# Meeting Events

Meeting: `omo5tszlamk.city_council_meeting_12-2-24`

Meeting date: `2024-12-02`

Meeting type: `city_council`

This is a deterministic derived artifact, not official meeting minutes. Related records may be grouped for review while complete machine provenance remains in the JSON artifact.

## Decisions and Votes

- **Approval of Agenda** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion to approve the agenda was made.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers
  - **Evidence:** “Is there approval of the agenda? So move.”
  - **Evidence:** “Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Okay. We have seven to one.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=129s)

- **Approval of Minutes from November 18th, 2024** — Passed
  - **Summary:** A motion was made to approve the minutes from the regular meeting on November 18th, 2024.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Parker
  - **Evidence:** “Number two is the approval of the minutes from the regular meeting on November 18th, 2024. Is there a motion to approve? Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, second by Alderman Klemm.”
  - **Evidence:** “All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=148s)

- **Consent Agenda Approval** — Approved
  - **Summary:** The consent agenda was approved as routine business, with no items removed for further discussion.
  - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller
  - **Evidence:** “We can move on to item number four, which is the consent agenda. The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless there is a member of the council who would like to have something removed for further discussion. Seeing none, the consent agenda is approving to receive and place on file the CBDG sewer lining grant public hearing minutes from November 18th, 2024, the Greater Freeport Partnership Monthly Report, November 20th, 2024, the finance bills in the total of $5,142,653.42 and payroll for pay period ending November 16th, 2024 in the total of $638,804.98.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [06:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=384s)

- **Consent Agenda Approval** — Approved
  - **Summary:** The consent agenda was approved to receive and place on file the CBDG sewer lining grant public hearing minutes from November 18th, 2024, the Greater Freeport Partnership Monthly Report, November 20th, 2024, the finance bills in the total of $5,142,653.42 and payroll for pay period ending November 16th, 2024 in the total of $638,804.98.
  - **Evidence:** “Seeing none, the consent agenda is approving to receive and place on file the CBDG sewer lining grant public hearing minutes from November 18th, 2024, the Greater Freeport Partnership Monthly Report, November 20th, 2024, the finance bills in the total of $5,142,653.42 and payroll for pay period ending November 16th, 2024 in the total of $638,804.98.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [06:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=402s)

- **Approval of Consent Agenda Items** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion to approve consent agenda items.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Shadle, City Council
  - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  - **Evidence:** “Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. And Stacy? Aye. The motion passes eight to zero.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [07:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=436s)

- **Approval of previous action**
  - **Summary:** Motion to approve an unspecified item.
  - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to approve? So moved.”
  - **Evidence:** “Okay, all those in favor? Aye. Opposed? No. Was there one no? I couldn't catch that. Okay, so seven to one.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [11:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=689s)

- **Ordinance passage (8-0)** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The ordinance passed with an 8-0 vote.
  - **Attribution:** Council
  - **Evidence:** “Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. And Stacy? Aye. The ordinance passes 8-0.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [23:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1404s)

- **Allowing third speaking turn for Alderman Stacey** — Passed
  - **Summary:** A motion was made regarding allowing Alderman Stacey a third time to speak.
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders? I approve. Are you making a motion?”
  - **Evidence:** “Is there a second to that? We have a first and a second. How do I? Yes, it's a unanimous vote. By ordinance, it's a unanimous vote.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [51:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3094s)

- **Asking questions regarding budget**
  - **Summary:** A motion was made by a speaker to allow them to ask necessary questions about the budget.
  - **Evidence:** “Well, I had a question in regards. Correct. Okay, I'll motion for you to go ahead and ask your question. This is about a budget. We should be able to ask the questions we need to ask. I'll make that motion.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [52:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3154s)

- **Seconding request to ask budget questions**
  - **Summary:** A second was offered for the motion regarding asking budget questions.
  - **Evidence:** “I'll O'Connor. Second.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [52:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3154s)

- **Allowing Alderman Sanders third time to speak** — Failed
  - **Summary:** A vote was taken concerning whether Alderman Sanders should be allowed a third time to speak on a topic.
  - **Evidence:** “This is a vote on Sanders having the third time to speak on a topic.”
  - **Evidence:** “This is a vote on Sanders having the third time to speak on a topic. On what? Sellers. Oh, aye. I don't know what topic. Klemm. Aye. Monroe. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. No. Stacy. Irreverent. Excuse me? It's already failed. That's what she said. It's irreverent. He said no, it failed. So you abstain? Aye. Motion fails, 7 to 1.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [54:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3251s)

- **Second vote on procedural matter** — Failed
  - **Summary:** A second roll call was taken after the previous motion failed.
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll? Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? No. Simmons? No. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. We are tied 4 to 4.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [55:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3313s)

- **Ordinance 2024-64 passage status** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The motion was stated to pass by a majority.
  - **Evidence:** “Just simple majority mayor what say you I the motion passes actually the ordinance passes five to four of course it does”
  - **Source timestamp:** [55:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3342s)

- **Second vote on Tax levy ordinance (Ordinance 2024-64)**
  - **Summary:** A second roll call was taken regarding the tax levy ordinance.
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? No. Simmons? No. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. I have a vote of five to three.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [57:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3436s)

- **Tax levy ordinance passage confirmation** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The tax levy ordinance was confirmed as passing.
  - **Evidence:** “Is that sufficient, Attorney Zito? And that ordinance Passes.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [57:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3475s)

- **Ordinance 2024-81 (Library tax levy)** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The vote on the library tax levy ordinance resulted in five 'Aye' votes and three 'No' votes.
  - **Evidence:** “I have a vote of five to three. Is that sufficient, Attorney Zito? And that ordinance Passes.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [57:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3475s)

- **Ordinance 2024-65 (Bond Abatements)** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The vote on Ordinance 2024-65 to abate the 2024 real estate tax levy for the repayment of general obligation bonds series 2013A passed with an 8 to 0 vote.
  - **Evidence:** “Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. Sellers. Aye. Klemm. Aye. Monroe. Aye. Simmons. Parker. Aye. And Stacy? Aye. The ordinance passes 8 to 0.”

- **Ordinance approval for transit bus addition grant/lease** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The ordinance was approved by a vote of 8 to 0.
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. And Stacy? Aye. The ordinance passes 8 to 0.”

- **Special Use Permit for Solar Array (Item 15)** — Failed
  - **Summary:** Vote taken on the special use permit application for solar array at 1373 South Locust Avenue.
  - **Evidence:** “Shadle? No. Sanders is absent. Sellers? I want to say no, because I wouldn't want it. And maybe right now, the neighbors, but if they was to try to sell their home, would it be a problem? That's my dilemma. I don't know. So I'd have to say no right now, because I need more information. Klemm? No. Monroe? No. Simmons? No. Parker? No. And Stacy? Yes. The motion does fail.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:15:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4535s)

- **Allowing Alderman Sanders a third time of speaking** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion made by Monroe, seconded by Simmons, to allow Alderman Sanders another turn to speak.
  - **Evidence:** “well then everyone else has had their second time we're ready to take a vote yeah he's still looking is it still floor still open for question you already had your two times so you'd have to have a unanimous okay well I did have a real important one but I guess that's gonna get overlooked because I think it needs to be in since we're waiting I'll make a motion to give miss another question okay so we have a motion on the floor made by Monroe seconded by Simmons to allow Alderman Sanders a third time of speaking”
  - **Evidence:** “Motion passes unanimously.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:35:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5745s)

- **Evidence sufficiency for ordinance passage**
  - **Summary:** A question regarding whether having five positive votes and three negative votes is sufficient for an ordinance to pass.
  - **Evidence:** “Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, I have five in the positive, three in the negative, is that sufficient?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:39:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5966s)

- **Move to next council meeting for approval of Water Fund and Sewer Fund status**
  - **Summary:** Motion to move the discussion regarding the Water Fund and Sewer Fund to the next council meeting on the 16th for approval.
  - **Evidence:** “So staff is requesting council move this to the next council meeting on the 16th for approval. Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved.”
  - **Evidence:** “A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:42:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6134s)

- **Approval of farmland leases around the airport**
  - **Summary:** Motion to approve the farmland leases or move them forward to a second reading.
  - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to move forward? So moved. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:43:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6204s)

- **Suspension of the rules for ordinance passage**
  - **Summary:** Motion to suspend the rules.
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Mayor, I'd make that motion to suspend the rules. I'll second that. We have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Rowe for suspension of the rules.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6300s)

- **Suspension of the rules vote**
  - **Summary:** Roll call vote on the suspension of the rules.
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on the suspension only? Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons is absent. Parker? Aye. And Stacy? Aye.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:45:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6300s)

- **Final passage of Ordinance 2024-84** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Roll call vote on the final passage of the ordinance.
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. Sellers. Aye. Klemm. Aye. Monroe. Aye. Simmons is still absent. Parker. Aye. And Stacy. Aye. The ordinance passes seven to zero.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:45:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6328s)

- **Ordinance passage confirmation** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The ordinance passed seven to zero.
  - **Evidence:** “Aye. The ordinance passes seven to zero.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:45:48](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6348s)

- **Adoption of resolution 20-24-125: Agreement with Cinegro for disposal of biosolids** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion to adopt the resolution.
  - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second.”
  - **Evidence:** “Please take the roll on the adoption of the resolution. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? No way. Simmons? Parker? Aye. And Stacy? No. Motion passes five to three.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:47:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6421s)

- **Authorization to apply for state grant for sewer lining**
  - **Summary:** City staff requested authorization from council to submit to the state of Illinois for a community development block grant.
  - **Evidence:** “City staff requests authorization from the city council to submit to the state of Illinois for a community development block grant for sanitary sewer line to be completed in Ward 3, 4, 5 and 7.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:52:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6774s)

- **Approval for grant submission**
  - **Summary:** Motion to approve the resolution so the grant can be submitted on December 4th.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm
  - **Evidence:** “staff recommends city council approve the resolution so the grant can be submitted on December 4th. Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. The motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:53:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6786s)

- **Adoption of grant submission resolution** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The motion to adopt the resolution was passed.
  - **Attribution:** City Council
  - **Evidence:** “The resolution is adopted 8-0.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:57:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7027s)

- **Resolution 2024,128 adoption**
  - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.
  - **Attribution:** staff
  - **Evidence:** “Strategic plan alignment is responsive, efficient government and staff request approval of this Resolution 2024. This resolution 2024,128 to write off $92,678.18 of water, sewer, storm and garbage balances. Is there a motion to adopt?”
  - **Evidence:** “This resolution 2024,128 to write off $92,678.18 of water, sewer, storm and garbage balances. Is there a motion to adopt?”
  - **Evidence:** “So moved. Second. Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:59:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7186s)

- **Adoption vote on Resolution 2024-128** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Voting on the adoption of Resolution 2024,128.
  - **Evidence:** “Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Are you voting? Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? No. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. And Stacy? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. I have 5 to 2 for the resolution to be adopted.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:05:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7514s)

- **Adoption of resolution 2024-129: Approval to purchase Host Server for Police Department from CDWG**
  - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.
  - **Evidence:** “We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:07:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7671s)

- **Adoption of resolution 2024-129: Approval to purchase Host Server for Police Department from CDWG** — Adopted
  - **Summary:** Resolution adopted.
  - **Evidence:** “The resolution is adopted, 8 to 0.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:13:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8022s)

- **Approval of bids for residential demolitions**
  - **Summary:** Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Sellers.
  - **Evidence:** “A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Sellers”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:15:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8153s)

- **Approval of demolition bids**
  - **Summary:** Motion to approve the bids as stated.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Klemm
  - **Evidence:** “Is there a motion to approve the bids as stated? So moved. Second.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:15:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8153s)

- **Approval of demolition bids** — Passed
  - **Summary:** The motion to approve the bids passed.
  - **Attribution:** Madam Clerk
  - **Evidence:** “The motion passes eight to zero. Reports of department heads, finance? Nothing, your honor. Thank you. Community development? Nothing tonight, Madam Mayor. Thank you. Public works? Nothing. Thank you. Fire? Yes, thank you, Madam Mayor. Over the Thanksgiving weekend holiday fire department was busy. Besides the several medical calls we responded to in a few car crashes, notable calls we had were two residential structure fires within a 24-hour time frame. Both of them at this time are believed to be cooking related. The first house had damage confined to one Wall, initiated with an outdoor cooking grill. The second house we had was a total loss. So my message to the public is please be careful cooking and make sure you have working smoke detectors in your dwelling. Police? Nothing from the police department. Thank you. IT? How can I help you tonight? City Manager. Just one thing, Your Honor. I just wanted to point out that the woodlot on Walnut Avenue is temporarily closed. We're working with the timber industries and I think we have a tentative understanding moving forward. So I don't, I can't give you a specific time, but I think we'll be able to move forward pretty soon here and have that reopened for everybody to access. I have nothing new to report. Alderman Shadle. I just would like to add on to Chief Miller's that if finances are tight we still install fire smoke alarms? Yes we do. Call Central Station and our staff will reach out to you and make an appointment to come in and install free working smoke detectors. Thank you. There's no reason not to. Alderman Sanders? Yeah, Director Boyer, I wanted to thank you for allowing me to understand what the process, what the finish line is going to look like on Adam Street. When it comes to the Watermain situation, I hope that it's all covered and taken care of.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:22:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8556s)

- **Adjournment of meeting** — Passed
  - **Summary:** Motion made to adjourn the meeting.
  - **Evidence:** “Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion for adjournment. So moved.”
  - **Evidence:** “Second. A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:28:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8896s)

## Procedural Actions

- **Call to Order and Opening Prayer**
  - **Summary:** The meeting was called to order following a prayer.
  - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller
  - **Evidence:** “City Manager, Mayor Jodi, and Council, let us pray. Holy and righteous Father, we thank you for who you are and welcome the presence of Holy Spirit to move in our midst this evening. We pray for all things to be done instantly and in order with mutual respect for each one here. May all speak with kindness and follow your word in Proverbs 15 one which says, A soft answer turns away wrath. We bind all manner of anger, cursing, and ill will toward each other, and lose. We release shalom, that is peace, well-being, to make something whole and be complete. We release shalom, that is peace, wholeness, completeness, with nothing missing or lacking. May this be so as the business of this city is conducted tonight. That all treat each other as they themselves desire to be treated and putting others, put others in higher regard than themselves. In Jesus' name, Amen. Amen. Thank you, Linda. I will officially call this meeting to order.”

