WEBVTT

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I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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We've noticed, Aaron and myself, Attorney Zito and myself have noticed with some of the most recent City Council meetings, 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

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and others.

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We have been hearing that we have quorum for purposes of necessary meetings like we unfortunately

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didn't have tonight for the Finance Committee of the Whole.

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The quorum section under rules of council is in subsection 8 and it states at all meetings

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majority of all Alderpersons elected shall constitute a quorum.

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In addition, there is a section entitled frequency of speaking subsection 15 and it states no

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No member shall speak more than twice to the same general question, no more than once to

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a previous question without unanimous leave of counsel, nor more than once in any case

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until every member choosing to speak shall have spoken.

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In the past, I think that the City has not necessarily strictly adhered to that particular

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Seymour has recently talked about the

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need for more meeting items and they understand plenty easily

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that kind of direction. We need to check these other

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sections under fifteen for frequency of speaking, but we

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have been contacted by members of the Council, when I say we,

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I mean thorough Zeto, has been contacted by members of

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Council just with some

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concerns about frequency of speaking as it relates to

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to myself or to Attorney Zito, but we do suggest that the Council continue to adhere to the

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rules that have been adopted now for many, many, many years dating back to 1977.

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So if anyone has any questions, happy to answer those, but just wanted to bring those to your

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attention.

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Thank you.

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Item number one is approval of the agenda, and just so you know, we do have executive

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session tonight.

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So is there a motion to approve the agenda?

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So moved.

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The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

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Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm? Aye. And Simmons? Aye. The motion passes 6-0.

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And item number two is approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on October 21st, 2024. Is there a motion to approve?

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Somu? Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker. Madam Clerk,

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could you please take the roll? Parker? Aye. Stacy? Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm? Aye.

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And Simmons? Aye. The motion passes six to zero. And there were no public comments

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signed in so we'll move on to item number four which is the consent agenda. The

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consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion

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and unless a member of council would like to have something removed for further discussion,

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is there anything?

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Seeing none, the consent agenda consists of approving to receive and place on file the

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board and commission minutes from the Joint Review Board for the Lamb Road TIF District

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November 8th, 2022, the Joint Review Board, Downtown West Avenue Meadows and the Berchard

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Hills, TIF Districts, November 8th, 2022, the Foreign Fire Board, August 8th, 2024,

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the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, September 23rd and 24th, also is the Greater

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Freeport Partnership Monthly Report, dated October 2024, the approval of the finance

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bills payable in the total of $1,845,653.82, and the approval of payroll for pay period

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Ending, October 19th, 2024, in the total of $651,206.30.

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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 Shadle,

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seconded by Alderman Parker.

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Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

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Parker.

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Aye.

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Stacy?

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Aye.

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Shadle?

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Aye.

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Sanders?

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Aye.

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Klemm?

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Aye.

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And Simmons?

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Aye.

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And that motion passes 6 to 0.

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Item number five are some reappointments.

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Could you please read those?

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Darren Steckel to the Planning Commission,

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effective through October 31st, 2028.

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Andrea Scholl-Swinder to the Planning Commission,

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effective through October 31st, 2028.

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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 Parker,

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seconded by Alderman Shadle.

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Discussion?

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Alderman Simmons.

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I feel as though this is a conflict of interest

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with Darren and Andrea both being on or members, how do I say, employees of companies that

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we do business with and this being the Planning Commission, sort of like a board.

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They shouldn't be part of that.

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They should report to that commission.

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So I'm confused at why they're on it and why we're reappointing them.

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Why would we?

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They're active members in the community.

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That's what commissions are, people that want to be involved in boards and commissions are

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just people that care about the community.

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So again, seeing as they are employed by companies that the city employs and does business with,

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that is a, in my eyes, that's a conflict of interest to have them on this planning commission.

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If I had to remove people on boards and commissions based on that, I wouldn't have that terrible

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many people.

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I mean, people are involved in many ways.

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So that's where that was.

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We have a substantial community of people that are qualified.

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And getting them to step up and serve is another thing.

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It's a big commitment.

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Alderman Sanders?

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on that notion of the conflict of interest. It does illustrate a conflict of interest.

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Matter of fact, it's a direct conflict of interest. I don't know who's doing the appointment,

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but someone is doing the appointment without the consent of the council.

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The mayor is. The mayor is.

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Well, that's not supposed to be happening. But anyway, because that's something that

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is going on, it's got to immediately stop, no more appointing any business, profit organizations

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or anything without the Council's consent.

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You cannot appoint people to any position that directly becomes a conflict of interest

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to the community and not only that, to the Council.

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We're not talking about the administration, we're talking about the council.

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And for us to not be able to give the consent of hiring practices, we're going to have to

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re-evaluate how these things have been, how these things are done.

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We need to move forward with it because there's got to be some recalibration.

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And you know what I mean when I say recalibration, because we had not had the privilege to get

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involved in the consent efforts of Darren Steakle that is in direct correspondence with

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Fehr and Graham, another organization. We're having too many boards. We've got too many

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boards within that we don't have no say so in certain matters. And that's got to stop.

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We're going to put a complaint in enforcing these rules so the city becomes compliant

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to the way order of the council, the administration of the city, the board of whoever they are

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because we still haven't nailed that down and that's one of the things that I want to

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bring address and we need to move forward on those things.

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is not going to lay down easy because it's going to be brought up on each on each matter or each

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council chamber meetings. We're going to make that a priority. That's an absolute thing that we want

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to talk about. There's a direct priority that we might that as council we move forward to recognize

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and evaluate all of the things that I'm stipulating and I have more, I'm not even

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at the tip of the iceberg and we need to take a very good look at how we're doing things

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and how things are being done and so we're going to address those.

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and so we're going to address those. I want everybody to be aware of that, especially in our council.

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I want us to know that we're going to be

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vengeance, vigilantly trying to get down to how we orchestrating things. That's all I have to say,

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Mayor. Mayor Miller, just to address some of the comments that have been made by council with regard

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Fowler.

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So these appointments under item five are in fact recommendations by the mayor that then

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are placed on the agenda for council approval.

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So the council is to give advice and consent.

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That is the process.

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So the mayor makes the recommendation under the appointment process and then the council

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gets to give advice and consent by way of voting on these two appointments.

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If it is the will of the Council not to reappoint Darren or Andrea to the Planning Commission,

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that's completely within the Council's purview to make that decision that the Council is

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not going to reappoint these individuals to the Board.

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If in fact the individuals that are not appointed to the Board, the positions will then just

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be vacant until the Mayor then brings forth new names and the Council then provides their

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advice and consent at that time.

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So these are appointments that are being brought to the council for advice and consent and that

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is the formal legal process that would be required under state's DHU.

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With regard to the conflict issue, I would note that we do have a number of in fact even

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city employees that sit on different boards and commissions throughout the city.

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There is not a legal conflict to Mr. Steckel or Ms. Winter to serve on the Planning Commission.

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the Planning Commission is a recommending body only.

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They make recommendations to the council,

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but ultimately the council has to make

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the final determination.

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Now, with regard to a potential legal conflict,

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could it occur if, for example, Ms. Winter

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had a planning matter that she was involved in

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and if she served on the Planning Commission,

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she would then be required to recuse herself

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if it was something that rose to the level

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of being in a matter of which she was financially involved.

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Illinois law only prohibits conflicts of interest

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in which there is a financial relationship

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directly involved by the individual

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who would otherwise be serving.

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So again, these two recommendations are for council's review

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and for you to decide as a body whether or not

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you wanna move forward with these appointments.

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And just to piggyback on that,

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the comment of hiring practices,

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Boards and Commissions are not hired, so you're aware, they're not hired.

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So, wait a second, just because of what Attorney Susanowski said about our current ordinance

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and everybody having an opportunity to speak before the second time, I really need to allow

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that for others before I call on you, Larry.

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Well, I just wanted to address her.

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She's making comments.

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You can, after everybody else has had a chance. Wayne, did you?

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Do you want my thought to diminish, or whatever you're talking about?

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Well, that's not my fault. I'm trying to go by the ordinance. Director Duckman?

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I just want to say something quick as well. If there's many matters, variations, special use permits,

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right now we have a subdivision plat that's going to be going through, and we're required by ordinance

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Bregman, Secretary, Commissioner, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor,

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Norman, Stacy, I feel that their roles place them in a position of power that while beneficial

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in some ways also present a risk of bias.

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We must be cautious in the context of the existing mistrust and concerns surrounding transparency

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in our local government.

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It is crucial that we maintain the public confidence in appointing people to the Planning Commission

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which such close ties to inferential organizations could only fuel further distrust.

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We should err on the side of caution and ensure that we do not give our citizens more reason

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to distrust the decisions that we make.

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So I would just like to say about the transparency. Every council member is invited to every board,

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every commission should they choose to go. The general public is invited. So no one is

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hiding anything. Every piece of agenda is out there. So that should handle all the transparency.

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And before I call on you, I just got to make sure nobody else that hasn't spoken. Alderman

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Parker?

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Well, one thing, you want to vote on them, you get the chance. Like she said, they only

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The thing about it is, I just want to make sure I get my point across, okay?

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I don't know the magnitude of your position, but for you talking to the council at this

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time, that's not something that we have to consider based upon what you're saying without

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Reines, Neill, John 정ens, Michael, Reyes, Bryan, Benification,II and others from always

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here, thank you, thank you, thank you, we appreciate you.

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Wait a minute, you have the all-new garden city, we haven't seen that yet, but, it's

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a one-way street, I know we'll make it this way, but I have a water pump machine in my

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house, it goes in here.

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That's not gonna go anywhere.

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and others. So, first of all, when you start doing that, then we have to evaluate you for

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your action and then your influence on what you're trying to impose upon the council about

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how without addressing anything that we tangibly can look at for ourselves to see if we can

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Schleier, Dr. Holt, Dr. Pettis, Dr. Bates, Dr. Rizzo, Dr. Holt, Dr. Holt, Dr. Bates,

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And besides that, this is totally off-subject of reappointment.

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Yes, it's within the confines of what I have to discuss. It's what I'm discussing.

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Okay, let me ask you this. Is what you're saying relevant to the reappointments?

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Okay. Well, I put it like this here, since I'm being imposed upon about where I should be at.

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I know that we're talking about reappointments, but the thing about it is I just want people to know it is not acceptable just for someone to inject their viewpoints into this council for any determination on what we should think and how we should think about it.

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Only thing we know is that what's on the agenda and all this other outside conversation that is being made, we haven't found the validity of truth there.

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So, but anyway, if we're going to, if we're going to talk about reappointments, then I feel strongly that the council understand the whole significant and details of the reappointment.

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We're not just going to, we just don't want to vote on reappointing someone without evaluating their progress.

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if we had not done that then we're doing ourselves a disservice as council members and then we're

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doing the citizens of Freeport a disservice and so we need to be making sure that any

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reappointment of anything is being scrutinized to the fullest so we can make sure that what

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we're doing we're making an educated vote we're pursuing what the citizens of Freeport

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want us to do and we just can't just mishandle their confidence when they have confidence

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in us to do the right thing or talk about the right thing or to bring the issues out

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and those kinds of things.

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and Stacey.

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So I just want to make sure that we're treading that path and that we're not dodging and suppressing

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information that needs to be brought forward to the council, and I yield my argument.

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Is there any other discussion on the reappointment?

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Alderman Stacey.

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Alderman Parker, I understand how this process works.

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I've been at it a little over a year now.

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Madam Mayor, there's people out there willing and wanting to be on this committee.

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They're just not asked or invited to be.

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and the truth remains to have our Public Work Director who's also involved with Fehr Graham's

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who does 95% of all the work here in the city to have the head person of Greater Freeport

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Partnership, it's just there's other people out there that can hold that position and

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can bring something to the table.

