WEBVTT

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Good evening, Pastor Ramos, would you please give the invocation?

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Good evening. Madam Mayor and City Manager Boyer and all the City Council, if you would

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all join me and bow your heads and let's pray before we begin this meeting. Heavenly Father,

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We come before you today with gratitude and humility.

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Thank you for the opportunity to gather as leaders, servants, and members of this community.

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Lord, we acknowledge that every good gift comes from you.

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We seek your wisdom as we begin this meeting.

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Lord, grant these council members discernment, integrity, and unity as they make decisions

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that affect the lives of the people they serve.

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and

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the

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city.

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I want them to lead with fairness, compassion and

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genuine desire to promote the well-being of every resident in

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this city. Give them wisdom beyond their own understanding,

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courage to do what is right, and humility to listen to one

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another with respect. Let every discussion be guided by truth,

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and

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Keeley.

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We pray for peace and prosperity in our city.

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Bless our family, business, schools, first responders, health

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care workers and all who labor for the welfare of our community.

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Protect those who serve and strengthen those who are in need.

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May this meeting be productive, respectful and beneficial to all.

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Sandoval, Michael, and the rest of the city. May we work together to build a community,

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marked by hope, unity, and opportunity. As your word says, if any of you lack wisdom,

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let him ask God, who gives generously to all who will find, to God, who generously will

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all find fault. In James 1.5, we ask for the wisdom today. In the mighty name of Jesus,

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We pray, Amen.

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Amen.

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Thank you.

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Thank you, Pastor.

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Now, we'll call this meeting to order.

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Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

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Mayor Miller?

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Here.

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Alder Persons-Klemm?

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Here.

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Johnson?

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Here.

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Simmons is absent.

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Parker?

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Here.

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Stacy?

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Here.

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Shadle is absent.

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Sanders?

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Here.

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And Sellers is absent.

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But we do have a quorum.

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If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, Alderman Parker, I'll pass that

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to you.

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to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one

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nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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

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So move. Second.

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A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Johnson. All those in favor signify

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by saying aye. Aye.

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Opposed? That motion passes. Item number two is approval of the minutes from the council meeting on June 1st, 2026. Is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Parker. All those in favor signify by saying aye.

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Aye.

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Opposed? That motion passes. Public comment? Is there one signed in?

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Mr. Corbin?

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Is it on an agenda item?

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Yes.

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Good evening. I came here to address our city ambulance rate increase. They say they haven't

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raised the rates for four years and want to make them comparable to other communities.

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That charge is much as $2,000. Right now we charge $1,200 for a citizen and $14 a mile

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and they want to raise it to $2,020 per mile.

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Going from $1,200 to $2,000 is a 66.667% increase

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or 16.667% for the last four years.

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The Freeport Fire Chief, Tom Quartz said

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to capture a little bit extra from the insurance companies

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and then to match up to what our CMT rates is

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so we're able to capture the proper amount.

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Are we talking about capturing

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like we're hunting or something.

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He said, he goes on to say,

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it hasn't caused us to have a cutback,

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but there's always that possibility.

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So we're not having any shortages.

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A new ambulance costs over $400,000

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and a new fire truck costs up over a million dollars.

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We have 4,000 ambulance calls.

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Let's assume they're all citizens

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and not out of county residents.

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Take $4,000 times 1,200 bucks.

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that's $4.8 million a year.

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Raising the rates to $2,000 at 4,000 ambulance calls

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is $8 million, a $3.2 million increase per year.

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That would buy two new fire trucks,

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or I'm sorry, one new fire truck

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and three new ambulances every year.

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Or I'm sorry, maybe I was right the first time.

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Two new fire trucks, that'd be 2 million bucks,

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and three at 400 would be, what, $3.2 million.

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So we could buy three new fire trucks

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are two new fire trucks and three new ambulances

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every year with that increase.

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They act like this is free insurance money.

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We pay insurance premiums

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and this is actually why our premiums are skyrocketing

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and our people can't afford healthcare insurance.

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Then say rather than increasing property taxes,

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this would only affect the users of the service.

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That's the sick, the disabled and the elderly.

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Anyone on Medicare without purchasing

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a supplemental insurance like Advantage,

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if you just have the standard Medicare program.

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It owes 20% of this bill,

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meaning a trip that once cost you $240

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will now cost $400 out of your pocket

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for that ambulance ride.

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And also the additional money

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will go to our capital improvements fund

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that historically pays for the vehicles and facilities.

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Every Freeport home through their water bill

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already pays $38 to capital improvements and 9.98% to the city of Freeport Corporation

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out of our property taxes. Freeport's 3.03% property taxes nearly triple the national

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mean property rate of 1.02% and Freeport pays 1.15% higher property taxes than the mean

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rate of 1.88% in the state of Illinois.

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Mr. Corbin, your time has expired. You're welcome to finish that at the public comment

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at the end of the session.

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Thank you.

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Thank you. We'll move on to item number four, which is the consent agenda. The consent agenda consists of, or is considered to be routine in nature and is considered to be done in one motion, unless a member of council would like to have something hold for further discussion.

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The consent agenda consists of approval to receive and place on file the minutes from the board and commission meeting of the arts and culture, May 7th, the fire department report, April building permit report of May and the approval of finance bills in the total of three million seven hundred one thousand three hundred sixty three dollars and thirty seven cents and payroll for pay period ending June 5th in the total of seven hundred twenty four thousand three hundred nineteen dollars and sixty four cents.

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Motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

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Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm? Aye. And Johnson? Aye. The motion passes, five to zero.

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And item number five are some appointments. Could you please read those for the record?

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The appointment of Katherine Smith to fill a vacant seat for the Arts and Culture Commission

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effective through August 31, 2029. The next two are reappointments to the Zoning Board

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of Appeals effective through June 30, 2031 for Andrew Reeder and Ron Kane.

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Thank you. Is there a motion to approve these appointments?

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So moved. Motion made by Alderman Johnson, seconded

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by Alderman Parker. Discussion on the appointments. Madam Clerk, Alderman Stacy. I do have a question

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because you always ask if there's question. You choose these people. We have no say so.

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That's correct. You have the vote of approving or not approving. So ultimately you do. The mayor

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is the one that brings them before the council and the council then either approves or denies.

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Okay. So, okay.

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okay madam clerk please take the role should I go back to Simmons since she

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was the elder person on the agenda who was to lead the votes and then have her

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call first and then the next meeting will be all the person Parker okay all the

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Person Simmons? Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm? Aye. And Johnson? Aye. The motion

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passes six to zero. Item number six is the first reading of ordinance 202634. Could you

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please read this? Ordinance adopting the purchasing policy and procedure manual and amending sections

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20, 24, 04, 20, not 20, 239.04, 239.5, 830.01, and Chapter 238 of the Codified Ordinances.

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Thank you.

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Director Richter?

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Thank you, Your Honor.

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The purchasing policy was first discussed at the Committee of the Whole earlier this

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year in May.

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At that meeting, we went through the major topics of the purchasing policy.

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I just highlight them briefly, I won't go into as much detail as I did previously.

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The objective of this policy is to ensure that public funds are spent efficiently, economically,

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impartially, while obtaining the highest standard of public trust and integrity.

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All procurement must adhere to the Illinois statutes, city code, and the employee handbook,

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and also ethical guidelines.

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Currently the city operates on a decentralized purchasing model.

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That means each of the individual departments within the city handle their own purchasing

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of all items for their department.

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The policy also includes exceptions, waivers, and special procurements, including formal

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bidding exemptions, bid waivers, definitions of what a sole source purchase would be.

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It also includes emergency purchases.

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It identifies when a change order occurs and what we are to do in that event.

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The timeline for adjustments, if there are change orders, those must go to the city council,

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must be immediately notified of any change order that extends a project's completion

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date by 180 days or more.

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The policy also identifies ethics and logistics and other miscellaneous rules, such as gifts

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and gratuities, budgetary control, which is at the department level, year-end spending.

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Departments are required to pay attention to when goods are received, if it's in this current

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Fiscal Year 2026. If those items were received by December 31st, they are

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expensed in 2026. If they're received after that, they're expensed in the next

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year. We also have a breakout for sales tax, letting each department know that we

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are tax exempt and they're required to use our tax exempt status when

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purchasing items. Disposal of surplus property is also in the purchasing

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Policy, and also guidelines for when items need to be bid.

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The policy is meant as a guidebook

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for each of the departments who purchase items.

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For example, the purchase authority dollar limits

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are identified in the policy.

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Those are ones I would like to read each right now.

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For buying items that are under $500, the department director has the authority dollar

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limit to authorize that purchase, the department director under $500.

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Between $501 and $5,000, that's also the department director, so under $5,000, department director.

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From $5,000 to $10,000, the Department Director and the Finance Director.

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So the Finance Director will be required to sign off in purchases between $5,000 and $10,000.

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$10,000 to $24,999 is the Department Director, the Finance Director, and the City Manager.

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So it requires three levels of authority to purchase items between those levels.

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Between 10,000 and just short of 25,000.

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Anything 25,000 and above is required to go also to those three levels plus city council.

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25,000 and above goes to city council.

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I would also like to identify the procurement methods and how many quotes or whether bidding

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is involved.

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Under $500 would be one verbal quote. Between $500 and $5,000, three verbal quotes.

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$5,000 to $10,000, three written quotes. Also $10,000 to $24,999, three written quotes.

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and at $25,000 that would be the amount that we are required to go out for bid.

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And I'd like to specifically say I think I misspoke at the cow I'd like to confirm

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with Attorney Zito that's the state statute is $25,000 on the bidding process.

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Correct.

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Okay.

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And that's all I'd like to identify at the moment and I'd be open to any questions.

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Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? So moved. Second.

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A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Parker. Director Richter, when you were talking about the dollar limits, do those purchases have to be in the budget?

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Definitely, yes. I'd like to clarify anything that is not budgeted, that's not included in the budget, would need to come to an additional appropriation by the City Council.

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Just wanted to make that clear. Thank you. Any discussion? Alderman Johnson?

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I just wondered why under their procurement from 501 to 5,000, it was changed from written quotes to three verbal quotes from 501 needed for those purchases.

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Do you mean changed from the COW?

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No, in 2007 it says written quotes, in 2026 it says three verbal quotes.

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That was just our discussion and putting the policy together.

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things have changed in this the original policy was 2007 so it's almost been 20

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years since we've updated this policy and so we felt it was adequate or

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appropriate to change that to verbal quotes okay I have a couple things I'd

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and I'd like to see amended on it.

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So do I do that one at a time or?

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Yeah, if you just want to talk about them in one thing,

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because I don't want you to go past your twice limit.

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Twice time, okay.

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Under the purchase authority dollar limit,

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5,000 to $10,000, I would like to see that amended

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and have city manager's name on there as well.

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I think the more people you have looking at something,

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and the more transparency it is for the people, we're more transparent and we can justify

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what's being done.

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And also under the $10,000 to $24,999, I would like to see that amended to add city council

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to that except for emergent situations.

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So you don't want anything to change?

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That's the way it is now?

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Well, no, under the 2007 it just had City Council down for the $10,000 to $24,000 and

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under the 2007 for the $25,000 and above it just had City Council.

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Now you have several people under there and I didn't change the $25,000.

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So it'd be just the $10,000 to $24,999.

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It would be Department Director, Finance Director, City Manager, and City Council except

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for emergent situations.

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And then.

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Alderman Johnson, that is the way it is.

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It's right now at $10,000, you already have that.

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And then it's approved by the council.

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On here on 2026, the change, it says Department Director,

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Finance Director, and City Manager.

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Am I not?

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Wait, am I not pointing myself well?

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Currently, the only amount that I'm authorized to move forward with is $10,000 currently.

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So by that change, that would stay the same. So just be clear about that.

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So yeah, so in 2026, 10,000 to 24,000, it says the people that need to make that decision

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are department director, finance director, and city manager.

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So city council has nothing to do with that decision, correct or no?

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Am I wrong on that?

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No, that's what it's listed here, but we currently have that in place.

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So right now, if the city manager, if anything comes before me that's over $10,000, we bring

00:20:52.960 --> 00:20:55.279
it to council for approval.

00:20:55.279 --> 00:21:00.640
So essentially, if we're going to add city council to that item, which is entirely your

00:21:00.640 --> 00:21:04.160
prerogative, that would effectively not really change anything on this purchasing policy.

00:21:04.160 --> 00:21:06.640
Because you already do bring it to city council over $10,000.

00:21:06.640 --> 00:21:07.640
Yes.

00:21:07.640 --> 00:21:08.640
That's correct.

00:21:08.640 --> 00:21:09.640
Okay.

00:21:09.640 --> 00:21:10.640
I was misunderstanding on this.

00:21:10.640 --> 00:21:15.599
It's just a different group of words, but it means the same thing.

00:21:15.599 --> 00:21:21.400
Is it possible that we didn't have a city manager in 2007, so that probably wasn't listed?

00:21:21.400 --> 00:21:23.400
Correct, we did not.

00:21:23.400 --> 00:21:29.400
Alderman Simmons?

00:21:29.400 --> 00:21:35.359
So what we're looking at is, right now, things over $10,000 do come to city council.

00:21:35.359 --> 00:21:40.079
With this change, things over $10,000 would no longer come to city council.

00:21:40.079 --> 00:22:04.319
Right, so what it boils down to is you don't want anything to change in that. You still want to have everything brought to you that's $10,000 or greater.

00:22:04.319 --> 00:22:10.619
The purpose behind that was just to have an updated reflection of what mirrors the state.

00:22:10.619 --> 00:22:16.319
What mirrors the state is 25,000. If you don't like it, that's your vote.

00:22:16.319 --> 00:22:19.319
I mean, that's all this little piece of it is.

00:22:19.319 --> 00:22:20.319
You're right.

00:22:20.319 --> 00:22:26.319
Okay. I'm just saying 10,000 to 25,000 is a lot of money, and I think council should have a say in that.

00:22:26.319 --> 00:22:32.319
Okay, so let me make sure I understand you correctly. You're looking at two amendments, or were you not done?

00:22:32.319 --> 00:22:33.319
Yeah, just two.

00:22:33.319 --> 00:22:49.319
Okay, so your first amendment, you want to add the word city manager to the $5,000 to $10,000 bracket, and you want to just do away with $10,000 and above in all of it and leave it the way it originally was?

00:22:49.319 --> 00:23:03.970
The way it was, okay question, the way it was, was the department director still has a say in it, right? The $10,000 to $20,000, $25,000, that's the way it was.

00:23:03.970 --> 00:23:04.809
Anderson,

00:23:04.809 --> 00:23:06.069
department director still has a say in it.

00:23:06.069 --> 00:23:08.130
Finance director still has a say in it.

00:23:08.130 --> 00:23:10.089
City manager still has a say in it.

00:23:10.089 --> 00:23:12.289
And then city council would have a say in it.

00:23:12.289 --> 00:23:13.130
That's what I'm saying.

00:23:13.130 --> 00:23:18.049
Yeah, but ultimately the bottom line ends with city council.

00:23:18.049 --> 00:23:19.369
It isn't, right.

00:23:19.369 --> 00:23:22.329
Yeah, so it's just, it's, it would just be updating it

00:23:22.329 --> 00:23:25.170
to reflect the city manager form of government

00:23:25.170 --> 00:23:29.329
versus how it was written in what 2008 or whatever.

00:23:29.329 --> 00:23:30.170
Yeah.

00:23:30.170 --> 00:23:31.730
Yeah.

00:23:31.730 --> 00:23:32.569
Darren.

00:23:32.569 --> 00:23:36.430
I just want to maybe make a point of clarity here.

00:23:36.970 --> 00:23:42.950
So the purchasing policy that, uh, uh, director Ricker Richter had put out

00:23:42.950 --> 00:23:50.329
here, the, what, what is stated there is for purchases that are budgeted, right?

00:23:50.589 --> 00:23:52.230
So they're already budgeted.

00:23:52.289 --> 00:23:56.250
If they're not in the budget, it doesn't matter what the amount is.

00:23:56.470 --> 00:23:57.970
They have to come back to council.

