WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:16.000 Good evening, Pastor Kupferstrom, could you please give me a vocation? 00:00:16.000 --> 00:00:22.039 Good evening, Madam Mayor, Council, everyone, could you please pray with me? 00:00:22.039 --> 00:00:27.960 Well, Father, we give you thanks, Lord of Heaven and Earth, give you praise tonight 00:00:27.960 --> 00:00:35.000 is the one who's given us life and health and gifted us for service. Lord, even as I 00:00:35.799 --> 00:00:41.320 consider the people around this room, Lord, we see how you've gifted each one of them for the roles 00:00:41.320 --> 00:00:49.320 that you've given them here in the city. And Lord, we confess tonight that apart from your help, apart 00:00:49.320 --> 00:00:56.439 from your strength, we have nothing. And so, it's for your help and strength that I ask tonight for 00:00:56.439 --> 00:01:02.320 for this Council, for this City. Lord, we thank You for the way that You've directed 00:01:02.320 --> 00:01:08.719 over this past year and into this new year in 2026, the plans that have been made, the 00:01:08.719 --> 00:01:14.879 things that have been laid out. Lord, we pray for Your blessing and success in those plans. 00:01:14.879 --> 00:01:21.379 Lord, I know that we have differences of all sorts, but do pray that in the midst of our 00:01:21.379 --> 00:01:26.619 Disagreements and Differences, you would help us to move forward in unity, not 00:01:26.619 --> 00:01:33.539 unanimity perhaps, but unity with a mutual love for this city and for 00:01:33.539 --> 00:01:38.699 these people. And Lord, we do pray for this meeting tonight that you would bless the 00:01:38.699 --> 00:01:43.539 proceedings, help us to please you with the way that we speak to one another and 00:01:43.539 --> 00:01:48.579 the decisions that are made. And Lord, we ask all these things for your glory. In 00:01:48.579 --> 00:01:54.099 in Jesus name. Amen. Now we'll officially call this meeting to order. Madam Clerk, could 00:01:54.099 --> 00:02:00.299 you please take the roll? Mayor Miller? Here. Alderpersons, Klemm? Here. Johnson? Here. Simmons 00:02:00.299 --> 00:02:08.919 is absent. Parker? Here. Stacy? Here. Shadle and Sanders are both absent. Sellers? Here. 00:02:08.919 --> 00:02:12.939 We do have a quorum, Mayor. Thank you. If you could please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance 00:02:12.939 --> 00:02:14.939 Led by Alderman Klemm. 00:02:14.939 --> 00:02:29.939 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 00:02:31.939 --> 00:02:35.939 Madam Clerk, could you please note that Alderman Simmons has arrived? 00:02:35.939 --> 00:02:36.939 Thank you. 00:02:36.939 --> 00:02:37.939 Thank you. 00:02:37.939 --> 00:02:47.939 Thank you. Item number one is the approval of the agenda. However, we are going to remove item number three, which are the recognitions. We'll do that in February. Is there a motion to approve? 00:02:47.939 --> 00:03:05.939 So moved. Second. A motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Aye. Opposed? That motion passes. Item number two is approval of the minutes from the council meeting on January 5th, 2026. Is there a motion to approve? 00:03:05.939 --> 00:03:08.939 I make a motion to approve. So moved. Second. 00:03:08.939 --> 00:03:14.939 Motion made by Alderman Johnson, seconded by Alderman Sellers. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. 00:03:14.939 --> 00:03:21.939 Opposed? That motion passes. Public comment. Was there, Bryan is there? Bryan, could you check? No. 00:03:21.939 --> 00:03:32.939 We'll move on to item number five, which is the Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda is considered to be routine in nature and acted as one motion unless there's a member of the council who would like to have something removed for further discussion. 00:03:32.939 --> 00:03:33.939 Huffines. 00:03:33.939 --> 00:03:41.060 Seeing none, the consent agenda consists of approval to receive and place on file the 00:03:41.060 --> 00:03:49.819 minutes from the Building Commission, November 13, 2024, Planning Commission, July 10, 2025, 00:03:49.819 --> 00:03:55.539 Finance Committee of the Whole, November 10 and 17, 2025, the Board of Fire and Police 00:03:55.539 --> 00:04:02.699 Commissioners, November 25, 2025, Art and Culture Commission, December 4, 2025, the 00:04:02.700 --> 00:04:04.700 Settlers, and the 00:04:06.700 --> 00:04:08.700 financial department. 00:04:10.800 --> 00:04:12.800 The financial department is 00:04:13.900 --> 00:04:15.900 requesting the cash and investment report and the 00:04:17.000 --> 00:04:19.000 finance department report both November 00:04:20.100 --> 00:04:22.100 2025, adoption of resolution 00:04:24.200 --> 00:04:26.200 2026-08, the resolution requesting temporary closure 00:04:27.500 --> 00:04:29.500 of streets for the annual memorial day parade and the 00:04:30.600 --> 00:04:32.600 approval of the finance bill's total payment of 00:04:32.699 --> 00:04:43.779 Huff, $773,726.64. I know there's just a typo. It said 2025, but it's actually 2026. 00:04:43.779 --> 00:04:46.420 So with that, is there a motion to approve? 00:04:46.420 --> 00:04:47.420 So moved. 