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When we use these same people over and over and over again,

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you all start to play in one another's hand,

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giving each other what they want.

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And yes, it's going to come to the council.

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And yes, we're going to say yes or no.

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And we're going to take a vote.

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And guess what?

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You will break the tie.

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And it will always be what you want.

00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:49.740
Well, that's a lot of accusing. Anything else?

00:21:50.860 --> 00:21:52.860
That's what?

00:21:53.019 --> 00:21:56.740
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:21:59.380 --> 00:22:06.180
Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Klemm?

00:22:08.940 --> 00:22:12.579
Simmons? No. We are tied at three to three.

00:22:13.579 --> 00:22:16.700
Attorney Sosnowski, do we need a five to pass this?

00:22:17.740 --> 00:22:23.259
Okay, Mayor, what say you?

00:22:23.259 --> 00:22:24.259
Aye.

00:22:24.259 --> 00:22:27.180
And the motion passes four to three.

00:22:27.180 --> 00:22:30.340
Item number six is second reading of ordinance 20-24-57.

00:22:30.340 --> 00:22:35.019
Could you please read this?

00:22:35.019 --> 00:22:38.840
Ordinance amending boundaries of the joint Northwest Illinois Certified Enterprise Zone

00:22:38.840 --> 00:22:43.820
for the operation of an Enterprise Zone to add Pearl City Elevator fueling station near

00:22:43.820 --> 00:22:46.019
U.S. Route 20 and Wagner Road.

00:22:46.019 --> 00:22:47.019
Thank you.

00:22:47.019 --> 00:23:09.019
Thank you, Your Honor. 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. This was moved forward for second reading, and staff recommends moving forward with Ordinance 2024-57.

00:23:11.019 --> 00:23:13.019
Any further discussion on this ordinance?

00:23:13.019 --> 00:23:42.519
Alderman, Sanders, Director Boyer, question, have you guys have did your scope of survey of all of this that is taking place in this particular sector and then I want to ask you,

00:23:42.519 --> 00:23:50.799
and a question in regards to whether or not this is something that we made a discussion

00:23:50.799 --> 00:23:57.980
fully about this particular item and I think we're leaving a lot of details out of this

00:23:57.980 --> 00:24:06.039
thing because we don't know for sure who's running this program or attempting to run

00:24:06.039 --> 00:24:07.039
and Marshall.

00:24:07.039 --> 00:24:08.039
This is a standing ovation.

00:24:08.039 --> 00:24:09.039
This is a standing ovation.

00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:10.039
This is a standing ovation.

00:24:10.039 --> 00:24:11.039
We have not done enough study in this program without the consent and the action of the

00:24:11.039 --> 00:24:15.880
Council itself to make a decision on whether or not we should get involved with this particular

00:24:15.880 --> 00:24:16.880
program.

00:24:16.880 --> 00:24:19.279
And so we have not done enough study.

00:24:19.279 --> 00:24:26.220
Have the, whoever brought this to us, or this program project to us, has enough study been

00:24:26.220 --> 00:24:33.779
brought to the Commission or the Council so that can be an in-depth study on all of the

00:24:33.779 --> 00:24:35.779
Williams, and as a result of the

00:24:37.900 --> 00:24:40.240
efforts of the Council of People, we have been able to

00:24:40.240 --> 00:24:44.299
evaluate the things that is required of us as Council of

00:24:44.299 --> 00:24:47.500
People to evaluate to see if we can make a sound decision

00:24:47.500 --> 00:24:51.500
whether we should move forward or not. If not, if we don't have

00:24:51.500 --> 00:24:55.500
that information before us, then we should think about

00:24:55.500 --> 00:25:01.500
sustaining this until we do. Put this on the back burner, move

00:25:01.500 --> 00:25:08.420
who's running this project and I have to know who's all involved in it, okay, and how we

00:25:08.420 --> 00:25:09.420
get to that point.

00:25:09.420 --> 00:25:17.539
I'd like to know all of those things and I don't speak for everyone, but I'm just versing

00:25:17.539 --> 00:25:26.740
my own study and opinion about it and I believe that we can get further down the road if I

00:25:26.740 --> 00:25:31.740
I had more information so I can make a conscious decision with it.

00:25:34.500 --> 00:25:35.539
Alderman Parker?

00:25:35.539 --> 00:25:38.380
Yes, this here is a thing we're doing for Pearl City Elevator

00:25:38.380 --> 00:25:39.980
because they're in the enterprise zone.

00:25:39.980 --> 00:25:42.980
Down the road, we may have a project we want in Freeport

00:25:42.980 --> 00:25:45.019
and they would have to approve it for us.

00:25:45.019 --> 00:25:47.259
So we don't want to cut our own throats

00:25:47.259 --> 00:25:48.700
by telling them no on this.

00:25:48.700 --> 00:25:50.620
So I think we need to move it forward,

00:25:50.620 --> 00:25:54.559
pass it and let them get it going, my opinion.

00:25:54.559 --> 00:25:58.079
Manager, Boyer, did you have something you wanted to say?

00:25:58.079 --> 00:26:00.480
Alderman Sanders, we have gone through all of this.

00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:03.440
It's essentially, it's just adding two parcels

00:26:03.440 --> 00:26:06.320
that exist in Alena to the enterprise zone

00:26:06.320 --> 00:26:08.039
that originally weren't incorporated.

00:26:08.039 --> 00:26:10.640
This isn't expanding the footprint of the enterprise zone.

00:26:10.640 --> 00:26:12.800
And there's many other communities

00:26:12.800 --> 00:26:14.400
have to pass this as well.

00:26:14.400 --> 00:26:17.880
So my recommendation is to move forward with it.

00:26:17.880 --> 00:26:19.160
Alderman Stacey?

00:26:19.160 --> 00:26:20.680
Yes.

00:26:20.680 --> 00:26:24.880
What or who is the TIF district that this is used for?

00:26:24.880 --> 00:26:27.280
It's not a TIF district, it's an enterprise zone.

00:26:27.280 --> 00:26:33.280
And the enterprise zone is made up of eight different governing bodies.

00:26:33.280 --> 00:26:39.280
Village of Lena, Stevenson County, Joe Davis County, Hanover, Freeport.

00:26:39.280 --> 00:26:41.120
I'm missing some.

00:26:41.120 --> 00:26:41.880
Lena?

00:26:41.880 --> 00:26:43.759
Did you say Stevenson County?

00:26:43.759 --> 00:26:45.320
Stevenson County.

00:26:45.320 --> 00:26:49.900
There are several governing bodies that make up the enterprise zone.

00:26:49.900 --> 00:26:52.620
and so that many of them have already passed this

00:26:52.620 --> 00:26:54.740
and so that way they can get moving.

00:26:54.740 --> 00:26:57.700
It's no different than when we wanted to extend

00:26:57.700 --> 00:27:01.019
the Meadows Shopping Center into the Enterprise Zone.

00:27:01.019 --> 00:27:03.579
We had to get them to buy in and pass

00:27:03.579 --> 00:27:05.620
so that way we could extend the Enterprise Zone.

00:27:05.620 --> 00:27:08.539
So it's a give and take on multiple levels

00:27:08.539 --> 00:27:10.740
of government organizations.

00:27:12.660 --> 00:27:15.059
Anybody else have something before I call

00:27:15.059 --> 00:27:16.460
a second round of questions?

00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:21.460
Alderman, Sanders, if you'd like to have your second opportunity.

00:27:21.460 --> 00:27:28.460
Yeah, Mayor, I noticed that you're very well versed in the activities of this particular project.

00:27:28.460 --> 00:27:39.460
And my thing is, since you're so versed into it, why isn't it that the Council is reverberating the things that you're talking about?

00:27:39.460 --> 00:27:42.460
That's what I'm evaluating.

00:27:42.460 --> 00:27:47.460
and all of the things that you know, council should know.

00:27:48.460 --> 00:27:52.519
You should not have the opportunity to sit before us

00:27:52.519 --> 00:27:56.039
and tell us the story of a project

00:27:56.039 --> 00:28:00.000
that I expect my city manager, my developers

00:28:00.000 --> 00:28:04.599
and people of that nature to be giving us

00:28:04.599 --> 00:28:07.200
the whole concept of this whole project.

00:28:07.200 --> 00:28:10.559
I don't expect you to be sitting there in your chair

00:28:10.559 --> 00:28:14.460
trying to direct us in what's taking place.

00:28:14.460 --> 00:28:18.160
It is not your place to be telling us this

00:28:18.160 --> 00:28:21.620
because we need to have this information before us.

00:28:21.620 --> 00:28:24.940
We don't need you to read off of a,

00:28:24.940 --> 00:28:28.120
whatever you're reading from or demonstrating from.

00:28:28.120 --> 00:28:29.960
We need to see that for ourselves.

00:28:29.960 --> 00:28:32.880
So we are not here in the council

00:28:32.880 --> 00:28:37.200
trying to wreck our brains on how did we get from A to B.

00:28:37.200 --> 00:28:38.780
And that's where we at right now.

00:28:38.780 --> 00:28:57.780
So I just want to make sure that a complete evaluation study has been made, survey has been made, the things that you're talking about and discussing with council that we have this literature before us. I don't see it and I don't have it.

00:28:57.780 --> 00:29:06.780
Actually you do. It's all in your packet. I read it off of the ordinance just like you have the ability to do. And I didn't read a script.

00:29:06.780 --> 00:29:11.780
Yeah, but it doesn't allow me much time to sit here and try to read.

00:29:11.780 --> 00:29:19.780
Well, this is the second reading of this ordinance, so you've actually had a good several weeks to bring your questions before the council.

00:29:19.780 --> 00:29:20.780
Several weeks?

00:29:20.780 --> 00:29:29.780
Several weeks, this is the second ordinance, the second reading, so we're going to move on to Alderman Stacy, your second one.

00:29:29.780 --> 00:29:34.780
Yes, the cost of this project is $4.5 million.

00:29:34.780 --> 00:29:37.480
Is it costing the City of Freeport anything?

00:29:37.480 --> 00:29:37.980
No.

00:29:39.079 --> 00:29:43.280
Okay. And it says that it will generate

00:29:44.480 --> 00:29:49.880
5.6 million in property taxes. Is it bringing our city anything?

00:29:52.680 --> 00:29:54.180
You want my opinion on that?

00:29:55.980 --> 00:29:58.680
Boyer, yours? I don't care. Whoever.

00:29:58.680 --> 00:30:05.759
Care, whoever. I am just asking, is it going to bring anything into our city? Are we going

00:30:05.759 --> 00:30:07.720
to reap any benefits from this project?

00:30:07.720 --> 00:30:13.920
Well, the benefits are many. I mean, it is about working together. They could have, all

00:30:13.920 --> 00:30:19.360
of those taxing bodies could have said something contrary when we wanted to extend our enterprise

00:30:19.360 --> 00:30:26.440
zone. What did they have to gain from us doing that? No different than what do we personally

00:30:26.440 --> 00:30:28.440
and

00:30:30.600 --> 00:30:32.680
John, and I'm not saying that we're not going to gain. It

00:30:32.680 --> 00:30:34.680
doesn't matter. It's about being a good partner.

00:30:34.779 --> 00:30:36.800
I don't know that they did or didn't. That's why I'm asking

00:30:36.800 --> 00:30:40.800
the question. If there is anything for us to gain.

00:30:40.800 --> 00:30:45.840
Well, we've had many enterprise amendments and we've never had

00:30:45.840 --> 00:30:47.840
an issue.

00:30:50.360 --> 00:30:53.640
Manager Boyer? I just wanted to say, Alderperson,

00:30:53.640 --> 00:31:04.640
We work with other communities for the benefit of the Enterprise Zone. They work with us. Meadows Mall was an example that was brought into the Enterprise Zone and that does benefit us.

