I just have a question. It would. You have a discussion on tabling? say that I do want to say that there was commotion outside and Rachel I know you weren't here Alderman Simmons you were not here you were nowhere around but there was commotion because even when I came in huh he was no but I'm we were not here right but you know you to work yeah but that's not that's not for us to I have the floor right now and there was commotion because even when I came in there were TV stations here and a lot of commotion outside and I didn't know what was going on and the people from the TV station said there was going to be a walkout so that's when I was confused on walking out on what on what were they walking out on so I do understand you guys were here Miller, but there was commotion and a lot going on outside.


So that's why I do understand that it was a little bit disrespectful because when we, two years ago, when we came to the council and we were being voted in, even though we won our elections, the people that sat in these seats, they watched us get sworn in and when we took our place, they got up and they did the transition and that's what I thought was really not right for us to also be there when the transitions was taking place.


That's my point of view and that's just how I feel about it because we should have also been there to respect the same transition because we did it because if they would have did it on us, we would have been upset and we would have felt, you know, like they were not treating us right so that's my point of view from from that I'm sorry I can't hear you again your feelings aside right the facts are we were not there we did not cause a disruption the meeting did still happen so you cannot attach our names to that and say you want something from us because of what happened outside and Miss.


But this is directed towards us as though we cause that disruption is what I'm saying.


We did not cause that disruption. We called no news outlets. We were not here.


Yes, I welcome you, Alderperson, Johnson. I am sorry that I was not here for that.


for that. However, I am not the one succeeding my chair to her to say welcome. Here are the ropes. Okay, so there was no disrespect to you. But again, all of you miss. And I do not hold you and say, you need to explain to me why you weren't here. We're adults.


We know what our responsibilities are. We handle our responsibilities. If something happens Sanders, and we cannot be here, then that is the case.


Oh, I never said you weren't here. That's what I'm saying. You guys were here.


But there was disruption. Okay. Okay. Yeah. Okay. Okay. All right. So the motion is tabled indefinitely by Simmons and Sanders.


Yeah. Yeah. But... Madam Clerk, please take the roll on tabling indefinitely. Is this still open for discussion?


Do you want to change tabling indefinitely? Clem, Monroe, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers.


Oh my, 1, 2, 3, it fails, 3 to 5 Okay, so now I believe that the right order would be the original of Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm, to move this to the next regularly scheduled meeting.


Okay. Alderman. And also take their names off. I don't know if that was the discussion.


it was about having a discussion, correct? I feel as though we had that discussion.


Well, Mike, Mike, Mike, can I speak? Well, just a second. So at the end of the day, there's still a motion and a second that was made to table this until the council meeting.


So as long as Alderman Shadle's position and the second is still to table this to the next meeting, allowing for whatever conversations to be had just to confirm the reasons for Alderman Simmons not being here, which I know she stated already there, but if to allow for whatever follow-up that may or may not need to take place on that there, then that's what's pending before.


So then there's still discussion on this motion then. So discussion on moving it to the next meeting.


Is that where we're at? That's where we're at. Right. To table this for further discussion, to table this, to not vote on it tonight, but to table this to the next council meeting.


Okay. Okay. No we're not. All right. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Yes.


Johnson? Yes. Simmons? No. Parker? Yes. Stacy? No. Shadle? Yes. Sanders? and Sellers. Yes. One, two, three. It passes five to three. Okay, we'll move on to item number 21. Could you please read this approval of bid?


Bid opening on May 23rd. Test well number 12, including notice of intent to award to Peerless Well and Pump based on IEPA concurrence. Manager Boyer?


Sorry about that. Thank you Madam Mayor. The City held a public bid opening on May 23rd for the four phases of Well 12. So the project was broken up into four phases. The first phase is the test well, the second phase is the production well, third phase is the treatment plant and the fourth phase is water and sewer interconnection, piping and so forth.


and others who are interconnection piping and so forth. So each of these individual projects is related to the installation of a new 1300 foot deep production water well and treatment facility for the low zone of Freeport.


The low zone is the largest area of Freeport that serves 65% of the city.


These production well infrastructure projects were targeted and identified originally in the 2017 comprehensive infrastructure upgrade plan when the Forever Chemicals or PFOS was originally detected by the US EPA doing random tests.


Freeport was one of the first 500 communities in the country to be detected, and we now know this is an issue facing many cities across the United States.


So city staff receive bids for this complex project. The low responsive bidders are as follows for the four individual open contracts.


