Good evening.
Pastor Ramos, could you please give the invocation this evening?
Good evening.
I want to say thank you to allowing me to be here tonight.
Thank you Mayor Jodi Miller and City Manager and all the City Council and everyone that's here and our UT for Police, of course.
The Bible says in 1 Timothy chapter 2 verse 1 and 2, I urge them first of all that petitions, prayer, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peacefully and quiet lives in all godliness and Jeremiah 29.7 says also seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you.
Pray to the Lord for it for if the city prosper you too will prosper.
Heavenly Father we just thank you for the gifts in the community and the leaders you have placed and authority in this city.
Grant the City Council wisdom and discernment to the to our Mayor's City Council members as they deliberate on the important issues before them.
May they seek the common good above personal gain, working together in harmony even in a mist of honest disagreement.
Father, I pray for unity in this City Council.
I pray, Father God, that you will cover the way that we speak, Father, that you will teach Churches, Lord, to be together, that we can't disagree, but we can't disrespect.
And so God, I thank you, and I glorify you for this night, in Jesus' mighty name, amen.
So we'll call this meeting to order.
Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?
Mayor Miller?
Here.
Alderpersons, Klemm?
Here.
Johnson?
Here.
Simmons?
Here.
Parker?
Here.
Stacy?
Yeah.
If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderman Sellers.
Item number one is the approval of the agenda.
Is there such a motion?
So moved.
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm.
All those in favor signify by saying aye.
Aye.
Opposed?
That motion passes.
Item number two is public comments, which there are none on the agenda items.
Item number three is approval from the minutes from the council meeting on December 1st and December 15th, 2025.
Is there a motion to approve?
So moved.
Second.
The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.
All those in favor signify by saying aye.
Aye.
Opposed?
That motion passes.
Item number four is a swearing in.
So I'm going to hand this one over to you so that everyone can view it.
Can you hear me?
Is it on?
Just think of that way you can see it.
Look for me to keep it larger.
Thank you everyone for being here.
What song?
We're going to sing a song and dance, can everybody do that?
Nope.
I'll just keep on.
Okay.
If you can please raise your right hand and repeat after me.
I, Jacqueline B. Frosto, I, Jacqueline B. Frosto, have been appointed as the Chief of Police have been appointed as the Chief of Police in the City of Freeport in the County of Stephenson who solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois and the Constitution of the State of Illinois and I will faithfully discharge the duties of my appointments according to the best of my abilities.
Taylor, Taylor, Taylor, Taylor, Taylor You know, wearing this uniform and wearing the badge is something that will give you a lot of pride.
Price, and we come up and we wake up every day and we put this on to service the City of Freeport, to service the community, to service the residents, it's not about skin color, it's not about how you look, it's not about them, it is about making everyone here, everyone behind me, and everyone on that side of the building, this side of the building here, to ensure that we bridge the relationship with my police officers in my community, and all of you.
We are here to work together.
And I am very grateful for the decision that Madam Jodi Miller and Rob, our City Manager, has made, because what I can promise you, and what my family can promise you, is the fact that we are going to work together in service, we are going to work together in safety, and we are going to work together in order to make sure that everyone is held at ease and free.
I thank you very much for the support and we're going to have a great rest of the week.
Thank you.
Applause Next we have a Service Recognition Award, Pat Ingram.
B. Ken Milken, Ken's 20th year recognition.
Johnson.
Ken is currently on the maintenance side of our utility prior to this.
He was on our maintenance, water, sewer, construction, and he brings in a vast wealth of knowledge.
And for the utility side, this is the old school of legal aid.
Ken is just always very Marshall, John Gray, Leadership, thanks for your time and service, thank you.
Next is item number six, which are our annual employee recognition, so we'll start with and Michelle.
Today we have the privilege of recognizing someone who truly represents the very best of the City of Freeport's employees.
The work we do in the Water and Sewer Billing Office is essential, often invisible and sometimes only noticed when something goes wrong.
That makes the role of the customer service representative not just important, but vital.
And this year's Utility Employee of the Year, Lucinda Lenore.
She exemplifies that role in every possible way.
Lucinda began her career with the Water Sewer Billing Department as an Assistant Billing Clerk in February of 2001.
Currently she holds a position of Customer Service Representative.
As a Water and Sewer Customer Service Representative, Lucinda is often the first voice our customers hear and the steady presence they rely on when they're confused, frustrated, or facing an urgent issue.
Day after day, Lucinda handles complex billing questions, service disruptions, emergencies, and concerns with patience, clarity, and genuine care.
What truly sets Lucinda apart is her commitment to service.
She doesn't just resolve issues, she listens.
She takes ownership and follows through.
She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure customers feel heard, respected, and confident that their concerns matter.
