WEBVTT 00:00:00.460 --> 00:00:17.019 Good evening. Linda, could you please give the invocation this evening? 00:00:17.019 --> 00:00:25.780 Let us bow our heads. Dear God our Father, we glorify you and we welcome your presence 00:00:25.780 --> 00:00:30.500 here. Thank you for your mercy, grace, and your love for this city and all those who 00:00:30.500 --> 00:00:31.739 who dwell here. 00:00:31.739 --> 00:00:34.979 Your desire is for peace, unity, and prosperity. 00:00:34.979 --> 00:00:36.759 As decisions are made here tonight, 00:00:36.759 --> 00:00:39.899 we pray that they would be in agreement with your desires. 00:00:39.899 --> 00:00:41.899 We ask that those things that are in the past 00:00:41.899 --> 00:00:44.600 will be forgotten and all would reach forward 00:00:44.600 --> 00:00:46.700 to those things which are ahead. 00:00:46.700 --> 00:00:49.859 May all walk in the same rule and be of the same mind. 00:00:49.859 --> 00:00:53.039 May understanding, patience, respect, and unity 00:00:53.039 --> 00:00:55.880 abound as decisions are made this evening. 00:00:55.880 --> 00:00:58.060 We pray for health through return to Dovie 00:00:58.060 --> 00:01:00.679 and all others who may be ill at this time. 00:01:00.679 --> 00:01:03.359 May their strength and their health be restored. 00:01:03.359 --> 00:01:04.799 And Father, we thank you for those 00:01:04.799 --> 00:01:06.900 that are being honored tonight and recognized. 00:01:06.900 --> 00:01:10.819 It's always a joy to recognize those who serve among us. 00:01:10.819 --> 00:01:12.859 We thank you, Lord, for all that you are. 00:01:12.859 --> 00:01:14.060 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:01:14.060 --> 00:01:15.780 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:01:15.780 --> 00:01:16.620 Thank you. 00:01:16.620 --> 00:01:17.980 Now we'll officially call this meeting to order. 00:01:17.980 --> 00:01:20.780 Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? 00:01:20.780 --> 00:01:21.939 Mayor Miller? 00:01:21.939 --> 00:01:22.980 Here. 00:01:22.980 --> 00:01:23.819 Klemm? 00:01:24.900 --> 00:01:25.739 Monroe? 00:01:25.739 --> 00:01:26.560 Here. 00:01:26.560 --> 00:01:27.400 Simmons? 00:01:28.060 --> 00:01:37.060 Parker, here, Stacy, here, Shadle, here, Sanders, here, Sellers, here, and if I 00:01:37.060 --> 00:01:41.340 could please ask for a motion to allow Alderman Klemm to remote in this 00:01:41.340 --> 00:01:46.420 evening's meeting. So second. A motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by 00:01:46.420 --> 00:01:53.459 Alderman Shadle for remote access. Discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the 00:01:53.459 --> 00:02:28.949 So there's a three to three tie so you would call the mayor's vote to break the tie. 00:02:28.949 --> 00:02:37.530 Aye. Mayor Miller. Aye. So that would create a four, four to three which would 00:02:37.530 --> 00:03:00.759 four would be two-thirds out of of those six. There. Okay, start with Klemm. Okay, Klemm, are you here? Okay, thank you. So next is the Pledge of 00:03:00.759 --> 00:03:13.750 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for 00:03:13.750 --> 00:03:27.199 which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:03:27.199 --> 00:03:34.120 Item number one is the approval of the agenda with taking off item number 22 which is executive 00:03:34.120 --> 00:03:35.120 session. 00:03:35.120 --> 00:03:36.500 There is no need for executive tonight. 00:03:36.500 --> 00:03:38.520 So with that is there a motion to approve? 00:03:38.520 --> 00:03:39.520 So moved. 00:03:39.520 --> 00:03:46.520 We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? 00:03:46.520 --> 00:04:05.219 Audit person is Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers. Motion passes. 00:04:05.219 --> 00:04:10.979 Item number two is approval from the minutes from the regular meeting of December 16th, 2024. Is there a motion to approve? 00:04:11.379 --> 00:04:13.060 It's all moved. 00:04:13.060 --> 00:04:14.099 Second. 00:04:14.099 --> 00:04:18.120 The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:04:19.019 --> 00:04:21.019 Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? 00:04:21.100 --> 00:04:24.509 Klemm, Monroe? 00:04:24.509 --> 00:04:25.790 Aye. 00:04:25.790 --> 00:04:27.310 Simmons? 00:04:27.310 --> 00:04:28.149 Parker? 00:04:28.149 --> 00:04:28.649 Aye. 00:04:28.649 --> 00:04:29.649 Stacy? 00:04:29.649 --> 00:04:30.149 Aye. 00:04:30.149 --> 00:04:31.149 Shadle? 00:04:31.149 --> 00:04:31.649 Aye. 00:04:31.649 --> 00:04:32.649 Sanders? 00:04:32.649 --> 00:04:33.149 Aye. 00:04:33.149 --> 00:04:33.649 Sellers? 00:04:33.649 --> 00:04:34.149 Aye. 00:04:34.149 --> 00:04:46.389 Motion passes. 00:04:46.389 --> 00:04:49.949 and we just have one person signed in for public comment, Steve Carroll. 00:04:49.949 --> 00:05:09.379 Okay, I am Steve Carroll. Got to say it because the OMA requires it. So anyway, this is about 00:05:09.379 --> 00:05:15.699 street lights. Years ago on Oak, where I live, we had great street lights. They were bright 00:05:15.699 --> 00:05:21.100 yellow lights that gave great coverage and very high definition. About seven or eight 00:05:21.100 --> 00:05:27.220 years ago, the lights were changed over to LED lights that don't have the coverage and 00:05:27.220 --> 00:05:29.019 and I have a very poor definition. 00:05:29.019 --> 00:05:33.620 This was done as a cost savings measure for the city. 00:05:33.620 --> 00:05:36.980 However, this was done at the expense of public safety 00:05:38.300 --> 00:05:41.860 as recent events have now proven. 00:05:41.860 --> 00:05:43.540 In the last two weeks on Oak, 00:05:43.540 --> 00:05:47.060 there's been gunfire in the 1400 block, 1200 block. 00:05:47.060 --> 00:05:50.199 And finally, last Wednesday evening, 00:05:50.199 --> 00:05:53.620 it appeared at the 800 block where I live. 00:05:53.620 --> 00:05:56.680 Once again, I watched as the street in front of my house 00:05:56.680 --> 00:05:57.680 and John. 00:05:57.680 --> 00:06:02.240 I was blocked off as officers were looking for empty shell casings with their flashlight. 00:06:02.240 --> 00:06:07.399 I don't think the LED street light in front of my house was of much help. 00:06:07.399 --> 00:06:13.879 I firmly believe that the older yellow lights would have made their job so much easier. 00:06:13.879 --> 00:06:19.740 Crime hides in the shadows and with the current lighting on Oak, they've got plenty of shadows 00:06:19.740 --> 00:06:21.060 to hide in. 00:06:21.060 --> 00:06:24.220 The situation on Oak is now very dangerous, 00:06:24.220 --> 00:06:27.379 and I'm no stranger to Oak Street gunfire, 00:06:27.379 --> 00:06:29.660 as this has been a problem for years. 00:06:29.660 --> 00:06:33.420 But right now, it is the worst I have ever seen. 00:06:33.420 --> 00:06:36.500 Sadly, my neighborhood isn't the only neighborhood 00:06:36.500 --> 00:06:38.500 that needs better lighting. 00:06:38.500 --> 00:06:40.540 This is an easy fix. 00:06:40.540 --> 00:06:41.939 Fix it. 00:06:41.939 --> 00:06:45.319 I would like to thank Chief Shenberger, 00:06:45.319 --> 00:06:49.660 because he has been incredibly responsive and helpful. 00:06:49.660 --> 00:06:53.500 That doesn't happen to me much, believe me. 00:06:53.500 --> 00:06:55.699 Maybe on a brighter side. 00:06:55.699 --> 00:07:00.060 Friday night, about 9.30, I heard some people talking 00:07:00.060 --> 00:07:02.500 outside, heard a dog barking. 00:07:02.500 --> 00:07:04.980 And I'm thinking, oh, god, what now? 00:07:04.980 --> 00:07:05.899 I looked outside. 00:07:05.899 --> 00:07:08.660 There were two or three police cars there. 00:07:08.660 --> 00:07:09.660 Wow. 00:07:09.660 --> 00:07:12.459 I walked out onto the sidewalk, and this figure 00:07:12.459 --> 00:07:17.019 walks across the street and says, hi, Steve, how are you? 00:07:17.019 --> 00:07:18.660 And I said, OK, who are you? 00:07:18.660 --> 00:07:23.879 Well, I'm Shenberger, and the thing is, the lighting was so poor, I couldn't figure it 00:07:23.879 --> 00:07:24.879 out. 00:07:24.879 --> 00:07:25.879 What are you, 6'5"? 00:07:25.879 --> 00:07:26.879 Yeah. 00:07:26.879 --> 00:07:30.079 Not a good day, yeah. 00:07:30.079 --> 00:07:33.920 But come on, guys, let's make this place safer. 00:07:33.920 --> 00:07:37.199 Maybe you won't have me in here as much, but anyway. 00:07:37.199 --> 00:07:38.199 So thanks. 00:07:38.199 --> 00:07:39.199 Thank you. 00:07:39.199 --> 00:07:45.959 Thank you. 00:07:45.959 --> 00:07:48.319 Okay, we'll move on to item number four, which is the Consent Agenda. 00:07:48.319 --> 00:07:51.759 The Consent Agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless there's 00:07:51.759 --> 00:07:56.959 Sanders, member of the council would like to have something removed for further discussion. 00:07:56.959 --> 00:08:02.459 Seeing nothing, the consent agenda consists of approval to receive and place on file Board 00:08:02.459 --> 00:08:07.759 of Fire and Police Commission dated December 17th, 2024, the Greater Freeport Partnership 00:08:07.759 --> 00:08:12.959 Report, January 25th, the Liquor Commission from November 7th, 2024, the finance bills 00:08:12.959 --> 00:08:22.759 payable in the total of $2,589,777.37, payroll for pay period ending January 25th, 2025, 00:08:22.759 --> 00:08:29.759 in the total of $565,979.57. Is there a motion to approve? 00:08:29.759 --> 00:08:30.759 So moved. 00:08:30.759 --> 00:08:31.759 Second. 00:08:31.759 --> 00:08:36.559 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, 00:08:36.559 --> 00:08:38.759 could you please take the roll? 00:08:38.759 --> 00:08:41.169 Klemm, Monroe? 00:08:41.169 --> 00:08:42.169 Aye. 00:08:42.169 --> 00:08:43.169 Simmons? 00:08:43.169 --> 00:08:44.169 Aye. 00:08:44.169 --> 00:08:45.169 Parker? 00:08:45.169 --> 00:08:46.169 Aye. 00:08:46.169 --> 00:08:47.169 Stacy? 00:08:47.169 --> 00:08:48.169 Aye. 00:08:48.169 --> 00:08:49.169 Shadle? 00:08:49.169 --> 00:08:50.169 Aye. 00:08:50.169 --> 00:08:51.169 Sanders? 00:08:51.169 --> 00:08:52.169 Aye. 00:08:52.169 --> 00:08:53.169 Sellers? 00:08:53.169 --> 00:08:54.169 Sanders. 00:08:54.169 --> 00:08:56.740 Aye. 00:08:56.740 --> 00:09:01.980 And Madam Clerk, could you please let the record reflect that at 6.05 Alderman Simmons 00:09:01.980 --> 00:09:03.980 entered the meeting? 00:09:03.980 --> 00:09:04.980 Yes. 00:09:04.980 --> 00:09:10.419 And then when you're ready, if you could please read the appointments. 00:09:10.419 --> 00:09:17.179 Reappointment of Craig Deininger to the Ethics Commission effective through February 22nd, 00:09:17.179 --> 00:09:18.980 2027. 00:09:18.980 --> 00:09:23.740 Reappointment of Quincy Carter to the Ethics Commission effective through February 22nd, 00:09:23.740 --> 00:09:36.340 Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion? Alderman Monroe? 00:09:36.340 --> 00:09:48.340 Thank you, Madam Mayor. In the past, I've been against some of the reappointments. I know both of these gentlemen and they tend to be a very high moral fiber. 00:09:48.340 --> 00:09:57.340 I do have some concern because in recent weeks we've uncovered the last one that we got a tongue-lashing over, 00:09:57.340 --> 00:10:00.340 Mr. Attorney Steve Cox, who happens to be... 00:10:00.340 --> 00:10:12.159 Gwell, purpose, Stephen, Todd, Louie Mellon, George and 00:10:12.159 --> 00:10:16.600 and it makes me now question a lot more the reappointments 00:10:16.600 --> 00:10:19.320 and the appointments that the mayor is performing 00:10:19.320 --> 00:10:22.309 in this city. 00:10:22.309 --> 00:10:23.149 If it weren't- 00:10:23.149 --> 00:10:24.289 I'd just like to ask, what is that business? 00:10:24.289 --> 00:10:26.289 Don't please don't interrupt me. 00:10:26.289 --> 00:10:32.570 If it weren't for their high quality moral fortitude, 00:10:32.970 --> 00:10:37.970 if you will, I would probably try to block this as well. 00:10:38.129 --> 00:10:41.009 But I think it's disingenuous of you, Mayor, 00:10:41.009 --> 00:10:43.009 Husserlach, Scott, John, and Kierke. 00:10:44.710 --> 00:10:46.710 I think it's important to hide that you've got relationships 00:10:46.990 --> 00:10:48.990 and it gives the appearance, once again, we've been talking 00:10:50.629 --> 00:10:52.629 about ethics, which is hilariously funny here, the 00:10:54.230 --> 00:10:56.230 ethics commission, that this comes up in a time when that's 00:10:56.529 --> 00:10:58.529 coming into question. 00:11:01.029 --> 00:11:03.029 And I think it's important that you're much more forward and 00:11:05.049 --> 00:11:07.049 sharing information than you have been in the past. 00:11:07.049 --> 00:11:13.490 I, if I wouldn't have seen it posted online, I didn't think to go look, but I probably 00:11:13.490 --> 00:11:19.470 wouldn't have found it either, because it's buried within the documents within the state. 00:11:19.470 --> 00:11:24.789 So I came here tonight to ask you, on the record, are either one of these gentlemen 00:11:24.789 --> 00:11:26.769 associated with a business that you own? 00:11:26.769 --> 00:11:31.149 Well, once again, what is this business that I have with Attorney Cox, because I'm unaware 00:11:31.149 --> 00:11:32.149 of it. 00:11:32.149 --> 00:11:36.529 Would you like me to read the document that you signed? 00:11:36.529 --> 00:11:43.500 He's enlightened me business entity Freeport festivals incorporated corporate name registered 00:11:43.500 --> 00:11:51.700 agent Steve Cox 208 West Stevenson Street 101 vice president Steve Cox director Jodi 00:11:51.700 --> 00:11:56.379 Miller and that is not a business that is owned that is a non-for-profit that was organized 00:11:56.379 --> 00:12:02.940 to be able to form the Tuddy Baker Festival and we named it Freeport festivals so that 00:12:02.940 --> 00:12:07.299 way in case it branched out further from Tuddy it could actually incorporate anything having 00:12:07.299 --> 00:12:08.299 Fowler. 00:12:08.299 --> 00:12:13.700 And that's been common knowledge since we've started Tutti Baker stuff. 00:12:13.700 --> 00:12:15.700 This is the third year. 00:12:15.700 --> 00:12:16.700 Nothing's ever been done. 00:12:16.700 --> 00:12:19.019 I've never, nobody's ever brought it to the floor. 00:12:19.019 --> 00:12:20.019 Nobody's ever told us who was involved. 00:12:20.019 --> 00:12:22.180 Well, that's not a city thing. 00:12:22.180 --> 00:12:27.299 That's a private nonprofit with four volunteers. 00:12:27.299 --> 00:12:29.299 There's nothing to hide. 00:12:29.299 --> 00:12:30.779 Okay. 00:12:30.779 --> 00:12:32.980 Okay. 00:12:32.980 --> 00:12:37.220 So if there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:12:37.220 --> 00:13:07.220 Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Motion passes. Item number six is presentation of Employees of the Year awards. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. Each year the city provides recognition for outstanding 00:13:07.220 --> 00:13:12.000 Weir, John, and John, thank you for joining us. We're going to start with community development, 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:37.159 then go to library, and then we will talk about police and fire. So thank you, Wayne. 00:13:37.159 --> 00:13:45.539 Thank you, Manager Boyer. So today, I am happy to name Doug Quinn as the city hall employee 00:13:45.539 --> 00:13:53.519 of the year. Mr. Quinn has stepped up this year in his role as our Code Enforcement Supervisor, 00:13:53.519 --> 00:13:58.480 He has implemented significant changes to both our contractor license database and our 00:13:58.480 --> 00:14:00.680 rental registration. 00:14:00.680 --> 00:14:05.879 He has led the charge in making our contractor license renewal process entirely digital. 00:14:05.879 --> 00:14:11.759 So I can't express how much easier it's made the lives of our contractors as well as our 00:14:11.759 --> 00:14:12.759 staff. 00:14:12.759 --> 00:14:16.519 So very appreciative of that and it was job well done there. 00:14:16.519 --> 00:14:21.920 Also want to state that Mr. Quinn has led the charge to completely revamp our rental registry 00:14:21.920 --> 00:14:25.759 by onboarding the new software platform of Ptolemae. 00:14:25.759 --> 00:14:28.839 And he worked tirelessly with their team 00:14:28.839 --> 00:14:31.319 to ensure that our rental registration process is also 00:14:31.319 --> 00:14:33.279 entirely virtual. 00:14:33.279 --> 00:14:36.240 On top of that, he also helped to identify more than 3,000 00:14:36.240 --> 00:14:38.980 suspected rental properties within the city of Freeport 00:14:38.980 --> 00:14:43.059 all through using the Ptolemae platform. 00:14:43.059 --> 00:14:47.019 And as of Friday, last Friday, we've 00:14:47.019 --> 00:14:51.200 already began the process of mailing more than 1,500 letters 00:14:51.200 --> 00:14:55.079 to the owners of all these 3,000 properties. 00:14:55.079 --> 00:14:56.519 Finally, I want to state that Doug 00:14:56.519 --> 00:14:58.519 has kept a professional and positive attitude 00:14:58.519 --> 00:15:00.660 during a year of turnover. 00:15:00.660 --> 00:15:02.819 He's worked with three different nuisance inspectors, 00:15:02.819 --> 00:15:05.759 and he found a way to still produce over 5,000 code 00:15:05.759 --> 00:15:09.319 enforcement activities for our department. 00:15:09.319 --> 00:15:12.360 And he's just done a tremendous job training John Gunther, 00:15:12.360 --> 00:15:14.480 who's our newest nuisance inspector. 