# Meeting Events Meeting: `dgmhvkv3gkc.city_council_meeting_11-18-24` Meeting date: `2024-11-18` Meeting type: `city_council` This is a deterministic derived artifact, not official meeting minutes. Related records may be grouped for review while complete machine provenance remains in the JSON artifact. ## Decisions and Votes - **Approval of Agenda** — Passed - **Summary:** Motion to adopt the agenda, with a request to return to live camera feed after executive session. - **Evidence:** “I would make a motion to adopt the agenda. I would like to make a request that we return to live camera feed after the executive session as Bickel, Frederick, John, Brad, John, and for the record, we have a motion on the agenda.” - **Evidence:** “We have a motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Klemm for the approval of the agenda.” - **Evidence:** “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed? That motion passes.” - **Source timestamp:** [05:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=350s) - **Approval of Minutes from November 4, 2022** — Passed - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Shadle to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on November 4, 2022. - **Evidence:** “Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.” - **Evidence:** “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.” - **Source timestamp:** [06:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=407s) - **Motion to approve consent agenda items** — Passed - **Summary:** The motion to approve the consent agenda passed seven to one via roll call vote. - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? No. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The motion passes seven to one.” - **Source timestamp:** [21:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1266s) - **Second reading of Ordinance 2024-60** — Approved - **Summary:** The council moved to the second reading of Ordinance 2024-60, which approves Airport Hangar M8 lease with David Hayes. - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller - **Evidence:** “And item number five is the second reading of Ordinance 2024-60. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving Airport Hangar M8 lease with David Hayes.” - **Source timestamp:** [21:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1284s) - **Motion to approve Airport Hangar M8 lease** — Passed - **Summary:** The motion passed seven to one. - **Evidence:** “The motion passes seven to one.” - **Source timestamp:** [21:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1275s) - **Ordinance Approval Vote Requirement** — Passed - **Summary:** The ordinance requires a majority vote, or three fourths of a majority to approve the lease. - **Evidence:** “McClure lease right now is at second read. And then the ordinance authorizes, if you guys approve it, if you vote by majority, well, three fourths of majority to approve this lease, then it passes.” - **Source timestamp:** [27:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1626s) - **Roll Call Vote for Ordinance Passage** — Passed - **Summary:** A roll call was taken following a vote where the ordinance passed 7 to 1. - **Evidence:** “Seeing none, Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The ordinance passes 7 to 1.” - **Source timestamp:** [29:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1793s) - **Move ordinance forward** - **Summary:** Motion made to move the proposed ordinance forward. - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? So move.” - **Evidence:** “Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.” - **Source timestamp:** [33:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2028s) - **Motion to amend draft motion regarding fines** — Passed - **Summary:** Discussion on how to proceed with making a motion to amend a draft motion for second reading. - **Evidence:** “Would you like to make that a motion or how would we do that? So there was a motion and a second just to move this forward to second reading. So if you want to make a motion to make an amendment to the draft motion with what your proposed amendment is second on the proposed amendment and then a vote by the council whether or not to make that change in the language, which would then if it passes, then we'll Huffines. We'll make it for the second reading.” - **Source timestamp:** [47:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2854s) - **Amendment regarding registration fee structure** - **Summary:** Motion to adopt the proposed fee structure: First tier, $500 per unit with a max of $6,031 to 90 days; second tier, $650 Per unit with a max of $7,800 Over 90 days; third tier, $900 per unit with a max of $10,800. - **Evidence:** “First tier, 500 per unit with a max of 6,031 to 90 days. 650 Per unit with a max of 7,800. Over 90 days, 900 per unit with a max of 10,800. OK, so that's a motion made by Alderman Simmons.” - **Source timestamp:** [55:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3346s) - **Amendment regarding mandatory landlord registration** - **Summary:** A motion was made concerning the need to get landlords registered, specifically addressing those who have received notices and still choose not to register. - **Attribution:** Alderman Simmons - **Evidence:** “I'll try to make this super quick you all agree with me that we need to get these landlords registered but you don't want to do anything to them for not registering this is for landlords who do not register have gotten notices after notice and still choose not to register it sounds as though those in council that do agree with me think that maybe this might be” - **Source timestamp:** [01:12:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4325s) - **Motion withdrawal and procedural status** — Withdrawn - **Summary:** A motion was withdrawn, requiring a second from Sanders to proceed. - **Attribution:** Alderman Simmons - **Evidence:** “I would compromise and I would draw my motion. If you want to remove your motion, then I need to have the second which is Sanders. Concur.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:12:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4358s) - **Ordinance 2024-63: Second Reading Motion** - **Summary:** Motion by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. - **Evidence:** “Staff recommends City Council move forward with this ordinance to the second reading to December 2nd. Is there a motion to move forward?” - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second. We have a motion by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.” - **Evidence:** “Move on to item number eight, which is the first reading of ordinance 2024-64. Could you please read this? Tax levy ordinance.” - **Evidence:** “Seconded by Alderman Sellers.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:26:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5174s) - **Ordinance 20-24-81 (Library tax levy ordinance)** - **Summary:** Staff recommends moving to Ordinance 20-24-81 regarding the library tax levy. - **Evidence:** “On to item number nine, which is the first reading of ordinance 20-24-81. Could you please read this? Library tax levy ordinance. Manager Boyer or Director Huffines?” - **Source timestamp:** [01:26:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5206s) - **Abatement of General Obligation Bonds (Ordinances 2024-66 and 2024-73)** - **Summary:** Motion to abate the 2024 real estate tax levy for repayment of GO Bonds Series 2013A, Ordinance 2024-66 to abate 2020 GO Bonds Series 2021, and Ordinance 2024-73 to abate 2024 Real Estate Tax Levy for repayment of GO Bonds Series 2022. - **Evidence:** “Ordinance 2024 is to abate the 2024 real estate tax levy for the repayment of the general Obligation Bonds, Series 2013A, Ordinance 2024-66, is to abate the 2020- General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021. Lastly, Ordinance 2024-73 to abate the 2024 Real Estate Tax Levy for the repayment of the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:29:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5370s) - **Moving bond abatement discussion to December 2nd meeting** - **Summary:** Staff requested moving the discussion on bond abatements to the December 2nd council meeting. - **Evidence:** “Ordinance to abate these bonds will be, it is before you now, to move on to the December 2nd meeting. Staff request we move this on to the December 2nd council.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:31:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5512s) - **Ordinance 2024-74 (Airport Hanger Lease)** - **Summary:** Motion regarding Ordinance 2024-74 approving airport hanger lease M4 with Ken and Paula Erwin. - **Evidence:** “Item number 11 is the first reading of ordinance 2024-74. Could you please read this? Ordinance, approving airport hanger lease M4 with Ken and Paula Erwin.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:32:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5526s) - **Moving Ordinance 20-24-74 to next meeting** - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm to move Ordinance 20-24-74 onto the next regular scheduled meeting. - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm to move Ordinance 20-24-74 onto the next regular scheduled meeting.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:32:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5558s) - **Suspension of Rules for Current Meeting** - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Monroe to suspend the rules and move forward with second reading on the current meeting. - **Evidence:** “Is there a need with these to just suspend the rules and get these done? Same meeting, would that make a lot, it makes a lot of sense to me, and actually I'll just bypass that. Say, I'd like to suspend the rules and move this forward to second reading now. Second. Okay, so we have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Parker for suspension of the rules.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:33:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5580s) - **Suspension of the rules for ordinance consideration** - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Monroe to suspend the rules, seconded by Alderman Parker. - **Evidence:** “Second. Okay, so we have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Parker for suspension of the rules.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:33:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5591s) - **Suspension of the rules (first instance)** — Passed - **Summary:** The motion to suspend the rules passed by a roll call vote. - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on the suspension only? Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Suspension of the rules passes 8 to 0.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:33:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5600s) - **Ordinance adoption after suspension of rules (first instance)** — Passed - **Summary:** The ordinance was adopted following the passage of the motion to suspend the rules. - **Evidence:** “And the ordinance is adopted 8 to 0.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:33:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5636s) - **Suspension of rules for Ordinance 2024-75** — Passed - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Monroe to suspend the rules concerning the hangar lease. - **Evidence:** “Aye. Motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Motion to suspend the rules, actually, unless anybody's got questions. We have a motion for, oh, I'll wait and if somebody's got questions, is there a discussion concerning this ordinance? Motion to suspend the rules, Mayor.” - **Evidence:** “Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Sellers for suspension of the rules. Again, suspension of the rules. Oh, it was Stacy. I'm sorry. Yep. Make that correction, seconded by Alderman Stacy.” - **Evidence:** “Madame Clerk, could you please take the role on the suspension only? Stacey? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Absent. Thank you for that. Parker? Aye. The motion still passes 7-0.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:34:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5685s) - **Ordinance 2024-75 adoption** — Passed - **Summary:** The ordinance was adopted following the passage of the motion to suspend the rules. - **Evidence:** “And the ordinance passes. 7-1.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:36:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5768s) - **Ordinance passage confirmation** — Passed - **Summary:** The ordinance passed with a vote of 7-1. - **Evidence:** “Aye. And the ordinance passes. 7-1.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:36:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5768s) - **Moving forward with two farm leases** - **Summary:** A motion was made to move forward with the two farm leases. - **Evidence:** “Staff recommends moving forward with the two farm leases before you tonight and if so inclined please feel free to suspend the rules on this. Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:36:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5780s) - **Suspension of the rules for ordinance 2024-76** - **Summary:** Roll call vote on suspension of the rules. - **Evidence:** “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. And Parker? Aye.” - **Final passage of ordinance 2024-76** - **Summary:** Roll call vote on final passage of the farm leases ordinance. - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. On final passage, Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:39:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5954s) - **Moving forward with bus lease recommendation** - **Summary:** Motion to move forward with the recommended bus lease. - **Attribution:** Huffines - **Evidence:** “So that's what's before you and staff recommends moving this forward. Is there a motion to move forward?” - **Evidence:** “So moved.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:42:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6171s) - **Moving ordinance to second reading** - **Summary:** Motion made to move the first reading of Ordinance 2024-78 forward. - **Evidence:** “I make a motion to move it forward.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:49:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6557s) - **Move ordinance to next regularly scheduled meeting** - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Stacey, seconded by Alderman Sanders to move the ordinance onto the next regularly scheduled meeting. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacey - **Evidence:** “Okay we have a motion made by Alderman Stacey, seconded by Alderman Sanders to move ordinance onto the next regularly scheduled meeting.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:49:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6567s) - **Ordinance 2024-79: Special use application at 1373 South Locust Avenue** - **Summary:** Motion to move forward with the ordinance. - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:58:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7126s) - **Move to move forward with ordinance 2024-80** - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle, to move forward with the ordinance. - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm - **Evidence:** “So is there a motion to move forward? So move. Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:04:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7455s) - **Adoption of resolution for Bird City Illinois initiative** — Passed - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Seller to adopt the resolution supporting the Bird City, Illinois initiative. - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second. The motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle, discussion?” - **Evidence:** “And there's no other discussion and clerk please take the role Stacy aye Shadle Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe. Monroe? No. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted seven to one.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:17:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8277s) - **Ratification of emergency backflow preventer repairs** - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Klemm to ratify the payment for emergency replacement of the sewer check valve. - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:20:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8421s) - **Adoption of resolution ratifying emergency backflow preventer repairs** — Adopted - **Summary:** Motion to adopt the resolution for the backflow preventer repair payment. - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second.” - **Evidence:** “The resolution is adopted 8-0.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:25:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8725s) - **Adoption of resolution 2024-122 for HVAC repairs** - **Summary:** Motion to adopt the resolution ratifying emergency HVAC repairs. - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to adopt? So move. Second.” - **Review flags:** unattached_motion_request - **Source timestamp:** [02:25:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8725s) - **Adoption of resolution 2024-122 for HVAC repairs** — Passed - **Summary:** The resolution was adopted seven to one. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “The resolution is adopted seven to one.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:29:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8971s) - **Approval of contract with Richard L. Johnson for Well 12** - **Summary:** Motion to approve the $195,000 contract with Richard L. Johnson. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers - **Evidence:** “Is there such a motion? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:31:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9087s) - **Approval of $195,000 contract with Richard L. Johnson** - **Summary:** Motion to approve the $195,000 contract with Richard L. Johnson. - **Evidence:** “So staff recommends the City Council approve the $195,000 contract with Richard L. Johnson so the project can move forward. Is there such a motion? So moved.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:31:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9079s) - **Approval of Resolution 2024-124 (Berners-Schober contract)** - **Summary:** Motion to adopt the resolution approving agreement with Berners-Schober for mechanical engineering services at well number 12. - **Evidence:** “So to ensure the funding they have committed to being complete by and been ready by March 1st the EPA deadline and staff recommendation that City Council move forward with the $70,000 contract with a Berner-Schober so the project can move forward immediately. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:33:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9192s) - **Resolution approving agreement with Berners-Schober for mechanical engineering services at well number 12** — Passed - **Summary:** The resolution was adopted by a vote of 6 to 1. - **Evidence:** “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? No. Simmons? Oh, I am so sorry. Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted 6 to 1.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:31:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9107s) - **Adoption of Berners-Schober Contract for Well 12** - **Summary:** Motion to move forward with the $70,000 contract with Berner-Schober. - **Evidence:** “So to ensure the funding they have committed to being complete by and been ready by March 1st the EPA deadline and staff recommendation that City Council move forward with the $70,000 contract with a Berner-Schober so the project can move forward immediately. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved.” - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:33:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9192s) - **Council Discussion Continuation Vote** — Passed - **Summary:** The chair asked for a vote on whether to allow the conversation to continue. - **Evidence:** “The two aldermen that want to continue discussion have already used up their So I guess the way I would frame it if if counsel if there's no objections to this conversation continuing Then it'll continue if you don't want it to continue and want to just move on to a vote speak up now If you don't if you want to end the conversation Move on to a vote second Okay, well according to the ordinance it needs to be unanimous So the the conversation for the alderman that wanted to do extra discussion is was not approved according to the ordinance Yeah, this is how we do business according to the ordinance.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:58:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10683s) - **Adoption of Resolution 2024-126 (Plat Approval)** — Adopted - **Summary:** The resolution approving a final plat of subdivision for plat number 2 of Schopko subdivision was adopted by a vote of 5 to 3. - **Evidence:** “Then madam clerk, please take the role Stacy No, Shadle, Sanders Sellers? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Nope. Simmons? No. Aye. Parker. Aye. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Is enough to pass. The resolution is adopted 5 to 3.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:58:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10683s) - **Adoption of resolution regarding CubeSmart plat changes** — Passed - **Summary:** Motion to adopt the resolution. - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to adopt? So moved.” - **Evidence:** “Seconded by Alderman Shadle.” - **Evidence:** “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? No. Monroe? No. And Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted 6-2.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:02:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10925s) - **Approval of bid for rehabilitation services at 748 East Center Street** - **Summary:** Motion to approve the bid for rehabilitation services. - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to approve this bid? So moved.” - **Evidence:** “Seconded by Alderman Shadle.” - **Approval of CMM and Associates bid for construction rehabilitation services** - **Summary:** Motion to approve the bid from CMM and Associates. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers - **Evidence:** “We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:05:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11143s) - **Placement of items 24, 25, and 31 for further discussion** — Failed - **Summary:** Motion to place item 24, item 25, and item 31 on the December calendar for further discussion. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacy - **Evidence:** “I would like to make a motion that they are put on the December Kyle for further discussion.” - **Evidence:** “I want to move 24 and 25 to the COW.” - **Evidence:** “Okay, so the topic now is moving these items to the December COW for more discussion. Is there discussion on that particular part? ... Stacy? Aye. Shadle? No. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? No. Klemm? No. Monroe? No. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? No. The motion fails three to five.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:12:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11525s) - **Approval of bid on 748 East Center Street** — Passed - **Summary:** Motion to approve the bid for 748 East Center Street. - **Evidence:** “Is there any more discussion on 748 East Center? I'd like to make a motion, Madam Mayor. I would like to make a motion to suspend the rules well actually we don't need to we can oh that's right that's enough approve it it's approval never mind madam clerk please take the role Stacy no Shadle aye Sanders no Sellers aye Klemm aye Monroe aye Simmons and Parker aye” - **Evidence:** “The motion passes 6 to 2 and item number 25 could you please read this bid approval there was a bid opening on November 7th 2024 for CD 010 2024 for rehab rehabilitation of a single home at 833 South Adams Street director duckman thank you madam mayor so at 833 South Adams this property is also part of the community development block grant for housing rehabilitation and the city of Freeport held a bid opening on November For the construction rehabilitation services of 833 South Adams, and received one bid in the amount of $39,075 by CMM and Associates, and this scope of work has been agreed upon by the City of Freeport and the property owner, and it includes the following construction rehabilitation services, eight new windows, softened fascia repairs, upgraded electric Decker, Payer, New Gutters, and staff recommends moving forward by issuing a contract to CMM and Associates in the amount of $39,075 for the construction and rehabilitation services of 833 South Adams Avenue. Is there a motion to approve this bid? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:14:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11657s) - **Roll Call Vote (Procedural)** — Passed - **Summary:** The roll call vote passed seven to one. - **Attribution:** Clerk - **Evidence:** “Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The motion passes seven to one.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:18:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11901s) - **Approval of Demolition Bids (Klechner and Fisher)** - **Summary:** Motion to approve the recommended bids from Klechner Excavating and Fisher Excavating for property demolition. - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to approve? So move. Second.” - **Review flags:** unattached_motion_request - **Source timestamp:** [03:20:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12003s) - **Roll Call Vote (Demolition Bid Approval)** — Passed - **Summary:** The roll call vote on the bid approval passed with Aye votes from Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm. - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:22:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12124s) - **Motion passing vote on award items** — Passed - **Summary:** The motion passed 8-0 following roll call votes. - **Evidence:** “Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The motion passes 8-0.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:22:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12124s) - **Moving ordinance on for first reading** - **Summary:** A motion was made by Alderman Seller seconded by Alderman Shadle to move the ordinance on for first reading. - **Evidence:** “We have a motion made by Alderman Seller seconded by Alderman Shadle to move this ordinance on for first reading.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:22:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12149s) - **Annual drug testing for elected officials and staff** - **Summary:** Motion to have an ordinance drafted requiring automatic drug testing every January by the end of the month. - **Attribution:** Alderman Monroe - **Evidence:** “So that would be my motion is that we would have a, have it drawn up so that we're automatically tested every January by the end of the month and move forward from there.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:35:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12931s) - **Tasking staff with drafting an ordinance for drug testing** - **Summary:** Motion to task Attorney DeZito with developing an ordinance related to the discussion. - **Evidence:** “So okay, so we do have a motion on the floor would be to, I'm guessing you're tasking Attorney DeZito to come up with an ordinance, right? Yeah, I would like that. Yes, please.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:40:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13209s) - **Tasking Attorney Zito to draft an ordinance regarding employee conduct** - **Summary:** A motion was made and seconded to task Attorney Zito to draft an ordinance. - **Evidence:** “We have a first and second motion and a second to task Attorney Zito to draft an ordinance.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:42:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13368s) - **Ordinance drafting task for employee conduct** — Failed - **Summary:** The vote on the motion to task Attorney Zito to draft an ordinance resulted in failure. - **Evidence:** “One, two, three, four, five noes to three yeas. It fails.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:44:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13443s) - **Further investigation into historical location** — Failed - **Summary:** Motion to look further into examining the validation of a location. - **Evidence:** “Okay, so there's a motion on the floor. I find it funny, you find it funny. Do we have a second?” - **Evidence:** “So we have a motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Sanders to look further into examining the validation of the allocations. I don't know. So, am I correct on what I just? Sure. If you'd like, I'll come back at a later date with a location and a map and put a red X on it for people so that it's easier to look. We have a motion. Mm-hmm. So we have a motion to I mean this is just basically like a consensus but given the fact that I don't know how a voice vote is going to play out as far as I got a consensus as to whether or not the council wants to look into this further or not look into this further I just take off so do we want to look into this further that's the that's the question madam clerk would you please Please take the roll.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:52:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13959s) - **Temporary halt of CDBG Adams Avenue grants** - **Summary:** A motion was made to temporarily halt all CDBG Adams Avenue until the council is completely educated on the application and selection process and all other participants' requirements. - **Evidence:** “I make a motion to temporary halt all CDBG Adams Avenue until the council have been completely educated on the application and selection process and all other participants' requirements.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:57:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14244s) - **Tasking attorney Zito to draft moratorium** - **Summary:** A motion was raised regarding tasking attorney Zito to draft a moratorium. - **Evidence:** “So we have a motion, do we, I forgot, did we have a second on that? To halt, to task attorney Zito to draft halting all- A moratorium.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:11:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15118s) - **Council consideration of moving forward with project review** - **Summary:** A motion was raised for the council to consider having the speaker's office put something together for their consideration regarding looking into an issue. - **Evidence:** “Yeah. Right. There. So I guess, right. We did just a few other ones as to whether or not the council wants to move forward with basically looking into this more by having my office put something together for your guys' consideration.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:12:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15139s) - **Halting All Projects Moratorium** — Approved - **Summary:** Motion to direct placement of a moratorium on all CBGB projects, including those approved prior. - **Evidence:** “OK, so there's a motion on the floor to task Attorney Zito to write this up for halting all projects. My understanding of the motion is that you wanted My understanding of the motion is that you wanted me, if this motion goes through, it would be to direct me to place a moratorium on all CBGB projects. That would even include the ones approved prior.” - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? Stacy? Aye. Shadle? No. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? No. Klemm? No. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? So you want all projects stopped? That's what the motion is.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:18:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15494s) - **Motion to Enter Executive Session** — Passed - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker. - **Evidence:** “So moved. Do we have a second? Yeah, we're waiting on a motion. Okay, so we've got a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker.” - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Sanders, Sellers, It is a no final answer. Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker. Motion passes six to two.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:34:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=16469s) - **Adoption of resolution R2024.119** - **Summary:** Motion to adopt the resolution. - **Evidence:** “So moved.” - **Evidence:** “Second.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:57:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17871s) - **Adoption of resolution R2024.119** — Adopted - **Summary:** Vote on the adoption of the resolution. - **Evidence:** “Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted, 6 to 8, 6 to 2 for a total of 8, it's late.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:58:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17924s) - **Adjournment** - **Summary:** Seconding the motion to adjourn. - **Evidence:** “Okay since it is 11 o'clock I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.” - **Evidence:** “Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle, all those in favor signify by saying aye.” - **Evidence:** “Aye.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:59:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17980s) ## Procedural Actions - **Calling meeting to order** - **Summary:** The meeting was officially called to order. - **Evidence:** “So with that, we'll officially call this meeting to order.” - **Source timestamp:** [05:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=315s) - **Pledge of Allegiance** - **Summary:** The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Alderman Stacey. - **Evidence:** “And if you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Stacey.” - **Source timestamp:** [05:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=320s) - **Motion to approve consent agenda items** - **Summary:** A motion was made to approve the consent agenda, covering a new checking account required by the DCEO for the Community Development Block Grant; approval of finance bills payable in the total of $3,122,664.47; approval of payroll from pay period ending November 2, 2024 in the total of $646,040.92; and reports for finance and cash investments for September 2024. - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? So I'll move. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.” - **Source timestamp:** [20:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1257s) - **Ordinance Reading and Revision Deadline/Penalty Increase** - **Summary:** Item number 6 was identified as the first reading of ordinance 20-24-62, concerning revising registration Deadline and Increasing Landlord Registry Penalty. - **Evidence:** “Item number 6 is the first reading of ordinance 20-24-62. Could you please read this? Ordinance revising registration Deadline, and Increasing Landlord Registry Penalty.” - **Source timestamp:** [30:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1801s) - **Adjournment/Scheduling of discussion** - **Summary:** A request to remove the current item to December. - **Evidence:** “With all, Madam Mayor, with all the commotion and people about to stand up in their chairs, can we, I make a motion, remove this to December cow so that we can get an understanding on this?” - **Source timestamp:** [56:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3371s) - **Next regular city council meeting scheduling** - **Summary:** The matter is moving to the next regular city council meeting. - **Evidence:** “Right now, it's moving to the next regular city council meeting. That's already out.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:15:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4534s) - **Moving to second reading for December 2nd item** - **Summary:** The council discussed moving on to second reading for an item scheduled for December 2nd. - **Evidence:** “Are we ready to move on to second reading for this in December 2nd?” - **Source timestamp:** [01:24:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5080s) - **Suspension of the rules for ordinance 2024-76** - **Summary:** A motion was made to suspend the rules. - **Evidence:** “Motion to suspend. Second. Can we have some discussion here? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, actually, we have a motion on the table for suspension of the rules. So that's non-debatable. We have that by Alderman Klemm seconded by Alderman Monroe.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:37:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5834s) - **Moving to next agenda item** - **Summary:** Procedural action taken after discussion concluded for the current topic. - **Evidence:** “Any other first time discussion? If not, Alderman Stacey. I just want to say we have allowed this more than once.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:54:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6874s) - **First reading of ordinance 2024-80** - **Summary:** The council moved to item number 17, which is the first reading of ordinance 2024-80. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “And we will move on to item number 17, which is the first reading of ordinance 2024-80. Could you please read this?” - **Source timestamp:** [02:02:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7360s) - **Roll call for resolution adoption** - **Summary:** The roll call was taken for the vote on Item number 20. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy. Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, and Parker.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:28:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8938s) - **Council Discussion Continuation** - **Summary:** The chair addressed the continuation of discussion based on council ordinance. - **Evidence:** “Well, okay, so let's let's rein this in a little bit. We've you've had way more than two times to ask questions. And there are also aldermen that haven't asked any. Okay, I respect that. Okay, so those that have not asked any questions, are you wanting to say anything in this moment? Because the two that are left, they've already spoken twice. If there's not an objection, I'll let it continue. If there is, then according to our ordinance, this conversation is ended. Yeah, I respect that. Go ahead, Council. Are you allowing me to continue? I'm asking the council if, according to the ordinance, if that's acceptable.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:57:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10659s) - **Moving ordinance for first reading** - **Summary:** The discussion concluded with the agreement to place the ordinance on the agenda for first reading. - **Evidence:** “I think I'd rather just have it put on the agenda For first reading and that they can move it vote to move it forward from there” - **Source timestamp:** [03:26:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12374s) - **Vote requirement for agenda item** - **Summary:** The chair confirmed no vote was needed because the item was listed as discussion only. - **Evidence:** “do we need a vote on that mayor no we don't need a vote yeah moving forward because this just says discussion I don't want because it's specifically on the agenda is discussion only” - **Source timestamp:** [03:26:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12374s) - **Vote on drafting drug testing ordinance** - **Summary:** A motion was presented for a vote regarding the ordinance. - **Evidence:** “So okay, so we have a motion. Is there a second? So we have a second made by Alderman Sanders.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:40:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13209s) - **Department Report: Public Works** - **Summary:** A public hearing was held for a CDBG grant related to sewer lining in Freeport. - **Evidence:** “Public works? One thing, today we had a public hearing for a CDBG grant, great topic for sewer lining here in Freeport.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:20:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15646s) - **Motion to Enter Executive Session** - **Summary:** A motion was made to enter executive session pursuant to 5 ILCS 122C2. - **Evidence:** “Pursuant to 5 ILCS 122C2, collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees. Is there a motion to enter into executive session? So moved.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:34:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=16440s) - **Roll Call for Open Session Return** - **Summary:** The Clerk called the roll in returning to open session. - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, could you please call the roll in returning to open session?” - **Source timestamp:** [04:56:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17780s) - **Quorum confirmation** - **Summary:** The council confirmed that a quorum was present. - **Evidence:** “We do have a quorum. Okay.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:56:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17800s) - **Quorum confirmation** - **Summary:** Confirmation that a quorum was established. - **Evidence:** “Shadle? Here. Sanders? Here. And Sellers? Here. We do have a quorum.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:56:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17800s) - **Roll call for resolution adoption** - **Summary:** The clerk called the roll. - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk please take the roll.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:28:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8938s) ## Ordinances and Resolutions - **Ordinance approving Airport Hangar M8 lease with David Hayes** — Approved - **Summary:** Second reading of Ordinance 2024-60, which approves the lease for Airport Hangar M8 with David Hayes. - **Evidence:** “And item number five is the second reading of Ordinance 2024-60. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving Airport Hangar M8 lease with David Hayes.” - **Source timestamp:** [21:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1284s) - **Proposed ordinance fines for late registration of rental properties** - **Summary:** Fines proposed: 30 days or less after deadline results in a $100 per unit fine with a maximum charge of $1,500. For filing between 31 and 90 days after the due date, the fine is $250 per unit, with a maximum of $3,000. If filed 90 days or more past the due date, the fine is $500 per unit with a maximum of $6,000. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “So if you're 30 days or less, if you register 30 days or less after our deadline, you're going to be charged $100 per unit, and there's gonna be a maximum charge of $1,500. Now, if the application is filed 30 days, but less than 90, so 31 to 90, after the due date, you're now going to receive a $250 fine per unit. The maximum will be $3,000. If you're filed 90 days or more past the due date, you're going to have a $500 fine per unit with a maximum of $6,000.” - **Source timestamp:** [32:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1964s) - **Item number 13: First reading of ordinance 2024-76** - **Summary:** The first reading of ordinance 2024-76 was discussed. - **Evidence:** “Item number 13 is the first reading of ordinance 2024-76.” - **Item number 14: First reading of ordinance 2024-77** - **Summary:** The first reading of ordinance 2024-77 was introduced. - **Evidence:** “Item number 14 is the first reading of ordinance 2024-77. Could you please read this? Ordinance of the City of Freeport approving and authorizing a vehicle lease agreement with the Stephenson County Senior Center doing.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:39:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5975s) - **Ordinance 2024-79: Special use application at 1373 South Locust Avenue** - **Summary:** Ordinance approving special use application at 1373 South Locust Avenue submitted by Sindio Networks to examine the special use of an R41 family residence zone property to allow for a telephone exchange and other similar public service uses per section 1250.01B8. - **Evidence:** “Number 16 is the first ring of ordinance 2024-79. Would you please read this? Ordinance approving special use application at 1373 South Locust Avenue submitted by Sindio Networks to examine the special use of an R41 family residence zone property to allow for a telephone exchange and other similar public service uses per section 1250.01B8.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:55:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6928s) - **Ordinance amending Chapter 14 regarding contractor licenses** - **Summary:** The ordinance amends Chapter 14 of the codified ordinances requiring a contractor license for contractors who perform landscaping or lawn care, seal colding, and snow plowing. - **Attribution:** Staff - **Evidence:** “Ordinance amending Chapter 14 of the codified ordinances requiring a contractor license for contractors who perform landscaping or lawn care, seal colding, and snow plowing.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:02:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7368s) - **ratifying emergency backflow preventer repairs to city's wastewater treatment plant dewatering system** - **Summary:** Resolution ratifying emergency backflow preventer repairs to city's wastewater treatment plant dewatering system by Nelson Carlson mechanical contractors. - **Evidence:** “Resolution ratifying emergency backflow preventer repairs to city's wastewater treatment plant dewatering system by Nelson Carlson mechanical contractors.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:19:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8375s) - **adoption of resolution 2024-122 for HVAC repairs at City Hall** - **Summary:** Item number 20 is the adoption of resolution 2024-122. Could you please read this? Resolution ratifying emergency HVAC repairs at City Hall by Lesher Heating and Air Conditioning. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Item number 20 is the adoption of resolution 2024-122. Could you please read this? Resolution ratifying emergency HVAC repairs at City Hall by Lesher Heating and Air Conditioning.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:25:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8725s) - **Adoption of resolution 2024-123 for architectural services** - **Summary:** Resolution approving agreement with Richard L. Johnson for architectural services at well number 12. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Item number 21 is the adoption of resolution 2024,123. Could you please read this? Resolution approving agreement with Richard L. Johnson for architectural services at wall number 12.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:29:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8971s) - **Adoption of Resolution 2024-124** - **Summary:** Item number 22 is the adaption of Resolution 2024-124: Resolution approving agreement with Berners-Schober for mechanical engineering services at well number 12. - **Evidence:** “Hey, item number 22 is the adaption of Resolution 2024-124. Could you please read this? Resolution approving agreement with Berners-Schober for mechanical engineering services at well number 12.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:32:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9131s) - **Discussion regarding ordinance amending Part 6, General Offenses, Chapter 694, Weeds and Grass of the Codified Ordinances** - **Summary:** The proposed ordinance adds a new section, 694.08, entitled Vegetation and Managed Natural Landscape, and amends Chapter 694.01, Nuisance Declared. - **Evidence:** “Item number 27, can you please read this discussion ordinance? Discussion regarding ordinance amending Part 6, General Offenses, Chapter 694, Weeds and Grass of the Codified Ordinances, by adding a new section, 694.08, to be entitled Vegetation and Managed Natural Landscape, and amending Chapter 694.01, Nuisance Declared, for” - **Source timestamp:** [03:22:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12137s) - **Adoption of resolution R2024.119 ratifying CBA** - **Summary:** Item number 38 addressed the adoption of Resolution R2024.119, which ratifies the collective bargaining agreement with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, local number 884. - **Evidence:** “item number 38 is adoption of resolution R2024.119. Could you please read this? Resolution ratifying collective bargaining agreement with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, local number 884.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:56:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17809s) - **Adoption of resolution R2024.119** - **Summary:** Resolution ratifying collective bargaining agreement with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, local number 884. - **Evidence:** “Okay, item number 38 is adoption of resolution R2024.119. Could you please read this? Resolution ratifying collective bargaining agreement with the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, local number 884.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:56:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17809s) ## Financial and Contract Events - **Library levy for 2024 paid in 2025** - **Summary:** The library's levy for 2024 paid in 2025 will be $1,062,000, representing an overall increase of $50,500. - **Evidence:** “Based on the information, the library's levy for 2024 paid in 2025 will be 1,062,000. The library will see an overall increase of $50,500 in their levy.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:28:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5289s) - **Emergency backflow preventer repairs at wastewater treatment plant** - **Summary:** The staff is asking council to ratify the payment of $11,309 for the emergency replacement of the sewer check valve. - **Evidence:** “Earlier this year Miller, the staff of the wastewater treatment plant pointed to a problem with the backflow preventer. It was a time-critical issue and needed to be replaced, so we move forward with the repair and staff is asking council to ratify the payment of $11,309 for the emergency replacement of the sewer, the check valve.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:19:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8375s) - **Architectural services contract with Richard L. Johnson for Well 12** - **Summary:** Richard L. Johnson presented a building architecture contract for $195,000 to perform plan, specifications, and plan coordination. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Richard L. Johnson has presented a building architecture contract for $195,000 to perform from the plan, specifications, and plan coordination with our lead engineer for the overall project design.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:30:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9043s) - **Mechanical Engineering Contract with Berners-Schober** - **Summary:** Berners-Schober presented a mechanical engineering contract for $70,000 to perform mechanical systems design specification and plan coordination. - **Evidence:** “Bernard Schover has presented a mechanical engineering contract for 70,000 to perform mechanical systems design specification and plan coordination with our lead engineer that's Fehr Graham as part of the overall project.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:33:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9192s) - **Construction Rehabilitation Services at 748 East Center Street** - **Summary:** Staff recommends issuing a contract to CMM and Associates for $54,775 for Construction Rehabilitation Services including a new roof, new bathroom fixtures, new bathroom floor, and siding repairs. - **Attribution:** Staff - **Evidence:** “Staff recommends issuing a contract to CMM and Associates in the amount of $54,775 for the Construction Rehabilitation Services at 748 East Center Street.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:05:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11125s) - **Trump administration cost estimate** - **Summary:** The estimated cost related to the Trump administration was stated as $500,000. - **Evidence:** “today it's about $500,000, but whatever the cost of that Trump administration, you've got to pay the money, though.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:54:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17642s) ## Projects - **Bid Opening for Demolition of Nine Residential Properties (CD012-24)** - **Summary:** The city held a bid opening on November 14th, 2024, for the demolition of nine properties. - **Attribution:** Director Duckman - **Evidence:** “Item number 26, another bid approval. This bid opening was held on November 14th, 2024, CD012-24, demolition of nine residential properties. Director Duckman. Thank you, Madam Mayor. So the city of Freeport held a bid opening for the demolition of nine properties. It was held on November 14th at nine o'clock in the morning and the city of Freeport received bids from four contractors.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:18:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11916s) ## Presentations and Reports - **Bird City, Illinois designation requirements** - **Summary:** The speaker provided background on Bird City, Illinois, noting it was established in 2021 for the state of Illinois. Freeport earned this designation with Rockford and Waukegan. Requirements include an annual proclamation for World Migratory Bird Day and passing a resolution every three years to ensure consideration of environmental impacts. - **Evidence:** “My agenda this evening is the resolution for Bird City, Illinois, so I wanted to give a little background. Bird City, Illinois was established for the state of Illinois in 2021 and Freeport was one of the first of three cities to earn this designation alongside Rockford and Waukegan. Part of the requirements for Bird City is to fulfill a minimum of nine actions, including an annual proclamation for World Migratory Bird Day, which we do every year in May, as well as a passing of a resolution for Bird City, Illinois every three years.” - **Source timestamp:** [09:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=553s) - **Ordinance allowing use of native plants in landscaping** - **Summary:** The speaker expressed support for an ordinance allowing Freeport residents to use native plants in home landscaping and outlined benefits such as adaptation to harsh winters, drought tolerance, and low maintenance. - **Evidence:** “Tonight, I would just like to express my support for the ordinance, which would allow residents of Freeport to use native plants in the home landscaping. ... So generally speaking, a native plant is one which has existed within this region before settlement by Europeans. Native plants include ferns, grasses, perennial and annual wildflowers, woody trees, shrubs, and vines.” - **Source timestamp:** [14:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=871s) - **Airport Hangar M8 Lease Details** - **Summary:** David Hayes is interested in leasing Hangar M8 for a cost of $165 per month. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. As previously discussed, David Hayes is interested in leasing Hangar M8. The agreement, the cost of this lease is $165 per month.” - **Source timestamp:** [21:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1288s) - **Airport Hangar M8 Lease Details** - **Summary:** The lease cost for Hangar M8 is $165 per month, and staff recommends approval. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “As previously discussed, David Hayes is interested in leasing Hangar M8. The agreement, the cost of this lease is $165 per month. Staff recommends approval of this.” - **Source timestamp:** [21:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1294s) - **Source of Lease Pricing** - **Summary:** The price for each hanger is set by an ordinance previously adopted by the City Council, and staff stated that if the council wishes to change it, they can adopt a new ordinance. - **Attribution:** Attorney Zito - **Evidence:** “So with these leases, generally speaking, is that staff, whether it be the airport manager in and Cary. We'll talk to the proposed tenant who wants to either lease for the first time a hanger or renew their lease. They'll talk about what the terms and conditions are. The price for each hanger is set by an ordinance that was previously adopted by the City Council a few years ago. So that's where the price comes from. Certainly, if this council wants to change it, you guys can change the ordinance and adopt new prices.” - **Source timestamp:** [26:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1602s) - **Ordinance 20-24-62 Details (Registration Deadlines and Fines)** - **Summary:** Director Duckman apologized for an incorrect memo being attached to the agenda but confirmed that the ordinance packet contained the correct fines and deadlines. The proposed change moves the registration deadline from June 31st to January 31st of each calendar year, with a temporary deadline of April 1st, 2025, before reverting to January 31st starting in 2026. Fines for late registration are $100 per unit if registered 30 days or less after the deadline, up to a maximum charge of $1,500. - **Evidence:** “Director Duckman. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Just wanted to start by saying I apologize. The incorrect memo was attached to the agenda. So essentially, I'm going to go over here some of the fines that were finally agreed upon. The actual ordinance that was part of your packet was correct. So in the ordinance, you received the correct fines, correct deadlines, but the memo was incorrect. So I apologize for that. It was just, we attached the wrong, staff had the wrong memo attached. Do you have a copy, Director Duckman? I do not have a copy of the updated memo, but I do have the, you received the correct ordinance with the right, correct deadlines. So I'll go over it slowly and just kind of let you know what, there wasn't much that changed from that original memo. Mo. So apologies for that. Let me just start by saying what's changed here. So before this proposed ordinance, the deadline for registration was June 31st. Okay. What's being proposed in this ordinance is a deadline to register of January 31st of each calendar year. So That's what's being proposed. Now for this current year, meaning coming 2025, the deadline is going to be April 1st of 2025. And probably wondering why. Well, this is a new change. And we're trying to give our landlords some time to understand the change and to adapt to it. But starting in 2026, it's going to be January 31st from thereafter. So now moving on to the proposed ordinance, What is staff proposing for fines? So you're going to be required, we already talked about the deadlines. So if you're 30 days or less, if you register 30 days or less after our deadline, you're going to be charged $100 per unit, and there's gonna be a maximum charge of $1,500.” - **Source timestamp:** [31:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1865s) - **Letter distribution timeline** - **Summary:** Director Duckman stated that letters would typically be sent out in December, and if the proposal passes, the deadline could be April 1 of 2025. - **Evidence:** “Director Duckman, did you say that in December, letters in December. Yes, and a typical year the goal would be to send it out in December. I'm obviously this year, there's discussion about the proposal, how it's going to work. For this particular year, when it's agreed upon for the rates, I will be working immediately thereafter to submit a letter saying the deadline if they go with the proposal here would be April 1 of 2025.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:09:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4181s) - **Staff process improvement for rental registry** - **Summary:** The staff was tasked with improving the ability to create a better rental registry, leading to research into software that analyzes all properties to determine who is likely a landlord. - **Attribution:** Director Duckman - **Evidence:** “And so I went into a process and looked at it. And what was currently being done was letters were sent out to people that were previously in the database or who had been registered in the past. That's what we were going on. And when somebody comes to staff and says, I know there's more landlords, that person's a landlord, that person's a landlord. And I said, well, I see that as an issue. How do I fix it? How do I go about fixing this issue? How do I go about doing it efficiently, effectively? And so I started looking for softwares that could do this” - **Source timestamp:** [01:13:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4410s) - **Memo distribution delay reason** - **Summary:** The memo was delayed because there was another meeting that went out and did not make it to the rest of the board. - **Evidence:** “the reason for the memo going out late was there is a blast meet there was one more meeting that went out and it didn't make I have and the rest of the board.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:23:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5029s) - **Ordinance 2024-63: Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriation Ordinance** - **Summary:** The ordinance details adjustments including a slight increase in the city levy of $140,400 due to receipt of estimated equalized assessed value with a corresponding decrease in required fund reserve. The library budget items were adjusted by an increase of $50,500 in property tax revenue. - **Evidence:** “Attached is the fiscal year 2025 in the appropriations ordinance format. The following adjustments have occurred over the past week and are incorporated in the final document. Slight increase in the city levy in the amount of $140,400 due due to receipt of estimated equalized assessed value with the corresponding decrease in the amount of required fund reserve. Also, the library budget items have been adjusted due to the receipt of the EAV numbers. The library will be able to increase their property tax revenue by $50,500.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:24:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5090s) - **Ordinance 2024-64: Tax Levy Ordinance** - **Summary:** The city's levy for 2024 paid in 2025 would be $2,977,400, an increase of $140,400, based on the estimated 2024 equalized assessed value (EAV) of $15,102,367 or 5.61% over the last year. A house valued at $100,000 would see no increase in the city's portion of their property tax bill as long as their assessed value has not increased. - **Evidence:** “The EAV for our tax district increased as mentioned before, but $15,102,367 or 5.61% over the last year. Based on this information, the city's levy for 2024 paid in 2025 would be $2,977,400, an increase of $140,400. A house valued at $100,000 would see no increase in the city's portion of their property tax bill as long as their assessed value has not increased.