WEBVTT

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I don't know.

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That's good.

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No, no, it's really good.

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I've had it for years.

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It's been both ways.

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It wakes me up in the night because it's too low,

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and then if I eat the wrong things,

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it skyrockets.

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Okay.

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Cronin, and John, and I have a question about your wife that you can contribute to, but

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Good evening. Debbie, could you please give the invocation this evening?

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and

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John.

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Today's passage comes from Psalm 133.

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How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in

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harmony.

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For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was

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poured over Aaron's head and ran down his beard and onto the

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and Anastasia.

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In the days of the Lord, the Lord has made his way to the

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border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from

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Mount Herman that falls from the mountain of Zion and there the

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Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life

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everlasting. Our Heavenly Father, we just thank

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you for today. We thank you for our community.

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We thank you for every elected official that is here this

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May each member show genuine care for one another and build lasting relationships even when they disagree.

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May they engage in honest conversation and praise in public and correct in private and then discover others strengths and passions and share the credit where credit is due.

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Wood, and Cary, President of the City Council.

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Please listen and understand what our creditors do and speak

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vision and

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possibility for our community. Lord, we just thank you for this

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evening. We ask that your blessings fall upon this City

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Council. We thank you for unity, that you are the God of unity,

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you are the God of diversity, and you are the God of peace and

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operate in love because that is the greatest thing of all.

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We just thank you and Jesus name we pray, amen.

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Amen.

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Thank you, Debbie.

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Debbie, we will now officially call this meeting to order.

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Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

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Madam Miller?

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Here.

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Alderpersons, Klemm?

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Here.

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Monroe?

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Here.

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Simmons is absent.

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Parker?

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Here.

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Stacy is absent.

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Shadle?

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Here.

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Sanders?

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Here.

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And Sellers?

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Here.

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You could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Sanders. Item

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Item number one is the approval of the agenda and which will also include executive session

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on C1. Is there a motion to approve the agenda?

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So moved.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Monroe seconded by Alderman Shadle. All those in favor signify

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by saying aye.

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Aye.

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Opposed?

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That motion passes. Item number two is approval from the minutes from the regular meeting

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on April 21st, 2024. Is there a motion to approve?

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Motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes. Public comments on agenda items would be Rhonda Scott. You have three minutes.

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Good evening, tonight I'm here to address the council.

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I read over the annual budget report that was in the consent agenda and I am asking

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you respectfully if you could remove that from the consent agenda and ask some questions.

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This is some of the things that I noticed.

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the City revenue that the City spends on the general fund is only about 26 million and

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I just wanted the public to know that, that we have a very tiny budget and so what we

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do spend has to be very thoughtful and very productive and we need to be setting our priorities.

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So what I noticed was that very little of our budget comes from property taxes, only

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and Jodi.

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We have a total of about $3 million.

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$16 million comes from state taxes, local taxes, and about $2.8 million.

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Some of the things that we're spending on the general fund are for police, fire, street,

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community development, all good things, all appropriate functions of government.

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One of the things I called into question, which I wish you would too, is that we are

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spending $654,000 on the airport.

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It only serves about 1% of our community.

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We're spending a lot of our money.

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It's our fourth largest expense in the general fund.

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Another problem with the budget now is there is no line item for the Greater Freeport Partnership

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Fund.

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You have to dig and find out what they're getting paid.

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So their money is coming from five TIF funds for an amount of $234,000, from the hotel

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Fowler.

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We get no return on what we spend on them and that should be something that you ask about,

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why that isn't a budget line item on the budget.

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The public cannot see what we are spending and you have to dig around to figure out how

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the money is secretly being pulled out to pay them.

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There's two more things on the budget I wish you would question.

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The EV Chargers, you have budgeted $500,000 for EV Chargers.

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When I came to the meeting, you were talking about spending $90,000 on a survey.

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Now you're going about to approve $500,000.

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And for Safe Streets, another bogus study that was done to look at traffic accidents

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and figure out how you could get a grant to fix stop signs and intersections, you are

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are budgeting $450,000 on that.

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I want you to be aware of that.

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I hope you will ask questions of that before you simply

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and blindly just vote to accept the consent agenda.

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These are items that the public is paying for.

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We expect you to do your due diligence

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and respect what we want.

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And so I'm letting you know and I will hope

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that you would pull this from the consent agenda.

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There's also a very minor thing,

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but the minutes from the Community Development Commission and the Zone Commission are six

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months late.

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That deserves an answer too.

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And the next one is Akia Sanders.

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How are you doing?

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My name is Akia Sanders.

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I wanted to talk about number 7. Coming from a person that is frequently judged or ridiculed for whatever thing I do, the fact that we have to appoint somebody that's riding around drunk, strangling women and have a domestic, now that he is fighting, we don't know if he's going to go to prison, we don't know what decisions he's going to make. It's troubling that a couple of you, well more than a couple of you, actually voted for it. That just shows that

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your whole oath of for the people is of question and I don't I don't know what

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kind of person would elect a drunk riding around strangling females this

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could be your mother, daughter, sister, anybody else I think that's really need

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that really needs to be looked at and anybody that is for that you guys really

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need to be looked at as well thank you

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and

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Madam Clerk, could you please reflect on the time that 608 Alderman Simmons arrived and

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I couldn't see the clock when Alderman Stacy arrived.

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I hope you caught that.

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604.

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Thank you.

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We'll move on to item number four which is the consent agenda.

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The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless a

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I guess a member of council would like to have something removed for further discussion.

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I would...

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Alderman Stacy? Yes. I would like to pull out a couple things to have further...

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We have a discussion on the City Street Improvement Budget, the airport, the chargers, the Safe

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Street Study, the minutes being six or seven months behind, and the GFP Budget Report.

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Museum. Alderman Stacy, do you know which items, so on the agenda, the consent agenda has, you know, certain items listed on it. Do you know your items, what they fall under? No, I don't. And the pages weren't numbered, so I can't even give you page numbers. Okay. Do you know if it's in the finance department report or are they cash investment reports or? Madam Clerk, do you? In the upper right

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and George.

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So, I'll just say that in the corner, there is a corresponding label.

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So like in the corner of every page of the Consent Agenda, it will say like 4-A-1-A.

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Those are the Planning Commission minutes.

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I don't have that information.

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The Finance Department report is like 4-A-2.

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Attorney Zito?

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So hyperlink to the agenda is the consent agenda that has all the pages that Clerk Anderson

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is referencing that has all the page numbering up in the upper right hand corner.

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So it's a hyperlink to your agenda.

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Okay.

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Yeah.

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I understand that.

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Someone knows what these things are. I don't.

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Well, we discussed every line having to do with the budget. This is nothing that's new, and quite honestly, poor Tommy would not be prepared. Michelle is not here tonight. That would not be fair to ask him these questions.

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Can you call Michelle tomorrow to talk about your concerns?

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Not if we're going to vote on them tonight.

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Madam Clerk and this is only approval to receive and place on file a report you're

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not approving a budget you're not approving any dollar expenditures it's

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it's a report from the finance department from March so it's all past

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history that we're just placing a report on file you're not you're not approving

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and others.

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The approval would have been in the budget that Mayor Miller discussed.

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So this consent is just a report that we will evaluate before we actually consider it?

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That's what you're supposed to do.

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No, it's supposed to be done in March.

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Yes, you kind of...

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Oh, okay.

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So like A is approval to receive and place on file.

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B is a proclamation.

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C is an approval of finance bills.

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So C and D are approvals.

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But some of this falls up in C and D.

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And so how can we continue to approve stuff that we don't?

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Well, I mean, so at the end of the day, I mean, I guess we need to know which items you want

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pulled for further discussion.

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And I'm not sure that it's vital that it has to be on this consent agenda anyway.

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and

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and

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Daryl.

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I'm sorry.

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I'm sorry.

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So if you want to just remove the approval to receive and

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place on file A2, 3, that's acceptable if you want to look

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further into it. Darren, do you have a comment on that?

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» The item she's referencing is for A2. They're all in the

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Finance Department. It's the budget report.

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So Alderman Stacy, would you just like to pull item A2 until you can have a chance to speak with the Finance Director? I'm not sure what...

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Sure.

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Our ordinance says that any council member can have a motion there without a vote necessarily,

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so I don't think we necessarily need that there because it'll just show back up on the

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next meetings agenda to approve this report.

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Okay, so then the consent agenda is to receive and place on file the minutes from the boards

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and commissions for planning commission dated July 11th, October 10th, November 14th, December

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12th, 2024, January 9th, February 13th, March 13th, 2025, the Zoning Board of Appeals, October

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3rd, November 7th, December 5th, 2024, January 2nd, February 6th, and March 6th, 2025, and

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the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, March 5th and 25th for 2025.

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Also is the Cash and Investment Report and the Building Permit Report for March 2025.

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The Greater Freeport Partnerships Monthly Report, dated April 2025, Proclamation for

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FHN Day, May 5th, 2025.

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I have questions about that one.

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Approval of the finance bills payable in the total of $392,484.27 and the approval of

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payroll for pay period ending April 19th, 2025 in the total of $663,136.32.

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Number five, I have questions pertaining to, now if that falls under the budget report then

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okay.

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It does not.

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So there is someone here from the partnership that maybe could answer your question if that's

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what you're asking.

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I have questions.

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So is there a motion to approve the consent agenda?

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So moved.

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Second.

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made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

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Discussion?

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Okay.

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And Tommy, I'm sorry.

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You may not know this, but I'm trying to figure out

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why is there no line item for GFP?

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Okay, so is that under the heading

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of Finance Department report?

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Budget report. Budget report.

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and Stacey.

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So I took that off.

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So that's not on there.

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So if you'd like to have those questions at any time in the next several weeks, you have that ability to call and ask that.

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So it's not even on there.

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I just thought you just said.

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It's not even on there.

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We took it off.

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Okay.

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Alderman Stacy, the item that you, when we came down and she read greater Freeport Partnership monthly report, you said you had questions.

