WEBVTT 00:00:00.660 --> 00:00:08.609 My husband and I went down to Georgia, didn't we? 00:00:08.609 --> 00:00:09.609 That had to be a better trip. 00:00:09.609 --> 00:00:10.609 Yeah. 00:00:10.609 --> 00:00:11.609 It wouldn't be worth it. 00:00:11.609 --> 00:00:15.609 I have to go grab it. Sorry. 00:00:47.850 --> 00:01:21.900 Good evening. Pastor Anna, could you please give the invocation this evening? 00:01:21.900 --> 00:01:31.819 Good evening. God bless everyone. In Psalm 32a says, I will instruct you and teach you 00:01:31.819 --> 00:01:42.019 in the way which you should go. I will guide you with my eye. We're going to pray. Heavenly 00:01:42.019 --> 00:01:49.459 Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, we exalt and bless your name at this hour. We thank 00:01:49.459 --> 00:01:56.579 Thank you for the opportunity to gather together to make important decisions for this community. 00:01:56.579 --> 00:02:04.459 I pray for everything turns out well and that you will be done. May your wisdom, compassion, 00:02:04.459 --> 00:02:12.740 and mercy be poured out upon us. May your Holy Spirit help us make the best decision 00:02:12.740 --> 00:02:15.219 for the well-being of all. 00:02:15.219 --> 00:02:18.560 In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen. 00:02:18.560 --> 00:02:19.400 Amen. 00:02:19.400 --> 00:02:21.620 And we'll officially call this meeting to order. 00:02:21.620 --> 00:02:23.699 Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? 00:02:24.939 --> 00:02:26.219 Mayor Miller? 00:02:26.219 --> 00:02:27.520 Here. 00:02:27.520 --> 00:02:28.620 Alderpersons, Klemm? 00:02:28.620 --> 00:02:30.000 Here. 00:02:30.000 --> 00:02:30.860 Johnson? 00:02:30.860 --> 00:02:31.979 Here. 00:02:31.979 --> 00:02:34.419 Simmons will be marked absent for now. 00:02:34.419 --> 00:02:35.240 Parker? 00:02:35.240 --> 00:02:36.560 Here. 00:02:36.560 --> 00:02:37.460 Stacy? 00:02:37.460 --> 00:02:38.300 Here. 00:02:38.300 --> 00:02:39.120 Shadle? 00:02:39.120 --> 00:02:39.960 Here. 00:02:39.960 --> 00:02:40.800 Sanders? 00:02:40.800 --> 00:02:41.620 Here. 00:02:41.620 --> 00:02:42.460 And Sellers? 00:02:42.460 --> 00:02:46.259 A motion in order for Alderman Simmons to attend remotely. 00:02:47.120 --> 00:02:48.439 So I'll move. 00:02:48.439 --> 00:02:49.840 Second. 00:02:49.840 --> 00:02:53.080 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, 00:02:53.080 --> 00:02:58.110 seconded by Alderman Klemm. 00:02:58.110 --> 00:02:59.430 All those in favor? 00:02:59.430 --> 00:03:03.699 No. 00:03:03.699 --> 00:03:05.840 Okay, Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? 00:03:05.840 --> 00:03:06.800 Shadle? 00:03:06.800 --> 00:03:07.639 Aye. 00:03:07.639 --> 00:03:08.460 Sanders? 00:03:08.460 --> 00:03:09.300 Aye. 00:03:09.300 --> 00:03:10.139 Sellers? 00:03:10.139 --> 00:03:10.960 Aye. 00:03:10.960 --> 00:03:11.800 Klemm? 00:03:11.800 --> 00:03:12.639 Aye. 00:03:12.639 --> 00:03:13.460 Johnson? 00:03:13.460 --> 00:03:14.300 Aye. 00:03:14.300 --> 00:03:15.120 Parker? 00:03:15.120 --> 00:03:15.960 Aye. 00:03:15.960 --> 00:03:16.800 And Stacy? 00:03:16.800 --> 00:03:17.620 Aye. 00:03:17.620 --> 00:03:22.900 Mays, James, Garrett, Coon, Thomas, Derek, Craig, 6 o' 2 p.m. 00:03:22.900 --> 00:03:23.900 Is she on? 00:03:23.900 --> 00:03:26.699 Good. 00:03:26.699 --> 00:03:27.699 OK. 00:03:27.699 --> 00:03:29.560 And if you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Shadle. 00:03:29.560 --> 00:03:34.219 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for 00:03:34.219 --> 00:03:44.020 which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:03:44.020 --> 00:03:46.900 Item number one is approval of the agenda. 00:03:46.900 --> 00:03:50.759 However, we will not be having item number 25, which is Executive Session. 00:03:50.759 --> 00:03:52.199 is there a motion to approve? 00:03:52.199 --> 00:03:52.879 So moved. 00:03:52.879 --> 00:03:54.400 Second. 00:03:54.400 --> 00:03:56.199 A motion made by Alderman Shadle, 00:03:56.199 --> 00:03:57.879 seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:03:57.879 --> 00:03:59.560 Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? 00:03:59.560 --> 00:04:00.479 Shadle? 00:04:00.479 --> 00:04:01.039 Aye. 00:04:01.039 --> 00:04:01.879 Sanders? 00:04:01.879 --> 00:04:02.319 Aye. 00:04:02.319 --> 00:04:02.840 Sellers? 00:04:02.840 --> 00:04:03.360 Aye. 00:04:03.360 --> 00:04:03.879 Klemm? 00:04:03.879 --> 00:04:04.479 Aye. 00:04:04.479 --> 00:04:05.080 Johnson? 00:04:05.080 --> 00:04:05.639 Aye. 00:04:05.639 --> 00:04:14.210 Simmons? 00:04:14.210 --> 00:04:15.210 Parker? 00:04:15.210 --> 00:04:15.770 Aye. 00:04:15.770 --> 00:04:17.569 Stacy? 00:04:17.569 --> 00:04:22.129 Is it fair to ask why we won't be having a closed session? 00:04:22.129 --> 00:04:23.810 There wasn't anything to discuss. 00:04:23.810 --> 00:04:26.209 OK, aye. 00:04:26.209 --> 00:04:35.209 and Alderperson Simmons. Can you hear me? Yes. And how do you vote on the agenda? They tell 00:04:35.209 --> 00:04:44.449 me what? Do you approve the agenda? Aye. Motion passes eight to zero. Item number two is approval 00:04:44.449 --> 00:04:48.810 of the minutes from the regular meeting on August 18th, 2025. Is there a motion to approve? 00:04:48.810 --> 00:04:55.009 So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker. Madam 00:04:55.009 --> 00:05:03.240 Clerk, could you please take the role? Madam, Madam Mayor, may I interject? I did receive 00:05:03.240 --> 00:05:08.279 a message today that people at home are still having difficulty hearing older persons, so 00:05:08.279 --> 00:05:12.920 if you could lean in, is that okay if I ask? Please lean into your microphone, even when 00:05:12.920 --> 00:05:19.519 you vote, they're not hearing you at home. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Thank you. Sellers? 00:05:19.519 --> 00:05:32.959 Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. And Stacy? Aye. And the motion passes 8 to 0. Item number three is recognition of service awards. Chief? 00:06:04.689 --> 00:06:07.129 and he's a field training officer. 00:06:07.129 --> 00:06:09.089 Dan currently is assigned to the Detective Bureau 00:06:09.089 --> 00:06:10.850 where he's a general case detective 00:06:11.810 --> 00:06:14.129 and he just got his drone license. 00:06:14.129 --> 00:06:17.370 So he's our first licensed drone pilot. 00:06:17.370 --> 00:06:19.449 So that's pretty awesome. 00:06:19.449 --> 00:06:21.730 Dan has also received our highest award, 00:06:21.730 --> 00:06:24.250 the award of valor on two separate occasions 00:06:24.250 --> 00:06:25.569 and he's also been the recipient 00:06:25.569 --> 00:06:28.050 of many other letters of recognition. 00:06:28.050 --> 00:06:44.180 So I thank you for your service and congratulations. 00:06:44.180 --> 00:06:52.180 Just real quick too, Officer Eric Deemer, he couldn't be with us tonight, but he hits the 20 year milestone, which is a big one. 00:06:52.180 --> 00:06:56.180 He was going to be here, but something happened at the last minute. 00:06:56.180 --> 00:07:02.180 His father was actually a long time police officer for the Freeport Police Department, so he's a legacy officer. 00:07:02.180 --> 00:07:07.180 He also started off as a member of the Auxiliary. He's also a firearms instructor. 00:07:07.180 --> 00:07:15.180 Spent some time working in the state line area narcotics team, which is a drug task force that we're in with the Illinois State Police. 00:07:15.180 --> 00:07:19.180 He's also a member of our emergency response team. He's a field training officer. 00:07:19.180 --> 00:07:25.180 And he as well has received throughout his career many letters of recommendation and recognition. 00:07:25.180 --> 00:07:37.209 So we thank Eric for his 20 years of service. 00:07:37.209 --> 00:07:42.209 Item number four is public comments. Steve Carroll on item number 19. 00:07:42.209 --> 00:07:57.160 okay I'm excuse me I'm Steve Carroll and this is about the public comments on 00:07:57.160 --> 00:08:03.399 non-agenda items at the last council meeting there were many citizens that 00:08:03.399 --> 00:08:08.339 showed up to express their concerns about the outrageous rent increases that 00:08:08.339 --> 00:08:13.079 they were experiencing since that was not on the council agenda they were told 00:08:13.079 --> 00:08:18.000 in a very imperious tone they would have to wait to the end of the meeting to 00:08:18.000 --> 00:08:19.560 to express their views. 00:08:19.560 --> 00:08:23.560 That particular meeting lasted a little over four hours. 00:08:23.560 --> 00:08:25.699 Not very citizen friendly, now is it? 00:08:27.040 --> 00:08:31.759 To compound the outrage, not one elected official 00:08:31.759 --> 00:08:35.279 at that meeting asked for suspension of the rules 00:08:35.279 --> 00:08:38.299 to allow those folks to express their outrage. 00:08:41.120 --> 00:08:44.240 You know, the hypothetical vote on that motion 00:08:44.240 --> 00:08:45.799 would have been very telling, 00:08:45.799 --> 00:08:47.639 and maybe we'll have a repeat of that. 00:08:51.639 --> 00:08:55.320 Okay, by changing the council rules 00:08:55.320 --> 00:08:57.559 to allow public comments on agenda 00:08:57.559 --> 00:08:59.600 and not agenda items at the beginning 00:08:59.600 --> 00:09:02.480 and end of council meetings would ensure 00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:04.840 that what happened at that last council meeting 00:09:04.840 --> 00:09:06.100 wouldn't happen again. 00:09:06.940 --> 00:09:10.220 It's obvious to many that several of you 00:09:10.220 --> 00:09:12.679 are frightened of the First Amendment. 00:09:12.679 --> 00:09:15.940 perhaps some of you should consider stepping down. 00:09:15.940 --> 00:09:19.960 And you in particular, Jodi, step down, 00:09:19.960 --> 00:09:23.440 find something else to do, go back to flipping burgers. 00:09:32.529 --> 00:09:34.289 There's Robert Holtz that signed in, 00:09:34.289 --> 00:09:37.850 but doesn't say whether you are talking on an agenda item. 00:09:37.850 --> 00:09:40.250 Then you'll have to wait till the end. 00:09:40.250 --> 00:09:41.090 Pardon me? 00:09:41.090 --> 00:09:42.850 I have a special thank you. 00:09:42.850 --> 00:09:45.570 Well, according to the attorney, 00:09:45.570 --> 00:09:47.450 he said you have to wait till the end 00:09:47.450 --> 00:09:48.690 because it's not an agenda item. 00:09:48.690 --> 00:09:49.529 Okay. 00:09:49.529 --> 00:09:50.350 Thank you. 00:09:50.350 --> 00:09:54.730 and Rolanda Allen, same for you? 00:09:54.730 --> 00:09:58.509 Are you on an agenda item? 00:09:58.509 --> 00:09:59.350 No? 00:09:59.350 --> 00:10:00.190 Okay. 00:10:00.190 --> 00:10:06.360 No? Okay. Then we will move on to the consent agenda, which is routine in nature, and will 00:10:06.360 --> 00:10:10.320 be voted as one unless there's a member of the council that would like to have something 00:10:10.320 --> 00:10:16.200 removed for further discussion. Seeing none, the consent agenda consists of approving to 00:10:16.200 --> 00:10:20.740 receive and place on file the Board and Commission minutes from the Foreign Fire Insurance Board 00:10:20.740 --> 00:10:25.100 dated June 12th, the Library Board, July 9th, 00:10:25.100 --> 00:10:28.740 Fire and Police Commission, July 22nd, 2025, 00:10:28.740 --> 00:10:32.340 Freeport Partnerships Monthly Report dated August 2025, 00:10:32.340 --> 00:10:35.539 the adoption of resolution 2025-106, 00:10:35.539 --> 00:10:38.200 which is a resolution to request temporary closures 00:10:38.200 --> 00:10:41.779 of streets for the Freeport High School Homecoming Parade, 00:10:41.779 --> 00:10:44.139 approval of the finance bills payable in total 00:10:44.139 --> 00:10:49.139 of $989,343.30 and the approval of payroll 00:10:49.139 --> 00:10:58.580 Roll for Pay Period Ending August 23rd, 2025 in the total of $588,244.78 and also the Finance 00:10:58.580 --> 00:11:04.019 Reports and the Cash and Investment Reports for July 2025. Is there a motion to approve? 00:11:04.019 --> 00:11:05.539 So moved. Second. 00:11:05.539 --> 00:11:10.980 The motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Madam Clerk, 00:11:10.980 --> 00:11:12.659 could you please take the roll? Shadle? 00:11:12.659 --> 00:11:13.860 Aye. Sanders? 00:11:15.860 --> 00:11:16.500 I pass. 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:30.860 Is that an abstain? Yes. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. 00:11:30.860 --> 00:11:39.379 And Stacy? No. The motion passes 6-1 with one abstention. Item number 6 is the first 00:11:39.379 --> 00:11:44.379 reading of ordinance 2025-53. Could you please read this? Ordinance authorizing the city 00:11:44.379 --> 00:11:49.620 to enter into a fifth renewal to lease agreement with Pete Albert for 103 through 111 South 00:11:49.620 --> 00:11:50.620 Liberty Avenue. 00:11:50.620 --> 00:11:51.620 Thank you. 00:11:51.620 --> 00:11:52.620 Manager Boyer. 00:11:52.620 --> 00:11:53.620 Thank you, Your Honor. 00:11:53.620 --> 00:11:57.580 The city of Freeport entered into a lease agreement with Pete Albert to lease the first 00:11:57.580 --> 00:12:01.740 floor of the former Raleigh metal clad building on September 2nd, 2020. 00:12:01.740 --> 00:12:06.860 The lease has been extended four times with the associated terms listed here in the memo. 00:12:06.860 --> 00:12:12.899 In 21 it was $1,000, in 22 it was $2,000, same with 23 and 24. 00:12:12.899 --> 00:12:17.940 The fifth renewal extends the lease for one year, commencing September 15th and ending 00:12:17.940 --> 00:12:20.180 September 14th, 2026. 00:12:20.180 --> 00:12:25.899 The annual rent remains 2,000 and is consistent with the previous two rentals renewals. 00:12:25.899 --> 00:12:34.220 That is a new provision we've included this year is potentially the ability to terminate 00:12:34.220 --> 00:12:42.419 the lease early in case of the current tenant expressing interest in purchasing the building 00:12:42.419 --> 00:12:49.340 at the Future. So the city receives approximately $2,000 annually in rent and staff recommends 00:12:49.340 --> 00:12:53.819 moving forward renewing the lease with Pete Elber at the Raleigh Metal Clad Building. 00:12:53.819 --> 00:12:55.860 So moved. Second. 00:12:55.860 --> 00:13:01.500 We have a motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Parker to move this ordinance 00:13:01.500 --> 00:13:10.139 on to the next regular scheduled meeting discussion. Alderman Stacey? 00:13:10.139 --> 00:13:24.750 who's paying the taxes on this building there the city owns it so so the city is 00:13:24.750 --> 00:13:31.289 paying the taxes sorry yes Michelle given um the city originally placed the 00:13:31.289 --> 00:13:35.930 property taxes and then we're reimbursed so we do get the rental fee every year 00:13:35.930 --> 00:13:40.930 and then we get paid for the property taxes but it's that discounted favor 00:13:40.930 --> 00:13:44.210 because it's in the city's name. 00:13:45.769 --> 00:13:49.970 How much is paid for taxes on that building? 00:13:49.970 --> 00:13:53.819 I'll need a few minutes. 00:13:53.819 --> 00:13:54.720 Alderman Sanders. 00:13:57.620 --> 00:13:59.019 Yeah, I understand that 00:14:02.100 --> 00:14:05.799 the considerations, some considerations have been made 00:14:05.799 --> 00:14:10.100 in the event, if anything changes 00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:12.240 within the future of this building, 00:14:12.980 --> 00:14:27.759 and the fact that we have not had opportunity to talk about the discovery of why we should 00:14:27.759 --> 00:14:33.839 lease this, continuously lease this building to a certain individual and we have not done 00:14:33.839 --> 00:14:36.240 and our homework on it. 00:14:36.240 --> 00:14:41.240 We have not had enough time to make that distinction yet 00:14:42.620 --> 00:14:47.180 whether or not this particular occupant should continue 00:14:47.180 --> 00:14:49.460 to utilize that building. 00:14:49.460 --> 00:14:54.460 And I am under the thought that the council 00:14:59.180 --> 00:15:01.579 has not come to a conclusion 00:15:01.579 --> 00:15:05.940 or any kind of a resolution for that building. 00:15:05.940 --> 00:15:08.500 And if we are not doing that, 00:15:08.500 --> 00:15:12.460 we don't know what we're selling the building for 00:15:15.700 --> 00:15:18.819 to even make that kind of a discussion. 00:15:18.819 --> 00:15:21.339 And if we're gonna discuss possibilities 00:15:21.339 --> 00:15:25.660 for future references for the occupant 00:15:25.660 --> 00:15:30.660 that's occupying this building or apartment 00:15:30.660 --> 00:15:35.980 or whatever it is, that we need to look into it, explore a little bit more in depth to 00:15:35.980 --> 00:15:41.899 see if it's conducive to the taxpayers here in the city of Freeport, and we don't want 00:15:41.899 --> 00:15:48.139 anybody to have the impression or the appearance, especially council, having the appearance 00:15:48.139 --> 00:15:57.899 of giving consideration to any individual for whatever, the impropriety of the appearance 00:15:57.899 --> 00:15:58.899 Huffines. 00:15:58.899 --> 00:16:04.660 So, I think the importance of it looks very, very suspicious to me at this point in time, 00:16:04.660 --> 00:16:12.460 and I like to be able to look into it more than just coming to council, looking at it 00:16:12.460 --> 00:16:22.360 on the agenda, and then rendering a vote for it, so I think what should happen is we need 00:16:22.360 --> 00:16:35.740 to do this exploratory observation inspection by council, independent councils so they can 00:16:35.740 --> 00:16:46.100 make it an educated or the right type of a decision making that needs to go into this 00:16:46.100 --> 00:16:52.039 particular option because this thing like I'm looking at it to the same occupant for 00:16:52.039 --> 00:17:02.440 so many years and if that is the case, who's monitoring that property, who's inspecting 00:17:02.440 --> 00:17:08.960 that property to determine whether there's potential value should be increased into that 00:17:08.960 --> 00:17:13.920 property. We're not doing any of those kinds of things and we need to be able to be on 00:17:13.920 --> 00:17:22.000 our job to get that kind of information to make sound decisions when it comes to reevaluating 00:17:22.000 --> 00:17:28.000 that particular property and how and and it's not considered or been brought up 00:17:28.000 --> 00:17:36.599 by any other potential buyers or rental options so that's that's my opinion on 00:17:36.599 --> 00:17:43.680 it I think that's what we should do as a council to to not have the appearance of 00:17:43.680 --> 00:18:16.279 I just wondered what would happen to the building if we do not, it's a three-part question here. What would happen to the building if we do not lease it? Is there other 00:18:16.279 --> 00:18:18.039 others who have expressed interest 00:18:18.039 --> 00:18:20.319 in renting or buying this building. 00:18:20.319 --> 00:18:23.279 And has there been any improvement in this area 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:26.000 during the last four years during its rental time? 00:18:26.880 --> 00:18:29.360 Let me try to answer all those for you. 00:18:29.360 --> 00:18:31.440 The building, I think it's five floors 00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:33.519 and four floors are unoccupied. 00:18:33.519 --> 00:18:36.119 So if anybody else wanted to rent a floor in it 00:18:36.119 --> 00:18:38.799 that would definitely be an option as far as, 00:18:38.799 --> 00:18:40.679 and what was the second, third one? 00:18:40.679 --> 00:18:43.200 I wondered if anyone else has been interested 00:18:43.200 --> 00:18:45.320 in renting or buying this building. 00:18:45.320 --> 00:18:47.240 have not received any other interest. 00:18:47.240 --> 00:18:53.869 However, we're always open to it. 00:18:53.869 --> 00:18:54.849 Any improvements? 00:18:54.849 --> 00:18:56.329 No improvements that I'm aware of. 00:18:56.329 --> 00:19:00.070 It's storage and as far as I know. 00:19:00.070 --> 00:19:02.809 Okay. 00:19:02.809 --> 00:19:03.889 Over to Stacey. 00:19:03.889 --> 00:19:05.049 Yes. 00:19:05.049 --> 00:19:09.289 Is advertisement out there informing people 00:19:09.289 --> 00:19:11.710 that this building can be purchased? 00:19:11.710 --> 00:19:14.929 And what is this new provision grants? 00:19:16.529 --> 00:19:18.329 If I could just do my best to answer that. 00:19:18.329 --> 00:19:21.889 We generally have not done a lot of advertising for it. 00:19:21.889 --> 00:19:26.009 We have a lot of vacant space throughout the downtown. 00:19:26.009 --> 00:19:28.730 So we could do that at some expense to the city, 00:19:28.730 --> 00:19:31.730 if that was council's desire. 00:19:31.730 --> 00:19:34.889 And also, as far as the purchasing, obviously, 00:19:34.889 --> 00:19:39.289 we would ideally like to not have the city own 00:19:39.289 --> 00:19:41.110 this building eventually. 00:19:41.110 --> 00:19:42.809 So this just provides a provision 00:19:42.809 --> 00:19:47.289 so that if we are able to get an estimate and kind of move 00:19:47.289 --> 00:19:49.650 in agreement to a value. 00:19:49.650 --> 00:19:53.610 We could bring that for counsel to liquidate this building, 00:19:53.610 --> 00:19:55.329 hopefully in the future. 00:19:55.329 --> 00:19:56.769 If, Attorney Zito. 00:19:56.769 --> 00:20:04.299 Zito just to add on to what the city manager indicated so that additional 00:20:04.299 --> 00:20:10.579 provision about purchase it provides the tenant with an option to purchase so if 00:20:10.579 --> 00:20:16.539 that during this one-year term of this lease that the parties happen to reach 00:20:16.539 --> 00:20:19.380 an agreement so we would have to have discussions they would have to come to 00:20:19.380 --> 00:20:23.180 us and say hey I'm interested in buying the property we would have to come as a 00:20:23.180 --> 00:20:27.059 city through through counsel to an agreement on a price and what all the 00:20:27.059 --> 00:20:50.339 I'm not talking about, I'm not just speaking of the current guy that's getting it every 00:20:50.339 --> 00:20:52.099 year for 2000. 00:20:52.099 --> 00:21:00.500 I'm talking about how would anyone in the city be aware and know what is what what are you even asking for the building? 00:21:00.500 --> 00:21:02.500 How do we know if it's not advertised? 00:21:04.180 --> 00:21:09.500 Well, there are five floors total there's one that's occupied so there's four other floors 00:21:09.819 --> 00:21:14.420 So on public record if there are other people that are interested in using it for cold storage 00:21:14.420 --> 00:21:18.539 Please approach the city would be happy to entertain any offers, but it's been empty for a number of years 00:21:19.299 --> 00:21:20.500 except for 00:21:20.500 --> 00:21:22.500 Mr. Albers and 00:21:23.019 --> 00:21:27.380 It is is a cost offset to the city to have someone there 00:21:27.940 --> 00:21:34.900 And GFP is aware of any empty building and would be more than willing to tell someone if they had 00:21:35.460 --> 00:21:39.220 Interest in something specific. So my question 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:46.019 Is not being answered. How do the citizen of Freeport know that purchasing? 00:21:46.019 --> 00:21:50.099 is purchasing this building is an option 00:21:50.099 --> 00:21:53.420 if information is not put out there. 00:21:53.420 --> 00:21:55.539 I don't care nothing about 00:21:55.539 --> 00:21:58.339 what Greater Freeport Partnership, no. 00:21:58.339 --> 00:22:01.559 I don't care about how many floors. 00:22:01.559 --> 00:22:03.779 My question was, 00:22:05.139 --> 00:22:10.319 how would anybody know 00:22:10.319 --> 00:22:14.759 that this building was up to purchase to be considered 00:22:14.759 --> 00:22:17.319 if it's not advertised, then put out there. 00:22:18.920 --> 00:22:22.039 I would say the same way any other developer does it. 00:22:22.039 --> 00:22:24.860 They go on a property search, they find out who owns it, 00:22:24.860 --> 00:22:26.339 then they call the owner. 00:22:26.339 --> 00:22:28.119 Say, is your building for sale? 00:22:28.119 --> 00:22:29.079 I'd like to buy it. 00:22:30.519 --> 00:22:31.559 That's generally how. 00:22:31.559 --> 00:22:33.480 Do we own over 200 pieces of property? 00:22:33.480 --> 00:22:34.599 Yes. 00:22:34.599 --> 00:22:35.440 Director Duckman. 00:22:35.440 --> 00:22:36.880 I just did wanna say that I know 00:22:36.880 --> 00:22:38.960 the Greater Freeport Partnership does work 00:22:38.960 --> 00:22:42.160 with interested parties that come to the city 00:22:42.160 --> 00:22:44.039 wanting to invest and I know that I've been 00:22:44.039 --> 00:22:47.519 on other parts of the Raleigh building 00:22:47.519 --> 00:22:50.759 and showed it to prospective developers. 00:22:50.759 --> 00:22:54.119 So I know that they're active in shopping the property. 00:22:54.119 --> 00:22:57.000 So when developers come to the city, 00:22:57.000 --> 00:23:00.639 I know the Greater Freeport Partnership does a good job 00:23:00.639 --> 00:23:04.440 utilizing that as a resource when people are interested. 00:23:04.440 --> 00:23:06.400 Director Richter, do you have the answer 00:23:06.400 --> 00:23:08.279 to your first question? 00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:10.619 Yes. 00:23:10.619 --> 00:23:14.700 So the amount that's been reimbursed to the city 00:23:14.700 --> 00:23:19.619 Fort, the tax year of 2024, which was billed in this year, 00:23:19.619 --> 00:23:24.700 was $142.54. 00:23:24.700 --> 00:23:25.360 Thank you. 00:23:25.360 --> 00:23:34.180 So that's all the taxes that he's paying yearly, $142.54? 00:23:34.180 --> 00:23:36.860 Yes, because that's all that the city pays on that property. 00:23:36.860 --> 00:23:40.099 And typically, the city would not pay property taxes at all. 00:23:40.099 --> 00:23:43.240 But our tax assessor charges the city, 00:23:43.240 --> 00:23:45.240 and 00:23:46.240 --> 00:23:48.240 the city of New York. 00:23:49.339 --> 00:23:51.339 So the city of New York is a 00:23:52.460 --> 00:23:54.460 tax assessor and it is taxed as any tax assessor would for if 00:23:55.559 --> 00:23:57.559 the city rents or makes income on a property, then it is taxed. 00:23:59.660 --> 00:24:01.660 But otherwise, property would not be taxed. 00:24:04.420 --> 00:24:06.420 And the reason it's a lower tax amount is it's only renting one 00:24:07.519 --> 00:24:10.829 floor. So they're only assessing taxes on the one floor that the 00:24:10.829 --> 00:24:12.829 city is making income. 00:24:12.829 --> 00:24:13.829 Huffines. 00:24:13.829 --> 00:24:16.829 I want to make it clear to you that this is not an actual 00:24:16.829 --> 00:24:17.829 discussion. 00:24:17.829 --> 00:24:20.829 It is an understanding while I listen to what is being said. 00:24:20.829 --> 00:24:25.829 All of this comes up to a discretionary opinion, not an 00:24:25.829 --> 00:24:32.829 actual terminology or agreement or any of those kinds of 00:24:32.829 --> 00:24:38.829 things that binds the city to any particular occupant of a 00:24:38.829 --> 00:24:42.329 who are part of the city when it comes to taxpayers 00:24:43.230 --> 00:24:45.670 that is owning the property. 00:24:45.670 --> 00:24:50.309 It is a discretion at this point in time 00:24:50.309 --> 00:24:55.309 for anyone that wants to decide 00:24:55.309 --> 00:25:00.309 to occupy any city property and then exploit it 00:25:00.990 --> 00:25:03.309 to get a benefit out of it 00:25:03.309 --> 00:25:04.950 because that's exactly what happens 00:25:04.950 --> 00:25:09.309 when you, whenever you talk about a five story building 00:25:10.430 --> 00:25:14.389 and then let one occupant within that building 00:25:14.389 --> 00:25:16.950 come in and pay a certain amount of dollars, 00:25:16.950 --> 00:25:19.470 who made that discretionary call? 00:25:19.470 --> 00:25:24.470 Who set up those parameters of where and how much 00:25:25.670 --> 00:25:30.670 does an occupant of a building of five story occupy, 00:25:30.869 --> 00:25:32.869 whether or not it's five floors or not, 00:25:32.869 --> 00:25:34.710 whether he rents five floors or not, 00:25:34.710 --> 00:25:38.349 that whole building is being occupied. 00:25:38.349 --> 00:25:43.349 Who is carrying the discretionary guidelines 00:25:44.029 --> 00:25:46.349 or having the opinion, 00:25:46.349 --> 00:25:49.869 because I'm quite sure the council is not involved in that, 00:25:49.869 --> 00:25:51.950 which we should be involved in that 00:25:51.950 --> 00:25:54.910 because we're the ones who should be calling the shots 00:25:54.910 --> 00:25:59.829 about how that building is used 00:25:59.829 --> 00:26:03.670 and how is it benefiting the citizens of Freeport? 00:26:03.670 --> 00:26:08.049 If that building is not being overall utilized 00:26:08.049 --> 00:26:12.589 and marketed for potential rental property 00:26:12.589 --> 00:26:15.910 to anybody else that wants to exploit that property, 00:26:15.910 --> 00:26:18.950 then we're not doing our just due 00:26:18.950 --> 00:26:22.470 about getting this particular building on the market 00:26:22.470 --> 00:26:25.269 so more tenants can be in that building. 00:26:25.269 --> 00:26:27.710 We're not utilizing that service 00:26:27.710 --> 00:26:30.309 of the service of that building at this time. 00:26:30.309 --> 00:26:33.389 So what we need to do is change provisions 00:26:34.389 --> 00:26:37.670 with the structure of how we're gonna utilize this building 00:26:37.670 --> 00:26:42.670 with the taxpayers commenting and have an opinion 00:26:43.150 --> 00:26:48.150 and have their views and an opinion on this property 00:26:48.230 --> 00:26:51.789 that we may not, that if we don't have all the details, 00:26:51.789 --> 00:26:54.029 maybe someone else has the details, 00:26:54.029 --> 00:26:56.509 but we're not exploiting the taxpayers 00:26:56.509 --> 00:27:00.009 to let them know that this building is out there 00:27:00.009 --> 00:27:04.170 and anyone that wants to occupy any portions 00:27:04.170 --> 00:27:07.490 of that building, we have not set up the perimeters 00:27:07.490 --> 00:27:09.809 nor the provisions of that building, 00:27:09.809 --> 00:27:13.569 guidelines or anything to allow anyone else 00:27:13.569 --> 00:27:17.970 to be able to come in and occupy that building. 00:27:17.970 --> 00:27:20.250 So we need to take a reevaluation 00:27:20.250 --> 00:27:22.450 of how we got that thing set up 00:27:22.450 --> 00:27:26.410 because right now in document form, paper form, 00:27:26.410 --> 00:27:30.210 any tangible document agreement or whatever 00:27:30.210 --> 00:27:34.170 with this particular occupant and the building, 00:27:34.170 --> 00:27:37.170 we need to take an assessment over the whole thing 00:27:37.170 --> 00:27:39.889 and make sure that we're following proper guidelines 00:27:39.889 --> 00:27:42.369 that council set. 00:27:43.529 --> 00:27:47.329 What are the, we don't have none of these kinds of things 00:27:47.329 --> 00:27:50.410 that council can refer back to 00:27:50.410 --> 00:27:55.289 and that there's no ordinance at this current time. 00:27:55.289 --> 00:28:10.289 We have not even tried to amend or adopt this particular deal with the any occupants that wants to occupy that building. So my whole thing is, is that we need to re-evaluate. 00:28:10.289 --> 00:28:11.289 Your time has expired. 00:28:11.289 --> 00:28:13.289 Okay, I got you, sister. Okay. 00:28:13.289 --> 00:28:23.289 If there's no further discussion, we'll move this on to the next regularly scheduled meeting. Move on to item number seven, which is the first reading of ordinance 2025-54. Could you please read this? 00:28:23.289 --> 00:28:27.569 Ordinance establishing the Gladewood special service area and accepting 00:28:27.569 --> 00:28:31.809 dedication of roadways and levy of taxes to offset the cost of special services. 