WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.300 Good evening. Since it's six o'clock, Evelyn, could you please give the invocation? 00:00:09.400 --> 00:00:11.400 Shall we bow our heads? 00:00:12.720 --> 00:00:14.720 Heavenly Father, 00:00:14.720 --> 00:00:22.260 we lift up our city leaders, our mayor, council members, city manager, and our public servants to you today. 00:00:23.080 --> 00:00:28.780 We thank you for their willingness to serve our community and ask for your divine guidance in their work. 00:00:28.780 --> 00:00:36.100 Hark, Grant them wisdom, discernment and integrity to make decisions that are just, compassionate 00:00:36.100 --> 00:00:39.900 and for the well-being of all residents. 00:00:39.900 --> 00:00:44.260 Protect them from selfish ambition, corruption and temptations of power, keeping their hearts 00:00:44.260 --> 00:00:47.980 pure in their focus on serving others. 00:00:47.980 --> 00:00:53.140 Strengthen them with grace for the challenges they face and provide the ones capable, godly 00:00:53.140 --> 00:00:54.140 counsel. 00:00:54.140 --> 00:01:00.820 Russell. May their leadership foster unity, peace, and prosperity within our city, reflecting 00:01:00.820 --> 00:01:08.780 your love and purpose for our community. Yes, Father. Help us, the citizens, to pray for 00:01:08.780 --> 00:01:15.859 them and to be good stewards in our own lives, contributing to a better city for all. And 00:01:15.859 --> 00:01:24.140 Father I also ask you to for the wisdom and for the health and strength for the 00:01:24.140 --> 00:01:29.780 council members and their families keep them safe father for the rest of the 00:01:29.780 --> 00:01:36.579 year in Jesus holy and matchless name amen amen and we'll call this meeting to 00:01:36.579 --> 00:01:40.260 order madam clerk could you please when you're done could you please take the 00:01:40.260 --> 00:02:01.180 Mayor Miller, Alderpersons, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers 00:02:01.180 --> 00:02:27.740 If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Johnson. 00:02:27.740 --> 00:02:29.420 Item number four is the approval of the agenda. 00:02:29.420 --> 00:02:30.420 Is there such a motion? 00:02:30.420 --> 00:02:32.460 So I'll move. Second. 00:02:32.460 --> 00:02:36.860 Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:02:36.860 --> 00:02:40.500 All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? 00:02:41.140 --> 00:02:42.780 That motion passes. 00:02:42.780 --> 00:02:45.380 Public comment, which there are none signed in. 00:02:46.300 --> 00:02:50.540 Item number six is update to what became of the funds from the December 00:02:50.540 --> 00:02:54.700 13th, 2024 Christmas Wizards Fundraiser that was specifically created 00:02:54.700 --> 00:02:57.860 to raise money for the new downtown holiday decorations 00:02:57.860 --> 00:03:12.040 On December 13, 2024, the City of Freeport and the Greater Freeport Partnership hosted 00:03:12.040 --> 00:03:13.540 a fundraiser. 00:03:13.540 --> 00:03:21.580 The purpose of the Christmas Wizard fundraiser was to raise monies for new downtown Christmas 00:03:21.580 --> 00:03:23.280 decorations. 00:03:23.280 --> 00:03:53.280 and many more. The ticket prices for this event ranged from $25 to $50. My question and concerns are as follow. How many tickets were sold? How much money was raised? Were there any decorations purchased? If so, then where are they? And can you please provide the 00:03:53.280 --> 00:03:54.280 and others. 00:03:54.280 --> 00:04:00.960 If not, then where are the funds currently located and who has control of these funds? 00:04:00.960 --> 00:04:15.439 Greater Freeport Partnership or the City of Freeport? 00:04:15.439 --> 00:04:20.959 So were you presenting something that you, I mean normally in a presentation you're putting 00:04:20.959 --> 00:04:28.319 forward an idea or something to move forward what's what are you presenting okay I'm asking 00:04:28.319 --> 00:04:35.919 a question that I would like answers to okay so pick up a phone 00:04:39.519 --> 00:04:47.359 no no that's not how it's done it's an agenda item you knew this was coming to the council tonight 00:04:47.360 --> 00:04:48.360 and so on. 00:04:48.360 --> 00:04:54.360 As a matter of fact, I'm so lucky to have the only thing that's on the agenda tonight. 00:04:54.360 --> 00:05:01.840 And so why do I not or can I not get answers to my questions? 00:05:01.840 --> 00:05:02.840 Okay. 00:05:02.840 --> 00:05:09.400 So just so that way everybody has a little bit of back history, let's see, it would have 00:05:09.400 --> 00:05:22.640 and I, and then I sent an email to Alderman Stacy, and she sent this memo with the questions. 