WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:30.000 We're agreed upon. The RFQ and the draft agreement are two different documents. They do not coincide. In fact, there are contradictions between both. There are requirements listed in the RFQ that do not appear in the draft agreement and vice versa. It is essential that the agreement you approve truly reflects what is intended and what is best for Alberta's airport's future, not just what you were told in a memble. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:33.000 Thank you. Thank you for listening. 00:00:33.000 --> 00:00:36.000 Ashley Hauman? 00:00:40.000 --> 00:00:43.000 Ashley Hauman, I'm here tonight to speak on item number nine. 00:00:43.000 --> 00:00:46.000 I'm here tonight on behalf of one of my owners and myself. 00:00:46.000 --> 00:00:49.000 I would first like to note that neither myself nor my owner 00:00:49.000 --> 00:00:52.000 was notified of a possible change to an ordinance 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:55.000 in regarding the short-term rental 00:00:55.000 --> 00:00:58.000 and noting that I am the rental registered 00:00:58.000 --> 00:01:00.000 and 00:01:01.100 --> 00:01:02.000 the 00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:04.000 Board of Trustees. 00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:06.000 I would like to thank you for your 00:01:06.000 --> 00:01:08.000 attention. 00:01:09.000 --> 00:01:12.000 I am a short-term rentals agent for the rental registry. Please 00:01:12.000 --> 00:01:15.000 know that you would have had to go to the planning commissioning 00:01:15.000 --> 00:01:18.000 agenda to know that there was a public hearing to discuss the 00:01:18.000 --> 00:01:21.000 changes being presented to you this evening. With that said, 00:01:21.000 --> 00:01:24.000 when it comes to short-term rentals, often called vacation 00:01:24.000 --> 00:01:27.000 rentals, everyone seems to become a real estate expert. 00:01:27.000 --> 00:01:29.000 O'Keefe, and his wife, Susan, Mary, who are home owners. 00:01:30.120 --> 00:01:32.120 The first home owners are those who 00:01:33.260 --> 00:01:35.260 work in the area, their employees, families use them to 00:01:35.500 --> 00:01:37.500 test neighborhoods before buying, individuals who are 00:01:38.120 --> 00:01:42.120 displaced from their home due to certain circumstances, traveling 00:01:42.120 --> 00:01:44.120 employment, such as the traveling nurses that work for 00:01:45.019 --> 00:01:48.879 FHN. These homes are typically well-maintained because owners 00:01:48.879 --> 00:01:50.879 depend on good reviews and constant bookings. 00:01:53.719 --> 00:01:55.719 In the real estate business, and I have firsthand acknowledged 00:01:55.719 --> 00:01:56.719 and more. 00:01:56.719 --> 00:01:59.640 They personally own several and have stayed at numerous short-term rentals. 00:01:59.640 --> 00:02:04.719 They provide flexibility for property owners, support local tourism and offer families and 00:02:04.719 --> 00:02:08.120 employees more housing choices throughout a city. 00:02:08.120 --> 00:02:12.599 Many of the issues often raised with these rentals, noise, property maintenance, nuisance 00:02:12.599 --> 00:02:16.079 activities are already addressed by city ordinance. 00:02:16.079 --> 00:02:20.919 The city has tools to address problems with these properties without stripping the rights 00:02:20.919 --> 00:02:23.039 of responsible owners. 00:02:23.039 --> 00:02:28.139 of the current proposed changes and rezoning to only allow in certain districts and removing 00:02:28.139 --> 00:02:29.299 those rights. 00:02:29.299 --> 00:02:34.199 The city could cap the number of vacation rentals permitted in R1 through R4 zoning 00:02:34.199 --> 00:02:37.579 or require special use permits for all zoning areas. 00:02:37.579 --> 00:02:43.899 This would prevent over concentrations, avoid clusters of rentals on the east side of town 00:02:43.899 --> 00:02:48.259 based on the current proposal change, and create a balanced approach that respects neighborhood 00:02:48.259 --> 00:02:50.859 character and provides property rights. 00:02:50.860 --> 00:02:55.560 Other cities like Galena have successfully started with a cap and extended those permits 00:02:55.560 --> 00:02:57.220 because they were going well. 00:02:57.220 --> 00:03:02.500 The city of Rockford requires special use permits for all areas for short-term rentals 00:03:02.500 --> 00:03:03.860 no matter the zoning. 00:03:03.860 --> 00:03:08.700 The village of Cherry Valley with only 2,300 people has a short-term rental ordinance with 00:03:08.700 --> 00:03:12.920 no zoning restrictions with many successes. 00:03:12.920 --> 00:03:16.900 Many of these areas have asked for support and guidance in the ordinance. 00:03:16.900 --> 00:03:21.099 Freeport has some opportunity to balance regulation that works for everyone. 00:03:21.099 --> 00:03:25.700 To strengthen the ordinance further, the City could add guardrails, tie guest limits to 00:03:25.700 --> 00:03:30.259 the bedroom countersquare footage, require a local property manager if the owner is not 00:03:30.259 --> 00:03:34.420 nearby, limit on-site vehicles, or evoke permits. 00:03:34.420 --> 00:03:39.540 This approach creates accountability without overreach, ensuring vacation rentals remain 00:03:39.540 --> 00:03:43.480 residential-friendly while protecting the rights of Freeport homeowners. 00:03:43.480 --> 00:03:45.580 Thank you. 00:03:45.580 --> 00:03:46.580 John Staben. 00:03:59.500 --> 00:04:00.500 Thank you. 00:04:00.500 --> 00:04:03.740 John Staben, 1070 North Canyon Drive. 00:04:03.740 --> 00:04:08.620 I'm here to speak on item 16, the airport manager agreement. 00:04:08.620 --> 00:04:10.580 Thank you for this time. 00:04:10.580 --> 00:04:12.420 I was the fifth person interested 00:04:12.420 --> 00:04:14.700 in the airport manager position. 00:04:14.700 --> 00:04:18.000 I have fought for Alberta's airport for years. 00:04:18.000 --> 00:04:20.640 When I found out Miss Jensen was going to be removed, 00:04:20.640 --> 00:04:22.780 I thought I might be able to help. 00:04:22.780 --> 00:04:25.420 I looked for a notice that an RFP 00:04:25.420 --> 00:04:27.939 for the airport position was available. 00:04:27.939 --> 00:04:30.140 I found none. 00:04:30.140 --> 00:04:32.180 On April 30th, I went to the City Hall 00:04:32.180 --> 00:04:36.060 and requested the RFP, request for a proposal. 00:04:36.060 --> 00:04:41.060 I received the RFQ, request for quotation, on August 13th, 00:04:41.060 --> 00:04:51.060 and was required to respond by September 1st, 18 days to create an LLC, get the bonds and other requirements. 00:04:51.060 --> 00:04:56.060 Only possible if you had prior knowledge this was happening. 00:04:56.060 --> 00:05:01.060 I responded to Mr. Boyer declaring that the RFQ was not biddable. 00:05:01.060 --> 00:05:07.060 As you all know, last year in this chamber it became known that arrangements were underway 00:05:07.060 --> 00:05:11.060 to fill this position with a friend of the city. 00:05:11.060 --> 00:05:16.060 They just needed to wait until Mrs. Jensen's contract expired. 00:05:16.060 --> 00:05:23.060 The draft contract to tonight's agenda was presented as presented on the web. 00:05:23.060 --> 00:05:27.060 It's nothing like the contract Mr. Boyer will sign. 00:05:27.060 --> 00:05:32.060 Please read the final contract before you approve this. 00:05:32.060 --> 00:05:39.060 Please remember this is a one year contract with 19 automatic renewals. This runs 20 years. 00:05:42.579 --> 00:05:49.579 I must come, I must come out, comment on Mr., I must compliment Mr. Boyer. This hurts. He 00:05:51.100 --> 00:05:58.100 has bragged for a year privately he was going to throw Angie Johnson off the airport. He 00:05:58.100 --> 00:06:09.460 has done just that. It wasn't pretty. It wasn't moral. And it certainly wasn't legal. In the 00:06:09.460 --> 00:06:14.580 next two years, the cost of operations at Albertus Airport will go up considerably due 00:06:14.580 --> 00:06:22.860 to lost hang rent. I think the taxpayers should know this. Thank you. 00:06:22.860 --> 00:06:23.699 Cheryl Altman. 00:06:31.500 --> 00:06:33.780 Good evening, my name's Cheryl Altman. 00:06:33.780 --> 00:06:35.780 I'm gonna start with number 13 first 00:06:35.780 --> 00:06:37.520 for the Solar Savings Program. 00:06:38.480 --> 00:06:40.620 I'd like to know, are the taxpayers the one 00:06:40.620 --> 00:06:43.139 that are paying for all these solar panels going up? 00:06:44.020 --> 00:06:46.420 And also, who's getting all the incentives 00:06:46.420 --> 00:06:48.020 from all these solar's going up? 00:06:49.340 --> 00:06:51.740 My next one is number five. 00:06:51.740 --> 00:07:03.060 Fowler. They're renting to Pete Elber for $2,000. That's $166.66 a month. You tell me where anybody 00:07:03.060 --> 00:07:10.259 in this town can go rent a space for $166.66 a month, only if you're friends and family 00:07:10.259 --> 00:07:13.259 with the mayor. 00:07:13.259 --> 00:07:23.980 McClure. Madam Clerk, could you please note for the record that Alderman Simmons joined 00:07:23.980 --> 00:07:31.259 at 622? 622? Correct. Thank you. So we'll move on to item number four which is the consent 00:07:31.259 --> 00:07:35.139 agenda. The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature unless there's a member 00:07:35.139 --> 00:07:40.259 of the council like to have something removed for further discussion. The consent agenda 00:07:40.259 --> 00:07:41.259 and others. 00:07:41.259 --> 00:07:46.819 The process consists of approving to receive and place on file building permit reports, 00:07:46.819 --> 00:07:51.459 police department reports, and fire department reports all dated August 2025. 00:07:51.459 --> 00:07:58.379 The proclamation for National Sea Treks thinks train week September 15th through the 21st. 00:07:58.379 --> 00:08:03.699 Approval for the 2026 holiday schedule, city council schedule, and the Committee of the 00:08:03.699 --> 00:08:05.259 Whole schedule. 00:08:05.259 --> 00:08:12.199 Payable for the finance bill is payable in total of $3,900,279.24 and payroll ending 00:08:12.199 --> 00:08:21.199 September 6, 2025 in the total of $668,777.79. 00:08:21.199 --> 00:08:22.639 Is there a motion to approve? 00:08:22.639 --> 00:08:23.639 So moved. 00:08:23.639 --> 00:08:24.639 Second. 00:08:24.639 --> 00:08:29.159 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson. 00:08:29.159 --> 00:08:31.159 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:08:31.160 --> 00:08:48.000 Sanders. On the consent agenda, do you approve? No. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Parker? Aye. 00:08:48.000 --> 00:09:09.299 Stacy and Shadle. The motion passes six to two. Five to two. Thank you. Okay, item 00:09:09.299 --> 00:09:13.039 number five is the second reading of ordinance 2025-53. Could you please read 00:09:13.039 --> 00:09:19.719 Ordinance authorizing the city to enter into a fifth renewal to lease agreement with Pete 00:09:19.719 --> 00:09:23.399 Albert for 103 to 111 South Liberty Avenue. 00:09:23.399 --> 00:09:24.399 Thank you. 00:09:24.399 --> 00:09:25.399 Manager Boyer? 00:09:25.399 --> 00:09:26.679 Thank you, Your Honor. 00:09:26.679 --> 00:09:32.360 Pete Albert currently leases the first floor of the Raleigh Metal-clad building. 00:09:32.360 --> 00:09:36.319 There are several floors in the building that are also available for rent. 00:09:36.320 --> 00:09:43.080 If anyone's interested, they're welcome to come to the city and solicit their interest 00:09:43.080 --> 00:09:44.879 in that. 00:09:44.879 --> 00:09:51.360 As for right now, Mr. Elber is leasing it for $2,000 annually, and this is the fifth 00:09:51.360 --> 00:09:58.480 renewal staff request moving forward with this fifth lease renewal. 00:09:58.480 --> 00:09:59.480 Discussion? 00:09:59.480 --> 00:10:00.480 Alderman Stacey? 00:10:00.480 --> 00:10:10.960 Alderman, Stacy To my understanding, City Manager Boyer, forgive 00:10:10.960 --> 00:10:17.519 me, you speak about other floors being able to be rented. 00:10:17.519 --> 00:10:22.680 However, how would one know that when it's not put out there? 00:10:22.680 --> 00:10:37.400 You spoke about $2,000 a year. It's a steal. But what you didn't speak about is how the 00:10:37.400 --> 00:10:45.000 taxes that's paid on that building is paid by the city because it's in the city's name. 00:10:45.000 --> 00:10:57.279 and so it's maybe a little over $100 for the whole year. 00:10:57.279 --> 00:11:00.960 But that's not accurate, Alderman, Stacy. 00:11:00.960 --> 00:11:05.799 As it was discussed in the last meeting, the city is reimbursed for it. 00:11:05.799 --> 00:11:14.440 Yes, the city is reimbursed, but why get those French benefits in the city's name? 00:11:14.440 --> 00:11:25.840 Why isn't? Because he's renting that floor. Why isn't the rental agreement drawn up and 00:11:25.840 --> 00:11:30.760 the taxes on him and not weeping the benefit of the city? 00:11:30.760 --> 00:11:35.360 Because we own it. It's no different than Manager Boyer. 00:11:35.360 --> 00:11:41.040 I just wanted to add, there's a change to this lease that will allow us to work out 00:11:41.039 --> 00:11:47.039 We've got a sale price for the building between now and the next time this renews so it would 00:11:47.039 --> 00:11:51.279 actually do exactly what you're asking for. 00:11:51.279 --> 00:11:54.559 So if he was able to purchase the building from the city, which I believe the city is 00:11:54.559 --> 00:12:00.039 willing to liquidate at some point here soon, that would put the tax burden on. 00:12:00.039 --> 00:12:01.839 At what cost? 00:12:01.839 --> 00:12:02.839 We're not hearing. 00:12:02.839 --> 00:12:03.839 What are you wanting to sell? 00:12:03.839 --> 00:12:08.000 We're not quite there yet and we have to renew the lease right now because we have a lease 00:12:08.000 --> 00:12:09.000 and others. 00:12:09.000 --> 00:12:10.000 So, I think that's what we're looking at. 00:12:10.000 --> 00:12:12.440 I don't know if it's expiring, but in this version, we've made it available so we could 00:12:12.440 --> 00:12:16.879 open it up and sell the building if that meets Council's approval. 00:12:16.879 --> 00:12:20.879 What I don't want is that it be sold for a dollar. 00:12:20.879 --> 00:12:21.879 Understood. 00:12:21.879 --> 00:12:22.879 I understand. 00:12:22.879 --> 00:12:23.879 So... 00:12:23.879 --> 00:12:24.879 There's no further discussion. 00:12:24.879 --> 00:12:25.879 Alderman Sanders? 00:12:25.879 --> 00:12:26.879 Yeah. 00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:29.879 There's no further discussion. Alderman Sanders? 00:12:29.879 --> 00:12:39.279 Yeah. This ordinance that we're looking at is considered an authorized ordinance by the 00:12:39.279 --> 00:12:47.480 City of Freeport, the City. Who's authorizing this and is it a real ordinance? Is it, because 00:12:47.480 --> 00:12:55.440 I see here, I see it's doctored up here, an Ordinance 2025-53. Is that a legit ordinance 00:12:55.440 --> 00:13:01.840 Authorization from the City, and that means from the Council. That means the Council has 00:13:01.840 --> 00:13:12.840 to authorize that lease before you, Mr. Boyer, even consider, and it needs a revision. That 00:13:12.840 --> 00:13:19.940 ordinance and the leasing needs a revision for Council to go back to justify whether 00:13:49.940 --> 00:14:19.940 A lot of questions there. Do you mind if I answer a few of them? Okay. So where did it come from? We've had that we've been renting that building to Pete Elber since 2021. Then the rent at that time was 1000. Then in 2022, the rent was increased to 2000. Who was authorizing? The City Council. City Council. Yes. Okay. So in the City Council is authorized it for 00:14:49.940 --> 00:14:59.940 Please stop talking. Please stop talking. Attorney Zito, would you like to answer any of that? You don't want to implement it. Robert rules. 00:14:59.940 --> 00:15:11.940 So, to address some of your questions in addition to what Manager Boyer said, the ordinance, this ordinance is before you tonight so that the council can vote on it. 00:15:11.940 --> 00:15:20.940 It's not a done deal. It's here tonight for you guys. The reason why we're talking about it is so that the council can vote on whether or not you want to approve the ordinance or not. 00:15:20.940 --> 00:15:24.940 Is it a legitimate ordinance is what I'm saying. 00:15:24.940 --> 00:15:35.940 It's legitimate in the sense that once you if you guys vote to approve it, then it will become a approved ordinance by the city council as of right now it's a it's pending your guys's vote. 00:15:35.940 --> 00:15:38.940 So it's not an ordinance. 00:16:08.940 --> 00:16:11.940 if you vote not to approve it, then it goes away. 00:16:11.940 --> 00:16:12.940 Okay. 00:16:12.940 --> 00:16:16.940 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:16:16.940 --> 00:16:17.940 Sanders. 00:16:17.940 --> 00:16:18.940 No. 00:16:18.940 --> 00:16:19.940 Klemm. 00:16:19.940 --> 00:16:20.940 Aye. 00:16:20.940 --> 00:16:21.940 Johnson. 00:16:21.940 --> 00:16:22.940 Aye. 00:16:22.940 --> 00:16:23.940 Simmons. 00:16:23.940 --> 00:16:24.940 Aye. 00:16:24.940 --> 00:16:25.940 Parker. 00:16:25.940 --> 00:16:26.940 Aye. 00:16:26.940 --> 00:16:33.940 Stacy. 00:16:33.940 --> 00:16:34.940 No. 00:16:34.940 --> 00:16:35.940 Shadle. 00:16:35.940 --> 00:16:36.940 Aye. 00:16:36.940 --> 00:16:43.840 I have five to two for the lease of property an ordinance has to pass by 00:16:43.840 --> 00:16:47.420 three-fourth three-fourths vote of the corporate authority so three-fourths of 00:16:47.420 --> 00:16:50.720 nine so because the corporate authorities are the council plus the 00:16:50.720 --> 00:16:54.820 mayor you would need a vote of seven in order to pass so this would not pass 00:16:54.820 --> 00:16:59.820 thank you attorney we'll move on to item number six which is the second reading 00:16:59.820 --> 00:17:06.860 of ordinance 2025 57 could you please read this am I in the wrong place I'm 00:17:06.860 --> 00:17:19.380 on 54. Ordinance Establishing the Gladewood Special Service Area and Accepting Dedication 00:17:19.380 --> 00:17:24.940 of Roadways and Levy of Taxes to Offset the Cost of Special Services. 00:17:24.940 --> 00:17:29.980 Thank you, Your Honor. So the City received a petition from a majority of property owners 00:17:29.980 --> 00:17:34.840 in the Gladewood subdivision requesting the creation of a special service area following 00:17:34.839 --> 00:17:39.059 Reporting Required Notices and a public meeting held on May 28th. 00:17:39.059 --> 00:17:41.139 No valid objections were filed. 00:17:41.139 --> 00:17:47.419 The ordinance establishes the special service area, dedicates the subdivision roadway to 00:17:47.419 --> 00:17:51.899 the city, and outlines the framework for funding ongoing maintenance. 00:17:51.899 --> 00:17:57.799 The SSA ensures improvements to the subdivision's upper and lower entrances, including roadway 00:17:57.799 --> 00:18:01.439 base and asphalt upgrades, meeting engineering standards. 00:18:01.440 --> 00:18:06.860 The City will also create a sustainable mechanism for funding services to the benefit area without 00:18:06.860 --> 00:18:11.559 burdening existing taxpayers with the full cost of the needed improvements. 00:18:11.559 --> 00:18:18.920 The ordinance provides for an annual levy of $400 per taxable parcel across 16 parcels. 00:18:18.920 --> 00:18:23.900 The revenues will offset costs of roadway maintenance and improvements specific to Gladewood 00:18:23.900 --> 00:18:26.519 ensuring equitable cost recovery. 00:18:26.519 --> 00:18:33.359 F. recommends moving forward with the ordinance establishing the Gladewood SSA or Special 00:18:33.359 --> 00:18:34.359 Service Area. 00:18:34.359 --> 00:18:42.759 And then, Manager Boyer, there's also the lined copy, do you want to speak to that? 00:18:42.759 --> 00:18:48.799 Just a few comments, this would go for approximately 15 years, I know that was a, or it will go 00:18:48.799 --> 00:18:54.759 for 15 years, that was a question that came up before, it also identifies the lot numbers 00:18:54.759 --> 00:18:57.640 and Parcel IDs. 00:18:57.640 --> 00:19:03.480 So what you have, Council, would be a motion to add that amendment to clarify, correct, 00:19:03.480 --> 00:19:07.200 to clarify that there's 15 years put into the agreement. 00:19:07.200 --> 00:19:08.200 Right. 00:19:08.200 --> 00:19:13.119 So from the version that was previously presented to you at the last council, there was inadvertently 00:19:13.119 --> 00:19:18.079 left out of the ordinance, the timeframe for which the SSA would be effective, which is 00:19:18.079 --> 00:19:19.079 15 years. 00:19:19.079 --> 00:19:22.759 The petitioners, actually when they petition for the SSA, also agreed that it would be 00:19:22.759 --> 00:19:23.759 15 years. 00:19:23.759 --> 00:19:27.680 and a reference was left out of the ordinance there. 00:19:27.680 --> 00:19:31.319 So what you have that was on your desk in the red line, 00:19:31.319 --> 00:19:33.799 the underlying language is the additional language 00:19:33.799 --> 00:19:35.879 that would be proposed to be added into this. 00:19:35.879 --> 00:19:38.279 So if you guys are agreeable to that added language, 00:19:38.279 --> 00:19:41.859 just to clarify the fact that it's a 15 year assessment 00:19:41.859 --> 00:19:44.640 of this SSA tax, a motion in a second 00:19:44.640 --> 00:19:49.519 to add this underlying language in would be made. 00:19:49.519 --> 00:19:51.240 Seconded, if that's approved, 00:19:51.240 --> 00:19:54.700 then you guys would move the second reading final vote 00:19:54.700 --> 00:19:56.380 on the ordinance as amended. 