WEBVTT

00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:05.200
City Manager, Mayor Jodi and Council, let us pray.

00:00:05.200 --> 00:00:14.000
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.

00:00:14.000 --> 00:00:21.600
We pray for all things to be done decently and in order with mutual respect for each one here.

00:00:21.600 --> 00:00:28.160
May all speak with kindness and follow your word in Proverbs 15.1 which says,

00:00:28.160 --> 00:00:37.680
A soft answer turns away wrath. We bind all manner of anger, cursing and ill will toward each other

00:00:37.680 --> 00:00:45.359
and lose. We release shalom, that is peace, well-being, to make something whole and be complete.

00:00:45.359 --> 00:00:52.240
we release shalom that is peace wholeness completeness with nothing missing or lacking

00:00:52.799 --> 00:00:59.039
may this be so as the business of this city is conducted tonight let all treat each other

00:00:59.039 --> 00:01:05.280
as they themselves desire to be treated and putting others put others in higher regard

00:01:05.280 --> 00:01:11.840
than themselves in jesus name amen amen thank you linda i will officially call this meeting to order

00:01:11.840 --> 00:01:29.240
Mayor Miller, Alderpersons, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers

00:01:29.239 --> 00:01:54.439
Would you please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Shadle.

00:01:54.439 --> 00:02:00.840
Number one is approval of the agenda however we will be removing item 16 and 17. 16 staff has

00:02:00.840 --> 00:02:06.319
reevaluated and not looking to move forward at this moment and item number 17 staff is working

00:02:06.319 --> 00:02:11.719
through the language and we'll come back at a date later date. Is there approval of the agenda? So

00:02:11.719 --> 00:02:19.240
moved. Second. The motion made by Alderman Sellers seconded by Alderman Shadle. All those in favor

00:02:19.240 --> 00:02:31.680
We have seven to one. Item number two is the approval of the minutes from the regular meeting

00:02:31.680 --> 00:02:35.000
on November 18th, 2024. Is there a motion to approve?

00:02:35.000 --> 00:02:36.000
Second.

00:02:36.000 --> 00:02:44.900
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, second by Alderman Klemm. All those in favor signify

00:02:44.900 --> 00:02:45.900
by saying aye.

00:02:45.900 --> 00:02:46.900
Aye.

00:02:46.900 --> 00:02:47.900
Opposed?

00:02:47.900 --> 00:02:52.900
That motion passes. Public comments. We have two signed in. Ashley Heilman.

00:03:01.900 --> 00:03:07.900
Ashley Heilman. I am here this evening to speak with no opposition to the changes presented this evening for agenda item number eight.

00:03:07.900 --> 00:03:13.900
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,

00:03:13.900 --> 00:03:20.939
If this this increases the fines imposed on the owners and also puts a max on the per property per owner again

00:03:20.939 --> 00:03:25.900
Thanks to the city for allowing us to provide feedback and suggestions for the changes presented

00:03:25.980 --> 00:03:32.900
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

00:03:32.900 --> 00:03:34.900
Of communication it can only make things better

00:03:35.180 --> 00:03:41.379
One ask again is to please make sure that this is communicated with all maybe possibly even putting it in the

00:03:41.379 --> 00:03:44.259
Hicks, and the newsletter that comes out in the water bills.

00:03:44.259 --> 00:03:45.259
Thank you.

00:03:45.259 --> 00:03:46.259
Thank you.

00:03:46.259 --> 00:03:56.639
And Neely Erickson.

00:03:56.639 --> 00:04:00.139
Good evening Mayor Miller and thank you for allowing me this moment to address you and

00:04:00.139 --> 00:04:03.419
honorable council members.

00:04:03.419 --> 00:04:07.740
I am here today on behalf of the 1300,000 members of the Northwest Illinois Alliance

00:04:07.740 --> 00:04:12.580
of Real Tours, and we appreciate the City's ongoing efforts to refine the Property Rental

00:04:12.580 --> 00:04:17.860
Registration Program and the opportunity to provide input throughout this process.

00:04:17.860 --> 00:04:23.019
The proposed changes aim to improve compliance and address problem properties, which is the

00:04:23.019 --> 00:04:24.620
goal we share.

00:04:24.620 --> 00:04:28.819
As we discussed back on November 18th, we have no opposition to this ordinance.

00:04:28.819 --> 00:04:34.379
The ordinance enhances penalties, are designed to focus on problem property owners and penalize

00:04:34.379 --> 00:04:36.220
their failure to comply.

00:04:36.220 --> 00:04:41.660
The fee structure is designed to maximize the penalty to property owners who neglect their

00:04:41.660 --> 00:04:48.140
responsibilities while being mindful of the tenants who may ultimately bear these costs.

00:04:48.140 --> 00:04:53.220
Excessive fees could unintentionally lead to displacement if property owners are unable

00:04:53.220 --> 00:04:57.860
to register their properties and comply with the requirements, because according to your

00:04:57.860 --> 00:05:02.860
ordinance, rental properties must be registered to be lawfully rented.

00:05:02.860 --> 00:05:08.060
An unaffordable fee structure could jeopardize tenants' housing stability, creating a significant

00:05:08.060 --> 00:05:13.300
risk of displacement if property owners are unable to pay and comply with the registration

00:05:13.300 --> 00:05:14.660
requirements.

00:05:14.660 --> 00:05:18.900
As we stated before, we have consistently brought forward recommendations to enhance

00:05:18.900 --> 00:05:24.520
the notification and communication process of the rental registration system.

00:05:24.520 --> 00:05:28.740
Effective outreach to property owners is critical in achieving compliance, and we hope that the

00:05:28.740 --> 00:05:44.740
We recognize the importance of the City's active enforcement to achieve compliance and appreciate steps like mailing notifications to suspected rental properties.

00:05:44.740 --> 00:05:50.740
However, again, consistent follow-up will be essential to bring non-compliant property owners into alignment.

00:05:50.740 --> 00:05:56.939
Realtors remain committed to collaborating with the city to ensure the ordinance's effectiveness

00:05:56.939 --> 00:06:02.139
in notifying our clients at the time that they are at the transaction at the table,

00:06:02.139 --> 00:06:07.300
as for example, and to minimize unintended consequences for compliant housing providers

00:06:07.300 --> 00:06:09.180
and tenants alike.

00:06:09.180 --> 00:06:14.379
Thank you again for this opportunity to provide comments and for your dedication to addressing

00:06:14.379 --> 00:06:16.040
this important issue.

00:06:16.040 --> 00:06:20.500
We look forward to continuing to work together on initiatives that support our community's

00:06:20.500 --> 00:06:22.339
and

00:06:22.339 --> 00:06:23.339
Governor.

00:06:23.339 --> 00:06:24.339
Thank you.

00:06:24.339 --> 00:06:33.500
We can move on to Item Number 4 which is the Consent Agenda.

00:06:33.500 --> 00:06:37.180
The Consent Agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless there's

00:06:37.180 --> 00:06:42.319
a council that would like to have something removed for further discussion.

00:06:42.319 --> 00:06:47.779
Seeing none, the Consent Agenda is approving to receive and place on file the CBDG Sewer

00:06:47.780 --> 00:07:17.780
We have a motion made by Alderman.

00:07:17.780 --> 00:07:23.780
Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:07:23.780 --> 00:07:33.220
Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye.

00:07:33.220 --> 00:07:38.920
And Stacy? Aye. The motion passes 8 to 0. Item number 5 is acknowledgement from the

00:07:38.920 --> 00:07:44.240
Fraternal Order of Police. Deputy Chief Davis. Thank you Madam Mayor. I'll turn it over

00:07:44.240 --> 00:07:48.480
to the FOP representatives, Corporal Truckenmiller and Detective Rosenstein.

00:07:52.480 --> 00:07:56.400
Hey, good evening. I'm Devin Truckenmiller. I'm a Corporal, Freeport Police Department.

00:07:56.400 --> 00:08:02.319
I currently act as the Union President for our Freeport Fraternal Order of Police Union.

00:08:02.319 --> 00:08:07.519
With me is Detective Nick Rosenstein. He's the Secretary for the Union, and he's going to speak.

00:08:07.519 --> 00:08:19.519
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.

00:08:19.519 --> 00:08:22.519
The impact this contract will have is immense.

00:08:22.519 --> 00:08:28.519
All of your support of the PD has always been felt, but it's even more apparent now.

00:08:28.519 --> 00:08:31.519
Each of you reside in different areas of the city.

00:08:31.519 --> 00:08:35.519
We are sure you all view the community and the issues it faces differently.

00:08:35.519 --> 00:08:42.519
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.

00:08:42.519 --> 00:08:50.519
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.

00:08:50.519 --> 00:08:57.519
The contract gives us faith that we will continue to perform our jobs at the highest level with integrity and professionalism.

00:08:57.519 --> 00:09:05.519
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.

00:09:05.519 --> 00:09:14.519
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.

00:09:14.519 --> 00:09:17.519
For this, we thank you all.

00:09:17.519 --> 00:09:23.879
and he's not here today but we just also wanted to give thanks to Chief Shenberger

00:09:23.879 --> 00:09:27.720
since he's taken over a year and a half ago morale at the PD has never been as

00:09:27.720 --> 00:09:31.960
high as it is right now we are getting new officers to apply and this contract

00:09:31.960 --> 00:09:35.480
will definitely help to retain those new officers as you all know over the past

00:09:35.480 --> 00:09:39.279
few years we've been directly affected by the political environment has been a

00:09:39.279 --> 00:09:42.360
battle every day to get the officers we need to effectively do our jobs and

00:09:42.360 --> 00:09:46.120
serve this community to the best of our abilities we need good officers and we

00:09:46.120 --> 00:09:50.560
need them to stay. This contract and your support will keep people here no doubt.

00:09:50.560 --> 00:09:54.519
This goes beyond that too. We can't forget Chief Shenberger's direct effect

00:09:54.519 --> 00:09:58.539
on this department. His ability to go above and beyond to create a family

00:09:58.539 --> 00:10:01.440
friendly atmosphere.

00:10:01.440 --> 00:10:07.600
We have a family-friendly atmosphere that people are proud to call home.

00:10:07.600 --> 00:10:12.340
We have officers that truly care about their fellow officers and care about this community.

00:10:12.340 --> 00:10:16.120
This is because of the leadership and the tone Chief Shenberger has set for this department.

00:10:16.120 --> 00:10:19.520
We think this also shows by the work this department has done for the community over

00:10:19.520 --> 00:10:20.960
the past year and a half.

00:10:20.960 --> 00:10:24.320
We are very happy this has not been unnoticed by you all.

00:10:24.320 --> 00:10:27.760
Thank you all for this contract and we will continue to provide the best services to this

00:10:27.760 --> 00:10:28.760
community.

00:10:28.760 --> 00:10:29.760
Thank you.

00:10:29.760 --> 00:10:30.760
Thank you.

00:10:30.760 --> 00:10:42.760
Thank you gentlemen. Item number six are appointments and reappointments. Could you please read these for the record?

00:10:42.760 --> 00:10:52.760
Appointment of Anthony Huffins to the Planning Commission effective immediately through October 31st, 2028.

00:10:52.760 --> 00:10:56.560
Acceptance of an appointment of Jabriah Pearson as Deputy City Clerk

00:10:56.560 --> 00:11:01.060
Acceptance of designations for Open Meetings Act Officers, including myself,

00:11:01.060 --> 00:11:07.560
Jabriah Pearson, Deputy City Clerk, Ashley Huffines, Library Director, Kaia Eckert, Library Administrative Assistant

00:11:07.560 --> 00:11:14.759
Acceptance of designations of Freedom of Information Act Officers, including myself, Jabriah Pearson, Deputy City Clerk,

00:11:14.759 --> 00:11:19.460
Michelle Nelson, Executive Assistant, Denise Scudder, Fire Administrative Assistant,

00:11:19.460 --> 00:11:25.320
Hillary, Broschus, Fire Marshal, Travis Davis, Deputy Chief of Police, JoLynn Markham, Lieutenant

00:11:25.320 --> 00:11:30.140
at the Police Department, Ashley Huffines, Library Director, and Kaia Eckert, Library

00:11:30.140 --> 00:11:32.540
Administrative Assistant.

00:11:32.540 --> 00:11:33.540
Thank you.

00:11:33.540 --> 00:11:34.540
Is there a motion to approve?

00:11:34.540 --> 00:11:35.540
So moved.

00:11:35.540 --> 00:11:36.540
So moved.

00:11:36.540 --> 00:11:37.540
Second.

00:11:37.540 --> 00:11:38.540
All right.

00:11:38.540 --> 00:11:44.540
We'll take that as the first by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

00:11:44.540 --> 00:11:47.540
Discussion?

00:11:47.540 --> 00:11:55.900
Clerk. Please take the roll. Is a voice vote okay when it's not monetary? Okay, all

00:11:55.900 --> 00:12:03.780
those in favor? Aye. Opposed? No. Was there one no? I didn't catch that. Okay, so it's

00:12:03.780 --> 00:12:08.860
seven to one. Item number seven is recognition of service awards. Director

00:12:08.860 --> 00:12:38.860
Today we are recognizing Gladys Hilton for her 25

00:12:38.860 --> 00:12:56.860
years of service. She began her career with us in 1999 at the Freeport Public Library.

00:12:56.860 --> 00:13:02.740
She also has worked at the police department as a records clerk and in 2013 she made the

00:13:02.740 --> 00:13:06.380
to move to the Water and Sewer Billing Department

00:13:06.380 --> 00:13:08.320
as a customer service representative.

00:13:09.260 --> 00:13:11.820
Gladys has exceptional dedication

00:13:11.820 --> 00:13:14.980
to providing outstanding customer service.

00:13:14.980 --> 00:13:17.900
Her consistent ability to go above and beyond

00:13:17.900 --> 00:13:22.120
coupled with her positive attitude and genuine empathy

00:13:22.120 --> 00:13:24.380
truly sets her apart.

00:13:24.380 --> 00:13:27.140
Gladys consistently resolves issues

00:13:27.140 --> 00:13:29.860
with patience and professionalism,

00:13:29.860 --> 00:13:32.780
leaving our customers feeling valued and heard.

00:13:34.340 --> 00:13:36.700
I would like to recognize Gladys' hard work

00:13:36.700 --> 00:13:38.280
and dedication today.

00:13:38.280 --> 00:13:40.580
She is a true team player.

00:13:40.580 --> 00:13:43.280
I am very appreciative of all of her work

00:13:43.280 --> 00:13:45.180
in the water sewer billing department.

00:13:45.180 --> 00:13:46.020
Thank you.

00:13:47.700 --> 00:13:49.900
She is a pleasure to work with

00:13:49.900 --> 00:13:52.300
and always has an upbeat smile on her face

00:13:52.300 --> 00:13:54.260
and a happy greeting for you.

00:13:54.260 --> 00:13:56.300
Congratulations Gladys

00:13:56.300 --> 00:13:59.180
and thank you for being with us for 25 years.

00:13:59.180 --> 00:14:29.180
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.

00:14:29.180 --> 00:14:36.980
Thank you very much, Billy.

00:14:36.980 --> 00:14:39.340
Deputy Chief Davis.

00:14:39.340 --> 00:14:45.660
I would just recognize Doug Hill as well, and he's been with the department for 15 years

00:14:45.660 --> 00:14:48.740
and does an outstanding job.

00:14:48.740 --> 00:14:54.220
Thank you.

00:14:54.220 --> 00:14:56.500
And then Chief Miller.

00:14:56.500 --> 00:15:04.259
Yes, thank you Mayor Miller. I'd like to invite Chris Brennan up here. It's my pleasure to

00:15:04.259 --> 00:15:11.019
introduce Firefighter Paramedic Christopher Brennan. Christopher joined us December 12th,

00:15:11.019 --> 00:15:24.740
December 15th. December 15th, 2014. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Milwaukee

00:15:24.740 --> 00:15:34.180
School of Engineering, also holds a certified paramedic license, several fire service certificates

00:15:34.180 --> 00:15:43.220
such as Company Fire Officer, Advanced Firefighter Technician, Vehicle and Machinery Operations,

00:15:43.220 --> 00:15:48.100
Fire Service Vehicle Operator, and then several technical rescue classes.

00:15:48.100 --> 00:15:52.740
Those are comprised of structural collapse operations and technician, confined space

00:15:52.740 --> 00:15:56.700
Rescue and Operations Technician, Trench Operations,

00:15:56.700 --> 00:15:58.800
and Rope Operations and Technician.

00:15:59.840 --> 00:16:03.780
Additionally, he also is a Fire Apparance Engineer,

00:16:03.780 --> 00:16:06.620
and is a Hazardous Materials First Responder

00:16:06.620 --> 00:16:10.060
in Operations Level, Command and General Staff Class

00:16:10.060 --> 00:16:13.460
he's attended, and is also our previous

00:16:13.460 --> 00:16:15.860
Fire Department Mechanic.

00:16:15.860 --> 00:16:18.620
So I'd also like to add that he's currently going

00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:21.780
through our promotion testing process right now

00:16:21.780 --> 00:16:23.700
for the rank of Lieutenant.

00:16:23.700 --> 00:16:24.980
He's here with his wife Michelle

00:16:24.980 --> 00:16:27.380
and their children this evening,

00:16:27.380 --> 00:16:29.440
so it's my pleasure to introduce

00:16:29.440 --> 00:16:33.660
and congratulate you for 10 years of service.

00:16:33.660 --> 00:16:34.500
Thank you.

00:16:34.500 --> 00:16:39.500
And he also understands he wanted to make a speech

00:16:45.380 --> 00:16:46.860
for tonight as well, so.

00:16:46.860 --> 00:17:16.019
We'll move on to Item 8, which is the second reading of Ordinance 2024-62.

00:17:16.019 --> 00:17:17.599
Would you please read this?

00:17:17.599 --> 00:17:22.860
Ordinance revising registration deadline and increasing landlord registry penalty.

00:17:22.860 --> 00:17:23.860
Manager Boyer.

00:17:23.860 --> 00:17:24.860
Thank you, Your Honor.

