WEBVTT 00:00:05.519 --> 00:01:37.620 Renee, could you please give the invocation this evening? 00:01:37.620 --> 00:01:41.769 Good evening, Mayor, Council. 00:01:41.769 --> 00:01:46.950 But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, every kingdom divided against itself 00:01:46.950 --> 00:01:54.370 is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 00:01:54.370 --> 00:01:56.689 Matthew 12, 25. 00:01:56.689 --> 00:01:57.689 Let us pray. 00:01:57.689 --> 00:02:04.250 Father God, you are our God, and you alone hold all authority over us all. 00:02:04.250 --> 00:02:07.810 For you are the creator of each and every one of us. 00:02:07.810 --> 00:02:18.310 You have bestowed authority to those who sit here in council tonight for which we are grateful. 00:02:18.310 --> 00:02:22.069 With that I ask, please bless each one of them tonight. 00:02:22.069 --> 00:02:28.530 Give them wisdom and discernment to make decisions and benefit the community. 00:02:28.530 --> 00:02:33.169 May you give them integrity to lead our city well, and may you guide them in the ways to 00:02:33.169 --> 00:02:40.210 protect the innocent, aid the needy, and support the goodness of our city, Freeport. 00:02:40.210 --> 00:02:46.229 May you unite them in ways they never, ever have been united before, for their unity will 00:02:46.229 --> 00:02:50.330 help to keep Freeport standing strong and proud. 00:02:50.330 --> 00:02:54.849 I pray you guard them from the temptations that would harm the city and its people's 00:02:54.849 --> 00:02:56.650 best interest. 00:02:56.650 --> 00:03:03.090 I pray they turn to you in times of uncertainty and seek out your guidance and wisdom. 00:03:03.090 --> 00:03:09.009 I pray that if anyone here tonight has never reached out to you, to your son, and accept 00:03:09.009 --> 00:03:13.689 him that they will tonight before sleep consumes them for the night. 00:03:13.689 --> 00:03:19.449 Lord, I lift up the city of Freeport as we make preparations for our upcoming Tutti Baker 00:03:19.449 --> 00:03:20.449 Festival. 00:03:20.449 --> 00:03:27.090 May our city come together during this festival with joy, love, patience, kindness for each other. 00:03:27.650 --> 00:03:34.449 May we also pray for our outstanding police force this week as they kick off their canine fundraiser 00:03:34.449 --> 00:03:39.250 at the festival. May the council here tonight and the people of Freeport open their hearts 00:03:40.289 --> 00:03:45.250 and joy and give support that endeavor to bring a new canine to Freeport, 00:03:45.250 --> 00:03:50.449 and Officer to guide them so together they serve and protect our great city. 00:03:51.409 --> 00:03:59.330 Keep a hedge of protection over our council, elected officials, our police force, fire department, 00:03:59.330 --> 00:04:06.689 and all other first responders who proudly work in this great city we call home. Oh God, you are 00:04:06.689 --> 00:04:13.810 our God. May you continue to bless us, guide us, and protect us from the great evil one. In Jesus, 00:04:13.810 --> 00:04:20.889 I ask in the name your son, amen. Amen. Thank you, Renee. Now we'll call this meeting 00:04:20.889 --> 00:04:26.129 to order. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Mayor Miller. Here. Alder Persons, Klemm. 00:04:26.129 --> 00:04:34.290 Here. Johnson. Here. Simmons is absent. Parker. Here. Stacy. Here. Shadle. Here. Sanders. 00:04:34.290 --> 00:04:39.290 Here. And Sellers. Here. And if you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance 00:04:39.290 --> 00:04:50.120 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for 00:04:50.120 --> 00:05:01.100 which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:05:01.100 --> 00:05:02.899 Item number one is approval of the agenda. 00:05:02.899 --> 00:05:03.899 Is there such a motion? 00:05:03.899 --> 00:05:04.899 So moved. 00:05:04.899 --> 00:05:05.899 Second. 00:05:05.899 --> 00:05:09.439 Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. 00:05:09.439 --> 00:05:11.779 All those in favor signify by saying aye. 00:05:11.779 --> 00:05:12.779 Aye. 00:05:12.779 --> 00:05:13.779 Opposed? 00:05:13.779 --> 00:05:19.779 That motion passes. Item number two is approval of the minutes from the council meeting on June 15th. Is there such a motion? 00:05:19.779 --> 00:05:20.779 So moved. 00:05:20.779 --> 00:05:21.779 Second. 00:05:21.779 --> 00:05:28.779 There will be a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor signify by saying aye. 00:05:28.779 --> 00:05:29.779 Aye. 00:05:29.779 --> 00:05:45.230 Opposed? That motion passes. Next we have a proclamation. 00:05:45.230 --> 00:05:46.230 Just one second for me. 00:05:46.230 --> 00:05:48.230 And then when I'm done you can say a few words. 00:05:48.230 --> 00:05:49.230 Okay. 00:05:49.230 --> 00:06:09.230 So tonight I have a proclamation for Parkview Home Centennial Day. Whereas Parkview Home of Freeport, Illinois was founded in 1926 as a not-for-profit organization committed to providing compassionate, dignified, and high-quality care to older adults in the Freeport community. 