WEBVTT

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Good evening. Pastor Vandenberg, could you please give the invocation. Father, we come

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to you humbly and we're asking that you would bring this community together underneath the

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banner of your love. Father, we're thankful for every member of this council and this

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Committee, and this city that serves. In the midst of difficulty, God, we ask that there

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would be peace that surpasses understanding even as decisions are made. We ask for wisdom

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from the Holy Spirit in everything that would be take place tonight and that would encounter

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on the benefit of the citizens of this city. God, we speak blessing just on this city.

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and Disagreements, God, we pray that there would be love that would abound.

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Help this city to overcome its difficulties and challenges, God, bring unity out of division.

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We need your help, God.

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We ask you just to move upon each one of these members, department heads, and citizens that

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care about what happens in this city.

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We love you, in Jesus' name, Amen.

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Thank you. Now we'll officially call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, when you're ready,

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could you please take the roll? Did anyone else need an agenda?

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Parole Call, Mayor Miller? Here. Alderpersons, Klemm? Here. Johnson? Here. Simmons? Here. Parker is absent, Stacy? Here. Shadle? Here. Sanders is absent, Sellers? Here.

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And if you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Johnson.

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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.

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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

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I'm sorry. Approve the agenda. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded

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by Alderman Sellers. Alderman Stacy? I'm asking that agenda item number nine be removed from

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the agenda indefinitely. I believe Attorney Zeta would have a response on that. So ultimately

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if you want to make a motion to table an item indefinitely that would require a motion in

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a second to do that in the alternative because this is an item that was brought forth by

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two other people they would have the ability to remove the item because they are the ones

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who asked that it be placed on otherwise it would take a motion and a second and a vote

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then on a motion to table indefinitely.

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All right well then I make a motion.

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Would that be appropriate to do in that item or before on the agenda?

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it would be more appropriate to do that during the the agenda item okay any other discussion on the

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agenda all those in favor signify by saying aye aye opposed that motion passes item number two

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is approval of the minutes from the council meeting on may 18th 2026 is there a motion to approve

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so moved second a motion made by alderman shadle seconded by alderman clem all those in favor

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Signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes. Next is the 30-year service

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anniversary. Manager Boyer. Chief Tom Cordy has given nearly three decades of

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Service to the City of Freeport Fire Department and a larger emergency

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response for the overall community. His career with the department started

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in June 3rd, 1996, serving as a firefighter and engineer before advancing

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to lieutenant in 2017, district chief in 2020, and interim deputy chief in 2025,

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and now fire chief in 2026. Chief Courtney's career reflects the kind of

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Steady Service that communities depend on without seeing the full measure of the

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work behind it. He has helped maintain the city's fire station and grounds,

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supported radio communication systems, strengthened reporting programs, and

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contributed to the daily readiness of the department. His service has also

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reached well beyond Freeport. Chief Cordy has been deeply involved with the mutual

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eight box alarm system known as MABIS including MABIS Division 17 and the

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and the State Executive Board. Through Mavis he deployed to the Gulf Coast in 2008 for Hurricane

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Gustav and Hurricane Ike relief efforts where he received a humanitarian award. He also responded

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to the Galena BNSF crude oil train derailment of 2015 and Chief Corey has significant technical

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rescue experience. He served for many years as the Freeport Fire Department's technical

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Huffines, James, Jodi Miller, James, James, Jodi,

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Disaster Drill Committee and he also served as an instructor and trained

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firefighters in technical rescue and wildland firefighting. In 2018 Chief

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Cordy was recognized as Freeport's Firefighter of the Year and his career is

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a strong example of public service, preparation, and partnership and I would

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like everyone to recognize Chief Cordy at this time for his 30 years of

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Service.

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And then next is the Honorary Resolution for Pastor Threadgill, the Manager, Boyer.

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Thank you, Your Honor.

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Reverend Charles D. Threadgill Jr. has had a meaningful and lasting impact on the Freeport

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community through more than 25 years of pastoral leadership at Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist

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Church.

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A Freeport High School graduate, Reverend Threadgill returned to serve the community

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that helped shape him, bringing with him a deep commitment to faith, education, service,

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and spiritual leadership.

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is being called to preach in 1994 and installed as pastor at Mount Carmel in 2001.

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He has served as a dynamic preacher, teacher, mentor, and community leader.

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His influence extends beyond the walls of the church through his service as past president

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of the Freeport Ministers Fellowship Alliance, first vice-moderator of the Rockford and vicinity

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Baptist District Association, the director of evangelism of the Baptist General State

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Convention of Illinois.

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He has also participated in missionary work, including service in Haiti, reflecting his

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heart for ministry, both locally and beyond.

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Reverend Threadgill's life and work have strengthened families, encouraged faith, supported community

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service, and provided steady spiritual leadership for Freeport, his legacy of one of servant

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leadership and dedicated to God's people.

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I would like to read the honorary resolution, whereas Charles D. Threadgill Jr. is celebrating

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his 25th pastoral anniversary in 2026, and whereas Reverend Threadgill is a 1982 graduate

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of Freeport High School before attending Rock Valley Junior College and the University of

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Dubuque, and whereas Reverend Threadgill was called to preach in 1994 and delivered his

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Fowler, John Fowler, John Fowler, John Fowler

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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 and resolved by the Mayor and City Council this day.

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City Council, this day of June 2026. Thank you.

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And then next we have public comment. Joe, I apologize, I can't read your last name.

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If you would like to go to the podium, you have three minutes.

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I'm up here to talk about this resolution against CC Stacy. Can I ask a question?

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No, there's no interaction. It's just you get to speak.

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Well, I know for a fact. I don't know who did this report, but I know whoever did it, they were not at that meeting.

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So I cannot believe you would do a resolution like this if that person never attended the meeting because I was at the meeting we had a normal talks and about three quarters way through 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 and CC said that she would like to see a piece of paper that she thought Rob Boyer had

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This resolution should be held over until somebody can come and talk to us at the next

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meeting and get everybody's comments about actually what went on at that meeting.

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So that's what I want to say.

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I think to make it fair, I think it should be held over so everybody can actually find

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out what actually went on at that meeting because it's not what is in this resolution

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as far as I'm concerned.

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Thank you.

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And then the second one, if you could please, the audience really needs to be quiet when

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there's a meeting going on.

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Thank you.

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The clerk, you have one to be read.

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Alderman Parker was unable to attend tonight, so he wanted this read on record regarding

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agenda item number nine.

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I think berating and disrespecting someone in law enforcement in general is unacceptable.

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Putting up with how the public sometimes treats an officer is one thing, but coming from an elected official should never happen.

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Even though I am not here to vote tonight, I am in support of this resolution.

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Don Parker, Alderman, Ward 4.

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And next would be Jeannie El-Massey.

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Hello everyone. Thank you for all you do. And thank you for that beautiful prayer. That was outstanding. We all want to get along. And thank you. The other day the EMTs called. Our son was hit by a car and backed over out by higher grounds and they called a year later to see how he was. That's our community at the heart. Well, I'm here to represent CC and I have to say that berate is a huge word. I was there and it was just a discussion. But

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our policemen was just a tad late getting there and by that time we had new people

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there where we've had hardly anybody there and we had a whole table full of

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people and the fire was started before anybody walked in the door and I think it

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was his first time and he's just the nicest guy I hope he doesn't not want to

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come back because I don't know how this got so to me it's out of proportion but

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but it was a feisty, everybody was wound up about alleys and lighting and stuff like that

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and cars in the backyard that were abandoned.

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So they really were speaking their pieces and I feel bad that this happened and I hope

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that we can resolve this.

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But CeCe, I know sometimes she gets passionate but I didn't see anything inappropriate.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Sanders, I just want to be clear I'm trying to understand why is this being brought to

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the council floor where this is supposed to be city business she's you you forget that

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she still has freedom of speech whatever went on I don't know y'all confusing that with

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I guess being bullied or something like that.

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One thing is consistent about this panel that there is no working together, there's always

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bullying and there's always some type of segregated issue.

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Joy Sellers, the first time you got an opportunity to stand by your sister in God's eyes, you

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showed that you, again, it's still like the beginning, doing what you do best is not help

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your people.

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Cecelia is the only one that has got an opportunity to get the lighting in the areas that needed

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it she fought hard against everybody up here everybody up here she argues I

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ain't seen no alderman besides Cecilia and Rachel bring real issues to this

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panel and I just don't get why the first thing y'all want to do is try to talk

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about what's talked about at a neighborhood watch meeting where that's

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really to me I ain't never been the one but it's a lot of y'all hobbies what

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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. Y'all do a lot of talking around here. Cecelia do a lot of action.

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It's really appalling that a group of adults can't work together in a community where we need so, so much help. So much help.

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The only community where a lot of us is segregated from even the closest thing, Lena.

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They work way better than Freeport.

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You got to show y'all natural up in here.

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And don't have no respect for the jobs that Cecilia do.

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The first thing y'all want to try to do is dissect our words.

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Find something to do productively and respectfully.

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And I'm going to pray for the ones that don't do that as well.

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Good evening gang, Josh Atkinson. I wasn't at the meeting, but I read Joy Sellers and

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Tom Klemm's piece about it. And the one thing that really stuck out to me when I was reading

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that was they're accusing her of eroding public trust in this government. You guys all need

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to hold up a mirror to your faces.

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Every person that I'm looking at right now

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has done something along the time

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that they've been here to erode public trust.

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Whether that be when Tom Klemm put his hands

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on Alderman James Monroe last year,

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when Greg Shadle consistently and always perfect timing

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wants to, anytime somebody wants to talk

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about something that's real, he pushes it,

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tables it forever, tables it indefinitely.

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Everybody has done something.

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Cecelia, I know her. I love her. We don't get along very well right now, but she cares. She cares so much for this community, for not just her ward, but all of Freeport. You guys could have had a conversation. You weren't there. You weren't there. As far as I know, if I'm wrong, please correct me. But somebody needed to have a conversation with her about whatever happened and get the real story before you just do that.