- **Roll Call Attendance Check**
  - **Summary:** The clerk took the roll call for attendees.
  - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll? Mayor Miller? Here. Alderpersons, Klemm? Here. Monroe? Here. Simmons? Here. Parker? Here. Stacy? Here. Settlers. Could you please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Shadle.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=72s)

- **Agenda Item 16 and 17 Status**
  - **Summary:** Item number 16 was removed from consideration because staff reevaluated and is not looking to move forward at this moment. Item number 17 is being worked on by staff and will be addressed later.
  - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller
  - **Evidence:** “Item number one is the approval of the agenda, however, we will be removing item 16 and 17. Settlers. Item number 16, staff has reevaluated and not looking to move forward at this moment. And item number 17, staff is working through the language and we'll come back at a later date.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=114s)

- **Acceptance of Open Meetings Act and FOIA Officer Designations**
  - **Summary:** Accepted designations for Open Meetings Act officers including Jabria Pearson (Deputy City Clerk) and Ashley Huffines (Library Director), and Freedom of Information Act Officers including Jabriah Pearson (Deputy City Clerk), Michelle Nelson (Executive Assistant), Denise Scudder (Fire Administrative Assistant), Hilary Broschus (Fire Marshal), Travis Davis (Deputy Chief of Police), JoLynn Markham (Lieutenant at the Police Department), Ashley Huffines (Library Director), and Kaia Eckert (Library Administrative Assistant).
  - **Attribution:** Jabria Pearson
  - **Evidence:** “Acceptance of designations for Open Meetings Act officers including myself, Jabria Pearson, Deputy City Clerk, Ashley Huffines, Library Director, Kaia Eckert, Library Administrative Assistant. Acceptance of Designations of Freedom of Information Act Officers, including myself, Jabriah Pearson, Deputy City Clerk, Michelle Nelson, Executive Assistant, Denise Scudder, Fire Administrative Assistant, Hilary Broschus, Fire Marshal, Travis Davis, Deputy Chief of Police, JoLynn Markham, Lieutenant at the Police Department, Ashley Huffines, Library Director, and Kaia Eckert, Library Administrative Assistant. Thank you.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [10:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=653s)

- **Second reading of ordinance 2024-63**
  - **Summary:** The council moved to the second reading of ordinance 2024-63.
  - **Evidence:** “Move on to item number 9, which is the second reading of ordinance 2024-63. Could you please read this?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [23:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1418s)

- **Allowing third time speaking rights for multiple members**
  - **Summary:** The clerk was asked to take the roll call on allowing a third time for speaking.
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, could you please take the role on allowing a third time for speaking?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [52:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3127s)

- **Confirmation of speaking turn count**
  - **Summary:** The speaker questioned the clerk about documentation proving they had already spoken twice.
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk. No, second time. I have not had a third time. I don't get it. Prove to me that I did that. Show me where.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [53:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3216s)

- **Request for roll call on speaking rights**
  - **Summary:** A request was made for the clerk to take the roll call regarding allowing a third time to speak.
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on allowing.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [53:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3236s)

- **Taking the roll on allowing discussion time**
  - **Summary:** Madam Clerk was asked to take the roll regarding speaking rights.
  - **Evidence:** “Okay. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on allowing. I'm just trying to follow the ordinance, Alderman Sanders.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [53:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3236s)

- **Further discussion after motion failure**
  - **Summary:** Discussion was limited to those who had not spoken already.
  - **Evidence:** “Any further discussion? Well, you can't say nothing. Say further discussion? Further discussion by those that have not spoken already.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [54:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3285s)

- **Second reading of Ordinance 2024-81 (Library tax levy)**
  - **Summary:** The council addressed the second reading of ordinance 2024-81, which is a library tax levy ordinance.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 11 is the second reading of ordinance 2024-81. Could you please read this? Library tax levy ordinance.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [57:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3475s)

- **Approval of Library Levy Ordinance**
  - **Summary:** Staff requested the City Council to move forward and approve the levy ordinance.
  - **Evidence:** “Corrected, staff request, City Council, move this ordinance forward and approve this levy ordinance.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [57:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3475s)

- **Second reading of Ordinance 2024-77 (Vehicle Lease)**
  - **Summary:** The council addressed the second reading of Ordinance 2024-77, concerning a vehicle lease agreement with the Stephenson County Senior Center.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 13 is the second reading of Ordinance 2024-77. Could you please read this? Ordinance of the City of Freeport approving and authorizing a vehicle lease agreement with the Stephenson County Senior Center doing business as the Senior Resource Center.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:02:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3733s)

- **Allowing a third time of speaking for Alderman Sanders**
  - **Summary:** A motion was made to allow Alderman Sanders a third time of speaking.
  - **Evidence:** “I'll make a motion to give miss another question okay so we have a motion on the floor made by Monroe seconded by Simmons to allow Alderman Sanders a third time of speaking”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:35:45](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5745s)

- **Next agenda item adoption**
  - **Summary:** Moving to the next agenda item.
  - **Evidence:** “Okay. So we'll move on to item number 20, which is the adoption of resolution 20-24-125.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:46:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6366s)

- **Adoption of Resolution 2024-128**
  - **Summary:** Time number 22 addressed the adoption of Resolution 2024-128, authorizing the write-off of uncollectible water and sewer balances aged seven years and older.
  - **Attribution:** City Council
  - **Evidence:** “Time number 22 is the adoption of resolution 2024-128. Could you please read this? Resolution authorizing the write-off of uncollectible water and sewer balances aged seven years and older.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:58:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7087s)

- **Adoption of Resolution 2024-129**
  - **Summary:** Item number 23 is the adoption of resolution 2024-129.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 23 is the adoption of resolution 2024-129. Could you please read this?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:06:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7578s)

## Ordinances and Resolutions

- **Second Reading of Ordinance 2024-62: Landlord Registry Penalty Revision**
  - **Summary:** Ordinance revising registration deadline and increasing landlord registry penalty. For 2025, the proposed deadline is April 1st; moving forward, it will be January 1st starting in 2026. Penalties include $100 per unit (max $1,500) if filed 30 days or less after due date, $250 per unit (max $3,000) if filed more than 30 days but less than 90 days, and $500 per unit (max $6,000) if filed 90 days or more.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “Item number eight which is the second reading of ordinance 2024-62. Could you please read this? Ordinance revising registration deadline and increasing landlord registry penalty... So for 2025, what's being proposed is a deadline of April 1st. And the reason for the April 1st deadline is we're making a change to the ordinance and we want to give people some time to understand the changes and give them a couple extra months there. Moving forward, it's going to be January 1st, coming from January 1st, starting in 2026 and moving forward. A couple of the highlights here in this ordinance is that prior to passing this ordinance, we had a deadline of June 1st, and we also had a late fee of $100 per unit, and we had a lengthy discussion at the last council meeting, and it was agreed upon to move forward the ordinance with the following penalties. So if an application's filed 30 days or less after the due date, it's $100 a unit with a $1,500 per property max, maximum. If the application's filed more than 30 days, but less than 90 days after the due date, it's $250 per unit with a $3,000 per property maximum. And then for applications filed 90 days or more after the due date it's five hundred dollars per unit with a six thousand dollar property maximum.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [17:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1066s)

- **Special use permit application at 1161 West Lincoln Boulevard for solar energy systems**
  - **Summary:** Ordinance approving special use permit application at 1161 West Lincoln Boulevard submitted by LGC C. Y. Or legacy installation services to examine the special use of an R41 family residence zone property to allow for solar energy systems which utilize ground-mounted PV arrays per section 1250-01-B20.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 14 is the second reading of ordinance 2024-78. Could you please read this? Ordinance approving special use permit application at 1161 West Lincoln Boulevard submitted by LGC C. Y. Or legacy installation services to examine the special use of an R41 family residence zone property to allow for solar energy systems which utilize ground-mounted PV arrays per section 1250-01-B20.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:03:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3822s)

- **Second reading of Ordinance 2024-79**
  - **Summary:** The second reading was called for Ordinance Approving Special Use Application at 1373 South Locust Avenue, submitted by Sindio Networks.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 15 is the second reading of Ordinance 2024-79. Could you please read this? Ordinance Approving Special Use Application at 1373 South Locust Avenue, submitted by Sindio Networks to examine the special use of an R41 family residence zoned property to allow for a telephone exchange and other similar public service uses per section 1250.01b8.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:16:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4570s)

- **Ordinance Approving Special Use Application at 1373 South Locust Avenue**
  - **Summary:** Second reading of Ordinance 2024-79 regarding the special use application for an R41 family residence zoned property at 1373 South Locust Avenue, submitted by Sindio Networks to allow for a telephone exchange and other similar public service uses per section 1250.01b8.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 15 is the second reading of Ordinance 2024-79. Could you please read this? Ordinance Approving Special Use Application at 1373 South Locust Avenue, submitted by Sindio Networks to examine the special use of an R41 family residence zoned property to allow for a telephone exchange and other similar public service uses per section 1250.01b8.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:16:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4570s)

- **First reading of Ordinance 2024-83: Fiscal Year 2024 Reappropriation Ordinance**
  - **Summary:** The first reading of Ordinance 2024-83, the Fiscal Year 2024 Reappropriation Ordinance.
  - **Evidence:** “Item Number 18 is the first reading of Ordinance 2024-83. Could you please read this? Fiscal Year 2024 Reappropriation Ordinance.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:40:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6042s)

- **Ordinance approving four airport farm leases with Melvin Abels, Mike Wickman, Jeff Hageman, and Pamela Mannes Trust**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding Ordinance 2024-84 approving four airport farm leases.
  - **Evidence:** “We'll move on to item number 19, which is the first String of Ordinance 2024-84, could you please read this? Ordinance approving four airport farm leases with Melvin Abels, Mike Wickman, Jeff Hageman, and Pamela Mannes Trust. Manager Boyer.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:42:37](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6157s)

- **Adoption of resolution 2024-129: Approval to purchase Host Server for Police Department from CDWG**
  - **Summary:** Resolution approving agreement to purchase Host Server for Police Department from CDWG.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 23 is the adoption of resolution 2024-129. Could you please read this? Resolution approving agreement to purchase Host Server for Police Department from CDWG.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:06:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7578s)

## Financial and Contract Events

- **Finance Bills Total for Consent Agenda**
  - **Summary:** The total amount of finance bills to be placed on file was $5,142,653.42.
  - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller
  - **Evidence:** “the finance bills in the total of $5,142,653.42”
  - **Source timestamp:** [06:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=402s)

- **Payroll Total for Consent Agenda**
  - **Summary:** The total payroll amount for the pay period ending November 16th, 2024 was $638,804.98.
  - **Attribution:** Mayor Miller
  - **Evidence:** “and payroll for pay period ending November 16th, 2024 in the total of $638,804.98”
  - **Source timestamp:** [06:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=402s)

- **Current Spending and Deficit**
  - **Summary:** The current spending is $5.179 million, resulting in a $2.5 million deficit based on attached agenda documents.
  - **Evidence:** “I just found the numbers three years. Fowler. We are running a $5.179 million in spending. We are running a $2.5 million deficit, and this is right off of the handout that anybody can look at that's attached to the agenda for tonight over the last two years.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [29:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1745s)

