City Manager, Mayor Jodi, and Council, let us pray.
Holy and righteous Father, we thank you for who you are and welcome the presence of Holy Spirit to move in our midst this evening.
We pray for all things to be done instantly and in order with mutual respect for each one here.
May all speak with kindness and follow your word in Proverbs 15 one which says, A soft answer turns away wrath.
We bind all manner of anger, cursing, and ill will toward each other, and lose.
We release shalom, that is peace, well-being, to make something whole and be complete.
We release shalom, that is peace, wholeness, completeness, with nothing missing or lacking.
May this be so as the business of this city is conducted tonight.
That all treat each other as they themselves desire to be treated and putting others, put others in higher regard than themselves.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Amen.
Thank you, Linda.
I will officially call this meeting to order.
Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?
Mayor Miller?
Here.
Alderpersons, Klemm?
Here.
Monroe?
Here.
Simmons?
Here.
Parker?
Here.
Stacy?
Here.
Settlers.
Could you please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Shadle.
Item number one is the approval of the agenda, however, we will be removing item 16 and 17.
Settlers.
Item number 16, staff has reevaluated and not looking to move forward at this moment.
And item number 17, staff is working through the language and we'll come back at a later date.
Is there approval of the agenda?
So move.
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.
All those in favor signify by saying aye.
Aye.
Opposed?
Okay.
We have seven to one.
Number two is the approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on November 18th, 2024.
Is there a motion to approve?
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, second by Alderman Klemm.
All those in favor signify by saying aye.
Aye.
Opposed?
That motion passes.
Public comments.
We have two signed in.
Ashley Heilman.
I am here this evening to speak with no opposition to the changes presented this evening for Miller.
As we are aware, there was a lot of discussion on this topic last round.
My hope is that you all see that this increases the fines imposed on the owners and also puts a max on the per property per owner.
Again, thanks to the city for allowing us to provide feedback and suggestions for the changes presented.
My hope is going forward to continue to have open dialogue with this registry to help the city as well as the landlords.
With open lines of communication, it can only make things better.
Ask again is to please make sure that this is communicated with all maybe possibly even putting it in the newsletter that comes out in the water bills.
Thank you.
Thank you and Neely Erickson.
Good evening Mayor Miller and thank you for allowing me this moment to address you and honorable council members.
I am here today on behalf of the 1,300,000 members of the Northwest Illinois Alliance of Real Tours and we appreciate the city's ongoing efforts to and the opportunity to provide input throughout this process.
The proposed changes aim to improve compliance and address problem properties, which is the goal we share.
As we discussed back on November 18th, we have no opposition to this ordinance.
The Ordinance Enhances Penalties are designed to focus on problem property owners and penalize their failure to comply.
The fee structure is designed to maximize the penalty and Knapp.
We are pleased to recognize that the property owners are not able to comply with the requirements because according to your ordinance, rental properties must be registered to be lawfully rented.
An unaffordable fee structure could jeopardize tenants' and Mr. Miller.
We have consistently brought forward recommendations to enhance the notification and communication process of the rental registration system.
Effective outreach to property owners is critical in achieving compliance and we hope that the city will implement these suggestions to improve notification and to ensure the success of the program.
We recognize the importance of the City's active enforcement to achieve compliance and appreciate steps like mailing notifications to suspected rental properties.
However, again, consistent follow-up will be essential to bring non-compliant property owners into alignment.
Realtors remain committed to collaborating with the City to ensure the ordinance's effectiveness in notifying our clients at the time that they are at the transaction at the table, for example, and to minimize unintended consequences for compliant housing providers and tenants alike.
Thank you again for this opportunity to provide comments and for your dedication to addressing this important issue.
We look forward to continuing to work together on initiatives that support our community's housing needs and economic vitality.
Thank you.
We can move on to item number four, which is the consent agenda.
The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless there is a member of the council who would like to have something removed for further discussion.
Seeing none, the consent agenda is approving to receive and place on file the CBDG sewer lining grant public hearing minutes from November 18th, 2024, the Greater Freeport Partnership Monthly Report, November 20th, 2024, the finance bills in the total of $5,142,653.42 and payroll for pay period ending November 16th, 2024 in the total of $638,804.98.
Is there a motion to approve?
So moved.
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.
Madam Clerk, Please take the roll.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
Aye.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
Aye.
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
Aye.
And Stacy?
Aye.
The motion passes eight to zero.
Item number five is acknowledgement from the Fraternal Order of Police.
Deputy Chief Davis.
Thank you Madam Mayor.
I'll turn it over to the FOP representatives, Corporal Truckenmiller and Detective Rosestein.
Hey, good evening.
I'm Devon Truckenmiller.
I'm a Corporal, Freeport Police Department.
The reason we're here today is to show our gratitude to the City Council, the Mayor, and the City Manager for the support and approval of our contract starting in January.
The impact this contract will have is immense.
All of your support of the PD has always been felt, but it's even more apparent now.
Each of you reside in different areas of the city.
We are sure you all view the community and the issues it faces differently.
We hope that you see that officers with the Freeport Police Department take pride in the way we interact and deal with these issues in the city.
We believe with the recent vote to pass this new contract, you all know and understand these difficulties officers face every day in the city of Freeport.
The contract gives us faith that we will continue to perform our jobs at the highest level with integrity and professionalism.
We recognize the City has committed to a substantial obligation to us and we plan to do everything it takes to ensure that it doesn't go unnoticed.
We understand the positions that you all are in are not easy and should also be recognized for making the City of Freeport a great place.
For this, we thank you all.
And he's not here today, but we just also wanted to give thanks to Chief Shenberger.
Since he's taken over a year and a half ago, morale at the PD has never been as high as it is right now.
We are getting new officers to apply and this contract will definitely help to retain those new officers.
As you all know, over the past few years, we've been directly affected by the political environment.
It has been a battle every day to get the officers we need to effectively do our jobs and serve this community to the best of our abilities.
We need good officers and we need them to stay.
This contract and your support will keep people here no doubt, but this goes beyond that too.
We can't forget Chief Shenberger's direct effect on this department.
His ability to go above and beyond to create a family-friendly atmosphere.
We have a family friendly atmosphere that people are proud to call home.
We have officers that truly care about their fellow officers and care about this community.
This is because of the leadership and the tone Chief Shenberger has set for this department.
We think this also shows by the work this department has done for the community over the past year and a half.
We are very happy this has not been unnoticed by you all.
Thank you all for this contract and we will continue to provide the best services to this community.
Thank you.
Thank you gentlemen.
Item number six are appointments and reappointments.
Could you please read these for the record?
Appointment of Anthony Huffines to the Planning Commission effective immediately through October 31st, 2028.
Acceptance of an appointment of Jabria Pearson as Deputy City Clerk.
Acceptance of designations for Open Meetings Act officers including myself, Jabria Pearson, Deputy City Clerk, Ashley Huffines, Library Director, Kaia Eckert, Library Administrative Assistant.
Acceptance of Designations of Freedom of Information Act Officers, including myself, Jabriah Pearson, Deputy City Clerk, Michelle Nelson, Executive Assistant, Denise Scudder, Fire Administrative Assistant, Hilary Broschus, Fire Marshal, Travis Davis, Deputy Chief of Police, JoLynn Markham, Lieutenant at the Police Department, Ashley Huffines, Library Director, and Kaia Eckert, Library Administrative Assistant.
Thank you.
Is there a motion to approve?
So moved.
We'll take that as the first by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers.
Discussion?
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Is a voice vote okay when it's not monetary?
Okay, all those in favor?
Aye.
Opposed?
No. Was there one no?
I couldn't catch that.
Okay, so seven to one.
Item number seven is recognition of service awards.
Director Richter?
Today we are recognizing Gladys Hilton for her 25 years of service.
She began her career with us in 1999 at the Freeport Public Library.
She also has worked at the police department as a records clerk and in 2013 she made the move to the water and sewer billing department as a customer service representative.
Gladys Gladys has exceptional dedication to providing outstanding customer service.
Her consistent ability to go above and beyond coupled with her positive attitude and genuine empathy truly sets her apart.
Gladys consistently resolves issues with patience and professionalism, leaving our customers feeling valued and heard.
I would like to recognize Gladys' hard work and dedication today.
She is a true team player.
I am very appreciative of all of her work in the water sewer billing department.
She is a pleasure to work with and always has an upbeat smile on her face and a happy greeting for you.
Congratulations Gladys and thank you for being with us for 25 years.
Congratulations.
Manager Boyer.
Thank you, your honor.
Tonight we'd also like to acknowledge and celebrate Billy Neisman.
He's been with the city for 15 years.
He is actually home with an illness.
However, we thank him for his service as our Animal Control Officer.
He does a fantastic job.
So thank you very much, Billy.
Deputy Chief Davis.
I would just recognize Doug Hill as well.
And he's been with the department for 15 years and does an outstanding job.
Thank you.
And then Chief Miller.
Yes, thank you Mayor Miller.
I'd like to invite Chris Brennan up here.
It's my pleasure to introduce firefighter paramedic Christopher Brennan.
Christopher joined us December 12th, December 15th, 2014.
He holds a bachelor's of science degree from Milwaukee School of Engineering.
Also holds a certified paramedic license, several fire service certificates such as company fire officer, advanced firefighter technician, vehicle and machinery operations, fire service vehicle operator, and then several technical rescue classes.
Those are comprised of structural collapse operations and technician, confined space rescue and operations technician, trench operations and rope operations and technician.
Additionally, he also is a fire apparatus engineer and is a hazardous materials first responder and operations level, command and general staff class he's attended and is also our previous fire department mechanic.
So I'd also like to add that he's currently going through our promotion testing process right now for the rank of lieutenant.
He's here with his wife Michelle and their children this evening.
So it's my pleasure to introduce and congratulate you for 10 years of service.
Thank you.
And he also understands he wanted to make a speech for tonight as well.
Okay, we'll move on to item number eight which is the second reading of ordinance 2024-62.
Could you please read this?
Ordinance revising registration deadline and increasing landlord registry penalty.
Manager Boyer.
Thank you your honor.
I'm going to go ahead and hand this off to Director Duckman as he has revised the last or included all the last changes into this recent memo.
Thank you Boyer.
So as stated last in the last reading of this ordinance, important, couple key notes here to remember and to highlight.
So for 2025, what's being proposed is a deadline of April 1st.
And the reason for the April 1st deadline is we're making a change to the ordinance and we want to give people some time to understand the changes and give them a couple extra months there.