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that's on the report that has enough on their monthly report to the city not

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necessarily the question that you just asked them was about why is there no

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whatever that topic is under the finance report which was taken off there now if

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you have a question about their monthly report to the city that's what number

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five is there okay okay all right so there's no further discussion madam

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Clerk, please take the roll.

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Sanders.

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What are we voting on?

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The Consent Agenda minus A2, which is the Finance Department

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Report for March.

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Everything else we're voting on.

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Yes.

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Sellers.

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Aye.

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Klemm.

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Aye.

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Monroe.

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Aye.

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Simmons.

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Aye.

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Parker.

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Aye.

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Stacy.

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No. And Shadle. Aye. The consent agenda is approved 7 to 1.

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So, on behalf of the City of Freeport, I'd like to read the following proclamation, whereas

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the Greater Freeport Partnership works on behalf of Freeport and Stevenson County as

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as the Tourism Partner to promote

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Rapport, and across the United States by generating $4.3 billion in Illinois tax revenue in 2024

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to support essential services such as education, emergency response, public safety, and more.

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And whereas, travel enables success for all industries, including manufacturing, agriculture,

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defense, health care, and more, by driving sales growth, innovation, education, and operations

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that power our economy, our nation, and Freeport.

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And whereas Freeport in Stevenson County

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generated $53 million in tourism spending

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with local retailers, restaurants, transportation

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expenses, and lodging.

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And whereas small businesses account for more than 60%

00:21:16.219 --> 00:21:18.699
of leisure and hospitality employment.

00:21:18.699 --> 00:21:21.019
And whereas hospitality and tourism

00:21:21.019 --> 00:21:24.379
rank 10th among employment sectors in Illinois.

00:21:24.379 --> 00:21:26.779
And whereas travel is an essential industry

00:21:26.779 --> 00:21:28.899
and we must continue to communicate

00:21:28.899 --> 00:21:31.779
that growing travel leads to economic growth,

00:21:31.779 --> 00:21:34.859
benefits businesses, fosters mutual understanding

00:21:34.859 --> 00:21:36.339
and connects the nation.

00:21:36.339 --> 00:21:38.879
Now therefore, I Jodi Miller, Mayor of the City of Freeport

00:21:38.879 --> 00:21:42.019
declare May 4th through the 10th, 2025

00:21:42.019 --> 00:21:45.419
as National Travel and Tourism Week in the City of Freeport

00:21:45.419 --> 00:21:48.259
and urge our residents to join in recognizing

00:21:48.259 --> 00:21:51.799
the essential role this industry plays in our economy.

00:21:53.559 --> 00:21:54.399
Thank you.

00:21:54.399 --> 00:22:13.399
She said plenty in that proclamation. I'll let it stand with that. Thank you.

00:22:13.399 --> 00:22:23.399
And then United Way.

00:22:23.399 --> 00:22:33.399
Thank you. So on behalf of the City, this is United Way of Northwest Illinois' 75th Anniversary Day.

00:22:33.399 --> 00:22:41.399
So whereas the United Way of Northwest Illinois was established in 1950 as the Freeport Community Chest,

00:22:41.399 --> 00:22:48.399
uniting citizens and civic organizations under the principle that, working together, we can accomplish so much more for our community.

00:22:48.399 --> 00:22:54.139
Cooney, and whereas for 75 years, the United Way of Northwest Illinois has been a leader

00:22:54.139 --> 00:22:59.399
in providing human and financial resources to address health and human service needs,

00:22:59.399 --> 00:23:03.759
improving the quality of life in Joe Davis, Stevenson, and Carroll Counties.

00:23:03.759 --> 00:23:08.879
And whereas the partnership between the community at large and the United Way of Northwest Illinois

00:23:08.879 --> 00:23:16.519
includes an emphasis on long-standing community solutions in youth opportunities, financial

00:23:16.519 --> 00:23:23.059
Hurt, and I'm going to start by giving thanks to all of the members of the committee for

00:23:23.059 --> 00:23:24.059
their hard work.

00:23:24.059 --> 00:23:27.059
I'm sure we have a lot of great people in the room right now.

00:23:27.059 --> 00:23:33.759
We have a great team of people that are working in the community to help us get through this

00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:34.759
difficult time.

00:23:34.759 --> 00:23:40.659
And we have a great team of people who are working in the community to help us get through

00:23:40.659 --> 00:23:41.659
this difficult time.

00:23:41.659 --> 00:23:46.859
and many other United Way of Northwest Illinois partner agencies.

00:23:46.859 --> 00:23:51.299
And whereas this celebration will provide the opportunity for residents to reflect on

00:23:51.299 --> 00:23:58.460
the United Way of Northwest Illinois' accomplishments over the past 75 years and join United Way

00:23:58.460 --> 00:24:03.379
in continuing to build our success and move into our next 75 years.

00:24:03.379 --> 00:24:08.980
Now therefore, I, Jodi Miller, Mayor of the City of Freeport, hereby declare May 5, 2025

00:24:08.980 --> 00:24:14.019
as the United Way of Northwest Illinois' 75th Anniversary Day in the City of Freeport and

00:24:14.019 --> 00:24:19.299
encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of the United

00:24:19.299 --> 00:24:36.179
Way of Northwest Illinois in our community over the past 75 years.

00:24:36.179 --> 00:24:40.799
Thank you Mayor Miller, Council Members for all being here. I've always said there's one

00:24:40.799 --> 00:24:45.779
board and one thing I will never do and it's sit on a city council or a school board. So

00:24:45.779 --> 00:24:50.119
thank you all for your time and your efforts in making sure that the city is run smoothly

00:24:50.119 --> 00:24:55.480
and for the benefit of our community. On behalf of United Way of Northwest Illinois, I'm Connie

00:24:55.480 --> 00:25:00.399
Kraft, United Way of Northwest Illinois Executive Director. I want to express our heartfelt

00:25:00.399 --> 00:25:05.839
We're so grateful for this evening's proclamation recognizing our 75th anniversary.

00:25:05.839 --> 00:25:11.219
It's an honor to be acknowledged by the City of Freeport as we celebrate this milestone.

00:25:11.219 --> 00:25:16.199
For 75 years, United Way has stood alongside this community bringing people together responding

00:25:16.199 --> 00:25:20.559
to urgent needs and investing in the future of Northwest Illinois.

00:25:20.559 --> 00:25:26.219
From our earliest days to today, our mission has always been to improve lives by mobilizing

00:25:26.219 --> 00:25:30.339
the caring power of our community.

00:25:30.339 --> 00:25:41.339
This proclamation is more than a recognition of our history. It's a tribute to every partner, volunteer, donor, and neighbor who believed that United is the way.

00:25:41.339 --> 00:25:50.339
It reflects the strength of collaboration between organizations like ours and the leaders who serve our community, you.

00:25:50.339 --> 00:25:54.339
Thank you for your continued support and for helping us mark this special moment.

00:25:54.339 --> 00:25:59.219
Together we look forward to building an even stronger future for the next 75 years, which

00:25:59.219 --> 00:26:01.819
I hope to see all of you here for.

00:26:01.819 --> 00:26:03.940
So thank you all.

00:26:03.940 --> 00:26:04.940
Thank you.

00:26:04.940 --> 00:26:07.940
Well, that's not going to happen, but thank you.

00:26:07.940 --> 00:26:16.019
Juliet, if you can join me and whoever else you'd like to have come up.

00:26:16.019 --> 00:26:18.379
For World Migratory Bird Day.

00:26:18.379 --> 00:26:23.179
So whereas migratory birds are some of the most beautiful and easily observed wildlife

00:26:23.179 --> 00:26:24.179
and others.

00:26:24.179 --> 00:26:31.139
And whereas these migrant species also play an important economic role in our community,

00:26:31.139 --> 00:26:36.099
controlling insect pests and generating millions in recreational dollars statewide.

00:26:36.099 --> 00:26:40.960
And whereas migratory birds and their habitats are declining throughout the Americas, facing

00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:46.659
a growing number of threats on their migration routes in both their summer and winter homes.

00:26:46.659 --> 00:26:52.659
And whereas public awareness and concern are crucial components of migratory bird conservation.

00:26:52.659 --> 00:26:57.659
and whereas citizens enthusiastic about birds, informed about the threats that they faced

00:26:57.659 --> 00:27:02.299
and empowered to help address these threats can directly contribute to maintaining healthy

00:27:02.299 --> 00:27:04.059
bird populations.

00:27:04.059 --> 00:27:10.219
And whereas since 1993, World Migratory Bird Day has become a primary vehicle for focusing

00:27:10.219 --> 00:27:15.839
public attention on the nearly 350 species that travel between nesting habitats in our

00:27:15.839 --> 00:27:22.139
communities and throughout North America and their wintering grounds in South and Central

00:27:22.139 --> 00:27:23.139
and the United States.

00:27:23.139 --> 00:27:31.059
And whereas, while World Migratory Bird Day officially is held each year on the second

00:27:31.059 --> 00:27:35.799
Saturday of May, its observance is not limited to a single day and planners are encouraged

00:27:35.799 --> 00:27:42.859
to schedule activities on the dates best suited to the presence of both migrants and celebrants.

00:27:42.859 --> 00:27:48.240
And whereas, since World Migratory Bird Day is not only a day to foster appreciation for

00:27:48.239 --> 00:27:49.799
for Wild Birds and to celebrate

00:27:49.799 --> 00:27:52.259
and support migratory bird conservation,

00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:54.419
but is also a call to action.

00:27:54.419 --> 00:27:56.960
So now therefore I Jodi Miller, Mayor of the City of Freeport

00:27:56.960 --> 00:27:59.799
to hereby declare May 10th, 2025

00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:02.579
as World Migratory Bird Day in the City of Freeport.

00:28:02.579 --> 00:28:06.519
And I urge all of our citizens support efforts

00:28:06.519 --> 00:28:08.519
to protect these migratory birds

00:28:08.519 --> 00:28:10.519
and their habitats in our community.

00:28:10.519 --> 00:28:12.079
Put up more wind towers.

00:28:12.079 --> 00:28:28.299
Thank you Mayor.