00:05:22.640 --> 00:05:30.920 Madam Clerk forwarded it then to me, so I sent an email to Alderman Stacy back to her 00:05:30.920 --> 00:05:37.480 school email address, and I also copied Andrea Winters, who's the GFP, and City Manager 00:05:37.480 --> 00:05:43.080 Boyer on that and I wrote to you and I said that Dovie had forwarded this to me and that I had copied 00:05:43.080 --> 00:05:48.520 those two on it that Andrea is the head of the GFP. I also explained that there was really no need to 00:05:48.520 --> 00:05:54.360 have a discussion on the COW because absolutely no funds were received or spent by the City of 00:05:54.360 --> 00:06:00.120 Freeport and as far as your questions I am sure that Andrea would have no problem answering them. 00:06:00.120 --> 00:06:05.560 Also the City's logo was on the flyer simply because the lead singer had contacted me about 00:06:05.560 --> 00:06:06.560 and Stacey. 00:06:06.560 --> 00:06:16.740 And then, that was at 9.13 on Friday morning. 00:06:16.740 --> 00:06:23.899 At 11.35 Friday morning, Andrea responded on that same email thread and she addressed 00:06:23.899 --> 00:06:29.699 you Alderman Stacy and she said that the proceeds from the Christmas Wizards concert were used 00:06:29.699 --> 00:06:34.680 to purchase Christmas decorations that have been installed on street light poles on Chicago 00:06:34.680 --> 00:06:35.680 and Stacey. 00:06:35.680 --> 00:06:38.240 Those wreaths have been installed by City Crews. 00:06:38.240 --> 00:06:43.879 These wreaths and any further wreaths would be purchased from future concert proceeds 00:06:43.879 --> 00:06:49.560 would be installed annually with the rest of the downtown Christmas decorations. 00:06:49.560 --> 00:07:00.300 Then at 1235, Alderman Stacy sent an email to me and did not include Andrea or the City 00:07:00.300 --> 00:07:03.720 Manager on it, and her response was, okay. 00:07:03.720 --> 00:07:08.880 Thank you for your mediocre response. However, I still want this on the agenda for discussion 00:07:08.880 --> 00:07:17.520 and I have followed protocol honor my request. So it is on for discussion. So not sure why 00:07:17.520 --> 00:07:25.800 the city would be discussing a GFP event. There are multiple entities throughout the 00:07:25.800 --> 00:07:32.280 city that have used the city's logo as a supportive measure. It does not include funds 00:07:32.280 --> 00:07:42.080 of any sort received or spent. So to have something on an agenda that is someone else's 00:07:42.080 --> 00:07:47.160 responsibility really is kind of a back door to them and the questions should be asked 00:07:47.160 --> 00:07:53.560 to that entity. I would not expect the YMCA with their fundraiser, if you had a question 00:07:53.560 --> 00:07:59.120 about that, to come to the City Council meeting and want us to answer those. So again, I am 00:07:59.120 --> 00:08:04.120 I'm sure that Andrea can and will answer those questions if you direct them to her. 00:08:04.120 --> 00:08:09.920 And so where is she denied because she's usually at every other council meeting? 00:08:09.920 --> 00:08:11.360 I don't set her agenda. 00:08:11.360 --> 00:08:12.879 No, of course. 00:08:12.879 --> 00:08:18.120 And again, she's she is not a city employee. 00:08:18.120 --> 00:08:23.840 She's not directed to be here to be a part of a council meeting. 00:08:23.840 --> 00:08:28.160 Well, she comes every quarter and she gives reports. 00:08:28.160 --> 00:08:58.160 and I have asked twice and the first one she was still collecting money since she didn't have a grand total I recall but she never came back with answers to the questions even then I recall that you are you are correct and so again ask her pick up the phone go see her I'm sure she's more than willing to give you all those numbers to 00:08:58.159 --> 00:09:03.159 I would not expect her to speak on my behalf and I won't speak on her behalf. 00:09:03.159 --> 00:09:10.159 Well, I mean, you're part of, well, I know City Manager Boyer is on that board. 00:09:10.159 --> 00:09:20.159 So, because this wasn't agenda items, even he could have had the answers to those questions for tonight's meeting. 00:09:20.159 --> 00:09:21.159 Could have. 00:09:21.159 --> 00:09:24.159 He's a board member for Greater Freeport Partnership. 00:09:24.159 --> 00:09:31.439 but then it comes back to speaking on behalf of another entity ask her go to 00:09:31.439 --> 00:09:38.240 one of their meetings he's a part of the entity he's on the board it's $400,000 a 00:09:38.240 --> 00:09:46.519 year yeah it's not the city yes yes it is yes it absolutely Alderman Sanders did 00:09:46.519 --> 00:09:52.639 you want to have your four minutes they see is having this conversation which 00:09:52.639 --> 00:09:54.639 which is out of order, first of all. 00:09:54.639 --> 00:09:57.139 Okay, can you start the clock for Alderman Sanders? 