- **IT Department (MIS) expenses and scope**
  - **Summary:** The MIS department handles IT functions, including hardware, software, telephone bills for all general departments, and has two employees whose benefits would be covered.
  - **Attribution:** Director Suttman
  - **Evidence:** “There's a section that's Department 101,162, which it does say MIS, but MIS is IT. I'm sorry. It's Management Information Systems. It's Curt's Department, and it does say 162-MIS, so maybe that's the section. I think that could be if where most of these came from. And benefits in that area would be for Director Suttman and his deputy in that department. There's only two of them in that department, which would have wages and benefits.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [34:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2068s)

- **IT Department (MIS) expenses and scope**
  - **Summary:** Hardware, software, and telephone expenses are all managed by the IT department (Curt's department).
  - **Attribution:** Director Suttman
  - **Evidence:** “But you did mention hardware and software and telephone. And those amounts look like I think they all come, yeah, that one, hardware, software, Those are also in IT department, along with telephone. All of our telephone bills go through Curt, and so he has all of the telephone expenses for the general, all the departments of the general fund.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [35:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2109s)

- **Bids for demolition services**
  - **Summary:** Staff recommends awarding bids to Albert & Son ($87,385), Northern Illinois Service ($7,250), and Fisher Excavating ($10,795) for a total of $105,430.
  - **Attribution:** Staff
  - **Evidence:** “Staff received bids from four contractors and I provided an analysis of the bids that were submitted and based on that analysis, staff is recommending bids be awarded to Albert & Son, Northern Illinois Service, and Fisher Excavating, and its total amount of $105,430. And it breaks down where Alberin's son will be awarded $87,385 for the demolition of 16 South Johana, 17 South Johana, 16 East Winslow, 21 South Sherman, 420 East Winnipeg, 615 South Float, 476 South Kenwood, and 824 South Liberty. Northern Illinois Services would receive $7,250 for the demolition of 725 East Winnipeg. And Fisher Excavating would receive $10,795 for the demolition of 121 North Wilbur.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:14:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8093s)

## Appointments

- **Planning Commission Appointment**
  - **Summary:** Appointment of Anthony Huffines to the Planning Commission.
  - **Evidence:** “Appointment of Anthony Huffines to the Planning Commission effective immediately through October 31st, 2028.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [10:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=639s)

- **Deputy City Clerk Acceptance**
  - **Summary:** Acceptance of an appointment for Jabria Pearson as Deputy City Clerk.
  - **Evidence:** “Acceptance of an appointment of Jabria Pearson as Deputy City Clerk.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [10:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=639s)

- **Open Meetings Act Officer Designations**
  - **Summary:** Acceptance of designations for Open Meetings Act officers, including Jabria Pearson (Deputy City Clerk), Ashley Huffines (Library Director), Kaia Eckert (Library Administrative Assistant).
  - **Evidence:** “Acceptance of designations for Open Meetings Act officers including myself, Jabria Pearson, Deputy City Clerk, Ashley Huffines, Library Director, Kaia Eckert, Library Administrative Assistant.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [10:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=653s)

- **Freedom of Information Act Officer Designations**
  - **Summary:** Acceptance of designations for Freedom of Information Act Officers, including Jabriah Pearson (Deputy City Clerk), Michelle Nelson (Executive Assistant), Denise Scudder (Fire Administrative Assistant), Hilary Broschus (Fire Marshal), Travis Davis (Deputy Chief of Police), JoLynn Markham (Lieutenant at the Police Department), Ashley Huffines (Library Director), and Kaia Eckert (Library Administrative Assistant).
  - **Evidence:** “Acceptance of Designations of Freedom of Information Act Officers, including myself, Jabriah Pearson, Deputy City Clerk, Michelle Nelson, Executive Assistant, Denise Scudder, Fire Administrative Assistant, Hilary Broschus, Fire Marshal, Travis Davis, Deputy Chief of Police, JoLynn Markham, Lieutenant at the Police Department, Ashley Huffines, Library Director, and Kaia Eckert, Library Administrative Assistant.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [11:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=663s)

## Presentations and Reports

- **Acknowledgement from the Fraternal Order of Police**
  - **Summary:** Corporal Truckenmiller spoke regarding gratitude for support and approval of a contract starting in January, noting the impact on the Freeport Police Department.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number five is acknowledgement from the Fraternal Order of Police. Deputy Chief Davis. Thank you Madam Mayor. I'll turn it over to the FOP representatives, Corporal Truckenmiller and Detective Rosestein.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [07:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=436s)

- **FOP Contract Support and Leadership Recognition**
  - **Summary:** Devon Truckenmiller thanked the City Council, Mayor, and City Manager for support of a contract starting in January. He specifically praised Chief Shenberger's leadership for creating a family-friendly atmosphere.
  - **Evidence:** “The reason we're here today is to show our gratitude to the City Council, the Mayor, and the City Manager for the support and approval of our contract starting in January... We can't forget Chief Shenberger's direct effect on this department. His ability to go above and beyond to create a family-friendly atmosphere.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [07:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=476s)

- **Introduction of Firefighter Paramedic Christopher Brennan**
  - **Summary:** Introducing firefighter paramedic Christopher Brennan, who joined on December 12th, 2014. He holds a B.S. from Milwaukee School of Engineering and has multiple certifications including fire apparatus engineer and hazardous materials first responder.
  - **Evidence:** “I'd like to invite Chris Brennan up here. It's my pleasure to introduce firefighter paramedic Christopher Brennan. Christopher joined us December 12th, December 15th, 2014. He holds a bachelor's of science degree from Milwaukee School of Engineering. Also holds a certified paramedic license, several fire service certificates such as company fire officer, advanced firefighter technician, vehicle and machinery operations, fire service vehicle operator, and then several technical rescue classes. Those are comprised of structural collapse operations and technician, confined space rescue and operations technician, trench operations and rope operations and technician. Additionally, he also is a fire apparatus engineer and is a hazardous materials first responder and operations level, command and general staff class he's attended and is also our previous fire department mechanic. So I'd also like to add that he's currently going through our promotion testing process right now for the rank of lieutenant.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [14:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=884s)

- **Ordinance enforcement mechanism update**
  - **Summary:** Director Duckman explained that while the ordinance itself hasn't changed, a new software has been implemented to identify rental properties, which will be used to send letters and issue fines.
  - **Attribution:** Director Duckman
  - **Evidence:** “Well, I think in the specific ordinance itself, as it's written, there's not anything stating, hey, this is how we're going to enforce it better. But in the memo I talk about how we now implemented a new software where we've identified what properties are actually rentals. Once an ordinance passes we're going to use this basically sending out a letter to people stating you have to register or you're subject to these fines and then that same software would then issue the fines to the people once they didn't if they didn't register their property.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [20:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1257s)

- **2025 appropriation ordinance recommendation**
  - **Summary:** Staff recommended that City Council move forward and pass the 2025 appropriation ordinance.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “manager Boyer thank your honor we began the budgeting process september 3rd of 2024 we've gone through many public input sessions and many council committee or finance committee of the holes before you is the 2025 appropriation ordinance and staff recommend city council move forward and pass it ordinance”
  - **Source timestamp:** [23:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1426s)

- **Tax levy ordinance (Ordinance 2024-64)**
  - **Summary:** Manager Boyer presented information on the city's corporate levy for 2024.
  - **Evidence:** “Could you please read this? Tax levy ordinance. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. Annually, the City Council adopts a corporate levy to help finance city operations. We have received the estimated assessed value, EAV, from the county. The EAV for our tax district has increased by $15,102,367 or 5.61 percent over the last year. Based on this information the city's levy for 2024 at I'm sorry would be two million nine hundred seventy seven thousand four hundred dollars an increase of one hundred and forty four hundred dollars a house valued at a hundred dollars would see no increase in the city's portion of their property tax as long as their assessed value has not increased and during the last five years the City Council has kept tax rate the same or slightly lower city staff request City Council to move this ordinance or approve this ordinance.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [55:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3342s)

- **Library tax levy ordinance (Ordinance 2024-81)**
  - **Summary:** Manager Boyer began presenting on the library tax levy ordinance.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 11 is the second reading of ordinance 2024-81. Could you please read this? Library tax levy ordinance. Manager Boyer? I think, Your Honor, very similar to city's levy.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [57:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3475s)

- **Vehicle Lease Agreement Details (Ordinance 2024-77)**
  - **Summary:** The lease agreement adds another bus to the Pretzel City Area Transit fleet, utilizing a 2016 E 350, which is a 12 passenger van.
  - **Attribution:** Director Duckman
  - **Evidence:** “What's going on here is that the Senior Resource Center is our operator for the Pretzel City Area Transit and they currently have a bus which is a 2016 E 350 that's a 12 passenger van and they or the lease here basically takes it from another program that they have and moves it into our Pretzel City Area Transit so another way to put it simply it's adding another bus to our fleet and others.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:02:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3769s)

- **Senior Resource Center Transit Bus Addition and Grant Details**
  - **Summary:** The Senior Resource Center operates the Pretzel City Area Transit using a 2016 E 350, a 12-passenger van. This bus is being added to the fleet via a lease from another program. The associated grant is for one year, covering state funds from 2016 to 2017, and the lease term is annual at $1 per year. These are in line with two grants: the Downstate Operating Assistance Program and the Federal 5311 Grant, which fund maintenance and service.
  - **Evidence:** “What's going on here is that the Senior Resource Center is our operator for the Pretzel City Area Transit and they currently have a bus which is a 2016 E 350 that's a 12 passenger van and they or the lease here basically takes it from another program that they have and moves it into our Pretzel City Area Transit so another way to put it simply it's adding another bus to our fleet and others. I'm going to start by talking about the grant that we have. The grant is a one-year grant. It is a one-year grant for the state, which would go from 16 to 17. And the lease, the term of the lease is annual and it also is for $1 per year. And it's in line with redoing our two grants, which is the Downstate Operating Assistance Program and the Federal 5311 Grant, which funds all of the maintenance and service.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:02:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3769s)

- **Special Use Permit Requirements for Ground-Mounted Solar Arrays in Residential Areas**
  - **Summary:** A special use permit is required for ground-mounted solar arrays in a residential area, which involves the Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, and ultimately the Council's vote. The ZBA hearing on November 7th recommended approval by a vote of five to zero with one abstention. The Planning Commission reviewed it but did not recommend approval (vote: three yeas four nays and zero abstentions).
  - **Evidence:** “The reason we have a special use permit for this particular property is it's a residential property as you can see from the map, and any time you have a residential property, if you see the blue rectangle in the backyard, rear yard of the property, any time you're going to do ground mounted solar in a residential area, you have to have a special use permit, which essentially means it goes through our Zoning Board of Appeals, then our Planning Commission, and then our, ultimately for your vote. So, kind of do a little recap here of what was read in our first reading. We had a ZBA hearing on November 7th, and that was recommended for approval by a vote of five to zero with zero abstentions. I'm sorry it was five to zero and one abstention and then we also had a planning commission it was reviewed at the planning commission and it was not recommended for approval and that was the vote there was three yeas four nays and zero abstentions”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:04:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3898s)

- **Solar panel height specifications**
  - **Summary:** Confirmation that the solar array has a maximum height of 10 feet when tilted from the ground.
  - **Attribution:** Director Duckman
  - **Evidence:** “Director Duckman, didn't we talk about this, or you mentioned it, that this is 10 feet off the ground? Is this the one that's 10 feet off the ground? Yes. It says yes. When tilted, it has a maximum height of 10 feet from the ground, yes.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:11:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4265s)

- **Special use permit for ground mount solar array**
  - **Summary:** Clarification that because this is a ground-mount system, it requires a special use permit review to ensure the lot size and property are not obtrusive.
  - **Evidence:** “If this was on the roof, if this was a roof mounted solar, this would never have come to council because our solar ordinances say that this can be provided on a roof. The reason this is here is this is a special use permit to ground mount because they want to review each situation to make sure if the lot's big enough, if the property is big enough, if it's obtrusive to the and people that surround this particular property.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:11:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4294s)

- **Special Use Application Details for Sindio Networks**
  - **Summary:** The special use application concerns Cyndio Networks, a fiber optic company that installed a pedestal cabinet without prior permission. The process required a special use permit and building permit because utilities are being placed on residential property.
  - **Attribution:** Director Duckman
  - **Evidence:** “So to recap here, nothing has changed from the first reading. And essentially what this is is the Cyndio Networks is a fiber optic company, and they have already installed a pedestal cabinet, which you can see here in the picture, right at the red dot here. And then this is the graphic representation here. And then this would be Locust here, and the high school would be over here. So that kind of just gives an idea, a little visual of what is actually happening here. And there were discussions with CINDIO originally. This was going to be an actual, I would call it more like a garage structure when they came to the city. And there was a large amount of discussions on what the city would require for the special use permit. And so on. Ultimately, they walked away from that and then we found out, this would have been some point in October, that they went ahead and installed just a cabinet instead. So in installing a cabinet without getting our permission, we went to them and said, really, you actually, you're required to get a special use permit because you're utilizing this space for what would be a utility on a residential property. When you're putting utilities on a residential property, you have to go through the special use permit process as well as an actual building permit.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:17:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4672s)