00:28:28.299 --> 00:28:32.079
The Northwest Illinois Bird and Nature Alliance in partnership with the Freeport Park District

00:28:32.079 --> 00:28:36.359
and University of Illinois Extension will host the fifth annual World Migratory Bird

00:28:36.359 --> 00:28:41.440
Day event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 10th at Oakdale Nature Preserve.

00:28:41.440 --> 00:28:45.739
The theme for this year's event is Shared Spaces, Creating Bird-Friendly Cities and Communities,

00:28:45.739 --> 00:28:49.799
which is a global theme determined by the Organization and Environment for the Americas.

00:28:49.799 --> 00:28:53.359
This year focuses on the many ways that we can help birds where we live.

00:28:53.359 --> 00:28:56.759
More than half of the world's population currently lives in cities, a figure projected

00:28:56.759 --> 00:28:58.960
to double in the next 25 years.

00:28:58.960 --> 00:29:02.679
As communities expand, migratory birds face growing challenges.

00:29:02.679 --> 00:29:06.839
Native habitat shrink, noise and light pollution escalate, and domestic pets disturb and prey

00:29:06.839 --> 00:29:08.839
on a variety of species.

00:29:08.839 --> 00:29:12.500
We can all take steps to protect migratory birds that visit our communities, whether

00:29:12.500 --> 00:29:17.399
they are nesting, overwintering, or stopping to rest and refuel along their incredible

00:29:17.399 --> 00:29:18.399
journeys.

00:29:18.399 --> 00:29:21.920
This is a rain or shine event with the use of the Oakdale Pavilion and the various trails,

00:29:21.920 --> 00:29:23.460
including the Accessible Trail.

00:29:23.460 --> 00:29:26.000
The entire event is free and open to the public.

00:29:26.000 --> 00:29:29.519
Northern Illinois Raptory have an education that will bring live birds of prey for two

00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:31.839
hours for a meet and greet.

00:29:31.839 --> 00:29:36.199
Bird and Nature Alliance members will lead hourly hikes at 10, 11, and 12 to bird watch

00:29:36.199 --> 00:29:37.199
around the trails.

00:29:37.199 --> 00:29:41.199
There will be an obstacle course and stations with educational games and crafts.

00:29:41.199 --> 00:29:45.759
Volunteers in extension will have matching games and crafts plus a bird scavenger hunt.

00:29:45.759 --> 00:29:50.159
Local artist Jamie Elliott will have bird watercolor and other crafts.

00:29:50.159 --> 00:29:53.679
There will be free giveaways to all participants while supplies last.

00:29:53.679 --> 00:29:57.599
As part of the latest resolution passed by the City Council in November 2024,

00:29:57.599 --> 00:30:02.079
a World Migratory Bird Day event is required as part of the resolution.

00:30:02.079 --> 00:30:32.079
Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor

00:30:32.079 --> 00:30:33.399
and the floor for discussion.

00:30:34.679 --> 00:30:36.159
I make a motion.

00:30:36.159 --> 00:30:37.359
You don't need a motion.

00:30:37.359 --> 00:30:38.359
I don't need a motion?

00:30:38.359 --> 00:30:39.199
No.

00:30:43.039 --> 00:30:46.399
To Robert's rules, I think a motion would be in order here,

00:30:46.399 --> 00:30:48.759
just to get it on the floor for discussion.

00:30:48.759 --> 00:30:51.720
State the Robert's rule that that falls under.

00:30:51.720 --> 00:30:53.439
Well, I think that's any, like any of our-

00:30:53.439 --> 00:30:56.119
Any two Alderpersons may place anything on the agenda

00:30:56.119 --> 00:30:57.220
for a conversation.

00:30:57.220 --> 00:30:59.279
We don't need a motion to have a conversation about it.

00:30:59.279 --> 00:31:00.720
Motion is to put it on the floor.

00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:04.079
just to have it right, just to bring it on the floor for discussion.

00:31:04.079 --> 00:31:07.039
We've never done that in four years.

00:31:07.039 --> 00:31:10.639
Generally, discussions are on the cowl.

00:31:10.639 --> 00:31:14.119
It's kind of a different scenario.

00:31:14.119 --> 00:31:15.039
Do we have a motion?

00:31:15.039 --> 00:31:19.319
I believe, Alderman Stacy, did you make that motion?

00:31:19.319 --> 00:31:23.039
Yes, I have to if we're going to discuss it.

00:31:23.039 --> 00:31:24.759
And the second?

00:31:24.759 --> 00:31:25.399
I second it.

00:31:25.399 --> 00:31:42.339
Is my voice changed? And seconded by Alderman Sanders. Madam Mayor. Alderman Shadle. This

00:31:42.339 --> 00:31:45.960
has been discussed several times already. I would make a motion to table this

00:31:45.960 --> 00:32:15.960
I put this on the agenda, and so I don't know what right do any other Alderperson have

00:32:15.960 --> 00:32:45.960
F., just to take it off. Yeah, me too. I'd like to know that myself. Go ahead. So they're not taking it off. So the agenda is on the agenda. So they didn't take it off the agenda there. So at this, when the agenda item was called now, they've made a motion to table it indefinitely. Why? You gotta ask them that. I can't answer that.

00:32:45.960 --> 00:32:52.960
Oh, okay, okay. Everybody else does, but I wonder why I can't make the floor.

00:32:52.960 --> 00:32:55.960
Would you like to have the floor to discuss, Alderman Sanders?

00:32:55.960 --> 00:32:56.960
Let's just take the vote.

00:32:56.960 --> 00:32:59.960
All right. Yeah, we're just going to vote.

00:32:59.960 --> 00:33:04.960
Okay, so the motion on the floor is to table indefinitely.

00:33:04.960 --> 00:33:08.960
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:33:08.960 --> 00:33:09.960
Sanders?

00:33:09.960 --> 00:33:10.960
No.

00:33:10.960 --> 00:33:11.960
Sellers?

00:33:11.960 --> 00:33:12.960
Aye.

00:33:12.960 --> 00:33:13.960
Plem?

00:33:13.960 --> 00:33:14.960
Aye.

00:33:14.960 --> 00:33:24.480
Simmons, Parker, Stacey, Shadle, we have a tie at four to four. Madam Miller?

00:33:24.480 --> 00:33:30.339
No, she can't do it. Well, like Alderman Shadle said, this has been discussed. I'm

00:33:30.339 --> 00:33:33.759
sorry, you're out of order. Please, please refrain from speaking. You're out of

00:33:33.759 --> 00:33:38.500
order. That's a conflict of interest. Alderman Sanders, consider that your

00:33:38.500 --> 00:33:43.079
warning. Yeah, well. Consider that your warning if you choose to continue to be

00:33:43.079 --> 00:34:00.059
Taylor, and

00:34:00.059 --> 00:34:12.819
is up to me on okay so to finish that I would have to agree with Alderman Shadle

00:34:12.819 --> 00:34:19.659
his motion of this has been discussed multiple times and so with that I agree

00:34:19.659 --> 00:34:49.659
and the motion passes five to four. It has not been discussed multiple times. It was on the agenda for the first time the last Monday of April and how convenient that you weren't here to

00:34:49.659 --> 00:35:06.219
to answer the question then and even more convenient to table it forever.

00:35:06.219 --> 00:35:08.779
Well let me just clarify what you just said.

00:35:08.779 --> 00:35:11.699
It was on the agenda for April 14th.

00:35:11.699 --> 00:35:14.139
It was on the agenda for April 21st.

00:35:14.139 --> 00:35:16.039
So this would make it the third time.

00:35:16.039 --> 00:35:21.000
and if you think I'm conveniently avoiding, I was in the hospital, so thank you for your

00:35:21.000 --> 00:35:22.000
concern.

00:35:22.000 --> 00:35:31.440
So we'll move on to item number seven, which is an explanation of an appointment of Dustin

00:35:31.440 --> 00:35:35.440
Wilkinson to the Planning Commission and is there a motion to place this on the floor

00:35:35.440 --> 00:35:40.940
for discussion?

00:35:40.940 --> 00:35:43.900
So it can just be tabled again?

00:35:43.900 --> 00:35:46.259
Is there a motion to place this on the floor for discussion?

00:35:46.259 --> 00:35:48.460
A motion to place it on the floor.

00:35:48.460 --> 00:35:49.940
I second.

00:35:49.940 --> 00:35:54.460
We have a motion made by Alderman Stacy, seconded by Alderman Simmons.

00:35:54.460 --> 00:35:56.500
Madam Mayor.

00:35:56.500 --> 00:35:57.500
Alderman Shadle.

00:35:57.500 --> 00:36:01.299
This having been discussed before, I would make a motion to table indefinitely.

00:36:01.299 --> 00:36:02.299
Second.

00:36:02.299 --> 00:36:09.139
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker to table indefinitely.

00:36:09.139 --> 00:36:12.659
So discussion on the table indefinitely.

00:36:12.659 --> 00:36:18.819
Croson, Alderman, yeah Alderman Sellers.

00:36:18.819 --> 00:36:24.699
I mean the explanations, do you think that you can go and just have something in the

00:36:24.699 --> 00:36:31.579
conference room privately and talk about it if there's something that, I just want to

00:36:31.579 --> 00:36:36.699
know is it, I mean an explanation, we've heard it, but I'm saying if you need more explanations

00:36:36.699 --> 00:36:39.539
I'm saying can you have it in the conference rooms.

00:36:39.539 --> 00:36:47.139
I'm just asking, would that be better to have that with the Mayor or whatever to...

00:36:47.139 --> 00:36:53.779
We did not have conversation because the Mayor was not here to render the conversation.

00:36:53.779 --> 00:36:56.900
And my phone is on 24-7.

00:36:56.900 --> 00:36:57.900
You were in the hospital.

00:36:57.900 --> 00:37:00.019
Yeah, but we talked about it before.

00:37:00.019 --> 00:37:01.019
That's what I'm saying.

00:37:01.019 --> 00:37:02.019
Yeah, we talked about it.

00:37:02.019 --> 00:37:03.019
Right.