00:06:09.230 --> 00:06:15.230 and whereas for 100 years Parkview Home has served generations of residents and 00:06:15.230 --> 00:06:19.589 families earning a reputation as a trusted and respected institution in 00:06:19.589 --> 00:06:24.910 Freeport and the surrounding area and whereas Parkview Home operates as a 00:06:24.910 --> 00:06:30.629 continuing care retirement community offering services including independent 00:06:30.629 --> 00:06:35.529 living, assisted living, skilled nursing care and memory care thereby meeting the 00:06:35.529 --> 00:06:41.250 and the evolving needs of residents, and whereas Parkview Home has enhanced the quality of 00:06:41.250 --> 00:06:47.529 life and well-being of its residents through employment opportunities, community partnerships, 00:06:47.529 --> 00:06:49.649 volunteer engagement and service. 00:06:49.649 --> 00:06:54.009 And whereas the City of Freeport wishes to recognize and commend Parkview Home's Board 00:06:54.009 --> 00:06:59.689 of Directors, staff, volunteers and supporters for their dedication and commitment over the 00:06:59.689 --> 00:07:00.689 past century. 00:07:00.689 --> 00:07:15.689 Now, therefore, I, Jodi Miller, hereby declare July 18th, 2026 as Parkview Home Centennial Day in the City of Freeport and encourage all residents to recognize the contributions that Parkview has made to this city and our community. 00:07:15.689 --> 00:07:40.000 Thank you. Thank you. 00:07:40.000 --> 00:07:43.000 Thank you Mayor Miller and members of the City Council. 00:07:43.000 --> 00:07:51.000 My name is Farrell Labosh and I have the privilege of serving as the Executive Director of Parkview Home, a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community. 00:07:51.000 --> 00:07:56.000 I'm honored to be here this evening representing our organization. 00:07:56.000 --> 00:08:06.000 On behalf of our volunteer board of directors, staff, volunteers, and most importantly, our residents, thank you for this tremendous honor. 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:14.480 Recognizing July 18th, 2026 as Parkview Home Centennial Day is a meaningful tribute 00:08:14.480 --> 00:08:21.120 to everyone who has helped shape Parkview in this past century. Reaching our 100th anniversary is 00:08:21.120 --> 00:08:28.480 a proud milestone that truly belongs to the entire Freeport community. Our story began with a shared 00:08:28.480 --> 00:08:34.879 vision to create not a poor house or a charity institution, but a true home in every sense of 00:08:34.879 --> 00:08:56.879 That vision became a reality through the generosity of local citizens, including Charles H. Little and Joseph Emerit, whose gifts provided the foundation for what remains today a community-supported, not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving older adults with dignity, compassion, and respect. 00:08:56.879 --> 00:09:01.600 Mr. Little challenged the citizens of Freeport to raise the remaining funds 00:09:01.600 --> 00:09:06.080 needed to secure the matching gift from his estate. As the deadline approached, 00:09:06.080 --> 00:09:12.080 the Freeport Rotary Club stepped in and rallied the community to ensure those funds were raised. 00:09:12.720 --> 00:09:18.799 Because of that collective effort, the first board of directors led by John Bruce, Henry Dorman, 00:09:18.799 --> 00:09:25.200 and Oscar Zipf was able to purchase our Park Avenue campus and officially opened our doors 00:09:25.200 --> 00:09:32.720 on July 24th, 1926. Their vision continues to guide us today. From our first resident, 00:09:32.720 --> 00:09:37.039 Nettie Musser, to the hundreds of residents who have called Parkview homes since then, 00:09:37.600 --> 00:09:43.759 Parkview has continued to grow and evolve over the past century. We've expanded from a single 00:09:43.759 --> 00:09:50.399 residence managed by our first matron, Mamie Tripp, into a full continuum of care. Today, 00:09:50.399 --> 00:09:56.240 Today we're proud to offer independent living, villas, apartment homes, sheltered care, memory 00:09:56.240 --> 00:09:59.980 care, and 24-hour skilled nursing, enabling old 00:09:59.980 --> 00:10:00.000 Bickle, and Dr. Keeley. 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:02.000 Thank you for joining us today. 00:10:02.000 --> 00:10:05.279 We are also grateful to the Green Parkview family for their 00:10:05.279 --> 00:10:08.620 support in the field of field nursing, enabling older adults 00:10:08.620 --> 00:10:12.879 to remain part of the Parkview family as their needs change. 00:10:12.879 --> 00:10:16.960 For 100 years, Parkview has been proud to serve the Freeport 00:10:16.960 --> 00:10:20.220 community as a community-supported, 00:10:20.220 --> 00:10:22.220 not-for-profit organization. 00:10:22.220 --> 00:10:25.360 We're deeply grateful for the generosity, trust, and 00:10:25.360 --> 00:10:30.399 here, and everyone throughout the Freeport community to join us at our centennial open 00:10:30.399 --> 00:10:36.399 house on Saturday, July 18th from 1 to 4 p.m. on our campus at the corner of Pearl City 00:10:36.399 --> 00:10:41.159 Road and Park Boulevard. 