00:31:04.640 --> 00:31:19.640
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.

00:31:19.640 --> 00:31:41.360
Anyone that has not spoken yet? No one has anything further on their second? Well Alderman

00:31:41.360 --> 00:31:46.640
Sanders you've spoken twice and I'm trying to adhere to the rules that the council have

00:31:46.640 --> 00:31:52.600
and that was explained by Attorney Sosnowski at the beginning of the meeting.

00:31:52.600 --> 00:31:53.600
You spoke twice.

00:31:53.600 --> 00:31:54.600
When?

00:31:54.600 --> 00:31:57.920
On this particular subject and the last subject.

00:31:57.920 --> 00:31:59.080
On this particular subject?

00:31:59.080 --> 00:32:00.080
That's correct.

00:32:00.080 --> 00:32:04.560
So if there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

00:32:04.560 --> 00:32:05.560
Parker?

00:32:05.560 --> 00:32:06.560
Aye.

00:32:06.560 --> 00:32:07.559
Stacy?

00:32:07.559 --> 00:32:08.559
Aye.

00:32:08.559 --> 00:32:09.559
Shadle?

00:32:09.559 --> 00:32:10.559
Aye.

00:32:10.559 --> 00:32:11.559
Sanders?

00:32:11.559 --> 00:32:12.559
Aye.

00:32:12.559 --> 00:32:13.559
Klemm?

00:32:13.559 --> 00:32:14.559
Aye.

00:32:14.559 --> 00:32:15.559
Simmons?

00:32:15.559 --> 00:32:16.559
Aye.

00:32:16.559 --> 00:32:22.559
Thank you. Item number seven is the second reading of Ordinance 20-24-58. Could you please read this?

00:32:22.559 --> 00:32:28.559
Ordinance amending newly revised building code to 2018 ICC additions.

00:32:28.559 --> 00:32:30.559
Thank you. Director Duckman.

00:32:30.559 --> 00:32:38.559
Thank you, Madam Mayor. Presented this last week. No major changes. Just kind of give you a recap here.

00:32:38.559 --> 00:33:08.559
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, staff's recommending amending chapters 14, 20, 26, 29, and 82 of our codified ordinances for the 2018 ICC building codes

00:33:08.559 --> 00:33:15.680
Code Editions. Thank you. Is there any further discussion on this ordinance? Madam Clerk,

00:33:15.680 --> 00:33:24.000
would you please take the roll? Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm?

00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:30.740
Aye. Simmons? Aye. And that ordinance passes 6-0. Thank you. Item number 8 is the second

00:33:30.740 --> 00:33:35.759
reading of Ordinance 2024-59. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving two airport

00:33:35.759 --> 00:33:41.560
Starnock Diggers Colonel Hickelбurt Hello, I'm Commissioner Kempel boot on the Airport farm leases one with the Kempel family and one with Dan Julius.

00:33:41.559 --> 00:33:42.559
Thank you.

00:33:42.559 --> 00:33:43.559
Manager Boyer?

00:33:43.559 --> 00:33:44.559
Thank you, Your Honor.

00:33:44.559 --> 00:33:49.720
Staff's been working on all the farm leases at the airport and we would like to move forward

00:33:49.720 --> 00:33:56.740
on two of them, one with the Kemple family and one with the Julius's family.

00:33:56.740 --> 00:34:01.400
Both of the parcels are relatively small, but they make sense for their standpoint because

00:34:01.400 --> 00:34:03.100
they have contingent farmland.

00:34:03.100 --> 00:34:09.199
So staff is recommending moving these two farm leases or approval of these two farm

00:34:09.199 --> 00:34:10.199
leases.

00:34:10.199 --> 00:34:11.199
Discussion?

00:34:11.200 --> 00:34:16.440
Session, Alderman, Stacy.

00:34:16.440 --> 00:34:22.000
Yes, so this 481 is for the entire year?

00:34:22.000 --> 00:34:23.599
481?

00:34:23.599 --> 00:34:24.680
Yes, that's correct.

00:34:28.599 --> 00:34:29.159
Anyone else?

00:34:32.920 --> 00:34:34.440
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:34:34.440 --> 00:34:35.199
Parker?

00:34:35.199 --> 00:34:36.199
Aye.

00:34:36.199 --> 00:34:36.680
Stacy?

00:34:40.280 --> 00:34:40.880
Aye.

00:34:40.880 --> 00:34:54.559
Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Klemm? Aye. And Simmons? No. Attorney Sosnowski, do we need

00:34:54.559 --> 00:35:01.480
five on this one? Okay, the motion passes four to two. Thank you. Item number nine is

00:35:01.480 --> 00:35:07.680
the first reading of ordinance 2024-60. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving airport

00:35:07.680 --> 00:35:14.260
Hanger M8 Lease with David Hayes. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. David Hayes

00:35:14.260 --> 00:35:21.500
is interested in renting Hanger M8 at Alberta's Airport. The agreement is for $165 per month.

00:35:21.500 --> 00:35:28.119
Staff recommends moving forward with the lease. Is there a motion to move Ordinance 2024-60

00:35:28.119 --> 00:35:33.360
onto the next regularly scheduled meeting? It's all moved. We have a motion made by Alderman

00:35:33.360 --> 00:35:42.720
Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on this ordinance? Alderman Stacy? Earlier

00:35:42.720 --> 00:35:55.599
this year, we had a discussion about all these hangers and the screwed up leases, if you

00:35:55.599 --> 00:36:07.840
Will, and we were supposed to be able as a council to get a clean cut lease to view and

00:36:07.840 --> 00:36:20.159
see that it was designed as it needed to be, and that has yet to happen, yet we continue

00:36:20.159 --> 00:36:37.599
to be given Hanger's lease to approve when the lease have not, to our knowledge, all

00:36:37.599 --> 00:36:46.360
the scribble and whatever on this have not even been, it's still redlined.

00:36:46.360 --> 00:36:57.460
are we doing here? Are you addressing me? Yes sir. At the request to the airport manager,

00:36:57.460 --> 00:37:03.480
we are enacting a new lease format at the end of the year. That was a request by the

00:37:03.480 --> 00:37:11.780
airport manager. So the new lease format will be approved and we'll discuss it. So why wasn't

00:37:11.780 --> 00:37:16.619
that brought to the council that it's not going to be November now it's going to be

00:37:16.619 --> 00:37:19.460
the end of the year well it's essentially the first of the year where

00:37:19.460 --> 00:37:23.260
the new leases will take effect so we'll approve the year yes the first of the

00:37:23.260 --> 00:37:28.300
year the end of 2024 beginning of 2025 the new lease format will go into place

00:37:28.300 --> 00:37:32.180
and then we'll approve those leases

00:37:32.180 --> 00:37:44.780
Miller, Mayor, Mayor Miller, yeah, mm-hmm, yep, because it's gonna apply to both.

00:37:44.780 --> 00:37:45.780
Okay, gotcha.

00:37:45.780 --> 00:37:49.900
I apologize, we need to go back to item number eight.

00:37:49.900 --> 00:37:51.699
The item did fail.

00:37:51.699 --> 00:37:53.220
I just pulled the statute.

00:37:53.220 --> 00:38:02.099
The requisite section is 11-76-1, and it states for leases, there does need to be the

00:38:02.099 --> 00:38:04.619
this power should be exercised by an ordinance passed

00:38:04.619 --> 00:38:08.300
by three fourths vote of the corporate authorities.

00:38:08.300 --> 00:38:09.820
And it's the corporate authorities

00:38:09.820 --> 00:38:12.159
of the city then holding office.

00:38:12.159 --> 00:38:15.019
So not what that means is the corporate authorities

00:38:15.019 --> 00:38:17.180
as a whole, not the corporate authorities

00:38:17.180 --> 00:38:18.860
that happen to be present.

00:38:18.860 --> 00:38:21.579
It is the corporate authorities then holding office.

00:38:21.579 --> 00:38:24.140
So item eight failed as it did not have

00:38:24.140 --> 00:38:26.220
the requisite number of votes to pass.

00:38:26.220 --> 00:38:28.820
It isn't even necessary to call the mayor's vote

00:38:28.820 --> 00:38:31.539
in this particular case, because we would not be able

00:38:31.539 --> 00:38:34.519
to reach the number of votes needed.

00:38:34.519 --> 00:38:36.159
So item eight failed.

00:38:36.159 --> 00:38:38.640
For item nine, council should be aware,

00:38:38.640 --> 00:38:42.079
it does require a three fourths majority vote for passage.

00:38:42.079 --> 00:38:44.159
I apologize for being wrong the first time.

00:38:44.159 --> 00:38:46.680
I didn't have a second to pull the statute up right away,

00:38:46.680 --> 00:38:48.760
so I've got it up now and I see that

00:38:48.760 --> 00:38:50.360
it's a three fourths majority vote

00:38:50.360 --> 00:38:52.199
for both item eight and item nine.

00:38:52.199 --> 00:38:53.840
So item eight did fail.

00:38:53.840 --> 00:38:58.320
And so are you saying that every council member

00:38:58.320 --> 00:39:01.240
needs to be present when there's an instance like this?

00:39:01.240 --> 00:39:20.240
No, but it does have to be three-fourths of the public authorities of the city then holding office, so you would have to have six, voting in the affirmative in order for it to pass.

00:39:20.240 --> 00:39:22.240
So, how do we do this?

00:39:22.240 --> 00:39:24.240
So, item eight didn't fail.

00:39:24.240 --> 00:39:26.240
Okay.

00:39:26.240 --> 00:39:28.240
What do we do on number nine? Keep discussing?

00:39:28.240 --> 00:39:30.240
You can still discuss that.

00:39:30.240 --> 00:39:35.960
oh yeah because it's it's the first reading anyway right okay okay so um was

00:39:35.960 --> 00:39:43.140
there more discussion on this particular hanger yes okay Alderman Sanders we're

00:39:43.140 --> 00:39:45.640
talking about

00:39:45.640 --> 00:39:58.280
2024-60. Is that the one we're referring to? Hangar M-8. My question is,

00:39:58.280 --> 00:40:11.280
My question is, who's determining or evaluating what the value is for the leasing?

00:40:11.280 --> 00:40:22.280
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

00:40:22.280 --> 00:40:24.280
and

00:40:25.320 --> 00:40:27.320
other people, and I think that's what we're doing.

00:40:28.519 --> 00:40:31.320
We're not doing this to present instead of giving us this right

00:40:31.320 --> 00:40:35.240
on an agenda to make decisions on. If we're not doing that, if

00:40:35.240 --> 00:40:40.360
that's not what we're doing, then why are we discussing this

00:40:40.360 --> 00:40:44.440
matter when we had not had an opportunity to discuss it as a

00:40:44.440 --> 00:40:50.360
whole? As a whole. I mean, we just get saying yes to

00:40:50.360 --> 00:40:57.880
Stipulations of these leases and how we got to 1.8.B. Is that what we're doing?

00:40:57.880 --> 00:41:18.680
Well, I have a problem with that. So I just want to know that those kinds of actions are not something that council should be considering when it comes to making sound decisions

00:41:18.680 --> 00:41:27.440
and right now we're discussing something that is ready to be fired off to be paid, not looked

00:41:27.440 --> 00:41:32.400
into because $165 for a hanger.

00:41:32.400 --> 00:41:37.680
I'd like to understand what was the previous leases on this particular property.

00:41:37.680 --> 00:41:41.400
I do believe that the leases were set by council.

00:41:41.400 --> 00:41:45.000
Well, that's what I want to know.

00:41:45.000 --> 00:41:46.440
Council set those leases.

00:41:46.440 --> 00:41:49.840
so if you're wondering that would be the council.

00:41:49.840 --> 00:41:52.480
Okay, did we sign off on that?