00:19:57.539 --> 00:20:01.079 So is there a motion to add the 15 years into the document? 00:20:01.079 --> 00:20:01.920 So moved. 00:20:01.920 --> 00:20:02.759 Second. 00:20:02.759 --> 00:20:05.120 The motion made by Alderman Shadle, 00:20:05.120 --> 00:20:07.079 seconded by Alderman Klemm, 00:20:07.079 --> 00:20:11.000 discussion on the 15 year amended portion. 00:20:11.000 --> 00:20:11.920 Alderman Stacy. 00:20:12.799 --> 00:20:15.859 What do we do after the 15 years? 00:20:15.859 --> 00:20:18.160 Then it goes away, that assessment goes away. 00:20:21.240 --> 00:20:33.680 Alderman, Sanders, yeah who who who is continually to well I wanted to call it 00:20:33.680 --> 00:20:41.640 the special the special maintenance upkeep and everything is it because the 00:20:41.640 --> 00:20:49.480 city is gonna take on the responsibilities of this particular site 00:20:49.480 --> 00:20:58.000 yes just just to kind of hit some of the highlights it was plotted that the road 00:20:58.000 --> 00:21:04.319 was a private street back in 19 I believe 63 no one really knew that until 00:21:04.319 --> 00:21:08.440 we did some investigation as to the relation it related to gladewood bridge 00:21:08.440 --> 00:21:14.799 and it was possible there because it came to our attention then we notified 00:21:14.799 --> 00:21:44.799 I think there were some arguments one way or the other as far as why it wasn't, why the city wasn't responsible today but it was doing work in the past. This is essentially our negotiated settlement with the property owners in the area so that they're participating in the cost of the road that was never built to city specification and we're offsetting the cost to fix it so that it's not completely borne by the city. 00:21:44.799 --> 00:21:49.359 Taxpayers. Did that answer your question? Is that the taxpayers of that particular 00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:54.159 area? Yeah, well in Gladewood, the lots that are mentioned in the ordinance, each 00:21:54.159 --> 00:21:57.440 one of them will be assessed $400 per year for 15 years, so there's 00:21:57.440 --> 00:22:06.200 approximately 16 landowners. Okay. Any other discussion on the amendment? Madam 00:22:06.200 --> 00:22:09.279 Clerk, would you please take the role on the amendment of adding the language of 00:22:09.279 --> 00:22:23.680 Sanders, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacey, and Shadle. 00:22:23.680 --> 00:22:26.519 The motion passes 7-0. 00:22:26.519 --> 00:22:31.000 So then now before you counsel would be the passage of the amended version. 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:36.000 If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:22:36.000 --> 00:22:37.000 I'm sorry. 00:22:37.000 --> 00:22:38.000 Go ahead. 00:22:38.000 --> 00:22:44.680 So I guess my only problem with this is we add them and then they they jump the line like we we start on 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:50.039 Claywood when we've had roads that have been part of the city infrastructure and 00:22:50.039 --> 00:22:55.920 have been waiting to get done and then this area gets to go first because we 00:22:55.920 --> 00:23:01.220 added them and haven't done it. It's a yes asterisk okay right now the 00:23:01.220 --> 00:23:06.140 entrance and exit of the area is in really poor degraded shape so in the 00:23:06.140 --> 00:23:13.500 since that yes we're going to fix approximately 400 feet of that road so that the entry and exit is 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:20.940 passable but the rest of Gladewood will have to wait in the normal road program when council brings 00:23:20.940 --> 00:23:26.780 it to staff's attention that need to move forward so it doesn't this is not a reconstruct of the 00:23:26.780 --> 00:23:32.540 entire Gladewood Road this is simply the dealing with the issues at the front and the back entry 00:23:32.539 --> 00:23:33.159 and 00:23:33.159 --> 00:23:34.920 Alex, 00:23:34.920 --> 00:23:35.440 Jason, 00:23:35.440 --> 00:23:36.180 sleeve, 00:23:36.180 --> 00:23:36.559 Alex. 00:23:36.559 --> 00:23:37.599 Go ahead. 00:23:37.599 --> 00:23:44.579 I guess my problem with that is most of our roadways, the entry and exit areas need to be redone. 00:23:44.579 --> 00:23:51.139 So, that's my only thing with that. Like, that's fine. But in time, in your turn, like, 00:23:51.139 --> 00:23:56.839 we should just, I don't see the ferrety in that. We do it right away just because. 00:23:56.839 --> 00:24:03.959 Well, and to answer that, these residents are paying an additional $400 a month for, 00:24:03.959 --> 00:24:09.879 I'm sorry, $400 a year for 15 years so that we would be able to have the cost offset to 00:24:09.879 --> 00:24:15.199 make repairs to that area. So there is a give and a take there. 00:24:15.199 --> 00:24:17.799 Can I follow up with that? 00:24:17.799 --> 00:24:18.799 Alderman Sanders? 00:24:18.799 --> 00:24:34.599 Yeah, is that a collective annual $400 a year for the collective area or individual? Individuals. Individuals, okay, good, all right. 00:24:34.599 --> 00:24:35.639 Alderman Stacey. 00:24:35.639 --> 00:24:46.000 Every home in this Glenwood area will be paying $400 every year. 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:47.119 For 15 years. 00:24:47.119 --> 00:24:48.279 For 15 years. 00:24:48.279 --> 00:24:55.000 yes and they're in agreement with this yes that's what took so long the majority 00:24:55.000 --> 00:24:59.720 yes there's going to be people who may not agree but we we have gone through 00:24:59.720 --> 00:25:04.180 the process followed the legal procedures and we are able to move 00:25:04.180 --> 00:25:13.119 forward with a special assessment based upon the participants yes madam clerk 00:25:13.120 --> 00:25:38.440 please take the roll. This is on final passage with the amendment. Sanders, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, and Shadle. And the ordinance passes seven to zero. 00:25:38.440 --> 00:25:45.799 item number seven is a second reading of ordinance 2025 56 could you please read 00:25:45.799 --> 00:25:51.220 this ordinance amending chapters 1248 and 1250 of the zoning code of the city 00:25:51.220 --> 00:25:56.600 of Freeport concerning ground-mounted solar arrays thank you director duckman 00:25:56.600 --> 00:26:01.920 thank you madam mayor so the last time this was up we're at second reading 00:26:01.920 --> 00:26:07.000 right now and at the first reading it was discussed a little more might maybe 00:26:07.000 --> 00:26:11.440 We wanted a little more detail about the voting and what was discussed. 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:20.480 So as stated in the first reading, the vote was 5-0-0 at our Planning Commission. 00:26:20.480 --> 00:26:26.880 And the people that were present were Ryan Walton, Matt Moyer, Andrea Schultz-Winner, 00:26:26.880 --> 00:26:29.240 Dr. George Walker, and Dustin Wilkinson. 00:26:29.240 --> 00:26:33.759 So specifically, that's who was present. 00:26:33.759 --> 00:27:03.759 I know Director Steekle had also mentioned, had talked about this matter, but he was not present, Bill Green also wasn't present, so just giving a little background here, there was, due to the fact that Mr. Steekle and Mr. Green were not present, they were, as we stated earlier, two members who had strong opinions on this matter, they were not actually at the meeting, truly there was discussion, but it wasn't 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:11.119 and I wouldn't call it lengthy and, you know, with all that being said, this matter was 00:27:11.119 --> 00:27:18.079 discussed at the Planning Commission meeting and staff is recommending moving this ordinance 00:27:18.079 --> 00:27:19.079 forward. 00:27:19.079 --> 00:27:20.079 Discussion? 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:24.319 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:27:24.319 --> 00:27:25.319 Hold it. 00:27:25.319 --> 00:27:26.319 Alderman Sanders. 00:27:26.319 --> 00:27:27.319 Hold it. 00:27:27.319 --> 00:27:38.319 Last meeting, were you making reference to not moving it forward? 00:27:38.319 --> 00:27:46.319 No, the first reading I recommended and it was voted to move it forward for second reading. 00:27:46.319 --> 00:27:47.319 Oh, it was? 00:27:47.319 --> 00:27:48.319 Yes. 00:27:48.319 --> 00:28:09.519 My thing is, okay, with that, who does all of the infrastructure or the construction of this solar mounting and who benefits from it? 00:28:09.519 --> 00:28:17.720 Well, I mean, I would have to agree that really doesn't have anything to do with this ordinance 00:28:17.720 --> 00:28:31.160 who does what a question on the ordinance about can go in that direction there's 00:28:31.160 --> 00:28:35.640 not I think another way I think what mayor Miller is saying is that this 00:28:35.640 --> 00:28:43.519 ordinance has to do with somebody being allowed to to put or install a solar a 00:28:43.519 --> 00:28:44.519 and Schoenberg. 00:28:44.519 --> 00:28:54.240 I know that before I was rudely interrupted, I understand that. 00:28:54.240 --> 00:29:02.920 But my thing, especially concerning, there's a concern there when I'm reading this about 00:29:02.920 --> 00:29:04.799 the mounting, the ground mounting. 00:29:04.799 --> 00:29:10.759 Is the City of Freeport, or the residents, should be concerned about the mounting of 00:29:40.759 --> 00:29:41.059 and 00:29:41.059 --> 00:29:41.259 General. 00:29:41.259 --> 00:29:44.019 Lee that ground mounted solar doesn't fit with the 00:29:44.019 --> 00:29:45.220 character of the neighborhood. 00:29:45.220 --> 00:29:46.859 And so sorry. 00:29:46.859 --> 00:29:47.099 Go ahead. 00:29:47.099 --> 00:29:49.240 Can you give me the characteristics of this 00:29:49.240 --> 00:29:53.700 ordinance and kind of defined it for me so I can 00:29:53.700 --> 00:29:57.859 understand exactly how did this ordinance came to be 00:29:57.859 --> 00:30:00.539 came into existence. 00:30:00.539 --> 00:30:04.119 Director Steagall would you like to address that. 00:30:04.119 --> 00:30:06.660 I sit on the Planning Commission and it was the 00:30:06.660 --> 00:30:09.980 direction of the Commission members that they are not 00:30:09.980 --> 00:30:39.980 We are interested in having ground mount solar. Currently our ordinance provides if you wish to have roof mounted solar that's fully acceptable and you don't need city approval to do that in order to put it on the ground which most of it's built through steel structures on the ground and it becomes a giant lawn ornament, right? That's the contention of the Planning Commission is neighbors generally don't want to see these in their yard if they're not in favor of them because they're very large and obtrusive. 00:30:39.980 --> 00:30:44.460 So it has nothing to do with the structure itself as in the way it's structurally built 00:30:44.460 --> 00:30:51.720 It's in the looks of the property right and these types of panels only benefit the actual user that installs them 00:30:51.720 --> 00:30:53.720 Nothing goes back to the grid. It's for the house only 00:30:55.019 --> 00:30:57.019 Okay 00:30:57.940 --> 00:30:59.940 Currently how many 00:31:00.980 --> 00:31:02.980 Ground mount solar 00:31:03.620 --> 00:31:09.059 Do we have so the last I did a little bit of research on that 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:39.980 We had, and this is in the past two years, we've had an uptick in the amount of the solar projects and the reason that there's an uptick is there's many of the private sector has truly pushed the installation of solar due to the fact that there's incentives to construct solar, so they're essentially salespeople are, I'm sure everyone in this room has had a salesperson trying to sell them solar, so in the past 00:31:39.980 --> 00:31:45.720 Last year we've had Park Hills, which was owning a Board of Appeals, they recommended 00:31:45.720 --> 00:31:55.799 approval 4-0, Planning Commission at that point recommended 5-1, it passed, City Council. 00:31:55.799 --> 00:32:00.460 Park Hills has had quite a few people complain after the fact. 00:32:00.460 --> 00:32:08.220 They don't like the way it looks, and I think, and moving on from there, we had 1405 South 00:32:08.220 --> 00:32:13.220 Benson, which was a large residential lot. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended 00:32:13.220 --> 00:32:19.880 approval 5 to 0. Planning Commission voted 5 to 0. That ended up passing our City 00:32:19.880 --> 00:32:25.360 Council. 1161 West Lincoln. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval 5 00:32:25.360 --> 00:32:31.160 0 with one abstention. The Planning Commission voted against this and it 00:32:31.160 --> 00:32:36.000 ultimately failed Council. So you're starting to see midway through this 00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:13.000 you're starting to see it in the evidence because it let 1161 West Lincoln Planning Commission voted against it, it failed City Council. 00:33:13.000 --> 00:33:20.000 Then you look at Harmony Church, that was a highly contested ground-mounted solar project. 00:33:20.000 --> 00:33:25.000 That went through zoning water repeals five to zero, Planning Commission was zero to six to one. 00:33:25.000 --> 00:33:35.000 So at this point you're starting to see our Planning Commission is digging in its heels, not really seeing the connection to our community with ground-mounted solar. 00:33:35.000 --> 00:33:42.000 Ultimately, that did pass council, although it took several hearings before it was heard. 00:33:42.000 --> 00:33:52.059 So the point here is that, to your point, our Planning Commission noticed that it was not 00:33:52.059 --> 00:33:58.200 well received in our community and they directed staff to draft an ordinance that would eliminate 00:33:58.200 --> 00:34:03.920 it zoning-wise in residential neighborhoods. 00:34:03.920 --> 00:34:17.599 Director Duckman, I think giving all that information about how the zoning department 00:34:17.599 --> 00:34:33.840 feel is being said to sway the vote. My original question was in the past two years, how many 00:34:33.840 --> 00:34:45.039 have we approved we've approved three out of four we have approved three out of the four 00:34:45.039 --> 00:34:52.640 we're not approving any ground monitor tonight we're trying to remove it I understand but 00:34:52.639 --> 00:35:09.079 It goes back, Madam Mayor, it goes back to us allowing some and now not others. 00:35:09.079 --> 00:35:14.759 And how do you say yes to one and no to someone else? 00:35:14.759 --> 00:35:16.879 I guess you just say it. 00:35:16.880 --> 00:35:46.880 So this goes back to realistically the error of City Manager Crowe who decided at that time with the council that we were a solar friendly city and we were experimenting with solar and trying to you know a lot of communities were looking at the facts of what solar was and wasn't and so as with any new process you learn things over time what 00:35:46.880 --> 00:35:48.880 and 00:35:49.880 --> 00:35:52.880 the other two are the two projects that we have been working on 00:35:52.880 --> 00:35:54.880 to see what works and what doesn't work. 00:35:55.880 --> 00:35:58.880 And we did allow a handful of these projects to move forward. 00:35:58.880 --> 00:36:02.880 And we've gotten feedback from community members more than like 00:36:02.880 --> 00:36:05.880 them. We've had more feedback that people don't like them. 00:36:05.880 --> 00:36:09.880 The biggest example is the one that's at Park Hills Church. 00:36:09.880 --> 00:36:12.880 There's, I don't want to say there's been issues with it 00:36:12.880 --> 00:36:14.880 throughout, but maintenance has been a problem. 00:36:14.880 --> 00:36:19.800 that nobody could see happening until it it started to happen and we're also 00:36:19.800 --> 00:36:24.119 talking the difference between residential zoning and commercial 00:36:24.119 --> 00:36:30.039 zoning so this application here is for residential home zoning so it'd be if 00:36:30.039 --> 00:36:33.320 your next-door neighbor came to the council and said I want to fill my 00:36:33.320 --> 00:36:37.880 backyard full of an array and you can see it from your house while it's their 00:36:37.880 --> 00:36:44.720 property is their property well I'm glad you feel that way but a lot of other 00:36:44.720 --> 00:36:53.720 and other people don't because it becomes their problem and Wayne's exactly right in dealing with a lot of solar companies over the last year. 00:36:53.720 --> 00:37:04.720 Many of the solar companies are pushing the ground mount because it's cheaper for them to install than the roof mount and it's less work for them long term, even though it hides it better from the community. 00:37:04.720 --> 00:37:10.920 Well, while I do sit on the Planning Commission, and I agree totally with their recommendation 00:37:10.920 --> 00:37:14.400 to get rid of this, this wasn't pushed by me. 00:37:14.400 --> 00:37:19.360 This was a completely unanimous vote by the Planning Commission, and we directed Council, 00:37:19.360 --> 00:37:25.440 which is Mr. Cox, that sits on that committee, to draft this ordinance so we don't have to 00:37:25.440 --> 00:37:29.840 keep having these hearings and discussions about GroundMount Solar because we don't think 00:37:29.840 --> 00:37:31.960 that it fits the residential platform. 00:37:31.960 --> 00:37:35.599 We're not talking about panels that are two by two, we're talking about panels that are 00:37:35.599 --> 00:37:36.599 ten by eight. 00:37:36.599 --> 00:37:37.599 Wow. 00:37:37.599 --> 00:37:38.599 It's a big difference. 00:37:38.599 --> 00:37:40.159 Yeah, it is. 00:37:40.159 --> 00:37:46.079 And so the panels, they get primarily mounted on rooftops now, are about a two by two square 00:37:46.079 --> 00:37:49.119 in bundles that they put on based on your usage. 00:37:49.119 --> 00:37:54.760 The ones that they put in backyards are actually a trapeze of steel that they get put on and 00:37:54.760 --> 00:37:59.360 most of the panels are eight to ten foot tall and probably four foot wide and the average 00:37:59.360 --> 00:38:03.480 House probably needs four to six of them to gain power so we're talking about you 00:38:03.480 --> 00:38:07.640 know a mini RV of solar panels sitting in the backyard that everybody's got to 00:38:07.640 --> 00:38:13.320 steer at in their community. But that's not what Harmony asks for that's not what 00:38:13.320 --> 00:38:20.079 that is exactly what Harmony asked for that large yes ma'am and you and it was 00:38:20.079 --> 00:38:27.320 in the back it was it was by their garage near the trees of their property 00:38:27.320 --> 00:38:31.160 but that is exactly what they asked for and that's what this council approved. 00:38:31.160 --> 00:38:40.519 Yes because what was the the danger of it other than we might see it driving down 00:38:40.519 --> 00:38:48.920 what's the road? Pearl City Road. Yes. The danger of it in my opinion is exactly 00:38:48.920 --> 00:38:53.480 what we're talking about here. That church is in a residentially zoned area 00:38:53.480 --> 00:39:00.079 that opens up to more residentially zoned people adding this and so what the 00:39:00.079 --> 00:39:05.000 Planning Commission is recommending and I'm not speaking for everyone but I 00:39:05.000 --> 00:39:08.880 think based on the vote I can we're recommending that this is not a path that 00:39:08.880 --> 00:39:14.079 Freeport should move forward that it will not long-term benefit residential 00:39:14.079 --> 00:39:19.480 properties and it'll become an eyesore like an old car sitting in a yard over 00:39:19.480 --> 00:39:34.559 There's no further discussion. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:39:34.559 --> 00:39:43.440 Sanders? No. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. 00:39:43.440 --> 00:39:48.639 Stacy? No. And Shadle? Aye. The motion passes five to two. 00:39:53.039 --> 00:39:58.000 Item number eight is the first reading of ordinance 2025-57. Could you please read this? 00:39:58.000 --> 00:40:03.280 Ordinance revising codified ordinances to create the position of Operations Superintendent. 00:40:03.280 --> 00:40:07.840 Thank you, Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. The Freeport Public Works team is requesting that 00:40:07.840 --> 00:40:13.120 City Council create a job description for the department in a restructuring effort. 00:40:13.120 --> 00:40:18.500 At this time, we are requesting the creation of a new position, Public Works Operation Superintendent. 00:40:18.500 --> 00:40:25.280 This is not an additional position to the department, but a promotional opportunity for a department 00:40:25.280 --> 00:40:30.320 leader to assume more management duties and responsibilities within the combined department 00:40:30.320 --> 00:40:31.320 leadership team. 00:40:31.320 --> 00:40:36.100 Due to a key employee leaving the City Public Works team, the department is looking to restructure 00:40:36.099 --> 00:40:37.099 and others. 00:40:37.099 --> 00:40:40.639 These are important key roles and responsibilities, allowing better collaboration and uniting 00:40:40.639 --> 00:40:42.440 the overall team. 00:40:42.440 --> 00:40:45.920 Creating an operations superintendent role will enable the department leader to effectively 00:40:45.920 --> 00:40:50.900 manage the daily activities of the construction crew and be involved in the utility operations 00:40:50.900 --> 00:40:52.099 division. 00:40:52.099 --> 00:40:55.819 This change will facilitate more departmental collaboration. 