WEBVTT

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as we come through a bitter cold, thank you for your protection and your care for us and

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our lives Lord.

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We thank you as we begin tonight that you are the rewarder of those who diligently seek

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you and so Lord I come on behalf of those here tonight and with them to seek your face,

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to ask for your help and for your blessing. Lord, even as we've just gotten started here

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in this new year, 2025, Lord, we do pray for our plans, for our hopes, even for our dreams

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as a city, as citizens of Freeport of Stevenson County, Lord, as those who are directors and

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Chiefs, for the Mayor, for City Manager, Lord, not to leave anyone out, but for each one

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sitting here tonight, that you would assist them in their work, that you would give them

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wisdom, that you would help them to seek you, as again, you are the rewarder of those who

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do so.

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And Father, we pray that you would bless beyond even what we request of you, that you would

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Surprise us with your blessing and Lord we pray for wisdom tonight for the

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things on the agenda here this evening that you would give us your help wisdom

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and Lord we ask these things even as you've invited us to come and ask of you

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in Jesus name amen thank you Justin now we'll officially call this meeting to

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order madam clerk would you please take the role madam mayor Miller here

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Alderpersons, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Absent, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers

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Okay, we had a request that if council members could please remember to speak into their

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microphones.

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It's difficult sometimes for the audience to hear.

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So we will move on to item number one, which is the approval of the agenda.

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has requested the removal of 8 and 23 for a later date, and there is also nothing to discuss

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on item number 30, so we will remove that.

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With that, is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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Second.

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A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

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All those in favor, signal.

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Yes, ma'am.

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I have a question.

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Why are we removing 8 and 23?

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Staff requests not ready.

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Do you want Manager Boyer?

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That just needs a little, we need more time to consider the media, social media policy

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and also the transfer of properties, we're in a holding pattern until we receive some

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documentation back from the county on those.

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Alderman Monroe.

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Thank you Madam Mayor.

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Why did we bring this up previously then if we weren't ready to move forward?

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I think the last conversation we had, the last council meeting, highlighted some things that need more review.

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All those in favor signify by saying aye.

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Aye.

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Opposed?

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No.

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No.

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That's seven to one, that passes.

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Six.

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Two.

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Two nays.

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Okay.

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Sorry.

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Six to two.

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Five to two.

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Okay, five to two. Did he also say 30? I did, yes. You said 30? 30 because there wasn't anything that was brought up for discussion. We normally have the executive session just as a standing in case something comes up, but there wasn't anything that was discussed, so I just put that out there for removal, just to keep things clean.

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Item number two is approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on January 6th, 2025. Is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Parker. All those in favor signify by saying aye.

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Aye.

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Opposed? That motion passes. Public comments? I don't believe there's any. Darren, can you take a look quick? Is there any public comments?

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Are there any public comments? Nope? Okay, thank you. Item number four is the presentation of the Year in Review. Director Bridge.

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and

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John.

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Good evening, Council. As I shuffle my papers around, I just

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want to start off by saying that the numbers we are going to see

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tonight, the accomplishments that are put forward on these

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slides are, number one, only a portion of what gets done on a

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and the rest of the staff who have been working on this project.

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We have a number of things that are done on a daily basis by

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our amazing staff. Number two, these are simply numbers and

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again, simply words on a screen whereas the things that go on on

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a daily basis, a lot of time, a lot of effort. And I know

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certainly on behalf of all of our staff, a lot of pride goes

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into what is presented here.

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and the Street Department of Public Works.

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In a record setting 2024, crews laid 15,221 tons of hot mix asphalt, paving over seven

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and a half miles of streets.

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These streets completed by city crews included Oak Avenue, State Street, Chicago Avenue,

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Iroquois Street, Quail Ridge Drive, Sioux Drive, Dirk Drive, Coach Street, Yellowstone

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Court, Clinton Place and Street and Salem Court.

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One of the strategic goals for Public Works is to implement the Street Improvement Plan

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by paving 8 miles of street per year using data including traffic count and condition

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of the street, curb, approaches, water, sewer and storm mains to plan each replacement project.

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Crews also plowed 10,471 miles of roads in 2024.

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319 lots were mowed around the city.

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43 city owned lots were mowed weekly.

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Over 100 service cut repairs were managed

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and 4,566 calls from residents were fielded by Public Works.

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The Street Department is in charge

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of many aspects of this city.

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Cruz were able to remove a total of 261 dead

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and dangerous trees and plant 108 healthy trees

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with the help of the yield program.

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150 stumps were ground throughout the year.

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The department handled a total of 78 dog-related calls

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through animal control, which, important detail,

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our animal control officer was on medical leave

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for a portion of last year.

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Kroos 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.

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One more thing before I ask Darren if he has anything else to add. One of the other strategic goals was to improve public works wage structure to increase recruitment and retention, and I believe that was done in 2024.

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Dern is there anything else you'd like to add for that section is there anything

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from council yeah I have a question maybe too in succession in succession that

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That means I don't have to omit my follow through.

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Your name is Director Bridges, right?

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Bridge, yes sir.

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Yes sir.

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I must not have been here when you were appointed as Director Bridge and with that appointment

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that you've been appointed to.

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I never understood your job description, exactly.

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What is the full scope of your job description?

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Okay, Alderman Sanders, this isn't on topic?

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No, it isn't, it's just I'm looking for the qualification

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for the annual report that is being made.

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and Mary, and I'm going to talk about the annual report that is being made. And that's why I'm the counsel. You're not the counsel. I'm asking him questions.

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I'm just trying to help you stay on track.

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Well, I am on track. I know that I'm on track. And the thing is, if I don't know who you are, I don't know if you're eligible or legally eligible to be making any kind of annual report

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because I had not seen your your personnel file nor your job description and so

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you're standing here giving us analytics and reports about what is going on

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throughout the city. That is what I'm understanding as I listen to you. So

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until I do, I'm just trying to find out whether or not what you're saying is

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is relevant at this point and who gave you, what department are you in, first of all,

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who is your supervisor, manager, or you're just a director?

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Director Bridge?

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I'm part of the Communications Department, Communications Director, and this is off topic,

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so you and I-

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No, it's not off topic because if it's-

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You and I mentioned it after the meeting about this.

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It was stated that you're a Director of Communication.

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it does not state that, it just says Director Bridges, that's all it says, okay?

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So the agenda item that we're talking about right now is the year in review, it's being

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presented by Director Bridge, certainly Alderman, so that's the topic there if Alderman Sanders,

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if you have questions about how Director Bridge was hired, his qualifications, all that sort

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of stuff, that is something that should be handled offline, you know, or at a separate

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meeting you know when we put it on as an agenda topic there but the topic for

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right now is the presentation of the year in review that is the topic that's

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on yeah but it still doesn't say that he's qualified or eligible to do such a

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reporting and and that's not what we're that's not what the agenda topic is

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about so I can get any Joe blow off the street to give an annual report well he

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is an employee of the city that is serving in the role of Communications

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Director. That's vague, very vague. And certainly if you want his qualifications that is something

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that we can but that is a different topic. So how many positions does he, that he holds

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within the city? He holds one position, he's the Communications Director. Okay, would you

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like to proceed with your presentation please? Alderman Monroe, did you have? Actually she

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The 15,221 tons of HMA laid, did that include the program with Avery Harrell?

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Darren?

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No, it did not.

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That was only what the Public Works crew themselves laid on the street reconditions.

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The material you're talking about is hot patch asphalt that we make, we don't buy.

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This is purchased hot mix that goes on new streets only.

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So Avery's numbers are not in there.

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And I would have to consult with Pat Ingram to get the tons that we had from them.

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I know we had it calculated, I just don't believe it's in the presentation.

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Correct me if I'm wrong, Darren, but this also talks about just City Crew stuff, not Adams Avenue, so to speak.

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Correct. This is just City numbers that were derived from the projects that we did, and all the numbers that you'll see in this presentation were provided by the departments themselves to Brian for the annual report.

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Thank you.

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Alderman Monroe?

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I withdraw.

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Okay. Go ahead, Director.

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and others. Thank you. There we go. Okay. The water and sewer department still with Public Works. Phase 1 of the wastewater treatment plant upgrades continues to expedite the entire project. Lead service line replacement phase 3 is wrapping up and phase 4 is in the planning stage. Freeport was presented the Goldwater Ambassador Award in 2024.

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The treatment plant team has maintained water chemistry to EPA standards, helping to provide a safe source of drinking water.

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In 2024, water and sewer crews responded to 35 water main breaks.

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The team also installed 10 new fire hydrants around the city and assisted with 490 lead service line replacements.

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12 miles of sewer main were cleaned and 10 sewer main slash lateral repairs were

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executed throughout the year. On average these crews received 20 Julies requests

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per day. Once again Darren if there's anything you'd like to add. Yeah I would

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just like to point out here the average number of Julies per day is a lot and it

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takes up a lot of crew time to do the Julies to do the research and to go out

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and others.

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That's a very high number, which shows the amount of construction that's going on in

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Freeport between repairs and, you know, juries are called in for various items.

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But that is a big number.

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A lot of that has to do with the surf internet project that is providing low cost internet

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around the city of Freeport that's being built out.

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That's a $15 million infrastructure project.

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Alderman Sanders? Sorry. Yeah. To mention Julies and how the personnel or is tied up with all of these Julies. The Julies is just water and sewer.

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Seward, is that what it is? How many people needs to be on that task to do those

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particular duels? Do you need a construction crew to go out and do duels?

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Do you need that to even do water or sewer? You need a you need a crew

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to do that? With the amount of duels that we've been getting, it usually takes two

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to three of our staff members to be able to go out and locate and mark Julie's

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out it's not every day we try to concentrate it into segments but it does

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eclipse a lot of time because you actually have to do the research on each

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street and and and get the measurements and the calculations to be able to set

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those points based on the way the system is okay well I understand that part but

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My point, my thing is, does it require many personnel staff

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to go out and do julees?

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Two to three.

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OK.

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Go ahead, Director.

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All right.

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I'm sorry.

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Madam Mayor, is it possible to get the IT department

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to display the board?

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The people at home are texting asking for it to be displayed.

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they can't see it, for whatever reason.

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Hey, keep going, Director.

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In case you couldn't hear, he said it shows it's displaying.

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I will continue for the time being,

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but Mayor, stop me if you need.

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Before I move on from water and sewer,

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a couple highlights from their strategic goals was to secure funding for well number 12.

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That happened.

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Implement phase one of the Wastewater Treatment Plan improvements and plan for future phases

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of the Wastewater Treatment Plan improvements.

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That is happening as we speak.

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We will move on to community and economic development.

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The improvements made throughout 2024 to the rental registration process highlighted a busy

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year for Community & Economic Development.

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The team implemented new software in the form of Ptolemy Rental Registration to give both

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landlords and the City access to more features to help make renting a more successful endeavor

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in Freeport.

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To keep all parties accountable, fees were also increased for non-compliant landlords.

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In addition, staff made it possible for contractors to now complete registration or license renewal

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online, a process that previously required a trip to City Hall.

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Another exciting development has been the ability to incorporate low-income homes into

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the Land Bank for the first time since 2020.

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This process ends with dilapidated homes being refurbished and getting a facelift in order

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to avoid demolition.

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The team also distributed $19,251 through the Facade Improvement Grant, including $15,000

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to the Freeport Art Museum for their move downtown, 765 building permits were issued

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in 2024, 5,144 code enforcement activities were completed, as well as 23 new chronic

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and others.

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We are now going to talk about the

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number of direct nuisance cases and 51 total demolitions.

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Before I open it up, Director Duckman spoke on this not too

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long ago. The strategic goals.

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Expanding enforcement time for the code enforcement team.

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Over 5,000 activities related to code enforcement.

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and

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John,

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John,

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John,

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John,

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John,

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John,

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John,

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It says for tree removal and trash cleanup.

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And I do know that trash cleanup has been a hot topic.

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Yes.

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So we've worked on a couple of different ways.

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One major way we've accomplished that

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is working with our public works team.

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Once we're getting chronic nuisance activities,

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or getting a property into chronic nuisance,

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or through proper notice, we're working better

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to clean up properties that have been habitual, dumping grounds,

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et cetera.

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to continue funding and implementation

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of the demolition and blight reduction program.

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Facilitate art museum transition to new location.

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All these things were worked on in 2024.

00:21:18.099 --> 00:21:21.180
Before I move on, I'll take a pause.

00:21:21.180 --> 00:21:22.259
Alderman Stacey?

00:21:22.259 --> 00:21:26.859
Yes, I would like to know if all letters have been sent out

00:21:26.859 --> 00:21:30.380
or if letters have been sent out to all landlords

00:21:30.380 --> 00:21:34.980
pertaining to registering their property.

00:21:34.980 --> 00:21:37.940
They have not been sent out yet.

00:21:37.940 --> 00:21:39.960
I met with them or talked to them last week,

00:21:39.960 --> 00:21:44.980
and we're using a company that's basically

00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:47.740
we send them the addresses to send out these mailers.

00:21:47.740 --> 00:21:51.180
And they had some issues on their end, technical issues

00:21:51.180 --> 00:21:52.259
on getting the letter out.

00:21:52.259 --> 00:21:54.980
So we've been working with them for the better part of a month,

00:21:54.980 --> 00:21:57.339
working through those technical issues.

00:21:57.339 --> 00:22:01.099
We usually have good success working with that company.

00:22:01.099 --> 00:22:05.940
They do our water bills and other billing or other mailers

00:22:05.940 --> 00:22:06.500
that we have.

00:22:06.500 --> 00:22:09.259
It's just for some reason, I know

00:22:09.259 --> 00:22:11.819
that our IT departments work tirelessly with them

00:22:11.819 --> 00:22:13.019
to try to get that resolved.

00:22:13.019 --> 00:22:15.660
So it should be sent out soon.

00:22:15.660 --> 00:22:18.619
And obviously, InfoSend sends their regrets,

00:22:18.619 --> 00:22:20.460
but we've been working really hard with them

00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:21.500
to try to get through it.

00:22:21.500 --> 00:22:23.220
But we're right there.

00:22:23.220 --> 00:22:24.420
So that's my opinion.

00:22:24.420 --> 00:22:27.539
Is it possible for the council to get an update?

00:22:27.539 --> 00:22:28.619
Yeah, absolutely.

00:22:28.619 --> 00:22:31.860
I can give an update at our next council meeting.

00:22:31.860 --> 00:22:32.860
That'd be perfect.

00:22:35.460 --> 00:22:36.619
Alderman Monroe?

00:22:36.619 --> 00:22:39.339
What's the estimation of how many people are registered

00:22:39.339 --> 00:22:42.660
versus who are not?

00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:45.779
My estimate is there's 1,100 registered,

00:22:45.779 --> 00:22:49.420
and that's rounding off, and that there should be right

00:22:49.420 --> 00:22:51.860
around 3,000 properties registered.

00:22:51.860 --> 00:23:21.860
And that's typical, we've typically had right around 1,100 properties register in the last three 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 1,900 properties that need to register.

00:23:21.860 --> 00:23:29.579
that are not registered go ahead director oh sorry another one follow up and and

00:23:29.579 --> 00:23:34.819
how many fines have been sent out since you took office we've not sent I can't

00:23:34.819 --> 00:23:39.539
give you that number I will get you that number I can email it and it's just to

00:23:39.539 --> 00:23:45.500
the registration nothing no other crimes correct I I'm gonna be honest with you I

00:23:45.500 --> 00:23:51.299
can get you that number next week but in my opinion it's low if any and coming

00:23:51.299 --> 00:23:55.740
Garvey.

00:23:55.740 --> 00:24:02.700
Alright, so just单ving into it our biggest concern when I came into this

00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:08.480
process and was talking with, er, first I was talking to city manager Bu kas um then

00:24:08.480 --> 00:24:10.500
talking with city manager Boyer.

00:24:10.500 --> 00:24:14.700
Our biggest concern was if we are sending out fines for not registering how do you know

00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:16.460
somebody is not a registered rental.

00:24:16.460 --> 00:24:18.299
If you would drive down one block in Freeport and you say is that person registered, should

00:24:18.299 --> 00:24:23.500
and others, continuing to counsel, as well as Manager Boyer is saying, well, before we

00:24:23.500 --> 00:24:28.980
really start, you know, enforcing our rental registry with these fines, to be fair, we

00:24:28.980 --> 00:24:31.139
should really know who should be registering.

00:24:31.139 --> 00:24:37.779
And we call that, and we worked with Ptolemy, and when we selected Ptolemy in April of 24,

00:24:37.779 --> 00:24:41.579
one of the major things I said to them was, I really want to identify who should be registered

00:24:41.579 --> 00:24:44.039
so I can know who to actually fine.

00:24:44.039 --> 00:24:50.880
Otherwise, when I told you we identified 1900 properties we think should register, without

00:24:50.880 --> 00:24:55.440
that software, how do we know who should be fined?

00:24:55.440 --> 00:25:00.440
I'm asking, that's a legitimate point, how do we know?

00:25:00.440 --> 00:25:04.400
We're going off of an old list, and it's saying, hey, we need to take care of this, and I'm

00:25:04.400 --> 00:25:08.720
like, well, we need some technology to help us along to say who should be registered,

00:25:08.720 --> 00:25:22.720
Are you secure now in knowing who should be registered and who isn't?

00:25:22.720 --> 00:25:25.720
Yes, yes, we have a much better picture of that, yes.

00:25:25.720 --> 00:25:29.720
And that's where I said that there's roughly 3,000 properties that should be registered,

00:25:29.720 --> 00:25:36.720
we have 1,100 that are currently registered, and there's 1,900 properties that should be registered.

00:25:36.720 --> 00:26:06.720
so yes I feel like we have a much better picture. Alderman Sanders. How effective are we collecting data on these particular registries? 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.

00:26:06.720 --> 00:26:14.240
So what kind of mechanism or data that we have retrieved to make these determinations, because

00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:23.840
right now, from what I'm hearing, we're not trying to be competent enough to go and find

00:26:23.840 --> 00:26:33.039
out these kinds of things. In other words, the data is there. What measures are we using

00:26:33.039 --> 00:26:35.640
to implement this or retrieve it.

00:26:35.640 --> 00:26:36.880
That's my question.

00:26:36.880 --> 00:26:37.920
It's a good question.

00:26:37.920 --> 00:26:39.559
A couple of things there.

00:26:39.559 --> 00:26:42.119
That question was posed to me, and I

00:26:42.119 --> 00:26:44.079
had the fun job of solving it.

00:26:44.079 --> 00:26:46.980
And so what we did, my team and I, and also

00:26:46.980 --> 00:26:49.519
the help of the IT department.

00:26:49.519 --> 00:26:51.360
So I want to make sure I include them.

00:26:51.360 --> 00:26:54.119
We got together, started looking into this,

00:26:54.119 --> 00:26:56.480
and trying to answer that question.

00:26:56.480 --> 00:27:01.840
How do we know who is not registered and should be?

00:27:31.840 --> 00:27:39.279
it mines the data from different sources and is for example one excellent item

00:27:39.279 --> 00:27:43.599
that it does is it's going to take essentially let's just say from a tax

00:27:43.599 --> 00:27:46.279
assessor it's going to look through all the properties in the city of Freeport

00:27:46.279 --> 00:27:51.920
and then it's going to say okay where is the site address you know different than

00:27:51.920 --> 00:27:56.779
the property address so if you're sending your tax bill if the tax bill

00:27:56.779 --> 00:27:58.779
S.

00:27:59.779 --> 00:28:01.779
K.

00:28:02.779 --> 00:28:04.779
K.

00:28:05.779 --> 00:28:07.779
K.

00:28:08.779 --> 00:28:10.779
K.

00:28:11.779 --> 00:28:13.779
K.

00:28:14.779 --> 00:28:16.779
K.

00:28:17.779 --> 00:28:19.779
K.

00:28:20.779 --> 00:28:22.779
K.

00:28:23.779 --> 00:28:25.779
K.

00:28:26.779 --> 00:28:56.779
and then we need to know how to go after. And then the go after part, Alderperson Stacy is correctly asking me, 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 due notice, if a property owner doesn't say, hey, you know what, that's not a rental property, my son lives there, or it's a second house, if they could prove some sort of, you know, sending a utility bill, other

00:28:56.779 --> 00:29:00.380
proof that it's not a rental okay fine it's not a rental but the majority of

00:29:00.380 --> 00:29:04.579
these people are rentals and they will need to register or be subject to a fine

00:29:04.579 --> 00:29:09.779
so the letters already written all the addresses have been compiled we're just

00:29:09.779 --> 00:29:14.539
working with the we're working with a consultant a company that actually does

00:29:14.539 --> 00:29:17.980
the mailing actually stuffs the letters actually mails out the letters and

00:29:17.980 --> 00:29:22.740
that's when I was telling all the person Stacey that it's taken them long much

00:29:22.740 --> 00:29:23.740
Delosa, Michael.

00:29:23.740 --> 00:29:26.420
So I'd like to make sure that we're able to have people

00:29:26.420 --> 00:29:29.619
searching SKU search ferries for much longer than usual

00:29:29.619 --> 00:29:32.920
too actually get the letters mailed out.

00:29:32.920 --> 00:29:37.860
So all right, you head director Thank you.

00:29:39.360 --> 00:29:43.159
Our next section is Human Resources.

00:29:43.159 --> 00:29:48.860
And I know Kim isn't here tonight, physically but if you

00:29:48.860 --> 00:29:51.579
have any questions, she's happy to answer them through

00:29:51.579 --> 00:29:58.820
Finance, City Hall, 24, Police Department, 65, Fire Department, 49, Public Works, Street

00:29:58.820 --> 00:30:04.740
Department, 17, Water and Sewer Department, 24, and the Library, 17.

00:30:04.740 --> 00:30:12.579
and the Library, 17. Over the course of the year, 53 new hires were managed with 37 separations

00:30:12.579 --> 00:30:29.660
and 4 retirements. I move on. The Clerk's Office. The Clerk's Office managed 136 resolutions

00:30:29.660 --> 00:30:31.660
and

00:30:32.900 --> 00:30:34.900
the

00:30:36.420 --> 00:30:37.420
City of

00:30:38.420 --> 00:30:40.420
Washington.

00:30:41.539 --> 00:30:45.539
We have received a 37% increase from 2023 and a 68% increase from 2022.

00:30:48.539 --> 00:30:52.539
164 FOIA requests were received. A 43% increase from 2023.

00:30:55.539 --> 00:30:57.539
Licenses for the following were processed. 36 video gaming

00:30:57.539 --> 00:31:05.460
In 2024, the Clerk's Office processed 41 special event permits and attended and managed the agenda for 64 meetings.

00:31:08.339 --> 00:31:08.900
I move on.

00:31:10.500 --> 00:31:14.299
The Police Department, I want to start with their strategic goals.

00:31:15.740 --> 00:31:27.420
Increase police force census and implement proven strategies for reducing crime, including a three-prong staffing approach that includes community service officers, law enforcement, and social workers to reduce crime.

00:31:27.539 --> 00:31:31.539
Hire and retain a diverse team to reflect the community we serve.

00:31:31.539 --> 00:31:37.539
Deploy more technology to reduce gun violence and improve the efficiency of the police force.

00:31:39.539 --> 00:31:55.539
2024 saw the Freeport Police Department continue to hire new officers, which allowed for the reestablishment of positions like the canine officer, general case detective, school resource officer, telecommunications supervisor, and administrative lieutenant.