00:41:52.480 --> 00:41:55.120
Well, it would have been done 2021.

00:41:55.120 --> 00:41:56.500
Yeah.

00:41:56.500 --> 00:41:59.720
Okay, so we're gonna move on to Alderman Shadle.

00:41:59.720 --> 00:42:01.640
Okay, it's before our time, okay.

00:42:01.640 --> 00:42:06.640
I just wanna mention that fact that these are governed by

00:42:06.640 --> 00:42:08.360
the amounts are governed by an ordinance

00:42:08.360 --> 00:42:12.120
and it's been discussed several times on the floor

00:42:12.120 --> 00:42:13.180
in the past.

00:42:13.180 --> 00:42:24.180
That was before our time. 2021? Yeah that's what they said. It was before our time. This topic has been discussed.

00:42:24.180 --> 00:42:37.180
Yeah, the topic of how the numbers have arrived, we've talked about that before, but you are correct. Those specific numbers were set in 21 as far as what those leases are.

00:42:37.180 --> 00:42:43.100
So, you obviously weren't sat in that seat in 21, but we've talked about how that comes

00:42:43.100 --> 00:42:47.460
about several times.

00:42:47.460 --> 00:42:53.820
Just before you, is there anybody that hasn't spoken yet that would like to?

00:42:53.820 --> 00:42:55.340
Then Alderman Stacy?

00:42:55.340 --> 00:42:56.620
Yes.

00:42:56.620 --> 00:42:58.900
We have talked about it.

00:42:58.900 --> 00:43:08.700
However, we did not make any decisions on the cost, but I understand the cost.

00:43:08.700 --> 00:43:11.220
I don't have a problem with the cost.

00:43:11.220 --> 00:43:21.060
I'll even say I agree with the cost, but the bigger picture here is that this gentleman

00:43:21.060 --> 00:43:37.180
is already in that hangar as of, was it October 11th? Yes. So, do this need a three-thirds

00:43:37.180 --> 00:43:48.260
vote to pass? Yes. But the person is already in there before it even came to the council.

00:43:48.260 --> 00:43:55.900
He's been in there since October 11th. It came to the council today. And this is the

00:43:55.900 --> 00:44:06.500
things that keep happening that has to stop. Now, do we make the customer, the one who's

00:44:06.500 --> 00:44:16.700
in need of, the ones who's paying suffer? That's not fair either. And let's say he came

00:44:16.700 --> 00:44:23.020
on the spot. He wanted it. This one was open, so he got it. The very next council meeting,

00:44:23.020 --> 00:44:31.940
that should have been in our face. Not today. Because now we don't have three-fourth vote

00:44:31.940 --> 00:44:40.460
even available for it to pass, but it's already happening, so it done passed.

00:44:40.460 --> 00:44:47.780
Boyer. First I'd like to say that this hanger lease was signed with our airport

00:44:47.780 --> 00:44:54.380
manager who was going through surgery. So she moved forward so this person could

00:44:54.380 --> 00:44:59.700
get into a hanger and we did not receive this at City Hall until she was well

00:44:59.700 --> 00:45:10.380
enough to come bring it to us. We are simply approving a hanger lease for $165

00:45:10.380 --> 00:45:18.180
We are working on the farm leases as requested by Council.

00:45:18.180 --> 00:45:26.260
We are bringing all of the leases before Council, and we will give Council the updated hanger

00:45:26.260 --> 00:45:31.340
rates when we have an opportunity to get that data collected.

00:45:31.340 --> 00:45:38.940
So I am a little bit incensed that I am being accused of something here that is not correct.

00:45:38.940 --> 00:45:52.620
any further discussion Alderman Sanders your second time okay my second time

00:45:52.620 --> 00:46:12.580
Manager, Boyer, you may think that we might be harsh with our comments or our opinions

00:46:12.580 --> 00:46:15.460
what the point of the matter is.

00:46:15.460 --> 00:46:24.580
If these things were brought to our attention beforehand, consideration for anyone having

00:46:24.580 --> 00:46:32.660
any issue in their personal lives should not be affecting the council at any given time.

00:46:32.660 --> 00:46:38.780
It's either that we put it on hold, I don't know who's signing off on it, did we sign

00:46:38.780 --> 00:46:42.580
off as a council on this particular hanger?

00:46:42.580 --> 00:46:50.740
I understand you're saying that the airport manager or whatever has signed off on this

00:46:50.740 --> 00:46:57.539
hanger. But did the council, the city hall, did we sign off on this issue or this hanger

00:46:57.539 --> 00:47:04.220
or this lease? I don't know. That's the reason why the question is being asked. So, you know,

00:47:04.220 --> 00:47:07.060
if you can explain that to us, then we can move forward.

00:47:37.060 --> 00:48:01.760
and

00:48:01.760 --> 00:48:27.600
and

00:48:27.600 --> 00:48:57.600
Johnson, Michael, Chris, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor,

00:48:57.600 --> 00:49:01.560
process. The first is we authorize it through the ordinance and then through the resolution

00:49:01.560 --> 00:49:09.280
we enacted. Staff recommends moving forward with resolution 2024-112.

00:49:09.280 --> 00:49:10.800
Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt?

00:49:10.800 --> 00:49:11.800
Second.

00:49:11.800 --> 00:49:20.720
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion?

00:49:20.720 --> 00:49:22.800
Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:49:22.800 --> 00:49:23.800
Parker?

00:49:23.800 --> 00:49:24.800
Aye.

00:49:24.800 --> 00:49:25.800
Stacy?

00:49:25.800 --> 00:49:26.800
Aye.

00:49:26.800 --> 00:49:35.920
Sanders, Klemm, and Simmons. The resolution is adopted 6-0. Item number 11 is the adoption

00:49:35.920 --> 00:49:42.800
of resolution 2024-116. Could you please read this? Resolution accepting 53-11 grant award

00:49:42.800 --> 00:49:48.640
for Pretzel City Transit. Thank you. Director Duckman. Thank you. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

00:49:48.640 --> 00:49:55.900
So looking at the Pretzel City area transits, every year we need to receive funding from

00:49:55.900 --> 00:49:57.900
and two different sources, mainly it's the...

00:49:57.900 --> 00:50:27.900
Booth, John, Mike, John, Goofman, Beeney, and it's also the downstate operating assistance program DOPE, the acronym there. And there's three major steps that Council has to go through to accept these funds. So we are currently on step three. Step one was an ordinance adopting transportation services within the city of Freeport as well as Stevenson County. We've gotten past that. We also have to have a resolution authorizing

00:50:57.900 --> 00:51:02.619
Staff recommends moving forward with this resolution to accept.

00:51:02.619 --> 00:51:03.619
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:51:03.619 --> 00:51:04.619
Yes.

00:51:04.619 --> 00:51:05.619
So moved.

00:51:05.619 --> 00:51:06.619
So moved.

00:51:06.619 --> 00:51:10.660
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Klemm.

00:51:10.660 --> 00:51:14.579
Discussion on the resolution?

00:51:14.579 --> 00:51:16.700
Seeing none, Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

00:51:16.700 --> 00:51:17.700
Parker?

00:51:17.700 --> 00:51:18.700
Aye.

00:51:18.700 --> 00:51:19.700
Stacy?

00:51:19.700 --> 00:51:20.700
Aye.

00:51:20.700 --> 00:51:21.700
Shadle?

00:51:21.700 --> 00:51:22.700
Aye.

00:51:22.700 --> 00:51:23.700
Sanders?

00:51:23.700 --> 00:51:24.700
Aye.

00:51:24.700 --> 00:51:25.700
Klemm?

00:51:25.700 --> 00:51:26.700
Aye.

00:51:26.700 --> 00:51:27.700
And Simmons?

00:51:27.700 --> 00:51:33.639
Fierro. Item number 12 is the adoption of resolution 2024-117. Could you please read

00:51:33.639 --> 00:51:38.039
this? Resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with Stevenson County regarding

00:51:38.039 --> 00:51:42.920
sharing the cost of an electronic ticketing system. Thank you. Chief Shenberger? Thank

00:51:42.920 --> 00:51:48.599
you. Excuse me. The Stevenson County Circuit Clerk is moving to an electronic ticketing

00:51:48.599 --> 00:51:54.159
platform in 2025. Staff from the Freeport Police Department, the Stevenson County Sheriff's

00:51:54.160 --> 00:51:56.160
and

00:51:57.280 --> 00:51:59.440
the City Clerk's Office and Stevenson County's Circuit Clerk's Office

00:51:59.440 --> 00:52:04.880
evaluated two platforms, a Digiticket and QuickIt. After evaluating both, the

00:52:04.880 --> 00:52:07.800
agencies determined that QuickIt would be the best fit for the law enforcement

00:52:07.800 --> 00:52:13.140
agencies in Stevenson County and has an overall lower cost. There have been

00:52:13.140 --> 00:52:17.039
proven benefits for law enforcement to utilize electronic ticketing systems.

00:52:17.039 --> 00:52:20.920
One of those benefits, or some of the benefits include the following, an

00:52:20.920 --> 00:52:21.920
and others.

00:52:21.920 --> 00:52:26.920
We are also working to reduce the time for officers by using less time detaining motorists

00:52:26.920 --> 00:52:28.920
on traffic stops.

00:52:28.920 --> 00:52:34.920
Electronic ticketing systems reduces the amount of errors associated with handwritten tickets.

00:52:34.920 --> 00:52:38.920
Electronic ticketing systems streamline the citation process and demands less time for

00:52:38.920 --> 00:52:43.920
clerical staff to process citations compared to paper citations.

00:52:43.920 --> 00:52:47.920
And after the initial investment, moving to an electronic ticketing system could be more

00:52:47.920 --> 00:52:49.920
and

00:52:51.160 --> 00:52:53.160
the

00:52:55.240 --> 00:52:59.240
state of Illinois allocates funds to law enforcement agencies to help cover the cost of maintaining an electronic ticketing system.

00:53:01.240 --> 00:53:07.240
Many law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Illinois have already moved to an electronic ticketing system.

00:53:07.240 --> 00:53:13.240
Moving to an electronic ticketing system would digitize traffic citations, non-traffic citations, and crash reports.

00:53:13.240 --> 00:53:13.860
and

00:53:13.860 --> 00:53:15.240
the

00:53:15.240 --> 00:53:20.539
Freeport Police Department to transition to an electronic ticketing system would include

00:53:20.539 --> 00:53:27.539
the following, $9,450, which would include the cost of the equipment, 10 Zebra printers,

00:53:30.280 --> 00:53:36.140
and equipment for nine squad cars in the main booking room at the police department. $7,000,

00:53:36.140 --> 00:53:41.099
this is an annual cost made payable to the Stevens County Circuit Clerk due the 15th

00:53:41.099 --> 00:53:44.400
Wakefield, John, Dave, and

00:53:44.400 --> 00:53:46.500
John, and his wife.

00:53:46.500 --> 00:53:50.619
This agreement can be canceled with 60 days notice.

00:53:50.619 --> 00:53:54.820
The Stevens County Circuit Clerk is going to assume the initial implementation costs

00:53:54.820 --> 00:53:59.559
of $40,000, which is due in January, 2025.

00:53:59.559 --> 00:54:05.420
The Freeport Police Department has budgeted $5,000 in 2024 and in 2025 to cover the cost

00:54:05.420 --> 00:54:08.440
of purchasing paper citations.

00:54:08.440 --> 00:54:14.119
This budget has been exhausted in 2024. Further, the state of Illinois has allocated a total

00:54:14.119 --> 00:54:22.519
of $8,549.87 to the Freeport Police Department since 2020 to implement a digital ticketing

00:54:22.519 --> 00:54:31.640
system. Staff intends on utilizing the $8,549.87 in digital ticket funds plus an additional

00:54:31.640 --> 00:54:32.640
Brothers.