Moving forward, it's going to be January 1st, coming from January 1st, starting in 2026 and moving forward.
A couple of the highlights here in this ordinance is that prior to passing this ordinance, we had a deadline of June 1st, and we also had a late fee of $100 per unit, and we had a lengthy discussion at the last council meeting, and it was agreed upon to move forward the ordinance with the following penalties.
So if an application's filed 30 days or less after the due date, it's $100 a unit with a $1,500 per property max, maximum.
If the application's filed more than 30 days, but less than 90 days after the due date, it's $250 per unit with a $3,000 per property maximum.
And then for applications filed 90 days or more after the due date it's five hundred dollars per unit with a six thousand dollar property maximum and with that being said staff is recommending approval of the ordinance thank you any further discussion all known Stacy did anything change from the first time nothing has changed on this since it was presented in the reading of Dugman.
The first reading.
Nothing has changed.
Alderman Sanders.
I'm sorry.
A lot of S's over there.
Director Duckman, anything in the wording changed as far as registration applications Appliance and Tenants Application Applying for Any Rental for any rental property or whatever, has any wording changed in the application that will allow the, because I'm trying to state that if there's any loopholes in this application that benefits the owner as opposed of the tenant, have we looked at that specifically to make sure that that doesn't happen?
The ordinance has not changed since it was presented the last time, and this is for landlords to register their property, not for tenants.
Okay.
Is there anyone else before I move on to Alderman Monroe?
Thank you Mayor Miller.
Question for Director Duckman.
To date we still have not enforced any of the laws or ordinances that have been on the books.
What's different here?
Well, I think in the specific ordinance itself, as it's written, there's not anything stating, hey, this is how we're going to enforce it better.
But in the memo I talk about how we now implemented a new software where we've identified what properties are actually rentals.
Once an ordinance passes we're going to use this basically sending out a letter to people stating you have to register or you're subject to these fines and then that same software would then issue the fines to the people once they didn't if they didn't register their property.
Anyone else for a first time?
Is there any further discussion?
Only with Stacy.
Okay we keep saying that there's gonna be a The letter mailed out.
Do we know when this letter is going to be mailed out and if it has already been written?
Correct.
Well, it's in its draft phase now and I spoke with my staff and I said once it's approved, our goal is to work on getting it out in the next two weeks.
Once it's approved.
Once it's approved the next two weeks?
That's our goal.
Huffines.
Approved by your staff.
No, I mean, when I send out the letter, it's going to state, here's the fines that you're subject to, and if I don't have the fines approved by council, I don't want to send that misinformation.
Okay.
So the letter will come back to the council?
No.
This, what's before- Aaron wants to talk.
I think what Director Duckman is saying, if this ordinance is approved, then they hope to get the letter out within two weeks.
Okay.
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
Aye.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
Aye.
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
Aye.
And Stacy?
Aye.
The ordinance passes 8-0.
Move on to item number 9, which is the second reading of ordinance 2024-63.
Could you please read this?
Year 2025 appropriation ordinance manager Boyer thank your honor we began the budgeting process september 3rd of 2024 we've gone through many public input sessions and many council committee or finance committee of the holes before you is the 2025 appropriation ordinance and staff recommend city council move forward and pass it ordinance thank you further discussion council and clerk I think I just want to point out the spending that's the increases in spending that have occurred over the last two and a half three years have been significant just flipping to the right page I apologize I thought more people would would speak the amount of money that that is being increased on is as most of us a lot of us Bates live within very, very tight budgets in the City of Freeport.
So if you're on Social Security, you're low income.
The budget is literally up $5.5 to $6 million.
That's per year.
We've been getting a lot of roads done.
We've been getting a lot of work done.
But what we're seeing are the increases in retirement, pensions.
We're seeing huge increases in salaries.
We recently went through a tax increase to help pay for improving our roads, and as we continue to increase in spend, there's no method within the city for curbing the spending and controlling the spending beyond what we try to do in here.
In recent months, we've tried to limit people's ability to speak.
We've tried to basically increase budgets across the board.
The police department's up two and a half million dollars since 2022.
Two and a half million dollars.
We've added no, you know, no additional police officers.
It's just the ones that we're putting on the streets are getting paid more.
The fire department's next in line to get a fat pay raise.
And that's going to come in 2025.
Huffines.
We were told there weren't going to be huge increases.
We wouldn't need more tax dollars to pay for this.
But unfortunately, we will.
And it's going to come out of the citizens of Freeport's pockets.
And unfortunately, it's going to get bigger and bigger every year.
And we just ratified the police department and I'll be the first to admit, it's a very tough job.
We need more officers on the street, not necessarily paying each of them 25% more within the next Fowler.
We have to do things smarter.
There are tools out there that can do license plate reading that we can post in different parts of the city, especially areas that leave the city so that we can track criminal activity, stolen cars and property, things like that, shooting suspects.
None of that's been really looked at and it's not been added to the budget.
Fowler, and the other two, and I'm going to talk about some of the things that we would replace a police officer in a sense and help us be better at looking into criminal activities.
When it comes to this budget, it is so filled with pork and it's so filled with the ability to pay each person more money, it's almost revolting to somebody who lives in the city of Freeport.
And a lot of my neighbors a lot of people that go to our neighborhood watch meetings have fixed incomes there's no more fat in their budgets and if you look at your property tax bills that came out we did we held our property tax flat the problem is though and what nobody wants to talk about are the values of our properties have gone up significantly and as we tear more homes and John, and we have less property for available housing in the city of Freeport, those values are going to continue to go up.
And the taxes go up just based on the value of the appraisal of your property.
So not only have we taxed that, but in this budget and in the last couple of weeks, we've started taxing everything you want to do to improve your property where we Fowler.
This is a business that's based on taking as much money from each person as we are.
It's based on providing services within our means to support the people of Freeport.
And that's every person in the city of Freeport.
It doesn't matter if you're poor, you're rich, you're white, you're black, anything in between.
It's all of us.
And at some point somebody's got to stand up and take a stand and say five million dollars in literally two and a half to three years about the length of term of this city manager's role.
Since we've gone over to the city management form of government, we're up over ten million dollars a year.
We have got to start looking at this spending and we've got to start holding people accountable and right now we are not doing that and I just found the numbers three years.
Fowler.
We are running a $5.179 million in spending.
We are running a $2.5 million deficit, and this is right off of the handout that anybody can look at that's attached to the agenda for tonight over the last two years.
So we're not only increasing our spending, we're decreasing and running and starting to run a deficit.
So that means we will have to raise taxes, and I am vehemently opposed to that type of of government, this tax and spend behavior, it cannot be tolerated in this city because it is going to push everybody out of the city.
We will have nobody left.
No businesses want to stick around because We have to do something to limit this year, and that's why we want home rule.
We don't have home rule to drive more revenue.
We have home rule to take care of ourselves.
And right now we're not doing that.
And that's, it's an abomination that we're gonna look into that and look to pass this very, very fat-filled budget.
I yield.
Anyone else?
Alderman Stacey.
Yes, I just, I have some questions and concerns here.
In 2024, 20,328.12 in real estate taxes.
In real estate taxes.
However, for 2025, we budgeted zero.
Computer hardware, software, 101,750.
That was a $40,000 increase.
Why?
Software, $304,040.
That was $130,000.
Why?
We have a telephonic communication, 203,200.
We have a communication department in the miscellaneous.
We had salary, health insurance, life insurance.
Who is paid in the miscellaneous portion?
$75,000 Increase for electrical streetlights.
Is this just the downtown area that's costing us $75,000?
What area does this cover?
That's most of it.
Director Richter, I saw you were taking a few notes.
Did you want to respond on some of these things that were just brought up?
Yes, I have a couple of questions to where Go ahead.
I'm just kind of working backwards.
The last one you had was street lights increase of seventy-five thousand.
I do believe that is downtown.
Those are the only street lights we pay for if I understand that right.
And I believe Mike Mudge told us there would be an increase over the next year and that's where we came up with the seventy-five thousand.
And the miss miscellaneous, the next one up, you said, can you give me a number to that or where you're looking?
I looked last night.
I'm sorry.
Maybe it was 101,163 towards the end of the general section.
I'm guessing you're just looking in general section or 101,162.
I don't know.
Are you saying that there's no salary and health insurance and life insurance in the miscellaneous columns?
I'm not sure what you mean by miscellaneous.
It just had MISC.
There's an MIS. MIS.
Okay.
There is a section that's Department 101,162, which it does say MIS, but MIS is IT.
I'm sorry.
It's Management Information Systems.
It's Curt's Department, and it does say 162-MIS, so maybe that's the section.
I think that could be if where most of these came from.
And benefits in that area would be for Director Suttman and his deputy in that department.
There's only two of them in that department, which would have wages and benefits.
But you did mention hardware and software and telephone.
And those amounts look like I think they all come, yeah, that one, hardware, software, Those are also in IT department, along with telephone.
All of our telephone bills go through Curt, and so he has all of the telephone expenses for the general, all the departments of the general fund.
And was your question is why the increases?
Yes.
I can I don't I don't know if if Kurt wants to respond but Kurt is very detailed with his budgets and keeps line item by line item of what software what hardware he needs to purchase and maybe I can ask him to elaborate a little bit more yeah so for the computer hardware a lot of the increases so for the Communications part, that's connectivity.
So that's every telephone system in the city, every cell phone, every iPhone, tablet, emergency services, things like the elevator, telecommunication line, all that's in there.
And it is going up every year.
Hardware went up, is up a little bit because we added, tonight I'm presenting for a host server for the PD, because it's at the end of its use of life.
Next year, the city's gonna have the same situation.
So it's up a little bit along with some, actually I think hardware's not that up as much as from last year, I don't believe.
And software, included in software is things like ShotSpotter for PD.
So I think we're doubling that next year, so that's another 50,000.
There's additional things in our financial software as well as software other departments have wanted and requested.
And that's a large amount of the increase.
The shots fired, can you tell me how much of an increase that has been?
So the increase for this next budget year will be 50,000.
There was 50,000 coming in this year and we're doubling that to 100.
So we're adding 50,000 to it.
But that's the one that detects shots fired so the police can respond quickly to, you know, provide safe neighborhoods.
But I thought the 50,000 was the shots fired.
It is we're doubling the coverage I believe so it's cost twice as much for twice as much equipment.
Alderman Sanders.
Yes are these items well particularly for your department are they are they line items receipts or any other department that has a budget, are they line items that we can tangibly, visibly see them?