00:28:31.809 --> 00:28:36.289 Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank Your Honor. The city received a petition from a 00:28:36.289 --> 00:28:39.889 majority of the property owners in the Gladewood subdivision requesting the 00:28:39.889 --> 00:28:44.490 creation of a special service area or SSA. Following required notices, the 00:28:44.490 --> 00:28:49.769 public hearing on May 28th, no valid objections were filed. The ordinance 00:28:49.769 --> 00:28:54.970 SSA establish the SSA dedicate subdivision roadways to the city and outlines a framework 00:28:54.970 --> 00:28:57.090 for funding ongoing maintenance. 00:28:57.090 --> 00:29:02.990 The SSA ensures improvements to the subdivision's upper and lower entrances, including roadway 00:29:02.990 --> 00:29:07.210 base and asphalt upgrades, meeting engineering standards. 00:29:07.210 --> 00:29:13.289 The city will also accept the internal road system as is into the public street network. 00:29:13.289 --> 00:29:19.070 Establishing the SSA creates a sustainable mechanism for funding services to be benefited 00:29:19.070 --> 00:29:20.070 Miller. 00:29:20.070 --> 00:29:31.269 The ordinance provides for an annual levy of $400 and brought up to me also that's 00:29:31.269 --> 00:29:33.590 for a term of 15 years. 00:29:33.590 --> 00:29:40.190 So across 16 parcels, the revenues will offset costs of roadway maintenance and improvements 00:29:40.190 --> 00:29:44.829 specific to the Gladewood area, ensuring equitable cost recovery. 00:29:44.829 --> 00:29:49.369 Africa men's approval of this ordinance and establishing the Gladewood special 00:29:49.369 --> 00:29:55.230 service area. Motion to approve. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm. 00:29:55.230 --> 00:29:57.829 Seconded. 00:29:57.829 --> 00:30:01.920 made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers to move this ordinance forward. Discussion? 00:30:01.920 --> 00:30:12.480 Alderman Stacey? Yes. How many homeowners in the Gladewood area has agreed and is okay 00:30:12.480 --> 00:30:23.720 with this $400 and what does that fee involve as far as fixing the streets and snow removal? 00:30:23.720 --> 00:30:28.720 but what does this ordinance give the Gladewood people? 00:30:29.160 --> 00:30:32.420 Well, there's 16 parcels that are involved 00:30:32.420 --> 00:30:37.420 and it benefit from improved access to their area. 00:30:37.460 --> 00:30:39.099 You mentioned snow removal. 00:30:39.099 --> 00:30:41.460 And all 16 agreed? 00:30:41.460 --> 00:30:45.299 No, not all 16, a majority of the 16. 00:30:45.299 --> 00:30:47.960 So I believe there was nine or 10 that agreed. 00:30:48.880 --> 00:30:51.839 With that, the snow removal is currently performed 00:30:51.839 --> 00:30:59.920 Park District, and that is an agreement that predates, I think it was former Mayor Calrap 00:30:59.920 --> 00:31:00.920 signed that agreement. 00:31:00.920 --> 00:31:05.809 Did you want your second one? 00:31:05.809 --> 00:31:06.809 Yes. 00:31:06.809 --> 00:31:07.809 Go ahead. 00:31:07.809 --> 00:31:17.049 Have they had an opportunity, all of them, to have an opportunity at that stand and speak 00:31:17.049 --> 00:31:27.849 on this matter as to why or why not they want to pay that $400. I mean, 9 or 10 out of 16 is still. 00:31:28.650 --> 00:31:34.890 Yeah, well we did provide, we followed the state statute on setting up an SSA and in that 00:31:35.450 --> 00:31:42.089 it required a meeting and each person was able to have a dialogue and ask questions and go back and 00:31:42.089 --> 00:31:48.369 Forth, with the engineers, myself, Attorney Cox, so that process was filed. So as far 00:31:48.369 --> 00:31:53.970 as opportunities to stand here in front of council, obviously it's an agenda item, so 00:31:53.970 --> 00:31:58.490 they could speak now if they wanted to, or they could have spoken at public comments. 00:31:58.490 --> 00:32:06.490 Holderman Clem? What was the mumble, the 30 days what? 00:32:06.490 --> 00:32:12.009 They also had 30 days to file an objection with me and I received none. 00:32:12.009 --> 00:32:13.009 Coleman, Clem. 00:32:13.009 --> 00:32:14.009 Sure. 00:32:14.009 --> 00:32:17.849 I just wanted to say I don't know the exact date, but a hearing was held here in City 00:32:17.849 --> 00:32:24.230 Hall and there was conversation back and forth with many of the homeowners that were here. 00:32:24.230 --> 00:32:29.610 It was laid out as to all the costs and what would be done. 00:32:29.610 --> 00:32:36.889 It was agreed to the biggest areas in need are the entrance and the exit coming into 00:32:36.889 --> 00:32:37.889 it. 00:32:37.889 --> 00:32:41.889 and others will be fixed so that it isn't full of potholes 00:32:41.889 --> 00:32:45.289 and stuff and then we will get it into our process 00:32:45.289 --> 00:32:47.710 to get the whole thing surfaced. 00:32:47.710 --> 00:32:52.710 So all of that was discussed and it was open to everybody. 00:32:55.250 --> 00:32:58.250 Yes, there were some people that objected, sure there were. 00:32:59.329 --> 00:33:03.549 It was one of those things that was never found 00:33:03.549 --> 00:33:08.410 until work came up on the Gladewood Bridge. 00:33:08.410 --> 00:33:11.789 When work was studied on the Gladewood Bridge, 00:33:11.789 --> 00:33:16.509 it came up that this had never been transferred to the city. 00:33:16.509 --> 00:33:19.309 So it's kind of a bad deal, 00:33:19.309 --> 00:33:22.869 and this is one of the best ways to rectify it. 00:33:22.869 --> 00:33:26.509 And everybody in there will have new roads 00:33:26.509 --> 00:33:29.029 and have decent roads to drive on. 00:33:29.029 --> 00:33:33.430 So are you saying that it's now the city's, it's under the city? 00:33:33.430 --> 00:33:46.430 Establishing a special service area is part of it becoming, it's required to set that up so we have some cost recovery in exchange the city takes over the street. 00:33:46.430 --> 00:33:48.430 Oldham and Sanders? 00:33:48.430 --> 00:33:53.430 Yeah, I was going to ask, where are the numbers coming from? 00:33:53.430 --> 00:33:58.430 and who sets up the guidelines for cost effective overall, 00:33:59.950 --> 00:34:04.829 the overall for the city part 00:34:04.829 --> 00:34:07.869 of the maintenance of that area. 00:34:07.869 --> 00:34:10.570 And how do we determine what the numbers are gonna be, 00:34:10.570 --> 00:34:13.710 what it's gonna cost, where the fundings are gonna go 00:34:13.710 --> 00:34:18.710 after receiving any type of provisions, 00:34:18.710 --> 00:34:27.949 of Provisions, I mean any revenue, I'll put it like that, any kind of revenue, where does 00:34:27.949 --> 00:34:33.949 this money end up and how does it benefit the taxpayers of the city and the maintenance 00:34:33.949 --> 00:34:38.550 overall cost and not only that, how do we come up with the $400? 00:34:38.550 --> 00:34:41.309 I'm trying to figure out where these numbers come in from. 00:34:41.309 --> 00:34:47.070 Well, the $400 came from, started with an estimate that was calculated, the attorney 00:34:47.070 --> 00:34:51.449 and myself worked on you know what was reasonable. We also looked at engineering 00:34:51.449 --> 00:34:56.090 estimates for what it would take to take care of the emergent issues on the 00:34:56.090 --> 00:35:00.449 entrance and exit to Gladewood and then also just more of a common-sense 00:35:00.449 --> 00:35:05.809 approach as far as you know what's realistic here, what is realistic. So all 00:35:05.809 --> 00:35:09.809 those doesn't completely recover every dime required to do the immediate 00:35:09.809 --> 00:35:14.170 repairs. This goes a long way of cutting down the city's expenses with dealing 00:35:14.170 --> 00:35:17.010 with the emergent issues on the entrance and exit. 00:35:17.010 --> 00:35:19.769 So what's going to include, what's included right now 00:35:19.769 --> 00:35:22.250 and what we'll be working on for next year 00:35:22.250 --> 00:35:27.250 is base repair and resurfacing of the entrance and exit. 00:35:27.849 --> 00:35:31.429 If I recall right, it was about 200 feet on either side. 00:35:32.610 --> 00:35:34.610 Okay, all what you're saying is a- 00:35:34.610 --> 00:35:35.809 Okay, do you want to use your second? 00:35:35.809 --> 00:35:36.650 Cause he was still- 00:35:36.650 --> 00:35:37.889 Why are you interjecting? 00:35:37.889 --> 00:35:39.970 Because you don't have the floor, he does. 00:35:39.970 --> 00:35:42.130 He shouldn't have the floor if I'm still talking. 00:35:42.130 --> 00:35:43.690 But you weren't, he was talking. 00:35:43.690 --> 00:35:45.529 No, I was talking first. 00:35:45.529 --> 00:35:48.170 Please, Alderman Sanders, he had the floor. 00:35:48.170 --> 00:35:50.449 Manager Boyer, did you have more you wanted to say? 00:35:50.449 --> 00:35:53.849 I believe I've, did I answer your question, Alderman Sanders? 00:35:53.849 --> 00:35:56.050 Now, would you like your second time speaking? 00:35:56.050 --> 00:35:57.929 That's not the protocol. 00:35:57.929 --> 00:35:58.769 It is the protocol. 00:35:58.769 --> 00:36:00.529 No, it's not the protocol. 00:36:00.529 --> 00:36:03.010 That is not how the procedures work. 00:36:03.010 --> 00:36:04.610 You don't get to guide the council. 00:36:04.610 --> 00:36:05.970 Would you like your second time speaking? 00:36:05.970 --> 00:36:07.929 You don't get to guide the council 00:36:07.929 --> 00:36:10.889 when he having a one-on-one conversation 00:36:10.889 --> 00:36:14.510 to determine whether or not we are in a conversation. 00:36:14.510 --> 00:36:17.730 We can't even make that distinction right now because why? 00:36:17.730 --> 00:36:22.730 I have to continue to use my questions at your discretion, 00:36:23.869 --> 00:36:28.869 calling out when can I talk to my administrative body 00:36:29.329 --> 00:36:31.449 when he's sitting right here talking to me. 00:36:31.449 --> 00:36:33.369 You can talk to him every day if you want to, 00:36:33.369 --> 00:36:34.849 but he has the floor. That's not the point. 00:36:34.849 --> 00:36:37.170 That is not the point. 00:36:37.170 --> 00:36:39.210 I am getting fed up with the fact 00:36:39.210 --> 00:36:40.210 and Stacey. 00:36:40.210 --> 00:36:41.210 We have to go by certain protocols. 00:36:41.210 --> 00:36:43.210 I'm getting fed up that you're being disruptive. 00:36:43.210 --> 00:36:45.210 Would you like your second time? 00:36:45.210 --> 00:36:46.809 Otherwise just move away from the microphone. 00:36:46.809 --> 00:36:48.970 My point is this. 00:36:48.970 --> 00:36:52.650 He did not go through the same thing that I went through. 00:36:52.650 --> 00:36:59.210 He just interjected himself in the conversation that I was having a question about. 00:36:59.210 --> 00:37:02.090 So you didn't have that call to make that. 00:37:02.090 --> 00:37:04.730 So Alderman Stacey, would you like your time? 00:37:04.730 --> 00:37:07.849 No, I want to answer the question. 00:37:07.849 --> 00:37:11.529 I want to ask the second question. Would you like to have the floor Alderman Sanders? 00:37:11.529 --> 00:37:17.529 Yes, I would. Okay, that's all you needed. Okay. Well, I don't like to, I don't, okay, my, my, my point 00:37:17.529 --> 00:37:28.900 is this. You're having a meeting, you're having a meeting, um, or had a meeting with the 00:37:28.900 --> 00:37:36.019 Clay, Claywood, um, area, uh, council people, committee or whatever the case is that you 00:37:36.019 --> 00:37:41.019 we went through to establish how you come up with numbers 00:37:42.179 --> 00:37:44.900 and the council don't see those numbers. 00:37:44.900 --> 00:37:47.500 We don't see how you came about those numbers. 00:37:47.500 --> 00:37:49.860 It's not saying that what you're saying 00:37:49.860 --> 00:37:53.260 that it's more like a discretionary thing 00:37:53.260 --> 00:37:56.420 that is based upon your consideration 00:37:56.420 --> 00:37:58.860 and your opinion about the numbers. 00:37:58.860 --> 00:38:00.539 That's what I'm concerned about. 00:38:00.539 --> 00:38:04.940 And my thing is that is not the right approach to do that. 00:38:04.940 --> 00:38:09.940 and council is to be formed before any decisions 00:38:09.940 --> 00:38:11.340 are being made out in the field 00:38:11.340 --> 00:38:14.179 when it comes to redirecting things, 00:38:14.179 --> 00:38:16.380 fundings and all of these kinds of things. 00:38:16.380 --> 00:38:18.820 The city has to be clued in 00:38:18.820 --> 00:38:23.340 so we can make an intelligent decision 00:38:23.340 --> 00:38:26.619 and understand the process of what you're doing. 00:38:26.619 --> 00:38:31.179 We can't come to council understanding what you did 00:38:31.179 --> 00:38:33.840 before we had an opportunity to talk about it 00:38:33.840 --> 00:38:35.519 because it's not in the memo. 00:38:35.519 --> 00:38:39.000 Everything that you talk about is not always in the memo. 00:38:39.000 --> 00:38:43.480 And so what I'm saying is there's a lot of variations 00:38:43.480 --> 00:38:46.119 that are going on that we have not talked about 00:38:46.119 --> 00:38:48.239 when it comes to this particular area. 00:38:48.239 --> 00:38:49.739 Don't get me wrong. 00:38:49.739 --> 00:38:51.960 I just want to know how we got here. 00:38:51.960 --> 00:38:55.139 That's all I'm asking because a lot of things 00:38:55.139 --> 00:38:59.139 that we're doing is not being revealed unto the council 00:38:59.139 --> 00:39:01.960 and the council needs to know beforehand 00:39:01.960 --> 00:39:06.960 so they can make a form and opinion or decision 00:39:07.119 --> 00:39:10.199 about what is going on out in the field. 00:39:10.199 --> 00:39:13.880 I have no problem with it unless I can understand 00:39:13.880 --> 00:39:16.119 the process of how you got here. 00:39:16.119 --> 00:39:18.480 And if that is not how we're doing things, 00:39:18.480 --> 00:39:21.019 then we need to restructure some of those things 00:39:21.019 --> 00:39:26.019 so we can get a clear view on how to go to the next step 00:39:26.920 --> 00:39:29.440 or how we're gonna get to the next step. 00:39:29.440 --> 00:39:32.720 and then not only that, the council is always informed 00:39:32.720 --> 00:39:34.559 of how we got there. 00:39:34.559 --> 00:39:36.199 Am I out of time now? 00:39:36.199 --> 00:39:37.720 No, you still got a minute and 30 seconds. 00:39:37.720 --> 00:39:39.000 No, I don't want it now. 00:39:40.400 --> 00:39:42.079 Is there any, and I'm sorry, Alderman Stacey, 00:39:42.079 --> 00:39:43.279 you already spoke twice. 00:39:44.480 --> 00:39:45.639 Is there any other discussion? 00:39:45.639 --> 00:39:47.480 Otherwise we will move this forward 00:39:47.480 --> 00:39:49.500 to the next city council meeting. 00:39:50.820 --> 00:39:52.199 Item number eight is the first reading 00:39:52.199 --> 00:39:54.139 of ordinance 2025-55. 00:39:54.139 --> 00:39:55.000 Alderman Klemm. 00:39:55.000 --> 00:39:59.599 Second, I don't know if Alderman Stacy really heard what you said or she had a question 00:39:59.599 --> 00:40:00.599 to ask, I believe. 00:40:00.599 --> 00:40:04.480 Yeah, she had already spoke twice, yep. 00:40:04.480 --> 00:40:08.519 Did you have something further than Alderman Klemm? 00:40:08.519 --> 00:40:10.239 Did you have something you wanted to add? 00:40:10.239 --> 00:40:11.239 No? 00:40:11.239 --> 00:40:12.239 Okay. 00:40:12.239 --> 00:40:15.599 Then we'll move on to the first reading of Ordinance 20-25-55. 00:40:15.599 --> 00:40:17.280 Could you please read this? 00:40:17.280 --> 00:40:30.280 Thank you. 00:40:30.280 --> 00:40:31.280 Manager Boyer? 00:40:31.280 --> 00:40:32.280 Thank you, Your Honor. 00:40:32.280 --> 00:40:36.960 If you'll look at the memo, a revised memo, there's a mistake in the one that I put forward 00:40:36.960 --> 00:40:39.460 with the agenda. 00:40:39.460 --> 00:40:45.079 State law generally sets a mandatory requirement, age of 65, for police and firefighters. 00:40:45.079 --> 00:40:50.239 The city's code currently references those requirements for the Chief of Police, that's 00:40:50.239 --> 00:40:58.039 Section 240.04 and Fire Chief, Section 242.05, however, age alone does not determine whether 00:40:58.039 --> 00:41:01.840 an individual is fit to serve as Chief. 00:41:01.840 --> 00:41:06.780 Our current Fire Chief continues to provide exemplary leadership and has earned the trust 00:41:06.780 --> 00:41:08.639 of his department and community. 00:41:08.639 --> 00:41:12.920 It is the city's best interest to allow him to continue to serve as long as he wishes, 00:41:12.920 --> 00:41:16.480 provided he remains capable and effective. 00:41:16.480 --> 00:41:20.199 As a home rule unit, the city of Freeport may establish its own requirements for the 00:41:20.199 --> 00:41:25.719 position of police and fire chief, and the ordinance adds new subsections clarifying 00:41:25.719 --> 00:41:30.840 that the position of chief of police and fire chief will not be subject to a mandatory retirement 00:41:30.840 --> 00:41:32.300 age of 65. 00:41:32.300 --> 00:41:37.800 This change ensures leadership decisions are based on performance and ability and not age. 00:41:37.800 --> 00:41:43.179 From a legal perspective, the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act restricts 00:41:43.179 --> 00:41:46.900 mandatory retirements except in limited cases. 00:41:46.900 --> 00:41:51.539 By removing the age cap for chiefs, the city reduces potential exposure to any kind of 00:41:51.539 --> 00:41:57.760 discrimination issues and aligns with best practices across Illinois municipalities. 00:41:57.760 --> 00:42:03.000 So staff recommend there is no financial impact and staff recommends moving forward with 00:42:03.000 --> 00:42:05.599 and the amendment removing the maximum age 00:42:05.599 --> 00:42:08.639 for police and fire chiefs. 00:42:08.639 --> 00:42:10.079 Is there a motion to move this forward? 00:42:10.079 --> 00:42:10.920 So moved. 00:42:10.920 --> 00:42:11.739 So moved. 00:42:11.739 --> 00:42:13.239 Second. 00:42:13.239 --> 00:42:14.920 Also suspension of the rules. 00:42:14.920 --> 00:42:16.400 Suspension of the rules. 00:42:16.400 --> 00:42:18.440 We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, 00:42:18.440 --> 00:42:20.460 seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:42:20.460 --> 00:42:22.199 Discussion on this ordinance? 00:42:22.199 --> 00:42:24.320 May a motion to suspend the rules? 00:42:24.320 --> 00:42:25.559 Yes. Second. 00:42:25.559 --> 00:42:26.920 We have a motion to suspend the rules 00:42:26.920 --> 00:42:28.440 made by Alderman Parker. 00:42:28.440 --> 00:42:29.280 I didn't. 00:42:29.280 --> 00:42:32.000 Seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:42:32.000 --> 00:42:33.679 Suspension of the rules is non-debatable. 00:42:33.679 --> 00:42:34.519 Yeah, I know. 00:42:34.519 --> 00:42:36.239 That's very clever. 00:42:36.239 --> 00:42:37.079 That's very clever of you. 00:42:37.079 --> 00:42:38.239 All of the standards, please. 00:42:38.239 --> 00:42:40.079 Yeah, I saw this coming. 00:42:40.079 --> 00:42:41.840 This is a non-debated issue. 00:42:41.840 --> 00:42:42.800 I understand that. 00:42:42.800 --> 00:42:44.800 Okay, so Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll 00:42:44.800 --> 00:42:45.639 on the suspension only? Yeah, I understand that. 00:42:45.639 --> 00:42:46.480 I saw that coming. 00:42:46.480 --> 00:42:47.320 Shadle? 00:42:47.320 --> 00:42:48.400 I wanted you to know that. 00:42:48.400 --> 00:42:49.679 Sanders? 00:42:49.679 --> 00:42:50.519 No. 00:42:50.519 --> 00:42:51.340 Sellers? 00:42:51.340 --> 00:42:52.179 Aye. 00:42:52.179 --> 00:42:53.019 Klemm? 00:42:53.019 --> 00:42:53.860 Aye. 00:42:53.860 --> 00:42:54.679 Johnson? 00:42:54.679 --> 00:43:01.949 Aye. 00:43:01.949 --> 00:43:02.769 Simmons? 00:43:02.769 --> 00:43:03.610 Oh, I said no, sorry. 00:43:03.610 --> 00:43:04.449 Thank you. 00:43:04.449 --> 00:43:05.269 Parker? 00:43:05.269 --> 00:43:06.110 Aye. 00:43:06.110 --> 00:43:06.949 And Stacy? 00:43:06.949 --> 00:43:07.789 No. 00:43:07.789 --> 00:43:14.230 Motion passes 6 to 2. So now before you is the final passage. Alderman Sanders, 00:43:14.230 --> 00:43:20.230 would you like to have a question on this? Yeah, I just can't understand how 00:43:20.230 --> 00:43:30.510 one of the constituents leaders of their ward cannot come to the to the terms or 00:43:30.510 --> 00:43:37.269 the or the however you want to put it come to a conclusion that we should 00:43:37.269 --> 00:43:56.269 and I have a question for you. I would like to ask you a question about why you want to suspend this particular rule and not have a clear understanding and talk about why the ordinance clearly states this and we want to ignore it. 00:43:56.269 --> 00:44:01.269 to go along with discussions if it's the proper thing to do. 00:44:02.750 --> 00:44:06.590 But here I got someone in here that's talking about 00:44:06.590 --> 00:44:11.590 suspended when the ordinance is talking about the cap age. 00:44:11.590 --> 00:44:13.470 It's talking about establishing that, 00:44:13.470 --> 00:44:15.989 and then not only that, you obviously didn't read 00:44:15.989 --> 00:44:19.470 the fact that there was discretionary and opinions 00:44:19.470 --> 00:44:21.750 going on in this particular agenda, 00:44:21.750 --> 00:44:26.029 on this particular ordinance in its entirety. 00:44:26.029 --> 00:44:31.029 someone is throwing their opinions into this memo 00:44:31.510 --> 00:44:34.989 without council having a chance to even discuss it, 00:44:34.989 --> 00:44:39.989 let alone getting it right in the ordinance perspective. 00:44:41.710 --> 00:44:45.710 We're not doing the just due diligence of the ordinance. 00:44:45.710 --> 00:44:50.029 Now, if there's any amendments that needs to be made, 00:44:50.029 --> 00:44:54.510 then let the rest of the council be able to speak out 00:44:54.510 --> 00:44:59.510 on this particular ordinance, so the people, 00:44:59.909 --> 00:45:02.949 the public can hear what the opinions are, 00:45:02.949 --> 00:45:06.029 why we should do this, because if the ordinance 00:45:06.029 --> 00:45:11.029 gives you a cap, why are we trying to change that cap? 00:45:11.429 --> 00:45:16.429 And we need to know who's bringing that thought 00:45:17.750 --> 00:45:22.389 into the council, I understand the city manager 00:45:22.389 --> 00:45:26.429 is throwing his opinion in there, his discretionary opinion 00:45:26.429 --> 00:45:29.949 and wanting for us to take the consideration 00:45:29.949 --> 00:45:34.130 of what he is saying, that's not how this works. 00:45:34.130 --> 00:45:38.150 There's an ordinance that allows council 00:45:38.150 --> 00:45:42.010 the opportunity to weigh in on this particular memo 00:45:42.010 --> 00:45:46.349 that has been presented to us and the public as well. 00:45:46.349 --> 00:45:51.349 This is not sold based upon one individual's discretionary 00:45:52.389 --> 00:45:53.389 Miller. 00:45:53.389 --> 00:46:07.269 It is all about the council making those discretionary parameters and whether or not we want to consider 00:46:07.269 --> 00:46:11.429 allowing the cap to be raised or the cap to be removed. 00:46:11.429 --> 00:46:13.889 And that's exactly what this is talking about. 00:46:13.889 --> 00:46:19.909 Having the cap to be removed and then we're supposed to not have a committee to make sure 00:46:19.909 --> 00:46:29.909 We can't say we've got a Fire Chief and a Police Chief in the Council or in the Administrator body at 99 years old. 00:46:29.909 --> 00:46:31.909 Where does this stop? 00:46:31.909 --> 00:46:37.909 And nobody sitting here is qualified to make those discretionary calls. 00:46:37.909 --> 00:46:47.909 We can't say we've got a Fire Chief and a Police Chief in the Council or in the Administrator body at 99 years old. 00:46:47.909 --> 00:46:48.909 Fowler. 00:46:48.909 --> 00:46:50.590 We have to make those discretionary calls. 00:46:50.590 --> 00:46:51.590 No one. 00:46:51.590 --> 00:46:57.429 You suspended it, sir, so you don't get an opportunity to voice your opinion on this 00:46:57.429 --> 00:46:58.429 particular matter. 00:46:58.429 --> 00:47:03.789 But my point is, there's no committee set up to make that distinction whether or not 00:47:03.789 --> 00:47:11.429 an individual is going to be effective enough to continue without a cap on it and the ordinance 00:47:11.429 --> 00:47:14.429 set it there so that could happen. 00:47:14.429 --> 00:47:19.429 Now, if we want to change things as a council, that's one thing. We can amend it. 00:47:19.429 --> 00:47:24.429 Thank you Alderman Sanders. Your time has expired. Alderman Stacy, did you have your hand up? 00:47:24.429 --> 00:47:30.429 What is the advantage for suspending the rules? 00:47:30.429 --> 00:47:32.429 Manager Boyer? 00:47:32.429 --> 00:47:37.429 I think it's in deference to our current chief. 00:47:37.429 --> 00:47:39.429 What? 00:47:39.429 --> 00:47:46.190 It's in deference to our current chief so that we make a timely decision and able to move forward and not have this subject come 00:47:46.190 --> 00:47:48.869 back over and over again if the council is 00:47:50.269 --> 00:47:57.309 Accepting of moving forward with this change. And so are you saying not suspending the rules? It's not being fair to no 00:47:57.309 --> 00:48:01.349 I did not say it's not fair. I just simply said in deference to 00:48:01.989 --> 00:48:03.989 our current chief I 00:48:03.989 --> 00:48:07.670 and I would request the suspension of the rules. 00:48:07.670 --> 00:48:09.349 So what are we looking at? 00:48:09.349 --> 00:48:14.250 As far as time-wise, suspending the rules 00:48:14.250 --> 00:48:15.869 are not suspending the rules. 00:48:15.869 --> 00:48:16.909 What are we looking at? 00:48:16.909 --> 00:48:18.989 A week? 00:48:18.989 --> 00:48:22.349 It would be moving to actually suspension of the rules 00:48:22.349 --> 00:48:24.489 is kind of already over with. 00:48:24.489 --> 00:48:26.269 So it's a non-debatable thing. 00:48:26.269 --> 00:48:27.470 You either vote yes or no. 00:48:27.470 --> 00:48:31.190 So to talk about suspension of the rules is kind of pointless. 00:48:31.190 --> 00:48:33.869 Do you want to talk about the ordinance itself 00:48:33.869 --> 00:48:36.429 and if it would have not passed, 00:48:36.429 --> 00:48:38.710 then it would have been pushed back two weeks. 00:48:38.710 --> 00:48:42.230 Okay, so I just wanted to know what was the advantage 00:48:42.230 --> 00:48:43.909 in suspending the rules? 00:48:43.909 --> 00:48:45.570 And you're telling me two weeks. 00:48:47.070 --> 00:48:50.059 That's the time frame. 00:48:50.059 --> 00:48:52.300 Olin and Parker, did you want to add to that? 00:48:52.300 --> 00:48:55.039 Yeah, as long as apparently he was talking to me directly. 00:48:55.039 --> 00:48:57.460 I'm entitled to my opinion, I totally believe it 00:48:57.460 --> 00:48:59.500 and if you read the ordinance that he put out, 00:48:59.500 --> 00:49:04.380 it gives you an option if the person turns 65, 00:49:04.380 --> 00:49:07.539 is not capable of doing the job, he can be removed. 00:49:07.539 --> 00:49:10.699 But when you have somebody as quality as we have, 00:49:10.699 --> 00:49:14.420 it's not an easy thing to change the chief of a position. 00:49:14.420 --> 00:49:16.380 It's easier just to keep who you have there 00:49:16.380 --> 00:49:17.860 if you're doing a good job. 00:49:17.860 --> 00:49:20.099 My opinion is doing a good job. 00:49:20.099 --> 00:49:22.179 So we're both entitled to our opinions, Larry. 00:49:22.179 --> 00:49:23.260 Yeah, that's basically what it is. 00:49:23.260 --> 00:49:25.739 Any other discussion? 00:49:25.739 --> 00:49:29.019 If not, Alderman Johnson. 00:49:29.019 --> 00:49:34.019 Just wanted to say that in the ordinance section 242.32, 00:49:34.380 --> 00:49:39.179 it talks about periodic physical examinations. 00:49:39.179 --> 00:49:42.980 So every member shall take and pass physical examinations 00:49:42.980 --> 00:49:45.960 whenever directed by the Board of Fire 00:49:45.960 --> 00:49:47.019 and Police Commissions. 00:49:47.019 --> 00:49:50.639 So if it's someone that's 65 or older 00:49:50.639 --> 00:49:52.340 and we think there might be some. 00:49:52.340 --> 00:49:54.000 So, if they're older and we think there might be some problems with their physical or mental 00:49:54.000 --> 00:50:01.179 status, maybe not capable of doing the job, then they can order a physical exam to safeguard 00:50:01.179 --> 00:50:09.619 that, you know, that point that they are physically able and mentally able to do the job. 00:50:09.619 --> 00:50:10.619 There's no further discussion? 00:50:10.619 --> 00:50:11.619 Yeah. 00:50:11.619 --> 00:50:12.619 Alderman Sanders. 00:50:12.619 --> 00:50:13.619 Yeah. 00:50:13.619 --> 00:50:14.619 and John. 00:50:14.619 --> 00:50:27.019 I think that adds coupling to that observation whether or not someone needs to be available 00:50:27.019 --> 00:50:32.380 committee or if someone needs to be able to say that a certain individual needs to take 00:50:32.380 --> 00:50:37.739 an agility test to be examined to determine whether or not he's fit to do that job. 00:50:37.739 --> 00:50:45.219 Well, the point is there's no mechanism in place right at this current time to make that 00:50:45.219 --> 00:50:49.300 discretionary observation monitoring system. 00:50:49.300 --> 00:51:00.659 We do not have that to determine whether a person that has been considered beyond retirement. 00:51:00.659 --> 00:51:07.659 When the ordinance says this is the deadline of the retirement, you must follow this. 00:51:07.659 --> 00:51:08.659 Fowler. 00:51:08.659 --> 00:51:15.780 I want to give consideration for someone to continue after the ordinance has already been 00:51:15.780 --> 00:51:17.219 put in place. 00:51:17.219 --> 00:51:24.380 The council has to place an amendment or have one already in place to even call that. 00:51:24.380 --> 00:51:30.739 No one person makes these kinds of declarations or make any kind of opinion about it unless 00:51:30.739 --> 00:51:39.900 We have all been informed about the possibilities of these things happening. I have no problem 00:51:39.900 --> 00:51:48.619 with the consideration of amending if a person has the agility and the ability to work beyond 00:51:48.619 --> 00:51:54.500 the retirement age. I have no problem with that. But my problem is we never talked about 00:51:54.500 --> 00:51:59.500 A cap, even after 65, we have not even got to that point yet. 00:52:00.139 --> 00:52:02.800 And so to have that discussion and have a committee 00:52:02.800 --> 00:52:07.800 to make that kind of determination to inform council 00:52:09.059 --> 00:52:13.460 that this person is sound mind, capable, effective, 00:52:13.460 --> 00:52:17.420 and all of these, there's nothing in place 00:52:17.420 --> 00:52:21.619 that gives us that vision, that gives us that understanding. 00:52:21.619 --> 00:52:24.260 So all of this that we're talking about 00:52:24.260 --> 00:52:29.260 is mute right now because we need to reevaluate 00:52:29.519 --> 00:52:31.239 what we just talked about. 00:52:31.239 --> 00:52:34.280 And that's the essence of all of this. 00:52:34.280 --> 00:52:38.059 So we need to redo all of it, 00:52:38.059 --> 00:52:39.400 including the suspension 00:52:39.400 --> 00:52:41.539 that was thrown out there as well. 00:52:41.539 --> 00:52:42.519 Chief Miller. 00:52:42.519 --> 00:52:43.760 Yes, thank you, your honor. 00:52:43.760 --> 00:52:48.599 So maybe I can help bring this to light or make it clear. 00:52:48.599 --> 00:52:52.079 I actually brought this forward to Manager Boyer. 00:52:52.079 --> 00:52:53.280 I wanted to get in front of this. 00:52:53.280 --> 00:52:56.280 I discovered that there is this 00:52:56.280 --> 00:52:59.320 fire and police commission statute that's out there. 00:52:59.320 --> 00:53:01.820 And obviously looking at the police chief and myself, 00:53:01.820 --> 00:53:05.079 we all know that this is about me and not him. 00:53:06.480 --> 00:53:10.739 So looking at, and attorney Zito correct me 00:53:10.739 --> 00:53:14.239 if I'm misinterpreting, but what this came down to is 00:53:14.239 --> 00:53:18.519 it's a fire and police commission Illinois compiled statutes 00:53:18.519 --> 00:53:21.119 statute that was adopted by the city 00:53:21.119 --> 00:53:23.780 on behalf of the Fire and Police Commission. 