00:37:03.019 --> 00:37:07.659
But she was not present to answer the questions.

00:37:07.659 --> 00:37:13.699
and there was no resolution in addition to all of the conversations we've been having.

00:37:13.699 --> 00:37:15.420
So we do need resolutions.

00:37:15.420 --> 00:37:18.900
Alderman Stacy, did you have a piece on that?

00:37:18.900 --> 00:37:19.900
Yes.

00:37:19.900 --> 00:37:30.340
You know, to the constituents, the people of this fine city, I hope you see what is

00:37:30.340 --> 00:37:37.400
happening right before you in your faces.

00:37:37.400 --> 00:37:48.900
We know how to avoid and how to table things that we don't want to deal with.

00:37:48.900 --> 00:37:55.960
And it doesn't make it right, it doesn't make it fair, but it is what it is.

00:37:55.960 --> 00:38:09.559
So I work for the people, so I've tried to get answers for you, and you see with your

00:38:09.559 --> 00:38:17.199
own eyes what I'm dealing with, who's for it, who's against it, who battles with me

00:38:17.199 --> 00:38:23.460
every opportunity they get.

00:38:23.460 --> 00:38:31.019
If there's no further discussion on tabling indefinitely, Madam Clerk, Alderman, Sanders.

00:38:31.019 --> 00:38:34.059
What are you considering to table again?

00:38:34.059 --> 00:38:48.099
But no, what I want to do is get at the ruts of this motion to reconsider and...

00:38:48.099 --> 00:38:49.099
We're not on that item.

00:38:49.099 --> 00:38:50.099
Oh, you're not on that item?

00:38:50.099 --> 00:38:53.139
No, you can only speak on it being tabled.

00:38:53.139 --> 00:39:22.920
and again this appointment was approved on April 7th, discussed on the 14th,

00:39:22.920 --> 00:39:24.920
and

00:39:26.920 --> 00:39:28.920
the

00:39:29.920 --> 00:39:31.920
21st. Third time this would make it number 4. So I would have to agree. My vote is aye.

00:39:32.920 --> 00:39:34.920
Good job.

00:39:35.920 --> 00:39:37.920
The motion passes for tabling 5-4.

00:39:38.920 --> 00:39:44.920
And please note that public comment outbursts will not be tolerated either. Item

00:39:44.920 --> 00:39:52.360
So consider the motion to reconsider the motion to resent advice and consent of the council

00:39:52.360 --> 00:39:58.079
to the appointment of Dustin Wilkinson to the Planning Commission.

00:39:58.079 --> 00:40:02.000
Is there a motion to place this on this motion, right?

00:40:02.000 --> 00:40:09.360
on this motion, right, a motion to reconsider. Is there a motion to reconsider? Attorney Zito.

00:40:10.239 --> 00:40:14.960
And just for a reminder, Council, a motion to reconsider has to be made by someone on the

00:40:14.960 --> 00:40:24.639
prevailing side from the last vote. Okay. That's never happened before.

00:40:25.760 --> 00:40:28.079
On a motion to reconsider, it's happened every single time.

00:40:28.079 --> 00:40:46.079
So a motion to reconsider has to be made by a party that was on the prevailing side. In this particular case, the prevailing side was the no vote. So someone who was on that prevailing side that voted no has to make the motion to reconsider.

00:40:58.079 --> 00:41:28.079
So on the original at the last council meeting the motion to rescind was made and it was seconded so a motion to rescind the advice and consent and those that voted yes were Monroe, Stacy, and Sanders those that voted no were Klemm, Parker, Shadle, and Sellers therefore the motion failed so the prevailing side was the fail it did not get approved so on a motion to reconsider now it has the motion has to reconsider

00:41:28.079 --> 00:41:30.079
is a member of the House of Representatives, and I'm going to be taking the motion.

00:41:31.079 --> 00:41:35.079
I want to make a motion that the motion has to be made by a party that was on the prevailing side, so the motion has to be made by either Klemm, Parker, Shadle, or Sellers.

00:41:36.079 --> 00:41:47.079
So why were we dealt with the bike ramp, and we voted no and won. They turned around, put it back on the agenda, and we didn't go through all this hollow balloon.

00:41:48.079 --> 00:41:51.079
Because that time it wasn't on the immediately following city council meeting.

00:41:52.079 --> 00:41:53.079
Oh, okay. Well, it'll be back.

00:41:54.079 --> 00:41:56.079
And I explained that to you on the phone, over the weekend.

00:41:56.079 --> 00:42:09.639
I said a motion to rescind can be put back on at the second meeting in May, is what I told you, but if you want it on this meeting, it had to be a motion to reconsider.

00:42:09.639 --> 00:42:14.639
Attorney Zito, you did not, you gave me that piece of information, but the important part

00:42:14.639 --> 00:42:20.559
that you left would be one of the no's would have to say, yes, I guess I'm just supposed

00:42:20.559 --> 00:42:21.559
to know that.

00:42:21.559 --> 00:42:22.559
Well, honestly...

00:42:22.559 --> 00:42:23.559
Right now, maybe I should have.

00:42:23.559 --> 00:42:24.559
Well, I guess I didn't...

00:42:24.559 --> 00:42:26.280
I see how you are, Attorney Zito.

00:42:26.280 --> 00:42:30.119
I guess I didn't tell you because you guys all went through the Robert's Rules training

00:42:30.119 --> 00:42:35.360
here, and I went over that motions to reconsider have to be made by someone on the prevailing

00:42:35.360 --> 00:42:36.360
side.

00:42:36.360 --> 00:42:37.360
Okay.

00:42:37.360 --> 00:42:39.360
and

00:42:40.480 --> 00:42:41.360
the

00:42:41.360 --> 00:42:43.360
next

00:42:43.360 --> 00:42:45.360
Alderman, Monroe.

00:42:45.360 --> 00:42:49.360
May I ask a question? What was the final vote total in that?

00:42:49.360 --> 00:42:53.360
On the motion, the rescind motion?

00:42:53.360 --> 00:42:57.360
It failed 3 to 4.

00:42:57.360 --> 00:43:01.360
Okay. Thank you.

00:43:01.360 --> 00:43:05.360
Okay.

00:43:05.360 --> 00:43:10.480
And we will move on to item number 9, which is the second reading of Ordinance 2025-25.

00:43:10.480 --> 00:43:12.079
Could you please read this?

00:43:12.079 --> 00:43:18.000
Ordinance approving special use permit application at 1601-1645 Southwest Avenue, submitted by

00:43:18.000 --> 00:43:23.039
Family Dollar to examine the special use of a B3 commercial and wholesale business district

00:43:23.039 --> 00:43:28.360
zone property to allow restaurants, taverns, packaged liquor stores, and any other establishments

00:43:28.360 --> 00:43:34.840
selling alcoholic beverages for consumption on or off the premises according to 1252.01

00:43:34.840 --> 00:43:42.760
B. 11. Thank you. Elizabeth? We're here for the second reading of this ordinance. The first

00:43:42.760 --> 00:43:48.159
reading was done April 21st. Staff received a special use permit application from Family

00:43:48.159 --> 00:43:55.400
Dollar LLC for a packaged liquor store selling alcoholic beverages at 1601-1645 Southwest

00:43:55.400 --> 00:44:00.599
Avenue. That's the current Family Dollar. The petitioner is applying for a packaged

00:44:00.599 --> 00:44:06.840
Schlicker. On April 3rd, 2025, the Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval of the

00:44:06.840 --> 00:44:14.199
vote by seven yeas, zero nays, zero abstentions. On April 10th, the Planning Commission recommended

00:44:14.199 --> 00:44:20.760
approval of this ordinance by a vote of eight yeas, zero nays, and zero abstentions. Staff

00:44:20.760 --> 00:44:29.480
recommends approval of the special use permit at 1601-1645 Southwest Avenue, Family Dollar.

00:44:29.480 --> 00:44:39.000
Thank you. Discussion on the family dollar. Alderman Sanders. Yes, can I ask you, you

00:44:39.000 --> 00:44:48.679
did a survey report, am I correct, to determine the parameters, whether or not this liquor

00:44:48.679 --> 00:44:57.480
silk to happen at this location. Have we done a survey to determine whether they're inbounds

00:44:57.480 --> 00:45:02.480
so outer bounds of the perimeter statues of the zoning board

00:45:03.720 --> 00:45:08.119
or the zoning of this location to make sure that it is in.

00:45:08.119 --> 00:45:13.000
It is definitely in the proper location of the zone

00:45:13.000 --> 00:45:15.239
to do a look or sell.

00:45:15.239 --> 00:45:18.720
It is proper, it is in the correct zoning.

00:45:18.720 --> 00:45:21.679
The special use that we're here for

00:45:21.679 --> 00:45:24.380
that makes it the correct zoning.

00:45:24.380 --> 00:45:26.300
So we had the public hearing

00:45:26.300 --> 00:45:31.519
where everyone was able to come and say whether they wanted it or not.

00:45:31.519 --> 00:45:32.519
No objections?

00:45:32.519 --> 00:45:33.519
No objections.

00:45:33.519 --> 00:45:34.519
Okay.

00:45:34.519 --> 00:45:41.099
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, oh, I'm sorry, Alderman Stacey.

00:45:41.099 --> 00:45:48.980
Do individual businesses all have to have their own license and their own permit?

00:45:48.980 --> 00:45:55.860
For liquor sales, yes, every liquor sales, so liquor licenses are handled by the clerk's

00:45:55.860 --> 00:46:02.940
and they all require a license so when you list everything like restaurants

00:46:02.940 --> 00:46:08.739
taverns we're just talking about a convenience store am I correct this is

00:46:08.739 --> 00:46:12.579
for the package yeah so this is for the package liquor store so that would be

00:46:12.579 --> 00:46:17.300
they're just basically they're adding two coolers for beer one for beer one for

00:46:17.300 --> 00:46:25.260
wine so this is allowing for the zoning to give them permission to sell that

00:46:25.260 --> 00:46:34.940
Thank You. Alderman Monroe. Thank You Madam Mayor. You know this this is one

00:46:34.940 --> 00:46:40.739
that that's a very very challenging conversation mainly because nobody

00:46:40.739 --> 00:46:45.699
really wants to talk about all of the issues that surround alcohol on in

00:46:45.699 --> 00:46:51.380
various wards and parts of the city. In the western part of the city we have

00:46:51.380 --> 00:46:52.380
and others.