00:17:24.860 --> 00:17:31.259
I'm going to go ahead and hand this off to Director Duckman as he has revised the last

00:17:31.259 --> 00:17:35.539
or included all the last changes into this recent memo.

00:17:35.539 --> 00:17:39.820
Thank you, Manager Boyer.

00:17:39.820 --> 00:17:48.099
So as stated last in the last reading of this ordinance, a couple key notes here to remember

00:17:48.099 --> 00:17:50.140
and to highlight.

00:17:50.140 --> 00:17:55.460
So for 2025, what's being proposed is a deadline of April 1st.

00:17:55.460 --> 00:18:00.099
And the reason for the April 1st deadline is we're making a change to the ordinance

00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:05.059
and we want to give people some time to understand the changes and give them a couple extra months

00:18:05.059 --> 00:18:06.059
there.

00:18:06.059 --> 00:18:16.059
Moving forward, it's going to be January 1st, starting in 2026 and moving forward.

00:18:16.059 --> 00:18:27.059
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.

00:18:27.059 --> 00:18:32.740
and we had a lengthy discussion at the last council meeting and it was agreed upon to move

00:18:32.740 --> 00:18:40.099
forward the ordinance with the following penalties. So if an application is filed 30 days or less

00:18:40.099 --> 00:18:50.019
after the due date, it's $100 a unit with a $1,500 per property maximum. If the application is filed

00:18:50.019 --> 00:18:53.920
More than 30 days, but less than 90 days after the due date.

00:18:53.920 --> 00:18:58.920
It's $250 per unit with a $3,000 per property maximum.

00:18:59.420 --> 00:19:02.100
And then for applications filed 90 days or more

00:19:02.100 --> 00:19:05.579
after the due date, it's $500 per unit

00:19:05.579 --> 00:19:08.380
with a $6,000 property maximum.

00:19:08.380 --> 00:19:10.760
And with that being said,

00:19:10.760 --> 00:19:13.880
staff is recommending approval of the ordinance.

00:19:14.920 --> 00:19:15.760
Thank you.

00:19:15.760 --> 00:19:16.960
Any further discussion?

00:19:18.800 --> 00:19:19.640
Alderman Stacey?

00:19:19.640 --> 00:19:25.280
anything change from the first time nothing has changed on this since it was

00:19:25.280 --> 00:19:30.080
presented in the reading of the ordinance the first reading not nothing has

00:19:30.080 --> 00:19:41.440
changed Oh Alderman shape of South Sanders I'm sorry a lot of s's over there

00:19:41.440 --> 00:19:52.480
Director, Duckman. Anything in the wording changed as far as registration applications

00:19:52.480 --> 00:20:01.409
Operations, and Tenants Application Applying for Any Rental

00:20:01.409 --> 00:20:28.409
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?

00:20:28.409 --> 00:20:36.929
the ordinance has not changed since it was presented the last time and this is

00:20:36.929 --> 00:20:44.649
for landlords to register their property not for tenants okay is there anyone else

00:20:44.649 --> 00:20:48.929
before I move on to Alderman Stacey Alderman Monroe thank you mayor mill

00:20:48.929 --> 00:20:55.969
Miller question for director Duckman to date we still have not enforced any of

00:20:55.969 --> 00:21:01.809
of the Laws, or ordinances that have been on the books. What is different here?

00:21:01.809 --> 00:21:09.129
Well, I think in the specific ordinance itself, as it is written, there is not anything stating,

00:21:09.129 --> 00:21:13.489
hey, this is how we are going to enforce it better. But in the memo, I talk about how

00:21:13.489 --> 00:21:19.729
we now implemented a new software where we have identified what properties are actually

00:21:19.729 --> 00:21:24.689
rentals. We didn't have that ability before, or we didn't have it in a way that was efficient

00:21:54.689 --> 00:21:55.689
and Stacey.

00:21:55.689 --> 00:21:58.209
Do you have a letter to people stating you have to register or you're subject to these

00:21:58.209 --> 00:21:59.209
fines?

00:21:59.209 --> 00:22:04.049
And then that same software would then issue the fines to the people once they didn't,

00:22:04.049 --> 00:22:07.129
if they didn't register their property.

00:22:07.129 --> 00:22:13.089
Anyone else for a first time?

00:22:13.089 --> 00:22:15.249
Is there any further discussion?

00:22:15.249 --> 00:22:18.249
Oh, Ms. Stacy?

00:22:18.249 --> 00:22:22.409
Okay, we keep saying that there's going to be a letter meltdown.

00:22:22.409 --> 00:22:31.409
Do we know when this letter is going to be mailed out and if it has already been written?

00:22:31.409 --> 00:22:42.409
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.

00:22:42.409 --> 00:22:45.409
Once it's approved.

00:22:45.409 --> 00:22:48.409
Once it's approved the next two weeks?

00:22:48.409 --> 00:22:50.409
That's our goal.

00:22:50.409 --> 00:22:56.449
approved by your staff. No, I mean when I send out the letter it's going to state

00:22:56.449 --> 00:23:00.409
here's the fines that are your subject to and if I don't have the fines approved

00:23:00.409 --> 00:23:04.009
by council like you know I don't want to send that misinformation. So the letter

00:23:04.009 --> 00:23:11.249
will come back to the council? No, this what's before? I think what Director

00:23:11.249 --> 00:23:16.249
Duckman saying when this ordinance is approved then they hope to get the

00:23:16.249 --> 00:23:27.529
Let her out within two weeks. Okay, thank you. If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Shadle. Aye.

00:23:27.529 --> 00:23:39.709
Sanders. Aye. Sellers. Aye. Klemm. Aye. Monroe. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. And

00:23:39.709 --> 00:23:43.549
and Stacy. Aye. The ordinance passes eight to zero.

00:23:46.509 --> 00:23:50.909
Move on to item number nine which is the second reading of ordinance 2024-63. Could you please

00:23:50.909 --> 00:23:58.589
read this? Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriation Ordinance. Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. We began the

00:23:58.589 --> 00:24:04.269
budgeting process September 3rd of 2024. We've gone through many public input sessions and many

00:24:04.269 --> 00:24:11.269
Council, Finance, Committee of the Wholes. Before you is the 2025 Appropriation Ordinance

00:24:11.269 --> 00:24:15.629
and staff recommends City Council move forward and pass the ordinance.

00:24:15.629 --> 00:24:23.069
Thank you. Further discussion? Council? And Clerk, please take the, oh, I'm sorry, Alderman

00:24:23.069 --> 00:24:24.069
Monroe.

00:24:24.069 --> 00:24:30.549
Thank you Mayor and Miller. You know, I think, I just want to point out the spending that's,

00:24:30.549 --> 00:24:35.109
The increases in spending that have occurred over the last two and a half, three years

00:24:35.109 --> 00:24:36.109
have been significant.

00:24:36.109 --> 00:24:46.589
I'm just flipping to the right page, I apologize, I thought more people would speak.

00:24:46.589 --> 00:24:54.549
The amount of money that is being increased on, as most of us, a lot of us live within

00:24:54.549 --> 00:24:59.029
very, very tight budgets in the City of Freeport, so if you're on Social Security, you're low

00:24:59.029 --> 00:25:07.589
O'Rourke, Dan, Dan, Dan, Dan, and Eric, thank you, thank you very much.

00:25:07.589 --> 00:25:09.209
Thank you, thank you.

00:25:09.209 --> 00:25:10.209
Thank you.

00:25:10.209 --> 00:25:11.209
Thank you, thank you.

00:25:11.209 --> 00:25:14.989
And if you want to continue the conversation, please feel free to ask questions.

00:25:14.989 --> 00:25:17.629
If you have any questions, please send them in.

00:25:17.629 --> 00:25:18.629
Thank you very much.

00:25:18.629 --> 00:25:19.629
Thank you, thank you.

00:25:19.629 --> 00:25:20.629
Thank you.

00:25:20.629 --> 00:25:27.889
and I recently went through a tax increase to help pay for improving our roads and as

00:25:27.889 --> 00:25:37.189
we continue to increase and spend, there's no method within the city for curbing the

00:25:37.189 --> 00:25:44.829
spending and controlling the spending beyond what we try to do in here and in recent months

00:25:44.829 --> 00:25:48.709
we've tried to limit people's ability to speak.

00:25:48.709 --> 00:25:54.549
We've tried to basically increase budgets across the board.

00:25:54.549 --> 00:25:59.269
The police department's up $2.5 million since 2022.

00:25:59.269 --> 00:26:03.229
$2.5 million.

00:26:03.229 --> 00:26:07.989
We've added no additional police officers.

00:26:07.989 --> 00:26:11.169
It's just the ones that we're putting on the streets are getting paid more.

00:26:11.169 --> 00:26:14.969
The fire department's next in line to get a fat pay raise.

00:26:14.969 --> 00:26:18.149
And that's going to come in 2025.

00:26:18.149 --> 00:26:23.109
with Public Works. We were told there weren't going to be huge increases. We wouldn't need

00:26:23.109 --> 00:26:29.229
more tax dollars to pay for this, but unfortunately we will. And it's going to come out of the

00:26:29.229 --> 00:26:35.109
citizens of Freeport's pockets, and unfortunately it's going to get bigger and bigger every

00:26:35.109 --> 00:26:40.469
year. And we just ratified the police department, and I'll be the first to admit it's a very

00:26:40.469 --> 00:26:46.389
tough job. We need more officers on the street, not necessarily paying each of them 25 percent

00:26:46.389 --> 00:26:49.849
and more within the next three years.

00:26:49.849 --> 00:26:52.449
We have to do things smarter.

00:26:52.449 --> 00:26:57.609
There are tools out there that can do license plate reading that we can post in different

00:26:57.609 --> 00:27:03.609
parts of the city, especially areas that leave the city so that we can track criminal activity,

00:27:03.609 --> 00:27:07.649
stolen cars and property, things like that, shooting suspects.

00:27:07.649 --> 00:27:11.929
None of that's been really looked at and it's not been added to the budget.

00:27:11.929 --> 00:27:13.929
Fowler, John, and the rest of the board.

00:27:13.929 --> 00:27:19.929
We have to do things that would replace a police officer in a sense and help us be better at looking into criminal activities.

00:27:19.929 --> 00:27:27.929
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,

00:27:27.929 --> 00:27:34.929
it's almost revolting to somebody who lives in the city of Freeport and a lot of my neighbors,

00:27:34.929 --> 00:27:39.929
a lot of people that go to our neighborhood watch meetings have fixed incomes.

00:27:39.929 --> 00:28:09.929
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

00:28:09.929 --> 00:28:13.729
just based on the value of the appraisal of your property.

00:28:13.729 --> 00:28:18.309
So not only have we taxed that, but in this budget

00:28:18.309 --> 00:28:20.229
and in the last couple of weeks, we've

00:28:20.229 --> 00:28:21.809
started taxing everything you want

00:28:21.809 --> 00:28:25.269
to do to improve your property, where we've generated

00:28:25.269 --> 00:28:28.049
hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue.

00:28:28.049 --> 00:28:30.309
But this isn't a business that's based

00:28:30.309 --> 00:28:35.689
on taking as much money from each person as we are.

00:28:35.689 --> 00:28:42.169
it's it's based on providing services within our means to support the people of Freeport

00:28:42.169 --> 00:28:46.329
and that's every person in the city of Freeport it doesn't matter if you're poor you're rich

00:28:46.329 --> 00:28:52.609
you're white you're black anything in between it's all of us and at some point somebody's

00:28:52.609 --> 00:28:58.209
got to stand up and take a stand and say five million dollars in literally two and a half

00:28:58.209 --> 00:29:04.649
to three years about the length of term of this city manager's role since we've gone

00:29:04.649 --> 00:29:10.449
Over to the City Management form of government, we're up over $10 million a year.

00:29:10.449 --> 00:29:16.329
We have got to start looking at this spending, and we've got to start holding people accountable.

00:29:16.329 --> 00:29:18.569
And right now we are not doing that.

00:29:18.569 --> 00:29:26.489
And I just found the numbers, three years, $5.179 million in spending.

00:29:26.489 --> 00:29:31.889
We are running a $2.5 million deficit, and this is right off of the handout that anybody

00:29:31.889 --> 00:29:36.809
can look at that's attached to the agenda for tonight over the last two years so

00:29:36.809 --> 00:29:42.129
we're not only increasing our spending we're decreasing and running starting to

00:29:42.129 --> 00:29:47.529
run a deficit so that means we will have to raise taxes and I am vehemently

00:29:47.529 --> 00:29:54.009
opposed to that type of government this tax and spend behavior it cannot be

00:29:54.009 --> 00:29:58.009
tolerated in this city because it is gonna push everybody out of the city we

00:29:58.009 --> 00:30:01.409
You will have nobody left, no businesses want to stick around because they

00:30:01.409 --> 00:30:03.409
and

00:30:04.489 --> 00:30:05.409
the

00:30:05.409 --> 00:30:07.409
federal government.

00:30:09.409 --> 00:30:11.409
No businesses want to stick around because they can't get

00:30:13.409 --> 00:30:15.409
quality people wanting to move here. The highest taxes in the

00:30:17.409 --> 00:30:19.409
nation right here in northwest Illinois, Winnebago and

00:30:20.409 --> 00:30:22.409
Stevenson counties are bombarded with taxes from the state, from

00:30:23.409 --> 00:30:25.409
the county, from the municipality and from the federal

00:30:26.409 --> 00:30:28.409
government. We have to do something to limit this here and

00:30:28.409 --> 00:30:30.929
Home Rule to take care of ourselves.

00:30:30.929 --> 00:30:32.449
And right now we're not doing that.

00:30:32.449 --> 00:30:36.049
And it's an abomination that we're going to look into that

00:30:36.049 --> 00:30:40.729
and look to pass this very, very fat-filled budget.

00:30:40.729 --> 00:30:41.229
I yield.

00:30:44.209 --> 00:30:45.369
Anyone else?

00:30:45.369 --> 00:30:46.969
Alderman Stacey.

00:30:46.969 --> 00:30:48.209
Yes.

00:30:48.209 --> 00:30:53.689
I just have some questions and concerns here.

00:30:53.689 --> 00:30:58.689
and 2024, 20,328.12 in real estate taxes.

00:31:01.109 --> 00:31:04.049
However, for 2025, we budgeted zero.

00:31:07.589 --> 00:31:10.589
Computer hardware, software, 101,750.

00:31:14.749 --> 00:31:18.909
That was a $40,000 increase, why?

00:31:18.909 --> 00:31:35.429
Software, $304,040. That was $130,000. Why? Telephone and Communication, $203,200. We have

00:31:35.429 --> 00:31:44.069
of a Communication Department in the miscellaneous.

00:31:44.069 --> 00:31:49.069
We had salary, health insurance, life insurance.

00:31:49.069 --> 00:31:59.309
Who is paid in the miscellaneous portion?

00:31:59.309 --> 00:32:21.429
Seventy-five thousand dollars increase for electrical street lights.

00:32:21.429 --> 00:32:27.189
Is this just the downtown area that's costing us seventy-five thousand dollars?

00:32:27.189 --> 00:32:47.549
area does this cover that's most of it director Richter did you I saw you were

00:32:47.549 --> 00:32:50.709
taking a few notes did you want to respond on those some of these things

00:32:50.709 --> 00:33:06.369
We're just kind of working backwards last one you had was streetlights increase of

00:33:06.369 --> 00:33:12.309
seventy five thousand I do believe that is downtown those are the only street

00:33:12.309 --> 00:33:19.869
lights we pay we pay for if I understand that right and I believe Mike Mudge told

00:33:19.869 --> 00:33:22.869
and others who have told us there would be an increase over the next year, and that's

00:33:22.869 --> 00:33:29.629
where we came up with the 75,000.

00:33:29.629 --> 00:33:35.209
The Miss miscellaneous, the next one up you said, can you give me a number to that or

00:33:35.209 --> 00:33:36.209
where you're looking?

00:33:36.209 --> 00:33:37.209
I looked last night.

00:33:37.209 --> 00:33:38.209
I'm sorry.

00:33:38.209 --> 00:33:44.709
Maybe it was 101, 163 towards the end of the general section.

00:33:44.709 --> 00:34:02.389
I'm guessing you're just looking in general section or 101, 162.

00:34:02.389 --> 00:34:03.389
I don't know.

00:34:03.389 --> 00:34:24.670
Are you saying that there's no salary and health insurance and life insurance in the miscellaneous

00:34:24.670 --> 00:34:28.029
columns?

00:34:28.029 --> 00:34:30.670
I'm not sure what you mean by miscellaneous.

00:34:30.670 --> 00:34:44.629
There's an MIS. Okay, so there is a section that's Department 101, 162, which it does

00:34:44.629 --> 00:34:56.429
say MIS. But MIS is IT, I'm sorry. It's Management Information Systems. It's Kurt's Department.

00:34:56.429 --> 00:35:00.789
and it does say 162-MIS, so maybe that's the section.

00:35:00.789 --> 00:35:06.869
I think that could be if where most of these came from.

00:35:06.869 --> 00:35:15.909
Salary and benefits in that area would be for Director Sutman and his deputy in that

00:35:15.909 --> 00:35:16.909
department.

00:35:16.909 --> 00:35:21.909
There's only two of them in that department, which would have wages and benefits.

00:35:21.909 --> 00:35:28.670
but you did mention hardware and software and telephone and those amounts look like I think

00:35:28.670 --> 00:35:41.670
they all come, 203, yeah, that one, that one, hardware, software, those are also in IT department

00:35:41.670 --> 00:35:51.109
and along with telephone, all of our telephone bills go through Kurt and so he has all of

00:35:51.109 --> 00:35:58.589
of the telephone expenses for the general, all the departments of the general fund.

00:35:58.589 --> 00:36:01.469
And was your question is why the increases?

00:36:01.469 --> 00:36:02.469
Yes.

00:36:02.469 --> 00:36:18.469
I can, I don't know if Kurt wants to respond, but Kurt is very detailed with his budgets

00:36:18.469 --> 00:36:21.469
and keeps line item by line item of what software,

00:36:21.469 --> 00:36:23.809
what hardware he needs to purchase.

00:36:25.029 --> 00:36:28.909
Maybe I can ask him to elaborate a little bit more.

