WEBVTT

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Good evening, Madam Mayor, everyone. Would you please pray with me?

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Lord of all, it is the glory of every human being to seek your wisdom and strength.

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You are admirable in your power and wisdom and truth and for your mercy and grace.

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All well and doing well.

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We're glad to meet you.

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We're grateful for you.

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We're grateful for all of you for being here.

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We know every true good thing that we know is sourced in you.

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So thank you tonight for your gifts that you've given each one here of life, of health, of

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community, of gifts for leadership and governance.

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Or do we thank you for this City, our home, and for those that you have put in place to

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Thank you for this Mayor and this Council, for these Department Heads, this City Manager, and for so many others, even in the seats here tonight, that you give their time and talent for the welfare of this city.

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Lord, you care about integrity, about wise planning, about justice.

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and we ask that you'd give both the leaders of this city and its citizens the humility to seek these things from you and may they find your mercy and grace that you offer freely and so tonight we ask that you'd help each one of us here to act honorably before you and with deference and grace toward each other for you have made us to speak and act with both love and truth I ask all

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Alderperson, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Absent, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers

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and we'll wait until Alderman Stacy is able to get up to her chair because she leads the pledge.

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Madam Clerk, could you please make note that 603 Alderman Simmons arrived and then if you

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could all please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Stacy.

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

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Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. All those in favor signify by saying aye.

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Aye. Opposed? That motion passes. Item number two is approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on July 21st, 2025. Is such a motion?

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So moved. Second.

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Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm. All those in favor signify by saying aye.

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Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.

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Davis. Item number three is recognition of service awards. Manager Boyer.

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Thank you, Your Honor. Rick Lineman has been with the city for 10 years. He started out

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as a swing shift operator at the wastewater treatment plant. He is now the chief wastewater

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operator. He's also received his Class 1 wastewater license as well as his Class B water treatment

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license. We're very appreciative for his service to the city. Being that he could not make

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Thank you. Item number four is public comments. Madam Clerk, did you have one that you had

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for reading? I did. This one was emailed in and relates to agenda item number 24. It is

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from Kelly Hobock. Please consider the following as my letter of support for grievance 01-2025.

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I am writing to emphasize the necessity of stalling curb ramps to ensure accessibility

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for individuals who use wheelchairs and others with mobility challenges.

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Curb ramps are essential for safe and independent navigation across sidewalks and streets.

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Without them, wheelchair users face significant physical barriers that can prevent them from

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accessing public spaces freely and safely.

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These barriers not only compromise mobility, but also dignity and independence.

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I would also like to reference a previously submitted grievance, 01-2025, specifically

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concerning the corners of Park Boulevard and Church Street. The lack of curb ramps at these

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intersections continues to pose serious accessibility issues for community members with mobility

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impairments. While I appreciate any steps taken so far, this location remains a critical

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area in need of attention. Installing curb ramps is not only a matter of legal compliance

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and others under the ADA. It is a matter of equity and inclusion. These ramps benefit not only wheelchair users, but also individuals using walkers, strollers, bicycles and delivery carts. They make public spaces safer and more accessible for everyone. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I urge you to prioritize the installation of curb ramps at Park Boulevard and Sure Street and take meaningful steps towards creating a more inclusive and accessible environment. Sincerely, Kelly Hobock.

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and then we have Ernestine Edmond on a bid package. I'm not sure if I said that name

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correctly. Did you want to comment on a bid package? Yeah it's a that's a bid

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Package. I just wanted to be here because I am in the midst of all this because we're

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We're in a rental property, and months ago I got letters saying that the property had

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been sold.

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Okay.

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Okay.

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So that doesn't have to do with the bid package.

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So if you want to talk about rental properties, then you have to wait until the end.

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Okay.

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Okay.

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Okay.

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May I address you, please? May I address you, please? Sure. Thank you. You guys, stand up. Stand up. All of you, stand up.

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Which item number are we talking about? I asked if I could address you and the council.

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Okay, according to public comments... I appreciate it.

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Okay, but it doesn't have to do with... These are you guys' constituents. These are your constituents that are being

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and others that are being gentrified out of this town based around properties that have

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been sold and is increasing their rents.

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These are your constituents that are going to be homeless with their children, one of

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whom has been hurt in one of these pieces of property.

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You guys don't want to hear us?

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You will hear us one way or the other.

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You're going to either hear us today and then not make these people stay here all night.

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They've got to go home to their kids and their family and their homes that they will no longer

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be able to exist.

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I'm passionate about this simply because I've been in that situation.

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I live in transitional housing.

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and I have been in that situation. I live in transitional housing for 18 months, not

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in the same conditions that they're going through. And you guys need to hear them. All

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of you need to hear them. You need to listen to what your constituents are saying and what

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I'm saying to you guys simply. If they don't listen to you, get them out of here. Register,

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everybody need to register. Put them out of their seat. They need to hear you. If they're

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Okay, you, you, you are out of order. It has nothing to do. Well, then you will be asked

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to leave. Could you please escort her out? For those of you that are standing.

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for those of you that are standing I just want to say we are sorry for the

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hardships that you are going through but please know that the city has you you I

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want you to know you can talk at the end of the public comment if you'd like

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You can talk at the end of public comment if you like. If you would like to be escorted out as well, that's your choice.

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Chief, if you could handle this.

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For those of you that have stayed I would just like to say I'm sorry for what

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you're experiencing but please note that the city has no rent control we have no

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right to govern what another business puts out for a price we don't there's

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nothing we feel bad that you're being increased but we have no authority to

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stop them from doing that so we will move on we have other public comments

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and

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I'm going to speak on item 14, but I do think that demolition, item 26, is an important issue and that we are demolishing properties that could be turned into useful rentals and that is a concern that we should be talking about.

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But I'm here to talk about the lift station.

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and others.

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And that is a concern that we should be talking about.

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But I'm here to talk about the Lyft station.

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I was upset about it last time because I've been knowing about the Lamb Road Tiff and

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this Lyft station which just came up.

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But that Tiff has been in existence since 2003.

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And Walmart and Menards were forced out there by a handful of white men who bought up land

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cheap and stuck them out there so that they could collect their property taxes.

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This is not Wal-Mart or Menard's fault.

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This is this group of creepy men who dictate what happens in Freeport and steal our property

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taxes and so that's what's happening in the Lamb Road Tiff.

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Wal-Mart and Menard's property taxes are now funding a lift station to pump sewage out

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of there.

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Now when that development went in in 2005, I sat on the Planning Commission.

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I questioned all of this.

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Guess what?

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I was kicked off the Planning Commission

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because they didn't want to hear what I had to say.

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That's what happens to people who look up and find out

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the facts.

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So here we are today paying for a lift station.

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I just talked to Mr. Stekel, Darren, and I asked,

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why do we not know how much this is going to cost?

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Tonight, you're about to approve $234,000

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for engineering services.

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Do you know what that means?

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It means you're going to pay him to oversee

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and Stegall.

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Do you know how much a lift station is going to cost you?

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Do you know how much it costs to run a lift station?

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I asked Mr. Stegall and he gave me an answer which I appreciated.

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He said it's going to cost around $2.8, $2.3 million, which we do have in the TIF.

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But that's not the point.

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Why are we spending the money on a lift station?

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When they put that development out there, they should have paid for water and sewer.

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If they didn't have sewer out there, they had no business putting Walmart and Menards

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and Mr. Boyer, I'm telling you this for your benefit because you weren't here. I'm not

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blaming you. I'm bringing you historical information that I hope you will appreciate. So right

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now we've got this same group of creepy thugs who are running developments who want a lift

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station to get water and sewer out to Mill Race Crossing, 400 or 500 acres, which they

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bought the land cheap, had no water out there, and guess what? Now we're going to pay for

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with those property taxes that Wal-Mart and Menards are paying that are supposed to be coming to our police, water, not water, we pay for water, our police, fire, schools, city, we're supposed to be using those property taxes to pay for our expenses here, but instead, you're being asked to vote now to approve engineering costs so that we can put a lift station so that these thug developers who are sitting over at the county can run Wal-Mart

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and

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Kinsey Graham, Item Number 10 Good evening, Council. My name is Kinsey Graham

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with State Line Solar on behalf of Harmony UMC. I'd like to address you in terms of Item

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Number 10, the approval of the ground-mounted solar array on the property. Mostly, I just

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wanted to answer the questions that came up from the first reading. That being, why not

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put solar panels on the roof? Main reason to not put panels on the roof is because it's

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due to be replaced soon and that would add extra cost to the church to have to remove

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them and put them back up at that time. We also moved it to the back of the property

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to remain out of sight as per the code request.

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And our sizing of that ground-mounted system

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does comply with the current ordinances as they are today.

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Thank you very much.

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Thank you.

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Akiya Sanders on item number 23.

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Let me try to make this as quick as possible.

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It's a lot to cover.

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I'm going to show you how God revealed everything on this agenda there that you say that don't have nothing to do with it.

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The root is Wayne Duckman. Wayne is responsible for knocking down these houses that does not have to be knocked down.

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We are in a housing crisis right now and we're looking at the man to give him some money, a contract after he quit on Freeport.

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He quit, put his two weeks in, don't want nothing to do with us, but he want a thousand dollars for 16 hours a week.

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That's insane, insane.

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We're in a housing crisis.

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Rob Boyer, it's your time to put on a Superman cape.

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Try to act like you care about the community.

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We are a rural community.

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Rural means you guys have made the rules to fit your needs.

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Now it's time to make the rules to fit the community needs

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and what they actually need.

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Have you went through those properties

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and seen if they honestly need to be knocked down?

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Wayne Duckman is very vindictive.

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He harasses a lot of people.

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He gives all kinds of hell to a lot of people

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only because they are consistent in hustling.

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He mad because he got to do a job.

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He done left his job five times.

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And now you're putting on a contract.

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You want to give him some money for begging him to stay.

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Feel his position.

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Last time you said there was nine people that

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filled out an application, I can't believe out

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of those nine people we don't have one that can

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and others.

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He's the reason that we do more than 16 hours a week.

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He's the reason that all of our whole community is failing.

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He's the reason that the progress for the Eastside projects, he's trying to stop that.

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And your whole election was ran off Chicago slum landlords and I ain't going to believe

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that you can't do nothing about what coming here and trying to fix it.

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Make it so it fits the cap.

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You cannot do 500 to 1,000.

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You cannot make somebody pay that much.

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You are in control.

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and Booth were here and is now President of Baby contributed 100 million dollarsasting

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Mrs.damila.

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I'm so snob bj soap awareness, but I'm like say, maybe you guys don't care cuz half

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of y'all living good but it's people that need help, Social Security, low income job

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you ain t got no jobs here Rob Freeport Partnership created I don't see. It's time for somebody

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to do something that actually can, that's done, for the community. Keep your topic on

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and the rest of the community in a way we can't live.

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Go through the properties once.

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How often do you go over there?

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How often do you trail those properties

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that's being torn down?

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Mine, for one, didn't need to be torn down.

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It couldn't want to some of these families.

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But instead, he wanted to target me,

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knock it down,

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and now we in a housing crisis.

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Fix it.

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Care about it.

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Don't look down, look up.

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Look at the people you're about to fail.

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and John.

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You can count your blessings and get out of here.

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You can count your blessings and get out of here.

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.

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» Cheryl Alderman on item number 23.

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» Mine is also concerning Wayne Duckman and Rob.

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I have tried to talk to Rob. I have an 8 unit apartment

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building that can get fixed up, but because Wayne has got to

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and Ikea, shake your head yes Wayne, I know it, all these people, 8 units, can you imagine

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how many families I could put in that 8 unit? Get off your ass and let us fix this property

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so that these people have a place to live. Let's not swear or you're done. Don't swear

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at him. But it's okay that he can rip people off. What am I talking about? You're an exception

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Doe. But you guys sit here. These people are looking for homes. Give me the permit so that

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I can fix this back up. You already stole one of my houses. If you think you're going

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to get this one, you're going to have a fight.

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Next is Joseline Risley. I'm sure I'm saying that terribly wrong.

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Excuse me, I don't know the rules and regulations. This is my

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and

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Dr.

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Jodi, I don't know the rules and regulations. This is my first

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time attending a meeting like this. I did want to speak on

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the impact of demolitions and outside takeover.

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» Okay. The item that you spoke on is the contract.

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» Yes. And that's part of the demolitions, correct?

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» No. » No. From 23, 26 and 27?

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» You wrote down item number 23.

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» Oh, I'm sorry. » So if you want to talk about

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is it 20 yeah if you have something specific about bid package stuff you can

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talk about it yes it's in addition to the the recent rent hikes it also is

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including the several properties that have been demo demolitioned over the

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last few years is that's not the appropriate time to speak about that so

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those items that are on the agenda about demolition there to demo to their voting

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to accept a bit to demolish a certain group of properties here so if you're

00:20:48.339 --> 00:21:18.339
and I'm talking about old properties. No, it's not on point. If you're talking about these properties, then you can. That's on point. It's in addition to that. It's it's the the big picture of it. I know that there are additional properties that are proposed to being demolitioned, but it's in addition to what's already been done. They kind of go hand in hand if you will. Probably then you can certainly talk about that, but it's probably meant for the public comment at the end of the meeting because it's a non agenda item. But it's in addition to what and I don't mean to go back and forth with you and waste more

00:21:18.339 --> 00:21:20.339
and the rest of the city.

00:21:20.339 --> 00:21:23.339
It's a really important area of my allotted time.

00:21:23.339 --> 00:21:26.339
But it's in addition to the properties that are looking to be demolitioned,

00:21:26.339 --> 00:21:31.339
because it's causing just a greater strife for the residents of the Freeport community,

00:21:31.339 --> 00:21:35.339
because it leaves even less areas for them to reside.

00:21:35.339 --> 00:21:39.339
And it is related to the rent increase, which of course is not on the agenda.

00:21:39.339 --> 00:21:40.339
Yeah, these are specific addresses.

00:21:40.339 --> 00:21:42.339
Yes, I understand.

00:21:42.339 --> 00:21:46.339
So if you want to speak about rent, then that's going to be at the end of the meeting, isn't it?

00:21:46.339 --> 00:22:02.340
I think your comments are going to have to wait till the end because I just don't think they're really not about the bid packet. The bid packet is who's the lowest bidder? What's the price to demolish it?

00:22:02.340 --> 00:22:06.340
I understand that that's your perspective on it and I will respect that. So I'd be happy to see that.

00:22:06.340 --> 00:22:12.599
I think they're really not about the bid packet. The bid packet is did who's the lowest bidder? What's the price to demolish it?

00:22:12.599 --> 00:22:18.200
I understand that that's your perspective on it and I will respect that so I'd be happy to speak later in the meeting. Thank you.

00:22:18.200 --> 00:22:20.740
Thank you. That concludes public comments.

00:22:36.340 --> 00:22:40.019
We don't have executive session.

00:22:40.019 --> 00:22:42.860
It's always a standing item.

00:22:42.860 --> 00:22:43.860
We don't have anything on there.

00:23:06.340 --> 00:23:10.420
just so you know we're not going into executive session

00:23:10.420 --> 00:23:17.420
okay go ahead

00:23:31.539 --> 00:23:33.980
my name is Robert Holt I'm the AFSCME

00:23:33.980 --> 00:23:39.740
Council 31 Staff Representative for Local 3367, the Municipal Employees of the City

00:23:39.740 --> 00:23:40.740
of Freeport.

00:23:40.740 --> 00:23:46.519
I received this letter that they've asked me to read today, so I'll begin.

00:23:46.519 --> 00:23:51.519
Over the past few years, Public Works has been promised a $5 an hour increase that they

00:23:51.519 --> 00:23:55.860
have not received, and now that the City does not want to come through, now the City does

00:23:55.860 --> 00:23:57.819
not want to come through on their promise.

00:23:57.819 --> 00:24:02.700
In 2019, the Local took a 0% increase because the City said they did not have the funds

00:24:02.700 --> 00:24:08.940
to give us our negotiated increase, and after the city got their COVID money, they only

00:24:08.940 --> 00:24:12.579
gave it to the police and fire pensions and no one else.

00:24:12.579 --> 00:24:16.619
Without the street department, the city would be paying millions more to get streets paved.

00:24:16.619 --> 00:24:22.299
Come winter, the streets would not get plowed to ensure safe traveling for our citizens

00:24:22.299 --> 00:24:24.519
and police and fire.

00:24:24.519 --> 00:24:28.779
Without the water and sewer construction crews, we would have to pay someone else thousands

00:24:28.779 --> 00:24:30.599
to fix main breaks.

00:24:30.599 --> 00:24:36.039
You would also have to figure out who was going to run sewer lines when they get backed up

00:24:36.039 --> 00:24:38.279
and don't flow properly.

00:24:38.279 --> 00:24:42.160
Without the telecommunicators, all the calls would be directed to other agencies, which

00:24:42.160 --> 00:24:48.680
would take even longer to dispatch our officers and fire department personnel.

00:24:48.680 --> 00:24:52.240
Without the water treatment crews, there would not be safe drinking water.

00:24:52.240 --> 00:24:57.200
If there is a fire, no one would be there to turn up the pumps to help support the water

00:24:57.200 --> 00:25:00.800
Water Supply needed to put out fires.

00:25:00.800 --> 00:25:18.840
So pay us what you owe us, because if you don't pay, we don't stay.

00:25:18.840 --> 00:25:20.640
Item number five is the Consent Agenda.

00:25:20.640 --> 00:25:24.039
The Consent Agenda is considered to be routine in nature unless there's a member of the council

00:25:24.039 --> 00:25:54.039
The consent agenda is approving to receive and place on file the board and commission minutes from the Planning Commission May 8th, June 12th, 2025, the Zoning Board of Appeals June 5th, 2025, Board of Fire and Police Commissioners June 24th, July 1st, 2025, Finance and Cash and Investment Reports for June 2025, the Greater Freeport Partnership July 2025,

00:25:54.039 --> 00:26:23.640
Building Permit, Fire Department and Police Department reports for July 2025. The finance bill is payable in the total of $5,658,211.16 and payroll for pay period ending July 26, 2025 in the total of $685,042.99 and payroll for ending August 8, 2025 in the total of $671,983.85.

00:26:23.640 --> 00:26:34.640
is there a motion to approve the consent agenda? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

00:26:34.640 --> 00:26:48.640
Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Oh, I'm sorry, Ann Parker? Aye.

00:26:48.640 --> 00:26:52.640
The motion passes 5 to 2.

00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:58.640
Item number 6 is Appointments. Could you please read?

00:26:58.640 --> 00:27:03.640
Connie Craft to the ADA Commission, effective immediately through May 31st, 2029.

00:27:03.640 --> 00:27:05.640
Is there a motion to approve?

00:27:05.640 --> 00:27:06.640
So move.

00:27:06.640 --> 00:27:07.640
Second.

00:27:07.640 --> 00:27:13.640
A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion?

00:27:13.640 --> 00:27:15.640
Alderman Stacy?

00:27:15.640 --> 00:27:17.640
Why Connie Craig?

00:27:17.640 --> 00:27:25.480
She served previously on an old commission that was stood up years ago.

00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:29.599
She expressed interest, asked if she could be a part, and I had an opening.

00:27:29.599 --> 00:27:32.960
She's an outstanding citizen in this city?

00:27:32.960 --> 00:27:33.960
Is she what?

00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:35.960
Is she an outstanding citizen in this city?

00:27:35.960 --> 00:27:39.120
She's very involved in this city.

00:27:39.120 --> 00:27:43.759
I wouldn't put somebody on I didn't think was outstanding.

00:27:43.759 --> 00:27:51.980
Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

00:27:51.980 --> 00:27:52.980
Stacy?

00:27:52.980 --> 00:27:53.980
Aye.

00:27:53.980 --> 00:27:54.980
Shadle?

00:27:54.980 --> 00:27:55.980
Aye.

00:27:55.980 --> 00:27:56.980
Sanders?

00:27:56.980 --> 00:27:57.980
Aye.

00:27:57.980 --> 00:27:58.980
Sellers?

00:27:58.980 --> 00:27:59.980
Aye.

00:27:59.980 --> 00:28:00.980
Klemm?

00:28:00.980 --> 00:28:01.980
Aye.

00:28:01.980 --> 00:28:02.980
Johnson?

00:28:02.980 --> 00:28:03.980
Aye.

00:28:03.980 --> 00:28:04.980
Simmons?

00:28:04.980 --> 00:28:05.980
Still absent.

00:28:05.980 --> 00:28:06.980
And Parker?

00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:07.980
Aye.

00:28:07.980 --> 00:28:08.980
Motion passes 7-0.

00:28:08.980 --> 00:28:09.980
Item number 7 is the second reading of Ordinance 2025-44.

00:28:09.980 --> 00:28:11.980
Could you please read this?

00:28:11.980 --> 00:28:18.420
Commence amending Chapter 460, Section 460.16, Written Permits Required for Overweight Vehicles

00:28:18.420 --> 00:28:21.740
of the City of Freeport's Code of Ordinances.

00:28:21.740 --> 00:28:22.740
Thank you.

00:28:22.740 --> 00:28:23.740
Manager Boyer?

00:28:23.740 --> 00:28:24.740
Thank you, Your Honor.

00:28:24.740 --> 00:28:28.500
Just following up, we had our first reading in July.

00:28:28.500 --> 00:28:32.659
This is our second reading, now in August.

00:28:32.659 --> 00:28:38.500
Staff requests moving forward with some changes to the ordinance for oversized vehicles, so

00:28:38.500 --> 00:28:47.500
that would be creating an overweight and oversized permit form, permitting required within city limits no matter what roads are used within the city.

00:28:47.500 --> 00:29:02.500
Also adding $150 for individual one-time permits, $1,200 for an annual permit, that would be for individuals licensed within the city, and then $500 penalty for non-compliance with permitting.

00:29:02.500 --> 00:29:05.500
Staff recommends moving forward with this ordinance.

00:29:05.500 --> 00:29:07.500
Discussion? Alderman Shadle.

00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:36.500
I had a conversation with Garrett Miller from the Crane Service. He brought to my attention that the state fee, the yearly fee is $1,400 and he felt ours was excessive at $1,200 and was hoping we could get that somewhere down more towards a $500.

00:29:37.500 --> 00:29:50.119
$500 range any other discussion I would just comment we'll make it whatever the

00:29:50.119 --> 00:29:53.220
council decides to be

00:29:53.220 --> 00:30:07.220
Make it whatever the council decides to be. I did a little bit of research on different types of fees and other communities charged by the overage of weight over the 80,000 pounds.

00:30:07.220 --> 00:30:17.220
That would be very difficult for us to do. We don't have that kind of employees or tracking time. I tried to, you know, make it a break rather than doing individual permits.

00:30:17.220 --> 00:30:32.180
I just like to mention we could probably do something

00:30:32.180 --> 00:30:35.059
like $500, that's unreasonable to council.

00:30:35.059 --> 00:30:37.039
At this time, you know, we don't have anything on the book,

00:30:37.039 --> 00:30:39.039
so something's better than nothing, so.

00:30:39.940 --> 00:30:40.779
Alderman Stacey.

00:30:40.779 --> 00:30:44.840
I don't think it's fair to just make up a price here

00:30:44.840 --> 00:30:48.900
based upon what someone is wanting.

00:30:48.900 --> 00:30:51.360
If we need to move it to the next meeting

00:30:51.360 --> 00:30:55.240
and re-look at this, then let's all re-look at it.

00:30:55.240 --> 00:30:59.620
But to sit here and change 1200 to 500 tonight,

00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:03.079
I don't think that that's right nor fair.

00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:07.480
Manager Boyer.

00:31:07.480 --> 00:31:09.160
One thing I might wanna mention is

00:31:09.160 --> 00:31:11.400
I've only been contacted by one Alderman

00:31:11.400 --> 00:31:14.079
who is concerned and expressed some interest

00:31:14.079 --> 00:31:19.759
from a local business that will be operating overweight within the city and so from that

00:31:19.759 --> 00:31:26.840
standpoint we did look at various other options but $500 would be a good start on any kind

00:31:26.840 --> 00:31:32.640
of annual permit and that would also keep some of the overhead lower for operators that

00:31:32.640 --> 00:31:33.640
are overweight.

00:31:33.640 --> 00:31:34.640
Alderman Klemm?

00:31:34.640 --> 00:31:46.559
Yes, I know in this, you had eliminated certain vehicles. The example that Alderman Shadle

00:31:46.559 --> 00:31:51.920
used is, needless to say, this guy does a lot of work with the cranes, a lot of the

00:31:51.920 --> 00:31:57.240
around the area, and needless to say, it's got a place in town, so he'd be using it

00:31:57.240 --> 00:32:02.519
all the time, would there be a possibility of putting him into that group that, with

00:32:02.519 --> 00:32:05.920
Garbage Trucks, so on and so forth.

00:32:05.920 --> 00:32:07.279
I don't believe so.

00:32:07.279 --> 00:32:09.840
The cranes he operates are fairly large and completely

00:32:09.840 --> 00:32:11.079
different than a garbage truck.

00:32:11.079 --> 00:32:12.720
They're enormous.

00:32:12.720 --> 00:32:17.000
So I don't know if Darren wants to chime in on some of that.

00:32:17.000 --> 00:32:19.240
I talked to the one business they called,

00:32:19.240 --> 00:32:22.600
and they typically run over the weight limit.

00:32:22.600 --> 00:32:24.600
That's the size of a crane.

00:32:24.600 --> 00:32:27.000
They have multiple cranes, but the one

00:32:27.000 --> 00:32:29.759
that they, I think, use very regularly

00:32:29.759 --> 00:32:32.259
is significantly overweight.

00:32:34.480 --> 00:32:37.720
Our roads are permitted between 60 and 80,000 pounds.

00:32:37.720 --> 00:32:41.119
And I think the unit that we discussed was about 125,000.

00:32:41.119 --> 00:32:46.119
So the permitting process is really to control

00:32:46.840 --> 00:32:50.079
where these vehicles operate within the city.

00:32:50.079 --> 00:32:53.599
So for instance, unless we had a crane job

00:32:53.599 --> 00:32:56.160
at somewhere on Locust Street,

00:32:56.160 --> 00:33:01.039
I would not permit somebody to go drive a 100,000 pound load

00:33:01.039 --> 00:33:03.319
down Locust Street, because we just replaced it.

00:33:03.319 --> 00:33:06.200
So the whole idea behind this permitting process

00:33:06.200 --> 00:33:09.500
is to map the exact routes that they're traveling.

00:33:09.500 --> 00:33:11.920
It's not just a free pass to do whatever they want,

00:33:11.920 --> 00:33:13.039
whenever they want.

00:33:13.039 --> 00:33:14.840
It is actually to map it out to say,

00:33:14.840 --> 00:33:17.360
okay, we fixed these streets,

00:33:17.360 --> 00:33:19.720
so please don't operate on these streets

00:33:19.720 --> 00:33:23.480
as we move through the network and cycle of it, right?

00:33:23.480 --> 00:33:26.000
and that's the people that,

00:33:26.000 --> 00:33:27.720
cause we actually have an ordinance.

00:33:27.720 --> 00:33:29.640
This ordinance is already on the books.

00:33:29.640 --> 00:33:31.519
So we do have people that already submit

00:33:31.519 --> 00:33:32.759
for permits all the time,

00:33:32.759 --> 00:33:35.119
out of town crane carriers and stuff.

00:33:35.119 --> 00:33:38.960
We just don't have any fees tied to this ordinance.

00:33:38.960 --> 00:33:40.680
It actually already exists.

00:33:40.680 --> 00:33:42.840
I reviewed it with the attorney

00:33:42.840 --> 00:33:45.279
and it just says the fees will be made up

00:33:45.279 --> 00:33:47.920
by the Public Works Director at the end of it.

00:33:47.920 --> 00:33:49.799
And there was no fee schedule

00:33:49.799 --> 00:33:52.039
and I didn't feel like it was right to impose a fee schedule

00:33:52.039 --> 00:33:54.200
that wasn't approved by council.

00:33:54.200 --> 00:33:55.480
Alderman Sanders?

00:33:55.480 --> 00:34:00.360
Yeah, I'm listening to the scenario

00:34:00.360 --> 00:34:03.279
that you got or the comprehensive conversation

00:34:03.279 --> 00:34:06.720
that you guys are trying to establish before council.

00:34:06.720 --> 00:34:11.720
But we have no comprehensive scaling chart

00:34:12.360 --> 00:34:15.519
for over the road driving here in the city.

00:34:15.519 --> 00:34:18.519
And I think we should establish that.

00:34:18.519 --> 00:34:21.480
if we don't have one, we should have one.

00:34:21.480 --> 00:34:22.320
Okay.

00:34:22.320 --> 00:34:24.199
We have one, it's 80,000 pounds.

00:34:24.199 --> 00:34:28.980
No, what I mean is we as council need to be able

00:34:28.980 --> 00:34:32.840
to examine and do an accessibility of those charts

00:34:32.840 --> 00:34:37.840
to see if we're within the guidelines of scaling prices,

00:34:38.180 --> 00:34:41.920
fees, and whatever the nine yards is on that matter.

00:34:41.920 --> 00:34:46.920
So what I am saying is before we set fees

00:34:46.920 --> 00:34:47.920
and others.

00:34:47.920 --> 00:34:52.720
We're going to have to set fees and try to impose these fees based upon coming out of

00:34:52.720 --> 00:34:53.720
our head.

00:34:53.720 --> 00:34:55.500
I like to see this in writing.

00:34:55.500 --> 00:35:02.440
I like to see a chart mapping of the city where trucks can drive and cannot drive.

00:35:02.440 --> 00:35:03.720
And I like to see that visually.

00:35:03.720 --> 00:35:08.260
And I think the people of the city would like to see that visually as well.

00:35:08.260 --> 00:35:14.840
When they see trucks driving in certain areas, knowing that they have no business in these

00:35:14.840 --> 00:35:16.940
Fautier and

00:35:16.940 --> 00:35:18.360
Ken,members of these

00:35:18.360 --> 00:35:39.280
competition,

00:35:39.280 --> 00:35:44.280
and I like for us to get this thing prioritized

00:35:44.639 --> 00:35:49.639
before we decide to allow this thing to be done.

00:35:49.679 --> 00:35:52.039
I don't know if there's a time limit on it

00:35:52.039 --> 00:35:54.599
or whenever you guys want to implement this program

00:35:54.599 --> 00:35:56.400
or whatever the case may be,

00:35:56.400 --> 00:36:00.239
but if it's not in effect as of now today,

00:36:00.239 --> 00:36:02.800
then before we do that,

00:36:02.800 --> 00:36:06.320
let's have all of our tools in place

00:36:06.320 --> 00:36:08.679
and making sure that council is very aware

00:36:08.679 --> 00:36:11.519
and others, and we want to make sure that we don't have to

00:36:11.519 --> 00:36:16.119
worry about what is being done on these matters and not have us

00:36:16.119 --> 00:36:20.519
listening to something that may happen or may not have happened

00:36:20.519 --> 00:36:24.119
and things are changing. So we want something established

00:36:24.119 --> 00:36:29.519
where that has some form of foundation that we can go to

00:36:29.519 --> 00:36:33.519
altogether, not only that, even be placed on our website where

00:36:33.519 --> 00:36:37.519
people can have accessibility to these kinds of things. So that's

00:36:37.519 --> 00:36:58.519
I would just like to make a motion that we move this to the first meeting in September where we can get clarity for those who need clarity or want clarity and I don't think it's fair to start a motion that we move this to the first meeting in September.

00:36:58.519 --> 00:37:01.240
for those who need clarity or want clarity.

00:37:02.880 --> 00:37:07.880
And I don't think it's fair to start adjusting prices.

00:37:10.920 --> 00:37:13.519
That's why our constituents already feel like

00:37:14.420 --> 00:37:18.599
we support who we want and who we don't, we don't.

00:37:19.800 --> 00:37:22.960
This is a prime example of willing to drop

00:37:22.960 --> 00:37:26.840
from 1,200 to 500 because of one business

00:37:26.840 --> 00:37:31.840
which Director Darren Steekle said is over 1,000 pound truck.

00:37:36.559 --> 00:37:39.519
Okay, we have a motion on the floor to move this ordinance

00:37:39.519 --> 00:37:41.000
to the next regular scheduled meeting.

00:37:41.000 --> 00:37:42.079
Is there a second?

00:37:42.079 --> 00:37:42.920
Second.

00:37:44.579 --> 00:37:45.639
Mayor?

00:37:45.639 --> 00:37:46.480
Sure.

00:37:46.480 --> 00:37:49.400
Can I respond to Mr. Sanders comment?

00:37:49.400 --> 00:37:51.039
Just for some clarity.

00:37:51.039 --> 00:37:54.820
So currently the way the ordinance exists,

00:37:54.820 --> 00:37:59.820
Anybody can drive anywhere they want without any issue, right?

00:37:59.860 --> 00:38:01.619
And so if you're a truck,

00:38:01.619 --> 00:38:05.300
that's under the legal moving weight, which is 80,000 pounds,

00:38:05.300 --> 00:38:07.340
they can drive up and down every street in Freeport

00:38:07.340 --> 00:38:10.860
without any control and it's not illegal for them to do it.

00:38:10.860 --> 00:38:13.260
We don't have routes that are cars only

00:38:13.260 --> 00:38:15.099
or non truck routes, right?

00:38:15.099 --> 00:38:17.019
So they can go wherever they want.

00:38:17.019 --> 00:38:21.220
This is really for the oversized overweight loads

00:38:21.220 --> 00:38:24.340
to ensure that they're just not cruising down our streets

00:38:24.340 --> 00:38:54.340
We're trying to put some teeth to it. I have done research on this. What I have proposed is what most communities have. The fee can, I don't want to say it's negotiable, but it's whatever you guys feel is fair. I personally, I did not talk to this business, but I talked to other businesses, and the fee that I proposed, they thought it was fair. So, we're trying to put some teeth to it. I have done research on this. What I have proposed is what most communities have.

00:38:54.340 --> 00:38:58.900
Felt was fair based on other communities and how they move their loads.

