# Meeting Events

Meeting: `9fmzg0es66y.city_council_meeting_6_1_2026`

Meeting date: `2026-06-01`

Meeting type: `city_council`

This is a deterministic derived artifact, not official meeting minutes. Related records may be grouped for review while complete machine provenance remains in the JSON artifact.

## Decisions and Votes

- **Removal of Agenda Item Nine**
  - **Summary:** Motion to remove agenda item number nine indefinitely.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacy
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Stacy? I'm asking that agenda item number nine be removed from the agenda indefinitely. I believe attorney Zeta would have a response on that.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=185s)

- **Motion regarding agenda item placement** — Passed
  - **Summary:** A motion was made concerning the appropriate timing for an action related to the agenda.
  - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller
  - **Evidence:** “All right, well then I make a motion. Should that be appropriate to do in that item or before on the agenda?”
  - **Evidence:** “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=223s)

- **Approval of Agenda Item One Changes**
  - **Summary:** Motion to adopt changes regarding the agenda items.
  - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller
  - **Evidence:** “Item number one is the approval of the agenda. However, I have three changes... so with that if you could please give a motion to adopt”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=142s)

- **Approval of Minutes from May 18th, 2026** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion to approve the minutes from the council meeting on May 18th, 2026.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Shadle
  - **Evidence:** “Item number two is approval of the minutes from the council meeting on May 18th, 2026. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second.”
  - **Evidence:** “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [04:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=244s)

- **Approval of consent agenda items**
  - **Summary:** Motion to approve all items on the consent agenda.
  - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to approve? So moved.”
  - **Evidence:** “A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, please take the role. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [20:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1206s)

- **Approval of consent agenda items** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The motion passed six to zero.
  - **Evidence:** “The motion passes six to zero”
  - **Source timestamp:** [21:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1317s)

- **Item number five: appointments for FOIA officers** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion to approve the designated Freedom of Information Officers.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Shadle, Madam Clerk
  - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, please take the role. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The motion passes six to zero item number five is appointments for FOIA officers could you please read that pursuant to the Illinois freedom of information act the following individuals have been designated as freedom of information officers of the city for city hall myself w anderson clerk jabria pearson deputy city clerk audrey stiegler foyer clerk slash deputy city clerk For the police department, Kurt Schnorr, lieutenant, and Justine Day, FOIA officer. Fire department, Denise Scudder, administrative assistant, and Hilary Brosius, deputy fire chief, library, Emily Schaub, director, Kaia Eckert, administrative assistant. Thank you.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [20:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1259s)

- **Appointments for FOIA officers** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion to approve the appointments.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers, Madam Clerk
  - **Evidence:** “So move. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Johnson.”
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The motion passes six to zero.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [21:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1317s)

- **Ordinance 20-2630: Change of City Accountant title to Finance Specialist** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Vote on the ordinance changing the job title from City Accountant to Finance Specialist.
  - **Attribution:** Madam Clerk
  - **Evidence:** “Seeing none, Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The ordinance passes six to zero.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [23:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1402s)

- **Lighting and Signage Regulations Ordinance Passage** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The ordinance passed with six 'Aye' votes.
  - **Evidence:** “Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Stacy? Shadle? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The ordinance passes six to zero.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [23:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1408s)

- **Removal of agenda item nine indefinitely**
  - **Summary:** A motion was made to remove agenda item number nine from the agenda indefinitely.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacey
  - **Evidence:** “I make a motion that this number nine agenda item be removed from the agenda indefinitely.”
  - **Evidence:** “Before You Council is a motion to remove indefinitely made by Alderman Stacey, seconded by Alderman Simmons.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [38:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2315s)

- **Motion on removal of item** — Deferred
  - **Summary:** A motion was made regarding the removal of an item, which was then postponed indefinitely.
  - **Attribution:** James
  - **Evidence:** “If there's no further discussion on the motion of removal, yeah, the motion is removing the item for indefinite, postponing indefinitely. Madam Clerk, would you please take the role on postponement indefinitely?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [49:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2940s)

- **Postponement of motion regarding removal of item** — Failed
  - **Summary:** The vote resulted in four opposed and two in favor, leading to a determination that the motion failed.
  - **Evidence:** “Johnson? No. Simmons? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? No. Sellers? No. Klemm? No. Klemm. No. We have four. We have two in favor, four opposed. Do we need five? But what sirs that doesn't matter? That motion fails.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [49:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2959s)

- **Adoption of resolution 202681**
  - **Summary:** A motion was made to adopt resolution 202681.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers
  - **Evidence:** “So now before you is the So now before you is the adoption of resolution 202681. That motion was made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [49:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2959s)

- **Censure motion (implied)** — Passed
  - **Summary:** A vote was taken on a censure action, resulting in a pass of four to three, but subsequently determined to fail because a majority of five votes was not reached.
  - **Evidence:** “Johnson? No. Simmons? No. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. I have, am I tied? I'm tied at three to three. Mayor, what's say you? Aye. And the motion passes four to three. Actually no it doesn't. It does not. It fails because we did not reach a majority of five votes.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [52:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3160s)

- **Adoption of resolution 2026-82**
  - **Summary:** A motion was made to adopt resolution 2026-82, concerning the stormwater easement from the James and Joyce Peters Trust.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm
  - **Evidence:** “Move on to item number 10, which is the adoption of resolution 2026-82. Could you please read this? Resolution approving the grant of a stormwater easement from the James and Joyce Peters Trust to the city. ... So moved. Second.”
  - **Evidence:** “We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, please take the roll.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [53:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3200s)

- **Adoption of permanent drainway easement** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion to adopt the permanent easement for the drainway.
  - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  - **Evidence:** “Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Oh. And she is absent. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. We have five to zero. The resolution is adopted.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [54:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3255s)

- **Adoption of agreement with Revamp for fence replacement** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion to adopt the agreement with Revamp for the safety fence replacement.
  - **Evidence:** “Sir, a motion to adopt. So second the motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. And Klemm. The resolution is adopted six to zero.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [55:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3346s)

- **Adoption of agreement with Fehr Graham for construction oversight**
  - **Summary:** Motion to adopt the agreement with Fehr Graham for construction oversight services.
  - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson. Aye.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [58:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3484s)

- **Resolution for Galena and South Street investment** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion to adopt a resolution for $147,000 for construction engineering and contract oversight through 2026 with Fehr Graham.
  - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  - **Evidence:** “Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Stacy. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sellers. Aye. And Klemm. Aye. The resolution is adopted 6-0.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [58:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3484s)

- **Adjournment motion**
  - **Summary:** A speaker indicated no further public comments and moved to adjourn.
  - **Evidence:** “Any other public comments? Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.”
  - **Review flags:** unattached_motion_request
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:31:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=5476s)

- **Motion to adjourn meeting**
  - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Seller to adjourn the meeting.
  - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second. The motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:31:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=5476s)

