WEBVTT

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We have electric lights and everything.

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You can email it to Jodi.

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Or if you want, you can bring it in.

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It's nice.

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Yeah, it's nice.

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Yeah, the formality of that is all.

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Anyway, I'd rather get into that too.

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That's fine.

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So that's Monday at the conference.

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Okay.

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Good evening. Debbie, would you please give the invocation. I have a Bible verse I'd like

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to say before I pray. It comes from Psalm 27, 11. Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead

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and a Plain Path.

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Our Heavenly Father, we just thank you for today.

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We thank you for Freeport.

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We thank you for all the people that live in this town.

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And we're here for a reason, and we should be looking at it

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to make Freeport a better place.

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We thank you for our officials that are here tonight,

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all the government officials, elected officers, Mayor Jodi.

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And Lord, we ask that you would lead them on a plain path.

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Help them to look to you for wisdom and for guidance and to put aside any kind of difference that they have with each other and look to Freeport as a whole to work together to make it a better place.

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We ask your blessings upon this gathering today. We thank you for our police enforcement. We thank you how they risk their lives to keep our community safe.

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Chief, and Lord, we ask that you put a shield of protection around everyone and bless their

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families.

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In Jesus' name we pray.

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Amen.

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Thank you, Debbie.

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Now we'll officially call this meeting to order.

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Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

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Mayor Miller?

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Here.

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Alderpersons, Klemm?

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Here.

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Johnson?

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Here.

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They will be marked in person.

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Simmons is absent now, but will be joining us.

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Parker?

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Stacy? Here. Shadle? Here. Sanders? Here. And Sellers? Yeah. If I could please have a motion to approve the remote attendance of Alderman and Simmons?

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So moved. Second. The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Madam Clerk, would you please call the roll?

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on allowing Alderman Simmons to remote? Yes. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Ann Parker? Aye. The motion passes seven to zero. Did you want to see if she can hear? Oh, yes. Alderperson Simmons, can you hear us? Are you present? Yes, I'm here. Thank you.

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Show me Mark President 602.

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Okay, if you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Stacy.

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

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Item number one is the approval of the agenda. However, I'm asking for a slight change.

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The child abuse prevention month proclamation needs to be removed from the consent agenda and read after the police department promotions and before public comments.

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If that's acceptable, I would ask for a motion to approve as amended.

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So moved.

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Could you repeat that again, please?

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The Child Abuse Prevention Month Proclamation was accidentally listed on the consent agenda and those are normally read, so just wanted to put that on the agenda itself.

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After appointments, Madam Mayor?

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No, after the police department promotions.

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Thank you.

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I would second that motion.

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Who was the first, Joy?

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Tom, who made the motion to approve? I thought it was Joy. I would make the motion then. Oh, I second. Okay. All right. Well, we have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

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Can we do a voice on that, or would you like me to get...

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Oh, thank you, attorney. I'm sorry. We've got to have that every single one. My apologies.

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Stacy.

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Aye.

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Shadle.

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Aye.

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Sanders.

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Aye.

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Sellers.

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Aye.

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Klemm.

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Aye.

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Johnson.

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Aye.

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Simmons.

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Aye.

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And Parker.

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Aye.

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Motion passes eight to zero.

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Item number two is approval of the minutes from the council meeting on March 2nd, 2026.

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2026. Is there a motion to approve? I didn't catch that guys. You gotta talk louder. Everybody got a half of one out. So moved. Second. Okay, motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

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Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, and Parker. And that motion passes 8-0.

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Item number 3 is the Police Department Promotions, Chief Frostow.

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Good afternoon, everyone. I'll have Dustin Groen first, please.

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Officer Grown was hired in September 2019 and has consistently taken on roles that demonstrate

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initiative and professional development.

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He has served as a detective, field training officer, member of the emergency response

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team, and as an arrest and control tactics instructor.

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His commitment to training, tactical operations, and investigative work highlights his potential

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for advancement.

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My name is Robert Bush, I am a member of the City of Freeport Police and Fire Commission

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and with us we have Evelyn Curry, she is the Commissioner also and it is an honor to be

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here to witness the promotion of these officers tonight.

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These officers came before us and we saw the value in them and hired them and to see them

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to elevate themselves within the department, it is an honor to realize that we did make

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Dustin, Official Commission, City of Freeport Board and Fire Police Commission, to all to

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whom these presents shall come, Dustin Groen, have been duly appointed to the Office of Corporal

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in and for the City of Freeport in the County of Steveson in the State of Illinois for the term from the sixth day of April 2026 until his successor shall have been duly appointed and qualified is hereby fully authorized and empowered to assume and perform all the duties of his said office according to the law and ordinances of said city and all persons are required to respect him in the discharge

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Duties, by the order of the Board of Air, Fire, and Police Commission.

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Officer Richard, Officer Richard MacLamale was hired in June

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2014,

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He graduated June 2014 and brings an extensive experience across a wide range of assignments.

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He has served as an inspector with the State Line Area Narcotics Team, a Firearms Instructor,

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a member of the Emergency Response Team, and a Field Training Officer.

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He is also one of the original members of the department's gang unit.

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He is currently assigned as a K-9 officer with his partner DJ.

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His experience and specialized skill sets make him a strong candidate for promotion.

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Okay, this is my first time doing this, I'm a little nervous.

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Official Commission, Richard MacLamale, having been duly appointed to the Office of Corporal

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and for the City of Freeport in the County of Stevenson, the State of Illinois, for the term from the 6th day of April, 2026, until the successor shall have been duly appointed and qualified, is hereby fully authorized and empowered to assume and perform all the duties of his said office, according to the law and ordinances of a said city, and all persons are required to respect him in the discharge of his said duties by the order of the Board of

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Fire & Commission, Police Commission.

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Huffines, Blake Upman, Corporal Upman was hired in September 2016 and promoted to the

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rank of Corporal in January 2024.

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He has demonstrated strong leadership and initiative through his service in multiple

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specialized roles, including detective, field training officer, and firearms instructor.

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Additionally, he serves as a member of the ILEAS Mobile Field Force.

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His diverse experience and leadership as a corporal reflects his readiness for continued advancement with this department.

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Official Commission, City of Freeport Board of Fire and Police Commission,

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To all to whom these present shall come, Officer Blake Uttman.

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Having been duly appointed to the Office of Sergeant in and for the City of Freeport in the County of Stevenson and State of Illinois,

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for the term from the sixth day of April 2026 until his successor shall have been duly appointed and qualified,

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Wright, is hereby fully authorized and empowered to assume and perform all the duties of his

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said office according to the law and ordinances of said city and all persons are required

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to respect him in the discharge of his said duties by the order of the Police and Fire

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Commission.

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Thank you very much.

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Yeah, that's nice though, that many people come in to support them, it's great.

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Okay, so next we'll move on for Child Abuse Prevention Month, whereas All Our Kids Network

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is a group of community stakeholders who collaboratively work to influence system changes that will

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will strengthen the overall family well-being, and whereas Freeport's future prosperity

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and quality of life depend on the healthy development of the children residing across

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our city, and whereas preventing child abuse and neglect must be a priority that requires

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individuals, families, child-serving organizations, schools, faith-based groups, organizations,

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and others, and to support the physical, emotional, social and educational well-being of all children.

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And whereas child abuse is a serious public health issue with wide-ranging societal consequences,

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as data shows the link between abuse and neglect of children and a wide range of costly medical,

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and for the last few weeks we have been working on a alla the

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recently announced Blue Ribbon Week initiative with a new

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initiative for children with universal language and

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functional, psychological and behavioral issues into

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adulthood. And whereas statewide and community

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prevention programs serve as proven and effective ways to

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reduce child abuse and neglect no matter the geography, race,

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ethnicity or economic status. And whereas the All Our Kids

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Jodi Miller is hereby declare April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and the second week of April as Blue Ribbon Week and I encourage all our residents to dedicate themselves to protecting the quality of life for every child.

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Thank you very much.

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I'd like to take a moment just to share how AOK, which stands for All Our Kids, of Northwest

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Illinois is working right here in Freeport and Stevenson County to address child abuse

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and neglect.

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For us, this work is really about prevention.

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We know that families do better when they feel supported, connected, and not alone.

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The ALK Network, that's why the ALK focuses on strengthening families early before challenges

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turn into crisis.

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We partner with local organizations across the community to make sure that parents, especially

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those with young children, have access to mental health support, home visiting, parent

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education.

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When parents are supported and emotionally well, it creates safer, more stable environments

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for children.

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One area we've really focused on is maternal mental health, because we understand how critical

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those early bonds are between parents and children.

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When we support parents, we're directly helping to reduce the risk of abuse and neglect.

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At the end of the day, it isn't just about a program.

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It's about people.

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It's about making sure families in our community feel seen, supported, and connected.

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Because when we come together as a community, we can create a safer, healthier future for

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for our kids.

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ALK thanks you for recognizing and shining a light

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on the safety of children in our community.

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I just have a real quick story about the blue bows

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that you may see around town.

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The blue bows became a symbol for child abuse prevention

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with Bonnie Finney, a grandmother from Virginia,

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connected the blue bows, a child abuse prevention awareness

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in the aftermath of her grandson, Michael Wayne,

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Bubba Dickinson's death as a result of child abuse

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in Chicopee, Virginia in 1988.

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Her daughter herself was a victim of domestic violence,

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was sentenced to five years of imprisonment

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for failing to do more to protect her son.

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Luther Ray Phillips Jr., who committed the crime,

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was sentenced to 55 years imprisonment.

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The following story was written by Bonnie Finney

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in conjunction with Prevent Child Abuse in Virginia.

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I only had one child.

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She was a beautiful little girl, the light of our eyes.

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We knew she had entered into a stormy marriage

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Boyer brought her home several times in the five years it lasted.

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We suspected heavy use of drugs, but in those five years, three beautiful, healthy children

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had been born.

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I loved them dearly and they loved me.

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The children were 16 months, three years, and four years.

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My grandson was hospitalized for abuse.

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He had bruises on his body and cigarette burns on his hands.

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His doctor did not believe my daughter's story.

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He fell in slippery water in the bathtub.

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After the ordeal at the hospital, my grandson was placed in foster care for three weeks.

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He cried when they came to return him to his mother.

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He told his foster mother, My mama don't love me and begged to stay.

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I ached for his dilemma, but I wasn't physically able to care for him.

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The courts believed that home was the best place for him, but I knew better and I told

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no.

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I begged them not to return him to his mother, but I was overruled.

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My grandmother's instinct didn't count.

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I never saw Bubba again.

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My 16-month-old granddaughter was hospitalized after being beaten severely, her leg broken

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in Four Places, and her handbrake.

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in four places, and her hand burned from the tips of her fingers to her wrist.

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It was only then that the search was on for Bubba.

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We learned he had been killed, wrapped in a sheet, stuffed in a toolbox, and dumped

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into the dismal swamp canal three months earlier.

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My efforts to understand became a plea to stop abusing children.

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I tied a blue ribbon on my van antenna to make people wonder.

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It caught on locally with restaurants, businesses, police, and TV and radio stations supporting

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and my efforts to make it a real awareness campaign. Why blue? I intend never to forget

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the battered bruised bodies of my grandchildren. Blue serves as a constant reminder to me to

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fight for our children. Please wear a blue ribbon, put one on your car, give one to your

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friend, tell them what it means. You may save a child's life. If you suspect anything is

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happening to your children, your grandchildren, the next child next door, please act. If you

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get no response, try again. You may not hear their screams, but you may not see their

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and their bruises, so check for the hidden pain and watch for the silent screams in their

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eyes.

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Thank you.

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Thank you, ladies.

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We have two people signed in for public comment.

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Steve Carroll, you have three minutes.

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I am Steve Carroll.

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This is about Agenda Items 16 and 17.

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The City wants to add a full-time FOIA officer for the Police Department and a part-time FOIA

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officer for the Clerk's Office.

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This is due to what is claimed to be an overwhelming amount of FOIA requests from the public numbering

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around 213 last year.

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The rise in FOIA requests over the years reflects the lack of trust that the public has in City

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City Government. In short, you have created your own problems and now the taxpayers are

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being asked to pay for the city's lack of transparency. In the past, the police department

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used to publish every week what is known as the police blotter, which is the call log

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for the whole city over a week's time. This isn't done anymore. However, I have successfully

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submitted records requests for that very information. Hence, another FOIA request is generated due

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Due to the Police Department's lack of basic transparency, it should be obvious that city

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government is building an information wall between itself and its citizens.

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And I can see where being transparent and telling the truth would be dangerous for city

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government because it would give lie to Jodi Miller's perpetual mantra that Freeport is

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a great place to live, work, and play.

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And to liberally paraphrase from former French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau, there are

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two things people living in Freeport don't need.

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One is an appendix, the other is Jodi Miller.

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Slainte.

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Next is Aaron Zuberbühler Hi there, good evening everybody. And I apologize, it's Eric. I read it wrong. You're alright, no big deal. Hello Council, hello Mayor, hello City Manager. My name is Eric Zuberbühler. I live right up the road at 626 West Stevenson Street. I'm here to speak on item number 11. As someone who does not use marijuana, I want to be clear that I am in

00:23:40.299 --> 00:23:43.299
in favor of the dispensary at this location in Freeport.

00:23:43.299 --> 00:23:45.299
I was able to watch the City Council meeting last week

00:23:45.299 --> 00:23:46.740
and just wanted to touch on just a couple of the notes

00:23:46.740 --> 00:23:47.660
that you guys had.

00:23:48.900 --> 00:23:51.539
The biggest being the key point would be traffic.

00:23:51.539 --> 00:23:54.400
Seemed to be a big sticking point for a lot of people.

00:23:54.400 --> 00:23:56.660
It's important to remember why this proposal's

00:23:56.660 --> 00:23:57.700
in front of you.

00:23:57.700 --> 00:23:59.900
This is a business that requires a special use permit

00:23:59.900 --> 00:24:01.640
due to the nature of its operations.

00:24:01.640 --> 00:24:04.140
Most businesses do not require that special use permit.

00:24:07.100 --> 00:24:09.140
I fully acknowledge that the previous tenant Rosales

00:24:39.140 --> 00:24:44.860
I do think that's a good thing for our town, but this location already has multiple points of access and more importantly

00:24:45.620 --> 00:24:47.620
It's not unique to this situation

00:24:48.800 --> 00:24:51.820
It's gonna bring the meaningful additional revenue to the city

00:24:51.820 --> 00:24:55.900
I think that's the most important and since there's only two permits allowed in Stevenson County

00:24:55.900 --> 00:25:00.400
I truly believe this is a use it or lose it thing and if we pass on it another community is going to take

00:25:00.400 --> 00:25:05.079
Advantage of that and use it. So I respectfully urge you to vote in favor of agenda. I am number 11. Thank you

00:25:05.940 --> 00:25:08.220
And that concludes our public comment

00:25:09.140 --> 00:25:24.140
Next is the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless the member of council would like to have something removed for further discussion.

00:25:24.140 --> 00:25:54.140
The consent agenda consists of approval to receive and place on file the Building Commission minutes from October 15th, 2025, Zoning Board of Appeals from November 6th, 25th and February 5th, 26th, the Freeport Public Library Board, which is November 12th and December 10th, 25th, January 20th, 24th and February 11th, 26th, Planning Commission January 15th, February 12th, 26th, the revised Festival District

00:26:24.140 --> 00:26:34.059
in the total of $721,730.86. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman

00:26:34.059 --> 00:26:40.059
Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? Stacy?

00:26:41.579 --> 00:26:48.300
Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons?

00:26:48.300 --> 00:26:57.680
Jones, Aye. And Parker? Aye. The motion passes 8-0. Item number 6 is Appointments. Could

00:26:57.680 --> 00:27:03.900
you please read? We have several. Appointment of Deborah Leininger to the Ethics Commission

00:27:03.900 --> 00:27:10.380
effective through April 30th, 2028. Appointment of William Castle to the Board of Fire and

00:27:10.380 --> 00:27:16.320
Police Commissioners through April 30th, 29. Appointment of Michael Kemple to the Planning

00:27:16.320 --> 00:27:23.840
Commission through October 31, 2030. New appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission effective

00:27:23.840 --> 00:27:30.720
through February 28, 2029, Rebecca Quiggle. Three reappointments to the Historic Preservation

00:27:30.720 --> 00:27:38.240
Commission through February 28, 2029. They will be Scott Lizer, Ryan Walton, and Brenda Meyers.

00:27:39.279 --> 00:27:42.160
Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? So moved.

00:27:42.160 --> 00:27:44.960
Second. In motion made by Alderman Shadle,

00:27:44.960 --> 00:27:51.320
seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the appointments? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:27:51.320 --> 00:28:03.960
Stacy? Sure, why not? Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye.

00:28:03.960 --> 00:28:17.160
Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The motion passes 8 to 0. You are right. My apologies.

00:28:19.720 --> 00:28:24.360
Item number seven is the second reading of ordinance 20-26-13. Could you please read this?

00:28:25.320 --> 00:28:31.640
Ordinance amending chapter 14-48, erosion control permits. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you,

00:28:31.640 --> 00:28:35.079
Thank you, Your Honor. This ordinance came before Council March 9th for the Committee

00:28:35.079 --> 00:28:41.280
of the Whole where it was discussed with Randy Kolbauer. It was moved for a second reading

00:28:41.280 --> 00:28:45.360
on March 16th with no additional questions. I haven't received any questions and staff

00:28:45.360 --> 00:28:54.160
requests moving forward with this ordinance as proposed.

