# Meeting Events Meeting: `cuvlkf0ljzu.freeport_city_council_11-4-24` Meeting date: `2024-11-04` Meeting type: `city_council` This is a deterministic derived artifact, not official meeting minutes. Related records may be grouped for review while complete machine provenance remains in the JSON artifact. ## Decisions and Votes - **Approval of the agenda** — Passed - **Summary:** Motion to approve the agenda. - **Attribution:** Klemm, Alderman Parker - **Evidence:** “Item number one is approval of the agenda. And just so you know, we do have executive session tonight. So is there a motion to approve the agenda? So moved.” - **Evidence:** “Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker. Madam Clerk, could you please take the role? Parker? Aye. Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Klemm, and Simmons. The motion passes 6-0.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=163s) - **Approval of the minutes from October 21, 2024 meeting** — Passed - **Summary:** Motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on October 21, 2024. - **Attribution:** Klemm, Alderman Parker - **Evidence:** “And item number two is approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on October 21, 2024. Is there a motion to approve? So moved.” - **Evidence:** “Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Sanders, Klemm, and Simmons. The motion passes six to zero.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=190s) - **Approval of Consent Agenda Items** — Passed - **Summary:** Motion to approve the consent agenda items. - **Attribution:** Alderman Simmons - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to approve? So moved.” - **Evidence:** “And that motion passes six to zero.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=286s) - **Reappointment of Planning Commission Members** - **Summary:** Motion regarding the reappointments for the Planning Commission. - **Attribution:** Alderman Parker - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=296s) - **Motion on reappointment discussion** - **Summary:** Vote taken regarding a motion (details not specified). - **Evidence:** “Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Simmons no we are tied at three to three” - **Source timestamp:** [21:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1316s) - **Passing of previous ordinance (unspecified)** — Passed - **Summary:** The chair called for a roll call to pass an unspecified ordinance, which passed 6-0. - **Evidence:** “Madam clerk would you please take the Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Simmons? Aye. The ordinance passes 6-0.” - **Source timestamp:** [31:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1874s) - **Passing of ordinance 20-24-58: Building Code Amendments** — Passed - **Summary:** The ordinance amending the building code passed six to zero. - **Evidence:** “and that ordinance passes six to zero.” - **Source timestamp:** [32:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1953s) - **Approval of airport farm leases (Ordinance 2024-59)** — Passed - **Summary:** The motion to approve the two farm leases passed four to two. - **Evidence:** “Okay, the motion passes four to two.” - **Source timestamp:** [34:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2071s) - **Adjournment of Ordinance 2024-60 discussion** - **Summary:** A motion was made to move Ordinance 2024-60 onto the next regularly scheduled meeting. - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to move Ordinance 2024-60 onto the next regularly Scheduled Meeting. So moved. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.” - **Source timestamp:** [34:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2071s) - **Adoption of Resolution 2024-112** — Passed - **Summary:** Motion to adopt Resolution 2024-112. - **Evidence:** “Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle.” - **Evidence:** “I recommend moving forward with resolution 2024-112. Thank you.” - **Evidence:** “Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm? Aye. And Simmons? Aye. The resolution is adopted 6 to 0.” - **Source timestamp:** [49:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2945s) - **Acceptance of Pretzel City Transit grant funds** — Passed - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Parker to adopt the resolution accepting funds. - **Evidence:** “Would be to accept $198,017 just shy of $200,000 and staff recommends moving forward with this resolution to accept. Is there a motion to adopt?” - **Evidence:** “We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Klemm.” - **Evidence:** “Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? And Simmons. This resolution is adopted 6-0.” - **Source timestamp:** [50:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3054s) - **Request for unanimous vote to speak again** — Passed - **Summary:** Parker asked if a unanimous vote was needed for him to speak again. - **Evidence:** “Parker. Would you like me to ask for council to have, it needs a unanimous vote for you to speak again, Larry. Do you want me to do that?” - **Source timestamp:** [01:00:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3639s) - **Calling for vote or moving on** — Passed - **Summary:** The chair asked if a unanimous vote should be called or if the council was moving on. - **Evidence:** “Okay. So did you want me to call for a unanimous vote or are we moving on? Well, no. Well, no, I can do it another time. Okay. So there's no further discussion.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:00:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3644s) - **Roll Call Vote (No further discussion)** — Passed - **Summary:** The council voted on proceeding without further discussion. - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, could you please Please take the roll. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Simmons? Aye. The motion passes 5 to 1.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:00:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3644s) - **Allowing staff to sign aggregator contract** - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Sanders, seconded by Alderman Shadle, to allow staff to sign the aggregator contract. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “I'll move. Is there a second? Second. We have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Sanders, seconded, I'm sorry, made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sanders.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:02:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3775s) - **Adoption of resolution 2024-118 (Aggregator Contract)** — Passed - **Summary:** The council voted on allowing staff to sign the aggregator contract. - **Evidence:** “If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the role. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm? And Simmons? The resolution is adopted 6-0.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:04:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3843s) - **Approval of contract for 1010 South Adams Avenue rehabilitation services** — Passed - **Summary:** Motion to approve the contract with CMM and Associates. - **Attribution:** Alderman Shadle, Council - **Evidence:** “So staff recommends issuing a contract to CMM and Associates in the amount of $48,225. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sanders.” - **Evidence:** “Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm? Aye. And Simmons? Aye. The motion passes six to zero.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:05:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3929s) - **Allowing County Board Chairman to speak at public comment time** - **Summary:** Motion made to amend the agenda. - **Evidence:** “So do we have a motion to amend to allow County Board Chairman to have a couple of minutes to speak now?” - **Source timestamp:** [01:09:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=4173s) - **Seconding the motion to amend agenda item order** - **Summary:** A second was offered on the motion. - **Evidence:** “Is there a second? Second.” - **Review flags:** unattached_second - **Motion to allow County Board Chairman to speak at public comment time** — Passed - **Summary:** Vote taken on the motion to amend agenda item order. - **Evidence:** “Parker? Aye. I'm sorry, I was out of voting sheets here. I'm going by shorthand. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Plum? And Simmons? No. We have a tie at three to three. Mayor, what say you? Aye. The tie is broken. 4-3, The motion passes.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:11:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=4265s) - **Enter into executive session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2C2** - **Summary:** Motion made by Shadle and seconded by Parker to enter closed session. - **Evidence:** “Is there a second? Second.” - **Evidence:** “We have a motion made by Shadle, seconded by Parker.” - **Evidence:** “Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm? Eric, does it look like Klemm is still connected? Okay. Simmons? Aye. We still have a vote of five to zero to enter closed session.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:37:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5831s) ## Procedural Actions - **Consent agenda consideration** - **Summary:** The consent agenda is considered routine and requires no further discussion unless a member requests removal. - **Evidence:** “So we'll move on to item number four which is the consent agenda. The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and act as one motion unless a member of council would like to have something removed for further discussion. Is there anything?” - **Source timestamp:** [03:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=205s) - **Opportunity for public speaking** - **Summary:** A request was made to allow others to speak before calling on Larry. - **Evidence:** “Sosnowski said about our current ordinance and everybody having an opportunity to speak before the second time. I really need to allow that for others before I call on you, Larry.” - **Source timestamp:** [12:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=766s) - **Second reading of ordinance 2024-57** - **Summary:** The second reading of Ordinance 2024-57, amending boundaries of the joint northwest illinois certified enterprise zone for the operation of an enterprise, was addressed. - **Evidence:** “item number six is second reading of ordinance twenty twenty four fifty seven could you please read this ordinance amending boundaries of the joint northwest illinois certified enterprise zone for the operation of an enterprise” - **Source timestamp:** [21:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1316s) - **Adherence to speaking rules for council members** - **Summary:** The chair reminded Alderman Sanders that he had spoken twice on this subject and