WEBVTT

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For middle ground people, this is something that's going to be a piece of shit.

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Good evening. Pastor Anna, could you please give the invocation this evening?

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God bless you everyone, we want to pray. Heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus, we thank

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you for the privilege and opportunity to be gathered here, and we are grateful for Mayor

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and all the people who make up this board. May the Holy Spirit guide you in enlightening

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and

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We true wisdom love and peace so that you can make the right decisions

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That will be of our free poor community

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Lord may be glorified

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in every decision that

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Is made

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In your glorious name we pray amen

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Thank you. Thank you

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So we'll officially call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

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Mayor Miller? Here.

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Alderpersons, Klemm? Here.

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Monroe? Here. Simmons? Here.

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Parker? Here. Stacy? Here. Shadle? Here. Sanders? Here. And Sellers? Here.

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And if you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance led by Alderperson Stacy.

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Thomas, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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Item number one is the approval of the agenda, is there such a motion?

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So moved.

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Second.

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The motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm, all those in favor signify

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by saying aye.

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Aye.

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Opposed?

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That motion passes, item number two is the approval of the minutes from the regular meeting

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on March 3rd, 2025, is there a motion to approve?

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So moved.

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Second.

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The motion made by Alderman Shadle,

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seconded by Alderman Monroe.

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All those in favor signify by saying aye.

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Aye.

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Opposed?

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Yes.

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The first and the second, please.

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Shadle and Monroe.

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Thank you.

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That motion passes.

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There were no public comments signed in,

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so we'll move on to the consent agenda.

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The consent agenda is considered to be routine in nature

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and acted as one motion unless the member of the council

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would like to have something removed for further discussion.

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Seeing none, the consent agenda

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is to approve and place on file the Board and Commission minutes from the Liquor Commission

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February 6, 2025 and the Board of Fire and Police Commission from February 25, 2025.

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The Finance Department Report and the Cash and Investment Report for January 25, the

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Building Permit, the Fire Department, the Police Department, the Finance Department

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and the Cash and Finance Report dated February 2025 and the Greater Freeport Partnership

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F, as well as the building permit report for March 2025. Also is approval of the finance

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bills payable in the total of $3,521,665.74 and payroll for pay period ending March 8,

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2025 in the total of $672,488.13, as well as payroll for March 22, 2025 in the total

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of $676,893.96.

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Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda?

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So moved.

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Second.

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Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker.

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Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

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Stacy?

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Aye.

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Shadle?

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Aye.

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Sanders?

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Aye.

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Sellers?

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Aye.

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Klemm?

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Aye.

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Monroe?

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Aye.

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Simmons?

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Aye.

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And Parker?

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The motion passes 8 to 0.

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We have a great network of dedicated ladies in the community called All Our

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and others.

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So, I wanted to read the proclamation on your behalf, which is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

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You know what, I'm going to need my glasses, these are way too small, it's a lot of reading.

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Okay, so whereas all our kids network is a group of community stakeholders who collaboratively work to influence system change that will strengthen the overall family well-being.

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And whereas Freeport's future prosperity and quality of life depends on the healthy development of the children residing across our city.

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And whereas preventing child abuse and neglect must be a priority that requires individuals, families, child-serving organizations, schools,

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and others, and we are here to support the physical, emotional, social and educational

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well-being of all of our children.

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And whereas child abuse is a serious public health issue with wide-ranging societal consequences

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as data shows, the link between abuse and neglect of children and a wide range of costly

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medical, emotional, psychological and behavioral issues into adulthood.

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And whereas parents and caregivers who have the support system of family and friends know

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where to find public resources and understand how to maintain resiliency in the changing

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of times with the best equipping for providing safe, nurturing environments for their children.

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And whereas statewide and community prevention programs often serve as proven and effective

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ways to reduce child abuse and neglect, no matter the geographical region, race, ethnicity,

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for Economic Status, and whereas the AOK Network and other community partners will host the

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Blue Ribbon Week, April 6-12, to help spread awareness, hope, and education on the topic

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of child abuse.

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Now, therefore, I, Jodi Miller, declare April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and the

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second week of April as Blue Ribbon Week throughout the City of Freeport and encourage all of

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our residents to dedicate themselves to protecting the quality of life for every child.

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Thank you.

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Mayor, we would like to thank you and all the Aldermen and City Council.

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On behalf of the AOK Network here in Stevenson County and all its partners for signing the

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of the Proclamation to Prevent Child Abuse.

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Bright Point, the company I work for,

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has provided the blue bows that you may have seen

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all over the county, they're in front of the office,

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they're at the municipal court, the police department,

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and I have provided you all with blue bows.

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It all started 35 years ago when a Virginia grandmother

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tied a blue bow on her antenna of her car

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to honor her 18-month-old grandson

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who was a victim of child abuse.

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Her simple act ignited a national campaign

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to raise awareness of child abuse

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and to prevent it and to take action to stop it.

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The blue bow is now recognized as the national symbol

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of child abuse prevention, and in April of 1994,

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Bright Point held its first blue bow campaign

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for Child Abuse Prevention.

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And as we continue, it grows, and every year,

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we are proud to support this good cause.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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We want you on the microphone so bad.

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So I'm gonna talk a little bit more

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about the Blue Ribbon Campaign.

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I'm Allegra Kozier.

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I'm with Tyler's Justice Center for Children,

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which is the Children's Advocacy Center

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that provides services for Stevenson, Joe Davies,

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and Carroll Counties.

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So a little bit more on the Blue Ribbon Campaign.

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The Blue Ribbon Child Abuse Campaign began in 1989

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by a Virginia grandmother named Bonnie.

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by a Virginia grandmother named Bonnie Finney. Bonnie had one daughter who was married and

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had three children who were 16 months, three years old, and four years old. Bonnie stated

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that she had suspected her daughter and her daughter's husband used drugs and she knew

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that the couple had a stormy relationship. In her own words, Bonnie recalls a time when

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she was sure her grandchildren were being abused. It's been so long since I sat by

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and others.

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I was in the hospital.

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I was sitting by his side in the hospital.

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Of course, I knew something was wrong as I sat there.

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I saw fear on his face, the bruises on his body, and the

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healing cigarette burns on his hands.

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Bonnie's grandson was placed in a foster home.

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He told his foster mom, my mama doesn't love me.

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Months went by without Bonnie seeing her grandson.

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and John.

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Bonnie's body was found in a swamp after he had been dumped there three months earlier

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when he was beaten to death by his parents.

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Bonnie tied a blue ribbon to her van antenna to bring awareness to the community.

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said, why the color blue? I never intend to forget the battered bruised bodies of

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my grandchildren. Blue served as a constant reminder to fight for our

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children. So thank you Mayor Miller and the Freeport City Council for making

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this proclamation. It means so much to us, but more so it means the world to our

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child survivors. So thank you.

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Lewis, oh yes.

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On behalf of the week of the young child, whereas Birth to Five Illinois and other local organizations

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in conjunction with the National Association of Education of Young Children, we are celebrating

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the week of the young child and whereas the week of the young child was established in

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recognition that early childhood years, prenatal through age eight, lay the foundation for

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children's success in school and later in life and whereas its purpose is to focus public

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attention on the needs of young children and their families and caregivers and to recognize

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the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs and whereas children's

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Smith, and

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Mary Ann.

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Children's cognitive, social, emotional, language, and literacy development are built

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on a foundation of children's positive interaction with adults, peers, and their environment.

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And whereas the week of the young child is a time to recognize that children's opportunities

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are our responsibility and to recommit ourselves to ensuring that every child experiences the

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type of early learning environment that will promote their development and growth.

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And whereas participation in high quality early childhood education prepares children

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to succeed in school, earn higher wages,

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and live healthier lives.

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Now, therefore, I, Jodi Miller,

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declare April 5th through the 11th, 2025

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as Week of the Young Child in Freeport

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and encourage all of our citizens

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to work to make a good investment

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in early childhood in Freeport.

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You're welcome.

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Thank you, Madam Mayor. The Mayor has given me a total of two minutes tonight to speak.

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and

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I put a flyer on each of the Councilman's desks. This is the same information I gave last year.

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We haven't had much movement since last year. Freeport School District is doing some great things with preschool, which owns Farrar, putting all the preschool classrooms together, which I think will be a great success.

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and

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John.

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We need more. We need more buildings. We need more home

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child care. We need more nonprofit child care. We need

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more. We have got to get our children ready for

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kindergarten. That is the best thing that we can do as a

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community, to give them a good start in school. In order to do

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that, pre-school is the way to go. So I leave that with you. I

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We're going to do over the next year, we, to get this done.

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Thank you.

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Thank you.

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One more, certainly not the least.

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This is National Library Week 2025.

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Whereas libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination, and inspire lifelong learning,

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and the rest of the community.

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We are a community that is a space where individuals of all

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ages can explore new ideas and be drawn to new possibilities.

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And whereas libraries serve as a vibrant community hub connecting

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people with knowledge, technology and resources while fostering

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civic engagement, critical thinking and lifelong learning.

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And whereas libraries provide free and equitable access to

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books, digital tools and innovative programs ensuring that

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all individuals regardless of their background have the support

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and Whereas Libraries partner with schools, businesses, and organizations connecting the dots to maximize resources, increase efficiency, and expand access to essential services, strengthening the entire community and Whereas Libraries empower job seekers, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners by providing access to resources, training, and opportunities that support career growth and economic success and Whereas Libraries nurture young minds through story time, STEM programs,

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Miller, Assistant Principal of the Library andthe Library baking

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of the

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phenomenal

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cultural

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arts,

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cultural

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literature,

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collaborative

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programs,

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and

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literacy

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initiatives fostering

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curiosity and the love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

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Whereas, libraries protect the right to read, think and explore without censorship, standing

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as

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champions of intellectual freedom and free expression.

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and library workers across the country are joining together to celebrate National Library

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Week under the theme, Drawn to the Library.

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Now therefore, I, Jodi Miller, declare April 6th through the 12th as National Library Week

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in the City of Freeport.

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During this week, I encourage all residents to visit our library, explore its resources,

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and celebrate all the ways that the library draws us together as a community.

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and

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Dr.

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Taylor.

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Thank you.

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First of all, thank you to everyone here for your support of our library that allows us

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to continue to grow and improve the services that we provide to everyone in our community.

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Thank you to the Board of Trustees and our dedicated library patrons.

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and

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our library staff. Thank you for your hard work.

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Most of all, thank you for our amazing team of library workers.

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I appreciate everything you do to make our library excellent.

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Today, I also stand here to advocate for my greatest

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passion in life, libraries.

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On March 14th, an executive order to defund the Institute of

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and

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John.

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I am a federal agency that maximizes every dollar of its

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modest budget to deliver exceptional value and meaningful

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impact for Americans in communities nationwide.

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With just .003% of the federal budget, IMLS funding helps

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libraries across the country provide programs and services

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that provide a more meaningful and more effective way to

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that support more than $1.2 billion in-person patron visits annually plus countless additional

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virtual visits.

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But how does day funding IMLS affect our community in Freeport, Illinois?

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Although we do not receive money directly from IMLS, the Illinois State Library does.

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Our consortium, Prairie Cat, does.

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Our library system, Rails, does.

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The State Library, Prairie Cat and Rails provide our library with resources we would not otherwise

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be able to offer.

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These organizations connect libraries across the state creating statewide sharing for our

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collections, providing our community with a wealth of information, knowledge, and resource

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access.

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Without funding from IMLS, state grants will not be as accessible, removing the ability

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for our library to provide needed resources such as the new computers that we just received in 2024.

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To celebrate National Library Week, I ask you to stand up and advocate for our library.

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Stand up and advocate for the libraries of Illinois and stand up to advocate for libraries

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across the United States. Please take time to make your voice heard by calling your representatives

00:19:50.840 --> 00:19:55.880
and advocating for libraries. If you need resources to help advocate, you can find me

00:19:55.880 --> 00:20:00.039
at the Library, and thank you for your time. And last...

00:20:00.039 --> 00:20:07.279
and, last but certainly not least, Happy National Library Week.

00:20:13.000 --> 00:20:17.639
Thank you, Ashley. We'll move on to item number six, which is the appointments.

00:20:17.639 --> 00:20:23.159
Madam Clerk, could you please read those for the record? Appointment of Eric

00:20:23.159 --> 00:20:28.339
Bornemann to the Enterprise Zone through January 1, 2028, Dustin Wilkinson to the

00:20:28.339 --> 00:20:33.539
Planning Commission through October 31st, 28, Brad Hartog to the Board of Zoning Appeals

00:20:33.539 --> 00:20:40.019
Commission through June 30th, 2030, reappointments of Jeff Williams to the Firefighters Pension

00:20:40.019 --> 00:20:46.019
Board through April 30th, 28, Jeff Williams to the Police Pension Board through April

00:20:46.019 --> 00:20:51.420
30th, 2027, and Randy Bukas to the Board of Housing Authority Commission through October

00:20:51.420 --> 00:20:52.420
31st, 2030.

00:20:52.420 --> 00:20:53.420
Alderman Parker?

00:20:53.420 --> 00:20:54.420
Motion to approve.

00:20:54.420 --> 00:20:55.420
Second.

00:20:55.420 --> 00:21:02.299
to approve. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Klemm.

00:21:02.299 --> 00:21:16.139
Any discussion? All those, can I do an, I'm sorry, Alderman Sanders? Have any point in

00:21:16.139 --> 00:21:23.859
time that these reappointments have been part of the Council's discussion? That's what

00:21:23.859 --> 00:21:28.859
Tonight is their mayor appointment and council approval.

00:21:28.900 --> 00:21:30.279
Okay, so this is it?

00:21:30.279 --> 00:21:33.359
This will be land to ground work for discussion?

00:21:33.359 --> 00:21:34.200
Yes.

00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:35.440
Okay, I saw the word to know.

00:21:35.440 --> 00:21:36.879
All right, anything else?

00:21:40.839 --> 00:21:42.240
We can do a roll call?

00:21:43.680 --> 00:21:44.980
Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll?

00:21:44.980 --> 00:21:45.819
Stacy?

00:21:47.259 --> 00:21:48.339
Hold it, hold it.

00:21:48.339 --> 00:21:49.180
Oh.

00:21:50.480 --> 00:21:52.200
Alderman Simmons?

00:21:52.200 --> 00:22:09.039
Yes, I didn't think the floor is open for this particular, because I'm trying to get

00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:15.960
someone to express the fact that it's open for discussion, and no one has admitted that

00:22:15.960 --> 00:22:17.359
it was open for discussion.

00:22:17.359 --> 00:22:24.359
Yeah, I asked if there was any discussion. No one said anything.

00:22:24.359 --> 00:22:36.359
I don't think that was what I was asking, but I was asking just because the listing was made, there was a listing of, but there's nothing indicated here about discussions.

00:22:36.359 --> 00:22:46.359
And so I asked the question whether or not does this lay a groundwork for discussion.

00:22:46.359 --> 00:22:52.359
We asked for discussion and the mayor said yes, so now's the time to have the discussion.

00:22:52.359 --> 00:22:55.039
Well, I don't know when that's supposed to happen.

00:22:55.039 --> 00:22:56.039
Right now.

00:22:56.039 --> 00:22:57.039
Okay, no one's there right now.

00:22:57.039 --> 00:22:58.039
That's what I'm getting at.

00:22:58.039 --> 00:22:59.039
Okay, what would you like to talk?

00:22:59.039 --> 00:23:00.039
I was waiting for the right now.

00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:01.039
Okay, go ahead.

00:23:01.039 --> 00:23:02.039
Okay.

00:23:02.039 --> 00:23:10.799
Yeah, I wanted to address the fact that we're indicating reappointments of individuals and

00:23:10.799 --> 00:23:20.039
and then we are reappointing people that has already been part of these boards and the

00:23:20.039 --> 00:23:31.000
fact that we have not talked about whether or not the board was open to public opportunities

00:23:31.000 --> 00:23:37.319
to join these particular boards so we don't have a redundancy of reappointing the same

00:23:37.319 --> 00:24:07.319
and I are the heads of these boards and I see the date durations of the expirations of when these boards are supposed to conclude, but the thing about it is we're talking about it now had it been open to the public so the public can be informed about possibility of joining these boards so we don't have the same board members on a regular basis. Scheduled appointments or whatever the case is. I just want to know

00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:37.319
What are we doing in regards to that? Because I don't see any protocols here. That's what I'm getting at when it comes to reappointing anyone to anything and that's the reason why I'm having this discussion because I don't feel comfortable putting the same heads, the same old heads back in making board decisions, making changes to our city

00:24:37.319 --> 00:24:44.319
and I have been in the same dynamic with the same board here. So, I'm saying, what I'm

00:24:44.319 --> 00:24:54.619
really saying is have we did an extensive public notification for fresh new board members for

00:24:54.619 --> 00:24:59.960
these appointed positions. That's what I'm getting at.

00:24:59.960 --> 00:25:01.839
And your answer to that is yes.

00:25:01.839 --> 00:25:02.839
Okay.

00:25:02.839 --> 00:25:07.200
Every time I speak somewhere I challenge people to step up to different boards and commissions.

00:25:07.200 --> 00:25:27.440
I just wanted to say, Alderman Sanders, that we don't have say so in this matter. The Mayor

00:25:27.440 --> 00:25:41.160
appoints who she chooses to these boards and we vote yay or nay, but she has to say so

00:25:41.160 --> 00:25:44.559
of who she appoints.

00:25:44.559 --> 00:25:46.360
We accept it or we don't.

00:25:46.360 --> 00:25:47.360
We vote on it.

00:25:47.360 --> 00:25:50.360
It pass or it don't.

00:25:50.360 --> 00:25:51.360
Okay.

00:25:51.360 --> 00:25:52.360
Okay.

00:25:52.360 --> 00:25:53.360
Thank you.

00:25:53.360 --> 00:25:57.400
If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:25:57.400 --> 00:26:17.799
Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker.

00:26:17.799 --> 00:26:20.480
Motion passes 6-2.

00:26:20.480 --> 00:26:21.480
Thank you.

00:26:21.480 --> 00:26:22.480
and others.

00:26:22.480 --> 00:26:23.480
Thank you.

00:26:23.480 --> 00:26:24.480
Item number seven, which is recognition of service awards, Chief.

00:26:24.480 --> 00:26:25.480
Sure.

00:26:25.480 --> 00:26:26.480
All right.

00:26:26.480 --> 00:26:27.480
So tonight we'd like to recognize Lieutenant Gillian Markham for her 25th anniversary.

00:26:27.480 --> 00:26:28.480
Lieutenant Markham was hired on April 4th.

00:26:28.480 --> 00:26:29.480
He was hired on April 4th.

00:26:29.480 --> 00:26:30.480
He was hired on April 4th.

00:26:30.480 --> 00:26:31.480
He was hired on April 4th.

00:26:31.480 --> 00:26:32.480
He was hired on April 4th.

00:26:32.480 --> 00:26:33.480
He was hired on April 4th.

00:26:33.480 --> 00:26:34.480
He was hired on April 4th.

00:26:34.480 --> 00:26:46.480
All right, so tonight we'd like to recognize Lieutenant Gillian Markham for her 25th anniversary

00:26:46.480 --> 00:26:49.480
of working for the city's emergency department.

00:26:49.480 --> 00:26:55.480
Lieutenant Markham was hired on April 3rd, 2000 and celebrated her 25th anniversary.

00:26:55.480 --> 00:27:01.480
Lieutenant Markham has served the city in a variety of positions as a member of our emergency response team,

00:27:01.480 --> 00:27:09.639
Martin, a school resource officer, a corporal on patrol, a patrol sergeant, and Lieutenant

00:27:09.639 --> 00:27:14.200
Martin was promoted to a current position, he had used the rank of lieutenant on January

00:27:14.200 --> 00:27:22.199
16, 2024. Lieutenant Martin sits on the Regional Advisory Committee for CESA. CESA is a community

00:27:22.199 --> 00:27:29.000
emergency services and support act. CESA was created to coordinate 9-1-1 with mobile mental

00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:34.000
Holt, Response Services, being developed by the Alumni Department of Mental Health.

00:27:34.000 --> 00:27:39.000
We're going to mark this instrumental and restarting Resource Officer Program with our

00:27:39.000 --> 00:27:43.000
school, our SRO, assigned to report school district.

00:27:43.000 --> 00:27:48.000
SHELCO oversees the Dispatch Center and our report fleet are the social workers.

00:27:48.000 --> 00:27:52.000
We're going to mark them collaborating with stakeholders in the community to find assistance

00:27:52.000 --> 00:27:56.000
for individuals experiencing mental health crisis.

00:27:56.000 --> 00:28:01.000
She also maintains and develops the Department of Policy and Procedure and our training group.

00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:07.000
Lieutenant Markham is currently working for the Department IV Tier 1 accreditation right now.

00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:15.000
And she's spearheading the Department's transition to our new report management system, Central Square, among many others.

00:28:15.000 --> 00:28:24.000
Lieutenant Markham is a law enforcement leader who plays a crucial role in ensuring that the particular department provides professional service to the citizens.

00:28:24.000 --> 00:28:51.000
Did you want to say anything?

00:28:51.000 --> 00:29:08.759
All right. Item number eight is the second reading of ordinance 2025-14. Madam Clerk,

00:29:08.759 --> 00:29:14.360
could you please read this? Ordinance adopting the official zoning map of the City of Freeport.

00:29:14.360 --> 00:29:26.960
Thank you, Director Duckman.

00:29:26.960 --> 00:29:27.960
Thank you Madam Mayor.

00:29:27.960 --> 00:29:31.740
I put up the zoning map for you to view.

00:29:31.740 --> 00:29:36.880
Nothing's changed since the first reading of this ordinance and it's an annual requirement

00:29:36.880 --> 00:29:42.639
by statute for the city to pass an ordinance for the current zoning map.

00:29:42.639 --> 00:29:47.679
So, staff is recommending approval of this ordinance.

00:29:47.679 --> 00:29:51.679
Is there any further discussion on this?

00:29:51.679 --> 00:29:53.679
Seeing none, Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

00:29:53.679 --> 00:29:54.519
Stacy.

00:29:54.519 --> 00:30:14.519
Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The ordinance passes 8-0. Item number 9 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-15. Could you please read this?

00:30:14.519 --> 00:30:19.440
Ordinance Authorizing Sale, Recycling, Donation, and or Disposal of Certain Property Owned

00:30:19.440 --> 00:30:20.440
by the City.

00:30:20.440 --> 00:30:24.960
Tonight, we have Public Works equipment and Police Department equipment, including bicycles

00:30:24.960 --> 00:30:27.200
at City Yards.

00:30:27.200 --> 00:30:28.440
Chief Shenberger?

00:30:28.440 --> 00:30:29.440
Thank you.

00:30:29.440 --> 00:30:33.720
The Freeport Police Department and the City Public Works Department, as well as the Water

00:30:33.720 --> 00:30:37.839
and Sewer Department, are currently in need of disposing property at the Freeport City

00:30:37.839 --> 00:30:39.799
Yards.

00:30:39.799 --> 00:30:43.119
As far as the Police Department's concerned, we have abandoned bikes that have been in

00:30:43.119 --> 00:30:45.200
and the possession of the Freeport Police Department

00:30:45.200 --> 00:30:48.359
for at least six months, an outdated and unusable property

00:30:48.359 --> 00:30:51.139
that's being stored at the city yards.

00:30:51.139 --> 00:30:53.359
The property that the Police Department elected to destroy

00:30:53.359 --> 00:30:58.359
includes three office chairs, a round table with six chairs

00:30:58.359 --> 00:31:01.119
and then abandoned bikes that were collected

00:31:01.119 --> 00:31:02.119
throughout the city.

00:31:06.039 --> 00:31:06.879
Alderman Parker.

00:31:06.879 --> 00:31:10.119
Make a motion to approve and to suspend the rules.

00:31:10.119 --> 00:31:10.940
Second.

00:31:10.940 --> 00:31:18.940
Okay, we have a motion made by Alderman Parker, seconded by Alderman Sellers to move Ordinance 2025-15 on.

00:31:18.940 --> 00:31:26.940
There's also a motion to suspend the rules, which the suspension of the rules must pass by two-thirds majority and is non-debatable.

00:31:26.940 --> 00:31:31.940
So, Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on the suspension only?

00:31:31.940 --> 00:31:32.940
Stacy?

00:31:32.940 --> 00:31:33.940
Aye.

00:31:33.940 --> 00:31:34.940
Shadle?

00:31:34.940 --> 00:31:35.940
Aye.

00:31:35.940 --> 00:31:36.940
Sanders?

00:31:36.940 --> 00:31:37.940
No.

00:31:37.940 --> 00:31:38.940
Sellers?

00:31:38.940 --> 00:31:39.940
Aye.

00:31:39.940 --> 00:32:09.940
Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The suspension passes seven to one. So then before you is the final reading for this ordinance, Alderman Monroe. Thank you, Madam Mayor. Chief, are any of the bikes that you're looking to dispose of, are they something we could give out to the community, or are all of them just needing to be destroyed? They're in pretty poor condition. However, there was

00:32:09.940 --> 00:32:12.380
Somebody, I prepared this memo a while ago,

00:32:12.380 --> 00:32:15.500
but since that time there was somebody who approached

00:32:15.500 --> 00:32:18.220
one of our employees that is associated

00:32:18.220 --> 00:32:21.160
with the Salvation Army that has asked to look at them

00:32:21.160 --> 00:32:22.139
before we get rid of them.

00:32:22.139 --> 00:32:24.480
So we are gonna do that, so.

00:32:24.480 --> 00:32:25.460
Awesome, thank you.

00:32:26.740 --> 00:32:28.619
Alderman Sanders.

00:32:28.619 --> 00:32:33.619
So and with that, can anyone in the city

00:32:35.460 --> 00:32:37.700
go and evaluate those?

00:32:37.700 --> 00:32:42.359
yeah I mean we we opened up we have it opened up I mean we can't just go there

00:32:42.359 --> 00:32:46.099
but to come down the police department if somebody is missing a bike they can

00:32:46.099 --> 00:32:50.180
come down the police department and we we can take them or if we get a

00:32:50.180 --> 00:32:54.099
description of it and they can provide a description of it then we can see if

00:32:54.099 --> 00:32:58.819
it's there but generally like most of these are in pretty poor condition they

00:32:58.819 --> 00:33:05.819
were just abandoned and and stuff like that so okay there's no further

00:33:05.819 --> 00:33:29.579
Item Number 10 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-17, could you please read this?

00:33:29.579 --> 00:33:33.579
Ordinance amending the codified ordinances regarding residency requirements for certain

00:33:33.579 --> 00:33:36.460
Thank you, Manager Boyer.

00:33:36.460 --> 00:33:37.460
Thank you, Your Honor.

00:33:37.460 --> 00:33:44.160
This came out of a discussion a few meetings ago related to what the residency requirement

00:33:44.160 --> 00:33:48.859
was for city directors and officers of the city.

00:33:48.859 --> 00:33:55.380
So the city is, I am putting forward the proposal to remove certain positions from the residency

00:33:55.380 --> 00:33:58.980
requirement except for the city manager position.

00:33:58.980 --> 00:34:03.660
So the ones that we'd be removing would be the Police Chief, the Fire Chief, Deputy Chief

00:34:03.660 --> 00:34:08.260
of Police, Lieutenants of the Police Department, Sergeants of the Police Department, Deputy

00:34:08.260 --> 00:34:14.420
Chief of the Fire Department, District Chiefs of the Fire Department, Licensed Officers

00:34:14.420 --> 00:34:20.619
or Designee, Deputy City Manager of Finance, Community Development, and Human Resources,

00:34:20.619 --> 00:34:25.420
Public Works Director, Finance Director, Community and Economic Development Director, and Director

00:34:25.420 --> 00:34:28.739
of Information Technology, as well as Human Resources.

00:34:28.739 --> 00:34:33.099
The idea behind this is it's going to allow the city to have a little more flexible hiring

00:34:33.099 --> 00:34:40.940
practice in terms of who we can recruit, when they come on board, not having to relocate

00:34:40.940 --> 00:34:47.800
is kind of an advantage in terms of bringing on qualified staff to work for the city.

00:34:47.800 --> 00:34:53.260
So it's my recommendation that we move forward with Ordinance 2025-17.

00:34:53.260 --> 00:34:56.300
Is there a motion to move this forward?

00:34:56.300 --> 00:35:00.300
A motion to move it forward and also to suspend the rules to vote on tonight.

00:35:00.300 --> 00:35:04.300
We have a motion made by Alderman Parker.

00:35:04.300 --> 00:35:08.300
I know you are. Okay, that's inappropriate. Is there a second?

00:35:08.300 --> 00:35:12.300
Second. We have a second made by Alderman

00:35:12.300 --> 00:35:16.300
Shadle to move this ordinance forward. We also

00:35:16.300 --> 00:35:20.300
have a suspension of the rules, which is again non-debatable and must pass by

00:35:20.300 --> 00:35:24.300
two-thirds majority. Madam Clerk, could you please take the suspension

00:35:24.300 --> 00:35:32.480
Vote, please. Did we get a second on the suspension, Mayor? No. Alderman, Shadle. Shadle, thank

00:35:32.480 --> 00:35:42.000
you. We'll begin with Stacy. No. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? No. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye.

00:35:42.000 --> 00:35:52.079
Monroe? No. Simmons? No. Parker? Aye. The motion fails to get two-thirds vote. Okay, so let's

00:35:52.079 --> 00:35:56.800
Let's go back to the first reading, which would be, is there any discussion?

00:35:56.800 --> 00:36:01.800
Well, actually, you know what, yeah, no, I guess we've covered all that.

00:36:01.800 --> 00:36:03.800
Is there anything else that you want to discuss?

00:36:03.800 --> 00:36:07.079
Otherwise, it just moves to the second reading on the next, Alderman Sanders.

00:36:07.079 --> 00:36:08.079
Okay.

00:36:08.079 --> 00:36:18.840
This was something that we was considering avoiding this ordinance, per se, that for

00:36:18.840 --> 00:36:19.840
no further discussions.

00:36:19.840 --> 00:36:27.239
We're doing right now. Yeah, I'm bringing the fact up that we shouldn't be discussing this on another

00:36:28.719 --> 00:36:30.000
Council

00:36:30.000 --> 00:36:34.039
Meeting cow or whatever the case is. Does this kill

00:36:35.039 --> 00:36:40.199
The opportunity for this agenda part of this ordinance to be brought before the council

00:36:41.440 --> 00:36:43.440
in the future

00:36:43.960 --> 00:36:45.400
Attorney Zito

00:36:45.400 --> 00:36:47.199
So this is first read

00:36:47.199 --> 00:36:52.840
So it will come back to council at the next City Council meeting for second read and vote by the City Council

00:36:52.840 --> 00:36:56.739
This was previously at a committee of the whole meeting a few weeks ago

00:37:05.320 --> 00:37:11.159
City Manager Boyer out of these 15 positions

00:37:11.159 --> 00:37:18.440
Williams. How many of them already reside in Freeport?

