WEBVTT

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Dear Heavenly Father, I come before you with love and admonishments and dominions, or principalities or powers.

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All things were created through you and for you, and you are before all things, and in all things they consist, and all things consist through you.

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And in Psalm 33, 11, your word says, Your plan stands firm forever, and your thoughts stand firm in every generation.

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Therefore, this city and all who are seated here tonight have been created by you and are here by your design.

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May they fulfill every purpose for which they were created, and as they make decisions tonight,

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may those decisions correlate with your plans for this city.

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May they bring this city into prosperity, peace, hope, and joy, and shift this city

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into all it is intended to be, a great place to live, work, raise a family, and have enjoyment.

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In Jesus' name, amen.

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Amen.

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Thank you, Linda.

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Now we'll officially call this meeting to order.

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Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

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Mayor Miller?

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Alderpersons, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers here.

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Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Monroe.

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and

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item number one is approval M seconded by Alderman Shadle all those in favor signify

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by saying aye opposed that motion passes item number two is approval of the

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minutes from the regular meeting on September 16 2024 is our motion to

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approve so moved second we have a motion made by Alderman Monroe seconded by

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Alderman Shadle all those in favor signify by saying aye aye opposed that

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motion passes public comments there was none signed up item number four is the

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consent agenda the consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and

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acted as one motion unless there's a member of the council like something

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removed for further discussion seeing none the consent agenda is approving to

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swear to receive and place on file the minutes of the boards and commissions from the liquor commission dated August 8 and the 30th 2024 library board of trustees August 14 2024, bought a fire and police.

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August 20 September 10 2024. The police department report for September and we check in account to cover eventual closure of compost site on one avenue use for bulky tree waste and leaf storage as required by the IPA,

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Finance, bills payable in the total of $5,581,448.30 and payroll for pay period ending September

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21st, 2024 in the total of $631,666.64. Is there a motion to approve?

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So moved. Second.

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Motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, could you please

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take the roll? Monroe?

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Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. The motion passes 8 to 0.

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Thank you. Item number 5 is the Award of Valor presented by Chief Shenberger.

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This is a letter, a memo actually gave on November 13th, 2024 published by I.G. Shenberger, who was informed by Lieutenant Whitehall, that he felt that Coleman Danemore displayed bravery above and beyond the colleges during Armageddon, at the very high of the apartments on September 4th, 2024.

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Following the summary of the Patrol Memorial's action statement, on September 4, 2024, at about 10.30 a.m., the Patrol Memorial responded to a call to service at the Mary Hadamard Apartments regarding females who were asked to be held in the service.

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The Trollman Morgue was additionally the only officer on our team, and made contact with the suspect male, who expressed to the Trollman Morgue that he was experiencing a mental health crisis.

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The Trollman Morgue remained calm while speaking with the male, and was able to convince the male to open the door so he could check on the welfare of the female who was inside of the apartment.

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The Trollman Morgue had sensed the male was clearly educated and very true to the Trollman Morgue and he was afraid of being beaten.

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The phone was ringing consistent and calm during the encounter. Once the door was slightly open, he was able to pull the female from the apartment.

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The victim's female son was also up on the floor at the time. Accompanied the phone more and the phone more valiantly prevented the son from being in physical altercation with the male which could have been a pestilence in the worst case.

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Outside of the apartment, the females clearly need to drop, close the front door if a male with an arm or a firearm is being forced to be fled into the street.

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The front door is being unseen. Covering the apartment door, a lot of officers are able to respond immediately.

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The front door shows that something has been tested very briefly by being able to remove this male from the apartment and then utilize it as training and experience to assess something of variety with the male who is inside the apartment.

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When more officers arrive on the scene, the meal will begin with threatening officers that say to get out of the building beside the apartment.

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We will shoot officers as they attempt to get in there.

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This was in the beginning of a lengthy standoff between which eventually ended 12 hours after the initial call when the military runners, without further ado,

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During the subsequent search of the apartment, we recovered two high-powered rifles attached to the main mission.

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A hundred ground row magazines and multiple high capacity magazines.

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Upon review of a little more of the actions we've taken that day, I would no doubt recommend

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that you put more value to the pieces displayed bravely than left behind on the following day.

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I just want to add too, this is the second award of valor, which is the highest award of valor that a woman has ever received, back in June of 2023, she received the award of valor for intervening in a domestic violence situation, where a female was being raped.

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I'm a firm believer that certain people are placed in certain situations, and I kind of doubtfully believe that night from the end of the hibernation that the total mortals were destined to be there that day to handle things the way we expect our officers to be.

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and other people.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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and

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Tom.

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All right.

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Nice.

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Move on to item number six, which is the, which is an appointment.

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Madam Clerk, could you please read this?

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Konova to the Arts and Culture Commission effective through October 31st, 2025.

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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 Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

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Discussion?

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Yes.

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I'm sorry.

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I'm sorry.

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Yes. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I was looking up the very thing that you was mentioning.

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You have to excuse my voice too. What title does she preserve, I mean, receive? What is the title?

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a title it is a commissioner for the arts and culture like the there there are

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nine arts and culture missioners she would be one of them there's no further

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discussion all those in favor aye opposed that motion passes we'll move on

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item number seven which is the second reading of ordinance 2024 52 could you

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please read this. Ordinance approving the city to enter into a fourth renewal to

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lease agreement with Peter Albor regarding 103 to 111 South Liberty Avenue.

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Director Duckman. Thank you Madam Mayor.

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Okay, so upon the first reading of this ordinance, it was requested, there was two requests.

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We wanted to see a map of the location, which in the lights here you can see the structure

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that we're talking about that was subject to this lease agreement.

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There is also a question on the property taxes.

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So the property tax bill for 2023 payable in 2024 is $113.30.

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So that's the property taxes for that.

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And if there's any questions here, you can see.

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We also have the street.

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Well, you can see the red box around it

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is the structure itself of which the first floor is

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subject to the lease, is the subject of the proposed lease.

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And it's called the iron-clad building or metal-clad building because it is clad in metal, as you can see here.

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That's the building that we're talking about today.

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So in terms of the, since it's the second reading, nothing has changed in the terms of this lease where our staff is proposing a one-year lease paid $2,000 paid annually.

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and it would expire on September 14th, 2025.

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Any discussion?

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Alderman Sanders.

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Yes.

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What is that building again, Wayne?

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What is that?

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Miller, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor

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Taylor.

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Oh, okay.

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Okay.

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So it is storage.

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Protocolor owns the building south of that, that metal building?

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Yes.

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Right.

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They own the building that is on the other corner.

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That is the Raleigh Building.

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That is what you are talking about, right?

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Well, that is what we refer to it as, but it is not our building.

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But who owns the Raleigh Building?

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Well, there are four different buildings.

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Oh, okay.

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So one is private.

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You want to answer that?

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Yes.

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Sorry.

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And I apologize.

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I was distracted there earlier.

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and some names mixed up, but anyways, we're here now and yes, there's several properties

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that are called the Raleigh Building or the Raleigh Property.

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So the answer here and Mayor Miller did a good job explaining the business.

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That's actually in the first floor of this building, but do you see this building right

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here that we're pointing out here?

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It's Tan.

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Yeah.

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That's the building that Mayor Miller was speaking to, that that is where the business

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is located that is also where um that's the first floor that's being rented that is also

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subject to this lease okay you see you see what i'm speaking to correct this yes that

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is just the first floor of this this building here yeah and it's this building is um leased

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by uh one sorry one what now one leasy correct it's it's only occupied by that individual

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We did. There has been some interest in possibly purchasing the property. We have, the property has been appraised because of the interest in possibly purchasing the property from the city. The city went through and had an appraisal. The property appraised at $60,000. So we're speaking about a property that has a total value of $60,000.

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and someone is taking interest yes the city yes anytime there's an interested

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purchase the city is going to have an appraiser give their estimate

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professional opinion as to the value of the property that is not materialized so

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at this moment we have a lease on the property that's coming to expire and this

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is the proposed America we're proposing to renew that lease do the city do any

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Do you expect to get any inspections on buildings of this nature?

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If it has to, yes.

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In this situation, there's no reason to.

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Why would you say that?

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Well, I mean, it's a property like any other.

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If they had come to me and said, well, now we're going to put a restaurant in.

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Well, of course I would go in there and inspect it because it's a change in use.

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If something along those lines, I would certainly inspect it.

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But at this point, they're operating the same business.

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It's a lease renewal.

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There is no reason to inspect this building at this point.

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Because you are saying that there is no change.

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I am sorry.

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I wasn't done.

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I didn't know that.

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You didn't ask to speak.

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Go ahead.

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Yeah.

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What you are indicating is that because you are assuming that there is no change or have

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you went to inspect it to determine there has not been any change.

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So when it comes to businesses in the City of Freeport, we are not going to go into every

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business and inspect it.

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But the City owns that building.

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Correct.

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Okay then.

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Correct.

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Then that practice shouldn't be practiced from that perspective.

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We should be looking at anything that the City owns before we lease it.

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We just can't assume that we're going to lease the property and we have not had an opportunity

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to look at this property to see if it meet our policy standards terms and whatever the

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case may be.

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Well, I did as I initiated and had an appraisal done on the property because somebody was

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is still interested in possibly purchasing the property and that is going to give you

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the most fair.

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It's going to be an objective opinion as to the value of the property.

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So you know that's a strong move on the part of staff is to say to be fair to this potential

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buyer or any other potential buyer we've had an appraisal done on it so if there's a question

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as to having to have our building inspector or a fire inspector look at it I could certainly

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contact my building inspector and have them look at it I have no issue in that.

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Well, my thing is, we're not looking at the fact that that building should be put in a

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position to be auctioned off, as opposed to having one person, individual interested.

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We might have higher bidders for that property, and if that is the case, then we should at

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least put it open to the public first before we just lock it in with an individual, simply

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Fowler, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor

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to approach us with some ideas certainly would be open to that.

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I don't think necessarily just having an open auction

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for the sale of the property is the best idea in this situation.

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But I would say that I would also state that it's up for vote

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today, but I strongly suggest there's

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been no interest from anybody else to lease this property.

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You have not publicized it yet.

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You don't know that.

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you also have somebody currently in this property that doesn't dispute the facts

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you're welcome to propose a different set of terms for this but otherwise

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they'd be operating in there without a lease at this point

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yeah it's an open it's open property for those types of options that we can

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consider putting it putting it out there for the general public to know that this

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is available and possible bidding options and things of this nature. We haven't

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exhaust those areas yet. Right so we would have to you would have to vote to

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terminate a lease agreement with Albert first or I'm sorry with Peter so the

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name on this is with Peter Albert you would have to vote the vote would be to

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not yeah but I'm talking about purchase I'm not talking about leasing. We got to

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get back on track because we're not talking about auctioning or selling

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We're talking about renewing a lease that I understand that but the renewal, sorry, of the lease, the renewal time, it's an open, it's open that renewal gap is an opening for the general public to either have a say so in the matter, or make up an offer or whatever.

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And since this is the second reading, making it sound like it's a done deal.

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It's the second reading, so that means it's been before you, before.

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I'm just talking about the timing and the gap in the renewal that we have not presented

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it to the general public. The leasee can always continue to lease, don't get me wrong, but

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I'm talking about the ownership of the property.

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Has not changed.

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It has not changed, but there's still the opening for purchase, because I think that's

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Miller, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor

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and whatever the case is, you implied that the building went for $60,000 or something like that?

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There is an appraisal done, yes, on this property.

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And that means that it's open for things that we can evaluate to determine whether or not we're getting a fair value.

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Even if you've got an appraiser, I don't care what the appraiser is saying, it is what the council thinks that that property is worth.

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The appraiser can come in with one number, the council can come in with another number.

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We have opportunities to exploit those types of things, but we're not getting that simply because

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it's just sitting there waiting for someone to renew it and possibly purchase it.

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That's what I'm looking at. That's how I look at it.

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Understood.

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Yeah.

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Alderman Stacey.

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This is the lease of $2,000 for the year.

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Yes, that is what is being proposed, yes.

00:21:58.720 --> 00:22:01.720
And last year it was $1,000.

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No, right, so in 2021 when it started it was $1,000 paid annually.

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Then in 2022 the annual rent was raised from that $1,000 to $2,000

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and then last year, 2023, it was approved at $2,000.

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H Stay it goes up follow up I'm sorry from 1000 to 2000.

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Yep, I mean, well, I'll answer that. So I had started this into 2022. I started my position

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in 2022, so I'll be honest with you, I wasn't, I wasn't directly involved with that exact

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negotiation to go from $1,000 to $2,000, but my understanding is that Billy C. and they

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had an agreement and it went before council to raise that rent.

00:23:03.039 --> 00:23:16.200
Okay, so, okay, the red square you had up there, that's what he's leasing, because

00:23:16.200 --> 00:23:26.079
because wasn't there some property that was purchased for $100 but this is not that property?

00:23:26.079 --> 00:23:31.220
I had said earlier that there was property taxes in the amount of, I'm trying to understand

00:23:31.220 --> 00:23:36.720
what was purchased for $100. I don't remember saying something was purchased for $100.

00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:46.759
of the Building of the Raleigh Building, some other areas, apparently.

00:23:46.759 --> 00:23:50.799
I'll be honest with you, I'm not aware of anything being purchased for $100 in the Raleigh

00:23:50.799 --> 00:23:51.799
Building.

00:23:51.799 --> 00:23:52.799
I'm not aware of that.

00:23:52.799 --> 00:23:53.799
Madam Mayor.

00:23:53.799 --> 00:23:59.900
Actually, I think Darren had his hand up first, but I'll come back to you then.

00:23:59.900 --> 00:24:07.579
The white structure that you see there, next to the red, that I believe Mr. Elbert currently

00:24:07.579 --> 00:24:11.700
owns and bought that piece of the Raleigh building from the city.

00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:14.660
I don't remember what the amount was, but he...

00:24:14.660 --> 00:24:16.619
I think it was back in Gullwrap administration.

00:24:16.619 --> 00:24:20.619
Yeah, he's had it for a while and he remodels it.

00:24:20.619 --> 00:24:23.740
It should be known that that's a conjoined building.

00:24:23.740 --> 00:24:28.500
Okay, so the red building and the white building are conjoined.

00:24:28.500 --> 00:24:35.500
A question of clarity I had for Wayne is this lease is for one floor of the red building, not the entire building.

00:24:35.500 --> 00:24:36.500
Correct.

00:24:36.500 --> 00:24:37.500
Yes.

00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:46.500
And if I recall right, the white roofed building that he owns was basically defunct and he remodeled and fixed that building.

00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:49.500
It was borderline going to be torn down.

00:24:49.500 --> 00:24:54.500
And there's two more pieces of the Rowley building to that side over here.

00:24:54.500 --> 00:24:57.860
Here, one of them is the old office building that Fehr Graham used to be in. I believe

00:24:57.860 --> 00:25:03.819
Winters owns that building. And then the other big structure that has always been talked

00:25:03.819 --> 00:25:07.799
about doing something, the city owns that structure as well.

00:25:07.799 --> 00:25:10.960
So what is the city doing with that structure?

00:25:10.960 --> 00:25:11.960
Is this one here?

00:25:11.960 --> 00:25:12.960
Yes.

00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:16.099
Are you speaking of this one here? We've showed it to potential developers. When potential

00:25:16.099 --> 00:25:21.180
developers come in and have interest in these properties, we do show them. But it should

00:25:21.180 --> 00:25:26.500
be known that when the city owns properties such as these and this is in

00:25:26.500 --> 00:25:31.539
general in the region it can sometimes take 15 20 plus years before you find

00:25:31.539 --> 00:25:36.299
the right developer because somebody coming in and wanting to redevelop this

00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:40.299
in the Barbara Coleman building in Rockford I believe was

00:25:40.299 --> 00:25:45.019
purchased by the city of Rockford in either 2003 or 2006 and you are just now

00:25:45.019 --> 00:25:50.259
starting to see construction done on it so when a city owns property such as

00:25:50.259 --> 00:26:20.259
and others.

00:26:20.259 --> 00:26:22.259
and

00:26:24.259 --> 00:26:26.259
John.