advised adherence to the council's rules. - **Evidence:** “Well Alderman Sanders you've you've spoken twice and I'm trying to adhere to to our the rules that the council have and that was explained by attorney Sosnowski at the beginning of the meeting you spoke twice when on this particular subject and the last subject on this particular subject that's correct” - **Source timestamp:** [31:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1874s) - **Ordinance Reading Procedure** - **Summary:** Explanation that bringing an ordinance before council involves a first reading, followed by second reading and final sign-off vote. - **Evidence:** “No, that's what this is. We are bringing you this ordinance in the first reading. It goes to second reading. And then that's your sign off when you vote. Yes, that's how it works. That's how it works since you sat in the seat.” - **Source timestamp:** [46:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2812s) - **Moving to Next Agenda Item** - **Summary:** The council agreed to move on to item number 10 regarding the adoption of resolution 2024-112. - **Evidence:** “See, that's what I'm talking because you've already had two times to talk and what you're doing please stop talking stop it you need to stop talking you are out of order and you need to quit well far as I'm concerned okay so we're gonna move on to we already have a motion on the floor to move this ordinance forward so it will be on the next council meeting so we'll move on to item number 10 which is the adoption of resolution 2024,112 madam clerk could you please read this resolution to” - **Source timestamp:** [46:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2812s) - **Motion to adopt electronic ticketing system plan** - **Summary:** A motion was made by Alderman Parker and seconded by Alderman Shadle regarding the adoption of the new system. - **Evidence:** “The motion by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle.” - **Source timestamp:** [54:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3293s) - **Deviating from the agenda for a presentation** - **Summary:** A request was made to deviate from the agenda to allow Chairman Helms to give a short presentation. - **Attribution:** Council - **Evidence:** “Next, if it's acceptable to the council, I'd like to deviate from the agenda just for a moment to allow Chairman Helms to do a short presentation. Are we okay with that?” - **Source timestamp:** [01:07:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=4068s) - **Procedure for non-agenda presentations and votes** - **Summary:** Discussion on the proper procedure for taking a vote or allowing comments when an item is not on the agenda. - **Attribution:** Council - **Evidence:** “Huffines. So it's, it says, you know, that we take a vote if a council member says no, it's not on the agenda. Where do it say you could just take a vote like that? Well, it's like anything else that someone would just want to come and just say something kind to us for once. Mayor. Go ahead. We could cover this item under agenda item number 19, which is just after the reports of department heads, managers report and mayor's report. Anyone can speak during public comments, so the individual could speak number under item number 19. Taking a vote or are we going to move? There would need to be a motion to amend the agenda, I suppose to move the public comment up to above reports of department heads if there is an emotion to amend the agenda then and it would go under item number 19.” - **Motion to amend agenda item order** - **Summary:** A motion was made to amend the agenda to allow County Board Chairman to speak before reports of department heads. - **Evidence:** “So do we have a motion to amend to allow County Board Chairman to have a couple of minutes to speak now?” - **Source timestamp:** [01:09:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=4173s) - **Request for roll call vote on motion to amend agenda item order** - **Summary:** The Clerk was asked to take the roll for the motion. - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?” - **Source timestamp:** [01:37:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5840s) - **Agenda review suggestion** - **Summary:** A council member suggested starting by reading the agenda because details are available there twice a month on the consent agenda. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “So I would like to say you should probably start by reading the agenda because twice a month the consent agenda is on there and every detail is available to you.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:28:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5338s) - **Entering executive session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2C2** - **Summary:** A motion was made and seconded to enter into an executive session regarding collective negotiating matters. - **Evidence:** “We have executive session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120 slash 2C2 collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning Sally and her colleagues. Suttman. And finally, salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. Is there a motion to enter into executive session? So moved.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:36:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5791s) ## Ordinances and Resolutions - **Second reading of ordinance 20-24-58: Ordinance amending newly revised building code to 2018 ICC additions** - **Summary:** The second reading of the ordinance amending the building code to include 2018 ICC additions was taken. - **Evidence:** “Item number 7 is the second reading of ordinance 20-24-58. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending newly revised building code to 2018 ICC additions.” - **Source timestamp:** [31:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1874s) - **Second reading of ordinance 2024-59: Ordinance approving two airport farm leases** - **Summary:** The second reading of the ordinance approving two airport farm leases, one with the Kemple family and one with Dan Julius, was taken. - **Evidence:** “Item number eight is the second reading of ordinance 2024-59. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving two airport farm leases, one with the Kemple family and one with Dan Julius.” - **Source timestamp:** [33:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2004s) - **First reading of Ordinance 2024-60: Ordinance approving Airport Hangar M8 lease with David Hayes** - **Summary:** The first reading of the ordinance approving the Airport Hangar M8 lease with David Hayes was taken. - **Evidence:** “Item number nine is the first reading of Ordinance 2024-60. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving Airport Hangar M8 lease with David Hayes.” - **Source timestamp:** [34:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2071s) - **Adoption of resolution 2024-116 for Pretzel City Transit grant award acceptance** - **Summary:** Resolution accepting the 53-11 grant award for Pretzel City Transit. - **Evidence:** “Item number 11 is the adoption of resolution 2024-116. Could you please read this? Resolution accepting 53-11 grant award for Pretzel City Transit.” - **Source timestamp:** [49:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2968s) - **Adoption of resolution 2024-117 for electronic ticketing system agreement** - **Summary:** Resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with Stephenson County regarding sharing the cost of an electronic ticketing system. - **Evidence:** “Item number 12 is the adoption of resolution 2024-117. Could you please read this? Resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with Stephenson County regarding sharing the cost of an electronic ticketing system.” - **Source timestamp:** [51:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3069s) - **Adoption of resolution 2024-118 for downtown street lights** - **Summary:** Resolution approving electrical supply agreement with a supplier to be determined tomorrow or tonight yet for downtown street lights for three locations. - **Evidence:** “Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution, I'm sorry, oh, the adoption of resolution 2024-118. Could you please read this? Resolution approving electrical supply agreement with a supplier to be determined tomorrow or tonight yet for downtown street lights for three locations.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:00:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3644s) - **Approval of bid for rehabilitation at 1010 South Adams** - **Summary:** Item number 14 concerns the approval of a bid for rehabilitation services. - **Evidence:** “Item number 14 is approval of the bid. Can you read this please? Bid Good opening on October 24th, CD0102024 for rehabilitation of single home at 1010 South Adams.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:04:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3843s) ## Financial and Contract Events - **Approval of finance bill payable amount** - **Summary:** The approval of the finance bill is payable in total. - **Evidence:** “the approval of the finance bill is payable in the total of $1,845,653.82.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=205s) - **Approval of payroll for pay period ending October 19, 2024** - **Summary:** The approval of payroll for pay period ending October 19, 2024, in total. - **Evidence:** “And the approval of payroll for pay period ending October 19, 2024, in the total of $651,206.30.