WEBVTT

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Good evening, Michelle, could you please give the invocation?

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In Jeremiah 29-7 in the NCV version it says, pray to the Lord for the city where you are

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living because if good things happen in the city, good things will happen to you also.

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So Lord we come before you in complete surrender to your will for the city.

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We lay aside all of our own thoughts, ideas, hurts and mistrusts and we pray that you would

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and James.

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I pray that every word spoken here tonight flows from godly wisdom so that the city can

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accomplish its destiny in you, Jesus.

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I pray that your love saturates this place in every heart and mind here tonight.

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James 119 says, my dear brothers and sisters, take note of this.

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Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

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So we pray this verse over each one of us here tonight in Jesus' name.

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Amen.

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Thank you.

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We will officially call this meeting to order.

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Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

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Mayor Miller?

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Here.

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Alderpersons, Klemm?

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Here.

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Johnson?

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Here.

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Simmons is absent.

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Parker?

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Here.

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Stacy, here. Shadle, here. Sanders, here. And Sellers, here. If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Parker.

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I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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Item number one is the approval of the agenda. Is there such a motion? So moved. Second.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes. Approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on June 2nd, 2025. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second.

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Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.

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Item number three is the recognition of service awards. Manager Boyer.

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Thank you, your honor. Tonight we celebrate Doug Van Horn who's been with the city for 20 years and we just want to thank him.

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Although he couldn't be here tonight, we want to thank him for his service to the city.

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Thank you. Public comments. We have two that are signed in on agenda items. Rhonda Scott.

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Hello, I'm Rhonda Scott, 134 North Harlem, and I'm here to speak about the airport.

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We have a resolution being proposed to spend $640,000 on the airport, most of which will

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come from a grant.

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The Freeport has to pay its share.

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So when I try and look this up and figure out where's the money coming from, the Freeport

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and John.

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The budget for the airport share appears to be $32,000 on an airport.

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It's for rich private plane owners.

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I look on the agenda and I don't really see a line item for the airport.

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We've got several budgets and the airport isn't listed as a budget so there's no way

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I can tell what's in the fund, where the money's coming from.

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So this is something I'd like for the city manager to maybe bring up when we get to item

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Huffines.

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I'm really concerned right now because in our country, we have a lot of people who are

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desperately in need of healthcare and medical services and insurance, and yet we're finding

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ways to cut those to save money, yet we're finding ways to find money to pay for airports,

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little teeny airports in our community, for the rich.

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And this is very upsetting to me.

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I hope it's upsetting to members of the audience and the taxpayers because I don't know where

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the money's coming from when Freeport's paying for it.

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There's 65 aircraft out there, very few of them are even from Freeport.

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So I'm very concerned about this and I would like an explanation of who's paying for it.

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Thank you.

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Cheryl Altman.

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Good evening.

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My name is Cheryl Altman.

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My first one is number 13 about trying to add a 1% food tax.

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You already got a 1% sales tax on everything else.

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Do you think the people of Freeport can afford any more giving?

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And if you guys vote yes for this, for shame on you.

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as I can go to Monroe, get cheaper up there, everything.

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Tax is cheaper.

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So why would I go to Freeport and shop?

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Matter of fact, I do a lot of business at Menards,

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but I won't do it in Freeport anymore.

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I'm going to Rockford.

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Number 14, you guys wanna buy, try to get a new Tahoe

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for the fire department.

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First of all, what's the matter with the old ones?

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A new Tahoe can cost anywhere from 62,000 to $82,000

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for them to drive home and back and in town.

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That's ridiculous.

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There's better ways to spend our money.

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Lights, gun control, and all this than to spend it on stuff

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that isn't really necessary.

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That concludes public comment.

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If you could please let the record show

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at 6.05 Alderman Simmons entered.

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Item number five is the consent agenda.

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The consent agenda considers to be routine in nature

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and acted as one motion unless a member of council

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would like to have something removed for further discussion.

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The consent agenda consists of approving to receive

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and place on file board and commission minutes

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from the foreign fire insurance board, April 10th

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and the board of fire and police commission, May 27th, 2025.

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The annual treasure report, 2025.

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The building permit report, June, 2025.

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The police department report, May, 2025

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and the greater free partnership report, June, 2025.

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Also as approval of finance bills payable

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in the total of $1,732,163.41,

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payroll for pay period ending June 14th, 2025

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in the total of $675,341.10

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and payroll ending June 28th, 2025

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in the total of $676,250.11.

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Is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle,

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Seconded by Alderman Sellers.

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All those in favor signify by saying,

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well, do we have to, a roll call, I'm sorry.

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Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

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Simmons?

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Aye.

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Parker?

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Aye.

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Stacy?

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No.

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Shadle?

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Aye.

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Sanders?

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No.

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Sellers?

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Aye.

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Klemm?

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Aye.

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And Johnson?

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Aye.

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The motion passes six to two.

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Item number six is the presentation of audit report.

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Thank you.

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All right. Well, thank you for having me. First, I'd like to thank Michelle and the entire team for making this yet another successful audit year.

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Without their help, this is not possible. So thank you.

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I'm nice to go through the annual financial report with you, which is the thicker the packets you received.

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And if you turn to page one, you'll find our waterbucket name and waterhead.

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This is our independent audit report in which we provide a clean, unmodified opinion.

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That's the highest opinion you can receive.

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Basically, it states that we found no issues with internal controls or the numbers as they are presented.

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If you flip about three more pages, you'll run into the management discussion and analysis.

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This section really provides a summary of how the year performed in narrative form.

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If you have questions on fluctuations from year to year, or what the numbers truly mean,

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this is where you want to go to find those answers.

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I'm next going to skip ahead to what would be your individual fund income statement,

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which begins on page 24.

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About three-quarters of the way down the page, you'll notice that the general fund had an

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operating increase of about $6.5 million.

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this was

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and dollars. This was further reduced by transfers out to your debt service, grants, capital

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projects and your landfill funds. So your general fund was left with a net increase

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of about $1.6 million in the current year. One other fund I did want to point out to

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you was the landfill closure fund, which is on page 28. At the bottom of page 28, you'll

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Notice that the landfill fund had a deficit fund deposition

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of $5 million.

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This is primarily due to the implementation of GASB 83,

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which was a few years ago,

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where we now have to put what the long-term liability

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hypothetically would be to retire that landfill,

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which in the current year was reevaluated

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at about $5 million.

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I will also point out that you'll notice

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that there was a transfer in from the general fund,

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but it did not cover all the expenses for that fund,

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which made that, that was an increase in the current year.

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Where did you say that was?

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It's on page 28, towards the bottom,

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that landfill closure at the very bottom, $5 million.

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Can you show me?

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Oh, but it doesn't say landfill.

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Yeah, at the top it says landfill closure

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in that last column.

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The next section would be the notes

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of the financial statements, which

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would begin on page 32.

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And the notes really provide further detail

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into how we came up with the figures that we

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did with supporting schedules.

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Within there, you're going to find your long-term debt

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and your capital asset schedules.

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I'm not going to go through the notes with you tonight,

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so I'll have you skip ahead all the way to page 92.

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H92 is the start of your budgetary information.

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So if you wanna see how a specific fund performed

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based on what was budgeted,

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this is where you wanna go to see those comparisons.

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So anyone have any questions

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on the financial statements before moving on?

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If not, we also provide a second document

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called the management letter.

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We had two current year recommendations.

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First one is in regards to creating

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a disaster recovery plan for your information technology.

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and the second document was a recommendation to perform

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a inventory count over your proprietary sewer fund.

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And of the three prior year recommendations,

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we'll be working with Michelle

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and looking for implementation on those in the next year.

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Anyone have any questions?

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Darren, did you have something?

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I wanted to clarify something on the landfill fund.

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So my understanding of the net position was

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I guess how you look at it increased because of the future cost of testing and things like that at the landfill that are getting more expensive over the closure time correct correct yes thank you thank you Don all right thank you enjoy the rest of your evening director Richter well done to you and your team so I'll entertain a motion to receive the report and place it on file some of the motion made by Alderman Sellers second

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The motion is approved 8-0.

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Item number 7 is appointments and reappointments.

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Could you please read these?

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Appointment of Michelle Swalve to the Public Library Board effective through May 31, 2027.

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to stand up the ADA Compliance Commission effective

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through May 31, 2029, Rob Boyer, City Manager, Pat Ingram,

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Rachel Leverton, Joy Sellers, Elizabeth Priller, Megan Ebert,

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and Rebecca Peters.

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Oh, I am not done.

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I am so sorry.

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Reappointment of Bobby Yount to the Zoning Board of Appeals

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effective through June 30, 2030, and the reappointment

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of Abra Palermo to the Zoning Board of Appeals

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also effective through June 30th, 2030.

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Is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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Motion made by Oren Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

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Discussion?

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Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

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Simmons?

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Aye.

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Parker?

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Aye.

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Stacy?

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Aye.

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Shadle?

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Aye.

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Sanders?

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Aye.

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Sellers?

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Aye.

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Klemm?

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Aye.

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And Johnson?

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Aye.

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And the motion passes 8 to 0.

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Item number 8 is Appointments for FOIA Officers.

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This is just really a recap of all of the existing FOIA officers.

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But with the retirement of Lieutenant, oh, help me,

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JoLynn Markham, Kurt Schnorr is now also a FOIA officer

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at the police department, as well as Deputy Chief Travis

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Davis at City Hall, myself, Deputy Clerk Jabria Pearson,

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and Executive Assistant Michelle Nelson, Fire Department Denise

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Scudder, Admin Assistant Hilary Brosius, the Fire Marshal,

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and at the library, Ashley Huffines as the Director and Kaia Eckert, Administrative Assistant

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as her backup.

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Thank you.

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Is there a motion to approve?

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So move.

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Second.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Johnson.

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Any discussion on FOIA officers?

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Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

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Simmons?

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Aye.

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Parker?

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Aye.

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Stacy?

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Aye.

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Shadle?

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Aye.

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Sanders?

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The motion passes eight to zero. Item number nine is the second reading of

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ordinance 2025-39. Could you please read it? Ordinance approving zoning map amendment at 1500

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Southwest Avenue submitted by REA-4 asset to examine the proposed zoning map

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change from a B-1-1 restricted retail business to a B-2-1 limited service

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business district. Thank you. Director Duckman. Thank you Madam Mayor. This is the

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We have a second reading for a zoning map amendment.

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The location would be the old Shopco optical.

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It's actually between the old Shopco optical

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and what's now the Flying Puff.

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And essentially what's going on here,

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nothing's changed from the last reading.

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It's literally looking to go from a B12 to a B21.

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And the reason for it is they have a tenant that

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would like to open up a gym.

00:17:26.789 --> 00:17:29.970
And this petition went before our Zoning Board of Appeals

00:17:29.970 --> 00:17:33.130
on June 5th, and it was recommended for approval

00:17:33.130 --> 00:17:36.170
by a vote of five to zero with zero abstentions.

00:17:36.170 --> 00:17:37.910
And on June 12th, our Planning Commission

00:17:37.910 --> 00:17:42.910
also recommended approval by a vote of six to zero

00:17:43.069 --> 00:17:46.369
with zero abstentions and in line with the Zoning Board

00:17:46.369 --> 00:17:48.769
of Appeals and Planning Commission staff

00:17:48.769 --> 00:17:51.549
is recommending approval of the ordinance.

00:17:52.610 --> 00:17:53.450
Thank you.

00:17:53.450 --> 00:17:56.599
Discussion?

00:17:56.599 --> 00:17:59.420
Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:17:59.420 --> 00:18:00.259
Simmons?

00:18:00.259 --> 00:18:01.079
Aye.

00:18:01.079 --> 00:18:01.920
Parker?

00:18:01.920 --> 00:18:09.559
Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, and Johnson.

00:18:09.559 --> 00:18:12.639
The ordinance passes 8-0.

00:18:12.639 --> 00:18:15.839
Item number 10 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-40.

00:18:15.839 --> 00:18:17.460
Could you please read this?

00:18:17.460 --> 00:18:21.160
Ordinance providing for additional stop signs at the intersection of Pleasant Street and

00:18:21.160 --> 00:18:22.160
Miami Avenue.

00:18:22.160 --> 00:18:23.160
Thank you.

00:18:23.160 --> 00:18:24.160
Manager Boyer?

00:18:24.160 --> 00:18:25.900
Thank you, Your Honor.

00:18:25.900 --> 00:18:33.720
Staff was notified by two Aldermen, Third Ward and Aldermen at Large, about an unsafe intersection.

00:18:33.720 --> 00:18:39.420
Two stop signs were installed at the intersection of Miami and Pleasant, and staff is asking

00:18:39.420 --> 00:18:46.920
for approval to codify this in our ordinances as all stop sign locations are included in

00:18:46.920 --> 00:18:49.740
our ordinances.

00:18:49.740 --> 00:18:51.619
Is there a motion to move this forward?

00:18:51.619 --> 00:18:52.619
So move.

00:18:52.619 --> 00:18:53.619
Second.

00:18:53.619 --> 00:18:58.619
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm.

00:18:58.619 --> 00:19:12.590
You need a motion for suspension of the rules? Staff would support that. I'd make that motion. Second.

00:19:12.590 --> 00:19:17.590
Okay, we have a motion for suspension of the rules made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

00:19:17.590 --> 00:19:23.590
Suspension of the rules is non-debatable unless passed by two-thirds majority. Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll on the suspension only?

00:19:23.590 --> 00:19:26.590
Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye.

00:19:26.590 --> 00:19:34.070
Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. And Johnson? Aye. The suspension

00:19:34.070 --> 00:19:41.349
pass is 8-0. Then before you is the final passage for ordinance 2025-40 if there's

00:19:41.349 --> 00:19:48.750
any discussion. Alderman Shadle. Which street gets the stop on that? Is Miami

00:19:48.750 --> 00:19:59.740
Stopp, and it's a four-way now. Okay. Anything else?

00:19:59.740 --> 00:20:08.660
Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. And Johnson? Aye.

00:20:08.660 --> 00:20:17.019
And the ordinance passes 8-0 as well. Item number 11 is the first reading of ordinance 202541. Could you please read this?

00:20:17.019 --> 00:20:24.539
Ordinance amending Title 8 parking section 480.11 prohibited parking streets adding 80 feet on Oak Avenue

00:20:25.259 --> 00:20:30.839
In both directions north and south of Empire. Thank you manager, Boyer. Thank your honor

00:20:31.779 --> 00:20:37.339
As anyone in that neighborhood understands, there is a lot of on-street parking near the intersection

00:20:37.660 --> 00:20:39.180
Because of the width of Oak Street

00:20:39.180 --> 00:20:44.359
It makes it difficult for school buses and garbage trucks and any oversized vehicles to make the turn without

00:20:44.359 --> 00:20:59.119
without clipping vehicles that are parked very close to the corner. Staff is requesting a change to the parking ordinance and then removing or having no parking for the first 80 feet in either direction off on Oak from Empire.

00:20:59.119 --> 00:21:12.480
So on the north side and on the south side of Oak, 80 feet, that'll keep there's there's also a appears to be someone who's operating some type of business in that location, too, that seems to be eating up a lot of the on street parking.

00:21:12.480 --> 00:21:17.440
So we want to make that those first 80 feet either direction prohibited parking

00:21:18.240 --> 00:21:24.359
So staff asks you to move forward with this ordinance. Is there a motion to move this forward? So move. Parker?

00:21:24.359 --> 00:21:30.000
I have a question on that. I have to have it on an ordinance or motion to move it forward. Okay, second.

00:21:30.119 --> 00:21:35.240
Okay, so we have a motion made by Ollerman Sellers, seconded by Ollerman Shadle, Ollerman Parker.

00:21:35.240 --> 00:21:37.920
Is that on the both the east and west sides of the road?

00:21:38.720 --> 00:21:40.720
Yes.

00:21:40.720 --> 00:22:01.720
We're asking for 80 feet on the west side only of both intersections, the east side already has 30 feet by ordinance so we're trying to get people to move back and the designation point that we picked was the first driveway so we really didn't want any parking from the first driveway to the corner.

00:22:01.720 --> 00:22:03.720
Thank you for that clarification.

00:22:03.720 --> 00:22:06.720
Any other discussion?

00:22:06.720 --> 00:22:09.720
I believe you were asking for suspension on this one.

00:22:09.720 --> 00:22:13.720
Motion to approve suspension of the rules? Second.

00:22:13.720 --> 00:22:24.720
Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Parker for suspension, and again, suspension is non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds majority. Madam Clerk, would you please take the role on the suspension only?

00:22:24.720 --> 00:22:27.720
Could you repeat the second please? Parker.

00:22:27.720 --> 00:22:30.720
Thank you. Simmons? Aye.

00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:31.720
Parker? Aye.

00:22:31.720 --> 00:22:32.720
Stacy? Aye.

00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:33.720
Shadle? Aye.

00:22:33.720 --> 00:22:34.720
Sanders? Aye.

00:22:34.720 --> 00:22:35.720
Sellers? Aye.

00:22:35.720 --> 00:22:36.720
Klemm? Aye.

00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:38.720
And Johnson? Aye.

00:22:38.720 --> 00:22:41.720
The suspension passes 8-0.

00:22:41.720 --> 00:22:45.720
So then this would be considered the second reading of Ordinance 2025-41.

00:22:45.720 --> 00:22:49.720
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:22:49.720 --> 00:22:50.720
Simmons? Aye.

00:22:50.720 --> 00:22:51.720
Parker? Aye.

00:22:51.720 --> 00:22:52.720
Stacy? Aye.