00:15:14.480 --> 00:15:16.879 And he's already set out to have a record-setting December 00:15:16.879 --> 00:15:19.600 with over 500 nuisance inspection activities. 00:15:19.600 --> 00:15:25.200 So Doug, I just want to say congratulations 00:15:25.200 --> 00:15:26.079 on a job well done. 00:15:26.079 --> 00:15:26.579 Thank you. 00:16:15.019 --> 00:16:17.279 Employee of the Year is not here, 00:16:17.279 --> 00:16:20.160 but I'm still going to go ahead and talk about him. 00:16:20.160 --> 00:16:23.799 So I'm happy to announce Mark Heap as the Library's Employee 00:16:23.799 --> 00:16:25.960 of the Year for 2024. 00:16:25.960 --> 00:16:30.120 Mark has worked at the library since December of 2021 00:16:30.120 --> 00:16:32.700 and is the first part-time employee to be voted 00:16:32.700 --> 00:16:34.879 to win the employee of the year. 00:16:34.879 --> 00:16:36.799 He is consistent, dependable, 00:16:36.799 --> 00:16:40.319 and will always have excellent customer service. 00:16:40.319 --> 00:16:42.319 He has a wonderful sense of humor 00:16:42.319 --> 00:16:45.059 and the library team loves working with him. 00:16:45.059 --> 00:16:48.079 Over the years, I've received several comments, 00:16:48.079 --> 00:16:50.620 compliments from library patrons 00:16:50.620 --> 00:16:53.360 about Mark's customer service skills. 00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:57.600 They really enjoy Mark being at the library. 00:16:57.600 --> 00:17:01.160 As a leader, I can say Mark embodies the attitude 00:17:01.160 --> 00:17:03.720 and work ethic that every boss seeks. 00:17:03.720 --> 00:17:06.220 In the past three years have been a blast 00:17:06.220 --> 00:17:08.839 and I look forward to the years to come. 00:17:08.839 --> 00:17:10.299 Congratulations, Mark. 00:17:17.680 --> 00:17:19.599 Congratulations, Mark, thank you. 00:17:19.599 --> 00:17:28.599 Chief Shenberger. 00:17:28.599 --> 00:17:29.440 Thank you. 00:17:29.440 --> 00:17:33.799 So we traditionally give out a Civilian of the Year Award 00:17:33.799 --> 00:17:36.860 at the police department and an Officer of the Year Award. 00:17:37.880 --> 00:17:40.200 We already handed out these awards 00:17:40.200 --> 00:17:43.319 and our Christmas party last month, so we'll do it again. 00:17:43.319 --> 00:17:48.269 Craig, you wanna step up here? 00:17:48.269 --> 00:17:54.690 So our 2024 Civilian Employee of the Year 00:17:54.690 --> 00:17:56.009 is Craig Deininger. 00:17:57.329 --> 00:17:59.849 And I'm just gonna read some of the excerpts 00:17:59.849 --> 00:18:03.610 of letters that people and emails people sent Craig. 00:18:03.610 --> 00:18:05.470 So the purpose of this letter is to formally award 00:18:05.470 --> 00:18:09.250 Craig Deininger as a 2024 Civilian of the Year. 00:18:09.250 --> 00:18:11.849 Craig received nominations from six different employees 00:18:11.849 --> 00:18:13.049 at the police department. 00:18:13.049 --> 00:18:15.049 Craig currently serves as the police department's 00:18:15.049 --> 00:18:16.049 Huffines. 00:18:16.049 --> 00:18:17.049 Craig is a parking enforcement officer. 00:18:17.049 --> 00:18:21.869 However, Craig takes on many other roles and performs tasks most probably don't even notice 00:18:21.869 --> 00:18:22.869 on a daily basis. 00:18:22.869 --> 00:18:26.930 Here are some of the letters I received from PD employees regarding Craig's commitment 00:18:26.930 --> 00:18:28.809 to the department. 00:18:28.809 --> 00:18:32.009 I would like to nominate Craig Dininger Civilian of the Year. 00:18:32.009 --> 00:18:35.329 Craig does so much around the PD and he always has the biggest smile. 00:18:35.329 --> 00:18:39.929 His work inside and outside the PD shows his level of dedication to the department and 00:18:39.929 --> 00:18:41.130 the community. 00:18:41.130 --> 00:18:46.289 Craig is always moving, always doing something, mowing, watering, planting flowers, taking 00:18:46.289 --> 00:18:49.750 care of parking issues, removing 7-day vehicles. 00:18:49.750 --> 00:18:53.809 Craig does outstanding work and he deserves the recognition. 00:18:53.809 --> 00:18:57.490 Craig is a multi-tool of the PD and deserves recognition for his efforts. 00:18:57.490 --> 00:18:59.650 Craig always seems to have a good attitude as well. 00:18:59.650 --> 00:19:03.789 He's a stand-up guy, not much else needs to be said. 00:19:03.789 --> 00:19:06.369 My nomination for civilian of the year is Craig Dininger. 00:19:06.369 --> 00:19:10.710 Craig has helped me numerous times with tasks at the PD, including hanging up a key box 00:19:10.710 --> 00:19:11.710 Huffines. 00:19:11.710 --> 00:19:36.269 I think it's clear that everyone deserves that the Civilian of the Year award should 00:19:36.269 --> 00:19:37.829 go to Craig Deininger. 00:19:37.829 --> 00:19:41.710 The reason he should win the award can be summed up by his typical work day, which is everything 00:19:41.710 --> 00:19:43.269 but typical. 00:19:43.269 --> 00:19:47.429 Almost everyone who recommended Craig commented on his great attitude and work ethic. 00:19:47.429 --> 00:19:51.429 Craig keeps people's spirits high as he walks down the hallway, greeting everyone in the 00:19:51.429 --> 00:19:57.950 morning, and very loudly too sometimes, but it makes it hard to be in a bad mood. 00:19:57.950 --> 00:19:59.920 It makes it hard to be in a bad mood after talking to him. 00:19:59.920 --> 00:20:04.160 Craig also works hard during his off hours to keep the downtown looking nice. 00:20:04.160 --> 00:20:06.960 Craig volunteers in different aspects of the community, 00:20:06.960 --> 00:20:10.160 including helping with police department events. 00:20:10.160 --> 00:20:13.839 He is the first to sign up to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. 00:20:13.839 --> 00:20:17.680 He will not hesitate to go up against someone half his age and twice his size 00:20:17.680 --> 00:20:21.359 in a community basketball game, all with a smile on his face. 00:20:21.359 --> 00:20:25.599 Craig goes out of his way to know members of the community and tries to do 00:20:25.599 --> 00:20:28.920 What he can to help resolve issues. 00:20:28.920 --> 00:20:32.720 The perfect example is all the work he did with the parking issues downtown. 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:34.480 Craig went beyond marking tires. 00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:38.119 He reached out and talked to people to try to resolve the problem. 00:20:38.119 --> 00:20:42.200 Craig displays a willingness to volunteer and complete any task. 00:20:42.200 --> 00:20:44.839 One incident in particular sticks out to me. 00:20:44.839 --> 00:20:48.839 During the Hosmer incident this year, Craig, before going home for the day, 00:20:48.839 --> 00:20:51.880 made it a point to check to see if there was anything he could do 00:20:51.880 --> 00:20:54.079 for all the officers that were on scene. 00:20:54.079 --> 00:20:57.279 Craig made runs for pizza and water to make sure all the officers were taken 00:20:57.279 --> 00:20:59.279 care of. This was a task that no one would have 00:20:59.279 --> 00:21:03.920 expected Craig to do, but he did so without hesitation. So based on all that 00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:08.559 we felt that Craig by far deserved this uh the 2024 00:21:08.559 --> 00:21:42.299 civilian of the year award. Congratulations. All right, so our 2024 00:21:42.299 --> 00:21:46.460 officer of the year award went to Corporal Andrew Good. 00:21:46.460 --> 00:21:49.579 The purpose of this letter is to formally award Corporal Andrew Good as a 00:21:49.579 --> 00:21:50.579 and John. 00:21:50.579 --> 00:21:55.900 Corporal Good was nominated by several of his peers who submitted letters outlining their 00:21:55.900 --> 00:21:59.960 reasons why they felt Corporal Good was worthy of this award. 00:21:59.960 --> 00:22:03.980 One of the letters submitted consisted of the following, I'd like to nominate Corporal 00:22:03.980 --> 00:22:05.900 Good for Officer of the Year. 00:22:05.900 --> 00:22:08.799 Corporal Good deserves Officer of the Year for numerous reasons. 00:22:08.799 --> 00:22:12.500 I believe he goes above and beyond his duties on a daily basis. 00:22:12.500 --> 00:22:15.779 Corporal Good is always a pleasure to work for and with. 00:22:15.779 --> 00:22:19.720 He helps keep the shift in good spirits no matter what may happen each day. 00:22:19.720 --> 00:22:23.860 Corporal Good is supportive of everyone on shift and is willing to help anyone he can 00:22:23.860 --> 00:22:25.940 even when it's not work related. 00:22:25.940 --> 00:22:30.579 Corporal Good is always assisting with calls and investigations any chance he can and has 00:22:30.579 --> 00:22:32.819 never made it seem like a burden. 00:22:32.819 --> 00:22:36.500 Corporal Good truly wants everyone to perform well at their jobs and is always willing to 00:22:36.500 --> 00:22:39.420 answer questions no matter how busy he is. 00:22:39.420 --> 00:22:42.900 Corporal Good additionally is always willing to listen to complaints and concerns to help 00:22:42.900 --> 00:22:44.740 resolve issues. 00:22:44.740 --> 00:22:50.380 As a bonus, his wife, Alyssa, always makes the best food for the chef. 00:22:50.380 --> 00:22:54.139 So I have also been fortunate to know Corporal Good since he started his career with the 00:22:54.139 --> 00:22:59.480 department in 2013 and I have witnessed him mature from a rookie patrolman to a leader 00:22:59.480 --> 00:23:02.059 who is a cornerstone of the department. 00:23:02.059 --> 00:23:06.079 Corporal Good serves the department in many different capacities as a member of the emergency 00:23:06.079 --> 00:23:11.880 response team, an officer on the FOP labor council, a member of the ILEAS mobile field 00:23:11.880 --> 00:23:16.259 Force and as a field training officer. Corporal Good is also taking the lead to 00:23:16.259 --> 00:23:19.680 renovate and organize the lounge room area in the basement of the police 00:23:19.680 --> 00:23:25.440 department. So based on all this and you can't find a better person today, 00:23:25.440 --> 00:24:07.160 definitely deserving of the Officer of the Year Award. Well, it is my distinct 00:24:07.160 --> 00:24:14.039 pleasure to recognize the Director of the Year. This year, Director Wayne 00:24:14.039 --> 00:24:17.599 Duckman has been instrumental in a tremendous amount of work being 00:24:17.599 --> 00:24:18.599 Wendell, and 00:24:18.599 --> 00:24:19.599 John Huffman. 00:24:19.599 --> 00:24:20.599 These are the 00:24:20.599 --> 00:24:21.599 two most important 00:24:21.599 --> 00:24:22.599 things that we have 00:24:22.599 --> 00:24:23.599 accomplished in the 00:24:23.599 --> 00:24:24.599 community and economic 00:24:24.599 --> 00:24:25.599 development department. 00:24:25.599 --> 00:24:26.599 From a 00:24:26.599 --> 00:24:27.599 number standpoint, his 00:24:27.599 --> 00:24:28.599 department was responsible 00:24:28.599 --> 00:24:29.599 for over 51 total 00:24:29.599 --> 00:24:30.599 demolitions of 00:24:30.599 --> 00:24:31.599 dangerous properties and 00:24:31.599 --> 00:24:32.599 a remarkable 5144 00:24:32.599 --> 00:24:33.599 code enforcement 00:24:33.599 --> 00:24:34.599 activities. 00:24:34.599 --> 00:24:35.599 These numbers, though, 00:24:35.599 --> 00:24:36.599 do not tell the 00:24:36.599 --> 00:24:37.599 whole story. 00:24:37.599 --> 00:24:38.599 Director Duckman 00:24:38.599 --> 00:24:39.599 worked tirelessly with 00:24:39.599 --> 00:24:40.599 city staff to 00:24:40.599 --> 00:24:41.599 combat the issue of 00:24:41.599 --> 00:24:42.599 noncompliant 00:24:42.599 --> 00:24:43.599 landlords with the 00:24:43.599 --> 00:24:44.599 city. 00:24:44.599 --> 00:24:45.599 In 2024, his 00:24:45.599 --> 00:24:46.599 department implemented 00:24:46.599 --> 00:24:47.599 Howard. 00:24:47.599 --> 00:24:53.599 Both the City and the landlords alike to utilize a more comprehensive software that ultimately 00:24:53.599 --> 00:24:59.059 improves communication and relationships between the City and other landlords. 00:24:59.059 --> 00:25:03.839 In addition, he and his department put a tremendous amount of effort into creating the online 00:25:03.839 --> 00:25:09.440 portal for contractors to renew and acquire licenses. 00:25:09.440 --> 00:25:14.299 This process used to require the City Hall staff, but Director Duckman identified the 00:25:14.299 --> 00:25:15.299 Huffines. 00:25:15.299 --> 00:25:28.059 He has worked to build relationships with outside agencies to bring new life to Freeport. 00:25:28.059 --> 00:25:32.819 His ability to show the potential of this city to organizations such as the Northwest 00:25:32.819 --> 00:25:37.779 Illinois Land Bank has brought new hope for dilapidated homes. 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:41.579 The expertise he has cultivated within his department has secured millions of dollars 00:25:41.579 --> 00:25:47.400 Sanders, and Grant, that even as federal agencies saying what he's doing for Freeport is nothing 00:25:47.400 --> 00:25:49.400 short of a miracle. 00:25:49.400 --> 00:25:55.139 I could go on about the accomplishments he and his department reached in 24, but I'd 00:25:55.139 --> 00:25:59.539 like to end by highlighting the importance of his professionalism and compassion toward 00:25:59.539 --> 00:26:02.339 the residents of Freeport. 00:26:02.339 --> 00:26:06.139 Spend an afternoon here at the front desk at City Hall, and you'll see a variety of 00:26:06.139 --> 00:26:09.759 cases he and his departments encounter on a daily basis. 00:26:09.759 --> 00:26:14.400 they constantly have to be on their toes to help each unique situation with a tremendous 00:26:14.400 --> 00:26:18.119 amount of patience and compassion. 00:26:18.119 --> 00:26:23.059 Director Duckman and his excellently trained department, each has to be ready to assist 00:26:23.059 --> 00:26:28.160 and for what we are all incredibly grateful as they truly are our first point of contact 00:26:28.160 --> 00:26:30.400 for many residents here. 00:26:30.400 --> 00:27:03.190 With that, I thankfully present Director Duckman with City of Freeport's Director of the Year. 00:27:03.190 --> 00:27:09.029 Now with that, I'd like to recognize the City Employee of the Year. Chief, would you join 00:27:09.029 --> 00:27:17.470 me up here? This year's Employee of the Year, firefighter, fighter, and paramedic Mark McCullough. 00:27:17.470 --> 00:27:25.069 He began his decorated career exactly 18 years ago today. Not only in 2024, but throughout 00:27:25.069 --> 00:27:30.549 Mark's career, he has shown several qualities and characteristics that make him Fire Department 00:27:30.549 --> 00:27:34.049 Mark is a consultant member of the year and Freeport City Employee of the Year. 00:27:34.049 --> 00:27:38.869 Mark has extensive firefighting experience not only with Freeport Fire Department but 00:27:38.869 --> 00:27:44.069 with years of service on a Wisconsin Volunteer Fire and EMS Department. 00:27:44.069 --> 00:27:50.470 Mark is a consummate leader, patient, knowledgeable, self-motivated, ever-training, thorough, and 00:27:50.470 --> 00:27:54.069 extremely intelligent. 00:27:54.069 --> 00:27:59.069 Mark is compassionate and always kind and tough when he has to be. 00:27:59.069 --> 00:28:02.970 and Mark. Mark leads by example. Mark has never walked away from a problem that he could 00:28:02.970 --> 00:28:09.529 not fix without doing just that. His knowledge in everything from construction, electrical 00:28:09.529 --> 00:28:15.970 and general repair is definitely a bonus for all of us here at the City for the Freeport 00:28:15.970 --> 00:28:21.490 Fire Department. It's a knowledge that he is always willing to share. Mark's priority 00:28:21.490 --> 00:28:27.889 is and always has been to leave the fire station better than he found it. Mark takes time with 00:28:27.889 --> 00:28:28.889 Huffines. 00:28:28.889 --> 00:28:45.889 This is true whether Mark is working on completing monthly fire inspections, treating a patient 00:28:45.889 --> 00:28:51.809 as assigned to the ambulance, working as lieutenant for the day, or acting as an engineer of one 00:28:51.809 --> 00:28:53.170 of the engines. 00:28:53.170 --> 00:28:54.170 and Mark. 00:28:54.170 --> 00:28:58.889 Mark is an example of what all members of the Freeport Fire should model themselves. 00:28:58.889 --> 00:29:02.730 Lastly, Mark can be counted on. 00:29:02.730 --> 00:29:05.849 Mark participates in many activities. 00:29:05.849 --> 00:29:09.690 He accepts overtime when others refuse. 00:29:09.690 --> 00:29:12.690 He's a member of the Tactical EMS Team. 00:29:12.690 --> 00:29:18.570 He's part of the Tactical Rescue Team and serves as a member of the Foreign Fire Board. 00:29:18.570 --> 00:29:24.570 Firefighter, and Paramedic McCullough, thank you for all you do. Congratulations on this 00:29:24.570 --> 00:29:27.690 well-deserved recognition. Thank you. 00:29:54.000 --> 00:30:10.779 and I want to highlight that at the COW next week we'll be giving recognition to 00:30:10.779 --> 00:30:26.740 our Public Works Department. Thank you. Item number seven is recognition of 00:30:26.740 --> 00:30:44.829 service awards. Manager Boyer, did you want to start with that one? Yes. I believe we 00:30:44.829 --> 00:31:01.880 have a fire department 20 years with Bradley Cox. Go ahead. I'd like to invite 00:31:01.880 --> 00:31:10.160 Lieutenant Cox up to the podium here. So this is my pleasure to introduce 00:31:10.160 --> 00:31:14.400 Lieutenant Brad Cox. He began his career with the Freeport Fire Department 00:31:14.400 --> 00:31:23.440 February 28th 2005. He was promoted to lieutenant October 31st of 2018. His 00:31:23.440 --> 00:31:26.599 education includes a bachelor's of science degree from the University of 00:31:26.599 --> 00:31:32.599 North Dakota. He's also a paramedic. Some of the other certifications he holds as 00:31:32.599 --> 00:31:36.599 He's a Fire Service Vehicle Operator, Fire Apparatus Engineer. 