00:10:41.159 --> 00:10:46.419 We will enjoy light refreshments by Hildale Catering, live entertainment by Mississippi 00:10:46.419 --> 00:10:53.299 Man and the Ukulele Express 815, we'll have campus tours, and a brief commemorative program 00:10:53.299 --> 00:10:58.220 beginning at 2 30 p.m. Thank you again for this incredible honor and for 00:10:58.220 --> 00:11:03.419 recognizing this milestone in Parkview's history. We hope you'll join us July 18th 00:11:03.419 --> 00:11:08.139 as we celebrate a century of caring, community, and service as we begin our 00:11:08.139 --> 00:11:19.139 second century of serving the Freeport community. Thank you. And we have a 00:11:19.139 --> 00:11:22.620 firefighter joining us tonight for recognition of service awards. Manager 00:11:22.620 --> 00:11:39.240 Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. I'm going to pass it on to Chief Cordy. Zachary Downs was 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:48.680 hired July 12th, 2021. Got his paramedic license in August of 2024. He's one of our certifiers 00:11:48.680 --> 00:11:53.220 that helps train the new firefighters and new paramedics. He's an advanced firefighter 00:11:53.220 --> 00:12:00.340 Miller, Technician, Technician Firefighter, has a lot of other certifications, Rope, Confined 00:12:00.340 --> 00:12:06.240 Space, Structural Collapse, Machinery Ops, All Operations Level, and Hazmat Ops. 00:12:06.240 --> 00:12:42.279 He lives in Lena with his wife Jenna and their four children, Ben, Ella, Gideon, and Amelia. 00:12:42.279 --> 00:12:46.279 And then next we have Stevenson County Sheriff's Office and Police Department Recognitions, 00:12:46.279 --> 00:12:55.019 Chief Frostow. 00:12:55.019 --> 00:12:58.799 The Freeport Police Department and the Stevenson County Sheriff's Office are recognized tonight 00:12:58.799 --> 00:13:04.299 for their extraordinary courage and professionalism and restraint demonstrated by the officers 00:13:04.299 --> 00:13:10.460 following a successful resolution of a dangerous hostage barricade involving an armed suicidal 00:13:10.460 --> 00:13:12.000 individual. 00:13:12.000 --> 00:13:17.980 Officers responded to a resident after receiving reports of a hostage barricaded person with 00:13:17.980 --> 00:13:19.700 an armed weapon. 00:13:19.700 --> 00:13:24.600 The subject was armed with a dangerous weapon and repeatedly threatened to harm both himself 00:13:24.600 --> 00:13:31.000 and the responding officers. Recognizing the immediate danger to human life, officers quickly 00:13:31.000 --> 00:13:37.319 established a secure perimeter, evacuated nearby residents and coordinated their response to contain 00:13:37.319 --> 00:13:44.759 the situation. Crisis communication efforts were initiated by the attempt to peacefully de-escalate 00:13:44.759 --> 00:13:51.879 the incident while specialized tactical response came to the scene. Their actions undoubtedly 00:13:51.879 --> 00:13:57.879 prevented a tragedy. The city of Freeport extends its gratitude to the following individuals. 00:14:00.519 --> 00:14:09.480 Sergeant Nick Rosenstein, would you come on up? Oh, I'm sorry, he is on an operation right now. 00:14:09.480 --> 00:14:26.680 Corporal Richard McElmeal, Officer Jantz Hale, Officer Brunnen Mann, 00:14:26.680 --> 00:14:52.509 Boyer, Officer Madeline Perez, Officer Kaden Shenberger, Detective Tony Bradbury, and Detective 00:14:52.509 --> 00:14:53.509 Eric Deemer. 00:14:53.509 --> 00:15:02.639 I don't believe the Sheriff's Department officers are here tonight, but also I want to recognize 00:15:02.639 --> 00:15:06.660 Deputy Kurtz and Deputy Hare. 00:15:06.660 --> 00:15:16.950 So thank you very much. 00:15:16.950 --> 00:16:21.670 and then I just wanted to highlight the fact that some of the officers that were 00:16:21.670 --> 00:16:27.829 not able to be here currently on a on a search warrant and a time-critical matter 00:16:27.829 --> 00:16:34.110 so thank you very much for all those who couldn't make it next is public comment 00:16:34.110 --> 00:16:40.170 Denner. Is there anyone signed in? Oh, I'm sorry. Never mind. We do have two that the 00:16:40.170 --> 00:16:47.490 clerk has for reading in. The first came from Shane Orlow. I write in public comment this 00:16:47.490 --> 00:16:52.870 evening in regards to item number 17 on the agenda that lays out an improved retirement 00:16:52.870 --> 00:16:59.149 plan for the police chief position. I hope everyone that can votes no on this item. First, 00:16:59.149 --> 00:17:04.210 our police chief has been here for way less than a year. There has been minimal communication 00:17:04.210 --> 00:17:08.710 with the public about why there should be a gain in benefits at the cost of taxpayer money 00:17:08.710 --> 00:17:11.970 for this position in such a short time. 00:17:11.970 --> 00:17:17.389 To be honest, there has been minimal communication about crime in Freeport altogether. 