00:22:52.720 --> 00:22:53.720
Shadle? Aye.

00:22:53.720 --> 00:22:54.720
Sanders? Aye.

00:22:54.720 --> 00:22:55.720
Sellers? Aye.

00:22:55.720 --> 00:22:56.720
Klemm? Aye.

00:22:56.720 --> 00:22:58.720
And Johnson? Aye.

00:22:58.720 --> 00:23:01.720
And the ordinance is approved 8-0.

00:23:01.720 --> 00:23:06.720
And item number 12 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-42. Could you please read this?

00:23:06.720 --> 00:23:12.720
Ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute Alberta's airport airplane hangar leases administratively.

00:23:12.720 --> 00:23:15.720
Thank you. Alderman Klemm or Alderman Schaip?

00:23:15.720 --> 00:23:23.720
Certainly. I was an alderman for 18 years and during that period of time we never saw one of the airport leases.

00:23:23.720 --> 00:23:30.720
Airport leases are basically based off of nothing more than dollars and cents per square footage.

00:23:30.720 --> 00:23:37.180
They're basically reviewed by three to four people before they ever come to us.

00:23:37.180 --> 00:23:42.240
They come to us, we sit here and debate them back and forth for hours and what for.

00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:45.119
Really doesn't make a bit of difference who's in that space.

00:23:45.119 --> 00:23:54.880
So I believe that the public works person, the airport manager and the city manager should

00:23:54.880 --> 00:23:58.759
be able to pick those up without our approval.

00:23:58.759 --> 00:24:04.539
The other thing that this has caused in the past is the fact that I know at one point

00:24:04.539 --> 00:24:10.799
the city clerk had all the leases made out, signed, ready to go and we didn't agree on

00:24:10.799 --> 00:24:16.099
any of them so they sat there and she had to redo everything. So that's the reason I

00:24:16.099 --> 00:24:18.519
believe we should change it.

00:24:18.519 --> 00:24:19.759
Olin Shadle?

00:24:19.759 --> 00:24:27.799
I just would add to that that we have in the last year standardized a new lease and it

00:24:27.799 --> 00:24:31.599
it was approved as a council and the lease rates

00:24:31.599 --> 00:24:33.160
are established in an ordinance

00:24:33.160 --> 00:24:36.119
and they're voted on by us as well.

00:24:36.119 --> 00:24:41.119
So all the lease handling is basically done

00:24:42.420 --> 00:24:46.519
by a standard lease and a rent form

00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:48.119
that we've already approved.

00:24:48.119 --> 00:24:51.240
So it's just a day-to-day signing of a lease

00:24:51.240 --> 00:24:53.920
that city manager can take care of.

00:24:53.920 --> 00:24:58.839
Will that conclude what both of you have for presenting this ordinance change?

00:24:58.839 --> 00:24:59.839
Yes.

00:24:59.839 --> 00:25:03.799
Okay, then I'll need a motion to move this ordinance on to the next regularly scheduled

00:25:03.799 --> 00:25:04.799
meeting.

00:25:04.799 --> 00:25:05.799
So moved.

00:25:05.799 --> 00:25:09.680
A motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Johnson.

00:25:09.680 --> 00:25:12.799
Further discussion?

00:25:12.799 --> 00:25:13.799
Alderman Stacey.

00:25:13.799 --> 00:25:14.799
Yes.

00:25:14.799 --> 00:25:22.000
Yes. Other person, Klemm, stated public works director, city manager, and there was a third

00:25:22.000 --> 00:25:23.000
person.

00:25:23.000 --> 00:25:25.240
The airport manager.

00:25:25.240 --> 00:25:35.960
If there's no further discussion, we'll move on to item number 13, which is the first reading

00:25:35.960 --> 00:25:40.240
of ordinance 2025-43. Could you please read this?

00:25:40.240 --> 00:25:44.900
Ordinance amending part eight, business regulation and tax code, title four, taxation, to add

00:25:44.900 --> 00:25:50.980
chapter 897 for the purpose of implementing a 1% municipal grocery retailers occupation tax

00:25:50.980 --> 00:25:56.980
and a municipal grocery service occupation tax. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you, your honor.

00:25:57.779 --> 00:26:05.460
So as part of the fiscal year 2025 state budget, Governor Pritzker and the Illinois General

00:26:05.460 --> 00:26:11.779
Assembly approved the permanent repeal of the state's 1% grocery tax effective January 1st,

00:26:11.779 --> 00:26:14.619
and

00:26:14.619 --> 00:26:15.619
Dixie.

00:26:15.619 --> 00:26:21.500
This tax had historically supported both state and local government operations through revenue

00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:23.519
sharing mechanism.

00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:30.279
With its repeal, the state granted home rule municipalities the authority to reintroduce

00:26:30.279 --> 00:26:35.619
a 1% grocery tax locally via ordinance.

00:26:35.619 --> 00:26:40.500
Dozens of communities, especially in northern Illinois are coordinating efforts to adopt

00:26:40.500 --> 00:26:41.500
and John.

00:26:41.500 --> 00:26:46.940
Without this measure simultaneously, to ensure fiscal stability and regional consistency.

00:26:46.940 --> 00:26:53.240
For Freeport, the repeal represents a major shift in local revenue responsibility.

00:26:53.240 --> 00:26:57.139
Without the adoption of the local ordinance, the city will lose a dependable funding stream

00:26:57.139 --> 00:27:00.299
tied to essential operating costs.

00:27:00.299 --> 00:27:05.319
Region 1 Planning Council member municipalities are moving forward with adoption of the local

00:27:05.319 --> 00:27:06.319
Fowler.

00:27:06.319 --> 00:27:13.200
So, the financial impact.

00:27:13.200 --> 00:27:20.639
The 1% grocery tax generates an estimated $750,000 to $800,000 per year to the city.

00:27:20.639 --> 00:27:25.440
We cannot be more specific about that because the way it is compiled is part of our total

00:27:25.440 --> 00:27:33.920
sales tax reimbursement and it is not easily or able to extract that specifically.

00:27:33.920 --> 00:27:41.599
So staff recommends adopting the 1% grocery tax ordinance in July and filing with the

00:27:41.599 --> 00:27:47.200
Illinois Department of Revenue in October, that is the deadline, to have it introduced

00:27:47.200 --> 00:27:49.119
in January.

00:27:49.119 --> 00:27:53.799
And just a couple of other points I'd like to mention.

00:27:53.799 --> 00:27:57.759
What does $800,000 represent to the City of Freeport?

00:27:57.759 --> 00:28:05.279
I will say in general, approximately nine staff, whether that would be police, fire, or public works.

00:28:05.279 --> 00:28:19.119
It also represents, in terms of road work, I think recently we had an example where we had about a mile of reconstructed roadway that was about 900,000, so that's close.

00:28:19.119 --> 00:28:26.039
also other communities it represents in let's say Rockford 60 to 80 police

00:28:26.039 --> 00:28:31.920
officers or 70 to 90 public works employees in Cherry Valley it also

00:28:31.920 --> 00:28:36.400
represents something similar they have a smaller amount but two patrol officers

00:28:36.400 --> 00:28:43.119
and a yearly major street improvement program so as I sit here with you today

00:28:43.119 --> 00:28:50.639
I'd recommend moving forward with reinstating the 1% as of January 1st,

00:28:50.639 --> 00:28:57.360
2026. It is not an increase, it is simply the state is currently collecting it and

00:28:57.360 --> 00:29:03.200
has implemented it and we have the opportunity to continue that. So thank

00:29:03.200 --> 00:29:08.320
you. Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? So move.

00:29:08.320 --> 00:29:09.320
Johnson.

00:29:09.320 --> 00:29:13.159
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Parker.

00:29:13.159 --> 00:29:14.159
Discussion.

00:29:14.159 --> 00:29:15.159
Alderman Johnson?

00:29:15.159 --> 00:29:22.759
Just for the audience, people that are listening, this grocery tax, 1% grocery tax is something

00:29:22.759 --> 00:29:25.960
that we are already paying.

00:29:25.960 --> 00:29:34.720
It was, this state tax was added in 1990 as a part of sales tax reform and proceeds from

00:29:34.720 --> 00:29:41.000
this tax were distributed to local governments and so that's the $800,000 that Rob was talking

00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:46.720
about that we are getting from this 1% grocery sales tax now.

00:29:46.720 --> 00:29:50.380
So it is not an added tax.

00:29:50.380 --> 00:29:56.019
but now it's going to be discontinued or eliminated effective January 1st, 2026.

00:29:56.019 --> 00:29:58.759
It's up to the municipalities.

00:29:58.759 --> 00:30:01.599
They have the option to continue it or not.

00:30:01.599 --> 00:30:02.640
So that's what this is.

00:30:02.640 --> 00:30:06.900
It's a continuing a tax that we are already paying right now.

00:30:06.900 --> 00:30:08.180
It's not a new tax.

00:30:08.180 --> 00:30:10.119
It's one we are already paying.

00:30:10.119 --> 00:30:11.119
Correct.

00:30:11.119 --> 00:30:13.839
And that's been for the last 35 years, right?

00:30:13.839 --> 00:30:14.839
Since 1990.

00:30:14.839 --> 00:30:17.680
Alderman Sellers, I believe you were next.

00:30:17.680 --> 00:30:20.720
Linda said what I wanted to say.

00:30:20.720 --> 00:30:22.599
Alderman Simmons.

00:30:22.599 --> 00:30:23.960
Thank you for pointing that out.

00:30:23.960 --> 00:30:29.740
Johnson, where this is an opportunity for us to save our taxpayers that 1% as

00:30:29.740 --> 00:30:34.119
Illinois has done away with it again we say no we are not going to save you that

00:30:34.119 --> 00:30:38.339
money we are going to continue to take it please know who who is for this who

00:30:38.339 --> 00:30:42.759
has seconded it who had made the motion for it to even move forward that we we

00:30:42.759 --> 00:30:46.359
got to stop taking people's money and if this is an opportunity to save people

00:30:46.359 --> 00:30:51.160
Hull, then we should take it.

00:30:51.160 --> 00:30:54.160
Any other discussion?

00:30:54.160 --> 00:30:56.000
Alderman Johnson?

00:30:56.000 --> 00:30:59.680
It's not really that we want to keep taking people's money.

00:30:59.680 --> 00:31:06.299
The problem is, it will put a deficit of $800,000 in our budget that we are using now, which

00:31:06.299 --> 00:31:12.119
means that it could take away the money that we pay for our police department, it could

00:31:12.119 --> 00:31:18.000
We can take away money that we pay for our expenses of every day to operate.

00:31:18.000 --> 00:31:22.119
It can take money away from every department in the city.

00:31:22.119 --> 00:31:24.359
That's what the money's being used for now.

00:31:24.359 --> 00:31:30.160
So without it, where do we get the $800,000 deficit that we're going to have if we don't

00:31:30.160 --> 00:31:36.799
continue it?

00:31:36.799 --> 00:31:37.799
There's no further discussion.

00:31:37.799 --> 00:31:43.119
We'll move on to item number 14, the adoption of resolution 2025-70.

00:31:43.119 --> 00:31:45.319
Could you please read this?

00:31:45.319 --> 00:31:50.759
Approving the Purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe from Carl Auto Group for the Fire Department.

00:31:50.759 --> 00:31:51.960
Thank you. Chief Miller.

00:31:51.960 --> 00:31:57.079
Thank you, Your Honor. The Fire Department has a nearly 20-year-old response vehicle

00:31:57.079 --> 00:32:01.799
that is utilized to respond to emergencies for both firefighters and its officers.

00:32:02.519 --> 00:32:08.440
It has been determined that the vehicle is no longer suitable for response vehicle. Due to rust

00:32:08.440 --> 00:32:14.279
on the frame and suspension components makes it no longer suitable for emergency responses.

00:32:15.319 --> 00:32:25.319
The new vehicle proposed would be assigned to the shift commanders, which run about 85% of the calls that we go on, exceeding 6,000 calls per year.

00:32:25.319 --> 00:32:31.319
Those current shift commanders have completely outgrown their present Ford Explorer.

00:32:31.319 --> 00:32:36.319
They simply need more space for the required equipment that they have to carry.

00:32:36.319 --> 00:32:40.319
The Ford would replace the downgraded Chevy Trailblazer.

00:32:40.319 --> 00:32:46.319
This would extend the useful life of the Ford Explorer and save the City money.

00:32:46.319 --> 00:32:55.319
So funding for this proposed vehicle is accounted for and this year's budget was planned for as part of the vehicle replacement plan.

00:32:55.319 --> 00:32:59.319
So the Fire Capital Improvement Fund would cover the cost of this vehicle.

00:32:59.319 --> 00:33:07.319
This is not part of the City's general fund and will not impact any programs the City has currently planned.

00:33:07.319 --> 00:33:14.759
So, the Fire Capital Improvement Fund is funded by Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance.

00:33:14.759 --> 00:33:21.000
This is not something the taxpayers would be paying for out of their sales tax or property

00:33:21.000 --> 00:33:22.000
taxes.

00:33:22.000 --> 00:33:28.360
So, the fire department is requesting approval of the resolution to purchase the new vehicle

00:33:28.360 --> 00:33:35.769
for the fire department shift commanders.

00:33:35.769 --> 00:33:37.049
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:33:37.049 --> 00:33:38.049
So moved.

00:33:38.049 --> 00:33:39.049
Second.

00:33:39.049 --> 00:33:43.569
Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

00:33:43.569 --> 00:33:48.970
Discussion on the resolution, Alderman Sellers.

00:33:48.970 --> 00:33:52.569
Chief, you, Chief Miller, you said that this money already

00:33:52.569 --> 00:33:59.730
comes out of a budget that is for replacement of vehicles.

00:33:59.730 --> 00:34:00.410
Correct?

00:34:00.410 --> 00:34:02.369
Yes, that's correct.

00:34:02.369 --> 00:34:04.450
It's the Fire Capital Improvement Fund,

00:34:04.450 --> 00:34:07.410
which is allocated for capital purchases,

00:34:07.410 --> 00:34:16.610
such as vehicles, hose, turnout gear, things of a higher budget consideration.

00:34:16.610 --> 00:34:17.970
Did you want to use your second time?

00:34:17.970 --> 00:34:18.970
Yes.

00:34:18.970 --> 00:34:19.970
Sure.

00:34:19.970 --> 00:34:27.090
And you also, when we talked, you also said in that budget every year that the city takes

00:34:27.090 --> 00:34:33.329
a certain percentage off of that, out of that fund, right?

00:34:33.329 --> 00:34:34.329
That's correct.

00:34:34.329 --> 00:34:42.869
The money that ambulance billing generates goes into the fire capital improvement fund and each year in the fall

00:34:43.570 --> 00:34:50.489
The city will will take 54 percent of that fund and allocate that to the general fund. So

00:34:51.010 --> 00:34:52.650
We're actually

00:34:52.650 --> 00:35:00.829
Supplementing the general fund. We're not tapping into it. So the remaining 64 percent goes to fire department capital items

00:35:00.829 --> 00:35:03.779
Adams.

00:35:03.779 --> 00:35:04.779
Olderman Sanders.

00:35:04.779 --> 00:35:06.779
Yeah, Chief Miller.

00:35:06.779 --> 00:35:08.900
Forty-six percent.

00:35:08.900 --> 00:35:16.320
Do we have the cost and the personnel staff that is going to be utilizing this vehicle?

00:35:16.320 --> 00:35:25.920
Do we have that available for us and to us where we can evaluate and look into, look

00:35:25.920 --> 00:35:33.559
We look further to see have we made other options to where we're purchasing this vehicle and

00:35:33.559 --> 00:35:39.760
how much it would actually cost and is there any discounts along with that or is there

00:35:39.760 --> 00:35:46.239
any biddings in place for the vehicle so we can even make comparisons?

00:35:46.239 --> 00:35:47.840
Sure, absolutely.

00:35:47.840 --> 00:35:53.599
All that information you just cited is in your packet and it's in a memo format and

00:35:53.599 --> 00:35:58.220
and also the bid costs were on there.

00:35:58.220 --> 00:36:01.880
So looking at costs for this vehicle,

00:36:01.880 --> 00:36:05.480
checking locally, we went to Bakker Auto Group.

00:36:05.480 --> 00:36:10.480
Their cost for a very stripped down regular Chevy Tahoe

00:36:10.599 --> 00:36:13.019
that any one of us would purchase for our families,

00:36:13.019 --> 00:36:16.920
not a response vehicle that was $61,000

00:36:16.920 --> 00:36:21.440
plus the fees for title and processing and all that.

00:36:21.440 --> 00:36:31.340
So for a police package response vehicle designed and built for this intention here, pre-wired

00:36:31.340 --> 00:36:38.739
for light sirens and emergency equipment from the factory, the state, Illinois state purchasing

00:36:38.739 --> 00:36:47.360
contract for that vehicle was miles Chevrolet indicator, that quote was $58,028.

00:36:47.360 --> 00:36:54.039
and then Iowa State Purchasing Contract for that same exact response vehicle designed

00:36:54.039 --> 00:36:59.760
for this use was $52,714.20.

00:36:59.760 --> 00:37:03.440
So we have done our research, we've looked into costs, we've found the best possible

00:37:03.440 --> 00:37:09.139
option for this vehicle and furthermore I'd like to say that the one it's replacing is

00:37:09.139 --> 00:37:11.679
going to be 20 years old in just a few months.

00:37:11.679 --> 00:37:14.639
We hang on to our vehicles until they wear out.

00:37:14.639 --> 00:37:19.440
So that's what the intention is for acquiring this new vehicle.