- **Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission Approvals for Special Use Application**
  - **Summary:** The application was recommended by a vote of six to zero with zero abstentions at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on November 7th. A condition approved by the Planning Commission on November 14th was that there must be a screening plan approved by staff.
  - **Attribution:** Director Duckman
  - **Evidence:** “So all that being said, they went through, submitted their application, and on November 7th, we had a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, and it was recommended by a vote of six to zero with zero abstentions. Wanna state there, one of the conditions there that was stated, which was later approved by the Planning Commission, is that there's going We have a screening plan that will be approved by staff. You can see here this was the preliminary screening that was suggested, but that's one of the conditions that was proposed at the ZBA and approved. That went to the Planning Commission on November 14 and that was approved by a vote of 6, 1 nay and 0 abstentions.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:18:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4709s)

- **Fiber optic expansion purpose and scope**
  - **Summary:** The fiber optic expansion is intended to potentially impact government and commercial clients, and possibly residential areas as well; it is internet/fiber.
  - **Attribution:** Director Simmons
  - **Evidence:** “Director Simmons, do you want to just tell us a little bit about what this is for? I don't know exactly who this would serve, but it would potentially impact their government and commercial clients, and if they have any residential in that area, too. So it's internet, fiber.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:27:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5272s)

- **Fiber optic expansion backup function for ETSB/911**
  - **Summary:** The fiber line is understood to be a backup route for the ETSB and 911 system in case another primary fiber line is cut.
  - **Attribution:** Deputy Chief
  - **Evidence:** “Deputy Chief. Maybe I'm not correct, but my understanding is that this is for the ETSB and the 911 system and that this would be a backup route if one of their other leads lines was, not leads, fiber lines was cut.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:28:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5288s)

- **Fiscal Year 2024 Reappropriation details**
  - **Summary:** Manager Boyer presented on the necessary adjustments for the appropriation ordinance, noting additional revenue from right-of-way permits and police reimbursements, and an extra $40,000 from the airport grant. Expenses adjusted included tree assistance and street improvement fund costs.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “So at the end of each fiscal year, the City Council amends the appropriation ordinance to take into account necessary revenue and expenses adjustments attached to your memo or all the proposed changes. We had some additional revenue and right-of-way permits that we did not originally account for so we received a little more there. We also received some additional revenue through police reimbursements for some of our training that we did and also the airport grant we received a little bit extra about $40,000 in the airport grant. In addition to revenue we had various expenses. Just to hit on a few again there was a countervailing We also made an adjustment to the expense for the airport grant. We spent a little bit more on tree assistance this year than originally budgeted. We made an adjustment for that. And then in addition to that, we had some streets. Of course, we did quite a bit of street work this year, and we included revenue and expenses, and we're still paying some expenses on the street improvement fund. That was primarily due to the volume of construction and the number of variables involved in that. We did pretty well with Water Fund and the Sewer Fund this year.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:40:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6053s)

- **Adoption of resolution 20-24-125: Agreement with Cinegro for disposal of biosolids**
  - **Summary:** Manager Boyer explained that the wastewater treatment plant generates sludge, which is disposed of by land application to fertilize farm fields. Cinegro manages this process and requires contract renewal.
  - **Evidence:** “Could you please read this? Resolution approving agreement with Cinegro for disposal of biosolids. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. The wastewater treatment plant generates solids in the form of what's called sludge. That's the last step in the treatment process. And we dispose of the sludge by doing land applied to fertilize farm fields. Cinegro is the company that does the land application, tracks all the locations where it is deposited, and manages that whole thing. So our contract needs to be renewed. The new current, the new price is $48.21 per cubic yard. And staff requests Council move forward with this resolution with Centro.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:46:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6378s)

- **Cinegro soil testing requirement for biosolids disposal**
  - **Summary:** A detail added that Cinegro is required to do annual soil testing at each site as part of the permit process, with all data reported to the EPA.
  - **Evidence:** “Cinegro, one piece that Rob did not state is Cinegro is required to do soil testing at each one of these sites annually. That's part of the permit process. So all of the process is carried all the way through It's all the way reported to EPA on the soil testings, how much is applied per acre.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:50:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6614s)

- **Adoption of resolution 2024-127: Community development block grant for sanitary sewer lining**
  - **Summary:** Manager Boyer presented that the city has about 130 miles of sanitary sewer, and rehabilitation is required by Illinois EPA's CMOM. Sewer lining is considered industry accepted, more economical than open cut excavation, and lasts over 60 years.
  - **Evidence:** “Item number 21 is the adoption of resolution 2024-127. Could you please read this? Resolution in support of application to the state of Illinois for a community development block grant for sanitary sewer lining. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. The city of Freeport's got about 130 miles of sanitary sewer in the collection system.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:51:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6695s)

- **Sewer lining for community development block grant**
  - **Summary:** City staff requests authorization to submit a grant application to the state of Illinois for sanitary sewer line in Wards 3, 4, 5, and 7. The current request is for a maximum of one million dollars with no match required.
  - **Attribution:** City staff
  - **Evidence:** “City staff requests authorization from the city council to submit to the state of Illinois for a community development block grant for sanitary sewer line to be completed in Ward 3, 4, 5 and 7. These these words areas all have areas of concern and sanitary sewer lining would improve the infrastructure in these areas the current grant cycle request is for a maximum of a million dollars and has no match required”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:52:54](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6774s)

- **Write-off of utility balances justification**
  - **Summary:** The write-off is necessary to accurately reflect the city's financial position by removing uncollectible accounts receivable balances.
  - **Attribution:** Director Richter
  - **Evidence:** “Director Richter. Thank you, Your Honor. The write-off of utility balances is necessary when a resident's balance is considered to be uncollectible. If the balances are not written off, the city will carry an accounts receivable balance that overstates the amount of outstanding customer balances.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:58:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7099s)

- **Host Server purchase for Police Department**
  - **Summary:** Director Suttman presented information regarding the need to replace the police department's host server.
  - **Attribution:** Director Suttman
  - **Evidence:** “So this is for what we are calling a host server. It's one really big computer that through software will put many virtual servers on. The current host server at the police department is beyond its useful years. We've been able to patch it up and keep it going, but it's probably time to get a new one. The budget for this, it was budgeted for this fiscal year at 30,000.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:07:03](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7623s)

- **Host Server details and cost**
  - **Summary:** The host server is a large computer that uses software to put many virtual servers on, replacing one beyond its useful years. The budget was $30,000, and the current cost is $29,700. This includes hardware, software, and licensing.
  - **Evidence:** “So this is for what we are calling a host server. It's one really big computer that through software will put many virtual servers on. The current host server at the police department is beyond its useful years. We've been able to patch it up and keep it going, but it's probably time to get a new one. The budget for this, it was budgeted for this fiscal year at 30,000. It's very close to that. It's at 29,700. It comes through the IT budget and this isn't just the hardware box, it's also the software and licensing to run these servers.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:07:09](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7629s)

- **Approval of bids for residential demolitions**
  - **Summary:** A bid opening was held on November 26, 2024, for the demolition and asbestos abatement of 10 properties. Staff recommends awarding bids to Albert & Son ($87,385), Northern Illinois Service ($7,250), and Fisher Excavating ($10,795) for a total of $105,430.
  - **Evidence:** “A bid opening was held on November 26, 2024 for 10 city-owned residential demolitions. ... Staff received bids from four contractors and I provided an analysis of the bids that were submitted and based on that analysis, staff is recommending bids be awarded to Albert & Son, Northern Illinois Service, and Fisher Excavating, and its total amount of $105,430.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:14:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8064s)

- **Fire Department activity report**
  - **Summary:** The Fire Department reported two residential structure fires over the Thanksgiving weekend, both believed to be cooking related.
  - **Attribution:** Fire Department
  - **Evidence:** “Over the Thanksgiving weekend holiday fire department was busy. Besides the several medical calls we responded to in a few car crashes, notable calls we had were two residential structure fires within a 24-hour time frame. Both of them at this time are believed to be cooking related. The first house had damage confined to one Wall, initiated with an outdoor cooking grill. The second house we had was a total loss.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:21:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8491s)

- **City Manager update on woodlot closure**
  - **Summary:** The City Manager reported that the woodlot on Walnut Avenue is temporarily closed, but work with timber industries suggests it will reopen soon.
  - **Attribution:** City Manager
  - **Evidence:** “Just one thing, Your Honor. I just wanted to point out that the woodlot on Walnut Avenue is temporarily closed. We're working with the timber industries and I think we have a tentative understanding moving forward. So I don't, I can't give you a specific time, but I think we'll be able to move forward pretty soon here and have that reopened for everybody to access.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:22:36](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8556s)

## Metrics

- **Communications connectivity cost increase**
  - **Summary:** The communications part includes every telephone system in the city, cell phones, tablets, emergency services, and telecommunication lines, and this cost increases annually.
  - **Attribution:** Director Suttman
  - **Evidence:** “So for the Communications part, that's connectivity. So that's every telephone system in the city, every cell phone, every iPhone, tablet, emergency services, things like the elevator, telecommunication line, all that's in there. And it is going up every year.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [35:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2151s)

- **Hardware cost increase justification**
  - **Summary:** The hardware cost increase is partly due to the addition of a host server for the PD, which is nearing the end of its useful life.
  - **Attribution:** Director Suttman
  - **Evidence:** “Hardware went up, is up a little bit because we added, tonight I'm presenting for a host server for the PD, because it's at the end of its use of life. Next year, the city's gonna have the same situation. So it's up a little bit along with some, actually I think hardware's not that up as much as from last year, I don't believe.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [37:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2221s)

- **Software cost increase (ShotSpotter)**
  - **Summary:** The software budget includes ShotSpotter for the PD, which is projected to double next year, representing an additional $50,000 increase.
  - **Attribution:** Director Suttman
  - **Evidence:** “And software, included in software is things like ShotSpotter for PD. So I think we're doubling that next year, so that's another 50,000.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [37:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2249s)

- **ShotSpotter cost increase details**
  - **Summary:** The increase for the ShotSpotter budget is $50,000 because the coverage is being doubled (from $50,000 this year to $100,000 next year).
  - **Attribution:** Director Suttman
  - **Evidence:** “So the increase for this next budget year will be 50,000. There was 50,000 coming in this year and we're doubling that to 100. So we're adding 50,000 to it. But that's the one that detects shots fired so the police can respond quickly to, you know, provide safe neighborhoods.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [38:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2280s)

- **Sewer main liner installation estimate**
  - **Summary:** The city engineer estimates that if awarded, the project would install between 20,000 and 25,000 linear feet of sewer main liner.
  - **Attribution:** city engineer
  - **Evidence:** “the city engineer estimates the city would install between 20 and 25,000 linear feet of sewer main liner on this project if awarded”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:53:06](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6786s)

- **Proposed write-off total and timeframe**
  - **Summary:** The proposal is to write off all balances prior to July 1st of 2017, which would leave seven years of balances on the books. The proposed total is $92,679.18.
  - **Attribution:** Director Richter
  - **Evidence:** “Despite efforts to collect these outstanding balances, we propose to write off all balances prior to July 1st of 2017 at this time. This would leave seven years of balances on the books. The proposed total to be written off is $92,679.18.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:58:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7118s)

## Discussion

- **Ordinance 2024-62 Wording Clarification**
  - **Summary:** Alderman Sanders questioned Director Duckman regarding any wording changes in the application that might benefit owners over tenants, specifically for rental property applications.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders. I'm sorry. A lot of S's over there. Director Duckman, anything in the wording changed as far as registration applications Appliance and Tenants Application Applying for Any Rental for any rental property or whatever, has any wording changed in the application that will allow the, because I'm trying to state that if there's any loopholes in this application that benefits the owner as opposed to the tenant, have we looked at that specifically to make sure that that doesn't happen?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [19:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1165s)

- **Ordinance application loopholes for property owners vs tenants**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding whether the current ordinance has any wording that benefits the owner as opposed to the tenant in rental applications.
  - **Attribution:** Director Duckman
  - **Evidence:** “Director Duckman, anything in the wording changed as far as registration applications Appliance and Tenants Application Applying for Any Rental for any rental property or whatever, has any wording changed in the application that will allow the, because I'm trying to state that if there's any loopholes in this application that benefits the owner as opposed to the tenant, have we looked at that specifically to make sure that that doesn't happen?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [19:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1180s)

- **Ordinance enforcement status**
  - **Summary:** A question was raised regarding the lack of enforcement for existing laws or ordinances.
  - **Evidence:** “Question for Director Duckman. To date we still have not enforced any of the laws or ordinances that have been on the books. What's different here?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [20:35](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1235s)