00:31:36.599 --> 00:31:39.599 He's also a member of the Technical Rescue Team. 00:31:39.599 --> 00:31:43.599 What that means is there's a lot of specialized rescue certificates. 00:31:43.599 --> 00:31:51.599 They consist of Rope Technician, Trench Technician, Structural Collapse, Confined Space Technician, 00:31:51.599 --> 00:31:55.599 and also he's involved with Hazardous Materials and Incident Command. 00:31:55.599 --> 00:32:01.599 He also possesses Firefighter 1, 2 and 3 certifications. 00:32:01.599 --> 00:32:09.799 is a Fire Officer 1 and 2, Fire Service Instructor 1 and 2, Fire Investigator, and even a higher 00:32:09.799 --> 00:32:12.480 level of Arson Investigator. 00:32:12.480 --> 00:32:20.519 And probably most impressive of all, he's received two life-saving awards for operations 00:32:20.519 --> 00:32:23.680 conducted during structure fires and rescues. 00:32:23.680 --> 00:32:59.079 So it's my pleasure to congratulate Lieutenant Brad Cox. 00:32:59.079 --> 00:33:12.309 I'd like to invite Fire Marshal Hillary Broschus up here. So Hillary, just like 00:33:12.309 --> 00:33:15.950 Lieutenant Cox, they've been here a number of years, they've accomplished 00:33:15.950 --> 00:33:21.150 great things for our Department for the City. So Hillary began her career February 00:33:21.150 --> 00:33:27.589 1st of 2010. She was appointed to lieutenant October 5th of 2020 and then 00:33:27.589 --> 00:33:34.910 appointed as Fire Marshal January 19th, 2021. So the education certificate she 00:33:34.910 --> 00:33:47.910 She holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science as a Paramedic, Certified Paramedic, Firefighter 2 and 3, Hazardous Materials Technician, Hazardous Materials Incident Command. 00:33:47.910 --> 00:33:59.910 She also has plenty of specialized rescue certificates consisting of Technical Rescue, Trench Technician, Structural Collapse Technician, and Rope Tech. 00:33:59.910 --> 00:34:10.909 In addition, she's also a fire apparatus engineer, fire service vehicle operator, fire officer 1 and 2, instructor 2. 00:34:10.909 --> 00:34:23.909 She's a fire department incident safety officer. She also participates in the juvenile fire center intervention specialist, fire inspector 1 and 2. 00:34:23.909 --> 00:34:30.470 and she's a a fire investigator and again more importantly an arson investigator 00:34:30.470 --> 00:34:35.510 it's a much higher level of fire investigations and she's here with her 00:34:35.510 --> 00:34:41.029 husband Darryl and kids Kim, Zach, Hannah, Maddie, Avery, Delaney and Darren they're 00:34:41.029 --> 00:34:48.470 not all here well he made it here tonight so it's my pleasure to present 00:34:48.470 --> 00:35:08.519 the certificate of 15 years to Hillary Broschus. She did relate to me. She's 00:35:08.519 --> 00:35:23.889 eager to give a speech this evening, too. Okay, last but certainly not least, I'd 00:35:23.889 --> 00:35:27.970 like to start by saying congratulations, Michelle, on your 10 year 00:35:27.970 --> 00:35:34.449 anniversary. Michelle Richter started with the city February 5th of 2015 as the 00:35:34.449 --> 00:35:39.010 city accountant. In 2018, she was promoted to the deputy city accountant 00:35:39.010 --> 00:35:43.809 position under Randy Bukas and in 2020 she took over as finance director and 00:35:43.809 --> 00:35:49.250 has excelled in her role. Some of the most critical city work happens in the 00:35:49.250 --> 00:35:53.369 finance department as director Richter has led the department. She has worked 00:35:53.369 --> 00:35:58.329 tirelessly to ensure each fiscal budget is balanced. She has integrated all 00:35:58.329 --> 00:36:02.130 departments and their budgeting into ENCODE for more effective organization 00:36:02.130 --> 00:36:06.090 and she's taken over the water billing department after the dissolving of the 00:36:06.090 --> 00:36:10.769 Water Commission. Aside from all the fantastic accomplishments, she has had 00:36:10.769 --> 00:36:16.610 her time here. Her temperate and professionalism has been built 00:36:16.610 --> 00:36:21.210 relationships and trust with all city staff to the point where she is often 00:36:21.210 --> 00:36:26.610 the go-to person for many staff members, questions, and concerns. Her ability to 00:36:26.610 --> 00:36:32.570 listen, understand, and quickly find solutions to all issues is second to none. 00:36:32.570 --> 00:36:37.929 She has been described as a compassionate leader who never hesitates to help 00:36:37.929 --> 00:36:42.849 everyone around her, feels comfortable, and we all appreciate Director Richter 00:36:42.849 --> 00:36:48.329 for her service, her camaraderie, and all that she does for the City of Freeport. 00:36:48.329 --> 00:37:19.010 So with that, please join me in recognizing Michelle Richter, 10-year anniversary. 00:37:19.010 --> 00:37:23.989 Okay, let's move on to item number 8, which is the second reading of ordinance 20-2504. 00:37:23.989 --> 00:37:25.989 Madam Clerk, could you please read this for the record? 00:37:25.989 --> 00:37:41.989 Ordinance regarding Part 14, Building and Housing Code, Chapter 1442.14, Increasing Plumbing Permit Fees and Adding Chapter 1477.14, Solar Interconnection Types. 00:37:41.989 --> 00:37:43.989 Thank you, Director Duckman. 00:37:43.989 --> 00:37:45.989 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 00:37:45.989 --> 00:38:15.989 So, to go over a little bit of the history here, in the last, in the first reading, it was proposed to actually make some changes to this, to this ordinance, and just so everybody's clear about what's being voted on, at that time, it was not agreed upon to change, it did not pass the vote to change to a different dollar amount, so what's before you today for a vote is changing the 00:38:15.989 --> 00:38:40.099 Plumbing permit fees from $50 to $150 for any work that is done that connects into a city water service or a city sewer service and then anything else with inside of the actual private property is going to go from $30 to $100. 00:38:40.099 --> 00:38:42.099 Any questions concerning this ordinance? 00:38:42.099 --> 00:38:53.880 Okay, so what you just presented to us, how is that different than what was presented to us last time? 00:38:53.880 --> 00:39:06.880 It's exactly the same. Remember last, in the first reading, I think it was you made a motion to actually make it instead of $150, you said $100, and then that was voted upon and that didn't pass. 00:39:06.880 --> 00:39:07.880 and 00:39:07.880 --> 00:39:08.880 John. 00:39:08.880 --> 00:39:14.519 So I was just clarifying that what was presented last week is exactly the same. 00:39:14.519 --> 00:39:16.920 That's exactly what you're voting on from last week. 00:39:16.920 --> 00:39:17.920 The 150. 00:39:17.920 --> 00:39:23.340 Yes. 00:39:23.340 --> 00:39:27.300 If there's no further discussion, Madame Clerk, please take the roll. 00:39:27.300 --> 00:39:29.699 Hold up, you're moving too fast. 00:39:29.699 --> 00:39:30.699 Alderman Shadle. 00:39:30.699 --> 00:39:33.940 I mean, I'm sorry, Alderman Sanders. 00:39:33.940 --> 00:39:53.840 Yeah, I realized we talked about that last week and there was no, I don't think there was enough feedback on that particular subject. 00:39:53.840 --> 00:40:02.320 on that particular subject, and where we had tried to make a modification of just that 00:40:02.320 --> 00:40:14.639 fee or fees, did we come to a conclusion on what we determine as aldermen around the table 00:40:14.639 --> 00:40:26.480 to work with that fee, to talk about it more in depth, to determine whether or not it was 00:40:26.480 --> 00:40:34.719 feasible to leave it at, because initially it was presented to us at 150. 00:40:34.719 --> 00:40:41.920 If that's the case, then what have we done to try as a unit, as a group of officials 00:40:41.920 --> 00:40:43.920 and 00:40:44.920 --> 00:40:46.920 the other 00:40:48.119 --> 00:40:50.119 members of the board. 00:40:52.219 --> 00:40:54.219 So I'm just wondering if that is the case? 00:40:55.840 --> 00:40:59.139 Or is it just trying to change that or do we stand fast on what 00:40:59.139 --> 00:41:01.139 was presented to us? 00:41:03.239 --> 00:41:05.239 It was voted down. Okay. Thank you, sister. 00:41:08.340 --> 00:41:11.840 So if that is the case, then if it was voted down, how do we come 00:41:11.840 --> 00:41:37.639 and Stiepe, Dr. Heath, Donald, E.ipts, Greg,我要得到 honestly and honestly I'm jumping 00:41:37.639 --> 00:41:47.639 They were asking to take it from 50 to 150. So why didn't it go back to the 50? 00:41:47.639 --> 00:41:55.880 It didn't. It's not the ordinance that's before you that's in the packet. It's still at that same 150. 00:41:55.880 --> 00:42:01.880 So it's just represented itself as it originally did. 00:42:01.880 --> 00:42:07.880 It's not that it's represented. That's where it was left at. Because remember, you start at 150, there was a motion made to change it. 00:42:07.880 --> 00:42:37.880 Walsh, John Walsh, John Walsh, John Walsh 00:42:37.880 --> 00:42:43.360 Boyer. Yes Alderman Sanders I just wanted to also mention there was a cost 00:42:43.360 --> 00:42:47.420 analysis performed on the amount of time it takes and the number of inspections 00:42:47.420 --> 00:42:51.639 that are done and I think our numbers came out to right near 150 was a little 00:42:51.639 --> 00:42:56.239 bit shy but based on our experience here with inflation what that won't be the 00:42:56.239 --> 00:43:01.519 case for very long so I think it came into like a little over 130 direct costs 00:43:01.519 --> 00:43:09.409 for most cases yeah. If there's no further discussion Madam Clerk please take the role. 00:43:09.409 --> 00:43:47.019 Klemm? No. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. It's a tie. So you would call the mayor? Aye. I thought it had to pass a two-thirds vote. Not for, this is just a regular, this ordinance to just increase fees is a standard ordinance. So why did the 00:43:47.019 --> 00:43:51.579 Why did the hundred dollar have to pass at a two-thirds vote? 00:43:52.780 --> 00:43:56.300 The hundred dollars didn't need to pass at a two-thirds vote. 00:44:03.230 --> 00:44:05.670 Motion passes five to four. 00:44:05.670 --> 00:44:08.110 Thank you. Item number nine is the second reading of ordinance 00:44:08.110 --> 00:44:09.269 twenty twenty five oh seven. 00:44:09.269 --> 00:44:11.949 Could you please read this ordinance? 00:44:11.949 --> 00:44:15.949 A proven variance application at two oh seven West Empire Street 00:44:16.150 --> 00:44:19.989 submitted by Tim and Vicki Rowe to seek relief from statue 00:44:19.989 --> 00:44:43.079 and 00:44:43.079 --> 00:44:51.079 and the variation for a mobility accessibility ramp and I think if you scroll down you can 00:44:51.079 --> 00:44:54.760 actually see the ramp a little better. 00:44:54.760 --> 00:45:05.199 And kind of recapping the story here, family member, long time resident here, his son built 00:45:05.199 --> 00:45:11.679 the ramp for when he came home from the hospital and somebody had called and we went out and 00:45:11.679 --> 00:45:15.679 inform them that they would need a building permit, they would also need a variation due 00:45:15.679 --> 00:45:23.119 to how close they are to the sidewalk. And so that being said, staff is recommending 00:45:23.119 --> 00:45:27.639 approval of the variation. Thank you. Is there any further discussion 00:45:27.639 --> 00:45:30.760 on this ordinance? I'll turn the light back on. 00:45:30.760 --> 00:45:34.880 All right. Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the 00:45:34.880 --> 00:45:54.199 Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Motion passes 8 to 0. 00:45:54.199 --> 00:45:56.960 Item number 10 is the second reading of Ordinance 2020-508. 00:45:56.960 --> 00:45:59.119 Could you please read this? 00:45:59.119 --> 00:46:03.720 Ordinance amending chapters 608 and 806 of the Liquor Code. 00:46:03.720 --> 00:46:04.720 Thank you. 00:46:04.720 --> 00:46:05.720 Manager Boyer. 00:46:05.720 --> 00:46:06.720 Thank you, Your Honor. 00:46:06.720 --> 00:46:10.079 Previously discussed, this is kind of a cleanup of existing ordinance 00:46:11.039 --> 00:46:16.800 modifications to Chapter 608 and 806 of the liquor code have been identified as portions of the code are out of date 00:46:16.960 --> 00:46:18.960 such as requiring landline phones 00:46:20.880 --> 00:46:26.279 For requiring a certificate of insurance that has been listed in the codes for some time 00:46:27.360 --> 00:46:31.599 All such certificates shall list the City of Freeport as certificate holder 00:46:31.599 --> 00:46:36.720 Parker, these are all changes, and there's several in there, but just staff recommends 00:46:36.720 --> 00:46:39.400 moving forward with the changes to the liquor code. 00:46:39.400 --> 00:46:41.059 Alderman Parker? 00:46:41.059 --> 00:46:45.559 Just for me not understanding, what's the difference between the landline or cell phone? 00:46:45.559 --> 00:46:49.860 This is just getting rid of the requirement for a landline. 00:46:49.860 --> 00:46:53.760 So with most of these places not having landlines anymore, we're just taking that and cleaning 00:46:53.760 --> 00:46:54.760 that up. 00:46:54.760 --> 00:46:55.760 Oh, so they don't need one then? 00:46:55.760 --> 00:46:56.760 Right. 00:46:56.760 --> 00:46:59.130 Okay. 00:46:59.130 --> 00:47:00.130 Thank you. 00:47:00.130 --> 00:47:02.130 If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, all amendments are all. 00:47:02.130 --> 00:47:08.130 Thank you, Madam Mayor. This question goes out to the two chiefs, Chief of Police, Chief of Fire. 00:47:08.130 --> 00:47:15.130 Do you see any issue with response times or responses if somebody doesn't know the address, 00:47:15.130 --> 00:47:20.130 you know, who's making a call for an emergency situation, you know, in a panic moment, 00:47:20.130 --> 00:47:28.130 that this would be a concern not having a hard line with geopositioning of a cellular phone 00:47:28.130 --> 00:47:29.130 Huffines. 00:47:29.130 --> 00:47:30.130 Thank you. 00:47:30.130 --> 00:47:31.130 Thank you. 00:47:31.130 --> 00:47:32.130 Thank you. 00:47:32.130 --> 00:47:33.130 Thank you. 00:47:33.130 --> 00:47:34.130 Thank you. 00:47:34.130 --> 00:48:04.130 I understand what I am familiar with. With this next generation, 9-1-1, the enhancements to the information that's received at the dispatch center is far more advanced than it was early on when cell phones were just coming into play and landlines were more crucial for that purpose, but my experience has been hearing dispatch and having some conversation with them that they are able to pinpoint and locate people with much greater 00:48:04.130 --> 00:48:14.000 There's no further discussion. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:48:14.000 --> 00:48:27.000 Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. 00:48:27.000 --> 00:48:36.730 Ordinance passes 8-0. Item number 11 is the adoption of Resolution 20-25-12. Yes, ma'am. 00:48:36.730 --> 00:48:45.929 I have a question. Because number 10 involved so much, I thought he was going to hit each section. 00:48:50.029 --> 00:48:59.360 The ordinance is, as the whole, we discussed it in the COW and then this is the second reading. 00:48:59.360 --> 00:49:03.760 Was there something in particular? Yes, I just had the question that, 00:49:03.760 --> 00:49:13.599 and I. I would like to know who wanted this change as far as extending down to Jackson 00:49:13.599 --> 00:49:22.099 and Chicago? Who asked for the Liquor Commission to expand and include the change? 00:49:22.099 --> 00:49:29.599 For which part? I didn't understand what you asked. 00:49:29.599 --> 00:49:37.309 I thought I was on number 10. 00:49:37.309 --> 00:49:48.720 On one of the agenda items tonight is speaking about extending down to Jackson and Chicago. 00:49:48.720 --> 00:49:51.239 Oh, you're talking about for the Festival District. 00:49:51.239 --> 00:49:52.239 Yes. 00:49:52.239 --> 00:49:53.239 Okay. 00:49:53.239 --> 00:49:54.880 OK, so the thought behind that with the Liquor Commission 00:49:54.880 --> 00:49:59.280 is that it's got an imaginary line that's drawn that 00:49:59.280 --> 00:50:00.519 is during the Festival District. 00:50:00.519 --> 00:50:04.199 So that way a person can purchase a drink 00:50:04.199 --> 00:50:06.920 and walk outside during specific times 00:50:06.920 --> 00:50:10.840 to be able to go to other establishments during an event. 00:50:10.840 --> 00:50:14.360 And so there's recently been a new liquor 00:50:14.360 --> 00:50:17.400 license in the downtown area that 00:50:17.400 --> 00:50:19.239 wanted to be a part of that Festival District. 00:50:19.239 --> 00:50:22.119 So it was a matter of redrawing those lines just slightly 00:50:22.119 --> 00:50:24.239 so that way it included another business. 00:50:24.239 --> 00:50:27.079 Okay, so my question still remains. 00:50:27.079 --> 00:50:28.559 Who asked for this change? 00:50:28.559 --> 00:50:29.920 That'd be the Liquor Commission. 