- **Adjournment of meeting**
  - **Summary:** Vote on the motion to adjourn.
  - **Evidence:** “All those in favor? Aye.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:31:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=5484s)

## Procedural Actions

- **Call to Order and Roll Call**
  - **Summary:** The meeting was called to order after the invocation.
  - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller
  - **Evidence:** “Now we'll officially call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, when you're ready, could you please take the roll?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=79s)

- **Pledge of Allegiance**
  - **Summary:** The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Johnson.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Johnson
  - **Evidence:** “And if you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Johnson. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=119s)

- **Motion to Table Item Indefinitely**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the proper procedure for tabling an item indefinitely.
  - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller
  - **Evidence:** “So ultimately, if you want to make a motion to table an item indefinitely, that would require a motion and a second to do that in the alternative because this is an item that was brought forth by two other people, they would have the ability to remove the item because they're the ones who asked that it be placed on, otherwise it would take a motion and a second and a vote then on a motion to table indefinitely.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=198s)

- **Public comment conclusion and procedural warnings**
  - **Summary:** The chair concluded public comment and issued multiple warnings regarding speaking order.
  - **Evidence:** “That concludes public comment. And you can wait until after the meeting's done for the last, I'm sorry, you didn't sign in, it's already done. The signing sheet was already done.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [18:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1117s)

- **Council procedure adherence warning**
  - **Summary:** The chair repeatedly warned an individual about speaking order and the rules.
  - **Evidence:** “I'm asking permission from this city council. And I'm telling you what the rules are. You didn't get signed in, the meeting was already started. You are more than welcome to wait until the end.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [18:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1135s)

- **Moving to consent agenda**
  - **Summary:** The chair announced the transition to the consent agenda.
  - **Evidence:** “We will move on to the consent agenda.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [20:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1206s)

## Ordinances and Resolutions

- **Recognition for Reverend Threadgill's pastoral anniversary**
  - **Summary:** The City Council and Mayor of the City of Freeport, Illinois recognize and commend Reverend Threadgill for his 25 years of dedication to the people of Freeport.
  - **Attribution:** City Council
  - **Evidence:** “Resolved by the City Council and the Mayor of the City of Freeport, Illinois that we recognize and commend Reverend Threadgill for his 25 years of dedication to the people of Freeport and bringing to joy and peace to their lives.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [08:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=533s)

- **Support for resolution regarding law enforcement conduct**
  - **Summary:** Alderman Parker stated that berating and disrespecting someone in law enforcement in general is unacceptable, even if he is not voting.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Parker
  - **Evidence:** “I think berating and disrespecting someone in law enforcement in general is unacceptable. Putting up with how the public sometimes treats an officer is one thing, but coming from an elected official should never happen.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [12:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=756s)

- **Ordinance amending Title 10, Employment Provisions, Chapter 290, Compensation and Benefits, Section 290-01-D3: Change of City Accountant title to Finance Specialist**
  - **Summary:** Second reading of an ordinance changing the title of City Accountant to Finance Specialist.
  - **Attribution:** Madam Clerk
  - **Evidence:** “Item number six is the second reading of Ordinance 20-2630. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending Title 10, Employment Provisions, Chapter 290, Compensation and Benefits, Section 290-01-D3, Martin Classification Plan to Change Title of City Accountant to Finance Specialist.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [21:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1317s)

- **Ordinance adding Chapter 1480 concerning outdoor lighting regulations**
  - **Summary:** Second reading of an ordinance to add Chapter 1480 regarding outdoor lighting regulations.
  - **Attribution:** Madam Clerk
  - **Evidence:** “And item number seven is the second reading of ordinance 2026 33 could you please read this ordinance adding a chapter 1480 to the codified ordinances of the city of Freeport concerning outdoor lighting regulations thank you director Heimerdinger”
  - **Source timestamp:** [23:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1419s)

- **Lighting and Signage Regulations**
  - **Summary:** The ordinance addresses commercial structures abutting residential districts regarding light spillage into homes or businesses, and includes provisions for billboards and lighting signages to prevent distracting flashing lights.
  - **Evidence:** “It's mostly for commercial structures and overlight lighting that is abutting a residential district, even a commercial district and it's feeding light into people's homes or other businesses that otherwise would prefer that it wasn't in order to kind of maintain some Lighting respect to neighboring properties and then it also has some provisions on billboards and lighting signages and signs so that we don't have flashing lights that could distract vehicular travel within the city.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [24:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1487s)

- **Adoption of Resolution 202681: Censure on Council Member**
  - **Summary:** The item number nine was the adoption of resolution 202681, concerning a censure on council member Klemm and Sellers.
  - **Evidence:** “And item number nine is the adoption of resolution 202681. Could you please read this? Resolution of the city of Freeport imposing censure on council member. Thank you. Aldermen's Klemm and Sellers?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [25:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1543s)

- **Adoption of resolution 202683: Fence and deck replacement at municipal parking lot**
  - **Summary:** Resolution approving an agreement with revamped fence and deck for safety fence replacement at municipal parking lot.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 11 is the adoption of resolution 202683. Could you please read this? Resolution approving an agreement with revamped fence and deck for safety fence replacement at municipal parking lot.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [54:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3287s)

- **Adoption of resolution 202684: Engineering services for I-Us business 20 Galena Avenue reconstruction**
  - **Summary:** Resolution approving an agreement with Fehr Graham to provide construction engineering and quality assurance services related to the I. Us business 20 Galena Avenue reconstruction project.
  - **Evidence:** “And item number 12 is the adoption of resolution 202684. Could you please read this? Resolution approving an agreement with Fehr Graham to provide construction engineering and quality assurance services related to the I. Us business 20 Galena Avenue reconstruction project.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [57:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3429s)

## Projects

- **South Street improvements for ADA ramps and storms**
  - **Summary:** Fishers is supposed to start removals on South Street on Wednesday, with the project expected to last until about July 31st.
  - **Evidence:** “fishers is supposed First to start removals on Wednesday, that project should last till about July 31st.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:00:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3613s)

- **IDOT South Street project estimate**
  - **Summary:** IDOT has an estimated start date for their project on South Street around August 1st.
  - **Evidence:** “And IDOT is putting an estimated start date of their project on South Street around June or excuse me, August 1st, might be a little bit beyond that.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:00:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3622s)

- **Gladewood and Park Street paving schedule**
  - **Summary:** Gladewood and the Park Street are planned to be paved Wednesday through Monday of the next week.
  - **Evidence:** “Gladewood and the Park Street are planned to be paved Wednesday through Monday of the next week.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:01:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3663s)

- **Concord/Cimarron paving schedule**
  - **Summary:** One leg of Concord from Cimarron to Laurel should be paved Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week.
  - **Evidence:** “the one leg of Concord from Cimarron to Laurel should be paved Tuesday or Wednesday that following week.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:01:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3671s)