00:23:57.970 --> 00:24:11.450
So one of the things that the utility would point out is when we buy a water main materials, everyday supplies that we buy, we are trying to buy them in bigger lots to save money.

00:24:12.049 --> 00:24:16.009
So we're buying more units at a time, which raises those prices up.

00:24:16.529 --> 00:24:23.250
Honestly, $10,000 with a material for the utility anymore is not a lot of money with the way the costs have gone up.

00:24:23.250 --> 00:24:29.369
Miller. So when we budget for water main materials for the year, it gives the director the allowance

00:24:29.369 --> 00:24:35.450
to go out and get those bids and get those materials ordered under 25,000, which is state

00:24:35.450 --> 00:24:42.210
statute and most communities go by that under budgeted items still. So if, if I wanted to

00:24:42.210 --> 00:24:50.490
buy a mower that wasn't in the budget already and wasn't planned for in 26, that would still

00:24:50.490 --> 00:24:53.650
have to come back here, even if it was $10,000, right?

00:24:53.650 --> 00:24:56.190
So that, that's the difference of what we're talking about.

00:24:56.190 --> 00:24:59.769
This is for budgeted items that have already been approved in the master

00:24:59.769 --> 00:25:05.130
budget, trying to streamline the city, getting our work done, because

00:25:05.130 --> 00:25:08.970
the cost of everything, these, these are very, these amounts are very

00:25:08.970 --> 00:25:11.190
dated in today's dollars.

00:25:11.210 --> 00:25:17.170
And what I will tell you is, uh, public works and the utility, especially

00:25:17.170 --> 00:25:21.490
Jodi, are the ones that use this purchasing policy the most because we buy the most material

00:25:21.490 --> 00:25:23.170
of every department here.

00:25:23.170 --> 00:25:28.210
Other departments for police fire their vehicles and things like that are their big purchases

00:25:28.210 --> 00:25:29.849
and that's all through the budget.

00:25:29.849 --> 00:25:35.490
We're talking about water main gates, valves, manholes, things that are not going to change

00:25:35.490 --> 00:25:36.569
within the utility.

00:25:36.569 --> 00:25:41.769
It's just giving us the ability to operate quicker, faster, to get more materials here

00:25:41.769 --> 00:25:44.970
without going through these different policies.

00:25:44.970 --> 00:25:48.450
Just $10,000 worth of material is not much anymore.

00:25:48.450 --> 00:25:52.769
And then just to piggyback on that, let's just pretend that, you know, there's a $15,000

00:25:52.769 --> 00:25:55.610
already budgeted mower.

00:25:55.610 --> 00:26:02.289
You still have that knowing and the approval because it has to show up on the consent agenda.

00:26:02.289 --> 00:26:03.289
Okay.

00:26:03.289 --> 00:26:04.289
Oh.

00:26:04.289 --> 00:26:06.289
Oh, and Stacy?

00:26:06.289 --> 00:26:07.289
Yes.

00:26:07.289 --> 00:26:21.289
The Consent Agenda is umpteen pages long, so an item like what you just said could easily be missed.

00:26:21.289 --> 00:26:31.289
I agree with Alderman Johnson and Alderman Simmons in wanting it back the way it was on those two items,

00:26:31.289 --> 00:26:36.289
Adams, because you're taking away the power of the council.

00:26:37.829 --> 00:26:39.269
That's what's happening.

00:26:39.269 --> 00:26:44.269
We're not having say so until we reach $25,000.

00:26:46.190 --> 00:26:52.460
And I don't think that that's fair.

00:26:52.460 --> 00:26:57.460
And we could talk about other areas or other cities,

00:26:58.380 --> 00:27:01.160
but are they what we are?

00:27:01.160 --> 00:27:03.519
Do they have a city manager?

00:27:03.519 --> 00:27:06.319
or do they have a full-time mayor?

00:27:06.319 --> 00:27:09.240
All that needs to be considered and looked at

00:27:10.279 --> 00:27:12.639
because right now what you're doing

00:27:12.639 --> 00:27:15.740
is taking away the power of the council.

00:27:17.079 --> 00:27:19.759
Ultimately, the council has the power

00:27:19.759 --> 00:27:21.119
because you set the budget.

00:27:23.650 --> 00:27:27.130
We set what you bring to us.

00:27:27.130 --> 00:27:31.849
We set what you ask of us.

00:27:31.849 --> 00:27:36.769
I asked for budget to be set aside for lighting.

00:27:36.769 --> 00:27:38.610
It didn't happen.

00:27:38.610 --> 00:27:40.690
So we don't set the budget.

00:27:40.690 --> 00:27:43.069
We set what you bring to us.

00:27:46.610 --> 00:27:49.650
Manager Boyer, did you want to add something?

00:27:49.650 --> 00:27:51.410
So every year, like for equipment,

00:27:51.410 --> 00:27:53.009
let's use that as an example.

00:27:55.009 --> 00:27:56.809
And Darren brought up the example of the mower,

00:27:56.809 --> 00:27:59.389
but there's lots of examples like the mower.

00:27:59.389 --> 00:28:01.730
We might've budgeted to rebody a truck

00:28:01.730 --> 00:28:04.970
and that might be 15 to $20,000.

00:28:06.490 --> 00:28:08.690
The council gets a chance to approve that budget

00:28:08.690 --> 00:28:10.730
when we do budget time.

00:28:10.730 --> 00:28:14.569
And then it also, as Mayor's mentioned,

00:28:14.569 --> 00:28:16.730
it also ends up in the consent agenda.

00:28:16.730 --> 00:28:18.690
And sometimes the consent agendas get pulled

00:28:18.690 --> 00:28:20.849
for further analysis.

00:28:20.849 --> 00:28:24.569
So this really is only talking about items

00:28:24.569 --> 00:28:27.130
that we've moved forward within the budget.

00:28:27.130 --> 00:28:29.150
It's also items that can be pulled out

00:28:29.150 --> 00:28:31.170
for review by council.

00:28:31.170 --> 00:28:42.450
So, it's council's prerogative, whether you want to make a change or not, but I think in the interest of keeping business working efficiently, I think it's a good change.

00:28:43.570 --> 00:28:44.210
Alderman Stacey?

00:28:44.490 --> 00:28:57.889
Yes. I think it was probably a year, year and a half ago, it was brought to council to order to dump, dump, scoop things. Darren, what were they?

00:28:59.289 --> 00:29:00.090
Dump bodies.

00:29:00.090 --> 00:29:12.009
Dump Bodies, and then they were never ordered even after we approved. So how do we know

00:29:12.009 --> 00:29:19.009
what's really coming and going if it don't have to hit the council other than the consent

00:29:19.009 --> 00:29:25.730
agenda if it doesn't hit the council till after 25,000?

00:29:25.730 --> 00:29:31.250
Boyer. Um, that's really what those one-on-one meetings are for. No, don't! Yes, those are

00:29:31.250 --> 00:29:35.570
what the reason for those meetings. I mean, as I, you know, I'm sure Alderman Clem and Alderman

00:29:35.570 --> 00:29:41.170
Johnson can attest to this, but when we talk about what's going on, if there's a major expenditure

00:29:41.170 --> 00:29:46.289
coming through on council that is maybe a large amount and we're going to be bringing it to council,

00:29:46.289 --> 00:29:51.170
we have an opportunity to discuss it at that time. So that's just a cross-check. That's just an

00:29:51.170 --> 00:29:55.970
opportunity for more information without you have to read the entire consent.

00:29:55.970 --> 00:29:57.799
and we often read the entire consent agenda, right?

00:29:57.799 --> 00:29:59.240
So that's one answer to that.

00:29:59.240 --> 00:30:00.440
City Manager Boyer.

00:30:01.599 --> 00:30:03.440
Actually, you don't have the floor.

00:30:09.160 --> 00:30:12.000
If the council wants to go a third round on it,

00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:13.740
let's, there's been twice.

00:30:14.880 --> 00:30:15.839
Sure.

00:30:15.839 --> 00:30:17.680
Yeah.

00:30:17.680 --> 00:30:18.960
Okay, go ahead.

00:30:18.960 --> 00:30:25.880
City Manager Boyer.

00:30:25.880 --> 00:30:29.079
I just lost it.

00:30:29.079 --> 00:30:35.390
and I just lost my whole phone, the meetings.

00:30:35.630 --> 00:30:38.990
You say one-on-one meetings.

00:30:38.990 --> 00:30:41.230
It's not one-on-one.

00:30:41.230 --> 00:30:45.309
We have met and we used to meet, okay?

00:30:45.309 --> 00:30:50.150
And so please don't continue to say one-on-one

00:30:50.150 --> 00:30:55.150
when it's you wanting me to meet with you and the mayor.

00:30:55.829 --> 00:30:59.890
When Alderman Simmons and I used to come

00:30:59.890 --> 00:31:03.750
and meet with you and we did.

00:31:03.750 --> 00:31:07.329
But now since you want the mayor there,

00:31:07.329 --> 00:31:12.329
there's a conflict in Robert's rules and it can't happen.

00:31:13.210 --> 00:31:17.670
So don't say, please don't continue to talk about,

00:31:17.670 --> 00:31:20.549
well, that's the purpose of these meetings

00:31:20.549 --> 00:31:24.410
because it's not a one-on-one meeting

00:31:24.410 --> 00:31:29.410
and they used to happen and you made it where that happened.

00:31:29.890 --> 00:31:43.089
Alderman, Stacy, you and Alderman Simmons and I have met like twice, but I meet with

00:31:43.089 --> 00:31:53.390
all the aldermen with the mayor. So that's not unusual. That's correct. You are correct.

00:31:53.390 --> 00:31:58.630
It is not one-on-one. It's the mayor, myself and the alder person from that ward. That's

00:31:58.630 --> 00:32:13.279
All of that has happened on these one-on-one meetings with isolating aldermen in one particular

00:32:13.279 --> 00:32:16.000
meeting and things of this nature.

00:32:16.000 --> 00:32:22.960
That is not the appropriate way to do council governing.

00:32:22.960 --> 00:32:29.920
You cannot take individuals from council, move them and isolate them to make decisions

00:32:29.920 --> 00:32:33.279
that the whole council body is supposed to be able

00:32:33.279 --> 00:32:35.880
to inject their views and opinions

00:32:35.880 --> 00:32:38.200
and amendments and decisions.

00:32:38.200 --> 00:32:43.200
It does not steer from the projection of city manager.

00:32:44.700 --> 00:32:46.720
What needs to happen with council

00:32:46.720 --> 00:32:50.700
because of the way it is being conducted in this fashion

00:32:50.700 --> 00:32:53.819
is because we permit it to happen.

00:32:53.819 --> 00:32:57.420
There's no foundation to this structure

00:32:57.420 --> 00:32:59.460
is the reason why we're going about things

00:32:59.460 --> 00:33:00.460
and so on.

00:33:00.460 --> 00:33:01.460
We have to change the way that we are going about it.

00:33:01.460 --> 00:33:10.180
And if we don't want to hear that these things about one-on-one meetings, then council has

00:33:10.180 --> 00:33:15.860
to change the way things are going.

00:33:15.860 --> 00:33:22.660
City manager is only trying to indulge us on what decision and appearances and things

00:33:22.660 --> 00:33:23.660
are happening.

00:33:23.660 --> 00:33:28.500
Council needs to set that structure up

00:33:28.500 --> 00:33:33.500
and set any kind of meetings at all before council,

00:33:34.139 --> 00:33:37.220
before any isolation of council members

00:33:37.220 --> 00:33:40.619
to conduct any business, straight business

00:33:40.619 --> 00:33:45.619
with city managers until we recognize collectively

00:33:45.799 --> 00:33:49.240
that it's inappropriate for us to be singled out

00:33:49.240 --> 00:33:53.220
or going into office, especially if the mayor is there,

00:33:53.220 --> 00:33:57.160
That is a complete conflict of interest.

00:33:57.160 --> 00:33:59.799
With the mayors with you guys doing that,

00:33:59.799 --> 00:34:01.480
she is not supposed to be there

00:34:01.480 --> 00:34:03.759
or he is not supposed to be there.

00:34:03.759 --> 00:34:08.039
This is council meetings,

00:34:08.039 --> 00:34:10.480
not the mayor's meeting with the council,

00:34:10.480 --> 00:34:13.559
not with the city manager.

00:34:13.559 --> 00:34:15.119
No, it's council.

00:34:15.119 --> 00:34:20.039
Let us drive that whole perception in our mindset

00:34:20.039 --> 00:34:21.840
so we can put things in order.

00:34:21.840 --> 00:34:27.599
it is out of whack right now things are totally out of order and and we're not

00:34:27.599 --> 00:34:36.239
saying anything simply because we are allowing administrators to conduct what

00:34:36.239 --> 00:34:40.599
council is supposed to be doing that is not supposed to that is not the

00:34:40.599 --> 00:34:46.880
procedure or the proper etiquette of this council and we're we're being

00:34:46.880 --> 00:35:03.880
We're not objecting to anything that administration is doing. We're just going along. We can look at ourselves in the mirror and see the fact that council is ineffective. We're not doing what council needs to be doing.

00:35:03.880 --> 00:35:10.519
Law. And we can look at ourselves in the mirror and see the fact that council is ineffective.

00:35:11.159 --> 00:35:17.239
We're not doing what council needs to be doing. And until somebody stands up or collectively

00:35:17.239 --> 00:35:23.320
all together saying, no, we have to get a handle on this thing as council, this is the reason why

00:35:23.320 --> 00:35:28.760
you're having this discussion about the finance and the decision and amendments and things of

00:35:28.760 --> 00:35:32.000
of this nature because it's not coming from council.

00:35:32.000 --> 00:35:34.119
This is coming from administration

00:35:34.119 --> 00:35:38.559
and we're asked to vote on things that is inappropriate

00:35:38.559 --> 00:35:40.480
until we understand what it is

00:35:40.480 --> 00:35:42.599
that council is supposed to be doing

00:35:42.599 --> 00:35:44.840
when it comes to governing,

00:35:44.840 --> 00:35:48.360
then we will stay stagnant all together

00:35:48.360 --> 00:35:50.199
in where we're at at this point in time

00:35:50.199 --> 00:35:51.679
and not moving forward.

00:35:51.679 --> 00:35:56.679
Now, City Manager Boyer is wanting

00:35:56.679 --> 00:36:03.199
Boyer wanting to get things moving forward. Are we holding them back from moving forward?

00:36:03.199 --> 00:36:06.720
We don't know. As a council, we don't know if we're holding...

00:36:06.720 --> 00:36:11.039
Alderman Sanders, your informant has expired. Thank you.

00:36:11.039 --> 00:36:17.039
Let's circle back to your discussion of amendment. You want to...

00:36:17.039 --> 00:36:18.519
Can I speak? Yes.

00:36:18.519 --> 00:36:21.760
Okay. All right. Thank you, Darren, for what you've...

00:36:21.760 --> 00:36:25.239
Are you grateful of the council? Oh, sorry.

00:36:25.239 --> 00:36:31.159
I thought that's what we just said. No. Okay. Then my mistake, I thought it was anybody

00:36:31.159 --> 00:36:37.599
wanted to speak a third time. Is it okay if Linda speaks a third time? Yes. Yes. Yeah.

00:36:37.599 --> 00:36:43.659
Okay, Darren, thank you for your explanation to me. And I'm, I'm connecting it here now.

00:36:43.659 --> 00:36:52.559
So when the budget comes out, there's so much budgeted. And so if it's within the budget,

00:36:52.559 --> 00:36:56.500
You know, they're allowed to spend that much within the budget and sometimes it's not

00:36:56.500 --> 00:37:01.400
immunized because you don't know for sure what that, how much everything will be and

00:37:01.400 --> 00:37:04.000
you know, prices change and all that.

00:37:04.000 --> 00:37:11.119
And anything that's over the 10,000 comes to the city anyway, to the city council.

00:37:11.119 --> 00:37:16.519
We approve it, the budget or approve that purchasing of that item.

00:37:16.519 --> 00:37:17.519
Correct.

00:37:17.519 --> 00:37:18.519
Yeah.