00:37:18.440 --> 00:37:23.199
I'll have to get back to you on the specifics. I know we have some folks that are not currently

00:37:23.199 --> 00:37:29.440
in city limits. Of course, that is something that happened before I was here. So I'll have

00:37:29.440 --> 00:37:30.440
to get back with you.

00:37:30.440 --> 00:37:35.760
We have more out of city limits than we do in. Would that be a correct statement?

00:37:35.760 --> 00:37:38.159
I'd have to get back with you on that.

00:37:38.159 --> 00:37:52.239
Okay, you know, and it was before I was seated, so I get that part before your time.

00:37:52.239 --> 00:38:03.199
But we put these ordinance in place, and then we, the city, do not even follow them.

00:38:03.199 --> 00:38:18.400
and that's a problem and so I apply for a position and I'm told after accepting the position,

00:38:18.400 --> 00:38:24.360
I have six months to move to the city, correct?

00:38:24.360 --> 00:38:31.720
But I never moved to the city and it's never enforced.

00:38:31.720 --> 00:38:36.360
be happy to explain we've got folks here that have worked for the city for many years, did

00:38:36.360 --> 00:38:41.639
not have a residency requirement at the time of when they were in their position, they

00:38:41.639 --> 00:38:49.980
were promoted and they essentially were asked to take the position and they informed council

00:38:49.980 --> 00:38:55.599
that they were not willing to move for that and that was accepted in one specific case

00:38:55.599 --> 00:39:01.000
but we have a number of situations here, it's more about hiring, it's more difficult to

00:39:01.000 --> 00:39:01.860
and

00:39:01.860 --> 00:39:02.500
Chris.

00:39:02.500 --> 00:39:09.300
So we have to recruit people because when we have the residency requirement, for

00:39:09.300 --> 00:39:14.779
instance, with, let's just say, one of the district chiefs, they may not take a

00:39:14.779 --> 00:39:18.940
promotion because they don't want to, you know, pick up and move.

00:39:18.940 --> 00:39:22.480
And according to the ordinance, they should not take the position if they

00:39:22.480 --> 00:39:23.880
don't want to get up and move.

00:39:23.880 --> 00:39:29.320
Okay, so in some cases, you have folks that work for the city for many years and

00:39:29.320 --> 00:39:34.800
and I think it makes a lot of sense for the City to step back from this residency requirement

00:39:34.800 --> 00:39:37.119
because it doesn't really do us any good.

00:39:37.119 --> 00:39:40.119
What this does is it limits our ability to recruit.

00:39:40.119 --> 00:39:45.800
It creates a situation where we have to limit the folks that are able to work for the City

00:39:45.800 --> 00:39:52.159
by who wants to live within the City limits, which essentially is most communities are

00:39:52.159 --> 00:39:54.519
moving away from a competitiveness.

00:39:54.519 --> 00:40:24.519
from from a competitiveness aspect. So it's we're in a challenging time for the city. We have a budget that's certainly not as big as some communities, and we are having to compete for outside employees. And with that competition comes whether we have a residency requirement on so we're not only very it's hard to be competitive on the pay level, but it's also adds another layer layer of difficulty for recruitment with the residency requirement. So what I'm

00:40:24.519 --> 00:40:30.800
Haskin is that we modernize this ordinance and we alleviate these residency requirements

00:40:30.800 --> 00:40:33.440
for anyone except for the City Manager.

00:40:33.440 --> 00:40:47.840
Truth be told, well, before truth be told, when was this ordinance created?

00:40:47.840 --> 00:40:51.639
I want to say right around 2017 is my guess, but let me double check.

00:40:51.639 --> 00:41:09.920
Miller. Well I understand that there's an exemption being asked according to this

00:41:09.920 --> 00:41:16.639
agenda in regards to residency and and the fact that an individual or

00:41:16.639 --> 00:41:26.639
or individuals are, in other words, to get rid of the residency, we're asking to exempt

00:41:26.639 --> 00:41:30.480
their status for our residency.

00:41:30.480 --> 00:41:32.199
Is that what we're implying here?

00:41:32.199 --> 00:41:33.199
Yeah, we are.

00:41:33.199 --> 00:41:41.559
And if we are, and if we are, who's excluded from this, who's, well, who's all included

00:41:41.559 --> 00:41:50.000
in this exemption and are they individuals or is it a collective body of people that

00:41:50.000 --> 00:41:56.440
has already been chosen or have we explored the opportunity, the whole residency thing

00:41:56.440 --> 00:41:58.599
and the hiring practice?

00:41:58.599 --> 00:42:06.440
Have we had an opportunity to look at the justification for why we are considering outside

00:42:06.440 --> 00:42:21.440
When we have not explored an opportunity for inside residents, have we done the exploratory surgery for the citizens of the city of Freeport as far as their qualification is concerned?

00:42:21.440 --> 00:42:23.440
Have we done that?

00:42:23.440 --> 00:42:25.440
The positions are listed in your packet.

00:42:25.440 --> 00:42:26.440
So they're there.

00:42:26.440 --> 00:42:29.440
And Alderman Stacy, the answer to your question is 2017.

00:42:29.440 --> 00:42:31.440
I'm already talking to someone.

00:42:31.440 --> 00:42:32.440
I asked a question.

00:42:32.440 --> 00:42:38.659
I want to get a direct answer from the person that I'm talking to. I wasn't talking to you.

00:42:38.659 --> 00:42:45.599
I'm asking this gentleman about the fact of our policy and the procedures and our protocol.

00:42:45.599 --> 00:42:53.840
I want to know how we're going through this thing to make these determinations in order for us to

00:42:53.840 --> 00:42:56.840
and I have been working on this issue for a long time.

00:42:56.840 --> 00:43:01.840
And I think that we have to neglect the people in the city

00:43:01.840 --> 00:43:06.840
of Freeport the opportunity for the opportunity to get these types of jobs

00:43:06.840 --> 00:43:10.840
if they have not been conveyed to them as far as their openings is concerned.

00:43:10.840 --> 00:43:17.840
And I'm curious, I'm really curious, how did outside residents get this information?

00:43:17.840 --> 00:43:24.639
that has applied for these positions and we need to know whether or not that even happened.

00:43:24.639 --> 00:43:34.840
I know HR would probably have applications and things of this nature to determine whether they qualified or not.

00:43:34.840 --> 00:43:39.440
You know, that kind of thing. So, I'd like to know all of those things.

00:43:39.440 --> 00:43:43.440
Well, let me see if I can address your concern.

00:43:43.440 --> 00:43:55.440
Number one, when we put a posting out for one of our directors or whatever, there is a very, very small pool of people that apply, period.

00:43:55.440 --> 00:44:02.440
And folks from city limits, it's even smaller, okay, if any.

00:44:02.440 --> 00:44:13.440
What we also have here is we have folks that work through the organization, whether it's the fire department or police or public works or whatever, city hall.

00:44:13.440 --> 00:44:29.440
And these folks have worked very diligently for the city and we're kind of in an environment where it's been a trend of all communities to move away from the residency requirement because they understand how it ties their hands in terms of hiring the best people for the job.

00:44:29.440 --> 00:44:37.059
Scott. So we may end up having a position sit empty if we continue to abide by the residency

00:44:37.059 --> 00:44:41.139
requirement when we would simply be able to hire someone from a surrounding community,

00:44:41.139 --> 00:44:46.300
whether that's Lena or Pearl City or our surrounding communities, or whether that's some of the

00:44:46.300 --> 00:44:51.860
larger metro areas. Okay, so one of the things that we were trying to do here is get a higher

00:44:51.860 --> 00:44:57.420
quality staff by just making a small adjustment to the residency requirement here for everyone

00:44:57.420 --> 00:45:03.059
but the City Manager. The City Manager still has to live in city limits. Chief, did you

00:45:03.059 --> 00:45:08.960
want to add to that? Yeah, just some background on the police department. Our bargaining employees

00:45:08.960 --> 00:45:17.340
do not have a residency requirement. So our non-bargaining employees, sergeants, lieutenants,

00:45:17.340 --> 00:45:22.139
deputy chief, the most recent, I think the most recent ordinance, this has changed at

00:45:22.139 --> 00:45:24.539
at least three times since I've been here for,

00:45:24.539 --> 00:45:26.139
in the 26 years I've been here,

00:45:27.260 --> 00:45:30.860
now have to live within 15 mile radius of City Hall

00:45:30.860 --> 00:45:33.659
unless they're under the prior ordinance,

00:45:33.659 --> 00:45:34.900
which was 20 miles.

00:45:34.900 --> 00:45:36.900
So if they're under the prior resident,

00:45:36.900 --> 00:45:40.039
our prior ordinance, they can be within 20 miles,

00:45:40.039 --> 00:45:42.380
but if they move again, it has to be within 15 miles.

00:45:42.380 --> 00:45:47.380
So the only one that the ordinance requires

00:45:47.699 --> 00:45:50.300
to reside in the city would be the Chief of Police,

00:45:50.300 --> 00:45:54.820
Selders, not the other officers. And all the other officers, the non-bargaining officers

00:45:54.820 --> 00:45:59.220
are in compliance with the ordinance. I just want to clarify that, so.

00:45:59.220 --> 00:46:00.220
Alderman Selders?

00:46:00.220 --> 00:46:05.460
Yes, I guess Chief did answer my question. I was wondering, was there a radiance that

00:46:05.460 --> 00:46:11.460
they have to be in? And I also had someone that called me and said, could they also just

00:46:11.460 --> 00:46:16.579
be, they live in Stevenson County? You know, is that, you know, part of a requirement that

00:46:16.579 --> 00:46:20.980
could add to it but I do understand because we're looking for qualified

00:46:20.980 --> 00:46:27.699
people to do these jobs and it's not that we're saying that people that live

00:46:27.699 --> 00:46:31.980
here can't apply for the jobs it's just that we're opening up to make sure that

00:46:31.980 --> 00:46:37.579
we get you know the best person for the job so that's why you know I I'm in

00:46:37.579 --> 00:46:43.659
agreement with it. Thank you Alderman Stacey. Truth be told most of these

00:46:43.659 --> 00:46:56.099
These positions are hand-picked and when they were accepted, they knew they weren't moving

00:46:56.099 --> 00:47:03.460
to Freeport and the people that accepted them knew that they were not moving to Freeport.

00:47:03.460 --> 00:47:09.420
It's not because a lack of interest or filling a position.

00:47:09.420 --> 00:47:32.420
A couple weeks ago, retired Chief Summers coming here crying over the mic about how he couldn't throw a football without someone coming by giving him the finger while he was throwing the football with his son.

00:47:32.420 --> 00:47:41.059
Nelson. Why did he really come up in here crying? It's my question. Because we got mothers here

00:47:41.059 --> 00:47:53.659
that have had to bury their sons and daughters due to the violence here. And I think if people

00:47:53.659 --> 00:48:04.179
are held accountable according to the rule that's in place, according to the position

00:48:04.179 --> 00:48:12.099
that they want, maybe we would have a little more control over things because I just feel

00:48:12.099 --> 00:48:23.139
that it's just a little different when it's your city or your town.

00:48:23.139 --> 00:48:31.380
Manager. I just wanted to add one point to that which is we are in a dynamic labor market. We have

00:48:31.380 --> 00:48:36.500
to be as flexible as we can to get the the best candidates for the jobs that we have available.

00:48:37.059 --> 00:48:42.019
This is just one thing that we can do to make ourselves more competitive with the rest of the

00:48:42.019 --> 00:48:49.220
communities in our area. We hired you for Public Works Director and then the City Manager before

00:48:49.220 --> 00:48:53.699
for you, wanted you in that position, and you got it, hand-picked.

00:48:53.699 --> 00:48:54.699
Alderman Klemm.

00:48:54.699 --> 00:48:55.699
Attorney Zito, could I ask attorney a question?

00:48:55.699 --> 00:48:56.699
Sure.

00:48:56.699 --> 00:48:57.699
Being on the school board for a number of years and being here on a couple of different sides

00:48:57.699 --> 00:48:58.699
of all this situation.

00:48:58.699 --> 00:48:59.699
Can you talk a little bit about the situation?

00:48:59.699 --> 00:49:00.699
Sure.

00:49:00.699 --> 00:49:16.980
Being here on the school board and being here and volunteering on a couple of different sides

00:49:16.980 --> 00:49:24.139
of the Situation. Attorney Zito, could you politely tell me if we can legally tell somebody

00:49:24.139 --> 00:49:29.340
where they can live today for a job?

00:49:29.340 --> 00:49:34.279
So the city is allowed to have residency requirements. We are allowed to have that and the council

00:49:34.279 --> 00:49:40.340
at one point in 2017 did set residency requirements there. Now, what staff is proposing right

00:49:40.340 --> 00:49:44.579
now is ordinances, whether they be residency requirements or other types of ordinances,

00:49:44.579 --> 00:49:48.860
sometimes become outdated, sometimes, you know, trends cause an ordinance to be outdated.

00:49:48.860 --> 00:49:53.119
I think that's what the City Manager is saying there and that's why he's proposing to the

00:49:53.119 --> 00:49:54.500
Council to remove the residency.

00:49:54.500 --> 00:50:07.019
Booker, Yvonne &

00:50:07.019 --> 00:50:09.900
You know hiring difficulties and the such so

00:50:11.179 --> 00:50:13.420
Yes, you can have requirements. Thank you

00:50:16.099 --> 00:50:18.280
Alderman Monroe, thank you madam mayor

00:50:19.300 --> 00:50:20.820
you know

00:50:20.820 --> 00:50:26.940
This boils down to you know, what's best for Freeport and and it's it's a complex issue

00:50:27.820 --> 00:50:29.820
but one issue that

00:50:30.619 --> 00:50:32.619
Really keeps coming back is

00:50:33.380 --> 00:50:35.380
You know this this

00:50:35.380 --> 00:50:42.699
Council passes tax increases and we we hold people accountable to the rules of

00:50:42.699 --> 00:50:47.820
law to the rules of the community and we've got district chiefs living in

00:50:47.820 --> 00:50:52.500
Wisconsin from the fire department we've got a fire lieutenant that drives a

00:50:52.500 --> 00:51:00.280
vehicle to Stockton every day and back it's 11,000 miles a year just on that

00:51:00.280 --> 00:51:03.699
vehicle plus we're paying for the gas we're playing paying for the wear and

00:51:03.699 --> 00:51:09.300
and Taylor. That person's getting free travel to and from work. Why don't we do it for every

00:51:09.300 --> 00:51:16.219
employee in the city? Why don't we do it for everybody? And the point is this. The people

00:51:16.219 --> 00:51:21.719
that don't live in our community don't understand the problems. They don't communicate with

00:51:21.719 --> 00:51:28.340
our local community on a daily basis. They're trying to establish relationships without

00:51:28.340 --> 00:51:33.460
knowing the people. And these are big issues. Because if you don't know where the problems

00:51:33.460 --> 00:51:34.460
Fremont.

00:51:34.460 --> 00:51:35.460
You don't live here.

00:51:35.460 --> 00:51:36.460
You don't get it.

00:51:36.460 --> 00:51:38.579
You don't drive through the town every day.

00:51:38.579 --> 00:51:42.619
You don't understand really what's going on.

00:51:42.619 --> 00:51:48.139
We've had zero houses built in this community in years.

00:51:48.139 --> 00:51:54.179
I mean, in the city of Freeport, how many new houses have been built in the last 10

00:51:54.179 --> 00:51:55.179
years?

00:51:55.179 --> 00:51:56.179
Darren, you know that answer?

00:51:56.179 --> 00:52:02.920
I don't know the exact number, but we just had houses built on Rye Ridge this year, two

00:52:02.920 --> 00:52:07.599
or two or three, but I couldn't give you a number over 10 years.

00:52:07.599 --> 00:52:09.079
It's not many.

00:52:09.079 --> 00:52:11.639
Wright Ridge is about it.

00:52:11.639 --> 00:52:18.400
And otherwise it's condos, which people have complained about left and right.

00:52:18.400 --> 00:52:20.480
You know, they create issues.

00:52:20.480 --> 00:52:26.880
But it comes back to the rule was in place, and we ignored it.

00:52:26.880 --> 00:52:28.880
We totally ignored it.

00:52:28.880 --> 00:52:32.880
That would be like me driving down the street at 50 miles an hour and tell the chief, well,

00:52:32.880 --> 00:52:38.380
Well, I've been driving fast my whole life, and nobody's given me a ticket, so it's okay.

00:52:38.380 --> 00:52:43.480
And the Chief's, his officers would tell me, well, here's a piece of paper.

00:52:43.480 --> 00:52:45.539
But yet, we haven't done the same thing.

00:52:45.539 --> 00:52:52.719
We've got members of this staff, your staff, who have said they lived in Freeport, and

00:52:52.719 --> 00:52:55.000
we have proof they haven't.

00:52:55.000 --> 00:52:58.480
It's fraud, plain and simple.

00:52:58.480 --> 00:53:01.920
There's nothing else to it.

00:53:01.920 --> 00:53:08.559
and it basically falls into the point that if you're willing to do what a certain core

00:53:08.559 --> 00:53:14.920
group of people in this community want, we'll bend the rules for you and that's wrong.

00:53:14.920 --> 00:53:15.920
That's wrong.

00:53:15.920 --> 00:53:17.420
It's a crime.

00:53:17.420 --> 00:53:18.800
Plain and simple.

00:53:18.800 --> 00:53:21.480
You know it, I know it.

00:53:21.480 --> 00:53:26.400
And you can change the rule now, but that doesn't change the fact that people haven't

00:53:26.400 --> 00:53:30.679
been following the ordinances that were put in place, not by this council, not by the

00:53:30.679 --> 00:53:31.679
last council.

00:53:31.679 --> 00:53:33.679
and I. And I'm not responsible for that.

00:53:33.679 --> 00:53:35.679
2017. 2017.

00:53:35.679 --> 00:53:39.679
I mean we're talking eight years ago.

00:53:39.679 --> 00:53:46.679
And this has come up, and I seconded Alderman Parker putting this on here for a conversation.

00:53:46.679 --> 00:53:49.679
Because I think it's worthwhile.

00:53:49.679 --> 00:53:53.679
You know, what are we willing, we can't even do certain things.

00:53:53.679 --> 00:53:59.679
We talk about a water main going out, Stevenson, so that we can get more.

00:53:59.679 --> 00:54:13.679
But yet we're spending money with vehicles, with gas, with other things where people are commuting outside of our community and that hurts the community and those tax dollars go elsewhere.

00:54:13.679 --> 00:54:22.679
You can't tell me that that district chief who lives in Monroe buys any gas here, buys anything in the city of Freeport.

00:54:22.679 --> 00:54:52.679
and that's a problem because we depend on those tax dollars to fix our streets, to fix our infrastructure, but yet those people use it every day and they take $100,000 plus a year salary and they go right out of town and that's not right, it's not right by any stretch of the imagination and to even hint that the citizens of Freeport, that we can't get qualified candidates,

00:54:52.679 --> 00:54:59.159
Out of 25,000 people for some of these roles, that's crazy.

00:54:59.159 --> 00:54:59.960
That's crazy to me.

00:54:59.960 --> 00:55:03.239
There's a lot of bright minds out there, a lot of good people.

00:55:03.239 --> 00:55:06.239
And we really need to stand up for the citizens of Freeport.

00:55:06.239 --> 00:55:11.480
And I think this sets a bad precedence for that.

00:55:11.480 --> 00:55:13.780
This was one of the suggestions that

00:55:13.780 --> 00:55:16.199
have been a part of the Illinois Municipal League

00:55:16.199 --> 00:55:19.760
for a couple of years now, because it so narrows

00:55:19.760 --> 00:55:22.199
your pool of qualified applicants.

00:55:22.199 --> 00:55:26.199
That's simply what this is. So, Manager Boyer, did you want to add to that?

00:55:26.199 --> 00:55:31.199
You know, there's so much to unpack there. It's very, it's hard to get my hands around it.

00:55:31.199 --> 00:55:37.199
All I can really say to you, Alderman Monroe, is you brought up a couple of individuals,

00:55:37.199 --> 00:55:44.199
yet we're not talking about the fact that we've got them on call. They come back whenever they need to.

00:55:44.199 --> 00:55:50.199
They're on call 24-7 in some cases. We've got situations where we've got outlying communities,

00:55:50.199 --> 00:55:53.960
Fries, where a lot of folks live, they get promoted, and then all of a sudden now they're

00:55:53.960 --> 00:55:55.360
outside city limits.

00:55:55.360 --> 00:56:00.559
All this does is create management flexibility and allows us a broader pool of people to

00:56:00.559 --> 00:56:04.840
qualify the individuals to apply for certain jobs within the city of Freeport.

00:56:04.840 --> 00:56:05.840
That's all this does.

00:56:05.840 --> 00:56:09.679
Okay, so, you know, if we're going to talk about, you know, how much wear and tear on

00:56:09.679 --> 00:56:15.159
a vehicle, I'd like to tell you one good decision cannot weigh any wear and tear on a specific

00:56:15.159 --> 00:56:19.480
vehicle that you might have driving back and forth to a community nearby.

00:56:19.480 --> 00:56:23.019
So all I'm going to say to you is what you want is the best people.

00:56:23.019 --> 00:56:27.280
We always look at our internal hires as the people who live within city limits, but we

00:56:27.280 --> 00:56:31.800
do not get enough applicants from the city of Freeport.

00:56:31.800 --> 00:56:36.739
They're just not enough.

00:56:36.739 --> 00:56:41.239
Just a reminder, Alderman Sanders and Alderman Stacey, you've already both spoken twice,

00:56:41.239 --> 00:56:42.239
so-

00:56:42.239 --> 00:56:43.239
No, no.

00:56:43.239 --> 00:56:44.239
Yes, sir, you have.

00:56:44.239 --> 00:56:46.239
You spoke twice, and I would appreciate that you stay in order.

00:56:46.239 --> 00:56:47.980
No, don't do that again, Mayor.

00:56:47.980 --> 00:56:48.980
Don't do that again.

00:56:48.980 --> 00:56:53.699
and I'm going to call that out of order. So please refrain from speaking like that. You are out of order.

00:56:53.699 --> 00:57:00.980
I'm warning you the last time. Don't be out of order. Alderman Klemm, did you have your hand up?

00:57:03.460 --> 00:57:08.420
The only thing I was going to ask, if that's the absolute truth, that we've got guys using

00:57:08.420 --> 00:57:12.980
city vehicles driving out of town in those positions. That's what I was going to ask.

00:57:12.980 --> 00:57:20.980
We have the Fire Marshal, drives her vehicle, because she's on call 24 hours a day.

00:57:20.980 --> 00:57:22.980
Alderman Sellers.

00:57:22.980 --> 00:57:29.980
I would just like to know how long have these people in these positions held these jobs?

00:57:29.980 --> 00:57:34.980
I wish I could give you a straight answer on that because I don't know some of them.

00:57:34.980 --> 00:57:41.980
I will tell you that Chief of Police, Fire Chief, obviously the Fire Chief has an apartment here in town.

00:57:41.980 --> 00:57:48.099
here in town, the Police Chief, that was part of his hiring, what was discussed when he

00:57:48.099 --> 00:57:54.300
was hired, Deputy Chief of Police, I don't know, I'm guessing it's one of those was promoted

00:57:54.300 --> 00:57:59.220
into that position over a period of time. Lieutenant for the Police Department and the

00:57:59.220 --> 00:58:03.059
sergeants for the Police Department, and these are listed here, but as I understand, Chief,

00:58:03.059 --> 00:58:06.099
these aren't required to be residents anyway.

00:58:06.099 --> 00:58:08.099
Just a radius, yeah.

00:58:08.099 --> 00:58:24.099
So all we're asking for here is let's just move forward any way that's productive for the city which is going to allow us to have appropriate level of candidates for our empty positions and not punish the folks that have been doing a good job for the city for many years.

00:58:24.099 --> 00:58:30.099
There's no real reason to have this anymore and it's my recommendation we move forward and remove it.

00:58:30.099 --> 00:58:33.099
Deputy Chief Segal, did you want to add to that?

00:58:33.099 --> 00:58:46.099
I kind of wanted to park on the sideline of this, but I decided that I would speak up for the people that I work with in my department.

00:58:46.099 --> 00:58:55.099
I've been a resident of this city for 38 years. I make my home here, and that's my choice.

00:58:55.099 --> 00:59:03.099
Every fireman starts out at the bottom rung, not at the top, and they make their way through the fire department.

00:59:03.099 --> 00:59:10.099
Throughout their career, contracts are established that establish the radius under which people can live.

00:59:10.099 --> 00:59:22.099
To piggyback on Chief Shenberger, throughout our career, the radius has extended three times throughout the 27 years that I've been with this.

00:59:22.099 --> 00:59:29.539
Davis, Fire Department.

00:59:29.539 --> 00:59:37.059
As far as that radius is a circle, it extends up into right before Monroe.

00:59:37.059 --> 00:59:41.519
It doesn't make Monroe, it's right before Monroe, Wisconsin.

00:59:41.519 --> 00:59:43.960
So it takes them over the line.

00:59:43.960 --> 00:59:49.460
These are individuals that while they were blue shirts, determined that under the contract

00:59:49.460 --> 00:59:53.619
that allowed them to live a 20-mile radius, they built brand new homes.

00:59:53.619 --> 01:00:01.119
and other brand new homes, it's their home, just like my home is my home.

01:00:01.119 --> 01:00:05.619
I think that home ownership is one of the most fundamental and precious things that

01:00:05.619 --> 01:00:07.659
each of us have.

01:00:07.659 --> 01:00:11.159
It doesn't matter where we work, so that's that part.

01:00:11.159 --> 01:00:16.159
As far as compensation, I understand that, you know, it's a touchy topic for people to

01:00:16.159 --> 01:00:19.420
talk about compensation.

01:00:19.420 --> 01:00:24.739
But my people and myself, we work hard for our money.

01:00:24.739 --> 01:00:30.019
You know, tonight I'll end up speaking about 13 hours worth of work that happened two weeks

01:00:30.019 --> 01:00:31.019
ago.

01:00:31.019 --> 01:00:32.139
It's hard work.

01:00:32.139 --> 01:00:33.139
People can get hurt.

01:00:33.139 --> 01:00:35.480
People could get killed.

01:00:35.480 --> 01:00:37.460
But we're compensated for our work.

01:00:37.460 --> 01:00:43.099
That's part of our contractual arrangement, just like everyone else gets paid.

01:00:43.099 --> 01:00:51.779
And once you are compensated for the work that you do, that money is each of ours to spend

01:00:51.779 --> 01:00:54.659
how we choose.

01:00:54.659 --> 01:01:01.219
Meaning if we want to go to Rockford and have dinner, we buy dinner in Rockford.

01:01:01.219 --> 01:01:02.739
They get the benefit of that.

01:01:02.739 --> 01:01:07.299
It doesn't mean we don't spend money in this community, I mean it would be presumptuous

01:01:07.299 --> 01:01:13.779
to say that no one ever buys anything on their way home or gets gas.

01:01:13.779 --> 01:01:19.299
If we decide to go to the Dells, that money doesn't, that goes to there.

01:01:19.299 --> 01:01:26.059
These are decisions that individuals make on their own determination based upon the

01:01:26.059 --> 01:01:29.299
money that they earn.

01:01:29.299 --> 01:01:34.279
I don't know if it's right or wrong or what the broadness is of that, but I do know what

01:01:34.279 --> 01:01:36.779
the fairness of that is.

01:01:36.779 --> 01:01:44.739
There's no one in our department that works underneath of me that is not compliant with

01:01:44.739 --> 01:01:53.440
the residency requirements as they stood before and as they stand now.

01:01:53.440 --> 01:01:57.719
As far, the last thing I'd like to speak to is our Fire Marshal.

01:01:57.719 --> 01:02:01.980
She does take an emergency response vehicle home.

01:02:01.980 --> 01:02:06.279
Her and I are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

01:02:06.279 --> 01:02:12.539
We go to every fire. We're the last people there after everybody's gone home. We're there

01:02:12.539 --> 01:02:18.559
in the dark. We're sloshing around through the water that's filled the basement and everything.

01:02:18.559 --> 01:02:26.639
We are the last people. In the course of her duties, beyond just being the fire marshal

01:02:26.639 --> 01:02:34.319
for our city, she is a trained arson investigator that is certified by this state. And throughout

01:02:34.319 --> 01:02:42.679
R. County, other Chiefs and other towns call her to investigate their fires, to begin those

01:02:42.679 --> 01:02:44.079
investigations.

01:02:44.079 --> 01:02:48.599
She works side by side with the State Fire Marshal's Office.

01:02:48.599 --> 01:02:56.719
So in many ways, we're never not working, number one, even if we're at home.

01:02:56.719 --> 01:03:03.920
And the other part is, I've never known Hillary to not respond to a fire, to not be here within

01:03:03.920 --> 01:03:24.259
and

01:03:24.259 --> 01:03:34.259
at the station. So I don't know what the residency requirement is. I believe that strongly that

01:03:34.259 --> 01:03:41.619
is your decision to arrive at. But I do believe on behalf of the members that work underneath

01:03:41.619 --> 01:03:50.859
of me, they all give you fine service. And I wouldn't make the leap that because they

01:03:50.859 --> 01:03:57.380
they don't live here, that they're not here and they're not making a difference and that

01:03:57.380 --> 01:03:59.259
they don't care.

01:03:59.259 --> 01:04:05.319
We go, whether it rains, whether it's snowing, whether it's 20 below, we don't care if you're

01:04:05.319 --> 01:04:07.819
green and eight feet tall.

01:04:07.819 --> 01:04:15.319
If you call, we come and we deliver to you the best service that we can dependent on whatever

01:04:15.319 --> 01:04:17.500
the emergency is.

01:04:17.500 --> 01:04:24.279
So I just wanted to stand up for the men and the women that work in our department.

01:04:24.279 --> 01:04:26.819
I think they do fantastic work.

01:04:26.819 --> 01:04:29.139
Again, I respect the council.