00:46:52.380 --> 00:46:58.619
There are several stores that shut down certain doors, certain parts of their business, so

00:46:58.619 --> 00:46:59.619
they don't have theft.

00:46:59.619 --> 00:47:01.539
They don't have smashing grabs.

00:47:01.539 --> 00:47:04.340
They don't have those types of things.

00:47:04.340 --> 00:47:11.019
I've actually been in Sullivan's one night when somebody stole alcohol out of there,

00:47:11.019 --> 00:47:17.539
and it presents a big issue for the City of Freeport and for the businesses in general.

00:47:17.539 --> 00:47:19.539
and

00:47:20.820 --> 00:47:45.539
the other thing is that if you don't have the staffing to truly watch it and protect it, you really create an issue where that business, if they have one, maybe two people working at a time, that that threat of theft and robbery, those types of things, can occur and it puts not just the store employees at risk, it puts the general public at risk as well.

00:47:45.539 --> 00:48:02.539
Locations on the west side of Freeport, especially along the Galena Corridor, that sell alcohol, beer, wine, liquor, you know, all of it from restaurants to convenience stores to liquor stores to stores in general.

00:48:02.539 --> 00:48:10.539
This is one that probably, in my opinion, is just a grab to try to get more money out of businesses locally.

00:48:10.539 --> 00:48:16.539
It doesn't really bring anything to the City of Freeport. It's something that we should not vote yes on.

00:48:16.539 --> 00:48:23.539
We should look at this as it stands and, you know, Family Dollar does sell a lot of great things.

00:48:23.539 --> 00:48:27.539
Do we really need to have alcohol in the Family Dollar store?

00:48:27.539 --> 00:48:31.539
Their hours are no different than the other businesses in that area.

00:48:31.539 --> 00:49:01.539
and quite honestly, you know, um, why should we? And we've already got enough crime on the west side of town, uh, that's been, uh, very rapidly moving in. We had a shots incident today. Um, you know, this, this is becoming a big problem in Freeport. Um, it's not just liquor, it's drugs, it's, um, domestic violence, all those things. And alcohol plays a major role and I'm sure the Chief of Police

00:49:01.539 --> 00:49:07.000
Police would be willing to say alcohol is a major contributing factor to domestic violence

00:49:07.000 --> 00:49:08.000
in this community.

00:49:08.000 --> 00:49:11.860
The mayor seems to support it, but that's a whole other issue.

00:49:11.860 --> 00:49:15.219
What I would say, I don't need more alcohol in my neighborhood.

00:49:15.219 --> 00:49:16.579
We've got enough.

00:49:16.579 --> 00:49:20.460
We've got enough places to buy it, and we should end it at that.

00:49:20.460 --> 00:49:21.460
I just...

00:49:21.460 --> 00:49:22.460
Elizabeth?

00:49:22.460 --> 00:49:25.300
Yes, I just want to clarify.

00:49:25.300 --> 00:49:26.300
This is for Family Dollar.

00:49:26.300 --> 00:49:27.300
This is on West Avenue.

00:49:27.300 --> 00:49:28.300
So this is across the street from Cubs.

00:49:28.300 --> 00:49:29.300
Cubs.

00:49:29.300 --> 00:49:59.300
Cubs, yep, sorry, I was thinking the other one. Dollar General, I get confused. Thank you. Alderman Parker. I just wanted to say that why should Family Dollar have to lose sales because Cub Food across the street sells it. Give their customers or in their buy-in the opportunity, otherwise saying, oh, I'm going to run across the street. I think they deserve it as much as any place. Alderman Sanders. Well, the thing that bothers

00:49:59.300 --> 00:50:01.980
because me is the protocol for security.

00:50:01.980 --> 00:50:31.980
Taylor, and Richard, all of those things, they are providing the security protocol for security and protection from theft of any nature, whether it is cub food, whether it is family dollar, protocol protection, security, and all of these things are in place to make sure that they are minimizing any possibility of children or mid adults or anybody like

00:50:31.980 --> 00:50:32.980
and many more.

00:50:32.980 --> 00:50:38.300
So, I think we should allow the mechanisms in place, have we done an examination to make

00:50:38.300 --> 00:50:44.059
that happen, to make sure that either those safeguards are put in place, then I don't

00:50:44.059 --> 00:50:54.219
think we should allow some store or business or whatever that can't govern their own store

00:50:54.219 --> 00:50:59.260
when it comes to liquor, because liquor is a whole different category, and then you heighten

00:50:59.260 --> 00:51:01.260
and the rest of the community.

00:51:01.260 --> 00:51:11.440
So I just wanted to know what are the protocols that have been put in place that we can make

00:51:11.440 --> 00:51:16.820
a good assessment on whether or not this is good for this community, especially in my

00:51:16.820 --> 00:51:17.860
district.

00:51:17.860 --> 00:51:20.000
This thing is in my district.

00:51:20.000 --> 00:51:26.280
So I don't want to hear all the riff-raff and all of the noise about why didn't we look

00:51:26.280 --> 00:51:27.280
into it?

00:51:27.280 --> 00:51:28.599
Why didn't we talk about it more?

00:51:28.599 --> 00:51:58.599
We discussed it. I wasn't with you guys when you made the voting decision, but I'd sure like to have been there at the time that this was happening. Maybe I could have given a little more input, a little bit more insight about the danger that alcohol brings to any community or any location in the city with the potential of anyone being able to create risk and danger when it comes to buying.

00:51:58.599 --> 00:52:03.980
Licker from a small convenience store. So that's that's one of the things that I

00:52:03.980 --> 00:52:10.360
like to talk about in the future and as and as an ongoing thing because we if we

00:52:10.360 --> 00:52:15.460
hear these reports of any kind of problems from these types of venues then

00:52:15.460 --> 00:52:22.280
we need to make sure that they have all of their eyes crossed and their T's

00:52:22.280 --> 00:52:27.960
their eyes are dotted and their T's are crossed but that's what I I think we

00:52:27.960 --> 00:52:49.599
This store has had to take measures with locking down their cold and cough medicine, their cough

00:52:49.599 --> 00:53:03.119
Sarp, their Nyquil, because it was being stolen and people with alcohol issues were going

00:53:03.119 --> 00:53:05.800
in buying it.

00:53:05.800 --> 00:53:16.280
And so I think it would be a negative to, because they can't lock this down, it's just

00:53:16.280 --> 00:53:24.920
It's going to be an open cooler and I just think it would be a downfall, a negative more

00:53:24.920 --> 00:53:25.920
than a positive.

00:53:25.920 --> 00:53:26.920
Halloween Parker.

00:53:26.920 --> 00:53:33.920
I know it's my second time, but I don't know how we feel we can go in and tell a private

00:53:33.920 --> 00:53:36.539
business how to run their business.

00:53:36.539 --> 00:53:37.539
That is their business.

00:53:37.539 --> 00:53:39.480
It's their responsibility.

00:53:39.480 --> 00:53:41.159
We give them the permit to sell it.

00:53:41.159 --> 00:53:43.880
How they handle it is their business, not ours.

00:53:43.880 --> 00:53:52.360
If there's no further discussion, Alderman, Sellers?

00:53:52.360 --> 00:53:55.720
I kind of agree with Alderman Parker.

00:53:55.720 --> 00:54:01.800
I just can't see how we would stop big business like Family Dollar and we got gas stations

00:54:01.800 --> 00:54:10.119
around them, we have cubs, we have, you know, all these different places that sell alcohol

00:54:10.119 --> 00:54:13.800
but then we stop with Family Dollar.

00:54:13.800 --> 00:54:21.239
I just I'm to me I just can't see saying no to Family Dollar actually both you and

00:54:21.239 --> 00:54:26.960
Alderman Stacey have already spoken twice so if you want to have a side Alderman

00:54:26.960 --> 00:54:33.800
Simmons so I get what y'all are saying but Cup Foods is a grocery store Mobile

00:54:33.800 --> 00:54:38.760
is a convenience store Family Dollar is more of like a clothing store so that's

00:54:38.760 --> 00:54:40.760
and

00:54:41.820 --> 00:54:43.820
John.

00:54:45.340 --> 00:54:47.780
I just like you going to Marshalls and buying liquor. It just

00:54:47.780 --> 00:54:53.780
doesn't make sense. It doesn't make sense to do that.

00:54:53.780 --> 00:54:58.039
When did I speak twice? I have you and Sanders down both of us

00:54:58.039 --> 00:55:05.019
twice. I only spoke once about... I know I only spoke once.

00:55:05.019 --> 00:55:06.019
Sanders.

00:55:06.019 --> 00:55:10.780
If you want me to pick a vote on the unanimous to allow further discussion, that's your

00:55:10.780 --> 00:55:11.780
call.

00:55:11.780 --> 00:55:12.780
Yeah.

00:55:12.780 --> 00:55:13.780
Okay.

00:55:13.780 --> 00:55:21.099
So, on behalf of Alderman Sanders, could we please take the vote on allowing additional

00:55:21.099 --> 00:55:24.059
discussion past the twice-spoken?

00:55:24.059 --> 00:55:26.059
Sanders?

00:55:26.059 --> 00:55:28.059
Yes.

00:55:28.059 --> 00:55:30.059
Sellers?

00:55:30.059 --> 00:55:32.059
Yes.

00:55:32.059 --> 00:55:34.059
Klemm?

00:55:34.059 --> 00:56:03.659
Monroe? Yes. Simmons? No. Parker? No. Stacy? Irrevenant. Could you state either aye, nay, or abstain? Abstain. Shadle? No. The motion fails. Okay, so unless there was a someone that has not spoken twice, we'll take the roll. I'm sorry, I'm still counting votes.

