WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.000 Okay, it's 545. Ruth, could you please give the invocation? 00:00:07.000 --> 00:00:11.000 Okay, Ruth, she don't have one of them. 00:00:15.000 --> 00:00:16.000 Hi, Ruth. 00:00:16.000 --> 00:00:18.000 Good to see all of you. 00:00:18.000 --> 00:00:22.000 I have a little scripture to share with you from Psalms. 00:00:22.000 --> 00:00:27.000 This is Moses and saying Psalm 90, 12. 00:00:27.000 --> 00:00:35.280 So, teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom. 00:00:35.280 --> 00:00:40.600 Do return, O Lord, how long will it be, and be sorry for your servants. 00:00:40.600 --> 00:00:47.000 O, satisfy us in the morning with your loving kindness, that we may sing for joy. 00:00:47.000 --> 00:00:53.939 Make us glad according to the days you have afflicted us, and the years we have seen evil. 00:00:53.939 --> 00:00:58.780 Let your work appear to your servants and your majesty to their children. 00:00:58.780 --> 00:01:05.700 Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and confirm for us the work of our hands. 00:01:05.700 --> 00:01:09.780 Yes, confirm the work of our hands. 00:01:09.780 --> 00:01:15.340 Lord, we come before you with gratitude. 00:01:15.340 --> 00:01:22.079 We thank you for being a God of love who is with us now in this very room. 00:01:22.079 --> 00:01:25.560 You never leave us or forsake us. 00:01:25.560 --> 00:01:28.799 Your grace has brought us to tonight. 00:01:28.799 --> 00:01:35.019 We thank you for making each of us in this room, every person we meet, every citizen 00:01:35.019 --> 00:01:41.500 of this city in your image with dignity and infinite worth. 00:01:41.500 --> 00:01:47.840 We thank you for the calling you have given every one of us to be good stewards of your 00:01:47.840 --> 00:02:01.040 We ask you Father to protect the plans you have from oppressors from those that seek destruction. 00:02:01.040 --> 00:02:09.400 We thank you for our Mayor, our City Manager, our City Staff, and our City Council members. 00:02:09.400 --> 00:02:17.520 We give thanks for the way of service they have been chosen to take up on behalf of Freeport. 00:02:17.520 --> 00:02:24.960 We all come to this room tonight as complex human beings, carrying burdens, carrying joy 00:02:24.960 --> 00:02:31.140 and hope, trusting that you alone can hold us together in your love and peace. 00:02:31.140 --> 00:02:38.379 Help us, Lord, to trust you more, more than our fears and our wounds and even our accomplishments. 00:02:38.379 --> 00:02:45.300 May we lean on you, not only tonight, but also for the future plans of the city. 00:02:45.300 --> 00:02:52.540 We are humbled and reminded that those in authority are first and foremost your servants. 00:02:52.540 --> 00:02:58.219 That honoring you and doing your will is their higher purpose. 00:02:58.219 --> 00:03:02.100 And so we pray that you would be glorified this evening. 00:03:02.100 --> 00:03:09.380 We pray that we would have the eyes to see how our lives are all connected and how our 00:03:09.379 --> 00:03:10.719 information and reporting. 00:03:10.719 --> 00:03:12.039 Thank you. 00:03:12.039 --> 00:03:13.740 For our actions. 00:03:13.740 --> 00:03:15.560 For our efforts. 00:03:15.560 --> 00:03:16.919 Our efforts. 00:03:16.919 --> 00:03:22.259 May we put the interest of others above our own. 00:03:22.259 --> 00:03:28.039 May we put the interest of others above our own. 00:03:28.039 --> 00:03:31.500 May we act with love for the common good. 00:03:31.500 --> 00:03:37.900 Thank you again for this Council, our Mayor, our city staff, our first responders and all 00:03:37.900 --> 00:03:43.539 All of those who are working towards making Freeport a thriving city, in the name of Jesus. 00:03:43.539 --> 00:03:44.540 Amen. 00:03:44.540 --> 00:03:45.540 Amen. 00:03:45.540 --> 00:03:46.540 Thank you. 00:03:46.540 --> 00:03:47.540 Thank you, Ruth. 00:03:47.540 --> 00:03:48.540 Thank you, Ruth. 00:03:48.540 --> 00:03:49.540 So now we'll officially call this meeting to order. 00:03:49.540 --> 00:03:51.340 Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? 00:03:51.340 --> 00:03:52.340 Mayor Miller? 00:03:52.340 --> 00:03:53.340 Here. 00:03:53.340 --> 00:03:54.340 Alderpersons, Klemm? 00:03:54.340 --> 00:03:55.340 Here. 00:03:55.340 --> 00:03:56.340 Johnson? 00:03:56.340 --> 00:03:57.340 Here. 00:03:57.340 --> 00:03:58.340 Simmons is absent. 00:03:58.340 --> 00:03:59.340 Parker? 00:03:59.340 --> 00:04:00.340 Here. 00:04:00.340 --> 00:04:03.900 Stacy is waiting on the phone for us, but will be marked absent. 00:04:03.900 --> 00:04:04.900 Shadle? 