Beyond customer interactions, Lucinda is an incredible teammate.
She is reliable, knowledgeable, and always willing to help others.
In a field where accuracy, accountability, and empathy must work hand-in-hand, Lucinda delivers excellence every single day.
Her work reflects our values and our commitment to public service.
For her outstanding performance, unwavering dedication, and positive impact on both our customers and our team, it is with great pride that we honor Lucinda Lenort as our Utility Employee of the Year.
Please join me in congratulating and thanking Lucinda for her exceptional service.
Good evening, everyone.
I am Lucinda, as Michelle said, and I have been with the water and sewer for almost 25 years next month, and I'll probably be doing this again, but to all of you, my constituents and most of all my coworkers, to Tina, Kathy, my manager, Tony, and my previous coworker, Shelley and Gladys as well, took part in all of this too, even though they are retired.
And I did have a play in this.
So I just wanted to say to you all that I am a voice that you hear probably daily.
A lot of you I probably talk to but did not know who you are or you did not know who I am.
And so I'm here today to say this is me.
And I thank you for all of your cause.
If I tried to help you, if I didn't help you, I think most of the time I probably did if giving you where the resources are, you know, and it's to everyone for the resources.
As our new chief said, it doesn't matter your color or race, I'm gonna tell you where you can get assistant at no matter who you are.
So, and I just want again to say thank you, thank you, thank you.
Pat?
Todd Marsh is our Street Department Employee of the Year.
Todd Marsh has been a Street Department Foreman.
He has served the city now for 32 years.
He brings veteran knowledge to a growing and young street department.
He's always willing to help demonstrate strong leadership and offer and support whenever to solve any trouble they might have.
He's a powerful person and a person with a lot of experience with this school and his friends, and he does a lot of everything that he can to be useful to others.
He is a great person as well as a great person in the community to support students from all over the country so that they can do whatever it is needed, not only within the department but as far as helping other utilities out, too.
Using daily tasks as opportunities to teach and mentor others.
Outside of the work, Todd is an avid hunter and volunteers as a coach for football for junior high track.
As responsibilities evolve and projects become more complex, Todd continues to embrace new challenges and learn alongside his coworkers.
He is truly an asset to the Public Works Department.
Here's a good man.
Thank you.
Oh, you didn't stand up where you are now.
Thank you.
You good?
I'm good, thanks.
Tiffany Bender, she's our Public Works, Street Department Honorable Mention, thank you Tiff.
As many people don't know, she is our dispatcher.
She's, I know she's not in the 911 Center or anything like that, but for us, she is our 911 Center.
She deals with all complaints.
She takes on everything with great responsibility.
She's, like I said, our first point of contact.
She takes everybody's questions, comments, concerns seriously.
She does her best to learn her job.
She's evolved the job.
She just does a wonderful job for us.
So thank you, Tiff.
You got anything you want to say?
You got anything you want to say I'd also like to call it Blaine Strickwall.
He's our Public Works Utility honorable mention.
Blaine's got over 33 years of dedication service to the city.
He has been an invaluable member for our lab.
He has extensive knowledge of tests and procedures and plan operations coupled with IDPH certifications for drinking water testing and IPA certifications as a wastewater operator.
Like, once again, 33 years, I can't say enough.
It's been a while.
Very dependable, never misses.
Very worthy.
Thank you.
I'd like to call Sanjay up and Ted.
These are just going to get recognition for all you guys do for our summer help.
Ted and Sanjay, they're our mowing crew in the summer.
They do all the nuisance permits, the nuisance lots, all the city lots.
They've brought this to a whole new level.
I'd say they average probably 100 properties, close to 100 properties every week between City and New St. Louis.
Once again, I can't say enough to you guys for the way you tried.
To you guys for the way you try and dedication.
Keep the city clean.
It's appreciated.
So thank you guys.
Good day.
Thank you.
Good day.
Thank you.
Come on.
Can I do it first?
Oh, wait.
Show your certificate.
Gertrude Thank you guys all for being here to help support the wonderful workers that we have.
I get the honor to introduce Katie Smith to you guys.
Katie received an honorable mention for Employee of the Year in recognition of her exceptional dedication and service as an Administrative Assistant here in the Community Development Department within City Hall.
As the first person many residents, visitors, and colleagues encounter, she creates a welcoming and positive first impression for the City of Freeport.
Katie constantly answers questions with patience, provides clear and helpful guidance, and goes above and beyond to help individuals navigate the community development process and the city services.
She's a tremendous support to her co-workers, assisting with public hearings, and always willing to lend a helping hand to make everybody's day run a little smoother, especially mine.
Katie uses her Spanish-speaking skills to ensure that everyone has a voice here and and Fierce Herd.