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Do you guys do stuff like this? It's appalling. You guys need to talk about everything else that you guys have done. Are you gonna hold yourselves accountable to any of this stuff? No. So don't, quit being bullies. You get whatever you want anyway. You have the votes to do whatever you guys want. Let it go. You don't have to keep beating dogs when they're down. But yet you continue. Do something better for the city.

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includes public comment and you can wait until after the meeting is done for the last, I'm

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sorry you didn't sign in, it's already done, because it was already done, and I'm telling

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you what the rules are, you didn't get signed in, the meeting was already started, you are

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more than welcome to wait until the end, please refrain, or I'm going to have you removed.

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Please stop talking. Here's your warning. You are out of order. You are out of order. You are out of order. Please wait until the end. You are more than welcome to say what you want. You are welcome to.

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Sergeant at Arms, would you please help me with this?

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Ma'am, if I was to just for you, you were given your first warning. Am I correct, Erin?

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you are out of order is this your second warning I haven't had a warning and I

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have seen you in every meeting let people come and talk why is it different

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today's name is not on the paper we're going to move on she is more than

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welcome to speak what she wants to

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Welcome to speak what she wants to at the end of the meeting I'm not prohibiting her I'm following the rules and you are out of order if you continue to talk you are out of order we'll move on to the consent agenda the consent agenda will be considered to be routine in nature unless someone would like to have something removed for further discussion 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 and Fire Commissioners April 28th 2026 the Great

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Mayor Freeport Partnerships Report of May 2026, Proclamation for the Motorcycle Awareness

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Month of May 2026, the Finance Bills in the total of $1,850,002.27, and the Payroll for

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Pay Period ending May 16th, 2026 in the total of $727,510.41.

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Is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

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Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The motion passes 6-0.

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Item number 5 is Appointments for FOIA Officers. Could you please read that?

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Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the following individuals have been designated

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as Freedom of Information Officers of the City.

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For City Hall, myself, Debbie Anderson, Clerk, Jabria Pearson, Deputy City Clerk, Audrey

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Stiegler, FOIA Clerk, slash Deputy City Clerk.

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For the Police Department, Kurt Schnorr, Lieutenant, and Justine Day, FOIA Officer.

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Fire Department, Denise Scudder, Administrative Assistant, and Hillary Broschus, Deputy Fire

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Chief, Library, Emily Schaub, Director, Kaia Eckert, Administrative Assistant.

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Thank you.

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Is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Johnson.

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Discussion on the appointments.

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Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

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Johnson?

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Aye. Simmons? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The motion passes 6-0. Item number 6 is the second reading of Ordinance 20-26-30. Could you please read this?

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Ordinance amending Title 10, Employment Provisions, Chapter 290, Compensation and Benefits, Section 290-01-D3 regarding classification plan to change title of City Accountant to Finance Specialist.

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Thank you. Director Richter?

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Thank you, Your Honor.

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This is the second reading of this ordinance and the finance department is

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requesting a change simply in the title of a position from City Accountant to

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Finance Specialist. I'm not adding positions or changing anything else. I

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just would like to change the actual title. I'm afraid there's a little maybe a

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little confusion as to what the actual job duties are with the title of City

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the Accountant, I would like to change it to Finance Specialist.

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Thank you.

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Discussion on the Ordinance?

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Seeing none, Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

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Johnson?

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Aye.

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Simmons?

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Aye.

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Stacy?

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Aye.

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Shadle?

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Aye.

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Sellers?

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Aye.

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And Klemm?

00:23:46.579 --> 00:23:47.579
Aye.

00:23:47.579 --> 00:23:48.579
The Ordinance passes 6-0.

00:23:48.579 --> 00:23:50.900
And item number 7 is the second reading of Ordinance 2026.33.

00:23:50.900 --> 00:23:52.980
Could you please read this?

00:23:52.980 --> 00:23:58.119
Thomas, Adding a Chapter 1480 to the Codified Ordinances of the City of Freeport Concerning

00:23:58.119 --> 00:23:59.539
Outdoor Lighting Regulations.

00:23:59.539 --> 00:24:00.539
Thank you.

00:24:00.539 --> 00:24:01.539
Director Heimerdinger.

00:24:01.539 --> 00:24:02.539
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

00:24:02.539 --> 00:24:03.539
Good evening.

00:24:03.539 --> 00:24:04.539
This is the Sanket Reading.

00:24:04.539 --> 00:24:10.019
The first reading was on the Sanket Council Meeting in May.

00:24:10.019 --> 00:24:15.539
The Community and Economic Development Department was directed by Planning Commission to draft

00:24:15.539 --> 00:24:24.500
We have a second ordinance that you guys will be voting on tonight for outdoor lighting regulations.

00:24:24.500 --> 00:24:31.539
After discussing the lack of lighting ordinances, the Chapter 1480 establishes new outdoor lighting

00:24:31.539 --> 00:24:36.180
regulations for the City of Leapwood to reduce nuisance lighting, to improve public safety,

00:24:36.180 --> 00:24:42.140
minimize light pollution, and create consistent standards for outdoor lighting installation

00:24:42.140 --> 00:24:44.940
throughout the community.

00:24:44.940 --> 00:25:13.940
This does not impact residential of where units are below, so those are completely exempt from it. It's mostly for commercial structures and overlight lighting that is abutting a residential district, or even a commercial district, and it's feeding light into people's homes or other businesses that otherwise would prefer that it was a residential district.

00:25:13.940 --> 00:25:23.340
for that it wasn't in order to kind of, you know, maintain some lighting respect to neighboring

00:25:23.340 --> 00:25:33.740
properties and then it also has some provisions on billboards and lighting signages and signs

00:25:33.740 --> 00:25:38.820
so that we don't have flashing lights that could distract vehicular travel within the

00:25:38.820 --> 00:25:41.640
city.

00:25:41.640 --> 00:25:42.640
Thank you.

00:25:42.640 --> 00:25:43.640
Discussion on this ordinance?

00:25:43.640 --> 00:25:47.480
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:48.480
Johnson?

00:25:48.480 --> 00:25:49.480
Aye.

00:25:49.480 --> 00:25:50.480
Simmons?

00:25:50.480 --> 00:25:51.480
Aye.

00:25:51.480 --> 00:25:52.480
Stacy?

00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:53.480
Aye.

00:25:53.480 --> 00:25:54.480
Shadle?

00:25:54.480 --> 00:25:55.480
Aye.

00:25:55.480 --> 00:25:56.480
Sellers?

00:25:56.480 --> 00:25:57.480
Aye.

00:25:57.480 --> 00:25:58.480
And Klemm?

00:25:58.480 --> 00:25:59.480
Aye.

00:25:59.480 --> 00:26:04.599
The ordinance passes six to zero.

00:26:04.599 --> 00:26:08.320
And item number nine is the adoption of resolution 202681.

00:26:08.320 --> 00:26:10.740
Could you please read this?

00:26:10.740 --> 00:26:13.819
of the City of Freeport, imposing censure on Councilmember.

00:26:15.319 --> 00:26:18.380
Thank you, Aldermen's, Klemm and Sellers.

00:26:22.160 --> 00:26:24.500
Was brought to our attention after

00:26:25.700 --> 00:26:28.160
neighborhood watch meeting a couple of weeks ago.

00:26:28.500 --> 00:26:31.340
It was held in the fifth ward that

00:26:31.340 --> 00:26:34.539
Officer Miguel Diller was there and

00:26:34.539 --> 00:26:46.220
and received quite a bit of criticism or criticism or not being respected as he should as a police

00:26:46.220 --> 00:26:54.299
officer and things didn't go very well and we're here to discuss that tonight.

00:26:54.299 --> 00:27:03.140
I was not there, you're correct, I was not there but the officer at the first neighborhood

00:27:03.140 --> 00:27:12.259
Watch meeting that he attended happened to me at Vine at Schwartz Chapel. People absolutely

00:27:12.259 --> 00:27:17.539
loved him, did a great job answering all the questions that anybody answered, so on and

00:27:17.539 --> 00:27:24.620
so forth. In fact, we talked about other things that had gone on in his time in the force

00:27:24.620 --> 00:27:32.500
and his background and his history in the city of Freeport. I even wrote a note the

00:27:32.500 --> 00:27:39.420
the next day to the mayor, the city manager, and the chief on what a great job he did, and

00:27:39.420 --> 00:27:46.340
he was a real gentleman. And it just really surprised me that if this has happened, it

00:27:46.340 --> 00:27:51.700
obviously shouldn't have happened, and we should take a look at what should be done,

00:27:51.700 --> 00:27:56.860
what could be done, what things are on the board to do.

00:27:56.860 --> 00:28:03.619
and I think that I also talked with also Officer McGill and he talked about because he was at

00:28:03.619 --> 00:28:08.539
a Neighborhood Watch that I was at and he also before he didn't know that I knew any

00:28:08.539 --> 00:28:17.779
of the things and he presented to our Neighborhood Watch I did for Miss Johnson and he did talk

00:28:17.779 --> 00:28:24.220
about a little bit of the things that he said hurt his feelings at the at the Neighborhood

00:28:24.220 --> 00:28:25.220
and others.

00:28:25.220 --> 00:28:30.299
I don't think we're having a problem with asking the questions.

00:28:30.299 --> 00:28:38.599
I think the questions that were asked to him that caused him hurt was questions that should

00:28:38.599 --> 00:28:46.059
have come from the Community Development Department and the nuisance people.

00:28:46.059 --> 00:28:53.259
But I would like to know what our chief had and what the report that she got from the

00:28:53.259 --> 00:28:58.099
Officer, and I would like to hear her part of, because there's always three sides to

00:28:58.099 --> 00:29:02.059
every story, and I would like to hear what she had heard also.

00:29:02.059 --> 00:29:04.059
Chief Froster, would you like to add something?

00:29:04.059 --> 00:29:05.059
Yes.

00:29:05.059 --> 00:29:21.099
Let me give you my back for the interstate community.

00:29:21.099 --> 00:29:22.659
Good evening, Mayor.