00:37:18.519 --> 00:37:20.019
I'm correct on that.

00:37:20.019 --> 00:37:21.019
And that will continue.

00:37:21.019 --> 00:37:22.019
No.

00:37:22.019 --> 00:37:32.739
not according to what's been proposed okay go ahead city manager just just to clarify you do get a

00:37:32.739 --> 00:37:37.699
chance to vote on that through the consent agenda so if there's something that came up the consent

00:37:37.699 --> 00:37:42.900
that you you know have an issue with that needs to be looked at you can pull that out of the consent

00:37:42.900 --> 00:37:48.260
agenda now alderman stacy just mentioned that there's a lot in there and yes there is a lot in

00:37:48.260 --> 00:38:18.260
and John.

00:38:18.260 --> 00:38:19.260
Huffines.

00:38:19.260 --> 00:38:20.260
So, um.

00:38:20.260 --> 00:38:22.619
So, how do you want to leave your amendment?

00:38:22.619 --> 00:38:24.940
You were, you, you, would you like to?

00:38:24.940 --> 00:38:30.559
So I, since it is on there, and we do vote on it under the consent agenda, we just have

00:38:30.559 --> 00:38:32.059
to read our consent agendas.

00:38:32.059 --> 00:38:33.059
Correct.

00:38:33.059 --> 00:38:34.860
And make sure that we know what's on there.

00:38:34.860 --> 00:38:42.820
Um, I, however, would still like to see the city manager underneath the 5,000 to 10,000

00:38:42.820 --> 00:38:46.260
department director, finance director, and city manager, because that's a lot of money.

00:38:46.260 --> 00:38:51.220
okay so you'd like to make an amendment make an amendment that city managers on the portion of

00:38:51.220 --> 00:38:57.860
five to ten thousand yeah adding the city manager to the terminology and is that a motion yes

00:38:58.980 --> 00:39:19.730
is there a second i think we'll just leave it the way it is because we do get to see it

00:39:19.730 --> 00:39:28.699
so okay so there's a motion on the floor is there a second then it dies for a lack of second okay

00:39:28.699 --> 00:39:36.019
so yes I'd like to just maybe give a different perspective I can see how you

00:39:36.019 --> 00:39:43.099
can look at the numbers and say well it used to be it used to be ten thousand

00:39:43.099 --> 00:39:48.699
and now it's twenty five thousand for city managers portion and you know the

00:39:48.699 --> 00:39:55.539
math it looks like we're giving him two and a half times spending power but I

00:39:55.539 --> 00:40:02.909
I'm going to disagree a little bit on it taking away from council with all due respect.

00:40:02.909 --> 00:40:05.750
I look at it more as an adjustment for inflation.

00:40:05.750 --> 00:40:12.150
I've sat here, I've been in bid openings for nine years, I can see the cost of the projects

00:40:12.150 --> 00:40:13.150
going up.

00:40:13.150 --> 00:40:16.190
Concrete always just blows my mind.

00:40:16.190 --> 00:40:25.389
Wilson-Boltz that now need to be made in America are 10 times, 10 times more sometimes.

00:40:25.389 --> 00:40:29.349
I don't look at it as taking away spending power from council.

00:40:29.349 --> 00:40:37.750
Back in 2007, council looked at things that were over $10,000, but you could get a lot

00:40:37.750 --> 00:40:39.949
more for $10,000.

00:40:39.949 --> 00:40:42.670
I mean, sometimes 10,000.

00:40:42.670 --> 00:40:47.230
I mean, sometimes 10 times more when you're talking some of the nuts and bolts.

00:40:47.230 --> 00:40:50.909
Concrete has at least tripled in that amount of time.

00:40:50.909 --> 00:40:57.710
So you're still kind of getting the same project, the same dump body, the same equipment.

00:40:57.710 --> 00:41:08.269
That you're still approving the same mower that cost $10,000 in 2007 is now going to cost $25,000.

00:41:08.269 --> 00:41:15.269
So you're not, it's an adjustment for inflation, not removing anything from council, in my humble opinion.

00:41:15.269 --> 00:41:17.269
Alderman Sanders?

00:41:17.269 --> 00:41:21.269
Yeah, it is an opinion, exactly, but here's what the problem is.

00:41:21.269 --> 00:41:32.269
There's no oversight for finance budgeting, or the spending power of a city manager, or directors, or anyone of that nature.

00:41:32.269 --> 00:41:40.269
We're just giving the power to these departments without oversight.

00:41:40.269 --> 00:41:47.269
That means that we're not justifying even the spending policy.

00:41:47.269 --> 00:41:53.269
I don't get how we just let departments just spend at will,

00:41:53.269 --> 00:42:00.269
because you can kill a city under $10,000 if it's a expenditure like that.

00:42:00.269 --> 00:42:01.750
but here's the problem.

00:42:01.750 --> 00:42:06.750
We're not getting to talk about anything procedural

00:42:07.429 --> 00:42:11.750
when it comes to financial budgeting or budgeting to purchase.

00:42:11.750 --> 00:42:16.750
We're not getting the opportunity to even have a location

00:42:16.750 --> 00:42:19.909
where council can actually go to an individual

00:42:19.909 --> 00:42:23.949
or department area and talk about these spending things,

00:42:23.949 --> 00:42:27.630
not administration, something totally independent

00:42:27.630 --> 00:42:35.670
of the of the council that can govern to help us understand where the monies are

00:42:35.670 --> 00:42:40.590
flowing because all reports do not come to council when it's spending all

00:42:40.590 --> 00:42:46.429
reports do not make it to our even knowledge to even know that these kinds

00:42:46.429 --> 00:42:50.750
of expenditures are needed on what they're for in all of these council

00:42:50.750 --> 00:42:55.949
needs to be able to look at things from another perspective to know whether or

00:42:55.949 --> 00:43:01.230
We are not mishandling the taxpayer's dollars and not spending it

00:43:01.230 --> 00:43:07.949
fibrously, not putting the money appropriate to the locations where

00:43:07.949 --> 00:43:12.869
they're supposed to be. We don't have an individual that stands guard over the

00:43:12.869 --> 00:43:18.389
taxpayer's dollars, in other words. We don't have that mechanism where we can

00:43:18.389 --> 00:43:24.190
just come and say, where's the money going? There's nothing in council that

00:43:24.190 --> 00:43:25.190
Miller.

00:43:25.190 --> 00:43:36.389
We're just being told what is happening, but we're not looking at it from another area.

00:43:36.389 --> 00:43:42.869
So we're told what is being spent, whether it meets the standards of the council or not.

00:43:42.869 --> 00:43:49.989
But the point is, there's no kind of oversight about the financial budget.

00:43:49.989 --> 00:43:56.389
that is one of the most important item through our council is the budgeting that is your

00:43:56.389 --> 00:44:04.389
most important thing that we should have safeguarded for the citizens of this of this county and

00:44:04.389 --> 00:44:14.750
until we adopt that kind of a policy or mechanism into inserted it right into the financial

00:44:14.750 --> 00:44:16.750
Buckeye, and others.

00:44:16.750 --> 00:44:21.750
So, if we're giving all the power to the department, then we just allow budgeting to just happen.

00:44:21.750 --> 00:44:34.750
And then any director that wants to come up and spend dollars, they can do so without any repercussions or any rebuttal about it.

00:44:34.750 --> 00:44:42.750
So, in other words, like it was said earlier, we're giving all the power to the departments without counsel able to scrutinize it.

00:44:42.750 --> 00:44:49.630
We have a department that scrutinizes every dollar, every penny.

00:44:49.630 --> 00:44:51.789
I don't care what it is.

00:44:51.789 --> 00:44:54.269
We have to know what that penny was spent on.

00:44:54.269 --> 00:45:00.949
We're not trying to spend the people money or taxpayer's dollars blindly and just giving

00:45:00.949 --> 00:45:05.190
departments the power to do so.

00:45:05.190 --> 00:45:12.090
What I am saying is there's no safeguards, there's no rails, there's none of these kinds

00:45:12.090 --> 00:45:28.090
I'm not talking about a certain individual. We got this thing already in place, and it's been in place for so many years, but we have not, all these years, had oversight committee over finance, and why that is not established within-

00:45:28.090 --> 00:45:31.090
Alderman Sanders, your four minutes has expired.

00:45:31.090 --> 00:45:32.090
I'm sorry.

00:45:32.090 --> 00:45:35.090
Manager Boyer.

00:45:35.090 --> 00:45:40.090
Alderman Sanders, you said there's no oversight. There is.

00:45:40.090 --> 00:45:49.570
So, the oversight starts with the budget, then department heads know what they can spend

00:45:49.570 --> 00:45:56.050
for projects that we've already defined and approved through the strategic plan, then

00:45:56.050 --> 00:46:03.449
when those bills come due, our receiving process reviews the invoice for accuracy when it's

00:46:03.449 --> 00:46:08.849
done or said to be accurate, then it goes to the finance department where it is in process

00:46:08.849 --> 00:46:14.289
for Payment. Not only the department head is involved, obviously, but the finance director

00:46:14.289 --> 00:46:20.150
is involved in paying all the bills. There is a lot of oversight. Then those bills come

00:46:20.150 --> 00:46:27.010
to you every meeting in the consent agenda, which you have multiple days to review if

00:46:27.010 --> 00:46:34.829
you feel like you want to review it that far, okay, but also justification of spending that

00:46:34.829 --> 00:46:40.029
that comes through the strategic plan, that comes through the budget process, that comes

00:46:40.029 --> 00:46:45.989
through the consent agenda, and at the end of the day, you have all the power.

00:46:45.989 --> 00:46:47.429
You have all the power.

00:46:47.429 --> 00:46:48.650
You don't want to pay a bill.

00:46:48.650 --> 00:46:51.829
You can pull a bill for review.

00:46:51.829 --> 00:46:54.269
You can decide that you don't want to pay it.

00:46:54.269 --> 00:46:58.409
You don't have to pay it, okay?

00:46:58.409 --> 00:46:59.949
We are getting to talk.

00:46:59.949 --> 00:47:04.750
You and I used to meet, but we have not met in years, okay?

00:47:04.750 --> 00:47:10.789
and if there's questions, I'm always available and you can call me any time and I have answered

00:47:10.789 --> 00:47:17.309
calls from you not that long ago regarding various handicap placards, okay?

00:47:17.309 --> 00:47:21.349
There's no location to talk about the administration.

00:47:21.349 --> 00:47:24.869
I'm guessing you want to talk with other older persons about it.

00:47:24.869 --> 00:47:26.869
That is at the Committee of the Whole.

00:47:26.869 --> 00:47:29.029
That is your place to talk about things.

00:47:29.029 --> 00:47:32.510
At the budget planning meetings, we have multiple budget planning meetings.

00:47:32.510 --> 00:47:38.869
We have multiple opportunities for the community to provide input, so there's ample opportunities

00:47:38.869 --> 00:47:40.269
to provide that.

00:47:40.269 --> 00:47:42.510
Okay, where's the money going?

00:47:42.510 --> 00:47:46.389
Okay, we have the largest surplus we've ever had in this city.

00:47:46.389 --> 00:47:49.929
We have the largest utility surplus we've ever had.

00:47:49.929 --> 00:47:54.909
We have auditors that do an audit that tell you where the money's going, and this year

00:47:54.909 --> 00:47:59.730
we're doing what's called an ACFIR, which is a narrative that goes with the audit that

00:47:59.730 --> 00:48:05.329
that will then help describe to anyone in this city where the money is going.

00:48:05.329 --> 00:48:11.809
If the audit is not good enough, then the ACFIR will be a part of this.

00:48:11.809 --> 00:48:13.889
All reports aren't coming to your attention.

00:48:13.889 --> 00:48:15.130
They are.

00:48:15.130 --> 00:48:22.929
They are coming in multiple forms on demand whenever it is you would like them.

00:48:22.929 --> 00:48:24.690
Where is the money going again?

00:48:24.690 --> 00:48:26.110
I mentioned it to you.

00:48:26.110 --> 00:48:28.190
We are spending it on projects.

00:48:28.190 --> 00:48:33.230
We are paying for payroll. We are dealing with emergency services. We are paying for

00:48:33.230 --> 00:48:38.710
police protection. We are paying for community development. We are getting grants. And I

00:48:38.710 --> 00:48:44.349
might add, we've received over $80 million in grant fundings in the last five years.

00:48:44.349 --> 00:48:51.389
Our budget is $27 million, and we've got $80 million in the last five years. So that's

00:48:51.389 --> 00:48:55.110
where the money's going. See the new water plant on Berchard? See the new water plant

00:48:55.110 --> 00:49:01.710
Allen at Forest Road. See a new wastewater plant over on Hancock. Do you see the 8.8

00:49:01.710 --> 00:49:05.389
miles of roads that are getting built this year? Do you see the three and a half miles

00:49:05.389 --> 00:49:09.829
we did last year? Do you see all the water main replacements? Do you see all the demos?

00:49:09.829 --> 00:49:15.510
That's where the money's going. Please do not make a point that the money is disappearing.

00:49:15.510 --> 00:49:19.710
It is going to needs in the community that we have defined through the strategic planning

00:49:19.710 --> 00:49:24.070
process which it would be great if you would come to those because that would be a little

00:49:24.070 --> 00:49:51.989
Klemm, and then Alderman Parker. If I could please keep in mind for all of us here, this is a first reading of this. If everybody really has any questions, let's get together and say, hey, I'd like to do this. I can completely understand the feelings on the consensus consent agenda and somebody being something being

00:49:51.989 --> 00:49:53.239
and somebody being, something being in there.

00:49:53.239 --> 00:49:56.840
Rob just pretty well ran over all of the budget

00:49:56.840 --> 00:49:58.360
and that kind of stuff.

00:49:58.360 --> 00:50:02.559
Any changes in the budget we see and we vote on.

00:50:02.559 --> 00:50:06.199
I've been here too long and that's 20 years

00:50:06.199 --> 00:50:10.159
and we have the most honest financial person

00:50:10.159 --> 00:50:11.960
that we've had along the line.

00:50:11.960 --> 00:50:16.960
When I say honest, I mean, Randy Bukus and Director Richter

00:50:16.960 --> 00:50:22.400
Richter, have been right on target on the monies they've given us and everything else.

00:50:22.400 --> 00:50:29.199
If we need to come back at the next meeting, come back and say, I want to amend this.

00:50:29.199 --> 00:50:35.639
You know, if you really feel that as though you need to see something, please don't sit

00:50:35.639 --> 00:50:41.039
back and say, well, I'll look at it in the consent agenda, because it is easy to get

00:50:41.039 --> 00:50:42.039
buried in there.

00:50:42.039 --> 00:50:43.980
There's a lot in there, okay?

00:50:43.980 --> 00:50:48.760
but if you have the feeling that you want to add something, please think about it, talk

00:50:48.760 --> 00:50:55.480
to Rob, talk to the financial director, do whatever you need to have that clear.

00:50:55.480 --> 00:51:00.420
So as you move forward, there isn't really an issue every time we come up here and say

00:51:00.420 --> 00:51:06.059
I know we did this and that, or this was buried here and there, and it isn't.

00:51:06.059 --> 00:51:12.059
This is just being refined to take these guys, take a look at what all is going on this year.

00:51:12.059 --> 00:51:15.780
you know these guys deal with something you know like we talked to if something

00:51:15.780 --> 00:51:21.019
happens today I need an answer today to get it fixed we don't want it to sit for

00:51:21.019 --> 00:51:25.420
three months so so we need that momentum to keep going but I think there's an

00:51:25.420 --> 00:51:30.340
opportunity here for all of us that if we've got questions take a look at it if

00:51:30.340 --> 00:51:34.500
you want amended next time please do it's going to come back to it.

00:51:34.500 --> 00:51:39.300
Alderman Parker, yes I'm thinking you know it comes down to trust now we have

00:51:39.300 --> 00:51:48.300
We have department heads that we all know, we have a city manager, we have a finance director, and we pass that budget and we go over it for hours and hours.

00:51:48.300 --> 00:51:55.300
There's a thousand bills a month that go out of this city. We cannot expect every penny to be passed by us.