I mean, my worksheet here that has everything we're going to buy for next year, there are things that are for other departments, we provide those to other departments.
Can we have copies of that?
Because it demonstrates to us exactly what are the purchasing items, what are the receipts Huffines.
And that we can assess why things are increasing and decreasing or whatever the case is.
I like that to come from the financial department to be able to gather all departments with the same opportunity of presenting their line item budgets.
And if we can do that, then we can minimize the information that we're trying to seek after.
That we're trying to seek after, and we do that.
Yeah, they've actually been given to every council member since the beginning of September.
We've been talking about all these pieces.
We're not talking about lying items, though.
So for three months you've had that ability.
We're not talking about lying, those are not lying out of items.
They're not specific.
Yeah, the book would be a lot bigger than what you're demonstrating.
Pre-specific.
Yeah, well it's not to my specifications at this moment and that's what I wanna look at.
The line items of cost per item, that's what I'm referring to, not what you're demonstrating right there.
So is that a possibility?
Do we have that generated where each council member can receive those kinds of inquiries?
I'm talking to Ms. Richter or whatever your name is.
I have given you the line item budgets as have been presented.
I mean, there's some, not all line items go into detail.
Are you summarizing the line items that you're demonstrating when you say you present them?
Are you demonstrating summaries of those line items?
I want the line items in detail, if that's possible, but what we're receiving is line items of summaries and it doesn't give us a visual look at what's costing or being what's the cost of any items that we're looking at, specifically.
I wanna know what this hardware software Miller.
I'm going to talk a little bit about some of the things that we're trying to get at, you know.
I'm trying to figure out what are the things that we're trying to get at, you know.
Are they the only ones out there on the market that are selling certain particular items?
That's what I would like to know, the detailed information of these companies that we're soliciting, that we are asking for their services.
Fowler.
That's what I'm trying to get at.
I'm trying to be more specific in detail.
What we're being presented is not that, okay?
And I'd like to know if all departments are under that same type of umbrella summaries of line items, if that's what we're working with, then we need to have more disclosure on all of those things that we're making purchases on.
Attorney Zito.
And so I'm going to take a crack at trying to answer that or address that.
And if I misspeak, Michelle or Rob, feel free to interject.
So this is the budget, right?
So this is what you guys are, as a council, are considering setting as how much do we have to spend on various items, whether they're computers or uniforms or copy paper or whatever, Right.
And it's an estimate.
It's an estimate based off of what we have historically spent on those sorts of items there.
And what we anticipate might need to be, let's say, an increase in any particular item, let's say, there.
I don't, so while you might say, you know, with your home budget, right, I, you know, you may know that you might need a new furnace coming up.
And you say, well, I'm going to budget, you know, I've done a little bit of research, looked around at Home Depot, whatever.
Furness might cost me $3,000.
So I'm going to budget $3,000 for next year.
But you haven't gone and actually bought it yet.
You haven't picked, you know, is it going to be a carrier?
Is it going to be a Honeywell?
Is it going to be whatever?
You know, might I find the sale?
But you know, it's going to be about $3,000.
So you're budgeting $3,000.
So I think that's what they've done here.
For example, using Kurt's department, they know they need a certain amount of software to do this program, that thing, whatever it is, they know they might need a computer server for the police department.
Do they know the exact and John.
They're just anticipating that they're going to need to spend next year, throughout the course of the year, on these various items, and that goes for the police department, whether it's for weapons or uniforms or whatever it is.
Fire department, same thing there.
So I don't know if they can give you a line item of every single vendor, because they don't know every vendor as of right now, I Huffines.
That's all.
Attorney Zito.
Well, actually, before you speak a second time, is there anyone on the first round?
Well, I was still on my first time with this gentleman before something else took off.
Well, then Larry took the floor then.
I was responding to Attorney Zito because I originally had the question.
I understand.
Okay.
Before I give you the floor.
Can I just see if there's anyone else that wants to speak for a first time?
Okay, Alderman Stacey, go ahead.
I understand that we increased the area.
I understand that.
When it's presented to the council, it says how much it's gonna cost for us to increase.
Then out of nowhere, when it comes this time with the budget, there's a $50,000 increase that should have been stated all along with the whole nine yards of, we're gonna take on more area, it's gonna cost this monthly, but in the long run, we're gonna have to budget $50,000 more to cover it.
It was always in the budget for the 2025.
We didn't break out that part of it, but I've got 20 items like that for every department.
I understand that.
Madam Clerk, did you want to add to that?
Madam Clerk?
I believe that was approved by Council, wasn't it?
Yes.
Yeah, the expansion of the area.
That went through Council.
So we're just supposed to know that it's going to be also an additional $50,000 added to.
That was all presented at the time it was agreed upon.
Darren?
Clarification just I mean just because it's in the budget doesn't mean it still won't come back in front of council this is not this is an approval of the budget not approval of the spending so the final spending will come back to council so if it's approved in the budget then in the fiscal year the police and or Kurt and or public works or whatever whatever department will will go out and get quotes and then that comes back in the form of a ordinance or resolution or whatever it may be to approve that spending and that's your How many times do we budget for something, and it's approved, and then we don't even get it, like the dump trucks?
Just to let you know the price is way harder.
Right now we can't even get a double-crook unless we go through a state bid.
So we've been locked out of getting trucks for two years.
And the prices are significantly higher right now because of the shortage of demand.
So if we ordered a truck right now, it'd be just like the fire truck.
We probably wouldn't get it for three years.
But now we don't even have the budget for it?
Priorities change as all these budget items go.
We asked that that money be put on the vape truck, the VAC truck, and I don't even recall that being brought back to us with how it was going to be done.
It was just done.
Because I said I recall it's getting off topic but you asked for a down payment on the Vactor truck and council voted not to do that and to move ahead with the financing and that's what we're supposed to get money back from the bank about we did the the bank the the lending company paid for the Vactor truck all right okay Alderman Klemm I think I saw your hand up did you have something you wanted to Anderson.
Maybe a little bit here.
We had a dissertation about how we're spending so much money.
I'd just like to bring up a couple things where there's some part truce in that.
The numbers of officers have increased over the years here without a doubt.
And if I remember right, you were on the council and authorized a $20 million loan for retirement.
In mind a million years ago and I went on to consult regular taxes paid for retirements.
Now we pay four point something million dollars a year.
I used to lay awake at nights and think about this how we're ever going to pay for it.
How are we going to do this?
How are we going to do that?
Let me tell you something, friends.
I hate to say it, but we can do nothing about it.
It's all determined by the state of Illinois and by the retirements that have been set up and every year, every one of those retirements get a 3% raise.
So that's something that we can talk about and say, oh, we didn't do this or didn't do that, but there's nothing we can do about those.
We've gone into areas where we've tried a two-tier system of starting people off on different wages and different retirements, and that's gone so far, but there's been conversations in the state about taking that away.
So we don't have control over this item.
The last thing I was going to say is the shots fired thing was discussed, went through council, and doubled the price on it.
It was pretty simple.
You know, it was straightforward, brought to us, so thank you.
To verify your numbers, Alderman Klemm, as far as officers, we have approval for 48 officers, which we will hopefully by the end of this month, we will reach that number 48.
There are three currently in field training right now.
There are four that are going to be graduating from the academy soon, and hopefully the other four will be swearing in yet this month.
Correct?
Which will bring us back up to the 49 that we had when I left the consul four years ago.
And that's a total of 11 just in the last few months.
So any other one for their first time yet?
And if anyone would like their second time, Alderman Stacey, I know you've already had your second.
I'd have to have approval in order for you to keep going.
Alderman Sanders?
I approve.
Are you making a motion?
No.
I said, yeah.
Well, yeah, I approve.
So you're approving that Alderman Stacey can continue discussion past her two time.
Is there a second to that?
We have a first and a second.
How do I?
Yes, it's a unanimous vote.
By ordinance, it's a unanimous vote.
Madam Clerk, could you please take the role on allowing a third time for speaking?
Shadle?
Sanders?
Yes.
Sellers?
Yes.
Klemm?
Yes.
Monroe?
Yes.
Simmons?
Parker?
No.
And Stacy?
Yes.
Motion fails all right then if there's anyone else wishing to speak for the first or second time motion felt by one no the ordinance states a unanimous that's one of the topics I want to change in case you were wondering so anyway is there anything further madam clerk please take the role here here actually you've spoken twice already to who you I'm sorry mayor ready for the vote no I'm trying to recollect when I spoke twice already.
Do you want to speak again?
Well, I had a question in regards.
Correct.
Okay, I'll motion for you to go ahead and ask your question.
This is about a budget.
We should be able to ask the questions we need to ask.
I'll make that motion.
Okay.
Is there a second?
I'll O'Connor.
Second.
Okay.
Did we go around the table again?
To approve your third time.
Madam Clerk.
No, second time.
I have not had a third time.
I don't get it.
Prove to me that I did that.
Show me where.
I just make tally marks.
If I'm wrong, then I apologize.
I've got you written down twice that you've spoken.
Well, you shouldn't have because I was on the computer thing.
Okay.
Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on allowing.
I'm just trying to follow the ordinance, Alderman Sanders.
An ordinance we haven't followed ever for a decade.
Actually, you don't have the floor, so.
Shadle.
But it's the truth.
Sanders.
Aye.
This is a vote on Sanders having the third time to speak on a topic.
On what? Sellers.
Oh, aye.
I don't know what topic.
Klemm.
Aye.
Monroe.
Aye.
Simmons.
Aye.
Parker.
No.
Stacy.
Irreverent.
Excuse me?
It's already failed.
That's what she said.
It's irreverent.
He said no, it failed.
So you abstain?
Aye.
Motion fails, 7 to 1.
Any further discussion?
Well, you can't say nothing.
Say further discussion?
Further discussion by those that have not spoken already.
If you can't ask any questions, just vote no.
Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
No.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
No.
Simmons?
No.
Parker?
Aye.
Stacy?
No.
We are tied 4 to 4.
Attorney Zito, what do we need?
What percentage do we need on this?
Just simple majority mayor what say you I the motion passes actually the ordinance passes five to four of course it does this is a joke well actually if you're going to say this is a joke then I'm going to interject with that that we've been talking about this since for three months and this is the second reading remember that one no that's not what item number ten is the second reading of Ordinance 2024-64.
Could you please read this?
Tax levy ordinance.
Manager Boyer.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Annually, the City Council adopts a corporate levy to help finance city operations.