00:37:19.440 --> 00:37:25.239
And then also the shift commanders, there's not one seated surface of that vehicle that's

00:37:25.239 --> 00:37:26.239
open.

00:37:26.239 --> 00:37:30.559
There's things stacked from the floor to the ceiling and the back and the back seat and

00:37:30.559 --> 00:37:32.599
also the passenger seat.

00:37:32.599 --> 00:37:37.960
So in my opinion, it's almost dangerous for as much equipment as they have unsecured in

00:37:37.960 --> 00:37:38.960
that tiny vehicle.

00:37:38.960 --> 00:37:43.340
Oldham and Sanders, did you want to use a second time?

00:37:43.340 --> 00:37:44.340
Yes.

00:37:44.340 --> 00:37:45.340
Go ahead.

00:37:45.340 --> 00:37:54.820
I understand that you you're out for this and everything for the best option for

00:37:54.820 --> 00:38:03.820
the city when purchasing. My thing is to do I like for you to define to us the

00:38:03.820 --> 00:38:12.739
difference between the price tags of a non-response vehicle and a response

00:38:12.739 --> 00:38:17.739
and I have a question for you. I know that you are talking about a

00:38:17.739 --> 00:38:22.739
response vehicle. What is the cost difference in the two? I know

00:38:22.739 --> 00:38:25.739
there is going to be a major increase when we are talking

00:38:25.739 --> 00:38:30.739
about a response vehicle. It is going to go into thousands, more

00:38:30.739 --> 00:38:35.739
so that it probably almost exceeds the price of the vehicle.

00:38:35.739 --> 00:38:39.739
That is my opinion and my speculation because I don't see

00:38:39.739 --> 00:38:47.739
So, I'd like for you to kind of like, you know, kind of like define the difference between the two and the cost difference.

00:38:47.739 --> 00:38:59.739
Certainly. So, once again, the regular, I guess, standard vehicle that any person could buy from a car dealership.

00:38:59.739 --> 00:39:05.739
This example is Bakker Auto Group. So, for a regular script on Tahoe, meaning it still has carpet.

00:39:05.739 --> 00:39:14.420
Carpet. It still has satellite radio. It has more options than a response vehicle. The

00:39:14.420 --> 00:39:21.400
cost of that vehicle is more than $61,000. So what we are seeking to purchase is a response

00:39:21.400 --> 00:39:30.340
vehicle that is built and designed for emergency responses. Specifically, again, it's wired

00:39:30.340 --> 00:39:36.980
from the factory for lights, sirens, radios. It has larger brakes for emergency stopping.

00:39:36.980 --> 00:39:42.980
It has a larger alternator for all the electronic components it has to power. It comes with

00:39:42.980 --> 00:39:48.900
two batteries, one for the motor, one for all the electrical components. It is rated

00:39:48.900 --> 00:39:53.980
it, and designed to be a response vehicle, substantially less than

00:39:53.980 --> 00:40:22.340
Substantially less than the family car, the one that we're requesting is $52,714, so it's almost $8,000 cheaper than what we would be getting for a regular family car, so this is a benefit to the city, and the quote that's in there, it reflects and demonstrates discounts that are given to the city because it's a municipal purchase, it's not a public

00:40:22.340 --> 00:40:27.699
person purchase. So we're definitely saving money. We're going to get the longevity out of this

00:40:27.699 --> 00:40:35.780
vehicle. It's built and intended to be an emergency response vehicle. So again, we're looking to

00:40:36.820 --> 00:40:40.820
downgrade a 20-year-old vehicle with more than 120,000 miles on it.

00:40:42.500 --> 00:40:49.940
Oldham and Stacy, did you have your hand up? Yes. You said that this would come from the fire

00:40:49.940 --> 00:41:05.940
We have a capital improvement fund, and that fund is created from the emulants' cause that you all receive, and so you basically budgeted for this this year?

00:41:05.940 --> 00:41:17.940
That's correct. The money is in the budget for this vehicle. It was planned for, it was allocated for, and we were waiting until the vehicle became available to make a proposal or presentation to council.

00:41:17.940 --> 00:41:31.440
What I don't understand is why 54 percent goes into the general fund if it's from the ambulance calls, the medical calls.

00:41:31.440 --> 00:41:34.940
That's been set up by ordinance to supplement the general fund.

00:41:34.940 --> 00:41:43.940
It helps offset our salaries, our benefits, some of our station maintenance.

00:41:43.940 --> 00:41:49.539
So, it contributes to the general fund for other uses within the city.

00:41:49.539 --> 00:41:54.500
Any other discussion on the purchase?

00:41:54.500 --> 00:41:59.030
Seeing none, Madam Clerk. Alderman Johnson.

00:41:59.030 --> 00:42:11.030
Chief Miller, I just was under the understanding also that there's only certain vehicles that you can use for all the equipment that you have, and this is one of them.

00:42:11.030 --> 00:42:17.030
The main one is Tahoe that would need to be used because there's so much equipment.

00:42:17.030 --> 00:42:21.829
I mean you showed me when I went to the police department all the equipment they have to carry and it was very cramped in that

00:42:22.190 --> 00:42:27.510
Vehicle that it currently is in so yes. Yes, we are seeking a larger vehicle to better

00:42:28.150 --> 00:42:34.550
Accommodate the needs of the shift commanders all the equipment that they carry now is just placed in their set down

00:42:34.550 --> 00:42:36.789
and what we're looking to do is

00:42:37.510 --> 00:42:41.710
have cabinets and the ability to secure the equipment so

00:42:41.710 --> 00:42:47.710
So, forbid they get in a crash, the equipment's not even come bouncing around inside the cab of the vehicle.

00:42:47.710 --> 00:42:57.710
Years ago, many years ago, before they had such built response vehicles, we would go to a car dealership, buy something off the lot,

00:42:57.710 --> 00:43:05.710
and put light sirens and radios in that kind of car. It's not built for that kind of use. It's not built for that kind of response.

00:43:05.710 --> 00:43:10.710
The electrical components were not adequate. The braking system was not adequate.

00:43:10.710 --> 00:43:17.710
and Transmission Cooler. So, they've come a long way with designing vehicles to last for this intended use.

00:43:17.710 --> 00:43:20.380
Thank you.

00:43:20.380 --> 00:43:23.380
Okay, if there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:43:23.380 --> 00:43:24.380
Simmons?

00:43:24.380 --> 00:43:25.380
Aye.

00:43:25.380 --> 00:43:26.380
Parker?

00:43:26.380 --> 00:43:27.380
Aye.

00:43:27.380 --> 00:43:28.380
Stacy?

00:43:28.380 --> 00:43:29.380
Aye.

00:43:29.380 --> 00:43:30.380
Shadle?

00:43:30.380 --> 00:43:31.380
Aye.

00:43:31.380 --> 00:43:32.380
Sanders?

00:43:32.380 --> 00:43:33.380
Aye.

00:43:33.380 --> 00:43:34.380
Sellers?

00:43:34.380 --> 00:43:35.380
Aye.

00:43:35.380 --> 00:43:36.380
Klemm?

00:43:36.380 --> 00:43:37.380
Aye.

00:43:37.380 --> 00:43:38.380
And Johnson?

00:43:38.380 --> 00:43:39.380
Aye.

00:43:39.380 --> 00:43:40.380
The resolution is adopted 8-0.

00:43:40.380 --> 00:43:43.380
Construction of Resolution 2025-71. Could you please read this?

00:43:43.380 --> 00:43:50.380
Resolution authorizing an agreement with Fehr Graham to provide construction engineering services for Westward Water Main Extension.

00:43:50.380 --> 00:43:52.380
Thank you. Manager Boyer?

00:43:52.380 --> 00:44:00.380
Thank you, Your Honor. Fehr Graham designed and permitted the Westward Water Main Extension on Stevenson from Brad Martin to the city limits.

00:44:00.380 --> 00:44:08.380
Helm or Civil was the low bidder for the construction project and plans to start the new water main installation in the fall of 25.

00:44:08.380 --> 00:44:12.619
Fehr Graham will provide professional construction engineering services to

00:44:12.619 --> 00:44:16.460
manage the project on behalf of the city and engineering services will consist of

00:44:16.460 --> 00:44:19.639
full-time observation and inspection along with project management and

00:44:19.639 --> 00:44:24.119
construction, survey layout and staking. This project consists of infrastructure

00:44:24.119 --> 00:44:32.139
improvement investment of $631,889.50 to this location and the

00:44:32.139 --> 00:44:37.440
hot mix asphalt streets will be a full lane patch upon completion of the water

00:44:37.440 --> 00:44:44.079
Mayne completion. Professional service engineering services including construction engineering,

00:44:44.079 --> 00:44:53.840
staking and so on is in the amount of $63,850. Material QAQC material testing services are done

00:44:53.840 --> 00:44:59.920
by a third party at time and material basis and as needed and construction engineering was part of

00:44:59.920 --> 00:45:04.880
the 2025 budget. So staff recommends to approve the professional engineering agreement with

00:45:04.880 --> 00:45:09.440
Fehr Graham to move forward with the construction oversight

00:45:09.440 --> 00:45:11.679
and management.

00:45:11.679 --> 00:45:12.960
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:45:12.960 --> 00:45:13.679
So moved.

00:45:13.679 --> 00:45:14.599
Second.

00:45:14.599 --> 00:45:16.480
A motion made by Alderman Seller,

00:45:16.480 --> 00:45:18.279
seconded by Alderman Shadle.

00:45:18.279 --> 00:45:21.630
Discussion on the resolution?

00:45:21.630 --> 00:45:23.789
Alderman Stacey.

00:45:23.789 --> 00:45:25.590
OK.

00:45:25.590 --> 00:45:34.599
To keep it straight and simple, first of all,

00:45:34.599 --> 00:45:43.539
We're talking about the school, Open Bible. This is the water main for Open Bible. Am

00:45:43.539 --> 00:45:44.539
I correct?

00:45:44.539 --> 00:45:50.239
It would be the water main heading west that includes multiple residents and ends at Open

00:45:50.239 --> 00:45:51.239
Bible.

00:45:51.239 --> 00:46:02.320
Open Bible. And we've already paid Director Stegall $69,000 to design it. And so now we're

00:46:02.320 --> 00:46:16.460
are going to be paying him another $63,850 to do the T&Ms and to be the engineer contractor

00:46:16.460 --> 00:46:20.389
on this project.

00:46:20.389 --> 00:46:29.550
How much money, you know, you were talking about you were seeking grants for this project.

00:46:29.550 --> 00:46:46.139
How much money did we actually receive for this water main event?

00:46:46.139 --> 00:46:49.019
Older person Stacey, we did seek grants.

00:46:49.019 --> 00:46:51.460
We did not receive grants for this one.

00:46:51.460 --> 00:47:00.260
However, this came in about $250,000 below estimate, and it's quite a value to get this

00:47:00.260 --> 00:47:03.139
much water main done for what it's going to cost.

00:47:03.139 --> 00:47:12.940
So these construction supervision and management is how we ensure that the project is done

00:47:12.940 --> 00:47:16.579
to specification on time and on cost.

00:47:16.579 --> 00:47:18.659
Would you like to use your second time already, Cecelia?

00:47:18.659 --> 00:47:19.659
Yes.

00:47:19.659 --> 00:47:20.659
Okay, second time.

00:47:20.659 --> 00:47:29.619
How is it that we're able to save $250,000 on that project, but no other water main do

00:47:29.619 --> 00:47:32.000
we save that kind of money?

00:47:32.000 --> 00:47:35.760
So how is it that we're able to save so much on that one?

00:47:37.199 --> 00:47:38.440
Maybe, Darren?

00:47:38.440 --> 00:47:39.960
Sure.

00:47:39.960 --> 00:47:42.480
All of our bids this year came in under estimate

00:47:42.480 --> 00:47:44.599
for the complete water main projects.

00:47:44.599 --> 00:47:46.599
We've got really good pricing this year.

00:47:47.639 --> 00:47:50.039
Water main material cost in general

00:47:50.039 --> 00:47:54.199
has come down slightly from kind of the post COVID years.

00:47:54.199 --> 00:47:56.679
And so prices were more advantageous.

00:47:56.679 --> 00:48:01.679
So if I go back to the other three water main projects,

00:48:02.000 --> 00:48:07.119
I think in a total they were about a half a million dollars under what we

00:48:07.119 --> 00:48:11.920
estimated for those projects as well. So that's been a kind of a trend here in

00:48:11.920 --> 00:48:20.960
2025. Overman, Shadle? I just for clarity would like to mention that however Mr.

00:48:20.960 --> 00:48:25.659
Steekle is probably a very valued employee at Fehr Graham. He is not the

00:48:25.659 --> 00:48:31.420
one that we're making a contract with. We're making it with his employer Fehr

00:48:31.420 --> 00:48:42.139
Graham. Any other discussion? Alderman Sam? Yeah, I just want to announce that there's

00:48:42.139 --> 00:48:52.220
a failure on the council to not look into this matter because it has been before us three

00:48:52.220 --> 00:49:00.699
times now and we had not come up with a resolution. Matter of fact, as far as I was, as far as

00:49:00.699 --> 00:49:07.779
because my understanding is it was thrown out of here and we didn't have a vote on it or

00:49:07.779 --> 00:49:13.500
it was suspended or something to that nature, but my point, the reason why I'm bringing

00:49:13.500 --> 00:49:21.019
this up is because this has been rewritten, this has been before us, but now it has a

00:49:21.019 --> 00:49:30.659
different scenario going on for extension to accommodate the extension of this water

00:49:30.659 --> 00:49:35.659
Mayne to accommodate this Bible solution or problem

00:49:35.659 --> 00:49:37.300
that we have been having.

00:49:37.300 --> 00:49:41.940
And my question would be is, how do we come to that factor?

00:49:41.940 --> 00:49:44.980
Who's coming up with the consultation

00:49:44.980 --> 00:49:48.619
between the group of people that design in this

00:49:48.619 --> 00:49:51.980
and coming up with the fact that we're making this proposal?

00:49:51.980 --> 00:49:53.639
We're making this proposal for the third time,

00:49:53.639 --> 00:49:56.840
and if that is the case, then I feel that the council

00:49:58.159 --> 00:50:01.480
should not weigh in on this or suspend this

00:50:01.480 --> 00:50:03.519
or throw it back out of here again

00:50:03.519 --> 00:50:05.840
until we get some complete clarity.

00:50:05.840 --> 00:50:09.639
There is no clarity here, because what I'm looking at

00:50:09.639 --> 00:50:12.079
is that we're coming from the back door

00:50:12.079 --> 00:50:17.119
trying to facilitate another objective, and that's my hope.

00:50:17.119 --> 00:50:19.159
That's my opinion.

00:50:19.159 --> 00:50:23.880
I feel that it has compromised the whole thing

00:50:23.880 --> 00:50:27.079
for this to be brought before us again.

00:50:27.079 --> 00:50:31.760
And it's been out of the loop for months,

00:50:31.760 --> 00:50:33.480
maybe almost a year.

00:50:33.480 --> 00:50:35.920
And while we're entertaining this again

00:50:35.920 --> 00:50:37.880
from a different perspective,

00:50:37.880 --> 00:50:42.760
it seems very odd that we will even be approaching

00:50:42.760 --> 00:50:44.599
this whole thing again,

00:50:44.599 --> 00:50:47.920
knowing that now the Bible study is gonna receive

00:50:47.920 --> 00:51:17.920
We're putting together an extension to all of this movement that we're putting together, this proposal that we're putting together, we're including them as well, and I like to see how much we're being charged for this extra engineering services that is being provided with this also being an inclusion with the Bible study as an extension, because it sounds very fishy to me, and I don't like what it is doing,

00:51:17.920 --> 00:51:23.440
I'm saying this simply because I can see it and I can visualize what is happening right

00:51:23.440 --> 00:51:25.199
now at this moment.

00:51:25.199 --> 00:51:27.159
That's my first point.

00:51:27.159 --> 00:51:28.159
Sure.

00:51:28.159 --> 00:51:29.599
So I'll recap.

00:51:29.599 --> 00:51:32.800
The City Council voted to design this project.

00:51:32.800 --> 00:51:34.000
We designed it.

00:51:34.000 --> 00:51:36.300
The City Council voted to permit it.

00:51:36.300 --> 00:51:38.199
We permitted it.

00:51:38.199 --> 00:51:41.599
The City Council voted to put it out to bid.

00:51:41.599 --> 00:51:43.800
We put it out to bid.

00:51:43.800 --> 00:51:49.239
We have a contract to award to Helm to do the job and this is the construction engineering

00:51:49.239 --> 00:51:54.280
contract for it and it's the first time it's been to council.

00:51:54.280 --> 00:52:01.440
No it has not been the first time because this is a whole different project with the

00:52:01.440 --> 00:52:10.320
extension of including the water main along with this project that would extend to the

00:52:10.320 --> 00:52:11.880
Bible study.

00:52:11.880 --> 00:52:12.880
and so on.

00:52:12.880 --> 00:52:18.320
That's what I'm seeing right now, because my question is, we did not come up with the

00:52:18.320 --> 00:52:25.599
Bradmar, I'm looking at this thing, the other portion of this, Westward, from Bradmar, and

00:52:25.599 --> 00:52:32.800
I got this, I'm looking at my wrong notes, but the thing about it is, it's a whole different

00:52:32.800 --> 00:52:39.880
project with an inclusion of the Bible study extension, it's another extension.