00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:30.259
We're waiting for the right developer.

00:26:32.259 --> 00:26:34.259
Okay.

00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:38.259
So something that you're telling me is valued at 60,000.

00:26:42.259 --> 00:26:44.259
We're just leasing for 2,000.

00:26:46.259 --> 00:26:48.259
That's what I'm stating, yes.

00:26:50.259 --> 00:26:58.579
is, is, is in there. Six. Six. Are the other five floors being occupied? No, and you have

00:26:58.579 --> 00:27:04.779
to remember that this is a, have you ever been in there? It's just, it's just cement

00:27:04.779 --> 00:27:10.579
and when he took over the occupying of that first floor, there was no electricity, there

00:27:10.579 --> 00:27:15.000
was no, there was no piping of any kind, no heat, no air, no nothing. Everything that's

00:27:15.000 --> 00:27:20.180
been put in there for him to be able to keep his equipment in there has been on his expense.

00:27:20.180 --> 00:27:24.639
So the other floors don't have anything. You'd have to go out in there with a flashlight.

00:27:24.639 --> 00:27:28.960
Alderman Klemm, did you have more to add?

00:27:28.960 --> 00:27:38.680
Yeah, I guess I do. We're talking a couple different periods of time and a couple different

00:27:38.680 --> 00:27:43.539
sets of rules here. If you go back to that building that was sold to Pete Elber, yeah,

00:27:43.539 --> 00:27:50.000
it was sold for the vicinity of $100. It was sold under the mayoral form of government.

00:27:50.000 --> 00:27:57.960
which the mayor or the council could sell it at any price they wanted to sell it at.

00:27:57.960 --> 00:28:03.880
The building was completely vacant for years and hadn't been inhabited.

00:28:03.880 --> 00:28:09.119
Pete Elber spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the building, brought his business

00:28:09.119 --> 00:28:14.160
in from out of town, created taxes in town, created jobs in town.

00:28:14.160 --> 00:28:17.759
So it was an asset for the city to do that.

00:28:17.759 --> 00:28:24.000
I go back a little while in construction to 1967 and that particular building, there's

00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:28.360
a good reason it's got a metal clad on it because it's a piece of crap under it.

00:28:28.360 --> 00:28:34.000
It was put on by Garmin Construction years ago and it was done just to cover it up when

00:28:34.000 --> 00:28:42.400
Micro used it for nothing more than a warehouse. So like the Mayor said, basically he's renting

00:29:12.400 --> 00:29:24.400
The building, it can be sold at any point in time. If it's sold at any point in time, then Pete Elber has got a lease for 11 months and he's out of there.

00:29:24.400 --> 00:29:30.400
Pete Elber wants to buy the building, Pete Elber can buy the building. Very simple.

00:29:30.400 --> 00:29:40.400
You know, so all we're asking for in this document is to take and extend the lease for one more year at the same price it was last year.

00:29:40.400 --> 00:29:54.400
I remember the conversation, I believe it was a year ago when the price was raised and it was the council didn't feel like it was enough, that's why we went from a thousand to two thousand, or maybe that was two years ago, excuse me.

00:29:54.400 --> 00:30:00.440
and since that time we announced at that time that anybody that had interest could rent any

00:30:00.440 --> 00:30:04.759
other floors in that building and we've had no interest to my knowledge of anybody that's

00:30:04.759 --> 00:30:08.600
approached the city wanting to develop that or put anything in that building because those

00:30:08.600 --> 00:30:11.200
other five floors are for rent.

00:30:11.200 --> 00:30:12.200
Yeah.

00:30:12.200 --> 00:30:23.920
I just want to say I do remember that conversation, we were the ones that raised it from the thousand

00:30:23.920 --> 00:30:30.920
and Klemm. The ordinance passes 8-0. Item number 9 is the first reading of Ordinance 2024-15.

00:30:53.920 --> 00:30:56.080
54, could you please read this?

00:30:56.080 --> 00:31:01.480
Ordinance amending Part 6, General Offenses, Chapter 694, Weeds and Grass of the Codified

00:31:01.480 --> 00:31:04.560
Ordinances, by adding, oh, oh, oh.

00:31:04.560 --> 00:31:07.320
We skipped that one.

00:31:07.320 --> 00:31:08.320
Sorry about that.

00:31:08.320 --> 00:31:14.420
Ordinance amending Chapter 220, Council, Section 220.06, Compensation.

00:31:14.420 --> 00:31:23.120
Section and Chapter 226.03, Mayor Compensation, and Section 228.03, City Clerk, Compensation.

00:31:23.120 --> 00:31:53.120
Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. For the purposes of discussion, I'd like to break this up into three. We brought it up at the COW at the last meeting. We do need to like move forward with a decision, whatever that may be. So I'd like to start with the Alderpersons compensation. So with the municipal elections scheduled for April 2025, the City Council must set the salaries of these positions by November 19th. The salaries of elected officials may not take effect during the term of any official holding in

00:31:53.120 --> 00:31:54.440
and Elizabeth.

00:31:54.440 --> 00:32:00.080
In addition, the salaries must be adopted 180 days prior to the term of the office commencing.

00:32:00.080 --> 00:32:04.360
In the case of the City of Freeport, a new rate for Alderpersons will only be effective

00:32:04.360 --> 00:32:07.780
for those elected in 2025 and future elections.

00:32:07.780 --> 00:32:11.420
The current rate for Alderpersons is $3,800 per year.

00:32:11.420 --> 00:32:16.640
A 3% increase would bring the rate to $3,915.

00:32:16.640 --> 00:32:21.320
Those Alderpersons up for election in 2025 would receive the new rate going forward.

00:32:21.320 --> 00:32:51.320
So, per your direction, we've provided some comparables. If you'll look at the table, we've got Batavia, annual salary for Alderpersons is $7,200 per year, Belvedere is $7,100 per year, Carbondale is $6,000 per year, and as requested, Chicago is $100 per year,

00:32:51.320 --> 00:33:01.240
Stirling is $2,411,308 per year, Decatur is $4,000, Dixon is $9,500, Galesburg is $5,000,

00:33:01.240 --> 00:33:07.240
Moline is $8,000, Stirling is $2,400, and Woodstock is $6,000.

00:33:07.240 --> 00:33:15.200
So staff request council to approve the 3% increase unless otherwise directed to the amount

00:33:15.200 --> 00:33:19.760
of $3915 annually.

00:33:19.760 --> 00:33:24.080
Do you see this as each thing separate, or are we just going to talk each one separately?

00:33:24.080 --> 00:33:28.060
I thought we'd look at each one separately, but I mean...

00:33:28.060 --> 00:33:29.920
To move forward separately?

00:33:29.920 --> 00:33:33.560
I'd like to get Council's thought on Council pay at this time.

00:33:33.560 --> 00:33:37.560
Okay, so do we need a motion for that first then?

00:33:37.560 --> 00:33:43.540
To...well, Rob, did you want to give your report for all of it and then discuss?

00:33:43.540 --> 00:33:45.040
I can do that, sure.

00:33:45.040 --> 00:33:50.760
So moving on with mayor compensation, similar situation obviously, at City Council meeting

00:33:50.760 --> 00:33:55.760
held on September 16th, council was provided with potential salaries increases for mayor

00:33:55.760 --> 00:33:57.480
as listed below.

00:33:57.480 --> 00:34:00.360
The prepared ordinance details a 3% increase.

00:34:00.360 --> 00:34:11.320
So if there was a 3% increase currently, hang on a second, so that would move the, let's

00:34:11.320 --> 00:34:21.320
Batavia was $31,000 for their annual salary for the mayor. Carbondale is $9,000 to $20,000.

00:34:21.320 --> 00:34:30.360
Chicago is $221,000. Decatur is $8,000. Dixon's $19,500. Galesburg is $12,000.

00:34:30.360 --> 00:34:37.360
Rock Island is $15,000. Sterling is $6,000. And Woodstock is $12,000. So as I mentioned before,

00:34:37.360 --> 00:34:49.199
Moore, in terms of City Freeport. If we did a 3% increase, we'd be looking at $28,700

00:34:49.199 --> 00:35:03.000
for 25 to 26. In 26 to 27, it would be $30,820. And in 27, 28, it'd be $31,000. So with that...

00:35:03.000 --> 00:35:12.559
question there I just want to add clarification on are these comparables

00:35:12.559 --> 00:35:19.360
city manager form of government or are they not most are except Chicago Chicago

00:35:19.360 --> 00:35:27.600
is not and see here Carbondale is but they're currently moving there they're

00:35:27.599 --> 00:35:36.119
for increasing the wages for the for the mayor in Carbondale okay with that I'd

00:35:36.119 --> 00:35:42.720
like to move on to City Clerk again we need to improve the increase if it was

00:35:42.720 --> 00:35:51.619
going to be made effective for the next election so in the case of Dovie we

00:35:51.619 --> 00:35:56.920
talked about a four percent increase for Dovie that would increase her to fifty

00:35:56.920 --> 00:36:13.640
27,500 for 25-26, 62,000 for 26-27, 64,000 for years 27 and 28, and 67,500 for years

00:36:13.640 --> 00:36:22.760
28 and 29. Again, her salary is somewhat at the bottom of the pack. If you look at Belvedere

00:36:22.760 --> 00:36:28.119
and Sterling. They're already currently making that much, although I would like to mention

00:36:28.119 --> 00:36:36.559
that Dovie does receive a certification bonus that will be proposed, a $4,000 certification.

00:36:36.559 --> 00:36:40.599
So you have to factor that in as you make your decision.

00:36:40.599 --> 00:37:10.599
Madam Mayor. So, I've proceeded a motion to move this forward. So moved. As stated. Okay. Alderman Shadle, is there a second? Second. Seconded by Alderman Parker. Alderman Klemm. I believe that as we move this forward, I would appreciate if we could take and split it up into the three different sections rather than voting for it all.

00:37:10.599 --> 00:37:39.599
I believe there's I have reasons for that but I believe it would be more advantageous and possibly make it to where it would go through easier I would second that so you would so right now there's a there was a motion in the second to move it forward as presented

00:37:39.599 --> 00:37:47.200
as presented I hear now a motion to, a motion in a second to break it up into three separate

00:37:47.200 --> 00:37:52.880
ordinance which is fine and then you know so but you got a motion right now to to break it up into

00:37:52.880 --> 00:38:01.760
three separate ordinances. Okay so do do we just take a roll on it or do we talk about the breaking

00:38:01.760 --> 00:38:07.599
it up? Talk about the breaking it up. Okay so if you have a comment about breaking it into three

00:38:37.600 --> 00:38:40.940
flashlight.

00:38:40.940 --> 00:38:44.240
I have.

00:38:44.240 --> 00:38:45.860
Excuse me.

00:38:45.860 --> 00:38:46.940
Excuse me.

00:38:46.940 --> 00:38:49.320
Where is this coming from?

00:38:49.320 --> 00:38:57.960
Where are we drawing this out of and how we come into this conclusion of three sections

00:38:57.960 --> 00:38:58.960
to.

00:38:58.960 --> 00:38:59.960
Yeah.

00:38:59.960 --> 00:39:04.659
You don't help me understand sure I happened to agree with one or two, the sections, but

00:39:04.659 --> 00:39:22.320
We're talking we're talking three separate that way okay that's what you're

00:39:22.320 --> 00:39:26.119
referring to yeah that's all I mean yeah because I didn't realize that he was

00:39:26.119 --> 00:39:31.519
grouping all of the that's the way it is in your packet as a yeah I know that's

00:39:31.519 --> 00:39:37.440
and the rest of the package but the thing that we were talking about was the things of Dovie

00:39:37.440 --> 00:39:42.920
and how we like to, then the next thing I hear is breaking it up in sections.

00:39:42.920 --> 00:39:45.480
Okay, so do you understand what the motion is right now?

00:39:45.480 --> 00:39:50.199
Yeah, I understand what the motion is now but I didn't at the initial start.

00:39:50.199 --> 00:39:54.280
So is there any discussion on the motion that's on the floor about breaking it into three

00:39:54.280 --> 00:39:58.280
that's on the floor about breaking it into three different pieces, Dovie. The first and

00:39:58.280 --> 00:40:12.640
second were Klemm and Monroe. Monroe, yeah. Thank you. Yeah, Madam Clerk, could you take

00:40:12.640 --> 00:40:22.920
the roll on that? Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders?

00:40:22.920 --> 00:40:32.600
Aye. Sellers? Aye. And Klemm? Aye. Motion passes 8 to 0. Which one do you want to start with?

00:40:36.600 --> 00:40:45.480
Madam Mayor, if I may, I'll start with one since I've been an alderman the longest

00:40:45.480 --> 00:40:51.680
as far as time frame goes. On the time I've been on council there's never been

00:40:51.680 --> 00:40:58.840
and a vote for a raise for an Alderman as long as going back to 2005. It's been discussed

00:40:58.840 --> 00:41:04.320
one time or another, but it's never been increased. I'm not saying it shouldn't be increased,

00:41:04.320 --> 00:41:10.500
okay, but there has never been discussion of an increase before.

00:41:10.500 --> 00:41:19.560
I believe when we went to City Manager form of government, it was naturally split up then

00:41:19.560 --> 00:41:22.760
and with the mayoral being a part-time mayor

00:41:22.760 --> 00:41:25.000
because you're going from a full-time mayor

00:41:25.000 --> 00:41:26.680
to a part-time mayor.

00:41:26.680 --> 00:41:30.960
So a figure was, if I'm correct, James,

00:41:30.960 --> 00:41:32.760
you can maybe tell me if I'm wrong,

00:41:33.680 --> 00:41:37.440
the mayor's salary was set at 20 X number thousand dollars

00:41:37.440 --> 00:41:39.920
and then I believe at one time it was raised

00:41:39.920 --> 00:41:42.600
like one or 2% possibly.

00:41:43.520 --> 00:41:48.520
I have to tell you, I don't really ever recall

00:41:48.520 --> 00:42:09.240
I'm not sure about that. Do you have figures, Michelle? Because if I recall, I believe when

00:42:09.240 --> 00:42:14.160
I was on council in 2015, the salary was $3,300 and today it's $38.

00:42:14.160 --> 00:42:15.160
Bates.

00:42:15.160 --> 00:42:16.160
Is it right?

00:42:16.160 --> 00:42:17.160
I don't know.

00:42:17.160 --> 00:42:18.160
I need a second while you're talking.

00:42:18.160 --> 00:42:19.160
Okay.

00:42:19.160 --> 00:42:33.360
So, so to get back to your point, is that, are you saying that the 3% increase that's

00:42:33.360 --> 00:42:39.120
proposed is, are you in agreement with?

00:42:39.120 --> 00:42:40.120
I would be in agreement with it.

00:42:40.120 --> 00:42:41.120
It doesn't affect me.

00:42:41.120 --> 00:42:42.120
You know, I'm saying that.

00:42:42.120 --> 00:42:54.120
and I'm saying that, the people that will affect first are the people that are up for vote in the second ward, the fourth ward and the sixth ward.

00:42:54.120 --> 00:42:55.120
Correct.

00:42:55.120 --> 00:43:02.120
The other people will not get an increase until 2025 or 2028 or whatever.

00:43:02.120 --> 00:43:03.120
Twenty-seven.

00:43:03.120 --> 00:43:21.120
I'm for increasing the City Clerk's position. The City Clerk's position has changed considerably over the years to have more responsibility.

00:43:21.120 --> 00:43:32.120
I have absolutely nothing against the City Mayor but I have to say to you at the time we set the salary for the City Mayor

00:43:32.120 --> 00:43:37.120
it was considered high by a considerable number of people.

00:43:37.120 --> 00:43:40.539
I'm not saying that the mayor doesn't deserve a raise

00:43:40.539 --> 00:43:44.140
or I'm not saying where we need to be,

00:43:44.140 --> 00:43:47.380
but the mayor and I have had this discussion

00:43:47.380 --> 00:43:49.220
and it has nothing to do with,

00:43:49.220 --> 00:43:51.940
and we should all take like somebody mentioned before

00:43:51.940 --> 00:43:53.420
and don't think about the person

00:43:53.420 --> 00:43:55.700
that's in the position at the moment.