00:36:32.949 --> 00:36:36.029
Yeah, so for the computer hardware,

00:36:36.029 --> 00:36:37.230
a lot of the increases.

00:36:48.469 --> 00:36:55.469
So for the communications part, that's connectivity.

00:36:55.469 --> 00:37:03.029
So that's every telephone system in the city, every cell phone, every iPhone, tablet, emergency

00:37:03.029 --> 00:37:09.289
services, things like the elevator, telecommunication line, all that's in there, and it is going

00:37:09.289 --> 00:37:13.630
up every year.

00:37:13.630 --> 00:37:15.630
and

00:37:16.869 --> 00:37:18.630
the city of

00:37:18.630 --> 00:37:20.630
Maryland.

00:37:23.630 --> 00:37:27.630
The city of Maryland is up a little bit because we added,

00:37:27.630 --> 00:37:31.630
tonight I'm presenting for a host server for the PD. It's at

00:37:31.630 --> 00:37:35.630
the end of its useful life. Next year the city is going to have

00:37:35.630 --> 00:37:39.630
the same situation. So it's up a little bit along with some, I

00:37:39.630 --> 00:37:45.710
Schottspatter from PD, so I think we're doubling that next year, so that's another $50,000.

00:37:45.710 --> 00:37:50.549
There's additional things in our financial software, as well as software other departments

00:37:50.549 --> 00:38:03.149
have wanted and requested, and that's a large amount of the increase.

00:38:03.149 --> 00:38:07.869
The Schott's fire, can you tell me how much of an increase that has been?

00:38:07.869 --> 00:38:11.869
So the increase for this next budget year will be $50,000.

00:38:11.869 --> 00:38:16.869
There was $50,000 coming in this year, and we're doubling that to $100,000.

00:38:16.869 --> 00:38:21.869
So we're adding $50,000 to it.

00:38:21.869 --> 00:38:28.869
But that's the one that detects shots fired, so the police can respond quickly to, you know, provide safe neighborhoods.

00:38:28.869 --> 00:38:31.869
But I thought the $50,000 was the shots fired.

00:38:31.869 --> 00:38:35.869
It is. We're doubling the coverage, I believe.

00:38:35.869 --> 00:38:38.869
So it costs twice as much for twice as much equipment.

00:38:44.869 --> 00:38:45.869
Alderman Sanders.

00:38:45.869 --> 00:39:04.869
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,

00:39:04.869 --> 00:39:09.869
that we can tangibly, visibly see them.

00:39:09.929 --> 00:39:12.469
My worksheet here that has everything we're gonna buy

00:39:12.469 --> 00:39:16.670
for next year, there are things

00:39:16.670 --> 00:39:18.149
that are for other departments.

00:39:18.149 --> 00:39:19.230
We provide those to other departments.

00:39:19.230 --> 00:39:21.549
Can we have copies of that?

00:39:21.549 --> 00:39:26.269
Because it demonstrates to us exactly

00:39:26.269 --> 00:39:28.949
what are the purchasing items,

00:39:28.949 --> 00:39:30.549
what are the receipts are all about,

00:39:30.549 --> 00:39:35.549
and that we can assess why things are increasing

00:39:37.309 --> 00:39:39.649
and decreasing or whatever the case is.

00:39:39.649 --> 00:39:42.309
I like that to come from the financial department

00:39:42.309 --> 00:39:44.750
to be able to gather all departments

00:39:45.949 --> 00:39:48.029
with the same opportunity of presenting

00:39:48.029 --> 00:39:52.449
their line item budgets and if we can do that,

00:39:54.149 --> 00:39:59.149
then we can minimize the information

00:39:59.149 --> 00:40:01.149
and others.

00:40:31.149 --> 00:40:34.349
at this moment, and that's what I want to look at.

00:40:34.349 --> 00:40:38.949
The line items of cost per item,

00:40:38.949 --> 00:40:41.869
that's what I'm referring to,

00:40:41.869 --> 00:40:44.109
not what you're demonstrating right there.

00:40:44.109 --> 00:40:48.029
So is that a possibility, do we have that generated

00:40:48.029 --> 00:40:51.229
where each council member can receive

00:40:51.229 --> 00:40:53.829
those kinds of inquiries?

00:40:55.709 --> 00:41:00.709
I'm talking to Mr. Richter or whatever your name is.

00:41:01.149 --> 00:41:17.149
I have given you the line item budgets as have been presented. I mean, there's some, not all line items go into detail.

00:41:17.149 --> 00:41:29.149
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?

00:41:29.149 --> 00:41:39.309
Adams, I want the line items in detail, if that's possible, but what we're receiving

00:41:39.309 --> 00:41:46.789
is line items of summaries, and it doesn't give us a visual look at what's costing, being

00:41:46.789 --> 00:41:51.169
what's the cost of any items that we're looking at, specifically.

00:41:51.169 --> 00:41:59.109
I want to know what this hardware software costs specifically and who are we purchasing

00:41:59.109 --> 00:42:03.829
from and things of this nature. Are they the only ones out there on the market that is

00:42:03.829 --> 00:42:09.729
selling certain particular items? That's what I would like to know. The detailed information

00:42:09.729 --> 00:42:20.869
of these companies that we're soliciting, that we are asking for their services. So

00:42:20.869 --> 00:42:49.629
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.

00:42:50.869 --> 00:42:56.109
Sito, Attorney Sito.

00:42:56.109 --> 00:43:01.949
And so I'm going to take a crack at trying to answer that or address that.

00:43:01.949 --> 00:43:06.789
And if I misspeak, Michelle or Rob, feel free to interject.

00:43:06.789 --> 00:43:10.349
So this is the budget, right?

00:43:10.349 --> 00:43:15.029
So this is what you guys are, as a council, are considering setting as how much do we

00:43:15.029 --> 00:43:23.049
We have to spend on various items, whether they're computers or uniforms or copy paper

00:43:23.049 --> 00:43:24.109
or whatever, right?

00:43:24.109 --> 00:43:25.229
And it's an estimate.

00:43:25.229 --> 00:43:29.229
It's an estimate based off of what we have historically spent on those sorts of items

00:43:29.229 --> 00:43:36.069
there, and what we anticipate might need to be, let's say, an increase in any particular

00:43:36.069 --> 00:43:38.589
item, let's say, there.

00:43:38.589 --> 00:43:43.549
So while you might say, you know, with your home budget, right, I, you know, you may know

00:43:43.549 --> 00:43:53.549
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.

00:43:53.549 --> 00:44:03.549
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?

00:44:03.549 --> 00:44:09.549
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.

00:44:09.549 --> 00:44:13.169
Byer, for example using Kurt's department. They know, they need a certain amount of

00:44:13.169 --> 00:44:18.909
software to do this program, that thing, whatever it is. They know, they might need a computer

00:44:18.909 --> 00:44:24.469
server for the police department. Do they know the exact brand right now, maybe not.

00:44:24.469 --> 00:44:27.869
Some things they might know right now, but other things they might not, but they're just

00:44:27.869 --> 00:44:31.809
anticipating that they're going to need to spend next year throughout the course of the

00:44:31.809 --> 00:44:35.909
year on these various items and that goes for the police department, whether it's for

00:44:35.909 --> 00:44:39.029
for weapons or uniforms or whatever it is,

00:44:39.029 --> 00:44:40.949
fire department, same thing there.

00:44:40.949 --> 00:44:44.789
So I don't know if they can give you a line item

00:44:44.789 --> 00:44:46.549
of every single vendor,

00:44:46.549 --> 00:44:49.589
because they don't know every vendor as of right now,

00:44:49.589 --> 00:44:51.909
I don't think, so.

00:44:51.909 --> 00:44:53.049
Attorney Zito.

00:44:54.429 --> 00:44:56.729
Well, actually, before you speak a second time,

00:44:56.729 --> 00:44:58.149
is there anyone on the first round?

00:44:58.149 --> 00:45:02.189
Well, I was still on my first time with this gentleman

00:45:02.189 --> 00:45:04.509
before something else took off.

00:45:04.509 --> 00:45:11.869
and so Larry took the floor then so I was responding to Attorney Zito because I

00:45:11.869 --> 00:45:19.069
originally had the question I understand okay so can before I give you the floor

00:45:19.069 --> 00:45:24.069
can I just see if there's anyone else that wants to speak for a first time okay

00:45:24.069 --> 00:45:30.949
Alderman Stacey go ahead I understand that we increase the area I understand

00:45:30.949 --> 00:45:36.269
and that. When it's presented to the council, it says how much it's going to cost for us

00:45:36.269 --> 00:45:43.749
to increase. Then out of nowhere when it comes this time with the budget, there's a $50,000

00:45:43.749 --> 00:45:50.949
increase that should have been stated all along with the whole nine yards of we're going

00:45:50.949 --> 00:45:57.469
to take on more area. It's going to cost this monthly. But in the long run, we're going

00:45:57.469 --> 00:46:03.469
We're going to have to budget $50,000 more to cover it.

00:46:03.469 --> 00:46:08.389
It was always in the budget for 2025.

00:46:08.389 --> 00:46:15.189
We didn't break out that part of it, but I've got 20 items like that for every department.

00:46:15.189 --> 00:46:22.669
I understand that.

00:46:22.669 --> 00:46:26.549
Madam Clerk, did you want to add to that?

00:46:26.549 --> 00:46:33.949
Clerk. I believe that was approved by Council, wasn't it? Yeah, the expansion of the

00:46:33.949 --> 00:46:39.829
area that that went through Council. So we're just supposed to know that it's

00:46:39.829 --> 00:46:46.469
going to be also an additional $50,000 added to that? That was all presented at

00:46:46.469 --> 00:46:53.509
the time it was agreed upon. Darren? Just the point of clarification, just I mean

00:46:53.509 --> 00:46:57.549
just because it's in the budget doesn't mean it still won't come back in front of

00:46:57.549 --> 00:47:01.429
council this is not this is an approval of the budget not approval of the

00:47:01.429 --> 00:47:05.829
spending so the final spending will come back to council so if it's approved in

00:47:05.829 --> 00:47:10.909
the budget then in the fiscal year the police and or Kurt and or public works

00:47:10.909 --> 00:47:14.349
or whatever whatever department will we'll go out and get quotes and then

00:47:14.349 --> 00:47:18.669
that comes back in the form of a ordinance or resolution or whatever it

00:47:18.669 --> 00:47:22.389
may be to approve that spending and that's your that's your chance to deny

00:47:22.389 --> 00:47:32.389
How many times do we budget for something and it's approved and then we don't even get it, like the dump trucks?

00:47:52.389 --> 00:47:56.829
Right now, we can't even get a double-cruck unless we go through a state bid, so we've

00:47:56.829 --> 00:48:02.669
been locked out of getting trucks for two years, and the prices are significantly higher

00:48:02.669 --> 00:48:06.309
right now because of the shortage of demand, so if we ordered a truck right now, it'd be

00:48:06.309 --> 00:48:07.309
just like the fire truck.

00:48:07.309 --> 00:48:11.649
We probably wouldn't get it for three years.

00:48:11.649 --> 00:48:16.829
But now we don't even have the budget for it.

00:48:16.829 --> 00:48:20.389
Priorities change as all these budget items go.

00:48:20.389 --> 00:48:28.949
These are just projections based on council's directions or department heads strategic goals

00:48:28.949 --> 00:48:33.909
that are set by the council on the direction that we're supposed to move each department.

00:48:33.909 --> 00:48:39.549
We asked that that money be put on the vape truck.

00:48:39.549 --> 00:48:40.549
The vector truck?

00:48:40.549 --> 00:48:48.549
The vape truck and I don't even recall that being brought back to us with how it was going

00:48:48.549 --> 00:48:49.549
to be done.

00:48:49.549 --> 00:48:56.249
just done, because I said- I recall, and it's getting off topic, but you asked for a down

00:48:56.249 --> 00:49:00.389
payment on the Vactor truck and council voted not to do that and to move ahead with the

00:49:00.389 --> 00:49:03.349
financing and that's what- We were supposed to get money back from the

00:49:03.349 --> 00:49:12.109
bank about- We did. The bank, the lending company paid

00:49:12.109 --> 00:49:17.909
for the Vactor truck. All right. Okay, Alderman Klemm, I think I saw your

00:49:17.909 --> 00:49:47.909
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.

00:49:47.909 --> 00:49:54.109
years ago when I went on to consult, regular taxes paid for retirements. Now we pay four

00:49:54.109 --> 00:49:58.949
point something million dollars a year. I used to lay awake at nights and think about

00:49:58.949 --> 00:50:01.149
this, how we're ever going to pay for it.

00:51:01.149 --> 00:51:07.709
As far as officers, we have approval for 48 officers, which we will hopefully by the end

00:51:07.709 --> 00:51:12.709
of this month, we will reach that number 48. There are three currently in field training

00:51:12.709 --> 00:51:16.749
right now. There are four that are going to be graduating from the academy soon, and hopefully

00:51:16.749 --> 00:51:19.629
the other four will be swearing in yet this month, correct?

00:51:19.629 --> 00:51:24.829
Correct, which will bring us back up to the 49 that we had when I left the consul four

00:51:24.829 --> 00:51:26.009
years ago.

00:51:26.009 --> 00:51:29.929
And that's a total of 11 just in the last few months.

00:51:29.929 --> 00:51:41.089
So, any other one for their first time yet?

00:51:41.089 --> 00:51:44.969
And if anyone would like their second time, Alderman, Stacy, I know you've already had

00:51:44.969 --> 00:51:45.969
your second.

00:51:45.969 --> 00:51:53.489
I'd have to have approval in order for you to keep going.

00:51:53.489 --> 00:51:54.489
Alderman Sanders?

00:51:54.489 --> 00:51:57.689
I approve.

00:51:57.689 --> 00:51:58.689
Are you making a motion?

00:51:58.689 --> 00:52:01.969
No, I said, yeah, well, yeah, I approve.

00:52:01.969 --> 00:52:08.409
So you're approving that Alderman Stacy can continue discussion past her two times.

00:52:08.409 --> 00:52:09.409
Is there a second to that?

00:52:09.409 --> 00:52:10.409
Yeah, second.

00:52:10.409 --> 00:52:13.529
Okay, we have a first and a second.

00:52:13.529 --> 00:52:16.529
How do I?

00:52:16.529 --> 00:52:20.689
Yes, it's a unanimous vote.

00:52:20.689 --> 00:52:24.449
By ordinance, it's a unanimous vote.

00:52:24.449 --> 00:52:28.529
Madam Clerk, could you please take the role on allowing a third time for speaking?

00:52:28.529 --> 00:52:58.529
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.

00:52:58.529 --> 00:53:11.529
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.

00:53:11.529 --> 00:53:12.529
Here, here.

00:53:12.529 --> 00:53:15.529
Actually, you've spoken twice already.

00:53:15.529 --> 00:53:16.529
To who?

00:53:16.529 --> 00:53:20.529
You.

00:53:20.529 --> 00:53:22.529
I'm sorry, Mayor. Ready for the vote?

00:53:22.529 --> 00:53:29.529
No, I'm trying to recollect when I spoke twice already.

00:53:29.529 --> 00:53:32.529
Do you want to speak again?

00:53:32.529 --> 00:53:34.529
Well, I had a question in regards to...

00:53:34.529 --> 00:53:35.529
Correct.

00:53:35.529 --> 00:53:38.529
Okay, I'll motion for you to go ahead and ask your question.

00:53:38.529 --> 00:53:39.529
This is about a budget.

00:53:39.529 --> 00:53:42.529
We should be able to ask the questions we need to ask.

00:53:42.529 --> 00:53:43.529
I'll make that motion.

00:53:43.529 --> 00:53:44.529
Okay.

00:53:44.529 --> 00:53:45.529
Is there a second?

00:53:45.529 --> 00:53:46.529
I'll second.

00:53:46.529 --> 00:53:51.529
Did we go around the table again?

00:53:51.529 --> 00:53:54.369
to approve your third time, Madam Clerk.

00:53:54.369 --> 00:53:55.389
No, second time.

00:53:55.389 --> 00:53:58.409
I have not had a third time.

00:53:58.409 --> 00:53:59.489
I don't get it.

00:53:59.489 --> 00:54:01.529
Prove to me that I did that.

00:54:01.529 --> 00:54:02.649
Show me where.

00:54:02.649 --> 00:54:04.009
I just make tally marks.

00:54:04.009 --> 00:54:06.369
If I'm wrong, then I apologize.

00:54:06.369 --> 00:54:08.089
I've got you written down twice that you've spoken.

00:54:08.089 --> 00:54:11.969
Well, you shouldn't have, because I was on the computer thing.

00:54:11.969 --> 00:54:12.689
I was talking about the computer.

00:54:12.689 --> 00:54:15.249
Madam Clerk, could you please take the role in allowing,

00:54:15.249 --> 00:54:18.529
I'm just trying to follow the ordinance, Alderman Sanders.

00:54:18.529 --> 00:54:21.489
An ordinance we haven't followed ever.

00:54:21.489 --> 00:54:35.009
for a decade, Shadle, Sanders, this is a vote on Sanders having the third time to speak on

00:54:35.009 --> 00:54:50.489
a topic, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, Stacy,

00:54:50.489 --> 00:54:52.489
Excuse me?

00:54:52.489 --> 00:54:54.489
It's already failed.

00:54:54.489 --> 00:54:56.489
That's what she said.

00:54:56.489 --> 00:54:58.489
It's irrelevant. He said no, it failed.

00:54:58.489 --> 00:55:00.489
So you abstain?

00:55:00.489 --> 00:55:02.489
Aye.

00:55:02.489 --> 00:55:04.489
Motion fails, 7 to 1.

00:55:08.489 --> 00:55:10.489
Any further discussion?

00:55:16.489 --> 00:55:18.489
You can't say nothing.

00:55:18.489 --> 00:55:24.849
No, further discussion by those that have not spoken already.

00:55:24.849 --> 00:55:28.969
If you can't ask any questions, just vote no.

00:55:28.969 --> 00:55:31.529
Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

00:55:31.529 --> 00:55:32.529
Shadle?

00:55:32.529 --> 00:55:33.529
Aye.