00:09:57.139 --> 00:10:00.139 Well, you might start the clock for me, but I will. 00:10:00.139 --> 00:10:24.939 Me, 근� bounty senior, 00:10:24.939 --> 00:10:29.319 Mrs. Mayorole, Mrs. Mayorole, Mrs. Mayorole, Mrs. Mayorole, Mrs. Mayorole, Mrs. Mayorole, 00:10:59.319 --> 00:11:05.399 and I just want to bring that out with clarity and I dare anyone to try to refute what I'm 00:11:05.399 --> 00:11:11.399 saying because it's not an accusation, it's a proof of facts, but they're a taxpayer, 00:11:11.399 --> 00:11:18.579 they're receiving tax dollars, they answer and be accountable to this council. 00:11:18.579 --> 00:11:24.639 This council is supposed to be a governing body that legislate and determines what policies 00:11:24.639 --> 00:11:32.200 GFPs are applicable to the citizens of Freeport. And so for someone to sit here and talk about 00:11:32.200 --> 00:11:44.579 entity, yes, GFP is an actual entity of the city of Freeport. Oh, you guys can shake your 00:11:44.579 --> 00:11:49.600 head all you want, but the point of the matter is, if you don't know a thing, you shouldn't 00:11:49.600 --> 00:11:50.879 speak out on a thing. 00:11:50.879 --> 00:11:56.639 I agree with that yeah if you don't know a thing should speak out on it and making nuances about 00:11:57.200 --> 00:12:04.159 gesture making gestures as if though you're correct and things of this nature so why you in this 00:12:04.159 --> 00:12:12.000 why you and Alderman Stacy is going back and forth as a point of order that you are out of order 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:20.240 that's my whole point and council directs what is and what isn't don't assume that there's another 00:12:50.240 --> 00:12:54.339 and we're not practicing our own duties 00:12:54.339 --> 00:12:56.139 and we're not being accountable. 00:12:56.139 --> 00:13:01.139 And we should be having our board with a chairperson. 00:13:01.500 --> 00:13:04.740 The board needs a chairperson of itself. 00:13:04.740 --> 00:13:08.579 So we don't have these interference and distractions 00:13:08.579 --> 00:13:10.419 from other administrative bodies 00:13:10.419 --> 00:13:15.339 that's working against council as opposed with council. 00:13:15.339 --> 00:13:18.059 So I just wanted to point that out for now. 00:13:18.059 --> 00:13:27.059 So, so people don't misunderstand what part of GFP plays into the city ordinances and things of that nature. 00:13:28.059 --> 00:13:33.059 And I will point out, I am the Chair. Alderman Sellers. 00:13:33.059 --> 00:13:57.059 I'm trying to figure out. We're here because you want to understand the fundraiser and where the money is from the fundraiser that the GFP did to get Christmas decorations for downtown. Is that correct? 00:13:57.059 --> 00:14:06.259 I'm just asking because I mean we're arguing, we're fussing, and it's a simple call, Andrea, 00:14:06.259 --> 00:14:07.259 get the numbers. 00:14:07.259 --> 00:14:11.899 She can give you the numbers, she gave them to me, she's talked to me about it, that's 00:14:11.899 --> 00:14:17.220 all you have to do is actually go there, sit down, talk with her, get your information. 00:14:17.220 --> 00:14:21.500 But calling a meeting, I'm trying to figure it out. 00:14:21.500 --> 00:14:23.660 This is the regular scheduled meeting. 00:14:23.660 --> 00:14:25.980 Yeah, but there's nothing on here. 00:14:25.980 --> 00:14:30.500 Why is there nothing on there? Talk to Mayor and City Manager Boyer. 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:31.500 But this is not the first time we have it. 00:14:31.500 --> 00:14:33.740 If it wasn't the COW, last week we had 21 items. 00:14:33.740 --> 00:14:36.100 Okay, Alderman Sellers has the floor, please allow that. 00:14:36.100 --> 00:14:38.500 Last week we had 21 items on the agenda. 00:14:38.500 --> 00:14:42.340 But that's a regular council meeting. This is a COW meeting. 00:14:42.340 --> 00:14:43.340 If we don't have anything... 00:14:43.340 --> 00:14:44.340 And if they wanted something Boyer... 00:14:44.340 --> 00:14:45.340 But we don't have anything to talk about. 00:14:45.340 --> 00:14:46.340 It would have been on there. 00:14:46.340 --> 00:14:48.100 Well, Alderman Stacy, allow Alderman Sellers to finish. 00:14:48.100 --> 00:14:49.100 But we don't have anything... 00:14:49.100 --> 00:14:50.600 She's talking to me. 00:14:50.599 --> 00:14:56.579 but we don't have anything that is worth bringing people out of their homes, away from their 00:14:56.579 --> 00:15:04.079 families so we can get numbers from our fundraiser. 00:15:04.079 --> 00:15:05.079 That's not fair. 00:15:05.079 --> 00:15:06.079 Apparently we did. 00:15:06.079 --> 00:15:07.079 That is not fair. 00:15:07.079 --> 00:15:08.079 Apparently we did. 00:15:08.079 --> 00:15:09.079 That is not fair. 00:15:09.079 --> 00:15:13.960 And when the draft was sent out, there was other items on the agenda that was conveniently 00:15:13.960 --> 00:15:14.960 removed. 00:15:14.960 --> 00:15:15.960 Okay, okay. 00:15:15.960 --> 00:15:16.960 That's not fair. 00:15:16.960 --> 00:15:17.960 Alderman Shadle? 