WEBVTT 00:00:00.750 --> 00:00:27.219 Good evening. Pastor Anna, could you please give the invocation? 00:00:27.219 --> 00:00:53.670 Good evening, everyone. With deepest respect for each one of you, let us take a moment to offer a prayer for our city and for those who serve it, asking for guidance, peace, and blessing for our city. 00:00:53.670 --> 00:01:08.670 Proverbs 11-4 says, Where there is no council, the people fall. But in the multitude of councilors, there is safety. 00:01:08.670 --> 00:01:22.670 Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the city of Freeport and for those entrusted with leadership and public service. 00:01:22.670 --> 00:01:35.670 We ask you to grant wisdom, understanding, and integrity to the mayor, council, members, and all officials present. 00:01:35.670 --> 00:01:46.670 May every decision be guided by trust, justice, and a genuine desire to serve the common good. 00:01:46.670 --> 00:01:51.670 We pray for unity, peace, and clarity during this meeting. 00:01:51.670 --> 00:01:59.810 in this meeting, and we ask for your blessing over the city and its people. 00:01:59.810 --> 00:02:07.370 We commit this time into your hands, in the name of Jesus, amen. 00:02:07.370 --> 00:02:11.009 We'll officially call this meeting to order, Madam Clerk, please call the roll. 00:02:11.009 --> 00:02:12.009 Mayor Miller? 00:02:12.009 --> 00:02:13.009 Here. 00:02:13.009 --> 00:02:14.009 Alderpersons, Klemm? 00:02:14.009 --> 00:02:15.009 Here. 00:02:15.009 --> 00:02:16.810 Johnson is absent. 00:02:16.810 --> 00:02:17.810 Simmons? 00:02:17.810 --> 00:02:18.810 Here. 00:02:18.810 --> 00:02:19.810 Parker? 00:02:19.810 --> 00:02:20.810 Here. 00:02:20.810 --> 00:02:30.810 Shadle? Here. Sanders? Here. And Sellers? Here. If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Parker. 00:02:30.810 --> 00:02:44.810 Pledge of 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. 00:02:44.810 --> 00:03:19.069 And item number four is the approval of the agenda. Is there such a motion? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes. Item number five is the approval of the minutes from the committee. The whole meeting held on January 12th, 2026. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor? Aye. 00:03:19.069 --> 00:03:25.030 Opposed? That motion passes. Next is item number six, which are employee 00:03:25.030 --> 00:03:41.919 recognitions. Chief Cordy. Adam. Adam Holtz, who's a firefighter with the city of 00:03:41.919 --> 00:03:46.960 Freeport. He's shown great character in being the candidate to receive the 00:03:46.960 --> 00:03:52.360 firefighter of the year award. He's not only a member of the Freeport Fire 00:03:52.360 --> 00:03:59.159 Department, he also gives his free time as a paramedic with Lemons Ambulance in 00:03:59.159 --> 00:04:04.120 Lina. He has extensive history and background in wildland firefighting and 00:04:04.120 --> 00:04:09.240 has been deployed across the country in a couple of different deployments when 00:04:09.240 --> 00:04:16.000 needed. He's a consummate leader, patient, knowledgeable, self-motivated. He's 00:04:16.000 --> 00:04:21.500 instrumental in the setup of our first-due record management system. He 00:04:21.500 --> 00:04:25.839 leads by example, arrives to work early with a positive attitude, and never 00:04:25.839 --> 00:04:31.220 Hesitates to assist whenever needed and especially in all my little projects that I have all the time 00:04:33.980 --> 00:04:37.000 He's here with his wife Melissa and a couple of his children 00:04:38.060 --> 00:04:43.360 He he was hired in 2007. He is currently our EMS coordinator 00:04:44.220 --> 00:04:52.360 Appointed in 2020 part of this the Mabus Division 17 hazardous materials team was giving the life safety award in 00:04:52.360 --> 00:05:01.579 in 2022, normally as a paramedic and a driver engineer, 00:05:01.579 --> 00:05:04.540 but also works out of class as a lieutenant 00:05:04.540 --> 00:05:06.459 for quite a bit of the year for us. 00:05:06.459 --> 00:05:09.860 He's a firefighter three, officer one, instructor one. 00:05:09.860 --> 00:05:24.720 He's a fire investigator and an inspector, and a hazmat tech. 00:05:24.720 --> 00:05:27.220 Wow. 00:05:27.220 --> 00:05:28.220 So. 00:05:28.220 --> 00:05:33.220 Well, yeah, if you guys can't say that, if you want your 10-8 come up, certainly. 