We have received the estimated assessed value, EAV, from the county.
The EAV for our tax district has increased by $15,102,367 or 5.61 percent over the last year.
Based on this information the city's levy for 2024 at I'm sorry would be two million nine hundred seventy seven thousand four hundred dollars an increase of one hundred and forty four hundred dollars a house valued at a hundred dollars would see no increase in the city's portion of their property tax as long as their assessed value has not increased and during the last five years the City Council has kept tax rate the same or slightly lower city staff request City Council to move this ordinance or approve this ordinance.
Madam Mayor.
Thank you.
Can we get the correct numbers right into the record please?
Where was it wrong?
Did I say something wrong?
No, city manager did.
The amounts are one hundred and forty thousand four hundred dollars and one hundred thousand dollars.
Not a hundred and not a hundred and forty four.
Have you got that?
Are you okay with that Madam Clerk?
I have it in the memo.
Discussion on the on the tax levy ordinance.
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
Aye.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
No.
Simmons?
No.
Parker?
Aye.
Stacy?
No.
I have a vote of five to three.
Is that sufficient, Attorney Zito?
And that ordinance Passes.
Item number 11 is the second reading of ordinance 2024-81.
Could you please read this?
Library tax levy ordinance.
Manager Boyer?
I think, Your Honor, very similar to city's levy.
The City Council adopts separate levy for library operations each year.
The Council also tries to maintain the same tax rate year after year.
We have received the estimated 2024 equalized assessed value from the county.
The AV has increased by $15,102,367 over the last year.
Based on this information, the library's levy for 2024 paid in 2025 will be $1,062,000.
The library will see an overall increase of $50,500 in their levy.
The library reduced their request for Medicare liability, insurance, unemployment, Illinois municipal retirement fund last year in order to spend down prior reserves in this area.
At this time, we informed council that these rates would need to increase when the funds were exhausted.
This year, we need to increase those levels to cover the actual expenses for 2025 and a house value that $100,000 would see a slight increase in the library portion of the tax bill.
I'm sorry, a slight decrease.
I apologize.
Thank you for staying Corrected, staff request, City Council, move this ordinance forward and approve this levy ordinance.
Discussion, Council.
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle.
Aye.
Sanders.
Aye.
Sellers.
Aye.
Klemm.
Aye.
Monroe.
Aye.
Simmons.
Parker.
Aye.
Parker?
Aye.
And Stacy?
Aye.
The ordinance passes 8 to 0.
And item number 12, Madam Clerk, could you please read all of those ordinances?
We have a motion to abate all real estate tax levies for repayment of general obligation bonds as follows.
Ordinance 2024-65 to abate the 2024 real estate tax levy for the repayment of the general obligation bonds series 2013A. Ordinance and Mr. Boyer, Mr. Boyer, Mr. Boyer, Mr. Boyer, Mr. To pay for and city staff recommends moving forward with 2024-65 bond abatements.
Discussion.
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle.
Aye.
Sanders.
Aye.
Sellers.
Aye.
Klemm.
Aye.
Monroe.
Aye.
Simmons.
Aye.
Parker.
Aye.
And Stacy.
Aye.
Item number 13 is the second reading of Ordinance 2024-77.
Could you please read this?
Ordinance of the City of Freeport approving and authorizing a vehicle lease agreement with the Stephenson County Senior Center doing business as the Senior Resource Center.
Director Duckman.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Do a little recap here from the first reading.
Nothing has changed from the proposed ordinance here.
What's going on here is that the Senior Resource Center is our operator for the Pretzel City Area Transit and they currently have a bus which is a 2016 E 350 that's a 12 passenger van and they or the lease here basically takes it from another program that they have and moves it into our Pretzel City Area Transit so another way to put it simply it's adding another bus to our fleet and others.
I'm going to start by talking about the grant that we have.
The grant is a one-year grant.
It is a one-year grant for the state, which would go from 16 to 17.
And the lease, the term of the lease is annual and it also is for $1 per year.
And it's in line with redoing our two grants, which is the Downstate Operating Assistance Program and the Federal 5311 Grant, which funds all of the maintenance and service.
And staff recommends approval of this ordinance.
Discussion?
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
Aye.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
Aye.
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
Aye.
And Stacy?
Aye.
The ordinance passes 8 to 0.
Item number 14 is the second reading of ordinance 2024-78.
Could you please read this?
Ordinance approving special use permit application at 1161 West Lincoln Boulevard submitted by LGC C. Y. Or legacy installation services to examine the special use of an R41 family residence zone property to allow for solar energy systems which utilize ground-mounted PV arrays per section 1250-01-B20.
Thank you Madam Mayor.
Take a little time here to kind of go through this.
And I also have it up on the projector.
So if I need to, yeah, we're going to dim the lights, but if there's any questions on the actual location of this solar array, I want to go over a couple things here.
The reason we have a special use permit for this particular property is it's a residential property as you can see from the map, and any time you have a residential property, if you see the blue rectangle in the backyard, rear yard of the property, any time you're going to do ground mounted solar in a residential area, you have to have a special use permit, which essentially means it goes through our Zoning Board of Appeals, then our Planning Commission, and then our, ultimately for your vote.
So, kind of do a little recap here of what was read in our first reading.
We had a ZBA hearing on November 7th, and that was recommended for approval by a vote of five to zero with zero abstentions.
I'm sorry it was five to zero and one abstention and then we also had a planning commission it was reviewed at the planning commission and it was not recommended for approval and that was the vote there was three yeas four nays and zero abstentions and so with that in mind one of the key factors that was discussed last at the last reading but also at the planning commission who Huffines.
So that was the main contention in this, in presenting this special use permit.
I also will say that at the hearing in the Zoning Board of Appeals, there were no complaints or negative statements from neighbors regarding this.
So that's the facts that have been presented and now it's before you for decision.
Discussion?
Alderman Sanders?
Director Duckman, the Planning Commission voted it down to be gently about it.
Am I correct?
Yes, they did not.
They voted.
I guess that's one way to put it, yes.
What was the discretionary reason why they felt that it was not a good move because of the fact that it raised question within the neighborhood?
I think the Planning Commission looks at the special uses in light of our comprehensive plan, which Ducks, about how does the city view development moving forward in the future.
And one of the main ideas there was, it's a residential property.
They know where it's located.
And there was some strong conversation about property rights, essentially, versus how does this affect the overall development in our residential neighborhoods.
And another way to look at it is, how does this affect my neighbor's property values, the enjoyment of their property, et cetera.
So there was good conversation there.
And that's ultimately, you know, that's how it was, I would say, there's other factors, but I would say that was a big dividing point on it.
Does it also include interferences within the community area, structures and homes and residents and things of that nature?
Does that create some kind of interference?
I wouldn't say interference.
I think it's more enjoyment by the immediate neighbors.
I mean, if you look up there, you can see it's in the backyard, Rear yard so I wouldn't say interference but I think it's more of you know if you're a next-door neighbor here it's more of the enjoyment of your property and how does that really affect our development how do it how does the city want its development to look so the overall disagreement within the commit the Planning Commission was based on what specifically well put it simply one person says I think a neighbor has a right to put that in their yard that's Wright to reap the benefits of the sun, the solar energy.
Now, that being said, is that a true statement?
Is that an ordinance where a property owner can obstruct or cause interference or?
And I'm going to get to the next item.
I think that some of the things that are caused interference or inappropriate things that can be obtrusive to the neighbors and so on and so on are a nuisance, I would say, becoming a nuisance to the neighbors.
I mean, you are the truth, Alderperson Sanders, here.
You're the final word.
Planned Commission had their opinion and now this is your decision.
Right, true.
True.
Okay.
Thank you.
Alderman Sellers.
Yes.
I'd like to know.
I know that when we had talked about the people putting the solars out there in the arcades back then and the people were saying, is there a possibility that there could be maybe like some fencing that's around it just in case?
We could potentially propose that it would have to be a condition proposed on the floor and then voted upon by the council members.
So it would be saying, you know, I propose a condition that we would put some sort of screening around other than it's existing.
I mean, you can potentially propose that and have it voted on.
That's allowed in the ordinance.
Okay.
Coleman, Klemm?
Yeah.
DeRionne.
Director Duckman, didn't we talk about this, or you mentioned it, that this is 10 feet off the ground?
Is this the one that's 10 feet off the ground?
Yes.
It says yes.
When tilted, it has a maximum height of 10 feet from the ground, yes.
Right.
And this here, if you take a look at your neighbors and you walk out in your back porch, the first thing you're going to see is 10 foot of solar.
You are correct, yes.
Right.
Per that map, yes, in the backyard, yep.
Thank you.
DeRionne?
So I think we discussed this at the last meeting but I just want to provide a little clarity.
If this was on the roof, if this was a roof mounted solar, this would never have come to council because our solar ordinances say that this can be provided on a roof.
The reason this is here is this is a special use permit to ground mount because they want to review each situation to make sure if the lot's big enough, if the property is big enough, if it's obtrusive to the and people that surround this particular property, so.
Alderman Monroe.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Just like to make a statement, you know, a few months back we had a big issue with two panels of 10-foot fence.
Here we wanna put in 31 feet, almost 31 feet by 10 feet, almost 11 feet, just rounding, 324.6 square feet of maximum height of 10-foot solar array in a backyard.
Miller.
This, in my opinion, poses a significantly greater eyesore than two panels of a 10-foot fence or an 8-foot fence.
It was even 8-foot that we had a problem with.
And quite honestly, you couldn't put a fence that would block the eyesight of the homes behind and beside.
So this question really boils down to, do we want solar panels on the ground of all or any of the lawns in our community.
Because if we say yes to this, we move forward and say yes to all, essentially.
Otherwise, we run into a problem.
And quite honestly, when you talk about those eight foot panels on a fence, the answer becomes very clear if we've got a problem with that.
Is there anyone that wants to speak for first time?
Alderman Shadle, did you have?
No?
Alderman Sellers, you want to speak?
Fowler.
Thank you for your second time.
Yes.
I do think that it would be an eyesore to even have like in my backyard because I like my privacy.
Is there a reason why they didn't want to put it on their roof?
Was there a reason why that they picked the land instead of their roof?
They didn't state it.
They did not state the reason why.
I know that some people do it for cost and I know there's also plenty of people will Thank you.
And the surrounding neighbors don't have a problem with it.
They, so when you do a special use permit, so on November 7th hearing, there was a sign in the front yard and letters went out to the neighbors and then there was a posting in the newspaper for a hearing.