00:54:32.640 --> 00:54:37.220
The above mentioned an additional $5,913 from DUI funds to cover the start-up cost of the

00:54:37.220 --> 00:54:39.220
equipment purchase.

00:54:39.220 --> 00:54:44.280
Starting in 2026, staff intends on using the $5,000 traditionally budgeted for paper

00:54:44.280 --> 00:54:50.559
citations plus $2,000 for a combination of digital ticket funds and DUI funds to cover

00:54:50.559 --> 00:54:57.119
the annual costs to the Stevenson County Circuit Clerk.

00:54:57.119 --> 00:54:58.119
Is there a motion to adopt?

00:54:58.119 --> 00:54:59.119
I've got a question, please.

00:54:59.119 --> 00:55:01.019
I have to have a motion to adopt first.

00:55:01.019 --> 00:55:07.659
to adopt. Second. The motion by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Alderman Parker,

00:55:07.659 --> 00:55:12.480
what's your question? My question, me just being ignorant to this, what is the offender

00:55:12.480 --> 00:55:17.340
going to have in his possession to tell him to go to court or whatever? Sure, so there's

00:55:17.340 --> 00:55:23.700
going to be a printout that would explain the citation, what's being issued, if it's

00:55:23.700 --> 00:55:28.539
a mandatory court appearance or not, how to take care of the ticket. Sometimes you can

00:55:28.539 --> 00:55:30.539
Johnson, Mark, and Kim.

00:55:32.900 --> 00:55:35.000
So I would recommend that you go to the

00:55:35.000 --> 00:55:37.000
online platform. You can just pay for it.

00:55:37.180 --> 00:55:39.420
And that can be done on the online platform or at the clerk's

00:55:39.420 --> 00:55:41.420
office or if it's a must appear.

00:55:42.460 --> 00:55:44.460
≫ He will be handed a paper copy.

00:55:45.300 --> 00:55:47.300
≫ Yeah, there will be a paper copy. Same with accidents.

00:55:49.940 --> 00:55:51.940
So right now we use LexisNexis for our accident platform.

00:55:55.079 --> 00:55:57.079
And that's been a struggle at times.

00:55:58.539 --> 00:56:02.940
and all the parties that were involved which would help out the motorists who were involved

00:56:02.940 --> 00:56:03.940
in accidents.

00:56:03.940 --> 00:56:04.940
Thank you.

00:56:04.940 --> 00:56:05.940
Alderman, Sanders.

00:56:05.940 --> 00:56:10.099
Oh yeah, Chief.

00:56:10.099 --> 00:56:20.740
Could you give us, I know Alderman Parker was just asking about the ticket, electronic

00:56:20.740 --> 00:56:22.260
ticket.

00:56:22.260 --> 00:56:29.659
How does that actually work so we can give the constituents an opportunity to visualize

00:56:29.659 --> 00:56:30.659
it?

00:56:30.659 --> 00:56:31.659
Sure.

00:56:31.659 --> 00:56:38.440
Of how it will be administered, will it be like an old ticket issue, somewhat, you know,

00:56:38.440 --> 00:56:48.059
with same information and everything, and on the site, will tickets be done right on

00:56:48.059 --> 00:56:49.059
the site?

00:56:49.059 --> 00:56:50.059
Yes.

00:56:50.059 --> 00:57:02.440
and so forth. So that's part of the $9,450, which would include printers that would be

00:57:02.440 --> 00:57:08.700
in the vehicle in a squad car and in the booking room. So what we're trying to do is get rid

00:57:08.700 --> 00:57:16.420
of the paper, the carbon copy paper citations, which are handwritten. Handwriting can sometimes

00:57:16.420 --> 00:57:46.420
Beesloppy. 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. Follow-up? Well we have to allow everyone else to have an opportunity first.

00:57:46.420 --> 00:57:54.019
Alderman, Stacy? Okay, I heard something about $40,000 and I heard something about $7,000.

00:57:54.019 --> 00:58:01.140
Yeah. And the $40,000 is paid every year in January? No. The $40,000 that's being paid by the

00:58:01.140 --> 00:58:08.500
clerk's office, that's to get it started. So that's just a one-time cost for them. The $7,000 a year

00:58:08.500 --> 00:58:13.699
will be split between us and the sheriff's department. And since we already spend at least

00:58:13.700 --> 00:58:16.700
We're going to invest $5,000 a year on paper citations.

00:58:16.700 --> 00:58:23.980
We're going to just use that money that we budget to go towards our $7,000, plus we get

00:58:23.980 --> 00:58:31.519
roughly $2,500 or so a year to implement a digital ticketing system.

00:58:31.519 --> 00:58:35.300
And we also have a DUI fund that we can use this.

00:58:35.300 --> 00:58:41.140
So we don't want to have an increase in our budget that's going towards us.

00:58:41.140 --> 00:58:45.420
We want to use the same money that we've been using to purchase tickets, but then utilize

00:58:45.420 --> 00:58:51.780
the money that we're getting from the state to supplement the cause.

00:58:51.780 --> 00:58:54.420
Has anyone that has not had a chance to speak yet?

00:58:54.420 --> 00:58:59.260
Alderman Sanders, would you like to give your second opportunity?

00:58:59.260 --> 00:59:00.260
Yeah.

00:59:00.260 --> 00:59:01.260
Chief.

00:59:01.260 --> 00:59:02.260
Yes.

00:59:02.260 --> 00:59:06.860
Would this device be administered to all vehicles?

00:59:06.860 --> 00:59:09.380
To our Mark Squad cars.

00:59:09.380 --> 00:59:10.380
Yeah.

00:59:10.380 --> 00:59:17.780
and this is what it would total up to yeah the 9,450 yeah that's for the

00:59:17.780 --> 00:59:23.940
printers to go in the squad cars so and then we'll have one in our main booking

00:59:23.940 --> 00:59:32.820
room all right thank you Alderman Stacey yes I understand that the 9,450 is for

00:59:32.820 --> 00:59:39.539
for the actual supplies for all nine squad cars.

00:59:39.539 --> 00:59:43.099
But what is the fee, the yearly?

00:59:43.099 --> 00:59:44.099
$7,000.

00:59:44.099 --> 00:59:46.820
So every year is $7,000?

00:59:46.820 --> 00:59:47.820
Correct.

00:59:47.820 --> 00:59:54.579
And will this $9,450 even get us through a year of supplies?

00:59:54.579 --> 00:59:55.579
Yes.

00:59:55.579 --> 00:59:57.980
That includes the print.

00:59:57.980 --> 01:00:04.980
and I. So that includes the printers to get things started. It also includes the paper.

01:00:04.980 --> 01:00:08.860
Yeah, there will be more additional costs with paper and stuff, but we can, like I said,

01:00:08.860 --> 01:00:13.880
we can utilize the digital ticket money that we get from the state as well as the money

01:00:13.880 --> 01:00:20.260
that we get from our, into our DUI fund. So then that way we're not taking or asking for

01:00:20.260 --> 01:00:26.420
more in our budget. We can utilize those monies to help pay for the system.

01:00:26.420 --> 01:00:43.260
and

01:00:43.260 --> 01:00:54.260
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, would you like me to ask for counsel to have, it needs a unanimous vote for you to speak again, Larry.

01:00:54.260 --> 01:00:57.260
Do you want me to do that? Yeah.

01:00:57.260 --> 01:00:59.260
That's a new ordinance, right?

01:00:59.260 --> 01:01:03.260
No, actually it's an ordinance that's been in place for a long, long time. It's just...

01:01:03.260 --> 01:01:04.260
We have not used it.

01:01:04.260 --> 01:01:09.260
Right. And so we are using our ordinances correctly. That's our goal.

01:01:09.260 --> 01:01:11.260
Okay.

01:01:11.260 --> 01:01:17.260
So, did you want me to call for a unanimous vote or are we moving on?

01:01:17.260 --> 01:01:21.260
Well, no. Well, no. I can do it another time.

01:01:21.260 --> 01:01:25.260
Okay. So there's no further discussion. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

01:01:25.260 --> 01:01:31.260
Parker? Aye. Stacy?

01:01:31.260 --> 01:01:35.260
No. Shadle?

01:01:35.260 --> 01:01:39.260
Aye. Sanders? Aye. Klemm?

01:01:39.260 --> 01:01:55.720
Simmons, aye. The motion passes five to one. Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution. I'm sorry.

01:01:55.720 --> 01:02:07.820
Oh, the adoption of resolution 2024 118. Could you please read this? Resolution approving electrical

01:02:07.820 --> 01:02:13.400
General Supply Agreement with a Supplier to be Determined Tomorrow or Tonight Yet for

01:02:13.400 --> 01:02:16.440
Downtown Street Lights for Three Locations.

01:02:16.440 --> 01:02:17.440
Thank you.

01:02:17.440 --> 01:02:18.440
Manager Boyer?

01:02:18.440 --> 01:02:20.860
Thank you, Your Honor.

01:02:20.860 --> 01:02:26.119
Every so often we have electrical aggregation contracts come up for Council for approval.

01:02:26.119 --> 01:02:32.720
Tonight we have one such contract coming to expiration and we need to renew it.

01:02:32.720 --> 01:02:37.599
We've looked at the bids from Constellation, Dinergy, AEP, and MC2.

01:02:37.599 --> 01:02:41.320
These are all electrical aggregators.

01:02:41.320 --> 01:02:48.380
And the Constellation numbers are coming in low, but city staff would request staff allow

01:02:48.380 --> 01:02:56.840
us to engage in an aggregator contract for the lowest rate tomorrow when the rates come

01:02:56.840 --> 01:02:57.840
out.

01:02:57.840 --> 01:03:05.440
Staff asked Council to move forward with allowing staff to sign for that aggregator contract.

01:03:05.440 --> 01:03:06.960
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:03:06.960 --> 01:03:08.960
So moved.

01:03:10.960 --> 01:03:12.960
Is there a second?

01:03:14.960 --> 01:03:16.960
Second.

01:03:17.679 --> 01:03:24.240
We have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Sanders, seconded, I'm sorry, made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sanders.

01:03:24.240 --> 01:03:26.240
Further discussion?

01:03:27.840 --> 01:03:32.519
Can we just have a minute to look at this?

01:03:32.519 --> 01:03:33.519
Okay.

01:03:33.519 --> 01:03:36.400
Go ahead, Mayor.

01:03:36.400 --> 01:03:38.280
These are example numbers that came out today.

01:03:38.280 --> 01:03:40.380
Tomorrow they'll be different.

01:03:40.380 --> 01:03:45.960
In addition, we will be moving forward with the 24-month column due to the fact that it'll

01:03:45.960 --> 01:03:53.440
help us line up the other aggregator contracts at a similar time period in 2026 so that when

01:03:53.440 --> 01:03:56.760
they all expire, they'll be expiring around the same amount of time and we can be more

01:03:56.760 --> 01:04:02.720
are efficient about doing these kind of contracts in the future.

01:04:02.720 --> 01:04:05.079
Alderman Sanders.

01:04:05.079 --> 01:04:10.400
Are we doing according to this discussion that I'm reading,

01:04:10.400 --> 01:04:15.019
are we following through with comparisons on this item?

01:04:15.019 --> 01:04:15.519
Yes.

01:04:15.519 --> 01:04:16.400
On this item?

01:04:16.400 --> 01:04:16.900
Mm-hmm.

01:04:16.900 --> 01:04:17.679
What we're doing?

01:04:20.679 --> 01:04:22.119
If there's no further discussion,

01:04:22.119 --> 01:04:24.360
Madam Clerk, please take the role.

01:04:24.360 --> 01:04:26.360
Parker.

