WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.000 Pastor Justin, could you please give the invocation? 00:00:02.000 --> 00:00:04.000 Yes, sure. 00:00:04.000 --> 00:00:06.000 Thank you. 00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:08.000 Good evening, Madam Mayor. 00:00:08.000 --> 00:00:10.000 Oh, I choked myself up there. 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:14.000 Good evening, Madam Mayor, Council, and everyone. 00:00:14.000 --> 00:00:16.000 Would you please pray with me? 00:00:22.000 --> 00:00:24.000 Our God, we bow before you tonight. 00:00:24.000 --> 00:00:29.000 We're grateful for your gifts in our lives, and even as the sun shines tonight, 00:00:29.000 --> 00:00:35.799 Shines tonight and we begin to enter the season of summer. Lord we're thankful for this season as a 00:00:35.799 --> 00:00:42.519 season of celebration even with Freeport High School last night and other high schools throughout 00:00:42.519 --> 00:00:48.519 our communities, our young people graduating or even coming home from college for the summer. 00:00:49.400 --> 00:00:55.799 Lord we thank you as families and friends prepare to celebrate this season this summer. Lord we 00:00:55.800 --> 00:01:04.500 we thank you even as city workers have a season to work on things long planned and carefully 00:01:04.500 --> 00:01:10.920 funded up till now and Lord we are grateful that part of the celebration this year is the 00:01:10.920 --> 00:01:18.020 250th anniversary of our great nation and Lord we do pray that you continue to guide 00:01:18.020 --> 00:01:25.719 and bless or that you would help us to live as a good people even as whether it's 00:01:25.719 --> 00:01:32.280 Freeport, or this country, we are only great as long as we are good. And so, Father, we pray that 00:01:32.280 --> 00:01:39.239 you would give us wisdom, wisdom to see our great and deep need of your assistance and wisdom. 00:01:40.280 --> 00:01:47.400 Lord, we pray that you'd help us to be a self-giving people, ready and willing to serve 00:01:47.400 --> 00:01:54.359 others more than ourselves. And Lord, we pray that you would help us and this council in all these 00:01:54.359 --> 00:02:01.359 We thank you for your help. In Jesus' name, Amen. 00:02:24.360 --> 00:02:54.360 Thank you. Now we'll officially call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, please take your roll. Mayor Miller? Here. Alderpersons, Klemm? Here. Johnson? Here. Simmons? Here. Parker? Here. Stacy? Here. Shadle? Here. Sanders? Here. And Sellers? Here. If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Klemm. 00:02:54.360 --> 00:03:00.360 One Nation, Under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All 00:03:24.360 --> 00:03:30.320 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Johnson. All those in 00:03:30.320 --> 00:03:36.840 favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes. 00:03:54.360 --> 00:04:07.680 Well, as you can see, this is National Public Works Week, so thank you, Pat, for bringing 00:04:07.680 --> 00:04:13.940 all of your crew along tonight on behalf of the City of Freeport, whereas public works 00:04:13.940 --> 00:04:19.960 professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities, and services that are of vital importance 00:04:19.959 --> 00:04:27.979 of the Public Health, High Quality of Life, and the Well-Being of the People of Freeport. 00:04:27.979 --> 00:04:33.319 And whereas, these infrastructure, facilities, and services could not be provided without 00:04:33.319 --> 00:04:39.079 the dedicated effort of Public Works professionals who are engineers, managers, and employees 00:04:39.079 --> 00:04:44.339 at all levels of government and the private sector who are responsible for rebuilding, 00:04:44.340 --> 00:04:47.900 improving and protecting our nation's transportation, 00:04:47.900 --> 00:04:51.740 water supply, water treatment and solid waste systems, 00:04:51.740 --> 00:04:54.720 public buildings and other structures and facilities 00:04:54.720 --> 00:04:56.220 essential to our citizens. 00:04:56.220 --> 00:04:59.460 And whereas it is in the public's interest 00:04:59.460 --> 00:05:02.980 for the citizens, civic leaders and children in Freeport 00:05:02.980 --> 00:05:06.620 to gain knowledge of and maintain an ongoing interest 00:05:06.620 --> 00:05:09.660 and understanding of the importance of public works 00:05:09.660 --> 00:05:13.100 and public works programs in their prospective communities. 00:05:13.100 --> 00:05:43.100 Now, therefore, I, Jodi Miller, hereby declare May 17th through the 23rd, 2026 as National Public Works Week in the City of Freeport and I urge all citizens to join with representatives of the American Public Works Association and government agencies in activities, events, and ceremonies designed to pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees and to recognize the substantial contributions that they make to protect our public health, 00:05:43.100 --> 00:05:47.180 Safety and Advancing Quality of Life for All. Thank you. 00:06:13.100 --> 00:06:39.540 Next is public comment, however, the two signed in are non-agenda, so they'll have to wait 00:06:39.540 --> 00:06:41.540 and 00:06:42.540 --> 00:06:43.540 the 00:06:43.540 --> 00:06:51.540 consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless there's a member of council would like to have something removed for further discussion. 00:06:51.540 --> 00:07:08.540 The consent agenda is approval to receive and placed on file minutes from the board and commission meetings from the police pension and fire pension boards, February 4th, 2026, Art and Culture Commission, March 12th, 2026, and the Liquor Commission, April 9th, 2026. 00:07:08.540 --> 00:07:10.540 and 00:07:11.540 --> 00:07:36.540 the building permit report. Also is the adoption of resolution 202677, which is the request for temporary closure of streets for cruise night on August 15th. And also is the approval of the finance bills payable in the total of $3,593,970.04 and payroll for pay period ending May 20th. 00:07:38.540 --> 00:07:46.700 May 2nd, 2026, in the total of $714,634.55. Is there a motion to approve? 00:07:46.700 --> 00:07:48.700 So moved. Second. 00:07:48.700 --> 00:07:59.100 Is there a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers? Any discussion? 00:07:59.100 --> 00:08:01.100 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Klemm? 00:08:01.100 --> 00:08:02.460 Aye. Johnson? 00:08:02.460 --> 00:08:03.660 Aye. Simmons? 00:08:03.660 --> 00:08:04.939 Aye. Parker? 00:08:04.939 --> 00:08:06.140 Aye. Stacy? 00:08:06.140 --> 00:08:07.340 Aye. Shadle? 00:08:07.340 --> 00:08:08.460 Aye. Sanders? 00:08:08.460 --> 00:08:38.460 and Sellers. The motion is approved eight to zero. Item number six are reappointments. Could you please read those? All of these reappointments are to the board of library trustees, all effective through May 31st, 2029, Alan Green, Betty Butler and Tasha Mazik. Thank you. Council, what's your pleasure? You want to do this all in one or separate? All in one. All in one? Yeah. Okay. Is there a motion to approve? So moved. 00:08:38.460 --> 00:08:54.460 Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the appointments. Alderman Johnson. I just wondered, now when they're reappointed, do they have to reapply to be on the board or? 00:08:54.460 --> 00:09:15.460 Well, the process is usually in communication with the library director and myself and, you know, just checking attendance, seeing about their, you know, their involvement and then they're asked if they're in good standing, then they're asked if they would like to continue and all three of them said yes. 00:09:15.460 --> 00:09:17.460 Okay, one more question. 