00:15:17.960 --> 00:15:19.960 Alderman Shadle? 00:15:19.960 --> 00:15:21.960 Make a motion to table this indefinitely. 00:15:21.960 --> 00:15:23.960 Second. 00:15:23.960 --> 00:15:25.960 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, 00:15:25.960 --> 00:15:27.960 seconded by Alderman Parker to 00:15:27.960 --> 00:15:29.960 table this topic indefinitely. 00:15:29.960 --> 00:15:31.960 Any discussion on the motion? 00:15:31.960 --> 00:15:33.960 Yes. Alderman Sanders? 00:15:33.960 --> 00:15:35.960 This motion 00:15:35.960 --> 00:15:37.960 that has these types of motion 00:15:37.960 --> 00:15:39.960 is trying to squash 00:15:39.960 --> 00:15:41.960 the concept 00:15:41.960 --> 00:15:43.960 of agendas, resolutions, and adoptions. 00:15:43.960 --> 00:15:45.960 And amendments. 00:15:45.960 --> 00:15:58.240 I told you once before, these idiotic tabling and things of this nature, it is council that 00:15:58.240 --> 00:16:09.440 runs this city, not the mayor, not the administration, not the city council, and not Alderman's sidelining 00:16:09.440 --> 00:16:18.600 and conflict of interest because they need to be censured. Anyone that has not been collectively 00:16:18.600 --> 00:16:26.319 accountable for their actions and their responsibilities in this council should be held for that tabling 00:16:26.319 --> 00:16:37.079 something just to trying to squash a point of this meeting is something where we have 00:16:37.079 --> 00:17:07.079 and I have to reconstruct as council members so we can get this council back where it has never been in place since I've known of it, but the thing about it is the council is not doing the duties of governing, legislating, and if you don't have that knowledge about governing and legislation and policy terms and liabilities and bylaws 00:17:07.079 --> 00:17:13.599 and Mrs. If you don't have the concept of any of this stuff, you cannot sit systematically 00:17:13.599 --> 00:17:20.539 and start trying to table things because it doesn't suit the authorities of people that 00:17:20.539 --> 00:17:23.900 is injecting their views and opinions. 00:17:23.900 --> 00:17:28.579 You cannot just sit here as counsel, justify why you're tabling it. 00:17:28.579 --> 00:17:33.360 Just like I talked to one of my council members on the last occasion. 00:17:33.360 --> 00:17:35.360 and 00:17:36.360 --> 00:17:37.360 the 00:17:37.360 --> 00:17:38.360 City of 00:17:38.360 --> 00:17:39.360 Washington. 00:17:39.360 --> 00:17:46.200 I would like for you to be called on records, call before the people of the city and give 00:17:46.200 --> 00:17:51.000 them an explanation of why you're trying to table something and why you're trying to 00:17:51.000 --> 00:17:59.319 suspend something simply because we have a legitimate item on the agenda to talk about, 00:17:59.319 --> 00:18:02.599 to scrutinize, to debate and things like that. 00:18:02.599 --> 00:18:05.640 I hate to do this out in public simply 00:18:05.640 --> 00:18:10.559 because this should be something of a closed session 00:18:10.559 --> 00:18:12.840 amongst council members. 00:18:12.840 --> 00:18:15.960 Council members haven't had a meeting since the day 00:18:15.960 --> 00:18:17.720 that I was elected here. 00:18:17.720 --> 00:18:20.720 And so we should have a closed session 00:18:20.720 --> 00:18:31.039 talking about reconfiguring the council so it can do its duty 00:18:31.039 --> 00:18:34.320 because we are lacking our responsibility. 00:18:34.320 --> 00:18:37.639 We're following somebody else's agenda. 00:18:37.639 --> 00:18:40.759 We're not following the agendas of the council. 00:18:40.759 --> 00:18:45.200 The council is the last people to know about anything 00:18:45.200 --> 00:18:47.240 that is happening within this city. 00:18:47.240 --> 00:18:50.800 And that means that we are not being held accountable. 00:18:50.800 --> 00:18:54.119 All kinds of fraud and all kinds of oversight, 00:18:54.119 --> 00:18:57.220 all kinds of theft, all kinds of information 00:18:57.220 --> 00:18:59.759 that is not scrutinized by council. 00:18:59.759 --> 00:19:04.759 it is council responsibility to investigate everything. 00:19:05.240 --> 00:19:08.279 It is our job to investigate whether you know it or not. 00:19:08.279 --> 00:19:12.559 It is our job to investigate anything, policies, 00:19:14.159 --> 00:19:17.840 ordinances, bylaws, all of this. 00:19:17.840 --> 00:19:22.840 We have not conformed adequately enough to do our job 00:19:24.599 --> 00:19:27.240 and we need to get back to the business of the people. 00:19:27.240 --> 00:19:32.559 I don't even know why we, I don't even understand how we got elected if this is not what your 00:19:32.559 --> 00:19:34.360 agenda is all about. 00:19:34.360 --> 00:19:37.920 And if we're not doing the responsible thing. 00:19:37.920 --> 00:19:41.119 Your time has expired Alderman Sanders. 