00:31:55.539 --> 00:32:06.500
Lieutenant. In total, 82 firearms were recovered as a result of police investigations. 4,457

00:32:06.500 --> 00:32:17.059
police 911 calls were received. 1,533 arrests were made and 1,884 traffic citations were

00:32:17.059 --> 00:32:24.259
written. 485 pounds of prescription drugs were collected and taken in for disposal.

00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:25.259
and others.

00:32:25.259 --> 00:32:30.259
Last month in December, 17 kids were taken on a shopping spree for shop with a cop, and

00:32:30.259 --> 00:32:36.259
the FOP lodge sponsored a family of four children who lost their father to gun violence.

00:32:36.259 --> 00:32:41.779
56 neighborhood watch meetings were hosted, and the department continues to offer a civilian

00:32:41.779 --> 00:32:42.779
police academy.

00:32:42.779 --> 00:32:47.340
If there's anything you'd like to add, Chief, you're more than welcome to.

00:32:47.340 --> 00:32:50.660
No, thank you.

00:32:50.660 --> 00:32:54.180
I move on.

00:32:54.180 --> 00:32:57.180
The Fire Department

00:32:57.180 --> 00:33:10.180
With six new firefighters joining the department, crews had a busy and successful 2024. They responded to and investigated an estimated 95 fires where flames were present.

00:33:10.180 --> 00:33:16.180
More than 400 fire inspections were conducted to ensure safety in commercial and residential buildings.

00:33:16.180 --> 00:33:22.180
19 fire drills were held at schools and multi-unit apartment buildings.

00:33:22.180 --> 00:33:28.900
and others. 288 fire alarms were installed in 115 homes in the city, a service that is

00:33:28.900 --> 00:33:34.980
free to all residents. Department highlights include the revival of National Night Out in

00:33:34.980 --> 00:33:39.599
collaboration with the police to bring the community together. A new fire engine was

00:33:39.599 --> 00:33:44.720
delivered and is now stationed near Adams Avenue. And the Emergency Telephone Systems

00:33:44.720 --> 00:33:50.259
Board approved the purchase of a complete VHF radio network replacement. This project

00:33:50.259 --> 00:33:59.640
would have a total cost of more than $120,000, but is being completed at no cost to the city.

00:33:59.640 --> 00:34:03.579
Once again, Chief, if you need to add anything, feel free.

00:34:03.579 --> 00:34:04.940
So yes, thank you.

00:34:04.940 --> 00:34:11.300
So when we talk about 288 fire alarms installed, it's actually smoke detectors that are received

00:34:11.300 --> 00:34:14.139
from Red Cross.

00:34:14.139 --> 00:34:18.860
And then they're installed by the firefighters in 115 homes.

00:34:22.179 --> 00:34:24.780
Thank you.

00:34:24.780 --> 00:34:29.539
We move on to the Freeport Public Library.

00:34:29.539 --> 00:34:32.980
Their goals to launch the Arts and Culture Commission,

00:34:32.980 --> 00:34:36.380
which I believe happened, support cultural festival

00:34:36.380 --> 00:34:44.300
Bates, and events, sorry, support cultural and cultural festival events to engage and

00:34:44.300 --> 00:34:47.380
build connections among diverse groups.

00:34:47.380 --> 00:34:52.260
A major highlight of the library every year continues to be the attendance of the Summer

00:34:52.260 --> 00:34:53.539
Reading Program.

00:34:53.539 --> 00:35:02.539
In 2024, 498 children and teens registered, with 274 completing the program's goals, such

00:35:02.539 --> 00:35:05.500
as reading 60 books and more.

00:35:05.500 --> 00:35:10.900
The program doesn't just get children to read, however. From June 3rd to August 10th, the

00:35:10.900 --> 00:35:17.900
library offered 141 programs as part of summer reading. 6,048 children, teens, and adults

00:35:17.900 --> 00:35:24.699
attended, an increase of 25% from 2023. This number sets a new mark for one of the library's

00:35:24.699 --> 00:35:34.699
most popular programs. Throughout the year, 107,508 books were circulated along with 21,530

00:35:34.699 --> 00:35:37.360
Fowler,

00:35:37.360 --> 00:35:47.300
a total of 344 youth programs tallied in attendance of 17,026, a total of 109 adult programs tallied

00:35:47.300 --> 00:35:50.980
in attendance of 1,271.

00:35:50.980 --> 00:36:00.260
There are 4,568 active library cards, 27 public computers occupy both floors of the library,

00:36:00.260 --> 00:36:04.300
9,506 computer sessions were logged in 2024,

00:36:04.300 --> 00:36:06.300
Fowler.

00:36:07.380 --> 00:36:11.380
43,728 visits were paid to freiburgpubliclibrary.org.

00:36:13.380 --> 00:36:17.380
The meeting rooms were used 450 times, while the study rooms

00:36:17.380 --> 00:36:23.380
were used 456 times, and in 2024, 165 notarizations were

00:36:23.380 --> 00:36:29.380
completed. Once again, I forget your last name.

00:36:29.380 --> 00:36:44.099
and Dr. Huffins. Okay. I will continue. Hold it. Yeah. Alderman Sanders. Yeah. Question

00:36:44.099 --> 00:36:51.699
about, you know, yeah, okay, she's sitting there and she probably can give me more insight

00:36:51.699 --> 00:37:04.619
on how books are acquired and how and do we make requests, recommendations on books, categories

00:37:04.619 --> 00:37:08.840
and classifications and things of this nature.

00:37:08.840 --> 00:37:16.139
How do we proceed to put more books in our library than what we have because I don't

00:37:16.139 --> 00:37:22.139
and others. I don't know if they are selected or chosen or they are made by request from the citizens of the community.

00:37:22.139 --> 00:37:28.139
It's both. Anybody can make a recommendation for adding books to the collection.

00:37:28.139 --> 00:37:34.139
And we often do add the books when they are requested. We just don't get that many of them.

00:37:34.139 --> 00:37:40.139
But we do have a collection development policy that we follow

00:37:40.139 --> 00:38:10.139
and I. We have a lot of things that are implemented by the Board of Trustees. And then we have two main staff members that pick all of the items in the collection. And then we do have rules and policies in place for where they go in the collection. And a lot of that is based on cataloging rules, which are associated with our library consortium. And we have 138 staff members that pick all of the items in the collection.

00:38:10.139 --> 00:38:15.139
and I have a lot of great libraries that are in the same consortium following the same rules of where to put things.

00:38:15.139 --> 00:38:20.139
But we also have flexibility to create our own section.

00:38:20.139 --> 00:38:32.139
Like this year we created an urban fiction section with grant money and we were able to purchase about 250 books for that, specifically for that collection.

00:38:32.139 --> 00:38:36.139
And that, you know, did that help answer your question?

00:38:36.139 --> 00:38:38.140
and

00:38:39.260 --> 00:38:40.140
the

00:38:40.140 --> 00:38:44.140
Department of Finance. The Finance Department prepared and

00:38:44.140 --> 00:38:48.140
assisted auditors during the 2023 financial audit process,

00:38:48.140 --> 00:38:54.140
resulting in a clean opinion from the auditors. The 2025

00:38:54.140 --> 00:38:56.140
balanced spending plan was approved by the Department of

00:38:56.140 --> 00:38:58.140
Finance.

00:38:58.139 --> 00:39:00.139
and

00:39:02.159 --> 00:39:04.139
the

00:39:04.139 --> 00:39:18.139
financial audit process resulting in a clean opinion from the auditors. The 2025 balanced spending plan was approved by council. The team also participated in the career tech job shadow program. In 2024, 3,916 vendor payments were processed.

00:39:18.139 --> 00:39:40.139
and others, and they issued an average of 11,203 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.

00:39:40.139 --> 00:39:43.139
Good? Okay. We'll move on.

00:39:43.139 --> 00:40:00.220
Yeah, I just wanted to understand the 140 new accounts and what are those accounts and what

00:40:00.220 --> 00:40:04.659
Miller, the purpose of 140 some accounts like you I know you probably

00:40:04.659 --> 00:40:17.659
I know you probably have an answer for that already, but the thing is, I'm not aware of what the purpose of all of those accounts are for.

00:40:17.659 --> 00:40:28.659
So the pertains to water and sewer accounts, so new renters moving in, people moving around town.

00:40:28.659 --> 00:40:34.619
So we consider that or moving into town. They have a new account set up for water sewer

00:40:35.859 --> 00:40:43.460
So that could be either they moved within town. That's still a new account at a new address

00:40:44.819 --> 00:40:51.559
So they could be either locally moving around in Freeport or coming out of town moving into town. Thank you

00:40:54.980 --> 00:40:56.819
Move on

00:40:56.819 --> 00:40:57.619
and

00:40:57.619 --> 00:41:05.619
I'm going to talk about the IT, information technology. 254 total work tickets were processed in 2024.

00:41:05.619 --> 00:41:12.579
The department also replaced 18 computer workstations. They worked extensively on cleaning data for the new

00:41:12.579 --> 00:41:21.539
Tollamay rental registration and planned a 2025 migration to Office 365. Throughout the year,

00:41:21.539 --> 00:41:24.980
and

00:41:24.980 --> 00:41:27.259
Sh mourning.

00:41:27.259 --> 00:41:32.059
I am proud to say that this is a moment of truth that we have been waiting for.

00:41:32.059 --> 00:41:39.500
We have been waiting for a long time to see the fight for justice in the last four years.

00:41:39.500 --> 00:41:44.940
We have been waiting for a long time for a long time to see the fight for justice in

00:41:44.940 --> 00:41:46.940
the last four years.

00:41:46.940 --> 00:41:50.940
and

00:41:50.940 --> 00:41:52.940
the rest of the city.

00:41:52.940 --> 00:41:54.940
So, we have a lot of

00:41:54.940 --> 00:41:56.940
questions.

00:41:56.940 --> 00:41:58.940
And I think the question is,

00:41:58.940 --> 00:42:00.940
if we are going to be

00:42:00.940 --> 00:42:04.940
responsible for all technology that is acquired by the city,

00:42:04.940 --> 00:42:08.940
who is responsible for those kinds of tasks?

00:42:08.940 --> 00:42:12.940
Director, something can come up here if he wants, but the simple

00:42:12.940 --> 00:42:13.739
and

00:42:13.739 --> 00:42:19.619
I was looking for another angle. Okay. Okay. I wasn't looking for that particular

00:42:19.619 --> 00:42:28.619
information. Sure. I misunderstood the question. Well, no, no, you assume that I may have said

00:42:28.619 --> 00:42:35.859
something that triggered that. But yeah, but when we're talking about attacks on the

00:42:35.859 --> 00:42:43.500
and that triggered that. But yeah, but when we're talking about attacks on this, the attacks

00:42:43.500 --> 00:42:51.099
that the Internet or the technology, softwares and things like that is being attacked throughout

00:42:51.099 --> 00:42:59.420
the city, who is responsible for those kinds of things when we have a hiccup in our system

00:42:59.420 --> 00:43:08.339
that violates all of the, I don't know if we had any successful attacks because they're

00:43:08.339 --> 00:43:15.739
always someone out there attacking the system. Have we been able to divert any of those kinds

00:43:15.739 --> 00:43:23.219
of attacks from being placed in our system and corrupting our system? Have we been able

00:43:23.219 --> 00:43:24.219
to do that?

00:43:24.219 --> 00:43:31.819
To my knowledge, we haven't had any network malware attacks since we've had an IT department.

00:43:31.819 --> 00:43:38.420
All the attacks are sent back either by IT staff or our software and hardware appliances

00:43:38.420 --> 00:43:39.420
are built for that.

00:43:39.420 --> 00:43:40.420
Okay.

00:43:40.420 --> 00:43:41.420
Yeah.

00:43:41.420 --> 00:43:42.420
Okay.

00:43:42.420 --> 00:43:43.420
That sounds good.

00:43:43.420 --> 00:43:49.019
I just wanted to see who was attacking, who was covering for all of these attacks that

00:43:49.019 --> 00:43:51.619
we're getting, you know, throughout the city.

00:43:51.619 --> 00:44:00.619
So it's good to know that we have someone or some technical specialist that is taking care of those issues.

00:44:00.619 --> 00:44:06.619
All right, thank you.

00:44:06.619 --> 00:44:10.619
And we will finish with communications.

00:44:10.619 --> 00:44:20.619
The strategic goals for communications include making bilingual communications available for all key documents and outreach efforts.

00:44:20.619 --> 00:44:23.119
I can speak directly on that.

00:44:23.119 --> 00:44:29.659
As far as the website goes, we continue to find ways to be more ADA compliant and part

00:44:29.659 --> 00:44:37.559
of ADA compliance includes making things on the website bilingual.

00:44:37.559 --> 00:44:40.639
We are still putting effort into that.

00:44:40.639 --> 00:44:48.199
We have seen a success in creating bilingual communications as far as newsletters and a

00:44:48.199 --> 00:44:50.339
few graphics.

00:44:50.339 --> 00:44:56.139
it does take time however being a one-person department I can say that I

00:44:56.139 --> 00:45:02.219
am getting better at it and it will only get better from here expand city

00:45:02.219 --> 00:45:07.500
participation in community events to increase visibility are you finished

00:45:07.500 --> 00:45:14.420
where you pass it back to mayor can he finish his presentation on that yeah I

00:45:14.420 --> 00:45:33.779
I got here in April and since that point we have attended if not all most large

00:45:33.779 --> 00:45:41.219
community events with the goal of speaking to residents and hearing their

00:45:41.219 --> 00:45:43.219
and others.

00:45:45.219 --> 00:45:47.219
I believe that we need to be able to share concerns face-to-face

00:45:49.219 --> 00:45:51.219
in an environment where it is not as formal.

00:45:54.219 --> 00:45:56.219
And I believe that the numbers, which I don't have in front of

00:45:56.219 --> 00:46:00.219
me, but the numbers that we got from these different events just

00:46:00.219 --> 00:46:02.219
shows that being at those events is very important.

00:46:05.219 --> 00:46:07.219
And then finally, improve storytelling and data sharing

00:46:07.219 --> 00:46:09.219
efforts to better highlight the progress being made in Freeport.

00:46:11.219 --> 00:46:13.219
and

00:46:14.219 --> 00:46:16.219
John.

00:46:17.219 --> 00:46:21.219
The City's page reached 7400 Facebook followers, which is a 23% increase from 2023.

00:46:24.219 --> 00:46:30.219
384,300 accounts viewed city posts throughout the year, a 114% increase in visibility.

00:46:33.219 --> 00:46:39.219
68 press releases were sent, a 467% increase from 2023.

00:46:39.219 --> 00:46:47.659
Alderman Sanders

00:46:47.659 --> 00:46:53.779
Are we set up for comments from the general public and not only the general public, but

00:46:53.779 --> 00:46:56.819
the city staff and people of that nature?

00:46:56.819 --> 00:47:06.659
Are we set up to make comments so we can respond to whatever it is that is injected into our

00:47:06.659 --> 00:47:08.960
media accounts and things of that nature?

00:47:08.960 --> 00:47:11.639
We're on the verge of doing all of those things.

00:47:11.639 --> 00:47:17.880
So I believe you're speaking about Facebook because all the other media accounts that we

00:47:17.880 --> 00:47:21.199
have don't allow for comments.

00:47:21.199 --> 00:47:30.119
For Facebook, the topic was brought up in December and then two weeks ago and at this

00:47:30.119 --> 00:47:38.679
time we are choosing to review what we have put forth and review it until we come up with

00:47:38.679 --> 00:47:43.920
with a Better Solution, at this time, at this time, comments are not allowed.

00:47:43.920 --> 00:47:44.920
Okay.

00:47:44.920 --> 00:47:52.319
And now we're going to increase the staff in that department area to help in the process

00:47:52.319 --> 00:47:59.960
of mitigating all kinds of communications, media, information, and anything like that

00:47:59.960 --> 00:48:06.039
that's going to help you to improve your work status there.

00:48:06.039 --> 00:48:12.519
At this time, the goal is not to increase staff.

00:48:12.519 --> 00:48:18.239
We do have options for internships here and there.

00:48:18.239 --> 00:48:21.759
We have not pursued them yet.

00:48:21.759 --> 00:48:24.239
This position was created, I believe, back in 2021.

00:48:24.239 --> 00:48:28.679
It's still a fairly new department.

00:48:28.679 --> 00:48:30.480
The numbers speak for itself.

00:48:30.480 --> 00:48:34.980
I do believe that the communication that we have put forth

00:48:36.599 --> 00:48:39.319
improves our transparency at every level.

00:48:39.319 --> 00:48:44.319
And whether or not we choose to pursue more staff members

00:48:44.599 --> 00:48:46.880
for the communications team,

00:48:46.880 --> 00:48:48.279
that is not our goal at this time.

00:48:48.279 --> 00:48:52.439
Okay, well, I'm looking at that chart,

00:48:52.439 --> 00:48:57.239
not chart, but that information chart you have up there.

00:48:57.239 --> 00:48:59.679
Who's doing the analyticals

00:48:59.679 --> 00:49:06.679
and where is that information that's coming from that I'm looking at at this current time

00:49:06.679 --> 00:49:11.679
and we talk about transparencies and press releases and things like that.

00:49:11.679 --> 00:49:18.679
Who's handling all of these objectives that I see, especially that analytical chart up there?

00:49:18.679 --> 00:49:23.679
I'm looking at this chart and I'm like, where are you getting that information from?

00:49:23.679 --> 00:49:27.679
Because I like to know. Yeah, I like to know where it's coming from.

00:49:27.679 --> 00:49:33.679
and that is all done in my office by looking at a screen and seeing the stuff that we have done.

00:49:36.239 --> 00:49:42.719
I counted those numbers by hand. It's not a big enough number to where I have to use any software.

00:49:43.839 --> 00:49:49.039
The Facebook followers accounts it for me. The accounts viewed, that counts it for me.

00:49:49.039 --> 00:49:56.639
The press releases, I counted that myself. We had 12 in 2023. And then the numbers in the chart,

00:49:56.639 --> 00:50:00.639
Stewart, I counted those by hand, those were simple right off of Facebook.

00:50:00.639 --> 00:50:04.639
Alderman Stacy, did you have something? No.

00:50:04.639 --> 00:50:34.639
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. And if this is our position, you know, I think it's behoo of us to double check that this is okay.

00:50:34.639 --> 00:50:41.000
and I, clearly the Director doesn't understand what the rules are, the City Manager doesn't,

00:50:41.000 --> 00:50:48.299
but that's something that's, it's very clear. There's a couple of cases, and this is just

00:50:48.299 --> 00:50:58.400
quick search on Google, it's by no means legal, you know, but it's very clear several people

00:50:58.400 --> 00:51:09.579
and others, and it is generally been ruled that you cannot block opinions just because

00:51:09.579 --> 00:51:11.619
you feel like it.

00:51:11.619 --> 00:51:17.440
If it is vulgar, if it is offensive, if it is threatening, then that makes sense, but

00:51:17.440 --> 00:51:20.639
that line is pretty well laid out by the Supreme Court.

00:51:20.639 --> 00:51:24.239
Okay, so are you making a motion to task him to do this?

00:51:24.239 --> 00:51:25.239
Yes.

00:51:25.239 --> 00:51:27.279
Is there a second to do that?

00:51:27.279 --> 00:51:28.279
Second.

00:51:28.279 --> 00:51:37.319
Okay, so if it be the will of the Council for Alderman Monroe's motion seconded by Alderman

00:51:37.319 --> 00:51:44.359
Stacy to task the attorney to look into that, is there any discussion concerning that topic

00:51:44.359 --> 00:51:45.359
itself?

00:51:45.359 --> 00:51:48.719
Madam Clerk, Director?

00:51:48.719 --> 00:51:51.480
I'll discuss it.

00:51:51.480 --> 00:51:56.079
This topic was brought up, as you are very well aware.

00:51:56.079 --> 00:51:58.079
and others.

00:52:00.079 --> 00:52:03.579
So, my view on it is that we need to open it. It needs to be

00:52:03.579 --> 00:52:06.579
reviewed further as to whether or not that's the best option

00:52:06.579 --> 00:52:11.079
based on the discussion we had on this floor among these

00:52:11.079 --> 00:52:16.079
individuals here. So, we were involved, all of us, in that

00:52:16.079 --> 00:52:21.079
decision to discuss it further, which led to a, hey, let's

00:52:21.079 --> 00:52:25.079
review it further. As far as the legality that does fall

00:52:25.079 --> 00:52:52.079
As far as the knowledge 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.

00:52:52.079 --> 00:52:58.079
So we have a motion on the floor. If there's no further discussion on that, is there a motion?

00:52:58.079 --> 00:53:05.079
Madam Mayor, I'll withdraw that motion on the grounds that I'll seek other means to address it.

00:53:05.079 --> 00:53:08.079
Alderman Stacey?

00:53:08.079 --> 00:53:11.079
I'll withdraw.

00:53:11.079 --> 00:53:17.079
Okay, is there any further discussion concerning the year-end review?

00:53:17.079 --> 00:53:19.079
I appreciate your time.

00:53:19.079 --> 00:53:24.079
Thank you. We can have the lights back on. We'll move on to item number five, which is the Consent Agenda.

00:53:24.079 --> 00:53:29.079
The Consent Agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion.

00:53:29.079 --> 00:53:34.079
Unless a member of council would like to have something removed for further discussion.

00:53:34.079 --> 00:53:44.079
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.

00:53:44.079 --> 00:53:48.599
The building permit reports, the police department reports, the fire department reports dated

00:53:48.599 --> 00:53:53.960
December 2024. Also is a semi-annual report to the City Manager from July to December

00:53:53.960 --> 00:54:03.239
2024. Approval of the finance bills payable in the total of $4,995,298.61. And the approval

00:54:03.239 --> 00:54:12.519
of payroll for pay period ending July 11, 2025 in the total of $706,602.71. Also is

00:54:12.519 --> 00:54:18.079
the Finance Report, the Cash and Investment Reports for November 2024, and the adoption

00:54:18.079 --> 00:54:26.779
of Resolution 2025-11 for resolution requesting temporary closure of streets for the annual

00:54:26.779 --> 00:54:30.679
Memorial Day Parade. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda?

00:54:30.679 --> 00:54:31.679
So moved. Second.

00:54:31.679 --> 00:54:39.679
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Madam Clerk,

00:54:39.679 --> 00:55:00.599
Klemm, Aye. Monroe, Aye. Simmons, Aye. Parker, Aye. Stacy, Aye. Shadle, Aye. Sanders, Aye.

00:55:00.599 --> 00:55:09.279
And Sellers, Aye. The consent agenda is approved, 8 to 0. Thank you. Item number 6 is a reappointment.

00:55:09.279 --> 00:55:15.079
Re-appointment of Steve Cox to the Board of the Northwest Illinois Enterprise Zone for

00:55:15.079 --> 00:55:20.119
a 3-year term effective through December 31, 2027.

00:55:20.119 --> 00:55:23.159
Mr. Cox has asked that his name be pulled for consideration.

00:55:23.159 --> 00:55:28.480
Madam Clerk, could you please read for the record his statement?

00:55:28.480 --> 00:55:32.599
Mayor Miller, I am requesting that you please withdraw my name for consideration for the

00:55:32.599 --> 00:55:34.639
City's appointed Enterprise Zone seat.

00:55:34.639 --> 00:55:38.679
I understand that this appointment has been the source of some disagreement, and I do

00:55:38.679 --> 00:55:43.119
do not want to be the source of any further division on the council. I would however ask

00:55:43.119 --> 00:55:47.880
that you please make clear to council that the apparent origin of the discussion, a courtroom

00:55:47.880 --> 00:55:53.239
photograph indicating that I was somehow a participant in the petition controversy, is,

00:55:53.239 --> 00:55:58.519
in that respect, a complete misrepresentation. My purpose in attending court that morning,

00:55:58.519 --> 00:56:03.859
as I do quite regularly, was to cover some routine probate matters. I actually had no

00:56:03.859 --> 00:56:08.359
idea the petition hearing, which was scheduled for the following day, was set for consideration.