00:05:33.220 --> 00:05:36.220 Of course I do. 00:05:36.220 --> 00:05:49.939 Nobody wants to stand next to me. 00:05:49.939 --> 00:05:52.939 I'll stand next to you, Tom. 00:05:52.939 --> 00:05:53.939 Here we go. 00:05:53.939 --> 00:05:54.939 Great choice. 00:05:54.939 --> 00:05:55.939 Thank you. 00:05:55.939 --> 00:05:56.939 Okay. 00:05:56.939 --> 00:05:57.939 Thank you. 00:05:57.939 --> 00:05:58.939 Thank you. 00:05:58.939 --> 00:06:13.430 Next is Chief Frostow, Manager Boyer. 00:06:13.430 --> 00:06:42.490 Sorry, but we gotta look the part. 00:06:42.490 --> 00:06:47.029 This award goes to Justin Daniel Holden, who started with the Freeport Police Department 00:06:47.029 --> 00:06:52.110 has an auxiliary member in December of 2017 and was then hired as a full-time 00:06:52.110 --> 00:06:57.470 police officer on March 28, 2018. He exemplifies the highest standards of 00:06:57.470 --> 00:07:01.949 professionalism, integrity, and dedication to service. Throughout the year he has 00:07:01.949 --> 00:07:06.350 consistently demonstrated sound judgment, reliability, and a strong work ethic while 00:07:06.350 --> 00:07:10.230 carrying out his duties. His commitment to the mission of the department is 00:07:10.230 --> 00:07:13.430 evident in the way he approaches each assignment with preparedness, 00:07:13.430 --> 00:07:15.430 and 00:07:16.430 --> 00:07:25.430 Justin is a valid team member who positively influences those around him. He joined the gang unit in 2021 and was appointed as a gang detective in April 2023. Throughout his short tenure in this position, he has received a five-year 00:07:25.430 --> 00:07:28.269 to serve the community with fairness and compassion. 00:07:28.269 --> 00:07:30.129 Beyond individual performance, 00:07:30.129 --> 00:07:31.870 Justin is a valid team member 00:07:31.870 --> 00:07:34.430 who positively influences those around him. 00:07:34.430 --> 00:07:36.870 He joined the gang unit in 2021 00:07:36.870 --> 00:07:40.370 and was appointed as a gang detective in April, 2023. 00:07:40.370 --> 00:07:42.430 Throughout his short tenure in this position, 00:07:42.430 --> 00:07:44.870 he has received the following recognitions, 00:07:44.870 --> 00:07:48.370 Officer of the Year Award in 2021 and in 2025, 00:07:48.370 --> 00:07:52.750 Merit Award for seizing over 100 firearms in 2024, 00:07:52.750 --> 00:07:55.350 and has seized over $100,000 00:07:55.350 --> 00:07:57.310 and Narcotic Forfeiture. 00:07:57.310 --> 00:08:00.810 His professionalism fosters trust among peers 00:08:00.810 --> 00:08:03.370 and supervisors alike, and his interactions 00:08:03.370 --> 00:08:05.569 with the public reflects credit upon themselves 00:08:05.569 --> 00:08:08.529 and the department, which I'm very, very proud of. 00:08:08.529 --> 00:08:11.069 He is married to Elizabeth Holden 00:08:11.069 --> 00:08:15.329 and has two German Shepherds, Nova and Allie. 00:08:15.329 --> 00:08:16.689 Please come up. 00:08:16.689 --> 00:08:34.429 We're going to stand on this side. 00:08:34.429 --> 00:08:38.309 OK, and I am happy to also present one last award 00:08:38.309 --> 00:08:38.990 for the year. 00:08:38.990 --> 00:08:47.070 and Justin. You are selected as the City Employee of the Year as well. Obviously, you've done 00:08:47.070 --> 00:08:51.830 a tremendous amount to support the department and an excellent job within the community 00:08:51.830 --> 00:09:12.250 and you really deserve this recognition. So I just want to say thank you. 00:09:12.250 --> 00:09:33.840 Okay, we'll move on to item number seven, which is public comment. Can you look and 00:09:33.840 --> 00:09:38.919 Let's see if there's anybody signed up, none? Just okay, then we will move on to item number 00:09:38.919 --> 00:09:44.159 eight, which is Freeport Campus Life Ministry of Stateline Youth for Christ presented by 00:09:44.159 --> 00:09:55.899 Bishop Grozinger. Hello, hello all. Madam Mayor, ladies and 00:09:55.899 --> 00:10:00.039 gentlemen of the council, my name is Bishop Grozinger and I'm from the Freeport area. 00:10:00.039 --> 00:10:02.259 Bishop, Grosinger, and I'm from the Freeport area, and I work for an organization called 00:10:02.259 --> 00:10:04.159 Youth for Christ. 00:10:04.159 --> 00:10:06.840 I think we can all agree that Freeport is a needy place. 