00:19:41.119 --> 00:19:42.119 You might say that. 00:19:42.119 --> 00:19:44.799 Your time has expired Alderman Sanders. 00:19:44.799 --> 00:19:46.400 On what policy and ordinance? 00:19:46.400 --> 00:19:48.360 I want to know the ordinance siding. 00:19:48.360 --> 00:19:49.360 It is the rules of council. 00:19:49.360 --> 00:19:51.519 No, I want to know the ordinance siding. 00:19:51.519 --> 00:19:52.519 I'll get that to you. 00:19:52.519 --> 00:19:54.200 You need to stop talking. 00:19:54.200 --> 00:19:56.200 Do you have the numbers? 00:19:56.200 --> 00:19:59.840 Schools of Council 220, Chapter 10 or 11, it's one of those two. 00:19:59.840 --> 00:20:01.520 and 10 or 11. It's one of those two. 00:20:02.120 --> 00:20:04.400 Okay. Who signed off on it? Was it council? 00:20:04.400 --> 00:20:07.920 You don't have the council sign off on that ordinance. 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:11.160 This is your warning Alderman Sanders. Stop being interruptive. 00:20:11.200 --> 00:20:13.560 If you do it again, I will call you out of order. 00:20:14.360 --> 00:20:16.360 We have other ones that had wanted to say something. 00:20:16.360 --> 00:20:20.640 And I have to tell you, you are correct about your, your positions here. 00:20:20.760 --> 00:20:21.080 I know. 00:20:21.080 --> 00:20:25.040 Have to do with legislative policy and the problem with the agenda tonight, 00:20:25.040 --> 00:20:29.000 there's no legislative policy. Alderman Parker, did you have something? 00:20:29.000 --> 00:20:59.000 yes i think we've answered the question that's a private entity it's nothing to do with the city we have no say on it and it's no different than maybe we telling Newell how to spend their money absolutely we cannot do it we are not responsible we're not accountable you don't know i think we've answered the question so i think we just end this whole thing yeah alderman johnson you were next that's what i was that's what i was referring to i agree with transparency i i understand that i would think that 00:20:59.000 --> 00:21:06.040 Andrew would be willing to give you an itemized list of the income, the expenditures of the 00:21:06.040 --> 00:21:12.760 event, of the profit that was made, and itemize where the money went for the decorations. 00:21:12.760 --> 00:21:16.520 If you have that, we have answers to all of our questions. 00:21:16.520 --> 00:21:20.960 If we don't get those answers, then there maybe is a problem, but I would say try to 00:21:20.960 --> 00:21:24.980 get the answers to all those questions, and for right now we could table this and see 00:21:24.980 --> 00:21:26.480 if you get the answers to your questions. 00:21:26.480 --> 00:21:28.480 And then Alderman, Sellers, you are next. 00:21:28.480 --> 00:21:43.080 No, I was going to also kind of say that if you go in and get your get the information, because this is more of a question than it is a issue for us to sit here and discuss. It's just a question to go down and get your information. 00:21:43.400 --> 00:21:50.640 It's not like anybody's trying to hide anything. Just go ask your questions and get it done. Just like everybody else, ask their questions. 00:21:51.360 --> 00:21:56.280 You know, we don't have to do it all in front of everybody. Just go ask your questions and you get your answers. 00:21:56.280 --> 00:22:02.580 Just like if I had a question for Michelle, I would call her up, get my answer, and I'm done. 00:22:02.580 --> 00:22:07.780 I wouldn't call a meeting to have everybody listen to the question I want to ask Michelle. 00:22:07.780 --> 00:22:09.780 So I guess that's what I'm saying. 00:22:09.780 --> 00:22:20.280 We're coming together, leaving our homes, our families, and all of that on a question, not for something that is... 00:22:20.280 --> 00:22:34.280 So there is a motion for tabling indefinitely made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker. If there's no more discussion on the motion itself. Madam Clerk, do you want to take a roll or should we just do a voice? 00:22:34.280 --> 00:22:37.280 Well, hold it before you do that. I have a question. 00:22:37.280 --> 00:22:39.280 You've actually had your twice to speak. 00:22:39.280 --> 00:22:40.280 Twice? 00:22:40.280 --> 00:22:41.280 Yes, sir. 00:22:41.280 --> 00:22:45.280 Mayor, I am calling a point of order. 00:22:45.280 --> 00:22:48.280 You have not been called to speak on the floor. 00:22:48.280 --> 00:23:08.280 I want you to know that I have a motion for a point of order, whether the mayor knows it or not, whether you know it or not, I have a point of order here, motion, because I have something to say to council. 