00:28:54.160 --> 00:29:00.000
Any discussion on the ordinance? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:23.360
Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The ordinance passes 8-0. Item number 8 is the second reading of Ordinance 20-26-14. Could you please read this?

00:29:23.360 --> 00:29:29.960
Ordinance amending Part 6, General Offenses, Chapter 660, Additional Hazardous Materials,

00:29:29.960 --> 00:29:37.079
Section 660-02, Definitions 05, Prohibition, and Adding Sections 09, Injunctive Relief

00:29:37.079 --> 00:29:44.119
and Administrative Hearing, Point 10, Access to Premises, 11, Notification of Discharge,

00:29:44.119 --> 00:29:50.400
12, Notice of Violations, 13, Suspension of Activities, and 14, Abatement Costs.

00:29:50.400 --> 00:29:51.400
Thank you.

00:29:51.400 --> 00:29:52.400
Manager Boyer.

00:29:52.400 --> 00:30:01.280
Ordinance 2026-14 is upgrading and making some changes to the MS4 stormwater permit similar to the

00:30:01.280 --> 00:30:06.680
Stormwater Permit, similar to the previous ordinance. This was brought to Council March

00:30:06.680 --> 00:30:12.000
9th, had first reading on the 16th, and was moved to second reading today. And staff recommends

00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:17.120
moving forward with this stormwater additional hazardous materials ordinance.

00:30:17.120 --> 00:30:21.920
Thank you. Discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:30:21.920 --> 00:30:22.920
Stacy?

00:30:22.920 --> 00:30:23.920
Aye.

00:30:23.920 --> 00:30:24.920
Shadle?

00:30:24.920 --> 00:30:25.920
Aye.

00:30:25.920 --> 00:30:26.920
Sanders?

00:30:26.920 --> 00:30:27.920
Aye.

00:30:27.920 --> 00:30:28.920
Sellers?

00:30:28.920 --> 00:30:29.920
Aye.

00:30:29.920 --> 00:30:30.920
Klemm?

00:30:30.920 --> 00:30:40.920
Aye. And Parker? Aye. The ordinance passes 8-0. And item number 9 is the second reading of Ordinance 20-26-15. Could you please read this?

00:31:00.920 --> 00:31:09.920
Services, Title IV, Utilities, Chapter 1050, Storm Sewers, Section 1050-08, Illicit Discharge.

00:31:09.920 --> 00:31:10.920
Thank you.

00:31:10.920 --> 00:31:11.920
Manager Boyer.

00:31:11.920 --> 00:31:14.080
Again, very similar to the last two ordinances.

00:31:14.080 --> 00:31:16.180
This was brought before Council on the 9th.

00:31:16.180 --> 00:31:19.860
It was moved to second reading on the 16th.

00:31:19.860 --> 00:31:26.240
This was, I've not received any additional questions for the MS4, again, stormwater related

00:31:26.240 --> 00:31:27.240
ordinance.

00:31:27.240 --> 00:31:42.280
We're discussing the infiltration of groundwater into sanitary sewers that we're talking about,

00:31:42.280 --> 00:31:44.400
Manager Boyer.

00:31:44.400 --> 00:31:48.600
This is just an upgrading of the storm water permit or the storm water requirements related

00:31:48.600 --> 00:31:54.880
to our MS4 permit that is a municipal storm separate storm sewer permit.

00:31:54.880 --> 00:32:00.980
So that is a part of overall management of stormwater, but this particular upgrade is

00:32:00.980 --> 00:32:05.080
just simply updating things that are required by our MS4 permit.

00:32:05.080 --> 00:32:06.080
Okay.

00:32:06.080 --> 00:32:07.080
Thank you.

00:32:07.080 --> 00:32:10.440
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:32:10.440 --> 00:32:11.440
Stacy?

00:32:11.440 --> 00:32:12.440
Aye.

00:32:12.440 --> 00:32:13.440
Shadle?

00:32:13.440 --> 00:32:14.440
Aye.

00:32:14.440 --> 00:32:15.440
Sanders?

00:32:15.440 --> 00:32:16.440
Aye.

00:32:16.440 --> 00:32:17.440
Sellers?

00:32:17.440 --> 00:32:18.440
Aye.

00:32:18.440 --> 00:32:19.440
Klemm?

00:32:19.440 --> 00:32:20.440
Aye.

00:32:20.440 --> 00:32:21.440
Johnson?

00:32:21.440 --> 00:32:22.440
Aye.

00:32:22.440 --> 00:32:23.440
Simmons?

00:32:23.440 --> 00:32:24.440
Aye.

00:32:24.440 --> 00:32:25.440
0.

00:32:25.440 --> 00:32:29.040
And item number 10 is the second reading of Ordinance 20-26-16.

00:32:29.040 --> 00:32:30.560
Could you please read this?

00:32:30.560 --> 00:32:35.660
Ordinance amending Part 10, Streets, Utilities, and Public Services, Title IV, Utilities,

00:32:35.660 --> 00:32:43.340
Chapter 1040, Utilities Generally, and Section 1040.07A and B, Connection Required Aligning

00:32:43.340 --> 00:32:44.840
with New Julie Laws.

00:32:44.840 --> 00:32:46.960
Thank you, Manager Boyer.

00:32:46.960 --> 00:32:47.960
Thank you, Your Honor.

00:32:47.960 --> 00:32:52.040
Again, this was brought before Council for the Committee of the Whole, also the last

00:32:52.040 --> 00:32:53.040
Council meeting.

00:32:53.040 --> 00:32:57.000
there were no questions in between those two meetings and staff is recommending

00:32:57.000 --> 00:33:04.960
moving forward with the proposed ordinances as written. Discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the role.

00:33:04.960 --> 00:33:17.200
Stacy. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. Sellers. Aye. Klemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye.

00:33:17.200 --> 00:33:25.800
The Ordinance passes 8 to 0 And item number 11 is the second reading of Ordinance 2026-17. Could you please read this?

00:33:25.800 --> 00:33:34.800
Ordinance approving a special use permit to allow adult use cannabis dispensing facility at 2725 Illinois Route 26, Unit A

00:33:34.800 --> 00:33:36.800
Thank you. Director Heimerdinger

00:33:36.800 --> 00:33:52.180
Thank you, Madam Mayor. Staff received a special use permit and application from Batavia Wellness LLC to allow adult use cannabis dispensary application at 2725 Illinois Route 26 Unit A in a B3 commercial wholesale business district.

00:33:52.540 --> 00:34:06.220
The proposed location meets all the distance requirements set forth in Chapter 1274 and is a vacant unit in a commercial shopping center with ample parking. The petitioners provided some data from our last council meeting.

00:34:06.800 --> 00:34:36.800
from four other Illinois locations showing peak traffic between 4 and 9 p.m. usually on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. And there is an average of 30 vehicles per hour during that time. This is a modest increase in traffic is expected to bring more visitors to the corridor benefiting surrounding businesses, enhancing economic activity. And also as noted during the last council meeting, another business that does not require special use.

00:34:36.800 --> 00:35:06.160
Thank you.

00:35:06.160 --> 00:35:18.240
discussion on this ordinance yes the three whatever percent that the city is

00:35:18.240 --> 00:35:26.520
supposed to gain from this dispensary coming what are the chances of it being

00:35:26.520 --> 00:35:34.960
put in a in a account for our road something that productive that we as a

00:36:34.960 --> 00:36:40.960
if we do see that kind of you know out of that six percent if some amount needs to

00:36:40.960 --> 00:36:44.960
go to roads if some amount needs to go to community things you know I'm always

00:36:44.960 --> 00:36:52.240
willing to to put the funding where where you guys think it needs to go we

00:36:52.240 --> 00:36:59.120
also had some projections given to us in the first month from zero to three

00:36:59.120 --> 00:37:29.120
Mons, they're looking at projections of sales, gross sales of 300k to 500k, which when you have the breakdown, that means that we'll be seeing $18,750 to $31,250 every month for those first three months. And then the production, the projections from month four and beyond indicate $600,000 to $1 million a month in

00:37:29.120 --> 00:37:59.040
Ingram, Yes, first of all, I'd like to thank Dan Stevens for his input that he put in.

00:37:59.039 --> 00:38:29.039
and the Zuber-Brillers for the input that you guys put in as business people and we did have some meetings, Alderman Shadle and I and the City Manager and Gertrude from Community Development and we do realize that there's a problem there traffic wise but it's a problem that we feel as though it can be fixed with some fairly minor stuff but there will need to be some work done like the

00:38:59.039 --> 00:39:09.360
Ferts, how the south end of the whole development is really not used and is not used properly

00:39:09.360 --> 00:39:10.800
the way it could.

00:39:10.800 --> 00:39:15.600
You know, we have one business coming in here, but we instantly found out as we talked, they've

00:39:15.600 --> 00:39:21.520
got three empty lots out there that's going to be big problems when somebody does develop

00:39:21.520 --> 00:39:23.280
and what we need to do.

00:39:23.280 --> 00:39:28.600
There are TIF funds available to work on that, and I believe also that there are plenty of

00:39:28.600 --> 00:39:34.720
and the people that are involved that would be willing to take a look at other opportunities

00:39:34.720 --> 00:39:36.360
for what we can do.

00:39:36.360 --> 00:39:40.840
You know, we had the same discussion that Dan had with the only difference was Dan said

00:39:40.840 --> 00:39:47.360
he'd go to Liener and go someplace else, Greg and I said we'd go 50 feet out of town someplace.

00:39:47.360 --> 00:39:56.480
You know, so either way we would without a doubt lose it and it is a quite a, does put

00:39:56.480 --> 00:40:01.240
are quite affect on the amount of money coming in and it would be a good idea to sit back

00:40:01.240 --> 00:40:08.720
and it would be a good idea to sit back and determine where that goes to because of even

00:40:08.720 --> 00:40:14.000
though the general fund goes to every place in the world, remember the general fund also

00:40:14.000 --> 00:40:18.240
pays for all the retirements, pays for all the things that need to be done, pays for

00:40:18.240 --> 00:40:20.760
the equipment and pays for all that kind of stuff.

00:40:20.760 --> 00:40:25.560
So I think before we instantly say let's put it in this, let's make sure we know what

00:40:25.560 --> 00:40:30.960
we want to do with it, but I will vote in favor of it due to the research we've done

00:40:30.960 --> 00:41:00.960
Afterwards, and everything. Thank you guys for that. Alderman Sellers. Yes, I just want to say that I am very much in support of this. I said, but I also look at it with the revenue that's coming in. I know that there's a portion. I know it was also said something about the law enforcement part. They get theirs. And I know that there is going to be coming down the pipe pretty soon that we're going to have to get a new police station. So that right

00:41:00.960 --> 00:41:02.960
and

00:41:03.960 --> 00:41:05.960
John.

00:41:06.960 --> 00:41:25.960
I think that there would also help that we don't have to go out to taxpayers asking for more money in that kind of way. But I do think that we need the revenue. If we've got a door open, let's try to get in it and get what we can and do what we can out of the best money that we get. So I'm in support of it.

00:41:25.960 --> 00:41:27.200
and

00:41:27.200 --> 00:41:28.680
that's the whole different topic.

00:41:28.680 --> 00:41:31.180
So this is about the special use permit.

00:41:31.180 --> 00:41:36.200
So if you want to have further discussions on allocating specific places, let's have

00:41:36.200 --> 00:41:39.520
that discussion and get that brought forward.

00:41:39.520 --> 00:41:41.180
Alderman Shadle.

00:41:41.180 --> 00:41:43.740
Yes, thank you.

00:41:43.740 --> 00:41:50.120
I'm not making light of the fact that the discussion's been about the tax benefits

00:41:50.120 --> 00:41:59.020
here, but to compound on top of that is going to be the traffic count and how it affects

00:41:59.020 --> 00:42:06.640
future development. That's the number one source that a business is looking at if they're

00:42:06.640 --> 00:42:14.320
looking at development is how many people are coming by my front door. And this is going

00:42:14.320 --> 00:42:22.220
want to significantly increase the traffic count for the three empty lots to the south

00:42:22.220 --> 00:42:24.360
end of that development.

00:42:24.360 --> 00:42:31.960
And we could very much see more development coming specifically from the traffic of this

00:42:31.960 --> 00:42:34.960
establishment.

00:42:34.960 --> 00:42:36.500
metric.

00:42:36.500 --> 00:42:46.700
You know when this was first spoke about, you said that there would be 300 to 500 customers

00:42:46.700 --> 00:42:48.380
per day.

00:42:48.380 --> 00:42:58.220
Now today you're comparing it to a food place with 100 customers an hour.

00:42:58.220 --> 00:43:04.260
And we're always talking about development, development, development.

00:43:04.260 --> 00:43:13.620
You'd be told nobody's coming to Freeport or else they would have already been here.

00:43:13.620 --> 00:43:22.620
We've been without a family restaurant for years and nothing.

00:43:22.620 --> 00:43:37.380
So I don't think you can compare it to a Chipotle and say that there's going to be 100 customers

00:43:37.380 --> 00:43:49.940
an hour to the dispensary when you already said it's going to be 300 to 500 per day.

00:43:49.940 --> 00:43:56.660
I don't know what the purpose was for that, to compare the dispensary to Chipotle.

00:43:56.660 --> 00:44:03.460
Yeah, the purpose of that was to compare that this needs a special use, we need the dispensary

00:44:03.460 --> 00:44:06.660
needs a special use permit.

00:44:06.660 --> 00:44:10.960
Anything else, it is zoned a restaurant, which means that it's very easy for a restaurant

00:44:10.960 --> 00:44:13.260
to move in there.

00:44:13.260 --> 00:44:19.440
Based on the square footage, a Chipotle can usually, a Chipotle, a subway, the other one

00:44:19.440 --> 00:44:22.740
that's similar to Chipotle also could fit

00:44:22.740 --> 00:44:25.340
into that kind of footprint.

00:44:25.340 --> 00:44:29.280
So that is the restaurant that I chose to look in,

00:44:29.280 --> 00:44:33.320
you know, what is the average during peak times.

00:44:33.320 --> 00:44:35.880
And that just leads into the traffic discussion

00:44:35.880 --> 00:44:39.120
from last time and to understanding that,

00:44:39.120 --> 00:44:40.720
yes, there is traffic.

00:44:40.720 --> 00:44:42.400
Yes, this will produce traffic,

00:44:42.400 --> 00:44:44.860
but it won't produce as much traffic as something else

00:44:44.860 --> 00:44:47.360
where you have no control over.

00:44:47.360 --> 00:44:48.920
And it doesn't need a special use

00:44:48.920 --> 00:44:51.160
and it could move in there tomorrow.

00:44:51.160 --> 00:44:55.800
So it's just to give a analysis of,

00:44:55.800 --> 00:44:58.680
you know, you see this as a traffic issue

00:44:58.680 --> 00:45:02.020
but it could be even more of a traffic issue

00:45:02.020 --> 00:45:03.360
with a different property

00:45:03.360 --> 00:45:05.420
or a different restaurant moving in.

00:45:05.420 --> 00:45:06.260
Thank you.

00:45:07.160 --> 00:45:08.960
Alderman Sanders.

00:45:08.960 --> 00:45:13.840
Not only we're talking about traffic

00:45:13.840 --> 00:45:18.840
and the designation of how we're going to

00:45:18.920 --> 00:45:31.520
to construct the enter and the exits of this building or this possible development of a

00:45:31.520 --> 00:45:32.520
building.

00:45:32.520 --> 00:45:39.360
But we also have to consider the image.

00:45:39.360 --> 00:45:48.640
You got to make sure that the development and reconstructing of that area has the image

00:45:48.640 --> 00:46:16.640
We just don't want to have a parking lot full of cars and the presentation of this building next to my building does not depreciate my location and that's what this might develop into.

00:46:16.640 --> 00:46:46.640
and so we have to take those things into consideration. Have we done an overall outlook for such a thing from the community to determine whether or not what we're going to, how we're going to make this place presentable to the community where even the most average person wouldn't mind walking, coming to this area and looking at this little

00:46:46.640 --> 00:47:01.640
When we look at a Walmart and its location and the image of Walmart, it is highly congested almost throughout the week.

00:47:01.640 --> 00:47:11.640
Traffic is something that you have to hurdle through in the Walmart area or any other area.

00:47:11.640 --> 00:47:39.640
But when we're talking this many people, cars trafficking through this area for this, we're not only just talking about this company, I'm not against it, I'm just thinking about the appreciation value of the surrounding area when that happens because presence considered for all of this needs to be respectful to the community at large.

00:47:39.640 --> 00:48:09.640
To the community at large when they're when they're envisioning it has an envision of what this location because if you don't have if you don't have the proper curving proper roadway proper marking and logos and and stands and when I say stands I mean signs signs where people can say well I know what we're getting into

00:48:39.640 --> 00:49:09.640
There was a presentation given last council meeting where we showed not only the floor plans but the elevations that were given to us by the company and it is going to, they're not doing much to the exterior, they are putting up a nice appropriate sign that says Nirvana. It will look like it does now, just a sign that says the name and I'm going to put it on the screen.

00:49:09.640 --> 00:49:15.320
it's it's they're not doing anything unique with the structure it will look

00:49:15.320 --> 00:49:19.600
just like it does now just like any restaurant or any business or any office

00:49:19.600 --> 00:49:25.440
building will have a nice sign right on it and that was included in the packet

00:49:25.440 --> 00:49:31.039
and I think that you can get to that packet tonight using the hyperlink to

00:49:31.039 --> 00:49:38.320
see it again if you'd like okay anyone else madam clerk please take the role

00:49:38.320 --> 00:49:52.840
Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? No. Simmons?

