WEBVTT

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This year?

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Okay, I think we're ready to go.

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Madam Clerk, are you ready?

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He kind of did now.

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He was number one when it expired.

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He was thinking about retiring in June.

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He didn't go, but now he's kind of ready.

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Okay, is everybody ready to take their seat?

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Brady, could you please give the invocation?

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Thank you, Madam Mayor. Father in heaven, we give you thanks tonight that your presence is with us to help and lead and guide this council according to your will and purpose.

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We ask for the flourishing of the businesses and the people of this city. We pray for peace, justice, hope, and access to resources.

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we pray for the leaders of this council to govern with wisdom and integrity we

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pray for your kingdom to come and your will be done tonight in this meeting in

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Jesus name amen thank you now we'll officially call this meeting to order

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madam clerk would you please take the role mayor Miller here alder persons

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Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Epson at the moment, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers.

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And if you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Klemm.

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So, to start this evening, I would like to read the email that I sent to all of the Aldermen

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last Friday, just in case someone did not have the opportunity to read that email.

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The email was, at our last few meetings, members of the Council have been advised to comply

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and others.

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I have had numerous comments from members of the public expressing concern at the lack

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of decorum at our meetings.

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This lessens all of us in the eyes of the public and negatively impacts the credibility

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of this Council.

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And most importantly, failing to observe established rules of procedure leads to disruption of

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the effective and orderly conduct of the business of the City.

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For all of these reasons, we have clearly established rules of Council which govern

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the conduct of business by the City and to which all of you have access.

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I am putting everyone on notice that I intend to strictly enforce those rules until we get

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some decorum introduced back into our proceedings.

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I am saying this now so that no one will be surprised or be able to claim that they somehow

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were unaware of these standing rules.

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Specifically, but not without limitation, the following conduct constitutes a violation

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of the rule of order one speaking out of turn or when otherwise not recognized by the chair

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is a violation of the rule of order two exceeding established time limited on the floor for

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an issue or failing to yield the floor once the time has expired and three interrupting

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or disrupting someone while addressing the public assembly during public comments is

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also a violation of the rule of order.

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I should not need to make these statements

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as these are all rules which should be followed

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simply out of respect for fellow elected officers

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and the important role that each of you plays

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in running our city.

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Unfortunately, events at the last few meetings

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indicate that we need to rely on stronger measures

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than mutual respect.

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All members of the council are hereby reminded

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that pursuant to City Ordinance 220, 10, 24, and 25,

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if you are declared out of order,

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you are subject to a fine of up to $250.

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If you are declared out of order twice at the same meeting,

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you will be removed.

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I am putting you all on notice

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that I will be enforcing these rules strictly moving forward

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and I sincerely hope that all of you

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will take your responsibility to this city seriously enough

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to avoid being sanctioned or removed for the sake of grandstanding.

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So with that, we'll start with item number one, which is the approval of the agenda.

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Is there such a motion?

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So moved.

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Second.

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We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

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All those in favor signify by saying aye.

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Aye.

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Opposed?

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That motion passes.

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Approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on September 15th, 2025.

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Is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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The motion made by Alderman Shadle,

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seconded by Alderman Sellers.

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All those in favor signify by saying aye.

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Aye.

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Opposed?

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That motion passes.

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Do you have a question?

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I did not see when Alderperson Simmons came in.

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Did you know the time when you came in?

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610.

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Thank you.

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Item number three is recognition of service awards.

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Manager Boyer?

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I'd like to have the Fire Chief acknowledge the two firemen.

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Yes, thank you. It's my pleasure to recognize Amos Langlois and Dylan Oberle for their careers within the Fire Department.

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Amos just completed his 10 years of service and Dylan has completed five years of service.

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Davis, I can personally say both are great people, very good at their jobs, they're firefighter

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paramedics.

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Amos is actually on vacation this evening and Dylan is presently on an ambulance call

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serving the public so he couldn't be here tonight and I will be recognizing both of

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them at the fire station on their shift, they're both on the same shift.

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Thank you.

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Davis, Deputy Davis, would you please go ahead?

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Yes, I would recognize Officer Ny'Kil, who has been with the Freeport Police Department

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for five years.

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She's an outstanding officer and works diligently to protect the citizens every day.

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Thank you.

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With that we move on to public comment.

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We have three.

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We'll start with an email that was sent to the clerk.

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This was received today from Ashley Heilman.

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I am sorry to not be there in person this evening.

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I am, however, in Lombard for a realtor conference.

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I would like to speak against item number seven

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on the agenda for short-term rentals.

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I am here on behalf of one of my owners

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who has a short-term rental and myself as her manager.

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When it comes to short-term rentals,

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often called vacation rentals, everyone

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Cronenberg.

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This seems to become a real estate expert quick to say they destabilize neighborhoods

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or create problems.

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And as we are aware, there has been one instance at one property that has caused this potential

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change to come forward.

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However, in reality, vacation rentals often serve important needs.

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Corporations use them to house employees.

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Families use them to test neighborhoods before buying.

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Contract workers use them for housing when traveling to fill vacant positions at places

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F.H.N. and large vacationing families use them to stay altogether than having multiple

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hotel rooms. These homes are typically well maintained because owners depend on good reviews

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and consistent bookings to make these rentals work. I've been in real estate for eight years

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and have seen firsthand how vacation rentals complement housing markets rather than harm

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them as I own several and try to stay at them when I travel. They provide flexibility for

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For property owners support local tourism and offer families and employees more housing choices.

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Many of the issues often raised, noise, property maintenance, nuisance activity, are already

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addressed by city ordinances and the current short-term rental ordinance.

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The city has tools to address problem properties without stripping rights from responsible

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owners and other owners in the future.

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Property rights are not an a la carte menu.

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and the right to rent is heavily restricted.

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One-third of a property owner's economic rights are lost.

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Instead of rezoning and removing these rights, the City could cap the number of vacation

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rental permits in R1 to R4 zones instead of removing them completely.

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This would prevent over-concentration, avoid clustering rentals only on the east side of

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town and create a balanced approach that respects neighborhood character and private property

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rights.

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or what about making this a special use permit instead if you feel changes need to be made.

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Other cities like Galena have found success starting with a cap and expanding permits

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as things go well. Freeport has that same opportunity, balanced regulations that work

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for everyone. To strengthen the ordinance further, the city could add guardrails, tie

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guest room limits to bedroom count and square footage, require a local property manager

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Miller, if the owner is not nearby, limit on-site vehicles, revoke permits after repeat violations.

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This approach creates accountability without overre-

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and others.

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This creates accountability without overreaching, ensuring vacation rentals remain residential

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friendly while protecting the rights of Freeport owners.

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Thank you for your time.

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Ashley Heilman, Welcome Home, Northwest Illinois.

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Thank you.

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Julie Whiting.

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I'm in agreement with everything Ashley says, but city council members, thank you for allowing

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me to speak.

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Our city's proposed ban on single-family homes being used as Airbnbs is presented as a solution to depleting our owner-occupied housing stock, but in our case it's simply not supported by the facts.

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Of the six Airbnbs in our town of 22,600 roughly, three are owner-occupied homes where residents rent out a portion, such as a spare room or a suite, while living in their own home.

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These are not investor-owned properties being removed from the market. In reality, these homeowners are enhancing the housing stock by sharing their space, not reducing it.

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Across the country, responsible regulations already recognize this distinction. For example, Chicago and other major cities require that AirBnBs and short-term rentals in single-family homes be the host primary residents for most of the year.

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The intent behind these rules is clear. Prevent the conversion of full homes into permanent short-term rentals by investors, while still allowing homeowners to host and share space in their principal residence. These laws protect neighborhoods from losing housing, yet make room for flexibility and diverse housing options. Our local reality mirrors these cities, not the tourist hot spots facing housing shortages due to mass investor purchases. Let's be clear, banning owner-occupied Airbnb's won't

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Expand our housing market. These homes are not available for sale or for long-term rent

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because their owners live there. Prohibiting them has no impact on home ownership or affordability

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in our town. Instead, it risks punishing responsible residents, taking away supplemental income

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that helps cover mortgages and meeting rising costs. And with just six listings citywide,

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three of them part owner-occupied, the policy does not address the real threat to our housing

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Stock. Please consider a balanced approach. Exempt primary residence AirBnBs from any

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ban. Focus instead on policies that target non-resident investors or large-scale operators.

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Not everyday homeowners responsibly sharing their own homes. This honors both the spirit

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of the community and the facts on the ground. Thanks for considering an equitable and evidence-based

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solution.

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and last would be the LaFever's.

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Good evening City Council Members and thank you for this opportunity to speak to you regarding

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short-term rentals.

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We're Frank and Monique LaFever at 1650 West Apache Trail in Freeport.

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We were the very first short-term rental operation in Freeport and we voluntarily approached

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the City in 2019 to ensure that we were operating legally and transparency even before ordinances

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We are owner-occupied hosts living full-time in our single home, renting out our lower-level apartment. With the current proposed zoning changes, it feels like responsible hosts like us who have followed every rule are being penalized. The memo suggests that STRs strain the availability of housing, but owner-occupied homes don't contribute to this strain. Our home is not on the inventory. It's off the market as we live in it.

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and others. I would like to further add that our STRs provide a value to the community not only to support visitors but support local families. After a storm damage, one local family's home, they stayed with us for five and a half months

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and Wiley were other guests who were bored with a short-term rental.

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One guest was a

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gentleman who moved into the van.

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Another guest specifically chose a short-term rental with off-street parking such as ours

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because their work van had thousands of dollars of equipment on the back of their van to do

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road integrity surveying.

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and

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our home offered them a driveway to park to alleviate their worries.

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Many guests have in fact told us that they are grateful to find us as all hotels have

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been currently filled, which is a problem in Freeport.

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Mr. Boyer himself has stayed with us for a summer during his relocation to Freeport to

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take a job here at the City.

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We appreciated the conveniences and traditional hotels cannot offer such as a full kitchen

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and a laundry room.

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We have personally had no safety issues or complaints.

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I vet every booking for verified state IDs, photos on profiles, and guest reviews.

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If I'm uncomfortable, I have no problem canceling that guest.

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I require registration forms to be filled out like hotels. We've even had neighbors

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refer their own family and friends to stay at our property. In closing, please consider

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Southering, and a compliant owner-occupied STR like ours beyond January 2029 where there

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is a proven track record of safety and community benefit.

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We are not absentee landlords.

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We are residents, neighbors, and responsible hosts, and we care deeply about our community.

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Thank you.

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That concludes public comment.

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Next we'll move on to the consent agenda.

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

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the member of council would like to have something removed for further discussion.

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The consent agenda consists of approving to receive and place on file board and commission

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minutes from the Police Pension Board May 7, 2025, and the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

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August 12, 2025, the Greater Freeport Partnerships Monthly Report September 2025.

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Well, the finance bill is payable in the total of $4,189,115.71 and payroll for pay period

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ending September 20th, 2025 in the total of $676,474.02.

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Is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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If a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the consent agenda. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

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Klemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. Aye. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. And Sellers. Aye. The motion passes 8-0.

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Item number 6 is the second reading of Ordinance 2025-57. Could you please read this?

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Please read this.

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Ordinance revising codified ordinances to create the position of Operations Superintendent.

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Thank you.

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Manager Boyer.

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Thank you, Your Honor.

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We've discussed this at the last council meeting.

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This is creating a new position for the city that would allow one individual to oversee

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both the utility and the street department and deal mainly with the field crews, however

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responsibility would extend to all operations within public works.

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and staff recommends moving forward with this job description approval.

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Thank you.

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Any questions?

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Alderman Stacey?

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It just seems like every time we change the original title and went to a supervisor position

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and that gentleman end up quitting. And it's like here we go again with wanting to now add duties to another title. Did you consider going back to the original director title and hiring someone under that?

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Is that all your question? I just didn't want your clock to time out a few.

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Yeah.

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Manager, Boyer?

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You know, we currently have a Public Works Director, and that is Darren Steakles, our

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Contract Public Works Director. The Operations Superintendent is more of a hands-on leader

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in the field and with day-to-day operations in mind, so it's a different job.

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Would you like your second?

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Shoot. Sure.

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Go ahead.

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No.

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Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, the ordinance is passed 6-2.

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Item number 7 is the second reading of Ordinance 2025-58.

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Could you please read this?

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Semending Chapters 810 and 1250 concerning the licensing and zoning of

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vacation rentals. Thank you, Director Duckman. Thank you, Madam Mayor. So we read

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this last, at the last meeting, this ordinance was read. I would say

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nothing has changed except for the public comments that we've heard tonight.

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Just to give you a brief overview of this, staff was tasked to write this

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Ordinance in order to

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in order to eliminate short-term vacation rentals from the R1 through R4 Zoning Districts,

00:20:10.450 --> 00:20:16.430
which essentially removes the short-term rentals from single-family housing, which is the intent

00:20:16.430 --> 00:20:17.549
here.

00:20:17.549 --> 00:20:24.930
So after staff was directed to draft this ordinance, it was brought to a Planning Commission

00:20:24.930 --> 00:20:30.250
Meeting on August 14th, and at that time, the Planning Commission put it forward to

00:20:30.250 --> 00:20:33.849
the next scheduled meeting, which was on September 11th.

00:20:33.849 --> 00:20:39.809
At that meeting, there was a supporter, Tom Klemm, Alderperson Klemm, was there as somebody

00:20:39.809 --> 00:20:48.750
supporting this ordinance, and then City Clerk Anderson was there as a resident and was basically

00:20:48.750 --> 00:20:55.349
in favor of short-term rentals, which would be opposed to this ordinance.

00:20:55.349 --> 00:21:00.289
And the results of that meeting was support of this ordinance by a vote of 5-0.

00:21:00.289 --> 00:21:06.190
All that being said, as of tonight, there's obviously been people, the public comment

00:21:06.190 --> 00:21:09.589
has been against this ordinance.

00:21:09.589 --> 00:21:14.869
And staff has put forward information for a vote.

00:21:14.869 --> 00:21:16.869
So leave it at that.

00:21:16.869 --> 00:21:17.869
Thank you.

00:21:17.869 --> 00:21:28.309
I do have to agree with what Ashley Heilman presented tonight, and I do agree with the

00:21:28.309 --> 00:21:29.309
other ones.

00:21:29.309 --> 00:21:33.910
I stay at Airbnbs all the time, and I think they're awesome.

00:21:33.910 --> 00:21:41.210
I know we had one bad incident, but I don't think we should take one incident and kind

00:21:41.210 --> 00:21:48.529
to get away from all of it because you do look at a town like Galeno or other different places

00:21:48.529 --> 00:21:55.049
that have been small towns and it is an asset to the community and like they also said,

00:21:55.049 --> 00:22:01.289
we really don't have hotel space, you know, and that was another thing.

00:22:01.289 --> 00:22:06.390
So I will, you know, be against putting this through because I do think it's something

00:22:06.390 --> 00:22:12.869
that we need. We talk about tourism and people coming in, but they also have to have somewhere

00:22:12.869 --> 00:22:18.950
to stay. So I do think that they are a good thing for the community.

00:22:18.950 --> 00:22:19.950
Any other discussion?

00:22:19.950 --> 00:22:28.710
I just have a question about the ordinance. Is that appropriate?

00:22:28.710 --> 00:22:36.789
So currently the ordinance says that the owner of the property is the only one that can own

00:22:36.789 --> 00:22:39.950
this license?

00:22:39.950 --> 00:22:41.430
Director Duckman, can you answer?

00:22:41.430 --> 00:22:42.430
Yes, so correct.

00:22:42.430 --> 00:22:48.269
The owner of the property, you own a property, you would have to get a license to do a short-term

00:22:48.269 --> 00:22:49.910
vacation rental, yes.

00:22:49.910 --> 00:22:58.349
Okay, so what if you're renting to own, you know, or what if you're, if you're renting

00:22:58.349 --> 00:23:12.750
to Own, or if you're leasing property for a business purpose, why would you not be allowed

00:23:12.750 --> 00:23:20.150
to obtain, why or why not would one not be allowed to obtain a license?

00:23:20.150 --> 00:23:21.470
Director Duckman?