00:38:58.900 --> 00:39:05.380
Currently, the way the state moves vehicles around the city, excuse me, the state of Illinois

00:39:05.380 --> 00:39:10.019
moves vehicles, they fill out a permit and in that permit that they supply to the state,

00:39:10.019 --> 00:39:15.059
it says you have to get permission or permitting from local jurisdictions.

00:39:15.059 --> 00:39:19.860
We have found many trucks that drive down our residential streets with no permitting

00:39:19.860 --> 00:39:21.579
process that are way overweight.

00:39:21.579 --> 00:39:25.920
I'm trying to get control of this because we're investing millions and millions of

00:39:25.920 --> 00:39:30.159
dollars in the streets that we don't want destroyed. This is just an extension of

00:39:30.159 --> 00:39:37.980
our street program. I will say that the one person that called in now if he's

00:39:37.980 --> 00:39:42.280
doing an RDA to develop his business in the future we know where he's going to

00:39:42.280 --> 00:39:46.400
be at so when we reconstruct that street we will make that street of heavier

00:39:46.400 --> 00:39:53.199
and others.

00:39:53.199 --> 00:39:54.199
Johnson.

00:39:54.199 --> 00:39:55.879
It doesn't mean that there shouldn't be a permitting process for it.

00:39:55.879 --> 00:39:58.319
This is very typical per community.

00:39:58.319 --> 00:40:00.480
Some places have automated systems.

00:40:00.480 --> 00:40:05.000
We don't have enough truck traffic to have these automated systems to do the work.

00:40:05.000 --> 00:40:08.559
So again, just my clarity on it.

00:40:08.559 --> 00:40:09.559
Manager Boyer?

00:40:09.559 --> 00:40:14.199
The purpose of first and second reading is to allow time for people to have things settle

00:40:14.199 --> 00:40:15.199
in.

00:40:15.199 --> 00:40:18.399
I think this was one of the points that was brought up after the first reading was this

00:40:18.399 --> 00:40:20.879
seems excessively high.

00:40:20.879 --> 00:40:25.139
and because we have nothing now, I personally don't see an issue with lowering it to making

00:40:25.139 --> 00:40:30.219
it $500 and then we'll see how things go in the future, but whether it's $500 and $1,200,

00:40:30.219 --> 00:40:35.199
it's not going to change our ability to repair roads and we'll continue to do that.

00:40:35.199 --> 00:40:39.719
So staff just recommends moving forward with the amended amount.

00:40:39.719 --> 00:40:40.719
I made a motion.

00:40:40.719 --> 00:40:41.719
Why are we still talking?

00:40:41.719 --> 00:40:44.000
I want to come back to that.

00:40:44.000 --> 00:40:48.239
That's why I let them say, as department heads, say what they want to, but we do have a motion

00:40:48.239 --> 00:40:49.239
on the floor, you're correct.

00:40:49.239 --> 00:40:50.239
Okay.

00:40:50.239 --> 00:40:54.859
So the motion on the floor, seconded by Alderman and Sanders, is to move this on to the next

00:40:54.859 --> 00:40:56.480
regular scheduled meeting.

00:40:56.480 --> 00:41:01.679
So if there's any discussion on that motion itself, otherwise, Madam Clerk, would you

00:41:01.679 --> 00:41:02.679
please take the role?

00:41:02.679 --> 00:41:03.679
On that?

00:41:03.679 --> 00:41:04.679
Yes, on that.

00:41:04.679 --> 00:41:13.519
I'm just wondering if it was the first reading on, well, I wasn't here on the committee as

00:41:13.519 --> 00:41:23.279
as a whole, and that was on 7, 714, and so we've had a whole week or so to look over

00:41:23.279 --> 00:41:24.279
all of this.

00:41:24.279 --> 00:41:28.079
I do think that just staying at the 1,200, if that's what they brought it the first

00:41:28.079 --> 00:41:34.899
time, just staying at that and moving forward to keep things moving, but I think if we already

00:41:34.899 --> 00:41:40.359
looked at it at 714 and they talked about it as a committee as a whole, why are we...

00:41:40.359 --> 00:41:51.359
You're correct. This is our third meeting of discussion. On Alderman Stacy's motion to move this, Madam Clerk, could you please take the role on moving it to the next meeting?

00:41:51.359 --> 00:42:04.359
May I say something? If we stick at what was given to us, if we stick at what we've looked at for the last three weeks, I would withdraw my motion.

00:42:04.359 --> 00:42:10.759
but we haven't made an amendment yet

00:42:12.879 --> 00:42:18.399
so are you withdrawing your motion then are we gonna move forward with this as

00:42:18.399 --> 00:42:25.480
is someone would have to make a make a motion to amend the change no I'm not

00:42:25.480 --> 00:42:28.719
talking about changing it I'm talking about leaving it at $1,200 to move it

00:42:28.719 --> 00:42:29.819
That's the way it is right now.

00:42:29.819 --> 00:42:30.659
As is.

00:42:30.659 --> 00:42:31.480
As is.

00:42:31.480 --> 00:42:32.519
That's what I was saying.

00:42:32.519 --> 00:42:33.359
Alderman Sanders?

00:42:33.359 --> 00:42:35.279
That's what I was saying.

00:42:35.279 --> 00:42:40.279
Comment on reestablishing what this is,

00:42:41.399 --> 00:42:43.439
this sounds like it's being placed

00:42:43.439 --> 00:42:46.259
in a position of hastiness.

00:42:46.259 --> 00:42:49.719
That's what it sounds like to me right now at this moment.

00:42:49.719 --> 00:42:52.799
And I don't like that kind of feeling that I'm getting.

00:42:52.799 --> 00:42:54.859
I like all the data information

00:42:54.859 --> 00:42:59.859
that Brian is recommending what he is stating

00:42:59.859 --> 00:43:02.059
right now before us.

00:43:02.059 --> 00:43:06.559
All of this data information and related to this issue

00:43:06.559 --> 00:43:10.019
should be brought before us so we can see that,

00:43:10.019 --> 00:43:14.199
well, for three weeks we have not seen tangible data.

00:43:14.199 --> 00:43:16.859
I'm looking for tangible data,

00:43:16.859 --> 00:43:21.460
assessment of what we're discussing right now.

00:43:21.460 --> 00:43:28.980
and I think it requires more than just us having these small discussions here at council.

00:43:29.599 --> 00:43:39.379
These type of things needs to be overviewed by a larger agenda, far as how are we going to get

00:43:39.379 --> 00:43:45.079
down to the nitty-gritty of all of the things that we're trying to recommend to the city

00:43:45.759 --> 00:43:47.719
and suggest for the city.

00:43:47.719 --> 00:43:54.919
I think there's more variations of data that could be implemented to the council and it's not done.

00:43:54.919 --> 00:44:02.719
This is not coming forward. So I'm just giving, I'm just saying I'd love for a Boyer, Darren,

00:44:02.719 --> 00:44:08.319
to give us a little bit more information on how we're going to assess all of this and where,

00:44:08.319 --> 00:44:16.119
and let the people of the city know where the clarity comes in so they can digest what we're trying to do here.

00:44:16.119 --> 00:44:23.119
and I'm just saying I don't like us coming to council just talking about something and

00:44:23.119 --> 00:44:30.599
I also want to direct my attention to our city clerk as much as I can.

00:44:30.599 --> 00:44:38.480
Any time that we are having these meetings, I know she has, I know she brings it out in

00:44:38.480 --> 00:44:40.480
and

00:44:41.719 --> 00:44:43.719
the Mayor's Office.

00:44:45.239 --> 00:44:48.139
And she brings in a format for council to see, not only for

00:44:48.139 --> 00:44:55.299
council to see or to hear, but she brings it in a format of

00:44:55.299 --> 00:44:59.879
tangible documents so we can revert back to it, recite back

00:44:59.879 --> 00:45:04.559
to it, or go back over what it is that we've been discussing.

00:45:04.559 --> 00:45:07.759
When I see this kind of format that is happening within the

00:45:07.759 --> 00:45:08.759
and many more.

00:45:08.759 --> 00:45:15.119
We have to have that before us so we can go line by line knowing exactly what was said,

00:45:15.119 --> 00:45:22.319
how it was said, what was being done and what the citizens of the City of Freeport is listening

00:45:22.319 --> 00:45:23.319
to.

00:45:23.319 --> 00:45:29.479
I think it's more, it brings us back to the center to where all of this came from because

00:45:29.479 --> 00:45:37.479
right now we have nothing tangible before us and so I would like for us to continue

00:45:37.480 --> 00:46:07.480
that sequence of documents or data before council before we even start the process of anything on the agenda and let the council be able to briefly look over the things that we have been discussing through council on a weekly basis so we can keep it refreshed in our mind of what we talked about because trying to say that what we've done two weeks ago does not all the time is retained

00:46:07.480 --> 00:46:14.319
of Information that should be there and and we're talking about it and we're discussing it. So I think the council should be able to

00:46:14.799 --> 00:46:20.639
Revert back to it and refresh their memory on things that has been said over the council

00:46:21.119 --> 00:46:24.899
Chamber and that's that's my recommendation. I think that should happen and

00:46:25.559 --> 00:46:32.399
Let's move forward with that because I'm listening to it, but I'm not getting enough data. That's what I'm not getting

00:46:32.399 --> 00:46:35.039
We're talking about things that does not have your time

00:46:37.480 --> 00:46:41.480
Yes, you have a time late. Manager Boyer, did you want to respond to that?

00:46:41.480 --> 00:46:48.480
I did. Just a quick minute. Alderman Sanders, we've talked a couple times on the phone. We've never once discussed this subject.

00:46:48.480 --> 00:46:54.480
You've never asked any questions about it. We have had scheduled times to meet.

00:46:54.480 --> 00:47:00.480
We've had scheduled times for a minimum of six to eight months and we had not had a time to sit down.

00:47:00.480 --> 00:47:03.480
So I haven't had the opportunity to discuss those questions with you.

00:47:03.480 --> 00:47:07.039
and others. So we have an upcoming meeting and I hope we can get together then.

00:47:07.039 --> 00:47:08.039
Okay.

00:47:08.039 --> 00:47:12.079
Okay, so back to there's still a motion on the floor. Alderman, Stacy, what do you want

00:47:12.079 --> 00:47:15.079
to do with that?

00:47:15.079 --> 00:47:27.119
Okay, I have a question. So if I pull my motion in hopes that it moves forward as it is, but

00:47:27.119 --> 00:47:32.599
then someone else make a motion to amend it, that can happen?

00:47:32.599 --> 00:47:51.679
you know it's like we respect Darren's opinion on everything I mean it's like

00:47:51.679 --> 00:47:57.920
fairgrounds runs this city he have an opinion on everything and we give him the

00:47:57.920 --> 00:48:27.920
to express and respect his opinion. And so I don't understand why it can't be respected now. So in good faith that we're going to move forward as we have talked about the last three weeks as what has been presented

00:48:27.920 --> 00:48:33.920
I will remove my motion.

00:48:33.920 --> 00:48:35.920
Alderman Sanders, will you remove your second?

00:48:35.920 --> 00:48:45.920
I like to do that based upon what our City Clerk presents to us from this day forward.

00:48:45.920 --> 00:48:55.920
She's been doing the job. I commend her for that because it does keep us abreast to the meetings that we are doing.

00:48:55.920 --> 00:49:04.000
and she has the only mechanism in place that keeps us abreast on a weekly basis that I

00:49:04.000 --> 00:49:10.679
like to see continue, to continue. But yes, I do amend it, but the thing is...

00:49:10.679 --> 00:49:12.920
No, I'm asking if you'll remove your second.

00:49:12.920 --> 00:49:14.639
Oh, yes, I will remove it.

00:49:14.639 --> 00:49:19.359
Okay. So now we're back to the original ordinance on the second reading. Is there any discussion?

00:49:19.359 --> 00:49:20.359
Alderman Klemm.

00:49:20.359 --> 00:49:45.759
Yes. Darren, this is a question. Understanding the ordinance, basically, do I see two parts of this? One is basically the financial end of it, but the main thing is if this goes through, basically, then you're going to work with that person on it, whether it be daily or whatever basis, to plan their route of where they're going with their heavy equipment, correct?

00:49:45.759 --> 00:49:53.119
Correct. Our process, and I've talked to a couple people on that, is they submit an email with their route if they're an annual.

00:49:53.119 --> 00:50:23.119
and I, and I'm going to be very clear with their route, if they're in annual, they submit it with the route and we approve it if there's no issues with that route. If it's, I keep using Locust Street because everybody knows it, if it would be down Locust Street, I would say no reroute and go down West Street, right? Which we have, with the permit process, we have that opportunity to do that because we're reviewing their path. You also have to remember, you know, the local people that truck through Freeport all the time, they're moving trucks, you know,

00:50:23.119 --> 00:50:28.719
O'Neill, 5-6 days a week, so there is time and expense and issues to this and I'm sure

00:50:28.719 --> 00:50:31.559
a lot of those people would do annual permits.

00:50:31.559 --> 00:50:34.679
The one-offs are for people that occasionally come through.

00:50:34.679 --> 00:50:42.759
I don't, I guess I tend to agree with City Manager Boyer that I don't think the amount

00:50:42.759 --> 00:50:50.839
is as important as the process, right, so, but I'm fine with whatever I suggested, what

00:50:50.839 --> 00:50:57.639
myself and the Public Works team what little research we could do because you have to remember

00:50:57.639 --> 00:51:03.239
something in a city of Freeport whether we're talking about water or sewer or roads the city

00:51:03.239 --> 00:51:09.000
of Freeport has its own DNA right our costs are different than other towns costs our staff size

00:51:09.000 --> 00:51:13.799
is different than other staff size so what may work for one town won't work for another

00:51:15.000 --> 00:51:19.079
that being said you know i'm flexible we're not trying to drive people out of Freeport we're

00:51:19.079 --> 00:51:27.199
We're just trying to make it a system that's used and can be monitored and tracked by the

00:51:27.199 --> 00:51:33.920
public works team and the movements through town to eliminate failing roads and issues.

00:51:33.920 --> 00:51:34.920
That's what it's for.

00:51:34.920 --> 00:51:35.920
Alderman Johnson.

00:51:35.920 --> 00:51:41.799
So like you just said, the main purpose of this is to try to protect our roads that we've

00:51:41.799 --> 00:51:46.719
already done and try not to break down the roads that we haven't been able to get to

00:51:46.719 --> 00:51:51.819
to yet to try to make them so they're at least drivable.

00:51:51.819 --> 00:51:56.819
Also, you said you've asked other cities kind of what they,

00:51:56.819 --> 00:52:00.539
you've done some research other places kind of what they

00:52:00.539 --> 00:52:02.500
charge and that sort of thing.

00:52:02.500 --> 00:52:05.859
And again, some of the bigger towns

00:52:05.859 --> 00:52:08.259
that we have to compare to, they have

00:52:08.259 --> 00:52:11.480
very sophisticated systems similar to the state,

00:52:11.480 --> 00:52:13.339
where it's all automated processes.

00:52:13.339 --> 00:52:15.719
People get an annual thing, and then they turn in their routes

00:52:15.719 --> 00:52:20.279
and things like that, and some of them, like Rockford's, if you look at theirs, they pay

00:52:20.279 --> 00:52:21.639
by the pound.

00:52:21.639 --> 00:52:25.639
We don't have scale systems, and those would cost an immense amount of money to put scale

00:52:25.639 --> 00:52:31.239
systems in, so we actually have the owners figure out their weight on their own and show

00:52:31.239 --> 00:52:33.400
that to us if they're overweight.

00:52:33.400 --> 00:52:36.519
Again, I mean, we spent a lot of time talking about this.

00:52:36.519 --> 00:52:42.559
We're probably talking in the neighborhood of five to ten trucks a month, honestly, that

00:52:42.559 --> 00:52:45.159
are running overweight, right?

00:52:45.159 --> 00:52:46.159
Johnson, George.

00:52:46.159 --> 00:52:48.159
Most of them run legal weights, and this does not pertain to them.

00:52:48.159 --> 00:52:49.159
Okay.

00:52:49.159 --> 00:52:50.159
Alderman Johnson, Joy.

00:52:50.159 --> 00:52:53.319
Just two more questions.

00:52:53.319 --> 00:53:00.000
If we pass it with the amount that we designated at this time, what was it, $1,200 instead

00:53:00.000 --> 00:53:06.000
of $500, would there be any time possibly that we could change that if we felt like

00:53:06.000 --> 00:53:09.839
it was, I mean, the Council could come back together and renegotiate that if we felt like

00:53:09.839 --> 00:53:11.480
that was a problem?

00:53:11.480 --> 00:53:18.279
also I was wondering where does the money from the permits what what does that money go toward

00:53:18.279 --> 00:53:25.880
when we get get the money for the permits where does that money go sure so yes it could come back

00:53:25.880 --> 00:53:32.359
to council at any time just like any other ordinance and have the cost change to a lower amount

00:53:32.359 --> 00:53:38.840
higher amount whatever the pleasure of the council and it just takes city manager the mayor or any

00:53:38.839 --> 00:53:43.179
Council people to bring that back up to the meeting and then all of our permit

00:53:43.179 --> 00:53:46.880
fees doesn't matter what department it comes to or goes back to the general

00:53:46.880 --> 00:53:52.159
funds they're paid in and finance believe brings them all back through the

00:53:52.159 --> 00:54:00.359
general fund. Okay thank you much. Alderman Sanders, you've already spoke twice. Is there any

00:54:00.359 --> 00:54:07.960
other discussion? Alderman Schaefer. I just would like to reiterate that this gentleman

00:54:07.960 --> 00:54:16.960
mentioned this because the state fee is $1400, the city came in at $1200, he felt that was

00:54:16.960 --> 00:54:29.960
exorbitant for what it was, state versus the city. The $500 he felt would have been more

00:54:29.960 --> 00:54:44.319
another comment on to our City Clerk that I think she's doing a fine job the

00:54:44.319 --> 00:54:50.599
notice is on this agenda under item 7 says view memo view state statute and

00:54:50.599 --> 00:54:54.519
view permit application I think was pretty much everything you were saying

00:54:54.519 --> 00:55:09.000
if there's no further discussion yeah I'm just saying is it is it prudent that

00:55:09.000 --> 00:55:13.800
someone makes a derogatory comment to another council sitting right in his ear

00:55:13.800 --> 00:55:19.920
about something that's not on the agenda that's what I want to make reference to

00:55:19.920 --> 00:55:26.400
and that and and just because he made that comment I think there should be some

00:55:26.400 --> 00:55:31.980
kind of discretion being presented when a council does that you know when he has

00:55:31.980 --> 00:55:37.840
no he's not agenda he's not on the agenda I should not have been implemented

00:55:37.840 --> 00:55:42.960
in that agenda that's what I'm getting at and he put me there

00:55:42.960 --> 00:55:44.960
and others.

00:55:44.960 --> 00:55:52.539
Alderman Sanders, I think you had indicated that you wanted the clerk to do certain things

00:55:52.539 --> 00:55:53.539
there.

00:55:53.539 --> 00:55:58.480
To give you that information, I think Alderman Shadle was just pointing out the fact that

00:55:58.480 --> 00:56:02.759
everything that you're asking for is hyperlinked to the agenda by the clerk there.

00:56:02.759 --> 00:56:03.759
I think that's all he was saying.

00:56:03.759 --> 00:56:05.759
He was kind of answering your question.

00:56:05.759 --> 00:56:06.759
Okay.

00:56:06.759 --> 00:56:07.759
All right.

00:56:07.759 --> 00:56:08.759
I'll accept it today.

00:56:08.759 --> 00:56:09.759
I'll accept that.

00:56:09.759 --> 00:56:10.759
Okay.

00:56:10.759 --> 00:56:11.759
So is there any other discussion?

00:56:11.759 --> 00:56:21.079
if not we'll take a vote. Madam Clerk please take the roll. Stacy. Alderman Simmons. Manager

00:56:21.079 --> 00:56:25.880
Boyer what is the amendment? Is it stand as? There is no amendment it's the way it stands.

00:56:25.880 --> 00:56:30.159
Unless you want to make an amendment. We're voting on an amendment. No. You're voting

00:56:30.159 --> 00:56:34.159
on an ordinance that there's no amendment that has gone forward. If you'd like to put

00:56:34.159 --> 00:56:53.319
and

00:56:53.319 --> 00:57:14.319
and others. So the ordinance itself, the ordinance that's been presented at COW and First Read and now Second Read, it is an ordinance that is amending the existing ordinance to add a process there. And in that ordinance that's amending the current version of the code, it has a fee of $1,200 in it.

00:57:14.319 --> 00:57:21.319
Tonight's discussion, there were talks about an amendment to the underlying ordinance to

00:57:21.319 --> 00:57:25.319
change it to 500, but there was no motion to actually change the dollar amount, to tweak

00:57:25.319 --> 00:57:26.960
the ordinance as presented.

00:57:26.960 --> 00:57:27.960
That's what I'm saying.

00:57:27.960 --> 00:57:28.960
Right.

00:57:28.960 --> 00:57:29.960
Okay.

00:57:29.960 --> 00:57:33.719
No, there was no motion, but Manager Boyer agreed to doing it.

00:57:33.719 --> 00:57:35.199
No, it can't.

00:57:35.199 --> 00:57:37.960
He just said, that's fair, city recommends that.

00:57:37.960 --> 00:57:40.519
So as long as that's not being changed.

00:57:40.519 --> 00:57:41.519
Correct.

00:57:41.519 --> 00:57:42.519
Okay.

00:57:42.519 --> 00:57:49.679
Councils. Manager Boyer, he said that he's fine with it being $500 as a recommendation

00:57:49.679 --> 00:57:53.559
of his, but it's still up to you guys to decide whether or not you want to make the motion

00:57:53.559 --> 00:57:55.759
to change, actually implement that $500 change.

00:57:55.759 --> 00:58:01.759
That's all I wanted to clarify. Okay, thank you. That it wouldn't be changed once we voted

00:58:01.759 --> 00:58:02.759
yes.

00:58:02.759 --> 00:58:05.440
Madam Clerk, please take the roll on the ordinance as is.

00:58:05.440 --> 00:58:06.440
Stacy?

00:58:06.440 --> 00:58:07.440
Aye.

00:58:07.440 --> 00:58:08.440
Shadle?

00:58:08.440 --> 00:58:09.440
Aye.

00:58:09.440 --> 00:58:10.440
Sanders?

00:58:10.440 --> 00:58:11.440
Aye.

00:58:11.440 --> 00:58:12.440
Sellers?

00:58:12.440 --> 00:58:22.199
Johnson, Simmons, and Parker. The ordinance passes 8 to 0.

00:58:22.199 --> 00:58:26.679
Item number 8 is the second reading of ordinance 2025-48. Could you please read this?

00:58:26.679 --> 00:58:31.439
Ordinance amending chapter 1252 of the Zoning Code of the City of Freeport

00:58:31.439 --> 00:58:38.399
Concerning Physical Culture Centers. Thank you Madam Mayor. So this ordinance,

00:58:38.399 --> 00:59:08.399
We've had, since, nothing has changed since the first reading, but there were some questions about number of actual physical cultural centers slash gyms that have come into the area, and how often a subject like this would occur, and in the past year we've had four actual athletic centers, physical cultural centers, gyms come through the city of Freeport, we've had, and March 3rd we approved it in council,

00:59:08.399 --> 00:59:23.399
18 South Chicago was Magicians Academy, MMA, so that was in March 3rd, then we also had a new gym who's still working on their build out, so they haven't given their name yet, but that was at Cub Foods, so that was July 7th at 25th.

00:59:23.399 --> 00:59:36.399
We just recently had the Studio Elan Pilati Studio at 2-6 East Stevenson, that was July 21st, 2025, and then we also had the Freeport Martial Arts at 105107 West Main Street.

00:59:36.399 --> 00:59:52.920
So those are, and that was called Freeport Martial Arts. That was July 21st, 2025. So that gives a little background on why staff has presented this, what's known as a text amendment. We brought it to Planning Commission.

00:59:52.920 --> 01:00:05.920
We brought it to Planning Commission and we looked at our comprehensive plan and we stated that we're seeing an influx of what is a positive land use, which is physical activity.

01:00:05.920 --> 01:00:16.920
There's plenty of complaints that our community doesn't have enough positive activities to do and we're seeing quite a bit of an influx of these gyms, physical cultural centers,

01:00:16.920 --> 01:00:22.940
and the others, and you know, the

01:00:22.940 --> 01:00:39.420
the business district. They're having to go through to city council. And so, you know, what to consider here is when your constituents say, and it happens, council members will come up to me and say, why are you putting this business owner through all this red tape to open up a gym or a

01:00:39.420 --> 01:00:45.180
Pallotti Studio and well the answer is well I mean now's your chance to vote for that. Now you're

01:00:45.180 --> 01:00:50.340
considering does every gym, as every Pallotti Studio, every aerobics studio, you know anything

01:00:50.340 --> 01:00:57.180
in this city should they go through a special use permit or do or does councils see it as our

01:00:57.180 --> 01:01:03.619
Planning Commission sees it and that this is a use where we they should be allowed to do it by

01:01:03.619 --> 01:01:18.619
Wright, and certainly anybody in this city is subject to building codes. They would still have to get their certificate of occupancy. They would still have to pass their fire code inspections, etc. So that's really what's before you today.

01:01:18.619 --> 01:01:20.619
Thank you. Alderman Sanders?

01:01:20.619 --> 01:01:29.619
Yeah. Are you receiving complaints from these business owners?

01:01:29.619 --> 01:01:34.619
I would say 9 out of 10 business owners complain on any permit they have to fill out.

01:01:34.619 --> 01:01:45.619
Okay, and so does the permit stipulate exactly what the criteria is for them to meet certain things with inside of this permit?

01:01:45.619 --> 01:01:49.619
Is that presented with inside of the permit itself?

01:01:49.619 --> 01:01:53.619
Every permit states what is requested and what's going to be reviewed, yes.

01:01:53.619 --> 01:02:13.300
So why are we, why are we listening to people that is trying to alter the permit if they don't want to work inside of the guidelines of the permit, why are we allowing the permit to be altered to be convenient to some and not to others?

01:02:13.300 --> 01:02:14.260
That's not true.

01:02:14.260 --> 01:02:16.740
That's not true? Well, that's what I'm hearing.

01:02:16.740 --> 01:02:17.780
I can explain again.

01:02:17.780 --> 01:02:47.780
Well, you may be able to explain that, but what I'm saying is it's not anything that if our permit is not stipulating with guidelines that a business owner wants to open up their business and understand that these are the parameters of this permit and I have to meet all of the things that are within this guideline, why are we having a complaint issue

01:03:17.780 --> 01:03:20.380
Plattie, and Eric, the other members of the Board of Trustees.

01:03:20.380 --> 01:03:22.980
So, I'm going to take a moment to take a few comments from your

01:03:22.980 --> 01:03:24.980
perspective.

01:03:27.480 --> 01:03:31.480
I brought four physical cultural centers before council this year.

01:03:31.480 --> 01:03:33.480
And I will gladly do four more, 20 more.

01:03:35.480 --> 01:03:38.480
This department will stand by and bring every single Jim Plattie

01:03:38.480 --> 01:03:42.480
Studio to City Council. That's what's before you today.

01:03:42.480 --> 01:03:50.360
and it simply was brought because when a land use, when you see an influx of people wanting

01:03:50.360 --> 01:03:56.900
to start gym studios and you're looking at it and saying does every gym that opens up,

01:03:56.900 --> 01:04:02.559
it does that warrant having to come to council and delay opening their business every time

01:04:02.559 --> 01:04:08.079
a gym comes to the city to get their proper permits and we've seen four people do it in

01:04:08.079 --> 01:04:14.760
and the last year, if that's what the pleasure of council is, I'm not arguing that.

01:04:14.760 --> 01:04:17.480
Mr. Duckman, the permits are self-explanatory.

01:04:17.480 --> 01:04:18.480
Sure.

01:04:18.480 --> 01:04:19.480
And we are.

01:04:19.480 --> 01:04:20.480
And there's no argument.

01:04:20.480 --> 01:04:27.639
And the fact that you are, I understand that you have to listen to the business owners

01:04:27.639 --> 01:04:29.699
and things like that.

01:04:29.699 --> 01:04:37.320
If it's better to serve them in a particular way, I can understand the alterations in permits

01:04:37.320 --> 01:04:40.140
ShFrade.

01:04:40.680 --> 01:04:43.860
So if it's all agreed upon, especially coming from the

01:04:43.860 --> 01:04:49.140
council, if there's any changes in the permit that satisfy

01:04:49.159 --> 01:04:53.880
them all together, I don't want it to be one side and the other

01:04:53.880 --> 01:04:58.039
side. And if that's the case, we need to be able to look at it

01:04:58.039 --> 01:05:03.740
again. Have another assessment about it. Talk about it again

01:05:03.740 --> 01:05:04.980
and the comments that you're making.

01:05:04.980 --> 01:05:08.420
I don't like to drive people out of business neither.

01:05:08.420 --> 01:05:11.360
I want them to be able to be comparable

01:05:11.360 --> 01:05:14.820
in what they're doing and being able to serve

01:05:14.820 --> 01:05:16.220
the city of Freeport.

01:05:16.220 --> 01:05:19.500
And so when we're doing that, that's all I wanted to do

01:05:19.500 --> 01:05:23.180
is bring clarity to and let the people know

01:05:23.180 --> 01:05:26.900
and not only let the council know,

01:05:26.900 --> 01:05:28.820
but let the citizens of Freeport know

01:05:28.820 --> 01:05:29.820
and others.

01:05:29.820 --> 01:05:35.360
So that we are looking into these matters with our eyes open, you know, that kind of thing.

01:05:35.360 --> 01:05:37.019
So that's all I'm saying.

01:05:37.019 --> 01:05:38.019
I understand that.

01:05:38.019 --> 01:05:39.019
I respect that.

01:05:39.019 --> 01:05:40.019
Alderman Johnson.

01:05:40.019 --> 01:05:44.860
I just have some information because I know we had a question of what Physical Culture

01:05:44.860 --> 01:05:46.579
Center means.

01:05:46.579 --> 01:05:51.220
The definition is a place dedicated to the systematic cultivation of physical fitness

01:05:51.220 --> 01:05:54.700
and health through various exercises and practices.

01:05:54.700 --> 01:05:55.700
and others.

01:05:55.700 --> 01:05:59.140
The concept is rooted in the belief that physical development and health are interconnected

01:05:59.140 --> 01:06:04.079
with cultural values and contribute to a holistic sense of well-being.

01:06:04.079 --> 01:06:09.599
And I just went through and hunted how many of these are in the city of Freeport.

01:06:09.599 --> 01:06:13.500
And what I could find online, there was 22.

01:06:13.500 --> 01:06:19.099
That includes your martial arts, that includes exercise places, that includes yoga places.

01:06:19.099 --> 01:06:22.980
So just to let you know, there are 22 already in the city.

01:06:22.980 --> 01:06:30.119
So I have a question, is there a place where they can open up these without having to come

01:06:30.119 --> 01:06:35.140
to the Council for rezoning, without having the permit?

01:06:35.140 --> 01:06:43.500
There is, it's more restrictive because anytime you have, right now it's in the B2, B3 or

01:06:43.500 --> 01:06:49.460
manufacturing districts, so anytime when you're creating a plan of your city, when you get

01:06:49.460 --> 01:06:56.539
Get into more intense business districts, B2, B3, the city is going to typically have smaller

01:06:56.539 --> 01:07:02.019
areas where you could have factories or more intense uses, body shops, et cetera.

01:07:02.019 --> 01:07:09.900
Right now, physical cultural centers are considered by our zoning the same as a body shop, the

01:07:09.900 --> 01:07:18.380
same as manufacturing, and what we're seeing is staff is seeing it and we think that that's

01:07:18.380 --> 01:07:48.380
and

01:07:48.380 --> 01:07:51.100
to our community, we're just trying to be more business

01:07:51.100 --> 01:07:52.820
friendly to say, we shouldn't have

01:07:52.820 --> 01:07:55.220
to bring these, every single gym that opens up

01:07:55.220 --> 01:07:58.860
would be bringing it to council for approval.

01:07:58.860 --> 01:07:59.460
Thank you.

01:07:59.460 --> 01:08:01.900
Yep.

01:08:01.900 --> 01:08:04.659
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:08:04.659 --> 01:08:06.420
Stacy?

01:08:06.420 --> 01:08:07.220
Aye.

01:08:07.220 --> 01:08:07.720
Shadle?

01:08:07.720 --> 01:08:08.340
Aye.

01:08:08.340 --> 01:08:08.840
Sanders?

01:08:08.840 --> 01:08:09.539
Aye.

01:08:09.539 --> 01:08:10.260
Sellers?

01:08:10.260 --> 01:08:10.760
Aye.

01:08:10.760 --> 01:08:11.260
Klemm?

01:08:11.260 --> 01:08:11.700
Aye.

01:08:11.700 --> 01:08:12.220
Johnson?

01:08:12.220 --> 01:08:12.900
No.

01:08:12.900 --> 01:08:13.539
Simmons?

01:08:13.539 --> 01:08:14.300
No.

01:08:14.300 --> 01:08:14.900
Parker?

01:08:14.900 --> 01:08:15.820
Aye.

01:08:15.820 --> 01:08:20.340
The ordinance passes 6 to 2.

01:08:20.340 --> 01:08:23.460
Item number 9 is the second reading of ordinance 2025-49.

01:08:23.460 --> 01:08:24.659
Could you please read this?

01:08:24.659 --> 01:08:27.699
Ordinance amending chapter 1252 of the Zoning Code

01:08:27.699 --> 01:08:29.140
of the City of Freeport concerning

01:08:29.140 --> 01:08:31.180
service of alcoholic liquors.

01:08:31.180 --> 01:08:33.180
Director Duckman.

01:08:33.180 --> 01:08:35.060
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:08:35.060 --> 01:08:37.300
So nothing here has changed yet.