00:04:04.900 --> 00:04:05.900 Here. 00:04:05.900 --> 00:04:12.700 is absent and Sellers. If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Sellers. 00:04:18.459 --> 00:04:23.660 I apologize Alderman Stacy. I need a motion to allow Alderman Stacy to attend remotely. 00:04:23.660 --> 00:04:29.259 I second. We have a motion made by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:04:29.259 --> 00:04:38.379 Sellers. Could you please take the roll? Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Parker? Aye. Shadle? Aye. 00:04:38.379 --> 00:04:49.539 And Sellers? Aye. The motion passes 5-0. Alderman Stacey, are you on? Thank you. Okay, now we'll 00:04:49.539 --> 00:04:56.539 stand for the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America 00:04:56.540 --> 00:04:57.540 and John. 00:04:57.540 --> 00:05:04.540 And to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty 00:05:04.540 --> 00:05:09.900 and justice for all. 00:05:09.900 --> 00:05:13.820 So for the record, I would just like to state that we just concluded our Finance Committee 00:05:13.820 --> 00:05:19.140 of the Whole where the meeting was exclusively for public comment on the budget. 00:05:19.140 --> 00:05:24.200 Please note that no members of the public were in attendance for input. 00:05:24.199 --> 00:05:28.279 With that, we will move on to item number four, which is the approval of the agenda. 00:05:28.279 --> 00:05:29.279 Is there such a motion? 00:05:29.279 --> 00:05:30.279 So moved. 00:05:30.279 --> 00:05:31.279 Second. 00:05:31.279 --> 00:05:34.479 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:05:34.479 --> 00:05:36.879 Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? 00:05:36.879 --> 00:05:37.879 Sellers? 00:05:37.879 --> 00:05:38.879 Aye. 00:05:38.879 --> 00:05:39.879 Klemm? 00:05:39.879 --> 00:05:40.879 Aye. 00:05:40.879 --> 00:05:41.879 Johnson? 00:05:41.879 --> 00:05:42.879 Aye. 00:05:42.879 --> 00:05:43.879 Parker? 00:05:43.879 --> 00:05:44.879 Aye. 00:05:44.879 --> 00:05:45.879 Stacy? 00:05:45.879 --> 00:05:46.879 And Shadle? 00:05:46.879 --> 00:05:47.879 Aye. 00:05:47.879 --> 00:05:50.459 The motion passes six to zero. 00:05:50.459 --> 00:05:53.959 Item number five is approval of the minutes from the Committee of the Whole held on September 00:05:53.959 --> 00:06:23.959 8, 2025. Is there a motion? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? And Shadle? Aye. The motion passes six to zero. And I don't believe there's any public comments signed in, so we'll move on to item number seven, which is the Greater Freeport Partnerships 00:06:23.960 --> 00:06:25.960 and 00:06:27.960 --> 00:06:29.960 Michael. 00:06:31.960 --> 00:06:33.080 And we have the next quarterly report, Executive Director 00:06:33.080 --> 00:06:35.080 Winter. 00:06:36.120 --> 00:06:38.120 ยป Good evening, everyone. 00:06:39.240 --> 00:06:41.240 Tonight's presentation will provide more detailed information 00:06:41.240 --> 00:06:45.240 in key project areas. A full summary of the partnership's 00:06:45.240 --> 00:06:49.240 activities and all our strategic focus areas is provided in our 00:06:49.240 --> 00:06:51.240 quarterly report which Nicole is distributing right now. 00:06:53.960 --> 00:06:56.600 St., and Freeport. 00:06:56.600 --> 00:07:07.600 Do I just need to click here? 00:07:07.600 --> 00:07:14.840 Oh, okay, gotcha. 00:07:14.840 --> 00:07:19.360 Apologies, there was a video that isn't going to play, but we'll just talk about the pictures 00:07:19.360 --> 00:07:20.640 that are on the slide. 00:07:20.639 --> 00:07:26.199 Every October, Illinois Manufacturers Association, in conjunction with Illinois Manufacturers 00:07:26.199 --> 00:07:30.060 Excellence Center, highlight manufacturers throughout the state of Illinois with their 00:07:30.060 --> 00:07:36.599 Makers on the Move bus tour, which stops at select manufacturers throughout the state. 00:07:36.599 --> 00:07:41.639 Through coordination with our office, Snack King was selected as a stop on the tour. 00:07:41.639 --> 00:07:46.560 This was a great opportunity to shine a light on manufacturing careers, Snack King and 00:07:46.560 --> 00:07:48.919 their employees. 00:07:48.920 --> 00:07:52.720 Let's break down the economic impact of manufacturing. 00:07:52.720 --> 00:07:53.720 Approximately 30%... 00:07:53.720 --> 00:07:54.720 Oh, I'm sorry. 00:07:54.720 --> 00:07:55.720 Kurt, it's out of focus. 00:07:55.720 --> 00:07:56.720 I just got a message on the thing. 00:07:56.720 --> 00:07:57.720 Could you just double check, please? 