WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:21.000 Good evening. Evelyn, could you please give the invocation? 00:00:21.000 --> 00:00:49.000 Let's bow our heads. Father God, your word says in 1st Timothy 2.1, therefore I exhort, first of all, that supplication, prayers, intercessions, and giving thanks be made for all men and women. Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I lift every council member that sits in the seat of authority up to you. 00:00:49.000 --> 00:00:55.920 I pray that you, Father, will give them your wisdom to govern our city with character and 00:00:55.920 --> 00:01:02.039 integrity. Father, thank you for directing our City Council members on the five agenda 00:01:02.039 --> 00:01:07.200 discussions tonight. In the name of Jesus Christ, I bind every hindrance that would 00:01:07.200 --> 00:01:13.599 try to stop whatever your plan is for discussion tonight and in the future. Father, you know 00:01:13.600 --> 00:01:20.600 know the end of all things. Every word spoken by this council or members of the city must 00:01:20.600 --> 00:01:27.000 be spoken with respect and in order in Jesus Christ's holy and matchless name. Amen. 00:01:27.000 --> 00:01:30.320 Amen. Thank you Evelyn and we'll officially call 00:01:30.320 --> 00:01:34.240 this committee of the whole meeting to order. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? 00:01:34.240 --> 00:01:37.680 Mayor Miller? Here. 00:01:37.680 --> 00:01:39.480 Alderpersons Klemm? Here. 00:01:39.480 --> 00:01:40.960 Johnson? Here. 00:01:40.960 --> 00:01:43.080 Simmons is absent. Parker? 00:01:43.079 --> 00:02:01.079 Stacy will be marked absent for the moment. Shadle? Here. Sanders? Here. And Sellers is absent. I'll need a motion for Alderman Stacy to attend remotely. Is there such a motion? So moved. I'll second. 00:02:01.079 --> 00:02:06.079 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson. 00:02:06.079 --> 00:02:15.259 they all have to be roll call when somebody's attending remotely mayor could 00:02:15.259 --> 00:02:24.639 you please take the roll on that Clem Johnson Parker Shadel and Sanders the 00:02:24.640 --> 00:02:40.400 Motion passes five to zero. You want to see if she's on? Yes. Okay then if you 00:02:40.400 --> 00:02:45.040 could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Shadle. 00:02:54.640 --> 00:03:10.640 And item number four is the approval of the agenda. Is there such a motion? So moved. Seconded. 00:03:10.640 --> 00:03:25.560 Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Madam Clerk, could you please 00:03:25.560 --> 00:03:27.560 take the roll? 00:03:27.560 --> 00:03:28.560 Shadle? 00:03:28.560 --> 00:03:29.560 Aye. 00:03:29.560 --> 00:03:30.560 Sanders? 00:03:30.560 --> 00:03:31.560 Aye. 00:03:31.560 --> 00:03:32.560 Klemm? 00:03:32.560 --> 00:03:33.560 Aye. 00:03:33.560 --> 00:03:34.560 Johnson? 00:03:34.560 --> 00:03:35.560 Aye. 00:03:35.560 --> 00:03:36.560 Parker? 00:03:36.560 --> 00:03:37.560 Aye. 00:03:37.560 --> 00:03:38.560 And Stacy? 00:03:38.560 --> 00:03:39.560 What is this vote for? 00:03:39.560 --> 00:03:41.560 and 00:03:44.140 --> 00:03:46.219 Accepting the agenda. Yes, ma'am. 00:03:49.719 --> 00:03:51.360 Aye. 00:03:51.360 --> 00:03:53.879 The motion passes 6 to 0. 00:03:54.879 --> 00:04:02.240 Number five, there's a typo in the minutes. It should actually say Joy Sellers encouraged everyone to support the Shoot Hoops Not Guns 00:04:02.879 --> 00:04:07.319 event on Wednesday, July 16th, 2025 at Highland Community College 00:04:07.319 --> 00:04:09.319 and 00:04:10.959 --> 00:04:12.959 John, and the College of Public Health and Social Sciences. 00:04:14.060 --> 00:04:16.060 The College sponsored by the Boys & Girls Club. 00:04:17.779 --> 00:04:19.779 So with that, I would entertain a motion to approve the minutes 00:04:20.899 --> 00:04:22.899 from the Committee of the Whole meeting held on July 14, 2025 00:04:23.920 --> 00:04:25.920 as amended. 00:04:27.019 --> 00:04:29.019 Second. 00:04:30.379 --> 00:04:32.379 Motion made by Johnson, seconded by Shadle. 00:04:33.480 --> 00:04:35.480 Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? 00:04:35.480 --> 00:04:56.480 I'm asking for an approval of the amended minutes for the Committee of the Whole. There was a typo that just used the word there in the wrong place. 00:04:56.480 --> 00:04:59.480 Aye. 00:04:59.480 --> 00:05:03.480 Thank you and the motion passes 6-0. 00:05:03.480 --> 00:05:16.600 Good evening, Rhonda Scott from Fourth Ward. I'm here to speak about the lift station. 00:05:16.600 --> 00:05:21.120 You're going to have a discussion on it tonight, so I wanted to be part of that discussion 00:05:21.120 --> 00:05:27.480 and let you know my opinion that we absolutely do not need a lift station at this point. 00:05:27.480 --> 00:05:31.000 The lift station is being built within the Lamb Road Tiff. 00:05:31.000 --> 00:05:35.960 Those funds are to be spent on the Lamb Road development. 00:05:35.960 --> 00:05:41.600 That's where Walmart and Menards are, and a few industries. 00:05:41.600 --> 00:05:44.020 It was set up as an industrial tiff. 00:05:44.020 --> 00:05:47.480 It has not really grown as an industrial tiff. 00:05:47.480 --> 00:05:49.000 However, the businesses out there 00:05:49.000 --> 00:05:53.240 have been flushing their toilets just fine for the last 19 years. 00:05:53.240 --> 00:05:57.819 and now we wanna spend the excess fund 00:05:57.819 --> 00:06:01.939 of about three million dollars to put in a lift station. 00:06:01.939 --> 00:06:02.780 Why? 00:06:02.780 --> 00:06:05.620 This is what you need to really seriously consider. 00:06:05.620 --> 00:06:09.060 Why are we spending taxpayer dollars 00:06:09.060 --> 00:06:11.579 so that Fehr Graham can get a project 00:06:11.579 --> 00:06:14.360 to build a lift station for what? 00:06:14.360 --> 00:06:16.660 I wanna let you know that there in the past 00:06:16.660 --> 00:06:21.280 has been this agenda to put water and sewer 00:06:21.280 --> 00:06:22.560 out to the airport. 00:06:23.240 --> 00:06:24.240 and others. 00:06:24.240 --> 00:06:28.240 The way this could fit in is that we would put the water and sewer out there and then 00:06:28.240 --> 00:06:32.519 flush the sewer from the airport down to the lift station, which the taxpayers are going 00:06:32.519 --> 00:06:38.840 to be paying for with these property taxes, and then pump it up to our wastewater treatment 00:06:38.840 --> 00:06:40.120 facility. 00:06:40.120 --> 00:06:45.259 We do not need to be spending any money on a lift station, and we definitely do not need 00:06:45.259 --> 00:06:50.040 to be spending more money on water and sewer for the airport. 00:06:50.040 --> 00:06:52.400 This has been a county fantasy. 00:06:52.400 --> 00:07:00.920 it has been propped up by politicians that our county political system has been endorsing 00:07:00.920 --> 00:07:08.220 and it's against the taxpayers best interest and I recommend that we do not spend, it's 00:07:08.220 --> 00:07:13.660 in fact a taxpayer abuse to be spending TIF funds to put a lift station out there for 00:07:13.660 --> 00:07:19.420 a development that it's going to be closing that TIF expires in 2026 and we're just now 00:07:19.420 --> 00:07:20.420 and others. 00:07:20.420 --> 00:07:23.180 We are now talking about putting a lift station to lift crap out of there. 00:07:23.180 --> 00:07:25.860 It isn't right. 00:07:25.860 --> 00:07:32.620 Thank you. 00:07:32.620 --> 00:07:34.020 That ends public comment. 00:07:34.020 --> 00:07:39.020 Item number seven is discussion regarding municipal electrical aggregation program presented 00:07:39.020 --> 00:07:43.720 by Mike Mudge, but he's not here, so what's the pleasure of the council, maybe move it 00:07:43.720 --> 00:08:01.240 to the next September COW or I would say yes okay well just we'll just put it on 00:08:01.240 --> 00:08:05.320 the on the September agenda and same for item number eight which is the 00:08:05.320 --> 00:08:10.040 discussion regarding community solar with Illinois shines that was also a 00:08:10.040 --> 00:08:14.400 and Mike Mudge presentation, so we'll move that to the next meeting as well. 00:08:14.400 --> 00:08:18.680 Which then leaves us with item number nine, which is discussion regarding the lift station 00:08:18.680 --> 00:08:36.039 on Walnut Avenue, Darren Stiegel. 00:08:36.039 --> 00:08:37.039 Good evening everybody. 00:08:37.039 --> 00:08:50.919 Kurt's gonna bring up some maps. So I was asked to provide some maps and some 00:08:50.919 --> 00:08:58.240 information on the Walnut Road lift station. The proposed location is right 00:08:58.240 --> 00:09:01.240 We are located here at the corner of the landfill. 00:09:01.240 --> 00:09:11.960 Our current sewer runs from the Lamb Road area through the back of the landfill along 00:09:11.960 --> 00:09:17.960 this perimeter and under the river and ties to a manhole in this vicinity. 00:09:17.960 --> 00:09:27.240 This current line with the settlement of the landfill is inverted and actually pushes uphill 00:09:27.240 --> 00:09:57.240 We've done numerous inspections on it, and flow is continuously trapped here to make it around. Some of our heaviest industrial flows are from the Layup Road District, a matter of fact, Snack King is our largest industrial user, so the lift station is proposed to be placed here. There will be a connection to the Gravity Line that comes from the Walmart all the way to Routier. 00:09:57.240 --> 00:10:00.039 about 26 line and every business over there that. 00:10:00.039 --> 00:10:04.319 and every business over there that flows to this point it will come down to our 00:10:04.319 --> 00:10:09.519 lift station and it'll be force mained up under the river to a manhole connection 00:10:09.519 --> 00:10:14.439 that already exists here this our trunk sewer runs parallel to the river here 00:10:14.439 --> 00:10:19.199 all the route way around the edge of Freeport why is this project necessary 00:10:19.199 --> 00:10:23.799 the inverted line that's in the landfill that carries all the industrial flow is 00:10:23.799 --> 00:10:29.000 in the landfill it would take significant more dollars to dig that 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:31.000 and others that line up and repair it. 00:10:31.000 --> 00:10:33.000 It's very deep. 00:10:33.000 --> 00:10:35.000 Some of the manholes here in the back of the landfill 00:10:35.000 --> 00:10:39.000 are over 30 feet deep to access. 00:10:39.000 --> 00:10:41.000 Plus, if anybody knows anything, 00:10:41.000 --> 00:10:44.000 landfill two and three was an unregulated landfill. 