Her professionalism, kindness and positive attitude makes her a true joy to work with.
Thank you, Katie, for the care and the heart that you bring to the City of Puit-Puit.
Thank you so much.
Amanda.
It is my privilege to introduce this year's Library employee of the year Morgan Cook.
Morgan will be celebrating her five year anniversary at the library this March.
Morgan is a valuable part of the library team in many ways.
She works hard behind the scenes in technical services, mending items that come back damaged, and discarding our withdrawn books.
Morgan also offers fantastic customer service to all our patrons.
Most often you'll see her at the adult or circulation desks, but she also does a great job in the and the UU Services Department.
Morgan is always happy to help out when needed as an extra set of hands at a program like last year's New Year's Eve party.
Morgan's favorite part of the job is helping the variety of patrons that come to the library each day.
Congratulations, Morgan, and thank you for your hard work and dedication to the library.
Thank you very much for your time.
Thank you.
Good evening again everyone.
So it is with great pleasure that I present Jabriah Pearson, the Deputy City Clerk, for the City Hall Employee of the Year Award.
Although Jabriah joined our team a little over a year ago, it is difficult to imagine our office without her.
Miller.
She has quickly become an irreplaceable part of our daily operations, and her contributions shine through in both the work she does and the way she makes those around her feel.
From day one, Jabria approached the role with curiosity, humility, and determination.
She learned the responsibility of the clerk's office with impressive speed.
Not only absorbing information, but applying with confidence and precision and care.
Her willingness to work hard, step in wherever needed, and take initiative reflects a level of dedication that elevates our entire team.
What truly sets Jabria apart is her kindness, her professionalism, under grace.
She consistently treats every resident with patience and respect, and her natural de-escalation skills help her turn difficult interactions into positive outcomes.
Thank you for that.
Jabria brings calm to tense moments, clarity to confusing situations, and warmth to every conversation.
She embodies what public service should be like, accessible, compassionate, and community-minded.
Her commitment extends beyond her desk.
Jabria's appointment to the Arts and Culture Commission is a testament to her character and her desire to contribute to the city in meaningful ways.
She leads not with position, but with presence, dependable, thoughtful, and steady in every task that she undertakes.
Jabria is reliable, calm, and quietly powerful in a way she supports her co-workers and the public.
In such a short time, she has made a lasting impact on our office, our residents, and the culture of City Hall.
We are better because she is here.
For all these reasons, and with a heartfelt appreciation, I am proud to present Jabria Peterson with the City Hall Employee of the Year.
Her work, character, and spirit exemplifies the very best of public service.
Thank you.
All right.
It's also my pleasure to present Michelle Richter with the Director of the Year Award.
Standby.
So, how many times is this?
Is this two?
I think this is two.
Tonight it's my privilege to recognize Michelle Richter, the City of Freeport's Finance Director, as Department Head of the Year.
This award is especially meaningful because Michelle is receiving it for the second time with her first recognition in 2019.
That's been a couple days ago.
Yeah, a couple city managers too.
That reflects consistent performance over time and the trust she has earned across the organization.
As Finance Director, Michelle holds a responsibility that reaches every part of the city government.
She manages public funds with care and understanding and these resources belong to the residents and businesses of Freeport.
In doing so, she reflects the principles of the Illinois Governmental Finance Officers Association, also known as IGFOA.
IGFOA is a professional organization that supports government finance officers through education, best practices, and strong ethical framework for public financial management.
The IGFOA Code of Ethics calls on finance professionals to act with integrity, to be accountable to the public, and to ensure transparency in financial reporting.
Michelle demonstrates all of these principles.
She provides clear and accurate financial information so that elected officials and department leaders can make informed decisions and so the public can have confidence in how its resources are managed.
Michelle also supports those around her.
She invests in her team, shares her knowledge, and works collaboratively with colleagues across the organization.
She approaches difficult decisions with clarity and follows through on her commitments.
And while Michelle is known for her precision and discipline, those who know her well know and others.
She brings calm to stressful moments and a quiet sense of humor when it's needed most and a steady presence that reminds everyone that good work can be done without unnecessary drama.
Much of Michelle's work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt throughout the city.
The city of Freeport operates more effectively because of her leadership and her commitment to ethical public service.
Tonight, we recognize the Department Head who has earned respect through her work, her dedication to doing things the right way, and being named Department Head of the Year for a second time is a meaningful achievement.
Thank you, Michelle.
Also, we have an honorable mention.
As if you haven't seen enough of him already, this is for Pat Ingram.
It's my honor to recognize Pat Ingram with honorable mention for Superintendent Operations of the Year.
Pat demonstrates steady leadership, accountability, and a clear commitment to getting work done right.