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:26:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5206s) - **Ordinance 2024-81: Library Tax Levy Ordinance** - **Summary:** The ordinance concerns the library tax levy. - **Evidence:** “On to item number nine, which is the first reading of ordinance 20-24-81. Could you please read this? Library tax levy ordinance.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:26:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5206s) - **General Obligation Bond Abatement Process** - **Summary:** When GO Bonds are issued, they are backed by the city's ability to levy and collect property taxes. The county automatically levies the required annual debt service, which the city historically abates or cancels via an ordinance. - **Evidence:** “When the General Obligation Bonds are issued, they're backed by the city's ability to levy and collect property taxes. Therefore, the county automatically levies the required annual debt service from the City of Freeport property owners on their property tax bills. The city has historically abated or canceled, is another word for it, this amount on the property tax. By passing an ordinance each year, the property taxes that would otherwise be collected from the residents is abated. And the city instead makes the debt service payments from other city revenues.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:30:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5456s) - **Airport Hanger Lease Revenue Generation** - **Summary:** Kenneth and Paula Erwin are interested in leasing hangar M4 at Alberta's airport, which will generate $165 per month of city revenue. - **Evidence:** “Kenneth and Paula Erwin are interested in leasing hanger M4 at Alberta's airport. The agreement will generate $165 per month of city revenue, and staff recommends the approval of the hanger lease.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:32:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5545s) - **Ordinance 2024-75: approving airport hangar lease E1 with PropWash LLC** - **Summary:** Manager Boyer presented details regarding the need for PropWash LLC to lease Hangar E1 due to plane repairs. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Item number 12 is This is first reading of Ordinance 2024-75. Could you please read that? Ordinance approving airport hangar lease E1 with PropWash LLC. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. If it suits the Council, I'd like us to suspend the rules on this one as well. There's a plane owned by PropWash LLC. It's scheduled for repairs, which may last three to six months. Heritage Arrow currently has no space available to store the plane and PropRosh LLC will lease Hangar E1 for a few months while the airplane is undergoing repairs. Staff recommends approval of the hangar lease at $215 per month.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:34:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5648s) - **Ordinance 2024-76: first reading** - **Summary:** The meeting moved to the first reading of Ordinance 2024-76. - **Evidence:** “And item number 13 is the first reading of ordinance 2024-76.” - **Ordinance approving two airport farm leases and one additional lease** - **Summary:** Staff presented on an ordinance approving two airport farm leases with Matt Phil and Will Kemple, and a second one with Dan Julius. - **Evidence:** “Item number 13 is the first reading of ordinance 2024-76. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving two airport farm leases with Matt Phil and Will Kemple and a second one with Dan Julius.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:36:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5780s) - **Vehicle lease agreement for Stephensen County Senior Center** - **Summary:** Director Duckman presented background on the need for vehicles, noting that the Senior Resource Center has two vehicles from the 5310 program, and Pretzel City Area Transit needs more. - **Evidence:** “So staff, the Senior Resource Center currently holds two vehicles for its own that it uses and received through the 5310 Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program. So what this essentially means is they have two vehicles that they received in their ownership for that specific program.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:39:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5988s) - **Ordinance approving special use permit application at 1161 West Lincoln Boulevard** - **Summary:** Director Duckman presented details regarding a special use permit request for ground mounted PV arrays at 1161 West Lincoln Boulevard. - **Attribution:** Director Duckman - **Evidence:** “Director Duckman. Thank you, Madam Mayor. The staff received a special use permit from legacy installation services for a solar energy system that is using ground mounted PV arrays and the address is 1161 West Lincoln Boulevard. And for some background here, when you are in the residential zoning districts, you need a special use permit to do ground mounted solar.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:44:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6297s) - **Special Use Permit details at 1161 West Lincoln Boulevard** - **Summary:** The proposed solar array is 10 feet by 30 feet, with a maximum height of 10 feet. - **Attribution:** Director Duckman - **Evidence:** “And so, right here is a 10 foot by 30 foot, 300 square foot solar mounted array. And it's going to be at a maximum height of 10 feet, so 10 feet by 30 by 10 and that's what in order to move forward with the building permit when you do this in a residential neighborhood you have to go through a special use process.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:45:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6346s) - **Zoning Board of Appeals recommendation for solar array** - **Summary:** The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval by a vote of five yeas, zero nays, and one abstention. - **Attribution:** Director Duckman - **Evidence:** “On November 7th of 2024 we had a hearing, our staff had a hearing and the Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval by a vote of five yeas, zero nays Knaes, and one abstention to allow, and they recommended approval of this special use permit.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:45:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6358s) - **Planning Commission recommendation for solar array** - **Summary:** The Planning Commission did not recommend approval by a vote of three yeas, four nays, and zero abstentions. - **Attribution:** Director Duckman - **Evidence:** “On November 14th, the Planning Commission did not recommend approval, and they did so by a vote of three yeas, four nays, and zero abstentions.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:46:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6393s) - **Special use application details for telecommunications cabinet** - **Summary:** Staff received a special use application from Cindio Networks for the installation of a telecommunications distribution cabinet at 1373 South Locust Avenue, which is in a residential zoning district. - **Evidence:** “So staff has received a special use application from Cindio Networks. And this is for the installation of a telecommunications distribution cabinet. And the address is 1373 South Locust Avenue, right across from the high school. And so the subject property is in the residential zoning district.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:56:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6962s) - **Utility ownership status for proposed structure** - **Summary:** The utility company or fiber optic company purchased the lot rather than obtaining an easement. - **Evidence:** “And what's interesting here is the utility company or the fiber optic company actually purchased the lot as opposed to doing an easement.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:56:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7000s) - **Requirement for special use process in residential zones** - **Summary:** When placing a utility structure on a residentially zoned property, it requires going through the special use process. - **Evidence:** “But in this situation, they own the property and in order when you have a residentially Zorn property, if you're going to put up a utility structure, utility shed, something of that nature, it is required to go through the special use process.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:56:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7017s) - **Special use application status and condition** - **Summary:** The initial construction was based on an older agreement; staff advised they must follow the special use process. The Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval with a condition that a landscaping screen be approved by staff. - **Evidence:** “And so this one was already constructed and it was, since it was already constructed and they thought that they had the right to do so through an older agreement, through discussions Huffines with staff, we told them they had to go through the special use process and they agreed to do so and that is what brought us to this point. The specifications on this is it is approximately a 2 foot by 3 foot by 4 foot high cabinet as you see there. Now this went on November 7th to our Zoning Board of Appeals and it was recommended by a vote of 6 yeas, 0 nays and 0 abstentions.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:57:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7039s) - **Planning Commission recommendation for special use application** - **Summary:** The Planning Commission recommended approval on November 14th with the condition that a landscaping screen and plan approved by staff be part of the approval. - **Evidence:** “So, yes, it was recommended for approval, but with the condition that a landscaping screen and plan approved by staff would be part of that approval. So on November 14th, the Planning Commission also recommended approval by a vote of six yeas, one nay, and zero abstentions.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:57:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7079s) - **Purpose of ordinance 2024-80** - **Summary:** Staff presented the need for a license to better track contractors performing landscaping, seal coating, and snow plowing services. - **Attribution:** Staff - **Evidence:** “Staff is bringing this before the council to look at the possibility of making a license for landscaper, snow removal, and seal coat companies. We have a number of different contractors out there. They're all doing different things. We really don't have an idea who they are and we'd like a little bit better visibility on that through the licensing process.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:03:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7380s) - **Public Works department concern regarding contractor parking and work practices** - **Summary:** The ordinance initiative was driven by Public Works concerns about contractors parking equipment and performing work improperly, not just lawn care services. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Now, I want to take a step back here and state that what brought this up was not community and economic development. What brought this up was our public works department is having issues with and concerns with contractors parking their lawn care equipment, parking their snow removal trucks, which are basically plow trucks. These are businesses that are not registering because they do not need a permit to do so.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:07:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7677s) - **Bird City Illinois recognition renewal** - **Summary:** City staff presented information regarding the city retaining its Bird City Illinois recognition, detailing various initiatives such as providing sufficient bird habitat and promoting pollinator health. - **Attribution:** City staff - **Evidence:** “The mayor city staff has been working with the Northern Illinois Audubon Society on renewing the Bird City Illinois recognition. It was first given to the city in 2022. The city of Freeport is looking to retain its recognition as Bird City Illinois community. Thanks to its unique initiatives to highlight and save wildlife in a region, according to the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society, Freeport fulfills the following, which are necessary for recognition. For recognition. So it provides sufficient bird habitat, promotes pollinator health, is recognized as a Tree City USA participant, maintains a public demonstration of gardens to be benefited by birds and wildlife and ecosystems, maintains a public golf course that benefits birds, works to mitigate water pollution through cleanup events, implements actions to reduce pollution, utilizes integrated Pest Management and Natural Pest Control, celebrates World Migratory Bird Day and hosts an annual bird day event, increases awareness of birds and their habitats, educates all ages on birds and conservation related programs and works with traditionally underserved communities to increase access to environmental education and as well as reduces energy use and carbon emissions and promotes green transportation.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:16:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8203s) - **Emergency AC repair at City Hall** - **Summary:** Staff presented a similar situation regarding the failure of main council chambers air conditioning units. - **Evidence:** “Council we had a similar situation here at City Hall, the main council chambers, air conditioning units failed I believe toward the end of September to get us through the rest of the summer. We approved an emergency repair of the air conditioning units, the total cost being $10,425 and staff asks council to ratify that that invoice.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:25:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8725s) - **HVAC repair cost ratification details** - **Summary:** The total cost for the emergency air conditioning unit repair was $10,425. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “We approved an emergency repair of the air conditioning units, the total cost being $10,425 and staff asks council to ratify that that invoice.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:25:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8725s) - **Well Number 12 design and funding status** - **Summary:** The City of Freeport is in the design process for well number 12, which will provide a contaminant-free water system. The project has received commitment funding of $13.3 million from the Illinois EPA and Congressman Eric Sorensen against an original estimate of $14 million. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Your Honor, the City of Freeport is currently in design process of well number 12. That would be the last remaining well for us to get off of the old Brick Street plant and get us a contaminant-free water system. The facility design requires an architect for the building component system. ... The City of Freeport, with the assistance of Fehr Graham, has received a commitment from the Illinois EPA and Congressman Eric Sorensen to fund $13.3 million of originally estimated $14 million of the project.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:30:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9004s) - **Mechanical Engineering Services for Well Number 12 Design** - **Summary:** Berners-Schober has been an engineer partner on the design team for well number 11 and wastewater treatment plant upgrades, and they are familiar with city codes along with EPA process standards. The project requires mechanical engineering for HVAC, electrical, supervisory control and data acquisition systems, and fire protection advanced systems. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Berners-Schober Schover has been an engineer partner on the design team for well number 11 and wastewater treatment plant upgrades, and they're familiar with the city codes along with the EPA process standards. The city has received a commitment from the Illinois EPA and Eric Sorensen, as mentioned before, for $13.3 million, and the project must be bid let by March 1st.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:32:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9154s) - **Third project with RLJ and Burners for Freeport** - **Summary:** The speaker presented facts regarding a third project done with RLJ and Burners, noting that Well House 11 had minimal change orders and both companies held their prices from 2019. - **Evidence:** “So this is the third project that we've done with RLJ and Burners for Freeport. Well, House 11 went very well. We didn't have, in a percentage basis, we barely had any change orders on the job for the end of the project.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:47:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10020s) - **Adoption of Resolution 2024-126 (Plat Approval)** - **Summary:** Director Duckman presented information regarding the location and status of the subdivision plat. - **Evidence:** “Move on to item number 23, which is the adoption of resolution 2024-126. Could you please read this? Resolution approving a final plat of subdivision for plat number 2 of Schopko subdivision of the City of Freeport. Director Duckman. Thank Thank you, Madam Mayor. So this is currently at the True Storage Building. Or I'm sorry, it's a CubeSmart. It's old ShopCo. If you're looking for a reference, it's at the intersection of Rosentiel and South Street. So can I give an idea of where we're at here? And Director Suttman, if you wouldn't mind scrolling down, I can kind of show them a photo of this subdivision here. So what's happening is the CubeSmart, which sits right here, what they currently own is this parcel. They own two outlots, a lot one and a lot two here. And at the moment, when this was originally designed and platted, which basically means it went through the process of a subdivision plait where they We obviously know the end of the story here is that these were never developed.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:59:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10777s) - **CubeSmart subdivision plat review and development plan** - **Summary:** Director Suttman presented information regarding the CubeSmart parcel, noting that the original platted lots were never developed, and their current plan is to extend and build outdoor storage. The process requires vacating easements for lots no longer intended for use, combining them into one large lot. - **Attribution:** Director Suttman - **Evidence:** “And Director Suttman, if you wouldn't mind scrolling down, I can kind of show them a photo of this subdivision here. So what's happening is the CubeSmart, which sits right here, what they currently own is this parcel. They own two outlots, a lot one and a lot two here. And at the moment, when this was originally designed and platted, which basically means it went through the process of a subdivision plait where they We obviously know the end of the story here is that these were never developed. There was not enough interest to develop these into some sort of McDonald's, et cetera, some store. So what happened is when CubeSmart took over, they wanted to, and their plan is to extend and build outdoor stores. There was not enough interest to develop these into some sort of McDonald's, etc., some store. So what happened is when CubeSmart took over, they wanted to and their plan is to extend and build some and build outdoor storage in this area. Well, step one of the process is they they need this plat because they need to vacate easements to lots that they no longer intend to have. So essentially here, you have a new plan of business, a new plan for development. They no longer see a desire to develop these lots. Therefore, they no longer need this access easement to these two lots. They're going to combine it into one large lot.” - **Preliminary and final plat review for CubeSmart development** - **Summary:** The preliminary plat was recommended for approval on November 14th by a vote of six yeas, zero nays, and one abstention. The final plat was also recommended for approval by a vote of six yeas, zero nays, and one abstention. - **Attribution:** Director Suttman - **Evidence:** “So, in line with the ordinance, which has been also distributed in your agenda packet, this goes before the Planning Commission to have a preliminary plat review and a final plat review. And the preliminary plat was recommended for approval on November 14th. And it was by a vote of six yeas, zero nays, and one abstention and the final plat was recommended for approval by a vote of six yeas, zero nays, and one abstention” - **Source timestamp:** [03:01:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10910s) - **Bid opening for rehabilitation of single home at 748 East Center Street** - **Summary:** A bid opening was held on November 7th, 2024, for CD009-2024 concerning the rehabilitation of a single home at 748 East Center Street. - **Evidence:** “Item number 24 is approval of a bid. Could you please read this? A bid opening was held on November 7th, 2024 for CD009-2024 for rehabilitation of single home at 748 East Center Street. Thank you, Director.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:03:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11039s) - **City of Freeport Community Development Block Grants award and bid details** - **Summary:** The City of Freeport was awarded $550,000 in Community Development Block Grants ($64,000 for grant administration and $486,000 for home rehabilitation). A bid opening on November 7th, 2024, for the construction/rehabilitation services at 748 East Center Street received one bid of $54,775 from CMM and Associates. The agreed scope includes a new roof, new bathroom fixtures, new bathroom floor, and siding repairs. - **Evidence:** “So the City of Freeport has been awarded the Community Development Block Grants of which a total of $550,000 of which $64,000 is allocated to grant administration and $486,000 goes to the rehabilitation of homes. City of Freeport held a bid opening on November 7th of 2024 for the construction of rehabilitation services of 748 East Center Street. It received one bid in the amount of $54,775 by CMM and Associates. The scope of work that has been agreed upon by the City of Freeport and the property owner includes the following construction rehabilitation services. This is a new roof, new bathroom fixtures, new bathroom floor, and siding repairs.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:04:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11082s) - **Grant Requirement for Walkthrough and Inspection** - **Summary:** A mandatory walkthrough was required on October 18th; the grant requires a certified housing inspector to create and hand out a scope of work. - **Attribution:** Miller - **Evidence:** “Again very specific so on this particular grant we had a what is called it is a mandatory walkthrough on October 18th mandatory cannot move forward if I do not if city does not host this walkthrough so we have a consultant MSA as our consultants and they're our grant administrator through that consultant was at the house on October 18th we have a sign in for that our building Miller, DePauw, Huffman, Kroger, Lepore, Huffman, DePauw, LePauw, and Huffman. So that's the evaluation process. And so the housing inspector was present. And more importantly, part of this grant requires what's known. It requires a housing inspector that's certified through this grant. And we have that person. It's a contracted housing inspector that creates a scope of work that hands out the scope of work at that particular meeting. So they're saying, here's what has been decided upon that need that what you're bidding on. So that's a requirement of this grant. So that's the evaluation process that the state requires for any of this to move forward.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:17:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11831s) - **Bid Analysis Recommendation (Demolition)** - **Summary:** Staff recommends Klechner Excavating for $21,145 for 622 East Winnipeg and 626 East Winnipeg, and Fisher Excavating for $91,495 for seven other properties. - **Attribution:** Director Duckman - **Evidence:** “An analysis was provided in the memorandum to our council, and after reviewing the bids, it was, you know, the city elected to go with the lowest bid per actual individual property, and it's Per Actual Individual Property, and it's shown in that analysis. And based on that, staff is recommending that Klechner Excavating be granted $21,145 for the demolition of 622 East Winnipeg and 626 East Winnipeg. Fisher Excavating be awarded $91,495 for the demolition of 217 North Henderson, 425 South South Float, 441 South Benton, 634 North Warren, 706 East Winnipeg, 712 South Pine, and 1208 South Rotsler Avenue. All the funding from this grant is going to come from the IDA Strong Communities Program grant, which is commonly known as the grant for $300,000.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:19:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11948s) - **Ordinance identifying natural landscape options** - **Summary:** The proposed ordinance identifies natural landscape options for homeowners and for property owners. - **Evidence:** “The proposed ordinance identifies natural landscape options for homeowners and for property owners.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:22:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12149s) - **Information sharing protocol for grant applications** - **Summary:** A participant detailed steps taken to protect sensitive information regarding an applicant's records, including consulting with department head staff and Attorney Zito. - **Evidence:** “I do know Attorney Zito will be present to make sure whatever needs to be redacted is redacted. And I genuinely look forward to putting your mind at ease or anyone else's, but I do hope that as we move forward, this grant has taken three years to implement and that we don't delay people's projects that are reliant on it, you know, because there's questions on this one particular grant application.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:01:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14511s) - **Objective review process for applications** - **Summary:** A participant explained that the city can hire a local planning council, region one planning council, to review objectively using a state-identified ranking system. - **Evidence:** “I said, how can we avoid that? And it says, you can hire a local planning council, region one planning council, to review objectively on a state-identified ranking system all of the applications. And that is what we did through council that was approved through Council.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:03:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14600s) - **State grant details and extension process** - **Summary:** The speaker confirmed the money is from a state grant with deadlines. The original deadline was November of the current year, but an extension was secured until May. - **Evidence:** “Yes. This is a state grant. Yes. The money is already there, right? Yes. And with deadlines, by the way. Yeah, and that's why I'm saying- What deadlines? Originally, this grant had a deadline of November of this year, and so I'd say, I think it was back three months ago, I started the process of a grant extension and had a multitude of reasons on why we needed a grant extension so the state of this is one of the most restrictive grants you're going to find” - **Source timestamp:** [04:13:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15203s) - **Public Works CDBG Grant Opportunity** - **Summary:** A million dollar CDBG grant is available for sewer lining in the fourth, third, fifth, and seventh wards due to income levels; a resolution must be passed on December 2nd to submit for the grant on December 4th. - **Attribution:** Public Works Department - **Evidence:** “Public works? One thing, today we had a public hearing for a CDBG grant, great topic for sewer lining here in Freeport. It's a million dollar grant with no match by the city. We're proposing sewer lining in the fourth, third, fifth, and seventh ward due to income levels. Lines are yet to be determined. The reason I bring this up tonight is there'll be a resolution that has to be passed on the December 2nd meeting in order to submit for the grant on December 4th. Again, it's a million dollar grant with no match from the city.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:20:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15646s) - **City Decorations and Events** - **Summary:** The speaker thanked city crews for installing downtown Christmas decorations for Missile to Walk this Saturday (noon until 8 PM), which includes hot chocolate, s'mores station, and Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides. The tree lighting is scheduled for December 13th at seven o'clock at the courthouse. - **Evidence:** “And I just want to thank the city crews for installing all the downtown Christmas decorations just in time for Missile to Walk, which is this Saturday from noon until 8 PM Everything from a hot chocolate to s'mores station and Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides and then at five o'clock is the lighting of the tree at the courthouse” - **Source timestamp:** [04:21:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15709s) - **Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute Show Proceeds** - **Summary:** Tickets for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute Show on December 13th at seven o'clock at the Masonic Temple should be purchased, as proceeds will go to purchase Christmas decorations along the Chicago Avenue corridor. - **Evidence:** “and in line with Christmas decorations mark your calendars and purchase your tickets now for the December 13th at seven o'clock is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute Show at the Masonic Temple and the proceeds from this show will go to purchase decorations Christmas decorations along the Chicago Avenue corridor” - **Source timestamp:** [04:22:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15721s) - **National Guard Care Package Donations** - **Summary:** Donations are being accepted through the rest of the month for the 333rd National Guard care package, needed items include socks, hand warmers, batteries, toiletry items, and snacks. - **Evidence:** “and then also there is still time to drop off Huff, items for the 333rd National Guard care package, 62 men and women were deployed out of Freeport and the items that they are in need of are socks, hand warmers, batteries, toiletry items, and snacks. We are taking donations through the rest of this month.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:22:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15721s) - **Neighborhood Watch Meeting Reminder** - **Summary:** Alderman Klemm mentioned a neighborhood watch meeting scheduled for November 26th. - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm - **Evidence:** “Alderman Klemm? I just want to mention we have a November 26th neighborhood watch meeting. That's it.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:23:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15819s) - **Community Meeting Reminder** - **Summary:** Alderman Simmons reminded attendees of the Third War community meeting scheduled for this Friday, November 22nd at four o'clock at the library. - **Attribution:** Alderman Simmons - **Evidence:** “Alderman Simmons? Just a reminder of our Third War community meeting on this Friday coming up November 22nd at four o'clock at the library.