00:10:44.000 --> 00:10:47.000 So back in the early days of the landfill, 00:10:47.000 --> 00:10:49.000 anything could be put in that landfill. 00:10:49.000 --> 00:10:52.000 Landfill number four was a regulated one 00:10:52.000 --> 00:10:55.000 and has a liner and a liner cap in it 00:10:55.000 --> 00:10:57.000 where this is just a clay. 00:10:57.000 --> 00:10:59.500 2 and 3 are just a clay bottom. 00:10:59.500 --> 00:11:04.079 So we would have a very tough situation trying to dig up 00:11:04.079 --> 00:11:05.839 that landfill to replace those lines. 00:11:10.519 --> 00:11:14.159 Again, currently all of the flow from the entire Lamb Road 00:11:14.159 --> 00:11:17.199 District, which includes all the businesses on Lamb Road, 00:11:17.199 --> 00:11:20.759 Walmart, Snack King, Menards, all of the flow 00:11:20.759 --> 00:11:23.480 goes through this line right here 00:11:23.480 --> 00:11:28.980 by the Veterans Park. 00:11:28.980 --> 00:11:31.659 This would also include our leachate system 00:11:31.659 --> 00:11:34.699 that comes out of landfill two and three. 00:11:34.699 --> 00:11:36.000 So anybody that doesn't know that, 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:38.799 it's the technical term for garbage juice 00:11:38.799 --> 00:11:40.459 that comes out of two and three. 00:11:40.459 --> 00:11:42.399 Because it's unregulated, we have 00:11:42.399 --> 00:11:46.379 to monitor the garbage juice continuously 00:11:46.379 --> 00:11:49.179 for what is coming out of the unregulated landfill. 00:11:49.179 --> 00:11:51.179 So that system will also be pumped 00:11:51.179 --> 00:11:55.259 by this new Lyft station. 00:11:55.259 --> 00:11:58.859 Kirk, I think there's some questions on what 00:11:58.859 --> 00:12:00.779 will be fed by this. 00:12:00.779 --> 00:12:02.139 If you could go to the next slide. 00:12:05.139 --> 00:12:09.659 So this, there's a bunch of numbers on here. 00:12:09.659 --> 00:12:12.460 So when we first developed Lamb Road, 00:12:12.460 --> 00:12:14.139 there was all of this acreage that 00:12:14.139 --> 00:12:17.740 was in the permit to fulfill Lamb Road. 00:12:17.740 --> 00:12:20.220 So Baileyville is here. 00:12:20.220 --> 00:12:22.220 that yes, this is Airport Road. 00:12:22.220 --> 00:12:24.480 This could go all the way out to Mill Race. 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:26.939 So when we resize the lift station, 00:12:26.939 --> 00:12:30.620 the 500 acres here in the green were cut off, 00:12:30.620 --> 00:12:33.240 while the 375 acres of Lamb Road, 00:12:33.240 --> 00:12:36.480 the 570 acres to the east, 00:12:36.480 --> 00:12:38.279 Kurt, if you can go to the next slide. 00:12:39.480 --> 00:12:44.480 And also the west development was also pulled in 00:12:44.559 --> 00:12:45.799 in case this were developed. 00:12:45.799 --> 00:12:48.159 So there's 140 acres here. 00:12:48.159 --> 00:12:51.339 There's another 400 acres going to the west. 00:12:51.339 --> 00:12:54.599 There's a 20 acre site that had already been parceled out 00:12:54.599 --> 00:12:58.159 up here on the corner, which the sewer will be running 00:12:58.159 --> 00:13:01.039 right along Forest Road right here. 00:13:01.039 --> 00:13:03.899 And there's another 215 acres to the west 00:13:03.899 --> 00:13:08.079 that will all be able to come to this new lift station. 00:13:08.079 --> 00:13:11.559 Additionally, there's already 200 acres 00:13:11.559 --> 00:13:14.759 in this site development that all drain here now. 00:13:14.759 --> 00:13:18.519 Snack King is our largest user. 00:13:18.519 --> 00:13:26.559 They contribute about 140,000 gallons a day 00:13:26.559 --> 00:13:28.199 just from Snack King alone. 00:13:28.199 --> 00:13:32.599 So this line would contribute to one of our heaviest industrial 00:13:32.599 --> 00:13:36.759 lines that is sent every day to the city. 00:13:36.759 --> 00:13:39.279 The new lift station will have pumps 00:13:39.279 --> 00:13:42.919 that are able to flow 2,700 gallons per minute, 00:13:42.919 --> 00:13:44.459 and they're 100 horsepower. 00:13:44.460 --> 00:13:46.939 So they'll be open up for future development. 00:13:46.939 --> 00:13:50.460 It also could have a wet well attachment to it in the future, 00:13:50.460 --> 00:13:52.460 had encased that area grow bigger 00:13:52.460 --> 00:13:55.059 that it could just be added, like bolted onto it 00:13:55.059 --> 00:13:56.339 to add more flow. 00:13:57.299 --> 00:14:01.220 The force main is 16 inch and it's about $4,000, 00:14:01.220 --> 00:14:03.620 sorry, 4,000 feet of this project. 00:14:04.659 --> 00:14:09.259 There's also a gravity main that's about 1,500 feet 00:14:09.259 --> 00:14:10.860 that's part of this project to tie in 00:14:10.860 --> 00:14:14.259 and basically abandon and place the existing line. 00:14:14.259 --> 00:14:17.659 Now the existing line, let's talk about that for a second. 00:14:17.659 --> 00:14:21.899 Kurt, can you go back to the first picture, please? 00:14:21.899 --> 00:14:25.460 So right back here in the back of the landfill, 00:14:25.460 --> 00:14:29.299 the laterals that come out of the landfill connect back here. 00:14:29.299 --> 00:14:32.139 That's how the landfills completely drain now. 00:14:32.139 --> 00:14:36.919 So that line from the laterals on will stay active. 00:14:36.919 --> 00:14:39.980 So it can continue to drain like it normally has been. 00:14:39.980 --> 00:14:43.220 The inverted section, again, runs through here. 00:14:43.220 --> 00:14:46.339 and that's something that we just can't overcome at this time. 00:14:48.379 --> 00:14:51.379 With that, I'll take any questions that anybody has. 00:14:53.339 --> 00:14:54.480 I think I covered it all. 00:14:54.480 --> 00:14:56.379 I'm a manager, Boyer, if you have anything 00:14:56.379 --> 00:14:57.919 to include in that. 00:15:00.099 --> 00:15:02.220 I think you did a pretty good job communicating 00:15:02.220 --> 00:15:03.220 what's going on here. 00:15:03.220 --> 00:15:05.379 I just wanted to also just highlight the fact 00:15:05.379 --> 00:15:07.819 that if we're able to, as we move on 00:15:07.819 --> 00:15:09.980 and develop areas south of town, 00:15:09.980 --> 00:15:11.980 this will be a necessary piece of infrastructure 00:15:11.980 --> 00:15:15.139 to have in place so we have a place for the water treatment 00:15:15.139 --> 00:15:16.700 plant to drain as well, so. 00:15:17.619 --> 00:15:18.460 Yeah, thank you. 00:15:18.460 --> 00:15:22.700 So I did forget to mention that the new water treatment plant 00:15:22.700 --> 00:15:26.619 that's being built out at the corner of Forest Road and Park 00:15:26.619 --> 00:15:30.220 will also go to this landfill that a complete area 00:15:30.220 --> 00:15:33.139 was designed to drain to this basin as well. 00:15:33.139 --> 00:15:36.859 So then basically you're talking about having real possibility 00:15:36.859 --> 00:15:38.299 of shovel ready sites. 00:15:39.699 --> 00:15:41.419 Potentially, yes. 00:15:41.419 --> 00:15:44.659 Yep, you've got to do, this is step one. 00:15:44.659 --> 00:15:47.019 Step two and three will have water and sewer out there. 00:15:47.019 --> 00:15:50.619 So now step three and four would be to obtain land 00:15:50.619 --> 00:15:54.240 or parcels or development area that somebody could go to. 00:15:54.240 --> 00:15:58.619 And between the two sites, there's industrial 00:15:58.619 --> 00:16:00.480 and residential that are possibilities 00:16:00.480 --> 00:16:02.179 within that development. 00:16:02.179 --> 00:16:04.960 We've calculated, I mean, I believe it's, 00:16:06.119 --> 00:16:08.779 you don't go off of every measurement that's on that map, 00:16:08.779 --> 00:16:12.679 but it's a total of about 1,820 acres total 00:16:12.679 --> 00:16:14.259 that could come to this station. 00:16:14.259 --> 00:16:17.039 So it's a large, large development area 00:16:17.039 --> 00:16:19.980 that could benefit Freeport for many years to come 00:16:19.980 --> 00:16:22.720 if development were to happen either residentially 00:16:22.720 --> 00:16:25.460 or commercially or industrial in that area. 00:16:26.460 --> 00:16:27.899 Alderman Johnson. 00:16:27.899 --> 00:16:30.579 Yeah, I just had a question or two here. 00:16:30.579 --> 00:16:33.819 What are the adverse effects or dangers 00:16:33.819 --> 00:16:38.579 if this lift station isn't built or isn't in place? 00:16:38.779 --> 00:16:55.779 Did you say you had a few? Yeah, I was just going to ask, doesn't the lift stations help keep the contaminated water from getting in mixing with our other water, like drinking water too? Don't they help get rid of? 00:16:55.779 --> 00:17:07.779 So I'll answer number one. The dangers are that the landfill lateral breaks more or inverts more and doesn't allow the Lamb Road Tip District to drain. 00:17:07.779 --> 00:17:09.940 that would put us in an emergency situation. 00:17:09.940 --> 00:17:11.579 We have no other bypass. 00:17:11.579 --> 00:17:14.159 We have no other work around for it currently. 00:17:15.019 --> 00:17:17.420 As the landfill settles, 00:17:17.420 --> 00:17:21.579 it appears that the inversion is continuing to be more 00:17:21.579 --> 00:17:24.059 and more and more, which, you know, 00:17:24.059 --> 00:17:27.339 that was installed many years before we were around here. 00:17:27.339 --> 00:17:29.619 So I can't speak to when and if, 00:17:29.619 --> 00:17:31.859 but we're already having issues with debris 00:17:31.859 --> 00:17:34.579 and solids pick up in that line. 00:17:34.579 --> 00:17:52.579 So the dangers are if we run into a problem in the landfill and we don't get this in place, we're going to be having to get an EPA permit to dig up an unregulated landfill that is going to create a lot more havoc than this project itself. 00:17:52.579 --> 00:17:57.579 So, in the long term, this is the best solution not to have to get in the landfill. 00:17:57.579 --> 00:18:03.579 As we've discussed as a group here, the landfill, especially two and three being unregulated, 00:18:03.579 --> 00:18:05.579 that's never going away for Freeport. 00:18:05.579 --> 00:18:07.579 We can't undo what has been done. 00:18:07.579 --> 00:18:12.579 That is going to be a continual carrying cost and a continuing monitoring cost 00:18:12.579 --> 00:18:16.579 and probably even more maximum contaminant levels and things like that 00:18:16.579 --> 00:18:20.579 that are brought in over time for that landfill itself. 00:18:20.579 --> 00:18:25.579 So the lift station question is protecting waters. 00:18:26.339 --> 00:18:29.539 So basically this is a giant pump system 00:18:29.539 --> 00:18:32.019 to pump sanitary waste to our system 00:18:32.019 --> 00:18:33.659 to get it to the interceptor. 