01:04:29.139 --> 01:04:38.139
I respect all of your decisions, but I want you to know that these people are living where

01:04:38.139 --> 01:04:45.299
they live and they're working for this city under the rules as they've been established.

01:04:45.299 --> 01:04:46.940
And I thank you for hearing me.

01:04:46.940 --> 01:04:52.940
Thank you. Thank you, Chief. Okay. So, Alderman Sanders, you've had your hand up for a little

01:04:52.940 --> 01:04:56.259
bit, but I just want to remind you of what the ordinance is, and I'm happy to allow you

01:04:56.259 --> 01:04:59.659
to speak a third time, but it's according to the ordinance, so it would have to be by

01:04:59.659 --> 01:05:04.460
a unanimous pass of the entire Council in order for you to do that. Okay. So would you

01:05:04.460 --> 01:05:12.460
like me to ask the Council that? Well, yes. Yes. Okay. So, Madam Clerk, can you take the

01:05:12.460 --> 01:05:22.619
I just love how we selectively enforce ordinances. Yes, let that man talk.

01:05:22.619 --> 01:05:32.619
Parker? No. We are tied 4 to 4. Attorney, is this a simple majority? It needs to be a unanimous vote per our ordinance, so.

01:05:32.619 --> 01:05:39.899
Parker no we are tied four to four attorney is this a simple majority it

01:05:39.899 --> 01:05:44.699
needs to be unanimous vote pro you know we are way past so I'm sorry Alderman

01:05:44.699 --> 01:05:49.380
Sanders you were not allowed to speak a third time I don't think Alderman Parker

01:05:49.380 --> 01:05:51.859
you I don't think you've had a chance to speak yet saying we've talked this

01:05:51.859 --> 01:05:56.739
forever I make a motion to go call the question well there isn't a question this

01:05:56.739 --> 01:06:01.380
is just first reading so okay that's all right Alderman Monroe did you have your

01:06:01.380 --> 01:06:26.380
I did, Madam Mayor. You know, and I guess my question really comes back to everybody gets real hurt when you when you hold people accountable. The rules have changed. The state of Illinois requires that Illinois employees live in the state of Illinois. But yet, Freeport Fire Department, you can live in Wisconsin, we're good.

01:06:26.380 --> 01:06:56.380
and that spending of the cash in our community every one of us goes to Walmart we go to Cubs we go to Sullivan's on a regular basis we're paying our taxes to maintain our community nobody questions giving and what you do every day in and day out but you didn't follow the ordinance that's the problem yeah you can shake your head note you're wrong

01:06:56.380 --> 01:07:02.380
the ordinance is very clear and that doesn't say oh we're gonna allow you to

01:07:02.380 --> 01:07:09.380
stay you were 16 miles 20 miles 31 whatever it was before the ordinance if

01:07:09.380 --> 01:07:16.739
you read the ordinance it says you live in the city limits of Freeport period

01:07:16.739 --> 01:07:21.420
just like you're holding him accountable but yet you can't hold other people

01:07:21.420 --> 01:07:23.239
and

01:07:23.239 --> 01:07:24.900
you ran

01:07:24.900 --> 01:07:27.799
Against a man who you said was an outsider and

01:07:28.900 --> 01:07:34.179
You said he's not fit to leave Freeport. Well, first of all, I know said that and you're getting way off to know

01:07:34.179 --> 01:07:39.599
No, I'm not that's exactly what would you like me to pull up the stuff? I've got screenshots. I

01:07:40.559 --> 01:07:43.420
Can't help I got the receipts mayor. So sit there and

01:07:44.299 --> 01:07:46.299
Here's the situation

01:07:46.299 --> 01:07:53.000
Miller, and she's cutting me off and I'm getting a little bit heated because the problem is

01:07:53.000 --> 01:08:02.739
this, you can apply the rules in an onerous manner to people that you don't want to have

01:08:02.739 --> 01:08:10.219
your way, but yet when somebody else says, look, they call BS, you're like, no, it's

01:08:10.219 --> 01:08:15.719
okay, it's kind of gray area, City Manager can do what he wants, that's been a problem.

01:08:15.719 --> 01:08:36.720
and I, and that's where you and I got off the rails, I, in my time of living in Freeport, have had fire trucks roll up to my house because, oh, I had a few leaves and a fire, and, oh, you can be ticketed for that, held to the standard of the ordinance,

01:08:36.720 --> 01:08:44.720
and all I'm saying is that we have not done the same for the city employees.

01:08:44.720 --> 01:08:52.800
Director Duckman is one of them. You know, we... That's wrong. I live here. Yeah. You're

01:08:52.800 --> 01:08:56.000
wrong. So I just want to you want to call everybody else. You're wrong, sir.

01:08:56.000 --> 01:08:59.720
Here's the deal. He's out of order. He is out of order, but that it's okay because

01:08:59.720 --> 01:09:01.720
and the rest of the community.

01:09:01.720 --> 01:09:04.720
And I'm going to talk about the rules because he's her buddy.

01:09:04.720 --> 01:09:07.720
So my situation is this.

01:09:07.720 --> 01:09:12.720
You need to follow the rules for everybody equally.

01:09:12.720 --> 01:09:14.720
But you don't.

01:09:14.720 --> 01:09:20.720
And that's because you get a benefit from them for not following the rules.

01:09:20.720 --> 01:09:23.720
That's where the problems underlie.

01:09:23.720 --> 01:09:27.720
And I can give you further examples, if you would like,

01:09:27.720 --> 01:09:30.840
who haven't followed the ordinances and they get away with it.

01:09:30.840 --> 01:09:40.420
But meanwhile, every taxpaying person sitting in this room is held to a standard that no

01:09:40.420 --> 01:09:45.519
other person sitting around this U-shaped table except for a couple of Aldermen are held to

01:09:45.519 --> 01:09:46.840
the same standard.

01:09:46.840 --> 01:09:49.319
And that is not right.

01:09:49.319 --> 01:09:51.880
That's not what America's founding principles were about.

01:09:51.880 --> 01:09:53.600
It was equal justice under the law.

01:09:53.600 --> 01:09:59.700
and I. It was equal justice under the law and we don't have that in this city. And that

01:09:59.700 --> 01:10:05.800
is the problem with how you manage the city. Congratulations on your re-election. But unfortunately

01:10:05.800 --> 01:10:08.200
for Freeport, that's going to be a bad thing.

01:10:08.200 --> 01:10:15.640
Well, I'd just like to say that that's inappropriate as well. Held to the standard, I'll just remind

01:10:15.640 --> 01:10:20.320
this council that it was this council that approved Chief Shenberger because I know that's

01:10:20.320 --> 01:10:23.800
─ that's where your pointing the fingers at when manager Boyer said he does not live

01:10:23.800 --> 01:10:28.600
within the city limits and you tied his hands to not allow him to go out with a further

01:10:28.600 --> 01:10:33.020
search, and he said then that's where his appointment will go and you all said that

01:10:33.020 --> 01:10:37.620
was fine. It was this council. So just to make sure you realize that you were a part

01:10:37.620 --> 01:10:45.100
of that. I think Alderman Shadle, you are probably the only one that hasn't spoke yet.

01:10:45.100 --> 01:10:52.260
Thank you. So I guess in my opinion it comes down to how do we fix this? If it's broke,

01:10:52.260 --> 01:11:03.140
how do we fix it? We passed this. This is the fix. If you're saying that people don't

01:11:03.140 --> 01:11:10.340
live in and the ordinance says they're supposed to, then let's fix it.

01:11:10.340 --> 01:11:16.860
Clerk. Did you have an add-on? I just haven't heard a concept all tied together. It kind of

01:11:16.860 --> 01:11:24.560
piggybacks on Alderman Shadle's fix it. It kind of piggybacks on the mayor saying this seated

01:11:24.560 --> 01:11:33.300
council tasked or approved to hire from within. But I, whoever can answer, all three of our unions

01:11:33.300 --> 01:11:40.300
have removed the residency requirement, correct? Am I wrong on that? So fire and

01:11:40.300 --> 01:11:47.140
police have removed the residency requirement. I believe by removing the

01:11:47.140 --> 01:11:52.460
residency requirement is forward thinking. We already have an issue, we

01:11:52.460 --> 01:12:01.860
have, we can agree on on that, but I'm trying to tie some points together sir

01:12:01.860 --> 01:12:07.140
Taylor, because I have been here for the 8 years. I haven't gone through 30 years, but

01:12:07.140 --> 01:12:19.620
I have seen two different residency requirements.

01:12:19.620 --> 01:12:26.300
So I have seen the changes over the last 8 years. I also am aware that it's difficult.

01:12:26.300 --> 01:12:30.740
We don't get the number of applicants for police officers like we used to. We don't

01:12:30.740 --> 01:12:34.680
We get the number of applicants for firefighters like we used to.

01:12:34.680 --> 01:12:39.180
We have trouble attracting applicants.

01:12:39.180 --> 01:12:43.300
We have removed the residency requirements for that.

01:12:43.300 --> 01:12:48.300
I'm just going to propose if we don't change it, we're going to compound this issue and

01:12:48.300 --> 01:12:52.700
we're going to keep running up against this because we're going to be hiring people that

01:12:52.700 --> 01:12:56.420
don't have the residency requirements.

01:12:56.420 --> 01:13:03.860
and then as Mayor Miller said, we were directed to hire from within the police department,

01:13:03.860 --> 01:13:08.180
but you're going to have people who don't live in city limits and that's just going

01:13:08.180 --> 01:13:12.220
to compound itself if something isn't changed.

01:13:12.220 --> 01:13:14.020
Thank you.

01:13:14.020 --> 01:13:15.020
You're welcome.

01:13:15.020 --> 01:13:18.579
So Alderman Sanders, again, you were voted down on your third talk.

01:13:18.579 --> 01:13:19.579
Yeah, I know.

01:13:19.579 --> 01:13:23.420
So Alderman Parker, Alderman, you're out of order.

01:13:23.420 --> 01:13:24.579
I've warned you once.

01:13:24.579 --> 01:13:25.579
You can't.

01:13:25.579 --> 01:13:37.579
Alderman, Simmons, Alderman, Parker, Alderman, Shadle, you have the ability to speak more if you'd like, otherwise this discussion will move on to the next regular City Council meeting.

01:13:37.579 --> 01:13:46.579
Okay, then we'll move on. Item number 11 is the first reading of Ordinance 20-25-19. Could you please read this?

01:13:46.579 --> 01:13:53.579
Ordinance amending various parts of City of Freeport Code of Ordinances regarding the regulation of wells and septic systems.

01:13:53.579 --> 01:14:23.579
Systems. Thank you. Darren. Yes, this is the same topic that we discussed at the cow. It's been a little bit. So just as a refresher, we would like to pass this ordinance to restrict wells and septics within the city. This would still allow the city to have an exception. If in fact, we couldn't serve somebody. But for the most part, there's only two areas

01:14:23.579 --> 01:14:29.300
of Freeport that we currently don't have systems to that we really would struggle to serve

01:14:29.300 --> 01:14:35.060
at this time, which is the westward expansion and also Woodside with the wooded area back

01:14:35.060 --> 01:14:36.060
there.

01:14:36.060 --> 01:14:40.260
Those are the two areas that we would struggle to service without, you know, some major investments.

01:14:40.260 --> 01:14:46.100
But this is really to protect our water supply, as everybody knows.

01:14:46.100 --> 01:14:52.360
We're spending probably close to $30 million here soon on our wells and well systems.

01:14:52.360 --> 01:15:00.720
We have some good drinking water, Freeport's systems are top notch, and we don't want people

01:15:00.720 --> 01:15:03.640
to have wells within the city limits.

01:15:03.640 --> 01:15:07.320
We're a developed community, EPA is backing this 100%.

01:15:07.320 --> 01:15:10.180
The county also backs this as well.

01:15:10.180 --> 01:15:14.520
Outside of our city limit territory, they have a blocked zone within a thousand feet

01:15:14.520 --> 01:15:17.520
of our borders that people have to connect to the city.

01:15:17.520 --> 01:15:21.400
This is so people can't just pick up and move right outside the city limits and draw a bunch

01:15:21.400 --> 01:15:26.560
Walsh Water from the aquifer that most of the residents. So it's really in a protection.

01:15:26.560 --> 01:15:32.800
If you want to know how we view it, the city residents own our system, right? We're user-based,

01:15:32.800 --> 01:15:38.440
so we all own this together. So this is for protection standards. With that, we kind of

01:15:38.440 --> 01:15:44.560
reviewed the rest of it at the last meeting. This is suggested by EPA and IDPH, the Illinois

01:15:44.560 --> 01:15:51.360
Department of Public Health. We also already have codes and ordinances within our general

01:15:51.360 --> 01:15:52.360
and others.

01:15:52.360 --> 01:15:54.400
We have a very codified structure that backs all this up.

01:15:54.400 --> 01:15:58.920
This is just a much clearer ordinance for people that are looking to move here.

01:15:58.920 --> 01:16:04.280
We've had a few issues lately with people that said they couldn't find it or they couldn't

01:16:04.280 --> 01:16:09.400
see it and so we're just trying to tie this up in a bow.

01:16:09.400 --> 01:16:11.440
And with that I will take any questions.

01:16:11.440 --> 01:16:15.000
Well, actually, I need a motion to move this forward.

01:16:15.000 --> 01:16:16.000
So moved.

01:16:16.000 --> 01:16:17.000
Second.

01:16:17.000 --> 01:16:37.120
Director, Darren, when we're talking about the whales and the septics, the possibilities

01:16:37.120 --> 01:16:38.120
and many more.

01:16:38.120 --> 01:16:48.539
These are the kinds of studies of having documentation demonstrating that these things are in compliance

01:16:48.539 --> 01:16:58.320
with what your studies are when we're talking about installing water wells and understanding

01:16:58.320 --> 01:17:03.760
the contamination of the septic tanks in conjunction or they're adjacent to one another or parallel

01:17:03.760 --> 01:17:06.120
to one another or anything like that.

01:17:06.120 --> 01:17:07.120
and so on.

01:17:07.120 --> 01:17:13.079
But what we don't see is documentation demonstrating to council that all of these areas have been

01:17:13.079 --> 01:17:19.760
explored, that we can rest assured to the citizens of Freeport that we have done our

01:17:19.760 --> 01:17:27.560
due diligence in regards to the EPA requirements and any other requirements.

01:17:27.560 --> 01:17:33.180
And so what we're doing is taking your word at face value here right now at this moment.

01:17:33.180 --> 01:17:40.760
but if we can see a drafting of you guys exploration of everything so we can also look at what

01:17:40.760 --> 01:17:46.700
you have evaluated so we can have a clear conscience that it was evaluated.

01:17:46.700 --> 01:17:54.100
Alderman Sanders, it's already a fact that no one can drill a well or a septic in the

01:17:54.100 --> 01:17:55.100
City of Freeport.

01:17:55.100 --> 01:17:56.940
That's already in our ordinance structure.

01:17:56.940 --> 01:17:59.020
This is just clarifying it for everyone.

01:17:59.020 --> 01:18:01.100
We've had some issues recently.

01:18:01.100 --> 01:18:06.200
was with the school district trying to drill 50 geo wells into our drinking water supply.

01:18:06.200 --> 01:18:10.940
That was one issue. They didn't recognize the code and their architect didn't look at it.

01:18:10.940 --> 01:18:15.039
We had another builder right outside the edge of Freeport that tried to drill a well in

01:18:15.039 --> 01:18:21.640
a septic right on the city corporate limit line. So we need to clean this up. This is

01:18:21.640 --> 01:18:27.200
supported by EPA and IDPH. Anybody can Google that and look at it. It's called Source Water

01:18:27.200 --> 01:18:32.880
Water Protection Act. We're required to enact this as a municipality just like every other

01:18:32.880 --> 01:18:38.280
municipality is. Source water, if anybody does the research, is a huge thing and it also

01:18:38.280 --> 01:18:42.320
includes storm water as part of this as well because storm water goes to drinking water

01:18:42.320 --> 01:18:46.820
eventually, right? So this is a big blanket portfolio. This is just really cleaning up

01:18:46.820 --> 01:18:52.160
our ordinances so people that are moving here or building here or want to do something here

01:19:22.160 --> 01:19:29.400
Do is give the confidence of the people of the City of Freeport that these tasks are

01:19:29.400 --> 01:19:36.880
being evaluated and taken care of without any kind of documentation that demonstrates

01:19:36.880 --> 01:19:42.040
the fact that these tasks are actually being taken through and processed.

01:19:42.040 --> 01:19:44.600
We don't have anything tangible as counsel.

01:19:44.600 --> 01:19:46.360
Alderman Sanders, we went over this at the time.

01:19:46.360 --> 01:19:50.920
I know we went over it, but we still don't have any documentations of anything that you

01:19:50.920 --> 01:19:53.320
You are supposed to demonstrate to us.

01:19:53.320 --> 01:20:06.000
to demonstrate to us that these things are, we have done our construction of looking into

01:20:06.000 --> 01:20:11.080
these matters and that we have done everything that we possibly can to draft up some kind

01:20:11.080 --> 01:20:17.440
of concept for the City of Freeport that they can build confidence in the work of water

01:20:17.440 --> 01:20:20.840
and especially contaminant and well water.

01:20:20.840 --> 01:20:26.260
We need to be able to get more information regardless to all of these, and you may have

01:20:26.260 --> 01:20:27.500
some already.

01:20:27.500 --> 01:20:32.720
You may have this stuff out there on the website, but do the people know from the directors

01:20:32.720 --> 01:20:41.120
and people like yourself, from hearing that, listening to you, do they know that for sure

01:20:41.120 --> 01:20:47.000
that your task is all about taking care of the citizens of Freeport and making sure that

01:20:47.000 --> 01:20:50.800
they have the confidence in what you're doing?

01:20:50.800 --> 01:21:05.280
Well, I'm not going to bring everything with every draft and every memo and every document

01:21:05.280 --> 01:21:06.860
that we reviewed to council.

01:21:06.860 --> 01:21:08.240
That is not the point of this session.

01:21:08.240 --> 01:21:09.240
Well, it's a concern.

01:21:09.240 --> 01:21:12.240
If you can't trust us to do our job, then you should be leaving them.

01:21:12.240 --> 01:21:13.240
Well, it's a concern of the people.

01:21:13.240 --> 01:21:16.360
Well, we have experienced contamination already.

01:21:16.360 --> 01:21:21.900
Let me start opening up gates and doors about what we have not done and what we have not

01:21:21.900 --> 01:21:27.800
presented to the citizens of the city of Freeport of things that has not been disclosed and

01:21:27.800 --> 01:21:34.840
what we should be talking about is those things why we're talking about building the confidence

01:21:34.840 --> 01:21:36.640
of the people here in Freeport.

01:21:36.640 --> 01:21:43.120
Well the thing about it is if we're not doing a disclosure to everything that concerns our

01:21:43.120 --> 01:21:48.760
our water, our septics, our storm waters and things of that nature, then the people in

01:21:48.760 --> 01:21:53.760
the city of Freeport is in the dark. We're in the dark about what you're doing, what

01:21:53.760 --> 01:21:54.760
your task is.

01:21:54.760 --> 01:21:55.760
That's ridiculous.

01:21:55.760 --> 01:21:56.760
Yeah, well it is. It is.

01:21:56.760 --> 01:21:57.760
Okay, okay.

01:21:57.760 --> 01:21:58.760
I'm talking.

01:21:58.760 --> 01:21:59.760
Out of order. You are out of order.

01:21:59.760 --> 01:22:00.760
Who is?

01:22:00.760 --> 01:22:01.760
You are.

01:22:01.760 --> 01:22:02.760
He's out of order.

01:22:02.760 --> 01:22:09.760
It's time to be done with this conversation. Let's stop this back and forth. This is a

01:22:09.760 --> 01:22:10.760
day-to-day task.

01:22:10.760 --> 01:22:22.760
She's the chair of this meeting. She maintains decorum in this meeting. I think she's telling, I think she's telling both of you guys this is not a back and forth between staff.

01:22:22.760 --> 01:22:25.760
That's right. I'm talking. I'm the one that's talking.

01:22:25.760 --> 01:22:38.760
You no longer have the floor, Alderman Sanders. Please be respectful of that. Our department heads are the professional day-to-day operators and they come under the direction of the city manager. That's his job.

01:22:38.760 --> 01:23:03.540
and

01:23:03.540 --> 01:23:18.540
Madam Mayor. So you stated, Director, that this would apply only within the city limits of Freeport. This doesn't extend to those homes and the properties just outside the city limits, or does it?

01:23:18.540 --> 01:23:30.540
So for the city of Freeport, this only applies to our corporate limits. But the county also has an ordinance and act that does the first thousand feet on our corporate limits. That's their policy, not ours.

01:23:30.540 --> 01:23:33.940
but that's pretty much what the state is directing them to do.

01:23:33.940 --> 01:23:37.420
So this ordinance only pertains to the City of Freeport

01:23:37.420 --> 01:23:39.620
and it also does not pertain to somebody else

01:23:39.620 --> 01:23:42.500
that has a well already, they're grandfathered in.

01:23:42.500 --> 01:23:46.540
It's only for anybody building a new one

01:23:46.540 --> 01:23:48.940
and as those go out of commission,

01:23:48.940 --> 01:23:51.220
then they won't be permitted to come back in

01:23:51.220 --> 01:23:53.100
if water's available to them.

01:23:53.100 --> 01:23:54.540
Okay, fair enough, thank you.

01:23:54.540 --> 01:23:55.380
Yes.

01:23:55.380 --> 01:24:01.380
If there's no further discussion, Alderman Klemm?

01:24:01.380 --> 01:24:05.380
Would you request for suspension of rules?

01:24:05.380 --> 01:24:11.380
Yes, this would like to be put forward as quickly as possible to get these ordinance in place concerning our wells and septics.

01:24:11.380 --> 01:24:15.380
Second.

01:24:15.380 --> 01:24:18.380
Was that a motion or are you thinking?

01:24:18.380 --> 01:24:19.380
Yes, it's a motion.

01:24:19.380 --> 01:24:20.380
Okay, was there a second?

01:24:20.380 --> 01:24:21.380
I have a second.

01:24:21.380 --> 01:24:26.540
Motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

01:24:26.540 --> 01:24:30.020
Again, suspension of the rules is non-debatable and was passed by two-thirds majority.

01:24:30.020 --> 01:24:33.460
Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on the suspension only?

01:24:33.460 --> 01:24:34.380
Stacy?

01:24:34.380 --> 01:24:35.260
No.

01:24:35.260 --> 01:24:35.980
Shadle?

01:24:35.980 --> 01:24:36.540
Aye.

01:24:36.540 --> 01:24:37.260
Sanders?

01:24:37.260 --> 01:24:37.740
No.

01:24:37.740 --> 01:24:38.460
Sellers?

01:24:38.460 --> 01:24:39.140
Aye.

01:24:39.140 --> 01:24:39.700
Klemm?

01:24:39.700 --> 01:24:41.460
Aye.

01:24:41.460 --> 01:24:43.180
Monroe?

01:24:43.180 --> 01:24:43.980
No.

01:24:43.980 --> 01:24:44.860
Simmons?

01:24:44.860 --> 01:24:45.780
No.

01:24:45.780 --> 01:24:46.500
Parker?

01:24:46.500 --> 01:24:47.620
Aye.

01:24:47.620 --> 01:24:51.220
The suspension fails for lack of two-thirds vote.

01:24:51.220 --> 01:24:52.540
The vote is four to four.

01:24:52.540 --> 01:24:55.900
Okay, so we will move this ordinance on to the next council meeting.

01:24:55.900 --> 01:25:00.420
Move on to item number 12, which is the first reading of ordinance 2025-20.

01:25:00.420 --> 01:25:02.300
Could you please read this for the record?

01:25:02.300 --> 01:25:05.140
Ordinance approving amendment to vehicle lease agreement with

01:25:05.140 --> 01:25:08.300
Senior Resource Center for Pretzel City Area Transit.

01:25:08.300 --> 01:25:09.300
Thank you, Director Duckman.

01:25:09.300 --> 01:25:10.660
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:25:10.660 --> 01:25:15.660
On May 5th of 2022, so it's going on almost three years,

01:25:15.660 --> 01:25:19.860
city staff submitted an application to the Illinois Department of Transportation,

01:25:19.860 --> 01:25:22.080
and they've requested three vehicles.

01:25:23.320 --> 01:25:25.600
Little background here, back in 2022,

01:25:25.600 --> 01:25:28.160
I'm sure people remember there was a shortage of vehicles

01:25:28.160 --> 01:25:29.400
even at the state level.

01:25:29.400 --> 01:25:33.080
So we were putting in an application through the state

01:25:33.080 --> 01:25:36.040
for buses, specialty vehicles,

01:25:36.040 --> 01:25:40.060
and it's taken this long for these vehicles to get here

01:25:40.060 --> 01:25:41.560
or the state notified us

01:25:41.560 --> 01:25:43.820
that three vehicles would be available.

01:25:43.820 --> 01:25:45.740
And just to give a little background

01:25:45.740 --> 01:25:47.580
on what the vehicles are,

01:25:47.580 --> 01:25:50.100
We have a 2024 Chrysler Pacifica.

01:25:50.100 --> 01:25:53.540
That's a five passenger vehicle, wheelchair accessible.

01:25:53.540 --> 01:25:57.860
We have a 2025 Ford Starcraft 12 passenger

01:25:57.860 --> 01:26:02.860
and a 2025 Ford Starcraft, which is a 14 passenger.

01:26:04.140 --> 01:26:09.140
So what we have here in this ordinance is to agree,

01:26:10.420 --> 01:26:13.580
to amend our agreement with the Stevenson County

01:26:13.580 --> 01:26:15.780
Senior Resource Center doing business as the,

01:26:15.780 --> 01:26:37.780
I'm sorry for the Pretzel City Transit Program and what this amendment would be is for dollar leases with the Illinois Department of Transportation for those three vehicles and staff is recommending suspension of the rules so that we can spend a long time coming and we really would like to get the vehicles out into use.

01:26:37.780 --> 01:26:43.780
Madam Mayor, I'd like to make a motion to move this forward and also to request a suspension of the rules.

01:26:43.780 --> 01:26:51.460
Rules. Is there a second? Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded

01:26:51.460 --> 01:26:54.460
by Alderman Sellers to move this ordinance forward as well as suspension

01:26:54.460 --> 01:26:57.660
of the rules. Again, suspension of the rules is two-thirds majority and

01:26:57.660 --> 01:27:01.260
non-debatable. Madam Clerk, could you please take the role on the suspension?

01:27:01.260 --> 01:27:07.060
And we have Monroe and Sellers as both? Correct. First and second on both. On the

01:27:07.060 --> 01:27:23.420
Suspension Only, Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, and Parker.

01:27:23.420 --> 01:27:26.720
The suspension passes seven to one.

01:27:26.720 --> 01:27:31.260
So then before you Council is the final reading for ordinance 2025-20.

01:27:31.260 --> 01:27:36.980
Is there any further discussion concerning the transit?

01:27:36.980 --> 01:28:06.980
None. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. And the ordinance passes unanimously. Item number 13 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-21. Could you please read this? Variance application at 1209 South Wallland Avenue submitted by Madonna Renewal Center

01:28:06.980 --> 01:28:11.820
to seek relief from 1468.25B1 regarding restrictions

01:28:11.820 --> 01:28:14.940
of one sign per zoning lot and to not exceed

01:28:14.940 --> 01:28:19.860
16 square feet in area and relief from 1468.25B3

01:28:19.860 --> 01:28:22.620
regarding restriction of height of sign of less

01:28:22.620 --> 01:28:26.740
than one story or 15 feet above curb level.

01:28:26.740 --> 01:28:28.340
Director Duckman?

01:28:28.340 --> 01:28:29.180
No, I'm sorry.

01:28:29.180 --> 01:28:30.000
Oh yeah, it is.

01:28:30.000 --> 01:28:30.840
Nevermind.

01:28:30.840 --> 01:28:31.680
Go ahead.

01:28:31.680 --> 01:28:33.260
Yes, thank you, Madam Mayor.

01:28:33.260 --> 01:28:41.020
Okay, so on November 20th of 2024, we had an application for a variation from the Madonna

01:28:41.020 --> 01:28:47.420
Renewal Center to install a sign. And I'm going to kind of just show you, it's a little bit easier

01:28:47.420 --> 01:28:54.860
to kind of explain what we're talking about here. I can scroll down, please. Kirk, keep going.

01:28:57.180 --> 01:28:58.300
You can go, keep going down.

01:29:03.260 --> 01:29:20.880
Okay. So we can start here on this section. I think everybody should know where the Madonna

01:29:20.880 --> 01:29:27.660
Renewal Center is. This is a good explanation of essentially what the sign would look like.

01:29:27.660 --> 01:29:32.980
As you can see, it may not be explained too well here, but in reading through the application,

01:29:32.980 --> 01:29:36.780
you'll see that it's actually the bottom of the sign would be 45 feet and then the

01:29:36.780 --> 01:29:42.140
top of the sign would be 61 feet it says 60 feet but the sign is a 16 by 13 foot

01:29:42.140 --> 01:29:46.300
sign so what you're looking at there is being proposed is the Madonna renewal

01:29:46.300 --> 01:29:52.220
sign and that's essentially what it would look like and in order to do this

01:29:52.220 --> 01:29:55.180
they need a

01:29:55.180 --> 01:30:03.340
in order to do this they need a variation because rules the current zoning rules allow for a sign

01:30:03.340 --> 01:30:11.100
it cannot be any taller than 15 feet and also not to exceed the 16 square feet in area so obviously

01:30:11.820 --> 01:30:19.820
this is going to exceed the square footage and also the height of the sign so this was brought

01:30:19.820 --> 01:30:29.180
Lots of the staff in November 20th and on March 6th of 2025, the Zoning Board of Appeals

01:30:29.180 --> 01:30:34.380
recommended approval by a vote of 5-0 with zero abstentions.

01:30:34.380 --> 01:30:40.380
And during that, there was no testimony from the public at the zoning hearing.

01:30:40.380 --> 01:30:46.260
And then on March 13th, the Planning Commission also recommended approval by a vote of 6-2

01:30:46.260 --> 01:30:55.960
and then six yeas, two nays and zero abstentions and the two nays was Director Stiegel and

01:30:55.960 --> 01:31:02.460
then also Commissioner Huffins and their concern was about the weathering of the sign, keeping

01:31:02.460 --> 01:31:05.380
the sign repaired in good condition.