00:51:55.300 --> 00:52:00.300
And that's why if it goes through them steps that they're not in the budget, they're going to stop.

00:52:00.300 --> 00:52:06.300
Or we can, all the people we can go to, we can go to every department head and say, what's this about? What's this about?

00:52:06.300 --> 00:52:07.139
We can come here.

00:52:07.139 --> 00:52:09.900
She has an answer to every question she always has.

00:52:09.900 --> 00:52:13.300
And so, the money is being spent on the bills

00:52:13.300 --> 00:52:14.780
it takes to run the city.

00:52:14.780 --> 00:52:17.619
And they cannot, every penny, come to us.

00:52:17.619 --> 00:52:20.179
So we gotta have some trust in the people we have.

00:52:20.179 --> 00:52:22.699
If we can prove that they're not being faithful

00:52:22.699 --> 00:52:25.079
and truthful, then we make changes.

00:52:25.079 --> 00:52:27.900
But right now, every department, the city,

00:52:27.900 --> 00:52:30.179
the department heads, they got a thing

00:52:30.179 --> 00:52:31.340
they gotta take care of.

00:52:31.340 --> 00:52:33.320
Then budgets come to them, they gotta pay them.

00:52:33.320 --> 00:52:36.179
It's in the budget, they argue every year for it.

00:52:36.179 --> 00:52:38.699
the City Manager goes over them in here.

00:52:38.699 --> 00:52:42.260
This young lady, she spends, doesn't spend one penny

00:52:42.260 --> 00:52:43.579
that she shouldn't be spending

00:52:43.579 --> 00:52:45.260
that hasn't been passed through the budget

00:52:45.260 --> 00:52:47.059
or she brings it to us.

00:52:47.059 --> 00:52:50.260
So I just think that we are pushing this way out of line.

00:52:50.260 --> 00:52:51.699
Thank you.

00:52:51.699 --> 00:52:53.179
I second.

00:52:53.179 --> 00:52:54.260
You've already had your second.

00:52:54.260 --> 00:52:55.099
So is it appropriate?

00:52:55.099 --> 00:52:56.940
Is it on the same subject?

00:52:58.219 --> 00:52:59.659
We're on the same item.

00:52:59.659 --> 00:53:00.900
You're on the same item.

00:53:00.900 --> 00:53:02.500
So are you asking for a third time?

00:53:02.500 --> 00:53:03.420
Yes.

00:53:03.420 --> 00:53:07.090
Council?

00:53:07.090 --> 00:53:08.090
Yes.

00:53:08.090 --> 00:53:12.250
I'm getting no response. So is this a yes or a no for the third time for Alderman Sanders?

00:53:13.289 --> 00:53:18.730
Yes, I guess. Yeah. All right. Go ahead. Yeah. I just wanted to make, I just want to make one

00:53:18.730 --> 00:53:25.449
thing clear. When I, when I was referring to oversight committees and being able to

00:53:26.730 --> 00:53:34.730
move throughout the city departments at a city council's discretion, that means every individual

00:53:34.730 --> 00:53:41.449
without being impeded upon should be able to visit every department because we are the oversight

00:53:42.250 --> 00:53:50.170
whether we know it or not. We don't have to establish an oversight. We are the oversight

00:53:50.170 --> 00:54:00.730
and until we decide to want to go to any department, someone say that we're not. I just want someone to

00:54:00.730 --> 00:54:08.250
to oppose that thought, because if that is the case, then we're derelict in duties if

00:54:08.250 --> 00:54:11.809
we don't feel that we're the oversight committee.

00:54:11.809 --> 00:54:17.369
We are, and we have the confidence to go to any department administrator and talk with

00:54:17.369 --> 00:54:19.809
them without being impeded upon.

00:54:19.809 --> 00:54:25.610
And my thing is, it doesn't matter whether we visit the Department of Finance, Public

00:54:25.610 --> 00:54:29.869
Works, City Manager, or the Mayor's Office.

00:54:29.869 --> 00:54:37.670
it doesn't matter, city council does not have to have an appointment to visit these department

00:54:37.670 --> 00:54:38.670
heads.

00:54:38.670 --> 00:54:48.389
There's nothing in council gotta have a structure where it says we have to get, make appointments

00:54:48.389 --> 00:54:54.630
to talk to anyone within the city council, within the city period.

00:54:54.630 --> 00:55:03.389
and so until someone refutes that, then we have to recognize that we have the discretion

00:55:03.389 --> 00:55:10.389
to meet department heads, to talk to them individually on any subject matter, whether

00:55:10.389 --> 00:55:18.110
it's finance, utilities, or community, any of those forms.

00:55:18.110 --> 00:55:23.470
So if we're not doing that as council, then we're missing the point that we're the

00:55:23.470 --> 00:55:29.470
and the Oversighters who are the people who are supposed to be asking the questions, not

00:55:29.470 --> 00:55:33.769
receiving the dictation.

00:55:33.769 --> 00:55:35.470
Council does not receive dictation.

00:55:35.470 --> 00:55:43.389
We give what it is that needs to be talked about and directed toward the Administrative

00:55:43.389 --> 00:55:44.389
Department.

00:55:44.389 --> 00:55:49.289
It is not the mayor, and this is the way where people have the misconception that it's the

00:55:49.289 --> 00:55:53.150
mayor that's giving us our marching orders.

00:55:53.150 --> 00:55:58.349
We have the wrong concept of what governing is all about.

00:55:58.349 --> 00:56:04.230
And that's why I say when we're talking about the taxpayer's dollars, that's who you are.

00:56:04.230 --> 00:56:11.269
You are the oversight committee who has to guard every penny of a taxpayer's dollars

00:56:11.269 --> 00:56:13.789
whether how we do it.

00:56:13.789 --> 00:56:16.070
That is how government is structured.

00:56:16.070 --> 00:56:22.869
We don't allow power to come from the administration to dictate until the council.

00:56:22.869 --> 00:56:29.230
But it's not how it's done. If you need to get a revision of how governing is supposed

00:56:29.230 --> 00:56:34.190
to happen, maybe we need another educational course, because a lot of us are just sitting

00:56:34.190 --> 00:56:41.170
here pandering whether or not what it is that we are supposed to be doing. But one thing

00:56:41.170 --> 00:56:49.829
for sure, you and everyone else that's in council are the oversight committee, whether

00:56:49.829 --> 00:56:58.909
you know it or not but that's neither here nor there I retreat. Attorney Zeta

00:56:58.909 --> 00:57:02.710
would like to remind everyone what the rules of council actually are. All right

00:57:02.710 --> 00:57:06.510
so just to clarify for everyone that to the extent that an older person does

00:57:06.510 --> 00:57:10.070
have a question for a department head that those questions per our rules of

00:57:10.070 --> 00:57:13.349
council are to run through the city manager so you would submit your

00:57:13.349 --> 00:57:16.349
question to the city manager he'll get it to their appropriate department head

00:57:16.349 --> 00:57:21.029
Good, and then they'll get their answers and that is I'm reading the city ordinances right

00:57:21.029 --> 00:57:22.029
now.

00:57:22.029 --> 00:57:23.029
It's not by council.

00:57:23.029 --> 00:57:24.029
That's disruptive.

00:57:24.029 --> 00:57:25.029
Please stop.

00:57:25.029 --> 00:57:26.029
Okay.

00:57:26.029 --> 00:57:27.029
It's not by council.

00:57:27.029 --> 00:57:28.029
Please stop.

00:57:28.029 --> 00:57:29.029
Okay.

00:57:29.029 --> 00:57:30.029
I'm sorry.

00:57:30.029 --> 00:57:31.029
Thank you.

00:57:31.029 --> 00:57:33.230
But I will rebut that.

00:57:33.230 --> 00:57:36.150
I think we have a motion to move this forward to the next council.

00:57:36.150 --> 00:57:38.269
So we have another time to discuss this.

00:57:38.269 --> 00:57:40.710
So we're good with that.

00:57:40.710 --> 00:57:45.110
Let's move on to item number seven, which is the first reading of ordinance 202635.

00:57:45.110 --> 00:57:48.309
Would you please read this?

00:57:48.309 --> 00:57:52.230
Ordinance providing for additional stop signs at the intersection of Broadway and Oak.

00:57:52.230 --> 00:57:53.230
Thank you.

00:57:53.230 --> 00:57:54.230
City Manager.

00:57:54.230 --> 00:57:55.230
Thank you, Your Honor.

00:57:55.230 --> 00:58:00.789
The intersection of Broadway and Oak, there's a lot of people running very rapidly through

00:58:00.789 --> 00:58:04.510
that intersection and has been requested to improve safety.

00:58:04.510 --> 00:58:10.750
I believe we've had two accidents there over the past many years and community has come

00:58:10.750 --> 00:58:14.010
around asking for two additional stop signs.

00:58:14.010 --> 00:58:17.369
and so the staff recommends moving this forward to second reading.

00:58:17.369 --> 00:58:20.329
Is there a motion to move this forward?

00:58:20.329 --> 00:58:21.329
Second.

00:58:21.329 --> 00:58:25.889
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Johnson.

00:58:25.889 --> 00:58:26.889
Discussion on the ordinance?

00:58:26.889 --> 00:58:27.889
Alderman Parker?

00:58:27.889 --> 00:58:30.409
I drive through that intersection a lot.

00:58:30.409 --> 00:58:33.050
Who's asking for a four-way stop?

00:58:33.050 --> 00:58:38.730
I believe that was Alderman, well, Darren, do you recall offhand?

00:58:38.730 --> 00:58:44.730
Yes, last week, Mrs. Bradford that was in here that lives close to that intersection

00:58:44.730 --> 00:58:51.329
had noted that the traffic is very heavy there and there's been a lot of incidents there

00:58:51.329 --> 00:58:56.570
and we've been keeping an eye on that intersection and I actually have some stats that I want

00:58:56.570 --> 00:59:01.289
to share from the last two years alone.

00:59:01.289 --> 00:59:06.730
Since January 1st of 2025, the police department had changed their software so we really can't

00:59:06.730 --> 00:59:36.730
Go, beyond that time, but Chief Frosto pulled this. So in since January 1st of 25, there has been 52 calls of service involving that intersection. There's been 38 self initiated traffic stops at that location. There's been two vehicle crashes, including one that was a rollover that involved the hospitalization. And there's been 34 citations written at that intersection since September

00:59:36.730 --> 00:59:42.130
16th of 2025. So obviously with those statistics, the traffic is

00:59:42.130 --> 00:59:46.769
moving way too fast from Galena onto Broadway, creating an

00:59:46.769 --> 00:59:49.090
unsafe situation and

00:59:49.090 --> 01:00:03.000
and Public Works, reviewed that where the best spot would be to help slow traffic and that's the only intersection except for an odd dog-legged intersection to actually slow traffic down.

01:00:03.000 --> 01:00:12.000
This would be my first step to do this and if this doesn't work, then I would come back and ask for a three-way stop at the dog leg as well, but we do need to slow traffic in this.

01:00:12.000 --> 01:00:37.539
I would like to make a motion that we not wait to the first week that we move this forward

01:00:37.539 --> 01:00:38.539
tonight.

01:00:38.539 --> 01:00:54.179
Knight. So are you asking for a suspension of the rules? Suspension of the rules. Is there a second? Second. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Stacy and seconded by Alderman Parker for suspension of the rules. Suspension is

01:00:54.179 --> 01:00:57.940
non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds majority. Madam Clerk, would you please

01:00:57.940 --> 01:01:03.340
take the role on the suspension only? Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye.

01:01:03.340 --> 01:01:09.579
Sanders? Aye. Klemm? Aye. And Johnson? Aye. The motion passes six to zero. Then before you

01:01:09.579 --> 01:01:15.579
council is the final for this ordinance. Any further discussion this can get

01:01:15.579 --> 01:01:19.820
passed this evening? Alderman Sanders? Since there's been a suspension of the

01:01:19.820 --> 01:01:26.860
rule there's not much to chatter about. I just want to say that whoever's

01:01:26.860 --> 01:01:35.019
was making that study, if that was you, director, that's a great move because you're absolutely

01:01:35.019 --> 01:01:36.019
right.

01:01:36.019 --> 01:01:38.500
It was bound to happen eventually.

01:01:38.500 --> 01:01:42.840
It just had not happened back then.

01:01:42.840 --> 01:01:49.500
Maybe we had had an incident, maybe we've had some but has not heard about it.

01:01:49.500 --> 01:01:58.900
What I concur with is the fact that it brought attention and awareness to a situation like that.

01:01:58.900 --> 01:02:15.619
And I don't know who's doing, who can do these types of studies around the city to determine what is effective when we're protecting the citizens at these crossing areas and things of this nature.

01:02:15.619 --> 01:02:19.980
I don't know who's doing these kinds of studies but I think we should incite

01:02:19.980 --> 01:02:24.179
ourself a little bit more about it you know be a little bit aggressive about it

01:02:24.179 --> 01:02:31.139
even that much more so yeah that's all that's all I wanted to say if there's no

01:02:31.139 --> 01:02:37.980
further discussion madam clerk please take the role Simmons Parker I Stacy I

01:02:37.980 --> 01:02:44.900
Sanders I Clem and Johnson I the ordinance passes six to zero item number

01:02:44.900 --> 01:02:48.579
8 is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-36. Could you please read this?

01:02:48.579 --> 01:02:54.340
Ordinance amending Section 1048.02 of the codified ordinances regarding charges for

01:02:54.340 --> 01:02:59.619
normal domestic strength waste and hours of operation for wastewater haulers.

01:02:59.619 --> 01:03:00.980
Manager Boyer?

01:03:00.980 --> 01:03:05.860
Thank you, Your Honor. At the wastewater treatment plant, we accept bulk haulers.

01:03:05.860 --> 01:03:11.619
When they say evacuate a septic tank, we give them a place to dump it at the wastewater

01:03:11.619 --> 01:03:17.900
We're reviewing the fees attached to that and would like to make some adjustments.

01:03:17.900 --> 01:03:26.099
This time we charge $40 for a 500 gallon tank or less, and we'd like to adjust that to $50.

01:03:26.099 --> 01:03:32.019
And then for over 500 gallons, we'd like to increase it from 8 cents per gallon to 12

01:03:32.019 --> 01:03:33.179
cents per gallon.

01:03:33.179 --> 01:03:40.340
And we'd also like to adopt a new portion of the ordinance that identifies a $20 disposal

01:03:40.340 --> 01:03:46.980
Fee for campers and people that are just dumping domestic waste from their from their campers.

01:03:47.619 --> 01:03:50.980
So staff has reviewed this and recommends moving forward with this change.

01:03:51.780 --> 01:03:53.860
Thank you. Is there a motion to move this forward?

01:03:54.420 --> 01:03:54.900
Second.

01:03:55.860 --> 01:04:01.300
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Alderman Sanders.

01:04:01.300 --> 01:04:30.940
Yeah, Chief Boyer, with the dumping that we're, I don't know how we got that. I know it was in place for years. And it always was a question to me. And we always talk about those digesters and the possibilities of somebody putting something in our waste treatment line and killing off our good bacteria and

01:04:30.940 --> 01:04:36.139
Shaffer, The Dysgesters, and then we have to shut them down and start all over again

01:04:36.139 --> 01:04:37.960
and all of these kinds of things.

01:04:37.960 --> 01:04:43.760
Do we have protection measures to prevent a thing of that nature from happening?

01:04:43.760 --> 01:04:50.960
Are we doing inspections or examines of all of those kinds of things that is happening?

01:04:50.960 --> 01:04:58.860
Yes, we do run a sample at the lab, so if there's anything unusual, we would have the

01:04:58.860 --> 01:05:04.139
Wright to refuse it. And yeah, that, but we're basically trying to cover the difference in

01:05:04.139 --> 01:05:08.619
our time from the last time this ordinance was updated, which has been many years ago.

01:05:08.619 --> 01:05:12.880
Okay.

01:05:12.880 --> 01:05:17.480
And we'll move on to item number nine, which is the first reading of ordinance 202637.