00:43:55.700 --> 00:43:57.180
You know, that's got nothing to do with it

00:43:57.180 --> 00:43:58.980
because somebody else is in turn

00:43:58.980 --> 00:44:01.380
gonna replace them at some time.

00:44:01.380 --> 00:44:04.660
So let's stick on the one piece that we have right now.

00:44:04.660 --> 00:44:08.860
Let's stick with the Alderman and talk about what we want to move forward there.

00:44:08.860 --> 00:44:10.820
Alderman discussion.

00:44:10.820 --> 00:44:16.260
I had my hand up for the longest.

00:44:16.260 --> 00:44:20.060
Yeah, we're talking about increases.

00:44:20.060 --> 00:44:28.980
But increases without evaluations or changes in the job descriptions or the personnel,

00:44:28.980 --> 00:44:30.500
staffs, and things of this nature.

00:44:30.500 --> 00:44:50.500
We have not, but I know we're just talking about Aldermen. We need to know how Aldermen are defined, why are we Aldermen and why do we deserve 1%, 2%, or 3%. These are the evaluations that we're not having or discussing.

00:44:50.500 --> 00:44:59.500
So what we're doing is we're prematurely talking about these things but there's no action behind it.

00:44:59.500 --> 00:45:04.500
There's nothing going on behind it to make these determinations for these increases.

00:45:04.500 --> 00:45:12.500
And so that's what I'm getting at. We're just throwing this out here and we have not addressed it properly.

00:45:12.500 --> 00:45:16.500
That's my opinion and I don't think we have addressed it properly.

00:45:16.500 --> 00:45:25.500
and I think we need to reevaluate, we need to evaluate what it is that the change is for if there is a change.

00:45:25.500 --> 00:45:31.500
City Manager, did you have your hand up?

00:45:31.500 --> 00:45:37.500
Yes, I just wanted to pass along to Alderman Sanders that it's essentially just a cost of living increase.

00:45:37.500 --> 00:45:41.500
So that's what's behind that.

00:45:41.500 --> 00:46:11.500
And you have to remember you don't personally evaluate the person in the seat. It's about the seat. It's not that's not it's a job title. It's a job. And every one of us sitting here has to have a job. Just our purpose in our description of what it is that we do and what it is that we do on a regular basis. The people need to know whether or not how how to define our job position, even as councils, even as mayor, even

00:46:11.500 --> 00:46:15.500
even as attorneys and whoever else.

00:46:15.500 --> 00:46:20.420
People need to know how their dollars are spent

00:46:20.420 --> 00:46:23.820
and how we come to the conclusions that we do.

00:46:23.820 --> 00:46:27.900
And so without us be able to address the general public

00:46:27.900 --> 00:46:32.900
or ourselves, then we're doing a disservice,

00:46:33.780 --> 00:46:35.820
not only just to ourselves,

00:46:35.820 --> 00:46:38.420
but to the general public at the same time.

00:46:38.420 --> 00:46:47.020
and I feel that we need to not be so hasty to make these types of votes without taking

00:46:47.020 --> 00:46:55.980
the consideration and allowing us as council people and elected officials to look at the

00:46:55.980 --> 00:46:59.740
whole thing without just jumping increases here and there.

00:46:59.740 --> 00:47:06.400
And we need to know why it is that we're doing what we're doing.

00:47:06.400 --> 00:47:36.400
Boyer says, because of cost of living. That is one word. Cost of living, two words rather, three. But nevertheless, that is as far as we are getting, as far as these increases is concerned, based on what he is saying. We have not even made a comparison with cost of living in our wage increase, or any increase, period. So we have not factored all of those

00:47:36.400 --> 00:47:39.700
Alarg, Bill, P. R. McMurphy, redirected you to the floor.

00:47:39.700 --> 00:47:45.160
And I don't know if we possible will be able to talk about those things in the into our

00:47:45.160 --> 00:47:46.160
presence.

00:47:46.160 --> 00:47:50.340
So we need to be able to stop and pace ourselves.

00:47:50.340 --> 00:47:54.680
I don't know if it's I don't know if this is something that we need that we need to

00:47:54.680 --> 00:48:00.020
expedite, something that we need to do in a hurry to get this determined.

00:48:00.020 --> 00:48:04.080
But if that is the case, then we needed to bring that to the floor long before now.

00:48:04.080 --> 00:48:09.080
and I have to move something forward tonight by law in order to pass it in so many days before the next election.

00:48:09.080 --> 00:48:14.080
Alderman, I'm sorry, Manager Boyer, did you want to add to that?

00:48:14.080 --> 00:48:19.080
Alderman Sanders, it's just my recommendation that 3 percent, you can make it whatever you want.

00:48:19.080 --> 00:48:22.080
I mean, just, it's entirely up to the council.

00:48:22.080 --> 00:48:24.080
Alderman Monroe.

00:48:24.080 --> 00:48:25.080
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

00:48:25.080 --> 00:48:30.079
You know, I think when you come back to the conversation, it's more than just the cost of living.

00:48:30.079 --> 00:48:35.280
What you're asked to do is take phone calls day in, day out for the position that we hold.

00:48:35.280 --> 00:48:41.680
We want to get people who want to participate, study what we're going over that evening, bring

00:48:41.680 --> 00:48:47.760
in people of high quality, high value to help our city to continue to grow and move in the right

00:48:47.760 --> 00:48:54.320
direction. Those with financial minds. I will tell you, it's a hard sell at the price that it's set

00:48:54.320 --> 00:48:58.880
out right now. You have three meetings a month on Monday nights, you miss family time, you miss

00:48:58.880 --> 00:48:59.880
Fowler.

00:48:59.880 --> 00:49:02.600
You miss a lot of stuff.

00:49:02.600 --> 00:49:07.020
Notwithstanding, then you've got those times a year where in the fall, you're also coming

00:49:07.020 --> 00:49:09.620
in for those finance meetings.

00:49:09.620 --> 00:49:13.740
And it's important that we do the research and understand each line item.

00:49:13.740 --> 00:49:18.980
It's not easy to sit in the seat and to tell a department head who thinks that you're attacking

00:49:18.980 --> 00:49:22.700
their department that, no, you shouldn't get that much money.

00:49:22.700 --> 00:49:25.660
But you have to balance it with the needs of the city.

00:49:25.660 --> 00:49:28.140
It's a service that you're providing.

00:49:28.140 --> 00:49:33.660
and in order to get people who really want to dive into this role, you need people to

00:49:33.660 --> 00:49:39.900
be able to, who are going to feel like they're being financially compensated for the position

00:49:39.900 --> 00:49:41.280
and the work that they're doing.

00:49:41.280 --> 00:49:47.120
I mean, because if you break it down, are we getting the $15 an hour that's mandated

00:49:47.120 --> 00:49:48.120
by the state?

00:49:48.120 --> 00:49:49.620
I don't know.

00:49:49.620 --> 00:49:53.820
But I think out of all of us that are sitting here, I'm the only one that's not running

00:49:53.820 --> 00:49:54.320
and the next.

00:49:54.320 --> 00:49:58.320
I'm the only one that's not running in the next election so I think it's pretty

00:49:58.320 --> 00:50:06.080
easy to say looking forward we need to raise that that that value to raise the

00:50:06.080 --> 00:50:10.200
amount of money to draw people in that want to do this and to give you kind of

00:50:10.200 --> 00:50:16.559
an idea you get about $1,500 to be an assistant football coach so that's

00:50:16.559 --> 00:50:21.920
that's for three months 1,500 bucks and we're paying a little over double that

00:50:21.920 --> 00:50:25.920
and I have been doing that for an entire year of putting up with everything that goes on.

00:50:25.920 --> 00:50:31.920
You know, we all know that we have our neighborhood watch meetings, we have other meetings that we come to, we other, other.

00:50:31.920 --> 00:50:37.920
So we participate in a lot of stuff, we talk to a lot of people, we do a lot of research with the department heads as well,

00:50:37.920 --> 00:50:41.920
and it's important that we take care of the duty that we are putting here.

00:50:41.920 --> 00:50:46.920
And I think financially it makes a lot of sense to give that raise, not just for cost of living,

00:50:46.920 --> 00:50:50.920
but to bring it in line with what people are being asked to do.

00:50:50.920 --> 00:50:58.920
And I think it's kind of obvious that these positions, elected officials, are really about labor of love because pay isn't good.

00:50:58.920 --> 00:51:04.920
Your motive is you want to move the city forward. You want to what's best for the community.

00:51:04.920 --> 00:51:06.920
Alderman Sellers, you've had your hand up.

00:51:06.920 --> 00:51:14.920
Yes, I just wanted some clarification on the way it was going to be set up.

00:51:14.920 --> 00:51:27.920
So, we do the 3% tonight, and how does it affect Alder people? I guess I missed what all that was.

00:51:27.920 --> 00:51:33.920
After the April election, anyone who is elected will receive that raise at that point.

00:51:33.920 --> 00:51:40.920
Okay, so the previous ones, we still would get the, oh, that don't make sense to me. I would say no.

00:51:40.920 --> 00:51:42.920
Fertig, George, and the other members of the House.

00:51:46.420 --> 00:51:48.420
So, I would say no because if I'm sitting here and I'm doing

00:51:48.539 --> 00:51:50.539
the same exact thing you're doing, I want to get the money.

00:51:53.340 --> 00:51:55.340
» By law, it can't change when it's set. It's set for four

00:51:55.360 --> 00:51:57.360
years. » Wow.

00:51:59.700 --> 00:52:01.700
» Can I ask one clarifying, what's the dollar amount

00:52:02.900 --> 00:52:04.900
difference between the 3% and what's being paid right now?

00:52:06.000 --> 00:52:08.000
» $115. » So $115 divided by 12.

00:52:10.920 --> 00:52:31.760
You know, I'm hearing what everyone is saying, and something that has not happened that has

00:52:31.760 --> 00:52:42.960
and I, and it's got to happen and it can't just happen over this mic at a council meeting

00:52:42.960 --> 00:52:45.840
openly on the floor.

00:52:45.840 --> 00:52:57.519
We as the council need to come together and discuss, I don't care if it's 3%, if it's

00:52:57.519 --> 00:52:59.519
and Stacey.

00:53:00.519 --> 00:53:08.519
We need to be able, the eight of us, to come together, weigh out what needs weighing out.

00:53:08.519 --> 00:53:10.519
That's what this is, Stacy.

00:53:12.519 --> 00:53:16.519
And determine what we want, not what's being presented to us.

00:53:16.519 --> 00:53:18.519
Then say it.

00:53:18.519 --> 00:53:20.519
What do you want?

00:53:20.519 --> 00:53:22.519
Because this is the forum that happens.

00:53:22.519 --> 00:53:24.519
It doesn't happen behind closed doors.

00:53:24.519 --> 00:53:41.740
That happens. It doesn't happen behind closed doors. I'm not saying behind closed doors. We all can't meet behind closed doors. Right. So this is your moment. So if you want to add something personal in that, then say it. This is your moment.

00:53:41.740 --> 00:53:59.940
and others, like Alderman Monroe said, we have got to get these positions at a place where

00:53:59.940 --> 00:54:09.260
people are going to want to take them over.

00:54:09.260 --> 00:54:18.380
They're going to want to do whatever is required, the necessary whatever that is, to make the

00:54:18.380 --> 00:54:22.500
best decisions for the city.

00:54:22.500 --> 00:54:34.140
This little penny-anny, this and that, it's not going to work, we're not going to better

00:54:34.140 --> 00:54:36.140
the City, like that.

00:54:39.940 --> 00:54:41.940
Alderman Sanders.

00:54:41.940 --> 00:54:43.940
Um, I have

00:54:46.940 --> 00:54:49.340
a thought on whether

00:54:51.220 --> 00:54:54.539
and I don't know if I don't know if it's in order or not,

00:54:55.460 --> 00:55:02.660
whether or not the general public or the people in in in the assembly here

00:55:02.660 --> 00:55:08.140
might have an opinion, might need to be, might want to share some light on this

00:55:08.140 --> 00:55:14.380
because there's a lot of people know about how this thing works and and those

00:55:14.380 --> 00:55:20.140
that are new to the whole system may not have a full understanding and I

00:55:20.140 --> 00:55:25.140
would I would appeal to the general public if they have any insight or

00:55:25.140 --> 00:55:31.740
understanding that they should be able to feel be able to come to the podium

00:55:31.740 --> 00:55:33.740
and

00:55:34.740 --> 00:55:35.740
the

00:55:35.740 --> 00:55:37.740
President.

00:55:37.740 --> 00:55:39.740
I want to

00:55:40.740 --> 00:55:42.740
give a

00:55:43.740 --> 00:55:45.740
little bit of a

00:55:46.740 --> 00:55:48.740
podium and express those kinds of thoughts.

00:55:48.740 --> 00:55:53.740
Because obviously, we, me, myself personally, I don't think we're approaching this right with all of the

00:55:53.740 --> 00:55:58.740
information that is needed behind these types of things that we're pursuing.

00:55:58.740 --> 00:56:02.980
ос, his aunt Pat, his aunt Debra, Debra's aunt, and their

00:56:02.980 --> 00:56:04.740
aunt, and their brother's aunt, and their

00:56:04.740 --> 00:56:07.519
brother's aunt, and their sister's aunt, and their

00:56:07.519 --> 00:56:09.760
sister's aunt, and their sister's aunt, and their

00:56:09.760 --> 00:56:12.220
sister's aunt, and their ex.

00:56:12.220 --> 00:56:14.360
give us something other than the fact that we

00:56:14.380 --> 00:56:17.100
know something other than the fact that we have

00:56:17.100 --> 00:56:19.420
council members sitting here trying to determine

00:56:19.420 --> 00:56:21.800
whether it's good or bad, whether we should move

00:56:21.800 --> 00:56:24.640
forward or not. That's my whole thing. I don't

00:56:24.660 --> 00:56:27.660
know if I'm out of order to do that or to say

00:56:27.660 --> 00:56:33.940
West. When I went back on the Council, you discussed that you had talked to numerous people

00:56:33.940 --> 00:56:40.460
before you had talked to me. Recently, there's been some positions talked about, and you're

00:56:40.460 --> 00:56:46.060
probably the person that's called up more people than anybody. Have any one of those

00:56:46.060 --> 00:56:48.220
people ever asked you how much it paid?

00:56:48.220 --> 00:56:54.860
No. In fact, I had one say, it gets paid. It's what public service is.

00:56:54.860 --> 00:56:57.380
And I'm just bringing up a point, you know.

00:56:57.380 --> 00:56:57.880
Right.

00:56:57.880 --> 00:57:00.460
That's all.

00:57:00.460 --> 00:57:02.260
Manager Boyer.

00:57:02.260 --> 00:57:05.960
Just submitting for counsel, if you look at the table that's

00:57:05.960 --> 00:57:10.900
provided, it's very clear that all the persons in Freeport

00:57:10.900 --> 00:57:16.140
are among the lowest paid with the comparables

00:57:16.140 --> 00:57:17.300
that we've supplied.

00:57:17.300 --> 00:57:19.740
Sure.

00:57:19.740 --> 00:57:24.060
So with that in mind, you know, I

00:57:24.060 --> 00:57:30.860
I would venture to say that it is not a stretch to do something to keep pace with the surrounding communities.

00:57:30.860 --> 00:57:33.660
I think that's probably smart.

00:57:33.660 --> 00:57:43.460
However, a 3% increase is what we generally are doing for the rest of City Hall and the rest of our workers.

00:57:43.460 --> 00:57:46.380
Therefore, that's why that's suggested.

00:57:46.380 --> 00:57:48.539
But it's up to the council what it is.

