000 populated communities. 01:23:18.000 --> 01:23:22.319 The Illinois Department of Transportation, IDOT, notified the city staff in the fall 01:23:22.319 --> 01:23:28.880 of 23 that a city-wide ADA assessment, grievance policy, and transition plan is required for 01:23:28.880 --> 01:23:34.359 all local public authorities, with more than 50 employees in the state of Illinois. 01:23:34.359 --> 01:23:40.500 This ADA transition plan will be collaborative with future motor fuel tax funding, along 01:23:40.500 --> 01:23:45.020 along with ADA intersection ramp upgrades that are required as part of all street project 01:23:45.020 --> 01:23:46.020 construction. 01:23:46.020 --> 01:23:52.079 ADA assessments were completed by the licensed engineer, knowledgeable in ADA compliance 01:23:52.079 --> 01:23:55.180 codes and PROAG requirements. 01:23:55.180 --> 01:23:59.300 Final assessment and planning documents are created to be transparent to all residents 01:23:59.300 --> 01:24:05.699 and shall be kept as a living document on the city website with annual updates as construction 01:24:05.699 --> 01:24:07.180 work is completed. 01:24:07.180 --> 01:24:12.220 The City of Freeport ADA assessment transition plan studies have been completed in a draft 01:24:12.220 --> 01:24:13.939 form for council approval. 01:24:13.939 --> 01:24:18.460 A mandatory public hearing was held on May 30th, 2025 at 5 p.m. 01:24:18.460 --> 01:24:20.579 Comments from the meeting were summarized. 01:24:20.579 --> 01:24:25.680 At this time, we are requesting City Council adopt this ADA assessment and transition plan 01:24:25.680 --> 01:24:30.220 so we may move forward with selecting a grievance and advisory committee. 01:24:30.220 --> 01:24:34.939 Once the plan is adopted, staff will also file the plan with IDOT as part of our MFT 01:24:34.939 --> 01:24:40.220 requirements and the city receives 1.1 million dollars in MFT from IDOT annually. 01:24:42.140 --> 01:24:48.300 At this time there's no financial aspect to be concerned about except how the adoption of this 01:24:48.300 --> 01:24:55.739 plan will require a budget item in the 20 in 2026 for potential ADA grievance construction repairs. 01:24:55.739 --> 01:25:01.100 Other street ADA ramp replacements will be addressed one by one as street reconstructions 01:25:01.100 --> 01:25:04.539 are taking place on the annual street program per federal and state funding 01:25:04.539 --> 01:25:10.380 requirements and staff requests approval of this plan. Is there a motion to adopt? 01:25:10.380 --> 01:25:17.140 So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. 01:25:17.140 --> 01:25:23.340 Discussion? Darren? Yeah, I just wanted to let everybody know I left a complete plan. 01:25:23.340 --> 01:25:28.779 It's about 300 pages on each of your desks. It's also linked to the city's 01:25:28.779 --> 01:25:31.180 and his website so anybody can view it. 01:25:31.180 --> 01:25:33.899 As part of the process, the living document 01:25:33.899 --> 01:25:36.020 that we talked about is hyperlinked 01:25:36.020 --> 01:25:38.579 to the city's homepage. 01:25:38.579 --> 01:25:39.500 Anybody can view it. 01:25:39.500 --> 01:25:41.300 It's under the resources tab. 01:25:41.300 --> 01:25:43.579 Every ramp in town was inventoried. 01:25:43.579 --> 01:25:45.979 There's red dots, green dots, yellow dots. 01:25:45.979 --> 01:25:47.460 They're all significant and important 01:25:47.460 --> 01:25:48.699 so you can click on them 01:25:48.699 --> 01:25:50.140 and it'll give you a complete inventory 01:25:50.140 --> 01:25:53.779 of every ramp, 20 parameters that we calculated 01:25:53.779 --> 01:25:56.560 on each one so it's very complete. 01:25:56.560 --> 01:26:04.119 just a quick summary I believe we have about 75 percent of our ADA ramps right 01:26:04.119 --> 01:26:11.479 now are not compliant which we knew and over a 25 year plan of replacements based 01:26:11.479 --> 01:26:16.239 on the IDOT standard process they're probably going to be close to 38 million 01:26:16.239 --> 01:26:21.760 dollars in replacements that have to be done as we do our roadways the biggest 01:26:21.760 --> 01:26:27.239 is part of this plan or the most important, I think, because we all know that we have 01:26:27.239 --> 01:26:31.439 to replace the ramps and bring them up to standards is that we're creating a committee 01:26:31.439 --> 01:26:35.939 that will be a grievance policy so people can go to the website, there'll be a grievance 01:26:35.939 --> 01:26:40.380 form placed after it's adopted, anybody can make a grievance, those grievances will go 01:26:40.380 --> 01:26:45.800 to the committee for evaluation and recommendation to the council for repair. 01:26:45.800 --> 01:26:50.399 And since this is like a mid-year approval, the budget would not take place until the 01:26:50.399 --> 01:26:52.420 and the next fiscal budget cycle. 01:26:52.420 --> 01:26:53.859 Thank you. 01:26:53.859 --> 01:26:55.260 Alderman Sanders. 01:26:55.260 --> 01:26:56.899 Yeah. 01:26:56.899 --> 01:27:01.260 Based on what your report is, do that 01:27:01.260 --> 01:27:05.460 include residents when improving the sidewalk? 01:27:05.460 --> 01:27:09.340 Well, the ADA ramps cannot be conformed 01:27:09.340 --> 01:27:11.739 unless there is adjacent sidewalks. 01:27:11.739 --> 01:27:14.140 Am I correct? 01:27:14.140 --> 01:27:17.899 And do we have a plan to address those issues 01:27:17.899 --> 01:27:19.619 within the community itself? 01:27:19.619 --> 01:27:28.020 So that's kind of in the plan, Alderman Sanders. The city owns the ADA ramp corners. The property 01:27:28.020 --> 01:27:33.939 owners, due to our ordinances, actually own the sidewalks. So instead of us, if we redo 01:27:33.939 --> 01:27:39.220 a complete reconstruction of an area, we would try to attempt right away to right away doing 01:27:39.220 --> 01:27:43.420 new sidewalks. It's almost cost prohibitive at this time to be able to do that because 01:27:43.420 --> 01:27:48.979 we have so many streets to do. But we do, and it's talked about in the plan, we have 01:27:48.979 --> 01:27:55.420 We have a sidewalk program annually that residents can apply for and there's a rate that's established 01:27:55.420 --> 01:28:00.180 every year and so much dollar that's put there that anybody can apply for and it goes through 01:28:00.180 --> 01:28:06.260 public works and once that's, we reserve so much in the budget and once that's spent for 01:28:06.260 --> 01:28:10.260 the year then the person can go on the next year's line and that's what we offer up for 01:28:10.260 --> 01:28:12.260 sidewalk replacements for homeowners. 01:28:12.260 --> 01:28:22.059 Okay, are we promoting the opportunities to homeowners where they are able to sign up 01:28:22.059 --> 01:28:27.579 for additional improvements within their residency? 01:28:27.579 --> 01:28:30.819 So we have lots of people that have taken advantage of it. 01:28:30.819 --> 01:28:36.539 The key is, is they have to build the sidewalk to pro ag standards in order to receive the 01:28:36.539 --> 01:28:38.199 reimbursement, which is our code. 01:28:38.199 --> 01:28:44.440 So if they attempt to not bring their sidewalk up to city code or pro-ag standards, then 01:28:44.440 --> 01:28:45.680 they don't get any reimbursements. 01:28:45.680 --> 01:28:52.319 So that means that what department area consult with you about it or to your department? 01:28:52.319 --> 01:28:53.880 Public Works helps with them, yeah. 01:28:53.880 --> 01:28:57.960 Between myself and the street superintendent and the ladies down in public work, we manage 01:28:57.960 --> 01:29:00.559 the program, we inspect the program. 01:29:00.559 --> 01:29:02.800 And we do it on a case-by-case basis. 01:29:02.800 --> 01:29:10.500 if they apply, we meet with them, discuss the regulations to do it and give them actually 01:29:10.500 --> 01:29:14.119 specs that they have to live to and then we inspect it before they pour it, after they 01:29:14.119 --> 01:29:16.640 pour it, and then we authorize the money reimbursement. 01:29:16.640 --> 01:29:17.640 Okay, thanks. 01:29:17.640 --> 01:29:19.760 Is there any other discussion? 01:29:19.760 --> 01:29:22.760 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:29:22.760 --> 01:29:23.760 Klemm? 01:29:23.760 --> 01:29:24.760 Aye. 01:29:24.760 --> 01:29:25.760 Johnson? 01:29:25.760 --> 01:29:26.760 Aye. 01:29:26.760 --> 01:29:27.760 Simmons? 01:29:27.760 --> 01:29:28.760 Aye. 01:29:28.760 --> 01:29:31.489 Parker? 01:29:31.489 --> 01:29:32.489 Aye. 01:29:32.489 --> 01:29:33.489 Stacy? 01:29:33.489 --> 01:29:34.489 Aye. 01:29:34.489 --> 01:29:37.489 The resolution is adapted 8 to 0. 01:29:37.489 --> 01:29:41.489 Item number 14 is the adoption of resolution 2025-59. Could you please read this? 01:29:41.489 --> 01:29:43.489 Resolution approving an intergovernmental 01:29:43.489 --> 01:29:50.000 Resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Illinois Department of Transportation, or IDOT, regarding street maintenance. 01:29:50.000 --> 01:29:51.500 Thank you. Manager Boyer? 01:29:51.500 --> 01:29:57.500 Thank you, Your Honor. The City of Freeport has a 10-year maintenance agreement with IDOT 01:29:57.500 --> 01:30:06.000 corridors to maintain West Street, South Street, Galena, in terms of painting and some minor maintenance. 01:30:06.000 --> 01:30:12.800 The city's paid annually for street service provided by our staff on Glena, Southwest, Clark, Douglas 01:30:12.800 --> 01:30:17.359 in Route 75. The current contract expires June 30th. 01:30:17.359 --> 01:30:26.000 IDOT has presented a report with a new maintenance contract from June 25, 2025 to June 30, 2035. 01:30:26.000 --> 01:30:32.720 This 10-year agreement is for $1,040,219.80. 01:30:32.720 --> 01:30:41.840 the fiscal year 2026 payment will be $86,675.47 with a factored adjustment for inflation annually 01:30:41.840 --> 01:30:46.960 moving forward. Large project work will still be part of the IDOT responsibility to undertaking 01:30:46.960 --> 01:30:51.439 complete and I just want to mention this was brought up at the last meeting that our staff 01:30:51.439 --> 01:30:56.399 had with District 2. We requested some more information and clarification on this maintenance 01:30:56.399 --> 01:31:02.079 agreement because essentially this money primarily just pays for the the cost of paint re-striping 01:31:02.079 --> 01:31:07.439 and some minor pothole repairs. So what we came away from that meeting with is there is anything 01:31:07.439 --> 01:31:14.319 significant or anything more than just some normal pothole patching and paint work. They would be 01:31:14.319 --> 01:31:20.560 willing to take care of the cost of the construction of any major projects where that wasn't that 01:31:20.560 --> 01:31:26.399 wasn't exactly the the circumstance before. So I call that somewhat of a success in terms of being 01:31:26.399 --> 01:31:31.199 to negotiate a little bit more from iDOT on the iDOT right of ways. So staff 01:31:31.199 --> 01:31:35.840 recommends moving forward with this agreement with iDOT. Is there a motion to 01:31:35.840 --> 01:31:41.600 adopt? So I'll move. I second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman 01:31:41.600 --> 01:31:47.520 Johnson. Discussion on the resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. 01:31:47.520 --> 01:31:55.869 Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. 01:31:55.869 --> 01:32:28.460 Sanders, and Sellers. Oh yes. That resolution is adopted 8 to 0. Thank you 7 to 0. Item number 15 is adoption of resolution 2025-60. Could you please read this? Resolution approving a proposal from next level for strategic vision and goals services. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you your honor. Since 2017 the City of Freeport has used Eric Dragney at next level to facilitate our strategic 01:32:28.460 --> 01:32:33.460 Erick has successfully guided the city through four previous strategic plans. 01:32:33.460 --> 01:32:39.260 That's 2017, 19, 21, and 23. Align the city projects and operations to drive 01:32:39.260 --> 01:32:43.460 Freeport forward. Next levels ongoing partnership with Stevenson County and the 01:32:43.460 --> 01:32:47.380 Greater Freeport Partnership complement the city's planning process by bringing 01:32:47.380 --> 01:32:52.760 valuable regional perspectives and creating an informed, being informed 01:32:52.760 --> 01:32:56.760 enough to enhance the planning of all levels. 01:32:56.760 --> 01:33:00.439 So the strategic planning has been a cornerstone of Freeport's 01:33:00.439 --> 01:33:01.840 progress over the last eight years, 01:33:01.840 --> 01:33:03.640 providing clear direction, fostering 01:33:03.640 --> 01:33:06.060 internal and external alignment, and enabling 01:33:06.060 --> 01:33:08.199 proactive long-term planning. 01:33:08.199 --> 01:33:12.039 The financial impact in the past has been below $10,000. 01:33:12.039 --> 01:33:16.039 And in the past, it had been signed by the city manager. 01:33:16.039 --> 01:33:19.239 This year, it's coming up a little bit above that. 01:33:19.239 --> 01:33:23.119 and the proposed contract amount is $11,750. 01:33:23.119 --> 01:33:27.079 This covers facilitation, planning, document development, 01:33:27.079 --> 01:33:29.840 presentation, including travel and materials. 01:33:29.840 --> 01:33:32.159 So the payment terms are 50% due on signing 01:33:32.159 --> 01:33:34.319 and 50% upon completion, 01:33:34.319 --> 01:33:36.239 as outlined in the attached agreement. 01:33:36.239 --> 01:33:40.159 Funding for this project is budgeted in the 2025 budget 01:33:40.159 --> 01:33:42.960 and staff recommends approving the resolution 01:33:42.960 --> 01:33:47.000 entering into the agreement with Eric Dragney at next level. 01:33:47.000 --> 01:33:49.000 Is there a motion to adopt? 01:33:49.000 --> 01:34:01.390 is there a second? Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker. Discussion 01:34:01.390 --> 01:34:10.949 on the resolution? Alderman Sanders? Yeah. Who is next level? It is Eric Dregney. And 01:34:10.949 --> 01:34:15.409 if you'll recall the, when we got together for the strategic planning at the library 01:34:15.409 --> 01:34:20.390 two years ago, he is the one that facilitated that. And he wants to do it again? 01:34:20.390 --> 01:34:24.590 So we, as part of strategic planning, you do it every two years to refresh the planning. 01:34:24.590 --> 01:34:25.590 Okay. 01:34:25.590 --> 01:34:35.949 And if that is so, nothing in literature, magazine proposals or whatever that talks 01:34:35.949 --> 01:34:45.909 about the actual degree of the planning, details of the planning, that before we go to his 01:35:15.909 --> 01:35:20.909 yeah that's what I'm that's why I'm asking you know okay all right thanks any 01:35:20.909 --> 01:35:26.750 other just Alderman Simmons so my question is Darren you can answer this 01:35:26.750 --> 01:35:31.989 to this strategic plan once we write it out and it's all ready to go has that 01:35:31.989 --> 01:35:35.949 ever been used in any grant writing processes or anything like has it ever 01:35:35.949 --> 01:35:41.590 been required well it is always helpful to have a strategic plan in place that 01:35:41.590 --> 01:35:45.869 is sort of one of those prerequisites as you move forward when you're dealing 01:35:45.869 --> 01:36:15.869 with other government agencies or grant writers or grant providers. But I will say it also directs staff in terms of committing the resource, the human resources to pursue grants for the city. So through our last several strategic plans, one of the things that's come through was in terms of funding for Well 12. That was in our last strategic plan. And that's what we're accomplishing as we go forward with construction. But I don't know if that completely answers 01:36:15.869 --> 01:36:25.029 No, I'm asking, any grants that we've received, have we ever been required to share the strategic 01:36:25.029 --> 01:36:26.029 plan? 01:36:26.029 --> 01:36:28.909 I will have to check on that because I don't know offhand. 01:36:28.909 --> 01:36:30.350 There's a lot of grants out here. 01:36:30.350 --> 01:36:34.310 Oh, wait, maybe Michelle has an answer, go ahead. 01:36:34.310 --> 01:36:39.750 I do have an answer, are bond people similar to grants? 01:36:39.750 --> 01:36:43.069 In order to be issued a bond, it's just like going to the bank and seeing if you have the 01:36:43.069 --> 01:36:44.069 Kessler. 01:36:44.069 --> 01:36:47.649 It requires strategic plans. 01:36:47.649 --> 01:36:51.569 It requires looking and making sure you're financially stable. 01:36:51.569 --> 01:37:00.590 And strategic plans add to our rating with standard imports. 01:37:00.590 --> 01:37:01.590 Any other? 01:37:01.590 --> 01:37:02.590 Alderman Sanders? 01:37:02.590 --> 01:37:04.670 Can I get in there again? 01:37:04.670 --> 01:37:13.789 Yeah, with this strategic planning, it involves a large scope. 