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=276s) - **Freeport Police Department electronic ticketing system cost** - **Summary:** The annual cost for the Freeport Police Department to transition to an electronic ticketing system is $9,450, which includes equipment and ten Zebra printers for nine squad cars and the main booking room. - **Evidence:** “The cost for the Freeport Police Department to transition to an electronic ticketing system would include the following, $9,450, which would include the cost of the equipment, ten Zebra printers, and equipment for nine squad cars, and the main booking room at the police Huffines.” - **Source timestamp:** [53:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3186s) - **Payment schedule for electronic ticketing system** - **Summary:** The annual cost is made payable to the Stephenson County Circuit Clerk due the 15th of January beginning on January 15th, 2026. - **Evidence:** “This is an annual cost made payable to the Stephenson County Circuit Clerk due the 15th of January beginning on January 15th, 2026.” - **Source timestamp:** [53:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3206s) - **Initial implementation costs for electronic ticketing system** - **Summary:** The Stephenson County Circuit Clerk is going to assume the initial implementation costs of $40,000 which is due in January 2025. - **Evidence:** “The Stephenson County Circuit Clerk is going to assume the initial implementation costs of $40,000 which is due in January 2025.” - **Source timestamp:** [53:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3218s) - **Paper citation budget for Freeport Police Department** - **Summary:** The Freeport Police Department has budgeted $5,000 in 2024 and in 2025 to cover the costs of purchasing paper citations. - **Evidence:** “The Freeport Police Department has budgeted $5,000 in 2024 and in 2025 to cover the costs of purchasing paper citations.” - **Source timestamp:** [53:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3231s) - **State allocation for digital ticketing system** - **Summary:** The state of Illinois has allocated a total of $8,549.87 to the Freeport Police Department since 2020 to implement a digital ticketing system. - **Evidence:** “Further, the state of Illinois has allocated a total of $8,549.87 to the Freeport Police Department since 2020 to implement a digital ticketing system.” - **Source timestamp:** [54:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3240s) - **Startup cost funding for electronic ticketing system** - **Summary:** Staff intends on utilizing the $8,549.87 and digital ticket funds plus an additional $900.13 from DUI funds to cover the startup cost of the equipment purchase. - **Evidence:** “Staff intends on utilizing the $8,549.87 and digital ticket funds plus an additional $900.13 from DUI funds to cover the startup cost of the equipment purchase.” - **Source timestamp:** [54:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3256s) - **Annual funding for electronic ticketing system (starting 2026)** - **Summary:** Starting in 2026, staff intends on using the $5,000 traditionally budgeted for paper citations plus $2,000 for a combination of digital ticket funds and DUI funds to cover the annual cost to the Stephenson County Circuit Clerk. - **Evidence:** “Starting in 2026, staff intends on using the $5,000 traditionally budgeted for paper citations plus $2,000 for a combination of digital ticket funds and DUI funds to cover the annual cost to the Stephenson County Circuit Clerk.” - **Source timestamp:** [54:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3256s) - **Community Development Block Grants Housing Rehabilitation funding** - **Summary:** The City of Freeport was awarded $550,000 in Community Development Block Grants Housing Rehabilitation funds, with $64,000 allocated to Grant Administration and nearly 500,000 for home rehabilitation. - **Attribution:** City of Freeport - **Evidence:** “So the City of Freeport, as we know, has been awarded the Community Development Block Grants Housing Rehabilitation. We've been awarded $550,000 where $64,000 is allocated to our Grant Administration and nearly 500,000 goes into the rehabilitation of homes.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:04:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3888s) - **Rehabilitation services for 1010 South Adams Avenue** - **Summary:** Staff recommends issuing a contract to CMM and Associates in the amount of $48,225 for rehabilitation services at 1010 South Adams Avenue. - **Attribution:** Staff - **Evidence:** “We received one bid in the amount of $48,225 by CMM and Associates. The scope of work has a few highlights. This property owner will be receiving a new furnace, a new hot water heater, a new central air conditioning Unite. They will have their gutters replaced, which includes gutter guards for the leaves, and the entire house will be painted. So staff recommends issuing a contract to CMM and Associates in the amount of $48,225.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:05:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3920s) - **Budgetary cash flow projections for infrastructure investment** - **Summary:** The budget is in fair shape, but there are issues with transfers; the city might invest almost $70 million in infrastructure this year, which is possible based on presented sheets. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacy - **Evidence:** “In fact, I went through this budget completely in the budget is in in fair shape there are some issues with transfers not being totally Huffines. We are going to probably invest almost $70 million in infrastructure this year. We have the ability to do that based upon this sheet that was presented by the city manager.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:31:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5475s) - **Projected fund reserve status after investments and loans** - **Summary:** The governmental funds are projected to start with a little over $41 million, end up with $34 million after loans and grants, resulting in a reduction of fund reserves by $7.8 million. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacy - **Evidence:** “When it's all said and done, we're going to start off with, in our governmental funds, a little over $41 million. We will end up with $34 million after it's said and done with the loans, the grants, and the difference between that, we're going to be investing and reducing our fund reserves by $7.8 million.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:32:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5547s) ## Appointments - **Reappointments to Planning Commission** - **Summary:** Reappointments for Darren Steckel and Andrea Scholl-Swinder to the Planning Commission. - **Evidence:** “Item number five are some reappointments. Could you please read those? Darren Steckel to the Planning Commission effective through October 31st, 2028. Andrea Scholl-Swinder to the Planning Commission effective through October 31st, 2028.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=296s) ## Presentations and Reports - **Consent Agenda Items** - **Summary:** The consent agenda includes approving minutes from several boards and commissions, a Greater Freeport Partnership Monthly Report, and financial approvals. - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller - **Evidence:** “Seeing none the consent agenda consists of approving to receive and place on file the board and Commission minutes from from the Joint Review Board for the Lamb Road TIF District November 8th, 2022, the Joint Review Board, Downtown West Avenue Meadows and the Berchard Hills TIF Districts November 8th, 2022, the Foreign Fire Board August 8th, 2024, the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners September 23rd and 24th, also is the Greater Freeport Partnership Monthly Report dated October, 2024. The approval of the finance bill is payable in the total of $1,845,653.82. And the approval of payroll for pay period ending October 19, 2024, in the total of $651,206.30.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=205s) - **Ordinance 2024-57 background** - **Summary:** The change of the Enterprise Zone came up at the October Committee of the Whole and was presented by Andrea Schultz-Winner. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “This change of the Enterprise Zone came up at the October Committee of the Whole. It was discussed and had a presentation by Andrea Schultz-Winner also at the last Council meeting.” - **Source timestamp:** [22:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1358s) - **Ordinance 20-24-58: Building Code Amendments** - **Summary:** Staff noted that the City of Freeport adopted the 2018 edition of the ICC building codes in August and recommended amending chapters 14, 20, 26, 29, and 82. - **Evidence:** “So the City of Freeport adopted the 2018 edition of the ICC building codes and we did that back in August of this year and in reviewing this recent ordinance, staff saw a few changes that they would like to make, mostly clerical, and based on that in line with last week staffs recommending amending chapters 14 20 26 29 and 82 of our codified ordinances for the 2018 ICC building code additions” - **Source timestamp:** [32:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1953s) - **Ordinance 2024-59: Airport Farm Leases Recommendation** - **Summary:** Staff recommended moving forward with two farm leases for parcels that have contingent farmland. - **Evidence:** “Staff's been working on all the farm leases at the airport and we would like to move forward on two of them, one with the Kemple family and one with the Julius's family. Both of the parcels are relatively small but they make sense for their standpoint because they have contingent farmland. So staff is recommending moving these two farm leases or approval of these two farm leases.” - **Source timestamp:** [33:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2016s) - **Ordinance 2024-60: Hangar M8 Lease Recommendation** - **Summary:** Staff recommended moving forward with the lease for Hangar M8 at $165 per month. - **Evidence:** “David Hayes is interested in renting Hangar M8 at Alberta's airport. The agreement is for $165 per month. Staff recommends moving forward with the lease.” - **Source timestamp:** [34:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2071s) - **Hanger Lease Approval Details** - **Summary:** Manager Boyer stated the hanger lease was signed with the airport manager who was recovering from surgery and that they are simply approving a hanger lease for $165 a month as prescribed by ordinance. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Manager Boyer. First, I'd like to say that this hanger lease was signed with our airport manager who was going through surgery. So she moved forward so this person could get into a hanger and we did not receive this at City Hall until she was well enough to come bring it to us. We are simply approving a hanger lease for $165 a month as prescribed by ordinance.” - **Source timestamp:** [44:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2672s) - **Resolution 2024-112 Authorization** - **Summary:** Manager Boyer explained that the resolution authorizes an amendment for the intergovernmental agreement for the operation of the enterprise zone, noting it is a two-step process involving an ordinance and this resolution. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “So just moments ago we approved the ordinance amending the boundaries and this resolution authorizes the amendment for the intergovernmental agreement for the operation of the enterprise zone. So this is essentially a two-step process. The first is we authorize it through the ordinance and then through the resolution we enact it. I recommend moving forward with resolution 2024-112.” - **Source timestamp:** [48:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2907s) - **Funding sources and purpose of resolution 2024-116** - **Summary:** Explanation that funding for Pretzel City area transits comes from two different sources, including the 5311 and downstate operating assistance funding. - **Attribution:** Director Duckman - **Evidence:** “So looking at the Pretzel City area transits, every year we need to receive funding from two different sources. Mainly it's the. And others. P. Huffines, Michael, and John. So we're going to go through the application to apply for these grant funds, which is the 5311 and the downstate operating assistance funding.” - **Source timestamp:** [49:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2978s) - **Electronic Ticketing System Evaluation and Benefits** - **Summary:** The Freeport Police Department, Stephenson County Sheriff's Office, and Stephenson County Circuit Clerk's Office evaluated two platforms (DigiTicket and QuickIt) and determined QuickIt is the best fit. - **Evidence:** “Staff from the Freeport Police Department, the Stephenson County Sheriff's Office and Stephenson County Circuit Clerk's Office evaluated two platforms, a DigiTicket and QuickIt. After evaluating both, the agencies determined that QuickIt would be the best fit for the law enforcement agencies in Stephenson County and has an overall lower cost.” - **Source timestamp:** [51:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3095s) - **Electrical aggregation contract renewal** - **Summary:** The city needs to renew an expiring electrical aggregation contract. Bids were reviewed from Constellation, Dinergy, AEP, and MC2. Staff requested permission to engage in an aggregator contract for the lowest rate when rates are available tomorrow. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Tonight we have one such contract coming to expiration and we need to renew it. We've looked at the bids from Constellation, Dinergy, AEP, and MC2. These are all electrical aggregators, and the constellation numbers are coming in low, but city staff would request staff allow us to engage in an aggregator contract for the lowest rate tomorrow when the rates come out. So staff asked council to move forward with allowing staff to sign for that aggregator contract.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:02:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3735s) - **Community Development Block Grants Housing Rehabilitation Bid Opening** - **Summary:** The City was awarded $550,000 in Community Development Block Grants for housing rehabilitation, with $64,000 allocated to Grant Administration and nearly 500,000 going into home rehabilitation. A bid opening occurred on October 24th. - **Attribution:** Director Duckman - **Evidence:** “So the City of Freeport, as we know, has been awarded the Community Development Block Grants Housing Rehabilitation. We've been awarded $550,000 where $64,000 is allocated to our Grant Administration and nearly 500,000 goes into the rehabilitation of homes. On October 24th, we had a bid opening for rehabilitation services of 1010 South Adams Avenue.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:04:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3888s) - **Stephenson County Chairman's address on city-county collaboration** - **Summary:** Scott Helms, Stephenson County Chairman of the Board, spoke about the importance of cooperation between the county and Freeport City Council. - **Attribution:** Scott Helms (Stephenson County Chairman) - **Evidence:** “Mayor Miller, councilmembers, thank you very much for those of you who don't know who I am. My name is Scott Helms, I am the Stephenson County Chairman of the Board. From 2005 to 2013, I sat in, I think that spot right there, a different building. I have a unique perspective of serving on the Freeport City Council, as well as the county board. And in that time, it was not lost on me how little the city and the county worked together. Collaboration was virtually non-existent.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:11:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=4308s) - **Locust Avenue renovation funding acknowledgement** - **Summary:** The speaker thanked the mayor for her leadership in securing county funds for the complete renovation of Locust Avenue. - **Attribution:** Scott Helms (Stephenson County Chairman) - **Evidence:** “To the credit of the mayor, she found another item of collaboration, which was Locust Avenue here in Freeport and the complete renovation of that project using county funds, half a million dollars worth. So while I know it's unorthodox to have me speak now, I do appreciate it. I understand your meetings are quite lengthy, but what I would like to do is thank the mayor for her leadership on this and recognizing that this was an excellent opportunity for both the city and the county to work towards and to present this check for a half million dollars.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:13:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=4386s) - **City Manager's report on leaf season procedures** - **Summary:** The City Manager reported that crews started leaf season late last week, advising residents to rake leaves in a continuous line and not park vehicles adjacent to leaf piles. - **Attribution:** City Manager - **Evidence:** “Just like to report that the city crews have started leaf season. They actually started late last week so make sure your leaves are raked to the curb in a continuous line and don't park vehicles adjacent to leaf piles and we should have a very efficient and effective year” - **Source timestamp:** [01:14:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=4487s) - **Infrastructure spending by ward and at large over the last five years** - **Summary:** Alderman Klemm spent $4.6 million in Ward 1; Alderman Monroe's ward (Ward 2) received $2.2 million; Alderman Simmons' ward (Ward 3) received $16.6 million; Parker's Ward 4 received $3.5 million; Alderperson Stacy's Ward 5 received $10.4 million; Alderman Shadle's Ward 6 received $8.2 million; Alderman Sanders' Ward 7 received $3.5 million, and an additional $70.9 million was spent at large. - **Evidence:** “So you'll be able to see by the map, it's all specified to each ward. And so Alderman Klemm for ward one, in the last five years, $4.6 million has been spent. For ward number two with Alderman Monroe, $2.2 million. Alderman Simmons in ward three has been $16.6 million spent. Parker in Ward 4, 3.5 million, Alderman Stacy Ward number 5, there's been 10.4 million spent, Alderman Shadle in Ward 6, 8.2 million, Alderman Sanders in Ward 7, 3.5 million, and at large across the city to benefit all has been an additional 70.9 million dollars spent.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:15:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=4551s) - **Support for National Guard deployed to Alaska** - **Summary:** The speaker is collecting donations of toiletry items, hand warmers, snacks, wool socks, and batteries for 62 members of the 333rd National Guard deployed to Alaska. Donations can be made during November. - **Evidence:** “I have been in contact with the captain that is over the 333rd on our National Guard. They were deployed a little while ago. They were sent to Alaska. I talked with the captain and I just said you know I I'd like as a community be able to support these men and women that are serving and what could possibly be their need and so he quickly got back to me and had a list of things that they were in need of as you can imagine Alaska is very cold this time of year they need toiletry items hand warmers snacks wool socks and batteries and so we are collecting here at City Hall right here in the council chambers to be able to bring whatever those needs might be, there are 62 of them. And so if you would like to donate to that project, you have the month of November to be able to do that.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:16:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=4608s) - **Election reminder** - **Summary:** The speaker reminded attendees to vote in the upcoming election. - **Evidence:** “And then my last piece is tomorrow is the election. Please do your duty and vote.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:17:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=4670s) - **Third Ward meeting announcement** - **Summary:** A council member announced a Third Ward meeting scheduled for Friday, November 22nd, at the library starting at 4 o'clock. - **Attribution:** Huffines - **Evidence:** “My official comment for the night is, though, Third Ward, please stay tuned. We are having a meeting at the library again on Friday, November 22nd, and we'll start at 4 o'clock.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:30:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5416s) - **Police and pension funds reporting suggestion** - **Summary:** A council member suggested reporting only city-controlled funds and listing pension funds as a separate sub item to prevent confusion regarding the $173 million portion of police and pension funds. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacy - **Evidence:** “And my ward is Stacy, and we talked a little bit before, and I did mention that $173 million is a portion of the police and pension funds. And before that that was totally reported we're still reporting that I would suggest that we would report just the city funds that we control and the pension funds as a separate sub item to prevent some confusion.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:30:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5458s) - **Budget reporting capabilities** - **Summary:** The speaker presented on their ability to take documents into a system, model them, and produce reports in various formats. - **Evidence:** “I had been able to take all of the documents, bring them into a system, model it, and I can produce reports in many different formats, which is what we probably don't have available here at the city, unfortunately. But having said that, I'm optimistic moving forward.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:33:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5585s) ## Metrics - **Cost for Freeport Police Department to transition to electronic ticketing system** - **Summary:** The cost for the Freeport Police Department to transition is $9,450, which includes equipment (ten Zebra printers and equipment for nine squad cars) and main booking room equipment. - **Evidence:** “The cost for the Freeport Police Department to transition to an electronic ticketing system would include the following, $9,450, which would include the cost of the equipment, ten Zebra printers, and equipment for nine squad cars, and the main booking room at the police” - **Source timestamp:** [53:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3186s) - **Infrastructure spending by ward over five years** - **Summary:** Total infrastructure spending across all wards amounted to $70.9 million. - **Attribution:** City Manager - **Evidence:** “And so Alderman Klemm for ward one, in the last five years, $4.6 million has been spent. For ward number two with Alderman Monroe, $2.2 million. Alderman Simmons in ward three has been $16.6 million spent. Parker in Ward 4, 3.5 million, Alderman Stacy Ward number 5, there's been 10.4 million spent, Alderman Shadle in Ward 6, 8.2 million, Alderman Sanders in Ward 7, 3.5 million, and at large across the city to benefit all has been an additional 70.9 million dollars spent.