00:57:48.539 --> 00:57:52.180
you think you you know where you think your value is compared to these other

00:57:52.180 --> 00:57:58.980
communities you know you might want to consider that. Alderman Parker? I'm just

00:57:58.980 --> 00:58:03.380
saying that when evaluate the public I go to the neighborhood watch meetings

00:58:03.380 --> 00:58:07.380
every month with my activity in this town I have at least a hundred people

00:58:07.380 --> 00:58:12.300
talk to me every month about this position you know you want it you don't

00:58:12.300 --> 00:58:16.300
want it they can't believe how much you do how many complaints I get about the

00:58:46.300 --> 00:58:55.140
Sanders. Yeah, I sympathize with you on that part of Brother Parker. People are

00:58:55.140 --> 00:59:01.720
trying to engage Aldermen to get more insight and information on their

00:59:01.720 --> 00:59:07.660
district areas and things of this nature and we become a value to them to be able

00:59:07.660 --> 00:59:13.900
to talk with them and then bring it to the council or city manager and

00:59:13.900 --> 00:59:18.900
and express what the citizens are talking about.

00:59:19.260 --> 00:59:22.340
That is an absolute truth to it, fact to it,

00:59:22.340 --> 00:59:24.700
because I've been exposed to it.

00:59:24.700 --> 00:59:29.260
And I think that we should consider all of those things

00:59:29.260 --> 00:59:34.260
and not put the public expressions behind us

00:59:38.780 --> 00:59:41.980
and don't look at it.

00:59:41.980 --> 00:59:49.980
If they have expressions, we should take that into consideration and I feel that that's what Councilmen's are for.

00:59:49.980 --> 00:59:51.980
Can we call the question then?

00:59:51.980 --> 01:00:02.699
This was only for first reading, so there was only a motion and second to move it forward.

01:00:02.699 --> 01:00:07.980
And then there was a motion that was approved to break it up into three separate ordinances.

01:00:07.980 --> 01:00:16.099
That being said, you know, at this point, it's a, you know, each topic is individually

01:00:16.099 --> 01:00:35.019
Still 3% raise, 3% raise, 4% raise for the clerk's position, I believe, there unless there's another motion or motions for each category saying, Oh, well, we think it should be this for Alderman and not three, but this or this should be this for mayor or this for the clerk.

01:00:35.380 --> 01:00:42.420
Then it would just be drafted as three separate ordinances for second read, but at the same dollar amounts that that's presented.

01:00:42.420 --> 01:00:51.780
I just have a question clarification so if nothing's done with this then

01:00:51.780 --> 01:01:00.719
everything stays status quo for how long four years four years you and I will not

01:01:00.719 --> 01:01:06.900
be paid mayor if we don't get this resolved our wages are only good through

01:01:06.900 --> 01:01:12.139
May of right so it has to be it would have to be set for whatever whatever is

01:01:12.139 --> 01:01:14.139
and

01:01:15.460 --> 01:01:17.460
John.

01:01:19.340 --> 01:01:21.539
So, the current, yeah. Same as Alderman. They have to be set for

01:01:21.539 --> 01:01:23.539
what's current.

01:01:24.539 --> 01:01:26.539
No, they're different.

01:01:31.659 --> 01:01:34.539
Right. So, per the way that our ordinance is written, for the

01:01:34.539 --> 01:01:37.340
clerk's position and the mayor's position, it was set out for

01:01:37.340 --> 01:01:41.340
their four-year terms what their amounts are. So, if you don't

01:01:41.340 --> 01:01:47.539
and whoever fills that position, there is no salary for them and same thing for the mayor.

01:01:47.539 --> 01:01:53.740
So it was set up where for whatever reason back then every four years you got to figure

01:01:53.740 --> 01:01:56.960
out what the clerk and the mayor are going to be paid.

01:01:56.960 --> 01:02:01.599
So my understanding is we need to act on this tonight.

01:02:01.599 --> 01:02:04.139
We have to move something forward tonight.

01:02:04.139 --> 01:02:06.340
It won't be voted on, it just moves forward.

01:02:06.340 --> 01:02:07.599
Okay, gotcha.

01:02:07.599 --> 01:02:16.000
So right now before you is the suggested for Alderman on the next election cycle a 3% increase

01:02:16.000 --> 01:02:18.720
which amounts to $115.

01:02:18.720 --> 01:02:19.720
That's what's before you.

01:02:19.720 --> 01:02:20.720
Yeah.

01:02:20.720 --> 01:02:21.720
That's a hell of a lot.

01:02:21.720 --> 01:02:22.960
Alderman Stacy.

01:02:22.960 --> 01:02:29.320
Can what, whatever is moved forward tonight, can that be changed?

01:02:29.320 --> 01:02:30.320
Anything can have an amendment.

01:02:30.320 --> 01:02:31.320
Did you hear me?

01:02:31.320 --> 01:02:32.320
I'm being sarcastic.

01:02:32.320 --> 01:02:33.320
That's all.

01:02:33.320 --> 01:02:34.320
That's all.

01:02:34.320 --> 01:02:35.320
Right.

01:02:35.320 --> 01:03:05.320
Right. So at this point, as far as the amendments, if you want to make an amendment, let's say for, because again, we already voted to break it up into three separate ordinances. So if you wanted to say, okay, further staff, you know, I, you know, I move that we raise the Alderman from 3% to 4%. If that gets seconded and you guys vote to approve that, then I would draft the ordinance for second read at 4% instead of 3%. If someone, I mean, this is your,

01:03:05.320 --> 01:03:07.220
to your opportunity to have that discussion.

01:03:07.220 --> 01:03:09.019
Same thing then for the clerk's position,

01:03:09.019 --> 01:03:11.059
same thing then for the mayor's position.

01:03:12.320 --> 01:03:13.400
Norman Sanders.

01:03:13.400 --> 01:03:17.780
Yeah, entertaining this whole thought process.

01:03:22.280 --> 01:03:25.280
Is it the limit point of a percentage

01:03:29.159 --> 01:03:31.679
that has a cap to it?

01:03:31.679 --> 01:03:39.079
and the percentage that we're talking about, 3%, 4%, is that a cap?

01:03:39.079 --> 01:03:40.519
It's up to whatever you guys want.

01:03:40.519 --> 01:03:42.320
So there's not a cap to this?

01:03:42.320 --> 01:03:43.320
Nope.

01:03:43.320 --> 01:03:46.119
You can say you want a 20% increase, but it would look really bad to the city.

01:03:46.119 --> 01:03:55.880
Yeah, no, but what I was going to say is in comparison to the things that Manager Boyer

01:03:55.880 --> 01:04:00.039
How do you get to see the conversation about how we're bringing in revenue back to the community, to the resources that are presented to us in comparison?

01:04:00.039 --> 01:04:14.539
Are we in a position to bring our costs of living or our comparison balance to some other community even though they're doing much better than we are here in Freeport?

01:04:14.539 --> 01:04:20.500
Can we find out what the percentages are and then determine whether or not we should bring our increase percentage to those communities?

01:04:20.500 --> 01:04:45.500
We should bring our increased percentage to those kinds of balances or levels. I'm just curious. I don't want to say that we capping ourselves off and there's no headroom, but we do need to be able to see where we are in line with other communities and other counties.

01:04:45.500 --> 01:04:51.159
So, I think what Manager Boyer has presented to you is some comparables as to what other

01:04:51.159 --> 01:04:56.760
communities are currently paying the position of Alderperson there.

01:04:56.760 --> 01:05:02.779
Now, the thing about it is you can't necessarily go to these same communities and say, oh,

01:05:02.779 --> 01:05:06.400
well, what percentage increase are you doing this year or this election cycle?

01:05:06.400 --> 01:05:13.039
Because just as in Freeport, these compensation amounts aren't changing every single, every

01:05:13.039 --> 01:05:14.039
four years.

01:05:14.039 --> 01:05:15.039
and others.

01:05:15.039 --> 01:05:24.280
So, it's hard to get a percentage increase because it's not like, you know, people's

01:05:24.280 --> 01:05:25.280
everyday wages.

01:05:25.280 --> 01:05:29.159
You know, if you're an employee somewhere, you owe, every year you get a cost of living

01:05:29.159 --> 01:05:32.239
adjustment, 3%, 2%, whatever, this is different.

01:05:32.239 --> 01:05:33.239
It's up to each community.

01:05:33.239 --> 01:05:40.920
But what you do have is, well, you know that Aldermen here are getting paid roughly $3,800

01:05:40.920 --> 01:05:43.480
and then you have the chart that shows, well, what are Alderpeople?

01:05:43.480 --> 01:05:46.800
and similarly sized communities getting paid.

01:05:46.800 --> 01:05:49.000
And so you can see that.

01:05:49.000 --> 01:05:50.000
Yeah.

01:05:50.000 --> 01:06:01.559
Do we, do we, based on our cost of living in the city, based on what math, what measures

01:06:01.559 --> 01:06:07.960
that we use to determine what is the cost of living of Freeport that applies to everyone

01:06:07.960 --> 01:06:11.199
here in the city of Freeport when it comes to cost of living?

01:06:11.199 --> 01:06:21.199
and then I wanted to find out, I also want to make it in comparisons. Is it population or what is it that causes inflation to change?

01:06:21.199 --> 01:06:32.199
So there's a standard put out by the Department of Labor on what the cost of living adjustment is. I think that is broken up into regions, but I'm not positive there.

01:06:32.199 --> 01:06:36.760
You know, generally speaking, you can Google what's the cost of living, you know, increase

01:06:36.760 --> 01:06:40.559
this year and, you know, it'll come up that there's a, you know, the Department of Labor

01:06:40.559 --> 01:06:42.039
usually issues that number.

01:06:42.039 --> 01:06:45.119
Did you have a statistic there?

01:06:45.119 --> 01:06:46.880
Yeah, I was looking it up.

01:06:46.880 --> 01:06:50.039
So the statistics, I'll just go back to 2020.

01:06:50.039 --> 01:07:02.119
The consumer price index was 1.2% in 2020, 4.7 in 2021, 8% in 2022, and 4.1% in 2020.

01:07:02.119 --> 01:07:26.460
and

01:07:26.460 --> 01:07:35.780
right right to set the amount right because right now it's moving forward it

01:07:35.780 --> 01:07:40.340
would be moving forward at the just the suggested rates if you guys want to

01:07:40.340 --> 01:07:44.059
change the rates then a motion needs to be made second it voted on that will

01:07:44.059 --> 01:07:48.139
give me direction that how to bring the ordinance back for second read for you

01:07:48.139 --> 01:07:51.619
guys to actually take the final vote on

01:07:51.619 --> 01:08:15.619
I'll go ahead and do it. It doesn't make any difference. I'll make a motion to raise the Alderman salary and this can all be changed. It's not cast in gold, it's just nobody wants to talk about anything. I make a motion that we raise the Alderman salary to $4,500, raise the City Clerk's wages by 5% and keep the mayor the same.

01:08:15.619 --> 01:08:16.619
Winslow.

01:08:16.619 --> 01:08:23.260
Why don't we, okay, so I hear that Tom, but let's take them all separately, because that's

01:08:23.260 --> 01:08:28.539
what we talked about doing, so you laid it out for us so we know where you're going.

01:08:28.539 --> 01:08:32.100
No, I'm fine, I'm fine.

01:08:32.100 --> 01:08:33.100
I would go along with-

01:08:33.100 --> 01:08:35.220
We're doing the Alderperson first, right?

01:08:35.220 --> 01:08:44.819
I would kind of go along with what he suggested for the clerk, is that where we're at?

01:08:44.819 --> 01:09:06.100
let's just let's just do it Alderman one at a time please I'm just curious what

01:09:06.100 --> 01:09:10.300
What's the percentage from 3,800 to 45, yeah, I'm just . . .

01:09:10.300 --> 01:09:11.300
Oh, gosh.

01:09:11.300 --> 01:09:12.300
See, this is why I don't . . .

01:09:12.300 --> 01:09:13.300
Sounds about right.

01:09:13.300 --> 01:09:18.300
Yeah, because someone could go 50 . . .

01:09:18.300 --> 01:09:19.300
18.4.

01:09:19.300 --> 01:09:20.300
Pardon me?

01:09:20.300 --> 01:09:21.300
18.4 percent.

01:09:21.300 --> 01:09:22.300
Oh, good night.

01:09:22.300 --> 01:09:23.300
Why are you grunting, Mayor?

01:09:23.300 --> 01:09:24.300
You got something stuck in your throat?

01:09:24.300 --> 01:09:25.300
I do.

01:09:25.300 --> 01:09:26.300
Do you?

01:09:26.300 --> 01:09:38.220
Why are you grunting Mayor? Got something stuck in your throat? I do. Do you? It's a cough drop. Okay.

01:09:41.100 --> 01:09:47.819
Okay, so on the floor is a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sanders

01:09:49.180 --> 01:09:51.659
to raise the Alderman pay by 18.4 percent.

01:09:51.659 --> 01:09:56.659
Alderman pay by 18.4% to be $4,500.

01:09:58.380 --> 01:10:00.500
Yeah, you can go up or down, you can vote it in,

01:10:00.500 --> 01:10:01.340
vote it out, or.

01:10:01.340 --> 01:10:04.159
Now you gotta remember, that's for three Aldermen seat,

01:10:04.159 --> 01:10:05.439
not eight.

01:10:06.619 --> 01:10:07.460
Right.

01:10:09.579 --> 01:10:11.380
Couple years will be great.

01:10:11.380 --> 01:10:12.420
If you don't think it's right,

01:10:12.420 --> 01:10:13.779
all you gotta do is say something.

01:10:13.779 --> 01:10:16.059
Somebody, for Christ's sake, say something.

01:10:16.059 --> 01:10:16.899
Yeah.

01:10:16.899 --> 01:10:17.720
We've been here 15 minutes.

01:10:17.720 --> 01:10:18.559
In minutes.

01:10:18.559 --> 01:10:20.260
On a topic we couldn't have done before.

01:10:20.260 --> 01:10:24.779
I agree, I agree, but I don't want to see it.

01:10:24.779 --> 01:10:29.099
So the discussion is on the 18.4% which amounts to $4,500.

01:10:29.099 --> 01:10:30.380
Alderman Sellers.

01:10:30.380 --> 01:10:33.939
I really don't think we should go 18% right now,

01:10:33.939 --> 01:10:35.460
but that's just me.

01:10:35.460 --> 01:10:36.699
I think that's a little high.

01:10:36.699 --> 01:10:37.380
What?

01:10:37.380 --> 01:10:43.460
I just think it's a little high to jump into on 18%.

01:10:43.460 --> 01:10:46.139
I can say five or five.

01:10:46.139 --> 01:10:47.300
Yes, Alderman Simmons.

01:10:47.300 --> 01:10:51.380
I'm sorry, we have spent millions of dollars

01:10:51.380 --> 01:10:55.220
in the snap of a finger and we have been debating

01:10:55.220 --> 01:10:58.619
not even a total of $35,000 a year

01:10:58.619 --> 01:11:01.699
and raises for almost 30 minutes.

01:11:01.699 --> 01:11:02.979
Can we please vote?

01:11:02.979 --> 01:11:03.979
Can we do something?

01:11:03.979 --> 01:11:05.059
Can we move it forward?

01:11:05.059 --> 01:11:05.899
Please.

01:11:07.460 --> 01:11:09.260
It's not even a hundred bucks a month.

01:11:09.260 --> 01:11:11.260
Powell.

01:11:16.239 --> 01:11:19.239
Okay. So is there more discussion?

01:11:24.539 --> 01:11:26.539
Okay.

01:11:28.680 --> 01:11:33.779
So there's the change that was suggested at a 3%. It's now

01:11:34.739 --> 01:11:38.359
been changed, so that's what we need to vote on. If that's

01:11:38.359 --> 01:11:39.359
Fowler.

01:11:39.359 --> 01:11:41.920
If that's what's moving forward to second reading.

01:11:41.920 --> 01:11:42.920
Any questions on that?

01:11:42.920 --> 01:11:43.920
Michelle?

01:11:43.920 --> 01:11:44.920
Can we round it?

01:11:44.920 --> 01:11:52.319
I mean, there's some, a long percentage, 18.4 dot whatever, can we round it?

01:11:52.319 --> 01:11:53.319
To simply say 4500?

01:11:53.319 --> 01:11:54.319
Yeah.

01:11:54.319 --> 01:11:55.800
Can we do that instead of a percentage?

01:11:55.800 --> 01:11:59.079
I think that that's actually what Alderman Klemm said it was 45.

01:11:59.079 --> 01:12:00.079
45.