01:37:13.789 --> 01:37:25.510 Good to see you, Mr. Duckman. I haven't seen you in a while. It requires that we have a 01:37:25.510 --> 01:37:32.029 plan before we ever start the processing of bonding and loans and things of this nature, 01:37:32.029 --> 01:37:38.989 grants and whatever the case may be. We should be, just like I said before earlier, that 01:37:38.989 --> 01:37:43.989 we should be brought into the matters more in details 01:37:44.149 --> 01:37:46.069 of what is being offered. 01:37:46.069 --> 01:37:48.270 First of all, I'm looking at strategic planning, 01:37:48.270 --> 01:37:51.710 but I had not seen where the results of these plans 01:37:51.710 --> 01:37:55.310 are going to benefit the city. 01:37:55.310 --> 01:37:58.390 And so it's good to have someone to strategize 01:37:58.390 --> 01:38:00.949 with the city, but are we getting results? 01:38:00.949 --> 01:38:04.390 And if it's free to the city of Freeport, 01:38:04.390 --> 01:38:05.750 then I understand. 01:38:05.750 --> 01:38:08.989 if the city does not have to cough up a budget 01:38:08.989 --> 01:38:13.510 to have this put in place or to be considered 01:38:13.510 --> 01:38:18.090 on the city's behalf to even work with this agency 01:38:18.090 --> 01:38:23.090 or whatever, we should know more about what it is 01:38:23.090 --> 01:38:27.829 that we're buying before we are engaging ourself. 01:38:27.829 --> 01:38:32.289 I don't want us to, we don't know what the last two results 01:38:32.289 --> 01:38:34.489 were from the last strategic planning 01:38:34.489 --> 01:38:37.010 when this agency came into place. 01:38:37.010 --> 01:38:40.149 We never got the results of it and what the achievement was 01:38:40.149 --> 01:38:42.789 and what the objectives and goals were. 01:38:42.789 --> 01:38:45.829 We had not received that, so we don't know whether or not 01:38:45.829 --> 01:38:48.550 we're walking into another blind faith 01:38:48.550 --> 01:38:53.550 based up on what is proposed by this strategic planning. 01:38:53.670 --> 01:38:58.670 And if we're not knowledgeable about what is going on 01:38:59.149 --> 01:39:01.029 and how do we achieve our goals, 01:39:01.029 --> 01:39:12.529 Then I find this whole process with this next level of strategic planning irrelevant if we can't get results from it from the first time. 01:39:12.529 --> 01:39:26.029 I have not heard anyone in the council talk about we have made great strides, great progress from the last time that this agency was in place. 01:39:26.029 --> 01:39:30.029 So I would like to be updated on what have we accomplished? 01:39:30.029 --> 01:39:36.510 you know have we have we made any strides have we made any progress with using this particular 01:39:37.309 --> 01:39:41.789 strategic type setup planning because if the councils are not 01:39:41.789 --> 01:39:42.840 So, I think we need to understand what is happening because if the councils are not part 01:39:42.840 --> 01:39:53.039 of the full scope of the planning and understanding what is going on within that, then it's irrelevant 01:39:53.039 --> 01:39:57.560 to us because we're going to get the same outcome that we got before if we have gotten 01:39:57.560 --> 01:40:06.319 anything because I don't recall any paper memorandum or anything that demonstrates to 01:40:06.319 --> 01:40:12.239 and the Council that we have that we have that before us and if we don't if we have 01:40:12.239 --> 01:40:17.199 it then I would like for us to disclose it so we'll know what that was and how 01:40:17.199 --> 01:40:23.720 the outcome of that planning came about so that would be part of my concern I'm 01:40:23.720 --> 01:40:29.439 I don't find us engaging indulging ourselves into something that we can't 01:40:29.439 --> 01:40:35.319 see results in we're not getting results then it's it's a waste of our time 01:40:35.319 --> 01:40:48.319 Every single memo that you receive is attached to every single item on the agenda and every single time it talks about the alignment with the strategic plan. 01:40:48.319 --> 01:40:51.319 Manager Boyer, did you want to add to that? 01:40:51.319 --> 01:40:52.319 No. 01:40:52.319 --> 01:40:53.319 Darren? 01:40:53.319 --> 01:41:04.319 I just wanted you guys to know that we meet with City Manager Boyer quarterly and we use the strategic planning document as our guidance to make sure that we're moving forward. 01:41:04.319 --> 01:41:06.960 Ford, he holds us all accountable. 01:41:06.960 --> 01:41:10.000 And so we do use that document regularly. 01:41:10.000 --> 01:41:14.640 And I was going to say the same as the mayor, every memo that public works does has the 01:41:14.640 --> 01:41:19.359 strategic plan item that's located that we're filling those roles. 01:41:19.359 --> 01:41:24.239 You should remember the strategic plan is also stretch goals where we're not made to 01:41:24.239 --> 01:41:25.600 make every one of them. 01:41:25.600 --> 01:41:28.640 It's to make sure that we're progressing and moving forward. 01:41:28.640 --> 01:41:33.399 So some of those goals are fairly lofty, but they are our goals to get completed. 01:41:33.399 --> 01:41:34.399 Miller. 01:41:34.399 --> 01:41:37.159 So that is what guides us every day and the roles that we serve. 01:41:37.159 --> 01:41:40.439 Is there any other discussion on this resolution? 01:41:40.439 --> 01:41:42.640 I have something to say. 01:41:42.640 --> 01:41:43.640 Alderman Stacy? 01:41:43.640 --> 01:41:44.640 Yes. 01:41:44.640 --> 01:41:52.159 I don't know why we would pay someone that kind of money to do something that I really 01:41:52.159 --> 01:41:57.199 feel that you, Mayor Miller, should be able to do. 01:41:57.199 --> 01:42:04.840 and if we have $12,000 to put out there on this, let's put it to use for the people. 01:42:04.840 --> 01:42:08.239 There's lighting, more lighting needed. 01:42:08.239 --> 01:42:13.800 Other people have, other aldermen have spoke about other areas where they need lighting. 01:42:13.800 --> 01:42:21.880 Let's put this money to some real use where it's needed for our community. 01:42:21.880 --> 01:42:22.880 Any other public comment? 01:42:22.880 --> 01:42:26.640 Or I'm sorry, why do I keep going back to the public? 01:42:26.640 --> 01:42:33.899 Any other discussion? Seeing none, Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll on the adoption 01:42:33.899 --> 01:42:35.159 of this agreement? 01:42:35.159 --> 01:42:36.159 Klemm? 01:42:36.159 --> 01:42:37.159 Aye. 01:42:37.159 --> 01:42:38.159 Johnson? 01:42:38.159 --> 01:42:39.159 Aye. 01:42:39.159 --> 01:42:40.159 Simmons? 01:42:40.159 --> 01:42:41.159 No. 01:42:41.159 --> 01:42:42.159 Parker? 01:42:42.159 --> 01:42:43.159 Aye. 01:42:43.159 --> 01:42:44.159 Stacy? 01:42:44.159 --> 01:42:45.159 No. 01:42:45.159 --> 01:42:46.159 Shadle? 01:42:46.159 --> 01:42:47.159 Aye. 01:42:47.159 --> 01:42:48.159 Sanders? 01:42:48.159 --> 01:42:49.159 No. 01:42:49.159 --> 01:42:50.159 Sellers? 01:42:50.159 --> 01:42:51.159 Aye. 01:42:51.159 --> 01:42:52.159 The resolution is adopted 5-3. 01:42:52.159 --> 01:42:56.960 Item number 16 is the adoption of resolution 2025-62. Could you please read this? 01:42:56.960 --> 01:43:01.159 Supporting and Committing to the Ten Shared Principles of Community Policing. 01:43:01.159 --> 01:43:02.159 Thank you. 01:43:02.159 --> 01:43:03.159 Manager Boyer? 01:43:03.159 --> 01:43:04.159 Thank you, Your Honor. 01:43:04.159 --> 01:43:08.760 The Freeport Police Department has long embraced core values that promote respect, dignity, 01:43:08.760 --> 01:43:09.960 and fair treatment. 01:43:09.960 --> 01:43:15.479 The Ten Shared Principles of Policing, developed by the Illinois State NAACP and the Illinois 01:43:15.479 --> 01:43:19.899 Association of Chiefs of Police, provide a framework that aligns with our department's 01:43:19.899 --> 01:43:24.039 commitment to transparency, equity, and community engagement. 01:43:24.039 --> 01:43:28.300 resolution formally adopts the 10 shared principles which include valuing all 01:43:28.300 --> 01:43:33.840 human life, rejecting discrimination, endorsing procedural justice, supporting 01:43:33.840 --> 01:43:38.739 and supporting deescalation training. Adoption of these 01:43:38.739 --> 01:43:42.760 principles reflect practices already in place in Freeport and strengthens our 01:43:42.760 --> 01:43:46.880 commitment to community partnerships, mutual understanding, and public safety. 01:43:46.880 --> 01:43:50.920 This action underscores the city's dedication to justice and fairness for 01:43:50.920 --> 01:43:55.880 for all residents, particularly in building trust with communities of color. 01:43:55.880 --> 01:44:02.159 There is no financial impact with this resolution, and staff recommends moving forward with this 01:44:02.159 --> 01:44:03.159 resolution. 01:44:03.159 --> 01:44:04.520 Is there a motion to adopt? 01:44:04.520 --> 01:44:05.520 So moved. 01:44:05.520 --> 01:44:06.520 Second. 01:44:06.520 --> 01:44:09.840 A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 01:44:09.840 --> 01:44:10.840 Discussion on the resolution? 01:44:10.840 --> 01:44:12.520 Alderman Johnson. 01:44:12.520 --> 01:44:17.840 I just wanted to address number eight on ten shared principles. 01:44:17.840 --> 01:44:19.899 It says, we believe that the law enforcement 01:44:19.899 --> 01:44:22.699 and community leaders have a mutual responsibility 01:44:22.699 --> 01:44:25.420 to encourage all citizens to gain a better understanding 01:44:25.420 --> 01:44:27.500 and knowledge of the law to assist them 01:44:27.500 --> 01:44:30.380 in their interactions with law enforcement officers. 01:44:30.380 --> 01:44:33.060 And this is just a positive thing. 01:44:33.060 --> 01:44:36.420 The police do offer Citizens Police Academy, 01:44:36.420 --> 01:44:38.460 and it's very informative. 01:44:38.460 --> 01:44:40.619 I would encourage anyone in the city 01:44:40.619 --> 01:44:42.899 to take that course that they offer. 01:44:43.859 --> 01:44:45.979 You learn a whole lot that you don't know 01:44:45.979 --> 01:44:47.539 that happens behind the scenes, 01:44:47.539 --> 01:44:50.020 and all the amount of work that they have to do 01:44:50.020 --> 01:44:51.380 like with just one arrest. 01:44:51.380 --> 01:44:52.460 It's just amazing. 01:44:52.460 --> 01:44:55.420 And you get to work in the 911 center 01:44:55.420 --> 01:44:57.260 or get to observe what happens there. 01:44:57.260 --> 01:44:59.060 It's just very educational. 01:44:59.060 --> 01:45:02.579 And I know that they're also doing a junior police academy. 01:45:02.579 --> 01:45:03.699 Is that right? 01:45:03.699 --> 01:45:04.539 Chief Shenberger. 01:45:04.539 --> 01:45:05.859 And when is that? 01:45:05.859 --> 01:45:06.699 The junior. 01:45:07.539 --> 01:45:10.619 The exact dates, it starts at the end of June 01:45:10.619 --> 01:45:12.119 and it goes for I believe two weeks, 01:45:12.119 --> 01:45:13.560 but it's only two days a week. 01:45:13.560 --> 01:45:15.899 So yeah, our school resource officer, 01:45:15.899 --> 01:45:17.779 He's the one that's organizing that 01:45:17.779 --> 01:45:20.359 and having that this summer when school's out. 01:45:20.359 --> 01:45:22.680 So I'm just thankful, that's a positive thing. 01:45:22.680 --> 01:45:23.520 So thank you. 01:45:25.180 --> 01:45:26.619 Any other, yeah, Chief. 01:45:26.619 --> 01:45:28.600 Yeah, just to reiterate what was said earlier 01:45:28.600 --> 01:45:32.439 by Mr. Odendahl, the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police 01:45:32.439 --> 01:45:37.359 affirmed the 10 shared principles with NAACP in Illinois 01:45:37.359 --> 01:45:39.220 on March 22nd, 2018. 01:45:39.220 --> 01:45:41.819 And this was something that was also brought before 01:45:41.819 --> 01:45:44.220 the council in the past under Chief Summers 01:45:44.220 --> 01:45:47.739 and then had been, there was a resolution for that then. 01:45:47.739 --> 01:45:50.100 And it's something that we're very aware of, 01:45:50.100 --> 01:45:53.500 just core values of how we should work and operate. 01:45:53.500 --> 01:45:56.579 It's something that I will, since we're so new, 01:45:56.579 --> 01:45:59.119 refresh our personnel with, 01:45:59.119 --> 01:46:00.960 let them know of the 10 principles. 01:46:00.960 --> 01:46:04.380 And I know they speak on it at the police academy too. 01:46:04.380 --> 01:46:05.220 Thank you. 01:46:05.220 --> 01:46:06.300 Alderman Sanders. 01:46:06.300 --> 01:46:11.300 Yeah, Chief, how engaged is the, from your perspective, 01:46:11.300 --> 01:46:13.300 and I have a question for you. 01:46:14.420 --> 01:46:16.420 How do you engage the community on the 01:46:17.539 --> 01:46:19.619 resolve of all of the things that are going on within the 01:46:19.619 --> 01:46:23.619 police department and what the connection is with the 01:46:23.619 --> 01:46:27.619 community, with the police department, and their 01:46:27.619 --> 01:46:31.619 involvement, and understanding specifically what you guys are 01:46:31.619 --> 01:46:37.619 doing and how you're enhancing the community and what is 01:46:37.619 --> 01:46:43.260 What is taking place that they that they can take notice that that what you're 01:46:43.260 --> 01:46:51.579 doing is visual or or implemented or promoted I mean from a you know because 01:46:51.579 --> 01:46:55.260 everybody does not have that access to information of what what your 01:46:55.260 --> 01:46:59.619 department does and we want to know for sure whether or not it's benefiting the 01:46:59.619 --> 01:47:05.500 community itself at large and if it is then we need to see your promotion of it 01:47:05.500 --> 01:47:09.739 to let us know that, hey, this is how we're doing things. 01:47:09.739 --> 01:47:12.500 People are aware of what you're doing 01:47:12.500 --> 01:47:15.779 and can be consciously involved in what you're doing 01:47:15.779 --> 01:47:18.100 and being part of what you're doing 01:47:18.100 --> 01:47:22.119 because you are setting a standard here in this city 01:47:22.119 --> 01:47:26.720 and that we are supposed to be responsible citizens 01:47:26.720 --> 01:47:30.739 and allow you guys to do the responsible things. 01:47:30.739 --> 01:47:33.500 And so I think people might have complaints 01:47:33.500 --> 01:47:41.260 疲 wist or worris or concerns if they're not hearing from their police chief or the 01:47:41.260 --> 01:47:45.659 police department in regards to how we're promoting the city at large. 01:47:45.659 --> 01:47:54.739 That's basically, I'm just, I'm just stating something that most people might want to be 01:47:54.739 --> 01:47:55.739 talking about. 01:47:55.739 --> 01:47:56.739 Okay. 01:47:56.739 --> 01:47:57.859 So listen, no. 01:47:57.859 --> 01:48:02.180 it's not it's nothing to be alarmed it's just something to bring awareness to 01:48:02.180 --> 01:48:06.979 you know that kind of thing so. Any other discussion? 01:48:06.979 --> 01:48:15.220 Madam Clerk please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons is absent. Parker? Aye. 01:48:15.220 --> 01:48:25.449 Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The resolution is adopted seven to zero. 01:48:25.449 --> 01:48:30.250 Item number 17 is the adoption of resolution 2025-63. Could you please read this? 01:48:30.250 --> 01:48:37.050 Resolution designating an honorary street name of Allison Way to the 800 block of Float Avenue. 01:48:37.050 --> 01:48:38.329 Thank you. Director Duckman. 01:48:38.329 --> 01:48:44.329 Thank you, Madam Mayor. The city's honorary street program allows residents the opportunity 01:48:44.329 --> 01:48:49.770 to honor those leaders that are steadfast in their endeavors, making significant contributions to the 01:48:49.770 --> 01:48:56.270 the city. Once approved, this sign will be displayed at the requested block commemorating 01:48:56.270 --> 01:49:02.270 that leaders dedication and hard work in the city of Freeport. The petitioner in this case 01:49:02.270 --> 01:49:10.590 is requesting the 600 block of South Float to be designated as honorary street titled 01:49:10.590 --> 01:49:26.369 Allison Way. So I'll show here, I'll just a second. As you can see, we have actually 01:49:26.369 --> 01:49:28.470 They request for two signs. 01:49:28.470 --> 01:49:29.930 One will be at Float and Shawnee, 01:49:29.930 --> 01:49:32.850 and the other would be at Float and Wyandotte. 01:49:32.850 --> 01:49:35.369 There's two arrows there showing the locations 01:49:35.369 --> 01:49:36.569 of the honorary street sign. 01:49:36.569 --> 01:49:39.170 So the Allisons. 01:49:39.170 --> 01:49:40.000 Simmons. 