00:10:06.840 --> 00:10:11.320 When we look at Freeport, there's a lot of brokenness in our city. 00:10:11.320 --> 00:10:13.039 The Freeport community is needy. 00:10:13.039 --> 00:10:16.960 A huge part of any community is its youth. 00:10:16.960 --> 00:10:20.399 Freeport's no different, and myself and Youth for Christ have a huge heart for serving the 00:10:20.399 --> 00:10:23.360 community of Freeport in a number of different ways. 00:10:23.360 --> 00:10:29.090 We're planning on doing this through Freeport Campus Life. 00:10:29.090 --> 00:10:33.490 campus life is committed to mentoring young people where they are. We seek to help young 00:10:33.490 --> 00:10:38.250 people navigate the pivotal years of middle and high school, uncovering God's story of 00:10:38.250 --> 00:10:43.850 hope in their lives. So our plan is to start a community of students where they can build 00:10:43.850 --> 00:10:48.289 relationships with trusted adults. Through these relationships, we'll be able to help 00:10:48.289 --> 00:10:52.330 these students navigate through these tough times of middle and high school. These years 00:10:52.330 --> 00:10:57.850 are so influential in these young people's lives. In the age of social media, anxiety, 00:10:57.850 --> 00:11:04.850 We want to meet their stories where they are, share our stories and how we've navigated through these tough times, and ultimately show them how our stories connect to God's story. 00:11:04.850 --> 00:11:09.850 We want to share the hope that we have with the students of Freeport, to give them hope when they feel hopeless. 00:11:09.850 --> 00:11:16.850 We intend to have a safe place for students to hang out after school, and make relationships with their friends and family. 00:11:16.850 --> 00:11:23.850 We want to share the hope that we have with the students of Freeport, to give them hope when they feel hopeless. 00:11:23.850 --> 00:11:28.210 We intend to have a safe place for students to hang out after school and make relationships 00:11:28.210 --> 00:11:32.009 with trusted adults who can lead them well and give them direction. 00:11:32.009 --> 00:11:37.769 We will also have weekly meetings filled with fun, games, and best of all, free food. 00:11:37.769 --> 00:11:42.330 It's a safe place to be in community and fellowship with one another and other students. 00:11:42.330 --> 00:11:46.590 We want to give students the opportunity to succeed, to have a place to go, to have people 00:11:46.590 --> 00:11:52.309 to look up to and to mentor them, and people who are dedicated to them and their futures, 00:11:52.309 --> 00:11:54.309 and 00:11:55.309 --> 00:11:57.309 John. 00:11:59.309 --> 00:12:02.309 We have a lot of people who truly care for them. You don't 00:12:02.309 --> 00:12:05.309 have to have everything figured out to come to campus life. We 00:12:05.309 --> 00:12:08.309 will love them all the same. There's also more good news is 00:12:08.309 --> 00:12:12.309 that we've seen this model and this campus life work. There's a 00:12:12.309 --> 00:12:16.309 thriving group in Harlem right now and I'm going to invite my 00:12:16.309 --> 00:12:20.309 friend Joey up to share a little bit about this. 00:12:22.309 --> 00:12:27.950 Harlem Campus Life for the last three years. Our group started in 2019 about 00:12:27.950 --> 00:12:33.509 six years ago and going on seven years ago with just four or five Harlem students in a 00:12:33.509 --> 00:12:38.870 small office across the street from Sand Park Pool in Loves Park. Because of the 00:12:38.870 --> 00:12:43.549 value that the students saw in our program as well as the parents and even 00:12:43.549 --> 00:12:48.110 teachers and administrators in the school, we saw our group go from just a 00:12:48.110 --> 00:12:50.669 and a few students in that little office 00:12:50.669 --> 00:12:54.990 to what you see here in this picture, exponential growth. 00:12:54.990 --> 00:12:59.169 This is this year's yearbook picture for Harlem Campus Life. 00:13:00.149 --> 00:13:04.190 Now, we are grateful for the number of students 00:13:04.190 --> 00:13:06.769 that have come our way. 00:13:06.769 --> 00:13:11.350 However, we care more about just the quantity of students 00:13:11.350 --> 00:13:12.690 that we're reaching. 00:13:12.690 --> 00:13:15.730 We're passionate about each student not only escaping 00:13:15.730 --> 00:13:20.129 and some of their limiting circumstances, but also achieving their full potential. 