00:29:22.660 --> 00:29:29.059
City Council members and members of our community, I stand before you tonight, not only as your

00:29:29.059 --> 00:29:36.019
Chief of Police, but as a leader of an organization comprised of dedicated public servants who

00:29:36.019 --> 00:29:41.920
place themselves in harm's way every day to protect this community.

00:29:41.920 --> 00:29:46.700
Leadership is not simply a title or an elected position.

00:29:46.700 --> 00:29:54.180
is the ability to influence others through integrity, accountability, professionalism,

00:29:54.180 --> 00:29:56.460
and a commitment to truth.

00:29:56.460 --> 00:30:02.660
Likewise, diplomacy is a practice of addressing disagreements respectfully, constructively

00:30:02.660 --> 00:30:09.660
and others may say berate, others may say being unprofessional.

00:30:09.660 --> 00:30:18.660
Both leadership and diplomacy requires restraint, responsibility, and recognition that our words carry weight.

00:30:18.660 --> 00:30:27.660
Recently, at the 5th Ward Neighborhood Watch meeting, the present Alderwoman chose to publicly, as you may say, be feisty.

00:30:27.660 --> 00:30:31.620
others may say berate, others may say being unprofessional,

00:30:32.700 --> 00:30:34.740
to a police officer.

00:30:34.740 --> 00:30:37.700
And I will answer the questions as to what was said.

00:30:39.259 --> 00:30:41.980
She made false accusations against the department

00:30:41.980 --> 00:30:43.940
that are not supported by facts,

00:30:43.940 --> 00:30:47.360
such as showing a picture of recovered guns

00:30:47.360 --> 00:30:49.500
from a search warrant with no arrests,

00:30:50.759 --> 00:30:53.660
demand reason as to why the Freeport Police Department

00:30:53.660 --> 00:31:20.080
She stated that the Police Department has not done enough with suicides, and demanded that we should place bars or

00:31:20.080 --> 00:31:29.039
Jr., Louis, they're all

00:31:29.039 --> 00:31:33.320
In Alderman's decision to publicly berate and

00:31:33.320 --> 00:31:40.860
become feisty, or become unprofessional, or raise your voice is a decision that is

00:31:40.860 --> 00:31:49.019
unknown, over matters unrelated to law enforcement which undermines the professionalism and mutual

00:31:49.019 --> 00:32:13.580
and

00:32:13.580 --> 00:32:15.380
and

00:32:15.380 --> 00:32:16.480
the

00:32:16.480 --> 00:32:17.680
District.

00:32:17.680 --> 00:32:22.900
Constructive concerns should be addressed through the appropriate channels with professionalism

00:32:22.900 --> 00:32:27.980
and factual understanding rather than through public confrontation that serves little purpose

00:32:27.980 --> 00:32:31.620
beyond the embarrassment of the division.

00:32:31.620 --> 00:32:37.580
Public criticism of the police department and an officer without complete information

00:32:37.580 --> 00:32:43.980
undermines not only that individual officer, but the men and women who serve the city with honor.

00:32:45.260 --> 00:32:50.860
Officers deserve accountability when warranted, but they also deserve fairness, due process,

00:32:50.860 --> 00:32:55.019
and the support of community leaders who understand the tremendous responsibility

00:32:55.019 --> 00:33:01.019
carried by those who wear the badge. Public humiliation is not leadership.

00:33:01.019 --> 00:33:13.200
It is not diplomacy. It serves only to erode trust and damage morale. Equally concerning

00:33:13.200 --> 00:33:17.820
a public statement suggesting that this police department is responsible for suicides within

00:33:17.820 --> 00:33:25.540
our community. Suicide is a tragic and complex issue that affects families, friends, schools,

00:33:25.539 --> 00:33:27.539
and

00:33:28.539 --> 00:33:30.539
the

00:33:31.539 --> 00:33:33.539
public

00:33:34.539 --> 00:33:47.539
responsibility, but it also diminishes the very mental health challenges faced by those involved. If I had a magic wand to help out those as to why they commit suicide, I will make sure that everyone in this nation and the world would know what the magic wand is.

00:33:47.539 --> 00:33:48.539
and others.

00:33:48.539 --> 00:33:54.460
Our officers routinely respond to these heartbreaking incidents, grieving families and work alongside

00:33:54.460 --> 00:34:00.180
mental health professionals and community partners in an effort to prevent future tragedies.

00:34:00.180 --> 00:34:06.700
And let us not forget the dispatchers, who had to hear the heartbreaking voices of children

00:34:06.700 --> 00:34:09.059
and adults when faced with this.

00:34:09.059 --> 00:34:15.220
To weaponize such loss for political purposes does such a disservice to those who have suffered

00:34:15.220 --> 00:34:18.340
and to those who worked tirelessly to help.

00:34:18.340 --> 00:34:20.619
The Freeport Police Department's responsibility

00:34:20.619 --> 00:34:24.220
is not building, it's not in building infrastructure

00:34:24.220 --> 00:34:27.740
or to add hardware to windows such as bolts or bars.

00:34:27.740 --> 00:34:30.500
We are not in the job of construction.

00:34:30.500 --> 00:34:31.340
We are not.

00:34:33.099 --> 00:34:35.579
There have also been accusations that our officers

00:34:35.579 --> 00:34:39.820
are failing to make arrests or refusing to enforce the law.

00:34:39.820 --> 00:34:42.059
The reality is that law enforcement decisions

00:34:42.059 --> 00:34:47.059
are guided by facts, evidence, constitutional protections,

00:34:47.180 --> 00:34:50.460
state law, and prosecutorial standards,

00:34:50.460 --> 00:34:54.460
not by public pressure or political demands.

00:34:54.460 --> 00:34:58.579
Every arrest must be lawful, supported by probable cause,

00:34:58.579 --> 00:35:01.440
and capable of withstanding judicial scrutiny.

00:35:02.500 --> 00:35:05.900
Our officers are sworn to uphold the law impartially,

00:35:05.900 --> 00:35:10.519
not selectively, suggesting otherwise without evidence,

00:35:10.519 --> 00:35:14.360
such as the recovery of weapons with no arrest,

00:35:14.360 --> 00:35:17.079
unfairly damages the reputation of the department

00:35:17.079 --> 00:35:18.960
and the professional men and women who serve

00:35:18.960 --> 00:35:21.000
this community every day.

00:35:21.000 --> 00:35:24.519
I don't know what picture was passed around

00:35:24.519 --> 00:35:27.640
from the Alderman's phone because I did not

00:35:27.640 --> 00:35:29.280
give that picture to her.

00:35:29.280 --> 00:35:31.860
My officers did not give that picture to her.

00:35:31.860 --> 00:35:33.380
And I'm telling you, the community,

00:35:33.380 --> 00:35:35.619
I don't know where she got this picture of guns

00:35:35.619 --> 00:35:39.480
and to make a statement that no arrest was done.

00:35:39.480 --> 00:35:41.159
We did not send that to her.

00:35:43.400 --> 00:35:47.000
Currently, as of January 1st through May 31st,

00:35:47.000 --> 00:35:52.000
we've had a total of 511 total arrests, 86 warrant arrest,

00:35:55.760 --> 00:35:58.659
and 57 firearms recovered.

00:36:02.519 --> 00:36:06.680
Furthermore, the Alderman's demands for information

00:36:06.680 --> 00:36:10.639
regarding domestic incidents cannot be legally disclosed.

00:36:10.639 --> 00:36:12.599
Domestic violence investigations

00:36:12.599 --> 00:36:15.320
often involve protected information,

00:36:15.320 --> 00:36:18.139
victims' rights, juvenile information,

00:36:18.139 --> 00:36:22.039
medical information, and ongoing criminal investigation.

00:36:22.039 --> 00:36:25.880
State law 750 ILCS 61 slash five

00:36:25.880 --> 00:36:28.960
and privacy protection exists for a reason,

00:36:28.960 --> 00:36:32.539
to protect victims and preserve the integrity

00:36:32.539 --> 00:36:34.280
of investigation.

00:36:34.280 --> 00:36:40.119
No elected official, regardless of position, is entitled to information that the law prohibits

00:36:40.119 --> 00:36:46.280
us from releasing. I don't know why the Alderman would want that information as it endangers the

00:36:46.280 --> 00:36:51.800
community members and I know those that actually call when they're on a domestic violence call

00:36:51.800 --> 00:36:57.800
that they would want that information to be given out. We need to protect those people in that type

00:36:57.800 --> 00:37:03.640
of incident. Are we not enforced in time? My oath as Chief of Police requires me to follow the law,

00:37:03.640 --> 00:37:09.079
Not Political Pressure. The citizens of this community deserve factual information, thoughtful

00:37:09.079 --> 00:37:14.200
discussion, and leaders who seek solutions rather than conflict. They deserve public officials who

00:37:14.200 --> 00:37:20.200
understand that the words can either strengthen confidence in local government, reasonable people,

00:37:21.240 --> 00:37:26.200
people may disagree a policy, reasonable people might set different priorities or strategy,

00:37:26.200 --> 00:37:33.400
and have a healthy debate however accusations of unsupported facts attacks

00:37:33.400 --> 00:37:37.440
on public servants and the spread of information misinformation are harmful

00:37:37.440 --> 00:37:42.480
to the very community we will serve as chief of police I remain committed to

00:37:42.480 --> 00:37:47.480
transparency accountability and professional professionalism I will

00:37:47.480 --> 00:37:51.360
continue meaningful dialogue and to answer the question I did call Alderman

00:37:51.360 --> 00:37:58.240
Stacy that night with a witness in my office she started screaming I did not

00:37:58.240 --> 00:38:02.400
know what was happening and I was in fear for her life I asked her if she

00:38:02.400 --> 00:38:07.079
needed help I thought she was in a car accident I asked if she needed 9-1-1 and

00:38:07.079 --> 00:38:11.980
the next thing she decided to say was I don't want to talk to you and the phone

00:38:11.980 --> 00:38:18.199
was disconnected as I was concerned for your safety I asked if you needed help I

00:38:18.200 --> 00:38:25.200
I do know that within my years there's always good to have a witness in an office when I speak to others and I speak to people.