01:49:40.000 --> 01:49:40.270 The Allison's 01:49:40.270 --> 01:49:45.949 For whom this sign would be so named have been longtime residents of Freeport have lived in their homes 01:49:46.630 --> 01:49:55.310 Lived at their home on South Float for over 40 years Reverend Nathan Allison has served the community for over 25 years as a pastor 01:49:55.310 --> 01:49:57.310 of the Philippians Baptist Church 01:49:58.109 --> 01:50:02.909 They are celebrated for their work with the youth ministry holding many different groups at their church 01:50:02.909 --> 01:50:08.590 Church. Mrs. Gloria Allison is a familiar face assisting and volunteering her time at 01:50:08.590 --> 01:50:14.670 the Freeport Food Pantry. Although the Allisons are maturing, they still have a zeal for ministry 01:50:14.670 --> 01:50:19.829 and reach out to the community, guiding youth in the area. The Allisons' service within 01:50:19.829 --> 01:50:25.550 the Minister's Alliance and Baptist Ministry has been useful in bringing resources from 01:50:25.550 --> 01:50:31.710 Rockford to Freeport as well as making their good deeds well known both in and outside 01:50:31.710 --> 01:50:39.029 of Freeport, and with that being said, staff is recommending the passage of this resolution. 01:50:39.029 --> 01:50:41.130 Is there a motion to adopt? 01:50:41.130 --> 01:50:42.569 So move. 01:50:42.569 --> 01:50:43.569 Second. 01:50:43.569 --> 01:50:44.989 Motion made by Alderman Sellers. 01:50:44.989 --> 01:50:46.569 Seconded by Alderman Shaddle. 01:50:46.569 --> 01:50:49.920 Discussion on the resolution? 01:50:49.920 --> 01:50:52.640 Alderman Shaddle? 01:50:52.640 --> 01:50:55.779 Just a matter of clarification, did you say 600? 01:50:55.779 --> 01:50:58.420 The notations here say 800 block. 01:50:58.420 --> 01:51:01.340 If I said 600 it was, I didn't mean to. 01:51:01.340 --> 01:51:03.100 It is the 800 block. 01:51:03.100 --> 01:51:04.100 Thank you. 01:51:04.100 --> 01:51:05.100 Alderman Sanders? 01:51:05.100 --> 01:51:19.939 Yeah, I just wanted to know in this discussion of the Allison Way, what's our policy for 01:51:19.939 --> 01:51:26.739 bringing these kinds of activities or this kind of display within the City of Freeport 01:51:26.739 --> 01:51:30.300 when special, is it a special kind of a, 01:51:34.800 --> 01:51:36.000 Yes, there's a process. 01:51:36.000 --> 01:51:36.840 There's a process. 01:51:36.840 --> 01:51:37.659 Yes, there's a process. 01:51:37.659 --> 01:51:41.520 There's a kind of process that the city, 01:51:41.520 --> 01:51:44.920 because we're talking about many people 01:51:44.920 --> 01:51:47.199 that might want to make that kind of proposition 01:51:47.199 --> 01:51:49.960 or proposal to the city to allow them 01:51:49.960 --> 01:51:51.199 that kind of right of way. 01:51:51.199 --> 01:51:56.199 And I'm just curious of how that is brought into play 01:51:56.199 --> 01:52:08.760 because I don't want us to look like we are being sentimental toward others and not for 01:52:08.760 --> 01:52:14.279 anybody else in the city having the opportunity to do the very same thing. 01:52:14.279 --> 01:52:20.800 So what we're saying is everyone in the city has the opportunity, but they have to be declared 01:52:20.800 --> 01:52:31.479 By what body and what population? How does that take place? Because is there a petition 01:52:31.479 --> 01:52:42.600 that took place that wanted that to be a consideration? Or how do we administer that? 01:52:42.600 --> 01:52:48.399 So it truly is the will of the people. 50% of the people on that street have to sign 01:52:48.399 --> 01:52:50.399 and 01:52:51.439 --> 01:52:53.439 John. 01:52:54.819 --> 01:52:56.819 And then I put it forward to you. 01:52:58.720 --> 01:53:00.840 So if you feel it's in the best interest of the people, then I 01:53:00.840 --> 01:53:02.840 would suggest voting for it. 01:53:04.659 --> 01:53:06.659 And if not, I'd understand that's obviously your duty to 01:53:06.760 --> 01:53:08.760 make that decision as well. 01:53:10.859 --> 01:53:12.859 » Any other discussion? 01:53:13.979 --> 01:53:15.979 » Madame Clerk, please take the roll. 01:53:15.979 --> 01:53:27.180 Parker, Stacey, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. The resolution is adopted 8-0. 01:53:27.180 --> 01:53:31.979 Item number 18 is the adoption of resolution 2025-64. Could you please read this? 01:53:31.979 --> 01:53:40.220 Resolution approving redevelopment agreement with Sandra L. Smith, the developer for Culver's parking lot expansion. 01:53:40.220 --> 01:53:46.140 thank you madam mayor i'm gonna start right here with a map view of what we got going on here 01:53:47.260 --> 01:53:52.859 if you're looking this is what would be a call the site plan uh what you have in the south portion 01:53:52.859 --> 01:54:01.020 here is the uh existing culvers um getting to my pointer out right now so i can kind of show what's 01:54:01.020 --> 01:54:07.180 going on any of your culver fans out there i hope you're excited um because i know the parking over 01:54:07.180 --> 01:54:09.180 and 01:54:10.220 --> 01:54:13.220 I'm excited to know that this existing parking lot will now be 01:54:13.220 --> 01:54:16.220 expanded to the north. So this is all going to be a new parking 01:54:16.220 --> 01:54:19.220 area, new drive-through area. If you remember now you're coming 01:54:19.220 --> 01:54:22.220 in here and you're making this tight turn. You're now going to 01:54:22.220 --> 01:54:26.220 have a new entrance up here to the north that's going to be 01:54:26.220 --> 01:54:29.220 coming up here and then you can come and have a nice easier 01:54:29.220 --> 01:54:33.220 driveway access. I mean, if anybody's been here, they know 01:54:33.220 --> 01:54:39.739 Ben here. They know that there are some traffic concerns here. Just for everyone's knowledge 01:54:39.739 --> 01:54:47.140 right now, this is being estimated $350,000 in site improvements. And I've been in the 01:54:47.140 --> 01:54:51.140 industry myself. I can tell you that the price of this probably will go up, but that's what's 01:54:51.140 --> 01:54:54.579 was being estimated right now. 01:54:54.579 --> 01:55:05.020 So that being said, what we have here is a redevelopment agreement being proposed. 01:55:05.020 --> 01:55:12.659 And what's being proposed is that these site improvements, totaling $350,000, the City 01:55:12.659 --> 01:55:17.180 of Freeport, once these are completed, what's being proposed is that the City of Freeport 01:55:17.180 --> 01:55:24.340 would pay $10,000 upon completion of these site improvements. 01:55:24.340 --> 01:55:30.439 These developments are also within our TIF district and what's also being proposed is 01:55:30.439 --> 01:55:36.640 that as the taxes are increased, which is our typical redevelopment agreement, the developer 01:55:36.640 --> 01:55:44.539 would receive 75% of the increased tax revenue for this parcel. 01:55:44.539 --> 01:55:50.439 So that's the, so essentially that's what their compensation would be for this redevelopment 01:55:50.439 --> 01:55:56.600 agreement to improve this lot, which if you know now, this is completely vacant. 01:55:56.600 --> 01:56:00.079 There's nothing going on right here, right now. 01:56:00.079 --> 01:56:04.159 So this is in line with our budget. 01:56:04.159 --> 01:56:10.939 Currently the Meadows Tip District has budgeted a little more than $215,000 for projects just 01:56:10.939 --> 01:56:12.939 and 01:56:13.939 --> 01:56:15.939 Knapp. 01:56:17.239 --> 01:56:19.239 We have a lot of work to do to bring 01:56:20.340 --> 01:56:22.340 large-scale developments into our city. 01:56:23.460 --> 01:56:24.539 That being said, staff is recommending approval of this 01:56:24.539 --> 01:56:26.539 resolution. 01:56:28.340 --> 01:56:30.340 ≫ How many years is the increment being paid back at 75%? 01:56:32.159 --> 01:56:34.859 ≫ It would be the lifetime of this Meadows TIP district, which 01:56:34.859 --> 01:56:36.859 would end in 2037. 01:56:37.960 --> 01:56:39.960 So 12 years. 01:56:40.939 --> 01:56:53.510 Sellers, seconded by Alderman Parker, discussion Alderman Sanders. Yeah entry 01:56:53.510 --> 01:56:58.029 put your little pointer up there again and show me the the current entry point 01:56:58.029 --> 01:57:08.619 of this parking lot. Just point right at the entry. I believe that's it I my 01:57:08.619 --> 01:57:13.520 eyes are squinting a little bit so I know you coming. My concern is the entry and exit. 01:57:13.520 --> 01:57:26.279 to put this thing into development, is that the same entryway, is that the same as the 01:57:26.279 --> 01:57:32.899 exit way? Because it's going to become very, very congestive. Matter of fact, I can see 01:57:32.899 --> 01:57:42.239 a problem developing before it even starts. Have we did an assessment, total assessment 01:57:42.239 --> 01:57:46.079 for traffic in and out of this area. 01:57:46.079 --> 01:57:46.720 Yes. 01:57:46.720 --> 01:57:49.640 Kimley-Horn is an international civil engineering firm. 01:57:49.640 --> 01:57:51.720 I've worked with them. 01:57:51.720 --> 01:57:53.359 OK, well, I'll explain it to you. 01:57:53.359 --> 01:57:56.119 Kimley-Horn's international company, 01:57:56.119 --> 01:57:58.079 I've worked with them for years. 01:57:58.079 --> 01:58:01.159 And this developer spent a large amount of money 01:58:01.159 --> 01:58:02.359 to have this designed. 01:58:02.359 --> 01:58:05.920 And Kimley-Horn wouldn't stamp these set of plans 01:58:05.920 --> 01:58:10.880 if they didn't know that this project has ingress and egress. 01:58:10.880 --> 01:58:15.680 They're a tremendous company, a high-end firm that does great work. 01:58:15.680 --> 01:58:22.079 So I stand behind their work and this site plan. 01:58:22.079 --> 01:58:28.680 Well, we haven't seen this particular project in this city. 01:58:28.680 --> 01:58:39.680 And for us to look at the diagram of this and see where the entry is, is it two entry points of this? 01:58:39.680 --> 01:58:41.380 Is that how we're looking at this? 01:58:41.380 --> 01:58:41.880 Yes. 01:58:41.880 --> 01:58:47.399 They're not going to change their adding. 01:58:47.399 --> 01:58:48.380 This is an addition. 01:58:48.380 --> 01:58:50.559 So this is all going to be. 01:58:50.559 --> 01:58:53.039 So it relieves the traffic. 01:58:53.039 --> 01:58:57.279 It helps to relieve the bombardment of congestion. 01:58:57.279 --> 01:58:57.880 Yes. 01:58:57.880 --> 01:59:02.760 And that is 100% why the developers are investing 01:59:02.760 --> 01:59:06.000 this money, is to allow more people to come, 01:59:06.000 --> 01:59:07.960 more people to get in and out of the restaurant 01:59:07.960 --> 01:59:09.559 and buy more food. 01:59:09.559 --> 01:59:29.279 Okay, that was my concern. I'm looking at, it's congested at the entry point and the exit point currently at this time and I can't see much, if there's more traffic trying to get in, then it's hard for them to get out. That's my, that's my... 01:59:29.279 --> 01:59:38.039 I get it. I mean, but think about it. Have you ever been there? I mean, look, you got to come in and you got to go, I know, I'm not trying to be mean, but I mean, I'm being honest. 01:59:38.039 --> 01:59:40.640 I'm not trying to be mean, but I'm being honest, look how much longer they can stretch that 01:59:40.640 --> 01:59:46.840 line out. You know what I mean? They're going to put the board here, now you can get all 01:59:46.840 --> 01:59:51.840 the people backed up going through here, whereas now, you know what it's like, you've got to 01:59:51.840 --> 01:59:55.840 come through here and you've got to make that turn. You know what I mean? You've got to 01:59:55.840 --> 02:00:02.840 make this turn through here, and they're basically allowing people to go all the way back through 02:00:02.840 --> 02:00:03.840 Miller. 02:00:03.840 --> 02:00:06.560 They're straight and they're giving more room for their line. 02:00:06.560 --> 02:00:10.039 Show me how they are exiting. 02:00:10.039 --> 02:00:15.060 And then they would go through their typical, the same exit, the same exit, which I believe 02:00:15.060 --> 02:00:17.239 is out this right in here. 02:00:17.239 --> 02:00:18.239 Yep. 02:00:18.239 --> 02:00:19.239 So that'll be the exit. 02:00:19.239 --> 02:00:20.239 Okay. 02:00:20.239 --> 02:00:22.760 Any further discussion on this redevelopment agreement? 02:00:22.760 --> 02:00:23.760 No. 02:00:23.760 --> 02:00:24.760 Alderman Stacey? 02:00:24.760 --> 02:00:25.760 Yes. 02:00:25.760 --> 02:00:31.079 I would like to know where would this $10,000 come from? 02:00:31.079 --> 02:00:32.079 Sure. 02:00:32.079 --> 02:00:41.079 We have $215,000 budgeted for redevelopment agreements in 2025, right out of the TIF district. 02:00:41.079 --> 02:00:53.079 And I know this is a $350,000 project. How is the TIF money going to factor in this event? 02:00:53.079 --> 02:00:58.560 Well that's what's paying for the that's the ten thousand dollars that's paying 02:00:58.560 --> 02:01:02.359 it's paying for the ten thousand dollars and then over the life of the TIF 02:01:02.359 --> 02:01:09.699 district they're gonna pay the increase in taxes for this parcel which is now a 02:01:09.699 --> 02:01:16.300 grass field and once these improvements are made staff reached out to our tax 02:01:16.300 --> 02:01:20.699 assessor and they you know well you know they they agreed that these 02:01:20.699 --> 02:01:50.199 I really think they are in over their heads, and I think if we commit to something like this, that we're in over our heads. 02:01:52.489 --> 02:01:59.050 any other discussion Alderman Johnson well I know I was there on Sunday we had a 02:01:59.050 --> 02:02:04.010 huge ball tournament here at Reid Park and it was after church and there was 02:02:04.010 --> 02:02:08.369 all kinds of people flooding in there and I could just see accidents waiting to 02:02:08.369 --> 02:02:14.210 happen the way that it is now so I really think they definitely need this 02:02:14.210 --> 02:02:18.250 improvement in their structure that they have right now 02:02:18.250 --> 02:02:24.010 Klemm, did you have something? This call will be recorded. This call is no 02:02:24.010 --> 02:02:34.170 longer being recorded. I had the pleasure of talking with Bob Smith this week 02:02:34.170 --> 02:02:39.850 about this and Culver is a great restaurant and does great business and 02:02:39.850 --> 02:02:45.369 really an asset to the city of Freeport. One of the largest things this will do 02:02:45.369 --> 02:02:46.369 Winslow. 02:02:46.369 --> 02:02:47.369 Thank you. 02:02:47.369 --> 02:02:48.369 Thank you. 02:02:48.369 --> 02:02:49.369 Thank you. 02:02:49.369 --> 02:02:50.369 Schadl. 02:02:50.369 --> 02:02:54.529 This should have been done in day one when the building was built. 02:02:54.529 --> 02:03:00.170 If you know, it's been around a while, parking on that street in the wintertime becomes a 02:03:00.170 --> 02:03:07.909 great hazard because we had eliminate parking on one side so we could plow it and stuff, 02:03:07.909 --> 02:03:13.449 but it would completely be an asset to the whole situation the way it is and I highly 02:03:13.449 --> 02:03:14.449 recommend it. 02:03:14.449 --> 02:03:26.119 Shadle. Yes I had talked with Bob Smith as well and this has been needed for some 02:03:26.119 --> 02:03:35.359 time. The line stretches out onto to Dirk Drive numerous occasions. There's not much 02:03:35.359 --> 02:03:41.520 going on in that area to the north and east from there now. I would hope in time 02:03:41.520 --> 02:03:46.520 Co, Dr. Whedon, Chris, Cameron, Carlson, John, and I think it's really important. 02:03:46.520 --> 02:03:49.520 We've had some good flow of traffic out of the state in the common area. 02:03:49.520 --> 02:03:53.520 There's been a lot of traffic that's come in in the past, and I have a good feeling that 02:03:53.520 --> 02:03:57.520 this is going to change over the next few years because there some of the things that we're 02:03:57.520 --> 02:04:00.520 going to have to get this there, and we're going to have a better job of helping them 02:04:00.520 --> 02:04:01.520 follow through it. 02:04:01.520 --> 02:04:03.520 There's a good chance of traffic that's coming in at some point in the future. 02:04:03.520 --> 02:04:07.520 And I do think that this could lead to a lot of travel and better traffic going in and 02:04:29.949 --> 02:04:37.880 The resolution is adopted 6-1. 02:04:37.880 --> 02:04:41.340 Item number 19 is the adoption of resolution 2025-65. 02:04:41.340 --> 02:04:43.260 Could you please read this? 02:04:43.260 --> 02:04:48.699 approving the city to accept the conveyance of five properties commonly known as Charles 02:04:48.699 --> 02:04:57.739 Avenue, Lots 12 and 13, Block 7, South Mary Avenue, Lot 12, Block 5, 931 East Jackson, 02:04:57.739 --> 02:05:03.020 and 1108 East Stevenson Street from Stevenson County, Illinois. 02:05:03.020 --> 02:05:04.020 Thank you. 02:05:04.020 --> 02:05:05.020 Manager Boyer. 02:05:05.020 --> 02:05:06.020 Thank you, Your Honor. 02:05:06.020 --> 02:05:11.460 Stevenson County has passed a resolution authorizing the transfer of these five parcels. 02:05:11.460 --> 02:05:16.720 These are all on the east side and fall within our flood mitigation grant area and the county 02:05:16.720 --> 02:05:23.279 has approached the city about us taking these parcels on and that would be, it is affirmative 02:05:23.279 --> 02:05:26.500 that we would like to have these for our flood mitigation grant. 