And at that time, one person had called, a neighbor had called, stayed anonymous and said, what is this about?
And I explained it to them and they said, I don't want to, I have no issue with it, I'm not going to show up at the hearing.
So there was no nobody showed up at the hearing on November 7th and said I am against this.
So I don't understand what the big debate is if the neighbors aren't complaining what right do we have to complain about somebody putting something on their own property in their own backyard.
Any further discussion?
If I I see none.
Then, Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?
Shadle?
No.
Sanders is absent.
Sellers?
I want to say no, because I wouldn't want it.
And maybe right now, the neighbors, but if they was to try to sell their home, would it be a problem?
That's my dilemma.
I don't know.
So I'd have to say no right now, because I need more information.
Klemm?
No.
Monroe?
No.
Simmons?
No.
Parker?
No.
And Stacy?
Yes.
The motion does fail.
One, two, six.
Item number 15 is the second reading of Ordinance 2024-79.
Could you please read this?
Ordinance Approving Special Use Application at 1373 South Locust Avenue, submitted by Sindio Networks to examine the special use of an R41 family residence zoned property to allow for a telephone exchange and other similar public service uses per section 1250.01b8.
Director Duckman?
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
So to recap here, nothing has changed from the first reading.
And essentially what this is is the Cyndio Networks is a fiber optic company, and they have already installed a pedestal cabinet, which you can see here in the picture, right at the red dot here.
And then this is the graphic representation here.
And then this would be Locust here, and the high school would be over here.
So that kind of just gives an idea, a little visual of what is actually happening here.
And there were discussions with CINDIO originally.
This was going to be an actual, I would call it more like a garage structure when they came to the city.
And there was a large amount of discussions on what the city would require for the special use permit.
And so on.
Ultimately, they walked away from that and then we found out, this would have been some point in October, that they went ahead and installed just a cabinet instead.
So in installing a cabinet without getting our permission, we went to them and said, really, you actually, you're required to get a special use permit because you're utilizing this space for what would be a utility on a residential property.
When you're putting utilities on a residential property, you have to go through the special use permit process as well as an actual building permit.
So all that being said, they went through, submitted their application, and on November 7th, we had a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, and it was recommended by a vote of six to zero with zero abstentions.
Wanna state there, one of the conditions there that was stated, which was later approved by the Planning Commission, is that there's going We have a screening plan that will be approved by staff.
You can see here this was the preliminary screening that was suggested, but that's one of the conditions that was proposed at the ZBA and approved.
That went to the Planning Commission on November 14 and that was approved by a vote of 6, 1 nay and 0 abstentions.
With that being said, staff is recommending approval of this ordinance.
Discussion?
What is the screening?
What is that?
Those three dots?
What are they?
Those will end up being Arborvita's, I believe it's three, six foot, right, it's three, six foot tall Arborvita's.
Still don't know what that is.
I mean, are they long poles or are they?
Oh, it's like a. Oh, it's like a, um, it's a tree.
A tree?
You know, like a small, they look kind of like Christmas.
It's a type of a cedar.
Okay.
Oh, I like trees.
Okay.
That's cool.
Thank you.
Yep.
Oh, Ms. Stacy?
To my understanding, it was stated that they asked if they could do this, and they were told no, and they did it anyway.
That's what I stated, yes.
Just for a point of clarification, didn't they originally want a structure, though?
Yes, that's what I stated.
So they went to this place earlier and they had a roughly 300 square foot, actually I believe it was 500 square foot, it was an actual structure like a garage.
So it looked like a small house, a garage.
But you said they decided against that.
No, I told them that, I gave them the requirements that we would need and they said, okay, we're not going to do it and then come to find out.
Then they did it.
Comments for Alderman Simmons I would say that was a compromise yes no other first one I'll have move on to Alderman Sellers yes I just like to know when we have situations like this when people go against the ordinance are there fines that we can put on them that you know the you you knew you were supposed to Fowler.
You follow the ordinance and you did it anyway so now you know you're trying to follow the proper protocol.
Is there a way that we can start adding fines to things like this?
When they get their building permit it'll be twice.
So if it's a hundred dollar permit it's if you are doing it after the fact it's a double the permit fee.
So it's a hundred it would be two hundred.
Okay.
Olderman Sanders.
Sanders.
As it stands now, what is the corrections that are being made?
Well, as I presented, when any time somebody does something wrong in the property code, you always have to give them an opportunity to right their wrong.
So this is their opportunity to right their wrong, is to go through the process and submit an application.
And I stated it in the first reading, and I'll state it Rizzo, and armory and the city will do the job, we're going to do the job.
Again, certainly, you know, council has the right to vote no to this and then staff, we would work with our attorney to come up with a court order for them to remove the, actually remove the pedestal and all equipment.
So, I mean, that's what's before you today, is do we, you know, does the city accept their special use permit application or is it so egregious that this needs to be immediately We're given the next person permission to do the same.
If they had not have been told no, it would be Absolutelyikes but because we're not going to have a legal process, we want them to get away with this.
When they were told no we're giving the next person permission to do the same if they had not have been told no it would be different and I think this need to fail and I think this needs to pull it up or when it happened again we're gonna have to accept that oops as well when do we take a stand for our city somebody got to be the example they knew we had said no why did you do it anyway it's no way this should pass attorney Zito did you wanna well then Alderman Parker had his hand up for well my understanding is they did it without knowing what the Jordan, Seth.
That was more of an ignorant thing on their part.
It wasn't intentionally violating the ordinance.
That's a good, I guess that's one way to look at it.
We had lengthy conversations with them about a much more substantial development.
And I think that they claim to not have known.
I mean, in my opinion, they should have known.
And when I reached out to them, I said, you have to go through the process to now be approved.
So they claim to them that that's their claim.
Alderman Monroe.
Thank you Madam Mayor.
Question I have is will this property still be able to be used as a residential homestead or is that dead in the water at this point with this on the property?
My opinion is that it's dead in the water.
That's my opinion as far as land use goes when you look at where it's at eventually they're gonna want to tie in to you know this is meant for Winslow, and Steve, and I'm going to ask you a question about the fiber company.
I know that there's a lot of fiber companies that are going to have to go underground here with cables to get into this.
They're going to tie into the network here.
They're going to get into these poles.
And you can see there's an actual vault hand hole here.
So the answer to your short answer to your question is it's going to render this useless.
Now what's interesting is usually a fiber company May, Rob, thank you madam mayor.
You know kind of following this, I think it's it's it's it's also kind of a difficult time for us to not have a house built on it's own because unfortunately our land values are are low, the person that the company just said okay we'll buy this residential lot and they just bought it and they just started building on it.
And so that's where we're at.
And to answer your question is I do I do not see something We've got a lot of empty property in our city.
This happens to be sitting along one of the major thoroughfares that's about to be completely redone, close to the school, has lots of value for a homeowner.
I think just about anywhere else in the city, you could probably get away from this being a really bad decision, but sitting here across from the school in a great, a pretty good I think that's a pretty big mistake, so unfortunately.
Anybody else?
The only problem is Alderman Stacy, you've already spoke twice.
Director Duckman, what kind of utility is this and will citizens lose some kind of service if it's removed?
It's for a fiber optic expansion that they have.
I'll actually ask Director Suttman who knows a little bit more about what they're proposing there.
Mayor.
This process started with Syndio Networks, Arrow, and they kind of talked to us about what this fiber optic expansion would look like in the city.
So Director Simmons, do you want to just tell us a little bit about what this is for?
I don't know exactly who this would serve, but it would potentially impact their government and commercial clients, and if they have any residential in that area, too.
So it's internet, fiber.
Deputy Chief.
Maybe I'm not correct, but my understanding is that this is for the ETSB and the 911 system and that this would be a backup route if one of their other leads lines was, not leads, fiber lines was cut.
That is correct.
That's one of the things that they have been told to us.
I've heard some, you are 100% correct and I agree with you, but I've heard some varying, could they have gone to a different location?
Yes.
So you know what, I mean, this is connected to the ETSB, but they obviously could have engineered something else.
But you are correct.
From there, what they're stating is that this is going to be a backup for the ETSB.
Odomen Sanders.
So this also come to the point where it's almost a necessity in case of an emergency situation, because fiber optics do encounter construction work in certain locations and can shut down hospitals, college campuses, can do a number of things of damage to any kinds of institution that's running fiber optic.
And I don't know what the extent of it is, but according to what the deputy is talking about, I would totally agree with the fact that backup routing would be a necessity thing for us to look at.
I would come to the conclusion that if we don't have the service in place, then we might bite the bullet in the case like that.
Attorney Sito?
So I just wanted to point out also that certainly it sounds like that this particular applicant did not follow the right process.
They didn't jump through the hoops in the right order, okay?
From that standpoint the City Council like you know you guys can vote to say hey you didn't follow the rules right you know or the process right so we're gonna make you rip it out okay so we let's say they we turn it down and we make them rip out the the box they can turn around again and say okay the box is out now I'm gonna apply for my special use permit and I'm gonna jump through the hoop again in the same order in the right order right and so now it's gonna come right go right back through ZBA go right back through planning and and the end all be all question is is this an appropriate use on this property you know if they never would have messed up the order let's say they did it right the first time and jump through the hoops right way would the council have approved this for this location to have this cabinet here you know so again I just kind of want to point that out because they could you kids can turn it down and they could rip it out and then they can turn around and reapply for it and at that point we would need to have a reason as to a zoning reason really as Miller.
We have a lot of questions about why this is not appropriate here.
And if there is one, there is one, but if there's not, there's not, you know, so.
Okay.
Alderman Klemm?
Madam Mayor, just a thought.
This is one of those things you kind of label as a bad deal.
One other option would be to lay this over to another meeting and find out what their options are that they can do.
Is that correct?
Well, yes.
Yes, I mean, you certainly could to delay it, but I guess the question I would have is they want to go here, right?
I mean, they're basically saying, our most effective, our most efficient, they want to be here, that's why they bought the property, that's why they went ahead and built it.
So they're going to come back, no matter, and say, we want to be here.
Essentially, if the council wants to battle them, which, you know, has been presented to you, you know, battle them and make them rip it out and then go to Plan B, you know, or go back around, as Attorney Zito said and said, present it to us.
I mean, certainly it can be, I'll have to defer to Attorney Zito to check.
I know there's a timeframe on when you're, when council, I don't know if it's 60 days, that council has to take action from the date of ZBA.