So peerless well and pump was the lowest responsive bidder on contract A, the test well at $831,960. Contract A1 is the production well for well 12. And that the lowest responsive bidder was also peerless well and pump at a total amount of $2,441,650. And contract B was the well Wellhouse, Wellhouse number 12 and a 7 acre site work. The winning bidder was IHC Construction Companies and the winning amount was $21,966,000 and contract C was the water and sewer main connections. And that was won by Kelsey Excavating out of Davis, Illinois for $1,729,906. So The total cost of the well and the well house is $26,969,516 and this is, the city's currently receiving or has pled, has waiting for a project to move forward, $13.2 million in funding through the Illinois EPA as well as the emerging contaminant money.


and Forgivable Loans of $5 million as well as some congressionally directed spending from Congressman Sorensen.


So staff's recommendation is City Council to approve the lowest responsive bidder for each contract as listed.


So then the first one will be the test well. Is there a motion to approve the bid as stated?


So moved. Second. The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on this bid. Alderman Sanders.


On a bid? This is a bid. This bid that's packaged before you. That's what this is all about, a bid. We have not had a discussion on the overall, the overview of this project that is pending.


Darren, did you want to? Have we had a discussion? That's the question I'm asking.


Yes, yes, we have. this is approving the bids. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers.


Aye. The motion passes six to one. Item number 22 is the approval of another bid. Could you please read this?


Another bid opening on May 23rd for the production well number 12 bid approval including notice of intent to award to Peerless Well and Pump based on IEPA concurrence. Thank you Manager Boyer.


So, as previously mentioned, the production well of the successful low bidder was $2,441,650 and that was also Peerless Well and Pump.


Staff would request approval of this resolution moving forward with Peerless. I'm sorry, with this bid with Peerless.


Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Discussion on this bid.


Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Are you trying to reconnect Stacy or? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. And Sellers? Aye.


the motion is approved six to one item 23 another bit approval could you please read this also on May 23rd well house number 12 including notice of intent to award to IHC construction based on IEPA concurrence thank you manager where I think your honor the lowest responsive bidder was IHC construction at 21 million nine hundred sixty-six thousand dollars and I will add that IHC is our current contractor at the wastewater treatment plant and they've had an excellent track record of success so I enthusiastically request City Council move forward with this and a Mary so move made by Alderman Shadle seconded by Alderman, Sellers. Discussion on this bid? I just wanted to point out when we tallied the bids for IHC, they made a tabulation error of $300,000 in the city's favor and and I discussed it with them and they're going to honor the price that was tabulated, not what was read. Thank you. Madam Clerk, please take the Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. The motion is approved, 6 to 1. Item number 24, another bid approval. This is the last of the four phases on May 23rd, well house number 12, Watermain and Sewermain extensions, bid approval including notice of intent


to award to Kelsey Excavating based on IEPA concurrence. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Madam Mayor.


Kelsey Excavating was the lowest responsive bidder. The total amount was $1,729,906. And I will also note that Kelsey has worked for us in the past.


They did the forest sewer main on Island Avenue. And that project went forward very well.


Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Motion made by Shadle, seconded by Sellers.


Madam Clerk, please take the roll for the bid. Klemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye.


Parker. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. No. And Sellers. Aye. The motion is approved, 6 to 1.


And item number 25, another bid. This bid opening was on May 30th, 2025. Demolition of seven residential properties.


Director Duckman. Thank you, Madam Mayor. City of Freeport published a notice for the demolition and asbestos abatement of seven properties in the journal standard on May 25th and held a bid opening on May 30th at nine o'clock a.m.


in City Hall. The city received bids from five contractors and the lowest responsible bidder was Klechner Excavating who submitted the lowest responsible bid of $85,000 to demolish all seven properties.


The staff would recommend issuing the contract in that amount for the demolition of seven properties which is $85,000 as they are the lowest responsible bidder.


Bitter. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the bids? Yes. Alderman Sellers? Yes. Are these the properties and the money that's coming out of the mitigation grant that was? Yes. Yes. Most of them, six of the seven are. Okay. Thank you. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.


Klemm, aye. Johnson, aye. Simmons, aye. Parker, aye. Shadle, aye. Sanders, no. And Sellers, aye.


The motion is approved six to one. Item number 26, adaption of the resolution 2025-67.


Could you please read this? Resolution approving construction engineering contract with Fehr Graham for project build of test well, well and well house House No. 12, and Associated Water Main and Sewer Main Extensions.


Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. Fehr Graham Design permitted and bid Well 12 for four phases of water improvement projects.


The IEP funding requires professional construction engineering services for the four phases of the project improvements.