- **Timeline for enforcement letter mailing**
  - **Summary:** Discussion on when the letter regarding registration will be mailed out and its current status.
  - **Evidence:** “Do we know when this letter is going to be mailed out and if it has already been written? Correct. Well, it's in its draft phase now and I spoke with my staff and I said once it's approved, our goal is to work on getting it out in the next two weeks. Once it's approved. Once it's approved the next two weeks? That's our goal.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [21:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1304s)

- **Fines inclusion in enforcement letter**
  - **Summary:** A concern was raised that the enforcement letter might contain misinformation regarding fines if they are not yet approved by council.
  - **Evidence:** “No, I mean, when I send out the letter, it's going to state, here's the fines that you're subject to, and if I don't have the fines approved by council, I don't want to send that misinformation. Okay. So the letter will come back to the council?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [22:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1367s)

- **Concerns regarding budget increases**
  - **Summary:** A member expressed concern over the significant spending increases over the last two to three years, noting that the budget is up $5.5 to $6 million per year.
  - **Evidence:** “I think i just want to point out the spending that's the increases in spending that have occurred over the last two and a half three years have been significant just flipping to the right page I apologize I thought more people would would speak the amount of money that that is being increased on is as most of us a lot of us Bates live within very, very tight budgets in the City of Freeport. So if you're on Social Security, you're low income. The budget is literally up $5.5 to $6 million. That's per year.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [23:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1426s)

- **Specific spending increase concerns (Police/Fire)**
  - **Summary:** Concerns were raised about increases in retirement, pensions, and salaries, specifically noting the police department's $2.5 million increase since 2022 without adding officers.
  - **Evidence:** “But what we're seeing are the increases in retirement, pensions. We're seeing huge increases in salaries. We recently went through a tax increase to help pay for improving our roads, and as we continue to increase in spend, there's no method within the city for curbing the spending and controlling the spending beyond what we try to do in here. In recent months, we've tried to limit people's ability to speak. We've tried to basically increase budgets across the board. The police department's up two and a half million dollars since 2022. Two and half million dollars. We've added no, you know, no additional police officers. It's just the ones that we're putting on the streets are getting paid more. The fire department's next in line to get a fat pay raise. And that's going to come in 2025.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [25:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1515s)

- **Budget increase expectations**
  - **Summary:** A statement was made regarding prior assurances about budget increases.
  - **Attribution:** Huffines
  - **Evidence:** “Huffines. We were told there weren't going to be huge increases.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [26:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1572s)

- **Police Department Budget Increase**
  - **Summary:** The police department budget is up two and a half million dollars since 2022 without adding additional officers; the increase reflects higher pay.
  - **Evidence:** “The police department's up two and a half million dollars since 2022. Two and a half million dollars. We've added no, you know, no additional police officers. It's just the ones that we're putting on the streets are getting paid more.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [25:49](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1549s)

- **Fire Department Pay Raise**
  - **Summary:** The fire department is next in line to receive a pay raise, which is expected in 2025.
  - **Evidence:** “The fire department's next in line to get a fat pay raise. And that's going to come in 2025.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [26:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1565s)

- **Tax Funding for Increases**
  - **Summary:** Increased costs will require tax dollars from Freeport citizens, and these increases are expected to grow annually.
  - **Evidence:** “We were told there weren't going to be huge increases. We wouldn't need more tax dollars to pay for this. But unfortunately, we will. And it's going to come out of the citizens of Freeport's pockets. And unfortunately, it's going to get bigger and bigger every year.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [26:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1572s)

- **Police Department Needs**
  - **Summary:** The speaker suggests using tools like license plate readers in city areas to track criminal activity, stolen cars, property, and shooting suspects.
  - **Evidence:** “There are tools out there that can do license plate reading that we can post in different parts of the city, especially areas that leave the city so that we can track criminal activity, stolen cars and property, things like that, shooting suspects.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [26:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1603s)

- **Budget Concerns (Pork Barrel Spending)**
  - **Summary:** The budget is criticized for containing excessive spending ('pork') focused on increasing pay rather than smarter methods.
  - **Evidence:** “When it comes to this budget, it is so filled with pork and it's so filled with the ability to pay each person more money, it's almost revolting to somebody who lives in the city of Freeport.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [27:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1634s)

- **Property Tax Impact on Housing Values**
  - **Summary:** As property values increase due to development and housing shortages, property taxes will rise based on appraisal value.
  - **Evidence:** “the problem is though and what nobody wants to talk about are the values of our properties have gone up significantly and as we tear more homes and John, and we have less property for available housing in the city of Freeport, those values are going to continue to go up. And the taxes go up just based on the value of the appraisal of your property.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [27:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1647s)

- **City Spending Basis**
  - **Summary:** The speaker asserts that the business model is taking money from every resident regardless of income or race.
  - **Evidence:** “This is a business that's based on taking as much money from each person as we are. It's based on providing services within our means to support the people of Freeport. And that's every person in the city of Freeport. It doesn't matter if you're poor, you're rich, you're white, you're black, anything in between.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [28:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1701s)

- **City Manager Spending Over Time**
  - **Summary:** Since adopting city management form of government, spending has increased by over ten million dollars a year.
  - **Evidence:** “Since we've gone over to the city management form of government, we're up over ten million dollars a year.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [28:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1738s)

- **Tax Policy Opposition**
  - **Summary:** The speaker opposes tax increases resulting from current spending patterns, arguing it will force people out of the city.
  - **Evidence:** “I am vehemently opposed to that type of of government, this tax and spend behavior, it cannot be tolerated in this city because it is going to push everybody out of the city.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [29:38](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1778s)

- **Home Rule Purpose**
  - **Summary:** The speaker advocates for home rule to generate more revenue and allow the city to manage itself.
  - **Evidence:** “We don't have home rule to drive more revenue. We have home rule to take care of ourselves.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [30:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1818s)

- **Budget Review Criticism**
  - **Summary:** The speaker deems the proposed budget as excessively large and problematic.
  - **Evidence:** “And that's, it's an abomination that we're gonna look into that and look to pass this very, very fat-filled budget.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [30:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1823s)

- **Real Estate Taxes 2024 vs 2025 Budgeting**
  - **Summary:** The real estate taxes budgeted for 2025 were zero, compared to $20,328.12 in 2024.
  - **Evidence:** “In 2024, 20,328.12 in real estate taxes. In real estate taxes. However, for 2025, we budgeted zero.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [30:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1846s)

- **Computer Hardware/Software Budget Increase**
  - **Summary:** The budget increased for computer hardware/software from an unstated amount to $101,750 (a $40,000 increase).
  - **Evidence:** “Computer hardware, software, 101,750. That was a $40,000 increase.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [30:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1858s)

- **Software Budget Increase**
  - **Summary:** The budget increased for software from an unstated amount to $304,040 (a $130,000 increase).
  - **Evidence:** “Software, $304,040. That was $130,000. Why?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [30:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1858s)

- **Telephonic Communication Budget**
  - **Summary:** The telephonic communication budget is listed as 203,200.
  - **Evidence:** “We have a telephonic communication, 203,200.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [31:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1880s)

- **Miscellaneous Salary/Insurance Costs**
  - **Summary:** A question was raised regarding salary, health insurance, and life insurance costs listed in the miscellaneous portion.
  - **Evidence:** “We had salary, health insurance, life insurance. Who is paid in the miscellaneous portion?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [31:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1880s)

- **Electrical Streetlights Increase**
  - **Summary:** A $75,000 increase was noted for electrical streetlights, with confirmation that this likely covers only the downtown area.
  - **Evidence:** “$75,000 Increase for electrical streetlights. Is this just the downtown area that's costing us $75,000?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [31:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=1901s)

- **MIS Department Budget Allocation**
  - **Summary:** The MIS department (Management Information Systems) is identified as a section containing potential salary and benefit costs for Director Suttman and his deputy.
  - **Evidence:** “There's a section that's Department 101,162, which it does say MIS, but MIS is IT. I'm sorry. It's Management Information Systems. It's Curt's Department, and it does say 162-MIS, so maybe that's the section. I think that could be if where most of these came from. And benefits in that area would be for Director Suttman and his deputy in that department.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [34:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2068s)

- **Departmental budget information source and detail level**
  - **Summary:** Alderman Sanders requested copies of line items for all departments to assess spending increases/decreases, noting that the provided materials were not specific enough.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders. Yes are these items well particularly for your department are they are they line items receipts or any other department that has a budget, are they line items that we can tangibly, visibly see them? I mean, my worksheet here that has everything we're going to buy for next year, there are things that are for other departments, we provide those to other departments. Can we have copies of that? Because it demonstrates to us exactly what are the purchasing items, what are the receipts”
  - **Source timestamp:** [38:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2302s)

- **Departmental budget information source and detail level**
  - **Summary:** Huffines suggested gathering all departments' line item budgets from the financial department to ensure all council members have equal opportunity for review.
  - **Attribution:** Huffines
  - **Evidence:** “Huffines. And that we can assess why things are increasing and decreasing or whatever the case is. I like that to come from the financial department to be able to gather all departments with the same opportunity of presenting their line item budgets. And if we can do that, then we can minimize the information that we're trying to seek after. That we're trying to seek after, and we do that.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [39:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2363s)

- **Departmental budget line item detail request**
  - **Summary:** Alderman Sanders reiterated the need for detailed line items showing cost per item, rather than summaries.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “The line items of cost per item, that's what I'm referring to, not what you're demonstrating right there. So is that a possibility? Do we have that generated where each council member can receive those kinds of inquiries?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [40:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2425s)

- **Departmental budget line item detail request**
  - **Summary:** Michelle Richter stated she had already provided the line item budgets as presented.
  - **Attribution:** Miller, Michelle
  - **Evidence:** “I'm talking to Ms. Richter or whatever your name is. I have given you the line item budgets as have been presented.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [40:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2446s)

- **Scope of budget presentation**
  - **Summary:** Michelle Richter questioned if the department was presenting summaries of line items rather than the detailed line items themselves.
  - **Attribution:** Miller, Michelle
  - **Evidence:** “Are you summarizing the line items that you're demonstrating when you say you present them? Are you demonstrating summaries of those line items?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [41:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2462s)

- **Request for vendor/company details in purchases**
  - **Summary:** Rob Miller requested detailed information regarding the companies being solicited for services and purchases.
  - **Attribution:** Miller, Rob
  - **Evidence:** “I'm trying to figure out what are the things that we're trying to get at, you know. Are they the only ones out there on the market that are selling certain particular items? That's what I would like to know, the detailed information of these companies that we're soliciting, that we are asking for their services.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [41:50](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2510s)

- **Budget estimation basis**
  - **Summary:** The budget is an estimate based on historical spending and anticipated increases.
  - **Attribution:** Attorney Zito
  - **Evidence:** “So this is the budget, right? So this is what you guys are, as a council, are considering setting as how much do we have to spend on various items, whether they're computers or uniforms or copy paper or whatever, Right. And it's an estimate. It's an estimate based off of what we have historically spent on those sorts of items there. And what we anticipate might need to be, let's say, an increase in any particular item, let's say, there.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [43:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2581s)

- **Budgetary process and spending disclosure**
  - **Summary:** The budget is an estimate based on historical spending for various items like computers or uniforms; departments anticipate needs (e.g., software, server) but do not know every single vendor.
  - **Evidence:** “So this is the budget, right? So this is what you guys are, as a council, are considering setting as how much do we have to spend on various items, whether they're computers or uniforms or copy paper or whatever, Right. And it's an estimate. It's an estimate based off of what we have historically spent on those sorts of items there.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [42:52](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2572s)

- **Budgetary process and spending disclosure**
  - **Summary:** The budget anticipates future needs, similar to budgeting for a new furnace costing $3,000, without having purchased it yet.
  - **Evidence:** “So I'm going to budget $3,000 for next year. But you haven't gone and actually bought it yet. You haven't picked, you know, is it going to be a carrier? Is it going to be a Honeywell? Is it going to be whatever?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [43:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2622s)

- **Budgetary process and spending disclosure**
  - **Summary:** Departments like Kurt's department or the police department anticipate needing funds for various items throughout the year, but cannot provide line items for every single vendor.
  - **Evidence:** “For example, using Kurt's department, they know they need a certain amount of software to do this program, that thing, whatever it is, they know they might need a computer server for the police department. Do they know the exact and John. They're just anticipating that they're going to need to spend next year, throughout the course of the year, on these various items, and that goes for the police department, whether it's for weapons or uniforms or whatever it is.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [43:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2622s)

- **Area expansion cost disclosure**
  - **Summary:** A $50,000 increase related to an area increase was not fully disclosed when presented with the budget; this amount should have been stated along with the initial presentation of taking on more area.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacey
  - **Evidence:** “When it's presented to the council, it says how much it's gonna cost for us to increase. Then out of nowhere, when it comes this time with the budget, there's a $50,000 increase that should have been stated all along with the whole nine yards of, we're gonna take on more area, it's gonna cost this monthly, but in the long run, we're gonna have to budget $50,000 more to cover it.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [45:22](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2722s)