00:23:21.470 --> 00:23:27.190
Yes, so it's 30 days, basically what's going on here is in order for this ordinance to take

00:23:57.190 --> 00:24:04.990
and others. The rental property ordinance just states you have to be an owner. So that's

00:24:04.990 --> 00:24:11.590
part of our rules. When I process those applications, I need to check that the owner matches the

00:24:11.590 --> 00:24:17.509
insurance. The owners, the applicants have to put up a certificate of insurance. That

00:24:17.509 --> 00:24:24.829
would be an owner's responsibility. A leaseholder would only have, you know, like content insurance.

00:24:24.829 --> 00:24:29.990
Duckman, I don't know when it's when it's rent to own or lease to own you know if

00:24:29.990 --> 00:24:35.390
they're in the process of buying I understand sorry no I don't think it's I

00:24:35.390 --> 00:24:40.269
think there's some some complication here and I think the ordinance protects

00:24:40.269 --> 00:24:45.670
the title owner title owner is deed owner fee simple owner that owner is

00:24:45.670 --> 00:24:51.750
protected and essentially if you had a rent to own situation you would the city

00:24:51.750 --> 00:24:57.150
would just ask that the property owner sign an affidavit or just sign the paperwork that

00:24:57.150 --> 00:25:00.950
they would be doing the vacation rental.

00:25:00.950 --> 00:25:05.630
And we do that in any of our zoning applications, any permit applications.

00:25:05.630 --> 00:25:11.069
If there's a rent to own agreement or something like that, we would, we always make sure that

00:25:11.069 --> 00:25:17.389
there's the actual title owner of the property is aware of any permitting going on.

00:25:17.389 --> 00:25:19.589
Alderman Stacey, did you want to?

00:25:19.590 --> 00:25:30.570
What if the person renting to own have the insurance and things in their name?

00:25:30.570 --> 00:25:35.430
They would have to ask the person that they would be buying it from, the title owner would

00:25:35.430 --> 00:25:40.789
have to give them, would still have to sign off on it.

00:25:40.789 --> 00:25:45.470
So when you're in a rent to own situation, there's a title, there's a fee, the person

00:25:45.470 --> 00:25:47.470
and

00:25:48.590 --> 00:25:50.590
the

00:25:52.670 --> 00:25:54.670
property

00:25:55.789 --> 00:25:57.789
.

00:25:59.910 --> 00:26:01.910
The person that owns the property would still have to give that

00:26:01.910 --> 00:26:03.910
permission and be named on that vacation permit.

00:26:06.829 --> 00:26:08.829
But you said that the person that owns the property would have

00:26:09.930 --> 00:26:12.930
to cover the insurance. But if the person that's renting to

00:26:12.930 --> 00:26:14.930
own is covering the insurance, isn't that different?

00:26:15.470 --> 00:26:17.470
and

00:26:18.590 --> 00:26:20.590
John.

00:26:21.950 --> 00:26:23.950
I'll try to pull together all of your questions instead of the

00:26:23.950 --> 00:26:25.950
back and forth. That would be helpful.

00:26:28.289 --> 00:26:32.289
I'll just answer the question. I think anytime somebody, we

00:26:32.289 --> 00:26:34.289
have, I believe, how many of these now? Four or six?

00:26:36.610 --> 00:26:38.610
We have three and one in process.

00:26:39.710 --> 00:26:41.710
Okay. We have three and one in process. Every single permit

00:26:41.710 --> 00:26:43.710
that gets submitted is reviewed.

00:26:45.470 --> 00:26:53.470
We have to verify insurance. We have to verify a rent-to-own situation. Our staff is going to review it and is going to work with the person.

00:26:53.470 --> 00:26:59.470
I think we're looking at an outlying situation here to try to base our judgment on it.

00:26:59.470 --> 00:27:09.470
I don't think the intent here is to eliminate rent-to-own situations from having the ability to obtain a vacation rental license.

00:27:09.470 --> 00:27:11.470
Alderman Johnson, did you have something?

00:27:11.470 --> 00:27:19.750
Yeah, I just wanted to say I did some checking to ask like how many times a month are these Airbnb's rentals or vacation rentals and

00:27:20.289 --> 00:27:23.789
The person I checked with said sometimes four to five times a month

00:27:23.789 --> 00:27:29.910
So when I think of that and how ever long they've been running them and we've only had one incident

00:27:29.910 --> 00:27:32.829
I think that maybe we need to not

00:27:34.110 --> 00:27:36.110
proceed with this but

00:27:36.110 --> 00:27:43.110
Well, Madam Clerk, Alderman Klemm, did you want to?

00:27:43.110 --> 00:27:44.110
Sure.

00:27:44.110 --> 00:27:47.630
Since I brought this up, I'll take the hit on it.

00:27:47.630 --> 00:27:52.309
Hey, I really appreciate everybody that came and spoke.

00:27:52.309 --> 00:27:53.829
There are two sides to this.

00:27:53.829 --> 00:27:56.829
There's no S&Ns or buts about it.

00:27:56.829 --> 00:28:02.269
The intention was not to completely take away Air B&Bs as we started out and talked about

00:28:02.269 --> 00:28:03.269
this.

00:28:03.269 --> 00:28:04.269
and others.

00:28:04.269 --> 00:28:09.150
The other thing was to take it away in single-family dwelling areas.

00:28:09.150 --> 00:28:13.110
I currently am the alderman in the area where this happened.

00:28:13.110 --> 00:28:15.390
Keep in mind this wasn't just a little incident.

00:28:15.390 --> 00:28:22.349
There were about 12 pistols, automatic weapons, illegal weapons, and 15 to 20 people that

00:28:22.349 --> 00:28:25.990
walked out of the place, and it's still under investigation.

00:28:25.990 --> 00:28:27.990
Is that correct, Deputy Chief?

00:28:27.990 --> 00:28:30.829
Yes, it's still under investigation.

00:28:30.829 --> 00:28:38.509
Okay, so I bring it up because that, I don't put that as a minor issue. If, you know, God

00:28:38.509 --> 00:28:42.550
bless if it doesn't go through and it isn't gonna go through, it does make a bit of difference.

00:28:42.550 --> 00:28:47.710
Life's gonna go on. But I think we ought to also ought to take a look at some of the safety

00:28:47.710 --> 00:28:55.070
things and some of the places where it's at. If you bought a house, and I got laughed at

00:28:55.070 --> 00:29:00.670
for saying this last time, so I'll say it again. If you got a house in a very expensive

00:29:00.670 --> 00:29:06.070
of Neighborhood. You'd think that you could live in that house without not knowing who

00:29:06.070 --> 00:29:10.470
lives next door to you and have a whole bunch of people with cars there and so on and so

00:29:10.470 --> 00:29:15.230
forth. And we can't say that didn't happen because the night before this happened, there

00:29:15.230 --> 00:29:20.630
was 10 cars at this place. Okay? And that came from a neighbor. It wasn't the owner

00:29:20.630 --> 00:29:24.630
that called the police. It was the neighbor that called the police. So that's the reason

00:29:24.630 --> 00:29:29.710
I'm bringing up. You can sit there and shake your head. I'm sorry. I said that I told you

00:29:29.710 --> 00:29:30.710
Selders.

00:29:30.710 --> 00:29:57.869
I do, I'm not taking it as a light situation, my nephew, he works for Airbnb and I called

00:29:57.869 --> 00:29:59.869
to ask him some questions about.

00:29:59.869 --> 00:30:00.869
and others.

00:30:00.869 --> 00:30:06.229
I asked him to ask him some questions about all of this and he said that even happens

00:30:06.229 --> 00:30:11.269
in hotels that they come in there with that type of ammunition and all that kind of stuff.

00:30:11.269 --> 00:30:12.349
It happens.

00:30:12.349 --> 00:30:19.389
But the thing if, if, if, will you really want maybe some more clarification or rules

00:30:19.389 --> 00:30:23.969
on how, on Airbnbs in your community?

00:30:23.969 --> 00:30:29.709
You can call them and they will have a consultation with you and help you come up with ideas on

00:30:29.709 --> 00:30:31.709
and

00:30:33.349 --> 00:30:35.349
the other people who are involved in the Air BnBs.

00:30:37.489 --> 00:30:40.289
I've stayed at Air BnBs in places that were probably million

00:30:40.289 --> 00:30:42.289
dollar homes.

00:30:44.789 --> 00:30:47.889
But it's all about how we perceive this and take it on

00:30:47.889 --> 00:30:49.889
and look at the one mistake that happened.

00:30:52.009 --> 00:30:54.009
How are we going to prevent it from happening again?

00:30:55.809 --> 00:30:57.809
But I do think it would be something really good in our

00:30:57.809 --> 00:31:04.669
in our community because of you know the hotel situation and this is another way people make

00:31:04.669 --> 00:31:09.909
a hustle you know this is how they make extra income to take care of their families or you

00:31:09.909 --> 00:31:14.289
know just to have to take care of their homes but I do agree I'm not saying that it wasn't

00:31:14.289 --> 00:31:18.869
bad because it scared me when I heard it but I'm just thinking that it shouldn't be something

00:31:18.869 --> 00:31:24.389
that we just do away with it because we have one bad incident and I'm you know thankful

00:31:24.389 --> 00:31:51.309
Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, the ordinance fails 6-2-6.

00:31:51.309 --> 00:31:56.829
Section number 8 is the adoption of resolution 2025-113. Could you please read this?

00:31:56.829 --> 00:32:02.109
Reconsideration of resolution regarding community solar with Illinois Shines, which is a state-administered

00:32:02.109 --> 00:32:05.789
incentive program to support the development of new solar projects.

00:32:05.789 --> 00:32:15.669
Okay. So before we can have this, Manager Boyer, we need a motion to reconsider.

00:32:15.669 --> 00:32:16.669
So moved.

00:32:16.669 --> 00:32:17.669
Second.

00:32:17.669 --> 00:32:40.109
I do not have that, well it would be in the minutes, attorney.

00:32:40.109 --> 00:32:51.429
So sorry when all eyes are on me. Shadle made a motion. Klemm seconded to adopt. Motion

00:32:51.429 --> 00:32:58.269
failed by roll call vote. Ayes were Klemm, Parker, Shadle, Nays were Johnson, Simmons,

00:32:58.269 --> 00:33:16.109
The motion to reconsider would be made by Johnson, Sanders, Simmons, and Stacy.

00:33:16.109 --> 00:33:18.469
So do you understand what's being asked of you?

00:33:18.469 --> 00:33:19.469
Question.

00:33:19.469 --> 00:33:20.469
Alderman, Sanders?

00:33:20.469 --> 00:33:22.669
Who's asking for this reconsideration?

00:33:22.669 --> 00:33:25.750
Who's asking for that?

00:33:25.750 --> 00:33:27.029
Manager Boyer, myself.

00:33:27.029 --> 00:33:29.029
and

00:33:30.149 --> 00:33:32.229
I don't think there was a very good explanation and it kind of

00:33:32.229 --> 00:33:35.809
tied together with Mike Mudge's two presentations and I don't

00:33:35.809 --> 00:33:39.649
think that everybody really understood. So it is just to be

00:33:39.649 --> 00:33:43.649
able to have a little better discussion on this one piece.

00:33:43.649 --> 00:33:52.449
Before we vote on that, can we reconsider the person that is

00:33:52.449 --> 00:34:02.889
and the person that was given the explanation to this particular program, we can't reconsider

00:34:02.889 --> 00:34:06.849
to bring him back to give us another understanding?

00:34:06.849 --> 00:34:10.009
Well, that's why we, go ahead.

00:34:10.009 --> 00:34:15.849
We would need a motion to reconsider the topic first, because if you guys choose to reconsider

00:34:15.849 --> 00:34:21.609
the topic, then once that topic is back on the table, then you could talk about, hey,

00:34:21.609 --> 00:34:30.609
We're talking about it again. We want to bring Mr. Mudge back in to talk about it at that point. But if you guys don't want to reconsider the topic, then there's no point to having Mr. Mudge here.

00:34:30.609 --> 00:34:33.609
I don't think we should be voting on something that has not been clearly understood.

00:34:33.609 --> 00:34:37.609
Right. Well, we're not. Do you want to talk more about it?

00:34:37.609 --> 00:34:38.609
Yes.

00:34:38.609 --> 00:34:41.609
So are you making a motion to reconsider Alderman Sanders?

00:34:41.609 --> 00:34:48.609
On the premises of the fact that he would come and give us a better understanding of the process.

00:34:48.609 --> 00:35:02.349
Okay. Well, it would be something that maybe Manager Boyer or Mr. Segal could give a better

00:35:02.349 --> 00:35:09.090
understanding on it's really free money to the community. So if you are making a motion

00:35:09.090 --> 00:35:14.170
to bring the topic back up, I would need a second.

00:35:14.170 --> 00:35:16.170
Johnson, and

00:35:17.250 --> 00:35:21.250
I'm second to bring it back up. Okay. So we have a motion.

00:35:21.250 --> 00:35:25.250
Do we have a motion to bring it back? Alderman, Stacy, that's kind of out of order.

00:35:25.250 --> 00:35:31.250
So he did make the motion. Alderman Johnson seconded it. So now that gives us the ability to talk about it.

00:35:31.250 --> 00:35:39.250
So what we'll do next is allow Manager Boyer. You've got to vote on it. You have to vote on the motion to reconsider.

00:35:39.250 --> 00:35:40.250
Clark.

00:35:40.250 --> 00:35:46.849
So on the reconsidering itself, Madam Clerk, could you take the role on the reconsidering?

00:35:46.849 --> 00:35:47.849
Klemm?

00:35:47.849 --> 00:35:48.849
Aye.

00:35:48.849 --> 00:35:49.849
Johnson?

00:35:49.849 --> 00:35:50.849
Aye.

00:35:50.849 --> 00:35:51.849
Simmons?

00:35:51.849 --> 00:35:52.849
No.

00:35:52.849 --> 00:35:53.849
Parker?

00:35:53.849 --> 00:35:54.849
No.

00:35:54.849 --> 00:35:55.849
Stacy?

00:35:55.849 --> 00:35:56.849
No.

00:35:56.849 --> 00:35:57.849
Shadle?

00:35:57.849 --> 00:35:58.849
Aye.

00:35:58.849 --> 00:35:59.849
Sanders?

00:35:59.849 --> 00:36:00.849
No.

00:36:00.849 --> 00:36:01.849
And Sellers?

00:36:01.849 --> 00:36:02.849
Aye.

00:36:02.849 --> 00:36:03.849
One, two, three, four.

00:36:03.849 --> 00:36:04.849
It is currently tied.

00:36:04.849 --> 00:36:05.849
Mayor?

00:36:05.849 --> 00:36:06.849
Aye.

00:36:06.849 --> 00:36:08.730
The motion to reconsider passes five to four.

00:36:08.730 --> 00:36:15.529
So now before you then is City Manager's being able to read the memo.

00:36:15.529 --> 00:36:16.529
Sure.

00:36:16.529 --> 00:36:17.529
Thank you, Your Honor.

00:36:17.529 --> 00:36:23.730
The City of Freeport was asked at the September 8th Cal Mike Mudge presented on the Community

00:36:23.730 --> 00:36:29.670
Solar Bill credits with the Illinois Shines Program.

00:36:29.670 --> 00:36:34.090
So anyway, if we were to participate in the Illinois Solar Energy Incentive Program, solar

00:36:34.090 --> 00:36:35.090
Schrodinger.

00:36:35.090 --> 00:36:44.289
The city's largest electrical accounts are 100 kilowatts and under and will be eligible

00:36:44.289 --> 00:36:49.210
to receive the monetary bill credits from the program incentive.

00:36:49.210 --> 00:36:54.489
These incentive programs work on a 20-year subscription timeline and the subscription

00:36:54.489 --> 00:36:58.989
program application will allow Freeport to participate and receive solar incentives from

00:36:58.989 --> 00:37:02.369
solar array projects that are being installed in the area.

00:37:02.369 --> 00:37:07.889
Report will not have any financial or liability participation in installing or paying for

00:37:07.889 --> 00:37:10.609
any solar build project.