00:55:33.529 --> 00:55:34.529
Sanders?

00:55:34.529 --> 00:55:35.529
No.

00:55:35.529 --> 00:55:36.529
Sellers?

00:55:36.529 --> 00:55:37.529
Aye.

00:55:37.529 --> 00:55:38.529
Klemm?

00:55:38.529 --> 00:55:39.529
Aye.

00:55:39.529 --> 00:55:40.529
Monroe?

00:55:40.529 --> 00:55:41.529
No.

00:55:41.529 --> 00:55:42.529
Simmons?

00:55:42.529 --> 00:55:43.529
No.

00:55:43.529 --> 00:55:44.529
Parker?

00:55:44.529 --> 00:55:45.529
Aye.

00:55:45.529 --> 00:55:46.529
Stacy?

00:55:46.529 --> 00:55:47.529
No.

00:55:47.529 --> 00:55:55.009
what do we need what percentage do we need on this just simple majority mayor

00:55:55.009 --> 00:56:01.369
what say you I the motion passes actually the ordinance passes five to

00:56:01.369 --> 00:56:09.649
four well actually if you're going to say this is a joke then I'm going to

00:56:09.649 --> 00:56:13.569
interject with that that we've been talking about this since for three

00:56:13.569 --> 00:56:15.569
and

00:56:16.569 --> 00:56:17.569
Mr.

00:56:17.569 --> 00:56:18.569
Boyer,

00:56:18.569 --> 00:56:19.569
Thank you, Your Honor.

00:56:19.569 --> 00:56:34.569
Annually, the City Council adopts a corporate levy to help finance city operations.

00:56:34.569 --> 00:56:39.569
We have received the estimated assessed value, EAV, from the county.

00:56:39.569 --> 00:56:50.409
D.A.V. for our tax district has increased by $15,102,367 or 5.61% over the last year.

00:56:50.409 --> 00:57:00.369
Based on this information, the city's levy for 2024 at, I'm sorry, would be $2,977,400,

00:57:00.369 --> 00:57:04.949
an increase of $144,000.

00:57:04.949 --> 00:57:10.389
A house valued at $100 would see no increase in the city's portion of the property tax

00:57:10.389 --> 00:57:14.629
as long as their assessed value has not increased and during the last five years the City Council

00:57:14.629 --> 00:57:18.429
has kept tax rate the same or slightly lower.

00:57:18.429 --> 00:57:22.669
Staff request City Council to move this ordinance or approve this ordinance.

00:57:22.669 --> 00:57:23.669
Madam Mayor.

00:57:23.669 --> 00:57:24.669
Thank you.

00:57:24.669 --> 00:57:27.469
Can we get the correct numbers read into the record please?

00:57:27.469 --> 00:57:28.469
Where was it wrong?

00:57:28.469 --> 00:57:29.469
Did I say something wrong?

00:57:29.469 --> 00:57:30.469
No.

00:57:30.469 --> 00:57:31.469
City Manager did.

00:57:31.469 --> 00:57:38.629
Mounts are $140,400 and $100,000. Not a hundred and not a hundred and forty-four.

00:57:38.629 --> 00:57:50.909
Have you got that? Are you okay with that, Madam Clerk? I have it in the memo. Discussion

00:57:50.909 --> 00:58:00.549
on the on the tax levy ordinance. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Shadle? Aye. Sanders?

00:58:00.549 --> 00:58:30.549
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.

00:58:30.549 --> 00:58:38.549
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.

00:58:38.549 --> 00:58:50.549
We have received the estimated 2024 equalized assessed value from the county. The AV has increased by $15,102,367 over the last year.

00:58:50.549 --> 00:58:58.549
Based on this information, the library's levy for 2024 paid in 25 will be $1,062,000.

00:58:58.549 --> 00:59:03.049
The library will see an overall increase of $50,500 in their levy.

00:59:03.049 --> 00:59:14.349
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.

00:59:14.349 --> 00:59:20.349
At this time, we informed council that these rates would need to increase when the funds were exhausted.

00:59:20.349 --> 00:59:30.349
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.

00:59:30.349 --> 00:59:35.349
I'm sorry, a slight decrease. I apologize. Thank you for staying corrected.

00:59:35.349 --> 00:59:43.349
Staff request, City Council move this ordinance forward and approve this levy ordinance.

00:59:43.349 --> 00:59:56.869
Discussion Council, Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons?

00:59:59.789 --> 01:00:01.789
Parker? Aye.

01:00:01.789 --> 01:00:10.230
Parker, aye, and Stacy, aye. The ordinance passes 8 to 0. And item number 12, Madam Clerk,

01:00:10.230 --> 01:00:17.989
could you please read all of those ordinances? We have a motion to abate all

01:00:17.989 --> 01:00:22.429
real estate tax levies for repayment of general obligation bonds as follows.

01:00:22.429 --> 01:00:28.989
Ordinance 2024-65 to abate the 2024 real estate tax levy for the repayment of the

01:01:28.989 --> 01:01:38.989
Ordinance 2024-72 to abate the 2024 Real Estate Tax Levy for the repayment of the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2021.

01:01:38.989 --> 01:01:49.989
And Ordinance 2024-73 to abate the 2024 Real Estate Tax Levy for the repayment of the General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022.

01:01:49.989 --> 01:02:03.989
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.

01:02:03.989 --> 01:02:12.989
And city staff recommends moving forward with 2024-65 bond abatements.

01:02:12.989 --> 01:02:18.989
Discussion. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:02:18.989 --> 01:02:40.869
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?

01:02:40.869 --> 01:02:50.869
Ordinance of the City of Freeport approving and authorizing a vehicle lease agreement with the Stevenson County Senior Center doing business as the Senior Resource Center.

01:02:50.869 --> 01:02:52.869
Director Duckman.

01:02:52.869 --> 01:03:02.869
Thank you Madam Mayor. Do a little recap here from the first reading. Nothing has changed from the proposed ordinance here.

01:03:02.869 --> 01:03:09.869
What's going on here is that the Senior Resource Center is our operator for the Pretzel City Area Transit.

01:03:09.869 --> 01:03:16.590
and they currently have a bus which is a 2016 E-350. That's a 12 passenger van and

01:03:16.590 --> 01:03:24.389
they or the lease here basically takes it from another program that they have

01:03:24.389 --> 01:03:29.309
and moves it into our Pretzel City area transit. So another way to put it simply

01:03:29.309 --> 01:03:37.429
it's adding another bus to our fleet which it would go from 16 to 17 and the

01:03:37.429 --> 01:04:00.429
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.

01:04:00.429 --> 01:04:04.429
Discussion?

01:04:04.429 --> 01:04:06.429
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:04:08.429 --> 01:04:19.750
Shadle. Aye. Sanders. Aye. Sellers. Aye. Klemm. Aye. Monroe. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. And Stacy. Aye.

01:04:19.750 --> 01:04:27.630
The ordinance passes 8 to 0. Item number 14 is the second reading of Ordinance 2024-78. Could you please read this?

01:04:27.630 --> 01:04:32.789
Ordinance Approving Special Use Permit Application at 1161 West Lincoln Boulevard

01:04:32.789 --> 01:04:42.989
Submitted by LGCY or Legacy Installation Services to examine the special use of an R41 family residence zone property

01:04:42.989 --> 01:04:52.750
to allow for solar energy systems which utilize ground-mounted PV arrays per section 1250.01.B.20.

01:04:52.750 --> 01:05:22.750
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,

01:05:22.750 --> 01:05:24.849
in the backyard, rear yard of the property.

01:05:24.849 --> 01:05:27.009
Anytime you're going to do ground-mounted solar

01:05:27.009 --> 01:05:29.909
in a residential area, you have to have a special use

01:05:29.909 --> 01:05:31.869
permit, which essentially means it

01:05:31.869 --> 01:05:33.949
goes through our Zoning Board of Appeals, then our Planning

01:05:33.949 --> 01:05:40.670
Commission, and then ultimately for your vote.

01:05:40.670 --> 01:05:45.009
So to do a little recap here of what

01:05:45.009 --> 01:05:48.989
was read in our first reading, we had a ZBA hearing

01:05:48.989 --> 01:05:52.190
on November 7, and that was recommended for approval

01:05:52.190 --> 01:06:04.789
and John. We also had a planning commission. It was reviewed at the planning commission

01:06:04.789 --> 01:06:11.510
and it was not recommended for approval. The vote there was three yeas, four nays, and

01:06:11.510 --> 01:06:19.029
zero abstentions. With that in mind, one of the key factors that was discussed at the

01:06:19.029 --> 01:06:24.469
and the last reading but also at the Planning Commission who voted against it was the discussion

01:06:24.469 --> 01:06:30.029
of, you know, this is just one of the factors was neighbor, you know, how this would affect

01:06:30.029 --> 01:06:35.869
the neighbors and staff went through even before the Zoning Board of Appeals talked

01:06:35.869 --> 01:06:41.269
to several local real estate agents and there's conflicting opinions on how this would affect

01:06:41.269 --> 01:06:42.650
the neighbors.

01:06:42.650 --> 01:06:48.849
So that was the main contention in presenting this special use permit.

01:06:48.849 --> 01:06:56.630
I also will say that at the hearing in the Zoning Board of Appeals, there were no complaints

01:06:56.630 --> 01:06:59.849
or negative statements from neighbors regarding this.

01:06:59.849 --> 01:07:05.369
So that's the facts that have been presented and now it's before you for decision.

01:07:05.369 --> 01:07:06.369
Discussion?

01:07:06.369 --> 01:07:07.369
Alderman Sanders?

01:07:07.369 --> 01:07:21.449
Discussion, Alderman, Sanders, Director, Duckman, the Planning Commission voted it down to be

01:07:21.449 --> 01:07:24.569
gently about it, am I correct?

01:07:24.569 --> 01:07:30.329
Yes, they did not, they voted, I guess that's one way to put it, yes.

01:07:30.329 --> 01:07:39.329
How was the discretionary reason why they felt that it was not a good move because of

01:07:39.329 --> 01:07:44.170
the fact that it raised questions within the neighborhood?

01:07:44.170 --> 01:07:51.050
I think the Planning Commission looks at the special uses in light of our comprehensive

01:07:51.050 --> 01:07:56.849
plan which talks about how does the city view development moving forward in the future.

01:07:56.849 --> 01:08:01.050
and one of the main, the idea there was it's a residential property.

01:08:01.050 --> 01:08:07.929
They know where it's located and there was some strong conversation about, you know,

01:08:07.929 --> 01:08:11.969
property rights essentially versus, you know, how does this affect the overall development

01:08:11.969 --> 01:08:13.210
in our residential neighborhoods?

01:08:13.210 --> 01:08:16.130
And another way to look at it is how does this affect my neighbors?

01:08:16.130 --> 01:08:18.770
Property values, the enjoyment of their property, et cetera.

01:08:18.770 --> 01:08:23.010
So there was good conversation there and that's ultimately, you know, that's how it was.

01:08:23.010 --> 01:08:26.489
I would say there was other factors but I would say that was a big dividing point on

01:08:26.489 --> 01:08:42.489
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?

01:08:42.489 --> 01:08:51.489
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.

01:08:51.489 --> 01:09:11.489
So the overall disagreement within the planning commission was based on what, specifically?

01:09:21.489 --> 01:09:51.489
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.

01:09:51.489 --> 01:09:58.489
Now, that being said, is that a true statement? Is that an ordinance where a property owner

01:09:58.489 --> 01:10:01.489
can obstruct or cause interference or...

01:10:01.489 --> 01:10:03.489
Hickman.

01:10:05.409 --> 01:10:07.409
I'm saying it's a question of

01:10:09.510 --> 01:10:12.510
what cause interference or inappropriate things that can be

01:10:12.510 --> 01:10:19.590
obtrusive to the neighbors and so on and so on, a nuisance, I

01:10:19.590 --> 01:10:21.590
would say, become a nuisance to the neighbors.

01:10:21.710 --> 01:10:24.729
» I mean, you are the truth, Alderperson Sanders here.

01:10:24.729 --> 01:10:28.069
You're the final word. The Planning Commission presented

01:10:28.069 --> 01:10:30.069
their opinion. » Okay.

01:10:31.489 --> 01:10:34.250
Planned Commission had their opinion, and now this is your decision.

01:10:34.250 --> 01:10:35.250
Right.

01:10:35.250 --> 01:10:36.250
True.

01:10:36.250 --> 01:10:37.250
True.

01:10:37.250 --> 01:10:38.250
Okay.

01:10:38.250 --> 01:10:39.250
Thank you.

01:10:39.250 --> 01:10:40.250
Alderman Sellers.

01:10:40.250 --> 01:10:41.250
Yes.

01:10:41.250 --> 01:10:42.250
I'd like to know.

01:10:42.250 --> 01:10:48.250
I know that when we had talked about the people putting the solars out there in the arcades

01:10:48.250 --> 01:10:52.769
back then, and the people were saying, is there a possibility that there could be maybe

01:10:52.769 --> 01:10:57.809
like some fencing that's around it just in case?

01:10:57.809 --> 01:11:04.210
We could potentially propose that it would have to be a condition proposed on the floor

01:11:04.210 --> 01:11:06.130
and then voted upon by the council members.

01:11:06.130 --> 01:11:11.529
So it would be saying, you know, I propose a condition that we would put some sort of

01:11:11.529 --> 01:11:15.289
screening around other than it's existing.

01:11:15.289 --> 01:11:19.170
I mean, you could potentially propose that and have it voted on.

01:11:19.170 --> 01:11:21.170
That's allowed in the ordinance.

01:11:21.170 --> 01:11:22.170
Okay.

01:11:22.170 --> 01:11:23.569
Alderman Klemm?

01:11:23.569 --> 01:11:24.569
Yeah.

01:11:24.569 --> 01:11:32.569
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?

01:11:32.569 --> 01:11:38.569
Yes. It says yes. When tilted, it has a maximum height of 10 feet from the ground, yes.

01:11:38.569 --> 01:11:45.569
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.

01:11:45.569 --> 01:11:48.569
You are correct, yes. Right, per that map, yes, in the backyard.

01:11:48.569 --> 01:11:50.569
Thank you.

01:11:50.569 --> 01:11:58.409
So I think we discussed this at the last meeting, but just want to provide a little clarity.

01:11:58.409 --> 01:12:02.250
If this was on the roof, if this was a roof mounted solar, this would never have come

01:12:02.250 --> 01:12:06.849
to council because our solar ordinances say that this can be provided on a roof.

01:12:06.849 --> 01:12:11.449
The reason this is here is this is a special use permit to ground mount because they want

01:12:11.449 --> 01:12:15.769
to review each situation to make sure if the lot is big enough, if the property is big

01:12:15.769 --> 01:12:25.210
Big enough if it's obtrusive to the people that surround this particular property.

01:12:25.210 --> 01:12:29.189
Alderman Monroe.

01:12:29.189 --> 01:12:30.189
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:12:30.189 --> 01:12:32.269
I'd just like to make a statement.

01:12:32.269 --> 01:12:37.569
You know, a few months back we had a big issue with two panels of 10-foot fence.

01:12:37.569 --> 01:12:46.090
Here we want to put in 31 feet, almost 31 feet by 10 feet, almost 11 feet, just rounding,

01:12:46.090 --> 01:12:52.889
324.6 square feet of maximum height of 10 foot solar array in a backyard.

01:12:52.889 --> 01:12:59.969
This in my opinion poses a significantly greater eyesore than two panels of a 10 foot fence

01:12:59.969 --> 01:13:01.590
or an 8 foot fence.

01:13:01.590 --> 01:13:04.929
It was even 8 foot that we had a problem with.

01:13:04.929 --> 01:13:09.969
and you know quite honestly you couldn't put a fence that would block the eyesight of the

01:13:09.969 --> 01:13:16.849
homes behind and beside so you know this this question really boils down to do we want solar

01:13:16.849 --> 01:13:22.769
panels on the ground of all or any of the lawns in our community because if we say yes

01:13:22.769 --> 01:13:28.949
to this we move forward and say yes to all essentially otherwise you know we run into

01:13:28.949 --> 01:13:34.590
to a problem and, you know, quite honestly, you know, when you talk about those 8-foot

01:13:34.590 --> 01:13:43.729
panels on a fence, the answer becomes very clear if we've got a problem with that.

01:13:43.729 --> 01:13:45.869
Is there anyone that wants to speak for first time?

01:13:45.869 --> 01:13:49.989
Alderman Shadle, did you have, no?

01:13:49.989 --> 01:13:52.349
Alderman Sellers, you want to speak for second time?

01:13:52.349 --> 01:13:58.229
Yes, I do think that it would be an eyesore to even have like in my backyard because I

01:13:58.229 --> 01:14:11.229
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?

01:14:11.229 --> 01:14:22.229
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.

01:14:22.229 --> 01:14:25.949
as soon as you start putting fasteners, screws,

01:14:25.949 --> 01:14:27.550
into a roof with shingles, you're

01:14:27.550 --> 01:14:29.309
going to void warranties.

01:14:29.309 --> 01:14:33.189
So those are just reasons why the person is attempting

01:14:33.189 --> 01:14:34.469
to get this passed.

01:14:37.349 --> 01:14:39.029
Alderman Stacey.

01:14:39.029 --> 01:14:43.149
So did I understand you to say that the surrounding neighbors

01:14:43.149 --> 01:14:46.550
don't have a problem with it?

01:14:46.550 --> 01:14:48.869
So when you do a special use permit,

01:14:48.869 --> 01:14:50.829
so on November 7 hearing, there was

01:14:50.829 --> 01:15:20.829
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

01:15:20.829 --> 01:15:31.829
aren't complaining, what right do we have to complain about somebody putting something on their own property, in their own backyard?

01:15:35.829 --> 01:15:37.829
Any further discussion?

01:15:42.829 --> 01:15:46.829
If I see none, then Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?

01:15:50.829 --> 01:15:57.149
Shadle? No. Sanders is absent. Sellers?

01:16:07.789 --> 01:16:13.189
I want to say no because I wouldn't want it and maybe right now the neighbors but

01:16:13.189 --> 01:16:17.750
if they was to try to sell their home would it be a problem that's that's my

01:16:17.750 --> 01:16:45.750
Clem? 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?