00:50:29.920 --> 00:50:30.760 Huh? 00:50:30.760 --> 00:50:32.179 The Liquor Commission. 00:50:32.179 --> 00:50:33.639 They don't make changes on their own. 00:50:33.639 --> 00:50:34.980 They can make recommendations 00:50:34.980 --> 00:50:38.039 and then the council decides whether it's approved or not. 00:50:39.400 --> 00:50:43.980 Okay. 00:50:43.980 --> 00:50:44.820 Okay. 00:50:44.820 --> 00:50:45.659 Okay. 00:50:45.659 --> 00:50:48.420 Item number 11 is the adaption of resolution 2025-12. 00:50:48.420 --> 00:50:49.940 Could you please read this? 00:50:49.940 --> 00:50:52.500 Resolution approving renewal of agreement 00:50:52.500 --> 00:50:55.320 with Locality Media Inc. first due 00:50:55.320 --> 00:50:59.300 for fire department record management software and modules. 00:50:59.300 --> 00:51:00.460 Chief Miller. 00:51:00.460 --> 00:51:01.739 Yes, thank you, your honor. 00:51:01.739 --> 00:51:05.539 I was asked to bring this up for discussion with council 00:51:05.539 --> 00:51:10.539 due to the price increase that has occurred since 2020. 00:51:11.460 --> 00:51:16.460 This software was approved by council back in 2020. 00:51:17.260 --> 00:51:19.420 And at that time it was presented 00:51:19.420 --> 00:51:21.980 as a records management tool, 00:51:21.980 --> 00:51:24.659 primarily used for our pre-fire incident planning 00:51:24.659 --> 00:51:26.860 and fire inspections. 00:51:26.860 --> 00:51:29.179 Well, in those five years, 00:51:29.179 --> 00:51:31.659 many things have changed within our organization 00:51:31.659 --> 00:51:34.940 and requiring an expansion of our records management system. 00:51:37.400 --> 00:51:40.260 Specifically, in the past, 00:51:40.260 --> 00:51:43.099 the hospital EMS system used to provide 00:51:43.099 --> 00:51:46.019 the records management for our ambulance reports. 00:51:46.019 --> 00:51:48.099 And we also were subscribed 00:51:48.099 --> 00:51:51.440 to what was called firehouse records management 00:51:51.440 --> 00:51:54.840 for our daily reporting, for our incident reports as well. 00:51:54.840 --> 00:51:58.119 So every call we go on, we have to do a fire 00:51:58.119 --> 00:52:02.840 or a basic incident report and also an ambulance report. 00:52:02.840 --> 00:52:06.139 So the hospital stopped offering free of charge 00:52:06.139 --> 00:52:09.139 that ambulance reporting software. 00:52:09.139 --> 00:52:11.840 And then the firehouse software was bought up 00:52:11.840 --> 00:52:16.840 by another company and was not as responsive 00:52:16.840 --> 00:52:17.840 and John. 00:52:17.840 --> 00:52:22.840 We have a lot of resources that are responsive to our needs as we would have liked to have 00:52:22.840 --> 00:52:24.840 experienced with them. 00:52:24.840 --> 00:52:31.840 So this first two software offered modules that covered those additional areas. 00:52:31.840 --> 00:52:36.840 So now all of our ambulance reports are done through Firehouse. 00:52:36.840 --> 00:52:41.840 All of our fire response reports, whether it's for a car crash, a structure fire, 00:52:41.840 --> 00:52:42.840 and John. 00:52:42.840 --> 00:52:51.280 We also have additional features that this software now offers all of our dispatch information. 00:52:51.280 --> 00:52:56.559 So let's see me looking at my phone on occasion after a couple of audible tones. 00:52:56.559 --> 00:53:03.599 That's every single call that we've dispatched is now part of an application that is available 00:53:03.599 --> 00:53:08.000 to our cell phones as well as all of our mobile data terminals. 00:53:08.000 --> 00:53:22.000 In addition to the software, we use it for our shift scheduling, asset management and inventory, vehicle maintenance tracking, and also we use it for our shift scheduling. 00:53:22.000 --> 00:53:28.000 So this module alone by other companies that offer this feature is tens of thousands of dollars. 00:53:28.000 --> 00:53:37.360 Settlers. So for $9,000 more in the last five years, this whole suite of software is accommodating 00:53:37.360 --> 00:53:45.800 every one of our records management needs. So a $9,623 increase over five years based 00:53:45.800 --> 00:53:51.079 on the use that we're getting out of this I think is an extremely good value and it's 00:53:51.079 --> 00:53:56.400 just before you tonight because it represents a higher cost increase from five years ago. 00:53:56.400 --> 00:54:26.400 Right. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Alderman Sanders, did you have something? Yes. Chief, what was the, what was the price of it five years ago? Five years ago it was $11,205 and we were only using it for two different disciplines within the fire department. Now we're using it 00:54:26.400 --> 00:54:29.679 or maybe nine or more. 00:54:29.679 --> 00:54:34.679 And for those additional software packets or modules, 00:54:35.039 --> 00:54:39.279 it only represents a $9,600 increase over five years. 00:54:39.279 --> 00:54:42.039 It's a pretty good value in my opinion. 00:54:44.170 --> 00:54:49.170 Does that also include the training of that software? 00:54:50.010 --> 00:54:55.010 Cause you're increasing something that I'm sure 00:54:55.010 --> 00:54:56.010 Miller. 00:54:56.010 --> 00:55:11.389 So we have been using this, and each year it's been increasing incrementally, but this 00:55:11.389 --> 00:55:14.829 year it represented a $9,600 increase. 00:55:14.829 --> 00:55:20.389 So we have been using this, but we really didn't roll out all these features until about 00:55:20.389 --> 00:55:21.389 two years ago. 00:55:21.389 --> 00:55:23.389 And that was out of necessity. 00:55:23.389 --> 00:55:39.980 Okay, did we do any kinds of studies of this upgrade that we're doing to make sure that 00:55:39.980 --> 00:55:45.900 the upgrade is meeting the specification of what you're requesting or asking for? 00:55:45.900 --> 00:55:47.420 Sure, we did. 00:55:47.420 --> 00:55:53.360 Because there's so many different needs for our records management, we looked into other 00:55:53.360 --> 00:55:54.360 and others. 00:55:54.360 --> 00:55:55.360 We looked at the software that was available. 00:55:55.360 --> 00:56:02.119 Others, even just for the ambulance records management portion, the ambulance reports 00:56:02.119 --> 00:56:04.279 was way more expensive. 00:56:04.279 --> 00:56:08.380 Rockford was using the other software. 00:56:08.380 --> 00:56:09.380 They didn't care for it. 00:56:09.380 --> 00:56:13.720 They were looking to swap out to this software. 00:56:13.720 --> 00:56:16.279 Belvedere is currently using this as well. 00:56:16.279 --> 00:56:21.039 So we looked at their operations, what they were doing. 00:56:21.039 --> 00:56:24.239 they recommended us this is the way to go. 00:56:24.239 --> 00:56:26.159 And so we have had extensive training. 00:56:26.159 --> 00:56:28.720 All of our members have, even the oldest ones 00:56:28.720 --> 00:56:32.019 who don't grasp computer skills very well 00:56:32.019 --> 00:56:35.779 are now doing this from either at home on their cell phones, 00:56:35.779 --> 00:56:39.159 on their tablets or in their offices at the fire station. 00:56:39.159 --> 00:56:42.539 So it's very accommodating to what our needs are. 00:56:42.539 --> 00:56:47.000 And we're supporting this asking for your approval as well. 00:56:47.000 --> 00:56:47.900 Thank you, chief. 00:56:47.900 --> 00:56:48.739 Thank you. 00:56:48.739 --> 00:56:49.559 Sure. 00:56:49.559 --> 00:56:50.840 Alderman Stacey. 00:56:50.840 --> 00:56:56.250 Yes, Chief Miller, was this budgeted for? 00:56:56.250 --> 00:57:00.369 Yes, it is budgeted and you'll find that line item 00:57:00.369 --> 00:57:02.329 in the IT budget, so it's not even part 00:57:02.329 --> 00:57:03.610 of the fire department budget, 00:57:03.610 --> 00:57:07.570 anything that's computer software related comes through IT. 00:57:07.570 --> 00:57:09.929 So there's sufficient funds in the IT budget 00:57:09.929 --> 00:57:12.590 to cover this existing software. 00:57:12.590 --> 00:57:15.409 I just wanted an opportunity to explain its use 00:57:15.409 --> 00:57:18.570 and why it's costing more over five year period. 00:57:18.570 --> 00:57:21.019 Thank you. 00:57:21.019 --> 00:57:22.179 There's no further discussion. 00:57:22.179 --> 00:57:23.860 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:57:23.860 --> 00:57:25.179 Klemm. 00:57:25.179 --> 00:57:26.019 Aye. 00:57:26.019 --> 00:57:29.559 Monroe. 00:57:29.559 --> 00:57:30.480 Aye. 00:57:30.480 --> 00:57:31.559 Simmons. 00:57:31.559 --> 00:57:32.599 Aye. 00:57:32.599 --> 00:57:33.440 Parker. 00:57:33.440 --> 00:57:34.260 Aye. 00:57:34.260 --> 00:57:35.099 Stacy. 00:57:35.099 --> 00:57:35.940 Aye. 00:57:35.940 --> 00:57:36.779 Shadle. 00:57:36.779 --> 00:57:37.599 Aye. 00:57:37.599 --> 00:57:38.440 Sanders. 00:57:38.440 --> 00:57:39.260 Aye. 00:57:39.260 --> 00:57:40.099 Sellers. 00:57:40.099 --> 00:57:40.940 Aye. 00:57:40.940 --> 00:57:42.440 Resolution is adopted eight to zero. 00:57:43.639 --> 00:57:46.960 Item number 12 is the adoption of resolution 2025-13. 00:57:46.960 --> 00:57:48.119 Could you please read this? 00:57:48.119 --> 00:57:51.039 Resolution approving purchase of portable handheld 00:57:51.039 --> 00:57:54.000 police radios from Motorola Solutions. 00:57:54.000 --> 00:57:55.000 Thank you. 00:57:55.000 --> 00:57:56.000 Chief Shenberger. 00:57:56.000 --> 00:57:57.000 Thank you. 00:57:57.000 --> 00:58:00.599 The Freeport Police Department is currently in the fourth year of a five-year plan to replace 00:58:00.599 --> 00:58:07.279 the portable handheld Motorola radios currently being utilized by all sworn police officers. 00:58:07.279 --> 00:58:13.079 The police department has up to this point replaced all but 15 portable handheld Motorola 00:58:13.079 --> 00:58:14.480 radios. 00:58:14.480 --> 00:58:19.519 The radios in circulation still function, but they've reached their end of life. 00:58:19.519 --> 00:58:25.079 At this time, Motorola is the only supplier of portable handheld police radios, I should 00:58:25.079 --> 00:58:32.039 add in there are other options like Kenwood and other companies, but we utilize, we all 00:58:32.039 --> 00:58:35.480 want to have the same uniform radios. 00:58:35.480 --> 00:58:40.699 The police department has received a quote to replace 10 Motorola portable handheld police 00:58:40.699 --> 00:58:48.440 radios and accessories at a total cost of $64,994.82. 00:58:48.440 --> 00:58:53.880 for the 10 portable hand-held Motorola radios and accessories is provided in the fiscal year 00:58:54.679 --> 00:59:06.360 2025 PDE capital budget 331-302-70. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. 00:59:06.360 --> 00:59:11.880 A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution. 00:59:11.880 --> 00:59:19.119 thank you madam mayor chief some of the Motorola's have had issues inside of 00:59:19.119 --> 00:59:23.440 buildings you know Sullivan's you know inside of some of the downtown buildings 00:59:23.440 --> 00:59:27.920 are these newer generation radios any better or are we still going to be 00:59:27.920 --> 00:59:33.559 struggling with that what we're looking to buy is what I carry right here and I 00:59:33.559 --> 00:59:37.720 have pretty good coverage I don't I've found too many dead zones within the 00:59:37.720 --> 00:59:43.440 if I go outside the city I do at times and you're right there but as far as 00:59:43.440 --> 00:59:47.639 like I've gone into Walmart I've gone into other places and when they're when 00:59:47.639 --> 00:59:51.760 it is dead it tones out and I don't 00:59:51.760 --> 00:59:52.519 Dettit tones out and I don't I don't haven't had that too many happen in too 00:59:52.519 --> 00:59:56.880 many places within the city outside the city it's a different story though. Okay. 00:59:56.880 --> 01:00:07.469 Alderman Stacey. Chief Shenberger. Mm-hmm. We were budgeted for 10 in 2024. Mm-hmm. 01:00:07.469 --> 01:00:16.610 Did we buy those? Yep. Okay so this 10. Yeah we've been slowly trying to go 01:00:16.610 --> 01:00:20.409 through the supply and get the ones that are end of life out of circulation so a 01:00:20.409 --> 01:00:24.250 little bit at a time ten ten at a time next year will be five and then we'll be 01:00:24.250 --> 01:00:35.929 done. How much more was it this year to do the ten than it was last year? I would 01:00:35.929 --> 01:00:39.570 I don't know how much it was I can't recall offhand but I think it was about 01:00:39.570 --> 01:01:08.239 and 01:01:08.239 --> 01:01:15.400 My question is, when purchasing an item like that in every, there's many major companies 01:01:15.400 --> 01:01:21.860 around here in the state of Illinois that sells those items, is there any particular 01:01:21.860 --> 01:01:26.800 reason why you decided to want to go with that addition? 01:01:26.800 --> 01:01:32.039 We started transitioning to, it's the Motorola APX 6000, we started transitioning to them 01:01:32.039 --> 01:01:37.340 four years ago, so is our intent to keep everything uniform and the same with those instead of 01:01:37.340 --> 01:01:39.340 and 01:01:41.360 --> 01:01:43.360 John. 01:01:45.179 --> 01:01:47.179 I was just going to ask does that matter? 01:01:49.420 --> 01:01:53.920 What brand you're using, if the brand has the same quality or 01:01:53.920 --> 01:01:57.940 more, have we done any comparisons to determine whether 01:01:57.940 --> 01:01:59.940 it's a uniform type of radio? 01:02:03.980 --> 01:02:05.980 Sometimes you might be, we could be in the market and we 01:02:07.340 --> 01:02:09.340 and Stacey. 01:02:10.860 --> 01:02:13.300 So, we're not going to be able to make it for cheaper radios, 01:02:13.300 --> 01:02:15.300 but with the same quality. 01:02:18.440 --> 01:02:20.440 And then we would have to have them programmed differently. 01:02:21.559 --> 01:02:23.559 We would have another company coming in this way. 01:02:24.860 --> 01:02:26.860 We have the same company that works on our radios that 01:02:27.980 --> 01:02:29.980 programs them, and it's just better business for us that way. 01:02:32.099 --> 01:02:34.099 Okay. Okay. Thank you. 01:02:34.099 --> 01:02:39.099 31-302-70 was purchased last year in the budget. 01:02:43.460 --> 01:02:45.019 We purchased radios last year. 01:02:45.019 --> 01:02:48.179 I believe it was the same line item, correct. 01:02:48.179 --> 01:02:49.019 Line item. 01:02:52.190 --> 01:02:57.190 So this is budgeted for or do you get a grant? 01:02:59.289 --> 01:03:01.889 No, this is budgeted for in the capital budget. 01:03:01.889 --> 01:03:03.289 In the capital budget. 01:03:03.289 --> 01:03:09.289 Wow. Mr. Boyer, you told me today that there was a grant for this. 01:03:09.289 --> 01:03:14.170 Manager Boyer. I am apologize for that miscommunication actually that had to do 01:03:14.170 --> 01:03:18.730 with their body cameras. So I was mistaken. It was the body cams we got the 01:03:18.730 --> 01:03:23.809 grant for and we purchased the radios in the past. Yeah, we purchased body cams 01:03:23.809 --> 01:03:29.010 last year and I was able to get a 50% match grant that we recently got awarded 01:03:29.010 --> 01:03:36.260 for that. Thank you. Yep, there's no further discussion. Madam Clerk, please take the role. 01:03:37.219 --> 01:03:52.900 Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Resolution is adopted 8-0. 01:03:54.739 --> 01:04:00.420 Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2025-14. Could you please read this? Resolution 01:04:00.420 --> 01:04:06.679 approving an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Telecommunicator Emergency Response 01:04:06.679 --> 01:04:08.820 Task Force. 01:04:08.820 --> 01:04:09.820 Thank you. 01:04:09.820 --> 01:04:10.820 Chief Shenberger? 01:04:10.820 --> 01:04:15.260 The City Freeport Dispatch Center would like to join the Illinois Telecommunicator Emergency 01:04:15.260 --> 01:04:19.820 Response Task Force, known as ILTRT. 01:04:19.820 --> 01:04:27.019 The ILTRT is currently comprised of 62 active member agencies, nine associate member agencies, 01:04:27.019 --> 01:04:31.900 and two hundred and twenty trained and deployable telecommunicators in the state of Illinois. 01:04:31.900 --> 01:04:36.380 Local agencies who belong to the Region 2 Illinois TRT include the Oco County Sheriff's 01:04:36.380 --> 01:04:42.019 Department, the Rochelle Police Department, and the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department. 01:04:42.019 --> 01:04:46.699 Illinois TRT is utilized during natural disasters and critical incidents. 01:04:46.699 --> 01:04:50.179 Currently there are telecommunicators who are interested in being part of the Illinois 01:04:50.179 --> 01:04:51.579 TRT. 01:04:51.579 --> 01:04:55.980 If approved by council, the City of Freeport would become an active agency member. 01:04:55.980 --> 01:04:56.980 Southerland. 01:04:56.980 --> 01:05:01.380 As the telecommunicator is selected, the telecommunicator would be required to fulfill additional training 01:05:01.380 --> 01:05:03.420 provided by the State of Illinois. 01:05:03.420 --> 01:05:08.619 The City of Freeport Dispatch Center would only send an Illinois TRT telecommunicator 01:05:08.619 --> 01:05:11.980 to a call out if the staffing level in the dispatch center is allowable. 01:05:11.980 --> 01:05:16.059 It is the position of the City of Freeport Dispatch Center that an assignment to the 01:05:16.059 --> 01:05:21.900 Illinois TRT could be a motivator for our current telecommunicators to attain this appointment. 