00:37:10.609 --> 00:37:16.449
The City utility accounts are appealing the program due to the large inconsistent use

00:37:16.449 --> 00:37:17.849
of electricity.

00:37:17.849 --> 00:37:21.090
Many Northwest Illinois cities are joining this program.

00:37:21.090 --> 00:37:27.609
So there's a brochure included, but essentially these are credits the City would get back

00:37:27.609 --> 00:37:33.969
based on the amount of solar activity, solar projects that are being built. I don't want

00:37:33.969 --> 00:37:39.769
to quote incorrectly, but I believe Mr. Mutch said we'd be the only community that did not

00:37:39.769 --> 00:37:48.849
approve this in the area. So I just request that Council give it some more thought and

00:37:48.849 --> 00:37:53.369
consider moving forward with the Illinois Shines Program.

00:37:53.369 --> 00:37:56.369
Director Segal, would you like to add to that?

00:37:56.369 --> 00:38:05.369
Yes, I would. So I just want to give the basic blue-collar discussion to this quickly.

00:38:05.369 --> 00:38:13.369
This is every large solar array that's done gets credits that they have to give back to the community

00:38:13.369 --> 00:38:18.369
and it's dollars that they have to return back to that community and it's based on usage.

00:38:18.369 --> 00:38:24.329
This is not available for let's say our City Hall account because we don't pay

00:38:24.329 --> 00:38:29.329
electric for our City Hall account because we we have a deal with ComEd on

00:38:29.329 --> 00:38:35.130
this. This is for the utility accounts like our Wells and our bigger accounts

00:38:35.130 --> 00:38:38.929
that use a lot of electricity and basically is what they're saying is

00:38:38.929 --> 00:38:43.649
here's free money every year for the next 20 years because we have to give

00:38:43.649 --> 00:38:48.009
this money back to communities. I cover a lot of communities in Northern

00:38:48.009 --> 00:38:51.889
Illinois, this would be the first town that didn't take this money. They can't

00:38:51.889 --> 00:38:55.689
tell you exactly what it is because we can't negotiate with them until we have

00:38:55.689 --> 00:38:59.210
an approval with the accounts that Michelle would put together that we

00:38:59.210 --> 00:39:04.329
actually pay for monthly. Not that this would be massive money, but this could

00:39:04.329 --> 00:39:08.730
be ten to twenty thousand dollars a year of free money coming back to the

00:39:08.730 --> 00:39:14.130
utility with no commitment from us, right? We don't have to sign up for more solar

00:39:14.130 --> 00:39:44.130
We don't have to add more solar work. We don't have to do some special program. We don't have to add more solar fields. We're just accepting their credits because we have high volume accounts. So it's essentially free money back. There is no subscription fee to the city, but the subscriber, which is this Illinois Shine, they take a portion of the rebate as their fee for processing this deal that is part of what they do. We can't do it.

00:39:44.130 --> 00:39:48.590
they do all the processing so and what has been offered to Freeport which has

00:39:48.590 --> 00:39:53.389
been greater than other communities is I believe they upped the rebate percentage

00:39:53.389 --> 00:40:01.609
from 10 to 15 but I don't know how that works

00:40:01.609 --> 00:40:06.169
but I don't know how that works financially for us other than it's a larger incentive that other

00:40:06.169 --> 00:40:11.689
communities get. There will be other opportunities for us besides Illinois Shine as well that's just

00:40:11.689 --> 00:40:16.969
one program that's out there there's other fields being being brought around the area and they go

00:40:16.969 --> 00:40:23.849
to the bigger municipalities so I appreciate you at least having this discussion. It is truly

00:40:23.849 --> 00:40:28.809
free money to the community that we desperately need more funding so I don't know why we would

00:40:28.809 --> 00:40:31.809
and all of the folks that are here.

00:40:31.809 --> 00:40:39.809
We need to pass this opportunity up when there's no commitment based on us spending any financial money whatsoever.

00:40:39.809 --> 00:40:47.809
And if the incentives or the rebates get low enough, for instance, like our accounts, we don't use enough or they don't produce enough solar.

00:40:47.809 --> 00:40:50.809
We just don't get the rebate for that month.

00:40:50.809 --> 00:40:52.809
Attorney Zito.

00:40:52.809 --> 00:40:54.809
Just a point of question, Darren.

00:40:54.809 --> 00:40:57.449
and many other residents of Freeport.

00:40:57.449 --> 00:41:03.769
My understanding is that we're talking just about the city electric bills that we utilize

00:41:03.769 --> 00:41:08.109
at our buildings, not all our buildings, not like City Hall, like you said, but our utility

00:41:08.109 --> 00:41:09.109
buildings.

00:41:09.109 --> 00:41:14.729
So this is about our, a rebate for us and what we have to pay.

00:41:14.729 --> 00:41:17.089
This program has nothing to do with the general public.

00:41:17.089 --> 00:41:18.089
That is absolutely correct.

00:41:18.089 --> 00:41:19.089
Okay, thank you.

00:41:19.089 --> 00:41:24.329
So for an instance, one of our larger bills right now that we have monthly is our city

00:41:24.329 --> 00:41:29.529
Lighting Bill for all the street lights around town, that account would qualify for this.

00:41:29.529 --> 00:41:35.009
It's steady usage, it's annual usage that we have to pay for, so that rebate would come

00:41:35.009 --> 00:41:37.049
from one of those accounts.

00:41:37.049 --> 00:41:38.849
Alderman Sanders?

00:41:38.849 --> 00:41:46.449
Well, who's monitoring these incentives and these rebates and how do we make decisions

00:41:46.449 --> 00:41:52.129
whether or not we want to go forward with any of this program because we don't have

00:41:52.129 --> 00:41:54.249
a measuring stick with it.

00:41:54.249 --> 00:41:58.449
there is no measuring stick, there's no monitoring, there's no oversight committees, there's no

00:41:58.449 --> 00:42:04.649
nothing to make sure that everything is above board. In other words, we're taking a risk

00:42:04.649 --> 00:42:11.489
as something that we don't fully understand at this point in time. And just them throwing

00:42:11.489 --> 00:42:18.289
out brochures and incentives and possible quick pro quos are probably hanging out there

00:42:18.289 --> 00:42:20.769
and the Balance that we don't know about.

00:42:20.769 --> 00:42:25.409
We got to make sure that we have a lockdown on everything

00:42:25.409 --> 00:42:29.569
about the understanding of how we are going to receive any kind

00:42:29.569 --> 00:42:34.129
of receivables, dividends, or whatever the case may be.

00:42:34.129 --> 00:42:38.289
We have not put that in place yet.

00:42:38.289 --> 00:42:41.409
This, what we're talking about, has not been orchestrated

00:42:41.409 --> 00:42:42.849
by council yet.

00:42:42.849 --> 00:42:46.489
We have not had a full discussion.

00:42:46.489 --> 00:42:47.489
and others.

00:42:47.489 --> 00:43:00.289
We need to be able to have this kind of discussion to get the details of how is it benefiting

00:43:00.289 --> 00:43:07.369
the community of Freeport, who's going to be served with these types of incentive to

00:43:07.369 --> 00:43:14.729
join in, to be part of that whole process, and how the rebates are distributed.

00:43:14.729 --> 00:43:24.089
I don't think the rebates, you narrow it down to the electric here and the facilities of

00:43:24.089 --> 00:43:30.769
our own, water and sewer and everything like that, but we don't have a monitoring system

00:43:30.769 --> 00:43:32.809
to determine that.

00:43:32.809 --> 00:43:34.049
Council don't have it.

00:43:34.049 --> 00:43:42.089
We don't have what they say, alert status about rebates that are coming into the city

00:43:42.089 --> 00:43:46.649
on behalf of the Solar Shine or whatever who they are.

00:43:46.649 --> 00:43:48.969
We don't have that, we don't have indicators

00:43:48.969 --> 00:43:52.809
that let council know how this is being presented

00:43:52.809 --> 00:43:54.849
and being brought back each year

00:43:54.849 --> 00:43:59.729
or whenever rebates are being submitted to the city.

00:43:59.729 --> 00:44:00.569
We don't know that.

00:44:00.569 --> 00:44:03.009
It's just like that, I'm gonna give an example.

00:44:03.009 --> 00:44:05.449
Just like the rebates that happens out in Menards,

00:44:05.449 --> 00:44:07.289
you have to sign up for rebates.

00:44:08.929 --> 00:44:11.169
Rebates may not ever come.

00:44:11.169 --> 00:44:19.009
and who knows who's using the system, the monitoring system as far as solar and everything

00:44:19.009 --> 00:44:25.169
of that nature in order to reap the benefits. Those incentives are just out there. I just

00:44:25.169 --> 00:44:29.849
don't see how it benefits anybody at this time.

00:44:29.849 --> 00:44:31.609
Manager Boyer, would you like to respond?

00:44:31.609 --> 00:44:38.489
Yeah, I just wanted to comment. Alderman Sanders, you know, Mike Mudgekeem, September 8th, and

00:44:38.489 --> 00:44:43.529
none of those questions were brought up to him at the time so he didn't have an opportunity to

00:44:43.529 --> 00:44:49.689
answer your questions because you didn't ask them so I will say the opportunity existed it just

00:44:50.249 --> 00:44:54.809
for whatever reason it didn't happen. Director Steakley? Yeah I can answer a handful of those

00:44:54.809 --> 00:45:04.889
questions if you want. Sure. So the the rebate money would come directly to our Director of

00:45:04.889 --> 00:45:10.009
Finance, because that's how that works. And until we have an approval from Council, we can't sign up

00:45:10.009 --> 00:45:15.529
for a contract, but there will be no money touching any departments other than directly to her as a

00:45:15.529 --> 00:45:21.849
rebate off the bills. That's the way it works. And then it's all accounted for on our balance sheets,

00:45:21.849 --> 00:45:26.409
just like every other dollar that comes in for permanent fees or anything else. It's very

00:45:26.409 --> 00:45:32.969
transparent and it's very easily seen on what comes in. So again, if you guys choose not to go

00:45:32.969 --> 00:45:38.649
that's your take on it but we are constantly here asking for more money

00:45:38.649 --> 00:45:44.089
and here's an opportunity to capture some extra dollars isn't going to you

00:45:44.089 --> 00:45:49.089
know make us rich but over a 10-year period it might be a another hundred or

00:45:49.089 --> 00:45:54.609
two hundred thousand dollars of input to the utility funds or or to the general

00:45:54.609 --> 00:45:58.449
fund whatever wherever it comes in it gets expended but it's money that we

00:45:58.449 --> 00:46:13.569
Alderman, Stacy, would you? Yes, Mayor. What you did was not right, Mayor Miller. You tricked

00:46:13.569 --> 00:46:26.009
Alderman Sanders into reconsidering. He never said, I make a motion. He said, yes, he would

00:46:26.009 --> 00:46:27.009
and others.

00:46:27.009 --> 00:46:32.369
So, I think we should consider under the assumption that the guy could come back and express it

00:46:32.369 --> 00:46:33.369
greater.

00:46:33.369 --> 00:46:45.249
Now, Darren has been allowed to speak everything that he know on this matter because he knows

00:46:45.249 --> 00:46:48.729
it all.

00:46:48.729 --> 00:47:00.889
and giving his input is just to promote why we should do this, do something that we have

00:47:00.889 --> 00:47:10.329
already voted down and I watched the little faces in the little talks, you know, and City

00:47:10.329 --> 00:47:15.329
Manager Boyer, you're sitting there cracking up till you're red laughing because now he

00:47:15.329 --> 00:47:21.769
We got all these questions and he's wanting information and he's saying this and he's

00:47:21.769 --> 00:47:23.729
saying that.

00:47:23.729 --> 00:47:29.449
He never physically said, I make a motion that we reconsider.

00:47:29.449 --> 00:47:34.089
You promoted that Mayor Miller.

00:47:34.089 --> 00:47:38.849
You promoted that because that's what you want and that's what you said.

00:47:38.849 --> 00:47:42.209
He never made the motion.

00:47:42.209 --> 00:47:49.449
So we just voted on a motion that really was not made and was not legal.

00:47:49.449 --> 00:47:55.969
And that is not right, pushing your values and what you want and tricking him to move

00:47:55.969 --> 00:47:59.209
forward because this is something that you want.

00:47:59.209 --> 00:48:00.889
It's just not right.

00:48:00.889 --> 00:48:01.889
And it's not funny.

00:48:01.889 --> 00:48:05.889
Well, first of all, I don't think it's funny.

00:48:05.889 --> 00:48:09.369
And secondly, it was a motion to reconsider.

00:48:09.369 --> 00:48:15.329
and if the Council chooses to bring Mr. Mudge back another time, that's totally acceptable,

00:48:15.329 --> 00:48:19.809
but we have two men sitting here that can easily answer a question and maybe that's

00:48:19.809 --> 00:48:24.809
enough. I just wanted to bring more clarity to the subject. That's it.

00:48:24.809 --> 00:48:27.369
He still never made a motion.

00:48:27.369 --> 00:48:28.369
He made a motion.

00:48:28.369 --> 00:48:30.529
No, he did not. You made the motion.

00:48:30.529 --> 00:48:36.449
Please. So we have before us the discussion. Is there any more discussion on this? Alderman

00:48:36.449 --> 00:48:37.449
Sellers.

00:48:37.449 --> 00:48:45.729
I would just like to know why would we want not want to get free money can you

00:48:45.729 --> 00:48:52.209
say it again I hear how how would we not want to take on free money and it's 20

00:48:52.209 --> 00:48:58.289
years I just want to know why would we say no to free money

00:48:59.209 --> 00:49:05.529
Alderman Johnson I've always been told you never get anything free right so

00:49:05.529 --> 00:49:35.529
I'd like to know how can they give us something free without us not giving them something back or what is it that's promised or what's you know what's the bottom line on this is this something that I mean from what I understood Mr. Mudge to say that there was a subscription you had to do and that subscription would build more solar farms more solar places because there's not enough right now what he said there isn't enough right now around here to give us the whatever we need

00:49:35.529 --> 00:49:41.689
to get the energy that they're going to give us. So I want to know what is it that they're looking

00:49:41.689 --> 00:49:49.729
for in return because you never get anything free. Attorney Zito. And Manager Boyer and Darren,

00:49:49.729 --> 00:49:56.129
correct me if I misspeak to your guys' understanding of this program as well there. But my understanding

00:49:56.129 --> 00:50:01.409
of how the program works, what they're asking, what they want in return from the city is 20

00:50:01.409 --> 00:50:08.529
from the city is 20 years worth of us paying electric bills to them so they're willing to

00:50:08.529 --> 00:50:12.849
say if you're willing to commit and subscribe to us and lock in for 20 years and you're going to

00:50:12.849 --> 00:50:17.969
pay those month after month after month ever bills that you guys are going to pay i'm willing to

00:50:17.969 --> 00:50:23.409
incentivize you to lock in for that period of time by giving you this 10 to 15 discount because

00:50:23.409 --> 00:50:29.489
i locked in the otherwise all of that revenue that you're going to pay month after month that we

00:50:29.489 --> 00:50:59.489
so we would have paid month after month anyways there and they take that revenue stream that committed revenue stream that company will say if I know I got the city of Freeport and I know I have this other let's say large manufacturer that has you know a large electric bill let's say it's an industrial user right and I sign up 15 to 20 of those types of companies those sorts of users that's enough for me to justify building then my grid or my plant my solar field there

00:50:59.489 --> 00:51:06.210
So that's what they're looking, in exchange, is they're looking for a long-term commitment

00:51:06.210 --> 00:51:11.089
from the City of Freeport and say in exchange for that, I'm willing to give you a discount

00:51:11.089 --> 00:51:12.089
on your bill.

00:51:12.089 --> 00:51:18.250
Did you want your second?

00:51:18.250 --> 00:51:25.009
Would this lead to eventually everyone in this city having to go solar?

00:51:25.009 --> 00:51:26.009
Director Segal?

00:51:26.009 --> 00:51:27.009
I'm just curious.

00:51:27.009 --> 00:51:28.009
No.