He approaches his role with humility and purpose understanding that leadership is earned not through action and not through title.
Pat shows a strong willingness to learn new things and others.
Pat shows a strong willingness to learn new things and quickly become a proficient in unfamiliar areas.
He is a fast study who adapts, asks the right questions, and applies what he's learned in a practical way.
The mindset strengthens both his department and the organization as a whole.
Above all, Pat is a servant leader who leads by example.
He is down to earth, compassionate when it matters, and firm when decisions need to be made.
Is consistency in service to make a meaningful difference for our organization and our community.
Please join me in congratulating Pat Ingram.
All right, I'm going to get some water here, Darren.
So tonight it's my honor to present the first Community Impact Award to Darren Steakle.
This award recognizes someone who reaches far beyond the job title.
Darren's impact can be seen across our community in the projects he helps deliver and the care and others.
Darren's connection to the community runs deep.
He is originally from German Valley, but he has made his home here in Freeport for many years.
Over that time, he has become someone the city relies on with important work needs when important work needs to be done.
Darren has played a central role in many of the city's most significant efforts.
He was deeply involved in the Chicago Streets Gate project, helping to ensure it was completed in a single construction season to reduce disruption to local businesses.
He played a key role in the design and construction of Well 11 project, strengthening the city's water system.
He continues to lead the wastewater treatment plant project, guiding it through each phase with care and accountability.
His leadership was also instrumental in securing more than $31 million in outside funding for and the Well 12 Project which will benefit the community for generations.
What sets Darren apart is how he approaches his work.
He holds himself to a high standard and follows through on commitments.
He pays attention to details and stays engaged until the job is done.
I have driven past his office late at night and seen his light on.
I have stopped by his home and found him reviewing plans and working through challenges.
That level of dedication speaks volumes.
There is also a personal side to Darren that many appreciate.
While he comes from Sherman Valley, his careful approach to planning and spending has earned him a reputation of being, I guess, Dutch.
Darren reflects positively on his mentor, Adam Holder, on the team at Fehr Graham, and on the city of Freeport.
His work strengthens the community and sets a strong example for others to follow.
Tonight, we recognize a professional whose dedication and integrity have made a lasting impact.
Darren, thank you for your service, and for the difference you've continued to make.
Okay.
All right, we got two more left.
Is everybody okay?
Yeah.
You need to take a bathroom break?
Okay.
So, tonight it's an honor to present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Chris Shenberger, Retired Chief of Police for the Freeport Police Department.
Chris, come on up here.
So, Chris was sworn in as a Freeport police officer in October of 1998.
Over more than 20 years, he has served the department in nearly every major role.
He has worked patrol, he supervised officers, he served in street crimes, narcotics, investigation and emergency response units.
He's led within the Detective Bureau before being Chief of Police.
That experience shaped how he led because he understood the work from the ground up.
As Chief, Chris focused on building a department that could meet today's challenges.
He reinstated the canine positions.
He expanded shot spotter coverage.
He advanced the use of license plate readers and implemented the department's drone program.
He made addressing gun and gang violence a priority.
He also worked to secure grant funding so the department could improve its capabilities while being mindful of the city's budget.
One moment near the end of his career reflects his leadership clearly.
In September of 2024, a welfare check at the Mary Hosmer high-rise escalated into a 12-hour standoff with an armed subject.
Shots were fired from the 10th floor apartment and the situation posed serious risk to officers and the public.
Chris served as the incident commander and led negotiations throughout the standoff.
His focus remained on one goal, ending the incident without loss of life.
That night concluded with a peaceful surrender.
No officers were injured and no lives were lost.
Beyond operations, Chris remained present in the community.
He attended neighborhood watch meetings.
He worked with faith leaders and community partners.
He supported programs like Shop with a Cop and the National Night Out, and he gave of his time, especially where it mattered.
Tonight we recognize a career built on service and responsibility.
Chris Shenberger leaves behind a department that is stronger and a community that is safer because of his work.
Chris Shenberger, thank you for your service to the City of Freeport and congratulations on this Lifetime Award.
For those who know me know that I'm not I don't have a lot of words I don't like to talk a lot but hearing the new chief tonight was awesome great speech congratulations to you I've got to speak to her directly and we've talked on the phone I think it's very exciting for us for this community and the police Police Department to have someone with her background and qualifications to lead us in the future.
It's great things are coming for the City of Freeport and the Freeport Police Department.
So thank you.
Thank you.
That's all I got.
Okay, and we have one more award for this evening and then we'll move into regular business.
Chief Scott Miller, would you join me up here?
Tonight's bittersweet.
So Chief Scott Miller's career reflects more than four decades of service, leadership, and Miller, and the Fire Service and communities he served.