00:56:03.659 --> 00:56:16.380
when you're ready Sanders ordinance 2025 25 or allowing the special use permit for

00:56:16.380 --> 00:56:22.019
family dollar yeah but you don't have to be condescending about that come at you

00:56:22.019 --> 00:56:32.220
just me okay would you like your vote no sellers I Clem Monroe no Simmons no

00:56:32.220 --> 00:57:02.220
Parker, aye, Stacy, no, Shadle, aye, and we are tied four to four, Madam Mayor, aye, and the ordinance passes five to four, move on to reports from department heads, finance, none tonight, thank you, Community Development, none your honor, thank you, thank you, Public Works, just one thing, the 2025 streets program is out to bid, the 2025

00:57:02.220 --> 00:57:10.460
Water Main projects out to bid, and we will have bid openings before the next full council meeting with results for the council.

00:57:10.460 --> 00:57:11.960
Thank you.

00:57:11.960 --> 00:57:15.659
You said the 2025 Water Main. What Water Main is that?

00:57:15.659 --> 00:57:30.960
It's the Water Main streets for this year, so it'd be Blackhawk is the number one project, Willow and Carroll's out to bid as well.

00:57:30.960 --> 00:57:32.800
I can't think of the fourth one, I'm sorry.

00:57:32.800 --> 00:57:33.639
Okay.

00:57:36.440 --> 00:57:38.280
Oh, Harvey, excuse me, Harvey.

00:57:38.280 --> 00:57:39.099
Harvey?

00:57:39.099 --> 00:57:39.940
Yes.

00:57:42.639 --> 00:57:44.000
Chief Miller?

00:57:44.000 --> 00:57:45.340
Nothing this evening.

00:57:45.340 --> 00:57:46.320
Thank you, Chief Shenberger?

00:57:46.320 --> 00:57:47.480
I have no report.

00:57:47.480 --> 00:57:48.840
Thank you.

00:57:48.840 --> 00:57:49.680
Library?

00:57:49.680 --> 00:57:50.519
Nothing tonight.

00:57:52.559 --> 00:57:55.599
I don't believe communications is here.

00:57:58.480 --> 00:58:00.320
IT?

00:58:00.320 --> 00:58:02.320
Thank you. So, City Manager.

00:58:02.320 --> 00:58:04.320
Nothing else tonight. Thank you.

00:58:04.320 --> 00:58:14.320
I just wanted to remind the Council and the viewing audience of an upcoming event for community building.

00:58:14.320 --> 00:58:22.320
It is a memorial peace march that is set for June 7th at 11 a.m. It's a Saturday, the first Saturday of June.

00:58:22.320 --> 00:58:28.940
the location is at the Madonna on Walnut and it will be the kickoff event for the 40 days

00:58:28.940 --> 00:58:37.400
of peace and community building and every two weeks after that event on June 7th, the

00:58:37.400 --> 00:58:41.880
events are the entire weekend from the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

00:58:41.880 --> 00:58:47.480
The Fridays would be to beautify the block and the Saturdays would be the resource block

00:58:47.480 --> 00:58:50.440
party and then Sunday would be the church on the street.

00:58:50.440 --> 00:59:03.440
So if you would like to follow that on High Hope Freeport, that's where you can get all your information, but if you could please mark your calendars for June 7th for the Memorial Peace March starting at 11 a.m.

00:59:03.440 --> 00:59:04.440
Where's that at again?

00:59:04.440 --> 00:59:06.440
At the Madonna on Walnut.

00:59:06.440 --> 00:59:08.440
Thank you.

00:59:08.440 --> 00:59:12.440
And so we'll move on to Council Announcements. Alderman Sanders?

00:59:12.440 --> 00:59:39.440
I am perturbed right now but nevertheless I do have many many things I would like

00:59:39.440 --> 00:59:47.519
to say, but we just don't have enough time and I don't want nobody to be upset with the

00:59:47.519 --> 00:59:52.079
things that I possibly would bring out here in this council tonight.

00:59:52.079 --> 00:59:57.840
But anyway, I do have things I like to discuss and I just want to make sure that certain

00:59:57.840 --> 01:00:02.000
people are put on notice and I want our council to know that they're going to be put on notice.

01:00:02.000 --> 01:00:13.000
and the Council to know that they're going to be put on notice as well with the ethical things that we do or the things that we do or not doing here in this city.

01:00:13.000 --> 01:00:19.000
But anyway, ethics has a lot to do with a lot of things that we're doing in our Council.

01:00:19.000 --> 01:00:26.079
I just want the people to be very cognizant about all of these things that

01:00:26.079 --> 01:00:31.280
are going forward and the things that are and how we're how this council sets a

01:00:31.280 --> 01:00:38.519
pattern on how we do things and and I think we need an overhaul in taking out

01:00:38.519 --> 01:00:46.280
the never mind I just want to move on thank you

01:00:46.280 --> 01:00:55.280
Alderman Sellers? Nothing. Alderman Klemm? Yes, I'd just like to pass on to go along with the National Travel and Tourism Week that we had.

01:00:55.280 --> 01:01:00.280
I'd like to thank Jeff Johnson and the Enderses and all the groups involved in bowling.

01:01:00.280 --> 01:01:10.280
The last few weeks we have had hundreds of bowlers here in town and have spent thousands of dollars at hotels, motels, and food places around.

01:01:10.280 --> 01:01:15.559
and others around. Big hats off to them. It was the Illinois State Tournament, which they've

01:01:15.559 --> 01:01:21.460
held for quite a few years, and it does bring a lot of money into Freeport. I will have

01:01:21.460 --> 01:01:27.980
a Neighborhood Watch meeting later on this month. Thank you.

01:01:27.980 --> 01:01:28.980
Alderman Monroe?

01:01:28.980 --> 01:01:29.980
Nothing to Nightmare.

01:01:29.980 --> 01:01:30.980
Alderman Simmons?

01:01:30.980 --> 01:01:31.980
Nothing, thanks.

01:01:31.980 --> 01:01:32.980
Alderman Parker?

01:01:32.980 --> 01:01:33.980
Nothing to Nightmare.

01:01:33.980 --> 01:01:34.980
Alderman Stacy?

01:01:34.980 --> 01:01:35.980
Nothing, thank you.

01:01:35.980 --> 01:01:36.980
Alderman Shadle?

01:01:36.980 --> 01:01:37.980
Nothing to Nightmare.

01:01:37.980 --> 01:01:38.980
Alderman Shadle.

01:01:38.980 --> 01:01:39.980
Nothing tonight, Your Honor.

01:01:39.980 --> 01:01:41.619
We'll move on to public comment.

01:01:41.619 --> 01:01:45.500
Zandra, you have three minutes.

01:01:45.500 --> 01:01:50.980
Hello, my name is Zandra Bright.

01:01:50.980 --> 01:01:53.500
I'm a business owner here in town.

01:01:53.500 --> 01:01:57.619
I serve on many boards and many organizations.

01:01:57.619 --> 01:02:04.340
I care about our city and I care about the people of our city, especially our elderly

01:02:04.340 --> 01:02:06.099
population.

01:02:06.099 --> 01:02:09.659
I started a petition about two weeks ago.

01:02:09.659 --> 01:02:13.760
The petition is to mandate our city to reconsider

01:02:13.760 --> 01:02:18.159
the excessive charges on our water bills.

01:02:18.159 --> 01:02:20.739
It's getting to be outrageous.

01:02:20.739 --> 01:02:25.579
Speaking as a senior living predominantly on disability,

01:02:25.579 --> 01:02:28.679
like countless others in this community,

01:02:28.679 --> 01:02:33.739
unreasonable high water charges are at alarming burden.

01:02:33.739 --> 01:02:40.480
We live in a city with a high senior population, and these costs affect us all.

01:02:40.480 --> 01:02:47.820
Unfortunately, the issue extends beyond our unique situations as individuals.

01:02:47.820 --> 01:02:58.300
SS charges are latched onto our water bills, which notably inflates what we initially expected to pay.

01:02:58.300 --> 01:03:10.139
This burden is distressing to those of us on fixed incomes who don't have the financial flexibility to deal with these unforeseen expenses.

01:03:10.139 --> 01:03:22.500
According to the American Water Works Association, water bills have increased by at least 30 percent in 30 major cities and are likely to rise further.

01:03:22.500 --> 01:03:28.139
With inflation, we are paying for much more than just water.

01:03:28.139 --> 01:03:37.260
We are left wondering, are we not entitled to affordable, clean, and accessible water?

01:03:37.260 --> 01:03:40.300
We are not asking for free services.

01:03:40.300 --> 01:03:44.380
We are advocating for reasonable and fair charges.

01:03:44.380 --> 01:03:51.420
We called upon our city officials to examine the extra costs added to our water bills and

01:03:51.420 --> 01:03:57.460
to consider ways of reducing them for the betterment of us all.

01:03:57.460 --> 01:03:58.460
Thank you.

01:03:58.460 --> 01:03:59.460
Thank you.

01:03:59.460 --> 01:04:02.260
Are there any other public comments this evening?

01:04:02.260 --> 01:04:07.260
Yes, ma'am.

01:04:07.260 --> 01:04:21.940
Hi, my name is Sue Cook and I am on Winchester Drive.

01:04:21.940 --> 01:04:29.179
First I want to thank Alderman Monroe for being our Alderman for the four years. You're a fighter.

01:04:29.179 --> 01:04:36.340
Thank you very much. I really appreciate that. Now, as far as the tourism goes in Freeport,

01:04:36.340 --> 01:04:42.099
I think you're missing a huge chunk of what we have here. And I'm just going to point

01:04:42.099 --> 01:04:47.179
out one hidden gem, and that's the Douglas Fireball Observatory. They had an event the

01:04:47.179 --> 01:04:50.220
the other night that was unbelievable.

01:04:50.220 --> 01:04:52.619
And I only caught it because I happened to drive by

01:04:52.619 --> 01:04:56.039
and see this little sign and I was there late.

01:04:56.039 --> 01:04:59.780
They have a planetary, an unbelievable planetary telescope

01:04:59.780 --> 01:05:03.380
as well as a deep space telescope.