00:56:08.359 --> 00:56:13.159
Bein pulled into a political controversy was certainly not on my agenda when I went to

00:56:13.159 --> 00:56:17.279
the office that morning. Thank you for the original consideration for the position. It

00:56:17.279 --> 00:56:21.519
has been an honor to serve on the E-Zone committee for the last 8 years and I will continue to

00:56:21.519 --> 00:56:25.759
support those efforts in any capacity that I can.

00:56:25.759 --> 00:56:30.920
This is exactly the kind of thing which will continue to happen if we create an issue out

00:56:30.920 --> 00:56:37.920
of every unsupported accusation that comes along. Now we have a subject matter expert

00:56:38.359 --> 00:56:43.900
Fert, Steve Cox, who has donated his time as this is not a paid position in an effort

00:56:43.900 --> 00:56:49.000
to help this community who does not want to be pulled into another baseless argument just

00:56:49.000 --> 00:56:51.639
because someone tagged him on a Facebook post.

00:56:51.639 --> 00:56:57.880
This will continue to happen as long as every unfounded accusation is allowed to disrupt

00:56:57.880 --> 00:56:59.559
the business of our city.

00:56:59.559 --> 00:57:03.880
We are going to lose more and more people who have historically been willing to participate

00:57:03.880 --> 00:57:08.960
on our Boards and Commissions who do not want to be pulled into the chaos that now surrounds

00:57:08.960 --> 00:57:10.359
this Council.

00:57:10.359 --> 00:57:17.799
And when all we have left to choose from are people who want to pull us down to their level,

00:57:17.799 --> 00:57:19.399
where does this leave the City?

00:57:19.399 --> 00:57:22.839
With empty seats.

00:57:22.839 --> 00:57:26.480
Thank you, Steve, for your eight years.

00:57:26.480 --> 00:57:31.599
We'll move on to item number seven, which is the second reading of Ordinance 2025-02.

00:57:31.599 --> 00:57:33.839
Could you please read this for the record?

00:57:33.839 --> 00:57:38.519
Operations authorizing Northern Illinois Gas Company doing business as NICOR Gas Company

00:57:38.519 --> 00:57:44.319
to construct, operate and maintain a gas distributing system in and through the City of Freeport.

00:57:44.319 --> 00:57:45.319
Manager Boyer.

00:57:45.319 --> 00:57:47.000
Thank you, Madam Chair.

00:57:47.000 --> 00:57:51.679
As discussed at the Committee of the Whole in the last meeting, NICOR has brought forth

00:57:51.679 --> 00:57:59.519
a request to renew the agreement with the City of Freeport in past years.

00:57:59.519 --> 00:58:03.819
We have pretty much covered the cost of all city buildings, but we have included the library

00:58:03.819 --> 00:58:08.779
in this particular agreement to move forward that will provide us with decades

00:58:08.779 --> 00:58:16.259
of gas for heat at no cost to the city so staff requests council move forward

00:58:16.259 --> 00:58:22.779
with this with this agreement thank you is there any further discussion madam

00:58:22.779 --> 00:58:32.139
clerk please take the roll Clem Monroe I Simmons I Parker I Stacey I Shadel

00:58:32.139 --> 00:58:39.420
Sanders and Sellers aye the ordinance passes 8 to 0 item number 9 is the

00:58:39.420 --> 00:58:46.380
first reading of ordinance 20 2504 could you please read this ordinance regarding

00:58:46.380 --> 00:58:52.000
part 14 building and housing code chapter 14 42 point 14 increasing plumbing

00:58:52.000 --> 00:58:58.380
permit fees and adding chapter 14 77 point 14 solar interconnection types

00:58:58.380 --> 00:59:28.380
Thank you. Director Duckman? Last COW that we had, the Committee of the Whole meeting in January, we talked about part of this ordinance. And that part of the ordinance discussed the plumbing permit fees. So just to kind of for a refresher here, we talked about how water and sewer service installs would be go from $50 to 150. So from 50 to 150, which is $100 increase. And then we also

00:59:28.380 --> 00:59:38.539
talked about how installing a fixture requiring a new water line would go from $30 to $100.

00:59:38.539 --> 00:59:44.739
And for a refresher here again, we talked about how when we're doing our water and sewer

00:59:44.739 --> 00:59:52.619
service installs, it's requiring time from our public works team, our water superintendent

00:59:52.619 --> 01:00:01.980
actually having to inspect these services and also for the water services not requiring

01:00:01.980 --> 01:00:04.699
an actual service line that's going to our asset which is

01:00:04.699 --> 01:00:34.699
for the fact that our consultants, B&F, Building Code Services, they are upping, they've upped their prices to $100 an hour. So the idea is that staff is just trying to do, to be more responsible and recuperate some of these fees and some of the time included there. So that's the one part of it. So that's the one part of it. So that's the one part of it. So that's the one part of it.

01:00:34.699 --> 01:00:42.139
And where this comes from, and I talk about it in my memo, but it's also written in the ordinance is that this goes in front of our Building Commission.

01:00:42.139 --> 01:00:49.500
And in our last Building Commission meeting, this portion was voted in favor by a vote of six to zero.

01:00:49.500 --> 01:00:56.179
The other part of it is a little more technical and it deals with interconnection types for solar.

01:00:56.179 --> 01:01:00.739
So I'll try not to get too technical or in the weeds here.

01:01:00.739 --> 01:01:30.739
But essentially what was talked about at our building commission was how are we connecting, how are we requiring solar panel installers, solar installation companies to connect actually into the ComEd meter and there's been some issues and it's been some contention in how they're actually doing it and one of the one of the methodologies or one of the issues that we're having is we're requiring, you know, UL approved

01:01:30.739 --> 01:01:31.739
Fowler.

01:01:31.739 --> 01:01:37.219
Connections and main reason there is that we have some older wiring and we want to make

01:01:37.219 --> 01:01:43.659
sure that when people are installing the transition from the solar power back into the ComEd meter,

01:01:43.659 --> 01:01:50.859
we want to ensure that there's not actually damage being caused to the property owner.

01:01:50.859 --> 01:01:54.939
We want to make sure that our contractors are not cutting any corners with there as

01:01:54.939 --> 01:01:55.939
well.

01:01:55.939 --> 01:02:03.579
They're also talking about there's an adapter that they're putting on for the interconnection that actually connects to the existing meter and

01:02:04.259 --> 01:02:07.019
another issue there is it can

01:02:08.539 --> 01:02:14.739
Impede certain driveways we know that in Freeport we're an older city and we have some smaller tighter lots

01:02:14.739 --> 01:02:16.960
And that if people are for allowing

01:02:18.699 --> 01:02:22.299
Our solar contractors to just simply put on these

01:02:22.299 --> 01:02:31.259
We want to make sure that the person can now still park their cars, etc., and that it would

01:02:31.259 --> 01:02:35.299
actually not impede access into their property.

01:02:35.299 --> 01:02:37.500
So that's what's before you.

01:02:37.500 --> 01:02:38.899
This went to our Building Commission.

01:02:38.899 --> 01:02:44.980
It was recommended for approval by a vote of 6-0, and staff is recommending moving this

01:02:44.980 --> 01:02:45.980
forward.

01:02:45.980 --> 01:02:46.980
Thank you.

01:02:46.980 --> 01:02:47.980
Is there a motion to move this forward?

01:02:47.980 --> 01:02:48.980
So moved.

01:02:48.980 --> 01:02:49.980
Second.

01:02:49.980 --> 01:02:58.179
second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

01:02:58.179 --> 01:03:05.819
Discussion. Alderman Monroe. Thank you Madam Mayor. Director Duckman, so I know

01:03:05.819 --> 01:03:12.779
that negotiations have been kind of going back and forth with some other city

01:03:12.779 --> 01:03:18.019
officials. Is this is this going to cover the cost that once the pay raises go in

01:03:18.019 --> 01:03:22.899
that have been promised to them by City Manager. Is that going to cover the cost

01:03:22.899 --> 01:03:28.279
of having the superintendents and others go out there? I don't I don't believe that

01:03:28.279 --> 01:03:35.500
was the the intent here is to help cover the cost for their time to inspect that

01:03:35.500 --> 01:03:40.539
connection. We're trying to be more responsible. One thing one initiative

01:03:40.539 --> 01:03:44.059
that I've been working on with the with the Public Works Department is hey we've

01:03:44.059 --> 01:03:48.420
especially with sewer connections but it's also water connections is saying

01:03:48.420 --> 01:03:52.139
like for example in sewer connections and I worked for a sanitary district of

01:03:52.139 --> 01:03:56.579
Rockford for seven years so I have a lot of a large body of experience in these

01:03:56.579 --> 01:04:00.779
sewer service connections is if you don't have the Fernco connected

01:04:00.779 --> 01:04:04.439
correctly you could have issues of infiltration in the system of storm

01:04:04.439 --> 01:04:08.059
water and then that goes into the system and then you're actually essentially

01:04:08.059 --> 01:04:12.179
training storm water so you have a better system when you are there

01:04:12.179 --> 01:04:20.179
I've worked with our Acting Director Stekel to say, hey, we've got to do a better job of scheduling these inspections and making sure they're there.

01:04:20.179 --> 01:04:31.179
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...

01:04:31.179 --> 01:04:40.179
I think that would be injurious to our people to truly try to recuperate every cost that's involved with an inspection.

01:04:40.179 --> 01:04:46.219
you know $100 going to $150 I couldn't say that in a straight face that that

01:04:46.219 --> 01:04:50.219
would cover you know all the administrative time and and you know a

01:04:50.219 --> 01:04:54.359
superintendent's time to go check it the pictures that are taken the

01:04:54.359 --> 01:04:59.379
documentation etc so I I think it's just helping to incorporate some of that

01:04:59.379 --> 01:05:09.460
cost okay thank you Alderman Sanders yeah I'm listening to that report that

01:05:09.460 --> 01:05:20.099
Alderman Monroe was given in addition to that are we the city absorbing any of the

01:05:20.099 --> 01:05:29.019
costs for inspections and not only that who come up with the notion that these

01:05:29.019 --> 01:05:35.579
things needs to come be applied who makes who's making that decision for the

01:05:35.579 --> 01:06:05.579
Hicks, and more. I want to ask you, Mr. President, what are the increases for the inspection for these homes when there is new water or sewer services? Who is putting this in place, and how do we come up with the fees and the cost, and why is it put in place? Because you have to remember, before you came on board, these kinds of things were already in place. Inspections of anything was already in space. In place,

01:06:05.579 --> 01:06:06.579
and others.

01:06:06.579 --> 01:06:21.979
I'm just trying to get an understanding to when was this put in place to make these types

01:06:21.979 --> 01:06:29.939
of decisions, to take fees up to charge folks and things of this nature, additional fees

01:06:29.939 --> 01:06:31.379
to what they're already getting.

01:06:31.379 --> 01:06:38.379
they're paying for their water bills, their utility bills already, and I thought the city

01:06:38.379 --> 01:06:47.859
was part of the ordinance of making sure that all homes and owners had the proper hookups.

01:06:47.859 --> 01:06:51.059
I'm trying to understand this.

01:06:51.059 --> 01:06:58.379
How did we get into the business of charging folks for hooking up water services and inspections

01:06:58.379 --> 01:07:00.359
and things of this nature?

01:07:00.359 --> 01:07:01.359
You are correct.

01:07:01.359 --> 01:07:08.359
here well before my time and more than likely since the city was incorporated that if you

01:07:08.359 --> 01:07:13.839
have a water service or a sewer service, you need to get a permit and then pay for the

01:07:13.839 --> 01:07:18.759
permit and then ultimately there's an inspection.

01:07:18.759 --> 01:07:24.079
What I'm presenting to council, what I presented in the committee the whole last week and what

01:07:24.079 --> 01:07:32.779
What I'm also now putting for first reading is the reasoning behind why staff presented

01:07:32.779 --> 01:07:39.279
to our building commission raising our sewer, water and sewer service installation when

01:07:39.279 --> 01:07:40.279
you get a permit.

01:07:40.279 --> 01:07:46.079
So if your sewer collapses and you have to call a company in Freeport and say I need

01:07:46.079 --> 01:07:53.839
to fix my sewer service, it's collapsed, there's currently a fee of $50.

01:07:53.839 --> 01:07:59.759
and in working with Public Works saying, look, we're spending more time improving our system,

01:07:59.759 --> 01:08:04.759
making sure that people aren't doing this under the table, we're stepping it up, making

01:08:04.759 --> 01:08:09.399
sure that we're there, we're making sure people pay the appropriate fees.

01:08:09.399 --> 01:08:18.479
In working with our Public Works Department, it was saying, hey, this fee seems to be low.

01:08:18.479 --> 01:08:20.399
We should be incorporating some more of our fees.

01:08:20.399 --> 01:08:26.159
and I said, well, the proper way to ask for a larger permit fee is to present it to council

01:08:26.159 --> 01:08:30.039
and the committee as a whole, explain our reasoning, and then ultimately now this is

01:08:30.039 --> 01:08:32.439
the first reading of the ordinance and now it's up to you.

01:08:32.439 --> 01:08:36.880
I mean, certainly you could, you may have the position, and I know other Alderpeople

01:08:36.880 --> 01:08:40.719
have had the position that, you know, we need to keep permit fees low.

01:08:40.719 --> 01:08:42.800
That's an understandable position.

01:08:42.800 --> 01:08:47.399
I'm just trying to present that staff has worked on this and we think it's reasonable

01:08:47.399 --> 01:08:49.699
We're going to be able to move it from 50 to 150.

01:08:49.699 --> 01:08:50.960
$150.

01:08:50.960 --> 01:08:54.119
The Building Commission has a licensed plumber on,

01:08:54.119 --> 01:08:56.800
you know, we have a licensed plumber on the Building

01:08:56.800 --> 01:08:58.079
Commission that reviewed this.

01:08:58.079 --> 01:08:59.760
They thought it was reasonable.

01:08:59.760 --> 01:09:05.119
So there is some support for it other than just staff.

01:09:05.119 --> 01:09:06.479
And that's really the decision.

01:09:06.479 --> 01:09:11.680
Is there a program in place where it helps the homeowners

01:09:11.680 --> 01:09:15.680
to offset these types of increases and bills

01:09:15.680 --> 01:09:22.680
and others that are going to be due coming to them is their program to help those individuals

01:09:22.680 --> 01:09:33.680
who are struggling as already struggling to be able to go to some kind of office or place

01:09:33.680 --> 01:09:40.680
to try to get a lower adjustment price on these kinds of things because these fees,

01:09:40.680 --> 01:10:04.670
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, 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, and as far as I'm concerned, as I hear what I'm hearing

01:10:04.670 --> 01:10:22.670
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?

01:10:22.670 --> 01:10:26.670
What are we doing for the citizens here in Freeport?

01:10:26.670 --> 01:10:27.670
and others.

01:10:27.670 --> 01:10:29.250
So, you know, I think it's important for us to do this report because you guys, what you're

01:10:29.250 --> 01:10:38.250
saying to me, the staff, the staff or public works or whoever thought that was a great

01:10:38.250 --> 01:10:45.569
deal to increase or something to increase the cost for all the work that they're doing.

01:10:45.569 --> 01:10:55.449
You know, there was a time, I'm like, there was a time we just did it to secure the fact

01:10:55.449 --> 01:10:56.449
and others.

01:10:56.449 --> 01:10:59.730
I think that we did the work, or the plumbers did the work, that they don't have to come

01:10:59.730 --> 01:11:05.890
back 10, 15, 20 years from now to repeat the same task.

01:11:05.890 --> 01:11:10.970
And that's what I feel that should happen when a homeowner takes his dollars and pay

01:11:10.970 --> 01:11:18.369
it out to these utility companies and plumbers and water and sewer and all these other kind

01:11:18.369 --> 01:11:19.930
of stuff.

01:11:19.930 --> 01:11:22.970
People just don't have that kind of budget to do that.

01:11:22.970 --> 01:11:30.409
What? A water and sewer service is an expensive, horrible event that you don't want to have

01:11:30.409 --> 01:11:36.649
happen to you. Exactly. Nobody wants to have a water line break from the city, you know,

01:11:36.649 --> 01:11:43.730
from the service side because now you have a house without water and nobody wants a sewer

01:11:43.730 --> 01:11:51.409
service to break because you're going to have your basement full of raw sewage. It's horrible.

01:11:51.409 --> 01:11:56.569
Many people hopefully have insurance to cover that. I know it's something that is covered

01:11:56.569 --> 01:12:00.730
by some insurance companies, some aren't. So some of these horrible experiences are

01:12:00.730 --> 01:12:04.930
going to be covered by insurance. And when they're not, it's, regardless of how it's

01:12:04.930 --> 01:12:10.409
handled, nobody wants to deal with it. Nobody wants to have a water or sewer service go

01:12:10.409 --> 01:12:11.409
down.

01:12:11.409 --> 01:12:12.409
Absolutely.

01:12:12.409 --> 01:12:17.649
Now, what City staff is saying here, and the benefit we're talking about, right now the

01:12:17.649 --> 01:12:22.890
The benefit costs $50 to the homeowner, and what staff is saying is we believe the price

01:12:22.890 --> 01:12:24.690
should be increased to $150.

01:12:24.690 --> 01:12:29.430
Again, you're voting on that, and you may certainly say, you do have a strong standpoint

01:12:29.430 --> 01:12:32.289
to say, look, we're holding the line at $50.

01:12:32.289 --> 01:12:37.930
But the benefit is that when you do go through this and you have raw sewage in your basement,

01:12:37.930 --> 01:12:42.710
you have a house without water, is that you have a public works employee who's coming

01:12:42.710 --> 01:13:12.710
Miller, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor

01:13:12.710 --> 01:13:26.390
and I have seen jobs repeated because of poor construction work to homeowners when they

01:13:26.390 --> 01:13:32.550
have to pay double to make sure that they get the right plumber and the right inspection

01:13:32.550 --> 01:13:37.710
in there. They have to pay double duty to make these corrections. It comes from the

01:13:37.710 --> 01:14:07.710
and I have seen poor inspections. Even with our own city's inspectors, I have seen those kinds of things. I'm talking about my experience. 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 there a program that will allow homeowners to offset these types of costs?

01:14:07.710 --> 01:14:08.710
and others.

01:14:08.710 --> 01:14:35.909
So, I just wanted to state that the public works fees, water and sewer enterprise funds,

01:14:35.909 --> 01:14:42.510
We need to capture at least our cost on these items in order to make sure that we're not

01:14:42.510 --> 01:14:45.029
running these departments at a loss.

01:14:45.029 --> 01:14:50.149
We are only going by the codes and ordinances and, for instance, a sewer lateral is owned

01:14:50.149 --> 01:14:53.470
by the homeowner from the house to the main.

01:14:53.470 --> 01:14:55.670
That is our code, right?

01:14:55.670 --> 01:15:01.670
And EPA is requiring documentation to show that we are, per our CMOM, reporting that

01:15:01.670 --> 01:15:04.550
that we are inspecting those connections

01:15:04.550 --> 01:15:06.329
and making sure we're not getting water,

01:15:06.329 --> 01:15:08.649
water infiltration into a sewer.

01:15:08.649 --> 01:15:09.789
That's just on that.

01:15:11.029 --> 01:15:14.909
We have always had cost in place to do these works.

01:15:14.909 --> 01:15:17.590
The costs that are there now are not covering the cost

01:15:17.590 --> 01:15:20.109
and per our enterprise zone to make sure

01:15:20.109 --> 01:15:23.029
that water and sewer doesn't get in the shape

01:15:23.029 --> 01:15:23.949
that it was years ago.

01:15:23.949 --> 01:15:27.690
We have to cover the cost of the work that's taken.

01:15:29.289 --> 01:15:30.750
We do have multiple trips

01:15:30.750 --> 01:15:32.949
and I will say just in the last month,

01:15:32.949 --> 01:15:35.909
we've had two sewer repairs that had to be redone

01:15:35.909 --> 01:15:38.430
because on the inspections, they were wrong.

01:15:38.430 --> 01:15:40.710
So the inspections are important to happen.

01:15:41.670 --> 01:15:43.829
Alderman, Stacy, you had your hand up.

01:15:43.829 --> 01:15:44.670
Yes.

01:15:47.630 --> 01:15:52.630
Last week, we spoke about $100 going from 50 to $100 fee.

01:15:56.690 --> 01:15:58.310
Was that even considered?

01:15:59.230 --> 01:16:00.690
It's considered now.

01:16:00.690 --> 01:16:06.289
it 100 I mean 100% considered now if that's the motion you'd like to make you

01:16:06.289 --> 01:16:14.170
know staff staffs recommending 150 but certainly you could recommend $100 okay

01:16:14.170 --> 01:16:20.890
these duties that we're saying we need more money for it's nothing that's been

01:16:20.890 --> 01:16:28.970
added to this job title it is what it is correct it's it's their duties is what

01:16:28.970 --> 01:16:40.170
they're hired to do yes I believe what you're asking here is the inspector that

01:16:40.170 --> 01:16:44.930
goes out and looks at the sewer connection as there has their job duties

01:16:44.930 --> 01:16:50.329
changed no they are required that that that specific job duty has not changed

01:16:50.329 --> 01:17:00.230
So, if we feel like they deserve more money for doing their duties, then should that be

01:17:00.230 --> 01:17:07.409
coming from an increase in wages from the city and not on the homeowners?

01:17:07.409 --> 01:17:13.449
To clarify, the money doesn't go to the employee, the money goes to the utility company, the

01:17:13.449 --> 01:17:19.449
sewer or water department, whichever one it is, it goes as a fee just like everything

01:17:19.449 --> 01:17:26.149
and others that go back into our general fund and our accounts, it's a permitting fee is

01:17:26.149 --> 01:17:27.149
what it is.

01:17:27.149 --> 01:17:28.149
To recoup some costs.

01:17:28.149 --> 01:17:33.230
It has nothing to do with any payment to any water and sewer employee whatsoever.

01:17:33.230 --> 01:17:36.310
Attorney Zieto, did you want to add to it as well?

01:17:36.310 --> 01:17:41.789
No, well, I'm just going to try to give another example of the fact that, you know, I think

01:17:41.789 --> 01:17:47.909
the permit fee increase that's being requested or being proposed, it's just like with anything

01:17:47.909 --> 01:18:17.909
Harnon, 你知道, 오버 타임, this fee hasn't changed probably for over a decade, if not more. It's been 50 dollars for the for the inspection permit fee, right? Well, over the course of time, inflation, this, that the cost of everything, whether people get raises over time, you know, cost of paper costs more, cost of ink costs more, whatever it is cost more, right? 10 years later now. And so every so often, whether it's, you know, permit fees or the cost of a hamburger, when you go to the store, things get more expensive because, you know, inflation. So I think that's all they're

01:18:17.909 --> 01:18:47.909
I understand that, but to go from 50 to 150, I feel it's a bit much 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 you want to call it.

01:18:47.909 --> 01:18:59.010
Whatever the number you guys want. And if the consensus of the council is to say, yeah, we think 100 is better than 150, then that's how the ordinance will be amended and we'll draft it up that way and go from there.

01:18:59.010 --> 01:19:15.010
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. So if you want to change it, it's just that's the recommendation that's coming forward. Alderman Monroe, did you have anything to add?