The completion of Well 12 project is in its entirety. The project is in its entirety is required to close before we close the Brick Street, the 1900's 140 year old water treatment plant on Brick Street.


Fehr Graham will provide professional construction, resident engineering services to manage the four projects on behalf of the city.


Engineering services will consist of full-time engineering observation and inspection along with project management, contract management, loan, audit and closeout management, monthly quarterly reporting, Construction Survey Layout Staking, Specification Assurance, among other listed items in the outline proposal, BABA compliance and certification documentation for these projects.


That's the new Made in America requirements that are coming down from the federal government.


These four construction projects consist of $26,969,516 in infrastructure improvements and will serve the city, residents, and businesses for the next 100 years with water production.


These projects will require an estimated 30-month construction schedule to complete, and professional engineering services include construction engineering, staking, and full project management and the amount of $1,750,000, QAQC material testing services are third party services needed only and resident construction engineering is part of the IEP loan process and is included by the state revolving fund program. Staff recommends moving forward with this agreement and I will mention to you during the process or during the construction process of well 11, their construction oversight has has been invaluable saving the city hundreds of thousands of dollars, potentially more in change orders or lack thereof, and ensuring that what we're paying for is what we're getting.


Just one case in point was with Well Oven, there was an oversight as far as the tank was, the main clear well was constructed.


Fehr Graham was diligent about designing a work or a good solution to resolve the issue.


And at the end of the day, the city did not incur any costs. And the Clearwell was built to specify case revised specifications that will is actually, I think, better than the original design.


So that's one case in point as well as the support that we've had throughout the transition from the contractor to the city staff.


We've had an excellent transition and inspection period where we've resulted in the the project basically going off without a hitch. There's always glitches, but the contractors were held to account in this case for well 11 and they did an excellent job in insulating the city from change orders that were unnecessary. So I enthusiastically recommend moving forward with this resolution.


Is there a motion to adopt? I make a motion. Second. There's a motion made by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.


Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. And Sellers? Aye.


The resolution is adapted six to one. Item number 27 is discussion regarding updates on 17 and 19 West Main Street for and Daryl.


» I wanted to give the Council an update on the 17 and 19 Main Street dry cleaners that were working on demolition. We've been working on it for an awful long time. We had a lot of issues getting into the neighboring buildings because one of them is vacant.


and I have a solution to un-attach the two buildings and also support those structures and then come up with remediation to make sure the other structures would be sound once we're done. We are waiting on EPA approval to bid which we believe will be sometime here in June and the target would be to have the buildings down before the end of the year.


It's going to depend when they give us the green light to go. All of our funding is still in place. We haven't drawn any of the funding yet because you have to complete the project to draw it.


Once we are awarded, I believe we have four years to complete the project. Please know that one of the largest difficult issues that we have right now is the building that is conjoined to the dry cleaners. The roof caved in about a year and a half ago at least and so it's very dangerous to access the building. It's very dangerous to come up with the plan to try to get it down and not and not destroy the rest of downtown while we're doing it.


There's just not a lot of space there. So please be patient. You'll see at bid, the finances are still there for it.


And we hope to have it at least completely demolished before the end of the year.


Thank you. Item number 28 is discussion on how a quorum was established for the May 19th council meeting, Alderman Sanders.


Yes, I'm misunderstanding our protocol and I understand that if the protocol of how we conduct the order of our council chamber meetings that includes the mayor, attorney and everybody that's in the process with Place, why was it necessary to have a second roll call? Someone needs to explain that one to me because with the first roll call, business has been, the process has been started. When was the first roll call cancelled and was it terminated or was it erased or excluded Talking, and some of the other things that they want to talk about.


the public wants to know are we consistent with what we're doing when it comes to roll call and when you have a quorum put in place at the very first roll call.


If there's no quorum, then there shouldn't have been a second roll call. That's my thought on that and that's my opinion on that.


The people of this community will like to know How do you stage a second roll call when the first one should have been sufficient?


The first roll call is how we work the process and how we conduct the council meetings and things of this nature.


The first roll call explains everything of what is supposed to happen at that point.


so I'm just trying to figure out how is it that we end up conducting a second roll call sure without an explanation sure so the first roll call was a standard roll call the number of aldermen that were were called there were five alderman roll call what the difference with the second roll call is that because on inauguration day traditionally then anytime once the new alderman or the elected alderman the newly elected alderman and they might be and the same people, then they're traditionally after they're seated, you would do a roll call again to take a role as to those newly elected Aldermen.


So when you were seated, there was a second roll call. Also, when the outgoing Alderman left their seat and you came and sat in your seat, then there was another roll call taken where they called your name.