00:53:23.780 --> 00:53:28.179 So what this determines is anybody who falls 00:53:28.179 --> 00:53:30.860 under Fire and Police Commission authority, 00:53:30.860 --> 00:53:33.179 meaning you're hired, you're tested, 00:53:33.179 --> 00:53:35.519 you're promoted through Fire and Police Commission, 00:53:35.519 --> 00:53:40.519 this applies to the 65 years of age mandatory retirement. 00:53:42.420 --> 00:53:45.460 What this is talking about before you tonight is 00:53:45.460 --> 00:53:47.219 the police chief and myself are not 00:53:47.219 --> 00:53:48.739 under Fire and Police Commission. 00:53:48.739 --> 00:53:52.260 we're merely appointed by the city manager 00:53:52.260 --> 00:53:54.400 with council approval. 00:53:54.400 --> 00:53:57.739 So that is the determination between rank and file, 00:53:57.739 --> 00:54:01.780 fire and police commission and city manager. 00:54:01.780 --> 00:54:05.340 So what this states is any position 00:54:05.340 --> 00:54:07.340 that is below the chief level 00:54:07.340 --> 00:54:10.400 and meaning that they're tested, they're promoted, 00:54:10.400 --> 00:54:12.300 they come up through the ranks, 00:54:12.300 --> 00:54:16.099 this is governed by the 65 year rule. 00:54:16.099 --> 00:54:19.659 but for police chiefs, fire chiefs, 00:54:19.659 --> 00:54:23.300 we aren't part of that fire and police commission statute 00:54:23.300 --> 00:54:26.539 where the administration, which is appointed position 00:54:26.539 --> 00:54:27.679 with your approval. 00:54:27.679 --> 00:54:29.099 So we're just trying to clear this up 00:54:29.099 --> 00:54:31.480 and make it more understandable, 00:54:31.480 --> 00:54:34.179 bring the ordinance to light, 00:54:34.179 --> 00:54:37.179 have the ability for elected officials to be aware of it 00:54:37.179 --> 00:54:42.179 and then be finished with it above board 00:54:42.179 --> 00:54:46.820 and have transparency and honesty about this. 00:54:46.820 --> 00:54:48.940 I'm sorry, Alderman Sanders, you already had your two. 00:54:48.940 --> 00:54:49.860 Alderman Stacey. 00:54:51.860 --> 00:54:54.860 Thank you, Chief Miller for explaining that. 00:55:00.420 --> 00:55:02.860 And you know it's nothing against you with me 00:55:04.360 --> 00:55:06.300 in any way, shape or form. 00:55:06.300 --> 00:55:10.599 I'm just trying to understand what's at hand, 00:55:10.599 --> 00:55:13.019 but before I can even get an understanding, 00:55:13.019 --> 00:55:16.599 the rules are suspended and I just needed to know 00:55:16.599 --> 00:55:21.039 what the advantage was in suspending the rules 00:55:21.039 --> 00:55:26.039 and that happens quite often and it is disturbing 00:55:29.639 --> 00:55:32.720 because no one could even explain it to me. 00:55:32.720 --> 00:55:35.519 The mayor made more sense to city manager Boyer 00:55:36.840 --> 00:55:38.480 but the way you just broke it down 00:55:38.480 --> 00:55:39.480 Bates. 00:55:39.480 --> 00:55:40.480 Thank you. 00:55:40.480 --> 00:55:53.679 And I have no problem if it's no weeks, one week or two weeks, you're more than qualified 00:55:53.679 --> 00:55:58.559 and capable of carrying on your title. 00:55:58.559 --> 00:56:01.320 Suspension of the rules doesn't stop discussion. 00:56:01.320 --> 00:56:04.079 It just is an order of procedure. 00:56:04.079 --> 00:56:07.880 So if there's no further discussion on this, you already spoke twice, sorry. 00:56:07.880 --> 00:56:37.880 I get a third one? No. You'd have to have council approval. Alderman Klemm. I was I was in this position 16 years ago. That means I'm an old fart. Okay. So if you do some math into it, the times have really changed. Years ago, when these things were set up, it'd be in a mandatory 65. You know, people over 65 years old at that point, were pretty well 00:56:37.880 --> 00:56:39.480 Ready for Retirement. 00:56:39.480 --> 00:56:42.599 You take a look at things today with modern technology 00:56:42.599 --> 00:56:47.440 and medicine, modern medications and everything else. 00:56:47.440 --> 00:56:49.579 People are living a lot longer. 00:56:49.579 --> 00:56:53.059 People are living better for a longer period of time. 00:56:53.059 --> 00:56:57.800 The one thing I think that is a thing to get rid of this 00:56:57.800 --> 00:57:01.039 is the fact of if it comes to a position 00:57:01.039 --> 00:57:02.880 and there's a different city manager 00:57:02.880 --> 00:57:05.760 and there's a different city and a different fire chief, 00:57:05.760 --> 00:57:07.599 somebody can walk up to the fire chief 00:57:07.599 --> 00:57:09.599 and 00:57:10.599 --> 00:57:12.599 Kessler. 00:57:13.920 --> 00:57:15.880 I don't care what the conversation is or what's going 00:57:15.880 --> 00:57:19.679 to happen. When you go to replace one of these people, you're 00:57:19.679 --> 00:57:22.800 instantly talking thousands of dollars for a recruitment fee 00:57:22.800 --> 00:57:29.400 and a number of months to get a person into that position. So I 00:57:29.400 --> 00:57:33.800 believe it helps us to retain a person for a number of years as 00:57:33.800 --> 00:57:37.519 long as they're capable. 00:57:37.519 --> 00:57:38.800 Settler, please take the roll. 00:57:38.800 --> 00:57:39.800 Shadle? 00:57:39.800 --> 00:57:40.800 Aye. 00:57:40.800 --> 00:57:45.739 Sanders? 00:57:45.739 --> 00:57:46.739 Sellers? 00:57:46.739 --> 00:57:47.739 Aye. 00:57:47.739 --> 00:57:48.739 Klemm? 00:57:48.739 --> 00:57:49.739 Aye. 00:57:49.739 --> 00:58:01.329 Johnson? 00:58:01.329 --> 00:58:02.329 Aye. 00:58:02.329 --> 00:58:03.329 Simmons? 00:58:03.329 --> 00:58:04.329 No. 00:58:04.329 --> 00:58:05.329 Parker? 00:58:05.329 --> 00:58:06.329 Aye. 00:58:06.329 --> 00:58:07.329 Stacy? 00:58:07.329 --> 00:58:08.329 Aye. 00:58:08.329 --> 00:58:11.570 And the ordinance passes 7-1. 00:58:11.570 --> 00:58:14.010 Item number 9 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-56. 00:58:14.010 --> 00:58:16.409 Could you please read this? 00:58:16.409 --> 00:58:21.449 Ordinance amending Chapters 1248 and 1250 of the Zoning Code of the City of Freeport concerning 00:58:21.449 --> 00:58:23.809 and ground-mounted solar arrays. 00:58:23.809 --> 00:58:24.970 Director Duckman. 00:58:24.970 --> 00:58:27.010 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 00:58:27.010 --> 00:58:31.050 Staff had been directed by the City of Freeport Planning 00:58:31.050 --> 00:58:35.210 Commission to move forward with a text amendment 00:58:35.210 --> 00:58:40.809 to change our zoning code for the ground-mounted solar arrays. 00:58:40.809 --> 00:58:43.289 And so a little background here. 00:58:43.289 --> 00:58:48.010 Our planning commission in its last two, it's last, 00:58:48.010 --> 00:58:55.429 We had two ground-mounted solar projects where our Planning Commission voted on in residential 00:58:55.429 --> 00:59:01.389 districts and those two they voted against, voted it down. 00:59:01.389 --> 00:59:07.489 And through much discussion, what was brought up was that our Planning Commission doesn't 00:59:07.489 --> 00:59:14.110 feel that in residential neighborhoods or in our smaller agricultural zoning lots, which 00:59:14.110 --> 00:59:18.550 We have 15 agricultural zoning lots in the city. 00:59:18.550 --> 00:59:20.510 Essentially, our planning commission 00:59:20.510 --> 00:59:24.670 directed staff to change our zoning code, where 00:59:24.670 --> 00:59:26.590 we would, instead of having a special use 00:59:26.590 --> 00:59:29.029 permit for ground-mounted solar arrays 00:59:29.029 --> 00:59:31.550 in residential and agricultural zoning districts, 00:59:31.550 --> 00:59:35.070 where they would outlaw and not allow it at all. 00:59:35.070 --> 00:59:38.590 So staff took this direction. 00:59:38.590 --> 00:59:42.869 And we held a public hearing on August 14. 00:59:42.869 --> 00:59:48.989 and the Planning Commission made a recommendation with these changes by a vote of 5 to 0 with 00:59:48.989 --> 00:59:49.989 zero abstentions. 00:59:49.989 --> 00:59:50.159 to zero with zero abstentions. 00:59:50.159 --> 00:59:53.400 And in line with our planning commission, 00:59:53.400 --> 00:59:56.920 staff is recommending moving this forward. 00:59:56.920 --> 00:59:58.159 Is there such a motion? 00:59:58.159 --> 00:59:59.199 So moved. 00:59:59.199 --> 01:00:00.599 Second. 01:00:00.599 --> 01:00:04.320 Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 01:00:04.320 --> 01:00:07.730 Discussion on this ordinance? 01:00:07.730 --> 01:00:08.489 Alderman Sanders. 01:00:11.409 --> 01:00:21.610 Director Duckman, give me the, you 01:00:21.610 --> 01:00:29.610 We said there was a vote of 500. Is that correct? And who was the five? 01:00:29.610 --> 01:00:33.610 I could get those names for you by the time we have our second reading. 01:00:33.610 --> 01:00:38.610 Okay. And what was the opinion of the public about this? 01:00:38.610 --> 01:00:48.610 There was no major public comment here about this. And I would say that in general when we talk about the special use, 01:00:48.610 --> 01:00:50.610 Huffines, David, John, John, John, John. 01:00:52.210 --> 01:00:54.210 And that's really what we're talking about. 01:00:55.409 --> 01:00:59.349 So, when we're talking about special use permits for solar, I 01:00:59.349 --> 01:01:01.349 would say overwhelmingly the neighbors don't want it. 01:01:02.969 --> 01:01:05.130 Essentially what they're saying at these zoning hearings is I 01:01:05.130 --> 01:01:07.130 live in a residential neighborhood, I don't want to 01:01:08.829 --> 01:01:10.829 wake up looking at solar panels in my back yard. 01:01:11.909 --> 01:01:13.909 » That's what I was listening to. 01:01:13.909 --> 01:01:22.630 Push this agenda that the solar system company wants to try to impose up on the general public 01:01:23.269 --> 01:01:29.909 with this service is basically what we're listening to. I do well the planning commission is saying 01:01:29.909 --> 01:01:36.789 that they don't want based on what they've heard in special use permit hearings that they from the 01:01:36.789 --> 01:01:42.869 community that they don't they no longer want to have it allowed in our residential districts. 01:01:43.909 --> 01:01:47.550 You know some statistics here. You would still be able to do it as a rooftop 01:01:47.550 --> 01:01:51.190 You would still be able to by right put the solar panels on your roof 01:01:51.630 --> 01:01:59.230 What we're talking about is going into your backyard in a residential neighborhood and installing solar panels on the ground 01:01:59.230 --> 01:02:02.190 So instead of having walking out in the backyard and you would see 01:02:02.630 --> 01:02:10.630 You know grass or a shed or garage you would see essentially solar panels. Okay, so that won't impose up on those that are 01:02:10.630 --> 01:02:19.630 Well, this is not a blanket slate for no solar panels for any residents. 01:02:19.630 --> 01:02:21.630 You would still be able to put it on the roof. 01:02:21.630 --> 01:02:22.630 You can't? Okay. 01:02:22.630 --> 01:02:25.630 Any other discussion? 01:02:25.630 --> 01:02:27.630 Parliament, Stacy? 01:02:27.630 --> 01:02:37.630 You know, I've said this before and it concerns me that we're willing to do it for some, but not for all. 01:02:37.630 --> 01:02:42.630 We just agreed to have a church area at this church. 01:02:43.230 --> 01:02:44.789 They wanted it on the ground. 01:02:45.710 --> 01:02:49.190 Last year, there was a couple of homes in their backyard. 01:02:49.190 --> 01:02:50.869 They wanted it on the ground. 01:02:52.449 --> 01:02:57.289 And so now we're wanting to take away the ability 01:02:57.289 --> 01:03:02.289 to have that variance so that it can't be put on the ground. 01:03:02.289 --> 01:03:10.760 Scott, John, Paul, and the others and they have been on the ground. However, we did it for some. 01:03:10.760 --> 01:03:17.360 Is there a question there? Are you asking me? How do you determine why do it for some and not do it for all? 01:03:17.360 --> 01:03:30.960 Again, that's what a special use permit is. So what you currently have is anybody who would like to in a residential neighborhood would like to install solar panels in their backyard. 01:03:30.960 --> 01:03:34.739 They have to go through a hearing with the Zoning Board 01:03:34.739 --> 01:03:36.840 of Appeals, Planning Commission, and then ultimately 01:03:36.840 --> 01:03:38.260 presented to council. 01:03:38.260 --> 01:03:41.559 And that's why currently you are voting 01:03:41.559 --> 01:03:44.239 with your other fellow council members on whether or not 01:03:44.239 --> 01:03:46.159 somebody can have it. 01:03:46.159 --> 01:03:48.559 That's what's happening right now. 01:03:48.559 --> 01:03:55.480 This proposed ordinance says everybody is no. 01:03:55.480 --> 01:03:58.159 There is no longer a council vote on it. 01:03:58.159 --> 01:04:00.699 So when you're talking about same for some 01:04:00.699 --> 01:04:30.699 Huffman, John Huffman, John Huffman, 01:04:30.699 --> 01:04:31.699 Sanders. 01:04:31.699 --> 01:04:34.699 This is exactly what this ordinance is saying, is that our planning commission has reviewed 01:04:34.699 --> 01:04:40.900 and have been through the past two hearings that they've heard. 01:04:40.900 --> 01:04:46.260 They voted against it and they don't see it in line with our zoning and with our land 01:04:46.260 --> 01:04:51.539 use because of the complaints mainly of our public at these hearings and the name. 01:04:51.539 --> 01:04:53.820 Sanders, would you like your second time? 01:04:53.820 --> 01:04:54.820 Yeah. 01:04:54.820 --> 01:04:59.420 So there is an ordinance, is what you're declaring at this point. 01:04:59.420 --> 01:05:00.420 Winslow. 01:05:00.420 --> 01:05:05.860 There is an ordinance involved in the process for people to make an educated decision or 01:05:05.860 --> 01:05:09.300 determine their opinions and things like that. 01:05:09.300 --> 01:05:17.099 The ordinance should be stipulating exactly what the provisions are in that ordinance 01:05:17.099 --> 01:05:19.220 and the guidelines for that ordinance. 01:05:19.220 --> 01:05:24.139 And I'm just wondering, have the people been educated about this ordinance to determine 01:05:24.139 --> 01:05:29.099 whether or not the decisions that they're making and why we have an ordinance that sounds 01:05:29.099 --> 01:05:31.099 Fowler. 01:05:32.199 --> 01:05:35.320 I understand what you're saying. What you're saying is the 01:05:35.320 --> 01:05:39.539 planning board has nullified the whole concept. And so the next 01:05:39.539 --> 01:05:44.139 move is for the solar system is to what? Move out of the city of 01:05:44.139 --> 01:05:48.139 Freeport to move on? Or how does that work? 01:05:48.139 --> 01:05:52.139 ≫ No. So essentially what on August 14th we had a public 01:05:52.139 --> 01:05:56.139 hearing that was publicly noticed. And it was decided that 01:06:26.139 --> 01:06:56.139 We can give it to that one. We can give it to this one. We can give it to that one because that's going to if you vote no against this, you are voting to take the control to say they, you know, Sally can have it. Mark can't. That's what's going on right now. If this passes, you're essentially saying Sally and Mark cannot have it. John can't have it. No one can have it in a residential in a residential neighborhood. And the reason for that is the Planning Commission is charged to make recommendations on how land use effects is in line with our 01:06:56.139 --> 01:07:01.300 is a comprehensive plan and they've after the past few zoning hearings they've 01:07:01.300 --> 01:07:06.099 said look we don't think this fits with what we're doing in our community and we 01:07:06.099 --> 01:07:10.260 want to remove it. Right. And that's what they're proposing to council right now. 01:07:10.260 --> 01:07:16.900 Okay. Darren did you want to add to that. I'm on the Planning Commission along with 01:07:16.900 --> 01:07:21.900 many other members and this has been a unanimous decision with everybody on the 01:07:21.900 --> 01:07:25.079 Planning Committee that we are not in favor of ground-mound solar in 01:07:25.079 --> 01:07:26.679 and residential neighborhoods. 01:07:26.679 --> 01:07:29.539 It's distracting, it's obtrusive. 01:07:30.720 --> 01:07:35.119 The current ordinance reads that you can go on the roof, 01:07:35.119 --> 01:07:37.480 you don't even have to come to the council to do the roof. 01:07:37.480 --> 01:07:39.880 That's an automatic given if you wanna do that. 01:07:39.880 --> 01:07:43.720 You only have to come to the council or to the commissions 01:07:43.720 --> 01:07:46.400 if you wanna do ground mount as a variance. 01:07:46.400 --> 01:07:48.720 We've, I believe Wayne said two, 01:07:48.720 --> 01:07:52.000 I think it might be three different developments 01:07:52.000 --> 01:07:54.840 that have been denied by the planning commission, 01:07:54.840 --> 01:07:57.279 but they still have come here and you guys overruled 01:07:57.279 --> 01:07:59.880 the recommendation from the people that you're asking 01:07:59.880 --> 01:08:01.159 to review this stuff. 01:08:01.159 --> 01:08:02.880 It was reviewed in depth. 01:08:02.880 --> 01:08:04.599 And I was not at the last meeting 01:08:04.599 --> 01:08:06.840 but the meeting before that that we discussed it, 01:08:06.840 --> 01:08:09.360 it was discussed for over 30 minutes 01:08:09.360 --> 01:08:12.119 and everyone there was unanimous that they didn't want 01:08:12.119 --> 01:08:16.479 to see ground mounted in residential zoned properties. 01:08:17.840 --> 01:08:20.640 Now, again, there's a difference 01:08:20.640 --> 01:08:22.440 between residential properties 01:08:22.440 --> 01:08:24.000 and these commercial developments. 01:08:24.000 --> 01:08:26.239 It's two different ordinances, right? 01:08:26.239 --> 01:08:30.720 So we're just talking about household properties in town. 01:08:30.720 --> 01:08:32.680 That's all we're discussing at this. 01:08:32.680 --> 01:08:35.880 And we're saying as a group, and I agree with it, 01:08:35.880 --> 01:08:38.479 that we don't want to have that option. 01:08:38.479 --> 01:08:40.399 It's cheaper for the solar companies 01:08:40.399 --> 01:08:42.800 to stick a pole in the ground and put solar panels on it 01:08:42.800 --> 01:08:44.020 than to put it on the roof. 01:08:44.020 --> 01:08:46.119 That's the option they're gonna choose every time 01:08:46.119 --> 01:08:47.680 if they can get it. 01:08:47.680 --> 01:08:49.039 We don't even wanna review those 01:08:49.039 --> 01:08:50.199 at the Planning Commission anymore. 01:08:50.199 --> 01:08:51.920 That's why we're asking for this. 01:08:51.920 --> 01:08:54.920 Alderman Sanders, you've already spoke twice. 01:08:54.920 --> 01:08:55.760 I did. 01:08:55.760 --> 01:08:57.559 Alderman Stacy, would you like your second time? 01:08:57.559 --> 01:08:59.440 I didn't ask you to not speak again. 01:09:01.399 --> 01:09:04.239 I did not ask you to let me speak my second time. 01:09:04.239 --> 01:09:07.100 659 and 704. 01:09:07.100 --> 01:09:08.460 Wow. 01:09:08.460 --> 01:09:13.399 Darren, last year you came to council. 01:09:13.399 --> 01:09:18.100 There was a home that wanted these panels on the ground. 01:09:18.100 --> 01:09:22.020 you talked about how there was no endangerment 01:09:22.020 --> 01:09:24.579 to anything or anybody. 01:09:24.579 --> 01:09:29.579 And twice, at least twice last year, 01:09:30.940 --> 01:09:34.899 we approved and voted for ground panels. 01:09:39.380 --> 01:09:41.380 There was a home. 01:09:41.380 --> 01:09:42.899 No, I'm telling you, 01:09:42.899 --> 01:09:46.960 cause you came to council and you spoke about 01:09:46.960 --> 01:09:48.220 they're not being high. 01:09:48.220 --> 01:09:49.600 Fowl, they're not being harmful and... 01:09:49.600 --> 01:09:55.720 Oh, I believe you're confusing the landfill solar project with residential. 01:09:55.720 --> 01:09:58.720 The residential ones, to my knowledge, have all been turned down. 01:09:58.720 --> 01:10:00.720 Alderman Sellers? 01:10:00.720 --> 01:10:04.720 Wait, Duckman was speaking. 01:10:04.720 --> 01:10:06.600 Go ahead. 01:10:06.600 --> 01:10:08.279 I gave the floor to Alderman Sellers. 01:10:08.279 --> 01:10:09.279 Go ahead. 01:10:09.279 --> 01:10:10.279 Go ahead. 01:10:10.279 --> 01:10:18.399 She's talking about when we okayed the property for Ted Oatendall, but if you saw his land, 01:10:18.399 --> 01:10:21.640 it's totally, it's totally different. 01:10:21.640 --> 01:10:25.140 It's not, it's acres of land. 01:10:25.140 --> 01:10:28.920 So it's not where he has a house next door and a house next door. 01:10:28.920 --> 01:10:29.920 It's acres of land. 01:10:29.920 --> 01:10:33.520 No, Ted was just one of two or three. 01:10:33.520 --> 01:10:40.060 Oh no, I just remember the one, it was Ted Oatendall, and then we did the church. 01:10:40.060 --> 01:10:44.220 but that's out on Pearl City Road. 01:10:44.220 --> 01:10:46.260 And I'm even talking about last year. 01:10:46.260 --> 01:10:48.579 I'm talking about what was done last year. 01:10:48.579 --> 01:10:52.619 Okay, so Director, do you have more you want to add? 01:10:52.619 --> 01:11:00.460 No, I just wanted to say Director Steekle is probably the most outspoken against residential 01:11:00.460 --> 01:11:08.100 solar and I think it goes back to Park Hills Church had a zoning hearing in 2023, might 01:11:38.100 --> 01:11:42.619 who, essentially, he's on the side that thinks it doesn't fit in the community. 01:11:42.619 --> 01:11:49.840 So I just want to say that to be fair and I know that, for a fact, there was one on Lincoln 01:11:49.840 --> 01:11:51.939 Boulevard that wanted to put it in their backyard. 01:11:51.939 --> 01:11:54.779 I know Director Stiegl voted against that. 01:11:54.779 --> 01:11:58.380 I know he voted against the Harmony Church one. 01:11:58.380 --> 01:12:04.500 So he's been consistent to not vote for it and that's just all I wanted, to make that 01:12:04.500 --> 01:12:05.500 point. 01:12:05.500 --> 01:12:17.100 I wanted you to speak because I thought you were going to answer my question and not take up or feel like you needed to support Darren. 01:12:17.100 --> 01:12:22.180 I wasn't being harsh with Darren. I'm just speaking. 01:12:22.180 --> 01:12:25.579 Yeah, if there's a question, I'll answer. I didn't know the question. 01:12:25.579 --> 01:12:28.659 Well, and let's remember this is first reading, so it'll be on in two weeks. 01:12:28.659 --> 01:12:32.800 So if you have more questions, you know, feel free to call, 01:12:32.800 --> 01:12:34.359 come to your weekly meetings, 01:12:35.560 --> 01:12:39.000 make notes so you can ask more questions in the next meeting. 01:12:39.000 --> 01:12:40.199 If there's no further discussion, 01:12:40.199 --> 01:12:41.800 we'll move on to item number 10, 01:12:41.800 --> 01:12:44.600 which is the adoption of resolution 2025-101. 01:12:44.600 --> 01:12:46.079 Could you please read this? 01:12:46.079 --> 01:12:47.720 Resolution approving agreement 01:12:47.720 --> 01:12:50.399 for the purchase of office 365. 01:12:50.399 --> 01:12:56.289 Thank you, Director Suttman. 01:12:56.289 --> 01:12:57.130 Thank you, Mayor. 01:12:57.130 --> 01:13:11.130 This agreement or procurement is to purchase Office 365 productivity suite software for all city staff, including water and sewer and police. 01:13:11.130 --> 01:13:13.130 Which one is that? 01:13:13.130 --> 01:13:15.130 Office 365. 01:13:15.130 --> 01:13:16.130 365? 01:13:16.130 --> 01:13:18.130 Government version. 01:13:18.130 --> 01:13:28.130 I won't read the memo pervatum but generally it is more expensive than we have now. We're what we call an on-prem shop, what we call ourselves. 01:13:28.130 --> 01:13:41.130 We own, the software is run locally, our servers are here, all that stuff. This is going to be a little more expensive, but there are compliance and some security wins and security losses with it. 01:13:41.130 --> 01:13:42.409 with it. 01:13:42.409 --> 01:13:46.689 It's kind of the industry trend is going this way. 01:13:46.689 --> 01:13:48.489 It helps us out with a lot more integrations 01:13:48.489 --> 01:13:50.529 with future softwares we get for the city. 01:13:53.489 --> 01:13:55.289 And that's kind of the meat of it. 01:13:55.289 --> 01:14:00.289 Financially, it's gonna cost just under 21,000 per year, 01:14:01.170 --> 01:14:06.170 which of that, the city, which includes Fire and PD, 01:14:06.770 --> 01:14:08.609 so it's not just city hall staff, 01:14:08.609 --> 01:14:10.890 We'll pay around $17,000. 01:14:10.890 --> 01:14:13.949 Water and sewer will pay around $3,700. 01:14:15.289 --> 01:14:16.210 Any questions? 01:14:16.210 --> 01:14:17.810 Is there a motion to adopt? 01:14:17.810 --> 01:14:18.810 So moved. 01:14:18.810 --> 01:14:21.350 Second. 01:14:21.350 --> 01:14:22.789 Motion made by Alderman Klemm, 01:14:22.789 --> 01:14:24.850 seconded by Alderman Shadle. 01:14:24.850 --> 01:14:27.229 Discussion on the resolution, Alderman Sanders. 01:14:27.229 --> 01:14:30.649 Yeah, what happens when you don't adopt? 01:14:31.590 --> 01:14:34.529 I mean, first and second adoption, 01:14:34.529 --> 01:14:36.829 we have to chime in on the adoption. 01:14:36.829 --> 01:14:39.789 Is it mandatory that we conclude 01:14:39.789 --> 01:14:44.270 with an adoption to accept or do we just accept things 01:14:44.270 --> 01:14:48.470 and just move on just to have it in our discussion? 01:14:48.470 --> 01:14:51.149 I'm just talking off the top of my head 01:14:51.149 --> 01:14:54.229 because you're not gonna mark me down for a question. 01:14:54.229 --> 01:14:56.949 I'm not asking a question yet. 01:14:56.949 --> 01:14:59.909 So while I'm not asking a question, 01:14:59.909 --> 01:15:02.350 my whole thing is this, 01:15:02.350 --> 01:15:06.970 what made the determination for you two, 01:15:06.970 --> 01:15:09.670 you guys to wanna install a new server 01:15:09.670 --> 01:15:14.670 not only that, who are we, what's wrong with the old server? 01:15:15.810 --> 01:15:18.010 We don't know exactly, I'm still going 01:15:18.010 --> 01:15:21.810 because if she stops me, I have to come back again. 01:15:21.810 --> 01:15:26.189 And if we are looking at the possibility 01:15:26.189 --> 01:15:30.890 of upgrading a new server, where does the old server go 01:15:30.890 --> 01:15:34.529 with all that data information on that particular server? 01:15:34.529 --> 01:15:37.989 Because we don't want a Hillary Clinton kind of situation 01:15:37.989 --> 01:15:38.989 and John. 01:15:38.989 --> 01:15:39.989 We have a lot of people that are 01:15:39.989 --> 01:15:40.989 jumping off in the city. 01:15:40.989 --> 01:15:48.310 And so what I'm concerned about, who's safeguarding, I know you've got all kind of security mechanisms 01:15:48.310 --> 01:15:57.430 in place, but who's making those determinations and the discretion of servers, how many servers, 01:15:57.430 --> 01:16:05.750 one or two servers, where does all this resource information, data information is stored? 01:16:05.750 --> 01:16:14.430 because it goes on to a new server that we're considering or do we dismantle the old service 01:16:14.430 --> 01:16:19.430 and who occupies and who covers that and who takes care of that? 01:16:19.430 --> 01:16:25.689 Those are my concern because we don't want to have data running around loose throughout 01:16:25.689 --> 01:16:32.310 the city, you know, where anyone can get their hands on it and use it at their own discretion 01:16:32.310 --> 01:16:34.869 or theft, fraud or whatever the case may be. 01:16:34.869 --> 01:16:42.550 I just like to know how it's being secured, and I just, I know, I know, I know servers go out bad, 01:16:43.510 --> 01:16:53.029 you hear me, I'm stating my comment, my, yeah, and I know they go bad, I know that it's time 01:16:53.029 --> 01:16:58.710 for upgrading with new software and all of these kinds of things to be put in place, but I just 01:16:58.710 --> 01:17:06.710 I just want to know how we're going to go about the data security of those servers that we want to replace. 01:17:06.710 --> 01:17:09.710 Director Shuttman, would you like to answer all those questions? 01:17:09.710 --> 01:17:11.710 Yes, thank you. 01:17:11.710 --> 01:17:14.710 So this is the, next is the server. 01:17:14.710 --> 01:17:17.710 Should I just answer it now? 01:17:17.710 --> 01:17:24.710 So when I do do the server, they'll be running parallel for a short time while the data is copied over. 01:17:24.710 --> 01:17:28.470 and then yes when that old server is decommissioned whether it goes on the 01:17:28.470 --> 01:17:31.109 surplus auction or whatever the drives will be wiped 01:17:31.109 --> 01:17:38.789 and i'm assuming shredded per standard okay alderman stacy 01:17:38.789 --> 01:17:49.289 last year we spent thousands of dollars for a new system 01:17:49.289 --> 01:17:57.050 and now here not you personally but here you come again 01:17:57.050 --> 01:18:05.050 21,000. What did we not get last year that we need this year? 01:18:06.409 --> 01:18:13.210 So last year kind of my big IT purchase was a new physical server box, a host server 01:18:13.210 --> 01:18:17.289 for the police department. They kind of have their own NOC, Network Operation Center. 01:18:18.649 --> 01:18:24.569 This is for Office 365 and we'll get into there's another network operation center for the city. 01:18:24.569 --> 01:18:34.569 So what we bought last year, think of that as the processing and the storage. What this agenda admin is is the software. 01:18:34.569 --> 01:18:38.569 But that was just for the police? Is that what you just said? That was just for the police? 01:18:38.569 --> 01:18:42.569 Last year that service was only for police. To handle what they need. 01:18:42.569 --> 01:18:44.569 Any other discussion? 01:18:44.569 --> 01:18:45.569 Yeah. 01:18:45.569 --> 01:18:47.569 Your second time? Go ahead, Dolderman Sanders. 01:18:47.569 --> 01:18:48.569 Second time? 01:18:48.569 --> 01:18:49.569 Yes. 01:18:49.569 --> 01:18:52.569 Okay. I'm going to make sure you stick to that. 01:18:52.569 --> 01:18:53.569 Your time's clicking. 01:18:53.569 --> 01:19:23.569 Okay. So what we're looking, what kind of server are we looking for this time around? Are we talking about just for the city itself? Administrator bodies or other branches within the city? Or how are we covering all of this? Because I'm looking at a $27,000 cost here. And I'm like, okay, what are we getting? What kind of breakdown are we getting for each department? Who 01:19:23.569 --> 01:19:27.090 who's all being served with these whole servers. 01:19:30.569 --> 01:19:33.010 Without going into the entire like network topology 01:19:34.050 --> 01:19:36.409 for reasons, security reasons. 01:19:37.289 --> 01:19:42.010 This will serve, yes, administrative, city hall, 01:19:42.010 --> 01:19:45.010 basically all staff other than the police, 01:19:45.010 --> 01:19:46.409 they're on a different domain. 01:19:46.409 --> 01:19:48.319 So we keep the actual hardware separate too. 01:19:48.319 --> 01:19:57.359 But it runs application servers, your basic network controls as well as some storage. 01:19:57.359 --> 01:19:58.439 Any other discussion? 01:19:58.439 --> 01:20:01.960 Like the water department and all that? 01:20:01.960 --> 01:20:03.840 Nothing goes to the cloud, right? 01:20:03.840 --> 01:20:06.840 We're not, thank you. 01:20:06.840 --> 01:20:08.600 I was hoping you said no. 01:20:08.600 --> 01:20:17.800 and the different departments like with Daring, Waterworks Department, all that is connected 01:20:17.800 --> 01:20:18.800 with this? 01:20:18.800 --> 01:20:21.909 Yes. 01:20:21.909 --> 01:20:22.909 Anyone else? 01:20:22.909 --> 01:20:27.720 Seeing none, Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? 01:20:27.720 --> 01:20:28.720 Shadle? 01:20:28.720 --> 01:20:29.720 Aye. 01:20:29.720 --> 01:20:30.720 Sanders? 01:20:30.720 --> 01:20:31.720 Aye. 01:20:31.720 --> 01:20:32.720 Sellers? 01:20:32.720 --> 01:20:33.720 Aye. 01:20:33.720 --> 01:20:34.720 Klemm? 01:20:34.720 --> 01:20:35.720 Aye. 01:20:35.720 --> 01:20:36.720 Johnson? 01:20:36.720 --> 01:20:37.720 Aye. 01:20:37.720 --> 01:20:38.720 Simmons? 01:20:38.720 --> 01:20:39.720 Aye. 01:20:39.720 --> 01:20:40.720 Parker? 