01:19:15.010 --> 01:19:20.289
Thank you, Madam Mayor. A couple of questions, then I'd like to comment on your response.

01:19:20.289 --> 01:19:25.289
How many of these do you do per year, and what's the average hourly rate of the people

01:19:25.289 --> 01:19:27.170
that are going out to do these inspections?

01:19:27.170 --> 01:19:37.170
We, excuse me, we had 40 of these last year, and I can get...

01:19:37.170 --> 01:19:38.170
Rough estimate.

01:19:38.170 --> 01:19:43.890
Well, the only reason I'm saying I'm going to go to our Public Works team on this one

01:19:43.890 --> 01:19:49.789
is so and to give you some background is we will get a plumbing permit for a sewer service,

01:19:49.789 --> 01:19:56.690
my department will and we'll say okay that's $50 and then what Attorney Stiegel is saying

01:19:56.690 --> 01:20:01.130
is hey you know we have by our EPA permit we've got to check that connection to our

01:20:01.130 --> 01:20:04.210
sewer system so then he has to we have to coordinate with him to say

01:20:04.210 --> 01:20:05.210
and Jodi.

01:20:05.210 --> 01:20:06.210
Thank you.

01:20:06.210 --> 01:20:06.229
Have a great day.

01:20:06.229 --> 01:20:16.229
We have to coordinate with him to say, okay, we have a plumbing permit for a sewer, you need to send your people out and inspect it.

01:20:16.229 --> 01:20:29.229
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.

01:20:29.229 --> 01:20:34.229
so it's I guess I guess so he could tell me what would I don't know what are your

01:20:34.229 --> 01:20:38.709
what are your guys paying or what's the rate for inspector he's looking it up now

01:20:38.709 --> 01:20:43.809
I just don't know what the Alderman Sellers so well I'd like to make my

01:20:43.809 --> 01:20:49.789
comment you know $150 and you just hit where I was going with my comment we've

01:20:49.789 --> 01:20:54.029
already charged for a lot of this because they've gotten a permit that

01:20:54.029 --> 01:20:59.469
We're now increased at the 1% of the cost.

01:20:59.469 --> 01:21:02.789
So the permit, anything, any work's done.

01:21:02.789 --> 01:21:06.429
Driveway, any home improvement, all of that.

01:21:06.429 --> 01:21:09.309
We just voted on that within the last, what, two, three months?

01:21:09.309 --> 01:21:10.789
That's 1%.

01:21:10.789 --> 01:21:13.349
And I don't know any time that somebody goes and starts

01:21:13.349 --> 01:21:16.989
digging in your yard, working on water and sewer,

01:21:16.989 --> 01:21:21.189
that it's less than a few hundred dollars that's

01:21:21.189 --> 01:21:23.309
probably coming back to the city.

01:21:23.309 --> 01:21:27.909
and because those types of breaks at that point,

01:21:27.909 --> 01:21:29.969
where it goes back into the system,

01:21:29.969 --> 01:21:32.969
cause substantial damage to the interior of the house.

01:21:32.969 --> 01:21:36.289
They cause damage to the, there's damage into the lines

01:21:36.289 --> 01:21:38.569
going back and forth, the water and sewer.

01:21:38.569 --> 01:21:43.569
And they've already paid probably a few hundred bucks

01:21:44.169 --> 01:21:48.569
is my guess because I had a backup in my basement.

01:21:48.569 --> 01:21:51.049
It was easily would have exceeded the 10 grand

01:21:51.049 --> 01:21:58.889
and I had coverage. So, when you get into this, these numbers get big and it's just

01:21:58.889 --> 01:22:05.209
like another 150 bucks. Water bill is already 200. I mean, at what point, that's where Alderman

01:22:05.209 --> 01:22:10.849
Sanders was going, at what point does it make sense to say, okay, we're getting to that

01:22:10.849 --> 01:22:15.409
breaking point for a lot of the citizens in the city of Freeport and once again, I'll

01:22:15.409 --> 01:22:16.409
and others.

01:22:16.409 --> 01:22:17.409
So, I'm going to come back to it.

01:22:17.409 --> 01:22:22.849
There's a lot, the average salary or the average income per family in this city is less than

01:22:22.849 --> 01:22:23.849
$50,000 a year.

01:22:23.849 --> 01:22:28.969
So, right around $44,000, $45,000, I think, last time I checked.

01:22:28.969 --> 01:22:32.269
And these are going to be substantial costs to them.

01:22:32.269 --> 01:22:36.649
And that's why we end up with these houses that we have these discussions about that

01:22:36.649 --> 01:22:39.449
we're tearing down because people can't afford to fix them.

01:22:39.449 --> 01:22:41.329
They can't afford to live.

01:22:41.329 --> 01:22:43.689
And just throwing a number out.

01:22:43.689 --> 01:22:46.369
See, these are things that should be known.

01:22:46.369 --> 01:22:48.209
If I'm doing this 40 times per year,

01:22:48.209 --> 01:22:50.329
I should know what the cost is, and this

01:22:50.329 --> 01:22:52.809
is the difference between government and business.

01:22:52.809 --> 01:22:55.369
Business would know every single piece of this.

01:22:55.369 --> 01:22:57.250
I guarantee you Alderman Shadle goes out

01:22:57.250 --> 01:22:58.409
and does an electric job.

01:22:58.409 --> 01:22:59.569
They know how many hours.

01:22:59.569 --> 01:23:01.089
They know how many miles they drove.

01:23:01.089 --> 01:23:02.369
They know everything about it.

01:23:02.369 --> 01:23:05.649
They've estimated every piece of that.

01:23:05.649 --> 01:23:07.729
We're not leaving the city limits.

01:23:07.729 --> 01:23:10.649
So the estimation of the mileage, that's pretty minimal.

01:23:10.649 --> 01:23:12.609
But how long does it take to do the permit?

01:23:12.609 --> 01:23:14.829
How long does it take to do the inspection?

01:23:14.829 --> 01:23:16.829
Do I need to go back out a second time?

01:23:16.829 --> 01:23:19.869
Those are the things that we need to kind of have a basis.

01:23:19.869 --> 01:23:23.389
And you should have a better idea before you come to council

01:23:23.389 --> 01:23:26.269
and say, oh, we're just going to take it from 50 to 150.

01:23:26.269 --> 01:23:29.109
That's $100.

01:23:29.109 --> 01:23:31.069
That's a significant increase.

01:23:31.069 --> 01:23:32.689
And we need to know those costs.

01:23:32.689 --> 01:23:35.589
And we can't just keep going back to the well

01:23:35.589 --> 01:23:38.549
and taxing the hell out of the citizens of Freeport

01:23:38.549 --> 01:23:40.189
just because we haven't done our jobs.

01:23:40.189 --> 01:23:48.149
We haven't sat down and thought this through and thought of it as it's our money and that's

01:23:48.149 --> 01:23:52.789
where we're at right now and I'll leave it at that.

01:23:52.789 --> 01:23:54.989
Olin Sellers?

01:23:54.989 --> 01:23:59.989
In the memo it says $100 so it was already...

01:23:59.989 --> 01:24:01.709
It was an increase of $100.

01:24:01.709 --> 01:24:02.709
Yeah.

01:24:02.709 --> 01:24:03.709
It was an increase of $100.

01:24:03.709 --> 01:24:04.709
So it wasn't the 150.

01:24:04.709 --> 01:24:05.709
So it was an increase of $100.

01:24:05.709 --> 01:24:17.209
It's to increase it to $150. So instead of the $150, they did do the $100. No. No, it's an increase. What's being proposed is $150.

01:24:17.209 --> 01:24:26.709
Oh, so the whole thing. So you want to do it $100 to make it $150. Correct. Not just the $100.

01:24:26.709 --> 01:24:35.709
And again, the idea here is to recuperate the Public Works Department's time that they have to go out and do the inspection.

01:24:35.709 --> 01:24:38.709
What is their job?

01:24:38.709 --> 01:24:40.709
Alderman Klemm?

01:24:40.709 --> 01:24:50.709
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,

01:24:50.709 --> 01:24:55.589
Cronenbaum, the price of the truck, the price of diesel, the price of tools, and the price

01:24:55.589 --> 01:25:01.549
of him going there and back and going there and back. So that enters into it, too. I mean,

01:25:01.549 --> 01:25:07.469
and how many years has it been since there has been an increase into it? So everybody

01:25:07.469 --> 01:25:11.869
sounds like they are willing to talk about something or either talk about it. This is

01:25:11.869 --> 01:25:16.349
only first reading. It is going to come back again. So we have plenty of time to work with

01:25:16.349 --> 01:25:17.349
it.

01:25:17.349 --> 01:25:47.349
Aaron. 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. This is not something that is annually looked at for

01:25:47.349 --> 01:25:52.349
We can make that work. The issue is, is that we do get called out to most of these places at least two times, if not three times.

01:25:52.349 --> 01:26:01.349
So, if the council wants to change it, we're more than apt to that. But as directors and staff members, we are here to make sure that the city is covering our cost and doing the right thing for the city.

01:26:01.349 --> 01:26:09.349
And that's what we're trying to do. So, if you guys want to change it to a hundred, so be it. We can make that work.

01:26:09.349 --> 01:26:15.649
Clark, the issue is, is that we do get called out to most of these places at least two times,

01:26:15.649 --> 01:26:18.269
if not three times, right?

01:26:18.269 --> 01:26:24.589
Anywhere in the city to travel, 15, 20 minutes here and there, fuel, gas, extra trips, it

01:26:24.589 --> 01:26:27.029
all adds up to the utility.

01:26:27.029 --> 01:26:31.789
And this is how we got in the situation of not being able to replace our infrastructure

01:26:31.789 --> 01:26:36.929
is the utility is actually nickel and dimed and then we don't have expenses to cover our

01:26:36.929 --> 01:26:42.169
and our sewer main breaks and those types of items which end up going to utility increases

01:26:42.169 --> 01:26:43.549
for everyone.

01:26:43.549 --> 01:26:48.649
So we're trying to do the responsible thing and we did put the math to it and this is

01:26:48.649 --> 01:26:50.069
our recommendation.

01:26:50.069 --> 01:26:57.629
You guys set policy so if you want to set it lower, so be it, we'll accept it.

01:26:57.629 --> 01:27:00.409
I would like to make a motion.

01:27:00.409 --> 01:27:10.409
Well, actually, Alderman Sanders, you've already exceeded your limit of how many times you can speak, so Alderman Stacy, would you have something more?

01:27:10.409 --> 01:27:26.409
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. I'll second it.

01:27:26.409 --> 01:27:41.409
So you want to make a motion to make the increase $50 increase taking it to $100 to make it a flat $100. Okay, so that motion was made by Alderman Stacy, seconded by Alderman Simmons.

01:27:41.409 --> 01:27:42.409
No.

01:27:42.409 --> 01:27:43.409
No?

01:27:43.409 --> 01:27:44.409
Alderman Sellers.

01:27:44.409 --> 01:27:48.409
Alderman Sellers, I'm sorry.

01:27:48.409 --> 01:27:54.409
Is there more discussion on that amendment only?

01:27:54.409 --> 01:27:55.409
On that amendment?

01:27:55.409 --> 01:28:00.149
exactement, so as to increase it to a flat 100.

01:28:00.149 --> 01:28:07.909
So I would support that. I know it needs to increase and I understand that. But when it

01:28:07.909 --> 01:28:14.189
came to recouping costs on that system, to hunt down these landlords that won't register,

01:28:14.189 --> 01:28:19.969
that wouldn't be heard when we talked about raising that price. So the citizens deserve

01:28:19.969 --> 01:28:20.969
and others.

01:28:20.969 --> 01:28:21.969
Thank you.

01:28:21.969 --> 01:28:22.969
Thank you.

01:28:22.969 --> 01:28:23.969
Thank you.

01:28:23.969 --> 01:28:37.969
you can get some of your money back, but some of that should be and I hope was included in the budget for the year that the cost of going out and inspecting for a permit. So I'm totally for the $100.

01:28:37.969 --> 01:28:44.969
Do you have something different right on this motion? Yeah.

01:28:44.969 --> 01:28:55.969
Yeah, who's liable to, with this notion, to raise these rates?

01:28:55.969 --> 01:29:02.969
And what department, I know you say public works, but who's losing?

01:29:02.969 --> 01:29:10.969
Does the city lose anything? Because these kinds of things usually the city has budgets for.

01:29:10.969 --> 01:29:20.969
They're budgeted at the first of the year to offset homeowners. We're not doing anything to help homeowners.

01:29:20.969 --> 01:29:25.969
What we're doing is throwing them under the bus by saying, well, we're going to charge you this, this, this.

01:29:25.969 --> 01:29:28.969
But what are we doing for the citizens of Freeport?

01:29:28.969 --> 01:29:36.969
Because what I'm hearing is that we're throwing fees out there to increase something that has been going on for decades.

01:29:36.969 --> 01:29:41.489
Police, and now all of a sudden they're looking at this, this is a surprise to a lot of the

01:29:41.489 --> 01:29:44.329
homeowners to give that-

01:29:44.329 --> 01:29:46.369
Alderman Sanders, Attorney Zito wants to-

01:29:46.369 --> 01:29:51.729
So, Alderman Sanders, so the motion that's on the floor right now is just about changing

01:29:51.729 --> 01:29:55.089
from 150 to 100.

01:29:55.089 --> 01:29:58.170
And I say no, period.

01:29:58.170 --> 01:30:05.709
I was trying to give an explanation to why I was saying no for any increase because this

01:30:05.709 --> 01:30:06.209
This has not been recorded.

01:30:06.209 --> 01:30:08.209
and

01:30:09.209 --> 01:30:11.209
John.

01:30:12.209 --> 01:30:17.209
And I just wanted to make it clear that just to throw that out

01:30:17.209 --> 01:30:21.209
there like that, there has not been a study for the council to

01:30:21.209 --> 01:30:26.209
even make that distinction of what we used to have and what

01:30:26.209 --> 01:30:30.209
we're trying to do today or whenever we ask for it.

01:30:30.209 --> 01:30:35.729
or whenever okay so we've talked about this at a cow we've got this and it's

01:30:35.729 --> 01:30:39.449
Alderman Stacy and Alderman Sellers that have put this forward to change it to be

01:30:39.449 --> 01:30:43.309
a flat rate of a hundred so unless there's any more discussion on that

01:30:43.309 --> 01:30:46.909
particular piece of it madam clerk would you please take the role on the motion

01:30:46.909 --> 01:30:57.169
made by Alderman Stacy Clem no Monroe no Simmons Parker hi Stacy

01:30:57.169 --> 01:31:13.729
Aye. Shadle? No. Sanders? No. And Sellers? Aye. We are tied at 4 to 4. Mayor? No. That motion fails. 4 to 5.

01:31:14.609 --> 01:31:20.889
Okay, so we're back to the original of moving this forward, so are we

01:31:20.889 --> 01:31:26.489
ready to move this on to the next City Council meeting? So move. We have that

01:31:26.489 --> 01:31:27.489
and I.

01:31:27.489 --> 01:31:30.129
So I'm in, is the discussion done, is what I mean?

01:31:30.129 --> 01:31:31.129
Darren?

01:31:31.129 --> 01:31:32.129
Yeah.

01:31:32.129 --> 01:31:38.369
You know, sitting back, so if it's, went to 100, we're talking about 40 inspections,

01:31:38.369 --> 01:31:42.129
so it's a $50 increase, we're talking about $2,000.

01:31:42.129 --> 01:31:48.069
If it went to 150, what are we talking about, an increase of $100, it's $3,700, right?

01:31:48.069 --> 01:31:54.369
So again, we did the math and the study of what it cost.

01:31:54.369 --> 01:32:02.269
The city at the $50 rate currently on the inspections, we don't break even on what the employee,

01:32:02.269 --> 01:32:05.629
the equipment, the inspection time that it costs.

01:32:05.629 --> 01:32:11.329
We're just trying to make the city whole so we don't lose ground and end up in the same

01:32:11.329 --> 01:32:17.989
boat that the utility was in seven or eight years ago when we had to do massive increases

01:32:17.989 --> 01:32:21.109
for utility rates for every person in town.

01:32:21.109 --> 01:32:24.549
This is how you get behind in your utility and you can't afford it.

01:32:24.549 --> 01:32:32.669
So we are, we are just trying to do the right thing for the utility and the city that owns

01:32:32.669 --> 01:32:33.829
the utility.

01:32:33.829 --> 01:32:39.149
That's what we're trying to do is make sure that we at least cover costs of the goods

01:32:39.149 --> 01:32:41.029
and services we provide.

01:32:41.029 --> 01:32:44.709
That is our responsibility as the enterprise zone.

01:32:44.709 --> 01:32:49.669
So we will, you've already exceeded your, again, you have exceeded, you've already spoken

01:33:19.669 --> 01:33:26.629
I just need some clarity okay so this is going to move to the next the next City

01:33:26.629 --> 01:33:34.989
Council meeting the way it stands okay so what if the ones that said yes to the

01:33:34.989 --> 01:33:42.109
hundred now say no to no change at all then we're right back where we started

01:33:42.109 --> 01:34:11.949
Ordinance Approving Special Use Permit Application at 219 East Stevenson Street, Submitted by

01:34:11.949 --> 01:34:18.689
Davis, and Jeff Schultz to examine the special use of a B2-2 limited service business district

01:34:18.689 --> 01:34:24.189
zone property to allow restaurants, taverns, packaged liquor stores, and any other establishment

01:34:24.189 --> 01:34:30.709
selling alcoholic beverages for consumption on or off the premises, Section B11.

01:34:30.709 --> 01:34:32.769
Director Duckman.

01:34:32.769 --> 01:34:35.189
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:34:35.189 --> 01:34:39.789
Staff received a special use application from Michelle Davies and Jeff Schultz for their

01:34:39.789 --> 01:34:40.789
restaurant.

01:34:40.789 --> 01:34:49.549
and it was an application to sell alcoholic beverages at 219 E. Stevenson Street and staff

01:34:49.549 --> 01:34:56.669
brought this petition to the Zoning Board of Appeals on January 2nd and it was recommended

01:34:56.669 --> 01:35:00.389
for approval of a vote of 5-0 with zero abstentions.

01:35:00.389 --> 01:35:04.949
On January 9th, staff brought this to the Planning Commission and it was also recommended

01:35:04.949 --> 01:35:10.589
for approval by a vote of five to zero with zero abstentions and staff in line with the

01:35:10.589 --> 01:35:15.149
Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission is recommending approval but also wanted to

01:35:15.149 --> 01:35:21.909
state that per the request of the new proprietors of the business, they are requesting a suspension

01:35:21.909 --> 01:35:25.509
of the rules so they can get moving on their liquor license.

01:35:25.509 --> 01:35:27.149
Is there a motion to move this forward?

01:35:27.149 --> 01:35:28.149
So move.

01:35:28.149 --> 01:35:29.149
Second.

01:35:29.149 --> 01:35:33.509
There will be a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

01:35:33.509 --> 01:35:49.669
on this ordinance. We'll move on to item number 11, which is- You wanted the rules, right?

01:35:49.669 --> 01:35:52.309
And who made that motion? I did.

01:35:52.309 --> 01:35:56.389
Second. Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers

01:35:56.389 --> 01:36:01.349
to suspend the rules. Suspension of the rules is non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds

01:36:01.349 --> 01:36:08.789
Majority. Madam Clerk, please take the rule on the suspension only. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons?

01:36:10.389 --> 01:36:18.549
Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The suspension of the rules passes eight to zero.

01:36:19.109 --> 01:36:23.669
So then now before you, Council, is for the final passage of this ordinance. Any further discussion?

01:36:23.669 --> 01:36:36.429
and Sellers.

01:36:36.429 --> 01:36:40.109
The ordinance passes 8-0.

01:36:40.109 --> 01:36:45.229
Item 11 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-06.

01:36:45.229 --> 01:36:50.589
Ordinance Approving Special Use Permit Application at 219 E. Stevenson Street, submitted by Michelle

01:36:50.589 --> 01:36:56.549
Davis, and Jeff Schultz to examine the special use of a B-2-2 limited service business district

01:36:56.549 --> 01:37:01.389
zone property to allow restaurants with outdoor serving areas, Section B-10.

01:37:01.389 --> 01:37:03.589
Director Duckman.

01:37:03.589 --> 01:37:04.989
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:37:04.989 --> 01:37:12.549
So staff received a special use application from Michelle Davies and Jeff Schultz, same

01:37:12.549 --> 01:37:15.509
proprietors of the business at 219 E. Stevenson Street.

01:37:15.509 --> 01:37:19.469
And what this special use was for was to allow them to have a restaurant with an outdoor

01:37:19.469 --> 01:37:27.389
Outdoor Serving Area, and put up on the screen, the prior owners also had an outdoor serving

01:37:27.389 --> 01:37:29.469
area at their establishment.

01:37:29.469 --> 01:37:36.309
So this was brought to the Zoning Board of Appeals on January 2nd, and it was recommended

01:37:36.309 --> 01:37:39.949
for approval with a vote of 5-0, with zero abstentions.

01:37:39.949 --> 01:37:45.589
And on January 9th, it was brought before the Planning Commission, and it was recommended

01:37:45.589 --> 01:37:53.229
for approval by a vote of 5-0 with zero abstentions and the proprietors of this business are not

01:37:53.229 --> 01:37:58.149
looking to suspend the rules, it's fairly cold outside, I don't think that they plan on having

01:37:58.149 --> 01:38:03.789
any outdoor dining for a few months so they did not, they had not sought a suspension

01:38:03.789 --> 01:38:08.669
of the rules here so in line with the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission we

01:38:08.669 --> 01:38:10.549
are recommending moving this forward.

01:38:10.549 --> 01:38:13.109
Motion to move it forward.

01:38:13.109 --> 01:38:14.109
So moved.

01:38:14.109 --> 01:38:15.109
Second.

01:38:15.109 --> 01:38:20.549
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers to move this ordinance forward.

01:38:20.549 --> 01:38:21.989
Any discussion?

01:38:25.189 --> 01:38:29.509
Did you want this, you said you did not care about this being moved forward, this suspension?

01:38:29.509 --> 01:38:32.949
There's no, there's not been a request for suspension of the rules.

01:38:32.949 --> 01:38:33.909
Madam Mayor?

01:38:33.909 --> 01:38:34.469
Yes.

01:38:34.469 --> 01:38:43.429
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 redo it.

01:38:43.429 --> 01:38:45.029
Motion to suspend the rules, Mayor.

01:38:45.029 --> 01:38:46.029
Second.

01:38:46.029 --> 01:38:51.949
We have a motion to spend the rules by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

01:38:51.949 --> 01:38:52.949
Stacy.

01:38:52.949 --> 01:38:53.949
Stacy?

01:38:53.949 --> 01:38:54.949
Alderman Stacy?

01:38:54.949 --> 01:39:01.589
Again, suspension of the rules is non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds.

01:39:01.589 --> 01:39:04.309
Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on the suspension only?

01:39:04.309 --> 01:39:05.309
Klemm?

01:39:05.309 --> 01:39:06.309
Aye.

01:39:06.309 --> 01:39:07.309
Monroe?

01:39:07.309 --> 01:39:08.309
Aye.

01:39:08.309 --> 01:39:09.309
Simmons?

01:39:09.309 --> 01:39:10.309
Absent.

01:39:10.309 --> 01:39:11.309
Oh, I am so sorry.

01:39:11.309 --> 01:39:12.309
Parker?