02:05:26.500 --> 02:05:31.140 So the properties identified for transfer are, as I mentioned, part of the comprehensive 02:05:31.140 --> 02:05:35.180 flood mitigation strategy as part of FEMA's grant requirements. 02:05:35.180 --> 02:05:48.319 Becker, Jodi, 02:05:48.319 --> 02:05:53.899 So staff's recommendation is to move forward with the acquisition of the five parcels. 02:05:53.899 --> 02:05:55.880 There is no financial impact. 02:05:55.880 --> 02:05:58.140 Is there a motion to adopt? 02:05:58.140 --> 02:05:59.140 So moved. 02:05:59.140 --> 02:06:00.140 Second. 02:06:00.140 --> 02:06:07.140 Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the resolution. Alderman Klemm. 02:06:07.140 --> 02:06:26.140 Yeah, I'd just like to bring up, this is a good example of the county and the city working together. This was developed years ago where properties that were in the flood plain or properties that were bought up and not sold on tax sales and stuff, the city would have the first option to take them over. 02:06:26.140 --> 02:06:36.140 So, it's really worked out great and this is an ideal way to get some properties down that need to go down. So, thank you guys for doing that. 02:06:36.140 --> 02:06:41.579 Any other discussion? Alderman Simmons? 02:06:41.579 --> 02:06:51.579 Yes. So, Manager Boyer, Mr. Steekle, so I have noticed you have been way more vigilant in cutting. 02:06:51.579 --> 02:06:56.380 but acquiring these this is a few different lots what's the plan for 02:06:56.380 --> 02:07:01.260 maintenance and upkeep on those? At this time the the ones that are wooded and 02:07:01.260 --> 02:07:06.500 have trees grow on them that are you know decent urban canopy that would just 02:07:06.500 --> 02:07:14.699 be left as it is in terms of mowing lots we'd have to look at the ones that don't 02:07:14.699 --> 02:07:18.460 have a significant canopy on them as to what we want to do with those so I guess 02:07:18.460 --> 02:07:24.260 I guess it would just be status quo in terms of what's there now would be the main thing, 02:07:24.260 --> 02:07:30.579 you know, with some exceptions if necessary. 02:07:30.579 --> 02:07:31.579 Any other discussion? 02:07:31.579 --> 02:07:34.869 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 02:07:34.869 --> 02:07:35.869 I have a question. 02:07:35.869 --> 02:07:36.869 Alderman Stacey. 02:07:36.869 --> 02:07:44.819 So these buildings you have listed, they will be demolished. 02:07:44.819 --> 02:07:46.779 They're not buildings. 02:07:46.779 --> 02:07:48.859 They're not buildings. 02:07:48.859 --> 02:07:50.420 They're not buildings. 02:07:50.420 --> 02:08:02.390 , John, John, Dave, and Michael, and they were empty lots with trees on them and have never had structures. 02:08:02.390 --> 02:08:04.390 Okay. 02:08:04.390 --> 02:08:06.390 What happened? 02:08:06.390 --> 02:08:11.909 From what I'm looking at, it's this part of the mapping, right, and everything. 02:08:11.909 --> 02:08:22.059 This is kind of like where, I think I'm right over here. 02:08:22.059 --> 02:08:25.180 I remember right. 02:08:25.180 --> 02:08:35.180 surrounding the trees as you were stating. And is it our objective is to remove the trees, knock them down and create a lot for this area? 02:08:35.180 --> 02:08:40.180 No, it would just status quo is basically so the city would own and control those parcels. 02:08:40.180 --> 02:08:42.180 Okay. Okay. Thank you. 02:08:42.180 --> 02:08:46.489 If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 02:08:46.489 --> 02:08:47.489 Klemm. 02:08:47.489 --> 02:08:48.489 Aye. 02:08:48.489 --> 02:08:49.489 Johnson. 02:08:49.489 --> 02:08:50.489 Aye. 02:08:50.489 --> 02:08:51.489 Simmons. 02:08:51.489 --> 02:08:52.489 Aye. 02:08:52.489 --> 02:08:53.489 Parker. 02:08:53.489 --> 02:08:54.489 Aye. 02:08:54.489 --> 02:08:55.489 Stacy. 02:08:55.489 --> 02:09:02.050 Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The resolution is adopted 8-0. Item number 02:09:02.050 --> 02:09:07.369 20 is the adoption of resolution 2025-66. Could you please read this? Resolution imposing 02:09:07.369 --> 02:09:11.289 censure on three council members who were willfully and deliberately absent from the 02:09:11.289 --> 02:09:27.569 May 19, 2025 council meeting. Alderman Shadle? Yes. I would actually like to table this. 02:09:27.569 --> 02:09:34.149 Alderman, Simmons made reference to the fact that she may have not been deliberately absent. 02:09:34.149 --> 02:09:41.479 I would ask that before being put on a resolution she have a meeting with 02:09:41.479 --> 02:09:54.439 yourself and manager Boyer and put that to rest if need be. How do you propose 02:09:54.439 --> 02:10:11.289 to do that? Have a meeting to present her point of view or we're not high school 02:10:11.289 --> 02:10:36.359 Kids. You don't have the floor, Alderman. Okay, I'm sorry. You know, we're not, well, let me be quiet. So we have a motion to table this until the next council meeting. That would give two weeks time to decide if this should go forward or not. 02:10:36.359 --> 02:10:56.439 So we have a motion to move this item to the next regularly scheduled meeting with discussion 02:10:56.439 --> 02:10:59.619 in between. 02:10:59.619 --> 02:11:01.319 Discussion on that motion. 02:11:01.319 --> 02:11:06.779 Do you have discussion on that motion? 02:11:06.779 --> 02:11:08.239 Yeah. 02:11:08.239 --> 02:11:13.140 because we shouldn't be making motions on something that is irrelevant to this council. 02:11:13.140 --> 02:11:19.000 And not only that, I don't like the fact that the condescending of the council members are 02:11:19.000 --> 02:11:27.899 being disrespected here at this time to even bring this matter into focus of the council. 02:11:27.899 --> 02:11:36.939 You know, I know it takes two people to bring this, but now the purpose for this has not 02:11:36.939 --> 02:11:44.380 and I have been explained to us and how would you be able to discern or investigate something 02:11:44.380 --> 02:11:46.340 of this nature? 02:11:46.340 --> 02:11:49.020 What is your practice and policy to investigate? 02:11:49.020 --> 02:11:50.020 Okay. 02:11:50.020 --> 02:11:52.300 The motion on the table is to move it. 02:11:52.300 --> 02:11:55.340 Do you want to talk about motion to move it? 02:11:55.340 --> 02:11:56.340 Yeah. 02:11:56.340 --> 02:11:57.340 Yeah. 02:11:57.340 --> 02:11:58.340 Let's do that. 02:11:58.340 --> 02:11:59.340 Yeah. 02:11:59.340 --> 02:12:00.340 Okay. 02:12:00.340 --> 02:12:04.340 So is there any other discussion about moving this to the next Alderman Simmons? 02:12:04.340 --> 02:12:15.340 I have another motion to table this indefinitely. Nobody else has to show or prove why they were not here. No one was there outside causing a disruption. I would like to stable this indefinitely. This is a witch hunt. 02:12:15.340 --> 02:12:19.340 I second. 02:12:19.340 --> 02:12:29.340 So we have a motion of tabling indefinitely by Alderman Simmons, seconded by Alderman Sanders. Is there discussion on tabling indefinitely? 02:12:29.340 --> 02:12:52.819 I do want to say that there was commotion outside and Rachel I know you weren't here, Alderman Simmons, you were not here, you were nowhere around, but there was commotion, because even when I came in. 02:12:52.819 --> 02:12:54.819 He was not here. 02:12:54.819 --> 02:12:56.819 Stacy was not here. 02:12:56.819 --> 02:12:58.819 We were not here. 02:12:58.819 --> 02:13:16.100 I have the floor right now and there was commotion because even when I came in there were TV 02:13:16.100 --> 02:13:23.060 stations here and a lot of commotion outside and I didn't know what was going on and the 02:13:23.060 --> 02:13:28.500 people from the TV station said there was going to be a walkout so that's when I was 02:13:28.500 --> 02:13:30.960 confused on walking out on what? 02:13:30.960 --> 02:13:33.000 On what were they walking out on? 02:13:33.000 --> 02:13:35.720 So I do understand you guys weren't here, 02:13:35.720 --> 02:13:39.340 but there was commotion and a lot going on outside. 02:13:39.340 --> 02:13:41.960 So that's why I do understand 02:13:44.199 --> 02:13:46.680 it was a little bit disrespectful 02:13:46.680 --> 02:13:49.159 because when we, two years ago, 02:13:49.159 --> 02:13:53.000 when we came to the council and we were being voted in, 02:13:53.859 --> 02:13:57.720 even though we won our elections, 02:13:57.720 --> 02:14:00.539 the people that sat in these seats, 02:14:00.539 --> 02:14:04.680 they watched us get sworn in. 02:14:04.680 --> 02:14:07.000 And when we took our place, they got up 02:14:07.000 --> 02:14:09.079 and they did the transition. 02:14:09.079 --> 02:14:13.399 And that's what I thought was really not right for us 02:14:13.399 --> 02:14:17.680 to also be there when the transitions was taking place. 02:14:17.680 --> 02:14:18.840 That's my point of view. 02:14:18.840 --> 02:14:20.720 And that's just how I feel about it 02:14:20.720 --> 02:14:22.979 because we should have also been there 02:14:22.979 --> 02:14:26.460 to respect the same transition because we did it. 02:14:26.460 --> 02:14:36.460 because if they would have did it on us, we would have been upset, and we would have felt, you know, like they were not treating us right, so that's my point of view from that. 02:14:36.460 --> 02:14:38.460 So I know you guys were here. 02:14:40.460 --> 02:14:41.460 I'm sorry, I can't hear you. 02:14:41.460 --> 02:14:43.460 Can I have the floor for my second final time, please? 02:14:43.460 --> 02:14:44.460 Yes. 02:14:44.460 --> 02:14:55.460 Okay. Again, your feelings aside, the facts are, we were not there, we did not cause a disruption, the meeting did still happen. 02:14:55.460 --> 02:15:01.619 So, you cannot attach our names to that and say you want something from us because of 02:15:01.619 --> 02:15:04.380 what happened outside and we were not present. 02:15:04.380 --> 02:15:06.140 I called no news stations. 02:15:06.140 --> 02:15:07.140 No news stations had any words for me. 02:15:07.140 --> 02:15:08.140 No, I didn't say you. 02:15:08.140 --> 02:15:09.539 I said there was disruption. 02:15:09.539 --> 02:15:21.020 But this is directed towards us as though we caused that disruption is what I'm saying. 02:15:21.020 --> 02:15:22.779 We did not cause that disruption. 02:15:22.779 --> 02:15:24.220 We called no news outlets. 02:15:24.220 --> 02:15:24.800 Johnson, Jodi. 02:15:24.800 --> 02:15:25.399 You were not here. 02:15:25.399 --> 02:15:28.939 Yes, I welcome you, Alderperson Johnson. 02:15:28.939 --> 02:15:31.000 I am sorry that I was not here for that. 02:15:31.000 --> 02:15:38.220 However, I am not the one succeeding my chair to her to say, welcome, here are the ropes. 02:15:38.220 --> 02:15:41.979 Okay, so there was no disrespect to you. 02:15:41.979 --> 02:15:48.779 But again, all of you miss and I do not hold you and say, you need to explain to me why 02:15:48.779 --> 02:15:49.779 you weren't here. 02:15:49.779 --> 02:15:54.180 We're adults, we know what our responsibilities are, we handle our responsibilities. 02:15:54.180 --> 02:15:56.180 and 02:15:57.380 --> 02:15:59.380 Huffines. 02:16:00.500 --> 02:16:02.500 We have to be there. 02:16:04.500 --> 02:16:06.699 If something happens and we cannot be here, then that is the 02:16:06.699 --> 02:16:08.699 case. 02:16:10.020 --> 02:16:12.300 I never said you were here. That's what I'm saying. You 02:16:12.300 --> 02:16:14.300 guys were here, but there was disruption. 02:16:15.600 --> 02:16:17.600 Okay. 02:16:18.920 --> 02:16:20.920 All right. 02:16:22.140 --> 02:16:23.560 So the motion is tabled indefinitely by Simmons and 02:16:23.560 --> 02:16:24.560 and Sellers. 02:16:24.560 --> 02:16:25.560 Do you want to change tabling indefinitely? 02:16:25.560 --> 02:16:31.640 Well, no, I don't want to change the tabling, but I, yeah, no, no, go ahead, go ahead, go 02:16:31.640 --> 02:16:32.639 ahead. 02:16:32.639 --> 02:16:33.639 Please take the roll. 02:16:33.639 --> 02:16:36.639 Just roll my thought out the window. 02:16:36.639 --> 02:16:37.639 Klemm? 02:16:37.639 --> 02:16:38.639 No. 02:16:38.639 --> 02:16:39.639 Monroe? 02:16:39.639 --> 02:16:40.639 Oh, goodness. 02:16:40.639 --> 02:16:41.639 Old sheet. 02:16:41.639 --> 02:16:42.639 Johnson? 02:16:42.639 --> 02:16:43.639 No. 02:16:43.639 --> 02:16:44.639 Simmons? 02:16:44.639 --> 02:16:45.639 Yes. 02:16:45.639 --> 02:16:46.639 Parker? 02:16:46.639 --> 02:16:47.639 No. 02:16:47.639 --> 02:16:48.639 Stacy? 02:16:48.639 --> 02:16:49.639 Yes. 02:16:49.639 --> 02:16:50.639 Shadle? 02:16:50.639 --> 02:16:51.639 No. 02:16:51.639 --> 02:16:52.639 Sanders? 02:16:52.639 --> 02:16:53.639 and Sellers. 02:16:53.639 --> 02:16:54.959 No. 02:16:54.959 --> 02:17:00.799 Oh my, one, two, three, it fails, three to five. 02:17:00.799 --> 02:17:03.040 OK, so now I believe that the right order would 02:17:03.040 --> 02:17:07.479 be the original of Alderman Shadle, 02:17:07.479 --> 02:17:10.280 seconded by Alderman Klemm, to move this to the next regularly 02:17:10.280 --> 02:17:12.399 scheduled meeting. 02:17:12.399 --> 02:17:13.239 OK. 02:17:13.239 --> 02:17:13.739 Alderman. 02:17:13.739 --> 02:17:17.159 And also take their names off. 02:17:17.159 --> 02:17:19.120 I don't know if that was the discussion. 02:17:19.120 --> 02:17:23.719 it was about having a discussion, correct? 02:17:27.559 --> 02:17:32.559 Well, Mike, Mike, Mike, can I speak? 02:17:35.079 --> 02:17:39.200 So at the end of the day, there's still a motion 02:17:39.200 --> 02:17:40.920 in a second that was made to table this 02:17:40.920 --> 02:17:42.040 until the council meeting. 02:17:42.040 --> 02:17:44.239 So as long as Alderman Shadle's position 02:17:44.239 --> 02:17:48.040 and the second is still to table this to the next meeting, 02:17:48.040 --> 02:17:53.040 allowing for whatever conversations to be had 02:17:54.100 --> 02:17:58.319 just to confirm the reasons for Alderman Simmons 02:17:58.319 --> 02:18:01.739 not being here, which I know she stated already there, 02:18:01.739 --> 02:18:04.440 but if to allow for whatever follow-up 02:18:04.440 --> 02:18:08.120 that may or may not need to take place on that there, 02:18:08.120 --> 02:18:13.360 then that's what's pending before. 02:18:13.360 --> 02:18:15.760 So then there's still discussion on this motion then. 02:18:15.760 --> 02:18:18.440 So discussion on moving it to the next meeting. 02:18:19.459 --> 02:18:20.520 Is that where we're at? 02:18:20.520 --> 02:18:21.600 That's where we're at. 02:18:21.600 --> 02:18:23.819 Right, to table this for further discuss, 02:18:23.819 --> 02:18:25.719 to table this, to not vote on it tonight, 02:18:25.719 --> 02:18:27.760 but to table this to the next council meeting. 02:18:27.760 --> 02:18:29.239 Okay, okay. 02:18:29.239 --> 02:18:30.120 No, we're not. 02:18:30.120 --> 02:18:31.079 All right. 02:18:31.079 --> 02:18:32.440 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 02:18:32.440 --> 02:18:34.159 Klemm? Yes. 02:18:34.159 --> 02:18:35.520 Johnson? Yes. 02:18:35.520 --> 02:18:37.000 Simmons? No. 02:18:37.000 --> 02:18:38.459 Parker? Yes. 02:18:38.459 --> 02:18:40.920 Stacy? No. 02:18:40.920 --> 02:18:43.399 Shadle? Yes. 02:18:43.399 --> 02:18:45.899 Sanders? No. 02:18:45.899 --> 02:18:47.520 And Sellers? Yes. 02:18:47.520 --> 02:18:48.659 One, two, three. 02:18:50.520 --> 02:18:56.600 it passes five to three. Okay we'll move on to item number 21. Could you please 02:18:56.600 --> 02:19:03.799 read this approval of bid? Bid opening on May 23rd, test well number 12, including 02:19:03.799 --> 02:19:09.239 notice of intent to award to Peerless Well and Pump based on IEPA concurrence. 02:19:09.239 --> 02:19:16.459 Manager Boyer? Sorry about that. Thank you Madam Mayor. The city held a public bid 02:19:16.459 --> 02:19:22.780 opening on May 23rd for the four phases of well 12. So the project was broken up 02:19:22.780 --> 02:19:27.459 into four phases. The first phase is the test well, the second phase is the 02:19:27.459 --> 02:19:31.180 production well, third phase is the treatment plant, and the fourth phase is 02:19:31.180 --> 02:19:35.979 water and sewer interconnection piping and so forth. 02:19:35.979 --> 02:19:37.840 So each of these individual projects 02:19:37.840 --> 02:19:42.239 is related to the installation of a new 1,300 foot deep 02:19:42.239 --> 02:19:44.459 production water well and treatment facility 02:19:44.459 --> 02:19:46.159 for the low zone of Freeport. 02:19:46.159 --> 02:19:48.680 The low zone is the largest area of Freeport 02:19:48.680 --> 02:19:51.000 that serves 65% of the city. 02:19:51.000 --> 02:19:53.159 These production well infrastructure projects 02:19:53.159 --> 02:19:55.280 were targeted and identified originally 02:19:55.280 --> 02:19:59.399 in the 2017 Comprehensive Infrastructure Upgrade Plan 02:19:59.399 --> 02:20:04.120 when the Forever Chemicals or PFOS was originally detected 02:20:04.120 --> 02:20:07.360 by the US EPA doing random tests. 