There is a requirement there.
So Koehler.
So, if we do delay it, it shouldn't be delayed long or stay within our ordinance, essentially that's.
Possibly change in a delay.
So, and I'll have Attorney Zito look it up, but essentially it's in our ordinance that says there's a timeframe from when it passes ZBA to where counsel has to take action on it.
So, we are, the counsel is required to make some action on it, at least that's my recollection of a special use.
Alderman Klemm.
Klemm.
Can I just do a follow-up is all I want to do.
Given an example is the same thing, okay, on in front of what used to be Hartog and Reedy's property on Burchard as you go around the curve.
I believe the telephone company or one of the companies in it put an above-ground thing in there and there was great Winslow.
We have a great opposition from them to it, and they turned around and put the same thing in underground.
Okay.
Now, if that's an option, what I don't want to see is every, this is, Arrow is a former hometown company and has roots here and all that kind of stuff, but there's no sense to spend a whole bunch of money before we know all the answers is what I'm saying.
You know, it's a bad deal.
If you had a vote on it right now would I go along with most everybody else and say no but what have you gained you know if they need it there do they take and move it up so the property can then be used you know those kind of things well I will state one point I mean certainly our building inspector we have requirements at the building at the level of you know if you get a building permit and we miss an inspection you know you bury a pipe a service pipe you know our staff will say hey you have to dig that up for us to look at it before you know you We're going to take this along because you know that if they tear it out, they're eventually going to go through this process and argue us saying, hey, I'm going to just do the same thing anyways, or are you going to take the stance, you know, and say, no, the rules are here, we're going to take it out.
So it's really a decision that, you know, has been put to counsel.
It is a tough decision, but I could see, you know, I could see how you would go either way.
Huffines.
They can build this type of vault below ground.
It's just significantly more expensive than above grade, and they prefer above grade because it's easier to service than it is below grade, but it can be put below grade.
Shadle, Parker, and Simmons, if either one of you three have any more comments.
Alderman Parker.
I just want to state that if it's emergency backup for our 911 system, for ETSB, I think we'd be making a big mistake by rejecting it just because if they need it and it's not working because we shut it down we're gonna look pretty fully especially if it's an emergency and somebody gets hurt or killed so my opinion I think we need to prove it okay well then everyone else has had their second time we're ready to take a vote yeah he's still looking is it still floor still open for question you already had your two times so you'd have to have a unanimous okay well I did have a real important one but I guess that's gonna get overlooked because I think it needs to be in since we're waiting I'll make a motion to give miss another question okay so we have a motion on the floor made by Monroe seconded by Simmons to allow Alderman Sanders a third time of speaking madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?
One second.
Shadle?
Sanders?
Sellers?
Klemm?
Monroe?
Simmons?
Parker?
And Stacy?
Motion passes unanimously.
I'm afraid to even ask the question after Parker got done speaking.
But here's the one thing that I wanted to know.
Miller.
As opposed of whichever way we decide here on the council, there is no stipulation of just giving them the leave way or the pathway to do a thing or to let it go.
I think it should have stipulations or repercussions, findings and things of this nature.
With ordinances that have been violated, any time an ordinance has been violated, there and I think that there should be a repercussion for those kinds of things and that a fine should be added to any ordinance that has been violated.
Now, if I'm incorrect about that, even with this particular situation, as opposed of just being passive with it and the council is looking forward to, because of the situation that it has with the fiber optics, I think they should incur some kind of fine or some kind of repercussion as opposed of just handing it over to them to let them know further on in the other violation that goes for any ordinances that you would be subject to paying a fine for that.
Director Duckman already addressed that and he said the permit would go from $100 to $200 so there's a $100 increase.
Darren?
Can the council make a motion to increase the penalty for non-compliance?
Not a missed one.
Is that not possible?
If that's set by ordinance, then you would need an ordinance to change an ordinance.
And you found the answer?
It appears to be 60 days after publication of the notice.
Otherwise it's deemed to be approved so whatever 60 days is from the day that the notice was published or after publication of the notice the day that it ran in the newspaper yes so this if the zba Hearing was So this, if the ZBA hearing was November 7th, it would have been mid-October, so we're looking at, it's close, mid-December, mid-December, it's right there, I was right, it was 60 days, so 60 days from the posted notice, not the actual hearing date, but the posted notice, yep And that's posted notice of the hearing?
Yeah So like when the sign went up on the property and all of that?
We would go, yes, and that would also, yes, and we have evidence Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, I have five in the positive, three in the negative, is that sufficient?
And the ordinance passes.
Item Number 18 is the first reading of Ordinance 2024-83.
Could you please read this?
Fiscal Year 2024 Reappropriation Ordinance.
Manager Boyer.
Thank you, Your Honor.
So at the end of each fiscal year, the City Council amends the appropriation ordinance to take into account necessary revenue and expenses adjustments attached to your memo or all the proposed changes.
We had some additional revenue and right-of-way permits that we did not originally account for so we received a little more there.
We also received some additional revenue through police reimbursements for some of our training that we did and also the airport grant we received a little bit extra about $40,000 in the airport grant.
In addition to revenue we had various expenses.
Just to hit on a few again there was a countervailing We also made an adjustment to the expense for the airport grant.
We spent a little bit more on tree assistance this year than originally budgeted.
We made an adjustment for that.
And then in addition to that, we had some streets.
Of course, we did quite a bit of street work this year, and we included revenue and expenses, and we're still paying some expenses on the street improvement fund.
That was primarily due to the volume of construction and the number of variables involved in that.
We did pretty well with Water Fund and the Sewer Fund this year.
Both are in a fair condition.
So staff is requesting council move this to the next council meeting on the 16th for approval.
Is there a motion to move this forward?
So moved.
Second.
A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.
Discussion on the ordinance.
We'll move on to item number 19, which is the first String of Ordinance 2024-84, could you please read this?
Ordinance approving four airport farm leases with Melvin Abels, Mike Wickman, Jeff Hageman, and Pamela Mannes Trust.
Manager Boyer.
I think, Your Honor, staff has been working very hard to get these farm leases squared away around the airport.
We have received signed leases from the aforementioned property or rental participants and staff recommends approval of the farmland or moving this forward to a second reading.
Is there a motion to move forward?
So moved.
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.
Discussion, Alderman Monroe.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
A little bit of confusion on this one.
I thought we had moved forward with the agreements with each of these different entities on a previous item.
Was it just we were approving the dollar amounts or in the names or because there were four different pieces of property there that were listed on the map that was shown.
Manager, where did you want that or Darren?
Darren, you want to go?
The last one that we approved were the Kempels, which they have a small section of property and then we also the Julius's, which they both had some small pieces north.
I'm mixing, I'm sorry.
And the rest of the pieces.
So this accounts for all the property that's left.
This will have, if you approve this tonight, every parcel will have a three-year agreement.
We've also included a leaf disposal at our discretion on these properties.
So we could actually spread leaves in the fall or in the spring on these properties to try to help offset some costs.
So we put a lot of time and a lot of effort into getting it to this piece, but this should clean this up and every parcel should be paid with a three-year contract.
Perfect.
Thank you.
You can answer my question.
And if it suits council, suspension of the rules would be appreciated.
Madam Mayor, I'd make that motion to suspend the rules.
I'll second that.
We have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Rowe for suspension of the rules.
Suspension of the rules is non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds.
Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on the suspension only?
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
Aye.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
Aye.
Simmons is absent.
Parker?
Aye.
And Stacy?
Aye.
So now before you council would be the for the final passage of this ordinance for the discussion.
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle.
Aye.
Sanders.
Aye.
Sellers.
Aye.
Klemm.
Aye.
Monroe.
Aye.
Simmons is still absent.
Parker.
Aye.
And Stacy.
Aye.
The ordinance passes seven to zero.
Madam Mayor, I missed the original motion and second for the ordinance.
That would have been Shadle and Monroe The original moving forward would have been Sellers and Shadle.
The suspension was Shadle and Monroe.
Thank you.
Okay.
So we'll move on to item number 20, which is the adoption of resolution 20-24-125.
Could you please read this?
Resolution approving agreement with Cinegro for disposal of biosolids.
Manager Boyer.
Thank you, Your Honor.
The wastewater treatment plant generates solids in the form of what's called sludge.
That's the last step in the treatment process.
And we dispose of the sludge by doing land applied to fertilize farm fields.
Cinegro is the company that does the land application, tracks all the locations where it is deposited, and manages that whole thing.
So our contract needs to be renewed.
The new current, the new price is $48.21 per cubic yard.
And staff requests Council move forward with this resolution with Centro.
Is there a motion to adopt?
So moved.
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Parker.
Discussion, Alderman Sanders?
Yeah.
Manager Boyer, looking at the situation when it comes to biosolids and things of that nature, who's all involved in making sure that the farmers are in compliance with EPAs and the other organizations to allow this kind of dumping on their farmland and is there any other entities involved in the process making sure that it's not hitting our waterways, making sure that everything is appropriate for these properties.
I just wanted to hear the whole scope of everything, how we are maintaining ourself in compliance with the EPAs and these farmers.
Sure, I'd be happy to answer that.
So the reason we use companies like Syntagro is they have basically the administrative tracking system to keep track of what sludge was applied to what fields, they have the relationships with the farmers and they also are tracked and they are worked directly with the EPA on where those locations are and how much goes down so that is I guess a little bit outside of the city scope if you will but is well within regulators scope so once it leaves our facility and as land applied it then becomes Synegro and the EPA and the individual property owners process Any further discussion?
Oldham and Stacy?
Okay, so this is 48.21 per cubic yard.
If we dump this into the Pecatonica River, would we be safe?
No.
That's why we put it in fields.
No.
So if we give it to the farmers and we flood it's still all coming back to the Pecatonic River.
So how are we safe in giving it to the farmers?
Landis, specifically.
Land is specifically applied for to the EPA to spread our sludge on, so we can't just go put it willy-nilly wherever we want.
It's not put on flood ground.
This type of sludge waste is either knifed in or injected into the ground, so it's not like a product that's just sitting on the ground.
If they loose spread it, then it's disted in.
If they liquid spread it, which we don't do liquid spreading, they knife it in, so it's it's not something that's running around.
This is no different than just regular cow manure or that type of fertilizer that's put on fields.
It just happens to be human waste that's put out there.
Cinegro, one piece that Rob did not state is Cinegro is required to do soil testing at each one of these sites annually.
That's part of the permit process.