## Appointments

- **FOIA officers designation for City Hall**
  - **Summary:** Designation of FOIA officers for the city hall.
  - **Evidence:** “pursuant to the Illinois freedom of information act the following individuals have been designated as freedom of information officers of the city for city hall myself w anderson clerk jabria pearson deputy city clerk audrey stiegler foyer clerk slash deputy city clerk”
  - **Source timestamp:** [20:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1259s)

- **FOIA officer designation for Police Department**
  - **Summary:** Designation of FOIA officers for the police department.
  - **Evidence:** “For the police department, Kurt Schnorr, lieutenant, and Justine Day, FOIA officer.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [20:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1259s)

## Presentations and Reports

- **Chief Cordy's Service Details**
  - **Summary:** Details of Chief Coarty's career achievements and service roles.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “Chief Coarty's career reflects the kind of steady service that communities depend on without seeing the full measure of the work Goss, and Hurricane Ike relief efforts where he received a humanitarian award. He also responded to the Galena BNSF crude oil train derailment of 2015. And Chief Corey has significant technical rescue experience. He served for many years as the Freeport Fire Department's technical rescue coordinator. And also has been a member of the technical rescue team since 1999. That's a couple days ago. He has also served with the Illinois Urban Search and Rescue Task Force, number one, including logistics, assignments, and deployments for flooding events in Illinois and Hurricane Ida in Louisiana. Chief Cordy has contributed to regional preparedness through the Stephenson County Local Emergency Planning Committee, the Stephenson County Unified Command Committee, the Countrywide Disaster Drill Committee, and he also served as an instructor and trained firefighters in technical”

- **Reverend Charles D. Threadgill Jr.'s pastoral service and community impact**
  - **Summary:** Reverend Charles D. Threadgill Jr. has served with a meaningful and lasting impact on the Freeport community through more than 25 years of pastoral leadership at Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church.
  - **Attribution:** N/A
  - **Evidence:** “Reverend Charles D. Threadgill Jr. Has had a meaningful and lasting impact on the Freeport community through more than 25 years of pastoral leadership at Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [07:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=452s)

- **Reverend Charles D. Threadgill Jr.'s background and service history**
  - **Summary:** He is a Freeport High School graduate, was called to preach in 1994 and installed as pastor at Mount Carmel in 2001. He has served as past president of the Freeport Ministers Fellowship Alliance.
  - **Attribution:** N/A
  - **Evidence:** “A Freeport High School graduate, Reverend Threadgill returned to serve the community that helped shape him, bringing with him a deep commitment to faith, education, service, and spiritual leadership. Is being called to preach in 1994 and installed as pastor at Mount Carmel in 2001. His influence extends beyond the walls of the church through his service as past president of the Freeport Ministers Fellowship Alliance”
  - **Source timestamp:** [07:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=467s)

- **Items for consideration under the consent agenda**
  - **Summary:** The items listed for approval under the consent agenda included minutes, a partnership report, a proclamation, and financial bills.
  - **Evidence:** “Seeing not, the consent agenda is approval to receive and place on file the minutes from the board and commission meetings from the Board of Police from Fire Commissioners April 28th, 2026, the Greater Freeport Partnerships Report of May 2026, Proclamation for the Motorcycle Awareness Month of May 2026, the finance bills in the total of $1,850,002.27 and the payroll for pay period ending May 16th, 2026 in the total of $727,510.41.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [20:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1206s)

- **Title change for City Accountant position**
  - **Summary:** Director Richter explained the ordinance changes only affect the title, not job duties or positions.
  - **Attribution:** Director Richter
  - **Evidence:** “Director Richter? Thank you, Your Honor. This is the second reading of this ordinance and the finance department is requesting a change simply in the title of a position from City Accountant to Finance Specialist. I'm not adding positions or changing anything else. I just would like to change the actual title. I'm afraid there's a little maybe a little confusion as to what the actual job duties are with the title of City Accountant. I would like to change it to Finance Specialist. Thank you.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [22:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1365s)

- **Outdoor lighting regulations ordinance (Chapter 1480)**
  - **Summary:** Director Heimerdinger presented the second reading of the ordinance establishing new outdoor lighting regulations for the City of Leapwood.
  - **Attribution:** Director Heimerdinger
  - **Evidence:** “director Heimerdinger thank you madam madam mayor good evening this is the second reading the first reading was on the second council meeting in May the community and economic development department was directed by Planning Commission to draft an ordinance that you guys will be voting on tonight for outdoor lighting regulations. After discussing the lack of lighting ordinances, the Chapter 1480 establishes new outdoor lighting regulations for the City of Leapwood to reduce Huffines. As stated in our first reading, this does not impact residential or four units or below, so those are completely exempt from it. It's mostly for commercial structures and overlight lighting that is abutting a residential district, even a commercial district and it's feeding light into people's homes or other businesses that otherwise would prefer that it wasn't in order to kind of maintain some Lighting respect to neighboring properties and then it also has some provisions on billboards and lighting signages and signs so that we don't have flashing lights that could distract vehicular travel within the city. Thank you.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [23:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1419s)

- **Chief of Police Statement on Professionalism and Criticism**
  - **Summary:** The Chief of Police addressed the council regarding public criticism of an officer, stating that accusations made were false and outside the scope of law enforcement responsibilities.
  - **Evidence:** “She made false accusations against the department that are not supported by facts, such as showing a picture of recovered guns from a search warrant with no arrests, demand reason as She stated that the police department has not done enough with suicides and demanded that we should place bars or bolts on the windows of buildings such as the Lincoln Tower.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [30:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1826s)

- **Chief of Police Statement on Leadership and Diplomacy**
  - **Summary:** The Chief emphasized that leadership requires integrity, accountability, professionalism, and diplomacy focuses on solutions rather than division.
  - **Evidence:** “Leadership is not simply a title or an elected position. Leadership is the ability to influence others through integrity, accountability, professionalism, and a commitment to truth. Likewise, diplomacy is a practice of addressing disagreements respectfully. With a focus on solutions rather than division.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [29:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1775s)

- **Chief of Police Warning Against Public Confrontation**
  - **Summary:** The Chief warned that public criticism of an officer or department over issues outside law enforcement's scope undermines professionalism and should be addressed through appropriate channels.
  - **Evidence:** “An alderman's decision to publicly berate or become feisty or become unprofessional or raise your voice is a decision that is unknown over matters unrelated to law enforcement, which undermines the professionalism and mutual respect necessary between elected officials and public safety personnel.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [31:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1881s)

- **Chief of Police Statement on Suicide Blame**
  - **Summary:** The Chief stated that assigning blame for suicide without evidence is irresponsible and diminishes mental health challenges.
  - **Evidence:** “Equally concerning are public statements suggesting that this police department is responsible for suicide within our community. To assign blame without evidence is not only public irresponsibility but it also diminishes the very mental health challenges faced by those involved.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [33:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1983s)