00:51:28.009 --> 00:51:34.250
is what they're trying to do is build solar to feed the grid because we have a larger power

00:51:34.250 --> 00:51:37.170
room requirement than what Comet can feed.

00:51:37.170 --> 00:51:42.969
So they're supplementing the grid with this type of power and the reason we're advantageous

00:51:42.969 --> 00:51:50.029
is because accounts that are already in aggregation are not eligible to be used for this type

00:51:50.029 --> 00:51:51.029
of project.

00:51:51.029 --> 00:51:54.029
Alderman Sanders, did you have your hand up?

00:51:54.029 --> 00:51:55.029
Go ahead.

00:51:55.029 --> 00:52:00.049
When you say aggregation is not fitted for this particular project, is that what you

00:52:00.049 --> 00:52:01.049
just said?

00:52:01.049 --> 00:52:06.909
I'm asking, I thought that's what I heard, but if I didn't, if I heard you wrong, I apologize.

00:52:06.909 --> 00:52:12.670
Accounts that are already in aggregation programs are not eligible for this type of incentive.

00:52:12.670 --> 00:52:18.789
So what's defying that for me, are you talking about residents or people that's already pre-existing?

00:52:18.789 --> 00:52:25.269
right now this is just on the City of Freeport utility accounts only this has

00:52:25.269 --> 00:52:31.190
nothing to do with our right and who's governing this who's governing over this

00:52:31.190 --> 00:52:38.230
project to to make sure that the but the citizens of Freeport are not being taken

00:52:38.230 --> 00:52:42.949
advantage of this has nothing to do with our residents later this is just for the

00:52:42.949 --> 00:52:47.949
For the City of Freeport proper accounts. It has nothing to do with, does not drill down to the homes.

00:52:47.949 --> 00:52:50.949
It does, okay. I see. Now I get the picture.

00:52:50.949 --> 00:53:00.949
Right. It has nothing to do with everyone's individual electric bill. It has only to do with the utility accounts that are done by Public Works and or

00:53:00.949 --> 00:53:01.949
Okay.

00:53:01.949 --> 00:53:06.949
Ms. Richter during our monthly bill cycles.

00:53:06.949 --> 00:53:07.949
Okay.

00:53:07.949 --> 00:53:32.949
, and so on. Okay. Okay. So Alderman, Alderman, Stacy, did you have another one? Yes. And so for 20 years, how much are we paying them for this little, what, 10 or 15% discount? How much is it costing us month after month after month for 20 years?

00:53:32.949 --> 00:53:33.949
Fowler.

00:53:33.949 --> 00:53:43.789
There's a subscription fee based on what you save every month, and I don't know that number

00:53:43.789 --> 00:53:49.750
because until we enter into something with them, that number won't be disclosed.

00:53:49.750 --> 00:53:54.909
What they're saying is there's a 15% savings on the electrical bills that will qualify

00:53:54.909 --> 00:53:59.469
for this program, but they do get a subscription fee for the process.

00:53:59.469 --> 00:54:02.670
So we don't even know what the subscription fee is costing us.

00:54:02.670 --> 00:54:08.869
We don't know what we're putting into this and we're committing to 20 years and we will

00:54:08.869 --> 00:54:10.829
not until we sign up.

00:54:10.829 --> 00:54:15.029
That's something fishy with that.

00:54:15.029 --> 00:54:21.269
And then we have all these, the solar panels and areas we have right here in town.

00:54:21.269 --> 00:54:24.389
They don't even take care of them like they're supposed to.

00:54:24.389 --> 00:54:27.829
They're not mowed and maintained.

00:54:27.829 --> 00:54:30.029
I have a question.

00:54:30.029 --> 00:54:32.029
and others.

00:54:33.130 --> 00:54:36.369
And to her point, it's not like we're paying them. They're just

00:54:36.369 --> 00:54:38.369
deducting it from what they owe us.

00:54:39.389 --> 00:54:41.389
That is the correct statement. They're deducting it.

00:54:42.489 --> 00:54:46.489
At what rate? Well, that's what he said. It's kind of out there.

00:54:46.489 --> 00:54:50.489
But we get the payment minus the fee. So we still come out in

00:54:50.489 --> 00:54:54.489
the positive. But we don't know that.

00:54:54.489 --> 00:54:58.489
Well, it's in the brochure. Because if there's no savings for

00:54:58.489 --> 00:55:18.730
Okay, Alderman, Simmons, Mr., oh, I'm sorry, Director, the percentage for the city's savings

00:55:18.730 --> 00:55:24.409
or the percentage of that fee, the percent, the fee and the savings, like, so I can only

00:55:24.409 --> 00:55:41.409
We go off of what the brochure was and the brochure, I believe it's a percentage of the savings per month and our rebate though would be locked in on a percentage of the bill because our electrical bills aren't the same amount every month. They go up and down based on seasonality.

00:55:41.409 --> 00:55:44.409
So we're not locked in? Is that what you said?

00:55:44.409 --> 00:55:46.409
The percentage was 15%.

00:55:46.409 --> 00:55:51.409
It doesn't go up or go down. You're saying that percentage though stays the same.

00:55:51.409 --> 00:55:53.409
and Dr. Hicks.

00:55:53.409 --> 00:55:55.409
That's what Mr. Mudge told us.

00:55:55.409 --> 00:56:01.409
And again, if we decide to move forward, before we would sign anything with them, we would get it all in writing.

00:56:01.409 --> 00:56:11.409
But again, it comes back to the point, it's money that we can have as revenue that doesn't cost our taxpayers, our citizens, anything.

00:56:11.409 --> 00:56:18.409
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:56:18.409 --> 00:56:19.409
Klemm?

00:56:19.409 --> 00:56:20.409
Yes.

00:56:20.409 --> 00:56:32.929
Simmons, Parker, yes, Stacy, no, Shadle, Sanders is currently absent, Sellers, the

00:56:32.929 --> 00:56:39.069
resolution is adopted four to three, oh I'm sorry it has to have five positive

00:56:39.069 --> 00:56:43.730
mayor. Right so you have half of the council voting in favor already so that

00:56:43.730 --> 00:56:47.529
triggers the situation where the mayor is allowed to vote. Okay I forgot mayor.

00:56:47.529 --> 00:56:53.309
Mayor? Aye. And that will make it five to three that we need the five. Item number nine

00:56:53.309 --> 00:57:00.789
is the adoption of resolution 2025 118. Could you please read this? Resolution

00:57:00.789 --> 00:57:06.009
ratifying emergency storm sewer system repairs at Greenfield and Santa Fe by

00:57:06.009 --> 00:57:09.730
Fisher excavating. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Yeah, thank you your honor. The city of

00:57:09.730 --> 00:57:14.489
Freeport had an emergency repair to the storm system. The repair was much more

00:57:14.489 --> 00:57:44.489
Fischer, Fischer, Fischer, Fischer,

00:57:44.489 --> 00:58:10.250
Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman

00:58:10.250 --> 00:58:15.449
Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution? Alderman Sellers?

00:58:15.449 --> 00:58:22.809
Yeah. I know I had talked with Rob earlier about this and I do think that, I know that

00:58:22.809 --> 00:58:28.690
sometimes you get busy and I know they're a big organization, but I do think that we

00:58:28.690 --> 00:58:38.250
as a city and in our finances, we need to look at something like this a little more

00:58:38.250 --> 00:58:44.529
Fosser to not let something like this get this far behind in paying our debts.

00:58:44.529 --> 00:58:51.649
I know that they should have given us the invoice, but we also need to look at maybe

00:58:51.649 --> 00:58:56.449
the end of the year or something to see what still we have out there outstanding to make

00:58:56.449 --> 00:59:05.690
sure that it's paid in a timely fashion so that we don't have to come back this many

00:59:05.689 --> 00:59:18.329
Hunter, e-mail, email, email, email, email, email, email.

00:59:18.329 --> 00:59:26.750
So that's how we can have better records for us.

00:59:26.750 --> 00:59:37.389
We did storm work in this location for a storm collapse and we did pay them during the appropriate

00:59:37.389 --> 00:59:43.829
period for the storm work. However, it led into a lot of concrete and we had a couple

00:59:43.829 --> 00:59:50.469
other jobs going with them at the same time and it was our error. We thought we had collected

00:59:50.469 --> 00:59:56.069
it but or not collected it. We thought that they had billed us for it. They thought we

00:59:56.069 --> 01:00:01.429
We've actually been going back and forth for quite a bit of time thinking it was played

01:00:01.429 --> 01:00:31.429
and I were thinking it was played but I really drilled down into this and it was unduly fair not to pay them for the work that was done and I did go back through all the invoicing and I also had the Public Works admin help me and we proved that we never paid them for this emergency work so you know it's unfortunate that they didn't bill us sooner but we have been negotiating on it trying to figure out whether we did or didn't and that took a little bit of time and like I said we had three or four open jobs with the

01:00:31.429 --> 01:00:37.669
at the time, so again, we'll try to do a better job trapping that, but I will take this one

01:00:37.669 --> 01:00:38.669
as my fault.

01:00:38.669 --> 01:00:39.669
Thank you.

01:00:39.669 --> 01:00:40.669
Any further discussion?

01:00:40.669 --> 01:00:41.669
Alderman, Stacy?

01:00:41.669 --> 01:00:48.469
Yes, I would like to know, so when was this emergency work done and was this emergency

01:00:48.469 --> 01:01:01.190
work bided out or was it given to them to do and if it was bided out, did they bid $19,540?

01:01:01.190 --> 01:01:13.189
Yes, so no, this was emergency work. The storms that were at Santa Fe and Greenfield collapsed last fall, and they did the pipe work.

01:01:13.189 --> 01:01:14.189
When?

01:01:14.189 --> 01:01:15.189
Last fall.

01:01:15.189 --> 01:01:19.189
Okay, I understand that, but are we talking August, September, October?

01:01:19.189 --> 01:01:25.189
I'm going to say August. I don't know the month off the top of my head, Cecelia.

01:01:25.190 --> 01:01:30.549
but um and we had the pipe work done but then when we did the pipe work we had to

01:01:31.190 --> 01:01:37.269
rip out significantly more curb and significant two ADA ramps that totally had to be redone at

01:01:37.269 --> 01:01:42.230
that intersection anyone can drive out there and see the work that was done so this is actually a

01:01:42.230 --> 01:01:50.069
really good price when you account for us having to do probably over 100 feet of curb and two ADA

01:01:50.069 --> 01:01:54.349
Rampstead encompassed at this repair because it went completely across the

01:01:54.349 --> 01:01:58.829
intersection actually without their contractor markup that they're entitled

01:01:58.829 --> 01:02:06.269
to this is a really good price for for the work so and Sanders the ADA ramp it

01:02:06.269 --> 01:02:11.549
affected the storm is what we're is what we're talking about that there was two

01:02:11.549 --> 01:02:16.049
ADA ramps that was over over top of the storm when we fixed the pipe we had to

01:02:16.049 --> 01:02:17.809
and take them out and put them back in.

01:02:17.809 --> 01:02:22.809
And replacing the, well, the ADA ramp is already paid for

01:02:23.689 --> 01:02:28.609
and the storm sewer material was not paid for.

01:02:29.649 --> 01:02:30.489
The opposite.

01:02:30.489 --> 01:02:31.929
We didn't get the, oh, the opposite, okay.

01:02:31.929 --> 01:02:35.609
We didn't get the invoice for the storm sewer repair

01:02:35.609 --> 01:02:39.089
and we couldn't put an ADA ramp

01:02:39.089 --> 01:02:41.649
until we got that storm sewer repair, right?

01:02:41.649 --> 01:02:42.609
Am I correct?

01:02:42.609 --> 01:02:49.889
Yeah, we had to, before you can put the ADA ramp in, the storm sewer had to be repaired.

01:02:49.889 --> 01:02:50.889
Is that correct?

01:02:50.889 --> 01:02:53.210
That's what, that's what I'm asking you.

01:02:53.210 --> 01:02:56.690
The ADA ramps could not be installed until the new piping was under-

01:02:56.690 --> 01:02:58.089
That's what I just said.

01:02:58.089 --> 01:02:59.529
That's exactly what I just said.

01:02:59.529 --> 01:03:06.690
So we don't have, we as a council, when that came up and you declared it as an emergency

01:03:06.690 --> 01:03:09.809
kind of deal, what was the emergency?

01:03:09.809 --> 01:03:12.069
It's just time and material.

01:03:12.069 --> 01:03:17.349
When you're talking time and material, we need to know the cost, we need to know what

01:03:17.349 --> 01:03:23.269
kind of material we're going to replace it with, how much we're going to pay for material,

01:03:23.269 --> 01:03:32.629
and what was the scope and the measurement of that project that brought us to a price

01:03:32.629 --> 01:03:39.949
that I feel that was an estimated cost until we understand that we need to know how much

01:03:39.949 --> 01:03:40.949
Farrell.

01:03:40.949 --> 01:03:46.170
The other thing I'd like to do is make sure that we do get all the information that we

01:03:46.170 --> 01:03:52.109
can in-house, get all the material, and work our time and material that went into that

01:03:52.109 --> 01:03:55.609
project to make sure that it was an emergency kind of deal.

01:03:55.609 --> 01:04:02.329
Because I don't recall us having any major storms, developing, and any wash-outs, or

01:04:02.329 --> 01:04:08.509
anything like that could have prevented you from continuing with the project of the ADA

01:04:08.509 --> 01:04:09.509
ramps.

01:04:09.509 --> 01:04:24.069
B. Ford. It was not an ADA project. It was it was a storm pipe collapse under an intersection that had to be repaired. And resultingly, the two ADA ramps had to be ripped out in order to fix the pipe.

01:04:24.189 --> 01:04:35.469
Okay, got you. Okay. So So did we get a time? Did we get a time? No, it was an emergency repair that was ratified by this council. And we went through with time and material.

01:04:35.469 --> 01:04:43.009
Okay, so I got to say, I appreciate that you're inquiring on these questions, but the back

01:04:43.009 --> 01:04:48.309
and forth conversation, it's what's a violation. So if you can pull together your thoughts

01:04:48.309 --> 01:04:53.589
and then ask something, but then, one minute, one minute. And so then when I give the floor

01:04:53.589 --> 01:04:57.389
to the director, then it becomes his. So then if you want to speak again, then you have

01:04:57.389 --> 01:05:01.549
to ask. So it's just that procedure. So I appreciate the questions, but once someone

01:05:01.549 --> 01:05:05.989
else finishes speaking, then you have to be recognized in order to continue.

01:05:05.989 --> 01:05:09.589
So would you like to continue with- I'm going to have a litigation meeting with

01:05:09.589 --> 01:05:15.349
this attorney, with the attorney here, the city's attorney, because as far as I'm concerned,

01:05:15.349 --> 01:05:17.469
we are in contempt.

01:05:17.469 --> 01:05:21.069
We are in contempt right now at this moment, and you're-

01:05:21.069 --> 01:05:23.829
Okay, so let me just- Well, I'm just saying, Mayor-

01:05:23.829 --> 01:05:26.269
Okay, I'm going to give you a warning.

01:05:26.269 --> 01:05:29.949
I want to talk to you- Alderman Sanders, I'm going to give you a warning.

01:05:29.949 --> 01:05:33.989
you'd like to speak you you are you have to be acknowledged okay so let's try to

01:05:33.989 --> 01:05:39.589
keep it at that all right so let's let's not go past the warning Alderman Stacy

01:05:39.589 --> 01:05:45.909
yes so when this emergency event happened what's it brought to council and

01:05:45.909 --> 01:05:54.269
we voted and agreed on this but they did the work but they were not paid and so

01:05:54.269 --> 01:06:04.429
So now we realize they have not been paid and they're a year later is coming for what is

01:06:04.429 --> 01:06:07.829
due for the service they've rendered.

01:06:07.829 --> 01:06:08.829
Correct.

01:06:08.829 --> 01:06:11.149
We only paid them for the piping portion.

01:06:11.149 --> 01:06:15.989
We never, because we had to get a, we, there was a delay to get the concrete work done

01:06:15.989 --> 01:06:21.869
so we paid them for the piping portion and the restoration, the ADA ramps were delayed

01:06:21.869 --> 01:06:23.409
so they didn't get paid right away.