01:16:45.750 --> 01:16:53.170
Ordinance Approving Special Use Application at 1373 South Locust Avenue Submitted by

01:16:53.170 --> 01:17:00.469
Sindio Networks to Examine the Special Use of an R41 Family Residence Zoned Property

01:17:00.469 --> 01:17:11.369
to Allow for a Telephone Exchange and Other Similar Public Service Uses per Section 1250.01b8

01:17:11.369 --> 01:17:17.469
Thank you, Madam Mayor. So to recap here, nothing has changed from the first reading.

01:17:17.469 --> 01:17:26.469
And essentially what this is, is the Cyndio Networks is a fiber optic company, and they

01:17:26.469 --> 01:17:33.849
have already installed a pedestal cabinet, which you can see here in the picture, right

01:17:33.849 --> 01:17:39.949
in my, the red dot here. And then this is the graphic representation here. And then

01:17:39.949 --> 01:17:45.349
this is would be Locust here and the high school would be over here so that kind of

01:17:45.349 --> 01:17:49.510
just gives an idea a little visual of what this it was actually happening here

01:17:49.510 --> 01:17:55.989
and there were discussions with Sindio originally this was going to be an

01:17:55.989 --> 01:18:00.189
actual I would call it more like a garage structure when they came to the

01:18:00.189 --> 01:18:04.750
city and there was a large amount of discussions on what the city would

01:18:04.750 --> 01:18:06.750
and the rest of the staff.

01:18:06.750 --> 01:18:07.750
And then we had a meeting with the

01:18:07.750 --> 01:18:09.750
Office of the Special Use Permit.

01:18:09.750 --> 01:18:11.750
They were going to be asking us

01:18:11.750 --> 01:18:13.750
if we could get a special use permit

01:18:13.750 --> 01:18:15.750
because we were going to be using

01:18:15.750 --> 01:18:17.750
the special use permit to get a special use permit

01:18:17.750 --> 01:18:20.750
that would require for the special use permit.

01:18:20.750 --> 01:18:22.750
Ultimately, they walked away from that.

01:18:22.750 --> 01:18:25.750
And then we found out,

01:18:25.750 --> 01:18:28.750
this would have been some point in October,

01:18:28.750 --> 01:18:31.750
that they went ahead and installed just a cabinet instead.

01:18:31.750 --> 01:18:33.750
So in installing a cabinet

01:18:33.750 --> 01:18:35.750
Fowler,

01:19:03.750 --> 01:19:33.750
and others.

01:19:33.750 --> 01:20:01.529
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...

01:20:01.529 --> 01:20:02.529
and Stacey.

01:20:02.529 --> 01:20:31.250
They asked if they could do this and they were told no and they did it anyway.

01:20:31.250 --> 01:20:36.130
That's what I stated, yes.

01:20:36.130 --> 01:20:39.170
Just for a point of clarification, didn't they originally want a structure though?

01:20:39.170 --> 01:20:40.529
Yes, that's what I stated.

01:20:40.529 --> 01:20:46.729
So they went to this place earlier and they had a roughly 300 square foot, actually I

01:20:46.729 --> 01:20:51.050
believe it was 500 square foot, it was an actual structure like a garage.

01:20:51.050 --> 01:20:52.689
So it looked like a small house, a garage.

01:20:52.689 --> 01:20:54.409
But you said they decided against that.

01:20:54.409 --> 01:21:00.210
No, I told them that I gave them the requirements that we would need and they said, okay, we're

01:21:00.210 --> 01:21:04.649
We're not going to do it and then come to find out, come to find, well what they did was

01:21:04.649 --> 01:21:10.569
is they didn't put up the house, they put up this smaller cabinet here because again

01:21:10.569 --> 01:21:14.050
what they claimed is they said well we didn't put a house up here so I thought we could

01:21:14.050 --> 01:21:18.289
just do this and when I came to them I said no you can't just do this, you need to get

01:21:18.289 --> 01:21:22.989
permits, you need to go through the process and so ultimately as I said in the first reading

01:21:22.989 --> 01:21:28.449
if this isn't approved then I have to work with Attorney Zito on a plan to ask them to

01:21:28.449 --> 01:21:34.989
to remove it through a court process.

01:21:34.989 --> 01:21:41.329
Any other comments for Alderman Simmons?

01:21:41.329 --> 01:21:50.449
I would say that was a compromise, yes.

01:21:50.449 --> 01:21:51.809
No other first one.

01:21:51.809 --> 01:21:53.849
I will move on to Alderman Sellers.

01:21:53.849 --> 01:22:01.389
Yes, I'd just like to know, when we have situations like this, when people go against the ordinance,

01:22:01.389 --> 01:22:07.849
are there fines that we can put on them that, you know, you knew you were supposed to follow

01:22:07.849 --> 01:22:12.149
the ordinance and you did it anyway, so now, you know, you're trying to follow the proper

01:22:12.149 --> 01:22:18.569
protocol? Is there a way that we can start adding fines to things like this?

01:22:18.569 --> 01:22:23.349
When they get their building permit, it'll be twice. So if it's a $100 permit, if you

01:22:23.349 --> 01:22:27.710
You are doing it after the fact. It's a double the permit fee. So it's a hundred. It would

01:22:27.710 --> 01:22:36.670
be two hundred. Okay. Alderman Sanders? As it stands now, what is the corrections that

01:22:36.670 --> 01:22:42.670
are being made? Well, as I presented, when anytime somebody does something wrong in the

01:22:42.670 --> 01:22:48.710
property code, you always have to give them an opportunity to right their wrong. You know,

01:22:48.710 --> 01:22:53.309
so this is their opportunity to right their wrong is to go through the process and submit

01:22:53.309 --> 01:23:02.090
and I. I stated it in the first reading and I'll state it again, certainly Council has

01:23:02.090 --> 01:23:08.389
the right to vote no to this and then staff, we would work with our attorney to come up

01:23:08.389 --> 01:23:14.889
with a court order for them to remove the, actually remove the pedestal and all equipment.

01:23:14.889 --> 01:23:20.289
So I mean that's what's before you today is do we, does the City accept their special

01:23:20.289 --> 01:23:25.369
Marshall, Use Permanent Application, or is it so egregious that this needs to be immediately

01:23:25.369 --> 01:23:29.210
remediated and then we go through a legal process to remove it?

01:23:29.210 --> 01:23:30.210
Okay.

01:23:30.210 --> 01:23:32.210
Alderman Stacey?

01:23:32.210 --> 01:23:38.849
Monroe, did you?

01:23:38.849 --> 01:23:48.409
I feel that we're setting a presidency here and if we allow them to get away with this

01:23:48.409 --> 01:23:59.409
when they were told no, we're giving the next person permission to do the same.

01:23:59.409 --> 01:24:07.609
If they had not have been told no, it would be different.

01:24:07.609 --> 01:24:17.729
And I think this need to fail and I think this needs to pull it up or when it happened

01:24:17.729 --> 01:24:27.329
again we're gonna have to accept that oops as well when do we take a stand for

01:24:27.329 --> 01:24:36.969
our city somebody got to be the example they knew we had said no why did you do

01:24:36.969 --> 01:24:44.689
it anyway it's no way this should pass attorney Zito did you want to well then

01:24:44.689 --> 01:24:50.210
Alderman Parker had his hand up for me. Well my understanding is they did it

01:24:50.210 --> 01:24:53.090
without knowing what the ordinance said. That was more of an ignorant thing on

01:24:53.090 --> 01:24:59.630
their part. It wasn't intentionally violating the ordinance. That's a good, I guess

01:24:59.630 --> 01:25:03.729
that's one way to look at it. We had lengthy conversations with them about a

01:25:03.729 --> 01:25:09.569
much more substantial development and I think that they claim to not have known.

01:25:09.569 --> 01:25:12.889
I mean in my opinion they should have known and when I reached out to them I

01:25:12.889 --> 01:25:39.769
album, and Tom, David, and T vibrato,

01:26:39.769 --> 01:26:43.769
County, it is the value for residential has diminished.

01:26:43.769 --> 01:26:47.769
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:26:47.769 --> 01:26:51.769
You know, kind of following up on that, you know,

01:26:51.769 --> 01:26:55.769
we've got a lot of empty property in our city.

01:26:55.769 --> 01:26:59.769
This happens to be sitting along one of the major thoroughfares that's about to be completely

01:26:59.769 --> 01:27:03.769
redone, close to the school, has lots of value for a

01:27:03.769 --> 01:27:07.769
homeowner. I think just about

01:27:07.769 --> 01:27:15.049
Anywhere else in the city, you could probably get away from this being a really bad decision,

01:27:15.049 --> 01:27:19.729
but you know, sitting here across from the school in a great, you know, a pretty good

01:27:19.729 --> 01:27:29.689
neighborhood, I think that's a pretty big mistake, so unfortunately.

01:27:29.689 --> 01:27:30.689
Anybody else?

01:27:30.689 --> 01:27:34.689
The only problem is, Alderman, Stacy, you've already spoke twice.

01:27:42.689 --> 01:27:49.689
Director Duckman, what kind of utility is this and will citizens lose some kind of service if it's removed?

01:27:51.689 --> 01:27:59.689
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.

01:27:59.689 --> 01:28:05.949
and Mayor. This process started with Cyndio Networks, Arrow, and they kind of talked to

01:28:05.949 --> 01:28:11.409
us about what this fiber optic expansion would look like in the city. So, Director, do you

01:28:11.409 --> 01:28:14.849
want to just tell us a little bit about what this is for?

01:28:14.849 --> 01:28:21.389
I don't know exactly who this would serve, but it would potentially impact their government

01:28:21.389 --> 01:28:27.210
and commercial clients and if they have any residential in that area too. So it's internet.

01:28:27.210 --> 01:28:33.929
Mayer, Deputy Chief. Maybe I'm not correct, but my understanding is that this is for the

01:28:33.929 --> 01:28:40.529
ETSB and the 911 system and that this would be a backup route if one of their other leads

01:28:40.529 --> 01:28:47.969
lines was, not leads, fiber lines was cut. That is correct. That's one of the things

01:28:47.969 --> 01:28:51.809
that they have been told to us, but I've heard, I've heard some, you are 100% correct and

01:28:51.809 --> 01:28:56.689
I agree with you, but I've heard some varying, you know, they could, could they have gone

01:28:56.689 --> 01:28:57.689
Fowler.

01:28:57.689 --> 01:29:06.170
This is connected to the ETSB, but they obviously could have engineered something else.

01:29:06.170 --> 01:29:07.590
But you are correct.

01:29:07.590 --> 01:29:11.809
From what they're stating is that this is going to be a backup for the ETSB.

01:29:11.809 --> 01:29:14.449
Alderman Sanders.

01:29:14.449 --> 01:29:24.609
So this also comes to the point where it's almost a necessity in case of an emergency

01:29:24.609 --> 01:29:32.489
situation because fiber optics do encounter construction work in certain locations and

01:29:32.489 --> 01:29:39.449
can shut down hospitals, college campuses, can do a number of things of damage to any

01:29:39.449 --> 01:29:46.649
kinds of institution that's running fiber optic and I don't know what the extent of

01:29:46.649 --> 01:29:52.609
it is but according to what the deputy is talking about, I would totally agree with

01:29:52.609 --> 01:30:01.449
with the fact that backup routing would be a necessity thing for us to look at.

01:30:01.449 --> 01:30:03.449
and

01:30:05.449 --> 01:30:17.449
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.

01:30:17.449 --> 01:30:47.449
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

01:30:47.449 --> 01:30:51.489
Fox is out now I'm gonna apply for my special use permit and I'm gonna jump

01:30:51.489 --> 01:30:56.010
through the hoop again in the same order in the right order right and so now it's

01:30:56.010 --> 01:30:59.170
gonna come right go right back through ZBA go right back through planning and

01:30:59.170 --> 01:31:03.829
zoning and the end all be all question is is this an appropriate use on this

01:31:03.829 --> 01:31:08.329
property you know if they never would have messed up the the the order let's

01:31:08.329 --> 01:31:11.569
say they did it right the first time and jump through the hoops right way would

01:31:11.569 --> 01:31:17.329
the council have have approved this for this location to have this cabinet here

01:31:17.329 --> 01:31:21.050
you know so again I just kind of want to point that out because they could you

01:31:21.050 --> 01:31:24.090
can't just can turn it down and they could rip it out and then they can turn

01:31:24.090 --> 01:31:27.050
around and reapply for it and at that point we would need to have a reason as

01:31:27.050 --> 01:31:31.449
to a zoning reason really as to why that's does not appropriate here and if

01:31:31.449 --> 01:31:38.130
there is one there is one but if there's not there's not you know so okay

01:31:38.130 --> 01:31:43.609
Alderman Klemm, Madam Mayor just a thought this is one of those things you

01:31:43.609 --> 01:31:45.609
and others in the city, and you're going to see a lot of

01:31:46.010 --> 01:31:48.010
different folks come to me for this.

01:31:49.949 --> 01:31:51.949
And, you know, everyone is going to be a part of it.

01:31:54.349 --> 01:31:56.349
So, yeah, I think the kind of label is a bad deal.

01:31:58.949 --> 01:32:00.949
One other option would to be lay this over to another meeting

01:32:02.550 --> 01:32:04.550
and find out what their options are that they can do.

01:32:04.670 --> 01:32:06.670
Is that correct?

01:32:06.670 --> 01:32:36.670
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,

01:32:36.670 --> 01:32:58.670
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...

01:32:58.670 --> 01:33:00.670
What could possibly change in a delay?

01:33:00.670 --> 01:33:04.750
So, and I'll have Attorney Zito look it up, but essentially it's in our ordinance that

01:33:04.750 --> 01:33:10.789
says there's a time frame from when it passes ZBA to where counsel has to take action on

01:33:10.789 --> 01:33:11.789
it.

01:33:11.789 --> 01:33:16.269
So we are, the counsel is required to make some action on it, at least that's my recollection

01:33:16.269 --> 01:33:18.429
of a special use.

01:33:18.429 --> 01:33:22.109
Alderman Klemm.

01:33:22.109 --> 01:33:26.389
Can I just do a follow-up is all I want to do.

01:33:26.389 --> 01:33:34.510
One of the examples is the same thing, okay, in front of what used to be Hartog and Reedy's

01:33:34.510 --> 01:33:41.550
property on Berchard as you go around the curve. I believe the telephone company or

01:33:41.550 --> 01:33:47.710
one of the companies put an above-ground thing in there, and there was great opposition from

01:33:47.710 --> 01:33:54.269
them to it, and they turned around and put the same thing in underground, okay. Now,

01:33:54.269 --> 01:34:01.109
If that's an option, what I don't want to see is every, this is, Arrow is a former hometown

01:34:01.109 --> 01:34:06.149
company and has roots here and all that kind of stuff, but there's no sense to spend a

01:34:06.149 --> 01:34:11.029
whole bunch of money before we know all the answers, is what I'm saying. You know, it's

01:34:11.029 --> 01:34:15.909
a bad deal. If you had a vote on it right now, would I go along with most everybody

01:34:15.909 --> 01:34:21.930
else and say no, but what have you gained? You know, if they need it there, do they take

01:34:51.930 --> 01:34:56.649
Down for a vote you know you're looking at it saying and attorney Zito said it

01:34:56.649 --> 01:35:00.649
eloquently and correctly that they're gonna end up going through this process

01:35:00.649 --> 01:35:04.649
no matter what because this is what they want to do but there's also the other

01:35:04.649 --> 01:35:07.649
side of the argument you could take and say you know if we don't enforce our

01:35:07.649 --> 01:35:11.250
rules you know what are they there for so you're really kind of looking at it

01:35:11.250 --> 01:35:14.449
as do you want to help this along because you know that if they tear it

01:35:14.449 --> 01:35:18.210
out they're eventually gonna go through this process and argue us saying hey I

01:35:18.210 --> 01:35:36.430
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.

01:35:36.430 --> 01:35:45.269
Darin. So based on my experience with the internet companies they they can build

01:35:45.269 --> 01:35:48.670
this type of vault below ground it's just significantly more expensive than

01:35:48.670 --> 01:35:52.229
above grade so and they prefer above grade because it's easier to service than

01:35:52.229 --> 01:36:01.029
it is below grade but it can be put below grade. Shadle, Parker, and Simmons if

01:36:01.029 --> 01:36:04.949
either one of you three have any more comments Alderman Parker. I just want to

01:36:04.949 --> 01:36:10.469
state that if it's emergency backup for our 9-1-1 system or ETSB, I think we'd

01:36:10.469 --> 01:36:15.189
be making a mistake by rejecting it just because if they need it and it's not

01:36:15.189 --> 01:36:19.590
working because we shut it down, we're gonna look pretty foolish especially if

01:36:19.590 --> 01:36:23.829
it's an emergency and somebody gets hurt or killed so my opinion I think we need

01:36:23.829 --> 01:36:26.149
to approve it.

01:36:26.149 --> 01:36:27.309
Shadle or Simmons?

01:36:32.069 --> 01:36:34.869
Okay, well then everyone else has had their second time.

01:36:37.029 --> 01:36:38.869
Are we ready to take a vote?

01:36:38.869 --> 01:36:41.949
Yeah, he's still looking.

01:36:43.229 --> 01:36:46.189
Is the floor still open for questions?

01:36:46.189 --> 01:36:47.510
You already had your two times,

01:36:47.510 --> 01:36:49.189
so you'd have to have a unanimous.

01:36:49.189 --> 01:36:50.029
Okay.

01:36:51.510 --> 01:36:53.389
Well, I did have a real important one,

01:36:53.389 --> 01:36:57.430
but I guess that's gonna get overlooked

01:37:00.029 --> 01:37:01.430
because I think it needs to be implemented.

01:37:01.430 --> 01:37:03.309
Since we're waiting, I'll make a motion

01:37:03.309 --> 01:37:04.969
to give Ms. another question.

01:37:07.369 --> 01:37:10.189
Okay, so we have a motion on the floor made by Monroe,

01:37:10.189 --> 01:37:12.989
seconded by Simmons to allow Alderman Sanders

01:37:12.989 --> 01:37:14.829
a third time of speaking.

01:37:14.829 --> 01:37:17.029
Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

01:37:17.029 --> 01:37:17.869
Second.

01:37:23.389 --> 01:37:53.389
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

01:37:53.389 --> 01:38:08.389
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.

01:38:08.389 --> 01:38:17.389
I think it should have stipulations or repercussions, findings or things of this nature with ordinance that have been violated.

01:38:17.389 --> 01:38:28.949
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.

01:38:28.949 --> 01:38:41.869
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,

01:38:41.869 --> 01:38:47.630
because of the situation that it has with the fiber optics.

01:38:47.630 --> 01:38:54.829
I think they should incur some kind of a fine or some kind of repercussion as opposed of

01:38:54.829 --> 01:39:02.670
just handing it over to them to let them know further on in the other violation that goes

01:39:02.670 --> 01:39:09.750
for any ordinances that you will be subject to paying a fine for that.

01:39:09.750 --> 01:39:12.949
Duckman already addressed that and he said it would the permit would go from a

01:39:12.949 --> 01:39:17.350
hundred dollars to two hundred dollars so there's a hundred dollar increase.

01:39:18.149 --> 01:39:28.069
Darren? Can the council make a motion to increase the penalty for non-compliance?

01:39:28.069 --> 01:39:33.550
Not possible. If that's set by ordinance then you would need an ordinance to change an

01:39:33.550 --> 01:39:44.149
Ordinance. And you found the answer? It appears to be 60 days after publication of

01:39:44.149 --> 01:39:52.750
the notice. Otherwise, it's deemed to be approved. So whatever 60 days is from the

01:39:52.750 --> 01:39:57.750
day that the notice was published. Or after publication of the notice, the day

01:39:57.750 --> 01:40:01.750
Yes, so this, if the ZBA hearing was not heard, the ZBA hearing was not heard, so the ZBA hearing was not heard.

01:40:01.750 --> 01:40:12.750
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.

01:40:15.750 --> 01:40:23.750
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.

01:40:23.750 --> 01:40:30.750
And that's posted notice of the hearing? So like when the sign went up on the property and all of that?

01:40:30.750 --> 01:40:31.590
and all of that.

01:40:31.590 --> 01:40:32.590
We would go, yes.

01:40:32.590 --> 01:40:33.590
And that would also, yes.

01:40:33.590 --> 01:40:35.350
And we have evidence of the.

01:40:35.350 --> 01:40:36.750
Newspaper publication.

01:40:36.750 --> 01:40:38.390
It's a newspaper publication.

01:40:38.390 --> 01:40:40.890
Newspaper.

01:40:40.890 --> 01:40:43.270
OK, I think we're ready for a vote.

01:40:43.270 --> 01:40:47.430
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:40:47.430 --> 01:40:48.350
Shadle?

01:40:48.350 --> 01:40:49.149
Aye.

01:40:49.149 --> 01:40:49.909
Sanders?

01:40:49.909 --> 01:40:50.430
Aye.

01:40:50.430 --> 01:40:51.029
Sellers?

01:40:51.029 --> 01:40:51.550
Aye.

01:40:51.550 --> 01:40:52.270
Klemm?

01:40:52.270 --> 01:40:52.829
Aye.

01:40:52.829 --> 01:40:53.430
Monroe?

01:40:53.430 --> 01:40:54.029
No.

01:40:54.029 --> 01:40:54.710
Simmons?

01:40:54.710 --> 01:40:55.470
No.

01:40:55.470 --> 01:40:56.109
Parker?

01:40:56.109 --> 01:40:56.609
Aye.

01:40:56.609 --> 01:40:57.270
Stacy?

01:40:57.270 --> 01:40:59.069
No.

01:40:59.069 --> 01:41:09.149
I have 5 in the positive, 3 in the negative. Is that sufficient? And the ordinance passes.

01:41:09.149 --> 01:41:15.670
Item number 18 is the first reading of Ordinance 2024-83. Could you please read this?

01:41:15.670 --> 01:41:20.390
Fiscal Year 2024 Reappropriation Ordinance.

01:41:20.390 --> 01:41:21.390
Manager Boyer.

01:41:21.390 --> 01:41:26.310
Thank you, Your Honor. So at the end of each fiscal year, the City Council amends the appropriation

01:41:26.310 --> 01:41:33.130
Ordinance to take into account necessary revenue and expenses adjustments attached to your

01:41:33.130 --> 01:41:36.350
memo or all the proposed changes.

01:41:36.350 --> 01:41:40.649
Just hitting a few highlights, we had some additional revenue and right-of-way permits

01:41:40.649 --> 01:41:44.770
that we did not originally account for, so we received a little bit more there.

01:41:44.770 --> 01:41:50.569
We also received some additional revenue through police reimbursements for some of our training

01:41:50.569 --> 01:41:57.329
that we did and also the airport grant we received a little bit extra about $40,000

01:41:57.329 --> 01:42:04.449
in the airport grant. In addition to revenue, we had various expenses. Just to hit on a

01:42:04.449 --> 01:42:10.970
few again, there was a countervailing expense for the airport grant. We spent a little bit

01:42:10.970 --> 01:42:16.970
more on tree assistance this year than originally budgeted. We made an adjustment for that.

01:42:16.970 --> 01:42:22.670
and then in addition to that we had some streets, of course we did quite a bit of street work

01:42:22.670 --> 01:42:28.569
this year and we included a revenue and expenses and we're still paying some expenses on the

01:42:28.569 --> 01:42:32.850
street improvement fund. That was primarily due to the volume of construction and the

01:42:32.850 --> 01:42:38.569
number of variables involved in that. In addition, we did pretty well with the water fund and

01:42:38.569 --> 01:42:45.210
the sewer fund this year. Both are in fair condition. So staff is requesting council

01:42:45.210 --> 01:42:49.689
move this to the next council meeting on the 16th for approval.

01:42:50.890 --> 01:42:56.250
Is there a motion to move this forward? So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Klemm,

01:42:57.529 --> 01:43:00.970
seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the ordinance.

01:43:04.250 --> 01:43:11.130
We'll move on to item number 19 which is the first ring of ordinance 2024-84. Could you please read

01:43:11.130 --> 01:43:19.970
Ordinance Approving Four Airport Farm Leases with Melvin Abels, Mike Wickman, Jeff Haggeman,

01:43:19.970 --> 01:43:25.449
and Pamela Mannes Trust Manager, Boyer, I think Your Honor, staff has been working very

01:43:25.449 --> 01:43:32.670
hard to get these farm leases squared away around the airport. We have received signed

01:43:32.670 --> 01:43:41.789
Leases from the aforementioned property or rental participants and staff recommends approval

01:43:41.789 --> 01:43:46.510
of the farmland or moving this forward to a second reading.

01:43:46.510 --> 01:43:48.069
Is there a motion to move forward?

01:43:48.069 --> 01:43:49.069
So moved.

01:43:49.069 --> 01:43:50.069
Second.

01:43:50.069 --> 01:43:54.909
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

01:43:54.909 --> 01:43:55.909
Discussion.

01:43:55.909 --> 01:43:56.909
Alderman Monroe.

01:43:56.909 --> 01:43:57.909
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:43:57.909 --> 01:44:19.189
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.

01:44:20.310 --> 01:44:21.750
Manager, did you want that or Darren?

01:44:21.750 --> 01:44:38.750
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.

01:44:38.750 --> 01:44:45.890
We, this will have, if you approve this tonight, every parcel will have a three-year agreement. We've also include,

01:44:46.609 --> 01:44:48.270
included a

01:44:48.270 --> 01:44:52.350
leaf disposal at our discretion on these properties, so

01:44:52.789 --> 01:44:59.250
we could actually spread leaves in the fall or in the spring on these properties to try to help offset some costs. So

01:44:59.890 --> 01:45:01.229
we,

01:45:01.229 --> 01:45:04.569
we've put a lot of time and a lot of effort into getting it to this,

01:45:04.569 --> 01:45:13.130
This piece, but this should clean this up and every parcel should be paid with a three year contract.

01:45:13.130 --> 01:45:16.329
Perfect, thank you, you can answer my question.

01:45:16.329 --> 01:45:17.010
Manager Boyer.

01:45:17.010 --> 01:45:20.630
And if it suits counsel, suspension of the rules would be appreciated.

01:45:20.630 --> 01:45:22.090
Alderman Shadle.

01:45:22.090 --> 01:45:24.609
Madam Mayor, I'd make that motion to suspend the rules.

01:45:24.609 --> 01:45:25.670
I'll second that.

01:45:25.670 --> 01:45:32.449
We have a motion on the floor made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Rhoad for suspension of the rules.

01:45:32.449 --> 01:45:35.770
Suspension of the rules is non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds.

01:45:35.770 --> 01:45:40.090
Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on the suspension only?

01:45:40.090 --> 01:45:40.770
Shadle?

01:45:40.770 --> 01:45:41.210
Aye.

01:45:41.210 --> 01:45:41.810
Sanders?

01:45:41.810 --> 01:45:42.310
Aye.

01:45:42.310 --> 01:45:42.810
Sellers?

01:45:42.810 --> 01:45:43.310
Aye.

01:45:43.310 --> 01:45:43.810
Klemm?

01:45:43.810 --> 01:45:44.310
Aye.

01:45:44.310 --> 01:45:44.970
Monroe?

01:45:44.970 --> 01:45:46.329
Aye.

01:45:46.329 --> 01:45:47.529
Simmons is absent.

01:45:47.529 --> 01:45:48.210
Parker?

01:45:48.210 --> 01:45:48.729
Aye.

01:45:48.729 --> 01:45:49.729
And Stacy?

01:45:49.729 --> 01:45:50.890
Aye.

01:45:50.890 --> 01:45:54.449
So now before you, Council, it would be for the final passage of this ordinance.

01:45:54.449 --> 01:45:57.170
Is there further discussion?

01:45:57.170 --> 01:46:00.050
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:46:00.050 --> 01:46:00.770
Shadle?

01:46:00.770 --> 01:46:01.270
Aye.

01:46:02.449 --> 01:46:13.689
Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons is still absent, Parker, and Stacy. The

01:46:13.689 --> 01:46:18.949
ordinance passes seven to zero. Madam Mayor, I missed the original motion and

01:46:18.949 --> 01:46:27.590
second for the ordinance. The original moving forward would have been Sellers

01:46:27.590 --> 01:46:57.590
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

01:46:57.590 --> 01:47:02.050
Treatment Process, and we dispose of the sludge by doing land apply to fertilize

01:47:02.050 --> 01:47:07.149
farm fields. Cinegro is the company that does the land application, tracks all the

01:47:07.149 --> 01:47:12.630
locations where it is deposited, and manages that whole thing. So our contract

01:47:12.630 --> 01:47:18.149
needs to be renewed. The new current, the new price is $48.21 per cubic yard, and

01:47:18.149 --> 01:47:23.029
staff requests Council move forward with this resolution with Cinegro. Is there a

01:47:23.029 --> 01:47:24.529
Are there a motion to adopt?

01:47:24.529 --> 01:47:25.869
So moved.

01:47:25.869 --> 01:47:27.149
Second.

01:47:27.149 --> 01:47:30.229
We have a motion made by Alderman Seller,

01:47:30.229 --> 01:47:32.869
seconded by Alderman Parker.

01:47:32.869 --> 01:47:35.270
Discussion, Alderman Sanders?

01:47:35.270 --> 01:47:39.949
Yeah, Manager Boyer.

01:47:39.949 --> 01:47:45.989
Looking at the situation when it comes to biosolids,

01:47:45.989 --> 01:47:49.670
the things of that nature, who's all involved in making sure

01:47:49.670 --> 01:47:51.670
and the rest of the board.

01:47:51.670 --> 01:48:04.670
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.

01:48:04.670 --> 01:48:17.670
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?

01:48:17.670 --> 01:48:25.710
and others. I just wanted to hear the whole scope of everything, how we are maintaining

01:48:25.710 --> 01:48:29.510
ourselves in compliance with EPAs and these farmers.

01:48:29.510 --> 01:48:38.109
Sure. I'd be happy to answer that. So the reason we use companies like CineGrow is they

01:48:38.109 --> 01:48:42.590
have basically the administrative tracking system to keep track of what sludge was applied

01:48:42.590 --> 01:48:46.310
to what fields. They have the relationships with the farmers and they also are tracked

01:48:46.310 --> 01:48:52.590
and they work directly with the EPA on where those locations are and how much goes down.

01:48:52.590 --> 01:48:57.750
So that is, I guess, a little bit outside of the city's scope, if you will, but is well

01:48:57.750 --> 01:49:00.090
within regulators' scope.

01:49:00.090 --> 01:49:06.090
So once it leaves our facility and is land applied, it then becomes Synegro and the EPA

01:49:06.090 --> 01:49:11.130
and the individual property owners process after that.

01:49:11.130 --> 01:49:16.809
Any further discussion?

01:49:16.809 --> 01:49:18.409
Alderman Stacy?

01:49:18.409 --> 01:49:29.369
Okay, so this is 48.21 per cubic yard.

01:49:29.369 --> 01:49:41.050
If we dump this into the Pecatonica River, would we be safe?

01:49:41.050 --> 01:50:01.050
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?

01:50:01.050 --> 01:50:01.690
Specifically.

01:50:01.690 --> 01:50:08.890
Farmer's land is specifically applied for to the EPA to spread our sludge on so we can't just go put it

01:50:08.890 --> 01:50:15.850
willy-nilly wherever we want it's not put on flood ground this type of sludge waste is either knifed

01:50:15.850 --> 01:50:20.810
in or injected into the ground so it's not it's not like a product a product that's just sitting on

01:50:20.810 --> 01:50:28.010
the ground if they loose spread it then it's distin if they liquid spread it which we don't do liquid

01:50:28.010 --> 01:50:30.010
and that's the first time that I've seen it being put on the market.

01:50:30.030 --> 01:50:30.750
But they always always look for something that's more

01:50:30.750 --> 01:50:31.470
than just fresh and covered spreading.

01:50:31.510 --> 01:50:31.930
They knife it in.

01:50:32.010 --> 01:50:33.590
So it's not something that's running around.

01:50:33.590 --> 01:50:35.770
This is no different than just regular cow manure or that type

01:50:35.770 --> 01:50:37.370
of fertilizer that's put on fields.

01:50:37.650 --> 01:50:41.590
It just happens to be human waste that's put out there.

01:50:41.950 --> 01:50:47.950
Synegro, one piece that Rob did not state is Synegro is required

01:50:47.950 --> 01:50:52.030
to do soil testing at each one of these sites annually.

01:50:52.030 --> 01:50:53.690
That's part of the permit process.

01:50:54.010 --> 01:50:57.410
So all of the process is carried all the way through.

01:50:57.410 --> 01:51:00.610
and that's all the way reported to EPA on the soil testings,

01:51:00.610 --> 01:51:03.130
how much is applied per acre.

01:51:03.130 --> 01:51:08.130
It's all driven by formulas based on our sludge characteristics

01:51:08.170 --> 01:51:11.130
or the DNA of our final waste.

01:51:11.130 --> 01:51:12.610
But do we know the results?

01:51:12.610 --> 01:51:15.170
Do we stick with it through the whole process?

01:51:15.170 --> 01:51:17.890
Yes, we get results of all that and we've always passed

01:51:17.890 --> 01:51:20.130
and Sinegrove's always done a good job

01:51:20.130 --> 01:51:22.670
for the city of Freeport, spreading, hauling,

01:51:22.670 --> 01:51:25.470
doing the paperwork, we've not had any issues with this.

01:51:27.410 --> 01:51:33.410
and, and there's not a lot of companies that actually do this kind of biosolids waste any longer.

01:51:36.410 --> 01:51:38.410
Please take the roll on the adoption of the resolution.

01:51:39.410 --> 01:51:40.410
Shadle? Aye.

01:51:40.410 --> 01:51:41.410
Sanders? Aye.

01:51:41.410 --> 01:51:42.410
Sellers? Aye.

01:51:42.410 --> 01:51:43.410
Klemm? Aye.

01:51:43.410 --> 01:51:44.410
Monroe? No way.

01:51:45.410 --> 01:51:46.410
Simmons? No.

01:51:48.410 --> 01:51:49.410
Parker? Aye.

01:51:50.410 --> 01:51:51.410
And Stacy? No.

01:51:52.410 --> 01:51:54.410
Motion passes five to three.

01:51:57.410 --> 01:52:04.410
Item number 21 is the Adoption of Resolution 2024-127. Could you please read this?

01:52:04.410 --> 01:52:11.410
Resolution in support of application to the State of Illinois for a community development block grant for sanitary sewer lining.

01:52:11.410 --> 01:52:12.410
Manager Boyer?

01:52:12.410 --> 01:52:18.410
Thank you, Your Honor. The City of Freeport's got about 130 miles of sanitary sewer in the collection system.

01:52:18.410 --> 01:52:34.410
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.

01:52:34.410 --> 01:52:43.850
Hicks. Our Illinois EPA mandatory CMOM, which is the Sewer Capacity Management Plan, requires

01:52:43.850 --> 01:52:49.090
requirements specify that city addresses annual sewer rehabilitation for collection system

01:52:49.090 --> 01:52:54.650
with main line cure in place liner piping for the environmental concerns. We've done

01:52:54.650 --> 01:52:59.890
quite a bit of that this year on our road program. Sewer lining is considered an industry

01:52:59.890 --> 01:53:06.270
Re-Accepted Method in Sewer Main Pipe Rehabilitation and it is more economical than overcut excavation

01:53:06.270 --> 01:53:07.650
methods.

01:53:07.650 --> 01:53:12.630
Sewer lining is over 10 times cheaper to install and the industry standard estimates that it

01:53:12.630 --> 01:53:17.910
lasts over 60 years and a sustainable, useful life after installation.

01:53:17.910 --> 01:53:22.230
City staff request authorization from the City Council to submit to the State of Illinois

01:53:22.230 --> 01:53:27.130
for a Community Development Block Grant for sanitary sewer line to be completed in Ward

01:53:27.130 --> 01:53:29.810
3, 4, 5, and 7.