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:15:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=4551s) ## Discussion - **Adherence to Rules of Council regarding quorum and speaking frequency** - **Summary:** Discussion on the need to adhere to rules concerning quorum (subsection eight) and speaking frequency (subsection 15), noting past non-adherence. - **Attribution:** Klemm - **Evidence:** “I just wanted to draw the council's attention to section 220.10 rules of council. And note that while we have not in the past strictly adhered to this, we may need to start looking at adhering to the rules of council in the future, primarily as it relates to assuring that we have quorum for purposes of necessary meetings like we unfortunately didn't have tonight for the finance committee of the whole. The quorum section under rules of council is in subsection eight and it states at all meetings, a majority of all older persons elected shall constitute a quorum. In addition, there is a section entitled frequency of speaking subsection 15 and it states no member shall speak more than twice to the same general question. No more than once to a previous question without unanimous leave of council, nor more than once in any case until every member choosing to speak shall have spoken.” - **Source timestamp:** [00:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=45s) - **Review of Council Rules adherence** - **Summary:** A request for the council to review rules regarding speaking frequency due to concerns raised by members, and a suggestion to continue adhering to adopted rules from 1977. - **Attribution:** Klemm - **Evidence:** “When I say we, I mean, Attorney Zito has been contacted by members of council just with some concerns about frequency of speaking as it relates to certain items and the overall length of the meeting and getting through agenda items. So we just ask council to review those. And if you have any questions, please feel free to direct those to myself or to attorney Zito, but we do suggest that the council continue to adhere to the rules that have been adopted now for many, many, many years, dating back to 1977.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=120s) - **Conflict of Interest Concerns Regarding Planning Commission Reappointments** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding potential conflict of interest due to reappointing individuals employed by companies the city does business with. - **Attribution:** Alderman Simmons - **Evidence:** “Alderman Simmons. I feel as though this is a conflict of interest with Darren and Andrea both being on, or members, how do I say it? Employees of companies that we do business with, and this being the Planning Commission sort of like a board. They shouldn't be part of that.” - **Source timestamp:** [05:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=332s) - **Conflict of Interest Concerns Regarding Planning Commission Reappointments** - **Summary:** Discussion asserting that appointing individuals from profit organizations without council consent is improper and requires immediate cessation. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders. Moving on that notion of the conflict of interest, it does illustrate a conflict of interest. As a matter of fact, it's a direct conflict of interest. I don't know who's doing the appointment, but if someone is doing the appointment without the consent of the council, well, that's not supposed to be happening.” - **Source timestamp:** [06:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=410s) - **Process for Council Appointments and Consent** - **Summary:** Mayor Miller clarified that appointments under item five are recommendations by the mayor requiring council advice and consent. - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller - **Evidence:** “Mayor Miller, just to address some of the comments that have been made by council with regard to the appointments. So these appointments under item five are in fact recommendations by the mayor that then are placed on the agenda for council approval. So the council is to give advice and consent, that is the process.” - **Source timestamp:** [10:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=614s) - **Appointment process for council approval** - **Summary:** Appointments are recommendations by the mayor placed on the agenda for council to give advice and consent. - **Evidence:** “So these appointments under item five are in fact recommendations by the mayor that then are placed on the agenda for council approval. So the council is to give advice and consent, that is the process.” - **Source timestamp:** [10:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=622s) - **Reappointment of Planning Commission members** - **Summary:** The council has the purview to decide not to reappoint Darren or Andrea to the Planning Commission. - **Evidence:** “If it is the will of the council not to reappoint Darren or Andrea to the Planning Commission, that's completely within the council's purview to make that decision that the council's not going to reappoint these individuals to the board.” - **Source timestamp:** [10:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=646s) - **Vacant positions after non-reappointment** - **Summary:** If individuals are not appointed to the board, the positions will be vacant until the mayor brings forth new names and the council provides advice and consent. - **Evidence:** “If in fact the individuals that are not appointed to the board, the positions will then just be vacant until the mayor then brings forth new names and the council then provides their advice and consent at that time.” - **Source timestamp:** [10:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=659s) - **Legal process for appointments** - **Summary:** Appointments brought before the council require giving advice and consent, which is the formal legal process under state's DHU. - **Evidence:** “So these are appointments that are being brought to the council for advice and consent. And that is the formal legal process that would be required under state's DHU.” - **Source timestamp:** [11:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=671s) - **Conflict of interest regarding Planning Commission service** - **Summary:** There is no legal conflict for Mr. Steckel or Ms. Winter to serve on the Planning Commission, as it is only a recommending body. - **Evidence:** “There is not a legal conflict to Mr. Steckel or Ms. Winter to serve on the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission is a recommending body only.” - **Source timestamp:** [11:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=691s) - **Conflict of interest for Planning Commission service** - **Summary:** Ms. Winter would be required to recuse herself if she had a planning matter she was involved in that rose to the level of being financially involved. - **Evidence:** “Illinois law only prohibits conflicts of interest in which there is a financial relationship and the board of trustees. We have a number of recommendations for board members to be able to get directly involved by the individual who would otherwise be serving.” - **Source timestamp:** [12:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=730s) - **Review of appointments recommendations** - **Summary:** Two recommendations are for counsel's review and for the body to decide whether or not to move forward with them. - **Evidence:** “Again, these two recommendations are for counsel's review and for you to decide as a body whether or not you want to move forward with these appointments.” - **Source timestamp:** [12:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=751s) - **Hiring practices for boards and commissions** - **Summary:** Boards and commissions are not hired. - **Evidence:** “Just to piggyback on that, the comment of hiring practices, boards and commissions are not hired.” - **Source timestamp:** [12:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=760s) - **Planning Commission meeting necessity due to development backlog** - **Summary:** The Planning Commission must meet because many petitions require its review for variations, special use permits, and a subdivision plat. - **Evidence:** “If there's many matters, variations, special use permits, right now we have a subdivision plat that's going to be going through. And we're required by ordinance to have a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting or a Planning Commission meeting.” - **Source timestamp:** [13:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=797s) - **Risk of bias and public confidence in appointments** - **Summary:** The roles of appointed individuals present a risk of bias, and caution is needed to maintain public confidence regarding appointments to the Planning Commission. - **Evidence:** “Alderman Stacey. I feel that their roles place them in a position of power, that while beneficial in some ways, also present a risk of bias. We must be cautious in the context of the existing mistrust and concern surrounding transparency in our local government.” - **Source timestamp:** [14:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=845s) - **Council member involvement with boards** - **Summary:** Every council member is invited to every board, and John and the speaker believe they have a say in everything the commission does. - **Evidence:** “So I would just like to say about the transparency. Every council member is invited to every board, and John, and I think we have a say in everything that commission does and what these two do.” - **Source timestamp:** [15:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=907s) - **Council procedure for second round of discussion** - **Summary:** A question was asked if Larry wanted to proceed with a second round. - **Evidence:** “Anyone that has not yet spoken? Larry, did you want to do a second round now?” - **Source timestamp:** [15:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=952s) - **Basis for council deliberation on external statements** - **Summary:** The council must evaluate any statement made without supporting documents or ordinances before determining its factual basis. - **Evidence:** “But the thing about it is I, just want to make sure I get my point across. Okay? And the magnitude of your position, but for you talking to the council at this time, that's not something that we have to consider based upon what you're saying without the documents or the policy before us or the ordinance before us.” - **Source timestamp:** [15:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=952s) - **Requirement for factual basis in statements to council** - **Summary:** Statements made by individuals must be