So that's all in the same thing. and I. It's one thing you're forgetting that there was not an established courtroom to even do a second roll call and that's what you keep omitting.


And I can explain that. I like to hear you put that on the record that you did that because for what reason that you injected a second roll call when the courtroom was not a business process when And it should have been cancelled or made it invalid to have any other business before the council in order to establish a second roll call.


So earlier in the day on that Monday, the city council was, or not the city council, the city, the city manager was made aware through the media that there might not be enough other people to conduct the meeting, that there might be people, the media had heard that.


Are you kidding me? That's what the media told the city. That's what someone said.


Correct, that there might not be enough people for a quorum. We're basing it on here.


for a quarrel. Well certainly that's what ended up happening. So based off of that information Alderman Johnson was sworn in ahead of time. There's no obligation that the swearing-in of an Alderperson has to be done during a meeting there. So it can take place before because the ceremony is ceremonial. The swearing-in is ceremonial. It can take place outside. So that was done.


Well, if you don't have a quorum, the Attorney General won't say that. I'm almost sure of it, and you can't put words in the Attorney General's mouth.


I think you'll find that. You'll find the Attorney General's finding attached to your question.


Winslow. So, Yeah, I got it. I got it. Okay. So, the Attorney General's finding stands.


Yeah. But it's the establishment of the findings of this council. The Attorney General does not conduct business for this county and the council.


They don't do that. And so, in order for that to happen, it's all within our structure that that should that shouldn't have happened because a second meeting or a second quorum shouldn't have never taken place.


When the first one had taken was not business orientated, then the first one should be that.


It should be dissolved at that point, and whatever you did, and this does not change Anything, what the General Attorney was saying, that doesn't change anything because we set the standards here in the Council.


So are you saying that you did not attend in hopes to not have a quorum?


No, I didn't say that. Don't put that out there. That's why I'm asking you.


I'm asking you. You cannot put that out there, Mayor. Well, you're alluding to there was no quorum.


You are drawing an assumption. You are alluding to there was no quorum. and the Attorney General's finding says that where there was a quorum...


The council conduct the processing, not veto, zero, nor the mayor determines that it's already set in stone.


And this is the consistent, this is the practice that we've been practicing since the two years that I've been here.


And Alderman Sanders, we followed the exact same process, okay, because at the end of the day, at the beginning of the meeting, the clerk took the role of the aldermen that that were elected and there were five aldermen who had been elected and sworn in present so that constituted a quorum.


There was no, there was, there shouldn't have been an election because the quorum was dissolved.


Okay, so by the findings of the Attorney General, that is, that is the final, so Alderman Klemm.


So the reason that three people didn't show up so we couldn't do business didn't make, that doesn't have anything to do with it.


Do it. And your condescending remarks are very It may be condescending, but it's the truth.


It makes a third time. But you can't nobody ask you for your opinion. I don't care.


Alderman Klemm has the floor. You don't insult people. Alderman Klemm has the floor. Yeah, well.


Since I've been an Alderman this time, the same day that you were sworn in, you guys have Please stop interrupting.


Completely abandoned meetings three times. Is that good for this? and Knapp. » I resent that accusation. » What's that?


» I resent that accusation. » You can resent it all you want, but you weren't here.


» It's not true. » It is true. » How about the special meeting we had where none of you showed? How about that?


» Okay. » We're not here for the hell of it. We're trying to do this. » Are you the judge and the Boarder. You're not the prosecutor nor the judge. All right, we need to, everyone will be dismissed, we'll have a meeting adjourned if we're going to continue to act like children. Alderman Shadle, would you like to say something? I just would like to read from the correspondence from the Office of the Attorney General Kwame Raul. Same thing. Dated May 30th, 2025 and the finding Johnson.


Letters signed by Katie Goldsmith, Assistant Attorney General, that even if the newly elected Alderperson Johnson did not count towards a quorum at the first roll call, however, the four other Alderpersons and the Mayor comprised a quorum.


Because a quorum of the members of the Council were present and answered the roll call during the meeting, this office has determined that no further action is warranted with respect to your allegation. This letter serves to close this file. If you have any questions, please contact me at the Chicago address at the bottom.


Okay, this discussion is final. We'll move on to department heads. Finance? Nothing, Your Honor. Community Development?


tonight Madam Mayor. Public Works. Nothing tonight. Thank you. Fire? Nothing as well from fire. Thank you. Police? I have no report tonight. Library? All right let's end this on a little bit of a positive note. Summer reading kickoff is Monday June 9th at 1 p.m. You can sign up for summer reading and we'll have crafts, tattoos, Dues, Touch a Truck, and Games.