01:06:23.409 --> 01:06:33.250
is correct adage of exactly the way it happened okay madam clerk has I just

01:06:33.250 --> 01:06:41.089
looked at the invoice a little bit closer it says Stenstrom concrete work so so

01:06:41.089 --> 01:06:48.289
Darren what when you say no contract that the the markup for the contractor fees

01:06:48.289 --> 01:06:53.329
so Fisher has been billed by Stenstrom for this concrete work if we don't pay

01:06:53.329 --> 01:06:59.329
Payette, Fisher is stuck with Stenstrom's bill. They've given us the courtesy of not giving

01:06:59.329 --> 01:07:05.130
their what, 10 or 15 percent markup and they're only charging us for 19,000 plus that was

01:07:05.130 --> 01:07:06.529
done over a year ago.

01:07:06.529 --> 01:07:07.529
That's right.

01:07:07.529 --> 01:07:08.529
Okay.

01:07:08.529 --> 01:07:09.529
Isn't that what I just said?

01:07:09.529 --> 01:07:13.529
Okay, so if there's no, would you like your second, Alderman Sanders?

01:07:13.529 --> 01:07:20.250
Yes. I'm glad you brought that out simply because here we go again. I'm going to speak

01:07:20.250 --> 01:07:26.969
this time and I don't want to question and answer, I just want to speak on this issue,

01:07:26.969 --> 01:07:35.250
that the fact that it was something that had been repaired a year ago and we still didn't

01:07:35.250 --> 01:07:43.929
get an invoice at that time to determine what the time and material cost that justify the

01:07:43.929 --> 01:07:48.289
hourly wages and the material that was replaced in it.

01:07:48.289 --> 01:07:56.409
We had not received that, and a year has already gone by. This is nothing but an estimation.

01:07:56.409 --> 01:08:01.769
These are estimated, yeah, because you have not demonstrated to us the invoice. The invoice

01:08:01.769 --> 01:08:08.409
has not been looked at at this current time. We have not seen that. And so we're depending

01:08:08.409 --> 01:08:17.130
on what you're saying according to the invoice. With a non-invoice, it was estimated. These

01:08:17.130 --> 01:08:26.409
These are estimated costs and I don't need this. I just know what it turned out to be.

01:08:26.409 --> 01:08:35.590
The invoice might be saying what you're charging, but you're not telling us why it's an estimation.

01:08:35.590 --> 01:08:40.369
You don't want to say that it's an estimation because that's what time and material boils

01:08:40.369 --> 01:08:41.369
and others.

01:08:41.369 --> 01:08:42.369
That's what it boils down to.

01:08:42.369 --> 01:08:43.970
That's what it boils down to, Darren.

01:08:43.970 --> 01:08:49.729
That's, well, if I'm not, who's standing there monitoring the amount of time that it

01:08:49.729 --> 01:08:55.409
takes to repair a storm sewer and what material that was used?

01:08:55.409 --> 01:09:00.090
There's no one there, and if that had been the case, then we should have received that

01:09:00.090 --> 01:09:08.010
report long before now, and we're estimating this over, well, you can keep shaking your

01:09:08.010 --> 01:09:12.010
Pueson, Larry.

01:09:12.010 --> 01:09:15.010
And before that, the law and the bullet is never ahead

01:09:15.010 --> 01:09:18.010
that it's not, but the fact of the matter isUNP leaving

01:09:18.010 --> 01:09:20.010
thank you for having me, never.

01:09:24.010 --> 01:09:27.010
Until we get more understanding how we

01:09:27.010 --> 01:09:29.010
got these escalated charges that you

01:09:35.010 --> 01:09:36.010
know we don't know how much material was used, how

01:09:36.010 --> 01:09:40.809
All of the material is accounted for on the invoice by the square foot, so it's easily

01:09:40.809 --> 01:09:46.989
measurable by anybody that would go out there, and it was included in the packet.

01:09:46.989 --> 01:09:47.989
This is not acceptable.

01:09:47.989 --> 01:09:55.210
Okay, so unless there's any other discussion, and Alderman Sanders, you were warned, now

01:09:55.210 --> 01:09:58.809
you're out of order, so please don't do it again, because if it happens again, you're

01:09:58.809 --> 01:10:00.409
going to be escorted out.

01:10:00.409 --> 01:10:02.409
and I just refrained from talking about this.

01:10:02.409 --> 01:10:04.409
and

01:10:05.409 --> 01:10:07.409
John.

01:10:09.409 --> 01:10:11.409
I would like to ask the attorney to refrain from talking out of order.

01:10:12.409 --> 01:10:14.409
You can talk to the attorney afterwards but please refrain from talking out of order.

01:10:15.409 --> 01:10:17.409
Is there any more discussion on Alderman Shadle?

01:10:19.409 --> 01:10:25.409
» I would like Clerk Anderson to know that her work of attaching these memos doesn't go wasted on all eyes.

01:10:26.409 --> 01:10:30.409
» If there is no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:10:30.409 --> 01:10:43.689
Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers.

01:10:43.689 --> 01:10:49.309
The resolution is adopted 7 to 1.

01:10:49.309 --> 01:10:52.630
Item number 10 is the adoption of resolution 2025-119.

01:10:52.630 --> 01:10:54.349
Could you please read this?

01:10:54.349 --> 01:11:00.389
Resolution approving a software renewal from Ferguson Waterworks for AMI Neptune 360.

01:11:00.389 --> 01:11:01.889
Utility Software.

01:11:01.889 --> 01:11:02.889
Thank you.

01:11:02.889 --> 01:11:03.889
Director Sutman.

01:11:03.889 --> 01:11:04.889
Thanks, Mayor.

01:11:04.889 --> 01:11:09.389
Council, this is the annual agreement for our Neptune 360 software platform.

01:11:09.389 --> 01:11:15.510
That software is kind of the interface for the water meter collectors.

01:11:15.510 --> 01:11:19.449
The reading is taken at your meter, goes to MIU on your house, goes to the collector,

01:11:19.449 --> 01:11:24.470
and from there it goes to 360, Neptune 360 for processing.

01:11:24.470 --> 01:11:30.670
This agreement and proposal includes the licensing support, cloud storage, and other pertinences.

01:11:30.670 --> 01:11:41.349
The total cost is $37,138.58 and has been budgeted in the fiscal year 25 water and sewer

01:11:41.349 --> 01:11:42.349
budget.

01:11:42.349 --> 01:11:43.349
Any questions?

01:11:43.349 --> 01:11:44.550
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:11:44.550 --> 01:11:45.550
So moved.

01:11:45.550 --> 01:11:46.550
Second.

01:11:46.550 --> 01:11:52.430
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

01:11:52.430 --> 01:12:00.590
on the resolution. Alderman Johnson. Yeah, I asked how much it would cost if we were doing

01:12:00.590 --> 01:12:04.630
all this by hand and people were going out and reading the meters and so forth. And it

01:12:04.630 --> 01:12:11.349
would cost anywhere between $130,000 and $155,000 instead of $37,000. So it sounds like a pretty

01:12:11.349 --> 01:12:19.630
good investment to me. Thank you. Any other discussion? Alderman Sanders? Yeah. How do

01:12:19.630 --> 01:12:31.630
Do we get to this cost? What drove this? Is this by percentage? Did we get this by percentage?

01:12:31.630 --> 01:12:35.750
Okay, before you answer that, Alderman Sanders, make sure that you finish whatever thought

01:12:35.750 --> 01:12:43.189
you have so it doesn't go back and forth. Are you good with that question? Alderman Sanders,

01:12:43.189 --> 01:12:44.189
are you good with that question?

01:12:44.189 --> 01:12:47.189
I'm done, Mayor.

01:12:47.189 --> 01:13:03.189
It's kind of a per user or a population size account or amount is where it gets the price and again figured in there is cloud storage, the support they give us for both the software and the hardware and then for the product itself, the software.

01:13:03.189 --> 01:13:08.189
Any other discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:13:08.189 --> 01:13:09.189
Klemm?

01:13:09.189 --> 01:13:10.189
Aye.

01:13:10.189 --> 01:13:11.189
Johnson?

01:13:11.189 --> 01:13:12.189
Aye.

01:13:12.189 --> 01:13:13.189
Simmons?

01:13:13.189 --> 01:13:14.189
Aye.

01:13:14.189 --> 01:13:15.189
Parker?

01:13:15.189 --> 01:13:16.189
Aye.

01:13:16.189 --> 01:13:23.909
Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. The resolution is adopted 8-0. Item number 11 is the

01:13:23.909 --> 01:13:28.949
adoption of resolution 2025-120. Could you please read this? Resolution

01:13:28.949 --> 01:13:32.989
approving an agreement with Fehr Graham to provide additional civil, environmental,

01:13:32.989 --> 01:13:38.029
engineering, project management, and other professional services for the 2025

01:13:38.029 --> 01:13:43.149
Public Works Master Services contract. Thank you. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor.

01:13:43.149 --> 01:14:13.149
The City of Freeport has various annual engineering needs. These include topographic study, infrastructure, system mapping, geotechnical, construction, survey and staking, elevation records, ADA issues, multiple grants and loan assistance, water, sewer, storm, and utility design, structural assessment, street infrastructure, airport engineering support, right-of-way permitting, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency requirements, Illinois Department of Transportation and Necessities,

01:14:13.149 --> 01:14:18.489
Quality Assurance, Quality Control Inspections, Observations, Soil Boarings, and Analysis,

01:14:18.489 --> 01:14:21.949
and all emergency needs for professional engineering requirements.

01:14:21.949 --> 01:14:27.769
This consultant work is performed outside of specific project contracts brought to the

01:14:27.769 --> 01:14:31.029
Council and required by specific funding sources.

01:14:31.029 --> 01:14:35.229
Freeport requires an engineering firm that provides support with staff and technical

01:14:35.229 --> 01:14:41.590
professionals including licensed engineers who specialize in various areas of city operations.

01:14:41.590 --> 01:14:45.630
City of Freeport annually approves various engineering contracts to meet the City's

01:14:45.630 --> 01:14:46.630
engineering needs.

01:14:46.630 --> 01:14:52.550
This support is for all City staff departments on an as-needed basis, time and material.

01:14:52.550 --> 01:14:59.109
This contract allows general engineering requirements not related to contracted projects to be performed

01:14:59.109 --> 01:15:01.909
on a day-to-day basis for the City departments.

01:15:01.909 --> 01:15:07.510
It also enables the City staff to be reactive to our daily needs and requirements as infrastructure

01:15:07.510 --> 01:15:09.349
and emergencies arise.

01:15:09.349 --> 01:15:14.109
This year has been extremely busy due to the large amount of engineering work, grant submittal,

01:15:14.109 --> 01:15:17.269
extensive permitting requirements, etc.

01:15:17.269 --> 01:15:22.149
The original contract funds have been expunged through nine months and staff requires additional

01:15:22.149 --> 01:15:24.369
funds to complete 2025.

01:15:24.369 --> 01:15:29.949
The estimated cost is about $100,000 on a time and material basis and used as needed.

01:15:29.949 --> 01:15:35.029
The funding for these additional services was included in the 2025 engineering budget

01:15:35.029 --> 01:15:38.389
and staff recommends moving forward with the additional services contract with

01:15:38.389 --> 01:15:41.430
Fehr Graham. And I will mention that we have had a

01:15:41.430 --> 01:15:46.869
tremendous amount of work this year. We put together a partial list and it is

01:15:46.869 --> 01:15:49.909
quite extensive. I do also want to point out that some of

01:15:49.909 --> 01:15:54.630
the fees that we are paying relate back to contract

01:15:54.630 --> 01:15:58.869
review and construction permitting and we do

01:15:58.869 --> 01:16:03.029
receive revenue back on the items through fee

01:16:03.029 --> 01:16:07.389
Structure for anybody requesting construction permits. We've had quite a few

01:16:07.389 --> 01:16:12.449
of those this year as we have NICOR, we have Surf Internet building out the

01:16:12.449 --> 01:16:17.149
fiber optic network, and we have a lot of different projects going on throughout

01:16:17.149 --> 01:16:21.550
the city that aren't city-led. So staff requests moving forward with this.

01:16:21.550 --> 01:16:24.069
Is there a motion to adopt? Second.

01:16:24.069 --> 01:16:30.189
A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the

01:16:30.189 --> 01:16:41.949
Resolution. Alderman Sanders. Did I hear somebody else? I called on you. Okay. Yeah. Well, the

01:16:41.949 --> 01:16:53.029
question I have, there's an existing contractor already on board before Fehr and Graham gets

01:16:53.029 --> 01:17:02.029
is involved with this particular contractor to supplement or to engineer or to support

01:17:02.029 --> 01:17:08.109
it. Is that what we're talking about? If we're talking about that kind of occasion,

01:17:08.109 --> 01:17:16.309
then why do we need Fehr and Graham services when we have not even talked about the master

01:17:16.309 --> 01:17:22.550
services contract and what's all entailed with it? Why haven't we made a discussion

01:17:22.550 --> 01:17:30.789
and evaluated what it is that the master services even provided for even Fehr and Graham to

01:17:30.789 --> 01:17:35.269
get involved to help the supporting of this engineering.

01:17:35.269 --> 01:17:42.710
I don't see how we can engage with Fehr and Graham with a contractor collaborating together

01:17:42.710 --> 01:17:48.170
to get the support that they need in order to fulfill their duties.

01:17:48.170 --> 01:17:56.130
I don't see how we can establish that when we don't know how much is going to everything

01:17:56.130 --> 01:18:03.930
is estimated like I said before things get to be estimated and cost can go out the roof

01:18:03.930 --> 01:18:09.769
without a measuring stick if you don't have something to gauge it with estimation is don't

01:18:09.769 --> 01:18:16.090
have no borders that's that's the problem with that and so my whole thing is I don't

01:18:16.090 --> 01:18:30.090
I don't think Council should be involving themselves with secondary subcontractors like Fehr and Graham with a contractor called Master Service.

01:18:30.090 --> 01:18:35.090
I don't even know what all entails with Master Service until we know that.

01:18:35.090 --> 01:18:44.090
I'm going to suggest that we get more information from whoever's submitting this or suggesting or recommending it.

01:18:44.090 --> 01:18:48.090
and I see that your name is there Mr. Steekle.

01:18:48.090 --> 01:18:53.250
I think we should, I think before we indulge ourself in spending more money because it seems

01:18:53.250 --> 01:18:58.689
like to me we're spending millions of dollars and hundreds of millions of dollars just on

01:18:58.689 --> 01:19:03.649
this project or whatever this construction work is and I'm surprised that we're not

01:19:03.649 --> 01:19:06.250
asking questions as Council.

01:19:06.250 --> 01:19:12.569
How did we get to this point and who's making, and the fact that who's making the recommendation,

01:19:12.569 --> 01:19:14.189
I don't know how we got here.

01:19:14.189 --> 01:19:19.189
I don't like for counsel to just lie down

01:19:19.369 --> 01:19:22.329
and just let this thing go through or talk about it

01:19:22.329 --> 01:19:24.809
because there's nothing but a resolution.

01:19:24.809 --> 01:19:26.809
It's a resolution, I understand that,

01:19:26.809 --> 01:19:29.010
but the fact of the matter is for us to adopt it

01:19:29.010 --> 01:19:32.090
so they can continue on doing what they're doing

01:19:32.090 --> 01:19:37.090
by allowing Fehr Graham to impose themselves

01:19:38.849 --> 01:19:41.809
into a contract that we don't even know

01:19:41.809 --> 01:19:49.689
and what the qualifications of the Master Service abilities are when we don't have no scope

01:19:49.689 --> 01:19:57.050
of that and so we need to reevaluate all of that and I think this is like a dead horse

01:19:57.050 --> 01:20:02.489
or dead dog heading down the wrong road and I don't think this should be happening.

01:20:02.489 --> 01:20:20.489
and I don't think this should be happening until we reveal who in the heck is our master service and finding out what kind of work that they're doing for the City of Freeport, then we can have another discussion about it. That's my whole thing.