01:12:00.079 --> 01:12:01.079
Okay.

01:12:01.079 --> 01:12:08.159
If there's no further discussion, can I call this or do we have to wait for the bathroom

01:12:08.159 --> 01:12:26.000
Breakover. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Monroe? Yes. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? No.

01:12:26.000 --> 01:12:38.880
Sanders is absent Sellers no Clem the motion passes five to two so that's not

01:12:38.880 --> 01:12:42.920
official gone through there's second reading that that's what's going forward

01:12:42.920 --> 01:12:52.000
on second reading in two weeks 18% so now let's talk about clerk salary five

01:12:52.000 --> 01:12:55.519
I'll second that.

01:12:55.519 --> 01:12:59.439
We have a motion on the floor, may be Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Simmons to raise

01:12:59.439 --> 01:13:02.399
the clerk position, five percent.

01:13:02.399 --> 01:13:04.319
Discussion on the clerk's position.

01:13:04.319 --> 01:13:05.319
Madam Mayor.

01:13:05.319 --> 01:13:06.319
Yes.

01:13:06.319 --> 01:13:07.319
What is five percent increase?

01:13:07.319 --> 01:13:08.319
Michelle?

01:13:08.319 --> 01:13:16.159
Quick question with that too, is it, so as we calculated, it was four percent year over

01:13:16.159 --> 01:13:20.479
year, so four percent and then the next year four percent on top and then four percent

01:13:20.479 --> 01:13:21.479
on top.

01:13:21.479 --> 01:13:27.319
so it's not a flat for each year so I just wanted to make sure that was clear

01:13:27.319 --> 01:13:33.319
and so if we're going to five we're going five plus five each year each year

01:13:33.319 --> 01:13:38.939
so yeah yes that's the way that what is what does that amount to from what the

01:13:38.939 --> 01:13:43.039
salary is right now at the end of this term

01:13:51.479 --> 01:13:55.639
10,200 per year, total, total in four years.

01:13:59.800 --> 01:14:00.939
Any further discussion?

01:14:02.680 --> 01:14:04.399
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:14:04.399 --> 01:14:05.239
Monroe?

01:14:07.000 --> 01:14:07.840
Aye.

01:14:07.840 --> 01:14:08.880
Simmons?

01:14:08.880 --> 01:14:09.699
Aye.

01:14:09.699 --> 01:14:10.539
Parker?

01:14:10.539 --> 01:14:11.380
Aye.

01:14:11.380 --> 01:14:12.199
Stacy?

01:14:13.599 --> 01:14:14.760
This is a joke.

01:14:21.479 --> 01:14:47.639
Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Alderperson, Sanders, do you want to vote on this or? Is that an aye? Passes 8 to 0.

01:14:51.479 --> 01:14:56.920
Okay, so that's what's moving forward to the second reading. Next item is the mayor's salary.

01:14:56.920 --> 01:14:58.920
Mayor's salary to remain the same.

01:15:02.880 --> 01:15:07.239
That's that's a motion made by Alderman Klemm. Is there a second?

01:15:10.319 --> 01:15:12.319
I will make a motion to...

01:15:13.319 --> 01:15:15.319
He don't have a second.

01:15:17.319 --> 01:15:19.319
I'll second it. Don't let it die.

01:15:21.479 --> 01:15:30.439
Okay, so we have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Simmons,

01:15:30.439 --> 01:15:39.039
to increase the mayor's salary by 0 percent. Any discussion? Madam Clerk, would you please

01:15:39.039 --> 01:15:40.039
take over?

01:15:40.039 --> 01:15:47.599
Oh, I have one question. Is that, is that because of, of the, you don't think the, the

01:15:47.599 --> 01:15:48.599
and Jodi.

01:15:48.599 --> 01:15:59.899
I have absolutely nothing against the job that is being done.

01:15:59.899 --> 01:16:06.680
The people that have been in it have more than put in their time, without a doubt Jodi

01:16:06.680 --> 01:16:11.319
has been there, has been really heavily involved in stuff.

01:16:11.319 --> 01:16:17.380
I am basing it upon the fact that years ago when it was put in place, if you take a look

01:16:47.380 --> 01:16:53.659
and you know it's not totally inclusive I mean call Michesney Park. Michesney Park

01:16:53.659 --> 01:16:57.300
is almost identical in population and their part-time mayor gets fifty one

01:16:57.300 --> 01:17:05.539
thousand fifty one thousand no but you can call and verify it if you want okay

01:17:05.539 --> 01:17:10.899
no no I appreciate that Michelle there were some communities I just couldn't

01:17:10.899 --> 01:17:29.099
and Stacey, if we go cheap, you're going to get cheap.

01:17:29.099 --> 01:17:34.059
You get what you pay for.

01:17:34.059 --> 01:17:41.659
Alderman Klemm Just a point, and it's not an argument whatsoever.

01:17:41.659 --> 01:17:47.139
How many times have you heard everybody say since we hired a city manager, we're paying

01:17:47.139 --> 01:17:53.979
150,000, I'm throwing out figures, they aren't actually accurate, okay, $150,000 here and

01:17:53.979 --> 01:18:01.220
a hundred and, or $28,000 here, you know, that's $175,000 and we used to do it for

01:18:01.220 --> 01:18:02.300
for how much money?

01:18:02.300 --> 01:18:03.139
Mm-hmm.

01:18:04.380 --> 01:18:06.939
So that's the only thing I'm basing it on.

01:18:06.939 --> 01:18:09.920
Well, maybe we're paying our city manager too much.

01:18:11.739 --> 01:18:14.059
Well, his salary is not for discussion right now, so.

01:18:14.059 --> 01:18:14.899
Uh-oh.

01:18:14.899 --> 01:18:15.739
Let's, I mean.

01:18:15.739 --> 01:18:16.579
Well, I'm just saying.

01:18:16.579 --> 01:18:17.599
I'm sorry.

01:18:18.699 --> 01:18:20.819
It's not, it's not, Larry.

01:18:20.819 --> 01:18:22.579
I'm finna have an argument.

01:18:22.579 --> 01:18:23.659
It's not, Larry.

01:18:23.659 --> 01:18:25.859
Maybe it's not debatable now.

01:18:25.859 --> 01:18:26.699
It's not, it will be.

01:18:26.699 --> 01:18:28.659
It's gotta be a, oh, okay.

01:18:28.659 --> 01:18:30.180
It will be, it's not now.

01:18:30.180 --> 01:18:40.899
Okay. Okay. So what's on the floor right now with the first and the second is a 0% increase. If you don't like it, then vote no. If you do, say yes. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:18:40.899 --> 01:18:58.099
Monroe? No. Simmons? No. Parker? No. Stacy? No. Shadle? No. Sanders? No. Sellers? No. And Klemm? Aye. I feel like I'm... The motion fails 7 to 1.

01:18:58.100 --> 01:19:02.979
Okay something has to be decided though. So I will make a motion that I was going to make earlier

01:19:02.979 --> 01:19:09.460
that we do this we we do the same as what we did for the City Clerk and it will be a five percent.

01:19:11.779 --> 01:19:20.019
Okay. And so is that a motion Alderman Monroe? Yes ma'am it's a motion. We have a motion made

01:19:20.019 --> 01:19:26.100
about Alderman Monroe to raise the mayor salary five percent. Is there a second? Yeah you heard

01:19:26.100 --> 01:19:32.260
Is that 5% every year? That's how the clerk and the mayor's positions are set.

01:19:32.260 --> 01:19:39.500
Yeah. So, seconded by Alderman Sanders. Right? Okay. Are you asking me again? I

01:19:39.500 --> 01:19:48.220
couldn't understand you. You weren't at the microphone. Oh, I'm sorry. Okay, so we

01:19:48.220 --> 01:19:53.500
have a motion and a second. Discussion on the 5%.

01:19:53.500 --> 01:19:56.500
and I am here to speak on the 5% and the discussion on the 5%.

01:19:56.500 --> 01:19:59.500
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:19:59.500 --> 01:20:00.500
Monroe.

01:20:00.500 --> 01:20:01.500
Yes.

01:20:01.500 --> 01:20:02.500
Simmons.

01:20:02.500 --> 01:20:03.500
Aye.

01:20:03.500 --> 01:20:04.500
Parker.

01:20:04.500 --> 01:20:05.500
Aye.

01:20:05.500 --> 01:20:06.500
Stacy.

01:20:06.500 --> 01:20:07.500
Aye.

01:20:07.500 --> 01:20:12.500
That's not a strong one.

01:20:12.500 --> 01:20:13.500
Aye.

01:20:13.500 --> 01:20:14.500
Shadle.

01:20:14.500 --> 01:20:15.500
No.

01:20:15.500 --> 01:20:16.500
Sanders.

01:20:16.500 --> 01:20:17.500
Aye.

01:20:17.500 --> 01:20:33.500
Shadle? No. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? No. Klemm? No. One, two, three, we do have five in favor, three opposed, the motion passes.

01:20:33.500 --> 01:20:45.500
Okay, so again, this is what moving on to the second reading. Okay. We're going to move on to item number 10, which is the first reading of ordinance 2024, and I have no idea what the double X is.

01:20:45.500 --> 01:20:51.500
That means the clerk forgot to put a number on there and it should be 106.

01:20:51.500 --> 01:20:57.500
Ordinance approving revised lease with Illinois Central Railroad for Brick Street Water Treatment Plant.

01:20:57.500 --> 01:20:59.500
Thank you. Manager Boyer.

01:20:59.500 --> 01:21:03.500
Thank you, Your Honor. The city owns the water treatment plant on Brick Street.

01:21:03.500 --> 01:21:11.500
It was built before 1900 on CN's property by the rail spur there.

01:21:11.500 --> 01:21:22.500
The proximity of the rail was for coal to be delivered to the water plant. When the water company first began in Freeport it was burning coal and running coal burning pumps.

01:21:22.500 --> 01:21:30.500
CN requires a lease agreement for the water plant located on this property. CN presented the city with an updated five-year lease.

01:21:30.500 --> 01:21:39.500
This lease has normal requirements including nuisance and protection of the rail, I'm sorry, insurance and protection for the railroad in the event of an emergency.

01:21:39.500 --> 01:22:09.500
and the city attorney prior to being presented and the lease in 1962 was $75 annually. That changed to basically $1,000 in 2023 and they've raised it to $2,000 in the next five years. So the cost is considered very reasonable with the majority of the 1900 water plant being located on CN's property adjacent to the rail line. It is anticipated with the proposed

01:22:09.500 --> 01:22:39.500
and Wellhouse 12 being brought online with the distribution system that it can be decommissioned eventually within the next several years. This lease can be canceled at that time if building demolition happens before the five years lapses. City will need to find funding for the facility decommissioning demolition, so that's not a guarantee right at the moment. We haven't, we're not moving in that budget right now, but it is anticipated the cost will vary, be somewhat

01:22:39.500 --> 01:22:46.979
Expensive, being that it's so close to the rail yard. So staff recommends that City Council move forward with the CN lease.

01:22:47.659 --> 01:22:49.659
Is there a motion to move this forward?

01:22:49.979 --> 01:22:51.659
So moved.

01:22:51.659 --> 01:22:53.659
Second.

01:22:56.539 --> 01:23:02.020
Okay, we have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion.

01:23:02.020 --> 01:23:11.340
Darin? Yeah, I just wanted to say that up on your screen, up there is the Brick Street

01:23:11.340 --> 01:23:17.500
Water Plant. It's the white building and also the tanks that are there to the right. So

01:23:17.500 --> 01:23:21.479
you can see the proximity to the line. These lines aren't perfect because they're downloaded

01:23:21.479 --> 01:23:26.659
off of WindJS, but it's very close. So we do have quite a bit of real estate that is

01:23:26.659 --> 01:23:32.819
is on top of the CN rail, so the lease is considered very reasonable.

01:23:32.819 --> 01:23:38.020
They know that our eventual idea is to decommission this plant and remove it.

01:23:38.020 --> 01:23:42.659
The reason it's so close is years ago, the white box that's clearly close to the trail

01:23:42.659 --> 01:23:48.439
was where coal was delivered many, many years ago.

01:23:48.439 --> 01:23:54.420
They are requiring insurance upgrades, but based on any accident that would happen there,

01:23:54.420 --> 01:23:55.060
and

01:23:55.060 --> 01:23:58.239
the insurance that they're asking for is extremely reasonable.

01:23:58.239 --> 01:24:03.039
Alderman Sandler.

01:24:03.039 --> 01:24:08.979
Yeah, whenever we are looking at things through the projectors,

01:24:08.979 --> 01:24:12.300
as far as maps, pictures or whatever the case is,

01:24:12.300 --> 01:24:17.279
we need to do better with the surveys

01:24:17.279 --> 01:24:22.560
of displaying what is actually on the ground as opposed to

01:24:22.560 --> 01:24:37.319
We're not getting a full view, as great as technology is, and cell phones with pictures

01:24:37.319 --> 01:24:44.640
and movies, we should be able to display those types of images on our screen so we can see

01:24:44.640 --> 01:24:52.039
what actual location, what that building is for.

01:24:52.039 --> 01:24:57.119
We're not getting enough information is what I'm getting at, and I think we can do better.

01:24:57.119 --> 01:25:05.119
We should be able to do better because the options are there, the data is there, the

01:25:05.119 --> 01:25:12.159
pictures and everything can be available to that projector or whatever, but I think we

01:25:12.159 --> 01:25:19.000
should do better than what we're getting because I'm in here looking around at this map, but

01:25:19.000 --> 01:25:27.199
I don't know what the buildings are, and I don't know what the adjacent of the railroad is to those buildings or the will itself.

01:25:27.199 --> 01:25:31.199
Well, first of all, if you want to do better, read the memo.

01:25:31.199 --> 01:25:35.199
No, no, that has nothing to do with it. See, there you go again.

01:25:35.199 --> 01:25:38.399
That has nothing to do with it. I want a better image.

01:25:38.399 --> 01:25:42.300
Better images are available. That's what I'm getting at.

01:25:42.300 --> 01:25:47.800
Let me clarify. There would be not a better image than this to show where things are because

01:25:47.800 --> 01:25:51.520
The entire tree line around the water plant and the rail is wooded.

01:25:51.520 --> 01:25:54.760
So if I even went and took pictures of it, you'd see nothing but trees.

01:25:55.079 --> 01:25:56.359
So this is the best angle.

01:25:56.359 --> 01:25:59.520
This is the 1900 Brick Street Water Plant.

01:25:59.520 --> 01:26:03.479
This is where 75% of our water used to go to.

01:26:03.479 --> 01:26:05.640
The well fields are out here next to the river.

01:26:05.960 --> 01:26:08.800
And this is the the water storage tank.

01:26:09.000 --> 01:26:12.039
We have water mains that run under the rail adjacently.

01:26:12.600 --> 01:26:14.560
And this is the old coal chute.

01:26:14.560 --> 01:26:18.399
and this box right here is all railroad property.

01:26:18.399 --> 01:26:24.960
Yeah. Well, the first look is that it's what you're trying to display or indicate to us.

01:26:24.960 --> 01:26:31.039
But if we wanted to revisit those photos, that map again and look at more detail,

01:26:31.039 --> 01:26:37.760
we should be able to have that detail to be more vivid than what it is.

01:26:37.760 --> 01:26:44.000
And so just you just are trying to explain to us what is what from this map.

01:26:44.000 --> 01:26:49.159
it's not good enough, it's not efficient enough and I know that it could be done

01:26:49.159 --> 01:26:53.159
better so if we're gonna be if we're gonna be watching these kinds of things

01:26:53.159 --> 01:27:00.560
let us let us get better photos and better understanding of what we're

01:27:00.560 --> 01:27:06.300
looking at because right now everybody is not on the same page as you are this is

01:27:06.300 --> 01:27:10.880
the this is our first look well I would like to say frankly I think this is a

01:27:10.880 --> 01:27:13.800
is a very easy discussion.

01:27:13.800 --> 01:27:17.399
Our facility is located on CN's property.

01:27:17.399 --> 01:27:20.479
They're requiring us to sign a lease and insure it.

01:27:20.479 --> 01:27:23.199
I don't think we really have a choice in the matter.