This year we're also hosting a drop-in craft for teens and adults to celebrate our kickoff, the drop-in and make some yarn fringe art between 3 and 7 p.m.


And all families unable to attend kickoff events are welcome to come in and sign up for summer reading anytime we are open starting Monday, June 9th at 3 p.m.


Thank you. IT? Manager. I just have two things. I'm sure everyone here is familiar with the yield program.


The yield program is a 14-week training that helps prepare individuals for building trades. They are in the process of getting ready for their next round, which starts June 9th. And so if you are age 18 or older and have a high school diploma or a GED, you are eligible.


it gives classroom training on the job pay, it has supporting services in case you need them for transportation or child care, and it also gives you the assistance in helping to find full-time work after the training is done.


If it's something you would like to be a part of, please contact the Boys and Girls Club.


Also on Saturday, please mark your calendars for the High Hope event. for the Peace March. It is called End the Cycle, Stop Community Violence. It is to stand in unity for the Memorial Peace March again on Saturday, which starts at 11 o'clock at the Madonna Renewal Center, which is near the intersection of Walnut and Empire. So if you'd like to join with that, you are welcome to do so. With that, Alderman Klemm?


Nothing, Your Honor. Alderman Johnson? Yes, I'd just like the people in Ward 2 to know that the flushing of the water mains in our ward started today with Laurel Street, Revere, Concord, Park Crest, Middlebury, Alamo, Bedford, Greenfield, and Sheffield.


And also, last week there was mention of some rust in water when a person turned on their faucet.


That bothered me because I remember as a kid my grandma had terrible rust in her water and she'd put Kool-Aid in it Coollate in it. We'd still drink it. It still tasted terrible. So anyway, so I did ask some questions about that, wanting to know what we could do about rust in the water. I talked with Manager Boyer and he said with the new well, there's a lot of things in there that will remove the rust and iron from the majority of the water in the city. And I also talked with Darren Steakles. So Darren, would you please reiterate what causes rust in water and some things that people can do at home to help, help so the water doesn't taste so bad or what they can do for the rust.


Sure. So there's lots of items that cause rust in water. One of the items is piping has what's called biofilm in it.


A lot of our older pipe is made of ductile iron or cast iron, which creates a kind of a rusty biofilm on the insides of the pipes.


That's why we do annual flushing programs to flush that out of the mains. You can see right now, if we get a large fire, we can stir it up by shifting the way water flows through the pipes, we kind of scour it.


Residents, we actually, I believe, put a tutorial on the city's website today on what residents can do to be active at their houses.


Generally speaking, you want to flush the water at your house through a tub faucet or the lowest faucet in your house that doesn't have an aerator on it for a few minutes.


and that usually flushes your pipe out. You are kind of the end point source so it can push into the houses.


Lower users can actually be more susceptible. Elderly people that don't use as much water don't have as many kids using water.


If you want to be more vigilant, there's Brita pictures that you can purchase at Walmart or.


that you can purchase at Walmart or Pharma Fleet here in town that remove lots of constituents.


It's not necessary our water is safe to drink, but if you feel that you need that, please move forward with that.


Some of the rust that gets stirred up is actually from the residential piping in your house, especially if you have an older home.


The city is not responsible for residential piping, but we also help people investigate that.


So if you have rusty water calls, please go to 815-235-8210 Public Works and our utility superintendent will follow up with you or environmental compliance officer and help you figure out whether it's city water or if it's actually your piping and we can do some testing, water testing like we do daily to figure that out.


I think that's about everything you asked me. Okay, and then I just have something for Wendy to give to her.


She mentioned somebody that does have problems with their water, and I don't have a lot of money.


I'm on a fixed income like a lot of other people, but if you can do something good for someone, you need to do it, so I'm just gonna give her this.


She can give it to whoever she feels that needs it. Right. One last thing.


So one thing I'd like to mention, regardless to what Linda said, so she asked me for a figure today about how much older piping that we have still within the system, and the City of Freeport still has about 81 miles of water main that was installed before 1970, and about 45 miles of that was installed before 1930 that's still in service.


Alderman Simmons? Yeah, I'm going to say something. So I spoke more this evening than I have pretty much since I've been here.


But hopefully you all see what is going on, the selective enforcement of ordinances. We had our Alderman just swear and yell at another Alderperson.