01:20:20.489 --> 01:20:22.489
Thank you. Manager Boyer, would you like to respond?

01:20:22.489 --> 01:20:29.149
Yeah, I would. So let me start out Alderman Sanders. We can have these

01:20:29.149 --> 01:20:35.809
discussions anytime. We've had many of these meetings scheduled that we did not

01:20:35.809 --> 01:20:40.569
get together for, so I can answer these questions in a timely way that doesn't

01:20:40.569 --> 01:20:44.689
take up a lot of the public or the rest of Council's time. But with that being

01:20:44.689 --> 01:20:50.170
said, let me start with the list here. We've had survey calculations and

01:20:50.170 --> 01:20:57.729
Staking at the fire station improvements and there are many projects throughout the city that we've used the master services degree

01:20:58.210 --> 01:21:04.269
Program to get done that came up to about 29,000. We had utility permit reviews

01:21:04.269 --> 01:21:09.609
So that would be for all the construction going in the right-of-way that came to about 45,000

01:21:09.609 --> 01:21:12.449
But we are getting repaid for that through our

01:21:13.050 --> 01:21:15.050
right-of-way permit process

01:21:15.050 --> 01:21:45.050
I-DOT has a multi-year program that has to be updated. That's about $5,000. Hancock Bridge preliminary design review is about $24,000, but that's a major priority. We want to get the Hancock Bridge fixed, so we got to figure out what we're doing and then be able to apply for the I-DOT funds to make that happen. That happens through a lot of diligent and careful work that goes on at Fehr Graham. Also, we required assistance with setup for the cleaning and lining contracts for all the

01:21:45.050 --> 01:21:46.050
and Tom.

01:21:46.050 --> 01:21:48.010
So we've done a lot of sewer projects that we've done, and that's about 30,000, but we

01:21:48.010 --> 01:21:53.289
spent I think around close to a half a million dollars in sewer lining.

01:21:53.289 --> 01:21:56.289
And that just keeps all the water out of the sewer, so we don't end up at the wastewater

01:21:56.289 --> 01:21:58.630
plant, flooding out the wastewater plant.

01:21:58.630 --> 01:22:01.409
I'm sure you're familiar with it though.

01:22:01.409 --> 01:22:07.729
We've also got process optimization, so that's Tom Glendening working with us at the water

01:22:07.729 --> 01:22:13.429
treatment plant and the wastewater treatment plant, getting processes in place and making

01:22:13.429 --> 01:22:17.750
sure things are running efficiently there site development so we're talking about

01:22:17.750 --> 01:22:23.569
the city develop projects we had about 6,300 there we had crack sealing bidding

01:22:23.569 --> 01:22:29.090
and construction oversight about 2,000 there tree removal we had about $8,000

01:22:29.090 --> 01:22:34.590
in bidding and inspections and ensuring that our that our contractors are doing

01:22:34.590 --> 01:22:37.989
appropriate work out there and getting good quality for us for the city get

01:22:37.989 --> 01:22:43.149
high value for our dollars public works fuel pump paving system we spend about

01:22:43.149 --> 01:22:57.710
flour, and a total of $23,000 with the updated tanks and pumps and everything that goes on.

01:22:57.710 --> 01:23:08.229
And just to give a little bit more context, Alderman Sanders, the original Master Service

01:23:08.229 --> 01:23:12.909
Contract, that was approved by the City Council probably near the beginning of the year, and

01:23:12.909 --> 01:23:17.510
It's with Fehr Graham, they're asking basically to add more money to that contract.

01:23:17.510 --> 01:23:23.349
That's the simple aspect of it, because of all the work that Manager Boyer just said,

01:23:23.349 --> 01:23:29.949
we've used up the contract thus far, so now we need additional work done just for the

01:23:29.949 --> 01:23:32.590
rest of the year, to cover the rest of the year, that's all.

01:23:32.590 --> 01:23:34.590
Alderman Sellers, did you have your hand up?

01:23:34.590 --> 01:23:35.590
No.

01:23:35.590 --> 01:23:38.369
Alderman Stacy?

01:23:38.369 --> 01:23:47.389
In the Scope of Services section of the original Public Works Master Service Contract, it states

01:23:47.389 --> 01:23:57.069
Fehr Graham will provide various civil, environment and engineering service, project management

01:23:57.069 --> 01:24:04.789
and other related professional services as requested or directed by City Manager representing

01:24:04.789 --> 01:24:10.289
and the City of Freeport Public Works Department.

01:24:10.289 --> 01:24:19.569
Let's look at the phrase, the phrase, other related professional services as requested

01:24:19.569 --> 01:24:24.929
or directed by the City Manager.

01:24:24.929 --> 01:24:27.550
What does that mean?

01:24:27.550 --> 01:24:30.550
What does that include?

01:24:30.550 --> 01:24:35.849
All the duties, please don't stop me, all the duties that the City Manager Boyer described

01:24:35.849 --> 01:24:44.849
in the background of his memo were considered consultant work performed outside of spec contracts.

01:24:44.849 --> 01:24:51.189
However, these tags actually fall within the scope of public works.

01:24:51.189 --> 01:24:59.590
There were no limits or stipulations on the services rendered in the master service contract,

01:24:59.590 --> 01:25:01.590
and

01:25:03.590 --> 01:25:05.590
John.

01:25:07.590 --> 01:25:11.590
Nor did it allow for additional invoice for service considered outside the scope.

01:25:15.590 --> 01:25:23.590
We have already paid Fehr Graham $100,000. Now, nine months in, you're asking for another

01:25:23.590 --> 01:25:27.029
What is the purpose of this again, I ask?

01:25:27.029 --> 01:25:37.909
The situation reflects either Fairgrounds fell to properly price their service or the inability

01:25:37.909 --> 01:25:41.829
to produce and present a solid contract.

01:25:41.829 --> 01:25:51.489
Regardless, it is not the city's obligation to provide more funding due, and it's funny

01:25:51.489 --> 01:25:59.250
to you, I see you're laughing, more funding due to accompany professional shortcomings.

01:25:59.250 --> 01:26:11.289
I believe this issue should be addressed if and when council decides to renew this contract,

01:26:11.289 --> 01:26:14.670
this $100,000 contract with Fehr Graham.

01:26:14.670 --> 01:26:20.590
At that time, we can consider whether to increase funding or not.

01:26:20.590 --> 01:26:29.069
We have a contract in place, and we have honored that contract.

01:26:29.069 --> 01:26:39.309
Our end of the agreement by paying the $100,000 that the contract asks for.

01:26:39.309 --> 01:26:42.750
Okay, so you've said a lot there.

01:26:42.750 --> 01:26:43.750
McFarland.

01:26:43.750 --> 01:26:45.989
Madam Clerk, did you say something about a contract that you wanted to?

01:26:45.989 --> 01:26:46.989
Yes.

01:26:46.989 --> 01:26:50.750
Did you reference the Public Works contract?

01:26:50.750 --> 01:26:52.130
Is that what you said?

01:26:52.130 --> 01:26:53.130
Public Works contract?

01:26:53.130 --> 01:26:54.130
This is a different contract.

01:26:54.130 --> 01:27:01.550
The scope of service section of the Public Works master service contract.

01:27:01.550 --> 01:27:04.949
This is in addition to the general master services, correct?

01:27:04.949 --> 01:27:05.949
Yes.

01:27:05.949 --> 01:27:06.949
This is a different contract.

01:27:06.949 --> 01:27:07.949
I'll clarify this.

01:27:07.949 --> 01:27:08.949
Yeah.

01:27:08.949 --> 01:27:17.069
This is the General Master Service Agreement for City Engineering, which is a totally different

01:27:17.069 --> 01:27:19.670
contract than the one you're referencing.

01:27:19.670 --> 01:27:24.789
The one you're referencing is the Public Works Director Master Contract, which we're not

01:27:24.789 --> 01:27:30.189
asking for any more money to that, and we are just fine on the budget of that, so whatever

01:27:30.189 --> 01:27:33.569
you stated there about those implications is not true.

01:27:33.569 --> 01:27:38.149
This is the General Engineering Contract for the City of Freeport.

01:27:38.149 --> 01:27:44.090
The original amount was $350,000 and with all the phases that we have done, we have

01:27:44.090 --> 01:27:49.769
expended that and it was a time and materials contract, which all of them are.

01:27:49.769 --> 01:27:55.969
So if we don't extend it, which originally it was supposed to be $450,000 for this year,

01:27:55.969 --> 01:28:00.869
but we decided to go with $350,000 to start to see where that landed us for the year.

01:28:00.869 --> 01:28:05.469
So if you choose not to extend it, the services will stop because it's a master service agreement

01:28:05.469 --> 01:28:08.889
that's time and material for city engineering.

01:28:08.889 --> 01:28:12.189
There is a lot of day-to-day engineering that has to go on.

01:28:12.189 --> 01:28:18.889
When other people do work in the right-of-way, the city has to respond to that work with

01:28:18.889 --> 01:28:23.689
surveying or engineering, which you don't have a department for those.

01:28:23.689 --> 01:28:30.969
So all of these items are phased tasked, they're identified, they're billed by the phase, and

01:28:30.969 --> 01:28:33.010
they're all ordered by the City of Work.

01:28:33.010 --> 01:28:35.389
We don't decide just to use them.

01:28:35.389 --> 01:28:40.729
The Public Works Assistance that I give to Public Works is the contract you're talking

01:28:40.729 --> 01:28:43.170
about there, and we don't need extra money on that.

01:28:43.170 --> 01:28:44.170
We're just fine.

01:28:44.170 --> 01:28:46.250
We're right on budget for the year.

01:28:46.250 --> 01:28:55.189
Boyer. Did you add to that? I think that satisfies. Thank you. Alderman, Stacy, would you like

01:28:55.189 --> 01:29:02.309
your second? Yes. Okay, so why wasn't this brought to us when you start getting close

01:29:02.309 --> 01:29:08.809
to running out of money? Is that all? So we don't have a back and forth? Yeah. Okay, Director

01:29:08.809 --> 01:29:13.369
Segal? It is being brought to you because we're getting close to running out of money.

01:29:13.369 --> 01:29:17.429
We're still providing the services even though we're beyond our contract.

01:29:17.429 --> 01:29:20.529
We haven't stopped because we work in good faith.

01:29:20.529 --> 01:29:25.929
We have had a lot of big work going on in the last three months with all of the construction

01:29:25.929 --> 01:29:31.869
going on around town and so as work's being done, money is being accounted for towards

01:29:31.869 --> 01:29:36.750
these contracts and these phases and when you have five or six, seven people working

01:29:36.750 --> 01:29:41.309
around town doing projects, it accumulates quickly.

01:29:41.309 --> 01:29:44.349
and so we're at a point, we're not stopping service.

01:29:44.349 --> 01:29:47.189
We continue to provide the service every day.

01:29:47.189 --> 01:29:52.269
We are at a point that we need more fee, which we could have signed up and maybe we should

01:29:52.269 --> 01:29:57.469
have done originally at a larger amount, but the city asked me to go at 350 to start with

01:29:57.469 --> 01:30:01.909
even though we projected it would be 450 and we would see how long that takes.

01:30:01.909 --> 01:30:02.409
It's been a very-

01:30:02.409 --> 01:30:24.409
We'll see how long that takes. It's been a very large season. We have many contractors working in Freeport, surf internet, frontier issues, and I will say that there's over $100,000 that I have saved the City of Freeport just on fees and enforcement of right-of-way permits.

01:30:24.409 --> 01:30:29.409
Well over that. I had one claim that was over $30,000 that came back to the City General Fund.

01:30:29.409 --> 01:30:35.409
And Michelle can verify that. Our contracts pay for themselves daily here.

01:30:35.409 --> 01:30:41.409
And the accusations that they don't really bother me with all the hard work that we put on for the City of Freeport every day.

01:30:41.409 --> 01:30:52.409
The facts are that these contracts work and we save the taxpayers money because we don't have to have a staff of 10 people running around here getting benefits and pay.

01:30:52.409 --> 01:30:58.130
Pay, and our fees are all inclusive for everything we perform for the city.

01:30:58.130 --> 01:31:02.930
And we seldomly come back and ask for more money, but we will on time and material contracts

01:31:02.930 --> 01:31:07.389
because we don't have a risk amount in those contracts.

01:31:07.389 --> 01:31:13.250
And I will also mention while we're at it that many of our lump sum contracts we have

01:31:13.250 --> 01:31:17.529
cut short with the city and we don't bill out the full amount if the projects get done

01:31:17.529 --> 01:31:22.649
ahead of time because that's the right thing to do for our clients and that's what we've

01:31:22.649 --> 01:31:23.769
lived to with the city.

01:31:23.769 --> 01:31:27.010
I just don't come back here and brag about it every time it happens.

01:31:27.010 --> 01:31:28.010
Thank you.

01:31:28.010 --> 01:31:30.769
Alderman Sanders, did you want your second?

01:31:30.769 --> 01:31:31.769
Yes.

01:31:31.769 --> 01:31:32.769
Yes.

01:31:32.769 --> 01:31:46.250
Yeah, I've heard your explanation, Darren, I heard your explanation, but when I find

01:31:46.250 --> 01:32:02.970
and I have been working in conjunction with each other because it says it's working with

01:32:02.970 --> 01:32:10.130
each other, existing master service is already existing, Fehr and Graham is jumping on board

01:32:10.130 --> 01:32:15.729
or they was to be integrated in order to support master service.

01:32:15.729 --> 01:32:20.849
and then all of a sudden, we come up with this estimation. Who are we estimating for?

01:32:20.849 --> 01:32:27.369
Fehr and Graham or are we estimating for Master Service? Which one is it? The fact of the

01:32:27.369 --> 01:32:36.250
matter is until we get an itemized list of everything that Master Service have been doing,

01:32:36.250 --> 01:32:48.569
What is contracted? We need a list of all of the services that are provided and finding

01:32:48.569 --> 01:32:56.789
out all of the things that Fehr and Graham is supporting them with to justify this cost.

01:32:56.789 --> 01:33:03.149
If counsel is not going to take responsibility, someone should look into that matter to find

01:33:03.149 --> 01:33:10.930
and I have to find out who's dictating who. Is it Fehr and Graham to Master Service or

01:33:10.930 --> 01:33:16.909
is it Master Service to Fehr and Graham? There's a collusion going on and so we need to get

01:33:16.909 --> 01:33:23.510
the scope of it and understanding. And then right now I just don't feel comfortable and

01:33:23.510 --> 01:33:27.769
I don't think the people of the City of Freeport should feel comfortable with opening up the

01:33:27.769 --> 01:33:30.430
and

01:33:30.430 --> 01:33:42.430
the Gates of an estimated cost between Fehr and Graham and Master Service. That whole thing should not even be entertained until we get right down to the bottom of the crust of everything.

01:33:42.430 --> 01:33:52.430
That should not even, we should not be even entertaining this. I don't even know how he got on the agenda without council discussing these matters in the first place.

01:33:52.430 --> 01:34:06.430
Okay, so let me just bring a little bit of clarity for you. Master Services is not a business, it's not a person, it's a title of the contract that we have with Fehr Graham. It's not something separate, it's not a different business.

01:34:06.430 --> 01:34:08.430
Alderman Sellers?

01:34:08.430 --> 01:34:10.430
That's what I was going to say.

01:34:10.430 --> 01:34:12.430
Is there any other discussion before we go to vote?

01:34:12.430 --> 01:34:16.430
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:34:16.430 --> 01:34:17.430
Klemm?

01:34:17.430 --> 01:34:18.430
Aye.

01:34:18.430 --> 01:34:19.430
Johnson?

01:34:19.430 --> 01:34:20.430
Aye.

01:34:20.430 --> 01:34:21.430
Simmons?

01:34:21.430 --> 01:34:32.309
Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. The resolution is adopted 7-1.

01:34:32.309 --> 01:34:39.269
Item number 12 is the Adoption of Resolution 2025-121. Could you please read this?

01:34:39.269 --> 01:34:46.069
Resolution of Final Report of Expenditure FROE from IDOT for Sullivan Greenfield Navajo

01:34:46.069 --> 01:34:53.069
MFT Project 23-00169-00-RS.