00:23:08.280 --> 00:23:11.280 Okay, so if you have something new to say to council, then- 00:23:11.280 --> 00:23:12.280 Yes, I do. 00:23:12.280 --> 00:23:16.280 Every time, but I don't need to have this debate with you. 00:23:16.280 --> 00:23:32.060 It is not your discretion to make that call, the point that I like to continue to make is this. 00:23:32.060 --> 00:23:52.060 The suppression of the information that is being considered of the GFP acknowledging all of the information regarding to this agenda item. 00:23:52.060 --> 00:24:18.060 if we're not knowing the formality and procedures of how to obtain that because we could have made a request that someone sitting here saying that that there are no entity oh yes when they're receiving taxpayer dollars they have the answer to the governing body of this council is because you have not been 00:24:18.060 --> 00:24:19.060 and others. 00:24:19.060 --> 00:24:20.060 We're not being educated in this. 00:24:20.060 --> 00:24:22.220 That doesn't mean everybody else has not been. 00:24:22.220 --> 00:24:35.180 And so, ones that are sitting here trying to sabotage and derail this item of agenda, 00:24:35.180 --> 00:24:37.900 then you need to be censured too. 00:24:37.900 --> 00:24:44.100 Everyone that's opposing the taxpayers' vision of what this council should look like, and 00:24:44.100 --> 00:24:49.660 We're not being held accountable for the things that we're saying and the comments that we're 00:24:49.660 --> 00:24:51.660 making. 00:24:51.660 --> 00:24:56.980 Everything that is, if it's not based upon what the citizens are recommending, remember, 00:24:56.980 --> 00:25:02.220 you have to remember, you are an elected official. 00:25:02.220 --> 00:25:06.260 You're part of the governing body of this city. 00:25:06.260 --> 00:25:17.320 and we should have board meetings to work out the errors and problems within the board itself. 00:25:17.320 --> 00:25:24.300 And so we should, and the fact that the question came up, that opens up a lot of variables. 00:25:24.300 --> 00:25:29.760 There's a lot of variables going on with the fact that this item is on the agenda. 00:25:29.760 --> 00:25:39.260 and if everybody would start thinking, governing and legislating and learning the policies 00:25:39.260 --> 00:25:48.680 of this governing body and recognize the authority and the power that this council wills throughout 00:25:48.680 --> 00:25:50.500 the city. 00:25:50.500 --> 00:25:58.640 We are the voice of the people of the city and there's no other entity here in this city 00:25:58.640 --> 00:26:06.000 has the voice other than council because we are the ruling body. We are the legislators. 00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:13.840 We set the policies. Until we understand that, we're going to be like this for years and 00:26:13.840 --> 00:26:19.480 years simply because no one wants to change. It's been like this for decades. It's been 00:26:19.480 --> 00:26:24.400 like this for a long time, but no one wants to step up and acknowledge it. That's the 00:26:24.400 --> 00:26:31.920 and I'm sitting here for the last two, three years watching this confusion going on about 00:26:31.920 --> 00:26:36.200 what governing and legislating is all about. 00:26:36.200 --> 00:26:44.120 We just can't keep doing the same routine things that we consider as right in our own 00:26:44.120 --> 00:26:49.560 eyes and doing what is right for the board and the commission of the city. 00:26:49.560 --> 00:26:57.720 and until then, we have to be able to be accountable for our own action and be responsible for 00:26:57.720 --> 00:27:08.240 the actions of why we have agendas and calling on these agendas without council consent. 00:27:08.240 --> 00:27:11.800 There shouldn't be an agenda posed on this. 00:27:11.800 --> 00:27:18.700 There shouldn't be no agenda itemized ordinance resolution or an adoption should be on this 00:27:18.700 --> 00:27:28.120 Sajenda, until council put it there. If we're not putting it there, it don't get there. 00:27:28.120 --> 00:27:29.120 Remember that. 00:27:29.120 --> 00:27:34.400 That's expired Alderman, Sellers, or Sanders, sorry. Madam Clerk, please take the role on 00:27:34.400 --> 00:27:35.960 tabling indefinitely. 00:27:35.960 --> 00:27:36.960 Johnson? 00:27:36.960 --> 00:27:37.960 Aye. 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:38.960 Simmons? 00:27:38.960 --> 00:27:39.960 No. 00:27:39.960 --> 00:27:40.960 Parker? 00:27:40.960 --> 00:27:41.960 Aye. 00:27:41.960 --> 00:27:42.960 Stacy? 00:27:42.960 --> 00:27:43.960 No. 00:27:43.960 --> 00:27:44.960 Shadle? 00:27:44.960 --> 00:27:45.960 Aye. 00:27:45.960 --> 00:27:46.960 Sanders? 