00:18:33.659 --> 00:18:37.019 So what we would end up having is 00:18:37.019 --> 00:18:41.179 if we don't put this in place, the Lamb Road area, 00:18:41.179 --> 00:18:43.900 especially Snack King, which is our largest provider, 00:18:43.900 --> 00:18:46.179 could potentially run into an issue of production. 00:18:46.179 --> 00:18:49.699 If we can't take the flows through there, they will back up. 00:18:49.699 --> 00:18:51.659 We will get violations eventually. 00:18:51.659 --> 00:18:53.699 And we're gonna have to deal with this one way or the other. 00:18:53.699 --> 00:18:57.019 It's not a matter of if, if it's when 00:18:57.019 --> 00:18:58.739 we will have to deal with it. 00:18:58.739 --> 00:19:00.859 Thank you very much, appreciate it. 00:19:00.859 --> 00:19:01.819 Alderman Sanders. 00:19:04.059 --> 00:19:08.139 Yes, Darren, when did this proposal come out? 00:19:08.139 --> 00:19:11.559 And when was the study to bring such a proposal 00:19:11.559 --> 00:19:15.179 to the council in order for us to recognize 00:19:15.179 --> 00:19:18.379 this type of a project to make an assessment 00:19:18.380 --> 00:19:21.619 on whether or not it's feasible for something 00:19:21.619 --> 00:19:25.740 that's been in existence for over 20-some years 00:19:25.740 --> 00:19:29.619 and there has not been any complications during these times. 00:19:29.619 --> 00:19:34.619 And then to modify the system now 00:19:34.900 --> 00:19:39.259 because of possibilities, that's what we're saying, 00:19:39.259 --> 00:19:44.259 because of other avenues or other developments 00:19:44.539 --> 00:19:46.880 can come in play, we don't cap our hand off, 00:19:46.880 --> 00:19:52.519 but the point of the matter is how long have this study's been going on and the purpose 00:19:52.519 --> 00:19:59.700 of this study at this time and how come the council is not read into that study and how 00:19:59.700 --> 00:20:00.700 come 00:20:00.700 --> 00:20:05.940 and I have been to that study and how come we have not seen hard copies of that study 00:20:05.940 --> 00:20:12.319 because you jumping around with this laser beam does not impress me at all because it 00:20:12.319 --> 00:20:14.220 doesn't tell me anything. 00:20:14.220 --> 00:20:15.220 Okay? 00:20:15.220 --> 00:20:20.740 And so my whole thing is if I'm going to make a decision or the citizens of Freeport make 00:20:20.740 --> 00:20:26.740 a decision, they want to make sure that their council members are very well in tune with 00:20:26.740 --> 00:20:42.700 What's going on out there? Do we necessarily have to pay for something like that if it's 00:20:42.700 --> 00:20:50.019 not necessary? I haven't found the reason why we have to modify anything at this point 00:20:50.019 --> 00:20:59.180 this year or anytime soon until we have done a complete study to prove anything different 00:20:59.180 --> 00:21:09.660 than why we, why so much of an emergency to put this lift station in for any pumping at 00:21:09.660 --> 00:21:15.420 all because there is no pumping going on out there at this present time that I know of 00:21:15.420 --> 00:21:20.059 and I'm wondering why are we putting in a lift station to do any kind of pumping, 00:21:20.059 --> 00:21:25.140 modifications to get water lifted, sewer lifted, rerouting things. 00:21:25.140 --> 00:21:29.620 I have not seen those studies. The only thing I'm listening to from you is 00:21:29.620 --> 00:21:33.500 what the possibilities, why it is that we want to do such a thing, but the thing 00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:35.740 about it is 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:37.140 council 00:21:37.140 --> 00:21:43.380 is not well in tune with what's going on and when did this proposal come 00:21:43.380 --> 00:21:44.519 to date 00:21:44.519 --> 00:21:47.720 or when they come up, I don't recall us ever talking about 00:21:48.759 --> 00:21:51.519 proposing a lift station for that area. 00:21:51.519 --> 00:21:55.240 So, you know, I'm just wondering why is this 00:21:55.240 --> 00:21:57.500 that we're moving on such a thing 00:21:57.500 --> 00:22:02.500 and the fact that anyone would entertain that. 00:22:03.860 --> 00:22:06.259 I just don't believe the citizens of Freeport 00:22:06.259 --> 00:22:09.380 would entertain that because they can't find 00:22:09.380 --> 00:22:12.900 an emergency reason or a reason for that. 00:22:12.900 --> 00:22:19.220 If it's $3 million or whatever it is that's going to reconstruct that area, for what purpose? 00:22:19.220 --> 00:22:23.220 For draining sewer water when it's draining already? 00:22:23.220 --> 00:22:28.700 I just can't see the people of Freeport doing that just yet. 00:22:28.700 --> 00:22:35.140 Okay, Alderman Shadle would like to have a response and then City Manager. 00:22:35.140 --> 00:22:36.140 Thank you. 00:22:36.140 --> 00:22:40.500 Has this been talked about for a year and a half or two years? 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:44.380 it's been on the floor, it's been at the council. 00:22:44.380 --> 00:22:46.900 Anybody that's paying attention knows about it. 00:22:46.900 --> 00:22:49.100 Yeah, I resent that. 00:22:49.100 --> 00:22:50.500 It has been in the capital plan. 00:22:50.500 --> 00:22:53.180 Yeah, I resent that because you didn't bring me up to date. 00:22:53.180 --> 00:22:55.420 This happened a year or so ago. 00:22:55.420 --> 00:22:57.660 So to retain that kind of information, 00:22:57.660 --> 00:23:00.300 you was just loaded with it, okay. 00:23:00.300 --> 00:23:01.460 City Manager. 00:23:01.460 --> 00:23:02.940 I just wanted to remind everybody, 00:23:02.940 --> 00:23:05.019 it's been in the capital plan for a couple of years, 00:23:05.019 --> 00:23:05.860 so we've not only. 00:23:05.860 --> 00:23:07.160 Yeah, capital, for a couple of years, 00:23:07.160 --> 00:23:08.279 that's what we're getting at. 00:23:08.279 --> 00:23:09.120 That's the part of it. 00:23:09.120 --> 00:23:14.640 It's been in the capital plan for a couple years and as we've discussed, as Darren's outlined, 00:23:16.400 --> 00:23:22.080 as far as we have a very heavy water user out there that basically we're at limitation on what's 00:23:22.080 --> 00:23:27.519 available in terms of flow because of the inverted section and that's in part due to the fact that 00:23:27.519 --> 00:23:33.120 they are very diligent in helping us by necking down their flow but the capacity is needed and 00:23:33.120 --> 00:23:37.680 I'm guessing back in the day when this was all done there was always an intent to put in some 00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:42.240 and some type of lift station here just due to the volume of flow that's available there. 00:23:42.240 --> 00:23:47.559 So as we build out, we need additional capacity so that we can then convey that back to the 00:23:47.559 --> 00:23:48.559 wastewater plant. 00:23:48.559 --> 00:23:53.360 Well, did you want to add to that or are you good? 00:23:53.360 --> 00:23:56.200 I would echo Rob's and Greg's sentiment. 00:23:56.200 --> 00:23:58.640 It's been talked about for two years. 00:23:58.640 --> 00:24:04.160 The project's completely done, designed, permitted, ready for construction. 00:24:04.160 --> 00:24:05.160 It's been bid. 00:24:05.160 --> 00:24:12.360 I mean I we've been we've talked about this numerous times this this line has 00:24:12.360 --> 00:24:18.039 issues this isn't a creation just to add another station it's a repair and a 00:24:18.039 --> 00:24:25.740 permanent fix to a problem that we're having again it's designed permitted by 00:24:25.740 --> 00:24:31.360 the EPA we're not going to get a permit to dig up the landfill there isn't 00:24:31.360 --> 00:24:33.519 and I have been to another resolution here. 00:24:33.519 --> 00:24:39.480 We have the creek crossing to deal with and frankly the sewer that was put in there, which 00:24:39.480 --> 00:24:43.720 I don't know the era, was not a good plan to put a landfill on top of it. 00:24:43.720 --> 00:24:46.519 So unfortunately I didn't do that. 00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:48.039 I didn't make the problem. 00:24:48.039 --> 00:24:50.259 I'm just trying to help find a solution for it. 00:24:50.259 --> 00:24:53.000 We have a bid that we've already bid the project. 00:24:53.000 --> 00:24:59.320 We have a potential awarder tonight, excuse me, on the 18th and it was brought to this 00:24:59.320 --> 00:25:10.320 to just re-talk about why it is that we're here because there's been so much gossip about how we got here, so we're here to clarify the error. 00:25:10.320 --> 00:25:11.320 Alderman Sanders, did you want to? 00:25:11.320 --> 00:25:24.320 Yeah, it would be very appreciated to the citizens of Freeport who relies on our understanding of the process when putting projects together and bringing us up to date and up to speed. 00:25:24.320 --> 00:25:33.400 B. The people of the City of Freeport, they're not sitting in their homes with a retainer 00:25:33.400 --> 00:25:37.779 mindset that they should hold on to any information for two years. 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:39.360 That's not going to happen. 00:25:39.360 --> 00:25:47.160 But it would be respectful and considerate of our staff to keep us up to date, keep us 00:25:47.160 --> 00:25:49.440 up to breath so we'll know that it's coming. 00:25:49.440 --> 00:25:52.960 And one other thing is, too. 00:25:52.960 --> 00:26:11.960 I just wanted to find out whether or not we voted on this thing. If we voted on it, then I don't have no argument with it. If it passed, then I have no argument with it. But if it's being reintroduced to us, then I have a problem with it because we have not set back to re-evaluate what it is that we're proposing at this moment. 00:26:11.960 --> 00:26:41.960 Manager, Boyer. Alderman, Sanders, we do have any opportunity throughout the month to get together and talk about what's on the agenda. I do so with Alderman Shadle and Alderman Klemm and Alderperson Johnson and also Alderperson Sellers. We talk about these things during those conversations and I know we've met, but it's been a very long time since we've 00:26:41.960 --> 00:27:01.960 We've met. But we did have a conversation this morning or this afternoon briefly. That would have been another opportunity. However, we really need to spend some time with you and me and the mayor going over the agendas so that you're not feeling caught flat-footed on what's coming before council. And that's why we're having this discussion tonight. 