supported by tangible evidence to determine alignment with council discussion. - **Evidence:** “You haven't brought us anything of circumstantial evidence to prove that what you're saying has a factual basis. And so that is one of the things that I am not pleased with when you inject like this.” - **Source timestamp:** [17:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1052s) - **Relevance of viewpoints on reappointments** - **Summary:** A question was raised regarding whether a speaker's points were relevant to the subject of reappointments. - **Evidence:** “Wesson. Let me ask you this, is what you're saying relevant to the reappointments?” - **Source timestamp:** [17:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1079s) - **Reappointment process scrutiny** - **Summary:** Concerns were raised that reappointments should not happen without evaluating the progress of individuals. - **Evidence:** “So, but anyway, if we're going to talk about reappointments, We're not just gonna, we just don't want to vote on reappointing someone without evaluating their progress. If we had not done that, then we're doing ourself a disservice as council members, and then we're doing the citizens of Freeport a disservice.” - **Source timestamp:** [18:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1131s) - **Reappointment scrutiny requirement** - **Summary:** Any reappointment must be scrutinized to ensure an educated vote is cast. - **Evidence:** “And so we need to be making sure that any reappointment of anything is being scrutinized to the fullest so we can make sure that what we're doing, we're making an educated vote.” - **Source timestamp:** [19:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1171s) - **Committee membership and staffing roles** - **Summary:** Concerns were raised about having the public works director (who handles 95% of work) also serve as the head person of Greater Freeport Partnership, suggesting other people could hold that position. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacey - **Evidence:** “And truth remains to have our public's work director who's also involved with Fehr Graham's who does 95% of all the work here in the city to have the head person of Greater Freeport Partnership. It's just, there's other people out there that can hold that position and can bring something to the table.” - **Source timestamp:** [20:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1244s) - **Ordinance 2024-57 scope review** - **Summary:** A question was raised regarding whether a survey of all activity in the sector was conducted and if details were omitted without full council consent. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “Director Boyer, question. Have you guys have did your scope of a survey of all of this that is taking place in this particular sector? And then I wanna ask you a question in regards to whether or not this is something that we made a discussion fully and I think we're leaving a lot of details out of this thing because we don't know for sure who's running this program or attempting to run this program without the consent and the action of the council itself to make a decision on whether or not we should get involved with this particular program.” - **Source timestamp:** [23:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1396s) - **Need for comprehensive study on a program/project** - **Summary:** A speaker expressed concern that insufficient study has been presented regarding a program, suggesting the council should delay any decision until a complete evaluation is available. - **Evidence:** “And so we have not done enough study, have, whoever brought this to us or this program project to us has enough study been brought to the commission or the council so that can be an in-depth study on all of the things that is required of us as council people to evaluate to see if we can make a sound decision whether we should move forward or not.” - **Source timestamp:** [24:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1453s) - **Project recommendation for moving forward** - **Summary:** Alderman Parker stated that due to an existing relationship with Pearl City Elevator, they believe the project needs to move forward to avoid jeopardizing future opportunities. - **Attribution:** Alderman Parker - **Evidence:** “Yes this here is a thing we're doing for Pearl City Elevator because they're in the Enterprise Zone down the Road. We may have a project we want in Freeport and they would have to approve it for us. So we don't want to cut our own throats by telling them no on this. So I think we need to move it forward, pass it, and let them get it going.” - **Source timestamp:** [25:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1505s) - **Enterprise Zone parcel additions recommendation** - **Summary:** Alderman Sanders stated that the proposal only adds two parcels in Alena to the enterprise zone, which is not expanding the footprint, and recommended moving forward with it. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders, we have gone through all of this. It's essentially, it's just adding two parcels in that they exist in Alena to the enterprise zone that originally weren't Incorporated. This isn't expanding the footprint of the enterprise zone and there's many other communities have to pass this as well. So my recommendation is to move forward with it.” - **Source timestamp:** [25:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1550s) - **Enterprise Zone governing bodies clarification** - **Summary:** Alderman Stacy clarified that the area is an enterprise zone, not a TIF district, and that multiple governing bodies (including Village of Lina, Stephenson County, Joe Davis County, Hanover, Freeport) make up the zone. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacy - **Evidence:** “Yes. What or who is the TIF district that this is used for? It's not a TIF district, it's the enterprise zone and the enterprise zone is made up of eight different governing bodies. Village of Lina, Stephenson County, Joe Davis County, Hanover, Freeport, I'm missing some.” - **Source timestamp:** [25:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1550s) - **Project benefit assessment** - **Summary:** A speaker questioned whether the project would bring any benefits to the city of Freeport. - **Evidence:** “I'm just asking, is it going to bring anything into our city? Are we going to reap any benefits from this project?” - **Source timestamp:** [29:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1786s) - **Project benefit assessment response** - **Summary:** A speaker argued that the benefits are related to partnership and working together, comparing it to previous extensions of the enterprise zone. - **Evidence:** “Well, the benefits are many. I mean, it's about working together. They could have, all of those taxing bodies could have said something contrary when we wanted to extend our enterprise zone. What did they have to gain from us doing that? No different than what do we personally Gain. It doesn't matter. It's about being a good partner.” - **Source timestamp:** [30:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1800s) - **Benefit of enterprise zone extension** - **Summary:** The benefit gained from the enterprise zone is indirect, relating to working with other communities for the benefit of the enterprise zone. - **Evidence:** “So in this particular case there's no direct benefit to the city of Freeport outside of the fact that we are able to work together as a community to improve our total economic picture.” - **Source timestamp:** [30:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=1853s) - **Lease approval process and format changes** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the need for a clean cut lease review and the upcoming adoption of a new lease format at the end of the year. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacy - **Evidence:** “Earlier this year, we had a discussion about all these hangers and the screwed up leases, if you will, and we were supposed to be able, and Gable as a council to get a clean cut lease to view and see that it was designed as it needed to be. And that has yet to happen, yet we continue to be given hanger's lease to approve when the lease have not been To our knowledge all the scribble and whatever on on this have not even been Still redlined. What are we doing here? ... At the request of the airport manager, we are enacting a new lease format at the end of the year That was a request by the airport manager Bender. So the new lease format will be approved and we'll discuss it. So why wasn't that brought to the council? That it's not going to be November, now it's going to be the end of the year? Well, it's essentially the first of the year where the new leases will take effect, so we'll approve. The first of the year? Yes, the first of the year. The end of 2024, beginning of 2025, the new lease format will go into place and then we'll approve those leases.” - **Source timestamp:** [35:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2134s) - **Item 8 failure due to voting requirements** - **Summary:** Confirmation that Item 8 failed because it did not have the requisite number of votes according to statute 11-76-1. - **Attribution:** Miller - **Evidence:** “I apologize. We need to go back to item number 8. The item did fail. I just pulled the statute. The requisite section is 11-76-1, and it states for leases, there does need to be, this power should be exercised by an ordinance passed by three-fourths vote of and the next item is the corporate authorities. It's the corporate authorities of the city then holding office. So not what that means is the corporate authorities as a whole, not the corporate authorities that happen to be present. It is the corporate authorities then holding office. So item 8 failed as it did not have the requisite number of votes to pass. It isn't even necessary to call the Mayor's vote in this particular case because we would not be able to , y of Officer Jodi and Mayor Bob Sinewan. I apologize for being wrong the first time. I didn't have a second to pull the statute both item 8 and item 9, so item 8 did fail.” - **Source timestamp:** [37:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2253s) - **Authority determining lease value** - **Summary:** Question raised regarding who determines or evaluates the value for leasing and whether this should be presented to the council for decision-making. - **Attribution:** Gertrude Heimerdinger - **Evidence:** “My question is. My question is who's determining or evaluating what the value is for the leasing, who's doing that, who has the authority to do that and then do not bring it to the council to let them know that that's what they would like to present instead of giving us this right on an agenda to make decisions on. If we're not doing that, if that's not what we're doing, then why are we discussing this matter when we had not had an opportunity to discuss it as a whole? As a whole, I mean, we just get saying yes to everything, no to everything without looking at the stipulations of these leases and how we got to 1.8. B. Is that what we're doing? Well, I have a problem with that. So I just wanna know that those kinds of actions are not something that council should be considering when it comes to making sound decisions.” - **Source timestamp:** [39:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2395s) - **Previous lease setting authority** - **Summary:** Confirmation that previous leases were set by the council. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacy - **Evidence:** “I'd like to understand what was the previous leases on this particular property. I do believe that the leases were set by council. Well, that's what I want to know. Council set those leases. So if you're wondering, that would be the council.” - **Source timestamp:** [41:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2472s) - **Lease governance and prior discussions** - **Summary:** Discussion confirming that lease amounts are governed by an ordinance discussed previously. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacy - **Evidence:** “I just want to mention that fact that these are governed by, the amounts are governed by an ordinance and it's been discussed several times on the floor in the past. That was before our time. 2021? Yeah. Okay. So we're going to move on to Alderman. It's before our time. Okay. It's before our time. Okay. I just want to mention that fact that these are governed by, the amounts are governed by an ordinance and it's been discussed several times on the floor in the past.” - **Source timestamp:** [41:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2510s) - **Current occupancy status vs. council action** - **Summary:** Concern raised that a gentleman has occupied the hanger since October 11th, while the lease decision is only coming to the council today. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacy - **Evidence:** “Yes, we have talked about it. However, we did not make any decisions on the cost, but I understand the cost. I don't have a problem with the cost. I'll even say I agree with the cost, but the bigger picture here is that this gentleman is already in that hanger as of, was it October 11th? Yes. So do this need a three thirds vote to pass? Yes. But the person is already in there before it even came to the council. He's been in there since October 11th. It came to the council today. And this is the things that keep happening that has to stop.” - **Source timestamp:** [43:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2582s) - **Hanger Lease Approval Process** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the process and necessity of a three-thirds vote for approving the hanger lease, noting that the person was already in the hangar since October 11th. - **Evidence:** “Yes. So do this need a three thirds vote to pass? Yes. But the person is already in there before it even came to the council. He's been in there since October 11th. It came to the council today. And this is the things that keep happening that has to stop.” - **Source timestamp:** [43:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2604s) - **Hanger Lease Documentation and Council Sign-off** - **Summary:** A discussion questioning whether the council formally signed off on the specific hanger lease or issue, despite the airport manager's involvement. - **Evidence:** “I understand you're saying that the airport manager or whatever has signed off on this hanger, but did the council, the city hall, did we sign off on this issue or this hanger or this lease? I don't know. That's the reason why the question is being asked.” - **Source timestamp:** [46:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=2796s) - **Benefits of electronic ticketing systems** - **Summary:** Benefits include improved efficiency, reduced errors from handwritten tickets, and potential cost-effectiveness compared to paper citations. - **Evidence:** “One of those benefits, some of the benefits include the following. An improved efficiency and use of time for officers by using less time detaining motorists on traffic stops. Electronic ticketing systems reduces the amount of errors associated with handwritten tickets.” - **Source timestamp:** [52:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3124s) - **Electronic ticket process details** - **Summary:** When issuing a citation, there will be a printout explaining what is being issued and how to take care of the ticket, which can be done online or at the clerk's office. - **Evidence:** “Sure, so there's going to be a printout that would explain the citation, what's being issued, if it's a mandatory court appearance or not, how to take care of the ticket, if sometimes Huffines. You can just pay for it.” - **Source timestamp:** [54:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3293s) - **Accident reporting platform improvement** - **Summary:** The new platform would include all parties involved in accidents, which would help motorists. - **Evidence:** “This new platform, we would then have all the parties that were involved, which would help out the motorists who were involved in accidents.” - **Source timestamp:** [55:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3347s) - **Electronic ticketing system administration visualization** - **Summary:** The process involves scanning a license and using a web-based platform to upload information, resulting in a printout for the person receiving the citation. - **Evidence:** “This way license can be scanned in and then it's a web-based platform so all that information is immediately uploaded or not well when it's done it will be uploaded and then transferred to the clerk's office so they have that information and then the the person who's getting the citation would then get a printout that would have all the important information that they would need to take care of that properly.” - **Source timestamp:** [57:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3429s) - **Clarification on initial implementation cost** - **Summary:** The $40,000 is a one-time cost paid by the clerk's office to get it started. - **Evidence:** “No, the $40,000 that's being paid by the clerk's office, that's to get it started. So that's just a one-time cost for them.” - **Source timestamp:** [57:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3466s) - **Annual fee structure clarification** - **Summary:** The yearly fee is $7,000, which will be split between the city and the sheriff's department. - **Evidence:** “The $7,000 a year will be split between us and the sheriff's department.” - **Source timestamp:** [57:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3476s) - **Annual operational cost clarification** - **Summary:** The yearly fee of $7,000 is what the city would have to pay every year. - **Evidence:** “But every year the city would have to pay that $7,000.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:00:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3617s) - **Utilizing existing funds for system payment** - **Summary:** The city can utilize digital ticket money from the state and DUI fund to help pay for the system without increasing the budget, although the city would have to pay $7,000 every year. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Yeah, there'll be more additional costs with paper and stuff, but we can, like I said, we can utilize the digital ticket money that we get from the state as well as the money that we get from our, into our DUI fund. So then that way we're not taking or asking for more in our budget. We can utilize those monies to help pay for the system. But every year the city would have to pay that $7,000.” - **Source timestamp:** [59:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3590s) - **Ordinance status** - **Summary:** The ordinance in question is not new but has been in place for a long time. - **Evidence:** “Yeah. That's a new ordinance, right? No, actually, it's an ordinance that's been in place for a long, long time. It's just Right. And so we are we are using our ordinances correctly. That's our goal.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:00:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3644s) - **Aggregator contract timeline planning** - **Summary:** The city will move forward with the 24 month column to help line up other aggregator contracts for expiration around the same time in 2026 for efficiency. - **Evidence:** “In addition, I would, we will be moving forward with the 24 month column, Do the fact that it'll help us line up the other aggregator contracts at a similar time period for Next in 2026 so that when they all expire they'll be expiring around the same amount of time and we can be more efficient about Doing doing these kind of contracts in the future” - **Source timestamp:** [01:03:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3799s) - **Eligibility and process for home rehabilitation grants** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding how one qualifies to have a home rehabilitated, the source of information, and the application process. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders. How does one qualify to have their home rehabilitated and where do they get the information and how do they go through the process? It's closed now. And this was a 2021 grant. Okay. And right now we're at the point of implementing the the people who applied back in 2021. So right now there is no applications. We don't we do not have a current grant open for this.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:06:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3969s) - **Discussion regarding procedural rules for motions** - **Summary:** Discussion occurred regarding proper procedure for making and addressing motions, noting that statements do not constitute motions. - **Evidence:** “I would like to speak to the person who wants to speak. If we're following rules from A to B, we're following rules from A to B. I'm sorry, did you have something? Yes, she made a motion not to do this. And then you asked for someone to make a motion, well, she didn't make a motion, but she made a statement.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:09:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=4193s) - **City bank accounts total value increase** - **Summary:** The city currently has 30 bank accounts with a total of $183 million, representing an increase of $105 million collected over the past five years. The average collection rate is $21 million per year. - **Evidence:** “As of October, 2024, we have 30 banks account and the total of those accounts are $183 million. This is an increase of $105 million collected over the past five years. The average out. The average out to be $21 million of tax revenue collected by the city per year.