01:20:40.720 --> 01:20:41.720 Aye. 01:20:41.720 --> 01:20:48.779 Item number 11 is the adoption of resolution 2025 102. Could you please 01:20:48.779 --> 01:20:52.600 read this? Resolution approving the purchase of a host server for the city 01:20:52.600 --> 01:20:59.300 from CDW-G. Thank you, Director Shuttman. Thank you. So this is for the new host 01:20:59.300 --> 01:21:04.819 server for the city. We covered a lot of it in the questions from the last one, 01:21:04.819 --> 01:21:10.380 but this is just to refresh the server that was bought in 2017. The reason for 01:21:10.380 --> 01:21:14.420 We're replacing it as the hardware is getting older, the incidents of data failure go up 01:21:14.420 --> 01:21:21.060 and up every year. Knock on wood, we haven't had any with the servers treated us very well. 01:21:21.060 --> 01:21:26.640 But as any machine you have in your life, it'll wear down over time and start to break. 01:21:26.640 --> 01:21:32.180 With computer systems, you also have to worry about things like firmware support. And so 01:21:32.180 --> 01:21:37.060 the security becomes, there's more vulnerabilities over time. That would be the reason for why 01:21:37.060 --> 01:21:40.140 we want to do this now. 01:21:40.140 --> 01:22:10.140 Oh, wait a minute. We need a motion to adopt. So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm. Discussion. Alderman Sanders. Yeah, what kind of servers are they? Are they Mac or PC? Android? No, not Android. I know you won't do an Android. But what kind of operating systems are we looking at when we're talking about host servers? Where we're working? 01:22:10.140 --> 01:22:19.619 and Stacey. What operating systems are we using? I never heard of a department area 01:22:19.619 --> 01:22:26.579 using Mac servers or whatever or anything like that. What kind of we're indulging in? 01:22:26.579 --> 01:22:33.020 Yeah, what was Spectrum was a Dell server. It'll be a Windows environment. Pretty standard 01:22:33.020 --> 01:22:36.939 basic small business type stuff, but with the government compliance. 01:22:36.939 --> 01:22:37.939 Okay. 01:22:37.939 --> 01:22:50.739 and Stacey. Okay, so not counting the 21,000 you just asked for, now you're asking for 01:22:50.739 --> 01:22:59.850 another 27,000. Did you budget any of this? Yes, these are all budgeted. Just to clarify, 01:22:59.850 --> 01:23:04.250 the last one we just passed, that was for Office 365. It's like when you're at work 01:23:04.250 --> 01:23:08.970 and you go on your email or a spreadsheet, that's what the last one was. This one's 01:23:08.970 --> 01:23:38.470 Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Clem, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, The resolution is adopted 7-1. 01:23:38.470 --> 01:23:42.869 Item number 12 is the adoption of resolution 2025-104. 01:23:42.869 --> 01:23:44.130 would you please read this? 01:23:44.130 --> 01:23:47.090 Resolution authorizing emergency water main repairs 01:23:47.090 --> 01:23:49.449 by Fisher Excavating on Warren Avenue. 01:23:49.449 --> 01:23:50.890 Thank you, Manager Boyer. 01:23:50.890 --> 01:23:52.090 Thank you, Your Honor. 01:23:52.090 --> 01:23:56.289 Recently, we've had multiple failures on Warren Avenue, 01:23:56.289 --> 01:23:59.729 approximately eight breaks in the last several months. 01:23:59.729 --> 01:24:04.729 This is a six inch cast iron pipe that was installed in 1931 01:24:04.729 --> 01:24:09.510 and it's a known issue in terms of its vintage age. 01:24:09.510 --> 01:24:12.810 Staff has been investigating this particular area 01:24:12.810 --> 01:24:15.449 and is requesting emergency water main replacement 01:24:15.449 --> 01:24:17.890 on Warren, approximately 800 feet. 01:24:18.890 --> 01:24:20.329 That would also ensure, you know, 01:24:20.329 --> 01:24:22.890 replacement of water main gate valves, fire hydrants 01:24:22.890 --> 01:24:25.569 and water service connections to the right of way. 01:24:26.569 --> 01:24:29.689 The replacement cost is estimated between 230,000 01:24:29.689 --> 01:24:32.689 and 250,000 based on unit price bid 01:24:32.689 --> 01:24:36.850 and staff requests moving forward with Fisher excavating 01:24:36.850 --> 01:24:41.850 to replace the aging water main on Warren. 01:24:41.850 --> 01:24:43.850 Is there a motion to adopt? 01:24:43.850 --> 01:24:44.850 So moved. 01:24:44.850 --> 01:24:45.850 Second. 01:24:45.850 --> 01:24:50.090 A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 01:24:50.090 --> 01:24:56.289 Alderman Sanders, did you have your hand up? 01:24:56.289 --> 01:25:12.609 You engineered this project, and we have not done a scheduling replacement of the water 01:25:12.609 --> 01:25:20.390 Mayne on Warren. I recall that in that area, they did have a lot of deficiencies in those 01:25:20.390 --> 01:25:27.329 water mains down through there. And I'm wondering, did you cover all aspects of that area for 01:25:27.329 --> 01:25:35.890 replacement? And whether or not the material that we're going to use to replace it, it's 01:25:35.890 --> 01:25:42.890 that's not going to be the old past material that's existing there now. 01:25:42.890 --> 01:25:50.609 So we should be making all new connections through that area so we don't have to have 01:25:50.609 --> 01:25:59.250 these kind of failures if we're spending $250,000 or whatever the amount comes out to. 01:25:59.250 --> 01:26:09.569 My thing is we have looked at all of the area of the last time anything was installed in 01:26:09.569 --> 01:26:15.850 the past to see if it needs to be brought up to date because the new lines and everything 01:26:15.850 --> 01:26:24.329 can affect old existing lines, just like you're putting new wine in an old bottle and it doesn't 01:26:24.329 --> 01:26:25.329 and so on. 01:26:25.329 --> 01:26:32.130 And so I'm just wondering, are we looking at that aspect of it and moving forward? 01:26:32.130 --> 01:26:37.090 And I would like to move forward with that because I don't want to see nobody out at 01:26:37.090 --> 01:26:43.409 four in the morning with water main breaks at temperatures 20 below zero and all of these 01:26:43.409 --> 01:26:48.449 kinds of things because that can possibly happen if we don't move forward with it. 01:26:48.449 --> 01:26:54.689 So yeah, I just wanted to hear what you had to say in regards to that whole general thing. 01:26:54.689 --> 01:26:57.609 Just making sure you finished all your thoughts so that way there isn't a back and forth. 01:26:57.609 --> 01:26:58.609 Yes, I did. 01:26:58.609 --> 01:26:59.609 You good? 01:26:59.609 --> 01:27:00.609 All right. 01:27:00.609 --> 01:27:01.609 I'm good. 01:27:01.609 --> 01:27:02.609 Darren, do you want to answer those? 01:27:02.609 --> 01:27:03.609 So, sure. 01:27:03.609 --> 01:27:06.050 The replacement this year will only be 800 feet, so it's from Galena to Cable, which 01:27:06.050 --> 01:27:07.850 is shown on the map. 01:27:07.850 --> 01:27:11.689 That's all we have money for this year, so we can't afford to do the rest of it. 01:27:11.689 --> 01:27:13.649 We'll have to program the rest in. 01:27:13.649 --> 01:27:17.369 The section that we're replacing has had the vast majority of breaks. 01:27:17.369 --> 01:27:18.369 Fowler. 01:27:18.369 --> 01:27:19.369 That's why we're doing that 800 feet. 01:27:19.369 --> 01:27:25.010 It also affects a couple of businesses there on the corner of Galena with the grooming 01:27:25.010 --> 01:27:28.609 store and the barbershop that are frequently without water. 01:27:28.609 --> 01:27:32.289 We have had eight breaks on this in the last recent months. 01:27:32.289 --> 01:27:37.930 We made some pressure changes to try to slow some of the breaks down. 01:27:37.930 --> 01:27:42.250 But on the last break that we had, we actually took out about a 20 foot section of pipe and 01:27:42.250 --> 01:27:45.529 it's some of the worst main that I've seen in a very long time. 01:27:45.529 --> 01:27:51.569 I'm recommending replacement now. We have very good prices from Fishers. They're working 01:27:51.569 --> 01:27:55.689 on Harvey right now, and if we approve this tonight, when they're done at Harvey, they 01:27:55.689 --> 01:27:57.210 will go to Warren. 01:27:57.210 --> 01:28:04.329 You didn't tell me what kind of material that was going to be installed. 01:28:04.329 --> 01:28:10.369 This is 1931 cast iron, and we're going to go out and see if we can find some from 1910 01:28:10.369 --> 01:28:13.829 and put that in. Just make sure. 01:28:13.829 --> 01:28:17.789 What about the, do we have, is there, is there more efficient- 01:28:17.789 --> 01:28:18.789 Alderman Sanders is plastic. 01:28:18.789 --> 01:28:19.789 Yeah. 01:28:19.789 --> 01:28:20.789 Oh, okay. 01:28:20.789 --> 01:28:21.789 I'm kidding. 01:28:21.789 --> 01:28:22.789 We're putting- 01:28:22.789 --> 01:28:23.789 Okay. 01:28:23.789 --> 01:28:24.789 Our city standard is C909 PVC- 01:28:24.789 --> 01:28:25.789 Thank you. 01:28:25.789 --> 01:28:26.789 Pressurated- 01:28:26.789 --> 01:28:27.789 Thank you. 01:28:27.789 --> 01:28:28.789 That's what I was waiting for. 01:28:28.789 --> 01:28:29.789 Okay. 01:28:29.789 --> 01:28:30.789 Is there any other discussion? 01:28:30.789 --> 01:28:31.789 Alderman Stacey. 01:28:31.789 --> 01:28:42.590 What is going to be affected from this in our street department that's already been established 01:28:42.590 --> 01:28:43.590 for this year? 01:28:43.590 --> 01:28:50.430 So, as it's notated in the financials, it won't affect anything that we're doing. 01:28:50.430 --> 01:28:55.010 We're suggesting taking this out of reserve funds to get this done because it's been such 01:28:55.010 --> 01:29:00.869 a problem and we've spent so much money repairing it already this season that we just don't feel 01:29:00.869 --> 01:29:03.029 like it's practical. 01:29:03.029 --> 01:29:10.229 If you estimated a cost of a water main break at roughly $10,000 a piece, that's the national 01:29:10.229 --> 01:29:14.909 average we've already spent about $80,000 repairing it already just this 01:29:14.909 --> 01:29:20.430 summer so I'm trying to get the bleeding to stop in this area it is it's I will 01:29:20.430 --> 01:29:25.529 tell you that entire area from Warren and Hunt and all those streets have very 01:29:25.529 --> 01:29:29.590 similar product it's odd that we're having this much issue in this one 01:29:29.590 --> 01:29:34.690 location but it has been significant and the last time we were digging it up 01:29:34.690 --> 01:29:38.630 before we even got the street patched so it needs to be done 01:29:38.630 --> 01:29:43.750 Alderman Johnson. He answered my question. I was wondering how much one repair costs. 01:29:43.750 --> 01:29:47.119 How much one repair costs when they have a water main break and you set around $10,000 a piece 01:29:47.119 --> 01:29:51.220 So that's a lot of money spent in one week already repairing. So thank you 01:29:52.359 --> 01:29:54.359 Sorry Alderman Sanders. You already spoke twice 01:29:54.960 --> 01:29:56.960 anything else 01:29:56.960 --> 01:29:58.960 Madam clerk, please take the role 01:29:59.079 --> 01:30:06.079 Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. Sellers. Aye. Klemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. 01:30:06.079 --> 01:30:17.260 Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. The resolution is adopted 8-0. Number 13, adoption of resolution 01:30:17.260 --> 01:30:23.260 2025-105. Could you please read this? Resolution approving purchase of 24-foot equipment trailer 01:30:23.260 --> 01:30:27.739 from Knight Equipment for water and sewer construction equipment. Manager Boyer. Thank 01:30:27.739 --> 01:30:31.979 your honor. City crews use equipment, trucks, and trailers to move equipment around to different 01:30:31.979 --> 01:30:39.220 Projects. We have a utility trailer that was purchased in 1988. It's had multiple 01:30:39.220 --> 01:30:44.180 repairs of the frame and it recently failed. Staff is requesting move forward 01:30:44.180 --> 01:30:51.380 with the purchase of a new 18,000 pound equipment trailer. The amount of the from 01:30:51.380 --> 01:30:57.979 night equipment is $13,995 for a 24-foot trailer and staff requests to the 01:30:57.979 --> 01:31:05.539 Council. Move forward with this. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman 01:31:05.539 --> 01:31:13.300 Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion? Alderman Sanders? Oh yeah, we 01:31:13.300 --> 01:31:20.619 did, you did go off of bids. Am I correct on that one? We received three 01:31:20.619 --> 01:31:25.619 prizes and this was by far the cheapest. We're also going with a 2023 model to 01:31:25.619 --> 01:31:41.220 and what's the cost in the memo $13,995 okay 18,000 pounds a street can't even 01:31:41.220 --> 01:31:48.779 handle that well I would hope it could but yes this is for hauling the skid steer 01:31:48.779 --> 01:31:55.100 around which weighs about 12,000 pounds mm-hmm our streets are rated for 60 to 01:31:55.100 --> 01:31:56.100 McEvoy. 01:31:56.100 --> 01:31:57.100 60 to 80. 01:31:57.100 --> 01:31:58.100 Depending on what street you're on. 01:31:58.100 --> 01:32:01.100 And this is in the budget? 01:32:01.100 --> 01:32:03.880 Yes. 01:32:03.880 --> 01:32:04.880 Any other discussion? 01:32:04.880 --> 01:32:05.880 Madam Clerk, please. 01:32:05.880 --> 01:32:06.880 Oh, Alderman. 01:32:06.880 --> 01:32:11.720 How long does a trailer like this last? 01:32:11.720 --> 01:32:12.720 Quite a long time. 01:32:12.720 --> 01:32:16.520 The last one was from 1988, so I think we've got every nickel out of it. 01:32:16.520 --> 01:32:21.000 We probably could, but it's unusable at this part of it's scrap. 01:32:21.000 --> 01:32:22.840 Right now, the crews are requesting this. 01:32:22.840 --> 01:32:26.279 for sharing a trailer between water, sewer, and streets. 01:32:26.279 --> 01:32:28.560 And with the street work and everything we got on, 01:32:28.560 --> 01:32:29.840 it's just a hassle. 01:32:29.840 --> 01:32:32.079 They're losing a lot of time chasing around town, 01:32:32.079 --> 01:32:34.039 trying to get equipment moved around. 01:32:35.079 --> 01:32:36.260 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:32:36.260 --> 01:32:37.100 Shadle. 01:32:37.100 --> 01:32:37.920 Aye. 01:32:37.920 --> 01:32:38.760 Sanders. 01:32:38.760 --> 01:32:39.600 Aye. 01:32:39.600 --> 01:32:40.420 Sellers. 01:32:40.420 --> 01:32:41.260 Aye. 01:32:41.260 --> 01:32:42.079 Klemm. 01:32:42.079 --> 01:32:42.920 Aye. 01:32:42.920 --> 01:32:43.760 Johnson. 01:32:43.760 --> 01:32:44.579 Aye. 01:32:44.579 --> 01:32:45.420 Simmons. 01:32:45.420 --> 01:32:46.260 Aye. 01:32:46.260 --> 01:32:47.079 Parker. 01:32:47.079 --> 01:32:47.920 Aye. 01:32:47.920 --> 01:32:48.760 And Stacy. 01:32:48.760 --> 01:32:49.600 Aye. 01:32:49.600 --> 01:32:50.420 The resolution is adopted eight to zero. 01:32:50.420 --> 01:32:52.640 Item number 14 is adoption of resolution 20, 01:32:52.640 --> 01:32:57.220 25107. Could you please read this? Resolution authorizing its support to the 01:32:57.220 --> 01:33:01.579 Illinois Department of Transportation's Safe Routes to School program. Manager 01:33:01.579 --> 01:33:06.199 Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. The City of Freeport has several school crossings 01:33:06.199 --> 01:33:10.520 that are dated and require equipment repair and replacement for the safety of 01:33:10.520 --> 01:33:15.319 school children crossing the busy streets. The public works staff has 01:33:15.319 --> 01:33:21.659 identified a STRS that's Safe Routes to School State Grant opportunity to fund 01:33:21.659 --> 01:33:24.020 and the replacement of this equipment. 01:33:24.020 --> 01:33:25.899 The IDOT Department of Transportation 01:33:25.899 --> 01:33:28.739 has a safe routes to school program 01:33:28.739 --> 01:33:31.659 that is grant opportunities for potential equipment 01:33:31.659 --> 01:33:34.220 replacements of safe school crossing equipment. 01:33:34.220 --> 01:33:36.899 The new lighting LED systems installed 01:33:36.899 --> 01:33:40.180 are solar-based replacements with much brighter warning 01:33:40.180 --> 01:33:41.100 equipment. 01:33:41.100 --> 01:33:42.539 And this grant, if awarded, would 01:33:42.539 --> 01:33:46.979 be used for $250,000 of equipment replacement. 01:33:46.979 --> 01:33:49.739 A formal resolution will be brought to city council 01:33:49.739 --> 01:34:19.739 must be passed as part of the application. And that is what we're asking for today. So as far as the Safe Routes to School key points, it's again a $250,000 maximum grant per project. There is no matching fund for the first year. And this is a competitive application. Safe Routes to School grants can also only be used for construction and safety funding. Engineering fees cannot be included in this grant award. And application deadline is October 15. And we are partnering 01:34:19.739 --> 01:34:24.699 with the Freeport School District 145 on application support and staff recommends 01:34:24.699 --> 01:34:28.859 City Council that we pursue this grant opportunity. Is there a motion to adopt? 01:34:28.859 --> 01:34:36.590 Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Johnson, 01:34:36.590 --> 01:34:49.989 Alderman Sanders. Yeah, we're venturing into a public entity to help offset or to 01:34:49.989 --> 01:34:50.989 and so forth. 01:34:50.989 --> 01:34:58.310 And I think that will help them to reconstruct the safety protocols for the school. 01:34:58.310 --> 01:35:06.029 And if I'm not mistaken, you also mentioned the fact that they will also help funding. 01:35:06.029 --> 01:35:15.149 Does it help funding the project or are we just relying on a grant to make that distinction? 01:35:15.149 --> 01:35:22.210 So my whole thing is, when I'm hearing things, it sounds like if we're getting a grant, where 01:35:22.210 --> 01:35:30.229 does the school get involved in this whole scenario and what we should be, and how we 01:35:30.229 --> 01:35:39.550 should be functioning with the city to couple this project together with them? 01:35:39.550 --> 01:35:47.710 Is there discounts? Is there fundings other than grants that is going to help offset this 01:35:47.710 --> 01:35:54.590 project? Is that what we're looking at? Well, what we're looking at pursuing a $250,000 01:35:54.590 --> 01:36:00.029 grant to upgrade crossing signals in front of the schools that are in the right of way. 01:36:00.029 --> 01:36:05.229 We're actually just seeking the school district support in the pursuit of this outside funding 01:36:05.229 --> 01:36:07.229 so that we can improve those crossing guards. 01:36:07.229 --> 01:36:08.229 Right. 01:36:08.229 --> 01:36:09.229 Anyone else? 01:36:09.229 --> 01:36:10.229 Okay. 01:36:10.229 --> 01:36:13.229 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:36:13.229 --> 01:36:14.229 Shadle? 01:36:14.229 --> 01:36:15.229 Aye. 01:36:15.229 --> 01:36:16.229 Sanders? 01:36:16.229 --> 01:36:17.229 Aye. 01:36:17.229 --> 01:36:18.229 Sellers? 01:36:18.229 --> 01:36:19.229 Aye. 01:36:19.229 --> 01:36:20.229 Klemm? 01:36:20.229 --> 01:36:21.229 Aye. 01:36:21.229 --> 01:36:22.229 Johnson? 01:36:22.229 --> 01:36:23.229 Aye. 01:36:23.229 --> 01:36:24.229 Simmons? 01:36:24.229 --> 01:36:25.229 Aye. 01:36:25.229 --> 01:36:26.229 Parker? 01:36:26.229 --> 01:36:27.229 Aye. 01:36:27.229 --> 01:36:28.229 Stacy? 01:36:28.229 --> 01:36:29.229 Aye. 01:36:29.229 --> 01:36:30.229 The resolution is adopted, 8-0. 01:36:30.229 --> 01:36:31.229 Item number 15 is the adoption of resolution 2025108. 01:36:31.229 --> 01:36:32.829 Could you please read this? 01:36:32.829 --> 01:36:38.109 Authorizing its support to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Open Space Land Acquisition 01:36:38.109 --> 01:36:40.069 Development Grant. 01:36:40.069 --> 01:36:41.069 Manager Boyer. 01:36:41.069 --> 01:36:42.069 Thank you, Your Honor. 01:36:42.069 --> 01:36:47.189 The Illinois Department of Natural Resources administers the Open Space Land Acquisition 01:36:47.189 --> 01:36:54.569 and Development Grant or OSLAD grant program to support local outdoor recreation projects. 01:36:54.569 --> 01:36:59.550 The city intends to submit for an OSLAD application for the Pocket Park on West Stevenson, formerly 01:36:59.550 --> 01:37:14.289 OZLAD requires a governing body resolution authorizing application submittal and acknowledging 01:37:14.289 --> 01:37:17.090 program conditions if funding is awarded. 01:37:17.090 --> 01:37:22.609 The attached resolution uses the IDNR prescribed language for OZLAD applications and passing 01:37:22.609 --> 01:37:26.750 the resolution enables staff and other partners to finalize and submit the application ahead 01:37:26.750 --> 01:37:28.350 of the program. 01:37:28.350 --> 01:37:33.949 The City is listed by the IDNR as a disadvantaged community, which allows an application for 01:37:33.949 --> 01:37:38.670 up to $600,000 in OZLAD funding without any local match. 01:37:38.670 --> 01:37:44.109 Greater Freeport Partnership received recently an award of $50,000 through the T-Mobile grant. 01:37:44.109 --> 01:37:46.930 It will also be used in the funding of this package. 01:37:46.930 --> 01:37:51.750 An application deadline is September 30th, so staff is targeting Council's action on 01:37:51.750 --> 01:37:55.829 September 2nd today to meet submittal timing. 01:37:55.829 --> 01:37:59.909 There is no immediate general fund impact for the application resolution. 01:37:59.909 --> 01:38:05.029 As a disadvantaged community applicant, the city may request up to $600,000 with no local 01:38:05.029 --> 01:38:07.270 match under the OSLAD. 01:38:07.270 --> 01:38:13.989 The GFP T-Mobile $50,000 grant contribution will further enhance the scope and staff recommends 01:38:13.989 --> 01:38:18.829 moving forward with allowing staff to pursue this grant. 01:38:18.829 --> 01:38:19.989 Is there a motion to adopt? 01:38:19.989 --> 01:38:20.989 So moved. 01:38:20.989 --> 01:38:21.989 Second. 01:38:21.989 --> 01:38:27.989 The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the grant. 01:38:27.989 --> 01:38:29.989 I have a question. 01:38:29.989 --> 01:38:31.989 Alderman Simmons. 01:38:31.989 --> 01:38:37.989 Is this the park in the area next to Joe's that you're speaking of, or is this another parking park? 01:38:37.989 --> 01:38:39.989 Yes, you're correct. 01:38:39.989 --> 01:38:41.989 It's adjacent to Joe's. 01:38:41.989 --> 01:38:43.989 Alderman Stacy? 01:38:43.989 --> 01:39:02.789 You know, these little pocket parks does nothing for our kids in 3rd and 5th Ward and we need 01:39:02.789 --> 01:39:06.989 a park for our kids to play in. 01:39:06.989 --> 01:39:11.149 I have said that since I've been on the council. 01:39:11.149 --> 01:39:12.809 Can we turn this into a park? 01:39:12.809 --> 01:39:15.789 Can we turn that into a park? 01:39:15.789 --> 01:39:22.710 And now this is the second time these little pocket parks have come up. 01:39:22.710 --> 01:39:27.229 We need a real park for our kids in third and fifth ward. 01:39:27.229 --> 01:39:30.949 You do realize that this is in the third ward? 01:39:30.949 --> 01:39:32.949 It's a pocket park. 01:39:32.949 --> 01:39:33.949 Okay. 01:39:33.949 --> 01:39:35.109 Any other discussion? 01:39:35.109 --> 01:39:38.359 It's not a park. 01:39:38.359 --> 01:39:41.000 If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:39:41.000 --> 01:39:42.000 There is. 01:39:42.000 --> 01:39:42.020 There is. 01:39:42.020 --> 01:39:52.750 I agree with Alderman, Stacy, as far as the plan that I saw for this park is great for 01:39:52.750 --> 01:39:59.810 the downtown community, but as far as a small playground area for the kids over in the 3rd, 01:39:59.810 --> 01:40:06.649 5th Ward area close to the King Center, this does nothing for them. And there has already 01:40:06.649 --> 01:40:07.649 Banner. 01:40:07.649 --> 01:40:12.409 We've been a grant awarded for that pocket part, so I'm not sure why we don't use this 01:40:12.409 --> 01:40:15.850 grant for another area in a different pocket part. 01:40:15.850 --> 01:40:16.850 Oldman-Sellers? 01:40:16.850 --> 01:40:17.850 I think... 01:40:17.850 --> 01:40:23.850 Well, no, no, no, I think my question needs an answer. 01:40:23.850 --> 01:40:24.850 What was your question? 01:40:24.850 --> 01:40:29.770 My question is, why aren't we considering any other areas where we can actually put 01:40:29.770 --> 01:40:32.770 a small playground in, something like Milton Park? 01:40:32.770 --> 01:40:37.250 Well, this resolution is about approving this grant. 01:40:37.250 --> 01:40:40.649 It's not about a discussion on parks. 01:40:40.649 --> 01:40:44.890 It is, though, because it's why wasn't this grant, 01:40:44.890 --> 01:40:48.130 why wasn't the application for a different area? 01:40:48.130 --> 01:40:50.130 Seeing as we already got the T-Mobile grant 01:40:50.130 --> 01:40:53.289 for this specific park downtown. 01:40:53.289 --> 01:40:56.210 I'm not against the park downtown, but for this grant, 01:40:56.210 --> 01:41:04.449 why not apply for a different area? 01:41:04.449 --> 01:41:06.250 You want to take a shot at that? 01:41:06.250 --> 01:41:07.369 I'll take a shot at it. 01:41:07.369 --> 01:41:10.270 I know that the pocket park was discussed for probably 01:41:10.270 --> 01:41:13.989 and has had a plan associated with it for about five, 01:41:13.989 --> 01:41:16.029 well, I'd say probably five years. 01:41:17.350 --> 01:41:19.250 I know there were designs for it 01:41:19.250 --> 01:41:23.270 and it went through several layers of grant applications. 01:41:23.270 --> 01:41:26.069 And I think certainly if there's other areas 01:41:26.069 --> 01:41:30.789 that council members or anyone from the public 01:41:30.789 --> 01:41:33.909 would like to get started on a plan, get started on it. 01:41:33.909 --> 01:41:37.369 Bring it to city manager Boyer's attention 01:41:37.369 --> 01:41:39.449 and get started on the planning process 01:41:39.449 --> 01:41:41.109 and what it would take to get a park. 01:41:41.109 --> 01:41:42.850 But I mean, this particular pocket park, I know, 01:41:42.850 --> 01:41:45.810 has been in plans and has been through a subject 01:41:45.810 --> 01:41:47.810 of applications for grants. 01:41:47.810 --> 01:41:49.529 For at least the four years I've been here 01:41:49.529 --> 01:41:52.210 and when I started here, it had already been 01:41:52.210 --> 01:41:56.529 through other iterations of planning and grant applications. 01:41:56.529 --> 01:41:59.470 So I mean, that's the short answer as to why 01:41:59.470 --> 01:42:00.470 Huffines. 01:42:00.470 --> 01:42:04.750 This particular parcel is up for the grant. 01:42:04.750 --> 01:42:09.329 The other parcels and properties we're talking about certainly could be in the future. 01:42:09.329 --> 01:42:14.109 Also would like to state that the City of Freeport doesn't own many parks. 01:42:14.109 --> 01:42:18.109 I believe this might be the only one and that the Park District owns many of its parks and 01:42:18.109 --> 01:42:19.770 owns that planning process. 01:42:19.770 --> 01:42:24.989 So if there's an existing park where citizens would like to see better facilities, that's 01:42:24.989 --> 01:42:27.390 certainly something to bring up to the Park District. 01:42:27.390 --> 01:42:30.430 if there's parcels of land that the city owns 01:42:30.430 --> 01:42:33.829 that council members would like to see 01:42:33.829 --> 01:42:35.869 maybe possibly investigated for a park. 01:42:35.869 --> 01:42:37.430 I think it's a great idea. 01:42:37.430 --> 01:42:39.470 And I think that's something to talk about 01:42:39.470 --> 01:42:42.550 with city manager Boyer in your weekly meetings. 01:42:42.550 --> 01:42:43.390 And you're right. 01:42:45.390 --> 01:42:47.229 Bring the park district to the table 01:42:47.229 --> 01:42:50.430 if you wanna have a playground in a certain area. 01:42:50.430 --> 01:42:51.270 Alderman Sellers. 01:42:51.270 --> 01:42:52.789 Yeah, I guess that's what I was gonna say. 01:42:52.789 --> 01:42:57.789 I know that when the King Center first came there, 01:42:58.069 --> 01:43:02.149 we had a small group of people that worked 01:43:02.149 --> 01:43:06.470 when George Galrap was mayor trying to get another park 01:43:06.470 --> 01:43:09.029 because they took away Henny Park. 01:43:09.029 --> 01:43:10.989 And that was years ago. 01:43:10.989 --> 01:43:14.270 And we were in with the park district. 01:43:14.270 --> 01:43:18.590 And I know about five years ago, me and Mr. Jim Ryan, 01:43:18.590 --> 01:43:22.770 we had discussion with the guy that's running 01:43:22.770 --> 01:43:24.989 the park district and that's something you have to go 01:43:24.989 --> 01:43:27.470 through the park district because they have all kinds 01:43:27.470 --> 01:43:30.850 of rules and regulations on how you can use the land 01:43:30.850 --> 01:43:32.250 and what kind of land. 01:43:32.250 --> 01:43:37.029 So I do agree because I grew up in a park 01:43:37.029 --> 01:43:40.510 and I do agree that the kids need a park in that area 01:43:40.510 --> 01:43:44.630 but it's, we need to, like the mayor said, 01:43:44.630 --> 01:43:47.069 we need to bring the park district to the table 01:43:47.069 --> 01:43:50.109 or go to the park district when they have their board meetings 01:43:50.109 --> 01:43:53.949 and talk about getting a park because we do need one. 01:43:53.949 --> 01:43:58.109 I have to object to what council just said 01:43:58.109 --> 01:44:02.050 because we have not fully done our homework 01:44:02.050 --> 01:44:04.750 when it comes to who has jurisdiction 01:44:05.789 --> 01:44:10.590 of anything that the city is administering 01:44:10.590 --> 01:44:15.590 to the city, public city, when it comes to any entity, parks 01:44:15.590 --> 01:44:18.430 and the city parks or whatever the case may be. 01:44:18.430 --> 01:44:21.529 I can't see why it is that we're consulting 01:44:21.529 --> 01:44:24.750 with the park district because the park district 01:44:24.750 --> 01:44:26.710 is not ever here. 01:44:26.710 --> 01:44:28.710 They're running their own scheme 01:44:28.710 --> 01:44:33.710 and we're not going to just push everything 01:44:33.750 --> 01:44:38.550 on the park district when the grant is for the city at large. 01:44:38.550 --> 01:44:43.550 And I'm like, who's governing this idea 01:44:43.550 --> 01:44:47.670 to submit anything to the park district to govern over it 01:44:47.670 --> 01:44:52.670 so they make determinations on how council is trying 01:44:52.710 --> 01:44:57.710 to submit recommendations and ideas for their district. 01:44:58.970 --> 01:45:02.970 And I don't think pocket parks have anything to do 01:45:02.970 --> 01:45:05.890 with the Freeport Park District 01:45:05.890 --> 01:45:09.909 when it comes to district areas. 01:45:09.909 --> 01:45:13.270 And I think if we're looking at council 01:45:13.270 --> 01:45:16.390 for consideration on how we should plan this, 01:45:16.390 --> 01:45:18.949 how we should go to the city manager 01:45:18.949 --> 01:45:21.869 and talk more about it and things of this nature. 01:45:21.869 --> 01:45:24.069 And while we're doing that, 01:45:24.069 --> 01:45:28.590 there is no park district board members or staff 01:45:28.590 --> 01:45:30.829 in the midst of this conversation. 01:45:30.829 --> 01:45:32.569 And so I think it's irrelevant for us 01:45:32.569 --> 01:45:36.189 to even make a suggestion that we implement 01:45:36.189 --> 01:45:39.350 another organization or another district department 01:45:39.350 --> 01:45:43.149 or whatever that has not been involved 01:45:43.149 --> 01:45:46.829 and any of the city council's decision making. 01:45:46.829 --> 01:45:51.109 So my thing is I think it's irrelevant for them to do that. 01:45:51.109 --> 01:45:53.829 And I think we should maintain a course 01:45:53.829 --> 01:45:57.270 where we collaborate with our city manager 01:45:57.270 --> 01:46:01.909 as council people to make these kinds of provisions 01:46:01.909 --> 01:46:03.270 for our district. 01:46:03.270 --> 01:46:05.270 I don't think we should have someone else 01:46:06.430 --> 01:46:08.750 having jurisdiction over our district 01:46:08.750 --> 01:46:11.189 on what we want to have in our district. 01:46:11.189 --> 01:46:12.989 And so that's my. 01:46:12.989 --> 01:46:15.909 and you are correct, that's nothing of this topic. 