00:40:55.819 --> 00:41:00.219 Strategic plan alignment, aligned to a teamwork integration in departments are especially 00:41:00.219 --> 00:41:05.940 important because they direct impact the efficiency, consistency and overall performance of the 00:41:05.940 --> 00:41:10.860 and the Division. This position changes an important first step in evaluating overall 00:41:10.860 --> 00:41:17.139 non-bargaining job duties to ensure a unified approach to the departments. This new job description 00:41:17.139 --> 00:41:25.139 is budgeted for through the Public Works budget and should not increase the overall payroll 00:41:25.139 --> 00:41:26.139 of the department. 00:41:26.139 --> 00:41:27.740 Is there a motion to move forward? 00:41:27.740 --> 00:41:31.500 Staff recommends moving forward with this. And there is a request, due to the timeliness 00:41:31.500 --> 00:41:35.220 of this, there is a request for suspension of the rules. 00:41:35.220 --> 00:41:37.220 Is there a motion to move this forward? 00:41:37.220 --> 00:41:39.220 So I'll move. 00:41:39.220 --> 00:41:39.720 Second. 00:41:39.720 --> 00:41:43.020 A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm. 00:41:43.020 --> 00:41:45.060 Discussion on this, Alderman Stacey? 00:41:48.700 --> 00:41:50.940 Alderman Stacey? 00:41:50.940 --> 00:41:58.300 Does this have something to do with an open position 00:41:58.300 --> 00:41:59.140 in Public Works? 00:42:02.300 --> 00:42:04.780 It does have something to do with an open position 00:42:04.780 --> 00:42:07.580 and Public Works in the water utility. 00:42:07.580 --> 00:42:10.220 So recently the utility operation 00:42:10.220 --> 00:42:13.900 or the utility superintendent has moved on 00:42:13.900 --> 00:42:16.300 and we felt that this was a good opportunity 00:42:16.300 --> 00:42:20.380 to consolidate the departments overall. 00:42:20.380 --> 00:42:23.740 And that's why staff is asking for a new person 00:42:23.740 --> 00:42:27.220 to oversee the Public Works Department. 00:42:27.220 --> 00:42:28.660 Alderman Sanders. 00:42:28.660 --> 00:42:31.780 Is that a salary-based position? 00:42:31.780 --> 00:42:33.700 Yes, sir, that would be so. 00:42:33.700 --> 00:42:41.200 and we're going to replace it as a salary or are we going to incorporate it within the city structure? 00:42:41.200 --> 00:42:47.700 So we'll incorporate it. It would basically mean the street superintendent position would remain. 00:42:47.700 --> 00:42:52.200 It would no longer be filled and the utility superintendent wouldn't be filled. 00:42:52.200 --> 00:42:58.700 And then we would fill it with a operations superintendent whose overall responsibility covered both. 00:42:58.700 --> 00:43:13.100 and then we will be bringing back an assistant for that individual to help cover weekends and times that they're unable to be there and also have a little bit more background in the operations and regulatory end of the water utility. 00:43:13.100 --> 00:43:17.500 Okay, the assistance is not going to be of... Would you like your second time of speaking, Robert Sanders? 00:43:17.500 --> 00:43:22.500 Oh, I thought I was in a conversation. I'm sorry. No, or Darren, did you want to have the... 00:43:22.500 --> 00:43:52.500 Yeah, I just want to give a point of clarity to Rob's statement there. So this is creating a job position that we currently don't have in the structure. That's what it's doing. It's not adding a role. It's giving it's giving a new role to an old position that we currently don't have. So this will allow us to change the job description of an individual and allow him to manage more areas than currently is aligned in his job duties, his or her job duties. So this provides us 00:43:52.500 --> 00:43:53.500 Johnson. 00:43:53.500 --> 00:43:58.460 This opportunity to somewhat restructure and reorganize the department, which we started 00:43:58.460 --> 00:44:03.539 again many years under City Manager Crowe, and then we've been doing this little at a 00:44:03.539 --> 00:44:05.219 time as jobs have turned over. 00:44:05.219 --> 00:44:11.019 So we're not adding, asking for an additional position, we're asking for merging a few positions 00:44:11.019 --> 00:44:15.039 together at this time to have one person oversee more areas. 00:44:15.039 --> 00:44:19.340 And we don't currently have this role, and that's why we're asking approval to create 00:44:19.340 --> 00:44:20.340 this role. 00:44:20.340 --> 00:44:25.940 Johnson. So would this be filled by someone inside already here or would this 00:44:25.940 --> 00:44:31.660 be something we would? We believe we have a, I'm sorry to interrupt, we believe we 00:44:31.660 --> 00:44:37.980 have a qualified internal candidate for this position. Alderman Stacey? Will this 00:44:37.980 --> 00:44:46.420 position also be covered covering the position where the gentleman resigned 00:44:46.420 --> 00:44:56.519 and so on. And so, it's like in a roundabout way, I hear what you're saying and I hear 00:44:56.519 --> 00:45:07.900 what you're saying. But it's like we're ignoring the fact that a person you put in position 00:45:07.900 --> 00:45:16.300 has left the department. And so, that is an opening position, or you're telling me it's 00:45:16.300 --> 00:45:21.539 it's not going to be an opening position because we're going to add those duties to someone 00:45:21.539 --> 00:45:28.019 else's duty so if we could have done that from the beginning why did we ever hire this 00:45:28.019 --> 00:45:35.660 gentleman because that's who you chose, that's who you wanted and we hired him. 00:45:35.660 --> 00:45:41.860 Well you'll have to ask that individual, however, we're asking for counsel. 00:45:41.860 --> 00:45:46.500 I'm not going to speculate on the motivations or or the needs of that. 00:45:46.500 --> 00:45:49.940 I mean, why did we need that position then if we don't need it now? 00:45:51.380 --> 00:45:57.460 Well, as I mentioned, it'll be the superintendent will oversee all of public works 00:45:57.860 --> 00:46:03.340 and will be asking for an assistant to also come alongside to cover weekends. 00:46:03.579 --> 00:46:07.420 And the superintendent did not do that before. 00:46:08.300 --> 00:46:09.780 Correct. They did. 00:46:09.780 --> 00:46:15.340 but it was not a clearly defined role. 00:46:15.340 --> 00:46:18.460 And the way it's being explained tonight 00:46:18.460 --> 00:46:19.820 is not clearly defined. 00:46:23.019 --> 00:46:25.260 Well, the job description is provided, 00:46:25.260 --> 00:46:27.660 so I could give that to you if you'd like. 00:46:27.660 --> 00:46:28.700 No, I have it. 00:46:28.700 --> 00:46:29.200 OK. 00:46:33.180 --> 00:46:34.740 OK, there's no further discussion. 00:46:34.740 --> 00:46:35.500 We'll move on. 00:46:35.500 --> 00:46:39.060 Oh, actually, it was a request for suspension of the rules 00:46:39.059 --> 00:46:40.380 if someone wants to make that motion. 00:46:40.380 --> 00:46:41.179 So moved. 00:46:41.179 --> 00:46:42.019 Second. 00:46:42.019 --> 00:46:44.420 The motion made by Alderman Klemm, 00:46:44.420 --> 00:46:47.460 seconded by Alderman Shadle for suspension of the rules. 00:46:47.460 --> 00:46:48.219 It's not debatable. 00:46:48.219 --> 00:46:49.900 It's passed by two-thirds majority. 00:46:49.900 --> 00:46:51.539 Madam Clerk, would you please take the role 00:46:51.539 --> 00:46:53.259 in the suspension only? 00:46:53.259 --> 00:46:54.460 Sanders. 00:46:54.460 --> 00:46:55.820 No. 00:46:55.820 --> 00:46:56.380 Klemm. 00:46:56.380 --> 00:46:56.980 Aye. 00:46:56.980 --> 00:46:57.619 Johnson. 00:46:57.619 --> 00:46:58.179 Aye. 00:46:58.179 --> 00:46:58.739 Simmons. 00:46:58.739 --> 00:46:59.619 No. 00:46:59.619 --> 00:47:00.380 Parker. 00:47:00.380 --> 00:47:01.340 Aye. 00:47:01.340 --> 00:47:02.420 Stacy. 00:47:02.420 --> 00:47:03.299 No. 00:47:03.299 --> 00:47:03.980 And Shadle. 00:47:03.980 --> 00:47:05.340 Aye. 00:47:05.340 --> 00:47:11.660 the motion to suspend fails because it needs two thirds and we only ended up with what four to three 00:47:13.180 --> 00:47:17.740 American vote because half the council has been uh has uh voted in favor 00:47:18.620 --> 00:47:25.180 repeat that again don't we need six people attorney zito correct one two three we only have four 00:47:26.620 --> 00:47:33.500 one two we have four to three oh i'm sorry so so you can you can you can call the mayor's vote but 00:47:33.500 --> 00:47:37.139 but I don't, depending on how you vote, I don't know if it makes a difference or not. 00:47:37.139 --> 00:47:38.139 I object. 00:47:38.139 --> 00:47:41.340 You can't object, this is an attorney ruling. 00:47:41.340 --> 00:47:46.179 Wait a minute, it's not an attorney ruling, it's a council ruling, what are you talking 00:47:46.179 --> 00:47:47.179 about? 00:47:47.179 --> 00:47:50.780 This is not a- Please don't interrupt Alderman Sanders. 00:47:50.780 --> 00:47:53.900 Well you can't be saying things like that. 00:47:53.900 --> 00:47:57.300 Will it make any difference? 00:47:57.300 --> 00:48:03.219 No because right now you have one, two- The best we have is five to three. 00:48:03.220 --> 00:48:05.140 All right, so that still wouldn't pass. 00:48:05.140 --> 00:48:06.460 Okay, so the suspension fails. 00:48:06.460 --> 00:48:09.180 We'll move this on to the next regularly scheduled meeting. 00:48:10.900 --> 00:48:12.500 Come on, Mayor. 00:48:12.500 --> 00:48:15.980 Item number nine is the first reading of ordinance 2025-58. 00:48:15.980 --> 00:48:17.300 Could you please read this? 00:48:17.300 --> 00:48:20.020 Ordinance amending chapters 810 and 1250 00:48:20.020 --> 00:48:23.380 concerning the licensing and zoning of vacation rentals. 00:48:23.380 --> 00:48:25.140 Director Duckman. 00:48:25.140 --> 00:48:26.980 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 00:48:26.980 --> 00:48:29.780 The Community Economic Development Department 00:48:29.780 --> 00:48:33.540 has been directed to draft an amended ordinance. 00:48:33.540 --> 00:48:38.940 And the idea here is that vacation rentals, which 00:48:38.940 --> 00:48:45.519 is the RBO, Airbnb, it's getting a little less technical here 00:48:45.519 --> 00:48:47.940 to kind of give you a better idea of what we're talking 00:48:47.940 --> 00:48:53.220 about, short-term rental in line with those popular products 00:48:53.220 --> 00:48:55.780 is essentially what currently happens here 00:48:55.780 --> 00:48:57.980 is you could own a single-family house 00:48:57.980 --> 00:49:01.659 and you could put it on Airbnb with proper licensing 00:49:01.659 --> 00:49:07.300 and have a short-term rental weekend, et cetera. 00:49:07.300 --> 00:49:12.500 So it has been brought to our attention 00:49:12.500 --> 00:49:17.059 and we were directed to draft a new ordinance that essentially 00:49:17.059 --> 00:49:23.639 is removing vacation rentals from the R1 through R4 00:49:23.639 --> 00:49:24.699 residential district. 00:49:24.700 --> 00:49:52.700 So, again, to kind of break down what's going on here, R1 through R4, that is where you're allowed to have a single-family home, not a duplex, not a four-unit, that is your true one-family residential neighborhoods, and what has been directed and what staff is proposing tonight is eliminating short-term rentals in single-family housing. 00:49:52.700 --> 00:49:59.300 that's the simplest way to kind of boil it down in a little background here and 00:49:59.300 --> 00:50:04.460 also what would essentially happen is if you have a single-family home we would be 00:50:04.460 --> 00:50:09.380 we're proposing to eliminate the short-term vacation rentals if you have 00:50:09.380 --> 00:50:20.020 a two unit duplex three unit four unit etc. it would be a special use permit so 00:50:20.019 --> 00:50:25.659 that I hope gives a basic understanding of what's being proposed here to go 00:50:25.659 --> 00:50:31.059 with a little bit of background on August 14th a public hearing was held by our 00:50:31.059 --> 00:50:37.539 Planning Commission and the outcome of that meeting was that our Planning 00:50:37.539 --> 00:50:41.539 Commission heard public comment we had one supporter and one objector present 00:50:41.539 --> 00:50:53.980 and to be clear, the supporter for, or pro vacation rental would be Clerk Anderson. Do 00:50:53.980 --> 00:50:59.259 you remember being there just to confirm? I was the opposer. I'm sorry, you were opposing 00:50:59.259 --> 00:51:06.179 the, I'm getting the pros and negatives, but to be fair, you're pro, you were pro, you 00:51:06.180 --> 00:51:12.180 you are not pro you're against I'm against the ordinance yes yes yes just 00:51:12.180 --> 00:51:17.020 wanted to make that clear and that Alderperson Klemm was also at the hearing 00:51:17.020 --> 00:51:24.420 and he was for the ordinance which would outlaw the vacation rentals so I wanted 00:51:24.420 --> 00:51:28.060 to make that clear for some background so after that hearing was held by our 00:51:28.060 --> 00:51:34.680 Planning Commission they wanted to hear take some time and in motion was made to 00:51:34.680 --> 00:51:42.200 discuss at the next hearing which was September 11th of 2025 and all that being said the Planning 00:51:42.200 --> 00:51:48.280 Commission recommended approval of this text amendments pertaining to vacation rentals 00:51:48.280 --> 00:51:53.600 with what I had said earlier eliminating them from the single-family residences and with 00:51:53.600 --> 00:51:58.160 that in mind staff is recommending moving this ordinance forward. 00:51:58.160 --> 00:52:00.000 Is there a motion to move this order? 00:52:00.000 --> 00:52:01.000 So moved. 00:52:01.000 --> 00:52:02.000 Second. 00:52:02.000 --> 00:52:06.639 Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the ordinance? 00:52:08.800 --> 00:52:17.760 Alderman Klemm? Sure. The real crux of this comes from everybody here believes in Airbnb's, 00:52:18.480 --> 00:52:24.639 everybody believes that it can be a positive thing for the community. There's no doubt about that, 00:52:24.639 --> 00:52:30.880 but it stems from, mostly stems from two incidents, an incident and where it was at basically. 00:52:30.880 --> 00:53:00.880 I believe it was June 6th at one of these Airbnbs that this person first of all go back to the point where I was here when they originally discussed Airbnbs over a year ago and nobody really brought up the thought of what was going to happen in that area what could happen in that area what could develop in that area nobody in that area would know who's going to be in that house when they're going to be in that house 00:53:00.880 --> 00:53:01.880 and others. 00:53:01.880 --> 00:53:02.880 I want to give you a little bit of an overview of the house. 00:53:02.880 --> 00:53:05.160 When it's rented, when it isn't going to be rented, and who's there. 00:53:05.160 --> 00:53:09.619 Also this person that rents this house doesn't have all the capabilities in the world of 00:53:09.619 --> 00:53:14.480 finding that out, who calls them up and says, I want to rent your house for the evening. 00:53:14.480 --> 00:53:22.740 So this house here is in a neighborhood that's probably 250 to $300,000 houses. 00:53:22.740 --> 00:53:30.039 On a Friday night, all of a sudden a whole bunch of cars started pulling up to the house. 00:53:30.039 --> 00:53:36.079 And keep in mind, as this person rents this Airbnb, they have their total family with 00:53:36.079 --> 00:53:43.079 little kids above this. They rent out just their basement only. They've developed a sidewalk 00:53:43.079 --> 00:53:49.480 and entrance into that basement. They've created a pool out there and they've created an area 00:53:49.480 --> 00:53:55.920 where this could be used. Approximately, they got a phone call. I'm not sure what the time 00:53:55.920 --> 00:54:02.200 was a good firm with the chief, but 10 o'clock is area in there. One of the neighbors called, 00:54:02.200 --> 00:54:08.720 the owner also called. He had a whole bunch of people downstairs. There were cars out in 00:54:08.720 --> 00:54:15.599 the street. And come to find out the whole end of this deal was there were probably, 00:54:15.599 --> 00:54:24.639 I believe, 10 to 15 youths under 20 years old left, and they confiscated, I'm going 00:54:24.639 --> 00:54:25.639 and others. 00:54:25.639 --> 00:54:32.000 I'm not going to say at least a dozen loaded weapons, okay? 00:54:32.000 --> 00:54:36.480 Now I don't think this is a normal thing that should happen at your house on Friday night, 00:54:36.480 --> 00:54:41.759 especially if you live in a $200,000, $300,000 neighborhood. 00:54:41.759 --> 00:54:42.759 That's my concern. 00:54:42.759 --> 00:54:50.159 The people have come to me, okay, and said, look, if I buy a house in a residential area 00:54:50.159 --> 00:54:56.179 and single family homes. I'm expecting it to be a single family home. I'm not expecting 00:54:56.179 --> 00:55:04.039 a commercial thing to be run out. The night before this happened, there were 10 cars there. 00:55:04.039 --> 00:55:11.039 What this person actually did is there's zero security involved in it. They provided no security 00:55:11.039 --> 00:55:16.420 and instantly the police were called. So we were their security for this whole thing to 00:55:16.420 --> 00:55:18.139 to try and straighten it out. 00:55:18.139 --> 00:55:21.700 And you've got people still that from the DNA, 00:55:21.700 --> 00:55:25.579 all these weapons are gonna be possibly traced 00:55:25.579 --> 00:55:29.300 to different people and to be arrest made off the deal. 00:55:29.300 --> 00:55:31.780 So that enlightened everybody there to say, 00:55:31.780 --> 00:55:34.099 hey, this is what we got in our neighborhood 00:55:34.099 --> 00:55:35.539 and we don't like it. 00:55:35.539 --> 00:55:39.380 So that's where my opinion and the opinion 00:55:39.380 --> 00:55:41.780 of all the people in that neighborhood come from. 00:55:46.420 --> 00:55:50.019 Any other discussion, Alderman Johnson? 00:55:50.019 --> 00:55:55.460 I'm not sure how many of these Airbnbs we have here in Freeport, but they are businesses. 00:55:55.460 --> 00:55:56.460 Three. 00:55:56.460 --> 00:55:57.460 Three is all we have? 00:55:57.460 --> 00:55:59.460 We have three in single. 00:55:59.460 --> 00:56:00.460 Okay. 00:56:00.460 --> 00:56:04.539 And they bring, I mean, they bring people in who spend money here, so that's, you know, 00:56:04.539 --> 00:56:06.059 part of the city. 00:56:06.059 --> 00:56:11.340 The other thing I'm thinking about, you know, you do take a chance when you're a person 00:56:11.340 --> 00:56:16.860 that owns an Airbnb of who you rent to, but I know any of the vacation rentals that we've 00:56:16.860 --> 00:56:20.900 ever rented, there's a very long contract that you have to fill out with them that has 00:56:20.900 --> 00:56:24.700 a lot of stipulations on it, what you can do and what you can't do, how many cars you 00:56:24.700 --> 00:56:31.820 can park there, and a lot of things that regulate that that I think could be put in place for 00:56:31.820 --> 00:56:36.660 those that do have Airbnbs. 00:56:36.659 --> 00:56:42.500 So I don't know, and you know, plus the fact that when you live in a home, you don't really 00:56:42.500 --> 00:56:46.099 know if that house beside you goes up for sale. 00:56:46.099 --> 00:56:47.699 You don't know who might come in there. 00:56:47.699 --> 00:56:49.019 You don't know if they might have guns. 00:56:49.019 --> 00:56:53.899 You don't know if they might be on drugs and, you know, that sort of thing. 00:56:53.899 --> 00:56:56.819 So there's, you know, you take chances every day. 00:56:56.819 --> 00:57:02.940 So I'm not sure that this would be friendly for the City of Freeport to say we don't want 00:57:02.940 --> 00:57:06.059 and I were just talking about the number of AirBnBs we have. 00:57:06.059 --> 00:57:09.659 We're looking at your AirBnB businesses in our residential areas. 00:57:09.659 --> 00:57:15.659 There's not very many R5 or R6 areas, I know west of west of west. 00:57:15.659 --> 00:57:18.039 There's a lot that are east of west. 00:57:18.039 --> 00:57:24.039 So I'm not sure how all that plays out for fairness for people that own those homes 00:57:24.039 --> 00:57:27.639 and maybe are looking to have a business here in Freeport. 00:57:27.639 --> 00:57:32.860 We could put a limit maybe on the number of AirBnBs we have. 00:57:32.860 --> 00:57:34.860 and 00:57:36.059 --> 00:57:38.320 I'm going to ask you to do a special use permit every year or 00:57:38.320 --> 00:57:41.360 something like that instead of totally disregarding this 00:57:41.360 --> 00:57:44.360 altogether. Those are my thoughts. 00:57:48.360 --> 00:57:51.360 Alderman Simmons. I'm sorry, but that is laughable. 00:57:51.360 --> 00:57:54.360 So because it happened in this area and these houses are worth 00:57:54.360 --> 00:57:58.360 that much, we're going to ban it for single family houses. 00:57:58.360 --> 00:58:01.860 But in the areas that happen to be mostly apartments, we're 00:58:01.860 --> 00:58:08.860 We're going to allow it because these houses are $250,000, $300,000, which was repeated a couple of times. 00:58:08.860 --> 00:58:12.860 So it's not okay there, but it's okay in other neighborhoods. 00:58:12.860 --> 00:58:18.860 And to even feel safe making a statement as such is... 00:58:18.860 --> 00:58:24.860 Wow. Wow. Wow. 00:58:24.860 --> 00:58:41.860 Director Duckman, I have a question. In this, would that be in effect immediately or is there, can you enlighten that there's three businesses that would be affected, how far out, that kind of thing? 00:58:41.860 --> 00:58:58.860 So essentially, the ordinance reads that this would, they would have to still, basically the current licenses for the three properties that we're speaking of, they would still have to reapply for the license. 