00:07:57.720 --> 00:07:58.720 Thank you. 00:07:58.720 --> 00:07:59.720 I appreciate it. 00:07:59.720 --> 00:08:00.720 Didn't mean to interrupt you at all. 00:08:00.720 --> 00:08:01.720 No, no problem. 00:08:01.720 --> 00:08:02.720 Kurt, do you want me to keep going or just pause? 00:08:02.720 --> 00:08:03.720 I think we got it. 00:08:03.720 --> 00:08:04.720 Okay. 00:08:04.720 --> 00:08:05.720 All right. 00:08:05.720 --> 00:08:15.800 No problem. Kurt, do you want me to keep going or just pause? Okay. All right. Let's break down why 00:08:15.800 --> 00:08:20.920 manufacturing is so valuable to our local economy. Approximately 30% of 00:08:20.920 --> 00:08:26.720 Stevenson County employees are directly or indirectly employed by the 00:08:26.720 --> 00:08:32.279 manufacturing industry. The average wage across all manufacturing jobs is just 00:08:32.279 --> 00:08:33.279 and others. 00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:36.279 This is the most shy of $72,000 a year. 00:08:36.279 --> 00:08:42.120 $2.8 billion is the economic impact of the manufacturing industry and it continues to 00:08:42.120 --> 00:08:43.120 grow. 00:08:43.120 --> 00:08:50.519 Recently, the expansion of Sevensia, formerly known as Coleblena, expanded or is undergoing 00:08:50.519 --> 00:08:51.519 an expansion. 00:08:51.519 --> 00:08:57.360 The partnership worked to expand the Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone to incorporate Sevensia 00:08:57.360 --> 00:09:00.039 Coleblena into the zone. 00:09:00.039 --> 00:09:02.039 and 00:09:03.159 --> 00:09:06.959 the President. The rest of the zone have made a $7 million 00:09:06.959 --> 00:09:09.980 expansion possible with the addition of adding 42 new 00:09:09.980 --> 00:09:14.740 positions. Burner Food & Beverage is utilizing the 00:09:14.740 --> 00:09:19.019 enterprise zone to expand a milk intake and storage facility to 00:09:19.019 --> 00:09:23.279 enhance their production lines. This is a $5.5 million 00:09:23.279 --> 00:09:28.279 investment and both projects are currently under construction. 00:09:28.279 --> 00:09:29.279 Walsh, and so on. 00:09:29.279 --> 00:09:31.319 Their number one challenge is always workforce. 00:09:31.319 --> 00:09:35.720 Having enough trained people to hire in an already tough labor market. 00:09:35.720 --> 00:09:37.559 And these numbers tell the story. 00:09:37.559 --> 00:09:43.959 In August of this year, there were 946 people unemployed and looking for work in Stevenson 00:09:43.959 --> 00:09:45.000 County. 00:09:45.000 --> 00:09:51.839 There were over 1,100 unique job postings in that same month, representing 313 different 00:09:51.839 --> 00:09:53.879 employers. 00:09:53.879 --> 00:09:58.259 There's more information on the slide, but what we continue to see, even as our unemployment 00:09:58.259 --> 00:09:59.980 Wright has eeked up. 00:09:59.980 --> 00:10:01.980 and 00:10:03.980 --> 00:10:05.980 Mrs. 00:10:08.100 --> 00:10:10.100 Bates. 00:10:11.980 --> 00:10:13.980 We are still approximately just below the state unemployment 00:10:15.100 --> 00:10:17.100 average, but it continues to hold to be a very tight job market. 00:10:19.120 --> 00:10:21.120 So we understand the importance of keeping our talent local. 00:10:22.340 --> 00:10:24.340 That is why the partnership continues to work on initiatives 00:10:25.460 --> 00:10:27.460 and programs that connect employers to students. 00:10:27.460 --> 00:10:32.820 Dillon Institute, Freeport High School, and the Foundation for Northwest Illinois to develop 00:10:32.820 --> 00:10:35.120 the Midlands CEO Program. 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:40.659 The CEO Program will launch in fall of 2026 and build entrepreneurial and leadership skills 00:10:40.659 --> 00:10:46.240 in high school juniors and seniors, teaching them to develop their own businesses while 00:10:46.240 --> 00:10:51.659 developing mentorship relationships with local business leaders. 00:10:51.659 --> 00:10:55.980 We know students that develop these relationships are more likely to stay in the area post-graduation. 00:10:55.980 --> 00:10:56.820 and 00:10:56.820 --> 00:10:57.659 their families. 00:10:57.659 --> 00:11:00.200 On October 31st, area high school students 00:11:00.200 --> 00:11:02.600 will tour local manufacturing facilities 00:11:02.600 --> 00:11:05.980 and learn about available career pathways. 00:11:05.980 --> 00:11:09.840 This is a great opportunity for local students 00:11:09.840 --> 00:11:11.379 to get out of the classroom 00:11:11.379 --> 00:11:13.639 and to get into some manufacturing buildings 00:11:13.639 --> 00:11:18.560 to really understand what innovation in manufacturing is 00:11:18.560 --> 00:11:19.539 in this day and age. 00:11:19.539 --> 00:11:23.000 It is not dirty old jobs. 00:11:23.000 --> 00:11:30.340 These are high-tech, brightly lit, clean facilities that offer a great career opportunity. 