01:08:37.300 --> 01:08:40.380
Nothing has changed on this since the first reading.

01:08:40.380 --> 01:08:50.380
and so essentially what this is is our codified ordinances state serve and not sell alcohol.

01:08:50.380 --> 01:08:57.300
So currently what we're saying is that you would not need to get a special use permit

01:08:57.300 --> 01:09:03.980
if you are in a BYOB, bring your own alcohol establishment because our current ordinances

01:09:03.980 --> 01:09:07.159
say sell as opposed to serve.

01:09:07.159 --> 01:09:13.579
So what this is essentially, this is a cleaning up of the language review by our legal counsel

01:09:13.579 --> 01:09:19.579
saying that we're trying to be, we're trying to hold our BYOB establishments to the same

01:09:19.579 --> 01:09:27.039
standard that our bars and restaurants in town are and that's, so to make sure that

01:09:27.039 --> 01:09:31.520
they would still have to get a special use permit.

01:09:31.520 --> 01:09:36.279
Any additional discussion on this reading, Alderman Sanders?

01:09:36.279 --> 01:09:48.279
Can you repeat that again on the last thing that you said about bringing their own BO program?

01:09:48.279 --> 01:09:52.840
So, you know we've had plenty of discussions over the past year.

01:09:52.840 --> 01:09:59.140
over the past year and meeting halls are typical use where you're going to have a bring your

01:09:59.140 --> 01:10:02.060
own alcohol establishment and you're going to serve it.

01:10:02.060 --> 01:10:04.220
You're not going to charge a fee.

01:10:04.220 --> 01:10:07.860
You're not going to go buy a glass of wine or a beer.

01:10:07.860 --> 01:10:17.260
And so all of the liquor licenses are required to have a special use permit first.

01:10:17.260 --> 01:10:24.060
So there's a loophole that currently exists where if you're in a BYOB or you're not charging

01:10:24.060 --> 01:10:31.900
per drink, they are not, it's a loophole, it's we're cleaning up the language that says,

01:10:31.900 --> 01:10:36.739
it says sell alcohol. So since that establishment, the meeting hall is not selling alcohol, they

01:10:36.739 --> 01:10:41.579
would not have to go get the special use permit. And our attorney did a review of the, our

01:10:41.579 --> 01:10:45.739
code and said we really should clean this up to make sure that they're on the same playing

01:10:45.739 --> 01:10:47.579
Field, to make it fair.

01:10:47.579 --> 01:10:52.360
What you're saying is at these meeting halls, I'm trying to get the interpretation of where

01:10:52.360 --> 01:10:56.819
this product can be served.

01:10:56.819 --> 01:11:04.340
Is it meeting halls or is it in any other establishment type of venue or establishment

01:11:04.340 --> 01:11:06.380
that this BYOB?

01:11:06.380 --> 01:11:07.380
BYOB.

01:11:07.380 --> 01:11:08.380
Yeah.

01:11:08.380 --> 01:11:19.380
And do we have the correct meaning of interpretation of where this can be served? I mean, is that established? Have we established that?

01:11:19.380 --> 01:11:25.380
Because we need to be able to make a differentiation of which one is which.

01:11:25.380 --> 01:11:33.380
And that's why we're here, that's why this is here, is that it's been reviewed and anywhere that's serving or selling, either one,

01:11:33.380 --> 01:11:34.380
and others.

01:11:34.380 --> 01:11:36.579
They're going to have to be on the same playing field.

01:11:36.579 --> 01:11:41.659
That's why this is here, to make sure we're fair and we're doing every, treating everyone

01:11:41.659 --> 01:11:42.659
the same.

01:11:42.659 --> 01:11:43.659
Okay.

01:11:43.659 --> 01:11:49.180
Now, now my question also is, did you want to use your second time Alderman?

01:11:49.180 --> 01:11:53.300
Yeah, let me do that.

01:11:53.300 --> 01:11:59.180
These meeting venues or meeting places, as you make reference to, are not always established

01:11:59.180 --> 01:12:03.980
and other people who are actually in those meetings.

01:12:03.980 --> 01:12:09.180
They're not just restaurants, what we call bars or whatever the case is,

01:12:09.180 --> 01:12:15.180
and people are just out having a convention or an event.

01:12:15.180 --> 01:12:21.180
But they're actually in those type of meetings, alcohol is being served,

01:12:21.180 --> 01:12:25.180
but they're also being charged.

01:12:25.180 --> 01:12:27.180
What's the difference between the two?

01:12:27.180 --> 01:12:37.180
and I have a question for you. The venue already established a prop bar for sale. Is there a problem there?

01:12:37.180 --> 01:12:50.180
Yes. There are two different classes of liquor licenses. If a meeting hall gets their BYOB liquor license, they are not allowed to sell alcohol.

01:12:50.180 --> 01:12:52.180
and

01:12:53.319 --> 01:12:55.319
John.

01:12:57.560 --> 01:12:59.560
So that takes care of your concern.

01:13:00.900 --> 01:13:03.220
You know, as soon as you say I'm going to sell a drink to you as

01:13:03.220 --> 01:13:05.460
a bar or restaurant, that's a different class of liquor

01:13:05.460 --> 01:13:07.460
license.

01:13:08.960 --> 01:13:10.960
Well, I'm referring to any venue,

01:13:12.079 --> 01:13:14.079
meeting hall that sets up a bar.

01:13:16.199 --> 01:13:18.140
When at a meeting people want to have something at the bar and

01:13:18.140 --> 01:13:20.140
and the City of Michigan.

01:13:20.140 --> 01:13:22.140
Thank you.

01:13:22.140 --> 01:13:24.140
I'm going to go to the next item, which is the

01:13:24.140 --> 01:13:26.140
requirement for a permit for that.

01:13:26.140 --> 01:13:28.140
Am I correct?

01:13:28.140 --> 01:13:30.140
You are correct and they do.

01:13:30.140 --> 01:13:32.140
Yeah.

01:13:32.140 --> 01:13:34.140
And how do we determine whether they are eligible to do so?

01:13:34.140 --> 01:13:36.140
We have, well, that's part of this, right?

01:13:36.140 --> 01:13:38.140
We have a Liquor Commission.

01:13:38.140 --> 01:13:40.140
And if somebody wants to sell alcohol, serve alcohol, they know

01:13:40.140 --> 01:13:42.140
what they would like to do.

01:13:42.140 --> 01:13:44.140
They come to City Hall.

01:13:44.140 --> 01:13:46.140
They talk to my department.

01:13:46.140 --> 01:13:57.800
You have to go through a special use permit process, which is through the Community Development Department.

01:13:57.800 --> 01:14:08.940
What this is saying is the language is clearing up from sell to serve, because some establishments don't charge for alcohol.

01:14:08.940 --> 01:14:13.140
Right. My point is there are a lot of them that does.

01:14:13.140 --> 01:14:43.140
and I like to know whether or not they're receiving permits that allows them to be eligible to do so because in that same, in that same sector, a BYOB, whatever that is, I don't know the right term, might want to be able to walk into an establishment of that nature and bring his own liquor without propping, without notifying the bar, whoever to find out whether they're eligible or not.

01:14:43.140 --> 01:14:45.140
and

01:14:46.220 --> 01:14:48.220
John.

01:14:49.340 --> 01:14:51.340
And I think that the responsibility is okay to bring

01:14:52.460 --> 01:14:54.460
their own liquor into an establishment or an event that

01:14:55.579 --> 01:14:57.579
they're in, that there's a bar in place, which one governs over

01:14:59.699 --> 01:15:01.699
the whole event when it comes to sale of liquor or service of

01:15:02.819 --> 01:15:04.819
liquor.

01:15:05.920 --> 01:15:07.920
» I'm sorry. I don't understand.

01:15:09.020 --> 01:15:11.020
» Madam Clerk, would you like to say something?

01:15:13.140 --> 01:15:14.140
Fowler.

01:15:14.140 --> 01:15:29.779
We are not going to require them to get a meeting hall license for their banquet room.

01:15:29.779 --> 01:15:36.260
It was decided that places that sell liquor are pretty heavily regulated and we would not

01:15:36.260 --> 01:15:39.000
put them through the meeting hall process.

01:15:39.000 --> 01:15:42.980
So if they are a bar or a restaurant, they are not a meeting hall.

01:15:42.980 --> 01:15:44.980
and

01:15:46.220 --> 01:15:48.880
the other thing is, if they are a meeting hall, they have the

01:15:48.880 --> 01:15:54.619
option to have a BYOB. Or there can be a meeting hall that

01:15:54.619 --> 01:15:58.819
doesn't have BYOB. But if you are bringing your own liquor.

01:15:58.819 --> 01:16:03.579
My point is how do you establish that? How does a person not

01:16:03.579 --> 01:16:07.520
knowing what the establishment permitted, if they don't have a

01:16:07.520 --> 01:16:32.079
and

01:16:32.079 --> 01:16:39.159
When a person come off the street and want to attend this event, they need to know whether

01:16:39.159 --> 01:16:40.159
they can...

01:16:40.159 --> 01:16:41.159
Okay.

01:16:41.159 --> 01:16:42.159
Wait a minute.

01:16:42.159 --> 01:16:43.159
Alderman Sanders, you've actually spoken like four times now.

01:16:43.159 --> 01:16:44.159
Oh, have I?

01:16:44.159 --> 01:16:45.159
Yeah.

01:16:45.159 --> 01:16:46.159
So, if you want to...

01:16:46.159 --> 01:16:47.159
Well, I just wanted to bring that up.

01:16:47.159 --> 01:16:49.159
I just needed clarity on that.

01:16:49.159 --> 01:16:50.159
That's all I wanted.

01:16:50.159 --> 01:16:51.159
Well, I mean, yeah.

01:16:51.159 --> 01:16:53.640
Rest assured that it's a process.

01:16:53.640 --> 01:16:59.800
We have a Liquor Commission meeting and anybody who is serving or selling alcohol is regulated

01:16:59.800 --> 01:17:29.800
Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Shadle, Sanders,

01:17:29.800 --> 01:17:38.560
Clem, Johnson, Simmons, and Parker. The ordinance passes 7 to 1.

01:17:38.560 --> 01:17:43.000
Item number 10 is the second reading of ordinance 2025-50. Could you please read

01:17:43.000 --> 01:17:48.520
this? Ordinance approving special use permit application at 2600 West Pearl

01:17:48.520 --> 01:17:54.480
City Road submitted by Harmony UMC to examine the special use of an R3 one

01:17:54.480 --> 01:17:59.360
family residence zone property to allow for solar energy systems which utilize

01:17:59.360 --> 01:18:04.480
High's Ground-Mounted PV Arrays per Section 1250.01b20.

01:18:04.480 --> 01:18:08.480
Alderman Shadle, or who wanted to present this?

01:18:08.480 --> 01:18:09.520
Director Duckman, is it you?

01:18:29.360 --> 01:18:59.360
I guess I would just bring it, I'll speak on behalf of this. So essentially this was brought originally to council on July 21st and it didn't, it essentially was brought to the floor and there was no motion made on it for a vote or discussion at all, it was just brought and there was never a motion or a second to discuss it so what we're talking about here it's been brought again to council and essentially

01:18:59.360 --> 01:19:29.360
Essentially what we have here is, this is the church here, and you can see these are the existing panels on a shed roof, which is allowed by right, they don't have to go to council to ask for permission here, but they're asking for 120 feet here, I'm sorry, it's 120 feet from the property line here, which is, you have a natural barrier of trees, and you have the building line here, and you can see that the solar panels

01:19:29.360 --> 01:19:36.960
Back further away from the view screen from the road here. So essentially this is

01:19:36.960 --> 01:19:41.840
Pearl City Road here as you come down. Originally the developer or the church

01:19:41.840 --> 01:19:46.440
and State Line Solar were discussing filling this entire area with solar

01:19:46.440 --> 01:19:51.560
panels as well as this entire area with solar panels. It's a lot of a lot of

01:19:51.560 --> 01:19:54.560
electricity there.

01:19:54.560 --> 01:20:09.560
A lot of electricity there. Um, they now are down to this small area right in here, so, um, it's been brought again on the floor, um, and it's up for approval.

01:20:09.560 --> 01:20:11.560
Any discussion?

01:20:11.560 --> 01:20:13.560
Alderman Johnson.

01:20:13.560 --> 01:20:17.560
So this will not be seen from Pearl City Road, right? It's pretty well hidden.

01:20:17.560 --> 01:20:19.560
I would say you'd really have to look for it, you know what I mean?

01:20:19.560 --> 01:20:22.640
you know what I mean you see where if you're coming down here you'd have to

01:20:22.640 --> 01:20:27.000
like you might get a shot of it right through there but you'd really have to

01:20:27.000 --> 01:20:29.960
be you know what I mean you'd have to be looking for it because you're going by

01:20:29.960 --> 01:20:33.840
here so fast and then from the other direction if your eyes are focused I

01:20:33.840 --> 01:20:39.240
don't think you would see it going eastbound okay thank you you're welcome

01:20:39.240 --> 01:20:44.840
standards then they're not asking for major changes there in that area my

01:20:44.840 --> 01:20:48.880
opinion my opinion is no you can see these are the changes see that little

01:20:48.880 --> 01:20:52.000
No, section of solar panels right there, that's what they're asking for.

01:20:52.000 --> 01:20:56.480
Yeah, so that's not an eyesore or anything.

01:20:56.480 --> 01:20:57.480
Not in my opinion.

01:20:57.480 --> 01:20:58.480
Okay.

01:20:58.480 --> 01:21:03.920
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:21:03.920 --> 01:21:04.920
Stacy?

01:21:04.920 --> 01:21:05.920
Aye.

01:21:05.920 --> 01:21:06.920
Shadle?

01:21:06.920 --> 01:21:07.920
Aye.

01:21:07.920 --> 01:21:08.920
Sanders?

01:21:08.920 --> 01:21:09.920
Aye.

01:21:09.920 --> 01:21:10.920
Sellers?

01:21:10.920 --> 01:21:11.920
Aye.

01:21:11.920 --> 01:21:12.920
Klemm?

01:21:12.920 --> 01:21:13.920
No.

01:21:13.920 --> 01:21:14.920
Johnson?

01:21:14.920 --> 01:21:15.920
Aye.

01:21:15.920 --> 01:21:16.920
Simmons?

01:21:16.920 --> 01:21:17.920
No.

01:21:17.920 --> 01:21:26.780
Passes, 5, 6, 611, thank you. Item number 11 is the first reading of

01:21:26.780 --> 01:21:32.120
ordinance 2025-51, could you please read this? Ordinance amending part 4, traffic

01:21:32.120 --> 01:21:37.800
code, title 8, parking, chapter 480, parking generally, section 480.24,

01:21:37.800 --> 01:21:42.039
disabled persons and veterans of the codified ordinances of the city of

01:21:42.039 --> 01:21:47.720
Freeport at 304 to 310 West Garfield. Thank you, Manager Boyer. Thank you, Mayor.

01:21:47.720 --> 01:21:54.320
Mayor, the tenant at 304 through 310 West Garfield contacted the city requesting an accessible

01:21:54.320 --> 01:21:56.080
parking space.

01:21:56.080 --> 01:22:01.280
The actual property doesn't have a driveway and they have on-street parking only in that

01:22:01.280 --> 01:22:02.280
location.

01:22:02.280 --> 01:22:07.120
The neighbors generally park along the street edge and block the only accessible sidewalk

01:22:07.120 --> 01:22:13.120
there is, walkway to the residence, and staff is inspected and is making the recommendation

01:22:13.120 --> 01:22:18.160
know we move forward with adding a parking restriction which includes the

01:22:18.160 --> 01:22:23.440
disabled parking spot on Garfield. So also staff is requesting suspension of

01:22:23.440 --> 01:22:26.600
the rules so we can move forward with this. Is there a motion to move this

01:22:26.600 --> 01:22:32.560
forward? So move. Second. A motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman

01:22:32.560 --> 01:22:37.560
Shadle to move this ordinance forward. Alderman Shadle. Yes, the only question I

01:22:37.560 --> 01:22:45.120
I have, I'd be all for this. We need to take care of people that need that. The only question

01:22:45.120 --> 01:22:52.180
I have is in our ordinances, is there any stipulations that as these people, if they

01:22:52.180 --> 01:23:02.120
would move or if they would, I guess, ultimately not be disabled anymore, is there any provisions

01:23:02.120 --> 01:23:08.720
for them to contact us so that we can move this back into a normal parking space if it's no longer needed.

01:23:08.720 --> 01:23:12.000
Yeah, and I agree with that. I'm not aware of any, but maybe the clerk has...

01:23:12.000 --> 01:23:13.480
I don't think he does.

01:23:13.480 --> 01:23:17.360
I'm not aware of any requirement for them to notify the city that they've moved.

01:23:17.360 --> 01:23:18.640
Just saying maybe we should think about that.

01:23:18.640 --> 01:23:20.080
Yeah, understood.

01:23:20.080 --> 01:23:21.440
Alderman Stacey.

01:23:21.440 --> 01:23:31.360
Is this something that would be considered, no matter where you lived in the city, do everybody have this right?

01:23:31.360 --> 01:23:36.940
Well, if you're mobility challenged, I think we've got to do our due diligence to ensure

01:23:36.940 --> 01:23:41.520
that we can do this for them because, I mean, there are a lot of people here in town that

01:23:41.520 --> 01:23:42.520
we've done this for.

01:23:42.520 --> 01:23:46.380
This person doesn't have a driveway, correct?

01:23:46.380 --> 01:23:47.860
This person does not have a driveway.

01:23:47.860 --> 01:23:56.620
Okay, but I'm just saying, would this apply to everyone that had mobility problems that

01:23:56.620 --> 01:24:00.300
lived in this city, regardless of where they lived?

01:24:00.300 --> 01:24:06.020
Well, so far, we have not had very many requests, and of the ones that we've had, we've granted.

01:24:06.020 --> 01:24:07.020
Yeah.

01:24:07.020 --> 01:24:08.020
Alderman Sanders?

01:24:08.020 --> 01:24:09.020
Yeah.

01:24:09.020 --> 01:24:19.180
I am very aware of that, and the fact that it's been done expeditiously, considered,

01:24:19.180 --> 01:24:26.420
I think, like the recommendation for all citizens in the City of Freeport that has immobility

01:24:26.420 --> 01:24:36.900
to manage their exiting, their entry and exit to be efficient enough for them to get in

01:24:36.900 --> 01:24:39.660
and out of their property.

01:24:39.660 --> 01:24:45.700
And I like the fact that Alderman Shadle brought up the fact that if there's any changes in

01:24:45.700 --> 01:24:54.140
their status, will it go back to normal status of that property or that particular area.

01:24:54.140 --> 01:24:55.140
I like that.

01:24:55.140 --> 01:25:02.420
I think that should be something that we should continue to look at and to continue to consider.

01:25:02.420 --> 01:25:08.260
And I think it should be applied to all people in that condition, in that situation.

01:25:08.260 --> 01:25:10.260
Alderman Klemm.

01:25:10.260 --> 01:25:13.300
I make a motion to suspend the rules.

01:25:13.300 --> 01:25:14.300
Second.

01:25:14.300 --> 01:25:20.500
The motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle for suspension of the rules.

01:25:20.500 --> 01:25:21.500
Suspension of the rules is non-debatable.

01:25:21.500 --> 01:25:24.100
It must pass by two-thirds majority.

01:25:24.100 --> 01:25:27.540
Madam Clerk, could you please take the vote on the suspension only?

01:25:27.540 --> 01:25:28.540
Stacy?

01:25:28.540 --> 01:25:29.540
Aye.

01:25:29.540 --> 01:25:30.540
Shadle?

01:25:30.540 --> 01:25:31.540
Aye.

01:25:31.540 --> 01:25:32.540
Sanders?

01:25:32.540 --> 01:25:33.540
Aye.

01:25:33.540 --> 01:25:34.540
Sellers?

01:25:34.540 --> 01:25:35.540
Aye.

01:25:35.540 --> 01:25:36.540
Klemm?

01:25:36.540 --> 01:25:37.540
Aye.

01:25:37.540 --> 01:25:38.540
Johnson?

01:25:38.540 --> 01:25:39.540
Aye.

01:25:39.540 --> 01:25:40.540
Simmons?

01:25:40.540 --> 01:25:41.540
Aye.

01:25:41.540 --> 01:25:42.540
Parker?

01:25:42.540 --> 01:25:43.540
Aye.

01:25:43.540 --> 01:25:44.540
The motion passes 8-0.

01:25:44.540 --> 01:25:45.540
And before your council, is the final passage for this ordinance, is there any further

01:25:45.540 --> 01:25:46.540
discussion?

01:25:46.540 --> 01:25:47.540
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:25:47.540 --> 01:25:48.540
Stacy?

01:25:48.540 --> 01:25:49.540
Aye.

01:25:49.540 --> 01:25:50.540
Shadle?

01:25:50.540 --> 01:25:51.540
Aye.

01:25:51.540 --> 01:25:52.540
Sanders?

01:25:52.540 --> 01:25:53.540
Aye.

01:25:53.540 --> 01:26:00.260
Simmons Parker and the ordinance passes 8 to 0 as well and item number 12 is the

01:26:00.260 --> 01:26:05.140
first ring of ordinance 2025 52 could you please read this ordinance authorizing

01:26:05.140 --> 01:26:09.120
the sale recycling donation and or disposal of certain personal property

01:26:09.120 --> 01:26:13.900
owned by the city police department abandoned personal property and bicycles

01:26:13.900 --> 01:26:24.100
and an old chair in my office. Police Department. Thank you Madam Mayor. The

01:26:24.100 --> 01:26:26.660
background is the Freeport Police Department is currently in need of

01:26:26.660 --> 01:26:32.060
disposing property at the Freeport City Yards 1001 North Island Avenue and

01:26:32.060 --> 01:26:36.100
auction off abandoned property being held by evidence and property. In

01:26:36.100 --> 01:26:39.820
discussion there are abandoned bikes that have been in the possession of the

01:26:39.820 --> 01:26:43.140
Freeport Police Department for at least six months being stored at the Freeport

01:26:43.140 --> 01:26:44.140
and others.

01:26:44.140 --> 01:26:45.140
The City of Freeport has been in the custody of the City of Freeport for six months.

01:26:45.140 --> 01:26:50.180
There are also items being held by evidence and property that can be considered abandoned

01:26:50.180 --> 01:26:51.180
property.

01:26:51.180 --> 01:26:54.820
These items have been in the custody of the police department for at least six months.

01:26:54.820 --> 01:26:59.060
The owners of the items have been notified to pick up the property, however the owners

01:26:59.060 --> 01:27:00.640
have been unresponsive.

01:27:00.640 --> 01:27:04.860
The Freeport Police Department would like to use PropertyRoom.com to auction off abandoned

01:27:04.860 --> 01:27:05.860
property.

01:27:05.860 --> 01:27:09.940
Any proceeds earned would go to the City of Freeport General Fund.

01:27:09.940 --> 01:27:15.940
Additionally, the clerk has one office chair that can be added to the disposal list.

01:27:15.940 --> 01:27:24.940
Funding, there is no funding necessary. Request, staff is requesting to recycle the bicycles, dispose of the clerk's chair, and auction off the abandoned property.

01:27:24.940 --> 01:27:29.940
Strategic plan alignment for responsive and efficient government.

01:27:29.940 --> 01:27:32.940
Is there a motion to move this forward?

01:27:32.940 --> 01:27:33.940
Second.

01:27:33.940 --> 01:27:38.940
A motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Klemm.

01:27:38.940 --> 01:27:49.180
discussion on this ordinance. Yes. Alderman Shadle. I'm sorry, Alderman Sanders. Forgive me. I was going to ask you if you want to wear a pair of these here.

01:27:50.220 --> 01:27:51.579
Just got to turn my hearing aids up.

01:27:55.020 --> 01:28:08.560
Well, I wanted to ask is this the notification that went out to the community that you guys are going to do this disposal or auctioning and

01:28:08.560 --> 01:28:14.360
and things of that nature where they can get more data information about if they want to

01:28:14.360 --> 01:28:23.360
come take a look to see if they want to take an opportunity to look at items that could

01:28:23.360 --> 01:28:28.760
be sold or things that needs to be disposed.

01:28:28.760 --> 01:28:35.600
And I just wanted to make sure that we are, our community is well informed about this

01:28:35.600 --> 01:28:43.560
and not only that, whatever the proceeds are that is generated from that, I think we should

01:28:43.560 --> 01:28:52.320
let the community know exactly what we've received from those donations, those sales

01:28:52.320 --> 01:28:53.880
that we're making.

01:28:53.880 --> 01:28:56.200
Is that okay with you?

01:28:56.200 --> 01:29:00.640
So to answer your question, this is the notification that we're doing.

01:29:00.640 --> 01:29:04.659
If anybody in the community would like the opportunity to bid on those items, they are

01:29:04.660 --> 01:29:21.660
and others that are on, or will be on, PropertyRoom.com, PropertyRoom.com, when items sell, they then provide record of what it was sold for, what the amount was, and then that, those funds go back to the city, period, so.

01:29:21.660 --> 01:29:29.660
That's all. Any further discussion? Alderman Parker? Motion to suspend the rules. Second.

01:29:29.660 --> 01:29:33.660
Motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Klemm for suspension of the rules.

01:29:33.660 --> 01:29:37.780
Well, before we do a suspension of the rules, Mayor, that's what's on the motion right

01:29:37.780 --> 01:29:38.780
now.

01:29:38.780 --> 01:29:42.579
Yeah, I know the motion has been made, but are we done having a discussion before?

01:29:42.579 --> 01:29:43.940
We can come back to it if you want.

01:29:43.940 --> 01:29:45.660
Okay, that's what I'm getting at because...

01:29:45.660 --> 01:29:49.660
So a suspension of the rules must pass by two-thirds majority.

01:29:49.660 --> 01:29:52.260
Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on the suspension only?

01:29:52.260 --> 01:29:53.260
Stacy?

01:29:53.260 --> 01:29:54.260
Aye.

01:29:54.260 --> 01:29:55.260
Shadle?

01:29:55.260 --> 01:30:07.460
Tracy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Sint, and Parker.

01:30:07.460 --> 01:30:10.180
The suspension passes 7-0.

01:30:10.180 --> 01:30:12.340
So now before you is the second reading.

01:30:12.340 --> 01:30:15.579
So Alderman, Sanders, did you have another question?

01:30:15.579 --> 01:30:19.140
You know, Mayor, when I get interrupted like that.

01:30:19.140 --> 01:30:23.420
Well, there was a motion on the floor, so if we want to come back to you, we can.

01:30:23.420 --> 01:30:46.820
Stacey, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Johnson, Parker, The ordinance passes 7-0.

01:30:46.820 --> 01:30:50.579
Item number 13 is the adoption of Resolution 2025-86.

01:30:50.579 --> 01:31:20.579
Dupont, Dupont,

01:31:20.579 --> 01:31:29.880
Zitt, Program. So, I've looked through the proposed budget. It's been approved with through

01:31:29.880 --> 01:31:34.380
the Illinois Department of Transportation and staff is recommending approval of this

01:31:34.380 --> 01:31:40.380
resolution. Is there a motion for approval? So moved. Second.

01:31:40.380 --> 01:31:48.100
Any motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers? Discussion on the resolution?

01:31:48.100 --> 01:31:59.619
Sanders. The grant, how is that prioritized throughout the city and who's receiving this

01:31:59.619 --> 01:32:08.300
grant and how it's going to be beneficial to the constituents of the city where when

01:32:08.300 --> 01:32:17.220
everyone should have the opportunity to utilize, to utilize all of the services of this grant

01:32:17.220 --> 01:32:24.820
opportunity I just don't want it to be a targeted type of grant for any particular department

01:32:24.820 --> 01:32:30.100
entity or whatever the case may be I want to know how we prioritize in all of these kinds

01:32:30.100 --> 01:32:34.100
of things okay so this city manager would you like to address that please yes I would

01:32:34.100 --> 01:32:37.820
alderman sanders I just wanted to reassure you this is pretzel city transit everybody

01:32:37.820 --> 01:32:43.020
has access to it and that is what this is for well you may make a short statement like

01:33:13.020 --> 01:33:18.420
and I, and I'm making a comment that is making a reference to what I'm talking about already.

01:33:18.420 --> 01:33:23.640
And my point of the matter is, if he's going to say stuff like that, I should be able to

01:33:23.640 --> 01:33:24.640
rebut it.

01:33:24.640 --> 01:33:26.140
That's all I'm saying.

01:33:26.140 --> 01:33:30.060
I should be able to rebut what he is saying without using my own question.

01:33:30.060 --> 01:33:32.380
Okay, so you're using your second turn.

01:33:32.380 --> 01:33:33.380
So is there anything more?

01:33:33.380 --> 01:33:34.380
I'm not using a second turn.

01:33:34.380 --> 01:33:35.820
Okay, then we're going to move on.

01:33:35.820 --> 01:33:38.500
Do we have anything else on this?

01:33:38.500 --> 01:33:39.500
You know what?

01:33:39.500 --> 01:33:40.500
Alderman Stacy?

01:33:40.500 --> 01:33:51.940
Explain to me what this grant agreement consists of.

01:33:51.940 --> 01:33:58.619
Who weeps the benefits from it and what does it do for our city?

01:33:58.619 --> 01:33:59.980
Sure.

01:33:59.980 --> 01:34:05.860
The short answer, to not complicate things, but I'll get complicated later, the short

01:34:35.860 --> 01:34:42.619
So we've gotten this grant before. Always. And all of this 2.1 million goes to Pretzel City.

01:34:42.739 --> 01:34:48.820
Yes. And that's how they've been able to exist all this time in Freeport? That is correct.

01:34:50.100 --> 01:34:54.699
That is a hundred percent correct. Okay, so why wouldn't the memo say that?

01:34:56.699 --> 01:35:00.300
Keep it plain, make it simple, make it plain.

01:35:00.300 --> 01:35:09.820
it says we need this for pretzel city to exist without it there is none I thought

01:35:09.820 --> 01:35:13.699
it was clear in the memo but I can say it more I said it more plain now I can

01:35:13.699 --> 01:35:23.940
certainly make it more plain next time next round I like to make us yeah I hope

01:35:23.940 --> 01:35:30.100
what I said earlier was not ignored okay because of the fact that I asked the

01:35:30.100 --> 01:35:35.460
and the priorities of entities that are going to be utilizing this grant.

01:35:35.460 --> 01:35:37.539
That's what I did bring to the floor.

01:35:37.539 --> 01:35:44.940
I wanted to make sure that we had clarity to what entity in this city is using that particular

01:35:44.940 --> 01:35:52.539
grant, not just to Pressell City, but whether or not any other department or whatever that's

01:35:52.539 --> 01:35:56.380
throughout the city going to be utilizing this grant.

01:35:56.380 --> 01:35:59.940
That's the part that I want to stay focused on.

01:35:59.940 --> 01:36:29.940
and others. I don't discard that or dismiss it like I didn't even mention it. I would like to know if there's any other establishment or department heads or whatever department are going to be using this grant. And I hear Pressell City. I understand that. But the breakdown of this grant, is it just for the Pressell City or any other governing body?

01:36:29.940 --> 01:36:59.940
Fowler, Wichita, Joseph, Thomas, Cedric, Michael, Mr. D'Angelo, and Ryan. That grant is specific for rural communities, which we are, per their grant guidelines. It is for public transportation. This grant money is only used for Pretzel City Transit. That is all it can be used for, and we apply for it every year.

01:36:59.940 --> 01:37:13.940
Petzl City Area Transit provides on-demand transportation services within Freeport and

01:37:13.940 --> 01:37:15.320
Stevenson County.

01:37:15.320 --> 01:37:19.180
Funding to provide transportation services are obtained through annual applications under

01:37:19.180 --> 01:37:23.739
the State of Illinois 5311 and Downstate Operating Assistance Program grants.

01:37:23.739 --> 01:37:29.920
So to your point, Alderperson, Stacy, that's where I had said it does not exist with the

01:37:29.920 --> 01:37:32.520
and the City of Freeport.

01:37:32.520 --> 01:37:36.360
Then I go on to discussion and say as part of our annual transportation grant application

01:37:36.360 --> 01:37:41.800
to the State of Illinois under the 5311 Transportation Program and Downstate Operating Assistance

01:37:41.800 --> 01:37:46.000
Program, the City of Freeport is required to have Council approve the following.

01:37:46.000 --> 01:37:50.520
One, an ordinance adopting transportation services within Freeport and Stevenson County.

01:37:50.520 --> 01:37:55.280
Two, a resolution authorizing an application to be made to the Office of Intermodal Project

01:37:55.280 --> 01:38:20.900
of the City of Freeport.

01:38:20.900 --> 01:38:23.400
That is what you are on right now.

01:38:23.400 --> 01:38:28.300
Items one through two were approved prior to the submittal of the transportation grant applications.

01:38:28.300 --> 01:38:36.380
Resolution authorizing the execution of the Downstate Operating Assistance Program grant is now presented to accept and enter into the grant agreement.

01:38:36.380 --> 01:38:41.260
And the recommendation is staff recommends approval of the resolution in order to move forward with the grant agreement.

01:38:42.300 --> 01:38:42.940
Thank you.

01:38:42.940 --> 01:38:45.340
Alderman Shadle, did you have more?

01:38:45.340 --> 01:38:51.340
I just would like to say that I, that was in the memo hyperlinked by our City Clerk again.

01:38:51.340 --> 01:38:53.340
Mayor, you've already spoke twice.

01:38:53.340 --> 01:38:55.340
Yeah, but you didn't ask me if I had more.

01:38:55.340 --> 01:38:57.340
You did not ask me if I had more.

01:38:57.340 --> 01:38:59.340
Well, that's because you just interrupt all the time.

01:38:59.340 --> 01:39:02.340
Yeah, well, you can't say that.

01:39:02.340 --> 01:39:05.340
My point is, when I was on the board...

01:39:05.340 --> 01:39:07.340
Alderman Sanders, will you please wait until you are called on?