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:25:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15900s) - **Alternative Documentation for Rental Registration** - **Summary:** It is possible to create a document at the signing table informing the purchaser that if they rent the property, it must follow the city's registration system. - **Evidence:** “and there is a transfer tax document that is filed with this city and that it is easy to create another document that says at the signing table letting that person know who's purchasing the property that if you're going to rent this property there is a registration system with the city of Freeport and you are obligated to follow it” - **Source timestamp:** [04:30:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=16215s) - **Negotiated contract details for FOP** - **Summary:** Manager Boyer presented details on the negotiated contract with the Fraternal Order of Police, including a three-year term with specified step increases and allowances. - **Evidence:** “Just before the council tonight is the negotiated contract with the Fraternal Order of Police. It includes a three-year contract with three step increases at 8 for 2025, 7 for 2026 and 7 for 2027. It also includes a uniform allowance increase totaling approximately $11,000 in total impact and a bilingual bonus.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:57:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17825s) - **Negotiated contract details for Fraternal Order of Police** - **Summary:** The negotiated contract includes a three-year contract with three step increases at 8 for 2025, 7 for 2026 and 7 for 2027. It also includes a uniform allowance increase totaling approximately $11,000 in total impact and a bilingual bonus. It also removes language related to the PEP medical plan, which is valued at about one and a half percent. - **Evidence:** “Just before the council tonight is the negotiated contract with the Fraternal Order of Police. It includes a three-year contract with three step increases at 8 for 2025, 7 for 2026 and 7 for 2027. It also includes a uniform allowance increase totaling approximately $11,000 in total impact and a bilingual bonus. It also removes language related to the PEP medical plan, which is valued at about one and a half percent, so thank you.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:57:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17837s) ## Metrics - **Percentage of Registered Landlords** - **Summary:** The figure for registered landlords was stated as 33%. - **Evidence:** “You said regular print, the figure was what, 33%? Correct. I said, yeah, that's what we're, 33% of the people are registering.” - **Source timestamp:** [44:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2689s) - **Estimated 2024 equalized assessed value (EAV) increase** - **Summary:** The EAV has increased by one percent and by $15,102,367 over the last year. - **Evidence:** “We've received the estimated 2024 equalized assessed value from the county. The EAV has increased by one percent. Library tax levy ordinance. Manager Boyer or Director Huffines. We've received the estimated 2024 equalized assessed value from the county. The EAV has increased by 15,102,367 over the last year.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:27:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5264s) ## Discussion - **Aldermen's ability to change decisions** - **Summary:** A speaker expressed concern that current processes are a disservice to aldermen and constituents, stating the board of trustees has the power to change things. - **Evidence:** “Reed, but to know it to understand it to talk with my constituents to be able to figure out should I be in favor of it should I not this is a disservice this is a disservice to the aldermen this is a disservice to the constituents that they represent and again I would want to return to you will have an opportunity you the aldermen can change this there's no willingness by the city manager but you have the you have the power to change this and make it so that you get and the board of trustees.” - **Source timestamp:** [08:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=486s) - **Benefits of native plants** - **Summary:** The speaker detailed that Midwest native plants are adapted to harsh winters, tolerate drought, do not require fertilizers or pesticides, require less water than lawns, and help prevent erosion. - **Evidence:** “First of all, plants native to the Midwest are adapted to our harshest winters. They tolerate drought and they flourish in our local soils. They do not require fertilizers or pesticides. So they're inherently low maintenance and they can save time and money. They require less water than lawns and help prevent erosion.” - **Source timestamp:** [14:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=895s) - **Benefits of native plants for landscaping and environment** - **Summary:** Native plants are adapted to Midwest winters, tolerate drought, flourish in local soils, require no fertilizers or pesticides, save water compared to lawns, prevent erosion by increasing soil's capacity to store water, do not require mowing, provide shelter/food for wildlife, promote biodiversity, increase scenic values, and create healthier places than traditional lawn/mulch landscapes. - **Attribution:** Huffines - **Evidence:** “So generally speaking, a native plant is one which has existed within this region before settlement by Europeans. Native plants include ferns, grasses, perennial and annual wildflowers, woody trees, shrubs, and vines. And there are actually many benefits to the use of native plants in the landscape. Huffines. First of all, plants native to the Midwest are adapted to our harshest winters. They tolerate drought and they flourish in our local soils. They do not require fertilizers or pesticides. So they're inherently low maintenance and they can save time and money. They require less water than lawns and help prevent erosion. And the deep root systems of many native Midwestern plants increase the soil's capacity to store for water. So, native plants can reduce water runoff and consequently flooding, which can sometimes overwhelm our storm sewer systems. Native plant scapes do not require mowing. They provide shelter and food for birds and pollinators. And as many of you know, a lot and a lot of these species are in decline, unfortunately. And native plants promote biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage. Plus, they are beautiful and increase scenic values, as I think you can see from the photos we're distributing. Finally, native plants make healthy places for people. The lawns and the bark mulch landscapes that we commonly see are notorious for requiring profuse amounts of artificial fertilizers and synthetic chemical pesticides and herbicides. According to the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the traditional suburban lawn on average has 10 times more chemical pesticides per acre than farmland. So by choosing native plants for our landscaping, we can help wildlife, yes, but we also create a healthier place for ourselves, our families, and our community.” - **Source timestamp:** [15:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=919s) - **Timeline for New Lease Documentation** - **Summary:** Council requested confirmation that the council will see the new lease document in the first week of December to allow review, aiming for finalization by the third week of December so all hangers have proper leases by January 1st. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacey - **Evidence:** “Yes, I just want to make sure that we the council have the understanding that come the first week of December, we will see a new lease, the document itself, so that we can look at it, go through it, if there's any changes, so that by the third week of December. It's finalized so that by January 1st all these hangers will have the proper new lease.” - **Source timestamp:** [21:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1304s) - **Leasing Agreement Process and Authority** - **Summary:** Concerns were raised regarding the process for determining assessed value, monthly lease costs, and who is responsible for signing off on leases for city property. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders. Yeah, and on that subject as well, on the leasing agreement, do we have a process that we determine what the assessed value of each hanger when we're looking at quoting We don't have a monthly cost to lease these properties. Do we have an analytical analysis on why we decide to have these, quote, monthly costs and then who are the individuals or whoever they are is making these determinations? We don't have an understanding because we don't know who is signing the lease to allow any hangers to be in a position where it can be leased at all. So my question is, whose signatures are going to be provided for these clearances for these leases on city's property to give that?” - **Source timestamp:** [23:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1422s) - **Lease rates and process for city property leases** - **Summary:** Concerns were raised regarding the age of current lease rate ordinances, the timing of lease agreements (occupancy before agreement), and the need for external review of outdated language in existing lease agreements. - **Attribution:** Alderman Monroe - **Evidence:** “Alderman Monroe. Thank you, Madam Mayor. I think the topics that are being danced around here, Number one, are their lease rates, are they correct at this time and date? Because this was set many years ago, almost six years ago now, if I recall correctly. Number two, I think what Alderman Sanders is trying to point out is that these hangers are being occupied before we agree to the lease. And I think that that's the problem that's kind of presenting itself this evening. If city manager, for instance, decided to move city hall to another building, he would do so and then come back and ask for permission later. And that's not really the way this should be working. If these are gonna come in front of the council, they should come in front of the council in a timely manner. And if we need to, we should probably suspend the rules. Those kinds of things should be the order of how things work. I've done a bit of research on this. I do believe the rates are on the low side. I also believe back dating, you know, dating contracts two months before we're asked to do it, to agree to it, or a month and a half or whatever many days that might be is problematic. So those are the kinds of things that I think need to be addressed. There's also a lot of language in this lease agreement that probably isn't germane or valid anymore. That I believe needs an external review. I mean, you know, we're crossing out 2009, 2010. So these haven't been done in almost 15 years. So, you know, those are questions that really pop into mind. And I think we just need to do a better job of managing that on the front end in order to clean up the process here. My two cents.” - **Landlord registration rates and fines** - **Summary:** Staff reported that out of roughly 3,000 suspected rental properties, only 1,000 are registered, which is one-third. Staff noted that two-thirds (67%) of suspected rentals do not register as of right. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacy - **Evidence:** “So staff last year we retained the services of Ptolemae, which is a software that allows us to analyze properties and to determine what we suspect to be rental properties. So we've spent the past year looking into that exact question, and what we've determined is roughly 3,000 properties that we suspect are rentals, and of those 1,000 registered. So that's only one-third of what we suspect to be rentals registered. [...] And the answer to your question is two-thirds, 67% of what we suspect to be rentals do not register as of right now” - **Source timestamp:** [34:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2066s) - **Adding a registration fee** - **Summary:** Discussion occurred regarding adding a registration fee, with one participant stating it would give landlords a reason not to sign up. - **Attribution:** Alderman Shadle - **Evidence:** “I just want to comment that if we impose a fee to sign up for this, at least without seeing if these fines are going to work first, we're giving the landlords a reason not to to sign up, and the objective of this is to know where the rental property is, and you do that by getting them to sign up. There's no fee attached, they have no reason not to.” - **Source timestamp:** [37:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2230s) - **Landlord association cooperation** - **Summary:** Multiple speakers discussed the benefit of working with the Landlord Association and that landlords are generally in favor of the ordinance if it is implemented collaboratively. - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm - **Evidence:** “I think if we can implement it and everybody can work together on it and agree to it, it would be a good situation at that point. [...] It would be a good thing to work together with the landlord association because they take and deal with all the good landlords or the people, a lot of the people that have access to numerous properties.” - **Source timestamp:** [39:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2350s) - **Landlord association cooperation** - **Summary:** A speaker noted that working with the Landlord Association is beneficial because they deal with good landlords who own multiple properties and are currently not signing up. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “It would be a good thing to work together with the landlord association because they take and deal with all the good landlords or the people, a lot of the people that have access to numerous properties. Wuss, and the many others. There are a lot of people out there that own 10, 15, 20 properties.” - **Source timestamp:** [39:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2376s) - **Landlord Association and Property Ownership Issues** - **Summary:** The discussion covered the need for cooperation with a landlord association to deal with property owners who own numerous properties and are not participating in the association. - **Evidence:** “So I think if we can implement it and everybody can work together on it and agree to it, it would be a good situation at that point. Any other for first time? Alderman Sanders. Oh yeah, Alderman, Klemm, what would be, I didn't catch that last comment you made. What would it be? It would be a good thing to work together with the landlord association because they take and deal with all the good landlords or the people, a lot of the people that have access to numerous properties.” - **Source timestamp:** [39:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2350s) - **Landlord Association Fee Issues** - **Summary:** A speaker provided an example where a $25 fee was put on something, but certain landlords charged people $50, suggesting that working together would prevent such unfair practices. - **Evidence:** “I'll give you an example. There was a $25 fee put on it. First thing that happened was certain landlords charged the people $50. That's why when it was brought up about the fee, it was not a matter of that it was not so fair to the landlords, it was not so fair in turn to the people because some of the landlords doubled that fee.” - **Source timestamp:** [40:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2417s) - **Rental Property Concentration and Landlord Issues** - **Summary:** The discussion highlighted concerns about neighborhoods with long-term residents facing issues due to new properties bought by potentially problematic landlords. - **Evidence:** “So if we can work together, which there was a process before and it kind of went south, but if we can keep working together and try and move it forward, like one of the things we've got here that you really got to stop and think about is the number of rental properties and the percentage of rental properties, because all of us know the minute that we've got a neighborhood that everybody's lived in for 25 years and they're all happy and there's Three new houses, three houses bought up by somebody and we'll use the term, I'll just use the term of a bad landlord, you know then you really got troubles.” - **Source timestamp:** [40:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2443s) - **Registration Fee Structure for Landlords** - **Summary:** Alderman Stacy stated that a flat $500 fee should be given to those who continue to choose not to register, rather than the current structure of $100 and $250. - **Evidence:** “I want to say to all of you, if you are not aware of this and have continued to chosen to choose not to do it, I say forget the 100 and 250 and give them a flat 500. But you can't just do that for the old timers that continue to choose not to.” - **Source timestamp:** [42:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2533s) - **Goal of Landlord Registry Enforcement** - **Summary:** A speaker clarified that the goal is not to make good, participating landlords suffer in the deal. - **Evidence:** “I think what we might be talking about that we're missing a little here is the goal in is, is not to make the landlords, the good landlords that are participating in this and working with us to be the one that suffers in the deal.” - **Source timestamp:** [43:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2612s) - **Landlord Registry Notification Process Improvement** - **Summary:** Staff reported that notifications were sent to landlords regardless of registration status regarding responsibilities and consequences. The process is expected to improve with new software, allowing letters to be sent out in December instead of May. - **Evidence:** “Notifications went out to these landlords, whether they registered or not, to let them know what their responsibilities are and consequences of lack of their responsibility. Yes. And as I said, what's going to be better about the program now is with this software, we've done a better job of identifying who is a suspected, who's out there that should be registered and isn't.” - **Source timestamp:** [45:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2727s) - **Landlord Registry Notification Timing** - **Summary:** The process for sending letters regarding landlord responsibilities will change from May to December due to a proposed different deadline. - **Evidence:** “So we have every year we send it out it would be so if it's June 31st it would be in May we would send a letter out however now with this new proposal we're going to be sending out the letters in December because we're proposing a different date right different deadline.” - **Source timestamp:** [46:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2768s) - **Clarification on Fine Amounts for Non-Registration** - **Summary:** A speaker sought confirmation that Alderman Stacy believes people avoiding signing up should receive a $500 fine versus a $150 fine, with the reminder period ending April 21st. - **Evidence:** “So if I'm hearing this correctly, all the person, um, sorry, Stacy, you think that the people who are avoiding signing up for this list and have gotten notices and reminders rather than, and will be still given until April, April 21st to register, should get a $500 fine versus a $150 fine.” - **Source timestamp:** [47:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2820s) - **Landlord status determination** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the process and data analysis used to determine if a property is a rental property. - **Evidence:** “Is that a landlord? Is that not a landlord? Is it a rental property? Is it not? You know, and so we've worked diligently and we've gone out and hired a organization to help us resolve that question through data analysis. So the answer to your question is we've done it in the past. We think we're going to do a better job moving forward.” - **Source timestamp:** [46:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2768s) - **Fine structure for non-registered property owners** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding whether individuals avoiding registration should face a $500 fine versus a $150 fine. - **Evidence:** “So if I'm hearing this correctly, all the person, um, sorry, Stacy, you think that the people who are avoiding signing up for this list and have gotten notices and reminders rather than, and will be still given until April, April 21st to register, should get a $500 fine versus a $150 fine. Is a $150 fine because they haven't done it and they've had the opportunity to do it.” - **Source timestamp:** [47:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2820s) - **Proposed fine structure adjustments** - **Summary:** Discussion comparing Director Duckman's stated fine schedule ($100/$1,500 max; $250/$3,000 max; $500/$6,000 max) with a proposed starting point of $500. - **Evidence:** “Okay, but I'm a little confused because according to what Director Duckman said, it was $100 per unit with a max of $1,500 and then after another time frame, it's $250 per unit with a max of $3,000 and then $500 per unit with a max of $6,000. You're just talking about one little piece of six things there. No, I'm saying the initial. My motion will be for the initial fine to be for 500 and we move up from there.” - **Source timestamp:** [48:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=2882s) - **Proposed incremental increase in fines** - **Summary:** Discussion on adjusting the fine structure to start at $500 per unit and maintain the same incremental increases previously established. - **Evidence:** “Yeah how do you move up from there if your next one is lower? It would be changed to progress and move up versus staying what it is. We would start with the first fine being 500 and move up from there. Okay, so right now it says if they're 30 days or less after the due date, right? You're late 30 days right now it says it's $100 per unit fine you're saying change that to $500 per unit fine okay so the next period of time then is from day 31 to day 90 there what would you and that's currently at $250 per unit per 30 days just as it moves up and progresses as it is written it should move up those same amounts, but starting at $500. So from $100, it went up to $250. So it went up $150. So you're saying from $500, it should go up to $650. Then the next increment, where it starts at $300, it should go up to, what was that, a difference of $250 and $3. Sorry, I don't have my glasses on. $800. Sorry, I don't have my glasses on. 800? So 800 then per unit. There. So keep the incremental increase the same. Just start it at 500 and bump it up.” - **Proposed maximum fine amount** - **Summary:** Discussion on adjusting the maximum fine amount proportionally to the proposed starting fine increase. - **Evidence:** “Okay, so that's true. With a max or no? Yeah. Okay, but the original max was 1500. What would you, what are you proposing for a max? We would increase the max the same. And starting at what? We went from 150 to 500, so you were just about three times the 1,500, because we're slapping these landlords on the wrist and barely doing that, and they're not registering because they're not taking care of their properties. Why would you not register if you are? We're not being firm with landlords that are in our city and not following our rules.” - **Source timestamp:** [50:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3002s) - **Proposed maximum fine calculation** - **Summary:** Discussion on the proportional increase of the maximum fine amount based on the proposed starting fine change. - **Evidence:** “So my question is, it's 15 times the amount as a max. Do you want 15 times the amount of a max? Is that what you're asking? So 15 as it is whatever the right to what as it's written with the same increases I think I understand what she's saying here because right now it's $100 first step is $100 per unit find 1500 max you're proposing to bump that up to a $500 per unit fine which we increase by $400 right there so and so that was a $1,500 right there. So the top one was 12 times so I don't understand how but proportionally it would go up the same amount as what she's saying. So it's 15 at the first level it should be 15 across the board if you want to make it.” - **Source timestamp:** [50:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3039s) - **Current ordinance maximum fine cap** - **Summary:** Clarification that the current ordinance has a logical stopping point for fines based on unit count. - **Evidence:** “Clerk, do you understand what you have for notes on that? I believe I'm following, but as I read the ordinance currently, it's 100 with a 1500 max. So if you had a 20 unit apartment building, it would stop at 15 units. So there is a logical stopping point because you could have 15 units. You would stop at 15 units.” - **Source timestamp:** [51:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3110s) - **Proposed fine structure details (final summary)** - **Summary:** A consensus understanding of the proposed fine schedule: $500 per unit with a $6,000 property max after 30 days; increasing to $650 per unit with an estimated $12,000 max; and continuing with mathematical increments. - **Evidence:** “From my understanding of what's going on here is they want to start under sub 876, 08, section A, subsection 1, they want it to be 30 days or later, or 30 days or less after due date of what's being proposed is $500 per unit with a $6,000 property max. And then they want to go up from there to $650 per unit. And then the max would be, it looks like, maybe $12,000. And then it would be $650 plus. I mean, there's a mathematical equation. They want to go up. But they want to use the same increments from, but starting at $500. Does that make sense? That's what I believe is being proposed. So the top one would be 800 with a max of times 30, which is the difference on three. 900, It would be 900, because it goes up 400 from the first one. So sorry about that. It would be 500,650, and 900.900. My math was wrong. I'm sorry.” - **Source timestamp:** [53:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3180s) - **Final calculation of maximum fine amount** - **Summary:** Calculation confirming the final proposed maximum fine amount based on the established increments. - **Evidence:** “Attorney Zito, did I talk you into that? So then it's 900 times 30. No. It's 12 times. 12. Times 12. OK. So that's $72,000. I'm terrible at math in my head. Is that $10,800? Sorry, I got a couple of zeros there. Yeah, somebody with a calculator. Right here. It's $10,800. $10,800?” - **Source timestamp:** [53:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3239s) - **Calculation of fees/costs for registration tiers** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding proposed fee structure: first tier at $500 with a cap of $6,000 (31 to 90 days); second tier at $650 with a max of $7,800 over 90 days; and third tier at $900 with a max of $10,800. - **Evidence:** “First tier, 500 per unit with a max of 6,031 to 90 days. 650 Per unit with a max of 7,800. Over 90 days, 900 per unit with a max of 10,800.” - **Source timestamp:** [55:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3346s) - **Purpose of ordinance registration requirements** - **Summary:** Discussion asserting the main goal of the ordinance is to register tenant houses and suggesting cooperation-based registration over aggressive enforcement. - **Evidence:** “I just like to ask the question, understand where you're coming from here, but I think The main goal of this particular ordinance here is to register tenant houses, okay? The goal is not to find everybody to the hilt like every mom and pop that owns one or two houses that don't have a clue about this, that they're all gonna, it's gonna come up and you're gonna find them $1,000 or $2,000.” - **Source timestamp:** [56:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3405s) - **Accountability of property owners** - **Summary:** Discussion arguing for holding landlords accountable due to under-assessed properties. - **Evidence:** “I don't care if they live in Arizona, I don't care if they live in California, I don't care where they live. At the end of the day, we want to maintain our city, we want to maintain safe neighborhoods, and we go back to our strategic vision for the city, and we've put money toward this to get this done.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:00:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3611s) - **Staff capability regarding property registration** - **Summary:** Questioning staff capacity to execute the required registrations. - **Evidence:** “Still not done. I have questions if we will do it. I'm starting to wonder if staff is capable of doing what we're giving the money to do.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:00:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3616s) - **Alternative fee structure suggestion** - **Summary:** Suggestion for a reduced fee structure: $250, $500, $750. - **Evidence:** “I would probably say, you know, 250,500,750 makes a lot more sense to me, but that's just numbers that I kind of came up with here and we just keep it straight 12 times.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:01:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3713s) - **Property assessment cost for registration** - **Summary:** A suggestion was made that $250,500 or $750 might make more sense than the current calculation. - **Evidence:** “I would probably say, you know, 250,500,750 makes a lot more sense to me, but that's just numbers that I kind of came up with here and we just keep it straight 12 times.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:01:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3713s) - **Registration fee clarification** - **Summary:** Confirmation was sought regarding whether the discussed numbers represent penalties if registration does not occur. - **Evidence:** “Alderman Parker? Just to clarify, we're still talking no registration fee. All these numbers are the penalties if they don't register, right?” - **Source timestamp:** [01:02:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3726s) - **Cost reduction for affordability** - **Summary:** A need was expressed to reduce the cost so that some people can afford it. - **Evidence:** “Okay. And I have an agree with Alderman Monroe on the cost. We need to reduce it so some of these people can afford it.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:02:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3741s) - **Ordinance amendment process** - **Summary:** A desire was expressed for the ability to submit amendments to ordinances and reach agreement wholeheartedly rather than debating plans in council. - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders, I believe you had your hand up next. Yeah, I'm in alignment on the part where it is requested certain assessment on this ordinance and the fact that we should be able to submit amendments to these ordinances where we can and actually come to agreement wholeheartedly instead of sitting in council trying to devise a plan when we should be already informed on our progress.