00:49:57.240 --> 00:50:02.960
Alderperson Simmons, are we still connected to you?

00:50:02.960 --> 00:50:18.880
Collins. Are we still connected to you? Yes, we can. Okay, no. Parker? Yes. The vote is

00:50:18.880 --> 00:50:27.960
a tie 4-4. Mayor, what say you? Aye. And the ordinance passes 5-4. Item number 12 is the

00:50:27.960 --> 00:50:32.639
first reading of Ordinance 2026-18. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending Section

00:50:32.639 --> 00:50:39.679
806.20 regarding non-licensee alcoholic liquor delivery services of the Liquor Codes.

00:50:39.679 --> 00:50:40.679
Thank you.

00:50:40.679 --> 00:50:43.679
Attorney Cox?

00:50:43.679 --> 00:50:50.599
Good evening everybody.

00:50:50.599 --> 00:50:52.519
Not a terribly exciting one here.

00:50:52.519 --> 00:50:58.320
We're proposing an amendment which comes as a suggestion from the Liquor Commission to

00:50:58.320 --> 00:51:02.139
section 806.20 of the codified ordinances.

00:51:02.139 --> 00:51:08.059
This regards licensee or non-licensee delivery services of liquor.

00:51:08.059 --> 00:51:14.880
We had previously provided as part of best practices coming out of COVID, there was expected

00:51:14.880 --> 00:51:19.820
to be a need for a liquor delivery or a demand for that.

00:51:19.820 --> 00:51:24.019
Best practice at the time suggested that we enact some regulations around that so we could

00:51:24.019 --> 00:51:27.059
just prevent a free-for-all, I guess.

00:51:27.059 --> 00:51:28.659
So we enacted those regulations.

00:51:28.659 --> 00:51:37.900
We have had exactly zero applications for those licenses thus far and recently the Illinois

00:51:37.900 --> 00:51:46.659
Liquor Control Act was amended so that the state has preempted local permitting of these

00:51:46.659 --> 00:51:55.900
types of services probably for the purpose of promoting GrubHub, DoorDash, those sorts

00:51:55.900 --> 00:51:56.900
and others.

00:51:56.900 --> 00:52:01.659
So the state has reserved unto itself the sole authority to license these sorts of things

00:52:01.659 --> 00:52:04.380
and taken that authority away from us.

00:52:04.380 --> 00:52:08.860
So what we're suggesting is that the ordinance not be completely deleted but simply reserved

00:52:08.860 --> 00:52:15.460
to the local authority the ability to ensure that our licensees or people operating within

00:52:15.460 --> 00:52:17.539
the city are complying with state statute.

00:52:17.539 --> 00:52:22.420
So there's no permit required anymore, there's no specific regulations that are unique to

00:52:22.420 --> 00:52:28.940
Freeport, but if Freeport code enforcement, law enforcement needs to utilize the state

00:52:28.940 --> 00:52:32.820
statute they can select whether they want to enforce under the ordinance or the statute

00:52:32.820 --> 00:52:39.220
just like most of our criminal code provisions which have adopted the state ordinances or

00:52:39.220 --> 00:52:41.840
the state statutes.

00:52:41.840 --> 00:52:44.780
Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward to the next meeting?

00:52:44.780 --> 00:52:45.780
Second.

00:52:45.780 --> 00:52:51.679
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

00:52:51.679 --> 00:53:02.400
on the Ordinance. Okay, thank you. Item number 13 is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-19.

00:53:02.400 --> 00:53:09.159
Could you please read this? Ordinance amending Part 4, Traffic Code, Title 8, Parking, Chapter

00:53:09.159 --> 00:53:17.559
480, Parking Generally, Section 480.24D, Regarding Disabled Persons and Veteran Parking Designations.

00:53:17.559 --> 00:53:21.240
The spot we're looking at tonight is 520 South Harlem Avenue.

00:53:21.240 --> 00:53:22.240
Thank you.

00:53:22.240 --> 00:53:23.240
Manager Boyer.

00:53:23.240 --> 00:53:27.039
I'll turn that on.

00:53:27.039 --> 00:53:32.159
As we do from time to time receive requests for disabled parking or ADA parking stalls

00:53:32.159 --> 00:53:36.320
at various locations, this one is at 520 South Harlem.

00:53:36.320 --> 00:53:43.599
The tenant has requested the ADA parking stall and staff is recommending moving forward with

00:53:43.599 --> 00:53:48.039
So we're working with this as well as a suspension of the rules so we can get this getting the

00:53:48.039 --> 00:53:51.680
signage put up right away so that we can make sure that this is taken care of rapidly.

00:53:51.680 --> 00:53:54.240
Is there a motion to move this forward?

00:53:54.240 --> 00:53:55.240
So second.

00:53:55.240 --> 00:54:00.079
A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

00:54:00.079 --> 00:54:01.079
Discussion on the ordinance?

00:54:01.079 --> 00:54:03.159
Motion to suspend the rules.

00:54:03.159 --> 00:54:04.159
Second.

00:54:04.159 --> 00:54:09.039
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers to suspend the

00:54:09.039 --> 00:54:10.280
rules.

00:54:10.280 --> 00:54:25.800
Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons,

00:54:25.800 --> 00:54:44.680
Johnson, Simmons, Kirk, have we lost her? We'll skip her for now. Parker? We'll give

00:54:44.680 --> 00:54:55.680
IT one second here. There will be no vote. We only needed six. We got seven to zero.

00:54:55.680 --> 00:54:57.440
Burel on the suspension.

00:54:57.440 --> 00:55:04.559
So then before you is the final passage for ordinance 2026-19, Alderman Shadle.

00:55:04.559 --> 00:55:10.639
I just want to add that this section of Harlem Avenue is parking only on one side of the

00:55:10.639 --> 00:55:18.960
street and the houses are kind of tight together and parking is at a premium and in this person's

00:55:18.960 --> 00:55:25.039
case they're not going to be able to make the trek from four or five doors down and

00:55:25.039 --> 00:55:31.000
It just makes nothing but sense to give them a chance to park in front of their house.

00:55:31.000 --> 00:55:32.000
Anyone else?

00:55:32.000 --> 00:55:35.559
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:55:35.559 --> 00:55:36.559
Stacy

00:55:36.559 --> 00:55:37.559
Aye

00:55:37.559 --> 00:55:38.559
Shadle

00:55:38.559 --> 00:55:39.559
Aye

00:55:39.559 --> 00:55:40.559
Sanders

00:55:40.559 --> 00:55:41.559
Aye

00:55:41.559 --> 00:55:42.559
Sellers

00:55:42.559 --> 00:55:43.559
Aye

00:55:43.559 --> 00:55:44.559
Klemm

00:55:44.559 --> 00:55:45.559
Aye

00:55:45.559 --> 00:55:46.559
Johnson

00:55:46.559 --> 00:55:47.559
Aye

00:55:47.559 --> 00:55:48.559
Simmons

00:55:48.559 --> 00:55:49.559
Not yet.

00:55:49.559 --> 00:55:50.559
Absent at the moment.

00:55:50.559 --> 00:55:51.559
Parker

00:55:51.559 --> 00:55:52.559
Aye

00:55:52.559 --> 00:55:53.559
The ordinance still passes 7-0.

00:55:53.559 --> 00:55:58.119
is the first reading of ordinance 202620. Could you please read this? Supplemental

00:55:58.119 --> 00:56:05.480
appropriation ordinance for fiscal year 2026 for use of reserve funds for cities

00:56:05.480 --> 00:56:10.559
20% match on STU funded road improvements. Thank you. Manager Boyer.

00:56:10.559 --> 00:56:17.519
Thank you, Your Honor. Last, I guess, January we were notified by IDOT that

00:56:17.519 --> 00:56:23.079
they were going to move forward with several STU federal route resurfacing

00:56:23.079 --> 00:56:29.320
Projects. Those projects are Adams Avenue from Float to Main, South Walnut from Empire to South,

00:56:29.960 --> 00:56:36.920
Lincoln from Locust to West, and Stevenson Street Sunset to Locust. Staff, this is obviously not

00:56:36.920 --> 00:56:42.599
budgeted. There is a match related to this. We're expecting about a two and a half million dollars

00:56:42.599 --> 00:56:49.320
worth of funding coming through IDOT, but staff needs a million dollar authorization

00:56:49.320 --> 00:56:56.440
to cover the match with local funds so that we can get these projects completed. So staff is asking

00:56:56.440 --> 00:57:01.880
for suspension of the rules as construction season is warming up every day. We'd like to have this

00:57:01.880 --> 00:57:07.000
done and taken care of so we can move forward with these reconstructs and so staff is asking

00:57:07.000 --> 00:57:14.840
for appropriation of a million dollars for the STU fund match. Thank you. Is there a motion to

00:57:14.840 --> 00:57:30.199
Yes, where will this million dollar match come from?

00:57:30.199 --> 00:57:37.239
It will come from the General Fund Reserve.

00:57:37.239 --> 00:57:38.239
Anyone else?

00:57:38.239 --> 00:57:39.239
Alderman Parker?

00:57:39.239 --> 00:57:41.239
Motion to suspend the rules.

00:57:41.239 --> 00:57:42.239
Second.

00:57:42.240 --> 00:57:54.240
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle to suspend the rules. Again, the suspension of the rules is non-debatable and must pass by a two-thirds majority. Larry, I'll get to you after this vote.

00:57:54.240 --> 00:58:00.240
Well, my whole thing is it was open for discussion first before the suspension of the rule.

00:58:00.240 --> 00:58:01.240
Well, correct.

00:58:01.240 --> 00:58:03.240
I have to be able to voice my...

00:58:03.240 --> 00:58:04.240
You can.

00:58:04.240 --> 00:58:07.240
No, not after the fact, before the fact.

00:58:07.240 --> 00:58:17.740
Well, when there's a motion on the floor, it's non-debatable, so we're done talking about it. Madam Clerk, could you please take the role on the suspension only, and then we'll come back to you, Alderman Sanders.

00:58:17.740 --> 00:58:19.240
Stacy.

00:58:19.240 --> 00:58:25.240
Okay, I just have a question. What if his question is pertaining to the suspension?

00:58:25.240 --> 00:58:30.240
It can't. It's a non-debatable thing.

00:58:30.240 --> 00:58:32.240
It's non-debatable.

00:59:02.239 --> 00:59:32.239
There was an opportunity, but you didn't speak up to say you wanted to speak, and then a motion to suspend was made. So sometimes you have to be on the spot with that. That said, that said, that said, that said, you will still have an opportunity to speak on this after the suspension motion is taken up. There's still an opportunity for discussion on this. Madam Clerk, please take the role in the suspension only. Stacy?

00:59:32.239 --> 00:59:47.239
This is to suspend the rules for the STU funding. Move it to second reading.

00:59:47.239 --> 01:00:01.239
Yes. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. Sellers. Aye. Klemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Same. Yes.

01:00:01.239 --> 01:00:03.239
and Parker.

01:00:03.239 --> 01:00:16.759
and Parker. Yes. That motion passes eight to zero. Okay. So now before you is this is the final reading for this, which is on the floor. So Alderman Sanders, would you like to have your time to be able to ask your questions?

01:00:16.759 --> 01:00:46.759
Well, it's not a question. It's a it's a procedure. That's what it is on things that we have not discussed as a council to to even debate or make a determination whether it's acceptable between members of the council. What we're making decisions on is appropriate for the people of the city of Okay. Okay. Alderman Sanders, I got to stop you. That's not what we're talking about.

01:00:46.759 --> 01:00:52.119
Now, what's on the floor is the Supplemental Appropriation Ordinance for the STU.

01:00:52.119 --> 01:00:57.319
It's not about the order of whether or not it's appropriate to call for suspension at

01:00:57.319 --> 01:00:58.319
what time.

01:00:58.319 --> 01:00:59.319
Okay, you're right.

01:00:59.319 --> 01:01:00.319
You're right.

01:01:00.319 --> 01:01:01.319
You're right.

01:01:01.319 --> 01:01:02.319
I'm sorry.

01:01:02.319 --> 01:01:03.319
I apologize for that.

01:01:03.319 --> 01:01:04.319
Thank you.

01:01:04.319 --> 01:01:07.319
Any discussion on this ordinance?

01:01:07.319 --> 01:01:09.359
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:01:09.359 --> 01:01:10.359
Stacy.

01:01:10.359 --> 01:01:11.359
Aye.

01:01:11.359 --> 01:01:12.359
Shadle.

01:01:12.359 --> 01:01:13.359
Aye.

01:01:13.359 --> 01:01:14.359
Sanders.

01:01:14.359 --> 01:01:15.359
Aye.

01:01:15.359 --> 01:01:16.359
Sellers.

01:01:16.359 --> 01:01:26.919
Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. And the ordinance passes 8-0. And item

01:01:26.919 --> 01:01:32.079
number 15 is the first reading of ordinance 2026-21. Could you please read this? Ordinance

01:01:32.079 --> 01:01:37.659
amending Title 10, Employment Provisions, Chapter 290, Compensation and Benefits, Section

01:01:37.659 --> 01:01:45.819
290.01e regarding classification plan to add a full-time information technology technician.

01:01:45.819 --> 01:01:47.619
Director Shuttman.

01:01:47.619 --> 01:01:49.959
Thank you.

01:01:49.959 --> 01:01:52.739
The IT department was formed in 2017.

01:01:52.739 --> 01:01:58.739
Since that time, the IT department has rapidly modernized and expanded the technology capabilities

01:01:58.739 --> 01:02:00.959
of the City of Freeport.

01:02:00.959 --> 01:02:05.339
This modernization and expansion has also increased the workload required to maintain

01:02:05.339 --> 01:02:09.979
these capabilities while still trying to innovate and further increase

01:02:09.979 --> 01:02:18.019
capabilities. An IT technician position was proposed in the fiscal year 26 budget

01:02:18.019 --> 01:02:24.059
it didn't make the cut but a position was approved for nuisance department and

01:02:24.059 --> 01:02:27.379
community development. Working with the community development director and city

01:02:27.379 --> 01:02:31.099
manager we now believe that the desired improvement to the nuisance violation

01:02:31.099 --> 01:02:37.739
and Compliance can be achieved through additional IT support and new technologies.

01:02:37.739 --> 01:02:42.979
Using IT as a force multiplier, adding the position of IT technician should also allow

01:02:42.979 --> 01:02:46.839
for similar improvements across most other departments.

01:02:46.839 --> 01:02:51.859
The funding for this position will come through a combination of the budgeted nuisance person

01:02:51.859 --> 01:02:53.659
as well as water and sewer funds.

01:02:53.659 --> 01:02:57.659
The water and sewer funds are needed because they will inevitably perform some work on

01:02:57.659 --> 01:03:02.859
Water & Sewer Software Equipment.

01:03:02.859 --> 01:03:07.579
This ordinance supports an efficient government goal of our strategic plan and STAC recommends

01:03:07.579 --> 01:03:10.379
moving it to the second reading.

01:03:10.379 --> 01:03:11.379
Thank you, Director Suttman.

01:03:11.379 --> 01:03:12.779
Is there a motion to move this forward?

01:03:12.779 --> 01:03:13.779
So moved.

01:03:13.779 --> 01:03:14.779
Second.

01:03:14.779 --> 01:03:19.099
The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

01:03:19.099 --> 01:03:20.099
Discussion on the ordinance.

01:03:20.099 --> 01:03:21.099
Suspension of the rules.

01:03:21.099 --> 01:03:22.099
No.

01:03:22.099 --> 01:03:23.099
Can't do that.

01:03:23.099 --> 01:03:24.099
Oh, oh, if you'd like to.

01:03:24.099 --> 01:03:26.099
Yeah, that's what I like to do.

01:03:26.099 --> 01:03:32.579
oh well okay uh is there is there a second to suspend the rules don't move we have a motion made

01:03:32.579 --> 01:03:39.460
by alderman sanders seconded by alderman clem right to suspend the rules again suspension the

01:03:39.460 --> 01:03:43.460
rules is non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds majority madam clerk would you please take the

01:03:43.460 --> 01:03:55.460
role on the suspension stacy no shadle no sanders yes sellers aye clem aye johnson

01:03:55.459 --> 01:04:07.859
Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. And that motion passes 6-2. So now before you is the final

01:04:07.859 --> 01:04:13.779
passage for Ordinance 20-26-21. Any further discussion on this ordinance? Alderman Stacy?

01:04:14.819 --> 01:04:24.739
So am I understanding that this is a position? Yes. And this has been budgeted for this year?

01:04:25.460 --> 01:04:31.779
in the IT account. The IT technician has not. What we're doing is we're swapping a person for

01:04:31.779 --> 01:04:39.939
nuisance into IT and I've worked that out with Community Development Director. Alderman Sanders.

01:04:39.939 --> 01:04:48.739
What are the qualifications for anyone becoming an IT specialist and whether or not they produce

01:04:48.739 --> 01:04:55.059
all of the credentials for such a position? I don't have the job description in front of me

01:04:55.059 --> 01:05:01.219
but it's a lot of your basic entry level is what we're looking for like presumably but also

01:05:01.219 --> 01:05:08.579
some credentials or a mix of college education work experience or credentials. Yeah I just want

01:05:08.579 --> 01:05:16.419
I just want to make sure that people that we're putting in computer because that's a very sensitive

01:05:16.419 --> 01:05:23.859
area. Yes. Very sensitive and I want to make sure that whoever is qualified carries the certification

01:05:23.859 --> 01:05:25.859
and others.

01:05:25.859 --> 01:05:35.859
We have a certification of an A plus certification, has an ATT plus certification before we even began to vet that individual.