00:09:17.460 --> 00:09:18.460 Sure. 00:09:18.460 --> 00:09:23.460 What if someone else would like to be on the board and these people are up? 00:09:23.460 --> 00:09:35.220 Like any of our commissions, they just need to fill out the form that's online and, you know, let us know what particular commission they're looking at and then we just keep a file. 00:09:35.220 --> 00:09:37.220 Okay, thank you. 00:09:37.220 --> 00:09:40.220 Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? 00:09:40.220 --> 00:09:41.220 Klemm? 00:09:41.220 --> 00:09:42.220 Aye. 00:09:42.220 --> 00:09:43.220 Johnson? 00:09:43.220 --> 00:09:44.220 No. 00:09:44.220 --> 00:09:45.220 Simmons? 00:09:45.220 --> 00:09:46.220 Aye. 00:09:46.220 --> 00:09:47.220 Parker? 00:09:47.220 --> 00:09:48.220 Aye. 00:09:48.220 --> 00:09:49.220 Stacy? 00:09:49.220 --> 00:09:50.220 Aye. 00:09:50.220 --> 00:09:51.220 Shadle? 00:09:51.220 --> 00:09:52.220 Aye. 00:09:52.220 --> 00:09:53.220 Sanders? 00:09:53.220 --> 00:10:00.040 Aye. The motion is approved seven to one. Item number seven is the second reading of Ordinance 2026- 00:10:00.040 --> 00:10:04.040 is the second reading of Ordinance 2026-29. Could you please read this? 00:10:04.040 --> 00:10:14.040 Ordinance amending Chapter 806, Liquor, Section 806.02C1, Tier 3 licenses to clarify parameters of Class R Caterer License. 00:10:14.040 --> 00:10:15.040 Thank you. Manager Boyer? 00:10:15.040 --> 00:10:21.040 Thank you, Your Honor. This ordinance came through the Liquor Commission. It was presented to Council on May 4th. 00:10:21.040 --> 00:10:26.640 Smith, Steve Cox was here to present and also to take questions and this basically clarifies 00:10:26.640 --> 00:10:32.240 parameters of the CR class liquor license and the Liquor Commission and staff recommends 00:10:32.240 --> 00:10:35.080 moving forward with this ordinance. 00:10:35.080 --> 00:10:36.560 Discussion? 00:10:36.560 --> 00:10:38.680 Alderman Sanders? 00:10:38.680 --> 00:10:41.820 What is the CR? 00:10:41.820 --> 00:10:42.820 That's a Caterers License. 00:10:42.820 --> 00:10:46.240 Is that what that stands for? 00:10:46.240 --> 00:10:47.240 Yes. 00:10:47.240 --> 00:11:05.240 and who's going to give a presentation for that? Well, who's going to present that other than Council voting on it? Is there more detailed information on this? 00:11:05.240 --> 00:11:13.240 We had that presentation. I think it was on the COW. It was presented by Attorney Cox and then it was first reading at the last meeting. 00:11:13.240 --> 00:11:21.240 Okay, I just needed a refreshment summary of it, if I can get that. 00:11:21.240 --> 00:11:25.240 It's in your memo, the whole thing, background discussion. 00:11:25.240 --> 00:11:26.240 Okay. 00:11:26.240 --> 00:11:27.240 All right. 00:11:27.240 --> 00:11:28.240 Thank you. 00:11:28.240 --> 00:11:29.240 You're welcome. 00:11:29.240 --> 00:11:32.240 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:11:32.240 --> 00:11:33.240 Klemm? 00:11:33.240 --> 00:11:34.240 Aye. 00:11:34.240 --> 00:11:35.240 Johnson? 00:11:35.240 --> 00:11:36.240 Aye. 00:11:36.240 --> 00:11:37.240 Simmons? 00:11:37.240 --> 00:11:38.240 Aye. 00:11:38.240 --> 00:11:39.240 Parker? 00:11:39.240 --> 00:11:40.240 Aye. 00:11:40.240 --> 00:11:41.240 Stacy? 00:11:41.240 --> 00:11:42.240 Aye. 00:11:42.240 --> 00:11:49.040 Sellers. The ordinance is approved, 8-0. Item number 8 is the first reading of Ordinance 00:11:49.040 --> 00:11:54.480 2026-30. Could you please read this? Ordinance amending Title 10, Employment Provisions, 00:11:54.480 --> 00:12:00.800 Chapter 290, Compensation and Benefits, Section 290.01d3, regarding classification plan to 00:12:00.800 --> 00:12:07.320 change title of, I think it's just City Accountant, is that correct, to Finance Specialist. Director 00:12:07.320 --> 00:12:11.000 Richter. Thank you, Your Honor. The Finance Department 00:12:11.000 --> 00:12:22.000 The applicant currently employs one staff person title of City Accountant. The main duties of the position include payroll processing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. 00:12:22.000 --> 00:12:36.000 The current title of City Accountant may lead a potential applicant to believe that the job duties associated with the position would include budgetary compliance, maintaining the general ledger, and preparing financial statements. 00:12:36.000 --> 00:12:40.860 As the position is currently being recruited, we thought now would be the appropriate time 00:12:40.860 --> 00:12:44.240 to change the title of the position. 00:12:44.240 --> 00:12:51.380 The Finance Department is requesting a change to Ordinance 290.01d3 to remove the position 00:12:51.380 --> 00:12:55.900 of Deputy City Accountant and replace it with Finance Specialist. 00:12:55.900 --> 00:13:03.820 We would also like to remove the title City Accountant from Section 290.01e. 00:13:03.820 --> 00:13:11.700 There are no changes to the job description or increases in staffing levels related to 00:13:11.700 --> 00:13:12.700 this change. 00:13:12.700 --> 00:13:17.180 It's strictly just the title of the position I would like to change. 00:13:17.180 --> 00:13:21.060 Is there a motion to move this on to the next council meeting? 00:13:21.060 --> 00:13:22.060 So moved. 00:13:22.060 --> 00:13:23.060 Second. 00:13:23.060 --> 00:13:29.660 We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm. 00:13:29.660 --> 00:13:40.380 on the Ordinance. Item number nine is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-31. 00:13:40.380 --> 00:13:48.860 Can I back you up for a minute? Sure. Why do we need an ordinance for this 00:13:48.860 --> 00:13:57.020 declaration that you're making? Attorney Zito. Because the name of the position is 00:13:57.020 --> 00:14:02.700 is set forth in our city code of ordinances in order to change an ordinance you need to use an ordinance 00:14:02.700 --> 00:14:07.660 to change it that's why it's has to be an ordinance to kind of even though this is a very just a simple 00:14:07.660 --> 00:14:11.820 housekeeping item to change the name you still need an ordinance because the original name is 00:14:11.820 --> 00:14:19.180 set forth by ordinance okay good good good item number nine is the first reading of ordinance 00:14:19.180 --> 00:14:25.900 20 26 31 could you please read this ordinance authorizing the sale recycling donation and or 00:14:25.900 --> 00:14:32.420 disposal of certain personal items owned by the city. This this ordinance is Fire 00:14:32.420 --> 00:14:39.840 Department turnout gear. Chief Cordy. Thank you. According to the National Fire 00:14:39.840 --> 00:14:44.600 Protection Association, all of the gear that the firefighters wear has a life 00:14:44.600 --> 00:14:51.620 expectancy of 10 years. At the end of that 10 years, to be compliant, we have to 00:14:51.620 --> 00:15:21.620 No longer use that equipment back in February this board voted to purchase some replacement gear in the meantime we've had quite a bit that has been accumulating in the station and we've got a listing of it 40 sets 40 coats 45 sets of pants 11 sets of boots and a helmet all that equipment has 00:15:21.620 --> 00:15:28.500 Reynolds, run its useful life through the NFPA so we can no longer use that. 00:15:28.500 --> 00:15:31.660 We have two different options of what we can do with it. 00:15:31.660 --> 00:15:35.700 We can either throw it in the landfill or we can donate it. 00:15:35.700 --> 00:15:42.440 There's other countries that do not abide by the same NFPA standards that we do. 00:15:42.440 --> 00:15:49.800 So a lot of the Central America, Southern America are able to utilize this gear because 00:15:49.800 --> 00:15:52.300 is in many cases, it's still very useful. 00:15:52.300 --> 00:15:54.320 It's just that based on our standards, 00:15:54.320 --> 00:15:56.140 we can no longer use it. 00:15:56.140 --> 00:16:01.140 So at this point, we found a group called Hearts in Motion. 