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:19:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=4768s) - **City financial records scope and spending transparency** - **Summary:** Concerns were raised regarding the lack of clear, accurate information on how taxpayer money is being spent, noting that previous records only go back to 2017. - **Evidence:** “Councilman, I've been receiving questions from my constituents. I even overheard the conversations of some of the attendees at the mayor's so-called budget input meeting meeting, questioning how much money is our city spending and what really are they're spending the money on? This leads me to a comment by Alderman Monroe, who I wish was here at our last council meeting when he said, I asked this question a couple of years ago, where did all the money go over the last 30 years? And I never got an answer. Matter of fact, I'll like to see line items of where the money was spent.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:19:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=4795s) - **Capital Improvement Fund (CIP) details and audit request** - **Summary:** The speaker noted that the city has $15 million in its capital improvement fund as of March 2017, and requested a forensic audit covering the period from March 1st, 2017 through December 31st, 2024. - **Evidence:** “Based on the information that I get from finance director Richter, the city has 15 million in its capital improvement fund. And so that leads me to another question, director Richter. Can you tell me how much money we have spent out of the Capital Improvement Fund since 2017? ... Alderman Shadle. I'm not done. Council, in order for us and taxpayers to gain a full understanding as to where their tax dollars are being spent. I feel it is necessary for this council to request a forensic audit to be conducted starting with the capital improvement fund. The range of the audit should be from March 1st, 2017 2017 through December 31st, 2024.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:23:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5006s) - **City financial accounts details provided by Director Richter** - **Summary:** Director Richter confirmed the city has 30 bank accounts totaling $183 million. She also stated that $61 million is for fire pension and $55 million is for police pension, which cannot be touched. - **Evidence:** “I really wish you would have asked me prior to this meeting what exactly these accounts are. Because $61 million is fire pension and $55 million is police pension, which you can't touch. As far as the CIP funds, I have an Excel spreadsheet that I'd be happy to send to you that details every dollar that went into the CIP fund and went out.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:22:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=4966s) - **Request for visibility into city bank accounts** - **Summary:** Alderman Sanders expressed concern over the existence of multiple city bank accounts not visible in financial reports, requesting further documentation. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “I was not surprised with the reading that Ms. Alderman Stacy was reporting. I'd just like to say, when I heard the numbers of accounts that the city holds, and we don't see these accounts in our financial reports, and well, I don't see, yeah, but it doesn't and talk about what bank's accounts that these are. Yeah. Oh, well, if it is, then I need to see more of it.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:25:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5120s) - **Request for financial documentation regarding Fehr Graham invoices** - **Summary:** Alderman Shadle requested PDF copies of all itemized and regular invoices for work between the City of Freeport and Fehr Graham from January 1st, 2024 to present. - **Attribution:** Alderman Shadle - **Evidence:** “For my final request, let the record show that I am asking for, in PDF form, copies of all itemized and regular invoices of all work between the City of Freeport and Fehr Graham. These files need to represent information from January 1st, 2024 to present. Thank you. Alderman Shadle.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:24:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5066s) - **Concerns regarding unlisted city bank accounts** - **Summary:** A council member expressed concern about city holding accounts not visible in financial reports and requested more information on these bank accounts. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “I was not surprised with the reading that Ms. Alderman Stacy was reporting. I'd just like to say, when I heard the numbers of accounts that the city holds, and we don't see these accounts in our financial reports, and well, I don't see, yeah, but it doesn't and talk about what bank's accounts that these are. Yeah.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:25:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5120s) - **Request for detailed financial reporting on city accounts** - **Summary:** A council member reiterated the need to see an itemization of all 40-some bank accounts where taxpayers' dollars are deposited and requested a full accounting of every transaction. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “I like to get a copy of all of that myself, not just Alderman Stacy, but Alderman Sanders would like to get a copy of what that report was all about, and you're making it sound and John. So, I'm just going by what I know and what I know is that I have not heard about 40-some bank accounts that we deposit taxpayers' dollars in and we need to do an itemization and Stacey. I need to know every transition that took place, same thing that Alderman Stacey was recommending.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:26:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5212s) - **Public concern over financial transparency and governance** - **Summary:** A council member emphasized the public's concern regarding how tax dollars are governed and stressed the need for regular education on city finances. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “You know, we're not just, the council is not the only ones that are concerned about it, but the constituents out there, they're concerned about it and they need to know how we're governing the finances of tax dollars and they need to hear this on a regular basis and they need to be trained to understand and educated on every aspect of what the city is governing.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:28:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5287s) - **Request for presentation of available financial information** - **Summary:** A council member stated that if financial information is available, it should be presented when requested. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “I mean, it's not like you are trying to hide anything. I'm not saying that, but the thing about it is if it's available to us, then if we're requesting for it, then it should be presented to us. That's all I'm saying.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:28:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5309s) - **Comment regarding meeting conduct** - **Summary:** A council member commented that the city does not serve itself by its behavior during meetings. - **Attribution:** Alderman Simmons - **Evidence:** “So, I would just like to comment on tonight's meeting, and we are not doing this city any service by behaving the way that we behave.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:29:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5359s) - **Comment regarding meeting conduct** - **Summary:** A council member stated that unnecessary comments and gestures were made during the meeting. - **Attribution:** Alderman Simmons - **Evidence:** “When it is used to silence people, that is not okay. When we gaslight certain councilmembers because we know we're going to get aroused out of them, those were unnecessary comments and gestures. Your comments were unnecessary. Everybody was unnecessary tonight.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:29:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5396s) - **Hospitalization absence** - **Summary:** The speaker stated they will be in the hospital for a couple weeks and will not attend the next meeting. - **Evidence:** “I will be in the hospital for a couple weeks, so I won't be at the next meeting.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:33:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5602s) - **Property tax budget item** - **Summary:** The speaker addressed property taxes as one final point on the budget and noted that raising them is probably not of interest to the council. - **Evidence:** “One other final thing on the budget, and I'll get out of it, property taxes. You're probably not interested in raising that.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:33:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5621s) ## Public Comment - **Municipal parking lot condition and timing for repair** - **Summary:** A resident requested consideration for moving the repair of municipal parking lots to 2025 instead of 2026, citing safety concerns like potholes. - **Evidence:** “Last week, last week I was, I had heard, not last week, the week before, I've heard Alderman Sellers mention something about the parking lots. And there was a discussion about it and possibly that this would be moved to 2026 instead of 2025... So if we could possibly think of that for 2025 instead of pushing it off until 2026, that was the only thing I was asking.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:34:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5675s) ## Follow-ups - **Payment schedule for electronic ticketing system transition costs** - **Summary:** The $9,450 cost is an annual payment due to the Stephenson County Circuit Clerk by the 15th of January, beginning on January 15th, 2026. - **Evidence:** “This is an annual cost made payable to the Stephenson County Circuit Clerk due the 15th of January beginning on January 15th, 2026.” - **Source timestamp:** [53:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=3206s) - **Request for itemized invoices regarding Fehr Graham work** - **Summary:** The speaker requested PDF copies of all itemized and regular invoices for work between the City of Freeport and Fehr Graham, covering January 1st, 2024 to present. - **Evidence:** “For my final request, let the record show that I am asking for, in PDF form, copies of all itemized and regular invoices of all work between the City of Freeport and Fehr Graham. These files need to represent information from January 1st, 2024 to present.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:24:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuvlkF0LJZU&t=5066s)