00:17:17.389 --> 00:17:24.069 From the memo, quotes, as Chief Frausto has previously served over 25 years in law enforcement 00:17:24.069 --> 00:17:29.430 with the Chicago Police Department, she is ineligible to participate in the city of Freeport 00:17:29.430 --> 00:17:32.509 police pension or IMRF. 00:17:32.509 --> 00:17:37.389 Since the plan will only be offered to one employee, many providers of this type of plan 00:17:37.389 --> 00:17:41.990 were not interested in setting up the plan for the city. 00:17:41.990 --> 00:17:45.910 This sentence alone should tell you that our police chief is already getting the benefits 00:17:45.910 --> 00:17:51.210 from Chicago and should not be qualified to gain more from the Freeport citizens in such 00:17:51.210 --> 00:17:52.750 a short tenure. 00:17:52.750 --> 00:17:55.829 A vote of no should already be established. 00:17:55.829 --> 00:17:58.789 Furthermore, what has been accomplished? 00:17:58.789 --> 00:18:04.430 There have been high-speed chases on West Street, reports of people shot just this past 00:18:04.430 --> 00:18:13.430 weekend, a plethora of domestic violence arrests, stolen property arrests, and drug busts recently. 00:18:13.430 --> 00:18:18.309 Why are people feeling they can commit crime in this city at an alarming rate? 00:18:18.309 --> 00:18:22.990 What was the contractual agreement when being hired as police chief? 00:18:22.990 --> 00:18:24.990 Does the chief live here? 00:18:24.990 --> 00:18:29.309 What are the daily working agenda items for the Chief of Police? 00:18:29.309 --> 00:18:32.970 What new policing initiatives have been put in place? 00:18:32.970 --> 00:18:36.349 What crime prevention plans have been implemented? 00:18:36.349 --> 00:18:39.829 How much community interaction has been done? 00:18:39.829 --> 00:18:42.909 Where is the communication with the people? 00:18:42.909 --> 00:18:50.990 Simply what has been done here to earn what is being asked for from the people more money? 00:18:50.990 --> 00:18:58.529 To quote the movie Office Space, what would you say you are doing here? 00:18:58.529 --> 00:19:01.909 Create an open line of communication with the people. 00:19:01.909 --> 00:19:06.710 Establish a community plan for crime that is also communicated to the people. 00:19:06.710 --> 00:19:10.789 Create social media outlets where people can get communication. 00:19:10.789 --> 00:19:16.389 A simple first step to gain trust from people is communication. 00:19:16.389 --> 00:19:23.869 Thanks and respect are earned, not simply handed out at city council or neighborhood watch meetings. 00:19:23.869 --> 00:19:29.990 Vote no on added benefits for the police chief position until the people see actual evidence 00:19:29.990 --> 00:19:37.769 of improvement in our police department, increased communication, and crime reduction initiatives. 00:19:37.769 --> 00:19:43.230 Thank you to all of the officers that have been and continue to do the work under numerous 00:19:43.230 --> 00:19:45.110 leadership changes. 00:19:45.110 --> 00:19:48.950 Your dedication does not go unnoticed by the people you serve. 00:19:48.950 --> 00:19:54.150 Shane Orlow, 6th Ward Citizen of Freeport. 00:19:54.150 --> 00:19:58.150 Secondly was one from Josh Atkinson. 00:19:58.150 --> 00:20:09.240 Mayer, Miller, and members of the council, I urge you to vote no on ordinance 202634. 00:20:09.240 --> 00:20:15.240 Just days ago, the city's independent 2025 comprehensive annual financial report was 00:20:15.240 --> 00:20:16.640 released. 00:20:16.640 --> 00:20:22.519 While the city received a clean audit opinion, the auditors once again identified a serious 00:20:22.519 --> 00:20:23.519 concern. 00:20:23.519 --> 00:20:28.640 Multiple city funds exceeded the budgets approved by this council. 00:20:28.640 --> 00:20:34.759 According to the audit, those funds included drug forfeiture, fire capital improvements, 00:20:34.759 --> 00:20:37.460 water department, sewer department. 00:20:37.460 --> 00:20:40.779 The auditors didn't simply note the overspending. 00:20:40.779 --> 00:20:46.279 They again recommended stronger budget monitoring throughout the year to ensure expenditures 00:20:46.279 --> 00:20:50.859 remain consistent with council-approved appropriations. 00:20:50.859 --> 00:20:56.099 That recommendation should give every member of this council pause. 00:20:56.099 --> 00:20:58.819 A budget is not merely a suggestion. 00:20:58.819 --> 00:21:04.140 It is a policy decision made by the elected representatives of the taxpayers. 00:21:04.140 --> 00:21:10.200 When departments spend beyond those appropriations without timely budget amendments, it weakens 00:21:10.200 --> 00:21:14.660 the oversight that taxpayers expect from their local government. 00:21:14.660 --> 00:21:20.180 Now this council is being asked to approve an ordinance that expands purchasing authority 00:21:20.180 --> 00:21:25.180 and reduces direct council oversight over certain expenditures. 00:21:26.259 --> 00:21:29.519 Respectfully, that sends the wrong message. 