00:52:39.880 --> 00:52:47.760
and to get this even started, the council has no clue that this projection is even being

00:52:47.760 --> 00:52:52.519
presented or proposal being presented to the council and you saying that it's the first

00:52:52.519 --> 00:52:59.920
time? No, it's another scenario. Yes, the scenario is the first part of it has been,

00:52:59.920 --> 00:53:05.960
it is the first time, but the fact that, yeah, the westward thing that we're talking about

00:53:05.960 --> 00:53:11.639
to add on the Bible. That's the first time. But we had gone over the extension from the

00:53:11.639 --> 00:53:18.400
Bible study already two times. Now we're going to add it coming in at the back door. That

00:53:18.400 --> 00:53:25.019
should not ever happen without the discussion of the council. I don't care how we get there,

00:53:25.019 --> 00:53:28.880
but the council needs to be able to talk about it and discuss it.

00:53:28.880 --> 00:53:33.469
Go ahead.

00:53:33.469 --> 00:53:37.369
Nothing's been done without the council approval. The record will show that it's been voted

00:53:37.369 --> 00:53:41.969
Bid on every time and pass the council to move forward to this project point.

00:53:41.969 --> 00:53:47.769
I don't know if Dovie has those records, but this council, the sitting council here, with

00:53:47.769 --> 00:53:52.289
the exception of Linda at the last vote, moved this forward to bid.

00:53:52.289 --> 00:53:56.010
And so we, the bid, this is the construction engineering part.

00:53:56.010 --> 00:54:02.239
The bid is later in the agenda based on the way the agendas are wrote.

00:54:02.239 --> 00:54:05.039
Any further, Alderman Simmons?

00:54:05.039 --> 00:54:06.960
This is for you, Director Stiegel.

00:54:06.960 --> 00:54:11.440
So, yes, you are right, we did pass on the design under the understanding that that was

00:54:11.440 --> 00:54:16.679
what was needed in order to even apply for the grants that are out there.

00:54:16.679 --> 00:54:23.300
So my question then to you is how many grants, if any, were applied for to help get this

00:54:23.300 --> 00:54:25.000
project completed?

00:54:25.000 --> 00:54:30.320
So as we promised, I believe it was Alderwood and Stacy that asked, we have applied for

00:54:30.320 --> 00:54:34.699
every grant that has been available for Watermain.

00:54:34.699 --> 00:54:36.800
We have not received any.

00:54:36.800 --> 00:54:39.840
We've received a lot of grants.

00:54:39.840 --> 00:54:46.880
Even Mr. Sorensen's money that was appropriated to Freeport with the presidential change,

00:54:46.880 --> 00:54:53.860
all of those funds were pulled back, which was $4 million from the city that we were

00:54:53.860 --> 00:54:55.760
anticipating for this year.

00:54:55.760 --> 00:54:58.480
So we did our best to find money.

00:54:58.480 --> 00:55:06.000
I believe, and I think City Manager Boyer or Mayor Miller will have to let us know,

00:55:06.000 --> 00:55:11.000
but I believe that Open Bible projected $15 million,

00:55:12.039 --> 00:55:16.159
or sorry, $15,000 to the city towards this project

00:55:16.159 --> 00:55:18.720
from their coffers, not to include any work

00:55:18.720 --> 00:55:19.619
on their property.

00:55:20.920 --> 00:55:25.300
That's correct.

00:55:25.300 --> 00:55:26.559
Chief Miller.

00:55:26.559 --> 00:55:27.960
Yes, thank you, your honor.

00:55:29.179 --> 00:55:31.519
I realize that extending that water service

00:55:31.519 --> 00:55:35.000
out to the western edge of the city

00:55:35.000 --> 00:55:39.159
would benefit many people who live out in that area,

00:55:39.159 --> 00:55:43.039
whether it's residential, whether it's institutional,

00:55:43.039 --> 00:55:46.480
but what our concerns are with the fire department,

00:55:46.480 --> 00:55:49.659
that extension represents seven more fire hydrants.

00:55:49.659 --> 00:55:51.880
I carry about 800 feet of five inch holes,

00:55:51.880 --> 00:55:55.119
which is our considered above ground water main

00:55:55.119 --> 00:55:56.559
on each truck.

00:55:56.559 --> 00:56:00.119
So if we had an incident anywhere in that area,

00:56:00.119 --> 00:56:04.980
whether it be a institution or residential,

00:56:04.980 --> 00:56:07.380
we would be scrambling for a water supply

00:56:07.380 --> 00:56:10.179
sufficient enough to feed our apparatus

00:56:10.179 --> 00:56:14.279
and effectively extinguish any fires out that way.

00:56:15.139 --> 00:56:15.980
Thank you.

00:56:15.980 --> 00:56:19.239
Owner and Sanders, you've already had your twice.

00:56:19.239 --> 00:56:20.279
Is there anyone else?

00:56:21.860 --> 00:56:26.239
Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:56:26.239 --> 00:56:27.539
Simmons? No.

00:56:27.539 --> 00:56:28.720
Parker? Aye.

00:56:28.720 --> 00:56:29.779
Stacy? No.

00:56:30.639 --> 00:56:31.880
Shadle? Aye.

00:56:31.880 --> 00:56:33.159
Sanders? No.

00:56:33.159 --> 00:56:34.420
Sellers? Aye.

00:56:34.420 --> 00:56:35.519
Klemm? Aye.

00:56:35.519 --> 00:56:42.159
Johnson. Aye. The resolution is adopted 5 to 3. Thank you. Item number 16 is the

00:56:42.159 --> 00:56:46.920
resolution, adoption of resolution 2025-73. Could you please read this?

00:56:46.920 --> 00:56:51.159
Resolution approving agreement with Crawford, Murray, and Tilley for Airport

00:56:51.159 --> 00:56:56.159
Engineering Services related to replacement of runway 624, precision

00:56:56.159 --> 00:57:01.079
approach path indicator, or the PAPI system. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank

00:57:01.079 --> 00:57:05.480
Thank you, Your Honor. The Precision Approach Path Indicator PAPI system, as Dovie just

00:57:05.480 --> 00:57:11.239
mentioned, is a vital airfield safety feature that provides glide path guidance to pilots

00:57:11.239 --> 00:57:18.039
using a combination of red and white lights. The current system on runway 6-24, installed

00:57:18.039 --> 00:57:24.139
in 2002, has exceeded its design life and is no longer operational and is unsupported

00:57:24.139 --> 00:57:25.820
by the manufacturer.

00:57:25.820 --> 00:57:30.980
Recent FAA inspections have documented this delinquency.

00:57:30.980 --> 00:57:33.220
This project proposes full replacement

00:57:33.220 --> 00:57:38.179
with FAA L-880 compliant LED systems,

00:57:38.179 --> 00:57:40.900
which will provide visual guidance,

00:57:40.900 --> 00:57:44.039
increase air navigation safety, and reduce operation

00:57:44.039 --> 00:57:45.659
and maintenance costs.

00:57:45.659 --> 00:57:49.659
This project includes removal of the existing PAPI system

00:57:49.659 --> 00:57:52.820
and installation of the new LED four box system

00:57:52.820 --> 00:57:54.860
at both runway ends.

00:57:54.860 --> 00:57:58.019
Power for both systems will be routed through the airport's

00:57:58.019 --> 00:58:01.059
existing lighting vault, improving reliability

00:58:01.059 --> 00:58:02.940
and maintenance efficiency.

00:58:02.940 --> 00:58:07.059
Crawford Murphy and Tilley, or CMT, has been selected

00:58:07.059 --> 00:58:09.840
and is our current airport engineer

00:58:09.840 --> 00:58:12.860
and provides the design, special services, and construction

00:58:12.860 --> 00:58:15.960
engineering under the IDOT approved agreement.

00:58:15.960 --> 00:58:20.340
The project is scheduled for bid letting in November of 2025,

00:58:20.340 --> 00:58:25.279
with contractor work anticipated from May to June of 2026.

00:58:25.279 --> 00:58:29.619
Engineering work will conclude by August of 2026.

00:58:29.619 --> 00:58:34.099
The total cost of the project is $640,000.

00:58:34.099 --> 00:58:41.619
Of that amount, 608,000 or 95% will be funded through federal

00:58:41.619 --> 00:58:48.099
and state grants with the city responsible for 5% local

00:58:48.099 --> 00:58:57.059
matching totaling $32,000. The engineering agreement totals $194,300 for the design,

00:58:57.059 --> 00:59:04.739
special services, and construction phase, and the city is responsible for total $32,000 that is

00:59:04.739 --> 00:59:12.579
budgeted in fiscal year 2025 in the airport budget. Staff recommends moving forward with the agreement

00:59:12.579 --> 00:59:17.820
with Crawford, Murphy, and Tilley as our airport engineer.

00:59:17.820 --> 00:59:19.019
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:59:19.019 --> 00:59:19.779
So moved.

00:59:19.779 --> 00:59:21.139
Second.

00:59:21.139 --> 00:59:24.139
A motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

00:59:26.860 --> 00:59:30.079
Discussion.

00:59:30.079 --> 00:59:31.199
Alderman Stacey.

00:59:31.199 --> 00:59:35.840
So if they were to get into this project

00:59:35.840 --> 00:59:40.559
and something unexpectedly came up,

00:59:40.559 --> 00:59:43.599
where would that money come from?

00:59:43.599 --> 00:59:50.000
This is for engineering, so they're telling us that's what it's going to cost to engineer the project and to complete the project for this.

00:59:50.000 --> 00:59:54.119
and to complete the project for the city. So that is what the city's paying and the

00:59:54.119 --> 00:59:59.639
total amount is six hundred and forty thousand. The total amount for the city

00:59:59.639 --> 01:00:06.119
is thirty two thousand. I understand but the total for the project. Yes it's I it's

01:00:06.119 --> 01:00:10.119
itemized in the memo six hundred and forty thousand dollars. Okay I mean I'm

01:00:10.119 --> 01:00:17.889
just I'm just stating for the record. Dearon? Yeah I just want to add one thing

01:00:17.889 --> 01:00:23.250
and Rob's point is we are currently having quite a few issues with the lighting system

01:00:23.250 --> 01:00:25.250
out there.

01:00:25.250 --> 01:00:30.489
Manager Jansen's here, but we've been having significantly expensive electrical bills out

01:00:30.489 --> 01:00:35.170
at the airport because they're not working properly and we have to leave them on overnight

01:00:35.170 --> 01:00:40.090
and so the new system will alleviate some of that issue.

01:00:40.090 --> 01:00:44.170
The guidance system has to be able to turn them on at night and if that's not working

01:00:44.170 --> 01:00:49.889
and then we have to go to leaving them on at night and we've seen significant increase

01:00:49.889 --> 01:00:51.690
in those electrical costs.

01:00:51.690 --> 01:00:54.420
Alderman Sanders?

01:00:54.420 --> 01:00:55.420
Yeah.

01:00:55.420 --> 01:01:04.139
Is there a way that we can address that issue by manually turning those lights off when

01:01:04.139 --> 01:01:06.860
not needed, necessarily needed?

01:01:06.860 --> 01:01:15.780
Is there any reason why we can't be in a, you know, have someone to manage all of that

01:01:15.780 --> 01:01:20.739
lighting system out there the proper way until we get the system back up and going?

01:01:20.739 --> 01:01:26.940
Well, I shouldn't answer that question, Manager Jansen said, but I would believe that we're

01:01:26.940 --> 01:01:31.820
not, we don't staff the airport 24-7, so it'd be hard to have somebody turning them on and

01:01:31.820 --> 01:01:32.820
off.

01:01:32.820 --> 01:01:35.699
That's why they have to be left on at night.

01:01:35.699 --> 01:01:42.820
I can't, you mean to say it take a staff to turn lights on and off? It does it? It's set up that way?

01:01:42.820 --> 01:01:47.539
No, currently I believe it's automatic, but that system is not working.

01:01:47.539 --> 01:01:53.619
Okay, so what we're saying is manually we have to conduct that?

01:01:53.619 --> 01:01:58.500
When she leaves for the day, she turns them on, which comes in the morning, she turns them off.

01:01:58.500 --> 01:01:59.940
I see. Okay, thank you.

01:01:59.940 --> 01:02:11.340
Yes. I just want to state that, you know, why is the city paying for the airport? It's

01:02:11.340 --> 01:02:19.659
not a part of our strategic plan for development. Nowhere on the strategic planning document

01:02:19.659 --> 01:02:29.739
on the city page is there anything about the airport in our strategic plan even listed.

01:02:29.739 --> 01:02:34.179
Why is that, City Manager Boyer?

01:02:34.179 --> 01:02:38.940
I'll have to review it, but I thought it is mentioned, but I'd have to double check and

01:02:38.940 --> 01:02:39.940
review that.

01:02:39.940 --> 01:02:43.059
Yeah, we actually talked about it quite a bit last two years ago, and I'm sure we'll

01:02:43.059 --> 01:02:45.659
discuss it again in our September meeting.

01:02:45.659 --> 01:02:47.539
Why is it not on the page?

01:02:47.539 --> 01:02:52.300
Actually, I believe there it is listed on there, and I believe it actually one of the

01:02:52.300 --> 01:02:56.500
to-dos was an economic development plan.

01:02:56.500 --> 01:02:58.599
It's not on there.

01:02:58.599 --> 01:03:05.679
I would just like to remind everybody that the airport has its own master plan and this

01:03:05.679 --> 01:03:08.679
is part of the airport's master plan of replacement.

01:03:08.679 --> 01:03:13.360
That's why we're getting so much grant funding towards it and I think we talked about this

01:03:13.360 --> 01:03:18.420
before with the resealing of the pavement but we have taken quite a bit of money in

01:03:18.420 --> 01:03:23.059
federal grants towards the airport and we need to keep the airport up to federal standards

01:03:23.059 --> 01:03:28.300
or we will end up having to pay that money back over time.

01:03:28.300 --> 01:03:44.900
I don't know if Angie would like to speak to that, being that she's a little more, she'd have a better understanding of the ramifications.

01:03:44.900 --> 01:03:58.449
Basically, ramifications on it, basically, it could be shut down. And if the airport is shut down, there's millions and millions and millions of money that has to be paid back.

01:03:58.449 --> 01:04:04.929
Kirk. So that's bottom line. That is the ramifications of it. As it stands right now, Darren was

01:04:04.929 --> 01:04:09.570
correct in a lot of what he was saying. Our, actually the PAPI system right now is not

01:04:09.570 --> 01:04:18.570
working at all. So it is, like it was said, that we cannot, we cannot make, there's not

01:04:18.570 --> 01:04:22.489
parts for it anymore. They were making parts for it and we're to the point now that we're

01:04:22.489 --> 01:04:23.489
Johnson.

01:04:23.489 --> 01:04:27.050
So, again, that could be the last result.

01:04:27.050 --> 01:04:33.090
It could shut the airport down, which is not a good thing for everyone, for the city and

01:04:33.090 --> 01:04:34.090
everyone.

01:04:34.090 --> 01:04:35.090
Alderman Johnson?

01:04:35.090 --> 01:04:36.889
So it's not usable right at this moment?

01:04:36.889 --> 01:04:37.889
That is correct.

01:04:37.889 --> 01:04:38.889
Is that what you're saying?

01:04:38.889 --> 01:04:43.329
Yeah, we're in, that's why this is in the process of trying to get the new ones.

01:04:43.329 --> 01:04:46.500
Thank you.

01:04:46.500 --> 01:04:47.500
Thank you.

01:04:47.500 --> 01:04:48.500
Thank you.

01:04:48.500 --> 01:04:49.500
Alderman, Alderman Sellers?

01:04:49.500 --> 01:04:54.500
You just want to know, how long would this project take to get done, to get you back into...

01:04:54.500 --> 01:05:00.500
So it's actually, because of everything with the bid letting and stuff like that, it's supposed to be completed, I believe.

01:05:00.500 --> 01:05:04.500
Manager Boyer ended up saying that, I believe it's next year.

01:05:04.500 --> 01:05:11.500
And sometimes it does get moved up a little quicker, we can always cross our fingers, but it will be as of next year.

01:05:11.500 --> 01:05:17.500
The thing is, is what the state looks at and the feds look at, is at least it's in the process.

01:05:17.500 --> 01:05:18.500
Huffines.

01:05:18.500 --> 01:05:22.059
That's what they care about, that it's going to happen.

01:05:22.059 --> 01:05:27.779
But if there's nothing in the process, that's when we have an issue.

01:05:27.779 --> 01:05:29.980
Yeah.

01:05:29.980 --> 01:05:31.900
Is this project budgeted?

01:05:31.900 --> 01:05:34.460
Yeah, the city's portion.

01:05:34.460 --> 01:05:36.659
We have the grants and everything for this.

01:05:36.659 --> 01:05:38.019
The grants are already done, yep.

01:05:38.019 --> 01:05:44.260
They're done and we're moving forward with everything at this time.

01:05:44.260 --> 01:05:45.260
Yep.

01:05:45.260 --> 01:05:46.260
Okay.

01:05:46.260 --> 01:05:47.260
Yep.

01:06:03.860 --> 01:06:06.900
The resolution is adopted 8-0.

01:06:06.900 --> 01:06:12.300
Item number 17 is the adoption of resolution 2025-74, could you please read this?

01:06:12.300 --> 01:06:17.380
Ratifying Emergency Police Department HVAC System Repairs by Geostar Mechanical.

01:06:17.380 --> 01:06:18.380
Thank you.

01:06:18.380 --> 01:06:19.380
Manager Boyer?

01:06:19.380 --> 01:06:20.380
Thank you, Your Honor.