01:05:35.859 --> 01:05:41.859
We don't even want to take time out to vet him before we can produce those kinds of credentials.

01:05:41.859 --> 01:05:52.859
So we don't want to waste our time with someone that does not walk with those credentials, especially in our IT department areas.

01:05:52.859 --> 01:05:59.219
I like to hear what that what that qualification is whether or not they're meeting all the standards I

01:06:00.219 --> 01:06:04.779
Believe we did put in like network. Would you like it? I've got a kind of sure

01:06:06.659 --> 01:06:12.579
Believe it was delivered to all the older person. Yeah, I think everybody has a copy. Yeah, I have it but I have

01:06:12.899 --> 01:06:17.139
It's not answering my question. Yeah, we put that I'm sorry

01:06:18.019 --> 01:06:21.479
a plus network plus security plus certification or equivalent

01:06:21.479 --> 01:06:36.879
Alderman, Stacy, I don't think you were done answering my question before you were cut off.

01:06:36.879 --> 01:06:45.159
I had asked about it being budgeted and you were saying no, that you swamped.

01:06:45.159 --> 01:06:50.159
The IT Tech was not budgeted for this year.

01:06:50.159 --> 01:06:53.960
An additional nuisance person for Community Development was budgeted.

01:06:53.960 --> 01:06:59.479
We're going to use the budget for that nuisance person on the IT technician.

01:06:59.479 --> 01:07:03.159
And we're not going to need this nuisance later in the year?

01:07:03.159 --> 01:07:07.279
You're not going to come back and be like, oh, well, we need that money back?

01:07:07.279 --> 01:07:11.079
No, I'm not coming back to you.

01:07:11.079 --> 01:07:16.559
The budget process was already started before I started.

01:07:16.559 --> 01:07:17.559
I started in October.

01:07:17.559 --> 01:07:20.279
Budget season was already well underway.

01:07:20.279 --> 01:07:27.899
I have two incredible team members who do the job of more than two people, and they

01:07:27.899 --> 01:07:33.279
do such a great job, and they're so diligent and on top of things that I don't need another

01:07:33.279 --> 01:07:34.279
one.

01:07:34.279 --> 01:07:39.759
We've actually seen a lot of success using technology such as emailing, specifically

01:07:39.759 --> 01:07:45.639
Landlords, because we have their emails available with rent registration.

01:07:45.639 --> 01:07:52.959
We've seen a very huge increase in compliance by emailing the landlords instead of waiting

01:07:52.959 --> 01:07:57.579
for the mail to reach them of situation in one of their properties.

01:07:57.579 --> 01:08:04.159
So with that, I'd like to continue looking into those types of changes and just incorporating

01:08:04.159 --> 01:08:12.159
Technology and Monorization of the department before I introduce another team member any

01:08:12.159 --> 01:08:13.479
time in the future.

01:08:13.479 --> 01:08:18.639
Thank you for the advancement of those funds and for opening the door for technology.

01:08:18.639 --> 01:08:19.639
Alderman Sanders?

01:08:19.639 --> 01:08:20.639
Can I speak again?

01:08:20.639 --> 01:08:25.439
Well, technically you did twice, but if you can keep it short.

01:08:25.439 --> 01:08:32.039
Yeah, I just wanted to know, are we entering into the field of AI?

01:08:32.039 --> 01:08:34.039
Are we setting up?

01:08:34.039 --> 01:08:36.279
Well, but Alderman Sanders has nothing to do with this.

01:08:36.279 --> 01:08:37.119
I know, but my point is...

01:08:37.119 --> 01:08:38.880
So if you want to ask her afterwards,

01:08:38.880 --> 01:08:40.760
you are more than welcome.

01:08:40.760 --> 01:08:42.639
All right, I just wanted to know.

01:08:44.319 --> 01:08:46.039
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:08:47.079 --> 01:08:48.319
Stacy.

01:08:48.319 --> 01:08:49.159
Aye.

01:08:49.159 --> 01:08:49.979
Shadle.

01:08:49.979 --> 01:08:50.819
Aye.

01:08:50.819 --> 01:08:51.659
Sanders.

01:08:52.920 --> 01:08:54.019
That's debatable.

01:08:55.439 --> 01:08:56.599
Answer the question.

01:08:57.920 --> 01:09:00.000
Can I argue with you first, sister?

01:09:00.000 --> 01:09:02.880
No, you can answer aye or no.

01:09:04.039 --> 01:09:33.039
I can move on if you need more time. Yeah, come back to me. Sellers, aye. Klemm, aye. Johnson, aye. Simmons, who, we'll give her one more minute to Parker. Aye. Back to Sanders. Okay. Aye. Parker. And Simmons, our Technology Directors, double dutying here.

01:09:33.039 --> 01:09:40.039
Alderperson Simmons, can you hear me?

01:09:40.039 --> 01:09:45.039
I'm going to mark her absent on this one. It passes 7-0.

01:09:45.039 --> 01:09:50.039
Okay, item number 16 is the first reading of ordinance 2026-22. Please read this.

01:09:50.039 --> 01:09:58.039
Ordinance amending Title 10, Employment Provisions, Chapter 290, Compensation and Benefits, Section 290.01.D.1,

01:09:58.039 --> 01:10:03.239
Starting Classification Plan to Add a Full-Time Freedom of Information Act Officer.

01:10:03.239 --> 01:10:05.840
Freedom of Information Act Officer.

01:10:05.840 --> 01:10:06.840
Thank you.

01:10:06.840 --> 01:10:07.840
Chief Rousseau.

01:10:07.840 --> 01:10:10.359
Good evening, everyone.

01:10:10.359 --> 01:10:15.719
We have had an influx of FOIA requests as of January of this year.

01:10:15.719 --> 01:10:21.079
And right now, my officers are the ones that are answering the FOIAs, which is not in their

01:10:21.079 --> 01:10:23.579
duties and responsibilities to do.

01:10:23.579 --> 01:10:29.599
So therefore, providing an administrative support for our FOIA requests, because they

01:10:29.599 --> 01:10:37.679
they have gone up as of year to date from January 1st to April 3rd, 173 requests.

01:10:37.679 --> 01:10:41.619
And therefore the integrity investigation in accordance to state law should protect the

01:10:41.619 --> 01:10:49.760
privacy of these FOIAs and I don't have the clerk for that position so adding this position

01:10:49.760 --> 01:10:55.920
will actually help in order for those requests and have my officers and my sergeants and

01:10:55.920 --> 01:11:03.359
and my corporals to do their job as what they were sworn in to do.

01:11:03.359 --> 01:11:04.960
Attorney Zito.

01:11:04.960 --> 01:11:10.399
So before we, anyone makes a motion to move this forward, there are the draft of the ordinance

01:11:10.399 --> 01:11:16.039
that you have in your binders there, there was a blank because at the time that we submitted

01:11:16.039 --> 01:11:20.519
for the packets, we didn't know what the class grade was going to be for this position.

01:11:20.519 --> 01:11:23.439
We have since learned that that's going to be a class grade 12.

01:11:23.439 --> 01:11:27.000
So ultimately if someone's going to make a motion to move this forward, I would ask that

01:11:27.000 --> 01:11:32.800
they make the motion to move it forward with the addition that this would be a class grade

01:11:32.800 --> 01:11:33.800
12 position.

01:11:33.800 --> 01:11:38.079
I make a motion we move it forward with a class grade 12.

01:11:38.079 --> 01:11:39.760
I second.

01:11:39.760 --> 01:11:44.840
Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sanders, or I'm sorry Sellers.

01:11:44.840 --> 01:11:48.359
All those, oh my goodness.

01:11:48.359 --> 01:11:49.359
Discussion on the ordinance.

01:11:49.359 --> 01:11:50.359
Yeah.

01:11:50.359 --> 01:11:51.359
Alderman Park.

01:11:51.359 --> 01:11:52.359
Yeah.

01:11:52.359 --> 01:11:53.359
Alderman Park.

01:11:53.359 --> 01:11:54.359
Motion to suspend the rules.

01:11:54.359 --> 01:11:55.359
Oh.

01:11:55.359 --> 01:11:56.359
Oh, he gets the first one.

01:11:56.359 --> 01:11:57.359
Would you like to second it?

01:11:57.359 --> 01:11:58.359
No.

01:11:58.359 --> 01:12:02.279
I just wanted to go first, suspending anything before anything got suspended.

01:12:02.279 --> 01:12:03.279
Is there a second?

01:12:03.279 --> 01:12:04.279
Second.

01:12:04.279 --> 01:12:05.279
Second.

01:12:05.279 --> 01:12:06.279
I think the mayor did that unfairly.

01:12:06.279 --> 01:12:10.679
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers for suspension

01:12:10.679 --> 01:12:11.679
of the rules.

01:12:11.679 --> 01:12:15.719
Again, suspension of the rules is non-debatable and must pass by a two-thirds majority.

01:12:15.719 --> 01:12:18.359
Madam Clerk, please take the roll on the suspension only.

01:12:18.359 --> 01:12:19.359
Stacy.

01:12:19.359 --> 01:12:20.359
No.

01:12:20.359 --> 01:12:31.779
Bill, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, and Parker.

01:12:31.779 --> 01:12:34.899
That fails 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, to 3.

01:12:34.899 --> 01:12:36.539
We needed 6 for that.

01:12:36.539 --> 01:12:40.779
So you can call the mayor because half the council's voted in favor of it so.

01:12:40.779 --> 01:12:43.500
Oh, thank you, attorney, mayor, what say you?

01:12:43.500 --> 01:12:44.500
Aye.

01:12:44.500 --> 01:12:48.139
Well, then that passes then 6 to 3.

01:12:48.139 --> 01:12:52.139
So now, any further discussion on the ordinance that's before you?

01:12:52.139 --> 01:12:53.139
I've heard enough.

01:12:53.139 --> 01:12:54.139
I've heard enough.

01:12:54.139 --> 01:12:55.139
I've heard enough.

01:12:55.139 --> 01:12:56.139
You don't have the floor.

01:12:56.139 --> 01:12:57.139
No, I know.

01:12:57.139 --> 01:13:03.099
I'd just like to say to remind any council member here of the decorum in regards to the

01:13:03.099 --> 01:13:09.260
rules of 220.10, section 24, enforcement of decorum, please.

01:13:09.260 --> 01:13:10.760
Who's talking?

01:13:10.760 --> 01:13:12.380
Chief Falstow of the police department.

01:13:12.380 --> 01:13:14.219
Why is she talking?

01:13:14.219 --> 01:13:15.219
That's what I want to know.

01:13:15.219 --> 01:13:16.219
Who gave you that?

01:13:16.219 --> 01:13:27.059
Would you like to be a little more clear with what you're saying, Chief Rosso?

01:13:27.059 --> 01:13:29.579
Do I have the floor now?

01:13:29.579 --> 01:13:30.579
Sure.

01:13:30.579 --> 01:13:31.579
Okay.

01:13:31.579 --> 01:13:32.579
Thank you, ma'am.

01:13:32.579 --> 01:13:36.579
I'm just trying to remind everyone here in council, the rules of council, to 20.10 enforcement

01:13:36.579 --> 01:13:44.179
of the decorum of section 24 in order for us to have a clean, valid conversation as

01:13:44.179 --> 01:14:03.340
Alderman Sanders, if this is your warning, if you continue to be disruptive, you will

01:14:03.340 --> 01:14:04.340
be out of order.

01:14:04.340 --> 01:14:05.340
Please don't go to that.

01:14:05.340 --> 01:14:06.340
Okay.

01:14:06.340 --> 01:14:07.340
Thank you.

01:14:07.340 --> 01:14:09.659
But I do need to state my case.

01:14:09.659 --> 01:14:14.659
If it has something to do with this ordinance for the FOIA officer?

01:14:14.659 --> 01:14:19.159
Yes. Her comment that she made.

01:14:19.159 --> 01:14:20.359
That's not on the floor.

01:14:20.359 --> 01:14:21.460
That's not on the floor?

01:14:21.460 --> 01:14:22.559
No, it's not on the floor.

01:14:22.559 --> 01:14:26.859
What's on the floor before you is the full-time FOIA officer.

01:14:26.859 --> 01:14:29.460
So do you have something you'd like to add to the floor?

01:14:29.460 --> 01:14:32.460
No, she was talking about decorum, Mayor.

01:14:32.460 --> 01:14:36.159
She was talking about decorum.

01:14:36.159 --> 01:14:38.960
The police chief under our ordinances is the Sergeant in Arms,

01:14:38.960 --> 01:14:43.319
Davis, and she is charged with keeping decorum here, ultimately enforcing it, so that's why

01:14:43.319 --> 01:14:45.219
she was just making a comment.

01:14:45.219 --> 01:14:47.239
Our city ordinances say that.

01:14:47.239 --> 01:14:48.239
Based on what?

01:14:48.239 --> 01:14:49.239
Our city ordinance.

01:14:49.239 --> 01:14:51.439
But why would she bring it up based on what, though?

01:14:51.439 --> 01:14:54.760
She has to be clarified on what it is.

01:14:54.760 --> 01:14:58.920
She made her comments and that's it, she doesn't, okay, she made her comments, that's it, alright.

01:14:58.920 --> 01:15:03.319
So the topic that is on the floor right now is this ordinance.

01:15:03.319 --> 01:15:04.319
You know.

01:15:04.319 --> 01:15:07.439
So any further discussion on this ordinance?

01:15:07.439 --> 01:15:08.439
Yes.

01:15:08.439 --> 01:15:15.399
Alderman, Alderman, Alderman, Alderman, Alderman-I don't think we should have a department that

01:15:15.399 --> 01:15:23.239
is hoarding all of the FOIAs that are and complaints that people are making throughout

01:15:23.239 --> 01:15:24.479
the community.

01:15:24.479 --> 01:15:31.260
I don't think it should come to a central location where you have a PAM buddy taking

01:15:31.260 --> 01:15:40.920
Over, and deciding what gets admitted or said or submitted to the community to have clarity

01:15:40.920 --> 01:15:48.559
of knowledge of what foyers are going forward and people are understanding what foyers that

01:15:48.559 --> 01:15:56.519
in complaints that has been made, if it's held by an individual department area, they

01:15:56.519 --> 01:16:03.599
They have discretion on what foyers go forth through the community or acknowledged through

01:16:03.599 --> 01:16:05.279
the public.

01:16:05.279 --> 01:16:11.920
They have that discretion and I don't think we as council should be allowing the department

01:16:11.920 --> 01:16:19.800
to receive all foyers and administer and disperse them out to the general public at their discretion

01:16:19.800 --> 01:16:27.239
because the council is not being acknowledged of all of the foyers that will come in, not

01:16:27.239 --> 01:16:33.800
even, in some cases, even in our own clerk office. We are not receiving all of the foyer

01:16:33.800 --> 01:16:44.840
complaints about it, but if we allow the police department to handle our foyers at their discretion,

01:16:44.840 --> 01:16:51.639
We might as well be setting up another situation with the Attorney General's office that is

01:16:51.639 --> 01:16:52.639
going on.

01:16:52.639 --> 01:16:53.880
You're really confusing this topic.

01:16:53.880 --> 01:16:54.960
No, I'm not.

01:16:54.960 --> 01:16:57.000
I'm trying to get my point in.

01:16:57.000 --> 01:16:59.119
But it's not accurate, Alderman Sanders.

01:16:59.119 --> 01:17:01.239
Boyers are not to be...

01:17:01.239 --> 01:17:04.000
Madam Clerk, could you please shed some light on FOIA?

01:17:04.000 --> 01:17:09.119
So our next agenda item, I'm also asking for a FOIA Clerk.

01:17:09.119 --> 01:17:13.920
Historically, PD has processed those that relate to PD.

01:17:13.920 --> 01:17:19.960
Mayor has their own FOIA officer, sometimes they've had two.

01:17:19.960 --> 01:17:21.920
The library has their own.

01:17:21.920 --> 01:17:24.760
I will retain my own.

01:17:24.760 --> 01:17:29.359
This is, and do you want to take over from here for clarifying?

01:17:29.359 --> 01:17:37.359
This is removing a lieutenant from processing FOIAs and having more of a records clerk position

01:17:37.359 --> 01:17:38.460
process FOIAs.

01:17:38.460 --> 01:17:40.399
Please correct me if that's not correct.

01:17:40.399 --> 01:17:41.399
You are correct.

01:17:41.399 --> 01:17:42.399
Okay.

01:17:42.399 --> 01:17:43.399
Okay.

01:17:43.399 --> 01:17:50.479
Alderman, Stacy, did you have something?

01:17:50.479 --> 01:17:51.479
Yes.

01:17:51.479 --> 01:17:58.359
Where would the funding come from for such a position?

01:17:58.359 --> 01:18:03.319
The funding position will come from the Police Department budget within the General Fund.

01:18:03.319 --> 01:18:13.319
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll on ordinance

01:18:13.319 --> 01:18:20.760
2020-2022. Stacy. I thought this was the first reading. Oh, we had a suspension of the rules.

01:18:22.599 --> 01:18:35.319
No. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. No. Sellers. Aye. Klemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. No. And Parker. Aye.

01:18:35.319 --> 01:18:43.639
the ordinance passes five to three and item number 17 is the first reading of

01:18:43.639 --> 01:18:48.399
ordinance 2026 23 could you please read this ordinance amending title 10

01:18:48.399 --> 01:18:52.960
employment provisions chapter 290 compensation and benefits section 290

01:18:52.960 --> 01:18:58.760
point 0 1 d3 regarding classification plan to add part-time deputy clerk slash

01:18:58.760 --> 01:19:04.479
freedom of information act or FOIA clerk thank you manager where thank you your

01:19:04.479 --> 01:19:10.199
Your Honor, and as Dovie mentioned, this is a part-time FOIA clerk to deal with the increasing

01:19:10.199 --> 01:19:12.800
volume of FOIAs coming into her office.