01:46:15.909 --> 01:46:18.390 So we kind of got to get out of that little rabbit hole. 01:46:18.390 --> 01:46:20.149 I'm just saying we need to be back. 01:46:20.149 --> 01:46:21.510 We're talking about parking. 01:46:21.510 --> 01:46:23.149 We're not talking about that. 01:46:23.149 --> 01:46:24.989 The park district was brought up. 01:46:24.989 --> 01:46:26.470 Did you just shush me? 01:46:26.470 --> 01:46:28.949 No, I didn't shush you. 01:46:28.949 --> 01:46:30.829 We need to be back. 01:46:30.829 --> 01:46:33.350 Mayor, if I shush you, you'll know I shush you. 01:46:33.350 --> 01:46:34.109 I'm not shushing you. 01:46:34.109 --> 01:46:35.789 Let's go back to the grant. 01:46:35.789 --> 01:46:39.270 Mr. Collins, point of order, please, thank you. 01:46:39.270 --> 01:46:41.229 This is about adopting the resolution 01:46:41.229 --> 01:46:42.590 to support this grant. 01:46:42.590 --> 01:47:12.590 I agree. But we don't need to talk about Park District stuff. Well, it came up. It actually came up. OK, so I would like to call point of order to bring us back to the topic. And if council would allow me to speak. Well, yes, we do need to come back to this topic. It's on the resolution to support this grant. And so is there any further discussion? I don't know if you heard me, but I would like to speak. Well, actually, Alderman Simmons, you've spoken twice already. Right. That's why. And if council will allow. That's correct. Only twice. 01:47:12.590 --> 01:47:16.590 So if there's no further discussion, Alderman Stacy? 01:47:16.590 --> 01:47:24.590 Excuse me, no, I thought, according to our rules, if I would like to speak again, Council will call a vote on that. 01:47:24.590 --> 01:47:36.590 Okay, you're correct. So let's take the role, Madam Clerk, on the approval of allowing Alderman Simmons another time to speak. 01:47:36.590 --> 01:47:38.590 Shadle? 01:47:38.590 --> 01:47:39.590 No. 01:47:39.590 --> 01:47:40.590 Sanders? 01:47:40.590 --> 01:47:41.590 Yes. 01:47:41.590 --> 01:48:20.640 Clem? Hi. Johnson? Hi. Simmons? Oh, yeah, you can vote. Is that a yes, Simmons? Yes. Parker? No. Stacy? Yes. It passes. Okay, so Alderman Simmons, go ahead. Thank you. That's funny that we would vote no. I don't speak much and when I speak, I speak quick. However, my question to the grant was, and a statement to what Director Duckman said I have spoken to, 01:48:20.640 --> 01:48:24.579 and I have been awarded by the county board members about land that we were then awarded 01:48:24.579 --> 01:48:31.680 and park district members about board members about getting a pocket park in our area. 01:48:31.680 --> 01:48:38.880 My question that was not answered is why is this particular grant for this area downtown 01:48:38.880 --> 01:48:44.640 when we already got a grant for that area downtown which only includes cornholes, cornhole 01:48:44.640 --> 01:48:45.640 games? 01:48:45.640 --> 01:48:50.520 Like this grant could be used more beneficially for us if we use it in a different area. 01:48:50.520 --> 01:48:56.720 Why was that not listed? 01:48:56.720 --> 01:48:58.000 Thank you all to person Simmons. 01:48:58.000 --> 01:49:02.039 I think I understand what you're asking. 01:49:02.039 --> 01:49:03.920 And I think what I was trying to explain before 01:49:03.920 --> 01:49:07.840 was that the pocket park that we're speaking of, 01:49:07.840 --> 01:49:10.020 that is the subject of this grant application, 01:49:10.020 --> 01:49:13.440 has been in a planning process for five years. 01:49:13.440 --> 01:49:17.440 And that is why, in particular, there 01:49:17.440 --> 01:49:19.399 have been multiple applications. 01:49:19.399 --> 01:49:21.399 I know there was a Commonwealth Edison grant that 01:49:21.399 --> 01:49:24.479 was applied for in 2020. 01:49:24.479 --> 01:49:31.119 There's a plan for this park that has been submitted for this grant application. 01:49:31.119 --> 01:49:36.039 And as I said earlier, I think that if there's another area in a different time 01:49:36.039 --> 01:49:40.000 where we have a plan for a parcel, or if it's own 01:49:40.000 --> 01:50:08.109 or if it's owned by the city I don't I think I'm sure City Manager Boyer would certainly want to talk about it or it could be brought to council a specific piece of property that the city owns that a park could be proposed I don't think it's I think it's a good idea I just know that there are plans and that this pocket park in particular has been in process for five years it didn't just get dreamt up overnight and that is the reason why it was a subject of this grant right now the city does not have 01:50:38.109 --> 01:50:39.510 Oh, that's the reason. 01:50:39.510 --> 01:50:40.869 Alderman Stacy. 01:50:40.869 --> 01:50:44.090 When there was discussion earlier this year, 01:50:44.090 --> 01:50:48.710 spoke about the property that City Manager Boyer wanted 01:50:48.710 --> 01:50:52.670 to buy in the Liberty area. 01:50:52.670 --> 01:50:57.149 I said then, could a park be put there? 01:50:57.149 --> 01:51:00.430 So it's not that we haven't searched this out 01:51:00.430 --> 01:51:02.670 and haven't tried to. 01:51:02.670 --> 01:51:05.789 I would also like to know how much does it cost 01:51:05.789 --> 01:51:12.710 to apply for this OSLAD grant. 01:51:12.710 --> 01:51:14.109 I'll be honest, and I haven't been 01:51:14.109 --> 01:51:15.350 a part of this grant application. 01:51:15.350 --> 01:51:19.109 That's why City Manager Boyer, I'm answering the question. 01:51:19.109 --> 01:51:21.630 To be fair, I haven't been part of this grant application. 01:51:21.630 --> 01:51:23.289 When I am part of a grant application, 01:51:23.289 --> 01:51:24.829 I certainly can't answer that question. 01:51:24.829 --> 01:51:26.909 I'm answering these questions because I've 01:51:26.909 --> 01:51:28.829 been aware of the pocket park. 01:51:28.829 --> 01:51:30.449 I know the Greater Free Park Partnership 01:51:30.449 --> 01:51:32.470 has done a great job moving it forward. 01:51:32.470 --> 01:51:34.970 I've been part of the planning process for quite some time. 01:51:34.970 --> 01:51:36.989 I just, in particular, have not put together 01:51:36.989 --> 01:51:37.949 for this grant application. 01:51:37.949 --> 01:51:40.069 So I can't answer that question intelligently. 01:51:40.069 --> 01:51:42.850 Okay, I need an answer, City Manager Boyer. 01:51:42.850 --> 01:51:46.029 You talked about a Commonwealth Edison grant. 01:51:46.029 --> 01:51:47.850 How much did we pay for that one? 01:51:47.850 --> 01:51:51.550 Now you're talking about a OSLAD grant. 01:51:51.550 --> 01:51:55.710 How much is it gonna cost the city to apply for a grant 01:51:55.710 --> 01:52:00.710 that we may or may not get for another pocket park? 01:52:02.029 --> 01:52:04.289 Actually, Darren is the one that needs to answer this. 01:52:04.289 --> 01:52:06.829 Darren, you guys are writing the grant. 01:52:06.829 --> 01:52:10.630 part of the master service agreement at $7,500 for the application. 01:52:11.229 --> 01:52:18.010 And I want to, um, also remind everybody for the Osled grant. 01:52:18.010 --> 01:52:22.630 So, uh, just trying to clarify this from what I've been listening to the city of 01:52:22.630 --> 01:52:27.210 Freeport is not typically in the park business. 01:52:27.350 --> 01:52:31.010 That's the park district's responsibility with their own taxing body. 01:52:31.270 --> 01:52:35.529 So when you're looking at playground type equipment, those type of parks, 01:52:35.529 --> 01:52:38.829 if you look around town, all the ones that are maintained are maintained by 01:52:38.829 --> 01:52:40.369 the park district, not the city. 01:52:40.369 --> 01:52:44.250 We do, I believe, uh, I'm pretty sure I'm correct. 01:52:44.289 --> 01:52:48.029 The city does not, the city proper city council does not own 01:52:48.029 --> 01:52:49.350 any parks within the city. 01:52:50.189 --> 01:52:53.850 The, the grant that we're talking about the pocket park is what they call 01:52:53.869 --> 01:53:00.130 an urban park, which is very high on the list of Osled to have parks in 01:53:00.130 --> 01:53:04.010 downtown communities where there's lots of pavement structure and it's not 01:53:04.010 --> 01:53:05.609 We have a very traditional type of park. 01:53:05.609 --> 01:53:09.470 This is a park that brings in games 01:53:09.470 --> 01:53:13.369 and other things like bags or tabletop games, 01:53:13.369 --> 01:53:14.710 other items like that, 01:53:14.710 --> 01:53:16.930 that can be utilized in a small space. 01:53:16.930 --> 01:53:18.770 The space between these two buildings 01:53:18.770 --> 01:53:23.369 is not enormous to overcome or to put things in. 01:53:23.369 --> 01:53:27.489 And so if the city were to make a park in this location, 01:53:27.489 --> 01:53:30.050 it would be a very low maintenance park 01:53:30.050 --> 01:53:31.270 that doesn't need a lot of work 01:53:31.270 --> 01:53:33.649 because we don't have additional staff members 01:53:33.649 --> 01:53:36.329 to take care of parks, right? 01:53:36.329 --> 01:53:38.090 Parks need a lot of maintenance 01:53:38.090 --> 01:53:42.369 between trees, lawn care, garbage, upkeep. 01:53:42.369 --> 01:53:43.890 This would be more of an urban park 01:53:43.890 --> 01:53:45.930 which is gonna have a lot more concrete, 01:53:45.930 --> 01:53:48.210 very little grass or maybe even turf, 01:53:48.210 --> 01:53:50.310 something that doesn't need to be maintained. 01:53:50.310 --> 01:53:53.489 Okay, I don't care about all that description. 01:53:53.489 --> 01:53:58.489 It's gonna cost $7,500 just to apply for a grant 01:53:59.770 --> 01:54:01.569 that we may not even get. 01:54:01.569 --> 01:54:07.569 Yes, ma'am. It's a lot of work to apply for these grants. 01:54:07.569 --> 01:54:11.569 Any further, Alderman Sanders? 01:54:11.569 --> 01:54:16.569 There is pocket parks throughout the city, am I correct? 01:54:16.569 --> 01:54:19.569 Oh, well. 01:54:19.569 --> 01:54:22.569 I believe they're called neighborhood parks. 01:54:22.569 --> 01:54:26.569 Well, what do you call a pocket park? 01:54:26.569 --> 01:54:29.569 What are those? 01:54:29.569 --> 01:54:32.409 We don't have a pocket park. 01:54:32.409 --> 01:54:37.409 Well there's one located right there on Iroquois and State Street, isn't it? 01:54:37.409 --> 01:54:40.210 I believe that's called the neighborhood park by the park district. 01:54:40.210 --> 01:54:43.210 So it's by the park district? 01:54:43.210 --> 01:54:44.210 Do they take care of that? 01:54:44.210 --> 01:54:48.529 The one at Iroquois I believe actually is owned by the homeowner that lives there. 01:54:48.529 --> 01:54:51.010 If I'm not correct, we did that research a few months ago. 01:54:51.010 --> 01:54:53.409 Okay, what about the one that's located on... 01:54:53.409 --> 01:54:55.090 The owner's dead. 01:54:55.090 --> 01:54:56.329 We went through that. 01:54:56.329 --> 01:54:57.329 What about the one... 01:54:57.329 --> 01:54:58.329 That doesn't mean the city owns it. 01:54:58.329 --> 01:55:07.180 Yeah. What about the little small park that sits over on Blackhawk and Broadway? Is that 01:55:07.180 --> 01:55:08.180 a pocket park? 01:55:08.180 --> 01:55:10.220 Okay. Can we get back on topic? 01:55:10.220 --> 01:55:12.420 We are. I'm talking about a pocket park. 01:55:12.420 --> 01:55:14.220 But that's not a pocket park. You're asking questions- 01:55:14.220 --> 01:55:16.159 I'm asking a question. Is that a pocket park? 01:55:16.159 --> 01:55:20.380 It has nothing to do with this grant. So let's stay on topic of this grant. 01:55:20.380 --> 01:55:21.380 Mayor, I- 01:55:21.380 --> 01:55:23.460 Do you have a question about the grant? 01:55:23.460 --> 01:55:29.979 Mayor, I resent that remark you just made because that was not proper for you to 01:55:29.979 --> 01:55:34.859 inject that. I'm trying to find out I'm trying to find out information what kind 01:55:34.859 --> 01:55:40.579 of pocket parks description has is it pocket parks or is it neighborhood parks 01:55:40.579 --> 01:55:44.539 and that's what I'm that's what I'm talking about. A pocket park is typically 01:55:44.539 --> 01:55:49.720 between two buildings. You know what Mayor, I didn't know you was a I didn't 01:55:49.720 --> 01:55:51.720 and 01:55:53.020 --> 01:55:55.020 the rest of the board. 01:55:56.180 --> 01:55:58.180 So, I'm going to go ahead and 01:55:59.880 --> 01:56:01.880 ask you to talk about the grant. 01:56:02.979 --> 01:56:04.979 Let's talk about the grant. 01:56:06.279 --> 01:56:08.279 Well, the thing is, I am talking about it because you're not 01:56:09.399 --> 01:56:11.399 allowing me to finish what I'm trying to talk about. 01:56:12.399 --> 01:56:14.399 Do you have a question about the grant? 01:56:15.020 --> 01:56:17.020 Why are you being specific? 01:56:17.020 --> 01:56:51.600 No, I'm not talking. Anybody else have anything to discuss? The council is going to have this. If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk? Are you ready for the roll man? Shadle. Aye. Sanders. No. Sellers. Aye. Klemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. No. Parker. Aye. Stacy. No. The resolution is adopted five to three. Item number 16. Could you please read this for the record? Approval of bid, which was opened on August 27th, 2025. 01:56:51.600 --> 01:56:52.600 Huffines. 01:56:52.600 --> 01:56:53.600 Thank you. 01:56:53.600 --> 01:56:54.600 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 01:56:54.600 --> 01:57:07.520 City staff has published in the Journal of Standard a request for proposal for the demolition 01:57:07.520 --> 01:57:12.199 and asbestos abatement of eight properties, and that was published on August 21st in the 01:57:12.199 --> 01:57:17.920 Journal of Standard, and then a bid opening was held August 27th at 9 a.m. 01:57:17.920 --> 01:57:22.439 We've already received bids from three contractors and I've provided an analysis below which 01:57:22.439 --> 01:57:31.260 is up on the screen as well and based upon the bids received, staff is recommending moving 01:57:31.260 --> 01:57:37.399 forward with Klechner excavating in the amount of $103,000 as they are the lowest responsible 01:57:37.399 --> 01:57:41.640 bidder in their lump sum bid for all eight properties. 01:57:41.640 --> 01:57:42.640 Motion approved. 01:57:42.640 --> 01:57:43.640 Second. 01:57:43.640 --> 01:57:47.180 Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 01:57:47.180 --> 01:57:48.680 Discussion on the bids. 01:57:49.859 --> 01:57:51.739 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:57:51.739 --> 01:57:52.579 Shadle? 01:57:52.579 --> 01:57:53.399 Aye. 01:57:53.399 --> 01:57:54.239 Sanders? 01:57:54.239 --> 01:57:55.079 Aye. 01:57:55.079 --> 01:57:55.899 Sellers? 01:57:55.899 --> 01:57:56.739 Aye. 01:57:56.739 --> 01:57:57.579 Klemm? 01:57:57.579 --> 01:57:58.399 Aye. 01:57:58.399 --> 01:57:59.239 Johnson? 01:57:59.239 --> 01:58:00.079 Aye. 01:58:00.079 --> 01:58:00.899 Simmons? 01:58:00.899 --> 01:58:01.739 Aye. 01:58:01.739 --> 01:58:02.579 Parker? 01:58:02.579 --> 01:58:03.420 Aye. 01:58:03.420 --> 01:58:04.239 And Stacy? 01:58:04.239 --> 01:58:06.930 Aye. 01:58:06.930 --> 01:58:08.750 The motion passes eight to zero. 01:58:08.750 --> 01:58:11.250 Item number 17 is a presentation regarding the city's role 01:58:11.250 --> 01:58:12.869 in landlord-tenant relationships. 01:58:12.869 --> 01:58:23.699 Manager Boyer. 01:58:23.699 --> 01:58:26.159 Thank you, Your Honor. 01:58:26.159 --> 01:58:29.119 So recently, there was a large portfolio 01:58:29.119 --> 01:58:35.399 that changed hands between Tim Chapman and Pied Piper Realty 01:58:35.399 --> 01:58:37.079 LLC. 01:58:37.079 --> 01:58:40.479 There was a number of different properties here. 01:58:40.479 --> 01:58:45.600 Pre-port portfolios purchased approximately 225 properties, 01:58:45.600 --> 01:58:49.460 with about 47 of those being with a current lease. 01:58:49.460 --> 01:58:53.359 We've got 53 duplexes, and we've got several of them 01:58:53.359 --> 01:58:55.119 that were considered owner occupied 01:58:55.119 --> 01:58:58.159 as they were set up that way with Tim Chapman. 01:58:58.159 --> 01:59:02.199 So approximately 193 total properties 01:59:03.680 --> 01:59:07.760 remained or aren't occupied or unrenovated at this time. 01:59:07.760 --> 01:59:10.279 A little background, a letter was sent out 01:59:12.600 --> 01:59:15.399 July 29th to the tenants. 01:59:16.319 --> 01:59:18.000 There's quite a bit here, 01:59:18.000 --> 01:59:23.000 but the big picture is the month of month 01:59:23.000 --> 01:59:29.039 month renters were notified that their effective lease would be over September 01:59:29.039 --> 01:59:32.840 1st and their rent will be adjusted at that time so these are month-to-month 01:59:32.840 --> 01:59:39.880 renters generally speaking these month-to-month is 01:59:39.880 --> 01:59:41.439 is convenient from a a runner standpoint because they don't have to make any 01:59:41.439 --> 01:59:47.600 long-term commitments however it does provide flexibility also the fixed term 01:59:47.600 --> 01:59:53.039 tenants the current leases remain unchanged until expiration and that was 01:59:53.039 --> 01:59:59.399 notified in this letter there was quite a few bits you can look it up for your if 01:59:59.399 --> 02:00:03.720 you want to I can provide you a copy of this but the discussion the new leases 02:00:03.720 --> 02:00:09.600 there would be an inspection scheduled started reaching out to people in person 02:00:09.600 --> 02:00:15.180 called August 5th to the month-on-month tenants to kind of start discussing what 02:00:15.180 --> 02:00:22.880 what to do they wanted engagement with the the renters and then also reaching 02:00:22.880 --> 02:00:28.079 out for the in-person meeting where you're currently residing would 02:00:28.079 --> 02:00:31.680 basically be the topic of discussion whether it is suitable what need to be 02:00:31.680 --> 02:00:38.600 Perry would need to move forward. Just to give you a quick update on some of the 02:00:38.600 --> 02:00:45.600 commentary that's been out there. This is HUD's free market analysis and 02:00:45.600 --> 02:00:53.119 essentially is showing that there's a range of reasonable range within the 02:00:53.119 --> 02:00:57.399 various units that are available. Obviously if you look down here are some 02:00:57.399 --> 02:01:02.500 of these houses I can't verify this 100% but I've heard that there's some very 02:01:02.500 --> 02:01:09.199 low rents for like a three and four bedroom home that HUD actually proposes 02:01:09.199 --> 02:01:15.439 here should be a little higher than than that amount so the rents while being a 02:01:15.439 --> 02:01:23.960 little different kind of fall in line overall with HUD's guidelines. The city's 02:01:23.960 --> 02:01:29.560 Roll. So there's, as we move forward, one of the things we've been working on, especially with 02:01:29.560 --> 02:01:36.039 Chapman Properties before the portfolio was sold, was that we needed all landlords to register with 02:01:36.039 --> 02:01:42.600 the landlord database. That gives us the ability to follow up on complaints and code enforcement 02:01:42.600 --> 02:01:48.359 actions. It also gives us the ability to know who's in what unit and who owns that unit. 02:01:48.359 --> 02:01:53.000 So we're working on that. As a matter of fact, Ptolemy, I believe when we get into the discussion 02:01:53.000 --> 02:01:57.279 session or section Wayne will be kind of providing a little bit of an update on 02:01:57.279 --> 02:02:03.000 that and then we can also enforce ordinance and codes for the properties 02:02:03.000 --> 02:02:07.840 this works through our code enforcement supervisor and our code enforcement 02:02:07.840 --> 02:02:11.840 hearings this has been relatively successful but it is you know we have 02:02:11.840 --> 02:02:16.359 limited resources and it is somewhat of a slow process so we've had a number of 02:02:16.359 --> 02:02:20.560 folks I don't know that the complete number the most up-to-date number but 02:02:20.560 --> 02:02:34.640 Yes, I believe the number we have since the takeover of these properties, I believe we've 02:02:34.640 --> 02:02:40.239 had three tenant inspection requests. 02:02:40.239 --> 02:02:45.159 So three, that gives us the authority to go into three of those units. 02:02:45.159 --> 02:02:51.199 So state law, just recapping some of the more pertinent sections, so Rent Control Preemption 02:02:51.199 --> 02:02:56.039 Act, you can read that, but a unit of local government shall not enact, maintain, or enforce 02:02:56.039 --> 02:02:59.960 any ordinance or resolution that would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent 02:02:59.960 --> 02:03:04.079 charged for leasing private residential or commercial property. 02:03:04.079 --> 02:03:09.359 And then again in section 10 of the act, a home rule unit may not regulate or control 02:03:09.359 --> 02:03:14.079 the amount of rent charged for leasing private residential or commercial properties. 02:03:14.079 --> 02:03:18.720 In addition to that, Illinois Attorney General states that in a week to week or month to 02:03:18.720 --> 02:03:24.119 month tenants, landlord can raise your rent by any amount if he or she gives you proper 02:03:24.119 --> 02:03:28.680 notice and Illinois does not have a rent control law, therefore your landlord can raise your 02:03:28.680 --> 02:03:32.239 rent as much as he or she deems necessary. 02:03:32.239 --> 02:03:34.000 So what are the next steps? 02:03:34.000 --> 02:03:40.939 We have Pied Piper Group represented here today as well as Attorney Cox and Director 02:03:40.939 --> 02:03:46.779 Duckman, who can speak to any of the more precise points on the situation as we 02:03:46.779 --> 02:03:50.140 move forward. I think there's a suggestion that we could increase the 02:03:50.140 --> 02:03:56.220 number of notice days for a rent increase from 30 to 60 days. That would be 02:03:56.220 --> 02:04:00.659 fine with someone with a signed lease. However, if people are on a month a month 02:04:00.659 --> 02:04:06.779 already, that does present some concerns, but certainly not insurmountable. So 02:04:06.779 --> 02:04:12.819 So, anyway, as we go through this process tonight, I hope this becomes enlightening. 02:04:12.819 --> 02:04:17.340 I think we've just hit a quick summary of some of the back and forth commentary that's 02:04:17.340 --> 02:04:23.380 been online and discussion with individuals and also some of the tenants. 02:04:23.380 --> 02:04:28.539 So with that, I'd like to go ahead and move to the next item, which is discussion. 02:04:28.539 --> 02:04:34.979 Okay, so let's try to keep this to this part of the discussion to the city's role. 02:04:34.979 --> 02:04:41.619 I know there are other things that Alderman, Stacy, and Klemm wanted to discuss, but let's keep this part of it just to the city's role. 02:04:41.619 --> 02:04:43.619 Attorney Cox, did you want to add to anything? 02:04:43.619 --> 02:04:48.949 Alderman Sanders. 02:04:48.949 --> 02:04:51.949 Are you calling me now? 02:04:51.949 --> 02:04:52.949 Yes. 02:04:52.949 --> 02:04:53.949 Oh, okay. 02:04:53.949 --> 02:04:55.949 On the city's role. 02:04:55.949 --> 02:05:06.029 Now, my question would be is the state of Illinois attorney office is the ones that are stipulating 02:05:08.909 --> 02:05:15.869 jurisdiction over this particular matter that we're discussing in our agenda right now, 02:05:15.869 --> 02:05:22.590 is what we're saying. What the city's role is, correct. Yeah, and because that is happening, 02:05:22.590 --> 02:05:29.949 because that has not obscured the fact that we should be able to also make 02:05:29.949 --> 02:05:36.029 amendments. We have not talked about whether we can amend anything to what 02:05:36.029 --> 02:05:42.909 the state's attorney had put in the role of how 02:05:42.909 --> 02:05:50.510 they govern this. So have we challenged this as a council to see if any 02:05:50.510 --> 02:05:51.510 and others. 02:05:51.510 --> 02:05:57.670 Any amendments can be introduced to make changes. 02:05:57.670 --> 02:06:03.829 I hate to find out that that is a possibility if we have not done our homework and we're 02:06:03.829 --> 02:06:10.590 sitting on something that probably can be amended or altered or changed. 02:06:10.590 --> 02:06:18.310 How current are we with the update of how old is this memo that we're looking at? 02:06:18.310 --> 02:06:19.789 How old is it? 02:06:19.789 --> 02:06:26.949 and if things have changed, who looked into whether or not there has been major changes 02:06:26.949 --> 02:06:34.989 that will make a difference to those renters when landlords are raising their rent and 02:06:34.989 --> 02:06:35.989 everything? 02:06:35.989 --> 02:06:39.470 Have anything come down the pipeline that changes anything? 02:06:39.470 --> 02:06:40.750 Have we done that? 02:06:40.750 --> 02:06:43.470 Have we looked into that particular matter? 02:06:43.470 --> 02:06:48.149 and so I would suggest or whoever's presenting 02:06:48.149 --> 02:06:53.069 this particular memo to have more answers for us. 02:06:53.069 --> 02:06:56.430 As a council, we can look into the matters ourself, 02:06:56.430 --> 02:06:58.350 but we're looking at our city manager 02:06:58.350 --> 02:07:01.189 because he's managing the city. 02:07:01.189 --> 02:07:06.189 And so my question would be is, can we look into it further 02:07:06.590 --> 02:07:10.750 to see if there's any other possibilities or amendments 02:07:10.750 --> 02:07:11.750 and I. 02:07:11.750 --> 02:07:13.989 I think there's a lot of work that could be implemented into this whole scenario of this 02:07:13.989 --> 02:07:20.149 member because the way it's set right now, there's no challenging base going on from 02:07:20.149 --> 02:07:24.949 council or to the general public within the city. 02:07:24.949 --> 02:07:31.789 There should be a mechanism for us to at least challenge what we're seeing here so we just 02:07:31.789 --> 02:07:38.930 don't leave it up to the state's attorney to make the priority decisions for the city. 02:07:38.930 --> 02:07:44.789 Okay, so I'm going to ask Attorney Cox to address that, but we legally can't tell a 02:07:44.789 --> 02:07:51.850 business what they can charge for rent, but we can talk about terminating lease, correct, 02:07:51.850 --> 02:07:52.850 Attorney Cox? 02:07:52.850 --> 02:07:53.850 Well, yeah. 02:07:53.850 --> 02:08:01.439 Hi, thank you. 02:08:01.439 --> 02:08:05.779 So the state has enacted, as Manager Boyer pointed out, something called the Rent Control 02:08:05.779 --> 02:08:11.059 Preemption Act, and that is an express limitation of any municipality's authority, including 02:08:11.059 --> 02:08:19.340 Can you speak up because we can't hear you? Can you turn him up? Can you turn up his microphone? 02:08:19.340 --> 02:08:27.899 I'll get closer. Everybody hear me okay? The state has enacted, as Manager Boyer pointed 02:08:27.899 --> 02:08:33.579 out, something called the Rent Control Preemption Act, and that is an express limitation of 02:08:33.579 --> 02:08:39.059 any municipality, including a home rule municipality, which Freeport happens to be. It's a limitation 02:08:39.059 --> 02:08:41.059 and 02:08:42.059 --> 02:08:44.059 John. 02:08:45.059 --> 02:08:47.059 So, we have to be very careful about the 02:08:48.059 --> 02:08:51.059 decision of that authority. Any municipality in the state of 02:08:51.059 --> 02:08:55.059 Illinois derives its authority from the state. State in turn 02:08:55.059 --> 02:08:59.059 derives its authority from the federal Constitution. However, 02:08:59.059 --> 02:09:04.059 if the state doesn't give us the authority or in a home rule 02:09:04.059 --> 02:09:08.059 situation specifically takes it away, then we can't alter that. 02:09:08.059 --> 02:09:12.940 So when we talk about rent control, which is, I believe, the vast majority of the complaints 02:09:12.940 --> 02:09:16.260 here were rent spikes. 02:09:16.260 --> 02:09:18.539 The city cannot regulate that. 02:09:18.539 --> 02:09:21.500 That power was taken away from us by Springfield. 02:09:21.500 --> 02:09:22.500 And that's that. 02:09:22.500 --> 02:09:23.500 Okay. 02:09:23.500 --> 02:09:24.500 Thank you. 02:09:24.500 --> 02:09:25.500 Alderman Stacey? 02:09:25.500 --> 02:09:29.899 We don't want to know what the city can't do. 02:09:29.899 --> 02:09:33.260 We want to know what the city can do. 02:09:33.260 --> 02:09:35.979 There is some things that can be put in 02:09:35.979 --> 02:09:41.319 and many other things that can be put in this ordinance that would give our constituents 02:09:41.319 --> 02:09:43.859 some support. 02:09:43.859 --> 02:09:50.460 And we want to talk about Chapman, but let the record show that there was four or five 02:09:50.460 --> 02:10:02.020 different people involved in this selling property, two port, three port portfolio LLC. 02:10:02.020 --> 02:10:12.819 and so on and so forth, but not just one, at least five, and the Freeport Portfolio acts 02:10:12.819 --> 02:10:19.380 the Pied Piper, which we all know about the Pied Piper, and there's nothing good about 02:10:19.380 --> 02:10:27.859 the Pied Piper to manage their property, but what you may not know is that Freeport Portfolio, 02:10:27.859 --> 02:10:39.479 LLLC and Pied Piper are the same people. They're two in one. And they have came to our city 02:10:40.680 --> 02:10:47.239 and have played our mayor and our city managers as suckers. And they're running a muck 02:10:47.960 --> 02:10:56.039 on our city. And in case you don't know what a muck is, it's a scam. And so we have to do something. 02:10:56.039 --> 02:11:07.039 Johnson. No one has the right. I feel you should feel, City Manager Boyer, City Mayor, 02:11:07.039 --> 02:11:16.600 that anybody can come in our city and do this to us. And so my expectations of both of you 02:11:16.600 --> 02:11:24.199 are great. I don't want to know what we can't do. I want to focus on what we can do for 02:11:24.199 --> 02:11:25.960 for our constituents. 02:11:25.960 --> 02:11:27.039 I have a question. 02:11:27.039 --> 02:11:30.479 Can you tell me what you were accusing the manager and I of doing because I kind of didn't 02:11:30.479 --> 02:11:32.640 understand that. 02:11:32.640 --> 02:11:36.319 I didn't accuse you and the manager of anything. 02:11:36.319 --> 02:11:44.039 I said you all have allowed people to come into our city and play you like suckers. 02:11:44.039 --> 02:11:46.640 It's what I said. 02:11:46.640 --> 02:11:52.579 You do realize that we don't have authority on whether someone can purchase something. 02:11:52.579 --> 02:11:56.779 it's not about purchasing so so with all this discussion what are you proposing 02:11:56.779 --> 02:12:08.380 that we do you tell me what can you do I mean you can't take a property and charge 02:12:08.380 --> 02:12:15.779 twelve and fifteen hundred dollars in a five six hundred dollar neighborhood 02:12:15.779 --> 02:12:23.930 and I. I could not have done it without you. You can't even fix the roof on your house. 02:12:23.930 --> 02:12:29.930 That's like going to the Eastside where you ought to have said only 10% or 50% of what 02:12:29.930 --> 02:12:37.930 the property over there are worth. You can't even fix the roof on your house. But then 02:12:37.930 --> 02:12:46.369 somebody can come in and say, oh, I'm going to charge $1,200 for rent. Bullcrap. It has 02:12:46.369 --> 02:12:47.369 Huffines. 02:12:47.369 --> 02:12:55.850 All of these rental agreements fit the area where they're located. 02:12:55.850 --> 02:13:02.050 And I want to tell every renter out there, get an inspection. 02:13:02.050 --> 02:13:05.609 You as a renter have rights. 02:13:05.609 --> 02:13:08.170 Know your rights. 02:13:08.170 --> 02:13:11.289 There used to be books out there that said renter rights. 02:13:11.289 --> 02:13:12.289 I don't know. 02:13:12.289 --> 02:13:16.029 Greater Freeport Partnership, do you all have something like that? 02:13:16.029 --> 02:13:18.109 Who have something like that? 02:13:18.109 --> 02:13:22.710 that the renters can go and know what their rights are. 02:13:22.710 --> 02:13:26.670 Okay, so again, this presentation about the city's role. 02:13:26.670 --> 02:13:31.670 So again, we cannot put on a cap on anyone's rent. 02:13:31.670 --> 02:13:32.550 We can't do that. 02:13:32.550 --> 02:13:33.630 So what are you proposing? 