- **Police Department's responsibility regarding infrastructure and law enforcement decisions**
  - **Summary:** The Freeport Police Department stated its responsibility is not building infrastructure or adding hardware like bolts or bars, and that law enforcement decisions are guided by facts, evidence, constitutional protections, state law, and prosecutorial standards.
  - **Attribution:** Police Department
  - **Evidence:** “The Freeport Police Department's responsibility is not building, it's not in building infrastructure or to add hardware to windows such as bolts or bars. We are not in the job of construction. We are not. ... The reality is that law enforcement decisions are guided by facts. Evidence, constitutional protections, state law, and prosecutorial standards, not by public pressure or political demands.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [34:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2049s)

- **Fifth Ward Neighborhood Watch Meeting report**
  - **Summary:** A statement confirming that the Fifth Ward Neighborhood Watch on May 19th had a good meeting where the officer was welcomed.
  - **Evidence:** “For the record, Fifth Ward Neighborhood Watch on May 19th had a great meeting. Meeting. The officer was welcomed with open arms. We had a very good meeting and we communicated and we got to know him as he got to know us.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [45:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2742s)

- **Stormwater easement for Gladewood repaving**
  - **Summary:** Staff recommended moving forward with a permanent drainway easement to be recorded due to the recent acceptance of the area as a city street and ongoing work on repaving Gladewood.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. We're in the process of repaving Gladewood. There is a drainway on the property, and as this was recently accepted as a city street, we're currently working with an easement granted by the adjacent landowner, however, we need to basically make this a drainway easement, so staff recommends moving forward with the permanent easement and to be recorded for the future.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [53:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3224s)

- **Municipal lot construction updates**
  - **Summary:** The southwest steps at the municipal lot required a total replacement for just under $25,000.
  - **Evidence:** “the southwest steps at at the lot fell apart as long as the, as well as the retaining wall. So we had to do a repair to the steps and the wall. And actually they weren't a repair. It was a total replacement for just under $25,000.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [58:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3506s)

- **Dewey street soil issues**
  - **Summary:** The undercut estimate alone for Dewey Street is projected to be about one hundred thousand dollars over the bid price.
  - **Evidence:** “the undercut alone is projected to be about a hundred thousand dollars, um, over the bid price, but still under our budget price, we had a very good, uh, bid on that street.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [59:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3590s)

- **Summer Reading Program Information**
  - **Summary:** Summer reading kicks off on Monday the 8th and runs until August 8th (June 8th to August 8th), with a party in the parking lot for children, encouraging all ages to read to potentially win prizes.
  - **Evidence:** “Library? Just a reminder that summer reading kicks off on Monday the 8th. There's a huge party in the parking lot for children, but summer reading is for all ages and goes until August 8th, June 8th to August 8th. I encourage everybody here, adults and children, to read this summer and potentially win prizes.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:04:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3859s)

- **Illinois Municipal League Report on Legislative Session Issues**
  - **Summary:** The Illinois Municipal League reported that major themes from the spring 2026 legislative session included protection of local control, preservation of municipal revenue, housing policy, and new or proposed mandates. IML advanced the Real Housing Act as a municipal alternative emphasizing affordability, property tax relief, and local input.
  - **Evidence:** “At the conclusion of the spring 2026 Illinois legislative session, the Illinois Municipal League reported on several issues of importance to municipalities across the state. The major themes included the protection of local control, preservation of municipal revenue, housing policy, and new or proposed mandates that could affect local government operations. Housing remained one of the most significant issues during the session in response to the governor's build proposal, IML advanced the Real Housing Act as a municipal alternative that emphasized affordability, property tax relief, and local input and practical tools for communities.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:04:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3884s)

- **Street project updates via text message**
  - **Summary:** Citizens can receive text message updates on individual street projects by texting 'Freeport' followed by the street name to 91896.
  - **Evidence:** “You put the name of the street that's being worked on and the word Freeport and you send it to a text at 91896. You'll be prompted to say yes and you will get text message updates as the work progresses.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:14:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4456s)

- **Library summer programs report**
  - **Summary:** The speaker mentioned that every fall, a report is received from the library about its phenomenal summer programs.
  - **Evidence:** “I also might add that every fall we get a report from the library about their summer programs, and they are phenomenal.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:15:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4509s)

- **Electronic disposal event**
  - **Summary:** The electronic disposal event is scheduled for the fairgrounds this weekend.
  - **Evidence:** “Yes, I just want everyone to remember that this weekend is the electronic disposal out at the fairgrounds, so if you've got some electronics you've got to get rid of, take them to the fairground.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:15:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4526s)

## Metrics

- **Arrests and Recoveries (Jan 1 - May 31)**
  - **Summary:** From January 1st through May 31st, there were a total of 511 arrests, 86 warrant arrests, and 57 firearms recovered.
  - **Attribution:** Police Department
  - **Evidence:** “Currently, as of January 1st through May 31st, we've had a total of 511 total arrests, 86 warrant arrests, and 57 firearms recovered.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [34:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2093s)

## Discussion

- **Agenda Item Changes**
  - **Summary:** A discussion occurred regarding changes to the agenda items.
  - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller
  - **Evidence:** “Item number one is the approval of the agenda. However, I have three changes. Item number eight is going to be moved to the June 15th agenda. And then following the item number two the approval of the minutes we have a 30-year service anniversary recognition of Chief Cordy and then we also have an honorary resolution which we will treat like a proclamation for Pastor Threadgill so with that if you could please give a motion to adopt so I'm sorry I'm sorry We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Alderman Stacy? I'm asking that agenda item number nine be removed from the agenda indefinitely.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=142s)

- **Discussion regarding public safety issues in town**
  - **Summary:** A speaker recalled that during a meeting, discussions occurred for quite a few minutes regarding lighting in bad areas of town where there is a lot of crime.
  - **Attribution:** N/A
  - **Evidence:** “we had our normal talks, and about three quarters way through through to the meeting, we talked about the lighting in bad areas of town where a lot of crime is, and we all discussed it for quite a few minutes”
  - **Source timestamp:** [10:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=653s)

- **Criticism of Police Officer Miguel Diller at Neighborhood Watch Meeting**
  - **Summary:** A discussion arose regarding officer Miguel Diller receiving criticism at a neighborhood watch meeting in the fifth ward.
  - **Evidence:** “I was brought to our attention after a neighborhood watch meeting a couple weeks ago. It was held in the fifth ward that officer Miguel Diller was there and received quite a bit of criticism or criticism or not being respected as he should as a police officer. And things didn't go very well.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [25:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1543s)