00:21:30.700 --> 00:21:34.779 Before granting city manager, Boyer and city staff 00:21:34.779 --> 00:21:36.640 additional spending authority, 00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:38.700 this council should first require 00:21:38.700 --> 00:21:40.740 demonstrated accountability. 00:21:40.740 --> 00:21:45.740 City staff should show that they can consistently 00:21:46.180 --> 00:21:49.220 respect the budgets approved by the city council, 00:21:49.220 --> 00:21:55.319 operate within the city's financial policies and procedures, seek budget amendments before 00:21:55.319 --> 00:22:01.519 exceeding appropriations when circumstances change, rebuild public confidence that taxpayer 00:22:01.519 --> 00:22:07.460 dollars are being managed responsibly. Good stewardship begins with accountability, not 00:22:07.460 --> 00:22:12.559 with expanding authority. The taxpayers of Freeport deserve a government that follows 00:22:12.559 --> 00:22:18.279 the budgets their elected officials approve. Until the city demonstrates a sustained commitment 00:22:18.279 --> 00:22:21.680 to fiscal discipline and respect for council oversight, 00:22:21.680 --> 00:22:25.360 it would be irresponsible to grant broader purchasing powers 00:22:25.360 --> 00:22:27.240 with less oversight. 00:22:27.240 --> 00:22:30.000 I respectfully ask each of you to vote no 00:22:30.000 --> 00:22:32.480 on ordinance 202634. 00:22:32.480 --> 00:22:34.960 Thank you, Josh T. Atkinson. 00:22:40.529 --> 00:22:42.130 And next we have Steve Carroll. 00:22:49.559 --> 00:22:51.639 I am Steve Carroll. 00:22:51.639 --> 00:22:54.799 Now, I am totally against Chief Rostow 00:22:54.799 --> 00:22:58.559 receiving any more benefits from the city 00:22:58.559 --> 00:23:01.619 for the simple reason that she should never have been hired 00:23:01.619 --> 00:23:03.059 in the first place. 00:23:03.059 --> 00:23:05.720 She has displayed a thin-skinned arrogance 00:23:05.720 --> 00:23:08.759 in picking fights with elected officials 00:23:08.759 --> 00:23:11.240 and other governmental bodies. 00:23:11.240 --> 00:23:14.119 Furthermore, she seems to feel it is her job 00:23:14.119 --> 00:23:17.039 to police the First Amendment. 00:23:17.039 --> 00:23:22.039 Simply put, Mr. Boyer, your hire, your problem, 00:23:22.039 --> 00:23:23.440 please fix it. 00:23:23.440 --> 00:23:31.400 Thank you. 00:23:31.400 --> 00:23:35.339 Akia? 00:23:35.339 --> 00:23:36.660 I'm Akia Sanders. 00:23:36.660 --> 00:23:54.660 I wanted to talk about 17 real quick. I want to say nothing personal. The only thing that I have a problem with is that this has to come again and get busted out of the taxpayers. It shouldn't be that. It shouldn't be the water bill or the tax bill. We always get hit. Something else has to happen with that. 00:23:54.660 --> 00:24:01.059 Then I want to say like, you know, not defending but rolling one bill in a day. What I do appreciate that is there was a rest. 00:24:01.180 --> 00:24:04.299 There is things that kind of been done. She doesn't really know 00:24:05.660 --> 00:24:12.440 that Rob threw her in a mess or maybe she does know, you know, but Freeport is an actual mess. The responsibility of 00:24:12.819 --> 00:24:19.700 communication as far as what she should deserve, the failure for Rob to communicate with the constituents of Freeport, that falls on him. 00:24:19.700 --> 00:24:26.019 They used the city page for all other tactics, smart comments, all kinds of other things. 00:24:26.019 --> 00:24:30.139 He should have probably said maybe this was discussed in her original contract. 00:24:30.139 --> 00:24:31.139 We don't know. 00:24:31.139 --> 00:24:34.420 But there's some kind of communication that should have went on to the constituents so 00:24:34.420 --> 00:24:39.940 we understand what actually she's getting at the beginning because the whole Facebook 00:24:39.940 --> 00:24:44.700 is in an uproar and the town is upset because it looks like she's getting money after six 00:24:44.700 --> 00:24:49.259 months and I'm not really sure if summer's got it. 00:24:49.259 --> 00:24:55.420 Anybody else? Got it. But you have the responsibility to communicate, Rob, with your hire, like 00:24:55.420 --> 00:25:00.420 he said. Your hire, your problem. This is your city that you're supposed to manage and 00:25:00.420 --> 00:25:05.019 you're failing terribly every decision that's made. So that's that. 00:25:05.019 --> 00:25:09.860 Then I wanted to talk about Nile. Linda, I was so happy that you challenged the spending. 00:25:09.860 --> 00:25:16.579 They can't spend no more money, like Josh just said. Things are going over budget. Try 00:25:16.579 --> 00:25:20.860 How to respect the fact that there is a budget in play and take care of it. 00:25:20.860 --> 00:25:25.660 As soon as, dude here, Darren, whatever, he spoke and 00:25:25.660 --> 00:25:27.940 he persuaded you in two seconds flat. 00:25:27.940 --> 00:25:31.940 I encourage everybody to still remain their own person, keep your own thoughts. 