00:27:46.960 --> 00:27:47.960 No. 00:27:47.960 --> 00:27:56.280 and Klemm. The motion to postpone indefinitely passes five to three. Item number seven is public 00:27:56.280 --> 00:28:06.040 comment. Are there any public comments this evening? I just want to start off with I may be a little 00:28:06.040 --> 00:28:10.280 jumpy, a little irritable right now because I've been up for 15 hours. I worked a 12-hour shift 00:28:10.840 --> 00:28:17.480 and then I went over and had to re-plow my mom's yard or her sidewalks because the plowing is 00:28:17.480 --> 00:28:47.480 is Terrible, and I understand that, let me back up, let me back up, sitting here watching you talk to Alder people like that, I can't control how you talk to all these other people, but my mother, absolutely not, you should be embarrassed, this is not high school, I know you're not, and you never are, that's the problem now, anyway, the plan needs work, there's an obvious difference when you drive between the east and the west sides, I understand the first snow is a big one, but I shouldn't have to slip 00:28:47.480 --> 00:28:48.480 and others. 00:28:48.480 --> 00:28:55.519 You want to talk about there being no agenda items, here are some. 00:28:55.519 --> 00:29:00.080 Acknowledging the homeless woman who died and how do we prevent that as a city. 00:29:00.080 --> 00:29:04.800 Discussion on what the city can do in the event of SNAP benefits being withheld again. 00:29:04.800 --> 00:29:09.200 But we're too busy praising a couple who moved here from California, obviously one of the 00:29:09.200 --> 00:29:13.280 most expensive states in the country, getting a damn sister city. 00:29:13.280 --> 00:29:19.280 You're going to talk about pretzels and we have a leaf on our water tower. We're not the Freeport leaves. 00:29:19.280 --> 00:29:23.280 Anyway, and asking the GFP to be straightforward yet again. 00:29:23.280 --> 00:29:26.280 But I guess that can just be a phone call, right? 00:29:26.280 --> 00:29:31.280 It's embarrassing to only have one agenda item. 00:29:31.280 --> 00:29:36.280 It's also embarrassing to see new concrete poured for EV chargers and parking lots with pocket holes 00:29:36.280 --> 00:29:40.280 big enough to make me want to get out and check my truck suspension. 00:29:40.280 --> 00:29:52.280 and Ms. Dovie. Replying to a FOIA request with a document that is 99% blacked out is the reason why there's still a glaring mistrust in the city government, especially with the Mayor and the way that she acts. 00:29:52.280 --> 00:29:59.280 It really feels like some of the council thinks this town is full of idiots and it has and will continue to come back and bite you in the ass. Thank you. 00:29:59.280 --> 00:30:00.520 and I can bite you in the ass. 00:30:00.520 --> 00:30:02.480 Thank you. 00:30:02.480 --> 00:30:04.180 Any other public comments? 00:30:04.180 --> 00:30:05.480 Yes. 00:30:13.180 --> 00:30:20.920 I'd like to talk about one other thing that council or anyone 00:30:20.920 --> 00:30:24.780 or department heads or directors or people of this nature, 00:30:24.780 --> 00:30:39.100 We had a conflict of embarrassment over the week and the thing about it is I am surprised 00:30:39.100 --> 00:30:44.940 that no one is talking about on this subject the fact that I received double payments in 00:30:44.940 --> 00:30:53.900 my account and we have not been able to scrutinize who's at fault for these fraudulent payments 00:30:53.900 --> 00:30:57.580 that was administered, that was submit to us over the week. 00:30:57.580 --> 00:31:02.580 I'm quite sure every councilman receive these statements, 00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:08.020 increase on the account. 00:31:09.100 --> 00:31:12.320 Now, the part that this is where the governing body 00:31:12.320 --> 00:31:13.800 comes into play. 00:31:13.800 --> 00:31:18.260 When an incident like that happens on that level, 00:31:18.260 --> 00:31:28.260 where people are getting double payments, there's a problem within our system. 00:31:28.260 --> 00:31:31.260 Why isn't this been brought to our attention? 00:31:31.260 --> 00:31:39.260 It's because there are people in the background that's suppressing this information. 00:31:39.260 --> 00:31:46.260 If we don't get a handle on this, we need to be able to scrutinize it to the limit 00:31:46.260 --> 00:31:52.620 because if fraud is taking place, then we need to have our oversight committee in place 00:31:52.620 --> 00:31:59.180 to make a determination where things are going on and not only that, we need a secretary 00:31:59.180 --> 00:32:02.780 of agency within our own structure of governing. 00:32:02.780 --> 00:32:12.580 We don't need people that are working independently, neutral, supposedly, outside of the council. 00:32:12.580 --> 00:32:20.380 that includes our mayor, that includes our clerk, that includes our city director. 00:32:20.380 --> 00:32:28.980 No one in this council should be looking forward to getting the answers from the things that 00:32:28.980 --> 00:32:31.340 we should know about. 00:32:31.340 --> 00:32:38.140 And so until we make an appeal to understand why these kinds of things happen, we don't 00:32:38.140 --> 00:32:44.940 Don't know what else is going on within the city, like contracts, invoices, things that 00:32:44.940 --> 00:32:47.040 we have not discovered as council. 