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:02:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3748s) - **Need for clear conclusion from discussions** - **Summary:** Concerns were raised that without an initiative or follow-through, discussions result in nothing substantial. - **Evidence:** “But there's no clarity once we walk out of here there's no initiation or initiative to go follow through with anything that we're talking about and if we don't do something we're just talking and it just fans out into the air with no with no substance to it without coming to a conclusion” - **Source timestamp:** [01:03:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3835s) - **Process for moving forward on ordinances** - **Summary:** A recommendation was made to work on the process step-by-step rather than trying to fix everything immediately. - **Evidence:** “Okay, I get it, we want to fix it all, we want it all fixed today. But we all know that that doesn't happen with the roads, it doesn't happen with the water, that doesn't happen with various structures in town, it's a process.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:06:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3983s) - **Staff work on registry improvement** - **Summary:** Manager Boyer detailed that staff found an online software package to remedy incomplete registration records, allowing individuals to fill out information themselves. - **Evidence:** “Just let me remind council where we've been, and I think it was already stated that we were in a place where we had really no accountability. We had some semblance of a registry. However it wasn't complete. Staff was tasked to remedy the situation. We went out, we found a software package that suits our needs, that online, that doesn't burden our staff with the various day-to-day information entering needs.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:05:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=3904s) - **Goal of registration efforts** - **Summary:** The primary objective is to get people registered, and the best way to achieve this is using what has been proposed. - **Evidence:** “The object of this is to get people registered. If you get the fine too much, they're going to walk away from properties and now we're going to be stuck with a $20,000 bill tearing a building down. We need to get them registered.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:07:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4054s) - **Timeline for ordinance settlement** - **Summary:** It was noted that ideally, it takes about 30 days for an ordinance to settle. - **Evidence:** “I also wanted to make a comment that ideally, you know, it takes about 30 days for an ordinance Settlers.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:08:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4108s) - **Rental property registration process and deadlines** - **Summary:** The goal for sending out letters regarding property registration was typically December; for the current year, a letter stating the deadline of April 1, 2025, would be sent after rates are agreed upon. For future years (like 2026), letters would be sent in December warning that failure to register by February 1st would result in fines. - **Attribution:** Director Duckman - **Evidence:** “Alderman Stacy. Director Duckman, did you say that in December, letters in December. Letters would be going out. Yes, and a typical year the goal would be to send it out in December. I'm obviously this year, there's discussion about the proposal, how it's going to work. For this particular year, when it's agreed upon for the rates, I will be working immediately thereafter to submit a letter saying the deadline if they go with the proposal here would be April 1 of 2025. So for this year, obviously, I'm not going to it doesn't sound like I'm gonna get a letter out in some point in December because it's going to be approved probably hopefully in December but typically in a year I would be giving out a letter so in 2026 I'd be sending out a letter one month prior which would be December saying please register your property or you are subject to a fine as of February 1st okay and so then no one would have the excuse of saying I didn't know Correct. Yes, they're going to be, they are going to be notified via mail. Your property is suspected as a rental. You have to register your property by this date, which is to be decided upon. And if you do not register upon this date, here is your fine schedule, your fee schedule.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:09:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4181s) - **Staff ability to identify landlords for registration** - **Summary:** The current software and platform used by staff has a better ability than rudimentary databases to identify who should be registering as a landlord, which was difficult previously when analyzing over 10,000 parcels of land. - **Attribution:** Director Duckman - **Evidence:** “What I have said several times is that staff has a better ability now to identify who should be registering, who has not. That ability was more difficult in the past because we're trying to identify in our database of properties which over 10,000 parcels of land we're trying to determine is that a landlord, is that not a landlord, has this has been sold in the last month to somebody who lived there for 30 years and now is going to be a landlord. That's a difficult process to do when you're using rudimentary databases and you're using multiple databases and trying to figure out, okay, how do we determine if this person is actually a landlord or not? The software and platform that we're using now has the ability to do a better job of identifying who should be registering as a landlord.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:11:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4265s) - **Fairness of notification for unregistered landlords** - **Summary:** A question was raised regarding whether it would be fair to assume that the 67% who are not registered have never received a letter or may not even know about the ordinance. - **Attribution:** Mayor - **Evidence:** “Would it be fair, Director Duckman, to say the 67% who are not registered, there's a and a very good chance that they have never received a letter. And it's possible that they don't even know this ordinance is on the books.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:12:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4376s) - **Landlord identification capability of new software** - **Summary:** The new software can analyze all properties and use logarithms to suggest who is likely a landlord, even identifying multiple LLCs associated with one person. - **Attribution:** Director Duckman - **Evidence:** “Dukman. I'm going to go ahead and analyze all of our properties and look at it fairly, have logarithms to say what data suspects, says that you actually are a landlord, you don't live there. Because landlords are smart. Many of these, and one of the things this software does is it says here's the 10 different LLCs that this person is. So yes, it's Wayne Dukman, but here's the 10 LLCs and here's the other 20 properties that he owns.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:13:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4436s) - **Status of previous year registries compliance** - **Summary:** Even with known landlords who have received letters, registration is not 100% complete based on previous years' registries. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacy - **Evidence:** “With the ones that you know are landlords, with the ones that you know have received a letter, are they 100% registered? No, they're not. The ones, when we go off of the previous year registries, we do not get 100% back. So there are, yes, there are people who are notified and are not registering.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:15:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4542s) - **Alderman Simmons' motion status** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding whether Alderman Stacy still intends to make a motion due to Alderman Simmons having made one previously. - **Evidence:** “She tried to make that motion, but because we had Alderman Simmons' motion on the table that there, so I don't know if Alderman Stacy still wants to make that motion or not.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:15:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4525s) - **Landlord registration status** - **Summary:** Discussion on whether landlords who received a letter are 100% registered, with confirmation that they are not. - **Evidence:** “Alderman Stacy, go ahead. With the ones that you know are landlords, with the ones that you know have received a letter, are they 100% registered? No, they're not.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:15:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4542s) - **Previous year registries data completeness** - **Summary:** The previous year's registries do not yield 100% return rates. - **Evidence:** “The ones, when we go off of the previous year registries, we do not get 100% back. So there are, yes, there are people who are notified and are not registering.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:16:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4565s) - **Reconciliation of water and sewer billing list** - **Summary:** A question was raised about reconciling the list sent out to the water and sewer billing department. - **Evidence:** “Mayor. First question I'll ask, have we reconciled the list that we have sent out to the water and sewer billing, number one? That process.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:16:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4583s) - **Water bill analysis scope** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding whether analyzing only one aspect of a property (like renting) is sufficient for determining all necessary data points. - **Evidence:** “Duckman is on 57 water bills, it'll go in and say you're renting 57 or 56 properties Higgins or to assume that. That is part of their, that is part of their logarithm.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:16:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4600s) - **Follow-up on software funding and fines** - **Summary:** Discussion about spending $20,000 in the 2024 budget for software and the need to become more proactive in property leasing verification. - **Evidence:** “So the follow-up on that was we spent $20,000 in the 2024 budget, I believe it was, ish. And that was approved. We got the software. We got the training. And now we're coming back thinking, okay, we're going to raise the fines, you know, Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3, I'll just call them that for now.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:17:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4665s) - **Need for proactive property leasing determination** - **Summary:** A concern was raised about needing a meaningful way to determine if properties are being leased within city limits. - **Evidence:** “My question really is, how do we get to a point where we're actually going to go out and be more proactive in this approach as opposed to sending, you know, and there's businesses that do this and they fail miserably, sending notice to their current set of customers essentially.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:18:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4691s) - **Software integration capabilities** - **Summary:** The speaker stated that the ability to generate a list of suspected rental properties was not available before the new software. - **Evidence:** “Well, I'll disagree with you completely because before I didn't have a list that would say This list of properties here is suspected as being a rental property. I did not have that ability before.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:19:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4762s) - **Timeline for data integration** - **Summary:** The time taken to integrate county and water bill data with the new software was due to external processes. - **Evidence:** “So, long was you had different, like for example, the county, it took a long time working with the county to get their data to integrate with our software. That took time for them to say, here's the scripts that you need to access this data. That just takes time.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:19:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4786s) - **Fines amount assessment** - **Summary:** A suggestion was made regarding whether $1,500, $3,000, or $6,000 is an appropriate fine amount. - **Evidence:** “I think most of us agree 1,500, 3,000, 6,000 is not a steep enough amount.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:20:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4839s) - **Property value relative to fines** - **Summary:** The current fines are considered fairly insignificant compared to the potential revenue generated from properties. - **Evidence:** “These fines are fairly insignificant, really, at the end of the day, because they're drawing in $800, $1,000 per property in most of these instances, you know, and I rented on Galena. So I'm pretty familiar with the rental properties in town and the rates, and that was 10 years ago when it was $800 a month.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:21:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4867s) - **Maximum fine calculation clarification** - **Summary:** Clarification was sought on whether the maximum fine is per property or based on total units. - **Evidence:** “Madam clerk yeah I want to make sure we're all on the same page it's $100 per unit so if I owned ten residential houses and I didn't register I'd be fined a thousand Fowler. If I owned 10 apartment buildings that had 20 units, I would be fined $1,500 on each of those. That's the property max. That's not the landlord max. That's per property, correct?” - **Source timestamp:** [01:21:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4912s) - **Property fine calculation clarification** - **Summary:** The maximum fine for 10 apartment buildings with 20 units each is $15,000 if the fine is per property, not per unit. - **Evidence:** “Correct me if I'm wrong, but if I had 10 apartment buildings that had even 20 units, my property max is $1,500, so my maximum fine would be $15,000 for my 10 properties.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:22:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=4966s) - **Property tax assessment and rate stability** - **Summary:** A house valued at $100,000 would see no increase in the city's portion of their property tax bill as long as their assessed value has not increased. The City Council has kept the tax rate the same or slightly lower over the past five years. - **Evidence:** “A house valued at $100,000 would see no increase in the city's portion of their property tax bill as long as their assessed value has not increased. During the past five years, the City Council has kept the tax rate the same or slightly lower.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:26:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5206s) - **Standard format for farm leases** - **Summary:** A discussion confirmed that the farm lease is a standard form used statewide and recommended by the University of Illinois. - **Evidence:** “Alderman, Stacy, this farm lease is actually a standard form that is used statewide and is recommended by the University of Illinois and the other ag organizations. So this is a standard lease that everyone uses and it's accepted because everybody's used to seeing it.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:37:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=5861s) - **Bus Lease Agreement Details** - **Summary:** The lease agreement for bus number 23 is structured directly from the Illinois Department of Transportation to ensure approval, as funding comes from Downstate Operating Assistance Program and 5311 funds. - **Attribution:** Huffines - **Evidence:** “So that's essentially what's going on here. And I go a little further in the memorandum and I talk about how we currently have 16 vehicles. Huffines. This would bring us to 17. And one of the issues we have is working with older vehicles, because we have a shortage of vehicles. So oftentimes, these vehicles are taken out of the fleet, and they're being maintained because they're older. So that being said, staff is recommending moving this forward. As our public had mentioned earlier, this is a dollar lease. And I want to also state that anything that is done with the pretzel city area transit program, it's all being approved of and directed by the Illinois Department of Transportation. So this particular lease, how it is structured is directly from the Illinois Department of Transportation saying, you should do, if you want this bus, you need to do it this way for us to approve it because the Downstate Operating Assistance Program and the 5311 funds total $1.2 million in funding for our public transportation and that basically tells us you're going to do run your program this way or you're not getting the money and they're very strict on how they do it.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:41:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6109s) - **City responsibility for leased vehicle maintenance and insurance** - **Summary:** The city of Freeport is responsible for maintenance and insurance, but the funding comes from the state via grants. - **Evidence:** “So the city would be responsible for the maintenance and the insurance and all that coverage? It is always that is how all vehicles are done. All vehicles are done that way. And yes, it is the city of Freeport funded through the downstate operating assistance program and the 5311 program, which are two grants that fund the program. So it says city of Freeport is responsible. However, the money is coming from the state to fund it. So it's covered 100 percent is correct.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:43:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6194s) - **Zoning and land use regulations** - **Summary:** The council discussed that ordinances can regulate property use because certain land uses require a special use permit, which requires a case-by-case review by the council. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacey - **Evidence:** “So the point is our ordinance has several special uses where it is the job of ultimately our council members to say is this use appropriate or not because that is exactly how the ordinance reads. There are certain land uses that require a special use permit because what we are saying, what is being contemplated in the ordinance is this particular land use needs to be looked at on a case-by-case basis.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:51:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6703s) - **Neighbor complaints regarding property height restrictions** - **Summary:** Staff reported that no neighbors called with complaints about being 10 feet high; neighbors were notified by yard and mail notice, and they stated they had no objection. - **Attribution:** Staff - **Evidence:** “So has there been complaints from the the neighbors on the 10-foot of being 10 feet high? We have not one neighbor called spoke with spoke with staff and did not and just wanted information because this was notified by a yard and by mail notice to neighbors and they said okay sounds good they were told about the hearing they said they We're going to show up. They had no objection.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:52:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6745s) - **Comparison of current unit size to previous approved units** - **Summary:** A Planning Commission member noted that previously approved units on larger lots were not as intrusive to neighbors, and the current lot is very tight in comparison. - **Attribution:** Planning Commission Member - **Evidence:** “I was on the NAE side as I think four people were at the meeting. The other two people that were approved while I have been on the Planning Commission had much, much larger lots, and they weren't intrusive to the neighbors where they set these units. And there wasn't, the unit itself wasn't nearly as big as this unit. This is a very tight lot in comparison to those.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:52:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6778s) - **Property rights regarding utility placement** - **Summary:** Discussion concerning whether the council has the right to dictate how property is used for utilities, noting that ordinances require case-by-case evaluation. - **Evidence:** “Atkinson that was on the committee too, was he didn't feel like we had a right to tell somebody what to do with their property. But in respect to that, the reason that it's gotta come through council is because the forefathers that set these ordinances wanted it to be evaluated case by case.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:53:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6834s) - **Council process for utility placement** - **Summary:** The right to place utilities on property must go through council review because the founding ordinances mandate a case-by-case evaluation. - **Evidence:** “But in respect to that, the reason that it's gotta come through council is because the forefathers that set these ordinances wanted it to be evaluated case by case. If they would have chosen to put this on their roof, it would have never made it to council because they have the right to do that.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:54:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6846s) - **Utility ground mounting question** - **Summary:** The specific issue under discussion is whether the ground mounting of utilities fits each purpose. - **Evidence:** “It's the ground mounting that is the question whether it fits each purpose.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:54:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=6864s) - **Location clarification for utility structure** - **Summary:** Discussion clarifying the location of the cabinet relative to surrounding streets and identifying an underground vault. - **Evidence:** “Mr. Duckman, is this on the south side of the property? Basically right next to, I'm just looking at the streets and I apologize. Not Locust, but the one just looks like an old street. Deadend. All right can you if you look over to the screen on this site plan this would be Locust.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:58:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7126s) - **Constituent concerns regarding utility installation** - **Summary:** A constituent representative stated that residents received information that the business was told not to proceed, but proceeded anyway. They noted a history of larger proposed footprints which were later scaled back. - **Evidence:** “Yes, I have received phone calls from my constituents pertaining to this matter and I have been informed that this business was asked or told not to do it and they did it anyway that is I would say that's half true they originally proposed putting up a larger structure that was around 500 square feet an actual physical it looked like a small house or garage and they also wanted to use a road and they wanted a Gait.” - **Source timestamp:** [01:59:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7179s) - **Decision point for utility structure** - **Summary:** Discussion on the final decision: whether to allow the existing structure or require its removal. - **Evidence:** “So what is the reality in this? Do we let them keep it or do they tear it down? I mean, that's the decision today, right?” - **Source timestamp:** [02:01:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7280s) - **Consequences of a 'no' vote on ordinance** - **Summary:** If the vote were no, the council would work with Attorney Zito on corrective action to have the cabinet removed. - **Evidence:** “I mean, certainly if the vote was no, and essentially this is important for their telecommunication Fowler. If the vote is no, then we would be moved forward. We'd work with Attorney Zito on some sort of, you know, corrective action to, you know, have them remove the cabinet.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:01:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7286s) - **Decision on keeping or tearing down a structure** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the decision to let a structure remain or have it torn down, noting that if the vote is no, they would be moved forward with corrective action from Attorney Zito. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Okay. So what is the reality in this? Do we let them keep it or do they tear it down? I mean, that's the decision today, right? I mean, certainly if the vote was no, and essentially this is important for their telecommunication Fowler. If the vote is no, then we would be moved forward. We'd work with Attorney Zito on some sort of, you know, corrective action to, you know, have them remove the cabinet.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:01:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7280s) - **Compliance process for a structure** - **Summary:** Discussion confirming that no vote is tonight as it is first reading, and that fines are not applicable because they started the compliance process after receiving a violation notice. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “But there's no vote tonight. This is first reading. Okay. Right. Can they be fined? Not at this point, no. Because they've gone into, they've started the process for compliance. They were given a violation notice and they said you have to apply for a special use permit and they did so.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:01:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7306s) - **Forcible removal of cabinet** - **Summary:** Confirmation that if the issue is voted down in two weeks, city staff would work with Attorney Zito on forcibly removing the cabinet. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “So if if this is voted down in two weeks, essentially at that point, they would have to remove. Is that correct? You are you are correct. And if that was the case, then city staff would be working with Attorney Zito on it on the process for how to have them forcibly remove that cabinet.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:02:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7334s) - **Scope of required licenses for contractors** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding whether one license covers all services or if separate licenses are needed, and clarification that this is a new license requirement. - **Attribution:** Alderman Monroe - **Evidence:** “So so I can understand this better is that just one license they would need for if they did all of these or would they need one separate for each or whoever? They're gonna need a license this is a new license they're gonna need a different license they can't do so right now if they receive a general contractors license or an electrician's license they're they're going to need to now do” - **Source timestamp:** [02:04:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7494s) - **Adding hauling services to licensed categories** - **Summary:** Alderman Sellers requested adding haulers (dumping and hauling) to the list of required licenses. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers - **Evidence:** “Yes, I would like to also add haulers, you know, people that do dumping and hauling. I think that that's a really good one that we should add on that list also.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:04:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7468s) - **Nature of licensed contractors for ordinance 2024-80** - **Summary:** Discussion confirming that the services (snow plowing and seal coatings) involve two private entities. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “These are two private entities, am I correct? On the snow plowing and seal coatings and things of that nature. Yes, yes, you are correct.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:06:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7574s) - **Scope of required licenses for lawn care services** - **Summary:** Discussion clarifying if a neighbor mowing grass requires a license under the ordinance. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacey - **Evidence:** “So if the neighbor guy wants to mow my grass, he has to have some type of license or general something to mow grass? That is my understanding of this ordinance that a lawn, that would fall under a lawn care company and they would have to register. That's my understanding.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:07:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7650s) - **Business registration for services like snow plowing and lawn care** - **Summary:** The discussion centered on whether businesses providing services like lawn care or snow plowing need to register if they have a tax ID number, focusing on the definition of 'professional' service provider. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Manager Boyer? I'd like to clarify, I think, that if they have a tax ID number that would qualify them as a company. If they have a what? If they have a tax ID number, if they're registered as a business. Attorney Cito. So under the definition of a lawn care professional or even for a steel coating professional and a snow plowing professional, it talks about. Professional. It talks about a person who employs one or more individuals for the purpose of providing landscape maintenance or employs one or more individuals for the purpose of providing seal coating services there.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:09:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7760s) - **Scope of required registration for service providers** - **Summary:** The requirement seems to apply to operations run as a business employing one or more individuals, exempting casual neighborhood help. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “So I think as written right now, they're looking at someone who's running this operation as a business, right? They have at least one or more employees that are going to go out and do this. So I think who's exempted from this is if your neighbor just happens by himself to say hey or the neighborhood kid 13 year old kid is just going around saying hey can I mow your lawn for for $30 and it's just him pushing his you know family's lawnmower and going around to the neighbors I don't think that's what this is meant to apply to there so.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:09:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7776s) - **Public Works concerns regarding service providers** - **Summary:** The issue stems from Public Works time spent addressing damages caused by snow plowing or lawn care activities, and the need for record keeping to assign responsibility. - **Attribution:** Wayne - **Evidence:** “So this was a request by the superintendent of Public Works and Wayne touched on it but it's It's really due to a lot of Public Works time that is chasing these particular people around. What ends up happening, snow plowing. We have somebody that goes out for profit to plow snow, and then we end up with ancillary damages at the house two doors down where they push the snow, rip the yard up, and then Public Works is asked to go fix those yards. We have no way of monitoring who's plowing where or what, so this is just kind of a record and I have a record keeping thing to say that if Wayne's plow business messes up the yard next door Wayne's business has to clean it up or if Michelle's lawn care throws grass out in the street they've got to clean it up and right now we have no record keeping for that half and it happens more than you know or they damage curb or sidewalk or something like that in the course of their business and it falls back on the city to fix and repair. So That is really the issue here.