01:39:12.309 --> 01:39:13.309
Aye.

01:39:13.309 --> 01:39:14.309
Stacy?

01:39:14.309 --> 01:39:20.309
Sanders and Sellers aye the suspension passes seven to zero so then now before

01:39:20.309 --> 01:39:24.769
you counsel is the final passage of ordinance 20 2506 if there's no further

01:39:24.769 --> 01:39:32.449
discussion ma'am clerk please take the role Clem Monroe aye Simmons well she's

01:39:32.449 --> 01:39:41.189
still absent Parker aye Stacy aye Shadle Sanders and Sellers aye and the

01:39:41.189 --> 01:39:45.029
Ordinance Passes 7-0. Thank you for making my load a little easier.

01:39:45.029 --> 01:39:49.589
Thank you. Item number 12 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-07. Could you please read this?

01:39:50.709 --> 01:39:57.109
Ordinance Approving Variance Application at 207 West Empire Street submitted by Tim and Vicki Rowe

01:39:57.109 --> 01:40:03.349
to seek relief from 1252.05 F1 to allow a front yard of less than 25 feet.

01:40:04.309 --> 01:40:05.829
Thank you. Director Duckman.

01:40:05.829 --> 01:40:07.829
Thank you.

01:40:07.829 --> 01:40:17.829
Thank you. Director Duckman. Thank you, Madam Mayor, and I'm going to be putting up on the screen here just some images so we can see it a little better what's going on here.

01:40:17.829 --> 01:40:27.829
So staff received a permit application on December 13th for 207 West Empire for a front yard setback of less than the required 25 feet.

01:40:27.829 --> 01:40:32.829
And if we scroll down here, I can show you an image of what we're talking about here.

01:40:32.829 --> 01:40:38.589
The setback that they're requesting is a two-foot setback. So right off the cuff

01:40:38.589 --> 01:40:45.789
it sounds to be a little extreme but the reasoning for this front yard setback is

01:40:45.789 --> 01:40:54.189
it's for an accessibility ramp. So staff has put this forward on

01:40:54.189 --> 01:40:58.349
January 2nd to the Zoning Board of Appeals. It was recommended for approval

01:40:58.349 --> 01:41:05.629
By, a vote of five to zero is zero abstentions and at that at that hearing there was one

01:41:05.629 --> 01:41:11.669
neighbor who gave support for the variation there's also wanted to mention that this property

01:41:11.669 --> 01:41:16.629
owner has been at the same address for 30 years and now needs accessibility into their

01:41:16.629 --> 01:41:18.989
property.

01:41:18.989 --> 01:41:24.789
So that was recommended for approval on January 2nd it was also recommended for approval

01:41:24.789 --> 01:41:30.109
by Planning Commission on January 9th, and it was recommended approval with a vote of

01:41:30.109 --> 01:41:36.629
five yeas, zero nays, and zero abstentions, and in line with these recommendations, staff

01:41:36.629 --> 01:41:41.709
is recommending moving this forward.

01:41:41.709 --> 01:41:43.909
Is there a motion to move this forward?

01:41:43.909 --> 01:41:44.909
Second.

01:41:44.909 --> 01:41:50.589
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

01:41:50.589 --> 01:41:51.589
Discussion?

01:41:51.589 --> 01:41:52.589
Alderman Stacy?

01:41:52.589 --> 01:41:54.589
and

01:41:55.669 --> 01:41:58.869
My eyes deceive in me or is it already done?

01:41:59.549 --> 01:42:06.549
It yes, and I'll give a little background that it's already built and the son was helping the father

01:42:07.949 --> 01:42:12.889
Bring his father back home and started construction so that he could help his

01:42:13.989 --> 01:42:20.709
Father who is having mobility issues into the house so started the work without the permit came to the city and

01:42:20.709 --> 01:42:26.709
and based on the fact that it was practically, and you can see it's practically touching the sidewalk,

01:42:26.709 --> 01:42:31.709
said, look, we're going to need a variation. We'll work with you on the permit.

01:42:31.709 --> 01:42:36.709
We want to help the situation. We don't want to be difficult.

01:42:36.709 --> 01:42:43.709
But at the same time, we also want to make sure that you went through the proper channels with the permit and

01:42:43.709 --> 01:42:49.709
also to have council approve this variation. So that's why we're here.

01:42:49.709 --> 01:43:07.709
I, okay, I understand all that, but it just seemed like we're already past that, so why aren't we just asking counsel to accept what needs to be accepted so that the father have access to the house and move forward?

01:43:07.709 --> 01:43:37.709
I mean that's what we're, what we're asking here is saying that this happened, this was constructed, they should have gotten a permit, they should have in theory done this before, you know, their father, the patriarch of the family fell ill, or lost mobility, I should say, however, that didn't happen, they built it without a permit, so they came to my department, we reviewed the permit, and said, by the way, you also are going to need a variation because of how close you've built to the front yard setback.

01:43:37.709 --> 01:43:43.709
totally agree this was built the Sun had this built in haste prior to getting a

01:43:43.709 --> 01:43:51.469
permit I was just going up Wayne summed it up basically they they put the car

01:43:51.469 --> 01:43:55.469
before the horse but in this case you still make them apply for the variance

01:43:55.469 --> 01:44:00.429
so that it's a legal it's legal that they are that close to the to the sidewalk

01:44:00.429 --> 01:44:05.949
yes that's why they that's why this before you now because they were told

01:44:05.949 --> 01:44:11.269
Hey, you got the cart before the horse. Apply for the variance. We'll run it through the council. And that's what's before you guys now.

01:44:13.949 --> 01:44:15.949
Okay, if there's no further discussion.

01:44:18.229 --> 01:44:20.229
And we'll move on to the next item.

01:44:23.629 --> 01:44:29.009
Which is item number 13, the first reading of ordinance 2020-508. Would you please read this?

01:44:29.629 --> 01:44:33.549
Ordinance amending chapters 608 and 806 of the Liquor Code.

01:44:33.549 --> 01:44:40.829
Alderman, Parker, would you mind flipping the lights back on? Thanks. Manager Boyer.

01:44:40.829 --> 01:44:45.069
Thank you your honor. Periodically the Liquor Commission, legal council, and the

01:44:45.069 --> 01:44:50.829
City Clerk review chapters 608 and 806 of the liquor codes to ensure the

01:44:50.829 --> 01:44:55.269
verbiage is current and reflects current practices and trends. Modifications to

01:44:55.269 --> 01:44:59.709
chapter 608 and 806 of the liquor code have been identified as portions for the

01:44:59.709 --> 01:45:05.269
Code that are out of date, such as requiring landline phone numbers or the need for further

01:45:05.269 --> 01:45:08.029
clarifications.

01:45:08.029 --> 01:45:13.749
For example, the requirement for a certificate of insurance has been listed in the codes

01:45:13.749 --> 01:45:14.749
for some time.

01:45:14.749 --> 01:45:20.109
In the language, all such certificates shall list the city of Freeport as a certificate

01:45:20.109 --> 01:45:25.309
holder has been added to clarify that the city does not need to be named as an additional

01:45:25.309 --> 01:45:26.809
insured.

01:45:26.809 --> 01:45:31.589
Other outdated sections of the code have been adjusted or removed to match observed needs

01:45:31.589 --> 01:45:38.029
of the license holder and actual circumstances throughout the city and staff request you

01:45:38.029 --> 01:45:40.989
to move this forward to second reading.

01:45:40.989 --> 01:45:41.989
Is there such a motion?

01:45:41.989 --> 01:45:42.989
So moved.

01:45:42.989 --> 01:45:43.989
Second.

01:45:43.989 --> 01:45:51.409
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm.

01:45:51.409 --> 01:45:54.709
Discussion on this ordinance?

01:45:54.709 --> 01:45:58.709
Move on to item number 14, which is the first reading of ordinance 2025-09.

01:45:58.709 --> 01:46:00.789
Could you please read this?

01:46:00.789 --> 01:46:05.429
Ordinance approving airport hangar M2 lease with Kelsey Excavating.

01:46:05.429 --> 01:46:06.429
Thank you.

01:46:06.429 --> 01:46:07.429
Manager Boyer?

01:46:07.429 --> 01:46:08.429
Thank you, Your Honor.

01:46:08.429 --> 01:46:10.389
By the way, staff is requesting suspension of the rules on this one.

01:46:10.389 --> 01:46:15.469
Kelsey Excavating is interested in leasing hangar M4 at Alberta's airport.

01:46:15.469 --> 01:46:19.349
The agreement generates $165 per month in revenue to the city, and staff recommends

01:46:19.349 --> 01:46:21.229
approval of the lease.

01:46:21.229 --> 01:46:22.229
Is there a motion to approve?

01:46:22.229 --> 01:46:23.229
So moved.

01:46:23.229 --> 01:46:24.229
Second.

01:46:24.229 --> 01:46:32.029
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Parker. Any discussion on the ordinance? Alderman Shadle.

01:46:32.029 --> 01:46:37.469
I just want to point out that I believe the memo said it was Hanger M4.

01:46:38.309 --> 01:46:40.309
I'm sorry, correction M2.

01:46:45.149 --> 01:46:47.149
Make a motion for suspension.

01:46:48.429 --> 01:46:49.349
Second.

01:46:49.349 --> 01:46:56.049
We have a motion to suspend the rules, made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Again, must pass by a two-thirds majority.

01:46:56.049 --> 01:46:58.849
Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll on the suspension only?

01:46:58.849 --> 01:47:09.449
Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye.

01:47:09.449 --> 01:47:12.249
The suspension of the rules passes 8-0.

01:47:12.249 --> 01:47:19.249
Okay, then, now before you, Council is the final passage for Ordinance 2025-09. Any further discussion?

01:47:19.249 --> 01:47:33.249
and Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye.

01:47:33.249 --> 01:47:39.249
And the hanger lease under the new format is approved, 8-0.

01:47:39.249 --> 01:47:45.249
We'll move on to item number 15, which is the adoption of resolution 2025-01. Could you please read this?

01:47:45.249 --> 01:47:55.249
Resolution, approving memorandum of agreement between the City and AFSCME to create the position of Instrument and Control Technician slash Electrician 1.

01:47:55.249 --> 01:47:56.249
Manager Boyer.

01:47:56.249 --> 01:47:59.249
Thank you, Your Honor. As previously discussed at the Committee of the Whole,

01:47:59.249 --> 01:48:12.249
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,

01:48:12.249 --> 01:48:20.049
ultimately ending at a grade 17 so staff requests approval from City Council to

01:48:20.049 --> 01:48:26.529
move forward in creating the interim grade 15 step so that we can allow

01:48:26.529 --> 01:48:33.209
qualified applicants to begin the process to move to grade 17. Is there a

01:48:33.209 --> 01:48:38.049
motion to adopt? Alderman Sellers? Second.

01:48:38.049 --> 01:48:46.049
Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Parker for the Adoption of Resolution 2025-01. Discussion?

01:48:48.049 --> 01:48:50.049
Alderman and Sanders?

01:48:50.049 --> 01:49:03.049
Yeah, Manager Boyer, we did talk about this, about the grade, the pay grade.

01:49:03.049 --> 01:49:10.609
We talked about that and then I wanted to ask you, have this, this is a new

01:49:10.609 --> 01:49:16.969
position, am I correct? Yes, this would be the creation of a new position. Okay, is

01:49:16.969 --> 01:49:28.289
that, is that the going classification rate for that position? Is that, is that

01:49:28.289 --> 01:49:29.289
and so on.

01:49:29.289 --> 01:49:34.289
So I'm just wondering, since this is new, who created the pay grade?

01:49:34.289 --> 01:49:36.069
Who did that?

01:49:36.069 --> 01:49:41.929
So in consultation with the utility superintendent, we were looking for a solution in line with

01:49:41.929 --> 01:49:47.569
some of our other pay grades, similar to a street trainee is hired on at the city and

01:49:47.569 --> 01:49:49.009
there's an interim.

01:49:49.009 --> 01:49:54.289
So that first step, they hire in at a lower grade, I believe it's a 13, and then they

01:49:54.289 --> 01:49:58.729
move into a grade 14 when they become a street maintenance worker. This is a

01:49:58.729 --> 01:50:04.129
similar thing just for a bit higher classification of a technical ability

01:50:04.129 --> 01:50:09.449
requirement. 15. So the 15 would be

01:50:09.449 --> 01:50:13.249
So the 15 would be if we have some employees in the city

01:50:13.249 --> 01:50:15.809
that have a pretty good mechanical background,

01:50:15.809 --> 01:50:18.769
have rudimentary understanding of hydraulic and pneumatic

01:50:18.769 --> 01:50:23.249
systems, but maybe don't possess the understanding of how

01:50:23.249 --> 01:50:29.369
to do programming on starters, motors, and drivers,

01:50:29.369 --> 01:50:31.849
and controllers, or don't have any background

01:50:31.849 --> 01:50:36.329
on rebuilding some of the motors or pumps.

01:50:36.329 --> 01:50:38.409
This gives us that transitionary step

01:50:38.409 --> 01:50:41.769
to go from wherever they are in the organization

01:50:41.769 --> 01:50:45.509
to the ultimate goal, which would be instrument controls

01:50:45.509 --> 01:50:47.009
technician, grade 17.

01:50:50.489 --> 01:50:51.329
I'm waiting.

01:50:52.289 --> 01:50:53.369
What are you waiting for?

01:50:53.369 --> 01:50:56.249
I'm waiting for you to tell me I spoke too many times.

01:50:56.249 --> 01:50:57.089
That's what I'm waiting for.

01:50:57.089 --> 01:50:58.969
You spoke once, did you wanna speak again?

01:50:58.969 --> 01:50:59.809
Yeah.

01:50:59.809 --> 01:51:01.929
Okay then, how about you do that?

01:51:01.929 --> 01:51:04.089
Okay, nobody opposing it, okay.

01:51:04.089 --> 01:51:21.089
Why not the highest pay grade, if it's recommended that you want to move him to a 15, is it because he hasn't met the skill levels yet, or the knowledge, or the training?

01:51:21.089 --> 01:51:29.649
is the reason why he's at that you propose a 15 as opposed of a 17 yes and and what would the what

01:51:29.649 --> 01:51:35.889
would be the requirement he meets all of the all of the uh uh training skills and things of this

01:51:35.889 --> 01:51:40.689
nature before you can move them a step higher essentially what i'm saying here is you need a

01:51:40.689 --> 01:51:45.969
year or two of mentorship with the with the maintenance department to gain the finer skills

01:51:45.969 --> 01:52:08.809
My biggest ordeal with this whole deal is that there are weeks from going into negotiation.

01:52:08.809 --> 01:52:16.369
and I don't know why this could not have been settled in negotiations first of all.

01:52:16.369 --> 01:52:26.449
Second of all, we have had people placed in positions that were not equipped for that

01:52:26.449 --> 01:52:29.409
position yet they were still placed there.

01:52:29.409 --> 01:52:37.509
They were given extra training and whatever they needed through Highland or wherever to

01:52:37.509 --> 01:52:48.509
and others, and we have 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?

01:52:48.509 --> 01:53:06.549
and I. I just feel that this position should have stayed at the level 17 as it was and

01:53:06.549 --> 01:53:12.709
the person that was bidding on the position should have been given the education or the

01:53:12.709 --> 01:53:23.389
training or whatever it needed at that level because even the person before the level was

01:53:23.389 --> 01:53:33.069
empty was not qualified for the position yet they remained at the level 17 and we have

01:53:33.069 --> 01:53:48.149
I get to treat people equally, what's good for the goose is good for the gander.

01:53:48.149 --> 01:53:54.509
These people have to work in one another's faces daily.

01:53:54.509 --> 01:54:01.909
They don't need to be enemies working side by side, they got to work together.

01:54:01.909 --> 01:54:15.029
and we as a council need to make sure that things are happening fair and just.

01:54:15.029 --> 01:54:18.509
That's all.

01:54:18.509 --> 01:54:19.509
There's no further discussion.

01:54:19.509 --> 01:54:22.509
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:54:22.509 --> 01:54:23.509
Klemm?

01:54:23.509 --> 01:54:24.509
Aye.

01:54:24.509 --> 01:54:25.509
Monroe?

01:54:25.509 --> 01:54:26.509
No.

01:54:26.509 --> 01:54:27.509
Simmons?

01:54:27.509 --> 01:54:28.509
Aye.

01:54:28.509 --> 01:54:29.509
Parker?

01:54:29.509 --> 01:54:30.509
Aye.

01:54:30.509 --> 01:54:31.509
Stacy?

01:54:31.509 --> 01:54:40.389
No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. And Sellers? Aye. The Resolution passes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 to 3.

01:54:46.309 --> 01:54:52.709
Item number 16 is the adoption of Resolution 20-2504. Could you please read this? Resolution

01:54:52.709 --> 01:54:56.949
approving Memorandum of Understanding with the Fraternal Order of Police regarding

01:54:56.949 --> 01:54:59.709
Post-Employment Health Plan, or PEP?

01:54:59.709 --> 01:55:00.869
Chief Shenberger?

01:55:00.869 --> 01:55:01.749
Yes.

01:55:01.749 --> 01:55:04.349
So this matter was before the council two weeks ago,

01:55:04.349 --> 01:55:06.349
and then I think it got pushed to the COW.

01:55:06.349 --> 01:55:08.629
So we've talked about this.

01:55:08.629 --> 01:55:10.549
I'm not going to read the entire memo,

01:55:10.549 --> 01:55:15.669
but basically what it says is during the negotiations

01:55:15.669 --> 01:55:18.509
with the FOP during this last contract,

01:55:18.509 --> 01:55:25.629
three officers were either at 20 years for years of retirement

01:55:25.629 --> 01:55:29.989
or will be at 20 years during the duration of this contract.

01:55:29.989 --> 01:55:33.909
And they were offered an ability to be grandfathered

01:55:33.909 --> 01:55:38.909
into the prior PEP provisions where

01:55:38.949 --> 01:55:41.469
if they did retire with at least 20 years of service,

01:55:41.469 --> 01:55:45.149
they then would get compensation for their sick time

01:55:45.149 --> 01:55:46.529
that they accumulated.

01:55:46.529 --> 01:55:51.349
So this is just, I guess, solidifying that agreement

01:55:51.349 --> 01:55:53.949
and it's something that we talked about

01:55:53.949 --> 01:55:55.289
for the last two weeks now.

01:55:55.629 --> 01:56:01.429
Thank you. At the last council meeting we did have a motion to adopt this

01:56:01.429 --> 01:56:05.429
resolution made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Parker, so we don't

01:56:05.429 --> 01:56:11.589
need to do that again. So is there any further discussion? Seeing none, Madam

01:56:11.589 --> 01:56:17.869
Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye.

01:56:17.869 --> 01:56:47.869
Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The resolution is adopted 8 to 0. 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. Thank you Director Duckman. Thank you Madam Mayor. The former hotel on US 20 most recently branded as a Travelodge Inn formerly the Holiday Inn

01:56:47.869 --> 01:57:02.869
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.

01:57:02.869 --> 01:57:08.869
The city is currently petitioned to the Circuit Court for a demolition order, which is ongoing.

01:57:08.869 --> 01:57:19.869
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.

01:57:19.869 --> 01:57:27.869
Chief Miller shared his immediate concern of the building being a fire hazard with people potentially starting fires to stay warm in the upcoming winter months.

01:57:27.869 --> 01:57:32.149
Winter months. Due to immediate health and safety concern, I solicited bids from

01:57:32.149 --> 01:57:36.869
three contractors in accordance with our codified ordinances to board

01:57:36.869 --> 01:57:43.229
up all entrances into the building with half-inch OSB. The three bids were

01:57:43.229 --> 01:57:48.829
provided below to you in the memorandum and they came in as NICAM construction

01:57:48.829 --> 01:57:57.389
bid $13,863. Winter construction bid $15,000 and CMM and Associates bid $23,076.

01:57:57.389 --> 01:58:02.949
Clarks, City move forward with NICAM construction as the lowest responsible bidder to perform

01:58:02.949 --> 01:58:08.869
the emergency board up and the work was subsequently completed on December 16th of this year or

01:58:08.869 --> 01:58:14.749
2024 rather. Staff recommends approval of the resolution to remit payment to NICAM construction

01:58:14.749 --> 01:58:18.789
for the emergency board up services at 1300 South Street.

01:58:18.789 --> 01:58:20.189
Is there a motion to approve?

01:58:20.189 --> 01:58:21.189
So moved.

01:58:21.189 --> 01:58:22.189
Second.

01:58:22.189 --> 01:58:28.989
made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Alderman Sanders, did you have something?

01:58:28.989 --> 01:58:43.629
Yes. Director Duckman was recommended to condemn and demolish this property. Is that what we're saying?

01:58:43.629 --> 01:58:48.349
We are working on that and we do have an ongoing case on that to demolish this property.

01:58:48.349 --> 01:58:52.909
What prompted, what was the neglect that prompted this move?

01:58:54.909 --> 01:59:02.509
Well, it's long been neglected. It was condemned in 2017 and it was declared a chronic nuisance by my,

01:59:03.469 --> 01:59:13.549
by the hard work of my department of November of 2023. And in that time we've, it's accumulated

01:59:13.549 --> 01:59:35.429
I know Chief Shenberger already made a comment, but I was just wondering, are we patrolling

01:59:35.429 --> 01:59:43.469
that area to prevent any other kind of provocations or whatever that might cause problems?

01:59:43.469 --> 01:59:51.549
problems like incidents, fires, or anything that the city would be liable to from this

01:59:51.549 --> 01:59:56.469
abandonment of this property because we got to post it first though, right, or have we

01:59:56.469 --> 01:59:58.149
done that already?

01:59:58.149 --> 02:00:00.789
We are currently in that process right now.

02:00:00.789 --> 02:00:08.069
I do want to commend Chief Shenberger and Chief Miller for constantly keeping me abreast

02:00:08.069 --> 02:00:09.429
West of what's going on on that property.

02:00:09.429 --> 02:00:11.589
keeping me abreast of what's going on on that property.

02:00:11.589 --> 02:00:13.869
They do a great job monitoring it.

02:00:13.869 --> 02:00:18.109
And prior to this time, my team, my inspectors

02:00:18.109 --> 02:00:20.069
have been boarding up the property,

02:00:20.069 --> 02:00:21.869
doing the best that they can.

02:00:21.869 --> 02:00:23.629
But they find another window to break in.

02:00:23.629 --> 02:00:26.669
And this last incident had several areas of entry

02:00:26.669 --> 02:00:27.949
and several broken windows.

02:00:27.949 --> 02:00:32.349
And it was to a point where with the winter months coming,

02:00:32.349 --> 02:00:34.429
really needed to secure the structure.

02:00:34.429 --> 02:00:35.349
Definitely.

02:00:35.349 --> 02:00:37.029
OK, thank you.

02:00:37.029 --> 02:00:39.869
Alderman, Stacy.

02:00:39.869 --> 02:00:41.909
OK, you spoke about boarding it up.

02:00:41.909 --> 02:00:44.949
What are we looking at to board this up again?

02:00:44.949 --> 02:00:46.989
I didn't write down my totals.

02:00:46.989 --> 02:00:50.549
OK, so it's already boarded up right now.

02:00:50.549 --> 02:00:51.829
It's been boarded up.

02:00:51.829 --> 02:00:59.349
But the total cost to board it up was $13,863.

02:00:59.349 --> 02:01:01.789
OK, now this is what I don't understand.

02:01:01.789 --> 02:01:11.789
Anderson. Okay, I understand you're wreaking havoc from the owner? The landlord? The owner?