Chief Miller began his career in 1981 at the age of 22 with the Lake Zurich Fire Department.
Early in his service, he completed EMT Advanced and Paramedic Training through Northwest Community Hospital along with Firefighter II and III certifications.
These early efforts established a foundation in both fire suppression and emergency medical services.
In 1985, Chief Miller joined the Elk Grove Village Fire Department, where he served for more than 27 years.
During that time, he advanced through the ranks, being promoted to Lieutenant in 1998, Battalion Chief in 2003, and Deputy Chief in 2006, and serving as Interim Fire Chief from 2011 to 2012.
His work included emergency management, budgeting, purchasing, participation and Regional Fire and EMS Oversight Organizations.
Chief Miller came to Freeport in 2013 with broad experience and a strong understanding of Department Operations.
On January 3rd, 2014, during an extreme cold with temperatures reaching minus 21 degrees, the Department responded to two structure fires within hours of each other, one on West Galena Avenue and the other on South Doss, Chicago Avenue.
Crews worked extended operations with frozen equipment to bring both fires under control.
This incident marked Chief Miller's first major operational experience with the Freeport Fire Department and informed later staffing and deployment changes that improved the efficiency.
During his tenure as the Freeport Fire Chief from 2013 to 2017 and again from 2022 to 26, Chief Miller led many improvements.
These included guiding the city through the home rule process, replacing outdated apparatuses, increasing staffing level to address rising call volume, and operating a third paramedic ambulance when staffing allows.
Through grants and cooperative purchasing, the department modernized turnout gear, reading equipment, radios, and communication infrastructure.
Chief Miller has been a strong advocate for Education and Progress.
He was the first chief to require new recruits to complete a full fire academy, establishing the current practice of sending all new hires to the Romeoville Fire Academy.
Through every stage of his career, Chief Miller has led with steadfastness, accountability, and respect for the people he serves.
And respect for the people he serves.
His legacy is found not only in the equipment upgraded and the policies improved, but the firefighters he's mentored, the leaders he's developed, and the community he protected.
This lifetime achievement award recognizes a career built on service, trust, and commitment.
The City of Freeport is stronger because of this leadership and we are grateful for his enduring contributions.
Thank you, Chief.
He's a man of few words, but we'll let him go.
So actually, Chris Shenberger has more words than I typically do, so I'll make mine even more brief than his.
So I guess this award and recognition makes it official.
Marshall.
I've been doing this a long time.
So, the eight years, nearly eight years I've been in Freeport have been fantastic.
I really enjoyed it.
I've enjoyed working with the shifts, with the crews.
So, thank you for being here.
And it's only fitting that InduChief begins today.
I'll be retiring at the end of this month.
So, thank you very much.
It's been wonderful.
Thank you.
Thank you and this concludes our recognitions for this evening we'll move on to item number seven which is the consent agenda the consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature unless there's a member of council like to have something removed for further discussion the consent agenda consists of of Approving to Receive and Place on File the Board and Commission Minutes from the Billing Commission November 13th, 2024, Zoning Board of Appeals July 10th, 2024, Planning Commission August 14th and September 11th, 2025, the Freeport Public Library Board September 10th, October 8th, 17th, 2025, the Foreign Fire Board October 9th, 2025, the Liquor Commission November 13th, 2025, the regular schedule of meetings for the City of Freeport, 2026, the Greater Freeport Partnerships Monthly Report, the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Grant expenditures from October 31st, 2025 through January 2nd, 2026.
Also is the adoption of Resolution 2026-02, which was the ratifying approval of invoice from William Charles for the 2025 repairs to the airport, taxiway lighting, approval of the finance bills payable in the total of $3,114,159.66 and payroll for pay period ending December 13th, 2025 in the total of $695,340.64 and for payroll for pay period Ending December 27, 2025 in the total of $685,641.20.
Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda?
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers.
Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Johnson?
Aye.
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
Aye.
Stacy?
Aye.
Shadle?
Aye.
And Sanders?
No.
The motion passes seven to one.
Item number eight is an announcement concerning the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency towards awards totaling 31 million dollars in grants and forgivable loans for the construction of well number 12.
Manager Boyer.
Thank you, Your Honor, and I think we alluded to it earlier during the awards portion of tonight's meeting.
Tonight marks an important moment for the City of Freeport and for our water system.
Approximately 10 years ago, following a pilot study done by the EPA, the City identified that some production wells contained what are now known as Forever Chemicals.
At that time, this issue was emerging nationwide and Freeport chose to act.
The City shut down and decommissioned the highest reading wells and shifted production of those with the lowest levels to protect public health while long-term solutions were developed.
Interesting something this wonderful event all over the world.