01:27:23.199 --> 01:27:25.439
It's a very reasonable amount.

01:27:25.439 --> 01:27:28.840
And so I really feel like this is a really simple discussion.

01:27:28.840 --> 01:27:32.199
We can't remove the facility because it's still active.

01:27:32.199 --> 01:27:35.800
It's been there for the better part of 100 years.

01:27:35.800 --> 01:27:39.079
And so I think it's a very simple concept that $2,000 is pretty cheap.

01:27:39.079 --> 01:28:09.079
I didn't want you to, I didn't miss that point that you're making, but what I'm saying is for visual purposes, what you're pointing to right now, half of everyone in here does not understand that one thing that you were demonstrating and what facilities and buildings that you're indicating, so we're not getting the efficiency from the viewpoint that we need to be looking at so we can have a better look at what buildings

01:28:09.079 --> 01:28:16.659
We're talking about that if we decide to want to visit that site, then we'll know what building

01:28:16.659 --> 01:28:18.359
that we're visiting.

01:28:18.359 --> 01:28:19.359
Right now?

01:28:19.359 --> 01:28:20.359
Right now.

01:28:20.359 --> 01:28:21.359
It's a secured site.

01:28:21.359 --> 01:28:22.359
Nobody can visit it.

01:28:22.359 --> 01:28:28.000
Well, the point is, whether it's secured or not, if we wanted to visit it, we still don't

01:28:28.000 --> 01:28:29.479
know what we're looking at.

01:28:29.479 --> 01:28:30.479
That's all I'm saying.

01:28:30.479 --> 01:28:35.199
So the photos or pictures or videos or whatever is not available to us.

01:28:35.199 --> 01:28:38.680
Only this image here.

01:28:38.680 --> 01:28:41.680
That's all we're getting and I think we can do better than that.

01:28:41.680 --> 01:28:48.239
Let's move up to the 21st century and get better vivid picture details.

01:28:48.239 --> 01:28:53.440
I think the photos and the display is just fine and I appreciate your efforts, Darren.

01:28:53.440 --> 01:28:57.560
Thank you.

01:28:57.560 --> 01:29:00.420
If there's no further discussion, we're moving that forward to the next City Council

01:29:00.420 --> 01:29:01.420
meeting.

01:29:01.420 --> 01:29:02.420
Thank you.

01:29:02.420 --> 01:29:07.560
Move on to item number 11, which is the adoption of resolution 2024-106.

01:29:07.560 --> 01:29:11.359
would you please read this? Resolution approving Fehr Graham construction

01:29:11.359 --> 01:29:15.640
engineering agreement for Shawnee and Hancock viaduct improvements. Thank you.

01:29:15.640 --> 01:29:20.279
Manager Boyer. Thank you your honor. The city had a public bid opening on

01:29:20.279 --> 01:29:24.960
September 10th for the Shawnee Hancock viaduct improvement project. Again, can we

01:29:24.960 --> 01:29:30.760
put that one up on the screen? Okay. So the viaduct project requires replacing

01:29:30.760 --> 01:29:35.000
the water main, the storm sewer, and lowering the road by two and a half feet

01:29:35.000 --> 01:29:41.960
to allow semi-truck traffic and safety equipment to enter the Arcade area from the viaduct location

01:29:41.960 --> 01:29:48.840
permanently. Alternate solutions to this roadway issue were studied and are not cost-effective due

01:29:48.840 --> 01:29:51.880
to CN not allowing new track crossings.

01:29:51.880 --> 01:29:53.720
Crossings.

01:29:53.720 --> 01:29:58.640
The city project requires full-time construction engineering efforts for this technical project

01:29:58.640 --> 01:30:05.039
in the proximity of the CN Railway.

01:30:05.039 --> 01:30:10.680
The viaduct project has been the city's long-term project list for over 10 years, and it is

01:30:10.680 --> 01:30:14.359
a permanent solution to access to the east side of the viaduct.

01:30:14.359 --> 01:30:19.800
The project will be split between a fiscal year 24 and 25 budget.

01:30:19.800 --> 01:30:24.239
The project funding will come from the water, sewer, storm, and street funds to complete

01:30:24.239 --> 01:30:30.920
and there are resident engineering requirements with the west abutment to allow the lowering

01:30:30.920 --> 01:30:32.319
of the roadway.

01:30:32.319 --> 01:30:39.279
The project is expected to be completed in May of 2025 with final paving and city staff

01:30:39.279 --> 01:30:45.960
recommends city council approve the Fehr Graham professional services agreement to lower the

01:30:45.960 --> 01:30:49.720
Shawnee viaduct roadway.

01:30:49.720 --> 01:30:55.920
So as you're looking there, this is required so that trucks can get underneath there.

01:30:55.920 --> 01:31:00.880
Also moving vans, school buses, anything like that.

01:31:00.880 --> 01:31:04.440
It would be necessary to lower this two and a half feet for that to happen.

01:31:04.440 --> 01:31:09.520
This is also part and parcel to getting the Hancock Bridge deck replaced and the guard

01:31:09.520 --> 01:31:10.520
rails.

01:31:10.520 --> 01:31:16.340
So without this additional avenue, we would not be able to work on the Hancock Bridge.

01:31:16.340 --> 01:31:20.300
Right now we're looking at about a two million, two and a half million dollar upgrade to the

01:31:20.300 --> 01:31:25.539
Hancock Bridge and there really isn't any other choice except for going with a full reconstruct

01:31:25.539 --> 01:31:29.260
on the bridge and I think estimates came in over fourteen million dollars for that.

01:31:29.260 --> 01:31:34.900
So this is really an important project we need to move forward on so that we can have

01:31:34.900 --> 01:31:37.500
alternate access to the arcade.

01:31:37.500 --> 01:31:38.900
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:31:38.900 --> 01:31:39.900
So moved.

01:31:39.900 --> 01:31:40.900
Second.

01:31:40.900 --> 01:31:50.420
Okay, motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm. Discussion, Alderman Stacy?

01:31:50.420 --> 01:31:54.900
And how much did you say this was going to cost?

01:31:54.900 --> 01:32:05.859
This agreement is, I'll pull that right back up here. Darren, would you go ahead and give me that?

01:32:05.859 --> 01:32:12.859
Yeah, it's item 14 on tonight's agenda. You're talking about the construction, correct?

01:32:12.859 --> 01:32:15.859
I'm talking about lowering the street.

01:32:15.859 --> 01:32:16.859
Okay.

01:32:16.859 --> 01:32:29.859
The low bid was $1,292,388.25. So almost $1.3 million.

01:32:29.859 --> 01:32:32.859
But that's for the later...

01:32:32.859 --> 01:32:40.859
That is for Item 14. That is for the construction. That's the approval of the bid. This contract is for $138,600.

01:32:44.859 --> 01:32:46.859
I don't know what you just gave me.

01:32:47.859 --> 01:32:49.859
So you asked for the total construction cost.

01:32:49.859 --> 01:32:51.859
$138,600?

01:32:52.859 --> 01:32:58.859
That's the price of the construction engineering $138,600. Item 14 that's on the agenda tonight.

01:32:58.859 --> 01:33:09.060
Okay, no, I'm not on, I'm on 11. 11 is $138,600. And that's to lower the street? No, that's

01:33:09.060 --> 01:33:18.899
for the engineering required to be in the field while they lower the segment. What is

01:33:18.900 --> 01:33:19.900
Winslow.

01:33:19.900 --> 01:33:27.500
That is the cost of the project in lowering the street and everything.

01:33:27.500 --> 01:33:28.940
That is item number 14.

01:33:28.940 --> 01:33:30.659
That is on the bid tonight.

01:33:30.659 --> 01:33:41.699
Item 14 on your agenda and it is roughly $1.3 million.

01:33:41.699 --> 01:33:45.739
So is there any further discussion on the engineering portion number 11?

01:33:45.739 --> 01:33:47.940
And we have the permission from the train?

01:33:47.940 --> 01:33:53.940
Yes, we do. Yeah, we have a permit from CN to move forward with the project.

01:33:55.940 --> 01:33:59.940
Alderman Monroe. One quick question. What's the risk of something going wrong?

01:33:59.940 --> 01:34:05.940
Because, I mean, that's been there quite a while. Yeah, so we had structural engineers,

01:34:05.940 --> 01:34:11.940
and specifically we had HDR involved as our subcontractor. They're the lead engineer for CN Rail.

01:34:11.940 --> 01:34:16.940
They've studied the abutments. The east abutment, which in this picture would be the right hand one,

01:34:16.940 --> 01:34:46.940
C.N. came out and evaluated and said while the surface area on it's cracked, it's structurally sound, and so they've investigated two or three different structural ways to fix it. They're basically asked us to put shoring in to make sure the abutment doesn't move, and then there's also some anchoring that we can do to make sure that the abutment doesn't move, and then there's also some anchoring that we can do to make sure that the abutment doesn't move.

01:34:46.940 --> 01:34:57.699
C.E.

01:34:57.699 --> 01:34:58.699
and Stacey.

01:34:58.699 --> 01:35:27.060
And what was the reason why we couldn't use the space to the right of the west side?

01:35:27.060 --> 01:35:30.860
In this picture that would be to the inertia side, which would be to the right side, there

01:35:30.860 --> 01:35:36.239
is a single pass that goes back behind inertia and goes to their back.

01:35:36.239 --> 01:35:41.819
It's a private entrance that the rail owns in them, but it's only single lane, so only

01:35:41.819 --> 01:35:45.779
single lane trucks could get through there and there is no road to get back through there.

01:35:45.779 --> 01:35:48.739
That road only goes through inertia.

01:35:48.739 --> 01:35:53.779
Inertia has an agreement with the city right now until we can get this repaired to use

01:35:53.779 --> 01:35:54.779
and others.

01:35:54.779 --> 01:35:58.159
We use that as emergency access in case we have flooding, in case something ever happens

01:35:58.159 --> 01:36:03.300
with this particular access point, because we really, the bridge is in horrendous shape

01:36:03.300 --> 01:36:07.659
at the moment and, you know, getting worse every day, and if something were to happen

01:36:07.659 --> 01:36:11.619
this, the arcade people and businesses would be trapped back there.

01:36:11.619 --> 01:36:13.220
There is no other pass.

01:36:13.220 --> 01:36:18.460
I also want to tell you guys that I explained this when we designed this, but we looked

01:36:18.460 --> 01:36:20.980
for alternate modes of transportation.

01:36:20.980 --> 01:36:26.000
We looked for a bridge passing, something else to get around here, maybe coming off Singer

01:36:26.000 --> 01:36:27.900
by the jail.

01:36:27.900 --> 01:36:29.140
Nothing else was affordable.

01:36:29.140 --> 01:36:32.900
A bridge over the end of Singer I think was around $4 million.

01:36:32.900 --> 01:36:37.500
CN will not permit another crossing across the rail itself.

01:36:37.500 --> 01:36:44.060
They're trying to eliminate crossings because it's a huge liability risk for them.

01:36:44.060 --> 01:36:48.980
I would say working with them, they've been gracious enough to try to help Freeport find

01:36:48.980 --> 01:36:54.900
and the cheapest and most economical way to undertake this project so it's affordable.

01:36:54.900 --> 01:37:03.079
And the entire Hancock Bridge project that is coming next summer is all contingent upon

01:37:03.079 --> 01:37:04.579
this work being done.

01:37:04.579 --> 01:37:10.539
The Hancock Bridge will be taken down for at least seven to nine months to rehab it

01:37:10.539 --> 01:37:11.900
in place.

01:37:11.899 --> 01:37:21.819
and in order to do that we have to have access, permanent semi-access through this BIDOC here.

01:37:21.819 --> 01:37:24.859
Just so everybody can see that sign says 11 foot 5.

01:37:24.859 --> 01:37:29.539
We will be reducing the bridge or increasing the bridge to 14 foot 6, which is lowering

01:37:29.539 --> 01:37:32.940
the pavement approximately 3 feet.

01:37:32.940 --> 01:37:34.940
Alderman Sanders.

01:37:34.940 --> 01:37:43.020
Yeah, is there any other alternative temporary roads that we can install in that in the arcade

01:37:43.020 --> 01:37:47.380
area so that we can have traffic continuously moving?

01:37:47.380 --> 01:37:55.480
So the rail goes eastbound here and continues all the way, you know, out by Highway 20.

01:37:55.480 --> 01:37:59.840
There is no passing across there to get back into the arcade.

01:37:59.840 --> 01:38:02.779
There is that emergency pass we just talked about.

01:38:02.779 --> 01:38:14.659
There's a dirt two-track path that runs back behind, I can't think of the business name,

01:38:14.659 --> 01:38:20.819
the old train depot, I can't remember the name of their business, Ultrasonic, excuse

01:38:20.819 --> 01:38:21.819
me.

01:38:21.819 --> 01:38:26.180
It runs through their property, so we physically don't have any access to that.

01:38:26.180 --> 01:38:30.579
In an emergency, I'm sure that they would let people through, but it floods back there

01:38:30.579 --> 01:38:34.900
and others are quite often as well so it's not a regular pass and then there is no other

01:38:34.900 --> 01:38:41.780
access across the tracks except for at Stevenson Street so this is pretty vital to the well-being

01:38:41.780 --> 01:38:45.619
of the people that live back in the arcade.

01:38:45.619 --> 01:38:51.460
I would also tell you right now I believe the Chief would be able to back me up on this

01:38:51.460 --> 01:38:58.100
but if we had a very emergent situation and something happened to the bridge right now

01:38:58.100 --> 01:39:03.300
No other fire rescue team other than the City of Freeport themselves would be able to respond

01:39:03.300 --> 01:39:06.180
because they wouldn't be able to get under this viaduct.

01:39:06.180 --> 01:39:09.819
We have special equipment that would allow them to get through there.

01:39:09.819 --> 01:39:12.500
Our rural partners do not have that.

01:39:12.500 --> 01:39:15.980
Alderman Minoruika, we're here.

01:39:15.980 --> 01:39:18.220
Thank you Madam Mayor.

01:39:18.220 --> 01:39:23.680
So it's a lot going on and I do believe we talked about with the Chief before that our

01:39:23.680 --> 01:39:26.980
equipment is all that can get back there.

01:39:26.980 --> 01:39:32.920
but is the Arcade Ave coming up to that point, is it going to be sufficient to support the

01:39:32.920 --> 01:39:36.619
type of traffic that's going to be going through there or are we going to have to look at redoing

01:39:36.619 --> 01:39:37.619
that after this?

01:39:37.619 --> 01:39:43.060
No, actually not that it doesn't need to be redone but Arcade Avenue, I'm not talking

01:39:43.060 --> 01:39:47.119
about going down Shawnee, that would not be a truck route but Arcade itself is a truck

01:39:47.119 --> 01:39:51.860
route and Hancock is built as a truck route too so while they need resurfacing

01:39:51.860 --> 01:39:56.420
Doe, so while they need resurfacing, they're actually built for semi-traffic and that makes

01:39:56.420 --> 01:40:01.100
a logical termini to the new Adams Street that, you know, we're finishing up.

01:40:01.100 --> 01:40:05.940
So it does make sense ultimately for that traffic.

01:40:05.940 --> 01:40:06.940
Perfect.

01:40:06.940 --> 01:40:07.940
Thank you.

01:40:07.940 --> 01:40:08.940
Alderman Sanders.

01:40:08.940 --> 01:40:21.820
Yeah, the southeast areas of that arcade where the residents live, there's no pathway to

01:40:21.820 --> 01:40:26.220
to make that as an alternative so people can at least

01:40:26.220 --> 01:40:30.980
make a detour, put detours through, that's not an option.

01:40:30.980 --> 01:40:34.460
No, we looked, I believe it's off of 13th Avenue,

01:40:34.460 --> 01:40:36.540
there's a spot that could have probably been

01:40:36.540 --> 01:40:40.340
maybe a logical crossing into one of the factory

01:40:40.340 --> 01:40:43.580
parking lots that's over there, CN won't permit it

01:40:43.580 --> 01:40:46.980
because they don't want any more track crossing across.