01:19:12.800 --> 01:19:19.899
I'm just going to kind of go through the memo here fairly thoroughly here.

01:19:19.899 --> 01:19:26.180
So since 2017, the clerk's office has operated with one full-time elected City Clerk and

01:19:26.180 --> 01:19:28.760
one full-time appointed Deputy City Clerk.

01:19:28.760 --> 01:19:33.079
Since 2017 and the formation of the City Manager Form of Government, the clerk's office has

01:19:33.079 --> 01:19:38.639
has taken on additional duties and the number of existing duties has increased in volume.

01:19:38.639 --> 01:19:45.180
Additionally, duties include tracking contracts, agreements with monthly review with City Manager.

01:19:45.180 --> 01:19:50.300
From the time of an in-house attorney, stopped tracking these agreements back in 2015 and

01:19:50.300 --> 01:19:56.099
until 2019, this was not done until Dovie began maintaining the contract spreadsheet.

01:19:56.099 --> 01:19:59.960
It was not currently being, it was not being reviewed during that duration.

01:19:59.960 --> 01:20:03.279
In 2019 there were 40 contracts that the

01:20:03.279 --> 01:20:08.239
Forty contracts that the in-house attorney had been tracking on a spreadsheet.

01:20:08.239 --> 01:20:13.979
As of March 2026, there are now 215 active contracts being maintained and tracked by the

01:20:13.979 --> 01:20:19.359
City Clerk, of which a six-month window is reviewed monthly with the City Manager.

01:20:19.359 --> 01:20:24.139
There are 200 closed contracts listed in the spreadsheet, awaiting approval for... or disapproval

01:20:24.139 --> 01:20:28.420
through the records retention process by the Illinois State's archive.

01:20:28.420 --> 01:20:33.259
Two additional duties which did not exist in the clerk's office in 2017 are maintenance

01:20:33.259 --> 01:20:38.139
and filing of hanger leases and attendance and typing of minutes at the Finance Committee

01:20:38.139 --> 01:20:44.139
of the Whole meetings. An example of an increase in volume of work since 2017 is the diligence

01:20:44.139 --> 01:20:50.340
expended by the deputy clerk in obtaining signatures on contracts approved by resolution.

01:20:50.340 --> 01:20:55.739
A contract cannot be proven valid if unsigned, therefore the deputy clerk works extensively

01:20:55.739 --> 01:21:00.340
with repeated reminders to obtain signatures prior to filing resolutions.

01:21:00.340 --> 01:21:04.779
Historically, not all contracts were signed when filed with a resolution.

01:21:04.779 --> 01:21:11.340
The increase in resolutions has in turn increased the time required in processing agreements,

01:21:11.340 --> 01:21:13.500
including obtaining signatures.

01:21:13.500 --> 01:21:22.340
The number of resolutions has increased from 60 in 2019 to 159 in 2025, which is a 165%

01:21:22.340 --> 01:21:23.340
increase.

01:21:23.340 --> 01:21:53.340
We have been delayed by five years. Some tasks have been put on hold, such as keeping certificates of insurance up to date. Some tasks are delayed by years, such as typing closed session minutes, which is five years behind, and some tasks are beginning to become delayed, such as minutes not being available at the next council committee of the whole meeting, miscellaneous licenses issued late, and FOIA directory posted to website only annually instead of the scheduled quarterly updates.

01:21:53.340 --> 01:21:58.579
6 Budget, a third part-time deputy clerk was proposed but did not make it to the final

01:21:58.579 --> 01:22:07.579
budget. Citywide, the number of employees has increased from 172 in 2017 to 188 in 2025.

01:22:07.579 --> 01:22:12.500
We've added an Information Technology Department, additional staff and departments generate

01:22:12.500 --> 01:22:18.399
more resolutions, more contracts, more vehicles, more equipment, gear, more filing, which citywide

01:22:18.399 --> 01:22:42.340
Liqueur Licenses will be the first type of license processed online within the next month

01:22:42.340 --> 01:22:49.300
with the addition of other miscellaneous licenses in March of 2027. Online processing will hopefully

01:22:49.300 --> 01:22:55.219
be more expedient than paper processing and bring some relief to the overall clerk's workload once

01:22:55.219 --> 01:23:00.899
applicants are familiar with the new procedure. In addition to the above workload, Freedom of

01:23:00.899 --> 01:23:06.739
Information Acts have recently and rapidly increased across all departments as well as

01:23:06.739 --> 01:23:12.139
and others across the state. In the clerk's office alone, a total of 213 FOIA requests

01:23:12.139 --> 01:23:21.260
were processed in 2025, which is a 30% increase over 2024, a 122% increase over 2021, and

01:23:21.260 --> 01:23:27.300
there have been a couple of state statute changes in the FOIA laws which benefit municipalities,

01:23:27.300 --> 01:23:32.619
but there is no significant relief in sight for the future. The addition of a part-time

01:23:32.619 --> 01:23:38.139
Deputy Clerk, FOIA Clerk, would greatly benefit the current workload on the City Clerk's Office.

01:23:38.139 --> 01:23:45.840
Additional staff will help the Clerk's Office maintain the statutory requirements of the Information Act as well as Open Meetings Act.

01:23:45.840 --> 01:23:53.739
Without additional staffing, compliance with FOIA and OMA will be the main focus to reduce liability exposure to the City.

01:23:53.739 --> 01:24:04.739
Without the addition of the Deputy City Clerk, Boyer Clerk, services currently provided to City Councilmembers, coworkers, and applicants will need to be reduced or modified.

01:24:04.739 --> 01:24:18.739
Funding for the part-time Deputy Clerk, Boyer Clerk position for the remainder of 2026 will come from the fiscal year 2025 fund reserve with the position incorporated into the 2027 budget.

01:24:18.739 --> 01:24:24.079
Thank you. Staff recommends approval of this position and has requested suspension of the

01:24:24.079 --> 01:24:30.399
rules on this. Thank you. Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? Second. A motion

01:24:30.399 --> 01:24:35.819
made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the ordinance? Alderman

01:24:35.819 --> 01:24:43.139
Sellers? To me, I look at it as a good thing because it's part-time and we are growing

01:24:43.139 --> 01:24:49.659
as a community and we have more things going on and they need the help so I am

01:24:49.659 --> 01:24:56.760
in support of it and I think it's a good thing to help out. I'd just like to make

01:24:56.760 --> 01:25:01.739
a comment if anybody doesn't think of this we need this position take a look

01:25:01.739 --> 01:25:07.859
at Dixon. Prime example number of contracts have increased how much but

01:25:07.859 --> 01:25:11.659
you're in charge of to close and everything else it's been a needed

01:25:11.659 --> 01:25:37.319
Blumenthal,

01:25:37.319 --> 01:25:42.840
just to give a ballpark figure about how many hours you put into doing like say one FOIA?

01:25:43.719 --> 01:25:50.199
For some pretty complicated ones where I have to dig pretty deep and do a pretty detailed breakdown.

01:25:50.199 --> 01:25:55.000
I've already spent eight hours. I've clocked, you know, I've kept track and spent eight hours

01:25:55.000 --> 01:26:03.559
on one complicated FOIA. I would say a typical one that goes to community development. I would say

01:26:03.559 --> 01:26:32.559
Probably, probably our most common is code violations to a single property is probably the most common. And probably between my time and actually Jabria processes most of those. But by the time she shares it and Gertrude's department processes, maybe a total of four hours across the two departments, if redactions are needed, that takes a little bit longer.

01:26:32.559 --> 01:26:40.260
We log them. We track them. That in itself takes time. Did you want to add to that?

01:26:40.260 --> 01:26:49.260
Yeah, I think the ones that we get are usually if they're related to fines or adjudicated cases, we have to go and search for the liens.

01:26:49.260 --> 01:27:02.260
And we do our due diligence to make sure that we find them all. Sometimes it is a, you know, anything that was prior to a new systems or a new technology, we have to go back and look a little bit further.

01:27:02.260 --> 01:27:08.300
Parker. So, yeah, I think about four sometimes, you know, if we have to look further back maybe

01:27:08.300 --> 01:27:12.460
add a couple extra hours to look through the paper copies and our storage and go upstairs

01:27:12.460 --> 01:27:14.779
and find them. So, yeah. Thank you.

01:27:14.779 --> 01:27:15.779
Alderman Parker?

01:27:15.779 --> 01:27:16.779
Motion to suspend the rules.

01:27:16.779 --> 01:27:17.779
Second.

01:27:17.779 --> 01:27:18.779
Is that Shadle?

01:27:18.779 --> 01:27:26.420
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker for suspension of the rules, seconded by Alderman

01:27:26.420 --> 01:27:30.639
Shadle. Again, suspension of the rules is non-debatable. Madam Clerk, please take the

01:27:30.639 --> 01:27:32.179
role in the suspension only.

01:27:32.179 --> 01:27:52.179
Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. We'll wait a second for Alderperson Sanders. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? No. Parker? Aye. One, two, three, four, five. We're currently five to two.

01:27:52.179 --> 01:28:14.779
Okay, Mayor, what say you? Aye. We have our six votes to two, the suspension passes. So then before you, Council, is the final passage for this ordinance. Any further discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:28:14.779 --> 01:28:44.779
Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Nope. I'm so sorry. He's absent at the moment. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? No. Ann Parker? Aye. One, two, three, four, five. In favor, five to two. That is enough for to pass the ordinance. Thank you. And thank you very much. Item number eighteen is the first reading of ordinance twenty, twenty-six, twenty-four. Could you please read this?

01:28:44.779 --> 01:28:48.139
Well No. 12 property to the City of Freeport, Stevenson County.

01:28:48.139 --> 01:28:49.139
Thank you.

01:28:49.139 --> 01:28:50.139
Manager Boyer.

01:28:50.139 --> 01:28:51.380
Thank you, Your Honor.

01:28:51.380 --> 01:28:56.299
As everyone knows, we've been working very diligently on gaining new source water and

01:28:56.299 --> 01:28:58.219
treatment capacity.

01:28:58.219 --> 01:29:05.059
The location for Well 12 was chosen from a study that was done on the aquifer quality.

01:29:05.059 --> 01:29:12.619
This location at Forest Road and the South Park entrance was purchased about a year ago.

01:29:12.619 --> 01:29:18.099
And we need to annex this into the city at this point, so staff requests moving forward

01:29:18.099 --> 01:29:22.260
with the annexation of, well, I'm not going to read the parcel number because it's fairly

01:29:22.260 --> 01:29:28.159
lengthy, but if you want to read it, it's in your memo. Kindly, staff requests annexing

01:29:28.159 --> 01:29:29.159
this into the city.

01:29:29.159 --> 01:29:30.159
Motion to approve.

01:29:30.159 --> 01:29:31.159
Second.

01:29:31.159 --> 01:29:38.380
A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the ordinance.

01:29:38.380 --> 01:29:40.760
Alderman Shadle.

01:29:40.760 --> 01:29:47.399
Is there any need? There's no note on here for a request of suspension. Is there any need?

01:29:47.399 --> 01:29:49.399
Okay. Thank you.

01:29:49.399 --> 01:29:53.399
There's a lot of dirt moving there.

01:29:53.399 --> 01:29:55.399
I'm okay with a suspension.

01:29:55.399 --> 01:29:57.399
No, we can't. We cannot suspend.

01:29:57.399 --> 01:29:59.399
Oh, we can't.

01:29:59.399 --> 01:30:03.399
We have to follow a ordinance, so we can't suspend because we have to have a public...

01:30:03.399 --> 01:30:26.039
Ordinance Approving the City to Enter into a Second Addendum to Lease Agreement with

01:30:26.039 --> 01:30:29.639
Derek Squires for Airplane Hangar G at Albertus Airport

01:30:29.639 --> 01:30:35.159
Thank You Manager Boyer. Thank Your Honor. Derek Squires operates a maintenance

01:30:35.159 --> 01:30:41.920
facility in the eternal hangar G. He has recently approached the city about

01:30:41.920 --> 01:30:47.239
allowing us to use the entire facility. Currently his lease states that he can

01:30:47.239 --> 01:30:54.079
only use half of it. Staff agrees and request City's Council on providing the

01:30:54.079 --> 01:30:58.399
and the other half of the hanger at an increased rent of $2,000 per month.

01:30:58.399 --> 01:30:59.399
Motion approved.

01:30:59.399 --> 01:31:00.399
Second.

01:31:00.399 --> 01:31:07.839
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers to move Ordinance 2026-25

01:31:07.839 --> 01:31:10.479
onto the next scheduled meeting.

01:31:10.479 --> 01:31:11.479
Discussion on the ordinance?

01:31:11.479 --> 01:31:12.479
Alderman Stacey?

01:31:12.479 --> 01:31:27.719
If I'm not mistaken, I thought there was a square footage amount determined on the cost

01:31:27.719 --> 01:31:29.719
of a hanger.

01:31:29.719 --> 01:31:45.719
This hanger G is 80 by 100 and a hanger of this size at least is worth $4,000 per month.

01:31:45.719 --> 01:31:54.079
And so why is it only being built for $2,000?

01:31:54.079 --> 01:32:03.119
Why is it that the city is paying for gas and electric when the most electric we use

01:32:03.119 --> 01:32:09.719
is letting up the garage door to take out the equipment and to put it back in?

01:32:09.719 --> 01:32:15.639
Why are the taxpayers paying their utilities?

01:32:15.639 --> 01:32:19.159
They're being squires.

01:32:19.159 --> 01:32:29.000
Where, after April 1st, do the equipment? Where will it be put? Why not remain in the

01:32:29.000 --> 01:32:38.359
hanger as it was in the past?

01:32:38.359 --> 01:32:42.599
I don't have an answer for every single one of those because I didn't write them all down.

01:32:42.599 --> 01:33:07.159
However, I will say that in June of 2024, we approved this hangar lease with Mr. Squires for $1,000 and he is faithfully used and abided by the terms of the lease, his business is getting larger, and we'd like the opportunity to extend that and double his square footage for $2,000.

01:33:07.159 --> 01:33:22.159
So, staff, yes, it is true that the city does pay for utilities. However, that is no different than it's been when we had the other, you know, operations, second-generation aviation was operating out of this hangar.

01:33:22.159 --> 01:33:36.159
In terms of the equipment, I think Mr. Squires has also been so generous to allow us to keep the equipment out there in that hangar. So, I would recommend council move forward with this lease.

01:33:36.159 --> 01:34:06.159
Alderman Parker? Motion to suspend the rules. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman. What's going on? If you're going to be disruptive, that'll be your warning. Let's be, let's be professional. Yeah, let's be professional. That's your warning. If it happens again, you're going to be escorted. So please don't do it again. We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle for suspension.

01:34:06.159 --> 01:34:10.359
Ms. Clerk, please take the role on the suspension only.

01:34:10.359 --> 01:34:11.359
Stacy?

01:34:11.359 --> 01:34:12.359
No.

01:34:12.359 --> 01:34:13.359
Shadle?

01:34:13.359 --> 01:34:14.359
Aye.

01:34:14.359 --> 01:34:15.359
Sanders?

01:34:15.359 --> 01:34:16.359
No.

01:34:16.359 --> 01:34:17.359
Sellers?

01:34:17.359 --> 01:34:18.359
Aye.

01:34:18.359 --> 01:34:19.359
Klemm?

01:34:19.359 --> 01:34:20.359
Aye.

01:34:20.359 --> 01:34:21.359
Johnson?

01:34:21.359 --> 01:34:22.359
Aye.

01:34:22.359 --> 01:34:23.359
Simmons?

01:34:23.359 --> 01:34:36.039
Alderperson, Simmons, can you hear me?

01:34:36.039 --> 01:34:38.479
We can go back to her if we need to, Parker?

01:34:38.479 --> 01:34:39.479
Aye.

01:34:39.479 --> 01:34:42.119
One, two, three, four.

01:34:42.119 --> 01:34:43.879
It's five to two.

01:34:43.879 --> 01:34:44.879
Mayor?

01:34:44.879 --> 01:34:45.879
Okay.

01:34:45.879 --> 01:34:46.879
Aye.

01:34:46.879 --> 01:34:49.719
Mayor, what is your vote?

01:34:49.719 --> 01:34:50.719
Aye.

01:34:50.719 --> 01:34:51.719
Aye.

01:34:51.719 --> 01:34:55.199
That is now six to two and the suspension passes.

01:34:55.199 --> 01:35:02.199
So now before you is for the passage for this ordinance discussion on this hangar ordinance.

01:35:02.199 --> 01:35:03.759
Alderman Stacey?

01:35:03.759 --> 01:35:04.759
Yes.

01:35:04.759 --> 01:35:18.159
I think he told you that he answered them to the best of his ability because he didn't write them all down. You had an entire page. You're more than welcome to pick up the phone and ask these questions.

01:35:22.159 --> 01:35:34.159
Why, if our equipment is not staying in that hanger, are we paying for the gas and the electric? Why?

01:35:34.759 --> 01:35:39.279
Manager, Boyer. I believe Mr. Squires has offered us the opportunity to leave our

01:35:39.279 --> 01:35:49.119
equipment in the hangar. But you just said he needed more room and that it would be put out. Yes, our equipment does not take the entire half of the

01:35:49.119 --> 01:35:58.599
hangar. Our equipment only takes a small amount of the hangar. Okay, so 50-50 then. Why are we paying for all the electric and all the gas?