So all of the process is carried all the way through It's all the way reported to EPA on the soil testings, how much is applied per acre.
It's all driven by formulas based on our sludge characteristics or the DNA of our final waste.
But do we know the results?
Do we stick with it through the whole process?
Yes, we get results of all that.
And we've always passed.
And Synecrow's always done a good job for the city of Freeport, spreading, hauling, doing the paperwork.
We've not had any issues with this.
And there's not a lot of companies that actually do this kind of biosolids waste any longer.
Please take the roll on the adoption of the resolution.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
No way.
Simmons?
Parker?
Aye.
And Stacy?
No.
Motion passes five to three.
Item number 21 is the adoption of resolution 2024-127.
Could you please read this?
Resolution in support of application to the state of Illinois for a community development block grant for sanitary sewer lining.
Manager Boyer?
Thank you, Your Honor.
The city of Freeport's got about 130 miles of sanitary sewer in the collection system.
During annual project evaluation, cure and place lining locations are identified to rehabilitate sanitary sewer piping that might have cracks and defects and I&I that's in flow and infiltration issues potentially sags.
Our Illinois EPA mandatory CMOM, which is the Sewer Capacity Management Plan, requires requirements specify that the city addresses annual sewer rehabilitation for our collection system with mainline cure-in-place liner piping for the environmental concerns.
We've done quite a bit of that this year on our road program.
Sewer lining is considered an industry accepted method in sewer main pipe rehabilitation and and it is more economical than open cut excavation methods.
Sewer lining is over 10 times cheaper to install and the industry standard estimates that it lasts over 60 years and they have sustainable useful life after installation.
City staff requests authorization from the city council to submit to the state of Illinois for a community development block grant for sanitary sewer line to be completed in Ward 3, 4, 5 and 7.
These these words areas all have areas of concern and sanitary sewer lining would improve the infrastructure in these areas the current grant cycle request is for a maximum of a million dollars and has no match required the city engineer estimates the city would install between 20 and 25,000 linear feet of sewer main liner on this project if awarded so there is no funding for this opportunity no funding match and staff recommends city council approve the resolution so the grant can be submitted on December 4th.
Is there a motion to adopt?
So moved.
The motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.
Discussion Alderman Sanders.
Yeah for installations and I know this is referring back to Darin and Director Boyer.
When installing these liners and looking at the finished product of those liners, how do you guys go about inspecting the final product?
What's the process after the installation?
And then not only that, when it becomes to a problem installing to residents, reconnecting to these liners and there's problems at the connections and things of that nature, do we have a solution?
Are we prepared to make certain repairs to accommodate the residents and is that a cost to the resident if these things are causing problems.
And not only that, is it possible someday that we can see clippings even if you bring them here to the council or we can go to wherever the tape machine is that we can actually see some of this stuff being installed so we can get a great visual of what is being done.
And that will be something of educational and understanding to the council if we can set up some kind of visual just to look to see how we prepare that kind of operation.
Is that possible?
Sure.
So first of all, we do full-time inspection for cured in place lining.
So we have teammates out there all throughout the process.
Bain, and about 30% of our lines are cleaned, televised, point repairs are identified if needed.
You can line through quite a bit of stuff.
Liners are put in like - they call it like a tube sock where you turn it inside out and it's steam blown through the system, it inflates inside the liner, and then it adheres to the inside of the pipe.
I've done specifically myself probably close to 20 miles of lining in my career, which is a lot.
We had a project a handful of years ago here in Freeport that we did almost nine miles.
We haven't, in my tenure, had a reinstatement issue, but if we would, that lateral would have to be dug up.
The tools and the equipment that does cured in place lining has come a long way in the last 20 years.
It's all robotic.
And the way we do final inspections is we require all the surfaces to be reinstated and then we do a physical closed-circuit TV camera robot that runs through the lines, looks in all the laterals, looks for wrinkles.
There are repair methods if there's wrinkles.
Again, lining technologies come a long ways and we haven't had near as many problems as we had 20 years ago with it or 10 years ago, excuse me, with it.
Economical again Rob statement of 10 cents on the dollars is very accurate it might even be more than that in today's market with the expense of excavations we did 400 almost $500,000 worth of lining this year and I've had no issues whatsoever and we actually have a lining project that's going on right now here at the end of the year it can be done in pretty much any temperatures that are not below zero thank you so and I can bring in a video if you want to see it or you can google The resolution is adopted 8-0.
Time number 22 is the adoption of resolution 2024-128.
Could you please read this?
Resolution authorizing the write-off of uncollectible water and sewer balances aged seven years and older.
Director Richter.
Thank you, Your Honor.
The write-off of utility balances is necessary when a resident's balance is considered to be uncollectible.
If the balances are not written off, the city will carry an accounts receivable balance that overstates the amount of outstanding customer balances.
By writing off these amounts yearly, we will more accurately reflect our financial position.
Despite efforts to collect these outstanding balances, we propose to write off all balances prior to July 1st of 2017 at this time.
This would leave seven years of balances on the books.
The proposed total to be written off is $92,679.18.
Please note that we are able to track prior balances that have been written off in the computer system.
If future utility service is requested in the name of an account that was previously written off, we will collect prior to new service starting.
The resident is also required to pay a higher deposit on the new account if an old account balance was not paid.
Strategic plan alignment is responsive, efficient government and staff request approval of this Resolution 2024.
This resolution 2024,128 to write off $92,678.18 of water, sewer, storm and garbage balances.
Is there a motion to adopt?
So moved.
Second.
Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.
Discussion on the resolution, Alderman Sanders.
Go ahead.
Just a question in regards to percentage wise to to residents who have not paid and want to reestablish their service.
What percentage are we looking at for establishing their new service or reconnecting their service for installation?
What kind of percentage are we looking at when we're talking about they will have to pay a higher cost?
What are we looking at?
Miller.
We do run across it more frequently than not, but I would say maybe only one a month, you know, if that.
But it does happen.
They move back into the community.
Alderman Monroe.
Mayor, last year we had the same conversation and we were told that, you know, these would be collected if people tried to get them turned back on.
There were names on that list that were written off that still have water service today.
So my question really is starting to become, you know, what do we do to quit writing off so much money every year?
I understand, you know, the deceased.
I understand people going into nursing, long-term nursing care, end-of-life type situations.
But, I mean, there's management groups.
There are finance groups.
There are real estate groups.
And if you go down through this, it's almost perplexing that we can't at least attempt to, I mean, we spend close to half a million dollars a year on legal for the city.
It's in the budget for next year and yet we can't go after the people and charge them additional fees For you know getting this money back because the citizens of Freeport You know who are footing the bill, you know, we write this off This is 93,000 almost dollars that comes out of funds that we could have used and you know My question really becomes How do we know number one that the people aren't reconnecting water because We've had instances where the water was connected and some of the names that were on the list last year are still on it this year.
You know, how do we know that this isn't going on?
And number two, what are we going to change?
Because this is a fundamental change inside of our government to collect this money that's owed to the city and the citizens of Freeport.
It's this is a community-owned water service and yet here we sit again writing off almost a hundred thousand dollars again actually last year it was even more what are what are we gonna do director Richter I do agree with you I totally agree with you Alderman Monroe there are some tools that have been taking out of our toolbox to get some of these funds over the past years.
We don't lean property owners and, you know, for tenant bills.
Um, we do have problems currently and, and I only know the best over the last five years.
You know, I've really been involved with the water department the last five years.
And, and like you said, some of the balances on here are because of maybe an elderly person you know kind of let the house go and then it just kept going and back during this time these amounts the CIP charges could accumulate for five years now they only accumulate for one year so you know there's there's different things that are going on during different years but I do agree I think I think, you know, we need to lean more.
We do send a collection.
Maybe we need to look for a different collection company that gives us better, you know, better service, but more pushes out to the customer that hasn't paid.
We do send to Illinois Debt Recovery, and that takes from people's state refunds or state payments.
We do do that.
We do that regularly.
We see the most payments back during tax season.
But if someone does not pay into income tax or isn't employed by the state, they're not able to collect that way.
If they move out of the state of Illinois, I'm not able to collect that way.
The Illinois Debt Recovery only works in Illinois.
So we are looking for more tools in the toolbox.
And I would definitely be willing to, you know, get more options for us well then maybe that's the that's the key here when you find something that you want to bring to council for for better tools let us know definitely definitely darren from the public work standpoint the dynamic shift here changed when we when we you know don't have landlord water meters anymore and we have rental water meters that's part of the if there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the role.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
No.
Are you voting?
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
No.
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
Aye.
And Stacy?
1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
I have 5 to 2 for the resolution to be adopted.
Item number 23 is the adoption of resolution 2024-129.
Could you please read this?
Resolution approving agreement to purchase Host Server for Police Department from CDWG.
Director Suttman.
Thank you.
So this is for what we are calling a host server.
It's one really big computer that through software will put many virtual servers on.
The current host server at the police department is beyond its useful years.
We've been able to patch it up and keep it going, but it's probably time to get a new one.
The budget for this, it was budgeted for this fiscal year at 30,000.
It's very close to that.
It's at 29,700.
It comes through the IT budget and this isn't just the hardware box, it's also the software and licensing to run these servers.
I recommend approval and I'm happy to answer any questions.
Is there a motion to adopt?
Sarko.
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm, Alderman Monroe, did you have something?
I do, Madam Mayor.
Thank you.
Curt, when I look at this, I click on the link, it doesn't really show anything other than 128 gig of memory.
Can you kind of describe what this server looks like as far as drives and arrays and so forth?
Yeah, so by the time you put it in RAID, random access directories, it's come down to like 12 terabytes, 11 or 12.
But there's redundancies there, so if you have one drive fail, you can live put a new one in so you don't crash the whole system if one drive goes bad.
It's also got RAM, it's probably increased the price because we have pretty good processors in it, because we do have a few applications that run on the server.
So they'd be incredibly slow if it was just a storage box.
Taylor.
There's some processing power behind it too.
And then you've got your server licensing and then you needed client access servers, which is super boring IT stuff, but you have to be able to have the computers have the right to connect and it raises the cost too.
And as far as future proof, how long does this, because there's no information on here, I notice the support, it says five years, four hours support, 60 calls, I think that's supposed to say?
I should have included it.
They had just an Excel rundown.
Okay.
And what this comes with, four hour support 24 seven.
So within four hours, they're supposed to be on site helping us.
And that's for five years.
So it comes with three.