00:13:20.129 --> 00:13:23.649 Let me tell you about a student named Lexi. 00:13:23.649 --> 00:13:31.009 This is Lexi. Lexi was one of those first four or five students in that little office 00:13:31.009 --> 00:13:36.370 seven years ago. And she actually writes, 00:13:36.370 --> 00:13:40.370 I was first introduced to campus life in my senior year of high school. 00:13:40.370 --> 00:13:44.049 Because of the circumstances of the world, if you remember 00:13:44.049 --> 00:13:47.309 Miller, John, and John, and I have a little bit about myself. 00:13:47.309 --> 00:13:51.190 In the spring of 2020, there was a few circumstances going on 00:13:51.190 --> 00:13:54.350 around her. She says because of the circumstances of the world, 00:13:54.350 --> 00:13:58.430 I could have easily fallen into a dark space. Thankfully, 00:13:58.430 --> 00:14:00.990 because of the community I developed and nurtured through 00:14:00.990 --> 00:14:04.389 campus life, I was provided a space to connect with other 00:14:04.389 --> 00:14:07.830 people I had known for years in a way that I hadn't before. It 00:14:07.830 --> 00:14:10.409 was really special to have a space to discuss my faith with 00:14:10.409 --> 00:14:14.789 Having leaders from all different walks of life and seeing how their choices led to where 00:14:14.789 --> 00:14:18.809 they are now was really helpful for me. 00:14:18.809 --> 00:14:23.250 Now that Lexi has graduated college, not just high school, but graduated college, she's 00:14:23.250 --> 00:14:25.789 actually come back to Harlem Campus Life. 00:14:25.789 --> 00:14:29.769 She's there right now as our group is meeting. 00:14:29.769 --> 00:14:33.970 And she's now pouring into students that are coming up behind her. 00:14:33.970 --> 00:14:39.649 So because of the adults that mentored her and her life, she's now pouring into the ones 00:14:39.649 --> 00:14:48.049 and Lexy is just one of the many stories of hope. We've watched students go from being 00:14:48.049 --> 00:14:53.230 arrested to leading their peers with integrity. We've watched them go from failing all their 00:14:53.230 --> 00:14:58.250 classes to graduating with honors. We've even watched some go from threatening suicide to 00:14:58.250 --> 00:15:05.490 helping others navigate that tricky landscape of mental health. So our passion is to similarly 00:15:05.490 --> 00:15:12.529 Assist Freeport High School students to uncover God's story as it relates to their story. Thank you. 00:15:16.940 --> 00:15:21.500 Thank you, gentlemen. Any questions for the presentation on Campus Life? 00:15:24.299 --> 00:15:30.740 Thank you. Next, we will move on to item number nine, which is a presentation of the 2025 annual 00:15:30.740 --> 00:15:49.660 report. Manager Boyer. Good evening, Mayor, Council, and members of the community. 00:15:49.660 --> 00:15:56.860 Tonight's theme for the 2025 annual report is Momentum. Momentum is a measurable progress 00:15:56.860 --> 00:16:05.789 sustained over time. It's the alignment of strategy, discipline, and execution. Our strategic 00:16:05.789 --> 00:16:12.110 framework guides budgeting, staffing, capital planning, and daily execution. Everything presented 00:16:12.110 --> 00:16:18.269 this evening ties directly to infrastructure modernization, public safety stabilization, 00:16:18.269 --> 00:16:24.190 Neighborhood Strength, Financial Stewardship, and Community Engagement. The goal is not activity, 00:16:24.190 --> 00:16:44.620 the goal is progress. This year we laid approximately 11,000 tons of asphalt and paved three and a half 00:16:44.620 --> 00:16:52.539 miles of roadway. That ties back to our strategic plan of reliable strong infrastructure. Obviously 00:16:52.539 --> 00:16:57.819 these are our focus areas for the entire strategic plan including safe and inclusive community, 00:16:57.819 --> 00:17:03.500 Responsive Efficient Government, Connected and Accessible Community, Strong Private Public 00:17:03.500 --> 00:17:08.299 Partnerships, Quality Communications, Effective Land Use, and Vibrant Arts and Culture. Those 00:17:08.299 --> 00:17:15.740 are the primary tenets of our 2023 through 2025 strategic plan. However, we do have a new one, 00:17:15.740 --> 00:17:22.779 but we were achieving this year's accomplishments based on our previous strategic plan. That's why 