00:38:25.200 --> 00:38:33.200
I will continue to defend the integrity of this department and the officers who serve with honor when they are subjected to unfair attacks.

00:38:33.200 --> 00:38:43.199
Leadership requires courage. Diplomacy requires respect. Our community deserves both and the truth. Thank you.

00:38:43.199 --> 00:38:49.519
Thank you, Chief. And just for the record, Alderman Simmons asked if there was a time

00:38:49.519 --> 00:38:54.880
limit and on presentations, there is not. So with that, is there a motion to adopt Resolution

00:38:54.880 --> 00:38:55.880
202681?

00:38:55.880 --> 00:38:56.880
So moved.

00:38:56.880 --> 00:38:57.880
Second.

00:38:57.880 --> 00:39:03.440
We have a motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion, Alderman

00:39:03.440 --> 00:39:04.440
Stacy.

00:39:04.440 --> 00:39:10.760
I make a motion that this number nine agenda item be removed from the agenda indefinitely.

00:39:10.760 --> 00:39:11.760
and Lee.

00:39:11.760 --> 00:39:13.360
I'll second it.

00:39:13.360 --> 00:39:19.360
Okay, so before you counsel, is a motion to remove indefinitely made by Alderman Stacy

00:39:19.360 --> 00:39:25.119
seconded by Alderman Simmons discussion on the removal, Alderman Simmons.

00:39:25.119 --> 00:39:29.340
So the reason I agree with this and if Alderperson Stacy hadn't said it, I would have made the

00:39:29.340 --> 00:39:32.200
motion is because we don't know what happened.

00:39:32.200 --> 00:39:37.380
We're all going for hearsay and none of us were there except for the audience members

00:39:37.380 --> 00:39:40.640
who spoke and said, this is not what happened.

00:39:40.640 --> 00:39:46.960
We have the Chief's words, which I agree with you completely when it comes to the traits

00:39:46.960 --> 00:39:49.760
and characteristics of leadership.

00:39:49.760 --> 00:39:52.640
You should be, you should do things based on facts.

00:39:52.640 --> 00:39:55.760
None of us have that because none of us were at the meeting.

00:39:55.760 --> 00:40:01.340
And if you spoke to Alderperson Stacy, maybe you might have her side of the story as Alderperson

00:40:01.340 --> 00:40:02.619
Sellers said you have three sides.

00:40:02.619 --> 00:40:08.699
Alderperson Seller said you have three sides but did you get her side then you spoke about evidence

00:40:08.699 --> 00:40:15.099
we have none except for what you say happens which again was refuted by two different people

00:40:15.099 --> 00:40:22.619
in the audience respect respect would have been to ask her or let her know hey somebody's and I'm

00:40:22.619 --> 00:40:26.380
when you talk to somebody and you're recording them same as if you have somebody listening in

00:40:26.380 --> 00:40:31.420
you give them the respect to let them know hey just for my safety I have someone else here

00:40:31.420 --> 00:40:38.299
Listening to this conversation, but to then get up there and try to insinuate that she was having some type of mental issues

00:40:38.900 --> 00:40:44.859
Because she did not talk to you the way that you expected her to is totally disrespectful and out of line

00:40:44.940 --> 00:40:53.460
but we are not here censoring you and we just all witnessed that on public record and it's again this censure as

00:40:54.859 --> 00:40:57.940
Council members and as leaders in this community

00:40:58.739 --> 00:41:01.279
We need to be very clear

00:41:01.420 --> 00:41:31.420
We don't have a real clear explanation of what happened, we, none of us have spoken with that officer. I'm glad you had a great experience, Alderperson Klemm, but that has nothing to do with what happened at that meeting, and for you to censor her because you had a great experience, again, does not back up what we're trying to do here. Now, if she acted out of order as an Alderperson, and we have proof of that, and we've spoken to her about it,

00:41:31.420 --> 00:41:35.819
Okay, we censor an Alderperson who does that, but we have not. And thank you so much, Josh,

00:41:35.819 --> 00:41:41.339
for giving all of those examples. We also had another example of the Mayor today acting out

00:41:41.339 --> 00:41:46.859
and going back and forth with a member of the audience. However, that is okay. But if Cecelia

00:41:46.859 --> 00:41:55.339
asks questions about policing at a neighborhood watch meeting, that is not okay. Let's censor her.

00:41:55.339 --> 00:42:01.019
Like, none of that makes sense. And the resolution contains a whole lot of conclusions and no facts.

00:42:01.420 --> 00:42:31.420
So please take that in mind as you vote as a council. You may not like Alderperson, 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 can ask questions of the officers without being met with censor and the chief question our mental stability in front of the town. So thank you for your time. Is there any other comments concerning the removal? Alderman Johnson?

00:42:31.420 --> 00:42:48.420
I was not at the meeting. That's true. I do know that Alderman Stacy does get feisty at times and disrespectful at times to people on the council, the mayor, other people.

00:42:48.420 --> 00:42:54.420
If that did occur, that was wrong to do that. Would you agree, Cecelia, that would be wrong, I mean,

00:42:54.420 --> 00:43:00.539
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

00:43:00.539 --> 00:43:03.299
Why aren't you giving us this information?

00:43:03.299 --> 00:43:05.299
I mean there are things

00:43:05.299 --> 00:43:11.119
That information that none of us are privy to in police cases because it would endanger people

00:43:12.139 --> 00:43:13.259
to

00:43:13.259 --> 00:43:19.099
If you I I do believe that you want the best for your ward and you try to do the best for the people in your ward

00:43:19.099 --> 00:43:23.699
I do believe that but sometimes with the accusations that come across

00:43:23.699 --> 00:43:29.380
Cross, and Anger, and we're not out to get you, we're not out to destroy you or anything,

00:43:29.380 --> 00:43:34.819
we just want peace and want things to be done respectful with everyone.

00:43:34.819 --> 00:43:38.980
So with that said, take that into consideration.

00:43:38.980 --> 00:43:42.500
Okay, so does this have to do with the removal portion?

00:43:42.500 --> 00:43:46.019
Because that's what's on the floor, if it's removal, yes?

00:43:46.019 --> 00:43:56.019
Well, it was just maybe comment and after what Linda kind of said I think we can give some latitude on this.

00:43:56.019 --> 00:43:57.019
Okay, go ahead.

00:43:57.019 --> 00:44:02.019
I just wanted to say that, you know, it's not about who likes and who don't like.

00:44:02.019 --> 00:44:04.019
It's about what's right.

00:44:04.019 --> 00:44:14.019
And I do know that Alderman Stacy does get feisty, but I also wanted to know everybody to understand what happened.

00:44:14.019 --> 00:44:19.380
that's why I wanted it to be brought to the council and on the floor so people

00:44:19.380 --> 00:44:25.579
can hear the story. No, I wasn't there but I do know everybody knows how Cecelia

00:44:25.579 --> 00:44:32.619
can get when she... That's Alderman Stacy to you. Well, whatever. Anyway, but and it

00:44:32.619 --> 00:44:38.619
wasn't about let me talk because you talked. Okay, so let me talk. So the other

00:44:38.619 --> 00:44:42.199
and the other thing was it wasn't question be quiet please you don't have the

00:44:42.199 --> 00:44:48.099
floor yes yes this is your warning you don't have the floor right yes but that

00:44:48.099 --> 00:44:55.119
that's what I'm saying it wasn't about you asking police questions it was about

00:44:55.119 --> 00:44:59.940
you asking questions that he had no knowledge about and that's what was

00:44:59.940 --> 00:45:05.000
disrespectful to him and and hammering him down on questions that after being

00:45:05.000 --> 00:45:10.279
here, three and a half years, you should know that it comes from the Community Development

00:45:10.279 --> 00:45:15.920
Department and the Nuisance Department, those grass being done, cars being removed, all

00:45:15.920 --> 00:45:18.519
those things, that's Community Development.

00:45:18.519 --> 00:45:23.440
It's not a going against you, it's going against what we should know when we come to

00:45:23.440 --> 00:45:29.599
this table and when you go to your neighborhood watch meetings, knowing your information when

00:45:29.599 --> 00:45:35.159
you get there and not asking the officer the information, you already know the information

00:45:35.159 --> 00:45:36.920
and that's what I'm saying.

00:45:36.920 --> 00:45:40.239
So that's what my reason for all of this.

00:45:40.239 --> 00:45:41.239
Orman-Stacy?

00:45:41.239 --> 00:45:43.840
Oh, I finally get to speak.

00:45:43.840 --> 00:45:45.279
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

00:45:45.279 --> 00:45:46.719
Yes, it's in the correct order.

00:45:46.719 --> 00:45:47.719
You had your hand up.

00:45:47.719 --> 00:45:48.880
No, it wasn't.

00:45:48.880 --> 00:45:49.880
But anywho.

00:45:49.880 --> 00:45:50.880
Would you like to say something?

00:45:50.880 --> 00:45:53.559
Yes, I would like to say something and I'm going to say something.

00:45:53.559 --> 00:45:55.880
You're welcome to.

00:45:55.880 --> 00:45:58.440
This is a blatant lie.

00:45:58.440 --> 00:46:11.440
For the record, 5th Ward Neighborhood Watch on May 19th had a great meeting.

00:46:11.440 --> 00:46:17.119
The officer was welcomed with open arms.

00:46:17.119 --> 00:46:26.440
We had a very good meeting and we communicated and we got to know him as he got to know us.

00:46:26.440 --> 00:46:41.440
So all this nonsense about me belittling or degrading or talking about bars on windows and suicide, that never even happened.

00:46:41.440 --> 00:46:53.440
But you can believe what you want to believe because you're believing a bunch of people that weren't even at the meeting.

00:46:53.440 --> 00:47:03.000
and I received not one but two calls and when I returned a phone call I was

00:47:03.000 --> 00:47:12.779
disrespected. I was mistreated and as I was told on my answering machine have a

00:47:12.779 --> 00:47:19.899
good night all this crap about do you need 911

00:47:19.900 --> 00:47:28.579
and all this and that did not happen I said I tell you what you have a good

00:47:28.579 --> 00:47:38.619
night and I hung up because I will not be harassed and belittled by anyone

00:47:38.619 --> 00:47:49.539
Accusing me of something that I did not say nor do and you know how I can be

00:47:49.539 --> 00:48:02.940
What does that mean? Passionate? For my work? Caring? For the people? Want to get

00:48:02.940 --> 00:48:20.339
Want to see things done? Want to see things happen that ain't happened in 15, 16 years?