00:16:01.340 --> 00:16:04.920 It's a nonprofit organization based in Sherville, Indiana 00:16:04.920 --> 00:16:08.540 that collects and then donates this type of equipment 00:16:08.540 --> 00:16:10.020 to those countries. 00:16:10.020 --> 00:16:14.780 And we'd like to have this ordinance approved 00:16:14.780 --> 00:16:16.300 to follow through with that. 00:16:16.300 --> 00:16:23.180 At this point, the gear has no dollar value to anybody in the United States, and it has 00:16:23.180 --> 00:16:27.040 no cost to the city to donate this. 00:16:27.040 --> 00:16:28.040 Thank you. 00:16:28.040 --> 00:16:29.040 Is there a motion to move this forward? 00:16:29.040 --> 00:16:30.040 So moved. 00:16:30.040 --> 00:16:31.040 Second. 00:16:31.040 --> 00:16:32.040 Motion to suspend the rule. 00:16:32.040 --> 00:16:35.720 We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers, and we have 00:16:35.720 --> 00:16:41.040 a motion to suspend the rules made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Parker. 00:16:41.040 --> 00:16:44.360 Suspension of the rules is non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds majority. 00:16:44.360 --> 00:16:47.759 Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on suspension only? 00:16:47.759 --> 00:16:48.759 Klemm? 00:16:48.759 --> 00:16:49.759 Aye. 00:16:49.759 --> 00:16:50.759 Johnson? 00:16:50.759 --> 00:16:51.759 Aye. 00:16:51.759 --> 00:16:52.759 Simmons? 00:16:52.759 --> 00:16:53.759 Aye. 00:16:53.759 --> 00:16:54.759 Parker? 00:16:54.759 --> 00:16:55.759 Aye. 00:16:55.759 --> 00:16:56.759 Stacy? 00:16:56.759 --> 00:16:57.759 Aye. 00:16:57.759 --> 00:16:58.759 Shadle? 00:16:58.759 --> 00:16:59.759 Aye. 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:00.759 Sanders? 00:17:00.759 --> 00:17:01.759 Aye. 00:17:01.759 --> 00:17:02.759 And Sellers? 00:17:02.759 --> 00:17:03.759 Aye. 00:17:03.759 --> 00:17:04.759 The motion for suspension passes 8-0. 00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:05.759 So then before you, then, is the final passage for this ordinance. 00:17:05.759 --> 00:17:06.759 Is there any further discussion? 00:17:06.759 --> 00:17:07.759 Alderman Johnson? 00:17:07.759 --> 00:17:13.120 Okay, Chief, you said it was still useful, so it would still protect those people when 00:17:13.120 --> 00:17:35.120 Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, and the ordinance passes 00:17:35.120 --> 00:17:36.800 8 to 0. 00:17:36.800 --> 00:17:40.400 And item number 10 is the first reading of ordinance 2026.32. 00:17:40.400 --> 00:17:41.920 Could you please read this? 00:17:41.920 --> 00:17:46.180 Authorizing the Sale, Recycling, Donation, and or Disposal of Certain Personal Property 00:17:46.180 --> 00:17:47.660 Owned by the City. 00:17:47.660 --> 00:17:51.759 For this ordinance, there's some City Hall Office Furniture and Police Department Office 00:17:51.759 --> 00:17:55.240 Furniture located at 709 South Liberty. 00:17:55.240 --> 00:17:56.240 Thank you. 00:17:56.240 --> 00:17:57.240 Chief Rostow. 00:17:57.240 --> 00:17:58.240 Hi. 00:17:58.240 --> 00:17:59.240 Do you have the pictures? 00:17:59.240 --> 00:18:00.240 Yep. 00:18:00.240 --> 00:18:01.240 Please. 00:18:01.240 --> 00:18:09.400 709 South Liberty, as you entered in there, it was used for a community policing office 00:18:09.400 --> 00:18:13.400 and it has not been used in the last 15 years under Chief Whitmore. 00:18:13.400 --> 00:18:22.400 If you go into the building, everything has been destroyed either by water, mold, rodents, fleas 00:18:22.400 --> 00:18:29.400 and nothing can be used out of there. There are miscellaneous furniture that has been rusted. 00:18:29.400 --> 00:18:36.900 As you can see with all the pictures that are there, there's nothing that is useful for the Freeport Police Department. 00:18:36.900 --> 00:18:40.940 there's great damage that they have there we did go through there there are no 00:18:40.940 --> 00:18:44.700 records that are there they only have paperwork that is full of mold and that 00:18:44.700 --> 00:18:55.380 paperwork is really booklets from DARE a program that we don't even use and so we 00:18:55.380 --> 00:19:04.740 are seeking for this to be at least on the list for sale recycling and donation 00:19:04.740 --> 00:19:10.740 Thank you. Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? So moved. Second. 00:19:10.740 --> 00:19:24.740 Is there a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers? Discussion on the ordinance? Mayor? Yes. There is some IT equipment as well. Okay. 00:19:24.740 --> 00:19:31.740 And I don't have that in the same frame. Alderman Sellers? Does this need to be amended too? 00:19:31.740 --> 00:19:35.980 I'm sorry, would you like this one to be amended also? Yes. Okay. 00:19:38.539 --> 00:19:46.700 I make a motion to amend. You mean suspension? Suspension. Second. Okay, we have a motion on the 00:19:46.700 --> 00:19:50.539 floor made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle for suspension, and again, 00:19:50.539 --> 00:19:55.420 it's two-thirds majority and non-debatable. Madam Clerk, would you please take the role 00:19:55.420 --> 00:19:59.820 on the suspension only? Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? 00:19:59.820 --> 00:20:17.260 Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. The motion to suspend 00:20:17.260 --> 00:20:22.820 passes 6 to 2 and Mayor I missed the first and the second on the original 00:20:22.820 --> 00:20:52.820 Motion. Klemm Sellers. Thank you. So then before you, yes Alderman Simmons. Well I'll wait till you say what you're about to say. Okay so now before you is for the final reading for this ordinance. Is there a discussion? So what's the plan with this? Do you plan to sell it, give it to somebody, have it demolished? Well I don't plan to sell it. I believe that a group, an 00:20:52.820 --> 00:21:02.900 A religious organization within Freeport wants to purchase it, a ministry group. 00:21:02.900 --> 00:21:05.060 But this ordinance is only about the surplus. 00:21:05.060 --> 00:21:07.520 Yes, it's only about the surplus. 00:21:07.520 --> 00:21:10.140 All those pictures of what's inside. 00:21:10.140 --> 00:21:16.340 Do we have a list? 00:21:16.340 --> 00:21:25.680 Well, I just heard something about something technical in nature, part of this recycling 00:21:25.680 --> 00:21:38.200 disorder, and we're being asked to dispose of it in a way that allows someone else to 00:21:38.200 --> 00:21:52.440 Intercept it and I don't understand what is the criteria for disposing such gear or such technology 00:21:53.560 --> 00:22:01.720 to a facility or whoever is asking for this donation. We don't have a list of items 00:22:01.720 --> 00:22:09.480 List it before us to determine whether or not we should make sure that is not that anything that we're 00:22:10.200 --> 00:22:18.760 disposing is in a compromising position. So we don't want to have that out there without us having an 00:22:18.760 --> 00:22:26.520 opportunity to expose what it is in the technical field of what we're about to get rid of. 00:22:26.520 --> 00:22:51.520 Yes. I'm just disappointed because I'm sure this house was given to the police department. And for it to be in the shape that it's in, it's really discriminatory. 00:22:51.520 --> 00:23:20.520 Well, seeing the shape that is in is really discouraging to see that, where was the care? I mean, and you spoke about rust, mold, rodents, and we still want to give it to somebody? 00:23:20.520 --> 00:23:28.360 are organizations that desire it. However, that isn't what this topic is. This isn't 00:23:28.360 --> 00:23:36.800 about the surplus that's inside. So there's no further discussion. Madam Clerk, please 00:23:36.800 --> 00:23:45.160 take the roll. Klemm? Aye. Johnson? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. 00:23:45.160 --> 00:23:50.400 Sanders? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The ordinance passes 8 to 0. Item number 00:23:50.400 --> 00:24:00.440 Ordinance Adding a Chapter 1480 to the Codified Ordinances Concerning Outdoor Lighting Regulations 00:24:00.440 --> 00:24:01.440 Thank you. 00:24:01.440 --> 00:24:02.440 Director Heimerdinger. 00:24:02.440 --> 00:24:04.560 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 00:24:04.560 --> 00:24:08.840 The Community & Economic Development Department was directed by the Planning Commission to 00:24:08.840 --> 00:24:16.160 draft an ordinance for outdoor lighting regulations after discussing the lack of lighting regulations 00:24:16.160 --> 00:24:17.920 within the City of Freeport. 00:24:17.920 --> 00:24:31.920 There is currently not a policy in place for outdoor lighting regulations. Staff presented a draft, Chapter 1480, Outdoor Lighting Regulations to Planning Commission, where input and corresponding edits were made. 00:24:31.920 --> 00:24:43.420 After being approved by the Planning Commission on May 8th, the newly drafted ordinance was then presented to the Building Commission for further edits last Wednesday on May 13th. 00:24:43.420 --> 00:24:59.420 Chapter 1480 establishes new outdoor lighting regulations for the City of Freeport to reduce nuisance lighting, improve public safety, minimize light pollution, and create constant standards for outdoor lighting installations throughout the community. 00:24:59.420 --> 00:25:11.420 Key ideas of the ordinance is that it establishes a maximum light spillover limit onto property lines and other nearby residents. 00:25:11.420 --> 00:25:23.420 So if you're in a commercial district, it limits how much can spill into residential so that those who are living in their homes are not impacted by commercial lighting in a negative way. 00:25:23.420 --> 00:25:36.420 It requires outdoor lighting to be properly shielded for the neighboring properties, but also traffic and make sure that it's shielded for glare for the drivers. 00:25:36.420 --> 00:25:42.420 Prohibits flashing lights, search lights, laser lighting, and other lighting that may be distracting. 00:25:42.420 --> 00:25:53.100 Establishes exceptions for residential properties, holiday lighting, public street lights, ADA-required lighting, 00:25:53.100 --> 00:25:57.100 recreational facilities, and temporary permitted events. 00:25:57.100 --> 00:26:02.500 And then it creates standards for illuminated signs and electric messaging centers, 00:26:02.500 --> 00:26:08.300 which are all the new billboards that you see in town and it's technology that's going 00:26:08.300 --> 00:26:14.160 to be pushing that even more into the future and then establishes enforcement procedures 00:26:14.160 --> 00:26:16.820 and penalties for violation. 00:26:16.820 --> 00:26:21.340 The lighting ordinance supports the city's goal for safe and inclusive community as it 00:26:21.340 --> 00:26:26.180 ensures neighborhoods and vehicles are not negatively impacted by lighting on signs and 00:26:26.180 --> 00:26:27.180 buildings. 00:26:27.180 --> 00:26:32.260 This does not require any additional funding and staff, the Building Commission, the Planning 00:26:32.260 --> 00:26:37.980 Commission recommend approval of the addition of Chapter 1480, outdoor lighting regulations 00:26:37.980 --> 00:26:42.060 following a first and second reading by the City Council. 00:26:42.060 --> 00:26:43.060 Thank you. 00:26:43.060 --> 00:26:44.060 Is there a motion to move this forward? 00:26:44.060 --> 00:26:45.060 So moved. 00:26:45.060 --> 00:26:46.060 Second. 00:26:46.060 --> 00:26:52.460 We have a motion made by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:26:52.460 --> 00:26:55.460 Discussion on the ordinance? 00:26:55.460 --> 00:26:56.900 Alderman Johnson. 00:26:56.900 --> 00:27:01.540 Just to clarify, Gertrude, for those that are listening, who all does this affect? 00:27:01.540 --> 00:27:04.500 Huffines, the businesses, residents, or who all does it affect? 00:27:04.500 --> 00:27:05.500 Yes, absolutely. 00:27:05.500 --> 00:27:11.340 So this affects everybody except for residential structures containing less than four dwelling 00:27:11.340 --> 00:27:12.340 units. 00:27:12.340 --> 00:27:19.100 So if you live in a single story or a duplex up to four units, this will not apply to you. 00:27:19.100 --> 00:27:26.580 This is for everybody else, churches, commercial structures, you know, big apartment buildings 00:27:26.580 --> 00:27:28.580 and manufacturing. 00:27:28.580 --> 00:27:40.580 We'll move on to item number 12, which is the adoption of resolution 2026-75. 00:27:40.580 --> 00:27:45.760 Could you please read this? 00:27:45.760 --> 00:27:50.380 Resolution approving the purchase of a mulching head attachment from Westside Tractor Sales. 00:27:50.380 --> 00:27:51.380 Thank you. 00:27:51.380 --> 00:27:52.380 Manager Boyer. 00:27:52.380 --> 00:27:53.380 Thank you, Your Honor. 00:27:53.380 --> 00:27:57.820 The current Public Works Department has a mini excavator among the equipment that we 00:27:57.820 --> 00:28:03.140 Inventory and Use. We'd like to buy a mulching head for the mini excavator that allow us 00:28:03.140 --> 00:28:09.420 to do mulching and brush and nuisance weeds and small trees, removals and ditches and 00:28:09.420 --> 00:28:16.380 areas that are very difficult to get to with our other equipment. So this is in the 2026 00:28:16.380 --> 00:28:23.820 Budget, we have a source well quote for $23,500. 00:28:23.820 --> 00:28:32.580 That is from, oh gosh, let's see here, pardon me, Westside Tractor Sales, sorry, wanted 00:28:32.580 --> 00:28:33.620 to verify that. 00:28:33.620 --> 00:28:38.820 So staff recommends moving forward with the acquisition of the new mulching head for the 00:28:38.820 --> 00:28:40.940 John Deere mini excavator. 00:28:40.940 --> 00:28:42.420 Is there a motion to adopt? 00:28:42.420 --> 00:28:43.420 So moved. 00:28:43.420 --> 00:28:44.420 Second. 00:28:44.420 --> 00:28:52.920 Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion on the resolution? Alderman Stacy? 00:28:52.920 --> 00:28:59.420 Yes, can you tell me if this was budgeted for and if so, what budget would it be coming out of? 00:28:59.420 --> 00:29:01.920 It was budgeted in the capital equipment. 00:29:08.920 --> 00:29:10.920 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:29:10.920 --> 00:29:11.920 Klemm? 00:29:11.920 --> 00:29:12.420 Aye. 00:29:12.420 --> 00:29:12.920 Johnson? 00:29:12.920 --> 00:29:13.420 Aye. 00:29:13.420 --> 00:29:28.860 Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. The resolution is adopted 7-1. 00:29:28.860 --> 00:29:33.500 Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2026-76. Would you please read 00:29:33.500 --> 00:29:37.820 this? Resolution ratifying emergency engagement of precision piping and 00:29:37.820 --> 00:29:42.300 fabrication to fabricate steel backwash gate at the city's wastewater treatment 00:29:42.300 --> 00:29:59.790 Thank you, Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. Staff request the ratification of this expenditure. We had to replace a 72 inch by 72 inch electrically actuated sluice gate at the wastewater plant. Once we installed the 00:29:59.790 --> 00:30:09.230 Water Plant. Once we installed the new UV disinfection lighting system, we ran into a 00:30:09.230 --> 00:30:14.910 situation where the existing sluice gate was not holding enough back pressure and unfortunately 00:30:14.910 --> 00:30:22.150 it's because the old one was very deteriorated and the gate mechanisms had essentially corroded 00:30:52.150 --> 00:30:59.790 Sellers, and we were able to have that made for us for $59,232.50, so staff recommends 00:30:59.790 --> 00:31:03.030 moving forward with the ratification of this emergency repair. 00:31:03.030 --> 00:31:04.030 Thank you. 00:31:04.030 --> 00:31:05.030 Is there a motion to adopt? 