- **Police Officer Performance at Neighborhood Watch Meeting**
  - **Summary:** A speaker recounted positive experiences with Officer Diller, noting he answered questions well and was praised by the speaker.
  - **Evidence:** “People absolutely loved him, did a great job answering all the questions that anybody answered, so on and so forth. In fact, we talked about other things that had gone on in his time in the force and his his background and his history in the city of Freeport and I even wrote a note the next day to the mayor, the city manager, and the chief on what a great job he did and that he was a real gentleman and it just really surprised me that if this has happened it obviously shouldn't have happened and we should take a look at what should be done, could be done, what things are on the board to do.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [27:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1624s)

- **Source of Questions Directed at Police Officer**
  - **Summary:** A speaker suggested that questions causing distress to the officer should have come from the community development department and nuisance people.
  - **Evidence:** “But I don't think we're having a problem with asking the questions. I think the questions that were asked to him that caused him hurt was questions that should have come from the community development department and the nuisance people.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [28:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1698s)

- **Disclosure of domestic violence investigation information**
  - **Summary:** The police department stated that demands for information regarding domestic incidents cannot be legally disclosed due to protected information such as victims' rights, juvenile information, medical information, and ongoing criminal investigation.
  - **Attribution:** Police Department
  - **Evidence:** “Furthermore, the other one's demands for information regarding domestic incidents cannot be legally disclosed. Domestic violence investigations often involve protected information. Victims' rights, juvenile information, medical information, and ongoing criminal investigation. State law 750 ILCS 61 slash 5 and privacy protection exists for a reason.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [35:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2150s)

- **Discussion on removal of agenda item nine**
  - **Summary:** A discussion followed regarding the motion to remove agenda item nine, with participants citing that they are relying on hearsay and that facts should guide decisions.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Simmons
  - **Evidence:** “So the reason I agree with this and if Alderman Stacey hadn't said it, I would have made the motion is because we don't know what happened. We're all going for hearsay and none of us were there except for the audience members who spoke and said this is not what happened.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [39:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2356s)

- **Council decorum and censure procedures**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the appropriateness of censuring council members for questioning officers or raising issues at neighborhood watch meetings.
  - **Evidence:** “But if Cecelia asks questions about policing at a neighborhood watch meeting, that is not okay. Let's censure her, like none of that makes sense.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [41:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2493s)

- **Resolution content and precedent setting**
  - **Summary:** A statement advising council members to consider that the resolution contains conclusions without facts and that actions set a precedent for questioning officers.
  - **Evidence:** “And the resolution contains a whole lot of conclusions and no facts. So please take that in mind as you vote as a council, you may not like all the person, Stacy, and that's fine. But when we take moves like this, it affects all of us. And it sets the precedent so that none of us Canes can ask questions of the officers without being met with censor and the chief question our mental stability in front of the town.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [41:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2503s)

- **Alderman Stacy's conduct**
  - **Summary:** A discussion acknowledging Alderman Johnson's statement about Alderman Stacy getting feisty and disrespectful at times.
  - **Evidence:** “I do know that Alderman Stacy does get feisty at times and disrespectful at times to people on the council, the mayor, other people.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [42:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2540s)

- **Disrespectful questioning of police officers**
  - **Summary:** A discussion advising caution regarding accusations made during interactions with law enforcement.
  - **Evidence:** “Would you agree, Cecelia? That would be wrong, I mean, to get disrespectful to someone or point to them and say, you should take care of this and why aren't you giving this and why aren't you giving us this information?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [42:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2558s)

- **Scope of questioning regarding police cases**
  - **Summary:** A statement clarifying that questions about police cases are not always appropriate if the information endangers people.
  - **Evidence:** “I do believe that but sometimes with the accusations that come across and anger and we're not out to get you we're not not out to destroy you or anything we just want peace and want things to be done respectful with everyone so with that said take that in consideration okay”
  - **Source timestamp:** [43:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2588s)

- **Purpose of bringing issues before council**
  - **Summary:** A statement emphasizing that the discussion is about what is right, not personal likes or dislikes.
  - **Evidence:** “after I just wanted to say that it's not about who likes and who don't like. It's about what's right.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [43:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2588s)

- **Nature of questioning officers**
  - **Summary:** A statement detailing that questions asked by council members should be based on information they already possess, rather than asking for details the officer does not know.
  - **Evidence:** “It wasn't about you asking police questions. It was about you asking questions that he had no knowledge about. And that's what was disrespectful to him.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [44:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2679s)

- **Allegations of harassment against James Monroe**
  - **Summary:** A statement denying allegations of belittling or degrading comments made by the speaker regarding windows or suicide, and detailing being disrespected after receiving calls.
  - **Evidence:** “All these allegations are allegations. For the record, Fifth Ward Neighborhood Watch on May 19th had a great meeting... I received not one, but two calls. And when I returned a phone call, I was disrespected. I was mistreated.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [45:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2742s)

- **Allegations of harassment and mistreatment regarding council proceedings**
  - **Summary:** A speaker addressed allegations of being disrespected and mistreated via phone calls, stating they will not be labeled as a 'black angry woman' but are elected to perform their job.
  - **Attribution:** James
  - **Evidence:** “Huffines, James, Jim, Gertrude, Greg, Gregory, Heimerdinger, Gertrude, James, Jim, Gertrude, James, Gertrude, James, Gertrude, But you can believe what you want to believe. Because you're believing a bunch of people that weren't even at the meeting. And I received not one, but two calls. And when I returned a phone call, I was disrespected. I was mistreated. And as I was told on my answering machine, have a good night. All this crap about do you need 911 and Do you need 9-1-1 and all this and that did not happen. I said, I tell you what, you have a good night and I hung up because I will not be harassed and belittled by anyone accusing me of something that I did not say nor do and you know how I can be. What does that mean? Passionate for my work? Caring for the people? Want to get things done? Want to see things happen that ain't happened in 15, 16 years? You will not label me. None of you will label me as that black, angry woman. I'm not your black angry woman. I am a person that was elected by my peers, that took on a position, and have a job to do, and I'm going to do my job, like it or not, and if you want to take this further, trust and believe, we can and we will. Thank you.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [46:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=2819s)

- **Discussion regarding censure and council conduct**
  - **Summary:** A speaker argued that voting to censure someone is not about procedure or protocol but about doing what is important, citing examples of public comments being allowed under certain conditions.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Simmons
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Simmons? You have all shared your opinions and I get it. Be seen and not heard. But again, none of you were at that meeting. You're going off of what you hear second and third hand. We cannot vote to, you know, censor her and none of us saw that. And again, if you saw her on the council floor B. Ray or disrespect a department head. That would be when you bring this censure. We've seen it. I've seen it. I don't like how you handled yourself. And we all have record of it. None of us have that right now. And again, if we vote and accept to censure her, it is not about procedure. It is not about protocol. It is not about following the rules. It is about doing what importante twenty ten years ago.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [51:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3077s)

- **Blue tarp lawn grass at 725 East Empire**
  - **Summary:** The issue of blue tarp lawn grass at 725 East Empire should be brought up to community development and public works, not the police department.
  - **Evidence:** “it was stated that there's a blue tarp lawn grass. Everybody here knows that it should be brought up to community development and public works, not the police department.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:01:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3706s)