01:39:07.340 --> 01:39:10.340
Yeah, but you didn't ask me if I had more to say.

01:39:10.340 --> 01:39:13.340
You're being disruptive. Please don't make me call you out of order.

01:39:13.340 --> 01:39:19.060
Alderman, Stacy, did you have something? Is there any other discussion on this particular

01:39:19.060 --> 01:39:23.180
resolution? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:39:23.180 --> 01:39:24.180
Stacy?

01:39:24.180 --> 01:39:25.180
Aye.

01:39:25.180 --> 01:39:26.180
Shadle?

01:39:26.180 --> 01:39:27.180
Aye.

01:39:27.180 --> 01:39:28.180
Sanders?

01:39:28.180 --> 01:39:29.180
Aye.

01:39:29.180 --> 01:39:30.180
Sellers?

01:39:30.180 --> 01:39:31.180
Aye.

01:39:31.180 --> 01:39:32.180
Klemm?

01:39:32.180 --> 01:39:33.180
Aye.

01:39:33.180 --> 01:39:34.180
Johnson?

01:39:34.180 --> 01:39:35.180
Aye.

01:39:35.180 --> 01:39:36.180
Simmons?

01:39:36.180 --> 01:39:37.180
Aye.

01:39:37.180 --> 01:39:38.180
And Parker?

01:39:38.180 --> 01:39:39.180
Aye.

01:39:39.180 --> 01:39:40.180
The resolution is adopted 8-0.

01:39:40.180 --> 01:39:42.520
Item number 14 is adoption of resolution 2025-87. Could you please read this?

01:39:42.520 --> 01:39:45.800
approving an agreement with Fehr Graham to provide construction engineering

01:39:45.800 --> 01:39:52.239
services for Walnut Avenue Lift Station. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. Just to

01:39:52.239 --> 01:39:57.159
touch on Walnut Street Lift Station, the idea is would the

01:39:57.159 --> 01:39:59.159
and I are going to be talking about the lift station.

01:39:59.159 --> 01:40:04.099
The idea is the lift station we put near the corner of Land Road and Walnut Road.

01:40:04.099 --> 01:40:10.880
The purpose of the lift station is to convey waste under pressure from that location to

01:40:10.880 --> 01:40:15.840
the interceptor on the other side of the bridge on Walnut Road to the north side.

01:40:15.840 --> 01:40:21.260
The reason this is necessary is because we currently have industry in that area that

01:40:21.260 --> 01:40:51.260
Utilize a very old lateral that connects to the interceptor that if ever failed it would be very challenging to work on due to its depth of over 20 feet and its proximity to the landfill. Therefore, that is one aspect. The other aspect is there's additional development that needs to be done there. There's empty lots that need to be brought online. And when we add additional demand on the system, we will be challenged to convey that waste to the

01:40:51.260 --> 01:41:21.260
Interceptor. And lastly, as we build the Well 12 project on Forest Road, designs are including the Walnut Street lift station as a way to convey the waste from that area of Walnut and Lamb to the interceptor. So with that being said, we need to have a construction over supervision contract so that we can make sure that the lift station is built appropriately.

01:41:21.260 --> 01:41:23.099
and

01:41:23.099 --> 01:41:29.019
Fehr Graham is designed and bid the Sanitary Sewer Lift Station, forced main piping and gravity piping,

01:41:29.460 --> 01:41:34.460
improvements on the Land Road Area Sanitary Sewer Flow. The sewer system on Land Road

01:41:35.180 --> 01:41:42.899
District carries a significant flow to the City Interceptor on the daily basis and a public bid was opened and was held on Tuesday,

01:41:42.899 --> 01:41:49.119
July 22nd at 1030 in the morning. I might also add that our largest water customer

01:41:49.119 --> 01:41:54.880
Miller uses this section of lateral every day to dispose of the waste for the processing

01:41:54.880 --> 01:41:56.399
of food.

01:41:56.399 --> 01:42:01.000
This is very important because they go through a lot of water and their contribution to our

01:42:01.000 --> 01:42:05.319
utility is what helps keep our utility rates at a reasonable level.

01:42:05.319 --> 01:42:11.079
The Fehr Graham Scope Service will provide professional full-time on-site construction

01:42:11.079 --> 01:42:15.880
engineering and observation as well as a contract management services for the City of Freeport.

01:42:15.880 --> 01:42:21.239
Fehr Graham shall additionally provide GIS survey collection, staking layout for the

01:42:21.239 --> 01:42:25.420
sewer piping, roadway boring, and road improvements.

01:42:25.420 --> 01:42:30.639
Construction observation will include materials, shop drawings, field construction engineering,

01:42:30.639 --> 01:42:39.760
required documentation, specification adherence, and the required QAQC methods.

01:42:39.760 --> 01:42:44.319
Fehr Graham will ensure the project is built in accordance with the city, state, and county

01:42:44.319 --> 01:42:49.199
Sanders, along with filling all required documentation in accordance with IEPA

01:42:49.199 --> 01:42:55.119
water pollution policies. Buy America, Build America certification and material

01:42:55.119 --> 01:42:59.119
compliance will be tracked to infrastructure requirements, geotechnical

01:42:59.119 --> 01:43:04.519
testing services for aggregate density, and hot mix asphalt QAQC testing will be

01:43:04.519 --> 01:43:08.319
provided by Fehr Graham through a third-party professional geotech agency

01:43:08.319 --> 01:43:14.880
as required. The city plans to fund the $224,250 construction engineering

01:43:14.880 --> 01:43:19.000
contract through the Lamb Road TIF. Staff recommends moving forward with the

01:43:19.000 --> 01:43:24.399
contract with Fehr Graham. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. Motion

01:43:24.399 --> 01:43:29.359
made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the

01:43:29.359 --> 01:43:37.199
resolution? Alderman Sellers. Could you also explain what TIF, the money for TIF

01:43:37.199 --> 01:43:42.800
out there at the Lamb Road can only be used for economic development. Yes the

01:43:42.800 --> 01:43:47.639
TIF money is for economic development and this is necessary infrastructure as we

01:43:47.639 --> 01:43:55.039
move forward with additional economic development. So you also the TIF money

01:43:55.039 --> 01:44:01.720
cannot go to any any of the city citizens or anything the money has to go

01:44:01.720 --> 01:44:04.159
Fowler, and I'm going to go to redevelopment of that area.

01:44:04.159 --> 01:44:05.159
Correct?

01:44:05.159 --> 01:44:06.159
Yeah.

01:44:06.159 --> 01:44:14.000
In line with TIF, the use of TIF funds that can be used for economic development incentives,

01:44:14.000 --> 01:44:18.479
it can be used for infrastructure improvements, but things that are related to the land road

01:44:18.479 --> 01:44:22.699
TIF in the form of economic development.

01:44:22.699 --> 01:44:24.920
Lawrence Sanders?

01:44:24.920 --> 01:44:36.079
yeah I I've been been studying this whole process and far as I am concerned we

01:44:36.079 --> 01:44:40.920
don't have the historical fact of that development area I'm talking about

01:44:40.920 --> 01:44:45.960
council I'm directing this information and things like that to council since

01:44:45.960 --> 01:44:54.279
we're the ones that are voting to to move forward on this on these matters and

01:44:54.279 --> 01:44:59.279
and I don't hear no one speaking out on the real issues

01:45:01.079 --> 01:45:04.720
that are being considered here and we have not evaluated.

01:45:04.720 --> 01:45:07.800
And I feel that we are being incompetent

01:45:08.880 --> 01:45:11.800
not looking into these matters

01:45:11.800 --> 01:45:15.720
because obviously that's the reason why

01:45:15.720 --> 01:45:18.479
I always want the clerk from this point on

01:45:18.479 --> 01:45:23.479
to submit to council what we discussed previously.

01:45:24.279 --> 01:45:27.779
and the fact that we're not hearing what they're talking about.

01:45:27.779 --> 01:45:35.279
We're just being passive at this point of not really getting down to the real point of the matter,

01:45:35.279 --> 01:45:42.939
whether or not we should be moving forward, whether or not we're not addressing the historical facts

01:45:42.939 --> 01:45:49.099
about that whole area, that whole development area and why it's there and is it causing the city

01:45:49.099 --> 01:45:50.099
and others.

01:45:50.099 --> 01:45:57.260
We have not discussed any complication that creates the taxpayers to have to fund these

01:45:57.260 --> 01:45:59.779
particular matters.

01:45:59.779 --> 01:46:03.779
We have not discussed how much material stuff that's going to be involved, how much it's

01:46:03.779 --> 01:46:05.059
going to cost.

01:46:05.059 --> 01:46:10.420
We have not talked about who's running the project.

01:46:10.420 --> 01:46:16.819
We know that we have engineers who's doing a survey of it, but my point is who's in charge

01:46:16.819 --> 01:46:18.180
of the project.

01:46:18.180 --> 01:46:26.699
So we have not established our own understanding of what's going on out there because we have

01:46:26.699 --> 01:46:33.559
no clue to why these things are put in place or trying to implement these things to put

01:46:33.559 --> 01:46:39.939
them in place. Is it necessary? Absolutely. If it's necessary, I can understand it. I

01:46:39.939 --> 01:46:47.059
understand what Brad Boyer was talking about. Future development. This thing has been in

01:46:47.059 --> 01:46:53.220
for over 30, 40 years. There has not been a disruption. There has not been any

01:46:53.220 --> 01:46:58.180
complication. I don't even know if they're still doing monitoring which I

01:46:58.180 --> 01:47:03.899
know that the city used to monitor those areas and then not only that go into

01:47:03.899 --> 01:47:09.539
those areas of the sectors and the sanitary and all these. They usually

01:47:09.539 --> 01:47:10.539
and others.

01:47:10.539 --> 01:47:11.539
These are the things that we need to do.

01:47:11.539 --> 01:47:15.779
We need to constantly monitor these things and there should be reports, data on who's

01:47:15.779 --> 01:47:22.579
keeping this type of material before the people of the City of Freeport.

01:47:22.579 --> 01:47:29.619
I know these things are in place, but are we getting the right proper information at

01:47:29.619 --> 01:47:39.380
this current time to establish why we should put a lift station that's only going to serve

01:47:39.380 --> 01:48:09.380
We're not talking about that. Is it necessary? If we're not talking about that, then why are we setting up a lift station that we have no understanding of why we need this because of lack of capacity or lack of industries that have not utilized the capacity of the flow that's supposed to be pushing through these force mains or through these lift stations?

01:48:09.380 --> 01:48:10.380
and others.

01:48:10.380 --> 01:48:19.859
So to put a lift station in at this current time does not have us in a position where we

01:48:19.859 --> 01:48:25.139
should be voting for something to move forward on this until we have done an assessment,

01:48:25.139 --> 01:48:29.699
evaluation to understand the whole historical point of it all.

01:48:29.699 --> 01:48:30.699
Thank you, Alderman.

01:48:30.699 --> 01:48:31.699
Your four minutes is up.

01:48:31.699 --> 01:48:32.699
Did I?

01:48:32.699 --> 01:48:33.699
Four minutes?

01:48:33.699 --> 01:48:34.699
Yep, your four minutes is up.

01:48:34.699 --> 01:48:35.699
Alderman Shadle?

01:48:35.699 --> 01:48:45.699
is all coming about because when Snack King does their washout, this does run at virtual capacity.

01:48:45.699 --> 01:48:47.699
That's why we're here.

01:48:47.699 --> 01:48:49.699
No, that is not why we're here.

01:48:49.699 --> 01:48:51.699
And...

01:48:51.699 --> 01:48:53.699
Please stop lying.

01:48:53.699 --> 01:48:55.699
Stop lying.

01:49:05.699 --> 01:49:18.699
I would at this point, as the fact of the matter I was called a liar sitting on the floor, I would like to ask Manager Boyer or Mr. Steele to clarify my statement, please.

01:49:21.699 --> 01:49:27.699
I think what you're talking about, Greg, is the fact that we have a human dependent process at Snack King.

01:49:27.699 --> 01:49:31.779
and if that human dependent failed at any time that would complicate things

01:49:31.779 --> 01:49:36.219
substantially there at the corner of Lamb and Walnut Road right near an

01:49:36.219 --> 01:49:42.659
important facility on the county nursing home so in addition to the benefits of

01:49:42.659 --> 01:49:48.059
having the proper capacity for existing industry having the availability for the

01:49:48.059 --> 01:49:53.219
build out of future industry and also the convenience of wastewater backwash

01:49:53.220 --> 01:49:57.130
from the new Well 12 and then a potential for build out along the

01:49:57.130 --> 01:50:00.289
and then a potential for build out along Forest Road.

01:50:00.289 --> 01:50:01.770
I mean, these are all the reasons

01:50:01.770 --> 01:50:03.489
that this is an important project.

01:50:05.329 --> 01:50:06.170
Alderman Parker.

01:50:08.289 --> 01:50:09.210
We already have it.

01:50:11.850 --> 01:50:12.850
Alderman Stacy.

01:50:20.090 --> 01:50:20.930
Okay.

01:50:22.329 --> 01:50:24.190
I need some real numbers.

01:50:24.190 --> 01:50:25.190
Miller.

01:50:25.190 --> 01:50:37.890
Not a portion, because truth be told, the $234,000 is engineering fees only, am I correct?

01:50:37.890 --> 01:50:46.750
There is 11 other processes that have to be completed, and they're not little things,

01:50:46.750 --> 01:50:48.109
they're big things.

01:50:48.109 --> 01:50:58.550
So we can approve this $234,000, but to have this project completed in full with all these

01:50:58.550 --> 01:51:05.310
things that's not mentioned, that's not talked about to the public, the traffic studies,

01:51:05.310 --> 01:51:13.109
the permit fees, the utility locates, the restaking, all of it, what are we looking

01:51:13.109 --> 01:51:27.190
Net, cost-wise to have this done because up to this point, SNAP King is still functioning.

01:51:27.190 --> 01:51:29.350
We haven't had no issues.

01:51:29.350 --> 01:51:35.230
There's no government, nothing that we're violating.

01:51:35.230 --> 01:51:41.909
So do we need this now?

01:51:41.909 --> 01:51:46.430
Can we afford this now?

01:51:46.430 --> 01:51:47.430
No we cannot.

01:51:47.430 --> 01:51:50.430
Darren, did you want to address those questions?

01:51:50.430 --> 01:51:51.670
Certainly.

01:51:51.670 --> 01:51:57.329
So with every contract there's always exclusions that are put on there for unforeseen.

01:51:57.329 --> 01:52:04.650
But realistically this project should come in at this amount with our fees or even under.

01:52:04.650 --> 01:52:08.390
We have lots of projects where we get a fee here and we end up coming in under and not

01:52:08.390 --> 01:52:09.690
charging the whole amount.

01:52:09.690 --> 01:52:15.650
So we put those exclusions in, we wrote a scope that we think will complete the entire

01:52:15.650 --> 01:52:16.650
project.

01:52:16.650 --> 01:52:22.449
But we always have to put exclusions because I can't put those items in on every thing

01:52:22.449 --> 01:52:26.130
without charging more, every contract without charging more money.

01:52:26.130 --> 01:52:28.829
We don't need a traffic study.

01:52:28.829 --> 01:52:30.210
We don't do restaking.

01:52:30.210 --> 01:52:34.390
We only stake one time and then the contractor is responsible for it the second time.

01:52:34.390 --> 01:52:38.449
So those are expenses that don't come back to the city but we have to clarify that in

01:52:38.449 --> 01:52:42.810
and a contract so we know where we stand and we know what the city's paying for.

01:52:42.810 --> 01:52:47.930
Okay, so shouldn't we put on the side, not needed, do not apply?

01:52:47.930 --> 01:52:49.690
That's what an exclusion is.

01:52:49.690 --> 01:52:52.810
It's assume that it's not needed.

01:52:52.810 --> 01:52:53.810
Assuming it's not needed.

01:52:53.810 --> 01:52:54.810
Correct.

01:52:54.810 --> 01:52:56.170
Well, you have to make assumptions.

01:52:56.170 --> 01:52:57.649
We're working underground.

01:52:57.649 --> 01:53:00.050
So I can tell you right now, we don't need a traffic study.

01:53:00.050 --> 01:53:02.449
We already met with the county, the county owns the road.

01:53:02.449 --> 01:53:04.850
They're not asking for a traffic study.

01:53:04.850 --> 01:53:07.369
So that won't be one that's applied.

01:53:07.369 --> 01:53:11.810
Reistaking, we always exclude that because the city's not going to pay for it twice.

01:53:11.810 --> 01:53:16.930
We pay for it once, and then if it has to be restaked, it's on the contractor to pay

01:53:16.930 --> 01:53:18.250
for it the second time.

01:53:18.250 --> 01:53:24.930
So we put exclusions in there to protect the city, not to provide other costs.

01:53:24.930 --> 01:53:31.770
And I mean, you can ask anybody involved with the city, we typically never come back for

01:53:31.770 --> 01:53:32.770
additional costs.

01:53:32.770 --> 01:53:36.409
We try to write good scopes that include everything from the get-go.

01:53:36.409 --> 01:53:40.850
So, I can tell you that the amount that we put here should complete the construction.

01:53:40.850 --> 01:53:44.850
The $234,000 should complete this whole project.

01:53:44.850 --> 01:53:48.390
Yes, it's already been designed and bid.

01:53:48.390 --> 01:53:51.409
This is the construction, resident, engineering services.

01:53:51.409 --> 01:53:56.190
This is the quality assurance, the construction part of getting the station built and getting

01:53:56.190 --> 01:53:59.170
all the piping in the ground for an active running station.

01:53:59.170 --> 01:54:01.970
And all this money is coming from the Land World TIF.

01:54:01.970 --> 01:54:05.390
Okay, so let me remind you when the back and forth.

01:54:05.390 --> 01:54:09.270
So if you have several questions, you should ask them all at once.

01:54:09.270 --> 01:54:11.350
That is correct.

01:54:11.350 --> 01:54:14.150
And there's no debt on that TIF?

01:54:14.150 --> 01:54:17.230
Is there a debt on the Lambroke TIF?

01:54:17.230 --> 01:54:20.430
Is there an existing debt?

01:54:20.430 --> 01:54:24.230
I can't answer that, but I believe there's no debt.

01:54:24.230 --> 01:54:25.230
I know there's no debt.

01:54:25.230 --> 01:54:29.869
It's $2.3 million is what you're having to pay for it.

01:54:29.869 --> 01:54:32.850
So there's actually money in the bank.

01:54:32.850 --> 01:54:35.110
There's no debt service that I'm aware of on that.

01:54:35.110 --> 01:54:38.110
I actually think it's closer to three minutes.

01:54:38.110 --> 01:54:40.110
Shadle, did you have?

01:54:40.110 --> 01:54:41.350
I did, please.

01:54:45.550 --> 01:54:53.430
Manager Boyer mentioned the future expansion.

01:54:53.430 --> 01:55:00.150
This new well that we're putting out, well, 12,

01:55:00.149 --> 01:55:03.569
there's gonna be sewer added, water added out.

01:55:06.390 --> 01:55:11.149
This is the opportunity that we've been looking for

01:55:11.149 --> 01:55:15.190
for quite some time to have shovel ready land

01:55:16.109 --> 01:55:18.289
for development.

01:55:18.289 --> 01:55:23.289
One of the main reasons we haven't seen a new factory

01:55:23.609 --> 01:55:27.949
in this town is we don't have a place shovel ready to put it.

01:55:27.949 --> 01:55:41.949
We can put the sewer pipes in, we can put the water pipes in, but if we don't have this lift station, there's not enough capacity in the existing to handle the future development.

01:55:41.949 --> 01:55:44.949
That's why we need this.

01:55:44.949 --> 01:55:47.949
Yes, that's called forward thinking.

01:55:47.949 --> 01:55:49.949
Alderman Sanders.

01:55:49.949 --> 01:55:58.069
Yeah, well, Alderman Shadle was making these comments about something that has not had a

01:55:58.069 --> 01:56:11.069
survey to them, first of all. And he does not have a, what we call a prediction, a pendulum

01:56:11.069 --> 01:56:17.590
or crystal ball. He don't have any of those things before him. And the city is not just

01:56:17.590 --> 01:56:47.590
Boone, and Andy, come from a big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big, big city that's going to have items sitting out in the field for God knows for how long waiting for a manufacturer to show up to make a development or whatever the case is that the council don't have no clue about any

01:56:47.590 --> 01:56:51.710
of this city needing all kinds of grant program fundings

01:56:51.710 --> 01:56:52.750
and things of this nature.

01:56:52.750 --> 01:56:57.750
And we just got done listening to part of our constituents

01:56:57.789 --> 01:57:01.110
here in the city complaining about other items

01:57:01.110 --> 01:57:03.150
that has not been looked at.

01:57:03.150 --> 01:57:07.069
So I think what we have not done was looked at the whole

01:57:07.069 --> 01:57:10.390
scope of the matter, whether or not we're using the money

01:57:11.909 --> 01:57:15.670
considered here to put on these projects for future,

01:57:15.670 --> 01:57:18.270
for future advancements.

01:57:18.270 --> 01:57:20.430
And I don't think that should be something

01:57:20.430 --> 01:57:23.110
that we should be doing at this time.

01:57:23.110 --> 01:57:26.210
If it's not an emergency need,

01:57:26.210 --> 01:57:31.210
if it's not anything that is gonna help the city currently,

01:57:31.949 --> 01:57:33.829
right now kind of project,

01:57:33.829 --> 01:57:37.670
then there shouldn't be shovel readies to come in

01:57:37.670 --> 01:57:40.110
unless we have perspective prospects

01:57:40.110 --> 01:57:42.390
that are considering moving to this city.

01:57:42.390 --> 01:57:44.470
And then we would make those alterations

01:57:44.470 --> 01:57:46.470
and the City of San Diego.

01:57:46.470 --> 01:57:48.470
I think it's important to keep all of those changes as

01:57:48.470 --> 01:57:50.470
necessary and as needed.

01:57:52.470 --> 01:57:54.470
But before then, the funds should not go anywhere until

01:57:55.470 --> 01:57:57.470
these things are absolutely needed.

01:57:59.470 --> 01:58:01.470
That's my opinion on that and I think that's how we should move

01:58:01.470 --> 01:58:03.470
forward.

01:58:04.470 --> 01:58:06.470
» DARREN, DID YOU WANT TO ADD TO? » Yes.

01:58:07.470 --> 01:58:09.470
So you're entitled to your opinion, but I would like to

01:58:09.470 --> 01:58:11.470
give you some facts.

01:58:11.470 --> 01:58:17.069
and the day it was constructed because the waste from all of the Lamb Road TIF district

01:58:17.069 --> 01:58:22.210
would be going into that as soon as it was built because we have the need now.

01:58:22.210 --> 01:58:25.949
The line, the capacity of that line is at max capacity.

01:58:25.949 --> 01:58:30.190
We've even had to go to Snack King and ask them to throttle down their flow so we can

01:58:30.190 --> 01:58:34.550
effectively serve that entire district.

01:58:34.550 --> 01:58:38.230
I would like to put another question out there.

01:58:38.230 --> 01:58:43.590
I've heard numerous times mentioned in the last two weeks, because we talked about this at the COW,

01:58:43.590 --> 01:58:48.710
this station is not built for millrace. Millrace will never be an opportunity. It was a once,

01:58:49.750 --> 01:58:55.430
once in a lifetime deal with the county money. The county's expended all of their money. There is

01:58:55.430 --> 01:59:01.510
no way the city of Freeport nor the county can effectively cost to run out to millrace. It would

01:59:01.510 --> 01:59:07.750
require two or three more lift stations to even get that far. So that project's never going to

01:59:07.750 --> 01:59:13.029
to happen in our lifetimes unless somebody comes and gives us a massive gift of free money.

01:59:13.029 --> 01:59:18.590
This station is truly to service the Lamb Road District area and probably some development

01:59:18.590 --> 01:59:22.949
probably from Baileyville Road and then maybe on Forest Road.

01:59:22.949 --> 01:59:24.750
That is what this station will serve.

01:59:24.750 --> 01:59:31.649
The City of Freeport currently has nine lift stations in service that we service flow from

01:59:31.649 --> 01:59:35.069
all different areas of the town because of our elevations.

01:59:35.069 --> 01:59:40.730
This is adding another lift station to our capacity. We do and have talked for years

01:59:40.730 --> 01:59:45.470
since I've been around here about having shovel ready sites that we currently don't have.

01:59:45.470 --> 01:59:49.810
If we don't want to have shovel ready sites, we don't want any expansion, then we should

01:59:49.810 --> 01:59:55.090
just fold up because we're not going to get more business here. We don't have ground available

01:59:55.090 --> 01:59:57.090
for somebody to build that we can put in place.

01:59:57.090 --> 02:00:03.569
for somebody to build that we can put the waste into, and if we don't have that ready,

02:00:03.569 --> 02:00:04.569
no one's going to come here.

02:00:04.569 --> 02:00:08.970
They're not going to wait for us to say, hey, we can construct this in a year and a half

02:00:08.970 --> 02:00:11.369
if you come.

02:00:11.369 --> 02:00:13.730
That's not the way shovel-ready sites work.

02:00:13.730 --> 02:00:16.350
And so those are just facts.

02:00:16.350 --> 02:00:21.449
Everybody's entitled to their own opinion, but the facts are that the TIF money is for

02:00:21.449 --> 02:00:24.949
and Frank, and we are the TIF money for the Mill Race.

02:00:24.949 --> 02:00:27.989
Excuse me, talking too many subjects.

02:00:27.989 --> 02:00:30.090
The TIF money is for the Lamb Road District.

02:00:30.090 --> 02:00:32.029
They created this.

02:00:32.029 --> 02:00:34.050
This lift station is to service that area

02:00:34.050 --> 02:00:35.730
that they created the money from.

02:00:35.730 --> 02:00:39.190
And so that's why it's an eligible expense.

02:00:39.190 --> 02:00:42.289
If we were trying to put this in for a project at Mill Race

02:00:42.289 --> 02:00:46.050
or at the airport or something, the funds would be ineligible.

02:00:46.050 --> 02:00:49.590
We just created the station big enough to handle expansion

02:00:49.590 --> 02:00:56.829
which is just good planning. That is all it is. There's no further discussion? Yeah.

02:00:56.829 --> 02:01:01.670
You've already spoken twice. If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the role.

02:01:01.670 --> 02:01:09.789
You didn't have to cut me off like that. I don't agree with what you just did. Madam Clerk,

02:01:09.789 --> 02:01:18.670
would you please take the role? Stacy? Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye.

02:01:18.670 --> 02:01:48.670
Johnson? Aye. Simmons? No. Parker? Aye. The motion passes five to three. Item number 15 is the adoption of resolution 2025-88. Could you please read this? Resolution approving acceptance of a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation Aviation Fuel Tax Program. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. The city's received the aviation fuel tax grant from

02:01:48.670 --> 02:01:53.150
the Illinois Department of Transportation for the past three years the grant does

02:01:53.150 --> 02:01:57.949
not require a match and the grant funds are to be used by local governments for

02:01:57.949 --> 02:02:02.029
airport related purposes in the case of the city of Freeport we have utilized

02:02:02.029 --> 02:02:07.230
the funds as a reimbursement of expanded airport management expenses there's a

02:02:07.230 --> 02:02:11.949
small table in the memo for your for your review the city of Freeport has

02:02:11.949 --> 02:02:16.829
received a notice of grant award for the 2025 2024 aviation fuel tax grant in

02:02:16.829 --> 02:02:26.310
amount of 49,078.77 cents. There is not a requirement for the match and once approved

02:02:26.310 --> 02:02:30.670
by City Council, City will submit invoices and proof of payment of airport management

02:02:30.670 --> 02:02:36.069
expenses in order to receive the grant. Upon review and approval of the invoices submitted

02:02:36.069 --> 02:02:40.829
to IDOT, allocations will be distributed to the City of Freeport and staff request approval

02:02:40.829 --> 02:02:46.909
of the Resolution, moving forward with the Fiscal Year 2024 Aviation Fuel Tax Grant.

02:02:46.909 --> 02:02:47.909
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:02:47.909 --> 02:02:48.909
So moved.

02:02:48.909 --> 02:02:49.909
Second.

02:02:49.909 --> 02:02:54.190
A motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

02:02:54.190 --> 02:02:55.190
Discussion on the resolution?

02:02:55.190 --> 02:02:56.190
Alderman Stacy?

02:02:56.190 --> 02:02:57.190
What is the match?

02:02:57.190 --> 02:02:58.190
You keep saying there's a match.

02:02:58.190 --> 02:02:59.190
What is the match?

02:02:59.190 --> 02:03:00.190
Zero.

02:03:00.190 --> 02:03:05.310
You said there is no match?

02:03:05.310 --> 02:03:06.310
That's correct.

02:03:06.310 --> 02:03:22.310
but when you were speaking and was reading, you said match. Gotcha. It is in the memo, it is written, and I said it in the same way I read it from the memo, so there is no match.

02:03:26.310 --> 02:03:32.310
Any further discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

02:03:32.310 --> 02:04:02.310
Stacy? I'm sorry, did I miss your vote? Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted, 8-0. Item number 16 is the adoption of Resolution 2026

02:04:02.310 --> 02:04:07.390
Co., 2590. Could you please read this? Resolution approving redevelopment agreement with Kendall

02:04:07.390 --> 02:04:18.390
and Grace at 712 West South Street. Thank you, Director Duckman. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

02:04:18.390 --> 02:04:24.369
So what we have before you currently is a redevelopment agreement. The name of the company is Kendall

02:04:24.369 --> 02:04:30.069
and Grace, but this is Whit Plastics. Right behind Aldi, to kind of give you a little

02:04:30.069 --> 02:04:55.390
Fowler,

02:04:55.390 --> 02:05:25.390
So, staff has reviewed this proposed development and sees that it is eligible for TIF financing and it's in particular it's within the Meadows TIF district and what staff is proposing is in line with our other redevelopment agreements upon completion of this project staff would provide a $5,000 and reimburse the developer $5,000 and upon the lifetime of

02:05:25.390 --> 02:05:34.590
of the TIF District, which sunsets in 2037, they would be eligible for the TIF increment

02:05:34.590 --> 02:05:35.590
they produce.

02:05:35.590 --> 02:05:42.250
So once this structure is built, it's assumed and it's reasonable to assume that their taxes

02:05:42.250 --> 02:05:52.550
are going to increase and they would receive 75% of that increase in taxes over until 2037.

02:05:52.550 --> 02:05:57.750
There's a cap on how much money they can get and that would be $50,000 and this is typical

02:05:57.750 --> 02:06:00.909
for the lifetime of a redevelopment agreement.

02:06:00.909 --> 02:06:07.789
The reason you have these caps is some developments will drastically increase the taxes on a parcel

02:06:07.789 --> 02:06:17.510
and a city does not want a developer to receive a windfall of an economic development incentive.

02:06:17.510 --> 02:06:29.510
So it's capped to say that they will never, you know, if the tax is increased astronomically from this development, they would be capped for a lifetime of $50,000.

02:06:29.510 --> 02:06:38.510
So this is a great opportunity for our community, a long-time developer, and staff is recommending approval of the resolution.

02:06:38.510 --> 02:06:40.510
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:06:40.510 --> 02:06:42.510
So moved.

02:06:42.510 --> 02:06:49.230
making motion made by Alderman Shadle seconded by Alderman Parker discussion

02:06:49.230 --> 02:06:55.630
on the resolution yes Johnson I have about three questions here um where

02:06:55.630 --> 02:07:01.630
exactly on the property there as you're showing it there is that building going

02:07:01.630 --> 02:07:05.550
to be placed back and you have more than one question you want yeah I have three

02:07:05.550 --> 02:07:11.409
okay go ahead and how do they get in and out of that building and will it be the

02:07:11.409 --> 02:07:24.050
and the third one is what is the benefit to the city by them having this building several

02:07:24.050 --> 02:07:31.130
so okay I'll try to answer them in sequence the location is going to be this is Aldi down

02:07:31.130 --> 02:07:35.810
down here the guardrail you can see the guardrail there that's your Aldi and then there's the

02:07:35.810 --> 02:07:41.010
and the drive behind Aldi that's going to take you up here, and they own the, so you

02:07:41.010 --> 02:07:45.810
come in, you turn right, and then this would be your view right here, and then this parcel

02:07:45.810 --> 02:07:51.489
here is where they're going to be putting this facility, this 5,000 square foot storage

02:07:51.489 --> 02:07:52.489
facility.

02:07:52.489 --> 02:07:56.610
A couple different, and you're going to say, well, how are they going to get there?

02:07:56.610 --> 02:08:01.810
Well, they've agreed to pave this area in here, so they won't be dragging gravel in

02:08:01.810 --> 02:08:03.650
and out of our city streets.

02:08:03.650 --> 02:08:06.210
So they've already agreed to pave this area.

02:08:06.210 --> 02:08:09.250
So that's how they're going to be accessing it and then obviously they would be coming

02:08:09.250 --> 02:08:14.610
back out onto this road and then heading towards South Street.

02:08:14.610 --> 02:08:19.529
Benefit to the city, several economic development benefits here.

02:08:19.529 --> 02:08:24.050
I've talked with the owners, they're lovely, delightful people.

02:08:24.050 --> 02:08:27.010
They're building and expanding and they're running out of room.

02:08:27.010 --> 02:08:32.970
One of the biggest complaints as Alderpeople, as a Community Development Director, you're

02:09:02.970 --> 02:09:04.710
We've got a better deal.

02:09:04.710 --> 02:09:09.170
So this is the city working to keep its business in the city of Freeport.

02:09:09.170 --> 02:09:10.170
That's one.

02:09:10.170 --> 02:09:16.329
Number two, the business owners have told me that they're also looking to add a few

02:09:16.329 --> 02:09:19.850
employees to also help this.

02:09:19.850 --> 02:09:21.690
They're getting busy.

02:09:21.690 --> 02:09:22.829
They need more room.