00:27:01.960 --> 00:27:10.759 Well, that's what I. Actually, you've had your two times. I know. I have something I would like to say. You can call and tuck the details out. Yeah. 00:27:10.840 --> 00:27:31.320 Um, Alderman Stacy, did you have something? Yes. You know, I sit back and I listen how Ralph is speaking about how it's been in the capital plan for a couple of years now. And then he's guessing about this and he's guessing about that. 00:27:31.960 --> 00:27:48.960 and it's like if you, City Manager Boyer, know so much, instead of guessing, you will be explaining this to us instead of daring. 00:27:48.960 --> 00:28:02.960 It's crazy how we continue not to organize what needs to happen in our city first. 00:28:02.960 --> 00:28:14.960 We can put this type of money into a lift station, but our streets are continue to be crap. 00:28:14.960 --> 00:28:19.960 Oh, but we don't have an account for our street. 00:28:23.960 --> 00:28:29.960 It pisses me off that we have gone 25 plus years. 00:28:29.960 --> 00:28:35.960 Now we're going to put the car before the horse because what if, what if, what if? 00:28:37.960 --> 00:28:42.960 Why aren't we dealing with what's true and not the what if? 00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:56.360 and I do have a question. How will the nursing home benefit from this lift station? Since 00:28:56.360 --> 00:29:03.840 the nursing home was threw up in my face today, how it's going to benefit the nursing home, 00:29:03.840 --> 00:29:10.880 how will it benefit the nursing home? Darren, would you want to answer that? 00:29:10.880 --> 00:29:14.440 Their flow will go into the lift station. No, City Manager Boyer. 00:29:14.440 --> 00:29:17.440 No, I just directed Darren Siegel to answer it. 00:29:17.440 --> 00:29:22.440 Yes, because City Manager Boyer, you can't. 00:29:22.440 --> 00:29:29.440 You're out of order. Could you just let him finish and then if Rob wants to add something, he can. 00:29:29.440 --> 00:29:34.440 The nursing home flow will go into the new lift station. 00:29:34.440 --> 00:29:38.440 Excuse me? 00:29:38.440 --> 00:29:43.440 The nursing home flow would go into the new lift station. 00:29:43.440 --> 00:29:50.720 Manager, Boyer, you want to add anything? The nursing home flow. The sewer flow. Okay. 00:29:52.720 --> 00:29:56.960 So they wouldn't necessarily benefit from it, they would just have a different angle 00:29:58.559 --> 00:30:00.720 to connect to it. 00:30:00.720 --> 00:30:02.000 to connect to it. 00:30:06.920 --> 00:30:09.220 It's not like the nursing home needs this. 00:30:10.440 --> 00:30:13.360 Their flow goes in the same line that Snack King 00:30:13.360 --> 00:30:14.480 and everybody else does. 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:17.960 So if the issues continue to happen, 00:30:17.960 --> 00:30:20.000 their service will be backed up as well. 00:30:22.220 --> 00:30:23.059 Okay. 00:30:25.240 --> 00:30:27.700 Would you like your second, Alderman Stacy, 00:30:27.700 --> 00:30:30.240 would you like your second round of questioning? 00:30:30.240 --> 00:30:40.000 yes i want my second round okay go ahead yes okay you know i'm tired of been talking about 00:30:40.000 --> 00:30:49.039 who's meeting and who's not meeting i am not willing to meet behind closed doors 00:30:49.759 --> 00:30:58.960 and not keep my constituents and the public informed and that's what me behind closed doors do 00:31:00.240 --> 00:31:08.240 I want stuff addressed on the floor so that the community and the constituents know exactly what's going on. 00:31:09.240 --> 00:31:18.240 Next year, this tip is scheduled to close, but Lord forbid if you put something back into taxpayers' hands. 00:31:18.240 --> 00:31:20.240 So let's use it up now. 00:31:24.240 --> 00:31:27.240 I should be there, but I can't be there. 00:31:27.240 --> 00:31:39.720 But, I'm tired of excuses being made to spend money and not organizing what should be concentrated 00:31:39.720 --> 00:31:48.720 on first. Things are created two and three years ago for such a time as this. And then 00:31:48.720 --> 00:31:54.799 we're expected to have all the answers, some of this stuff started before we were even 00:31:54.799 --> 00:32:11.480 Seated at the Table, Alderman Sanders. Not all, but some. And this is just another way 00:32:11.480 --> 00:32:21.799 to put money into a project where everybody is going to be paid well but the constituents 00:32:21.799 --> 00:32:26.600 and the Precourt. 00:32:26.600 --> 00:32:28.320 Is there any other discussion? 00:32:28.320 --> 00:32:34.960 Alderman Klemm. 00:32:34.960 --> 00:32:42.160 I'd just like to bring up that over the years, and this is many years, there's been a lot 00:32:42.160 --> 00:32:48.579 of discussion regarding the landfill and how it has changed and what we've had to do with 00:32:48.579 --> 00:32:50.579 it. 00:32:50.579 --> 00:32:56.480 Every few years, or possibly there and would know more, I remember at one point it was 00:32:56.480 --> 00:33:02.500 every year the State of Illinois kept coming up with new regulations of what had to be 00:33:02.500 --> 00:33:10.259 done to monitor the landfill and elitre off the landfill and everything else. I remember 00:33:10.259 --> 00:33:15.259 one year we were all ready to grow trees on top of it, and that was legal with the State 00:33:15.259 --> 00:33:19.059 and that would solve all the problems in the world, and two years later it was to tear 00:33:19.059 --> 00:33:22.539 Taylor, all those trees down. We never did that. But this 00:33:22.539 --> 00:33:27.059 project in this area has been discussed for years and years. 00:33:27.059 --> 00:33:29.819 I want to bring up a little bit, and it has been mentioned by 00:33:29.819 --> 00:33:35.299 some people, the airport and some of the facilities out there. 00:33:35.299 --> 00:33:40.720 If we take a look and go back to the presentation that Greater 00:33:40.720 --> 00:33:45.579 Freeport Partnership did, one of the things that they mentioned 00:33:45.579 --> 00:33:51.420 was the availability of jobs and availability of expansion at some of these places. 00:33:51.420 --> 00:33:56.799 Snack King had announced it at a business after hours that I was at, probably a year 00:33:56.799 --> 00:34:02.059 and a half ago or better, that they were looking at putting in a new warehouse there, okay. 00:34:02.059 --> 00:34:07.579 In that thing, we mentioned that Snack King is the biggest user of water out there. We've 00:34:07.579 --> 00:34:14.179 got other facilities out there that use a bunch of water, and there is one of the only 00:34:14.179 --> 00:34:22.059 and many places in all this acreage around and everything else to build things and to 00:34:22.059 --> 00:34:26.340 expand on stuff. We mentioned the airport. You know, everybody 00:34:26.340 --> 00:34:32.739 flies in and out with Piper Cubs. It is a little more than that. If Snack King or Wittner's 00:34:32.739 --> 00:34:37.500 at the time wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for the airport because Wittner flew in and 00:34:37.500 --> 00:34:42.260 out of it all the time. Harbor Freight wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for the airport. 00:34:42.260 --> 00:34:45.340 They used it to fly in and take a look at town and stuff. 00:34:45.340 --> 00:34:49.380 Sure, Honeywell and those places don't use it, but when we 00:34:49.380 --> 00:34:53.180 designed the second road to go into the airport, one of the 00:34:53.180 --> 00:34:57.820 things alongside that road is a layout for all commercial 00:34:57.820 --> 00:34:59.760 buildings to go up in there. 00:34:59.760 --> 00:35:04.420 You know, Cliff at one point talked about a machining 00:35:04.420 --> 00:35:07.460 operation that would come over here from Rockford that was at 00:35:07.460 --> 00:35:10.500 the airport that would have been one of the places that would 00:35:10.500 --> 00:35:14.740 and I have taken up a good share of that land, but they couldn't do it because there is no 00:35:14.740 --> 00:35:21.860 water and sewer. There is no toilet facility at the airport. We have got an airport that 00:35:21.860 --> 00:35:27.820 has been built out to add a whole new facility for people that come in and everything else 00:35:27.820 --> 00:35:32.139 has never been built out. It is sitting there. If you fly in after hours, you are going to 00:35:32.139 --> 00:35:36.940 go to a porta potty that sits out there that you are hoping it is not 32 degrees when you 00:35:36.940 --> 00:35:43.780 Foyen. You know, so I think there's more room for expansion and stuff in this area than 00:35:43.780 --> 00:35:50.460 we realize. You know, when Darren mentioned all the acreage out there, okay, it isn't 00:35:50.460 --> 00:35:56.619 going to happen tomorrow, but guess what? If we don't do anything to take and take advantage 00:35:56.619 --> 00:36:03.059 of that area and fix issues that are in that area, they're never going to come. Thank you. 00:36:03.059 --> 00:36:04.059 and others. 00:36:04.059 --> 00:36:05.059 Thank you. 00:36:05.059 --> 00:36:06.059 Is there any other discussion? 00:36:06.059 --> 00:36:07.059 Yeah. 00:36:07.059 --> 00:36:08.059 Yeah, I know. 00:36:08.059 --> 00:36:14.059 I just wanted to top it off after what he just said. 00:36:14.059 --> 00:36:20.099 Then we will move on to item number 10, sure. 00:36:20.099 --> 00:36:25.579 The reason we're presenting this tonight is because the bid approval is on the next meeting, 00:36:25.579 --> 00:36:28.780 so we're trying to get everybody back up to speed 00:36:28.780 --> 00:36:33.780 and understanding of why the project need is, 00:36:34.940 --> 00:36:38.539 what the project is, how you decide to move forward 00:36:38.539 --> 00:36:41.420 is however the council decides to move forward. 00:36:41.420 --> 00:36:44.820 It is a needed project for that area 00:36:44.820 --> 00:36:48.300 and this station was designed to last a lifetime, 00:36:48.300 --> 00:36:52.420 not just a throwaway project. 00:36:52.420 --> 00:36:54.820 This would be a permanent lift station. 00:36:54.820 --> 00:36:57.340 we currently have nine within the city. 00:36:57.340 --> 00:37:01.340 Due to our elevation restrictions, it's just unnecessary. 00:37:01.340 --> 00:37:03.860 We do not try to design lift stations. 00:37:03.860 --> 00:37:06.300 We try to design gravity systems. 00:37:06.300 --> 00:37:09.059 There's just no way to pull this change off 00:37:09.059 --> 00:37:11.139 through a gravity system. 00:37:11.139 --> 00:37:13.099 Okay, so we'll move on to item number 10, 00:37:13.099 --> 00:37:16.380 which is discussion regarding the construction of ADA ramps 00:37:16.380 --> 00:37:18.180 at the intersection of South Park Boulevard 00:37:18.180 --> 00:37:19.880 and Church Street. 00:37:19.880 --> 00:37:20.720 Darren. 