00:58:58.860 --> 00:59:01.860 If they let it lapse on their own, they let it lapse on their own. 00:59:01.860 --> 00:59:08.940 But if they continued to reapply, it would sunset January 1st, 2029. 00:59:08.940 --> 00:59:14.220 And after such date, all licenses would cease to be valid. 00:59:14.220 --> 00:59:15.380 So a little over three years. 00:59:15.380 --> 00:59:15.880 Correct. 00:59:18.460 --> 00:59:19.380 Any other discussion? 00:59:19.380 --> 00:59:20.180 I have one second. 00:59:20.180 --> 00:59:20.780 Yeah. 00:59:20.780 --> 00:59:21.539 Sure. 00:59:21.539 --> 00:59:24.460 I would like to agree with Alderperson Johnson. 00:59:24.460 --> 00:59:26.980 We are trying to be a tourist town. 00:59:26.980 --> 00:59:29.380 We are trying to do things to draw people here. 00:59:29.380 --> 00:59:34.019 We only have two, I'm not sure if the other one's still open, 00:59:34.019 --> 00:59:36.900 legitimate hotels that you wouldn't mind staying in. 00:59:36.900 --> 00:59:40.460 So, and myself, I have a couple of kids, 00:59:40.460 --> 00:59:42.440 so when we go, we use Airbnbs. 00:59:42.440 --> 00:59:45.300 I don't understand why you would want to stop that 00:59:45.300 --> 00:59:47.059 for the city of Freeport. 00:59:47.059 --> 00:59:50.059 I, like, that just doesn't make sense. 00:59:54.220 --> 00:59:55.059 Anyone else? 00:59:55.059 --> 00:59:55.900 Yeah. 00:59:55.900 --> 00:59:56.820 Alderman Sanders? 00:59:56.820 --> 00:59:57.660 Yeah. 00:59:59.380 --> 01:00:15.380 Director Duckman, how long has this, do you know, if you know, that this ordinance has been in existence? 01:00:15.380 --> 01:00:25.380 Well, the current short-term vacation rental ordinance, I would say, has been what, Clerk Anderson, five years, right around COVID, I think? 01:00:25.380 --> 01:00:28.900 We had bed and breakfast on the books for a very long time, 01:00:28.900 --> 01:00:32.460 because that's an older model. 01:00:32.460 --> 01:00:37.140 But we added the Airbnb pre-COVID. 01:00:37.140 --> 01:00:39.300 I've been here eight years, somewhere between five 01:00:39.300 --> 01:00:40.740 and eight years. 01:00:40.740 --> 01:00:42.099 It's a newer concept, correct? 01:00:42.099 --> 01:00:45.860 So when we're talking short-term rentals, the idea generally 01:00:45.860 --> 01:00:48.300 is that short-term rentals, by the way, 01:00:48.300 --> 01:00:52.860 it is not just in the city of Freeport, it's a hot topic. 01:00:52.860 --> 01:01:22.860 it causes quite a bit of conflict you know on one side of the coin people believe that they're good for the community because they are adding tourism and it also allows property owners to make some extra revenue on the other side not just in the city of Freeport but there has been you know complaints with people use them for parties or use them for nefarious activities and it makes neighbors upset so I think there's good discussion here 01:01:22.860 --> 01:01:28.099 Staff was directed to draft this ordinance. It's through the Planning Commission. It's 01:01:28.099 --> 01:01:31.980 at two Planning Commission meetings and I anticipate for the next two readings, if it 01:01:31.980 --> 01:01:35.380 gets that far, there's going to be plenty more heated discussion. 01:01:35.380 --> 01:01:36.380 So 01:01:36.380 --> 01:01:37.380 Alderman Sanders? 01:01:37.380 --> 01:01:47.019 Yeah, just elaborating on the concerning of neighborhood areas that has got a concern 01:01:47.019 --> 01:01:56.940 about the vacationing property and the zoning and the licensing, and we have not set up 01:01:56.940 --> 01:02:07.780 any policies or anything like that, guidelines for the people who does have concerns about 01:02:07.780 --> 01:02:13.420 the area of vacationing rentals and things like that. 01:02:13.420 --> 01:02:20.500 We have not set up guidelines for those kinds of things. What are the policy terms and conditions 01:02:20.500 --> 01:02:27.460 that helps to guide to let the community know or the citizens know in the community area 01:02:27.460 --> 01:02:32.860 that these are the guidelines that you have to abide by and what is permitted and what 01:02:32.860 --> 01:02:40.500 is not permitted. Have we had that discussion or have you had that discussions with those 01:02:40.500 --> 01:02:43.380 that are already currently living in those areas. 01:02:43.380 --> 01:02:49.019 Yes, we had two Planning Commission meetings 01:02:49.019 --> 01:02:51.420 that we talked about before. 01:02:51.420 --> 01:02:56.340 I took some notes on that. 01:02:56.340 --> 01:02:58.099 We had a meeting on August 14th. 01:02:58.099 --> 01:03:01.300 And as I stated before, Clerk Anderson and Alderperson Klemm 01:03:01.300 --> 01:03:04.199 were in attendance there. 01:03:04.199 --> 01:03:05.940 Notes I wrote down from that meeting 01:03:05.940 --> 01:03:09.820 was quite a bit of consideration and discussion. 01:03:09.820 --> 01:03:13.380 and based on that from August 14th, 01:03:13.380 --> 01:03:16.700 the meeting was moved to the next regularly scheduled meeting 01:03:16.700 --> 01:03:18.420 for more discussion. 01:03:18.420 --> 01:03:23.320 So the second meeting would have been September 11th. 01:03:23.320 --> 01:03:27.900 And again, some of the issues that were one of the notes 01:03:27.900 --> 01:03:31.580 I wrote was that one supporter, Alderperson Klemm, 01:03:31.580 --> 01:03:34.580 his concerns were for safety, legal activities, 01:03:34.580 --> 01:03:36.300 and parking concerns. 01:03:36.300 --> 01:03:40.740 and as Clerk Anderson has stated, 01:03:40.740 --> 01:03:44.860 she's provided that she obviously works in the licensing 01:03:44.860 --> 01:03:48.360 and can fill you in on all of the requirements for a license. 01:03:48.360 --> 01:03:50.660 But she also came in as a member of the public, 01:03:50.660 --> 01:03:55.180 issuing her support of the matter. 01:03:55.180 --> 01:03:58.860 So the reason I'm stating this is to answer your question, 01:03:58.860 --> 01:04:00.220 has the public been notified? 01:04:00.220 --> 01:04:03.740 Well, yes, through two meetings before we've even 01:04:03.740 --> 01:04:05.300 gotten to this part of it. 01:04:05.300 --> 01:04:35.300 and we've had members of our... Does this ordinance have protocols to it? Does this ordinance have protocols? Yes. It does have protocols and so that should spill everything out to the residents of those areas. Yes. The easiest thing to explain to somebody is no. Can I, if I have a single family house, what is the protocol for having a vacation rental? That's easy. No. That's what you're voting for. You believe, and I'm not trying to be insulting, but I mean that's literally what this says. You know, you cannot 01:04:35.300 --> 01:04:40.380 you know I want to have a Airbnb in my single-family house if you vote for this 01:04:40.380 --> 01:04:46.220 you're saying no you cannot or if you're in favor of it you're saying yes you can 01:04:46.220 --> 01:04:51.100 do it that's the heart of it you know what I mean there is no I mean once 01:04:51.100 --> 01:04:53.900 if you vote for this ordinance you're saying we don't think it fits in our 01:04:53.900 --> 01:05:00.019 community no you can't do it. Alderman Parker, that's you go ahead sorry I'm 01:05:00.019 --> 01:05:30.019 Yeah, I'm sorry, and I, yes, I was asked to clarify that, okay, so, I'm just, I always, I always try to talk and make things simple, um, my best I can. Single, right now what you would be voting on is single family house, no, you cannot have an Airbnb. If you have a duplex, you would have to go to a hearing and ask for permission 01:05:30.019 --> 01:05:34.940 Or ask, you'd have to have it voted on by council, which is that special use hearing. 01:05:34.940 --> 01:05:38.380 If you have a duplex, you would have to come, it wouldn't be allowed by right. 01:05:38.380 --> 01:05:42.860 You would still have to show up to a zoning board hearing, to a planning commission hearing, 01:05:42.860 --> 01:05:49.980 and to a city council hearing to be allowed to have a Airbnb or VRBO. 01:05:49.980 --> 01:05:51.820 And we're not voting on anything tonight. 01:05:51.820 --> 01:05:52.820 This is first reading. 01:05:52.820 --> 01:05:53.820 Okay. 01:05:53.820 --> 01:05:54.820 Alderman Parker. 01:05:54.820 --> 01:05:59.099 I wasn't going to say anything, but the way I understand this, I own a single family home, 01:05:59.099 --> 01:06:29.099 I happen to be a snowbird and want to go to Florida for the winter and I have some friends that want to come in and rent my house I can't do it under this ordinance you know my house I didn't ask permission when I bought the thing what's defined short-term less than 30 days what if I go a month short-term less than 30 days okay maybe I want to go visit my family out in California for two weeks or three weeks somebody said needs a place yeah come on in can't do that but I didn't get permission when I bought the 01:06:29.099 --> 01:06:34.099 Plays, so I'm just against it, so thank you. 01:06:34.099 --> 01:06:36.099 All right, then we will move on. 01:06:36.099 --> 01:06:42.099 I did want to just share, if nobody else, if nobody else mirrored my thoughts. 01:06:42.099 --> 01:06:47.099 So I just, I believe the Airbnb craze is really popular. 01:06:47.099 --> 01:06:49.099 I think it's growing nationwide. 01:06:49.099 --> 01:06:53.099 I think it adds a lodging option. 01:06:53.099 --> 01:07:05.099 Personally, I've stayed in many, in several states, single-family homes, multi-units, I've stayed by myself, I felt very safe. 01:07:08.099 --> 01:07:20.099 Currently there are three license holders, but we've had more, and if you go onto an Airbnb website, as many as like maybe even seven will pop up. 01:07:20.099 --> 01:07:25.400 It's very difficult to find where these are located and you don't get an address until 01:07:25.400 --> 01:07:26.659 you make that reservation. 01:07:26.659 --> 01:07:30.539 So you don't know, you don't know the location. 01:07:30.539 --> 01:07:37.099 I have already sent out applications to, you know, I'll find an address, I'll find a homeowner 01:07:37.099 --> 01:07:40.940 and they will sometimes ignore the application. 01:07:40.940 --> 01:07:44.480 Our third one just got licensed this year because it's a new owner. 01:07:44.480 --> 01:07:48.900 But I knew where it was for years, they just never turned the application back in. 01:07:48.900 --> 01:07:54.900 There's probably about three I don't know of. Three I know of that I don't know the address for. 01:07:54.900 --> 01:08:03.900 One of my concerns is if this passes, it will be very punitive to the people who have followed the rules. 01:08:03.900 --> 01:08:09.900 We have three people who have come in religiously and got licensed. Very easy to work with. 01:08:09.900 --> 01:08:39.899 but I I don't see any enforcement or no no gut to go out and find those ones who aren't licensed so we're going to punish the ones who have been licensed by taking their license away that that doesn't make sense to me I attended both planning commissions I I heard you know we don't want it in our neighborhood I think that special use is the tool to solve that because you ask our neighbors you 01:08:39.899 --> 01:08:40.899 and others. 01:08:40.899 --> 01:09:07.979 We do have, we do have ordinances on the books and I'm quite certain the number of cars are 01:09:07.980 --> 01:09:37.980 and 일я They were limited because I remember that being a big discussion. We might have even limited to one, but no more than two cars are allowed. And I suspect that's maybe why the owners maybe started calling because they knew that was something they could call about was too many cars in the driveway. And I just wanted to address, you know, this was a very unfortunate event, I don't want it to happen again. But this I think this is kind of throwing the baby out with the bathwater I think we're knee jerking too many 01:09:37.980 --> 01:09:43.260 and Walsh over one bad incident, and I just wanted to add that there was concern about 01:09:43.260 --> 01:09:49.820 that in this particular incident, there were children living upstairs. And I feel for that, 01:09:49.820 --> 01:09:56.480 I understand that. But also this homeowner chose to get that license, knowing he has 01:09:56.480 --> 01:10:02.660 two children, and I think that should be the homeowner's choice. My two cents. 01:10:02.659 --> 01:10:06.460 All right, we will move on to item number 10, which is the 01:10:06.460 --> 01:10:10.460 adoption of resolution 2025-109. Could you please read this? 01:10:10.460 --> 01:10:13.460 Resolution authorizing the payment of an invoice from 01:10:13.460 --> 01:10:16.659 Green Road Tire Recycling for Citywide Tire Recycling 01:10:16.659 --> 01:10:20.059 Collection event held on August 23rd. Thank you. Director 01:10:20.059 --> 01:10:26.359 Bridge. Thank you. Good evening. In August, the City of 01:10:26.359 --> 01:10:29.059 Freeport conducted a tire recycling event where residents 01:10:29.059 --> 01:10:32.159 could bring passenger car and semi truck tires to be 01:10:32.159 --> 01:10:57.159 Winslow, Greene Road Tire Recycling, Refresh Freeport, Electronic Recycling Event, Green Road, 7,029 Passenger Car Tires, 118 Semi Truck Tires, 01:10:57.159 --> 01:11:01.539 Sanders. Hundreds of residents took advantage of this service and the city received positive 01:11:01.539 --> 01:11:07.239 feedback from residents and surrounding communities. The full amount of the invoice, which is about 01:11:07.239 --> 01:11:14.800 $38,000, has been budgeted for and will be paid from the Health and Environment Fund. 01:11:14.800 --> 01:11:16.519 Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? 01:11:16.519 --> 01:11:17.519 So moved. 01:11:17.519 --> 01:11:18.519 Second. 01:11:18.519 --> 01:11:22.639 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Discussion on 01:11:22.640 --> 01:11:25.480 and the Resolution. 01:11:25.480 --> 01:11:28.160 Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:11:28.160 --> 01:11:30.360 Sanders is temporarily absent. 01:11:30.360 --> 01:11:31.119 Klemm? 01:11:31.119 --> 01:11:31.720 Aye. 01:11:31.720 --> 01:11:32.640 Johnson? 01:11:32.640 --> 01:11:33.160 Aye. 01:11:33.160 --> 01:11:33.760 Simmons? 01:11:33.760 --> 01:11:34.240 Aye. 01:11:34.240 --> 01:11:34.840 Parker? 01:11:34.840 --> 01:11:35.340 Aye. 01:11:35.340 --> 01:11:35.840 Stacy? 01:11:35.840 --> 01:11:36.340 Aye. 01:11:36.340 --> 01:11:36.840 And Shadle? 01:11:36.840 --> 01:11:37.400 Aye. 01:11:37.400 --> 01:11:40.240 The Resolution is adopted 6 to 0. 01:11:43.079 --> 01:11:44.880 And we'll move on to Item Number 11, which 01:11:44.880 --> 01:11:47.680 is the Adoption of Resolution 2025-111. 01:11:47.680 --> 01:11:48.800 Could you please read this? 01:11:48.800 --> 01:11:49.300 One moment. 01:11:49.300 --> 01:11:56.659 Resolution setting the date and hours for trick-or-treating in the city for 2025. 01:11:56.659 --> 01:11:59.020 Thank you, Manager Boyer. 01:11:59.020 --> 01:12:00.020 Thank you, Your Honor. 01:12:00.020 --> 01:12:03.640 In the past, trick-or-treating has been observed on Halloween, October 31st. 01:12:03.640 --> 01:12:07.739 For the past several years, the hours have been from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 01:12:07.739 --> 01:12:10.300 This year, Halloween falls on a Friday. 01:12:10.300 --> 01:12:13.900 This year, the city is collaborating with the Freeport School District, second graders, 01:12:13.900 --> 01:12:16.340 and their civic responsibility unit for social studies. 01:12:16.340 --> 01:12:24.340 They will be touring City Hall and the police station and have the opportunity to role play a City Council meeting deliberating on the same resolution. 01:12:24.340 --> 01:12:32.340 Staff recommendation is to keep the trick-or-treating on Friday, October 31st from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 01:12:32.340 --> 01:12:34.340 Staff requests the approval of this resolution. 01:12:34.340 --> 01:12:36.340 Is there a motion to adopt? 01:12:36.340 --> 01:12:37.340 So moved. 01:12:37.340 --> 01:12:38.340 Second. 01:12:38.340 --> 01:12:42.340 Motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle. 01:12:42.340 --> 01:12:45.340 Discussion on the resolution? 01:12:45.340 --> 01:12:47.539 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:12:47.539 --> 01:12:49.539 Sanders is absent. 01:12:49.539 --> 01:12:50.539 Klemm? 01:12:50.539 --> 01:12:51.539 Aye. 01:12:51.539 --> 01:12:52.539 Johnson? 01:12:52.539 --> 01:12:53.539 Aye. 01:12:53.539 --> 01:12:54.539 Simmons? 01:12:54.539 --> 01:12:55.539 Aye. 01:12:55.539 --> 01:12:56.539 Parker? 01:12:56.539 --> 01:12:57.539 Aye. 01:12:57.539 --> 01:12:58.539 Stacy? 01:12:58.539 --> 01:12:59.539 Aye. 01:12:59.539 --> 01:13:00.539 And Shadle? 01:13:00.539 --> 01:13:01.539 Aye. 01:13:01.539 --> 01:13:02.539 The resolution is adopted, 6-0. 01:13:02.539 --> 01:13:03.539 And item number 12 is the adoption of resolution 2025-112. 01:13:03.539 --> 01:13:06.539 Could you please read this? 01:13:06.539 --> 01:13:11.360 Resolution approving application for contract with FLOC Safety for live video cameras, additional 01:13:11.360 --> 01:13:14.659 license plate reader cameras, and mobile trailer cameras. 01:13:14.659 --> 01:13:16.659 Thank you. Chief Shenberger? 01:13:16.659 --> 01:13:29.659 Thank you. So as I discussed last week, earlier in the year I had some representatives from FLOC that came and did a presentation on the products that they offer and how they could help us as law enforcement officers. 01:13:29.659 --> 01:13:36.659 I've applied for several grants and looked for different funding throughout this year. 01:13:36.659 --> 01:13:38.659 and 01:13:39.659 --> 01:13:40.659 the 01:13:40.659 --> 01:13:42.659 President's Office. 01:13:42.659 --> 01:13:47.659 I was able to secure some funding through Senator Durbin's office by utilizing lobbyists 01:13:47.659 --> 01:13:49.659 through sound thinking. 01:13:49.659 --> 01:13:52.659 There's a wish list of things that comes with that. 01:13:52.659 --> 01:13:57.659 However, we realize that if that funding falls through, more than likely, it's not going 01:13:57.659 --> 01:13:59.659 to happen. 01:13:59.659 --> 01:14:04.659 And within the contract for FLOC, there's a contingency. 01:14:04.659 --> 01:14:07.300 if we don't pass then we're not, 01:14:07.300 --> 01:14:09.420 or we don't have to pay that amount of money. 01:14:09.420 --> 01:14:14.420 So I also secured organized crime retail theft grant 01:14:15.779 --> 01:14:18.180 from the Attorney General's office for $9,000. 01:14:18.180 --> 01:14:21.979 So the plan basically is to leverage that money 01:14:21.979 --> 01:14:24.479 to start this project one month early 01:14:24.479 --> 01:14:26.979 that gives us into December 01:14:26.979 --> 01:14:30.300 and then utilize the appropriations dollars 01:14:30.300 --> 01:14:34.220 for the year of 2026 and 2027. 01:14:34.659 --> 01:14:36.659 Thank you, Chief. Is there a motion to adopt? 01:14:36.659 --> 01:14:37.659 It's all moved. 01:14:37.659 --> 01:14:38.659 Second. 01:14:38.659 --> 01:14:44.659 Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker. Discussion on the resolution? 01:14:44.659 --> 01:14:46.659 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:14:46.659 --> 01:14:47.659 I have... 01:14:47.659 --> 01:14:49.659 Oh, Alderman Stacy, I'm sorry. 01:14:49.659 --> 01:14:54.659 So this is, you're asking for a voting to approve this? 01:14:54.659 --> 01:15:00.659 Approve the resolution for the Chief to move forward on what he just made a comment on. 01:15:00.659 --> 01:15:12.659 Okay, I do have a question, but I don't know, do it come now or later? 01:15:12.659 --> 01:15:18.180 This is the one pertaining to the drones you were speaking of? 01:15:18.180 --> 01:15:26.000 No, this is for license plate reader cameras, some live video bundles with those, a trailer 01:15:26.000 --> 01:15:28.000 and 01:15:29.100 --> 01:15:39.100 I'm going to talk about the license plate reader camera that is live video and then a trailer camera that has a license plate reader camera in it and also it's just like a speed wagon with a license plate reader camera in it. 01:15:39.100 --> 01:15:44.100 Can you tell me like what does it cost per year to operate this? 01:15:44.100 --> 01:15:46.100 Right. 01:15:46.100 --> 01:15:55.100 So, I mean, this is covered, this would be covered under appropriations, dollars and grant money, but roughly, I know it's in the agreement, but the money that we're utilizing is $200,000 from appropriations, dollars, and grants. 01:15:56.000 --> 01:16:26.000 and others, and then we're also using the $9,000 that we're getting from the Organized Crime Retail Theft Grant. So that's what it's going to cost for two years. However, all that money is going to be used to pay for the license plate reader cameras, and then we're also using the $9,000 that we're getting from the Organized Crime Retail Theft 01:16:26.000 --> 01:16:28.840 Money is not coming out of the city's funds. 01:16:28.840 --> 01:16:31.840 That's all money that's being appropriated to us 01:16:31.840 --> 01:16:33.779 and already given to us through grant. 01:16:35.560 --> 01:16:38.359 Okay, any further, Alderman Sanders? 01:16:38.359 --> 01:16:43.359 Yeah, have you had an opportunity to determine 01:16:46.039 --> 01:16:49.359 whether this is appropriate for this particular county 01:16:49.359 --> 01:16:53.560 or this city to determine if it doesn't violate 01:16:53.560 --> 01:16:55.560 and the rest of the board. 01:16:56.680 --> 01:16:59.560 So I think we have to do a search to see if anybody has 01:16:59.560 --> 01:17:01.560 rights or anything of that nature. 