02:09:22.829 --> 02:09:24.649
They need more space.

02:09:24.649 --> 02:09:30.829
It's going to also help potentially add jobs, not just directly for the plastic, with plastics,

02:09:30.829 --> 02:09:57.060
Also, you know, the company that's going to end up building this is going to have construction jobs back into the economy as well. So that's something to keep in mind anytime a redevelopment agreement comes up. When your constituents say to you, why are businesses leaving? What are you doing? And the answer is, well, you have a choice to vote to help people expand and keep their business in the community. So that's my answer to that question.

02:09:57.060 --> 02:09:58.620
That's my answer to that question.

02:09:59.940 --> 02:10:01.320
Alderman Sellers.

02:10:01.320 --> 02:10:02.160
I would just like to know,

02:10:02.160 --> 02:10:03.980
I know that you said they're gonna be coming

02:10:03.980 --> 02:10:05.500
in and out of south.

02:10:05.500 --> 02:10:08.980
Already right there by Aldi's is a lot of congestion.

02:10:08.980 --> 02:10:09.820
Yes.

02:10:09.820 --> 02:10:10.640
You know, just getting in and out.

02:10:10.640 --> 02:10:13.380
How are they gonna make that easier?

02:10:13.380 --> 02:10:16.060
Because I've seen even some people driving,

02:10:16.060 --> 02:10:17.720
trying to come out of Aldi's

02:10:17.720 --> 02:10:19.880
because it's such a tight turn.

02:10:19.880 --> 02:10:22.820
They have went over the cliff a couple of times.

02:10:22.820 --> 02:10:25.539
So how can we make that wide enough

02:10:25.539 --> 02:10:35.539
where it won't be so much congestion there with this business coming in and out of there also.

02:10:35.539 --> 02:10:40.940
Well, we can't change the congestion. We know that Aldi is a very successful business.

02:10:40.940 --> 02:10:42.940
They're going to have many people coming in and out.

02:10:42.940 --> 02:10:47.940
So this development is not going to, you know, this is not going to be able to change the traffic.

02:10:47.940 --> 02:10:51.240
The only thing that it can do is add some paving to the area

02:10:51.240 --> 02:10:55.720
and it could help them add more storage for their facility.

02:10:55.720 --> 02:10:58.080
They've stated that they want to stay here.

02:10:58.080 --> 02:10:59.680
They want to stay in Freeport.

02:10:59.680 --> 02:11:01.960
They want to expand at their location.

02:11:01.960 --> 02:11:04.800
And they're looking for the city to partner with them.

02:11:05.760 --> 02:11:07.320
But I'm not going to sit here and tell you

02:11:07.320 --> 02:11:10.960
that this is going to aid in the traffic issues

02:11:10.960 --> 02:11:14.800
we have at Aldi, this development is not going

02:11:14.800 --> 02:11:16.100
to be able to do that.

02:11:17.580 --> 02:11:19.000
Alderman Sanders, did you have?

02:11:19.000 --> 02:11:28.840
Yeah, first of all, I don't like the fact that when you are addressing counsel that someone

02:11:28.840 --> 02:11:36.240
is expressing their sentiments about how we're proceeding on any measures and talking about

02:11:36.240 --> 02:11:43.560
on anything, because I can hear it by the conversation that you had with her, she had

02:11:43.560 --> 02:11:50.200
and a complaint. It was subtle, but it was a complaint on top of it. Now, working with

02:11:50.200 --> 02:12:00.080
the city is one thing. We can talk about the possibilities and whether or not the city

02:12:00.080 --> 02:12:04.960
wants to look into these matters, but we don't even know what type of business. We don't

02:12:04.960 --> 02:12:11.200
even know what the purpose of it is all about. We don't have no objection for anyone trying

02:12:11.200 --> 02:12:20.320
to bring in a business, but to make it a business that sounds like it's putting us under pressure

02:12:20.320 --> 02:12:25.440
to make something happen, because that's your sentiment that I feel that you're presenting

02:12:25.440 --> 02:12:29.520
to us right now at this time.

02:12:29.520 --> 02:12:36.760
Is there conversation with you, and you're expressing it here at the Council, and I reject

02:12:36.760 --> 02:12:43.020
and I. I would like to be able to talk to a person so we can come to a conclusion or

02:12:43.020 --> 02:12:49.020
resolution where we can move further down the road. But I don't like the expression

02:12:49.020 --> 02:12:55.740
that you're presenting to Council when anyone is talking to you about what we should be

02:12:55.740 --> 02:13:05.320
doing, that kind of thing. No, no, I'm still talking. And the fact that we are not listening

02:13:05.320 --> 02:13:07.200
or we have not acted on something

02:13:07.200 --> 02:13:09.560
that we don't have privy to yet.

02:13:09.560 --> 02:13:12.440
And my point is, is that a private property?

02:13:12.440 --> 02:13:14.320
I wanted to ask that question.

02:13:14.320 --> 02:13:16.160
Is that private property?

02:13:16.160 --> 02:13:20.240
Why is the city looking into complying

02:13:20.240 --> 02:13:24.520
with someone that has that type of view?

02:13:24.520 --> 02:13:29.520
And I just wanted to make sure that I see it very clearly

02:13:29.880 --> 02:13:34.880
in my own head that this is what this particular business owner

02:13:35.320 --> 02:13:37.320
and others.

02:13:39.320 --> 02:13:41.320
We have a lot of things that we want to do.

02:13:43.039 --> 02:13:45.039
We want to do things that the council wants to be able to do

02:13:46.140 --> 02:13:48.140
without any agitation, without any over expressing, or any of

02:13:50.240 --> 02:13:52.240
those kinds of things, because the council has an antenna.

02:13:57.320 --> 02:13:59.320
And when that kind of rhetoric starts filtering in through the

02:14:00.440 --> 02:14:02.440
council, our antennas goes up.

02:14:02.440 --> 02:14:05.200
but then you should not present it here to council.

02:14:05.200 --> 02:14:06.039
That's all I'm saying.

02:14:06.039 --> 02:14:07.720
I'm not against it.

02:14:07.720 --> 02:14:09.920
It's just a fact that I just didn't like the way

02:14:09.920 --> 02:14:11.300
that it was presented.

02:14:12.760 --> 02:14:13.900
Any other discussion?

02:14:15.680 --> 02:14:16.720
Alderman Stacy.

02:14:17.920 --> 02:14:22.920
So, you know, Culver's the biggest fast food place

02:14:24.760 --> 02:14:25.860
here in Freeport.

02:14:26.920 --> 02:14:31.920
They took advantage of this money through a tax cut

02:14:32.440 --> 02:15:01.440
Now here we come again with a different tip. So is anybody that wants to advance their establishment going to be able to use tip money and get a yearly salary or yearly whatever to do what they want to do for their business with our tax dollars?

02:15:01.440 --> 02:15:07.200
the answer is yes please wait clarify this is not about tax dollars this is

02:15:07.200 --> 02:15:12.840
this is tax yes this is the tip this is tax increment financing I can go back

02:15:12.840 --> 02:15:18.000
and answer it anybody looking if you have a business within the geographic area of

02:15:18.000 --> 02:15:25.440
a TIF district you are eligible for TIF financing when you're expanding your

02:15:25.440 --> 02:15:28.560
business and you're saying every year you're going to get dollars that's what

02:15:28.560 --> 02:15:43.460
Well when you go above, if you create and you build and expand your business, your property taxes are going to increase, correct?

02:15:43.460 --> 02:15:50.460
That's correct. That's why we're having this redevelopment agreement is to provide incentives for businesses to expand.

02:15:50.460 --> 02:15:53.900
businesses are wanting we're trying to read that's economic development we're

02:15:53.900 --> 02:15:59.940
trying to retain businesses we created TIF districts to have for two reasons to

02:15:59.940 --> 02:16:04.060
allow business to keep it to keep businesses to allow them to expand and

02:16:04.060 --> 02:16:07.980
the second reason is to attract new businesses

02:16:20.460 --> 02:16:26.520
you would want to come in and see visit the city staff and make sure what

02:16:26.520 --> 02:16:35.079
you're doing is an eligible eligible expenses but potentially yes so again it

02:16:35.079 --> 02:16:39.420
has to do with your property tax assessment if you're saying I would like

02:16:39.420 --> 02:16:45.420
to paint the inside of my building my answer to you would be you're not doing

02:16:45.420 --> 02:16:49.720
an improvement that's going to increase the tax assessment so you wouldn't be

02:16:49.720 --> 02:16:51.720
Taylor, and

02:16:52.780 --> 02:16:55.579
John, and I'm going to talk about the

02:16:55.579 --> 02:16:57.579
taxes. The taxes are going to be

02:16:59.579 --> 02:17:01.579
eligible for any dollars. So you have to essentially improve

02:17:03.200 --> 02:17:05.200
your business so that your taxes, your property taxes are

02:17:06.220 --> 02:17:08.220
going to increase because you're paid on the increment of those

02:17:09.720 --> 02:17:11.720
taxes going up. Okay. So this business is

02:17:13.739 --> 02:17:15.739
investing $150,000 to expand their business. Their taxes are

02:17:16.739 --> 02:17:18.739
going to go up and they're going to be eligible for that

02:17:19.720 --> 02:17:27.000
Money comes from the taxing body of the of the of the group that like like the

02:17:27.000 --> 02:17:32.239
lamb roll it comes from the money of all the industries out there like downtown

02:17:32.239 --> 02:17:38.120
it comes from the taxing of the the stores and stuff downtown and usually

02:17:38.120 --> 02:17:43.479
downtown you would only be able to do like a facade like the outside yes can't

02:17:43.479 --> 02:17:48.440
do the inside and make it bigger and all that it's just the outside so you can't

02:17:48.440 --> 02:17:50.440
and

02:17:51.440 --> 02:17:53.440
John.

02:17:54.560 --> 02:17:56.760
So, we are not going to get the taxing dollars and it doesn't

02:17:56.760 --> 02:18:01.640
come from the citizens. It comes from the taxing of the people

02:18:01.640 --> 02:18:03.640
that are in that TIF district.

02:18:05.940 --> 02:18:08.440
So, you have a geographic area. This is the Meadows TIF

02:18:08.440 --> 02:18:10.440
district. There is a map.

02:18:12.760 --> 02:18:14.760
And essentially when this would have, the TIF district was

02:18:14.760 --> 02:18:16.760
created, they did a study. You hire a professional

02:18:18.440 --> 02:18:20.880
Ferties, there's properties that are lacking development.

02:18:20.880 --> 02:18:27.940
And so what happens is, at that time, there's a TIF base value for the tax assessment.

02:18:27.940 --> 02:18:35.720
And so any time that the property taxes go above that TIF base, it goes back and stays

02:18:35.720 --> 02:18:37.460
within the TIF district.

02:18:37.460 --> 02:18:41.920
That money stays to the city within a TIF district, and it has guidelines on how the

02:18:41.920 --> 02:18:43.819
money can be spent.

02:18:43.819 --> 02:18:48.860
It could be spent for business expansion, it could be spent for business retention, professional

02:18:48.860 --> 02:18:52.780
services, things of that nature.

02:18:52.780 --> 02:18:57.420
Alderman Shadle?

02:18:57.420 --> 02:19:06.180
The essence of this is they're getting back 75% of an increase in their taxes.

02:19:06.180 --> 02:19:17.100
So if this building generates a tax bill of $2,000, their taxes would be $500. There's

02:19:17.100 --> 02:19:24.500
still going to be taxes collected. They're going to get a return from their property

02:19:24.500 --> 02:19:34.600
taxes of $1,500 out of the hypothetical $2,000. We're not laying out money to them. We're

02:19:34.600 --> 02:19:41.920
We're just diverting taxes back so that they have an incentive to make this investment.

02:19:41.920 --> 02:19:49.319
An investment that's always going to be there when the 75% sun sets out, we get all that

02:19:49.319 --> 02:19:50.319
tax money then.

02:19:50.319 --> 02:19:51.319
And it's on the increase.

02:19:51.319 --> 02:19:54.440
Where I shouldn't say we, the taxing bodies, get it.

02:19:54.440 --> 02:19:55.440
It's on the increase.

02:19:55.440 --> 02:19:56.440
Alderman, State.

02:19:56.440 --> 02:19:58.440
Alderman, City

02:19:58.440 --> 02:20:07.800
Increase. Alderman Stacy. So, are you telling me that this business paid into the Meadows TIF? Yes.

02:20:09.800 --> 02:20:12.360
Their property taxes are paying into the Meadows TIF, yes.

02:20:15.960 --> 02:20:22.040
There's no further discussion. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Don't light up. Stacy?

02:20:28.440 --> 02:20:58.440
I'm sorry, was that abstain? Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted 7 to 0 with one abstentia. Item number 17 is adoption of resolution 2025

02:20:58.440 --> 02:21:06.040
and Chris. Resolution approving the purchase of polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE membrane

02:21:06.040 --> 02:21:13.360
discs for wastewater facility aeration basins from Dryden Equipment.

02:21:13.360 --> 02:21:14.360
Thank you, Manager Boyer.

02:21:14.360 --> 02:21:20.040
Thank you, Your Honor. I don't know how familiar everybody is with wastewater treatment, but

02:21:20.040 --> 02:21:26.520
this is one step in the wastewater treatment process. It's called aeration. There are

02:21:26.520 --> 02:21:33.079
Mechanicals in the bottom of the aeration tank that send bubbles of air through the effluent

02:21:33.079 --> 02:21:38.520
as it goes through the treatment process. Every seven to ten years these need to be replaced

02:21:38.520 --> 02:21:45.000
and we are at that time where we need to replace them. They are specific to the equipment that's

02:21:45.000 --> 02:21:55.159
in the aeration basin and the city's received an estimate from SSI aeration.

02:21:56.520 --> 02:22:01.600
for $20,048. I'm sorry, from Dryden Equipment.

02:22:02.440 --> 02:22:08.000
The project was budgeted in the wastewater budget for 2025 and staff recommends moving forward with the

02:22:09.000 --> 02:22:10.800
membrane purchase.

02:22:10.800 --> 02:22:12.800
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:22:15.079 --> 02:22:20.380
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Discussion on the resolution?

02:22:20.380 --> 02:22:33.380
I just wanted to comment that we had $60,000 in the budget for this year and so we got a good price on doing the total amount that we needed.

02:22:33.380 --> 02:22:35.380
Alderman Sanders?

02:22:35.380 --> 02:22:44.380
Yeah, I know this is very necessary. It is something that we should have no problem with.

02:22:44.380 --> 02:22:55.380
and if it's an annual thing or is it not? I think it is an annual thing that we go through. It's not an annual thing. What is it, every five years or something?

02:22:55.380 --> 02:22:56.380
Seven to ten.

02:22:56.380 --> 02:23:05.380
Seven to ten years, okay. But I know it's necessary. I don't know what the cost is. Do we have a cost factor for all of that? Do we have a...

02:23:05.380 --> 02:23:07.380
Yes, $20,000.

02:23:07.380 --> 02:23:09.380
and Stacey.

02:23:09.380 --> 02:23:10.380
Okay.

02:23:10.380 --> 02:23:11.380
Okay.

02:23:11.380 --> 02:23:14.380
Well, anyway, I know it's necessary, so I just wanted to see where we were at with that.

02:23:14.380 --> 02:23:15.380
Alderman Stacy.

02:23:15.380 --> 02:23:26.380
So, if it's going to cost $20,000, but Gary, you said we have 16.

02:23:26.380 --> 02:23:27.380
Sixty.

02:23:27.380 --> 02:23:28.380
Six zero.

02:23:28.380 --> 02:23:29.380
Okay.

02:23:29.380 --> 02:23:31.540
That's what was budgeted for this year.

02:23:31.540 --> 02:23:33.980
And this is just materials only.

02:23:33.980 --> 02:23:36.180
Our crews actually do the replacement themselves.

02:23:36.180 --> 02:23:43.739
but all of it to complete this project has been budgeted for yes ma'am there's

02:23:43.739 --> 02:23:51.420
no further discussion madam clerk please take the role Stacy Shadle Sanders

02:23:51.420 --> 02:23:59.579
Sellers is currently absent Clem Johnson Simmons and Parker I the resolution is

02:23:59.579 --> 02:24:01.579
Bickle, Michael, Frank, Michael, Craig, and more.

02:24:03.319 --> 02:24:05.319
The item number 3 was adopted 7-0.

02:24:05.940 --> 02:24:08.120
The item number 18 is the adoption of resolution 2025-92.

02:24:08.120 --> 02:24:10.120
Could you please read this?

02:24:11.340 --> 02:24:13.480
Resolution authorizing payment of an invoice from T&T iron and

02:24:13.480 --> 02:24:15.480
metal for electronic recycling services.

02:24:18.560 --> 02:24:20.560
Director Bridge?

02:24:22.020 --> 02:24:24.020
Thank you, your honor. Oh, I'm sorry.

02:24:24.980 --> 02:24:28.980
That's okay. So so that we don't have to ask these questions.

02:24:28.980 --> 02:24:58.980
and I. I'm one of the three to four people here in City Hall that was in charge of getting an electronic recycling event together. Not only that, but I'm also tasked with kind of getting out to the public not only stuff for electronic recycling, but also Refresh Freeport, which is our monthly dumping event that we do. The City of Freeport conducted an electronic recycling

02:24:58.980 --> 02:25:00.980
and

02:25:02.980 --> 02:25:03.980
the City of

02:25:03.980 --> 02:25:05.980
California.

02:25:05.980 --> 02:25:10.980
This event could bring electronic devices such as televisions and computer monitors to be disposed of.

02:25:10.980 --> 02:25:16.980
The City utilized the services of T&T iron and metal to dispose of the electronic devices.

02:25:16.980 --> 02:25:22.980
This event was planned in coordination with other dumping events such as refresh Freeport.

02:25:22.980 --> 02:25:24.980
and others.

02:25:26.980 --> 02:25:30.980
At the event, they collected 1,096 screens and 3.2 total tons of

02:25:30.980 --> 02:25:34.980
electronic waste. Roughly 400 residents took advantage of this

02:25:34.980 --> 02:25:38.980
service and the city received positive feedback from residents

02:25:38.980 --> 02:25:42.980
and surrounding communities. The full amount of the invoice has

02:25:42.980 --> 02:25:46.980
been budgeted for and will be paid from the Health and

02:25:46.980 --> 02:25:50.980
Environment Fund, which the cost of this specific invoice is

02:25:50.980 --> 02:25:55.980
and the budget is in the $300,000 range.

02:25:55.980 --> 02:25:57.980
Thank you.

02:25:57.980 --> 02:25:58.980
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:25:58.980 --> 02:25:59.980
So moved.

02:25:59.980 --> 02:26:00.980
Second.

02:26:00.980 --> 02:26:05.980
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.

02:26:05.980 --> 02:26:07.980
Discussion on the resolution?

02:26:07.980 --> 02:26:10.980
Alderman Sanders.

02:26:10.980 --> 02:26:17.980
Where's the dumping ground is that with this material?

02:26:17.980 --> 02:26:26.780
So the event was held at the fairgrounds on July 19th and the dumping grounds, I do not

02:26:26.780 --> 02:26:34.300
know the specific area, the company, TNT Iron and Metals, took the stuff away from Freeport.

02:26:34.300 --> 02:26:42.900
So are they currently still established as just one time event or how does that work?

02:26:42.900 --> 02:26:43.900
That's a good question.

02:26:43.900 --> 02:26:48.540
are currently working towards a more regular event of this sort.

02:26:48.540 --> 02:26:52.860
Yeah, and I know that there should have been a notification

02:26:52.860 --> 02:26:56.700
that went out to the general public about this.

02:26:56.700 --> 02:26:58.579
We broadcast this and everything.

02:26:58.579 --> 02:27:00.780
Yeah, plenty of people showed up.

02:27:00.780 --> 02:27:01.659
OK.

02:27:01.659 --> 02:27:10.100
And I'd like to see who's doing the collecting of anything.

02:27:10.100 --> 02:27:15.100
is there residuals that comes from this?

02:27:18.659 --> 02:27:19.700
You're talking about money?

02:27:19.700 --> 02:27:22.420
Yeah, because there's a lot of gold.

02:27:22.420 --> 02:27:27.300
There's a lot of gold and a lot of other material

02:27:27.300 --> 02:27:29.920
that can be broken down and be converted

02:27:29.920 --> 02:27:33.020
into monetary value.

02:27:33.020 --> 02:27:34.960
The city of Freeport is not.

02:27:35.980 --> 02:27:39.140
We're not just giving the factory away, are we?

02:27:39.140 --> 02:27:42.020
this is scrap metal that they're giving away.

02:27:42.020 --> 02:27:43.479
Yeah, that's what I thought.

02:27:43.479 --> 02:27:47.140
But we're not looking at the real intricate parts

02:27:47.140 --> 02:27:52.140
of that electronic equipment because there's value in there

02:27:52.659 --> 02:27:57.100
where the city could be recouping from

02:27:57.100 --> 02:28:00.180
or gaining something from it.

02:28:00.180 --> 02:28:03.340
I don't care if it went to a charity or back to the TIF

02:28:03.340 --> 02:28:05.620
or TIF or whatever the case is.

02:28:05.620 --> 02:28:24.620
We're not doing a complete assessment of how this program should be brought up because we're saying we're going to give you all our electronics that got gold and aluminum, whatever copper, whatever the case may be, we're going to give all that to you.

02:28:24.620 --> 02:28:52.620
We don't, we just gonna just let you dispose of it and we don't have any recoup or residuals from all of that because it belongs to the city, it belongs to the citizens of Freeport. I don't care who picks it up, who gets it or whatever the case is. That is, that is a fortune that is being sent out of here. You know, that's all I'm just saying. Are we in a position to recoup anything?

02:28:52.620 --> 02:28:53.620
, Mmmmm.

02:28:53.620 --> 02:28:58.400
And then the residents of Freeport took their own stuff to the event.

02:28:58.400 --> 02:29:02.440
In all respect, that's the way the event was organized.

02:29:02.440 --> 02:29:07.900
And so we have full confidence that the residents of Freeport understand what they're giving

02:29:07.900 --> 02:29:09.200
up.

02:29:09.200 --> 02:29:11.079
Okay.

02:29:11.079 --> 02:29:14.819
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

02:29:14.819 --> 02:29:15.819
Stacy?

02:29:15.819 --> 02:29:16.819
Shadle?

02:29:16.819 --> 02:29:17.819
Sanders?

02:29:17.819 --> 02:29:18.819
Sellers?

02:29:18.819 --> 02:29:19.819
Klemm?

02:29:19.819 --> 02:29:20.819
Johnson?

02:29:20.819 --> 02:29:21.819
Simpson?

02:29:21.819 --> 02:29:29.140
Simmons, and Parker. I and if I may before I move on tire recycling event this

02:29:29.140 --> 02:29:36.780
Saturday same deal tires if you need more information website Facebook email thank

02:29:36.780 --> 02:29:44.420
you thank you oh at the fairgrounds yes and do you have a time eight o'clock thank

02:29:44.420 --> 02:29:50.020
you item number 19 is adoption of resolution 2025 93 could you please read

02:29:50.020 --> 02:29:57.020
Resolution Approving Transportation Services Agreement with Pretzel City Transit to Sell Punch Cards at the Library

02:29:57.020 --> 02:30:06.020
Thank you, Director Huffine. Thank you. The library is always seeking collaborations and partners to help improve our services and resources for our community.

02:30:06.020 --> 02:30:21.020
Pretzel City Transit is heavily used by library users. We are seeking to make access to ride vouchers and punch cards more accessible by becoming a location for people to purchase ride vouchers and punch cards for Pretzel City Transit.

02:30:21.020 --> 02:30:27.520
Although the Freeport Public Library is a department of the City of Freeport, we are a separate taxing district.

02:30:27.520 --> 02:30:36.020
It is important to demonstrate the Library's commitment to selling these vouchers to IDOT, so we are entering into a formal agreement.

02:30:36.020 --> 02:30:46.520
The City of Freeport's responsibilities under this agreement are to provide reliable on-time transportation to the Freeport Public Library users in a timely manner,

02:30:46.520 --> 02:30:50.000
Sander, the City Manager of the Freeport Public Library with vouchers and punch cards for

02:30:50.000 --> 02:30:52.840
sale at the library.

02:30:52.840 --> 02:30:58.340
The Freeport Public Library is responsibilities under this agreement are to maintain an inventory

02:30:58.340 --> 02:31:03.680
of vouchers and punch cards to notate the vouchers to indicate they were purchased at

02:31:03.680 --> 02:31:09.180
the library to maintain accurate inventory on hand and sold vouchers and punch cards

02:31:09.180 --> 02:31:13.819
in provide in inventory reports to the city upon request.

02:31:13.819 --> 02:31:19.500
The library will compensate the city monthly for all vouchers and punch cards sold.

02:31:19.500 --> 02:31:23.300
There is no impact on the city or library finances.

02:31:23.300 --> 02:31:28.819
The city staff recommend approving the agreement with the Freeport Public Library and the strategic

02:31:28.819 --> 02:31:32.979
plan that supports strong public and private partnerships.

02:31:32.979 --> 02:31:33.979
Thank you.

02:31:33.979 --> 02:31:34.979
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:31:34.979 --> 02:31:35.979
So moved.

02:31:35.979 --> 02:31:36.979
Second.

02:31:36.979 --> 02:31:37.979
Second.

02:31:37.979 --> 02:31:40.060
Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

02:31:40.060 --> 02:31:42.700
Discussion on the resolution?

02:31:42.700 --> 02:31:43.700
Seeing none.

02:31:43.700 --> 02:31:56.700
Stacey, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, and Parker. That resolution is adopted 8-0.

02:31:56.700 --> 02:32:01.700
Item number 20 is adoption of resolution 2025-94. Could you please read this?

02:32:01.700 --> 02:32:11.700
Resolution approving purchase of two refurbished power load systems from Rowland Energy Refurbished Equipment and Clock Emergency Vehicles for the Fire Department.

02:32:11.700 --> 02:32:17.819
Thank you, Your Honor. Before you this evening is the request to approve the purchase of

02:32:17.819 --> 02:32:23.460
power load systems for Ambulances 3 and 4. Ambulances 3 and 4 are in need of power load

02:32:23.460 --> 02:32:29.260
systems which securely fasten the stretcher to the back of the ambulance. When the vehicles

02:32:29.260 --> 02:32:35.700
were purchased in 2015 and 2016, the floors of the vehicles were built to accept this

02:32:35.700 --> 02:32:40.220
system, but the cost of the system was too excessive and was not added when the vehicles

02:32:40.220 --> 02:32:42.220
and others were ordered.

02:32:42.220 --> 02:32:47.100
So the power load system consists of an arm that extends out of the back of the ambulance

02:32:47.100 --> 02:32:52.180
and loads the stretcher into the ambulance avoiding any manual lifting.

02:32:52.180 --> 02:32:57.700
More importantly, it also safely secures the stretcher to the floor of the ambulance ensuring

02:32:57.700 --> 02:33:04.819
crash and rollover protection for a patient that may be on the back of that stretcher.

02:33:04.819 --> 02:33:07.579
Our two newer ambulances are equipped with this feature.

02:33:07.579 --> 02:33:14.399
So that being said, it's important that the ambulances have the same similar equipment

02:33:14.399 --> 02:33:18.739
to avoid any confusion or operational errors during emergencies.

02:33:18.739 --> 02:33:24.340
We want each vehicle to be outfitted exactly the same, all the equipment is located in

02:33:24.340 --> 02:33:28.460
the same cabinets in the back of the ambulance.

02:33:28.460 --> 02:33:34.780
So the initial plan or budget provided funds to purchase one new power load system.

02:33:34.780 --> 02:33:36.500
The key is new.

02:33:36.500 --> 02:33:42.860
New Power Load System for this year for Ambulance 3, and then we'd re-budget another one for

02:33:42.860 --> 02:33:45.380
Ambulance 4 next year.

02:33:45.380 --> 02:33:53.220
So my guys did some research on this, and as we were obtaining pricing, we discovered

02:33:53.220 --> 02:34:00.500
that we could purchase two refurbished units for less than the cost of one brand new unit.

02:34:00.500 --> 02:34:05.780
So the refurbished ones also come with a one-year warranty, so do the new ones.

02:34:05.780 --> 02:34:11.420
So it makes perfect sense to save money and buy some refurbished ones that operate just

02:34:11.420 --> 02:34:14.899
as well as the newer ones do.

02:34:14.899 --> 02:34:20.000
So the financial component of this is the Fire Capital Improvement Fund will cover the

02:34:20.000 --> 02:34:23.760
cost of the power load system and the installation.

02:34:23.760 --> 02:34:33.500
The total cost for two refurbished power load systems installed $34,217.96.

02:34:33.500 --> 02:34:41.040
So comparatively, the cost for one new power load system is $35,857.

02:34:41.040 --> 02:34:45.819
So we're already about $1,600 less expensive for twice the equipment.

02:34:45.819 --> 02:34:50.540
So no dollars from the general fund will be used for this purchase.

02:34:50.540 --> 02:34:55.940
So the fire department is requesting approval of the resolution to purchase two refurbished

02:34:55.940 --> 02:34:59.500
power load systems for the back of the ambulance, three and four.

02:34:59.500 --> 02:35:07.500
Is there a motion to adopt? So move. So move.

02:35:07.500 --> 02:35:16.500
Motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution. Alderman Parker.

02:35:16.500 --> 02:35:20.500
This is almost mandatory as a major safety issue for our firemen.

02:35:20.500 --> 02:35:28.500
And that 13, 34,000, if one of our officers break his back trying to do it, it's going to cost us more than that to take care of it.

02:35:28.500 --> 02:35:34.340
So this is a great issue, and I'm very much in favor.

02:35:34.340 --> 02:35:35.620
There's no further discussion.

02:35:35.620 --> 02:35:37.899
Madam Clerk, yes, Alderman Sellers.

02:35:37.899 --> 02:35:44.540
I just want to know how long will it take for these refurbished systems?

02:35:44.540 --> 02:35:47.739
How long will it take to get all this where they're already ready?

02:35:47.739 --> 02:35:49.300
So they have them in stock already.

02:35:49.300 --> 02:35:54.620
We've already looked into it and confirmed that installation is available locally

02:35:54.620 --> 02:35:58.620
from the ambulance provider we purchased our two new ones from.

02:35:58.620 --> 02:36:01.060
So this is ready to go as soon as we have your approval.

02:36:01.060 --> 02:36:05.540
Alderman Sanders?

02:36:05.540 --> 02:36:11.060
Yeah, these are not new items, am I correct?

02:36:11.060 --> 02:36:12.940
When you say, when this is refurbished,

02:36:12.940 --> 02:36:18.739
that means that we're purchasing used items at one point in time.

02:36:18.739 --> 02:36:24.100
And I'm just curious, we couldn't budget new platform

02:36:24.100 --> 02:36:30.880
Johnson, David, and John, and I'm just curious why we're venturing into a refurbished type

02:36:30.880 --> 02:36:36.920
unit and whether or not it would be feasible one way or the other.

02:36:36.920 --> 02:36:42.260
Can we guarantee, because if there's anything that's been refurbished that had been or that

02:36:42.260 --> 02:36:46.380
was an issue the very first time when it was brand new.

02:36:46.380 --> 02:36:47.380
So I'm just curious.

02:36:47.380 --> 02:36:51.360
I would like to know if you can bring some little clarity to me on that part.

02:36:51.360 --> 02:36:57.680
Sure, I understand your concerns and I had the same myself initially, but looking into

02:36:57.680 --> 02:37:04.640
it these are as good as factory replacements. So they've gone back to factory, they've

02:37:04.640 --> 02:37:11.120
been completely reworked, rebuilt, repainted, and to make us feel more comfortable they

02:37:11.120 --> 02:37:16.360
offer a one-year warranty and even the brand new ones have a one-year warranty. So this

02:37:16.360 --> 02:37:20.200
is being fiscally responsible getting two for less than the price of one.

02:37:20.200 --> 02:37:25.200
There's no further discussion. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

02:37:25.200 --> 02:37:38.200
Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted, 8-0.

02:37:38.200 --> 02:37:43.200
Item number 21, adoption of resolution 202595. Could you please read this?

02:37:43.200 --> 02:37:55.200
Resolution Approving Purchase of Ferris ISX 2200 Mower with Kawasaki Motor and 60 Inch Mower Deck from Peabuddy's North, Pecatonica, Illinois, for the Fire Department.

02:37:55.200 --> 02:37:56.200
Chief Miller.

02:37:56.200 --> 02:38:06.200
Thank you, Your Honor. Again, before you this evening is the request to approve the purchase of a commercial lawnmower for the Fire Department.

02:38:06.200 --> 02:38:11.239
So, the Central Fire Station has nearly two and a half acres of land that we maintain

02:38:11.239 --> 02:38:19.880
ourselves. Each Friday, the lawn is cut by our members that are on duty and only interrupted

02:38:19.880 --> 02:38:26.000
by emergency calls. So, in 2018, the Fire Department acquired the lawnmarts you see

02:38:26.000 --> 02:38:31.640
up on the screen from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IDNR. What they had

02:38:31.640 --> 02:38:42.960
at the time was an excessive property program that offered used or government equipment to

02:38:42.960 --> 02:38:47.880
municipalities that requested consideration. They applied for this. So we did receive that

02:38:47.880 --> 02:38:54.680
lawnmower and is now 15 years old and is experiencing several system failures. So the hydraulic

02:38:54.680 --> 02:38:59.560
system is what's used to steer each of the rear wheels. That's why you'll see it looks

02:38:59.560 --> 02:39:00.560
Winslow.

02:39:00.560 --> 02:39:03.479
So, it looks like handlebars by the seat, one steers the left rear wheel, that one steers

02:39:03.479 --> 02:39:06.040
the right rear wheel.

02:39:06.040 --> 02:39:14.159
So there is, it's hydraulically driven and the left steering mechanism, left wheel is

02:39:14.159 --> 02:39:15.840
starting to fail.