01:06:20.380 --> 01:06:25.980
Over the last three years, the city's police department has had reoccurring HVAC or air

01:06:25.980 --> 01:06:27.940
conditioning issues.

01:06:27.940 --> 01:06:33.260
The facility air conditioning system, which is original to the building, has had compressor

01:06:33.260 --> 01:06:39.760
loss at alarming rates, so I think we've gone through three compressors at this point.

01:06:39.760 --> 01:06:44.559
So due to the last two compressors only lasting nine months and the replacement only lasting

01:06:44.559 --> 01:06:51.239
one week, Darren from Fehr Graham as the Public Works Director Consultant requested getting

01:06:51.239 --> 01:06:57.960
a professional third party electrician involved and also a generator specialist for total

01:06:57.960 --> 01:07:04.320
system evaluation and during the research and discovery phase all internal police station

01:07:04.320 --> 01:07:07.440
have been able to access the facility.

01:07:07.440 --> 01:07:09.279
A team of police officers from the city of Washington,

01:07:09.279 --> 01:07:12.300
electrical demands and wiring were checked.

01:07:12.300 --> 01:07:16.119
After this was complete, the city requested that ComEd bring

01:07:16.119 --> 01:07:18.920
in a team of specialists to evaluate the facility

01:07:18.920 --> 01:07:21.920
and the transformer load rating on the building

01:07:21.920 --> 01:07:24.440
with specialized monitoring equipment.

01:07:24.440 --> 01:07:28.119
ComEd monitors proved that the police department

01:07:28.119 --> 01:07:31.559
was being deprived of full electrical power

01:07:31.559 --> 01:07:33.920
during sporadic levels of demand.

01:07:33.920 --> 01:07:41.739
that was upgraded three years ago, had added sufficient demand on these transformers which

01:07:41.739 --> 01:07:48.860
changed the load and was causing our local transformers to not supply sufficient power

01:07:48.860 --> 01:07:51.900
to the police station under high demand.

01:07:51.900 --> 01:07:58.260
So the monitoring equipment proved when all of their systems hit in the new upgraded building

01:07:58.260 --> 01:08:02.400
that the power lines at the same time the transformers couldn't keep up and comment

01:08:02.400 --> 01:08:06.360
representatives told city staff that the city can file a claim for all costs

01:08:06.360 --> 01:08:12.199
associated with the event. So that is the plan currently. Finance Director Richter

01:08:12.199 --> 01:08:17.039
is compiling all the city's costs for these events over the last several

01:08:17.039 --> 01:08:22.239
years for a claim. Common responded with new larger Transformers after the power

01:08:22.239 --> 01:08:27.680
shortage was uncovered and the police station has not had any power related

01:08:27.680 --> 01:08:36.720
issues since then. So the city will pay Geostar $55,804.15 for the emergency repairs. Furthermore,

01:08:36.720 --> 01:08:41.720
the staff will file a claim with ComEd for all costs and expenses related to these incidents

01:08:41.720 --> 01:08:48.119
due to the lack of supply required for our air conditioning system at the city police

01:08:48.119 --> 01:08:54.960
department. So staff recommends approve the Geostar emergency invoice and we will continue

01:08:54.960 --> 01:09:01.279
to recover our costs with ComEd in the coming weeks and months.

01:09:01.279 --> 01:09:02.800
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:09:02.800 --> 01:09:03.520
So moved.

01:09:03.520 --> 01:09:04.640
Second.

01:09:04.640 --> 01:09:08.399
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

01:09:08.399 --> 01:09:08.960
Discussion?

01:09:11.250 --> 01:09:12.770
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:09:12.770 --> 01:09:13.250
Simmons?

01:09:13.250 --> 01:09:14.529
Aye.

01:09:14.529 --> 01:09:15.090
Parker?

01:09:15.090 --> 01:09:15.569
Aye.

01:09:15.569 --> 01:09:16.130
Stacy?

01:09:24.199 --> 01:09:24.760
Shadle?

01:09:24.760 --> 01:09:25.319
Aye.

01:09:25.319 --> 01:09:26.119
Sanders?

01:09:26.119 --> 01:09:26.600
Aye.

01:09:26.600 --> 01:09:27.239
Sellers?

01:09:27.239 --> 01:09:27.800
Aye.

01:09:27.800 --> 01:09:28.359
Klemm?

01:09:28.359 --> 01:09:28.840
Aye.

01:09:28.840 --> 01:09:29.559
And Johnson?

01:09:29.559 --> 01:09:30.279
Aye.

01:09:30.279 --> 01:09:32.680
The resolution is adopted 8 to 0.

01:09:33.800 --> 01:09:36.440
Item number 18 is approval of bid. Could you please read this?

01:09:37.800 --> 01:09:42.760
There was a bid opening on June 13th, 2025 for the Westward Water Main Expansion.

01:09:43.479 --> 01:09:44.760
Manager Boyer?

01:09:44.760 --> 01:09:47.880
Thank you, Your Honor. So, Fehr Graham designed and permitted the new 12-inch

01:09:47.880 --> 01:09:50.119
Graham designed and permitted the new 12 inch water main installation for West

01:09:50.119 --> 01:09:55.399
Evenson Street from Radmar to the city limits. That would include Open Bible and

01:09:55.399 --> 01:10:02.039
a public bid opening was held on Friday, June 13th at 10 a.m. at City Hall. City

01:10:02.039 --> 01:10:07.079
staff received four local bids for this important project from Kelsey Excavating,

01:10:07.079 --> 01:10:12.800
Northern Illinois Service Company, Helm Civil, and Fisher Excavating. Helm Civil

01:10:12.800 --> 01:10:19.439
was the low bidder at $631,889.50.

01:10:19.439 --> 01:10:22.439
This project was for the water main, gate valves, water

01:10:22.439 --> 01:10:26.279
services, and fire hydrants to this corridor that don't

01:10:26.279 --> 01:10:28.840
currently have city water available.

01:10:28.840 --> 01:10:32.319
City restoration will be limited to the water main trench only.

01:10:32.319 --> 01:10:34.239
And the low bid and all four bids

01:10:34.239 --> 01:10:36.159
were under the engineer's estimate.

01:10:36.159 --> 01:10:39.800
I believe that was north of $900,000.

01:10:39.800 --> 01:10:46.800
So this project will be paid for with CIP funds, and staff recommends approval of the bid with Helm Civil.

01:10:46.800 --> 01:10:48.800
Is there a motion to approve?

01:10:48.800 --> 01:10:50.800
So moved.

01:10:50.800 --> 01:10:52.800
Second.

01:10:52.800 --> 01:10:56.800
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.

01:10:56.800 --> 01:10:58.800
Discussion on the bid?

01:10:58.800 --> 01:11:00.800
Alderman Sanders?

01:11:00.800 --> 01:11:05.800
Yeah, it goes back to where we started with this whole conversation.

01:11:05.800 --> 01:11:15.699
I think we were back two resolutions ago that this resolution should not pass simply because

01:11:15.699 --> 01:11:22.319
we still don't have a resolution for how we even got to this position of having a new

01:11:22.319 --> 01:11:23.319
one.

01:11:23.319 --> 01:11:29.979
And I understand this, I don't know what the protocol is for replacement of water main,

01:11:29.979 --> 01:11:34.600
but I didn't know replacement of water main start at one section and then goes all the

01:11:34.600 --> 01:11:35.600
and John.

01:11:35.600 --> 01:11:36.800
And I think that's the way to the city limits.

01:11:36.800 --> 01:11:48.119
I didn't quite understand that part and where did that city limit became a part of the expansion

01:11:48.119 --> 01:11:52.119
of Bradmar Westwardly.

01:11:52.119 --> 01:11:58.600
And so I can understand if it's old and ancient and dilapidated, which I know it isn't because

01:11:58.600 --> 01:11:59.600
and John.

01:11:59.600 --> 01:12:05.640
So that development area is not all that old to have a new replacement of water main.

01:12:05.640 --> 01:12:14.359
But anyway, it's here in this resolution for replacement of a water main that we have not

01:12:14.359 --> 01:12:20.960
had any understanding why would that water main out there in the Bradmark location needs

01:12:20.960 --> 01:12:22.600
to be replaced.

01:12:22.600 --> 01:12:28.079
We have not talked about that, nor have we got any clarification, but the thing that

01:12:28.079 --> 01:12:29.079
and others.

01:12:29.079 --> 01:12:34.119
The other thing that bothers me is the fact that it all is coming back to the city limits.

01:12:34.119 --> 01:12:40.720
The city limits is at a certain point where it passes right back to where we started with

01:12:40.720 --> 01:12:45.319
the Bible study, extensions and things of that nature.

01:12:45.319 --> 01:12:52.979
So what it is doing is saying, it's repeating itself and why we have a position where contractors

01:12:52.979 --> 01:12:56.079
wants to bid on this project.

01:12:56.079 --> 01:13:01.079
it needs to be understood how do we even get to this point

01:13:01.159 --> 01:13:06.159
to bring Bradmar and the city limits all together

01:13:06.159 --> 01:13:09.319
to understand that this water main is now in a formation

01:13:09.319 --> 01:13:12.720
of being bided on and council has not discussed

01:13:12.720 --> 01:13:17.720
these matters, well clue me in to how we got to this point

01:13:19.359 --> 01:13:23.520
where Bradmar is asking for a replacement of water main

01:13:23.520 --> 01:13:29.819
and we have not had a discussion on the matter and the fact that I know we out there plan

01:13:29.819 --> 01:13:38.880
tiddily winks with the extension of the Bible study extension for Watermain to be included

01:13:38.880 --> 01:13:44.800
helped me to understand why it is that now we're talking about all of it being meshed

01:13:44.800 --> 01:13:50.640
together and we don't know exactly where the funding is coming from and the council has

01:13:50.640 --> 01:13:51.640
and others.

01:13:51.640 --> 01:14:12.079
So I think we should be trying to approve a bidding opening for anything at this point

01:14:12.079 --> 01:14:18.479
when it's in this kind of form and being brought to the council for an approval.

01:14:18.479 --> 01:14:19.760
I don't get that.

01:14:19.760 --> 01:14:24.859
it just dumb-founds me how we even get to this point and and for you guys to

01:14:24.859 --> 01:14:30.300
insult the intelligence of the council to bring this before us I think it's a

01:14:30.300 --> 01:14:36.220
matter of injustice or or some kind of ludicrous information that is being put

01:14:36.220 --> 01:14:41.600
together to to do whatever you want to do I just don't I just don't get it but

01:14:41.600 --> 01:14:45.819
anyway that's my opinion and that's how I feel about it.

01:14:45.819 --> 01:14:52.060
Manager Boyer just to speak to a few points you know just to recap 20 years

01:14:52.060 --> 01:15:00.420
ago there was a handshake agreement with the then fire chief and the water

01:15:00.420 --> 01:15:06.380
utility that said we'll pursue the construction of this structure if we get

01:15:06.380 --> 01:15:11.539
water service out there within a period of time those people have either died

01:15:11.539 --> 01:15:16.699
retired or have moved on to other organization other issues we had a

01:15:16.699 --> 01:15:21.979
change of the State Fire Marshal who upon inspection noticed that none of the fire

01:15:21.979 --> 01:15:28.220
suppression systems within the facility that is one of our largest young child

01:15:28.220 --> 01:15:35.539
care facilities had no operational sprinkler system so staff began the work

01:15:35.539 --> 01:15:40.579
with City Council permission to put together a design which we did then we

01:15:40.579 --> 01:15:43.819
Pursued Grant Funding, which we were unsuccessful in getting.

01:15:43.819 --> 01:15:45.380
Then we brought it back to council

01:15:45.380 --> 01:15:47.100
to go ahead and have it bid.

01:15:47.100 --> 01:15:49.060
That was approved by council.

01:15:49.060 --> 01:15:50.659
We went and had it bid.

01:15:50.659 --> 01:15:54.560
And we are now bringing this before council for approval.

01:15:54.560 --> 01:15:56.420
And I want to remind everyone here

01:15:56.420 --> 01:16:02.819
that this is not serving a single child care facility.

01:16:02.819 --> 01:16:07.340
It's also providing water for 11 different homes

01:16:07.340 --> 01:16:10.600
along Stevenson that don't have access to water.

01:16:10.600 --> 01:16:13.640
And it's also providing water for Highland College

01:16:13.640 --> 01:16:15.960
and also Freeport School District.

01:16:15.960 --> 01:16:18.199
So I hope that clears it up,

01:16:18.199 --> 01:16:21.479
but it was approved by council to move forward

01:16:21.479 --> 01:16:23.880
with this bidding process.

01:16:23.880 --> 01:16:25.319
And I believe we've been talking about this

01:16:25.319 --> 01:16:26.840
for about a year now.

01:16:26.840 --> 01:16:29.319
And the water main doesn't-

01:16:29.319 --> 01:16:30.159
Mayor, I object to that.

01:16:30.159 --> 01:16:32.079
Actually, I have the floor.

01:16:32.079 --> 01:16:32.920
Well, you can't have the floor.

01:16:32.920 --> 01:16:33.760
I have the floor.

01:16:33.760 --> 01:16:36.319
So just to let you know that the water main

01:16:36.319 --> 01:16:37.239
doesn't even exist.

01:16:37.239 --> 01:16:40.039
So we're not replacing anything.

01:16:40.039 --> 01:16:43.640
How could you have the floor is what I'm trying to get at.

01:16:43.640 --> 01:16:45.159
Would you like to interject here?

01:16:45.159 --> 01:16:46.159
She's the chair.

01:16:46.159 --> 01:16:47.159
She's chairing.

01:16:47.159 --> 01:16:48.159
I don't care.

01:16:48.159 --> 01:16:49.159
She is the chair.

01:16:49.159 --> 01:16:50.159
Council is having a meeting.

01:16:50.159 --> 01:16:51.159
Yes.

01:16:51.159 --> 01:16:53.159
And she's part of the city council.

01:16:53.159 --> 01:16:54.159
You need to stop.

01:16:54.159 --> 01:16:55.159
Now I'm out of order.

01:16:55.159 --> 01:16:56.159
Yes, you are.

01:16:56.159 --> 01:16:57.159
You don't have the floor.

01:16:57.159 --> 01:16:58.159
I'm talking to me.

01:16:58.159 --> 01:16:59.159
You don't have the floor.

01:16:59.159 --> 01:17:00.159
The attorney is talking directly to me.

01:17:00.159 --> 01:17:06.159
You don't have the floor so please back yourself up from the microphone and allow the attorney

01:17:06.159 --> 01:17:09.720
to finish speaking on what he decides.

01:17:09.720 --> 01:17:10.720
Is there anything else?

01:17:10.720 --> 01:17:11.720
Yes.

01:17:11.720 --> 01:17:12.720
Did you have something you wanted to add?

01:17:12.720 --> 01:17:13.720
I wasn't done.

01:17:13.720 --> 01:17:14.720
I was not done.

01:17:14.720 --> 01:17:18.800
Well, you've actually are done with your piece of it, so Alderman Shadle, would you like

01:17:18.800 --> 01:17:19.800
to be next?

01:17:19.800 --> 01:17:20.800
Yeah.

01:17:20.800 --> 01:17:26.359
I just, I'm not understanding why this is so hard to understand.

01:17:26.359 --> 01:17:29.800
Bradmar had a new water main last summer.

01:17:29.800 --> 01:17:38.520
We're tying into the corner of Stevenson and Bradmar to extend the water main west.

01:17:38.520 --> 01:17:45.420
This is a new water main because there is nothing there.

01:17:45.420 --> 01:17:46.979
Bradmar's not getting a new water main.

01:17:46.979 --> 01:17:52.170
They got a new water main last summer.

01:17:52.170 --> 01:17:53.170
Anyone else?

01:17:53.170 --> 01:17:54.170
Alderman Stacy?

01:17:54.170 --> 01:17:55.170
Yes.

01:17:55.170 --> 01:18:10.689
All of this mix up and confusion started when it was brought to the council because 25 years

01:18:10.689 --> 01:18:22.659
ago, let's put that out there, whoever the community director was told the principle

01:18:22.659 --> 01:18:28.340
of open Bible that the city would take care of them getting water out there.

01:18:28.340 --> 01:18:31.979
It was never brought to the council floor.

01:18:31.979 --> 01:18:38.940
It was never dealt with nor talked about on the council floor.

01:18:38.940 --> 01:18:48.619
And so now when they got busted at the last inspection for not having a working water

01:18:48.619 --> 01:18:58.729
sprinkler, they were given a grace period, and I don't remember if it was a year or

01:18:58.729 --> 01:18:59.729
Miller.

01:18:59.729 --> 01:19:03.250
I don't remember if it was six months, but it ended in March.

01:19:03.250 --> 01:19:05.770
I do know that.

01:19:05.770 --> 01:19:18.729
And so where we had spoke about this in 2024 and where it had even fell on vote, then once

01:19:18.729 --> 01:19:27.409
you got reelected, Mayor Miller, everything came back up again because you would have

01:19:27.409 --> 01:19:35.789
have the votes to push you to and pass it. So this is why a piece here and a piece here

01:19:35.789 --> 01:19:43.449
and a piece here. Now we just talked about this water main up here and you keep changing

01:19:43.449 --> 01:19:45.770
the name. Now it's West whatever.

01:19:45.770 --> 01:19:51.739
Now it's West, whatever, but why couldn't both of those numbers be put back to back?

01:19:51.739 --> 01:19:59.479
Why is one up here in 14 or 15 or 16 and then one down here at 18?