00:32:47.040 --> 00:32:53.240 We have not done a full investigation of this administration part of it. 00:32:53.240 --> 00:33:03.460 And until we do, things are going to be, as they put, tabled, suspended, topics that should 00:33:03.460 --> 00:33:10.860 to be part of the subject of the city, understanding how the moneys of Freeport is being spent. 00:33:10.860 --> 00:33:12.420 And for someone to sit here and say that... 00:33:12.420 --> 00:33:13.420 Your time has expired. 00:33:13.420 --> 00:33:14.420 Thank you. 00:33:14.420 --> 00:33:15.420 Oh, yeah? 00:33:15.420 --> 00:33:16.420 Oh, okay. 00:33:16.420 --> 00:33:17.420 All right. 00:33:17.420 --> 00:33:19.860 And that's the part that needs to be changed right there. 00:33:19.860 --> 00:33:20.860 Yeah. 00:33:20.860 --> 00:33:25.420 So I don't normally suggest there be any response to public comment, but Michelle, if you would 00:33:25.420 --> 00:33:31.700 like to defend the finance department just because there was a lot of accusations made 00:33:31.700 --> 00:33:32.700 there, you're welcome to. 00:33:32.700 --> 00:33:51.420 Thank you, Your Honor. Thank you for allowing me to speak. I would just like to address 00:33:51.420 --> 00:33:57.180 Alderperson Sanders' accusation about fraud regarding the payroll incident that happened 00:33:57.180 --> 00:34:03.100 on Friday. Had absolutely nothing to do with the City of Freeport. We didn't push the 00:34:03.100 --> 00:34:07.640 button twice. We didn't send the email twice. It was a bank error. It had to do with our 00:34:07.640 --> 00:34:14.960 bank. Those payments, we contacted everyone as fast as we could, let the employees know 00:34:14.960 --> 00:34:20.600 what happened, and the bank recouped those, the exact same funds. We did not receive any 00:34:20.600 --> 00:34:25.960 calls today that there were any issues, like, you know, that was taken back twice or anything 00:34:25.960 --> 00:34:55.960 and others. 00:34:55.960 --> 00:35:04.260 directly to the auditors. A third party. So please, when you get that form, fill it out 00:35:04.260 --> 00:35:10.020 if there is something that you are suspicious of. But to my knowledge, you have not filled 00:35:10.020 --> 00:35:12.360 out a form the last two years you've been here. 00:35:12.360 --> 00:35:15.520 That's what you say. 00:35:15.520 --> 00:35:23.720 And that concludes tonight's meeting. I'm taking motion for adjournment. Oh, I'm sorry. 00:35:23.720 --> 00:35:42.720 As Fifth Ward Alderwoman, I will not be told what I can and cannot put on an agenda. 00:35:42.720 --> 00:35:47.800 I don't have to go to a third party. 00:35:47.800 --> 00:36:01.680 I'm coming direct to you, City Manager Boyer, and to you Mayor Miller. 00:36:01.680 --> 00:36:05.960 I don't work for you, you work for me, I work for the people. 00:36:05.960 --> 00:36:16.880 The people are asking questions, and I trying to get them answers. 00:36:16.880 --> 00:36:25.040 and so if you have a problem with it being openly discussed, that's something you have 00:36:25.040 --> 00:36:29.640 to work out within. 00:36:29.640 --> 00:36:38.600 We have the same Christmas tree decorations hanging on the poles that we've had for the 00:36:38.600 --> 00:36:48.920 for the last 50 years and half of the lights don't even light up anymore but that's our 00:36:48.920 --> 00:36:58.760 glorified downtown. 00:36:58.760 --> 00:37:06.160 I want to talk about meeting with you City Manager Boyer and how it's always made so 00:37:06.160 --> 00:37:31.120 and I, and I am not going to be dictated, I'm not going to be caught up in a room with 00:37:31.120 --> 00:37:34.560 you and the mayor coming at me. 00:37:34.560 --> 00:37:40.920 So when you talk about me not meeting with you, tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing 00:37:40.920 --> 00:37:42.880 but the truth. 00:37:42.880 --> 00:37:50.600 You won't meet with me and another council person because you bring the mayor and that's 00:37:50.600 --> 00:37:54.120 the only way you're willing to meet with me. 00:37:54.120 --> 00:37:58.520 Truth be told, I'm not allowed to talk to any of the directors. 00:37:58.520 --> 00:38:03.800 If I call Michelle tomorrow and ask her a question, she cannot give me an answer. 00:38:03.800 --> 00:38:12.680 we have to call Rob Boyer so that he can give me the answer. I don't work for you, City 00:38:12.680 --> 00:38:22.800 Manager Boyer. You work for me. Just like I asked for the second list for the lighting 00:38:22.800 --> 00:38:30.240 from Police Shenberger, Chief Shenberger, before he retired, and you were going to get 00:38:30.240 --> 00:38:37.240 City Manager, Boyer, I will take a motion for adjournment. 00:38:37.240 --> 00:38:38.240 So moved. 00:38:38.240 --> 00:38:39.240 Second. 00:38:39.240 --> 00:38:40.240 All those in favor? 00:38:40.240 --> 00:38:41.240 Aye. 00:38:41.240 --> 00:38:41.260 Have a good evening.