00:17:22.779 --> 00:17:37.680 We're looking at that tonight. Next slide please. So on our our public work strategy focuses on moving 00:17:38.559 --> 00:17:43.839 from reactive maintenance to planned infrastructure renewal. We are targeting sustained pavement 00:17:43.839 --> 00:17:51.759 cycles. We are working on ADA compliance and making sure that our ramps and disabled infrastructure 00:17:51.759 --> 00:18:00.480 is maintained and repaired. Also, we are doing the full lead service line elimination and 00:18:00.480 --> 00:18:07.599 a long-term water and wastewater modernization projects. The outcome is reliability and long-term 00:18:07.599 --> 00:18:16.860 cost control. If you would please move. Okay, we've got it. Thank you. Nope, you got it. 00:18:16.860 --> 00:18:26.180 Going back to that last one. So this year, we laid approximately 11,000 tons of asphalt, 00:18:26.180 --> 00:18:32.099 as I mentioned. Originally, our goal included eight miles per year. However, with current 00:18:32.099 --> 00:18:38.500 funding limitations, that has been changed and reduced to kind of align with what our 00:18:38.500 --> 00:18:42.659 resources are available. But this last year, we did three and a half miles. The previous 00:18:42.659 --> 00:19:12.659 I think we did six and a half, seven miles. So we're making progress achieving that. We also handled more than 5,000 residential calls down at the yards for service, approximately 500 more than 2024. And that increase reflects, again, more engagement with the community. We replaced 53 disabled ramps this year, bringing the total to nearly 400 that have been reconstructed since 00:19:12.659 --> 00:19:19.460 This represents, again, more progress toward fully accessible compliance. 00:19:19.460 --> 00:19:26.380 The outcome is improved pavement conditions, improved accessibility, and improved service 00:19:26.380 --> 00:19:27.380 reliability. 00:19:27.380 --> 00:19:33.700 Additionally, we successfully negotiated a successor agreement for our AFSCME labor agreement, 00:19:33.700 --> 00:19:40.259 as well as installed 13 miles of fiber optic network citywide for high-speed internet. 00:19:40.259 --> 00:19:57.730 If you could go ahead and go to the next one. In addition, we had 281 trees. As you can see, that was an increase of 20 trees from 24. We installed 8 EV chargers, improved street light. 00:19:57.730 --> 00:20:04.180 Bates, improved street lighting, had 78 dog-related calls that were dealt with humanely and safely 00:20:04.180 --> 00:20:12.220 with our Animal Control Officer, as I mentioned before, 53 ADA ramps. 00:20:12.220 --> 00:20:15.700 So some of the projects that were completed this year, you'll see on the far left, that's 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:18.160 18th Avenue in the Arcade. 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:24.980 That was actually a project that worked hand in glove with a solar project. 00:20:24.980 --> 00:20:33.519 We had asked and did receive funding from the solar company to resurface 18th Avenue. 00:20:33.519 --> 00:20:36.039 Also you'll see Black Hawk Avenue as well. 00:20:36.039 --> 00:20:38.000 That's right in front of Black Hawk School. 00:20:38.000 --> 00:20:44.339 That project was not only benefiting the school but also getting out some fully depreciated 00:20:44.339 --> 00:20:45.720 pavement surface. 00:20:45.720 --> 00:20:47.819 On the far right you see Cleveland Street. 00:20:47.819 --> 00:20:53.960 That was between West and Locust and completed that project from a previous year that we 00:20:53.960 --> 00:20:55.519 We had done on Cleveland. 00:20:55.519 --> 00:20:57.859 Next slide please. 00:20:57.859 --> 00:20:59.579 Here's a few aerials as well. 00:20:59.579 --> 00:21:03.599 This is West Stevenson and the Park Boulevard intersection. 00:21:03.599 --> 00:21:12.839 We did, I think we did from Stevenson from Park Boulevard to Greenfield. 00:21:12.839 --> 00:21:17.559 And then there was a much degraded intersection there in the middle that required gas main 00:21:17.559 --> 00:21:22.859 relocation and a whole lot of utility relocates, but we were able to accomplish that. 00:21:22.859 --> 00:21:29.299 We also took the the Stevenson Street from four lanes to two with a center turn 00:21:29.299 --> 00:21:35.819 lane and walk-ride infrastructure on the edges. Go ahead, next one. We've got 00:21:35.819 --> 00:21:40.819 Carroll Avenue. That was reconstructed. That was a contracted out project that 00:21:40.819 --> 00:21:46.420 Helm accomplished for us. We did end up running into an unexpected manhole issue 00:21:46.420 --> 00:21:50.619 on the intersection of Carroll and Galena. That manhole was fully 00:21:50.619 --> 00:21:52.619 Ransom, and the rest of the group. 