On that point for the city committed to rebuilding its water system with the intention with intention in care that effort led to the planning and construction of well-11, which is currently on Burchard Hill, which and that came on a line in 20 23 along with Carol and Willow which we already had in place.
Well 11 has helped meat much of the city's water demand and provide and John.
The final element of our long-term water capacity plan is well 12.
Well 12 will provide approximately 65% of the city's water supply.
It will also deliver the redundancy needed for emergencies, system maintenance and operational continuity.
The project is not just about capacity.
It's about reliability and public health for the long term.
Tonight, I'm proud to announce that the City of Freeport will receive a total of $31 million through forgivable loans and emerging contaminant funding along with approximately a million dollars secured with the support P говор of Congressman Eric Sorensen who believes every community deserves access to clean drinking water.
I want to thank Congressman Sorensen and the team at Fehr Graham.
Thank you to Derek, Alex, Bridget, Seth, Mick, Tom and especially Darren, whose commitment to the City of Freeport is evident every day in this outcome.
This investment reflects years of planning and steady work.
It represents the City that chose to address a challenge directly County, and build a water system our residents can depend on now and into the future.
Thank you, Mayor.
Next is the adoption of Resolution 20-2601.
Madam Clerk, could you please read this?
Resolution approving a grant agreement between the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the City of Freeport regarding emerging contaminants for small communities grant for $14,063,530.48 for construction of Well 12.
Thank you.
Manager Boyer?
Well, I think staff's request is going to be pretty obvious.
Staff request, council approve resolution 2026-01, authorizing receipt of $14 million for the Well 12.
So moved.
Second.
Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm for the adoption of Resolution 2026.01.
Any discussion?
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Johnson?
Aye.
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
Aye.
Stacy?
Aye.
Shadle?
Aye.
And Sanders?
No.
The resolution is adopted, 7-1.
Item number 9 is the first reading of Ordinance 2026.01.
Could you please read this?
Ordinance amending various subsections of Chapter 220 Rules of Council, the City of Freeport Code of Ordinances, Section 220-11A-4, which is the Operation of the Committee of the Whole, Section 220-11E-5, Operation of Finance Committee of the Whole, and Section 220-11F-5, City Manager Recruitment Committee.
Thank you.
Manager Boyer?
Thank you, Your Honor.
The City of Freeport Code of Ordinance Section 220.11 provides for various rules that govern how City Council and the various committee meetings are conducted, including but not limited to the procedure for placing items on agenda.
On June 16, 2025, Council made various revisions to Chapter 220, Rules of Council, however not all sections governing various types of meetings were updated to reflect that two Two Alderpersons can add an agenda item.
The proposed ordinance amends the language of the above-referenced codified ordinance to reflect that agenda items for the Committee of the Whole, Finance Committee of the Whole, and City Manager Recruitment Committee meeting that shall be requested by the Mayor and the City Manager or two Aldermen or as referred to it by the City Council.
There's no financial impact and staff recommends moving forward with a second reading.
Is there a motion to?
So moved.
Second.
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Johnson to move Ordinance 2026.01 to the next meeting.
Discussion on this ordinance?
And we will move on to reports of department heads.
Finance?
Nothing, Your Honor.
Thank you.
Community Development?
Nothing.
Public Works.
Just one item.
EV Chargers installations are almost complete.
We've ordered commissioning of one of the sites.
The other one we're waiting for a transformer.
I'd like to let everybody know that the final total for the project was just over $800,000 and we will be receiving $840,000 in forgivable grants from ComEd and and Sija for the project.
So it will be a net zero to Freeport.
Thank you.
Fire.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Once again, I just want to say thank you to the City Council and the manager for allowing me to serve as the Fire Chief for City of Freeport.
It's been a wonderful opportunity.
Thank you.
Police.
We're starting a new decade here, and I will be serving with pride and honor for all those in the City of Residence Anderson, Fredia Cedar, Free Port, thank you.
Library?
Nothing, Your Honor.
Thank you.
IT?
IT and Airport.
Jeff, you can turn that around if you want to.
Hello everyone, I just wanted to give a quick update on the last quarter of some of the highlights out at the airport.
Fort.
This is starting 10-1.
We started cleaning out a lot of the hangers and end spaces to make room for the equipment so that we could in turn open up a lot of space for more hangers for airplanes.
Now all of the equipment and vehicles are currently stored inside and under a roof.
Moving on to 10-7, I traveled into Chicago for a TIPS meeting.
TIPS is the Transportation Improvement Program.
That meeting was held in Chicago at the IDOT headquarters.
It was attended jointly by IDOT Aeronautical Division and the FAA.
While there, we discussed future needed projects for the airport for improvement.
The main number one item currently needed out there is completion of the airport terminal building.