01:35:58.599 --> 01:36:13.599
We have set this up. We're working with our utility partners to get that down just like we did at the library. However, essentially, we just need to make sure that in the wintertime, our equipment is warm and able to run.

01:36:13.599 --> 01:36:27.599
And I don't think it's fair, Mayor Miller, for my questions to be looked over because I didn't take time to call City Manager Boyer and get an answer before this meeting.

01:36:27.599 --> 01:36:33.599
He didn't overlook you. Alderman Parker put his hand up and I called on him, like I would have anyone else.

01:36:33.599 --> 01:36:48.599
And he answered what he wanted to answer and what he didn't want to answer, he didn't. So yes, yes, I'm a little upset about that. I'm a little upset being put off, like my questions don't matter. They do matter, just like the next person.

01:36:48.599 --> 01:36:52.599
They do.

01:36:52.599 --> 01:36:55.599
Any other discussion on the ordinance?

01:36:55.599 --> 01:36:57.599
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:36:57.599 --> 01:36:59.599
Stacy? No.

01:36:59.599 --> 01:37:00.599
Shadle? Aye.

01:37:00.599 --> 01:37:01.599
Sanders? No.

01:37:01.599 --> 01:37:03.599
Sellers? Aye.

01:37:03.599 --> 01:37:04.599
Klemm? Aye.

01:37:04.599 --> 01:37:06.599
Johnson? Aye.

01:37:06.599 --> 01:37:09.599
Simmons? No.

01:37:09.599 --> 01:37:11.599
Parker? Aye.

01:37:11.599 --> 01:37:16.599
The ordinance passes 5-3.

01:37:16.599 --> 01:37:21.599
And item number 20 is the adoption of resolution 202640. Could you please read this?

01:37:21.599 --> 01:37:26.879
Resolution approving an Intergovernmental Agreement with Freeport Park District for reimbursement

01:37:26.879 --> 01:37:31.439
of $140,000 in paving costs for Gladewood Drive.

01:37:31.439 --> 01:37:32.439
Thank you.

01:37:32.439 --> 01:37:33.439
Manager Boyer.

01:37:33.439 --> 01:37:34.439
Thank you, Your Honor.

01:37:34.439 --> 01:37:39.799
As we were working the construction plans for Gladewood this year, we were approached

01:37:39.799 --> 01:37:40.799
by the Park District.

01:37:40.799 --> 01:37:44.960
They would like, while we have our equipment and our paving machine out there, they'd

01:37:44.960 --> 01:37:52.759
We would like us to look at repaving the section from Gladewood to Woodside Drive.

01:37:52.759 --> 01:37:58.439
Our estimates came up at about $140,000, and the Park District appears amenable to this

01:37:58.439 --> 01:38:02.879
at this time, so staff recommends moving forward with the Intergovernmental Agreement with

01:38:02.879 --> 01:38:08.879
the Park District for the amount of $140,000 to repave from Gladewood to Woodside Drive

01:38:08.879 --> 01:38:09.879
in the park.

01:38:09.879 --> 01:38:11.679
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:38:11.679 --> 01:38:12.679
So moved.

01:38:12.679 --> 01:38:13.679
So moved.

01:38:13.679 --> 01:38:18.639
Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm. Discussion on the resolution?

01:38:19.439 --> 01:38:31.439
Yeah. Alderman Sanders? Question. We're talking about a reimbursement of what exactly?

01:38:34.239 --> 01:38:42.639
That would be site prep, material removal, base repair, installation of base material, and paving.

01:38:42.639 --> 01:38:49.960
who's requesting for this reimbursement is it the city yes there's there's a map

01:38:49.960 --> 01:38:56.199
included with your packet if you know I just wanted to hear you talk right now

01:38:56.199 --> 01:39:07.559
because I'm just wondering when you when you talk in reference to staff who are

01:39:07.559 --> 01:39:10.279
are these people that you're referring to?

01:39:10.279 --> 01:39:12.279
Yeah, I'm requesting it.

01:39:12.279 --> 01:39:15.239
No, who is the staff?

01:39:15.239 --> 01:39:18.039
You always make a reference to staff.

01:39:18.039 --> 01:39:19.319
Who is staff?

01:39:20.399 --> 01:39:22.639
In the context of the recommendation,

01:39:22.639 --> 01:39:26.359
it's me as city staff in combination with our...

01:39:26.359 --> 01:39:30.899
So why can't you just say city boyer as opposed to staff?

01:39:30.899 --> 01:39:32.279
Because when you say staff,

01:39:32.279 --> 01:39:37.279
you sound like you talking about a collective of people.

01:39:37.559 --> 01:39:42.599
making it I want to move on on these things it's not it's not the staff I'm

01:39:42.599 --> 01:39:47.079
like I like to know who staff is I like to know who these people are if it's not

01:39:47.079 --> 01:39:52.739
council then who is staff and if you're running by certain titles if you have

01:39:52.739 --> 01:39:58.399
two titles where you're the city manager and staff I like to know that that's

01:39:58.399 --> 01:40:03.159
what that's that's what I'm getting at you using that phrase staff constantly

01:40:03.159 --> 01:40:10.639
Staff constantly all the time to push it to push an agenda. I am your staff, okay?

01:40:10.639 --> 01:40:15.399
Okay. Staff is me and all of our folks that are working for the city that worked

01:40:15.399 --> 01:40:19.399
on this project making a unanimous recommendation that we move forward with

01:40:19.399 --> 01:40:24.920
this. Okay. Attorney Zero, did you have something else? Nope, that's exactly what I was going to say

01:40:24.920 --> 01:40:29.599
that staff, city staff is basically comprised of the city manager and then

01:40:29.599 --> 01:40:34.800
and every department head and employee that works for the city, that is city staff.

01:40:34.800 --> 01:40:43.000
I understand that much, but my point is, and I don't like your description of that, so

01:40:43.000 --> 01:40:47.519
you make your comments, I make mine, because staff means that a collective of people came

01:40:47.519 --> 01:40:50.519
together, especially when you make it plural.

01:40:50.519 --> 01:40:56.559
When you make the term staff plural, it's not just one individual, it's a collective

01:40:56.559 --> 01:40:58.559
and

01:40:59.559 --> 01:41:22.559
I want to make sure that I'm hearing this right because that's all that I see that I hear that's pushing agendas. Staff wants to move forward. Staff wants to do this, that, the other. And we're sitting here saying, well, staff is making the decisions on whether or not we move forward or not. That's all I'm trying to get clarity on. And we just don't rely on staff if council has not made the decision.

01:41:26.559 --> 01:41:41.559
has not even gotten together and talked about what council decided to move forward. That's all I'm just saying. I'm just putting that out there. Council has not decided whether we should move forward. But, you know, that's me.

01:41:41.559 --> 01:41:48.559
Alderman Sanders, I just want to mention that we had a meeting scheduled for March 26 where we could have discussed all this.

01:41:48.559 --> 01:41:52.559
Yeah, well, you know, that's probably true.

01:41:52.559 --> 01:42:12.559
Yes, I want to know if $140,000 it's going to complete this entire project or if there's things hidden that's not covered in this $140,000.

01:42:17.559 --> 01:42:19.559
I'll answer that. The answer is yes.

01:42:19.559 --> 01:42:20.559
Yes, what?

01:42:20.559 --> 01:42:24.079
140,000 will cover the total cost of this project as proposed.

01:42:27.920 --> 01:42:32.800
Any other discussion on the resolution? Madam Clerk, please take the role.

01:42:32.800 --> 01:42:35.840
Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye.

01:42:35.840 --> 01:42:36.960
Sanders? Aye.

01:42:36.960 --> 01:42:38.079
Sellers? Aye.

01:42:38.079 --> 01:42:39.199
Klemm? Aye.

01:42:39.199 --> 01:42:40.319
Johnson? Aye.

01:42:40.319 --> 01:42:40.800
Simmons?

01:42:40.800 --> 01:42:56.079
Simmons. I'm going to mark her as absent. We just, we've lost communication. Say that

01:42:56.079 --> 01:43:06.319
again please, Alderperson, Simmons. Yes. Thank you. Parker? Aye. And the resolution is adopted,

01:43:06.319 --> 01:43:12.880
0. Madam Clerk, can you come up here just for a second?

01:43:36.319 --> 01:43:59.159
Okay. Okay. You just want me? Well, we just, the attorney caught a what? I missed it. So, Mayor, if we could go back to agenda item number 19, which is the lease that we just talked about.

01:43:59.199 --> 01:44:02.159
Ordinance 202625. Yes, Madam Clerk.

01:44:02.159 --> 01:44:07.939
there so that one it was my mistake there was a vote taken it was five to three

01:44:07.939 --> 01:44:13.239
there I should have asked that triggers the mayor calling just like on the other

01:44:13.239 --> 01:44:16.579
ones there anytime half the council votes in favor of something then the

01:44:16.579 --> 01:44:20.539
mayor is allowed to vote on on it there in this particular case because a

01:44:20.539 --> 01:44:23.920
supermajority vote of three forces needed to approve leases this would

01:44:23.920 --> 01:44:33.680
So back to number 19, Hanger, Lees, Mayor, what is your vote?

01:44:33.680 --> 01:44:35.180
Aye.

01:44:35.180 --> 01:44:40.159
So we have a total of six to three, which fulfills the supermajority.

01:44:40.159 --> 01:44:41.680
Thank you, Attorney.

01:44:41.680 --> 01:44:45.439
Item number 21 is adoption of resolution 2026-41.

01:44:45.439 --> 01:44:47.680
Could you please read this?

01:44:47.680 --> 01:44:51.000
Resolution approving an agreement with Fehr Graham to provide construction engineering

01:44:51.000 --> 01:45:21.000
Services Related to the 2026 Streets Project. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor, and I just wanted to mention that with seven and a half or seven, seven point two miles of reconstructs this season, a good part of that is going to require water main replacements. So, Fehr Graham has submitted a proposal to that effect. Fehr Graham Design permitted and bid the water main replacements along with the street reconstruction for Demeter, Benton, Concord, and North Stewart. These four residential

01:45:21.000 --> 01:45:29.579
have experienced numerous water main breaks in recent years necessitating full replacement of the aged spun cast water main similar to our situation this morning.

01:45:29.579 --> 01:45:38.619
Streets will be reconstructed with the roadway paving. So this is for design engineering of water main replacement.

01:45:38.619 --> 01:45:50.960
This, this agreement is for professional engineering services, including construction engineering, staking and full project management in the amount of $349,885.

01:45:50.960 --> 01:45:56.039
Sellers, and that also would include the QAQC material testing services that are a third

01:45:56.039 --> 01:46:00.199
party as time and material and as needed only.

01:46:00.199 --> 01:46:07.939
And construction engineering was part of this in the 2025, I'm sorry, the 2026 budget.

01:46:07.939 --> 01:46:13.220
So staff recommends moving forward with the agreement with Fehr Graham for Watermain Street

01:46:13.220 --> 01:46:15.720
Reconstruction Engineering Services.

01:46:15.720 --> 01:46:16.720
So move.

01:46:16.720 --> 01:46:17.720
Second.

01:46:17.720 --> 01:46:18.720
Second.

01:46:18.720 --> 01:46:23.039
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm for the adoption

01:46:23.039 --> 01:46:24.039
of Resolution 2026-41.

01:46:24.039 --> 01:46:25.039
Are you good?

01:46:25.039 --> 01:46:26.039
I'm good.

01:46:26.039 --> 01:46:27.039
Sorry.

01:46:27.039 --> 01:46:36.039
So, discussion on the resolution, Alderman Sanders?

01:46:36.039 --> 01:46:46.599
Yeah, Manager Boyer, I'm in favor to what the recommendation is on this water, these

01:46:46.599 --> 01:46:57.720
Waterline Replacement. Are we codified with the proper scheduling of the of the

01:46:57.720 --> 01:47:05.039
material that we're intending to replace it with? I think I understand what you

01:47:05.039 --> 01:47:09.119
mean. Yes, I mean we we're using the appropriate material for the

01:47:09.119 --> 01:47:15.039
construction. Okay, that's all I wanted to know. Because I don't want us to experience those water breaks like

01:47:15.039 --> 01:47:22.639
Any other discussion on the resolution? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:47:22.639 --> 01:47:25.840
Could I have the first and second again, please? Sorry.

01:47:25.840 --> 01:47:28.880
Sellers and Klemm. Thank you.

01:47:28.880 --> 01:47:32.639
Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye.

01:47:32.639 --> 01:47:35.279
Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye.

01:47:35.279 --> 01:47:37.439
Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye.

01:47:37.439 --> 01:47:39.680
Simmons? Aye.

01:47:39.680 --> 01:47:41.039
And Parker? Aye.

01:47:41.039 --> 01:47:43.119
The resolution is adopted 8-0.

01:47:45.760 --> 01:47:51.279
Item number 22 is the adoption of resolution 2026-42. Could you please read this?

01:47:51.279 --> 01:47:56.079
Resolution approving an agreement with Fehr Graham to provide construction engineering services

01:47:56.079 --> 01:48:01.680
related to the 2026 street projects. Manager Boyer?

01:48:01.680 --> 01:48:10.239
Thank you, Your Honor. And very similar to the last item, we have a, this will be the year two

01:48:10.239 --> 01:48:15.119
of our five-year plan and that includes the streets previously mentioned we also

01:48:15.119 --> 01:48:19.800
are coming and asking for Street Project Construction Engineering Services for

01:48:19.800 --> 01:48:26.960
the 2026 Street Reconstruction Plan as we normally do these contracts have been

01:48:26.960 --> 01:48:30.760
extremely valuable in terms of ensuring that what we're paying for is done

01:48:30.760 --> 01:48:35.399
correctly it's done at the proper specification and where we are taking

01:48:35.399 --> 01:48:40.000
care of all the items along the way that need to be dealt with and it is in large

01:48:40.000 --> 01:48:45.000
Part, due to the oversight and the engineering services provided by Fehr Graham during the

01:48:45.000 --> 01:48:46.439
construction season.

01:48:46.439 --> 01:48:53.800
So staff recommends moving forward with this agreement with Fehr Graham for $265,000 for

01:48:53.800 --> 01:48:57.600
construction engineering contract through this construction season.

01:48:57.600 --> 01:49:00.399
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:49:00.399 --> 01:49:03.399
So moved.

01:49:03.399 --> 01:49:05.000
Second.

01:49:05.000 --> 01:49:09.159
Motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

01:49:09.159 --> 01:49:16.319
on the resolution. Alderman Sanders. What construction company is going to participate

01:49:16.319 --> 01:49:22.119
in this event? It's further down on your agenda. Say that again? It's further down on your agenda.

01:49:22.119 --> 01:49:28.319
Those are the construction companies. You'll be approving them soon. I'm happy to answer.

01:49:28.319 --> 01:49:32.359
Fishers got the first package, Helm got the second package, and Fishers got the third

01:49:32.359 --> 01:49:39.079
package. Oh, okay. Okay. Thank you. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:49:39.079 --> 01:49:56.599
Jodi, Aye. Shadle, Aye. Sanders, Aye. Sellers, Aye. Klemm, Aye. Johnson, Aye. Simmons, Aye.

01:49:56.599 --> 01:50:02.519
Thank you and Parker, Aye. The resolution is adopted 8-0. Item number 23 is the adoption

01:50:02.519 --> 01:50:09.519
Director of Resolution, John, John, John, John, John, John, John, John, John, John,

01:50:09.519 --> 01:50:14.319
Number 23 is the adoption of Resolution 2026-43. Could you please read this?

01:50:14.319 --> 01:50:21.919
Resolution ratifying emergency repairs of hot mix asphalt paver by Altafer Cat.

01:50:21.919 --> 01:50:27.519
Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. Every year we send the paver back to be

01:50:27.519 --> 01:50:33.319
gone through by the manufacturer rep and then whatever repairs need to be made

01:50:33.319 --> 01:50:38.519
are made. This year when the paver was returned they had requested that we

01:50:38.519 --> 01:50:43.199
We bring it back later in the season and it got so late that we brought it back here at

01:50:43.199 --> 01:50:51.039
the very tail end of winter. And then of course we were informed that there was about $16,467

01:50:51.039 --> 01:50:58.439
worth of repairs that the paver needed. So the staff is requesting you to ratify this

01:50:58.439 --> 01:51:03.719
resolution so that we can go ahead and get that paver back in time for street construction

01:51:03.719 --> 01:51:04.719
season.

01:51:04.719 --> 01:51:06.679
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:51:06.679 --> 01:51:07.679
So moved.

01:51:07.679 --> 01:51:08.679
Second.

01:51:08.679 --> 01:51:20.279
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, no, oh, I'm sorry, made by Alderman Johnson

01:51:20.279 --> 01:51:22.839
and seconded by Alderman Shadle.

01:51:22.839 --> 01:51:26.919
Discussion on the resolution.

01:51:26.919 --> 01:51:27.919
Yes.

01:51:27.919 --> 01:51:28.919
Alderman Sanders.

01:51:28.919 --> 01:51:29.919
Yeah.

01:51:29.919 --> 01:51:34.879
Manager Boyer, how long have we had this paper?

01:51:34.879 --> 01:51:44.279
I believe we purchased it in 2022 That's okay. So it had not had an upgrade, not an upgrade, but an evaluation since then.

01:51:44.279 --> 01:51:52.279
No, it's been back every year. It usually costs $5,000. Just for an evaluation? They do an evaluation and a tune up.

01:51:52.279 --> 01:52:03.479
Oh, and the thing is, they are, this is every projection of every year that they do this?