- **Budgetary approval vs. spending approval**
  - **Summary:** Being included in the budget does not mean the spending is approved; final spending requires a subsequent ordinance or resolution from council after departments get quotes.
  - **Attribution:** Darren
  - **Evidence:** “Clarification just I mean just because it's in the budget doesn't mean it still won't come back in front of council this is not this is an approval of the budget not approval of the spending so the final spending will come back to council so if it's approved in the budget then in the fiscal year the police and or Kurt and or public works or whatever whatever department will will go out and get quotes and then that comes back in the form of an ordinance or resolution or whatever it may be to approve that spending”
  - **Source timestamp:** [46:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2801s)

- **Equipment procurement difficulty**
  - **Summary:** The price for double-hook dump trucks is significantly higher now, and obtaining them requires going through a state bid, resulting in being locked out of getting trucks for two years.
  - **Evidence:** “Just to let you know the price is way harder. Right now we can't even get a double-crook unless we go through a state bid. So we've been locked out of getting trucks for two years.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [47:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2861s)

- **Budgetary priorities and equipment funding**
  - **Summary:** The speaker noted that money was requested for the Vactor truck, but council voted not to provide a down payment and instead moved ahead with financing.
  - **Evidence:** “We asked that that money be put on the vape truck, the VAC truck, and I don't even recall that being brought back to us with how it was going to be done. It was just done. Because I said I recall it's getting off topic but you asked for a down payment on the Vactor truck and council voted not to do that and to move ahead with the financing and that's what we're supposed to get money back from the bank about”
  - **Source timestamp:** [48:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2888s)

- **Police department funding history**
  - **Summary:** The number of officers has increased over the years, and a $20 million loan for retirement was authorized by council while the speaker was on the council.
  - **Attribution:** Anderson
  - **Evidence:** “I'd just like to bring up a couple things where there's some part truce in that. The numbers of officers have increased over the years here without a doubt. And if I remember right, you were on the council and authorized a $20 million loan for retirement.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [49:18](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2958s)

- **Vactor truck financing and loan repayment**
  - **Summary:** The council discussed the Vactor truck down payment, noting that the council voted against it and that money is expected to be received from the bank regarding the financing.
  - **Evidence:** “Because I said I recall it's getting off topic but you asked for a down payment on the Vactor truck and council voted not to do that and to move ahead with the financing and that's what we're supposed to get money back from the bank about we did the the bank the the lending company paid for the Vactor truck all right okay”
  - **Source timestamp:** [48:41](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2921s)

- **Retirement funding concerns**
  - **Summary:** A speaker expressed concern over spending, citing that officer numbers have increased and noting a $20 million loan authorized years ago for retirement. They stated current annual payments are four point something million dollars and that the state determines these costs.
  - **Evidence:** “And if I remember right, you were on the council and authorized a $20 million loan for retirement. In mind a million years ago and I went on to consult regular taxes paid for retirements. Now we pay four point something million dollars a year.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [49:24](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=2964s)

- **Officer staffing levels**
  - **Summary:** A speaker provided updates on officer numbers, stating approval for 48 officers is expected by the end of the month, with three currently in field training and four graduating soon. This would bring the total back up to 49.
  - **Evidence:** “To verify your numbers, Alderman Klemm, as far as officers, we have approval for 48 officers, which we will hopefully by the end of this month, we will reach that number 48.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [50:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3046s)

- **Alderman Stacey's speaking rights**
  - **Summary:** The council discussed Alderman Stacey continuing to speak past her second time.
  - **Evidence:** “And if anyone would like their second time, Alderman Stacey, I know you've already had your second. I'd have to have approval in order for you to keep going.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [51:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3089s)

- **Procedural adherence regarding speaking turns**
  - **Summary:** A discussion occurred regarding whether the ordinance requires a unanimous vote for speaking rights and who has already spoken.
  - **Evidence:** “The ordinance states a unanimous that's one of the topics I want to change in case you were wondering so anyway is there anything further madam clerk please take the role here here actually you've spoken twice already to who you I'm sorry mayor ready for the vote no I'm trying to recollect when I spoke twice already.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [52:34](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3154s)

- **Required vote percentage for ordinance passage**
  - **Summary:** Attorney Zito was asked what percentage of votes were needed.
  - **Evidence:** “Attorney Zito, what do we need? What percentage do we need on this?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [55:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3331s)

- **Ordinance 2024-64 reading confirmation**
  - **Summary:** Clarification was sought regarding item number ten being the second reading of Ordinance 2024-64.
  - **Evidence:** “well actually if you're going to say this is a joke then I'm going to interject with that that we've been talking about this since for three months and this is the second reading remember that one no that's not what item number ten is the second reading of Ordinance 2024-64.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [55:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3342s)

- **Correction of financial figures for Tax levy ordinance**
  - **Summary:** A correction was requested regarding the amounts stated during the presentation.
  - **Evidence:** “Madam Mayor. Thank you. Can we get the correct numbers right into the record please? Where was it wrong? Did I say something wrong? No, city manager did. The amounts are one hundred and forty thousand four hundred dollars and one hundred thousand dollars. Not a hundred and not a hundred and forty four. Have you got that? Are you okay with that Madam Clerk?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [56:23](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=3383s)

- **Planning Commission's reasoning for denying special use permit**
  - **Summary:** The Planning Commission looked at special uses in light of the comprehensive plan, focusing on property rights versus overall development impact and how it affects neighbors' property values or enjoyment.
  - **Evidence:** “I think the Planning Commission looks at the special uses in light of our comprehensive plan, which Ducks, about how does the city view development moving forward in the future. And one of the main ideas there was, it's a residential property. They know where it's located. And there was some strong conversation about property rights, essentially, versus how does this affect the overall development in our residential neighborhoods. And another way to look at it is, how does this affect my neighbor's property values, the enjoyment of their property, et cetera.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:07:30](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4050s)

- **Nature of interference from ground-mounted solar arrays**
  - **Summary:** The discussion centered on whether the installation constitutes 'interference' or merely affects the 'enjoyment' of immediate neighbors' property, as the array is located in the backyard/rear yard.
  - **Evidence:** “Does it also include interferences within the community area, structures and homes and residents and things of that nature? Does that create some kind of interference? I wouldn't say interference. I think it's more enjoyment by the immediate neighbors. I mean, if you look up there, you can see it's in the backyard, Rear yard so I wouldn't say interference but I think it's more of you know if you're a next-door neighbor here it's more of the enjoyment of your property and how does that really affect our development how do it how does the city want its development to look so the overall disagreement within the commit the Planning Commission was based on what specifically well put it simply one person says I think a neighbor has a right to put that in their yard that's Wright to reap the benefits of the sun, the solar energy. Now, that being said, is that a true statement? Is that an ordinance where a property owner can obstruct or cause interference or?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:08:13](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4093s)

- **Solar panel placement and neighborhood impact**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding whether a neighbor has the right to place solar panels in their yard, potential interference, and if such installations constitute a nuisance.
  - **Evidence:** “well put it simply one person says I think a neighbor has a right to put that in their yard that's Wright to reap the benefits of the sun, the solar energy. Now, that being said, is that a true statement? Is that an ordinance where a property owner can obstruct or cause interference or?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:08:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4108s)

- **Solar panel screening condition**
  - **Summary:** A proposal was discussed regarding making fencing/screening around solar panels a condition proposed on the floor and voted upon by council members.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers
  - **Evidence:** “I'd like to know. I know that when we had talked about the people putting the solars out there in the arcades back then and the people were saying, is there a possibility that there could be maybe like some fencing that's around it just in case? We could potentially propose that it would have to be a condition proposed on the floor and then voted upon by the council members. So it would be saying, you know, I propose a condition that we would put some sort of screening around other than it's existing.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:10:19](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4219s)

- **Comparison of solar array size and impact**
  - **Summary:** A statement was made comparing a proposed 31 feet by 10-foot solar array (approx. 324.6 square feet) to smaller fence panels, arguing the larger array is a greater eyesore.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Monroe
  - **Evidence:** “Just like to make a statement, you know, a few months back we had a big issue with two panels of 10-foot fence. Here we wanna put in 31 feet, almost 31 feet by 10 feet, almost 11 feet, just rounding, 324.6 square feet of maximum height of 10-foot solar array in a backyard. This, in my opinion, poses a significantly greater eyesore than two panels of a 10-foot fence or an 8-foot fence.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:12:12](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4332s)

- **Neighbor complaint process for special use permit**
  - **Summary:** A neighbor stated that during the November 7th hearing, no neighbors complained against the installation, questioning the basis of the current debate.
  - **Evidence:** “So when you do a special use permit, so on November 7th hearing, there was a sign in the front yard and letters went out to the neighbors and then there was a posting in the newspaper for a hearing. And at that time, one person had called, a neighbor had called, stayed anonymous and said, what is this about? And I explained it to them and they said, I don't want to, I have no issue with it, I'm not going to show up at the hearing. So there was no nobody showed up at the hearing on November 7th and said I am against this.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:14:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4465s)

- **Details regarding screening plan components**
  - **Summary:** Discussion clarified that the three dots mentioned are Arborvitae trees, specifically described as being three, six foot tall.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Simmons
  - **Evidence:** “What is the screening? What is that? Those three dots? What are they? Those will end up being Arborvita's, I believe it's three, six foot, right, it's three, six foot tall Arborvita's. Still don't know what that is. I mean, are they long poles or are they? Oh, it's like a. Oh, it's like a, um, it's a tree. A tree? You know, like a small, they look kind of like Christmas. It's a type of a cedar.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:19:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4767s)

- **History of Sindio Networks' development plans**
  - **Summary:** A participant clarified that the original plan was for an actual structure, possibly 300 to 500 square feet like a garage, but they later decided against it and instead installed just a cabinet.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers
  - **Evidence:** “Oh, Ms. Stacy? To my understanding, it was stated that they asked if they could do this, and they were told no, and they did it anyway. That's what I stated, yes. Just for a point of clarification, didn't they originally want a structure, though? Yes, that's what I stated. So they went to this place earlier and they had a roughly 300 square foot, actually I believe it was 500 square foot, it was an actual structure like a garage. So it looked like a small house, a garage.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:19:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4791s)

- **Enforcement options for ordinance violations**
  - **Summary:** A council member inquired about the possibility of implementing fines for individuals who violate ordinances after being told to comply with proper protocol.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers
  - **Evidence:** “yes I just like to know when we have situations like this when people go against the ordinance are there fines that we can put on them that you know the you you knew you were supposed to Fowler. You follow the ordinance and you did it anyway so now you know you're trying to follow the proper protocol. Is there a way that we can start adding fines to things like this?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:20:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4844s)

- **Process for addressing property code violations**
  - **Summary:** A council member stated that when someone violates the property code, they must first be given an opportunity to correct their mistake by going through the proper application process. The city has the right to vote no and work with an attorney to issue a court order for removal of equipment.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “Well, as I presented, when any time somebody does something wrong in the property code, you always have to give them an opportunity to right their wrong. So this is their opportunity to right their wrong, is to go through the process and submit an application. And I stated it in the first reading, and I'll state it Rizzo, and armory and the city will do the job, we're going to do the job. Again, certainly, you know, council has the right to vote no to this and then staff, we would work with our attorney to come up with a court order for them to remove the, actually remove the pedestal and all equipment.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:22:31](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4951s)

- **Recommendation on Special Use Permit Approval**
  - **Summary:** A council member expressed concern that approving the permit might set a precedent allowing others to violate rules after being told no. Another participant suggested the violation may have been due to ignorance rather than intentional disregard.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “So, I mean, that's what's before you today, is do we, you know, does the city accept their special use permit application or is it so egregious that this needs to be immediately We're given the next person permission to do the same. If they had not have been told no, it would be Absolutelyikes but because we're not going to have a legal process, we want them to get away with this. When they were told no we're giving the next person permission to do the same if they had not have been told no it would be different and I think this need to fail and I think this needs to pull it up or when it happened again we're gonna have to accept that oops as well when do we take a stand for our city somebody got to be the example they knew we had said no why did you do it anyway it's no way this should pass attorney Zito did you wanna well then Alderman Parker had his hand up for well my understanding is they did it without knowing what the Jordan, Seth. That was more of an ignorant thing on their part. It wasn't intentionally violating the ordinance.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:22:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=4976s)

- **Procedural adherence for development application**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding whether the applicant followed the correct process when submitting their request.
  - **Evidence:** “Attorney Sito? So I just wanted to point out also that certainly it sounds like that this particular applicant did not follow the right process. They didn't jump through the hoops in the right order, okay?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:29:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5397s)