02:20:07.360 --> 02:20:10.399 Freeport was one of the first 500 communities in the country 02:20:10.399 --> 02:20:11.639 to be detected. 02:20:11.639 --> 02:20:14.280 And we now know this is an issue facing many cities 02:20:14.280 --> 02:20:16.139 across the United States. 02:20:16.139 --> 02:20:20.319 So city staff receive bids for this complex project. 02:20:20.319 --> 02:20:23.440 The low responsive bidders are as follows for the four 02:20:23.440 --> 02:20:26.079 individual open contracts. 02:20:26.079 --> 02:20:39.680 So peerless well and pump was the lowest responsive bidder on contract A, the test well at $831,960. 02:20:39.680 --> 02:20:53.920 Contract A1 is the production well for well 12, and that the lowest responsive bidder was also peerless well and pump at a total amount of $2,441,650. 02:20:53.920 --> 02:20:58.920 and Contract B was the well house, well house number 12 02:20:59.360 --> 02:21:01.840 and a seven acre site work. 02:21:01.840 --> 02:21:05.280 The winning bidder was IHC Construction Companies 02:21:05.280 --> 02:21:10.280 and the winning amount was $21,966,000 02:21:11.280 --> 02:21:16.280 and Contract C was the water and sewer main connections 02:21:16.280 --> 02:21:20.360 and that was won by Kelsey Excavating out of Davis, Illinois 02:21:20.360 --> 02:21:50.360 for $1,729,906. So the total cost of the well and the well house is $26,969,516. And this is, the city's currently receiving or has pled, has waiting for our project to move forward, $13.2 million in funding through the Illinois EPA, as 02:21:50.360 --> 02:21:57.559 as well as the emerging contaminant money and forgivable loans of $5 million as well as some 02:21:57.559 --> 02:22:03.079 congressionally directed spending from Congressman Sorensen. So staff's 02:22:03.079 --> 02:22:08.959 recommendation is City Council to approve the lowest responsive bidder for each 02:22:08.959 --> 02:22:15.879 contract as listed. So then the first one will be the test well. Is there a motion 02:22:15.879 --> 02:22:16.879 Settler. 02:22:16.879 --> 02:22:18.799 The motion to approve the bid as stated. 02:22:18.799 --> 02:22:19.799 So moved. 02:22:19.799 --> 02:22:20.799 Second. 02:22:20.799 --> 02:22:25.600 The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 02:22:25.600 --> 02:22:27.879 Discussion on this bid. 02:22:27.879 --> 02:22:28.879 Alderman Sanders. 02:22:28.879 --> 02:22:29.879 On a bid? 02:22:29.879 --> 02:22:31.120 This is a bid. 02:22:31.120 --> 02:22:33.120 This bid that's packaged before you. 02:22:33.120 --> 02:22:35.579 That's what this is all about, a bid. 02:22:35.579 --> 02:22:43.040 We have not had a discussion on the overall, the overview of this project that is pending. 02:22:43.040 --> 02:22:45.239 Darren, did you want to? 02:22:45.239 --> 02:22:55.780 Have we had a discussion? That's the question I'm asking. Yes, yes, we have. This is approving the bids. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 02:22:55.780 --> 02:23:22.159 Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. And Sellers? Aye. The motion passes 6-1. 02:23:22.159 --> 02:23:26.639 Item number 22 is the approval of another bid. Could you please read this? 02:23:28.399 --> 02:23:33.440 Another bid opening on May 23rd for the production well number 12 bid approval, 02:23:33.440 --> 02:23:38.959 including notice of intent to award to Peerless Well and Pump based on IEPA concurrence. 02:23:38.959 --> 02:23:40.239 Thank you, Manager Boyer. 02:23:40.239 --> 02:23:49.760 So as previously mentioned, the production well of the successful low bidder was $2,441,650 and 02:23:49.760 --> 02:23:52.819 and that was also Peerless, Well, and Pump. 02:23:52.819 --> 02:23:56.399 Staff would request approval of this resolution 02:23:56.399 --> 02:23:57.620 moving forward with Peerless. 02:23:57.620 --> 02:24:00.040 I'm sorry, with this bid with Peerless. 02:24:00.040 --> 02:24:01.180 Is there a motion to approve? 02:24:01.180 --> 02:24:02.020 So moved. 02:24:02.020 --> 02:24:05.790 Second. 02:24:05.790 --> 02:24:07.510 We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers 02:24:07.510 --> 02:24:09.229 seconded by Alderman Johnson. 02:24:09.229 --> 02:24:15.620 Discussion on this bid. 02:24:15.620 --> 02:24:17.139 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 02:24:17.139 --> 02:24:17.979 Klemm? 02:24:17.979 --> 02:24:18.799 Aye. 02:24:18.799 --> 02:24:19.639 Johnson? 02:24:19.639 --> 02:24:20.479 Aye. 02:24:20.479 --> 02:24:21.299 Simmons? 02:24:21.299 --> 02:24:22.139 Aye. 02:24:22.139 --> 02:24:22.959 Parker? 02:24:22.959 --> 02:24:23.799 Aye. 02:24:23.799 --> 02:24:35.040 trying to reconnect Stacy or no Shadle Sanders no and Sellers aye the motion is 02:24:35.040 --> 02:24:41.000 approved six to one item 23 another bit approval could you please read this 02:24:41.000 --> 02:24:46.200 also on May 23rd well house number 12 including notice of intent to award to 02:24:46.200 --> 02:24:52.079 IHC construction based on I EPA concurrence thank you manager where I 02:24:52.079 --> 02:25:14.079 I think your honor the lowest responsive bidder was IHC Construction at $21,966,000 and I will add that IHC is our current contractor at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and they've had an excellent track record of success so I enthusiastically request City Council move forward with this. 02:25:14.079 --> 02:25:23.440 and a mayor so move second but made by Alderman Shadle seconded by Alderman 02:25:23.440 --> 02:25:30.000 Sellers discussion on this bid I just wanted to point out when we tallyed the 02:25:30.000 --> 02:25:37.360 bids for IHC they made a tabulation error of $300,000 in the city's favor and and I 02:25:37.360 --> 02:25:41.559 discussed it with them and they're going to honor the price that was tabulated 02:25:41.559 --> 02:26:11.559 not what was read. Thank you. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. No. And Sellers. Aye. The motion is approved, six to one. Item number 24, another bid approval. This is the last of the four phases on May 23rd. 02:26:11.559 --> 02:26:17.559 Wellhouse number 12 water main and sewer main extensions bid approval including notice of 02:26:17.559 --> 02:26:22.760 intent to award to Kelsey Excavating based on IEPA concurrence. Manager Boyer. 02:26:24.120 --> 02:26:29.639 Thank you Madam Mayor. Kelsey Excavating was the lowest responsive bidder. The total amount was 02:26:29.639 --> 02:26:38.040 $1,729,906 and I will also note that Kelsey has worked for us in the past. They did the 02:26:38.040 --> 02:26:44.760 the forest sewer main on Island Avenue and that project went forward very well. 02:26:44.760 --> 02:26:46.920 Is there a motion to approve? 02:26:46.920 --> 02:26:47.680 So moved. 02:26:47.680 --> 02:26:48.639 Second. 02:26:48.639 --> 02:26:54.290 Motion made by Shadle, seconded by Sellers. 02:26:54.290 --> 02:26:58.290 Madam Clerk, please take the role for the bid. 02:26:58.290 --> 02:26:59.329 Klemm. 02:26:59.329 --> 02:26:59.889 Aye. 02:26:59.889 --> 02:27:00.610 Johnson. 02:27:00.610 --> 02:27:01.010 Aye. 02:27:01.010 --> 02:27:02.049 Simmons. 02:27:02.049 --> 02:27:02.610 Aye. 02:27:02.610 --> 02:27:03.250 Parker. 02:27:03.250 --> 02:27:03.889 Aye. 02:27:03.889 --> 02:27:04.809 Shadle. 02:27:04.809 --> 02:27:05.329 Aye. 02:27:05.329 --> 02:27:06.090 Sanders. 02:27:06.090 --> 02:27:07.010 No. 02:27:07.010 --> 02:27:08.409 Sellers. 02:27:08.409 --> 02:27:17.790 The motion is approved six to one and item number 25 another bid this bid 02:27:17.790 --> 02:27:23.930 opening was on May 30th 2025 demolition of seven residential properties director 02:27:23.930 --> 02:27:31.889 Duckman thank you madam mayor city of Freeport published a notice for the 02:27:31.889 --> 02:27:35.489 demolition and asbestos abatement of seven properties in the Journal 02:27:35.489 --> 02:27:40.489 Dines, Scott, Debra, Cheryl, John, and 02:27:40.489 --> 02:27:43.489 the other members of the board of 02:27:43.489 --> 02:27:46.489 the board of trustees. 02:27:46.489 --> 02:27:52.489 So, this is our final, final 02:27:52.489 --> 02:27:58.489 standard on May 25th and held a bid opening on May 30th at 9 o'clock a.m. in City Hall. 02:27:58.489 --> 02:28:04.489 The city received bids from five contractors and the lowest responsible bidder was Klechner Excavating, who submitted the lowest 02:28:04.489 --> 02:28:05.489 Miller. 02:28:05.489 --> 02:28:08.989 We recommend issuing the contract in that amount for the demolition of seven properties, 02:28:08.989 --> 02:28:12.770 which is $85,000, as they are the lowest responsible bidder. 02:28:12.770 --> 02:28:15.409 Is there a motion to approve? 02:28:15.409 --> 02:28:16.409 So moved. 02:28:16.409 --> 02:28:18.690 So moved. 02:28:18.690 --> 02:28:19.690 Second. 02:28:19.690 --> 02:28:23.209 We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. 02:28:23.209 --> 02:28:24.209 Discussion on the bids? 02:28:24.209 --> 02:28:25.209 Yes. 02:28:25.209 --> 02:28:26.209 Alderman Sellers? 02:28:26.209 --> 02:28:27.209 Yes. 02:28:27.209 --> 02:28:32.329 Are these the properties and the money that's coming out of the mitigation grant that was 02:28:32.329 --> 02:28:40.969 yes yes most of them six of the seven are okay thank you madam clerk please take 02:28:40.969 --> 02:28:53.329 the roll Clem Johnson aye Simmons Parker aye Shadle aye Sanders no and Sellers aye 02:28:53.329 --> 02:28:59.530 the motion is approved six to one item number 26 adoption of the resolution 02:28:59.530 --> 02:29:05.090 2025-67. Could you please read this? Resolution approving construction 02:29:05.090 --> 02:29:09.850 engineering contract with Fehr Graham for project build of test well, well and 02:29:09.850 --> 02:29:14.170 well house number 12, and associated water main and sewer main extensions. 02:29:14.170 --> 02:29:19.850 Manager Boyer. Thank you, your honor. Fehr Graham design permitted and bid well 12 02:29:19.850 --> 02:29:24.049 for four phases of water improvement projects. The IEP funding requires 02:29:24.049 --> 02:29:27.090 professional construction engineering services for the four phases of the 02:29:27.090 --> 02:29:28.690 and other project improvements. 02:29:28.690 --> 02:29:32.010 The completion of WELT-12 project is in its entirety. 02:29:32.010 --> 02:29:36.079 project is in its entirety is required to close the before we close the Brick 02:29:36.079 --> 02:29:40.719 Street the 1900 140 year old water treatment plant on Brick Street. 02:29:40.719 --> 02:29:44.479 Fehr Graham will provide professional construction, resident engineering 02:29:44.479 --> 02:29:48.559 services to manage the four projects on behalf of the city. Engineering services 02:29:48.559 --> 02:29:52.680 will consist of full-time engineering observation and inspection along with 02:29:52.680 --> 02:29:57.319 project management, contract management, loan, audit and closeout management, 02:29:57.319 --> 02:30:05.000 Monthly Quarterly Reporting, Construction Survey, Layout, Staking, Specification Assurance, 02:30:05.000 --> 02:30:12.239 among other listed items in the outline proposal, BABA compliance, and certification documentation 02:30:12.239 --> 02:30:17.040 for these projects, that's the new Made in America requirements that are coming down 02:30:17.040 --> 02:30:19.840 from the federal government. 02:30:19.840 --> 02:30:27.719 These four construction projects consist of $26,969,516 in infrastructure improvements 02:30:27.719 --> 02:30:33.760 and will serve the city, residents, and businesses for the next 100 years with water production. 02:30:33.760 --> 02:30:39.639 These projects will require an estimated 30-month construction schedule to complete, and professional 02:30:39.639 --> 02:30:43.639 engineering services include construction engineering, staking, and full project management 02:30:43.639 --> 02:30:53.239 and the amount of $1,750,000, QAQC material testing services are third-party services needed only 02:30:53.239 --> 02:30:58.680 and resident construction engineering is part of the IEP loan process and is included by the state 02:30:58.680 --> 02:31:04.520 revolving fund program. Staff recommends moving forward with this agreement and I will mention 02:31:04.520 --> 02:31:11.559 to you during the process or during the construction process of well 11, their construction oversight 02:31:11.559 --> 02:31:16.280 has been invaluable saving the city hundreds of thousands of dollars potentially more in 02:31:16.280 --> 02:31:21.159 change orders or lack thereof and ensuring that what we're paying for is what we're getting. 02:31:21.879 --> 02:31:29.879 Just one case in point was with well oven there was a an oversight as far as the the tank was 02:31:29.879 --> 02:31:38.360 of the main clear well was constructed. Fehr Graham was diligent about designing a work or a 02:31:38.360 --> 02:31:41.479 are a good solution to resolve the issue. 02:31:41.479 --> 02:31:44.920 And at the end of the day, the city did not incur any costs 02:31:44.920 --> 02:31:49.920 and the Clearwell was built to revise specifications 02:31:51.360 --> 02:31:54.500 that is actually, I think, better than the original design. 02:31:54.500 --> 02:31:57.600 So that's one case in point, as well as the support 02:31:57.600 --> 02:32:00.360 that we've had throughout the transition 02:32:00.360 --> 02:32:03.200 from the contractor to the city staff. 02:32:03.200 --> 02:32:06.399 We've had an excellent transition and inspection period 02:32:06.399 --> 02:32:11.479 where we've resulted in the project basically going off without a hitch, there's always 02:32:11.479 --> 02:32:17.920 glitches but the contractors were held to account in this case for well 11 and they did an excellent 02:32:17.920 --> 02:32:24.000 job in insulating the city from change orders that were unnecessary. 02:32:24.000 --> 02:32:29.920 So I enthusiastically recommend moving forward with this resolution. 02:32:29.920 --> 02:32:30.920 Is there a motion to adopt? 02:32:30.920 --> 02:32:31.920 I make a motion. 02:32:31.920 --> 02:32:32.920 Second. 02:32:32.920 --> 02:32:33.760 Second. 02:32:33.760 --> 02:32:35.360 The motion made by Alderman Johnson, 02:32:35.360 --> 02:32:37.000 seconded by Alderman Shadle. 02:32:37.000 --> 02:32:38.540 Discussion on the resolution. 02:32:39.680 --> 02:32:41.440 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 02:32:41.440 --> 02:32:42.280 Klemm. 02:32:42.280 --> 02:32:43.100 Aye. 02:32:43.100 --> 02:32:43.940 Johnson. 02:32:43.940 --> 02:32:44.780 Aye. 02:32:44.780 --> 02:32:45.600 Simmons. 02:32:45.600 --> 02:32:46.440 Aye. 02:32:46.440 --> 02:32:47.280 Parker. 02:32:47.280 --> 02:32:48.100 Aye. 02:32:48.100 --> 02:32:48.940 Shadle. 02:32:48.940 --> 02:32:49.760 Aye. 02:32:49.760 --> 02:32:50.600 Sanders. 02:32:50.600 --> 02:32:51.420 No. 02:32:51.420 --> 02:32:52.260 And Sellers. 02:32:52.260 --> 02:32:53.100 Aye. 02:32:53.100 --> 02:32:55.280 The resolution is adopted six to one. 02:33:00.010 --> 02:33:03.110 Item number 27 is discussion regarding updates 02:33:03.110 --> 02:33:08.110 on 17 and 19 West Main Street for the cleaners. 02:33:09.709 --> 02:33:10.549 Darren? 02:33:10.549 --> 02:33:12.709 Yeah, I just wanted to give the council an update 02:33:12.709 --> 02:33:16.149 on the 17 and 19 Main Street dry cleaners 02:33:16.149 --> 02:33:17.750 that were working on demolition. 02:33:18.790 --> 02:33:21.469 We've been working on it for an awful long time. 02:33:21.469 --> 02:33:25.750 We had a lot of issues getting into the neighboring buildings 02:33:25.750 --> 02:33:28.110 because one of them is vacant. 02:33:28.110 --> 02:33:29.270 They're conjoined buildings, 02:33:29.270 --> 02:33:31.069 so we had to come up with a solution 02:33:31.069 --> 02:33:34.030 to unattach the two buildings 02:33:34.030 --> 02:33:35.889 and also support those structures 02:33:35.889 --> 02:33:37.510 and then come up with remediation 02:33:37.510 --> 02:33:39.389 to make sure the other structures 02:33:39.389 --> 02:33:41.170 would be sound once we're done. 02:33:42.149 --> 02:33:45.850 We are waiting on EPA approval to bid, 02:33:45.850 --> 02:33:47.909 which we believe will be sometime here in June 02:33:47.909 --> 02:33:50.229 and the target would be to have the buildings down 02:33:50.229 --> 02:33:51.790 before the end of the year. 02:33:51.790 --> 02:33:55.229 It's gonna depend when they give us the green light to go. 02:33:55.229 --> 02:33:57.110 All of our funding is still in place. 02:33:57.110 --> 02:33:59.069 We haven't drawn any of the funding yet 02:33:59.069 --> 02:34:01.690 because you have to complete the project to draw it. 02:34:01.690 --> 02:34:03.750 Once we are awarded, I believe we have four years 02:34:03.750 --> 02:34:05.829 to complete the project. 