00:37:24.820 --> 00:37:54.800 thank you so the council I believe it was a little over a month ago approved an 00:37:54.800 --> 00:38:01.079 and ADA Commission through our transition plan that we've put together for the city. 00:38:01.079 --> 00:38:07.679 And before we had the committee stood up, I received the very first grievance from a 00:38:07.679 --> 00:38:11.960 lady that lives over on Pearl City Road. 00:38:11.960 --> 00:38:18.480 I handed out some packets so you guys can see it a little better up front, but we've 00:38:18.480 --> 00:38:21.579 also put this little presentation together. 00:38:21.579 --> 00:38:38.579 So this is the intersection of Church Street and Park Street and it is currently not ADA permissible and it doesn't meet pro ag standards and I'm going to kind of go through the ramps with you just so you get an understanding of why. 00:38:38.579 --> 00:38:43.579 So this is actual Monroe Clinic eye care back here. 00:38:44.340 --> 00:38:49.099 This is what we would call their carriage ramps on page one. 00:38:49.099 --> 00:38:52.079 Their carriage ramp is illegal by standards. 00:38:52.079 --> 00:38:56.099 You can no longer send a handicapped person out into traffic 00:38:56.099 --> 00:38:58.500 with no crossing across the street from them. 00:38:58.500 --> 00:39:01.539 In this particular instance, 00:39:01.539 --> 00:39:03.619 there isn't one across the street from them. 00:39:03.619 --> 00:39:06.420 So if we did a construction project in this area, 00:39:06.420 --> 00:39:12.140 We would remove this ramp permanently because a handicapped person would not know that they 00:39:12.140 --> 00:39:15.340 couldn't cross the street with that type of ramp now. 00:39:15.340 --> 00:39:19.940 So those are deemed illegal by Pro Act standards. 00:39:19.940 --> 00:39:22.800 Kurt can you please go to the next page? 00:39:22.800 --> 00:39:25.940 So this is the corner over by St. John's Church. 00:39:25.940 --> 00:39:29.980 I just wanted to highlight that ramp doesn't exist here like it should. 00:39:29.980 --> 00:39:34.240 And then St. John's at one time installed a sidewalk to nowhere. 00:39:34.240 --> 00:39:35.659 It actually stops. 00:39:35.659 --> 00:39:38.579 It's never been connected, nor the school system 00:39:38.579 --> 00:39:39.940 that's down here at Carl Sandburg. 00:39:39.940 --> 00:39:41.380 They don't have a sidewalk either, 00:39:41.380 --> 00:39:44.059 but it does start at the end of the residential property 00:39:44.059 --> 00:39:45.680 all the way down on Church Street. 00:39:45.680 --> 00:39:48.100 So this is a connectivity issue 00:39:48.100 --> 00:39:50.079 for mobility challenge people 00:39:50.079 --> 00:39:52.140 that we have to overcome in Freeport, 00:39:52.140 --> 00:39:54.019 but currently our ordinances say 00:39:54.019 --> 00:39:56.640 that St. John's Church own this issue, 00:39:56.640 --> 00:39:59.019 and Carl Sandburg owns the issue on their property. 00:39:59.019 --> 00:40:00.900 The city does not own the sidewalk. 00:40:00.900 --> 00:40:04.900 and the City does not own the sidewalks on private property. 00:40:04.900 --> 00:40:07.900 Let me go through the end and we'll ask some questions. 00:40:07.900 --> 00:40:10.900 So this is the corner of St. John's Church. 00:40:10.900 --> 00:40:14.900 As you can see, we have full head curb rounding the entire intersection. 00:40:14.900 --> 00:40:22.900 This would need to be a lowered elevated ramp with a truncated dome tile in order for it to be transversible. 00:40:22.900 --> 00:40:25.900 This particular wedge here goes out onto Park Street. 00:40:25.900 --> 00:40:26.900 Fowler. 00:40:26.900 --> 00:40:31.800 Again, these are not legal by PROAG standards because there's no sidewalk connection across 00:40:31.800 --> 00:40:33.059 the street from this. 00:40:33.059 --> 00:40:38.599 So again, having a ramp here sends somebody that's disabled out into traffic with nowhere 00:40:38.599 --> 00:40:39.599 to go. 00:40:39.599 --> 00:40:45.700 Currently, disabled people that try to use this ramp can't go up it. 00:40:45.700 --> 00:40:49.820 So they actually go out here in traffic and head north on Park Street until they get to 00:40:49.820 --> 00:40:52.099 the first driveway out in traffic. 00:40:52.099 --> 00:40:55.360 That's their only option to access here. 00:40:55.360 --> 00:40:56.480 the next slide please. 00:40:58.680 --> 00:41:01.519 So this is that same intersection from a distance. 00:41:01.519 --> 00:41:03.760 So someone that's going across the street 00:41:03.760 --> 00:41:06.240 cannot get across this ramp. 00:41:06.240 --> 00:41:08.140 And then this is an illegal ramp. 00:41:08.140 --> 00:41:11.039 So they actually drive their mobility scooter 00:41:11.039 --> 00:41:14.460 or wheelchair actually right down the roadway here. 00:41:14.460 --> 00:41:16.480 Park Street is one of our heaviest 00:41:16.480 --> 00:41:19.460 and fastest streets in town. 00:41:19.460 --> 00:41:23.000 And the grievant provided this intersection specifically 00:41:23.000 --> 00:41:28.000 as a problem for their loved one to actually access this area. 00:41:29.740 --> 00:41:31.260 Next slide, please. 00:41:32.180 --> 00:41:35.860 So this is the ramp on the corner. 00:41:35.860 --> 00:41:38.740 So here's another ramp that goes to nowhere. 00:41:38.740 --> 00:41:39.860 These are illegal. 00:41:40.860 --> 00:41:43.980 Currently, the grievance is trying to access this 00:41:43.980 --> 00:41:47.539 through a mobility scooter 00:41:47.539 --> 00:41:49.980 to try to get out onto the street. 00:41:49.980 --> 00:41:52.740 As you can see, this sidewalk here is raged. 00:41:52.740 --> 00:41:57.380 The city owns this piece of the sidewalk of the ADA corner at every intersection. 00:41:57.380 --> 00:42:00.579 We are responsible for this mechanism right here. 00:42:00.579 --> 00:42:08.579 So this tilted up sidewalk, this platform has to be 2% in each direction in order to meet code. 00:42:08.579 --> 00:42:09.860 This does not. 00:42:09.860 --> 00:42:14.300 This leg of the ramp has to be, well, this one's illegal, but it would have to be under 8%. 00:42:14.300 --> 00:42:17.579 This kind of crook in it is totally illegal. 00:42:17.579 --> 00:42:20.059 Can you go to the next slide, please? 00:42:20.059 --> 00:42:23.360 So this is looking south on this street. 00:42:23.360 --> 00:42:26.579 So here we have another ramp area 00:42:26.579 --> 00:42:29.440 that is not created for a handicapped person to come off. 00:42:29.440 --> 00:42:30.740 That's a full curb head. 00:42:30.740 --> 00:42:35.180 And you can see the slope of the condition 00:42:35.180 --> 00:42:37.780 of the existing concrete ramp here. 00:42:37.780 --> 00:42:40.800 So neither side of this crossing is considered legal 00:42:40.800 --> 00:42:43.920 to the city standards or to the pro-ag standards. 00:42:43.920 --> 00:42:47.940 That being said, they're legal as is. 00:42:47.940 --> 00:42:51.220 They just don't meet our standards for mobility challenge people. 00:42:51.220 --> 00:42:55.619 This is why the grievance process and the committee was formed to address these type 00:42:55.619 --> 00:42:56.619 of issues. 00:42:56.619 --> 00:42:58.579 Next slide, please. 00:42:58.579 --> 00:43:04.659 So I wanted to show you just for your information, these are a couple pictures of areas that 00:43:04.659 --> 00:43:07.840 are compliant that have had replacements. 00:43:07.840 --> 00:43:12.000 So this is the kind of sidewalk crossing that we would suggest at park. 00:43:12.000 --> 00:43:15.340 Nothing going out into park but coming across church. 00:43:15.340 --> 00:43:16.659 Here's the truncated dome. 00:43:16.659 --> 00:43:23.320 are required by law at every crossing now and as you can see the ramps are sloped down 00:43:23.320 --> 00:43:30.300 to under 8% and have a resting spot for people that are mobility challenged as they cross 00:43:30.300 --> 00:43:31.300 streets. 00:43:31.300 --> 00:43:37.360 It should be noted that this area here also has to be under 2% and the crossing that goes 00:43:37.360 --> 00:43:41.659 across the street here has to be under 5%. 00:43:41.659 --> 00:43:43.099 Next slide please. 00:43:43.099 --> 00:43:45.740 Here's another one that we did last year. 00:43:45.740 --> 00:43:49.099 We had some record photos of ones that have been replaced. 00:43:49.099 --> 00:43:51.820 Again, this is a fully compliant sidewalk. 00:43:51.820 --> 00:43:53.980 A lot of the new series have these, 00:43:53.980 --> 00:43:55.579 so they call them headwalls on them. 00:43:55.579 --> 00:43:58.220 That's for people that have sight issues, 00:43:58.220 --> 00:44:00.059 so they can tap those as they know 00:44:00.059 --> 00:44:01.900 they're getting up to the Truncated Dome. 00:44:01.900 --> 00:44:03.420 That's the signal to them 00:44:03.420 --> 00:44:05.240 that they're going across the street 00:44:05.240 --> 00:44:07.780 and that they should be going straight across 00:44:07.780 --> 00:44:09.700 and they feel for the other side of the ramp 00:44:09.700 --> 00:44:10.539 when they come across 00:44:10.539 --> 00:44:12.860 to make sure that they're getting there. 00:44:12.860 --> 00:44:14.059 Next slide, please. 00:44:14.059 --> 00:44:17.180 Here's another one that was done recently. 00:44:17.180 --> 00:44:19.900 Again, you can see a typical double crossing. 00:44:19.900 --> 00:44:22.539 So this would be something that will go on each side. 00:44:22.539 --> 00:44:25.980 Again, the city's responsible by PROAG codes 00:44:25.980 --> 00:44:28.500 is that we have to fix this entire corner 00:44:28.500 --> 00:44:32.019 and 15 feet back in each direction on the sidewalk 00:44:32.019 --> 00:44:33.519 as the updates are done. 00:44:33.519 --> 00:44:36.519 That is the standard, that's a federal standard. 00:44:36.519 --> 00:44:38.480 Anytime we use state or federal money 00:44:38.480 --> 00:44:41.460 on any street project, even local money now, 00:44:41.460 --> 00:44:45.320 We have to make that upgrade as we hit those intersections. 00:44:47.119 --> 00:44:49.539 And here's, this is an alternate. 00:44:49.539 --> 00:44:52.460 This is considered somewhere that has an open space. 00:44:52.460 --> 00:44:55.340 So this, I believe, might be over by Westwood 00:44:55.340 --> 00:44:57.940 where it opens up for school kids. 00:44:57.940 --> 00:45:00.980 Again, see how the truncated dome goes all the way across? 00:45:00.980 --> 00:45:04.420 That's the signal to somebody that's mobility challenged 00:45:04.420 --> 00:45:05.579 that they're crossing the street 00:45:05.579 --> 00:45:07.300 if they have sight disabilities. 