00:48:20.339 --> 00:48:31.099
You will not label me. None of you will label me as that black angry woman. I'm not your

00:48:31.099 --> 00:48:38.099
and I am a black angry woman. I am a person that was elected by my peers that took on a

00:48:41.539 --> 00:48:48.539
position and have a job to do. And I'm going to do my job, like it or not. And if you want

00:48:48.539 --> 00:49:07.859
do my job, like it or not. And if you want to take this further, trust and believe. We

00:49:07.859 --> 00:49:13.000
can and we will. Thank you.

00:49:13.000 --> 00:49:22.880
If there's no further discussion on the motion of removal, yeah, the motion is removing the

00:49:22.880 --> 00:49:26.000
item for indefinite, postponing indefinitely.

00:49:26.000 --> 00:49:30.319
Madam Clerk, would you please take the role on postponement indefinitely?

00:49:30.319 --> 00:49:33.960
One second.

00:49:33.960 --> 00:49:35.960
Johnson?

00:49:35.960 --> 00:49:37.960
No.

00:49:37.960 --> 00:49:39.960
Simmons?

00:49:39.960 --> 00:49:41.960
Aye.

00:49:41.960 --> 00:49:42.960
Stacy?

00:49:42.960 --> 00:49:54.759
No. Sellers? No. Klemm? No. We have four, we have two in favor, four opposed. Do we need

00:49:54.759 --> 00:50:02.400
five? But what sirs, that doesn't matter? That motion fails. So now before you is the

00:50:02.400 --> 00:50:08.039
So now before you is the adoption of resolution 202681.

00:50:08.039 --> 00:50:12.440
That motion was made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

00:50:12.440 --> 00:50:15.440
Any further discussion concerning the resolution?

00:50:15.440 --> 00:50:17.240
Alderman Shadle.

00:50:17.240 --> 00:50:20.760
I just would like to add that there's

00:50:20.760 --> 00:50:24.119
been numerous occasions over the last three years

00:50:24.119 --> 00:50:29.720
where department heads have been passionately spoken to.

00:50:32.400 --> 00:50:55.400
that I've felt were out of line. Manager Boyer's been attacked. Loud voices yelling. It seems to me to be commonplace and in no way acceptable.

00:50:55.400 --> 00:51:10.119
different viewpoints the officer who by the simple fact that he is a sworn police officer

00:51:10.119 --> 00:51:20.599
has some credibility with what he said happened from someone that attacks people on the council

00:51:20.599 --> 00:51:50.599
Fowler, Alderman, Alderman,

00:51:50.599 --> 00:51:59.599
We cannot vote to, you know, censor her and none of us saw that.

00:51:59.599 --> 00:52:08.599
And again, if you saw her on the council floor berate or disrespect a department head, that would be when you bring this censure.

00:52:08.599 --> 00:52:13.599
We've seen it. I've seen it. I don't like how you handled yourself and we all have record of it.

00:52:13.599 --> 00:52:15.599
None of us have that right now.

00:52:15.599 --> 00:52:45.599
and if again if we vote and accept to censor her it is not about procedure, it is not about protocol, it is not about following the rules, it is about doing what we feel like we want to do when we want to do it just like with the public comments any other time it's okay but because it's Wendy she didn't sign in she can't come speak and it's the same thing and I hate to say that but I'm trying to stick to the facts that we don't have any facts to be trying to

00:52:45.599 --> 00:52:48.599
you know what you're in trouble for what you did I don't know what you did but I

00:52:48.599 --> 00:52:51.440
know I didn't like what you did before so now I'm you're in trouble like

00:52:51.440 --> 00:53:00.240
nothing about this is okay there's no further discussion so I can't madam clerk

00:53:00.240 --> 00:53:14.920
please take the role Johnson no Simmons no Stacy no Shadle aye Sellers aye and

00:53:14.920 --> 00:53:25.400
and Klemm. I have a, am I tied? I'm tied at three to three. Mayor, what say you? Aye.

00:53:27.880 --> 00:53:34.360
And the motion passes four to three. Actually, no, it doesn't. It does not. I stand corrected.

00:53:34.360 --> 00:53:40.200
We need five. It's a resolution, so you need five. Right, you need a majority. It fails because we

00:53:40.200 --> 00:54:07.900
We're in the process of repaving Gladewood. There is a drainway on the property. And as

00:54:07.900 --> 00:54:13.900
Business was recently accepted as a city street. We're currently working with an easement granted

00:54:13.900 --> 00:54:19.159
by the adjacent landowner. However, we need to basically make this a drainway easement.

00:54:19.159 --> 00:54:26.579
So staff recommends moving forward with the permanent easement and to be recorded for

00:54:26.579 --> 00:54:27.579
the future.

00:54:27.579 --> 00:54:29.740
Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt?

00:54:29.740 --> 00:54:30.740
So moved.

00:54:30.740 --> 00:54:31.740
Second.

00:54:31.740 --> 00:54:37.500
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the resolution?

00:54:37.500 --> 00:55:06.500
Madam Clerk please take the roll. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Oh. And she is absent. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. We have 5 to 0. The resolution is adopted. Item number 11 is the adoption of Resolution 2026A.

00:55:06.500 --> 00:55:11.500
Resolution 202683 Resolution approving an agreement with Revamp

00:55:11.500 --> 00:55:15.260
Fence and Deck for Safety Fence Replacement at Municipal Parking Lot

00:55:15.260 --> 00:55:16.260
Thank you.

00:55:16.260 --> 00:55:17.260
Manager Boyer?

00:55:17.260 --> 00:55:18.260
Thank you, Your Honor.

00:55:18.260 --> 00:55:22.619
The City Municipal Lot has a deteriorating aluminum black fence.

00:55:22.619 --> 00:55:26.700
Actually it has been removed due to its condition.

00:55:26.700 --> 00:55:32.380
During construction, the fence had multiple failures, so it needed to be removed so it

00:55:32.380 --> 00:55:36.100
didn't present a public hazard.

00:55:36.099 --> 00:55:42.599
Jeff Gear from Revamp has stepped up to help the city with this project the

00:55:42.599 --> 00:55:47.559
estimated cost of it is sixty thousand three hundred three hundred seventy three

00:55:47.559 --> 00:55:53.099
dollars and essentially Jeff is asking for a thirty thousand dollars to

00:55:53.099 --> 00:55:57.300
basically but purchase the materials and the city will pay revamp thirty

00:55:57.300 --> 00:56:02.880
thousand dollars staff recommends moving forward with this fence sir motion to

00:56:02.880 --> 00:56:04.880
So, second.

00:56:04.880 --> 00:56:08.880
The motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

00:56:08.880 --> 00:56:10.880
Director Siegel.

00:56:10.880 --> 00:56:14.880
Yeah, I just want to reiterate the importance of this fence.

00:56:14.880 --> 00:56:20.880
It's a safety fence and we're required to put fencing at any elevation that somebody could fall off of.

00:56:20.880 --> 00:56:26.880
The original fence had been many years old.

00:56:26.880 --> 00:56:29.880
We couldn't replicate it anymore.

00:56:29.880 --> 00:56:33.519
Moore, and as we did construction it fell apart farther and farther.

00:56:33.519 --> 00:56:38.840
So at this point it's a safety and a liability to the city without replacing this fence.

00:56:38.840 --> 00:56:44.519
We had looked at it previously and this is a very good cost and a thankful donation from

00:56:44.519 --> 00:56:48.720
a local business to help us get it done.

00:56:48.720 --> 00:56:50.519
Any discussion on the resolution?

00:56:50.519 --> 00:56:57.079
I would just like Manager Boyer to also mention that he is doing the labor for free.

00:56:57.079 --> 00:56:58.079
That's correct.

00:56:58.079 --> 00:57:26.960
Johnson, Aye. Simmons, Aye. Stacy, Aye. Shadle, Aye. Sellers, Aye. and Klemm, Aye. The resolution

00:57:26.960 --> 00:57:56.960
is adopted six to zero. 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 iDOT US Business 20 Galena Avenue reconstruction project. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. Obviously, when we are doing large projects, we require construction oversight inspection services. This particular resolution

00:57:56.960 --> 00:58:02.519
pertains to Galena and South Street that we're working with IDOT on right now that's a total

00:58:02.519 --> 00:58:09.059
of $14 million of investment going on and staff requests moving forward with this resolution

00:58:09.059 --> 00:58:16.360
for $147,000 for construction, engineering, and contract oversight through 2026 with Fehr

00:58:16.360 --> 00:58:17.360
Graham.

00:58:17.360 --> 00:58:18.640
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:58:18.640 --> 00:58:19.640
So moved.

00:58:19.640 --> 00:58:20.640
Second.

00:58:20.640 --> 00:58:25.599
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

00:58:25.599 --> 00:58:55.600
on the resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Ingram? Aye. The resolution is adopted 6-0. Reports from Department Heads, Finance? Nothing this evening, thank you. Thank you. Community Development? Nothing this evening, thank you. Public Works? Let's talk about something fun like streets.

00:58:55.600 --> 00:59:04.039
I just want to give a few updates. Municipal lot construction looks that if

00:59:04.039 --> 00:59:09.640
weather holds this week, Helm will be paving probably Thursday and Friday. The

00:59:09.640 --> 00:59:14.920
southwest steps at the lot fell apart as long as the as well as the retaining

00:59:14.920 --> 00:59:19.539
wall so we had to do a repair to the steps and the wall and actually they

00:59:19.539 --> 00:59:49.539
We also have the fence that we'll be buying the materials and some manhole diamonds that we need to do around the storm since we plow that lot with large equipment. So that should clean that project up. We have an electrical service issue that probably will be resolved sometime towards the end of June. Dewey Street is another large project.