02:34:05.829 --> 02:34:09.129 Please know that one of the largest difficult issues 02:34:09.129 --> 02:34:11.690 that we have right now is the building 02:34:11.690 --> 02:34:13.649 that is conjoined to the dry cleaners. 02:34:13.649 --> 02:34:17.850 The roof caved in about a year and a half ago at least. 02:34:17.850 --> 02:34:20.770 And so it's very dangerous to access the building. 02:34:20.770 --> 02:34:22.610 It's very dangerous to come up with a plan 02:34:22.610 --> 02:34:25.649 to try to get it down and not destroy the rest of downtown 02:34:25.649 --> 02:34:26.690 while we're doing it. 02:34:26.690 --> 02:34:28.049 There's just not a lot of space there. 02:34:28.049 --> 02:34:31.409 so please be patient, you'll see it bid, 02:34:31.409 --> 02:34:33.969 the finances are still there for it 02:34:33.969 --> 02:34:37.649 and we hope to have it at least completely demolish 02:34:37.649 --> 02:34:39.250 before the end of the year. 02:34:39.250 --> 02:34:40.409 Thank you. 02:34:40.409 --> 02:34:43.450 Item number 28 is discussion on how a quorum 02:34:43.450 --> 02:34:45.930 was established for the May 19th council meeting, 02:34:45.930 --> 02:34:47.649 Alderman Sanders. 02:34:47.649 --> 02:34:52.649 Yes, I'm misunderstanding our protocol 02:34:52.649 --> 02:35:08.090 I understand that the protocol of how we conduct the order of our council chamber meetings 02:35:08.090 --> 02:35:15.969 that includes the mayor, attorney, and everybody that's in the process with the protocol of 02:35:15.969 --> 02:35:17.930 the courtroom. 02:35:17.930 --> 02:35:28.450 I want to know is this consistent with how we do things when it comes to call rooms and 02:35:28.450 --> 02:35:40.049 have we changed our protocol or our ways of doing things for accidental for second roll 02:35:40.049 --> 02:35:47.909 call and my question is when the first roll call took place why was it necessary to have 02:35:47.909 --> 02:35:55.430 We have a second roll call, someone needs to explain that one to me because with the 02:35:55.430 --> 02:36:04.030 first roll call, business has been, the process has been started. 02:36:04.030 --> 02:36:14.850 When was the first roll call canceled and was it terminated or was it erased or excluded 02:36:14.850 --> 02:36:17.030 in order for us to have a second roll call? 02:36:17.030 --> 02:36:23.989 So I'm trying to figure out how that we establish the protocol for roll calling and then end 02:36:23.989 --> 02:36:30.110 up with two sessions of roll calls to have to conduct any kind of meeting. 02:36:30.110 --> 02:36:38.350 So give me the understanding and I'm quite sure the public wants to know are we consistent 02:36:38.350 --> 02:36:45.270 with what we're doing when it comes to roll call and when you have a quorum put in place 02:36:45.270 --> 02:36:48.430 at the very first roll call. 02:36:49.389 --> 02:36:50.870 If there's no call room, 02:36:52.170 --> 02:36:55.170 then there shouldn't have been a second roll call. 02:36:55.170 --> 02:36:59.649 That's my thought on that and that's my opinion on that. 02:37:00.909 --> 02:37:04.049 The people of this community will like to know 02:37:04.049 --> 02:37:07.889 how do you stage a second roll call 02:37:07.889 --> 02:37:11.610 when the first one should have been sufficient? 02:37:11.610 --> 02:37:16.190 The first roll call is how we work the process 02:37:16.190 --> 02:37:20.389 and how we conduct the council meetings 02:37:20.389 --> 02:37:21.989 and things of this nature. 02:37:21.989 --> 02:37:25.149 The first roll call explained everything 02:37:25.149 --> 02:37:28.829 of what is supposed to happen at that point. 02:37:28.829 --> 02:37:31.110 And so I'm just trying to figure out 02:37:31.110 --> 02:37:35.069 how is it that we end up conducting a second roll call 02:37:35.069 --> 02:37:36.909 without an explanation. 02:37:36.909 --> 02:37:37.750 Sure. 02:37:37.750 --> 02:37:40.930 So the first roll call was a standard roll call, 02:37:40.930 --> 02:37:43.809 the number of aldermen that were called, 02:37:43.809 --> 02:37:45.370 there were five aldermen roll call. 02:37:45.370 --> 02:37:47.649 What the difference with the second roll call is 02:37:47.649 --> 02:37:51.770 that because on inauguration day, traditionally then, 02:37:51.770 --> 02:37:55.049 anytime once the new aldermen or the elected aldermen, 02:37:55.049 --> 02:37:57.690 the newly elected aldermen, and they might be the same people, 02:37:57.690 --> 02:37:59.649 then they're traditionally after they're seated, 02:37:59.649 --> 02:38:02.690 you would do a roll call again to take a roll 02:38:02.690 --> 02:38:06.530 as to those newly elected aldermen. 02:38:06.530 --> 02:38:10.809 So when you were seated, there was a second roll call 02:38:10.809 --> 02:38:15.969 also when you when the outgoing aldermen left their seat and you came and sat in 02:38:15.969 --> 02:38:19.770 your seat then there was another roll call taken where they called your name 02:38:19.770 --> 02:38:24.889 but so that's all in the same thing yeah but the one thing you're forgetting that 02:38:24.889 --> 02:38:29.889 there was not an established quorum to even do a second roll call and that's 02:38:29.889 --> 02:38:35.250 what you keep omitting and I can explain that I like to hear you put that on the 02:38:35.250 --> 02:38:43.129 and the record that you did that, because for what reason that you injected a second 02:38:43.129 --> 02:38:54.930 roll call when the courtroom was not a business process when it should have been canceled 02:38:54.930 --> 02:39:02.170 or made it invalid to have any other business before the council in order to establish a 02:39:02.170 --> 02:39:04.250 second roll call. 02:39:04.250 --> 02:39:10.889 So earlier in the day, on that Monday, the city council was, or not the city council, 02:39:10.889 --> 02:39:15.290 the city, the city manager was made aware through the media that there might not be 02:39:15.290 --> 02:39:19.770 enough other people to conduct the meeting, that there might be people, the media had 02:39:19.770 --> 02:39:20.770 heard that. 02:39:20.770 --> 02:39:21.770 Are you kidding me? 02:39:21.770 --> 02:39:24.649 No, that's what the, that's what the media told the city. 02:39:24.649 --> 02:39:25.969 That's what someone said. 02:39:25.969 --> 02:39:29.170 Correct, that there might not be enough people for a quorum. 02:39:29.170 --> 02:39:30.010 and then it on here. 02:39:30.010 --> 02:39:37.440 for a quorum. Well certainly that's what ended up happening. So based off of that 02:39:37.440 --> 02:39:43.040 information Alderman Johnson was sworn in ahead of time. There's no obligation 02:39:43.040 --> 02:39:47.200 that the swearing-in of an older person has to be done during a meeting there. So 02:39:47.200 --> 02:39:50.680 it can take place before because the ceremony is ceremonial. The swearing-in 02:39:50.680 --> 02:39:56.200 is ceremonial. It can take place outside. So that was done. That's very 02:39:56.200 --> 02:39:58.200 Johnson, David, and Tom, John, and the attorney general. 02:39:59.100 --> 02:40:01.100 That's the way it is. 02:40:03.440 --> 02:40:05.139 I think the attorney general's finding is very unacceptable, 02:40:05.139 --> 02:40:07.139 and you know that. 02:40:08.260 --> 02:40:10.579 Well, the attorney general would choose to say that it was 02:40:10.579 --> 02:40:12.579 perfectly fine. Well, if you don't have a quorum, 02:40:13.760 --> 02:40:15.760 the attorney general won't say that. 02:40:17.219 --> 02:40:18.680 I'm almost sure of it, and you can't put words in the attorney 02:40:18.680 --> 02:40:20.680 general's mouth. 02:40:23.399 --> 02:40:25.399 I think you'll find that. 02:40:26.200 --> 02:40:30.000 Yeah, but it's the establishment of the findings 02:40:30.000 --> 02:40:32.459 of this council. 02:40:32.459 --> 02:40:37.459 The attorney general does not conduct business 02:40:38.000 --> 02:40:41.639 for this county and the council. 02:40:41.639 --> 02:40:43.000 They don't do that. 02:40:43.000 --> 02:40:45.040 And so in order for that to happen, 02:40:45.040 --> 02:40:48.840 it's all within our structure 02:40:48.840 --> 02:40:51.159 that that shouldn't have happened 02:40:51.159 --> 02:40:55.200 because a second, 02:40:57.610 --> 02:41:03.969 Meading or second quorum shouldn't have never taken place when the first one had taken was was not 02:41:04.850 --> 02:41:09.969 Business orientated then the second the first one should be that it should be 02:41:11.290 --> 02:41:13.290 dissolved at that point and 02:41:13.530 --> 02:41:17.409 And whatever you did and this this does not change anything 02:41:18.090 --> 02:41:20.170 What this with the with the city? 02:41:20.690 --> 02:41:25.969 What the general attorney was saying that doesn't change anything because we set the 02:41:25.969 --> 02:41:55.969 Fowler, John, John, John, John, John, John, 02:41:55.969 --> 02:42:01.950 Hall, Norr, the Mayor, determines that it's already set in stone, and this is the consistent, 02:42:01.950 --> 02:42:06.610 this is the practice that we've been practicing since the two years that I've been here. 02:42:06.610 --> 02:42:11.829 And Alderman Sanders, we followed the exact same process, okay? Because at the end of 02:42:11.829 --> 02:42:15.850 the day, at the beginning of the meeting, the clerk took the role of the aldermen that 02:42:15.850 --> 02:42:19.850 were elected. And there were five aldermen who had been elected and sworn in present, 02:42:19.850 --> 02:42:21.170 so that constituted a quorum. 02:42:21.170 --> 02:42:27.649 there was no there was there shouldn't have been an election because the courtroom was dissolved okay so 02:42:27.649 --> 02:42:36.690 by the findings of the attorney general that is that is the final so alderman klem so the reason 02:42:36.690 --> 02:42:41.889 that three people didn't show up so we couldn't do business didn't make that doesn't have your 02:42:41.889 --> 02:42:48.610 accusation and your condescending remarks may be condescending which is true it makes a third time 02:42:48.610 --> 02:42:54.290 but you party your agreement nobody asked you for your opinion i don't care you don't you don't 02:42:54.290 --> 02:43:01.090 insult people alderman clam has the floor yeah well since i've been in alderman this time the same 02:43:01.090 --> 02:43:07.969 day that you were sworn in you guys please stop interrupting completely abandoned meetings three 02:43:07.969 --> 02:43:15.329 times is that good for this that accusation what's that i resent that accusation you can 02:43:15.329 --> 02:43:16.329 Fowler. 02:43:16.329 --> 02:43:17.329 You can resent it all you want. 02:43:17.329 --> 02:43:18.329 But you weren't here. 02:43:18.329 --> 02:43:19.329 Plus, it's not true. 02:43:19.329 --> 02:43:20.329 It is true. 02:43:20.329 --> 02:43:21.329 Yeah. 02:43:21.329 --> 02:43:22.329 You make it sound like it's a fact. 02:43:22.329 --> 02:43:24.049 How about the special meeting we had where none of you showed? 02:43:24.049 --> 02:43:25.049 How about that? 02:43:25.049 --> 02:43:26.049 Okay. 02:43:26.049 --> 02:43:27.049 You know, we're not here for the hell of it. 02:43:27.049 --> 02:43:28.049 We're trying to fix roads. 02:43:28.049 --> 02:43:29.049 We're trying to do stuff. 02:43:29.049 --> 02:43:30.049 Are you the judge and the prosecutor? 02:43:30.049 --> 02:43:31.049 Why don't you shut up? 02:43:31.049 --> 02:43:32.049 Okay. 02:43:32.049 --> 02:43:33.049 Okay. 02:43:33.049 --> 02:43:34.049 Why don't you shut up? 02:43:34.049 --> 02:43:35.049 Okay. 02:43:35.049 --> 02:43:36.049 Why don't you shut up? 02:43:36.049 --> 02:43:37.049 This is becoming out of order. 02:43:37.049 --> 02:43:38.049 This is out of order. 02:43:38.049 --> 02:43:41.329 You're not the prosecutor nor the judge. 02:43:41.329 --> 02:43:42.450 All right. 02:43:42.450 --> 02:43:43.450 We need to... 02:43:43.450 --> 02:43:44.450 Everyone will be dismissed. 02:43:44.450 --> 02:43:48.370 Miss, we'll have a meeting adjourned if we're going to continue to act like children. 02:43:48.370 --> 02:43:51.370 Alderman Shadle, would you like to say something? 02:43:51.370 --> 02:43:57.610 I just would like to read from the correspondence from the office of the Attorney General Kwame 02:43:57.610 --> 02:43:58.610 Raul. 02:43:58.610 --> 02:43:59.610 Same thing. 02:43:59.610 --> 02:44:06.250 Dated May 30th, 2025, in the finding letter signed by Katie Goldsmith, Assistant Attorney 02:44:06.250 --> 02:44:13.729 General, that even if the newly elected Alderperson Johnson did not count towards a quorum at 02:44:13.729 --> 02:44:18.149 the first roll call, however, the four other older persons 02:44:18.149 --> 02:44:21.770 and the mayor comprised a quorum. 02:44:21.770 --> 02:44:25.290 Because a quorum of the members of the council were present 02:44:25.290 --> 02:44:27.569 and answered the roll call during the meeting, 02:44:27.569 --> 02:44:30.610 this office has determined that no further action 02:44:30.610 --> 02:44:35.389 is warranted with respect to your allegation. 02:44:35.389 --> 02:44:37.950 This letter serves to close this file. 02:44:37.950 --> 02:44:40.510 If you have any questions, please contact me 02:44:40.510 --> 02:44:42.569 at the Chicago address at the bottom. 02:44:43.729 --> 02:44:48.409 Okay, this discussion is final. We'll move on to department heads. Finance? 02:44:50.409 --> 02:44:53.889 Community development? Nothing tonight, Madam Mayor. Public Works? 02:44:58.270 --> 02:45:00.270 Nothing tonight. Thank you. Fire? 02:45:00.790 --> 02:45:05.629 Nothing as well from fire. Thank you. Police? I have no report tonight. Library? 02:45:06.989 --> 02:45:10.069 All right, let's end this on a little bit of a positive note. 02:45:10.069 --> 02:45:11.069 Huffines. 02:45:11.069 --> 02:45:16.969 Summer reading kickoff is Monday, June 9th at 1 p.m. 02:45:16.969 --> 02:45:23.450 You can sign up for summer reading and we'll have crafts, tattoos, touch a truck, and games. 02:45:23.450 --> 02:45:28.850 This year we're also hosting a drop in craft for teens and adults to celebrate our kickoff. 02:45:28.850 --> 02:45:34.250 The drop in and make some yarn fringe art between 3 and 7 p.m. 02:45:34.250 --> 02:45:38.629 And all families unable to attend kickoff events are welcome to come in and sign up 02:45:38.629 --> 02:45:43.350 for summer reading anytime. We are open starting Monday, June 9th at 3 p.m. 02:45:45.350 --> 02:45:52.870 Thank you. IT? City Manager? Nothing tonight. 02:45:52.870 --> 02:45:58.709 I just have two things. I'm sure everyone here is familiar with the Yield Program. The Yield 02:45:58.709 --> 02:46:03.989 Program is a 14-week training that helps prepare individuals for building trades. 02:46:03.989 --> 02:46:09.829 Huffines. They are in the process of getting ready for their next round, which starts June 02:46:09.829 --> 02:46:15.469 9th. And so if you are age 18 or older and have a high school diploma or a GED, you are 02:46:15.469 --> 02:46:23.190 eligible. It gives classroom training on the job pay. It has supporting services in case 02:46:23.190 --> 02:46:27.909 you need them for transportation or childcare. And it also gives you the assistance in helping 02:46:27.909 --> 02:46:31.670 to find full-time work after the training is done. If it's something you would like 02:46:31.670 --> 02:46:35.049 to be a part of, please contact the Boys and Girls Club. 02:46:35.049 --> 02:46:38.190 Also on Saturday, please mark your calendars 02:46:38.190 --> 02:46:43.389 for the High Hope event for the Peace March. 02:46:43.389 --> 02:46:47.190 It is called End the Cycle, Stop Community Violence. 02:46:47.190 --> 02:46:50.590 It is to stand in unity for the Memorial Peace 02:46:50.590 --> 02:46:54.510 March again on Saturday, which starts at 11 o'clock 02:46:54.510 --> 02:46:56.590 at the Madonna Renewal Center, which 02:46:56.590 --> 02:46:59.930 is near the intersection of Walnut and Empire. 02:46:59.930 --> 02:47:00.930 Miller. 02:47:00.930 --> 02:47:03.729 So if you'd like to join with that, you are welcome to do so. 02:47:03.729 --> 02:47:04.729 With that, Alderman Klemm? 02:47:04.729 --> 02:47:05.729 Nothing, Your Honor. 02:47:05.729 --> 02:47:06.729 Alderman Johnson? 02:47:06.729 --> 02:47:07.729 Yes. 02:47:07.729 --> 02:47:12.969 I'd just like the people in Ward 2 to know that the flushing of the water mains in our 02:47:12.969 --> 02:47:20.450 ward started today with Laurel Street, Revere, Concord, Park Crest, Middlebury, Alamo, Bedford, 02:47:20.450 --> 02:47:22.649 Greenfield, and Sheffield. 02:47:22.649 --> 02:47:29.670 and also last week there was mention of some rust in water when people turned, a person 02:47:29.670 --> 02:47:32.590 turned on their faucet. 02:47:32.590 --> 02:47:36.989 That bothered me because I remember as a kid my grandma had terrible rust in her water 02:47:36.989 --> 02:47:41.170 and she'd put Kool-Aid in it and we'd still drink it and it still tasted terrible. 02:47:41.170 --> 02:47:46.809 So anyway, so I did ask some questions about that wanting to know what we could do about 02:47:46.809 --> 02:47:47.809 rust in the water. 