00:31:05.030 --> 00:31:06.030 So moved. 00:31:06.030 --> 00:31:07.030 Seconded. 00:31:07.030 --> 00:31:11.450 We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:31:11.450 --> 00:31:16.450 Discussion on the resolution? 00:31:16.450 --> 00:31:17.910 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:31:17.910 --> 00:31:18.910 Klemm? 00:31:18.910 --> 00:31:19.910 Aye. 00:31:19.910 --> 00:31:20.910 Johnson? 00:31:20.910 --> 00:31:21.910 Aye. 00:31:21.910 --> 00:31:27.750 Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, and Sellers. 00:31:27.750 --> 00:31:32.190 The resolution is adopted 8-0. 00:31:32.190 --> 00:31:35.750 Item number 14 is the adoption of resolution 2026-78. 00:31:35.750 --> 00:31:37.510 Could you please read this? 00:31:37.510 --> 00:31:43.910 Resolution authorizing emergency box culvert repairs by NYCAM Construction on Sealy Avenue. 00:31:43.910 --> 00:31:44.910 Thank you. 00:31:44.910 --> 00:31:45.910 Manager Boyer? 00:31:45.910 --> 00:31:46.910 Thank you, Your Honor. 00:31:46.910 --> 00:31:51.430 For Sealy in Reed Park, there's a small bridge that goes over what becomes the home or drainage 00:31:51.430 --> 00:31:56.550 District, Homer Drainage, Box Culvert that runs all the way to the Benton and Jackson 00:31:56.550 --> 00:31:57.550 Outfall. 00:31:57.550 --> 00:32:05.830 Unfortunately, the box culvert is kind of falling apart and we want to make sure we 00:32:05.830 --> 00:32:07.470 catch it before it gets too bad. 00:32:07.470 --> 00:32:12.670 We don't want there to be a damaged vehicle driving by and hit a section that's caving 00:32:12.670 --> 00:32:13.670 in. 00:32:13.670 --> 00:32:21.190 So, staff went out and found a local contractor that could take care of the work for $9,212 00:32:21.190 --> 00:32:26.110 dollars. There is a we did some estimating and it probably will last five to ten 00:32:26.110 --> 00:32:32.750 years where the total cost of a total replacement will be over $60,000. So staff 00:32:32.750 --> 00:32:38.230 recommends moving forward with the bucks paying the box color repair invoice. Thank 00:32:38.230 --> 00:32:45.430 you. Is there a motion to adopt? So move. Is there a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by 00:32:45.430 --> 00:32:52.070 Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution. Alderman Sanders. 00:32:53.830 --> 00:33:00.710 Manager Boyer, do we have qualified people who can work on culverts, box culverts? 00:33:00.710 --> 00:33:05.770 We do but this is a repair to a fairly large one so and we're very busy with 00:33:05.770 --> 00:33:09.350 all the other work we're doing throughout the city. What's the cost of 00:33:09.350 --> 00:33:23.350 A little over $9,000. $9,000? Yes. Was it replacement with cement piping? I might have to turn that over. Darren's probably got more of the details on that one. 00:33:23.350 --> 00:33:38.350 Yeah. The repair was a concrete repair. The wing wall basically had eroded and broke off of the structure. So we had Nycam Construction come in and pin it with epoxy dowel bars and then pour the wall back in. 00:33:38.350 --> 00:34:08.350 and then we also had public works go in after they were done and we rip-wrapped the east side of the culvert there's where the Homer drainage ditch goes underground near the mobile station that it creates this almost washing effect down in that basin and it was eroding the structure away to my knowledge we've never worked on it before it's been eroding more and 00:34:08.350 --> 00:34:12.550 and with the cost of a complete wall, wing wall replacements being $60,000, I thought 00:34:12.550 --> 00:34:18.470 this was the prudent choice to get us by for 10 years so we could plan for the next step. 00:34:18.470 --> 00:34:22.950 The box covered itself is in good shape, it's the wing walls that are really starting to 00:34:22.950 --> 00:34:23.950 fall apart. 00:34:23.950 --> 00:34:28.870 Would you like your second? 00:34:28.870 --> 00:34:36.230 Would the construction interfere with traffic, how much traffic flow do we have in this area 00:34:36.230 --> 00:34:44.430 and will it be obstruction to any form of traffic after repair, you know, I just want 00:34:44.430 --> 00:34:51.310 to make sure if we're going to invest that kind of money into that kind of project that 00:34:51.310 --> 00:35:02.910 it is still going to be, you know, road safety and whether or not we're, whether we go through 00:35:02.910 --> 00:35:04.350 with the process of it. 00:35:04.350 --> 00:35:06.550 Oh, well, the repair has already been completed. 00:35:07.110 --> 00:35:10.390 And yes, in my opinion, it was the prudent thing to do. 00:35:10.670 --> 00:35:13.310 The street is used as a connection to the park. 00:35:14.750 --> 00:35:15.830 Heavily traveled. 00:35:15.830 --> 00:35:18.270 No, it's not one of our heavier traveled streets. 00:35:18.630 --> 00:35:20.950 Do we have an obligation to fix it and repair it? 00:35:20.950 --> 00:35:26.310 We do. The park district put us on notice that they were considering it a hazard. 00:35:26.990 --> 00:35:30.470 There are a lot of children that are right next to the pool area. 00:35:30.470 --> 00:35:32.230 And I thought that they were correct. 00:35:32.230 --> 00:35:36.789 and the repair probably obviously I think will last more than 10 years. 00:35:36.789 --> 00:35:41.670 And so it would buy us quite a bit of time for us to decide what the next step is. 00:35:41.670 --> 00:35:44.630 The box, we actually crawled through the box culvert ourselves 00:35:44.990 --> 00:35:48.510 and the box culvert doesn't need to be replaced. 00:35:48.510 --> 00:35:51.710 There's a couple of patches that are required in it, but other than that, it's good shape. 00:35:52.150 --> 00:35:55.630 My belief is that the box culvert was replaced at some point, 00:35:55.630 --> 00:35:57.990 but the wing walls were reused. 00:35:57.990 --> 00:36:01.230 They look very aged and maybe original from, you know, 00:36:01.230 --> 00:36:08.330 Publicカル a W Sound C ignition 0 P 0, what depends five years if it's already done? 00:36:08.330 --> 00:36:19.070 for 10 years? 00:36:19.070 --> 00:36:24.450 What is it all about for five years compared to ten years? 00:36:24.450 --> 00:36:29.010 And is there a warranty on the work? 00:36:29.010 --> 00:36:59.010 Sure. I can answer all those questions. So the first one was, last one was warranty. All contracts in Illinois for construction can only have a one year warranty. That's the state statute limit. So that's what you get is one year. I believe based on the repair that we did with concrete and epoxy dowel bars, that it will easily last 10 years. In my opinion, we fixed it right. We didn't cut corners. We filled it in right. And 00:36:59.010 --> 00:37:29.010 Docksey, epoxy doll bars. I would estimate that that box culverts probably been there for at least 50 plus years. So fixing with concrete and doing it right at that time was the prudent choice. And the reason we brought it to council was to be transparent about the expenditure of the repair. We have the emergency authority to fix things that we think are going to cost the city a lot more money in the future. And if the wing well would have fell off, we would have been a total replacement of that site. So we would have been 00:37:29.010 --> 00:37:34.490 you know well up and a lot more money than this so I just wanted to be 00:37:34.490 --> 00:37:38.490 transparent that the repair was needed the Park District put us on notice that 00:37:38.490 --> 00:37:44.330 it was an issue we knew that the issue was there we just it got severely worse 00:37:44.330 --> 00:37:49.090 over the last year and so we wanted to make sure it got repaired. Alderman Stacey 00:37:49.090 --> 00:38:09.090 So this was one of those director decisions that Director Michelle spoke about last week as an emergency, yes. 00:38:09.090 --> 00:38:15.090 That's nothing new just so you know. 00:38:15.090 --> 00:38:17.090 Excuse me? 00:38:17.090 --> 00:38:31.810 I understand that. I was just saying it was nothing new. I mean, that's why it was spoke 00:38:31.810 --> 00:38:37.329 about last week about increasing different dollar amounts so that if something needs to 00:38:37.329 --> 00:38:45.690 be done, the director along with City Manager Boyer can make that decision and do it, correct? 00:38:45.690 --> 00:39:15.690 So, that's all I'm saying. So, one thing that we didn't note in there is obviously it wasn't budgeted, so we will move budget items around, things that we were hoping to do that we will have to use this money on towards it now and that's part of the emergency authority. When we fix stuff we have to figure out where that money is going to come from and so we'll have to move things around in our budget to make sure that I just prudently as not just somebody working for the city as a resident, it's the right choice 00:39:15.690 --> 00:39:21.090 to try to minimize the future cost of this and carry it out farther so we can plan long-term 00:39:21.090 --> 00:39:27.329 for a real replacement when the box culvert itself is needed, not just when the wing walls 00:39:27.329 --> 00:39:28.329 fall apart. 00:39:28.329 --> 00:39:29.329 Thank you. 00:39:29.329 --> 00:39:30.329 All right. 00:39:30.329 --> 00:39:33.329 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:39:33.329 --> 00:39:34.329 Klemm? 00:39:34.329 --> 00:39:35.329 Aye. 00:39:35.329 --> 00:39:36.329 Johnson? 00:39:36.329 --> 00:39:37.329 Aye. 00:39:37.329 --> 00:39:38.329 Simmons? 00:39:38.329 --> 00:39:39.329 Aye. 00:39:39.329 --> 00:39:40.329 Parker? 00:39:40.329 --> 00:39:41.329 Aye. 00:39:41.329 --> 00:39:42.329 Stacy? 00:39:42.329 --> 00:39:43.329 Aye. 00:39:43.329 --> 00:39:44.329 Shadle? 00:39:44.329 --> 00:39:45.329 Aye. 00:39:45.329 --> 00:39:49.770 Item number 15 is the adoption of Resolution 2026-79. Please read this. 00:39:49.770 --> 00:39:57.490 Resolution granting authority emergency repairs to HVAC system of the blower 00:39:57.490 --> 00:40:01.770 building of the wastewater treatment plant by no 00:40:01.770 --> 00:40:05.770 Building, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Nelson Carson, Mechanical Contractors 00:41:01.770 --> 00:41:09.490 the building and the total cost of that was $74,238 and it'll come from the capital budget. 00:41:09.490 --> 00:41:14.010 We were budgeting for this in the capital budget, there was $400,000 set aside for this 00:41:14.010 --> 00:41:21.570 boiler replacement and we were able to do it for $74,000, significant savings. 00:41:21.570 --> 00:41:24.850 So staff is recommending moving forward or ratifying this emergency repair. 00:41:24.850 --> 00:41:26.250 Nice job on that. 00:41:26.250 --> 00:41:27.850 Is there a motion to adopt? 00:41:27.850 --> 00:41:28.850 So moved. 00:41:28.850 --> 00:41:29.850 Second. 00:41:29.850 --> 00:41:36.850 You have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution. Alderman Sanders. 00:41:36.850 --> 00:41:46.850 Yeah, Manager Boyer, that blower, are we talking about replacement, repair? How did you indicate that? 00:41:46.850 --> 00:41:56.850 The boiler failed, you know, the heat exchanger started leaking and failed, so we replaced it with set-aside units in the building. 00:41:56.850 --> 00:42:01.650 Okay. So we just basically don't use the, we're not going to use the boiler anymore. 00:42:01.650 --> 00:42:06.370 We're going to just replace the whole item. Yes, we're not going to replace the boiler. 00:42:06.370 --> 00:42:12.050 We're simply going to replace it with heaters essentially, instead of a boiler. 00:42:15.170 --> 00:42:16.850 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:42:16.850 --> 00:42:17.650 Klemm? 00:42:17.650 --> 00:42:17.890 Aye. 00:42:18.530 --> 00:42:19.170 Johnson? 00:42:19.170 --> 00:42:19.730 Aye. 00:42:19.730 --> 00:42:20.210 Simmons? 00:42:20.850 --> 00:42:21.570 Aye. 00:42:21.570 --> 00:42:22.130 Parker? 00:42:22.130 --> 00:42:22.690 Aye. 00:42:22.690 --> 00:42:23.570 Stacy? 00:42:23.570 --> 00:42:24.050 Aye. 00:42:24.050 --> 00:42:24.530 Shadle? 00:42:24.530 --> 00:42:25.090 Aye. 00:42:25.090 --> 00:42:25.650 Sanders? 00:42:25.650 --> 00:42:26.130 Aye. 00:42:26.130 --> 00:42:32.130 and Sellers. Aye. The resolution is adapted 8 to 0. Item number 16 is the 00:42:32.130 --> 00:42:37.410 adoption of resolution 202680. I'm sorry. Sorry. I wanted to just 00:42:39.170 --> 00:42:43.090 give some credit to one of our staff members for that last item. 00:42:43.970 --> 00:42:46.930 Brandon Wells, which is the head of our maintenance department, 00:42:48.210 --> 00:42:54.370 he really came up with the solution to save over $300,000 on the repair to that building 00:42:54.370 --> 00:43:00.610 and I wanted to make sure that he got credit for it. It was his idea that we didn't need to replace 00:43:00.610 --> 00:43:05.810 the methane boilers and that's the value of having some of our own maintenance staff and some of our 00:43:05.810 --> 00:43:10.930 own people that think out in our departments. So I wanted to make sure the council understood the 00:43:10.930 --> 00:43:15.250 value that Brandon brought on that project. Thank you. Awesome. Yep. Thank you. Good job, Brandon. 00:43:19.730 --> 00:43:23.970 Item number 16 is the adoption of resolution 202680. Could you please read this? 00:43:24.370 --> 00:43:30.770 Resolution authorizing the city to dispose of surplus city real property at 709 South Liberty Avenue. 00:43:30.770 --> 00:43:32.290 Thank you. Manager Boyer. 00:43:32.290 --> 00:43:36.050 Thank you, Your Honor. As previously discussed, it's the city's intent to 00:43:39.330 --> 00:43:45.810 liquidate the 709 South Liberty Police Department. It's been vacant for many years and we've kind of 00:43:45.810 --> 00:43:52.210 had a brief conversation already this evening regarding it. But first we have to approve it 00:43:52.210 --> 00:43:58.110 Move it at Surplus Inventory for us to move forward with getting it into the right hands. 00:43:58.110 --> 00:44:02.370 Right now we've been talking with the Minister's Alliance about their interest in the structure 00:44:02.370 --> 00:44:08.490 and fixing it and using it as a classroom for their training program. 00:44:08.490 --> 00:44:12.650 So but that is what we have right now and we're working with the community to get that 00:44:12.650 --> 00:44:20.490 done so we'll have a separate resolution giving this to that entity. 00:44:20.490 --> 00:44:27.050 So with that, staff recommends moving forward with this resolution to declare it a surplus 00:44:27.050 --> 00:44:28.050 inventory. 00:44:28.050 --> 00:44:30.010 It's your motion to adopt. 00:44:30.010 --> 00:44:31.010 So move. 00:44:31.010 --> 00:44:32.010 Second. 00:44:32.010 --> 00:44:37.090 The motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm. 00:44:37.090 --> 00:44:38.090 Discussion on the resolution. 00:44:38.090 --> 00:44:39.090 Alderman Stacy? 00:44:39.090 --> 00:44:40.090 Yes. 00:44:40.090 --> 00:44:43.970 Can you say who will be receiving this? 00:44:43.970 --> 00:44:52.730 Ray, at this time, the plan is to essentially gift it to the Ministers Alliance. 00:44:52.730 --> 00:44:56.030 But that's not in the writing on this particular resolution. 00:44:56.030 --> 00:44:58.010 This is just declaring it as surplus. 00:44:58.010 --> 00:44:59.010 Right. 00:44:59.010 --> 00:45:01.010 That is correct. 00:45:01.010 --> 00:45:02.010 Alderman Sanders? 00:45:02.010 --> 00:45:03.010 Yeah. 00:45:03.010 --> 00:45:13.210 Identify the Ministers of Alliance and who is acquiring it, who's really bringing it 00:45:13.210 --> 00:45:14.210 to our attention. 