# Meeting Events

Meeting: `flqwqdlakdi.city_council_meeting_1-21-25`

Meeting date: `2025-01-21`

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 Items 8 and 23 Removal** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion to approve the removal of agenda items 8 and 23 for a later date.
  - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  - **Evidence:** “All those in favor? I have a question. Why are we removing 8 and 23? Staff requests? Not ready? Do you want Manager Boyer? ... All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? No. That's seven to one.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=171s)

- **Approval of Agenda Item 30 Removal**
  - **Summary:** Motion to remove agenda item 30.
  - **Evidence:** “Did he also say 30? I did, yes. You said 30.30, because there wasn't anything that was brought up for discussion.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=238s)

- **Approval of Minutes from January 6th, 2025 Meeting** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on January 6th, 2025.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number two is the approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on January 6th, 2025. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second.”
  - **Evidence:** “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [04:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=278s)

- **Tasking attorney with comment blocking review**
  - **Summary:** Motion to task the attorney to look into the legality of blocking comments on government platforms.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Monroe
  - **Evidence:** “So we were involved, all of us, in that decision to discuss it further, which led to a, hey, let's review it further. As far as the legality that does fall under Aaron or Attorney Zito, as far as the knowledge on On my end, I have seen many communities put forth guidelines to where no comments at all are allowed, and I have reached out to them specifically and they have permission from their attorney. So, we have a motion on the floor.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [51:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3115s)

- **Approval of consent agenda** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion to approve the consent agenda.
  - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda?”
  - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? So moved. Second.”
  - **Evidence:** “Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The consent agenda is approved, 8-0.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [54:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3253s)

- **Second reading of Ordinance 2025-02 (NICOR Gas)**
  - **Summary:** Motion following discussion on NICOR's request to renew gas service agreement.
  - **Evidence:** “Is there any further discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye.”
  - **Evidence:** “Klemm? Aye.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [57:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3479s)

- **NICOR agreement renewal vote** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The ordinance passes 8-0.
  - **Evidence:** “Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The ordinance passes 8-0.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [57:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3479s)

- **Approval of solar interconnection ordinance section**
  - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Shadle to approve the 6-0 vote on the solar interconnection portion of the ordinance.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Shadle
  - **Evidence:** “We wanna make sure We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle to approve the approval of a 6-0 vote of 6-0 and staff is recommending moving this forward. Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:01:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3718s)

- **Amending the proposed fee increase amount**
  - **Summary:** Motion made to change the increase from $150 to a flat $100 (a $50 increase).
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacy
  - **Evidence:** “I would just like to make a motion that we take this to a flat 100, a $50 increase, and not the $150 that was recommended.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:26:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5206s)

- **Motion to change fee increase from $150 to $100** — Failed
  - **Summary:** Vote on the motion made by Alderman Stacy.
  - **Evidence:** “Aldermen, Stacy, I believe you've already spoken twice. ... So we've talked about this at a COW. We've got this, and it's Alderman Stacey and Alderman Sellers that have put this forward Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, We are tied at four to four. Mayor? No. That motion fails. Four to five.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:30:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5409s)

- **Move forward on Special Use Permit (Ordinance 2025-05)** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion to move the special use permit application forward.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers, Alderman Klemm, Madam Clerk
  - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to move this forward? So move. Second. There will be a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  - **Evidence:** “We wanted the rules for you. And who made that motion? Second. Alderman Klemm seconded by alderman Sellers to suspend the rules.”
  - **Evidence:** “Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. The suspension of the rules passes eight to zero.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:35:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5700s)

- **Final Passage of Special Use Permit (Ordinance 2025-05)** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The ordinance passed.
  - **Attribution:** Madam Clerk
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. Hi. The ordinance passes 8 to 0.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:35:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5759s)

- **Move forward on Special Use Permit (Ordinance 2025-06)** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion to move the second special use permit application forward.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm, Alderman Monroe, Mayor
  - **Evidence:** “Motion to move it forward. So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers to move this ordinance forward.”
  - **Evidence:** “Did you want this you said you did not care about this being moved for the suspension there's no there's not been a request for suspension the rules madam mayor yes this this would affect me in issuing their liquor license however if we did the outdoor later I'd have to issue it twice and and read motion to suspend the rules mayor second”
  - **Evidence:** “second we have a motion to spend the rules by alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Sellers?”
  - **Evidence:** “We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers to move this ordinance forward.”
  - **Evidence:** “Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Absent. Oh, I am so sorry. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The suspension passes seven to zero.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:37:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5866s)

- **Final passage of ordinance 2025-06** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Vote on the final passage of Ordinance 2025-06.
  - **Attribution:** Mayor
  - **Evidence:** “Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Well, she's still absent. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. And the ordinance passes seven to zero.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:37:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5876s)

- **Move Ordinance 2025-07 forward (Variance at 207 West Empire Street)**
  - **Summary:** Motion to move the variance application ordinance forward.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm
  - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to move this forward? Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:41:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6071s)

- **Ordinance 2020,508 amendments to Liquor Code**
  - **Summary:** Motion to move ordinance 2020,508 forward to second reading.
  - **Evidence:** “staff requests you to move this forward to second reading. Is there such a motion? So moved.”
  - **Evidence:** “We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:44:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6299s)

- **Ordinance approving airport hangar M2 lease with Kelsey Excavating**
  - **Summary:** Seconding of the motion to approve the lease.
  - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to approve? So move.”
  - **Evidence:** “Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Parker.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:45:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6353s)

- **Suspension of Rules for Hangar Lease Approval** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Klemm to suspend the rules.
  - **Evidence:** “make motion for suspension second you have a motion to suspend the rules made by Alderman Klemm seconded by Alderman Sellers”
  - **Evidence:** “madam clerk would you please take the role in the suspension only Klemm aye Monroe aye Simmons Parker aye Stacy Shadle Sanders and Sellers aye the suspension of the rules passes eight to zero”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:46:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6370s)

- **Hangar Lease Approval under New Format** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Vote on approving the hangar lease under the new format passed 8 to 0.
  - **Evidence:** “And the hanger lease under the new format is approved, 8 to 0.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:47:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6423s)

- **Suspension of the rules vote** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The motion to suspend the rules was passed by two-thirds majority.
  - **Attribution:** Madam Clerk
  - **Evidence:** “Thank you make motion for suspension second you have a motion to suspend the rules made by Alderman Klemm seconded by Alderman Sellers again must pass by two-thirds majority madam clerk would you please take the role in the suspension only Klemm aye Monroe aye Simmons Parker aye Stacy Shadle Sanders and Sellers aye the suspension of the rules passes eight to zero”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:46:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6370s)

- **Hanger lease approval** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The hanger lease under the new format was approved.
  - **Evidence:** “And the hanger lease under the new format is approved, 8 to 0.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:47:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6423s)

- **Adoption of resolution approving memorandum of agreement between the city and AFSCME to create the position of instrument and control technician slash electrician**
  - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Sellers for the adoption of resolution 2025-01.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers
  - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to adopt Alderman Sellers? Second. Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Parker for the adoption of resolution 2025-01.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:48:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6484s)

- **Roll call vote on unspecified measure** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Vote tally for an unspecified resolution or action item.
  - **Evidence:** “Klemm? Aye. Monroe? No. Simmons? Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. And Sellers? Aye. The resolution passes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to 3.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:53:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6823s)

- **Adoption of resolution 2025-04 (FOP PEP)**
  - **Summary:** A motion was made to adopt the resolution approving the MOU with FOP regarding PEP.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm
  - **Evidence:** “At the last council meeting, we did have a motion to adopt this resolution made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Parker, so we don't need to do that again.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:55:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6925s)

- **Approval of payment for emergency board up services**
  - **Summary:** A motion was made by Alderman Seller to approve remittance of payment to NICAM construction for the emergency board up at 1300 South Street.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Seller
  - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to approve? So move. Second. A motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:57:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7067s)

- **Approval of payment to NICAM construction for emergency board up at 1300 South Street**
  - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Seller and seconded by Alderman Shadle to approve remittance payment to NICAM construction.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Seller
  - **Evidence:** “A motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:57:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7067s)

- **Adoption of resolution 20-25-06: Approval of Lexipol invoice for subscription material** — Adopted
  - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Klemm and seconded by Alderman Shadle to adopt the resolution approving the Lexipol invoice.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm, City Council
  - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  - **Evidence:** “Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. And that resolution is adopted 8-0.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:51:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10304s)

- **Adoption of resolution 202507** — Adopted
  - **Summary:** Motion to adopt item number 19, resolution 202507.
  - **Attribution:** Procedural, City Council
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 19 is the adoption of resolution 202507, please read this.”
  - **Evidence:** “And that resolution is adopted 8-0.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:03:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7437s)

- **Adoption of resolution regarding Lexapol KMS funding** — Adopted
  - **Summary:** A motion to adopt was made by Alderman Klemm and seconded by Alderman Shadle.
  - **Evidence:** “We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  - **Evidence:** “Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. And that resolution is adopted 8-0.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:03:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7412s)

- **Adoption of Accounts Payable Automation Module Purchase** — Adopted
  - **Summary:** A motion to adopt was made by Alderman Sellers and seconded by Alderman Parker.
  - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to adopt? So move. Second. A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Parker.”
  - **Evidence:** “There's no further discussion and please take the role. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:07:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7651s)

- **Adoption of Fehr Graham Master Service Contract Resolution**
  - **Summary:** Motion to approve the resolution for the master service contract.
  - **Evidence:** “so with that I would request council approve this resolution is there a motion to adopt second motion may be Alderman Sellers seconded by Alderman Klemm”
  - **Review flags:** unattached_motion_request
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:10:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7844s)

- **Calling the question on resolution adoption** — Failed
  - **Summary:** A motion was made to call the question regarding adopting a resolution.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm, Clerk
  - **Evidence:** “And I call the question. I, um. Well, I have to ask for a procedure here, what am I doing? Oh, if, that's cool, that's cool. Are you, Alderman Klemm, are you making a motion to call the question?”
  - **Evidence:** “Klemm? Aye. Monroe? No. Simmons? No. Parker? Yes. Stacy? No. Shadle? Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. One, two, three, we only have four in favor so that fails.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:34:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=9242s)

- **Adoption of Fehr Graham Master Service Engineering Agreement** — Adopted
  - **Summary:** The resolution was adopted with a vote tally of 6-2.
  - **Evidence:** “The resolution is adopted 6-2.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:40:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=9631s)

- **Approval of Public Works Professional Related Assistance**
  - **Summary:** Staff recommended that City Council approve the public works professional related assistance.
  - **Evidence:** “So recommendation, Staff recommend city council approve the public works professional related assistance. Is there a motion to adopt?”
  - **Review flags:** unattached_motion_request
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:41:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=9713s)

- **Public Works Master Service Agreement approval**
  - **Summary:** Motion to adopt the Public Works Master Service Agreement.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm
  - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second. There will be a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”

- **Adoption of resolution 2025-10: Stormwater inspections agreement** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The resolution was adopted with a vote tally.
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Stay. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders is absent. Sellers? Aye. The resolution is is adopted 601.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:51:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10312s)

- **Resolution adoption for Item number 24** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Klemm and seconded by Alderman Shadle regarding the resolution.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm, City Council
  - **Evidence:** “We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion? Point of point of correction are $5,500.”
  - **Evidence:** “Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Stay. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders is absent. Sellers? Aye. The resolution is is adopted 601.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:51:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10304s)

- **Adjournment of Meeting** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion to adjourn the meeting.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers, Council Body
  - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  - **Evidence:** “All those in favor? Aye.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:08:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=11300s)

## Procedural Actions

- **Call to Order**
  - **Summary:** The meeting was officially called to order.
  - **Evidence:** “Now we'll officially call this meeting to order.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=97s)

- **Withdrawal of motion regarding comment blocking**
  - **Summary:** A withdrawal of the motion concerning comments on government platforms.
  - **Evidence:** “If there's no further discussion on that, Madam Mayor, I'll withdraw that motion on the grounds that I'll seek other means to address it. Alderman Stacy? I withdraw.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [52:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3152s)

- **Moving discussion to next meeting**
  - **Summary:** Discussion on whether the matter should be moved to the next City Council meeting.
  - **Evidence:** “So are we ready to move this on to the next City Council meeting? No. We have that motion.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:30:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5409s)

- **First reading of ordinance 2020,508 amending Liquor Code chapters 608 and 806**
  - **Summary:** The first reading of the ordinance was called to order.
  - **Evidence:** “Move on to item number 13 the first reading of ordinance 2020,508 would you please read this ordinance amending chapters 608 and 806 of the Liquor Code”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:43:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6196s)

- **First reading of ordinance 2025-09 approving airport hangar M2 lease**
  - **Summary:** The first reading of the ordinance approving the lease for Hangar M2 with Kelsey Excavating was called to order.
  - **Evidence:** “Move on to item number 14, which is the first reading of ordinance 2025-09. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving airport hangar M2 lease with Kelsey Excavating.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:45:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6313s)

- **Adoption of resolution 2025-01**
  - **Summary:** Moving on to item number 15, which is the adoption of resolution 2025-01.
  - **Evidence:** “We move on to item number 15, which is the adoption of resolution 2025-01.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:47:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6431s)

- **Adoption of resolution 2025-04 regarding FOP health plan**
  - **Summary:** The council considered Item number 16: the adoption of resolution 2025-04, approving a memorandum of understanding with the fraternal order of police (FOP) regarding post-employment health plan or PEP.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 16 is the adoption of resolution 2025-04. Could you please read this? Resolution approving memorandum of understanding with the fraternal order of police regarding post-employment health plan or PEP.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:53:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6834s)

- **Roll call for Item number 16**
  - **Summary:** A roll call was taken after discussion on the FOP PEP resolution.
  - **Evidence:** “Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:55:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6936s)

- **Adoption of resolution 2020,505 (Board Up)**
  - **Summary:** The council addressed Item number 17: the adoption of resolution 2020,505 ratifying emergency board up at 1300 East South Street.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 17 is the adoption of resolution 2020,505. Could you please read this? Resolution ratifying emergency board up of 1300 East South Street by NYCAM construction.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:55:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6942s)

- **Procedural process refinement**
  - **Summary:** The speaker stated that the current situation is a tuning or refinement process and expressed full support for it.
  - **Evidence:** “So I think this is a kind of a little bit of a tuning of the system right now. It's the addition of something we need that has come essentially to our attention that it really could be streamlined if we were able to do that. So I would just submit to you that this is actually more of an evolutionary process, a refinement process, and I think it's a I support it fully.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:08:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7701s)