01:19:59.479 --> 01:20:05.859
And it's just to, I don't know, I don't know, I'm not confused, but are you trying to confuse

01:20:05.859 --> 01:20:06.859
the council?

01:20:06.859 --> 01:20:08.479
Are you trying to confuse the people?

01:20:08.479 --> 01:20:11.699
What really are we doing here?

01:20:11.699 --> 01:20:18.079
Well, the order of agenda is set by ordinance. Madam Clerk, would you like to explain that?

01:20:18.079 --> 01:20:23.079
Okay, so there's an ordinance that said we could not talk about this until 18?

01:20:23.079 --> 01:20:30.739
There's an order. Madam Clerk, would you like to explain that? We just passed it at the last meeting.

01:20:30.739 --> 01:20:32.739
Well, we keep changing these ordinance.

01:20:32.739 --> 01:20:34.739
No, it's not. Go ahead.

01:20:34.739 --> 01:20:36.739
Yeah, you just passed the last meeting.

01:20:36.739 --> 01:20:40.739
It's an order of how our agendas are set up.

01:20:40.739 --> 01:21:14.899
Is there any other discussion? First of all, I don't know who's creating the order of our agenda, so one portion of it ends up at the deep last ending of the agenda, so it doesn't get discussed as much, but my whole point is, and just to elaborate on some things, to do a replacement, to even discuss

01:21:14.899 --> 01:21:15.899
Huffines.

01:21:15.899 --> 01:21:25.060
We need to see the paperwork that brought that into view, that a resolution for water

01:21:25.060 --> 01:21:32.060
main evaluation, analysis, updates, and the reason why, because everything is scheduled.

01:21:32.060 --> 01:21:36.260
Water mains are usually scheduled throughout the year, decades, or whatever the case is

01:21:36.260 --> 01:21:40.319
for new upgrades and all these kinds of things.

01:21:40.319 --> 01:21:47.600
but the thing that bothers me is that if we don't have the monies where it's supposed

01:21:47.600 --> 01:21:54.199
to be, and I hate for people to be, when they're regurgitating things, to have a different

01:21:54.199 --> 01:21:59.560
viewpoint of opinion or how it was addressed the very first two times.

01:21:59.560 --> 01:22:05.279
If we're gonna talk about this, then the city clerk should be talking about what it was

01:22:05.279 --> 01:22:08.180
that we approved and did not approve of.

01:22:08.180 --> 01:22:14.859
We should be able to reiterate all of those things that we talked about the first two-three

01:22:14.859 --> 01:22:23.640
meetings and the disagreements of why we didn't want to approve that first extension to the

01:22:23.640 --> 01:22:24.640
Bible study.

01:22:24.640 --> 01:22:32.020
Well, the thing about it is now we have roped it to include it back into a proposal.

01:22:32.020 --> 01:22:36.880
But first of all, we have not discussed the fact that it matter whether or not the Bradmar

01:22:36.880 --> 01:22:38.880
and

01:22:40.079 --> 01:22:42.079
John.

01:22:44.380 --> 01:22:47.520
We have not discussed that. Who does the study? And get all

01:22:47.520 --> 01:22:52.119
the data and the information that shows us that we are having

01:22:52.119 --> 01:22:56.359
water main issues that needs to be replaced in the Bradmar

01:22:56.359 --> 01:23:00.659
sector. And if we don't have that, then we can't make an

01:23:00.659 --> 01:23:03.600
informed decision on how we want to go and vote on these

01:23:03.600 --> 01:23:07.520
the information is not coming to us and that's the reason why we're sitting here

01:23:07.520 --> 01:23:13.859
paused at what what is being said and so my whole thing is what are we going to

01:23:13.859 --> 01:23:21.199
do when it comes to making these payments who's for who's going to take

01:23:21.199 --> 01:23:27.399
who's going to cover the bill when when when we don't have the monies and we

01:23:27.399 --> 01:23:35.560
We talked millions of dollars just to extend that water main to the, yes, we did.

01:23:35.560 --> 01:23:41.199
We talked about, I remember that real clearly, that we talked, it was about 1.2 million dollars

01:23:41.199 --> 01:23:45.079
to extend it from one intersection to the Bible study.

01:23:45.079 --> 01:23:56.840
That's what my last recollection was, until we go back and review that whole discussion,

01:23:56.840 --> 01:24:03.399
from this point on, I'm not accepting anything that is being said until we have had an opportunity

01:24:03.399 --> 01:24:08.979
to review the matters of things that we have discussed and that's why we're sitting here

01:24:08.979 --> 01:24:16.359
right now with scratching our heads on how we got here and now we're trying to put bidders

01:24:16.359 --> 01:24:18.840
in place to do the construction work of it.

01:24:18.840 --> 01:24:19.840
I just don't get it.

01:24:19.840 --> 01:24:24.819
It sounds like a three-wing circus to me and it should not be going on like that.

01:24:24.819 --> 01:24:25.819
Dern.

01:24:25.819 --> 01:24:40.180
So I'll try to explain this another time.

01:24:40.180 --> 01:24:46.380
There is no water main or no study to do going to the west of Brandmark because water main

01:24:46.380 --> 01:24:50.460
does not exist there currently and has never existed.

01:24:50.460 --> 01:24:53.060
It's an area of town that is unserved.

01:24:53.060 --> 01:25:00.140
okay last year I believe it was last year in the year before we replaced the

01:25:00.140 --> 01:25:06.220
water mine at Bradmar in town as part of the city project this project came to the

01:25:06.220 --> 01:25:10.939
council the first time it was denied it was brought back it was approved to

01:25:10.939 --> 01:25:17.279
design we designed it we permitted it with councils approval we bid it at

01:25:17.279 --> 01:25:21.420
council approval just happens to be that you were not at the meeting that the

01:25:21.420 --> 01:25:24.199
and the Council approved to go out to bid.

01:25:24.199 --> 01:25:26.460
It's probably why you don't recall that.

01:25:26.460 --> 01:25:28.539
That was about a month ago.

01:25:28.539 --> 01:25:34.550
And now here's the bid for approval.

01:25:34.550 --> 01:25:40.050
Any other questions on the bid?

01:25:40.050 --> 01:25:42.729
Seeing none, Alderman Simmons.

01:25:42.729 --> 01:25:45.369
So again, Mr. Stiegel, this is all under the premise

01:25:45.369 --> 01:25:47.090
that these are so many grants out there

01:25:47.090 --> 01:25:49.689
that we would be sure if I were to get one.

01:25:49.689 --> 01:25:52.810
And I would just like to ask, can you name one

01:25:52.810 --> 01:25:53.810
that you applied for?

01:25:53.810 --> 01:25:54.770
Yes.

01:25:54.770 --> 01:25:57.409
Community Development Block Grant, CDBG grant.

01:25:57.409 --> 01:25:58.850
We tried to get that grant.

01:25:58.850 --> 01:26:01.170
We went after congressional direct spending.

01:26:01.170 --> 01:26:03.569
We sent a request to John Cabello.

01:26:03.569 --> 01:26:05.970
We sent a request to Eric Sorensen.

01:26:05.970 --> 01:26:06.909
We sent letters.

01:26:06.909 --> 01:26:09.409
The mayor sent multiple letters out

01:26:09.409 --> 01:26:11.470
asking for help with this project.

01:26:12.710 --> 01:26:16.930
Unfortunately, it's not a project that really qualifies.

01:26:16.930 --> 01:26:18.729
It's not that big of a project in the scope

01:26:18.729 --> 01:26:20.970
of a big, large water main project.

01:26:20.970 --> 01:26:23.689
And again, we're not redoing the entire road.

01:26:23.689 --> 01:26:26.689
We're only doing the trench.

01:26:26.689 --> 01:26:28.449
You've already spoken twice, Larry.

01:26:28.449 --> 01:26:30.210
OK.

01:26:30.210 --> 01:26:34.010
Oh, I had asked for a deadline for the application.

01:26:34.010 --> 01:26:36.890
Glad that you noted reaching out and asking people.

01:26:36.890 --> 01:26:38.609
But I mean, actual grant application.

01:26:38.609 --> 01:26:41.090
So you did name the community development grant.

01:26:41.090 --> 01:26:42.970
But I would like the deadline that had

01:26:42.970 --> 01:26:44.449
to have been turned in by as well.

01:26:44.449 --> 01:26:45.289
Sure, it would have been.

01:26:45.289 --> 01:26:46.890
Because we've been working on this for a year.

01:26:46.890 --> 01:26:48.489
So it would have been last cycle, which

01:26:48.489 --> 01:26:51.569
would have been, I'll have to look it up.

01:26:51.569 --> 01:26:54.510
but it was the end of 2024 for CBBG.

01:26:54.510 --> 01:26:59.039
It's only offered once a year.

01:26:59.039 --> 01:27:00.439
Okay, if there's no further discussion,

01:27:00.439 --> 01:27:05.159
Madam Clerk, please take the vote on approving the bid.

01:27:05.159 --> 01:27:06.239
Simmons?

01:27:06.239 --> 01:27:07.140
No.

01:27:07.140 --> 01:27:07.979
Parker?

01:27:07.979 --> 01:27:08.800
Aye.

01:27:08.800 --> 01:27:09.640
Stacy?

01:27:09.640 --> 01:27:10.479
No.

01:27:10.479 --> 01:27:11.300
Shadle?

01:27:11.300 --> 01:27:12.140
Aye.

01:27:12.140 --> 01:27:12.979
Sanders?

01:27:12.979 --> 01:27:13.819
No.

01:27:13.819 --> 01:27:14.640
Sellers?

01:27:14.640 --> 01:27:15.479
Aye.

01:27:15.479 --> 01:27:16.319
Klemm?

01:27:16.319 --> 01:27:17.140
Aye.

01:27:17.140 --> 01:27:17.979
Johnson?

01:27:17.979 --> 01:27:18.819
Aye.

01:27:18.819 --> 01:27:20.119
The motion is approved five to three.

01:27:20.119 --> 01:27:27.880
item number 19 is another bid approval could you please read this there was a

01:27:27.880 --> 01:27:33.760
bid opening on June 24 2025 for the MFT routing and crack filling program for

01:27:33.760 --> 01:27:40.560
2025 manager Boyer thank you your honor so as our ongoing pavement maintenance

01:27:40.560 --> 01:27:47.279
program exists we have probably 20 miles or so in town that we've reconstructed

01:27:47.279 --> 01:27:53.279
within the last several years as part of maintaining that, we need to do crack filling and other

01:27:53.279 --> 01:27:59.439
maintenance things to make sure that the life of the pavement lasts as long as possible.

01:27:59.439 --> 01:28:06.039
So we have requested a bid on crack filling services.

01:28:06.039 --> 01:28:12.300
The city received these two local bids for this specialty pavement project from Denlar

01:28:12.300 --> 01:28:23.779
Miller, Inc., and SKC Construction. SKC Construction of West Dundee was the low bidder at $76,178.49.

01:28:23.779 --> 01:28:30.859
SKC was awarded the contract the last time the city did crack ceiling maintenance and

01:28:30.859 --> 01:28:35.340
did a very nice job for us. We're very happy with their work. So the low bid was actually

01:28:35.340 --> 01:28:43.260
under engineers estimate and that as I mentioned 76,000 is a very low low bid and the project will

01:28:43.260 --> 01:28:49.659
be paid for through our motor fuel tax funding for 2025 and SAS recommendation is to approve

01:28:49.659 --> 01:28:56.779
the SK construction bid. Motion is approved. Second. Moving motion made by Alderman Klemm,

01:28:56.779 --> 01:29:04.369
seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the approval of this bid. Madam Clerk please take the

01:29:04.369 --> 01:29:17.170
Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders is absent, Sellers, Klemm, and Johnson.

01:29:17.170 --> 01:29:28.289
The motion passes five to two. Next is reports of department heads, finance. Thank

01:29:28.289 --> 01:29:31.449
you. Community development? Nothing tonight, Madam Mayor. Thank you. Public

01:29:31.449 --> 01:29:33.409
Works.

01:29:33.409 --> 01:29:36.569
Some street and water main updates.

01:29:36.569 --> 01:29:39.369
Cleveland started this week with point repairs

01:29:39.369 --> 01:29:40.090
happening tomorrow.

01:29:40.090 --> 01:29:42.170
Cleveland, from Berger to Empire,

01:29:42.170 --> 01:29:45.130
will be closed most of the day tomorrow.

01:29:45.130 --> 01:29:50.520
Black Hawk Water Main started today starting at Dewey Street moving north.

01:29:50.520 --> 01:29:55.399
It should be under construction probably at least the next month and then they should

01:29:55.399 --> 01:29:57.619
be moving to Willow Street.

01:29:57.619 --> 01:30:01.880
Carroll is under construction from Empire to Galena.

01:30:01.880 --> 01:30:05.680
They should be working on water services this week and then transferring to the other side

01:30:05.680 --> 01:30:08.560
of the street working towards Adams.

01:30:08.560 --> 01:30:14.560
There'll be a lot of construction going on within the city limits moving forward for the rest of the summer

01:30:14.560 --> 01:30:20.560
So please be cautious and courteous around the road closures and also the traffic control devices

01:30:20.560 --> 01:30:24.560
to make sure the contractors and our city workers are safe.

01:30:24.560 --> 01:30:26.560
Fire?

01:30:26.560 --> 01:30:32.560
Yes, thank you, Your Honor. Last week the fire department responded to 124 calls for service.

01:30:32.560 --> 01:30:34.560
We have a couple of questions for you.

01:30:34.560 --> 01:30:42.560
One of those days of the week, I'll describe what our crews went through on the 4th of July.

01:30:42.560 --> 01:30:49.560
They began their shift in the afternoon with a car crash that resulted in one adult fatality,

01:30:49.560 --> 01:30:53.560
one child in critical condition that was flown out to Rockford.

01:30:53.560 --> 01:30:59.560
Then later in the evening, they responded to a fire on Madison Street,

01:30:59.560 --> 01:31:04.760
Wilson Street, a residential fire, which was started by a charcoal grill, which subsequently

01:31:04.760 --> 01:31:10.920
melted the gas line to the house, creating a gas-fed fire.

01:31:10.920 --> 01:31:16.640
And then later in the middle of the night, they responded to a house fire on Cherry Street,

01:31:16.640 --> 01:31:20.840
which involved the rear porch of several levels.

01:31:20.840 --> 01:31:27.159
And later on that evening, they responded back there for a minor stab wound.

01:31:27.159 --> 01:31:34.039
later in the next morning, they responded for one DOA, which was from natural causes.

01:31:34.039 --> 01:31:39.359
And right now, the shift is out on a pickup truck versus a light pole with injuries.

01:31:39.359 --> 01:31:41.239
So they've been quite busy.

01:31:41.239 --> 01:31:42.239
Police?

01:31:42.239 --> 01:31:43.239
Yes.

01:31:43.239 --> 01:31:44.239
Excuse me.

01:31:44.239 --> 01:31:45.239
Thank you.

01:31:45.239 --> 01:31:51.760
In 2022, when the state of Illinois passed the Safety Act, it required officers to fulfill

01:31:51.760 --> 01:31:56.020
training mandates by July 1st of 2025.

01:31:56.020 --> 01:32:00.939
Some of those trainings were scenario-based trainings, de-escalation.

01:32:00.939 --> 01:32:05.939
These courses have to be renewed on an annual two-year or three-year basis.

01:32:05.939 --> 01:32:09.779
I'm just happy to report that all of our officers were able to get all the required training

01:32:09.779 --> 01:32:15.859
done by July 1st of this year, something that not every department was able to do.

01:32:15.859 --> 01:32:21.859
It was a lot of work for us to organize that, and just glad that, proud of them for getting

01:32:21.859 --> 01:32:48.699
I would like to take a few minutes and thank our dedicated crews that responded to, I believe,

01:32:48.699 --> 01:32:51.260
11 water main breaks this last week.

01:32:51.260 --> 01:32:52.979
They are correlated with maintenance

01:32:52.979 --> 01:32:54.979
that we're doing in the system and the installation

01:32:54.979 --> 01:32:57.979
of hydro-pneumatic tanks that we've put in place

01:32:57.979 --> 01:33:01.779
and preparing for the repainting of the Berchard Tower.

01:33:02.659 --> 01:33:07.500
Also, I would like to highlight a major service,

01:33:07.500 --> 01:33:10.399
police department, I greatly appreciate the work

01:33:10.399 --> 01:33:12.739
that's gone on there as well recently

01:33:12.739 --> 01:33:17.739
with a major drug bust and recovery of dangerous weapons.

01:33:17.739 --> 01:33:23.020
Happen. So thank you very much on that Chief. So that's all I have tonight. And I

01:33:23.020 --> 01:33:26.619
just wanted to thank everyone that participated in the resource party in

01:33:26.619 --> 01:33:31.619
the Church on the Street put by High Hope Freeport. And the next event will be on

01:33:31.619 --> 01:33:41.079
Saturday the 19th at Knowlton Square. Alderman Simmons. Alderman Parker. Nothing

01:33:41.079 --> 01:33:48.060
tonight your honor. Alderman States. Nothing. Alderman Shadle. I'd like to mention the

01:33:48.060 --> 01:33:53.020
neighborhood watch for sixth Ward was moved from last Thursday to this week

01:33:53.020 --> 01:33:59.739
July 10th 6 p.m. Schwartz and Park Boulevard. Alderman Sanders? Nothing.