That building is already existing and built out there.
It just needs to be finished off.
The current building is long overdue for replacement and is getting in pretty poor condition.
Currently the completion for this project is in 2026.
The other major project in 2026 is installation of the PAPI lighting system, which stands for the Precision Approach Path Indicator Lights.
That project is slated for a start in July of 2026.
Beyond that, other needs that we need out there is a construction of a storage building for all the airport equipment, a heated space so we can get all the plows and all that stuff out of the heated hangar space and use that for airplanes, which it was designed for.
Going forward on the tips down the road for 27, right now in the plan is current for rehab of the taxi lights and conversion over to LED.
Then in 28, it's scheduled for a field farm modernization project.
And then a little further down the road in 29, right now they have scheduled on their West Apron and Taxiway entrance with hangar development along that apron.
The first week also in October we opened up the south entrance road again for traffic.
A couple weeks after that a crew came out and did a striping project on that road so all the striping is completed on that road.
Also right after that another crew came out there and installed We're going to install concrete bases for some new light poles so that road will have lighting on it.
The plan is for eight light poles to be installed and then two older ones to be removed.
Those poles have been on backorder and are scheduled for delivery late in January and then the installation will occur in the spring when the weather gets nicer.
Moving on in mid-November, Hangar D, which is the old maintenance shop, Hop, that had a crew come in and removed all the asbestos out of that building, they put their space suits on and removed all that, and that building is now able to be demolished whenever that space is needed for future development.
The end of November, early December, that was challenging out there with all the snow that we got, snow was piling up everywhere, it was a challenge to keep it from getting and the lights buried, all the equipment performed well.
And now we even have the big snowblower back in service.
That machine had to have a lot of work done to it.
The bottom spool was ground off of it.
And now that's all back in service.
It did a lot of work down at the city.
I'd like to thank Pat, Andrew and Zach for doing a great job of supporting us out there.
They're very responsive to maintenance issues and stuff like that.
So thanks to those guys.
The second week of December, We finally got the AWAS back to reporting the weather over the internet.
The AWAS, that's the Automated Weather Observation Station that had a circuit board that was out that was really hard to get.
It had to get approved through the state and then a guy came down from Minnesota to install that so that is back up and running.
As far as the airport activity report, right now at the airport we currently have based aircraft right at 50 Airplanes.
All the rentable hangers are currently leased out.
There's a couple other ones that need some work.
We'll be doing that in the spring, getting on that and getting those hangers repaired and rented back out.
As far as activity operations out there, we can get a lot more accurate data now because just this past summer, a company called Vertower installed We've installed equipment out at the airport that when airplanes come in and out, this system can read the ADSB data off the airplane so we can get a lot more accurate operations data.
So right now I have, I ran some reports in October.
Total operations out there was 667 in October.
In November was 440.
And then with the weather turned bad it slows down a lot December was 247 so that makes for a total for the quarter of 1,354 operations and then I can further break that down into jet and turbo prop operations for the quarter was 68 for that so that that pretty much highlights of the last 90 days unless and Chris.
There's any questions?
Thank you.
Oh, Alderman Klemm.
First of all, thank you for the report and all you've done.
Also for the work on getting the weather thing back up, you and I talked about that.
Yes.
I appreciate your help in that.
When you mentioned takeoffs and landing, I'm going back, I'm too old, I'm going back 20 years, okay?
When you count a service or a plane coming in and you mention those figures, those figures are counted twice going in and coming out?
Yeah, an operation is defined by the FAA as either a takeoff or a landing.
Right.
Okay.
Thank you.
Yep.
Thank you.
City Manager?
I just want to congratulate the team on that successful grant, combination of grants and Forgivable Loans for Well 12.
That's all.
And I would like to congratulate both of our Chiefs, Chief Frosto, for your commitment to the city and your new appointment and Chief Miller on your retirement.
Happy for you but sad for us.
So thank you.
And then also to remind the council that our next regular council meeting will be on Tuesday January 20th not Monday.
The 19th City Hall will be Close in honor of Martin Luther King Day.
So we will move on to council announcements.
Alderman Sellers.
I just want to say thank you also for being a part of our community.
And I'll also say to Chief, we're going to miss you.
So thank you for all your service.
And then I also want to say great job for the 31 million in the grant for the water.
That's it.
Alderman Klemm.
Yeah, just like to say the and the neighborhood watch will remain the same date this month, it will be the 4th Tuesday of this month.
Thanks to all that took part in the ceremonies and everything.
Great job by a lot of people here at the City that don't get the recognition that they deserve for dealing with the public and with all the problems that they deal with.