02:13:33.630 --> 02:13:35.149 And that's not what I'm asking you to do. 02:13:35.149 --> 02:13:36.149 So what are you proposing? 02:13:36.149 --> 02:13:40.470 Cause that's, you're trying to blur the lines 02:13:40.470 --> 02:13:42.229 of what the city's role is. 02:13:43.189 --> 02:13:45.989 So if you have something to propose, let's talk about it. 02:13:45.989 --> 02:13:56.989 I do. Alderman Simmons? Alderman Stacy has yielded. Alderman Stacy, are you done? Yes. 02:13:56.989 --> 02:14:07.989 Alright. So I propose that we as a city develop and create our own homeless shelter because FACC is filled to the brim and can't take anymore. 02:14:07.989 --> 02:14:13.989 We have no rent cap. We can't do anything about that. But what we can do is prepare for the fallout. 02:14:13.989 --> 02:14:46.479 What is it you're proposing? I didn't catch that. Homeless shelter. No, I don't think that's a bad idea. I think with budget seizing coming up, I think Alderperson Simmons would be a good idea if you brought together a plan, a staff, what it would cost, maybe, you know, some developers or maybe an RFP we could put out for that and get some general ideas of the cost for that. But it would definitely have to be something that the city would budget for. Definitely worth an investigation and, you know, come 02:14:46.479 --> 02:14:47.479 and the other. 02:14:47.479 --> 02:14:49.859 So I think there's a lot to be said about the 02:14:49.859 --> 02:14:50.859 process of making a proposal to council. 02:14:50.859 --> 02:14:51.859 I think the council should be able to come up with 02:14:51.859 --> 02:14:52.859 some numbers and what it would cost. 02:14:52.859 --> 02:14:53.859 Olin Sanders, your second time. 02:14:53.859 --> 02:14:57.859 Yeah, I like what you just said and to table that 02:14:57.859 --> 02:15:04.479 with the fact of making a proposal to council, 02:15:04.479 --> 02:15:10.100 knowing that this is a priority one kind of thing 02:15:10.100 --> 02:15:12.699 going on with the citizens of Freeport. 02:15:12.699 --> 02:15:17.119 And I don't think there's no one wants to see 02:15:17.119 --> 02:15:24.060 Anyone, and homeless shelters at all, but what I'm proposing is that we get together 02:15:24.060 --> 02:15:32.520 as council, have a planning discussion to have to see if we can all be on the same page. 02:15:32.520 --> 02:15:40.239 If there's something that council can look into and then consult with the city council 02:15:40.239 --> 02:15:58.319 Duckman, I think we should have a roundtable of some sort just to talk about this issue. 02:15:58.319 --> 02:16:05.699 This is an issue that is not going to go away and people will be suffering if nothing happens 02:16:05.699 --> 02:16:06.699 Huffines. 02:16:06.699 --> 02:16:14.699 If we could do anything, come up with any kind of a proposal, suggestion, recommendations 02:16:14.699 --> 02:16:20.979 and things of this nature, if there's any governmental programs or grants that could 02:16:20.979 --> 02:16:24.500 be implemented into whatever we're discussing. 02:16:24.500 --> 02:16:29.260 Those things need to be brought out on the table and I feel like this, we're not getting 02:16:29.260 --> 02:16:30.260 Huffines. 02:16:30.260 --> 02:16:35.940 We're not getting enough information from our council members talking about these subject 02:16:35.940 --> 02:16:36.940 matters. 02:16:36.940 --> 02:16:39.020 It's almost like we went into silent mode. 02:16:39.020 --> 02:16:46.459 But anyway, this is what we need to start doing, opening up to the citizens of Freeport. 02:16:46.459 --> 02:16:47.459 Yep. 02:16:47.459 --> 02:16:48.459 I'm sorry. 02:16:48.459 --> 02:16:51.979 And I would welcome you to have that discussion with city manager at your next meeting. 02:16:51.979 --> 02:16:52.979 Yeah. 02:16:52.979 --> 02:16:53.979 Yeah. 02:16:53.979 --> 02:16:54.979 That sounds good. 02:16:54.979 --> 02:16:55.979 We can make that happen. 02:16:55.979 --> 02:16:58.979 Is there any other discussion on the city's role? 02:16:58.979 --> 02:17:10.340 Alderman Klemm? Sure. Last week Alderman Stacey and I attended a meeting that was 02:17:10.340 --> 02:17:16.260 put together by Josh Atkinson. It was a meeting that brought up some of the issues 02:17:16.260 --> 02:17:24.500 that were out there due to the recent purchase of the Chapman property, okay. 02:17:24.500 --> 02:17:38.020 and I have had some long discussions on this. One thing we've got to realize is that there's 02:17:38.020 --> 02:17:45.459 two sides to this whole project, okay? If we take, and one of the things is that Reverend 02:17:45.459 --> 02:17:51.299 Dye's got her sign up out here that says we should extend it to 60 days. You know, that 02:17:51.299 --> 02:17:52.299 Miller. 02:17:52.299 --> 02:17:58.819 The flip side of that, if I'm a landlord, when you move into my house, now I'm not 02:17:58.819 --> 02:18:03.139 going to ask you for one month or two months, I'm going to ask you for three or four months 02:18:03.139 --> 02:18:05.979 because when you're going to leave in the last couple months, you're not going to pay 02:18:05.979 --> 02:18:10.899 your rent and you're going to be gone. 02:18:10.899 --> 02:18:16.299 The landlord's also in this, and I'm not defending the landlord's 100%. 02:18:16.299 --> 02:18:24.139 I believe what brought up here is Pied Piper bought this, okay. Keep in mind over the last, which 02:18:24.139 --> 02:18:32.540 Stacy started to mention, over the last number of months or the last couple years, we've had property 02:18:32.540 --> 02:18:39.420 bought up by two or three different outfits, not just one. We used to have a good 02:18:39.420 --> 02:18:49.819 Good home-based landlord tenant situation that was owned by people from town, you know, 02:18:49.819 --> 02:18:55.979 now we're getting more from out of town, okay, but we haven't heard from Pied Piper, you 02:18:55.979 --> 02:19:01.780 know, their intention may to be to do something to these properties, but when we put the numbers 02:19:01.780 --> 02:19:07.459 of properties up there, they were far different than what came out at the first meeting, you 02:19:07.459 --> 02:19:09.819 you know, we were talking 300 properties 02:19:09.819 --> 02:19:12.540 and then when you boil it down to there were two, 02:19:12.540 --> 02:19:15.940 three different kinds of properties that Chapman had 02:19:15.940 --> 02:19:19.340 that we all got to look at differently, you know? 02:19:19.340 --> 02:19:24.340 So I believe anything that we can do in the long run 02:19:24.459 --> 02:19:29.379 to help any renters or help with the landlords or renters 02:19:29.379 --> 02:19:32.680 that we can work out some things that we need to change. 02:19:32.680 --> 02:19:33.000 Fowler. 02:19:33.000 --> 02:19:37.000 It's beneficial to all of us, okay? 02:19:37.000 --> 02:19:43.600 If we take and do something that's going to completely raise everybody's rate, we've 02:19:43.600 --> 02:19:49.479 done nothing to help anybody, and I think that's the long-distance end on this thing, 02:19:49.479 --> 02:19:51.680 and costs and everything else are going up. 02:19:51.680 --> 02:19:58.879 As we talk about the difference of months, how much deposit and all that goes up, as 02:19:58.879 --> 02:20:02.219 and the taxes go up, all that enters into the situation 02:20:02.219 --> 02:20:05.379 and all that stuff enters into the rent of it. 02:20:05.379 --> 02:20:08.420 As far as the rent, I have to tell you this, 02:20:08.420 --> 02:20:11.700 I had a house of my mother's that we rented out 02:20:11.700 --> 02:20:15.479 for a number of years, I rented it out in 1997 02:20:15.479 --> 02:20:18.459 for 600 and some bucks and it was a two bedroom, 02:20:18.459 --> 02:20:21.719 one bath house in a nice neighborhood. 02:20:21.719 --> 02:20:25.280 So the rents have been there years ago 02:20:25.280 --> 02:20:29.559 and maybe these have not kept up with the times. 02:20:29.559 --> 02:20:32.319 But those are the discussions we need to have 02:20:32.319 --> 02:20:34.559 and how we can help anybody involved. 02:20:34.559 --> 02:20:35.920 Right on, right on. 02:20:35.920 --> 02:20:36.760 That's right on. 02:20:36.760 --> 02:20:39.000 Was there other discussion on the city's role? 02:20:39.000 --> 02:20:39.879 Alderman Johnson? 02:20:41.040 --> 02:20:44.639 If we change some ordinances right now, 02:20:44.639 --> 02:20:46.959 like say we change it and say, 02:20:46.959 --> 02:20:50.379 okay, you got to give them 60 days notice, 02:20:51.459 --> 02:20:54.180 that would not affect what's happening right now, 02:20:54.180 --> 02:20:56.780 but would affect the future, is that correct 02:20:56.780 --> 02:20:58.340 or am I wrong on that? 02:20:58.340 --> 02:20:59.799 It would affect leases entered into 02:20:59.799 --> 02:21:01.459 after the effective date of the ordinance. 02:21:01.459 --> 02:21:04.379 After the effective date of the ordinance, okay. 02:21:04.379 --> 02:21:07.700 And also is it, would it be legal 02:21:07.700 --> 02:21:10.379 for the city to put in some kind of ordinance 02:21:10.379 --> 02:21:14.780 that said a house or a property could not, 02:21:14.780 --> 02:21:17.819 a renter house or property could not be sold 02:21:17.819 --> 02:21:21.860 unless it passes an inspection saying that it's up to code. 02:21:21.860 --> 02:21:24.340 would that be something legal that could be done? 02:21:24.340 --> 02:21:26.180 I don't know, I'm just asking. 02:21:27.379 --> 02:21:30.620 I can tell you and Alderman Klemm may be able to speak 02:21:30.620 --> 02:21:32.579 to this a bit as well. 02:21:32.579 --> 02:21:34.500 That was approached many years ago. 02:21:34.500 --> 02:21:35.340 Okay. 02:21:36.340 --> 02:21:40.659 And that was, it was determined not to do that. 02:21:43.159 --> 02:21:46.020 And that was the political will at the time. 02:21:46.020 --> 02:21:48.340 Can certainly be explored again. 02:21:48.340 --> 02:21:50.979 I'll tell you the pushback and again, 02:21:50.979 --> 02:21:53.200 I'm a little bit out of my territory here. 02:21:53.200 --> 02:21:55.860 This is just, again, historical knowledge. 02:21:55.860 --> 02:21:58.559 The argument would be that, well, 02:21:58.559 --> 02:22:04.120 if as soon as a property has to be brought up 02:22:04.120 --> 02:22:07.299 to current standards to code, 02:22:08.479 --> 02:22:11.879 and not just grandfathered in as existing, 02:22:11.879 --> 02:22:15.360 and I'm sure Wayne can tell you 02:22:15.360 --> 02:22:17.239 that there's a difference between IPMC 02:22:17.239 --> 02:22:20.020 and then current building codes and that sort of thing. 02:22:20.020 --> 02:22:50.020 if it gets beyond a standard maintenance code for the era in which the house was built it's prohibitively expensive to upgrade that now that that's there's certainly something to be said for doing that in that all housing then eventually will come up to current standards but that doesn't come out and come without a price so what happens is we greatly increase the cost to sell something or specifically 02:22:50.020 --> 02:22:51.020 and DePriest. 02:22:51.020 --> 02:22:53.020 I think that's a good way to really drive down the price of property. 02:22:53.020 --> 02:22:56.700 If I'm a seller, the buyer is going to pay me less because they know they're going to 02:22:56.700 --> 02:22:59.219 need to do a bunch of work. 02:22:59.219 --> 02:23:00.819 Oldham and Sellers? 02:23:00.819 --> 02:23:01.819 Yes. 02:23:01.819 --> 02:23:08.780 I mean, I think that with the city, I think with this situation, I can understand long-term, 02:23:08.780 --> 02:23:13.780 well if you're in a long-term lease, you got until your lease is over with. 02:23:13.780 --> 02:23:18.299 So you still have time to move. 02:23:18.299 --> 02:23:25.540 But if there's a situation where it's month to month, I can't see the 60 day notice thing 02:23:25.540 --> 02:23:27.819 because you're doing it month to month. 02:23:27.819 --> 02:23:40.340 And then we also have the situation where people were in the program of buying on contract. 02:23:40.340 --> 02:23:45.700 Once you buy on contract, that's not anything with the city. 02:23:45.700 --> 02:23:49.139 because if you're buying on contract and you're under that, 02:23:49.139 --> 02:23:52.340 that's on you and you have to deal with that. 02:23:52.340 --> 02:23:57.340 So I can understand the 60 day notice 02:23:57.340 --> 02:24:01.399 on people whose contract is getting ready to end 02:24:01.399 --> 02:24:05.000 within the next six months or something like that. 02:24:05.000 --> 02:24:06.979 I can go along with that, but if you still, 02:24:06.979 --> 02:24:08.940 if you signed your lease in May 02:24:08.940 --> 02:24:12.159 and you've got way till May, it doesn't apply. 02:24:12.159 --> 02:24:15.180 And I think that not having the 60 day 02:24:15.180 --> 02:24:18.299 be a ordinance for everybody 02:24:18.299 --> 02:24:20.579 because there are good landlords out there 02:24:20.579 --> 02:24:22.659 that are doing what they're supposed to do 02:24:22.659 --> 02:24:24.260 and handling their business. 02:24:24.260 --> 02:24:28.899 And they're already having problems with 30 days, 02:24:28.899 --> 02:24:30.219 trying to get people out. 02:24:30.219 --> 02:24:32.700 So I can understand with this situation 02:24:32.700 --> 02:24:36.239 and under this contract, we do the 60 day notice, 02:24:36.239 --> 02:24:38.559 but I just can't see it going across the board 02:24:38.559 --> 02:24:41.579 because that hurts landlords that are out there 02:24:41.579 --> 02:24:43.059 doing what they're supposed to do 02:24:43.059 --> 02:24:44.819 and trying to handle their business. 02:24:44.819 --> 02:24:48.020 so that's what I think we. 02:24:48.020 --> 02:24:49.260 Oh, Ms. Stacey. 02:24:49.260 --> 02:24:54.309 Well, we have been asked of the constituents, 02:24:54.309 --> 02:24:56.229 the renters that's going through this 02:24:57.750 --> 02:25:02.750 is that for less than three years to 60 days, 02:25:02.950 --> 02:25:06.709 for three years or more, 120 days 02:25:06.709 --> 02:25:09.909 and I checked surrounding areas 02:25:09.909 --> 02:25:11.709 and in surrounding areas, 02:25:11.709 --> 02:25:14.950 it's already in place on their ordinance 02:25:14.950 --> 02:25:17.469 so I know this is something we can do. 02:25:18.829 --> 02:25:23.829 And I understand Attorney Cox, what you said, 02:25:24.409 --> 02:25:28.850 did not fly, I don't know how many years ago. 02:25:28.850 --> 02:25:30.950 This is a new season. 02:25:30.950 --> 02:25:33.229 This is a new breed of people. 02:25:33.229 --> 02:25:42.000 We have got to do something for these people 02:25:44.559 --> 02:25:51.170 and for ourselves. 02:25:51.170 --> 02:26:21.170 I just say I also recommend that anybody who sees an issue with their apartment to please come in and fill out we have them sitting on the desk today we always have them at the front desk if there's any issue with a place that you're renting to please come in we do require that you sign you know permission for us to access the property that's for the city's liability to ensure that if the landlord comes in and said that we were trespassing we always have a right to enter so before we will enter the city will enter a property 02:26:21.170 --> 02:26:51.170 we do require that you give us the written permission and staff always we always look forward to helping in any way we can and if there are any issues we will once this is filled out we will certainly go in and investigate the property and hold that landlord accountable for any violations that they have so that's something I just want to echo and hope that our community takes advantage of that if they feel that there's something in the building that is improper so 02:26:51.170 --> 02:26:53.729 but that is important to know that you do have to, 02:26:54.690 --> 02:26:56.950 you do have to fill this out first. 02:26:56.950 --> 02:27:01.950 I would like to make a motion that we as a council, 02:27:02.850 --> 02:27:07.850 as the mayor, as city manager and as attorney Cox, 02:27:09.149 --> 02:27:14.149 sit down and discuss not what we can't do 02:27:15.969 --> 02:27:20.569 but what we can do so that everybody can have 02:27:21.170 --> 02:27:22.170 Fowler. 02:27:22.170 --> 02:27:25.250 The same knowledge and an understanding. 02:27:25.250 --> 02:27:26.489 We don't need a motion for that. 02:27:26.489 --> 02:27:28.850 If you want to come in and talk about your ideas, you're welcome to. 02:27:28.850 --> 02:27:36.170 I want us to get together as a whole, not one-on-one, not you and Boyer and me. 02:27:36.170 --> 02:27:38.889 You and Boyer and Shadle. 02:27:38.889 --> 02:27:43.010 You and Boyer, us as a council. 02:27:43.010 --> 02:27:45.450 Wouldn't that be a violation of the Open Meetings Act? 02:27:45.450 --> 02:27:48.690 No, not if we make it public and put it out there. 02:27:48.690 --> 02:27:53.229 We need to talk. 02:27:53.229 --> 02:27:55.389 what would that be a special city council meeting? 02:27:55.389 --> 02:27:58.229 Yeah, I think what's being suggested is a special meeting. 02:27:58.229 --> 02:28:00.790 We call a special meeting any other time. 02:28:00.790 --> 02:28:05.209 We've had special meetings. 02:28:05.209 --> 02:28:10.069 Okay, so what are you, what exactly is your motion? 02:28:11.190 --> 02:28:16.190 That we call a special meeting with you, Boyer, 02:28:16.549 --> 02:28:19.670 Attorney Cox, and the eight aldermen. 02:28:20.790 --> 02:28:22.250 And of course you, Dovie. 02:28:23.149 --> 02:28:24.989 Is there a second to that? 02:28:24.989 --> 02:28:26.709 Yeah, I second that. 02:28:26.709 --> 02:28:28.829 We have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Stacey, 02:28:28.829 --> 02:28:31.469 seconded by Alderman Sanders to call a special meeting 02:28:33.389 --> 02:28:35.290 as stated with those involved. 02:28:36.270 --> 02:28:39.110 Madam Clerk, would you please take the role on that? 02:28:39.110 --> 02:28:39.950 Shadle. 02:28:39.950 --> 02:28:42.190 Oh, okay, you wanna have a discussion 02:28:42.190 --> 02:28:43.709 on the special meeting? 02:28:43.709 --> 02:28:45.110 Yeah, no, well. 02:28:45.110 --> 02:28:45.950 No. 02:28:45.950 --> 02:28:46.950 That's what's on the table right now, 02:28:46.950 --> 02:28:47.829 is the special meeting. 02:28:47.829 --> 02:28:48.670 Okay. 02:28:51.510 --> 02:28:53.030 Shadle, did you wanna talk about the special meeting? 02:28:53.030 --> 02:28:59.110 We just wondered when we were thinking about doing this to see whether it fits schedules 02:28:59.110 --> 02:29:06.549 or how we're going to coordinate all this. 02:29:06.549 --> 02:29:08.110 We have two meetings next week. 02:29:08.110 --> 02:29:11.829 We're in the season of beginning our financial cows. 02:29:11.829 --> 02:29:12.829 We'll just call it. 02:29:12.829 --> 02:29:16.430 We'll let Dovie just call it. 02:29:16.430 --> 02:29:17.430 So Steve? 02:29:17.430 --> 02:29:24.110 Well, if I may, that sounds like potentially a setting on the committee of the whole. 02:29:24.110 --> 02:29:26.709 I mean, that's for a discussion. 02:29:26.709 --> 02:29:31.989 So setting aside a segment of time on the agenda in the 02:29:31.989 --> 02:30:00.000 We can have that discussion. I think that, I mean, if there's a special meeting for that on a different night, it's just another, it's just another city council meeting for discussion. So if, if I can throw that out as a suggestion, if it goes on the cow, that- So as a discussion item that Alderman Stacy could put on for the next cow, if she wanted to, is what you're saying? 02:30:00.000 --> 02:30:01.000 Johnson. 02:30:01.000 --> 02:30:16.639 I was just wondering if possibly we could, each one of us could write down the things 02:30:16.639 --> 02:30:22.159 that we are thinking possibly that could be included in the ordinance to help, you know, 02:30:22.159 --> 02:30:28.000 the tenants as well as the landlords, I mean, there's two sides to every story here. 02:30:28.000 --> 02:30:31.739 to improve the housing in the city of Freeport 02:30:31.739 --> 02:30:34.020 if we could write down some of those things 02:30:34.020 --> 02:30:36.219 that we could present them to you ahead of time 02:30:36.219 --> 02:30:38.620 so we would know whether they were legal things 02:30:38.620 --> 02:30:39.659 that we could do or not do 02:30:39.659 --> 02:30:41.559 and then maybe go from there with that. 02:30:43.459 --> 02:30:46.700 Certainly any question that I can research ahead of time, 02:30:46.700 --> 02:30:47.620 I appreciate. 02:30:47.620 --> 02:30:48.459 Right. 02:30:50.459 --> 02:30:53.139 If anybody ever wants to send any questions my way, 02:30:53.139 --> 02:30:54.819 I'm happy to take a look at them 02:30:54.819 --> 02:30:56.899 and I can hopefully be a little better prepared 02:30:56.899 --> 02:30:57.899 and Stacey. 02:30:57.899 --> 02:31:00.020 Okay, so back to what's on the table. 02:31:00.020 --> 02:31:04.659 Is a special meeting versus a COW Alderman Stacy, do you have a preference on that? 02:31:04.659 --> 02:31:10.530 I would like a special meeting. 02:31:10.530 --> 02:31:17.200 Do you want to propose a date and a time? 02:31:17.200 --> 02:31:41.049 Well, I guess if I have to, Thursday the 4th at 4 o'clock. 02:31:41.049 --> 02:31:43.370 I'm sorry, I would not be able to make that meeting. 02:31:43.370 --> 02:31:44.809 I already have something. 02:31:44.809 --> 02:31:46.649 What would work in your schedule? 02:31:46.649 --> 02:31:47.649 Go ahead. 02:31:47.649 --> 02:31:49.129 No, what would work in your schedule? 02:31:49.129 --> 02:31:50.129 And that's not enough time to put in? 02:31:50.129 --> 02:31:54.129 Yeah, it has to be at least 48 hours, ma'am. 02:31:54.129 --> 02:31:57.090 Let's make it two weeks from now. 02:31:57.090 --> 02:31:58.290 Sorry, this is the business. 02:31:58.290 --> 02:32:00.010 Yeah, let's make it two weeks from now. 02:32:00.010 --> 02:32:03.170 Do we know what's on the COW for next week? 02:32:03.170 --> 02:32:03.969 Is it full? 02:32:03.969 --> 02:32:07.290 There's going to be discussion on the COW. 02:32:07.290 --> 02:32:11.329 There's going to be discussion on the COW about this matter. 02:32:11.329 --> 02:32:13.969 But that's not what I'm asking. 02:32:13.969 --> 02:32:16.290 I'm asking for a special meeting. 02:32:16.290 --> 02:32:19.010 I don't care if it's Wednesday the 17th. 02:32:19.010 --> 02:32:21.930 I'm just asking for a special meeting. 02:32:21.930 --> 02:32:26.930 Well, yeah, let's convert that Council COW meeting 02:32:26.969 --> 02:32:29.010 into this special meeting. 02:32:29.010 --> 02:32:31.850 And so that way- No, they're two separate things. 02:32:31.850 --> 02:32:35.610 No, what I'm getting at is the fact that we use all the time 02:32:35.610 --> 02:32:39.049 that we would normally use in the COW 02:32:39.049 --> 02:32:40.450 for this special meeting, 02:32:40.450 --> 02:32:45.450 and now our attention will be prioritized 02:32:45.450 --> 02:32:49.930 to this special meeting as opposed of the COW. 02:32:49.930 --> 02:32:53.209 It's a COW-like thing, but we're gonna convert it 02:32:53.209 --> 02:32:55.930 into a special meeting. 02:32:55.930 --> 02:32:59.729 And then that way, we don't have to bring another agenda 02:32:59.729 --> 02:33:02.530 for the COW just for the primary reason 02:33:02.530 --> 02:33:04.829 why we're bringing a special meeting. 02:33:06.610 --> 02:33:08.569 Or an additional date or an additional time. 02:33:08.569 --> 02:33:10.610 In this place, yeah. 02:33:10.610 --> 02:33:14.329 Six o'clock on the COW, 02:33:14.329 --> 02:33:20.409 6 o'clock until its duration until we have finalized that and then all of the 02:33:20.409 --> 02:33:26.770 information that we come to will be distributed to the public. The public can 02:33:26.770 --> 02:33:32.809 come to the website, see what went on in the discussion, and what we came 02:33:32.809 --> 02:33:38.850 up with. So you want to put an agenda item on the COW? To discuss what you're saying. 02:33:38.850 --> 02:33:48.290 Is it going to be, is the special meeting going to be the COW? 02:33:48.290 --> 02:33:50.610 That's what he's saying. 02:33:50.610 --> 02:33:54.610 I know that's what you're saying, but what do you say, Madam Mayor? 02:33:54.610 --> 02:33:55.610 I agree. 02:33:55.610 --> 02:33:56.610 I don't think we need to have another time. 02:33:56.610 --> 02:33:57.610 What do you say, City Manager Boyer? 02:33:57.610 --> 02:34:02.489 I don't want us to say this is going to be a special meeting on the COW and then we have 02:34:02.489 --> 02:34:05.450 15 other items that needs discussed. 02:34:05.450 --> 02:34:09.450 We still have agenda items on the COW, but it can be an additional point. 02:34:16.040 --> 02:34:23.600 Okay, so I'm confused on what we're having for a motion. Are we putting it on the COW or are we 02:34:24.159 --> 02:34:26.719 picking a date? Because we're never going to agree on a date. 02:34:28.159 --> 02:34:33.840 So as of right now, the motion is just to have a special meeting to discuss this topic. 02:34:34.559 --> 02:34:41.680 There, I think, no, no, her motion was just to have a special meeting to talk about this topic. 02:34:41.680 --> 02:34:51.600 Okay. Now, part and parcel of that, it probably wouldn't make sense if we're going to have a special meeting to then pick a date so that we know whether or not people can be here or not for it. 02:34:52.200 --> 02:35:07.840 Alternatively, it's been discussed, well, rather than call a special meeting, do we want to just make this an agenda item on one of the upcoming cows instead? But that's not on the table. The only thing that's on the table right now is Alderman Stacey's motion to have a special meeting. 02:35:07.840 --> 02:35:19.840 Yeah, they would turn out to be the same. It doesn't change very much if it's a COW or if it's a special meeting is what I've been trying to say. 02:35:19.840 --> 02:35:26.840 So I think that what's critical right now is ultimately, Alderman Stacey, this is your motion that's on the floor right now. 02:35:26.840 --> 02:35:32.840 So it's up to you. Do you want to keep it as a special meeting? In which case then I would suggest that we need to find a date. 02:35:32.840 --> 02:35:40.840 Or are you willing to amend your motion or withdraw your motion and a new motion be made to just make this an agenda item on an upcoming COW? 02:35:40.840 --> 02:35:55.579 But it wouldn't be exclusive. It wouldn't be this topic is the only agenda item on the COW because we have our COW coming up has other agenda stuff on it already. 02:35:55.579 --> 02:35:56.579 Alderman Stacey? 02:35:56.579 --> 02:35:58.579 I withdraw my motion. 02:35:58.579 --> 02:36:01.579 Alderman Sanders, will you remove your second? 02:36:01.579 --> 02:36:02.579 Yes. 02:36:02.579 --> 02:36:10.579 Okay so now back to again the presentation was about the city's rule. 02:36:10.579 --> 02:36:22.879 Make your motion Larry. Why am I making a motion? You wanted it at the COW. No, no 02:36:22.879 --> 02:36:32.219 Cecelia don't confuse what was being said. You wanted a special meeting. If it 02:36:32.219 --> 02:36:39.040 that lands on the COW, we'll just use your special meeting on the COW. 02:36:39.040 --> 02:36:41.600 That was the present, that's what I was presenting. 02:36:41.600 --> 02:36:47.920 So doesn't matter how we use the COW, long as your special meeting was implemented or 02:36:47.920 --> 02:36:54.120 inserted into the COW so we can just talk about that issue only. 02:36:54.120 --> 02:37:01.079 But I'm understanding what Attorney Zito is saying that there will be special things, 02:37:01.079 --> 02:37:05.100 on the agenda, additional items on the agenda, 02:37:05.100 --> 02:37:09.780 if we have a COW saying that your special meeting 02:37:09.780 --> 02:37:13.180 is not gonna be the only thing that's at the COW. 02:37:13.180 --> 02:37:15.340 Is that what I'm understanding? 02:37:15.340 --> 02:37:17.899 And I don't want it, because it gets confusing 02:37:17.899 --> 02:37:20.020 when you say that you have a special meeting 02:37:20.020 --> 02:37:20.840 during the COW. 02:37:20.840 --> 02:37:23.579 You can't have a special meeting during the COW. 02:37:23.579 --> 02:37:24.559 You're either at a COW meeting 02:37:24.559 --> 02:37:25.959 or you're having a special meeting 02:37:25.959 --> 02:37:27.440 or you have a regular council meeting. 02:37:27.440 --> 02:37:29.340 But you can have an agenda item 02:37:29.340 --> 02:37:35.299 and what you want to talk about, this issue here, you can make that an agenda item on 02:37:35.299 --> 02:37:36.299 the COW. 02:37:36.299 --> 02:37:38.899 There would just be other, our normal other agenda items that have already been scheduled 02:37:38.899 --> 02:37:39.899 for. 02:37:39.899 --> 02:37:40.899 And you don't need to make a motion for that. 02:37:40.899 --> 02:37:41.899 You can. 02:37:41.899 --> 02:37:42.899 Two other people can just add. 02:37:42.899 --> 02:37:46.739 We just won't have a COW the next time that we meet. 02:37:46.739 --> 02:37:47.739 No. 02:37:47.739 --> 02:37:48.739 Next week it's a COW. 02:37:48.739 --> 02:37:51.739 Oh, is that right? 02:37:51.739 --> 02:37:53.440 Yeah, that's right. 02:37:53.440 --> 02:37:58.500 So if you'd like to add it to the agenda for next Monday, you and another alderman are 02:37:58.500 --> 02:38:01.700 are welcome to do that, you don't need a motion for it. 02:38:01.700 --> 02:38:03.000 I know that Mayor. 02:38:08.850 --> 02:38:13.690 Okay, so are we ready to move on to item number 18, which? 02:38:13.690 --> 02:38:14.530 Madam Mayor. 02:38:14.530 --> 02:38:16.129 We still haven't concluded. 02:38:17.489 --> 02:38:18.389 Director Duckman. 02:38:19.569 --> 02:38:22.229 Yeah, we haven't concluded on what direction 02:38:22.229 --> 02:38:24.170 we're gonna go with this. 02:38:24.170 --> 02:38:27.930 So, Stacy, do you wanna continue 02:38:27.930 --> 02:38:30.770 with your special meeting on next Monday? 02:38:30.770 --> 02:38:32.149 I removed it. 02:38:32.149 --> 02:38:34.149 She removed it, okay. 02:38:34.149 --> 02:38:35.909 Well, she removed it. 02:38:35.909 --> 02:38:39.229 Right, and again, you're welcome to put something on 02:38:39.229 --> 02:38:41.909 if that's what you want to do, but it'll be on the COW 02:38:41.909 --> 02:38:43.649 to include the other things. 02:38:43.649 --> 02:38:45.950 It's not one item COW. 02:38:45.950 --> 02:38:47.309 We've never had a one item COW. 02:38:47.309 --> 02:38:49.149 Yeah, yeah, you're right. 02:38:49.149 --> 02:38:51.149 Well, yeah, we just call it. 02:38:51.149 --> 02:38:52.469 So you can give some thought to it. 02:38:52.469 --> 02:38:55.549 We'll move on to the item number 18, 02:38:55.549 --> 02:38:58.309 which is discussion about rent increases 02:38:58.309 --> 02:39:01.590 by the Pied Piper group and the impact of the community. 02:39:01.590 --> 02:39:09.190 So I don't know if Alderman Stacy and Klemm, if you want to speak first, or if you want to give an opportunity for Pied Piper to just say a few things. 02:39:09.190 --> 02:39:11.190 It's your call. 02:39:11.190 --> 02:39:20.790 I'd appreciate it as long as Pied Piper is here, if they would speak of what their plans are and what are coming up, so we really know what we're talking about. 02:39:20.790 --> 02:39:23.190 Would you like to have the microphone for a few minutes, sir? 02:39:23.190 --> 02:39:24.190 Absolutely. 02:39:24.190 --> 02:39:26.920 Okay. 02:39:26.920 --> 02:39:27.920 Thank you for coming. 02:39:27.920 --> 02:39:28.920 Absolutely. 02:39:28.920 --> 02:39:29.920 What? 02:39:29.920 --> 02:39:32.000 Who is this guy? 02:39:32.000 --> 02:39:33.000 Piper? 02:39:33.000 --> 02:39:34.000 Yes. 02:39:34.000 --> 02:39:35.000 Who in the heck is Piper? 02:39:35.000 --> 02:39:39.309 Could you just state your name for the record, please? 02:39:39.309 --> 02:39:40.309 Moby Perack. 02:39:40.309 --> 02:39:47.819 That isn't what he said. 02:39:47.819 --> 02:39:48.819 Okay, go ahead. 02:39:48.819 --> 02:39:50.819 So it's my turn, right? 