- **Roll Call Vote on Procedural Matter**
  - **Summary:** A roll call was taken for procedural confirmation.
  - **Evidence:** “Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Sanders is absent. Sellers? Aye.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:08:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7701s)

- **Calling the roll on calling the question**
  - **Summary:** The clerk was asked to call the roll on the motion to call the question.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm
  - **Evidence:** “So Madam Clerk, could you please call the roll on calling the question?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:34:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=9261s)

- **Adoption of resolution 2025-10: Stormwater inspections agreement**
  - **Summary:** A motion was made to adopt Resolution approving Fehr Graham agreement to provide Alberta's airport stormwater inspections and reports.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 22 is the adoption of resolution 2025-10. Could you please read this? Resolution approving Fehr Graham agreement to provide Alberta's airport stormwater inspections and reports. ... So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:51:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10265s)

## Ordinances and Resolutions

- **Temporary closure of streets for Memorial Day Parade**
  - **Summary:** Adoption of resolution 2025-11 requesting temporary closure of streets for the annual Memorial Day Parade.
  - **Evidence:** “and the adoption of resolution for resolution 2025-11 for resolution requesting temporary closure of streets for the annual Memorial Day Parade.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [53:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3216s)

- **Northern Illinois Gas Company gas distributing system construction**
  - **Summary:** Second reading of Ordinance 2025-02 authorizing Northern Illinois Gas Company doing business as NICOR Gas Company to construct, operate, and maintain a gas distributing system in and through the city of Freeport.
  - **Evidence:** “We'll move on to item number seven, which is the second reading of Ordinance 2025-02. Could you please read this for the record? Ordinance authorizing Northern Illinois Gas Company doing business as NICOR Gas Company to construct, operate, and maintain a gas distributing system in and through the city of Freeport.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [56:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3415s)

- **First reading of Ordinance regarding Building and Housing Code updates**
  - **Summary:** Item number 9 is the first reading of Ordinance and regarding Part 14, Building and Housing Code, Chapter 1442.14, Increasing Plumbing Permit Fees and Adding, Chapter 1477.14, Solar Interconnection Types.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 9 is the first reading of Ordinance and regarding Part 14, Building and Housing Code, Chapter 1442.14, Increasing Plumbing Permit Fees and Adding, Chapter 1477.14, Solar Interconnection Types.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [58:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3499s)

- **Adoption of resolution approving memorandum of agreement between the city and AFSCME to create the position of instrument and control technician slash electrician** — Approved
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding Resolution 2025-01, which approves a memorandum of agreement between the city and AFSCME to create the position of instrument and control technician slash electrician.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “We move on to item number 15, which is the adoption of resolution 2025-01. Could you please read this? Resolution approving memorandum of agreement between the city and AFSCME to create the position of instrument and control technician slash electrician one. Manager Boyer. Thank Your Honor. As previously discussed at the Committee of the Whole, staffs identified the need for a stair-step grade 15 to allow individuals from within the city utility to be able to apply for a future position within the maintenance department, ultimately ending at a grade 17.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:47:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6431s)

- **Adoption of resolution 202507 for ENCODE module purchase** — Approved
  - **Summary:** Item number 19 concerns the adoption of resolution 202507, which approves the purchase of an ENCODE module for accounts payable automation.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 19 is the adoption of resolution 202507, please read this. Resolution approving purchase of ENCODE module for accounts payable automation.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:03:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7437s)

- **Adoption of Resolution 20-2508: Fehr Graham master service contract for 2025** — Adopted
  - **Summary:** The resolution approving the Fehr Graham master service contract for 2025 was adopted with a vote of 7-0.
  - **Evidence:** “The resolution is adopted, 7-0. Item number 20 is the adoption of resolution 20-2508, could you please read this? Resolution approving Fehr Graham master service contract for 2025.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:09:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7768s)

- **Adoption of Fehr Graham Master Service Engineering Agreement** — Adopted
  - **Summary:** The resolution approving the Fehr Graham master service contract for public works service for 2025 was adopted.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 21 is the adoption of resolution 2025-09. Could you please read this? Resolution approving Fehr Graham master service contract for public works service for 2025.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:40:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=9631s)

## Financial and Contract Events

- **Lexapol KMS annual subscription cost**
  - **Summary:** The annual subscription for Lexapol KMS is $15,180.52 and is included in the fiscal year 2025 PD budget underlying item 101-151-6150.
  - **Evidence:** “The annual subscription for Lexapol KMS is $15,180.52. This cost is included in the fiscal year 2025 PD budget underlying item 101-151-6150.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:03:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7387s)

- **Accounts Payable Automation Module purchase cost**
  - **Summary:** The finance department staff requested approval to purchase the accounts payable automation module for $11,838 annually with a 250 implementation cost.
  - **Evidence:** “The finance department staff request approval to purchase the accounts payable automation module that is just a piece, a new piece of Tyler Encode at the quoted price of $11,838 annually with a 250 implementation cost.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:07:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7628s)

- **Cost comparison for Public Works Director role**
  - **Summary:** The total cost of services from Fehr Graham is $100,000 on a time and material basis, which represents cost savings compared to hiring a full-time director position estimated at $130,000 or more.
  - **Evidence:** “The total cost of these services is $100,000 on a time and material basis and is billed as needed as the city manager or department directors require. So this contract represents cost savings to the city. A public works director hired position with full salary and benefits with compensation would be essentially $130,000 or more.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:41:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=9713s)

- **Revenue returned to the city from fees**
  - **Summary:** Over $100,000 in permit and civil review fees are returned to the city daily through work done by contractors and trucking companies.
  - **Evidence:** “There's probably over $100,000 in permit and civil review fees that get returned to the city for the work that we do every day through contractors, trucking companies, things like that”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:49:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10196s)

## Projects

- **VHF Radio Network Replacement** — Approved
  - **Summary:** The Emergency Telephone Systems Board approved the purchase of a complete VHF radio network replacement project with a total cost of more than $120,000, which is being completed at no cost to the city.
  - **Attribution:** Emergency Telephone Systems Board
  - **Evidence:** “And the Emergency Telephone Systems Board approved the purchase of a complete VHF radio network replacement. This project would have a total cost of more than $120,000, but is being completed at no No cost to the city.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [33:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2007s)

## Appointments

- **Reappointment of Steve Cox to the Board of the Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone**
  - **Summary:** Reappointment of Steve Cox to the Board of the Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone for a three-year term effective through December 31, 2027.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 6 is a reappointment. Could you please read this? Reappointment of Steve Cox to the Board of the Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone for a three-year term effective through December 31, 2027.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [54:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3268s)

## Presentations and Reports

- **Year in Review: Public Works Accomplishments**
  - **Summary:** In 2024, crews laid 15,221 tons of hot-mix asphalt and paved over seven and a half miles of streets.
  - **Evidence:** “In a record-setting 2024, crews laid 15,221 tons of hot-mix asphalt, paving over seven and a half miles of streets.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [06:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=386s)

- **Year in Review Presentation**
  - **Summary:** The Year in Review presentation was given by Director Bridge.
  - **Attribution:** Director Bridge
  - **Evidence:** “The agenda item that we're talking about right now is the year in review. It's being presented by Director Bridge.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [11:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=683s)

- **Water and Sewer Strategic Goals Achievements**
  - **Summary:** Strategic goals included securing funding for well number 12, implementing phase one of wastewater treatment plan improvements, and planning future phases.
  - **Evidence:** “Before I move on from water and sewer, a couple highlights from their strategic goals was to secure funding for well number 12. That happened. Implement phase one of the wastewater treatment plan improvements and plan for future phases of the wastewater treatment plan improvements that is happening as we speak”
  - **Source timestamp:** [17:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1050s)

- **Community and Economic Development Improvements in 2024**
  - **Summary:** Improvements included implementing new Ptolemy rental registration software, increasing fees for non-compliant landlords, allowing online contractor renewals, incorporating low-income homes into the land bank, distributing $19,251 through the Facade Improvement Grant (including $15,000 to Freeport Art Museum), issuing 765 building permits, completing 5,144 code enforcement activities, and handling 23 new chronic nuisance cases and 51 total demolitions.
  - **Evidence:** “the improvements made throughout 2024 to the rental registration process highlighted a busy year for community and economic development the team implemented new software in the form of Ptolemy rental registration to give both landlords and the city access To keep all parties accountable, fees were also increased for non-compliant landlords. In addition, staff made it possible for contractors to now complete registration or license renewal online, a process that previously required a trip to City Hall. Another exciting development has been the ability to incorporate low-income homes into the land bank for the first time since 2020. This process ends with dilapidated homes being refurbished and getting a facelift in order to avoid demolition. The team also distributed $19,251 through the Facade Improvement Grant, including $15,000 to the Freeport Art Museum for their move downtown. 765 Building permits were issued in 2024.5,144 code enforcement activities were completed, as well as 23 new chronic nuisance cases and 51 total demolitions.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [18:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1082s)

- **Code Enforcement Strategic Goals Achievements**
  - **Summary:** Achievements included expanding enforcement time, handling over 5,000 code enforcement activities, tree removal (increasing penalties), and streamlining the injunctive release process for issues like trash cleanup.
  - **Evidence:** “Director Duckman spoke on this not too long ago, the strategic goals. Expanding enforcement time for the code enforcement team. Over 5,000 activities related to code enforcement. Tree removal, meaning increasing penalties in streamlining injunctive release process for issues like tree removal and trash clean up.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [19:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1165s)

- **Ptolemae data mining capabilities for property identification**
  - **Summary:** The process involves Ptolemae mining data from different sources, such as flagging discrepancies between tax assessor site addresses and property addresses, and checking water bills.
  - **Evidence:** “What Ptolemae does is it mines the data from different sources and is, for example, one excellent item that it does is it's going to take, essentially, let's just say from a tax assessor, it's going to look through all the properties in the city of Freeport and then it's going to say, okay, where is the site address different than the property address? So if you're sending your tax bill, if your tax bill doesn't go to the same as the house, and Tom, so that's one of many flags that are being used. It also can work through water bills and it can flag suspect.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [27:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1624s)

- **City employee count in 2024**
  - **Summary:** The city had 196 employees in 2024 across various departments.
  - **Evidence:** “In 2024 the city had 196 employees throughout many departments.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [28:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1699s)

- **Police Department strategic goals**
  - **Summary:** The police department aims to increase force census and implement proven strategies for reducing crime, including a three-pronged staffing approach.
  - **Evidence:** “Increase police force census and implement proven strategies for reducing crime, including a three-pronged staffing approach that includes community service officers, law enforcement, and social workers to reduce crime.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [31:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1865s)

- **Police Department Strategic Goals**
  - **Summary:** The police department aims to increase force census and implement proven strategies for reducing crime, including a three-pronged staffing approach that includes community service officers, law enforcement, and social workers to reduce crime. They also aim to hire and retain a diverse team to reflect the community they serve.
  - **Attribution:** Police Department
  - **Evidence:** “I want to start with their strategic goals. Increase police force census and implement proven strategies for reducing crime, including a three-pronged staffing approach that includes community service officers, law enforcement, and social workers to reduce crime. Hire and retain a diverse team to reflect the community we serve.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [30:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1854s)

- **Fire Department Highlights**
  - **Summary:** The Fire Department responded to and investigated an estimated 95 fires where flames were present. More than 400 fire inspections were conducted, 19 Fire drills were held at schools and multi-unit apartment buildings, and 288 Fire alarms were installed in 115 homes in the city.
  - **Attribution:** Fire Department
  - **Evidence:** “They responded to and investigated an estimated 95 fires where flames were present. More than 400 fire inspections were conducted to ensure safety in commercial and residential buildings. 19 Fire drills were held at schools and multi-unit apartment buildings. 288 Fire alarms were installed in 115 homes in the city, a service that is free to all residents.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [32:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1957s)

- **Department of Finance Audit and Spending Plan**
  - **Summary:** The Finance Department assisted auditors during the 2023 financial audit process, resulting in a clean opinion. The 2025 balanced spending plan was approved by council.
  - **Attribution:** Department of Finance
  - **Evidence:** “The Finance Department prepared and assisted auditors during the 2023 financial audit process, resulting in a clean opinion from the auditors. The 2025 balanced spending plan was approved by council.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [38:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2323s)

- **Department of Finance 2023 financial audit**
  - **Summary:** The Department of Finance assisted auditors during the 2023 financial audit process, resulting in a clean opinion from the auditors.
  - **Attribution:** Department of Finance
  - **Evidence:** “The Finance Department prepared and assisted auditors during the 2023 financial audit process, resulting in a clean opinion from the auditors.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [38:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2323s)

- **2025 balanced spending plan approval**
  - **Summary:** The 2025 balanced spending plan was approved by council.
  - **Attribution:** Department of Finance
  - **Evidence:** “The 2025 balanced spending plan was approved by council.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [38:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2333s)

- **Communications strategic goals**
  - **Summary:** Strategic goals include making bilingual communications available for all key documents and outreach efforts, continuing to find ways to be more ADA compliant on the website, and expanding city participation in community events.
  - **Attribution:** Communications
  - **Evidence:** “The strategic goals for communications include making bilingual communications available for all key documents and outreach efforts. I can speak directly on that. As far as the website goes, we continue to find ways to be more ADA compliant, and part of ADA compliance includes making things on the website bilingual. We are still putting effort into that. ... Expand city participation in community events to increase visibility.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [43:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2627s)

- **Staffing and communication department status**
  - **Summary:** A statement that the goal is not to increase staff in the communications team at this time, noting options for internships.
  - **Evidence:** “At this time, the goal is not to increase staff. We do have options for internships here and there.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [47:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2877s)

- **Consent Agenda items for approval**
  - **Summary:** The consent agenda includes approving minutes from the Liquor Commission meeting (December 12, 2024), building permit reports, police department reports, fire department reports dated December 2024, a semi-annual report to the city manager (July to December 2024), finance bills payable totaling $4,995,298.61, payroll approval for pay period ending July 11th, 2025 ($706,602.71), cash and investment reports for November 2024, and resolution 2025-11.
  - **Evidence:** “The consent agenda consists of approving to receive and place on file the minutes of boards and commission meetings from the Liquor Commission meeting December 12, 2024. The building permit reports, the police department reports, the fire department reports dated December 2024. Also is a semi-annual report to the city manager from July to December 2024. Of the finance bills payable in the total of $4,995,298.61 and the approval of payroll for pay period ending July 11th, 2025 in the total of $706,602.71. Also is the finance report, the cash and investment reports for November 2024 and the adoption of resolution for resolution 2025-11 for resolution requesting temporary closure of streets for the annual Memorial Day Parade.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [52:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3176s)

- **Reports and Financial Items for December 2024**
  - **Summary:** The meeting covered building permit reports, police department reports, fire department reports dated December 2024, a semi-annual report from July to December 2024, finance bills payable totaling $4,995,298.61, payroll approval for pay period ending July 11th, 2025 ($706,602.71), and cash/investment reports for November 2024.
  - **Evidence:** “The building permit reports, the police department reports, the fire department reports dated December 2024. Also is a semi-annual report to the city manager from July to December 2024. Of the finance bills payable in the total of $4,995,298.61 and the approval of payroll for pay period ending July 11th, 2025 in the total of $706,602.71. Also is the finance report, the cash and investment reports for November 2024”
  - **Source timestamp:** [53:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3209s)

- **NICOR Gas Agreement Renewal**
  - **Summary:** Manager Boyer presented that NICOR requested to renew the agreement, which would include the library and provide decades of gas for heat at no cost to the city.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “As discussed at the Committee of the Whole in the last meeting, NICOR has brought forth a request to renew the agreement with the City of Freeport in past years. We have pretty much covered the cost of all city buildings, but we have included the library in this particular agreement to move forward that will provide us with decades of gas for heat at no cost to the city.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [57:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3449s)

- **Plumbing permit fee increases (Chapter 1442.14)**
  - **Summary:** Water and sewer service installs would go from $50 to $150 ($100 increase). Installing a fixture or requiring a new water line would go from $30 to $100. Water and sewer service installs require inspection time, and services not going to the main asset are increasing from $30 to $100 due to consultant price increases.
  - **Attribution:** Director Duckman
  - **Evidence:** “So just to kind of, for a refresher here, we talked about how water and sewer service installs would, go from $50 to 150. So from 50 to 150, which is $100 increase. And then we also talked about how installing a fixture or requiring a new water line would go from $30 to $100. ... Those are going from $30 to $100 for the fact that our consultants, BNF, Building Code Services, they've upped their prices to $100 an hour so the idea is that staff is just trying to be more responsible and recuperate some of these fees and some of the time included there.”

- **Solar interconnection requirements (Chapter 1477.14)**
  - **Summary:** The ordinance requires UL approved connections for solar power connecting back into the ComEd meter to prevent damage, and addresses issues with adapter placement potentially impeding driveways.
  - **Attribution:** Director Duckman
  - **Evidence:** “At our building commission was, how are we connecting? How are we requiring solar panel install or solar installation companies to connect actually into the ComEd meter? ... And one of the methodologies or one of the issues that we're having is we're requiring UL approved connections. And main reason there is that we have some older wiring and we want to make sure that when people are installing the transition from the solar power back into the ComEd meter, we want to ensure that there's not actually damage being caused to the property owner.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:01:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3665s)

- **Reasoning for increasing water and sewer service installation fees**
  - **Summary:** The speaker presented the reasoning behind staff recommending raising water and sewer service installation fees upon obtaining a permit.
  - **Evidence:** “What I'm presenting to council, what I presented in the committee the whole last week, and what I'm also now putting for first reading is the reasoning behind why staff presented to our building commission raising our water and sewer service installation when you get a permit.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:06:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4018s)

- **Staff recommendation on permit fees**
  - **Summary:** The speaker noted that the current discussion is before the council for consideration and that any deviation from staff's recommendation would require a motion to amend.
  - **Evidence:** “And certainly as Director Duckman said, this is before the council right now for your guys' consideration. So certainly if you guys want to change it from, deviate from staff's recommendation and take it to a different number, you guys can make a motion to amend it to $100 or whatever the number you guys want.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:18:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4693s)

- **Basis for fee increase**
  - **Summary:** The speaker explained that the proposed fees were not arbitrary but resulted from an evaluation of expense and the recommendation of the Building Commission.
  - **Evidence:** “But they didn't just pull a number out of the hat. This was an evaluation of expense and at the recommendation of the Building Commission.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:18:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4720s)

- **Ordinance approving special use permit application at 219 E. Stephenson street**
  - **Summary:** Staff presented a special use application from Michelle Davies and Jeff Schultz for their restaurant at 219 E Stevenston Street to sell alcoholic beverages.
  - **Attribution:** Director Duckman
  - **Evidence:** “Oh, ordinance approving special use permit application at 219 E. Stephenson street, submitted by Michelle Davies and Jeff Schultz to examine the special use of a B2, limited service business district zone property to allow restaurants, taverns, package liquor stores, and any other establishment selling alcoholic beverages for consumption on or off the premises.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:33:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5622s)

- **Special Use Permit Application Details (Ordinance 2025-05)**
  - **Summary:** Staff noted the application was brought to the Zoning Board of Appeals on January 2nd and recommended approval by a vote of 5-0 with zero abstentions, and to the Planning Commission on January 9th, also recommending approval by a vote of 5-0 with zero abstentions.
  - **Attribution:** Director Duckman
  - **Evidence:** “Staff received a special use application from Michelle Davies and Jeff Schultz for their restaurant and it was an application to sell alcoholic beverages at 219 E Stevenston Street. Excuse me, and staff brought this petition to the Zoning Board of Appeals on January 2nd and it was recommended for approval of a vote of 5-0 with zero abstentions and January 9th staff brought this to the Planning Commission and it was also recommended for approval by a vote of 5-0 with zero abstentions”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:34:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5643s)

- **Ordinance approving special use permit application at 219 East Stephenson Street (Second Reading)**
  - **Summary:** Staff presented a second special use application from Michelle Davies and Jeff Schultz for their restaurant with an outdoor serving area.
  - **Attribution:** Director Duckman
  - **Evidence:** “And item number 11 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-06. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving special use permit application at 219 East Stephenson Street submitted by Michelle Davies and Jeff Scholz to examine the special use of a B-2-2 limited service business district zone property to allow restaurants with outdoor serving areas section B-10.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:36:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5771s)

- **Special Use Permit Application Details (Ordinance 2025-06)**
  - **Summary:** Staff noted the second application was for a restaurant with an outdoor serving area, and that it was brought to the Zoning Board of Appeals on January 2nd recommending approval by a vote of 5-0, and to the Planning Commission on January 9th recommending approval by a vote of 5-0.
  - **Attribution:** Director Duckman
  - **Evidence:** “so staff received a special use application from Michelle Davies and Jeff Schultz same same proprietors of the business at 219 East Stephenson Street and what this special use was for was to allow them to have a restaurant with an outdoor serving area and I'll put up on the screen the prior owners had a also had an outdoor serving area at their Weir. This was brought to the Zoning Board of Appeals on January 2nd, and it was recommended for approval with a vote of 5-0, with zero abstentions. And on January 9th, it was brought before the Planning Commission, and it was recommended for approval by a vote of 5-0, with zero abstentions.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:36:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5796s)

- **First reading of Ordinance 2025-07 (Variance at 207 West Empire Street)**
  - **Summary:** Presentation regarding Ordinance approving variance application at 207 West Empire Street submitted by Tim and Vicki Rowe to seek relief from 1252.05 F1 to allow a front yard of less than 25 feet.
  - **Attribution:** Director Duckman
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 12 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-07. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving variance application at 207 West Empire Street submitted by Tim and Vicki Rowe to seek relief from 1252.05 F1 to allow a front yard of less than 25 feet.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:39:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5951s)

- **Variance application details for 207 West Empire Street**
  - **Summary:** Staff received a permanent application on December 13th for 207 west empire for a front yard setback of less than they require 25 feet and um if we scroll down here I could show you an image of what we're talking and John. So, I think that's what we're talking about here.
  - **Evidence:** “staff received a permanent application on december 13th uh for 207 west empire for a front yard setback of less than they require 25 feet and um if we scroll down here I could show you an image of what we're talking and John.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:39:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5982s)

- **Variance application recommendation history (207 West Empire Street)**
  - **Summary:** The property owner has been at the same address for 30 years and now needs accessibility into their property. Staff recommended approval on January 2nd, and the Planning Commission recommended approval with a vote of 5 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 abstentions.
  - **Evidence:** “It was also wanted to mention that this property owner has been at the same address for 30 years and now needs accessibility into their property. So that was recommended for approval on January 2nd. It was also recommended for approval by Planning Commission on January 9th. And it was recommended approval with a vote of 5 yeas, 0 nays, and 0 abstentions”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:40:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6041s)

- **Ordinance 2020,508 amendments to Liquor Code**
  - **Summary:** Legal counsel reviewed Chapter 608 and 806 of the Liquor Codes for outdated verbiage, noting clarifications like adding 'city of Freeport' as a certificate holder and adjusting/removing other outdated sections.
  - **Evidence:** “thank you your honor periodically the Liquor Commission legal counsel and the city clerk review to Chapter 608 and 806 of the Liquor Codes to ensure the verbiage is current and reflects current practices and trends. Modifications to Chapter 608 and 806 of the Liquor Code have been identified as portions for the code that are out of date, such as requiring landline phone numbers or the need for further clarifications. For example, the requirement for a certificate of insurance has been listed in the codes for some time in the language all such certificates shall list the city of Freeport as a certificate holder has been added to clarify that the city does not need to be named as an additional insured. Other outdated sections of the code have been adjusted or removed to match observed needs of the license holder and actual circumstances throughout the city”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:43:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6196s)

- **Hangar M2 Lease Approval for Kelsey Excavating**
  - **Summary:** Staff recommended approval of the lease agreement, which generates $165 per month in revenue to the city.
  - **Evidence:** “I think your honor, by the way, staff is requesting suspension rules on this one. Kelsey Excavating is is interested in leasing Hangar M4 at Alberta's Airport. The agreement generates $165 per month in revenue to the city, and staff recommends approval of the lease.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:45:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6313s)

- **Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FOP on PEP**
  - **Summary:** Chief Shenberger presented details regarding the MOU, noting that three officers retiring or approaching 20 years of service could be grandfathered into prior PEP provisions for accumulated sick time.
  - **Attribution:** Chief Shenberger
  - **Evidence:** “Chief Shenberger? Yes, so this matter was before the council two weeks ago and then I think it got pushed to the DeKalb. So we've talked about this. I'm not going to read the entire memo, but basically what it says is during the negotiations with the FOP during this last contract, three officers were either at 20 years for years of retirement or will be at 20 years during the duration of this contract and they were offered an ability to be grandfathered into the prior PEP provisions where if they did retire with at least 20 years of service, they then would get compensation for their sick time that they accumulated. So this is just, I guess, solidifying that agreement and is something that we talked about for the last two weeks now.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:54:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6869s)

- **Emergency Board Up at 1300 East South Street**
  - **Summary:** Director Duckman presented background on the property, noting it was condemned since January 11th, 2017, and detailing the process of emergency boarding up following a break-in.
  - **Attribution:** Director Duckman
  - **Evidence:** “Thank you, Director Duckman. Thank you, Madam Mayor. The former hotel on US 20 most recently branded as a travel lodge in formerly the Holiday Inn It has been condemned since January 11th of 2017 declared a chronic nuisance on November 16th of 2023 and in 2024, it currently has a lien of $34,100 on it. The city is currently petitioned to the circuit court for demolition order, which is ongoing. On December 3rd of 2024, Fire Chief Scott Miller informed me via email that there was an apparent break-in at the property, which was immediately investigated by our police department. Chief Miller shared his immediate concern of the building being a fire hazard and the people potentially starting fires to stay warm in the upcoming winter months. Due to immediate health and safety concern, I solicited bids from three contractors in accordance with our codified ordinances to board up all entrances into the building with half-inch OSB. The three bids were provided below to you in the memorandum and they came in as NICAM construction bid $13,863 winter construction bid $15,000 and CMM and Associates bid $23,076. City moved forward with NICAM construction as the lowest responsible bidder to perform the emergency board up and the work was subsequently completed on December 16th of this year or 2024 rather. Staff recommends approval of the resolution to remit payment to NICAM construction for is the emergency board of services at 1300 South Street.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:56:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7010s)

- **Accounts Payable Automation Module capabilities**
  - **Summary:** Director Richter presented that the current invoice entry process is inefficient, and Taylor Incote developed an advanced Accounts Payable Automation module that allows electronic import of invoice data and workflow routing for approval.
  - **Evidence:** “Currently, the fire department, police, library, public works, and the finance department enter their own invoices into the system. The process for entering invoices is a hard copy of the invoice is received by mail or we print it out from an email. ... Taylor Incote has developed an advanced module called Accounts Payable Automation. Once a scanned document is uploaded into the software, the information from the invoice, such as the date, the amount, the vendor, is electronically imported into the software.”

- **Scope of Engineering Needs Covered by Master Service Contract**
  - **Summary:** The city has various annual engineering needs, including topographical studies, infrastructure system mapping, geo information systems, construction survey and staking, elevation records, ADA issues, multiple grants and loan assistance, water, storm and sanitary sewer utility system design, Structural Assessments, Street Infrastructure, Airport Engineering Support, Various Right-of-Way Permitting, Illinois EPA Protection Agency Requirements, Illinois Department of Transportation Necessities and Quality Assurance and Quality Control via Inspections and Observations Related to Construction, Soil Boorings and Analysis, and All Emergency Needs for Professional Engineering Requirements.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “So the city has various annual engineering needs, projects that come up and things as as we go along with the large construction schedule that we have put before ourselves the last several years. So some of the things that come up throughout the year are topographical studies, infrastructure system mapping, geo information systems, construction survey and staking, elevation records, ADA issues, multiple grants and loan assistance, water, storm and sanitary sewer utility system design, Structural Assessments, Street Infrastructure, Airport Engineering Support, Various Right-of-Way Permitting, Illinois EPA Protection Agency Requirements, Illinois Department of Transportation Necessities and Quality Assurance and Quality Control via Inspections and Observations Related to Construction. In addition, Soil Boorings and Analysis, and All Emergency Needs for Professional Engineering Requirements.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:09:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7792s)

- **Purpose of Master Service Contract**
  - **Summary:** The contract allows general engineering requirements not related to a specific contract to be performed on a day-to-day need basis, enabling the city to be reactive to daily needs and infrastructure emergencies.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “This contract allows general engineering requirements not related to a specific contract to be performed on a day-to-day need basis so it also enables the city to be reactive to our daily needs and requirements as the infrastructure emergencies arise. We've been doing this for several years and all the major projects are handled separately and I've you know if we do not use this entire agreement we do not use it all we just use what we need so it's been very helpful and it allows us to contend with issues that emerge in the field efficiently and effectively.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:10:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7844s)

- **Fehr Graham's work and community involvement**
  - **Summary:** A representative stated that Fehr Graham has been embedded in the community for 51 years and has brought in $13 million in funding this year, stating there is nothing going on between city government and Fehr Graham.
  - **Attribution:** Darren
  - **Evidence:** “I am going to take those comments personal because there is no situation going on here. I work very hard for the City of Freeport every day. I don't know another consultant that has brought in 13 million dollars of funding just this year which maybe we have a great relationship going on and the interactions between government and a consultant is actually producing more than other areas. I'm very proud of the work that I've done and I will state again there is nothing going on between city government and Fehr Graham. We have been embedded in this community for 51 years.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:28:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8906s)

- **Public Works Professional Assistance Need**
  - **Summary:** City staff requires professional assistance from Fehr Graham to manage the Public Works department, covering duties like right-of-way permitting, over-weight permitting, IDOT bridges, streets, forestry, water, wastewater, sewer, and storm infrastructure.
  - **Evidence:** “The city also requires a professional public works assistant for various civil, environmental, engineering, and managerial duties daily to oversee the city department effectively and efficiently. It's essential to have a director who's immersed in the city infrastructure and has the history and knowledge to handle the various demands of the position.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:41:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=9662s)

- **Public Works Master Service Agreement cost savings**
  - **Summary:** The Public Works Master Service Agreement costs $100,000 on a time and material basis, which is recommended as a cost saving compared to hiring an in-house director position estimated at $130,000 or more.
  - **Attribution:** Staff
  - **Evidence:** “The Public Works Master Service Agreement provides a team of local engineer experts for the city resources as needed. The total cost of these services is $100,000 on a time and material basis and is billed as needed as the city manager or department directors require. So this contract represents cost savings to the city. A public works director hired position with full salary and benefits with compensation would be essentially $130,000 or more. So recommendation, Staff recommend city council approve the public works professional related assistance.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:41:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=9713s)

- **Public works contract advantages and scope of work**
  - **Summary:** The current public works contract is advantageous because its cost is all-in (100%), time and material as needed, and covers various services like permitting for water/sewer, overweight permits, and civil reviews.
  - **Evidence:** “our contract I believe is advantageous to the city because it's for less than they could hire somebody for with benefits, a truck, Rock, equipment, our cost is all in, 100%. It's time and material as needed. Last year we made it the whole year and we have enough to We do permitting for water and sewer permits for residents. We also do overweight permits. We also do civil reviews for the city of Freeport.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:48:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10104s)

- **Update of the city's goals for the Social Justice Committee**
  - **Summary:** Manager Boyer presented an update on the city's goals for the Social Justice Committee.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 24 is update of the city's goals for the Social Justice Committee presented by Manager Boyer.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:52:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10354s)

- **Update of the city's goals for the Social Justice Committee**
  - **Summary:** Manager Boyer presented an update on the Social Justice Committee, comparing 2020 metrics to current data.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 24 is update of the city's goals for the Social Justice Committee presented by Manager Boyer. Thank you, Honor. In the interest of time, I will keep this as concise as I can. The Social Justice Committee, when it was meeting, offered several recommendations and metrics to assess the city's progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion within city employment primarily.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:52:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10354s)

- **Fire department recruitment efforts**
  - **Summary:** Chief elaborated on the recent fire department recruitment effort.
  - **Attribution:** Chief
  - **Evidence:** “Sure, I'd be happy to. I believe this last recruitment effort, we had 37 applications picked up and 36 returned. A number of those applicants either failed to show up for the written exam, written exam and orientation or they could not produce the correct paperwork at the orientation and written exam. I believe it was 19 showed up for that. And then we had I believe six wash out from the written exam and then we also had number of other applicants wash out from the testing process, the honesty test, the background checks, so eventually we wound up with a final eligibility list of five.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:54:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10486s)

- **Library Community Read Program Kickoff**
  - **Summary:** Information provided about the One Book, One Free Port community read program kickoff event.
  - **Attribution:** Library Representative
  - **Evidence:** “We are starting our One Book, One Free Port community read on Saturday. We have our book drop party from 12 PM to 2 PM and One Book, One Free Port is our biennial community Huffins. I'm going to introduce you to the community read program. Community read programs work to promote literacy while engaging an entire community in a common reading experience. Join us on Saturday, January 25th for our official kickoff event. For all ages, pick up your free book and enjoy live music from the early jazz society, tasty snacks, a Huffines.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:57:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10671s)

- **Free Library Status Announcement**
  - **Summary:** The Freeport Public Library will be fine free starting February 1st.
  - **Attribution:** Library Representative
  - **Evidence:** “And then a really exciting announcement. We are officially going fine free effective on February 1st. So have you heard that starting on February 1st, the Freeport Public Library is fine free. Returning late due to being out of town, no problem. Keeping a book a few days longer so you can finish, we've been there. Found a book and a pile of kids toys while you were moving and you're afraid to come back to the library because of how many fees you'll have. We understand life happens.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:59:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10773s)

- **Library Overdue Fines Policy Update**
  - **Summary:** Outstanding late fines on Freeport Public Library items will be purged from the Patreon account starting February 1st of 2025. All items will be fine-free except for hotspots, STEM kits, parent kits, and Library of Things items.
  - **Attribution:** Library Staff
  - **Evidence:** “And any outstanding late fines on Freeport Public Library items will be purged from our Patreon account starting on February 1st of 2025. All of our items will be fine free with the exception of our hotspots, our STEM kits, our parent kits, and the Library of Things items.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:00:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10816s)

- **Borrowing Privileges Suspension Conditions**
  - **Summary:** Borrowing privileges will be suspended for patrons with significantly overdue material and for lost and damaged items, the cost of the item will still be charged to the patron account if they do not return it.
  - **Attribution:** Library Staff
  - **Evidence:** “The borrowing privileges will be suspended for patrons with significantly overdue material and for lost and damaged items, the cost of the item will still be charged to the patron account if they do not return it.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:00:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10844s)

- **Neighborhood Watch Event Announcement**
  - **Summary:** The neighborhood watch event scheduled for January 28th is canceled; instead, an event featuring new candidates running for positions will be held at the library at 6 o'clock that night.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm
  - **Evidence:** “I just wanted to announce that on January 28th, we will not have our neighborhood watch. Please attend the event being held at the library at 6 o'clock that night. It will be the new candidates that are running for positions. That's far more important than the neighborhood watches at this point.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:01:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10901s)

- **Dr. King Celebration Date Change**
  - **Summary:** The Dr. King celebration, originally scheduled for yesterday due to cold weather, will now be held this Saturday, January 25th, with praise and worship at 4:30 PM and a program at 5:00 PM.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Parker
  - **Evidence:** “Also, we were scheduled yesterday to have our Dr. King celebration, and due to the cold weather, it was canceled, but we will be having it this Saturday, January 25th, opening up 430 with praise and worship and program at five.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:02:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10941s)

## Metrics

- **Public Works Street Paving Goal**
  - **Summary:** A strategic goal is to implement the street improvement plan by paving eight miles of street per year.
  - **Evidence:** “One of the strategic goals for Public Works is to implement the street improvement plan by paving eight miles of street per year using data including traffic count and condition of the street, curb, approaches, water, sewer, and Stormains to plan each replacement project.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [07:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=427s)

- **Public Works Road Plowing in 2024**
  - **Summary:** Crews plowed 10,471 miles of roads in 2024.
  - **Evidence:** “Crews also plowed 10,471 miles of roads in 2024.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [07:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=447s)

- **Public Works Mowing Activity**
  - **Summary:** 319 lots were mowed around the city, and 43 City owned lots were mowed weekly.
  - **Evidence:** “319 lots were mowed around the city. 43 City owned lots were mowed weekly.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [07:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=447s)

- **Public Works Service Calls and Repairs**
  - **Summary:** Over 100 service cut repairs were managed, and 4,566 calls from residents were fielded by Public Works.
  - **Evidence:** “Over 100 service cut repairs were managed and 4,566 calls from residents were fielded by Public Works.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [07:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=457s)

- **Public Works Tree Management**
  - **Summary:** Crews removed a total of 261 dead and dangerous trees and planted 108 healthy trees.
  - **Evidence:** “Crews were able to remove a total of 261 dead and dangerous trees and plant 108 healthy trees with the help of the yield program.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [07:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=471s)

- **Public Works Stumps Ground**
  - **Summary:** 150 Stumps were ground throughout the year.
  - **Evidence:** “150 Stumps were ground throughout the year.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [08:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=485s)

- **Public Works Animal Control Calls**
  - **Summary:** The department handled a total of 78 dog-related calls through animal control.
  - **Evidence:** “The department handled a total of 78 dog-related calls through animal control, which important detail.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [08:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=485s)

- **Public Works Lighting and Decorations**
  - **Summary:** Cruz fixed 15 overhead lights around the downtown area, put up flags for necessary holidays, and managed 61 Christmas decorations.
  - **Evidence:** “Cruz also fixed 15 overhead lights around the downtown area, put up flags in a timely manner for all necessary holidays and put up and took down 61 Christmas decorations.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [08:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=497s)

- **Water and Sewer Department Activity (2024)**
  - **Summary:** In 2024, water and sewer crews responded to 35 water main breaks, installed 10 new fire hydrants, assisted with 490 lead service line replacements, cleaned 12 miles of sewer main, and executed 10 sewer main/lateral repairs.
  - **Attribution:** Water and Sewer Department
  - **Evidence:** “In 2024, water and sewer crews responded to 35 water main breaks. The team also installed 10 new fire hydrants around the city and assisted with 490 lead service line replacements. 12 Miles of sewer main were cleaned and 10 sewer main slash lateral repairs were executed throughout the year.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [14:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=870s)

- **Public Works Service Requests**
  - **Summary:** On average, water and sewer crews received 20 Jules requests per day.
  - **Attribution:** Water and Sewer Department
  - **Evidence:** “On average, these crews received 20 Julies requests per day.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [14:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=893s)

- **Departmental employee counts (2024)**
  - **Summary:** Specific department staffing levels for 2024 were reported.
  - **Evidence:** “City Hall 24, Police Department 65, Fire Department 49, Public Works, Street Department, 17, Water and Sewer Department, 24, and the Library, 17.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [28:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1699s)

- **Personnel changes in 2024**
  - **Summary:** Over the course of the year, there were 53 new hires managed with 37 separations and four retirements.
  - **Evidence:** “Over the course of the year, 53 new hires were managed with 37 separations and four retirements.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [29:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1794s)

- **Clerk's Office resolutions processed in 2024**
  - **Summary:** The Clerk's Office managed 136 resolutions in 2024.
  - **Evidence:** “The Clerk's Office managed 136 resolutions in 2024, a 37% increase from 2023 and a 68% increase from 2022.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [29:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1794s)

- **FOIA requests received in 2024**
  - **Summary:** 164 FOIA requests were received in 2024.
  - **Evidence:** “164 FOIA requests were received a 43 percent increase from 2023.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [29:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1794s)

- **Licenses processed by Clerk's Office in 2024**
  - **Summary:** The clerk's office processed various licenses in 2024.
  - **Evidence:** “Licenses for the following were processed 36 video gaming licenses, 64 liquor licenses, 39 tobacco and vape licenses, and 11 food truck licenses.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [29:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1794s)

- **Special event permits and meetings managed by Clerk's Office in 2024**
  - **Summary:** The clerk's office processed 41 special event permits and attended and managed the agenda for 64 meetings in 2024.
  - **Evidence:** “In 2024 the clerk's office processed 41 special event permits and attended and managed the agenda for 64 meetings.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [29:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1794s)

- **Clerk's Office Resolutions Processed**
  - **Summary:** The Clerk's Office managed 136 resolutions in 2024, representing a 37% increase from 2023 and a 68% increase from 2022.
  - **Attribution:** Clerk's Office
  - **Evidence:** “The Clerk's Office managed 136 resolutions in 2024, a 37% increase from 2023 and a 68% increase from 2022.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [29:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1794s)

- **FOIA Requests Received**
  - **Summary:** 164 FOIA requests were received, a 43 percent increase from 2023.
  - **Attribution:** Clerk's Office
  - **Evidence:** “164 FOIA requests were received a 43 percent increase from 2023.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [29:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1794s)

- **Licenses Processed in 2024**
  - **Summary:** The clerk's office processed 36 video gaming licenses, 64 liquor licenses, 39 tobacco and vape licenses, and 11 food truck licenses.
  - **Attribution:** Clerk's Office
  - **Evidence:** “Licenses for the following were processed 36 video gaming licenses, 64 liquor licenses, 39 tobacco and vape licenses, and 11 food truck licenses.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [29:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1794s)

- **Clerk's Office Permits and Meetings in 2024**
  - **Summary:** In 2024 the clerk's office processed 41 special event permits and attended and managed the agenda for 64 meetings.
  - **Attribution:** Clerk's Office
  - **Evidence:** “In 2024 the clerk's office processed 41 special event permits and attended and managed the agenda for 64 meetings.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [29:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1794s)

- **Freeport Police Department 2024 Statistics**
  - **Summary:** In 2024, the Freeport Police Department received 4,457 police 911 calls, made 1,533 arrests, wrote 1,884 traffic citations, and collected 485 pounds of prescription drugs for disposal.
  - **Attribution:** Police Department
  - **Evidence:** “2024 Saw the Freeport Police Department continue to hire new officers which allowed 4,457 police 911 calls were received, 1,533 arrests were made, and 1,884 traffic citations were written, 485 pounds of prescription drugs were collected and taken in for disposal.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [31:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1903s)

- **Freeport Public Library Summer Reading Program 2024**
  - **Summary:** In 2024, 498 children and teens registered for the Summer Reading Program, with 274 completing its goals (such as reading 60 books or more). The library offered 141 programs from June 3rd to August 10th.
  - **Attribution:** Freeport Public Library
  - **Evidence:** “In 2024,498 children and teens registered, with 274 completing the program's goals such as reading 60 books and more. From June 3rd to August 10th, the library offered 141 programs as part of summer reading.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [34:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2082s)

- **Freeport Public Library Program Attendance (2024)**
  - **Summary:** The library recorded 6,048 attendees across children, teens, and adults for the Summer Reading program, an increase of 25% from 2023. Total attendance across all programs was 17,026 youth and 1,271 adult attendees.
  - **Attribution:** Freeport Public Library
  - **Evidence:** “6048 Children, teens, and adults attended, an increase of 25% from 2023. ... a total of 344 youth programs tallied in attendance of 17,026, a total of 109 adult programs tallied in attendance of 1,271.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [35:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2104s)

- **Library Circulation and Visits (2024)**
  - **Summary:** Throughout the year, 107,508 books were circulated along with 21,531 digital materials. There are 4,568 active library cards, 9,506 computer sessions were logged in 2024, and 43,728 visits were paid to Freiburgpubliclibrary.Org.
  - **Attribution:** Freeport Public Library
  - **Evidence:** “Throughout the year, 107,508 books were circulated along with 21,531 digital materials, a total of 344 youth programs tallied in attendance of 17,026, a total of 109 adult programs tallied in attendance of 1,271. There are 4,568 active library cards, 27 public computers occupy both floors of the library, 9,506 computer sessions were logged in 2024, 43,728 visits were paid to Freiburgpubliclibrary.Org.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [35:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2117s)

- **Library Room Usage (2024)**
  - **Summary:** The meeting rooms were used 450 times and the study rooms were used 456 times, with 165 notarizations completed in 2024.
  - **Attribution:** Freeport Public Library
  - **Evidence:** “The meeting rooms were used 450 times, while the study rooms were used 456 times, and in 2024,165 notarizations were completed.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [35:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2140s)

- **Finance Department 2024 Transactions**
  - **Summary:** In 2024, 3,916 vendor payments were processed and 5,203 paychecks were issued for an average of 200 employees. The department also handled an average of 140 new water and sewer accounts per month, 155 disconnects per month, and issued an average of 11,490 water bills per month.
  - **Attribution:** Department of Finance
  - **Evidence:** “In 2024, 3,916 vendor payments were processed, 5,203 paychecks for an average of 200 employees for the year, 140 new water and sewer accounts per month, 155 disconnects per month, and they issued an average of 11,490 water bills per month, good?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [39:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2341s)

- **Vendor payments processed in 2024**
  - **Summary:** 3,916 vendor payments were processed in 2024.
  - **Attribution:** Department of Finance
  - **Evidence:** “In 2024, 3,916 vendor payments were processed,”
  - **Source timestamp:** [39:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2341s)

- **Paychecks issued in 2024**
  - **Summary:** 5,203 paychecks for an average of 200 employees for the year.
  - **Attribution:** Department of Finance
  - **Evidence:** “5,203 paychecks for an average of 200 employees for the year,”
  - **Source timestamp:** [39:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2341s)

- **New water and sewer accounts per month in 2024**
  - **Summary:** 140 new water and sewer accounts were processed per month.
  - **Attribution:** Department of Finance
  - **Evidence:** “140 new water and sewer accounts per month,”
  - **Source timestamp:** [39:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2341s)

- **Water and sewer disconnects per month in 2024**
  - **Summary:** 155 disconnects were processed per month.
  - **Attribution:** Department of Finance
  - **Evidence:** “155 disconnects per month,”
  - **Source timestamp:** [39:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2341s)

- **Water bills issued per month in 2024**
  - **Summary:** An average of 11,490 water bills were issued per month.
  - **Attribution:** Department of Finance
  - **Evidence:** “and they issued an average of 11,490 water bills per month,”
  - **Source timestamp:** [39:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2341s)

- **Work tickets processed by IT in 2024**
  - **Summary:** 254 total work tickets were processed in 2024.
  - **Attribution:** Information Technology
  - **Evidence:** “IT, Information Technology, 254 total work tickets were processed in 2024.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [40:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2438s)

- **Computer workstations replaced by IT**
  - **Summary:** The department replaced 18 computer workstations.
  - **Attribution:** Information Technology
  - **Evidence:** “The department also replaced 18 computer workstations.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [40:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2452s)

- **Network level attacks prevented in 2024**
  - **Summary:** 3,700 network level attacks were prevented throughout the year.
  - **Attribution:** Information Technology
  - **Evidence:** “Throughout the year, 3,700 network level attacks were prevented”
  - **Source timestamp:** [41:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2466s)

- **Emails scanned and archived in 2024**
  - **Summary:** 595,882 emails were scanned and archived throughout the year.
  - **Attribution:** Information Technology
  - **Evidence:** “and 595,882 emails were scanned and archived.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [41:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2466s)

- **Facebook posts in 2024**
  - **Summary:** The city posted 371 times on Facebook in 2024.
  - **Attribution:** Communications
  - **Evidence:** “The city posted 371 times on Facebook in 2024.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [45:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2757s)

- **Facebook followers reached**
  - **Summary:** The city's page reached 7,400 Facebook followers, which is a 23% increase from 2023.
  - **Attribution:** Communications
  - **Evidence:** “The city's page reached 7,400 Facebook followers, which is a 23% increase from 2023.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [45:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2757s)

- **City posts viewed throughout the year**
  - **Summary:** 384,300 accounts viewed city posts throughout the year, a 114% increase in visibility.
  - **Attribution:** Communications
  - **Evidence:** “384,300 accounts viewed city posts throughout the year, a 114% increase in visibility.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [46:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2770s)

- **Press releases sent**
  - **Summary:** 68 Press releases were sent, a 467 percent increase from 2023.
  - **Attribution:** Communications
  - **Evidence:** “68 Press releases were sent, a 467 percent increase from 2023,”
  - **Source timestamp:** [46:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2770s)

- **Female employees in police department**
  - **Summary:** The number of female employees in the police department increased from 19 to 24.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “So in the police department, female employees were increased We started off with 19 working for the police department. We currently have 24. That was an increase of five.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:52:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10368s)

- **Minority employees in police department**
  - **Summary:** The number of minority employees in the police department increased from six to 16.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “In terms of minority employees, we started off with six minorities in the police department in 2020. We have increased that to 16. That's a positive gain of 10. That's a total increase of 166%.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:52:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10368s)

- **Total employment in police department**
  - **Summary:** The total staff increase in the police department was four employees.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “And I would provide the total employment in 2020 we had 63 full-time employees the police department currently we have 67 that's a total staff increase of four so while we increased our diversity and our women employees we it was certainly didn't match the number of employees that we increase positions on fire”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:52:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10368s)

- **Other departments staff increase (excluding fire and police)**
  - **Summary:** For all other departments combined, female employees increased by 32%, minority employees by 100%, on a total staff increase of about 30%.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “Just to round this out, so all other departments, so not including fire and police, we increased our female employees by 32 percent, our minority of employees by 100 percent out of a total increase of staff of about 30 percent.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:56:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10569s)

- **Enterprise-wide staff increase metrics**
  - **Summary:** Overall, female employees increased by 30%, minority employees by 116%, with a total employment increase of 10%.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “Increased our female employees by 32%, our minority employees by 100% out of a total increase of staff of about 12%. So enterprise-wide, we increased our female employees by 30%, our minority employees by 116%, and that is with a total employment increase of 10%.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:56:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10589s)

## Discussion

- **Jules Request Volume Analysis**
  - **Summary:** The high average number of Jules requests per day indicates a large amount of construction activity in Freeport between repairs and the research/marking required for these calls, which is partly due to the $15 million surf internet project.
  - **Attribution:** Darren
  - **Evidence:** “I would just like to point out here the average number of Jules per day is a lot and it takes up a lot of crew time to do the Jules, to do the research and to go out and actually mark them. That's a very high number which shows the amount of construction that's going on in Freeport between repairs and you know Jules are called in for various items but that is a big number. A lot of that has to do with the surf internet project that's providing low cost internet around the city of Freeport that's being built out. That's a $15 million infrastructure project.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [15:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=902s)

- **Personnel Allocation for Water and Sewer Tasks**
  - **Summary:** Alderman Sanders questioned how many personnel are needed to handle the volume of Jules requests, noting that 'Jules is just water and sewer.'
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “To mention Julie's and how the personnel is tied up with all of these julees. The julees is just water and sewer, is that what it is? How many people needs to be on that task to do those particular julees?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [15:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=949s)

- **Construction activity and infrastructure projects**
  - **Summary:** The high number of construction activities is related to the $15 million low-cost internet project in Freeport.
  - **Evidence:** “That's a very high number which shows the amount of construction that's going on in Freeport between repairs and you know Jules are called in for various items but that is a big number. A lot of that has to do with the surf internet project that is providing low cost internet around the city of Freeport that's being built out. That's a $15 million infrastructure project.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [15:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=914s)

- **Personnel required for water and sewer line marking (jules)**
  - **Summary:** Locating and marking jules usually takes two to three staff members, which is time-consuming due to necessary research on each street.
  - **Evidence:** “With the amount of julees that we've been getting it usually takes two to three of our staff members to be able to go out and locate and mark julees out. It's not every day we try to concentrate it into segments but it does eclipse a lot of time because you actually have to do the research on each Street and get the measurements and the calculations to be able to set those points based on the way the system is.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [16:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=979s)

- **Status of Landlord Registration Mailers**
  - **Summary:** Letters pertaining to property registration have not been sent out yet due to technical issues with the mailing company.
  - **Evidence:** “They have not been sent out yet. I met with them or talked to them last week and we're using a company that basically we send them the addresses to send out these mailers and they had some issues on their end, technical issues on getting the letter out.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [21:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1285s)

- **Rental Registration Data Status**
  - **Summary:** The city has used Ptolemy for over 30 years, which helped centralize data and estimate that approximately 1900 properties need to register.
  - **Evidence:** “And we've been doing this for over 30 years and using Ptolemae, which was a major success and breakthrough for us to not only, you know, for the city to kind of put all the data in one place, but it also kind of helps. It's also completely helped us identify who's out there that hasn't registered. So my estimation is that there's 1900 properties that need to register”
  - **Source timestamp:** [22:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1337s)

- **Rental property registration concerns and data sources**
  - **Summary:** Concerns were raised regarding how to fairly enforce rental registry fines without knowing who should be registered, leading to a discussion on the technology used for identification.
  - **Attribution:** Alderperson Stacy
  - **Evidence:** “Our biggest concern was, if we're sending out fines for not registering, how do you know somebody's not a registered rental? You know, if you were to drive down one block in Freeport, and you say, is that person registered? Should that person be registering?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [23:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1432s)

- **Identified properties needing registration**
  - **Summary:** It was stated that 1,900 properties were identified as needing to register.
  - **Attribution:** Alderperson Stacy
  - **Evidence:** “Because otherwise, you know, you're, and when I told you, we identified 1,900 properties we think should register, without that software, how do we know who to, how do we know who and Stacey, who should be fine.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [24:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1475s)

- **Current picture of registered vs. required properties**
  - **Summary:** It was stated that there are roughly 3,000 properties that should be registered, with 1,100 currently registered and 1,900 needing registration.
  - **Attribution:** Alderperson Stacy
  - **Evidence:** “And that's where I said that there's roughly 3,000 properties that should be registered. We have 1,100 that are currently registered and there's 1,900 properties that should be registered. So yes, I feel like we have a much better picture.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [25:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1505s)

- **Mechanism for data collection on registries**
  - **Summary:** A question was raised about the mechanism used to total up registered and non-registered properties without surveying the community.
  - **Evidence:** “What kind of mechanism do we have in place that we total up registered and non-registered? What do we have in place right now without going out to survey the community or whatever the case because this is not the first time that this subject comes up.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [25:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1530s)

- **Purpose of new water and sewer accounts**
  - **Summary:** New water and sewer accounts pertain to renters moving in or people moving around town; this could be either locally moving within Freeport or coming from out of town.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “So the pertains to water and sewer accounts, so new renters moving in, people moving around town. So we consider that, or moving into town, they have a new account set up for water sewer, so that could be either they moved within town, that's still a new account at a new address, so they could be either locally moving around in Freeport or coming out of town moving into town.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [40:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2406s)

- **Public comment capabilities on media accounts**
  - **Summary:** The topic of allowing comments was discussed for Facebook; at this time, comments are not allowed.
  - **Attribution:** Communications
  - **Evidence:** “So I believe you're speaking about Facebook because all the other media accounts that we have don't allow for comments. For Facebook, the topic was brought up in December and then two weeks ago and at this This time we are choosing to review what we have put forth and review it until we come up with a better solution. At this time, at this time, comments are not allowed.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [46:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2816s)

- **Public comment procedures and media accounts**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding setting up comments for general public, city staff, and people of that nature on various media accounts, specifically mentioning Facebook.
  - **Evidence:** “Are we set up for comments from the general public and not only the general public but the city staff and people of that nature? Are we set up to make comments so we can We can respond to whatever it is that is injected into our media accounts and things of that nature. Are we on the verge of doing all of those things?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [46:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2795s)

- **Public comment allowance status**
  - **Summary:** A statement confirming that at this time, comments are not allowed.
  - **Evidence:** “At this time, at this time, comments are not allowed. Okay.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [47:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2847s)

- **Information source transparency**
  - **Summary:** A question regarding who handles analytical information and where it originates, referencing a chart.
  - **Evidence:** “I'm looking at this chart and I'm like, where are you getting that information from, because I like to know. Yeah, I like to know where it's coming from.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [48:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2930s)

- **Legal advice on blocking comments**
  - **Summary:** A request for Attorney Zito to investigate the legality of blocking all comments on government platforms, citing Supreme Court rulings.
  - **Evidence:** “I would like to ask Attorney Zito to look into the actual blocking of any and all comments on government platforms. I believe the Supreme Court as well as several other federal courts have ruled very clearly on this.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [49:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=2993s)

- **Withdrawal of name for appointed enterprise zone seat**
  - **Summary:** A council member requested that their name be withdrawn from consideration for the city's appointed enterprise zone seat.
  - **Evidence:** “Mayor Miller, I am requesting that you please withdraw my name for consideration for the city's appointed enterprise zone seat. I understand that this appointment has been the source of some disagreement, and I do not want to be the source of any further division on the council.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [55:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3313s)

- **Misrepresentation regarding petition controversy**
  - **Summary:** A statement clarifying that a courtroom photograph indicating participation in a petition controversy is a complete misrepresentation; the purpose of attending court was for routine probate matters.
  - **Evidence:** “I do not want to be the source of any further division on the council. I would, however, ask that you please make clear to council that the apparent origin of the discussion, a courtroom photograph indicating that I was somehow a participant in the petition controversy is, in that respect, a complete misrepresentation. My purpose in attending court that morning, as I do quite regularly, was to cover some routine probate matters.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [55:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3313s)

- **Impact of unfounded accusations on city boards and commissions**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the loss of willing participants on boards and commissions due to unfounded accusations.
  - **Evidence:** “This will continue to happen as long as every unfounded accusation is allowed to disrupt the business of our city. We are going to lose more and more people who have historically been willing to participate on our boards and commissions, who do not want to be pulled into the chaos that now surrounds this council.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [56:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3397s)

- **Cost coverage for public works inspections**
  - **Summary:** A council member questioned if the fee increase would cover costs related to pay raises and superintendent time.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Monroe
  - **Evidence:** “Director Duckman, so I know that negotiations have been kind of going back and forth with some other city officials. Is this is this going to cover the cost that once the pay raises go in and of the problem the city manager is that going to cover the cost of the have the superintendents and go out there.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:02:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3762s)

- **Public works department perspective on inspection fees**
  - **Summary:** A council member stated that public services inspections are not intended to recuperate all costs, as this would be injurious to the people.
  - **Evidence:** “I will tell you that in any time we're talking about permitting, because it's a public service, I don't think we're intending to recuperate all of our costs because I think that would be too, I think that would be injurious to our people to, you know, to truly try to recuperate Every cost that's involved with an inspection, you know, $100 going to $150. I couldn't say that in a straight face that that would cover, you know, all the administrative time and and you know, a superintendents time to go check it, the pictures that are taken, the documentation, etc.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:04:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3845s)

- **Cost recovery for permitting and inspections**
  - **Summary:** A concern was raised that attempting to recuperate all costs for public services like inspections would be injurious to the people.
  - **Evidence:** “I will tell you that in any time we're talking about permitting, because it's a public service, I don't think we're intending to recuperate all of our costs because I think that would be too, I think that would be injurious to our people to, you know, to truly try to recuperate Every cost that's involved with an inspection, you know, $100 going to $150.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:04:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3845s)

- **Authority for increasing inspection fees**
  - **Summary:** Alderman Sanders questioned who is making the decision and establishing the basis for increases in inspection fees for new water or sewer services.
  - **Evidence:** “In addition to that, are we, the city, absorbing any of the costs for inspections and not only that, who come up with the notion that these things needs to come be applied? Who's making that decision for the increases, for the inspection for these homes when there's new water or sewer services? Who's putting this in place and how do we come up with the fees and the costs and why is it put in place?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:04:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=3883s)

- **History of utility fee collection**
  - **Summary:** A speaker stated that charging for permits and inspections was already established before their time, potentially since the city's incorporation.
  - **Evidence:** “You are correct. This was here well before my time and more than likely since the city was incorporated that if you have a water service or a sewer service, you need to get a permit and then pay for the permit.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:06:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4003s)

- **Purpose of proposed fee increase**
  - **Summary:** The speaker clarified that the goal was not simply to generate a permit fee, but rather to justify the necessary fees.
  - **Evidence:** “I would like to just say that, again, we're not, we're not doing this to get a permit fee, but we are doing this to get a permit fee. When we do it, we're not doing it to get a permit fee.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:08:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4088s)

- **Support for proposed fee increase**
  - **Summary:** The speaker noted that a licensed plumber on the building commission reviewed and found the proposed fees reasonable.
  - **Evidence:** “Has a licensed plumber on, you know, we have a licensed plumber on the building commission that reviewed this. They thought it was reasonable.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:08:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4115s)

- **Need for homeowner assistance programs**
  - **Summary:** A speaker expressed concern about homeowners struggling to afford increased utility fees and asked if there is a program to help them.
  - **Evidence:** “Is there a program to help those individuals who are struggling as it, as already struggling to be able to go to some kind of office or place to try to get a lower adjustment price on these kinds of things because these fees, people just don't have these kinds of dollars In this current time, in day and age, we don't have, folks don't have that.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:09:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4143s)

- **Concerns about homeowner financial burden**
  - **Summary:** A speaker expressed feeling that homeowners are being overcharged by the city for compliance.
  - **Evidence:** “And so what I'm getting at is that I feel that we're nickel and diming homeowners, pinching them for everything that we are doing.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:09:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4173s)

- **Need for homeowner stress level mitigation**
  - **Summary:** A speaker questioned the city regarding its actions to support homeowners paying high taxes while ensuring compliance.
  - **Evidence:** “As far as I'm concerned, as I hear what I'm hearing. As I hear what I'm hearing what is the city doing for the homeowners who are paying their enormous amount of taxes each year to make sure that they are in compliance with the city and that they need stress level mitigation as well.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:09:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4184s)

- **Water and sewer service break costs and insurance coverage**
  - **Summary:** The discussion covered the high cost and negative impact of water or sewer line breaks, noting that some experiences might be covered by insurance.
  - **Attribution:** Don
  - **Evidence:** “Water and sewer service is an expensive, horrible event that you don't want to have happen to you. Exactly. Nobody wants to have a water line break from the city, you know, from the service side because now you have a house without water. And nobody wants a sewer service to break because you're going to have your basement full of raw sewage. It's horrible. Many people hopefully have insurance to cover that. I know it's something that is covered by some insurance companies, some aren't. So some of these horrible experiences are going to be covered by insurance. And when they're not, regardless of how it's handled, nobody wants to deal with it. Nobody wants to have a water or sewer service go down.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:11:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4273s)

- **Proposed benefit cost increase for utility connection inspection**
  - **Summary:** A speaker noted that city staff suggests increasing the benefit cost from $50 to $150, arguing it ensures proper inspections when raw sewage or lack of water occurs.
  - **Evidence:** “But city staff is saying here, and the benefit, we're talking about right now the benefit costs $50 to the homeowner. And what staff is saying is we believe and I, and I'm going to say that the price should be increased to 150.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:11:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4309s)

- **Need for inspection assurance after utility work**
  - **Summary:** The speaker emphasized that the benefit of the fee is ensuring a public works employee inspects connections before backfilling, providing homeowner assurance.
  - **Evidence:** “But the benefit is that when you do go through this and you have raw sewage in your basement, you have a house without water, is that you have a public works employee who's coming to look at that connection and is going to say the connection was done correctly so that Now, when before they fill the hole or backfill the hole where the sewer connection was made, the inspection had to be done, and that homeowner can rest assured that at the time the hole was backfilled, the work was done correctly because the city said it was done.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:12:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4333s)

- **Risk of poor construction leading to double costs for homeowners**
  - **Summary:** The speaker cited personal experience seeing jobs repeated due to poor construction and inspections, forcing homeowners to pay double.
  - **Evidence:** “I have seen jobs repeated because of poor construction work to homeowners when they have to pay double to make sure that they get the right plumber and the right inspection in there. They have to pay double duty to make these corrections. It comes from the homeowner. I have seen poor inspections, even with our own city's inspectors. I have seen those kinds of things.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:12:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4378s)

- **Program needed for offsetting utility repair costs**
  - **Summary:** The speaker requested a program to allow homeowners to offset potential thousands of dollars in recovery costs if they encounter issues.
  - **Evidence:** “And so these things happen and God forbid, any homeowner runs into this kind of situation and have no recovery, they can't recover. That's the reason why I'm asking is their program that will allow homeowners to offset these types of costs because they can amount to thousands of dollars”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:13:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4407s)

- **Public works fee necessity for covering operational costs**
  - **Summary:** A speaker stated that public works fees are needed to cover at least the cost of running departments and that current costs do not cover necessary work.
  - **Evidence:** “I just wanted to state that the public works fees, water and sewer enterprise funds, We need to capture at least our cost on these items in order to make sure that we're not running these departments at a loss.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:14:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4450s)

- **Code requirement for sewer lateral ownership and inspection reporting**
  - **Summary:** The speaker cited code requiring the homeowner to own the sewer lateral from the house to the main, and EPA requires documentation of inspections per CMOM.
  - **Evidence:** “And for instance, a sewer lateral is owned by the homeowner from the house to the main. That is our code, right? And EPA is requiring documentation to show that we are, per our CMOM, reporting that we are inspecting those connections and making sure we're not getting water, water infiltration into the sewer.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:14:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4466s)

- **Need for fees to cover necessary utility repairs**
  - **Summary:** The speaker stated that current costs do not cover the cost of work needed to maintain water and sewer infrastructure.
  - **Evidence:** “The costs that are there now are not covering the cost and per our enterprise zone to make sure that water and sewer doesn't get in the shape that it was years ago. We have to cover the cost of the work that's taken.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:14:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4496s)

- **Confirmation regarding fee increase consideration**
  - **Summary:** A council member asked if a proposed $100 fee increase had been considered, noting staff recommended $150.
  - **Evidence:** “Yes, last week we spoke about $100 going from $50 to $100 fee. Was that even considered? Is considered now, I mean, 100% considered now, if that's the motion you'd like to make, you know, staff, staff's recommending 150, but certainly you could recommend $100.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:15:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4522s)

- **Inspector job duties and fee revenue destination**
  - **Summary:** The speaker clarified that the requested money does not go to the employee but to the utility company as a fee to recoup costs.
  - **Evidence:** “To clarify, the money doesn't go to the employee, the money goes to the utility company, the sewer or water department, whichever one it is, it goes as a fee just like everything else that goes back into our general fund and our accounts, it's a permitting fee is what it is. To recoup some costs. There's nothing to do with any payment to any water and sewer employee whatsoever.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:16:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4586s)

- **Inflationary justification for permit fee increase**
  - **Summary:** A speaker argued that the proposed fee increase mirrors general inflation, as the inspection permit fee has remained unchanged for over a decade.
  - **Evidence:** “Attorney Zito, did you want to add to it as well? No, well, I was just going to try to give another example of the fact, that, you know, I think the permit fee increase that's being requested or being proposed, it's just like with anything else. You know over time, this fee hasn't changed probably for over a decade, if not more.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:17:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4633s)

- **Recommendation to amend utility fee amount**
  - **Summary:** The speaker advised that council members could make a motion to amend the proposed fee to $100 or another number instead of deviating from staff's recommendation.
  - **Evidence:** “So certainly if you guys want to change it from, deviate from staff's recommendation and take it to a different number, you guys can make a motion to amend it to $100 or whatever the number you guys want.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:18:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4698s)

- **Cost increases due to inflation and fees**
  - **Summary:** The speaker discussed how inflation causes costs for everything, like permit fees or a hamburger, to increase over time, noting that current fee increases might be an attempt to recoup costs because fees haven't changed in many years.
  - **Evidence:** “Well, over the course of time, inflation, this, that, the cost of everything, whether people get raises over time, cost of paper costs more, cost of ink costs more, whatever it is, costs more, right, 10 years later, now, and so every so often, whether it's permit fees or the cost of a hamburger when you go to the store, things get more expensive because inflation, so I think that's all they're looking to do, is to try to recoup some costs because it hasn't been, the fee's been the same for the last God knows how many years.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:17:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4654s)

- **Proposed change in permit fees**
  - **Summary:** The speaker stated that while they understand cost increases, raising a fee from 50 to 150 seems like too much.
  - **Evidence:** “I understand that, but to go from 50 to 150, I feel it's a bit much.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:18:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4685s)

- **Inquiry regarding inspection costs**
  - **Summary:** Alderman Monroe questioned how many inspections are done per year and what the average hourly rate for those inspections is.
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Monroe, did you have a question? Yes. Thank you, Madam Mayor. A couple of questions, then I'd like to comment on your response. How many of these do you do per year, and what's the average hourly rate of the people that are going out to do these inspections?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:18:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4734s)

- **Plumbing permit inspection coordination**
  - **Summary:** The speaker detailed a process involving plumbing permits for sewer service where the department must coordinate with another party (Attorney Stiegel) to inspect connections.
  - **Evidence:** “Well, the only reason I'm saying, I'm going to go to our public works team on this one is, so, and to give you some background is, we'll get a plumbing permit for a sewer service, My department will and we'll say, okay, that's $50. And then what Attorney Stiegel is saying is, hey, you know, we have by our EPA permit, we've got to check that connection to our sewer system.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:19:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4759s)

- **Cost justification for inspection fees**
  - **Summary:** The speaker argued that the hourly rate should account for coordination between departments.
  - **Evidence:** “And the reason why I would say the hourly rate a little bit out of my department is when I'm calling Public Works, I'm saying, hey, we're getting this. You have to, in conjunction with my department, you also have to be there.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:19:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4794s)

- **Permit fee increase justification (1%)**
  - **Summary:** The speaker noted that fees are already increased by 1% for permits covering any works done like driveways or home improvements.
  - **Evidence:** “We've already charged for a lot of this because they've gotten a permit that we're now increased at the 1% of the cost.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:20:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4803s)

- **Potential costs from property damage**
  - **Summary:** The speaker estimated that water and sewer line breaks causing substantial interior damage could easily exceed $10,000.
  - **Evidence:** “Those types of breaks at that point where it goes back into the system cause substantial damage to the interior of the house. They cause damage to the, there's damage into the lines going back and forth, the water and sewer, and they've already paid probably a few hundred bucks, is my guess, because I had a backup in my basement. It was easily, it would have exceeded the 10 grand that I had coverage.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:21:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4861s)

- **Affordability concerns for city residents**
  - **Summary:** The speaker cited that the average income per family in the city is less than $50,000 a year and argued that high fees prevent residents from affording necessary repairs.
  - **Evidence:** “The average income per family in this city is less than $50,000 a year, so right around 44, 45,000, I think, last time I checked. And these are going to be substantial costs to them.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:21:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4918s)

- **Need for detailed cost basis in fee increases**
  - **Summary:** The speaker demanded that the council require a clear basis of costs (like labor, vehicle use, etc.) before approving significant fee increases.
  - **Evidence:** “Fowler. Those are the things that we need to kind of have a basis, and you should have a better idea before you come to council and say, oh, we're just going to take it from 50 to 150.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:22:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=4972s)

- **Clarification on proposed fee increase amount**
  - **Summary:** The speaker clarified that the proposal is an increase to $150, not just a $100 increase.
  - **Evidence:** “So it's 150. So it was an increase of a hundred. It's to increase it to 150.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:23:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5019s)

- **Request for cost breakdown in fee structure**
  - **Summary:** The speaker requested that all associated costs, including employee wages, vehicle expenses, and tools, be factored into the fee calculation.
  - **Evidence:** “Yeah. I'd just like to, as long as you're taking all this math into it that makes no sense, let's take and add the price of the employee, the price of work that's come, the price of the truck, the price of diesel, the price of tools, and the price of him going there and back, and going there and back.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:24:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5054s)

- **Proposed increase amount for Public Works Department inspection fees**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding whether the proposed fee increase should be $150 or reduced to a flat $100.
  - **Evidence:** “Said 150 they did do the the hundred no it's an increase what's being proposed is 150 also the whole thing so you want to do it a hundred to make it a hundred and fifty correct correct not just the hundred and again the idea here is to recuperate the Public Works Department's time that they have to go Watt, and do the inspection. But it's their job.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:23:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5024s)

- **Cost calculation for service fees**
  - **Summary:** A detailed cost breakdown was suggested including employee price, work price, truck price, diesel price, tools price, and travel costs.
  - **Evidence:** “let's take and add the price of the employee, the price of work that's come, the price of the truck, the price of diesel, the price of tools, and the price of him going there and back, and going there and back. So that enters into it, too.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:24:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5054s)

- **Staff justification for fee increase recommendation**
  - **Summary:** Staff stated they calculated time and staff's time, fuel, benefits, and the whole package to the utility, recommending $150 as necessary to cover costs.
  - **Evidence:** “Deren. Yeah, so we didn't willy-nilly throw this together. Andy Leverton and I did sit down and calculate his time and staff's time in doing this. Fuel, benefits, the whole package to the utility. So yes, 150 is a little bit more than we need, but also this hasn't been changed forever and we didn't want to come back. Back, this is not something that is annually looked at for a price.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:24:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5094s)

- **Support for reducing fee increase to $100**
  - **Summary:** A council member supported the motion to reduce the increase to a flat $100.
  - **Evidence:** “So, I would support that. I know it needs to be increased and I understand that, but when it came to recouping costs Graham, James, Alex, Susanna, on this motion yeah yeah who's liable to with this notion to to raise these rates and and what department I know you say public works but who who's losing does the city lose anything because these kinds of things usually the city has”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:27:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5258s)

- **Opposition to any fee increase**
  - **Summary:** A council member stated opposition to any increase, arguing that no study was presented for the council to make such a distinction.
  - **Evidence:** “So Alderman Sanders, so the motion that's on the floor right now is just about changing from 150 to 100. And I say no, period. I was trying to give an explanation to why I was saying no for any increase because this has not”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:29:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5347s)

- **Staff justification for fee increase recommendation (reiteration)**
  - **Summary:** Staff reiterated that the current $50 rate does not cover employee, equipment, or inspection time costs.
  - **Evidence:** “So again, we did the math and the study of what it costs. The city at the $50 rate currently on the inspections, we don't break even on what the employee, the equipment, the inspection time that it costs. And the city whole so we don't lose ground and end up in the same boat that the utility was in seven or eight years ago when we had to do massive increases for utility rates for every person in town.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:30:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=5409s)

- **Building permit and setback compliance for family property**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding whether a structure was built without a required permit due to proximity to the front yard setback.
  - **Evidence:** “So they built the permit, they said, Well, sir, you need the ped because of how close you've built to the front yard setback. So, I totally agree. This was built. The son had this built in haste prior to getting a permit.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:42:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6173s)

- **Variance application requirement for construction setbacks**
  - **Summary:** A summary stating that even if the car came before the horse (the build), an application for variance is still required.
  - **Evidence:** “Attorney Zedou? I was just going to Wayne summed it up basically they they put the car before the horse but in this case you still make them apply for the variance so that it it's a legal it's legal that they are that close to the to the sidewalk that yes that's why they that's why this before you now because they were told hey you got the car before the horse apply for the variance we'll run it through the council and that's what's before you guys now”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:43:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6196s)

- **Hangar Lease Identification Correction**
  - **Summary:** Alderman Shadle pointed out that the memo referenced Hangar M4 but the correct hangar was M2.
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Shadle. I just want to point out that I believe the memo said it was Hangar M4. I'm sorry, correction M2, yep.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:46:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6361s)

- **New position pay grade and requirements for technician role**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the proposed interim Grade 15 position, including its classification rate, who created the pay grade, and the required training/mentorship period.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders? Yeah. Manager Boyer, we did talk about this, about the grade, the pay grade. We talked about that and then I wanted to ask you, have this, this is a new position, am I correct? Yes, this would be the creation of a new position. Okay. Is that the going classification rate for that position? Is that across? Is that, since it's new, who created the pay grade? Who did that? So in consultation with the utility superintendent, we were looking for a solution in line with some of our other pay grades, similar to a street trainee. Is hired on the city and there's an interim so that first step they hire in at a lower grade I believe it's a 13 and then they move into a grade 14 when they become a street maintenance worker this is a similar thing just for a bit higher classification of in technical ability requirement 15 so that so the 15 would be So the 15 would be if we have some employees in the city that have a pretty good mechanical background, have rudimentary understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, but maybe don't possess the understanding of how to do programming on starters, motors and drivers or controllers, or don't have any background on rebuilding some of the motors or pumps. This gives us that transitionary step to go from wherever they are in the I'm waiting for you to tell me I spoke too many times that's what I'm waiting for. You spoke once. Did you want to speak again? Yeah. Okay then how about you do that? Okay, nobody opposing it. Okay. Why not the highest pay grade? If it's recommended that that you want to move into a 15, it's recommended that you move into a 15, it's recommended that you move into a 15, it's recommended that you move into is it because he hasn't met the skill levels yet, or the knowledge, or the training, is the reason why he's at that, you propose a 15, as opposed of a 17, and what would be the requirement, he meets all of the training skills and things of this nature before you can move him a step higher? Essentially what I'm seeing here is you need a year or two of mentorship with the maintenance Department to gain the finer skills necessary to do the job. That would be your recommendation, right? Yes.”

- **Fairness and process for new position creation**
  - **Summary:** Concerns were raised regarding fairness in creating a new pay grade position versus ensuring existing employees are treated equally with training opportunities.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacey
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Stacey. My biggest or deal with this whole deal is that there are weeks from going into negotiation. And I don't know why this could not have been settled in negotiations, first of all. Second of all, we have had people placed in positions that were not equipped for that position, yet they were still placed there, they were given extra training and whatever they needed through Highland or wherever to get what they needed to qualify. And so how do we determine who we do that for and who we don't do that for I just feel that this position should have stayed at the level 17 as it was and the person that was bidding on the position should have been given the education or the training or whatever it needed at that level because even and even the person before the level was empty was not qualified for the position. Yet they remained at the level 17. And we have got to treat people equally. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. These people have to work in one another's faces daily. They don't need to be enemies working side by side. They got to work together. And we as a council need to make sure that things are happening fair and just. That's all.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:51:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6682s)

- **Council discussion on personnel level setting and fairness**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the appropriate staffing level for a position and the need to treat people equally.
  - **Evidence:** “And so how do we determine who we do that for and who we don't do that for I just feel that this position should have stayed at the level 17 as it was and the person that was bidding on the position should have been given the education or the training or whatever it needed at that level because even and even the person before the level was empty was not qualified for the position. Yet they remained at the level 17. And we have got to treat people equally. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. These people have to work in one another's faces daily. They don't need to be enemies working side by side. They got to work together. And we as a council need to make sure that things are happening fair and just. That's all.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:52:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=6730s)

- **Follow-up on board up payment motion**
  - **Summary:** Alderman Sanders inquired about the motion to approve payment for the emergency board up.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders, did you have something? Yes.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:57:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7075s)

- **Demolition status of property at 1300 South Street**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the neglect and demolition process for a property condemned in 2017, which accumulated over $34,000 in code violations by November 2023.
  - **Attribution:** Staff
  - **Evidence:** “Well, it's long been neglected. It was condemned in 2017. And it was declared a chronic nuisance by the hard work of my department of November of 2023. And in that time, it's accumulated over $34,000 in code violations on the property.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:58:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7097s)

- **Security and demolition timeline for neglected property**
  - **Summary:** Discussion about patrolling the area to prevent incidents or fires due to abandonment, and confirmation that the city is moving forward with demolition through court action rather than fast-tracking it.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “Are we patrolling that area to prevent any other kind of provocations or whatever that might cause problems like incidents, fires, or anything that the city would be liable to from this abandonment of this property because we got to post it first, right? Or have we done that already?... I'm going to go back to the first part of the question. I'm going to tear it down through the courts.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:58:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7134s)

- **Cost and status of boarding up property**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the total cost to board up the structure, which was $13,863, despite the fact that it has already been boarded up.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacey
  - **Evidence:** “OK, so it's already boarded up right now. It's been boarded up. But the total cost to board it up was $13,863.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:00:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7211s)

- **Concerns regarding purchasing another ENCODE module**
  - **Summary:** A council member expressed concern about the timing of the purchase and whether it was necessary to buy a second piece of the same software.
  - **Evidence:** “Yes, I I'm concerned that it took us four years to realize this This isn't giving us what we need or really want and we're willing to buy a second piece of the same ENCODE, Tyler ENCODE company. Is that the route we need to go or do we need to look at something totally different?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:07:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7651s)

- **Nature of Accounts Payable Automation Module addition**
  - **Summary:** Manager Boyer advised that this purchase is an evolutionary refinement process rather than a fundamental system change, suggesting modules can be added over time.
  - **Evidence:** “So I think this is a kind of a little bit of a tuning of the system right now. It's the addition of something we need that has come essentially to our attention that it really could be streamlined if we were able to do that. So I would just submit to you that this is actually more of an evolutionary process, a refinement process, and I think it's a I support it fully.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:08:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7701s)

- **Question regarding Fehr Graham Master Service Contract Scope**
  - **Summary:** A council member questioned whether the city requests the program to put together this master services agreement each year, and noted its flexibility for daily construction needs.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “Aldrin Sanders. Yeah, what are we trying to say here? That Fehr Graham made a proposal, is Fehr Graham making a proposal to the city? Well, each year the city actually Request that that program put together this master services agreement. And as I mentioned, just a little while ago, this gives us the flexibility to get certain projects done and completed throughout the year, because whenever you're dealing with construction, whenever you're dealing with things day in and day out, like we do, whether it be lining, whether it's sewer cleaning or replacements of sewer mains, this gives us the operational flexibility to to get”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:12:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=7939s)

- **Cost Justification for Fehr Graham Services**
  - **Summary:** A council member questioned whether the cost and estimated cost from Fehr and Graham are justifiable for the city at large, as this information has not been fully revealed.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “Using Fehr and Graham services to do the inspection, the whole entire ball of wax or whatever. We are dependent upon Farum-Graham to make that assessment and determination and the cost and the estimated cost that we have not had a chance to determine whether or not their cost is justifiable to work on a particular project. To work on the city for the city at large. In other words, what Fehr and Graham has not revealed to us, all of its cost services, all of its structural cost service and infrastructure cost services and are these estimated costs? Because I like to have a cost that is already something that the council has determined whether or not we will go forward with certain services and certain costs.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:13:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8014s)

- **Response regarding Engineering Firm Experience**
  - **Summary:** Manager Boyer stated that based on experience dealing with various engineering design firms, the cost justification point was raised.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “Director Boyer. If I could speak to that point. Number one, it's been my experience and I've dealt with a number of different engineering design firms and different engineers.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:14:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8088s)

- **Cost services and infrastructure cost estimates from Fehr Graham**
  - **Summary:** A concern was raised regarding the need for costs to be determined by the council before proceeding with certain services.
  - **Evidence:** “In other words, what Fehr and Graham has not revealed to us, all of its cost services, all of its structural cost service and infrastructure cost services and are these estimated costs? Because I like to have a cost that is already something that the council has determined whether or not we will go forward with certain services and certain costs.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:14:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8043s)

- **Fehr Graham's experience and billing practices**
  - **Summary:** A speaker stated that Fehr Graham is local, understands the city's systems (transportation, water, sewer, storm), has historically delivered at or below cost, and handled past overruns internally without change orders.
  - **Evidence:** “Number one, it's been my experience and I've dealt with a number of different engineering design firms and different engineers. Fehr Graham, not only is local, they know and understand our systems, whether it's transportation, water, sewer, storm, and a whole lot of other systems. They have always delivered at or below cost and when they have had a problem where they've had a cost overrun, we didn't see a change order. They just took care of it. They took care of it internally because Freeport is an important customer to to their organization.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:14:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8088s)

- **Oversight of time and material portion of contract**
  - **Summary:** The speaker confirmed that the time and material portion of the contract is reviewed and overseen by staff, who track times and approve activities individually upon invoice receipt.
  - **Evidence:** “However, I want to address your point, which is as far as the time and material portion of this contract is concerned, okay, this is definitely reviewed and overseen by staff. We make sure that anything they're doing, we're keeping track of those times and we're also keeping track of all of the activities that they're doing and that we go through and parse those out out and approve them individually when the invoices come through, but I wanted to make one last point, which was in the relationship that we have with Fehr Graham, the only difference you would do in other ways, like for instance, if you had another project and you were interested in pursuing other help or other engineering services contracts, you wouldn't, this wouldn't be a bidding situation, it would be a statement of qualification where you would submit to to various engineering companies, their statement of qualifications, and you would receive those.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:15:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8120s)

- **Recommendation regarding Fehr Graham's qualifications**
  - **Summary:** The speaker suggested that due to Fehr Graham's track record and deep knowledge of the city, they are very qualified, making it difficult to find anyone more qualified.
  - **Evidence:** “I've looked at a number of those, different process, different statements on different projects, and I will suggest because of their, not only their track record of success and their knowledge, deep knowledge of the city, they are very, very qualified and to the point where it would be difficult to find anyone more qualified.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:16:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8182s)

- **Concerns about cost overruns and contract timing**
  - **Summary:** A concern was raised regarding a previous instance where Fehr Graham requested an extra $250,000, and another speaker noted the existence of a potential 20% increase.
  - **Evidence:** “Yes. I don't know that we did, but I don't know that we didn't go over last year because Fehr Graham came back and asked for $250,000 extra. Now I know what was budgeted, what was started with and I know there's also a 20% increase that can be added up in there as well if I'm not mistaken.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:16:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8202s)

- **Timing of Fehr Graham contracts on the agenda**
  - **Summary:** A speaker expressed concern about having three contracts with Fehr Graham among 30 items on the agenda, suggesting they should have been received in November or December.
  - **Evidence:** “My only concern, my only request, we have 20, 30 items on this agenda and three are are contracts with Fehr Graham. It would have been nice to have gotten these in November or December at the latest to go through all this instead of spending the weekend trying to understand and I know it happens So how many people are really even reading them to even understand what it's saying and what we're committing to or are we just getting back and saying yes, aye, aye, aye?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:17:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8237s)

- **Request for advance review of contracts**
  - **Summary:** A speaker requested that any future votes on Fehr Graham's three contracts in January be preceded by receiving the documentation in November to allow time for questions.
  - **Attribution:** Mayor Jodi Miller
  - **Evidence:** “Mayor Jodi Miller, all I'm asking is that not that nothing be changed but that we receive it in advance to go through it in case we have any questions because I don't want to make a motion to move this to the COW in February. That would be my right. That would be my right so please understand where I'm coming from I know what's been norm but what's been norm don't mean it's been right all I am is trying to take time three contracts am I correct on this agenda I don't want to just okay all I'm asking if that if we're going to to vote on something in January pertaining to Fehr Graham's three contracts is that we get them in November to look over them, to ask questions, to do whatever we may want to do.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:19:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8345s)

- **Reason for late presentation of annual contract**
  - **Summary:** A speaker stated that the contracts are identical to the last three years because they are annual, time and material estimation contracts, but city manager directed bringing new contracts yearly.
  - **Evidence:** “Yeah, sure. We can certainly try to get contracts here sooner. I would like to state that this is the exact same contract, the exact same everything for the last three years. That is why it wasn't presented sooner. It's an annual contract. And it is a time and material estimation contract, if you read it. So we could continue on the current contracts that we have because there's not a final set amount on it, but city manager direction was to bring new contracts yearly so they can be brought to council and gone, you know, in front of everybody.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:20:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8445s)

- **Budgetary basis for current contract submission**
  - **Summary:** A speaker noted that the budgeted amount was similar to last year, but city manager directed bringing only part of the contract first due to expected annual variation.
  - **Evidence:** “So everybody was still in agreeance of moving that forward to your statement of the cost. I believe we budgeted the same amount as last year, but city manager directed me to bring only part of the contract first to see what we actually need and I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to get the numbers right for the year because it will vary from year to year.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:21:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8479s)

- **Fehr Graham social media post regarding collaboration**
  - **Summary:** A speaker noted that on January 8th, Fehr Graham posted on Facebook about collaborating with Rob Boyer, City Manager of the City of Freeport.
  - **Evidence:** “On January 8th, Fehr Graham made a post on Facebook. That post says we are proud to collaborate with clients like Rob Boyer, City Manager of the City of Freeport, City Hall. Rob shares how Fehr Graham's dedication, communication, exceptional service sets us apart from other firms. Join us in making a difference and enhancing our communities we cherish. Together we create real change.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:22:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8533s)

- **Conflict of interest concerns regarding Fehr Graham contracts**
  - **Summary:** Concerns were raised about a conflict of interest due to the Public Works Director signing off on a contract with Fehr Graham for the City of Freeport, which is then countersigned and sent back to the City Manager.
  - **Evidence:** “We've got the Public Works Director signing off on a contract with Fehr Graham to the City of Freeport that is then countersigned and sent back to the City Manager. These agreements come back and forth, the communications, so the Director sits in multiple positions. He works for Fehr Graham. Stiegel. He participates in a lot of this work that's done and no doubt Mr. Stiegel does a great job in a lot of things. But it creates a conflict of interest.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:23:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8587s)

- **Illinois law definition of conflict of interest**
  - **Summary:** A class four felony was mentioned, and the Illinois law defining a conflict of interest was cited: when a person's personal interest could compromise their judgment, decisions, or actions.
  - **Evidence:** “Huffines. A class four felony, class four felony, and we walk in this room, hundreds and hundreds of thousands of dollars, and it's like, well, this is what we've always done. Well, we should be questioning everything we do because we're spending money that we don't always have, and we're constantly raising rates on everything, and we have to come back. And this is the Illinois law. A conflict of interest occurs when a person's personal interest could compromise their judgment, decisions, or actions. This includes financial interest, family relationships, friendships, or social factors.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:24:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8644s)

- **Concerns about sole-source contracting and multiple bids**
  - **Summary:** The speaker expressed concern that the city is not checking if other engineering firms could provide services at a cheaper cost or with a better solution, suggesting all opportunities are being funneled to one firm.
  - **Evidence:** “it causes the appearance even if it's not happening it causes the appearance that something nefarious is going on and we're blocking out other engineering firms that theoretically could be bringing opportunities to the city of Freeport as well and not putting all of our eggs in one basket and having been in a business and run a business I understand the dangers of doing that it It puts you in a situation where you're no longer able to check, could somebody else do the same thing at a cheaper cost, at a better solution, you don't know. We've completely pushed all of the other players out.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:25:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8720s)

- **Concerns about contract funding structure**
  - **Summary:** The speaker questioned why three specific contracts ($350,000 master service contract, $100,000, and $150,000) were being passed without proper budgetary review.
  - **Evidence:** “But these three contracts, $350,000 master service contract Winslow. You should have to come back to us or put it in the overall budget, lay it out, here's what we're going to do, here's the projects, here's what we think it's going to be.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:28:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8880s)

- **Fehr Graham's community investment and partnership status**
  - **Summary:** The speaker stated that their firm has brought in over 50 million dollars worth of funding to the city of Freeport that did not need to be repaid in the last 10 or 12 years.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers
  - **Evidence:** “I just added this up and we have personally our firm has brought in over 50 million dollars worth of funding that did not need to be repaid to the city of Freeport in the last I believe it's 10 or 12 years so we have been a good partner”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:30:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=9055s)

- **Fehr Graham's local presence and employment**
  - **Summary:** The speaker stated that Fehr Graham has been embedded in the community for 51 years, employs 40 people whose wages are paid locally, and is not comparable to other firms.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers
  - **Evidence:** “We have been embedded in this community for 51 years. We have done the city engineering here. There is no employees from any other engineering firm that live in the city of Freeport. We employ 40 people down at our office that are all people that spend money in Freeport.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:29:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8950s)

- **Fehr Graham's contract performance and history**
  - **Summary:** The speaker mentioned losing $21,000 on the landfill contract last year but wrote it off as per agreement, and noted that the general engineering contract replaces the city engineering department.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers
  - **Evidence:** “Mr. Monroe our firm lost We lost $21,000 on the landfill contract last year and we never came back and asked for a penny. We wrote it off, we ate it because that was the agreement. The general engineering contract, which this is the master service, is what it is, that is in replacement of the city engineering department that doesn't exist here.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:29:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=8976s)

- **Fehr Graham's partnership with City of Freeport**
  - **Summary:** The speaker asserted that Fehr Graham has been a great partner to the City of Freeport as any firm they have ever worked for, citing specific examples of successful projects.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm
  - **Evidence:** “Fehr Graham has been a greatest partner to the City of Freeport as any firm we've ever worked for and I would never say I can't think of one project that we went back on”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:32:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=9154s)

- **Discussion following failed motion to call the question**
  - **Summary:** The discussion continued after the failure of the motion to call the question, with multiple aldermen offering comments on the resolution.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers
  - **Evidence:** “So then more discussion. You've already had twice a talk. Alderman Stacey's wants, Alderman Klemm's wants, Alderman Rose wants. Are we on the same subject? Yeah, we're on the same subject. So Alderman Parker, Alderman Simmons, Alderman Shadle, Alderman Sellers, do you have anything you want to add?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:35:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=9312s)

- **Discussion on resolution adoption and process fairness**
  - **Summary:** Alderman Simmons stated that questioning should not be considered combative and that he does not think it is fair to assume people are unprepared or combative when they ask questions.
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Simmons? Yeah, I just want to say, asking questions, we got to stop considering that combative. We shouldn't be expected to just come say yes to everything. Some things you may have the answer for, and you want to ask those questions, and you want to ask those questions on public record. But it's always assumed that people aren't prepared or they're combative and aggressive when they have questions. And I just don't think that's fair.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:37:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=9428s)

- **Contract review timing**
  - **Summary:** A speaker expressed a desire to receive contracts in advance for proper preparation time, noting the difficulty of reviewing complex documents with short notice.
  - **Evidence:** “I said what I said. I meant what I said. We have three contracts on this agenda. It would have been nice just to have gotten them in advance.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:38:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=9492s)

- **Concerns regarding director appointments and council consultation**
  - **Summary:** A concern was raised that prominent positions like directors are being filled without the consultation of the Council, leading to decision-making happening outside of council oversight.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders? Yeah, we throw in that term directors without the consultation from and the Council into knowing who is stepping up to play these roles. Obviously, we are being bypassed for these individuals who are directors as per se. And we don't understand the whole criteria of these directors and what are they here for and who is doing the hiring or putting people in place without the consultation of and the Council, and if we're doing that, no, I gotta keep talking because she's gonna shut me down and put me on the pause list. And so I don't want that right now. I don't want you to interject at this point in time because she's subject to negate what I'm trying to talk about. And so on. But my problem is we're putting people in place to make decision making decisions without the council.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:41:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=9713s)

- **Need for administrative overhaul and city manager involvement**
  - **Summary:** A desire was expressed for an overhaul of administrative processes, ensuring the City Manager is more involved in providing comprehensive information to the Council so that votes can be legitimately defended.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “I want my council, I want my manager to know all these things so I can have a legitimate answer and when I come into council, the people can understand that I consulted with you. I have someone to say, well, this is the information I got from my manager, my city manager, and I'm just going to voice that to the general public so they can understand why we vote the way we vote and sustain and things of this nature. And so my whole thing is that I want to say we might need an overhaul on how we do things from the administrative position.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:46:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10004s)

- **Master Service Contract decision authority**
  - **Summary:** Clarification was sought regarding who has the authority to make the decision on the master service contract for public works.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm
  - **Evidence:** “I believe you're asking who gets to make the decision of the master service contract for the public works that's what this is so you can vote yes or no yeah but it's already in place it's it's for you to make a determination you either vote yes or vote no yeah that's what this and John.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:47:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10046s)

- **Master service contract for public works decision authority**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding who has the authority to make the decision on the master service contract for public works.
  - **Evidence:** “I believe you're asking who gets to make the decision of the master service contract for the public works that's what this is so you can vote yes or no yeah but it's already in place it's it's for you to make a determination you either vote yes or vote no yeah that's what this”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:47:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10046s)

- **Director responsibility and purchasing policy adherence**
  - **Summary:** Directors have a certain responsibility to the city and must follow the purchasing policy.
  - **Evidence:** “Directors have a certain responsibility to the city. They can only approve so much. Insurers that we follow the purchasing policy of anything that's done. It all comes to council.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:48:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10082s)

- **Public works contract financial threshold**
  - **Summary:** Anything over $9,999 requires council approval according to ordinance.
  - **Evidence:** “I believe anything Rob can't prove anything over $9,999 per our ordinance. So everything's still run through the council.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:48:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10104s)

- **Overdue fines policy change**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding overdue fines being recognized as a form of social inequity and the purging of outstanding late fines.
  - **Attribution:** Library Representative
  - **Evidence:** “Overdue fines are widely recognized by professional library organizations as a form of social inequity. And there's been multiple studies conducted that show that imposing fines neither teaches responsibility nor motivates borrowers to return their items on time. Huffins. And any outstanding late fines on Freeport Public Library items will be purged from our Patreon account starting on February 1st of 2025. All of our items will be fine free with the exception of our hotspots, our STEM kits, our parent kits, and the Library of Things items.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:00:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=10805s)

- **Value of Corporation/Integrity in Office**
  - **Summary:** The amount of value that we get out of that corporation is phenomenal. The amount of integrity that sitting in that seat is phenomenal.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Shadle
  - **Evidence:** “A lot of things said tonight that were stretches. The amount of value that we get out of that corporation is phenomenal. The amount of integrity that sitting in that seat is phenomenal.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:03:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=11000s)

- **Financial Reporting Requirements**
  - **Summary:** A request for the strategic plans reports and financials to be merged so that officials know what was done, how much it cost, and how much money was spent.
  - **Attribution:** Public Commenter
  - **Evidence:** “I think these things need to merge together so that the strategic plans reports and the financials come together so we know what we've done, how much we've done, and what it cost us to get it done.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:05:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=11135s)

- **Purchase Order Documentation Improvement**
  - **Summary:** A suggestion that future financial reporting should include a review of purchase orders or purchase requisitions to help close months on time.
  - **Attribution:** Public Commenter
  - **Evidence:** “I think you're gonna have to take a look at purchase orders or purchase requisitions in the future so that you can get ahead of the game so that you can close your months on time.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:06:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=11164s)

- **Virginia Connection Anecdote**
  - **Summary:** A personal anecdote shared regarding living near Virginia and sports teams.
  - **Attribution:** Public Commenter
  - **Evidence:** “And Mr. Boyer, I forgot to bring in my pink snout. I was going to share it with you. We used to live very close to each other in Virginia. And the commanders have won and are going to be in the playoffs. And at one point in time they were called the Hogs.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:07:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=11239s)

## Public Comment

- **Hotel Opening Timeline Inquiry**
  - **Summary:** A request for an update on when the hotel will open, noting that legal action may be required.
  - **Attribution:** Public Commenter
  - **Evidence:** “Tommy? You said about the hotel, you mentioned? When they're gonna. Open real soon, Tommy. Real soon. They have to go to court for that?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:03:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=11015s)

- **Historical Political Quotes for Consideration**
  - **Summary:** Sharing quotes from Ulysses S. Grant regarding taxation and political divisions.
  - **Attribution:** Public Commenter
  - **Evidence:** “He also said that if we are to have another contest in the near future of our national I predict that the dividing line will not be the Mason-Dixon, but between patriotism and intelligence on one side and superstition, ambition, and ignorance on the other. Ulysses S. Grant quoted that. He also said, I would suggest a taxation on all property equally, whether church or corporation.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:06:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=11193s)

- **Legal Precedent Regarding Law Violation**
  - **Summary:** A discussion point regarding the legal ability of entities (like banks) to violate law versus the President of the United States.
  - **Attribution:** Public Commenter
  - **Evidence:** “Johnson. And there are a few more things that, oh, the last one is you can violate the law and banks may violate the law and be sustained in doing so. But the President of the United States cannot violate the law and he was a President.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:07:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=11239s)

## Follow-ups

- **Deadline for property registration notice**
  - **Summary:** The deadline for registration is April 1st of 2025, after which a notice will be sent if proof of non-rental status cannot be provided.
  - **Evidence:** “hey when are these letters going out so we know that these letters have to go out to say the deadline for registration is April 1st of 2025 and at that point after do notice if a property owner doesn't say hey you know what that's not a rental property I have my son lives there or it's a second house if they could prove some sort of you know sending a utility bill other proof that it's not a”
  - **Source timestamp:** [28:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=1699s)

## Attendance

- **Roll Call Attendance**
  - **Summary:** Alderman Klemm, Monroe, and Parker were present at roll call. Simmons was absent.
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Mayor Miller? Here. Alderpersons, Klemm? Here. Monroe? Here. Simmons is absent, Parker? Here.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLqwqDLAKDI&t=103s)