02:39:15.840 --> 02:39:20.960
So as you're going in a straight line, your hands are dissimilar, you're not like this,

02:39:20.960 --> 02:39:22.319
your arms are like this.

02:39:22.319 --> 02:39:27.960
So that's a hazard to the person who's operating that lawnmower.

02:39:27.960 --> 02:39:34.000
Also the frame and the mower deck have been repaired and welded numerous times in the past.

02:39:34.000 --> 02:39:38.640
So again I'd like to remind council that this moor does not belong to this city.

02:39:38.640 --> 02:39:49.680
It was obtained from the IDNR and it will need to be returned once we do acquire a replacement.

02:39:49.680 --> 02:39:54.239
So discussion on this, the moor is 15 years old and struggles to complete weekly mowing

02:39:54.239 --> 02:39:56.840
Tasks, we have been fortunate.

02:39:56.840 --> 02:40:04.840
We have been fortunate that it has serviced our needs for the past seven years at no cost other than maintenance and repairs.

02:40:04.840 --> 02:40:13.840
So we looked into this and yes, the mower does have to be returned to the IDNR, but that program no longer exists.

02:40:13.840 --> 02:40:18.840
We went to them trying to get a second free lawn mower and they said, no, we don't do that anymore.

02:40:18.840 --> 02:40:44.840
So, we have to return that to their excess property program and so the finances of this acquisition, seven different more manufacturers were looked into and staff has determined that the Ferris 2200 model, the Kawasaki motor, best suits our needs and will accommodate us well into the future.

02:40:44.840 --> 02:40:51.840
So the cost of this commercial lawnmower is $12,348.

02:40:51.840 --> 02:41:00.840
So there's money in this year's budget for this purchase and it's also be funded by the Fire Department Capital Improvement Fund

02:41:00.840 --> 02:41:04.840
using no dollars from the general fund for this purchase.

02:41:04.840 --> 02:41:34.159
So also I'd just like to add that this is the same brand of more that they use in city yards for for city properties. They stock various belts and filters and have experience working on this model. So we did compare this to John Deere. And this was the least expensive more as well. So that's why we chose this one. And we're proposing it to you this evening for approval. Sir, motion to adopt.

02:41:34.840 --> 02:41:45.840
Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion? Alderman Sanders.

02:41:45.840 --> 02:42:00.559
Chief, for the more we're considering the one that you put on the agenda here, would

02:42:00.559 --> 02:42:09.719
Would this only be utilized for fire department areas and not being loaned out to other departments

02:42:09.719 --> 02:42:16.159
for their program or property or whatever the case is?

02:42:16.159 --> 02:42:21.739
Are we just going to designate this directly to the fire department usage?

02:42:21.739 --> 02:42:23.479
That would be my intent, yes.

02:42:23.479 --> 02:42:24.479
Okay.

02:42:24.479 --> 02:42:25.479
All right.

02:42:25.479 --> 02:42:26.479
Alderman Stacey.

02:42:26.479 --> 02:42:38.479
I was just wondering, why can't Public Works go mow the lawn?

02:42:39.479 --> 02:42:45.479
So, that is a question that I had considered and discussed it with Manager Boyer.

02:42:45.479 --> 02:42:52.479
And we realized that the folks that do the cutting, the lawn cutting for the city,

02:42:52.479 --> 02:43:04.479
Two of them are part-time summer employees and the other ones are mostly used in resurfacing streets and doing sewer work and so they all have their other priority tasks to do.

02:43:04.479 --> 02:43:12.479
I've got my staff that are there. If they're not out running emergency calls, they can be perched on that lawn mower and they'll take care of it.

02:43:12.479 --> 02:43:17.479
It would be nice though to have our firemen area taken care of.

02:43:17.479 --> 02:43:22.479
and I hope you get it and I hope it lasts 15 years plus.

02:43:22.479 --> 02:43:24.479
Thank you.

02:43:24.479 --> 02:43:27.479
There's no further discussion. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

02:43:27.479 --> 02:43:29.479
Stacy? Aye.

02:43:29.479 --> 02:43:30.479
Shadle? Aye.

02:43:30.479 --> 02:43:31.479
Sanders? Aye.

02:43:31.479 --> 02:43:32.479
Sellers? Aye.

02:43:32.479 --> 02:43:33.479
Klemm? Aye.

02:43:33.479 --> 02:43:34.479
Johnson? Aye.

02:43:34.479 --> 02:43:35.479
Simmons? Aye.

02:43:35.479 --> 02:43:37.479
And Parker? Aye.

02:43:37.479 --> 02:43:39.479
The resolution is adopted 8-0.

02:43:39.479 --> 02:43:46.479
Item number 22 is adoption of resolution 2025-96. Could you please read this?

02:43:46.479 --> 02:43:52.440
Resolution, Approving to Accept the Conveyance of the Property Commonly Known as 17 West

02:43:52.440 --> 02:43:55.360
Stevenson Street from Marianne Garbens.

02:43:55.360 --> 02:43:56.360
Manager Boyer.

02:43:56.360 --> 02:43:57.360
Thank you, Your Honor.

02:43:57.360 --> 02:44:05.159
Kurt, if there's any way you could do a Google map of the area, I'd appreciate that.

02:44:05.159 --> 02:44:09.960
Marianne Garbens has offered to convey 17 Stevenson Street to the City of Freeport for

02:44:09.960 --> 02:44:11.600
$1.

02:44:11.600 --> 02:44:14.920
We have an adjacent city-owned parcel that's right next door.

02:44:14.920 --> 02:44:18.559
or used to be the Wave Salon Aved Books location.

02:44:18.559 --> 02:44:20.600
This property will qualify the site

02:44:20.600 --> 02:44:22.920
for significant outside grant funding

02:44:22.920 --> 02:44:25.399
for a new downtown pocket park.

02:44:25.399 --> 02:44:28.040
The acquisition will complete site control,

02:44:28.040 --> 02:44:31.700
enabling the city to pursue park and placement grants.

02:44:31.700 --> 02:44:34.399
Also recently, Greater Freeport Partnership

02:44:34.399 --> 02:44:38.940
secured a large T-Mobile grant, I believe it was $50,000.

02:44:38.940 --> 02:44:41.239
So Ms. Garvin's request that the park be named

02:44:41.239 --> 02:44:43.700
after the historic building once located on the site

02:44:43.700 --> 02:44:48.780
and a small raised flower garden be included in the design for her use.

02:44:48.780 --> 02:44:54.340
Staff recommends honoring these and all other minor requests consistent with city policy.

02:44:54.340 --> 02:44:59.139
Upon approval, staff will proceed with the acquisition, update the plan to reflect these

02:44:59.139 --> 02:45:04.819
features and apply for the Oslade grant, which is the one I am referring to.

02:45:04.819 --> 02:45:09.380
So staff requests approval of the acquisition of 17 Stevenson Street for $1.

02:45:09.380 --> 02:45:11.540
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:45:11.540 --> 02:45:12.540
So moved.

02:45:12.540 --> 02:45:18.340
The motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Parker. Discussion on the resolution.

02:45:18.340 --> 02:45:27.040
I do have one more. Sure. And I do want to thank the GFP for their effort leading that, that transfer. Thank you.

02:45:30.040 --> 02:45:34.540
There's no discussion? I would like to just say. Okay, Alderman Stacy.

02:45:35.540 --> 02:45:42.040
I just want to say that this lady is a giver.

02:45:42.540 --> 02:45:58.540
We all make mistakes. We all lose our cool. But to give this property for a dollar speaks

02:45:58.540 --> 02:46:10.620
volumes. And so I hope that that be acknowledged and recognized in more ways than one. And I

02:46:10.620 --> 02:46:14.540
I want to be the first one to say, thank you.

02:46:16.340 --> 02:46:17.979
Alderman Sanders?

02:46:17.979 --> 02:46:22.979
Yeah, I have an awareness factor forming in my frontal lobe,

02:46:29.860 --> 02:46:31.460
I should say.

02:46:31.460 --> 02:46:34.940
I see you, I see you, Parker.

02:46:34.940 --> 02:46:39.780
But I have a question in regards

02:46:39.780 --> 02:46:50.500
to the fact that it was given for a dollar, but what's the initial reason why it was given

02:46:50.500 --> 02:47:05.500
and the generosity that the city is supposed to look at this as a generous kind of thing,

02:47:05.500 --> 02:47:35.500
We have not looked at the cultural background of what I'm reading here in the memo of the people that are running this and we're not looking at the full scope of why we're inventing taxpayers' dollars until we do an investigative

02:47:35.500 --> 02:47:42.299
of what's going on and I'm looking at this memo and I'm looking at the wordings and I'm looking at the

02:47:42.299 --> 02:47:49.380
I'm hoping the interpretation is not what I'm thinking it is but from my

02:47:49.380 --> 02:47:55.540
position if we're not aware of certain things we should not vote on things

02:47:55.540 --> 02:48:01.540
until we have a complete clarity of the background nature listen to what I just

02:48:01.540 --> 02:48:10.020
said, the background nature and cultural aspect of this, even to give it as a generosity,

02:48:10.020 --> 02:48:17.540
what is, what will the city get in return? Because remember, the city cannot put itself

02:48:17.540 --> 02:48:26.380
in a position where it becomes a label to something that is not conducive to the city

02:48:26.380 --> 02:48:31.380
at Larger, you might say, well, he's talking in coding.

02:48:32.500 --> 02:48:34.739
Yeah, well, there is coding in there.

02:48:34.739 --> 02:48:36.020
And that's the reason why I'm bringing

02:48:36.020 --> 02:48:39.819
this awareness point up is that we should be looking

02:48:39.819 --> 02:48:43.899
into these kinds of things and see it before we decide

02:48:43.899 --> 02:48:47.860
to do anything with any property for any reason.

02:48:47.860 --> 02:48:52.860
And I just wanted to make sure that council is very astute

02:48:52.860 --> 02:48:53.860
and others.

02:48:53.860 --> 02:48:59.579
We are very astute to what is being talked about here today on this matter, on this particular

02:48:59.579 --> 02:49:00.579
matter.

02:49:00.579 --> 02:49:01.579
Oren Parker.

02:49:01.579 --> 02:49:07.700
Greater Freeport Partnership, this lot, there's three sections in it.

02:49:07.700 --> 02:49:12.979
They just had a grand opening and got a big grant to fix the weather to make it a park.

02:49:12.979 --> 02:49:16.040
This is just adding 30 feet to it.

02:49:16.040 --> 02:49:20.540
So it's a great thing that she did for us and I'm sure it will help Greater Freeport

02:49:20.540 --> 02:49:22.540
Partnership and it will make the area room for more people.

02:49:22.540 --> 02:49:33.620
Well, I put it like this here, obviously you weren't listening to me, no, that's my point,

02:49:33.620 --> 02:49:41.219
you weren't listening to me, so you didn't hear all the subscripts or the subject matter

02:49:41.219 --> 02:49:47.540
that underscores the things that I was talking about that comes out of this discussion memo

02:49:47.540 --> 02:49:52.940
that I'm looking at and if we have not looked at this memo this memo clear

02:49:52.940 --> 02:49:58.659
enough to understand the interpretation of certain things

02:49:58.659 --> 02:50:02.659
and the interpretation of certain things, whether it's given to us or not.

02:50:02.659 --> 02:50:12.659
But what I am saying is we don't want to venture into something or be labeled something that is supporting something that is put in this memo.

02:50:12.659 --> 02:50:21.659
That's my whole point. And if we have not done a background study of the things that have been put in this memo and don't know who the characters are,

02:50:21.659 --> 02:50:27.659
we don't understand the process and the culture of this character and the background of this character.

02:50:27.659 --> 02:50:45.159
We need to do our study more efficiently because words do matter, you know, words do matter, and I just want you to know everything that we sometimes supposed to look at, we're supposed to define certain things that we don't understand. That's all I'm saying.

02:50:45.159 --> 02:50:45.659
Thank you.

02:50:45.659 --> 02:50:46.659
That's all I'm saying.

02:50:46.659 --> 02:50:49.659
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

02:50:49.659 --> 02:50:50.159
Stacy?

02:50:50.159 --> 02:50:50.659
Aye.

02:50:50.659 --> 02:50:51.659
Shadle?

02:50:51.659 --> 02:50:52.159
Aye.

02:50:52.159 --> 02:50:52.659
Sanders?

02:50:52.659 --> 02:50:53.159
No.

02:50:53.159 --> 02:50:53.659
Sellers?

02:50:53.659 --> 02:50:54.159
Aye.

02:50:54.159 --> 02:50:55.159
Klemm?

02:50:55.159 --> 02:50:55.659
Aye.

02:50:55.659 --> 02:50:56.659
Johnson?

02:50:56.659 --> 02:50:57.159
Aye.

02:50:57.159 --> 02:51:04.719
Simmons, and Parker. Aye. The resolution is adopted seven to one. Item number 23 is

02:51:04.719 --> 02:51:09.639
adoption of resolution 2025-99. Could you please read this? Resolution approving

02:51:09.639 --> 02:51:15.520
independent contractor agreement with Ultimate Surveying Application Corp for

02:51:15.520 --> 02:51:19.680
Wayne Duckman for consulting services for Community and Economic Development

02:51:19.680 --> 02:51:25.520
Department. City Manager. Thank you, Your Honor. As many of you know, Wayne has

02:51:25.520 --> 02:51:30.920
submitted his letter of resignation as a Community Development Director. I asked him to stay

02:51:30.920 --> 02:51:36.319
on and we worked out about 16 hours a week until we get his position filled, which is

02:51:36.319 --> 02:51:43.000
currently being evaluated and we're in the process of interviewing candidates. So Mr.

02:51:43.000 --> 02:51:49.479
Duckman, for his own ease of accounting and so forth, asked that we use his LLC, which

02:51:49.479 --> 02:52:19.479
and many others, and we're going to continue to work with them to make sure that we're able to do that, which is Ultimate Serving Applications Corp, as essentially to pay for his services at 16 hours a week through that way. So staff recommends moving forward with an agreement with Ultimate Serving Applications Corporation on basically a week by week until we get the Community Director position filled.

02:52:19.479 --> 02:52:23.520
and others that are required so far. We haven't asked for anything, but if some emergent issue

02:52:23.520 --> 02:52:29.079
comes up, I wanted to make sure to include that in case we need his services in addition.

02:52:29.079 --> 02:52:31.200
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:52:31.200 --> 02:52:32.200
It's all moved.

02:52:32.200 --> 02:52:33.200
Second.

02:52:33.200 --> 02:52:38.799
A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution.

02:52:38.799 --> 02:52:40.520
Alderman Stacy?

02:52:40.520 --> 02:52:41.520
So do I understand?

02:52:41.520 --> 02:52:44.639
Stacy, can I just remind you to try to put all your questions together instead of the

02:52:44.639 --> 02:52:46.639
back and forth, please?

02:52:46.639 --> 02:53:10.639
So do I understand you to be saying that we have agreed to, because I believe it's already happening, pay Duckman $1,040 for 16 hours?

02:53:10.639 --> 02:53:12.639
$140,000?

02:53:12.639 --> 02:53:14.639
No, $1,040.

02:53:14.639 --> 02:53:17.440
Oh, yes, per week.

02:53:17.440 --> 02:53:19.440
For 16 hours.

02:53:19.440 --> 02:53:23.920
Yes, that works out to about as current pay and benefits at this time.

02:53:23.920 --> 02:53:32.200
And also that you had nine applicants, qualified applicants that have applied.

02:53:32.200 --> 02:53:36.020
So why haven't they, the interviewing process started?

02:53:36.020 --> 02:53:41.399
And why don't we have someone, knowing that he was leaving on the 31st of July, lined

02:53:41.399 --> 02:53:49.719
Dup to pick up the pieces and carry this load because if he go over that 16 hours then it

02:53:49.719 --> 02:53:53.479
goes up to how much an hour?

02:53:53.479 --> 02:54:03.039
I mean it goes to $90 an hour if we go over 16 hours a week.

02:54:03.039 --> 02:54:08.159
So the other question was Wayne tendered his resignation and we began the process of posting

02:54:08.159 --> 02:54:14.559
in the job very shortly thereafter within days in our conversation you told me that you had

02:54:14.559 --> 02:54:21.399
nine qualified applicants yes my question is why haven't we started we have started the

02:54:21.399 --> 02:54:27.739
interviewing process yes it's a multi-phase process what does that mean there's more than

02:54:27.739 --> 02:54:38.000
one interview any other discussion madam clerk please take the role stacy no

02:54:38.000 --> 02:55:08.000
Shadle? Sanders? Sellers? Klemm? Johnson? Simmons? Parker? The resolution is adopted 6-2. Item number 24 is the adoption of resolution 2025-100. Could you please read this? Resolution approving the American

02:55:08.000 --> 02:55:12.840
Harkins with Disabilities Acts Grievance Commission to repair certain sidewalks in the city and

02:55:12.840 --> 02:55:16.559
authorizing the City Manager to budget for such repairs.

02:55:16.559 --> 02:55:20.000
Good evening.

02:55:20.000 --> 02:55:23.959
This is the same topic that we talked about at the COW, just bringing it back for a formal

02:55:23.959 --> 02:55:25.379
vote.

02:55:25.379 --> 02:55:31.340
We have the ramps at Park and Church that are not compliant.

02:55:31.340 --> 02:55:37.520
We also had a petitioner write a letter to the Council that was read in public comment.

02:55:37.520 --> 02:55:40.039
I will review anything that anybody wants to discuss.

02:55:40.039 --> 02:55:42.639
I'm not going to go through the entire thing again.

02:55:42.639 --> 02:55:45.680
The intersection is not compliant.

02:55:45.680 --> 02:55:47.760
We started the 88 grievance policy

02:55:47.760 --> 02:55:51.119
to address situations like this.

02:55:51.119 --> 02:55:54.119
The commission voted unanimously to bring this

02:55:54.119 --> 02:55:56.280
to council for a resolution.

02:55:56.280 --> 02:55:59.639
And currently, we don't have funding marked

02:55:59.639 --> 02:56:03.039
because this program started in the middle of the year.

02:56:03.039 --> 02:56:07.360
I do think we might be able to have city construction

02:56:07.360 --> 02:56:12.200
Worker's do these intersections later this fall as time permits otherwise they

02:56:12.200 --> 02:56:18.039
would be pushed to spring but it is a necessary outcome that needs to happen

02:56:18.039 --> 02:56:23.280
here again we have in the state safe routes of school zone we're next to an

02:56:23.280 --> 02:56:29.680
eye doctor Parkview nursing home this route connects to the park systems and

02:56:29.680 --> 02:56:34.840
we have a petitioner that's actually driving his mobility device out in the

02:56:34.840 --> 02:56:40.940
Street to have safe access for him and his family during their enjoyment of the community.

02:56:40.940 --> 02:56:44.440
So I think this is a needed project and I appreciate your support.

02:56:44.440 --> 02:56:45.920
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:56:45.920 --> 02:56:46.920
So moved.

02:56:46.920 --> 02:56:47.920
Second.

02:56:47.920 --> 02:56:51.360
Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

02:56:51.360 --> 02:56:54.360
Discussion on the resolution.

02:56:54.360 --> 02:56:57.360
Alderman Sanders.

02:56:57.360 --> 02:57:11.319
Daren, Mr. Stegall, Sir, I'm looking at your map and I remember talking about the fact

02:57:11.319 --> 02:57:19.600
that we had this discussion last week, I believe it was, Sidewalk to Nowhere kind of program

02:57:19.600 --> 02:57:27.280
and then I look at the agenda here today and I notice something was added in this particular

02:57:27.280 --> 02:57:28.280
and others.

02:57:28.280 --> 02:57:35.280
So, I think that's the agenda on this particular article resolution, I should say.

02:57:35.280 --> 02:57:36.280
Just let me clarify that.

02:57:36.280 --> 02:57:37.280
Nothing's changed.

02:57:37.280 --> 02:57:38.280
Nothing's changed?

02:57:38.280 --> 02:57:40.879
This is exactly what was presented at the COW word for word.

02:57:40.879 --> 02:57:41.879
It's the same.

02:57:41.879 --> 02:57:42.879
Okay.

02:57:42.879 --> 02:57:51.559
Okay, if nothing's changed, then when we're specifying certain things about the public

02:57:51.559 --> 02:57:57.159
property, I'm going to put it like that, sidewalks are public property, right?

02:57:57.159 --> 02:57:58.920
and the ADA corners.

02:57:58.920 --> 02:58:02.159
Just only because that's not what it specifies

02:58:02.159 --> 02:58:05.239
inside of this ordinance agenda.

02:58:05.239 --> 02:58:07.079
That's the reason why I'm bringing it up.

02:58:07.079 --> 02:58:12.079
It doesn't specify or designate every aspect

02:58:12.079 --> 02:58:15.360
of what this is supposed to accommodate.

02:58:15.360 --> 02:58:19.200
And the reason why I ask that question is it feasible

02:58:19.200 --> 02:58:24.200
for a homeowner or public citizen

02:58:24.200 --> 02:58:31.399
Public Citizen to make a formal complaint about a sidewalk that sometimes, you know,

02:58:31.399 --> 02:58:36.680
sometimes they are lifted and you can trip and fall and break your leg, break your knee

02:58:36.680 --> 02:58:47.440
or whatever the case is. This is public property. When does it become ownership property and

02:58:47.440 --> 02:58:57.200
and not only the ownership property, how do we take care of the concerned adjacent property

02:58:57.200 --> 02:59:06.239
owners? Concerns about people walking down this path or this sidewalk and possibly tripping

02:59:06.239 --> 02:59:12.039
because we heard the story for many years. We know that's out there and that's the reason

02:59:12.039 --> 02:59:20.159
Whyte brought this subject up. Will we be tentative to most residents or public property

02:59:20.159 --> 02:59:26.719
or public streets or sidewalks that will get attention to be rectified so these kinds of

02:59:26.719 --> 02:59:36.000
incursion does not cause any hazards or anything of that nature to the general public? That's

02:59:36.000 --> 02:59:42.159
basically what I'm asking because because if homeowners or whoever wants

02:59:42.159 --> 02:59:47.760
something to be looked at it's our obligation to make sure it's not about

02:59:47.760 --> 02:59:52.760
well where do where does that come in at well we just we covered that at the cow

02:59:52.760 --> 02:59:57.879
okay the homeowners in Freeport own the sidewalks in front of their residents

02:59:57.879 --> 03:00:00.399
okay

03:00:00.399 --> 03:00:06.359
Hicks in front of their residents or their businesses. We only own the ADA corners. The

03:00:06.359 --> 03:00:07.359
city...

03:00:07.359 --> 03:00:17.159
Well, when I talked about sidewalk to nowhere, that's someone's property. Sidewalk to nowhere.

03:00:17.159 --> 03:00:25.479
And you're making a declaration of extending sidewalks. Well, that's what I'm getting.

03:00:25.479 --> 03:00:29.760
That's how I'm understanding that. If I'm understanding it wrong, then it must be worded

03:00:29.760 --> 03:00:32.559
St. Louis, and the City of Washington.

03:00:32.559 --> 03:00:36.619
So, this is a sidewalk to nowhere.

03:00:36.619 --> 03:00:42.639
There's no ramp that crosses the street to go out here.

03:00:42.639 --> 03:00:52.920
This is called a carriage walk and they were popular back in the 90's, 80's, but they're

03:00:52.920 --> 03:00:57.520
no longer legal because a handicapped person that is visually impaired could go down this

03:01:27.520 --> 03:01:29.520
and

03:01:30.600 --> 03:01:32.600
Mr.

03:01:33.719 --> 03:01:35.719
Miller.

03:01:38.039 --> 03:01:40.039
Okay. That subject, that right there did not come up in the

03:01:41.159 --> 03:01:43.159
last discussion. Yes, we discussed it.

03:01:44.279 --> 03:01:46.279
I know it came up for discussion, but it was addressed as a

03:01:47.399 --> 03:01:49.399
sidewalk to nowhere according to what I was listening to, and

03:01:50.500 --> 03:01:52.500
that's the reason why I'm mentioning it, because there's a

03:01:53.619 --> 03:01:55.619
lot of residents throughout the city that have sidewalks to

03:01:55.619 --> 03:02:04.619
We're addressing it now because if you can do that, if you can address it here at the council, that means that it must be something that we're considering doing. That's what I'm looking at.

03:02:04.619 --> 03:02:15.619
Our current ordinances have the ability to cite homeowners and our businesses for not extending their sidewalks. We have never chosen to do that in the city of Freeport.

03:02:15.619 --> 03:02:22.619
Financially, it's not feasible for all these people, but the city could cite someone for not connecting their sidewalks.

03:03:22.619 --> 03:03:46.979
Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, the resolution is adopted 8-0.

03:03:46.979 --> 03:03:49.260
Item number 25, approval of a bid.

03:03:49.260 --> 03:03:51.219
Could you please read this?

03:03:51.219 --> 03:03:54.579
Opening on July 22nd, lift station on Walnut Avenue.

03:03:54.579 --> 03:03:55.579
Manager Boyer.

03:03:55.579 --> 03:03:56.899
Thank you, Your Honor.

03:03:56.899 --> 03:04:01.500
Fehr Graham designed and bid sanitary sewer lift station forced main piping and gravity

03:04:01.500 --> 03:04:07.020
improvements for the land road area sanitary sewer flow at the request of the city.

03:04:07.020 --> 03:04:11.819
The existing sewer system has an issue, a significant issue near the landfill perimeter

03:04:11.819 --> 03:04:17.059
and cannot be accessed for repairs due to IEP regulations, landfill closure requirements

03:04:17.059 --> 03:04:20.319
and extreme depth of the sewer main from grade.

03:04:20.319 --> 03:04:26.680
Seward area carries a significant flow to the city's interceptor on a daily basis

03:04:26.680 --> 03:04:32.659
and a public bid opening was held on July 22nd at 1030 a.m. City staff

03:04:32.659 --> 03:04:36.719
received four bids for the project from Martin and Company and Trek Group,

03:04:36.719 --> 03:04:42.159
Kelsey Excavating and Fisher Excavating. Fisher Excavating was missing

03:04:42.159 --> 03:04:47.360
required bid item so it was deemed non-responsive and Kelsey's excavating was

03:04:47.359 --> 03:04:53.680
is the lowest responsible bidder at $2,847,451.50.

03:04:53.680 --> 03:04:57.559
Kelsey Excavating is currently working on the 2025 City Street

03:04:57.559 --> 03:05:00.119
project and has completed other sewer force

03:05:00.119 --> 03:05:03.000
main work for the city of Freeport with positive results.

03:05:03.000 --> 03:05:06.359
The project completion is estimated for June, 2026,

03:05:06.359 --> 03:05:09.000
taking into account equipment lead times.

03:05:09.000 --> 03:05:11.719
This project is planned to be paid for with Land and Road TIF

03:05:11.719 --> 03:05:14.680
funds, and staff recommends moving forward with this bid.

03:05:14.680 --> 03:05:16.039
Is there a motion to approve?

03:05:16.039 --> 03:05:16.920
So moved.

03:05:16.920 --> 03:05:28.920
The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the bid. Alderman Sanders. On the bid? On the bid.

03:05:28.920 --> 03:05:57.920
Okay, I feel absolutely, absolutely feel that there should not even been a bid entertained, first of all, on the landfill excavation pro-bid far as work that is going to be supposedly done without a complete survey and evaluation to determine the future of the landfill.

03:05:58.920 --> 03:06:09.359
Fils that are out there at the landfill on Walnut, there has to be information to the

03:06:09.359 --> 03:06:18.159
reason why we're working on a landfill sewer line that is possibly connected to the interceptors

03:06:18.159 --> 03:06:23.239
and I don't think a bid should go out for any of that kind of a project until we have

03:06:23.239 --> 03:06:49.239
We've done a complete evaluation and study on that particular landfill and bids should not even be considered before we have done our own homework here at the council and until that happens then we're walking into a blind, wooded area, that's my assessment of it

03:06:49.239 --> 03:07:02.920
and I think the people of the City of Freeport should know that there's sewer lines out at the landfill that has not had a study to determine its existence

03:07:02.920 --> 03:07:13.360
and that thing could be still open to the city, the public, causing all kinds of habits and problems so I think it needs to be reevaluated.

03:07:13.360 --> 03:07:18.520
I don't like this, I don't like an incomplete study to determine whether or not we should

03:07:18.520 --> 03:07:23.920
be bidding on anything and I'm surprised a bid like that even hit the floor, hit this

03:07:23.920 --> 03:07:24.920
council floor.

03:07:24.920 --> 03:07:31.219
I am so surprised and the derelict of duty that we have not done anything to make that

03:07:31.219 --> 03:07:38.719
discovery happen and I'm looking at it here on the agenda and I'm saying to myself, where's

03:07:38.719 --> 03:07:43.879
Where's the rest of the background noise? Where's the rest of the background information? Why

03:07:43.879 --> 03:07:51.159
haven't we had a formal discussion about these issues? We're just throwing money away without

03:07:51.159 --> 03:07:58.600
doing what we should be doing here, and I don't like the fact that it's been dismissed

03:07:58.600 --> 03:08:04.699
as if though we don't have a problem that could cause us problems within the near future,

03:08:04.699 --> 03:08:34.699
Are you asking us to vote tonight on giving Davis, Illinois, $2,847,451.50

03:08:34.699 --> 03:08:46.379
that's the bid I can't I can't believe I'm here help me understand it's not Davis

03:08:46.379 --> 03:08:51.020
Illinois that's where the contractor that's their home address is Davis

03:08:51.020 --> 03:08:55.260
Illinois it's Kelsey excavating they're already doing work for the city of

03:08:55.260 --> 03:08:59.139
Freeport they're doing our street projects and they were the low

03:08:59.139 --> 03:09:03.859
responsive bidder to the project so yes that is exactly what we're asking is to

03:09:03.860 --> 03:09:07.020
who award money to them as the low bidder.

03:09:08.579 --> 03:09:10.459
Any other discussion?

03:09:10.459 --> 03:09:12.819
I would like to clarify something if I might.

03:09:14.520 --> 03:09:18.199
We had an entire meeting at the COW last week

03:09:18.199 --> 03:09:21.119
that we went over these exact topic

03:09:21.119 --> 03:09:23.119
with the council that was here.

03:09:23.119 --> 03:09:25.779
We went through the flow and the gallons

03:09:25.779 --> 03:09:29.360
and this has been an issue since City Manager Bucus

03:09:29.360 --> 03:09:30.199
was on the staff.

03:09:30.199 --> 03:09:32.920
He's actually the one that started the project

03:09:32.920 --> 03:09:37.920
and there is a need for sewer flow enforcement out there

03:09:38.600 --> 03:09:40.920
and it's resulting in the landfill,

03:09:40.920 --> 03:09:43.559
not because of the landfill,

03:09:43.559 --> 03:09:45.920
the flow problem is through the landfill.

03:09:45.920 --> 03:09:48.840
This station will bypass the landfill

03:09:48.840 --> 03:09:52.799
and all the landfill flow from the leachate system

03:09:52.799 --> 03:09:54.799
will go into the station,

03:09:54.799 --> 03:09:57.799
as well as all of the Lamb Road Tifta stick

03:09:57.799 --> 03:10:00.639
and any expansion that happens in either direction.

03:10:00.639 --> 03:10:03.639
and the expansion that happens in either direction east or west.

03:10:03.639 --> 03:10:04.639
Mike?

03:10:04.639 --> 03:10:07.639
Okay, now remember this is about the bid.

03:10:07.639 --> 03:10:11.639
Well, he wasn't talking. Oh, well.

03:10:11.639 --> 03:10:17.639
All right, Mayor.

03:10:17.639 --> 03:10:21.639
You know, this stuff can become comical

03:10:21.639 --> 03:10:24.639
if you don't know exactly what is being said

03:10:24.639 --> 03:10:27.639
and then it'll just fly right over your head

03:10:27.639 --> 03:10:31.799
is if though you understood just what he was just saying.

03:10:31.799 --> 03:10:34.359
I'm just gonna, if it's not about the bid,

03:10:34.359 --> 03:10:36.840
I just wanna make a comment about what he just said.

03:10:36.840 --> 03:10:38.319
Is that okay?

03:10:38.319 --> 03:10:40.879
Without the term, without the word of bidding

03:10:40.879 --> 03:10:42.799
coming out of my mouth,

03:10:42.799 --> 03:10:45.779
I just wanna make a comment about what he just said.

03:10:47.479 --> 03:10:48.319
Is that okay?

03:10:48.319 --> 03:10:51.559
Because he makes comments about what we say.

03:10:51.559 --> 03:10:52.399
Okay, go ahead.

03:10:52.399 --> 03:10:53.319
All right, all right.

03:10:53.319 --> 03:11:04.859
and John. That whole landfill situation, going around the situation, but you never talked

03:11:04.859 --> 03:11:10.299
about how you're going to disconnect from the interceptors or how you're going to abandon

03:11:10.299 --> 03:11:16.979
that whole system throughout the whole process of doing anything. We're just going to abandon

03:11:16.979 --> 03:11:17.979
and others.

03:11:17.979 --> 03:11:34.479
So, we're going to make an investment to divert the line away from its normal path already

03:11:34.479 --> 03:11:44.180
to accommodate what type of flow are we trying to demonstrate here because if it's not broke

03:11:44.180 --> 03:11:50.579
and why trying to reroute something that is not broke, I just don't get it.

03:11:50.579 --> 03:11:57.399
And so if we're closing the landfill down, if the landfill is being closed down and excavation

03:11:57.399 --> 03:12:02.379
and all these kinds of things are going to take place over at the landfill, then we must

03:12:02.379 --> 03:12:08.899
do something about the existing sewer lines that are flowing to the interceptor out of

03:12:08.899 --> 03:12:17.099
of all places, and not talking about the disconnect, there has to be a disconnect there because

03:12:17.099 --> 03:12:24.180
if not, there could be infiltration at the intercept, wherever this thing dumps off to.