One thing came up today also congratulations on the funding could really really appreciate that congratulations to both chiefs great luck and family you have her nice warm dog come out that was very nice one thing somebody brought to my attention today just to put into the things coming up one of the new laws in the state Illinois was that you can't throw away batteries anymore they have to be Recycled, and according to the Chicago Tribune that where it listed it had it, there wasn't any place available in Freeport, just something we're going to need to take a look into.
Thank you very much.
Alderman Johnson?
Yeah, I'd like to say welcome to our new police chief.
I enjoyed your speech.
Thank you very much.
And for you, Chief Miller, we'll miss you and I'm sure it's very hard to retire, but yet I know you know when the time is, but you will be missed.
And I would also like to congratulate everyone that was honored tonight.
I just think it's wonderful to have people honored for their hard work and their dedication and their integrity.
So congratulations to all of those.
And just wanted to say Happy New Year to everyone and I declare it will be a prosperous New Year with unity and peace.
Thank you.
Alderman Simmons?
No, just thank you, Chief, for the mission.
Thank you.
Alderman Parker?
Yeah, just want to echo what everyone else has said about both Chiefs.
Welcome to the new Chief and enjoy your retirement.
It's a great thing.
Thank you.
I just wanted to repeat what everyone else has said, so thank you.
Alderman Stacy?
Yes, um, first I want to say to Darren, thank you for hearing.
Thank you for hearing my cry of help to the City of Freeport and the pantries.
What you and Fehr Graham did was wonderful.
I appreciate you.
I thank you for all you do for the city.
To the new chief, and forgive me if I can't pronounce your name, but I'll work on that.
Thank you for meeting with me today.
It was a pleasure to sit down with you and welcome.
Welcome to Freeport, Illinois.
Alderman Shadle?
Yes, just want to say thanks to all the employees, especially the ones that were recognized tonight, but in total we have quite a group of people working for us, and they should all be thanked.
I'd like to put this $31 million in the context a little bit.
Our budget for 2026 was right for the entire city was right in the neighborhood of $27 million and we got a $31 million loan that's forgivable and Fehr Graham has done tremendous work we've got totals of forgivable loans and grants from Back to the year 2020 that totaled 60 million dollars that has been brought to our coffers by Fehr Graham and Mr. Steekle and thank you.
Alderman Sanders?
No comment.
Public comment hi my name is Cheryl Altman congratulations hopefully you can help look out for the homeless because we just had a lady pass away nobody really cared about her they just froze what a shame second of all I'm talking about the property at 101 Liberty Street which is claimed by the city owns it they did own it in 2013 but in 2014 it went to Elber's property so who really owns this and who's not telling the truth here kind of figure out if Elber's putting a lot of money in that building they probably own it to Rob and you the city owns it also Rob I need those papers I don't know what you're trying to hide is because you and Wayne knew the people that tore down these buildings didn't have their license and it's a violation because they have to have their license and they did not.
So if you don't want to give me these paperwork, I'll have to file and do what Akia Sanders did.
No problem.
Any other problems?
Tommy?
I wanted to think that the police chief is going to do a good job working at the of the Police Department and everything.
And Tracy, you do a good job with City.
Thank you, Tom.
Don Parker, I wanted to tell you, you did a good job and that lady was.
Thank you.
Javonte.
Good evening, everyone.
Javante Brown.
Congratulations Chief.
I would like to invite everyone to the Kings Day celebration.
I'm with the BSU for the Freeport High School.
I serve as a social media manager.
On Saturday January 17th we'll be selling the Mark Luther King program, The Theme is Freedom, at the FMS Jeanette Louie Theater at 5 PM until.
Thank you.
Any other public comments?
Could I ask a Sure.
Just to Darren, Darren have we heard any more on the Martinizing because I know it was stopped when the government quit and all that.
I just thought of that just so we all know.
Sure.
The money's still secured and right now we're kind of in a holding pattern because of the roofs where they're interconnected.
We don't want to open up the neighboring building in the middle of winter so we We intend to wait until spring to take them down, but we still have the DCO money to do that.
The shutdown, the governmental shutdown was the delay, and at that point, once we got to December and we started getting the snowfall, I don't want to take the chance of damaging a neighboring building.
Thank you.
Next is item number 15, Executive Session.
Madam Clerk, could you please read this for the record?
Just one, pursuant to 5 ILCS 122C21, discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under this Act, whether for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as mandated by Section 2.06.
Is there a motion to enter into Executive?
So moved.
Second.
Moving motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.
Madam Clerk, would you please take the roll?
Sellers?
Aye.
Klemm?
Aye.
Johnson?
Aye.
Simmons?
Aye.
Parker?
Aye.
Stacy?
Aye.
Shadle?
Aye.
And Sanders?
Aye.
The motion passed.