01:05:21.900 --> 01:05:26.699 By being a member of the Illinois TRT, the Dispatch Center would also be the recipient 01:05:26.699 --> 01:05:31.659 of additional telecommunicators if there was an unfortunate public safety crisis. 01:05:31.659 --> 01:05:33.920 Thank you. 01:05:33.920 --> 01:05:34.920 Is there a motion to approve? 01:05:34.920 --> 01:05:35.920 So moved. 01:05:35.920 --> 01:05:36.920 Second. 01:05:36.920 --> 01:05:42.480 There will be a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle. 01:05:42.480 --> 01:05:46.619 Discussion on the ordinance or on the resolution? 01:05:46.619 --> 01:05:49.260 Seeing none, Alderman Stacy. 01:05:49.260 --> 01:05:52.340 is there a cost to be a part of this organization? 01:05:52.340 --> 01:05:57.340 No, it's just our training, once a person is selected 01:05:57.340 --> 01:05:59.279 they'd have to go through additional training 01:05:59.279 --> 01:06:04.320 but that's provided by the state. 01:06:04.320 --> 01:06:05.880 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:06:05.880 --> 01:06:07.119 Klemm? 01:06:07.119 --> 01:06:07.960 Aye. 01:06:07.960 --> 01:06:08.779 Monroe? 01:06:08.779 --> 01:06:09.619 Aye. 01:06:09.619 --> 01:06:10.440 Simmons? 01:06:10.440 --> 01:06:11.279 Aye. 01:06:11.279 --> 01:06:12.099 Parker? 01:06:12.099 --> 01:06:12.940 Aye. 01:06:12.940 --> 01:06:13.779 Stacy? 01:06:13.779 --> 01:06:14.619 Aye. 01:06:14.619 --> 01:06:15.440 Shadle? 01:06:15.440 --> 01:06:16.279 Aye. 01:06:16.279 --> 01:06:17.099 Sanders? 01:06:17.099 --> 01:06:17.940 Aye. 01:06:17.940 --> 01:06:18.779 Sellers? 01:06:18.779 --> 01:06:19.599 Aye. 01:06:19.599 --> 01:06:20.760 Resolution is adopted eight to zero. 01:06:20.760 --> 01:06:24.199 Item number 14, could you please read this bid approval? 01:06:24.199 --> 01:06:28.300 Bid opening on January 21st, 2025, 01:06:28.300 --> 01:06:31.779 janitorial services for a police station in City Hall. 01:06:31.779 --> 01:06:33.119 Manager Boyer? 01:06:33.119 --> 01:06:33.960 Thank you, Your Honor. 01:06:33.960 --> 01:06:36.599 Each year, the city, well, not each year, 01:06:36.599 --> 01:06:38.619 about every three years, the city re-bids 01:06:38.619 --> 01:06:41.000 the commercial cleaning contract for City Hall 01:06:41.000 --> 01:06:42.639 and the police department. 01:06:42.639 --> 01:06:45.139 This year, we had three bids. 01:06:45.139 --> 01:06:50.059 The winning bid was a cannot cleaning service. 01:06:50.059 --> 01:06:55.000 They came in roughly half of what we're currently paying for cleaning services, so we've done 01:06:55.000 --> 01:07:01.239 our homework, checked into the background, and it's a small business that's doing a 01:07:01.239 --> 01:07:05.619 really good job for a lot of other communities, so, or I'm sorry, a lot of other customers 01:07:05.619 --> 01:07:06.619 that we've contacted. 01:07:06.619 --> 01:07:13.699 So city staff requests moving forward with the recommendation to accept the bid from 01:07:13.699 --> 01:07:15.940 Canop Cleaning Service. 01:07:15.940 --> 01:07:17.179 Is there a motion to approve? 01:07:17.179 --> 01:07:18.179 So moved. 01:07:18.179 --> 01:07:19.179 Second. 01:07:19.179 --> 01:07:23.900 A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 01:07:23.900 --> 01:07:26.940 Discussion on the bids. 01:07:26.940 --> 01:07:28.139 Alderman Monroe. 01:07:28.139 --> 01:07:30.579 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 01:07:30.579 --> 01:07:33.420 One big concern here, when it comes 01:07:33.420 --> 01:07:37.380 to cleaning up biohazard situations, 01:07:37.380 --> 01:07:42.820 oftentimes it contains blood, other bodily fluids, 01:07:42.820 --> 01:07:47.260 things like that, that can contain very hazardous blood 01:07:47.260 --> 01:07:54.059 Woodborne Pathogens. What type of training does this Kirk Canop have for that type of 01:07:54.059 --> 01:07:59.380 cleanup? And what certifications does he have? And also, who's going to transport the waste 01:07:59.380 --> 01:08:02.820 once it is cleaned up, which is required by the state of Illinois? 01:08:02.820 --> 01:08:03.820 Manager Boyer? 01:08:03.820 --> 01:08:08.460 I'd say that's something completely different. This is just about keeping the city hall clean, 01:08:08.460 --> 01:08:14.179 vacuuming, mopping the floors, and doing those types of things. 01:08:14.179 --> 01:08:27.059 you clarify then what's in the memo when it says, let me find the line. I believe 01:08:27.059 --> 01:08:31.659 you're a point he also clarified he agreed to include biohazard cleanup on 01:08:31.659 --> 01:08:38.899 an as-needed basis you know yeah go ahead Darren. So thank you the biohazard that 01:08:38.899 --> 01:08:44.479 we have called in there is like vomit those types of items people get sick 01:08:44.479 --> 01:08:49.319 here there's a lot of visitors to City Hall we're not we're not talking about 01:08:49.319 --> 01:08:53.359 you know somebody bleeding out inside of City Hall that would be a total 01:08:53.359 --> 01:08:57.559 specialty type of product this is just as people get sick they would come in 01:08:57.559 --> 01:09:02.559 and clean up the mess so city employees don't have to deal with it we do have 01:09:02.559 --> 01:09:06.520 that happen especially we have a lot of visitors that come into that it is 01:09:06.520 --> 01:09:11.159 defined as biohazard but in the specifications it's it's really detailed 01:09:11.159 --> 01:09:18.319 Hildas, Vomit, potentially, possibly, diarrhea, type of things like that, that happen with 01:09:18.319 --> 01:09:21.559 visitors that come to City Hall. 01:09:21.559 --> 01:09:22.840 Follow up. 01:09:22.840 --> 01:09:23.840 Thank you. 01:09:23.840 --> 01:09:28.399 Well, since you brought up diarrhea, I know that, you know, there's serious, serious things 01:09:28.399 --> 01:09:34.760 that can come along with that, that even hospitals don't really deal with well. 01:09:34.760 --> 01:09:39.520 My question is, is because I know the chief has probably had a prisoner or two in their 01:09:39.520 --> 01:09:48.579 Nollis, Definitely, I think for the summer time, or somebody's gotten bloody from a fight or something else those do require a different level of cleaning. I could see the vomit, but i think 01:09:48.579 --> 01:09:53.000 I think it's important that we have a special skill set to do those types of cleanings. 01:09:53.000 --> 01:10:02.000 And also, since there's a recommendation for any clean-up or janitorial work, I think 01:10:02.000 --> 01:10:03.000 Huffines. 01:10:03.000 --> 01:10:04.000 I think it's important to do that to do those types of cleanings. 01:10:04.000 --> 01:10:05.000 Holderman Sanders? 01:10:05.000 --> 01:10:16.399 And also, since there's a recommendation for any cleanup or janitorial, whatever the 01:10:16.399 --> 01:10:25.680 case is, in our business or areas, they need to be certified, am I correct? 01:10:25.680 --> 01:10:26.680 Manager Boyer? 01:10:26.680 --> 01:10:28.840 This is not for any kind of cleanup anywhere. 01:10:28.840 --> 01:10:34.159 This is just routine vacuuming, dusting, that type of work at City Hall or the police department. 01:10:34.159 --> 01:10:38.439 If we had some kind of biohazard thing we'd have to call a contractor in that specializes 01:10:38.439 --> 01:10:39.520 in that. 01:10:39.520 --> 01:10:47.479 So in other words, what you just said was we have to take the time out to call a biohazard 01:10:47.479 --> 01:10:56.199 contractor to come in just for this particular task and that the janitor is not authorized 01:10:56.199 --> 01:11:01.199 or Certify to do any of this task work 01:11:01.640 --> 01:11:04.039 at the current time that it happens. 01:11:04.039 --> 01:11:09.039 Now, my question would be is the delay of time 01:11:09.039 --> 01:11:11.680 that this hazard is sitting in our presence 01:11:11.680 --> 01:11:15.399 at the city hall or anywhere on the city property. 01:11:15.399 --> 01:11:20.079 Are we, am I assuming that we're going to have to wait 01:11:21.039 --> 01:11:25.760 for a biohazard individual to come out to clean this 01:11:25.760 --> 01:11:29.159 or do we have someone in the city of Freeport 01:11:29.159 --> 01:11:32.079 that is certified to do such things 01:11:32.079 --> 01:11:36.359 because we just can't rely on delay 01:11:36.359 --> 01:11:40.359 if this is what is considered. 01:11:40.359 --> 01:11:43.680 We just can't, it has to be done 01:11:43.680 --> 01:11:47.720 with an expeditiously movement, 01:11:47.720 --> 01:11:51.680 just like a fire or anything else. 01:11:51.680 --> 01:11:54.399 Is that what we're also considering 01:11:54.399 --> 01:12:00.960 along with this particular presentation, is this something different? No, this is 01:12:00.960 --> 01:12:04.479 just for routine cleaning and maintenance of the police department. It's not routine. 01:12:04.479 --> 01:12:09.819 This is not routine. What we're considering here is just the 01:12:09.819 --> 01:12:12.640 routine maintenance of City Hall and the police department in terms of cleaning. 01:12:12.640 --> 01:12:17.399 That's it. Okay, if we have some blood or vomit or diarrhea or whatever, we'll deal 01:12:17.399 --> 01:12:20.260 with that at the point that we have to deal with it. There's plenty of companies 01:12:20.260 --> 01:12:31.939 I'd like to make a motion that we strike the language having to do with biohazard in any 01:12:31.939 --> 01:12:38.899 language associated with that from this agreement. 01:12:38.899 --> 01:12:41.100 So we have a motion on the floor to strike that language. 01:12:41.100 --> 01:12:43.140 Is there a second? 01:12:43.140 --> 01:12:44.739 Second. 01:12:44.739 --> 01:12:48.319 Motion made by Monroe, seconded by Stacy. 01:12:48.319 --> 01:12:49.319 Huffines. 01:12:49.319 --> 01:12:53.319 Any further discussion on striking the language? 01:12:53.319 --> 01:12:54.319 Let's take the roll. 01:12:54.319 --> 01:12:55.319 I'm sorry. 01:12:55.319 --> 01:12:56.319 Yeah. 01:12:56.319 --> 01:12:57.319 What? 01:12:57.319 --> 01:12:58.319 I'm sorry. 01:12:58.319 --> 01:12:59.319 Yeah. 01:12:59.319 --> 01:13:03.630 You have a question on the language? 01:13:03.630 --> 01:13:11.310 Well, yeah, I do have a concern about that. 01:13:11.310 --> 01:13:18.189 What I'm looking at and what I'm hearing, and this sounds like it's being passive to 01:13:18.189 --> 01:13:20.189 and I have a question for you. I think that's a good question. 01:13:22.189 --> 01:13:25.189 I think that's a good question. I'm not talking to you, I'm 01:13:25.189 --> 01:13:27.189 talking to my ears at this moment. 01:13:30.189 --> 01:13:33.189 And we do not, if it's what it is, it's what it is. If it's 01:13:33.189 --> 01:13:35.189 biohazard, it's biohazard. 01:13:37.189 --> 01:13:40.189 There's no other definition right now that I know of that we can 01:13:40.189 --> 01:13:42.189 change the language of this particular situation. 01:13:42.189 --> 01:13:51.189 I'm concerned about the certification of an individual collecting that biohazard. 01:13:51.189 --> 01:13:54.189 This is nothing that you can be passive about. 01:13:54.189 --> 01:14:06.189 It is something that you have to define what it is and then move forward with it and put things in operation for it to be considered to take care of this particular problem. 01:14:06.189 --> 01:14:36.189 and so I don't want us to be under the presumption that we're going to be passive about the term and the language it is what it is and if it is what it is then I think we should be very well in tune with what it is because biohazard is unfortunate something that is being something that is dispensed in our community I think 01:14:36.189 --> 01:14:51.109 We have to take precautionary measures. We just can't let janitors just come in and clean up biohazards and things of this nature, if this is what we're leaning to, because if you're changing the language, it's making it 01:14:51.109 --> 01:14:52.109 and so on. 01:14:52.109 --> 01:15:09.829 I don't want to have to go clean up biohazard material and I don't want anyone that's not 01:15:09.829 --> 01:15:13.350 certified to go do the same thing. 01:15:13.350 --> 01:15:20.229 I don't want a janitor to do it if it's not called for, but if it's something that could 01:15:20.229 --> 01:15:27.869 Walsh, and I think we should address it, and I don't think we should be passive about 01:15:27.869 --> 01:15:32.750 any of that, and that's the only reason why I have a concern for it. 01:15:32.750 --> 01:15:34.350 Attorney Isidro has a comment. 01:15:34.350 --> 01:15:41.189 All of the senators, I think Alderman Monroe's motion to change the language, to strike the 01:15:41.189 --> 01:15:44.229 language regarding biohazards, is in line with what you're saying. 01:15:44.229 --> 01:15:50.149 So then, if the language is removed, any reference to biohazards, then this particular 01:15:50.149 --> 01:15:52.149 and 01:15:53.149 --> 01:15:55.149 John. 01:15:56.149 --> 01:15:58.149 We have a question from the board. 01:15:59.149 --> 01:16:02.149 The language of janitor cleaning crew would not be able to do 01:16:02.149 --> 01:16:07.149 any of the biohazard stuff. It would have to be done and 01:16:07.149 --> 01:16:11.149 manager Boyer saying any biohazard stuff would have to be a 01:16:11.149 --> 01:16:14.149 separate company that does have the proper training 01:16:14.149 --> 01:16:18.149 certifications there. So I think what the motion to change 01:16:18.149 --> 01:16:27.149 A janitor. I didn't hear the part where it says two separate companies would have to come in to take care of this issue. 01:16:27.149 --> 01:16:40.149 So my understanding of Alderman Monroe's motion is to remove from the scope any reference, the scope of work that this company would be doing, anything that would be biohazard related. 01:16:40.149 --> 01:16:41.149 Fowler. 01:16:41.149 --> 01:16:48.869 So, if that means then they're not going to be allowed to touch that topic, okay? 01:16:48.869 --> 01:16:50.430 Is that accurate, Coleman? 01:16:50.430 --> 01:16:51.430 That's very accurate. 01:16:51.430 --> 01:16:58.050 You know, and I just looked it up, OSHA is very clear on what a biohazard and a blood 01:16:58.050 --> 01:17:04.550 board pathogen is, so I think, you know, the city would abide by those standards in the 01:17:04.550 --> 01:17:05.550 workplace. 01:17:05.550 --> 01:17:06.550 Right. 01:17:06.550 --> 01:17:09.789 You know, and then this contract with your changed proposal, changed language, if it 01:17:09.789 --> 01:17:12.770 Miller, David, and Michael. 01:17:12.789 --> 01:17:16.310 But when we look at the biohazards, when we look at 01:17:16.329 --> 01:17:20.310 the biohazards that we go through, then it would be out, 01:17:20.350 --> 01:17:23.609 biohazards would be outside the scope of what this contractor 01:17:23.649 --> 01:17:27.090 would be allowed to do, so they wouldn't even touch that stuff. 01:17:27.109 --> 01:17:30.250 So when we're looking at genitors, when we're looking at 01:17:30.289 --> 01:17:33.289 genitors, they have a certain classification. When we're 01:17:33.329 --> 01:17:36.390 looking at biohazards, they have a certain classification. 01:17:36.430 --> 01:17:38.369 There's a distinction there. 01:17:38.369 --> 01:17:39.369 Miller. 01:17:39.369 --> 01:17:46.649 He cannot provide that service as a certification guy if he doesn't carry the certificate, 01:17:46.649 --> 01:17:48.029 if he's not certified. 01:17:48.029 --> 01:17:49.710 And so that's all I'm saying. 01:17:49.710 --> 01:17:54.130 We're making a distinction out of the two, and I don't want it to get confused that a 01:17:54.130 --> 01:17:59.329 janitor can just walk in and just clean up biohazards. 01:17:59.329 --> 01:18:02.489 I just don't want that to happen. 01:18:02.489 --> 01:18:04.810 Again, this has been stretched. 01:18:04.810 --> 01:18:10.489 If we go back to the specifications, the biohazard we're talking about is really if somebody 01:18:10.489 --> 01:18:15.430 were to get sick here at work so employees don't have to clean it up. 01:18:15.430 --> 01:18:20.970 If you look at the bid items, Knapp Cleaning Service bid it at zero dollars and zero cents. 01:18:20.970 --> 01:18:24.210 The other two people, I believe, bid it at a hundred dollars. 01:18:24.210 --> 01:18:30.489 So just the scope in general would show you that if it was a true biohazard cleanup, for 01:18:30.489 --> 01:18:35.130 For instance, if someone got shot here, there was blood all over, something like that, would 01:18:35.130 --> 01:18:40.690 not be that kind of cleanup, and the city would not be able to hire a cleaning service like 01:18:40.690 --> 01:18:46.210 this to do it. James, you were in that business, you would know it. So again, if you look at 01:18:46.210 --> 01:18:51.729 the bid price, nobody's asking anybody to pleat clean up body organs for $100. This 01:18:51.729 --> 01:18:56.649 is just a cleaning service. The cleaning service actually performs at nighttime hours when 01:18:56.649 --> 01:18:59.409 and the City Hall is not open, right? 01:18:59.409 --> 01:19:00.569 That's what they do. 01:19:00.569 --> 01:19:02.449 We've had this going on for years. 01:19:02.449 --> 01:19:05.649 This is an annual contract for not only City Hall, 01:19:05.649 --> 01:19:07.229 but the PD. 01:19:07.229 --> 01:19:10.010 Our current service provider is, 01:19:10.010 --> 01:19:11.729 was time to renew their contract. 01:19:11.729 --> 01:19:14.029 They did not bid on this contract 01:19:14.029 --> 01:19:15.090 and there had been issues. 