00:45:14.210 --> 00:45:23.010 Well, it's a group of ministers who have been working to do, I guess, a VOTEC program to 00:45:23.010 --> 00:45:29.250 teach students about installing one mill farms, doing electrical work and that kind of thing. 00:45:29.250 --> 00:45:34.250 And they've expressed interest in this property for use as a classroom for their efforts. 00:45:34.250 --> 00:45:37.330 There's no further discussion. 00:45:37.330 --> 00:45:43.330 There's no further discussion. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:45:43.330 --> 00:45:45.330 Klemm? Aye. 00:45:45.330 --> 00:45:47.330 Johnson? Aye. 00:45:47.330 --> 00:45:49.330 Simmons? Aye. 00:45:49.330 --> 00:45:51.330 Parker? Aye. 00:45:51.330 --> 00:45:53.330 Stacy? Aye. 00:45:53.330 --> 00:45:55.330 Shadle? Aye. 00:45:55.330 --> 00:45:57.330 Sanders? Aye. 00:45:57.330 --> 00:45:59.330 And Sellers? Aye. 00:45:59.330 --> 00:46:01.330 The resolution is adopted 8-0. 00:46:01.330 --> 00:46:03.330 Reports from department heads. Finance? 00:46:03.330 --> 00:46:05.330 Nothing this evening. Thank you. 00:46:05.330 --> 00:46:35.330 So I have a couple announcements, and then I actually have something I'd like to say about Public Works Week that I probably should have said earlier, but I appreciate some of the guys staying. So officially today, the Hancock Shawnee Vidoc was opened. The paving is done. There might be a little grass and dirt seeding that needs to be done over there yet, but in all intents and purposes, it's wrapped up. The new height of the bridge is normal height at 14 foot, six inches. 00:46:35.330 --> 00:46:41.930 Finches. So all commercial vehicles that are under state law should be able to underpass 00:46:41.930 --> 00:46:48.530 that now, which is a huge accomplishment and gives us two accesses for the businesses back 00:46:48.530 --> 00:46:54.450 there and the residents should be very happy. As a reminder, there is a stop sign out there 00:46:54.450 --> 00:47:00.690 that needs to be used by our residents. There's many people. In two days, we've counted 17 00:47:00.690 --> 00:47:30.690 We're proud of that project. It's been a long time coming. If anybody's been counting, it's been probably close to two years, probably three years since we've been talking about it. So it's nice to have that one done. The municipal lot is really making good progress. There was plantings done down there. There's a lot of work to be done. There's a lot of work to be done. There's a lot of work to be done. There's a lot of work to be done. 00:47:30.690 --> 00:47:32.970 I've had a lot of questions. Why so many plantings? 00:47:33.170 --> 00:47:36.530 The city of Freeport has requirements with municipal parking lots, parking 00:47:36.530 --> 00:47:39.050 lots in general that you have to have green space. 00:47:39.050 --> 00:47:41.850 So there's a lot more plantings and islands that were put in there. 00:47:42.210 --> 00:47:45.570 It should be paved hopefully by the end of next week. 00:47:45.570 --> 00:47:48.530 If the weather allows, it still won't be open. 00:47:48.530 --> 00:47:51.970 They'll be striping and things going on 00:47:52.610 --> 00:47:53.810 to finish it up. 00:47:53.810 --> 00:47:56.450 But for all intents and purposes, it's going very well. 00:47:56.450 --> 00:48:03.290 and then we're about ready to kick off our 26 paving operation it looks like 00:48:03.290 --> 00:48:10.070 Seminole will be paved sometime this week I believe then the following week 00:48:10.070 --> 00:48:14.450 we'll hopefully be doing some of the paving in Gladewood and the Crate Park 00:48:14.450 --> 00:48:21.010 agreements that we had and then we should be moving to Concord between 00:48:21.010 --> 00:48:51.010 and so on. Between Seminole and Laurel sometime around the first week of June. And also Dewey, the street replacements should be starting over there very shortly as well. So please, we are passing out neighborhood flyers, if you will, that have specific text codes for your area on that. Please sign up for those text codes. You'll get the latest information. We still have 00:48:51.010 --> 00:49:04.010 We've got people from the areas calling in. We'd prefer to work through these text codes that are on your sheets specific for your area. If you don't have one, please reach directly out to me. 00:49:04.010 --> 00:49:10.010 And then I just like to read something that I prepared for National Public Works Week. 00:49:10.010 --> 00:49:20.010 I'm very lucky and proud to be part of the Public Works team here in Freeport. Appreciate the role. I really enjoy working with this crew and these people. 00:49:20.010 --> 00:49:33.010 and I want to tell you how important it was the raises that we gave these people to recognize them last year for the quality of work that they're doing, how important that is to not only the morale but the work that we can get done. 00:49:33.010 --> 00:49:42.010 As we celebrate National Public Works Week, I'd like to extend a sincere gratitude and appreciation to the outstanding men and women who serve our community through public works. 00:49:42.010 --> 00:49:46.930 Works. These dedicated professionals are the backbone of the City's daily operations and 00:49:46.930 --> 00:49:51.310 their commitment helps ensure that the Freeport remains a safe, functional, and welcoming 00:49:51.310 --> 00:49:57.450 place to live, work, and raise a family. Public Works employees are often the first to arrive 00:49:57.450 --> 00:50:01.770 and the last to leave when our community faces challenges, whether it's maintaining street 00:50:01.770 --> 00:50:31.770 and many more challenges, whether it's maintaining streets, sidewalks, managing water, wastewater, caring for public facilities, clearing snow during harsh winter weather storms, repairing infrastructure through all types of weather, or responding to emergencies at all hours of the day and night, their work is essential to the quality of life we sometimes take for granted. What makes Public Works staff truly exceptional is not the skill and professionalism they bring to the jobs, but also the pride they take in serving the residents of Freeport. 00:50:31.770 --> 00:50:35.210 Much of their work happens behind the scenes without any recognition, 00:50:35.550 --> 00:50:39.710 yet their efforts touch every neighborhood, every business and every resident 00:50:39.710 --> 00:50:42.210 during their daily tasks. 00:50:42.210 --> 00:50:46.510 Their dedication, teamwork and willingness to serve often in difficult weather 00:50:46.510 --> 00:50:50.110 and demanding conditions deserves our deepest respect and appreciation. 00:50:50.610 --> 00:50:54.470 National Public Works Weeks gives an opportunity to recognize the people 00:50:54.470 --> 00:50:56.970 who keep our city moving forward every day. 00:50:57.410 --> 00:51:00.510 On behalf of the city of Freeport, I thank 00:51:00.510 --> 00:51:08.510 I provide a thank you to our incredible Public Works team for your hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our community. 00:51:08.510 --> 00:51:14.510 Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for everything you do for the Citizens of Freeport. 00:51:14.510 --> 00:51:16.510 Thank you. 00:51:22.510 --> 00:51:24.510 Fire. 00:51:24.510 --> 00:51:31.470 Yes along with Public Works Week this is also Emergency Medical Services Week. EMS 00:51:31.470 --> 00:51:36.590 is about 80% of what the fire department does here in Freeport and those guys put 00:51:36.590 --> 00:51:41.350 a lot of time and effort into going on all the calls all times of the day and 00:51:41.350 --> 00:51:46.550 night and see lots of things that most people don't want to see and have to deal 00:51:46.550 --> 00:51:54.110 with it so we appreciate you and we are honored to have you working with us. Thank 00:51:54.110 --> 00:51:55.110 Thank you. 00:51:55.110 --> 00:51:56.110 Police? 