01:04:26.360 --> 01:04:44.920
Stacey, Shadle, Sanders, Plem and Simmons. The resolution is adopted 6 to 0. Item number

01:04:44.920 --> 01:04:53.360
14 is approval of the bid. Can you read this please? Bid opening on October 24th, CD 010-2024

01:04:53.360 --> 01:04:58.280
for Rehabilitation of Single Home at 1010 South Adams.

01:04:58.280 --> 01:04:58.780
Thank you.

01:04:58.780 --> 01:04:59.920
Director Duckman.

01:04:59.920 --> 01:05:01.920
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:05:01.920 --> 01:05:03.400
So the City of Freeport, as we know,

01:05:03.400 --> 01:05:05.960
has been awarded the Community Development Block Grants,

01:05:05.960 --> 01:05:08.440
Housing Rehabilitation.

01:05:08.440 --> 01:05:14.039
We've been awarded $550,000, where $64,000

01:05:14.039 --> 01:05:15.920
is allocated to our Grant Administration,

01:05:15.920 --> 01:05:21.559
and nearly $500,000 goes into the rehabilitation of homes.

01:05:21.559 --> 01:05:30.199
On October 24th, we had a bid opening for rehabilitation services of 1010 South Adams Avenue.

01:05:30.199 --> 01:05:37.000
We received one bid in the amount of $48,225 by CMM and Associates.

01:05:37.000 --> 01:05:39.239
The scope of work has a few highlights.

01:05:39.239 --> 01:05:45.079
This property owner will be receiving a new furnace, a new hot water heater, a new central

01:05:45.079 --> 01:05:47.239
air conditioning unit.

01:05:47.239 --> 01:05:56.239
They will have their gutters replaced, which includes gutter guards for the leaves, and the entire house will be painted.

01:05:56.239 --> 01:06:05.239
So, staff recommends issuing a contract to CMM and Associates in the amount of $48,225.

01:06:05.239 --> 01:06:07.239
Is there a motion to approve?

01:06:07.239 --> 01:06:08.239
So moved.

01:06:08.239 --> 01:06:09.239
So moved.

01:06:09.239 --> 01:06:18.239
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sanders. Discussion. Alderman Sanders.

01:06:18.239 --> 01:06:31.239
How does one qualify to have their home rehabilitated and where do they get the information and how do they go through the process?

01:06:31.239 --> 01:06:33.239
It's closed now. It's closed now.

01:06:33.239 --> 01:06:39.639
Now, so and this was a 2021 grant. Okay. And right now we're at the point of implementing the

01:06:40.519 --> 01:06:47.079
the people who applied back in 2021. So right now there is no applications. We don't, we do not have

01:06:47.079 --> 01:06:52.760
a current grant open for this. Follow? Well, as soon as if there's anybody else has a question.

01:06:52.760 --> 01:06:59.400
That's what I'm talking about. That very thing. I'm not. Is there any? With my thought. I'm not done with my thought.

01:06:59.400 --> 01:07:06.920
and I will give you the floor back if no one else has a question. Alderman Sanders, would

01:07:06.920 --> 01:07:15.159
you like to have your second round? It's a routine thing every year. Alderman Sanders,

01:07:15.159 --> 01:07:21.000
would you like to have your second? Yeah, I would probably like to have a third too,

01:07:21.000 --> 01:07:28.239
but you know, you're disqualifying me at that point. But anyway, I didn't damn near forgot

01:07:28.239 --> 01:07:39.320
I'm trying to get I'm trying to get used to it I'll get back with you I made

01:07:39.320 --> 01:07:45.440
contact with you later if there's no further discussion madam clerk please

01:07:45.440 --> 01:07:56.139
take the role Parker I Stacey I Shadel I Sanders I Clem and Simmons the motion

01:07:56.139 --> 01:07:57.139
Passez, 6-0.

01:07:57.139 --> 01:08:02.260
Next, if it is acceptable to the Council, I would like to deviate from the agenda just

01:08:02.260 --> 01:08:05.500
for a moment to allow Chairman Helms to do a short presentation.

01:08:05.500 --> 01:08:06.500
Are we okay with that?

01:08:06.500 --> 01:08:07.500
Yes.

01:08:07.500 --> 01:08:16.220
Well, I would have put it on, but I didn't know his timeframe of when he would be here.

01:08:16.220 --> 01:08:19.220
So I guess we could have it abode if we need to.

01:08:19.220 --> 01:08:20.220
No.

01:08:20.220 --> 01:08:21.220
It is not on the agenda.

01:08:21.220 --> 01:08:22.220
Who wants to talk?

01:08:22.220 --> 01:08:25.060
I didn't catch.

01:08:25.060 --> 01:08:28.500
He wants to give two minutes of a presentation.

01:08:28.500 --> 01:08:30.300
Is it acceptable?

01:08:30.300 --> 01:08:33.220
No, we following rules, we following rules.

01:08:33.220 --> 01:08:35.420
Madam Clerk, would you please take the role?

01:08:37.140 --> 01:08:38.100
I have a question.

01:08:38.100 --> 01:08:38.920
Sure.

01:08:38.920 --> 01:08:43.920
So it says, you know, that we take a vote

01:08:47.819 --> 01:08:52.119
if a council member says no, it's not on the agenda.

01:08:52.119 --> 01:08:54.979
where do it say you could just take a vote like that?

01:08:56.060 --> 01:08:59.340
Well, it's like anything else that someone would just want

01:08:59.340 --> 01:09:02.279
to come and just say something kind to us for once.

01:09:04.960 --> 01:09:05.800
Mayor.

01:09:05.800 --> 01:09:06.619
Go ahead.

01:09:06.619 --> 01:09:10.479
We could cover this item under agenda item number 19

01:09:10.479 --> 01:09:15.319
which is just after the reports of department heads,

01:09:15.319 --> 01:09:17.119
manager's report and mayor's report.

01:09:18.119 --> 01:09:19.840
Anyone can speak during public comments

01:09:19.840 --> 01:09:23.440
So, the individual could speak under item number 19.

01:09:23.440 --> 01:09:31.039
So, are we moving into taking a vote or are we going to move?

01:09:31.039 --> 01:09:33.840
There would need to be a motion to amend the agenda.

01:09:33.840 --> 01:09:39.039
I suppose to move the public comment up to above reports of department heads.

01:09:39.039 --> 01:09:43.800
If there is a motion to amend the agenda, then it would go under item number 19.

01:09:43.800 --> 01:09:48.039
So do we have a motion to amend to allow County Board Chairman to have a couple minutes to

01:09:48.039 --> 01:09:49.039
speak now?

01:09:49.039 --> 01:09:58.239
Is there a second? Second. Any discussion on this particular motion?

01:09:58.239 --> 01:10:05.840
live, andisted یہ to speak that it is not about you speaking at all it is just that if we are following rules from a to b we are following rules from a to b.

01:10:06.279 --> 01:10:08.319
So Madam Clerk, could you please take a moment?

01:10:08.319 --> 01:10:08.819
I'm sorry.

01:10:08.819 --> 01:10:09.500
Did you have something?

01:10:09.500 --> 01:10:12.739
Yes, she made a motion not to do this.

01:10:12.739 --> 01:10:16.500
And then you asked for someone to make a motion.

01:10:16.500 --> 01:10:22.760
Well, she didn't make a motion, but she made a statement in case she would have had to say that.

01:10:22.760 --> 01:10:25.119
Which is one of the reasons why we have a motion.

01:10:25.119 --> 01:10:25.960
and

01:10:25.960 --> 01:10:26.800
the statements.

01:10:26.800 --> 01:10:28.719
So she would have had to say,

01:10:28.719 --> 01:10:31.139
I make a motion that we not do this.

01:10:31.139 --> 01:10:32.960
No, she can just vote now.

01:10:32.960 --> 01:10:37.039
Anyone who doesn't wanna move it can just vote now.

01:10:39.599 --> 01:10:40.439
Ma'am Clerk.

01:10:40.439 --> 01:10:43.519
This is most, it's recommended to put most motions

01:10:43.519 --> 01:10:44.559
in the positive.

01:10:44.559 --> 01:10:46.539
Attorney Saznaz, would you agree?

01:10:49.279 --> 01:10:53.219
It's just seemed like tonight we are making so much up

01:10:53.219 --> 01:11:13.179
and I have never done before. I don't even know who wants to speak. Whoever it is, I think

01:11:13.179 --> 01:11:19.659
it can be done at public comments. Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

01:11:19.659 --> 01:11:26.500
Aye. I'm sorry I was out of voting sheets here. I'm going by shorthand. Stacy? No.

01:11:26.500 --> 01:11:38.779
Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Plem? Aye. And Simmons? No. We have a tie at three to three. Mayor,

01:11:38.779 --> 01:11:40.099
Mayor, what say you?

01:11:40.099 --> 01:11:41.099
Aye.

01:11:41.099 --> 01:11:55.819
The tie is broken, four to three, the motion passes.

01:11:55.819 --> 01:11:59.819
Mayor Miller, Council Members, thank you very much, for those of you who don't know who

01:11:59.819 --> 01:12:00.819
I am.

01:12:00.819 --> 01:12:05.300
My name is Scott Helms, I am the Stevenson County Chairman of the Board.

01:12:05.300 --> 01:12:12.420
From 2005 to 2013, I sat in, I think that spot right there, a different building.

01:12:12.420 --> 01:12:18.139
I have a unique perspective of serving on the Freeport City Council as well as the County

01:12:18.139 --> 01:12:19.139
Board.

01:12:19.139 --> 01:12:26.619
And in that time, it was not lost on me how little the city and the county worked together.

01:12:26.619 --> 01:12:27.699
Collaboration was virtually non-existent.

01:12:27.699 --> 01:12:34.159
When I was elected to the County Board in 2016, it continued.

01:12:34.159 --> 01:12:39.039
So when I became chairman of the board two years ago, I vowed to make sure that this

01:12:39.039 --> 01:12:45.079
county worked lock and step with the City of Freeport as exactly half of our board resides

01:12:45.079 --> 01:12:46.319
within the City of Freeport.

01:12:46.319 --> 01:12:51.359
And it's critically important that we all work together and find areas of commonality

01:12:51.359 --> 01:12:57.880
to make sure that the citizens of this county are treated fairly and correctly.

01:12:57.880 --> 01:13:04.519
As soon as I became Chairman, I notified the Mayor that I had a strong intent of making

01:13:04.519 --> 01:13:09.079
sure that the County worked for crime suppression with the City of Freeport, which we've been

01:13:09.079 --> 01:13:13.139
very successful at so far, and as economic development.

01:13:13.139 --> 01:13:18.359
And again, through Greater Freeport Partnership, I feel we've done a reasonably good job with

01:13:18.359 --> 01:13:19.359
that.

01:13:19.359 --> 01:13:24.479
To the credit of the Mayor, she found another item of collaboration, which was Locust Avenue

01:13:24.479 --> 01:13:30.199
here in Freeport, and the complete renovation of that project using county funds, half a

01:13:30.199 --> 01:13:31.960
million dollars worth.

01:13:31.960 --> 01:13:37.519
So while I know it's unorthodox to have me speak now, I do appreciate it, I understand

01:13:37.519 --> 01:13:42.479
your meetings are quite lengthy, but what I would like to do is thank the Mayor for her

01:13:42.479 --> 01:13:47.760
leadership on this in recognizing that this was an excellent opportunity for both the

01:13:47.760 --> 01:13:53.679
city and the county to work towards and to present this check for a half a million dollars.

01:13:53.679 --> 01:14:04.679
Thank you, Mayor. Appreciate your leadership very much. The city is lucky to have you.

01:14:04.679 --> 01:14:14.439
Well, thank you very much. And I would just like to say it's been a pleasure meeting with

01:14:14.439 --> 01:14:18.960
you on a regular basis and being able to work together to accomplish something far greater

01:14:18.960 --> 01:14:24.800
for the entire city of Freeport, and so without that, without your participation in that,

01:14:24.800 --> 01:14:42.399
Locust would not have gotten done, so thank you for that.