So it comes with three-year and then there's a two-year extended so that pretty much gets to the meat of its this new servers Useful life and then we kind of take it from them.
Okay.
Thank you Olman Sanders, yeah the pricing of this Who's all involved in?
Given approval For For this particular Hardware.
I should have mentioned that.
It's a source well bid.
So it's from based on the state contract just like when other departments buy a truck, a service truck, the state goes out for bid on servers.
So that's why you're only seeing the one number instead of three bids or anything like that.
And the specs were determined by me and Eric, the deputy director, and asked for them to provide us a source well quote for what we needed.
No.
What I'm looking for, the information from the developers who's developing this software where you're saying the state is involved.
Is the state involved in this particular project?
Do they have any say so in the matter, is what I'm getting at.
The state's involved in determining the pricing of this.
It's a main brand computer, a big computer, and the software is another big name brand.
This particular type of software has not been put in the system for training.
Is it up for training in all of these kinds of things?
And Stacey.
This is out of your control, but I wish this would have come to the council, I wish this This would have come to the council before this little ticket electronic gadget thing that's also costing the city money.
I wish something of importance like this.
Things have got to start being prioritized because you're saying they can't go without this.
Correct.
There would be security inefficiencies that would come from that.
But that little electronic ticket gadget thing could have weighed it.
That's out of your hands.
That's more of an application and this is the infrastructure.
I understand.
But it's still more money.
Anyone else for their first time speaking?
Alderman Sanders?
Yes.
Again, Mr. Suttman.
And the security apparatus for our networking system.
Who's maintaining that officially other than outside servers or clouds or whatever the case may be, if that's the tool that we're using?
Could you specify any other tools that are out there that protects our network security it comes to making sure all servers and police departments and all of these servers are efficiently used.
Yeah, that's what I wanted to say.
The security is handled by the IT department, plus we have other vendors that we have trust in.
As far as specific items, I'd rather not really get into that because everybody can hear us, The resolution is adopted, 8 to 0.
And item number 24, could you please read the approval of the bid?
A bid opening was held on November 26, 2024 for 10 city-owned residential demolitions.
Director Duckman.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
The City of Freeport posted in the Journal Standard on November 17th for the demolition and asbestos abatement of 10 properties and it had a bid opening on November 26th at 9 in the morning.
Staff received bids from four contractors and I provided an analysis of the bids that were submitted and based on that analysis, staff is recommending bids be awarded to Albert & Son, Northern Illinois Service, and Fisher Excavating, and its total amount of $105,430.
And it breaks down where Alberin's son will be awarded $87,385 for the demolition of 16 South Johana, 17 South Johana, 16 East Winslow, 21 South Sherman, 420 East Winnipeg, 615 South Float, 476 South Kenwood, and 824 South Liberty.
Northern Illinois Services would receive $7,250 for the demolition of 725 East Winnipeg.
And Fisher Excavating would receive $10,795 for the demolition of 121 North Wilbur.
Is there a motion to approve the bids as stated?
So moved.
Second.
A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Sellers.
Discussion on the bids.
Alderman Sanders.
Because I'm looking at the highest bid, Albert and, who's that again now?
Albert and?
Son.
In that contract, if we decide to let that bid go through by council, if they are selected, will they excavate to do Huffines.
Do we do it on the property or do we do it at the main or the street itself?
That's inspected and it's done at the property.
Done at the property and so it's inspected and that way we know that it is something that has been capped off and that also makes sure that there's no, what I want to say, Deterioration with Water Services being disconnected from these properties.
Yes, all proper, anytime there's a demolition, our public works team does inspections for water and sewer services.
Okay, thank you.
There's no further discussion.
Alderman Stacey.
Albert and Son, if I am not mistaken, I believe Mayor Miller, this is your family.
It's a relative it's a relative okay are they equipped to move the asbestos how do you say it asbestos out of these buildings before are they just tearing everything down are they licensed and equipped it's all required it's all part of the requirement in the bid package that's all everything they do is reported to the IEPA it's all above board and none of the of the contractors on here, it's all subcontracted for the abatement of asbestos.
It's all subcontracted?
Subcontracted, correct.
Some of these numbers were pretty far and few in between, like 4,000 and 7,000, and how is that?
Well, I can explain that pretty easily.
This is going to be 50 properties that the City of Freeport is going to demolish in 2024.
Bates, and so on.
So that's the most we've done in the three years since I've been here.
And I can tell you that these companies are sharpening their pencils to try to win these bids.
So what I notice is it kind of goes in waves.
It probably means just working in the construction industry my whole life.
I know that when a contractor is looking for work, they're going to sharpen their pencils and try to win some of these bids.
That's pretty common in any industry, but I see it in the demolition industry as well.
Albert and Son hasn't won very many in the last two I believe they've not won any.
They've come in, they've bid and they just haven't been the low bidder and I know just when they when they come in in a lower bid like this they are trying to get they're trying to get the work.
What number of a crew is it gonna take to tear down these houses?
It's an excavator and somebody in a laborer usually.
They don't I mean sponsors and our partners.
We're not going to be able to do that.
We're going to be using our paper, usually.
They don't take much.
You see what they look like.
A lot of times they get knocked, you push them over, and they're done.
They've been abandoned for a long time.
I'd just like to make a request that any of the excavators that That's all my recommendation.
Yes.
Nice grass.
Thank you.
Will do.
Thank you.
Any other first-time?
If not, Alderman Sanders?
Yes.
On top of that It's going to be a lot of empty property.
Yes.
In the event we're taking care of those, right?
We're responsible for those properties and the seeding and the grass maintaining and all these other stuff to keep up the beautification.
Of those residential neighborhoods and whatever, wherever they're located that that is part of our requirement or is that just something part of our ordinance?
That's one that is in our ordinance and it's the same eight-inch requirement.
When it's eight inches, city staff goes around and mows it.
Okay, okay, got you.
Thank you.
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle.
Aye.
Sanders.
Aye.
Sellers.
Aye.
Klemm.
Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacey.
The motion passes eight to zero.
Reports of department heads, finance?
Nothing, your honor.
Thank you.
Community development?
Nothing tonight, Madam Mayor.
Thank you.
Public works?
Nothing.
Thank you.
Fire?
Yes, thank you, Madam Mayor.
Over the Thanksgiving weekend holiday fire department was busy.
Besides the several medical calls we responded to in a few car crashes, notable calls we had were two residential structure fires within a 24-hour time frame.
Both of them at this time are believed to be cooking related.
The first house had damage confined to one Wall, initiated with an outdoor cooking grill.
The second house we had was a total loss.
So my message to the public is please be careful cooking and make sure you have working smoke detectors in your dwelling.
Police?
Nothing from the police department.
Thank you.
IT?
How can I help you tonight?
City Manager.
Just one thing, Your Honor.
I just wanted to point out that the woodlot on Walnut Avenue is temporarily closed.
We're working with the timber industries and I think we have a tentative understanding moving forward.
So I don't, I can't give you a specific time, but I think we'll be able to move forward pretty soon here and have that reopened for everybody to access.
I have nothing new to report.
Alderman Shadle.
I just would like to add on to Chief Miller's that if finances are tight we still install fire smoke alarms?
Yes we do.
Call Central Station and our staff will reach out to you and make an appointment to come in and install free working smoke detectors.
Thank you.
There's no reason not to.
Alderman Sanders?
Yeah, Director Boyer, I wanted to thank you for allowing me to understand what the process, what the finish line is going to look like on Adam Street.
When it comes to the Watermain situation, I hope that it's all covered and taken care of.
We have I don't know if we have a deadline for that or not, but if so, I would love for that to be shared with the council and the public as well when we have tentative expectations for that to happen.
That's all I want to report is the fact that we're making head waves to get that finalized and that we will go through the finalizing of it.
We're hoping to have it all paved by end of day Saturday of this week.
We'll still have some dirt work that might spill over to the spring, but the rest of it should essentially be done.
Thank you.
Alderman Sellers.
The only thing that I would like to, I would like us to add a fee to the ordinances that are not done correctly if we can work something out because if we're going to go after landlords for not doing what they're supposed to be doing and we need to make people follow the ordinances that we have on the books and if they're not following them, I think that we should put some kind of fine out there to let them know that you can't just do it and and then come back and then change it.
So I would like to see something put on the books that there's a fine for that.
We can work on like a penalty, you know, if you do things out of order, it's a classic thing where people will do something, sometimes unintentionally, and then they ask for forgiveness.
So in those situations, most communities, as Wayne indicated, you know, they'll double the permit fee then if you have to do it out of order, something so we can look into bumping that up or something like that.
I would like to see that.
Okay, thank you.
Coleman, Klemm, Nothing, Your Honor, Ollerman, Monroe, Nothing, Your Honor, Ollerman, Simmons, Ollerman, Park, Nothing, Your Honor, Ollerman, Stacy, $100 fine would be a slap on the hand.
Maybe they need to consider putting up the little building that you suggested that they didn't want to do.
And we'll move on to public comment.
Anyone for public comment?
Tommy.
Jodi Miller, I'm going to the tournament on Saturday at Babu.
Are you running?
No, I'm making the basketball.
Good for you, Tommy.
We wish you the luck.
Stacy, you did a good job.
And John Dickman was about about that thing the Jersey mics.
Jersey mics we're all excited about Jersey mics.
It's coming hopefully.
Is there any other public comments this evening?
Thank you Madam Mayor and Council.
First off thank you Alderman Sellers.
I completely agree with the fines there that we need to do and Jodi.
I'm going to give you a brief introduction to the process.
By your votes tonight, you've sent a clear message to all of us here in Freeport that we are all, that we are free to act without asking for permission first and simply seek forgiveness later.
Specifically, I'd like to address the case of Mr. And Huffines.
According to current tax records, contributed $2,300 annually in property taxes.
They followed the rules, asked for permission, and requested to install solar panels in their backyard.
Yet, despite their compliance, their request was denied.
However, shortly after, right after, you gave AVP Real Estate, based in St. Charles, Illinois, permission to ignore the same rules.
This company purchased this land for $7,000 just 2 years ago, paying less than $300 annually in property taxes.
What message does this send to our residents who follow the rules and contribute to the community?
So I ask, if the Nelsons choose to go ahead and install those solar panels, are you going to show them the same grace and forgive them?
Are there any other public comments?
Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion for adjournment.
So moved.
Second.
A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.
All those in favor signify by saying aye.
Aye.
Have a good evening.
Thank you, sir.
Thank you.