00:11:31.340 --> 00:11:38.740 Looking ahead, on November 12th, Highland Community College, Freeport High School have joined forces to offer a joint career and job fair. 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:45.700 We're working with local employers to make sure that they take advantage of this opportunity to get in front of soon-to-be-graduates. 00:11:45.700 --> 00:11:49.860 Anderson. Additionally, the partnership is working with the Yield Program and the Awaken 00:11:49.860 --> 00:11:57.060 Foundation to explore how the program could be expanded to incorporate desired manufacturing-related 00:11:57.060 --> 00:12:04.000 skill sets to prepare students to enter careers in manufacturing. Now I'll turn the presentation 00:12:04.000 --> 00:12:11.200 over to Nicole to discuss talent attraction strategies. 00:12:11.200 --> 00:12:13.920 Thank you. 00:12:13.920 --> 00:12:19.360 Recently the partnership has met with local employers to talk about how we can use all 00:12:19.360 --> 00:12:24.279 of the resources that we are using for talent, attraction, and retention campaigns throughout 00:12:24.279 --> 00:12:27.899 their employment postings as well. 00:12:27.899 --> 00:12:31.720 It's not just a job that anybody is coming for here, it's a life. 00:12:31.720 --> 00:12:35.700 So they need to understand the life that they are offered in Freeport and Stevenson County 00:12:35.700 --> 00:12:40.740 if they're looking to relocate here for one of the many jobs that are available. 00:12:40.740 --> 00:12:47.620 So we are providing employer toolkits that includes a relocation or recruitment packet 00:12:47.620 --> 00:12:52.700 that talks about housing, education systems, healthcare, everything you would need, housing, 00:12:52.700 --> 00:12:57.420 childcare, everything you would need as you're thinking about moving here, as well as continuing 00:12:57.420 --> 00:13:02.899 to put out positive messaging about Freeport, Stevenson County, and the lifestyle that we 00:13:02.899 --> 00:13:04.460 offer here. 00:13:04.460 --> 00:13:08.220 Also we continue the Stevenson County Area Advocate Program. 00:13:08.220 --> 00:13:10.220 and 00:13:12.220 --> 00:13:17.220 the other two are from Kansas City and two from Missouri. Two 00:13:17.220 --> 00:13:20.220 households were from Missouri. I guess Kansas City is Missouri. 00:13:20.220 --> 00:13:23.220 So all three households were coming from Missouri. We're also 00:13:23.220 --> 00:13:27.220 expanding that program to new employees as well. So that's 00:13:27.220 --> 00:13:31.220 being offered on October 22nd. If our local employers have 00:13:31.220 --> 00:13:35.220 hired somebody from outside of the county, we want them to 00:13:35.220 --> 00:13:39.860 We want them to know that Stevenson County and Freeport aren't just the place they work. 00:13:39.860 --> 00:13:44.420 This is also a place where they can spend their off hours as well. So we're encouraging local 00:13:44.420 --> 00:13:52.100 employers to allow those employees to come at either 9 a.m. or 1 30 p.m. So during the workday, 00:13:52.100 --> 00:13:58.580 not take off before work, after work, or on their lunch hour. So they understand that their employer 00:13:58.580 --> 00:14:04.340 is investing in them and their opportunity to get to know the the region in which they work. 00:14:04.340 --> 00:14:10.340 We're also offering one-on-one VIP tours to employers who are looking to recruit those 00:14:10.340 --> 00:14:17.220 high dollar positions, CEOs, Deans of the college, things like that, that really need 00:14:17.220 --> 00:14:21.799 the one-on-one experience to get to know key positions within the community. 00:14:21.799 --> 00:14:27.600 Our alumni in manufacturing are two of the key positions that we are looking for in our 00:14:27.600 --> 00:14:29.600 and others. 00:14:31.600 --> 00:14:33.600 And we are working with our workforce campaigns, bringing 00:14:33.600 --> 00:14:35.600 people back who came from Stevenson County as well as 00:14:35.600 --> 00:14:37.600 recruiting specifically for those people who are in 00:14:39.600 --> 00:14:41.600 manufacturing industries. And what we like to say is as we 00:14:43.600 --> 00:14:45.600 continue to incentivize moving to Freeport and Stevenson 00:14:47.600 --> 00:14:49.600 County, we offer more life for less. 00:14:50.600 --> 00:14:52.600 So using those same principles and talking points throughout 00:14:52.600 --> 00:14:54.600 all of our employers really makes sure we are all on the 00:14:54.600 --> 00:14:56.600 and 00:14:57.600 --> 00:14:59.600 Thomas. 