00:25:31.940 --> 00:25:37.860 As far as I can see, between Jodi, Rob, and Darren, they're the ones that run the town. 00:25:37.860 --> 00:25:42.700 Y'all, the people that say yes behind them are puppets in just faces. 00:25:42.700 --> 00:25:44.339 Please care about the constituents. 00:25:44.339 --> 00:25:47.500 please do what you were elected to do. 00:25:47.500 --> 00:25:50.019 That's what we asking, but God ain't gonna see fit 00:25:50.019 --> 00:25:51.259 that this keep happening. 00:25:51.259 --> 00:25:53.180 One day this will change and you will face 00:25:53.180 --> 00:26:03.150 the wrong decisions that you made for the people here. 00:26:03.150 --> 00:26:15.529 Wendy Pearson. 00:26:15.529 --> 00:26:17.610 My name is Wendy Pearson. 00:26:17.610 --> 00:26:21.369 Good evening council. 00:26:21.369 --> 00:26:26.410 When an individual has what is called 00:26:26.410 --> 00:26:31.639 an employment agreement contract, 00:26:31.639 --> 00:26:39.389 That means that they are contracted to do a certain thing. 00:26:39.410 --> 00:26:43.349 I am totally against paying anything towards a pension 00:26:44.210 --> 00:26:47.910 for the chief of police after six months. 00:26:47.910 --> 00:26:50.869 I don't believe that there has ever been anything like this 00:26:50.869 --> 00:26:53.509 to occur in this city before. 00:26:53.509 --> 00:26:55.470 As far as her picking fights, yes, she's done that. 00:26:55.470 --> 00:26:57.110 She's done it with me. 00:26:57.110 --> 00:27:00.610 And eventually you'll find out what I'm talking about. 00:27:00.610 --> 00:27:04.769 but in all actuality, this chief has no idea 00:27:05.970 --> 00:27:10.410 of who lives here, who the good characters are, 00:27:10.410 --> 00:27:14.049 who the bad characters are, what has occurred in this town, 00:27:14.049 --> 00:27:17.610 who the people of this town are and she seems to think 00:27:17.610 --> 00:27:20.410 that because she's gone to a few events 00:27:20.410 --> 00:27:23.250 that that should do it, it doesn't 00:27:23.250 --> 00:27:24.650 because when she goes to an event 00:27:24.650 --> 00:27:27.529 and nobody walks up and talks to her, 00:27:27.529 --> 00:27:30.329 nobody is trying to find out who she is, 00:27:30.329 --> 00:27:33.690 She hasn't walked in our community, knocked on doors, 00:27:33.690 --> 00:27:37.369 talked to my mother or any of our elders in this town. 00:27:37.369 --> 00:27:42.369 I think that six months isn't enough time to prove herself 00:27:43.610 --> 00:27:46.049 or for us to have the type of respect 00:27:46.049 --> 00:27:48.329 that you expect us to have for her 00:27:48.329 --> 00:27:51.250 based around some of the comments that she has made 00:27:51.250 --> 00:27:52.589 one personally to me. 00:27:53.710 --> 00:27:58.690 I do believe that if this chief shows us 00:27:58.690 --> 00:28:05.329 More than what she has shown us, beyond her 25 plus years in Chicago, beyond her degrees, 00:28:05.329 --> 00:28:12.130 beyond all of that, she has to get to know this community, the goods, the bads, the things that 00:28:12.130 --> 00:28:15.809 have happened within the police department and the things that are happening and are still happening 00:28:15.809 --> 00:28:23.170 in this city. Murders from 1988, still sitting on the book. Not her problem, but her problem now 00:28:23.170 --> 00:28:28.929 Now, because she walked into it, shooting on hooker over the weekend. 00:28:28.929 --> 00:28:34.250 People complaining about fireworks simply because we don't have that option here for 00:28:34.250 --> 00:28:40.450 the celebration of this 250 years because Teddy Baker seems to be more important to 00:28:40.450 --> 00:28:47.329 this mayor than the 250 years that this country has been in existence. 00:28:47.329 --> 00:28:52.329 The lack of respect to this community has got to stop. 00:28:52.329 --> 00:28:58.650 The pouring out of dollars from our pockets have to stop. The lack of concern about what 00:28:58.650 --> 00:29:03.490 is occurring in each of our communities to the point where aldermen stay in their ward 00:29:03.490 --> 00:29:08.889 and won't come into another. It needs to stop. You guys need to come to every ward. You need 00:29:08.889 --> 00:29:13.329 to be at every watch meeting because whatever happens on one side of town eventually ends 00:29:13.329 --> 00:29:18.130 up on the other. I said this over 20 years ago when the shooting happened downtown and 00:29:18.130 --> 00:29:21.369 I also said it about you guys sitting here. 00:29:21.369 --> 00:29:27.610 the time has expired. You are causing a disturbance. Please abide by the rules or you'll be escorted 00:29:27.610 --> 00:29:46.119 out. That concludes public comment. Madam Clerk is 628 Alderman Simmons entered. Item 00:29:46.119 --> 00:29:50.960 number seven is the consent agenda. The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature 00:29:50.960 --> 00:29:53.720 I'm not sure unless the member of council would like to have something removed for further 00:29:53.720 --> 00:29:54.220 discussion. 00:29:54.220 --> 00:29:55.000 Huffines. 