02:47:47.809 --> 02:47:54.329 Miller, I talked with Manager Boyer, and he said with the new well, there's a lot of things 02:47:54.329 --> 02:47:59.309 in there that will remove the rust and iron from the majority of the water in the city. 02:47:59.309 --> 02:48:05.290 And I also talked with Darren Steekle. So Darren, would you please reiterate what causes 02:48:05.290 --> 02:48:11.450 rust in water and some things that people can do at home to help, help so the water 02:48:11.450 --> 02:48:14.530 doesn't taste so bad or what they can do for the rust? 02:48:14.530 --> 02:48:21.729 Miller. So there's lots of items that cause rust and water. One of the items is piping 02:48:21.729 --> 02:48:27.690 has what's called biofilm in it. A lot of our older pipe is made of ductile iron or 02:48:27.690 --> 02:48:33.649 cast iron, which creates a kind of a rusty biofilm on the insides of the pipes. That's 02:48:33.649 --> 02:48:39.629 why we do annual flushing programs to flush that out of the mains. You can see right now 02:48:39.629 --> 02:48:42.989 if we get a large fire, we can stir it up 02:48:42.989 --> 02:48:45.270 by shifting the way water flows through the pipes. 02:48:45.270 --> 02:48:46.409 We kind of scour it. 02:48:47.469 --> 02:48:52.469 Residents, we actually, I believe, put a tutorial 02:48:52.829 --> 02:48:55.350 on the city's website today on what residents can do 02:48:55.350 --> 02:48:57.350 to be active at their houses. 02:48:57.350 --> 02:48:59.629 Generally speaking, you want to flush the water 02:48:59.629 --> 02:49:01.389 at your house through a tub faucet 02:49:01.389 --> 02:49:02.950 or the lowest faucet in your house 02:49:02.950 --> 02:49:05.709 that doesn't have an aerator on it for a few minutes. 02:49:05.709 --> 02:49:08.110 And that usually flushes your pipe out. 02:49:08.110 --> 02:49:09.829 you are kind of the end point source 02:49:09.829 --> 02:49:11.930 so it can push into the houses. 02:49:12.930 --> 02:49:15.510 Lower users can actually be more susceptible. 02:49:15.510 --> 02:49:17.549 Elderly people that don't use as much water 02:49:17.549 --> 02:49:19.870 don't have as many kids using water. 02:49:20.829 --> 02:49:22.729 If you want to be more vigilant, 02:49:24.129 --> 02:49:28.209 there's Brita pictures that you can purchase at Walmart or. 02:49:28.209 --> 02:49:30.500 that you can purchase at Walmart or a farm and fleet 02:49:30.500 --> 02:49:33.399 here in town that remove lots of constituents. 02:49:33.399 --> 02:49:34.479 It's not necessary. 02:49:34.479 --> 02:49:35.700 Our water is safe to drink, 02:49:35.700 --> 02:49:37.680 but if you feel that you need that, 02:49:38.639 --> 02:49:40.159 please move forward with that. 02:49:45.000 --> 02:49:46.879 Some of the rust that gets stirred up 02:49:46.879 --> 02:49:49.739 is actually from the residential piping in your house, 02:49:49.739 --> 02:49:51.760 especially if you have an older home. 02:49:51.760 --> 02:49:55.559 The city is not responsible for residential piping, 02:49:55.559 --> 02:49:57.739 but we also help people investigate that. 02:49:57.739 --> 02:50:00.459 So if you have rusty water calls, 02:50:00.459 --> 02:50:05.459 please go to 815-235-8210 Public Works 02:50:05.459 --> 02:50:08.059 and our utility superintendent will follow up with you 02:50:08.059 --> 02:50:09.860 or environmental compliance officer 02:50:09.860 --> 02:50:12.819 and help you figure out whether it's city water 02:50:12.819 --> 02:50:14.579 or if it's actually your piping 02:50:14.579 --> 02:50:17.620 and we can do some testing, water testing 02:50:17.620 --> 02:50:19.459 like we do daily to figure that out. 02:50:21.700 --> 02:50:24.219 I think that's about everything you asked me. 02:50:24.219 --> 02:50:29.180 Okay, and then I just have something for Wendy to give to her. 02:50:29.180 --> 02:50:31.379 She mentioned somebody that does have problems 02:50:31.379 --> 02:50:33.860 with their water, and I don't have a lot of money. 02:50:33.860 --> 02:50:36.700 I'm on a fixed income like a lot of other people, 02:50:36.700 --> 02:50:39.420 but if you can do something good for someone, 02:50:39.420 --> 02:50:40.620 you need to do it. 02:50:40.620 --> 02:50:41.940 So I'm just gonna give her this. 02:50:41.940 --> 02:50:45.120 She can give it to whoever she feels that needs it. 02:50:45.120 --> 02:50:48.620 Right. 02:50:48.620 --> 02:50:52.600 One last thing. 02:50:52.600 --> 02:50:55.319 So one thing I'd like to mention, 02:50:55.319 --> 02:50:56.959 regardless to what Linda said, 02:50:56.959 --> 02:50:59.000 So she asked me for a figure today 02:50:59.000 --> 02:51:01.920 about how much older piping that we have 02:51:01.920 --> 02:51:03.079 still within the system. 02:51:03.079 --> 02:51:05.920 And the city of Freeport still has about 81 miles 02:51:05.920 --> 02:51:09.159 of water main that was installed before 1970. 02:51:09.159 --> 02:51:11.200 And about 45 miles of that was installed 02:51:11.200 --> 02:51:16.680 before 1930 that's still in service. 02:51:16.680 --> 02:51:21.379 Oldham and Simmons. 02:51:21.379 --> 02:51:22.500 I'm gonna say something. 02:51:22.500 --> 02:51:25.500 So I spoke more this evening 02:51:25.500 --> 02:51:28.159 than I have pretty much since I've been here. 02:51:28.159 --> 02:51:31.940 But hopefully you all see what is going on. 02:51:31.940 --> 02:51:34.059 the Selective Enforcement of Ordinances. 02:51:34.059 --> 02:51:35.579 We had our Alderman just swear 02:51:35.579 --> 02:51:37.620 and yell at another Alder person 02:51:37.620 --> 02:51:42.620 and there was nothing done until Alderman Sanders replied. 02:51:43.399 --> 02:51:48.399 The way we handle this y'all is we get out and vote. 02:51:48.639 --> 02:51:51.239 Please do that in the upcoming elections. 02:51:51.239 --> 02:51:53.739 You have plenty of time to go register 02:51:53.739 --> 02:51:56.260 to research candidates you are interested in 02:51:56.260 --> 02:51:58.340 but please exercise that right 02:51:58.340 --> 02:52:01.120 because as you see here in these chambers 02:52:01.120 --> 02:52:03.459 what you want does not matter. 02:52:04.760 --> 02:52:05.600 Alderman Parker. 02:52:08.809 --> 02:52:10.770 Where does that March start on Saturday? 02:52:10.770 --> 02:52:13.290 At the Madonna and renewal on Walnut. 02:52:13.290 --> 02:52:14.250 Okay, thank you. 02:52:14.250 --> 02:52:15.370 I have nothing else. 02:52:15.370 --> 02:52:16.209 Alderman Shadle. 02:52:17.209 --> 02:52:21.250 Just wanna mention that we're gonna move 02:52:21.250 --> 02:52:23.610 the July neighborhood watch meeting 02:52:23.610 --> 02:52:28.010 from the third being adjacent to the holiday. 02:52:28.010 --> 02:52:32.889 We're gonna move it to Thursday, July 10th. 02:52:32.889 --> 02:52:37.809 and I'll mention that again at the second council meeting this month. 02:52:37.809 --> 02:52:38.809 Oldman Sanders? 02:52:38.809 --> 02:52:49.090 Yeah, I'd like to make a suggestion to our public water works director that we start 02:52:49.090 --> 02:52:55.090 a campaign, because I like what you were saying, that I think every citizen in the city of 02:52:55.090 --> 02:53:03.090 Freeport. We'd love to get on board with this water rehabilitation systems for the residents. 02:53:03.090 --> 02:53:09.489 As far as the inspection is concerned or replacement of water services and things of that nature, 02:53:09.489 --> 02:53:16.090 we should start a campaign throughout the city because if there had been any problems 02:53:16.090 --> 02:53:22.750 at any point in time where the people of the residents don't have the proper filters to 02:53:22.750 --> 02:53:27.889 To determine whether or not they're getting any kind of rust contaminants or whatever 02:53:27.889 --> 02:53:36.030 the case may be, impurity or whatever, we should start a campaign to do an overview 02:53:36.030 --> 02:53:43.270 of assessment of our city water services to the residents' homes and things of this nature. 02:53:43.270 --> 02:53:50.270 I know we do testing. I know we can do that to make some kind of analysis about what the 02:53:50.270 --> 02:53:53.190 and the standards of their water quality is. 02:53:53.190 --> 02:53:56.350 And the investment that you're referring to far 02:53:56.350 --> 02:53:59.629 is water filters attaching to their service. 02:53:59.629 --> 02:54:04.030 It's a big deal to some folks who don't understand 02:54:04.030 --> 02:54:06.690 what is happening and why they should purchase one. 02:54:07.709 --> 02:54:10.149 They should get one regardless. 02:54:10.149 --> 02:54:12.850 It doesn't matter whether it's for protection 02:54:12.850 --> 02:54:15.430 from the water that we're receiving, 02:54:15.430 --> 02:54:17.670 we should get one regardless. 02:54:17.670 --> 02:54:21.829 and I think we should project that image out to the residents 02:54:21.829 --> 02:54:25.909 that no matter how clean you think your water is, 02:54:25.909 --> 02:54:29.270 I think we should be, what I'm saying, 02:54:29.270 --> 02:54:34.270 advertising water filters for homes 02:54:35.069 --> 02:54:37.790 or we start a campaign for water filters for home 02:54:37.790 --> 02:54:39.590 for the public residents. 02:54:39.590 --> 02:54:44.590 And I think once they are educated and knowledgeable 02:54:44.590 --> 02:54:53.190 Boyer about why it is, then we're not incompetent, it's just the fact that the knowledge is not 02:54:53.190 --> 02:54:55.510 getting out there, the notifications. 02:54:55.510 --> 02:55:00.909 I know we do what's it called, boil orders and things of this nature, but we don't give 02:55:00.909 --> 02:55:07.049 them solutions on what we can, additional solutions on how to protect themselves or 02:55:07.049 --> 02:55:11.950 even the fact that we have to do boil orders and things of this nature. 02:55:11.950 --> 02:55:17.750 So, I just wanted to put that out there because I thought that was a great thing to do, you 02:55:17.750 --> 02:55:18.750 know. 02:55:18.750 --> 02:55:30.309 And so, I hope our citizens take that notice that you made in regards to their own lives 02:55:30.309 --> 02:55:31.469 and things of this nature. 02:55:31.469 --> 02:55:32.469 So, that's all. 02:55:32.469 --> 02:55:33.469 All of them Sellers? 02:55:33.469 --> 02:55:34.469 Nothing. 02:55:34.469 --> 02:55:36.709 We'll move on to public comments. 02:55:36.709 --> 02:55:44.079 Are there any public comments this evening? 02:55:44.079 --> 02:55:47.739 I'd like to set the record straight on Don Parker. 02:55:47.739 --> 02:55:51.000 I've known Don for almost 50 years, 02:55:51.000 --> 02:55:53.959 and I'd like to just tell the truth 02:55:53.959 --> 02:55:56.079 about what kind of man he is. 02:55:56.079 --> 02:55:57.159 I respect him. 02:55:57.159 --> 02:55:59.760 He has a life of service. 02:55:59.760 --> 02:56:02.120 He started out young age. 02:56:02.120 --> 02:56:04.319 He served in the Air Force. 02:56:04.319 --> 02:56:08.479 And after that, he wanted to protect Freeport. 02:56:08.479 --> 02:56:12.079 He became a law enforcement officer. 02:56:12.079 --> 02:56:18.540 He also has been Chief of Police, which carried a lot of responsibility. 02:56:18.540 --> 02:56:25.100 After that, he became a member of the County Board, and I guess that's when I really got 02:56:25.100 --> 02:56:26.260 to know you. 02:56:26.260 --> 02:56:33.280 You know, he went to I don't know how many meetings to better Stevenson County, and now 02:56:33.280 --> 02:56:36.659 here he is serving in the City Council. 02:56:36.659 --> 02:56:46.340 He's spent a lifetime of service to protect our country and also to make Freeport a better 02:56:46.340 --> 02:56:47.340 community. 02:56:47.340 --> 02:56:56.829 So I give the applause to you and anybody who thinks otherwise, then they need to ask 02:56:56.829 --> 02:56:57.829 him. 02:56:57.829 --> 02:56:58.829 It's wrong. 02:56:58.829 --> 02:56:59.829 Could you please state your name? 02:56:59.829 --> 02:57:01.069 My name is Debbie Leininger. 02:57:01.069 --> 02:57:03.829 I live at 1980 Woodside Drive. 02:57:03.829 --> 02:57:05.670 I have one other comment. 02:57:05.670 --> 02:57:12.229 I've never witnessed until this past couple years the attacks, the disrespect that has 02:57:12.229 --> 02:57:20.030 gone on in this city council towards our mayor, towards our city council to Rob Boyer, city 02:57:20.030 --> 02:57:29.350 members, council members, and a lot of these lies, insinuations that people are doing things 02:57:29.350 --> 02:57:31.069 illegally. 02:57:31.069 --> 02:57:32.950 This is wrong. 02:57:32.950 --> 02:57:41.110 and our community should be one of brotherly love, it has always been that way until recently 02:57:41.110 --> 02:57:45.829 and now there's this division and discord. 02:57:45.829 --> 02:57:52.909 And so I pray, this is a sincere prayer in my heart that things will change, that people 02:57:52.909 --> 02:57:59.989 will respect one another, that they'll operate in love and in truth and we'd become a better 02:57:59.989 --> 02:58:02.469 community for that. 02:58:02.469 --> 02:58:10.190 from I noticed by looking at YouTube looking at YouTube that the people who 02:58:10.190 --> 02:58:16.030 are viewing this it's gone way up used to be a few people but now it's way up and 02:58:16.030 --> 02:58:24.379 I think it's because of the behavior of City Council members towards one another 02:58:24.379 --> 02:58:41.100 another another public comment good evening my name is Cheryl Altman my 02:58:41.100 --> 02:58:46.739 My first thing is the trees. Hiring somebody to cut the trees down. Seventy-three thousand 02:58:46.739 --> 02:58:51.500 dollars when we have our own forestry department. Why are they not doing it? Seventy-three thousand 02:58:51.500 --> 02:58:54.940 dollars if we're going to the roads, going to the lights, but no, we're going to pay 02:58:54.940 --> 02:59:00.620 somebody else. Next thing you say, the water's safe. Why did I get a thing in the mail saying 02:59:00.620 --> 02:59:06.020 all the symptoms that the drink in the water free park could do? Low birth weight, cancer, 02:59:06.020 --> 02:59:08.620 That's real safe to me. 02:59:08.620 --> 02:59:16.979 Also I want to thank the Aldermen who are standing out there, standing up for what they believe. 02:59:16.979 --> 02:59:19.219 I appreciate that. 02:59:19.219 --> 02:59:25.979 Second, streets, little town of Rydock, less than 150 people in the town of Rydock. 02:59:25.979 --> 02:59:26.659 and 50 people in the town of Rydott. 02:59:26.659 --> 02:59:30.799 But every street and alleyway is blacked out. 02:59:30.799 --> 02:59:33.020 But Freeport's not, and I can guarantee you 02:59:33.020 --> 02:59:34.719 they get more money than Rydott. 02:59:36.159 --> 02:59:40.360 Also, I wanna say, Parker, I don't think 02:59:40.360 --> 02:59:42.319 that was very professional of what you did last week. 02:59:42.319 --> 02:59:44.799 I'm not saying you're not a bad person, 02:59:44.799 --> 02:59:46.860 but what you did was unacceptable. 02:59:46.860 --> 02:59:48.479 I agree. 02:59:48.479 --> 02:59:51.579 But you're not the only old man that has spoke out. 02:59:51.579 --> 02:59:54.299 Joy Seller has too. 02:59:54.299 --> 02:59:55.299 And that's disrespectful. 02:59:55.299 --> 02:59:57.620 When we're up here, this is our public comment. 02:59:57.620 --> 02:59:59.120 That means you listen. 02:59:59.120 --> 03:00:00.360 You don't interrupt us. 03:00:00.360 --> 03:00:02.540 You don't criticize us. 03:00:02.540 --> 03:00:03.540 We're not criticizing you. 03:00:03.540 --> 03:00:09.620 As a matter of fact, I just said, you know, your service was great and I appreciate it. 03:00:09.620 --> 03:00:13.139 And Joy Seller, there were no issues outside the other day at that meeting. 03:00:13.139 --> 03:00:18.340 I don't know what you were on, what you're taking, but there was no issues. 03:00:18.340 --> 03:00:28.340 We were not making a commotion. We're not raising any issues. You must have a guilty conscience. 03:00:28.340 --> 03:00:30.340 Next. 03:00:30.340 --> 03:00:49.639 Paige Kerr, 103 Arbor Drive. I stand before you today out of a deep commitment of our community's integrity and future. 03:00:49.639 --> 03:00:57.639 Our city leadership must be beyond reproach, ensuring that public trust is not only earned, but maintained. 03:00:57.639 --> 03:01:04.639 Currently, we face a troubling overlap of roles in the leadership of the Greater Freeport Partnership and City Council members. 03:01:04.639 --> 03:01:11.639 These dual roles raise significant concerns over conflict of interest and the proper use of public funds. 03:01:11.639 --> 03:01:19.639 When a single individual holds multiple positions, it blurs the lines between public duty and private interest. 03:01:19.639 --> 03:01:24.639 Our community deserves leaders who are fully focused on the welfare of our city. 03:01:24.639 --> 03:01:27.639 Quite frankly, this isn't even about Jodi or Rob. 03:01:27.639 --> 03:01:32.639 This is about preserving the ethical standards of our community. 