01:05:17.480 --> 01:05:19.039
Could you please read this?

01:05:19.039 --> 01:05:24.699
Ordinance amending part two administrative code, title six administration, chapter 242

01:05:24.699 --> 01:05:30.599
Weir, Department, Section 242.46, Charges for Ambulance Service.

01:05:30.599 --> 01:05:31.599
Chief Cordy.

01:05:31.599 --> 01:05:36.619
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:05:36.619 --> 01:05:45.420
Our last ordinance change was in 2022, which at that time, our rates were set at $1,200

01:05:45.420 --> 01:05:54.059
for residents, regardless of the level of care, and $1,700 for non-residents.

01:05:54.059 --> 01:06:04.940
The 88% of our clients or customers that we service, transport, are Medicare-Medicaid.

01:06:04.940 --> 01:06:14.440
We have a couple of different ways that we're able to recuperate or recover money from Medicare-Medicaid.

01:06:14.440 --> 01:06:20.300
Part of it is directly from those entities, and then there's another agency called GEMT,

01:06:20.300 --> 01:06:23.639
which stands for Ground Emergency Medical Transport.

01:06:23.639 --> 01:06:32.279
That's a kind of a federal grant program that actually comes out and, I say comes out, but

01:06:32.279 --> 01:06:40.079
they send out questionnaires and they, based on the information that we provide, they come

01:06:40.079 --> 01:06:49.599
up with a level that they're willing to reimburse us for, which is a higher level.

01:06:49.599 --> 01:07:00.480
At this point, that rate is approximately $1,307.

01:07:00.480 --> 01:07:10.320
When we're charging $1,200 for a transport, we're losing out on revenue from the difference.

01:07:10.320 --> 01:07:14.239
There's a little bit of a stipulation and difference there.

01:07:14.239 --> 01:07:24.199
The GEMT rates get set at the beginning of the year, and the CPI rates that we have are

01:07:24.199 --> 01:07:33.000
set at the end of June, beginning of July, and actually let me backstep here.

01:07:33.000 --> 01:07:39.099
Our GEMT rate is $1,317.

01:07:39.099 --> 01:07:49.340
If in the current ordinance it allows us to increase the rate based on the CPI or 5% whichever

01:07:49.340 --> 01:08:00.039
is lower with the rates according to CPI, that rate is the $1,307.

01:08:00.039 --> 01:08:09.480
So we're missing approximately $10 per transport on 88% of the transports that we do.

01:08:09.480 --> 01:08:18.600
We looked at a regional study, which showed that we're in the lower third of the agencies

01:08:18.600 --> 01:08:28.479
in the area, the highest rate being $3,900 for every patient they transport.

01:08:28.479 --> 01:08:31.640
and like I said, ours are 1,200 and 1,700.

01:08:34.000 --> 01:08:37.479
The proposal that the department is putting forward

01:08:37.479 --> 01:08:42.479
is to raise our resident rate to $2,000,

01:08:43.159 --> 01:08:46.720
our non-resident rate to $2,500,

01:08:46.720 --> 01:08:50.000
and the mileage rate to $20.

01:08:55.029 --> 01:09:00.029
So this money does go into our Capital Improvement Fund.

01:09:00.029 --> 01:09:21.029
We have a fire department improvement fund that's specific to the fire department, and it does go to replace buildings and vehicles, which we have on a rotation replacement schedule, ambulances approximately every 12 years, and fire trucks approximately every 20 years.

01:09:21.029 --> 01:09:26.029
So that's the proposal that we're putting forward at this time.

01:09:26.029 --> 01:09:27.390
to move this ordinance forward.

01:09:31.109 --> 01:09:31.949
So move.

01:09:33.630 --> 01:09:36.670
No, sorry, sorry, Alderman Klemm.

01:09:36.670 --> 01:09:40.430
So move, because we have to discuss it anyway, so.

01:09:40.430 --> 01:09:42.630
Okay, so we have a motion made by Alderman Klemm,

01:09:42.630 --> 01:09:43.470
is there a second?

01:09:44.470 --> 01:09:45.989
Second.

01:09:45.989 --> 01:09:48.029
And a second by Alderman Johnson.

01:09:48.029 --> 01:09:52.560
and a second by Alderman Johnson. Discussion? Alderman Johnson.

01:09:54.239 --> 01:09:59.039
Yes. I realize, you know, I'm thankful, very thankful for the fire department and for the

01:09:59.039 --> 01:10:05.039
ambulance and that they do a great service. But since the ordinance says that we were not to

01:10:05.039 --> 01:10:13.119
exceed 5% per year, and we had four years where we did not raise it, I'd like to amend this ordinance

01:10:13.119 --> 01:10:22.800
to say that the resident rate will be what it should be by our ordinance for the resident

01:10:22.800 --> 01:10:25.640
and the non-resident rather than raising it to 2,000.

01:10:25.640 --> 01:10:28.800
Do you know what those amounts are?

01:10:28.800 --> 01:10:36.880
The amount, well, I took and added it up and I got $1,352.80 when I went through and went

01:10:36.880 --> 01:10:40.319
through the last four years for the UCPI.

01:10:40.319 --> 01:10:50.579
but I see down here it says 1305 but I got 1352.80 and 1852.80 for the non-resident.

01:10:50.579 --> 01:10:55.920
So you're asking for an amendment to reflect what's written in this memo of what the current

01:10:55.920 --> 01:10:59.720
rate should be at 1305 and 1850?

01:10:59.720 --> 01:11:03.640
Yeah, maybe you want to redo the math to see if it's-

01:11:03.640 --> 01:11:04.640
And check the math.

01:11:04.640 --> 01:11:08.739
Yeah, check the math to make sure that that's accurate because I went through each year

01:11:08.739 --> 01:11:12.760
Greer and looked up the percentage. What each year was to see what the

01:11:12.760 --> 01:11:18.239
rate should be in. I added up a total of 152.80 should be added to both of our

01:11:18.239 --> 01:11:30.239
previous rates. Is that a motion to amend? Yes. Is there a second?

01:11:30.239 --> 01:11:35.800
Yeah. I second it. Oh, you did second it? Center. You didn't hear me. I'm sorry.

01:11:35.800 --> 01:11:41.079
My voice is a little gravelly. Okay. So we have the amendment made by Johnson's

01:11:41.079 --> 01:11:54.279
seconded by Alderman Sanders? Let's discuss just the amendment of moving it to those dollar amounts.

01:11:56.199 --> 01:12:04.920
I just want to understand that you're wanting to move it to the dollar amounts that represent

01:12:04.920 --> 01:12:10.920
For the last four years, that didn't happen. For four years, yeah.

01:12:10.920 --> 01:12:22.199
In other words, we shouldn't be expecting too much of a change in that ordinance structure.

01:12:22.199 --> 01:12:31.199
Because what we're saying is, does it do the city or the constituents of this community

01:12:31.199 --> 01:12:49.159
Does it do the city or the constituents of this community to have a rate charge like that because you're only going one way and that's a that's a very, very costly amount going one way for that kind of dollar.

01:12:49.159 --> 01:13:04.159
I don't know what's the procedure tactics that are being used in moving a patient or client or customer to a facility at that expense.

01:13:04.159 --> 01:13:12.159
That's a hell of a lot of expense that we're asking an individual one way to put in their budget.

01:13:12.159 --> 01:13:16.159
And that might be all they can put in their budget throughout the whole year.

01:13:16.159 --> 01:13:27.840
and the 5%, I will agree with that because it doesn't really hurt the pockets of the citizens of Freeport if they need that kind of transportation.

01:13:27.840 --> 01:13:45.760
It is very important, but when I hear the competitiveness from other counties to bring our cost of living in a perspective way that we measure up with other counties and other communities

01:13:45.760 --> 01:13:53.000
that we indulge, that we impose upon our citizens to jack the costs up without justification

01:13:53.000 --> 01:14:01.439
or anything like that that itemizes those types of costs and until we can see as council

01:14:01.439 --> 01:14:11.699
members what is driving that cost per item that is being requested of us to do, I think

01:14:11.699 --> 01:14:18.659
I think we should abstain from even discussing that matter at this time, you know.

01:14:18.659 --> 01:14:24.739
So we should, that's my point, a view on that.

01:14:24.739 --> 01:14:30.460
We can look at it from another perspective, but I think we should all get together and

01:14:30.460 --> 01:14:36.779
find out whether or not this type of action is really necessary and really needed for

01:14:36.779 --> 01:15:05.020
Alderman, Stacey, who is responsible for this 5% that did not happen?

01:15:05.020 --> 01:15:06.619
Why did it not happen?

01:15:06.619 --> 01:15:19.890
Why wasn't it added to the budget? Who is over that? And who failed to make that happen?

01:15:19.890 --> 01:15:24.810
I assume it was the fire administration. I do not know that. But ultimately it comes

01:15:24.810 --> 01:15:36.489
down to our department to advise finance and our billing company on what the charges are.

01:15:36.489 --> 01:16:10.960
Okay. I have another. May I use? I know from last year, when something happened and all this was discussed, that 46% of every call goes to the firemen, capital account.

01:16:12.060 --> 01:16:25.819
and 54% of every fireman's call goes to the city capital account and so instead

01:16:25.819 --> 01:16:34.260
of raising rates maybe we need to reverse that maybe 54% need to stay with

01:16:34.260 --> 01:16:41.380
with the fire department, and 46% go to the city.

01:16:41.380 --> 01:16:46.300
That's really a budget discussion that has absolutely nothing to do with this amendment.

01:16:46.300 --> 01:16:52.720
I know, but I'm just saying, aren't we weighing differences here, like what we can do to make

01:16:52.720 --> 01:16:54.300
a difference?

01:16:54.300 --> 01:16:55.840
Go ahead.

01:16:55.840 --> 01:17:00.340
So right now, what's on the floor is just Alderman Johnson's amendment.

01:17:00.340 --> 01:17:05.539
however once you guys vote on that whether that fails or passes then we'll

01:17:05.539 --> 01:17:09.619
get back to the underlying motion which then this would that was more about the

01:17:09.619 --> 01:17:14.140
underlying okay so scratch that cuz I'm coming back yeah let us go ahead on and

01:17:14.140 --> 01:17:20.460
do the voting but but go through percentages what goes to the fire

01:17:20.460 --> 01:17:25.140
department versus general fund is not what this ordinance is about yeah it's

01:17:25.140 --> 01:17:32.899
It's not. So let's stay on track. So let's go back to this amendment that has been first

01:17:32.899 --> 01:17:41.380
and second or instead of it going from 2000 to 2000, it goes to 1305. Instead of going

01:17:41.380 --> 01:17:47.899
to 2500, it goes to 1850. That's what's on the floor. So if there's any further discussion

01:17:47.899 --> 01:17:49.899
on that, Chief?

01:17:49.899 --> 01:18:18.899
Yeah, the only addition I want to add onto that, the CPI's, the medical CPI, which is what we have to use for that, is a little bit different than what the general public rates are, and then like I had said earlier, we also have a rate that's set by GEMT, which they will reimburse us up to if our rates are at that level.

01:18:19.899 --> 01:18:26.899
which is right now currently $1,317.

01:18:26.899 --> 01:18:30.899
That gets set at the beginning of the year.

01:18:30.899 --> 01:18:36.899
The CPI doesn't get set until I think it's June 30th of each year.

01:18:36.899 --> 01:18:40.899
So we're running six months behind every time.

01:18:40.899 --> 01:18:44.899
So the idea behind this was to get ahead a little bit

01:18:44.899 --> 01:18:47.840
because we also don't know what those rate increases

01:18:47.840 --> 01:18:53.440
are going to be every year so that we aren't missing out

01:18:53.440 --> 01:18:58.970
on revenue that we could be utilizing.

01:18:58.970 --> 01:19:01.470
Alderman Johnson.

01:19:01.470 --> 01:19:04.590
I would think after we vote on this,

01:19:04.590 --> 01:19:06.489
maybe we need to come back and revisit

01:19:06.489 --> 01:19:10.149
what we need to do as far as our percentages and stuff,

01:19:10.149 --> 01:19:14.109
change the ordinance to incorporate it so that we

01:19:14.109 --> 01:19:16.109
have what we need later on.

01:19:19.920 --> 01:19:21.920
Alderman Klemm, on the amendment?

01:19:21.920 --> 01:19:26.760
Yeah, on the amendment would be my understanding

01:19:26.760 --> 01:19:30.840
if you put in the amendment, then the fee will be,

01:19:30.840 --> 01:19:32.760
what was the dollar figure on that?

01:19:34.039 --> 01:19:35.079
For a resident?

01:19:35.079 --> 01:19:36.159
Yeah.

01:19:36.159 --> 01:19:37.239
1305.

01:19:37.239 --> 01:19:39.199
And it's gonna stay there then, right?

01:19:39.199 --> 01:19:40.559
That's what this amendment is.

01:19:40.559 --> 01:19:41.399
Yes.

01:19:41.399 --> 01:19:44.440
With the already in the ordinance that says

01:19:44.440 --> 01:19:45.960
can be raised five percent each.

01:19:45.960 --> 01:19:55.000
and the chief is basically talking about raising it over above that for other reasons because

01:19:55.000 --> 01:20:05.079
of last week at the meeting of the whole cow we discussed at some lengths where those fundings

01:20:05.079 --> 01:20:09.539
went and how they Medicaid paid and all that kind of good stuff.

01:20:09.539 --> 01:20:15.340
So I guess one thing I'm saying to you is keep in mind if you raise it to this and you

01:20:15.340 --> 01:20:23.539
stay there, I can't go off into other budget issues and stuff, but there's far more things

01:20:23.539 --> 01:20:28.840
in the capital fund, there's a whole bunch of bonding and other stuff that all needs

01:20:28.840 --> 01:20:30.939
to be paid out of this funding.

01:20:30.939 --> 01:20:39.060
So I guess what I'm saying is if you stick to this, you're going to extremely limit the

01:21:09.060 --> 01:21:17.939
at the time. It was far more per mile than what we have set up. I'm not here to tell you that going

01:21:17.939 --> 01:21:26.180
to the hospital for 1,300 bucks is a deal. I'm not saying going to the hospital for $2,000 is a deal,

01:21:26.180 --> 01:21:31.859
but keep in mind if you really restrict this, you got to take a look at where the mathematics

01:21:31.859 --> 01:21:39.649
is going to come for the whole rest of the department and stuff. Manager Boyer? I would

01:21:39.649 --> 01:21:50.649
I would like to just thank Chief Cordy for doing a very thorough job in presenting a very complex and difficult communication or to communicate issue.

01:21:50.649 --> 01:22:01.649
I will just point out at what Chief is asking for or advising that we move forward with that would simply put us between Oregon, Illinois and Belvedere.

01:22:01.649 --> 01:22:08.649
We would still be less than Boone County, Cherry Valley, Northwest Fire, North Park, New Milford, Black Hawk and Rockford.

01:22:08.649 --> 01:22:13.689
Rockford. That would basically place us in the middle, and I think that's a fairly

01:22:13.689 --> 01:22:19.090
reasonable approach, especially given that everybody below us would be like

01:22:19.090 --> 01:22:26.369
Lee Forever, Byron, Durand, Pecatonica, smaller communities, you know, that may

01:22:26.369 --> 01:22:33.010
not be as professional as our department. So for what it's worth, I feel like this

01:22:33.010 --> 01:22:37.210
is a good compromise, moving things in the right direction, and bear in mind, if

01:22:37.210 --> 01:22:42.050
if we allow rates to continue to essentially inflate away,

01:22:42.050 --> 01:22:45.170
then we will have less and less opportunity

01:22:45.170 --> 01:22:46.970
to not only maintain our professional department,

01:22:46.970 --> 01:22:48.130
which it very much is,

01:22:48.130 --> 01:22:50.090
and keeping our equipment up to speed.

01:22:50.090 --> 01:22:54.369
So I just wanted to share my thoughts on that.

01:22:54.369 --> 01:22:57.569
Okay, so let's go back to what's the motion on the floor.

01:22:57.569 --> 01:22:59.609
We're ready for a vote on the amendment.