00:15:00.600 --> 00:15:02.600 Thank you. 00:15:03.600 --> 00:15:05.600 And we'll take some questions. 00:15:06.600 --> 00:15:10.600 Thank you, ladies. Madam Clerk, could you please note that at 5 58 both Alderman 00:15:11.600 --> 00:15:17.600 Sanders and Alderman Simmons are in attendance. Questions, council discussion? 00:15:17.600 --> 00:15:24.840 All right. Thank you very much. Thank you. Item number eight is this discussion 00:15:24.840 --> 00:15:31.799 regarding electrical aggregation program offered by MC Squared. Director Bridge. 00:15:31.799 --> 00:15:47.180 Good evening, Council and Mayor. 00:15:47.180 --> 00:15:55.000 Around 2010, the Illinois Power Agency Act, otherwise known as the IPA Act, was amended 00:15:55.000 --> 00:15:57.000 and the City Council. 00:15:58.100 --> 00:16:03.100 The City Council is committed to include Chapter 20, Section 1-92, 00:16:03.100 --> 00:16:07.100 which essentially reads as the following, municipalities, 00:16:07.100 --> 00:16:11.100 townships or county boards can adopt ordinances to aggregate 00:16:11.100 --> 00:16:15.100 residential and small commercial electrical loads within their 00:16:15.100 --> 00:16:19.100 jurisdictions. This allows them to solicit bids and create 00:16:19.100 --> 00:16:22.100 service agreements for buying electricity and related 00:16:22.100 --> 00:16:24.100 , and the City Council. 00:16:25.220 --> 00:16:28.039 The 00:16:29.039 --> 00:16:31.039 application for this application is necessary to authorize this 00:16:31.340 --> 00:16:33.340 aggregation especially if it is to be an opt-out program for 00:16:33.539 --> 00:16:36.539 customers. Before an ordinance can be 00:16:36.539 --> 00:16:40.539 adopted for this purpose, a referendum must be conducted to 00:16:40.539 --> 00:16:43.539 gauge the resident's support for such a program. The proposed 00:16:43.539 --> 00:16:46.539 question in the referendum will ask residents if they wish to 00:16:46.539 --> 00:16:50.539 allow local authorities to arrange electricity supply for 00:16:50.539 --> 00:16:52.539 and others. 00:16:54.539 --> 00:16:57.539 In May of 2012, a referendum was put on the ballot whether the 00:16:57.539 --> 00:17:01.539 residents of Freeport wanted to participate in this program. 00:17:01.539 --> 00:17:06.539 The majority voted yes. The city then held two public hearings 00:17:06.539 --> 00:17:11.539 in May of 2012 before bringing it to this council where all 00:17:11.539 --> 00:17:15.539 eight Alderpersons approved the implementation of the program. 00:17:15.539 --> 00:17:18.539 Since that time, the city of Freeport has entered into 00:17:18.539 --> 00:17:19.539 and many more. 00:17:19.539 --> 00:17:26.539 We also have the opportunity to apply energy at a fixed rate compared to ComEd's fluctuating 00:17:26.539 --> 00:17:27.539 rates. 00:17:27.539 --> 00:17:32.539 Trends show that at the time of these letters going out that we are about to discuss, the 00:17:32.539 --> 00:17:37.539 fixed rate is often just a bit higher than ComEd's rate. 00:17:37.539 --> 00:17:42.539 However, over the course of their agreement with the city, the fixed rate becomes a more 00:17:42.539 --> 00:17:47.539 viable option for those not wanting to be affected by a fluctuating market. 00:17:47.539 --> 00:17:51.539 and others, and then the last one is letters to residents, 00:17:51.539 --> 00:17:55.539 notifying them that they will be receiving a, Wayne, could you 00:17:55.539 --> 00:17:59.539 actually hit the lights or someone, sorry, I know, I'm 00:17:59.539 --> 00:18:03.539 going to zoom in, so don't stress, okay? A large part of 00:18:03.539 --> 00:18:07.539 the program is sending letters to residents, notifying them 00:18:07.539 --> 00:18:11.539 that they will be receiving a different supply rate unless they opt out. 00:18:11.539 --> 00:18:15.539 Perfect. 00:18:15.539 --> 00:18:22.420 is to be as clear as possible on what residents should do with this letter. Just last year, 00:18:22.420 --> 00:18:28.660 City Hall received hundreds of phone calls from residents with questions. So here we go. Each and 00:18:28.660 --> 00:18:36.980 every household will receive a letter from MC Squared beginning October 17th. This letter has 00:18:36.980 --> 00:18:38.980 and others. 