03:01:32.639 --> 03:01:39.639 So again, I ask that this City Council prioritizes transparency and accountability. 03:01:39.639 --> 03:01:45.639 There needs to be stricter guidelines and oversight, and it's crucial for our future. 03:01:45.639 --> 03:01:51.639 We deserve a City Council where public service is not overshadowed by personal or organizational gain. 03:01:51.639 --> 03:02:00.639 It is all of our civil duty to ensure that our city's future is guided by honesty, integrity, and a true commitment to the public good. 03:02:00.639 --> 03:02:02.639 Thank you. 03:02:02.639 --> 03:02:03.639 Next. 03:02:03.639 --> 03:02:24.600 All right. Good evening. My name is Joshua Atkinson, 717 West Stevenson Street. Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, City Manager, City staff, and the Council. 03:02:24.600 --> 03:02:30.600 First, I mean, Debbie had left, but I wanted to really address her here with this. 03:02:30.600 --> 03:02:35.639 The Alderman Parker, I like Alderman Parker. I've met with him. He was one of 03:02:35.639 --> 03:02:41.319 the few of you that would meet with me a year ago and I've respected him. The 03:02:41.319 --> 03:02:45.319 problem is is she talked about who Alderman Parker was not who Alderman 03:02:45.319 --> 03:02:50.479 Parker right is right now. An Alderman person elected official that would tell a 03:02:50.479 --> 03:02:56.479 constituent standing up here like myself to shut up and get out. Not acceptable. 03:02:56.479 --> 03:03:01.979 and Alderman that would stand sit here earlier at this meeting during public 03:03:01.979 --> 03:03:06.920 comment and laugh in that same constituents face. So let me get on to 03:03:06.920 --> 03:03:12.280 the point here. Thank you. Since the mayor took the opportunity this weekend to 03:03:12.280 --> 03:03:18.379 imply these and those in this city that questioned her on social media, liars and 03:03:18.379 --> 03:03:24.639 troublemakers, I figured you'd prefer me to say the facts to your face and tell 03:03:24.639 --> 03:03:27.579 I want to tell you exactly why your job has gotten harder. 03:03:27.579 --> 03:03:31.319 It's harder because you are accustomed to going unchallenged. 03:03:31.319 --> 03:03:34.100 You've been spoiled, and I'm sorry for that. 03:03:35.799 --> 03:03:37.159 Here's the problem. 03:03:37.159 --> 03:03:39.840 This meeting started out with six members of this community 03:03:39.840 --> 03:03:43.040 trying to talk to you, and they weren't listened to. 03:03:43.040 --> 03:03:46.819 Rather, the mayor joked around with the city attorney. 03:03:48.639 --> 03:03:52.040 Our older person at large played on her phone, 03:03:52.040 --> 03:03:58.639 and Alderman Parker laughed in the face of the constituent. 03:03:58.639 --> 03:04:01.579 Later on, Alderman Klemm smugly asked the city attorney 03:04:01.579 --> 03:04:04.000 to explain how our government works. 03:04:04.000 --> 03:04:04.840 Thank you. 03:04:04.840 --> 03:04:06.399 We all now know that the city council 03:04:06.399 --> 03:04:11.399 is the legislative body and sets policy. 03:04:11.600 --> 03:04:16.280 In that spirit, why is our city attorney 03:04:16.280 --> 03:04:18.040 presenting policy change? 03:04:19.120 --> 03:04:24.120 Alderman Sanders asked who put that item on the agenda? 03:04:25.280 --> 03:04:31.079 never got answered. That's why your job's harder. Ask a simple question. Who put it 03:04:31.079 --> 03:04:43.319 on there? Why aren't we telling the people of Freeport who put it on there? About censoring 03:04:43.319 --> 03:04:48.760 or censoring other older people. Alderman Klemm, it came out later too that, you know, 03:04:48.760 --> 03:04:52.879 he ran his mouth, right? We all run our mouth. We get angry. He broke a council rule, right? 03:04:52.879 --> 03:04:58.600 Are we going to add him to that list for that next meeting? A couple of weeks ago, a month 03:04:58.600 --> 03:04:59.600 Johnson. 03:04:59.600 --> 03:05:16.680 Thank you for reading portions of that letter. 03:05:16.680 --> 03:05:17.680 Thank you. 03:05:17.680 --> 03:05:18.680 Your time has expired. 03:05:18.680 --> 03:05:19.680 That was three minutes. 03:05:19.680 --> 03:05:28.100 So is there any other public comments? 03:05:28.100 --> 03:05:31.420 Wendy Pearson, 1323 South Chicago Avenue. 03:05:31.420 --> 03:05:35.139 I find it ironic that the individual that stood up here 03:05:35.139 --> 03:05:40.510 to praise our former chief of police 03:05:40.510 --> 03:05:44.469 wasn't told three minutes, two minutes, 03:05:44.469 --> 03:05:46.469 she was allowed to continue to talk. 03:05:47.870 --> 03:05:51.350 And he's absolutely right, part of the letter was read. 03:05:51.350 --> 03:05:53.590 They don't want you to hear the other part of it. 03:05:53.590 --> 03:05:56.549 And as far as what she had to say about Parker, 03:05:56.549 --> 03:06:01.549 we, we know how Parker became the chief of police. 03:06:02.670 --> 03:06:13.069 We also know that his indignant comments and his smirking isn't going to change a thing. 03:06:13.069 --> 03:06:20.370 The other thing you need to understand is this, if you censor them and fine them, you won't be able to do it to us. 03:06:20.370 --> 03:06:27.370 And we're going to be standing before the City Council continuously supporting the Oldamans that we have voted in 03:06:27.370 --> 03:06:31.370 and not supporting the mess that's going on up in the City Council. 03:06:31.370 --> 03:06:34.569 and two other things, the justice three. 03:06:34.569 --> 03:06:36.450 The mayor has been sitting on a commission 03:06:36.450 --> 03:06:38.850 for the past three years with other mayors 03:06:38.850 --> 03:06:40.709 in regarding crime. 03:06:41.850 --> 03:06:44.389 The last peace walk that the mayor did 03:06:44.389 --> 03:06:46.329 started at the old Germania, 03:06:46.329 --> 03:06:50.010 went down Adams around Liberty 03:06:50.010 --> 03:06:54.290 towards and past the Raleigh building. 03:06:55.469 --> 03:06:59.930 Day before that, there were shootings on Liberty 03:06:59.930 --> 03:07:03.930 and the 800 block of Carroll. 03:07:03.930 --> 03:07:08.649 Never did this so-called peace walk 03:07:08.649 --> 03:07:11.850 go into the communities where there is actual shootings 03:07:11.850 --> 03:07:13.069 and killings happening. 03:07:14.090 --> 03:07:16.770 This thing is starting on Walnut. 03:07:16.770 --> 03:07:18.870 Have there been shootings on Walnut? 03:07:19.850 --> 03:07:21.229 I don't think so. 03:07:22.450 --> 03:07:26.530 Joke, you're sitting on a commission is a joke 03:07:26.530 --> 03:07:28.889 because everything you've set there for the past three years 03:07:28.889 --> 03:07:30.649 hasn't trickled down to Freeport 03:07:30.649 --> 03:07:32.750 because the shootings are happening. 03:07:32.750 --> 03:07:34.850 People are being murdered. 03:07:34.850 --> 03:07:39.629 Your peace walk is a slap in the face and a joke. 03:07:39.629 --> 03:07:42.250 If it's not going to go into the communities 03:07:42.250 --> 03:07:44.809 where the actual shootings are occurring, 03:07:44.809 --> 03:07:46.889 you're not doing anything. 03:07:46.889 --> 03:07:48.329 As far as Parker is concerned, 03:07:48.329 --> 03:07:51.469 Parker had a whole day gone police department behind him. 03:07:52.370 --> 03:07:56.090 I had me and five possible six neighbors 03:07:56.090 --> 03:07:59.690 to shut down drug houses, to stop shootings, 03:07:59.690 --> 03:08:01.690 to do walks in our community. 03:08:01.690 --> 03:08:04.809 Those of you that are sitting at this city council, 03:08:04.809 --> 03:08:08.530 half of you have never stepped foot in the area 03:08:08.530 --> 03:08:10.530 where there are shootings and murders. 03:08:10.530 --> 03:08:14.370 The mayor has never ever came to a bloom release 03:08:14.370 --> 03:08:18.649 when a child 13 years old was murdered or anybody else. 03:08:18.649 --> 03:08:22.069 The only emotional person that has something to say 03:08:22.069 --> 03:08:24.489 about murders in our community was Summers 03:08:24.489 --> 03:08:29.209 and the reason that Somers had something to say and the reason that he was so emotional 03:08:29.209 --> 03:08:34.409 is because the person that was murdered was his friend on the basketball court. 03:08:34.409 --> 03:08:39.729 Please refrain and for the record, every public comment gets three minutes. 03:08:39.729 --> 03:08:42.290 Don't know where your thought is on it, too. 03:08:42.290 --> 03:08:44.569 Is there any other public comments this evening? 03:08:44.569 --> 03:08:45.569 Tommy. 03:08:45.569 --> 03:08:49.370 Watch my clock, watch yours. 03:08:49.370 --> 03:08:52.329 My birthday was today. 03:08:52.329 --> 03:09:10.780 Happy birthday, Tommy. 03:09:10.780 --> 03:09:12.379 I'm Alderman Sanders. 03:09:12.379 --> 03:09:20.540 As you guys may know, I just want to make a couple of points and to learn so we can stand 03:09:20.540 --> 03:09:23.979 before you, and try to educate those. 03:09:23.979 --> 03:09:27.709 try to educate those that have not truly understand the parliamentary of the 03:09:28.590 --> 03:09:36.450 council and the government within itself. I say I know you're going to listen to me very tentatively, but the inconsistencies, the 03:09:37.370 --> 03:09:42.569 inconsistencies of our council, and I'm part of that, is that 03:09:47.489 --> 03:09:49.090 the 03:09:49.090 --> 03:09:50.530 involvement in 03:09:50.530 --> 03:09:52.329 siding with 03:09:52.329 --> 03:09:55.010 the populace of this community 03:09:55.850 --> 03:09:59.809 does not trickle down or trickle out of this council. 03:10:00.670 --> 03:10:02.670 Whatever the body 03:10:03.049 --> 03:10:04.750 wants or 03:10:04.750 --> 03:10:06.750 the citizen wants, 03:10:07.309 --> 03:10:14.129 we are not responding to their needs. That's what we're not doing. Just like 03:10:16.090 --> 03:10:18.090 the inconsistencies on 03:10:18.850 --> 03:10:21.049 protocols and 03:10:21.049 --> 03:10:24.870 and Quarums and how we're conducting business. 03:10:24.870 --> 03:10:27.870 There's no inconsistencies here. 03:10:27.870 --> 03:10:32.870 When someone is reading someone else's laws and articles 03:10:35.510 --> 03:10:40.090 and governing does not always apply to Freeport. 03:10:40.090 --> 03:10:40.930 Why? 03:10:40.930 --> 03:10:44.129 Because we have Robert rules or rules. 03:10:44.129 --> 03:10:48.770 We got those in place that helps us to determine 03:10:48.770 --> 03:10:52.770 and I are going to be talking about what our focus is as government electors. 03:10:52.770 --> 03:11:00.770 And so for someone to read something that came out of Chicago to set standards and rules and things of this nature 03:11:00.770 --> 03:11:06.770 on how we should conduct ourselves, this inconsistency on what we're doing, 03:11:06.770 --> 03:11:14.770 because we don't follow those exact rules that was read today that came out of Chicago. 03:11:14.770 --> 03:11:41.770 We don't follow them rules. It's only convenient, when it's convenient to try to apply it over the citizens and the council, try to apply something that has nothing to do with our jurisdiction, nor does it, nor does we follow or implement the rules of this city or the state. 03:11:41.770 --> 03:11:47.850 We do not adhere to those things. We have our own ways of doing things. That's the reason why the 03:11:47.850 --> 03:11:55.690 Robert Rule places orders in place, because that's what we govern ourselves by. But the 03:11:57.290 --> 03:12:08.520 council has lack of integrity to challenge anyone. Your time has expired. Thank you. Yeah. Are there 03:12:08.520 --> 03:12:10.600 Are there any other public comments this evening? 03:12:10.600 --> 03:12:16.290 Please. 03:12:16.290 --> 03:12:19.569 Michelle Swal, 584 Country Court. 03:12:19.569 --> 03:12:22.250 I would just like to say about the Peace March 03:12:22.250 --> 03:12:24.729 that you guys, that they're doing, 03:12:24.729 --> 03:12:27.969 I feel like we're taking it in a wrong way, 03:12:27.969 --> 03:12:30.450 that they just wanna spread it out 03:12:30.450 --> 03:12:33.729 and walk different routes probably in Freeport. 03:12:35.049 --> 03:12:39.049 And as far as also going along with those Peace, 03:12:39.049 --> 03:12:41.409 I think it's called High, or Hope? 03:12:41.409 --> 03:12:42.610 High Hope. 03:12:42.610 --> 03:12:48.010 They had a block party on Frank and Chicago where I think a lot of violence takes place 03:12:48.010 --> 03:12:50.290 if I'm not mistaken. 03:12:50.290 --> 03:12:55.209 And instead of complaining about what they're doing, why don't we try to actively get involved 03:12:55.209 --> 03:12:58.209 to make an impact? 03:12:58.209 --> 03:13:04.250 Because there's a lot of complaining, but there's not a lot of action also in going 03:13:04.250 --> 03:13:05.610 with what they're trying to do. 03:13:05.610 --> 03:13:09.770 They're trying to bring peace to Freeport, to make a stand for Freeport. 03:13:09.770 --> 03:13:17.170 So I went to church on the street and I will tell you that Mayor Jodi was there, Rob was 03:13:17.170 --> 03:13:22.979 there, Linda was there, and Joy Sellers was there. 03:13:22.979 --> 03:13:27.780 So I mean don't say that they don't show up to streets that have problems because they 03:13:27.780 --> 03:13:29.420 were there. 03:13:29.420 --> 03:13:32.120 Thank you. 03:13:32.120 --> 03:13:35.600 Thank you. 03:13:35.600 --> 03:13:38.319 No comments or you'll be ruled out of order. 03:13:38.319 --> 03:13:43.049 Larry, the meeting's not done yet. 03:13:43.049 --> 03:13:44.049 I know that. 03:13:44.049 --> 03:13:45.049 Okay. 03:13:45.049 --> 03:13:46.049 Brown. 03:13:46.049 --> 03:13:47.049 Why are you asking? 03:13:47.049 --> 03:13:48.049 I'm going to the men's room. 03:13:48.049 --> 03:13:49.049 Oh, I thought you were leaving. 03:13:49.049 --> 03:13:50.049 She's got all her stuff. 03:13:50.049 --> 03:13:51.049 That's okay. 03:13:51.049 --> 03:13:52.049 I can take it with me. 03:13:52.049 --> 03:14:03.649 Diane, if you are out of order again, I'm going to have you removed. 03:14:03.649 --> 03:14:06.489 That's your warning, Chief. 03:14:06.489 --> 03:14:10.889 If she does it again, please remove her. 03:14:10.889 --> 03:14:13.930 Could you please restart the clock since I haven't had a chance? 03:14:13.930 --> 03:14:16.989 Thank you. 03:14:16.989 --> 03:14:21.069 I have a question because I need clarification on this quorum issue as well. 03:14:21.069 --> 03:14:26.729 I have read and I saw the letters and I've seen what that says, but I also know that 03:14:26.729 --> 03:14:33.870 our own city ordinances about a quorum do not include the mayor. So what I want to know 03:14:33.870 --> 03:14:41.950 is how is it that a couple hours before all this commotion happened last week, it was 03:14:41.950 --> 03:14:50.569 okay to include you as part of a quorum when our own ordinances don't state that? So I'm 03:14:50.569 --> 03:15:20.569 I'm wondering, do we need to change that ordinance or was it, which one, which one is the one we're supposed to follow because I thought as home rule, you're able to make your own kinds of ordinances to make things flow better and work better within the community, that's how I understand how home rule can work, but it just seemed like it got really convenient when this letter came through to make that difference that now the state is more important 03:15:20.569 --> 03:15:50.569 then what we choose to do with our ordinances under home rule and home rule with our ordinance as it stands the mayor is not named as part of the quorum so I need clarification on that personally that I do not understand and secondly Mr. Shadle I appreciate your willingness to reconsider number 20 tonight you and Mr. Klemm I hope you will reconsider what you do with that because 03:15:50.569 --> 03:15:56.770 and John. I think there is an unfairness that is coming down about that based on what we 03:15:56.770 --> 03:16:02.690 learned tonight about two people and I really do hope that you will reconsider what happens 03:16:02.690 --> 03:16:08.370 with that ordinance. I would hope that we do not have to vote on it, but I don't have 03:16:08.370 --> 03:16:13.329 the power to make that difference. I'm just expressing my opinion and asking you to examine 03:16:13.329 --> 03:16:20.569 and your consciences and your heart about what truly is appropriate when that comes along. 03:16:20.569 --> 03:16:22.530 So I think that's all I have to say. 03:16:22.530 --> 03:16:23.530 Thank you. 03:16:23.530 --> 03:16:26.129 Are there any other public comments? 03:16:26.129 --> 03:16:27.969 I will entertain a motion to adjourn. 03:16:27.969 --> 03:16:28.969 So moved. 03:16:28.969 --> 03:16:29.969 Second. 03:16:29.969 --> 03:16:32.090 Motion made by Sellers, seconded by Shadle. 03:16:32.090 --> 03:16:33.090 All those in favor? 03:16:33.090 --> 03:16:34.090 Aye. 03:16:34.090 --> 03:16:35.090 Aye. 03:16:35.090 --> 03:16:35.690 She's not on.