01:34:53.069 --> 01:34:54.349
Thank you, Manager Boyer.

01:34:54.349 --> 01:34:55.949
Thank you, Your Honor.

01:34:55.949 --> 01:35:00.710
As part of IDOT's process, when we complete a MFT project,

01:35:00.710 --> 01:35:03.869
we need to have a final resolution that we then

01:35:03.869 --> 01:35:07.149
submit so that we have our records all in order.

01:35:07.149 --> 01:35:11.389
So all we're asking for is that move forward

01:35:11.389 --> 01:35:20.189
with iDOTS resolution, final report for 23-00169-00-RS.

01:35:20.189 --> 01:35:24.090
That is the 2023 MFT projects.

01:35:24.090 --> 01:35:24.590
Thank you.

01:35:24.590 --> 01:35:25.590
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:35:25.590 --> 01:35:28.590
Motion to approve.

01:35:28.590 --> 01:35:31.590
Shadle and Klemm.

01:35:31.590 --> 01:35:33.470
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle,

01:35:33.470 --> 01:35:35.229
seconded by Alderman Klemm.

01:35:35.229 --> 01:35:38.389
Discussion on the resolution?

01:35:38.389 --> 01:35:39.750
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:35:39.750 --> 01:35:40.510
Klemm.

01:35:40.510 --> 01:35:41.109
Aye.

01:35:41.109 --> 01:36:11.109
Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. And Sellers? Aye. The resolution is adopted, 7 to 1. Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2025-122. Could you please read this? Resolution approving the purchase of a brush mulcher attachment from Helm Truck and Equipment. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. Many activities within the Public Works Department require

01:36:11.109 --> 01:36:17.670
Fire, Brush, Elimination, Mowing, that type of thing. Staff has requested that we bring

01:36:17.670 --> 01:36:24.409
this to Council for approval. This is a new brush mulcher that would attach to a skid

01:36:24.409 --> 01:36:35.090
steer machine. The cost is $17,878 from Helm Truck, which is a source well dealer. This

01:36:35.090 --> 01:36:40.809
would be a vital piece of equipment for maintaining the catch basins and some of the areas that

01:36:40.809 --> 01:36:51.809
We get overgrown with woods and weeds and that type of thing and right now Sioux Basin is a project that's coming up that will be cleaning up and fixing and this is a vital piece of equipment for that.

01:36:51.809 --> 01:37:09.809
This will be coming out of the utility budget and the amount for this brush mulcher was not specifically enumerated in the budget, however, due to the fact that we saved about $30,000 on our aeration equipment for the wastewater treatment plant,

01:37:09.809 --> 01:37:16.309
Staff is requesting using these funds the remainder of that budget for the purchase of this piece of equipment

01:37:17.010 --> 01:37:19.970
Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second.

01:37:20.409 --> 01:37:26.289
A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Discussion on the resolution?

01:37:28.289 --> 01:37:30.649
Is this brand new? Yes.

01:37:30.649 --> 01:38:00.569
Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. The resolution is adopted

01:38:00.569 --> 01:38:09.050
6-2. Item number 14 is the adoption of Resolution 2025-123. Could you please read this? Resolution

01:38:09.050 --> 01:38:13.809
approving construction observation engineering agreement with Fehr Graham for lift station

01:38:13.809 --> 01:38:20.850
projects. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. So the city has two sanitary lift stations

01:38:20.850 --> 01:38:25.970
rehabilitation projects that were in the capital plan for this year. One is at Galena and

01:38:25.970 --> 01:38:31.170
and the other ones at Laurel, and this also includes a new backup generator for the Carroll

01:38:31.170 --> 01:38:32.170
Tank.

01:38:32.170 --> 01:38:37.489
If anyone is familiar with well number eight, there is no backup power there, and that was

01:38:37.489 --> 01:38:43.649
one of the items that we had identified as needing to include in this 2025 construction

01:38:43.649 --> 01:38:44.649
year.

01:38:44.649 --> 01:38:50.649
So staff is asking for approval of the construction engineering contract with Fehr Graham for

01:38:50.649 --> 01:38:58.050
the amount of $146,750 to move forward and get these projects completed.

01:38:58.050 --> 01:39:00.050
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:39:00.050 --> 01:39:01.050
So moved.

01:39:01.050 --> 01:39:02.050
Second.

01:39:02.050 --> 01:39:09.229
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Parker.

01:39:09.229 --> 01:39:10.229
Discussion on the resolution?

01:39:10.229 --> 01:39:19.409
Madam Clerk, please take, Alderman Sanders.

01:39:19.409 --> 01:39:20.409
Manager Boyer.

01:39:20.409 --> 01:39:37.409
We're talking about an interior, interior, what do I want to say, updating improvement when we're talking about the electrical and things like that that's going on within the lift station.

01:39:37.409 --> 01:39:44.729
Are we talking about enhancing whatever this is talk, this engineering?

01:39:44.729 --> 01:39:54.250
Exactly what Fehr and Graham is going to be demonstrating to help the engineering process

01:39:54.250 --> 01:39:59.010
of this, of these lift station when it comes to planning the upgrades

01:39:59.010 --> 01:40:01.489
and the enhancement of the lift station.

01:40:01.489 --> 01:40:02.489
What exactly?

01:40:02.489 --> 01:40:07.130
of the lift station. What exactly they're going to do and what does it cost in the city

01:40:07.130 --> 01:40:09.729
for these type of enhancements?

01:40:09.729 --> 01:40:17.409
Sure. We're going to get to that bid here a little further on. The total cost of the

01:40:17.409 --> 01:40:23.729
project is about $2 million. It's going to include new pumps, motors, drivers and controllers,

01:40:23.729 --> 01:40:30.250
backup systems, starters, electrical work and that. So the two lift stations and then

01:40:30.250 --> 01:40:34.649
of course, well eight is going to have a whole new backup generator that's

01:40:34.649 --> 01:40:41.250
sufficiently sized to cover the entire electrical needs for well number eight.

01:40:41.250 --> 01:40:45.750
Any other discussion? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:40:45.750 --> 01:40:57.349
Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? No. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye.

01:40:57.349 --> 01:41:00.590
The resolution is adapted 5 to 3.

01:41:00.590 --> 01:41:03.189
And item number 15 is the approval of bids.

01:41:03.189 --> 01:41:04.829
Could you please read this?

01:41:04.829 --> 01:41:07.469
A bid opening was held on September 30th

01:41:07.469 --> 01:41:11.529
for that last contract, Galena lift station renovations,

01:41:11.529 --> 01:41:15.429
Laurel lift station renovations, and well number 8 generator.

01:41:15.429 --> 01:41:17.229
Manager Boyer?

01:41:17.229 --> 01:41:20.909
As we previously just discussed regarding the construction

01:41:20.909 --> 01:41:24.949
engineering observation estimate,

01:41:24.949 --> 01:41:27.869
But we also have the actual work.

01:41:27.869 --> 01:41:37.789
So this was bid, let's see here, June, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, September 3, I think UW.

01:41:37.789 --> 01:41:43.130
So we had a bid opening, Helm Group was the low bidder and the lowest, the amount was

01:41:43.130 --> 01:41:48.550
2,036,116, that was the base bid.

01:41:48.550 --> 01:41:53.329
And Helm frequently works with the City of Freeport on all kinds of infrastructure projects,

01:41:53.329 --> 01:41:57.889
So, staff's recommending moving forward with the low bid from Helm Group.

01:41:57.889 --> 01:41:59.170
Is there a motion to approve?

01:41:59.170 --> 01:42:00.170
So moved.

01:42:00.170 --> 01:42:01.170
Second.

01:42:01.170 --> 01:42:05.689
A motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

01:42:05.689 --> 01:42:07.170
Any discussion on the bid?

01:42:07.170 --> 01:42:10.689
Madam Clerk, please take Alderman Sanders.

01:42:10.689 --> 01:42:11.689
Wow.

01:42:11.689 --> 01:42:17.649
I'm in amazement right now.

01:42:17.649 --> 01:42:29.750
are approving this bid for the renovation with any contractor, as far as I'm concerned.

01:42:29.750 --> 01:42:39.469
When it comes to understanding the existing generators that we already have, have it been

01:42:39.469 --> 01:42:45.349
a deficiency in those generators where, I'm just talking right now, is there a deficiency

01:42:45.349 --> 01:43:02.349
We're seeing the generators that we already have in our sheds right now or on our property where we know that they are mobile, we know that these generators are mobile, the existing ones.

01:43:02.349 --> 01:43:04.349
We only have one now.

01:43:04.349 --> 01:43:05.349
That's all we've ever had.

01:43:05.349 --> 01:43:06.349
That's all we ever had?

01:43:06.349 --> 01:43:07.349
Yeah.

01:43:07.349 --> 01:43:31.349
Does this show that the purpose of an extended one or a second one, do we open up more lift stations to justify why we need another generator?

01:43:31.349 --> 01:43:32.349
Are you done?

01:43:32.349 --> 01:43:33.349
Yes.

01:43:33.349 --> 01:43:36.349
Okay, Manager Boyer, would you like to take that?

01:43:36.349 --> 01:44:06.349
I'll try to answer, so if you're referring to a portable generator, every time you have one portable generator, that means you got one guy driving around in the middle of an emergency, because when do you lose power? When you have an emergency, it's usually during an ice storm. So the idea here is all of our remote sites at some point are going to end up with their own dedicated backup generators. Okay, so Well 11 has a backup generator already. Well, Well 11 has a backup generator as part of its construction.

01:44:06.349 --> 01:44:12.449
and the new Well 12 will have its own. Well 8 does not and Well 9 does not. We need one

01:44:12.449 --> 01:44:17.829
or the other of those always functioning. As far as the lift stations, well you know what

01:44:17.829 --> 01:44:25.149
happens when you run out of electricity on a lift station, right? It's not good. So what

01:44:25.149 --> 01:44:29.090
we got currently is one guy driving around in the middle of a storm trying to plug it

01:44:29.090 --> 01:44:34.429
in and start things up and I don't think that's safe and so and because it has to be sized

01:44:34.429 --> 01:45:04.429
for everything in the system, it's enormous. And so some things only need a little bit of power, some things need a lot of power, but you don't want to be hauling around the biggest piece of equipment you have in the middle of an emergency, even if it's just for a small reason. So this is just a build out over time as we, you know, continue to improve the utility, we're going to be putting in stationary backup generators at all critical points, so that our crew don't have to drive around the middle of the night with a big heavy generator. Yeah.

01:45:04.429 --> 01:45:05.429
I'm sorry.

01:45:05.429 --> 01:45:06.429
Okay.

01:45:06.429 --> 01:45:07.429
Just one second.

01:45:07.429 --> 01:45:10.309
Generator equipment isn't a part of this discussion.

01:45:10.309 --> 01:45:11.309
It's not?

01:45:11.309 --> 01:45:12.309
No.

01:45:12.309 --> 01:45:14.550
This is about approving the bid for Helm Group.

01:45:14.550 --> 01:45:18.510
So if you have something you want to talk about, approving a bid for Helm Group, then we just

01:45:18.510 --> 01:45:21.510
need to get back on track.

01:45:21.510 --> 01:45:22.510
Okay.

01:45:22.510 --> 01:45:24.750
Would you like your second then?

01:45:24.750 --> 01:45:25.750
Yeah.

01:45:25.750 --> 01:45:26.750
Okay.

01:45:26.750 --> 01:45:33.550
On the Helm Group, did they give us a cost or I don't want to say estimate it.

01:45:33.550 --> 01:45:40.829
but I don't like estimations anymore. Do we have a cost in mind? Would it cost the city

01:45:40.829 --> 01:45:54.010
to have the Helm Group to follow up with us? Yes. $2,036,116. Is there any further discussion

01:45:54.010 --> 01:45:58.309
on approving this bid? Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:45:58.309 --> 01:46:13.389
Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. The bid is approved

01:46:13.389 --> 01:46:18.630
eight to zero. And item number 16 is another approval for a bid. Could you

01:46:18.630 --> 01:46:22.550
please read this? There was a bid opening on October 3rd for the demolition of

01:46:22.550 --> 01:46:24.550
of five residential properties.

01:46:24.550 --> 01:46:25.789
Thank you, Director Duckman.

01:46:25.789 --> 01:46:28.189
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:46:28.189 --> 01:46:33.510
City staff published a notice for a bid opening in the Journal

01:46:33.510 --> 01:46:35.469
Standard on September 28.

01:46:35.469 --> 01:46:39.809
And the bid opening was held on October 3 at 9 o'clock

01:46:39.809 --> 01:46:41.189
in the morning.

01:46:41.189 --> 01:46:44.550
And staff received bids from five contractors.

01:46:44.550 --> 01:46:49.229
And based on those submitted bids,

01:46:49.229 --> 01:46:57.769
Staff is recommending the following submitted bids to do the work for demolition as best

01:46:57.769 --> 01:47:02.809
as abatement of five properties.

01:47:02.809 --> 01:47:10.649
So Kleckner excavating in the amount of $31,500 and that would be for the demolition of 623

01:47:10.649 --> 01:47:15.329
and 625 East Oran as well as 32 South Hooker.

01:47:15.329 --> 01:47:34.329
Albert & Son Earthworks $15,840 for the demolition of 227 North Henderson and Fisher Excavating $33,150 for the demolition of 612 East Oran and 640 East Oran

01:47:34.329 --> 01:47:38.329
Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt the bids as stated?

01:47:38.329 --> 01:47:41.329
Second

01:47:41.329 --> 01:47:43.489
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers,

01:47:43.489 --> 01:47:45.449
seconded by Alderman Shadle.

01:47:45.449 --> 01:47:48.050
Discussion on the bids?

01:47:48.050 --> 01:47:49.090
Alderman Stacy?

01:47:49.090 --> 01:47:53.369
I trust that the homework has been done

01:47:53.369 --> 01:47:56.930
and that all three of these companies

01:47:56.930 --> 01:48:01.930
are in good standing with federal and state laws.

01:48:01.930 --> 01:48:06.329
I appreciate the trust, yes.

01:48:06.329 --> 01:48:08.329
Anything else?

01:48:08.329 --> 01:48:09.769
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:48:09.769 --> 01:48:10.809
Klemm?

01:48:10.809 --> 01:48:12.170
Excuse me.

01:48:12.170 --> 01:48:13.010
Alderman Sanders.

01:48:13.010 --> 01:48:13.849
Sorry about that.

01:48:16.050 --> 01:48:21.050
Director Duckman, these abandoned homes,

01:48:21.969 --> 01:48:26.969
are they still occupied and owned by any owners at this time?

01:48:31.369 --> 01:48:35.329
We won't have a problem with somebody complaining

01:48:35.329 --> 01:48:39.529
about the demolition of a property without their consent.

01:48:39.529 --> 01:48:42.369
We won't discover anything.

01:48:42.369 --> 01:48:46.409
Well, I can never promise that people

01:48:46.409 --> 01:48:49.250
don't complain in the city of Freeport over demolitions.

01:48:49.250 --> 01:48:51.409
So I won't make that promise.

01:48:51.409 --> 01:48:54.189
But I can promise you that we won't demolish a house

01:48:54.189 --> 01:48:57.049
with somebody living in it.

01:48:57.049 --> 01:49:00.090
If there's no further discussion.

01:49:00.090 --> 01:49:00.889
Klemm?

01:49:00.889 --> 01:49:01.689
Aye.

01:49:01.689 --> 01:49:02.449
Johnson?

01:49:02.449 --> 01:49:03.010
Aye.

01:49:03.010 --> 01:49:03.689
Simmons?

01:49:03.689 --> 01:49:04.329
Aye.

01:49:04.329 --> 01:49:04.949
Parker?

01:49:04.949 --> 01:49:05.449
Aye.

01:49:05.449 --> 01:49:06.529
Stacy?

01:49:06.529 --> 01:49:07.210
Aye.

01:49:07.210 --> 01:49:07.729
Shadle?

01:49:07.729 --> 01:49:08.289
Aye.

01:49:08.289 --> 01:49:08.929
Sanders?