01:52:03.479 --> 01:52:33.479
Well, as the equipment gets older, I'm guessing we're going to have more and more, you know, bills associated with making it ready for the next season. However, you know, as far as pavers are concerned, it's fairly minor, you know, maintenance costs associated even at $16,000. Yeah, the paver, I think, knew was around $300,000, so... Okay, thank you. Any further discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy.

01:52:33.479 --> 01:52:43.559
Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, and Parker.

01:52:43.559 --> 01:52:47.319
The resolution is adopted 8-0.

01:52:47.319 --> 01:52:50.519
Item 24 is Adoption of Resolution 2026-44.

01:52:50.519 --> 01:52:52.399
Could you please read this?

01:52:52.399 --> 01:52:58.000
Resolution approving agreement and plans and specifications as approved by State of Illinois

01:52:57.999 --> 01:53:04.959
I-DOT for a joint city-state milling and resurfacing project on FAP Route 5241, which is South

01:53:04.959 --> 01:53:05.959
Street.

01:53:05.959 --> 01:53:06.959
Manager Boyer.

01:53:06.959 --> 01:53:08.119
Thank you, Your Honor.

01:53:08.119 --> 01:53:12.239
So for about a year, we've been planning on the reconstruction of South Street from, or

01:53:12.239 --> 01:53:15.719
the repaving of South Street from Galena to Locust.

01:53:15.719 --> 01:53:20.399
This will be primarily led by State I-DOT District 2, and we're very fortunate to be

01:53:20.399 --> 01:53:27.159
part of a pilot program that would get that unmarked state route resurfaced.

01:53:27.159 --> 01:53:39.719
They have come to us here within the last weeks and requested they need a $22,943 match for

01:53:39.719 --> 01:53:48.039
the $5,750,000 they plan to invest in this community. Staff requests that Council approve

01:53:48.039 --> 01:53:56.919
this appropriation of $22,943 for the city's match with State District 2.

01:53:56.919 --> 01:53:59.559
Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second.

01:53:59.559 --> 01:54:05.000
The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution.

01:54:06.599 --> 01:54:09.879
Madam Clerk, please. This is actually approving the plans.

01:54:10.679 --> 01:54:13.319
Oh, I apologize. The next one is the match.

01:54:13.319 --> 01:54:15.079
Was I on the... I think you're ahead.

01:54:15.079 --> 01:54:16.839
I'm sorry about that. You are correct.

01:54:18.039 --> 01:54:23.439
yes staff request moving forward with the project with the plan set thank you

01:54:23.439 --> 01:54:31.959
Stacy okay sorry on the right one we are you I'll be asking for the 22

01:54:35.439 --> 01:54:43.779
should I read item 25 so what manager Boyer explained was appropriating and

01:54:43.779 --> 01:54:47.319
allocating matching funds to Illinois Department of Transportation street

01:54:47.319 --> 01:54:53.959
Project on FAP Route 5241, South Street. This is appropriating the funds for it.

01:54:53.959 --> 01:54:59.319
Okay, so can I get a motion to adopt Resolution 2026-49?

01:54:59.319 --> 01:55:01.319
So moved. Second.

01:55:01.319 --> 01:55:05.159
Okay. Alderman Sellers, was that you?

01:55:05.159 --> 01:55:06.839
Mm-hmm. Do we have a second?

01:55:06.839 --> 01:55:07.799
Yeah. Alderman Shadle.

01:55:09.799 --> 01:55:15.559
And discussion on what was just presented? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:55:15.559 --> 01:55:31.199
Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, and Parker. Resolution

01:55:31.199 --> 01:55:39.159
2026-47 is adopted 8 to 0. Okay so then let's go back to 2026-44. Do we still have

01:55:39.159 --> 01:55:43.399
the motion on the floor? Redo it? Okay. Madam Clerk, would you please read that

01:55:43.399 --> 01:55:50.719
Resolution approving agreement and plans and specifications as proposed by the State of

01:55:50.719 --> 01:55:57.479
Illinois, IDOT, for a joint city-state milling and resurfacing project on FAP Route 5241,

01:55:57.479 --> 01:55:58.479
South Street.

01:55:58.479 --> 01:55:59.799
Manager Ward, do you have something else to add?

01:55:59.799 --> 01:56:00.919
I have nothing more to add.

01:56:00.919 --> 01:56:04.119
This is just the agreement with District 2 moving forward.

01:56:04.119 --> 01:56:07.239
Do we have a motion to adopt?

01:56:07.239 --> 01:56:08.239
So move.

01:56:08.239 --> 01:56:09.239
Second.

01:56:09.239 --> 01:56:16.919
made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the resolution. Alderman Klemm.

01:56:16.919 --> 01:56:22.679
Yeah, I'd just like to say that, you know, this is a road that's been in the offing for a long period

01:56:22.679 --> 01:56:30.439
of time, but I really got to congratulate the team of whoever all was involved to picking this up

01:56:30.439 --> 01:56:36.439
and getting the job done. You know, it's always been a going to be where, you know, so it's a nice

01:56:36.439 --> 01:56:56.959
and Parker.

01:56:56.959 --> 01:57:02.279
The resolution is adopted 8-0.

01:57:02.279 --> 01:57:06.759
Resolution number 26 is the adoption of Resolution 2026-45.

01:57:06.759 --> 01:57:09.839
Could you please read this?

01:57:09.839 --> 01:57:14.599
Resolution approving an Opportunity Zone Grant Agreement between the Illinois Department

01:57:14.599 --> 01:57:19.879
of Commerce and Economic Development and the City of Freeport regarding Sewer Lining Project.

01:57:19.879 --> 01:57:20.879
Manager Boyer?

01:57:20.879 --> 01:57:22.039
Thank you, Your Honor.

01:57:22.039 --> 01:57:29.399
Fehr Graham submitted a DCEO reimbursement grant for utility sewer lining.

01:57:29.399 --> 01:57:35.119
The City has been investing nearly $500,000 a year in our sewer lining program, which is

01:57:35.119 --> 01:57:42.079
required by EPA, CMOM, that's basically an infiltration requirement.

01:57:42.079 --> 01:57:48.399
The City was recently awarded a $100,000 reimbursement for a successful project completed in 2025

01:57:48.399 --> 01:57:53.679
by Hare Construction, and City staff are requesting City Council approve a resolution to accept

01:57:53.679 --> 01:58:00.399
the Funds from DCEO Grant Funds for Accounting and Transparency Purposes.

01:58:00.399 --> 01:58:06.559
Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded

01:58:06.559 --> 01:58:12.319
by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the

01:58:12.319 --> 01:58:22.599
roll. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye.

01:58:22.599 --> 01:58:38.599
and Parker. Aye. The resolution is adopted 8-0. And item 27 is the adoption of resolution 2026-46. Could you please read this? Resolution approving the purchase of a sanitary sewer lateral camera and locator from Ferguson Waterworks. Thank you, Manager Boyer.

01:58:38.599 --> 01:58:46.000
Thank you, Your Honor. This is kind of a specialized piece of equipment. Our old one was, I believe, from 1988.

01:58:46.000 --> 01:58:53.399
So it failed recently and we no longer have a camera that we can put into a sewer lateral and do checks

01:58:53.919 --> 01:58:55.919
where people sewer

01:58:56.279 --> 01:59:03.039
connections connect into the collection system. So we have received a quote from RIDGID,

01:59:03.039 --> 01:59:14.119
I'm sorry, a camera by RIDGID Commercial Products and this is through our normal utility distributor

01:59:14.119 --> 01:59:21.799
for a price of $21,398.98 there at Ferguson Water Works as the supplier and city staff

01:59:21.799 --> 01:59:27.479
request moving forward with this purchase of this small camera for sewer laterals.

01:59:27.479 --> 01:59:28.879
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:59:28.879 --> 01:59:29.879
So moved.

01:59:29.879 --> 01:59:30.879
Second.

01:59:30.879 --> 01:59:42.879
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker. Discussion on the resolution. Alderman Sanders.

01:59:42.879 --> 01:59:58.879
Yeah, Manager Boyer, that is pretty old, since 1988. That is pretty old. Does that come with the vehicle, equipped with the vehicle itself?

01:59:58.879 --> 02:00:09.479
This is just the camera that attaches to the recording equipment, so it's a small high-res color camera that goes into the sewer laterals.

02:00:09.479 --> 02:00:15.079
and the Sewer Laterals or Services from People's Homes, but you know our larger one is too

02:00:15.079 --> 02:00:16.079
big.

02:00:16.079 --> 02:00:25.399
So how old is the van itself, I mean the vehicle itself, I mean is it going to be able to withstand

02:00:25.399 --> 02:00:28.239
the longevity of the camera?

02:00:28.239 --> 02:00:33.519
Well you're getting two things going on here, one is the Sewer Lateral camera is just a

02:00:33.519 --> 02:00:40.319
Small standalone piece of equipment. The van is the sewer camera truck and so

02:00:40.319 --> 02:00:45.000
that's that's all still there and we use it all the time. Okay I'm just wondering

02:00:45.000 --> 02:00:51.799
what the condition of it was. Yeah it's in serviceable condition. Serviceable okay.

02:00:51.799 --> 02:00:58.839
Madam Clerk please take the roll. Stacy. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. Sellers. Aye.

02:00:58.839 --> 02:01:18.759
Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted 8 to 0. Item 28 is approval of the bid. Could you please read? Bid opening on March 17th, 2026 for street and water main projects for 2026 package B.

02:01:18.759 --> 02:01:26.279
Manager, Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. The city has posted a bid for our street

02:01:26.279 --> 02:01:31.439
reconstruction program for Package B. We received three local bids, or three bids

02:01:31.439 --> 02:01:35.919
for the project. Fisher Excavating Freeport was the lowest responsive bidder

02:01:35.919 --> 02:01:43.359
in the amount of $1,604,723.40. I believe the other bidders, and Darren,

02:01:43.359 --> 02:01:47.479
correct me if I'm wrong, obviously Helm bid on this one and who else bid on this?

02:01:47.479 --> 02:02:05.799
Kelsey Excavating. Right, Kelsey. Okay. There was a request and we need to incorporate this in the memos as we go with the other bidders. So the essentially staff is recommending approving this bid with Fisher Excavating for the amount of $1,604,723.40.

02:02:05.799 --> 02:02:16.479
Is there a motion to approve? So moved. City Manager. Yeah, the bidders are always attached on the certified bid tab. Yes, but there was a request to put it on the memo. Oh, all right.

02:02:16.479 --> 02:02:20.159
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

02:02:20.159 --> 02:02:23.439
Discussion on the bid. Alderman Sanders.

02:02:23.439 --> 02:02:28.519
Well, it's not the bid that I'm concerned about.

02:02:28.519 --> 02:02:32.879
I'm concerned about not knowing what it is that we're excavating.

02:02:32.879 --> 02:02:39.199
And obviously, I don't have the detailed information on the excavation part of it

02:02:39.199 --> 02:02:44.599
that justifies one million, whatever odd dollars it is.

02:02:44.599 --> 02:02:52.879
Darin, would you go over Package B for us? Yes, it's in the memo. West Dewey Street,

02:02:52.879 --> 02:02:59.039
South Carroll, Pershing, Gladewood, and Seminole are in that package. It's all

02:02:59.039 --> 02:03:06.979
street aggregate and pavement removal and then repayment. Okay, thanks.

02:03:06.979 --> 02:03:36.979
Anything else? Madam Clerk please take the roll. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. That bid is approved 8 to 0. And item 29, another bid, could you please read? March 24th, 2026, Street and Water Main Projects for 2026 Package C. Manager Boyer? Yep, thank you.

02:03:36.979 --> 02:03:50.979
Thank you very much. Again, just like Package B, this one was won by Helm Group at $614,384.30 and this includes Concord Drive from Cimarron to Middlebury.

02:03:50.979 --> 02:03:55.979
So staff recommends moving forward with the successful bidder of Helm.

02:03:55.979 --> 02:03:57.979
Is there a motion to approve the bid?

02:03:57.979 --> 02:03:58.979
So moved.

02:03:58.979 --> 02:03:59.979
Second.

02:03:59.979 --> 02:04:02.979
Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

02:04:02.979 --> 02:04:21.699
discussion on this bid. Madam Clerk, Alderman Shadle. Again, there was a request for the other bidders if we had those available. So again, it was Fishers, Helm, and Kelsey. Thank you. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

02:04:21.699 --> 02:04:34.979
Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye.

02:04:34.979 --> 02:04:42.219
And Parker? Oh, and he is absent. That passes 7-0.

02:04:42.219 --> 02:04:48.419
And item number 30, the final bid. Bid opening on March 31st, 2026, Street and

02:04:48.419 --> 02:04:51.419
Water Main Projects for 2026 Package A.

02:04:51.419 --> 02:04:52.419
Manager Boyer.

02:04:52.419 --> 02:04:53.419
Thank you, Mayor.

02:04:53.419 --> 02:04:55.939
It's going to be a very busy construction year.

02:04:55.939 --> 02:05:03.219
This was Package A, which includes Demeter, Benton, North Stewart, and also Water Main

02:05:03.219 --> 02:05:04.819
for those streets.

02:05:04.819 --> 02:05:09.259
The city received three bids, Fishers, Kelsey, and Helm.

02:05:09.259 --> 02:05:18.359
Fishers was the low bid at $2,479,388, and staff recommends moving forward with this

02:05:18.359 --> 02:05:32.719
Seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on this approval. Madam Clerk, please take the

02:05:32.719 --> 02:05:33.719
roll.

02:05:33.719 --> 02:05:34.719
Stacy?

02:05:34.719 --> 02:05:35.719
Aye.

02:05:35.719 --> 02:05:36.719
Shadle?

02:05:36.719 --> 02:05:37.719
Aye.

02:05:37.719 --> 02:05:38.719
Sanders?

02:05:38.719 --> 02:05:39.719
Aye.

02:05:39.719 --> 02:05:40.719
Sellers?

02:05:40.719 --> 02:05:41.719
Aye.

02:05:41.719 --> 02:05:42.719
Klemm?

02:05:42.719 --> 02:05:43.719
Aye.

02:05:43.719 --> 02:05:44.719
Johnson?

02:05:44.719 --> 02:05:45.719
Aye.

02:05:45.719 --> 02:05:46.719
Simmons?

02:05:46.719 --> 02:05:47.719
Aye.

02:05:47.719 --> 02:05:58.239
to zero and item 31 another bid bid opening on March 31st 2026 MFT crack

02:05:58.239 --> 02:06:04.839
ceiling for 2026 manager Boyer thank your honor every year as we pave roads a

02:06:04.839 --> 02:06:08.719
year or so later we need to go and do our first maintenance step and routing

02:06:08.719 --> 02:06:13.119
and fill those cracks with a mastic that helps preserve the road and begins it

02:06:13.119 --> 02:06:41.279
Settler, and the other bidders were Complete Asphalt Service Company and SKC Construction.

02:06:41.279 --> 02:06:49.119
So staff recommends moving forward with the Denner bid for $105,777.93.

02:06:49.119 --> 02:06:50.119
So moved.

02:06:50.119 --> 02:06:51.119
Approved.

02:06:51.119 --> 02:06:52.119
Second.

02:06:52.119 --> 02:06:59.359
The motion made by Klemm, seconded by Sellers.

02:06:59.359 --> 02:07:00.359
Discussion on the bid.

02:07:00.359 --> 02:07:04.799
Madam Clerk, please take Alderman Stacy.

02:07:04.799 --> 02:07:09.799
So the city workers will not be doing any of this pavement.

02:07:09.799 --> 02:07:13.239
It's all going to be done through this company?

02:07:13.239 --> 02:07:14.919
It's not paving, it's crack sealing.

02:07:14.919 --> 02:07:15.919
Crack sealing.

02:07:15.919 --> 02:07:17.919
And we never do it.

02:07:17.919 --> 02:07:23.439
We don't have the equipment for crack sealing.

02:07:23.439 --> 02:07:29.000
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

02:07:29.000 --> 02:07:30.000
Stacy?

02:07:30.000 --> 02:07:31.000
Aye.

02:07:31.000 --> 02:07:32.000
Shadle?

02:07:32.000 --> 02:07:33.000
Aye.

02:07:33.000 --> 02:07:35.000
Sanders is absent.

02:07:35.000 --> 02:07:36.000
Sellers?

02:07:36.000 --> 02:07:37.000
Aye.

02:07:37.000 --> 02:07:38.000
Klemm?

02:07:38.000 --> 02:07:39.000
Aye.

02:07:39.000 --> 02:07:41.000
Simmons

02:07:47.199 --> 02:07:49.839
Thank you Parker I the

02:07:51.000 --> 02:07:53.639
Motion passes seven to zero

02:07:54.519 --> 02:07:56.519
reports from department heads finance

02:07:57.559 --> 02:07:59.559
Thank you community development

02:08:02.639 --> 02:08:08.559
Just a couple project updates quickly lift station projects are underway generators

02:08:09.000 --> 02:08:15.039
are being set. You'll see that happening shortly. Automatic transfer switches,

02:08:15.039 --> 02:08:20.759
electrical will be changed. The MCC cabinets are in a delay from the manufacturer

02:08:20.759 --> 02:08:24.919
so they won't be until June. The parking lot really started under heavy

02:08:24.919 --> 02:08:29.519
construction today down at the municipal lot downtown. They're installing storm

02:08:29.519 --> 02:08:34.919
sewer and moving forward with the pavement removal. The ViDoc project, we've

02:08:34.919 --> 02:08:36.399
We've been talking about that forever.

02:08:36.399 --> 02:08:38.039
The utilities are done.