02:39:50.819 --> 02:39:51.819 Okay. 02:39:51.819 --> 02:39:55.819 First and foremost, thank you for having me here. 02:39:55.819 --> 02:40:00.579 And I would like to take this time to address the few concerns that are going around town 02:40:00.579 --> 02:40:06.020 about what the issue has been about rent increases. 02:40:06.020 --> 02:40:11.459 The idea here is that you cannot have two lemons in both 02:40:11.459 --> 02:40:14.500 of your hands and portray what you have to portray. 02:40:14.500 --> 02:40:15.979 You have to listen to both sides. 02:40:15.979 --> 02:40:16.979 What? 02:40:16.979 --> 02:40:21.979 So I basically sent out a notice to all the residents 02:40:21.979 --> 02:40:24.780 to let them know that I'd be coming to see them 02:40:24.780 --> 02:40:26.219 and have a conversation with them 02:40:26.219 --> 02:40:28.620 about their condition of the property 02:40:28.620 --> 02:40:30.079 and about meeting them in person. 02:40:30.959 --> 02:40:33.479 But when I went in person, 02:40:34.659 --> 02:40:36.360 I was able to address the question, 02:40:36.360 --> 02:40:38.159 let them know about the tenant benefit package, 02:40:38.159 --> 02:40:39.840 about what we're doing for them 02:40:39.840 --> 02:40:44.399 and about how the rent won't increase 02:40:44.399 --> 02:40:46.600 until the work has been done to the property. 02:40:47.959 --> 02:40:50.180 And there was home ownership offered 02:40:50.180 --> 02:40:51.459 and there was a lot of communication, 02:40:51.459 --> 02:40:53.000 a lot of promises were made with the tenants 02:40:53.000 --> 02:40:54.540 that were not portrayed correctly 02:40:54.540 --> 02:40:57.239 due to whatever apparent reasons. 02:40:57.239 --> 02:41:02.639 So the purpose I'm here is to address all these issues that 02:41:02.639 --> 02:41:05.159 are going on currently. 02:41:05.159 --> 02:41:08.559 I have not given anybody any 30-day notices. 02:41:08.559 --> 02:41:11.479 I have not given anybody eviction notices. 02:41:11.479 --> 02:41:13.959 I have not spoken to anybody about kicking them out 02:41:13.959 --> 02:41:15.920 of their homes. 02:41:15.920 --> 02:41:17.120 There are two ways, right? 02:41:17.120 --> 02:41:19.440 Either we could have come in right away, 02:41:19.440 --> 02:41:21.760 their rent will increase just because 02:41:21.760 --> 02:41:23.520 of the acquisition of the cost. 02:41:23.520 --> 02:41:25.959 Blindly increase the rent without knowing 02:41:25.959 --> 02:41:28.600 the people living in the property, who's living there? 02:41:28.600 --> 02:41:31.639 Their pets, their people, whoever that is, right? 02:41:31.639 --> 02:41:34.000 And cost increase, and you guys will still be here 02:41:34.000 --> 02:41:37.440 creating a chaos saying that, hey, how can Pied Pepper 02:41:37.440 --> 02:41:40.879 come in and increase the rent without meeting anybody 02:41:40.879 --> 02:41:42.920 in person, without knowing the condition of the property, 02:41:42.920 --> 02:41:45.920 without knowing the condition we're living in? 02:41:45.920 --> 02:41:48.840 But here you go, you guys are talking about inspection. 02:41:48.840 --> 02:41:51.520 Please, go ahead, go ahead, order the inspection. 02:41:51.520 --> 02:41:53.799 That's why I'm here talking to you in person, 02:41:53.799 --> 02:42:01.799 We're here understanding what the condition of the property is and understanding the condition of your situation of how much you're earning, how much you're making, if you're even eligible to make the payment or not. 02:42:01.799 --> 02:42:11.799 That's why I was in there, but you guys made a ruckus out of it, made a social media post out of it, and caused all sorts of rumors that didn't make sense. 02:42:11.799 --> 02:42:20.799 So prove to me what was the case for. Our goal here is to come improve every property that is here in Freeport, in our portfolio. 02:42:20.799 --> 02:42:24.000 made the condition better, living condition better, streets better, and 02:42:24.799 --> 02:42:30.000 make the, you know, community better. That's our whole idea. We want to fix this property. 02:42:30.200 --> 02:42:34.120 That's why we're here in person talking to you guys. Otherwise, why would we do that? 02:42:34.639 --> 02:42:40.639 That's the whole purpose. You have to fix all 320 units, all 225 properties. They all need work. 02:42:41.520 --> 02:42:48.360 The people that are living there are on month-to-month leases. I don't want to disrupt any landlord rules. It shouldn't be the case. 02:42:48.360 --> 02:42:55.340 I'm here telling you guys that what we're doing currently right now if you go to Piedpipergroup.com 02:42:55.340 --> 02:42:59.600 slash free board slash community you will be able to know everything about what we're trying to 02:42:59.600 --> 02:43:05.819 accomplish. Nobody at this moment is getting a rental increase until the work is done that is 02:43:05.819 --> 02:43:10.719 gonna be communicated. So I'm not sure where the ruckus is coming from but that is not the case. 02:43:10.719 --> 02:43:11.719 Huffines. 02:43:11.719 --> 02:43:16.280 If you have heard otherwise, well, that's on you guys. 02:43:16.280 --> 02:43:24.059 So are you standing there telling me you did not send out letters to all the month-to-month 02:43:24.059 --> 02:43:32.020 renters telling them that their rent was going to increase from $600 to $1200? 02:43:32.020 --> 02:43:33.020 I have not. 02:43:33.020 --> 02:43:34.020 They have letters. 02:43:34.020 --> 02:43:36.959 I have the letters, too. 02:43:36.959 --> 02:43:38.360 I wrote the letters. 02:43:38.360 --> 02:43:39.600 I made the letters. 02:43:39.600 --> 02:43:42.440 I sent the letters, I took the letters in person, 02:43:42.440 --> 02:43:44.840 spoke to them, showed them the market rent 02:43:44.840 --> 02:43:46.600 that is applicable for the condition 02:43:46.600 --> 02:43:48.120 that they should be living in, 02:43:48.120 --> 02:43:51.440 not the condition they're living in right now, not at all. 02:43:51.440 --> 02:43:53.620 Well, why then was, 02:43:55.760 --> 02:43:57.680 did you start calling all the ones 02:43:57.680 --> 02:44:01.319 you had put notices on their doors 02:44:01.319 --> 02:44:05.040 and telling them now that you recanted it, 02:44:05.040 --> 02:44:09.760 but you pulled it back and that they're not going up. 02:44:09.760 --> 02:44:12.440 No, not now, that's where you're at now. 02:44:12.440 --> 02:44:13.680 I'm not gonna pull anything back 02:44:13.680 --> 02:44:15.079 that I have not committed to, ma'am. 02:44:15.079 --> 02:44:16.959 I'm not gonna pull anything back that I have not committed to. 02:44:16.959 --> 02:44:18.200 I have not told them anything. 02:44:18.200 --> 02:44:21.219 I just told them, here I am, sitting in front of you, 02:44:21.219 --> 02:44:22.559 looking at the condition you're living in, 02:44:22.559 --> 02:44:25.200 which is horrendous, but here you are paying the rent 02:44:25.200 --> 02:44:27.239 that does not reflect the condition of the property. 02:44:27.239 --> 02:44:28.559 Freeport here does not want the condition of the property. 02:44:28.559 --> 02:44:32.479 Are you assessing renters? 02:44:32.479 --> 02:44:34.040 Larry, if you'd like to have it, 02:44:34.040 --> 02:44:37.719 you should let him finish and then I'll call on you, okay? 02:44:37.719 --> 02:44:44.610 So I can take all the questions once I'm done speaking. 02:44:44.610 --> 02:44:47.750 What I'm here to say is that once all those notices 02:44:47.750 --> 02:44:51.670 went out, when I went to visit 35 to 40 tenants 02:44:51.670 --> 02:44:54.790 into their homes, I met people with low income, 02:44:54.790 --> 02:44:57.670 I met people with good income, I met people with families 02:44:57.670 --> 02:44:59.670 that were concerned, I made sure I addressed 02:44:59.670 --> 02:45:02.430 all those concerns to understand the type of demographics 02:45:02.430 --> 02:45:03.989 that's living in the property. 02:45:03.989 --> 02:45:06.450 As a property manager, as a property management company, 02:45:06.450 --> 02:45:08.690 I don't know what you guys expect for them to do. 02:45:08.690 --> 02:45:11.209 You guys are smart individuals yourself. 02:45:11.209 --> 02:45:12.569 You become a rental owner. 02:45:12.569 --> 02:45:14.610 You would want to know who's living in your property, 02:45:14.610 --> 02:45:16.450 what the condition of the property is, right, 02:45:16.450 --> 02:45:18.250 and what the situation is so you can address it. 02:45:18.250 --> 02:45:19.809 It's a property. 02:45:19.809 --> 02:45:21.090 So here we are. 02:45:21.090 --> 02:45:22.850 We have all the situation. 02:45:22.850 --> 02:45:24.370 We have created a community page. 02:45:24.370 --> 02:45:26.250 We're going to be addressing all the questions, concerns, 02:45:26.250 --> 02:45:28.170 updates moving forward over there. 02:45:28.170 --> 02:45:30.610 Currently, there are no leases being signing 02:45:30.610 --> 02:45:31.729 for all the one-to-one tenants. 02:45:31.729 --> 02:45:34.569 What we're saying is, hey, if you like what you see, 02:45:34.569 --> 02:45:36.930 If you guys want to move forward, let's talk. 02:45:36.930 --> 02:45:39.569 Let's have a conversation, and let's address a situation 02:45:39.569 --> 02:45:41.250 where if you agree, we will make sure 02:45:41.250 --> 02:45:42.610 that we accommodate your request, 02:45:42.610 --> 02:45:44.049 move you into the property that makes sense, 02:45:44.049 --> 02:45:45.889 so we can fix the property. 02:45:45.889 --> 02:45:47.690 Address the condition, address the liability 02:45:47.690 --> 02:45:50.329 that as a landlord or as a property manager we have to take. 02:45:50.329 --> 02:45:51.489 And we work with them. 02:45:51.489 --> 02:45:53.510 If the people that are not able to afford their rents 02:45:53.510 --> 02:45:55.170 or they don't want to move forward, 02:45:55.170 --> 02:45:56.209 we will work with them. 02:45:56.209 --> 02:45:58.370 You don't need to do 60 days governance here. 02:45:58.370 --> 02:45:59.850 You guys are wasting all your time. 02:45:59.850 --> 02:46:02.610 We're saying we'll work with them to work three months, 02:46:02.610 --> 02:46:04.170 four months, five months, six months. 02:46:04.170 --> 02:46:05.170 Taylor. 02:46:05.170 --> 02:46:18.809 So, I don't know where anybody got any information from, how the speculation came about, but 02:46:18.809 --> 02:46:22.610 you can bring any person that I spoke to in person in front of me and let them tell me 02:46:22.610 --> 02:46:23.610 what I told them. 02:46:23.610 --> 02:46:26.610 That will not be the case. 02:46:26.610 --> 02:46:30.809 If that's what the case is, then I'm here to address it. 02:46:30.809 --> 02:46:31.809 Alderman Sanders? 02:46:31.809 --> 02:47:01.809 Yeah. In addition to what you're saying, I understand what you're going through. I just wanted to make sure that the renters or leasers are hearing you clearly, especially with the economic status, affordability, things of that nature. I like the fact that you do look at attendance income to determine whether or not this family can afford 02:47:01.809 --> 02:47:02.809 Huffines. 02:47:02.809 --> 02:47:09.329 This particular apartment, home, or whatever the case is, that is a plus, that's the plus 02:47:09.329 --> 02:47:16.610 thing that shows that you're doing due diligence to help any prospective renter or leaser, 02:47:16.610 --> 02:47:23.489 leasy, I should say, and to help them navigate through all of the things that they have to 02:47:23.489 --> 02:47:29.530 go through to afford one of the places that you have for rental or for sale that they 02:47:29.530 --> 02:47:32.129 they're able to be accommodated by 02:47:33.010 --> 02:47:37.250 whatever their economic structures is 02:47:37.250 --> 02:47:40.809 to afford that particular property. 02:47:40.809 --> 02:47:43.969 So yeah, I hear you saying that, 02:47:43.969 --> 02:47:47.069 I would agree with you that that is 02:47:47.069 --> 02:47:48.610 what should be put in place. 02:47:49.489 --> 02:47:53.010 People need to know this very clearly beforehand 02:47:55.129 --> 02:47:58.610 that these are what your requirements are 02:47:58.610 --> 02:47:59.489 and things like that. 02:47:59.489 --> 02:48:04.229 So I agree with you on how you're going about doing it. 02:48:05.690 --> 02:48:07.750 I don't know if you're making any promises 02:48:07.750 --> 02:48:10.129 or anything like that for sure. 02:48:10.129 --> 02:48:12.530 But the fact of the matter is that that information 02:48:12.530 --> 02:48:16.690 is available to any prospective tenant or renter 02:48:16.690 --> 02:48:19.610 that he will be able to work with you, 02:48:19.610 --> 02:48:22.889 talk with you, negotiate with you on your terms 02:48:22.889 --> 02:48:25.729 or any terms that you guys can agree with. 02:48:25.729 --> 02:48:29.649 I would love to see that that's going on. 02:48:29.649 --> 02:48:31.770 That's what you're conveying to us. 02:48:31.770 --> 02:48:34.809 You're conveying the fact that this is your strategy. 02:48:34.809 --> 02:48:37.209 This is what you guys are doing. 02:48:37.209 --> 02:48:42.209 That is what people need to see from another position. 02:48:43.569 --> 02:48:45.770 They need to know that you're doing that. 02:48:45.770 --> 02:48:48.049 And I like the fact that you are. 02:48:48.049 --> 02:48:51.489 You're saying that this, but like you said, 02:48:51.489 --> 02:48:54.729 information can be misled or information can be 02:48:55.729 --> 02:48:58.549 Brought Out Wrong and everybody has a different story. 02:48:58.549 --> 02:49:00.610 By the time it trickled down to the next runner, 02:49:00.610 --> 02:49:02.690 they got a whole different story. 02:49:02.690 --> 02:49:06.049 And so the whole thing about it is 02:49:06.049 --> 02:49:08.569 when they come to inquire about a house 02:49:08.569 --> 02:49:10.270 or an apartment or whatever the case is, 02:49:10.270 --> 02:49:12.889 you can just lay up and then find out 02:49:12.889 --> 02:49:14.569 what their circumstances are. 02:49:14.569 --> 02:49:17.649 Can they afford to rent anything from you? 02:49:17.649 --> 02:49:22.290 And then like you said, it cuts down the confusion. 02:49:22.290 --> 02:49:25.290 There's no misunderstandings and things like that. 02:49:25.290 --> 02:49:26.129 All right. 02:49:26.129 --> 02:49:27.549 So I agree with you. 02:49:27.549 --> 02:49:27.879 So I agree with you. 02:49:27.879 --> 02:49:28.879 Any other questions? 02:49:28.879 --> 02:49:30.959 Alderman Johnson. 02:49:30.959 --> 02:49:34.159 So currently you're stating that none of the rents 02:49:34.159 --> 02:49:36.920 are going to go up at this point. 02:49:36.920 --> 02:49:39.479 And the only time the rents will go up 02:49:39.479 --> 02:49:43.520 is after the homes are fixed. 02:49:43.520 --> 02:49:44.020 Correct. 02:49:44.020 --> 02:49:45.760 Is that what you're saying? 02:49:45.760 --> 02:49:47.200 OK. 02:49:47.200 --> 02:49:50.719 The other thing is the places that you 02:49:50.719 --> 02:49:54.719 are going to be fixing up, someone lives in them now. 02:49:54.719 --> 02:50:00.520 Are they going to be able to stay in there while you fix that that home up or that? 02:50:00.520 --> 02:50:02.280 No, they will not be able to. 02:50:02.280 --> 02:50:07.120 OK, so where will they go while you fix that rent up? 02:50:07.120 --> 02:50:10.000 We will work with them to create an accommodation. 02:50:10.000 --> 02:50:13.959 We have thirty five to forty units that are vacant currently that we're working on, 02:50:13.959 --> 02:50:17.399 bringing in a good condition that are promising to our tenants. 02:50:17.399 --> 02:50:22.120 And we will work with them to either ship them their hotel or any other accommodation 02:50:22.120 --> 02:50:25.360 that caters and mutually agreed on. 02:50:25.360 --> 02:50:27.920 Once they agree that they are okay to move forward, 02:50:27.920 --> 02:50:30.319 they will come and they will apply as a proper tenant, 02:50:30.319 --> 02:50:33.280 go through application screening, get their pets, 02:50:33.280 --> 02:50:36.079 everything identified, and while we're doing that process, 02:50:36.079 --> 02:50:38.120 once they're approved, we can move them, 02:50:38.120 --> 02:50:40.079 we'll cater with them, fix their property in seven 02:50:40.079 --> 02:50:41.879 to 14 days, as fast as possible, 02:50:41.879 --> 02:50:43.120 and then cater back to them, 02:50:43.120 --> 02:50:44.559 bring them back to their property. 02:50:44.559 --> 02:50:47.239 Now, once they do sign the 12 months agreement, 02:50:47.239 --> 02:50:50.200 the lease agreement with the market rent that we agree upon 02:50:50.200 --> 02:50:51.840 after fixing the property, 02:50:51.840 --> 02:50:54.120 so they're living in good condition, better condition, 02:50:54.120 --> 02:50:57.040 and less liability condition, and most of these property, 02:50:57.040 --> 02:50:58.079 if not all of these properties, 02:50:58.079 --> 02:51:01.659 are gonna be city court passing, 02:51:01.659 --> 02:51:03.200 so there will be no issues there, 02:51:03.200 --> 02:51:05.079 and then after 12 months, if they're interested 02:51:05.079 --> 02:51:06.840 in buying the home they're living in, 02:51:06.840 --> 02:51:08.000 they're more than welcome to. 02:51:08.000 --> 02:51:10.079 We'll do the finance agreement with them, 02:51:10.079 --> 02:51:12.639 3% down payment option, rent to one agreement, 02:51:12.639 --> 02:51:14.559 they wanna live, they wanna own, 02:51:14.559 --> 02:51:16.739 they wanna contribute to the community, 02:51:16.739 --> 02:51:18.559 we're right there for them. 02:51:18.559 --> 02:51:21.840 So let's say they're paying $600 a month rent 02:51:21.840 --> 02:51:25.360 or $700 a month rent right now where they're at. 02:51:25.360 --> 02:51:26.760 Their house needs to be fixed, 02:51:26.760 --> 02:51:28.639 their apartment needs to be fixed. 02:51:28.639 --> 02:51:31.559 They move into one of your homes that you've fixed up 02:51:31.559 --> 02:51:34.959 or that they can live in while you fix the other one up. 02:51:34.959 --> 02:51:37.920 What will they have to be paying for you a month, 02:51:37.920 --> 02:51:40.520 to you a month to stay in that place 02:51:40.520 --> 02:51:44.299 while their apartment or home or whatever is being fixed? 02:51:45.520 --> 02:51:47.319 That is up to us for a discuss, right? 02:51:47.319 --> 02:51:50.280 when we discuss the options on how that will work out, 02:51:50.280 --> 02:51:52.440 it most likely will remain the same as it is 02:51:52.440 --> 02:51:53.879 because we won't take long. 02:51:53.879 --> 02:51:55.559 We will not gonna take months. 02:51:55.559 --> 02:51:57.639 And so what they need to understand is 02:51:57.639 --> 02:52:00.659 after you fix up their apartment, 02:52:00.659 --> 02:52:02.920 then they have to sign a new lease 02:52:02.920 --> 02:52:05.079 cause the rent will go up, which is understandable 02:52:05.079 --> 02:52:08.959 cause you're fixing up and it costs to fix up an apartment. 02:52:08.959 --> 02:52:11.979 So the people would need to understand that. 02:52:11.979 --> 02:52:12.819 Okay. Right. 02:52:12.819 --> 02:52:13.659 Thank you. 02:52:13.659 --> 02:52:15.479 Ms. Johnson, either it's a yes or a no, right? 02:52:15.479 --> 02:52:45.479 if there's a yes, they're agreeing to what are we going to do with them? How are we going to work with them? And given the condition that they deserve? If they say no, that is not the end of the world, right? There is no, like, hard code rule to evict them for a certain amount of time. We understand, I have family, I have kids, right? We're not evil people here. We're trying to provide good service to the community here. That's the whole idea. And if they feel like, hey, they need a couple of months, they need help, they need guidance, that's what we're here for. That's what we're going to individually 02:52:45.479 --> 02:52:48.659 We work with each and every tenant and cater to their needs. 02:52:48.659 --> 02:52:51.920 Some may need two months, some may need three months, 02:52:51.920 --> 02:52:54.120 some may need four months and we can help them get 02:52:54.120 --> 02:52:56.639 a Section 8 approved or some sort of housing authority 02:52:56.639 --> 02:52:59.360 approved or whatever we can to work with you guys 02:52:59.360 --> 02:53:02.760 to cater to their needs and make sure they're not homeless. 02:53:02.760 --> 02:53:05.959 But six months is what we're even going up to. 02:53:05.959 --> 02:53:07.479 We got 60 days. 02:53:07.479 --> 02:53:11.040 And like I said, I wouldn't wanna have this conversation 02:53:11.040 --> 02:53:12.959 to disturb other landlords. 02:53:12.959 --> 02:53:13.959 That's not what you wanna hear. 02:53:13.959 --> 02:53:15.319 You don't wanna step on anybody's toes. 02:53:15.319 --> 02:53:35.340 I want you to know that I hear you loud and clear, but I also want you to know that I 02:53:35.340 --> 02:53:45.659 saw the letters that were put on the houses, so to sit here or stand there and make out 02:53:45.659 --> 02:53:50.659 like what I said didn't happen, it's bull crap. 02:53:54.600 --> 02:53:59.600 I saw the video of the call saying, 02:53:59.959 --> 02:54:03.760 we're not gonna raise your rent now. 02:54:03.760 --> 02:54:08.760 There was 123, I believe, month-to-month renters 02:54:11.959 --> 02:54:15.440 that received this notice on their door 02:54:15.440 --> 02:54:20.440 and it said $1,200 when they were paying $600. 02:54:21.000 --> 02:54:23.739 One said $1,249. 02:54:23.739 --> 02:54:25.200 You have the letters. 02:54:25.200 --> 02:54:28.219 I'm not telling you nothing you don't already know. 02:54:28.219 --> 02:54:31.079 That was not put on the door. 02:54:31.079 --> 02:54:31.920 That was not provided to them. 02:54:31.920 --> 02:54:34.040 No, but there was a letter put on the door 02:54:34.040 --> 02:54:36.680 and when they contacted you, that's what they were told. 02:54:36.680 --> 02:54:41.680 And then last week you pulled back all of what you said 02:54:41.680 --> 02:55:15.100 All of what you said and now what you said tonight, I guess is what's in place, but when those people were here last week with their kids crying thinking they were going to be homeless, it was based upon a letter they had got from Freeport Portfolio, LLC, and you, your one, telling them that they had to 02:55:15.100 --> 02:55:20.100 and Sine and Lease and their rent was going up or move. 02:55:20.739 --> 02:55:22.739 They have not come and told me this. 02:55:22.739 --> 02:55:25.579 They must have come and told you this, but not me this. 02:55:25.579 --> 02:55:26.860 And I'm here telling you this, 02:55:26.860 --> 02:55:29.020 the letter that was put to the door 02:55:29.020 --> 02:55:31.139 did not have any market rent, 02:55:31.139 --> 02:55:32.780 any type of rental discussion. 02:55:32.780 --> 02:55:35.260 I had the discussion in person with them 02:55:35.260 --> 02:55:37.540 to show them the range of rents 02:55:37.540 --> 02:55:39.620 that our market is paying right now, 02:55:39.620 --> 02:55:43.459 including section eight, Vannebago or Gilgo, 02:55:43.459 --> 02:55:45.420 and any other Freeport Housing Authority, 02:55:45.420 --> 02:55:47.659 what they're paying to have them understand 02:55:47.659 --> 02:55:50.420 what the situation is and what the market rent should be like 02:55:50.420 --> 02:55:52.659 on the condition that they deserve. 02:55:52.659 --> 02:55:55.180 And I was making sure they comprehend 02:55:55.180 --> 02:55:56.860 everything that I'm saying. 02:55:56.860 --> 02:55:59.100 They have not told me on my face, nothing. 02:55:59.100 --> 02:56:00.219 They may have told you in the back 02:56:00.219 --> 02:56:02.579 or been online on Facebook or different social media 02:56:02.579 --> 02:56:05.719 and be the hypocrites that they are, pardon my French. 02:56:07.420 --> 02:56:08.819 But I'm here. 02:56:08.819 --> 02:56:11.299 I'm here to ensure that we can help them out. 02:56:11.299 --> 02:56:12.940 And I'm telling the truth here. 02:56:13.459 --> 02:56:18.459 I'm here telling you, none of the letter owners there said anything about the market rent. 02:56:18.459 --> 02:56:20.459 So I don't know how you can tell me that I'm lying here. 02:56:20.459 --> 02:56:24.459 No, when they spoke with you, this is what they were informed. 02:56:24.459 --> 02:56:26.459 When they spoke with me, what were they informed? In person? 02:56:26.459 --> 02:56:27.459 Yes. 02:56:27.459 --> 02:56:28.459 And I was there and sitting in front of them? 02:56:28.459 --> 02:56:33.459 And then some of them have waited for you to come in and do an inspection and you didn't even show up. 02:56:33.459 --> 02:56:39.459 No, I showed up. I showed up. I stopped showing up because of the mess that was created and rumors that was created. 02:56:39.459 --> 02:56:45.440 It didn't serve my time to ensure that that they were kind of lobbying against what I'm trying to say 02:56:46.600 --> 02:56:48.600 So I hope I've addressed your questions 02:56:50.379 --> 02:56:52.379 Okay 02:56:52.379 --> 02:56:56.219 Okay, so let's not debate between the two. This is 02:56:57.059 --> 02:57:01.000 If you want to have a private phone call, you're welcome to do that 02:57:01.000 --> 02:57:05.120 Is there any other discussion and anyone would like to have on item number 18? 02:57:06.260 --> 02:57:08.260 I appreciate that. I just wanted to add 02:57:08.260 --> 02:57:13.959 Thank you to you. I know you've contacted my department about registering your rentals. You've showed up to any of the 02:57:14.459 --> 02:57:21.940 Recently there was a some code cases. Thank you for showing up. I wanted to add because it was brought up by City Manager Boyer 02:57:23.260 --> 02:57:28.139 Currently the city of Freeport. I want to thank in particular Doug Quinn 02:57:29.180 --> 02:57:32.540 Katie Smith and my entire staff has done a 02:57:33.700 --> 02:57:35.700 tremendous amount of work 02:57:35.700 --> 02:57:41.059 ensuring that we prosecute anybody who is not a registered rental and there is currently going 02:57:41.059 --> 02:57:46.979 to be 480 properties going to have cases in October and that's a total of 332 landlords 02:57:47.700 --> 02:57:53.860 that are going to be receiving fines of $500 per unit. So I would like to state for the record that 02:57:53.860 --> 02:58:00.340 this council has put a tremendous challenge to my staff and we have delivered and there will be five 02:58:00.340 --> 02:58:12.340 We are scheduling five hearings in October that are special hearings to prosecute and put everybody up for $500 per unit fines who have not registered the rentals. 02:58:12.340 --> 02:58:18.340 So the message is clear and is out there that if you have not registered, you will be fined accordingly. 02:58:18.340 --> 02:58:24.340 And thank you for making that a priority. 02:58:24.340 --> 02:58:29.340 And thank you to my staff for all the hard work that they put in to protect our community. 02:58:29.340 --> 02:58:47.340 So just wanted to make that clear. Thank you. And thank you, Moby, for coming. We will move on to item number 19, which is discussion regarding amending section 220.10 slash 23 AB written and verbal public comments. Alderman Stacy. 02:58:48.340 --> 02:58:51.340 Alderperson Simmons, do you have this one? 02:59:24.000 --> 02:59:39.760 So, are you proposing a motion to have the attorneys draft what you're asking? 02:59:39.760 --> 02:59:45.840 I'm asking if that's what you're looking for, because in order for that to be done, 02:59:45.840 --> 02:59:50.319 there has to be a vote of council that it's the will of the council to task the attorneys 02:59:50.319 --> 02:59:51.319 to do something. 02:59:51.319 --> 02:59:57.719 So, I'm asking you, is that the direction you want, is a motion to do that? 02:59:57.719 --> 03:00:04.639 Is there a second? Second. So we have a motion made by Alderman Simmons seconded by Alderman 03:00:04.639 --> 03:00:16.799 Stacy in drafting the amendment as stated. And can I just say something? Sure. Prime 03:00:16.799 --> 03:00:28.090 example last week with those families and then people having to leave for whatever reason 03:00:28.090 --> 03:00:30.649 and they got to go to work at school tomorrow. 03:00:30.649 --> 03:00:34.430 We had a four hour plus meeting or even tonight. 03:00:34.430 --> 03:00:39.270 This gentleman wanted to say something 03:00:40.350 --> 03:00:45.350 as far as thanking somebody for something, 03:00:45.950 --> 03:00:48.610 but it was not an agenda item. 03:00:48.610 --> 03:00:51.110 And so he continued to sit here waiting 03:00:51.110 --> 03:00:53.690 for the end of public comments. 03:00:53.690 --> 03:00:58.690 And so what this would do would give whomever 03:00:58.690 --> 03:01:09.360 the right to speak at the beginning if they're here and move forward and not 03:01:09.360 --> 03:01:17.559 have to sit and wait we've had elderly people here sitting and waiting and why 03:01:17.559 --> 03:01:23.520 not just get it done and get it over with and move forward yeah that will come 03:01:23.520 --> 03:01:26.200 Walsh, and I'm on the non-agenda, non-agenda. 03:01:26.200 --> 03:01:27.200 Did you want to speak? 03:01:27.200 --> 03:01:28.200 I'm sorry. 03:01:28.200 --> 03:01:29.200 I'm sorry. 03:01:29.200 --> 03:01:35.680 But we're saying for public comments, it doesn't have to be an agenda item. 03:01:35.680 --> 03:01:36.680 Exactly. 03:01:36.680 --> 03:01:37.680 It can be anything. 03:01:37.680 --> 03:01:41.120 So the motion is to have the attorneys write that up. 03:01:41.120 --> 03:01:42.120 Yes. 03:01:42.120 --> 03:01:43.120 If you don't agree, vote no. 03:01:43.120 --> 03:01:47.399 If you do, then, or it doesn't matter, it still has to go for a vote once it's done. 03:01:47.399 --> 03:01:51.639 So it's, the motion is to task the attorneys to do this. 03:01:51.639 --> 03:01:52.639 Yes. 03:01:52.639 --> 03:01:56.239 if there's no further discussion on that, Alderman Sellers? 03:01:56.239 --> 03:02:05.840 I have a problem with that is because really our meetings are long is because we're coming unprepared. 03:02:05.840 --> 03:02:13.639 So we're asking question after question after question after question instead of knowing proper preparation prevents poor performance. 03:02:13.639 --> 03:02:20.840 So my issue is being here four hours on going over and over and over a bunch of stuff 03:02:20.840 --> 03:02:40.840 and then we've got you want it at the beginning and you want it at the end, that's a lot because the purpose of having a public forum for agenda items at the beginning of the meeting and other items at the end of it is allow the council to effectively complete its business effectively. 03:02:40.840 --> 03:02:47.479 If everyone were allowed to speak freely on any subject at the start, it would prevent 03:02:47.479 --> 03:02:53.399 the council from moving forward with the material and the required formula action. 03:02:53.399 --> 03:03:00.399 A council meeting is designed to have a meeting to conduct public, not public business, but 03:03:00.399 --> 03:03:02.959 council business in the public. 03:03:02.959 --> 03:03:09.239 It's not to have everybody just talking because we cannot, if they get up there and speak, 03:03:09.239 --> 03:03:12.079 It's not going to be dialogue, they're just going to get there and speak and we're just 03:03:12.079 --> 03:03:13.459 going to look at them. 03:03:13.459 --> 03:03:15.799 We are talking about... 03:03:15.799 --> 03:03:21.000 It's not going to be, it's not going to be a dialogue where everybody gets up. 03:03:21.000 --> 03:03:25.139 If we're going to have it at the beginning and at the end, that's just way too much. 03:03:25.139 --> 03:03:27.840 We are talking about three minutes. 03:03:27.840 --> 03:03:32.399 But three minutes with ten people is a long time. 03:03:32.399 --> 03:03:35.000 My God. 03:03:35.000 --> 03:03:37.200 I don't have a problem with people speaking. 03:03:37.200 --> 03:03:38.479 Let's just take a vote. 03:03:38.479 --> 03:03:40.760 We've been here for over three hours. 03:03:40.760 --> 03:03:44.680 Let's take the vote on if you want to task the attorneys to do what was said. 03:03:44.680 --> 03:03:48.559 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 03:03:48.559 --> 03:04:15.200 I'm sorry, say that again? 