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:09:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7776s) - **Safety concern regarding grass clippings at intersections** - **Summary:** A safety concern was raised that spread-out grass clippings at an intersection can cause a motorcycle to lose its rider. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Manager Boyer. Just to add to what Darren said also, you know, you don't think of grass clippings in the right of way as being dangerous. But if you have grass clippings spread out at an intersection and a motorcycle comes to a stop I mean that can cause somebody to lose their bike right there in the intersection so I just wanted to create the mention that safety concern as well okay.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:11:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7894s) - **Concerns over licensing scope for contractors** - **Summary:** A participant questioned why general contractors need separate licenses for winter services like snow plowing when they already have other necessary licenses for different trades. - **Attribution:** Alderman Parker - **Evidence:** “okay I get the whole accountability thing but what I don't understand is i mean we have lots of general contractors that are busy all summer long but in the wintertime they want to do snow plowing so now we want to we want to hit them again with a different license why can't it just come under the same license as long as they declare it's well there's different We also currently do it so that let's say you're going to be your general contractor if you go to do plumbing work you have to get a separate plumbing license pay for that pass that test prove that you're doing that work if you're going to do an electricians you're going to do electrical work you have to get electrical license pay for that so that we currently have that in place” - **Source timestamp:** [02:11:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7894s) - **Staff time and data requirements comparison** - **Summary:** A participant questioned whether requiring more data from lawn care workers is more burdensome than the existing requirements for general contractors. - **Attribution:** Alderman Parker - **Evidence:** “and also just I also want to add that this license this ordinance is more restrictive than it's not it's just going to be as simple as saying okay we're going to declare There's quite a bit of staff time proving that there's insurance for all these vehicles, collecting all that data. There's extra requirements for this particular. So you're actually wanting more data from someone that's mowing your grass versus someone that's building your house? I don't.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:11:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7894s) - **City workers vs. private contractors causing property damage** - **Summary:** A resident stated that city workers, not the plowing or mowing crews, are responsible for damaging properties with salt and plowing. - **Attribution:** Alderman Monroe - **Evidence:** “I can tell you in my neighborhood, the folks that do the plowing, that do the leaf clean-up, the lawn mowing, they're not the ones damaging the property, it's the city workers. We've actually come to the city where copious amounts of salt was thrown on people's yards, killing their grass, killing the edges of the road, plowing them up, and those that are doing the plowing or the snow blowing or such, they're not a problem.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:13:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8014s) - **Onerous nature of new registration requirements** - **Summary:** A resident expressed that the proposed requirements for businesses are onerous, especially regarding insurance and supplying extensive information. - **Attribution:** Alderman Monroe - **Evidence:** “and you know this really seems onerous to me that we're gonna go out and say okay well you've got to supply all of this information and your business falls under the same insurance you're not gonna have insurance for plowing insurance for snow for snow removal or” - **Source timestamp:** [02:14:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8043s) - **Business licensing and services for local workers** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the consolidation of licenses and fees for various service providers, including lawn cleanup and snow removal. - **Evidence:** “And I've got two neighbors that have complained a significant amount over the last few years and none of the work was done to repair their grass to repair the soil at the edge of the road and you know this really seems onerous to me that we're gonna go out and say okay well you've got to supply all of this information and your business falls under the same insurance you're not gonna have insurance for plowing insurance for snow for snow removal or and John. So, we have a lot of folks that are doing that type of work. We have a lot of folks that are doing that type of work. We have a lot of folks that are doing that type of work versus grass cleanup versus leaf cleanup versus all of those things. And, you know, I think as long as they have annual insurance, it should be one license, allows them to go through. Certainly most of the folks that are doing that type of work are not making the same amount of money as a plumber or an Miller. But, you know, we can call it a license, we can call it a fee, we can call it a tax. It's all the same thing. We've got to clean this up a little bit and take care of our businesses because a lot of those folks are taking care. My ward especially has a large amount of seniors living there who get their lawns done. And I'd hate to see this, their lawn cleanup go up 10, 15 bucks a time based on them having Boyer. I don't want to keep applying for licenses and such. It just doesn't make sense to me.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:14:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8043s) - **Snow removal services and licensing** - **Summary:** Manager Boyer stated that he does not have an issue with combining licenses but noted the difficulty of plowing in cul-de-sacs without curbs. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Manager Boyer? Just to comment on that and address, I personally do not have any issue with combining them under one license. But I do want to mention that our plow truck drivers are doing the very best job they can. As a matter of fact, when you have a cul-de-sac, no curbs, you have situations where you've got a 10-ton truck or a 10-yard truck with a plow on the front, it makes it very challenging. And I believe our snow plow drivers are really fantastic at what they do, there's always room for improvement of course, but there is going to be a few times you scalp a yard off but I'm quite fine with revisiting this and making it under one license, thank you.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:15:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8142s) - **Balloon release concerns regarding Bird City resolution** - **Summary:** Alderman Stacy questioned if the resolution pertains to balloon releases, and Manager Boyer clarified that while there are guidelines on numbers for large releases, it is not related to this specific resolution. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacy/Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Alderman Stacy? Yes. So I'm hearing like you're not supposed to because of the wildlife like release balloons anymore so is that like pertaining to this and if I don't think this pertains to it at all but it you are accurate I mean could I do with this Find if I went and let go 12 balloons in honor of something or someone? Manager Boyer? I believe 12 balloons is okay. As a matter of fact, we had some concern expressed at one of the events that we're planning about a balloon release and there is something about the numbers. So as long as the numbers stay within a certain range, I believe they don't like it per se, they're not against it but they don't like to see those massive balloon releases so but yeah this that's not to do with this or with this resolution well I just thought I didn't know if it's something affect the birds or if there's no other discussion and clerk please take the role Stacy aye Shadle Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe. Monroe? No. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:18:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8285s) - **Backflow preventer repair details and timeline** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the necessity, location, and timing of the backflow preventer replacement. - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders. Uh, yeah, uh, Manager Boyer, uh, with this backflow preventer, does that have anything to do with the river, the Pecatonica River backflowing, uh, flowing into the plan itself, within the plan itself? So where are these areas that you're talking about, fires, repairs, to backflow? Anything to do along with the river backflow? Is that within the city itself? And as you're aware? As I understand, it's in the plant. It's where you have the freshwater line going to an operation inside the plant. And the backflow preventer fails. And if it does, then it has a potential cross-contamination.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:20:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8430s) - **Timeline for presenting invoice for emergency repairs** - **Summary:** Discussion about why council was informed of the expense six months after the work was completed. - **Evidence:** “Alderman Monroe. Thank you Madam Mayor. When was the work done? This repair was done in June. Why did we wait five months, six months to come back to council? We just got the invoice. We spent the money in June.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:21:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8475s) - **Funding source for emergency repairs** - **Summary:** Confirmation that funds for the repairs come out of the sewer repair fees budget. - **Evidence:** “The money for this comes out of the sewer repair fees, right, that we typically have budgeted for. And the reason we didn't come back to it is it was an emergency.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:22:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8544s) - **Technical details of backflow preventer replacement** - **Summary:** Details provided regarding the necessity of stainless steel components due to acidic sludge environment. - **Evidence:** “Alderman Stacey. When did the parts come in and when was the work completed? From my best recollection the parts were ordered on the PO in June I think they took four weeks to get the parts in because we had to get custom flanges built and added to this a large rpz and we went with stainless because the original one wasn't stainless and it needs to be corrosion resistance because the sludge process of okay call it patty caking the sludge is very and the room that this the environment that this room contains is a very acidic and we've had to replace just about every component within this building over the course of the last 15 years due to the acidic environment so I want to say the parts came in and probably mid-July it was probably installed about the 1st of August” - **Source timestamp:** [02:23:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8608s) - **Funding source for HVAC repair costs** - **Summary:** The funds will come from building maintenance for City Hall PD, which combines those under one budget. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers - **Evidence:** “It'll come from building maintenance for City Hall PD. We combine those under one budget Are we over budget, under budget in that line item from last year's budget, approved budget? Line item 101,142, 6165, contracted equipment repair and maintenance, still has 7,000 left in that line item before this bill is run.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:27:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8822s) - **Budgetary impact of HVAC repairs** - **Summary:** The expenditure will result in a remaining balance of approximately $3,000 in the specified budget line item. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers - **Evidence:** “So you're saying there will be like $3,000? Sure. Correct.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:28:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8904s) - **Budgetary process explanation** - **Summary:** Manager Boyer explained that the budget is a planning document requiring adjustments based on reality. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “As you know budget is a planning document and you have to make adjustments as you go along on the reality that happens so when this thing failed I believe it failed within a week of a large council meeting so we had the repair done so that we could not be sitting in 85 degree weather with 100% Humanity in here.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:28:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=8938s) - **Scope of Richard Johnson's involvement in Well 12 design** - **Summary:** A question was raised regarding whether Alderman Klemm meant Well 11 when referencing Richard Johnson's prior work. - **Attribution:** Alderman Shadle - **Evidence:** “Manager Boyer, you said that they were, Richard Johnson was involved with Well 12, I believe you meant Well 11, they drew that building?” - **Source timestamp:** [02:31:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9094s) - **Project scope and bidding process concerns** - **Summary:** Concerns were raised regarding the lack of competitive bidding for multiple projects, suggesting that current practices might lead to inflated prices because bidders are competing against each other. - **Evidence:** “My concern about all of these projects, Adams, others, is we're not getting deep bids. We're not getting a lot of offers. So we are putting ourselves in a situation that we're no longer getting multiple entities coming into us with bids. So the price goes up because they're bidding against themselves.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:36:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9416s) - **Professional services procurement methods** - **Summary:** A discussion occurred regarding whether professional services like engineering and architecture must go out to a competitive bid or QBS process, noting that sometimes it is at the city's discretion. - **Evidence:** “For professional services you don't need to do it on, and I'm not saying you shouldn't do it on. But I'm going to tell you what. And you've got a couple buildings and you've got 33, 34 million dollars that Fehr Graham has brought into us in grants and I was at a meeting this morning where they're going out for another million dollars for lining of sewers and stuff and can you tell me one project they've done for us lately that's bad? Can you tell me who else you'd go to for another project?” - **Source timestamp:** [02:40:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9645s) - **Funding source awareness** - **Summary:** A reminder was given that the current funding is sourced from $13.5 million in grant funding that must be used up in a very short period of time. - **Evidence:** “I would like to make everyone aware that this is funded with $13.5 million in grant funding that has to be used up in a very short period of time for the benefit of the City of Freeport and its residents.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:42:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9764s) - **Resolution adoption process options** - **Summary:** A member questioned whether the council had an option to send out resolutions for bidding, stating that this option was not given. - **Evidence:** “Can I? Yes, Alderman Stacey. And that should not mean that we as council people do not have a choice or option of sending and this out for being. That was not even given to us. That option was not given to us.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:43:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9796s) - **Grant funding usage and fiscal responsibility** - **Summary:** The speaker noted that $13.5 million in grant funding must be used up in a short period for the benefit of Freeport residents, but this does not preclude spending it responsibly. - **Evidence:** “I would like to make everyone aware that this is funded with $13.5 million in grant funding that has to be used up in a very short period of time for the benefit of the City of Freeport and its residents. But that doesn't mean we don't spend it in a manner that's consistent with being fiscally responsible.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:42:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9764s) - **Option to send out resolution for bidding** - **Summary:** A council member questioned whether they had the option of sending something out for bidding, stating this option was not given. - **Evidence:** “Can I? Yes, Alderman Stacey. And that should not mean that we as council people do not have a choice or option of sending and this out for being. That was not even given to us. That option was not given to us.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:43:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9796s) - **Council's prior performance and options** - **Summary:** A speaker stated that the council had excellent outcomes and responsive service, leading to smooth project execution. - **Evidence:** “I have to tell you, we have had nothing but excellent outcomes. We have had nothing but willingness to correct deficiencies. We've had responsive service. We have had everything working in our favor, and that is why well 11 went so smoothly once we got the well drilled, and that is why May, Will, 12, will be soon.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:44:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9841s) - **Process for awarding engineering jobs (QBS vs. Bid)** - **Summary:** The discussion clarified that for engineers, the process is typically an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) rather than a bid, which focuses on qualifications first, followed by price negotiation. - **Evidence:** “You don't go out to bid for engineers, you go out for RFQs which is qualifications. What's Attorney Zeddo read? Exactly what he told you is qualifications. It said that we had the option to go out for bid, we had a choice. Not for bid, for qualifications.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:45:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9906s) - **QBS process distinction from traditional bidding** - **Summary:** The speaker explained that in a QBS process, engineers cannot provide a dollar amount initially because selection is based on qualification first, and price negotiation happens after the person is selected. - **Evidence:** “But with the QBS process, the main distinction is when you go through the process and you entertain all these different engineers, right? They can't tell you a dollar amount, okay? Cause it's not based on price. It's based on who's the most qualified to do the job.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:45:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9953s) - **Council's authority regarding engineering process** - **Summary:** The speaker confirmed that the council has the right to use a QBS process, but staff presented a recommendation because the council is not obligated to use it. - **Evidence:** “So yes, it is a competitive process. But is it technically called a bid? No, it's not. So I don't want to get people hung up. I don't want people to get hung up on that. But with the QBS process, the main distinction is when you go through the process and you entertain all these different engineers, right? They can't tell you a dollar amount, okay? Cause it's not based on price. It's based on who's the most qualified to do the job.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:45:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=9949s) - **Deadline pressure for grant funds** - **Summary:** A speaker emphasized that meeting the deadline is critical because failure to do so means $14 million will become the city's sole responsibility. - **Evidence:** “I don't make the rule, Cecelia, the money for 13.3 million dollars is worth meeting the deadline. If we don't meet the deadline, that money will not be transferred to next year. And that 14 million dollar project will now become the city's sole responsibility?” - **Source timestamp:** [02:48:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10096s) - **General Contractor role in projects** - **Summary:** A council member questioned who would serve as the general contractor for a project, arguing this is the key decision point for the council. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “My whole thing is who would be the general contractor for such a project? Then you can implement and John, and then you can implement whoever you want to decide to bring in, to engineer, to do the architect, all of those things, but who is the contractor that's going to oversee this particular project that will allow the council to see who are they?” - **Source timestamp:** [02:49:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10160s) - **General Contractor Role in Project Oversight** - **Summary:** If the city is not allowed to look at other bidders, it creates a monopoly within the city ranks. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Because under the term general contractor comes many, many prospects of picking and to do bidding. Take the engineer out of the subject. We're not talking engineer first. We're talking contractors and they are the ones, the general contractors are the ones who determines who they want to work on the project, not anyone else, and that's for all general contractors who wants to do a bidding for whatever project that goes before it, and if we're not allowed to look at other bidders, then that means that we're looking from one entity that is creating a monopoly within the city ranks” - **Source timestamp:** [02:49:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10191s) - **Project Oversight Authority** - **Summary:** The council needs clarity on who is in charge of the project, and it should not be the engineers. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “So let's just open this thing up and make some serious clarity about who's in charge. And the engineers not in charge.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:51:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10266s) - **Contractor Responsibility for Project Oversight** - **Summary:** The contractor would never be in charge of the project because it must go out to bid to select a required contractor. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “So your statement there was very inaccurate, Mr. Sanders. I'm sorry. The contractor would never be in charge of this project because this has to go out to bid to select a contractor that's required.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:51:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10274s) - **Project Bidding Process Requirement** - **Summary:** The bid cannot be done until the engineering is complete, otherwise there is no project. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “That's what I was getting to. The bid is not done until the engineering is done. Otherwise you have no project. You can't do one.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:51:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10288s) - **EPA Funded Project Process** - **Summary:** For EPA money, an engineer and design group must design the project before it goes to bid for the low responsible contractor. - **Evidence:** “Works with the EPA money is you have to have an engineer and a design group that designs the project and then it goes to bid for the low responsible contractor. That is the way these programs work.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:51:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10299s) - **Contractor Selection in Bidding Process** - **Summary:** The low bid process selects the contractor on construction, not on engineering; this is how processes work in Illinois and other municipalities to receive funds. - **Evidence:** “We don't select the contractor. The city doesn't select the contractor. The low bid process selects the contractor on the construction, not on the engineering. That's the way the process Brooks works in Illinois, that is the way every municipality has to operate or you don't get the funds.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:51:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10314s) - **Design and Engineering Cost Range** - **Summary:** The design and engineering costs typically fall within an acceptable range of 9 to 12 percent for the type of project being worked on. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Boyer. I just also wanted to comment that the design and engineering falls within a certain range, acceptable range, you know anywhere from you know anywhere from 9 to 12 percent is typical for the type of project that we're working on” - **Source timestamp:** [02:52:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10350s) - **Project Documents Ownership and Risk** - **Summary:** The architecture prints are property of the city, and if there are omissions or errors in the engineering drawings, it can lead to issues during construction. - **Attribution:** Alderman Shadle - **Evidence:** “Alderman Shadle, did you have your hand up? I did the engineering as Darren stated and the architecture is all the prints are property of the city that's all drawn for us the project is bid off of those prints what we're talking about is a document that's going to be probably in the neighborhood of 70 to 100 pages Williams, 300 pages. If there's omissions in the engineering, if there's omissions in the drawings, if things are not figured correctly, if they're not drawn correctly, you get halfway into the project” - **Source timestamp:** [02:52:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10350s) - **Change Orders and Engineering Mistakes** - **Summary:** Mistakes from hiring the wrong engineer or architect can generate change orders. - **Attribution:** Alderman Shadle - **Evidence:** “and Darren made mention of the fact that on Well 11, there was virtually No change orders and those are generated from the mistakes that are made if you hire the wrong engineer and the wrong architect.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:52:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10350s) - **Contractor Qualification in Bidding** - **Summary:** Even with low bid contracts, contractors must provide qualifications, references, and potentially bondability as part of a large bid package that the city evaluates after the bid. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “So within the bid package is usually an enormous package, probably more than the 400 pages that he referenced tonight. Everybody has to give qualifications, they have to give references, they have to give bondability, depending on how big the job is, there's a huge packet that goes through that. We evaluate them after the bid contractor.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:56:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10561s) - **Contractor Qualification Process** - **Summary:** The process for selecting a contractor involves evaluating multiple bid packages, which can be enormous, and includes checking bondability through inquiries to determine if contractors have had claims or bad work. - **Evidence:** “So within the bid package is usually an enormous package, probably more than the 400 pages that he referenced tonight. Everybody has to give qualifications, they have to give references, they have to give bondability, depending on how big the job is, there's a huge packet that goes through that. We evaluate them after the bid contractor. So if you get three bids, you evaluate three packages, if you get two, you evaluate two, you get ten, you evaluate ten. There's also things called bond inquiries where you can go against or go to firms and ask questions about contractors whether they've had claims against them whether they what whether they've done bad work for somebody else so that's all through the bidding process which is an enormous process and then we go through all of that in the background after its bid and then make a recommendation to counsel now in order not to select a low bid during the process of a contractor Miller. You have to have a reason. So they have had to have done some bad work somewhere, something recorded. It's a process, a legal process. And if you don't do it correctly, that process, that contractor could come back and sue the city. So there is quite a process in evaluating whether someone's qualified or not.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:56:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10572s) - **Parking lot location clarification for CubeSmart development** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the location of the parking lot relative to South Street and the front of the store. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sellers. I just have Huffines. I have a quick question. I would just like, is that the parking lot then? You know, because they have a very big parking lot. Yes. So this would be the front. This is kind of where you would pull into the cube, this rosentile. You'd pull in here. And this is actually the front of the store, the front of CubeSmart.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:02:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=10959s) - **Property square footage and cost estimation for rehabilitation services** - **Summary:** A discussion regarding the lack of property square footage information needed to estimate roof and siding repair costs. - **Attribution:** Alderman Monroe - **Evidence:** “Thank you madam mayor what's the square footage on the property I don't have that information right in front of me I can't kick I know the reason I ask is you know for the cost that you know kind of estimating the cost of roof and I'm not sure how much they're putting in and siding repairs is that a significant amount” - **Source timestamp:** [03:05:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11154s) - **Contractor licensing requirements for grant funding** - **Summary:** Discussion noting that contractors must be licensed lead contractors to qualify for the grant, which caused some interested parties to walk away. - **Evidence:** “A lot of them end up walking away because you have to be a licensed lead contractor in order to qualify for this grant. So you have to do an additional license and many, like, we had, early on we had several contractors interested and they all walked away from some of the higher requirements.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:06:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11191s) - **Grant funding source and scope** - **Summary:** Confirmation that the rehabilitation is part of the community development block grant for homes on Adams and along Adams Avenue corridor. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacy - **Evidence:** “This is part of the community development block grant? Correct. That housing rehabilitation grant for the five hundred and fifty thousand? Yes. The homes on Adams and along Adams Avenue corridor.