02:08:38.039 --> 02:08:40.919
They're coring it out for a roadway

02:08:40.919 --> 02:08:42.799
and hopefully the plants will open

02:08:42.799 --> 02:08:44.559
around the first week of May

02:08:44.559 --> 02:08:46.920
and that should be one of the first projects done.

02:08:46.920 --> 02:08:51.519
And the demo downtown is progressing rather be it's slow.

02:08:51.519 --> 02:08:54.039
They're being careful not to damage the adjacent buildings

02:08:54.039 --> 02:08:56.000
and they've been working from the alley side.

02:08:56.000 --> 02:08:57.559
So you can only see a lot from the front.

02:08:57.559 --> 02:09:01.319
They're trying to take it down a couple of feet at a time.

02:09:01.319 --> 02:09:06.319
Wastewater Treatment Plant Project is in full swing.

02:09:06.319 --> 02:09:09.199
Lots of construction workers out there if you haven't been by.

02:09:09.199 --> 02:09:13.479
And Well 12 started last week with the dirt moving

02:09:13.479 --> 02:09:14.719
and the grading of the site.

02:09:14.719 --> 02:09:17.639
So a lot of busy stuff happening in Freeport.

02:09:17.639 --> 02:09:18.139
Thank you.

02:09:18.139 --> 02:09:19.839
Byer?

02:09:19.839 --> 02:09:20.839
Nothing this evening.

02:09:20.839 --> 02:09:21.339
Thank you.

02:09:21.339 --> 02:09:22.639
Police?

02:09:22.639 --> 02:09:25.159
I just would like to address just one thing

02:09:25.159 --> 02:09:26.000
that we are doing.

02:09:26.000 --> 02:09:29.039
And as part of my tenure in being here at Freeport,

02:09:29.039 --> 02:09:30.599
which is a great city to come to,

02:09:30.599 --> 02:09:36.079
and I came from Chicago to come to live here in Freeport and serve the citizens and the

02:09:36.079 --> 02:09:38.479
community and the residents of Freeport.

02:09:38.479 --> 02:09:40.339
So it is a great city to come to.

02:09:40.339 --> 02:09:45.439
But in regards to data integrity and in regards to our systems, I need to do a whole overhaul

02:09:45.439 --> 02:09:50.679
on our systems and that's what we're doing in regards to data, in regards to crime stats,

02:09:50.679 --> 02:09:54.879
in regards to arrests, in regards to our dispatch numbers.

02:09:54.879 --> 02:10:00.399
And in order to do that it's to ensure accuracy, reliability across all the systems.

02:10:00.399 --> 02:10:07.359
and in order to have that regularity compliance, it is not good practice to post something

02:10:07.359 --> 02:10:09.439
that is not ready to be posted in order to have...

02:10:09.439 --> 02:10:13.219
that is not ready to be posted in order to have operational efficiencies.

02:10:13.219 --> 02:10:17.119
We will get there but the first thing that I need to do is to ensure that all my systems

02:10:17.119 --> 02:10:22.019
and all my data capturing systems are up to par and that all my officers are trained to

02:10:22.019 --> 02:10:23.179
do so.

02:10:23.179 --> 02:10:27.379
So we will have a platform for that because what I don't want is to have data which is

02:10:27.379 --> 02:10:31.500
garbage in and garbage out because that's not fair to all the community members and

02:10:31.500 --> 02:10:37.639
it's not also fair and correct in order to have any transparency in order to make trustworthy

02:10:37.639 --> 02:10:52.799
Library, Nothing Tonight, IT, City Manager, Thank you, Your Honor.

02:10:52.799 --> 02:10:54.419
I do have something for tonight.

02:10:54.419 --> 02:10:59.159
This morning, the City experienced a major water main break on cottonwood involving a

02:10:59.159 --> 02:11:02.799
12-inch water main constructed of spun cast material.

02:11:02.799 --> 02:11:06.399
This pipe material is widely known in the industry as weak.

02:11:06.399 --> 02:11:10.679
It comprises most of our distribution system that has been the cause of nearly all of our

02:11:10.679 --> 02:11:14.579
major water main breaks in the city of Freeport over the last two years.

02:11:14.579 --> 02:11:17.779
The city has been installing I hydrants throughout the system.

02:11:17.779 --> 02:11:22.299
These units are capable of measuring pressure and temperature, and they provided an important

02:11:22.299 --> 02:11:27.619
early warning this morning, according to Randy revis itself, our regulatory compliance officer,

02:11:27.619 --> 02:11:33.759
the event began unfolding at approximately 650 A.M. when the I hydrant system began reporting

02:11:33.759 --> 02:11:35.779
low pressure at multiple locations.

02:11:35.779 --> 02:11:41.699
This signaled a significant system issue. Within minutes, Pat Ingram, our Operations

02:11:41.699 --> 02:11:47.779
Superintendent, was notified and Rick Lindemann, our Chief Plan Operator, reported that Well-8

02:11:47.779 --> 02:11:54.099
was unable to keep up with the demand and moved to evaluate bringing additional capacity online.

02:11:54.099 --> 02:12:00.979
Staff quickly determined the problem involving a large mean break and by 6.58 a.m. the Freeport

02:12:00.979 --> 02:12:06.539
Police Department had helped identify the location of Cottonwood. Mr. Ingram was updated

02:12:06.539 --> 02:12:11.679
immediately. Darren was briefed and crews under direction of John Liebenstein, our utility

02:12:11.679 --> 02:12:16.379
field crew foreman, were already moving to the site to throttle the line down and reduce

02:12:16.379 --> 02:12:21.739
water loss and stabilize the system. The coordination between the utility staff, the Freeport Police

02:12:21.739 --> 02:12:26.299
Department was especially important in the early moments of the event. Police quickly

02:12:26.299 --> 02:12:31.099
helped confirm the break location and our utility team, including John, and the field

02:12:31.099 --> 02:12:36.879
crew moved rapidly to isolate the line, reducing water loss and stabilizing that system.

02:12:36.879 --> 02:12:40.779
Because of the pressure loss and out of an abundance of caution, a boil order was issued

02:12:40.779 --> 02:12:45.939
for the city as a whole while staff worked to determine the full extent of the impact.

02:12:45.939 --> 02:12:52.319
At this time, the known effects extend beyond Moss Canyon and the negative pressure was

02:12:52.319 --> 02:12:57.399
and others reported at the Brewster Hydrant. Additional iHydrant alerts were received downtown

02:12:57.399 --> 02:13:02.539
and as far west as Galena. I also want to recognize our Utility Administrative Staff

02:13:02.539 --> 02:13:09.759
– Tony, Tiffany, Cindy, Kathy, Kerry and all the City staff here at City Hall, and

02:13:09.759 --> 02:13:13.659
especially our Communications Director, Bryan Bridge, for their timely and professional

02:13:13.659 --> 02:13:18.039
communication with the public. Thoughtful, clear and professional communication during

02:13:18.039 --> 02:13:19.039
and others.

02:13:19.039 --> 02:13:23.799
Bill, Trust, and Reflects the Quality of the Team Currently Serving the Residents of Freeport.

02:13:23.799 --> 02:13:28.839
Overall, this was a timely and professional response to a significant infrastructure event.

02:13:28.839 --> 02:13:33.759
Our utility team, operations staff, plant staff, and John Lievenstein and the utility

02:13:33.759 --> 02:13:38.799
field crew, billing office, clerical staff, and communications staff, and supporting personnel

02:13:38.799 --> 02:13:45.199
moved quickly to identify the break, manage system pressure, reduce water loss, and communicate

02:13:45.199 --> 02:14:10.759
I would just like to know, do we have a time on when? I was just surprised that we got a

02:14:10.759 --> 02:14:40.759
Manager, Boyer, I think I can answer many of those. I think the water was definitely back on by 1 o'clock and I think it took us quite a while to do all the samples that are required. So I think there's 27 altogether, 26 need to come back tomorrow, midday. I would imagine that the water would be back on by 1 o'clock. So I think that's a good question.

02:14:40.759 --> 02:14:56.759
We'll have results on that. And if we have any kind of failure on the testing, we'll have to resample, which will take another day. So in a best-case scenario, you should know by 3 o'clock tomorrow. In a worst-case scenario, it'll be 3 o'clock on Wednesday.

02:14:56.759 --> 02:14:58.759
And you're talking about for the Boyle order?

02:14:58.759 --> 02:14:59.759
Yes, the Boyle order.

02:14:59.759 --> 02:15:01.759
Which is why they're just being cautious.

02:15:01.759 --> 02:15:05.759
The school district will get a notice, a call?

02:15:05.759 --> 02:15:07.759
Yes.

02:15:07.759 --> 02:15:09.759
Alderman Shadle?

02:15:09.759 --> 02:15:12.759
Just want to thank the Chief for choosing us.

02:15:14.759 --> 02:15:15.759
Alderman Sanders?

02:15:16.759 --> 02:15:18.759
No, not at this moment.

02:15:18.759 --> 02:15:19.759
Alderman Sellers?

02:15:19.759 --> 02:15:29.759
I'd just like to say that I am a little excited about all the work that's going to be going on this summer and just waiting to see all the results when we get it all done.

02:15:30.759 --> 02:15:31.759
Alderman Klemm?

02:15:31.759 --> 02:15:40.159
Clem. Thank you to all involved in the ordeal this morning and the work getting it done.

02:15:40.159 --> 02:15:49.779
Attaboy to Bryan. He got out communications early and a lot of people were happy. And keep

02:15:49.779 --> 02:15:55.920
in mind, don't tell me I'm wrong, City Manager, but boiling water mainly consists of any water

02:15:55.920 --> 02:15:57.920
and

02:15:58.920 --> 02:16:00.920
John.

02:16:01.920 --> 02:16:03.920
I'm sorry.

02:16:04.920 --> 02:16:10.920
I did get some calls on it, but great job in getting it done and it's tough dealing with some of the old stuff we have.

02:16:10.920 --> 02:16:12.920
Thank you, Chief, for your input.

02:16:12.920 --> 02:16:14.920
Alderman Johnson.

02:16:14.920 --> 02:16:20.920
I agree with Tom with everything he said and also congratulations to all those who got promotions.

02:16:20.920 --> 02:16:25.420
Love to see people moving forward and stepping into the things they're designed for.

02:16:25.420 --> 02:16:27.420
Alderman Simmons?

02:16:30.420 --> 02:16:32.420
I don't have anything, thank you.

02:16:32.420 --> 02:16:33.420
Alderman Parker?

02:16:33.420 --> 02:16:34.920
Melting tonight, Your Honor.

02:16:34.920 --> 02:16:39.420
And that leaves us with public comment. Madam Clerk, I know you have one that was to be read in.

02:16:40.920 --> 02:16:47.420
I received an email from Carol Krupke, Dear City of Freeport Councilpersons, Mr. Boyer and Madam Mayor.

02:16:47.420 --> 02:16:53.219
A lot has been talked about in regards to the possibility of allowing animal control personnel

02:16:53.219 --> 02:16:56.059
to euthanize feral cats that are trapped by the city.

02:16:56.059 --> 02:16:58.500
I don't really understand this at all.

02:16:58.500 --> 02:17:04.139
You have an organization, NIPCO, run by volunteers that Freeport has worked well with previously,

02:17:04.139 --> 02:17:08.459
ready and willing to continue addressing the issue of feral cats in the city.

02:17:08.459 --> 02:17:14.379
Why is this efficient and knowledgeable organization not being allowed to work as a team with Freeport?

02:17:14.379 --> 02:17:19.260
Getting NIPCO work with the city is much more cost effective, no additional training, education

02:17:19.260 --> 02:17:22.059
for personnel, and much more humane.

02:17:22.059 --> 02:17:26.020
Before anything is set in stone, please, I'm asking you for myself and on behalf of the

02:17:26.020 --> 02:17:30.619
innocent animals to come back to the table with NIPCO and work together to make the cat

02:17:30.619 --> 02:17:32.939
population naturally go down.

02:17:32.939 --> 02:17:33.939
Carol Krupke.

02:17:33.939 --> 02:17:34.939
Yes, ma'am.

02:17:34.939 --> 02:17:35.939
Good evening.

02:17:35.939 --> 02:17:36.939
My name is Maddie Brown.

02:17:36.939 --> 02:17:37.939
I live at 124 North Sunsac.

02:17:37.939 --> 02:17:45.939
Good evening. My name is Maddie Brown. I live at 124 North Sunset. I'm kind of nervous.

02:17:45.939 --> 02:17:58.939
The reason I'm here was because I read this newsletter and it said Animal Control gave information in 2025 that they trapped skunks.

02:17:58.939 --> 02:18:06.939
This is 2026. We notified Animal Control in 2025.

02:18:06.939 --> 02:18:15.219
they said they didn't do skunks he said the city has a license but there's no

02:18:15.219 --> 02:18:23.299
trained person to carry out this this job this problem he said the guy has to go

02:18:23.299 --> 02:18:31.219
to Chicago to be trained and there's no date for his training the breathing

02:18:31.219 --> 02:19:00.539
System is come and gone. And my neighbor has hired four trappers, which is $375 to $400. Then when they come back, it's another $100 or $175. They caught a total of four skunks and a cat. Let's see, we call animal control. They didn't help. We call the alderman. He referred us to the city manager, no response from that office.

02:19:01.219 --> 02:19:04.420
talked to the Executive Assistant of the Mayor.

02:19:05.979 --> 02:19:10.840
She said, call Rockford and wild animals will be wild animals.

02:19:10.840 --> 02:19:14.159
I called the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

02:19:14.159 --> 02:19:18.119
They don't handle wildlife inside the city.

02:19:18.979 --> 02:19:21.739
They referred me to another phone number.

02:19:21.739 --> 02:19:26.739
It's not just Sunset, Herd, Stewart, Green State.

02:19:26.739 --> 02:19:28.659
I was there after hours at the Teller

02:19:28.659 --> 02:19:33.379
and the whole area was a cloud of skunk spray.

02:19:34.420 --> 02:19:39.420
I asked for a budget.

02:19:40.340 --> 02:19:45.059
Is there a budget to help my neighbor,

02:19:45.059 --> 02:19:48.459
especially fight a surplus budget somewhere

02:19:48.459 --> 02:19:53.459
to get discretionary funds, a grant that would help

02:19:53.459 --> 02:19:58.459
would help because they have one, two, seven,

02:19:58.939 --> 02:20:01.539
and this is second year and they're just,

02:20:03.139 --> 02:20:08.139
they can spray one in the afternoon, in the mornings.

02:20:09.260 --> 02:20:10.100
One.

02:20:10.100 --> 02:20:40.100
in the mornings 1 to 3 a.m. you wake up with that odor all over and it just doesn't go away in a few minutes it lingers so everybody says suggest trappers suggest trappers we've done that and they're not effective so I'm asking can we speed up the training can we get some kind of committee or somebody that can tone this down get

02:20:40.100 --> 02:20:49.780
M. Brown, Ms. Brown, your time has expired, but I'm sure that either the Public Works Director

02:20:49.780 --> 02:20:54.140
or the City Manager can answer your questions in just a couple of minutes.

02:20:54.140 --> 02:20:55.700
Is there any other public comments?

02:20:55.700 --> 02:21:01.159
I call the Public Works.

02:21:01.159 --> 02:21:02.159
There's the Director.

02:21:02.159 --> 02:21:03.159
When we're over...

02:21:03.159 --> 02:21:05.040
Did I talk to you?

02:21:05.040 --> 02:21:06.040
No.

02:21:06.040 --> 02:21:09.120
And I explained to you about the neighbor and they leaving the house...

02:21:09.120 --> 02:21:11.440
but your time has expired Ms. Brown.

02:21:11.440 --> 02:21:13.000
You'll have to wait until the meeting is done

02:21:13.000 --> 02:21:14.159
and then he'll help you.

02:21:17.680 --> 02:21:18.520
Anyone else?

02:21:39.120 --> 02:21:46.760
Hi, my name is Sue Cook and I'm going to do something that's kind of out of the ordinary

02:21:46.760 --> 02:21:54.440
for me but Mayor Miller, thank you so much for being a yay on the dispensary because

02:21:54.440 --> 02:21:59.800
I have seen dispensaries in different cities and they do bring in a lot of money.

02:21:59.800 --> 02:22:06.440
Now the traffic wasn't, it may be a little bit more the first couple weeks but then it

02:22:36.440 --> 02:22:43.399
Feral Cats. Carol did say pretty much exactly what I was going to say regarding the feral

02:22:43.399 --> 02:22:51.079
cats. However, if there is a capture of a feral cat, Fortunate Souls is the place that

02:22:51.079 --> 02:22:57.440
will take feral cats and retrain them, whether they be adults or kittens, whether they're

02:22:57.440 --> 02:23:06.120
nipped and have been neutered or spayed, Fortunate Souls is the place to call. But please don't

02:23:06.120 --> 02:23:14.159
I don't know how with a feral you'd be able to get into a vein and a heart stick would

02:23:14.159 --> 02:23:16.120
be horrible.

02:23:16.120 --> 02:23:20.540
So especially for kittens that didn't ask to come into this world.

02:23:20.540 --> 02:23:22.040
Thank you very much.

02:23:22.040 --> 02:23:24.640
Any other public comments this evening?

02:23:24.640 --> 02:23:26.680
Seeing none, I will entertain a motion to adjourn.

02:23:26.680 --> 02:23:27.680
Second.

02:23:27.680 --> 02:23:30.880
I give a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

02:23:30.880 --> 02:23:33.600
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

02:23:33.600 --> 02:23:48.319
Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker