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 decently and in order with mutual respect for each one here.
May all speak with kindness and follow your word in Proverbs 15.1 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 let 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 Mayor Miller, Alderpersons, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers Would you please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Shadle.
Number one is approval of the agenda however we will be removing item 16 and 17.16 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 date later date.
Is there approval of the agenda?
So moved.
Second.
The motion made by Alderman Sellers seconded by Alderman Shadle.
All those in favor We have seven to one.
Item 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.
All those in favor signify by saying aye.
Aye.
Opposed?
That motion passes.
Public comments.
We have two signed in.
Ashley Heilman.
I am here this evening to speak with no opposition to the changes presented this evening for agenda item number eight.
As we are aware, there was a lot of discussion on this topic last round.
My hope is that you all see that these increases, If this 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 One ask again is to please make sure that this is communicated with all maybe possibly even putting it in the Hicks, and the newsletter that comes out in the water bills.
Thank you.
And Neely Erickson.
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 1300,000 members of the Northwest Illinois Alliance of Real Tours, and we appreciate the City's ongoing efforts to refine the Property Rental Registration Program 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 to property owners who neglect their responsibilities while being mindful of the tenants who may ultimately bear these costs.
Excessive fees could unintentionally lead to displacement if property owners are unable to register their properties and 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' housing stability, creating a significant risk of displacement if property owners are unable to pay and comply with the registration requirements.
As we stated before, 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 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, as for example, and to minimize unintended consequences for compliant housing providers and tenants alike.
Thank you again for this opportunity to provide comments and for your dedication to addressing this important issue.
We look forward to continuing to work together on initiatives that support our community's and Governor.
Thank you.
We can move on to Item Number 4 which is the Consent Agenda.
The Consent Agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless there's a council that 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 We have a motion made by Alderman.
Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
Aye.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
Aye.
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
Aye.
And Stacy?
Aye.
The motion passes 8 to 0.
Item number 5 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 Rosenstein.
Hey, good evening.
I'm Devin Truckenmiller.
I'm a Corporal, Freeport Police Department.
I currently act as the Union President for our Freeport Fraternal Order of Police Union.
With me is Detective Nick Rosenstein.
He's the Secretary for the Union, and he's going to speak.
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.
The impact this contract will have is immense.
All of your support of the PD has always been felt, but it's even more apparent now.
Each of you reside in different areas of the city.
We are sure you all view the community and the issues it faces differently.
We hope that you see that officers with the Freeport Police Department take pride in the way we interact and deal with these issues in the City.
We believe with the recent vote to pass this new contract, you all know and understand these difficulties officers face every day in the City of Freeport.
The contract gives us faith that we will continue to perform our jobs at the highest level with integrity and professionalism.
We recognize the City has committed to a substantial obligation to us and we plan to do everything it takes to ensure that it doesn't go unnoticed.
We understand the positions that you all are in are not easy and should also be recognized for making the City of Freeport a great place.
For this, we thank you all.
And he's not here today but we just also wanted to give thanks to Chief Shenberger since he's taken over a year and a half ago morale at the PD has never been as high as it is right now we are getting new officers to apply and this contract will definitely help to retain those new officers as you all know over the past few years we've been directly affected by the political environment has been a battle every day to get the officers we need to effectively do our jobs and serve this community to the best of our abilities we need good officers and we need them to stay.
This contract and your support will keep people here no doubt.
This goes beyond that too.
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.
We have a family-friendly atmosphere that people are proud to call home.
We have officers that truly care about their fellow officers and care about this community.
This is because of the leadership and the tone Chief Shenberger has set for this department.
We think this also shows by the work this department has done for the community over the past year and a half.
We are very happy this has not been unnoticed by you all.
Thank you all for this contract and we will continue to provide the best services to this community.
Thank you.
Thank you gentlemen.
Item number six are appointments and reappointments.
Could you please read these for the record?
Appointment of Anthony Huffins to the Planning Commission effective immediately through October 31st, 2028.
Acceptance of an appointment of Jabriah Pearson as Deputy City Clerk Acceptance of designations for Open Meetings Act Officers, including myself, Jabriah 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, Hillary, 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.
Is there a motion to approve?
So moved.
Second.
All right.
We'll take that as the first by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers.
Discussion?
Clerk.
Please take the roll.
Is a voice vote okay when it's not monetary?
Okay, all those in favor?
Aye.
Opposed?
No. Was there one no?
I didn't catch that.
Okay, so it's seven to one.
Item number seven is recognition of service awards.
Director 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 to move to the Water and Sewer Billing Department as a customer service representative.
Gladys has exceptional dedication to providing outstanding customer service.
Her consistent ability to go above and beyond coupled with her positive attitude and genuine empathy truly sets her apart.
Gladys consistently resolves issues with patience and professionalism, leaving our customers feeling valued and heard.
I would like to recognize Gladys' hard work and dedication today.
She is a true team player.
I am very appreciative of all of her work in the water sewer billing department.
Thank you.
She is a pleasure to work with and always has an upbeat smile on her face and a happy greeting for you.
Congratulations Gladys and thank you for being with us for 25 years.
Manager, Boyer, thank your honor 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 with an illness.
However, we thank him for his services or animal control officer.
He does a fantastic job.
Thank you very much, Billy.
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.
And then Chief Miller.
Yes, thank you Mayor Miller.
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.
December 15th, 2014.
He holds a Bachelor 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 Apparance Engineer, and is a Hazardous Materials First Responder in 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.
He's here with his wife Michelle and their children this evening, so it's my pleasure to introduce and congratulate you for 10 years of service.
Thank you.
And he also understands he wanted to make a speech for tonight as well, so.
We'll move on to Item 8, which is the second reading of Ordinance 2024-62.
Would you please read this?
Ordinance revising registration deadline and increasing landlord registry penalty.
Manager Boyer.
Thank you, Your Honor.
I'm going to go ahead and hand this off to Director Duckman as he has revised the last or included all the last changes into this recent memo.
Thank you, Manager Boyer.
So as stated last in the last reading of this ordinance, a couple key notes here to remember and to highlight.
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, 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 is filed 30 days or less after the due date, it's $100 a unit with a $1,500 per property maximum.
If the application is 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 $500 per unit with a $6,000 property maximum.
And with that being said, staff is recommending approval of the ordinance.
Thank you.
Any further discussion?
Alderman Stacey?
Anything change from the first time nothing has changed on this since it was presented in the reading of the ordinance the first reading not nothing has changed Oh Alderman shape of South Sanders I'm sorry a lot of s's over there Director, Duckman.
Anything in the wording changed as far as registration applications Operations, 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?
The ordinance has not changed since it was presented the last time and this is for landlords to register their property not for tenants okay is there anyone else before I move on to Alderman Stacey Alderman Monroe thank you mayor mill Miller question for director Duckman to date we still have not enforced any of of the Laws, or ordinances that have been on the books.
What is different here?
Well, I think in the specific ordinance itself, as it is written, there is not anything stating, hey, this is how we are going to enforce it better.
But in the memo, I talk about how we now implemented a new software where we have identified what properties are actually rentals.
We didn't have that ability before, or we didn't have it in a way that was efficient and Stacey.
Do you have 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.
Anyone else for a first time?
Is there any further discussion?
Oh, Ms. Stacy?
Okay, we keep saying that there's going to be a letter meltdown.
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.
Approved by your staff.
No, I mean when I send out the letter it's going to state here's the fines that are your subject to and if I don't have the fines approved by council like you know I don't want to send that misinformation.
So the letter will come back to the council?
No, this what's before?
I think what Director Duckman saying when this ordinance is approved then they hope to get the Let her out within two weeks.
Okay, thank you.
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle.
Aye.
Sanders.
Aye.
Sellers.
Aye.
Klemm.
Aye.
Monroe.
Aye.
Simmons.
Aye.
Parker.
Aye.
And and Stacy.
Aye.
The ordinance passes eight to zero.
Move on to item number nine which is the second reading of ordinance 2024-63.
Could you please read this?
Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriation Ordinance.
Manager Boyer.
Thank you, Your Honor.
We began the budgeting process September 3rd of 2024.
We've gone through many public input sessions and many Council, Finance, Committee of the Wholes.
Before you is the 2025 Appropriation Ordinance and staff recommends City Council move forward and pass the ordinance.
Thank you.
Further discussion?
Council?
And Clerk, please take the, oh, I'm sorry, Alderman Monroe.
Thank you Mayor and Miller.
You know, 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.
I'm just flipping to the right page, I apologize, I thought more people would speak.
The amount of money that is being increased on, as most of us, a lot of us live within very, very tight budgets in the City of Freeport, so if you're on Social Security, you're low O'Rourke, Dan, Dan, Dan, Dan, and Eric, thank you, thank you very much.
Thank you, thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you, thank you.
And if you want to continue the conversation, please feel free to ask questions.
If you have any questions, please send them in.
Thank you very much.
Thank you, thank you.
Thank you.
And I recently went through a tax increase to help pay for improving our roads and as we continue to increase and spend, there's no method within the city for curbing the spending and controlling the spending beyond what we try to do in here and 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 $2.5 million since 2022. $2.5 Million.
We've added 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.
With Public Works.
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.
And we just ratified the police department, and I'll be the first to admit it's a very tough job.
We need more officers on the street, not necessarily paying each of them 25 percent and more within the next three years.
We have to do things smarter.
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.
None of that's been really looked at and it's not been added to the budget.
Fowler, John, and the rest of the board.
We have to do things that would replace a police officer in a sense and help us be better at looking into criminal activities.
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 and a lot of my neighbors, a lot of people that go to our neighborhood watch meetings have fixed incomes.
And Jody.
The next thing I want to do is talk about the value of the property tax.
We know we have the property tax on our hands.
There is no more fat in their budgets and if you look at your property tax bills that came out, we did.
We held our property tax flat.
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 down and we have less property for just based on the value of the appraisal of your property.
So not only have we taxed that, but in this budget and in the last couple of weeks, we've started taxing everything you want to do to improve your property, where we've generated hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue.
But this isn't a business that's based on taking as much money from each person as we are.
It's 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 it's all of us and at some point somebody's got to stand up and take a stand and say five million dollars in literally two and a half to three years about the length of term of this city manager's role since we've gone Over to the City Management form of government, we're up over $10 million a year.
We have got to start looking at this spending, and we've got to start holding people accountable.
And right now we are not doing that.
And I just found the numbers, three years, $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 so we're not only increasing our spending we're decreasing and running starting to run a deficit so that means we will have to raise taxes and I am vehemently opposed to that type of government this tax and spend behavior it cannot be tolerated in this city because it is gonna push everybody out of the city we You will have nobody left, no businesses want to stick around because they and the federal government.
No businesses want to stick around because they can't get quality people wanting to move here.
The highest taxes in the nation right here in northwest Illinois, Winnebago and Stephenson counties are bombarded with taxes from the state, from the county, from the municipality and from the federal government.
We have to do something to limit this here and Home Rule to take care of ourselves.
And right now we're not doing that.
And it's an abomination that we're going to look into that and look to pass this very, very fat-filled budget.
I yield.
Anyone else?
Alderman Stacey.
Yes.
I just have some questions and concerns here.
And 2024, 20,328.12 in real estate taxes.
However, for 2025, we budgeted zero.
Computer hardware, software, 101,750.
That was a $40,000 increase, why?
Software, $304,040.
That was $130,000.
Why?
Telephone and Communication, $203,200.
We have of a Communication Department in the miscellaneous.
We had salary, health insurance, life insurance.
Who is paid in the miscellaneous portion?
Seventy-five thousand dollars increase for electrical street lights.
Is this just the downtown area that's costing us seventy-five thousand dollars?
Area does this cover that's most of it director Richter did you I saw you were taking a few notes did you want to respond on those some of these things We're just kind of working backwards last one you had was streetlights increase of seventy five thousand I do believe that is downtown those are the only street lights we pay we pay for if I understand that right and I believe Mike Mudge told and others who have told us there would be an increase over the next year, and that's where we came up with the 75,000.
The Miss miscellaneous, the next one up you said, can you give me a number to that or where you're looking?
I looked last night.
I'm sorry.
Maybe it was 101,163 towards the end of the general section.
I'm guessing you're just looking in general section or 101,162.
I don't know.
Are you saying that there's no salary and health insurance and life insurance in the miscellaneous columns?
I'm not sure what you mean by miscellaneous.
There's an MIS.
Okay, so there is 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 Kurt'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.
Salary and benefits in that area would be for Director Sutman and his deputy in that department.
There's only two of them in that department, which would have wages and benefits.
But you did mention hardware and software and telephone and those amounts look like I think they all come, 203, yeah, that one, that one, hardware, software, those are also in IT department and along with telephone, all of our telephone bills go through Kurt and so he has all of of the telephone expenses for the general, all the departments of the general fund.
And was your question is why the increases?
Yes.
I can, I don't know if Kurt wants to respond, but Kurt is very detailed with his budgets and keeps line item by line item of what software, what hardware he needs to purchase.
Maybe I can ask him to elaborate a little bit more.
Yeah, so for the computer hardware, a lot of the increases.
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.
And the city of Maryland.
The city of Maryland is up a little bit because we added, tonight I'm presenting for a host server for the PD.
It's at the end of its useful life.
Next year the city is going to have the same situation.
So it's up a little bit along with some, I Schottspatter from PD, so I think we're doubling that next year, so that's another $50,000.
There's additional things in our financial software, as well as software other departments have wanted and requested, and that's a large amount of the increase.
The Schott's fire, can you tell me how much of an increase that has been?
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 $100,000.
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.
But I thought the $50,000 was the shots fired.
It is.
We're doubling the coverage, I believe.
So it costs twice as much for twice as much equipment.
Alderman Sanders.
Yes, are these items, well particularly for your department, are they line items, receipts, or any other department that has a budget, are they line items that we can, that we can tangibly, visibly see them.
My worksheet here that has everything we're gonna 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 are all about, 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 and others.
At this moment, and that's what I want to look at.
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?
I'm talking to Mr. Richter or whatever your name is.
I have given you the line item budgets as have been presented.
I mean, there's some, not all line items go into detail.
Are they summarized?
Are you summarizing the line items that you're demonstrating when you say you present them?
Are you demonstrating summaries of those line items?
Adams, I want the line items in detail, if that's possible, but what we're receiving is line items of summaries, and it doesn't give us a visual look at what's costing, being what's the cost of any items that we're looking at, specifically.
I want to know what this hardware software costs specifically and who are we purchasing from and things of this nature.
Are they the only ones out there on the market that is 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.
So That's what I'm, that's what I'm trying to get at, you know, I'm trying to be more specific in detail with what we, what we're represent, what we're being presented is not that, okay, and, and I'd like to know if all departments are under that same type of umbrella summaries of line items, if that's what we're working with, then we need to have more disclosure on all of those things that we're making purchases on.
Sito, Attorney Sito.
And so I'm going to take a crack at trying to answer that or address that.
And if I misspeak, Michelle or Rob, feel free to interject.
So this is the budget, right?
So this is what you guys are, as a council, are considering setting as how much do we 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.
So while you might say, you know, with your home budget, right, I, you know, you may know You know that you might need a new furnace coming up, and you say, well, I'm going to budget, you know, I've done a little bit of research, looked around at Home Depot, whatever, and you know, a furnace might cost me $3,000.
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?
You know, might I find the sale?
But you know, it's going to be about $3,000, so you're budgeting $3,000.
So I think that's what they've done here.
Byer, 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 brand right now, maybe not.
Some things they might know right now, but other things they might not, but 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 for weapons or uniforms or whatever it is, fire department, same thing there.
So I don't know if they can give you a line item of every single vendor, because they don't know every vendor as of right now, I don't think, so.
Attorney Zito.
Well, actually, before you speak a second time, is there anyone on the first round?
Well, I was still on my first time with this gentleman before something else took off.
And so Larry took the floor then so I was responding to Attorney Zito because I originally had the question I understand okay so can before I give you the floor can I just see if there's anyone else that wants to speak for a first time okay Alderman Stacey go ahead I understand that we increase the area I understand and that.
When it's presented to the council, it says how much it's going to 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 going to take on more area.
It's going to cost this monthly.
But in the long run, we're going We're going to have to budget $50,000 more to cover it.
It was always in the budget for 2025.
We didn't break out that part of it, but I've got 20 items like that for every department.
I understand that.
Madam Clerk, did you want to add to that?
Clerk.
I believe that was approved by Council, wasn't it?
Yeah, the expansion of the area that that went through Council.
So we're just supposed to know that it's going to be also an additional $50,000 added to that?
That was all presented at the time it was agreed upon.
Darren?
Just the point of 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 we'll go out and get quotes and then that comes back in the form of a ordinance or resolution or whatever it may be to approve that spending and that's your that's your chance to deny How many times do we budget for something and it's approved and then we don't even get it, like the dump trucks?
Right now, we can't even get a double-cruck unless we go through a state bid, so we've been locked out of getting trucks for two years, and the prices are significantly higher right now because of the shortage of demand, so if we ordered a truck right now, it'd be just like the fire truck.
We probably wouldn't get it for three years.
But now we don't even have the budget for it.
Priorities change as all these budget items go.
These are just projections based on council's directions or department heads strategic goals that are set by the council on the direction that we're supposed to move each department.
We asked that that money be put on the vape truck.
The vector truck?
The vape truck and I don't even recall that being brought back to us with how it was going to be done.
Just done, because I said- I recall, and 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 were supposed to get money back from the bank about- We did.
The bank, the lending company paid for the Vactor truck.
All right.
Okay, Alderman Klemm, I think I saw your We had a dissertation about how we're spending so much money.
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 that authorized a $20 million loan for retirement.
Keep in mind, a million years ago, you were on the Council.
Years ago when I went on to consult, regular taxes paid for retirements.
Now we pay four point something million dollars a year.
I used to lay awake at nights and think about this, how we're ever going to pay for it.
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.
There are three currently in field training right now.
There are four that are going to be graduating from the academy soon, and hopefully the other four will be swearing in yet this month, correct?
Correct, which will bring us back up to the 49 that we had when I left the consul four years ago.
And that's a total of 11 just in the last few months.
So, any other one for their first time yet?
And if anyone would like their second time, Alderman, Stacy, I know you've already had your second.
I'd have to have approval in order for you to keep going.
Alderman Sanders?
I approve.
Are you making a motion?
No, I said, yeah, well, yeah, I approve.
So you're approving that Alderman Stacy can continue discussion past her two times.
Is there a second to that?
Yeah, second.
Okay, we have a first and a second.
How do I?
Yes, it's a unanimous vote.
By ordinance, it's a unanimous vote.
Madam Clerk, could you please take the role on allowing a third time for speaking?
Shadle?
Yes.
Sanders?
Yes.
Sellers?
Yes.
Klemm?
Yes.
Monroe?
Yes.
Simmons?
Yes.
Parker?
No.
And Stacy?
Yes.
Motion fails.
Alright, then if there's anyone else wishing to speak for the first or second time.
Motion failed by one no.
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 roll.
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.
Do you want to speak again?
Well, I had a question in regards to.
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.
Okay.
Is there a second?
I'll second.
Did we go around the table again?
To approve your third time, 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.
I just make tally marks.
If I'm wrong, then I apologize.
I've got you written down twice that you've spoken.
Well, you shouldn't have, because I was on the computer thing.
I was talking about the computer.
Madam Clerk, could you please take the role in allowing, I'm just trying to follow the ordinance, Alderman Sanders.
An ordinance we haven't followed ever.
For a decade, Shadle, Sanders, this is a vote on Sanders having the third time to speak on a topic, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Excuse me?
It's already failed.
That's what she said.
It's irrelevant.
He said no, it failed.
So you abstain?
Aye.
Motion fails, 7 to 1.
Any further discussion?
You can't say nothing.
No, further discussion by those that have not spoken already.
If you can't ask any questions, just vote no.
Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
No.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
No.
Simmons?
No.
Parker?
Aye.
Stacy?
No.
What do we need what percentage do we need on this just simple majority mayor what say you I the motion passes actually the ordinance passes five to four 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 and Mr. 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.
D. A. V.
For our tax district has increased by $15,102,367 or 5.61% over the last year.
Based on this information, the city's levy for 2024 at, I'm sorry, would be $2,977,400, an increase of $144,000.
A house valued at $100 would see no increase in the city's portion of the 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.
Staff request City Council to move this ordinance or approve this ordinance.
Madam Mayor.
Thank you.
Can we get the correct numbers read into the record please?
Where was it wrong?
Did I say something wrong?
No. City Manager did.
Mounts are $140,400 and $100,000.
Not a hundred and not a hundred and forty-four.
Have you got that?
Are you okay with that, Madam Clerk?
I have it in the memo.
Discussion on the on the tax levy ordinance.
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
No.
Simmons?
No.
Parker?
Aye.
Stacy?
No.
I have a vote of 5 to 3.
Is that sufficient, Attorney Zito?
And that ordinance passes.
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.
The City Council adopts a separate levy for library operations each year.
The Council also tries to maintain the same tax rate year after year.
We have received the estimated 2024 equalized assessed value from the county.
The AV has increased by $15,102,367 over the last year.
Based on this information, the library's levy for 2024 paid in 25 will be $1,062,000.
The library will see an overall increase of $50,500 in their levy.
The library reduced their request for Medicare liability insurance, unemployment, Illinois municipal retirement fund last year in order to spend down prior reserves in this area.
At this time, we informed council that these rates would need to increase when the funds were exhausted.
This year we need to increase those levels to cover the actual expenses for 2025 and a house valued at $100,000 would see a slight increase in the library portion of the tax bill.
I'm sorry, a slight decrease.
I apologize.
Thank you for staying corrected.
Staff request, City Council move this ordinance forward and approve this levy ordinance.
Discussion Council, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
Aye.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
Aye.
Simmons?
Parker?
Aye.
Parker, aye, and Stacy, aye.
The ordinance passes 8 to 0.
And item number 12, Madam Clerk, could you please read all of those ordinances?
We have a motion to abate all real estate tax levies for repayment of general obligation bonds as follows.
Ordinance 2024-65 to abate the 2024 real estate tax levy for the repayment of the Ordinance 2024-72 to abate the 2024 Real Estate Tax Levy for the repayment of the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021.
And Ordinance 2024-73 to abate the 2024 Real Estate Tax Levy for the repayment of the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022.
Manager Boyer.
Thank you, your honor.
Each year we bring this before council.
These are bonds that are serviced by local city funds and do not require an increase in property taxes to pay for.
And city staff recommends moving forward with 2024-65 bond abatements.
Discussion.
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle.
Aye.
Sanders.
Aye.
Sellers.
Aye.
Klemm.
Aye.
Monroe.
Aye.
Simmons.
Aye.
Parker.
Aye.
And Stacy.
Aye.
All of the ordinances pass 8 to 0.
Item number 13 is the second reading of Ordinance 20-24-77.
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.
Director Duckman.
Thank you Madam Mayor.
Do a little recap here from the first reading.
Nothing has changed from the proposed ordinance here.
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 which it would go from 16 to 17 and the 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 and staff recommends approval of this ordinance.
Discussion?
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.
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 LGCY 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.
B. 20.
Thank you.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
Take a little time here to kind of go through this.
And I also have it up on the projector.
So if I need it need to, yeah, we're gonna dim the lights.
But if there's any questions on the actual location of this solar array, I want to go over a couple things here.
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 anytime you have a residential property, if you see the blue rectangle, in the backyard, rear yard of the property.
Anytime 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 ultimately for your vote.
So to do a little recap here of what was read in our first reading, we had a ZBA hearing on November 7, and that was recommended for approval and John.
We also had a planning commission.
It was reviewed at the planning commission and it was not recommended for approval.
The vote there was three yeas, four nays, and zero abstentions.
With that in mind, one of the key factors that was discussed at the and the last reading but also at the Planning Commission who voted against it was the discussion of, you know, this is just one of the factors was neighbor, you know, how this would affect the neighbors and staff went through even before the Zoning Board of Appeals talked to several local real estate agents and there's conflicting opinions on how this would affect the neighbors.
So that was the main contention in presenting this special use permit.
I also will say that at the hearing in the Zoning Board of Appeals, there were no complaints or negative statements from neighbors regarding this.
So that's the facts that have been presented and now it's before you for decision.
Discussion?
Alderman Sanders?
Discussion, Alderman, Sanders, Director, Duckman, the Planning Commission voted it down to be gently about it, am I correct?
Yes, they did not, they voted, I guess that's one way to put it, yes.
How was the discretionary reason why they felt that it was not a good move because of the fact that it raised questions within the neighborhood?
I think the Planning Commission looks at the special uses in light of our comprehensive plan which talks about how does the city view development moving forward in the future.
And one of the main, the idea there was it's a residential property.
They know where it's located and there was some strong conversation about, you know, property rights essentially versus, you know, how does this affect the overall development in our residential neighborhoods?
And another way to look at it is how does this affect my neighbors?
Property values, the enjoyment of their property, et cetera.
So there was good conversation there and that's ultimately, you know, that's how it was.
I would say there was other factors but I would say that was a big dividing point on 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.
If you look up there, you can see it's in the backyard, rear yard, so I wouldn't say interference.
So the overall disagreement within the planning commission was based on what, specifically?
I think development, I think it's unattractive, I think it's not something a neighbor should have to look at, the glare off of a solar panel or, you know, it's too obtrusive to the, you know, enjoyment of their property and that's the one person says, I think it affects how the neighbors enjoy their property, it could affect their property values and that's something that one side said and the other side said, no, it's your property, you have a right to do that because I own the property, I should have a right to reap the benefits of, you know, 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.
Hickman.
I'm saying it's a question of what cause interference or inappropriate things that can be obtrusive to the neighbors and so on and so on, a nuisance, I would say, become a nuisance to the neighbors.
» I mean, you are the truth, Alderperson Sanders here.
You're the final word.
The Planning Commission presented their opinion.
» Okay.
Planned Commission had their opinion, and now this is your decision.
Right.
True.
Okay.
Thank you.
Alderman Sellers.
Yes.
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.
I mean, you could potentially propose that and have it voted on.
That's allowed in the ordinance.
Okay.
Alderman Klemm?
Yeah.
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.
Right.
And this here, if you take a look at your neighbors and you walk out in your back porch, the first thing you're going to see is 10 foot of solar.
You are correct, yes.
Right, per that map, yes, in the backyard.
Thank you.
So I think we discussed this at the last meeting, but just want to provide a little clarity.
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 is big enough, if the property is big Big enough if it's obtrusive to the people that surround this particular property.
Alderman Monroe.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
I'd 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 want to 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.
It was even 8 foot that we had a problem with.
And you know quite honestly you couldn't put a fence that would block the eyesight of the homes behind and beside so you know this this question really boils down to do we want solar panels on the ground of all or any of the lawns in our community because if we say yes to this we move forward and say yes to all essentially otherwise you know we run into to a problem and, you know, quite honestly, you know, when you talk about those 8-foot panels on a fence, the answer becomes very clear if we've got a problem with that.
Is there anyone that wants to speak for first time?
Alderman Shadle, did you have, no?
Alderman Sellers, you want to speak for second time?
Yes, I do think that it would be an eyesore to even have like in my backyard because I I like my privacy.
Is there a reason why they didn't want to put it on their roof?
Was there a reason why that they picked the land instead of their roof?
They didn't state it.
They did not state the reason why.
I know that some people do it for cost, and I know there's also plenty of people will state that there's issues with their warranties on roof shingles.
As soon as you start putting fasteners, screws, into a roof with shingles, you're going to void warranties.
So those are just reasons why the person is attempting to get this passed.
Alderman Stacey.
So did I understand you to say that the surrounding neighbors don't have a problem with it?
So when you do a special use permit, so on November 7 hearing, there was 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 him 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 so I don't understand what the big debate is if the neighbors aren't complaining, what right do we have to complain about somebody putting something on their own property, in their own backyard?
Any further discussion?
If I see none, then Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?
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 that's my Klemm?
No.
Monroe?
No.
Simmons?
No.
Parker?
No.
And Stacy?
Yes.
The motion does fail.
One, two, six.
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 Thank you, Madam Mayor.
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 in my, the red dot here.
And then this is the graphic representation here.
And then this is 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 this it was actually happening here and there were discussions with Sindio 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 and the rest of the staff.
And then we had a meeting with the Office of the Special Use Permit.
They were going to be asking us if we could get a special use permit because we were going to be using the special use permit to get a special use permit that would require for the special use permit.
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 Fowler, and others.
Is recommending approval of this ordinance.
Discussion?
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.
I don't know what that is.
I mean, are they long poles or are they?
Oh, it's like a.
And Stacey.
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.
But you said they decided against that.
No, I told them that I gave them the requirements that we would need and they said, okay, we're We're not going to do it and then come to find out, come to find, well what they did was is they didn't put up the house, they put up this smaller cabinet here because again what they claimed is they said well we didn't put a house up here so I thought we could just do this and when I came to them I said no you can't just do this, you need to get permits, you need to go through the process and so ultimately as I said in the first reading if this isn't approved then I have to work with Attorney Zito on a plan to ask them to to remove it through a court process.
Any other comments for Alderman Simmons?
I would say that was a compromise, yes.
No other first one.
I will move on to Alderman Sellers.
Yes, I'd 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, you knew you were supposed to 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?
When they get their building permit, it'll be twice.
So if it's a $100 permit, if you You are doing it after the fact.
It's a double the permit fee.
So it's a hundred.
It would be two hundred.
Okay.
Alderman Sanders?
As it stands now, what is the corrections that are being made?
Well, as I presented, when anytime somebody does something wrong in the property code, you always have to give them an opportunity to right their wrong.
You know, so this is their opportunity to right their wrong is to go through the process and submit and I.
I stated it in the first reading and I'll state it again, certainly 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.
So I mean that's what's before you today is do we, does the City accept their special Marshall, Use Permanent Application, or is it so egregious that this needs to be immediately remediated and then we go through a legal process to remove it?
Okay.
Alderman Stacey?
Monroe, did you?
I feel that we're setting a presidency here and if we allow 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 want to well then Alderman Parker had his hand up for me.
Well my understanding is they did it without knowing what the ordinance said.
That was more of an ignorant thing on their part.
It wasn't intentionally violating the ordinance.
That's a good, I guess that's one way to look at it.
We had lengthy conversations with them about a much more substantial development and I think that they claim to not have known.
I mean in my opinion they should have known and when I reached out to them I album, and Tom, David, and T vibrato, County, it is the value for residential has diminished.
Thank you, Madam Mayor.
You know, kind of following up on that, you know, 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.
I think just about Anywhere else in the city, you could probably get away from this being a really bad decision, but you know, sitting here across from the school in a great, you know, a pretty good neighborhood, I think that's a pretty big mistake, so unfortunately.
Anybody else?
The only problem is, Alderman, Stacy, you've already spoke twice.
Director Duckman, what kind of utility is this and will citizens lose some kind of service if it's removed?
It's for a fiber optic expansion that they have.
I'll actually ask Director Sutman who knows a little bit more about what they're proposing there.
And Mayor.
This process started with Cyndio Networks, Arrow, and they kind of talked to us about what this fiber optic expansion would look like in the city.
So, Director, 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.
Mayer, 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.
That is correct.
That's one of the things that they have been told to us, but I've heard, I've heard some, you are 100% correct and I agree with you, but I've heard some varying, you know, they could, could they have gone Fowler.
This is connected to the ETSB, but they obviously could have engineered something else.
But you are correct.
From what they're stating is that this is going to be a backup for the ETSB.
Alderman Sanders.
So this also comes 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 and I don't know what the extent of it is but according to what the deputy is talking about, I would totally agree with with the fact that backup routing would be a necessity thing for us to look at.
And DePriest, and I'm going to be the first to look at it.
I would come to the conclusion that if we don't have the service in place, then we might bite the bullet in the case like that.
Um, 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.
So from that standpoint, the City Council, 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 going to make you rip it out.
Okay.
So we, we, let's say they, we turn it down and we make them rip out the box.
They can turn around again and say, okay, the Fox 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 zoning 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 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 can't just 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 to why that's does not appropriate here and if there is one there is one but if there's not there's not you know so okay Alderman Klemm, Madam Mayor just a thought this is one of those things you and others in the city, and you're going to see a lot of different folks come to me for this.
And, you know, everyone is going to be a part of it.
So, yeah, I think the kind of label is a bad deal.
One other option would to be lay this over to another meeting and find out what their options are that they can do.
Is that correct?
They want to go here, right?
I mean, they're basically saying, our most effective, our most efficient, they want to be here.
That's why they bought the property.
That's why they went ahead and built it.
So they're going to come back no matter and say, we want to be here.
And essentially, if the council wants to battle them, which, you know, has been presented to you, you know, battle them and make them rip it out and then go to Plan B, you know, or go back around, as Attorney Zito said and said, present it to us.
I mean, certainly, it can be, I'll have to defer to Attorney Zito to check, I know there's a time frame on 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 if we do delay it, it shouldn't be delayed long, or stay within our ordinance, because essentially that's.
What could 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 time frame from when it passes ZBA to where counsel has to take action on it.
So we are, the counsel is required to make some action on it, at least that's my recollection of a special use.
Alderman Klemm.
Can I just do a follow-up is all I want to do.
One of the examples is the same thing, okay, in front of what used to be Hartog and Reedy's property on Berchard as you go around the curve.
I believe the telephone company or one of the companies put an above-ground thing in there, and there was great opposition from them to it, and they turned around and put the same thing in underground, okay.
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 Down for a vote you know you're looking at it saying and attorney Zito said it eloquently and correctly that they're gonna end up going through this process no matter what because this is what they want to do but there's also the other side of the argument you could take and say you know if we don't enforce our rules you know what are they there for so you're really kind of looking at it as do you want to help this along because you know that if they tear it out they're eventually gonna go through this process and argue us saying hey I 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 so it's really a decision that you know has been put to council it is a tough decision but I could see you know I could see how you would go either way.
Darin.
So based on my experience with the internet companies they they can build this type of vault below ground it's just significantly more expensive than above grade so and they prefer above grade because it's easier to service than it is below grade but it can be put below grade.
Shadle, Parker, and Simmons if either one of you three have any more comments Alderman Parker.
I just want to state that if it's emergency backup for our 9-1-1 system or ETSB, I think we'd be making a 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 foolish especially if it's an emergency and somebody gets hurt or killed so my opinion I think we need to approve it.
Shadle or Simmons?
Okay, well then everyone else has had their second time.
Are we ready to take a vote?
Yeah, he's still looking.
Is the floor still open for questions?
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 implemented.
Since we're waiting, I'll make a motion to give Ms. 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.
Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?
Second.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
Aye.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
Aye.
Simmons?
Yes.
Parker?
I want to hear it, yes.
And Stacy?
Motion passes unanimously.
I'm afraid to even ask the question after Parker got done speaking, but here's the one thing that I wanted to know.
As opposed which ever 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 or things of this nature with ordinance that have been violated.
Any time an ordinance has been violated, there should be a repercussion for those kinds of things and that a fine should be added to any ordinance that has been violated.
Now, if I'm incorrect about that, even with this particular situation, as opposed to just being passive with it and the Council is looking forward to, because of the situation that it has with the fiber optics.
I think they should incur some kind of a fine or some kind of repercussion as opposed of just handing it over to them to let them know further on in the other violation that goes for any ordinances that you will be subject to paying a fine for that.
Duckman already addressed that and he said it would the permit would go from a hundred dollars to two hundred dollars so there's a hundred dollar increase.
Darren?
Can the council make a motion to increase the penalty for non-compliance?
Not possible.
If that's set by ordinance then you would need an ordinance to change an Ordinance.
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 Yes, so this, if the ZBA hearing was not heard, the ZBA hearing was not heard, so the ZBA hearing was not heard.
So this, if the ZBA hearing was November 7th, it would have been mid-October, so we're looking at mid-October.
It's close.
Mid-December.
Mid-December, it's right there.
I was right, it was 60 days.
So it's 60 days from the posted notice, not the actual hearing date, but the posted notice.
Yep.
And that's posted notice of the hearing?
So like when the sign went up on the property and all of that?
And all of that.
We would go, yes.
And that would also, yes.
And we have evidence of the.
Newspaper publication.
It's a newspaper publication.
Newspaper.
OK, I think we're ready for a vote.
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
Aye.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
No.
Simmons?
No.
Parker?
Aye.
Stacy?
No.
I have 5 in the positive, 3 in the negative.
Is that sufficient?
And the ordinance passes.
Item number 18 is the first reading of Ordinance 2024-83.
Could you please read this?
Fiscal Year 2024 Reappropriation Ordinance.
Manager Boyer.
Thank you, Your Honor.
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.
Just hitting a few highlights, we had some additional revenue and right-of-way permits that we did not originally account for, so we received a little bit 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 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 a 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.
In addition, we did pretty well with the water fund and the sewer fund this year.
Both are in fair condition.
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.
Second.
A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.
Discussion on the ordinance.
We'll move on to item number 19 which is the first ring of ordinance 2024-84.
Could you please read Ordinance Approving Four Airport Farm Leases with Melvin Abels, Mike Wickman, Jeff Haggeman, and Pamela Mannes Trust Manager, Boyer, I think Your Honor, staff has been working very hard to get these farm leases squared away around the airport.
We have received signed Leases from the aforementioned property or rental participants and staff recommends approval of the farmland or moving this forward to a second reading.
Is there a motion to move forward?
So moved.
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.
Discussion.
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 and the names or because there were there were four different pieces of property there that were listed on on the map that was shown.
Manager, did you want that or Darren?
The last one that we approved were the Kempels, which they have a small section of property, and then we also the Julius's, which they both had some small pieces north.
These are the rest of the pieces, so this accounts for all the property that's left.
We, this will have, if you approve this tonight, every parcel will have a three-year agreement.
We've also include, included a leaf disposal at our discretion on these properties, so we could actually spread leaves in the fall or in the spring on these properties to try to help offset some costs.
So we, we've put a lot of time and a lot of effort into getting it to this, This piece, but this should clean this up and every parcel should be paid with a three year contract.
Perfect, thank you, you can answer my question.
Manager Boyer.
And if it suits counsel, suspension of the rules would be appreciated.
Alderman Shadle.
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 Rhoad for suspension of the rules.
Suspension of the rules is non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds.
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.
So now before you, Council, it would be for the final passage of this ordinance.
Is there further discussion?
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons is still absent, Parker, and Stacy.
The ordinance passes seven to zero.
Madam Mayor, I missed the original motion and second for the ordinance.
The original moving forward would have been Sellers and Shadle.
The suspension was Shadle and Monroe.
Thank you.
Okay, so we'll move on to item number 20, which is the adoption of Resolution 2024-125.
Could you please read this?
Resolution approving agreement with Synegro for disposal of biosolids.
Manager Boyer.
Thank you, Your Honor.
The wastewater treatment plan 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 apply 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 Cinegro.
Is there a Are there a motion to adopt?
So moved.
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Parker.
Discussion, Alderman Sanders?
Yeah, Manager Boyer.
Looking at the situation when it comes to biosolids, the things of that nature, who's all involved in making sure and the rest of the board.
I just wanted to make 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 water waves, making sure that everything is appropriate for these properties?
And others.
I just wanted to hear the whole scope of everything, how we are maintaining ourselves in compliance with EPAs and these farmers.
Sure.
I'd be happy to answer that.
So the reason we use companies like CineGrow is they have basically the administrative tracking system to keep track of what sludge was applied to what fields.
They have the relationships with the farmers and they also are tracked and they work directly with the EPA on where those locations are and how much goes down.
So that is, I guess, a little bit outside of the city's scope, if you will, but is well within regulators' scope.
So once it leaves our facility and is land applied, it then becomes Synegro and the EPA and the individual property owners process after that.
Any further discussion?
Alderman Stacy?
Okay, so this is 48.21 per cubic yard.
If we dump this into the Pecatonica River, would we be safe?
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?
Specifically.
Farmer's 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 it's not like a product a product that's just sitting on the ground if they loose spread it then it's distin if they liquid spread it which we don't do liquid and that's the first time that I've seen it being put on the market.
But they always always look for something that's more than just fresh and covered spreading.
They knife it in.
So it's not something that's running around.
This is no different than just regular cow manure or that type of fertilizer that's put on fields.
It just happens to be human waste that's put out there.
Synegro, one piece that Rob did not state is Synegro 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.
And that's all the way reported to EPA on the soil testings, how much is applied per acre.
It's all driven by formulas based on our sludge characteristics or the DNA of our final waste.
But do we know the results?
Do we stick with it through the whole process?
Yes, we get results of all that and we've always passed and Sinegrove's always done a good job for the city of Freeport, spreading, hauling, doing the paperwork, we've not had any issues with this.
And, and there's not a lot of companies that actually do this kind of biosolids waste any longer.
Please take the roll on the adoption of the resolution.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
Aye.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
No way.
Simmons?
No.
Parker?
Aye.
And Stacy?
No.
Motion passes five to three.
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.
During annual project evaluation, cure and place lining locations are identified to rehabilitate sanitary sewer piping that might have cracks and defects and I&I that's in flow and infiltration issues potentially sags.
Hicks.
Our Illinois EPA mandatory CMOM, which is the Sewer Capacity Management Plan, requires requirements specify that city addresses annual sewer rehabilitation for collection system with main line cure in place liner piping for the environmental concerns.
We've done quite a bit of that this year on our road program.
Sewer lining is considered an industry Re-Accepted Method in Sewer Main Pipe Rehabilitation and it is more economical than overcut excavation methods.
Sewer lining is over 10 times cheaper to install and the industry standard estimates that it lasts over 60 years and a sustainable, useful life after installation.
City staff request 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 wards, 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.
The City Engineer estimates the City would install between 20 and 25,000 linear feet of sewer main liner on this project if awarded.
So there is no funding for this opportunity, no funding match, and staff recommend City County Council, approve the resolution so the grant can be submitted on December 4th.
Is there a motion to adopt?
So moved.
Is there a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers?
Discussion, Alderman Sanders.
Yeah, for installations, and I know this is referring back to Darren and Director Boyer, and 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?
And then not only that, when it becomes to a problem installing to residents, reconnecting Do we have a solution?
Are we prepared to make certain repairs to accommodate the residents and is that a cost to the residents if these things are causing problems?
And not only that, is it possible some day that we can see clippings, even if they're not there, that they're not there, that they're not there, that they're not there?
If you bring them here to the council or we can go to wherever the tape machine is that we can actually see some of this stuff being installed so we can get a great visual of what is being done.
That would be something of educational and understanding to the council if we can set and so forth.
So, we're going to put up some kind of visual just to look to see how we prepare that kind of operation.
Is that possible?
Sure.
So, first of all, we do full-time inspection for cured-in-place linings, so we have teammates out there all throughout the process.
First, lines are cleaned, televised, point repairs are identified if needed.
You can line through quite a bit of stuff.
Are put in like they call it like a tube sock where you you turn it inside out and it's it's steam blown through the system it inflates inside the liner and then it adheres to the inside of the pipe I've done specifically myself a probably close to 20 miles of lining in my career which is a lot I did a project a handful of years ago here in Freeport that we did almost nine miles we haven't in my tenure had a reinstatement issue but if we would that lateral would have to be dug up the tools and the equipment that does cured in place lining has come a long way in the last 20 years it's all robotic and the way we do final inspections as we require the the all the services to be reinstated and then we do a physical closed-circuit TV camera robot that runs through the line Bines, looks in all the laterals, looks for wrinkles.
There are repair methods if there's wrinkles.
Again, lining technology has come a long ways and we haven't had near as many problems as we had 20 years ago with it or 10 years ago, excuse me, with it.
Very economical.
Again, Rob's 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 and I have $500,000 worth of lining this year and I've had no issues whatsoever and we actually have a lining project that's going on right now here at the end of the year.
It can be done in pretty much any temperatures that are not below zero.
Thank you.
And I can bring in a video if you want to see it or you can Google, it's pretty easy.
Yes, sir.
We just need a sample.
Yeah, and I've got sample sections of liners too.
Okay.
Madam Clerk, will you please take the roll on the adoption of this resolution for applying for the grant?
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
Aye.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
Aye.
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
Aye.
And Stacy?
Aye.
The resolution is adopted 8-0.
Item number 22 is the adoption of resolution 2024-128.
Could you please read this?
Authorizing the Write-Off of Uncollectible Water and Sewer Balances, Aged 7 Years and Older.
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.
By writing off these amounts yearly, we will more accurately reflect our financial position Johnson.
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.
Please note that we are able to track prior balances that have been written off in the computer system.
If future utility service is requested in the name of an account that was previously written off, we will collect prior to new service starting.
The resident is also required to pay a higher deposit on the new account if an old account balance was not paid.
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?
So moved.
Second.
Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.
Discussion on the resolution.
Alderman Sanders.
Go ahead.
Just a question in regards to percentage wise 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?
What are we looking at?
That part about when I said they have to pay a higher deposit.
How many people do we get that actually come back that left us with some, is that kind of?
We do run across it more frequently than not, but I would say maybe only one a month, if that.
But it does happen.
And I moved back into the community.
Alderman Monroe.
Madam Mayor, last year we had the same conversation and we were told that 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, what do we do to quit writing off so much money every year I understand the deceased.
I understand people going into long-term nursing care, end-of-life type situations.
But, I mean, there's management groups.
There are finance groups.
There are real estate groups.
And if you go down through this, it's almost perplexing that we can't at least attempt to, I mean, we spend close to half a million dollars a year on legal for the city.
It's in the budget for next year and yet we can't go after the people and charge them additional fees For you know getting this money back because the citizens of Freeport, you know, who are footing the bill You know, we write this off.
This is 93,000 almost dollars that comes out of funds that we could have used and You know, my question really becomes How do we know number one that the people aren't We aren't reconnecting water because we've had instances where the water was connected and some of the names that were on the list last year are still on it this year.
You know, how do we know that this isn't going on?
And number two, what are we going to change?
Because this is a fundamental change inside of our government to collect this money that's owed to the city and the citizens of Freeport.
This is a community-owned water service, and yet here we sit again, riding off almost $100,000.
Again, actually last year it was even more.
What are we going to do?
Director Richter?
I do agree with you.
I totally agree with you, Alderman Monroe.
There are some tools that have been taken out of our toolbox to get some of these funds over the past years.
We don't lien property owners for tenant bills.
We do have problems currently, and I only know the best over the last five years.
You know, I've really been involved with the water department the last five years.
And, 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, there's different things that are going on during different years, but I do agree.
I think we need to lean more.
We do send a collection.
Maybe we need to look for a different collection company that gives us better service, but and more pushes out to the customer that hasn't paid.
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.
And others.
So, we are looking for more tools in the toolbox and I would definitely be willing to get more options for us.
Well, then maybe that's the key here.
When you find something that you want to bring to council for better tools, let us know.
Definitely.
Darren.
From a public work standpoint, the dynamic shift here changed when we don't have landlord water meters anymore and we have rental water meters.
That's part of the problem.
We can't lien properties.
We can't chase people all over the state of Illinois or the Midwest chasing these properties.
When they're tied to landlords, then we have a tangible asset that we can go after or at least lien to get our money.
And that will not be a very popular statement with the landlords.
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
Oh.
Are you voting?
I don't know what the context is for the context, but I can pass.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
No.
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
Aye.
And Stacy?
No.
One, two, three, four, five.
I have five to two for the resolution to be adopted.
Good, Item number 23 is the adoption of resolution 2024129, could you please read this?
Resolution approving agreement to purchase host server for police department from CDWG.
Director Sutman.
Thank you.
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 has, beyond its useful years, 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 Licensing to run these servers.
I'd recommend approval and I'm happy to answer any questions.
Is there a motion to adopt?
So moved.
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.
Alderman Monroe, did you have something?
I do, Madam Mayor.
Thank you.
Kurt, when I look at this, I click on the link, it doesn't really show anything other than a 128 gig of memory.
Can you kind of describe what this server looks like as far as like drives and arrays and and so forth?
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 redundancy that redundancies there so if you have one drive fail you can live put a new one in so you don't crash the and 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.
So there is some processing power behind it too.
And then you've got your server licensing and then you needed client access servers, which is super boring IT stuff.
But you have to be able to have the computers have the right to connect and raises the cost too.
And and as far as future proof how long does this because there's no no information on here I notice the support says five years four hours support 60 calls I think that's supposed to say I should have included it they had a just an Excel rundown okay tails and what this comes with four hour support 24-7 so within four hours they're supposed to be on site helping us and that's for five 5 years.
So it comes with three.
So it comes with three-year and then there's a two-year extended so that pretty much gets to the meat of its this new servers Useful life, and then we kind of take it from there.
Okay.
Thank you Alderman Sanders, yeah the pricing of this who's all involved in Give an approval For For this particular hardware 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 I'll ask for them to provide us a source well quote for what we needed Does that answer your question?
No What I'm looking for, the information from the developers who's developing this software, where you're saying the state is involved, is the state involved in this particular project?
Do they have any say so in the matter is what I'm getting at.
The state's involved in determining the pricing of this, it's a main brand computer.
Computer.
Okay.
Big computer.
And the software is another big name brand.
Okay.
Are we, is this, is this particular type of software has not been put in the system for training?
Has it not, is it up for training in all of these kinds of things?
This is server software.
So you have, you know, like on your computer at home, you have the box.
Right.
And then you have Windows Jones, and then anything you run runs on top of that.
This is for the second level.
Okay.
I think I was referring to software as well.
So it's, it's that it's, it runs software but that's really low level of what this is.
This is more the hardware.
Okay.
All right.
If there's no, no, Alderman Stacey.
This is out of your control but I wish this would have come to the council before this This little ticket electronic gadget thing that's also costing the city money.
I wish something of importance like this.
Things have got to start being prioritized because you're saying they can't go without this.
Correct.
There would be security inefficiencies that would come from that.
But that little electronic ticket gadget thing could have weighed it.
That's out of your hands.
That's more of an application.
This is the infrastructure.
I understand.
But it's still more money.
Anyone else for their first time speaking?
Alderman Sanders?
Yes, again, Mr. Sutman.
The Security Apparatus for our networking system.
Who's maintaining that officially other than outside servers or clouds or whatever the case may be, if that's the tool that we're using.
Could you specify any other tools that are out there that protects our network security when it comes to making sure all servers and police departments and all of these servers are efficiently used, yeah, that's what I want to say.
Securities handled by the IT department, plus we have other vendors that we have trust in.
As far as specific items, I'd rather not really get into that because this is, everybody can Harris, to where I'd be telling bad guys what to look for, you know what I mean.
But I feel very good about our security footprint.
You're never going to be perfect.
That's how it works.
I think we're doing a good job.
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle?
Aye.
Sanders?
Aye.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Monroe?
Aye.
Simmons?
Aye.
Arker?
Aye.
Stacy?
Aye.
The resolution is adopted 8-0.
And item number 24, could you please read the approval of the bid?
A bid opening was held on November 26, 2020.
For 10 city-owned residential demolitions.
Director Duckman.
Thank you Madam Mayor.
The City of Freeport posted in the Journal Standard on November 17th for the demolition and asbestos abatement of 10 properties and it had a bid opening on November 26th at 9 in the morning.
Staff received bids from four Co. 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 it's a total amount of $105,430, and it breaks down where Alderman'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 of 121 North Wilbur.
Is there a motion to approve the bids as stated?
So moved.
Second.
A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.
Discussion on the bids.
Alderman Sanders.
Because I'm looking at the highest bid, Albert and, who's that again now, Albert and?
Son.
And others.
We have a contract that if we decide to bid, let that bid go through by council.
If they are selected, will they excavate to do recapping of those services connected or do we do it on the property or do we do it at the main or the street itself?
And Wendy, and it's inspected and it's done at the property.
Done at the property and so it's inspected, then 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 ground deterioration with water services being disconnected from these properties.
It's all proper, anytime there's a demolition, our Public Works team does inspections for water and sewer services.
Okay.
Thank you.
There's no further discussion?
Alderman Stacy?
Alder and Son, if I am not mistaken, I believe Mayor Miller, this is your family.
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 contractors on here.
It's all subcontracted for the abatement of asbestos It's all subcontracted.
Subcontracted, correct But 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 We did this is going to be 50 properties that the City of Freeport is going to demolish in 2024.
That's the most we've done in 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.
So what I notice is it kind of goes in waves.
It probably means just working in the construction industry my whole life.
I know that when a contractor is looking for work, they're going to sharpen their pencils and try to win some of these bids.
And the rest of the board.
And I think the reason why we're doing this is because we're trying to get people to come in and help us get these bids.
That's pretty common in any industry.
But I see it in the demolition industry as well.
Sometimes, Albert & Son hasn't won very many.
In the last two, I believe, they've not won any.
They come in, they bid, and they just haven't been a low bidder.
And I know when they come in in a lower bid like this, It's an excavator, and a laborer, usually.
Berr usually.
They don't I mean sad to say they don't take much I mean you see what they look like you know a lot of times it's just they get knocked you push them over and they're done.
They've been abandoned for a long time.
Alderman Sellers.
I'd just like to make a request that any of the excavators that that do the work, that we make sure that we get real grass seed down instead of weed seed.
That's all my recommendation.
Yes.
Nice grass.
Thank you.
Will do.
Thank you.
Any other first time not Alderman Sanders?
Yes.
On top of that, there's going to be a lot of empty property 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 of these other stuff to keep up the beautification of those residential neighborhoods and wherever they're located.
That is part of our requirement or is that just something part of our ordinance?
That is in our ordinance and it's the same 8 inch requirement.
When it's 8 inches, city staff goes around and mows it.
Okay.
Got you.
Thank you.
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Shadle.
Aye.
Sanders.
Aye.
Sellers.
Aye.
Klemm.
Aye.
Monroe.
Aye.
Simmons.
Parker?
Aye.
Stacy?
Aye.
The motion passes 8-0.
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 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.
Nothing from the police department.
Thank you.
IT and City Manager.
Just one thing, Your Honor.
I just wanted to point out that the wood lot on Walnut Avenue New 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 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.
Thank you.
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 gonna 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 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.
Thank you.
Okay, thank you.
Alderman Klemm?
Nothing, Your Honor.
Alderman Monroe?
Nothing, Your Honor.
Alderman Simmons?
I don't have anything.
Alderman Park?
Nothing, Your Honor.
Alderman Stacy?
A hundred dollar fine would be a slap on the hand.
Maybe they need to consider putting up the little building that you suggested that they didn't want to do.
And we'll move on to public comment.
I'm going to the tournament on Saturday at Babu.
Are you running?
No.
I'm making the basketball.
Well, good for you, Tommy.
We wish you the luck.
Stacy, you did a good job.
What's about that thing?
Jersey Mikes.
We're all excited about Jersey Mikes.
It's coming, hopefully.
Is there any other public comments this evening?
Thank you Madam Mayor and Council.
First off, thank you Alderman Sellers.
I completely agree with the fines there that we need to do something, which leads me to this here.
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 Mrs. Nelson, who have lived in their home for 22 years and contribute, who, 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 two 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?
Are there any other public comments?
Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion for adjournment.
So moved.
Second.
The motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.
All those in favor signify by saying aye.
Aye.
Have a good evening.
You go high.
Thank you sir.