01:05:03.380 --> 01:05:06.980
A telescope that even they don't have in Chicago.

01:05:06.980 --> 01:05:08.300
This is a tourist draw.

01:05:08.300 --> 01:05:10.059
We have other tourist draws here.

01:05:10.059 --> 01:05:12.039
We have the Historical Society, we have Crate Park

01:05:12.039 --> 01:05:13.380
and I'm just gonna list a whole bunch of them.

01:05:13.380 --> 01:05:17.139
But I went into the hotel.

01:05:17.139 --> 01:05:21.300
a hotel that everybody likes to go to over by Culver's.

01:05:21.300 --> 01:05:23.980
And I asked, do you happen to have a flyer

01:05:23.980 --> 01:05:25.739
that shows the city of Freeport

01:05:25.739 --> 01:05:28.440
with all the spots in Freeport that would be

01:05:30.460 --> 01:05:32.420
kind of interesting to tourists that are coming in

01:05:32.420 --> 01:05:34.940
that we can actually capitalize on?

01:05:34.940 --> 01:05:37.820
Now, they have an event coming up May 17th.

01:05:37.820 --> 01:05:39.980
I'm gonna announce that before my three minutes ends up.

01:05:39.980 --> 01:05:43.539
The observatory has in our ward, in second ward

01:05:43.539 --> 01:05:46.420
has an event coming up May 17th.

01:05:46.420 --> 01:05:49.860
That deep space telescope is amazing.

01:05:49.860 --> 01:05:50.980
You need to check that out,

01:05:50.980 --> 01:05:53.639
but we also need to get that out to Chicago.

01:05:53.639 --> 01:05:56.039
We need to get that out as a tourist draw.

01:05:56.039 --> 01:05:59.500
We need to get the Coteau House up and running

01:05:59.500 --> 01:06:01.179
because that's a draw.

01:06:01.179 --> 01:06:03.260
Although he was an assassin,

01:06:03.260 --> 01:06:05.940
he was also a contemporary of Oscar Wilde.

01:06:05.940 --> 01:06:07.000
And there's a lot of people

01:06:07.000 --> 01:06:08.980
that would come to see this building,

01:06:08.980 --> 01:06:11.019
not the inside of this building,

01:06:11.019 --> 01:06:12.519
but the outside of this building

01:06:12.519 --> 01:06:14.139
because it's a Carnegie building.

01:06:14.139 --> 01:06:16.380
We have Debate Square, we have the library,

01:06:16.380 --> 01:06:18.860
We have, like I mentioned, Crate Park before,

01:06:18.860 --> 01:06:20.099
we have Oakdale.

01:06:20.099 --> 01:06:23.500
We have things in the third ward

01:06:23.500 --> 01:06:25.279
that have not been capitalized on yet

01:06:25.279 --> 01:06:27.539
because true crime is huge.

01:06:27.539 --> 01:06:28.400
Mayor, look at me.

01:06:29.460 --> 01:06:30.300
Okay.

01:06:32.420 --> 01:06:35.739
True crime is huge, huge.

01:06:35.739 --> 01:06:39.500
And we had Al Capone coming in on the train

01:06:39.500 --> 01:06:41.380
off of Winnipeg Street

01:06:41.380 --> 01:06:43.219
because the clones live down there.

01:06:43.220 --> 01:06:54.220
So this is something that we could capitalize on. No, it's a dark side of Freeport, but it's a side of Freeport, as was bootlegging, as was all kinds of things.

01:06:54.220 --> 01:07:08.220
And we could capitalize on this. You can't just say, hey, we're going to have a Teddy Baker Day and this and that, festivals that we love, but maybe they might not know in Chicago.

01:07:08.220 --> 01:07:33.000
and

01:07:33.000 --> 01:07:54.760
So I want to say this is the, I mean there is no compassion. I don't know if one of you guys have ever thought about the victim that you guys are slapping in the face by allowing this man to get promoted and get good deeds done while he choked, choked somebody. That's like almost murder to strangle somebody. But that's, you know, that's that.

01:07:54.760 --> 01:08:01.400
I want to say every time we, every time Mayor Miller intertwines with any male figure, whatever

01:08:01.400 --> 01:08:07.279
it is, friendship, business, or whatever, Freeport suffers from it in a ways that Mahoney,

01:08:07.279 --> 01:08:11.239
he still ain't paid his loan back.

01:08:11.239 --> 01:08:15.360
Mike Meade, he took a long time to pay his due diligence to downtown.

01:08:15.360 --> 01:08:21.479
I have no idea why we keep on intertwining with guys and giving them money, giving them

01:08:21.479 --> 01:08:22.479
opportunities.

01:08:22.479 --> 01:08:24.779
Taylor, 정부 Thank you ladies and gentlemen for coming

01:08:24.779 --> 01:08:26.779
and Kimberly welcome you tonight.

01:08:27.880 --> 01:08:29.880
So you guys are on this very daily

01:08:33.239 --> 01:08:40.079
retreat and for those of you thinking about our

01:08:40.079 --> 01:08:42.079
team, we hold a ton times here at the

01:08:44.380 --> 01:08:44.579
paint special zeggen, it's a white

01:08:44.579 --> 01:08:46.579
school night.

01:08:49.180 --> 01:08:51.180
So we're gonna work hard, with my team on

01:08:51.180 --> 01:08:54.979
yes three and yes four that's really should be our names y'all don't represent

01:08:54.979 --> 01:08:59.899
the people at all in my opinion and Mayor Miller is my business who I go out to eat

01:08:59.899 --> 01:09:04.859
with Rob is my friend from 25 years so to call him a leak because he is

01:09:04.859 --> 01:09:08.659
representing the city workers or whatever he is you and Rob both said

01:09:08.659 --> 01:09:14.060
something about him being my friend you never know who I got friends

01:09:14.940 --> 01:09:18.979
are there any other public comments

01:09:21.180 --> 01:09:26.180
Josh Atkinson, Seventh Ward

01:09:26.180 --> 01:09:30.180
Thank you, Council, for reminding me why I just went through the past year.

01:09:30.180 --> 01:09:35.180
You guys just showed me. And why it must continue.

01:09:35.180 --> 01:09:41.180
Family Dollar, I want to address that first. Alderman Monroe, you brought up a good point that I hadn't even thought about with it.

01:09:41.180 --> 01:09:46.180
But what was really troubling is that the Council didn't want to discuss it.

01:09:46.180 --> 01:09:52.680
You know, that was the biggest thing. Mayor, you won the election. I'm happy for you. Congratulations.

01:09:52.680 --> 01:09:58.680
But the biggest thing against you, the only thing really against you, was crime in this town.

01:09:58.680 --> 01:10:01.960
And this was a perfect opportunity to move forward and

01:10:01.960 --> 01:10:06.960
and I have the opportunity to move forward in a different way and talk, actually have the conversation.

01:10:06.960 --> 01:10:12.960
Not one of our eight Alderpeople nor our Mayor asked the Police Chief what he thought about Family Dollar serving liquor.

01:10:12.960 --> 01:10:17.960
That would have been the first go-to. But it's passed.

01:10:17.960 --> 01:10:23.960
So I guess we're just going to have to get beer at Family Dollar now.

01:10:23.960 --> 01:10:30.960
You guys work for us. You guys, the election is over. You do not work for Andrew Chesney anymore.

01:10:30.960 --> 01:10:33.760
Work for the people of Freeport.

01:10:33.760 --> 01:10:36.480
The people of Freeport wanted answers.

01:10:36.480 --> 01:10:38.319
As I told you last time, I do not

01:10:38.319 --> 01:10:40.760
care about being on the Planning Commission.

01:10:40.760 --> 01:10:42.880
The mayor made herself perfectly clear.

01:10:42.880 --> 01:10:44.560
She does not want my involvement.

01:10:44.560 --> 01:10:46.399
That is fine.

01:10:46.399 --> 01:10:47.800
But the replacement.

01:10:47.800 --> 01:10:51.800
And now the people of Freeport want an explanation.

01:10:51.800 --> 01:10:54.239
Why would you take that away?

01:10:54.239 --> 01:10:55.539
That doesn't even make sense.

01:10:55.539 --> 01:10:58.119
You should be ashamed of yourselves.

01:10:58.119 --> 01:11:00.480
You just got on your seat for another four years,

01:11:00.480 --> 01:11:02.520
and this is what we have to look forward to.

01:11:05.500 --> 01:11:06.800
Any other public comments?

01:11:12.359 --> 01:11:15.279
Good evening, my name is Cheryl Alton.

01:11:15.279 --> 01:11:17.439
Since Wayne is no longer here,

01:11:17.439 --> 01:11:19.140
I guess I'm gonna put this to Rob.

01:11:20.159 --> 01:11:24.699
You guys served me no warnings for my one house.

01:11:24.699 --> 01:11:27.000
Automatically, I got an issue,

01:11:27.000 --> 01:11:28.760
gotta appear before this little,

01:11:28.760 --> 01:11:30.760
Well, people call it the kangaroo court.

01:11:31.680 --> 01:11:34.920
You're supposed to send warnings before you do anything.

01:11:34.920 --> 01:11:36.840
Of course, Wayne's here no longer.

01:11:36.840 --> 01:11:37.680
When I talked to Ben,

01:11:37.680 --> 01:11:39.760
he wasn't gonna do anything for a couple months.

01:11:39.760 --> 01:11:41.659
Well, that was a lie.

01:11:41.659 --> 01:11:43.480
But I guess, you know,

01:11:43.480 --> 01:11:46.319
there's a lot of lies coming out of this meeting tonight.

01:11:48.420 --> 01:11:50.960
It's just dirty how people won't even stand up.

01:11:50.960 --> 01:11:53.439
Mayor, you're probably the biggest one involved.

01:11:53.439 --> 01:11:56.560
I mean, hope you enjoyed your meal out with Dustin.

01:11:56.560 --> 01:11:57.560
Was it pretty good?

01:11:58.760 --> 01:12:02.760
Oh, you don't know what I'm talking about. Just sit there and shake your head no.