03:12:24.180 --> 03:12:29.859
I'd like to know how you're going to reroute it and reconnect it, whatever you're thinking

03:12:29.859 --> 03:12:30.859
about doing.

03:12:30.859 --> 03:12:34.579
I'm just baffled with all of that.

03:12:34.579 --> 03:12:37.699
So if there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, did you have something?

03:12:37.699 --> 03:12:40.699
I wanted an answer.

03:12:40.699 --> 03:12:43.819
The answer is it's all in the plan, and it's in the details.

03:12:43.819 --> 03:12:49.180
But the details are too great to explain at a council meeting.

03:12:49.180 --> 03:12:51.559
These questions should be asked throughout the week

03:12:51.559 --> 03:12:54.399
so they can be answered not at this floor.

03:12:54.399 --> 03:12:56.899
That discussion would take hours.

03:12:56.899 --> 03:12:59.500
But you haven't asked me any questions except for here.

03:12:59.500 --> 03:13:00.899
I won't, because I won't.

03:13:00.899 --> 03:13:03.399
Alderman Sanders, you need to stop being out of order, please.

03:13:03.399 --> 03:13:04.260
OK, I'm sorry.

03:13:04.260 --> 03:13:05.619
I apologize, Mayor.

03:13:05.619 --> 03:13:09.579
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

03:13:09.579 --> 03:13:10.579
Stacy?

03:13:10.579 --> 03:13:11.579
No.

03:13:11.579 --> 03:13:12.579
Shadle?

03:13:12.579 --> 03:13:13.579
Aye.

03:13:13.579 --> 03:13:14.579
Sanders?

03:13:14.579 --> 03:13:15.579
No.

03:13:15.579 --> 03:13:16.579
Sellers?

03:13:16.579 --> 03:13:17.579
Aye.

03:13:17.579 --> 03:13:18.579
Klemm?

03:13:18.579 --> 03:13:19.579
Aye.

03:13:19.579 --> 03:13:20.579
Johnson?

03:13:20.579 --> 03:13:21.579
Aye.

03:13:21.579 --> 03:13:22.579
Simmons?

03:13:22.579 --> 03:13:23.579
No.

03:13:23.579 --> 03:13:24.579
Parker?

03:13:24.579 --> 03:13:25.579
Aye.

03:13:25.579 --> 03:13:26.579
The motion passes five to three.

03:13:26.579 --> 03:13:27.579
Item number 26 is another bid.

03:13:27.579 --> 03:13:29.579
Could you please read?

03:13:29.579 --> 03:13:37.139
Bid Opening on July 30th, CD007-2025, Demolition of 8 Properties.

03:13:37.139 --> 03:13:43.739
Thank you Madam Mayor, excuse me, 8 Properties were published in the Journal Standard on

03:13:43.739 --> 03:13:51.019
July 24th for a bid opening that occurred on July 30th at 9 o'clock in the morning at

03:13:51.019 --> 03:13:57.379
City Hall and it was for the demolition of 8 blighted properties and on July 30th staff

03:13:57.379 --> 03:14:00.340
have received bids from four contractors.

03:14:00.340 --> 03:14:05.180
And based on the submitted bids, staff

03:14:05.180 --> 03:14:08.260
is recommending issuing a contract

03:14:08.260 --> 03:14:10.500
for the demolition of all eight properties

03:14:10.500 --> 03:14:14.939
to Albert and Sun Earthworks for the amount of $100,610,

03:14:14.939 --> 03:14:17.579
as they are the lowest responsible bidder.

03:14:17.579 --> 03:14:19.500
Is there a motion to approve?

03:14:19.500 --> 03:14:20.059
So moved.

03:14:20.059 --> 03:14:21.019
Second.

03:14:21.019 --> 03:14:24.379
Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

03:14:24.379 --> 03:14:26.099
Discussion on the bids.

03:14:26.099 --> 03:14:28.760
Alderman, Stacy

03:14:28.760 --> 03:14:40.180
The money used for these demolitions are coming from what?

03:14:40.180 --> 03:14:45.059
So yeah, I put that in the memo as well.

03:14:45.059 --> 03:14:51.340
Scroll down here a little bit.

03:14:51.340 --> 03:14:52.340
Better yet.

03:14:52.340 --> 03:14:53.340
Yeah.

03:14:53.340 --> 03:15:23.340
and I were at a good meeting at the library. There was money that we had from the east side of town. Money and grants that were given to us to destroy property over there. Park Street, Crocker Street, Wilbur Avenue, Adelbert Avenue are all on the east side of town. We had money we had to use or lose. Why are we using that money to destroy property over there?

03:15:23.340 --> 03:15:28.299
for those streets where we have money that we have to use or lose.

03:15:28.299 --> 03:15:36.299
I'll make it a little easier to see because it's a little bright outside, but maybe you can see it a little easier now.

03:15:36.299 --> 03:15:41.299
Funding for the demolitions comes from FEMA floodway grant programs.

03:15:41.299 --> 03:15:48.299
Okay, but wasn't that FEMA floodway grant program for housing on the east side of town?

03:15:48.299 --> 03:16:04.299
Correct. So the demolitions are funded by the FEMA floodway grant programs and then these are the houses that the property owners receive money for for selling their property and the city is demolishing it now as part of the FEMA program.

03:16:04.299 --> 03:16:16.299
But Carroll, Prospect Terrace, Pleasant Street, and Williams Road, wherever that is, it's not in the FEMA, it's not in the area where the FEMA money was granted.

03:16:16.299 --> 03:16:20.539
So, funding for the demolitions comes from the Illinois Housing Development Authority

03:16:20.539 --> 03:16:25.659
Strong Communities Program, which the city has now spent most of it, but there's still

03:16:25.659 --> 03:16:27.059
money left.

03:16:27.059 --> 03:16:33.439
That program is $300,000 for the demolition of blighted properties and the FEMA Floodway

03:16:33.439 --> 03:16:34.539
Grant Program.

03:16:34.539 --> 03:16:39.459
So, if it's on the east side and eligible, it receives the FEMA Floodway Grant Program

03:16:39.459 --> 03:16:40.500
money.

03:16:40.500 --> 03:16:45.500
If it is not, it has fallen into the IDA Strong Community Program and that's where the funding

03:16:45.500 --> 03:16:46.979
comes from.

03:16:46.979 --> 03:16:51.899
But what about the, what was it, 10 or 12 houses

03:16:51.899 --> 03:16:56.099
that was not on the east side of town,

03:16:56.099 --> 03:16:59.579
that were scheduled to come down this year,

03:16:59.579 --> 03:17:01.059
and none have come down?

03:17:01.059 --> 03:17:02.299
I have no idea.

03:17:02.299 --> 03:17:04.299
Well, you'd have to give me specific properties.

03:17:04.299 --> 03:17:07.979
We now have 17 properties that are, this is at first eight,

03:17:07.979 --> 03:17:09.500
and I have another nine.

03:17:09.500 --> 03:17:13.099
And this department, I believe, has another bid opening

03:17:13.099 --> 03:17:14.619
coming for 10 more properties.

03:17:14.619 --> 03:17:29.619
I spoke with you and City Manager Boyer and I asked for a list. So are you telling me this is 8 of the 17 on the list?

03:17:29.619 --> 03:17:35.619
I would say probably yes. I don't have that list in front of me, but I don't know what properties...

03:17:35.619 --> 03:17:37.619
I'm still waiting for it to...

03:17:37.619 --> 03:17:42.039
I don't know what, I mean, I could tell you that there's eight properties being demolished

03:17:42.039 --> 03:17:47.420
in this bid package. There's about to be nine more coming up after this, and then my staff

03:17:47.420 --> 03:17:51.719
is working on another ten. There's going to be another bid opening. So that would be twenty-seven

03:17:51.719 --> 03:17:56.719
properties probably in the next two months that are going to be demolished.

03:17:56.719 --> 03:18:02.799
Okay. Madam Clerk, Alderman Klemm?

03:18:02.799 --> 03:18:09.559
Just because it was mentioned before, Wayne, many of us know about the properties on the

03:18:09.559 --> 03:18:15.840
east side, but could you explain, because some of the renters have come forward and

03:18:15.840 --> 03:18:20.920
could some of these houses be rebuilt, so on and so forth, tell them the status of what

03:18:20.920 --> 03:18:24.479
these houses, the condition of them, just so we...

03:18:24.479 --> 03:18:31.319
Well, the short answer is any property on the east side, these properties, I've walked

03:18:31.319 --> 03:18:34.199
through the majority of these personally,

03:18:34.199 --> 03:18:38.000
because I have to let in our asbestos contractor.

03:18:38.000 --> 03:18:41.519
So many of these properties have a water line

03:18:41.519 --> 03:18:43.719
through the house actually on the walls.

03:18:43.719 --> 03:18:45.439
Many of them do.

03:18:45.439 --> 03:18:50.000
Many of them also have soggy floors from water damage.

03:18:50.000 --> 03:18:54.319
So practically speaking, they're beyond repair.

03:18:54.319 --> 03:18:55.139
But then if you want to go

03:18:55.139 --> 03:18:57.279
into actual government regulation,

03:18:57.279 --> 03:19:00.039
FEMA at the federal level is not going

03:19:00.039 --> 03:19:05.039
who let a government entity like the city issue permits

03:19:05.039 --> 03:19:08.199
for fixing a property for, excuse me,

03:19:08.199 --> 03:19:10.939
for more than 50% of its value.

03:19:10.939 --> 03:19:13.159
So there's a practical implication

03:19:13.159 --> 03:19:16.039
which basically says the buildings are gone too far,

03:19:16.039 --> 03:19:18.340
but there's also the federal government

03:19:18.340 --> 03:19:20.760
which is saying you cannot redevelop it.

03:19:20.760 --> 03:19:22.039
Another common complaint,

03:19:22.039 --> 03:19:24.399
I've read some of the complaints from our community

03:19:24.399 --> 03:19:26.859
is that there's poor living conditions.

03:19:26.859 --> 03:19:56.859
The truly unfortunate part is many of these properties are picked up, now the ones up here that were talked about, the non-FEMA Eastside properties, the sad thing is many of these properties are picked up for back taxes, they're not properly repaired and people are renting them and then the city ultimately comes by, has to do inspections and finds out that these properties that are so far gone are not completely repaired to an adequate level and it's sad that

03:19:56.859 --> 03:20:00.619
and our community is actually renting these properties.

03:20:00.619 --> 03:20:06.379
is actually renting these properties so many of these properties are all of

03:20:06.379 --> 03:20:14.619
these properties are so far gone that they cannot be repaired thank you very

03:20:14.619 --> 03:20:18.019
much I appreciate it you're welcome Sanders and what you're also

03:20:18.019 --> 03:20:24.419
stipulating that there that that these properties are since they are at the

03:20:24.419 --> 03:20:31.899
and the point of demolition, there shouldn't be any occupiers even in those buildings as

03:20:31.899 --> 03:20:34.059
we speak today. Is that what you're saying?

03:20:34.059 --> 03:20:35.459
Yes, that is correct.

03:20:35.459 --> 03:20:43.419
And that we should be moving forward to having those property tore down. Have we had any

03:20:43.419 --> 03:20:50.539
complaints about any of the properties that we're tearing down to be reconsidered for

03:20:50.539 --> 03:20:57.579
Rehab, or Rehabilitation and that kind of thing. Have we had that kind of expression

03:20:57.579 --> 03:21:03.639
down at the development, at the community development to reconsider anything that someone

03:21:03.639 --> 03:21:07.499
was interested in? All of these eastside properties here that

03:21:07.499 --> 03:21:15.139
you're seeing here were purchased at a closing. Paperwork was signed and the property owners,

03:21:15.139 --> 03:21:20.499
if they lived, they received appraised value plus $31,000 if they lived in the property

03:21:20.499 --> 03:21:22.739
during the time of the flood.

03:21:22.739 --> 03:21:27.579
The other properties up here are either fast track demolitions or they are purchased off

03:21:27.579 --> 03:21:31.179
of the back or purchased from the county for back taxes.

03:21:31.179 --> 03:21:36.899
So any property up here that is purchased for back taxes was owned by the county, the

03:21:36.899 --> 03:21:39.459
city owns it, there's not going to be a complaint.

03:21:39.459 --> 03:21:45.019
Any property that is a fast track demolition has had proper notice and there's due process

03:21:45.019 --> 03:21:48.659
for that property owner to file a complaint and stop demolition.

03:21:48.659 --> 03:21:56.899
So at any point in time, every one of these properties has had an opportunity to talk

03:21:56.899 --> 03:22:00.499
about development, et cetera, and they're no longer at that point.

03:22:00.499 --> 03:22:05.339
Alderman, Sanders, please remember we're talking about a bid.

03:22:05.339 --> 03:22:06.339
Huh?

03:22:06.339 --> 03:22:10.619
This is about approving a bid.

03:22:10.619 --> 03:22:13.619
Okay.

03:22:13.619 --> 03:22:22.179
You know sometimes I have to navigate myself through the process, even though it might be

03:22:22.179 --> 03:22:29.759
inconvenienced to a lot of folk that are listening, but the thing about it is, we're sticking

03:22:29.759 --> 03:22:41.979
to the bidding portion of it all, the only thing I like to know is, when you're looking

03:22:41.979 --> 03:22:51.859
and Bids for these properties that are supposed to be demoed and people have not any complaints

03:22:51.859 --> 03:22:54.519
about these property and reconsideration.

03:22:54.519 --> 03:23:03.619
Are you receiving anything about these properties that should make you say, hmm, question it

03:23:03.619 --> 03:23:06.219
or reconsider or anything?

03:23:06.219 --> 03:23:12.459
is anybody making any kind of proposals to the community about these properties?

03:23:12.459 --> 03:23:17.859
No, there's nothing substantive about these properties that's being proposed for redevelopment,

03:23:17.859 --> 03:23:18.859
etc.

03:23:18.859 --> 03:23:19.859
Okay.

03:23:19.859 --> 03:23:20.859
All right then.

03:23:20.859 --> 03:23:21.859
Okay.

03:23:21.859 --> 03:23:22.859
Alderman Johnson?

03:23:22.859 --> 03:23:25.819
I just wondered what makes the difference in the price of the bid?

03:23:25.819 --> 03:23:29.899
Is it just the size of the house, the material it's made out of, or what makes the difference

03:23:29.899 --> 03:23:30.899
between the prices?

03:23:30.899 --> 03:23:32.899
Your biggest, sorry, go ahead.

03:23:32.899 --> 03:23:33.899
I apologize.

03:23:33.899 --> 03:23:35.939
No, that's it.

03:23:35.939 --> 03:23:42.379
Your biggest, truly the biggest gap that you're going to see up here on prices, majority of

03:23:42.379 --> 03:23:44.319
it's going to be asbestos abatement.

03:23:44.319 --> 03:23:50.379
So every single property on here has an asbestos inspection and on the bid packet there is

03:23:50.379 --> 03:23:56.579
a list from a contractor that says what has asbestos on the property and if there's asbestos

03:23:56.579 --> 03:24:00.859
within the property that could more than double the price of a demolition.

03:24:00.859 --> 03:24:04.859
So if a property doesn't have asbestos it's going to be a quick, it'll be a much lower

03:24:04.859 --> 03:24:05.859
price.

03:24:05.859 --> 03:24:35.859
Thank you. Madam Clerk, please take the roll on approving the bid. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The motion passes 8 to 0. Item number 27 is another bid approval. Could you please read this? Bid opening on July 30th.

03:24:35.859 --> 03:25:05.859
C.D. 008-2025 Demolition of Nine Properties Director Duckman excuse me thank you madam mayor as promised here are the other nine properties that are up for demolition and these nine properties were published in the journal standard on July 24th and the bid opening was held at City Hall on July 30th and 915 city staff received bids from four contractors and this

03:25:05.859 --> 03:25:13.939
Based on the submitted bids, the lowest responsible builder was Alber and Sun Earthworks and they

03:25:13.939 --> 03:25:21.019
submitted a bid for $121,570 to demolish all properties and staff recommends issuing them

03:25:21.019 --> 03:25:23.459
the contract as the lowest responsible bidder.

03:25:23.459 --> 03:25:25.219
Is there a motion to approve?

03:25:25.219 --> 03:25:26.219
So moved.

03:25:26.219 --> 03:25:27.219
Second.

03:25:27.219 --> 03:25:31.259
A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.

03:25:31.259 --> 03:25:32.259
Discussion on the bid.

03:25:32.259 --> 03:25:35.219
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

03:25:35.219 --> 03:25:45.979
Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, and Parker.

03:25:45.979 --> 03:25:47.459
Who is absent?

03:25:47.459 --> 03:25:49.419
The motion passes 7-0.

03:25:49.419 --> 03:25:54.059
Item number 28 is another bid, could you please read?

03:25:54.059 --> 03:26:02.219
Bid opening on August 1st, 2025, CD009-2025, Fence Installation and Board Up at 114122

03:26:02.219 --> 03:26:04.219
Delph, Liberty Avenue.

03:26:04.219 --> 03:26:06.219
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

03:26:06.219 --> 03:26:10.219
So talk a little bit about what we have going on here.

03:26:10.219 --> 03:26:14.219
We have a site plan here.

03:26:14.219 --> 03:26:18.219
Kind of showing what's going on at the Raleigh complex.

03:26:18.219 --> 03:26:22.219
As everybody knows, the Raleigh building is in

03:26:22.219 --> 03:26:26.219
poor condition. There has been some

03:26:26.219 --> 03:26:30.219
stone falling off into this alley.

03:26:30.219 --> 03:27:00.219
We've also broken windows around the area and recognizing that staff has worked with City Manager Boyer and discussed options on how we can better secure the site and so we put out to bid a site plan illustrating what we could do to secure the site so essentially there is a six foot high chain link fence that's going to go around the Raleigh Complex. It's going to connect. There's an existing garage here.

03:27:00.219 --> 03:27:25.279
and

03:27:25.279 --> 03:27:36.279
I'm also going to include a board up, so I've drawn in red the building, the, okay, it's going to full screen mode.

03:27:36.279 --> 03:27:47.279
Essentially I showed the, essentially it's going to be all of the first floor windows on the Raleigh Complex are going to be, I highlighted in red here what it's going to look like.

03:27:47.279 --> 03:27:53.279
These windows will be boarded up, and then if you scroll up there will be a few more that will be boarded up.

03:27:53.279 --> 03:28:23.279
Basically essentially all of the windows on the first floor will be boarded up and so the city staff at the bid opening it was published in the Journal Standard on July 27th and the bidding bid opening occurred on August 1st at 10 a.m. at City Hall and city staff received bids from three contractors Fence Peoria was eliminated as they did not submit the required all the required documents and

03:28:23.279 --> 03:28:40.719
The lowest responsible bidder was Winter Construction at a proposal of $78,000 and staff is recommending moving forward with Winter Construction for the installation of a fence and board up of all of the first floor windows at the Raleigh Building.

03:28:40.719 --> 03:28:42.159
Is there a motion to approve?

03:28:42.159 --> 03:28:43.319
So moved.

03:28:43.319 --> 03:28:44.719
Second.

03:28:44.719 --> 03:28:50.279
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

03:28:50.279 --> 03:28:52.619
Discussion, Alderman Stacy?

03:28:52.619 --> 03:29:04.459
If we're putting up a fence, why do we have to worry with the windows if there's going to be a fence around it, the whole building? And better yet, why not just tear it down?

03:29:05.459 --> 03:29:21.779
Well, the demolition would probably push close to $10 million. So with budget season coming up, might be a good idea for you possibly propose that. But until then, securing the site is the best, best plan of action.

03:29:22.619 --> 03:29:30.619
Other than just a fence, it's important that staff is trying to secure the area as much as possible.

03:29:30.619 --> 03:29:37.619
So we have broken windows and glass, and it's an easier way that if somebody were to get in through the fence, they could still climb into the building.

03:29:37.619 --> 03:29:46.619
So we're doing everything we can. Staff wants to do everything they can to secure the site and protect it from further vandalism.

03:29:46.619 --> 03:29:48.619
So this is going to be what, a four foot fence?

03:29:48.619 --> 03:29:49.619
Six foot high fence.

03:29:49.619 --> 03:30:00.589
6-foot high fence. 6-foot high fence. Link or? Chain link. Alderman, Sanders.

03:30:00.589 --> 03:30:09.869
Pullerman, Sanders. Mr. Duckman, that building been in place for how many years?

03:30:09.869 --> 03:30:16.829
Probably close to a hundred years. Yeah and the main reason why and I want the

03:30:16.829 --> 03:30:20.909
general public to know the main reason why it hasn't been considered to be

03:30:20.909 --> 03:30:50.909
Demold at this time and what's the outbreak or the outcome or the environment that this particular building could bring onto the city and why haven't we made proposal for grants to do it the proper way and if there's a reason why that is, kind of educate us a little bit on why this building is still standing and we're talking

03:30:50.909 --> 03:30:55.909
and I have been taking $5 to try to mend it up with Band-Aids.

03:30:56.749 --> 03:31:00.129
And there should be appropriate grants

03:31:00.129 --> 03:31:02.549
for this kind of hazard.

03:31:02.549 --> 03:31:04.349
This building is a complete hazard.

03:31:04.349 --> 03:31:07.209
It's been here, like you say, over 100 years,

03:31:07.209 --> 03:31:09.069
but been out of commission, I'm gonna say,

03:31:09.069 --> 03:31:11.969
about over 50 years, that kind of thing.

03:31:11.969 --> 03:31:13.829
But the point that I'm making is,

03:31:14.869 --> 03:31:19.329
how come we have not looked into this particular matter

03:31:19.329 --> 03:31:22.089
instead of throwing band-aids up against it

03:31:22.089 --> 03:31:26.609
and see what the outcome is that we're considering

03:31:26.609 --> 03:31:29.289
because that building has been an eyesore

03:31:29.289 --> 03:31:31.649
to the city of Freeport for decades

03:31:31.649 --> 03:31:34.049
and we need to be trying to be tentative

03:31:34.049 --> 03:31:35.889
or even about that as opposed,

03:31:35.889 --> 03:31:39.329
if we can take $10 million and find grants

03:31:39.329 --> 03:31:43.649
for $10 million to tear down a building,

03:31:43.649 --> 03:31:48.569
we should be able to take $10 million to erect housings,

03:31:48.569 --> 03:31:50.809
and

03:31:50.809 --> 03:31:51.569
a

03:31:51.569 --> 03:31:52.069
couple

03:31:52.069 --> 03:31:52.569
of

03:31:52.569 --> 03:31:53.069
things.

03:31:53.069 --> 03:31:54.069
Well, you had a lot there.

03:31:54.069 --> 03:31:55.069
So I'll try to get it.

03:31:55.069 --> 03:31:57.069
I'll try to address all of your comments.

03:31:57.069 --> 03:32:03.069
The first comment is when you walk down this alley, I don't know last time you walked down

03:32:03.069 --> 03:32:05.569
this alley, it's full of stone.

03:32:05.569 --> 03:32:13.569
And what it is is the cap up here is likely people we know people are breaking into the

03:32:13.569 --> 03:32:20.209
here, it's likely people, we know people are breaking into this area.

03:32:20.209 --> 03:32:21.329
We have evidence of that.

03:32:21.329 --> 03:32:23.409
We have proof of that.

03:32:23.409 --> 03:32:27.089
There's quite a bit of vandalism for people breaking in and it's likely that they're pushing

03:32:27.089 --> 03:32:31.089
all of the cap and stone into this alley.

03:32:31.089 --> 03:32:42.609
And right now, after observing and knowing that, I find it just irresponsible to continue

03:32:42.609 --> 03:32:48.669
studied, and they paid for their work.

03:32:48.669 --> 03:32:59.889
The work was done at that time as a way to allow God forbid somebody walks down there

03:32:59.889 --> 03:33:01.309
and that stone hits a person.

03:33:01.309 --> 03:33:07.909
So, at that point, the most immediate action to do is to lock off this alley in the surrounding

03:33:07.909 --> 03:33:08.909
area.

03:33:08.909 --> 03:33:38.909
Boyer, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor

03:33:38.909 --> 03:33:45.769
Yes, and we can investigate that. Yes, that takes time. Yes, it takes time. Other part

03:33:45.769 --> 03:33:53.509
to that is brownfield reuse. Other communities have had success in redeveloping, this is

03:33:53.509 --> 03:34:02.109
a brownfield site, an old industrial building that has lacked use in 50 years, let's say.

03:34:02.109 --> 03:34:07.889
Okay, I have been part of bringing developers, potential developers into this site with ideas

03:34:07.889 --> 03:34:37.889
and I have. It's a tough sell. I'm not going to sit here and tell you that that's an easy sell. So the tough decision city staff has is and should should also look at in parallel at the same time is looking to redevelop it, which would eliminate the need for a demolition or also and parallel so at the same time and also investigate grants for its demolition. And that's what we're doing. That's a

03:34:37.889 --> 03:34:38.889
and so on.

03:34:38.889 --> 03:34:48.169
I'm glad to hear that we are on the move with that as something that has been put on the

03:34:48.169 --> 03:34:54.449
back burner for decades and nobody has brought the subject matter up and I think it's a good

03:34:54.449 --> 03:35:01.369
time for the whole community to take that into consideration and say, well, hey, we're

03:35:01.369 --> 03:35:06.329
doing everything else, we're throwing lift stations and water wells and places like that

03:35:06.329 --> 03:35:12.369
and we're getting grants for all these kinds of things but one thing that we have not focused

03:35:12.369 --> 03:35:23.369
on is the haphazard things that is being in our community that it really is an environment

03:35:23.369 --> 03:35:24.369
problem.

03:35:24.369 --> 03:35:32.009
It's not going to go away and the thing about it is we need to pursue grants that rectifies

03:35:32.009 --> 03:35:35.849
and take care of these kinds of things

03:35:35.849 --> 03:35:37.369
that we need to get rid of.

03:35:37.369 --> 03:35:38.449
I can see that.

03:35:38.449 --> 03:35:41.609
I can see the environment of these building

03:35:41.609 --> 03:35:46.609
cause health breathing problems within the city

03:35:48.949 --> 03:35:51.949
without the city doing a full evaluation

03:35:54.169 --> 03:35:55.969
of the air of the city.

03:35:55.969 --> 03:35:57.709
I don't even think we test our air here

03:35:57.709 --> 03:35:59.089
in the city of Freeport.

03:35:59.089 --> 03:36:00.929
To be honest with you, we should start,

03:36:00.929 --> 03:36:06.289
but you know I don't think we do but just to get just to get an idea what a

03:36:06.289 --> 03:36:10.769
building can do to the city without knowing that certain agents are floating

03:36:10.769 --> 03:36:14.809
it floating around out there in the community we need to do a study on that

03:36:14.809 --> 03:36:20.329
as well I'm just venting right now but understood we want to get back to this

03:36:20.329 --> 03:36:26.889
is about a bid Alderman Johnson do we have any bids at all how much it would

03:36:26.889 --> 03:36:39.129
We've not, but what was our demolition, what was the, what did we just receive for two, the dry cleaner downtown?

03:36:39.129 --> 03:36:52.129
So the, yeah, the dry cleaner in the building next door that the city owns is going to cost a little over $1.2 million to demo just those two buildings and they're not built anywhere close to the solidness of this structure.

03:36:52.129 --> 03:37:22.129
and I wanted to remind everyone when we got the 1.7 million dollars that was the by far largest award in the state of Illinois to take down any buildings they don't have grants of 10 million dollars to take down a building this size so the city will be footing the bill at some point along with a grant to take something like this down it's a very large cost here it's a complete concrete structure

03:37:22.129 --> 03:37:30.669
Johnson. The low bidder that bid, they didn't include some information. Can we not ask them

03:37:30.669 --> 03:37:34.009
for that information? That's not something we can do.

03:37:34.009 --> 03:37:38.869
We looked and actually I looked into that matter with council and discussed it at length

03:37:38.869 --> 03:37:44.209
and we looked through our rules and regulations and it was determined that that's not it's

03:37:44.209 --> 03:37:49.089
not fair to the you know during the open bidding in an open bidding process it wouldn't be

03:37:49.089 --> 03:37:54.969
B. Fair to have everybody else submit a complete submittal, and this happens quite a bit where

03:37:54.969 --> 03:37:59.929
somebody forgets and document and they can't come back later and submit it.

03:37:59.929 --> 03:38:04.609
That's common practice in not just Freeport but any community.

03:38:04.609 --> 03:38:08.609
We list out if there's 10 items you have to submit, you have to submit all 10 items or

03:38:08.609 --> 03:38:11.129
else you're thrown out of the open bid.

03:38:11.129 --> 03:38:12.129
Alderman Sellers?

03:38:12.129 --> 03:38:17.489
Yes, I just want to know when all the fencing and everything is around, are we also going

03:38:17.489 --> 03:38:47.489
Johnson, Klem, Johnson, Simmons,

03:38:47.489 --> 03:39:03.829
Parker. So we have six to one passes. Item number 29 is another bid. Could you please

03:39:03.829 --> 03:39:14.889
read this? Bid opening on August 1st, CD 010-2025, asbestos abatement for hanger D at 2155 East

03:39:14.889 --> 03:39:16.889
and

03:39:17.689 --> 03:39:19.689
Dr. Duckman. Thank you, Madam Mayor.

03:39:20.089 --> 03:39:26.789
So I have a couple pictures coming up here shortly, but essentially what we have is hangar D is at the Alberta's Airport

03:39:27.309 --> 03:39:29.309
and it's quickly deteriorating

03:39:29.509 --> 03:39:31.509
building and

03:39:31.729 --> 03:39:36.209
It truly needs to be demolished and staff is

03:39:36.969 --> 03:39:41.289
Going to self-perform this Public Works Department will self perform the demolition

03:39:41.289 --> 03:39:47.189
however, asbestos abatement has to be done by a licensed contractor for that work and

03:39:47.189 --> 03:39:53.929
so staff put out a bid for asbestos abatement for Hanger D at Alberta's Airport and it was

03:39:53.929 --> 03:39:58.729
published in the Journal Standard on July 27th and the bid opening was held August 1st

03:39:58.729 --> 03:40:00.569
at 1015 and staff.

03:40:00.569 --> 03:40:07.109
at 1015 and staff received bids from two contractors and the one contractor did not submit a bid

03:40:07.109 --> 03:40:14.809
bond as required and so therefore their bid was eliminated and the staff is recommending

03:40:14.809 --> 03:40:20.349
going with the lowest responsible bidder of Environmental Management Services of Iowa

03:40:20.349 --> 03:40:23.129
and they submitted a bid of $27,750.

03:40:23.129 --> 03:40:25.729
Is there a motion to approve?

03:40:25.729 --> 03:40:26.729
So move.

03:40:26.729 --> 03:40:27.729
Second.

03:40:27.729 --> 03:40:34.929
made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on this bid. Alderman Sanders.

03:40:34.929 --> 03:40:48.529
I understand that bid, but there's an environmental issue with that bid. And what you're saying,

03:40:48.529 --> 03:40:53.529
they are certified to do the asbestos for demolition.

03:40:57.209 --> 03:40:59.369
They are certified to do that.

03:40:59.369 --> 03:41:01.009
Yes, that was part of their submitted,

03:41:01.009 --> 03:41:03.129
they were required to submit their licenses

03:41:03.129 --> 03:41:04.289
as part of this bid.

03:41:04.289 --> 03:41:07.009
So when we opened it and Clerk Anderson was a witness,

03:41:07.009 --> 03:41:07.849
can attest to it,

03:41:07.849 --> 03:41:11.489
had seen that they submitted their proper licensing.

03:41:11.489 --> 03:41:16.289
Okay, any other city property have received any bids

03:41:16.289 --> 03:41:20.529
for Demolition with Asbestos.

03:41:20.529 --> 03:41:21.609
Okay, we're not going there.

03:41:21.609 --> 03:41:25.449
This is about this particular bid at the airport,

03:41:25.449 --> 03:41:27.289
not all the other stuff.

03:41:27.289 --> 03:41:28.849
I don't like what you just said.

03:41:28.849 --> 03:41:29.689
You know what?

03:41:29.689 --> 03:41:31.249
You keep going on in a direction

03:41:31.249 --> 03:41:32.569
that's not according to what is on.

03:41:32.569 --> 03:41:34.809
I'm talking about a bid.

03:41:34.809 --> 03:41:37.369
You just asked about a bid for the entire city.

03:41:37.369 --> 03:41:38.209
I don't care.

03:41:38.209 --> 03:41:39.049
So we are talking about a bid at Hangar D.

03:41:39.049 --> 03:41:43.009
What goes for one property goes for all property.

03:41:43.009 --> 03:41:45.169
I'm asking a question about a bid.

03:41:45.169 --> 03:41:48.089
Would you like to ask a question about Hangar D?

03:41:48.089 --> 03:41:51.809
Why are you directing my focus to just Hangar D?

03:41:51.809 --> 03:41:54.169
Because that's what the agenda is.

03:41:54.169 --> 03:41:56.209
Hangar D is not the only problem.

03:41:56.209 --> 03:41:58.449
It is the only thing that's on this bid.

03:41:58.449 --> 03:41:59.449
Okay.

03:41:59.449 --> 03:42:01.089
All right, Mayor.

03:42:01.089 --> 03:42:04.689
You are asserting yourself into...

03:42:04.689 --> 03:42:05.689
Is there any other discussion?

03:42:05.689 --> 03:42:08.769
If not, Madam Clerk, could you please take the role?

03:42:08.769 --> 03:42:10.129
You can't be doing that, Mayor.

03:42:10.129 --> 03:42:11.129
Stacy?

03:42:11.129 --> 03:42:12.129
Aye.

03:42:12.129 --> 03:42:13.129
Shadle?

03:42:13.129 --> 03:42:14.129
Aye.

03:42:14.129 --> 03:42:15.129
Sanders?

03:42:15.129 --> 03:42:28.169
Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The motion passes 7 to 1. Item number 30 is another bid approval. Please read this.

03:42:30.169 --> 03:42:35.209
Bid opening on August 13th. Resurfacing of 18th Avenue. Manager Boyer?