02:01:11.789 --> 02:01:17.389
Alright, I'm sorry, what was the question? Are you wreaking havoc from? I'm wreaking havoc

02:01:17.389 --> 02:01:23.349
from that person? Yes. Meaning I'm trying to understand how I wreak havoc. Is he giving

02:01:23.349 --> 02:01:29.609
you a hard time? You don't want it tore down? Well, I will say that yes, the city is moving

02:01:29.609 --> 02:01:54.309
and

02:01:54.309 --> 02:01:58.589
We fast-track this property and they said with it being a commercial property we're

02:01:58.589 --> 02:02:03.269
gonna move forward with a petition at the Circuit Court so it's an on-goal it's an

02:02:03.269 --> 02:02:08.629
ongoing legal matter right now and I just would say personally I strongly believe

02:02:08.629 --> 02:02:15.709
it needs to be remediated immediately yesterday yeah 13,000 to board it up when

02:02:15.709 --> 02:02:20.109
it needs to come down I'm with you a hundred percent I am with you a hundred

02:02:20.109 --> 02:02:50.109
and others. The resolution is adopted 8-0.

02:02:50.109 --> 02:02:55.349
Voice for use of subscription material. Chief Shenberger. The Freeport Police Department

02:02:55.349 --> 02:03:00.709
has used Lexapol Knowledge Management System for the development and issuance of policy

02:03:00.709 --> 02:03:05.909
and procedures since 2019. Strong policy and procedure is critical for law enforcement

02:03:05.909 --> 02:03:11.029
agencies to ensure staff responds to calls for service in a consistent manner. Some of

02:03:11.029 --> 02:03:17.989
the benefits of utilizing Lexapol KMS to develop and maintain policies and procedures include

02:03:17.989 --> 02:03:20.429
ensuring the agency's policies are current

02:03:20.429 --> 02:03:22.869
and comply with changes in laws.

02:03:22.869 --> 02:03:26.849
Lexipol KMS adapts policies to include legislative language

02:03:26.849 --> 02:03:31.849
when state legislator enacts new legislation.

02:03:32.029 --> 02:03:34.229
Responding to civil and criminal cases,

02:03:34.229 --> 02:03:36.689
Lexipol KMS monitors court cases

02:03:36.689 --> 02:03:39.089
and ensures the policy and procedures are compliant

02:03:39.089 --> 02:03:40.889
with changes in case law.

02:03:40.889 --> 02:03:43.789
And Lexipol KMS includes language necessary

02:03:43.789 --> 02:03:46.669
to facilitate the accreditation process.

02:03:46.669 --> 02:03:53.349
The annual subscription for Lexapol KMS is $15,180.52.

02:03:53.349 --> 02:03:57.629
This cost is included in the fiscal year 2025 PD budget

02:03:57.629 --> 02:04:04.029
underlying item 101-151-6150.

02:04:04.029 --> 02:04:05.309
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:04:05.309 --> 02:04:05.869
So moved.

02:04:05.869 --> 02:04:06.949
Second.

02:04:06.949 --> 02:04:09.629
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm,

02:04:09.629 --> 02:04:11.629
seconded by Alderman Shadle.

02:04:11.629 --> 02:04:14.869
Discussion on the resolution.

02:04:14.869 --> 02:04:16.309
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

02:04:16.309 --> 02:04:26.849
Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers.

02:04:26.849 --> 02:04:29.509
And that resolution is adopted 8-0.

02:04:29.509 --> 02:04:32.309
Item number 19 is the adoption of resolution 202507.

02:04:32.309 --> 02:04:34.909
Please read this.

02:04:34.909 --> 02:04:39.429
Resolution approving purchase of ENCODE module for accounts payable automation.

02:04:39.429 --> 02:04:40.429
Director Richter.

02:04:40.429 --> 02:04:42.269
Thank you, Your Honor.

02:04:42.269 --> 02:04:56.269
Currently, the City of Freeport uses Tyler ENCODE for payroll, general ledger accounting, utility billing, and accounts payable since it was implemented in 2020.

02:04:56.269 --> 02:05:07.269
The current process, and this is just very basic from beginning to end, the current process for entering invoices for payment is inefficient and impacts many departments.

02:05:07.269 --> 02:05:16.769
Currently, the Fire Department, Police, Library, Public Works, and the Finance Department enter their own invoices into the system.

02:05:16.769 --> 02:05:28.269
The process for entering invoices is a hard copy of the invoices received by mail or we print it out from an email.

02:05:28.269 --> 02:05:33.269
The invoice is reviewed and matched with packing lists as applicable.

02:05:33.269 --> 02:05:43.769
Once reviewed by the department head, the invoice is coded and signed as approval and the invoice along with any backup is scanned into the system.

02:05:43.769 --> 02:05:52.769
The invoice is hand-keyed into Tyler Encode for payment and the scanned document is then attached.

02:05:52.769 --> 02:06:01.269
Each of the departments I listed before, they submit their packets of invoices electronically to finance for review.

02:06:01.269 --> 02:06:09.429
The City Accountant reviews all packets by checking the key data and comparing it to the original invoice and that

02:06:10.449 --> 02:06:17.169
Pile of bills. So for example, the packet that you approved in the consent agenda is this big

02:06:18.749 --> 02:06:20.509
And so

02:06:20.509 --> 02:06:26.749
Electronically, well, I'm sorry at this point the paper bills go from the City Accountant. They go to my desk

02:06:26.749 --> 02:06:29.749
I review all of them then they go to the City Manager's desk

02:06:29.749 --> 02:06:36.829
Desk, he reviews them, and then they end up in the consent agenda for counsel.

02:06:36.829 --> 02:06:42.509
Tyler Encode has developed an advanced module called Accounts Payable Automation.

02:06:42.509 --> 02:06:47.389
Once a scanned document is uploaded into the software, the information from the invoice,

02:06:47.389 --> 02:06:53.749
such as the date, the amount, the vendor, is electronically imported into the software.

02:06:53.749 --> 02:07:01.269
The imported information does need to be verified, so you still need a human, and the account

02:07:01.269 --> 02:07:03.269
code needs to be entered.

02:07:03.269 --> 02:07:09.189
Once the invoice is entered, the invoice is put into an electronic workflow.

02:07:09.189 --> 02:07:15.969
For example, instead of manually signing and coding a piece of paper, the invoice is electronically

02:07:15.969 --> 02:07:21.789
forwarded to the department head for approval and then into a flow to go to the city accountant

02:07:21.789 --> 02:07:27.509
for Review, Finance Director, City Manager.

02:07:27.509 --> 02:07:34.109
By adding this technology, we anticipate the reduction of staff time necessary to enter

02:07:34.109 --> 02:07:36.149
and approve invoices.

02:07:36.149 --> 02:07:40.829
This will not only positively impact the Finance Department, but also all departments that

02:07:40.829 --> 02:07:42.349
enter their own invoices.

02:07:42.349 --> 02:07:47.549
The strategic plan alignment here is responsive, efficient government.

02:07:47.549 --> 02:07:52.109
The Finance Department staff request approval to purchase the Accounts Payable Automation

02:07:52.109 --> 02:08:02.109
Module that is just a piece, a new piece of Tyler Encode at the quoted price of $11,838

02:08:02.109 --> 02:08:04.989
annually with a 250 implementation cost.

02:08:04.989 --> 02:08:07.509
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:08:07.509 --> 02:08:08.509
So move.

02:08:08.509 --> 02:08:09.509
Second.

02:08:09.509 --> 02:08:15.109
Okay, motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Parker.

02:08:15.109 --> 02:08:20.709
on the Resolution, and Alderman Stacy.

02:08:20.709 --> 02:08:30.669
Yes, I'm concerned that it took us four years to realize this isn't giving us what we need

02:08:30.669 --> 02:08:43.669
or really want, and we're willing to buy a second piece of the same ENCODE, Tyler ENCODE

02:08:43.669 --> 02:08:49.589
Company, is that the route we need to go, or do we need to look at something totally

02:08:49.589 --> 02:08:54.589
different?

02:08:54.589 --> 02:08:56.189
Manager Boyer, did you want that?

02:08:56.189 --> 02:08:57.189
Yes.

02:08:57.189 --> 02:09:02.789
Alderwoman Stacy, I think you're referring to when we changed accounting systems, and

02:09:02.789 --> 02:09:07.149
I think you get an opportunity when you first purchase a new piece of software to elect

02:09:07.149 --> 02:09:11.389
to find out what of the modules you actually want to use, because there's a lot more modules

02:09:41.389 --> 02:09:46.389
I submit to you that this is actually more of an evolutionary process, a refinement process,

02:09:46.389 --> 02:09:50.389
and I think it's a, I support it fully, so thank you.

02:09:50.389 --> 02:09:51.389
Okay.

02:09:51.389 --> 02:09:56.389
If there's no further discussion, then please take the roll.

02:09:56.389 --> 02:09:57.389
Klemm?

02:09:57.389 --> 02:09:58.389
Aye.

02:09:58.389 --> 02:09:59.389
Monroe?

02:09:59.389 --> 02:10:00.389
Aye.

02:10:00.389 --> 02:10:01.389
Simmons?

02:10:01.389 --> 02:10:02.389
Aye.

02:10:02.389 --> 02:10:03.389
Parker?

02:10:03.389 --> 02:10:04.389
Aye.

02:10:04.389 --> 02:10:05.389
Stacy?

02:10:05.389 --> 02:10:06.389
Aye.

02:10:06.389 --> 02:10:07.389
Shadle?

02:10:07.389 --> 02:10:08.389
Aye.

02:10:08.389 --> 02:10:09.389
Sanders is absent.

02:10:09.389 --> 02:10:10.389
Sellers?

02:10:10.389 --> 02:10:18.189
Sellers? Aye. The resolution is adopted 7 to 0. Item number 20 is the adoption of resolution

02:10:18.189 --> 02:10:24.909
202508. Could you please read this? Resolution approving Fehr Graham master service contract

02:10:24.909 --> 02:10:31.309
for 2025. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank you your honor. So the city has various annual

02:10:31.309 --> 02:10:38.469
engineering needs projects that come up and things as we go along with the large construction

02:10:38.469 --> 02:10:39.469
and others.

02:10:39.469 --> 02:10:47.789
We have a number of things that come up throughout the year are topographical studies, infrastructure

02:10:47.789 --> 02:10:55.549
system mapping, geo information systems, construction survey and staking, elevation records, ADA

02:10:55.549 --> 02:11:01.989
issues, multiple grants and loan assistance, water, storm and sanitary sewer utility system

02:11:01.989 --> 02:11:07.389
design, structural assessment, street infrastructure, airport engineering support, various right

02:11:07.389 --> 02:11:12.069
of Way Permitting, Illinois EPA Protection Agency Requirements, Illinois Department of

02:11:12.069 --> 02:11:19.389
Transportation Necessities and Quality Assurance and Quality Control via inspections and observations

02:11:19.389 --> 02:11:20.889
related to construction.

02:11:20.889 --> 02:11:26.429
In addition, soil borings and analysis and all emergency needs for professional engineering

02:11:26.429 --> 02:11:28.469
requirements.

02:11:28.469 --> 02:11:33.829
So this consultant work is performed outside of specific project contracts brought to the

02:11:33.829 --> 02:11:38.349
the Council and it requires specific funding sources. Freeport requires an engineering

02:11:38.349 --> 02:11:43.429
firm to provide support with staff, technical professional licensed engineers who specialize

02:11:43.429 --> 02:11:50.149
in these diverse areas of expertise. So the City of Freeport approves various engineering

02:11:50.149 --> 02:11:55.589
contracts throughout the year and the support for all the city staff departments as needed.

02:11:55.589 --> 02:12:01.429
So this would be a contract that's related back to the time and material needed by staff

02:12:01.429 --> 02:12:05.189
and Jeff at various times throughout the year during the construction phases.

02:12:05.189 --> 02:12:11.269
This contract allows general engineering requirements not related to a specific contract to be performed

02:12:11.269 --> 02:12:12.709
on a day-to-day need basis.

02:12:12.709 --> 02:12:17.369
So it also enables the city to be reactive to our daily needs and requirements as the

02:12:17.369 --> 02:12:20.229
infrastructure emergencies arise.

02:12:20.229 --> 02:12:25.909
We've been doing this for several years and all the major projects are handled separately

02:12:25.909 --> 02:12:31.349
and I've, you know, if we do not use this entire agreement, we do not use it all.

02:12:31.349 --> 02:12:32.709
We just use what we need.

02:12:32.709 --> 02:12:38.229
So it's been very helpful and it allows us to contend with issues that emerge in the

02:12:38.229 --> 02:12:41.129
field efficiently and effectively.

02:12:41.129 --> 02:12:47.269
So with that, I would request council approve this resolution.

02:12:47.269 --> 02:12:48.269
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:12:48.269 --> 02:12:49.269
So moved.

02:12:49.269 --> 02:12:50.269
Second.

02:12:50.269 --> 02:13:01.269
Do we have a motion? May be Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm. Discussion on the resolution. Alderman Sanders.

02:13:01.269 --> 02:13:16.269
Yeah. What are we trying to say here? That Fehr Graham made a proposal. Is Fehr Graham making a proposal to the city?

02:13:16.269 --> 02:13:46.269
Well, each year the city actually requests that Fehr Graham 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

02:13:46.269 --> 02:13:52.049
and I have the operational flexibility to get those things done and we have kind of a cap amount

02:13:52.049 --> 02:13:54.909
and I don't believe we've exceeded that since we started.

02:13:55.389 --> 02:13:57.729
Alderman Sanders?

02:13:57.729 --> 02:13:58.309
Should I wait?

02:13:59.409 --> 02:14:00.329
Alderman Sanders, go ahead.

02:14:00.909 --> 02:14:10.329
Using Fehr and Graham services to do the inspection, the whole entire ball of wax or whatever,

02:14:10.329 --> 02:14:16.689
when, whenever inspections or job needs to be, projects needs to be considered and things

02:14:16.689 --> 02:14:23.889
like that, we are dependent upon Fehr and Graham to make that assessment and determination

02:14:23.889 --> 02:14:35.529
and the cost and the estimated cost that we have not had a chance to, to determine whether

02:14:35.529 --> 02:14:45.829
and others are not, their cost is justifiable to work on the city, for the city at large.

02:14:45.829 --> 02:14:58.429
In other words, what Fehram Graham has not revealed to us, all of his cost services,

02:14:58.429 --> 02:15:05.789
and all of this structural cost service and infrastructure cost services and are these

02:15:05.789 --> 02:15:17.689
estimated costs because I like to have a cost that is already something that the council

02:15:17.689 --> 02:15:24.229
has determined whether or not we will go forward with certain services and certain costs.

02:15:24.229 --> 02:15:35.229
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.

02:15:35.229 --> 02:15:46.229
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.

02:15:46.229 --> 02:15:52.709
they have always delivered at or below cost and when they have had a problem

02:15:52.709 --> 02:15:55.949
where they've had a cost overrun we didn't see a change order they just took

02:15:55.949 --> 02:15:59.109
care of it they took care of it internally because Freeport is an

02:15:59.109 --> 02:16:04.149
important customer to this to their organization however I want to address

02:16:04.149 --> 02:16:10.309
your point which is as far as the time and material portion of this contract is

02:16:10.309 --> 02:16:40.309
and others concerned. 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 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

02:16:40.309 --> 02:16:43.829
Mays, like for instance, if you had another project and you were interested in pursuing

02:16:43.829 --> 02:16:49.749
other help or other engineering services contracts, you wouldn't, this wouldn't be a bidding situation.

02:16:49.749 --> 02:16:55.049
It would be a statement of qualification where you would submit to various engineering companies

02:16:55.049 --> 02:16:59.269
their statement of qualifications and you would receive those.

02:16:59.269 --> 02:17:03.489
I've looked at a number of those different process, different statements on different

02:17:03.489 --> 02:17:09.349
projects and I will suggest because of their, not only their track record of success and

02:17:09.349 --> 02:17:15.389
and their knowledge, deep knowledge of the city, they are very, very qualified to the

02:17:15.389 --> 02:17:18.149
point where it would be difficult to find anyone more qualified.

02:17:18.149 --> 02:17:20.149
Alderman, Stacy?

02:17:20.149 --> 02:17:23.749
Yes.

02:17:23.749 --> 02:17:32.389
I don't know that we did, but I don't know that we didn't go over last year because Fehr

02:17:32.389 --> 02:17:37.349
Graham came back and asked for $250,000 extra.

02:17:37.349 --> 02:17:48.429
and I know what was budgeted, what was started with, and I know there's also a 20% increase

02:17:48.429 --> 02:17:53.549
that can be added up in there as well, if I'm not mistaken.

02:17:53.549 --> 02:18:05.229
My only concern, my only request.

02:18:05.229 --> 02:18:19.049
We have 20, 30 items on this agenda and three are contracts with Fehr Graham.

02:18:19.049 --> 02:18:29.889
It would have been nice to have gotten these in November or December at the latest to go

02:18:29.889 --> 02:18:36.769
Go through all this, instead of spending the weekend trying to understand.

02:18:36.769 --> 02:18:46.129
And I know it happens, but how many people are really even reading them to even understand

02:18:46.129 --> 02:18:48.649
what it's saying and what we're committing to?

02:18:48.649 --> 02:18:54.009
Or are we just getting back and saying, yes, aye, aye, aye?

02:18:54.009 --> 02:18:56.709
We don't take the police.

02:18:56.709 --> 02:18:59.809
We don't take Ashley.

02:18:59.809 --> 02:19:07.449
when their contract is up and take a couple days to approve their contract and we just

02:19:07.449 --> 02:19:13.169
need to see this information before it runs out in advance.

02:19:13.169 --> 02:19:24.609
I'm not against it happening, we're indebted to Fehr Graham, I'm not against Fehr Graham

02:19:24.609 --> 02:19:29.609
but it would be nice to get these type of things in advance.

02:19:30.809 --> 02:19:34.169
Well, if you think that, you know,

02:19:34.169 --> 02:19:35.769
it's gonna be two, three months in advance

02:19:35.769 --> 02:19:37.849
and I mean, we'll never get anything done.

02:19:37.849 --> 02:19:40.489
I mean, this is normal procedure to put moving forward.

02:19:40.489 --> 02:19:42.209
What is normal?

02:19:42.209 --> 02:19:44.009
It's not normal.

02:19:44.009 --> 02:19:47.209
It is, adoptions of resolutions are.

02:19:47.209 --> 02:19:49.969
Mayor Jodi Miller, all I'm asking

02:19:49.969 --> 02:20:00.549
is that not that nothing be changed but that we receive it in advance to go through it in

02:20:00.549 --> 02:20:06.109
case we have any questions because I don't want to make a motion to move this to the

02:20:06.109 --> 02:20:09.829
DeKal in February, that would be my right.

02:20:09.829 --> 02:20:18.709
that would be my right so please understand where i'm coming from

02:20:18.709 --> 02:20:23.909
i know what's been norm but what's been norm don't mean it's been right

02:20:25.349 --> 02:20:34.069
all i am is trying to take time three contracts am i correct on this agenda

02:20:34.069 --> 02:20:47.749
I don't want to just, okay, all I'm asking is that if we're going to vote on something

02:20:47.749 --> 02:20:58.169
in January pertaining to Fehr Graham's three contracts, is that we get them in November

02:20:58.169 --> 02:21:06.489
to look over them, to ask questions, to do whatever we may want to do.

02:21:06.489 --> 02:21:11.329
Maybe some don't want to do nothing because they ain't done nothing for so long.

02:21:11.329 --> 02:21:14.369
But some of us want to understand.

02:21:14.369 --> 02:21:19.329
Darren, did you want to add to that?

02:21:19.329 --> 02:21:20.689
Yeah, sure.

02:21:20.689 --> 02:21:23.369
We can certainly try to get contracts here sooner.

02:21:23.369 --> 02:21:29.569
I would like to state that this is the exact same contract, the exact same everything for

02:21:29.569 --> 02:21:36.369
the last three years. That is why it wasn't presented sooner. It's an annual contract

02:21:36.369 --> 02:21:44.789
and it is a time and material estimation contract if you read it. So we could continue on the

02:21:44.789 --> 02:21:49.529
current contracts that we have because there's not a final set amount on it, but City Manager

02:21:49.529 --> 02:22:19.529
and

02:22:19.529 --> 02:22:31.089
and

02:22:31.089 --> 02:22:32.349
Alderman Monroe.

02:22:32.349 --> 02:22:33.349
Did you have something?

02:22:33.349 --> 02:22:36.609
Yes, thank you, Madam Mayor.

02:22:36.609 --> 02:22:44.289
Normally I've supported this in the past but recent events have changed my mind and there's

02:22:44.289 --> 02:22:47.409
a lot of reasons why.

02:22:47.409 --> 02:22:51.669
On January 8th, Fehr Graham made a post on Facebook.

02:22:51.669 --> 02:22:57.129
That post says we are proud to collaborate with clients like Rob Boyer, City Manager

02:22:57.129 --> 02:22:59.329
of the City of Freeport, City Hall.

02:22:59.329 --> 02:23:03.789
Rob shares how Fehr Graham's dedication, communication, and exceptional service sets

02:23:03.789 --> 02:23:05.889
us apart from other firms.

02:23:05.889 --> 02:23:09.129
Join us in making a difference and enhancing our communities we cherish.

02:23:09.129 --> 02:23:12.309
Together we create real change.

02:23:12.309 --> 02:23:16.649
What most people don't realize, a lot of people in the City of Freeport, is that happens

02:23:16.649 --> 02:23:17.649
Dixie.

02:23:17.649 --> 02:23:44.969
This is how convoluted this has become.

02:23:44.969 --> 02:23:51.809
We've got the Public Works Director signing off on a contract with Fehr Graham to the

02:23:51.809 --> 02:24:00.369
City of Freeport that is then countersigned and sent back to the City Manager.

02:24:00.369 --> 02:24:07.609
These agreements come back and forth, the communications, so the Director sits in multiple

02:24:07.609 --> 02:24:08.609
positions.

02:24:08.609 --> 02:24:09.929
He works for Fehr Graham.

02:24:09.929 --> 02:24:10.929
Stiegel.

02:24:10.929 --> 02:24:20.889
He participates in a lot of this work that's done and no doubt Mr. Stiegel does a great

02:24:20.889 --> 02:24:23.529
job in a lot of things.

02:24:23.529 --> 02:24:27.489
But it creates a conflict of interest.

02:24:27.489 --> 02:24:36.929
And that conflict of interest gives the impression of a pay for play or something that's nefarious

02:24:36.929 --> 02:24:37.929
going on.

02:24:37.929 --> 02:24:44.929
and I. We have to actually be going on to break and violate the law. A class 4 felony.

02:24:44.929 --> 02:24:52.929
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.

02:24:52.929 --> 02:24:59.929
Well, we should be questioning everything we do because we're spending money that we don't always have,

02:24:59.929 --> 02:25:05.929
and we're constantly raising rates on everything. And we have to come back.

02:25:05.929 --> 02:25:11.369
and this is this is the Illinois law a conflict of interest occurs when a

02:25:11.369 --> 02:25:15.649
person's personal interests could compromise their judgment decisions or

02:25:15.649 --> 02:25:20.569
actions this includes financial interest family relationships friendships or

02:25:20.569 --> 02:25:27.369
social factors this is a state of Illinois this is not my opinion this

02:25:27.369 --> 02:25:31.969
goes above that as well and these things have been going on behind closed doors

02:25:31.969 --> 02:25:33.969
and

02:25:35.069 --> 02:25:37.429
Robert, and they have been occurring over and over and over

02:25:37.429 --> 02:25:43.849
again. I bring this up because here we go. We are just going

02:25:43.849 --> 02:25:48.569
to say 350,000 for this, 100,000 here, 150 here, another

02:25:48.569 --> 02:25:52.569
100 over here. It doesn't matter. Fehr Graham loves us.