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:07:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11220s) - **Eligibility requirements for the housing grant** - **Summary:** Discussion detailing that homes must be owner-occupied, the grant is need-based with a scoring system, and eligibility was historically tied to living within a specific census block tract. - **Evidence:** “Every home that's in this grant goes through a highly restrictive, high vetting process and they have to be owner occupied. So they have to be owner occupied. So the state has contemplated this being an issue. Do I think somebody could lie? People lie about everything. So do I think if somebody was committed to doing it and could lie and possibly, sure, it's done everywhere.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:11:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11461s) - **Application status for the housing grant** - **Summary:** Clarification that the application deadline has passed, Region 1 Planning Council graded applications, and the process is not currently open. - **Attribution:** Thomas - **Evidence:** “So this was an ongoing project? Not right now. The application's deadline was done. Region 1 planning council was hired to grade all of the applications based on the factors that I stated. So Region 1 was retained as a planning council on the suggestion of the state. They reviewed and scored all of these applications. So this is not open right now.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:09:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11372s) - **Financial verification for grant recipients** - **Summary:** Discussion confirming that income verification involves reviewing documents like Social Security statements and income tax returns, acknowledging the possibility of dishonesty but noting state safeguards. - **Evidence:** “I do know that income verification is done at several points along the way. So the state has contemplated this being an issue. Do I think somebody could lie? People lie about everything. So do I think if somebody was committed to doing it and could lie and possibly, sure, it's done everywhere. But my point is the state has contemplated that this being an issue.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:11:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11461s) - **Question regarding excluded properties in demolition bid** - **Summary:** Alderman Simmons questioned why a boarded-up house across the street from 626 on Winnipeg was not included in the list of properties for demolition. - **Attribution:** Alderman Simmons - **Evidence:** “Director Duckman, why isn't the house across this, could you repeat that, I was sorry. Yes, I was asking there's a house right across the street from 626 on Winnipeg, that's all boarded up, why isn't that on this list, but the two across the street from that, that, that, I mean that they're both in bad condition, but the one that's been boarded up, why is that not on this list?” - **Source timestamp:** [03:20:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12011s) - **Response regarding excluded properties in demolition bid** - **Summary:** The response explained that the owner of the unlisted property fought against city action, causing delays. - **Attribution:** Director Duckman - **Evidence:** “The short answer to that, and if my and I'm just going off memory and I actually drove down, I posted the signs on Winnipeg for these because my inspector was out that day and I went down and asked him the same question and he reminded me that it was a particular owner that fought tooth and nail with the city against any action we had. So sometimes these take longer because as we move through this process they can file a complaint but I will, I'm being honest with you and I tell you I told my inspector I want that one moving forward because I said I don't and I want to keep going through knocking the ones down around it without missing that particular house. But that's the answer why is that some property owners, even though when the writing is on the wall, they fight the demolition of their properties.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:20:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12011s) - **Clarification on scope of vote for demolition bids** - **Summary:** Alderman Sanders clarified that the vote was specifically on two contracts (Klechner) and seven contracts (Fisher), totaling nine properties. - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders. Yeah. How many properties are we talking about? Nine properties. Nine properties on this award. We do have a demolition contractor to do the job. Correct. So what you're voting on, what you would be voting on, is two of them are for Klechner and nine of them are for, two of them are for Klechner, seven of them are for Fisher excavating.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:21:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12096s) - **Timeline for moving ordinance forward** - **Summary:** Discussion occurred regarding how soon the ordinance would be moved forward. - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders. Yeah, how soon are we anticipating on moving on this particular ordinance? The motion was to move it to the next regularly scheduled.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:22:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12149s) - **Ordinance content and native plants** - **Summary:** A question was raised regarding whether the ordinance specified native plants. - **Evidence:** “Alderman Stacey? Yes. This ordinance did not say anything about native plants. So, I'm asking for clarity. Is this for native plants, like what we were given? Or is this just sprinkle some seeds out and let them grow?” - **Source timestamp:** [03:25:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12312s) - **Public Works reason for ordinance change** - **Summary:** The public works department requested the change due to issues in right-of-ways where plantings grow beyond visibility standards or impede snow pushing. - **Evidence:** “the reason public works was requesting this change is because we have issues in the right away where people are putting plantings that are growing up beyond visibility standards or we can't push snow back things like that it's it's really a maintenance cleanup issue we don't have any mechanism right now to enforce it” - **Source timestamp:** [03:26:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12374s) - **Discussion regarding adding a definition of native plant things to ordinances** - **Summary:** A suggestion was made to add a definition for native plants. - **Evidence:** “I'll suggesting that we add a definition of native plant things all change that next thank you I'm glad I made sense to somebody and we will move on to item number” - **Source timestamp:** [03:26:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12374s) - **Public Works request for ordinance change regarding plantings in right-of-ways** - **Summary:** The reason public works requested the change was due to issues with people planting things that grow beyond visibility standards or obstructing snow pushing, and they need a mechanism to enforce keeping rights-of-ways clean and mowed while allowing native plantings. - **Evidence:** “the reason public works was requesting this change is because we have issues in the right away where people are putting plantings that are growing up beyond visibility standards or we can't push snow back things like that it's it's really a maintenance cleanup issue we don't have any mechanism right now to enforce it and so we're trying to enforce First at the right-of-ways, stay cleaned up and mowed well, and also allow for these native plantings within landscapes. So it's really just a cleanup process because we're getting into a season where we need to be able to push snow back and we need to be able to control the height of corners and intersections where plantings are to make sure that we have visibility.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:26:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12374s) - **Evaluating updates to city ordinances requiring drug testing for elected officials and director level employees** - **Summary:** Discussion began regarding evaluating updates to city ordinances requiring drug testing for elected officials and director level employees. - **Evidence:** “Could you please read the next discussion? Discussion regarding evaluating updates to city ordinances requiring drug testing for elected officials and director level employees in the city.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:28:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12490s) - **Importance of drug testing for community leaders** - **Summary:** Alderman Monroe stated that as a city that already requires drug testing for new hires, it is important for community leaders to set an example by ensuring a safe and healthy environment where drug and alcohol abuse does not impact decision-making. - **Evidence:** “I think as a city that hires and does drug testing on all new hires, that it's important that we as community leaders set the example. And basically provide for an environment that's safe, healthy, well-being of all employees are covered and that drug and alcohol abuse can have significant impacts on decision-making as well as understanding of things in the council.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:28:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12506s) - **Support for implementing drug testing standards for elected officials** - **Summary:** Alderman Sanders emphasized the importance of setting an example to protect citizens and property, ensuring that city employees are competent and not impaired by drugs or alcohol. - **Evidence:** “Mr. Sanders. Yeah with something of that significance to have the citizens of Freeport realize that we're here to serve them, that we want to do it honorably, we don't want to be under some kind of a hit, I can't say it, I got so I don't have many ways to put it, but we don't want them to feel that we've been hypnotized within our own council to the point where we can't make decisions affirmately because of the state of mind that we're in.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:30:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12609s) - **Recommendation for city review of drug testing policies** - **Summary:** Alderman Huffines suggested the city look very closely into drug testing policies, noting that current procedures are not fully understood. - **Evidence:** “Huffines. Thank you. We should make a move forward with and I think the city should look into it. We should look very closely about it, look into these kinds of things because we don't know.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:31:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12714s) - **Existing drug testing policy for employees** - **Summary:** The Mayor confirmed that the existing city policy already subjects all employees to random air analysis. - **Evidence:** “Doesn't the employee handbook already address that, where they can be drug tested? Yes, Madam Mayor, the policy of the city is that all employees are subject to random air analysis. So it already is in place.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:32:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12749s) - **Goal and outcome of testing for elected officials** - **Summary:** A question was raised regarding the desired outcome if an elected official failed a drug test, as removal from office due to such a failure does not currently happen. - **Evidence:** “So my question, I suppose, to the two of you would be, if this is pointed at an elected official, I mean, drug test me all day long, I don't care. But what's the outcome? What do you want to happen as a result because you can't have someone removed from office because they fail a drug test, it doesn't happen.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:32:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12766s) - **Procedural recommendation for drug testing ordinance review** - **Summary:** A speaker suggested that the topic be put out for discussion and brought to the next reading until the process mechanism is understood. - **Evidence:** “Well, my thing is, it's not open up for discussion with you, Mayor, at this time. We should, we just putting it out there, let the council think about it, talk about it. And John, and I'm going to bring it to the next reading because until we understand how we're going to go through the process of doing this particular thing, this kind of mechanism needs to be put in place.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:33:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12787s) - **Process for implementing drug testing mechanism** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the need to establish a formal process or ordinance for drug testing among city officials and employees. - **Evidence:** “And John, and I'm going to bring it to the next reading because until we understand how we're going to go through the process of doing this particular thing, this kind of mechanism needs to be put in place. Why hasn't it not been put in place is the question. We are not running an honor system that I can detect, which we're supposed to be, but I can't detect it half the time. And the judge of whether or not we should be under that kind of scrutiny.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:33:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12809s) - **Annual drug testing for elected officials and staff** - **Summary:** Alderman Monroe proposed an annual drug test in January for all elected officials and any person taking a seat after being elected to office to maintain transparency. - **Attribution:** Alderman Monroe - **Evidence:** “I think where I was headed with this was as an example as elected officials and directors that you know we would have an annual drug test and that would be my my motion is to move forward with an annual test in January for all elected officials and anybody taking a seat after they've been elected to office” - **Source timestamp:** [03:34:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12860s) - **Scope of drug testing requirement** - **Summary:** Discussion clarifying who would be subject to the proposed annual drug test, including elected officials, directors, and employees. - **Evidence:** “When you say everybody, who are you employing? Elected, you know, all of us sitting in this room at these tables, director level and above, alderman, and mayor, and so forth.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:35:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12943s) - **Legal review of drug testing ordinance** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the need to direct staff to look into drafting an ordinance for the proposed drug testing policy. - **Evidence:** “Your motion, just to clarify though, your motion was just to, is it to basically direct staff to look into this and draft an ordinance?” - **Source timestamp:** [03:35:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12957s) - **Precedent for mandatory drug testing in other communities** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the lack of knowledge about other communities requiring elected officials to be drug tested. - **Evidence:** “I'm unaware again not that on the end all be all there I'm unaware of other communities requiring elected and the officials to be drug tested.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:35:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12957s) - **Drug testing for department heads vs. elected officials** - **Summary:** Discussion comparing the scope of mandatory drug testing, specifically regarding department heads versus all elected officials. - **Evidence:** “I think it's up to the city to decide or the manager to decide when a drug test of department heads might be necessary there. You're saying, you're trying to narrow that scope and say, hey, department heads are going to get drug tested along with every elected official every January 1.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:38:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13098s) - **Consequences of positive drug test result** - **Summary:** Discussion on the potential consequences of a positive drug test, noting it might not automatically mean termination. - **Evidence:** “I wouldn't say you're terminated upon a positive test, but you know, there are those types of things.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:39:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13150s) - **Opposition to mandatory drug testing for aldermen** - **Summary:** Alderman Parker stated opposition to mandating drug testing for aldermen. - **Evidence:** “But drug testing, the alderman, is asinine. I've been drug tested twice, once when I went in the military, once when I become a cop. Other than that, I never have. I'm totally against it, and I'm not going to do it.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:39:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13197s) - **Status of existing policy on drug testing** - **Summary:** Discussion confirming that if the policy is already in place, no new standard is being set. - **Evidence:** “Miller. We're not bringing anything in new, I just want to get that out of everybody's mind. It is something that just has not been activated or been used according to the mayor stating and I, and I think that's a good thing that we got something like that in place, and if you want to object to that, that's on you, but my thing is we're not setting a new standard if it's already in place.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:40:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13209s) - **Investigation into unauthorized disposal of city documents in the Freeport City Cemetery** - **Summary:** Alderman Monroe raised concerns about large amounts of city documents potentially being dumped in holes in the city cemetery between 2010 and 2020, suggesting investigation methods like ground penetrating radar. - **Attribution:** Alderman Monroe - **Evidence:** “Alderman Monroe. Thank you, Madam Mayor. It's come to my attention as an older person for and multiple people now, that there was at some point in time in the 2010 to 2020 range, at least, that there were holes dug in the city's sedimentary and documents were dumped into those holes.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:44:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13457s) - **Investigation into unauthorized disposal of city documents in the Freeport City Cemetery** - **Summary:** Manager Boyer stated that interviews with sextons for the last 20 years indicated no such incident occurred at the cemetery. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Manager Boyer. Thank you, Ms. Olderman. The situation at the cemetery, We interviewed the Sextons for the last 20 years, and both of whom said there was never any incident that of that kind.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:47:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13628s) - **Investigation into unauthorized disposal of city documents in the Freeport City Cemetery** - **Summary:** Alderman Klemm questioned if Monroe could identify the administration or person to contact regarding the alleged document dumping years (10-20). - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm - **Evidence:** “Alderman Klemm? Between 10 and 20, that appears to be a good number of years. Do you have any idea what administration it was or who you could go back to to find out and see?” - **Source timestamp:** [03:47:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13649s) - **Investigation into unauthorized disposal of city documents in the Freeport City Cemetery** - **Summary:** Manager Boyer reiterated that sextons interviewed confirmed no documents matching the description were interred. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “Yes Yes, we looked into it and we interviewed the sextants that were there at the time and they have both said that there was never anything interred in the cemetery matching the description that you made being some kind of documents.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:47:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13666s) - **Cemetery record disposal methods** - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the acceptability of burying documents as a method for disposing of wet cemetery records. - **Evidence:** “I know burial is acceptable when we had wet records from a flood that the shred people would not take them when they were wet although you're not Not implying that, you're just saying that would be a normal correction. That would be a normal correct that's acceptable it's an acceptable method yeah whether this happened or not I don't know but” - **Source timestamp:** [03:48:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13717s) - **Scope of investigation into historical city matters** - **Summary:** Alderman Sanders stated the council is not in a position to investigate issues due to potential bias and noted that any past event could have occurred given Freeport's history. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders yeah I just wanted to say that um we're not in a position to investigate it with the biases that we might be carrying simply because it's in our agenda but you got to and I. I want to remember the city of Freeport was like a revolving door with elected salary positions, officials, many different administrations and things of that nature. So any of the things that are on this agenda could have occurred, but it's not our position to state our opinion on something that we can't validate as council, nor can we say that no one that works for the city has any knowledge about any such things. So we can't say that and for us to not be scrutinizing the whole proposal that was being made about investigating, looking into these kinds of things, for whoever might be objecting to it, don't know the full scope of all the details from the time that it was done or whatever was done, it has just been brought to our attention. We can't just put a date on it.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:49:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13779s) - **Request for source verification regarding investigation** - **Summary:** Miller requested that the opposing party reveal their sources so they could be questioned directly. - **Attribution:** Miller - **Evidence:** “I would just like to respond to that. If you have something you'd like to share with me, I'd be happy to act on it. All in the club. Yeah, I just wanted to say, why don't you reveal your sources and we can go talk to them. So you can put your hands on them like you did me go to the police department, but they won't do it.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:50:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=13859s) - **CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grant for 1010 South Adams Avenue** - **Summary:** Alderman Stacey questioned the approval of an applicant with a total combined real estate portfolio of $312,690 for the CDBG grant. - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacey - **Evidence:** “Through my research, I was able to find that this particular applicant for the 1010 South Adam property has a total combined real estate portfolio of $312,690. Slash is anyone from this city aware of this? If you did, and they were still approved, then shame on you. If you didn't know, and they were still approved, then shame on you. I would think a portfolio of that size would deem them over-asset, or are assets not a part of the determining factor for approval.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:55:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14135s) - **Moratorium on further CDBG grants** - **Summary:** A discussion occurred regarding the motion to place a moratorium on the issuance of any further grants under this program. - **Evidence:** “So you actually have like a motion to basically put like a moratorium on the issuance of any further grants, right, CBGB grants here there. I think we can put it on an agenda, but four so that you can vote on it there. But because we have this just for discussion on here tonight, I don't think we can vote on the motion that you made, because you're actually looking to take actual action as far as placing a moratorium on the issuance of any further grants under this program.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:57:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14272s) - **Eligibility concerns for property owner receiving grant funding** - **Summary:** Concerns were raised regarding the eligibility of an applicant owning multiple properties, specifically questioning if they could receive a $48,000 grant. - **Evidence:** “Because this 1010 property, this family have 10 other properties here in Freeport, plus they have two properties in German Valley. And it is no way that they're eligible for this $48,000.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:58:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14320s) - **Property ownership verification and tax records** - **Summary:** A participant stated that after investigating tax records, the person in question has paid taxes on a total of eight properties as of 2023. - **Evidence:** “As of 2023, the person we're talking about has paid taxes on a total of eight properties.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:59:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14382s) - **Asset vs. Income statement consideration for grant eligibility** - **Summary:** A discussion took place regarding the difference between assets and income statement figures when determining eligibility. - **Evidence:** “owning, you're talking about the difference between assets versus how much money they make on their income statement, and their tax returns.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:00:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14409s) - **Tax Year comparison for income verification** - **Summary:** The discussion confirmed the availability of 2023 income tax records. - **Evidence:** “When I spoke with you last Monday, you stated that you had seen the 2020 income tax. Have you seen the 2023? Yes I saw it today I have it today right I have it right here okay yes I have” - **Source timestamp:** [04:02:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14539s) - **Grant funding allocation fairness** - **Summary:** A participant expressed concern about awarding grant money when other properties in the area appear to be in worse condition. - **Evidence:** “But I just want to say that I'm not going to be giving away this type of grant money when we've got property on these streets that look worse than theirs.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:03:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14581s) - **Grant application scoring system details** - **Summary:** The grant ranking system uses a point-based structure based on factors like owner occupancy duration (10 points for 10+ years, 5 points for 5+ years), housing cost percentage (10 points if 35% or more of income), age (20 points if 62+), disability status (20 points), single head of household (10 points), and large family size (5 points). - **Attribution:** Don - **Evidence:** “Owner occupied for 10 years or longer, you get 10 points for that. Owner occupied for five years or longer, you get five points for that. If you pay 35% or more of your income on your housing, that's 10 points. If you are elderly, 62 or older, you automatically go up 20 points. So that doesn't matter if your house is falling down in the ground. Brown, or if it's brand new, if you're elderly in this grant, you get an extra 20 points. If you're disabled, 20 points. If you're a single head of household, that's 10 points. If you have a large family, five or more, that's five points.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:03:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14600s) - **Grant income verification and asset requirements** - **Summary:** The ranking system focuses on verifying income levels set by the state based on region. Very low income (50 to 30% of median) receives 15 points, while extremely low income (less than 30%) receives 20 points. The system does not grade applications based on the physical condition of the house. - **Attribution:** Don - **Evidence:** “It talks about your income and verifying your income. And based on what region you're in, these income levels are set by the state. It says if you have very low income, which is 50 to 30% of the area's median income, you receive 15 points. If you are extremely low income, which is less than 30% of the area's median income, which is determined by the state, and there's a graph here, you get 20 points. So nowhere in here in this ranking system does it say, well, my house is worse looking than your house.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:04:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14693s) - **Process for grant administration review** - **Summary:** The process was reviewed by an independent organization using a state-identified ranking system, and the speaker stated that the city cannot be accused of favoritism because professionals were hired to administer it. - **Attribution:** Don - **Evidence:** “So when we look at any application, that is how an independent organization reviewed these applications. I think it's very wrong to tell the public that that's how this grant was administered because it was not. When this house was chosen, when it came to council, I asked, why this house? Why this one first? And you talked about that point system and they applied, they're on the list, they qualify, they this, they that.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:05:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14742s) - **Request for understanding of grant administration** - **Summary:** A speaker stated a desire to understand the grant and its point system and requested access to state government information pertaining to the grant from the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). - **Attribution:** Stacey - **Evidence:** “I'm just stating that that is how this grant was. I'm saying I want to understand the grant and I want to understand your little point system and I want access to the state government pertaining to this grant. You could certainly call and ask the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and whatever information they can give you, they will.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:06:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14799s) - **Moratorium on further grants under the program** - **Summary:** A speaker suggested withdrawing a motion to impose a moratorium on issuing any further grants under this application or program until there is a total understanding of how the funds are being administered and if applications were filled out correctly. - **Attribution:** Don - **Evidence:** “All I'm gonna say is you technically made a motion, given the fact that you're gonna have a meeting, do you wanna withdraw your motion just to clean that part up? I really would like to have everything stopped until there's a total understanding on these funds and how they're being administrated. And that the application wasn't filled wrong.