And there was nothing done until Alderman Sanders replied. the way we handle this y'all is we get out and vote please do that in the upcoming elections you have plenty of time to go register to research candidates you are interested in but please exercise that right because as you see here in these chambers what you want does not matter Alderman Parker. Where's that March start on Saturday? At the Madonna and Renewal on Walnut. Okay thank you. Alderman Shadle. I just want to mention that we're gonna move the July neighborhood watch meeting from the third being adjacent to the holiday. We're gonna move it to Thursday July 10th. I'll mention that again at at the second council meeting this month.


Alderman Sanders. Yeah, I'd like to make a suggestion to our Public Water Works Director that we start a campaign, because I like what you were saying, that I think every citizen in the city of Freeport would love to get on board with this water rehabilitation systems for the residents, Farms, inspection is concerned or replacement or water services and things of that nature.


We should start a campaign throughout the city because if there had been any problems at any point in time where the people of the residents don't have the proper filters to determine whether or not they're getting any kind of rust contaminants or whatever the and others.


We should start a campaign to do an overview of assessment of our city water services to the residents' homes and things of this nature.


I know we do testing. I know we can do that to make some kind of analysis about what the standards of their water quality is.


and the investment that you're referring to as far as water filters attaching to their service is a big deal to some folks who don't understand what is happening and why they should purchase one. They should get one regardless. It doesn't matter whether it's for protection from the water that we're receiving. We should get one regardless. And I think we should Project that image out to the residents that no matter how clean you think your water is, I think we should be, what I'm saying, advertising water filters for homes or we start a campaign for water filters for homes for the public residents.


and I think once they are educated and knowledgeable about why it is, then we're not incompetent as just the fact that the knowledge is not getting out there, the notifications.


I know we do what's it called, board orders and things of this nature, but we don't give them solutions on what we can, additional solutions on how to protect themselves or even, the fact that we have to do Boyer orders and things of this nature.


So I just wanted to put that out there because I thought that was a great thing to do, you know.


And so I hope our citizens take that notice that you made in regards to their own lives and things of this nature.


So that's all. Alderman Sellers? Nothing. We'll move on to public comments. I'd like to set the record straight on Don Parker. I've known Don for almost 50 years, and I'd like to just tell the truth about what kind of man he is. I respect him, he has a life of service. He started out young age, he served in the Air Force, and after that he wanted and John, and he became a law enforcement officer. He also has been Chief of Police, which carried a lot of responsibility.


After that, he became a member of the County Board, and I guess that's when I really got to know you. You know, he went to I don't know how many meetings to better Stevenson County, and now and I have been working with the City Council. He has spent a lifetime of service to protect our country and also to make Freeport a better community. So I give applause you.


Anybody who thinks otherwise, then they need to ask him. Leininger, I live at 1980 Woodside Drive. I have one other comment. I've never witnessed until this past couple years the attacks, the disrespect that has gone on in this city council towards our mayor, towards our city council, to Rob Boyer, city members, council members, and a lot of these lies, insinuations that people are doing things illegally.


This is wrong, and our community should be one of brotherly love. It has always been that way until recently, and now there's this division and discord.


and so I pray, this is a sincere prayer in my heart that things will change, that people will respect one another, that they'll operate in love and in truth and we'd become a better community for that.


People from, I noticed by looking at YouTube, looking at YouTube that the people who are Reviewing this it's gone way up used to be a few people but now it's way up and I think it's because of the behavior of City Council members towards one another another another public comment Good evening. My name is Cheryl Altman. My first thing is the trees. Hiring somebody to cut the trees down. Seventy-three thousand dollars when we have our own forestry department.


Why are they not doing it? Seventy-three thousand dollars can be going to the roads, going to the lights, but no, we're going to pay somebody else. Next thing you say, the water's safe.


Why did I get a thing in the mail saying all the symptoms that the drink in the water and Dr. Freeport could do. Low birth weight, cancer, that's real safe to me. Also, I want to thank the Aldermen who are standing out there, standing up for what they believe.


I appreciate that. Second, streets. Little town of Rydock, less than 150 people in the Town, and Rye.


and 50 people in the town of Rydott. But every street and alleyway is blacked out.


But Freeport's not, and I can guarantee you they get more money than Rydott. Also, I wanna say, Parker, I don't think that was very professional of what you did last week.


I'm not saying you're not a bad person, but what you did was unacceptable. But you're not the only Alderman that has spoke out.


Joy Seller has too. and that's disrespectful. When we're up here, this is our public comment. That means you listen.