00:18:40.099 --> 00:18:43.599 And then we have the City Logo at the top. There will be a 00:18:43.599 --> 00:18:47.519 little bit more paper to this envelope, but this will be the 00:18:47.519 --> 00:18:53.519 main part of it. And again, it has the City Logo at the top. 00:18:53.519 --> 00:18:57.519 There are four different variations that residents could 00:18:57.519 --> 00:19:01.519 receive. However, tonight I will be focusing on the most popular 00:19:01.519 --> 00:19:04.519 version residents will receive, that being the one that asks 00:19:04.519 --> 00:19:07.179 and 00:19:07.179 --> 00:19:07.519 the 00:19:07.519 --> 00:19:08.119 letter 00:19:08.119 --> 00:19:09.119 outlines 00:19:09.119 --> 00:19:09.619 four 00:19:09.619 --> 00:19:10.119 different 00:19:10.119 --> 00:19:10.619 ways 00:19:10.619 --> 00:19:11.119 to opt 00:19:11.119 --> 00:19:11.619 out. 00:19:11.619 --> 00:19:18.619 I would highly recommend using technology to accomplish this. There will be a QR code in each envelope that residents can scan and fill in information without having to type in the letter. 00:19:34.519 --> 00:19:58.519 I had a resident who talks to me often do this today and it took him three minutes on each letter the actual link is given right here okay as well as or as well to go to the same page which can again be completed in a matter of seconds 00:19:58.519 --> 00:19:59.400 and 00:19:59.400 --> 00:20:00.519 the 00:20:00.519 --> 00:20:02.519 Board of Trustees. 00:20:02.519 --> 00:20:04.480 I'm going to bring up the two options, which are listed in a 00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:06.480 matter of seconds. 00:20:08.160 --> 00:20:10.200 If those two options aren't your style, option number two or 00:20:10.200 --> 00:20:12.200 option number four, there are two other options. 00:20:15.599 --> 00:20:17.200 Residents can call the toll-free number on the letter and quickly 00:20:17.200 --> 00:20:19.200 speak to a real human about their decision. 00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:22.879 This option may take a little bit longer due to wait times and 00:20:22.879 --> 00:20:24.879 other factors. 00:20:26.039 --> 00:20:28.460 And finally, the option I would suggest the least, unless you 00:20:28.460 --> 00:20:30.299 and 00:20:30.299 --> 00:20:32.299 a few other programs that will be included in each envelope. 00:20:32.299 --> 00:20:36.299 There were many residents last year who took this route to opt 00:20:36.299 --> 00:20:40.299 out and had struggles which then led to frustration and anger. 00:20:40.299 --> 00:20:43.299 I will stress this again before I move on to why this program 00:20:43.299 --> 00:20:47.299 can be a benefit. This is a quote from the letter. 00:20:47.299 --> 00:20:51.299 If you do not opt out of the city's electric aggregation 00:20:51.299 --> 00:20:55.299 program, you will be deemed to have authorized and agreed to 00:20:55.299 --> 00:20:57.299 and 00:20:58.339 --> 00:21:00.339 Robert, 00:21:01.639 --> 00:21:03.639 and 00:21:05.759 --> 00:21:07.759 and 00:21:09.859 --> 00:21:11.859 and 00:21:13.579 --> 00:21:15.579 and 00:21:17.180 --> 00:21:19.180 and 00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:23.019 and 00:21:25.299 --> 00:21:31.299 That would mean you have a fluctuating rate, and again we're going to zoom in and talk about this in a second. 00:21:31.299 --> 00:21:35.299 One that we have observed spike and even plateau at times. 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:40.299 However, if that section shows the name of the current program participants, 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:43.299 this time it would read MC squared energy, 00:21:43.299 --> 00:21:48.299 that would mean that your rate is fixed for the duration of the agreement. 00:21:48.299 --> 00:21:52.299 So again, I'd like to quickly show you what some of these numbers mean. 00:21:52.299 --> 00:22:02.299 With supplier energy charges highlighted, we see how many kilowatts per hour this resident used during the month. 00:22:02.299 --> 00:22:08.299 That number is then multiplied by the rate that I keep referring to in this presentation. 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:14.299 You can see that this rate is 8.26 cents per kilowatt hour. 00:22:14.299 --> 00:22:20.299 If this resident were enrolled in the upcoming electrical aggregation program, 00:22:20.299 --> 00:22:25.299 that rate would be 9.89 cents per kilowatt hour. 00:22:25.420 --> 00:22:29.539 Everything else on this bill 00:22:29.539 --> 00:22:31.339 is not affected by the program. 00:22:32.619 --> 00:22:34.839 It's also important to understand the distinction 00:22:34.839 --> 00:22:37.500 between ComEd and MC Squared. 