00:59:49.539 --> 00:59:57.380
Project that we've undertaken and Dewey Street has extreme soil issues on that street.

00:59:57.720 --> 01:00:02.460
Um, we are already three times over our undercut estimate for that street.

01:00:02.460 --> 01:00:04.659
Undercut estimate for that street.

01:00:04.740 --> 01:00:08.220
Um, we haven't found a piece of soil on that street that we did not have to go

01:00:08.220 --> 01:00:13.019
down at least two feet on, uh, just the undercut alone is projected to be about

01:00:13.019 --> 01:00:17.820
a hundred thousand dollars, um, over the bid price, but still under our budget

01:00:17.820 --> 01:00:20.900
price, we had a very good, uh, uh, bid on that street.

01:00:20.900 --> 01:00:24.220
So I just wanted to keep everybody on the loop, uh, with that.

01:00:24.220 --> 01:00:28.260
And then the South street improvements for the ADA ramps and storms, uh, we've

01:00:28.260 --> 01:00:31.860
been out marking those out the last few days and, uh, fishers are supposed to

01:00:31.860 --> 01:00:32.860
and others.

01:00:32.860 --> 01:00:33.860
We're doing some start removals on Wednesday.

01:00:33.860 --> 01:00:40.980
That project should last till about July 31st and IDOT is putting an estimated start date

01:00:40.980 --> 01:00:45.980
of their project on South Street around June or excuse me August 1st.

01:00:45.980 --> 01:00:49.500
Might be a little bit beyond that but that's their projected date.

01:00:49.500 --> 01:00:54.740
Anybody that's been downtown by 17 and 19 Main Street will see that that building has

01:00:54.740 --> 01:00:57.980
totally those two buildings have been totally removed.

01:00:57.980 --> 01:01:15.980
We're doing some retaining wall. It's actually a port in place wall down in the lower foundation to protect the neighboring building. And there'll also be some structural that's done on the conjoining buildings for security of both buildings before it's backfilled.

01:01:15.980 --> 01:01:23.559
Gladewood and and the Park Street are planned to be paved Wednesday through

01:01:23.559 --> 01:01:28.940
Monday of the next week and then the following week the one leg of Cimarron

01:01:28.940 --> 01:01:36.220
from sorry the one leg of Concord from Cimarron to Laurel should be paved

01:01:36.220 --> 01:01:39.980
Tuesday or Wednesday that following week and then the following week behind that

01:01:39.980 --> 01:01:43.780
we hope to be able to pave the other section that projects going really well

01:01:43.780 --> 01:01:55.699
and outside of that have a blessed week. Fire? Nothing your honor. Police? Yes I'm

01:01:55.699 --> 01:02:00.220
going to just address the the items that were brought up at the neighborhood

01:02:00.220 --> 01:02:05.099
watch meeting. So 725 East Empire it was stated that there's a blue tarp long

01:02:05.099 --> 01:02:08.659
grass everybody here knows that it should be brought up to community

01:02:08.659 --> 01:02:11.980
Development and Public Works, not the Police Department.

01:02:11.980 --> 01:02:16.980
1326 South Carroll, it stated that there's trash on the lawn,

01:02:16.980 --> 01:02:18.740
that's nothing to do with the Police Department's

01:02:18.740 --> 01:02:21.539
Community Development and Public Works.

01:02:21.539 --> 01:02:25.420
If there are multiple vehicles, we can help with that,

01:02:25.420 --> 01:02:27.679
but you need to call us for that,

01:02:27.679 --> 01:02:31.099
but the Alderman also know to make us aware of it.

01:02:31.099 --> 01:02:32.780
We were not aware of it.

01:02:32.780 --> 01:02:37.380
700 to 800 East Garden, there's overgrown grass,

01:02:37.380 --> 01:02:40.500
a car and a toilet in the alley.

01:02:40.500 --> 01:02:42.260
That doesn't have to do with the police department.

01:02:42.260 --> 01:02:44.579
That has to do with community development, public works.

01:02:44.579 --> 01:02:46.800
But as far as I'm concerned, those were never brought up

01:02:46.800 --> 01:02:48.800
to community development or public works.

01:02:49.699 --> 01:02:53.900
Street lights on Walnut and Garfield light is out.

01:02:53.900 --> 01:02:56.099
That has nothing to do with the police department.

01:02:56.099 --> 01:02:59.260
That's community development and possible public works.

01:02:59.260 --> 01:03:02.860
There was an issue at 720 East Empire Center School

01:03:02.860 --> 01:03:07.139
playground of a fence that kids are jumping over the fence.

01:03:07.139 --> 01:03:11.300
in regards to the playing on the playground.

01:03:11.300 --> 01:03:13.820
As far as we're concerned that we went over there,

01:03:13.820 --> 01:03:16.820
the kids have stated to my police officers

01:03:16.820 --> 01:03:19.960
that the man that closes up the fence

01:03:19.960 --> 01:03:21.599
or locks up the fence allows the kids

01:03:21.599 --> 01:03:23.440
to play on the playground.

01:03:23.440 --> 01:03:26.159
So therefore, that's why they're on the playground.

01:03:27.039 --> 01:03:29.280
High crime, low light areas.

01:03:29.280 --> 01:03:31.019
I was never given a list.

01:03:31.019 --> 01:03:33.119
I don't know what list is they're talking about.

01:03:33.119 --> 01:03:34.360
I have no idea.

01:03:34.360 --> 01:03:36.280
I was never spoken to about a list

01:03:36.280 --> 01:03:41.280
but highlight low-light crime and Pleasant and Blackhawk.

01:03:42.320 --> 01:03:44.440
There is a list that was given to

01:03:44.440 --> 01:03:47.559
about the water department that was addressed

01:03:47.559 --> 01:03:49.960
at this meeting that is public works

01:03:49.960 --> 01:03:52.000
or maybe community development.

01:03:52.000 --> 01:03:54.000
Miami and Empire, Bright Yellow House,

01:03:54.000 --> 01:03:55.280
the dog out with no leash,

01:03:55.280 --> 01:03:59.079
we have cited her plenty of times for that

01:03:59.079 --> 01:04:01.320
and that is now not in our hands

01:04:01.320 --> 01:04:06.079
but is now in the hands of the building across the street.

01:04:06.280 --> 01:04:16.599
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.

01:04:16.599 --> 01:04:28.119
Alder people know who to go to, either you go to I-Works electronically in order to field all those community concerns by their ward and by their community.

01:04:28.119 --> 01:04:34.199
Also, they also know if they could also send that to Rob Boyer or Community Development and Public Works.

01:04:36.280 --> 01:04:57.280
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.

01:04:57.280 --> 01:05:07.199
IT? City Manager? Thank you, Your Honor. At the conclusion of the spring 2026 Illinois

01:05:07.199 --> 01:05:11.360
legislative session, the Illinois Municipal League reported on several issues of importance

01:05:11.360 --> 01:05:18.039
to municipalities across the state. The major themes included the protection of local control,

01:05:18.039 --> 01:05:23.239
preservation of municipal revenue, housing policy, and new or proposed mandates that

01:05:23.240 --> 01:05:27.480
could affect local government operations. Housing remained one of the most

01:05:27.480 --> 01:05:31.119
significant issues during the session in response to the governor's build

01:05:31.119 --> 01:05:36.559
proposal. IML advanced the Real Housing Act as a municipal alternative that

01:05:36.559 --> 01:05:41.039
emphasized affordability, property tax relief, and local input and practical

01:05:41.039 --> 01:05:46.000
tools for communities. IML also continued to monitor legislation related to

01:05:46.000 --> 01:05:51.599
electric mobility devices, local revenue, administrative fees, and other issues

01:05:51.599 --> 01:05:56.800
that may directly affect municipal operations. Overall, the session reflected the ongoing

01:05:56.800 --> 01:06:02.079
importance of municipal advocacy in Springfield. Decisions are made at the state level have

01:06:02.079 --> 01:06:08.480
a direct impact on our ability to deliver services, manage costs, and so on, and response

01:06:08.480 --> 01:06:12.440
to specific needs of our community. So that's all I have tonight.

01:06:12.440 --> 01:06:16.199
And I have nothing new to report. Alderman Johnson?

01:06:16.199 --> 01:06:18.720
Nothing tonight, Mayor. Alderman Simmons?

01:06:18.720 --> 01:06:32.519
did you want me to treat this as public comment I'm a little confused why you're

01:06:32.519 --> 01:06:37.320
standing up I just chose to come to the mic is that okay or is that a problem

01:06:37.320 --> 01:06:43.239
wandering no okay thank you Mayor Miller City Manager Boyer and members of the

01:06:43.240 --> 01:06:47.159
Council, I rise to formally oppose Resolution

01:06:47.159 --> 01:06:51.000
Number 202681.

01:06:51.000 --> 01:06:55.680
This resolution mischaracterizes the lawful exercise

01:06:55.680 --> 01:07:00.039
of my elected duties and constituents'

01:07:00.039 --> 01:07:04.880
an improper attempt to punish protected speech.

01:07:04.880 --> 01:07:07.960
I ask that this rebuttal be entered

01:07:07.960 --> 01:07:11.320
into the permit record.

01:07:11.320 --> 01:07:16.320
On May 19th, I attended a Fifth Ward watch meeting.

01:07:18.519 --> 01:07:23.519
A core function of representing my constituents

01:07:23.760 --> 01:07:26.880
under Illinois' law and Alderperson duty

01:07:26.880 --> 01:07:31.720
is to serve as the direct link

01:07:31.720 --> 01:07:34.199
between residents and city government,

01:07:34.199 --> 01:07:38.840
raising constituents' concerns about public safety

01:07:38.840 --> 01:07:41.119
at a neighborhood watch meeting.

01:07:41.119 --> 01:07:44.639
is not misconduct.

01:07:44.639 --> 01:07:47.720
It is the definition of this office.

01:07:47.720 --> 01:07:52.720
According to 65 ILCS 5 slash 3.1 dash 40 dash 5,

01:07:54.720 --> 01:07:59.400
Illinois Municipal Code, councilmembers are elected

01:07:59.400 --> 01:08:03.860
to represent the interests of their constituents

01:08:03.860 --> 01:08:08.860
before the full legislative body of the municipality.