- **Trash on lawn at 1326 South Carroll**
  - **Summary:** The issue of trash on the lawn at 1326 South Carroll is not related to the police department.
  - **Evidence:** “it stated that there's trash on the lawn. That's nothing to do with the police department's community development and public works.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:01:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3716s)

- **Overgrown grass, car, and toilet in alley at 700 To 800 East Garden**
  - **Summary:** The issue of overgrown grass, a car, and a toilet in the alley at 700 To 800 East Garden belongs to community development public works.
  - **Evidence:** “There's overgrown grass, a car, and a toilet in the alley that doesn't have to do with the police department that has to do with community development public works”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:02:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3737s)

- **Street lights on Walnut and Garfield**
  - **Summary:** The issue of street lights being out on Walnut and Garfield is not related to the police department.
  - **Evidence:** “Street lights on Walnut and Garfield light is out that has nothing to do with the police department that's community development and possible public works.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:02:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3737s)

- **Fence at 720 East Empire Center School playground**
  - **Summary:** The issue regarding kids jumping over the fence at 720 East Empire Center School playground is related to the person who locks up the fence.
  - **Evidence:** “There was an issue at 720 East Empire Center School playground of a fence that kids are jumping over the fence in regards to the playing on the playground. As far as we're concerned that we went over there, the kids have stated to my police officers that the man that closes up the fence or locks up the fence allows the kids to play on the playground.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:02:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3737s)

- **Dog with no leash at Miami and Empire Bright Yellow House**
  - **Summary:** The issue of a dog out with no leash at Miami and Empire, Bright Yellow House has been cited previously.
  - **Evidence:** “Miami and Empire, Bright Yellow House, the dog out with no leash. We have cited her plenty of times for that.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:03:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3813s)

- **ComEd lines responsibility**
  - **Summary:** The police department has nothing to do with ComEd lines.
  - **Evidence:** “in regards to the ComEd lines we have nothing to do with ComEd lines to be honest with you”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:03:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3820s)

- **ComEd lines and community concerns reporting**
  - **Summary:** The speaker stated that the department has nothing to do with ComEd lines and advised residents to use iWorks electronically for community concerns by ward, suggesting sending information to Rob Boyer or Community Development and Public Works.
  - **Evidence:** “And in regards to the ComEd lines we have nothing to do with ComEd lines to be honest with you the police department has nothing to do with that older people know that who to go to either you go to iWorks electronically in order to field all those community concerns by their ward and by their Boyer Community. They also know if they could also send that to Rob Boyer or Community Development and Public Works.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:03:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3820s)

- **Alderman Johnson report status**
  - **Summary:** Alderman Johnson stated he had nothing new to report.
  - **Evidence:** “Overall, the session reflected the ongoing importance of municipal Johnson. And I have nothing new to report, Alderman Johnson?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:04:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3884s)

- **Alderman Simmons report status**
  - **Summary:** Alderman Simmons stated he did not have anything to report.
  - **Evidence:** “Nothing tonight, Mayor. Alderman Simmons?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:05:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3944s)

- **Constituent advocacy rights and First Amendment protections**
  - **Summary:** The speaker argued that constituents' advocacy for public safety is protected political speech under both U.S. and Illinois Constitutions, citing case law regarding elected officials retaining First Amendment rights.
  - **Evidence:** “On behalf of constituents about public safety is protected political speech under the U. S. Constitution and the Illinois Constitution, the highest law in the land. The Illinois Constitution provides speech protections that are in some circumstances border the AVEN federal guarantees according to U. S. Constitution Amendment 1, Illinois Constitution Article 1, Section 2 and 4. No person shall be deprived of liberty without due process of law. All persons may speak freely. These protections bind the councils and apply with full force to an elected official advocating for her ward.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:07:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4074s)

- **Unconstitutionality of Resolution 202681 due to vagueness**
  - **Summary:** The speaker argued that the resolution is unconstitutionally vague because it charges misconduct without citing specific rules or defined standards of conduct.
  - **Evidence:** “The resolution is unconstitutionally vague. This resolution charges me with berating an officer, but cites no adapted rules, no city policy, and no defined standards of conduct. Under this vagueness doctrine, government bodies cannot punish conduct. Punish conduct without clear pre-existing standards. What is berating? Who defines it?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:09:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4159s)

- **Chilling effect on elected officials**
  - **Summary:** The speaker warned that the resolution signals a dangerous precedent where raising uncomfortable constituent concerns could result in formal punishment, creating an unethical chilling effect.
  - **Evidence:** “More importantly, what this resolution signals to every other person in this chamber is deeply Troubling, that raising uncomfortable constituent concerns may result in formal punishment. That chilling effect is unethical to democratic governance and directly contrary to Illinois public policy.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:11:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4272s)

- **Conclusion on Resolution 202681**
  - **Summary:** The speaker concluded that the resolution was factually unsupported, legally defiant, and set a dangerous precedent for suppressing elected officials who advocate vigorously for their constituents.
  - **Evidence:** “In conclusion, I did not berate anyone. I attended a neighborhood watch meeting as any responsible elected representative should do. I listened to my constituents who raised their concerns. This resolution is factually unsupported, legally defiant, and sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing elected officials who advocate vigorously for the people they serve.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:12:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4330s)

- **Concerns regarding a resolution and precedent setting**
  - **Summary:** The speaker stated that a certain resolution is factually unsupported, legally defiant, and sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing elected officials.
  - **Evidence:** “This resolution is factually unsupported, legally defiant, and sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing elected officials who advocate vigorously for the people they serve.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:12:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4346s)

## Public Comment

- **Concerns regarding a resolution presented without prior meeting discussion**
  - **Summary:** A speaker stated that they cannot believe a resolution was passed if the person who created it was not present at the meeting where discussions about local lighting and crime occurred.
  - **Attribution:** N/A
  - **Evidence:** “I don't know who did this report, but I know whoever did it, they were not at that meeting. So I cannot believe you would do a resolution like this if that person never attended the meeting.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [10:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=639s)

- **Support for community spirit and discussion tone at a recent incident**
  - **Summary:** A speaker defended the conduct of an officer during an incident, stating that what was described as 'berating' was merely a discussion.
  - **Attribution:** N/A
  - **Evidence:** “I was there and it was just a discussion. But our policeman was just a tad late getting there. And by that time we had new people there where we've had hardly anybody there.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [13:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=812s)

- **Concerns about council proceedings and community issues**
  - **Summary:** Akiyah Sanders questioned why the matter was brought to the council floor, stating it should be city business, and criticized a lack of working together within the panel.
  - **Evidence:** “I'm Akiyah Sanders. I just want to be clear. I'm trying to understand why is this being brought to the council floor where this is supposed to be city business? You forget that she still has freedom of speech. Whatever went on, I don't know. Y'all confusing that with, I guess, being bullied or something like that.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [14:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=862s)