01:19:15.090 --> 01:19:18.649 So just stating the obvious here, 01:19:18.649 --> 01:19:21.809 the current low bidder, I got a question today, 01:19:21.809 --> 01:19:25.609 was asked if they're registered as an Illinois business. 01:19:25.609 --> 01:19:29.949 They are not, they have a Wisconsin and Illinois tax number 01:19:29.949 --> 01:19:32.750 and there is no requirement for cleaning services 01:19:32.750 --> 01:19:35.190 to be registered as a business in Illinois. 01:19:36.270 --> 01:19:37.750 They're a local company. 01:19:37.750 --> 01:19:41.010 They've been in business for five years. 01:19:41.010 --> 01:19:43.149 I called all 10 of their references. 01:19:43.149 --> 01:19:46.149 They had 10 business references, three personal references. 01:19:46.149 --> 01:19:50.159 I had at least seven businesses call me back, said they're the best cleaning company they've 01:19:50.159 --> 01:19:51.159 ever had. 01:19:51.159 --> 01:19:53.800 Two of them are local businesses here in Freeport. 01:19:53.800 --> 01:19:57.479 And really this is about, oh, if you have a problem, a kid walks in, throws up on the 01:19:57.479 --> 01:20:02.319 floor, the admin doesn't need to clean it up, they'll just come and take care of it. 01:20:02.319 --> 01:20:05.039 Yeah, so we had a response time of a couple hours. 01:20:05.039 --> 01:20:08.319 I think you're missing the point, though, and you know, you're right. 01:20:08.319 --> 01:20:10.000 I did work in the business. 01:20:10.000 --> 01:20:12.920 Even throw up can have issues with it. 01:20:12.920 --> 01:20:19.239 Right, but throw-up can be cleaned up with bleach and gloves and, you know, not every scene. 01:20:19.239 --> 01:20:24.680 I'm trained in it actually because I used to be a coach at the high school. Anybody that's trained 01:20:24.680 --> 01:20:30.359 can clean up that type of product with rubber gloves, chlorine spray. We did it at basketball 01:20:30.359 --> 01:20:38.359 games all the time and the games continue. We're not asking them to remove body parts from City Hall. 01:20:38.359 --> 01:20:44.680 okay so the motion on the floor is just one thing striking the language of biohazard so 01:20:45.960 --> 01:20:49.720 if there's no further discussion on striking that language madam clerk would you please take the 01:20:49.720 --> 01:21:02.569 role on just that portion? Klemm? Monroe? Aye. Simmons? No. Parker? No. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? No. 01:21:02.569 --> 01:21:36.539 Sanders? No. Sellers? No. Fails? Okay, so now before you is the original bid the way it was presented. Any further discussions on the original? Alderman Stacey. My biggest concern was the difference in the price. One for both buildings was 14.5. The other one for both buildings was 89,000. 01:21:36.539 --> 01:21:45.779 and the middle person was $55,100. How? Yes, Darren. 01:21:45.779 --> 01:21:51.779 The difference in bids reflect brick and mortar businesses versus mom-and-pop shops. 01:21:51.779 --> 01:21:55.779 The other two bidders are bigger businesses with bigger overheads 01:21:55.779 --> 01:22:01.779 and the company that was low bid is a mom-and-pop shop with three employees 01:22:01.779 --> 01:22:06.779 and you know, growing, right? So that's your difference in price. 01:22:06.779 --> 01:22:17.779 I will also say the low bidder also FOIAed what we currently pay for a contract because that's legal and so they knew the price they needed to be to get the contract. The other two did not. 01:22:17.779 --> 01:22:25.539 So, are they bonded? 01:22:25.539 --> 01:22:35.539 Yes, I'm sorry, they both, all three companies that bid, submitted bid bonds of 10%, performance bonds and payment bonds. 01:22:35.539 --> 01:22:43.539 So they are fully bonded. They also supplied their insurance certificate as well, which pending approval tonight will go to Aaron for review. 01:22:43.539 --> 01:22:50.539 We have specific language that goes into the chain of insurances to cover all the city employees including the board members. 01:22:50.539 --> 01:22:53.899 members, that is something that they will need to alter on their chain of 01:22:53.899 --> 01:22:57.619 insurance before a final agreement is signed. 01:22:58.380 --> 01:23:01.060 Okay, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:23:01.060 --> 01:23:08.630 Klemm, Monroe? No. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. 01:23:08.630 --> 01:23:15.350 Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. 01:23:15.350 --> 01:23:23.460 Resolution, oh no, bid approval. Okay, item number 15, there's 01:23:23.460 --> 01:23:34.199 another bid approval. Could you please read this? Bid opening on January 28, 2025, 2025 sewer cleaning for sewer lining bid. 01:23:34.199 --> 01:23:42.819 Thank you. Manager Boyer. Yeah, thank you, your honor. The city of Freeport does quite a bit of lining every road work project. We're lining the sewers as we go. 01:23:42.819 --> 01:23:48.579 City staff had a bid opening for the cleaning and inventorying of sanitary 01:23:48.579 --> 01:23:56.140 sewer for the 2025 year paving program. The low bid was from national power 01:23:56.140 --> 01:24:05.140 rotting at $60,820. That was below projection. Darren, could you remind me 01:24:05.140 --> 01:24:10.899 what was how far below projection was that? $23,000. So out of $23,000 below 01:24:10.899 --> 01:24:15.140 projection and city staff request city council move forward with the agreement 01:24:15.140 --> 01:24:21.020 with national power rotting. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Motion 01:24:21.020 --> 01:24:27.300 made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Alderman Sanders. Yeah how 01:24:27.300 --> 01:24:35.420 much coverage area, how many miles of sewer lining that we're expecting to have 01:24:35.420 --> 01:24:37.859 and I have taken place. 01:24:37.859 --> 01:24:39.979 Who am I talking to, Rod or? 01:24:39.979 --> 01:24:40.939 Darren probably has one. 01:24:40.939 --> 01:24:41.939 Sewer lining or cleaning? 01:24:41.939 --> 01:24:44.300 This bid is for cleaning. 01:24:44.300 --> 01:24:45.420 Oh, OK. 01:24:45.420 --> 01:24:46.460 So we typically pay out. 01:24:46.460 --> 01:24:47.500 Or sewer lining. 01:24:47.500 --> 01:24:49.539 OK, the bidding is for just cleaning. 01:24:49.539 --> 01:24:52.699 This is for cleaning and TVing and identifying point repairs 01:24:52.699 --> 01:24:54.539 and lines that can be lined. 01:24:54.539 --> 01:24:58.500 We annually budget about $400,000 to $500,000 a year 01:24:58.500 --> 01:25:04.300 for lining, which usually gets us 01:25:04.300 --> 01:25:06.779 about 20,000, I believe. 01:25:06.779 --> 01:25:08.699 Okay, when we come, sorry. 01:25:08.699 --> 01:25:09.539 Go ahead. 01:25:09.539 --> 01:25:11.439 When we're coming into cleaning, 01:25:12.420 --> 01:25:15.420 we're talking about, as far as cleaning is concerned, 01:25:15.420 --> 01:25:18.920 we're talking about covering the whole Freeport, 01:25:18.920 --> 01:25:21.460 the city of Freeport when it comes to sewer cleaning, 01:25:21.460 --> 01:25:22.659 am I correct? 01:25:22.659 --> 01:25:26.020 No, this contract is specifically only for the streets 01:25:26.020 --> 01:25:29.479 that we intend on working on in the next year to two years, 01:25:29.479 --> 01:25:31.779 so we can identify point repairs. 01:25:31.779 --> 01:25:37.300 This contract would be probably over a half a million dollars or more to clean the entire 01:25:37.300 --> 01:25:38.300 town. 01:25:38.300 --> 01:25:39.300 Okay. 01:25:39.300 --> 01:25:49.210 I can't speak in there any other discussion. 01:25:49.210 --> 01:25:52.369 Madam Clerk, please take the role. 01:25:52.369 --> 01:25:53.369 Clem. 01:25:53.369 --> 01:25:54.369 Hi. 01:25:54.369 --> 01:25:55.369 Monroe. 01:25:55.369 --> 01:25:56.369 Hi. 01:25:56.369 --> 01:25:57.369 Simmons. 01:25:57.369 --> 01:25:58.369 Hi. 01:25:58.369 --> 01:25:59.369 Parker. 01:25:59.369 --> 01:26:00.369 Hi. 01:26:00.369 --> 01:26:01.369 Stacy. 01:26:01.369 --> 01:26:02.369 Hi. 01:26:02.369 --> 01:26:03.369 Shadle. 01:26:03.369 --> 01:26:04.369 Hi. 01:26:04.369 --> 01:26:05.369 Sanders. 01:26:05.369 --> 01:26:06.369 Hi. 01:26:06.369 --> 01:26:12.079 Approval of V8 passes. 01:26:12.079 --> 01:26:15.680 Okay, item number 16 is discussion regarding 01:26:15.680 --> 01:26:18.800 reappropriation of funds to address street lighting 01:26:18.800 --> 01:26:21.119 in high crime areas in the Fifth Ward, 01:26:21.119 --> 01:26:25.300 identified by a list by Chief Shenberger, 01:26:25.300 --> 01:26:28.739 presented by Alderman Stacy and Monroe. 01:26:28.739 --> 01:26:29.579 Yes. 01:26:32.239 --> 01:26:36.760 Chief Shenberger and I kind of started this last year 01:26:36.760 --> 01:26:41.760 and it kind of fell on the wayside. 01:26:42.960 --> 01:26:46.319 However, I've picked it back up 01:26:47.920 --> 01:26:52.380 and it's my desire to run with it 01:26:52.380 --> 01:26:55.140 as far as the lighting here in Freeport. 01:26:56.319 --> 01:27:00.340 As Mr. Carroll spoke earlier, 01:27:00.340 --> 01:27:03.760 we did have 150 watt bulbs, 01:27:03.760 --> 01:27:17.760 Comet came in with the LEDs and we went down to 35 watts and it's just not enough. 01:27:17.760 --> 01:27:26.520 When I made the request a couple weeks ago for state and Iroquois, an additional 55 watt 01:27:26.520 --> 01:27:45.859 Babb was added to that area and it's still dark and I am asking that funds be made available 01:27:45.859 --> 01:27:55.380 to go through this list that I received from Chief Shenberger, the concerned crime areas 01:27:55.380 --> 01:28:03.819 Schoenberg, and I have a list that's dark, and with all the talk the last two weeks on 01:28:03.819 --> 01:28:15.939 Oak Street that has added an additional 10 concerned crime areas on Oak that Chief has 01:28:15.939 --> 01:28:24.180 added to this list that needs additional lighting. 01:28:24.180 --> 01:28:32.059 Shenberger can you yeah I talked to Alderman Stacy Friday night I believe it 01:28:32.059 --> 01:28:37.460 was we talked about this I was out there on Oak for a while there's ten lights 01:28:37.460 --> 01:28:44.859 I've suggested in between Broadway and Empire so there's ten lights there and 01:28:44.859 --> 01:28:51.779 obviously as mr. Carroll talked about earlier that area does get dark 01:28:51.779 --> 01:28:56.920 Burke, especially on the sidewalks at night time. 01:28:56.920 --> 01:29:01.880 So I have spoken with Chief Shenberger. 01:29:01.880 --> 01:29:16.779 I've spoken with Mr. Gaurab, ComEd, and I've spoken with Darren, who kind of gave me an 01:29:16.779 --> 01:29:31.539 an ideal of what we were looking at for the now 13 areas, concerned areas. 01:29:31.539 --> 01:29:39.100 And so it is, I don't know, Darren, if you have anything you would like to say on this 01:29:39.100 --> 01:29:42.100 matter. 01:29:42.100 --> 01:29:44.100 It says, uh, Mrs. Stacy. 01:29:44.100 --> 01:29:44.800 This is, Mrs. Stacy is correct. 01:29:44.800 --> 01:29:47.420 We did talk about this almost a year ago. 01:29:48.319 --> 01:29:52.439 Originally there was some concern about dark streets 01:29:52.439 --> 01:29:56.680 and I asked Chief Shenberger to put a list together 01:29:56.680 --> 01:30:01.319 of higher crime areas of Freeport that were consistent 01:30:01.319 --> 01:30:02.880 with the calls that we have. 01:30:02.880 --> 01:30:06.079 And at that time we went to ComEd and we, 01:30:06.079 --> 01:30:11.079 city manager Boyer and I asked ComEd to please consider 01:30:11.079 --> 01:30:13.079 and 01:30:14.199 --> 01:30:16.199 Mr. 01:30:17.319 --> 01:30:19.319 Gallrapp, who was the director of the 01:30:20.439 --> 01:30:22.439 lights that are coming out, evaluating the lights and then 01:30:23.560 --> 01:30:25.560 looked to add different lights with more strength back in. 01:30:27.100 --> 01:30:29.100 And at that time, and that was Mr. Gallrapp that came out, he 01:30:30.199 --> 01:30:32.199 came out and did light surveys at night on the streets. 01:30:33.699 --> 01:30:35.699 He came back and said, based on the lights that we currently 01:30:36.699 --> 01:30:38.699 have, they're emitting what they're supposed to, and if we 01:30:38.699 --> 01:30:41.159 Bates, and then we have to coordinate with ComEd. 01:30:41.159 --> 01:30:44.239 Those ComEd lights, we can't just shut them on and off. 01:30:44.239 --> 01:30:48.539 They have continuous power, so they have to be shut down by ComEd to change the heads 01:30:48.539 --> 01:30:50.220 out, but we would have to pay for that. 01:30:50.220 --> 01:30:51.420 It's a pay item. 01:30:51.420 --> 01:30:55.819 We also asked about new poles and new lights, mid-blocks. 01:30:55.819 --> 01:31:00.039 Those were costed out, too, and I believe it was a year ago, but I believe that was 01:31:00.039 --> 01:31:07.140 around $13,000 a pole with the light and electrical to add them mid-blocks or in between existing 01:31:07.140 --> 01:31:08.140 poles. 01:31:08.140 --> 01:31:13.140 So the thought by Chief and I was it would be cheaper to replace lights than to add new 01:31:13.140 --> 01:31:21.060 poles and I believe originally, and again that was a year ago before the areas had shifted, 01:31:21.060 --> 01:31:26.100 we were looking at about $25,000 worth of light replacements in the streets list that 01:31:26.100 --> 01:31:30.579 he had at that time. 01:31:30.579 --> 01:31:35.979 If it's the desire of the council to look at this further, then we should do that, but 01:31:35.979 --> 01:31:37.739 that's a direction we need to be given. 01:31:37.739 --> 01:32:07.739 Okay, so I actually spoke with Mr. Galrapp today as well. And just so you're aware, we've actually been talking with him for months about being on, that right now we are not on the list as a distressed community. However, we are up, we should be back on that list to be considered again. So that kind of puts us in a different spot. But we are working with ComEd, have for months. And so 01:32:07.739 --> 01:32:08.739 and Stacey. 01:32:08.739 --> 01:32:13.220 So it's just kind of a waiting game to see if we get on that list and what that impact 01:32:13.220 --> 01:32:14.600 could be for us. 01:32:14.600 --> 01:32:21.140 So I guess my question is kind of twofold to you Alderman Stacey is where are you suggesting 01:32:21.140 --> 01:32:27.180 that the funding comes from because it has to be removed somewhere in order to make that 01:32:27.180 --> 01:32:28.180 difference up. 01:32:28.180 --> 01:32:35.659 And then secondly would be obviously the chief has places probably all over the city, not 01:32:35.659 --> 01:32:36.659 Winslow. 01:32:36.659 --> 01:32:41.380 So, why would we not consider a citywide versus fifth ward only? 01:32:41.380 --> 01:32:42.380 Okay. 01:32:42.380 --> 01:32:44.260 I want to take the second question. 01:32:44.260 --> 01:32:48.819 As I said two weeks ago, we have to start somewhere. 01:32:48.819 --> 01:32:55.619 And so, I have taken this bull by the horn and it is my desire, my intentions to get 01:32:55.619 --> 01:33:00.859 something done and not allow it to fall to the wayside again. 01:33:00.859 --> 01:33:01.859 Right. 01:33:01.859 --> 01:33:08.659 So there's going to be other areas that's going to need, and there too will be fixed. 01:33:08.659 --> 01:33:15.420 Well, and my challenge to you then is that needs to be an entire council decision, not 01:33:15.420 --> 01:33:19.539 just put forward by one alderman. 01:33:19.539 --> 01:33:20.539 Go ahead. 01:33:20.539 --> 01:33:21.539 Thank you. 01:33:21.539 --> 01:33:22.539 Alderman Monroe. 01:33:22.539 --> 01:33:28.619 So basically, we just saved $23,000 on the sewer lining bid, so that almost makes up 01:33:28.619 --> 01:33:30.659 the $25,000. 01:33:30.659 --> 01:33:36.380 My suggestion, and while I agree with Alderman Stacy that the Fifth Ward has got some of 01:33:36.380 --> 01:33:42.859 the darker spots, is that the chief and Public Works and the city manager kind of come up 01:33:42.859 --> 01:33:50.340 with a list, try to reuse the 23,000 we just saved and go for the hottest spots where we'd 01:33:50.340 --> 01:33:53.100 get the biggest bang for the buck. 01:33:53.100 --> 01:33:56.939 And I think we have to start somewhere. 01:33:56.939 --> 01:33:59.100 I agree 100%. 01:33:59.100 --> 01:34:06.180 I live in a street that's, we've got three lights on our street, it's barely lit, and 01:34:06.180 --> 01:34:10.819 I can see, you know, in some areas of the city that that could really present a safety 01:34:10.819 --> 01:34:16.800 issue for officers, it presents a safety issue for citizens, you know, you look at pizza 01:34:16.800 --> 01:34:21.659 delivery drivers, they've been robbed in the past, just because things aren't lit. 01:34:21.659 --> 01:34:28.960 And you know, this is a much, much bigger issue than just trying to figure things out. 01:34:28.960 --> 01:34:35.479 We've spent significantly more money on things that are less of a need and more of a want 01:34:35.479 --> 01:34:36.640 than this is. 01:34:36.640 --> 01:34:40.039 This is a need that needs to be addressed. 01:34:40.039 --> 01:34:45.479 Which is exactly what I meant by it's really a citywide issue and that's where we're hopeful 01:34:45.479 --> 01:34:49.319 that this will become, we will be back on the list of being a distressed community and 01:34:49.319 --> 01:34:51.359 see where that raises it to be. 01:34:51.359 --> 01:34:52.359 Alderman Sellers. 01:34:52.359 --> 01:34:53.359 Sellers. 01:34:53.359 --> 01:35:02.239 First of all, I want to say that this lighting problem has been going on probably when George 01:35:02.239 --> 01:35:03.920 Galrap was mayor. 