- **Fiber optic expansion impact on property use**
  - **Summary:** Discussion suggesting that fiber optic installation could render a residential lot useless.
  - **Evidence:** “The answer to your short answer to your question is it's going to render this useless.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:25:47](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5147s)

- **Value of property location near school and thoroughfare**
  - **Summary:** Discussion noting that the property in question has high value due to its location across from the school on a major thoroughfare slated for redevelopment.
  - **Evidence:** “I do I do not see something We've got a lot of empty property in our city. This happens to be sitting along one of the major thoroughfares that's about to be completely redone, close to the school, has lots of value for a homeowner.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:26:29](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5189s)

- **Necessity of backup fiber optic routing for emergency services**
  - **Summary:** The speaker agreed that backup routing is a necessity because fiber optics can be damaged by construction work, potentially shutting down hospitals and college campuses.
  - **Evidence:** “Odomen Sanders. So this also come to the point where it's almost a necessity in case of an emergency situation, because fiber optics do encounter construction work in certain locations and can shut down hospitals, college campuses, can do a number of things of damage to any kinds of institution that's running fiber optic.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:28:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5335s)

- **Zoning review requirement for proposed cabinet installation**
  - **Summary:** The speaker questioned whether the council would have approved the location if the applicant had followed all procedures correctly from the start, suggesting a zoning reason is needed.
  - **Evidence:** “Attorney Sito? So I just wanted to point out also that certainly it sounds like that this particular applicant did not follow the right process. They didn't jump through the hoops in the right order, okay?... and at that point we would need to have a reason as to a zoning reason really as Miller.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:29:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5397s)

- **Zoning process and permit application requirements**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the potential for reapplication after a denial, emphasizing the need to follow correct procedures through ZBA and planning.
  - **Evidence:** “From that standpoint the City Council like you know you guys can vote to say hey you didn't follow the rules right you know or the process right so we're gonna make you rip it out okay so we let's say they we turn it down and we make them rip out the the box they can turn around again and say okay the box is out now I'm gonna apply for my special use permit and I'm gonna jump through the hoop again in the same order in the right order right and so now it's gonna come right go right back through ZBA go right back through planning and and the end all be all question is is this an appropriate use on this property you know if they never would have messed up the order let's say they did it right the first time and jump through the hoops right way would the council have approved this for this location to have this cabinet here you know so again I just kind of want to point that out because they could you kids can turn it down and they could rip it out and then they can turn around and reapply for it and at that point we would need to have a reason as to a zoning reason really as Miller. We have a lot of questions about why this is not appropriate here. And if there is one, there is one, but if there's not, there's not, you know, so.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:30:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5408s)

- **Delaying council action on permit application**
  - **Summary:** Suggestion to table the matter until another meeting to determine options for the applicants.
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Klemm? Madam Mayor, just a thought. This is one of those things you kind of label as a bad deal. One other option would be to lay this over to another meeting and find out what their options are that they can do.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:31:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5475s)

- **Timeframe for council action on special use permit**
  - **Summary:** Discussion confirming an ordinance requirement regarding the timeframe for council action after ZBA approval.
  - **Evidence:** “I know there's a timeframe on when you're, when council, I don't know if it's 60 days, that council has to take action from the date of ZBA. There is a requirement there. So Koehler. So, if we do delay it, it shouldn't be delayed long or stay within our ordinance, essentially that's. Possibly change in a delay. So, and I'll have Attorney Zito look it up, but essentially it's in our ordinance that says there's a timeframe from when it passes ZBA to where counsel has to take action on it.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:32:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5522s)

- **Alternative infrastructure installation methods comparison**
  - **Summary:** Comparison of above-ground versus underground utility placement, citing an example involving Hartog and Reedy's property.
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Klemm. Klemm. Can I just do a follow-up is all I want to do. Given an example is the same thing, okay, on in front of what used to be Hartog and Reedy's property on Burchard as you go around the curve. I believe the telephone company or one of the companies in it put an above-ground thing in there and there was great Winslow. We have a great opposition from them to it, and they turned around and put the same thing underground.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:32:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5577s)

- **Recommendation on proceeding with project despite uncertainty**
  - **Summary:** Opinion that spending money before all answers are known is unwise; suggesting a 'no' vote if necessary.
  - **Evidence:** “Now, if that's an option, what I don't want to see is every, this is, Arrow is a former hometown company and has roots here and all that kind of stuff, but there's no sense to spend a whole bunch of money before we know all the answers is what I'm saying. You know, it's a bad deal. If you had a vote on it right now would I go along with most everybody else and say no but what have you gained you know if they need it there do they take and move it up so the property can then be used you know those kind of things”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:33:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5612s)

- **Building inspection requirements for utility infrastructure**
  - **Summary:** Statement regarding building inspector requirements, such as digging up buried pipes for inspection.
  - **Evidence:** “well I will state one point I mean certainly our building inspector we have requirements at the building at the level of you know if you get a building permit and we miss an inspection you know bury a pipe a service pipe you know our staff will say hey you have to dig that up for us to look at it before you know you We're going to take this along because you know that if they tear it out, they're eventually going to go through this process and argue us saying, hey, I'm going to just do the same thing anyways, or are you going to take the stance, you know, and say, no, the rules are here, we're going to take it out.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:33:51](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5631s)

- **Emergency backup system necessity**
  - **Summary:** Argument that rejecting the proposal for emergency 911 backup would be a mistake if needed.
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Parker. I just want to state that if it's emergency backup for our 911 system, for ETSB, I think we'd be making a big mistake by rejecting it just because if they need it and it's not working because we shut it down we're gonna look pretty fully especially if it's an emergency and somebody gets hurt or killed so my opinion I think we need to prove it”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:35:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5739s)

- **Council's final decision authority**
  - **Summary:** A concluding point that the council has no stipulation regarding granting leave or pathway for future action.
  - **Evidence:** “Miller. As opposed to whichever way we decide here on the council, there is no stipulation of just giving them the leave way or the pathway to do a thing or to let it go.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:37:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5848s)

- **Stipulations and repercussions for ordinance violations**
  - **Summary:** A concern was raised that ordinances should have stipulations or repercussions, such as a fine, when violated.
  - **Attribution:** Miller
  - **Evidence:** “Miller. As opposed to whichever way we decide here on the council, there is no stipulation of just giving them the leave way or the pathway to do a thing or to let it go. I think it should have stipulations or repercussions, findings and things of this nature. With ordinances that have been violated, any time an ordinance has been violated, there and I think that there should be a repercussion for those kinds of things and that a fine should be added to any ordinance that has been violated.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:37:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5848s)

- **Increasing penalty for non-compliance**
  - **Summary:** A question was raised regarding the council's ability to increase penalties for non-compliance.
  - **Evidence:** “Darren? Can the council make a motion to increase the penalty for non-compliance? Not a missed one. Is that not possible?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:38:59](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5939s)

- **ZBA notice period calculation**
  - **Summary:** The time frame for approval is 60 days after publication of the notice, not the hearing date.
  - **Evidence:** “And you found the answer? It appears to be 60 days after publication of the notice. Otherwise it's deemed to be approved so whatever 60 days is from the day that the notice was published or after publication of the notice the day that it ran in the newspaper yes”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:39:15](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=5955s)

- **Clarification on previous agreements and property parcels for farm leases**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding whether the council was approving dollar amounts or names related to multiple pieces of property.
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Monroe. Thank you, Madam Mayor. A little bit of confusion on this one. I thought we had moved forward with the agreements with each of these different entities on a previous item. Was it just we were approving the dollar amounts or in the names or because there were four different pieces of property there that were listed on the map that was shown.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:43:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6212s)

- **Biosolids compliance and scope**
  - **Summary:** Alderman Sanders questioned who ensures farmers are compliant with EPAs regarding sludge application on farmland, seeking the whole scope of compliance maintenance.
  - **Evidence:** “Discussion, Alderman Sanders? Yeah. Manager Boyer, looking at the situation when it comes to biosolids and things of that nature, who's all involved in making sure that the farmers are in compliance with EPAs and the other organizations to allow this kind of dumping on their farmland and is there any other entities involved in the process making sure that it's not hitting our waterways, making sure that everything is appropriate for these properties. I just wanted to hear the whole scope of everything, how we are maintaining ourself in compliance with the EPAs and these farmers.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:47:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6431s)

- **Biosolids application safety and process details**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding safety when applying biosolids to fields versus dumping into rivers, confirming that land application is specific and controlled.
  - **Evidence:** “Okay, so this is 48.21 per cubic yard. If we dump this into the Pecatonica River, would we be safe? No. That's why we put it in fields. No. So if we give it to the farmers and we flood it's still all coming back to the Pecatonic River. So how are we safe in giving it to the farmers? Landis, specifically. Land is specifically applied for to the EPA to spread our sludge on, so we can't just go put it willy-nilly wherever we want. It's not put on flood ground. This type of sludge waste is either knifed in or injected into the ground, so it's not like a product that's just sitting on the ground.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:49:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6557s)

- **Inspection process for sewer liners**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the inspection process after liner installation and solutions for resident connections/repairs.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “Discussion Alderman Sanders. Yeah for installations and I know this is referring back to Darin and Director Boyer. When installing these liners and looking at the finished product of those liners, how do you guys go about inspecting the final product? What's the process after the installation?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:53:44](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6824s)

- **Liner inspection details**
  - **Summary:** The full-time inspection for cured in place lining involves teammates throughout the process, and a physical closed-circuit TV camera robot runs through the lines to look for wrinkles.
  - **Attribution:** Director Richter
  - **Evidence:** “Sure. So first of all, we do full-time inspection for cured in place lining. So we have teammates out there all throughout the process. Bain, and about 30% of our lines are cleaned, televised, point repairs are identified if needed... The way we do final inspections is we require all the surfaces to be reinstated and then we do a physical closed-circuit TV camera robot that runs through the lines, looks in all the laterals, looks for wrinkles.”

- **Cost comparison of sewer lining vs. excavation**
  - **Summary:** A statement confirming that 10 cents on the dollars is very accurate for sewer lining costs compared to excavations.
  - **Attribution:** Rob
  - **Evidence:** “Economical again Rob statement of 10 cents on the dollars is very accurate it might even be more than that in today's market with the expense of excavations we did 400 almost $500,000 worth of lining this year and I've had no issues whatsoever”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:57:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7027s)

- **Reconnecting service and write-offs**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the percentage of residents who have not paid and want to reestablish service, and concerns about writing off funds.
  - **Evidence:** “Just a question in regards to percentage wise to to residents who have not paid and want to reestablish their service. What percentage are we looking at for establishing their new service or reconnecting their service for installation? What kind of percentage are we looking at when we're talking about they will have to pay a higher cost?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:59:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7193s)

- **Collection efforts and write-offs**
  - **Summary:** Alderman Monroe questioned the process of writing off funds, noting that some written-off accounts still have water service.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Monroe
  - **Evidence:** “Mayor, last year we had the same conversation and we were told that, you know, these would be collected if people tried to get them turned back on. There were names on that list that were written off that still have water service today. So my question really is starting to become, you know, what do we do to quit writing off so much money every year?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:00:55](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7255s)

- **Collection tools for owed funds**
  - **Summary:** Director Richter stated that the city needs more tools to collect owed funds.
  - **Attribution:** Director Richter
  - **Evidence:** “I do agree with you I totally agree with you Alderman Monroe there are some tools that have been taking out of our toolbox to get some of these funds over the past years. We don't lean property owners and, you know, for tenant bills. Um, we do have problems currently and, and I only know the best over the last five years.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:02:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7373s)

- **Water service billing accumulation**
  - **Summary:** Discussion on how CIP charges accumulate differently across years.
  - **Evidence:** “And like you said, some of the balances on here are because of maybe an elderly person you know kind of let the house go and then it just kept going and back during this time these amounts the CIP charges could accumulate for five years now they only accumulate for one year so you know there's there's different things that are going on during different years but I do agree I think I think, you know, we need to lean more.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:03:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7420s)

- **Collection methods limitations**
  - **Summary:** Director Richter explained the limitations of current collection methods like Illinois Debt Recovery.
  - **Attribution:** Director Richter
  - **Evidence:** “We do send to Illinois Debt Recovery, and that takes from people's state refunds or state payments. We do do that. We do that regularly. We see the most payments back during tax season. But if someone does not pay into income tax or isn't employed by the state, they're not able to collect that way. If they move out of the state of Illinois, I'm not able to collect that way. The Illinois Debt Recovery only works in Illinois.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:04:40](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7480s)

- **Host Server specifications and support**
  - **Summary:** The server can provide 12 terabytes of storage in RAID configuration with redundancies. It includes RAM and processing power for applications. Support is provided for five years, including four-hour on-site response.
  - **Evidence:** “Yeah, so by the time you put it in RAID, random access directories, it's come down to like 12 terabytes, 11 or 12. But there's redundancies there, so if you have one drive fail, you can live put a new one in so you don't crash the whole system if one drive goes bad. It's also got RAM, it's probably increased the price because we have pretty good processors in it, because we do have a few applications that run on the server. So they'd be incredibly slow if it was just a storage box... And what this comes with, four hour support 24 seven. So within four hours, they're supposed to be on site helping us. And that's for five years.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:08:21](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7701s)