03:04:15.200 --> 03:04:16.200 And not at the end? 03:04:16.200 --> 03:04:23.549 Yeah, because they said at the beginning and at the end. 03:04:23.549 --> 03:04:26.309 We work for the people. 03:04:26.309 --> 03:04:28.030 You don't have to tell me that, I know who we are. 03:04:28.030 --> 03:04:29.030 We work for the people. 03:04:29.030 --> 03:04:31.030 I know who we work for. 03:04:31.030 --> 03:04:32.030 Madam Clerk? 03:04:32.030 --> 03:04:33.829 I have a question. 03:04:33.829 --> 03:04:38.709 It is written into the ordinance, Attorney Zito, help me out here, there is a limit on 03:04:38.709 --> 03:04:39.709 and so on. 03:04:39.709 --> 03:04:42.670 How many people can speak to the same topic? 03:04:42.670 --> 03:04:47.590 Can you refresh how that works and would this apply when it's, I mean, if it's not related 03:04:47.590 --> 03:04:51.629 to an agenda item, we could have seven, eight different topics. 03:04:51.629 --> 03:04:55.229 Now last week, as an example, we had one topic. 03:04:55.229 --> 03:05:00.870 So if you could address both multiple topics and one topic, please. 03:05:00.870 --> 03:05:09.110 So any topic, as of right now, can have a maximum of six speakers on it, and if there's 03:05:09.110 --> 03:05:12.190 people on both sides, then they each get, you potentially get three and three, two and 03:05:12.190 --> 03:05:17.270 two, whatever it is, everyone gets their fair up, up to six speakers on any topic. 03:05:17.270 --> 03:05:22.370 So yeah, you could have a lot, you could have eight different topics, you could have up 03:05:22.370 --> 03:05:28.110 to six speakers on each topic, three minutes a person, it'd be all up front. 03:05:28.110 --> 03:05:30.950 It's not that many people having something to say. 03:05:32.430 --> 03:05:34.190 That's just an excuse. 03:05:34.190 --> 03:05:35.030 Okay. 03:05:35.030 --> 03:05:37.389 So Alderman Simmons, just to be clear, 03:05:37.389 --> 03:05:40.270 your motion is to task the attorneys 03:05:40.270 --> 03:05:45.149 to write the ordinance, rewrite the ordinance 03:05:45.149 --> 03:05:47.829 so it is public comment on agenda items 03:05:47.829 --> 03:05:52.969 and non-agenda only at the beginning. 03:05:52.969 --> 03:05:55.149 And is that your second, Alderman Stacy? 03:05:55.149 --> 03:05:56.450 Yes. 03:05:56.450 --> 03:05:57.930 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 03:05:57.930 --> 03:05:59.270 Shadle. No. 03:05:59.270 --> 03:06:34.200 Sanders? Yes. Sellers? No. Klemm? No. Johnson? No. Simmons? No. Parker? No. And Stacy? How do you vote? Aye. The motion fails. Of course it fails. Five to three. Okay we will move on to reports of department heads finance. Thank you your honor. I'd just like to echo what Dovie said that finance committee of the whole begins next week and 03:06:34.200 --> 03:06:38.600 and they should be before each council slash COW meeting 03:06:38.600 --> 03:06:40.719 until we pass the budget. 03:06:40.719 --> 03:06:41.920 Is there a time? 03:06:41.920 --> 03:06:45.639 Would you explain the different format, time format? 03:06:45.639 --> 03:06:47.979 I'll try and do that as well as I can. 03:06:48.840 --> 03:06:52.840 So we did set up the Finance Committee of the Whole 03:06:52.840 --> 03:06:55.360 to begin at 5.30 next week 03:06:55.360 --> 03:07:00.360 with the COW meeting to begin immediately following. 03:07:01.459 --> 03:07:03.559 So we're trying to eliminate the gap 03:07:03.559 --> 03:07:18.559 We have a meeting that sometimes happened last year between meetings where we all were kind of sitting around waiting 15 minutes until 6 o'clock to begin the next meeting, so we're going to start at 5.30. Once the finance COW is finished, we'll go right into the COW. 03:07:18.559 --> 03:07:23.559 Thank you. The COW. Thank you. 03:07:23.559 --> 03:07:24.559 Attorney. 03:07:24.559 --> 03:07:56.100 So just to clarify I think that the draft special COW meeting has 545 so most likely your finance will go at least 15 minutes so it shouldn't be from a practical standpoint an issue but heaven forbid that you have a finance COW start at 530 and let's say it only went five minutes you still wouldn't be able to start the COW until till 545 If you wanted to I mean I mean the reality is you're probably not going to have a finance COW 03:07:56.100 --> 03:07:57.940 only go 15 minutes, I would imagine. 03:07:57.940 --> 03:08:00.579 Did you look at my draft agenda, Attorney Zito? 03:08:00.579 --> 03:08:04.860 It's set at 5.45 or as soon as the finance COW adjourns. 03:08:04.860 --> 03:08:05.700 Correct, but- 03:08:05.700 --> 03:08:07.219 But it can't be earlier than 5.45. 03:08:07.219 --> 03:08:09.979 Exactly, so that really applies if it's at 5.50, 03:08:09.979 --> 03:08:11.360 then you can start right at 5.50, 03:08:11.360 --> 03:08:14.100 but you have to set a time for the special COW 03:08:14.100 --> 03:08:14.940 to still start. 03:08:17.180 --> 03:08:18.180 Director Duckman? 03:08:19.860 --> 03:08:21.219 Nothing tonight, Madam Mayor. 03:08:21.219 --> 03:08:22.299 Thank you, Darren? 03:08:22.299 --> 03:08:38.299 Just a reminder, the Hancock Vidoc will be closed. If it wasn't done today, it'll be done tomorrow, and it should be probably three and a half months it'll be closed for the renovations to lower the street. 03:08:38.299 --> 03:08:39.299 Mayer? 03:08:39.299 --> 03:08:41.520 Yes, thank you, your honor. 03:08:41.520 --> 03:08:48.860 Last Thursday, B-Shift responded to a local gas station on West Avenue for a hydraulic 03:08:48.860 --> 03:08:52.379 oil spill on the property. 03:08:52.379 --> 03:08:57.340 The on-duty shift used 26 bags of oil dried to contain the spill. 03:08:57.340 --> 03:09:00.700 They are charged the responsibility of hiring a cleanup crew. 03:09:00.700 --> 03:09:04.459 We just contain it, keep it from going any further. 03:09:04.459 --> 03:09:09.219 We are invoking the spill or pay ordinance to the responsible party. 03:09:09.219 --> 03:09:15.659 They will be reimbursing the city nearly $1,800 for our response and our materials used. 03:09:15.659 --> 03:09:19.149 That's all I have. 03:09:19.149 --> 03:09:20.149 Thank you. 03:09:20.149 --> 03:09:21.149 Police? 03:09:21.149 --> 03:09:22.149 Yeah, I have no report tonight. 03:09:22.149 --> 03:09:23.149 IT? 03:09:23.149 --> 03:09:23.989 I'm sorry. 03:09:23.989 --> 03:09:32.860 IT? Airport? Just real quick, just to let everybody know that this year, unfortunately, we will not be having the air show. 03:09:33.459 --> 03:09:39.139 The promoter ended up having some health issues, so he is not able to continue on. So 03:09:39.620 --> 03:09:43.299 first and foremost, hopefully he gets on the right track and 03:09:43.899 --> 03:09:50.260 he can end up ramping up for next year. So, but this year is unfortunately cancelled. Just to let you know. Thank you. 03:09:50.260 --> 03:09:59.620 City Manager. Just want to reach out to the staff that's been working on all of 03:09:59.620 --> 03:10:04.180 our road resurfacing program this year. I just wanted to say thank you all and got 03:10:04.180 --> 03:10:09.100 a busy week and I appreciate all your effort. Thank you. And I have nothing new 03:10:09.100 --> 03:10:16.780 to add Alderman Shadle. Thursday 6 o'clock shorts on Park Boulevard for the 03:10:16.780 --> 03:10:18.780 Sixth Ward, Neighborhood Bunch. 03:10:18.780 --> 03:10:20.780 Oldman Sanders? 03:10:20.780 --> 03:10:26.780 Yeah, I just want to know, are we almost in completion with our street program for this year? 03:10:26.780 --> 03:10:37.780 No, we're getting there. We still have one that we're going to do that was an add-on, Hans Harvey. 03:10:37.780 --> 03:10:43.780 Carroll still has to be surfaced. That should be happening in a couple weeks, but we're making significant progress. 03:10:43.780 --> 03:10:49.780 the westward water main expansion should start in two weeks so if I had engaged 03:10:49.780 --> 03:10:55.100 we're probably 70% done but a lot of good work going on and the crews are 03:10:55.100 --> 03:10:58.260 making really good progress and everybody's working well together so 03:10:58.260 --> 03:11:07.219 okay. Alderman Sellers? Oh, nothing. Thank you. Alderman Klemm? Nothing. Alderman Johnson? 03:11:07.219 --> 03:11:11.680 I'd just like to thank all the people that came out for the block party on 03:11:11.680 --> 03:11:14.079 and Saturday, it was, there was a lot of people there 03:11:14.079 --> 03:11:17.639 and I think a lot of the residents that were there 03:11:17.639 --> 03:11:19.959 did get some resources and information 03:11:19.959 --> 03:11:21.280 that they needed to help them. 03:11:21.280 --> 03:11:23.719 So I was glad to see that. 03:11:23.719 --> 03:11:24.559 Alderman Simmons? 03:11:24.559 --> 03:11:25.399 I'm sorry, where was it? 03:11:25.399 --> 03:11:26.399 It was the block party. 03:11:26.399 --> 03:11:28.879 It was over at the Boys and Girls Club 03:11:28.879 --> 03:11:31.280 in the parking lot there. 03:11:31.280 --> 03:11:32.120 Thank you. 03:11:32.120 --> 03:11:40.979 Alderman Simmons? 03:11:40.979 --> 03:11:42.040 Alderman Parker? 03:11:42.040 --> 03:11:43.280 Nothing new, Your Honor. 03:11:43.280 --> 03:11:44.879 Alderman Stacey? 03:11:44.879 --> 03:11:47.639 Yes, I would like to announce 03:11:47.639 --> 03:11:51.639 that there's going to be a fourth annual 03:11:51.639 --> 03:11:56.639 Terrence Cheeto Haynes, three on three classic. 03:11:56.920 --> 03:12:01.040 This event will be held Saturday, September the 13th, 03:12:01.040 --> 03:12:03.760 starting at 10 o'clock a.m. 03:12:06.100 --> 03:12:11.159 The age groups for the teams are 10 to 12, 13 to 15, 03:12:11.159 --> 03:12:14.059 and 16 to 18. 03:12:14.059 --> 03:12:16.579 There's no charge for this event, 03:12:16.579 --> 03:12:20.440 but they will be accepting donations 03:12:21.520 --> 03:12:25.940 toward the Terrence Cheeto Haynes 03:12:25.940 --> 03:12:29.520 Stop the Violence Scholarship Foundation. 03:12:29.520 --> 03:12:31.319 This is the young man that was shot 03:12:31.319 --> 03:12:36.319 on Pleasant and Galena a few years ago. 03:12:38.500 --> 03:12:44.780 And this is the fourth annual event in his honor. 03:12:44.780 --> 03:12:50.250 Move on to public comments. Rod Holtz, thank you for waiting. 03:12:50.250 --> 03:12:58.020 I'll make this short since it's been a long meeting. 03:12:58.020 --> 03:13:02.020 Starting in January, I took on a project 03:13:02.020 --> 03:13:06.020 of trying to get my driveway redone. 03:13:06.020 --> 03:13:10.020 I ran into some loopholes, 03:13:10.020 --> 03:13:14.020 one of which being my wife had ovarian cancer, 03:13:14.020 --> 03:13:18.020 and sadly she passed away at the end of July. 03:13:18.020 --> 03:13:23.020 She never got to see our new driveway, but she did. 03:13:26.659 --> 03:13:29.959 Everything got completed around the middle of August 03:13:29.959 --> 03:13:34.959 and I had one loophole that I was trying to overcome. 03:13:37.739 --> 03:13:40.780 And that was where the street met my driveway. 03:13:41.659 --> 03:13:46.659 So I went and I talked to our called 03:13:46.659 --> 03:13:53.819 the street department after a friend of mine suggested that's who I try. 03:13:53.819 --> 03:14:01.420 I talked to her, the lady took down my address and she told me that she says within the next 03:14:01.420 --> 03:14:07.879 week or so when the pothole people are out in your area, they'll be gladly to fix the 03:14:07.879 --> 03:14:08.879 end of your driveway. 03:14:08.879 --> 03:14:16.440 I said great, about a week and a half went by, nothing happened. 03:14:16.440 --> 03:14:21.600 Well, I was in the area of the street department down on Island Avenue, so I decided, well, 03:14:21.600 --> 03:14:26.840 I'm gonna try going down there, speaking to them one-on-one. 03:14:26.840 --> 03:14:28.819 I wish I never did. 03:14:28.819 --> 03:14:34.680 The lady that I encountered down there was very rude. 03:14:34.680 --> 03:14:37.620 She acted like my first impression to her. 03:14:37.620 --> 03:14:39.659 She wanted to get in a fight with me. 03:14:39.659 --> 03:14:47.219 All I wanted to do was get some information on when they were going to fix that or if 03:14:47.219 --> 03:14:50.420 they were going to fix that. 03:14:50.420 --> 03:15:02.059 So I walked away kind of sad because I got another stone I got to try to overcome. 03:15:02.059 --> 03:15:05.979 So I figured, well, I'm going to try calling the city hall. 03:15:05.979 --> 03:15:09.020 I did one morning before I went to work. 03:15:09.020 --> 03:15:20.020 I encountered Michelle Nelson, she was very kind, considerate, listened to my going on 03:15:20.020 --> 03:15:26.540 with my driveway and she referred me, she says I'll take this down as an email. 03:15:26.540 --> 03:15:32.379 She took my name and my phone number and she talked with Darren Steekle. 03:15:32.379 --> 03:15:42.979 in two hours, Darren called me up and wanted to know what was going on and I told him and 03:15:42.979 --> 03:15:50.379 he informed me that, and I didn't know this, but that the end of the, where the street 03:15:50.379 --> 03:15:58.659 and then the driveway meets, that would be my contractor's doings. Well, I thought they're 03:15:58.659 --> 03:16:06.959 and other concrete people, but we were talking a little bit further and Darren finally wanted 03:16:06.959 --> 03:16:20.219 me to take a picture and I sent it to him and sorry, but this was around 10 o'clock. 03:16:20.219 --> 03:16:28.299 I went home from work at lunchtime and I got out of my truck and I parked out on the street 03:16:28.299 --> 03:16:34.459 and I was walking towards and I just about fell down on the street I was 03:16:34.459 --> 03:16:43.059 amazed totally amazed with the hard work that you guys do during the summer and 03:16:43.059 --> 03:16:51.219 everything I get that no but it looked totally professional and I want to give 03:16:51.219 --> 03:17:23.459 Are there any other public comments? I'd like to clarify some things. Joy talked about Henny. 03:17:23.459 --> 03:17:31.819 We've lost Henny, we've lost Tutty, and we've lost Taylor. That's three areas 03:17:31.819 --> 03:17:38.180 where our children played and had in the wards that they're talking about. That's 03:17:38.180 --> 03:17:40.659 That's three, okay? 03:17:40.659 --> 03:17:42.079 History. 03:17:42.079 --> 03:17:46.739 Now, as far as what he's talking about, 03:17:47.700 --> 03:17:51.899 he never mentioned the seven day notices 03:17:51.899 --> 03:17:53.399 that we've all seen. 03:17:54.360 --> 03:17:57.000 As far as the city is concerned, 03:17:57.000 --> 03:17:59.479 what we heard from you guys a week ago 03:17:59.479 --> 03:18:00.700 was everything you couldn't do 03:18:00.700 --> 03:18:03.420 and nothing that you could do. 03:18:03.420 --> 03:18:07.680 What we also found was when Joshua had his meeting, 03:18:07.680 --> 03:18:11.680 we had no Rob Boyer, we had no Jodi Miller, 03:18:11.680 --> 03:18:16.500 we had no older people other than the two that were there. 03:18:16.500 --> 03:18:18.680 Which tells us how much you really care 03:18:18.680 --> 03:18:21.079 about what is happening to your constituents 03:18:21.079 --> 03:18:22.559 because you weren't there. 03:18:22.559 --> 03:18:24.219 You weren't there to hear them, 03:18:24.219 --> 03:18:25.879 you weren't there to listen to them, 03:18:25.879 --> 03:18:27.639 you weren't there to answer questions 03:18:27.639 --> 03:18:30.399 and even when you did something on the television, 03:18:30.399 --> 03:18:33.799 neither of you stood before a television camera 03:18:33.799 --> 03:18:36.479 and addressed the constituents in this town. 03:18:36.479 --> 03:18:40.200 What you did was is use someone who is an employee 03:18:40.200 --> 03:18:44.760 of the city that nobody knows to speak for you. 03:18:44.760 --> 03:18:45.760 It's shameful. 03:18:46.639 --> 03:18:51.120 It is absolutely shameful that you guys won't stand 03:18:51.120 --> 03:18:53.840 before your constituents and listen to them. 03:18:53.840 --> 03:18:58.120 Tonight's vote on the comment section is absolutely 03:18:58.120 --> 03:19:00.600 ridiculous that you would allow this to go on 03:19:00.600 --> 03:19:03.239 for four to five hours and I don't care what the comments 03:19:03.239 --> 03:19:05.479 or what the proposals are on the floor, 03:19:05.479 --> 03:19:09.319 that you would allow someone with babies, with children 03:19:09.319 --> 03:19:12.520 to be sitting here for four hours to speak with you guys. 03:19:12.520 --> 03:19:14.200 When you can change the ordinance 03:19:14.200 --> 03:19:16.200 and you can change the direction of this meeting 03:19:16.200 --> 03:19:17.659 at your own beck and call 03:19:17.659 --> 03:19:19.840 whenever you feel like you want to. 03:19:19.840 --> 03:19:22.239 And all we were asking for was the... 03:19:22.239 --> 03:19:22.959 All we were asking for was the courtesy 03:19:22.959 --> 03:19:26.920 to allow individuals who had to go to work, 03:19:26.920 --> 03:19:29.040 some of whom are working two to three jobs 03:19:29.040 --> 03:19:31.479 with children standing beside them 03:19:31.479 --> 03:19:35.319 to speak to you as your constituents, as taxpayers, 03:19:35.319 --> 03:19:38.600 as working individuals in this town, you refuse to do that. 03:19:38.600 --> 03:19:40.840 And tonight, city council, shame on you, 03:19:40.840 --> 03:19:42.639 you refuse to do it again. 03:19:44.319 --> 03:19:46.120 You can sit here and listen to the monarchy 03:19:46.120 --> 03:19:48.280 that you are being fed by him, 03:19:48.280 --> 03:19:50.159 or you can listen to your constituents 03:19:50.159 --> 03:19:51.959 and what you need to do is sit down 03:19:51.959 --> 03:19:53.920 and have a conversation with them. 03:19:54.979 --> 03:19:56.319 Instead of listening to him, 03:19:56.319 --> 03:19:57.959 listen to the people that is being affected. 03:19:57.959 --> 03:20:00.639 This man knows absolutely nothing about this community 03:20:00.639 --> 03:20:02.600 nor does he know anything about the people 03:20:02.600 --> 03:20:04.000 that are being affected. 03:20:04.000 --> 03:20:05.520 And I'm gonna tell you guys something. 03:20:05.520 --> 03:20:09.920 If you think for a second that this isn't going to affect 03:20:09.920 --> 03:20:12.379 this entire town and I've said this before 03:20:12.379 --> 03:20:15.200 and everything that I've said has come to fortition 03:20:15.200 --> 03:20:18.899 and that is when there becomes a problem in this town, 03:20:18.899 --> 03:20:21.360 it's not gonna just happen on the east side. 03:20:21.360 --> 03:20:23.600 It's not gonna just happen on the west side. 03:20:23.600 --> 03:20:25.940 Their properties are all over town. 03:20:27.079 --> 03:20:40.049 Is there any other public comments this evening? 03:20:40.049 --> 03:20:42.450 I wanna start by saying thank you to, you know, 03:20:42.450 --> 03:20:45.149 everybody involved positively and God like up here. 03:20:46.250 --> 03:20:51.250 And I wanna say congratulations to the people that came 03:20:51.370 --> 03:20:53.809 last week stood up and told their heartfelt stories 03:20:53.809 --> 03:20:57.049 because they really showed more care and concern 03:20:57.049 --> 03:20:59.530 about themselves than our city leaders. 03:20:59.530 --> 03:21:01.690 And I also want to say thank you to Josh Atkins. 03:21:01.690 --> 03:21:03.069 I don't care if y'all don't like him or not, 03:21:03.069 --> 03:21:05.090 but we wouldn't sit here and talk about this 03:21:05.090 --> 03:21:06.850 if he didn't held that meeting. 03:21:06.850 --> 03:21:08.809 But he was the only one that took the time out 03:21:08.809 --> 03:21:10.209 to make a meeting. 03:21:10.209 --> 03:21:14.250 Before that situation came to this council board, 03:21:14.250 --> 03:21:16.690 you've seen this on all social media 03:21:16.690 --> 03:21:19.690 because we know you guys watch it, shadow or not, 03:21:19.690 --> 03:21:22.450 but you guys chose to ignore it until it became chaotic. 03:21:22.450 --> 03:21:28.930 and as leaders you should have held a PowerPoint presentation or whatever you did that accounted 03:21:28.930 --> 03:21:34.049 to really nothing because we still have not asked for you to control the amount. 03:21:34.049 --> 03:21:40.729 We simply ask for the time to be a good timely fashion to give them considering that Freeport 03:21:40.729 --> 03:21:45.770 does not have jobs to accommodate anything to be raised. 03:21:45.770 --> 03:21:52.329 We do not have a council board that does not raise every tax they can on all of the people 03:21:52.329 --> 03:21:58.049 Here. You guys need to think about the future. We don't have half of the creativity that 03:21:58.049 --> 03:22:05.889 we need to run a city. Let's use this as an example. We paid what we say, Winter got $78,000 03:22:05.889 --> 03:22:11.010 for boarding up the bottom of that building and putting a six-foot fence around it. Where 03:22:11.010 --> 03:22:20.090 the hell is they shopping at? OSB at half-inch is only $12 to $15. If we needed 300 sheets 03:22:20.090 --> 03:22:23.729 to that, that would only came to $5,000. 03:22:23.729 --> 03:22:26.969 Let's say the fence, way out of the ballpark, cost 20. 03:22:26.969 --> 03:22:30.170 Where's $78,000 accommodated for? 03:22:30.170 --> 03:22:33.129 My suggestion to the council is that you guys try 03:22:33.129 --> 03:22:36.229 to do a little bit more detailed finding 03:22:36.229 --> 03:22:39.190 on what they actually are doing, the cost, the material, 03:22:39.190 --> 03:22:42.069 the anything that they use, because these are our dollars 03:22:42.069 --> 03:22:45.209 that are paying for this, or it may be a grant 03:22:45.209 --> 03:22:46.049 that we could be used. 03:22:46.049 --> 03:22:48.370 I don't know where that money coming from, to be honest. 03:22:48.370 --> 03:22:51.709 but I'm sure as thirsty as we sound, 03:22:51.709 --> 03:22:54.930 we don't have money to be thrown away. 03:22:54.930 --> 03:22:56.510 We buying all kinds of new stuff. 03:22:56.510 --> 03:22:58.309 This is the most I've seen the distressed city 03:22:58.309 --> 03:23:00.430 spend money on frivolous things. 03:23:00.430 --> 03:23:02.510 Trailers, lawn mowers, and all that stuff. 03:23:02.510 --> 03:23:05.469 And then I wanna know that every election season come up, 03:23:05.469 --> 03:23:07.590 I see everybody all over in third war 03:23:07.590 --> 03:23:08.590 trying to get the approval 03:23:08.590 --> 03:23:10.629 and the support of the black people over there. 03:23:10.629 --> 03:23:12.750 I don't know why, I mean, it might not be an issue 03:23:12.750 --> 03:23:15.870 but why hasn't Jim, Ryan, Tasha, Yancey, Baldy, 03:23:15.870 --> 03:23:21.870 Partridge. Why ain't they been up here for no reward? Recognize all people, man. They got people, too. 03:23:23.870 --> 03:23:28.270 Any other public comments this evening? If not, oh, go ahead, Tommy. 03:23:41.469 --> 03:23:45.790 Tommy, I'm working real hard on that, I promise. You tell, you let them know I'm working real hard. 03:23:45.790 --> 03:23:54.149 and Dalyan. We got a question. Are you going to fix the pothole by Jefferson Suite? That 03:23:54.149 --> 03:24:08.409 certainly trying Tommy. Any other public comments? Go ahead. Good evening council. My name is 03:24:08.409 --> 03:24:13.209 Joshua. I'll keep this short and I promise suite and I'm going to start with Mr. Duckman 03:24:13.209 --> 03:24:20.450 over there. Outstanding with the toll of May and all that stuff. It's I'm shocked but I 03:24:20.450 --> 03:24:24.850 Kudos. Sounds fantastic. That's really good to hear. I hope that all works out. 03:24:27.409 --> 03:24:33.930 All right. Every one of you received an email from me a week ago, exactly a week 03:24:33.930 --> 03:24:41.329 ago. And what you chose to do with it was nothing. Fine. You know, who am I? 03:24:41.329 --> 03:24:46.370 Nobody, right? But then you sat here today and you argued for about 30 minutes, 03:24:46.370 --> 03:24:47.370 Huffines. 03:24:47.370 --> 03:25:00.090 I know it's easy from the outside to look at you guys and say, well, gosh, they should 03:25:00.090 --> 03:25:02.930 be doing this, or you should be doing this, or the mayor should be doing this. 03:25:02.930 --> 03:25:05.889 That is so easy and a luxury we get from out here. 03:25:05.889 --> 03:25:07.870 I understand that. 03:25:07.870 --> 03:25:12.329 But you guys could have taken that 30 minutes, had any of you either made a motion or just 03:25:12.329 --> 03:25:17.850 put it on the agenda and said this is our opportunity to talk about it. 03:25:17.850 --> 03:25:22.770 We can talk about it right now if Tom Klemm says I think it should be 120 days and Cecelia 03:25:22.770 --> 03:25:24.350 says no I think it should be 40. 03:25:24.350 --> 03:25:29.170 You guys could have used that time tonight however many hours we've been here and talked 03:25:29.170 --> 03:25:33.270 about it and been over and done with it or Alderman Johnson could have said I think we 03:25:33.270 --> 03:25:34.629 should add this in there. 03:25:34.629 --> 03:25:35.629 That was the time. 03:25:35.629 --> 03:25:39.329 You don't have to schedule another time to do it because I want to believe that this 03:25:39.329 --> 03:25:41.690 gentleman here is being as honest as possible. 03:25:41.690 --> 03:25:45.989 I talked to, not him, but his co-worker, and I can't remember her name, but she was very 03:25:45.989 --> 03:25:47.729 nice on the phone. 03:25:47.729 --> 03:25:50.690 We invited them to the meeting, they chose not to come. 03:25:50.690 --> 03:25:52.850 I want to assume that they are being truthful. 03:25:52.850 --> 03:25:59.809 But if they're not, your job in this room is to protect the people of this community. 03:25:59.809 --> 03:26:05.370 And you could have done that tonight by just putting in a simple 60-day amendment to that 03:26:05.370 --> 03:26:06.690 ordinance. 03:26:06.690 --> 03:26:10.750 And that would have taken them to, he could have went out tomorrow and said, boom, here's 03:26:10.750 --> 03:26:11.750 and others. 03:26:11.750 --> 03:26:14.270 There's your guys' 16-day notice, and that would have given them two months, but they 03:26:14.270 --> 03:26:16.309 would have 60 days to figure things out. 03:26:16.309 --> 03:26:21.870 Now they have no idea what's going to happen, because we just showed him, and I'm not picking 03:26:21.870 --> 03:26:25.989 on you, sir, that we're not going to do anything. 03:26:25.989 --> 03:26:29.469 We're going to talk about it for the next month. 03:26:29.469 --> 03:26:31.709 That's what we're going to do. 03:26:31.709 --> 03:26:35.729 And I just wish you guys, I don't know if it was about me, if it would have come from 03:26:35.729 --> 03:26:36.829 Miss Yocum. 03:26:36.829 --> 03:26:39.829 Maybe you guys would have taken it a little more seriously, but you guys could have done 03:26:39.829 --> 03:26:40.829 Johnson. 03:26:40.829 --> 03:26:42.190 And that's all the people are asking for. 03:26:42.190 --> 03:26:43.870 They shouldn't be calling me to do it. 03:26:43.870 --> 03:26:48.110 It's just they don't trust you to take them seriously. 03:26:48.110 --> 03:26:49.110 Thank you. 03:26:49.110 --> 03:26:51.350 Any other public comments? 03:26:51.350 --> 03:27:02.979 Hi. 03:27:02.979 --> 03:27:05.180 Sue Cook, Freeport. 03:27:05.180 --> 03:27:11.260 I just want to thank, I'm glad the 65 cap was gone. 03:27:11.260 --> 03:27:13.840 I just have to say, yes, good. 03:27:13.840 --> 03:27:16.040 That should be gone. 03:27:16.040 --> 03:27:23.639 If you're fit, ages should not keep anybody from a job, says the 65-year-old woman that's 03:27:23.639 --> 03:27:27.719 standing here, so I'm glad it's gone. 03:27:27.719 --> 03:27:33.559 The other thing is, do we have a contract with Aspen yet? 03:27:33.559 --> 03:27:37.319 Has that happened? 03:27:37.319 --> 03:27:38.659 I'm worried. 03:27:38.659 --> 03:27:46.540 We just celebrated Labor Day and we celebrated the unions and we celebrated workers and workers' 03:27:46.540 --> 03:27:53.780 rights and what they need and I haven't heard anything about that yet and I'm very, very 03:27:53.780 --> 03:27:56.139 worried. 03:27:56.139 --> 03:28:02.340 Please God don't let them walk away because I do not want to lose 9-1-1 and I came up 03:28:02.340 --> 03:28:05.979 here and I said that last week and I said it while I was crying so you may not have 03:28:05.979 --> 03:28:15.139 I've heard that, but there it is. As far as the ruckus that was caused, sir, the ruckus 03:28:15.139 --> 03:28:21.739 was not caused by just people going out and going, I'm going to cause some chaos. People 03:28:21.739 --> 03:28:27.059 came and were scared and they came to the meeting that Joshua had and they were still 03:28:27.059 --> 03:28:33.180 scared and they were hoping that somebody, that Gabby was going to be there, but Gabby 03:28:33.180 --> 03:28:38.780 and I didn't come that night and so people were very, very scared and yes, they spoke 03:28:38.780 --> 03:28:44.459 to the news because they did not have you there or they did not have Gabby there to 03:28:44.459 --> 03:28:53.459 answer the questions they had. So the ruckus really wasn't a ruckus, it was a cry, please 03:28:53.459 --> 03:29:01.360 help us before we're homeless because it's going to be winter when they end up homeless 03:29:01.360 --> 03:29:05.559 and that's not a good time to have babies in the snow, okay? 03:29:05.559 --> 03:29:08.659 You said you had kids, totally get it. 03:29:08.659 --> 03:29:10.739 It's not a good time to have babies in the snow 03:29:10.739 --> 03:29:12.180 and I'm not gonna start crying again 03:29:12.180 --> 03:29:14.200 even though I look like I am. 03:29:14.200 --> 03:29:19.200 So please, take the ruckus for what it is and take... 03:29:19.200 --> 03:29:48.000 and the 60 days, that's a good idea. It gives them two paychecks. 120 days is kind of long. I know that's Chicago as far as giving, you know, 60 days to let them leave. 30 days is kind of short. It's only one paycheck. 60 days is two paychecks. 120 days, yeah, that's long. And the 60 days, that's a good idea. It gives them two 03:29:48.000 --> 03:29:50.280 So I'm just asking for leniency. 03:29:50.280 --> 03:29:54.040 I know I'm coming up on my three minutes and so mask on. 03:29:54.040 --> 03:30:10.100 Thank you very much for letting me speak and thank you. 03:30:10.100 --> 03:30:15.100 Before I pray, I just wanna say 120 days 03:30:18.620 --> 03:30:23.620 is really not that long when you've been renting 03:30:23.620 --> 03:30:27.639 10, nine, 10 and 12 years. 03:30:27.639 --> 03:30:31.040 and some of these renters have been there that long. 03:30:32.760 --> 03:30:34.920 Father God, in the name of Jesus, 03:30:35.920 --> 03:30:39.959 I come to you as only I know how, 03:30:39.959 --> 03:30:43.680 seeking your face for direction and understanding, Father. 03:30:45.020 --> 03:30:46.520 For this is your city. 03:30:47.520 --> 03:30:52.520 It carries the title, the name, Free Port, for a reason. 03:30:55.459 --> 03:30:59.360 I need you to move, O God, on the behalf of your people. 03:30:59.399 --> 03:31:05.870 The ones that have minds made up without even considering what's really at hand 03:31:07.110 --> 03:31:09.110 Speak to the heart. Oh God 03:31:11.440 --> 03:31:14.600 May we look to the hills from with cometh our help 03:31:15.959 --> 03:31:18.040 For our help cometh from you I 03:31:20.329 --> 03:31:25.770 Bind up the isms and schisms and the hands of the devil they would think 03:31:26.610 --> 03:31:29.770 It was going to run a scheme through our city 03:31:30.409 --> 03:31:39.420 You take control 03:31:39.420 --> 03:31:49.799 you give us what we need to be successful we trust you in advance we praise you in 03:31:49.799 --> 03:32:01.420 advance we give you all glory honor for you alone are worthy and we say victory 03:32:01.420 --> 03:32:16.520 is ours in the name of Jesus we will not lay down and die in Jesus name amen that 03:32:16.520 --> 03:32:19.559 will conclude public comments I'll entertain a motion for adjournment 03:32:19.559 --> 03:32:37.079 Sommel. Second. Motion made by Sellers, seconded by Shadle. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. Sellers. Aye. Klemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. Motion passes.