01:08:11.119 --> 01:08:21.039
F.C. on behalf of constituents about public safety is protected political speech under

01:08:21.039 --> 01:08:29.199
the U.S. Constitution and the Illinois Constitution, the highest law in the land.

01:08:29.199 --> 01:08:36.279
The Illinois Constitution provides speech protections that are in some circumstances

01:08:36.279 --> 01:08:47.319
Porter, then even federal guarantees. According to U.S. Constitution Amendment 1, Illinois

01:08:47.319 --> 01:08:56.159
Constitution Article 1, Section 2 and 4, no person shall be deprived of liberty without

01:08:56.159 --> 01:09:03.480
due process of law. All persons may speak freely. These protections bind the councils

01:09:03.479 --> 01:09:10.579
and apply with full force to an elected official advocating for her ward.

01:09:10.579 --> 01:09:16.779
Lane v. Frank, 2014 U.S. Supreme Court.

01:09:16.779 --> 01:09:21.440
Elected official retained First Amendment rights to speak on matters related to their

01:09:21.440 --> 01:09:23.399
public roles.

01:09:23.399 --> 01:09:33.079
Constituents advocacy is not a ministerial, it is protected speech at the heart of the

01:09:33.079 --> 01:09:41.199
The resolution is unconstitutionally vague.

01:09:41.199 --> 01:09:49.800
This resolution charges me with berating an officer, but cites no adapted rules, no city

01:09:49.800 --> 01:09:55.359
policy and no defined standards of conduct.

01:09:55.359 --> 01:10:02.359
This vagueness doctor in government bodies cannot punish conductors.

01:10:02.359 --> 01:10:12.359
punish, conduct without clear pre-existing standards. What is berating? Who defines it?

01:10:13.399 --> 01:10:20.519
The resolution provides no answer, making it arbitrary exercise of power.

01:10:20.519 --> 01:10:39.479
Greg v. City of Rockford, 1972 U.S. Supreme Court government bodies may not punish conduct

01:10:39.479 --> 01:10:47.719
without fair notice and clear standards. Vague government actions that lack defined boundaries

01:10:47.719 --> 01:10:49.719
Violates Due Process

01:10:52.920 --> 01:11:04.759
Censor does not silence me or Fifth Ward. I am aware that the Supreme Court held in Wilson 2022 that a peer

01:11:06.519 --> 01:11:16.119
censor does not itself violate the First Amendment. I acknowledge that ruling, but it cuts both ways.

01:11:16.119 --> 01:11:22.679
Just as the Council may express its views, I retain my full rights to speak back.

01:11:24.199 --> 01:11:32.839
Here, now, and at every future meeting. More importantly, what this resolution signals

01:11:32.839 --> 01:11:40.199
to every Alderperson in this Chamber is deeply troubling. That raising uncomfortable

01:11:40.199 --> 01:11:48.079
and many others may result in formal punishment.

01:11:48.079 --> 01:11:59.399
That chilling effect is unethical to democratic governance and directly contrary to Illinois

01:11:59.399 --> 01:12:04.279
public policy.

01:12:04.279 --> 01:12:27.279
Boys Open Meeting Act, 5 ILCS 120 is the public policy of the state that public bodies exist to aid in the conduct of the people's business and that the people have a right to be informed as to conduct of their business.

01:12:27.279 --> 01:12:43.279
In conclusion, I did not berate anyone. I attended a neighborhood watch meeting as any responsible elected representative should do.

01:12:43.279 --> 01:12:49.279
I listened to my constituents who raised their concerns.

01:12:49.279 --> 01:13:10.279
This resolution is factually unsupported, legally defiant, and sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing elected officials who advocate vigorously for the people they serve.

01:13:10.279 --> 01:13:17.279
I have sent an email to my colleagues urging them to vote against this.

01:13:17.279 --> 01:13:25.279
I will not be silenced. The fifth word will be heard.

01:13:31.279 --> 01:13:44.279
And I look forward to taking this further because it hit the council floor and it was a direct disrespect against me as who I am.

01:13:47.279 --> 01:13:55.279
I tried to stop it and it was ignored, so thank you.

01:13:57.279 --> 01:13:58.279
Olin Shadle?

01:14:00.279 --> 01:14:14.279
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,

01:14:14.279 --> 01:14:22.799
Here, where you can get a text message for, and you get messages with the progress of the

01:14:22.799 --> 01:14:29.039
individual projects, and it's, if you want to sign up for it, it's very basic, it's

01:14:29.039 --> 01:14:35.239
in the newsletter, as the projects start, you put the name of the street that's being

01:14:35.239 --> 01:14:45.779
Worked On, and the word Freeport, and you send it to a text at 91896, you'll be prompted

01:14:45.779 --> 01:14:51.840
to say yes, and you will get text message updates as the work progresses.

01:14:51.840 --> 01:14:59.519
So you won't be caught with the roads closed, and if it's not necessarily a project in your

01:15:29.519 --> 01:15:37.599
Fall, we get a report from the library about their summer programs and they are

01:15:37.599 --> 01:15:42.000
phenomenal. Get your kids there. Thank you.

01:15:42.000 --> 01:15:46.679
Alderman Sellers. Yes, I just want everyone to remember that this weekend is the

01:15:46.679 --> 01:15:52.159
electronic disposal out at the fairgrounds. So if you got some electronics

01:15:52.159 --> 01:15:58.599
you got to get rid of, take them to the fairground. Alderman Klemm. Nothing, your

01:15:58.599 --> 01:16:25.599
I'm going to start this off with a positive note. 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.

01:16:25.599 --> 01:16:33.599
Now, I want to make it very clear to certain people in this room who have not been here,

01:16:33.599 --> 01:16:43.659
and that are new here, when we talk about morality, integrity, when we talk about bringing

01:16:43.659 --> 01:16:50.759
down the status quo of people's minds based around what is happening in our community,

01:16:50.759 --> 01:16:55.439
some of you need to understand that the reason that these things are happening is because

01:16:55.439 --> 01:16:58.279
and they've always happened in this town.

01:16:58.279 --> 01:16:59.920
They have happened to the degree

01:16:59.920 --> 01:17:03.659
that the Department of Justice has been here two times.

01:17:03.659 --> 01:17:06.799
Some of those times, majority of those times

01:17:06.799 --> 01:17:09.199
had to do with the city and the sheriff

01:17:09.199 --> 01:17:11.279
and the police department.

01:17:11.279 --> 01:17:14.279
Now, we talked about removable cars.

01:17:14.279 --> 01:17:15.960
Let me tell you something.

01:17:15.960 --> 01:17:19.920
City of Freeport is going on people's private property,

01:17:19.920 --> 01:17:22.679
pulling their cars because they don't have a tag on them.

01:17:22.679 --> 01:17:23.979
Yesterday I got a phone call

01:17:23.979 --> 01:17:26.439
about a domestic battery situation.

01:17:26.439 --> 01:17:27.819
I went to the police department.

01:17:27.819 --> 01:17:30.000
There was one officer on duty.

01:17:30.000 --> 01:17:31.079
One.

01:17:31.079 --> 01:17:32.840
I was told that he was on break.

01:17:34.739 --> 01:17:36.699
He'd be back an hour later.

01:17:36.699 --> 01:17:40.619
An hour later I came back, I was told he was at home.

01:17:40.619 --> 01:17:41.460
Okay?

01:17:43.319 --> 01:17:45.579
I wanna take this a little bit further.

01:17:45.579 --> 01:17:49.239
When we start talking about people being disrespectful,

01:17:50.399 --> 01:17:52.199
let's start with the male

01:17:52.199 --> 01:17:55.359
who rolls her eyes on a regular basis.

01:17:55.359 --> 01:17:58.679
She can be compared to the Department of Justice individual

01:17:58.679 --> 01:18:02.119
that was sitting in Washington DC a couple of days ago.

01:18:03.159 --> 01:18:06.840
Let's talk about Parker who had the audacity to tell me

01:18:06.840 --> 01:18:09.840
to shut up in a city council meeting as I spoke

01:18:09.840 --> 01:18:12.960
as a citizen and a taxpayer who owned three houses

01:18:12.960 --> 01:18:13.799
in this town.

01:18:14.880 --> 01:18:19.039
No one in this city council other than those individuals

01:18:19.039 --> 01:18:20.799
spoke when he said that.

01:18:20.799 --> 01:18:30.799
When an Alderman puts his hands on another Alderman, nobody at the City Council said a word about it.

01:18:30.799 --> 01:18:38.799
Today, I was denied the ability to speak on an issue that is on public agenda.

01:18:38.799 --> 01:18:45.799
This has never occurred in the history of my being in City Council meetings for over 40 years.

01:18:45.799 --> 01:18:48.799
Never has that occurred.

01:18:48.799 --> 01:18:55.399
You are not allowed to speak before City Council if it was not about something on the agenda item.

01:18:55.399 --> 01:19:02.799
When did the rules change in this town? Or do they change based around who you are and who you think you are?

01:19:04.799 --> 01:19:06.799
Need you to understand.

01:19:07.799 --> 01:19:10.799
No disrespect, but you need to sit down and talk.

01:19:10.799 --> 01:19:12.799
Ms. Pearson, your time has expired. Thank you.

01:19:12.799 --> 01:19:13.799
Furthermore.

01:19:13.799 --> 01:19:15.799
Ms. Pearson, this is your warning.

01:19:15.799 --> 01:19:17.799
You can put me out now. I don't care. I'll be back next week.

01:19:17.799 --> 01:19:29.920
Pearson, you are out of order. You are out of order. Please be silent. Sergeant at Arms,

01:19:29.920 --> 01:19:47.159
she's been warned twice. Okay, I needed to remove you. Are there any other public comments?