01:14:42.399 --> 01:14:46.199
So Finance Director, I'll be happy to give you this check when the meeting's over.

01:14:46.199 --> 01:14:48.599
I'll be waiting for it.

01:14:48.599 --> 01:14:51.639
We will move on to reports of Department Heads, Finance.

01:14:51.639 --> 01:14:53.679
Nothing this evening.

01:14:53.679 --> 01:14:54.679
Thank you.

01:14:54.679 --> 01:14:55.679
Community Development?

01:14:55.679 --> 01:14:57.119
Nothing tonight, Madam Mayor.

01:14:57.119 --> 01:14:58.119
Thank you.

01:14:58.119 --> 01:14:59.119
Fire?

01:14:59.119 --> 01:15:00.119
Nothing from Fire.

01:15:00.119 --> 01:15:01.119
Thank you.

01:15:01.119 --> 01:15:02.119
Thank you.

01:15:02.119 --> 01:15:03.119
Police?

01:15:03.119 --> 01:15:04.119
I have no report.

01:15:04.119 --> 01:15:05.119
Thank you.

01:15:05.119 --> 01:15:06.119
Library?

01:15:06.119 --> 01:15:07.119
Nothing tonight.

01:15:07.119 --> 01:15:10.920
Um, nothing from Communication, IT?

01:15:10.920 --> 01:15:16.000
Alright, then we will move on to the City Manager's report.

01:15:16.000 --> 01:15:36.000
Thank you, Your Honor. I'd 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 the leaf piles, and we should have a very efficient and effective year this year. Thank you.

01:15:36.000 --> 01:15:40.800
and then I just have three things actually that I wanted to touch briefly on.

01:15:40.800 --> 01:15:50.079
Before the council, I put a map on each one of your desks with the last five years worth of projects,

01:15:50.079 --> 01:15:56.639
mainly infrastructure projects with a little bit of blight reduction mixed in there as well as some tree removal.

01:15:56.639 --> 01:16:03.760
So you'll be able to see by the map, it's all specified to each ward

01:16:03.760 --> 01:16:11.979
and so Alderman Klemm for Ward 1. In the last 5 years, $4.6 million has been spent for Ward

01:16:11.979 --> 01:16:20.599
number 2 with Alderman Monroe, $2.2 million. Alderman Simmons in Ward 3 has been $16.6

01:16:20.599 --> 01:16:29.539
million spent. Alderman Parker in Ward 4, $3.5 million. Alderman Stacy, Ward number 5, there's

01:16:29.539 --> 01:16:36.139
There's been 10.4 million spent, Alderman Shadle in Ward 6, 8.2 million, Alderman Sanders

01:16:36.139 --> 01:16:43.939
in Ward 7, 3.5 million, and at large across the city to benefit all has been an additional

01:16:43.939 --> 01:16:47.819
$70.9 million spent.

01:16:47.819 --> 01:16:52.019
So the numbers don't lie, they're right there.

01:16:52.019 --> 01:16:58.619
And so to be able to bring that before you as a huge success in infrastructure within

01:16:58.619 --> 01:17:01.059
and the City of Freeport in the last five years.

01:17:01.059 --> 01:17:05.420
And then also, the second thing is,

01:17:05.420 --> 01:17:07.359
just wanted to give a little attention to,

01:17:07.359 --> 01:17:11.019
I have been in contact with the captain

01:17:11.019 --> 01:17:14.939
that is over the 333rd on our National Guard.

01:17:14.939 --> 01:17:17.559
They were deployed a little while ago.

01:17:17.559 --> 01:17:19.300
They were sent to Alaska.

01:17:19.300 --> 01:17:21.340
I talked with the captain and I just said,

01:17:21.340 --> 01:17:24.159
you know, I'd like to, as a community,

01:17:24.159 --> 01:17:27.139
be able to support these men and women that are serving

01:17:27.139 --> 01:17:29.500
and what could possibly be their need.

01:17:29.500 --> 01:17:33.539
And so he quickly got back to me and had a list of things

01:17:33.539 --> 01:17:35.019
that they were in need of.

01:17:35.019 --> 01:17:39.300
As you can imagine, Alaska is very cold this time of year.

01:17:39.300 --> 01:17:42.439
They need toiletry items, hand warmers, snacks,

01:17:42.439 --> 01:17:44.340
wool socks and batteries.

01:17:44.340 --> 01:17:47.920
And so we are collecting here at City Hall,

01:17:47.920 --> 01:17:51.420
right here in the council chambers

01:17:51.420 --> 01:17:54.699
to be able to bring whatever those needs might be.

01:17:54.699 --> 01:17:56.180
There are 62 of them.

01:17:56.179 --> 01:17:59.539
and so if you would like to donate to that project,

01:17:59.539 --> 01:18:02.260
you have the month of November to be able to do that.

01:18:02.260 --> 01:18:06.460
And then my last piece is tomorrow is the election.

01:18:06.460 --> 01:18:08.679
Please do your duty and vote.

01:18:09.539 --> 01:18:13.300
So we will move on to Council Announcements.

01:18:13.300 --> 01:18:14.539
Alderman Parker.

01:18:14.539 --> 01:18:15.819
Nothing tonight, Your Honor.

01:18:15.819 --> 01:18:17.859
Thank you, Alderman Stacey.

01:18:17.859 --> 01:18:19.599
Yes, I do have something.

01:18:26.179 --> 01:18:35.180
Last week, I sent an email to Director Richter and I had four questions.

01:18:35.180 --> 01:18:39.180
How many bank accounts does the city currently have?

01:18:39.180 --> 01:18:41.180
The answer was 30.

01:18:41.180 --> 01:18:44.180
What is the total of all these accounts?

01:18:44.180 --> 01:18:48.180
The answer was $183 million.

01:18:48.180 --> 01:18:53.180
Do we have an Illinois Fund commingo account?

01:18:53.180 --> 01:18:55.180
The answer was yes.

01:18:55.180 --> 01:19:06.260
if so how much is in that account and the answer is $27 million in April 2019

01:19:06.260 --> 01:19:18.859
memorandum from City Treasurer Randy Bukas to then City Manager Laurel Crowe

01:19:18.859 --> 01:19:29.779
states that the city had 45 accounts that they reduced to 41. In that same 2019

01:19:29.779 --> 01:19:39.460
memorandum, the total dollars amount in those 41 accounts was 78 million dollars.

01:19:39.460 --> 01:19:46.420
As of October 2024, we have 30 banks account and the total of those account

01:19:46.420 --> 01:19:56.180
Now, $183 million. This is an increase of $105 million collected over the past five years.

01:19:56.180 --> 01:19:57.420
The Average Out

01:19:57.420 --> 01:20:27.420
and the City Council. The average out to be $21 million of tax revenue collected by the city per year. Councilmen, 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, questioning how much money is our revenue.

01:20:27.420 --> 01:20:57.420
and I have a question for you. What is our city spending and what really are they 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.

01:20:57.420 --> 01:21:09.779
to see line items of where the money was spent as I too desire to see a line item document

01:21:09.779 --> 01:21:14.260
showing where monies have been spent.

01:21:14.260 --> 01:21:16.480
I agree with Alderman Monroe.

01:21:16.480 --> 01:21:24.420
We need to know exactly where taxpayer's dollars are being spent.

01:21:24.420 --> 01:21:37.420
Monroe also said that records only go back to 2017. Before that, we can't even get accurate,

01:21:37.420 --> 01:21:46.460
clear information as to where these monies have been spent. Really? Councilmembers, this

01:21:46.460 --> 01:22:08.460
We are collecting and spending taxpayers' money, imposing sales tax increase, denying referendums to be placed on ballots, and can't even get a clear, accurate information on how this money is being spent.

01:22:08.460 --> 01:22:22.460
It was March of 2017 when the city stated collecting capital improvement from, started collecting capital improvement from our residents.

01:22:22.460 --> 01:22:33.460
Based on the information that I get from Finance Director Richter, the city has 15 million in its capital improvement fund.

01:22:33.460 --> 01:22:49.460
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?

01:22:56.460 --> 01:22:58.460
Would you like to get back to her?

01:22:58.460 --> 01:22:59.460
I can tell her right now.

01:22:59.460 --> 01:23:00.460
Okay.

01:23:00.460 --> 01:23:01.460
Please and thank you.

01:23:01.460 --> 01:23:17.460
Alderperson, Stacy, 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.

01:23:17.460 --> 01:23:31.460
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.

01:23:31.460 --> 01:23:37.460
Please contact me at any time. I'd be happy to sit down and meet with you, as I have not met with you.

01:23:37.460 --> 01:23:41.460
Alderman Shadle?

01:23:41.460 --> 01:23:43.460
I'm not done.

01:23:43.460 --> 01:23:45.460
and

01:23:47.460 --> 01:23:49.460
William.

01:23:51.560 --> 01:23:54.779
Council, in order for us and taxpayers to gain a full

01:23:54.779 --> 01:23:59.159
understanding as to where their tax dollars are being spent, I

01:23:59.159 --> 01:24:03.960
feel it is necessary for this council to request a forensic

01:24:03.960 --> 01:24:07.880
audit to be conducted, starting with the capital improvement

01:24:07.880 --> 01:24:09.880
fund.

01:24:09.880 --> 01:24:19.880
from March 1st, 2017 through December 31st, 2024.

01:24:19.880 --> 01:24:25.880
This is the only way that we will get the truth of how tax dollars are being spent.

01:24:25.880 --> 01:24:32.880
Truth be told, the hidden agenda, the lies, they must stop.

01:24:32.880 --> 01:24:39.440
I will be bringing this recommendation before the council for approval in January 2025.

01:24:39.440 --> 01:24:47.279
For my final request, let the record show that I am asking for, in PDF form,

01:24:47.279 --> 01:24:58.880
copies of all itemized and regular invoices of all work between the City of Freeport and Fehr Graham.

01:24:58.880 --> 01:25:10.880
These files need to represent information from January 1st, 2024 to present. Thank you.

01:25:12.880 --> 01:25:13.880
Alderman Shadle.

01:25:18.880 --> 01:25:20.880
I think it's best I pass.

01:25:21.880 --> 01:25:22.880
Alderman Sanders.

01:25:22.880 --> 01:25:45.880
Yes, I have something I'd like to elaborate with what I just heard. It's nothing new to me. I was not surprised with the reading that Ms. Alderman Stacy was reporting.

01:25:45.880 --> 01:26:13.880
I just like to say, when I heard the numbers of accounts that the bank, 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 talk about what bank's accounts that these are, yeah.

01:26:13.880 --> 01:26:21.000
oh well if it is then i need to see more of it maybe i'm not here enough to no don't don't don't do that

01:26:21.800 --> 01:26:26.600
don't do that you you're making yourself a nuisance so don't do that please don't speak to our

01:26:26.600 --> 01:26:32.279
department heads that way wait a minute they deserve respect well you tell her that you're

01:26:32.279 --> 01:26:38.840
accusing her of something you are accusing her and she has i have not accused her of anything

01:26:38.840 --> 01:26:40.840
and

01:26:41.840 --> 01:26:43.840
Mr.

01:26:44.840 --> 01:26:46.840
Allen.

01:26:47.840 --> 01:27:01.840
I have not accused her of anything. So don't you even go there. But you can't direct me when I'm talking. That's my point. You always interjecting when you're not supposed to be doing that.

01:27:01.840 --> 01:27:02.840
and Stacey.

01:27:02.840 --> 01:27:03.840
I would like to receive that information.

01:27:03.840 --> 01:27:04.840
I'm inquiring about it right now.