01:53:29.810 --> 01:53:36.730
These wards, areas, all have areas of concern and sanitary sewer lining would improve the

01:53:36.730 --> 01:53:38.650
infrastructure in these areas.

01:53:38.650 --> 01:53:44.890
The current grant cycle request is for a maximum of a million dollars and has no match required.

01:53:44.890 --> 01:53:49.930
The City Engineer estimates the City would install between 20 and 25,000 linear feet

01:53:49.930 --> 01:53:53.330
of sewer main liner on this project if awarded.

01:53:53.330 --> 01:53:59.650
So there is no funding for this opportunity, no funding match, and staff recommend City

01:53:59.650 --> 01:54:05.410
County Council, approve the resolution so the grant can be submitted on December 4th.

01:54:05.410 --> 01:54:06.410
Is there a motion to adopt?

01:54:06.410 --> 01:54:07.410
So moved.

01:54:07.410 --> 01:54:12.530
Is there a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers?

01:54:12.530 --> 01:54:14.530
Discussion, Alderman Sanders.

01:54:14.530 --> 01:54:25.690
Yeah, for installations, and I know this is referring back to Darren and Director Boyer,

01:54:25.690 --> 01:54:35.530
and installing these liners and looking at the finished product of those liners.

01:54:35.530 --> 01:54:40.530
How do you guys go about inspecting the final product?

01:54:40.530 --> 01:54:43.530
What's the process after the installation?

01:54:43.530 --> 01:54:54.010
And then not only that, when it becomes to a problem installing to residents, reconnecting

01:54:54.010 --> 01:55:24.010
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?

01:55:24.010 --> 01:55:32.090
if you bring them here to the council or we can go to wherever the tape machine is that

01:55:32.090 --> 01:55:40.330
we can actually see some of this stuff being installed so we can get a great visual of

01:55:40.330 --> 01:55:42.530
what is being done.

01:55:42.530 --> 01:55:49.490
That would be something of educational and understanding to the council if we can set

01:55:49.490 --> 01:55:50.490
and so forth.

01:55:50.490 --> 01:55:56.130
So, we're going to put up some kind of visual just to look to see how we prepare that kind

01:55:56.130 --> 01:55:57.130
of operation.

01:55:57.130 --> 01:55:58.130
Is that possible?

01:55:58.130 --> 01:55:59.130
Sure.

01:55:59.130 --> 01:56:06.890
So, first of all, we do full-time inspection for cured-in-place linings, so we have teammates

01:56:06.890 --> 01:56:09.170
out there all throughout the process.

01:56:09.170 --> 01:56:16.010
First, lines are cleaned, televised, point repairs are identified if needed.

01:56:16.010 --> 01:56:18.690
You can line through quite a bit of stuff.

01:56:18.690 --> 01:56:23.330
are put in like they call it like a tube sock where you you turn it inside out

01:56:23.330 --> 01:56:28.490
and it's it's steam blown through the system it inflates inside the liner and

01:56:28.490 --> 01:56:34.650
then it adheres to the inside of the pipe I've done specifically myself a

01:56:34.650 --> 01:56:39.770
probably close to 20 miles of lining in my career which is a lot I did a project

01:56:39.770 --> 01:56:45.750
a handful of years ago here in Freeport that we did almost nine miles we haven't

01:56:45.750 --> 01:56:52.150
in my tenure had a reinstatement issue but if we would that lateral would have

01:56:52.150 --> 01:56:59.150
to be dug up the tools and the equipment that does cured in place lining has

01:56:59.150 --> 01:57:04.650
come a long way in the last 20 years it's all robotic and the way we do

01:57:04.650 --> 01:57:09.750
final inspections as we require the the all the services to be reinstated and

01:57:09.750 --> 01:57:15.590
then we do a physical closed-circuit TV camera robot that runs through the line

01:57:15.590 --> 01:57:20.710
Bines, looks in all the laterals, looks for wrinkles. There are repair methods if there's

01:57:20.710 --> 01:57:26.430
wrinkles. Again, lining technology has come a long ways and we haven't had near as many

01:57:26.430 --> 01:57:31.630
problems as we had 20 years ago with it or 10 years ago, excuse me, with it. Very economical.

01:57:31.630 --> 01:57:37.270
Again, Rob's statement of 10 cents on the dollars is very accurate. It might even be

01:57:37.270 --> 01:57:44.590
more than that in today's market with the expense of excavations. We did 400, almost

01:57:44.590 --> 01:57:49.290
and I have $500,000 worth of lining this year and I've had no issues whatsoever and we actually

01:57:49.290 --> 01:57:52.810
have a lining project that's going on right now here at the end of the year.

01:57:52.810 --> 01:57:56.350
It can be done in pretty much any temperatures that are not below zero.

01:57:56.350 --> 01:57:57.350
Thank you.

01:57:57.350 --> 01:57:58.350
Thank you.

01:57:58.350 --> 01:58:01.830
And I can bring in a video if you want to see it or you can Google, it's pretty easy.

01:58:01.830 --> 01:58:02.830
Yes, sir.

01:58:02.830 --> 01:58:03.830
We just need a sample.

01:58:03.830 --> 01:58:07.310
Yeah, and I've got sample sections of liners too.

01:58:07.310 --> 01:58:08.310
Okay.

01:58:08.310 --> 01:58:16.150
Madam Clerk, will you please take the roll on the adoption of this resolution for applying

01:58:16.150 --> 01:58:17.150
for the grant?

01:58:17.150 --> 01:58:18.150
Shadle?

01:58:18.150 --> 01:58:19.150
Aye.

01:58:19.150 --> 01:58:20.150
Sanders?

01:58:20.150 --> 01:58:21.150
Aye.

01:58:21.150 --> 01:58:22.150
Sellers?

01:58:22.150 --> 01:58:23.150
Aye.

01:58:23.150 --> 01:58:24.150
Klemm?

01:58:24.150 --> 01:58:25.150
Aye.

01:58:25.150 --> 01:58:26.150
Monroe?

01:58:26.150 --> 01:58:27.150
Aye.

01:58:27.150 --> 01:58:28.150
Simmons?

01:58:28.150 --> 01:58:29.150
Aye.

01:58:29.150 --> 01:58:30.150
Parker?

01:58:30.150 --> 01:58:31.150
Aye.

01:58:31.150 --> 01:58:32.150
And Stacy?

01:58:32.150 --> 01:58:33.150
Aye.

01:58:33.150 --> 01:58:34.150
The resolution is adopted 8-0.

01:58:34.150 --> 01:58:35.150
Item number 22 is the adoption of resolution 2024-128.

01:58:35.150 --> 01:58:37.510
Could you please read this?

01:58:37.510 --> 01:58:42.590
Authorizing the Write-Off of Uncollectible Water and Sewer Balances, Aged 7 Years and

01:58:42.590 --> 01:58:43.590
Older.

01:58:43.590 --> 01:58:45.390
Director Richter.

01:58:45.390 --> 01:58:47.150
Thank you, Your Honor.

01:58:47.150 --> 01:58:52.110
The write-off of utility balances is necessary when a resident's balance is considered to

01:58:52.110 --> 01:58:53.870
be uncollectible.

01:58:53.870 --> 01:58:57.950
If the balances are not written off, the City will carry an accounts receivable balance that

01:58:57.950 --> 01:59:01.710
overstates the amount of outstanding customer balances.

01:59:01.710 --> 01:59:07.470
By writing off these amounts yearly, we will more accurately reflect our financial position

01:59:07.470 --> 01:59:13.030
Johnson. Despite efforts to collect these outstanding balances, we propose to write off

01:59:13.030 --> 01:59:19.330
all balances prior to July 1st of 2017 at this time. This would leave seven years of

01:59:19.330 --> 01:59:29.230
balances on the books. The proposed total to be written off is $92,679.18. Please note

01:59:29.230 --> 01:59:35.390
that we are able to track prior balances that have been written off in the computer system.

01:59:35.390 --> 01:59:45.390
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.

01:59:45.390 --> 01:59:53.390
The resident is also required to pay a higher deposit on the new account if an old account balance was not paid.

01:59:53.390 --> 02:00:01.630
Strategic Plan Alignment is Responsive, Efficient Government and Staff Request Approval of this Resolution 2024.

02:00:01.630 --> 02:00:12.470
this resolution 2024-128 to write off $92,678.18 of water, sewer, storm, and garbage balances.

02:00:12.470 --> 02:00:13.970
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:00:13.970 --> 02:00:14.970
So moved.

02:00:14.970 --> 02:00:15.970
Second.

02:00:15.970 --> 02:00:19.590
Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

02:00:19.590 --> 02:00:20.590
Discussion on the resolution.

02:00:20.590 --> 02:00:21.590
Alderman Sanders.

02:00:21.590 --> 02:00:25.830
Go ahead.

02:00:25.830 --> 02:00:36.470
Just a question in regards to percentage wise to residents who have not paid and want to

02:00:36.470 --> 02:00:40.830
reestablish their service.

02:00:40.830 --> 02:00:47.910
What percentage are we looking at for establishing their new service or reconnecting their service

02:00:47.910 --> 02:00:49.470
for installation?

02:00:49.470 --> 02:00:52.670
What kind of percentage are we looking at when we're talking about they will have to

02:00:52.670 --> 02:00:54.910
pay a higher cost?

02:00:54.910 --> 02:00:59.910
What are we looking at?

02:00:59.910 --> 02:01:04.470
That part about when I said they have to pay a higher deposit.

02:01:04.470 --> 02:01:09.210
How many people do we get that actually come back that left us with some, is that kind

02:01:09.210 --> 02:01:10.510
of?

02:01:10.510 --> 02:01:18.270
We do run across it more frequently than not, but I would say maybe only one a month, if

02:01:18.270 --> 02:01:20.790
that.

02:01:20.790 --> 02:01:22.910
But it does happen.

02:01:22.910 --> 02:01:24.750
and I moved back into the community.

02:01:24.750 --> 02:01:25.590
Alderman Monroe.

02:01:27.450 --> 02:01:30.630
Madam Mayor, last year we had the same conversation

02:01:30.630 --> 02:01:34.530
and we were told that these would be collected

02:01:34.530 --> 02:01:36.030
if people tried to get them turned back on.

02:01:36.030 --> 02:01:39.010
There were names on that list that were written off

02:01:40.550 --> 02:01:43.550
that still have water service today.

02:01:43.550 --> 02:01:47.190
So my question really is starting to become,

02:01:47.190 --> 02:01:52.190
what do we do to quit writing off so much money every year

02:01:52.910 --> 02:02:00.910
I understand the deceased. I understand people going into long-term nursing care, end-of-life type situations.

02:02:00.910 --> 02:02:07.910
But, I mean, there's management groups. There are finance groups. There are real estate groups.

02:02:07.910 --> 02:02:16.910
And if you go down through this, it's almost perplexing that we can't at least attempt to,

02:02:16.910 --> 02:02:21.910
I mean, we spend close to half a million dollars a year on legal for the city.

02:02:21.910 --> 02:02:27.990
It's in the budget for next year and yet we can't go after the people and charge them additional fees

02:02:28.470 --> 02:02:34.990
For you know getting this money back because the citizens of Freeport, you know, who are footing the bill

02:02:34.990 --> 02:02:41.830
You know, we write this off. This is 93,000 almost dollars that comes out of funds that we could have used and

02:02:42.670 --> 02:02:44.670
You know, my question really becomes

02:02:46.650 --> 02:02:49.710
How do we know number one that the people aren't

02:02:49.710 --> 02:02:58.630
We aren't reconnecting water because we've had instances where the water was connected

02:02:58.630 --> 02:03:04.110
and some of the names that were on the list last year are still on it this year.

02:03:04.110 --> 02:03:06.990
You know, how do we know that this isn't going on?

02:03:06.990 --> 02:03:11.430
And number two, what are we going to change?

02:03:11.430 --> 02:03:17.190
Because this is a fundamental change inside of our government to collect this money that's

02:03:17.190 --> 02:03:19.670
owed to the city and the citizens of Freeport.

02:03:19.670 --> 02:03:33.670
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?

02:03:33.670 --> 02:03:38.670
Director Richter?

02:03:38.670 --> 02:03:54.670
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.

02:03:54.670 --> 02:04:06.670
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.

02:04:06.670 --> 02:04:09.670
You know, I've really been involved with the water department the last five years.

02:04:09.670 --> 02:04:24.670
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.

02:04:24.670 --> 02:04:32.670
And back during this time, these amounts, the CIP charges could accumulate for five years.

02:04:32.670 --> 02:04:35.670
Now they only accumulate for one year.

02:04:35.670 --> 02:04:45.870
So, there's different things that are going on during different years, but I do agree.

02:04:45.870 --> 02:04:51.890
I think we need to lean more.

02:04:51.890 --> 02:04:54.090
We do send a collection.

02:04:54.090 --> 02:05:00.450
Maybe we need to look for a different collection company that gives us better service, but

02:05:00.450 --> 02:05:06.410
and more pushes out to the customer that hasn't paid.

02:05:06.410 --> 02:05:13.890
We do send to Illinois Debt Recovery, and that takes from people's state refunds or

02:05:13.890 --> 02:05:15.250
state payments.

02:05:15.250 --> 02:05:17.010
We do do that.

02:05:17.010 --> 02:05:19.370
We do that regularly.

02:05:19.370 --> 02:05:25.290
We see the most payments back during tax season, but if someone does not pay into income tax

02:05:25.290 --> 02:05:29.990
or isn't employed by the state, they're not able to collect that way.

02:05:29.990 --> 02:05:30.990
and others.

02:05:30.990 --> 02:05:45.390
So, we are looking for more tools in the toolbox and I would definitely be willing to get more

02:05:45.390 --> 02:05:46.390
options for us.

02:05:46.390 --> 02:05:49.310
Well, then maybe that's the key here.

02:05:49.310 --> 02:05:55.190
When you find something that you want to bring to council for better tools, let us know.

02:05:55.190 --> 02:05:56.190
Definitely.

02:05:56.190 --> 02:05:57.190
Definitely.

02:05:57.190 --> 02:05:58.190
Darren.

02:05:58.190 --> 02:06:07.110
From a public work standpoint, the dynamic shift here changed when we don't have landlord

02:06:07.110 --> 02:06:10.150
water meters anymore and we have rental water meters.

02:06:10.150 --> 02:06:11.150
That's part of the problem.

02:06:11.150 --> 02:06:12.710
We can't lien properties.

02:06:12.710 --> 02:06:18.590
We can't chase people all over the state of Illinois or the Midwest chasing these properties.

02:06:18.590 --> 02:06:23.870
When they're tied to landlords, then we have a tangible asset that we can go after or at

02:06:23.870 --> 02:06:25.910
least lien to get our money.

02:06:25.910 --> 02:06:31.910
and that will not be a very popular statement with the landlords.

02:06:31.910 --> 02:06:40.910
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

02:06:40.910 --> 02:06:41.910
Shadle?

02:06:41.910 --> 02:06:42.910
Aye.

02:06:42.910 --> 02:06:43.910
Sanders?

02:06:43.910 --> 02:06:45.510
Oh.

02:06:45.510 --> 02:06:46.510
Are you voting?

02:06:46.510 --> 02:06:56.510
I don't know what the context is for the context, but I can pass.

02:06:56.510 --> 02:06:57.510
Sellers?

02:06:57.510 --> 02:06:58.510
Aye.

02:06:58.510 --> 02:06:59.510
Klemm?

02:06:59.510 --> 02:07:00.510
Aye.

02:07:00.510 --> 02:07:01.510
Monroe?

02:07:01.510 --> 02:07:02.510
No.

02:07:02.510 --> 02:07:03.510
Simmons?

02:07:03.510 --> 02:07:04.510
Aye.

02:07:04.510 --> 02:07:05.510
Parker?

02:07:05.510 --> 02:07:06.510
Aye.

02:07:06.510 --> 02:07:07.510
And Stacy?

02:07:07.510 --> 02:07:08.510
No.

02:07:08.510 --> 02:07:11.270
One, two, three, four, five.

02:07:11.270 --> 02:07:14.510
I have five to two for the resolution to be adopted.

02:07:14.510 --> 02:07:23.230
Good, Item number 23 is the adoption of resolution 2024129, could you please read this?

02:07:23.230 --> 02:07:30.190
Resolution approving agreement to purchase host server for police department from CDWG.

02:07:30.190 --> 02:07:31.790
Director Sutman.

02:07:31.790 --> 02:07:32.790
Thank you.

02:07:32.790 --> 02:07:35.410
So this is for what we are calling a host server.

02:07:35.410 --> 02:07:41.730
It's one really big computer that through software will put many virtual servers on.

02:07:41.730 --> 02:07:46.730
The current host server at the Police Department has, beyond its useful years, been able to

02:07:46.730 --> 02:07:54.890
patch it up and keep it going, but it's probably time to get a new one.

02:07:54.890 --> 02:07:59.290
The budget for this, it was budgeted for this fiscal year at $30,000.

02:07:59.290 --> 02:08:00.530
It's very close to that.

02:08:00.530 --> 02:08:02.930
It's at $29,700.

02:08:02.930 --> 02:08:10.170
It comes through the IT budget, and this isn't just the hardware box, it's also the software

02:08:10.170 --> 02:08:17.850
Licensing to run these servers. I'd recommend approval and I'm happy to answer any questions.

02:08:17.850 --> 02:08:19.210
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:08:19.210 --> 02:08:20.210
So moved.

02:08:20.210 --> 02:08:21.210
Second.

02:08:21.210 --> 02:08:26.810
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm. Alderman Monroe,

02:08:26.810 --> 02:08:27.810
did you have something?

02:08:27.810 --> 02:08:34.890
I do, Madam Mayor. Thank you. Kurt, when I look at this, I click on the link, it doesn't

02:08:34.890 --> 02:08:41.730
really show anything other than a 128 gig of memory. Can you kind of describe what

02:08:41.730 --> 02:08:47.450
this server looks like as far as like drives and arrays and and so forth? Yeah

02:08:47.450 --> 02:08:53.610
so by the time you put it in raid random access directories it's come down to like

02:08:53.610 --> 02:08:59.250
12 terabytes 11 or 12 but there's redundancy that redundancies there so if

02:08:59.250 --> 02:09:03.310
you have one drive fail you can live put a new one in so you don't crash the

02:09:03.310 --> 02:09:05.310
and the whole system if one drive goes bad.