- **Praise for Cecelia Stacy's advocacy and community action**
  - **Summary:** A speaker praised Cecelia for fighting hard to get necessary lighting in areas and noted her actions compared to others.
  - **Evidence:** “Cecelia is the only one that has got an opportunity to get the lighting in the areas that needed it. She fought hard against everybody up here. Up here, she argues. I ain't seen no older men besides Cecelia and Rachel bring real issues to this panel.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [15:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=920s)

- **Critique of community group activities vs. individual action**
  - **Summary:** A speaker criticized the focus on Neighborhood Watch meeting topics, contrasting it with actionable efforts like Klemm picking up trash.
  - **Evidence:** “And I just don't get why the first thing y'all want to do is try to talk about what's talked about at a Neighborhood Watch meeting, where that's really to me, I ain't never been the one, but it's a lot of y'all hobbies. Anybody go out, Klemm go out in the dark areas with his crew and go try to pick up some trash, go try to do anything for any community.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [15:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=927s)

- **Call for productive and respectful council discourse**
  - **Summary:** A speaker urged council members to find ways to work together productively and respectfully.
  - **Evidence:** “Find some to do, productively and respectfully. And I'm going to pray for the ones that don't, you know, do that as well.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [15:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=927s)

- **Allegations of eroding public trust by council members**
  - **Summary:** Josh Atkinson accused several individuals, including Tom Klemm and Greg Schadal, of actions that erode public trust in the government.
  - **Evidence:** “I read Joy Sellers and Tom Klemm's piece about it. And the one thing that really stuck out to me when I was reading Schadal, and Greg Schadal. I think the best thing that was they're accusing her of eroding public trust in this government.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [16:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=1007s)

- **Procedural question regarding public comment**
  - **Summary:** A speaker asked for clarification on whether their presence at the microphone was acceptable or a problem.
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Stacy? Did you want me to treat this as public comment? I'm a little confused while you're standing up. I just chose to come to the mic. Is that okay? Or is that a problem? I'm just wondering.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:06:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3965s)

- **Opposition to Resolution 202681 regarding protected speech**
  - **Summary:** The speaker formally opposed resolution number 202681, arguing it mischaracterizes lawful exercise of elected duties and constitutes an improper attempt to punish protected speech. The speaker cited First Amendment rights and the vagueness doctrine.
  - **Evidence:** “Mayor Miller, City Manager Boyer, and members of the council, I rise to formally oppose resolution number 202681. This resolution mischaracterizes the lawful exercise of my elected duties and constituents. An improper attempt to punish protected speech Hitch, I ask that this rebuttal be entered into the Permanent Record. On May 19th, I attended a Fifth Ward watch meeting. A core function of my, of representing my constituents under Illinois law and all the Our personal duty is to serve as the direct link between residents and city government, raising constituents' concerns about public safety at a neighborhood watch meeting. It's not misconduct. It is the definition of this office.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:06:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=3982s)

- **Concerns about local governance and police actions**
  - **Summary:** The speaker criticized the history of the city, citing instances involving the Department of Justice, the city, sheriff, and police department. The speaker also detailed an incident where a citizen reported to the police department regarding a domestic battery situation and was told the officer on duty was unavailable.
  - **Evidence:** “When we talk about morality, integrity, when we talk about bringing down the status quo of people's minds based around what is happening in our community, some of you need to understand that the reason that these things are happening is because they've always happened in this town. They have happened to the degree that the Department of Justice has been here two times. Some of those times, majority of those times had to do with the city and the sheriff and the police department... Yesterday, I got a phone call about a domestic battery situation. I went to the police department. There was one officer on duty, one. I was told that he was on break. He'd be back an hour later. An hour later I came back, I was told he was at home, okay?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:16:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4580s)

- **Criticism of council conduct and rules enforcement**
  - **Summary:** The speaker criticized the mayor for rolling her eyes regularly and accused Parker of telling the speaker to shut up in a city council meeting. The speaker also stated that they were denied the ability to speak on an issue not on the public agenda, which the speaker claimed was unprecedented in their 40 years of attending meetings.
  - **Evidence:** “Let's talk about Parker who had the audacity to tell me to shut up in a city council meeting as I spoke as a citizen and a taxpayer who owned three houses in this town... Today, I will deny the ability to speak on an issue that is on public agenda. This has never occurred in the history of my being in city council meetings for over 40 years.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:17:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4658s)

- **General commentary on community structure and police necessity**
  - **Summary:** The speaker commented on the lack of consistency and structure in the town, noting that calling the police is necessary for public safety issues like downed wires.
  - **Evidence:** “There's no consistency, structure, like it's supposed to be in a town like this... If there's a wire down in the street and the street needs to be blocked off, you got to call the police. You got to get somebody, because if a car run over or the kid touch it, that's, you know, I mean, there's a couple things.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:21:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4866s)

- **General commentary on police procedures and community structure**
  - **Summary:** The speaker discussed the necessity of calling the police for public safety issues like downed wires blocking streets, criticizing the lack of consistency and teamwork in the town.
  - **Evidence:** “I've been here numerous occasions and going through all kinds of stuff where honestly the police have been called to a car, to a wire because it's public safety. If there's a wire down in the street and the street needs to be blocked off, you got to call the police. You got to get somebody, because if a car run over or the kid touch it, that's, you know, I mean, there's a couple things.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:20:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4855s)

- **Support for Ms. Stacy and criticism of judgment**
  - **Summary:** The speaker defended Ms. Stacy against attempts by others to judge her past actions.
  - **Evidence:** “You witnessed a bunch of people try to judge Ms. Stacy from her past and I pray to God that you know God like I know God. He's seen victory in what was supposed to be today, in what was supposed to be today. Y'all ain't did nothing but judge her.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:21:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4886s)

- **Birthday wishes for Tommy**
  - **Summary:** A speaker wished 'Tommy' a happy birthday.
  - **Evidence:** “Any other public comments? Tommy? I just want to say happy birthday, Tommy.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:21:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4918s)

- **Critique of council conduct and argumentation**
  - **Summary:** The speaker criticized the meeting for arguments, calling out specific fallacies like ad hominem attacks by Sellers and Simmons.
  - **Evidence:** “We have people arguing, we're calling her feisty. We have to be careful with our words, especially Sellers, Simmons, we all know why. We should not be up here calling her feisty, you should not be up here saying fallacies in your argument, an ad hominem by the way, if you don't know.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:22:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4968s)

- **Advice to council members on improving conduct**
  - **Summary:** The speaker advised attendees to use the meeting to open their eyes and learn political science to improve arguments.
  - **Evidence:** “To the people, honestly, I feel like you guys need to take this meeting and use it to open in your eyes, because these people don't know what they're doing. And I'm sorry to tell it to y'all, but they need to get it together. OK, take some courses. Learn political science.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:23:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4995s)