01:17:03.880 --> 01:17:05.880 So in order for us to even do a search, we have to have a 01:17:05.880 --> 01:17:07.880 reason, a law enforcement reason. 01:17:09.780 --> 01:17:11.780 So generally, you know, a crime has occurred or if there's a 01:17:11.780 --> 01:17:13.780 missing person or something like that. 01:17:15.080 --> 01:17:17.080 So we have to put a reason in and there are certain things 01:17:17.080 --> 01:17:19.620 you can't search for. We also have to put a case number in 01:17:19.620 --> 01:17:21.620 there. 01:17:21.619 --> 01:17:26.619 and I have been working on this for a long time and I think it's been a great opportunity for us to even access the cameras. 01:17:26.619 --> 01:17:31.619 Now, the live video, that's something that I've talked to people in the community. 01:17:31.619 --> 01:17:36.619 They feel like, you know, we need more live video out there. 01:17:36.619 --> 01:17:43.619 It's very helpful, you know, as long as it's in the right place in the right time and capturing the right thing, you know, it's very helpful for us for certain things. 01:17:43.619 --> 01:17:48.619 So we do utilize license plate reader cameras right now. 01:17:48.619 --> 01:17:59.619 I think it was in 2021. So it's a different platform, but Vigilant doesn't have the trailer cameras and the other two things that we're looking to get to. 01:17:59.619 --> 01:18:11.619 FOC is a smoother, easier to use, more modern platform. It's something that wasn't available in 2021. It kind of really became popular about two years ago. 01:18:11.619 --> 01:18:16.619 A lot of agencies are going to that. So that's why I chose them. 01:18:16.619 --> 01:18:20.619 Would you like your second time, Alderman Sanders? 01:18:20.619 --> 01:18:26.619 I'll elaborate a little bit longer. I need to use my four minutes. 01:18:26.619 --> 01:18:31.619 Just to ask your question. 01:18:31.619 --> 01:18:37.619 All police vehicles will be designated with a plate reader. 01:18:37.619 --> 01:18:42.619 No, these are not mobile devices. These would be stationary. 01:18:42.619 --> 01:18:50.220 Stationary. Yeah, and they're solar powered. And they're located through Alpha City? They would be, yes. Okay. All right. Thank you. 01:18:51.220 --> 01:18:55.180 Alderman, Stacy? You know, I hear you talk about 01:18:56.939 --> 01:19:03.819 more cameras, more, you know, we tried to get cameras 01:19:07.220 --> 01:19:10.059 and it was shut down like 01:19:12.619 --> 01:19:27.619 Fire, burning in the forest. It was not wanted. Now all of a sudden, now we want cameras. 01:19:27.619 --> 01:19:35.739 And so, I don't know if this will pass or not, but since we want cameras, we could get 01:19:35.739 --> 01:19:45.260 with them and it was grants and money out there where we could have had cameras on every 01:19:45.260 --> 01:19:54.300 telephone pole to help detour some of the crime here in our city and we were denied 01:19:54.300 --> 01:20:13.820 Not that right. But now, with you bringing it to the council, they're all in. It's sad 01:20:13.820 --> 01:20:19.480 to me. I don't know what rights were denied. Alderman Johnson? 01:20:19.480 --> 01:20:25.080 So did this grant just come out recently or it just came out recently? You can apply for it. 01:20:25.080 --> 01:20:31.280 So the, yeah, the Retail Theft Grant, it's an annual grant. It's one that you can reapply for every year. 01:20:31.280 --> 01:20:31.780 Okay. 01:20:31.780 --> 01:20:39.280 And that's for the $9,000. The appropriations, that's something totally different. You know, that's being appropriated to us through Senator Durbin's office. 01:20:39.280 --> 01:20:48.280 So I don't, Darren's probably more knowledgeable about that type of money. This is the first time I've ever been able to secure funds that way. 01:20:48.279 --> 01:20:49.279 and others. 01:20:49.279 --> 01:20:53.619 I've been able to get a lot of grants, but it's for two years. 01:20:53.619 --> 01:20:54.619 That one's for two years. 01:20:54.619 --> 01:20:56.960 The Attorney General's $9,000. 01:20:56.960 --> 01:20:59.479 That's just a one-year thing, but we can reapply for it. 01:20:59.479 --> 01:21:01.199 You want your second? 01:21:01.199 --> 01:21:02.199 Sure. 01:21:02.199 --> 01:21:07.319 And so just to clarify, this won't go forward unless we get the grant money, and we'll use 01:21:07.319 --> 01:21:12.199 part the appropriations money for part of these things, but we won't get it all unless 01:21:12.199 --> 01:21:13.639 we get the grant money. 01:21:13.639 --> 01:21:14.639 Is that correct? 01:21:14.639 --> 01:21:15.639 Right. 01:21:15.640 --> 01:21:18.880 I mean, let's say the $9,000 is a for sure thing. 01:21:18.880 --> 01:21:20.200 I've already been awarded that. 01:21:20.200 --> 01:21:23.880 The appropriations, I mean, I'm just playing it safe. 01:21:23.880 --> 01:21:26.520 You know, I asked for a contingency in the contract 01:21:26.520 --> 01:21:27.500 and there is one in there. 01:21:27.500 --> 01:21:29.280 So if the appropriations fail, 01:21:29.280 --> 01:21:31.260 then we're left with $9,000, 01:21:31.260 --> 01:21:33.800 which gives us about two to three cameras, so. 01:21:33.800 --> 01:21:34.740 Okay, thank you. 01:21:37.280 --> 01:21:38.980 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:21:40.360 --> 01:21:41.200 Sanders. 01:21:45.640 --> 01:22:01.640 Johnson, Clem, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, and Shadle. The resolution is adopted, 6-0. 01:22:01.640 --> 01:22:17.119 7, 7-0. Did you say 6, Madam Clerk? It's 7. Oh, yes, that's because we have everybody 01:22:17.119 --> 01:22:21.400 back on the floor now. 7-0. Thank you, Attorney Zito. Sorry. 01:22:21.400 --> 01:22:26.680 Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2025-113. Could you please read this? 01:22:26.680 --> 01:22:30.640 Resolution Endorsing Community Solar Savings Program through Illinois Shines, which is 01:22:30.640 --> 01:22:33.220 and 01:22:33.220 --> 01:22:33.240 Senator, 01:22:33.240 --> 01:22:33.760 Paul Hagen, 01:22:33.760 --> 01:22:35.160 Chairman, 01:22:35.160 --> 01:22:43.640 has been asked if he would like to participate in the Illinois Solar Energy Incentive Program. 01:22:43.640 --> 01:22:48.280 Solar developers are often required to offer subscription incentives. 01:22:48.280 --> 01:22:51.960 The City's largest accounts, 100 KW and under, would be 01:22:51.960 --> 01:22:57.500 eligible to receive the monetary bill credits from the program incentive. 01:22:57.500 --> 01:23:02.060 These incentive programs work on the 20-year subscription timeline, and this program was 01:23:02.060 --> 01:23:09.359 reviewed by Mr. Mudge, who is here tonight on September 8th, 2025. 01:23:09.359 --> 01:23:14.000 This subscription program application will allow Freeport to participate and receive solar 01:23:14.000 --> 01:23:18.859 incentives from solar array projects that are being installed in the area. 01:23:18.859 --> 01:23:20.859 Freeport will not have any financial or... 01:23:20.859 --> 01:23:36.460 The City utility accounts are appealing to the program due to the large and consistent 01:23:36.460 --> 01:23:42.059 use of electricity. Many northwestern Illinois cities are joining this program and there is 01:23:42.059 --> 01:23:48.139 a brochure if someone is interested to see it. But Mike did present at the last Committee 01:23:48.140 --> 01:23:54.940 Hall. So there are many questions as to that time. So there is no financial requirement 01:23:54.940 --> 01:23:59.960 except the provider will charge a subscription fee from the credit received. Staff will also 01:23:59.960 --> 01:24:06.140 incur work time to subscribe and provide detailed account information. Staff is recommending 01:24:06.140 --> 01:24:10.579 the City Council to approve move forward with the community solar with Illinois Shine to 01:24:10.579 --> 01:24:13.380 receive solar credit incentives. 01:24:13.380 --> 01:24:14.860 Is there a motion to adopt? 01:24:14.860 --> 01:24:15.860 So moved. 01:24:15.860 --> 01:24:16.860 Second. 01:24:16.859 --> 01:24:21.859 Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm. Discussion on the 01:24:21.859 --> 01:24:29.299 resolution. Alderman Simmons. So if I can persuade any of you even since before my 01:24:29.299 --> 01:24:34.579 time on council I cannot think of one person that has said I'm glad that the 01:24:34.579 --> 01:24:39.399 city has done this program and I would like to remind you all that last time we 01:24:39.399 --> 01:24:44.739 set up we signed up for this the company was not able to honor their contract so 01:24:44.739 --> 01:24:50.139 So please just keep those things in mind when making your decision. 01:24:50.139 --> 01:24:51.139 Manager Boyer? 01:24:51.139 --> 01:24:55.099 I'd like to make one minor comment related to this. 01:24:55.099 --> 01:24:58.179 The aggregation contract is what the city's done in the past. 01:24:58.179 --> 01:25:02.380 This is something new and this is completely different from the aggregation contract. 01:25:02.380 --> 01:25:07.199 This would allow the city to receive solar credits for the solar arrays that are already 01:25:07.199 --> 01:25:12.019 being built by other people. 01:25:12.020 --> 01:25:18.700 It is the next item. Yes. Alderman Johnson. From what I understood the gentleman telling 01:25:18.700 --> 01:25:28.740 us is that the subscriptions that we do are to give money to have more solar farms or 01:25:28.740 --> 01:25:36.060 plots put up. So if we get electricity, he said that is already used in all these other 01:25:36.060 --> 01:25:40.980 farms that are around. So this means they are going to be putting more solar farms around 01:25:40.980 --> 01:25:42.500 and the City of Freeport, right? 01:25:43.740 --> 01:25:45.060 Well, we have Mr. Mudge here. 01:25:45.060 --> 01:25:46.900 Maybe he can be a little more specific. 01:25:46.900 --> 01:25:48.900 Mr. Mudge, would you want to address that? 01:25:54.260 --> 01:25:55.100 Thank you. 01:25:55.100 --> 01:25:56.620 Thank you for the question. 01:25:57.780 --> 01:26:00.520 Basically, the state and the governor 01:26:00.520 --> 01:26:04.460 wants to promote clean power. 01:26:04.460 --> 01:26:08.340 And the subscriptions, when you subscribe on, 01:26:08.340 --> 01:26:13.020 it's going to be for new fields that are being developed right now are being 01:26:13.020 --> 01:26:22.220 developed in 2026 and they need subscribers. Will it continue on past 26 or 27? 01:26:22.220 --> 01:26:27.260 We really don't, we really don't know. It all depends on the incentives and things 01:26:27.260 --> 01:26:32.260 like that. Where they will be built and where they'll be placed is where it's 01:26:32.260 --> 01:26:37.260 is going to be economically beneficial to connect into the ComEd grid. 01:26:37.260 --> 01:26:45.260 So, I don't know if that's answering your specific question, Linda, Ms. Johnson, 01:26:45.260 --> 01:26:56.260 but wherever these are going to be built will be in approved locations through the Illinois Shines Program. 01:26:56.260 --> 01:27:02.140 and doesn't necessarily mean there's going to be a lot more here in Freeport or not. 01:27:02.140 --> 01:27:10.180 Probably nothing in our city, but most likely rural areas where the connection fees to comment 01:27:10.180 --> 01:27:11.180 are lower. 01:27:11.180 --> 01:27:13.340 Does that help? 01:27:13.340 --> 01:27:16.619 Go ahead. 01:27:16.619 --> 01:27:23.579 So chances are they would be in agriculture, farming areas, the new solar fields would 01:27:23.579 --> 01:27:28.859 Possibly because it would be cheaper to put them up in those areas. Is that what you're saying? 01:27:31.699 --> 01:27:33.699 For example, a 01:27:33.699 --> 01:27:39.100 Good solar project is like what's being built right here in the city of Freeport on the old landfill 01:27:39.659 --> 01:27:44.659 That's a perfect use for land that cannot be really used for anything else 01:27:45.420 --> 01:27:46.659 but 01:27:46.659 --> 01:27:52.579 There's more incentives for solar companies to go into like brown areas and 01:27:52.579 --> 01:27:58.579 and different things like that throughout and build them. 01:27:58.579 --> 01:28:02.579 Will it drew up more farmland? That's possible. 01:28:02.579 --> 01:28:06.579 But that's a farmer's choice or his opportunity. 01:28:06.579 --> 01:28:10.579 What we're looking at though for the specific city accounts 01:28:10.579 --> 01:28:14.579 is take advantage of the program that the states created 01:28:14.579 --> 01:28:19.579 to promote solar and we can do this now. 01:28:19.579 --> 01:28:27.859 Now, everyone, I mentioned last time, everyone in the combat area pays into the solar fund. 01:28:27.859 --> 01:28:34.420 So it's up to the council here whether or not you want to get some of that money that's 01:28:34.420 --> 01:28:48.800 being paid and leaving City Freeport back in for public works, accounts only. 01:28:48.800 --> 01:29:14.800 any further discussion Madam Clerk please take the roll. Sanders? No. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? No. Simmons? No. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. And Shadle? Aye. I have three in favor, four against, and the resolution fails. 01:29:14.800 --> 01:29:22.800 Move on to item number 14, which is the adaption of resolution 2025-114. Could you please read this? 01:29:22.800 --> 01:29:36.800 Resolution approving an electrical aggregation agreement with, if we agree on our low bidder, that'll be that person, for the retail supply of electric for residential and small business customers in the city of Freeport. 01:29:36.800 --> 01:29:37.800 Manager Boyer? 01:29:37.800 --> 01:29:39.079 Manager, Boyer? 01:29:39.079 --> 01:29:40.079 Thank you, Your Honor. 01:29:40.079 --> 01:29:43.159 As we discussed at the Committee of the Whole last week, 01:29:43.159 --> 01:29:44.720 we received bids. 01:29:44.720 --> 01:29:47.400 I believe MC squared was a little better. 01:29:47.400 --> 01:29:50.600 And we've got it up on the screen here for you. 01:29:53.560 --> 01:29:58.440 So with that being said, staff would 01:29:58.440 --> 01:30:00.600 recommend moving forward with MC squared 01:30:00.600 --> 01:30:07.440 for the low kilowatt provider at two years. 01:30:07.440 --> 01:30:14.720 At what rate are we talking about? At 9.89 cents per kilowatt hour. 9.89? Yes. 01:30:14.720 --> 01:30:15.720 Okay. 01:30:15.720 --> 01:30:21.360 Council, are we picking a one or two year train? Yes. 01:30:21.360 --> 01:30:26.840 Is that your conclusion? Yes, staff recommends the two year, but obviously 01:30:26.840 --> 01:30:27.840 it's at council's discretion. 01:30:27.840 --> 01:30:28.840 So moved. 01:30:28.840 --> 01:30:29.840 Second. 01:30:29.840 --> 01:30:36.040 Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on approving MC 01:30:36.039 --> 01:30:57.479 C-Squared. Alderman, Stacy? As Alderman Simmons stated earlier that last year when we did this, 01:30:57.479 --> 01:31:05.159 everybody was automatically changed. If you didn't want the change, you had to send in 01:31:05.159 --> 01:31:17.039 and the paper apting out, and then they couldn't even fulfill the need. 01:31:17.039 --> 01:31:24.319 And so why are we back here again? 01:31:24.319 --> 01:31:32.840 And being that we're back here again, I hope this time, if people choose to take it, that 01:31:32.840 --> 01:31:39.840 they have a choice and not that they're automatically changed and then now they've got to go and 01:31:40.600 --> 01:31:51.600 change back. So I don't know how that works, but to change everybody to this MC2, I think 01:31:52.119 --> 01:31:59.119 it should be optional. If they want MC2, they can call you. But to switch everybody automatically, 01:32:02.840 --> 01:32:15.340 Grammatically, no, we were clearly shown last year it did not work and now we're all back 01:32:15.340 --> 01:32:20.340 with comment. 01:32:20.340 --> 01:32:21.340 Manager Boyer. 01:32:21.340 --> 01:32:26.239 Mr. Mudge, I don't know if you can provide some clarity on this, but we've done this 01:32:26.239 --> 01:32:46.239 For many different times, people have saved thousands of dollars on their overall power bill, but could you explain why last year was different than the past years and why it's different than this year? And just based on those rates, how much do you think we'll end up saving based on ComEd's base rate right now? 01:32:46.239 --> 01:33:04.239 Sure. Last year Council did agree and we had a signed agreement with Nordic Energy. However, their cost, not to their fault, but it was a pass-through charge, increased the charges where they could not honor that contract. 01:33:04.239 --> 01:33:14.239 However, we decided to give it a rest and have everyone go back to ComEd. At that time we did not know what the ComEd rate was going to be. 01:33:14.239 --> 01:33:30.239 Now, we know what the ComEd rate is, and in actuality, this one, I looked at the new ComEd rate tariffs that came out for September through May, and the ComEd rate now is at 10.6 cents. 01:33:30.239 --> 01:33:40.239 The MC squared rate, whether you do a one-year or two-year contract, that's what it will be. 01:33:40.239 --> 01:33:45.979 Now the bottom line is the state set up the program where it would be an opt-out program. 01:33:45.979 --> 01:33:50.380 If you don't want to be in it, that is the customer's choice. 01:33:50.380 --> 01:33:58.819 But by not passing or adopting a contract, customers do not have a choice at all. 01:33:58.819 --> 01:34:06.899 They're just on ComEd or on a supplier of their own and they would have that choice. 01:34:06.900 --> 01:34:14.080 So, what difference does the difference between the one or the two year contract make? 01:34:14.080 --> 01:34:24.900 If there's a penny difference, and we have 3,000 customers in Freeport, then the average 01:34:24.900 --> 01:34:30.620 customer uses about 700, 730 kilowatt hours to comment on customers. 01:34:30.620 --> 01:34:36.660 So that's saving each customer $7, $7.50. 01:34:36.659 --> 01:34:43.039 if they want it. If they don't, they can stay on ComEd right now. So ComEd's rate is set. 01:34:43.039 --> 01:34:54.579 So by passing this, you're giving the customers a choice back that was really taken away from 01:34:54.579 --> 01:35:01.539 them when we all agreed we didn't know what the new ComEd rate was back in April or May 01:35:01.539 --> 01:35:04.659 when we had to replace that original contract. 01:35:04.659 --> 01:35:22.659 What's going to stop it from happening again? We can't say that it is or isn't going to happen again. It's out of your hands, too. 01:35:22.659 --> 01:35:33.659 The regulated rate that was passed on to Nordic Energy has now set for the next two years. The suppliers know what their costs are. They will hold that rate. 01:35:33.659 --> 01:35:41.019 but you told us that last year about when we did this last year we did not know 01:35:41.019 --> 01:35:49.619 what the federal pastoral costs were going to be and in the past in the past 01:35:49.619 --> 01:35:55.899 it was known it all has to do with the demand for power going up so so so much 01:35:55.899 --> 01:36:03.639 but to me I'm just simply saying if you want to give your residents and your 01:36:03.640 --> 01:36:21.039 Alderman Shadle You said the average homeowner would see a 01:36:21.039 --> 01:36:24.440 difference of roughly $7.50. 01:36:24.440 --> 01:36:32.860 What is the impact taking MC Squared's rate for the city contracts? 01:36:32.859 --> 01:36:36.139 If we look at 3,000 residents, which is low? 01:36:36.139 --> 01:36:37.139 No, the city. 01:36:37.139 --> 01:36:38.139 Oh, the city? 01:36:38.139 --> 01:36:39.139 Not the residents, the city. 01:36:39.139 --> 01:36:41.219 This has nothing to do with the city? 01:36:41.219 --> 01:36:46.019 No, on this contract, how much do we save as the city of Freeport? 01:36:46.019 --> 01:36:48.859 The city does not save any money at all? 01:36:48.859 --> 01:36:49.859 No. 01:36:49.859 --> 01:36:51.659 This is strictly for your residents? 01:36:51.659 --> 01:36:52.880 No, no, no. 01:36:52.880 --> 01:36:53.880 Not the city residents. 01:36:53.880 --> 01:36:59.299 I'm talking the city water department, the city sewer department, our billing, the city 01:36:59.299 --> 01:37:00.859 of Freeport billings. 01:37:00.859 --> 01:37:01.859 Billings. 01:37:01.859 --> 01:37:02.859 All right. 01:37:02.859 --> 01:37:03.859 I'll answer that. 01:37:03.859 --> 01:37:08.979 Our contract, decision to contract right now ends December 2026 for the City Water Accounts 01:37:08.979 --> 01:37:13.420 as I get the rate of 5.61 cents. 01:37:13.420 --> 01:37:14.420 And that's the public word. 01:37:14.420 --> 01:37:16.819 Attorney Zito can answer. 01:37:16.819 --> 01:37:22.139 If I'm understanding your question, it'll, electric aggregation, this particular contract 01:37:22.139 --> 01:37:28.920 is strictly for residential and small, small businesses. 01:37:28.920 --> 01:37:34.119 We have a separate contract for the City Accounts like our Wastewater Treatment Plant and etc. 01:37:34.119 --> 01:37:38.279 So that's a separate contract that we have each year for the City Accounts. 01:37:38.279 --> 01:37:39.279 Alderman Parker. 01:37:39.279 --> 01:37:45.079 Just a quick question. 01:37:45.079 --> 01:37:46.079 We approved this tonight. 01:37:46.079 --> 01:37:51.699 Do the people in the City have to do this or they can ignore it and stay with comment? 01:37:51.699 --> 01:37:54.239 People have two choices to opt out. 01:37:54.239 --> 01:37:55.239 Johnson. 01:37:55.239 --> 01:38:02.920 They'll get a letter under city letterhead from MC Squared if they were chosen to say 01:38:02.920 --> 01:38:06.239 here's what your rate will be starting in December. 