02:09:05.310 --> 02:09:06.150
It's also got RAM.

02:09:06.150 --> 02:09:08.270
It's probably increased the price

02:09:08.270 --> 02:09:10.270
because we have pretty good processors in it

02:09:10.270 --> 02:09:12.910
because we do have a few applications

02:09:12.910 --> 02:09:14.110
that run on the server.

02:09:14.110 --> 02:09:17.230
So they'd be incredibly slow if it was just a storage box.

02:09:17.230 --> 02:09:19.510
So there is some processing power behind it too.

02:09:19.510 --> 02:09:21.110
And then you've got your server licensing

02:09:21.110 --> 02:09:24.550
and then you needed client access servers,

02:09:24.550 --> 02:09:26.310
which is super boring IT stuff.

02:09:26.310 --> 02:09:27.710
But you have to be able to have the computers

02:09:27.710 --> 02:09:31.350
have the right to connect and raises the cost too.

02:09:31.350 --> 02:09:35.750
and and as far as future proof how long does this because there's no no

02:09:35.750 --> 02:09:41.370
information on here I notice the support says five years four hours support 60

02:09:41.370 --> 02:09:45.690
calls I think that's supposed to say I should have included it they had a just

02:09:45.690 --> 02:09:52.190
an Excel rundown okay tails and what this comes with four hour support 24-7 so

02:09:52.190 --> 02:09:58.710
within four hours they're supposed to be on site helping us and that's for five

02:09:58.710 --> 02:10:00.390
5 years.

02:10:00.390 --> 02:10:01.590
So it comes with three...

02:10:01.590 --> 02:10:07.830
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

02:10:08.110 --> 02:10:11.790
Useful life, and then we kind of take it from there. Okay. Thank you

02:10:15.910 --> 02:10:21.710
Alderman Sanders, yeah the pricing of this who's all involved in

02:10:23.830 --> 02:10:25.830
Give an approval

02:10:26.350 --> 02:10:28.350
For

02:10:28.830 --> 02:10:31.250
For this particular hardware

02:10:31.590 --> 02:10:36.730
I should have mentioned that it's a source well bid so it's from based on the state contract just like when

02:10:37.110 --> 02:10:41.910
Other departments buy a truck a service truck. The state goes out for bid on servers

02:10:42.470 --> 02:10:46.310
So that's why you're only seeing the one number instead of three bids or anything like that

02:10:47.350 --> 02:10:51.750
And the specs were determined by me and Eric the deputy director

02:10:52.470 --> 02:10:57.470
I'll ask for them to provide us a source well quote for what we needed

02:10:58.430 --> 02:11:00.430
Does that answer your question? No

02:11:01.590 --> 02:11:19.590
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?

02:11:19.590 --> 02:11:23.590
Do they have any say so in the matter is what I'm getting at.

02:11:23.590 --> 02:11:30.590
The state's involved in determining the pricing of this, it's a main brand computer.

02:11:30.590 --> 02:12:00.590
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

02:12:00.590 --> 02:12:03.390
Jones, and then anything you run runs on top of that.

02:12:03.390 --> 02:12:04.390
This is for the second level.

02:12:04.390 --> 02:12:05.390
Okay.

02:12:05.390 --> 02:12:07.430
I think I was referring to software as well.

02:12:07.430 --> 02:12:11.950
So it's, it's that it's, it runs software but that's really low level of what this is.

02:12:11.950 --> 02:12:13.950
This is more the hardware.

02:12:13.950 --> 02:12:14.950
Okay.

02:12:14.950 --> 02:12:15.950
All right.

02:12:15.950 --> 02:12:19.830
If there's no, no, Alderman Stacey.

02:12:19.830 --> 02:12:26.310
This is out of your control but I wish this would have come to the council before this

02:12:26.310 --> 02:12:34.870
This little ticket electronic gadget thing that's also costing the city money.

02:12:34.870 --> 02:12:38.790
I wish something of importance like this.

02:12:38.790 --> 02:12:45.430
Things have got to start being prioritized because you're saying they can't go without

02:12:45.430 --> 02:12:46.430
this.

02:12:46.430 --> 02:12:47.430
Correct.

02:12:47.430 --> 02:12:53.630
There would be security inefficiencies that would come from that.

02:12:53.630 --> 02:13:00.310
but that little electronic ticket gadget thing could have weighed it.

02:13:00.310 --> 02:13:02.230
That's out of your hands.

02:13:02.230 --> 02:13:03.230
That's more of an application.

02:13:03.230 --> 02:13:04.230
This is the infrastructure.

02:13:04.230 --> 02:13:05.230
I understand.

02:13:05.230 --> 02:13:11.190
But it's still more money.

02:13:11.190 --> 02:13:13.670
Anyone else for their first time speaking?

02:13:13.670 --> 02:13:15.670
Alderman Sanders?

02:13:15.670 --> 02:13:22.070
Yes, again, Mr. Sutman.

02:13:22.070 --> 02:13:26.230
the Security Apparatus for our networking system.

02:13:27.750 --> 02:13:30.670
Who's maintaining that officially

02:13:30.670 --> 02:13:34.530
other than outside servers or clouds

02:13:34.530 --> 02:13:36.070
or whatever the case may be,

02:13:36.070 --> 02:13:39.450
if that's the tool that we're using.

02:13:40.470 --> 02:13:45.030
Could you specify any other tools that are out there

02:13:45.030 --> 02:13:47.910
that protects our network security

02:13:47.910 --> 02:13:54.550
when it comes to making sure all servers and police departments and all of these servers

02:13:54.550 --> 02:14:02.750
are efficiently used, yeah, that's what I want to say.

02:14:02.750 --> 02:14:10.250
Securities handled by the IT department, plus we have other vendors that we have trust in.

02:14:10.250 --> 02:14:15.330
As far as specific items, I'd rather not really get into that because this is, everybody can

02:14:15.330 --> 02:14:29.170
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.

02:14:29.170 --> 02:14:59.170
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.

02:14:59.170 --> 02:15:06.050
for 10 city-owned residential demolitions. Director Duckman. Thank you Madam Mayor.

02:15:06.050 --> 02:15:12.410
The City of Freeport posted in the Journal Standard on November 17th for

02:15:12.410 --> 02:15:17.010
the demolition and asbestos abatement of 10 properties and it had a

02:15:17.010 --> 02:15:22.050
bid opening on November 26th at 9 in the morning. Staff received bids from four

02:15:22.050 --> 02:15:30.770
Co. Contractors, and I provided an analysis of the bids that were submitted, and based

02:15:30.770 --> 02:15:38.290
on that analysis, staff is recommending bids be awarded to Albert & Son, Northern Illinois

02:15:38.290 --> 02:15:45.770
Service, and Fisher Excavating, and it's a total amount of $105,430, and it breaks down

02:15:45.770 --> 02:16:15.770
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

02:16:15.770 --> 02:16:17.850
of 121 North Wilbur.

02:16:17.850 --> 02:16:23.090
Is there a motion to approve the bids as stated?

02:16:23.090 --> 02:16:24.090
So moved.

02:16:24.090 --> 02:16:25.090
Second.

02:16:25.090 --> 02:16:30.050
A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

02:16:30.050 --> 02:16:31.050
Discussion on the bids.

02:16:31.050 --> 02:16:35.330
Alderman Sanders.

02:16:35.330 --> 02:16:42.850
Because I'm looking at the highest bid, Albert and, who's that again now, Albert and?

02:16:42.850 --> 02:16:43.850
Son.

02:16:43.850 --> 02:16:44.850
Son.

02:16:44.850 --> 02:16:45.850
and others.

02:16:45.850 --> 02:16:53.370
We have a contract that if we decide to bid, let that bid go through by council.

02:16:53.370 --> 02:17:06.850
If they are selected, will they excavate to do recapping of those services connected or

02:17:06.850 --> 02:17:13.250
do we do it on the property or do we do it at the main or the street itself?

02:17:13.250 --> 02:17:15.890
and Wendy, and it's inspected and it's done at the property.

02:17:15.890 --> 02:17:38.050
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.

02:17:38.050 --> 02:17:42.570
It's all proper, anytime there's a demolition, our Public Works team does inspections for

02:17:42.570 --> 02:17:44.570
water and sewer services.

02:17:44.570 --> 02:17:45.570
Okay.

02:17:45.570 --> 02:17:46.570
Thank you.

02:17:46.570 --> 02:17:49.570
There's no further discussion?

02:17:49.570 --> 02:17:52.570
Alderman Stacy?

02:17:52.570 --> 02:18:07.570
Alder and Son, if I am not mistaken, I believe Mayor Miller, this is your family.

02:18:07.570 --> 02:18:29.570
It's a relative. It's a relative. Okay. Are they equipped to move the asbestos, how do you say it? Asbestos. Out of these buildings before? Are they just tearing everything down? Are they licensed and equipped?

02:18:29.570 --> 02:18:35.730
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

02:18:35.770 --> 02:18:42.570
It's all above board and none of the contractors on here. It's all subcontracted for the abatement of asbestos

02:18:43.730 --> 02:18:46.330
It's all subcontracted. Subcontracted, correct

02:18:47.130 --> 02:18:49.250
But some of these numbers were pretty

02:18:50.410 --> 02:18:56.130
far and few in between like 4,000 and 7,000 and how is that?

02:18:56.130 --> 02:18:58.130
Well, I can explain that pretty easily

02:18:58.130 --> 02:19:28.130
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.

02:19:28.130 --> 02:19:30.130
and the rest of the board.

02:19:30.130 --> 02:19:33.130
And I think the reason why we're doing this is because we're

02:19:33.130 --> 02:19:36.650
trying to get people to come in and help us get these bids.

02:19:36.650 --> 02:19:39.130
That's pretty common in any industry.

02:19:39.130 --> 02:19:41.790
But I see it in the demolition industry as well.

02:19:41.790 --> 02:19:45.170
Sometimes, Albert & Son hasn't won very many.

02:19:45.170 --> 02:19:48.970
In the last two, I believe, they've not won any.

02:19:48.970 --> 02:19:50.350
They come in, they bid, and they just

02:19:50.350 --> 02:19:51.550
haven't been a low bidder.

02:19:51.550 --> 02:19:56.330
And I know when they come in in a lower bid like this,

02:19:56.330 --> 02:20:00.330
It's an excavator, and a laborer, usually.

02:20:00.330 --> 02:20:04.230
Berr usually. They don't I mean sad to say they don't take much I mean you see

02:20:04.230 --> 02:20:06.750
what they look like you know a lot of times it's just they get knocked you

02:20:06.750 --> 02:20:13.610
push them over and they're done. They've been abandoned for a long time.

02:20:16.610 --> 02:20:24.890
Alderman Sellers. I'd just like to make a request that any of the excavators that

02:20:24.890 --> 02:20:32.650
that do the work, that we make sure that we get real grass seed down instead of weed seed.

02:20:32.650 --> 02:20:33.650
That's all my recommendation.

02:20:33.650 --> 02:20:34.650
Yes.

02:20:34.650 --> 02:20:35.650
Nice grass.

02:20:35.650 --> 02:20:36.650
Thank you.

02:20:36.650 --> 02:20:37.650
Will do.

02:20:37.650 --> 02:20:42.530
Thank you.

02:20:42.530 --> 02:20:47.890
Any other first time not Alderman Sanders?

02:20:47.890 --> 02:20:49.610
Yes.

02:20:49.610 --> 02:20:56.610
On top of that, there's going to be a lot of empty property in the event we're taking care

02:20:56.610 --> 02:20:57.610
of those, right?

02:20:57.610 --> 02:21:02.690
We're responsible for those properties and the seeding and the grass maintaining and

02:21:02.690 --> 02:21:09.810
all of these other stuff to keep up the beautification of those residential neighborhoods and wherever

02:21:09.810 --> 02:21:12.770
they're located.

02:21:12.770 --> 02:21:18.170
That is part of our requirement or is that just something part of our ordinance?

02:21:18.170 --> 02:21:25.170
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.

02:21:25.170 --> 02:21:28.170
Okay. Okay. Got you. Thank you.

02:21:31.170 --> 02:21:33.170
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

02:21:33.170 --> 02:21:34.170
Shadle. Aye.

02:21:34.170 --> 02:21:35.170
Sanders. Aye.

02:21:35.170 --> 02:21:36.170
Sellers. Aye.

02:21:36.170 --> 02:21:37.170
Klemm. Aye.

02:21:37.170 --> 02:21:39.170
Monroe. Aye.

02:21:39.170 --> 02:21:41.170
Simmons.

02:21:48.170 --> 02:22:18.170
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

02:22:18.170 --> 02:22:24.930
few car crashes. Notable calls we had were two residential structure fires within a 24-hour

02:22:24.930 --> 02:22:32.090
time frame. Both of them at this time are believed to be cooking-related. The first

02:22:32.090 --> 02:22:42.050
house had damage confined to one wall, initiated with an outdoor cooking grill. The second

02:22:42.050 --> 02:22:51.370
House we had was a total loss. So my message to the public is please be careful cooking

02:22:51.370 --> 02:22:59.770
and make sure you have working smoke detectors in your dwelling.

02:22:59.770 --> 02:23:01.290
Nothing from the police department.

02:23:01.290 --> 02:23:06.410
Thank you. IT and City Manager.

02:23:06.410 --> 02:23:10.730
Just one thing, Your Honor. I just wanted to point out that the wood lot on Walnut Avenue

02:23:10.730 --> 02:23:15.730
New is temporarily closed. We're working with the timber industries and I think we have a

02:23:15.730 --> 02:23:20.770
tentative understanding moving forward. So I don't, I can't give you a specific time

02:23:20.770 --> 02:23:24.430
but I think we'll be able to move forward pretty soon here and have that reopened for

02:23:24.430 --> 02:23:25.730
everybody to access.

02:23:25.730 --> 02:23:30.130
I have nothing new to report. Alderman Shadle.

02:23:30.130 --> 02:23:39.930
I just would like to add on to Chief Miller's that if finances are tight, we still install

02:23:39.930 --> 02:23:48.970
Fire, Smoke Alarms. Yes, we do. Call Central Station and our staff will reach out to you

02:23:48.970 --> 02:23:53.730
and make an appointment to come in and install free working smoke detectors. Thank you. There's

02:23:53.730 --> 02:24:05.690
no reason not to. Alderman Sanders? Yeah, Director Boyer, I wanted to thank you for allowing

02:24:35.690 --> 02:24:54.690
We're hoping to have it all paved by end of day Saturday of this week.

02:24:54.690 --> 02:25:00.690
We'll still have some dirt work that might spill over to the spring but the rest of it should essentially be done.

02:25:00.690 --> 02:25:01.690
Thank you.

02:25:01.690 --> 02:25:02.690
Alderman Sellers.

02:25:02.690 --> 02:25:32.690
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

02:25:32.690 --> 02:26:02.690
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.

02:26:02.690 --> 02:26:03.690
Okay, thank you.

02:26:03.690 --> 02:26:04.690
Alderman Klemm?

02:26:04.690 --> 02:26:05.690
Nothing, Your Honor.

02:26:05.690 --> 02:26:06.690
Alderman Monroe?

02:26:06.690 --> 02:26:07.690
Nothing, Your Honor.

02:26:07.690 --> 02:26:08.690
Alderman Simmons?

02:26:08.690 --> 02:26:09.690
I don't have anything.

02:26:09.690 --> 02:26:10.690
Alderman Park?

02:26:10.690 --> 02:26:11.690
Nothing, Your Honor.

02:26:11.690 --> 02:26:12.690
Alderman Stacy?

02:26:12.690 --> 02:26:19.970
A hundred dollar fine would be a slap on the hand.

02:26:19.970 --> 02:26:24.590
Maybe they need to consider putting up the little building that you suggested that they

02:26:24.590 --> 02:26:29.050
didn't want to do.

02:26:29.050 --> 02:26:30.410
And we'll move on to public comment.

02:26:30.410 --> 02:26:48.010
I'm going to the tournament on Saturday at Babu.

02:26:48.010 --> 02:26:49.010
Are you running?

02:26:49.010 --> 02:26:50.010
No.

02:26:50.010 --> 02:26:51.010
I'm making the basketball.

02:26:51.010 --> 02:26:52.010
Well, good for you, Tommy.

02:26:52.010 --> 02:26:53.010
We wish you the luck.

02:26:53.010 --> 02:26:54.010
Stacy, you did a good job.

02:26:54.010 --> 02:27:19.770
Stacy, you did a good job. What's about that thing? Jersey Mikes. Jersey Mikes. We're all excited about Jersey Mikes. It's coming, hopefully. Is there any other public comments this evening?

02:27:24.010 --> 02:27:36.010
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.

02:27:36.010 --> 02:27:50.010
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.

02:27:50.010 --> 02:28:06.010
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.

02:28:06.010 --> 02:28:15.010
They followed the rules, asked for permission, and requested to install solar panels in their backyard. Yet, despite their compliance, their request was denied.

02:28:15.010 --> 02:28:25.010
However, shortly after, right after, you gave AVP Real Estate, based in St. Charles, Illinois, permission to ignore the same rules.

02:28:25.010 --> 02:28:33.010
This company purchased this land for $7,000 just two years ago, paying less than $300 annually in property taxes.

02:28:33.010 --> 02:28:38.010
What message does this send to our residents who follow the rules and contribute to the community?

02:28:38.010 --> 02:28:45.010
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?

02:28:47.010 --> 02:28:49.010
Are there any other public comments?

02:28:51.010 --> 02:28:53.010
Seeing none, I'll entertain a motion for adjournment.

02:28:53.010 --> 02:28:54.010
So moved.

02:28:54.010 --> 02:28:55.010
Second.

02:28:55.010 --> 02:29:00.010
The motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. All those in favor signify by saying aye.

02:29:00.010 --> 02:29:01.010
Aye.

02:29:01.010 --> 02:29:02.010
Have a good evening.

02:29:08.010 --> 02:29:15.010
You go high. Thank you sir.