01:31:05.380 --> 01:31:13.020
So certainly valid points that were made but in light of that staff and their own review

01:31:13.020 --> 01:31:19.820
Their recommendation is in line with both Sony Board of Appeals and Planning Commission recommends approval of this variation.

01:31:19.820 --> 01:31:25.100
Also want to state that we are recommending suspension of the rules.

01:31:25.100 --> 01:31:35.060
This was the petitioners here are really looking forward to getting this sign installed.

01:31:35.060 --> 01:31:38.940
Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward?

01:31:38.940 --> 01:31:40.940
So moved.

01:31:40.940 --> 01:31:49.579
We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Parker. Discussion on the ordinance?

01:31:49.579 --> 01:31:59.740
Alderman Sellers. So that's the sign right there? That is, yes. So does it have to be that big and

01:31:59.740 --> 01:32:06.140
that high? It doesn't have to be. I mean, we had those discussions, you know, with them and said,

01:32:06.140 --> 01:32:10.780
said, you know, I said, hey, you know, why don't we make it smaller? They were really

01:32:10.780 --> 01:32:17.300
animate and passionate about wanting to have their sign out in the community and they made

01:32:17.300 --> 01:32:20.920
a passionate plea to put this forward. So I had discussions with them, our staff had

01:32:20.920 --> 01:32:26.500
discussions with them and they said, no, we want to make a petition and we want to move

01:32:26.500 --> 01:32:33.300
forward with this. So at any point in time, so council understands if, you know, we are

01:32:33.300 --> 01:32:39.440
They're always, as a staff, going to talk to petitioners and give our professional opinions,

01:32:39.440 --> 01:32:43.980
but if they want to move forward with a variation, we're going to grant them that. That's their

01:32:43.980 --> 01:32:50.060
right to do so. So they are passionate about the sign being this, they want the sign this

01:32:50.060 --> 01:32:51.060
size.

01:32:51.060 --> 01:32:54.060
Alderman Sanders?

01:32:54.060 --> 01:33:00.340
Yeah. Since they're being passionate about it and they're asking you for your expert

01:33:00.340 --> 01:33:05.200
opinion about it. Is that what we're looking at? Because this has nothing to do with

01:33:05.200 --> 01:33:14.200
taxpayers' investments, things of this nature, because a sign that big and it's weather-prone

01:33:14.200 --> 01:33:21.619
can receive some damage to it, and that my question would be is, who's going to be responsible

01:33:21.619 --> 01:33:25.020
to maintain such a sign if that ever occurs?

01:33:25.020 --> 01:33:35.380
It's theirs and certainly if the signs weathered the city would issue violations for it and then they would have to fix it, you know, but just like anybody else.

01:33:35.380 --> 01:33:44.940
If they let that sign, you know, go to disrepairs, you know, if it started falling off, they'd be issued violations and they'd be responsible for fixing it just like any other citizen.

01:33:44.940 --> 01:33:49.500
So they're taking on that responsibility.

01:33:49.500 --> 01:33:52.659
Any other discussion?

01:33:52.659 --> 01:33:56.900
They are asking for a suspension of the rules because they'd like to get this signed moving forward.

01:33:56.900 --> 01:33:59.420
If that pleases the council.

01:33:59.420 --> 01:34:00.500
So move.

01:34:00.500 --> 01:34:01.900
Second.

01:34:01.900 --> 01:34:06.840
The motion to suspend the rules by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

01:34:06.840 --> 01:34:08.820
Again, non-debatable, two-thirds majority.

01:34:08.820 --> 01:34:11.260
Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on the suspension?

01:34:11.260 --> 01:34:12.659
Stacy.

01:34:12.659 --> 01:34:14.380
Abstain.

01:34:14.380 --> 01:34:15.140
Shadle.

01:34:15.140 --> 01:34:16.380
Aye.

01:34:16.380 --> 01:34:17.140
Sanders.

01:34:17.140 --> 01:34:17.820
Aye.

01:34:17.820 --> 01:34:18.340
Sellers.

01:34:18.340 --> 01:34:19.300
Aye.

01:34:19.300 --> 01:34:19.860
Klemm.

01:34:19.860 --> 01:34:20.460
Aye.

01:34:20.460 --> 01:34:21.180
Monroe.

01:34:21.180 --> 01:34:21.780
Aye.

01:34:21.780 --> 01:34:33.060
Simmons Parker we have six of the eight attorneys Zito do I need that's that's

01:34:33.060 --> 01:34:39.060
enough that's that's enough so that's six to zero six to zero to one two

01:34:39.060 --> 01:34:45.659
thirds of eight is six okay six to zero one the final passage for this six one

01:34:45.659 --> 01:34:50.300
one with this ordinance is there any further oh wait a second

01:34:50.300 --> 01:34:59.380
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 1, 1. Thank you. Welcome. Any further discussion Council? Madam Clerk,

01:34:59.380 --> 01:35:09.740
please take the roll. Stacy? Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye.

01:35:09.740 --> 01:35:18.740
Simmons? No. And Parker? Aye. The motion passes 6, 1, 1. And we'll move on to item number 14,

01:35:18.740 --> 01:35:24.180
which is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-22. Could you please read this?

01:35:24.180 --> 01:35:33.020
Ordinance approving hangar leases. Tonight we have C7, K5 Aviation, K5, which

01:35:33.020 --> 01:35:40.860
is where the name came from, K5 Aviation, K6, Dan Tepper, K7, Jeff Matica, M5, MIG

01:35:40.860 --> 01:35:47.340
Aviation. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. So again as staff is working through

01:35:47.340 --> 01:35:51.140
these leases getting them signed we have a group of five that we'd like you to

01:35:51.140 --> 01:35:54.440
approve tonight so staff for recommendation is to approve all five

01:35:54.440 --> 01:36:01.500
leases the I'm sorry I need a motion to move this forward second motion made by

01:36:01.500 --> 01:36:06.060
Alderman Sellers seconded by Alderman Shadle discussion on this ordinance

01:36:06.060 --> 01:36:12.740
Alderman Monroe thank you madam mayor a few questions here how many it seems

01:36:12.740 --> 01:36:16.380
like we're getting closer and closer to having a complete list of all the leases

01:36:16.380 --> 01:36:46.380
is Redone. How many are outstanding beyond beyond this list so far? I think I think we still have about 20. Yeah, we're about so we're only half. Yeah, we have 25 executed. We got more to go. Are there any that look to be challenging? Or are they just all pretty much straightforward? I've had a few conversations with some of the folks. They've gone ahead and move forward with signing the lease. So I guess it's going to come down to us contacting everybody at this bottom end and figuring out if

01:36:46.380 --> 01:36:49.260
if there are, but I don't think there's a whole lot of challenges there we just need

01:36:49.260 --> 01:36:51.300
to follow up all with them.

01:36:51.300 --> 01:36:53.500
Okay, thank you.

01:36:53.500 --> 01:36:54.500
Alderman Sanders?

01:36:54.500 --> 01:37:03.340
Yeah, also, have those leases been upgraded to, you know, regular standards?

01:37:03.340 --> 01:37:09.340
Yes, they're in compliance with the lease format the council approved at the end of

01:37:09.340 --> 01:37:10.340
last year.

01:37:10.340 --> 01:37:11.340
Okay.

01:37:11.340 --> 01:37:12.340
Alderman Stacey?

01:37:12.340 --> 01:37:34.060
About three weeks ago, these were on the agenda, and N2 was also included, but it is now missing.

01:37:34.060 --> 01:37:41.460
Why is that?

01:37:41.460 --> 01:37:49.460
There were questions on who was actually in there. We had a deceased Les E and it just needed a little more following up.

01:37:49.460 --> 01:37:56.460
Okay. So N2, are you telling me that N2 has not been leased?

01:37:56.460 --> 01:38:01.460
The lease has not been finalized.

01:38:01.460 --> 01:38:06.460
The lease has not been finalized. Okay.

01:38:06.460 --> 01:38:16.820
and then M5 came in since that time and what honey M5 was also not on there the

01:38:16.820 --> 01:38:25.100
last time but we've received it since so it got added to okay if there's no

01:38:25.100 --> 01:38:29.500
further discussion there is an ask of the suspension of the rules I would make

01:38:29.500 --> 01:38:37.500
Thanks for your motion, Joy. I just said some of it. I request it. The suspension of the rules.

01:38:37.500 --> 01:38:49.500
Tom, you, okay. All right. We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm for suspension of the rules. Again, same standards. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

01:38:49.500 --> 01:38:58.500
Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe?

01:38:58.500 --> 01:38:59.500
Thomas.

01:38:59.500 --> 01:39:00.500
Oh, pardon me.

01:39:00.500 --> 01:39:01.500
Simmons?

01:39:01.500 --> 01:39:02.500
No.

01:39:02.500 --> 01:39:03.500
Parker?

01:39:03.500 --> 01:39:04.500
Aye.

01:39:04.500 --> 01:39:05.860
One, two, three, four, five.

01:39:05.860 --> 01:39:13.700
We do have six favorable votes, six, one no, one absent.

01:39:13.700 --> 01:39:14.700
It passes.

01:39:14.700 --> 01:39:22.220
So before you counsel, is the passage of these hanger leases, is there's no further discussion

01:39:22.220 --> 01:39:23.220
or did you have something?

01:39:23.220 --> 01:39:25.220
I do have a question.

01:39:25.220 --> 01:39:26.220
Sure.

01:39:26.220 --> 01:39:41.220
We have a director over the airport, and why can't she handle this? Why can't she make these decisions and she decide and she take care of all of this?

01:39:41.220 --> 01:39:43.220
That's why we have a director.

01:39:43.220 --> 01:39:46.220
Attorney Zito?

01:39:46.220 --> 01:39:49.840
Well as far as like the to approve the the leases they have to be approved by

01:39:49.840 --> 01:39:53.780
ordinance if that's what you're referring to so that only the council can can vote

01:39:53.780 --> 01:39:56.500
to approve the

01:39:56.500 --> 01:40:01.640
and Boat to approve the ordinance that approves all the leases, because they have to be approved

01:40:01.640 --> 01:40:02.640
by ordinance.

01:40:02.640 --> 01:40:05.020
All leases have to be approved by ordinance.

01:40:05.020 --> 01:40:06.020
Yeah.

01:40:06.020 --> 01:40:08.000
These leases have to be approved by ordinance.

01:40:08.000 --> 01:40:09.159
These are.

01:40:09.159 --> 01:40:12.600
And when was this ordinance created?

01:40:12.600 --> 01:40:16.859
The one that's in the packet was probably created, well, it was on the agenda three

01:40:16.859 --> 01:40:20.500
weeks ago, so probably about three, four weeks ago.

01:40:20.500 --> 01:40:22.260
Okay.

01:40:22.260 --> 01:40:25.180
Right.

01:40:25.180 --> 01:40:29.699
So we can change that ordinance.

01:40:29.699 --> 01:40:33.180
I suppose you could change the ordinance, but the ordinance is not like in the code book

01:40:33.180 --> 01:40:34.180
type ordinance.

01:40:34.180 --> 01:40:37.500
It's literally just an ordinance that approves the lease agreement.

01:40:37.500 --> 01:40:42.659
So if you look in your packet, it's not like a language that's in the code book.

01:40:42.659 --> 01:40:48.140
It just says, you know, we hereby, you know, now therefore be it ordained by the City Council

01:40:48.140 --> 01:40:53.739
that this group of one, two, three, five leases is hereby approved by the council.

01:40:53.739 --> 01:41:03.739
Okay, because, you know, we are expected to respect the opinion and the knowledge of our directors.

01:41:03.739 --> 01:41:07.739
So we have an airport director.

01:41:07.739 --> 01:41:10.739
No, she's not a director.

01:41:10.739 --> 01:41:19.739
And our directors don't approve ordinances. That's your job.

01:41:19.739 --> 01:41:23.739
Okay, well, nobody was approving them once upon a time.

01:41:28.739 --> 01:41:43.739
I think is what Alderperson Stacy's asking is, could there be an ordinance amendment to have the airport manager and or the city manager approve these since they approved the contracts instead of them all coming to the meetings, is that correct?

01:41:43.739 --> 01:41:51.739
Well, I wasn't even including City Manager. I was asking, can the Director of the Airport do this?

01:41:51.739 --> 01:42:06.739
So, I think we covered that before, and since it's a contract lease, it has to be done by an official of the City, or by the Council, one of the two, it can't be done by a contract Manager.

01:42:06.739 --> 01:42:20.560
Now, my understanding is that the airport manager has signed off on this template lease form that we're using and that's why we're going to every tenant, you know, to update their leases.

01:42:20.560 --> 01:42:24.060
Angie, I see you're here. Do you have anything that you would want to add to that?

01:42:24.060 --> 01:42:26.060
Oh, hi Angie.

01:42:26.060 --> 01:42:28.060
Oh, that pink, I didn't even see you.

01:42:28.060 --> 01:42:32.060
That is correct. I ended up signing off on those as far as the lease itself.

01:42:32.060 --> 01:42:35.619
and that's all that's bringing forward to you guys

01:42:35.619 --> 01:42:39.119
is everyone that has already been in place,

01:42:39.119 --> 01:42:41.000
they're coming forward and signing the new lease.

01:42:41.000 --> 01:42:43.819
That's all we're doing here is just approving you guys

01:42:43.819 --> 01:42:47.420
or approving the new leases, the new formats.

01:42:47.420 --> 01:42:48.699
So it's still the same people.

01:42:48.699 --> 01:42:52.199
I'm just trying to understand why do every one of these,

01:42:52.199 --> 01:42:54.819
since we're just approving the new lease,

01:42:54.819 --> 01:42:57.020
why do it has to come to the council?

01:42:57.020 --> 01:42:58.859
Why can't that be worked out?

01:42:58.859 --> 01:43:00.640
There's an ordinance that says,

01:43:00.640 --> 01:43:02.159
and that's what Attorney Zito would like

01:43:02.159 --> 01:43:06.239
that all these leases come forward to the council.

01:43:06.239 --> 01:43:09.319
But if we gave and if we created an ordinance

01:43:09.319 --> 01:43:11.279
directing you to hand it.

01:43:11.279 --> 01:43:12.119
That is correct.

01:43:12.119 --> 01:43:14.840
That can be changed if I am correct on that.

01:43:14.840 --> 01:43:17.699
And are you skilled and capable of doing that?

01:43:19.000 --> 01:43:21.079
I can do that, but I am not a director.

01:43:21.079 --> 01:43:24.199
I am just, I am a contracted manager.

01:43:24.199 --> 01:43:25.899
I'm contracted to run the airport.

01:43:30.640 --> 01:44:00.640
Correct. So ultimately, if the council wanted to set a policy that says that with regards to these airplane leases, that if you wanted to authorize another person to sign the lease, let's say, but putting parameters, you know, let's, for example, say, you guys approved the lease template form, right? And let's say that the tenant says, yep, I got no changes to it whatsoever. I'm good with the template form. In that situation, if you

01:44:00.640 --> 01:44:06.420
I wanted to adopt an ordinance that says the City Manager or the Airport Manager has the

01:44:06.420 --> 01:44:10.560
authority to, in that circumstance, sign the lease without it coming back to Council.

01:44:10.560 --> 01:44:12.560
I suppose you guys could do that.

01:44:12.560 --> 01:44:16.399
Obviously, that takes the oversight out of your guys' hands though at that point, so.

01:44:16.399 --> 01:44:19.039
But you could, but you could.

01:44:19.039 --> 01:44:25.279
I mean, every time they have came to the Council in the last year or so, you know, we're waiving

01:44:25.279 --> 01:44:30.079
the rules, we're doing this, we're signing off, and they're gone.

01:44:30.079 --> 01:44:39.079
Alderman, Klemm Yes. After we get through this, I'd like to

01:44:39.079 --> 01:44:47.239
discuss as Alderman Stacy has, before 2018 we never saw any of these leases. There's no

01:44:47.239 --> 01:44:53.720
sense for us to see them. You've got a City Manager, you've got an Airport Manager, if

01:44:53.720 --> 01:45:23.720
and others.

01:45:23.720 --> 01:45:24.720
Dixie.

01:45:24.720 --> 01:45:25.720
That's acceptable.

01:45:25.720 --> 01:45:26.720
Okay.

01:45:26.720 --> 01:45:27.720
Alderman Sanders.

01:45:27.720 --> 01:45:28.720
Yeah.

01:45:28.720 --> 01:45:33.680
I like to say that this particular ordinance needs an amendment to it.

01:45:33.680 --> 01:45:48.260
Simply because the format of these leases are not completed, we have a jurisdictional kind

01:45:48.260 --> 01:45:52.420
of situation here when it comes to contracts.

01:45:52.420 --> 01:45:59.859
and I don't think no one individual name should be on a contract without the council going

01:45:59.859 --> 01:46:05.460
through the process of looking at that particular contract, any contract as far as I'm concerned.

01:46:05.460 --> 01:46:11.260
So we're not just going to be passive about contracts and who signs it and who signs off

01:46:11.260 --> 01:46:17.859
on them. We have to be responsible for what we're looking at when it comes to contracts

01:46:17.859 --> 01:46:24.140
and others. And that means that those format, the format of a contract lease should be what

01:46:24.140 --> 01:46:29.119
it is. It should have an update upgraded or whatever the case is, but some changes needs

01:46:29.119 --> 01:46:37.500
to be made and there needs to be an amendment to that. So there could be like an organization

01:46:37.500 --> 01:46:43.739
wants to go sign off on checks or whatever. You need two signatures to go to the bank

01:46:43.739 --> 01:47:13.739
and James, and I think I'm going to take over. And I think there's a lot of work to be done to make sure that we can make a withdrawal when you're dealing with taxpayer dollars. And so we're not going to be passive in allow this to be just passed on through without anybody having anything to say about it. So I think the council needs to be able to inject their views and opinions about anything that has to do with contractual things.

01:47:13.739 --> 01:47:18.460
and others, Committee of the Whole if Alderman Klemm chooses to put that on.

01:47:18.460 --> 01:47:22.180
So right now we're talking about approving these leases that are before you.

01:47:22.180 --> 01:47:26.300
So if there's no further discussion on these leases, Madam Clerk, could you please take

01:47:26.300 --> 01:47:27.300
the roll?

01:47:27.300 --> 01:47:28.300
Stacy?

01:47:28.300 --> 01:47:29.300
Aye.

01:47:29.300 --> 01:47:30.300
Shadle?

01:47:30.300 --> 01:47:31.300
Aye.

01:47:31.300 --> 01:47:32.300
Sanders?

01:47:32.300 --> 01:47:33.300
No.

01:47:33.300 --> 01:47:34.300
Sellers?

01:47:34.300 --> 01:47:35.300
Aye.

01:47:35.300 --> 01:47:36.300
Klemm?

01:47:36.300 --> 01:47:37.300
Aye.

01:47:37.300 --> 01:47:38.300
Monroe?

01:47:38.300 --> 01:47:39.300
Aye.

01:47:39.300 --> 01:47:40.300
Simmons?

01:47:40.300 --> 01:47:41.300
She is absent.

01:47:41.300 --> 01:47:42.300
Parker?

01:47:42.300 --> 01:47:43.300
Here.

01:47:43.300 --> 01:47:52.699
6 to 0. Thank you. Thank you. 6-1. 6-1. 6-1. There wasn't one. I give up. All right. Item

01:47:52.699 --> 01:47:59.020
number 15 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-23. Could you please read this? Ordinance

01:47:59.020 --> 01:48:04.340
Establishing a Special Service Area, Gladewood Subdivision. Thank you. Attorney Cox, would

01:48:04.340 --> 01:48:13.220
you like to start this conversation? Or Manager Boyer, did you?

01:48:13.220 --> 01:48:20.079
Yep, I'll be happy to carry on. So, the Gladewood neighborhood was established in the 1960s.

01:48:20.079 --> 01:48:24.640
The park district raised funds by selling a portion of its land. The developer built

01:48:24.640 --> 01:48:30.220
the Gladewood neighborhood and Gladewood Drive as a private street with specific conditions

01:48:30.220 --> 01:48:36.520
for city acceptance that were never met, such as proper width and drainage. Over the years,

01:48:36.520 --> 01:48:41.300
residents and city officials often believed Gladewood Drive was a dedicated city street,

01:48:41.300 --> 01:49:11.300
Public Street, leading to occasional city maintenance. However, research related to the Demeter Bridge revealed the road's private status, leading to the prompt suspension of city maintenance activities. The city staff engaged in discussions with Claywood residents to explore possible solutions for addressing the neighborhood's road condition. Through these efforts, a mutually acceptable resolution was developed, leading to the circulation of a petition among subdivision property owners. Over half of the property

01:49:11.300 --> 01:49:41.300
have signed the petition expressing interest in creating a special service area based on the term outlined in the petition the agreement is in raises in short raises about $90,000 over 15 years from the property owners to go toward the eventual resurfacing of the street before deciding whether to adopt the special service area a public hearing must be held to allow for objections and the ordinance before the council tonight simply sets the hearing upon passing

01:49:41.300 --> 01:49:45.100
this ordinance notice of the hearing will be published and the proposed plan

01:49:45.100 --> 01:49:49.380
will be presented to the public for feedback after a 60-day period for

01:49:49.380 --> 01:49:54.819
objections if fewer than 50% of the property owners I will say 10 I believe

01:49:54.819 --> 01:49:58.420
that's actually in my correct on

01:49:58.420 --> 01:50:04.940
I believe that's actually, am I correct on that, Attorney's comments? The matter would

01:50:04.940 --> 01:50:12.260
come back for the council for a final vote to establish the special service area. Accordingly,

01:50:12.260 --> 01:50:16.940
tonight's vote neither approves nor disapproves the special service area itself but merely

01:50:16.940 --> 01:50:22.060
initiates the formal process for its consideration and staff recommends moving forward with this

01:50:22.060 --> 01:50:23.060
ordinance.

01:50:23.060 --> 01:50:24.060
So moved.

01:50:24.060 --> 01:50:32.859
We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm to move this ordinance

01:50:32.859 --> 01:50:34.659
on to the next regularly scheduled meeting.

01:50:34.659 --> 01:50:36.659
Attorney Cox, did you want to add to anything?

01:50:36.659 --> 01:50:37.659
Okay, discussion?

01:50:37.659 --> 01:50:38.659
Alderman Stacey?

01:50:38.659 --> 01:50:53.180
I would like to see this go to the COW so that we can look into this Gladewood or Gladwood

01:50:53.180 --> 01:51:09.180
See the information gathered from that community and really see for ourselves how many is on board, how many is off board, and I would just like to move it to the count.

01:51:09.180 --> 01:51:10.180
Is that a motion?

01:51:10.180 --> 01:51:12.180
That's a motion.

01:51:12.180 --> 01:51:17.180
Is there a second?

01:51:17.180 --> 01:51:20.180
Your Alderman Sanders is the second?

01:51:20.180 --> 01:51:25.779
on moving it to, you're second on moving it to the cow. Is that correct?

01:51:25.779 --> 01:51:35.140
No, I'm gonna wait. Well, yeah, I second it for the cow, but I was hoping that the floor

01:51:35.140 --> 01:51:36.340
open for discussion.

01:51:36.340 --> 01:51:39.100
We'll discuss it at the cow.

01:51:39.100 --> 01:51:42.899
That's not what she's asking. She's asking for it to be moved to the cow. Are you with

01:51:42.899 --> 01:51:43.899
the second or no?

01:51:43.899 --> 01:51:49.779
Yeah, I'm with the second now. I see what she's talking about. Yeah. We need to do more

01:51:49.779 --> 01:52:01.100
We have a motion of moving this to the next Committee of the Whole.

01:52:01.100 --> 01:52:04.579
Is there any discussion on moving it to the Committee of the Whole?

01:52:04.579 --> 01:52:13.140
Could I ask a question of what was the reason that we were looking for suspension of the

01:52:13.140 --> 01:52:14.140
rules?

01:52:14.140 --> 01:52:16.340
Was there a reason for that?

01:52:16.340 --> 01:52:21.220
because we've been working on this since last year this particular ordinance is

01:52:21.220 --> 01:52:26.899
just setting a date for a public hearing and there's you know that's that's

01:52:26.899 --> 01:52:29.940
essentially in the interest of time and just moving this forward to get it

01:52:29.940 --> 01:52:35.460
resolved as rapidly as possible so it's not passing an ordinance per se it's

01:52:35.460 --> 01:52:40.859
just a hearing is that word I probably didn't word that right yes this is

01:52:40.859 --> 01:52:43.539
and basically an ordinance that requires a hearing.

01:52:44.539 --> 01:52:46.260
That's why they want the suspension of the rule

01:52:46.260 --> 01:52:48.460
so they can move forward with a hearing date.

01:52:49.859 --> 01:52:52.220
So the hearing date has not been set?

01:52:52.220 --> 01:52:55.539
No, that's what he's asking for, is a hearing,

01:52:55.539 --> 01:52:57.180
to be able to set a hearing.

01:52:57.180 --> 01:52:58.020
Madam Clerk?

01:52:58.020 --> 01:53:00.380
And that public hearing would be the opportunity

01:53:00.380 --> 01:53:03.420
for the public, just the community to speak on this,

01:53:03.420 --> 01:53:04.260
is that correct?

01:53:06.579 --> 01:53:08.940
Would that hearing be before the COW?

01:53:10.859 --> 01:53:18.859
I don't know. It'd be a special hearing, special service area hearing, so we don't have a date at this moment.

01:53:18.859 --> 01:53:33.859
Okay, but since you don't have a date, if we agree to let this move forward for the purpose of getting a date, would it be before the COW or after the COW?

01:53:33.859 --> 01:53:41.140
Because I don't have a problem with moving forward with a date, but I want it after the

01:53:41.140 --> 01:53:42.140
COW.

01:53:42.140 --> 01:53:43.140
Okay.

01:53:43.140 --> 01:53:44.140
Hearing after the COW.

01:53:44.140 --> 01:53:54.260
You have to be after the COW because you have to have a public notice period and Wayne and

01:53:54.260 --> 01:53:57.699
I think that's 15 days minimum.

01:53:57.699 --> 01:53:58.699
Thank you for sharing that.

01:53:58.699 --> 01:53:59.699
Is that correct, Steve?

01:53:59.699 --> 01:54:00.699
Yeah.

01:54:00.699 --> 01:54:01.699
Yeah.

01:54:01.699 --> 01:54:05.100
Hicks is shaking his head yes.

01:54:05.100 --> 01:54:12.539
And it's just little things like that that we don't know that changes the whole atmosphere

01:54:12.539 --> 01:54:19.739
if it would just be said.

01:54:19.739 --> 01:54:23.899
So then do you still want to have your motion on the floor of moving this to the COW or not?

01:54:23.899 --> 01:54:25.340
I do want it at the COW.

01:54:25.340 --> 01:54:30.180
Okay, so then, let's take the role on moving this to the COW.

01:54:30.180 --> 01:54:31.180
Stacy?

01:54:31.180 --> 01:54:34.380
That's what's on the floor, Alderman Sanders.

01:54:34.380 --> 01:54:35.380
Did you have something?

01:54:35.380 --> 01:54:36.380
I have a question.

01:54:36.380 --> 01:54:37.380
Okay.

01:54:37.380 --> 01:54:44.619
Moving it to the COW, is that saying that we can't go forward with establishing?

01:54:44.619 --> 01:54:45.619
Yeah.

01:54:45.619 --> 01:54:47.100
Yeah, we can.

01:54:47.100 --> 01:54:50.420
No, you can't, you don't get to keep going forward with this.

01:54:50.420 --> 01:54:51.420
This is...

01:54:51.420 --> 01:54:52.420
Okay.

01:54:52.420 --> 01:54:58.859
Do you either approve this ordinance of moving it forward or you go to the COW, so which

01:54:58.859 --> 01:54:59.859
one do you want to be?

01:54:59.859 --> 01:55:11.579
Okay, so wait, now, however, if I take it off the floor to move it to the COW, it won't

01:55:11.579 --> 01:55:19.079
be dated before the COW anyway so we can still have it on the COW.

01:55:19.079 --> 01:55:22.520
and then it pushes it back a whole another week because they can't set a hearing date

01:55:22.520 --> 01:55:23.520
without this.

01:55:23.520 --> 01:55:24.520
No, ma'am.

01:55:24.520 --> 01:55:31.840
I said if we move forward with the hearing date, but then next week I choose to put it

01:55:31.840 --> 01:55:33.119
on the COW.

01:55:33.119 --> 01:55:34.520
Yes, you can do that.

01:55:34.520 --> 01:55:36.319
So you can do that.

01:55:36.319 --> 01:55:42.000
So if you want to move this forward to set a hearing date, then contact Dovie tomorrow

01:55:42.000 --> 01:55:45.199
with who your second is and add it to the COW.

01:55:45.199 --> 01:55:46.199
Okay.

01:55:46.199 --> 01:55:47.199
There.

01:55:47.199 --> 01:55:58.760
there so so are you are you okay removing your motion go ahead attorney Zito I did

01:55:58.760 --> 01:56:11.060
withdraw Alderman Sanders are you drawing sure you are my boss spoke okay so now

01:56:11.060 --> 01:56:16.140
before you is the discussion of the first reading of this ordinance which is

01:56:16.140 --> 01:56:24.860
is the purpose of setting a hearing? Is there any other discussion on setting a hearing?

01:56:24.860 --> 01:56:28.659
And if not, Alderman Sanders.

01:56:28.659 --> 01:56:44.020
Yeah, this thing had been something going on. How many years had this been considered before

01:56:44.020 --> 01:56:49.140
tonight how many how many how many years of that has been on the table I think we

01:56:49.140 --> 01:56:54.739
really started talking about this last spring last spring yeah okay so it doesn't

01:56:54.739 --> 01:57:02.380
hurt if we determine a scheduling date that might make it six more months down

01:57:02.380 --> 01:57:07.859
the line it wouldn't matter it should not matter until we understand that this

01:57:07.859 --> 01:57:12.859
this property or this location is a private matter.

01:57:13.460 --> 01:57:14.880
Am I correct on that?

01:57:16.340 --> 01:57:20.420
Have they been annexed into the city of Freeport

01:57:20.420 --> 01:57:21.420
is what I'm asking.

01:57:21.420 --> 01:57:24.739
Okay, they are annexed in, however, that's not the issue.

01:57:24.739 --> 01:57:29.739
I know that's not the issue, but the results are the city,

01:57:31.699 --> 01:57:36.420
they're asking the city to help provide services

01:57:36.420 --> 01:57:37.819
to that particular area.