00:21:52.619 --> 00:21:55.180 And so, we've really been trying to make sure that everything is 00:21:55.180 --> 00:21:57.779 completely reconstructed, ensuring that all the work that we 00:21:57.779 --> 00:22:01.799 did on Carroll will last a very long time. 00:22:01.799 --> 00:22:05.900 And also, on the right there, you can see Greenfield. 00:22:05.900 --> 00:22:08.860 That's kind of part of a larger project that we've been working 00:22:08.860 --> 00:22:11.539 on, but that was from Steven to Locust. 00:22:11.539 --> 00:22:15.180 That was completed this year, and that also connects with the 00:22:15.180 --> 00:22:21.819 section of Greenfield from Stevenson to Pearl City Road. 00:22:21.819 --> 00:22:28.299 Brakes this year totaled about 30. That's five fewer than last year and we're hoping with some 00:22:28.299 --> 00:22:34.139 adjustments that were made to the startup geometry on our pumps that'll have a positive impact even 00:22:34.139 --> 00:22:41.339 more so in 2026. The reduction overall is confirming our proactive water main replacement is also 00:22:41.339 --> 00:22:49.579 assisting with the reduction in water main breaks. We installed 15 new hydrants and replaced 373 lead 00:22:49.579 --> 00:23:08.579 We have the lead service lines this year bringing the total to nearly 2,000 and we are in phase four which is coming to essentially kicking off shortly. That'll be our final construction on lead services and we will have once complete we will have all the lead services completely remediated within the city limits. 00:23:08.579 --> 00:23:21.579 Also, we continue to work on phase one of the wastewater treatment plant modernization and the outcome there is to gain regulatory compliance and long-term replacement on that. 00:23:21.579 --> 00:23:29.259 Go ahead to the next slide. Thank you. 00:23:29.259 --> 00:23:37.259 So, community economic development strategy, our focus remains neighborhood stabilization, blight reduction, and transit accessibility. 00:23:37.259 --> 00:23:43.940 The outcome we are pursuing is property stabilization, workforce access, and private investment confidence. 00:23:44.539 --> 00:23:46.539 Let's move on to the next one. 00:23:46.619 --> 00:23:53.329 So code enforcement handled essentially 8,200 cases this year. 00:23:54.529 --> 00:23:56.529 A 59% increase over 00:23:56.970 --> 00:24:02.730 2024 and that reflects stronger accountability and improved neighborhood standards. 00:24:03.490 --> 00:24:05.089 We also 00:24:05.089 --> 00:24:07.089 completed 49 demolitions 00:24:07.089 --> 00:24:15.809 Heimers, issued 761 building permits and that's an 11% increase over 2024. 00:24:15.809 --> 00:24:20.650 It also shows and signals some renewed private investment in our community. 00:24:20.650 --> 00:24:27.110 On the Pretzel City area transit, we delivered over 45,000 rides and continued planning 00:24:27.110 --> 00:24:29.269 toward our structured routes. 00:24:29.269 --> 00:24:32.730 The outcome is improved economic participation. 00:24:32.730 --> 00:24:38.210 We also hired and onboarded Gertrude Heimerdinger, our new Community Development Director, and 00:24:38.210 --> 00:24:42.289 in her department a new Administrative Assistant, Katie. 00:24:42.289 --> 00:24:47.769 So thank you, go ahead and move forward with the next one. 00:24:47.769 --> 00:24:52.589 Human Resources, the city operates with 202 employees. 00:24:52.589 --> 00:24:58.730 We hired 32 in 2025 with 25 separations and 5 retirements. 00:24:58.730 --> 00:25:02.450 Succession Planning, Recruitment Efforts, and Strong Bargaining Contracts are strengthening 00:25:02.450 --> 00:25:12.309 Workforce Stability and Operational Continuity. This is Dovie's favorite slide. The clerk's 00:25:12.309 --> 00:25:23.029 office processed 213 FOIA requests this year. That is a 122% increase in FOIA requests based 00:25:23.029 --> 00:25:29.269 on 2021. So that is something that we're going to continue to work on and we may be coming 00:25:29.269 --> 00:25:59.269 Back to you on some of the needs there. We passed 159 resolutions. As you all know, resolutions can be all kinds of actions of government, but it does show you that we are getting things done. And that is 165% higher than 2019. Administrative capacity is tracking alongside activity, making material impacts in the community. So every resolution obviously has an outcome, and every outcome has an impact. 