01:19:47.159 --> 01:20:02.359
I'm sorry y'all by saying y'all gotta know God like I know God I'm gonna do with that and then I'm gonna say

01:20:02.359 --> 01:20:06.639
I'm gonna do with that and then I'm gonna say this like some of y'all are supposed to be Christians and I be

01:20:07.599 --> 01:20:11.920
You do not have the spiritual authority to judge nobody from their past

01:20:12.319 --> 01:20:18.960
All I heard was somebody say this is who she used to be confused her feistiness for passion. Y'all should have the same feistiness

01:20:19.639 --> 01:20:21.639
Y'all ain't did nothing

01:20:22.359 --> 01:20:26.319
Have for nothing. Klemm, all you do is sit over there and keep your hair on top of your head

01:20:26.319 --> 01:20:30.559
You ain't did nothing for nobody, but say neighborhood watch at the end of this meeting

01:20:30.559 --> 01:21:00.559
I'm really surprised at Linda because you're a Christian. For you to pass judgment on her, that was ridiculous. It's bad that Jodi's not here, but she said yes so hard she almost ate the mic, but I'm going to say God prevailed in every way that was not supposed to be a mark on Mrs. Stacy and y'all better hope that that police officer had what he did say on some type of recording because what y'all did today is what

01:22:00.559 --> 01:22:09.359
God, like I know God, he seen victory in what was supposed to be today, in what was supposed

01:22:09.359 --> 01:22:10.359
to be today.

01:22:10.359 --> 01:22:22.639
Y'all ain't did nothing but judge her, sad, sleep well, sleep well Mrs. Stacy, God bless.

01:22:22.639 --> 01:22:23.639
Any other public comments?

01:22:23.639 --> 01:22:24.639
Tommy?

01:22:24.639 --> 01:22:44.639
I just want to say happy birthday, Tommy.

01:22:44.639 --> 01:23:03.119
Yes, ma'am Hi everybody, I'm Breonna Simmons.

01:23:03.119 --> 01:23:07.159
Honestly this is my first meeting I've been to and this is embarrassing guys.

01:23:07.159 --> 01:23:08.399
This is a shame.

01:23:08.399 --> 01:23:11.679
We have people arguing, we're calling her feisty.

01:23:11.679 --> 01:23:17.899
We have to be careful with our words, especially Sellers, Simmons, we all know why.

01:23:17.899 --> 01:23:21.719
We should not be up here calling her feisty, you should not be up here saying fallacies

01:23:21.719 --> 01:23:26.079
in your argument, an ad hominem by the way, if you don't know, oh I know the police officer

01:23:26.079 --> 01:23:31.239
so this can't be the case, that's, that's nothing to do with the argument, so that was

01:23:31.239 --> 01:23:33.719
crazy from you Thomas Klemm.

01:23:33.719 --> 01:23:38.779
To the people, honestly, I feel like you guys need to take this meeting and use it to open

01:23:38.779 --> 01:23:41.899
in your eyes, because these people don't know what they're doing, and I'm sorry to tell

01:23:41.899 --> 01:23:44.619
it to y'all, but they need to get it together.

01:23:44.619 --> 01:23:49.340
Okay, take some courses, learn political science, learn your job, Chief.

01:23:49.340 --> 01:23:53.739
You say that you are for the people, you're an amazing leader, I've never, I don't, I

01:23:53.739 --> 01:23:56.099
didn't even know you were the chief, sorry.

01:23:56.099 --> 01:24:00.019
You can't get up here and say you're a leader and then also say, well I was on the phone

01:24:00.019 --> 01:24:04.380
with her and she was yelling and screaming and, well again, what does that have to do

01:24:04.380 --> 01:24:05.380
with argument?

01:24:05.380 --> 01:24:12.179
you should know that doesn't even have anything to do with anything but um again people again open your

01:24:12.179 --> 01:24:18.899
eyes use this as an example the mayor i don't know you well um but the point of order the role in your

01:24:18.899 --> 01:24:26.420
eyes i witnessed it today the everything is your demeanor as a mayor not very welcome so again i

01:24:26.420 --> 01:24:31.139
would just say this one last time use this meeting to open your eyes tell your peers get more people

01:24:31.139 --> 01:25:01.139
We're 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 again. If you weren't even there, why is this a topic of discussion? Who was, can anybody raise their hand if you were at the neighborhood watch meeting?

01:25:01.139 --> 01:25:14.139
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.

01:25:14.139 --> 01:25:27.139
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.

01:25:57.139 --> 01:26:14.699
I'm Diane Abraham. I live in the 5th Ward. I was at the meeting. It is the first meeting

01:26:14.699 --> 01:26:23.259
that I was at, but I have also known Stacy for more than 20 years. I've worked with her.

01:26:23.259 --> 01:26:26.139
I've worked with her husband, I've worked with her family.

01:26:30.500 --> 01:26:33.819
There are people, she is outspoken.

01:26:33.819 --> 01:26:37.259
If she sees something that she believes needs attention,

01:26:37.259 --> 01:26:42.059
she'll say it in the way that she says it.

01:26:43.139 --> 01:26:45.619
Some people have their own opinions

01:26:45.619 --> 01:26:49.779
and she'll be feisty, spicy.

01:26:49.779 --> 01:26:51.380
I get that way.

01:26:51.379 --> 01:26:55.079
I think we all do at one point or another.

01:26:55.079 --> 01:26:59.159
And it's going to do with how deeply we believe on something.

01:27:00.479 --> 01:27:04.199
As far as some of the things that were said at that meeting

01:27:04.199 --> 01:27:09.199
or were not said, I have, I'm getting an education tonight.

01:27:12.039 --> 01:27:14.179
And at the same time, when I was a kid,

01:27:14.179 --> 01:27:17.639
I was in Girl Scouts and we did a thing.

01:27:17.639 --> 01:27:22.639
We would give one word or three words a tiny sentence.

01:27:23.159 --> 01:27:25.479
The first person would whisper something

01:27:25.479 --> 01:27:27.399
in the next person's ears.

01:27:27.399 --> 01:27:31.319
By the time it gets back to the one who said the first word,

01:27:31.319 --> 01:27:35.359
it's nothing like what it was, and I see this tonight.

01:27:35.359 --> 01:27:40.319
I am very, very sorry, very, very, very sorry

01:27:40.319 --> 01:27:43.799
that we're not all adult enough to say,

01:27:43.799 --> 01:28:13.799
Okay. Something did happen. Somebody took it out of context. I would have really appreciated seeing that it kept very quiet and low key. When I'm at home and someone starts screaming at me, I'll put my hand up when you are ready to talk. I'm here. And I walk away. I'm sorry, I

01:28:13.799 --> 01:28:22.799
I don't have the energy for that kind of a feedback and I don't appreciate seeing it here either.

01:28:22.799 --> 01:28:32.799
I look at everybody here as officials of the city, people who have voted you guys in, everybody,

01:28:32.799 --> 01:28:38.799
and we should all show respect for everybody around whether we like them or don't.

01:28:38.799 --> 01:28:53.719
C.C., I'm so sorry this happened. I don't see reason for it. I hope it'll get resolved

01:28:53.719 --> 01:29:01.359
at a point and everyone here will understand and appreciate as it should be.

01:29:01.359 --> 01:29:03.159
Thank you, Don.

01:29:03.159 --> 01:29:04.159
Thank you.

01:29:04.159 --> 01:29:07.159
Any other public comments?

01:29:07.159 --> 01:29:37.159
Good evening. First two thank yous. Thank you, City. I don't know who's in charge of it, but the the Mosquito Sprayin. Thank you so much, because that was amazing. And then thank you, Linda, for tonight. I want to tell you this, this is I'm excited right now, which you never see me excited, but I'm excited because we actually in the real world have an opportunity to find out what's tonight.

01:29:37.159 --> 01:29:43.519
about Cecelia Stacy as a human being or what was it about her conduct because I

01:29:43.519 --> 01:29:46.840
heard a lot of people talking about professionalism and how leaders should

01:29:46.840 --> 01:29:52.239
act and all that kind of stuff. Police Chief gave a great speech up here and

01:29:52.239 --> 01:29:57.799
during all that I happened to turn to this to this officer right here in the

01:29:57.799 --> 01:30:04.079
corner right and all I did was whisper is the officer here that this

01:30:04.079 --> 01:30:08.519
Esper is the officer here that this is involving because I'd expect him to, you know, come

01:30:08.519 --> 01:30:14.119
talk to you guys if something and he wouldn't, he looked at me out of the corner of his eyes,

01:30:14.119 --> 01:30:16.760
rolled his eyes and put them right back forward.

01:30:16.760 --> 01:30:21.279
Not a smile, not a no or can't talk right now.

01:30:21.279 --> 01:30:23.960
That's how he just treated me in the public.

01:30:23.960 --> 01:30:29.479
So if we are serious about how we expect people to be treated in this town, there you go.

01:30:29.479 --> 01:30:33.479
I've got three Aldermen that are definitely serious about it.

01:30:33.479 --> 01:31:03.479
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. Do I want to see him punished? No, I'm not a bully. But that's not okay. And I hope you can agree with that. He could have easily answered. If I were to ask you right now, you'd probably say, no, he's not. Great. It took one word. And that's how he treated me back there. I don't know him. But rude as hell. Absolutely rude.

01:31:03.479 --> 01:31:11.180
So, I hope Alderpeople, Tom, Klemm, Alderman, woman at Large Sellers, you guys get that taken care of, please, okay?

01:31:11.180 --> 01:31:15.180
Again, I don't want to see him punished, but nobody should be treated that way.

01:31:15.180 --> 01:31:19.180
Not the public, and the police chief's right.

01:31:19.180 --> 01:31:27.180
We should treat our officers with some respect, and if this officer wasn't treated with respect, you owe him an apology, and you know that.

01:31:27.180 --> 01:31:30.180
He was treated with the utmost respect.

01:31:30.180 --> 01:31:45.420
Any other public comments? Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.

01:31:45.420 --> 01:31:46.420
So moved.

01:31:46.420 --> 01:31:47.420
Second.

01:31:47.420 --> 01:31:49.859
The motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

01:31:49.859 --> 01:31:50.859
All those in favor?

01:31:50.859 --> 01:31:52.859
Ah