01:40:46.980 --> 01:40:50.500
If you go farther to the east, the rail actually embeds

01:40:50.500 --> 01:40:52.720
pretty much underground in both directions.

01:40:52.720 --> 01:40:54.640
So that would require a bridge going over,

01:40:54.640 --> 01:40:57.940
which would be way more expensive than what this would be.

01:40:57.940 --> 01:40:59.860
That'd be over by the Singer location.

01:40:59.860 --> 01:41:02.440
So we did a lot of investigation.

01:41:02.440 --> 01:41:06.160
There just really is not a good path to get through

01:41:06.160 --> 01:41:09.320
other than these two access points, this one and the bridge.

01:41:09.320 --> 01:41:11.440
Everything else is private access.

01:41:15.420 --> 01:41:17.680
There's no further discussion.

01:41:17.680 --> 01:41:19.360
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:41:20.500 --> 01:41:33.500
Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye.

01:41:33.500 --> 01:41:39.540
And Klemm? Aye. The resolution is adopted 8-0. Item number 12 is the adoption of resolution

01:41:39.540 --> 01:41:45.780
2024-107. Could you please read this? Resolution authorizing execution and amendment of downstate

01:41:45.780 --> 01:41:51.220
Operating Assistance Program or the DOPE Grant Agreement for Fiscal Year 2025.

01:41:51.220 --> 01:41:52.220
Thank you.

01:41:52.220 --> 01:41:53.220
Director Duckman.

01:41:53.220 --> 01:41:54.220
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:41:54.220 --> 01:41:59.260
The City of Freeport operates the Pretzel City Area Transit Program, which is essentially

01:41:59.260 --> 01:42:04.500
our bus program for not only the City of Freeport, but also Stevenson County.

01:42:04.500 --> 01:42:11.780
And this program is funded largely in part to the Downstate Operating Assistance Program,

01:42:11.780 --> 01:42:19.140
Sterling, nearly 1.3 million dollars and what is presented in this resolution is to accept

01:42:19.140 --> 01:42:24.580
these grant funds and staff is recommending approval of this resolution.

01:42:24.580 --> 01:42:25.820
Is there a motion to approve?

01:42:25.820 --> 01:42:26.820
So moved.

01:42:26.820 --> 01:42:27.820
Second.

01:42:27.820 --> 01:42:31.980
A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

01:42:31.980 --> 01:42:32.980
Discussion?

01:42:32.980 --> 01:42:37.540
Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:42:37.540 --> 01:42:38.540
Monroe?

01:42:38.540 --> 01:42:39.540
Aye.

01:42:39.540 --> 01:42:40.540
Simmons?

01:42:40.540 --> 01:42:41.540
Aye.

01:42:41.540 --> 01:42:48.220
Tracy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm.

01:42:48.220 --> 01:42:51.300
The resolution is adapted 8-0.

01:42:51.300 --> 01:42:54.620
Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2024-108.

01:42:54.620 --> 01:42:56.380
Could you please read this?

01:42:56.380 --> 01:43:00.500
Resolution approving a grant agreement with the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System

01:43:00.500 --> 01:43:06.740
regarding less lethal alternatives for law enforcement for a less lethal device grant.

01:43:06.740 --> 01:43:08.140
Thank you.

01:43:08.140 --> 01:43:09.140
Chief Shenberger?

01:43:09.140 --> 01:43:10.140
Thank you, Mayor.

01:43:10.140 --> 01:43:16.380
In the summer of 2024, staff applied for the fiscal year 25 less lethal alternatives for

01:43:16.380 --> 01:43:20.920
law enforcement grant offered by the State of Illinois. The grant would allow departments

01:43:20.920 --> 01:43:25.460
throughout the State of Illinois to upgrade their conducted energy device programs with

01:43:25.460 --> 01:43:31.140
the Taser 7 or Taser 10 devices. Freeport Police Department requires officers to carry

01:43:31.140 --> 01:43:38.620
a CED as a less lethal use of force option. The current devices used by the Freeport Police

01:43:38.620 --> 01:43:46.140
Police Department are the Axon X26P, which came out in 2013, and the Axon X2, which came

01:43:46.140 --> 01:43:48.260
out in 2011.

01:43:48.260 --> 01:43:53.020
Both of these devices have been in service for more than 10 years.

01:43:53.020 --> 01:43:58.300
Axon has indicated the company will be discontinuing the use of both models in the near future,

01:43:58.300 --> 01:44:03.060
thus requiring agencies to upgrade to the Taser 7 or Taser 10.

01:44:03.060 --> 01:44:07.500
United States Department of Justice, in conjunction with the Police Executive Research Forum,

01:44:07.500 --> 01:44:10.880
has found that CEDs when used appropriately

01:44:10.880 --> 01:44:12.880
and with a full understanding of their risks

01:44:12.880 --> 01:44:15.580
are a useful device that can effectively help

01:44:15.580 --> 01:44:18.140
to resolve serious situations.

01:44:18.140 --> 01:44:21.780
CEDs can reduce the need for other force options

01:44:21.780 --> 01:44:25.260
and can enable officers to subdue actively resisting

01:44:26.580 --> 01:44:29.680
or aggressive subjects while lowering the rates of injury

01:44:29.680 --> 01:44:33.360
to law enforcement officers and subjects.

01:44:33.360 --> 01:44:36.440
The Freeport Police Department has the most current

01:44:36.440 --> 01:44:40.720
and acceptable lexical policy outlining the use of CEDs.

01:44:40.720 --> 01:44:42.200
Freeport Police Department also has

01:44:42.200 --> 01:44:45.720
two certified CED instructors on staff

01:44:45.720 --> 01:44:48.360
and require annual recertification

01:44:48.360 --> 01:44:51.200
that involves scenario-based training curriculum

01:44:51.200 --> 01:44:53.640
that is certified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training

01:44:53.640 --> 01:44:55.240
and Standards Board.

01:44:55.240 --> 01:44:57.200
On October 1st, staff was informed

01:44:57.200 --> 01:44:58.400
that the Freeport Police Department

01:44:58.400 --> 01:45:02.080
has been awarded five Taser 10 packages,

01:45:02.080 --> 01:45:03.080
and more.

01:45:03.080 --> 01:45:21.340
This award will significantly upgrade the Freeport Police Department CED program and

01:45:21.340 --> 01:45:26.000
offset future costs of updating the program.

01:45:26.000 --> 01:45:32.060
There is no funding for this because we essentially purchased these packages and then reimbursed

01:45:32.060 --> 01:45:40.620
by the State of Illinois. Thank you, Chief. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second.

01:45:40.620 --> 01:45:47.000
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion?

01:45:47.000 --> 01:45:56.020
Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye.

01:45:56.020 --> 01:46:07.180
Sanders, Sellers, and Klemm. The resolution is adopted 8 to 0. Bids were

01:46:07.180 --> 01:46:12.100
opened on September 10th 2024 for the Shawnee and Hancock viaduct improvements.

01:46:12.100 --> 01:46:16.820
Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you your honor. The city held a public bid opening

01:46:16.820 --> 01:46:20.620
on September 10th as previously discussed for the Shawnee Hancock

01:46:20.620 --> 01:46:27.300
Park, Viaduct Improvements. There was one bidder, City Staff, our engineers, in two

01:46:27.300 --> 01:46:32.180
local bids from, I'm sorry, from Helm Group and Civil Freeport, was the lowest responsive

01:46:32.180 --> 01:46:40.900
bidder at $1,292,388.25. The bid was just over the engineering estimate for the project.

01:46:40.900 --> 01:46:46.580
City engineers received and obtained CN permission to do the construction at Hancock and Shawnee.

01:46:46.580 --> 01:46:55.080
The project will be split between fiscal year 2024 and 2025, and staff recommendation to move forward with the Helm Group bid.

01:46:57.080 --> 01:47:00.080
Is there a motion to approve the bid as stated?

01:47:00.080 --> 01:47:01.580
So moved.

01:47:01.580 --> 01:47:02.580
Second.

01:47:02.580 --> 01:47:07.080
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

01:47:07.080 --> 01:47:09.080
Discussion on the bid?

01:47:11.580 --> 01:47:13.080
Alderman Sanders.

01:47:13.080 --> 01:47:26.080
I understand we got, I'm sorry, I understand the Helms Group and Civil, they're the same, right?

01:47:26.080 --> 01:47:27.080
Yes.

01:47:27.080 --> 01:47:33.080
But what I don't see is any other bidders. Have we considered any other bidders?

01:47:33.080 --> 01:47:39.080
Yeah, there's two bidders on the job that was in the packet. Helm Group, which is Civil,

01:47:39.080 --> 01:47:47.080
and the second was Fishers Excavating. Both bidders were off report. They were bid very close together.

01:47:47.080 --> 01:47:55.080
A matter of fact, they were 1.4% difference in cost or $19,000. So it's a very tight bid for something this large.

01:47:55.080 --> 01:48:01.080
It's in your packet. Both of them were in your packet.

01:48:01.080 --> 01:48:04.080
They're both in the package for consideration?

01:48:04.080 --> 01:48:05.080
No.

01:48:05.080 --> 01:48:08.080
The city is moving forward with one, but both are in your packet.

01:48:08.080 --> 01:48:14.960
We're moving forward. We're asking to move forward with the lowest

01:48:14.960 --> 01:48:19.680
responsive bidder which was Helm Group. So you're gonna hold another bidding even

01:48:19.680 --> 01:48:22.840
in the package because you gotta have one or the other. Are they working

01:48:22.840 --> 01:48:26.800
together? Are they jointly working together? They both had independent bids.

01:48:26.800 --> 01:48:30.880
Helm Group had one bid. Fishers had another bid. Helm was the lowest

01:48:30.880 --> 01:48:34.600
responsive bidder so they will be the final awarded if you approve it. Okay

01:48:34.600 --> 01:48:38.600
Okay, that's what I was getting at. Yeah, that's what I was getting at.

01:48:42.600 --> 01:48:52.600
Alderman Monroe. So this comes up occasionally. Can you explain how the bids are, how they're placed, you know?

01:48:52.600 --> 01:49:02.600
Sure. So all the city bids that Fehr Graham or the city staff's a part of, if you run them through Fehr Graham,

01:49:02.600 --> 01:49:10.000
We have a bid site, it's called quest.cbn, and it is a professional bidding site.

01:49:10.000 --> 01:49:16.300
Many contractors in the Midwest pay to be part of this service, and then anytime a project

01:49:16.300 --> 01:49:23.980
comes out, for instance, this one would check Watermain, Storm, Road, Railway, they automatically

01:49:23.980 --> 01:49:27.100
get notifications if they assign for those notifications.

01:49:27.100 --> 01:49:32.100
So it's instant, as soon as we post it, they get a notification, City Freeport has a bid,

01:49:32.100 --> 01:49:36.100
Blah, blah, blah. If you're interested, you can download the package, right?

01:49:36.100 --> 01:49:40.540
We also do a local paper ad that's required by city ordinance.

01:49:40.540 --> 01:49:45.540
So we file a paper ad. It runs in an edition.

01:49:45.540 --> 01:49:49.860
Anybody locally can contact us for the bid packets if they wish to.

01:49:49.860 --> 01:49:51.860
When you're talking about a project of this

01:49:51.860 --> 01:50:21.860
when you're talking about a project of this nature it's very specialized there's only a handful of people around that could even handle something like this with CN that's why you see very reduced bidders plus the market's been pretty flush with work this year and we're leading into the end of the season where everybody's struggling to get the work done they have on the books so far so it's not surprising to me that we only got two bidders and you should remember I don't remember what the exact number is

01:50:21.860 --> 01:50:30.500
Group is one of the largest contractors in the Midwest, and physically do a lot of structure work type like this.

01:50:32.300 --> 01:50:32.740
Follow up.

01:50:33.380 --> 01:50:39.300
Thank you, man. So when the bids are delivered, are they delivered in person or are they mailed in or how does that work?

01:50:39.340 --> 01:50:49.700
They can do both. Any city bid can be mailed in or delivered on the day, they have to be checked in to the clerk. Dovie has to

01:50:49.700 --> 01:50:59.700
to check them in with a time and a date stamp, and then they're open publicly at the meeting room that anybody can come to, and they're open in the order that they're received.

01:51:00.700 --> 01:51:02.700
Thank you. Yep.

01:51:03.700 --> 01:51:07.700
Okay, so if there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:51:07.700 --> 01:51:08.700
Monroe? Aye.

01:51:08.700 --> 01:51:10.700
Simmons? Aye.

01:51:10.700 --> 01:51:11.700
Parker? Aye.

01:51:11.700 --> 01:51:13.700
Stacy? Aye.

01:51:13.700 --> 01:51:15.700
Shadle? Abstain.

01:51:15.700 --> 01:51:17.700
Sanders? Aye.

01:51:17.700 --> 01:51:18.700
Sellers? Aye.

01:51:18.700 --> 01:51:27.220
and Clem. The motion passes 7-0 with one abstention. And item number 15 if you

01:51:27.220 --> 01:51:36.020
could read this approval. Another bid was opened on September 12, 2024 for CD007-2024

01:51:36.020 --> 01:51:43.460
for rehabilitation of a single home at 749 East Center Street. Thank you Madam

01:51:43.460 --> 01:51:47.500
Mayor. The City of Freeport was awarded the Community Development Block Grants

01:51:47.500 --> 01:51:53.300
Hicks, Housing Rehabilitation, in the amount of $550,000.

01:51:53.300 --> 01:52:01.500
And in this particular grant, $64,000 is allocated to grant administration and a total of $486,000

01:52:01.500 --> 01:52:05.640
goes to the rehabilitation of homes.

01:52:05.640 --> 01:52:10.420
And working with our state agency, that's the Department of Commerce Economic Opportunity,

01:52:10.420 --> 01:52:18.220
the DCEO, currently we are awarded to have $60,000 in rehabilitation of homes.

01:52:18.220 --> 01:52:24.420
So a little detail here, many people locally know this as the Adams Avenue Corridor Rehabilitation

01:52:24.420 --> 01:52:25.420
Grant.

01:52:25.420 --> 01:52:32.800
This was started in 2021 and since I've been here we have been working tirelessly with

01:52:32.800 --> 01:52:37.780
two different consultants through that period and we are now at that finish line where we

01:52:37.780 --> 01:52:43.320
We are bringing, excuse me, bringing aid to our first property owner.

01:52:43.320 --> 01:52:49.340
So what is being presented to you is a, we had a bid opening for this.

01:52:49.340 --> 01:52:51.640
We had one bidder.

01:52:51.640 --> 01:52:58.340
It was properly noticed in similar fashion as Mr. Steekle just explained.

01:52:58.340 --> 01:53:08.300
And so when the bid was opened, we received a lowest responsible bid of $52,925, which

01:53:08.300 --> 01:53:12.460
some of the highlights that was included in the scope of work is the installation of 16

01:53:12.460 --> 01:53:20.040
new windows, a new electrical system, exterior siding repairs, stair replacement, and interior

01:53:20.040 --> 01:53:25.480
drywall patching, among other things that were attached in the scope of work.

01:53:25.480 --> 01:53:29.880
and staff is recommending approval of this resolution.

01:53:29.880 --> 01:53:37.400
And that would be entering into an agreement to for in a total amount of $52,000 and $52,925

01:53:37.400 --> 01:53:42.560
for CMM and Associates to perform the work rehabilitation services at 749 East Center

01:53:42.560 --> 01:53:43.560
Street.

01:53:43.560 --> 01:53:44.560
Is there a motion to approve?

01:53:44.560 --> 01:53:45.560
So move.

01:53:45.560 --> 01:53:46.560
Second.

01:53:46.560 --> 01:53:51.400
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

01:53:51.400 --> 01:53:53.400
Discussion Alderman Sanders.

01:53:53.400 --> 01:54:04.900
Hicks. What's the eligibility requirement for? It's lengthy and that process closed in 2021.

01:54:04.900 --> 01:54:11.320
So that's, it's closed. The eligibility requirements closed three years ago. This was, but essentially

01:54:11.320 --> 01:54:18.800
what was done in 2021 was staff at that time went out and canvassed the area. It was a

01:54:18.800 --> 01:54:48.800
and John.