01:57:37.819 --> 01:57:40.659
And it is well worth the council to know

01:57:40.659 --> 01:57:44.460
whether it's a private entity

01:57:44.460 --> 01:57:47.420
or has it been annexed into the city

01:57:47.420 --> 01:57:49.140
or is it still private?

01:57:49.140 --> 01:57:54.100
Because if it's not exposed, if it's not a public venture,

01:57:54.100 --> 01:57:57.699
then it can't be a private venture is what I'm getting at.

01:57:57.699 --> 01:58:01.960
We can't be using asset of the city taxpayers

01:58:01.960 --> 01:58:04.539
to accommodate a particular location

01:58:04.539 --> 01:58:06.859
if it was ever considered private.

01:58:06.859 --> 01:58:10.859
And from my understanding, that might be what it is.

01:58:10.859 --> 01:58:15.260
If I do my homework, but that's the reason why I ask,

01:58:15.260 --> 01:58:19.659
if six months down the road can give us enough time

01:58:19.659 --> 01:58:24.140
to understand that whole particular community,

01:58:24.140 --> 01:58:28.659
so we wouldn't know for sure what governs them

01:58:28.659 --> 01:58:30.699
and why now, you know.

01:58:30.699 --> 01:58:32.340
Well, if I could just answer that.

01:58:32.340 --> 01:58:47.840
This is to set up a special service area for that community that lives on Gladewood so that there can be a special assessment to those residents that will contribute to the maintenance of Gladewood.

01:58:47.840 --> 01:58:48.340
Okay.

01:58:50.340 --> 01:58:51.340
I have a question.

01:58:51.340 --> 01:58:52.340
Alderman Simmons.

01:58:52.340 --> 01:58:59.340
So everything else, the hearing is posted, the hearing is had, then it comes to us for approval.

01:58:59.340 --> 01:59:05.340
Why is this being done backwards, where we're approving the ordinance then having the hearing?

01:59:05.340 --> 01:59:08.340
Attorney Azzito can answer that.

01:59:08.340 --> 01:59:14.340
So for special service areas, state statute says it's a two step, well let's call it three step process.

01:59:14.340 --> 01:59:20.340
You have this initial ordinance that will set the date for the hearing there, so you have to adopt this here.

01:59:20.340 --> 01:59:27.340
I refer to it as the proposing ordinance. You're proposing the special service area and you're setting the date for the hearing.

01:59:27.340 --> 01:59:39.840
Then you have the hearing. After you have the hearing, there's a 60-day wait period where citizens have the ability to file a petition objecting to the creation of the special service area.

01:59:39.840 --> 01:59:47.340
If 51% of the owners within the proposed special service area object to it, then you can't form it.

01:59:47.340 --> 01:59:51.340
But let's assume that you don't get 51% objecting to it, alright?

01:59:51.340 --> 01:59:57.020
then the last step, the third step would be the establishing ordinance that actually establishes

01:59:57.020 --> 01:59:58.020
it.

01:59:58.020 --> 02:00:00.020
because of

02:00:00.020 --> 02:00:30.020
Staple, Staple,

02:00:30.020 --> 02:00:54.780
and Stacey. Okay, so by us agreeing to this tonight, are we tying our hands forever to

02:00:54.780 --> 02:01:07.820
to set a hearing. No. No. This is just for setting a hearing. Yes. Right. You're saying

02:01:07.820 --> 02:01:13.340
by adopting this ordinance, you're basically saying we agree to move forward with the process

02:01:13.340 --> 02:01:18.420
and that process that involves, number one, picking a hearing date, two, publishing notice

02:01:18.420 --> 02:01:22.980
in the newspaper of what that hearing date is, conducting the public hearing so the public

02:01:22.980 --> 02:01:29.180
can come and express their opinion. Waiting that 60-day objection period and then having

02:01:29.180 --> 02:01:35.580
a final ordinance if you don't have the requisite number of objectors. Because again, if 51%

02:01:35.580 --> 02:01:40.100
of the owners, property owners say they don't want the SSA, then you can't form it there.

02:01:40.100 --> 02:01:44.660
But let's assume you don't get 51 objecting to it, then it comes right back to the council

02:01:44.660 --> 02:01:49.300
for that second ordinance where you guys can vote on whether or not to form it or not.

02:01:49.300 --> 02:02:00.940
No and it won't be formed. Alderman Monroe. Thank you Madam Mayor. So this

02:02:00.940 --> 02:02:06.380
question is to the staff it you know if this is approved what does that do with

02:02:06.380 --> 02:02:14.020
Gladewood as far as on the five-year plan and what work was done prior or do we

02:02:14.020 --> 02:02:17.940
know what work was done with the road surface so does that mean this is an

02:02:17.940 --> 02:02:22.220
and additional amount of work for the city to repair that road because Gladewood is in

02:02:22.220 --> 02:02:23.220
horrible shape.

02:02:23.220 --> 02:02:29.220
Yeah, I could probably answer that for you Alderman Monroe, essentially we would have

02:02:29.220 --> 02:02:36.220
to schedule there's two main parts of this, three actually, the entrance and the exit

02:02:36.220 --> 02:02:42.680
need to be basically taken down and new base installed and the re-asphalted.

02:02:42.680 --> 02:02:49.000
At that point that's kind of the most problematic areas at this time outside of just normal

02:02:49.000 --> 02:02:55.160
maintenance and then it would be up to council as we look forward into our road program as

02:02:55.160 --> 02:02:58.840
to where that falls in terms of a reconstruct.

02:02:58.840 --> 02:03:05.020
So it is fully depreciated, it's in pretty bad shape and but I will say it will be up

02:03:05.020 --> 02:03:09.640
to the council to decide where that falls within the road program moving forward.

02:03:09.640 --> 02:03:14.640
Is that the city's responsibility? To fix them roads?

02:03:15.640 --> 02:03:37.640
If the city brings Gladewood in as a city street, it would then be a city street. However, the special service area is a way to recapture some of the expenses related to the road by adding that to the residents that currently live on Gladewood to participate with that renovation.

02:03:37.640 --> 02:03:41.640
Do you know how many roads is ahead of them roads?

02:03:43.640 --> 02:03:45.640
Yep, we have a lot of roads that need work.

02:03:47.640 --> 02:03:48.640
Alderman Sanders

02:03:50.640 --> 02:03:55.640
Yeah, man, it seems like we've been, we're going in a loop here.

02:03:59.640 --> 02:04:01.640
That property is private

02:04:01.640 --> 02:04:03.640
and others.

02:04:03.640 --> 02:04:07.640
Simply because you're indicating that it is.

02:04:07.640 --> 02:04:12.640
For us to take over and pave roads and things of this nature, it has to be city property.

02:04:12.640 --> 02:04:14.640
Okay.

02:04:14.640 --> 02:04:16.640
And it's not city property yet.

02:04:16.640 --> 02:04:17.640
It's not?

02:04:17.640 --> 02:04:18.640
No.

02:04:18.640 --> 02:04:19.640
It's not city property.

02:04:19.640 --> 02:04:24.640
You can keep shaking your head until I find out much more about the situation.

02:04:24.640 --> 02:04:30.640
Because you have not demonstrated or shown any reason for me not to say otherwise.

02:04:30.640 --> 02:04:37.280
Okay, so the thing is, the thing is, all of the investment that is being considered, we're

02:04:37.280 --> 02:04:43.200
talking about restructuring things over there without an assessment, without an evaluation

02:04:43.200 --> 02:04:48.960
that the council know about. We don't know what the whole scope of the matter is. We're

02:04:48.960 --> 02:04:55.040
in the dark right now, and keeping us in the dark about the whole atmosphere over there,

02:04:55.040 --> 02:04:56.040
and others.

02:04:56.040 --> 02:04:57.940
It's not good practice.

02:04:57.940 --> 02:05:02.480
And so my thing is, you bring this to the council, you're bringing this to the council

02:05:02.480 --> 02:05:08.120
and we're asking things that sometimes we're not privy to.

02:05:08.120 --> 02:05:12.300
We're asking for things that you have not conveyed to us.

02:05:12.300 --> 02:05:16.960
And if we have not been exposed to any of this, we don't know what we're getting.

02:05:16.960 --> 02:05:19.600
You know, we don't know whether we're getting a clown in a bucket.

02:05:19.600 --> 02:05:21.040
We don't know that yet.

02:05:21.040 --> 02:05:26.760
and so on until we look at the condition and what we're accepting because right now, as

02:05:26.760 --> 02:05:34.040
the way it looks right now, the investment that I'm hearing is that it's coming on the

02:05:34.040 --> 02:05:40.840
people to make a proper investment into the project of this thing, of this nature.

02:05:40.840 --> 02:05:48.000
And so my thing is, where does the taxpayers come in at or the city come in at to help

02:05:48.000 --> 02:05:50.080
that particular service?

02:05:50.080 --> 02:06:01.000
Are we being used, in other words, are we being compromised with an area that we don't

02:06:01.000 --> 02:06:08.920
know anything about. So we need to be able to justify why it is that we want to look into

02:06:08.920 --> 02:06:15.280
this matter. And we're not doing that and I don't feel that, I don't feel comparable,

02:06:15.280 --> 02:06:22.280
I don't feel comfortable with the fact that I'm sitting here with my mind scrambling about

02:06:22.280 --> 02:06:29.760
this whole thing. I don't like that, you know. And I'm going to be frank with you. Let us

02:06:29.760 --> 02:06:36.960
do diligence and bring it to the Council in a proper way so we can make an evaluation

02:06:36.960 --> 02:06:41.960
of what is being done. The same thing about the water well and the septics over there.

02:06:41.960 --> 02:06:46.280
We still don't know what's going on and things of this nature.

02:06:46.280 --> 02:06:47.280
Why?

02:06:47.280 --> 02:06:49.000
Because we don't have nothing tangible.

02:06:49.000 --> 02:06:51.080
We don't have no documentation.

02:06:51.080 --> 02:06:53.040
We don't have nothing in writing.

02:06:53.040 --> 02:06:56.520
And every time you guys open up your mouth, we're supposed to believe everything that's

02:06:56.520 --> 02:07:03.340
coming out of your mouth because we're not looking at anything that you're telling us.

02:07:03.340 --> 02:07:05.560
And you've got to produce something.

02:07:05.560 --> 02:07:10.880
You just can't just come to the council and explain to the council what you want to do

02:07:10.880 --> 02:07:22.780
and what you and what we can't see that's that I like for everything to be in documentation so I can see whether or not it holds anyone accountable for what they're saying to the Council.

02:07:22.780 --> 02:07:25.680
Alderman Sanders please.

02:07:25.680 --> 02:07:28.180
Alderman Sanders.

02:07:28.180 --> 02:07:40.480
Mayor Alderman Sanders, Mayor Alderman,

02:07:40.480 --> 02:07:45.060
Alderman Sanders we have not met in many months.

02:07:45.060 --> 02:07:46.420
I have called you.

02:07:46.420 --> 02:07:47.980
I have asked you to come in.

02:07:47.980 --> 02:07:50.160
I have invited you to lunch.

02:07:50.160 --> 02:08:07.600
I've done everything I know what to do to have time to discuss these questions you might have show you the only time I get to talk to you is at council meeting. So I apologize that you're confused and don't understand what we're doing here. But please come in. I'll be happy to enlighten you.

02:08:08.240 --> 02:08:11.480
Yeah, some things are not being disclosed. All I have to say.

02:08:11.480 --> 02:08:13.480
Is there anything on Alderman Shadle?

02:08:13.480 --> 02:08:34.480
Yeah, I was actually just going to mention how odd it was that you hadn't been abreast of any of this because I've discussed it with Manager Boyer numerous times over the last nine months because I get into his office and we have discussions and that's how you stay up on topics.

02:08:34.480 --> 02:08:37.480
Yeah, I resent your comment too.

02:08:37.480 --> 02:08:42.720
is there any other discussion

02:08:42.720 --> 02:08:46.960
well we do have uh... request for suspension of the rules if uh...

02:08:46.960 --> 02:08:51.480
we want to go, Attorney Texas you want to add to something first

02:08:51.480 --> 02:08:55.040
if we're going to suspend the rules the ordinances presented doesn't have a date

02:08:55.040 --> 02:08:58.440
currently scheduled for that hearing the idea was that that would be scheduled at

02:08:58.440 --> 02:08:59.360
some point

02:08:59.360 --> 02:09:01.900
so i would suggest if you're going to suspend the rules and pass that this

02:09:01.900 --> 02:09:06.480
evening you just want to set a range of dates that that staff can set that

02:09:06.480 --> 02:09:08.320
somewhere outside of 15 days.

02:09:08.320 --> 02:09:11.040
There's a statutory requirement there.

02:09:11.040 --> 02:09:13.040
So if you'd set a range of dates,

02:09:13.040 --> 02:09:17.720
I would suggest between, say, 20 and 40 days out,

02:09:17.720 --> 02:09:19.800
we can find a date that City Hall is available

02:09:19.800 --> 02:09:21.600
and have that hearing.

02:09:21.600 --> 02:09:24.800
But as drafted, the ordinance calls for a specific date,

02:09:24.800 --> 02:09:26.560
and I think just passing that tonight

02:09:26.560 --> 02:09:28.000
could create some confusion.

02:09:31.920 --> 02:09:33.140
So how do we move forward on this?

02:09:33.140 --> 02:09:35.600
Do we suspend the rule, ask for that first,

02:09:35.600 --> 02:09:37.200
or do we ask for a date?

02:09:37.200 --> 02:09:39.400
He's still in discussion, right?

02:09:39.400 --> 02:09:41.280
Yes.

02:09:41.280 --> 02:09:44.480
So if this is accepted and this passes,

02:09:44.480 --> 02:09:49.200
then they will get their entryways done right away.

02:09:49.200 --> 02:09:50.600
Is that correct?

02:09:50.600 --> 02:09:52.200
Like you said, that would be the first thing

02:09:52.200 --> 02:09:55.080
that needs to be handled.

02:09:55.080 --> 02:09:57.560
I get that this is a multi-stage process,

02:09:57.560 --> 02:10:00.000
so the first step is going to be doing a hearing.

02:10:00.000 --> 02:10:01.000
and others.

02:10:01.000 --> 02:10:02.000
The next step is going to be doing a hearing.

02:10:02.000 --> 02:10:03.000
And that's all we're approving tonight.

02:10:03.000 --> 02:10:08.000
Oh, I'm saying though, once we do the hearing and it passes, they agree and it comes back.

02:10:08.000 --> 02:10:19.199
If it passes, Council, final step, didn't you say that the entryways to the streets

02:10:19.199 --> 02:10:21.000
would be done right away?

02:10:21.000 --> 02:10:26.460
Well, when I say right away, we're looking at 2026, it'll be in the construction plan

02:10:26.460 --> 02:10:27.460
for 2026.

02:10:27.460 --> 02:10:30.460
We've already scheduled everything for 25.

02:10:30.460 --> 02:10:31.460
Okay.

02:10:31.460 --> 02:10:32.460
So, follow-up.

02:10:32.460 --> 02:10:41.300
Once we're all said and done, if this is approved and passed as final step, for a few hundred

02:10:41.300 --> 02:10:46.859
dollars a year on their taxes, they get to skip the line and be part of 2026.

02:10:46.859 --> 02:10:53.539
Only on the entryway and exit, about 200 feet on the entry and exit, and there's certainly

02:10:53.539 --> 02:10:59.840
T, and so forth. They've got to be about a mile of road back in there that needs work as well. It's just dealing with the proximate issue.

02:10:59.840 --> 02:11:17.140
Thank you. Alderman, Monroe. Thank you Madam Mayor. So why is this being brought forward today and why not sooner? Why has this been kind of an emergency, kind of move forward and get it into 2026?

02:11:17.140 --> 02:11:22.720
because we just received all the petitions we need to move forward so

02:11:22.720 --> 02:11:27.100
we've been in negotiations talking to the residents they've been talking to each

02:11:27.100 --> 02:11:33.659
other and I was just presented it wasn't last week but the prior week with all

02:11:33.659 --> 02:11:37.460
the petitions necessary to move forward

02:11:38.939 --> 02:11:46.979
Alderman Sellers and also the residents they are contributing to to some of this

02:11:46.979 --> 02:11:49.060
Swerve, correct?

02:11:49.060 --> 02:11:54.180
In the big, yes, there's a $400 per year special assessment on each property out there.

02:11:54.180 --> 02:12:03.979
I think the total will be about $90,000 when it's all said and done.

02:12:03.979 --> 02:12:09.579
Actually Alderman Monroe, you, Stacy, Sanders, and Simmons have all spoken twice.

02:12:09.579 --> 02:12:16.180
So any further discussion?

02:12:16.180 --> 02:12:22.199
I was just going to comment that there's several people from the Gladewood area here tonight,

02:12:22.199 --> 02:12:26.939
one of which Mr. Larson was kind of their spokesperson.

02:12:26.939 --> 02:12:34.180
Not for me, I'm not speaking for me, I'm the President, I'm speaking for myself.

02:12:34.180 --> 02:12:38.180
During the meetings, he was speaking on behalf of the Gladewood group that came.

02:12:38.180 --> 02:12:45.180
Not for me, I'm not speaking for myself, I'm not speaking for myself.

02:12:45.180 --> 02:12:56.180
Okay, so, if there's no further discussion on this ordinance of setting a hearing, is there a motion to suspend the rule so we can keep that moving forward?

02:13:01.680 --> 02:13:09.680
Taking into consideration Attorney Cox's comment, so again, this is just about moving the setting of the hearing forward.

02:13:09.680 --> 02:13:27.680
I would probably recommend a motion to amend the ordinance first to set a date and it can be something generic like after, after the COW meeting, you can set it after the COW and then, you know, within, you know, 20 days after the COW or something like that.

02:13:27.680 --> 02:13:35.680
So motion second on that amendment. Then once the date is, that range is set, then you can ask for a motion to suspend the rules.

02:13:35.680 --> 02:13:57.039
So is there a motion to amend? Motion to amend. To set the meeting dates from 20 to 40 days

02:13:57.039 --> 02:14:02.399
from now. All right. That would get us past the count.

02:14:02.399 --> 02:14:10.680
So we have a motion to amend this, setting this hearing date for 20 to 40 days out.

02:14:10.680 --> 02:14:11.680
Is there a second?

02:14:11.680 --> 02:14:12.680
Second.

02:14:12.680 --> 02:14:16.960
We have a motion made by Shadle, seconded by Sellers.

02:14:16.960 --> 02:14:21.319
Any discussion on the amendment itself?

02:14:21.319 --> 02:14:25.920
Seeing none, Madam Clerk, could you please take the roll on the amendment of adding 20

02:14:25.920 --> 02:14:26.920
to 40 days?

02:14:26.920 --> 02:14:27.920
Stacy?

02:14:27.920 --> 02:14:28.920
Aye.

02:14:28.920 --> 02:14:29.920
Shadle?

02:14:29.920 --> 02:14:30.920
Aye.

02:14:30.920 --> 02:14:31.920
Sanders?

02:14:31.920 --> 02:14:40.800
Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Nope. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The motion passes 7 to 1.

02:14:40.800 --> 02:14:45.319
Okay now now if you want to have a motion to suspend so we can keep

02:14:45.319 --> 02:14:52.100
moving forward I'll need that if that's your preference. Motion to suspend the

02:14:52.100 --> 02:15:00.119
rules. Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm

02:15:00.119 --> 02:15:03.920
to suspend the rules again suspension of the rules is two-thirds majority and

02:15:03.920 --> 02:15:07.880
non-debatable so madam clerk could you please take the role on the suspension

02:15:07.880 --> 02:15:16.359
only for settings hearing Stacy Shadle aye Sanders no Sellers aye Clem all right

02:15:16.359 --> 02:15:24.960
Monroe no Simmons no Parker I the motion fails four to four okay well then we will

02:15:24.960 --> 02:15:31.840
We'll move this ordinance on to the next regularly scheduled meeting.

02:15:31.840 --> 02:15:37.060
Item number 16 is the first reading of Ordinance 2025-24, could you please read this?

02:15:37.060 --> 02:15:42.399
Ordinance amending the codified ordinances, Chapter 806, Alcoholic Liquor Sales, and deleting

02:15:42.399 --> 02:15:46.479
Chapter 844, Mechanical and Electronic Games and Devices.

02:15:46.479 --> 02:15:47.479
Thank you.

02:15:47.479 --> 02:15:49.600
Attorney Cox?

02:15:49.600 --> 02:16:07.600
So, relatively nominal changes here. There's a suggestion from the Liquor Commission that the gaming fees provisions in 806, you'll see the changes on the chart there for the licensing fee.

02:16:07.600 --> 02:16:15.600
We currently charge $250 for an annual fee and then $250 per terminal for video gaming.

02:16:15.600 --> 02:16:20.680
The Liquor Commission is suggesting that we we institute an issuance fee for new

02:16:20.680 --> 02:16:24.680
licenses that would only be paid once. Currently we have issuance fees for most

02:16:24.680 --> 02:16:31.300
tiers of licenses and then that the annual fee be increased to $500 and then

02:16:31.300 --> 02:16:37.200
$500 per terminal. After some research at the Liquor Commission level it was

02:16:37.200 --> 02:16:43.479
apparent that we're on the low end of the range for Home Rule communities so

02:16:43.479 --> 02:16:48.200
So moving it up to the 500 to 500 and 500 kind of brings us more towards the middle,

02:16:48.200 --> 02:16:53.799
something you would see with the, certainly with the suburbs, we charge much more.

02:16:53.799 --> 02:17:03.299
And then Chapter 844 is simply, it's being suggested that we remove Chapter 844 simply

02:17:03.299 --> 02:17:09.540
because that brings in probably around 100 bucks or 200 bucks of revenue a year and creates

02:17:09.540 --> 02:17:10.540
and so forth.

02:17:10.540 --> 02:17:13.860
So that's a lot of staff time in the clerk's office.

02:17:13.860 --> 02:17:18.819
There are very few establishments, and Debbie, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's

02:17:18.819 --> 02:17:26.319
somewhere in the area of a handful of places that have this license where they actually

02:17:26.319 --> 02:17:27.459
pay a fee.

02:17:27.459 --> 02:17:30.780
We waive the fee if they also pay so we don't double dip.

02:17:30.780 --> 02:17:36.899
If you have a video gaming supplemental license, your fee is waived for mechanical gaming.

02:17:36.899 --> 02:18:06.899
So we create a bunch of work in the clerk's office and then don't collect any fees for it and is, I certainly remember, I'm sure most of you do, the reason for the mechanical gaming provisions in the first place were the arcades from the 80s and 90s, that's what those were intended for, those weren't regulated by the state, they weren't, so you had all this local regulation. We don't have those anymore. Now we have video gaming and that's all regulated heavily by the state.

02:18:06.899 --> 02:18:21.899
We regulate that locally, we charge fees on that, but we just are not dollars ahead on Chapter 844, so the recommendation is we just get rid of that.

02:18:21.899 --> 02:18:25.899
And I'm happy to answer any questions on any of that if anybody has them.

02:18:25.899 --> 02:18:28.899
I'll first entertain a motion to move this forward.

02:18:28.899 --> 02:18:29.899
It's all moved.

02:18:29.899 --> 02:18:30.899
Second.

02:18:30.899 --> 02:18:37.739
Motion made by Shadle, seconded by Sellers to move Ordinance 2025-24 forward.

02:18:37.739 --> 02:18:40.540
Questions for Attorney Cox?

02:18:40.540 --> 02:18:41.540
Alderman Sanders?

02:18:41.540 --> 02:18:51.379
Yeah, you're requesting for the removal of the mechanical part of it.

02:18:51.379 --> 02:18:55.180
Is there a reason why you want that to be removed?

02:18:55.180 --> 02:19:04.540
again it's the the chapter 844 mechanical gaming only applies to as Clerk Anderson

02:19:04.540 --> 02:19:10.819
indicated I think we have three of those licenses that actually pay for for that

02:19:10.819 --> 02:19:15.020
license fee generating a few hundred hours for the city yet we take in all

02:19:15.020 --> 02:19:19.540
those applications and the the clerk's office has to process them okay and it's

02:19:19.540 --> 02:19:24.020
just not something that we have trouble with something that the staff feels

02:19:24.020 --> 02:19:27.700
really needs to be regulated at this point again it's not the 80s and 90s

02:19:27.700 --> 02:19:31.500
where we had our video arcades and pinball and all this stuff this is a

02:19:31.500 --> 02:19:37.059
few pool tables and dartboards really that we run into okay all right thank

02:19:37.059 --> 02:19:43.260
you thank you madam mayor I'm gonna put this into you know normal speak if you

02:19:43.260 --> 02:19:49.379
will do away with 844 which was double dipping as you called it and double the

02:19:49.379 --> 02:19:55.379
We're going to double the tax on the machines, which is double dipping.

02:19:55.379 --> 02:19:59.379
It's mind boggling that we're going to double the rates.

02:19:59.379 --> 02:20:29.379
the rates and increase of taxes generates $60,000 more in revenue and you know here we are again raising a tax on the citizens of Freeport and we've been doing that over and over and over again and we hide it in the water bill, we hide it in the tax on the machines, we hide it into every tax and you know at some point you have to draw the line and you say enough is enough

02:20:29.379 --> 02:20:35.799
and the citizens of Freeport, gentleman that was in here earlier is upset about having

02:20:35.799 --> 02:20:40.519
to pay an extra fee when he's already been paying city taxes on his property.

02:20:40.519 --> 02:20:46.920
So these types of things have got to be addressed in a more succinct manner and you just can't

02:20:46.920 --> 02:20:50.659
say okay well we're going to do away with this but we'll raise this fee.

02:20:50.659 --> 02:20:56.239
When this brought in $200 this brings in $60,000 and think you're doing the community good,

02:20:56.239 --> 02:21:01.399
We're helping two people, Ms. Anderson, who I agree she probably needs the help along with

02:21:01.399 --> 02:21:10.119
her deputy, but $60,000 a year in increased fees, you know, you got to wonder how it's

02:21:10.119 --> 02:21:15.039
going to affect the businesses and the bars and everybody else that we're actually bringing

02:21:15.039 --> 02:21:19.719
additional tax dollars in on, on the beer and the, you know, the food and everything

02:21:19.719 --> 02:21:20.719
else that they're serving.

02:21:20.719 --> 02:21:27.719
Do you want to say anything? Alderman Klemm.

02:21:29.719 --> 02:21:34.359
That's not quite true, but it sounded real good. There isn't a person in the room here

02:21:34.359 --> 02:21:40.319
that has to go use a gaming machine. This has been through the Liquor Commission, been talked

02:21:40.319 --> 02:21:47.000
about, excuse me, in the Liquor Commission for about a year and a half or so. We found

02:21:47.000 --> 02:21:51.000
that we are completely, completely way under

02:21:51.000 --> 02:21:55.559
what other cities of our size are charging for these units.

02:21:55.559 --> 02:21:59.239
And if you take a look at the gaming board

02:21:59.239 --> 02:22:02.719
that you can go to and look at everybody's making a nickel,

02:22:02.719 --> 02:22:04.679
there isn't one of those people going broke

02:22:04.679 --> 02:22:06.279
and all that we're asking for

02:22:06.279 --> 02:22:09.239
is a little more fair share for the city.

02:22:09.239 --> 02:22:10.059
Thank you.

02:22:10.059 --> 02:22:17.059
No further discussion?

02:22:17.059 --> 02:22:21.059
Then we will move this on to the next City Council meeting.

02:22:21.059 --> 02:22:23.059
Thank you, Attorney Cox.

02:22:23.059 --> 02:22:27.059
Item number 17 is the adoption of Resolution 2025-31.

02:22:27.059 --> 02:22:30.059
Could you please read this?

02:22:30.059 --> 02:22:35.059
Resolution ratifying agreement with United Diagnostic Service or UDS

02:22:35.059 --> 02:22:38.059
to provide firefighter health and safety screenings.

02:22:38.059 --> 02:22:55.059
Good evening Madam Mayor, Manager, Board and Councilmembers. Before you is a request for adoption ratifying an agreement with United Diagnostic Services, LLC, to provide firefighter and health safety screenings.

02:22:55.059 --> 02:23:13.059
This resolution was discussed at the March 10th Committee of the Whole meeting and was previously placed on the agenda for March 17th Council meeting for adoption but was not able to be completed due to scheduling, completed before the scheduled date of the screenings.

02:23:13.059 --> 02:23:18.059
The screenings have since taken place and were provided to 45 members of the department.

02:23:18.059 --> 02:23:25.259
The dates of the screening were established on three consecutive days, March 20th, 21st, and 22nd.

02:23:25.259 --> 02:23:30.839
These screenings again utilized ultrasound to look for conditions related to cancers,

02:23:30.839 --> 02:23:37.699
related to thyroid, liver, gallbladder, bladder, prostate, proper heart functioning,

02:23:37.699 --> 02:23:40.779
and assessment of the aorta and carotid arteries.

02:23:40.779 --> 02:23:44.059
These screenings have now established a baseline for our department,

02:23:44.059 --> 02:23:48.420
and we hope to continue them, the recommended every two years.

02:23:48.420 --> 02:23:53.420
The cost of the screenings was $14,625,

02:23:53.819 --> 02:23:57.199
that is $325 per individual,

02:23:57.199 --> 02:24:00.199
and the full cost was covered by funding

02:24:00.199 --> 02:24:03.859
from the department's Foreign Fire Insurance Board Fund.

02:24:04.959 --> 02:24:05.799
Thank you.

02:24:05.799 --> 02:24:07.199
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:24:07.199 --> 02:24:08.039
So moved.

02:24:08.039 --> 02:24:09.139
Second.

02:24:09.139 --> 02:24:10.799
Motion made by Alderman Seller,

02:24:10.799 --> 02:24:13.539
seconded by Alderman Shadle.

02:24:13.539 --> 02:24:33.459
Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, Parker, The Resolution is adopted 8-0.

02:24:33.459 --> 02:24:38.579
Item 18 is the Adoption of Resolution 2025-33, could you please read this?

02:24:38.579 --> 02:25:08.579
O'Rourke, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor, Mayor

02:25:08.579 --> 02:25:15.099
Pass is an ordinance which adopts the transportation services within Freeport and Stevenson County.

02:25:15.099 --> 02:25:19.939
The next step is a resolution authorizing an application to be made with the Office of

02:25:19.939 --> 02:25:25.759
Intermortal Project Implementation, which is IDOT, for financial assistance under the

02:25:25.759 --> 02:25:27.259
two grants.

02:25:27.259 --> 02:25:31.619
And that's what we're talking about in this particular resolution.