01:35:03.920 --> 01:35:13.600 So I know that Alderman Ronnie Bush had led trying to get lights in the third ward back 01:35:13.600 --> 01:35:18.079 when he was alderman at that time because there was a lot of crime. 01:35:18.079 --> 01:35:24.439 when Patrick Sellers presented his crime bill that was one of his big issues was the lighting 01:35:24.439 --> 01:35:31.199 in the certain areas and we did have a meeting with George Gorap down at Township and like 01:35:31.199 --> 01:35:37.600 the mayor said there's this we were not on the list for distress community and the city 01:35:37.600 --> 01:35:44.239 of Aurora was on this list and they got because of their high crime in Aurora they got a lot 01:35:44.239 --> 01:35:49.239 and a lot of help from ComEd because they were on this list. 01:35:49.680 --> 01:35:52.340 So if we wait to get on this list, 01:35:52.340 --> 01:35:54.800 it will cost us less money 01:35:54.800 --> 01:35:57.159 and we can probably get more done. 01:35:57.159 --> 01:35:58.800 So that's what the thing is. 01:35:58.800 --> 01:36:01.399 So this isn't something that, oh man, on Oak Street, 01:36:01.399 --> 01:36:04.359 I've lived on Oak Street for 34 years. 01:36:04.359 --> 01:36:06.399 And so I know how Oak Street is. 01:36:06.399 --> 01:36:11.399 And yeah, we've had crime in the last few weeks or whatever, 01:36:11.399 --> 01:36:14.279 but we have big oak trees on Oak Street. 01:36:14.279 --> 01:36:17.640 So I do know that there is some crime going on 01:36:17.640 --> 01:36:20.279 on Oak Street, but I also know that I've been there 01:36:20.279 --> 01:36:22.279 for 34 years and felt safe. 01:36:22.279 --> 01:36:24.520 So I know that we need lighting, 01:36:24.520 --> 01:36:27.199 but even around my house, I do have a nice bright light. 01:36:27.199 --> 01:36:30.920 And of course, if we get some of those big oak trees down, 01:36:30.920 --> 01:36:33.399 we can probably have a brighter light. 01:36:33.399 --> 01:36:36.079 But this problem has not just been going on 01:36:36.079 --> 01:36:39.920 in the last two years, it's been going on probably 20 years. 01:36:39.920 --> 01:36:47.279 So, if we give ourselves some time and let George get us on this list, we probably could 01:36:47.279 --> 01:36:51.159 get more money because it would be less for us to pay out. 01:36:51.159 --> 01:36:52.159 So that's what I'm saying. 01:36:52.159 --> 01:36:55.840 So are you saying we've been waiting 20 years to get on this list? 01:36:55.840 --> 01:36:59.760 No, we never knew about the list until we had that meeting with George Gore. 01:36:59.760 --> 01:37:04.199 So just wait another year and then another year and just let it continue to fall? 01:37:04.199 --> 01:37:06.000 It's up for 2025. 01:37:06.000 --> 01:37:08.640 We will be on this list. 01:37:08.640 --> 01:37:13.840 Boyer. I would like to clarify a few things. Number one, the old street lights were metal 01:37:13.840 --> 01:37:21.039 halide and they cast a 180 degree pattern that went both ways down the street and beneath them. 01:37:21.039 --> 01:37:27.760 The new LEDs don't. We have been, we've actually, what the Mayor mentioned, distressed communities, 01:37:28.479 --> 01:37:34.079 in 2020 we were a distressed community. We exercised the entire use of that program to 01:37:34.079 --> 01:37:35.159 to brighten up downtown. 01:37:35.159 --> 01:37:38.720 That's why we have the new LEDs that we have there, 01:37:38.720 --> 01:37:42.119 saving money because all those down there were metal halide 01:37:42.119 --> 01:37:43.840 and use a lot more wattage. 01:37:43.840 --> 01:37:46.640 When we say 150 watt or 250 watt, 01:37:46.640 --> 01:37:48.800 that doesn't equate directly to lumens. 01:37:48.800 --> 01:37:51.520 You know, we could have a 100 watt LED 01:37:51.520 --> 01:37:55.720 is just as bright as say a two or 300 watt metal halide 01:37:55.720 --> 01:37:58.159 that's used in two to three times the electricity. 01:37:58.159 --> 01:38:02.359 And lastly, we have been after ComEd for the last four years 01:38:02.359 --> 01:38:07.119 get back on the what was once called the Distressed Communities Grant. It is now 01:38:07.119 --> 01:38:13.239 called Select Communities and we are as Alderman Sellers just mentioned we 01:38:13.239 --> 01:38:17.279 apparently we are very close to being put back on there and that will have 01:38:17.279 --> 01:38:22.800 significant savings on terms of all of our lighting programs and so I just 01:38:22.800 --> 01:38:26.960 correct some of that or mention some of that information. Yeah so we really need 01:38:26.960 --> 01:38:31.000 to think about that before we just start reappropriating funds. Alderman Sanders. 01:38:31.000 --> 01:38:32.000 Huffines. 01:38:32.000 --> 01:38:33.000 Yeah. 01:38:33.000 --> 01:38:34.000 Yeah. 01:38:34.000 --> 01:38:43.720 I just wanted to know, since this has been brought up, have we decided on a working solution 01:38:43.720 --> 01:38:50.520 as a whole, because it sounds like something that should take place, have we been able 01:38:50.520 --> 01:38:56.680 to get together to bump heads to talk to, comment about getting on this list? 01:38:56.680 --> 01:39:00.440 Have we come to that resolution on that part? 01:39:00.440 --> 01:39:08.119 If we're going to move forward on it, I think that just talking about it here, is there 01:39:08.119 --> 01:39:10.399 any actions being taken place? 01:39:10.399 --> 01:39:12.359 Manager Boyer. 01:39:12.359 --> 01:39:15.520 I spoke with George Gaurav this morning about it. 01:39:15.520 --> 01:39:18.159 He said that we are on the list to move forward. 01:39:18.159 --> 01:39:22.600 There hasn't been a confirmation of the select community status, but he expects that to move 01:39:22.600 --> 01:39:23.600 forward. 01:39:23.600 --> 01:39:26.920 But there's no confirmation at this time, but that's going to have a huge cost impact 01:39:26.920 --> 01:39:30.920 to any upgrades we do anywhere in the city, so. 01:39:30.920 --> 01:39:33.079 And you know, we all want better lighting. 01:39:33.079 --> 01:39:36.279 That's, we just, all of us would agree with that. 01:39:36.279 --> 01:39:37.119 Darren? 01:39:37.119 --> 01:39:42.119 Yeah, so the city staff has been working on this for. 01:39:42.119 --> 01:39:44.560 staff has been working on this for since it was brought up the last time a matter 01:39:44.560 --> 01:39:49.279 of fact people probably have forgot about this but we wrote letters to 01:39:49.279 --> 01:39:57.760 representative Cabello Sorensen downstate we filed many letters asking 01:39:57.760 --> 01:40:02.920 to get these deeper discounts because there was many communities that were on 01:40:02.920 --> 01:40:09.380 the list that are far better off than ours and it's just a process anything at 01:40:09.380 --> 01:40:10.380 and I. 01:40:10.380 --> 01:40:16.000 This level takes a lot to get done, and it is a significant savings on the grants if 01:40:16.000 --> 01:40:20.399 we do get designated in that bucket, which we currently weren't. 01:40:20.399 --> 01:40:22.880 It's a much deeper discount on lights. 01:40:22.880 --> 01:40:25.920 But again, we have been working on that for a year. 01:40:25.920 --> 01:40:33.699 We were told that in order to get back into the community level that we wanted to be at, 01:40:33.699 --> 01:40:39.359 that we had to work through our representatives, that ComEd just would not turn us back to 01:40:39.359 --> 01:40:42.399 to that program automatically. 01:40:42.399 --> 01:40:44.760 And we're happy to provide copies of those letters 01:40:44.760 --> 01:40:46.199 because we sent them out. 01:40:46.199 --> 01:40:49.800 It's got to be nine months ago. 01:40:49.800 --> 01:40:50.840 Alderman Monroe. 01:40:50.840 --> 01:40:51.439 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 01:40:51.439 --> 01:40:53.800 I've got several questions along those lines. 01:40:53.800 --> 01:40:56.439 Since we've been working that so hard and diligently 01:40:56.439 --> 01:40:59.319 since nine months ago, how much money 01:40:59.319 --> 01:41:02.239 have we put forth to set ourselves up 01:41:02.239 --> 01:41:04.880 for if we get on this list? 01:41:04.880 --> 01:41:08.960 What have we done to forward think through and have money 01:41:08.960 --> 01:41:10.960 and 01:41:12.039 --> 01:41:14.039 Michael. 01:41:15.199 --> 01:41:17.119 I have a list of people who are available for us on that list 01:41:17.119 --> 01:41:19.119 and I have a follow-up beyond that one. 01:41:21.640 --> 01:41:23.640 » Michelle, correct me if I'm wrong, but do we have $20,000 in 01:41:23.640 --> 01:41:25.640 the street lighting program? 01:41:26.939 --> 01:41:28.939 » Yeah, that's what I just said. 01:41:30.039 --> 01:41:32.039 » So that $20,000 will go significantly further if we are 01:41:33.159 --> 01:41:35.159 on the select community's status. 01:41:36.260 --> 01:41:38.260 » So we sent a letter nine months ago. 01:41:38.960 --> 01:41:46.439 Reese, and I followed up on that. 01:41:46.439 --> 01:41:46.920 OK. 01:41:46.920 --> 01:41:53.930 I just want to say that I took the list that 01:41:53.930 --> 01:41:58.810 was given to me from Chief Shenberger. 01:41:58.810 --> 01:42:08.319 And I am appalled of the way you, Jodi Miller, 01:42:08.319 --> 01:42:17.550 has come at me and not respected. 01:42:17.550 --> 01:42:20.859 I didn't make this list. 01:42:20.859 --> 01:42:30.220 I did not make up this list, no. 01:42:30.220 --> 01:42:33.260 Just like you want us to respect your opinion 01:42:33.260 --> 01:42:36.140 and your desires and what you want, 01:42:37.180 --> 01:42:40.779 respect what the chief gives me to bring to the council. 01:42:42.020 --> 01:42:44.039 Be supportive of that. 01:42:44.039 --> 01:42:45.279 I'm not disrespecting you. 01:42:45.279 --> 01:42:47.500 I was just asking you where the money was coming from 01:42:47.500 --> 01:42:49.579 and I asked you why you would not consider that 01:42:49.579 --> 01:42:51.939 to be a citywide versus just your ward. 01:42:51.939 --> 01:42:55.800 That's all I was asking. 01:42:55.800 --> 01:42:56.840 If there's no further discussion, 01:42:56.840 --> 01:43:03.800 move on to department heads finance thank you community development yes I just 01:43:03.800 --> 01:43:08.520 want to report back on the letters that went out to suspected rentals we had 80 01:43:08.520 --> 01:43:13.899 letters go out Friday and today I spoke with the actually I spoke last week with 01:43:13.899 --> 01:43:23.960 our consultants info send and they said that 1498 are gonna go out today so thank 01:43:23.960 --> 01:43:32.479 Thank you. Community or I'm sorry, Public Works. Yeah, couple things. I'd like to apologize 01:43:32.479 --> 01:43:37.479 to the utility and streets department that I did not get the invitations out early enough 01:43:37.479 --> 01:43:42.119 for tonight's meeting. So we will have those presentations next week. That's totally my 01:43:42.119 --> 01:43:51.560 fault. Apologize to those people. Also, I'd like to recognize next Monday night at the 01:43:51.560 --> 01:43:57.880 Cacau. We will have ALTA planning coming to Freeport. They'll be doing a short presentation 01:43:57.880 --> 01:44:03.180 on the SS4A program for Freeport that they've been working on. That's a straight safe streets 01:44:03.180 --> 01:44:09.899 for all. There's a lot of different parts and pieces of it. But what that means is it's 01:44:09.899 --> 01:44:16.819 transportation related. So it's cars, bicycles and pedestrians also could include lighting. 01:44:16.819 --> 01:44:22.140 So at the council level, they'll be giving a short recap. 01:44:22.140 --> 01:44:30.220 On Tuesday night from 530 to 730, we'll be having a public open house for residents and 01:44:30.220 --> 01:44:33.739 council members here at City Hall. 01:44:33.739 --> 01:44:35.199 It'll be an open house. 01:44:35.199 --> 01:44:39.720 There won't be a huge presentation, but there'll be areas that you can be involved, surveys 01:44:39.720 --> 01:44:43.699 that you can give, and more inclusiveness. 01:44:43.699 --> 01:44:49.140 is also a plan if you can't make that that down the road here we'll also be having online 01:44:49.140 --> 01:44:55.380 surveys that community members can fill out. I want to be clear though at next week's meeting 01:44:55.380 --> 01:45:01.699 it is not for city staff it's really for council members and people from the public to be here 01:45:01.699 --> 01:45:10.100 to put their input in without influence from city members so please join us if you can 01:45:10.100 --> 01:45:12.939 and that's all I have. 01:45:12.939 --> 01:45:13.939 Thank you. 01:45:13.939 --> 01:45:14.939 Fire? 01:45:14.939 --> 01:45:15.939 Yes, thank you, your honor. 01:45:15.939 --> 01:45:21.180 As I'm sure everyone is aware, Friday the 24th of January, we had a major structure 01:45:21.180 --> 01:45:24.340 fire in town, Milton Motors. 01:45:24.340 --> 01:45:30.659 Initially, we had some traffic control challenges, we were able to work through those. 01:45:30.659 --> 01:45:38.300 We were very fortunate, we had no injuries whatsoever and the building is at total loss 01:45:38.300 --> 01:45:40.579 and it's currently under investigation. 01:45:40.579 --> 01:45:42.020 Our fire marshal will be meeting 01:45:42.020 --> 01:45:47.579 with two insurance agency fire investigators on Wednesday. 01:45:47.579 --> 01:45:50.920 And so they're going to compare their notes and their findings 01:45:50.920 --> 01:45:55.619 and then hopefully make a correct determination. 01:45:55.619 --> 01:45:56.300 Thank you. 01:45:56.300 --> 01:45:58.699 Police? 01:45:58.699 --> 01:46:02.380 Yeah, I had a meeting this morning with Alderman Sellers 01:46:02.380 --> 01:46:04.939 and she just asked that I touch on some of the stuff 01:46:04.939 --> 01:46:12.739 that we're doing in regards to this uptick on Oak and give a little history about what 01:46:12.739 --> 01:46:14.979 we've done last year. 01:46:14.979 --> 01:46:23.920 So for the past three months, going from October 19th to January 15th, during that timeframe, 01:46:23.920 --> 01:46:27.859 we had one incident of shots fired, and that was in December on Conkel. 01:46:27.859 --> 01:46:30.699 And just to clarify, that's still unacceptable. 01:46:30.699 --> 01:46:34.600 We aspire to have zero shots fired incidents. 01:46:34.600 --> 01:46:39.640 Right now, there's efforts being made by the police department to counter gun violence. 01:46:39.640 --> 01:46:44.520 At the last council meeting, the end of year report was presented. 01:46:44.520 --> 01:46:51.260 In 2024, the police department took 82 firearms, seized 82 firearms during investigations and 01:46:51.260 --> 01:46:55.760 also made 51 arrests for unlawful use of weapons. 01:46:55.760 --> 01:47:02.880 So far this year, just in the first month, adds seven firearms to that total, which 01:47:02.880 --> 01:47:06.279 I guess it would be on pace for more than last year, 01:47:06.279 --> 01:47:08.720 seven firearms that we've taken off the street. 01:47:10.039 --> 01:47:12.960 PD staff is utilizing crime reduction measures 01:47:12.960 --> 01:47:16.560 we've talked about on this floor to deter these incidents. 01:47:16.560 --> 01:47:19.640 Some of them include saturation patrols. 01:47:19.640 --> 01:47:23.399 We've been trying to have a heavy presence on Oak right now. 01:47:23.399 --> 01:47:26.439 Utilizing our technological resources, 01:47:26.439 --> 01:47:29.380 which was sound thinking, which has, 01:47:29.380 --> 01:47:38.380 It's covered, that area is covered, utilizing LPR cameras and intelligence from TIPS and other sources of information. 01:47:38.380 --> 01:47:44.380 Making efforts to work with the families of those who we believe are involved in this. 01:47:44.380 --> 01:47:51.380 And most importantly, if you see something, report it. We can't solve this issue alone. It's going to take all of us. 01:47:51.380 --> 01:47:56.380 And as always, attend neighborhood watch meetings. It's a good source of information. 01:47:56.380 --> 01:48:02.279 Johnson, and Sergeant Leberton who spearheads that, puts information out there that not 01:48:02.279 --> 01:48:08.239 just shots fired, but other issues that we're dealing with at this time. 01:48:08.239 --> 01:48:09.239 Thank you. 01:48:09.239 --> 01:48:10.239 Library? 01:48:10.239 --> 01:48:15.260 I just wanted to let you know that our One Book, One Freeport is going well. 01:48:15.260 --> 01:48:18.260 I put books on your tables. 01:48:18.260 --> 01:48:25.180 And then we also are doing our series in lectures in American history, which we do every winter. 01:48:25.180 --> 01:48:34.300 and our next one is on Thursday, February 6th at 630 and it's about Jane Adams. So it's 01:48:34.300 --> 01:48:38.420 relevant to our community. So if anybody wants to go. 01:48:38.420 --> 01:48:39.420 Thank you. IT? 01:48:39.420 --> 01:48:40.420 Welcome tonight. 01:48:40.420 --> 01:48:41.420 Thank you. City manager? 01:48:41.420 --> 01:48:49.779 Thank you, your honor. I just wanted to reflect on the refreshed report this weekend in January. 01:48:49.779 --> 01:49:19.779 I think we had 17 tons of garbage dropped off. And in February, so Saturday, last Saturday, we had 24 tons dropped off. So pretty significant increase. And especially compared to what we anticipated, we were thinking between three and 10 tons. So we're definitely and by the way, we had 54 mattresses dropped off too, which is huge. Apparently, those are kind of a specialized item that reduce the density of the hauling. So 01:49:19.779 --> 01:49:22.819 Anyway, that's good. That's less work that we have to deal with. 01:49:22.819 --> 01:49:25.300 And hopefully that lessens illegal dumping. 