01:12:02.760 --> 01:12:06.760
There's witnesses. People saw you. Get real.

01:12:06.760 --> 01:12:10.760
And you know, you're not doing anything. You've been in here for how long?

01:12:10.760 --> 01:12:14.760
The population has gone down. Streets are crap.

01:12:14.760 --> 01:12:18.760
No jobs. No new jobs coming in. No future

01:12:18.760 --> 01:12:22.760
for Freeport. Maybe you not getting elected would have been the best

01:12:22.760 --> 01:12:26.760
thing for Freeport.

01:12:26.760 --> 01:12:51.760
I'm Bill Wagner. I live in Freeport for about 60 years now. Madam Mayor, City Administrator, Council Members, I know this is going to come up. It's been hashed over way too much.

01:12:51.760 --> 01:13:03.760
I'd like to share my thoughts on the old ordinance about certain city employees living in a certain parameter of the city.

01:13:03.760 --> 01:13:10.760
I say, get rid of it. It's been enforced and it hasn't been enforced.

01:13:10.760 --> 01:13:17.760
I don't care if the police chief, the fire chief, live outside the city.

01:13:17.760 --> 01:13:23.760
If they, as far as they want, if they don't mind driving, I don't mind them.

01:13:25.760 --> 01:13:31.760
This is 2025. We have technology today that we didn't use to have.

01:13:32.760 --> 01:13:35.760
Your cell phone is right at the end of your fingertips.

01:13:36.760 --> 01:13:46.760
These officers and other heads of departments can contact the people underneath them in a moment, just like them being there.

01:13:47.760 --> 01:13:56.760
So I say, quit beating a dead horse, get rid of the ordinance, and that's the end of my speech. Thank you.

01:13:56.760 --> 01:13:58.760
Any other public comments this evening?

01:14:08.760 --> 01:14:15.760
Paige Kerr. I don't have much to say this time since Jodi actually missed my speech last time, which was mostly for her.

01:14:15.760 --> 01:14:22.819
and her. I just want to say I support overturning many of you on this council. I support that.

01:14:22.819 --> 01:14:29.159
We see the games that you guys play. We see that you guys are mostly all sellouts and it's

01:14:29.159 --> 01:14:39.880
embarrassing. There's a lot of fraud going on. Conflict of interest, Jodi, Rob, you as

01:14:39.880 --> 01:14:44.640
well. So I just really hope that you guys do what the people ask as you guys are here

01:14:44.640 --> 01:14:46.640
and

01:14:47.640 --> 01:14:49.640
Mr.

01:14:50.640 --> 01:14:52.640
Miller.

01:14:53.640 --> 01:14:55.640
Thank you.

01:14:56.640 --> 01:14:58.640
Next.

01:15:01.640 --> 01:15:03.640
Thank you.

01:15:04.640 --> 01:15:06.640
James Monroe, second ward.

01:15:07.640 --> 01:15:11.640
So I'd like to thank everyone for allowing me to serve for the last four years.

01:15:11.640 --> 01:15:14.720
allowing me to serve for the last four years.

01:15:14.720 --> 01:15:17.380
It has been a challenge, it has been fun,

01:15:17.380 --> 01:15:21.279
it has been disappointing, but I will tell you

01:15:21.279 --> 01:15:23.720
that there are things that have come to light

01:15:23.720 --> 01:15:26.000
that really, really bother me.

01:15:26.000 --> 01:15:28.079
I found out in the last couple of weeks

01:15:28.079 --> 01:15:32.140
that this man, Rob Boyer, this mayor, Jodi Miller,

01:15:32.140 --> 01:15:36.640
had an opportunity to help a local business owner

01:15:36.640 --> 01:15:39.440
grow their business, invest three and a half million dollars

01:15:39.440 --> 01:15:46.380
Lewis, and a few people that work at suretynow I have no idea what the problem is. No one

01:15:46.380 --> 01:15:52.739
is taking them, the city of Freeport, and they blocked it. No council approval, no council

01:15:52.739 --> 01:15:58.960
information, nothing. People want to know why business isn't coming to Freeport. It's

01:15:58.960 --> 01:16:05.140
because she and he are blocking it. And if you don't know what I'm talking about, it

01:16:05.140 --> 01:16:12.140
I will tell you, and I can tell by Rob's face turning red, he knows exactly what I'm talking about.

01:16:12.140 --> 01:16:21.140
You're like my three-year-old, four-year-old kid. You give it up. You've been in handcuffs once, buddy. It's going to happen again.

01:16:21.140 --> 01:16:29.140
I've got the proof, I've got the receipts, the TIF district money, everything else. We are looking into it.

01:16:29.140 --> 01:16:30.140
Fowler.

01:16:30.140 --> 01:16:35.100
The fact that you asked a former employee of the City of Freeport to file a fraudulent

01:16:35.100 --> 01:16:41.539
complaint against a 43-year employee of the City of Freeport, that's coming to light.

01:16:41.539 --> 01:16:42.899
And why did you do it?

01:16:42.899 --> 01:16:49.060
To appoint your neighbor to the position who still doesn't have the licenses to operate

01:16:49.060 --> 01:16:54.659
in that position, who's also been given pay raises in that position.

01:16:54.659 --> 01:16:56.979
So the day's coming.

01:16:56.979 --> 01:17:26.979
I spent four years sitting in that seat. My fighting for this city doesn't stop when I walk out of office. I have contacted everybody I can at the state, at the federal, and any other organization that will listen. And I have provided them with receipts that I talk about tonight. And I'm going to ask something be done. Because what has happened to Freeport, the decrease in the population from over 50,000

01:17:56.979 --> 01:18:03.260
Fowles, and blocking out any conversation, and he will lie to your face at any moment

01:18:03.260 --> 01:18:04.260
in time.

01:18:04.260 --> 01:18:05.260
Thank you.

01:18:05.260 --> 01:18:09.300
Are there any other public comments this evening?

01:18:09.300 --> 01:18:11.539
Seeing none, we'll move on to the Executive Session.

01:18:11.539 --> 01:18:14.619
Madam Clerk, could you please read this for the record?

01:18:14.619 --> 01:18:17.619
Oh, okay.

01:18:17.619 --> 01:18:29.380
Cecelia Stacy, Fifth Ward, as I said at the last meeting in April, we start this city

01:18:29.380 --> 01:18:36.380
with prayer, we start these meetings with prayer, we can end them with prayer.

01:18:36.380 --> 01:18:43.420
So with that being said, Father God, in the name of Jesus, we come to you thanking you

01:18:43.420 --> 01:18:49.380
for this day, for this is the day that you have made. Before we ask you for anything,

01:18:49.380 --> 01:18:56.659
we say thank you. Now God, your word said that we have not because we ask not, so I'm

01:18:56.659 --> 01:19:07.360
asking you Lord to move on behalf of this city, oh God. You know Father God, you already

01:19:07.359 --> 01:19:14.279
Hinton Oh, Lord, I pray that you let me know what's happening, the good, the bad and the

01:19:14.279 --> 01:19:20.659
ugly, oh, God. So, Lord, I loose angels to the north, to the south, the east and the

01:19:20.659 --> 01:19:27.640
west and I ask that you take control over this your city and make it be what you create

01:19:27.640 --> 01:19:36.640
it to be, a free port, oh, God. Father God, look down upon the Alderman. Help us all to

01:19:36.640 --> 01:19:43.600
and Mayor at ourselves, oh God, and see if we're doing the work that we've been appointed

01:19:43.600 --> 01:19:49.539
to do, the work that we've been called to do.

01:19:49.539 --> 01:19:52.899
We can't do it without your help, oh God.

01:19:52.899 --> 01:19:59.399
I know that I know that I know prayer changes things.

01:19:59.399 --> 01:20:01.640
and others. It is in your name that I pray.

01:20:01.640 --> 01:20:09.360
is in your name that I pray, give me you all glory, Anna, for you are worthy to be praised.

01:20:09.360 --> 01:20:13.960
In Jesus' name, take control. Amen.

01:20:13.960 --> 01:20:19.200
Madam Clerk, could you please read the Executive Session?

01:20:19.200 --> 01:20:24.460
Pursuant to 5ILCS 122C1, the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance

01:20:24.460 --> 01:20:29.400
or dismissal of specific employees, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against

01:20:29.400 --> 01:20:31.400
Johnson,

01:20:33.400 --> 01:20:35.400
and

01:20:37.400 --> 01:20:39.400
Chris,

01:20:40.400 --> 01:20:42.400
and

01:20:44.400 --> 01:20:46.400
I'll make a motion to enter into Executive Session.

01:20:47.400 --> 01:20:49.400
Second.

01:20:51.400 --> 01:20:53.400
Well, seeing that, the motion fails.

01:20:54.400 --> 01:20:56.400
No, I seconded it. Oh, you did? Okay.

01:20:59.400 --> 01:21:02.600
Simmons, Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

01:21:02.600 --> 01:21:03.600
Sanders?

01:21:03.600 --> 01:21:04.600
Aye.

01:21:04.600 --> 01:21:05.600
Sellers?

01:21:05.600 --> 01:21:06.600
Aye.

01:21:06.600 --> 01:21:07.600
Klemm?

01:21:07.600 --> 01:21:08.600
Aye.

01:21:08.600 --> 01:21:09.600
Monroe?

01:21:09.600 --> 01:21:10.600
Aye.

01:21:10.600 --> 01:21:11.600
Simmons?

01:21:11.600 --> 01:21:12.600
Aye.

01:21:12.600 --> 01:21:13.600
Parker?

01:21:13.600 --> 01:21:14.600
Aye.

01:21:14.600 --> 01:21:15.600
Stacy?

01:21:15.600 --> 01:21:16.600
Aye.

01:21:16.600 --> 01:21:17.600
And Shadle?

01:21:17.600 --> 01:21:18.600
Aye.

01:21:18.600 --> 01:21:19.600
The motion passes 8-0.

01:21:19.600 --> 01:21:20.600
Okay.

01:21:20.600 --> 01:21:21.600
Thank you.