02:25:52.569 --> 02:25:55.469
Of course, I would love the City of Freeport if they gave me

02:25:55.469 --> 02:25:57.469
half a million or three-quarters of a million

02:25:57.469 --> 02:25:58.469
and others.

02:25:58.469 --> 02:26:05.369
But it causes the appearance, even if it's not happening, it causes the appearance that

02:26:05.369 --> 02:26:10.309
something nefarious is going on and we're blocking out other engineering firms that

02:26:10.309 --> 02:26:16.709
theoretically could be bringing opportunities to the City of Freeport as well and not putting

02:26:16.709 --> 02:26:19.469
all of our eggs in one basket.

02:26:19.469 --> 02:26:26.049
And having been in a business and run a business, I understand the dangers of doing that.

02:26:26.049 --> 02:26:30.349
and others, and they put you in a situation where you're no longer able to check, could

02:26:30.349 --> 02:26:38.389
somebody else do the same thing at a cheaper cost, at a better solution, you don't know.

02:26:38.389 --> 02:26:42.549
We've completely pushed all of the other players out.

02:26:42.549 --> 02:26:47.869
And now, we've built this deep relationship where we've got a Fehr Graham employee who's

02:26:47.869 --> 02:26:50.789
also a City employee, kind of, I don't really know.

02:26:50.789 --> 02:26:55.909
I asked the question, nobody's really given me a great answer on that yet.

02:26:55.909 --> 02:27:00.549
I happen to like him a lot. I think he does a lot of great things for the city but it doesn't

02:27:00.549 --> 02:27:09.669
change the fact that this looks not good. My personal opinions don't matter on that.

02:27:09.669 --> 02:27:15.769
My duty is to the citizens of the second ward and the rest of the citizens of Freeport.

02:27:15.769 --> 02:27:18.849
And when I see things like this coming through that well we don't know how much it's going

02:27:18.849 --> 02:27:22.749
to be, it could be more, it could be less, it just depends on what we do, how busy we

02:27:22.749 --> 02:27:29.909
We are what we've got going on and last year was a busy year. I mean, we did a lot. We

02:27:29.909 --> 02:27:35.069
did Adams. We did a lot of streets. We did a lot of work. But at the same time, now we're

02:27:35.069 --> 02:27:39.589
starting to now we're starting to understand why I'm asking the question. We've already

02:27:39.589 --> 02:27:45.429
paid for the city employees on the other page who are going out and checking and following

02:27:45.429 --> 02:27:50.909
up to make sure the water mains are connected the right way. But now we understand why we're

02:27:50.909 --> 02:27:54.809
We're asking for an increase there as well because now we need more money to pay Fehr

02:27:54.809 --> 02:27:56.369
Graham more money.

02:27:56.369 --> 02:28:01.589
It's not about our city employees, it's about our contractors.

02:28:01.589 --> 02:28:04.549
And the people of Freeport deserve better than this.

02:28:04.549 --> 02:28:09.269
And Cecelia's right, Alderman Stacy is 100% right.

02:28:09.269 --> 02:28:11.069
This should have come to the cow.

02:28:11.069 --> 02:28:13.569
There's no reason it couldn't have come to the cow.

02:28:13.569 --> 02:28:17.749
And we talked about it last week, instead, you're going to shove it through all three

02:28:17.749 --> 02:28:19.749
at once.

02:28:19.749 --> 02:28:26.229
and you know what we know what's gonna happen it's gonna pass but it's not gonna pass because I say

02:28:26.229 --> 02:28:31.349
yes but people should start questioning people should start looking at what's going on in this

02:28:31.349 --> 02:28:37.429
building and asking questions not enough people are involved and they should be but these three

02:28:37.429 --> 02:28:45.909
contracts $350,000 master service contract for 2025 is is insanity you should have to come back

02:28:45.909 --> 02:28:47.909
and

02:28:48.989 --> 02:28:56.989
John, and I'm going to say, we're going to put it 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, but once again, we don't do that. We don't lay it out.

02:28:56.989 --> 02:29:06.989
And, again, that's three years of the same contract and a lot of unsupported accusations. Darren, did you want to defend that?

02:29:06.989 --> 02:29:19.489
Yes, I would. So 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.

02:29:19.489 --> 02:29:30.489
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

02:29:30.489 --> 02:29:36.409
and the interactions between government and a consultant is actually producing

02:29:36.409 --> 02:29:41.929
more than other other areas. I'm very proud of the work that I've done and I

02:29:41.929 --> 02:29:47.249
will state again there is nothing going on between city government and Fehr

02:29:47.249 --> 02:29:52.529
Graham. We have been embedded in this community for 51 years. We have done the

02:29:52.529 --> 02:29:58.169
city engineering here. There is no employees from any other engineering

02:29:58.169 --> 02:30:04.129
Firm that live in the city of Freeport. We employ 40 people down in our office that are

02:30:04.129 --> 02:30:09.729
all people that spend money in Freeport. We have a long-term

02:30:09.729 --> 02:30:14.489
We have a long-term lease at our building in Freeport, so we are embedded here.

02:30:14.489 --> 02:30:23.169
I can give you examples of other projects that have happened here over the years and one of them you guys just approved money for a

02:30:23.369 --> 02:30:25.369
contract that

02:30:25.809 --> 02:30:29.069
an engineer that didn't even finish their work and

02:30:29.649 --> 02:30:31.329
decided to pay them but

02:30:31.329 --> 02:30:36.369
Accusations are coming after us. I will tell you Mr. Monroe our firm lost

02:30:36.369 --> 02:30:43.489
We lost $21,000 on the landfill contract last year, and we never came back and asked for

02:30:43.489 --> 02:30:44.489
a penny.

02:30:44.489 --> 02:30:47.849
We wrote it off, we ate it, because that was the agreement.

02:30:47.849 --> 02:30:53.089
The general engineering contract, which this is the master service, is what it is, that

02:30:53.089 --> 02:30:57.769
is in replacement of the city engineering department that doesn't exist here.

02:30:57.769 --> 02:31:02.369
These are things that we have to be nimble on when buildings fall down, when IDOT permits

02:31:02.369 --> 02:31:04.889
are needed to do water main construction.

02:31:04.889 --> 02:31:09.829
There is a lot of work in the City of Freeport that requires this everyday engineering with

02:31:09.829 --> 02:31:15.389
engineering stamps and with a team of people that are nimble and can react for the City

02:31:15.389 --> 02:31:16.389
of Freeport.

02:31:16.389 --> 02:31:21.609
Again, I have 40 people in a building down there that we are paying family wages to.

02:31:21.609 --> 02:31:23.709
There is not, there is another firm in town.

02:31:23.709 --> 02:31:26.809
They have nobody that lives in the City of Freeport.

02:31:26.809 --> 02:31:29.349
So compare apples to apples.

02:31:29.349 --> 02:31:31.149
We invest in the community.

02:31:31.149 --> 02:31:35.549
We also donate to the community and we have been a great partner to the City of Freeport.

02:31:35.549 --> 02:31:42.949
I just added this up and we have personally, our firm has brought in over $50 million worth

02:31:42.949 --> 02:31:48.189
of funding that did not need to be repaid to the City of Freeport in the last, I believe

02:31:48.189 --> 02:31:49.869
it's 10 or 12 years.

02:31:49.869 --> 02:31:55.029
So we have been a good partner and I am taking it personal that you are putting out on the

02:31:55.029 --> 02:31:58.509
council floor that there's accusations that are not there.

02:31:58.509 --> 02:32:08.989
you know me better than that. Alderman Klemm? Yeah I'd just like to bring up that I've had the

02:32:08.989 --> 02:32:17.309
pleasure of working with a number of people in my 20 years as an alderman. Many of them have been from

02:32:17.309 --> 02:32:26.029
many other engineering firms. Some of those firms have been successful. Some of those firms have

02:32:26.029 --> 02:32:32.929
have caused us problems. I've worked with probably three or four city engineers over

02:32:32.929 --> 02:32:38.909
that period of time, at least, that caused us great problems and great costs to the City

02:32:38.909 --> 02:32:43.309
of Freeport, who were employed by the City of Freeport, where everybody thought they

02:32:43.309 --> 02:32:46.149
were saving money.

02:32:46.149 --> 02:32:54.949
Over the last year, as Director Bryan gave his speech about the City of Freeport, we

02:32:54.949 --> 02:33:01.949
did seven miles of road last year. That's never been done in the City of Freeport. And

02:33:01.949 --> 02:33:10.949
it took cooperation between Fehr Graham, their partners, and remember they oversee all these

02:33:10.949 --> 02:33:17.629
projects, too, that happen. It took them, there has never been a year where that much

02:33:17.629 --> 02:33:24.549
has been produced without any hassle, without any overcharges. I mean, you mentioned they

02:33:24.549 --> 02:33:31.109
They came back once for monies for things. They have managed the landfills for years.

02:33:31.109 --> 02:33:40.109
I go to fitness lifestyles every morning at 5 o'clock or 5.15, 5.15, 5.30 in the morning.

02:33:40.109 --> 02:33:46.589
Who do I see in Honkat going into work? Darren. Who do I call at 6 o'clock at night when I've

02:33:46.589 --> 02:33:54.069
got a question on a project? Darren. Fehr Graham has been a great partner to the City

02:33:54.069 --> 02:34:00.069
Fripport, as any firm we have ever worked for. And I would never say, I can't think of one

02:34:00.069 --> 02:34:09.829
project that we went back on that Fehr Graham had to redo, reproduce, do it over again or

02:34:09.829 --> 02:34:17.349
change things on. I believe if you read this, they are asking for X number of dollars and

02:34:17.349 --> 02:34:22.589
they are asking for there is a limit set on the amount of money that they can make on

02:34:22.589 --> 02:34:31.309
this project. There is nothing more favorable in the world and I know this is being a contractor

02:34:31.309 --> 02:34:36.589
than a time and material contract, time and material contract that you can work with a

02:34:36.589 --> 02:34:43.789
company that you can trust to get a job done. And I call the question.

02:34:43.789 --> 02:34:51.469
I am well I asked for procedure here we're doing oh if that's that's cool

02:34:51.469 --> 02:34:58.429
that's cool are you are you making a motion to call the question so a motion

02:34:58.429 --> 02:35:02.189
has been made it would need a second and then a vote if that passes by two-thirds

02:35:02.189 --> 02:35:05.989
majority then the question is called what's the motion you made him call the

02:35:05.989 --> 02:35:10.729
question call the post I'll second that question and so we have a motion made by

02:35:10.729 --> 02:35:17.729
and John, and so on. So, it's been passed by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Klemm,

02:35:17.729 --> 02:35:21.269
made the motion, and it has been seconded by Alderman Shadle.

02:35:21.269 --> 02:35:24.529
Oh, after you got done making that long comment you just made.

02:35:24.529 --> 02:35:26.529
You don't have the floor, Alderman Sanders, I'm sorry.

02:35:26.529 --> 02:35:29.529
Yeah, but he wants to close, he wants to close the discussion.

02:35:29.529 --> 02:35:31.529
Yes, he does. That's what I'm on the floor.

02:35:31.529 --> 02:35:33.529
Well, that's his prerogative, but...

02:35:33.529 --> 02:35:34.529
Yes.

02:35:34.529 --> 02:35:35.529
Okay.

02:35:35.529 --> 02:35:40.529
So, we have a motion on the floor for that. So, it's not debatable. It has to pass by

02:35:40.529 --> 02:35:42.529
and

02:35:43.609 --> 02:35:45.609
James.

02:35:47.809 --> 02:35:50.409
I will call the roll on calling the question. Do you understand

02:35:50.409 --> 02:35:52.409
what this is?

02:35:53.609 --> 02:35:55.609
Do you understand? Okay.

02:35:57.229 --> 02:35:59.229
So if you could please call the roll on calling the question.

02:36:00.409 --> 02:36:02.409
Klemm?

02:36:03.509 --> 02:36:05.509
Aye. Monroe?

02:36:06.529 --> 02:36:08.529
No. Simmons?

02:36:08.529 --> 02:36:09.929
in favor, so that fails.

02:36:09.929 --> 02:36:18.529
So then more discussion. You have already had twice a talk, Alderman Stacey's once, Alderman

02:36:18.529 --> 02:36:20.569
Klemm's once, Alderman Rose once. Is there?

02:36:20.569 --> 02:36:22.729
Are we on the same subject or different subject?

02:36:22.729 --> 02:36:27.129
Yeah, we are on the same subject. So Alderman Parker, Alderman Simmons, Alderman Shadle,

02:36:27.129 --> 02:36:29.169
Alderman Sellers, do you have anything you want to add?

02:36:29.169 --> 02:36:30.169
No.

02:36:30.169 --> 02:36:31.169
To?

02:36:31.169 --> 02:36:35.249
To this resolution, adopting this resolution?

02:36:35.249 --> 02:36:36.249
I do.

02:36:36.249 --> 02:36:37.249
Okay.

02:36:37.249 --> 02:36:44.989
The first thing is, why wouldn't I want someone that I could trust, or I'm a good partner

02:36:44.989 --> 02:36:45.989
with?

02:36:45.989 --> 02:36:47.829
I mean, that's life.

02:36:47.829 --> 02:36:51.129
You want a good partner in marriage, you want a good partner in business, you want a good

02:36:51.129 --> 02:36:56.749
partner in friendship, you know, why wouldn't I want to be working with somebody that I

02:36:56.749 --> 02:37:00.029
have a good relationship with?

02:37:00.029 --> 02:37:01.509
That's what I can't understand.

02:37:01.509 --> 02:37:09.149
It's the same thing that we've done the year before, the year before.

02:37:09.149 --> 02:37:14.389
We've got the ball rolling, we're moving, we're making some strides, people are complimenting

02:37:14.389 --> 02:37:26.789
us on our work, but we come and we complain on every number, on every part of the agenda.

02:37:26.789 --> 02:37:36.429
We have, it's just combative on everyone and it's, it's tiresome.

02:37:36.429 --> 02:37:48.269
Alderman Shadle or Alderman Simmons, did either one of you have anything you want to add?

02:37:48.269 --> 02:37:49.269
You've already had your twice, Larry.

02:37:49.269 --> 02:37:50.269
I will.

02:37:50.269 --> 02:37:51.269
Alderman Simmons?

02:37:51.269 --> 02:38:00.689
Alderman, Simmons, yeah I just want to say asking questions that's that we got to stop considering that combative like we shouldn't be expected to just come say yes to

02:38:00.689 --> 02:38:04.589
everything some things you may have the answer for and you may be in the mic

02:38:04.589 --> 02:38:09.189
questions and you want to ask those questions on public record but it's

02:38:09.189 --> 02:38:12.669
always assumed that people aren't prepared or they're combative and

02:38:12.669 --> 02:38:16.549
aggressive when they have questions and I just don't think that's fair like I

02:38:16.549 --> 02:38:20.269
don't have any more questions or discussion but if somebody else does

02:38:20.269 --> 02:38:25.209
and I will vote no to call in the questions so they can finish their discussion.

02:38:25.209 --> 02:38:26.909
That's only fair.

02:38:26.909 --> 02:38:31.329
Alderman Stacy, did you have your hand up?

02:38:31.329 --> 02:38:40.229
No, but I will say that I, too, said no because I feel that if someone has something to say,

02:38:40.229 --> 02:38:43.189
they should have the option to say it.

02:38:43.189 --> 02:38:48.789
I mean, we've been limited to two questions, so I'm not going to take that from someone

02:38:48.789 --> 02:38:58.789
if they have further discussion. I said what I said. I meant what I said. We have three

02:38:58.789 --> 02:39:07.269
contracts on this agenda. It would have been nice just to have gotten them in advance. I'm

02:39:07.269 --> 02:39:19.129
not saying anything negative about anybody all I just said no not all the

02:39:19.129 --> 02:39:28.089
time most of the time no no not all the time I'm just saying I wanted the

02:39:28.089 --> 02:39:34.329
contracts in advance I understand we'd have had the same contract for the last

02:39:34.329 --> 02:39:50.329
That's 3 years. Last year I believe was my first time voting on the contract. And I didn't know what I was voting on. I couldn't understand half of the stuff that was in them.

02:39:50.329 --> 02:39:58.329
Do that make me stupid? No. That make me ask questions.

02:39:58.329 --> 02:40:01.329
And maybe it should prepare you.

02:40:01.329 --> 02:40:08.329
that's my right and so just like when I go into

02:40:08.329 --> 02:40:18.329
When I go into contract negotiations, it's a three, four, five month ordeal. I'm not asking for that.

02:40:19.829 --> 02:40:25.329
I'm just saying so that when the year is up, like where we're at today,

02:40:28.329 --> 02:40:35.829
that I've already didn't just have Friday till today to prepare.

02:40:38.329 --> 02:40:42.329
I know I could call you. I call you often. I'm going to keep calling you.

02:40:42.329 --> 02:40:48.329
I called you yesterday and I'm alright with that.

02:40:48.329 --> 02:40:52.329
But I'm not going to be called combative

02:40:52.329 --> 02:40:56.329
because I open my mouth and I speak.

02:40:56.329 --> 02:41:00.329
Well, we have a resolution to adopt

02:41:00.329 --> 02:41:05.329
for Fehr Graham's Master Service Engineering Agreement. You've already spoken twice.

02:41:05.329 --> 02:41:12.049
I did. Yes. So if there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the role.

02:41:12.049 --> 02:41:22.289
Klemm? Aye. Monroe? No. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No.

02:41:22.289 --> 02:41:30.689
And Sellers? Aye. The resolution is adopted 6-2. Item number 21 is the adoption of resolution

02:41:30.689 --> 02:41:37.909
Resolution 2025-09. Could you please read this? Resolution approving Fehr Graham Master Service

02:41:37.909 --> 02:41:43.249
Contract for Public Works Service for 2025. Thank you. Manager Boyer?

02:41:43.249 --> 02:41:48.529
Thank you, Your Honor. The City also requires a professional public works assistant for

02:41:48.529 --> 02:41:53.049
various civil, environmental, engineering, and managerial duties daily to oversee the

02:41:53.049 --> 02:41:58.369
City Department effectively and efficiently. It's essential to have a director who is immersed

02:41:58.369 --> 02:42:03.969
in the City Infrastructure and has the history and knowledge to handle the various demands

02:42:03.969 --> 02:42:05.249
of the position.

02:42:05.249 --> 02:42:09.529
City requests assistance to handle the volume of daily duties required by this large department

02:42:09.529 --> 02:42:14.609
including but not limited to right-of-way permitting, overweight permitting, IDOT bridges,

02:42:14.609 --> 02:42:19.049
streets, forestry, water, wastewater, sewer, and storm infrastructure.

02:42:19.049 --> 02:42:22.769
City staff requires professional assistance as needed from Fehr Graham to assist in the

02:42:22.769 --> 02:42:28.049
management of the department and specifically duties related to the various civil environmental

02:42:28.049 --> 02:42:29.049
and others.

02:42:29.049 --> 02:42:32.829
These are all engineering and project management services that require an expert level of knowledge

02:42:32.829 --> 02:42:34.069
and experience.

02:42:34.069 --> 02:42:38.469
The Public Works Master Service Agreement provides a team of local engineer experts

02:42:38.469 --> 02:42:40.909
for the city resources as needed.

02:42:40.909 --> 02:42:47.069
The total cost of these services is $100,000 on a time and material basis and is billed

02:42:47.069 --> 02:42:53.089
as needed as the City Manager or Department Directors require.

02:42:53.089 --> 02:42:55.989
So this contract represents cost savings to the city.

02:42:55.989 --> 02:43:00.849
a Public Works Director, hired position with full salary and benefits with compensation

02:43:00.849 --> 02:43:05.049
would be essentially $130,000 or more.

02:43:05.049 --> 02:43:09.269
So recommendation, staff recommends City Council approve the Public Works professional

02:43:09.269 --> 02:43:10.269
related assistance.

02:43:10.269 --> 02:43:12.789
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:43:12.789 --> 02:43:13.789
So moved.

02:43:13.789 --> 02:43:14.789
Second.

02:43:14.789 --> 02:43:19.429
There will be a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

02:43:19.429 --> 02:43:20.429
Discussion on this resolution?

02:43:20.429 --> 02:43:21.429
Alderman Sanders?

02:43:21.429 --> 02:43:25.429
Alderman Sanders?

02:43:25.429 --> 02:43:29.429
Yeah, we throw in that term, directors,

02:43:29.429 --> 02:43:33.429
without the consultation from the

02:43:33.429 --> 02:43:37.429
council into knowing who is stepping up to the plate

02:43:37.429 --> 02:43:41.429
to play these roles. Obviously, we're

02:43:41.429 --> 02:43:45.429
being bypassed for these individuals who are

02:43:45.429 --> 02:43:49.429
directors as per se.

02:43:49.429 --> 02:43:55.909
and we don't understand the whole criteria of these directors and what are they here for

02:43:55.909 --> 02:44:03.909
and who is doing the hiring or putting people in place without the consultation of the council.

02:44:03.909 --> 02:44:08.469
And if we're doing that, no, I got to keep talking because she's going to shut me down

02:44:08.469 --> 02:44:14.189
and put me on the pause list.

02:44:14.189 --> 02:44:15.509
And so I don't want that right now.

02:44:15.509 --> 02:44:18.109
I don't want you to interject at this point in time

02:44:18.109 --> 02:44:21.389
because she's subject to negate

02:44:21.389 --> 02:44:24.089
what I'm trying to talk about.

02:44:24.089 --> 02:44:29.089
But my problem is we're putting people in place

02:44:29.549 --> 02:44:34.189
to make decision making decisions without the council.

02:44:34.189 --> 02:44:36.149
I have a problem with that.

02:44:36.149 --> 02:44:41.149
I have a problem with every prominent positions

02:44:41.709 --> 02:44:43.229
like directors.

02:44:43.229 --> 02:44:48.469
I need to know who these directors are because these directors are making decisions on how

02:44:48.469 --> 02:44:54.749
taxpayers' dollars are being spent, how we're billing things, how we're doing anything when

02:44:54.749 --> 02:45:04.069
it comes to contract. This is what's happening constantly and I don't want the residents

02:45:04.069 --> 02:45:09.149
in this city to be in the dark. I want to make sure that everything is brought to the

02:45:09.149 --> 02:45:10.149
and others.

02:45:10.149 --> 02:45:16.349
How we got here, because people are sitting at home, is, well, where did he come from?

02:45:16.349 --> 02:45:17.749
How did he get here?

02:45:17.749 --> 02:45:19.149
Who hired him?

02:45:19.149 --> 02:45:21.709
Who authorized the position?

02:45:21.709 --> 02:45:28.829
Well, if the council is not mediating none of this, talking about it, then we're clueless.

02:45:28.829 --> 02:45:33.669
They're just popping up like popcorns, you know, and we got to get a handle on that.

02:45:33.669 --> 02:45:42.669
When I look at my manager, I know that he's the link to these kinds of things and we have to ask more questions.

02:45:42.669 --> 02:45:52.669
That's the reason why questions need to be asked in terms of how we go about the day-to-day operation and business of the city.

02:45:52.669 --> 02:45:57.669
And so we need to know these things and we shouldn't have to be debating it.

02:45:57.669 --> 02:45:59.669
and

02:46:00.669 --> 02:46:02.669
John.