01:23:00.590 --> 01:23:02.130
Yeah, we are.

01:23:02.130 --> 01:23:05.250
Madam Clerk, please take the role on the amendment only.

01:23:08.890 --> 01:23:10.050
I'm sorry.

01:23:10.050 --> 01:23:20.770
That would be, again, to move from 2000 to 1305, from 2500 to 1850, making sure that the math is correct.

01:23:24.529 --> 01:23:25.250
Simmons?

01:23:25.250 --> 01:23:26.210
Hold it, hold it.

01:23:26.930 --> 01:23:27.810
It's already called.

01:23:54.149 --> 01:23:55.829
Mayor, hold it.

01:23:55.829 --> 01:24:01.630
Well, the procedure is once it's called, it's called.

01:24:01.630 --> 01:24:06.829
Yeah, it is. But my thing is, you changed.

01:24:06.829 --> 01:24:10.829
I didn't. The first and second, you were the second. I said exactly what you said.

01:24:10.829 --> 01:24:18.829
You cannot change or nor can you inject into counsel what your perspective or your thoughts is.

01:24:18.829 --> 01:24:20.829
This is counsel. This is not the mayor.

01:24:20.829 --> 01:24:26.829
Okay. Okay. Let's let's stop this. Attorney Zito is what I said for an amendment, correct?

01:24:26.829 --> 01:24:34.350
So when the mayor restated what the motion was for amendment, the person to go to is Alderman Johnson.

01:24:34.350 --> 01:24:40.989
Did she accurately reflect what your amendment is? That's right. Yeah, she did. Okay. Does that

01:24:40.989 --> 01:24:45.630
satisfy your concern? Did you think that she said something different? The mayor spoke out a term,

01:24:45.630 --> 01:24:50.350
is what I'm thinking. Well, what you felt is not accurate. That's what I'm saying. She's the chair.

01:24:50.350 --> 01:24:57.789
I know she did because she's not supposed to been talking while she's making the uh the motion.

01:24:57.789 --> 01:25:02.430
You made the motion and now you're still speaking. You can't be doing that. And you don't have the

01:25:02.430 --> 01:25:06.670
floor any longer so let's refrain from talking. Madam Clerk please take the role on the amendment

01:25:06.670 --> 01:25:27.479
only. Simmons? Um no. Parker? No. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Sanders? You second did you have to say yes?

01:25:27.479 --> 01:26:01.640
I know yes yeah. Klemm? No. And Johnson? Aye. I am at three to three. Mayor? No. And the amendment fails? You know what? Three to four. Okay so we're back at the original so are we ready to move on to the next ordinance because this is going on to the next one if the way it's written. Okay then we'll go on to item number

01:26:01.640 --> 01:26:06.520
10, which is the first reading of Ordinance 20-26-38. Could you please read this?

01:26:06.520 --> 01:26:12.760
Ordinance amending Part 2, Administrative Code, Title 6, Administration, Chapter 242,

01:26:12.760 --> 01:26:18.659
Fire Department, Section 242.54, Charges for Lift Assistance.

01:26:18.659 --> 01:26:20.199
Thank you. Chief Cordy?

01:26:20.199 --> 01:26:29.579
Thank you, Madam Mayor. This ordinance is to change an ordinance that has been on the

01:26:29.579 --> 01:26:36.819
Brooks, and has been passed by the state of Illinois for us to charge facilities

01:26:36.819 --> 01:26:48.340
for lift assists. We currently charge a hundred and forty five dollars and it

01:26:48.340 --> 01:26:53.460
based on half our increments. The proposal is to change it to a hundred and

01:26:53.460 --> 01:26:58.899
fifty dollars at a straight fee regardless of the amount of time. This

01:26:58.899 --> 01:27:06.500
This is not intended to charge residents in their homes or in the public for Lyft Assist.

01:27:06.500 --> 01:27:14.579
And Lyft Assist is when somebody has fallen, can't get up, basically.

01:27:14.579 --> 01:27:23.939
It also includes ambulance services that either don't provide enough help to move their own

01:27:23.939 --> 01:27:24.939
Huffines.

01:27:24.939 --> 01:27:35.659
It's only intended for facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities

01:27:35.659 --> 01:27:42.500
where the resident is paying the facility to provide service and they're not able to

01:27:42.500 --> 01:27:47.579
provide that and then they rely on the fire department to provide that service for them.

01:27:47.579 --> 01:27:50.699
Chief, what was the current amount?

01:27:50.699 --> 01:27:55.140
It's $145, but we charge it in half hour increments.

01:27:55.140 --> 01:28:01.119
So it was $72.50 every half hour.

01:28:01.119 --> 01:28:07.140
And your proposal was $150 without any time limit.

01:28:07.140 --> 01:28:10.300
And this would just be two facilities?

01:28:10.300 --> 01:28:13.699
Facilities and other ambulance services.

01:28:13.699 --> 01:28:15.340
Is there a motion to move this forward?

01:28:15.340 --> 01:28:16.340
So moved.

01:28:16.340 --> 01:28:23.340
The motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Parker. Discussion? Alderman Sanders?

01:28:23.340 --> 01:28:43.340
Yeah, Chief. At these facilities, there's lift assistance. At these facilities, are we, before we accept these kinds of things, are they considered under emergency power of the city to help at these facilities?

01:28:43.340 --> 01:29:14.039
Or is it that we have, how do I want to put it? We had this mechanism in place for those facilities. What about ordinary residents? Is there a separate policy, ordinance, structure, anything like that for?

01:29:14.039 --> 01:29:22.319
For a resident in their home, or like I stated, in the public, it's a free charge, or I should

01:29:22.319 --> 01:29:23.319
say free charge.

01:29:23.319 --> 01:29:29.399
It's free to any resident or anyone within the city limits of Freeport that's not in

01:29:29.399 --> 01:29:32.399
a residential facility.

01:29:32.399 --> 01:29:33.399
It's free.

01:29:33.399 --> 01:29:34.399
We do not charge.

01:29:34.399 --> 01:29:36.039
Is it based on insurance at these facilities?

01:29:36.039 --> 01:29:37.039
No.

01:29:37.039 --> 01:29:38.039
It has no base.

01:29:38.039 --> 01:29:42.920
Is it just plain hard cash or write a check out credit card?

01:29:42.920 --> 01:29:43.920
Thomas.

01:29:43.920 --> 01:29:43.940
No, it.

01:29:43.940 --> 01:29:47.800
We don't charge the resident in the facility, we charge the facility.

01:29:47.800 --> 01:29:48.800
Oh, the facility?

01:29:48.800 --> 01:29:49.800
Yes.

01:29:49.800 --> 01:29:52.199
Not the residents in the facility, the facility.

01:29:52.199 --> 01:29:53.199
I got you.

01:29:53.199 --> 01:29:54.199
Okay.

01:29:54.199 --> 01:29:55.199
Okay.

01:29:55.199 --> 01:29:56.199
Nice.

01:29:56.199 --> 01:29:57.199
I understand now.

01:29:57.199 --> 01:30:03.279
Chief, could you tell me how many of these we do a year?

01:30:03.279 --> 01:30:05.000
Just a ballpark.

01:30:05.000 --> 01:30:21.220
Clark, as far as residential ones, we probably do a dozen, residential ones we probably 10

01:30:21.220 --> 01:30:32.560
to 12 a week. Facilities, probably six or eight a year. It all depends. It runs in streaks.

01:30:32.560 --> 01:30:40.359
We also have a ramp system that we've utilized with other ambulance services before.

01:30:40.359 --> 01:30:50.399
If there's a patient that they have that takes extra manpower to move, we purchase these

01:30:50.399 --> 01:30:57.359
ramp system that we can put through the doorways so we're not having to try and carry a large

01:30:57.359 --> 01:31:01.880
cot through the doorway and then up and down stairs.

01:31:01.880 --> 01:31:09.359
So that's one of the situations where we build another service for a lift assist and that

01:31:09.359 --> 01:31:18.560
usually takes, we've done it with probably six or seven of our personnel.

01:31:18.560 --> 01:31:24.260
So it's not always just a two person job for five minutes.

01:31:24.260 --> 01:31:29.640
The reason I asked that and my concern was, are we talking a minor detail here or are

01:31:29.640 --> 01:31:31.359
we talking a big deal?

01:31:31.359 --> 01:31:39.640
To me, if you're going from 140 or this or that, you know, I'd say, God raise it more

01:31:39.640 --> 01:31:44.399
than that, you know, considering the fact that you're going to a facility that already

01:31:44.399 --> 01:31:50.119
should have the personnel to do it, theoretically, you know, that's the only reason I asked the

01:31:50.119 --> 01:31:51.119
question.

01:31:51.119 --> 01:31:55.479
Yes, and that's why the state of Illinois passed a law to allow us to do that.

01:31:55.479 --> 01:32:13.960
We'll move on to the next meeting. Item number 11 is the first reading of ordinance 202639.

01:32:13.960 --> 01:32:15.600
Could you please read this?

01:32:15.600 --> 01:32:19.960
Ordinance amending the master parking map to provide for additional ADA parking stalls

01:32:19.960 --> 01:32:22.479
at the intersection of Spring and Chicago.

01:32:22.479 --> 01:32:24.079
Thank you. Manager Boyer?

01:32:24.079 --> 01:32:29.760
Thank you, Your Honor. It has come to our attention that we don't have sufficient ADA

01:32:29.760 --> 01:32:35.460
parking spaces in the vicinity of Lindo and the Wagner House. So staff has reviewed the

01:32:35.460 --> 01:32:44.239
map and has proposed adding two ADA parking stalls adjacent to the Wagner House and the

01:32:44.239 --> 01:32:50.199
Lindo Theater. And the map is in your packet. Staff recommends moving this forward to second

01:32:50.199 --> 01:32:51.199
reading.

01:32:51.199 --> 01:32:57.819
Is there a motion to move forward? Second. A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded

01:32:57.819 --> 01:33:05.239
by Alderman Johnson. Discussion on the ordinance. Item number 12 is the first

01:33:05.239 --> 01:33:12.159
reading of ordinance 202640. Could you please read this? Ordnance amending

01:33:12.159 --> 01:33:20.560
chapters 1240, 1256, 1258, 1259, 1442, and 1468 of the codified ordinances

01:33:20.560 --> 01:33:29.720
Thank you, Madam Mayor. The Community and Economic Development Department periodically

01:33:29.720 --> 01:33:35.920
reviews city ordinances to improve clarity, usability, and effectiveness. A draft ordinance

01:33:35.920 --> 01:33:41.920
was reviewed by both Planning Commission and Building Commission for both edits and approval.

01:33:41.920 --> 01:33:47.920
The primary purpose of the ordinance is to consolidate most of the sign-related regulations

01:33:47.920 --> 01:33:54.579
Huffines into a single chapter, which is now Chapter 1468 to improve clarity and ease of

01:33:54.579 --> 01:34:03.760
navigation for property owners and contractors who are seeking to construct or modify signage.

01:34:03.760 --> 01:34:08.420
Some additional amendments and clarifications were also incorporated, and I'll just run

01:34:08.420 --> 01:34:10.779
through some key changes.

01:34:10.779 --> 01:34:16.260
We updated the sign permit fees and fee structures just slightly.

01:34:16.260 --> 01:34:22.460
We established regulations for temporary and exempt signs, permitted wall or citywide and

01:34:22.460 --> 01:34:33.020
clarified what signage and a mural definitions are, modernized illuminated sign regulations

01:34:33.020 --> 01:34:38.899
by incorporating the lighting standards that was passed at the last council meeting, established

01:34:38.899 --> 01:34:45.380
roof signs as a prohibited sign type, but then also we do have a variance in exemptions

01:34:45.380 --> 01:34:54.180
Williams, Section, which is Section 1468.28, and then establish new standards for home

01:34:54.180 --> 01:35:00.600
occupation signs, and then reduce the maximum signs of new billboards.

01:35:00.600 --> 01:35:05.699
That one was significant, but that is also because billboards are becoming smaller in

01:35:05.699 --> 01:35:07.939
general as they're moving to electric.

01:35:07.939 --> 01:35:15.819
They do not need to be as big to give this same emphasis and to catch people's eye.

01:35:15.819 --> 01:35:21.100
And then we streamlined approvals by allowing some administrative reviews of minor sign

01:35:21.100 --> 01:35:22.100
variances.

01:35:22.100 --> 01:35:27.699
That's like, if it's slightly over, you know, 10, if it's at under 10% slightly over, then

01:35:27.699 --> 01:35:31.819
it gives us a little bit of leeway into that.

01:35:31.819 --> 01:35:37.300
This supports and fosters safe and inclusive community by ensuring that signage is installed

01:35:37.300 --> 01:35:39.739
Holt, and maintained in a safe manner.

01:35:39.739 --> 01:35:45.000
And then it's also responsible and efficient government by addressing some discrepancies

01:35:45.000 --> 01:35:50.380
between chapters and also it used to be all over and so we're just kind of bringing it

01:35:50.380 --> 01:35:55.100
together so that it's in one clear space and we don't have different language telling

01:35:55.100 --> 01:35:58.100
you different things.

01:35:58.100 --> 01:36:01.100
Amending doesn't require any additional funding.

01:36:01.100 --> 01:36:06.220
Staff, the Building Commission, the Planning Commission recommend approval of amending.

01:36:06.220 --> 01:36:10.739
All the existing chapters pertaining to signs, following a first and second reading by the

01:36:10.739 --> 01:36:11.739
City Council.

01:36:11.739 --> 01:36:14.140
Is there a motion to move this forward?

01:36:14.140 --> 01:36:15.140
So moved.

01:36:15.140 --> 01:36:16.140
Second.

01:36:16.140 --> 01:36:21.060
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Johnson.

01:36:21.060 --> 01:36:26.789
Discussion on this ordinance.

01:36:26.789 --> 01:36:30.229
Item number 13 is the first reading.

01:36:30.229 --> 01:36:33.229
Alderman Simmons, did you have something?

01:36:33.229 --> 01:36:38.029
Director Heimerdinger, do you want us to suspend the rules on that?

01:36:38.029 --> 01:36:39.029
On the signed ones?

01:36:39.029 --> 01:36:41.029
Well, we could.

01:36:41.029 --> 01:36:42.029
Yeah, let's do that.

01:36:42.029 --> 01:36:43.029
Okay.

01:36:43.029 --> 01:36:44.029
I'll make a motion to suspend the rules.

01:36:44.029 --> 01:36:45.029
What did you say?

01:36:45.029 --> 01:36:46.029
I couldn't hear you.

01:36:46.029 --> 01:36:48.029
I am making a motion to suspend the rules.

01:36:48.029 --> 01:36:54.569
Second.

01:36:54.569 --> 01:36:59.569
Alderman Stacy, were you the second?

01:36:59.569 --> 01:37:03.569
Okay, before you is suspension of the rules.

01:37:03.569 --> 01:37:07.569
Again, it's non-debatable and is passed by two-thirds majority.

01:37:07.569 --> 01:37:10.569
Madam Clerk, would you please take the suspension only?

01:37:10.569 --> 01:37:11.569
Simmons?

01:37:11.569 --> 01:37:12.569
Aye.

01:37:12.569 --> 01:37:13.569
Parker?

01:37:13.569 --> 01:37:24.329
aye Stacy aye Sanders aye Clem aye and Johnson aye the motion passes six to zero to suspend

01:37:24.329 --> 01:37:30.489
so before you is the final passage any further discussion ma'am clerk please take the roll

01:37:30.489 --> 01:37:38.770
Simmons aye Parker aye Stacy aye Sanders aye Clem aye and Johnson aye and the ordinance

01:37:38.770 --> 01:38:03.239
Passes 6-0. Mayor, before you move on, I have a question because for the parking spaces, I just assumed Klemm or someone would suspend the rules. Is it possible for us to go back to that? How would I, how would I do that? Let's take a council vote. Like, how would I, would I have motion to revisit? Or like, what would I do?

01:38:03.239 --> 01:38:40.720
I make a motion to go back to item number 11. Is there a second? Second.