00:22:37.500 --> 00:22:41.119 In a power outage or other emergency, who does one call? 00:22:41.119 --> 00:22:43.980 Let's look at this graphic from the Citizens Utility Board 00:22:43.980 --> 00:22:46.779 where we can better understand that the power lines 00:22:46.779 --> 00:22:49.779 that deliver the actual energy to our homes 00:22:49.779 --> 00:22:55.220 are still owned by ComEd, regardless of our participation in this program. 00:22:55.220 --> 00:23:01.879 The main difference is in the electricity supply and cost, the same section that we just looked 00:23:01.879 --> 00:23:05.220 at on a sample energy bill. 00:23:05.220 --> 00:23:10.059 I will quickly address a main concern that we heard often from residents calling City 00:23:10.059 --> 00:23:13.740 Hall last year, the legality of this program. 00:23:13.740 --> 00:23:17.859 I've already outlined how Freeport adopted this program through a referendum that was 00:23:17.859 --> 00:23:22.299 Voted on by residents themselves and of course the council approving the implementation of 00:23:22.299 --> 00:23:23.299 it. 00:23:23.299 --> 00:23:27.539 But I'd like to use what the Citizens Utility Board has to say about the legality of this 00:23:27.539 --> 00:23:30.779 matter to address resident concerns. 00:23:30.779 --> 00:23:32.539 This is straight from Cub. 00:23:32.539 --> 00:23:38.759 Quote, the Illinois Power Agency Act allows municipalities and counties to purchase electricity 00:23:38.759 --> 00:23:45.579 on behalf of residential and small business utility customers living within their borders. 00:23:45.579 --> 00:23:51.980 Plugin.illinois.gov has a full list of those participating in this program, which is too 00:23:51.980 --> 00:23:53.259 many to count. 00:23:53.259 --> 00:23:54.259 I tried. 00:23:54.259 --> 00:23:55.259 Too many. 00:23:55.259 --> 00:24:01.380 Hundreds of communities across the state have implemented this program for their residents. 00:24:01.380 --> 00:24:06.779 To residents who may still question the legality of the manner in which they must opt out, 00:24:06.779 --> 00:24:13.660 I highly suggest reviewing the Illinois Power Agency Act, specifically Chapter 20, Section 00:24:13.660 --> 00:24:15.659 and 00:24:17.659 --> 00:24:19.659 the 00:24:21.680 --> 00:24:23.680 City of Washington. 00:24:25.680 --> 00:24:27.680 The most important thing I want to stress is please stay on the 00:24:27.680 --> 00:24:29.680 lookout for a letter in your mailbox in the coming weeks. 00:24:31.680 --> 00:24:33.680 Do not throw mail away that you have not checked. And of course, 00:24:33.680 --> 00:24:35.680 if residents have questions, they can certainly call me at 00:24:39.680 --> 00:24:41.680 815-801-8008 and we can see if we can resolve those concerns. 00:24:43.659 --> 00:24:45.659 and others. 00:24:46.759 --> 00:24:48.859 So thank you for doing that. Thank you. And all the way back 00:24:48.859 --> 00:24:52.859 to how we got here since 2012. Discussion Council? 00:24:52.859 --> 00:24:56.859 ** I just have one thing. ** Go ahead. 00:24:56.859 --> 00:24:59.859 ** Can you get in and out at any time if you want to? If I 00:24:59.859 --> 00:25:03.859 want to go with ComEd, then I can at any time or if I want to 00:25:03.859 --> 00:25:05.859 get out, I can get out at any time? 00:25:07.859 --> 00:25:11.859 ** So while we are not the companies themselves, right? 00:25:11.860 --> 00:25:17.340 We have been told that they can do somewhat of what you're 00:25:17.340 --> 00:25:18.299 talking about. 00:25:18.299 --> 00:25:22.500 They can maybe be on ComEd for a little bit. 00:25:22.500 --> 00:25:26.259 They can opt out like we were talking about, be on ComEd, 00:25:26.259 --> 00:25:28.940 and then get on. 00:25:28.940 --> 00:25:34.319 Usually, they want you to wait a couple of months to do that. 00:25:34.319 --> 00:25:38.700 If you don't opt out and you are then put onto MC Square, 00:25:38.700 --> 00:25:40.880 they have told us that they will be 00:25:40.880 --> 00:25:44.720 and I have been very willing to opt you out if you have missed that deadline. 00:25:44.720 --> 00:25:46.559 Again, I'm not that business. 00:25:46.559 --> 00:25:50.639 I can't promise anything, but that's what we have been told. 00:25:50.639 --> 00:25:52.119 Thank you. 00:25:52.119 --> 00:25:53.839 Alderman Sanders? 00:25:53.839 --> 00:26:07.119 Yeah. If anyone that's part of the MC Square as a supplier and you want to opt out, 00:26:07.119 --> 00:26:15.519 there is a delay before you can actually sign up with another supplier and during that time 00:26:16.720 --> 00:26:31.119 your rates will fluctuate to whatever standard that ComEd may hit you with. So is it a positive 00:26:31.119 --> 00:26:33.119 and I, and I'm a little bit concerned about the delay. 