00:29:55.000 --> 00:30:01.339 The consent agenda is to approve and receive and place on file the minutes of the Historic 00:30:01.339 --> 00:30:07.839 Preservation Commission January 20th, Zoning Board of Appeals March 5th, Building Commission 00:30:07.839 --> 00:30:14.839 March 11th, May 13th, Planning Commission March 12th, April 9th, Library Board of Trustees 00:30:14.839 --> 00:30:22.079 April 8th, May 13th, Foreign Fire Insurance Board April 9th, Liquor Commission May 14th, 00:30:22.079 --> 00:30:27.759 Mortifier and Police Commission, May 26th and June 2nd, all of 2026. 00:30:27.759 --> 00:30:32.000 Also is the Greater Freeport Partnership Report for June 26th. 00:30:32.000 --> 00:30:35.019 Annual Treasurer's Report, May of 25th. 00:30:35.019 --> 00:30:38.059 The Building Permit Report, June 26th. 00:30:38.059 --> 00:30:48.319 The finance bills in the total of $4,845,629.27. 00:30:48.319 --> 00:31:01.200 Payroll ending June 18th, 2026 for $722,480.69 in payroll ending July 2nd, 2026 in the total 00:31:01.200 --> 00:31:08.480 of $731,733.21. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? 00:31:08.480 --> 00:31:09.480 So moved. 00:31:09.480 --> 00:31:10.480 Second. 00:31:10.480 --> 00:31:11.480 No. 00:31:11.480 --> 00:31:12.480 No. 00:31:12.480 --> 00:31:17.640 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, 00:31:17.640 --> 00:31:19.440 Would you please take the roll? 00:31:19.440 --> 00:31:20.440 Parker? 00:31:20.440 --> 00:31:21.440 Yes. 00:31:21.440 --> 00:31:22.440 No. 00:31:22.440 --> 00:31:23.440 Yes. 00:31:23.440 --> 00:31:24.440 Oh, definitely. 00:31:24.440 --> 00:31:25.440 Stacy? 00:31:25.440 --> 00:31:26.440 Oh, okay. 00:31:26.440 --> 00:31:27.440 Got you. 00:31:27.440 --> 00:31:28.440 Got you. 00:31:28.440 --> 00:31:29.440 Yes. 00:31:29.440 --> 00:31:36.460 Because there's a conflict of interest. 00:31:36.460 --> 00:31:41.019 Okay, we're taking the roll right now. 00:31:41.019 --> 00:31:42.019 Oh, okay. 00:31:42.019 --> 00:31:43.019 Yeah. 00:31:43.019 --> 00:31:44.019 Okay. 00:31:44.019 --> 00:31:46.019 It was moving so fast. 00:31:46.019 --> 00:31:49.380 He tried to speak up, Madam Mayor. 00:31:49.380 --> 00:31:53.539 He tried before all the yeses went forth. 00:31:53.539 --> 00:32:00.099 When I asked for a motion, I got a Shadle and Sellers and then he said nothing. 00:32:00.099 --> 00:32:04.240 I asked for the role to be called. 00:32:04.240 --> 00:32:08.860 If there was supposed to be an individual discussion, then it was to be before I read 00:32:08.860 --> 00:32:10.660 it all for the record. 00:32:10.660 --> 00:32:14.539 I paused waiting for someone to say if they wanted something removed. 00:32:14.539 --> 00:32:16.339 No one said anything. 00:32:16.339 --> 00:32:22.980 With all respect, Mayor, I understand and for the purpose of staying in order, I understand 00:32:22.980 --> 00:32:23.980 that. 00:32:23.980 --> 00:32:33.380 However, when we push things forward super fast and he said no, Alderman Sanders, you 00:32:33.380 --> 00:32:40.059 need to know if you disagree with the consent agenda, please make a motion because they 00:32:40.059 --> 00:32:43.099 gonna push it so we can say it's already pushed. 00:32:43.099 --> 00:32:48.900 I did not ask you for a response I am letting him know the order so that he 00:32:48.900 --> 00:32:54.079 understands next time. Please let me explain that. Then why don't you have that discussion off the 00:32:54.079 --> 00:32:56.380 council floor because you're wasting everybody's time. I ain't wasting 00:32:56.380 --> 00:33:01.680 nobody's time it happened right now so I'm addressing it right now. You pick and 00:33:01.680 --> 00:33:06.000 choose when you want to follow I'll be that because you pick and choose when 00:33:06.000 --> 00:33:10.539 you want to follow order I'm just explaining it to him in the future make 00:33:40.539 --> 00:33:46.539 It should be no reason for me to be removed for explaining to him in the future. Please hush! 00:33:46.539 --> 00:33:59.539 In the future, just do it before the call happens. I am explaining procedure. We should all want everyone to explain, to understand procedure. 00:33:59.539 --> 00:34:02.539 Be quiet. You be quiet. 00:34:02.539 --> 00:34:07.539 And you are out of order. Any more disturbance and you can leave. 00:34:07.539 --> 00:34:19.039 You can leave as well. 00:34:19.039 --> 00:34:20.519 You are out of order. 00:34:20.519 --> 00:34:26.820 You are out of order. 00:34:26.820 --> 00:34:28.139 You don't have the floor. 00:34:28.139 --> 00:34:29.139 Please stop talking. 00:34:29.139 --> 00:34:32.699 I don't need the floor for that. 00:34:32.699 --> 00:34:33.860 And that's a problem. 00:34:33.860 --> 00:34:34.860 You do. 00:34:34.860 --> 00:34:36.619 So please stop talking. 00:34:36.619 --> 00:34:41.340 to show everyone you don't want clarity, you want control. 00:34:41.340 --> 00:34:44.099 I didn't try to disrupt any proceedings. 00:34:44.099 --> 00:34:49.019 I just told him next time, do it before the roll is called. 00:34:49.019 --> 00:34:50.699 That's all I said. 00:34:50.699 --> 00:34:55.050 And that's the problem with you. 00:34:55.050 --> 00:34:56.610 If you're done, I'm done, Mayor. 