00:45:07.300 --> 00:45:09.280 And then our standard requires, 00:45:09.280 --> 00:45:12.140 and actually Proag does as well. 00:45:12.140 --> 00:45:15.940 The new sidewalks have to be put at five feet wide 00:45:15.940 --> 00:45:19.640 and then reduced back to whatever's there so you can kind 00:45:19.640 --> 00:45:22.940 of see the changes that were made at this intersection. 00:45:22.940 --> 00:45:29.579 The reason the commission was created was to address issues 00:45:29.579 --> 00:45:31.240 like the one we're talking about. 00:45:31.240 --> 00:45:33.420 Anybody can file a grievance. 00:45:33.420 --> 00:45:37.840 Once the grievances are filed, it will go to the ADA commission 00:45:37.840 --> 00:45:44.000 and we're just talking about this tonight because on the next meeting there's going to be a proposal 00:45:44.000 --> 00:45:51.360 to repair a park and church. We currently don't have funding for that in the budget so it's the 00:45:51.360 --> 00:45:58.400 council's pleasure to help find funding or what we're going to do. I have talked to the petitioner 00:45:59.039 --> 00:46:06.079 and they understand they would be excited to see this change happen and as a community we 00:46:06.079 --> 00:46:11.559 should want it to happen. The park and church intersection has a handful of items that I 00:46:11.559 --> 00:46:16.640 want to point out. A, it's next to a church, it's next to an eye doctor, it's in the safe 00:46:16.640 --> 00:46:24.599 routes to school, and the petitioner lives less than 900 feet away from this intersection. 00:46:24.599 --> 00:46:35.200 Alderman Sanders? Yeah. Darren, I have to agree with you on a lot of your points that 00:46:35.200 --> 00:46:38.740 and Jodi. 00:46:38.740 --> 00:46:51.780 It would be efficient for us as the city to look at that to give you an honest proposal 00:46:51.780 --> 00:46:59.260 to go forth with something of that nature to reconstruct those areas for remodification 00:46:59.260 --> 00:47:04.260 and not only that, to make sure that those sidewalks 00:47:06.619 --> 00:47:11.619 and those ADA ramps are meeting the slope of those ramps. 00:47:14.380 --> 00:47:19.220 I can see some, I can see where it starts off 00:47:19.220 --> 00:47:22.140 and then I can see the slope of those ramps. 00:47:22.140 --> 00:47:23.700 Now I'm looking at the slopes, I'm saying, 00:47:23.700 --> 00:47:28.559 well, that's too fast for a person for a wheelchair. 00:47:28.559 --> 00:47:34.240 even with some folks if they're just running or trotting it would be a little 00:47:34.240 --> 00:47:39.800 bit too fast it can lose their footing but I agree with you when it comes to 00:47:39.800 --> 00:47:46.280 reconstructing those areas especially the part where sidewalks have no the 00:47:46.280 --> 00:47:52.519 sidewalk to no end or however you put that I see that all over the city and I 00:47:52.519 --> 00:47:58.119 think we should look at that even more you know for for homeowners residents or 00:47:58.119 --> 00:48:04.200 and others who would love to have sidewalks to be connected from one block to the next 00:48:04.200 --> 00:48:05.200 block. 00:48:05.200 --> 00:48:07.079 I can see that happening. 00:48:07.079 --> 00:48:15.180 So I think we should look at all of the areas and find the fundings, look where the fundings 00:48:15.180 --> 00:48:19.559 could be accumulated from and work from there. 00:48:19.559 --> 00:48:26.079 But one thing I do like for you to do if you don't mind doing that, keeping us abreast 00:48:26.079 --> 00:48:29.240 to all that you're coming up with, yeah. 00:48:29.240 --> 00:48:30.720 You know, just bringing it to us, 00:48:30.720 --> 00:48:32.200 let us know where you're at, 00:48:32.200 --> 00:48:34.780 what your intents are, and that kind of thing. 00:48:34.780 --> 00:48:38.100 So part of the ADA commission is the commission 00:48:38.100 --> 00:48:40.960 can't move forward with any repairs without council approval. 00:48:40.960 --> 00:48:43.519 So every one of these grievance or petitioners 00:48:43.519 --> 00:48:46.519 will come to the city after it goes to the ADA commission. 00:48:46.519 --> 00:48:48.680 You will actually make the final decision. 00:48:48.680 --> 00:48:51.300 The commission's just a recommendation to fix. 00:48:52.600 --> 00:48:53.900 A couple points I wanna make 00:48:53.900 --> 00:48:55.579 from some of your questions there. 00:48:55.579 --> 00:49:00.220 So the City of Freeport has over 1,500 ADA ramps. 00:49:00.220 --> 00:49:04.460 We only have about 25% compliant currently. 00:49:05.800 --> 00:49:10.800 Rob and I went to a meeting with the District 2 IDOT. 00:49:11.820 --> 00:49:16.820 Last year, they replaced 300 ramps in our entire district, 00:49:17.220 --> 00:49:18.920 which our district is very large. 00:49:18.920 --> 00:49:22.800 It goes from East Butte to Rockford to Peoria 00:49:22.800 --> 00:49:24.180 to the Quad Cities. 00:49:24.180 --> 00:49:29.260 The City of Freeport has replaced 322 ramps in the last three years, not counting any 00:49:29.260 --> 00:49:32.099 that we've replaced this year. 00:49:32.099 --> 00:49:36.980 And I will tell you there's been a lot of complaints in town that Fehr Graham or I designed 00:49:36.980 --> 00:49:39.180 ramps wrong and they have to be ripped out. 00:49:39.180 --> 00:49:41.920 That is strictly untrue. 00:49:41.920 --> 00:49:46.840 The ramps that have been replaced were built by the contractors wrong and our inspection 00:49:46.840 --> 00:49:52.079 practices that you pay us for make us go out and check them and then the contractor removes 00:49:52.079 --> 00:49:55.160 and Walters, and replaces those for free when they build them wrong. 00:49:55.160 --> 00:49:57.960 That's the quality assurance of the inspection. 00:49:57.960 --> 00:50:00.800 We had one project last year that had 76- 00:50:00.800 --> 00:50:06.760 Cech last year that had 76, two years ago, excuse me, had 76 ramps on it and 38 of them 00:50:06.760 --> 00:50:11.340 had to be replaced at no cost to the city based on them being built wrong. 00:50:11.340 --> 00:50:15.240 That has nothing to do with your engineer, that's the quality assurance you're paying 00:50:15.240 --> 00:50:18.420 us to make sure it happens on the jobs. 00:50:18.420 --> 00:50:25.720 One other thing I'd like to point out to something that you said, the city has a sidewalk program 00:50:25.720 --> 00:50:27.280 for homeowners. 00:50:27.280 --> 00:50:35.200 currently has not been updated for many years. I believe we have 20,000 annually. We do removals 00:50:35.200 --> 00:50:42.480 for free and we pay up a portion towards the new sidewalk that is put in if you replace your whole 00:50:42.480 --> 00:50:48.400 sidewalk. We don't have a ton of participation in that program. We are going to try to revamp it for 00:50:48.400 --> 00:50:55.120 2026 and advertise it more. We have a lot of sidewalk that is owned by homeowners that needs 00:50:55.120 --> 00:50:57.120 and the rest of the city. 00:50:57.120 --> 00:50:59.120 The city needs to be addressed. 00:50:59.120 --> 00:51:10.120 The city has codes and ordinances that we can back that up with, but we haven't got to that point yet because we know that it's a problem for people to replace so much sidewalk. 00:51:10.120 --> 00:51:12.120 But we have to look at connectivity. 00:51:12.120 --> 00:51:17.019 and the other problems that we have is that the communities have just as much rights to transverse those towns as anybody that walks. 00:51:17.019 --> 00:51:23.560 And we have to provide access to them to whatever means necessary to get them from A to B. 00:51:23.560 --> 00:51:26.640 And so that is part of the plan. 00:51:26.640 --> 00:51:33.580 But just so you know, too, Larry, we are replacing ramps as we do street projects. 00:51:33.580 --> 00:51:35.580 And they're expensive, right? 00:51:35.580 --> 00:51:40.360 They're somewhere between twelve and twenty thousand dollars to replace each corner. 00:51:40.360 --> 00:51:45.720 those are incorporated into our one percent street plan and we are executing that where they exist 00:51:45.720 --> 00:51:53.320 because it's required by law okay so outside of that funding we don't have other funding sitting 00:51:53.320 --> 00:51:59.480 around to just go pick other ramps to do i don't have the exact number but i think we're doing 00:51:59.480 --> 00:52:04.039 around 40 ramps this year between all the different street and water main projects so 00:52:04.039 --> 00:52:08.120 we are doing a significant amount of ramp work very good any other discussion 00:52:08.120 --> 00:52:13.280 I just wanted to add there also the nursing home is right by there that I 00:52:13.280 --> 00:52:17.080 used to work at and we use those streets a lot when we walk people outside to give 00:52:17.080 --> 00:52:22.800 them fresh air so that's important also. Okay then we'll move on to item number 00:52:22.800 --> 00:52:26.440 10 which is the discussion regarding transportation services agreement to 00:52:26.440 --> 00:52:30.560 sell Pretzel City Transit punch cards at the library. Director Huffines. Thank you. 00:52:30.560 --> 00:52:34.120 The library is always seeking collaborations and partners to help 00:52:34.120 --> 00:52:36.120 and 00:52:37.120 --> 00:52:39.120 others. 00:52:40.120 --> 00:52:45.120 We are seeking to make access to ride vouchers and punch cards more 00:52:45.120 --> 00:52:50.120 accessible by becoming a location for people to purchase vouchers and 00:52:50.120 --> 00:52:53.120 punch cards for Pretzel City Transit. 00:52:53.120 --> 00:52:57.120 Although the Freeport Public Library is a department of the city, we 00:52:57.120 --> 00:52:59.120 are a separate taxing district. 00:52:59.120 --> 00:53:04.480 Friport Taxing District. It is important to demonstrate the Library's commitment to selling 00:53:04.480 --> 00:53:11.200 these vouchers to IDOT, so we are entering into a formal agreement. The City of Friport's 00:53:11.200 --> 00:53:17.920 responsibilities under this agreement are to provide reliable on-time transportation to 00:53:17.920 --> 00:53:23.440 the Friport Public Library users in a timely manner, and to supply the Friport Public Library 00:53:23.440 --> 00:53:28.080 with vouchers and punch cards for sale at the Library. The Friport Public Library's 00:53:28.080 --> 00:53:34.860 these responsibilities under this agreement are to maintain an inventory of vouchers and 00:53:34.860 --> 00:53:40.840 punch cards, to notate the vouchers to indicate that they were purchased at the library, to 00:53:40.840 --> 00:53:46.100 maintain accurate inventory of on hand and sold vouchers and punch cards and provide 00:53:46.100 --> 00:53:49.120 inventory reports to the city upon request. 00:53:49.120 --> 00:53:54.780 And the library will compensate the city monthly for all vouchers and punch cards sold. 00:53:54.780 --> 00:53:58.380 there's no financial impact to the city or the library. 