01:49:08.929 --> 01:49:09.489
Aye.

01:49:09.489 --> 01:49:12.930
and Sellers. And that bid is approved 8 to 0.

01:49:12.930 --> 01:49:15.769
Move on to reports of Department Heads, Finance.

01:49:15.769 --> 01:49:16.769
Nothing to see.

01:49:16.769 --> 01:49:17.769
Thank you.

01:49:17.769 --> 01:49:19.769
Nothing tonight, Madam Mayor.

01:49:19.769 --> 01:49:22.769
Thank you. Public Works.

01:49:22.769 --> 01:49:29.329
I'd like to let everybody know that 18th Avenue reconstruction will start next week.

01:49:29.329 --> 01:49:31.529
A huge win for the City of Freeport.

01:49:31.529 --> 01:49:37.250
It'd be an inconvenience for the people that live out there for, you know, probably a month,

01:49:37.250 --> 01:49:44.449
but they should get that going and have it paved before the end of the season.

01:49:44.449 --> 01:49:50.510
The utility is going to continue on replacing water services on Warren and should have that

01:49:50.510 --> 01:49:56.569
ready to pave sometime next week and we're hopeful that, excuse me, the week after next

01:49:56.569 --> 01:50:01.729
and we're hopeful sometime later next week we might be able to pave hands as well and

01:50:01.729 --> 01:50:02.569
and I'd like to thank.

01:50:02.569 --> 01:50:18.569
and I'd like to thank all of our contractors that have worked diligently this year to get us to a point to finish this season here in October and also our Public Works crews who have done a fantastic job paving streets this year, appreciate all their hard work.

01:50:18.569 --> 01:50:19.569
Thank you. Fire?

01:50:19.569 --> 01:50:28.569
Yes, thank you, Your Honor. October is Fire Prevention Month, so that means we'll be starting our school visits for all public and private grade schools.

01:50:28.569 --> 01:50:34.929
be consisting of the next three weeks will be delivering fire safety lessons to

01:50:34.929 --> 01:50:41.569
an estimated 2,500 children this month. Thank you. Police? Nothing from the police

01:50:41.569 --> 01:50:48.130
department tonight. Thank you. IT? Manager Boyer? Yes, I have one thing. I want to

01:50:48.130 --> 01:50:55.649
congratulate Police Chief Chris Shenberger on 27 years of outstanding

01:50:55.649 --> 01:51:00.329
Service to the City of Freeport. He has announced his retirement, taking effect

01:51:00.329 --> 01:51:06.609
October 24th. We will have a, we will be having a reception here at City Hall. You

01:51:06.609 --> 01:51:12.009
can contact Michelle for that details, but he's been an outstanding public

01:51:12.009 --> 01:51:17.049
servant to the City of Freeport, and we all wish him very well on his future

01:51:17.049 --> 01:51:22.809
endeavors, and we look forward to seeing his future successes. So thank you. Thank

01:51:22.809 --> 01:51:27.329
Thank you. And just to remind Council that next Monday, the 13th, the City Hall is closed

01:51:27.329 --> 01:51:31.969
in observation of Columbus Day. So our next City Council meeting, which is the Committee

01:51:31.969 --> 01:51:37.769
of the Whole, will be on Tuesday, the 14th, starting at 5.30 with the Finance Cal. Alderman

01:51:37.769 --> 01:51:38.769
Klemm?

01:51:38.769 --> 01:51:47.809
A big thank you to Chief Shenberger. You've done a great job with working with the department.

01:51:47.809 --> 01:51:54.809
We have an excellent group there and hope we can continue on that. Nothing other than that.

01:51:54.809 --> 01:51:56.809
Alderman Johnson?

01:51:56.809 --> 01:51:57.809
Nothing tonight, Mayor.

01:51:57.809 --> 01:51:58.809
Alderman Simmons?

01:51:58.809 --> 01:51:59.809
Nothing tonight.

01:51:59.809 --> 01:52:00.809
Alderman Parker?

01:52:00.809 --> 01:52:01.809
Nothing yet.

01:52:01.809 --> 01:52:02.809
Alderman Stacy?

01:52:02.809 --> 01:52:03.809
Nothing tonight.

01:52:03.809 --> 01:52:04.809
Alderman Shadle?

01:52:04.809 --> 01:52:05.809
Nothing tonight.

01:52:05.809 --> 01:52:06.809
Alderman Sanders?

01:52:06.809 --> 01:52:17.369
Sanders. Yes, I just want to bring up the first thing that came to council tonight in

01:52:17.369 --> 01:52:24.929
regards to admonishment, admonishing council and the fact that the person that is admonishing

01:52:24.929 --> 01:52:38.210
Council has no authoritative jurisdiction to be admonishing council. We got this cart or

01:52:38.210 --> 01:52:47.250
this horse flipped the wrong way. It is not supposed to be the mayor admonishing council.

01:52:47.250 --> 01:52:57.130
It is the Council that admonishes the Mayor and anybody else in this, in this government

01:52:57.130 --> 01:53:04.789
establishment until we recognize the fact that we have not done our homework when it

01:53:04.789 --> 01:53:13.769
comes to governing, legislating, and anything else that pertains to the legitimacy of Council

01:53:13.769 --> 01:53:21.609
until council wakes up because I tell you at the beginning of my first tenure, my first

01:53:21.609 --> 01:53:31.049
year, we were duped by whoever orchestrated our orientation. Our orientation when we first

01:53:31.049 --> 01:53:40.250
got here was a lie because a lot of things was not disclosed or disclosed to council

01:53:40.250 --> 01:53:46.929
Potential Members and Council Themselves, because we're still not owning up to responsibilities

01:53:46.929 --> 01:53:48.630
for our actions here.

01:53:48.630 --> 01:53:52.969
And so my point of measure is there's no policy.

01:53:52.969 --> 01:53:59.889
If you don't demonstrate policies, terms to Council, when someone steps out of line to

01:53:59.889 --> 01:54:09.489
make admonishment to Council, then you must be held in contempt of Council for even acknowledging

01:54:09.489 --> 01:54:11.489
and

01:54:12.569 --> 01:54:38.569
I will say that you are exerting your authority over counsel. You cannot do that until then. You have to show everything that was said in writing. Then counsel will stand by that. But you got to remember, it is counsel that established the legislation of this body. It is counsel that runs the authorizations and duties of this counsel.

01:54:38.569 --> 01:54:46.869
We get this thing in order, this is what's going to happen. I am going to have Attorney

01:54:46.869 --> 01:54:57.549
Zito to bring forth the actual order and the duties of counsel. Counsel is just not doing

01:54:57.549 --> 01:55:03.729
the homework enough to make sure that we are all in proper order. That's the reason why

01:55:03.729 --> 01:55:10.090
and I get up screaming all the time because the order of council is out of order and then

01:55:10.090 --> 01:55:15.149
anyone that impedes upon it is in contempt of council.

01:55:15.149 --> 01:55:23.229
So until someone wants to argue that fact, show me the paperwork and show me the policies

01:55:23.229 --> 01:55:29.949
and the fact that the council don't have jurisdiction over the whole government body of this, of

01:55:29.949 --> 01:55:30.949
these proceedings.

01:55:30.949 --> 01:55:31.949
I'm done.

01:55:31.949 --> 01:55:41.949
Okay, so I'll just challenge you to look up the city ordinance to 2010, 24, and 25 because that's all written out. Alderman Sellers, would you have anything to add?

01:55:41.949 --> 01:56:00.949
Yes, I would just like to say that I was down here earlier today and it was just so sweet to see the elementary children down here learning about city government and then going over to the police station, learning about rules and regulations.

01:56:00.949 --> 01:56:05.149
I thought that was really nice so I just want to say that was really it was kind

01:56:05.149 --> 01:56:09.469
of nice to see the kids. I agree and thank you Clerk Anderson for working on

01:56:09.469 --> 01:56:14.429
that. We will move on to public comments. Is there any public comments this evening?

01:56:14.429 --> 01:56:29.069
Go ahead. Good evening I'm Kelvin McElwain, 515 West Mosley Street. I just want to say

01:56:29.069 --> 01:56:34.630
that what was discussed here on the floor tonight definitely reinforces the

01:56:34.630 --> 01:56:41.670
perception that the city and probably the majority of this community only care

01:56:41.670 --> 01:56:48.069
about one side of the city and not the other half of the city that incident

01:56:48.069 --> 01:56:57.710
that occurred where there was a big gun sale party happening within months this

01:56:57.710 --> 01:57:03.389
This city council is discussing an ordinance to prevent something like that from ever happening

01:57:03.389 --> 01:57:05.909
again in that neighborhood.

01:57:05.909 --> 01:57:08.989
And the ordinance that was presented was pretty radical.

01:57:08.989 --> 01:57:15.349
Basically it was to just get rid of all Airbnbs in Freeport.

01:57:15.349 --> 01:57:20.170
Now it was voted down, but I'm pretty sure that ordinance will probably come back again,

01:57:20.170 --> 01:57:23.670
just adjust it to something that's a little more reasonable.

01:57:23.670 --> 01:57:29.029
But the fact remains though is that there was an immediate conversation on the council floor

01:57:29.029 --> 01:57:33.109
about how to use city ordinances to control the problem.

01:57:33.109 --> 01:57:39.130
There are rental properties on the other side of town that are even more problematic.

01:57:39.130 --> 01:57:47.109
There have been murders, major neighborhood disruptions, drug houses, and rental properties.

01:57:47.109 --> 01:57:54.269
That's way more significant than what looked like a possible gun sale.

01:57:54.269 --> 01:57:59.829
People on that side of town, homeowners on that side of town, are just as concerned about

01:57:59.829 --> 01:58:02.229
what's next door to them.

01:58:02.229 --> 01:58:06.269
They're just as concerned about wild parties going on next to them.

01:58:06.269 --> 01:58:10.229
They're just as concerned about drug houses next door to them.

01:58:10.229 --> 01:58:15.069
They're just as concerned about their property values dropping because of unkept rental housing

01:58:15.069 --> 01:58:18.590
on their street.

01:58:18.590 --> 01:58:24.309
But where are the ordinance discussions regarding helping those homeowners out?

01:58:24.309 --> 01:58:29.029
Now church and the street is awesome.

01:58:29.029 --> 01:58:31.229
Resource fairs are awesome.

01:58:31.229 --> 01:58:33.349
Community meetings are awesome.

01:58:33.349 --> 01:58:37.469
All the community action that's happening is awesome and is needed.

01:58:37.469 --> 01:58:45.869
and until this city council starts having conversations about ordinances to correct and help reduce

01:58:45.869 --> 01:58:50.729
crime in Freeport, because there are certain levers that only the city can pull, just like

01:58:50.729 --> 01:58:55.309
you tried to do tonight to get rid of all R&Bs and residential properties.

01:58:55.309 --> 01:58:57.189
Only the city can pull that lever.

01:58:57.189 --> 01:59:01.269
And there was discussion on this council floor to talk about that.

01:59:01.269 --> 01:59:05.109
Until there are conversations on this council floor to talk about the levers the city can

01:59:05.109 --> 01:59:10.189
Paul on the other side of town that perception is going to continue and from

01:59:10.189 --> 01:59:13.929
what I saw tonight it might not be perception it actually this might be the

01:59:13.929 --> 01:59:18.949
hard reality if something happens on one side of town action is taken to wipe it

01:59:18.949 --> 01:59:25.149
out immediately on the other side of town oh well thank you is there any other

01:59:25.149 --> 01:59:31.149
public comments this evening not okay

01:59:35.109 --> 01:59:43.109
Hello, my name is Marcus Signer. Sorry I missed the meeting earlier but I made sure I put in two hours for PTR to make it here tonight.

01:59:43.109 --> 01:59:50.109
I just had one question for you. Is there someone in mind for the new chief now since he's retiring?

01:59:50.109 --> 01:59:52.109
Well, well I...

01:59:52.109 --> 01:59:54.109
We don't have back and forth.

01:59:54.109 --> 01:59:55.109
There's a process of it.

01:59:55.109 --> 02:00:02.109
Well, I came here today to please, and I'm asking, not let him, I remember him searching me falsely.

02:00:02.109 --> 02:00:09.609
I remember him searching me falsely, walking as a kid, 13, 14, plenty of times, this guy.

02:00:09.609 --> 02:00:17.109
I didn't see him in the black police detective car before he was riding in his Ford truck,

02:00:17.109 --> 02:00:22.109
making faces, you know, being really immature for what he does for a living.

02:00:22.109 --> 02:00:25.609
That's all I had to say.

02:00:25.609 --> 02:00:42.769
Father God, in the name of Jesus.

02:00:42.769 --> 02:00:52.909
Your word in Proverbs 16 and 11 says the Lord demands fairness in every business deal.

02:00:52.909 --> 02:00:56.989
He established this principle.

02:00:56.989 --> 02:01:05.189
So Father God we continue to look to you to take control of this city.

02:01:05.189 --> 02:01:14.029
Father God you know what's been said, you know what continues to be done.

02:01:14.029 --> 02:01:17.469
Make it right God.

02:01:17.469 --> 02:01:30.789
From A through Z, make it right. This is your city. I'm just living here right now. And

02:01:30.789 --> 02:01:41.309
without your help, without you doing it, it won't be done. Continue to search the hearts

02:01:41.309 --> 02:01:53.269
of the People, continue to search the hearts of the people on this council, the leaders

02:01:53.269 --> 02:02:00.729
of our city, Father God.

02:02:00.729 --> 02:02:15.849
Help us to do what's right, in spite of, for our constituents, for this city, so that we

02:02:15.849 --> 02:02:21.969
don't crumble to nothing.

02:02:21.969 --> 02:02:25.509
In Jesus' name, amen.

02:02:25.509 --> 02:02:29.090
That concludes public comment, we'll move on to item number 22, Madam Clerk, could you

02:02:29.089 --> 02:02:31.089
Do you please read Executive Session?

02:02:31.089 --> 02:02:38.170
Pursuant to 5 ILCS, 122C2, Collective Negotiating Matters Between the Public Body and its Employees

02:02:38.170 --> 02:02:43.329
or the Representatives or Deliberations Concerning Salary Schedules for One or More Classes of

02:02:43.329 --> 02:02:44.329
Employees.

02:02:44.329 --> 02:02:45.329
Thank you.

02:02:45.329 --> 02:02:46.929
Is there a motion to enter into Executive?

02:02:46.929 --> 02:02:47.929
Second.

02:02:47.929 --> 02:02:51.529
A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

02:02:51.529 --> 02:02:56.969
Madam Clerk, could you please call the roll on that?

02:02:56.969 --> 02:02:57.969
Klemm?

02:02:57.969 --> 02:02:58.969
Aye.

02:02:58.969 --> 02:03:10.090
Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. Passes 8 to 0.

02:05:10.090 --> 02:05:27.850
you're ready. To return to open session, Madam Clerk, could you please call the

02:05:27.850 --> 02:05:35.170
roll? Mayor Miller? Here. Are these on? Okay. Alderpersons, Klemm? Here. Johnson?

02:05:35.170 --> 02:05:45.289
Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. That leaves us with item

02:05:45.289 --> 02:05:50.250
number 23, which is the adoption of resolution 2025-123. Madam Clerk, could

02:05:50.250 --> 02:05:55.409
you please read this? Resolution to ratify 2025 to 2028 collective bargaining

02:05:55.409 --> 02:05:59.630
agreement with Council 31 of the American Federation of State, County, and

02:05:59.630 --> 02:06:07.430
Municipal Employees or AFSCME Local 3367 AFL-CIO. Thank you. Manager, Boyer. Thank

02:06:07.430 --> 02:06:12.110
your honor. The city has reached a tentative agreement with our local AFSCME

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Union and staff request council approval of this agreement. Is there a motion to

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adopt? So moved. Second. We have a motion by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm.

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discussion on the resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Stang. Shadle? Aye.

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Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The resolution is adopted 7 to 0 with one

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abstentia. I will entertain a motion for adjournment. So moved. Second. Motion made by

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Alderman Shadle seconded by Alderman Sellers all those in favor signify by

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saying aye aye have a good night