01:33:59.739 --> 01:34:07.020
Alderman Sellers? Nothing. Alderman Klemm? I just wanted to bring up Alderman Shadle

01:34:07.020 --> 01:34:15.300
who'll have a neighborhood watch the last Tuesday of the month. And Alderman Johnson

01:34:15.300 --> 01:34:36.229
who stepped out so that leaves us with public comment. Robert Holtz. Mayor, City

01:34:36.229 --> 01:34:40.109
Council, hello my name is Robert Holtz and I'm the AFSCME staff representative

01:34:40.109 --> 01:34:45.189
for Local 3367, the municipal employees of Freeport, Illinois. I come to you due

01:34:45.189 --> 01:34:49.390
to the I come to you today due to the actions of the city's administration

01:34:49.390 --> 01:34:54.069
silencing the voices of our members by disciplining a member for engaging in

01:34:54.069 --> 01:35:19.310
and

01:35:19.310 --> 01:35:24.510
But that does not mean that there are always two telecommunicators dispatching emergency calls.

01:35:24.510 --> 01:35:29.710
During their shift when a telecommunicator takes their contractually obligated break or lunch,

01:35:29.710 --> 01:35:35.550
there is a telecommunicator actively responding to 911 calls, answering the non-emergency phone line,

01:35:35.550 --> 01:35:38.350
and assisting citizens at the front window.

01:35:38.350 --> 01:35:43.229
It is the policy of the city that when an emergency medical 911 call comes in

01:35:43.229 --> 01:35:45.869
and there are no available ambulances in the city,

01:35:45.869 --> 01:35:51.210
that 911 dispatchers have been instructed to place those emergency calls on hold to reach

01:35:51.210 --> 01:35:54.210
out to a third party medical provider.

01:35:54.210 --> 01:36:03.550
Those statements are facts.

01:36:03.550 --> 01:36:08.970
And for bringing those facts to this body out of the concern for the public and the

01:36:08.970 --> 01:36:13.630
liability placed on the dispatchers, our member was disciplined.

01:36:13.630 --> 01:36:18.510
She received discipline for voicing not only her concerns, but those of her fellow coworkers.

01:36:18.510 --> 01:36:23.210
Unfortunately for the city of Freeport, we believe that that action taken against her

01:36:23.210 --> 01:36:28.989
is Illegal. The local and myself are more than willing to resolve this issue within

01:36:28.989 --> 01:36:37.029
the grievance procedure, but if that's not the case, then we are and we will be prepared

01:36:37.029 --> 01:36:45.590
to file an unfair labor charge with the Illinois Labor Relations Board to ensure that our members

01:36:45.590 --> 01:37:38.949
Schnapper, 2019 West Laurel. I'm in the process of moving back to Freeport. I grew up here, lived here most of my life, got married, moved to Wisconsin. And I was very much looking forward to moving back to this town. But I recently paid my property taxes and was horrified by the amount that I am paying. I had a lot of questions about what it is that I am paying. And I was very much looking forward to moving back to this town. And I was very much looking forward to moving back to this town. And I was very much looking forward to moving back to this town.

01:37:38.949 --> 01:37:39.949
Huffines.

01:37:39.949 --> 01:37:46.550
We have the 1% proposed tax on groceries.

01:37:46.550 --> 01:37:50.510
I mentioned that to some friends in Evansville this weekend, and they laughed at me when

01:37:50.510 --> 01:37:52.510
I told them how much we were paying in sales tax.

01:37:52.510 --> 01:37:54.029
They thought it was a joke.

01:37:54.029 --> 01:38:01.789
Is that the kind of reputation you want the city to have, a laughable overtax community?

01:38:01.789 --> 01:38:05.890
I love Freeport, and I was really looking forward to coming back here, but the taxes

01:38:05.890 --> 01:38:08.329
here are incredibly high.

01:38:08.329 --> 01:38:14.170
You're taxing people out of places to live.

01:38:14.170 --> 01:38:20.130
As I'm looking at my tax bill, I'm wanting to know what the home rule tax is.

01:38:20.130 --> 01:38:21.850
What does that money go toward?

01:38:21.850 --> 01:38:24.609
I've asked and nobody can answer that for me.

01:38:24.609 --> 01:38:30.850
And what is the, regarding property taxes, Freeport City Corporation tax, what is that?

01:38:30.850 --> 01:38:33.850
I have no idea what that is.

01:38:33.850 --> 01:38:36.609
What's the assessment process on our properties?

01:38:36.609 --> 01:38:39.210
that seems to be a mystery to me as well.

01:38:39.210 --> 01:38:43.449
You talk about how we are with a 1% tax,

01:38:43.449 --> 01:38:46.590
we're gonna get, we're gonna bridge the gap

01:38:46.590 --> 01:38:51.470
of an $800,000 deficit for this budget in this town.

01:38:51.470 --> 01:38:56.470
Well, for saving money on the water main materials,

01:38:58.029 --> 01:39:00.569
why is there a deficit?

01:39:00.569 --> 01:39:03.609
That doesn't make any sense or road improvements.

01:39:03.609 --> 01:39:05.809
That doesn't make any sense to me either.

01:39:05.809 --> 01:39:08.569
We're taking in all this tax money.

01:39:08.569 --> 01:39:10.369
Where's the money going?

01:39:10.369 --> 01:39:11.449
Where's it going?

01:39:11.449 --> 01:39:18.880
You keep raising taxes and the roads still look like garbage.

01:39:18.880 --> 01:39:19.720
It's embarrassing.

01:39:19.720 --> 01:39:21.859
Where's the 20 miles of improvements?

01:39:21.859 --> 01:39:23.100
Somebody please, look at me.

01:39:23.100 --> 01:39:24.460
I'm talking to you.

01:39:24.460 --> 01:39:26.300
Where's the improvement?

01:39:26.300 --> 01:39:27.140
I don't know where it is.

01:39:27.140 --> 01:39:29.739
And who is JoLynn Miller?

01:39:32.100 --> 01:39:33.500
Who is JoLynn Miller?

01:39:33.500 --> 01:39:37.220
Because JoLynn Miller is making $100,000

01:39:37.220 --> 01:39:40.340
according to the 2024 Annual Treasurer's Report

01:39:40.340 --> 01:39:42.180
on the Finance Committee website.

01:39:43.739 --> 01:39:46.520
So I would like to know what that is all about. That is all I

01:39:46.539 --> 01:39:48.539
have to say tonight. Thank you for your time.

01:39:51.640 --> 01:39:57.189
Are there any other public comments?

01:40:00.399 --> 01:40:04.939
I had to respond to, I'm Rhonda Scott again. I had to respond to

01:40:04.939 --> 01:40:10.060
the 1% tax that Alderman Simmons brought up. We are taking money

01:40:10.060 --> 01:40:12.060
from people.

01:40:13.239 --> 01:40:15.239
And we have been taking it since 1990.

01:40:15.539 --> 01:40:31.539
We were well off in Freeport. We had more people. The town looked better. In 1994, I moved here and all the stores downtown were filled. We had a mall that was filled with Hallmark stores. Every store was filled.

01:40:31.539 --> 01:40:44.539
Now it's 2025 and we are paying still the 1% tax, which is producing $800,000. And what are we doing with that money?

01:40:44.539 --> 01:40:50.539
We're spending over a million dollars to extend our infrastructure out to Open

01:40:50.539 --> 01:40:57.140
Bible where my daughter went to preschool from 2002 to 2004. They had water back

01:40:57.140 --> 01:41:03.020
then. Now there's fire suppression system is down but is this the only way you can

01:41:03.020 --> 01:41:06.260
take care of fire suppression? My daughter was there and they had fire

01:41:06.260 --> 01:41:11.060
suppression and they must have had a well but we're spending over a million

01:41:11.060 --> 01:41:19.539
to extend our infrastructure when our population has decreased to 23,000 people and our property

01:41:19.539 --> 01:41:27.340
taxes are ridiculous, more than most communities where the standard of living is much higher.

01:41:27.340 --> 01:41:34.859
This is ridiculous. $800,000 is being collected from our grocery bill and yet we're spending

01:41:34.859 --> 01:41:39.359
over $600,000 on an airport.

01:41:39.359 --> 01:41:43.140
Why is Freeport with 23,000 people

01:41:43.140 --> 01:41:46.619
funding a regional airport so that 65 individuals

01:41:46.619 --> 01:41:48.100
can keep their aircraft out there

01:41:48.100 --> 01:41:50.800
and we're paying for it with our grocery money?

01:41:50.800 --> 01:41:55.970
It's ridiculous.

01:41:55.970 --> 01:42:06.819
Wendy?

01:42:06.819 --> 01:42:09.899
Good evening, Council, City of Freeport.

01:42:09.899 --> 01:42:10.739
My name is Wendy Pearson.

01:42:10.739 --> 01:42:13.439
I live at 1323 South Chicago Avenue.

01:42:14.699 --> 01:42:16.619
Got a couple questions,

01:42:16.619 --> 01:42:18.260
and I'm pretty sure I'm not gonna get any answers

01:42:18.260 --> 01:42:20.699
but I'm gonna put them out there anyway.

01:42:20.699 --> 01:42:22.739
I'd like to know how we,

01:42:22.739 --> 01:42:24.539
how do we get to the place where we are,

01:42:24.539 --> 01:42:27.420
the citizens of Freeport are being held hostage

01:42:27.420 --> 01:42:31.500
to a million dollars should the airport shut down?

01:42:31.500 --> 01:42:35.140
Is that based around matching grants

01:42:35.140 --> 01:42:36.600
that we'd have to pay back?

01:42:38.039 --> 01:42:39.579
Where is it coming from?

01:42:40.500 --> 01:42:42.140
And if it should shut down,

01:42:42.140 --> 01:42:46.420
where are we getting the money to replace this?

01:42:46.619 --> 01:42:52.220
$32,000 for an airport that none of us utilize, and as she stated, you see the individuals

01:42:52.220 --> 01:42:57.039
that are utilizing are all corporate individuals that we're paying for them to be out there,

01:42:57.039 --> 01:43:02.020
and I want to know how much they're paying us to have their planes anchored there.

01:43:02.020 --> 01:43:05.720
How much are they paying us for runway costs and maintenance and repairs?

01:43:05.720 --> 01:43:09.720
How much are we getting from those 80 plus people that have the opportunity to fly a

01:43:09.720 --> 01:43:17.329
plane into this very small town that we don't need?

01:43:17.329 --> 01:43:21.529
As far as Open Bible is concerned, we don't have a problem with supplying water to individuals

01:43:21.529 --> 01:43:24.449
who own homes and are paying taxes as well.

01:43:24.449 --> 01:43:31.810
20 years ago, 30 years ago, when you had a verbal agreement with nothing on paper stating

01:43:31.810 --> 01:43:35.909
that this is what we were supposed to be doing and promising those individuals out at Open

01:43:35.909 --> 01:43:40.850
Bible, initially there were, and I think something was left out, initially they were talking

01:43:40.850 --> 01:43:43.670
about there was something in writing, they never could find it.

01:43:43.670 --> 01:43:45.710
So it's nonexistent.

01:43:45.710 --> 01:43:49.829
We have a problem with putting an extension onto a piece of property that is a private

01:43:49.829 --> 01:43:53.149
entity that is making quite a bit of money.

01:43:53.149 --> 01:43:56.909
And not only are they making quite a bit of money, they are also receiving quite a few

01:43:56.909 --> 01:44:01.069
grant dollars and government funding for that school.

01:44:01.069 --> 01:44:05.210
So we don't have a problem with supplying water to people that are supplying tax dollars

01:44:05.210 --> 01:44:07.069
back into our community.

01:44:07.069 --> 01:44:13.430
But we do have a problem with paying for entities that already have government dollars floating

01:44:13.430 --> 01:44:15.630
out there for those children.

01:44:15.630 --> 01:44:20.470
and sometimes not in the best conditions because I've been told that sometimes kids come home

01:44:20.470 --> 01:44:21.470
pretty dirty.

01:44:21.470 --> 01:44:23.909
Now let me take it a little bit farther.

01:44:23.909 --> 01:44:28.590
Chief, you talked about buying a new vehicle.

01:44:28.590 --> 01:44:35.310
I'd like to know how much this administration is going to pay based around the Washington,

01:44:35.310 --> 01:44:42.029
D.C.'s administration, and I will not acknowledge the person that's sitting there, and tariffs

01:44:42.029 --> 01:44:46.470
because it was basically exposed that when new cars came out,

01:44:46.470 --> 01:44:49.369
the tariff dollars was gonna kick anybody in their butt

01:44:49.369 --> 01:44:50.649
that was buying a new one.

01:44:50.649 --> 01:44:54.050
So I'd like to know how much of that money is a tariff tax

01:44:54.050 --> 01:44:55.489
that has been placed on vehicles

01:44:55.489 --> 01:44:57.270
and how much of it are we paying?

01:45:01.699 --> 01:45:03.420
As far as ordinances are concerned,

01:45:03.420 --> 01:45:05.100
ordinances have been changed, ma'am.

01:45:05.100 --> 01:45:05.939
Wendy, thank you.

01:45:05.939 --> 01:45:07.539
Just to make it clear to you.

01:45:07.539 --> 01:45:09.979
Your time has expired, thank you.

01:45:09.979 --> 01:45:10.819
Next.

01:45:10.819 --> 01:45:11.640
Yes, ma'am.

01:45:11.640 --> 01:45:44.899
Forrest, Christina Rice, I live on Staver Street. All right. So I do you guys actually got me off off the couch tonight. Okay, so grant money is at a minimal right now. And we keep spending 32,000, 90,000 to have things engineered. And it's not coming through. So what's happening with that money? Since you've put 32,000

01:45:44.899 --> 01:46:01.470
We've given you $32,000 and I'm looking at you, and are we getting our money back? No? Okay, and one thing, I'm not trying to pick on you, but do you work for Freeport or do you work for Fehr Graham?

01:46:01.470 --> 01:46:06.470
Okay, so you get paychecks from both? Okay.

01:46:06.470 --> 01:46:08.470
Okay, let's not go back and forth.

01:46:08.470 --> 01:46:15.550
So and also I came here seven years ago about the lighting issue in Freeport and

01:46:15.550 --> 01:46:20.430
then it's kind of a slap in the face that nothing was done until this year and

01:46:20.430 --> 01:46:26.710
then all of a sudden the airport comes up and we do something about it. Who's

01:46:26.710 --> 01:46:32.829
more important our citizens or the airport? Put timers on the lights. Okay

01:46:32.829 --> 01:47:02.829
and then we've also had 1.7 million dollars for what a building downtown to be torn down and it's still there and where is the money then we also had four hundred thousand dollars for safe streets where is the money so I want to know why you guys don't have itemized grant lists what happens with the grant money itemized on your website

01:47:02.829 --> 01:47:11.869
Sight. Because I think you at least owe us that. And if, how much time do I have left?

01:47:11.869 --> 01:47:18.149
If they need help with the fire department answering the telephone calls, and if you

01:47:18.149 --> 01:47:25.750
can't help them, then it's Mayor Jodi Miller's responsibility, and it's Rob's responsibility.

01:47:25.750 --> 01:47:33.489
Because you guys are our leaders in this city. And that's all I have to say.

01:47:33.489 --> 01:47:58.779
Next. Kim Sims, 23, West Bumpire Street. I was wondering about Teddy Bakers. Does anybody know who brought Teddy Baker back, this festival, they're putting before the Stevenson County Fair?

01:47:58.779 --> 01:48:13.779
Why are we doing that? Why are we doing that? Because the Stevenson County Fair is what gives our kids scholarships and all that. But what does Teddy Baker give them? Who gets all the money from Teddy Baker?

01:48:13.779 --> 01:48:19.190
Where did the proceeds go? Can you tell me that?

01:48:19.190 --> 01:48:22.190
Where did the proceeds go from Tutti Baker?

01:48:22.190 --> 01:48:24.190
Did somebody answer that?

01:48:24.190 --> 01:48:27.190
It's not here.

01:48:27.190 --> 01:48:30.190
No? Okay, so nobody knows where the money goes.

01:48:30.190 --> 01:48:34.190
Excuse me, ma'am, public comment is not for discourse back and forth.

01:48:34.190 --> 01:48:37.190
It's not for dialogue, but you are free to express your opinion.

01:48:37.190 --> 01:48:41.190
We can find out who runs Tutti Baker, where the money goes,

01:48:41.190 --> 01:48:45.829
Holtz, and maybe we can get that money and give that to the children of our city.

01:48:45.829 --> 01:48:49.309
Give them something to do during the summer besides run the streets and cause trouble.

01:48:49.309 --> 01:48:51.350
There's no place for these kids to go.

01:48:51.350 --> 01:48:52.670
No place.

01:48:52.670 --> 01:48:56.840
Next.

01:48:56.840 --> 01:49:11.609
Paige Kerr, 103 Arbor Drive.

01:49:11.609 --> 01:49:15.170
Over the past few months, I've brought concerns to this council, especially around the relationship

01:49:15.170 --> 01:49:18.170
between certain members and perceived conflict of interest.

01:49:18.170 --> 01:49:20.729
But tonight, I'm here with a solution.

01:49:20.729 --> 01:49:21.729
Artificial intelligence.

01:49:21.729 --> 01:49:26.069
Now before that phrase makes anyone uneasy, I want to say something I believe to be true.

01:49:26.069 --> 01:49:30.270
I have a feeling some of you sitting here today already know AI is coming.

01:49:30.270 --> 01:49:34.250
Maybe you've seen early reports, maybe you've been part of the conversations.

01:49:34.250 --> 01:49:37.690
So this isn't about pushing a radical idea,

01:49:37.690 --> 01:49:44.690
it's about guiding what's already unfolding.