00:53:58.380 --> 00:54:01.720 And the city staff recommend approving the agreement 00:54:01.720 --> 00:54:03.400 with the Freeport Public Library. 00:54:03.400 --> 00:54:05.760 And in the strategic plan, 00:54:05.760 --> 00:54:09.160 it supports strong public and private partnerships. 00:54:09.160 --> 00:54:11.100 A couple of things to note, 00:54:11.100 --> 00:54:16.100 the vouchers are $3 a piece and the punch cards are $60. 00:54:18.020 --> 00:54:21.940 The punch cards are available for up to 21 rides. 00:54:21.940 --> 00:54:25.120 you get 21 punches on those cards. 00:54:25.120 --> 00:54:29.920 We are just in another place to purchase, 00:54:29.920 --> 00:54:31.140 that's what we're seeking. 00:54:31.140 --> 00:54:34.960 So currently you can purchase at Highland Community College 00:54:34.960 --> 00:54:37.920 and Pretzel City Transit office, 00:54:37.920 --> 00:54:39.640 but those are the only two locations 00:54:39.640 --> 00:54:41.079 in the city to purchase. 00:54:43.079 --> 00:54:45.380 Any discussion, Alderman Sanders? 00:54:45.380 --> 00:54:47.320 Yeah, just a quick question. 00:54:49.140 --> 00:54:50.980 When did this come into form? 00:54:51.940 --> 00:55:11.940 For the library? About a week or two ago. Is that a notification that was distributed throughout the city? No. So before we do any type of marketing or telling anybody that we're looking into doing this, we need to make sure that the city is on board. 00:55:11.940 --> 00:55:17.620 Foward. So that's why we bring it to the COW and if you guys are agreeable to it and we're 00:55:17.620 --> 00:55:22.740 not getting a lot of dissension, then I'm going to move forward and take it to the library 00:55:22.740 --> 00:55:34.100 board. There's no diverting from this regular work ethics of the transit, preso duties. They're 00:55:34.100 --> 00:55:39.700 still going to be functioning throughout the city regardless of whether they're being used 00:56:09.700 --> 00:56:15.340 and I did discuss with Ashley too. I know a lot of times when you when you ride the 00:56:15.340 --> 00:56:18.820 pretzel bus you have to register and I asked her if they would have to register 00:56:18.820 --> 00:56:23.420 there before they get their vouchers and she said no that when they would call 00:56:23.420 --> 00:56:27.100 for their rides and set up the times for their rides that's when they would 00:56:27.100 --> 00:56:29.940 register their name and all the information that they have to have when 00:56:29.940 --> 00:56:37.820 you ride the pretzel city bus. So I do think it's a good idea for the people. 00:56:37.820 --> 00:57:07.820 Do you know does it take more than one voucher to go certain distances or is it just one voucher per ride do you have any idea I didn't know as far as I'm aware the voucher would be like used in the city limit but outside the city limit it might take more than that yeah I didn't know if you know I can I wasn't sure so okay make sure to address that yeah any other discussion 00:57:07.820 --> 00:57:15.820 Thank you, Ashley. Then we will move on to item number 12, which is public comment. Madam Clerk, do you have something to read to the record? 00:57:15.820 --> 00:57:21.820 Yes, this one was received via email from Rebecca Peters. 00:57:21.820 --> 00:57:31.820 I appreciate this opportunity to address the comments made by Alderman Sanders regarding Alderman Parker during the July 1st City Council meeting. 00:57:31.820 --> 00:57:38.320 I need to acknowledge that this is not the first time any council member has made inappropriate comments during a meeting 00:57:38.320 --> 00:57:42.920 and Alderman Sanders is not the only one who has made them. 00:57:42.920 --> 00:57:51.720 However, the remarks made on the 21st were particularly offensive, rude, and had no bearing whatsoever on what was happening during the meeting. 00:57:51.720 --> 00:57:59.820 I'm not going to repeat them, but they were unnecessary and personal attacks on other council members are unattractive and unprofessional. 00:57:59.820 --> 00:58:08.320 At the heart of it all, I want to believe that each of you have the best interest of our city in mind, or you wouldn't have taken on these positions. 00:58:08.320 --> 00:58:19.820 We can't change what's happened in the past, but from this point forward, I feel that any division within the council can only be improved if everyone conducts themselves in a professional manner. 00:58:19.820 --> 00:58:23.820 That may build the confidence of the public in each of you as well. 00:58:23.820 --> 00:58:29.320 Everyone, please remember your microphones are on both before and during the meetings and lead by example. 00:58:29.320 --> 00:58:32.360 Thank you for your time and attention in this matter. 00:58:32.360 --> 00:58:34.160 Becky Peters. 00:58:34.160 --> 00:58:34.440 Thank you. 00:58:34.440 --> 00:58:36.800 Are there other public comments? 00:58:36.800 --> 00:58:37.300 Rhonda? 00:58:41.440 --> 00:58:43.320 In the first comments, I gave you my opinion. 00:58:43.320 --> 00:58:45.440 Now I want to give you some facts. 00:58:45.440 --> 00:58:49.120 First of all, Mr. Stegall, which presented the presentation 00:58:49.120 --> 00:58:55.200 with his laser and a map, he is not an engineer. 00:58:55.200 --> 00:58:58.039 And he didn't bring you any studies showing 00:58:58.039 --> 00:59:22.740 and 00:59:22.740 --> 00:59:52.740 Hicks, and a very important person recommending to you what projects we need for the people of Freeport. He is paid by Fehr Graham, and this is wrong. The second fact is, this has not been brought before for two years. It's on the cow. It's up for discussion. This has not been on the agenda. This is a lie. This is BS. Quit lying. 00:59:52.740 --> 00:59:56.980 Road TIF Report that is filed with the State Comptroller. 00:59:56.980 --> 01:00:00.900 You can look at those reports, every report, up to the one that was currently filed. 01:00:00.900 --> 01:00:02.900 and 01:00:04.920 --> 01:00:06.920 John. 01:00:08.139 --> 01:00:11.340 There is not a single mention of a lift. This is total BS. 01:00:11.340 --> 01:00:15.139 And yes, there is no need for one because we are losing 01:00:15.139 --> 01:00:19.139 industry out there. We lost Honeywell. We do not have 01:00:19.139 --> 01:00:23.139 anybody coming asking to put a factory or anything out there. 01:00:23.139 --> 01:00:27.139 So this is total BS. Do not buy into it. 01:00:27.139 --> 01:00:29.139 and 01:00:31.139 --> 01:00:33.139 the 01:00:34.260 --> 01:00:36.260 President. 01:00:37.639 --> 01:00:50.139 We have a lot of work to do to get people to buy into it. What is the sales pitch from our marketing person over here? It is for the future. People are going to want to come to Freeport. We have 500 and 400 acres we could develop. We have an airport that could be something. How many years have we heard this BS about the airport? How it is going to be the future of Freeport? 01:00:50.139 --> 01:00:54.220 and we've got a clique of five here who are ruining our city. 01:00:54.220 --> 01:00:57.660 Take a look at those Lamb Road TIF, at the TIF reports. 01:00:57.660 --> 01:00:59.740 There is not a lift station in there. 01:00:59.740 --> 01:01:02.260 They should not even be allowed to use those funds 01:01:02.260 --> 01:01:06.059 without that going into the TIF report with public approval 01:01:06.059 --> 01:01:09.300 and that meeting is every October of the year. 01:01:09.300 --> 01:01:11.140 Thank you. 01:01:11.140 --> 01:01:12.460 Next. 01:01:12.460 --> 01:01:23.420 Hi, my name is Cheryl Altman, and I'd like to thank a few, at least three Aldermen for 01:01:23.420 --> 01:01:25.099 sticking up for us. 01:01:25.099 --> 01:01:28.500 When you guys stand up and say the Pledge of Allegiance, it's liberty and justice for 01:01:28.500 --> 01:01:30.119 all. 01:01:30.119 --> 01:01:35.019 Justice has a meaning of being treated fairly and properly. 01:01:35.019 --> 01:01:36.019 Not happening. 01:01:36.019 --> 01:01:42.019 Some of you Aldermen just are here to kiss the city's butt, but you know, that's okay. 01:01:42.019 --> 01:01:49.019 Also, the sidewalks, it's a great idea, but in 95% of your pictures, did you see the potholes? 01:01:49.019 --> 01:01:55.019 Can you imagine a blind person or a wheelchair trying to get a hold of those potholes, getting stuck or tripping? 01:01:55.019 --> 01:02:01.019 The sidewalks are great, I agree with that, but until the streets are fixed, what good is it? 01:02:01.019 --> 01:02:07.539 Also, Rob, next time you guys come on my property, you better make sure I'm there, because when 01:02:07.539 --> 01:02:10.460 I talk to you, you did me dirty. 01:02:10.460 --> 01:02:13.539 So you got two of my houses on winter. 01:02:13.539 --> 01:02:17.039 One tenant moved out, didn't know about the next house next door. 01:02:17.039 --> 01:02:21.659 You guys thought it was mine, but I sold it, so you're trying to come at me. 01:02:21.659 --> 01:02:25.140 So next time you guys better have somebody there, you better come with warmth. 01:02:25.140 --> 01:02:29.180 That's all I'm telling you, because there's a lot of people on here. 01:02:29.180 --> 01:02:32.780 Mayor, you're one of them, Rob, Wayne, 01:02:32.780 --> 01:02:33.940 and some of the Aldermen. 01:02:33.940 --> 01:02:36.320 You're about as useless as tits on a board. 01:02:37.780 --> 01:02:38.619 Next. 01:02:52.500 --> 01:02:54.559 Good evening, Freeport. 01:02:54.559 --> 01:02:56.920 I wanna start this off on a positive note. 01:02:56.920 --> 01:03:07.920 I want to thank you for your support. I'm talking to the director of the library. Your support for the coloring books that you have bought. 01:03:07.920 --> 01:03:19.920 That symbolizes the heroes in our community that have been killed or murdered or in an accident that was never, that justice was never brought forth. 01:03:19.920 --> 01:03:20.920 and John. 01:03:20.920 --> 01:03:25.800 Money isn't enough to cover the life of my nephew. 01:03:25.800 --> 01:03:31.599 Neither is it enough to cover the lives, the life of a young man named Michael, who mother 01:03:31.599 --> 01:03:35.400 is a hairdresser here across the street from Aldi's. 01:03:35.400 --> 01:03:39.360 So I want to thank you for the support that you're giving this family. 01:03:39.360 --> 01:03:47.720 As far as the issues that we're talking about in regards to male race, I have to wonder 01:03:47.720 --> 01:03:58.680 How much of a connection this lift is going to have or has with the mill race project, 01:03:58.680 --> 01:04:07.220 with the airport, with putting water out there, with the weed farm, all of which is taxpayer 01:04:07.220 --> 01:04:15.280 dollars that have been, are being negotiated at these tables to come out of our pockets, 01:04:15.280 --> 01:04:16.280 and others. 