01:49:26.819 --> 01:49:30.260 We'll move on to council announcements. Alderman Klemm? 01:49:31.699 --> 01:49:33.220 Nothing, Mr. Secretary. I'm on remote. 01:49:37.190 --> 01:49:38.470 Alderman Monroe? 01:49:38.470 --> 01:49:39.829 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 01:49:39.829 --> 01:49:39.920 Thank You Madam Mayor 01:49:39.920 --> 01:49:45.439 You know good job to the fire department on that response saw several agencies there 01:49:46.560 --> 01:49:50.399 Traffic control that's something we probably should work out if if we're gonna have 01:49:51.399 --> 01:49:55.479 Situations like this, especially in our main thoroughfares, Galena and 26, especially 01:49:56.840 --> 01:50:01.239 But I am very disappointed tonight and it was hard to bite my tongue 01:50:02.079 --> 01:50:08.220 The fact that you know, we've waited nine months the shootings are continuing the police department's doing all they can do 01:50:08.239 --> 01:50:13.600 Do, they're getting guns off the street, but it really doesn't feel like this is our number 01:50:13.600 --> 01:50:19.000 one priority to get out there, fix these street lights, improve the community in the places 01:50:19.000 --> 01:50:21.479 that need to be improved. 01:50:21.479 --> 01:50:28.800 And we've got to work better, you know, and I, you know, Public Works saved $23,000 on 01:50:28.800 --> 01:50:29.800 the lining. 01:50:29.800 --> 01:50:31.720 We've got $20,000 set aside. 01:50:31.720 --> 01:50:36.239 I just don't see the harm in trying to figure out how to address at least some of these 01:50:36.239 --> 01:50:38.239 Bates, and then the last one is the last one. 01:50:39.340 --> 01:50:41.960 So I think that's one of the most likely areas before we wait 01:50:41.960 --> 01:50:45.960 for ComEd or the state of Illinois or whoever makes the 01:50:45.960 --> 01:50:49.840 final decision. And, you know, waiting another nine months or 01:50:49.840 --> 01:50:51.840 a year. I mean, how many people have got to get shot? 01:50:51.960 --> 01:50:55.100 You know, we've got to continue to work forward and try to 01:50:55.100 --> 01:50:57.100 approve. And I... 01:50:59.479 --> 01:51:01.720 putting our feet down and saying, well, you know, we've 01:51:01.720 --> 01:51:03.739 sent letters. We've been talking to them. We hope to be on 01:51:03.739 --> 01:51:10.039 you've got to have a plan and execute on that plan and I think we've got to at 01:51:10.039 --> 01:51:14.020 least start taking some of the control over as the city and that's why we've 01:51:14.020 --> 01:51:18.260 got home rule to make these types of decisions and move forward. That's all I 01:51:18.260 --> 01:51:19.739 have your mayor. 01:51:19.739 --> 01:51:20.739 Alderman Simmons? 01:51:20.739 --> 01:51:21.739 Nothing, thank you. 01:51:21.739 --> 01:51:22.739 Alderman Parker? 01:51:22.739 --> 01:51:26.739 Just one thing, I was only a couple blocks from the fire down there in 01:51:26.739 --> 01:51:29.739 Milton Motors and I really want to tell how much I appreciate the fire 01:51:29.739 --> 01:51:47.880 I want to say today that I was told and I won't say who said it to save face so 01:51:47.880 --> 01:51:57.880 Darren I'm just gonna look at you I was told that lighting these areas was not 01:51:57.880 --> 01:51:59.920 I'm not gone fix the crime. 01:52:05.479 --> 01:52:12.079 Again, I say we have to start somewhere. 01:52:12.220 --> 01:52:17.220 And Chief Shenberger, I want to thank you for Friday. 01:52:18.500 --> 01:52:20.500 I won't even go into details about it 01:52:20.500 --> 01:52:23.420 because it wasn't their neighborhood. 01:52:23.420 --> 01:52:25.300 So what do they care? 01:52:26.260 --> 01:52:32.239 But thank you for the fast reply 01:52:32.239 --> 01:52:37.239 when I called you Friday for that situation. 01:52:38.800 --> 01:52:39.640 Alderman Shadle. 01:52:42.760 --> 01:52:44.359 Alderman Sanders. 01:52:44.359 --> 01:52:48.239 Yeah, I have two parts here, 01:52:48.239 --> 01:52:53.239 but let me address a notification 01:52:57.060 --> 01:52:58.840 that could be implemented 01:52:58.840 --> 01:53:01.600 when we're talking about crime prevention. 01:53:02.239 --> 01:53:13.239 We have a notification on how do we come up with solutions to deliver to the citizens of Freeport so they can be on alert. 01:53:13.239 --> 01:53:29.520 What is our mechanism for addressing these kinds of issues that can address them when things are added into the mailbox from the publishers of advertisements 01:53:29.520 --> 01:53:59.520 and so on. These are notifications and things of that nature that sends out McDonald flyers, Burger King flyers, any flyers that hits your mailbox. These are notifications that they send out. And this to bring the awareness that McDonald's, Burger King, all of them got a sale going on, and things like that, they're being notified. 01:53:59.520 --> 01:54:00.520 Huffines. 01:54:00.520 --> 01:54:01.520 So, we're trying to reach the people. 01:54:01.520 --> 01:54:07.800 And reaching the people is what we're trying to do to alert them about the high crimes 01:54:07.800 --> 01:54:11.880 or crimes that are being in their area. 01:54:11.880 --> 01:54:16.520 So my thing is, are we trying to develop a solution for this? 01:54:16.520 --> 01:54:23.920 I know we're talking about it, but what would be something that we can immediately get the 01:54:23.920 --> 01:54:25.920 and 01:54:27.020 --> 01:54:29.020 Mr. 01:54:30.220 --> 01:54:34.920 Dixie, and the people involved in far as awareness is concerned, 01:54:34.920 --> 01:54:42.020 where they can talk about it even in our, what do you call it, 01:54:42.020 --> 01:54:45.819 neighborhood watches and things like that. Now, these items 01:54:45.819 --> 01:54:49.920 come directly to your mailbox, whether you like it or not. 01:54:49.920 --> 01:54:55.020 You know, I mean, if that can come to our mailbox at a 01:54:55.020 --> 01:55:00.939 and the other solution that we can utilize in order for people to be aware that these 01:55:00.939 --> 01:55:05.560 things are going on in your neighborhood and what to do about it. 01:55:05.560 --> 01:55:13.760 How do we have them to make these reports when you say, see something, say something 01:55:13.760 --> 01:55:15.060 and that kind of thing? 01:55:15.060 --> 01:55:22.760 Well, sometimes we have to reiterate those kinds of public notice or notices to our citizens 01:55:22.760 --> 01:55:24.659 of Freeport to let them know. 01:55:24.659 --> 01:55:30.420 We still got to be vigilant and keeping up the task, keeping up the work for the City 01:55:30.420 --> 01:55:31.420 of Freeport. 01:55:31.420 --> 01:55:37.500 So that is one of the things that I think we need to try to talk about here in our own 01:55:37.500 --> 01:55:42.180 council or wherever our media department is or whatever the case is. 01:55:42.180 --> 01:55:50.300 How do we get an ad into the Burger King Flyers and McDonald's and everybody else's to be 01:55:50.300 --> 01:55:53.819 added to the mailbox because people are reading these things. 01:55:53.819 --> 01:56:00.819 We're looking at it. For those that don't have internet and media coverage, social coverage 01:56:00.819 --> 01:56:07.500 or whatever, you know, we're not trying to shove anything down their throat, but the 01:56:07.500 --> 01:56:13.340 fact of the matter is it helps us because that's what Chief Shenberger was saying. They 01:56:13.340 --> 01:56:19.060 can't do everything, but at least we can put a notification together and send it out or 01:56:19.060 --> 01:56:22.539 or whatever the case is on these types of things. 01:56:22.539 --> 01:56:26.239 And not only that, in addition to my second part, 01:56:27.619 --> 01:56:31.140 I wanted to address this to Manager Boyer 01:56:32.859 --> 01:56:37.859 in putting emphasis on how people are to make disposals, 01:56:39.100 --> 01:56:43.180 private disposals, forestry or whatever 01:56:44.060 --> 01:56:46.220 that is needed throughout the city. 01:56:46.220 --> 01:56:49.539 We need to keep people abreast to all of these things. 01:56:49.539 --> 01:56:54.539 So they would know that, oh, I remember we can drop 01:56:54.819 --> 01:56:59.819 whatever it is off at this location, at this location, 01:57:00.340 --> 01:57:04.659 what it is that we can and cannot do, 01:57:04.659 --> 01:57:07.420 because that's what I received over the weekend, 01:57:07.420 --> 01:57:10.020 what it is that we can and cannot do. 01:57:10.020 --> 01:57:13.300 And that right there educated me 01:57:13.300 --> 01:57:16.060 on where I should go with my disposals. 01:57:16.060 --> 01:57:16.979 and things like that. 01:57:16.979 --> 01:57:20.819 So that's the kind of thing I wanted to address 01:57:20.819 --> 01:57:22.239 and what can we do about it? 01:57:22.239 --> 01:57:26.539 If we can get flyers out, stick them in it. 01:57:26.539 --> 01:57:28.380 I don't say stick them in the mailbox, 01:57:28.380 --> 01:57:32.819 but if McDonald's them can get a flyer collectively together, 01:57:32.819 --> 01:57:35.380 then I think the city should be able to do the same. 01:57:35.380 --> 01:57:36.779 Deren. 01:57:36.779 --> 01:57:38.500 I just responded to that. 01:57:38.500 --> 01:57:41.020 The best way to get information 01:57:41.020 --> 01:57:43.939 is through the city's website. 01:57:43.939 --> 01:57:46.659 Bryan is really good about putting information out. 01:57:46.659 --> 01:57:49.699 And as his report, I believe last week, 01:57:49.699 --> 01:57:52.100 we put out a lot of social media posts 01:57:52.100 --> 01:57:57.100 on leafs, branches, garbage pickup, garbage drop off. 01:57:58.539 --> 01:58:01.100 That is our one stop shop for information 01:58:01.100 --> 01:58:04.659 for the residents of Freeport and has been very effective. 01:58:04.659 --> 01:58:06.659 So if you're not on it, sign up for it. 01:58:07.619 --> 01:58:10.579 Alderman Sellers? 01:58:10.579 --> 01:58:12.100 Yes, I'm gonna say something. 01:58:12.100 --> 01:58:21.100 First of all, I just want everybody to know that Freeport is my home. This is where I live. I love it. 01:58:21.100 --> 01:58:28.100 Staying here, me and my husband have invested in our home on Oak Street. So we're here. 01:58:28.100 --> 01:58:38.100 So this lighting problem and the crime areas, they are a concern to me and I have been on this battlefield for 01:58:38.100 --> 01:58:47.819 We're having a safe community, like I said, for a long time, and no, just getting lights 01:58:47.819 --> 01:58:54.340 is not going to stop the crime because it was crime back, like I said, when Alderman 01:58:54.340 --> 01:58:58.440 Ronnie Bush was, at the time, trying to get lights. 01:58:58.440 --> 01:59:03.039 There were people getting shot and dying back then. 01:59:03.039 --> 01:59:12.729 So right now we all have to, it's a process and it's not going to happen right away and 01:59:12.729 --> 01:59:18.329 we have been working on this process and in that crime bill that Pat Sellers put together 01:59:18.329 --> 01:59:24.409 and it was there, part of the crime is getting rid of these dilapidated houses. 01:59:24.409 --> 01:59:28.609 Thank you Community Development, you have been doing that and that's part of it. 01:59:28.609 --> 01:59:36.170 of it is having our police force back to a strong police force. Thank you, Chief. You 01:59:36.170 --> 01:59:37.970 have been doing that. 01:59:37.970 --> 02:00:06.000 We have been doing that. So we have trying to work with other different agencies to come together and and talk and find out how we can all work together. That was part of it. So we are working trying to get it together. It's going to take time. And we have to come together and talk with compassion, but also with respect. Like you said, we have to respect everybody. But we can't sit here and blame us now for the lights that have been there for 02:00:06.000 --> 02:00:36.000 We're like I said many of years we've been trying to fight for it but thank you Lord that we are getting on this list and we're gonna be able to take care of some of the lighting just like we've got money to take care of the housing we got money to get the police force so we are doing a lot of those things that it said to help us get a safe community that's part of it also so that's my thing and I'm gonna keep fighting I'm gonna keep pushing I'm gonna keep saying whatever I have to say because this is my home this is where I 02:00:36.000 --> 02:01:08.430 Lee of This is the Place I Love. Item number 21 is public comment. Is there any public comment this evening, Linda? Yeah, I just had one regarding the biohazards, the contaminated body fluids. CDC has guidelines and procedures of how to take care of those things, and it would be very easy to write a policy and a procedure for whatever buildings they're cleaning. They could be available for everyone. There are also 02:01:08.430 --> 02:01:11.350 and we have blood spill kits and things like that available 02:01:11.350 --> 02:01:14.229 that you can buy and have here for anyone 02:01:14.229 --> 02:01:17.229 that comes across those, they just read how to do it 02:01:17.229 --> 02:01:19.430 and it's right there, shows them how to do it, 02:01:19.430 --> 02:01:21.430 not that everyone's gonna wanna do that, 02:01:21.430 --> 02:01:24.829 not everyone wants to clean up body fluids, 02:01:24.829 --> 02:01:28.189 but that would be a solution and train those people, 02:01:28.189 --> 02:01:29.710 whoever they are, that's coming to clean, 02:01:29.710 --> 02:01:31.229 show them where everything is 02:01:31.229 --> 02:01:34.029 and they should be able to take care of those issues. 02:01:34.029 --> 02:01:35.670 The other thing I was wondering, 02:01:35.670 --> 02:01:39.350 I'm not a electrician or anything by any means, 02:01:39.350 --> 02:01:40.789 but I was wondering on the street lights, 02:01:40.789 --> 02:01:42.430 could you have something like a bar light 02:01:42.430 --> 02:01:46.310 like they do in the stadiums for ball games 02:01:46.310 --> 02:01:49.289 that would light up, I mean, use the same pole 02:01:49.289 --> 02:01:51.109 and use like a bar light that would, 02:01:51.109 --> 02:01:54.350 in certain places to light up really dark places? 02:01:54.350 --> 02:01:55.909 Just a thought. 02:01:55.909 --> 02:01:56.750 Okay, thank you. 02:01:57.670 --> 02:01:58.949 Any other public comments? 02:01:58.949 --> 02:01:59.770 Tommy? 02:01:59.770 --> 02:02:08.640 Jodi Miller got a medal for Special Olympics. 02:02:08.640 --> 02:02:09.640 What's your medal, Tommy? 02:02:09.640 --> 02:02:12.039 Uh, third place for the basketball tournament. 02:02:12.039 --> 02:02:13.039 Nice job. 02:02:13.039 --> 02:02:18.460 Jodi Dickman. 02:02:18.460 --> 02:02:27.600 We got a question, uh, what about this holiday and this? 02:02:27.600 --> 02:02:29.640 We're working on it, Tommy. 02:02:29.640 --> 02:02:31.840 And Roe, you did a good job speaking. 02:02:31.840 --> 02:02:35.880 Is there any other public comments? 02:02:35.880 --> 02:02:43.829 Yes, three minutes. 02:02:43.829 --> 02:02:44.829 Good evening. 02:02:44.829 --> 02:02:45.829 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 02:02:45.829 --> 02:02:46.829 Johnson. 02:02:46.829 --> 02:03:03.010 I want to start with when you set your goal to become a distressed city, to be listed 02:03:03.010 --> 02:03:06.649 as a distressed city, guess what you're going to become? 02:03:06.649 --> 02:03:08.750 You're going to become a distressed city. 02:03:08.750 --> 02:03:10.409 We're not there yet. 02:03:10.409 --> 02:03:13.930 So what I heard tonight was, hold on, guys, just wait a little bit more. 02:03:13.930 --> 02:03:18.970 We're going to run it into the ground to that point where we become a distressed city. 02:03:18.970 --> 02:03:19.970 We found the money. 02:03:19.970 --> 02:03:20.970 We found the money tonight. 02:03:20.970 --> 02:03:23.609 Alderman Rowe, you pointed it out, $20,000. 02:03:23.609 --> 02:03:26.210 We've got another $20,000 in the budget for it. 02:03:26.210 --> 02:03:28.649 We've got another $23,000 that we saved. 02:03:28.649 --> 02:03:30.329 We can get to work on some of this stuff. 02:03:30.329 --> 02:03:31.890 We just have to want to do it. 02:03:31.890 --> 02:03:35.729 And the response to, I don't want to do it in Fifth Ward because we better be getting 02:03:35.729 --> 02:03:38.789 it on the west side of town, doesn't fly anymore. 02:03:38.789 --> 02:03:39.850 It doesn't. 02:03:39.850 --> 02:03:41.270 It doesn't work. 02:03:41.270 --> 02:03:42.430 People are getting shot. 02:03:42.430 --> 02:03:43.649 People are getting robbed. 02:03:43.649 --> 02:03:48.489 are buying tasers trying to figure out how to use them in their homes. It's not 02:03:48.489 --> 02:03:56.130 okay. It's not okay. Figure it out, please. Any other public comments this evening? 02:03:56.130 --> 02:04:01.529 I'll entertain a motion for adjournment. So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman 02:04:01.529 --> 02:04:05.689 Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Madam Clerk, would you please take the 02:04:18.890 --> 02:04:19.890 at 8.04. 02:04:19.890 --> 02:04:33.890 I want to stay another half an hour. I think we should debate another half an hour. 02:04:43.890 --> 02:04:45.890 Did you present that calendar?