00:26:33.119 --> 00:26:38.119 I think that's a good thing too if you chose to opt out and you put on a delay because 00:26:38.119 --> 00:26:46.000 you want to go to another supplier, you can be behind at least two to three months, am 00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:47.000 I correct? 00:26:47.000 --> 00:26:51.039 I hear what you're saying and I believe you're partially correct. 00:26:51.039 --> 00:27:00.380 So the rate that you choose, whether it be through opting out or opting in, will be reflected 00:27:00.380 --> 00:27:30.380 Grim, and all of them are listed on your December bill. So these letters, as I outlined, will be going out October 17th, which I believe is Friday or maybe Saturday, so while the letters are coming very soon here, and people might start, or residents, might start opting out as soon as they come, yes, it will not be reflected until December. I believe that's what you were asking. Yes, that's what I was talking about. Anything else, Council? Alderman Johnson? 00:27:30.380 --> 00:27:31.380 Bates, and more. 00:27:31.380 --> 00:27:32.380 And they have to be on the phone with their supplier. 00:27:32.380 --> 00:27:34.579 So, if they want to opt out, like say they accept it now and they want to opt out like 00:27:34.579 --> 00:27:39.119 say in three months or whatever, there's like just a phone number or something they have 00:27:39.119 --> 00:27:40.119 to call, right? 00:27:40.119 --> 00:27:42.819 It's not going to be a real hard long drawn out process. 00:27:42.819 --> 00:27:46.539 They just call a number and say I don't want this anymore and then it automatically goes 00:27:46.539 --> 00:27:49.299 back to ComEd for the supplier. 00:27:49.299 --> 00:27:51.220 Would it automatically just go back to ComEd? 00:27:51.220 --> 00:27:52.220 Yeah. 00:27:52.220 --> 00:27:57.139 So, we have had people call about that within the last year that, you know, they again, 00:27:57.139 --> 00:28:03.539 and I outlined how when these letters get sent out, often times the fixed rate that 00:28:03.539 --> 00:28:08.220 we are offering to these people is a little bit higher than what ComEd is offering at 00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:10.339 that time. 00:28:10.339 --> 00:28:15.940 So sometimes residents will see that and go, well, what the heck, you put me back on ComEd. 00:28:15.940 --> 00:28:18.099 It happens quite often actually. 00:28:18.099 --> 00:28:22.720 And so yes, we have always told people to call MC Squared. 00:28:22.720 --> 00:28:26.519 At that point, it was another name, MC Squared. 00:28:26.519 --> 00:28:28.519 I wouldn't recommend calling ComEd. 00:28:28.519 --> 00:28:31.599 They would probably direct you to MC Squared. 00:28:31.599 --> 00:28:33.519 And again, I'm not the business. 00:28:33.519 --> 00:28:35.639 I can't promise anything. 00:28:35.639 --> 00:28:38.679 But usually, these people completely understand. 00:28:38.679 --> 00:28:42.360 And as long as you are able to get your information 00:28:42.360 --> 00:28:45.240 across the right way, they'll understand. 00:28:45.240 --> 00:28:45.740 Thank you. 00:28:45.740 --> 00:28:48.599 Anyone else? 00:28:48.599 --> 00:28:49.519 Thank you. 00:28:49.519 --> 00:28:50.279 No problem. 00:28:50.279 --> 00:28:52.039 Director Burgess. 00:28:52.039 --> 00:28:54.559 We'll move on to item number nine, which is public comment. 00:28:54.559 --> 00:28:57.359 Is there any public comment this evening? 00:28:57.359 --> 00:28:59.639 Seeing none, I will entertain a motion for adjournment. 00:28:59.639 --> 00:29:00.359 So moved. 00:29:00.359 --> 00:29:00.859 Second. 00:29:00.859 --> 00:29:02.480 A motion made by Alderman Sellers, 00:29:02.480 --> 00:29:03.679 seconded by Alderman Shadle. 00:29:03.679 --> 00:29:05.599 Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? 00:29:05.599 --> 00:29:06.099 Oh, yes. 00:29:06.099 --> 00:29:07.039 We need to do that. 00:29:07.039 --> 00:29:09.519 I wasn't prepared. 00:29:09.519 --> 00:29:10.480 Sellers? 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:11.440 Aye. 00:29:11.440 --> 00:29:12.079 Klemm? 00:29:12.079 --> 00:29:12.799 Aye. 00:29:12.799 --> 00:29:13.599 Johnson? 00:29:13.599 --> 00:29:14.099 Aye. 00:29:14.099 --> 00:29:14.599 Simmons? 00:29:14.599 --> 00:29:15.279 Aye. 00:29:15.279 --> 00:29:15.880 Parker? 00:29:15.880 --> 00:29:16.380 Aye. 00:29:16.380 --> 00:29:16.880 Stacy? 00:29:20.319 --> 00:29:20.819 Shadle? 00:29:20.819 --> 00:29:21.319 Aye. 00:29:21.319 --> 00:29:22.279 And Sanders? 00:29:22.279 --> 00:29:23.639 Aye. 00:29:23.639 --> 00:29:25.639 Unanimous 8 to 0.