- **Critique of the Chief's leadership statements**
  - **Summary:** The speaker criticized the Chief for making claims about being a leader while also recounting personal phone calls.
  - **Evidence:** “You can't get up here and say you are a leader, and then also say, well, I was on the phone with her, and she was yelling and screaming. And again, what does that have to do with argument? As a leader, you should know that doesn't even have anything to do with anything.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:23:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=5014s)

- **Critique of Mayor's role and general council conduct**
  - **Summary:** The speaker advised the mayor regarding their demeanor and urged all members to research before speaking.
  - **Evidence:** “the everything is your demeanor as a mayor, not very welcome. So again, I would just say this one last time, use this meeting to open your eyes, tell your peers, get more people here to see this mess of a council that we have and use my voice today to make sure that y'all, again, go home, do some research, learn some things, learn the fallacies so that y'all can know how to do a proper argument instead of getting up here and saying your opinion on something that you weren't even there to see.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:23:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=5030s)

- **Discussion on freedom of speech rights regarding neighborhood watch meeting**
  - **Summary:** The speaker questioned the basis for silencing someone based on an event they did not witness, referencing constitutional rights.
  - **Evidence:** “Who was, can anybody raise their hand if you were at the neighborhood watch meeting? Look around look around one person but everybody pretty much except for Simmons got up here and voted that she should be silenced for something that y'all didn't hear about also when did freedom of speech become I mean isn't that in the constitution your freedom of speech like you said you got up here you said freedom of speech constitution you had the different laws the different everything to back Black up the fact that you shouldn't be silenced.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:24:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=5071s)

- **Defense of free speech rights regarding opinion expression**
  - **Summary:** The speaker stated that expressing an opinion, even by yelling, is a form of free speech.
  - **Evidence:** “And again, it's not illegal to say your opinion, it's not illegal to say it by screaming, by yelling, you can say it however you want, it's your opinion, it's your freedom of speech.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:25:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=5122s)

- **Personal connection and defense of Ms. Stacy**
  - **Summary:** The speaker stated she has known Stacy for over 20 years and supports her outspoken nature.
  - **Evidence:** “I have also known Stacy for more than 20 years. I've worked with her. I've worked with her husband. I've worked with her family. There are people she is outspoken if she sees something that she believes needs attention she'll say it in the way that she says it some people have their own opinions and she'll be feisty spicy I get that way I think we all do at one point or another and it's going to do with how deeply we believe on something”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:25:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=5136s)

- **Apology regarding miscommunication during the meeting**
  - **Summary:** The speaker expressed regret that comments made at the meeting were taken out of context.
  - **Evidence:** “I am very, very sorry that we're not all adult enough to say, okay, something did happen, somebody took it out of context.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:27:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=5235s)

- **General plea for respect among city officials**
  - **Summary:** The speaker urged council members to show mutual respect regardless of personal feelings.
  - **Evidence:** “I look at everybody here as officials of the city. People have voted you guys in, everybody, and we should all show respect for everybody around, whether we like them or don't.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:28:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=5285s)

- **Gratitude regarding mosquito spraying service**
  - **Summary:** The speaker thanked an unspecified entity for the mosquito spraying.
  - **Evidence:** “Good evening. First two thank yous. Thank you, Citi. I don't know who's in charge of it, but the the mosquito spraying. Thank you so much, because that was amazing.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:28:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=5303s)

- **Mosquito spraying service**
  - **Summary:** A speaker thanked someone regarding the mosquito spraying.
  - **Evidence:** “I don't know who's in charge of it, but the the mosquito spraying. Thank you so much, because that was amazing.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:28:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=5335s)

- **Concerns about police officer conduct**
  - **Summary:** A speaker recounted an incident where a police officer allegedly rolled his eyes at them in public.
  - **Evidence:** “And during all that, I happened to turn to this, to this officer right here in the corner, right? And all I did was whisper is the officer here that this Esper is the officer here that this is involving, because I'd expect him to, you know, come talk to you guys if something. And he wouldn't, he looked at me out of the corner of his eyes, rolled his eyes and put them right back forward.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:28:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=5335s)

- **Call for accountability regarding police conduct**
  - **Summary:** A speaker stated that nobody should be treated poorly by law enforcement and suggested an apology was owed.
  - **Evidence:** “So if we are serious about how we expect people to be treated in this town, there you go. I've got three aldermen that are definitely serious about it. Let's get it handled. I've got a police chief that's definitely serious about it. Let's get it handled. That's not okay.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:30:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=5401s)

## Proclamations and Recognitions

- **30-year Service Anniversary Recognition for Chief Cordy**
  - **Summary:** Recognition of Chief Tom Cordy's service to the City of Freeport Fire Department and emergency response.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “Manager Boyer. Chief Tom Cordy has given nearly three decades of service to the City of Freeport Fire Department and a larger emergency response for the overall community. Coarty. His career with the department started on June 3, 1996, serving as a firefighter and engineer before advancing to lieutenant in 2017, district chief in 2020, interim deputy chief in 2025, and now fire chief in 2026.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [04:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=263s)

- **Honorary Resolution for Pastor Threadgill**
  - **Summary:** The next item was the honorary resolution for Pastor Threadgill.
  - **Evidence:** “and next is the honorary resolution for Pastor Threadgill, the manager of Boyer.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [06:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=392s)

- **Thanking Rob Boyer for action regarding Reverend Charles Strachiel Jr.**
  - **Summary:** The speaker thanked Rob Boyer for taking action concerning Reverend Charles Strachiel Jr.
  - **Evidence:** “Rob Boyer, I'd like to thank you for doing what I asked you to do in regards to Reverend Charles Strachiel Jr. I appreciate that very much, honoring of my pastor.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:15:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4549s)

## Follow-ups

- **Email urging vote against Resolution 202681**
  - **Summary:** The speaker stated that they sent an email to colleagues urging them to vote against the resolution.
  - **Evidence:** “I have sent an email to my colleagues urging them to vote against this.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:12:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4373s)

- **Street project updates via text message**
  - **Summary:** The speaker mentioned that street projects are underway and a new setup allows residents to receive progress messages for individual projects via text message.
  - **Evidence:** “Yes, just want to pass along, also, as Darren pointed out, the street projects are well underway, and we have a new setup this year where you can get a text message for, and you get messages with the progress of the individual projects.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:13:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=4407s)

## Attendance

- **Roll Call Attendance**
  - **Summary:** Attendance was taken for council members.
  - **Attribution:** Madam Clerk
  - **Evidence:** “For roll call, Mayor Miller? Here. Alderpersons, Klemm? Here. Johnson? Here. Simmons? Here. Parker is absent, Stacy? Here. Shadle? Here. Sanders is absent, Sellers? Here.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FMZg0es66Y&t=93s)