00:25:59.269 --> 00:26:08.029 back positively to the community. Next slide, please. So police strategic goals, the police 00:26:08.029 --> 00:26:14.950 department continues layered staffing, technology deployment, and community engagement strategies. 00:26:14.950 --> 00:26:22.470 The outcome is sustained reduction in serious incidents and strengthened community trust. 00:26:22.470 --> 00:26:37.420 Shots fired incidents totaled 23 in 2025, which is 57 fewer than in 2020, or 71% reduction 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:39.980 since 2020. 00:26:39.980 --> 00:26:45.940 The department recovered 93 firearms this last year, hired seven officers, and conducted 00:26:45.940 --> 00:26:48.139 50 neighborhood watch meetings. 00:26:48.139 --> 00:26:51.539 The outcome is measurable stabilization of the public safety conditions. 00:26:51.539 --> 00:27:07.880 On the Fire Department side, the Fire Department responded to 6,035 calls, including 5,156 00:27:07.880 --> 00:27:17.079 EMS responses. More than 350 inspections were conducted and 187 smoke alarms installed. 00:27:17.079 --> 00:27:23.360 The outcome here is proactive risk reduction and improved life safety. Technically not falling 00:27:23.360 --> 00:27:34.960 in 2025. Also, we've brought on Fire Chief Cordy. So, welcome aboard, Fire Chief. Next. 00:27:34.960 --> 00:27:44.240 Public Library. The library circulated 198,000 books, an 85% increase over last year. Youth 00:27:44.240 --> 00:27:50.460 attendance reached nearly 24,000 participants, and the outcome has strengthened educational 00:27:50.460 --> 00:27:53.500 and 00:27:53.500 --> 00:27:54.500 so on. 00:27:54.500 --> 00:27:57.319 Excellent job at the library moving all those statistics. 00:27:57.319 --> 00:28:08.559 It is really quite something when you think it's an 85% increase from 2024. 00:28:08.559 --> 00:28:14.299 Finance The City received another clean audit opinion, we have for several years, and council 00:28:14.299 --> 00:28:17.500 approved a balanced budget in 2026. 00:28:17.500 --> 00:28:23.599 So more than $50,000 in grants and approaching $80 million at this point have been secured 00:28:23.599 --> 00:28:25.160 since 2020. 00:28:25.160 --> 00:28:30.039 The outcome is accelerated infrastructure modernization without excessive taxpayer burden. 00:28:30.039 --> 00:28:37.820 So these are many ways we are watching the taxpayers working toward the taxpayers' interests. 00:28:37.820 --> 00:28:41.099 Next one, please. 00:28:41.099 --> 00:28:48.740 The IT department achieved more than 542,000 emails and prevented approximately 1,600 network 00:28:48.740 --> 00:28:51.259 level cyber incidents. 00:28:51.259 --> 00:28:59.099 They also migration to the Office 365 and support for the new 911 system improved operational 00:28:59.099 --> 00:29:06.200 resilience and security. 00:29:06.200 --> 00:29:17.420 Communication, the city now has, obviously these are our strategic goals for communication. 00:29:17.420 --> 00:29:36.220 Go ahead and go to the next slide here. The city now has 9,600 Facebook followers, a 30% increase on last year. We reached 7.5 million views, an 1800% increase on previous years. That expansion strengthens transparency and public awareness for city operations. 00:29:36.220 --> 00:29:47.150 Recognition, the city has received several outside recognitions. One is the Gold Water 00:29:47.150 --> 00:29:53.829 Ambassador Award. We also received Tree City USA designation again. We're a solar-friendly 00:29:53.829 --> 00:29:56.000 City, and the Illinois Department of Public 00:29:56.000 --> 00:29:59.720 Citty, and the Illinois Department of Public Health recognition for water quality and national 00:29:59.720 --> 00:30:04.039 recognition as a desirable place to retire. 00:30:04.039 --> 00:30:07.039 Validate the discipline and standards we are applying locally. 00:30:07.039 --> 00:30:14.240 So we are not without outside recognition. 