00:34:56.610 --> 00:34:58.570 Let's go back to the beginning of this. 00:34:58.570 --> 00:35:00.050 Because you know what? 00:35:00.050 --> 00:35:02.769 For three years, this council has been sat. 00:35:02.769 --> 00:35:04.690 I do agree with the consent agenda. 00:35:04.690 --> 00:35:06.170 Could you please stop talking? 00:35:06.170 --> 00:35:07.769 When you do. 00:35:07.769 --> 00:35:16.529 I'm going to explain the rules so Alderman Sanders understands. You need to stop. Chief, please remove her. 00:35:16.529 --> 00:35:22.279 For sitting here quietly, you want to remove me? 00:35:22.279 --> 00:35:25.720 I am going to ask you to please be removed after... 00:35:25.720 --> 00:35:35.920 There's going to be repercussions behind this. So if they do try to tactic, if they're using this tactic, there's repercussions behind this, Mayor. 00:35:35.920 --> 00:35:40.880 I know. I'm letting Zito know as well. There's repercussions. 00:35:40.880 --> 00:35:43.199 Alderman Sanders, please stop talking. 00:35:43.199 --> 00:35:49.039 Okay. All right. There's going to be repercussions behind you. 00:35:49.039 --> 00:35:50.800 Be quiet. You don't know what I'm doing. 00:35:50.800 --> 00:35:53.279 Handle that. I will do my job. 00:35:53.279 --> 00:35:53.840 Okay. 00:35:53.840 --> 00:36:03.599 And if there's still a problem with my agreement, I can call my friend and try to do my job. 00:36:03.599 --> 00:36:04.400 I understand that. 00:36:04.400 --> 00:36:34.400 Please don't impede on it. I'm not impeding on it. I'm not. There's going to be repercussions behind this process, and that includes you. Please stop talking. You are out of order Alderman Sanders. Please stop. I will. I will. I will be heard though. Give me one second. Would you like for her to be removed? Mayor, that's a call of the chairperson there. So she's been called out of order twice per our council rules. Per our council rules. 00:36:34.400 --> 00:36:48.019 Alderman Sanders, please stop talking you've been called out of order yeah I 00:36:48.019 --> 00:36:56.900 know and Alderman Sanders can I explain something to you no you cannot mayor 00:36:56.900 --> 00:37:08.900 okay this is not the time then we will continue well what I see is okay let's 00:37:08.900 --> 00:37:16.340 let's adjourn until this is settled please yeah because you guys we have a 00:37:16.340 --> 00:37:22.619 motion by Shadle seconded by Sellers for a short recess. Y'all gotta get y'all act together as council so while we're 00:37:22.619 --> 00:37:32.940 sitting here looking clueless to this council. Council does not permit agendas to flow through 00:37:32.940 --> 00:37:41.579 this council like that unless they know what's going on. And there's a conflict of interest. 00:37:41.579 --> 00:37:46.220 If I'm leaving, I'm leaving with a bang. I'm leaving because she does not want you to understand 00:37:46.220 --> 00:37:52.059 the rules. She wants to have you removed. She does not want us to understand. If I'm leaving, 00:37:52.059 --> 00:38:22.059 I'm leaving with a bang. I'ma go. But she don't want us to say nothing. She don't want us to speak up. Me clarifying to you that it was too late, but in the future, do it before the role is called is a problem. And the reason that that is a problem is because she is a problem and she is a problem because we as a community, I will leave, but please don't grant me, will not vote. 25% of the registered voters did is the ones that voted. And that is why 00:38:22.059 --> 00:38:30.059 for explaining to him next time, do it before the roll. Please don't grab me. 00:38:30.059 --> 00:38:33.059 But here's the thing, now you're a criminal trespass to public land. This is where we're at right now. 00:38:33.059 --> 00:38:34.059 That's fine. 00:38:34.059 --> 00:38:35.059 So we can't do this. 00:38:35.059 --> 00:38:48.059 You cannot trespass against public land, lady. Police chief, you cannot trespass against public, public, you cannot, she's not trespassing. 00:38:48.059 --> 00:39:18.989 Zito, you know that and you know that too, Mayor. She is not trespassing permanently. Period. There is no such thing as a government official trespassing here in this council. And until we understand that process, you guys are just as I can't even stomach. I can't even stomach the way you guys are doing. 00:39:19.309 --> 00:39:26.010 doing things in this government when council does not make the decisions of how things are conducted 00:39:27.529 --> 00:39:33.409 Council set the agenda not you madam. Could you please roll please so 00:39:34.389 --> 00:39:40.550 This is a role. We're not in session right now. If he continues, it'll be another story. This is a role to recess 00:39:41.869 --> 00:39:48.789 Alder person Parker. What say you motion to recess? Yes. Yeah, that's gonna be Stacey 00:39:48.789 --> 00:39:55.190 is absent. Shadle? Sanders? Yes. 00:39:55.190 --> 00:40:02.639 Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons is absent. The motion passed.