02:25:31.619 --> 02:25:36.979
The subsequent resolution is going to be about accepting a special warranty for public transportation

02:25:36.979 --> 02:25:37.779
and

02:25:37.779 --> 02:25:43.859
I'm not going to get to that right now and then finally after our applications been submitted

02:25:43.859 --> 02:25:47.379
there has to be a resolution accepting that the City of Freeport is participating in these

02:25:47.379 --> 02:25:53.119
grant programs. So there's several steps that are laid out for us to successfully operate

02:25:53.119 --> 02:25:59.079
our Pretzel City area transit program. So in this step staff is recommending a resolution

02:25:59.079 --> 02:26:02.979
authorizing an application to be made for these grant applications.

02:26:02.979 --> 02:26:05.119
Thank you. Is there a motion to adopt?

02:26:05.119 --> 02:26:06.119
So I'll move.

02:26:06.119 --> 02:26:07.119
Second.

02:26:07.119 --> 02:26:12.479
A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

02:26:12.479 --> 02:26:13.479
Discussion on the adoption?

02:26:13.479 --> 02:26:14.479
Alderman Sanders?

02:26:14.479 --> 02:26:24.879
Well, I really don't want to inject because it's such a valuable tool and I just wanted

02:26:24.879 --> 02:26:33.879
to commend you for getting involved in this with the grant processing and that it is so

02:26:33.879 --> 02:26:42.119
so much needed for those that are unfortunate to be able to be mobile is as accessible that

02:26:42.119 --> 02:26:43.719
they like to be.

02:26:43.719 --> 02:26:48.479
And so, yeah, just keep up the good work on that.

02:26:48.479 --> 02:26:51.799
I like what the whole concept is.

02:26:51.799 --> 02:26:52.799
Thank you.

02:26:52.799 --> 02:26:53.799
I appreciate that.

02:26:53.799 --> 02:26:55.759
But I do want to thank Sadie Grande.

02:26:55.759 --> 02:26:57.439
She's our transportation planner.

02:26:57.439 --> 02:27:02.500
She does a done a great job with this program, keeping everything on track and also Director

02:27:02.500 --> 02:27:05.619
Richter does a great job helping us as well there's a lot there's a large

02:27:05.619 --> 02:27:09.739
amount of financial work involved helping this program keep going but the

02:27:09.739 --> 02:27:14.619
support of council is greatly appreciated thank you very much. Any other

02:27:14.619 --> 02:27:19.219
discussion? Madam Clerk please take the roll.

02:27:19.219 --> 02:27:28.179
Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye.

02:27:28.179 --> 02:27:34.179
and Parker. The resolution is adopted eight to zero. Item number 19 is the

02:27:34.179 --> 02:27:39.859
adoption of resolution 2025-34. Could you please read this? Resolution accepting

02:27:39.859 --> 02:27:42.979
the special warranty for public transportation funding for the federal

02:27:42.979 --> 02:27:49.019
5311 grant for Pretzel City area transit. Director Duckman. Thank you Madam

02:27:49.019 --> 02:27:53.340
Mayor. So as promised earlier this is the subsequent resolution that would accept

02:27:53.340 --> 02:27:57.899
the special warranty for public transportation funding. This affirms that

02:27:57.899 --> 02:28:01.459
Transit employees will be treated fairly and equitably under the terms of the

02:28:01.459 --> 02:28:07.979
warranty. So in line with this, staff is recommending approval of this resolution.

02:28:07.979 --> 02:28:13.579
Is there a motion to adopt? So moved. Second.

02:28:15.179 --> 02:28:20.939
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion

02:28:20.939 --> 02:28:50.939
on this resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the role. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted, 8-0. Item number 20 is the adoption of resolution 2025-35. Could you please read this? Resolution adopting a certificate of authority to vote regarding Rock Salt Contract Joint Participation Agreements

02:28:50.939 --> 02:29:20.939
with the State of Illinois. Thank you, Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. The City of Freeport buys rock salt for snow removal operations every year. We are part of the state bid and they've made some changes, so we need to approve things a little earlier than in the past. So staff requests council move forward with this joint participation agreement so that Freeport can become part of the state rock salt program. Is there a motion to adopt? Motion to approve. Second.

02:29:20.939 --> 02:29:30.939
Shadle? We have a motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Discussion on the resolution? Alderman Sanders?

02:29:30.939 --> 02:29:45.939
Yeah, Manager Boyer, looking at the rock salt, we're just finalizing some roads that we're just installing.

02:29:45.939 --> 02:29:53.379
and my question is which we know that salt rock can be very, very destructive on roads

02:29:53.379 --> 02:29:59.459
and especially on new roads that have not settled within, within the frame.

02:29:59.459 --> 02:30:08.219
and the framework that we got everything placed on the surface. My thing is, my question would

02:30:08.219 --> 02:30:19.219
be is, is there any other resources or source that is more gentle on roads and still be

02:30:19.219 --> 02:30:26.919
able to be effective for the snow conditions and the road condition? I don't know if they

02:30:26.919 --> 02:30:32.799
have that or not, if it's going to cost us, I like to hear the difference between the

02:30:32.799 --> 02:30:36.279
comparisons and things of that nature.

02:30:36.279 --> 02:30:43.599
Just to answer your question, I think there's nothing more cost effective per ton than rock

02:30:43.599 --> 02:30:49.159
salt. Obviously the city used sand for a number of years. Sand plugs up the stormwater system.

02:30:49.159 --> 02:30:53.279
We end up having a lot more maintenance doing that. And there's some other melt products

02:30:53.279 --> 02:30:54.279
and Stacey.

02:30:54.279 --> 02:30:58.079
They're far more expensive than rock salt, so I hope that answers your question.

02:30:58.079 --> 02:31:00.079
Yeah, it does.

02:31:00.079 --> 02:31:02.519
There's no further discussion.

02:31:02.519 --> 02:31:04.319
Alderman Stacey.

02:31:04.319 --> 02:31:07.779
What does joint participation consist of?

02:31:07.779 --> 02:31:12.199
It's essentially the commitment to the city to work with the state on this rock salt program

02:31:12.199 --> 02:31:14.399
in the past.

02:31:14.399 --> 02:31:18.000
We essentially order it and what's happened is some communities didn't need it backed

02:31:18.000 --> 02:31:22.799
out so they're adding this change so that they can make sure that everybody who participates

02:31:22.799 --> 02:31:52.799
Johnson, John, John, John, John,

02:31:52.799 --> 02:32:00.359
that's correct for the most part we we use everything we order it's hard

02:32:00.359 --> 02:32:05.039
sometimes to to guess because it all depends on the weather but we've been

02:32:05.039 --> 02:32:13.039
somewhere in the 300 ton range for some time there's no further discussion

02:32:13.039 --> 02:32:25.000
Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, and Parker. The resolution

02:32:25.000 --> 02:32:31.639
is adopted 8 to 0. And item number 21 is the adoption of resolution 2025-36. Could

02:32:31.639 --> 02:32:35.559
you please read this? Resolution ratifying emergency repairs of a blower

02:32:35.559 --> 02:32:41.000
at the city's wastewater treatment plant by precision drive control. Manager,

02:32:41.000 --> 02:32:46.119
Thank you your honor. Recently we had a failure, bearing failure on one of our

02:32:46.119 --> 02:32:51.279
large blowers that services the BAF building or the biologically

02:32:51.279 --> 02:32:56.399
activated, I'm sorry, the biological air filtration system. So this particular

02:32:56.399 --> 02:33:02.879
project to have it rebuilt is about $17,000. That's compared to $41,000 to

02:33:02.879 --> 02:33:07.559
replace it so we're repairing it and staff is asking City Council just to

02:33:07.559 --> 02:33:11.439
Radify this Emergency Equipment Repair.

02:33:11.439 --> 02:33:13.959
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:33:13.959 --> 02:33:15.000
Second.

02:33:15.000 --> 02:33:16.639
We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm,

02:33:16.639 --> 02:33:18.719
seconded by Alderman Shadle.

02:33:18.719 --> 02:33:21.959
Discussion on this resolution?

02:33:21.959 --> 02:33:23.419
Madam Clerk, please take the role.

02:33:23.419 --> 02:33:23.919
Stacy?

02:33:28.599 --> 02:33:30.479
Can I ask a question?

02:33:30.479 --> 02:33:31.399
Sure.

02:33:31.399 --> 02:33:34.279
How old is this blower?

02:33:34.279 --> 02:33:36.439
Oh, gosh.

02:33:36.439 --> 02:33:43.439
and Parker with one abstentia the resolution is adopted. Item number 22 is the adoption of resolution 2025-37 could you please read the resolution?

02:34:06.439 --> 02:34:13.439
Resolution Approving the Purchase of Streetlight Fixtures from Electrical Resource Management

02:34:13.439 --> 02:34:14.439
Manager Boyer

02:34:14.439 --> 02:34:15.439
Thank you, Your Honor.

02:34:15.439 --> 02:34:19.919
Now the City of Freeport has an annual maintenance agreement for the traffic signals and streetlights

02:34:19.919 --> 02:34:21.639
in I-DOT corridors.

02:34:21.639 --> 02:34:25.439
Many of the streetlights on top of the traffic signals are failing due to age and require

02:34:25.439 --> 02:34:26.799
replacement.

02:34:26.799 --> 02:34:31.279
Parts of the incandescent lights are more complicated to find and expensive, and the

02:34:31.279 --> 02:34:38.439
City staff submitted a grant proposal to ComEd and was awarded $20,000 toward the 70 light

02:34:38.439 --> 02:34:43.479
replacement project, which includes changing to LEDs.

02:34:43.479 --> 02:34:49.359
Each light will be 252 watts, as requested by IDOT specification, and the city needs

02:34:49.359 --> 02:34:56.639
to replace 70 of these aging street lights, which are metal halide, that are still dim

02:34:56.639 --> 02:35:00.239
and failing in the IDOT corridors.

02:35:00.239 --> 02:35:03.679
We're talking primarily about West Street, Galena, and South Street.

02:35:03.679 --> 02:35:07.219
As part of the maintenance agreement, the project was planned for 25 due to the large

02:35:07.219 --> 02:35:10.059
number of lights that are experiencing issues.

02:35:10.059 --> 02:35:15.279
The city crews can self-perform these installations to these lights as the signals have power

02:35:15.279 --> 02:35:18.239
shut off that are accessible to staff.

02:35:18.239 --> 02:35:22.839
Public Works Department can charge IDOT for our installation.

02:35:22.839 --> 02:35:26.239
The costs include traffic controls that are needed.

02:35:26.239 --> 02:35:32.679
Each intersection area has a varying allowable percentage of established replacement in cost

02:35:32.679 --> 02:35:39.000
share on the schedule between 30 and 100 percent and that's per our maintenance agreement with

02:35:39.000 --> 02:35:40.000
IDOT.

02:35:40.000 --> 02:35:46.479
This is a quick hitting project that must be completed by June of 2025 and that is primarily

02:35:46.479 --> 02:35:50.000
due to the fact that we are working with that ComEd grant.

02:35:50.000 --> 02:35:56.199
So the project cost for the fixtures are currently estimated to be less than $10,000 but it will

02:35:56.199 --> 02:36:06.779
Costs the City less than $10,000 after the ComEd Grant and the IDOT share reimbursement are completed and the City Street Department budgeted $20,000 for street lights in 2025.

02:36:06.779 --> 02:36:15.000
$10,000 was anticipated to fund this project. However, please note the City has spent $23,000 on the new crime reduction lighting recently.

02:36:15.000 --> 02:36:19.159
So staff recommends moving forward.

02:36:19.159 --> 02:36:20.599
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:36:20.599 --> 02:36:21.459
So move.

02:36:21.459 --> 02:36:22.919
Second.

02:36:22.919 --> 02:36:30.359
Motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle. Discussion? Alderman Sanders?

02:36:30.359 --> 02:36:43.239
Yeah, this will be a contract even though a grant is being presented. We'll be contracting this out if we are awarded a grant. How does that work?

02:36:43.239 --> 02:36:48.599
No, the staff is going to reduce the cost of the installation by doing it ourselves.

02:36:48.599 --> 02:36:51.799
we're going to do the in-house we're going to do it in-house we have our own

02:36:54.199 --> 02:37:00.519
what i want to say skill guys that can go out and do this work and we do we have a lot of projects

02:37:00.519 --> 02:37:06.439
to be working on all the time but this one is really necessary and it's a good use of so would

02:37:06.439 --> 02:37:11.799
that cover all of the street lights throughout the city no no the the map that's included with your

02:37:11.799 --> 02:37:38.579
Taylor, John, O'Rourke, Dan, John, Uswine, Patrick, and

02:37:38.579 --> 02:37:48.579
70, 70 of them. And we're getting 20,000 from ComEd and IDOT?

02:37:48.579 --> 02:37:55.579
Yeah, we'll get approximately 20,000 from ComEd, and then I think IDOT's a cost share depending on the cost of each intersection.

02:37:55.579 --> 02:38:06.579
So the total project's around 40,000. We should get a little over 20,000 from ComEd. If we can complete by June, there's a little bit of a, they call it a kickstart bonus.

02:38:06.579 --> 02:38:17.579
and then we can cost share the rest through our IDOT maintenance agreement so our public work staff will keep track of their time and materials and we'll be able to bill that out to IDOT.

02:38:17.579 --> 02:38:22.579
Each intersection in Freeport, so these are the lights that are on top of the traffic signals.

02:38:22.579 --> 02:38:31.579
Each one of them in town has a different cost center so one intersection might be 30%, the next one might be 50 and the next one might be 100.

02:38:31.579 --> 02:39:01.579
We have an Excel spreadsheet that shows that so we can take our hours and let's say just for simple math we had $100 to put this intersection in or $1,000 and it's a 30% so we can bill them $300 of our time and we get to mark our time up like we're a contractor so it's a good benefit to us Okay so how much is this going to cost the city? It will be less than $10,000 I can't gauge that until we have the time to put it up but we'll get 20 from comments

02:39:01.579 --> 02:39:06.699
and we should be able to bill out of the remaining 20 at least 10 if not 15 tied up.

02:39:06.699 --> 02:39:13.099
And this is coming out our original this 10 or less is coming out our original

02:39:13.099 --> 02:39:20.619
streetlight fund? That was the plan in the budget. It's the plan. Alderman Sanders?

02:39:20.619 --> 02:39:31.459
Yeah do we have the manpower to get this in at a time period where we do not have

02:39:31.459 --> 02:39:39.000
have to pay for any additional costs because of late installments.

02:39:39.000 --> 02:39:44.539
We do, I talked to the Public Works Superintendent, the Street Superintendent, and he said that

02:39:44.539 --> 02:39:46.599
they'll make time to get it done.

02:39:46.599 --> 02:39:50.979
Even if we went into overtime ranges to get it done, we can build the overtime out because

02:39:50.979 --> 02:39:54.399
our guys don't make the same as what union contractors do, so we'll be able to build

02:39:54.399 --> 02:39:57.119
that out just like we normally would in our wages.

02:39:57.119 --> 02:39:59.399
also.

02:39:59.399 --> 02:40:04.639
and others. Speaking with him, we are a little short staffed at the moment. We had a couple

02:40:04.639 --> 02:40:08.639
turnover positions, but he's committed to get the resources to get it done to get the

02:40:08.639 --> 02:40:13.399
grant because we don't have another way to pay for the lights. And we are, we were, we're

02:40:13.399 --> 02:40:17.659
spending more than $10,000 a year trying to fix these lights with parts and pieces that

02:40:17.659 --> 02:40:21.799
are just not acceptable anymore. These are, these are, they're called seven-pin lights,

02:40:21.799 --> 02:40:26.319
so they unbolt. You shut the electric down, you unbolt them, you slide them on, bolt them

02:40:26.319 --> 02:40:33.319
Backup, Test Power. It's a relatively simple process outside of traffic control and our

02:40:33.319 --> 02:40:36.119
equipment which is the bucket truck that we already own.

02:40:36.119 --> 02:40:37.119
Okay, thanks.

02:40:37.119 --> 02:40:38.119
Alderman Stacey.

02:40:38.119 --> 02:40:56.079
Director Darin, I am a little concerned using our street light money on that project because

02:40:56.079 --> 02:41:10.799
of the amount of areas we still need to fix. And there's money available for our streetlights

02:41:10.799 --> 02:41:18.920
and polls where there's not money available for our streetlights. Am I making sense?

02:41:18.920 --> 02:41:24.319
I think I understand what you're saying. I think you're talking about more money for

02:41:24.319 --> 02:41:29.079
exchanging more crime-ridden area lights, right?

02:41:29.079 --> 02:41:29.719
Yes.

02:41:29.719 --> 02:41:30.559
Yeah.

02:41:30.559 --> 02:41:33.760
But there's no funding out there for us with that.

02:41:33.760 --> 02:41:34.719
No.

02:41:34.719 --> 02:41:39.399
And is there some more funding we can go after for?

02:41:39.399 --> 02:41:44.119
We can reapply next year for the Select Communities grant.

02:41:44.119 --> 02:41:46.600
This is the select or whatever the heck

02:41:46.600 --> 02:41:47.719
they're calling it this day.

02:41:47.719 --> 02:41:50.039
That is what this grant is.

02:41:50.039 --> 02:41:53.159
that's the $20,000 that's coming from ComEd for it.

02:41:54.779 --> 02:41:57.879
We can continue on the light exchanges,

02:41:57.879 --> 02:42:00.920
but as I told you before, those are gonna be roughly

02:42:00.920 --> 02:42:04.520
about $400 a piece installed, and we can order as many

02:42:04.520 --> 02:42:06.539
of them as we want as council approves,

02:42:06.539 --> 02:42:08.440
it's just we have to find a funding source for that

02:42:08.440 --> 02:42:09.559
if we're gonna continue to do it.

02:42:09.559 --> 02:42:10.379
Exactly.

02:42:10.379 --> 02:42:11.219
Yep.

02:42:11.219 --> 02:42:14.539
So do we have to do all 70 of them at once?

02:42:14.539 --> 02:42:18.879
So the issue is we applied for them all at once

02:42:18.879 --> 02:42:23.199
to make it advantageous for ComEd to help us fund it.

02:42:23.199 --> 02:42:26.119
And we're having issues on most of the lights.

02:42:26.119 --> 02:42:27.680
And if you went around town right now

02:42:27.680 --> 02:42:29.639
and you looked in the IDOT corridors,

02:42:29.639 --> 02:42:32.680
the lights that are up there are not the right size wattage

02:42:32.680 --> 02:42:35.600
right now because we just tried to fill them in with something

02:42:35.600 --> 02:42:37.719
that we had on hand because we couldn't afford

02:42:37.719 --> 02:42:39.680
to go buy the new light replacements.

02:42:39.680 --> 02:42:42.319
So I would say at this time, we're

02:42:42.319 --> 02:42:45.079
not going to get a better deal to do this in the future.

02:42:45.079 --> 02:43:15.079
these lights should last per their warranty at least 10 years of life so it's a longevity and it will help us in the future because we'll have less maintenance cost in the IDOT corridors because they actually pay us annually to maintain these as part of our it's about two hundred and thirty eight thousand dollars we get from them okay so long as the rest of the council understand that ten thousand of that money for those who wanted more than

02:43:15.079 --> 02:43:26.639
5th Ward, 10,000 of that kitty is going to have to go to this project which is

02:43:26.639 --> 02:43:35.920
going to limit what we could do for the rest of the year. Yeah I you guys get to

02:43:35.920 --> 02:43:40.399
decide what you want to do I was just stating that when Rob and I and the

02:43:40.399 --> 02:43:44.479
Street Department worked on the budget we had set 10,000 in that budget for

02:43:44.479 --> 02:43:50.479
and others who are involved in this project because we knew that we're having a tough time repairing them with public works.

02:43:50.479 --> 02:43:54.479
Even just getting the materials anymore is difficult.

02:43:54.479 --> 02:43:58.479
Any other discussion?

02:43:58.479 --> 02:44:02.479
Alderman, Sellers. So we're getting $20,000 from ComEd, correct?

02:44:02.479 --> 02:44:06.479
Yes ma'am. And then we just have to put the 10 with it to take care of.

02:44:06.479 --> 02:44:10.479
And then IDOT is given what?

02:44:10.479 --> 02:44:40.479
We reimburse us. So again, my example is if we had $1,000 for a four-legged intersection to change the lights, depending on the intersection, because every one of them has a different reimbursement amount, some of them are 30%, some of them are 50, some of them are 70, it depends, we can bill them for the city's time and material, just like we are a contractor to get that additional $20,000. It might get down to $5,000 by the time we're done. I just, I can't predict how much it's going to take to get it done.

02:44:40.479 --> 02:44:47.979
Remember, these are in I-DOT corridors, so we have to have full traffic control. So we're gonna have to have four to five guys out doing these to get them replaced.

02:44:50.979 --> 02:44:53.979
There's no further discussion. Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

02:44:53.979 --> 02:44:54.979
Stacy?

02:44:54.979 --> 02:44:55.979
Aye.

02:44:55.979 --> 02:44:56.979
Shadle?

02:44:56.979 --> 02:44:57.979
Aye.

02:44:57.979 --> 02:44:58.979
Sanders?

02:44:58.979 --> 02:44:59.979
Is absent.

02:44:59.979 --> 02:45:00.979
Sellers?

02:45:00.979 --> 02:45:01.979
Aye.

02:45:01.979 --> 02:45:02.979
Klemm?

02:45:02.979 --> 02:45:03.979
Aye.

02:45:03.979 --> 02:45:04.979
Monroe?

02:45:04.979 --> 02:45:05.979
Aye.

02:45:05.979 --> 02:45:06.979
Simmons?

02:45:06.979 --> 02:45:07.979
Aye.

02:45:07.979 --> 02:45:08.979
And Parker?

02:45:08.979 --> 02:45:09.979
Aye.

02:45:09.979 --> 02:45:10.979
Fowler.

02:45:10.979 --> 02:45:16.299
Item number 23 is the Adaption of Resolution 2025-38.

02:45:16.299 --> 02:45:18.260
Could you please read this?

02:45:18.260 --> 02:45:21.939
Resolution authorizing a letter of commitment to the Interstate Renewable Energy Council

02:45:21.939 --> 02:45:25.739
to become a charging smart designated community.

02:45:25.739 --> 02:45:27.939
Darren?

02:45:27.939 --> 02:45:31.219
Yeah.

02:45:31.219 --> 02:45:37.420
So we were contacted last month by Region 1 out of Rockford.

02:45:37.420 --> 02:45:43.899
Taylor, a community development resource, and they asked us if the City of Freeport

02:45:43.899 --> 02:45:49.260
was interested in becoming a Charging Smart designated community.

02:45:49.260 --> 02:45:54.079
The program is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

02:45:54.079 --> 02:45:58.979
Charging Smart is committed to transforming the transportation system in ways that positively

02:45:58.979 --> 02:46:04.659
benefit the environment, the economy, through access to charging infrastructure.

02:46:04.659 --> 02:46:34.659
the discussion is they're asking us to be part of the program there is no financials for it their team will help us develop codes ordinances and technical assistance on providing charging areas to the city of Freeport whether it be city of Freeport or private development they'll even help us with code resources for homes something that we've talked about at the council level most of these charging units that are in people's homes are the equivalent

02:46:34.659 --> 02:46:35.659
and

02:46:35.659 --> 02:46:36.659
a

02:46:36.659 --> 02:46:37.659
couple of other

02:46:37.659 --> 02:46:38.659
things.

02:46:38.659 --> 02:46:39.659
So, I'm going to go into

02:46:39.659 --> 02:46:41.959
four households, so it could put quite a strain on our network of infrastructure as they come

02:46:41.959 --> 02:46:42.959
on.

02:46:42.959 --> 02:46:47.500
We all know that the state and federal governments are pushing them with rebates, and so eventually

02:46:47.500 --> 02:46:51.299
we will see more.

02:46:51.299 --> 02:46:54.180
There's another item on here talking about EV chargers.

02:46:54.180 --> 02:46:59.659
This one particularly is just helping us establish codes and ordinances and some baseline for

02:46:59.659 --> 02:47:05.699
of the City of Freeport because while if we become charge smart or not, we're still gonna

02:47:05.699 --> 02:47:08.959
have people that wanna have charged cars in this community that we're gonna have to deal

02:47:08.959 --> 02:47:12.939
with and right now we really don't have anything on the books for it.

02:47:12.939 --> 02:47:18.219
So again, there's no financial and we're recommending that this would be the time that we would

02:47:18.219 --> 02:47:19.779
move forward being part of this.

02:47:19.779 --> 02:47:24.340
The only investment is staff time to help work with them to get the codes and ordinances

02:47:24.340 --> 02:47:27.539
in place that would come to you guys for final approval.

02:47:27.539 --> 02:47:29.260
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:47:29.260 --> 02:47:30.260
So moved.

02:47:30.260 --> 02:47:31.260
Second.

02:47:31.260 --> 02:47:34.539
A motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

02:47:34.539 --> 02:47:37.260
Discussion on the resolution, Alderman Monroe?

02:47:37.260 --> 02:47:40.020
No it's, thank you Darren.

02:47:40.020 --> 02:47:47.020
You know, I think the question I've got is as we scroll down to item number 27, resolution

02:47:47.020 --> 02:47:51.619
approving agreement with Fehr Graham to provide civil engineering services related to EV charging

02:47:51.619 --> 02:47:56.779
station, there actually are charges associated with where we're going with this, is that

02:47:56.779 --> 02:47:58.979
is there any key hours butterflies specially just with BlueD arrival?

02:47:59.020 --> 02:48:00.340
Are you talking too salty hay?

02:48:00.379 --> 02:48:01.260
There's grants

02:48:02.399 --> 02:48:07.459
with that and if we move forward 27, I don't want to skip too far ahead but those

02:48:08.079 --> 02:48:10.500
will be paid for charging.

02:48:10.520 --> 02:48:14.659
They won't be free chargers, but

02:48:14.680 --> 02:48:20.319
these are just establishing the best practices to be a charging community.

02:48:20.340 --> 02:48:22.719
Director Duckman?

02:48:22.760 --> 02:48:25.760
I did want to add too because I was put in the email chain with Region 1.

02:48:25.760 --> 02:48:27.440
because they're both talking about charging.

02:48:27.440 --> 02:48:29.299
They look similar.

02:48:29.299 --> 02:48:33.719
They could be connected, but honestly what happened was is Isaac Guerrero is their Community

02:48:33.719 --> 02:48:38.159
Development Director and Services Director in Region 1.

02:48:38.159 --> 02:48:41.279
He reached out to us and said, hey, this is an opportunity.

02:48:41.279 --> 02:48:46.559
We're reaching out to all communities looking for support to become a charge smart community

02:48:46.559 --> 02:48:48.840
and then that would help us down the road.

02:48:48.840 --> 02:48:52.639
If we wanted to apply for grants, they would essentially help.

02:48:52.639 --> 02:48:56.520
We'd essentially be getting their help down the road.

02:48:56.520 --> 02:49:04.399
So while they look similar, they are, they are different items.

02:49:04.399 --> 02:49:05.399
Thank you.

02:49:05.399 --> 02:49:06.399
Mr. Sanders?

02:49:06.399 --> 02:49:11.920
You know, I'm looking at, I was looking at this and I, I had a time, I had a chance

02:49:11.920 --> 02:49:21.479
to kind of like evaluate what this, what this is talking about and I understand you'd like

02:49:21.479 --> 02:49:26.920
to change them out, do away with them because they're not available parts and things of

02:49:26.920 --> 02:49:28.239
this nature.

02:49:28.239 --> 02:49:32.879
Have we decided, am I on the wrong subject?

02:49:32.879 --> 02:49:33.879
This is not-

02:49:33.879 --> 02:49:36.879
We didn't move to 23, honey.

02:49:36.879 --> 02:49:37.879
Oh, 23.

02:49:37.879 --> 02:49:38.879
Okay.

02:49:38.879 --> 02:49:39.879
I was in the manager room.

02:49:39.879 --> 02:49:40.879
Okay.

02:49:40.879 --> 02:49:41.879
Sorry about that.

02:49:41.879 --> 02:49:42.879
Yes.

02:49:42.879 --> 02:49:43.879
Okay.

02:49:43.879 --> 02:49:58.879
Okay, so, I understand that this is 0% funded, no financials currently, but as codes and updates come and is needed,

02:49:58.879 --> 02:50:06.319
I mean we could get it free this year and next year it costs us ten thousand

02:50:06.319 --> 02:50:14.479
dollars to upgrade everything to be active and powerful. Not in this program

02:50:14.479 --> 02:50:18.259
it would not cost us anything and there would be no required updates to the

02:50:18.259 --> 02:50:22.939
solar ordinances unless the council felt that that was necessary. This is just

02:50:22.939 --> 02:50:34.939
We're just trying to make sure that we get some guidance and some expertise helping us make sure that we're doing the right codes and ordinances originally to get this section set up.

02:50:34.939 --> 02:50:44.939
Most communities don't have charging codes or ordinances established, so they're trying to help communities. That's why it's funded by the Department of Energy.

02:50:44.939 --> 02:50:47.939
But it won't ever cost us anything?

02:50:47.939 --> 02:51:01.939
Should not. Nope. And if it would come back to where it would cost money, we could opt out of it at that point, but the only time when I talked to them and we had meetings, the only thing is the investment of our time to work with them. That's it.

02:51:01.939 --> 02:51:10.939
What is the demand? How great of a demand is it here in Freeport with electric cars?

02:51:10.939 --> 02:51:40.939
So I don't have a ton of experience with it but I do know that we get calls frequently if not weekly for people looking for places to charge. I believe right now there's one or two spots in Freeport that they can charge which is I believe at the Ford dealership and at the Chevy dealership. Those are the only two that I'm aware of right now. There's probably some people that have EV cars that may or may not have a charger in their house already that you know we wouldn't be aware of because we don't have any ordinance that says they have to tell us.

02:51:40.939 --> 02:51:44.459
Thomas.

02:51:44.459 --> 02:51:53.699
Can we move this to the COW until we find out more information pertaining to how many

02:51:53.699 --> 02:52:00.379
people or the number, the need?

02:52:00.379 --> 02:52:01.379
Certainly can move it to the COW.

02:52:01.379 --> 02:52:04.819
I just don't know how I'll be able to answer that question.

02:52:04.819 --> 02:52:05.819
Even then?

02:52:05.819 --> 02:52:07.500
I don't know how to give you the resource.