You don't interrupt us. You don't criticize us. We're not criticizing you. Matter of fact, I just said, you know, your service was great and I appreciate it. And Joy Seller, there were no issues outside the other day at that meeting. I don't know what you were on, what you're taking, but there was no issues. The television station, there's maybe six people out there. We were not We're not making a commotion. We're not raising any issues. You must have a guilty conscience.


Next. Paige Kerr, 103 Arbor Drive. I stand before you today out of a deep commitment of our community's integrity and future.


and Future. Our city leadership must be beyond reproach, ensuring that public trust is not only earned, but maintained. Currently, we face a troubling overlap of roles in the leadership of the Greater Freeport Partnership and City Council Members. These dual roles raise significant concerns over conflict of interest and the proper use of public funds. When a single individual holds multiple positions, it blurs the lines between public duty and private and the rest. Our community deserves leaders who are fully focused on the welfare of our city.


Quite frankly this isn't even about Jodi or Rob. This is about preserving the ethical standards of our community. So again I ask that this City Council prioritizes transparency and accountability. There needs to be stricter guidelines and oversight and it's crucial for our future. We deserve a City Council where public Public Service is not overshadowed by personal or organizational gain.


It is all of our civil duty to ensure that our city's future is guided by honesty, integrity, and a true commitment to the public good.


Thank you. Next. Next. All right, good evening. My name's Joshua Atkinson, 717 West Stevenson Street.


Thank you, Mayor. Thank you, City Manager, City Staff, and the Council. First, I mean, Debbie had left, but I wanted to really address her here with this.


The Alderman Parker, I like Alderman Parker, I've met with him. He was one of the few of you that would meet with me a year ago and I respected him.


The problem is, is she talked about who Alderman Parker was, not who Alderman Parker is right now.


An Alderperson elected official that would tell a constituent standing up here like myself to shut up and get out. Not acceptable.


and Alderman that would stand sit here earlier at this meeting during public comment and laugh in that same constituents face so let me get on to the point here thank you since the mayor took the opportunity this weekend to imply these and those in this city that question her on social media liars and troublemakers I figured you'd prefer me to say the facts to your face and tell Tell you exactly why your job has gotten harder. It's harder because you are accustomed to going unchallenged. You've been spoiled and I'm sorry for that. Here's the problem. This meeting started out with six members of this community trying to talk to you and they weren't listened to. Rather, the mayor joked around with the city attorney. Alderman, our alderperson at Large, played on her phone, and Alderman Parker laughed in the face of the constituent.


Later on, Alderman Klemm smugly asked the City Attorney to explain how our government works.


Thank you. We all now know that the City Council is the legislative body and sets policy.


In that spirit, why is our City Attorney presenting policy change? Alderman, Sanders asked who put that item on the agenda.


Never got answered. That's why your job's harder. Asked a simple question. Who put it on there?


Why aren't we telling the people of Freeport who put it on there? About censoring, or censoring other older people.


Alderman Klemmick came out later too. We all run our mouth, we get angry, he broke a council rule, right?


Are we going to add him to that list for that next meeting? A couple weeks ago, a month ago, maybe Alderman Klemm put his hands on Alderman Monroe.


Did we censure him for that? No. You guys need a fresh start here. Now, since we wanted to talk about the Attorney General situation, I got that letter too. Thank you for reading portions of that letter.


Thank you, your time has expired. That was three minutes. So is there any other public comments?


Wendy Pearson, 1323 South Chicago Avenue. I find it ironic that the individual that stood up here to praise our former chief of police wasn't told three minutes, two minutes.


She was allowed to continue to talk. And he's absolutely right. Part of the letter was read.


They don't want you to hear the other part of it. And as far as what she had to say about Parker, we, we know how Parker became the Chief of Police.


We also know that his indignant comments and his smirking isn't going to change a thing.


The other thing you need to understand is this, if you censor them and fine them, you won't be able to do it to us.


And we're going to be standing before the City Council continuously supporting the Aldermen that we have voted in and not supporting the mess that's going on up in the City Council.


Two other things, the justice three, the mayor has been sitting on a commission for the past three years with other mayors in regarding crime.


The last peace walk that the mayor did started at the Old Germania, went down Adams, around Liberty, towards and past the Raleigh Building.


Day before that, there were shootings on Liberty and the 800 block of Carroll. Never did this so-called peace walk go into the communities where there is actual shootings and killings happening.


This thing is starting on Walnut. Have there been shootings on Walnut? I don't think so.


Joke. Your sitting on a commission is a joke because everything you've set there for the past three years hasn't trickled down to Freeport and others.


I'm going to talk about the police department. I'm going to talk about the police department because the shootings are happening.


People are being murdered. Your peace walk is a slap in the face and a joke.