02:46:03.969 --> 02:46:06.669
I'm just going because the chairperson is running things

02:46:06.669 --> 02:46:10.669
and I don't want nobody to speak while I'm speaking until I get

02:46:10.669 --> 02:46:15.669
an opportunity to say what I have to say. I want to make that a

02:46:15.669 --> 02:46:18.669
practice. I think every council person wants to make that a

02:46:18.669 --> 02:46:23.669
practice because I sit here and listen to others elaborate on

02:46:23.669 --> 02:46:41.309
I want the same respect when that comes forward. And my question was just one question, well,

02:46:41.309 --> 02:46:47.709
maybe more than one, but the point of matter is I'm trying to find out how we are handling

02:46:47.709 --> 02:46:48.649
Financier, Patrick, and

02:46:48.649 --> 02:46:49.069
Peter.

02:46:49.069 --> 02:46:50.209
And I'm glad that we're able to

02:46:50.209 --> 02:46:51.449
bring people together and do

02:46:51.449 --> 02:46:53.149
things when it comes to bringing

02:46:53.149 --> 02:46:54.509
people to the floor to make

02:46:54.509 --> 02:46:55.909
consultations to tell the

02:46:55.909 --> 02:46:57.209
Council what is going on and

02:46:57.209 --> 02:46:58.009
what is expected and what

02:46:58.009 --> 02:46:58.509
they're trying to do.

02:46:58.509 --> 02:47:01.669
I want my City Manager making

02:47:01.669 --> 02:47:02.669
these kinds of discussions and

02:47:02.669 --> 02:47:03.089
proposals.

02:47:03.089 --> 02:47:05.349
I want him to be more involved

02:47:05.349 --> 02:47:07.249
into understanding when I want

02:47:07.249 --> 02:47:09.309
to go to your office, if I want

02:47:09.309 --> 02:47:11.469
to go to your office and want

02:47:11.469 --> 02:47:13.469
to talk about what went on in

02:47:13.469 --> 02:47:15.709
council, I want to be more

02:47:15.709 --> 02:47:17.549
involved in understanding what

02:47:17.549 --> 02:47:24.749
I expect something different than what outside people are talking about.

02:47:24.749 --> 02:47:29.989
I want my council, I want my manager to know all these things so I can have a legitimate

02:47:29.989 --> 02:47:35.949
answer and when I come into the council, the people can understand that I consulted with

02:47:35.949 --> 02:47:37.309
you.

02:47:37.309 --> 02:47:44.509
I have someone to say, well, this is the information I got from my manager, my city manager, and

02:47:44.509 --> 02:47:51.909
and I'm just going to voice that to the general public so they can understand why we vote

02:47:51.909 --> 02:47:55.869
the way we vote and sustain and things of this nature.

02:47:55.869 --> 02:48:04.029
And so my whole thing is that I want to say we might need an overhaul on how we do things

02:48:04.029 --> 02:48:06.629
from the administrative position.

02:48:06.629 --> 02:48:11.389
So that's my whole thing.

02:48:11.389 --> 02:48:12.669
If you want to cut me off.

02:48:12.669 --> 02:48:13.669
Come on.

02:48:13.669 --> 02:48:25.269
Oh, no, I'm holding my tongue. So 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.

02:48:28.349 --> 02:48:30.189
Yeah, but it's already in place.

02:48:30.389 --> 02:48:40.629
It's, it's for you to make a determination. You either vote yes or vote no. That's what this is. Okay, so any further discussion? Darren?

02:48:40.629 --> 02:48:49.309
So I'll answer your question or try to. This works no differently than it would

02:48:49.309 --> 02:48:55.869
if somebody else sat in this seat. Directors have a certain responsibility

02:48:55.869 --> 02:49:00.749
to the city. They can only approve so much. Anything else has to go. It's a

02:49:00.749 --> 02:49:06.709
purchasing policy that is by the city. Michelle ensures that we follow the

02:49:06.709 --> 02:49:09.549
and I have a purchasing policy of anything that's done.

02:49:09.549 --> 02:49:11.349
It all comes to council.

02:49:11.349 --> 02:49:14.309
I believe anything, Rob can't prove anything

02:49:14.309 --> 02:49:18.049
over $9,999 per our ordinance.

02:49:18.049 --> 02:49:20.249
So everything's still run through the council.

02:49:20.249 --> 02:49:24.109
We don't make decisions independently of the council.

02:49:24.109 --> 02:49:27.909
Rob and I work together on public works every day

02:49:27.909 --> 02:49:31.149
to ensure that our team has a good mission

02:49:31.149 --> 02:49:32.289
and we're getting things done,

02:49:32.289 --> 02:49:34.909
which I think is proven in the city

02:49:34.909 --> 02:49:37.509
that more and more and more is getting done

02:49:37.509 --> 02:49:41.229
since I've been assisting the city over the last two years.

02:49:41.229 --> 02:49:46.229
So I have sat in that director role for the last two years.

02:49:46.389 --> 02:49:47.749
We're asking to continue it.

02:49:47.749 --> 02:49:51.029
We're making great strides and our contract,

02:49:51.029 --> 02:49:52.989
I believe is advantageous to the city

02:49:52.989 --> 02:49:56.189
because it's for less than they could hire somebody for

02:49:56.189 --> 02:49:59.429
with benefits, a truck, equipment.

02:49:59.429 --> 02:50:02.029
Our cost is all in 100%.

02:50:02.029 --> 02:50:04.789
It's time and material as needed.

02:50:04.789 --> 02:50:08.429
We've last year we made it the whole year and we have enough to

02:50:08.429 --> 02:50:38.429
We've done a good job managing the contract. And there's a lot more to this. 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. So in these contracts, there's money returned to the city through those fees through Mr. Duckman's department. I don't know if you've heard of it.

02:50:38.429 --> 02:50:39.429
and others.

02:50:39.429 --> 02:50:40.429
I don't know the exact number.

02:50:40.429 --> 02:50:41.429
Michelle could probably get it.

02:50:41.429 --> 02:50:46.389
There's probably over $100,000 in permit and civil review fees that get returned to the

02:50:46.389 --> 02:50:53.109
city for the work that we do every day through contractors, trucking companies, things like

02:50:53.109 --> 02:50:57.509
that, that before I took this role, nobody was really managing.

02:50:57.509 --> 02:50:59.949
And it wasn't really happening.

02:50:59.949 --> 02:51:05.589
So I have done my best to clean up the areas that we could and should.

02:51:05.589 --> 02:51:35.589
I think the role has been very avid changes to both parties and I'm living Freeport, I love Freeport and I work hard for Freeport every day and if you don't believe me, you can ask any other directors of the other departments that I work with every day from Fire, Police, Finance, Community Development, even the Library and let them judge it Any other discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll Klemm? Aye Monroe?

02:51:35.589 --> 02:52:05.589
No. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. And Sellers? Aye. The resolution is adopted, 6 to 2. And 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. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. Similarly, we have to, every year we have to renew

02:52:05.589 --> 02:52:07.789
We do our stormwater permits.

02:52:07.789 --> 02:52:11.549
Alberta's airport requires its own stormwater permit.

02:52:11.549 --> 02:52:14.829
So this is essentially an agreement with Fehr Graham

02:52:14.829 --> 02:52:17.469
to process a stormwater permit.

02:52:17.469 --> 02:52:26.789
The total amount budgeted for this item is about $5,000.

02:52:26.789 --> 02:52:28.069
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:52:28.069 --> 02:52:28.789
So moved.

02:52:28.789 --> 02:52:30.269
Second.

02:52:30.269 --> 02:52:32.349
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm,

02:52:32.349 --> 02:52:35.269
seconded by Alderman Shadle.

02:52:35.269 --> 02:52:36.509
Discussion?

02:52:36.509 --> 02:52:40.229
Point of correction, $5,500.

02:52:40.229 --> 02:52:41.429
Alderman, Stacy?

02:52:41.429 --> 02:52:42.429
I thought it was.

02:52:48.149 --> 02:52:50.269
OK.

02:52:50.269 --> 02:52:52.389
Any discussion?

02:52:52.389 --> 02:52:54.069
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

02:52:54.069 --> 02:52:54.989
Klemm?

02:52:54.989 --> 02:52:55.589
Aye.

02:52:55.589 --> 02:52:56.349
Monroe?

02:52:56.349 --> 02:52:58.029
Staying.

02:52:58.029 --> 02:52:59.189
Simmons?

02:52:59.189 --> 02:53:00.149
Aye.

02:53:00.149 --> 02:53:00.869
Parker?

02:53:00.869 --> 02:53:01.549
Aye.

02:53:01.549 --> 02:53:02.469
Stacy?

02:53:02.469 --> 02:53:02.969
Aye.

02:53:02.969 --> 02:53:03.469
Shadle?

02:53:03.469 --> 02:53:04.709
Aye.

02:53:04.709 --> 02:53:16.789
Sanders is absent Sellers aye the resolution is adopted 601 item number

02:53:16.789 --> 02:53:22.429
24 is update of the city's goals for the Social Justice Committee presented by

02:53:22.429 --> 02:53:27.509
manager Boyer thank you honor and in the interest of time I will keep this as

02:53:27.509 --> 02:53:33.469
concise as I can at we the Social Justice Committee when it was meeting

02:53:33.469 --> 02:53:43.469
offered several recommendations and metrics to assess the city's progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion within city employment primarily.

02:53:43.469 --> 02:53:59.469
There are some other metrics, but I do want to compare 2020 as our first year to quarter four of last year and just highlight a few of the pretty significant increases that have happened here.

02:53:59.469 --> 02:54:29.469
in the police department. Female employees were increased 26.3% in that period of time. So we started off with 19 working for the police department. We currently have 24. That was an increase of five. 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

02:54:29.469 --> 02:54:39.429
and I would provide the total employment in 2020. We had 63 full-time employees at the

02:54:39.429 --> 02:54:45.949
police department. Currently we have 67. That's a total staff increase of four. So while we

02:54:45.949 --> 02:54:53.389
increased our diversity and our women employees, it certainly didn't match the number of employees

02:54:53.389 --> 02:54:54.389
and Chris.

02:54:54.389 --> 02:55:04.169
We're working on fire, it's a lengthy process that involves various steps and requirements

02:55:04.169 --> 02:55:05.169
for qualification.

02:55:05.169 --> 02:55:11.889
I think we had reached out through various marketing methods this year when we solicited

02:55:11.889 --> 02:55:21.809
for new recruits and I believe Chief has received the most recruits coming to the fire department

02:55:21.809 --> 02:55:27.389
that he's ever had before. But Chief, if you could elaborate on that, I would appreciate it.

02:55:27.389 --> 02:55:29.249
Sure, I'd be happy to.

02:55:29.249 --> 02:55:36.649
I believe this last recruitment effort, we had 37 applications picked up and 36 returned.

02:55:36.649 --> 02:55:39.209
A number of those

02:55:39.209 --> 02:55:42.409
applicants either

02:55:42.409 --> 02:55:48.929
failed to show up for the written exam, written exam in orientation, or they could not produce the

02:55:48.929 --> 02:55:58.889
Correct. Paperwork at the orientation and written exam. I believe it was 19 showed up for that.

02:55:58.889 --> 02:56:06.049
And then we had, I believe, six washout from the written exam. And then we also had a number

02:56:06.049 --> 02:56:14.529
of other applicants washout from the testing process, the honesty test, the background

02:56:14.529 --> 02:56:15.529
Fowler.

02:56:15.529 --> 02:56:21.169
So, eventually, we wound up with a final eligibility list of five.

02:56:21.169 --> 02:56:28.849
But just an example of our recruitment efforts this year, we recruited, we sent out publications,

02:56:28.849 --> 02:56:33.409
we advertised, I should say, in more than 42 different areas.

02:56:33.409 --> 02:56:36.469
So our outreach was greater.

02:56:36.469 --> 02:56:41.969
This recruitment process, the prior one, we advertised about 24 different areas.

02:56:41.969 --> 02:56:48.409
so we more than doubled what we were trying to do and recruitment retention is difficult

02:56:48.409 --> 02:56:54.689
in the fire service whether it's here, the suburbs or even in the city so this last group

02:56:54.689 --> 02:57:02.729
we tried extra hard to have a cross section of our community and we wound up with a eligibility

02:57:02.729 --> 02:57:05.369
list of five.

02:57:05.369 --> 02:57:06.369
Thank you Chief.

02:57:06.369 --> 02:57:36.369
and I. So 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 employees by 100 percent out of a total increase of staff of about 12 percent. So enterprise-wide, we increased our female employees by 30 percent, our minority employees by 116 percent, and that is with a total employment increase of 10 percent.

02:57:36.369 --> 02:57:43.769
thank and reach out to all the department heads and everyone who's been a part of this. It's very important

02:57:44.269 --> 02:57:49.449
work that we're doing and I'm glad that we are able to find qualified folks to not only

02:57:49.849 --> 02:57:51.849
represent as our city employees, but

02:57:52.489 --> 02:57:58.409
especially as our first responders. So thank you very much for all your efforts on that and that's all I've got Madam Mayor.

02:57:58.569 --> 02:58:01.129
Thank you. We'll move on to department heads finance.

02:58:02.169 --> 02:58:05.889
Thank you, your honor. I would just like to thank council for the

02:58:06.369 --> 02:58:12.289
Approval of the software. It's much appreciated. Thank you. Thank you. Community Development?

02:58:12.289 --> 02:58:15.089
Nothing tonight, Madam Mayor. Thank you. Public Works?

02:58:16.529 --> 02:58:21.809
Nothing except for thank you for the generous contracts. Fire?

02:58:22.849 --> 02:58:30.289
Yes, thank you. Each council member received a copy of the fire department's 2024 annual report

02:58:30.289 --> 02:58:34.209
that's highlighting the department activities for the last calendar year.

02:58:34.209 --> 02:58:40.989
and Mayor. Thank you. Fire? I'm sorry, police? I have no report tonight. Thank you. Library?

02:58:40.989 --> 02:58:44.849
I'm going to talk for a little bit longer than I normally do and I know it's been three

02:58:44.849 --> 02:58:52.729
hours so thank you for your time. We are starting our One Book, One Free Port community read

02:58:52.729 --> 02:58:59.549
on Saturday. We have our book drop party from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. and One Book, One Free Port

02:58:59.549 --> 02:59:02.989
is our biennial community read program.

02:59:02.989 --> 02:59:05.909
Community read programs work to promote literacy

02:59:05.909 --> 02:59:07.989
while engaging an entire community

02:59:07.989 --> 02:59:10.349
in a common reading experience.

02:59:10.349 --> 02:59:12.949
Join us on Saturday, January 25th

02:59:12.949 --> 02:59:15.429
for our official kickoff event.

02:59:15.429 --> 02:59:18.349
For all ages, pick up your free book

02:59:18.349 --> 02:59:22.189
and enjoy live music from the Early Jazz Society,

02:59:22.189 --> 02:59:25.289
Tasty Snacks, a community craft activity,

02:59:25.289 --> 02:59:28.269
and a puzzle for everyone to contribute to.

02:59:28.269 --> 02:59:32.649
After the book giveaway, the library hosts a variety of programs to explore, including

02:59:32.649 --> 02:59:38.829
film screenings, group discussions, story times, and crafts. Be sure to check out our

02:59:38.829 --> 02:59:44.289
website for our calendar of events. And I can officially tell you that the book that

02:59:44.289 --> 02:59:54.469
was chosen this year is Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury. Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury.

02:59:54.469 --> 02:59:58.829
So be sure to come to the library to get your copy of the book and it is free and you get

02:59:58.829 --> 03:00:06.549
to keep the book 12 to 2 on Saturday.

03:00:06.549 --> 03:00:08.429
and then really excited.

03:00:08.429 --> 03:00:12.029
and then a really exciting announcement.

03:00:12.029 --> 03:00:16.929
We are officially going fine free effective on February 1st.

03:00:17.909 --> 03:00:20.429
So have you heard that starting on February 1st,

03:00:20.429 --> 03:00:23.309
the Freeport Public Library is fine free.

03:00:23.309 --> 03:00:27.509
Returning late due to being out of town, no problem.

03:00:27.509 --> 03:00:30.869
Keeping a book a few days longer so you can finish,

03:00:30.869 --> 03:00:32.149
we've been there.

03:00:32.149 --> 03:00:35.129
Found a book and a pile of kids toys while you were moving

03:00:35.129 --> 03:00:37.269
and you're afraid to come back to the library

03:00:37.269 --> 03:00:39.309
because of how many fees you'll have.

03:00:39.309 --> 03:00:41.209
We understand life happens.

03:00:41.209 --> 03:00:42.789
Welcome back.

03:00:42.789 --> 03:00:44.929
Overdue fines are widely recognized

03:00:44.929 --> 03:00:47.069
by professional library organizations

03:00:47.069 --> 03:00:49.829
as a form of social inequity.

03:00:49.829 --> 03:00:53.869
And there's been multiple studies conducted

03:00:53.869 --> 03:00:57.649
that show that imposing fines neither teaches responsibility

03:00:57.649 --> 03:01:01.369
nor motivates borrowers to return their items on time.

03:01:01.369 --> 03:01:08.809
and any outstanding late fines on Freeport Public Library items will be purged from our

03:01:08.809 --> 03:01:13.669
Patreon account starting on February 1st of 2025.

03:01:13.669 --> 03:01:18.269
All of our items will be fine free with the exception of our hotspots, our STEM kits,

03:01:18.269 --> 03:01:21.449
our parent kits, and the Library of Things items.

03:01:21.449 --> 03:01:25.989
Essentially those items cost a lot more money than the average book, so we'll still have

03:01:25.989 --> 03:01:28.809
some overdue fines on those.

03:01:28.809 --> 03:01:33.609
The borrowing privileges will be suspended for patrons with significantly overdue material

03:01:33.609 --> 03:01:37.729
and for lost and damaged items, the cost of the item will still be charged to the patron

03:01:37.729 --> 03:01:40.289
account if they do not return it.

03:01:40.289 --> 03:01:45.609
If you have more questions for us, feel free to call us at the library or come in and we'll

03:01:45.609 --> 03:01:50.449
be continuing to update our website with more information.

03:01:50.449 --> 03:01:51.969
Thank you for your time.

03:01:51.969 --> 03:01:52.969
Thank you.

03:01:52.969 --> 03:01:53.969
IT?

03:01:53.969 --> 03:01:54.969
Airport?

03:01:54.969 --> 03:01:55.969
City Manager?

03:01:55.969 --> 03:02:25.969
City Manager. Thank you, Your Honor. I'll keep this quick. I just wanted to thank Director Bridge for his report tonight. I thought it was very comprehensive and it reflects a tremendous amount of work and effort and execution that's been done by the city staff. So thank you to the staff. Thank you to our employees. You all have done an excellent job in 2024. I agree. Alderman Klemm. Mayor.

03:02:25.969 --> 03:02:55.969
It's my turn. It is my turn. Alderman Klemm? 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 Watch is at this point. Please participate in that.

03:02:55.969 --> 03:03:19.029
Last Saturday, January the 18th, we had our National Day of Racial Healing.

03:03:19.029 --> 03:03:23.289
What an empowering event it was.

03:03:23.289 --> 03:03:46.289
Also, we were scheduled yesterday to have our Dr. King celebration and due to the cold weather, it was cancelled, but we will be having it this Saturday, January 25th, opening up at 4.30 with praise and worship and program at 5.

03:03:46.289 --> 03:03:50.289
Please come out and show your support.

03:03:50.289 --> 03:04:06.369
Alderman, Shadle. I just want to commend Darren Steekle and Fehr Graham. A lot of things said

03:04:06.369 --> 03:04:16.609
tonight that were stretches, the amount of value that we get out of that corporation

03:04:16.609 --> 03:04:30.289
is phenomenal. The amount of integrity that's sitting in that seat is phenomenal. Thank you.

03:04:30.289 --> 03:04:52.849
Alderman, Sanders, Alderman, Sellers, None

03:04:52.849 --> 03:04:56.849
Public Comments? Tommy?

03:05:00.849 --> 03:05:08.849
You said about the hotels mentioned? Wasn't it going to...

03:05:09.849 --> 03:05:12.849
Open real soon, Tommy. Real soon.

03:05:12.849 --> 03:05:14.849
They have to go to court for that?

03:05:14.849 --> 03:05:16.849
They sure do, Tommy.

03:05:16.849 --> 03:05:23.849
and we'll let this Jodi, Jodi, Mike, Angela want to know when.

03:05:23.849 --> 03:05:27.849
We all want to know Tommy, we all want to know.

03:05:27.849 --> 03:05:30.849
Are there any other public comments?

03:05:30.849 --> 03:05:33.849
Bernie?

03:05:37.849 --> 03:05:42.849
Good evening everyone, Board and Madam Mayor.

03:05:42.849 --> 03:05:57.849
I'm going to take a very short thing. I think you're doing a fairly good job. I really appreciated Director Bridges report tonight.

03:05:57.849 --> 03:06:04.849
There's only one thing missing on that report, and that's the association with dollars by department.

03:06:04.849 --> 03:06:12.429
and to that I had noticed that in the consent agenda the best we could do is

03:06:12.429 --> 03:06:21.329
having a report as of November 30th not December 31st so I think these things

03:06:21.329 --> 03:06:29.189
need to merge together so that the the strategic plans reports and the

03:06:29.189 --> 03:06:34.829
financials come together so we know what we've done and how much we've done and

03:06:34.829 --> 03:06:38.009
and what it cost us to get it done.

03:06:38.009 --> 03:06:48.729
In regards to the, I appreciate doing the scanning, but it's not going to solve all problems.

03:06:48.729 --> 03:06:53.829
I think you're going to have to take a look at purchase orders or purchase requisitions

03:06:53.829 --> 03:06:59.349
in the future so that you can get ahead of the game so that you can close your months

03:06:59.349 --> 03:07:00.349
on time.

03:07:00.349 --> 03:07:06.589
Now, I want to divert to a little politics, and I think you're doing a good job. You're getting there.

03:07:08.349 --> 03:07:16.349
These are some quotes from a person that lives, really, had lived a long time ago from this particular area.

03:07:16.989 --> 03:07:18.389
He says,

03:07:18.389 --> 03:07:20.549
Cheap cigars come in handy.

03:07:21.629 --> 03:07:25.429
They stifle the odor of cheap politicians.

03:07:27.869 --> 03:07:29.869
He also said

03:07:29.869 --> 03:07:51.869
That if we are to have another contest in the near future of our national existence, 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.

03:07:51.869 --> 03:07:56.869
Ulysses S. Grant quoted that.

03:07:56.869 --> 03:08:04.869
He also said, I would suggest that taxation on all property equally whether church or corporation.

03:08:04.869 --> 03:08:15.869
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.

03:08:15.869 --> 03:08:21.869
But the President of the United States cannot violate the law and he was a President.

03:08:21.869 --> 03:08:40.869
So some very interesting things that date a very long time ago, something to ponder over and think about, and Mr. Boyer, I forgot to bring in my pink snout, I was going to share it with you, okay?

03:08:40.869 --> 03:08:57.869
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 and I think you probably are a Redskin fan.

03:08:57.869 --> 03:09:01.869
Is there any other public comment this evening?

03:09:01.869 --> 03:09:03.869
If not, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn.

03:09:03.869 --> 03:09:04.869
So moved.

03:09:04.869 --> 03:09:05.869
Second.

03:09:05.869 --> 03:09:08.869
A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

03:09:08.869 --> 03:09:10.869
Shadle. All those in favour?