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:07:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14834s) - **Future consideration of moratorium motion** - **Summary:** The possibility of putting a motion to impose a moratorium on further grants on the agenda for discussion at a future council meeting was discussed, noting that any two members could request it. - **Attribution:** Don - **Evidence:** “So if you want to consider that that stop then because it was written on here as a discussion at the very next council meeting that can be put on for as a motion to be made and seconded to have basically imposed a moratorium on the issuance of any further grants under this application or under this program. Do we treat that like the last one and take a vote on if it it moves forward to the next council as a no, it's going to move forward.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:07:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14852s) - **Procedure for future agenda item placement** - **Summary:** It was discussed that an item concerning a moratorium could be placed on the next agenda for discussion or as a motion, rather than requiring immediate legal drafting. - **Attribution:** Don - **Evidence:** “So that's basically what I'm suggesting that if Alderman Stacy and another older person want to have that item put on the agenda, they can have it put on the okay. So that would be for discussion. You're not tasking attorney Zito to draw up some thing. Am I correct on that? What I asked for you saying I can't have. Not tonight, because of the heading on the agenda, but it can go on to another agenda. For discussion, how does that change? For the next agenda, it can be, you know, discussion slash, you know, motion or motion to, you know, motion for to instruct, you know, attorney to draft moratorium.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:08:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14903s) - **Agenda placement for discussion** - **Summary:** A suggestion was made that Alderman Stacy and another older person could have an item placed on the agenda for general discussion. - **Evidence:** “So that's basically what I'm suggesting that if Alderman Stacy and another older person want to have that item put on the agenda, they can have it put on the okay. So that would be for discussion.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:08:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14896s) - **Attorney Zito drafting documents** - **Summary:** Clarification was sought regarding whether tasking attorney Zito to draft something is necessary. - **Evidence:** “You're not tasking attorney Zito to draw up some thing. Am I correct on that?” - **Source timestamp:** [04:08:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14903s) - **Future agenda items for discussion** - **Summary:** The speaker clarified the possibility of placing an item on a future agenda for discussion, which could involve motions or instructions to draft a moratorium. - **Evidence:** “What I asked for you saying I can't have. Not tonight, because of the heading on the agenda, but it can go on to another agenda. For discussion, how does that change? For the next agenda, it can be, you know, discussion slash, you know, motion or motion to, you know, motion for to instruct, you know, attorney to draft moratorium.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:08:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14908s) - **Alderman Stacy's phrasing on moratorium** - **Summary:** The speaker stated that the final wording regarding the moratorium would be up to Alderman Stacy. - **Evidence:** “But that's ultimately however Alderman Stacy wants to phrase it, for after moratorium then I'm saying that you don't need to make a motion tonight okay if you want because right we have the rule that says any two aldermen can have something placed on the agenda right” - **Source timestamp:** [04:09:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14943s) - **Voting thresholds and Mayor's vote** - **Summary:** The speaker discussed potential voting outcomes, noting that votes could be five to three or four to four, with the mayor expected to vote for it. - **Evidence:** “but then what if what if December two three more properties come to move forward with a roof or whatever is needed and you could vote against I I mean they were voted, right? You voted against them. Of course. Right. It's going to be five to three or four to four and then the mayor's going to vote and she's going to vote for it.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:09:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=14943s) - **Next meeting schedule check** - **Summary:** A question was raised about the likelihood of activity between now and the first meeting in December. - **Evidence:** “Wayne, do we have, like, is it likely between now and December, the first meeting of December?” - **Source timestamp:** [04:10:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15016s) - **Status of 1010 project** - **Summary:** A halt was reported on 1010, and the speaker confirmed that contractors had stopped work there. - **Evidence:** “So I was told Wednesday that there had been a halt put on 1010. So are you telling me you're moving forward now? 1010 Okay so 1010 the short answer to your question is the contractors not had started work and I told them to stop and they've stopped at 1010” - **Source timestamp:** [04:10:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15045s) - **Reason for stopping 1010 project work** - **Summary:** The speaker explained that after consulting with staff, a property owner meeting, and the consultant, no reason was found to preclude moving forward with the grant, leading the speaker to suggest legal action. - **Evidence:** “I said I can't find anything that would preclude this person from moving forward with the grant. They followed all the rules and I said I can't and our consultant could not find a reason to stop it. But I said and our consultant actually suggested and I agreed, I said if something is going to move forward it's going to have to be legal action, talk to your attorney because I can't see a reason to stop it.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:11:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15082s) - **Impact of stopping projects** - **Summary:** A question was raised about what stopping the process would affect, specifically regarding roof and window replacements. - **Evidence:** “So if we were to stop this, that would stop the people that are getting the roof, that's getting the windows, that's getting all these things.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:12:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15161s) - **Scope of motion to halt CBDG projects** - **Summary:** A clarification was made that a previous vote on halting projects did not pass, and the current motion concerns tasking attorney Zito to halt all CBDG projects. - **Evidence:** “Huffines. That stops 10-10 only. But you took a vote on it and it didn't pass. What you just said for a motion, we haven't voted on it yet. Your motion was to task him to halt all CBDG projects.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:12:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15169s) - **Scope of proposed halt action** - **Summary:** The speaker clarified that the motion under discussion (24 and 25) would stop all related activities. - **Evidence:** “But 24 and 25. It would stop all that.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:13:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15191s) - **Nature of grant funding** - **Summary:** A question was asked whether the funding in question is a state grant. - **Evidence:** “Is this a state grant? Okay, so, pardon me?” - **Source timestamp:** [04:13:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15198s) - **Grant Extension Status** - **Summary:** The grant extension is believed to go until May of '25, with a possibility of another extension if progress continues. - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers - **Evidence:** “So the answer to your question is the grant is currently, I believe the extension goes till May of 26. And I will say that I will say I'm sorry. I'm sorry, May at 25. Feels like time flies when you're having fun. So I would state that in working with the DCEO who administers the State Department, who administers this grant, they said if you continue to show progress, there's a very good chance you'll get another extension in May to bring all the people this aid.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:15:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15301s) - **Door-to-door Qualification Efforts for Grant** - **Summary:** A question was raised about whether staff went door-to-door asking homeowners if they qualified for the grant. - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sellers. Yes, didn't you guys go out and your staff go out door to door in that whole area and ask each one, each homeowner that qualified in that area? My unders, sorry. That, no, I'm just saying, I remember, and John. I don't know if it was, I know it was Kirsten, but I'm saying I don't know if it was people from the NAACP or somebody wanted to help you push and help you promote it and you had enough staff members to go out and you guys went home to home asking people did they want to qualify to be a part of this. Is to help you clarify what happened there.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:15:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15350s) - **Grant Application Process Status** - **Summary:** The grant applications process was already closed when the speaker arrived; only more information was needed from 65 applicants. - **Evidence:** “But the answer to your question is, I had, I had, when I came in, all of the grant applications, the process you're talking about had been done, it was closed. The grant applications were closed. What had been discussed was there was and more information that was needed from the 65 applicants” - **Source timestamp:** [04:16:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15394s) - **Community Development Director Duckman's Work** - **Summary:** The speaker stated they thoroughly disagree with some things said earlier regarding Community Development Director Duckman, asserting he has high honesty and integrity and that there is no reason to doubt his work with grants. - **Evidence:** “I would just like to say that some things were said earlier in the direction of Community Development Director Duckman that I thoroughly disagree with. He has a level of honesty and integrity that I would put second to none and I feel there Miller. There is absolutely no reason to doubt anything that he did with those grants.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:23:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15780s) - **Ordinance Fine Structure Discussion** - **Summary:** The speaker discussed that the ordinance fine structure requested was more than the existing $100 per unit fine, and this higher amount was agreed upon after discussion. - **Evidence:** “So back to speak about number six. I just want you to know that what is on or what was added to the ordinance is even more of a fine than you already have in place of $100 per unit. You currently have a fine of $100 per unit in your ordinance that you're not collecting on or that nothing has been collected on this year. So the request for it to be the way it was when it was presented to you as the ordinance was something that people were discussed with and agreed upon knowing that it was more than what was already in the ordinance as it stands today.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:25:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15924s) - **Government Program Asset Consideration Concern** - **Summary:** The speaker expressed concern that government financial help programs should consider applicants' assets, noting they have never heard of a program that does not require this consideration. They plan to research the grant thoroughly. - **Evidence:** “Next. I'm not here to accuse anybody of any wrongdoing. I think that everybody does their best and I don't think that any one person knows everything. But what in my experience every government program that's offering financial help always considers assets. I've never heard of this. Now I believe that the community development director probably did hand out the applications and he looked at them and to the best of his ability he complied with all the rules. But what I want to do, I'm going to research this grant thoroughly and find out actually are they seriously not considering a person's assets? Every program I'm familiar with, healthcare, housing, every government program, they want to know what your assets are.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:26:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15995s) - **Rental Registration Ordinance Focus** - **Summary:** The speaker brought attention back to the overall rental registration ordinance, noting that after definitions, the immediate first implication is required registration. - **Evidence:** “I just find Miller, Nealey Erickson, Alderman Klemm, Huffines. I want to bring back to your attention the overall rental registration ordinance because it's a larger animal and after the definitions the immediate first implication on your ordinance is required registration.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:28:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=16115s) - **Rental Registration Ordinance Implications** - **Summary:** The ordinance requires property owners/landlords to register properties and prohibits renting without registration. - **Evidence:** “Property owners, landlords in your community cannot rent to tenants unless their properties are registered. And so we recognize that there are.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:28:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=16137s) - **Fee Structure Design for Compliance** - **Summary:** The fee structure was designed to ensure compliance and protect tenants without placing the entire burden on property owners. - **Evidence:** “And when we were discussing the fee structure, we designed the fee structure to ensure compliance and protect your contendence exactly from what you said, Alder Woman Sellers, Sanders, and that we wanted to make sure that they did not take the brunt of the overall burdensome of that fee, because you have to remember, if the property owner can't pay the fee, they then cannot register the property, and what is the tenant supposed to do?” - **Source timestamp:** [04:29:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=16145s) - **Budget and Capital Budget Status** - **Summary:** The budget work was described as remarkable, and the capital budget project is considered doable. - **Evidence:** “Anyway, the job on the budget has been pretty remarkable. A lot of work went into it... The capital budget project that he put together is a doable thing.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:33:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=16401s) - **Mayor's alleged fault for problems in Pecktown** - **Summary:** The speaker stated that all the problems over in Pecktown were the Mayor's fault because he directed all the work. - **Evidence:** “Yeah, but all those problems over in Pecktown were the Mayor's fault. They were all his fault. He directed all that work. He did all of it.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:36:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=16603s) - **Consultant status and job scope** - **Summary:** The speaker discussed being a consultant and questioned what that had to do with the current situation. - **Evidence:** “We're the next consultant, what does that have to do with it?” - **Source timestamp:** [04:38:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=16700s) - **Financial amounts mentioned** - **Summary:** A figure of nine million dollars was mentioned in relation to an event involving the Irish community. - **Evidence:** “Just nine million dollars, who would have thought? They had the Irish right there.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:40:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=16839s) - **Ability to change procedures** - **Summary:** The discussion centered on whether it is possible to change the way things are done regarding certain processes. - **Evidence:** “To understand if these are the ways to do that, is it possible for us to change the way we do things?” - **Source timestamp:** [04:45:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17109s) - **Pocket money/funds allocation** - **Summary:** The speaker stated that 'the pocket' was going into the company's pocket. - **Evidence:** “The pocket is going into the company's pocket.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:47:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17231s) - **Playing by rules and changing regulations** - **Summary:** A discussion occurred regarding people playing the rules and the difficulty of changing them. - **Evidence:** “Well, I hate to say it, but this is gonna sound sick, but you can't blame people for playing the rules Goodman. Right? Well, right. I mean, seriously. They're just playing the game.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:47:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17231s) - **Changing rules and limitations** - **Summary:** The speaker noted that changing the rules was not possible. - **Evidence:** “As you can see, to change the rules for that, the answer is no. Okay.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:47:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17252s) - **Future changes and initiatives** - **Summary:** A participant expressed a desire to make a long-desired change. - **Evidence:** “I feel like it's more, I mean, honestly, I have been trying to do this, I have been trying to do this for a long time, but it's really been a change that I've always wanted to make.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:48:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17294s) - **Staffing and funding constraints** - **Summary:** The speaker mentioned the need for more money because there wasn't enough funding available. - **Evidence:** “That's what I would be. Would have to be, because we don't have enough funding to say we can do some research, so we got to have a lot of money so they won't dig into us.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:51:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17484s) - **Total financial impact of Fraternal Order of Police contract** - **Summary:** The total impact on the city for this, if this were to go through this room, is approximately a million and a half dollars. - **Evidence:** “City Manager Boyer, what is the total impact on the city for this, if this were to go through this room? Approximately a million and a half dollars.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:57:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17879s) - **Upcoming contracts discussion** - **Summary:** The council discussed upcoming contracts, noting AFSCME and fire following that. - **Evidence:** “And we still have yet how many more contracts to discuss? We don't have any this year. But what contracts, how many contracts do we have coming up? Well we have AFSCME coming up and then fire following that.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:58:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17888s) - **Attendance confirmation for council members** - **Summary:** Confirmation regarding Alderman Klemm's attendance and Rachel Simmons' absence. - **Evidence:** “Oh I'm Sorry, I didn't see you, Alderman Klemm. I'm sorry? Rachel's not here. She's coming.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:58:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17888s) ## Public Comment - **Agenda Length Concern** - **Summary:** A concern was raised regarding the excessive length of the agenda (405 pages), which hinders aldermen's ability to read, understand, and represent constituents. - **Evidence:** “My concern is if I got an agenda that was 405 pages long of minutes, contracts, memos, leases, item after item, I know this is a bigger one than usual, but I cannot imagine an alderman trying to read all of that from Friday until now, not just to read all of that, but to read all of that. Reed, but to know it to understand it to talk with my constituents to be able to figure out should I be in favor of it should I not this is a disservice this is a disservice to the aldermen this is a disservice to the constituents that they represent and again I would want to return to you will have an opportunity you the aldermen can change this there's no willingness by the city manager but you have the you have the power to change this and make it so that you get and the board of trustees.” - **Source timestamp:** [07:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=454s) - **Leasing a vehicle for $1 from senior center** - **Summary:** A speaker questioned the process of leasing a vehicle for $1, asking if council members understand associated costs like maintenance and insurance, and whether funding is transparent. - **Evidence:** “I know that you're going to have a $1 lease of a vehicle from the senior citizens, or no, senior center. The city would lease it for $1. So I just happen to ask an older person, well, do you know when you lease it for $1, do you know what you're getting into? Do you know the other costs?” - **Source timestamp:** [11:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=666s) - **Funding transparency for leased vehicle** - **Summary:** A speaker requested clarity on where funds for a $1 leased vehicle come from and how taxpayer money might be affected. - **Evidence:** “So my question really is, wouldn't you wanna know like what budget it's gonna come from and if the resources are already there? ... But I think as older people, and when I ask a question, do you know how much it's gonna cost me as a taxpayer to, you know, are you gonna increase my taxes So you can pay for the cost on this $1 leased vehicle.” - **Source timestamp:** [12:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=739s) - **Grant spending criteria for house rehab** - **Summary:** A speaker questioned the expenditure of $48,000 to fix up a specific house at 1010 Adams, suggesting a need for clearer criteria when other properties appear in poor condition. - **Evidence:** “The other concern I had was there is going to be a discussion on a grant that was being offered to rehab on a house at 1010 Adams and grants are great. And others. So I'm thinking, why are we spending $48,000 to fix up that house when all the other ones look so bad and probably, you know, do we have any criteria? This person who's getting his house fixed up also, I have been told, owns 12 other properties.” - **Source timestamp:** [13:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=790s) - **Support for changes to agenda item number six** - **Summary:** The speaker has no opposition to the proposed changes for agenda item number six and requests that this change be communicated on the city's upcoming newsletter. - **Attribution:** Ashley Heilman - **Evidence:** “Hello, everyone. I am here this evening to speak with no opposition for the changes presented this evening for agenda item number six. I want to first thank Doug with the community development for working with me to address Boyer. I would like to thank the city manager for reaching out to us for feedback and suggestions to the changes presented this evening. My hope is going forward that the continued open dialogue with this registry will help the city as well as the landlords. With an open line of communication, it can only make things better. The one ask that I have is please make sure that this change is communicated on the newsletter that is going out in the coming months from the city. Thank you again and I have no opposition to the changes presented this evening. Thank you.” - **Source timestamp:** [17:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1038s) - **Support for property rental registration program changes** - **Summary:** The speaker, representing Illinois Realtors, has no opposition to the ordinance regarding the property rental registration program and supports enhanced penalties, while stressing that consistent follow-up and enforcement are essential. They noted that late fees can have an indirect impact on tenants. - **Attribution:** Neely Erickson - **Evidence:** “Good evening Mayor Miller and thank you for allowing me this moment to speak with the honorable council members. My name is Neely Erickson and I am the government affairs director for Illinois Realtors. I am here today on behalf of the 1,300 members of the Northwest Illinois Alliance of Realtors. We appreciate the discussion being held tonight regarding the proposed changes to the property rental registration program. We acknowledge the City's efforts to collaborate with stakeholders, including our members, to address concerns and develop a framework aimed at improving compliance with registration requirements and addressing problem properties. We have no opposition to the ordinance. We recognize that the enhanced penalties for noncompliance are intended to encourage greater participation in the program, which is the ordinance's goal. The success of the ordinance will rely on the City's commitment to active enforcement. While mailing notifications to suspected rental properties is a step forward, consistent follow-up and enforcement will be essential to bring these properties into compliance. We stand ready to assist in these efforts and collaborate with the City to ensure the program's effectiveness to minimize the unintended consequences to the housing providers who who are complying with the law, which is 33%. The ordinance employs late fees as a penalty for non-compliance, but structures them in a way that encourages timely adherence. This approach is significant as these fees can unfortunately have indirect impact on tenants. Thank you again for the opportunity to provide comments and to your thoughtful consideration on this matter.” - **Source timestamp:** [19:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1146s) - **Permitting for lawn care services** - **Summary:** A resident stated they would appreciate the cleanup of their lawn, noting that grandchildren or friends mowing lawns do not require a permit. - **Attribution:** Alderman Parker - **Evidence:** “No, i'd appreciate Aaron cleaning it up, because I'm getting too dang old to mow my lawn and so my grandkids or their friends come over and mow my lawn. They don't have to have no permit. No.” - **Source timestamp:** [02:13:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=7992s) - **Concerns about Property Value Reduction from Demolition** - **Summary:** The commenter stated that tearing down garages instead of repairing them has decreased property values. - **Evidence:** “When they came in and investigated some garages in my neighborhood that were bad, which I kind of pointed to the fact, rather than repair the garages, they tore them down. All of a sudden, my property values are less, not more.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:32:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=16339s) - **Property Tax Management Suggestion** - **Summary:** The commenter suggested that managing property well could help keep local property taxes down. - **Evidence:** “if we can get our property taxes up in my neighborhood, it should reduce the property taxes in the other areas as well. So we need to manage our property as well as we can.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:33:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=16389s) ## Proclamations and Recognitions - **Support groups for Freeport's Bird City status** - **Summary:** The speaker thanked several groups for their support in meeting the criteria for Bird City. In 2021, Freeport met 18 criteria; this year, it met 29 criteria. - **Evidence:** “On behalf of the Northwest Illinois Audubon Society who led this charge and donated the application fee, I want to thank the city, the Freeport Park District, the Freeport Public Library, University of Illinois Extension, Jane Addams Land Park Foundation, Freeport Student Garden, Environmental Study Group, Park Hills Golf Course, and Bluebird Monitoring Volunteers, and the Pretzel Pickers. In 2021, Freeport met 18 criteria. But this year, thanks to these groups, Freeport met 29 criteria.” - **Source timestamp:** [09:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=598s) ## Follow-ups - **Market Survey for Neighboring Airports** - **Summary:** Staff anticipates having a market survey completed by the first meeting in December for neighboring communities with airports approximately the same size. - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer - **Evidence:** “And in addition to that, we anticipate having a market survey completed by the first meeting December for neighboring communities with airports approximately the same size in case that is a point of concern which was expressed last summer. So staff recommends moving forward with this lease.” - **Source timestamp:** [21:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=1304s) - **Contract recommendation for 748 East Center Street rehabilitation services** - **Summary:** Staff recommends issuing a contract to CMM and Associates in the amount of $54,775 for the Construction Rehabilitation Services at 748 East Center Street. - **Evidence:** “Staff recommends issuing a contract to CMM and Associates in the amount of $54,775 for the Construction Rehabilitation Services at 748 East Center Street.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:05:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=11125s) - **Definition of native species in council packet** - **Summary:** Mayor Boyer stated that a definition of native species would be provided with the council packet before the next meeting. - **Evidence:** “We can provide that for you with the council packet before the next meeting. This isn't voting.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:25:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12342s) - **Independent inspections schedule** - **Summary:** The speaker stated they needed to double-check the schedule regarding independent inspections. - **Evidence:** “I'll double check to see where we're at on those independent inspections.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:10:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15016s) - **1010 South project status** - **Summary:** The speaker confirmed instructing the contractors to halt work on 1010 South until further clarification. - **Evidence:** “For 1010 Southat, I've told them to stop. Until it's figured out.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:11:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=15118s) ## Attendance - **Roll Call Attendance** - **Summary:** Mayor Miller, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers were present for the roll call. - **Evidence:** “Mayor Miller? Alderpersons, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers here.” - **Source timestamp:** [05:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=320s) - **Council Member Attendance Check** - **Summary:** Attendance was taken for several council members. - **Evidence:** “Alderpersons, Klemm? Monroe? Simmons? Oh, I am so sorry, I'm not watching. Parker? Here. Stacy? Here. Shadle? Here. Sanders? Here. And Sellers? Here.” - **Source timestamp:** [04:56:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=17786s) ## Other - **Voting on award items** - **Summary:** The vote was taken regarding two items for Klechner and seven items for Fisher excavating. - **Evidence:** “So what you're voting on, what you would be voting on, is two of them are for Klechner and nine of them are for, two of them are for Klechner, seven of them are for Fisher excavating.” - **Source timestamp:** [03:21:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGMhvKv3Gkc&t=12109s)