03:42:35.209 --> 03:42:49.209
Thank you, Your Honor. Recon Corporation worked with the City of Freeport to reach an agreement for the development of the solar field at the end of 18th Avenue that's in the arcade.

03:42:49.209 --> 03:43:03.209
As part of the agreement, Recon Corporation was to assist with roadway improvements to 18th Avenue because the idea is they'll be using 18th Avenue to do the installation, they'll be running trucks in and out of there,

03:43:03.209 --> 03:43:10.569
and the road was somewhat deteriorated and the point is to restore the road once they're completed with the solar field project.

03:43:10.569 --> 03:43:19.369
So as part of the agreement, Recon Corporation will contribute $440,000 toward improvements on 18th Avenue

03:43:19.369 --> 03:43:25.769
and provide the City of Freeport with improvement plans prepared by Bowman for the improvements to 18th Avenue.

03:43:25.769 --> 03:43:31.209
A public bid opening was held on August 13th at 10 a.m. at the City of Freeport.

03:43:31.209 --> 03:43:36.889
City staff received three bids for the project, one from Martin & Company, one from Helm and

03:43:36.889 --> 03:43:46.329
Fisher's Excavating. Fisher's Excavating was the lowest responsible bidder at $511,212.0. Fisher

03:43:46.329 --> 03:43:52.329
Excavating is currently working on the 2025 City Water and Streets projects and has completed

03:43:52.329 --> 03:43:59.129
other street improvements within the City of Freeport with positive results. Project completion

03:43:59.129 --> 03:44:06.169
is estimated for October of 2025. This project is planned to be paid with the $440,000 in funds

03:44:06.169 --> 03:44:12.489
from the Solar Developer Recon Corporation with the remaining amount through local funds.

03:44:12.489 --> 03:44:19.129
It should be noted that $133,000 of Fisher's total bid is contingency for unsuitable soils

03:44:19.129 --> 03:44:23.049
that may be encountered during the construction. Staff recommends moving forward with the bid.

03:44:23.049 --> 03:44:35.049
Is there a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the bid. Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

03:44:35.049 --> 03:44:51.049
Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders is absent. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The motion passes 7-0.

03:44:51.049 --> 03:44:54.249
Item number 31 is reports of department heads. Finance?

03:44:54.249 --> 03:44:55.249
Oh, none tonight.

03:44:55.249 --> 03:45:00.249
Public Works? Fire?

03:45:00.249 --> 03:45:10.249
Yes, thank you, Your Honor. I know it's been a long meeting, but I feel I have the need to acknowledge and recognize two of my paramedics from a job well done.

03:45:10.249 --> 03:45:24.249
On August 14th, Ambulance One was dispatched for an elderly male who a gas station at Shell Gas Station in Galena, those folks thought something just isn't right with this gentleman.

03:45:24.249 --> 03:45:34.249
So our paramedics responded there, they took the time to have a discussion with the gentleman, find out why he was in our area here, where he was from,

03:45:34.249 --> 03:45:42.009
and then they looked even further to gather his name and phone number for family members.

03:45:42.009 --> 03:45:47.569
So one of the paramedics phoned police dispatch, ran the gentleman's name.

03:45:47.569 --> 03:45:53.489
It turned out that he was endangered and missing from city Chicago for four or five days.

03:45:53.489 --> 03:45:58.569
He had no idea how he got out here, why he was here.

03:45:58.569 --> 03:46:05.089
So they checked him out. They phoned the gentleman's daughter. They were elated that he's finally

03:46:05.089 --> 03:46:11.649
been located and he's safe. The ambulance crew, Adam Holtz and Nathan Stepp transported

03:46:11.649 --> 03:46:16.729
the gentleman to the hospital just to be checked out. And that's where the reunion of his family

03:46:16.729 --> 03:46:22.369
members took place. So 84-year-old gentleman disoriented didn't know how he got to Freeport

03:46:22.369 --> 03:46:27.969
from City of Chicago. So those turn out to be a good outcome for the gentlemen of

03:46:27.969 --> 03:46:34.849
my paramedics. Thank you. Thank you. Police? Nothing from the Police Department.

03:46:34.849 --> 03:46:44.369
Library? Nothing tonight. Community Development? Nothing tonight, Madam Mayor. IT? Airport? City

03:46:44.369 --> 03:46:51.249
Manager? Just one thing, Mayor. I just want to reflect on the the wonderful work

03:46:51.249 --> 03:46:54.249
and I, and we're going to be doing a lot of work that was done on 18th Avenue.

03:46:54.249 --> 03:47:08.249
I know it was kind of the last thing on the agenda, but that is one way the city was able to use our work with the various solar contractors to flip that around and turn that into new infrastructure.

03:47:08.249 --> 03:47:11.249
So I just want to thank all the staff that were involved with that negotiation.

03:47:11.249 --> 03:47:13.249
It's an excellent job.

03:47:13.249 --> 03:47:43.249
I want to remind everyone about take advantage of the tire recycling if that's something that it could be helpful to you and then reminder of two events this weekend is Paint the Port is on Friday night as well as Eats and Beats is Friday night and Saturday night. So two great events in the downtown at the Art Plaza and in the streets. Alderman Stacey? Nothing. Alderman Shadle? Yes, thank you. Last week the Committee of the Whole meeting

03:47:43.249 --> 03:47:51.009
There was mention made at public comment at the end that statements that myself and Director

03:47:51.009 --> 03:48:00.089
Steekle had made that were to quote lies and it had to do with the lift station on Walnut

03:48:00.089 --> 03:48:02.569
Road.

03:48:02.569 --> 03:48:11.629
Our comments were that it has been talked about for two years and I just wanted to mention

03:48:11.629 --> 03:48:15.709
that I did a little digging and there was a Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday January

03:48:15.709 --> 03:48:26.549
9th of 2023 where there was discussion regarding Walnut Lamb Road, Forest Main, and Lyft Station.

03:48:26.549 --> 03:48:35.129
And a week later on Tuesday January 17th of 2023 it was passed to a resolution approving

03:48:35.129 --> 03:48:40.189
engineering agreement with Fehr Graham for design services, so that's all, thank you.

03:48:40.189 --> 03:48:57.589
On that particular note that I was just hearing with other issues, nothing has not been conformed

03:48:57.589 --> 03:48:58.589
completely.

03:48:58.589 --> 03:49:07.589
We have incomplete work that needs to be reevaluated and to be studied.

03:49:07.589 --> 03:49:14.029
and I don't care how many times we talk about the subject matter, it doesn't matter as long

03:49:14.029 --> 03:49:18.989
as we are understanding what it is that the city is trying to push the citizens of Freeport

03:49:18.989 --> 03:49:26.989
into. And we need to not only evaluate what council is doing, but we need to evaluate

03:49:26.989 --> 03:49:35.269
ourselves as far as anything else. Are we cohesive on any matter that the city might

03:49:35.269 --> 03:49:43.669
have on the agenda and do we all conform together to come to a resolution of anything and that's

03:49:43.669 --> 03:49:49.309
what I've been I've been sitting here for over two years now and and I and I watched

03:49:49.309 --> 03:49:58.949
I learned I figured out how the game is pretty much played and and we need to change our

03:49:58.949 --> 03:50:00.549
thinking and this is why

03:50:00.549 --> 03:50:01.549
and I.

03:50:01.549 --> 03:50:02.549
Thinking.

03:50:02.549 --> 03:50:06.229
And this is why, I don't know how many minutes I got, but if you shut me down, I'm going

03:50:06.229 --> 03:50:09.269
to go up to the podium and talk some more.

03:50:09.269 --> 03:50:17.869
But the thing is, we need to re-look at ourselves in the mirror every day to say, are we doing

03:50:17.869 --> 03:50:23.729
this Citizens of Freeport justice, because I sit here and I listen to lies sometimes.

03:50:23.729 --> 03:50:30.469
People flagrantly lie about things and don't come out and tell the whole truth about things.

03:50:30.469 --> 03:50:38.469
I don't call no names but the point of the matter is you know who you are and if you're not serving the people of the city of Freeport you should get off the council.

03:50:38.469 --> 03:50:48.469
You should go do something else with the rest of your time and die off into the wood and maybe grab a fishing pole or something like that and dwindle away the rest of your life.

03:50:48.469 --> 03:50:55.469
But this is how I feel at this point and I'm quite sure a lot of our constituents feel the same way.

03:50:55.469 --> 03:51:07.469
Are we looking at, are we considering the people that we're here, that voted us in here to make a decision making, proper decision making?

03:51:07.469 --> 03:51:14.469
You know, that's something that needs to be reevaluated amongst ourselves. And we should ask ourselves that same very question.

03:51:14.469 --> 03:51:22.469
And you're going to hear me talk about stuff like this on occasion when I feel that we're doing things that is not within,

03:51:22.469 --> 03:51:29.729
in the finds of the people and they can criticize, people can criticize me that stands opposition

03:51:29.729 --> 03:51:34.649
of what I'm talking about, which I don't care. I don't care about none of that stuff. It's

03:51:34.649 --> 03:51:41.489
just the fact that am I talking to the people to gain their trust about whatever I learned

03:51:41.489 --> 03:51:48.089
that I will expose to them or divulge to them so they will be as educated as I am because

03:51:48.089 --> 03:51:54.729
Thomas, I'm learning, I'm learning the ropes around here and we need to stop it.

03:51:54.729 --> 03:51:56.489
Alderman Sellers?

03:51:56.489 --> 03:52:01.089
I would just like to say I know we had a lot of people that came in and was talking about

03:52:01.089 --> 03:52:08.809
you know the housing and the rents and all those things and I totally get it and I understand

03:52:08.809 --> 03:52:10.169
because I've been on both sides.

03:52:10.169 --> 03:52:16.409
I've been a single mom renting and I've also been a landlord so I do understand but we

03:52:16.409 --> 03:52:20.529
We have no control of what people charge on their rents.

03:52:20.529 --> 03:52:25.089
That's just like if I wanted to sell my house, they can't tell me how much I can sell my

03:52:25.089 --> 03:52:26.089
house for.

03:52:26.089 --> 03:52:30.989
So I do understand and my heart goes out because I hate that it's happening.

03:52:30.989 --> 03:52:36.329
But we as city council, we cannot tell people what they can charge for rent.

03:52:36.329 --> 03:52:38.929
And my heart goes out to everybody.

03:52:38.929 --> 03:52:41.049
But like I said, I've been on both sides.

03:52:41.049 --> 03:52:44.289
I've been a single mom renting and I've been a landlord.

03:52:44.289 --> 03:52:50.809
so I just wanted everybody to know that we do have, we have compassion on what's going

03:52:50.809 --> 03:52:52.809
on but we have no control.

03:52:52.809 --> 03:52:53.809
Alderman Klemm?

03:52:53.809 --> 03:52:59.209
I agree 100% with Joy, thank you.

03:52:59.209 --> 03:53:01.209
Alderman Johnson?

03:53:01.209 --> 03:53:08.569
My heart also does go out for those that they've raised their rent on, it's a horrible thing.

03:53:08.569 --> 03:53:18.569
I also wanted to remind Second Ward, we have neighborhood watch meeting at 3002 Farmedale Lane at 6.30 p.m. on Thursday evening.

03:53:18.569 --> 03:53:19.569
Alderman Simmons?

03:53:19.569 --> 03:53:20.569
No.

03:53:20.569 --> 03:53:21.569
Alderman Parker?

03:53:21.569 --> 03:53:22.569
Yes.

03:53:22.569 --> 03:53:26.569
Just a reminder, we have our neighborhood watch next Monday night at 6 o'clock.

03:53:26.569 --> 03:53:30.569
That concludes to public comment.

03:53:30.569 --> 03:53:35.569
Okay.

03:53:35.569 --> 03:53:37.569
We probably should do the other people first.

03:53:37.569 --> 03:53:59.009
I have an email from Carol Krupke. I have lived in Freeport my entire life and I have

03:53:59.009 --> 03:54:03.609
lived in my current location for almost 22 years. I have lived here for so long because

03:54:33.609 --> 03:54:47.009
Carol Krupke. That's what I was gonna say. There is a before you say that you can't do nothing. You guys

03:54:47.009 --> 03:54:53.449
probably should dig and see what you can do. It's easy to get up here and say what you can't do. You

03:54:53.449 --> 03:54:58.489
guys do research for everything else. We had so many ordinance passed, so many things looked at,

03:54:58.489 --> 03:55:04.929
Dugan for the benefit of the other side, let's quote that. It's amazing that you can get

03:55:04.929 --> 03:55:09.589
up here and honestly say that you can't do anything and you can research it. You can

03:55:09.589 --> 03:55:13.969
find out exactly what's happening because whether you believe it or not, this guy is

03:55:13.969 --> 03:55:19.729
going to come through, his plan is to get Section 8 people from Chicago and if you think

03:55:19.729 --> 03:55:26.969
the crime rate is going to go anywhere but up, this is going to affect more than every

03:55:26.969 --> 03:55:27.969
and others.

03:55:27.969 --> 03:55:32.889
They might move next door, down the street, around the corner from all of you.

03:55:32.889 --> 03:55:37.769
Opposed to the ones that, let's say, let's see the home rule benefited that you guys

03:55:37.769 --> 03:55:40.409
don't have to live here anymore.

03:55:40.409 --> 03:55:42.169
Or say, or whatever you do.

03:55:42.169 --> 03:55:46.889
And that means that you guys can't use home rule to benefit the community, but you can

03:55:46.889 --> 03:55:52.849
use it to say that Mayor Miller doesn't have to live here, Wayne don't have to live here.

03:55:52.849 --> 03:55:55.449
You guys can use it for all of that.

03:55:55.449 --> 03:55:59.529
and I'm so tired, let's get on another topic, I'm so tired of hearing shovel ready sites,

03:55:59.529 --> 03:56:05.129
nobody is coming here, is this, you gotta be rocking, nobody is coming here, this is

03:56:05.129 --> 03:56:11.589
a public online meeting and it looks a mess, we got Darren impersonate himself as FHA worker,

03:56:11.589 --> 03:56:15.969
we got Wayne tearing down the city for no reason at all, and we got a bunch of neighborhood

03:56:15.969 --> 03:56:21.489
watch meetings and ain't nothing to get watched, I'm just trying to figure this out, this ain't

03:56:21.489 --> 03:56:27.409
Rockets Science, man, dig in and do the due diligence for the community, or like he said,

03:56:27.409 --> 03:56:30.489
get up and move around.

03:56:30.489 --> 03:56:39.289
You have something to do, you have a job to do, you work for us, they, Rob, he's such

03:56:39.289 --> 03:56:43.009
a nonchalant attitude, he don't care about nothing, nothing.

03:56:43.009 --> 03:56:48.849
You have proved that so many times, you have to be inviting to walk up to, nobody wants

03:56:48.849 --> 03:56:49.849
Winslow.

03:56:49.849 --> 03:56:53.289
You sit up there like an angry ball right now because you're getting your name wrong out.

03:56:53.289 --> 03:56:57.529
You get read every time somebody says something that you want to speak on.

03:56:57.529 --> 03:56:58.929
You have to be approachable.

03:56:58.929 --> 03:57:00.689
Nobody wants to talk to you, bro.

03:57:00.689 --> 03:57:02.249
That's just period.

03:57:02.249 --> 03:57:08.169
You have to be approachable, not have an attitude when somebody asks you a question that you

03:57:08.169 --> 03:57:09.169
have to repeat.

03:57:09.169 --> 03:57:10.169
Repeat it!

03:57:10.169 --> 03:57:11.169
Next.

03:57:11.169 --> 03:57:16.169
My name is Cheryl Altman.

03:57:16.169 --> 03:57:31.169
My name is Cheryl Altman. My question is, why is Wayne getting, well, for 16 hours at $62.50 an hour? That is three to four times more than what an average person makes in this town.

03:57:31.169 --> 03:57:36.169
And it's a shame, but you guys voted for that. You're wrong.

03:57:36.169 --> 03:57:40.169
Also, $2.1 million for Pretzel City Transit.

03:57:40.169 --> 03:57:47.169
It's $3 in town, each way. Out of town, it's $6 each way.

03:57:47.169 --> 03:57:55.169
But the worst thing is you forgot to mention that all those vans and buses are given to the City of Freeport for free.

03:57:55.169 --> 03:58:01.169
And then not even to mention all their donations, because I used to drive the bus.

03:58:01.169 --> 03:58:07.089
I could bring in $400 in donations every two weeks. Easy. So where's that money?

03:58:09.809 --> 03:58:13.089
The worst part is you're making that money and you got people out here are ready to strike but

03:58:13.089 --> 03:58:19.089
you won't give them a raise. For shame on you guys. And next, Wayne, you say that you walked

03:58:19.089 --> 03:58:25.409
through all these buildings? Wrong. You made me get an engineer, a structural engineer. You didn't

03:58:25.409 --> 03:58:30.529
like what he said because you said my building was structurally sound more than most.

03:58:31.169 --> 03:58:35.809
but yet you sit there and gonna bash and tear my place down you've got the the

03:58:35.809 --> 03:58:40.329
roofs are falling in on the rally building you got frickin trees plus you

03:58:40.329 --> 03:58:43.789
already got a five hundred thousand dollar grant for that place so what you

03:58:43.789 --> 03:58:49.369
do with that and why are we getting Elbers and sons because Mayor Miller

03:58:49.369 --> 03:58:55.869
you related to him your mom was an Elber that's a conflict of interest you have

03:58:55.869 --> 03:58:59.609
your nieces matter of fact I got a picture with you and Sherry at her

03:58:59.609 --> 03:59:06.609
your nephew's invitation and I'd be glad to show it to you any day if you wanna see it.

03:59:06.609 --> 03:59:12.689
You know, it's really a shame that it's who you know around here and I don't know who's

03:59:12.689 --> 03:59:18.729
more smug or arrogant, either you or Rob Boyer, but I don't know why, if we got a mayor, why

03:59:18.729 --> 03:59:19.729
do we need a city manager?

03:59:19.729 --> 03:59:20.729
Miller.

03:59:20.729 --> 03:59:25.369
If we got him, why the heck do we need you?

03:59:25.369 --> 03:59:27.109
Next.

03:59:27.109 --> 03:59:35.949
How I just want to introduce myself and talk a little bit about what's going on and see

03:59:35.949 --> 03:59:38.669
what we all can do to come together and help.

03:59:38.669 --> 03:59:42.689
My name is Jocelyn, I'm a mother and a long-time Freeport resident.

03:59:42.689 --> 03:59:46.589
And someone who is now along with many others fighting just to keep a roof over our family's

03:59:46.589 --> 03:59:47.589
heads.

03:59:47.589 --> 03:59:54.589
I want to thank you Mayor Miller for responding to my previous emails and suggesting that I fill out the inspection request form here at City Hall.

03:59:54.589 --> 04:00:00.589
I do appreciate the acknowledgement and the apology for my hardship, but respectfully, sympathy does nothing to...

04:00:00.589 --> 04:00:08.589
Perfectly, Sympathy does nothing to provide housing, it doesn't stop evictions, and it does nothing to prevent the rent hikes that are already being enforced right now

04:00:13.589 --> 04:00:22.589
creating a monopoly of sorts. Many of us are now being told to sign new fixed term leases within seven days or face a 30 day notice to vacate.

04:00:22.589 --> 04:00:25.229
The rent increases are as high as 50%.

04:00:25.229 --> 04:00:26.429
These are not proposed numbers.

04:00:26.429 --> 04:00:28.109
These are actually happening.

04:00:28.109 --> 04:00:33.169
Some families are seeing jumps in rent from $650 to $1,300 overnight.

04:00:33.169 --> 04:00:36.429
These are imposed with promises to do light maintenance.

04:00:36.429 --> 04:00:41.789
And to look further at the math, Freeport has an average wage of about $15 an hour or

04:00:41.789 --> 04:00:44.509
roughly $2,400 a month before taxes.

04:00:44.509 --> 04:00:48.469
That's not enough to cover the rent increase, especially when you factor in groceries, utilities,

04:00:48.469 --> 04:00:49.909
child care, gas, and health care.

04:00:49.909 --> 04:00:50.909
It's just not realistic.

04:00:50.909 --> 04:00:56.789
Hick, in addition to these points that I've come here to make, we are working families

04:00:56.789 --> 04:01:00.269
and we can't meet these necessary requirements.

04:01:00.269 --> 04:01:04.189
How are individuals on social security or fixed income supposed to do that?

04:01:04.189 --> 04:01:05.549
The point is that they can't.

04:01:05.549 --> 04:01:09.749
These requirements are designed to push people out and understand that there's only so much

04:01:09.749 --> 04:01:13.029
that can be done because the state of Illinois bans a rent control.

04:01:13.029 --> 04:01:17.389
It means that what's happening here is completely legal and that's the problem.

04:01:17.389 --> 04:01:20.029
But that doesn't mean that the council is powerless.

04:01:20.029 --> 04:01:21.989
I'm here to ask you to act and urgently.

04:01:21.989 --> 04:01:24.389
Some things that you can do are pass a local ordinance

04:01:24.389 --> 04:01:27.189
requiring 60 or 90 days to notice

04:01:27.189 --> 04:01:30.389
before significant rent increases or lease terminations.

04:01:30.389 --> 04:01:33.509
Also, you could conduct immediate inspections of properties

04:01:33.509 --> 04:01:35.589
with sharp rent hikes to ensure that they meet

04:01:35.589 --> 04:01:38.229
health and safety codes, especially for any property

04:01:38.229 --> 04:01:40.589
raising rent by more than 10%.

04:01:40.589 --> 04:01:43.229
You could even host a public forum with tenants and landlords

04:01:43.229 --> 04:01:45.149
so our voices are heard and to hopefully avoid

04:01:45.149 --> 04:01:47.269
the lack of actions done by landlords

04:01:47.269 --> 04:01:48.629
to help tenants with what matters

04:01:48.629 --> 04:01:50.689
to those living in these properties.

04:01:50.689 --> 04:01:53.329
My last suggestion is to pass a resolution

04:01:53.329 --> 04:01:55.849
urging the state of Illinois to lift the rent control ban

04:01:55.849 --> 04:01:58.169
and return the power to cities like ours.

04:01:58.169 --> 04:01:59.769
I'm not asking for special treatment.

04:01:59.769 --> 04:02:02.449
I'm asking for fairness for families, seniors,

04:02:02.449 --> 04:02:04.929
and working people who just want to stay in their homes,

04:02:04.929 --> 04:02:07.409
especially as we send our children back to school.

04:02:07.409 --> 04:02:08.969
We deserve better than the,

04:02:08.969 --> 04:02:11.249
we deserve better than to be pushed out of the city

04:02:11.249 --> 04:02:12.489
that we've helped build.

04:02:12.489 --> 04:02:13.849
Thank you.

04:02:13.849 --> 04:02:14.769
Thank you.

04:02:14.769 --> 04:02:15.609
Anyone else?

04:02:15.609 --> 04:02:33.569
Thank you. Anyone else? Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I noticed I've never been

04:02:33.569 --> 04:02:39.649
here to a meeting before. Can you state your name please? Ernestine Etman. I've never been

04:02:39.649 --> 04:02:46.189
here to a meeting before, I've watched you guys sometime on TV, but I didn't notice that

04:02:46.189 --> 04:02:51.729
you have prayer before you began, is that right?

04:02:51.729 --> 04:02:55.889
I am a believer in Christ.

04:02:55.889 --> 04:03:00.909
I don't know what's going to happen from this day because my heart is just so heavy right

04:03:00.909 --> 04:03:09.409
now after seeing all those comments of people that it's going to have to leave from where

04:03:09.409 --> 04:03:14.409
and some other people who are living right now because they can't afford it.

04:03:14.409 --> 04:03:19.409
And I just want to say, I'm not going to talk too long, but I want to say this to all of you.

04:03:19.409 --> 04:03:24.409
I stayed, I stayed, and I listened to all that you guys had to say.

04:03:24.409 --> 04:03:29.409
And those are some important things. But to me right now,

04:03:29.409 --> 04:03:34.409
what's most important is not seeing kids out in the streets.

04:03:34.409 --> 04:03:42.969
Hicks. Nowhere to go. That's what hurts me. That's what's important to me right now. And

04:03:42.969 --> 04:03:49.009
so if you believe in the God of heaven, I want to see all of you do more than what you're

04:03:49.009 --> 04:03:56.249
doing. I know you may not can pull a string here or there, but it is something you can

04:03:56.249 --> 04:04:03.489
do as our leaders in this community. And I want to say this and I'm done. I know that

04:04:03.489 --> 04:04:10.309
but none of you are in these positions because somebody just voted you in.

04:04:10.309 --> 04:04:16.329
I know that the God of Heaven allowed you to be in these positions and He expects you

04:04:16.329 --> 04:04:19.929
to do what you're supposed to do.

04:04:19.929 --> 04:04:24.369
This is not going to be good for nobody in the city of Freeport.

04:04:24.369 --> 04:04:32.529
There's a lot of families, a lot that has been hurt by this and so in the days to come

04:04:32.529 --> 04:04:38.569
you're gonna feel it we might feel it but you're gonna feel it too and I want you

04:04:38.569 --> 04:04:44.689
to keep that in your mind that you're not here just because somebody voted you in

04:04:44.689 --> 04:04:50.489
you're here because God put you here thank you

04:04:51.129 --> 04:04:54.329
anyone else

04:05:02.529 --> 04:05:30.529
Hi, my name is Sue Cook, Winchester Drive. I was home, and I was watching online, and, but no, no, no, there are children, there were children standing here, begging for their home in Freeport.

04:05:32.529 --> 04:05:47.529
We've never been a distressed city before. Don, you know that. This city was flourishing and beautiful and huge and good and there were homes and places for people.

04:05:47.529 --> 04:05:57.529
There were not children standing in front of the City Council begging for their homes.

04:05:57.529 --> 04:06:04.529
I know you can't do anything with the landlords. You can talk to them. I know you can talk to them, Rob. I know you can.

04:06:04.529 --> 04:06:21.529
You may not be able to tell them where, excuse me, to put or how much to charge, but you can keep the kids and these people in their homes.

04:06:21.529 --> 04:06:29.529
You can, you're powerful. You cannot say that you're a pastor and not be able to do this.

04:06:31.529 --> 04:06:40.529
You are powerful. You are the City of Freeport Council. You are powerful and Freeport cannot be distressed.

04:06:42.529 --> 04:06:44.529
And here we stand distressed.

04:06:44.529 --> 04:06:50.309
The second thing, for God sakes, for the people that are disabled in this town, don t take

04:06:50.309 --> 04:06:58.009
911 away from them. Rob, give them the five bucks. Five bucks are a life. Five bucks are

04:06:58.009 --> 04:07:06.089
a life. It could be my husband, it could be me, it could be Cece, it could be the mayor.

04:07:06.089 --> 04:07:13.889
We ve had head-ons. Here I am crying. I m sorry. I m really sorry. But we ve had head-ons.

04:07:13.889 --> 04:07:21.409
We've had multiple head-ons. I've driven that road. I've had to drive off the road to avoid

04:07:21.409 --> 04:07:29.409
head-ons. Guys, we can't have no 9-1-1 in Freeport. We can't have roads where our cars

04:07:29.409 --> 04:07:37.129
go into the potholes and we have to pay $3,200 for an undercarriage, which has happened.

04:07:37.129 --> 04:07:41.029
We can't be distressed and we can't let kids be out in the street and these people lose

04:07:41.029 --> 04:07:42.029
and Jodi.

04:07:42.029 --> 04:07:43.029
We never were distressed, Jodi.

04:07:43.029 --> 04:07:44.029
Excuse me, Mayor Miller, we never were distressed.

04:07:44.029 --> 04:07:45.029
We never were distressed.

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We don't have to be distressed now.

04:07:46.029 --> 04:07:47.029
Thank you for letting me stand here and cry.

04:07:47.029 --> 04:07:48.029
I'm very sorry.

04:07:48.029 --> 04:07:49.029
Anyone else?

04:07:49.029 --> 04:07:50.029
Yeah, I'd like to make a public comment.

04:07:50.029 --> 04:07:51.029
Well, then you have to get up to the podium.

04:07:51.029 --> 04:07:52.029
Do I?

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You want to speak as a citizen.

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That's the question.

04:07:54.029 --> 04:07:55.029
I'm sorry.

04:07:55.029 --> 04:07:56.029
I'm sorry.

04:07:56.029 --> 04:07:57.029
I'm sorry.

04:07:57.029 --> 04:07:58.029
I'm sorry.

04:07:58.029 --> 04:07:59.029
I'm sorry.

04:07:59.029 --> 04:08:00.029
I'm sorry.

04:08:00.029 --> 04:08:01.029
I'm sorry.

04:08:01.029 --> 04:08:02.029
I'm sorry.

04:08:02.029 --> 04:08:03.029
I'm sorry.

04:08:03.029 --> 04:08:04.029
I'm sorry.

04:08:04.029 --> 04:08:05.029
I'm sorry.

04:08:05.029 --> 04:08:06.029
I'm sorry.

04:08:06.029 --> 04:08:07.029
I'm sorry.

04:08:07.029 --> 04:08:08.029
I'm sorry.

04:08:08.029 --> 04:08:09.029
I'm sorry.

04:08:09.029 --> 04:08:10.029
I'm sorry.

04:08:10.029 --> 04:08:11.029
and a citizen.

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That's the protocol?

04:08:12.029 --> 04:08:13.029
Yeah.

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It's a public comment.

04:08:14.029 --> 04:08:15.029
Okay.

04:08:15.029 --> 04:08:16.029
All right.

04:08:16.029 --> 04:08:38.029
I don't want to take up too much time, but I feel the compassion of the members.

04:08:38.029 --> 04:09:03.029
I feel the compassion of those that are in distress and if we have a heart or any empathy for what the community brought to us tonight, we should look, like I said earlier, we should conform as council people for the greater good of the people.

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We should perform to come together on a topic issue that is hurting folk. If it's hurting people within our community, we should stand up and lend our voice to all of the causes and distress and the anxiety that folks are going through because of this one particular issue.

04:09:25.029 --> 04:09:37.029
I like to see us all gather together, have an executive meeting on issues. It doesn't have to be an executive, it could be the whole force of the city of Freeport.

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Having a common cause to rectify something that we have, as they say, the power we have to come together to help folk who are having issues.

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My heart went out. I'm like this woman. I'm about to shed tears because of what we lack of doing.

04:10:00.029 --> 04:10:07.029
We have avenues. We have pathways. We have areas that we can go into to seek out whatever

04:10:21.669 --> 04:10:28.669
it is that our community needs. And the fact that they don't know, they're not educated

04:10:28.669 --> 04:10:35.669
and I are educated to finding these programs and we're not lending our opportunity to help

04:10:38.189 --> 04:10:43.909
establish any programs that actually help people. I have not heard anything from our

04:10:43.909 --> 04:10:50.909
council that talks about a program that can benefit everyone that has a desire to want

04:10:51.709 --> 04:10:57.469
to better themselves in this community. I don't want to see people talking about I'm

04:10:57.469 --> 04:11:02.309
I'm going to be homeless, how do you come to the Council of Freeport and someone standing

04:11:02.309 --> 04:11:08.469
before you talking about I'm losing everything and I don't have no place to go, how could

04:11:08.469 --> 04:11:15.469
we just sit in our seat and after we adjourn tonight have no way of talking to one another,

04:11:15.469 --> 04:11:21.069
calling each other up, say hey we need to get up, we need to have a hall, a town hall

04:11:21.069 --> 04:11:28.069
and I have a meeting or some form or something to talk about that helps to help people.

04:11:28.069 --> 04:11:33.069
I'm talking, and if there's something like that going on, everybody should be involved.

04:11:33.069 --> 04:11:36.069
Your time has expired. Thank you.

04:11:36.069 --> 04:11:40.069
Anyone else? Cecelia?

04:11:40.069 --> 04:11:41.069
May I do it from here?

04:11:41.069 --> 04:11:44.069
Yes, I think that would be an exception.

04:11:44.069 --> 04:11:47.069
You know, I don't know what we can do.

04:11:47.069 --> 04:12:09.069
I know that there's things that we have to do. I know that there's apartments out there that's not worth half of what they were already charging, and to go up double is ridiculous, but as renters you have rights.

04:12:09.069 --> 04:12:39.069
and you had it right I don't know we might need inspectors to come in and look at these houses because they have to be valued at a level to be charged what they're charging and so I don't know what we can or can't do I'm gonna find out what we can or can't do but one thing I know how to do and that's pray so Father God

04:12:39.069 --> 04:12:46.069
In the name of Jesus, hear the hearts and the cries of your people.

04:12:48.069 --> 04:12:51.069
Father God, make a way out of no way.

04:12:52.069 --> 04:12:54.069
We're looking to you for a miracle.

04:12:55.069 --> 04:12:58.069
Yeah, you change is not.

04:12:59.069 --> 04:13:08.069
So just like you fed many with five fish and two loaves of bread,

04:13:09.069 --> 04:13:24.069
I'm asking you to work a miracle in this city on behalf of these, your children, your people.

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Help us as a council to do any and everything we can do to make that difference.

04:13:32.069 --> 04:13:47.909
to show ourselves strong, to show the value we have and the value that we carry.

04:13:47.909 --> 04:13:54.249
Give us the words to say and the ability to do what needs to be done and we'll be sure

04:13:54.249 --> 04:14:03.409
to give you all honor, glory, and praise in advance for victory is ours. And I stand on

04:14:03.409 --> 04:14:08.349
that. In Jesus' name, Amen.

04:14:08.349 --> 04:14:12.409
Is there any other public comments? I'll entertain a motion for adjournment.

04:14:12.409 --> 04:14:13.409
So moved.

04:14:13.409 --> 04:14:14.409
Second.

04:14:14.409 --> 04:14:19.169
We have a motion made by Shadle, seconded by Parker. All those in favor, signify by

04:14:19.169 --> 04:14:20.169
saying aye.

04:14:20.169 --> 04:14:21.169
Aye.

04:14:21.169 --> 04:14:21.669
Good night.