01:27:04.840 --> 01:27:05.840
Okay?

01:27:05.840 --> 01:27:09.239
I'd like to get a copy of all of that myself.

01:27:09.239 --> 01:27:17.039
Not just Alderman Stacy, but I, Alderman Sanders would like to get a copy of what that report

01:27:17.039 --> 01:27:23.840
was all about and you're making it sound like you hand it that is in this thing here all

01:27:23.840 --> 01:27:24.840
the time.

01:27:24.840 --> 01:27:25.840
In the consent agenda.

01:27:25.840 --> 01:27:26.840
Oh, okay.

01:27:26.840 --> 01:27:27.840
In the consent agenda.

01:27:27.840 --> 01:27:28.840
Okay.

01:27:28.840 --> 01:27:29.840
Alright.

01:27:29.840 --> 01:27:39.640
Well, that's a new discovery to me, so I'm just going by what I know, and what I know

01:27:39.640 --> 01:27:46.399
is that I have not heard about 40-some bank accounts that we deposit taxpayers' dollars

01:27:46.399 --> 01:27:57.199
in, and we need to do an itemization on that, so I need to know every transition that took

01:27:57.199 --> 01:27:58.199
and Stacey.

01:27:58.199 --> 01:28:09.960
So that's what needs to be done, it needs to be brought to the floor as one of our priorities

01:28:09.960 --> 01:28:18.560
that we hear this stuff many times before because we're speaking before our tax payers

01:28:18.560 --> 01:28:22.079
and they're concerned about it too.

01:28:22.079 --> 01:28:26.840
The council is not the only ones that are concerned about it, but the constituents out

01:28:26.840 --> 01:28:27.840
and others.

01:28:27.840 --> 01:28:33.279
And they need to know how we're governing the finances of tax dollars.

01:28:33.279 --> 01:28:35.920
And they need to hear this on a regular basis.

01:28:35.920 --> 01:28:41.659
And they need to be trained to understand and educated on every aspect of what the city

01:28:41.659 --> 01:28:42.659
is governing.

01:28:42.659 --> 01:28:51.880
And so that's the reason why I'm injecting that simply because we need to reveal anything

01:28:51.880 --> 01:28:54.720
that has been brought up.

01:28:54.720 --> 01:29:12.000
I mean, I mean, 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. Thank you. I yield.

01:29:12.000 --> 01:29:21.039
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.

01:29:21.039 --> 01:29:26.159
Alderman, Klemm, would you like to have anything to say Alderman, Klemm?

01:29:26.159 --> 01:29:36.800
Your comment was not necessary.

01:29:36.800 --> 01:29:37.800
Thank you.

01:29:37.800 --> 01:29:38.800
Alderman Simmons.

01:29:38.800 --> 01:29:42.960
A couple of things.

01:29:42.960 --> 01:29:49.119
So I would just like to comment on tonight's meeting and we are not doing the city any

01:29:49.119 --> 01:29:57.399
Service by behaving the way that we behave. I understand and appreciate the quorum. It's a way to keep the meeting fair and timely.

01:29:57.399 --> 01:30:27.399
Miller, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor

01:30:27.399 --> 01:30:31.359
Better, not to silence who we don't want to hear.

01:30:31.359 --> 01:30:35.559
My official comment for the night is though, Third Ward,

01:30:35.559 --> 01:30:38.159
please stay tuned, we are having a meeting

01:30:38.159 --> 01:30:41.799
at the library again on Friday, November 22nd,

01:30:41.799 --> 01:30:43.439
and we'll start at four o'clock.

01:30:43.439 --> 01:30:46.000
So again, I will keep bringing that up

01:30:46.000 --> 01:30:47.759
and hopefully I can see y'all there.

01:30:50.000 --> 01:30:53.199
Then that concludes Council Announcements Public Comments.

01:30:54.719 --> 01:30:55.559
Go ahead.

01:30:57.399 --> 01:31:10.159
I wasn't going to say anything tonight, but this debate brought me up to a point that

01:31:10.159 --> 01:31:15.119
something must be said.

01:31:15.119 --> 01:31:27.239
And my ward is Stacy, and we talked a little bit before, and I did mention that $173 million

01:31:27.239 --> 01:31:31.139
is a portion of the police and pension funds.

01:31:31.139 --> 01:31:34.539
And before that, that was totally reported.

01:31:34.539 --> 01:31:35.739
We're still reporting that.

01:31:35.739 --> 01:31:39.019
I would suggest that we would report just the city funds

01:31:39.019 --> 01:31:41.379
that we control and the pension funds

01:31:41.379 --> 01:31:45.739
as a separate sub-item to prevent some confusion.

01:31:45.739 --> 01:31:49.699
Thirdly, as I went through this budget completely,

01:31:49.699 --> 01:31:52.299
and the budget is in fair shape,

01:31:52.299 --> 01:31:54.139
there are some issues with it.

01:31:54.139 --> 01:31:57.379
I did find an issue with transfers

01:31:57.379 --> 01:32:01.339
not being totally balanced by 750,000.

01:32:01.339 --> 01:32:03.799
But when I put everything together,

01:32:03.799 --> 01:32:07.539
we're going to probably invest almost $70 million

01:32:07.539 --> 01:32:10.500
in infrastructure this year.

01:32:10.500 --> 01:32:13.179
We have the ability to do that

01:32:14.699 --> 01:32:19.699
based upon this sheet that was presented by the City Manager.

01:32:19.699 --> 01:32:28.079
and the City Manager and it is all entirely possible.

01:32:28.079 --> 01:32:35.759
We might have to go through this capitalization listing to see and prioritize it to determine

01:32:35.759 --> 01:32:41.119
what comes first and how fast it can come so that we can actually maintain our cash

01:32:41.119 --> 01:32:43.019
flow.

01:32:43.019 --> 01:32:51.539
When it's all said and done, we're going to start off with, in our governmental funds,

01:32:51.539 --> 01:32:54.500
a little over $41 million.

01:32:54.500 --> 01:33:01.899
We will end up with $34 million after it's said and done with the loans, the grants,

01:33:01.899 --> 01:33:08.939
and the difference between that, we're going to be investing and reducing our fund reserves

01:33:08.939 --> 01:33:11.739
by $7.8 million.

01:33:11.739 --> 01:33:18.619
All of this is possible if we work together and make it all happen.

01:33:18.619 --> 01:33:20.619
She's doing a pretty good job.

01:33:20.619 --> 01:33:26.779
I had been able to take all of the documents, bring them into a system, model it, and I

01:33:26.779 --> 01:33:34.299
can produce reports in many different formats, which is what we probably don't have available

01:33:34.299 --> 01:33:37.699
here at the city, unfortunately.

01:33:37.699 --> 01:33:42.299
Having said that, I'm optimistic moving forward.

01:33:42.299 --> 01:33:44.659
I will be in the hospital for a couple of weeks,

01:33:44.659 --> 01:33:46.659
so I won't be at the next meeting.

01:33:46.659 --> 01:33:50.019
That's why I presented this today.

01:33:50.019 --> 01:33:53.139
And what happens after I get out?

01:33:53.139 --> 01:33:57.099
Maybe it won't even matter where we go in the budget.

01:33:57.099 --> 01:33:59.339
One other final thing on the budget,

01:33:59.339 --> 01:34:02.739
and I'll get out of it, property taxes.

01:34:02.739 --> 01:34:05.979
You're probably not interested in raising that.

01:34:05.979 --> 01:34:17.979
and I looked at it from a perspective. I live with 63 feet of road which is maintained by the state.

01:34:17.979 --> 01:34:29.979
Mr. Margala, your time is exceeded. Thank you. Is there any other public comments? Tommy.

01:34:29.979 --> 01:34:38.139
Dickerman, the beefy roof is open. Yes. And Jodi Miller, you did a good job. Thanks, Tommy.

01:34:40.779 --> 01:34:47.500
I went, I had the beefy roof but those were heating and it was good food in there.

01:34:51.179 --> 01:34:55.899
Thank you, Tommy. Is there any other public comments this evening? Yes, ma'am.

01:34:59.979 --> 01:35:18.699
Hi, last week, last week I was, I had heard, not last week, the week before, I heard Alderman

01:35:18.699 --> 01:35:25.619
Sellers mention something about parking lots and there was a discussion about it and possibly

01:35:55.619 --> 01:36:00.619
and we have divots that are the size of a car

01:36:01.159 --> 01:36:04.759
in the handicap parking area, as well as other places.

01:36:04.759 --> 01:36:09.139
And I remembered Alderman Sellers saying

01:36:09.139 --> 01:36:11.000
that she was supposed to rank on one

01:36:11.000 --> 01:36:13.019
over across from Lickies.

01:36:13.019 --> 01:36:18.019
So rather than waiting until maybe 2026,

01:36:18.439 --> 01:36:21.379
if you could possibly look at that budget item

01:36:21.379 --> 01:36:25.059
and see if those parking lots, especially municipal lot

01:36:25.059 --> 01:36:26.299
who you have the Stewart Center

01:36:26.299 --> 01:36:29.379
and all these beautiful buildings to shop in.

01:36:29.379 --> 01:36:32.719
It's our prize, it's our huge parking lot.

01:36:33.619 --> 01:36:36.500
To come out of a car and twist your ankle in a pothole

01:36:36.500 --> 01:36:37.340
isn't fun.

01:36:38.659 --> 01:36:42.379
So if we could possibly think of that for 2025

01:36:42.379 --> 01:36:46.019
instead of pushing it off until 2026,

01:36:46.019 --> 01:36:47.219
that was the only thing I was asking.

01:36:47.219 --> 01:36:48.579
I actually took pictures.

01:36:48.579 --> 01:36:49.659
I was gonna show you a picture

01:36:49.659 --> 01:36:50.939
but I didn't know how to do that.

01:36:50.939 --> 01:36:54.819
So if you wanna see them, I have them.

01:36:54.819 --> 01:36:57.460
but thank you very much, I appreciate this.

01:36:57.460 --> 01:37:02.460
Are there any other public comments this evening?

01:37:02.460 --> 01:37:07.979
Seeing none, Madam Clerk, could you please read item number 20?

01:37:07.979 --> 01:37:14.979
We have executive session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120 slash 2C2, collective negotiating matters

01:37:14.979 --> 01:37:18.219
between the public body and its employees or their representatives

01:37:18.219 --> 01:37:24.500
or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees.

01:37:24.500 --> 01:37:27.099
Is there a motion to enter into executive session?

01:37:27.099 --> 01:37:27.939
It's all moved.

01:37:30.019 --> 01:37:30.859
Is there a second?

01:37:30.859 --> 01:37:31.679
Second.

01:37:32.579 --> 01:37:36.339
We have a motion made by Shadle, seconded by Parker.

01:37:36.339 --> 01:37:37.939
Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

01:37:37.939 --> 01:37:38.779
Parker?

01:37:38.779 --> 01:37:39.599
Aye.

01:37:39.599 --> 01:37:40.659
Stacy?

01:37:40.659 --> 01:37:41.500
Aye.

01:37:41.500 --> 01:37:42.319
Shadle?

01:37:42.319 --> 01:37:43.159
Aye.

01:37:43.159 --> 01:37:43.979
Sanders?

01:37:43.979 --> 01:37:44.819
Aye.

01:37:44.819 --> 01:37:45.659
Klemm?

01:37:50.939 --> 01:37:53.379
Eric, does it look like Klemm is still connected?

01:37:54.500 --> 01:38:03.739
okay Simmons we still have a vote of five to zero to enter closed session thank you

01:38:24.500 --> 01:38:26.939
and more.

01:38:26.939 --> 01:38:31.619
Thank you.

01:38:31.619 --> 01:38:36.299
Wow.

01:38:36.299 --> 01:38:42.299
The big one.