- **Source of funding and state involvement in server purchase**
  - **Summary:** The pricing is based on a state contract (source well bid). The specs were determined by the speaker and Eric, the deputy director.
  - **Evidence:** “I should have mentioned that. It's a source well bid. So it's from based on the state contract just like when other departments buy a truck, a service truck, the state goes out for bid on servers. So that's why you're only seeing the one number instead of three bids or anything like that. And the specs were determined by me and Eric, the deputy director, and asked for them to provide us a source well quote for what we needed.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:09:56](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7796s)

- **Comparison of infrastructure spending vs. other city expenditures**
  - **Summary:** The speaker expressed concern about prioritizing this infrastructure purchase over another electronic ticket gadget costing the city money.
  - **Evidence:** “This is out of your control, but I wish this would have come to the council, I wish this This would have come to the council before this little ticket electronic gadget thing that's also costing the city money. I wish something of importance like this.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:11:25](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=7885s)

- **Network security maintenance responsibility**
  - **Summary:** The IT department handles network security, supplemented by other trusted vendors.
  - **Evidence:** “The security is handled by the IT department, plus we have other vendors that we have trust in.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:13:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8012s)

- **Demolition bid details and concerns**
  - **Summary:** Discussion regarding the scope of work, including excavation location (property vs. street) and asbestos abatement requirements.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders. Because I'm looking at the highest bid, Albert and, who's that again now? Albert and? Son. In that contract, if we decide to let that bid go through by council, if they are selected, will they excavate to do Huffines. Do we do it on the property or do we do it at the main or the street itself? That's inspected and it's done at the property. Done at the property and so it's inspected and that way we know that it is something that has been capped off and that also makes sure that there's no, what I want to say, Deterioration with Water Services being disconnected from these properties. Yes, all proper, anytime there's a demolition, our public works team does inspections for water and sewer services.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:16:02](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8162s)

- **Asbestos abatement requirements for demolition bids**
  - **Summary:** Discussion confirming that asbestos removal is required and subcontracted as part of the bid package.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Stacey
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Stacey. Albert and Son, if I am not mistaken, I believe Mayor Miller, this is your family. It's a relative it's a relative okay are they equipped to move the asbestos how do you say it asbestos out of these buildings before are they just tearing everything down are they licensed and equipped it's all required it's all part of the requirement in the bid package that's all everything they do is reported to the IEPA it's all above board and none of the of the contractors on here, it's all subcontracted for the abatement of asbestos. It's all subcontracted?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:17:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8236s)

- **Bidding patterns in demolition industry**
  - **Summary:** Discussion noting that bid amounts vary significantly and attributing this to competitive bidding among contractors.
  - **Attribution:** Staff
  - **Evidence:** “Some of these numbers were pretty far and few in between, like 4,000 and 7,000, and how is that? Well, I can explain that pretty easily. This is going to be 50 properties that the City of Freeport is going to demolish in 2024. Bates, and so on. So that's the most we've done in the three years since I've been here. And I can tell you that these companies are sharpening their pencils to try to win these bids.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:18:28](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8308s)

- **Demolition crew size and process**
  - **Summary:** Discussion on the equipment needed for demolition, noting it typically requires an excavator and laborer.
  - **Attribution:** Staff
  - **Evidence:** “What number of a crew is it gonna take to tear down these houses? It's an excavator and somebody in a laborer usually. They don't I mean sponsors and our partners. We're not going to be able to do that. We're going to be using our paper, usually. They don't take much. You see what they look like. A lot of times they get knocked, you push them over, and they're done. They've been abandoned for a long time.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:19:07](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8347s)

- **Property maintenance requirement after demolition**
  - **Summary:** Discussion confirming that maintaining the seeding and grass on empty properties is part of an ordinance requirement.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders? Yes. On top of that It's going to be a lot of empty property. Yes. In the event we're taking care of those, right? We're responsible for those properties and the seeding and the grass maintaining and all these other stuff to keep up the beautification. Of those residential neighborhoods and whatever, wherever they're located that that is part of our requirement or is that just something part of our ordinance?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:20:16](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8416s)

- **Fire smoke alarms installation**
  - **Summary:** Confirmed that free working smoke detectors will be installed if finances are tight.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Shadle
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Shadle. I just would like to add on to Chief Miller's that if finances are tight we still install fire smoke alarms? Yes we do. Call Central Station and our staff will reach out to you and make an appointment to come in and install free working smoke detectors.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:22:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8578s)

- **Watermain situation on Adam Street**
  - **Summary:** The speaker reported that efforts are being made to finalize the watermain issue, with paving expected by end of day Saturday of this week.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sanders
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sanders? Yeah, Director Boyer, I wanted to thank you for allowing me to understand what the process, what the finish line is going to look like on Adam Street. When it comes to the Watermain situation, I hope that it's all covered and taken care of. We have I don't know if we have a deadline for that or not, but if so, I would love for that to be shared with the council and the public as well when we have tentative expectations for that to happen. That's all I want to report is the fact that we're making head waves to get that finalized and that we will go through the finalizing of it. We're hoping to have it all paved by end of day Saturday of this week. We'll still have some dirt work that might spill over to the spring, but the rest of it should essentially be done.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:23:27](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8607s)

- **Ordinance fines for non-compliance**
  - **Summary:** A request was made to add a fee/fine to ordinances that are not correctly followed by landlords, suggesting a penalty structure like doubling the permit fee.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Sellers
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Sellers. The only thing that I would like to, I would like us to add a fee to the ordinances that are not done correctly if we can work something out because if we're going to go after landlords for not doing what they're supposed to be doing and we need to make people follow the ordinances that we have on the books and if they're not following them, I think that we should put some kind of fine out there to let them know that you can't just do it and and then come back and then change it. So I would like to see something put on the books that there's a fine for that. We can work on like a penalty, you know, if you do things out of order, it's a classic thing where people will do something, sometimes unintentionally, and then they ask for forgiveness. So in those situations, most communities, as Wayne indicated, you know, they'll double the permit fee then if you have to do it out of order, something so we can look into bumping that up or something like that. I would like to see that.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:24:32](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8672s)

- **Solar panel installation discrepancy**
  - **Summary:** A resident questioned the council regarding a perceived inconsistency in enforcing rules, citing Mr. Huffines' denied request versus AVP Real Estate's permission to ignore similar rules.
  - **Evidence:** “I'd like to give you a brief introduction to the process. By your votes tonight, you've sent a clear message to all of us here in Freeport that we are all, that we are free to act without asking for permission first and simply seek forgiveness later. Specifically, I'd like to address the case of Mr. And Huffines. According to current tax records, contributed $2,300 annually in property taxes. They followed the rules, asked for permission, and requested to install solar panels in their backyard. Yet, despite their compliance, their request was denied. However, shortly after, right after, you gave AVP Real Estate, based in St. Charles, Illinois, permission to ignore the same rules. This company purchased this land for $7,000 just 2 years ago, paying less than $300 annually in property taxes. What message does this send to our residents who follow the rules and contribute to the community? So I ask, if the Nelsons choose to go ahead and install those solar panels, are you going to show them the same grace and forgive them?”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:27:11](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8831s)

## Public Comment

- **Feedback on Proposed Changes to Fines/Fees**
  - **Summary:** A speaker provided feedback, noting that the proposed changes increase fines imposed on owners and also put a max on the per property per owner. The speaker requested communication of this information in the water bill newsletter.
  - **Attribution:** Ashley Heilman
  - **Evidence:** “I am here this evening to speak with no opposition to the changes presented this evening for Miller. As we are aware, there was a lot of discussion on this topic last round. My hope is that you all see that this increases the fines imposed on the owners and also puts a max on the per property per owner. Again, thanks to the city for allowing us to provide feedback and suggestions for the changes presented. My hope is going forward to continue to have open dialogue with this registry to help the city as well as the landlords. With open lines of communication, it can only make things better. Ask again is to please make sure that this is communicated with all maybe possibly even putting it in the newsletter that comes out in the water bills.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [03:20](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=200s)

- **Support for Ordinance Enhancements and Communication Improvements**
  - **Summary:** A speaker, representing the Northwest Illinois Alliance of Real Tours, stated there was no opposition to the ordinance changes. They emphasized that consistent follow-up is essential for compliance and reiterated commitment to collaborating with the City.
  - **Attribution:** Neely Erickson
  - **Evidence:** “Good evening Mayor Miller and thank you for allowing me this moment to address you and honorable council members. I am here today on behalf of the 1,300,000 members of the Northwest Illinois Alliance of Real Tours and we appreciate the city's ongoing efforts to and the opportunity to provide input throughout this process. The proposed changes aim to improve compliance and address problem properties, which is the goal we share. As we discussed back on November 18th, we have no opposition to this ordinance. The Ordinance Enhances Penalties are designed to focus on problem property owners and penalize their failure to comply. The fee structure is designed to maximize the penalty and Knapp. We are pleased to recognize that the property owners are not able to comply with the requirements because according to your ordinance, rental properties must be registered to be lawfully rented. An unaffordable fee structure could jeopardize tenants' and Mr. Miller. We have consistently brought forward recommendations to enhance the notification and communication process of the rental registration system. Effective outreach to property owners is critical in achieving compliance and we hope that the city will implement these suggestions to improve notification and to ensure the success of the program. We recognize the importance of the City's active enforcement to achieve compliance and appreciate steps like mailing notifications to suspected rental properties. However, again, consistent follow-up will be essential to bring non-compliant property owners into alignment. Realtors remain committed to collaborating with the City to ensure the ordinance's effectiveness in notifying our clients at the time that they are at the transaction at the table, for example, and to minimize unintended consequences for compliant housing providers and tenants alike.”

- **Basketball tournament attendance**
  - **Summary:** A brief exchange regarding a basketball tournament on Saturday at Babu.
  - **Attribution:** Jodi Miller
  - **Evidence:** “Jodi Miller, I'm going to the tournament on Saturday at Babu. Are you running? No, I'm making the basketball. Good for you, Tommy. We wish you the luck.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:25:57](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8757s)

- **Jersey mics excitement**
  - **Summary:** A comment expressing excitement about Jersey mics.
  - **Attribution:** Stacy
  - **Evidence:** “Stacy, you did a good job. And John Dickman was about about that thing the Jersey mics. Jersey mics we're all excited about Jersey mics. It's coming hopefully.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:26:26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8786s)

## Proclamations and Recognitions

- **Service Award for Gladys Hilton**
  - **Summary:** Recognizing Gladys Hilton for 25 years of service, starting in 1999 at the Freeport Public Library; she also worked as a records clerk at the police department and moved to water and sewer billing in 2013.
  - **Attribution:** Director Richter
  - **Evidence:** “Item number seven is recognition of service awards. Director Richter? Today we are recognizing Gladys Hilton for her 25 years of service. She began her career with us in 1999 at the Freeport Public Library. She also has worked at the police department as a records clerk and in 2013 she made the move to the water and sewer billing department as a customer service representative.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [11:53](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=713s)

- **Service Acknowledgment for Billy Neisman**
  - **Summary:** Acknowledging Billy Neisman for 15 years of service as Animal Control Officer, despite being home with an illness.
  - **Attribution:** Manager Boyer
  - **Evidence:** “Tonight we'd also like to acknowledge and celebrate Billy Neisman. He's been with the city for 15 years. He is actually home with an illness. However, we thank him for his service as our Animal Control Officer.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [14:10](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=850s)

- **Service Acknowledgment for Doug Hill**
  - **Summary:** Recognizing Doug Hill for 15 years of outstanding job in the department.
  - **Evidence:** “Deputy Chief Davis. I would just recognize Doug Hill as well. And he's been with the department for 15 years and does an outstanding job. Thank you.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [14:33](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=873s)

## Follow-ups

- **Approval of Fiscal Year 2024 Reappropriation Ordinance**
  - **Summary:** Staff requested council move the approval of the ordinance to the next meeting on the 16th.
  - **Attribution:** staff
  - **Evidence:** “So staff is requesting council move this to the next council meeting on the 16th for approval.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [01:42:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=6134s)

- **Smoke alarm installation availability**
  - **Summary:** Staff confirmed they can install free working smoke detectors upon request, even if finances are tight.
  - **Attribution:** Alderman Shadle
  - **Evidence:** “Alderman Shadle. I just would like to add on to Chief Miller's that if finances are tight we still install fire smoke alarms? Yes we do. Call Central Station and our staff will reach out to you and make an appointment to come in and install free working smoke detectors.”
  - **Source timestamp:** [02:22:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMo5tsZlaMk&t=8578s)