01:54:48.800 --> 01:55:18.800
Hild into a grant application. Okay. You have a list of homes that meets the eligibility for this program. That was done approximately a year ago. We had our consultant, we had 64 properties that applied for this grant. And then the consultant, which is Region 1 Planning Council, it's a Metropolitan Planning Commission, and it's in

01:55:18.800 --> 01:55:32.800
Rockford, Illinois. They were retained to look at that data and do an objective analysis on which properties of the 64, they prioritize the properties that would be available for this type of assistance.

01:55:32.800 --> 01:55:39.800
Okay. Is that agency located here in Freeport or Rockford?

01:55:39.800 --> 01:55:40.800
It's Rockford, Illinois.

01:55:40.800 --> 01:55:46.800
It's Rockford and how do the people here in Freeport sign up for that type of program?

01:55:46.800 --> 01:55:47.800
It's no longer available.

01:56:17.800 --> 01:56:23.960
Neid based and this particular property was the top need based on their analysis and in working with

01:56:23.960 --> 01:56:29.400
our grant manager at the state we worked down from that list and we provided you know we went through

01:56:29.400 --> 01:56:35.640
the process and had a bid opening and that's where we're at right now. So what's the percentage of

01:56:35.640 --> 01:56:42.200
work that has been done here in the Freeport regarding to this? I am so happy and proud to

01:56:42.200 --> 01:56:46.280
say that in the three years I've beat my head against the table to get the state to allow me

01:56:46.280 --> 01:57:16.280
Winslow, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor

01:57:46.280 --> 01:57:56.280
So, based on that information, in November, I should be presenting two more resolutions of this nature to Council.

01:57:56.280 --> 01:57:58.280
So there would be a total of three homes.

01:57:58.280 --> 01:58:02.280
And there's a fourth home that has a walkthrough on October 18th.

01:58:02.280 --> 01:58:06.280
So essentially, I could have four homes by November.

01:58:06.280 --> 01:58:08.280
Thank you for your hard work.

01:58:08.280 --> 01:58:10.280
Thank you, Alderperson, Stacy.

01:58:10.280 --> 01:58:12.280
There's no further discussion.

01:58:12.280 --> 01:58:14.280
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:58:14.280 --> 01:58:23.640
Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye.

01:58:23.640 --> 01:58:29.240
And Klemm? Aye. The motion passes 8 to 0. Item number 16 is the department head.

01:58:29.240 --> 01:58:37.880
Department head reports. It's a long night. Finance? Nothing, your honor. Thank you.

01:58:37.880 --> 01:58:43.440
Community Development? Nothing tonight, Madam Mayor. Thank you. Public Works? Yep. We've got a

01:58:43.440 --> 01:59:13.440
a handful of things. First I would like to announce that hydrant flushing will be taking place in the City of Freeport the week of October 21st. It's going to take probably two to three weeks to get through the town to flush hydrants. During this period you may get some rusty water. Just make sure that you run tub faucets and flush it out. Look for cleaning your aerators in your home. It's a typical process that we do every year in the fall.

01:59:13.440 --> 01:59:28.440
Happy to say that the City Streets program, we have two streets left for this year, Greenfield, out by Business 20, and Salem Court, we hope to get those done later this week or possibly next week.

01:59:28.440 --> 01:59:35.440
Today we started hot patching with crews, we put down about 16 tons today.

01:59:35.440 --> 01:59:44.080
the west side water main expansion is out to EPA permit next week you're going to

01:59:44.080 --> 01:59:48.960
see at the committee the whole the ADA transition plan coming forth that's

01:59:48.960 --> 01:59:53.520
something that we need to do for IDOT

01:59:53.520 --> 02:00:00.520
Dean to do for IDOT. We're required to do that to keep receiving our MFT money. We've

02:00:00.520 --> 02:00:06.640
talked about that a handful of times and we've delayed it to this point, but we tried to

02:00:06.640 --> 02:00:10.760
get grant funds for it and we've been unavailable to get those grant funds.

02:00:10.760 --> 02:00:15.120
What was that called? It's called the IDOT ADA transition plan.

02:00:15.120 --> 02:00:18.140
ADA. ADA, so those are the handicap accessible

02:00:18.140 --> 02:00:48.140
We're also working on 2025 Streets program. So you're going to see a work order coming forward for that soon. And we're also working on the 2025 EV Chargers grant that we were awarded to place eight EV Chargers in downtown Freeport. I'm working with Mr. Duckman on that. And our biggest project well number 12 that Eric Sorensen was here today to award Freeport some money we're we're working on getting the EV Chargers in downtown Freeport.

02:00:48.140 --> 02:00:52.140
and I are getting that moving to design in a final location picked.

02:00:52.140 --> 02:00:56.140
I think that's it.

02:00:56.140 --> 02:01:00.140
Thank you. Chief? Nothing this evening. Thank you.

02:01:00.140 --> 02:01:04.140
Thank you. Chief? Yeah, we're currently taking applications for our

02:01:04.140 --> 02:01:08.140
fall session of the Civilian Police Academy. We're taking applications through

02:01:08.140 --> 02:01:12.140
October 17th and would like to have our first

02:01:12.140 --> 02:01:16.140
session on October 24th. It lasts 8 weeks.

02:01:16.140 --> 02:01:21.140
goes from about 6 p.m. to roughly 8 p.m. or maybe earlier.

02:01:21.540 --> 02:01:26.300
It also offers applicants an opportunity

02:01:26.300 --> 02:01:27.940
to do a ride along with the police department.

02:01:27.940 --> 02:01:29.980
So if anyone's interested,

02:01:29.980 --> 02:01:31.300
they can contact the police department

02:01:31.300 --> 02:01:34.220
or I believe that there's also on our Facebook page

02:01:34.220 --> 02:01:37.440
there's a QR code that take them right to the application

02:01:37.440 --> 02:01:42.140
so they can complete that and get it in before it closes.

02:01:42.140 --> 02:01:43.940
Thank you, Library?

02:01:43.940 --> 02:01:45.220
Nothing tonight.

02:01:45.220 --> 02:01:46.480
Thank you.

02:01:46.480 --> 02:01:47.320
IT?

02:01:48.820 --> 02:01:51.900
Then we'll leave this with the City Manager's report.

02:01:51.900 --> 02:01:53.300
Nothing tonight, Your Honor.

02:01:54.420 --> 02:01:56.700
I just wanted to remind Council that next Monday

02:01:56.700 --> 02:01:58.040
is a holiday, it's Columbus Day,

02:01:58.040 --> 02:02:00.860
so the Committee of the Whole is on Tuesday,

02:02:00.860 --> 02:02:03.260
so don't come on Monday, it's Tuesday.

02:02:03.260 --> 02:02:07.140
And just to piggyback on what Darren said,

02:02:07.140 --> 02:02:09.800
we were honored today to have Congressman Sorensen

02:02:09.800 --> 02:02:10.940
come to City Hall.

02:02:10.940 --> 02:02:13.540
He presented us with the check for nearly $1 million

02:02:13.540 --> 02:02:20.900
to go towards well number 12 so very fortunate for that had also the pleasure

02:02:20.900 --> 02:02:24.980
of having our almost all of our public works department here for that photo op

02:02:24.980 --> 02:02:29.220
and it was actually one of the highlights that congressman Sorensen

02:02:29.220 --> 02:02:33.580
said that was a big deal to him to be able to have the people that actually do

02:02:33.580 --> 02:02:39.300
the work standing with him so thank you to him. Council announcement, Alderman

02:02:39.300 --> 02:03:09.300
Monroe. Thank you Madam Mayor. For those of you, there's, you know, we've had a very tragic situation down in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina. There are several area churches that are collecting dry goods, food, clothing, other things for the relief efforts down there. And keep your prayers out also for the folks in Florida. Since we've been in this room, Hurricane Milton is now a category

02:03:09.300 --> 02:03:09.960
Jate, George, and

02:03:09.960 --> 02:03:10.740
Judge, Todd.

02:03:10.740 --> 02:03:13.620
So it will be a very, very rough day on Wednesday there.

02:03:13.620 --> 02:03:15.540
A lot of us have friends and family who've retired down that way.

02:03:15.540 --> 02:03:16.740
So keep them in your prayers.

02:03:16.740 --> 02:03:20.880
But, you know, hey, great work on all the city streets that we've seen.

02:03:20.880 --> 02:03:23.740
We've been getting a lot of comments about that.

02:03:23.740 --> 02:03:28.100
I think we're finally turning the tide of the roads here in the city of Freeport and

02:03:28.100 --> 02:03:28.840
the infrastructure.

02:03:28.840 --> 02:03:30.260
So it's a very, very rough day.

02:03:30.260 --> 02:03:35.080
It's a very rough day, but we're going to do our best to make sure that we're able to

02:03:35.080 --> 02:04:03.240
Alderman, Stacy, Nothing, Alderman, Shadle, Nothing, Alderman, Sellers, I just want to

02:04:03.240 --> 02:04:09.240
I also have gotten a lot of comments on how nice the streets look, so thank you.

02:04:09.240 --> 02:04:11.240
Alderman Klemm?

02:04:11.240 --> 02:04:13.240
Nothing, Your Honor.

02:04:13.240 --> 02:04:19.240
Okay. Larry, I'm guessing since you're over in the corner, you must not have anything to say?

02:04:19.240 --> 02:04:20.240
No, I didn't.

02:04:20.240 --> 02:04:32.240
Okay. Then leaves us with item number 20 of public comments. Tommy, did you? Go ahead. Three minutes.

02:04:32.240 --> 02:04:37.240
Good evening, Madam Mayor, Council, City Staff, thank you, Joshua.

02:04:37.240 --> 02:04:49.240
That was rough. I want to go back to the Alderman pay, the Mayor pay, City Clerk pay discussion.

02:04:49.240 --> 02:04:53.240
You guys get the agendas just like all of us get the agendas out here.

02:04:53.240 --> 02:04:59.240
The difference is a lot of us look at them and it seems like you guys continue to not look at them.

02:04:59.240 --> 02:05:03.240
When you guys talk about the Alderman pay, I want to stick to that here.

02:05:03.240 --> 02:05:07.240
Alderman Sanders asked a question.

02:05:07.240 --> 02:05:11.240
What do the Alderman do? How long have you guys all been Alderman?

02:05:11.240 --> 02:05:15.240
You guys should know what the job description is.

02:05:15.240 --> 02:05:19.240
If you don't, we have a bigger problem in Freeport, or probably we can pinpoint why we are where we are.

02:05:19.240 --> 02:05:23.240
How much is this position worth?

02:05:23.240 --> 02:05:27.240
You're not answering the question of how much you are worth, or how much your brother or sister on this council are worth.

02:05:27.240 --> 02:05:32.200
is that position worth sitting on this council or worth you're asking what is

02:05:32.200 --> 02:05:34.580
that position worth sitting out here.

02:05:34.720 --> 02:05:39.800
We just want to know how much is it going to cost for our elected officials to

02:05:39.800 --> 02:05:44.760
do their jobs come to the meetings prepared, do the jobs, discuss outside

02:05:44.760 --> 02:05:48.820
of council, whether it be via the email or telephone but come here knowing what

02:05:48.820 --> 02:05:52.640
you're talking about, what you're voting on that is frustrating.

02:05:52.640 --> 02:05:55.640
and many more.

02:05:55.640 --> 02:05:56.960
That is a problem.

02:05:56.960 --> 02:06:02.340
We need you guys to step up and do the job or get out of the way.

02:06:02.340 --> 02:06:06.380
You guys are Alderman 365 days a year.

02:06:06.380 --> 02:06:09.160
City Clerk is a City Clerk 365 days a year.

02:06:09.160 --> 02:06:13.420
Madam Mayor, you are our representative 365 days a year.

02:06:13.420 --> 02:06:20.320
By my calculations, City Alderman, you get paid less than $10 a day to represent your

02:06:20.320 --> 02:06:26.680
Ward, to speak for me, Larry Sanders, Alderman Sanders, you speak for me, you represent me,

02:06:26.680 --> 02:06:30.240
if I have a problem I should be able to call you, you should answer the phone, you should

02:06:30.240 --> 02:06:33.800
email and I'm directing it to you because you're my Alderman.

02:06:33.800 --> 02:06:35.560
This goes for all of you.

02:06:35.560 --> 02:06:41.280
Tonight, the four hours, over four hours now, we, the City of Freeport, pay to our Aldermen,

02:06:41.280 --> 02:06:46.440
each one of you $1.50 to sit through this.

02:06:46.440 --> 02:06:51.160
I'm willing to pay a lot more to get good government in here.

02:06:51.160 --> 02:06:53.740
Let us know what that number is.

02:06:53.740 --> 02:07:00.320
Madam Mayor, we paid the mayor about $13 to sit through this tonight.

02:07:00.320 --> 02:07:03.900
We pay our mayor right now about $80 a day.

02:07:03.900 --> 02:07:06.240
I get it's a part-time position.

02:07:06.240 --> 02:07:13.080
She is my mayor right now every single day of the year for the past seven and a half years.

02:07:13.080 --> 02:07:14.360
What is that position is worth?

02:07:14.360 --> 02:07:17.680
So I challenge you and I know I'm gonna run out of time here.

02:07:17.680 --> 02:07:21.160
Take this week like you should have taken the past two weeks.

02:07:21.160 --> 02:07:22.160
Think of something.

02:07:22.160 --> 02:07:24.920
You asked our City Manager to go pull numbers.

02:07:24.920 --> 02:07:25.760
He did that.

02:07:25.760 --> 02:07:26.580
He did his job.

02:07:26.580 --> 02:07:29.660
How come our eight Aldermen didn't do their jobs?

02:07:29.660 --> 02:07:32.900
Go figure out what your plan is, what your proposal is,

02:07:32.900 --> 02:07:35.980
and come to some kind of agreement so we can move forward.

02:07:35.980 --> 02:07:38.880
We need better people wanting these positions.

02:07:38.880 --> 02:07:39.720
Thank you, Mayor.

02:07:39.720 --> 02:07:40.680
Thank you.

02:07:40.680 --> 02:07:41.520
Tommy?

02:07:44.360 --> 02:07:58.940
Osmond is going to be a Special Olympics banquet for the wards and dinner, Wednesday the 16th

02:07:58.940 --> 02:08:02.840
at 5.30.

02:08:02.840 --> 02:08:05.140
And where's it at, Tommy?

02:08:05.140 --> 02:08:11.480
It's going to be at Nidah Church, yeah, Nidah Church something.

02:08:11.480 --> 02:08:16.160
at 626 West Po City Road.

02:08:16.160 --> 02:08:16.660
All right.

02:08:16.660 --> 02:08:19.880
Thank you for sharing your information.

02:08:19.880 --> 02:08:20.960
Any other public comments?

02:08:27.120 --> 02:08:29.360
OK, then that leaves us with item number 21,

02:08:29.360 --> 02:08:30.480
which is executive session.

02:08:30.480 --> 02:08:32.480
Madam Clerk, could you please read that?

02:08:32.480 --> 02:08:33.240
Three items.

02:08:33.240 --> 02:08:37.320
Pursuant to 5 ILCS 122C1, the appointment, employment,

02:08:37.320 --> 02:08:39.740
compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal

02:08:39.740 --> 02:08:44.780
have specific employees or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony

02:08:44.780 --> 02:08:49.060
on a complaint lodged against an employee or against legal counsel for the public body

02:08:49.060 --> 02:08:50.940
to determine its validity.

02:08:50.940 --> 02:08:58.740
Two, pursuant to 5 ILCS 120 2C 2, collective negotiating matters between the public body

02:08:58.740 --> 02:09:03.820
and its employees or their representatives or deliberations concerning salary schedules

02:09:03.820 --> 02:09:06.620
for one or more classes of employees.

02:09:06.620 --> 02:09:14.540
to 5ILCS122C21, discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for

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purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated

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by Section 2.06.

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Is there a motion to enter into an executive session?

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So moved.

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Is there a second?

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Second.

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A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.

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Clerk, could you please take the roll? Monroe? Simmons? Parker? Stacy? Shadle? Sanders? Sellers?

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And Klemm? The motion passed.