02:52:07.500 --> 02:52:13.459
I can't tell you what the demand is but but because the demand really comes with 27

02:52:13.459 --> 02:52:17.339
this is just about establishing codes and ordinances we know that people in the

02:52:17.339 --> 02:52:21.659
community have chargers already because there's hybrid cars out there that would

02:52:21.659 --> 02:52:26.279
require them so we already know people have chargers in town we just don't have

02:52:26.279 --> 02:52:31.259
the option for people to charge in our community as a as an asset like a gas

02:52:31.259 --> 02:52:35.579
station or something else like that we don't have that ability currently.

02:52:35.579 --> 02:52:40.139
Allen, Klemm Yes, I was at an event Saturday night and a

02:52:40.139 --> 02:52:44.939
guy came up to me and talked to me about this and he said, keep one thing in mind when you

02:52:44.939 --> 02:52:49.619
are talking about chargers in the City of Freeport. You aren't talking about chargers for the

02:52:49.619 --> 02:52:54.500
people that got electric cars here. Every one of them has got one in their house. You

02:52:54.500 --> 02:52:58.859
are talking about people that are traveling, like you want them to go through. I know as

02:52:58.859 --> 02:53:06.379
We move down here, we talk about them being in the city lot or around, but it's an asset

02:53:06.379 --> 02:53:12.539
for people traveling between point A and point B. It's not necessarily totally used by the

02:53:12.539 --> 02:53:16.259
people here because they've got them in their houses.

02:53:16.259 --> 02:53:17.259
You're accurate.

02:53:17.259 --> 02:53:18.259
Alderman Sellers.

02:53:18.259 --> 02:53:24.339
So this is something that's just, it's free, but it's just getting us prepared for having

02:53:24.339 --> 02:53:25.339
it.

02:53:25.339 --> 02:53:26.339
Okay.

02:53:26.339 --> 02:53:31.339
So if there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take your vote.

02:53:31.339 --> 02:53:32.339
Stacy?

02:53:32.339 --> 02:53:49.339
I'm reluctant because I don't know enough about this, but...

02:53:49.339 --> 02:53:51.339
Aye.

02:53:51.339 --> 02:53:53.339
Shadle?

02:53:53.339 --> 02:53:54.339
Aye.

02:53:54.339 --> 02:53:55.339
Sanders?

02:53:55.339 --> 02:54:18.099
Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? No. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. Resolution is adopted 6-2. Item number 24 is the adoption of resolution 2025-39. Could you please read this? Resolution approving the purchase of fire hydrants from J&R Supply.

02:54:18.099 --> 02:54:28.059
Derren? Yes. Annually we do fire hydrant replacements within the City of Freeport.

02:54:28.059 --> 02:54:36.219
We were wanting to buy 12 hydrants this year, but we went back through the budget

02:54:36.219 --> 02:54:41.340
and we don't have the money to buy 12 this year, so in the budget we're looking

02:54:41.340 --> 02:54:47.619
to buy five replacements. Kurt, if you wouldn't mind bringing that back up, when

02:54:47.619 --> 02:54:51.219
would you get the light for me please. So this is a map that I wanted to show you

02:54:51.219 --> 02:54:58.579
guys just quickly. This is hydrants within the city of Freeport that currently the

02:54:58.579 --> 02:55:13.579
red ones which there's only two currently don't work. There's, sorry I'm struggling to read that, there's the beige color that...Kurt can you zoom into that a little bit?

02:55:13.579 --> 02:55:43.579
The beige color ones are ones that are currently ones that need to be replaced and then the yellow ones are ones that have four inch branches so in the fire stance if they don't have a steamer port a fire engine can't hooked up to them for the yellow ones there so as you can see they're spread all over the community it's not one resources so the city has an annual program that we go out and try to fix and replace on

02:55:43.579 --> 02:55:46.779
and I have our own because it's much more cost prohibitive.

02:55:46.779 --> 02:55:49.059
I believe, I don't have the memo pulled up,

02:55:49.059 --> 02:55:52.379
but I believe we have 87 fire hydrants currently

02:55:52.379 --> 02:55:55.099
that are older than 1960.

02:55:55.099 --> 02:55:58.099
And I believe we have around 47 of them

02:55:58.099 --> 02:56:00.059
that are still from 1930 era.

02:56:00.059 --> 02:56:01.899
So those don't have steamer nozzles.

02:56:01.899 --> 02:56:05.299
So like I said, our crews are pretty efficient

02:56:05.299 --> 02:56:08.099
about putting them in, but we did look through the budget

02:56:08.099 --> 02:56:10.899
and we only had enough budget for 50,000 this year.

02:56:10.899 --> 02:56:13.539
So that's the proposals in front of you.

02:56:13.539 --> 02:56:16.539
Kennedy Hydrant is our preferred manufacturer

02:56:16.539 --> 02:56:19.139
for the City of Freeport for hydrant replacements.

02:56:19.139 --> 02:56:21.639
And we're asking for approval of this

02:56:21.639 --> 02:56:23.059
so we can get the materials on hand

02:56:23.059 --> 02:56:24.259
for summer construction.

02:56:26.619 --> 02:56:28.199
Is there a motion to adopt?

02:56:28.199 --> 02:56:29.039
So moved.

02:56:32.299 --> 02:56:34.340
The motion made by Alderman Klemm,

02:56:34.340 --> 02:56:37.859
seconded by Alderman Shadle.

02:56:37.859 --> 02:56:39.779
Any discussion on the resolution?

02:56:39.779 --> 02:56:50.420
Orrin, Sanders. Do we still have the flushing program going on? Yes. And that's during a

02:56:50.420 --> 02:56:55.699
particular part of the year that we do that or is that all seasonal? Spring and fall. Spring

02:56:55.699 --> 02:57:01.299
and fall. And are we making discoveries of those conditions of those hydrants at that

02:57:01.299 --> 02:57:09.379
time? Yep. And we're taking an assessment of what's needed to be done. Are any of those

02:57:09.379 --> 02:57:18.019
those hydrants that that is being mapped out up there could they be rehabbed no they're

02:57:18.019 --> 02:57:24.199
they're not 200 hydrants that are shown up there are are too old they're 1960 area they

02:57:24.199 --> 02:57:32.059
don't they don't make the parts anymore okay I I see what you're saying okay thanks there's

02:57:32.059 --> 02:57:38.939
no further discussion and clerk please take the role Stacey aye Shadle aye Sanders aye

02:57:38.939 --> 02:58:08.939
Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. And Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted, 8-0. Item number 25 is the adoption of resolution 2025-40. Could you please read this? Resolution approving a proposal from OEC for repairs and upgrades to the Albertus Airport fuel station payment system. Thank you, Manager Boyer. Thank you, Your Honor. So the city-owned Albertus Airport has been

02:58:08.939 --> 02:58:15.139
have been experiencing issues with our credit card fuel payment system.

02:58:15.139 --> 02:58:20.059
The system has been attempted to be fixed several times, but it's basically antiquated

02:58:20.059 --> 02:58:21.979
and requires upgrading.

02:58:21.979 --> 02:58:27.059
The airport clients have complained about not being able to purchase fuel as the system

02:58:27.059 --> 02:58:32.340
cuts out routinely and the current system was last upgraded in 2015-16.

02:58:32.340 --> 02:58:38.919
So the airport manager, Angie, has been working with vendors on the update replacement and

02:58:38.919 --> 02:58:43.859
and we're working with OEC on resolving the fuel system payment issues.

02:58:43.859 --> 02:58:48.659
Angie selected the proposed system upgrade to match the public works fuel system currently

02:58:48.659 --> 02:58:50.519
at use on Island Avenue.

02:58:50.519 --> 02:58:55.919
The airport system will be cellular cloud-based instead of the phone line that is currently

02:58:55.919 --> 02:59:01.000
there, and the fuel master and OEC state that this will be a more secure system for payments

02:59:01.000 --> 02:59:02.559
and transactions.

02:59:02.559 --> 02:59:08.719
Additionally, the cellular system will not have the lag in information that is creating

02:59:08.719 --> 02:59:16.379
all the payment issues for the fuel purchasing. So the total cost of the upgrade is $14,954

02:59:16.379 --> 02:59:22.959
and the Fuel Master software will have a reoccurring software update fee of $1,400 annually. So

02:59:22.959 --> 02:59:28.319
this contract is budgeted in the 2025 airport budget and Staff Request Council approved

02:59:28.319 --> 02:59:36.840
this contract for the payment equipment. Is there a motion to adopt? Motion to adopt.

02:59:36.840 --> 02:59:44.840
So, second. Motion made by Alderman Shadle, seconded by Alderman Klemm. Discussion on the resolution, Alderman Stacy.

02:59:46.840 --> 02:59:54.840
Wasn't this budgeted like in 23 for this?

02:59:54.840 --> 02:59:58.840
No, I don't think so. It was budgeted in 24. It was budgeted in the

02:59:58.840 --> 03:00:01.880
There's a budget in this year's budget.

03:00:01.880 --> 03:00:09.479
I think you're mistaken the fuel upgrade down at the city yards, which is just about ready to start.

03:00:09.479 --> 03:00:17.200
That's the fuel master system or the fuel upgrades that we used to all of the city employees and public work staff.

03:00:17.200 --> 03:00:22.040
Police fire, get their fuel from this is specifically at the airport.

03:00:22.040 --> 03:00:26.280
OK. There's no further discussion.

03:00:26.280 --> 03:00:27.600
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

03:00:27.600 --> 03:00:29.079
Stacy?

03:00:29.079 --> 03:00:29.600
Aye.

03:00:29.600 --> 03:00:30.239
Shadle?

03:00:30.239 --> 03:00:30.680
Aye.

03:00:30.680 --> 03:00:31.280
Sanders?

03:00:31.280 --> 03:00:31.760
Aye.

03:00:31.760 --> 03:00:32.479
Sellers?

03:00:32.479 --> 03:00:32.880
Aye.

03:00:32.880 --> 03:00:33.520
Klemm?

03:00:33.520 --> 03:00:33.920
Aye.

03:00:33.920 --> 03:00:34.559
Monroe?

03:00:34.559 --> 03:00:35.000
Aye.

03:00:35.000 --> 03:00:35.639
Simmons?

03:00:38.000 --> 03:00:38.719
And Parker?

03:00:38.719 --> 03:00:40.600
Aye.

03:00:40.600 --> 03:00:43.960
Resolution is adopted 7 to 1.

03:00:43.960 --> 03:00:47.680
Item number 26 is the adoption of resolution 2025-41.

03:00:47.680 --> 03:00:50.239
Could you please read this?

03:00:50.239 --> 03:00:52.520
Resolution approving agreement with Fehr Graham

03:00:52.520 --> 03:00:54.840
to provide civil engineering services related

03:00:54.840 --> 03:01:00.200
to Water and Sewer Equipment Rehabilitation and Electrical Upgrades at Laurel Lift Station,

03:01:00.200 --> 03:01:02.799
Galena Lift Station, and Well Number 8.

03:01:02.799 --> 03:01:03.799
Thank you, Manager Boyer.

03:01:03.799 --> 03:01:05.040
Thank you, Your Honor.

03:01:05.040 --> 03:01:09.239
The City of Freeport is planning utility upgrade projects for 25.

03:01:09.239 --> 03:01:13.760
The Laurel Lift Station and Galena Lift Stations were originally built in 67.

03:01:13.760 --> 03:01:18.000
While the building facilities are in acceptable shape for their age, the old equipment is

03:01:18.000 --> 03:01:22.440
failing due to lack of availability of parts and beyond its useful life.

03:01:22.440 --> 03:01:25.979
and

03:01:25.979 --> 03:01:29.899
So electrical systems are outdated, unsafe, and in need of updates.

03:01:29.899 --> 03:01:34.460
Additionally, the City utility needs to have automatic power generation at lift stations

03:01:34.460 --> 03:01:39.819
per IEP requirements for redundancy within the permitted sanitary sewer system.

03:01:39.819 --> 03:01:45.420
Furthermore, the water production well 8, so that's Carroll, in the low zone requires

03:01:46.380 --> 03:01:50.700
generator backup as part of the water capacity redundancy plan and efforts.

03:01:50.700 --> 03:02:03.700
So city staff proposes utilizing the existing building enclosures, wet well, dry vaults, infrastructure to fully replace the pumping system equipment, electrical controls, and repair the building interiors.

03:02:03.700 --> 03:02:08.500
Fehr Graham Design Team will provide plans and specifications for the completed

03:02:08.500 --> 03:02:12.979
rehabilitation of the existing lift stations including a new pump, new pumping

03:02:12.979 --> 03:02:18.659
system, full control panel, SCADA ready so that's the over-the-air computer

03:02:18.659 --> 03:02:23.819
control system, and level transducers, backup floats, alarms, lights, electrical

03:02:23.819 --> 03:02:27.819
systems, and startup training. Additionally, a backup generator and

03:02:27.819 --> 03:02:32.819
automatic transfer switch will be sized and specified for both lift stations and

03:02:32.819 --> 03:02:35.860
for well number eight at the Carroll Water Tank.

03:02:35.860 --> 03:02:39.020
These projects will be designed specifically and bid

03:02:39.020 --> 03:02:42.020
in one package so the work is consistent.

03:02:42.020 --> 03:02:43.739
And the synergy of the bid pricing

03:02:43.739 --> 03:02:45.399
will give us a little bit better pricing.

03:02:45.399 --> 03:02:49.500
So overall, the cost of this additional design work

03:02:49.500 --> 03:02:52.819
will be $125,000 and $25.

03:02:52.819 --> 03:02:56.700
And the city staff recommends moving forward.

03:02:56.700 --> 03:03:00.260
Just as a side note, this was budgeted in the 2025 utility

03:03:00.260 --> 03:03:01.100
budget.

03:03:01.100 --> 03:03:03.299
Is there a motion to adopt?

03:03:03.299 --> 03:03:04.239
So moved.

03:03:04.239 --> 03:03:04.739
Second.

03:03:11.219 --> 03:03:13.540
James, was that you?

03:03:13.540 --> 03:03:18.340
Motion made by Alderman Monroe, seconded by Alderman Sellers.

03:03:18.340 --> 03:03:21.899
Alderman Shadle, did you have a question?

03:03:21.899 --> 03:03:22.860
Sanders, I'm sorry.

03:03:22.860 --> 03:03:23.940
Yeah.

03:03:23.940 --> 03:03:24.440
I'm sorry.

03:03:24.440 --> 03:03:28.020
I do not look like this guy.

03:03:28.020 --> 03:03:33.020
Anyway, anyway, question is about the pumps.

03:03:38.540 --> 03:03:41.819
Are we, I know at any point in time

03:03:41.819 --> 03:03:44.420
it can be an emergency situation

03:03:44.420 --> 03:03:49.420
because of the seasonal time and the rainy period times

03:03:49.860 --> 03:03:51.680
and things like that when these stations

03:03:51.680 --> 03:03:56.239
really can break down on you and things of that nature.

03:03:56.239 --> 03:04:11.239
but did I hear you say something about additional generators at certain, do we have generators in place at these facilities at this point in time?

03:04:11.239 --> 03:04:12.239
No.

03:04:12.239 --> 03:04:15.239
Okay, so it is an emergency situation.

03:04:15.239 --> 03:04:16.239
Right.

03:04:16.239 --> 03:04:34.239
Because the reason why I'm saying that, I know the people over there by Laurel and other places with these wells and things of this nature have been experiencing some serious backup problems because of breakdowns and things of this nature.

03:04:34.239 --> 03:04:42.239
and who is doing the overall work for these types of projects?

03:04:42.239 --> 03:04:50.239
Who is scheduled to set up the computers, the electrical and where we're buying our pumps and things of this nature?

03:04:50.239 --> 03:04:55.239
We have all of these things lined up ready to go like yesterday.

03:04:55.239 --> 03:04:59.239
We should have all of this ready to go like yesterday already.

03:04:59.239 --> 03:05:07.479
Ready. But I'm just saying this simply because this is the season for this. And I like to

03:05:07.479 --> 03:05:14.920
know that we're on top of it. We're actually going to be, we got all our team players ready

03:05:14.920 --> 03:05:21.719
to go to replace these parts and replace these pumps and things of this nature. So if that

03:05:21.719 --> 03:05:29.280
That is the case, who is the overseer, the people that's going to be monitoring the installation

03:05:29.280 --> 03:05:30.920
of these water pumps?

03:05:30.920 --> 03:05:35.000
Just to address what you're saying, we need to get the plan together first and that's what

03:05:35.000 --> 03:05:36.000
this is.

03:05:36.000 --> 03:05:41.000
Okay, this is get the plan together, figure out the scope of work, get the generator size,

03:05:41.000 --> 03:05:46.000
get everything lined up, and then we'll move forward with a bid, with a contractor, with

03:05:46.000 --> 03:05:50.960
a plan that everything's already been thought out, but this is basically one of the issues

03:05:50.960 --> 03:05:56.880
Fries, as you noted, is we have a lot of remote sites in the system. We only have one portable

03:05:56.880 --> 03:06:02.760
generator. There's a few sites that have back up generator, but only like Berchard or Field

03:06:02.760 --> 03:06:07.479
Circle and maybe a couple other lift stations. But the rest of them, you have to drive all

03:06:07.479 --> 03:06:10.880
the way around the city with this generator in the middle of an emergency because you

03:06:10.880 --> 03:06:18.000
have no power. So we're trying to very systematically go through, update all these remote sites

03:06:18.000 --> 03:06:21.360
and ensure that they have their own backup capacity if they need it.

03:06:21.360 --> 03:06:23.239
Can we have a planning operation?

03:06:23.239 --> 03:06:24.280
Yes, that's what this is.

03:06:24.280 --> 03:06:25.840
That's what this resolution is.

03:06:25.840 --> 03:06:30.319
And we will hear about this next meeting.

03:06:30.319 --> 03:06:33.960
Well, when we get the design together, we'll go out to bid on that.

03:06:33.960 --> 03:06:38.280
We get this design and everything, because it's an emergency.

03:06:38.280 --> 03:06:44.520
Some people may not think it, but whenever a breakdown breaks down,

03:06:44.520 --> 03:06:50.799
you at the mercy of almighty you know that kind of thing right you don't want

03:06:50.799 --> 03:06:57.120
to be solving your problem yeah yeah exactly all right there's no further

03:06:57.120 --> 03:06:59.340
discussion madam clerk please take the role

03:06:59.340 --> 03:07:12.960
Stacy Shadle Sanders Sellers I Clem Monroe I Simmons Parker I the resolution

03:07:12.960 --> 03:07:14.960
is adopted 8-0.

03:07:14.960 --> 03:07:21.500
Item number 27 is the adoption of resolution 2025-42, could you please read this?

03:07:21.500 --> 03:07:24.960
Resolution approving an agreement with Fehr Graham to provide civil engineering services

03:07:24.960 --> 03:07:29.840
related to EV charging station installation project.

03:07:29.840 --> 03:07:30.840
Manager Boyer.

03:07:30.840 --> 03:07:31.840
Thank you, your honor.

03:07:31.840 --> 03:07:37.920
So the city is receiving $320,000 in 2025 for EV charger grant funding through the Illinois

03:07:37.920 --> 03:07:42.200
EPA Climate and Equitable Jobs Act program.

03:07:42.200 --> 03:07:49.319
and also incorporated EV chargers in two locations, the municipal lot and the southwest corner

03:07:49.319 --> 03:07:54.239
of the, I'm sorry, it would not be the southwest corner, it would be the Lindo lot.

03:07:54.239 --> 03:07:57.399
Each location is planned to have four chargers.

03:07:57.399 --> 03:08:03.399
Additionally, comments, grants now available for the interconnect for each location for

03:08:03.399 --> 03:08:07.040
which Freeport will qualify up to $240,000.

03:08:07.040 --> 03:08:10.760
Each interconnect installed on each interconnect's installation.

03:08:10.760 --> 03:08:16.200
These grant opportunities are good only through 2025. So the City needs to design and bid

03:08:16.200 --> 03:08:20.479
the EV Charger installations and site for this project. Fehr Graham will complete the

03:08:20.479 --> 03:08:26.520
detailed reconnaissance of the two EV Charger locations and collect TAPO survey on each

03:08:26.520 --> 03:08:32.079
site. This information will be used to create a full civil site layout plan as well as develop

03:08:32.079 --> 03:08:37.319
proposed electrical drawings. The Charger selection, specification, and station layout will be

03:08:37.319 --> 03:08:44.520
Coordinated between Fehr Graham and Thayer Energy Solutions and the selected local EV supplier.

03:08:45.079 --> 03:08:51.399
The engineering firm will coordinate the layout and proposed EV charging station utility interconnect

03:08:51.399 --> 03:08:56.280
with ComEd and lead the efforts on the grant initiatives for connections. The Fehr Graham

03:08:56.280 --> 03:09:01.399
team will provide contract bid documents and project specifications for a bid letting

03:09:01.399 --> 03:09:06.760
project in accordance with the City of Freeport and state requirements. The cost of these services

03:09:06.760 --> 03:09:16.139
This is $90,730. This Charger Project was budgeted in the 2025 year budget and staff

03:09:16.139 --> 03:09:20.239
recommends moving forward with the EV Charger Design program.

03:09:20.239 --> 03:09:21.840
Is there a motion to adopt?

03:09:21.840 --> 03:09:22.840
So moved.

03:09:22.840 --> 03:09:23.840
Was that Klemm?

03:09:23.840 --> 03:09:28.840
Yeah, I moved to move it forward.

03:09:28.840 --> 03:09:38.040
I was just trying to guess it happened too quickly it was it was okay all right so

03:09:38.040 --> 03:09:42.280
we have a motion made by Alderman Shadle seconded by Alderman Klemm

03:09:42.280 --> 03:09:47.840
discussion on this resolution Darren I just want to clarify one thing so the by

03:09:47.840 --> 03:09:51.960
the time the memos were due I wasn't able to change this but while the memo

03:09:51.960 --> 03:09:57.840
says the southwest corner of Walmart I had a discussion with the funding manager

03:09:57.840 --> 03:09:58.840
Manager.

03:09:58.840 --> 03:10:04.440
funding manager for the project from the state and we have to stick with our

03:10:04.440 --> 03:10:08.680
original selections because that's what they approved which were the municipal

03:10:08.680 --> 03:10:12.840
lot downtown and also we call it the Linda lot but it's the lot of state in

03:10:12.840 --> 03:10:18.700
Maine those were the two areas that were selected because ComEd power has has the

03:10:18.700 --> 03:10:25.239
juice required to run these chargers and the what Freeport has selected is level

03:10:25.239 --> 03:10:29.880
and three chargers so we can have people come in and charge quickly, maybe get a bite to

03:10:29.880 --> 03:10:33.960
eat and be ready to go or shop downtown or something like that.

03:10:33.960 --> 03:10:41.960
That was the intent of this program and they also required and this was per the requirement

03:10:41.960 --> 03:10:50.639
of the grantee that you have to put at least four up per bank and they have to be ADA accessible.

03:10:50.639 --> 03:10:58.600
Alderman, Monroe, Just making one comment, actually those might be better locations at

03:10:58.600 --> 03:11:04.420
this time just because we already have several at Freeport Ford which I think are the only

03:11:04.420 --> 03:11:09.040
ones in the county, is that, I think Bakers has one now too, does Bakers have one now

03:11:09.040 --> 03:11:20.440
too, oh yeah, two, if there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please take the roll, Stacy,

03:11:20.440 --> 03:11:28.960
Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons?

03:11:33.719 --> 03:11:40.520
Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted 8 to 0. Item number 28 is the adoption of

03:11:40.520 --> 03:11:45.680
resolution 2025-43. Could you please read this? Resolution approving Illinois

03:11:45.680 --> 03:11:50.420
Department of Transportation resolution for the 2025 motor fuel tax or

03:11:50.420 --> 03:11:53.460
Mayor, MFT, HotMix Asphalt Materials.

03:11:53.460 --> 03:11:54.460
Thank you.

03:11:54.460 --> 03:11:55.460
Darren?

03:11:55.460 --> 03:12:01.739
Yeah, this is annually we get an allotment from IDOT through the Motor Fuel Tax Fund.

03:12:01.739 --> 03:12:07.340
The last couple years we've chose to use that money to buy HotMix for our crews.

03:12:07.340 --> 03:12:10.299
This is how we are paving streets.

03:12:10.299 --> 03:12:15.100
Last year we did about, I believe about 16,000 tons.

03:12:15.100 --> 03:12:20.059
We did the calculations for this year and it's about 14,500 tons.

03:12:20.059 --> 03:12:25.440
In order for us to go out to bid, we have to pass this resolution through the Council.

03:12:25.440 --> 03:12:29.280
So we have a resolution number for IDOT.

03:12:29.280 --> 03:12:34.559
This will be paid for with the IDOT money that we receive in 2025.

03:12:34.559 --> 03:12:39.239
So it's our recommendation for Council to approve this so we can get it out to bid tomorrow.

03:12:39.239 --> 03:12:40.239
So move.

03:12:40.239 --> 03:12:41.239
Thank you.

03:12:41.239 --> 03:12:42.239
Is there a motion to adopt?

03:12:42.239 --> 03:12:43.239
Sellers in.

03:12:43.239 --> 03:12:44.239
All right.

03:12:44.239 --> 03:12:49.260
We have a motion moved by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Monroe.

03:12:49.260 --> 03:13:19.260
on this resolution. Madam Clerk, please take the roll. Stacy? Aye. Shadle? Aye. Sanders? Aye. Sellers? Aye. Klemm? Aye. Monroe? Aye. Simmons? Aye. Parker? Aye. The resolution is adopted, 8-0. And for item number 29, could you please read the approval of a bid? A bid opening was held on March 18th, 2025 for lead service line replacement, Phase 4. Thank you, Manager Boyer.

03:13:19.260 --> 03:13:32.260
Thank you, Your Honor. The City of Freeport has been working on reducing and eliminating lead water service lines for nearly five and a half years and that came through about $12 million in forgivable loan funds through the EPA.

03:13:32.260 --> 03:13:46.260
The City has estimated that we started with about 2,300 lead services in the system and we have currently replaced more than 1,350 services to date with IEPA loans and received $9 million so far in funding.

03:13:46.260 --> 03:13:50.979
Thanks to the help of our engineer for Graham the lead service line program

03:13:50.979 --> 03:13:55.620
phase four has secured an additional three million twenty seven thousand

03:13:55.620 --> 03:13:59.440
dollars in EPA forgivable loan funds for this phase bringing the total to

03:13:59.440 --> 03:14:05.260
twelve million dollars on March 18 2025 the city held a bid opening for the lead

03:14:05.260 --> 03:14:10.219
service line replacement program phase four the engineer has several seven

03:14:10.219 --> 03:14:14.819
contractors pull plans and specifications five contractors submitted final bids

03:14:14.819 --> 03:14:19.979
Woods, and Five Star Energy Services LLC out of Waukesha, Wisconsin was a little better

03:14:19.979 --> 03:14:32.260
at $19,731 per base bid. The total contract project award for this phase will be $2,525,000

03:14:32.260 --> 03:14:37.299
for service equipment, I'm sorry, for service replacements. The additional funds will reimburse

03:14:37.299 --> 03:14:43.979
for the city for design and required construction engineering per IEPA rules.

03:14:43.979 --> 03:14:51.420
Five Star Energy is the current construction contractor on Phase 3, which has approximately

03:14:51.420 --> 03:14:58.899
$400,000 of work remaining and the city plans to fund the $3 million project with 100% IEPA

03:14:58.899 --> 03:15:03.460
forgivable loan funding and no cost to the users and this project was accounted for in

03:15:03.460 --> 03:15:07.219
2025 and will be accounted for in the 2026 budget.

03:15:07.219 --> 03:15:10.260
this is a reimbursable funded project.

03:15:10.260 --> 03:15:13.860
So staff recommends City Council approve the low bid

03:15:13.860 --> 03:15:16.340
from Five Star Energy Services, LLC

03:15:16.340 --> 03:15:19.579
in the amount of $2,525,000,

03:15:19.579 --> 03:15:22.299
allowing the project to proceed to construction

03:15:22.299 --> 03:15:24.940
and once we receive the IEPA concurrence.

03:15:24.940 --> 03:15:27.420
Motion to approve as stated.

03:15:27.420 --> 03:15:28.659
Second.

03:15:28.659 --> 03:15:30.860
Motion made by Alderman Klemm,

03:15:30.860 --> 03:15:33.739
seconded by Alderman Sellers, discussion on the bid.

03:15:34.979 --> 03:15:36.299
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

03:15:36.299 --> 03:15:47.739
Stacy, Shadle, Sanders, Sellers, Klemm, Monroe, Simmons, and Parker.

03:15:47.739 --> 03:15:50.460
The motion passes 8-0.

03:15:50.460 --> 03:15:53.380
Item number 30, could you please read the next bid?

03:15:53.380 --> 03:15:58.979
Another bid opening was held on March 21, 2025 for installation of video cameras in

03:15:58.979 --> 03:16:03.219
public transportation vehicles for Pretzel City Transit.

03:16:03.219 --> 03:16:33.219
Thank you Madam Mayor I want to take a minute again to thank Sadie Grande for doing a great job on this project because actually the city was awarded this grant money back in 2022 and we've been working tirelessly with the state back and forth and finally we were able to put this out to bid again and so the city held a bid opening on February 9th of 2025

03:16:33.219 --> 03:16:39.200
I'm sorry it was published on February 9th and the bid opening was actually held on March 21st at 10 a.m.

03:16:39.200 --> 03:16:47.020
And essentially what this bid opening for is to put security cameras on our pretzel city area transit buses so

03:16:47.899 --> 03:16:49.420
staff received

03:16:49.420 --> 03:16:55.420
total of five bids two of them were disqualified and reason you would have a disqualifying bid is that

03:16:56.260 --> 03:16:58.260
Anytime you have a bid opening

03:16:59.219 --> 03:17:01.219
Occasionally if you need to change language

03:17:01.219 --> 03:17:07.780
Or specifications before the bid opening you have to have an addendum signed saying you receive the addendum

03:17:08.340 --> 03:17:15.139
Proof of insurance is another there's different items in a bid package that if you don't supply it at the bid opening your bids

03:17:15.340 --> 03:17:23.100
Disqualified which is common practice for any bid opening so staff provided a matrix of the results of the bid opening and

03:17:25.139 --> 03:17:28.260
The lowest responsible bidder was Angel Tracks

03:17:28.260 --> 03:17:35.799
Cox, they had a bid of $36,000, a little over $36,000.

03:17:35.799 --> 03:17:42.299
They also provided a few options and the options were to add cameras at the front of the bus

03:17:42.299 --> 03:17:48.659
as well as also having a wireless access point in their parking lot.