00:51:56.110 --> 00:52:03.510 Well, I'll be sharing the Public Works and Fire EMS because ours was last week. 00:52:03.510 --> 00:52:05.510 I'll allow that. 00:52:05.510 --> 00:52:09.310 So I'd like to thank the public and the community who came out in order to have our Dunkin' 00:52:09.310 --> 00:52:12.350 Donuts cop on top initiative. 00:52:12.350 --> 00:52:20.630 We were able to raise $4,816.80 at all those proceeds will be going to the Special Olympics. 00:52:20.630 --> 00:52:25.310 so a lot of the department members that were here came out to support so I really do appreciate 00:52:25.310 --> 00:52:31.090 that thank you very much I also want to acknowledge Fisher Exchange and AFSCME who donated quite 00:52:31.090 --> 00:52:35.550 a bit of money for this cause and the cause was very important and also to the community 00:52:35.550 --> 00:52:42.070 members who came out on National Police Week and donated and made terrific cookies they 00:52:42.070 --> 00:52:46.530 actually brought us plants they brought us flowers they had brought us cards in order 00:52:46.530 --> 00:52:49.830 Miller, to recognize all the work that my officers do. 00:52:49.830 --> 00:52:55.170 So I greatly appreciate that and I'll allow you two to fight it out this week. 00:52:55.170 --> 00:52:57.530 Library? 00:52:57.530 --> 00:52:59.650 I also greatly appreciate Public Works. 00:52:59.650 --> 00:53:04.690 They've been helping us at the library as well as EMS and police since last week was 00:53:04.690 --> 00:53:05.690 police week. 00:53:05.690 --> 00:53:09.210 But I'd also like to encourage the community to make sure that they check out our website 00:53:09.210 --> 00:53:12.850 to keep on top of all of our events. 00:53:12.850 --> 00:53:15.050 IT? 00:53:15.050 --> 00:53:19.530 Manager. Well, thank you, Your Honor. I actually have nothing for tonight, although I think it's 00:53:19.530 --> 00:53:24.490 been fairly well covered by everyone. Thank you. I would agree. And just a reminder, Monday is 00:53:24.490 --> 00:53:30.570 Memorial Day, so City Hall will be closed. The parade downtown starts at 10 o'clock. So if you 00:53:30.570 --> 00:53:36.970 are part of the Council and would like to walk in the parade, you should be at the corner of Main and 00:53:36.970 --> 00:53:47.890 and Walnut by 915 and Alderman Klemm, yes, once again thank you to all the employees of 00:53:47.890 --> 00:53:53.970 the city, you guys do a great job and it's nice to be able to recognize all of you, especially 00:53:53.970 --> 00:53:59.930 when it's the police chief tonight, she's got a corporal and three new recruits out 00:53:59.930 --> 00:54:04.130 in the audience and it was very good to see them here and I hope they learn something 00:54:04.130 --> 00:54:12.050 and democracy in action here also 26 next week Tuesday night is a neighborhood watch 00:54:12.050 --> 00:54:18.610 at Schwartz's I believe manager Blair will be there and Darren thank you guys and all 00:54:18.610 --> 00:54:23.830 the alerts you put out it's really neat for the people that live in those areas especially 00:54:23.830 --> 00:54:29.010 like in use of Gladewood for example where you had one end or the other end closed off 00:54:29.010 --> 00:54:32.930 Huff to know what was going on, so thank you. 00:54:32.930 --> 00:54:33.930 Alderman Johnson? 00:54:33.930 --> 00:54:37.490 I say ditto to everything that Tom said. 00:54:37.490 --> 00:54:42.410 I appreciate everybody, the public works, the police, the fire department, all of them. 00:54:42.410 --> 00:54:47.250 It takes a whole team to make a city move, so we appreciate all of you. 00:54:47.250 --> 00:54:54.730 Also on Thursday evening will be the neighborhood watch for the second ward, and it is at 1833 00:54:54.730 --> 00:54:58.690 West Laurel Street at the Laurel Street Community Church. 00:54:58.690 --> 00:55:16.690 We happen to use the same church they do for our Neighborhood Watch. It is being cancelled because it's set for next Monday, Labor Day, Memorial Day, so we will not have one. 00:55:16.690 --> 00:55:31.690 Alderman Stacy? Yes. I want to thank the police officers for their extra effort at graduation last night. It was totally changed. 00:55:31.690 --> 00:55:38.690 I've worked for this district almost 25 years and it's never been like that. 00:55:38.690 --> 00:55:46.690 But it was a good, safe way of doing things. And for that, I thank you. 00:55:46.690 --> 00:55:56.690 Yeah, we've never been able to not bring in our purses or unless they were clear. 00:55:56.690 --> 00:56:05.690 So, yeah, I embrace the extra security that went forth for graduation. 00:56:05.690 --> 00:56:25.690 Tomorrow, Tuesday the 19th will be my Neighborhood Watch at the church on Carroll and Empire at 6 o'clock with Officer Alderman Shadle. 00:56:25.690 --> 00:56:33.690 I just want to reiterate what Darren had said about the text message notification system. 00:56:33.690 --> 00:57:03.690 I signed up for it for the Gladewood project and I getting very detailed text as Tom said there was instances where the south entrance was going to be closed and so that the residents knew that they needed to come in the north entrance there's going to be one of those for each and every project that we have this summer you can go to the the city website navigate through from there at gogov if you have 00:57:03.690 --> 00:57:33.690 Alderman, Alderman, Alderman, Alderman, Alderman 00:57:33.690 --> 00:57:36.690 and Daniel, who are the members of the Police Department. 00:57:36.690 --> 00:57:38.690 Thank you for all that you guys do. 00:57:38.690 --> 00:57:40.690 Really appreciate it. 00:57:40.690 --> 00:57:43.690 We have two that are signed in for public comment. 00:57:43.690 --> 00:57:46.690 Ryan Walton. 00:57:46.690 --> 00:57:50.690 I'm just here to give thanks. 00:57:50.690 --> 00:57:53.690 One for you, Mayor Miller. 00:57:53.690 --> 00:57:57.690 Thank you for your tenureship and your leadership through everything that you've served here for the community. 00:57:57.690 --> 00:58:01.690 I believe you make it better every single day. 00:58:01.690 --> 00:58:08.570 Police Department. Year to date, it's told that they've seized over more than 40 illegal firearms and 65 00:58:11.490 --> 00:58:13.250 search warrants, 00:58:13.250 --> 00:58:15.930 which is impressive, which I think 00:58:16.410 --> 00:58:23.330 they don't get enough thanks for the hard work they do, and you guys literally make my community safe for every day, and it's inspiring to 00:58:23.850 --> 00:58:28.610 you know, call this place home and one day have a family here, so thank you. 00:58:29.690 --> 00:58:31.050 Thank you. 00:58:31.050 --> 00:58:32.050 Ricky Stedman. 00:58:36.050 --> 00:58:38.050 Thank you, Mayor. Good evening, everyone. 00:58:38.050 --> 00:58:45.050 I was given information for a street name on South, 700 South Liberty Street. 00:58:45.050 --> 00:58:48.050 The person that was doing it got ill, so they passed it over to me. 00:58:48.050 --> 00:58:53.050 I have all the signatures of the homeowners that were required to get this done. 00:58:53.050 --> 00:58:58.050 I also have the financial costs also, so I'm here to see where we go forward from here. 00:58:58.050 --> 00:59:03.130 I'm sure they can see you after the meeting. 00:59:03.130 --> 00:59:04.130 Okay. 00:59:04.130 --> 00:59:05.130 Thank you. 00:59:05.130 --> 00:59:06.730 See you after the meeting. 00:59:06.730 --> 00:59:07.730 Director Heimerdinger. 00:59:07.730 --> 00:59:08.730 Okay. 00:59:08.730 --> 00:59:09.730 Thank you. 00:59:09.730 --> 00:59:12.450 Are there any other public comments this evening? 00:59:12.450 --> 00:59:14.610 Seeing none, I will entertain a motion for adjournment. 00:59:14.610 --> 00:59:15.610 So moved. 00:59:15.610 --> 00:59:16.610 Second. 00:59:16.610 --> 00:59:19.010 Motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle. 00:59:19.010 --> 00:59:20.010 All those in favor.