01:38:06.239 --> 01:38:10.840 If you don't want to be part of this program, let us know. 01:38:10.840 --> 01:38:15.719 Secondly, a ComEd switch letter comes out, what was the state, the same thing in case 01:38:15.719 --> 01:38:16.880 somebody misses it. 01:38:16.880 --> 01:38:20.159 This is state statute how that's supposed to work. 01:38:20.159 --> 01:38:22.399 ComEd will send out a switch letter. 01:38:22.400 --> 01:38:28.480 and again if you do not want to be part of the program you can opt out. Anyone else that 01:38:28.480 --> 01:38:36.200 would be automatically in the program. One thought that I had I wanted to mention. What's 01:38:36.200 --> 01:38:42.640 the value of this to the city of Freeport if it's $7 a month times 3,000 residents 01:38:42.640 --> 01:38:49.160 that's $21,000 a month that stays in the city. Might not seem like a lot but to me 01:38:49.160 --> 01:38:50.160 every dollar counts. 01:38:50.159 --> 01:39:07.000 and 01:39:07.000 --> 01:39:15.239 Sanders. Yeah, I know exactly what you're doing, sir, with this Nordic thing and 01:39:15.239 --> 01:39:20.439 not trying to get it proposed to the city of Freeport or the residents of 01:39:20.439 --> 01:39:25.680 Freeport. The thing that I found out, and it's like you said, they had 01:39:25.680 --> 01:39:35.000 issues managing how they want to implement their program, what they fail. 01:39:35.000 --> 01:39:36.000 and others. 01:39:36.000 --> 01:39:41.119 They initially failed their program because I was part of that program and they had so 01:39:41.119 --> 01:39:43.340 much difficulties with it. 01:39:43.340 --> 01:39:50.079 In order for you to opt out of it, you have to not only go back to ComEd, but you have 01:39:50.079 --> 01:39:55.899 to go through another agency so they can enforce it. 01:39:55.899 --> 01:39:57.439 They have to enforce it. 01:39:57.439 --> 01:40:04.920 There's another agency that enforces it that keeps companies like Nordic and ComEd to be 01:40:04.920 --> 01:40:12.279 to impose upon residents to make, to opt them in when they don't want to be in there. 01:40:12.279 --> 01:40:17.619 If they don't, if they don't acknowledge it to, I forgot the name of the company, but 01:40:17.619 --> 01:40:26.819 there's another agency that they have to acknowledge it with them so they can inform ComEd. 01:40:26.819 --> 01:40:34.300 It's almost like another liaison that's working on behalf of these suppliers. 01:40:34.300 --> 01:40:40.300 and I ended up getting out of that program with Nordic, even though I did have to go 01:40:40.300 --> 01:40:47.380 through the procedures to get another agency to have come here to recognize that I want 01:40:47.380 --> 01:40:49.220 to be with another supplier. 01:40:49.220 --> 01:40:54.180 Now you're back here again trying to say that it's the state law. 01:40:54.180 --> 01:40:59.900 If it's the state law, then why am I with another supplier and Nordic was having all 01:40:59.900 --> 01:41:00.900 these issues? 01:41:00.900 --> 01:41:09.460 Black, is Nordic coming back in to the picture? Nordic is not. Nordic is MC2. MC2? Is it MC2? 01:41:09.460 --> 01:41:16.860 A different supply. Oh, okay. They just changed the name is what they did, huh? No. Oh, okay. 01:41:16.860 --> 01:41:26.540 But anyway, it's not something that I think, like one of the Aldermen says, that if he 01:41:26.539 --> 01:41:35.220 He doesn't comply or acknowledge to a certain agency, then they automatically back into 01:41:35.220 --> 01:41:40.819 whatever this is that you're talking about, this MC square. 01:41:40.819 --> 01:41:46.220 I don't think that should be something that the citizens of Freeport should be considering. 01:41:46.220 --> 01:41:53.619 If they have suppliers already in existence right now that they're using other than ComEd, 01:41:53.619 --> 01:41:54.619 and others. 01:41:54.619 --> 01:42:00.439 They should continue to use their supplier until they get one better and that should 01:42:00.439 --> 01:42:11.159 be their option and not the other suppliers or the state's enforcement as far as I'm 01:42:11.159 --> 01:42:12.159 concerned. 01:42:12.159 --> 01:42:18.319 But anyway, I know there's another agency in play that all residents have to acknowledge 01:42:18.319 --> 01:42:22.279 that they do or do not want to be part of this program. 01:42:22.279 --> 01:42:39.279 So I'm just saying that's just my observation on these matters and I think we should take these into consideration that what you're proposing, I don't know what really, does it have a clown mask on it or whatever, I don't know. 01:42:39.279 --> 01:42:41.279 Alderman Johnson. 01:42:41.279 --> 01:42:43.279 Customers do have three choices. 01:42:43.279 --> 01:42:44.279 Three now. 01:42:44.279 --> 01:42:46.279 There are three choices. 01:42:46.279 --> 01:42:49.279 One, stay uncommitted. 01:42:49.279 --> 01:43:01.279 Two, they could go back, or they could go under the City Program of D Squared and appreciate a better rate and save a few dollars on the rental fee bill. 01:43:01.279 --> 01:43:08.279 Three, you can go out like you probably did and choose your own supplier at your own risk. 01:43:08.279 --> 01:43:12.279 So that's the three choices that all customers have. 01:43:12.279 --> 01:43:27.279 and I think that you, I don't say you owe it to it, but you should think about giving your residents all three options so that they can make their choice. 01:43:27.279 --> 01:43:33.279 It's their choice. Once it leaves here, it's back to them and their choice. 01:43:33.279 --> 01:43:35.279 Alderman Johnson. 01:43:35.279 --> 01:43:41.239 So the majority of the residents in the city of Freeport are just on ComEd right now 01:43:41.840 --> 01:43:43.159 and 01:43:43.159 --> 01:43:48.000 According to this paper. It says that from September 25 to May 26 01:43:49.319 --> 01:43:56.159 It's ten point two two nine cents per kilowatt hour now. You're saying it's ten point six right now 01:43:56.159 --> 01:43:58.880 It's ten point six because the current change there 01:43:59.719 --> 01:44:01.239 it goes from 01:44:01.239 --> 01:44:15.639 September through May on the new rate... On the new rate of 10.6. Right. Right. The 10.2, that was like for the four summer months and blended to the winter, but now it's 10.6. 01:44:15.640 --> 01:44:45.640 So if we choose this contract, MC2, we choose the two year contract, we would be locked in at 9.89 cents per kilowatt hour for those two years which is less than what we're paying now with ComEd which is the current rate is 10.6 which could change at the end of May or in May 26 it could go up a lot higher than that but if we choose this for two years it would be 9.89 cents per kilowatt hour 01:44:45.640 --> 01:44:47.680 for those two years, correct? 01:44:47.680 --> 01:44:48.920 That is correct. 01:44:48.920 --> 01:44:49.420 Thank you. 01:44:53.240 --> 01:44:56.320 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 01:44:56.320 --> 01:44:57.039 Sanders? 01:44:57.039 --> 01:44:58.039 No. 01:44:58.039 --> 01:44:58.720 Klemm? 01:44:58.720 --> 01:44:59.360 Aye. 01:44:59.360 --> 01:45:00.000 Johnson? 01:45:00.000 --> 01:45:01.079 Aye. 01:45:01.079 --> 01:45:02.000 Simmons? 01:45:02.000 --> 01:45:02.720 No. 01:45:02.720 --> 01:45:03.360 Parker? 01:45:03.360 --> 01:45:04.119 Aye. 01:45:04.119 --> 01:45:05.920 Stacy? 01:45:05.920 --> 01:45:07.160 No. 01:45:07.160 --> 01:45:07.920 Shadle? 01:45:07.920 --> 01:45:09.560 Aye. 01:45:09.560 --> 01:45:12.680 The resolution is adopted 5 to 2. 01:45:12.680 --> 01:45:14.039 No, that's not right. 01:45:14.039 --> 01:45:15.039 4-3. 01:45:15.039 --> 01:45:23.000 So, it's because half the council has voted, you would need to call the mayor, the mayor's 01:45:23.000 --> 01:45:24.000 vote. 01:45:24.000 --> 01:45:27.319 Say that again, sir. 01:45:27.319 --> 01:45:33.079 So when you have half of the council, four, vote in favor of an item, then you can call 01:45:33.079 --> 01:45:36.239 the mayor's, that's one of the situations where the mayor is entitled to vote. 01:45:36.239 --> 01:45:38.519 Oh, I heard you say that. 01:45:38.519 --> 01:45:40.800 Okay, I'm going to hold you to that. 01:45:40.800 --> 01:45:41.800 Okay. 01:45:41.800 --> 01:45:43.880 Okay, I'm going to hold you right there. 01:45:43.880 --> 01:45:46.199 This is a nonsense discussion. 01:45:46.199 --> 01:45:48.400 Mayor, what say you? 01:45:48.400 --> 01:45:52.359 I'm talking, I'm asking him a question. 01:45:52.359 --> 01:45:53.359 You're talking nonsense. 01:45:53.359 --> 01:45:55.359 The resolution is adopted 5-3. 01:45:55.359 --> 01:45:58.440 Item number 15 is the adoption of resolution 2025-115. 01:45:58.440 --> 01:46:01.960 Could you please read this for the record? 01:46:01.960 --> 01:46:03.880 That's the legal move. 01:46:03.880 --> 01:46:09.239 Resolution authorizing memorandum of understanding with AFSCME for street or forest reform and 01:46:09.239 --> 01:46:13.000 temporary assignment as Acting Street Superintendent. 01:46:13.000 --> 01:46:19.720 Manager, Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. The city superintendent has a 01:46:19.720 --> 01:46:24.319 significant amount of personal time off due to his years of service. Additionally, 01:46:24.319 --> 01:46:27.479 his management leadership responsibilities require him to be on 01:46:27.479 --> 01:46:31.680 call a significant amount of the time due to the nature of his current public 01:46:31.680 --> 01:46:37.600 works role. To ensure our staff is fully supported and has adequate time off and 01:46:37.600 --> 01:46:41.439 receives appropriate rest and downtime, staff is requesting that a memorandum of 01:46:41.440 --> 01:46:46.920 of Understanding be approved by the City Council to allow for additional hourly pay for appointed 01:46:46.920 --> 01:46:52.040 foreman who takes on added responsibilities, thereby covering this time off. 01:46:52.040 --> 01:46:56.240 This MOU pay will be for approved and assigned coverage only. 01:46:56.240 --> 01:47:01.920 The MOU approval will allow our superintendent to take appropriate time off, ensuring that 01:47:01.920 --> 01:47:06.120 the quality of their time off by knowing that they have some experienced staff who can handle 01:47:06.120 --> 01:47:07.120 the calls. 01:47:07.119 --> 01:47:15.279 was also allowed for scheduling formal coverage with the foreman in advance of their PTO or 01:47:15.279 --> 01:47:20.920 weekend off. This increase in pay for the foreman will only be for the added responsibility 01:47:20.920 --> 01:47:26.800 as actual work time assigned during approved time off by the superintendent. This arrangement 01:47:26.800 --> 01:47:33.119 is similar to the MOU that was proposed for the water main break assignments in the utility. 01:47:33.119 --> 01:47:38.800 The MOU will provide $5 an hour increase in the appointed foreman hourly pay as approved 01:47:38.800 --> 01:47:44.079 only on hours of coverage that are physically worked and logged in the absence of the superintendent 01:47:44.079 --> 01:47:51.519 during time off and recommendation to move forward with this $5 an hour increase to the 01:47:51.519 --> 01:47:56.399 foreman to cover for the street superintendent's time off. 01:47:56.399 --> 01:47:57.640 Is there a motion to adopt? 01:47:57.640 --> 01:47:58.640 So moved. 01:47:58.640 --> 01:47:59.640 Second. 01:47:59.640 --> 01:48:08.140 The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm. Discussion on the Resolution. Alderman Stacy? 01:48:09.140 --> 01:48:21.140 I don't understand how we can continue to move forward with increases when we're still waiting on a contract that's been 01:48:21.140 --> 01:48:38.500 not in action for three or four months. The ASME union continue to wait for a contract 01:48:39.780 --> 01:48:46.980 and we continue to want to make increases everywhere but with them. 01:48:47.860 --> 01:48:50.579 Manager Boyer. What do you mean by three or four months? 01:48:51.140 --> 01:48:55.940 you tell me no I don't know I don't know what you meant by that what was their 01:48:55.940 --> 01:49:00.980 contract up when did their contract in their contract is still in place and 01:49:00.980 --> 01:49:04.820 we're negotiating yes it's in place now until I believe you said something to the 01:49:04.820 --> 01:49:11.500 however but when did it in and and you were not prepared to move forward with 01:49:11.500 --> 01:49:17.420 it but you're prepared you're prepared to move forward with increases where you 01:49:17.420 --> 01:49:19.420 and 01:49:20.520 --> 01:49:24.520 I, and I'm going to say that we do want increases. Let's be fair 01:49:24.520 --> 01:49:29.520 across the board. They deserve a fair contract. Let's make it 01:49:29.520 --> 01:49:31.520 happen. 01:49:33.539 --> 01:49:35.539 This is providing an additional wages to a street 01:49:36.640 --> 01:49:39.640 superintendent to cover in between time. We've already 01:49:39.640 --> 01:49:45.640 discussed it with the union. It is acceptable to the unions 01:49:45.640 --> 01:49:53.640 and I will have our street superintendent time off and make sure that he gets to sign his duties during the time that he has weekend off. 01:49:53.640 --> 01:49:59.640 And what about our 9-1-1 people working 12 hour days? 01:49:59.640 --> 01:50:01.640 This has nothing to do with that. 01:50:01.640 --> 01:50:04.640 I know it has nothing to do with it because we don't want to discuss that. 01:50:04.640 --> 01:50:06.640 It's a different topic. 01:50:06.640 --> 01:50:11.640 And it's a topic that will never make the agenda because you're not going to put it on. 01:50:11.640 --> 01:50:18.720 Ask me negotiations is not going to be on the council floor. No, it will not but I'm just saying get them a contract 01:50:20.760 --> 01:50:24.800 Let's stay on task here. Is there any questions? Yep. Let's stay on task 01:50:26.520 --> 01:50:28.520 Please stop being disruptive 01:50:29.520 --> 01:50:32.079 Disruptive to me if there's no further discussion 01:50:33.039 --> 01:50:35.079 Madam Clerk, please take the role. Sanders 01:50:35.940 --> 01:50:39.240 No, Clem. Aye. Johnson. Aye. 01:50:39.239 --> 01:51:09.239 Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. The motion, the adoption, the resolution is adapted five to two. I'm sorry. Item number 16 is the adoption of resolution 2025-116. Could you please read this? Resolution approving an airport management agreement with Freeport Aviation for Albertus Airport. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. The city issued a request for quote or RFP 01:51:09.239 --> 01:51:16.159 F.Q. for the fixed-base operator airport manager contract for Albertus Airport on August 11th, 01:51:16.159 --> 01:51:23.479 2025. Initial meetings were held with four prospective applicants and three applicants 01:51:23.479 --> 01:51:30.439 submitted applications by the September 2nd deadline. The applications were opened on 01:51:30.439 --> 01:51:39.159 September 4th at City Hall and reviewed, opening by myself, the Mayor, Alderman Sellers, the 01:51:39.159 --> 01:51:44.920 Public Works Director, Darren Steekle, City Clerk, Dovie Anderson, and Attorney, Steve 01:51:44.920 --> 01:51:47.000 Cox were present. 01:51:47.000 --> 01:51:52.779 I am pleased to notify that all three applications received were excellent and all of them represented 01:51:52.779 --> 01:51:54.779 well qualified applicants. 01:51:54.779 --> 01:52:02.920 The lowest of the three responsible applicants was Jeff Monica Freeport, Illinois at $157,500 01:52:02.920 --> 01:52:03.920 per year. 01:52:03.920 --> 01:52:09.000 I am recommending the City Council authorize the negotiation and execution of an operator 01:52:09.000 --> 01:52:11.000 and 01:52:13.000 --> 01:52:15.000 John. 01:52:17.000 --> 01:52:19.000 I am looking at the contract and it says that the operator, 01:52:21.000 --> 01:52:23.000 airport operator should keep regular post- 01:52:25.000 --> 01:52:27.000 order contract in the form set forth in the RFQ with Jeff 01:52:29.000 --> 01:52:31.000 Modica and according to the terms set forth in his response to 01:52:31.000 --> 01:52:33.000 the RFQ. 01:52:35.000 --> 01:52:37.000 Is there a motion to adopt? 01:52:39.000 --> 01:52:40.840 Co, 01:52:40.840 --> 01:52:41.840 John, 01:52:41.840 --> 01:52:42.840 and 01:52:42.840 --> 01:52:43.840 David, 01:52:43.840 --> 01:52:44.840 and 01:52:44.840 --> 01:52:45.840 I 01:52:45.840 --> 01:52:46.840 want to 01:52:46.840 --> 01:52:47.840 start 01:52:47.840 --> 01:52:48.840 with 01:52:48.840 --> 01:52:49.840 the 01:52:49.840 --> 01:52:50.840 question 01:52:50.840 --> 01:52:51.840 of 01:52:51.840 --> 01:52:52.840 how 01:52:52.840 --> 01:52:53.840 do 01:52:53.840 --> 01:52:54.840 you 01:52:54.840 --> 01:52:55.840 cover 01:52:55.840 --> 01:52:56.840 the 01:52:56.840 --> 01:52:57.840 hours 01:52:57.840 --> 01:52:58.840 during 01:52:58.840 --> 01:52:59.840 the 01:52:59.840 --> 01:53:00.840 business 01:53:00.840 --> 01:53:01.840 hours? 01:53:01.840 --> 01:53:02.840 How do 01:53:02.840 --> 01:53:03.840 you 01:53:03.840 --> 01:53:04.840 cover 01:53:04.840 --> 01:53:05.840 those 01:53:05.840 --> 01:53:06.840 hours? 01:53:06.840 --> 01:53:19.880 Thank you. Alderman Stacy? Yes. Who's going to run the airport when this person is at his 01:53:19.880 --> 01:53:32.880 other job and what terms was this negotiated under? And is the contract for a year or 19 01:53:32.880 --> 01:53:39.720 I'll try to answer that. The operator is responsible to cover the hours that were specified in 01:53:39.720 --> 01:53:46.440 the agreement. So whether it's them sitting there or they have their alternate there. 01:53:46.440 --> 01:53:51.400 What does that mean? An alternate? We've never had an alternate before. 01:53:51.400 --> 01:53:58.480 Could you please allow him to finish the question? I'm just asking what is an alternate? 01:53:58.480 --> 01:54:01.800 Would you like me to finish the questions or go back to the alternate? 01:54:01.800 --> 01:54:08.480 question okay so that I understand would you please remind me of the last 01:54:08.480 --> 01:54:16.720 question yeah it is automatically renewed each year unless either the 01:54:16.720 --> 01:54:24.600 operator or the city is interested to open the contract and renegotiate it in 01:54:24.600 --> 01:54:30.239 which it will be a new request for quote be sent out in a similar fashion as this 01:54:30.239 --> 01:55:00.239 and Chris. 01:55:00.239 --> 01:55:05.239 and at the hour stated by him or an alternate. 01:55:05.960 --> 01:55:07.159 So what's an alternate? 01:55:07.159 --> 01:55:09.359 We've never had an alternate before. 01:55:09.359 --> 01:55:10.199 That's incorrect. 01:55:10.199 --> 01:55:14.079 We have someone, it is, if there is an employee 01:55:14.079 --> 01:55:19.079 of the operator that can carry the office hours. 01:55:19.199 --> 01:55:22.559 But the employee of the operator is not 01:55:22.559 --> 01:55:25.479 who got interviewed for the position. 01:55:25.479 --> 01:55:28.359 You know, I just think it's sad that 01:55:30.239 --> 01:56:00.239 This lady that spoke to us tonight, for 28 years, you know this is her life, this is her livelihood, for 28 years she has ran that airport and there is nobody in Miles that can touch her, they're not equipped, they don't know what they're doing because they haven't done it and shame on you to take 01:56:00.239 --> 01:56:05.239 and not even consider her for this position. 01:56:07.239 --> 01:56:08.239 Manager Boyer. 01:56:09.239 --> 01:56:14.239 I will say that the current operator has been operating the airport for five years. 01:56:16.239 --> 01:56:25.239 And this was an open process that accepted three qualified statements or quotes. 01:56:26.239 --> 01:56:29.239 The quotes were opened with a panel who reviewed them all 01:56:30.239 --> 01:56:38.880 the lowest quote was the one that was recommended for council to move forward with. 01:56:38.880 --> 01:56:39.880 Alderman Sanders? 01:56:39.880 --> 01:56:40.880 Yeah. 01:56:40.880 --> 01:56:51.439 This resolution that is being brought into our focus at this time, who is drafting this 01:56:51.439 --> 01:56:59.439 authorization of this resolution and how do we even come to the decision of establishing 01:56:59.440 --> 01:57:05.600 whether or not we should move forward with this resolution in terms of who introduced 01:57:05.600 --> 01:57:06.960 this resolution. 01:57:06.960 --> 01:57:16.800 I mean, who gives the authorization to move on an issue of this magnitude when it comes 01:57:16.800 --> 01:57:19.880 to contracts and things like that? 01:57:19.880 --> 01:57:28.640 I thought this was something that the council should be creating this type of resolution. 01:57:28.640 --> 01:57:34.160 it's not, it shouldn't be the City Manager who's creating this resolution of hiring and 01:57:34.160 --> 01:57:38.200 firing someone that's dealing with the contract. 01:57:38.200 --> 01:57:48.800 I mean just automatically spell out, had not spelled out the terms and things of this nature 01:57:48.800 --> 01:57:56.320 far as renewal and there's someone currently working there already and I feel that if council 01:57:56.319 --> 01:58:04.519 has not intervened in terms of the drafting of this resolution. 01:58:04.519 --> 01:58:12.479 I think this thing should be dismissed, thrown in the garbage until we come up with the right 01:58:12.479 --> 01:58:20.519 protocol on how we're going to conduct contracts with any management organization and system 01:58:20.519 --> 01:58:23.960 that we should be totally informed about it. 01:58:23.960 --> 01:58:30.359 and I feel that that is where we are at right now. We're not in a position to be doing resolution 01:58:30.359 --> 01:58:38.159 with the improper authorization of this particular resolution. And I feel that everyone here 01:58:38.159 --> 01:58:48.119 in council should really take a good look at this and see what is causing friction within 01:58:48.119 --> 01:58:58.159 in the city and eliminating a manager, a superintendent out at the airport, eliminating that job and 01:58:58.159 --> 01:59:04.880 opening it up for others to come in and look at that job without any scrutiny. 