00:30:14.240 --> 00:30:19.099 And if you will just stand by on that last slide there. 00:30:19.099 --> 00:30:24.019 So it is important to distinguish between maintenance and transformation. 00:30:24.019 --> 00:30:29.460 Includes calls handled, permits processed, emails archived, those are essential daily 00:30:29.460 --> 00:30:32.299 functions that keep the city operating. 00:30:32.299 --> 00:30:36.619 They are the foundation of service delivery, but maintenance alone does not change the 00:30:36.619 --> 00:30:39.220 trajectory of the city. 00:30:39.220 --> 00:30:41.299 Transformation is different. 00:30:41.299 --> 00:30:47.460 Transformation includes well 12 construction, it includes wastewater modernization, it includes 00:31:17.460 --> 00:31:31.250 Momentum requires honesty. EMS demands continue to rise. That's not unique to Freeport. It 00:31:31.250 --> 00:31:37.130 is a national trend, but it affects staffing, response models, and cost structures. Many 00:31:37.130 --> 00:31:42.730 parts of our infrastructure remain aged. We have made significant progress, but replacement 00:31:42.730 --> 00:31:49.829 cycles take time and discipline. Workforce recruitment remains competitive. Municipal 00:31:49.829 --> 00:31:54.910 Responsible governments compete in tight labor markets and we must continue building internal 00:31:54.910 --> 00:32:02.589 pipelines and succession planning. Long-term revenue diversification remains necessary. 00:32:02.589 --> 00:32:08.509 Infrastructure modernization, service stability require sustained funding strategies. And 00:32:08.509 --> 00:32:14.769 acknowledging these realities strengthens credibility. We do not avoid challenges. We 00:32:14.769 --> 00:32:26.930 In the coming year, we will advance the Well 12 completion, continue with Wastewater Phase 00:32:26.930 --> 00:32:35.369 1 construction, move toward full-led service elimination, expand structured transit planning, 00:32:35.369 --> 00:32:40.610 continue corridor-based infrastructure replacement, and strengthen strategic economic development 00:32:40.610 --> 00:32:41.610 coordination. 00:32:41.610 --> 00:32:44.490 Momentum must continue through disciplined execution. 00:32:47.639 --> 00:32:48.160 Next slide. 00:32:51.339 --> 00:32:52.500 Freeport is not drifting. 00:32:53.059 --> 00:32:54.380 We are building systems. 00:32:54.740 --> 00:32:56.299 We are strengthening infrastructure. 00:32:56.619 --> 00:32:58.259 We are expanding public safety. 00:32:58.619 --> 00:33:00.420 We are enforcing neighborhood standards. 00:33:00.779 --> 00:33:02.380 We are protecting taxpayers. 00:33:02.700 --> 00:33:04.099 We are planning long-term. 00:33:04.420 --> 00:33:05.460 Momentum is real. 00:33:05.980 --> 00:33:10.700 However, momentum is not owned by the city manager and staff. 00:33:11.420 --> 00:33:14.579 It belongs to all of us, to the mayor and council. 00:33:14.579 --> 00:33:19.119 Continue providing disciplined, thoughtful leadership. Long-term investments require 00:33:19.119 --> 00:33:24.680 long-term commitment. To our residents, stay engaged, maintain your properties, 00:33:24.680 --> 00:33:29.480 participate in your neighborhoods, support local business, take pride in your 00:33:29.480 --> 00:33:35.519 community. Progress requires partnership. The city will continue building systems 00:33:35.519 --> 00:33:39.639 and strengthening infrastructure, but a thriving Freeport requires alignment 00:33:39.639 --> 00:33:44.480 between leadership and community. Momentum is real. Let's protect it. Let's 00:33:44.480 --> 00:33:47.639 Let's strengthen it and let's continue building together. 00:33:47.639 --> 00:33:52.440 Thank you. 00:33:52.440 --> 00:33:56.200 Thank you, Manager Boyer, for that quick overview of 2025. 00:33:56.200 --> 00:33:59.000 Any questions, Council? 00:33:59.000 --> 00:34:01.160 Thank you. 00:34:01.160 --> 00:34:03.759 And I will move on to the next item, which is public comment. 00:34:03.759 --> 00:34:07.920 Is there any public comment this evening? 00:34:07.920 --> 00:34:10.400 Seeing none, I will entertain a motion for adjournment. 00:34:10.400 --> 00:34:11.400 Second. 00:34:11.400 --> 00:34:14.840 A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:34:14.840 --> 00:34:15.840 All those in favor? 00:34:15.840 --> 00:34:16.840 Aye. 00:34:16.840 --> 00:34:17.840 Opposed?