If it's not going to go into the communities where the actual shootings are occurring, you're not doing anything.


As far as Parker is concerned, Parker had a whole day gone police department behind him.


I had me and five possible six neighbors to shut down drug houses, to stop shootings, and the Mayor.


We have to do walks in our community. Those of you that are sitting at this city council, half of you have never stepped foot in the area where there are shootings and murders.


The Mayor has never, ever came to a bloom release when a child 13 years old was murdered or anybody else.


The only emotional person that has something to say about murders in our community was Summers and the reason that Summers had something to say and the reason that your time has expired is because the person that was murdered was his friend on the basketball court.


Please refrain and for the record, every public comment gets three minutes, don't know where your thought is on it too.


Is there any other public comments this evening? Tommy. Watch my clock, watch yours. My birthday was today.


Happy Birthday Tommy. I'm Alderman Sanders, as you guys may know, I just want to make a couple of points so we can stand before you and try to educate those that...


Try to educate those that have not truly understand the parliamentary of the Council and the government within itself. I say, I know you're going to listen to me very tentatively, but the inconsistencies, the inconsistencies of our council, and I'm part of that, is that the involvement in siding with the the populace of this community does not trickle down or trickle out of this council.


Whatever the body wants or the citizen wants, we are not responding to their needs.


That's what we're not doing. just like the inconsistencies on protocols and quorums and how we're conducting business, there's no inconsistencies here. When someone is reading someone else's laws and articles and Governing does not always apply to Freeport.


Why? Because we have Robert rules or rules. We got those in place that helps us to determine what our focus is as government electors.


And so for someone to read something that came out of Chicago to set standards and rules and things of this nature on how we should conduct ourselves, and others.


This inconsistency on what we're doing, because we don't follow those exact rules that was read today that came out of Chicago, Chicago, we don't follow them rules, it's only convenient when it's convenient to try to apply it over the citizens and the council try to apply and others.


We do not apply something that has nothing to do with our jurisdiction, nor does we follow or implement the rules of this city or the state.


We do not adhere to those things. We have our own ways of doing things.


That's the reason why the Robert Rule places orders in place, because that's what we govern and myself by, but the Council has lack of integrity to challenge anyone.


Your time has expired. Thank you. Yeah. Are there any other public comments this evening?


Oh. Please. Michelle Swald, 584 Country Court. I would just like to say about the peace march that you guys, that they're doing, I feel like we're taking it in a wrong way, that they just want to spread it out and walk different routes probably in Freeport.


And as far as also going along with those peace, I think it's called High, or Hope, High Hope, they had a block party on Frank in Chicago where I think a lot of violence and I.


So, I went to church on the street and I will tell you that Mayor Jodi was there, Rob was there, Linda was there, and Joy Sellers was there. So, I mean, don't say that they don't show up to streets that have problems because they were there. Thank you. Thank you. No comments or you'll be ruled out of order. Larry, the meeting's not done yet. I know Dianne, if you are out of order again, I'm going to have you removed.


That's your warning, Chief. If she does it again, please remove her. could you please restart the clock since I haven't had a chance thank you I have a question because I need clarification on this quorum issue as well I have read and I saw the letters and I've seen what that says but I also know that our own city ordinances about a quorum do not include the mayor so what I want to know and I. So what I want to know is, how is it that a couple hours before all this commotion happened last week, it was okay to include you as part of a quorum when our own ordinances don't state that? So I'm wondering, do we need to change that ordinance or was it, which one is the one we're supposed to follow? Because I thought as home rule, you're able to make your own kinds of and others.


We have ordinances to make things flow better and work better within the community. That's how I understand how home rule can work.


But it just seemed like it got really convenient when this letter came through to make that difference that now the state is more important than what we choose to do with our ordinances under home rule.


And home rule, with our ordinance as it stands, the mayor is not named as part of the quorum.


So I need clarification on that personally that I do not understand. And secondly, Mr. Shadle, I appreciate your willingness to reconsider number 20 tonight.


You and Mr. Klemm, I hope you will reconsider what you do with that because, again, I think there is an unfairness that is coming down about that based on what we've learned tonight about two people, and I really do hope that you will reconsider what happens with that ordinance.


I would hope that we do not have to vote on it, but I don't have the power to make that difference. I'm just expressing my opinion and asking you to examine your consciences and your heart about what truly is appropriate when that comes along. So I think that's all I have to say. Thank you.


Are there any other public comments? I will entertain a motion to adjourn. Second. Motion made by Sellers, seconded by Shadle. All those in favor?