01:59:04.880 --> 01:59:13.000 I don't feel we should be conducting this type of thing and I think council has the 01:59:13.000 --> 01:59:20.039 to let us say so when it comes to the resolution of authorizing any memorandum, and I'm just 01:59:20.039 --> 01:59:29.560 saying that should be the procedure, unless you show me something else in writing that 01:59:29.560 --> 01:59:37.760 does not give the council the authorization to dismiss something that we have not even 01:59:37.760 --> 01:59:40.619 considered to authorize for a contract. 01:59:40.619 --> 01:59:49.659 So I think the council, not no administrative heads or city manager, mayor or attorney Zito 01:59:49.659 --> 01:59:55.979 or anyone like that injecting or imposing anything on this particular resolution matter. 01:59:55.979 --> 02:00:01.819 And I think this should come directly from the intelligent minds that sits here in our 02:00:01.819 --> 02:00:10.059 council to look at the overall picture of what we might be voting for unless we should 02:00:10.060 --> 02:00:11.060 and others. 02:00:11.060 --> 02:00:15.220 So, I think we should be dismissing this and coming back to it at another time so we can 02:00:15.220 --> 02:00:23.900 make sure that what we're accepting here is properly set, right, or we got the proper 02:00:23.900 --> 02:00:28.860 provisions to allow such an authorization to go through. 02:00:28.860 --> 02:00:33.020 I don't even think we should be even entertaining this matter at this time. 02:00:33.020 --> 02:00:41.400 So let us re-evaluate ourselves and look at this thing real strong. 02:00:41.400 --> 02:00:43.460 Your four minutes has expired, Alderman Sanders. 02:00:43.460 --> 02:00:46.860 Can I adopt another minute? 02:00:46.860 --> 02:00:47.860 No. 02:00:47.860 --> 02:00:51.860 And no one's fired. 02:00:51.860 --> 02:00:52.860 Every contract has an end date. 02:00:52.860 --> 02:00:53.860 Are you making a comment, Mayor? 02:00:53.860 --> 02:00:54.860 I can. 02:00:54.860 --> 02:00:55.860 You can? 02:00:55.860 --> 02:00:59.340 Would you please stop interrupting? 02:00:59.340 --> 02:01:01.380 Every contract has an end date. 02:01:01.380 --> 02:01:09.180 This is just an end date where, Alderman Sanders, please stop. 02:01:09.180 --> 02:01:12.180 Attorney Zito. 02:01:12.180 --> 02:01:19.760 Just for clarification, this contract is being presented to you, the council, to vote on. 02:01:19.760 --> 02:01:21.819 You can vote yes or no on it. 02:01:21.819 --> 02:01:27.779 You guys have the final say on whether or not to approve who the City Manager is recommending. 02:01:27.779 --> 02:01:29.659 It's just a recommendation. 02:01:29.659 --> 02:01:31.939 the Council has the final say on it. 02:01:31.939 --> 02:01:33.979 And that's what's before you guys tonight. 02:01:36.300 --> 02:01:37.300 And if you read the memo, 02:01:37.300 --> 02:01:39.819 it says that all three were qualified, 02:01:39.819 --> 02:01:42.699 the chosen with lowest amount. 02:01:42.699 --> 02:01:44.019 We're gonna see. 02:01:44.019 --> 02:01:46.979 Well, unless there's any further discussion. 02:01:46.979 --> 02:01:48.180 I want my second. 02:01:48.180 --> 02:01:49.420 You would like your second? 02:01:49.420 --> 02:01:50.460 Yeah, I like my second. 02:01:50.460 --> 02:01:51.619 Okay, go ahead. 02:01:51.619 --> 02:01:54.859 Yeah, yeah, Attorney Zito, 02:01:54.859 --> 02:01:57.619 you failed to mention the fact that 02:01:57.619 --> 02:02:11.140 The City Manager has the authority to place items on the agenda. 02:02:11.140 --> 02:02:12.939 Well, we didn't see that in the memo. 02:02:12.939 --> 02:02:18.220 There was no memo drafted on that matter. 02:02:18.220 --> 02:02:20.099 Because we have to go through the same protocol. 02:02:20.099 --> 02:02:25.340 That is an authority that the City Manager has to, I mean, all these other items are 02:02:25.340 --> 02:02:30.140 are on the agenda that the City Manager put on the agenda. 02:02:30.140 --> 02:02:31.860 Is there any other discussion on the resolution? 02:02:31.860 --> 02:02:34.980 Whether it's the right protocol or not is one of them. 02:02:34.980 --> 02:02:36.739 You should probably have a better understanding. 02:02:36.739 --> 02:02:37.739 Yeah. 02:02:37.739 --> 02:02:40.579 If there's nothing further, Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? 02:02:40.579 --> 02:02:41.579 Sanders? 02:02:41.579 --> 02:02:42.579 No. 02:02:42.579 --> 02:02:43.579 Klemm? 02:02:43.579 --> 02:02:44.579 Aye. 02:02:44.579 --> 02:02:45.579 Johnson? 02:02:45.579 --> 02:02:46.579 Aye. 02:02:46.579 --> 02:02:47.579 Simmons? 02:02:47.579 --> 02:02:48.579 No. 02:02:48.579 --> 02:02:49.579 Parker? 02:02:49.579 --> 02:02:50.579 No. 02:02:50.579 --> 02:02:51.579 Stacy? 02:02:51.579 --> 02:02:52.579 No. 02:02:52.579 --> 02:02:53.579 Shadle? 02:02:53.579 --> 02:02:54.579 Aye. 02:02:54.579 --> 02:03:01.579 We have three in favor, four against. The resolution is not adopted. It fails. 02:03:01.579 --> 02:03:13.579 Please withhold. Such inappropriate tonight. It boggles my mind. Let's try to remain professional. 02:03:13.579 --> 02:03:17.579 Item number 17 is approval of a bid. Could you please read this? 02:03:17.579 --> 02:03:23.579 We had a bid opening on September 10th, 2025. Sewer lining for 2025. 02:03:23.579 --> 02:03:24.420 Manager, Boyer. 02:03:28.140 --> 02:03:32.359 The city of Freeport has nearly 130 miles of sanitary sewer 02:03:32.359 --> 02:03:36.500 during the annual project evaluation, cure and place lining. 02:03:36.500 --> 02:03:38.579 Locations are identified for rehab 02:03:38.579 --> 02:03:41.579 of the sanitary sewer piping that has cracks and defects, 02:03:41.579 --> 02:03:44.699 inflow and infiltration, or sags or settlement. 02:03:44.699 --> 02:03:46.939 Our IEPA mandatory CMOM, 02:03:46.939 --> 02:03:48.899 that's the Sewer Capacity Management Plan, 02:03:48.900 --> 02:03:56.140 of course, specify that the Freeport addresses annual sewer rehabilitations for our collection 02:03:56.140 --> 02:04:00.560 system, mainline piping for environmental concerns. 02:04:00.560 --> 02:04:08.200 Sewer lining is considered an industry accepted method of sewer main pipe rehabilitation and 02:04:08.200 --> 02:04:11.560 is more economical than open cut excavation methods. 02:04:11.560 --> 02:04:16.840 Sewer lining is over 10 times cheaper to install and industry standards estimate over 60 years 02:04:16.840 --> 02:04:20.840 of Sustainable Useful Life After Installation. 02:04:20.840 --> 02:04:24.600 On September 10th, 2025, Fehr Graham and city staff 02:04:24.600 --> 02:04:27.880 had a public bid for 10,813 linear feet 02:04:27.880 --> 02:04:29.819 of sanitary sewer lining. 02:04:29.819 --> 02:04:31.779 These sewer areas are identified 02:04:31.779 --> 02:04:34.560 as areas of street replacement. 02:04:34.560 --> 02:04:36.520 The city has four reputable bidders 02:04:36.520 --> 02:04:40.199 that specialize in sewer lining and submitted bids. 02:04:40.199 --> 02:04:45.199 National Power Rotting was the low bidder at $419,763. 02:04:45.199 --> 02:05:03.199 Under the Engineering Estimate, I might add. With approval, the installation should be completed by February 2026, and staff has budgeted this in the sewer budget. Staff recommends moving forward with that National Power Riding with the lowest responsive bid. 02:05:03.199 --> 02:05:05.199 Is there a motion to approve? 02:05:05.199 --> 02:05:09.199 So moved. 02:05:09.199 --> 02:05:11.199 Do we have a second? 02:05:11.199 --> 02:05:12.199 So moved. 02:05:12.199 --> 02:05:16.199 The motion is made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm. Discussion on the bid. 02:05:18.199 --> 02:05:20.199 Alderman Sanders. 02:05:20.199 --> 02:05:22.199 Is there anybody else? 02:05:22.199 --> 02:05:24.199 Alderman Sanders. 02:05:24.199 --> 02:05:26.199 Oh, okay. 02:05:26.199 --> 02:05:30.199 Manager Boyer, we had this conversation before, I believe, 02:05:30.199 --> 02:05:36.199 and we talked on some of the things that would take place 02:05:36.199 --> 02:05:45.199 to make sure that the residents are aware of the construction work that is going to take place. 02:05:45.199 --> 02:05:55.199 Will any of this interfere with their service as these guys begin to do their project lining program and everything? 02:05:55.199 --> 02:06:03.199 Will anything disrupt their service in the process of you guys taking care of those linings? 02:06:03.199 --> 02:06:05.199 and 02:06:06.279 --> 02:06:08.279 John. 02:06:10.920 --> 02:06:14.059 And you guys are doing what we call a video taping of each 02:06:14.059 --> 02:06:16.179 line before we do an installation that we can make 02:06:16.179 --> 02:06:18.380 sure that this is the appropriate thing to be doing 02:06:18.380 --> 02:06:20.380 for this particular area. 02:06:23.439 --> 02:06:26.159 I don't know how extensive our televising program is, and so I 02:06:26.159 --> 02:06:31.859 couldn't, I really can't make an observation to determine what it 02:06:31.860 --> 02:06:40.260 that is going on in that field, but I suspect you guys would keep us informed about the conditions 02:06:40.260 --> 02:06:44.140 of these lines and why we're investing into these projects. 02:06:44.140 --> 02:06:50.060 Yes, that's correct. 02:06:50.060 --> 02:06:51.060 Any further discussion? 02:06:51.060 --> 02:06:53.900 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 02:06:53.900 --> 02:06:54.900 Sanders? 02:06:54.900 --> 02:06:55.900 Oh, yes. 02:06:55.900 --> 02:06:56.900 Klemm? 02:06:56.900 --> 02:06:57.900 Aye. 02:06:57.900 --> 02:06:58.900 Johnson? 02:06:58.900 --> 02:06:59.900 Aye. 02:06:59.900 --> 02:07:00.900 Simmons? 02:07:00.900 --> 02:07:12.100 Parker, Stacey, and Shadle. The motion passes 6-7 to 0. Item number 18, would you please 02:07:12.100 --> 02:07:17.660 read this discussion? Discussion regarding awarding contracts to a dissolved business 02:07:17.659 --> 02:07:35.819 entity, Alderman Simmons, I'll try to get through this as quickly as possible. 02:07:35.819 --> 02:07:41.019 Pursuant to my responsibilities as a duty, duly elected all the person I am formally requesting 02:07:41.019 --> 02:07:46.260 that the following might be placed on the agenda, which was just read by City Clerk 02:07:46.260 --> 02:08:16.260 Anderson, considering consideration and discussion regarding the city procurement practices in relation to the awarding of contracts to a business entity that was involuntarily dissolved by the Illinois Secretary of State in June 2025 it has come to my attention that a business whose corporate status was involuntarily dissolved under 805 ILCS 512.40 of the Illinois Business Corporation Act continues to be awarded bids and contracts for city projects 02:08:46.260 --> 02:08:50.140 and other entities without good corporate standing and discuss whether policy or procedural 02:08:50.140 --> 02:08:55.940 updates are necessary to ensure future compliance with applicable laws and protection of taxpayer 02:08:55.940 --> 02:08:56.940 funds. 02:08:56.940 --> 02:09:00.739 I respectfully request that this, oh, we don't need to do that, it's already on here. 02:09:00.739 --> 02:09:06.220 Thank you though. 02:09:06.220 --> 02:09:21.619 I would just like to read 805 ILCS 5-1240 of the Illinois Business Corporation Act outlines 02:09:21.619 --> 02:09:29.240 the procedure for the administrative dissolution of a corporation by the Secretary of State 02:09:29.239 --> 02:09:32.920 for failing to correct a default, 02:09:32.920 --> 02:09:37.920 such as failure to maintain a registered office 02:09:38.079 --> 02:09:42.279 or file required document. 02:09:42.279 --> 02:09:46.399 The secretary first sends a notice of delinquency 02:09:47.500 --> 02:09:49.840 to the corporation. 02:09:49.840 --> 02:09:54.840 If the default is not corrected within 90 days, 02:09:59.239 --> 02:10:14.239 For most defaults, 30 days for certain others, the secretary issues a certificate of dissolution, formally dissolving the corporation. 02:10:14.239 --> 02:10:25.239 And that's what has happened here with Albert and Son Earthworks LLC. 02:10:25.239 --> 02:10:55.219 and if you go back in August the 18th meeting they were awarded these demos however I believe it was June the 13th 2025 they were already in an involuntary dissolved situation. 02:10:55.239 --> 02:11:09.960 and John. They're not even listed as a company currently. And 90 days before that would have 02:11:09.960 --> 02:11:18.519 taken it three more months back. So we're probably looking at them not having a license 02:11:18.520 --> 02:11:31.520 are being affiliated in the state as a company back into March. However, we just gave them 02:11:31.520 --> 02:11:37.520 jobs totally almost a quarter million and they're not even registered in good standing. 02:11:37.520 --> 02:11:45.360 How does that happen? You know, we send out for these bids and we're supposed to trust 02:11:45.360 --> 02:11:47.360 and 02:11:49.360 --> 02:12:13.360 the other. We can't trust what you're bringing us. And time and time again, we're finding that we can't trust what you're bringing us. Because this should not be. This should not be coming to us if you're not in good standing. 02:12:15.360 --> 02:12:25.800 April, May, June, July, August is when you were granted these and whoever chose this, 02:12:25.800 --> 02:12:31.280 I know it was the lower bid, but who's looking at the people that's bidding for these jobs 02:12:31.280 --> 02:12:44.000 and why didn't you know that they were not adequately a business with the state? 02:12:44.000 --> 02:12:48.840 All of that is false. Go ahead, Director. No. See, this is what I talk about. You're telling 02:12:48.840 --> 02:12:52.439 me don't be disrespectful to you, but you, this is the third time. And you are putting 02:12:52.439 --> 02:12:57.119 out information that is not true. This is the third time you have. You are putting out information 02:12:57.119 --> 02:13:03.159 that is not true. No, it's not. I have it all right here. Please. Director Duckman, 02:13:03.159 --> 02:13:08.399 would you like to address those? No, I understand. I think that it's certainly something. I can 02:13:08.399 --> 02:13:12.960 see that you're upset. I understand. I'm not trying to talk. Go ahead. I'm sorry. No, I'm 02:13:12.960 --> 02:13:18.520 I'm just saying, she's telling me I'm rude and I'm interrupted and don't, but then she 02:13:18.520 --> 02:13:21.960 have fronted me three times tonight. 02:13:21.960 --> 02:13:25.199 All right. 02:13:25.199 --> 02:13:26.199 Go ahead Wayne. 02:13:26.199 --> 02:13:29.800 I was just going to say, let's start back with what we're talking about here and I'll 02:13:29.800 --> 02:13:35.640 start with a simple explanation as I can, and then I'll get into more of the details 02:13:35.640 --> 02:13:39.359 of the contract, etc. 02:13:39.360 --> 02:13:43.400 We're talking about here is when you have a company corporation the state of 02:13:43.400 --> 02:13:49.240 Illinois requires you to file the fee I do it every year I have a company and I 02:13:49.240 --> 02:13:54.440 believe it's right around seventy two dollars for corporation you file some 02:13:54.440 --> 02:14:01.600 paperwork it's usually about a page and every year you're required to file as a 02:14:01.600 --> 02:14:05.080 corporation in the state of Illinois that that's that's a rule so what we're 02:14:05.079 --> 02:14:35.079 We're talking about here is that Albert & Son, it has to do with when they filed their paperwork, I have been in contact with Albert & Son on this matter, they have, they have filed their paperwork, I've seen the receipts, I have them, I mean, I have no reason to be dishonest about that, they have filed their paperwork, my understanding is they filed their paperwork late, which is probably why 02:14:35.079 --> 02:14:39.920 is showing up as an involuntary dissolved organization. 02:14:39.920 --> 02:14:44.920 So if you file, I believe the deadline is August 1st, again, there's different types 02:14:44.920 --> 02:14:47.279 of corporations. 02:14:47.279 --> 02:14:51.220 When I filed my corporation in the state of Illinois, the deadline was August 1st. 02:14:51.220 --> 02:14:55.439 So if you don't file on August 2nd, you're going to be involuntarily dissolved by the 02:14:55.439 --> 02:14:56.439 state of Illinois. 02:14:56.439 --> 02:15:01.680 The state of Illinois will let you file your paperwork late, but until you do file that 02:15:31.680 --> 02:15:32.680 Thomas. 02:15:32.680 --> 02:15:42.079 Obviously, staff does everything they can to understand and to find any misuse of if 02:15:42.079 --> 02:15:44.200 somebody doesn't follow state or federal law. 02:15:44.200 --> 02:15:49.440 They're obviously long, there's many rules, but when we know about it, we will address 02:15:49.440 --> 02:15:54.360 it, which is why I had been in contact with Albert & Son to figure out what's the issue 02:15:54.360 --> 02:15:55.360 here. 02:15:55.360 --> 02:16:01.200 The remedy is when staff becomes aware of an issue, they have the right to bring it 02:16:01.199 --> 02:16:03.559 and back to counsel to terminate the contract. 02:16:03.559 --> 02:16:06.000 We are now aware of the issue. 02:16:06.000 --> 02:16:08.220 Alderman's son has filed the paperwork. 02:16:08.220 --> 02:16:09.639 They've showed me the receipts. 02:16:09.639 --> 02:16:12.639 I've seen the receipts. 02:16:12.639 --> 02:16:15.840 And now the next step would be counsel can either say, 02:16:15.840 --> 02:16:17.199 there was an issue. 02:16:17.199 --> 02:16:18.760 They fixed it. 02:16:18.760 --> 02:16:20.720 Or counsel can say, you know what? 02:16:20.720 --> 02:16:22.059 That's not good enough for us. 02:16:22.059 --> 02:16:24.239 We're going to move to terminate the contract. 02:16:24.239 --> 02:16:27.639 And there's really, I mean, those are your options. 02:16:27.639 --> 02:16:30.579 To be fair, I mean, if you think that filing 02:16:30.579 --> 02:17:00.579 I think you talk to counsel and see if that's something you want to talk about. If you're like, no, you know what? They made a mistake. They, you know, they were honest. They showed that they filed their paperwork late. We think that they've remedied the situation. Let's move this forward. I mean, that's a decision that you I believe you should make. I mean, if we want to talk about it more, I answer more questions about it. That's fair. I mean, I'm here to answer them. 02:17:00.579 --> 02:17:17.860 Alderman Sanders. Thank you. Director Duckman, I understand the 02:17:17.860 --> 02:17:24.379 in-compliance of the contract, but the fact of the matter, what came first, the horse 02:17:24.380 --> 02:17:25.380 and others. 02:17:25.380 --> 02:17:36.380 And the thing is, if the company or corporation was not in good standing with the state of 02:17:36.380 --> 02:17:46.820 Illinois, you cannot award or consider awarding any business entity, now let me finish, any 02:17:46.819 --> 02:17:58.940 Business, or Entity, with any acknowledgement of a potential contract, they're off the table. 02:17:58.940 --> 02:18:05.699 They're not part of the bidding, whatever, receiving of the awards and contracts and things 02:18:05.699 --> 02:18:07.979 like that. 02:18:07.979 --> 02:18:16.260 If there's others in line and one falls off that didn't come into compliance, then the 02:18:16.260 --> 02:18:26.380 and others move up, other corporations move into that slot until, like you say, they came 02:18:26.380 --> 02:18:35.280 in, they came in and came and got their company back on status and everything, but we're talking 02:18:35.280 --> 02:18:46.480 about time, dates, and when the state of Illinois gave them that status to do so. 02:18:46.480 --> 02:18:52.880 But until then, that contract is still in play, or contracts or awards are still in 02:18:52.880 --> 02:18:53.880 play. 02:18:53.880 --> 02:19:00.680 I don't know who the players are, but the fact of the matter is, the one that didn't 02:19:00.680 --> 02:19:05.020 come into compliance just can't jump back into the first line. 02:19:05.020 --> 02:19:35.020 they just can't do that, you know, they just can't, just because they fell off, they can't be the first who receives an award, contract award, they can't do that, that's not the proper way it's to be done, I don't know who else application was on file, but we need to know that, we need to know if there was other considerations that wanted, that could have been awarded those contracts and things of that nature, so until we understand 02:19:35.020 --> 02:19:56.020 and others. If you don't understand the timing and the dates of those contracts or the awarding, then there shouldn't be any awards out if there's only one person receiving the award or one company receiving the award. There shouldn't be any. We shouldn't even be entertaining it. 02:19:56.020 --> 02:19:58.020 and 02:19:59.140 --> 02:20:00.340 the city of 02:20:00.340 --> 02:20:02.340 Washington. 