01:38:40.720 --> 01:38:49.720
So there's a motion made by Alderman Simmons, seconded by Alderman Stacy. Madam Clerk, please take the roll on going back to item number 11.

01:38:49.720 --> 01:39:02.699
Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm? Aye. And Johnson? Aye. The motion to recall passes 6-0.

01:39:02.699 --> 01:39:10.699
Okay, so this ordinance is now on the floor. I make a motion to suspend the rules and move this forward to second reading.

01:39:10.699 --> 01:39:15.659
is there a second I motion made by Alderman Simmons seconded by Alderman

01:39:15.659 --> 01:39:19.340
Johnson again suspension of the rules is non debatable and was passed by two

01:39:19.340 --> 01:39:30.559
thirds majority please take the role so this is on item number 11 master

01:39:30.559 --> 01:39:35.199
Parking Map for an ADA stall at Spring and Chicago. Simmons.

01:39:37.039 --> 01:39:37.760
Simmons.

01:39:39.559 --> 01:39:40.000
Aye.

01:39:40.440 --> 01:39:42.000
And this is suspending the rules.

01:39:42.000 --> 01:39:42.840
and this is suspending the rules, Parker?

01:39:42.840 --> 01:39:44.279
Aye.

01:39:44.279 --> 01:39:45.119
Stacy?

01:39:45.119 --> 01:39:45.939
Aye.

01:39:45.939 --> 01:39:50.109
Sanders?

01:39:50.109 --> 01:39:52.210
What if I wanna debate that?

01:39:52.210 --> 01:39:53.449
You can't, it's non-debatable.

01:39:53.449 --> 01:39:54.289
It's yes or no.

01:39:54.289 --> 01:39:56.449
See, I knew that was gonna come.

01:39:56.449 --> 01:39:57.510
I knew that was gonna happen.

01:39:57.510 --> 01:39:58.350
Yeah, go ahead.

01:39:58.350 --> 01:39:59.189
Klemm?

01:39:59.189 --> 01:40:00.010
Aye.

01:40:00.010 --> 01:40:00.850
And Johnson?

01:40:00.850 --> 01:40:01.689
Aye.

01:40:01.689 --> 01:40:03.689
Okay, so the rules are suspended.

01:40:03.689 --> 01:40:08.609
Council is the second reading of ordinance 202639.

01:40:08.609 --> 01:40:09.789
Any further discussion?

01:40:10.970 --> 01:40:12.689
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:40:12.689 --> 01:40:25.010
Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Sanders? If you don't, you better be the sneaker.

01:40:32.609 --> 01:40:44.640
Please stay focused. I am. I am focused. Come on. Okay. Klemm? Aye. And Johnson? Aye. And the

01:40:44.640 --> 01:40:51.920
Ordinance passes 6-0. Okay, now let's move on to where we were before, which would be item number 13,

01:40:52.479 --> 01:41:02.060
which is the first reading of 2026-41. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving special

01:41:02.060 --> 01:41:08.939
use permit application at 1001 West Galena Avenue, submitted by Domino Liquors, doing business as

01:41:08.939 --> 01:41:15.180
Tony's Bar to examine the special use of a B11 restricted retail business to allow restaurants

01:41:15.180 --> 01:41:23.340
Thomas with outdoor serving areas unless otherwise permitted as a sidewalk cafe or parklet, 1252.01B10.

01:41:23.340 --> 01:41:24.340
Thank you.

01:41:24.340 --> 01:41:25.340
Director Heimerdinger.

01:41:25.340 --> 01:41:26.340
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:41:26.340 --> 01:41:33.239
Tony's Oyster Bar is the subject property who came in for a special use permit, which

01:41:33.239 --> 01:41:37.699
is a well-established restaurant and tavern along West Galena Avenue corridor.

01:41:37.699 --> 01:41:42.420
The business would like to offer its patrons an option of outdoor seating.

01:41:42.420 --> 01:41:47.619
Tony Ho's Food Trucks at the property and outdoor seating option would be able to attract

01:41:47.619 --> 01:41:48.619
more guests.

01:41:48.619 --> 01:41:54.180
On June 2nd, the Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval with the condition that the seating

01:41:54.180 --> 01:41:59.460
is limited to the proposed area, which is 80 feet south of Galena Avenue right away

01:41:59.460 --> 01:42:01.380
and east of the building.

01:42:01.380 --> 01:42:06.819
If you scroll down just a bit, I think there's a image on the screen that kind of shows you.

01:42:06.819 --> 01:42:10.100
It is that red box right there.

01:42:10.100 --> 01:42:23.899
Thank you, Don. I appreciate it. So that is the location where the outdoor lighting, the outdoor seating would occur, not on the Galena side.

01:42:23.899 --> 01:42:39.899
It was voted by five yeas, zero nays for Zoning Board of Appeals, and then on June 11th, the Planning Commission recommended approval by a vote of six yeas, zero nays, and zero

01:42:39.899 --> 01:42:47.979
Absumptions, and it passed all LaSalle's and Claire factors. Staff recommends the

01:42:47.979 --> 01:42:53.819
approval of the special use for the restaurant to allow for outdoor dining

01:42:53.819 --> 01:43:01.619
at 1001 West Galena Avenue. We are requesting a suspension of rules as

01:43:01.619 --> 01:43:05.899
council is the next council is three weeks away and this is a small business

01:43:05.899 --> 01:43:06.899
Johnson.

01:43:06.899 --> 01:43:12.060
And so I usually ask for a suspension of rules for small businesses and residential so that

01:43:12.060 --> 01:43:17.979
they don't have to wait, especially since it's summertime and they want to be outside.

01:43:17.979 --> 01:43:19.979
Is there a motion to move this forward?

01:43:19.979 --> 01:43:20.979
So moved.

01:43:20.979 --> 01:43:21.979
Second.

01:43:21.979 --> 01:43:27.500
A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Johnson.

01:43:27.500 --> 01:43:29.500
Motion to suspend the rules.

01:43:29.500 --> 01:43:30.500
Second.

01:43:30.500 --> 01:43:34.659
And then we have a motion to suspend the rules made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman

01:43:34.659 --> 01:43:40.420
Johnson. Same rules apply. Madam Clerk, please take the role on the suspension only. Simmons?

01:43:41.619 --> 01:43:49.460
Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm? Aye. And Johnson? Aye. The suspension

01:43:49.460 --> 01:43:55.859
passes six to zero. So then before you is the final for this ordinance. Any further discussion?

01:43:55.859 --> 01:43:59.859
Christian, Madam Clerk, Alderman Sanders.

01:43:59.859 --> 01:44:01.859
Where is this?

01:44:01.859 --> 01:44:04.859
I really can't get this.

01:44:04.859 --> 01:44:07.859
It's on Galena and Whistler.

01:44:07.859 --> 01:44:09.859
Right across from Maria's and the car wash.

01:44:09.859 --> 01:44:11.859
Galena and Whistler?

01:44:11.859 --> 01:44:15.859
Across from Maria's pizza and the car wash.

01:44:15.859 --> 01:44:17.859
Oh, okay.

01:44:17.859 --> 01:44:19.859
Okay, Maria's pizza.

01:44:19.859 --> 01:44:21.859
There's a car wash up there?

01:44:21.859 --> 01:44:23.859
Mm-hmm.

01:44:23.859 --> 01:44:46.939
Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Sanders, Klemm, Johnson, and the ordinance passes 6-0.

01:44:46.939 --> 01:44:54.020
Item number 14 is an update on a request for an ADA parking stall on West Broadway made

01:44:54.020 --> 01:44:57.619
during the public comment at the Committee of the Whole meeting. Manager Boyer.

01:44:58.260 --> 01:45:03.460
Thank you, Your Honor. At the last Committee of the Whole meeting, one of our residents came

01:45:04.260 --> 01:45:11.060
in requesting this parking space, having also noted that she had requested it in the past.

01:45:11.060 --> 01:45:15.939
And in looking into it, it was approved by Council on April 1st. For whatever reason,

01:45:15.939 --> 01:45:21.380
the signage was not installed, so staff will be installing that right of way. Darren, did you have

01:45:21.380 --> 01:45:23.659
Do you have anything you wanted to add to that?

01:45:23.659 --> 01:45:30.539
Yeah, I would like to apologize to Miss Shanae Bradford.

01:45:30.539 --> 01:45:32.260
Like Rob said, it was approved prior,

01:45:32.260 --> 01:45:33.739
and we didn't get the signage up.

01:45:33.739 --> 01:45:34.699
She was correct.

01:45:34.699 --> 01:45:36.579
So we went ahead and moved forward

01:45:36.579 --> 01:45:38.500
with ordering the sign and doing the locate.

01:45:38.500 --> 01:45:42.340
So I would hope that the sign would be put up yet this week.

01:45:42.340 --> 01:45:45.180
But again, our apologies to her, and thank you

01:45:45.180 --> 01:45:47.500
for her bringing it to our attention.

01:45:47.500 --> 01:45:50.140
Just something that slipped through the cracks.

01:45:50.140 --> 01:45:53.220
Thank you. Reports from department heads. Finance?

01:45:53.220 --> 01:45:58.739
Thank you, Your Honor. I would just like to let Council know that in July we should be

01:45:58.739 --> 01:46:07.579
having the presentation of our audit for 2025. And as Manager Boyer referenced, it will contain

01:46:07.579 --> 01:46:14.380
additional details. As we put it together, it's called an annual comprehensive financial

01:46:14.380 --> 01:46:19.539
report. It'll have a lot more statistics and information about the past year and the

01:46:19.539 --> 01:46:20.539
Huffines.

01:46:20.539 --> 01:46:21.539
Thank you.

01:46:21.539 --> 01:46:22.539
Community development.

01:46:22.539 --> 01:46:23.539
Thank you.

01:46:23.539 --> 01:46:29.260
I just wanted to announce Freeport FindFest is this week on Thursday, Friday, Saturday,

01:46:29.260 --> 01:46:31.300
June 18th through the 20th.

01:46:31.300 --> 01:46:34.500
We have 150 garage sales registered.

01:46:34.500 --> 01:46:37.100
You can find them either one of two ways.

01:46:37.100 --> 01:46:41.979
The first way is that you can use the Google Map, the Freeport FindFest Google Map, and

01:46:41.979 --> 01:46:47.819
if you click on the pins and you click, you can expand the details and know when all individual

01:46:47.819 --> 01:46:48.619
Nez, John, David, and

01:46:48.619 --> 01:46:49.819
Lee, and so on.

01:46:49.819 --> 01:46:51.199
And there's a lot of links here.

01:46:51.199 --> 01:46:52.579
Um, but, but for, um, for

01:46:52.579 --> 01:46:56.920
the, um, for the individual sales, um, what days and times they're available,

01:46:57.180 --> 01:47:00.680
you can also, um, in addition to that, we have a PDF map.

01:47:00.680 --> 01:47:04.560
So if you don't really want the Google map, um, if you don't really like that

01:47:04.560 --> 01:47:07.220
one, we also have a PDF and it lists the same thing.

01:47:07.399 --> 01:47:12.100
It also lists, um, you know, what every individual sale is going to, uh, be

01:47:12.100 --> 01:47:12.699
offering to you.

01:47:12.699 --> 01:47:17.060
So hopefully you can go out and do some shopping and find some, some

01:47:17.060 --> 01:47:19.060
Just a few project updates.

01:47:19.060 --> 01:47:27.920
The municipal parking lot, the infamous missing drains should be cut in later this week.

01:47:27.920 --> 01:47:32.340
They are actually under the pavement so we won't be installing them.

01:47:32.340 --> 01:47:35.260
They're already installed and so that should fix all the issues.

01:47:35.260 --> 01:47:41.659
It was repainted over the weekend and looks pretty good and hopefully we'll be able to

01:47:41.659 --> 01:47:43.340
get that opened up pretty soon.

01:47:43.340 --> 01:47:46.180
We have railings to install and the fence coming yet.

01:47:46.180 --> 01:47:51.060
So that should end up wrapping up that project other than the electrical panel that's still

01:47:51.060 --> 01:47:53.859
on that quarter.

01:47:53.859 --> 01:48:00.020
Tomorrow we'll be paving Concord from Cimarron to Laurel.

01:48:00.020 --> 01:48:05.380
Shaping is left on the other section from Laurel to Middlebury.

01:48:05.380 --> 01:48:08.979
I think the last driveway was poured today.

01:48:08.979 --> 01:48:13.940
So that street's coming along nicely and we'd like to thank the Helm Group for all

01:48:13.940 --> 01:48:16.940
and all their hard work on that project.

01:48:16.940 --> 01:48:26.940
Gladewood, with the excessive rains that we had last week, we had some damage to the edge of the roads that we're going to have to repair and add some curb to.

01:48:26.940 --> 01:48:33.940
It's one of those things that happens this time of the year when you get extreme rainfalls, which we had back to back.

01:48:33.940 --> 01:48:38.940
So we will be addressing that with the construction team.

01:48:38.940 --> 01:48:46.779
Dewey Street, I believe it's the north half of the curb, will be done tomorrow.

01:48:47.579 --> 01:48:51.220
So we're asking all the residents to be on the other side of the street and

01:48:51.220 --> 01:48:54.140
evacuate early because the curb machine will be coming.

01:48:54.940 --> 01:48:56.819
That project's coming along nicely.

01:48:57.380 --> 01:49:00.619
We're probably, I'm going to say a couple of weeks away from final

01:49:00.619 --> 01:49:03.539
paving through that corridor, but we're making good progress.

01:49:04.500 --> 01:49:08.220
We are having some difficulties with the ComEd polls and we're making

01:49:08.220 --> 01:49:10.180
and some design adjustments to deal with those.

01:49:10.180 --> 01:49:16.380
So we would like to thank Fishers for all their hard work on those projects this season.

01:49:17.020 --> 01:49:19.059
The Park Street is pretty much completed.

01:49:19.059 --> 01:49:21.140
There's some restoration going on out there.

01:49:21.699 --> 01:49:27.979
We will be moving to Carol, Dewey, and I believe Benson shortly.

01:49:27.979 --> 01:49:34.619
So lots of busy works on the streets this year, trying to keep up with it all.

01:49:34.619 --> 01:49:36.619
Fire?

01:49:36.619 --> 01:49:38.619
Nothing, Your Honor.

01:49:38.619 --> 01:49:40.619
Please?

01:49:40.619 --> 01:50:08.000
Nothing, Your Honor. Please? Nothing, Your Honor. IT? City Manager? Just one thing I would like to highlight, and Darren, feel free to jump in on this. We are looking at some pretty extensive issues with the collection system on Benson. So just bear in mind, we have a number of streets where we're seeing collapse of the sewer system and or the stormwater system. So I anticipate we're going to have to contend with some of those things. The scope of

01:50:08.000 --> 01:50:11.920
which is not fully defined right now because we haven't put the camera down

01:50:11.920 --> 01:50:15.800
there to visually inspect it yet but I just wanted the council to be aware of

01:50:15.800 --> 01:50:20.359
that in the next several meetings we may have some change orders related to that

01:50:20.359 --> 01:50:25.079
coming forward on those projects thank you and we won't be meeting as a

01:50:25.079 --> 01:50:30.439
council again until July 6th so have a safe and happy 4th of July and happy

01:50:30.439 --> 01:50:41.680
birthday Alderman Klemm. Thank you. Alderman Simmons. So we have the Juneteenth

01:50:41.680 --> 01:50:46.720
celebration. There's a Juneteenth celebration coming up this weekend. It

01:50:46.720 --> 01:50:52.079
will be Friday morning, Friday morning and afternoon, Saturday and Sunday in

01:50:52.079 --> 01:51:00.020
Taylor Park. So hopefully everyone can make it out there. Alderman Parker? Only that

01:51:00.020 --> 01:51:24.340
Yes, Director Michelle, it's not a lack of trust or a lack of ability for you to do your

01:51:24.340 --> 01:51:25.340
job.

01:51:25.340 --> 01:51:29.500
It's a lack of communication.

01:51:29.500 --> 01:51:39.260
that all Alderman have the liberty to speak to some directors and I'll keep it nice and

01:51:39.260 --> 01:51:42.539
sweet right there.