03:17:48.659 --> 03:17:51.040
That added another $4,600.

03:17:51.040 --> 03:17:56.360
That kept them still as the lowest responsible bidder at $41,000 and staff is recommending

03:17:56.360 --> 03:18:02.120
Moving Forward with Angel Tracks for this project.

03:18:02.120 --> 03:18:03.880
Is there a motion to approve?

03:18:03.880 --> 03:18:04.880
So move.

03:18:04.880 --> 03:18:05.880
Second.

03:18:05.880 --> 03:18:10.520
A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Shadle.

03:18:10.520 --> 03:18:11.520
Discussion on the bid.

03:18:11.520 --> 03:18:12.520
Alderman Sanders.

03:18:12.520 --> 03:18:17.200
Well, this is not directly a discussion on the bid.

03:18:17.200 --> 03:18:18.200
The bid is...

03:18:18.200 --> 03:18:19.200
Wait a minute.

03:18:19.200 --> 03:18:20.200
Wait a minute.

03:18:20.200 --> 03:18:21.200
So that...

03:18:21.200 --> 03:18:23.719
Yeah, it's part of a...

03:18:23.719 --> 03:18:24.719
So it's about the...

03:18:24.719 --> 03:18:26.719
Yeah, it's part of the bid.

03:18:26.719 --> 03:18:28.719
Okay, it's going to be about the bid, right?

03:18:28.719 --> 03:18:30.719
Installing cameras in the bid, right?

03:18:30.719 --> 03:18:32.719
Yeah, that's what I'm about to talk about.

03:18:32.719 --> 03:18:34.719
Okay, alright.

03:18:34.719 --> 03:18:36.719
Y'all trying to second-guess me. I don't like that.

03:18:36.719 --> 03:18:38.719
But you stated it yourself all day.

03:18:38.719 --> 03:18:40.719
Well, I may have said it like that,

03:18:40.719 --> 03:18:42.719
but I didn't mean it like that.

03:18:42.719 --> 03:18:44.719
But anyway,

03:18:44.719 --> 03:18:46.719
the cameras

03:18:46.719 --> 03:18:48.719
will provide security

03:18:48.719 --> 03:18:50.719
part of the bidding.

03:18:50.719 --> 03:18:52.719
It's part of the bid

03:18:52.719 --> 03:18:53.719
and others.

03:18:53.719 --> 03:19:02.000
We also have the bid that the cameras are going to be also subject to security for the

03:19:02.000 --> 03:19:08.639
transportation vehicles when they're at the company or whatever the case is.

03:19:08.639 --> 03:19:16.120
We also would have that available for possible vandalism or something of that nature.

03:19:16.120 --> 03:19:18.760
Cameras would be installed for those purposes as well.

03:19:18.760 --> 03:19:19.760
Yes.

03:19:19.760 --> 03:19:20.760
That's part of the bid, am I correct?

03:19:20.760 --> 03:19:25.559
These are security cameras for vandalism, inappropriate behavior, et cetera.

03:19:25.559 --> 03:19:27.559
See, I told you, man.

03:19:27.559 --> 03:19:29.559
Okay.

03:19:29.559 --> 03:19:30.059
Okay.

03:19:30.059 --> 03:19:32.059
Any other discussion?

03:19:32.059 --> 03:19:35.360
Madam Clerk, please take the roll.

03:19:35.360 --> 03:19:36.960
Stacy?

03:19:36.960 --> 03:19:37.460
Aye.

03:19:37.460 --> 03:19:37.960
Shadle?

03:19:37.960 --> 03:19:38.659
Aye.

03:19:38.659 --> 03:19:39.260
Sanders?

03:19:39.260 --> 03:19:39.760
Aye.

03:19:39.760 --> 03:19:40.559
Sellers?

03:19:40.559 --> 03:19:41.059
Aye.

03:19:41.059 --> 03:19:41.659
Plem?

03:19:41.659 --> 03:19:42.559
Aye.

03:19:42.559 --> 03:19:43.659
Monroe?

03:19:43.659 --> 03:19:44.159
Aye.

03:19:44.159 --> 03:19:44.860
Simmons?

03:19:44.860 --> 03:19:45.360
Aye.

03:19:45.360 --> 03:19:46.059
And Parker?

03:19:46.059 --> 03:19:47.159
Aye.

03:19:47.159 --> 03:19:50.700
The motion is approved, eight to zero.

03:19:51.659 --> 03:19:53.120
Item number 31 is discussion

03:19:53.120 --> 03:19:55.840
and possible adoption of resolution 2025-32.

03:19:55.840 --> 03:19:57.239
Could you please read this?

03:19:57.239 --> 03:20:09.239
The resolution, if adopted, is terminating a contract with Nordic for residential and small business electrical aggregation.

03:20:09.239 --> 03:20:11.239
Manager Boyer.

03:20:11.239 --> 03:20:12.239
Thank you, Your Honor.

03:20:12.239 --> 03:20:15.239
I kind of were behind a little bit on this one.

03:20:15.239 --> 03:20:20.239
Apparently Nordic has already, Exter's Day have already canceled this agreement.

03:20:20.239 --> 03:20:24.760
so the residents that are on the citywide aggregation program

03:20:24.760 --> 03:20:27.280
will be transferred back to ComEd

03:20:27.280 --> 03:20:29.879
so there's really no action to take tonight on this.

03:20:30.920 --> 03:20:32.879
Do you know how soon that will happen?

03:20:34.000 --> 03:20:36.699
My guess would be very shortly within the next month.

03:20:40.680 --> 03:20:41.680
Alderman Sanders.

03:20:47.039 --> 03:20:50.079
About to ask you, I'm about to ask you, okay,

03:20:50.079 --> 03:20:53.600
just getting my thought process in place.

03:20:58.119 --> 03:21:00.760
Nordic is canceling.

03:21:01.639 --> 03:21:02.479
Yes.

03:21:03.680 --> 03:21:07.760
There's no other suppliers that the customers,

03:21:07.760 --> 03:21:12.760
the city of Freeport can have in adopt,

03:21:13.319 --> 03:21:15.760
as opposed to commit.

03:21:15.760 --> 03:21:19.639
Are there other suppliers that will be available

03:21:20.079 --> 03:21:23.559
to the residents of Freeport.

03:21:23.559 --> 03:21:28.520
Well, not at the moment, but we're going to re-bid this thing,

03:21:28.520 --> 03:21:30.639
if it's council's will to do so, and then we'll

03:21:30.639 --> 03:21:32.959
have some other options.

03:21:32.959 --> 03:21:34.280
But not right this minute, no.

03:21:37.719 --> 03:21:39.559
OK, we'll move on to item number 32,

03:21:39.559 --> 03:21:42.280
which is discussion regarding the structure

03:21:42.280 --> 03:21:46.840
fire of the storage building on East Stevenson.

03:21:46.840 --> 03:21:48.159
Deputy Chief.

03:21:48.159 --> 03:21:50.879
Thank you, Madam Mayor.

03:21:50.879 --> 03:21:56.360
It's been a few weeks since the fire occurred, but we wanted to give you a report on the

03:21:56.360 --> 03:22:01.399
actions of that evening so that you guys were in the loop on it.

03:22:01.399 --> 03:22:07.239
On Saturday afternoon, March 22nd, at approximately 416 p.m., units from the Freeport Fire Department

03:22:07.239 --> 03:22:13.639
were dispatched for a grass fire that was reported to be located at 607 E. Stevenson

03:22:13.639 --> 03:22:15.799
Street here in Freeport.

03:22:15.799 --> 03:22:23.000
arrival first in crews located fire in a lot located on the west side of the 100

03:22:23.000 --> 03:22:29.559
block of South Sherman located directly to the south of a church that was

03:22:29.559 --> 03:22:34.479
located there initial size up revealed the grass fire had spread from a fire

03:22:34.479 --> 03:22:38.840
pit and was increasing in both size and intensity and was now involving a

03:22:38.840 --> 03:22:45.119
nearby structure this structure was located at 525 East Stevenson Street at

03:22:45.119 --> 03:22:54.119
At 4.28 p.m., it was confirmed that a working structure fire was present in the rear of a 450-foot-long structure located there.

03:22:54.119 --> 03:23:04.119
Fire suppression efforts were established, however, due to the growing intensity of the fire and its path of travel, location, and accessibility.

03:23:04.119 --> 03:23:12.119
Off-duty personnel were immediately recalled to the scene to assist with additional manpower and equipment needs.

03:23:12.119 --> 03:23:26.619
Despite all initial efforts, the fire within the rear of the first involved structure advanced westward into the rear of the second and much larger structure, also located at 525 East Stevenson.

03:23:26.619 --> 03:23:30.619
This was determined to be the main building of the complex.

03:23:30.619 --> 03:23:46.619
At 5.06 p.m. a Mavis division box alarm, that's an all call for area departments around us, was placed through City Dispatch requesting additional resources of manpower and apparatus to the scene from surrounding communities.

03:23:46.619 --> 03:24:02.619
and others who specifically requested were an additional ladder tower and pumper water tankers from 10 area departments that would assist with supplying water to the elevated master streams and hose lines that were deployed in various locations to battle this fire.

03:24:02.619 --> 03:24:24.619
Firefighting efforts continued throughout the rest of the evening and into Sunday morning, and by 2 a.m. an excavator from Fisher Excavating arrived on scene and was utilized to gain safe access throughout the main structure, thus assisting our crews with overhaul and final extinguishment efforts.

03:24:24.619 --> 03:24:31.619
These efforts were completed by 3.30 a.m. and all units had cleared the scene by 4.30 a.m.

03:24:31.619 --> 03:24:36.379
factors that our command staff and personnel were called to deal with at

03:24:36.379 --> 03:24:42.579
this large scale event included a rapidly developing fire conditions dealing

03:24:42.579 --> 03:24:47.299
with differing types of building construction in in several structure

03:24:47.299 --> 03:24:52.579
with large footprints the condition of those structures proximity and

03:24:52.579 --> 03:24:57.379
accessibility issues positioning fire apparatus and personnel around the

03:24:57.379 --> 03:25:06.059
Structure, there was a lot of overgrowth and stuff surrounding the property, ensuring protection

03:25:06.059 --> 03:25:13.979
for all the nearby structures, accountability for all unseen personnel, not just ours but

03:25:13.979 --> 03:25:19.639
also those that were attending and making sure that they had instructions based upon

03:25:19.639 --> 03:25:25.340
safe operations. Establishing traffic control along Stevenson Street and Henderson Road,

03:25:25.340 --> 03:25:28.420
or a lot of people that wanted to see what was going on.

03:25:28.420 --> 03:25:31.280
And of course that was flooding into our operations

03:25:31.280 --> 03:25:35.219
as we were trying to put down water supply lines.

03:25:36.100 --> 03:25:38.340
Securing of utilities, we needed to come in

03:25:38.340 --> 03:25:42.979
to secure this facility from electric

03:25:42.979 --> 03:25:44.739
while we did our operations.

03:25:44.739 --> 03:25:47.619
And assessing our water systems capabilities

03:25:47.619 --> 03:25:51.559
versus the amount that would be required for extinguishment.

03:25:51.559 --> 03:26:01.559
As well as logistical issues related to establishing tanker supplied water operations.

03:26:01.559 --> 03:26:07.899
We don't do, because we have a hydrant in the city, we don't do as much with water tankers

03:26:07.899 --> 03:26:16.680
and everything, but we do train annually with these groups and that proved helpful in us

03:26:16.680 --> 03:26:19.760
keeping this up.

03:26:19.760 --> 03:26:34.760
We have large master stream devices like water towers and stuff. They can flow 2000 gallons a minute and the hydrants in that area are not substantial to meet the needs of three different water towers that are all flowing at once.

03:26:34.760 --> 03:26:43.760
If you were to imagine if we had a bottle of pop here and we put six straws in it, it's not going to last very long.

03:26:43.760 --> 03:26:50.760
and I have been in the Department of Transportation for a long time. We've had to deal with the

03:26:50.760 --> 03:26:57.760
same thing, which is why we had to have additional water supplied to us from other departments

03:26:58.760 --> 03:27:03.760
with their tankers. We had to deal with the potential need to refill apparatus on scene

03:27:03.760 --> 03:27:10.760
due to the length of the incident, also the feeding and rehabbing of the personnel that

03:27:10.760 --> 03:27:11.760
and others.

03:27:11.760 --> 03:27:14.579
The fire was a major fire that took apart the structure so fire overhaul and extinguishment

03:27:14.579 --> 03:27:18.000
of the fire could occur.

03:27:18.000 --> 03:27:21.699
In entirety, this event spanned, like I said, 13 hours.

03:27:21.699 --> 03:27:29.119
It involved nearly 120 individuals and required roughly 2.3 million gallons of water to achieve

03:27:29.119 --> 03:27:30.119
final extinguishment.

03:27:30.119 --> 03:27:36.539
It's an estimate based upon calculations of what we know that the equipment there could

03:27:36.539 --> 03:27:37.760
flow.

03:27:37.760 --> 03:27:41.799
During the course of this event, three firefighters sustained minor injuries.

03:27:41.799 --> 03:27:47.760
All were assessed by on-scene EMS, and were determined not to require transport.

03:27:48.199 --> 03:27:50.559
And that is our report on that fire.

03:27:51.840 --> 03:27:52.199
Thank you.

03:27:55.360 --> 03:27:58.920
And I'm guessing we're going to move on to the department head reports.

03:27:58.920 --> 03:27:59.479
Finance?

03:27:59.959 --> 03:28:00.680
Nothing, Your Honor.

03:28:00.920 --> 03:28:01.239
Thank you.

03:28:01.239 --> 03:28:02.039
Community Development.

03:28:02.039 --> 03:28:03.119
Nothing tonight, Madam Mayor.

03:28:03.360 --> 03:28:03.840
Thank you.

03:28:04.039 --> 03:28:04.559
Public Works.

03:28:04.559 --> 03:28:05.039
Nothing.

03:28:05.119 --> 03:28:05.440
Fire.

03:28:05.440 --> 03:28:06.000
Do you have more?

03:28:06.559 --> 03:28:06.719
No.

03:28:06.719 --> 03:28:07.079
Police?

03:28:07.079 --> 03:28:12.479
just real quick last year the council approved the purchase of new body-worn

03:28:12.479 --> 03:28:16.200
cameras and when I presented that memo I said that I was gonna apply for a grant

03:28:16.200 --> 03:28:23.280
so I applied for a federal small rural tribal grant and it was about a month

03:28:23.280 --> 03:28:30.520
ago or so we received about $25,000 towards that purchase so thank you for

03:28:30.520 --> 03:28:32.520
and

03:28:33.520 --> 03:28:34.520
Mr.

03:28:34.520 --> 03:28:35.520
Miller.

03:28:35.520 --> 03:28:36.520
Thank you.

03:28:36.520 --> 03:28:37.520
Okay.

03:28:37.520 --> 03:28:42.520
Then we will move on to City Manager Report.

03:28:42.520 --> 03:28:43.520
No report tonight.

03:28:43.520 --> 03:28:44.520
I'm sorry, Kurt.

03:28:44.520 --> 03:28:45.520
No.

03:28:45.520 --> 03:28:49.520
And given the time, I'm going to pass on mine as well.

03:28:49.520 --> 03:28:50.520
Alderman Stacy?

03:28:50.520 --> 03:28:51.520
No.

03:28:51.520 --> 03:28:52.520
Alderman Shadle?

03:28:52.520 --> 03:28:53.520
Nothing to that.

03:28:53.520 --> 03:28:54.520
Alderman Sander?

03:28:54.520 --> 03:28:59.760
Alderman Sanders Yeah, I would like to make a comment since

03:28:59.760 --> 03:29:03.479
I didn't get a chance to make it earlier.

03:29:03.479 --> 03:29:05.920
I just wanted to bring it to our attention.

03:29:05.920 --> 03:29:12.539
I want counsel to know it as well because there was a violation with one of the ordinances

03:29:12.539 --> 03:29:15.699
had to do with our residency ordinances.

03:29:15.699 --> 03:29:23.520
And the fact that it was a violation, and it took effect, it was played out anyway,

03:29:23.520 --> 03:29:28.000
and nobody is held accountable for the violation of this ordinance.

03:29:28.000 --> 03:29:33.940
And I wanted to visit that to get clarity with that since it had been brought to our

03:29:33.940 --> 03:29:34.940
attention.

03:29:34.940 --> 03:29:42.059
But I wanted the public to know that there was an ordinance violation and we need to

03:29:42.059 --> 03:29:47.139
adhere to that and take another look at it.

03:29:47.139 --> 03:29:52.699
I don't know if we put it on the agenda for the next time, but the fact of the matter

03:29:52.700 --> 03:29:57.180
is, it is something that needs to be looked into.

03:29:57.180 --> 03:30:03.620
that needs to be looked into and I think me addressing it now will give it will

03:30:03.620 --> 03:30:09.860
give everybody an opportunity to look into the matter because the resident see

03:30:09.860 --> 03:30:15.059
problem shouldn't never happen first of all because there was an ordinance in

03:30:15.059 --> 03:30:19.899
place and if that ordinance is in place we got to be held accountable for that

03:30:19.899 --> 03:30:26.079
ordinance and not violate that ordinance and that's what I wanted to bring to the

03:30:26.079 --> 03:30:56.079
Attention. Alderman Sellers? No, nothing. Alderman Klemm? I'd just like to publicly thank all the personnel that worked on putting out the fire on the east side. As the Chief mentioned, you know, there was, as the Chief mentioned, there were about 125 people involved and, and Rob and I had a meeting next Tuesday in

03:30:56.079 --> 03:31:04.639
with the Chief, Chief Miller, and really got some good insight in everything. But you know,

03:31:04.639 --> 03:31:09.559
the things that you forget on all this stuff is what the police department did, what Public

03:31:09.559 --> 03:31:14.760
Works did, what the street department did in closing these off, and to place off. And

03:31:14.760 --> 03:31:19.440
like he mentioned, one of the big hazards were the people that were coming over to look

03:31:19.440 --> 03:31:26.040
at it. And there's one example, and fortunately we don't have a lot of them here, but there's

03:31:26.040 --> 03:31:30.760
Here is one example of a large building that was built years ago that had everything in

03:31:30.760 --> 03:31:36.479
the world stored into it and everybody kind of forgets about it until somebody does a

03:31:36.479 --> 03:31:37.479
dumb move.

03:31:37.479 --> 03:31:40.159
But thank you guys for all the work that you did.

03:31:40.159 --> 03:31:41.159
We appreciate it.

03:31:41.159 --> 03:31:42.159
Alderman Monroe?

03:31:42.159 --> 03:31:43.159
Nothing to nightmare.

03:31:43.159 --> 03:31:44.159
Alderman Simmons?

03:31:44.159 --> 03:31:45.159
Yeah, I just want to second what Klemm said.

03:31:45.159 --> 03:31:46.159
I was going to say that, too.

03:31:46.159 --> 03:31:47.159
It was amazing watching all of y'all fight that fire and put it out.

03:31:47.159 --> 03:31:48.159
So thank you for that.

03:31:48.159 --> 03:31:49.159
And also, thank you for being here.

03:31:49.159 --> 03:32:04.159
I want to say that too, it was amazing watching all y'all fight that fire and put it out so thank you for that and also thank you for clarifying why you didn't use the fire hydrants right there on Stevenson Street because that caused a lot of confusion so thank you for that.

03:32:04.159 --> 03:32:06.159
Alderman Parker?

03:32:06.159 --> 03:32:07.159
Nothing to thank your honor.

03:32:07.159 --> 03:32:11.159
Public comment, is there anyone for public comment?

03:32:11.159 --> 03:32:31.159
Good evening, city officials. I was home sick, but I couldn't sit in front of YouTube and

03:32:31.159 --> 03:32:35.680
listen to what was going on down here. One of the first things I'd like to talk about

03:32:35.680 --> 03:32:42.639
is this situation with residency. Some of you know that I've been talking about

03:32:42.639 --> 03:32:49.520
residency in Freeport for years. I have an issue with with individuals working

03:32:49.520 --> 03:32:56.800
here, getting paid by us, and taking their dollars someplace else. Tax dollars,

03:32:56.800 --> 03:33:02.680
property taxes, so forth and so on. But I also have another issue in talking to

03:33:32.680 --> 03:33:37.680
with anybody else that comes into this city should be living in the city and their tax

03:33:37.680 --> 03:33:41.920
dollars, property tax dollars, should be coming back within this community.

03:33:41.920 --> 03:33:44.840
That's the one thing I want to talk about.

03:33:44.840 --> 03:33:49.200
The other thing is on the east side, I was over there during that fire and yeah, they

03:33:49.200 --> 03:33:53.440
did a wonderful job, but nobody's talking about the hydrants that have been removed

03:33:53.440 --> 03:33:54.600
from over there.

03:33:54.600 --> 03:33:57.960
I know of two that have been taken out.

03:33:57.960 --> 03:34:02.360
We also know that there had to be additional waters brought in because hydrants weren't

03:34:02.360 --> 03:34:04.360
and

03:34:06.360 --> 03:34:08.360
the other side of town where the hydrants weren't working.

03:34:09.360 --> 03:34:11.360
Are you going to put them on the other side of town where they've

03:34:12.360 --> 03:34:16.360
been taken out? There's no fire hydrants in front of Bucky's shop

03:34:17.360 --> 03:34:20.360
anymore. There's no fire hydrant in front of Taylor Park school

03:34:21.360 --> 03:34:26.360
anymore. They've been removed. As far as the situation with the

03:34:26.360 --> 03:34:35.880
As far as the situation with the private road, I want to make it very clear to everybody sitting in this audience and everybody that's listening to my voice.

03:34:36.760 --> 03:34:44.960
That private road has been a private road forever. But for 30 years, we thought it was a part of the city.

03:34:45.559 --> 03:34:53.800
So we've been maintaining, we've been plowing, we've been doing all of this stuff for 30 years on a road that is not a part of our city, that is a private road.

03:34:53.800 --> 03:34:58.360
and now we're being asked to contribute, not with our money, but with theirs.

03:34:58.360 --> 03:35:01.920
The fact of the matter is, we couldn't ride down that road.

03:35:01.920 --> 03:35:06.319
We couldn't drive our cars through there because it's a private road that we've been maintaining.

03:35:06.319 --> 03:35:10.559
So let's tell the truth and shame the devil, because we've been maintaining that road

03:35:10.559 --> 03:35:17.319
for 30 plus years thinking it was ours and it isn't.

03:35:17.319 --> 03:35:21.360
It appears to me that everything that happens in this town, no offense to Aaron, but Graham

03:35:21.360 --> 03:35:23.360
has their fingers in it.

03:35:23.360 --> 03:35:29.960
Your time has expired. Thank you. Pardon me? Nobody else is speaking. Appreciate you. Alright.

03:35:29.960 --> 03:35:44.000
Is there any other public comment? Yes. Good evening. I wanted to say thank you for the

03:35:44.000 --> 03:35:48.120
lights that were played. Could you please state your name? Could you please state your

03:35:48.120 --> 03:35:55.960
Altman, drove down Iroquois Street. We have eight streetlights on the whole street of Iroquois.

03:35:55.960 --> 03:36:01.520
Drove down Chicago in the four blacks and there are 60 streetlights. And I can only

03:36:01.520 --> 03:36:09.880
assume why they're there, but we'll let that go. Also, talking about driving vehicles,

03:36:09.880 --> 03:36:15.520
I have been to Lena Made Meats in Lena and saw the city trucks, public works truck up

03:36:15.520 --> 03:36:19.000
They're buying meat so that you guys can have a cookout.

03:36:21.840 --> 03:36:25.399
Next, in your little pamphlet that you so gave out

03:36:25.399 --> 03:36:28.600
to the people, my renters, on the good side of town,

03:36:28.600 --> 03:36:31.340
but not on the east side of town.

03:36:31.340 --> 03:36:32.600
They didn't get any of these little flyers,

03:36:32.600 --> 03:36:36.380
this little paper that you so sent out, but that's okay.

03:36:36.380 --> 03:36:38.520
Because on here, you're tootin' your horn

03:36:38.520 --> 03:36:41.460
because you guys tore down 51 properties.

03:36:42.600 --> 03:36:44.440
Right here in the paper.

03:36:44.440 --> 03:36:47.860
but the worst problem is after I got thinking about this,

03:36:47.860 --> 03:36:49.760
then you comment that the city's gonna buy them

03:36:49.760 --> 03:36:50.739
on the tax sale.

03:36:51.960 --> 03:36:53.360
It's all right here in black and white

03:36:53.360 --> 03:36:54.800
if you don't believe me.

03:36:54.800 --> 03:36:58.399
The worst thing is you're gonna take taxpayers money

03:36:58.399 --> 03:37:01.260
to buy this stuff and then you're gonna put houses on it

03:37:01.260 --> 03:37:05.000
to compete against the taxpayers who have property here

03:37:05.000 --> 03:37:06.159
and who are landlords.

03:37:09.020 --> 03:37:12.040
The second thing is why am I paying taxes

03:37:12.040 --> 03:37:13.840
on my electric and gas bill for the city?

03:37:13.840 --> 03:37:15.520
What am I getting for that?

03:37:15.520 --> 03:37:18.520
I don't see anything, no roads, no nothing.

03:37:18.520 --> 03:37:20.760
And we're talking about the buses.

03:37:20.760 --> 03:37:23.159
You guys get grant money for these buses,

03:37:23.159 --> 03:37:25.659
but what do you do with the money when you sell them?

03:37:27.300 --> 03:37:29.020
No answer there either, I guess.

03:37:33.600 --> 03:37:37.780
My other thing was, your opponent that ran against you,

03:37:38.720 --> 03:37:42.800
you said that he was funded by slumlords.

03:37:42.800 --> 03:37:49.800
So in other words, you're calling anybody in here that's a landlord that funded him and voted for him a slob lord.

03:37:49.800 --> 03:37:59.800
Please take a look at yourselves, because you guys own the Raleigh Building. Wasn't it four or five years ago that we had to shut Liberty Street down because the bricks were falling?

03:37:59.800 --> 03:38:07.800
I was told by one of Wayne's employees, any houses that have a hole or window is broke will be fast-tracked.

03:38:07.800 --> 03:38:19.800
So why is the Raleigh building not fast-tracked, that you go up and down those alleys, there's thousands and thousands of broken windows, glass all over, and trees growing through it and the roof caving in.

03:38:19.800 --> 03:38:24.800
But that Raleigh building sits there and that's more of a hazard than anything in this Freeport.

03:38:24.800 --> 03:38:29.800
So, you know, I appreciate you calling the people of Slumlord.

03:38:29.800 --> 03:38:34.800
That shows you how much you really care for the people of Freeport.

03:38:34.800 --> 03:38:54.800
How are you doing? I'm Mekia Sanders. I just want to say thank you, James, for always sticking up for what you truly, truly believe in for the people.

03:38:54.800 --> 03:39:00.800
And I don't like the fact that you guys took a lot of credit for Cecelia and Stacy fighting for those lights.

03:39:00.800 --> 03:39:11.300
I mean, I seen the Chief on there, you took a little bit of credit, but nobody applauded Cecelia for bringing it and actually getting it done and standing on what she believed in as well.

03:39:11.300 --> 03:39:23.300
Then I want to say something about that residency. The part that bothers me is that people are here that don't care, don't know people, like he said.

03:39:23.300 --> 03:39:30.300
And then the fact that you guys hired Wayne Duckman, for a matter of, I truly don't know where he is, you know, I ain't trying to offend him with that.

03:39:30.300 --> 03:39:34.460
but he came here and he walked you right into a lawsuit.

03:39:34.460 --> 03:39:37.840
Somebody is still going to pay me

03:39:37.840 --> 03:39:40.840
for what he did and use his poor judgment,

03:39:40.840 --> 03:39:44.979
disrespected the council, not brought the matter that spend city money

03:39:44.979 --> 03:39:50.380
on a property that he tore down. Then he asked y'all to pay for it

03:39:50.380 --> 03:39:55.620
after the fact that it was already done. And for that I mean I truly don't know

03:39:55.620 --> 03:39:56.780
why he leaving but

03:39:56.780 --> 03:39:57.280
You kno-

03:39:57.280 --> 03:40:27.280
I really don't know why he leaving, but, you know, all of a sudden you leaving now, but that's a great thing, because you really are tearing everybody up in Freeport, and Rob Boyer, I don't know why you just keep cooling them for that, you either, you spoke on it, y'all tearing people homes up, y'all tearing down the history of Freeport, everywhere, and don't care about nobody here, and then the fact that, let's speak on how y'all don't never follow y'all rules, I wouldn't want to live here either, y'all are a mess up here, more than half of you,

03:40:27.280 --> 03:40:30.600
Nobody knows what they doing, dude sitting next to you.

03:40:30.600 --> 03:40:33.720
He don't never do his job until somebody calls him out

03:40:33.720 --> 03:40:35.239
and actually look him in the eye and tell him,

03:40:35.239 --> 03:40:38.159
hey, what's this mean, what's this mean?

03:40:38.159 --> 03:40:40.480
Robert's rules have been violated on this council

03:40:40.480 --> 03:40:43.360
since I've been here, since I've been coming here.

03:40:43.360 --> 03:40:46.000
You can't ask for a city ordinance to be followed

03:40:46.000 --> 03:40:47.440
if y'all ain't following them.

03:40:51.360 --> 03:40:53.159
Are there any other public comments?

03:40:57.280 --> 03:41:10.480
Hi, my name is Micaiah Stacy. I just want to ask the council for a little bit more respect.

03:41:10.480 --> 03:41:14.440
Just recently, when Akia was talking, I watched Joy Sellers pick up her phone and I watched

03:41:14.440 --> 03:41:18.760
Gregory Shadle, who has his phone in his hand right now, as I do, pick up his phone and

03:41:18.760 --> 03:41:24.480
scroll. And I know a couple weeks ago, there was a comment made that I don't work for the

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and

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other people.

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I'm just asking when we're talking, please listen. I know

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you don't want to be here. It's been, what, three and a half

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hours or whatever. I've been up since 6 a.m. too. I don't want

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to be here. But in order for us to feel like we're being

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listened to and feel like we're respected, I ask that you give

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your undivided attention. Thank you.

03:41:49.200 --> 03:41:57.120
Engine. Thank you. Any other public comments? And I will entertain a motion for adjournment.

03:41:57.120 --> 03:42:02.360
So moved. Second. We have a motion by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Shadle. All those

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in favor? Aye. Have a good evening.