02:20:03.460 --> 02:20:05.420 And in fact, it should have came back to the council, so the 02:20:05.420 --> 02:20:08.380 council could reevaluate it and say whether or not we want to 02:20:08.380 --> 02:20:13.940 move forward or not. We can't just blanket, take it and say, 02:20:13.940 --> 02:20:17.659 well, we're going to wait until you come into compliance. Make 02:20:17.659 --> 02:20:21.920 sure your status come into compliance. We can't do that. We 02:20:21.920 --> 02:20:25.780 have to be able to have that discussion while it's out there 02:20:25.780 --> 02:20:55.780 and John. 02:20:55.780 --> 02:21:05.460 and I, and I apologize for misspeaking, but what I'm trying to say here is they are currently 02:21:05.460 --> 02:21:06.460 in compliance. 02:21:06.460 --> 02:21:09.020 I have the receipts of them being in compliance. 02:21:09.020 --> 02:21:13.300 So we're talking about this and we're talking about that. 02:21:13.300 --> 02:21:17.860 Our contract awards say that we require a person entering into the contract to follow 02:21:17.860 --> 02:21:20.159 federal, state, all laws. 02:21:20.159 --> 02:21:24.579 And when we know as staff that a law has been broken, that they are not in compliance with 02:21:24.579 --> 02:21:26.579 and 02:21:27.819 --> 02:21:31.479 the other two, and we're talking about it right now. But we also 02:21:31.479 --> 02:21:35.000 know that a remedy was made. They filed their paperwork. I have 02:21:35.000 --> 02:21:37.000 the receipts. They're now in compliance. 02:21:38.879 --> 02:21:40.879 »» This is not about a warning and a bid. 02:21:41.899 --> 02:21:44.039 »» We're not a warning and a bid. »» Alderman Simmons, did 02:21:44.039 --> 02:21:52.780 you have something? »» So, because as of June 2025, that 02:21:52.780 --> 02:21:58.380 that was state website that had not been resolved so I would like to know when 02:21:58.380 --> 02:22:05.860 also the bids we awarded we used grant funding knowing that they were or if not 02:22:05.860 --> 02:22:12.180 knowingly they were not compliant will that affect our future grants or put us 02:22:12.180 --> 02:22:15.060 from being able to get grants because we aren't doing what we're supposed to do 02:22:15.060 --> 02:22:21.040 no and and I would say no and I would confidently say no anytime a grant 02:22:21.040 --> 02:22:26.760 Grant Managers when you're working in a grant. They will always have comments, questions. 02:22:26.760 --> 02:22:31.480 We need you to file a certain way. We notice that you're missing this compliance here. Any 02:22:31.480 --> 02:22:38.340 time that you find an issue and you work to remedy the issue, they're not going to penalize 02:22:38.340 --> 02:22:42.620 you for that. It's the same with the state of Illinois. You missed your compliance date 02:22:42.620 --> 02:22:47.080 to register as a corporation, they'll still take your money and let you register as a 02:22:47.079 --> 02:22:49.579 and the Corporation. 02:22:49.579 --> 02:22:50.579 They will. 02:22:50.579 --> 02:22:54.479 People make mistakes, they don't see it, and then you look at it and you say, well, how 02:22:54.479 --> 02:22:56.039 do we remedy this situation? 02:22:56.039 --> 02:23:04.139 Are they willing to get into compliance or are they fighting the compliance? 02:23:04.139 --> 02:23:08.799 They are aware of the issue, we brought it up to them, they showed us that they're filed. 02:23:08.799 --> 02:23:12.840 I mean, that's the facts of the situation. 02:23:12.840 --> 02:23:16.620 there's a remedy that wants to be investigated or discussed with our legal 02:23:16.620 --> 02:23:24.799 counsel what remedies and options we have I maybe ask that question what's I'm 02:23:24.799 --> 02:23:34.440 sorry I I became aware of this probably early part of late last week is probably 02:23:34.440 --> 02:23:38.880 my guess is when I became aware of the that's when I became aware that they 02:23:38.880 --> 02:23:40.640 and I were in compliance with this. 02:23:40.640 --> 02:23:41.880 That's when I found out. 02:23:41.880 --> 02:23:44.360 I'm saying you said that they have done it. 02:23:44.360 --> 02:23:48.440 Yes, I have it on my phone. 02:23:48.440 --> 02:23:50.640 Give me a minute, I'll try to find it. 02:23:50.640 --> 02:23:51.360 But I do have it. 02:23:51.360 --> 02:23:54.360 It says receipts, filed the paperwork, paid the receipt. 02:23:54.360 --> 02:23:55.440 I have it. 02:23:55.440 --> 02:23:56.720 I have it in my phone. 02:23:56.720 --> 02:23:58.520 Without using my second time attorney, 02:23:58.520 --> 02:24:00.320 do you have anything to say to that? 02:24:00.320 --> 02:24:03.960 Because I know in most cases when you use grant funding, 02:24:03.960 --> 02:24:05.640 you are audited. 02:24:05.640 --> 02:24:08.400 And they come and they look at those things 02:24:08.399 --> 02:24:17.159 I don't know the specifics as whether or not this would create a problem for our 02:24:17.159 --> 02:24:21.159 grants I suppose that is a question ultimately for the grant administrators to 02:24:21.159 --> 02:24:26.399 say hey do you guys think this would cause a problem that at the time of the 02:24:26.399 --> 02:24:30.760 award they technically were not in good standing with the Secretary of State's 02:24:30.760 --> 02:24:34.639 office they have now remedied it what say you grant administrator does that 02:24:34.639 --> 02:25:04.639 Cronenberg, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor 02:25:04.639 --> 02:25:10.000 so and this one is a check dollars and cents regardless of what happens we're 02:25:10.000 --> 02:25:20.519 covered yeah yes then we will move on to item number 19 which is reports of 02:25:20.519 --> 02:25:28.260 department heads finance development nothing tonight madam mayor public 02:25:28.260 --> 02:25:31.300 Works. 02:25:31.300 --> 02:25:34.219 Two things quickly. 02:25:34.219 --> 02:25:35.940 We've had a significant amount of calls 02:25:35.940 --> 02:25:41.260 recently about sewer laterals or sewer services at homes 02:25:41.260 --> 02:25:43.700 that have root issues. 02:25:43.700 --> 02:25:46.659 Just a point of clarification for residents, 02:25:46.659 --> 02:25:49.100 sewer laterals or sewer services are 02:25:49.100 --> 02:25:52.020 owned by the homeowner from the house to the main. 02:25:52.020 --> 02:25:55.180 Those issues, while you can call the city 02:25:55.180 --> 02:25:57.380 and ask for assistance, those are 02:25:57.380 --> 02:26:02.460 and I have been financially borne by the residents themselves as part of our codes and ordinances. 02:26:02.460 --> 02:26:04.700 So that's one point I wanted to make. 02:26:04.700 --> 02:26:09.960 The second point I'd like to make tonight, and I've hinted on this a handful of times, 02:26:09.960 --> 02:26:17.000 but recently we've seen an uptick from really abusive behavior to our public works staff 02:26:17.000 --> 02:26:19.560 and our people that answer the phones. 02:26:19.560 --> 02:26:24.180 And I'm making it a point of clarification that we're not going to tolerate it at the 02:26:24.180 --> 02:26:26.280 public works department. 02:26:26.280 --> 02:26:30.520 We will politely end all calls that are made that are abusive. 02:26:30.520 --> 02:26:32.840 Our staff does not get paid to be abused. 02:26:32.840 --> 02:26:37.060 I realize people are having situations that they're upset about. 02:26:37.060 --> 02:26:41.900 That doesn't mean we get to scream, cuss, and yell and take it out on the city employees. 02:26:41.900 --> 02:26:44.239 We're here to help solve problems. 02:26:44.239 --> 02:26:49.940 And moving forward, we will politely end all calls that are not done in a professional 02:26:49.940 --> 02:26:51.960 manner with our department. 02:26:51.960 --> 02:26:53.280 Fire? 02:26:53.280 --> 02:27:02.079 nothing from fire this evening I just have two things first off on our on the 02:27:02.079 --> 02:27:05.600 Freeport Police Department Facebook page there is a flyer about the Civilian 02:27:05.600 --> 02:27:09.960 Police Academy so we do have openings we're looking for more people so if 02:27:09.960 --> 02:27:14.760 anyone's interested you can visit our Facebook page we're taking people 02:27:14.760 --> 02:27:20.360 until September 26th and planning on starting on October 2nd so all the 02:27:20.360 --> 02:27:21.360 and so on. 02:27:21.360 --> 02:27:22.360 So there's a lot of information on there. 02:27:22.360 --> 02:27:23.360 There's a flyer. 02:27:23.360 --> 02:27:32.880 Secondly, back in 2024, the Stevens County ETSB voted to switch report management systems. 02:27:32.880 --> 02:27:38.700 So currently, the Freeport Police Department, Stevens County Sheriff's Department and FIRE, 02:27:38.700 --> 02:27:42.640 we utilize a system called CIS. 02:27:42.640 --> 02:27:47.720 We've been with CIS probably since 2012, I'm guessing. 02:27:47.719 --> 02:27:48.719 and Chris. 02:27:48.719 --> 02:27:49.719 This is 2012. 02:27:49.719 --> 02:27:50.719 CIS hasn't evolved at all. 02:27:50.719 --> 02:27:54.399 It's just kind of remained stuck in the same form as what it was. 02:27:54.399 --> 02:28:00.119 And so we felt that there was a need for a change, so ETSB voted to switch to Central 02:28:00.119 --> 02:28:01.119 Square. 02:28:01.119 --> 02:28:03.279 This is a huge project. 02:28:03.279 --> 02:28:06.500 It's going to go live tomorrow at 8 o'clock. 02:28:06.500 --> 02:28:13.319 There has been training, obviously, but we're going to flip the switch tomorrow at 8 a.m. 02:28:13.319 --> 02:28:17.599 So please be patient because that's going to affect the way calls are generated. 02:28:17.600 --> 02:28:18.600 and many more. 02:28:18.600 --> 02:28:20.159 It's going to affect the way that we write reports. 02:28:20.159 --> 02:28:27.360 It's also going to, things that we've had available in certain parts of this program 02:28:27.360 --> 02:28:32.540 may not be available in Central Square, we'll figure that out, we'll work out the kinks 02:28:32.540 --> 02:28:33.540 on that. 02:28:33.540 --> 02:28:39.000 I know one of the things that's really popular is our police activity blotter that's posted. 02:28:39.000 --> 02:28:43.520 I believe that's like an algorithm or something correct, that's not anything we control, 02:28:43.520 --> 02:28:48.640 it was something that IT helped start as far as central square we have to 02:28:48.640 --> 02:28:52.300 determine if that's even possible right now I mean tomorrow is gonna be just the 02:28:52.300 --> 02:28:57.560 basics on how to operate it and then from there we will dig deeper in there 02:28:57.560 --> 02:29:00.800 and find out exactly you know all the stuff that it has it definitely has a 02:29:00.800 --> 02:29:04.640 lot of different options and opportunities for us but we're gonna 02:29:04.640 --> 02:29:12.760 have to learn it before we were able to showcase all that stuff library thank you 02:29:12.760 --> 02:29:19.280 I just wanted to make sure everybody here knows that the sculpture walk is having 02:29:19.280 --> 02:29:25.440 our big opening events this week. On Friday there is a ribbon cutting at 12 02:29:25.440 --> 02:29:33.360 p.m. which will be down by the Gateway area of the Arts Plaza and then the 02:29:33.360 --> 02:29:39.200 reception for the sculpture walk is from 5 to 7 p.m. at the library. It is open to 02:29:39.200 --> 02:29:42.659 Mohan, Sortie, 02:29:42.659 --> 02:29:46.240 Public, and you will be able to meet and greet with some of the artists of the sculptures. 02:29:46.240 --> 02:29:49.240 IT? 02:29:49.240 --> 02:29:52.420 City Manager? 02:29:52.420 --> 02:29:57.120 Yes, Madame Mayor, I have two items. The project that's going on at the intersection of 02:29:57.120 --> 02:30:00.920 Stevenson and Perk Boulevard has had an expected 02:30:00.920 --> 02:30:05.100 completion date of Friday September 19th, 02:30:05.100 --> 02:30:35.100 We understand the inconvenience this is causing to the community and we are excited to open this up area up with upgraded infrastructure as soon as possible. Thank you. And I appreciate your patience and understanding on that. In addition, for the better part of this, I want to say thank you to all of you for being here today. Thank you. 02:30:35.100 --> 02:30:49.100 We have been under attack by groups on social media that have gone even as far as making threats to the officer, those involved in their daily tasks. 02:30:49.100 --> 02:31:03.100 I find it necessary to stand up for all employees of the city, and specifically our Animal Control Officer who is doing an outstanding job in ensuring that the laws are followed, the job gets done, and most importantly, these animals are taken care of. 02:31:03.100 --> 02:31:14.500 To everyone making these misinformed and hateful posts, understand that these employees are members of our community who show up to work every day in order to serve the city in their capacity. 02:31:14.500 --> 02:31:23.260 We appreciate the community's input, but threats and hateful speech should not be aimed at our workers. Thank you. 02:31:23.260 --> 02:31:25.260 I have nothing new, Alderman Sanders? 02:31:25.260 --> 02:31:27.260 Oh 02:31:29.260 --> 02:31:31.260 No 02:31:31.260 --> 02:31:33.260 Alderman Parker? 02:31:33.260 --> 02:31:35.260 Sorry, Alderman Klemm, my apologies 02:31:35.260 --> 02:31:37.260 Nothing Madam Mayor 02:31:37.260 --> 02:31:39.260 Alderman Johnson? 02:31:39.260 --> 02:31:41.260 Yes, we have a Neighborhood Watch meeting 02:31:41.260 --> 02:31:43.260 this Thursday at 6.30 02:31:43.260 --> 02:31:45.260 at 3002 Farmedale Lane 02:31:45.260 --> 02:31:47.260 and also this Saturday 02:31:47.260 --> 02:31:49.260 is the Block Party 02:31:49.260 --> 02:31:51.260 at Franken State from 1 to 4 02:31:51.260 --> 02:31:56.540 4, and Church in the Streets from 1 to 2.30 on Sunday at Frankenstein. 02:31:56.540 --> 02:31:57.540 Alderman Simmons? 02:31:57.540 --> 02:31:59.540 No, I don't have anything. 02:31:59.540 --> 02:32:00.540 Thank you. 02:32:00.540 --> 02:32:01.540 Alderman Parker? 02:32:01.540 --> 02:32:05.540 Yes, the Civilian Police Academy that the Chief talked about is an excellent program 02:32:05.540 --> 02:32:07.940 and I highly recommend anybody who can't take it. 02:32:07.940 --> 02:32:11.300 Then the others, we have a Neighborhood Watch meeting next Monday night. 02:32:11.300 --> 02:32:12.300 Thank you. 02:32:12.300 --> 02:32:13.300 Alderman Stacey? 02:32:13.300 --> 02:32:20.100 Fifth Ward has a Neighborhood Watch meeting tomorrow. 02:32:20.100 --> 02:32:23.220 at 6 o'clock at the church on Carroll. 02:32:23.220 --> 02:32:24.399 Alderman Shadle? 02:32:24.399 --> 02:32:25.819 Nothing tonight. 02:32:25.819 --> 02:32:26.780 Public comments. 02:32:33.819 --> 02:32:35.899 Fortunately, my name is Cheryl Altman. 02:32:37.140 --> 02:32:39.440 And so Wayne, you admitted that you knew Albers 02:32:39.440 --> 02:32:43.840 didn't have the right, states filed out with states, 02:32:43.840 --> 02:32:46.239 but that you allowed them to tear down buildings. 02:32:46.239 --> 02:32:57.119 and also you Darren or Rob should have been out there. They did not follow EPA regulations 02:32:57.119 --> 02:33:03.559 at all. I've got pictures of it with dust flying everywhere. No fences surrounding stuff 02:33:03.559 --> 02:33:09.239 and that's on my property. Shh. And I'm sure they didn't follow it anymore because we've 02:33:09.239 --> 02:33:16.119 got pictures of this. Also, your tour down my house Wayne, you think you got a big win. 02:33:16.120 --> 02:33:18.680 Now that I found out tonight, you don't. 02:33:18.680 --> 02:33:23.200 Also, you took my driveway, my back lot, and my steps. 02:33:23.200 --> 02:33:24.280 Why? 02:33:24.280 --> 02:33:26.480 That driveway was not part of the building. 02:33:27.400 --> 02:33:29.760 And Rob, I've been on you for three weeks 02:33:29.760 --> 02:33:32.020 to get me the paperwork of all this. 02:33:33.200 --> 02:33:34.440 And you sit there like... 02:33:36.280 --> 02:33:37.720 And Mayor Miller, you don't like it 02:33:37.720 --> 02:33:39.640 when people come up here and talk about elders. 02:33:39.640 --> 02:33:40.860 It irritates you. 02:33:42.160 --> 02:33:46.040 It irritates you because, you know, they get things wrong. 02:33:46.040 --> 02:33:47.560 and I sure hope they pay for it soon 02:33:47.560 --> 02:33:50.760 because people are waking up and they've not followed it 02:33:50.760 --> 02:33:53.140 and thank God that this lady will be able 02:33:53.140 --> 02:33:56.120 to hopefully keep her job because people voted for that. 02:33:56.120 --> 02:33:59.840 It's wrong to kick her out when she's done a great job 02:33:59.840 --> 02:34:03.640 and devoted her life to that, it's wrong. 02:34:03.640 --> 02:34:06.200 You want to get to somebody in there that's crooked 02:34:06.200 --> 02:34:08.720 just like the rest of most of you city people. 02:34:08.720 --> 02:34:10.160 That's why you wanted her out. 02:34:11.500 --> 02:34:12.860 Any other public comments? 02:34:16.040 --> 02:34:18.040 and the next one. 02:34:28.720 --> 02:34:31.200 Hi, Sue Cook, Winchester Drive. 02:34:31.200 --> 02:34:37.080 And I noticed that we go for the lowest bid. 02:34:37.080 --> 02:34:39.620 I know you look to save the buck because that's 02:34:39.620 --> 02:34:40.440 what everybody does. 02:34:40.440 --> 02:34:42.240 They always go for the lowest bid. 02:34:42.240 --> 02:34:45.000 And we're a distressed city. 02:34:45.000 --> 02:34:54.139 and I hate that label, distressed city, Freeport isn't distressed. So maybe sometimes going 02:34:54.139 --> 02:35:03.639 for maybe not the lowest bid, maybe the next, maybe looking at everybody's qualifications 02:35:03.639 --> 02:35:07.680 and saying, yeah, they came with a low bid and they have all the qualifications we need 02:35:07.680 --> 02:35:14.920 but this person really knows the area. So I'm very happy that it didn't go through. 02:35:14.920 --> 02:35:26.139 So for the people that are on oxygen, when we're talking about this ComEd or MC Squared, 02:35:26.139 --> 02:35:30.520 if they're on oxygen with ComEd or if they're on a ventilator or if they're on any kind 02:35:30.520 --> 02:35:38.280 of home oxygen equipment or home medical equipment and the power goes out, you are on a list 02:35:38.280 --> 02:35:43.000 that immediately your area is worked on right away because some of these people, they cannot 02:35:43.000 --> 02:35:44.000 Fowler. 02:35:44.000 --> 02:35:47.219 They have generators, but the generators don't go that long. 02:35:47.219 --> 02:35:54.440 So ComEd immediately works on your property so that the oxygen comes back up and the ventilators 02:35:54.440 --> 02:35:55.440 come back on. 02:35:55.440 --> 02:35:59.280 And I know this is about disability rights, and I know this is about the ADA, and maybe 02:35:59.280 --> 02:36:04.120 that group should have been pulled in, but I don't know, Mr. Mudge, what would happen 02:36:04.120 --> 02:36:08.299 with MC Squared, because everybody, like I started out saying, everybody likes to save 02:36:08.299 --> 02:36:09.299 a buck. 02:36:09.300 --> 02:36:17.060 If MC Squared really does save the dollars, do they also have this list to be able to 02:36:17.060 --> 02:36:23.460 lift the people that are on oxygen, are on ventilators, are on home medical equipment, 02:36:23.460 --> 02:36:30.980 whether it's IV drips or whatever? Do they have that? That's something to look into. 02:36:30.980 --> 02:36:36.280 Maybe not the lowest bid. And if possible, allow us to have the choice without having 02:36:36.280 --> 02:36:42.239 to opt out, because sometimes opting out isn't really opting out. You have to jump hurdles 02:36:42.239 --> 02:36:46.920 to opt out. Thank you. 02:36:46.920 --> 02:36:48.920 Any other public comments? 02:36:48.920 --> 02:36:50.920 and Mr. 02:37:12.920 --> 02:37:14.920 Any other public comments? 02:37:18.920 --> 02:37:46.120 Miller, Councilmen and Women, and you my constituents. 02:37:46.120 --> 02:38:04.840 I take my position seriously and yeah, sometimes I too fall short and get upset because right 02:38:04.840 --> 02:38:09.320 is right and wrong is wrong. 02:38:09.319 --> 02:38:26.319 So I stand before you tonight apologizing for my shortcomings. I'm only human. For future 02:38:26.319 --> 02:38:41.959 Reference, Director Duckman, I just think it's only right that everybody be in good 02:38:41.959 --> 02:38:50.039 standings, that be it's on jobs and maybe that's something that can be added to the 02:38:50.040 --> 02:38:54.600 Ordinance or to the process or to the whatever, 02:38:54.600 --> 02:38:59.600 that they have to show that they are in right standing. 02:39:03.880 --> 02:39:06.940 I'm not trying to take nobody's life hood away. 02:39:11.280 --> 02:39:13.140 Right is right and wrong is wrong. 02:39:15.480 --> 02:39:17.240 And we have to come correct. 02:39:17.239 --> 02:39:29.239 We all have to come correct. It's not this can work for you and not for me. We're in this together. 02:39:29.239 --> 02:39:39.239 And with that being said, I just want to read Isaiah 40 and 8. 02:39:39.239 --> 02:39:50.239 The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of God stands forever. 02:39:50.239 --> 02:39:58.239 Father God, in the name of Jesus, we praise you and we thank you for being God all by yourself, Lord. 02:39:58.239 --> 02:40:04.239 Continue to look down upon us, your people, oh God. 02:40:04.239 --> 02:40:16.239 Continue to lead us and guide us, order our steps according to your word, for it's your word that cannot return void. 02:40:16.239 --> 02:40:29.239 Give us understanding, give her a greater knowledge and understanding of what we need to do for this year's city. 02:40:29.239 --> 02:40:47.920 for we stand in victory we walk by faith and not by sight we thank you for being 02:40:47.920 --> 02:40:57.799 in control in Jesus name we pray amen any other public comments this evening I'll 02:40:57.800 --> 02:41:03.320 I'll entertain a motion for adjournment. So moved. Second. We have a motion made by 02:41:03.320 --> 02:41:11.760 Shadle. Seconded. Seconded by Alderman Parker. All those in favor? Aye. Have a good evening.