01:49:44.690 --> 01:49:48.000
Let's use AI to promote accountability where it matters most.

01:49:48.000 --> 01:49:53.000
Not to surveil everyday citizens, but to monitor decision making at the top.

01:49:53.000 --> 01:49:57.000
Where power is held and where corruption hides.

01:49:57.000 --> 01:50:01.000
Rather than fearing artificial intelligence, let's consider how it can serve the public good,

01:50:01.000 --> 01:50:04.000
especially when it comes to government transparency.

01:50:04.000 --> 01:50:07.000
AI is capable of monitoring those in positions of power,

01:50:07.000 --> 01:50:12.439
Insuring funds are allocated properly, promises are tracked, and corruption is flagged early.

01:50:13.399 --> 01:50:19.960
Imagine public dashboards visually showing where city money is going and where the gaps exist. Just

01:50:19.960 --> 01:50:24.600
for an example, residents could see that one neighborhood received three times more funding

01:50:24.600 --> 01:50:32.439
for road repairs rather than another, prompting clear data-backed decisions. Not only that, but

01:50:32.439 --> 01:50:35.720
but AI can triage complaints from the public,

01:50:35.720 --> 01:50:37.119
prioritize the most urgent ones

01:50:37.119 --> 01:50:39.720
like a broken street light near a school

01:50:39.720 --> 01:50:42.520
and even predict maintenance needs before they arise.

01:50:44.039 --> 01:50:48.119
But above all else, AI is an unbiased tool,

01:50:48.119 --> 01:50:51.800
one that can enhance your positions, hold you accountable

01:50:51.800 --> 01:50:53.640
and begin to win back public trust.

01:50:54.680 --> 01:50:57.579
And understand this, we're not jumping into the unknown.

01:50:57.579 --> 01:51:01.159
Congress is proposing 55 million in AI capacity grants

01:51:01.159 --> 01:51:03.760
to help cities responsibly experiment with these tools.

01:51:05.340 --> 01:51:08.819
San Jose is already running civic sandbox pilots.

01:51:08.819 --> 01:51:11.640
These aren't hypothetical, they're happening.

01:51:11.640 --> 01:51:12.739
So why not lead?

01:51:13.640 --> 01:51:16.500
OpenAI, Google, Palantir, these companies

01:51:16.500 --> 01:51:18.460
already have had closed door discussions

01:51:18.460 --> 01:51:20.399
with city officials across the country.

01:51:20.399 --> 01:51:22.880
You might already be aware of this.

01:51:22.880 --> 01:51:25.359
This might be your last chance to lead the city of Freeport

01:51:25.359 --> 01:51:27.760
through this transition and be remembered as the council

01:51:27.760 --> 01:51:56.359
Good evening again, my name is Cheryl Altman. Alderman Johnson, when we were talking about

01:51:56.359 --> 01:52:01.119
the 1%, you know what I heard? I heard you say you were worried about the city of Freeport.

01:52:01.119 --> 01:52:03.920
I didn't hear you say you were worried about the citizens who are going to have to pay

01:52:03.920 --> 01:52:09.880
that extra money again. Not once did you care about the citizens who put you in that seat.

01:52:09.880 --> 01:52:19.979
You're wrong. Second of all, the budget. Smile Mayor, keep smiling. But you know what? We

01:52:19.979 --> 01:52:25.020
all have to live in a budget. The city, when they don't get what they want, they raise

01:52:25.020 --> 01:52:33.539
the taxes, raise sales taxes, and it continues. You buy new public work trucks. Why? Use the

01:52:33.539 --> 01:52:35.539
and the old ones until they can't run.

01:52:35.539 --> 01:52:37.539
Gee, they did.

01:52:37.539 --> 01:52:41.039
But you're not.

01:52:41.039 --> 01:52:43.039
Second of all, public works.

01:52:43.039 --> 01:52:45.039
You're working with Fehr Graham.

01:52:45.039 --> 01:52:47.039
That's kind of a conflict of interest.

01:52:47.039 --> 01:52:49.039
Big time.

01:52:49.039 --> 01:52:51.039
And why can't we look at somebody else

01:52:51.039 --> 01:52:53.039
besides Fehr Graham like Willett and Hoffman

01:52:53.039 --> 01:52:55.039
who do the same thing that you do and probably

01:52:55.039 --> 01:52:57.039
will do it cheaper.

01:52:57.039 --> 01:52:59.039
But there's a connection between you working for the public

01:52:59.039 --> 01:53:01.039
works and Fehr Graham.

01:53:01.039 --> 01:53:03.039
That's why Fehr Graham gets all this.

01:53:03.039 --> 01:53:14.920
and the rest of us live on a budget the city should too. Mayor, you can smell all you want

01:53:14.920 --> 01:53:20.000
but you know what? People are catching up to you. They're onto your sneaky little crap.

01:53:20.000 --> 01:53:46.689
Hi, I'm Sue Cook. Gosh, where do I live? I live in Freeport. As far as this 1% tax, I

01:53:46.689 --> 01:53:51.689
Thank God that Governor Pritzker lifted that 1% tax.

01:53:52.850 --> 01:53:56.449
I'm not so happy that y'all are gonna be putting it back on.

01:53:56.449 --> 01:53:59.210
That's because when you are looking at taxes,

01:53:59.210 --> 01:54:01.729
when you did your 3% tax,

01:54:01.729 --> 01:54:03.689
it was a little bit different in the city.

01:54:03.689 --> 01:54:04.869
It was a little bit different climate.

01:54:04.869 --> 01:54:07.649
People weren't losing their jobs like crazy.

01:54:07.649 --> 01:54:09.909
People weren't having companies closed

01:54:09.909 --> 01:54:12.369
like little dominoes.

01:54:12.369 --> 01:54:14.130
That's happening now.

01:54:14.130 --> 01:54:14.970
That's happening.

01:54:14.970 --> 01:54:21.050
That's why the governor took the 1% off the grocery tax to give the people a little bit

01:54:21.050 --> 01:54:22.850
of breathing room.

01:54:22.850 --> 01:54:27.630
And by God, who put the tax back on?

01:54:27.630 --> 01:54:29.430
It surely wasn't the Democrat.

01:54:29.430 --> 01:54:32.010
It surely wasn't Governor Pritzker.

01:54:32.010 --> 01:54:37.090
It was the party that says the Democrats tax like crazy.

01:54:37.090 --> 01:54:38.090
I about died.

01:54:38.090 --> 01:54:39.090
I about fell over.

01:54:39.090 --> 01:54:42.409
I was like, what?

01:54:42.409 --> 01:54:44.369
This does not make sense.

01:54:44.369 --> 01:54:49.890
We have savings. Darren said we're saving on certain things. Maybe we could look at

01:54:49.890 --> 01:54:56.890
that. Maybe we could look at other pet projects that maybe shouldn't be done and put them

01:54:56.890 --> 01:55:01.949
off to the side at least until the country gets back on its feet. We get back on our

01:55:01.949 --> 01:55:08.130
feet. Maybe some people get different jobs or jobs actually start to come back into the

01:55:08.130 --> 01:55:13.409
market. The other thing I want to say is thank you for creating the ADA grievance board.

01:55:13.409 --> 01:55:20.970
is amazing and I have your first grievance. By closing that parking lot down there as

01:55:20.970 --> 01:55:24.609
early as you did, which was because we're going to have Teddy Baker Day starting on

01:55:24.609 --> 01:55:29.689
Friday, you close the parking lot off to everybody today. Yes, they wanted to park their little

01:55:29.689 --> 01:55:36.170
stuff in there, but we could wait until Thursday because there's four handicapped parking spots,

01:55:36.170 --> 01:55:41.569
one that has two of them that have a crater the size of the moon, but there are four there

01:55:41.569 --> 01:55:44.569
and you block them off to the public.

01:55:44.569 --> 01:55:49.130
So to the ADA grievance board, please,

01:55:49.130 --> 01:55:52.289
will you open the parking lot till maybe Thursday?

01:55:52.289 --> 01:55:54.250
Thank you very much.

01:55:54.250 --> 01:55:56.329
Are there any other public comments?

01:55:56.329 --> 01:55:56.829
Sorry.

01:55:56.829 --> 01:55:58.489
I'm going to take my mask on.

01:55:58.489 --> 01:56:06.720
Sorry about that, Micaiah.

01:56:06.720 --> 01:56:08.279
My name is Micaiah Stacy.

01:56:08.279 --> 01:56:09.199
I live in Freeport.

01:56:09.199 --> 01:56:09.960
For how long?

01:56:09.960 --> 01:56:11.760
I guess nobody really knows.

01:56:11.760 --> 01:56:14.680
I just got back here, and I'm ready to leave already.

01:56:14.680 --> 01:56:15.720
I was watching on my phone.

01:56:15.720 --> 01:56:16.640
I was at work.

01:56:16.640 --> 01:56:22.239
and the best thing I've heard all meeting is that we're buying a Tahoe from Carl

01:56:22.239 --> 01:56:26.039
because I worked at Carl while I went to school and they're good people.

01:56:26.039 --> 01:56:29.560
Kind of sucks that they have to get dirty money.

01:56:29.560 --> 01:56:34.960
How many times do us as citizens have to get up, stand in front of this council,

01:56:34.960 --> 01:56:39.079
stand in front of our mayor and say, hey, it really sucks to live here.

01:56:39.079 --> 01:56:41.119
Property taxes are going up.

01:56:41.119 --> 01:56:46.000
Every place we have to rent is either a slum lord or it's skyrocketed out of the roof.

01:56:46.000 --> 01:56:48.000
This is not Chicago by any means.

01:56:48.000 --> 01:56:51.319
No one should be paying over $1,000 for an apartment.

01:56:51.319 --> 01:56:52.960
That's a little crazy.

01:56:52.960 --> 01:56:57.239
And every day we wake up and there's a new tax.

01:56:57.239 --> 01:56:58.420
Kind of like Sue was saying.

01:56:58.420 --> 01:57:01.560
Oh, all the Democrats bring up all the taxes.

01:57:01.560 --> 01:57:04.199
And then we get back here to Freeport,

01:57:04.199 --> 01:57:07.720
who has potholes and Tuddy Baker days

01:57:07.720 --> 01:57:11.199
and poor people that can barely pay their house taxes.

01:57:11.199 --> 01:57:13.600
And we say, yeah, you can buy a $30 wristband

01:57:13.600 --> 01:57:14.520
and have a little bit of fun

01:57:14.520 --> 01:57:18.380
and maybe not pop your tire on a pothole going out.

01:57:19.840 --> 01:57:23.359
When are you actually going to listen to the people

01:57:23.359 --> 01:57:29.670
and what we need and not the top tier rich people

01:57:29.670 --> 01:57:30.510
in this city?

01:57:30.510 --> 01:57:33.329
Because I promise you, there's a lot more of a slum in it

01:57:33.329 --> 01:57:36.170
than it is with full bank accounts.

01:57:36.170 --> 01:57:41.170
And I think we've kind of forgotten the plot here.

01:57:41.170 --> 01:57:43.170
and Jodi.

01:57:45.250 --> 01:57:47.250
This group matters more than this group.

01:57:49.310 --> 01:57:51.310
You're supposed to listen to us.

01:57:54.710 --> 01:57:57.710
We voted you in, and we expected to be taken care of.

01:58:01.609 --> 01:58:03.609
And all I can see is people taking care of their friends,

01:58:03.609 --> 01:58:05.609
and leaving the rest of us garbage, nothing.

01:58:09.109 --> 01:58:11.109
So we get up here every week and we look at you in the face

01:58:11.170 --> 01:58:13.170
and I.

01:58:14.170 --> 01:58:22.170
And then we get back up here and you're tired of looking at my face and I'm tired of talking to you but I won't stop because it's annoying and I know it is.

01:58:26.170 --> 01:58:38.170
Until you can recognize what your town actually is and get out of your head that living over on that side of town where nothing really even happens is the best part of Freeport, and Freeport isn't that bad, we will get nowhere.

01:58:38.170 --> 01:58:43.170
We will get nowhere. There has to be some give. I'm willing to have a little bit of give.

01:58:43.170 --> 01:58:47.170
But there also has to be give with the people in power. Thank you.

01:58:47.170 --> 01:59:03.619
You started my time before I spoke, but that's cool too.

01:59:03.619 --> 01:59:10.619
I want to just say I appreciate Mrs. Stacy, Larry, and Rachel. I'm always going to recognize them.

01:59:10.619 --> 01:59:12.619
This won't take long, don't point it out.

01:59:12.619 --> 01:59:16.619
Rob, I want you to keep my lawyer's name in my name out your mouth, okay?

01:59:16.619 --> 01:59:19.619
That lawsuit sticking, whatever you think. You ain't a lawyer, are you?

01:59:19.619 --> 01:59:23.420
are you? You're supposed to be a city manager, but I wonder why you can't figure out how

01:59:23.420 --> 01:59:29.140
to turn a light switch off to save the city some money, you know? And we wouldn't be so

01:59:29.140 --> 01:59:35.100
against you if the city wasn't washing money through you. We are paying $90,000 for you

01:59:35.100 --> 01:59:38.100
to scribble on some paper, give me $90,000. I can get you a lot of money.

01:59:38.100 --> 01:59:40.239
I'll get you a lot of blueprints for that.

01:59:40.239 --> 01:59:42.319
And then I tried this method before.

01:59:42.319 --> 01:59:52.159
I inbox Rob, inbox Jodi, Wayne if you dot Iroquois again, I'm going to add harassment to my lawsuit.

01:59:52.159 --> 01:59:54.800
My house has cameras on it, bet you didn't know that.

01:59:54.800 --> 02:00:01.359
You always getting caught up slipping, that's harassment at the end of the day.

02:00:01.359 --> 02:00:02.359
Smell all you want to.

02:00:02.359 --> 02:00:06.250
I know smelling is nervousness.

02:00:06.250 --> 02:00:07.770
Snerb, yeah, do all that.

02:00:07.770 --> 02:00:09.289
Clown.

02:00:09.289 --> 02:00:12.229
But anyway, I wanna speak up on all the money

02:00:12.229 --> 02:00:14.930
you guys are taking from people.

02:00:14.930 --> 02:00:16.170
You guys got us beat now.

02:00:16.170 --> 02:00:18.630
I try to tell my people, you got us beat.

02:00:18.630 --> 02:00:20.090
We got three people up here for us,

02:00:20.090 --> 02:00:24.250
but I swear to God, I will not sleep in 2027

02:00:24.250 --> 02:00:33.079
when it's time to get rid of some of this shit.

02:00:33.079 --> 02:00:34.560
Any other public comments?

02:00:36.079 --> 02:00:44.619
We will move on to Alderman Stacey.

02:00:44.619 --> 02:00:49.619
Alderman Stacy, as I said many times before,

02:00:52.039 --> 02:00:55.319
we start in prayer, we can end in prayer.

02:00:56.479 --> 02:01:00.859
And my scripture for tonight is Psalms 121.1.

02:01:00.859 --> 02:01:04.819
I will lift up my eyes unto the hills

02:01:04.819 --> 02:01:07.199
from with cometh my help.

02:01:08.640 --> 02:01:11.600
Father God, in the name of Jesus,

02:01:11.600 --> 02:01:14.619
I come to you seeking your face.

02:01:14.619 --> 02:01:18.380
I seek you, O God, with this declaration of faith.

02:01:19.479 --> 02:01:24.340
I trust you as the source of all of our help.

02:01:25.779 --> 02:01:29.420
Father God, for you sit high and you look low,

02:01:29.420 --> 02:01:33.859
and you know more than we could ever tell you.

02:01:33.859 --> 02:01:37.720
So I'm asking you, Father, in the name of Jesus,

02:01:37.720 --> 02:01:41.979
to take back control over this, your city.

02:01:43.239 --> 02:01:46.199
We're trusting and we're dependent on you

02:01:46.199 --> 02:01:47.920
and we're not gonna stop.

02:01:47.920 --> 02:01:50.119
We're not gonna give up.

02:01:50.119 --> 02:01:55.119
We know God, if you don't do it, it won't be done.

02:01:56.079 --> 02:01:58.939
In Jesus' name, I pray.

02:01:58.939 --> 02:01:59.779
Amen.

02:02:05.869 --> 02:02:08.609
Next is executive session.

02:02:08.609 --> 02:02:10.829
Madam Clerk, could you please read this?

02:02:10.829 --> 02:02:13.329
We will go in for two different exemptions.

02:02:13.329 --> 02:02:17.449
Pursuant to 5ILCS 122C3, the selection,

02:02:17.449 --> 02:02:18.649
oh, that's not right.

02:02:19.649 --> 02:02:24.289
Pursuant to 5ILCS 122C5, the purchase or lease

02:02:24.289 --> 02:02:26.789
of real property for the use of the public body,

02:02:26.789 --> 02:02:29.550
including meetings held for the purpose of discussing

02:02:29.550 --> 02:02:32.369
whether a particular parcel should be acquired.

02:02:32.369 --> 02:02:37.369
And pursuant to 5ILCS 122C21, discussion of minutes

02:02:37.369 --> 02:02:41.569
21 discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the still having a

02:02:41.569 --> 02:02:45.350
meeting please keep it down whether for purposes of approval by the body of the

02:02:45.350 --> 02:02:50.369
minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by section 2.06 is

02:02:50.369 --> 02:02:58.289
there a motion to enter into executive session we have a motion made by Alderman

02:02:58.289 --> 02:03:11.920
Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers, roll call. Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle,

02:03:11.920 --> 02:03:20.359
Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, and Johnson.