01:04:16.280 --> 01:04:32.800 I would like to also say that we pay taxes in this town. 01:04:32.800 --> 01:04:38.420 When you ride down Iroquois, and I invite any of you that are willing to look at the 01:04:38.420 --> 01:04:44.480 truth to ride down Iroquois, and when you ride down Iroquois, you're going to see two 01:04:44.480 --> 01:04:49.280 and I have two houses sitting on a corner across from each other. 01:04:49.280 --> 01:04:53.559 One of them is so filled with trees and weeds and bushes that you can't see the address 01:04:53.559 --> 01:04:56.440 on the house and you can't see the house. 01:04:56.440 --> 01:05:01.740 It goes from around the corner on Iroquois back around the corner and these bushes are 01:05:01.740 --> 01:05:04.079 taller than I am. 01:05:04.079 --> 01:05:12.159 It is horrible that when things are not being taken care of in this city, it appears that 01:05:12.159 --> 01:05:13.159 and more. 01:05:13.159 --> 01:05:18.460 I am grateful that they always happen or don't happen on the east side and west side of town. 01:05:18.460 --> 01:05:21.559 As a child I couldn't walk on the west side of town. 01:05:21.559 --> 01:05:24.800 I couldn't knock on a door and I couldn't live on Carroll. 01:05:24.800 --> 01:05:28.619 When I bought my first house I bought it on Carroll because of that. 01:05:28.619 --> 01:05:35.320 Not knowing that I was buying myself into a drug addicted area with drugs and shootings 01:05:35.320 --> 01:05:38.880 occurring almost every day. 01:05:38.880 --> 01:05:42.640 Friport, you need to understand that there is something that you can do to stop these 01:05:42.640 --> 01:05:43.640 shootings. 01:05:43.640 --> 01:05:47.659 The ones that are occurring on Benton, the ones that are occurring on Pleasant, the ones 01:05:47.659 --> 01:05:51.980 that are down the street from the school, the ones that are happening on Mark Drive, 01:05:51.980 --> 01:05:55.960 the ones that are happening on Porches on Spring Street, the ones that are happening 01:05:55.960 --> 01:05:59.400 on Walnut that haven't occurred but we have marches. 01:05:59.400 --> 01:06:02.280 I'd like to say to you Freeports, stand up. 01:06:02.280 --> 01:06:06.079 Don't allow them to keep doing what they're doing to us in this town. 01:06:06.079 --> 01:06:10.079 Are there any other public comments? All right, Alderman Sanders. 01:06:24.079 --> 01:06:30.079 You know, I take honor in listening to our constituents. 01:06:30.079 --> 01:06:37.079 and when they come to this podium to express opinions, give their acknowledgement, give 01:06:40.480 --> 01:06:47.480 their message to counsel and to anybody else. When I hear public sentiments addressing issues, 01:06:52.720 --> 01:06:59.640 we just can't cast them to the side and act as if we didn't hear them and not take it 01:06:59.640 --> 01:07:06.640 in the consideration. When I, from now on, when counsel bring up a point about negating 01:07:09.920 --> 01:07:16.920 anything another councilman says without any official reports to back up his substantiation 01:07:19.559 --> 01:07:26.559 of anything that he might say, he or she better have themselves backed up with facts and fiction. 01:07:29.640 --> 01:07:53.079 and that goes for everybody on this staff and this administration because from this day on after listening to what I heard today that's exactly what councils or myself or anybody else is going to be pursuing those factual conversations that takes place in this government body in the council. 01:07:53.079 --> 01:08:23.079 So when you open your mouth and you make a false statement and you don't have the answers to back it up you have to make sure that you talk to your constituents because public is going to acknowledge your lies and misconception and deceptions and things of that nature so from here on out I would appreciate council appreciating public sentiment public announcement and stop casting them to the side 01:08:53.079 --> 01:09:00.079 and others, the voting apparatus does not balance and so people can say what they want 01:09:00.079 --> 01:09:03.720 and do as they want and get away with these kinds of things. 01:09:03.720 --> 01:09:13.400 If our listeners, if our public comments and the public are listening tentatively about 01:09:13.400 --> 01:09:17.680 what is being said up here, they have put it all together. 01:09:17.680 --> 01:09:25.479 I don't assume that they're not understanding what is being said and what is taking place. 01:09:25.479 --> 01:09:28.760 We have a lot of educated people throughout this city, but a lot of them don't come forth. 01:09:28.760 --> 01:09:31.279 Thank you Alderman Sanders, your time has expired. 01:09:31.279 --> 01:09:33.720 Is there any other public comments this evening? 01:09:33.720 --> 01:09:38.720 Go ahead. 01:09:38.720 --> 01:09:39.720 Good evening. 01:09:39.720 --> 01:09:40.720 Michelle Swalve. 01:09:40.720 --> 01:09:45.479 I just wanted to thank the library for their summer reading program and their Make It Mondays 01:09:45.479 --> 01:09:47.560 that they had this summer. 01:09:47.560 --> 01:09:53.000 My daughter and I got to enjoy a lot of the Make It Mondays and the summer reading program. 01:09:53.000 --> 01:09:56.039 I just wanted to applaud Miss Amanda. 01:09:56.039 --> 01:09:58.880 She did such an awesome job with those kids. 01:09:58.880 --> 01:10:00.880 it was so busy down there cause she had like 01:10:00.880 --> 01:10:30.880 it was so busy down there because she had like 40 some kids wouldn't you say in that room but she still took the time out for each one of them to like take the time with them and it was just warmth in my heart that she cares so and then they had end of the year party and even though it was really really hot Director Huffins and her staff they did such a wonderful job putting that on and I just appreciate all the 01:10:30.880 --> 01:11:00.880 and all of the other things that they did this summer for the kids and I can say one more thing sorry and you know and just to say that we do sit out here and we do hear what is being said and we hear that there is a lot of people you guys some of you not doing your research before you come here and wasting our time so I mean we are educated out here so 01:11:00.880 --> 01:11:06.239 Research, and you got to stop making rude remarks for all these people. They're 01:11:06.239 --> 01:11:11.680 doing their jobs. Start doing yours and do your research. You're getting paid. Any 01:11:11.680 --> 01:11:15.239 other public comments? Yes, ma'am. 01:11:15.239 --> 01:11:34.079 Oh well, I'll just let it dangle there. It's a new fashion statement look. There we go. 01:11:34.079 --> 01:11:39.039 Sue Cook, Winchester Drive. I just want, this is going to be kind of different for me, but 01:11:39.039 --> 01:11:45.940 but I just wanted to say thank you to whoever it was that filled in the potholes in the 01:11:45.940 --> 01:11:50.920 handicapped parking spaces down in Municipal Lot because I think I came up here and I ragged 01:11:50.920 --> 01:11:56.560 about that quite a bit. So I want you to know that you know the squeaky wheel sometimes 01:11:56.560 --> 01:12:03.560 somebody hears that squeaky wheel and they fill in the potholes. We now have four beautiful 01:12:03.560 --> 01:12:05.460 and many other handicapped spots down there. 01:12:05.460 --> 01:12:08.020 They're not exactly marked, but they're perfect 01:12:08.020 --> 01:12:10.539 down in the municipal lot. 01:12:10.539 --> 01:12:11.560 So that's great. 01:12:12.500 --> 01:12:15.380 Thank you very much for bringing in the ADA ramp 01:12:15.380 --> 01:12:19.579 because of reasons 01:12:19.579 --> 01:12:23.940 and for watching how the ramp ends 01:12:23.940 --> 01:12:25.619 when you go into the street 01:12:25.619 --> 01:12:28.980 because it will fling somebody out of a manual chair. 01:12:28.980 --> 01:12:31.739 I don't know if we'll fling them out of a power chair, 01:12:31.739 --> 01:12:33.060 but if you're in a manual chair 01:12:33.060 --> 01:12:34.340 and you're coming down the ramp 01:12:34.340 --> 01:12:36.340 and there isn't quite that angle, 01:12:36.340 --> 01:12:39.140 it will literally throw you onto the street 01:12:39.140 --> 01:12:41.159 and I know this because of experience. 01:12:42.500 --> 01:12:45.260 Also there is one thing that someone said to me 01:12:45.260 --> 01:12:48.420 and that was the beeping sound 01:12:48.420 --> 01:12:51.819 that you might wanna look at for sight 01:12:51.819 --> 01:12:54.340 so that when they come down not only do they feel 01:12:54.340 --> 01:12:56.300 with the cane, the two sides, 01:12:56.300 --> 01:12:59.079 but they also hear that sound. 01:12:59.079 --> 01:13:00.980 And that was something that a friend brought up to me 01:13:00.980 --> 01:13:02.619 and said, you know, I hear this in Chicago 01:13:02.619 --> 01:13:32.619 We don't have it in Freeport. We have the ability to make Freeport a place to come and take a look for tourism. And I'm saying that again, Mayor Miller, because I do believe that Freeport has a way to bring people in for tourism. But with tourism comes a lot of people that are in wheelchairs or visually impaired or have problems with hearing. So the beeping is a really thing. I keep, I keep motioning here because this 01:13:32.619 --> 01:13:36.020 is the person I usually talk to about the potholes. 01:13:36.020 --> 01:13:38.020 Anyway, thank you very much for that. 01:13:38.020 --> 01:13:41.500 And thank you for thinking. 01:13:41.500 --> 01:13:44.860 Also watch for the service dogs. 01:13:44.860 --> 01:13:47.060 Any other public comments this evening? 01:13:47.060 --> 01:13:49.220 Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion for adjournment. 01:13:49.220 --> 01:13:50.619 So moved. 01:13:50.619 --> 01:13:51.260 Second. 01:13:51.260 --> 01:13:53.140 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, 01:13:53.140 --> 01:13:54.460 seconded by Alderman Parker. 01:13:54.460 --> 01:13:56.300 Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? 01:13:56.300 --> 01:13:57.779 Oh, I forgot about roll. 01:13:57.779 --> 01:13:59.380 So sorry. 01:13:59.380 --> 01:14:00.340 Shadle. 01:14:00.340 --> 01:14:01.460 Aye. 01:14:01.460 --> 01:14:10.539 Sanders, Klemm, Johnson, Parker, and Stacy. 01:14:10.539 --> 01:14:12.100 Do we still have her? 01:14:12.100 --> 01:14:12.980 She said aye. 01:14:12.980 --> 01:14:13.480 Aye. 01:14:13.480 --> 01:14:13.980 OK. 01:14:13.980 --> 01:14:14.480 Thank you. 01:14:14.480 --> 01:14:14.980 Motion.