01:51:42.539 --> 01:51:52.180
As Alderman Simmons said, Juneteenth this coming weekend, Friday will be kids day in

01:51:52.180 --> 01:52:22.180
and I will be in the park. Saturday, we will be having a parade and an all-day event and Sunday, we will be having praise and worship in the park. So, we ask that you all come out and join us and let's have some fun and a 5th Ward Neighborhood Watch meeting will be tomorrow at

01:52:22.180 --> 01:52:25.180
Ampire, and Carol.

01:52:25.180 --> 01:52:26.539
Thank you.

01:52:26.539 --> 01:52:28.699
Alderman Sanders?

01:52:28.699 --> 01:52:34.819
Yeah, I just want to emphasize on the project that,

01:52:34.819 --> 01:52:37.939
like Darren was mentioning earlier,

01:52:37.939 --> 01:52:40.420
is on the way in my neighborhood, which

01:52:40.420 --> 01:52:47.020
is something that should be recognized and notable

01:52:47.020 --> 01:52:59.060
at this time, knowing that my constituents is silent.

01:52:59.060 --> 01:53:01.539
That's a good thing, because they

01:53:01.539 --> 01:53:05.180
can see things are getting done in my neighborhood

01:53:05.180 --> 01:53:07.539
or in my community or my district.

01:53:07.539 --> 01:53:08.500
And that's a good thing.

01:53:08.500 --> 01:53:12.300
I just wanted to throw that out there.

01:53:12.300 --> 01:53:17.220
Yeah, Juneteenth is a very great day

01:53:48.850 --> 01:53:55.970
Mayor there. I'd like to see Sister Johnson and Brother Klemm in the fire

01:53:55.970 --> 01:54:03.609
department, especially the fire department, to be there. And so, so

01:54:03.609 --> 01:54:07.609
whatever community events are going on throughout the community, we expect to

01:54:07.609 --> 01:54:12.210
see everybody being a part of it on that day.

01:54:12.210 --> 01:54:18.829
Klemm. I'd just like to thank the police for the work they did this week on

01:54:18.829 --> 01:54:23.890
recovering a couple weapons. Thank you guys for the great work you're doing. We

01:54:23.890 --> 01:54:30.170
appreciate it. Only other thing I'd say before we come up to the July meeting,

01:54:30.170 --> 01:54:36.329
let's make sure we have our discussions on the fire thing. So if there's any

01:54:36.329 --> 01:54:42.189
questions that you need answered, please contact Rob to get to the chief for

01:54:42.189 --> 01:54:55.109
Alderman, Johnson, Yes, we have our neighborhood watch meeting this Thursday at 630 at the

01:54:55.109 --> 01:54:58.800
Laurel Street Church.

01:54:58.800 --> 01:55:00.520
That concludes council announcements.

01:55:00.520 --> 01:55:11.310
Public comment.

01:55:11.310 --> 01:55:12.310
Okay.

01:55:12.310 --> 01:55:16.949
First off, regarding the ambulance service, I wasn't aware of 88% were our citizens, so

01:55:16.949 --> 01:55:23.350
I couldn't make exact details, but a 5% increase according to my $4.8 million original

01:55:23.350 --> 01:55:37.630
Boyer, Mr. Boyer, I know you recognize my family name from your time in Freeport Business

01:55:37.630 --> 01:55:43.510
and Civic Circles. However, my 87-year-old stepmother Betty Corbin does not own 417 South

01:55:43.510 --> 01:55:50.189
Hancock Avenue. I do. By passing me to contact her regarding my personal assets, especially

01:55:50.189 --> 01:55:51.189
Huffines.

01:55:51.189 --> 01:55:52.189
Thank you.

01:55:52.189 --> 01:55:53.189
Thank you.

01:55:53.189 --> 01:55:54.189
Thank you.

01:55:54.189 --> 01:55:55.189
Thank you.

01:55:55.189 --> 01:55:56.189
Thank you.

01:55:56.189 --> 01:56:02.750
and her concurrent role chairing the City Hall Building Task Force from 2011 until April

01:56:02.750 --> 01:56:06.109
of 2012 was entirely inappropriate.

01:56:06.109 --> 01:56:10.989
Tempting to leverage her past civic connections, capital planning expertise, or exploiting

01:56:10.989 --> 01:56:16.109
my family dynamics to circumvent the actual property owner ends today.

01:56:16.109 --> 01:56:20.909
All future communications regarding this property must come directly to me in writing.

01:56:20.909 --> 01:56:26.310
All communists can be sent to me, Scott Corbin, at 417 South Hancock Avenue, Freeport. Regarding

01:56:26.310 --> 01:56:31.949
my property, it is a legally zoned M1 light industrial, meaning standard residential setbacks

01:56:31.949 --> 01:56:38.229
and yard rules do not apply. Furthermore, your contractor, Darren Stekel, threatened

01:56:38.229 --> 01:56:44.550
regarding a forced setback demolition and his verbal intimidation that a judge will only

01:56:44.550 --> 01:56:54.229
Walsh, 57,000 assessed market value if I reject your informal $100,000 offer. Our offer are legally

01:56:54.229 --> 01:57:02.869
inaccurate, coercive, and border on bad faith extortion. My shop, my four-star garage extended

01:57:02.869 --> 01:57:07.989
over the rear boundary line. The city of Freeport just purchased that underlying lot, thereby

01:57:07.989 --> 01:57:13.989
inheriting the encroachment. More importantly, my shop footprint was officially authorized under the

01:57:13.989 --> 01:57:18.449
and the Missile Building Permit voted and approved by the Freeport City Council itself

01:57:18.449 --> 01:57:25.310
back in 2010 for the prior owner during my father's tenure all the minute large.

01:57:25.310 --> 01:57:30.510
The city cannot legally or retroactively penalize me for an infrastructure footprint it officially

01:57:30.510 --> 01:57:36.109
permitted on the public record over a decade ago, nor can its representatives weaponize

01:57:36.109 --> 01:57:43.750
arbitrary tax assessment numbers to scare me out of a constitutional right to just compensation.

01:57:43.750 --> 01:57:48.189
3 years ago, your economic developer, Wayne Duckman, told me the city isn't into selling

01:57:48.189 --> 01:57:49.189
land.

01:57:49.189 --> 01:57:52.869
We're into buying more and told me I needed to bring more to the table.

01:57:52.869 --> 01:57:56.149
Well, Mr. Boyer, I'm bringing it to the table today.

01:57:56.149 --> 01:58:00.670
I've already secured independent industrial contract replacement bids and historical corporate

01:58:00.670 --> 01:58:02.890
insurance replacement profiles.

01:58:02.890 --> 01:58:07.909
Those figures combined with the 25 to 30 percent market appreciation people has experienced

01:58:07.909 --> 01:58:10.949
since the city first froze my property life three years ago.

01:58:10.949 --> 01:58:13.949
Thank you, Mr. Corbin. Your time has expired.

01:58:13.949 --> 01:58:16.949
Your $100,000 offer is fundamentally deficient.

01:58:16.949 --> 01:58:20.949
Mr. Corbin, Mr. Corbin, your time has expired.

01:58:20.949 --> 01:58:24.949
You are causing a destruction, Mr. Corbin.

01:58:24.949 --> 01:58:28.949
Please abide by the council rules.

01:58:28.949 --> 01:58:32.949
Thank you very much. I need two legal statements signed.

01:58:32.949 --> 01:58:41.680
Are there any other public comments?

01:58:41.680 --> 01:58:47.409
Go ahead, Tommy. By the time she gets up there, you'll be fine.

01:58:47.409 --> 01:58:57.489
Freespawn, you did a good job and you because you know what to do you are smart on the road and

01:58:58.130 --> 01:59:10.289
everything and what told Jodi Miller she he does a good job a mayor and what that Teddy Baker day

01:59:10.289 --> 01:59:16.369
you said? I saw the sign. It's July 10th, 11th, and 12th. July 10th, and 11th, and 12th.

01:59:18.289 --> 01:59:23.890
And Daren, you did a good job telling that Queen down. We want to thank you very much to do that.

01:59:27.440 --> 01:59:37.569
Go ahead, Sue. Hi, my name is Sue Cook, and I am over on Winchester.

01:59:37.569 --> 01:59:38.359
and I am over on Winchester.

01:59:38.359 --> 01:59:40.039
And I just wanna let you guys know

01:59:40.039 --> 01:59:42.140
that there was something spectacular

01:59:42.140 --> 01:59:45.060
out at the observatory this past summer.

01:59:45.060 --> 01:59:47.199
And we had, they offered a class there.

01:59:47.199 --> 01:59:49.119
It was phenomenal.

01:59:49.119 --> 01:59:52.420
This class should be getting out through GFP

01:59:52.420 --> 01:59:54.279
because it was a phenomenal class.

01:59:54.279 --> 01:59:56.579
We have brilliant scientists out there.

01:59:56.579 --> 02:00:00.119
Jim, Bill and Tom opened the heavens.

02:00:00.119 --> 02:00:04.020
It was amazing, absolutely amazing.

02:00:04.020 --> 02:00:05.880
So I definitely wanna give the observatory

02:00:05.880 --> 02:00:35.880
Schultz, and I'm gonna shout out because they deserve this shout out. They should be listed as a tourist attraction because that is what they are. They're amazing. Also, if you're going out for the Freeport finds, there are vendors as well. So, when you're buying the stuff at the Freeport finds, go over to the Juneteenth celebration because there are vendors going to be at the Juneteenth celebration as well in Taylor Park Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Please show up folks.

02:00:35.880 --> 02:00:37.600
Really, please show up.

02:00:37.600 --> 02:00:38.680
Thank you very much.

02:00:39.560 --> 02:00:40.939
Any other public comments?

02:00:42.119 --> 02:00:43.880
Oh yeah, you do, I'm sorry, go ahead.

02:00:43.880 --> 02:00:45.640
There's other in person.

02:00:48.649 --> 02:00:53.390
We received an email back in February that did not get read,

02:00:53.390 --> 02:00:55.449
so we're trying to make up for that.

02:00:57.489 --> 02:01:00.649
My name is Robert and I'm a resident of Ward 5,

02:01:00.649 --> 02:01:01.529
Freeport, Illinois.

02:01:01.529 --> 02:01:04.010
I sent you an email about a city ordinance

02:01:04.010 --> 02:01:09.010
with the following subject line on February 8th, 2026, 511 p.m.

02:01:10.449 --> 02:01:12.689
The subject was request to be read at meeting

02:01:12.689 --> 02:01:15.770
on February 9th, 26 during public comments.

02:01:15.770 --> 02:01:17.909
I listed the violations by highlighting

02:01:17.909 --> 02:01:19.689
and commenting on the ordinance

02:01:19.689 --> 02:01:22.010
as well as posing my question at the end

02:01:22.010 --> 02:01:23.649
and it was not read at the meeting

02:01:23.649 --> 02:01:26.409
that was held on 2-9-26.

02:01:26.409 --> 02:01:28.609
I was curious as to why it was not read.

02:01:28.609 --> 02:01:30.529
Below you will find the original email.

02:01:30.529 --> 02:01:33.130
The question is at the bottom in bold.

02:01:33.130 --> 02:01:38.090
Italicized, and in brackets. Please read this document at your next meeting. Thank

02:01:38.090 --> 02:01:44.609
you. What was request to be read on February 9th, King's Tobacco and Market

02:01:44.609 --> 02:01:50.489
Dispensary Permit. Under Illinois law, the penalty for a drug-related crime can

02:01:50.489 --> 02:01:55.170
be upgraded if you committed that offense on or 500 feet from any church,

02:01:55.170 --> 02:02:00.449
synagogue, or other building, structure, or place used primarily for religious

02:02:00.449 --> 02:02:10.210
Worship, C-720-ILCS-570-407. A church or synagogue are clearly places of worship

02:02:10.210 --> 02:02:15.489
within the meaning of the law, but what about other structures where it's less than obvious?

02:02:16.449 --> 02:02:22.289
To determine whether a church is a place of worship, a building need not have a particular

02:02:22.289 --> 02:02:27.649
physical characteristic of a church. Instead, the court looks at whether the structure is

02:02:27.649 --> 02:02:30.590
is primarily used for religious purposes.

02:02:30.590 --> 02:02:34.010
Thus, a Salvation Army building was deemed a church

02:02:34.010 --> 02:02:36.850
because people came to its chapel solely for the purpose

02:02:36.850 --> 02:02:38.930
of attending religious services.

02:02:38.930 --> 02:02:41.170
See people versus sparks.

02:02:41.170 --> 02:02:44.090
Even where a building is a place of religious worship,

02:02:44.090 --> 02:02:47.569
it must be one on the date of the offense.

02:02:47.569 --> 02:02:49.609
In highlight, there is a church next door

02:02:49.609 --> 02:02:51.430
to King's Tobacco and Market.

02:02:52.689 --> 02:02:56.090
Another heading, Cannabis Dispensing Organization

02:02:56.090 --> 02:02:57.210
Definition

02:02:57.210 --> 02:02:58.789
Scope of Sales

02:02:58.789 --> 02:03:04.449
They are authorized to sell cannabis flower, cannabis infused products, cannabis seeds,

02:03:04.449 --> 02:03:07.850
paraphernalia, and related supplies.

02:03:07.850 --> 02:03:10.630
Just references of Freeport Ordinance.

02:03:10.630 --> 02:03:15.310
127406 Adult Use Cannabis Dispensing Organization

02:03:15.310 --> 02:03:19.689
In those zoning districts in which an adult use cannabis dispensing organization

02:03:19.689 --> 02:03:24.350
may be located, the proposed facility must comply with the following.

02:03:24.350 --> 02:03:30.930
A. Facility may not be located within 1,500 feet of the property line of a pre-existing

02:03:30.930 --> 02:03:37.729
public or private nursery school, preschool, primary or secondary school, or licensed daycare.

02:03:37.729 --> 02:03:43.390
In another highlight, Faith Academy Learning Center is located as a private school by the

02:03:43.390 --> 02:03:47.189
school board of the state of Illinois.

02:03:47.189 --> 02:03:48.670
Back to the ordinance.

02:03:48.670 --> 02:03:49.670
Learning centers.

02:03:49.670 --> 02:03:51.829
Madam Clerk, your time has expired.

02:03:51.829 --> 02:03:53.949
Is there any other public comments?

02:03:53.949 --> 02:04:28.479
I stand before you tonight as a citizen. I don't know who I need to speak with on this matter. However, I was totally blown when I opened up my water bill and it was $290.23 and I am the only one who lives in my house.

02:04:30.479 --> 02:04:43.470
Home. I was told that it was a guesstimate and not a true reading. Why are we having

02:04:43.470 --> 02:04:54.010
guesstimates? I was also told that next month it will balance out and I would

02:04:54.010 --> 02:05:09.199
probably have a credit. I don't know what all this is about but I will know and I

02:05:09.199 --> 02:05:21.359
I hope and trust that I have no bill and a credit because it was $20 shy of tripling this month

02:05:22.960 --> 02:05:29.680
and it was a guesstimate reading. How often do we have these guesstimate readings?

02:05:31.199 --> 02:05:34.560
I'm told that the system just automatic does it.

02:05:34.560 --> 02:05:43.720
I need some understanding on this matter and I would like to know how often does

02:05:43.720 --> 02:05:52.520
it happen? Are people aware that this is happening? You better be opening up your

02:05:52.520 --> 02:06:01.520
water bill because you will not know from one month to the next if you're

02:06:01.520 --> 02:06:04.020
are being built correctly.

02:06:04.020 --> 02:06:04.859
Thank you.

02:06:06.560 --> 02:06:08.359
There's no further public comments.

02:06:08.359 --> 02:06:10.180
I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.

02:06:14.680 --> 02:06:16.039
Motion made by Alderman Simmons,

02:06:16.039 --> 02:06:17.279
seconded by Alderman Parker.

02:06:17.279 --> 02:06:19.439
All those in favor signify by saying aye.

02:06:19.439 --> 02:06:20.279
Aye.

02:06:20.279 --> 02:06:21.119
Have a good.