00:04:47.420 --> 00:04:48.420 Second. 00:04:48.420 --> 00:04:54.019 We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. Madam Clerk, could you 00:04:54.019 --> 00:04:55.819 please take the roll? 00:04:55.819 --> 00:05:01.980 Madam Mayor, I'd just like to note that the Memorial Day Parade is May 25th, 2026. And 00:05:01.980 --> 00:05:04.460 Who was the second on that? 00:05:04.460 --> 00:05:07.220 Sellers was the second. 00:05:07.220 --> 00:05:09.700 For roll call vote, Klemm? 00:05:09.700 --> 00:05:10.420 Aye. 00:05:10.420 --> 00:05:11.379 Johnson? 00:05:11.379 --> 00:05:12.060 Aye. 00:05:12.060 --> 00:05:13.100 Simmons? 00:05:13.100 --> 00:05:13.500 Aye. 00:05:13.500 --> 00:05:14.100 Parker? 00:05:14.100 --> 00:05:14.580 Aye. 00:05:14.580 --> 00:05:15.080 Stacy? 00:05:21.340 --> 00:05:25.540 Aye, even though I think there's a mistake. 00:05:25.540 --> 00:05:30.460 It says Committee of the Whole November 10th and 17th? 00:05:30.460 --> 00:05:31.580 No. 00:05:31.579 --> 00:05:33.579 The Committee of the Whole was the 10th. 00:05:33.579 --> 00:05:36.579 That's Finance Committee of the Whole, Alderperson. 00:05:36.579 --> 00:05:38.579 Forgive me. 00:05:38.579 --> 00:05:40.579 And Sellers. 00:05:40.579 --> 00:05:42.579 Aye. 00:05:42.579 --> 00:05:44.579 That is your vote. 00:05:44.579 --> 00:05:46.579 The motion passes 6-0. 00:05:50.579 --> 00:05:55.579 Item number 6 is the adoption of resolution 2026.03. Could you please read this? 00:05:55.579 --> 00:06:02.939 Resolution Approving a Service Sales Agreement with Revise for City Website Updates, Annual Hosting, and Maintenance Services 00:06:02.939 --> 00:06:04.939 Thank you. Director Bridge. 00:06:04.939 --> 00:06:06.939 Good evening Mayor and Council. 00:06:06.939 --> 00:06:14.699 Before I read what I have here, I just wanted to thank those responsible for getting me to the top of the agenda. 00:06:14.699 --> 00:06:22.699 I understand resolutions usually aren't this early, but family life has been shaken up recently, so I appreciate that. 00:06:22.699 --> 00:06:30.199 For close to 10 years, the City has been utilizing a website that was made with limited user-friendly tools. 00:06:30.199 --> 00:06:40.199 The old site has simply become so outdated that continuing with it may cause more technical difficulties, of which the City experienced several in 2024. 00:06:40.199 --> 00:06:50.699 The City Communications Director and Information Technology Director have researched the most cost-effective and most long-term solutions for all who utilize cityoffreeport.org, 00:06:50.699 --> 00:07:09.699 Several website design companies that specialize in local government provided quotes for their scope of work, allowing the city to bring forward the following, which is the fact that Revise has written out this agreement for just under $15,000. 00:07:09.699 --> 00:07:16.699 Revise is a company that has helped launch 3,600 websites, mainly focusing on local government. 00:07:16.699 --> 00:07:22.899 They have worked with nearby municipalities such as Stevenson County, Highland Park, Maywood, 00:07:22.899 --> 00:07:24.459 and Cherry Valley. 00:07:24.459 --> 00:07:28.939 REVISE is prepared to do a full redesign of the website while keeping all necessary information 00:07:28.939 --> 00:07:31.899 that goes into keeping our residents best informed. 00:07:31.899 --> 00:07:39.300 The funds for this update will come from the IT budget on approval by Council for 2026. 00:07:39.300 --> 00:07:40.300 Thank you, Director. 00:07:40.300 --> 00:07:41.300 Is there a motion to approve? 00:07:41.300 --> 00:07:42.300 So moved. 00:07:42.300 --> 00:07:43.300 I'm sorry, to adopt. 00:07:43.300 --> 00:07:44.300 So moved. 00:07:44.300 --> 00:07:45.300 Second. 00:07:45.300 --> 00:07:51.300 We have a motion made by Alderman, Klemm, seconded by Alderman, Sellers. Discussion on this resolution. 00:07:55.300 --> 00:07:57.300 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:07:57.300 --> 00:08:11.300 Klemm. Aye. Johnson. Aye. Simmons. Aye. Parker. Aye. Stacy. No. And Sellers. Aye. The resolution passes five to one. Thank you. Thank you, Director. 00:08:11.300 --> 00:08:17.699 Item number seven is the second reading of Ordinance 20-2601. Could you please read this? 00:08:17.699 --> 00:08:37.700 Ordinance amending various subsections of Chapter 220, Rules of Council, and the City of Freeport Code of Ordinances, Section 220.11A4, Operation of the Committee of the Whole, Section 2-2011E5, Operation of the Finance Committee of the Whole, and Section 2-2011F5, the City Manager Recruitment Committee. 00:08:37.700 --> 00:08:39.299 Thank you. Manager Boyer? 00:08:39.299 --> 00:08:46.439 Thank Your Honor. This is the second reading. The first reading was January 5th. At that time, we went over the various changes. 00:08:46.439 --> 00:08:48.439 There were no questions at that time and 00:08:48.959 --> 00:08:51.740 staff requests moving forward with the ordinance 00:08:53.579 --> 00:08:55.579 amending these areas. 00:08:55.779 --> 00:08:57.779 Discussion? 00:09:00.339 --> 00:09:02.419 Madam Clerk, if you could please take the roll. 00:09:02.419 --> 00:09:02.919 Klemm? 00:09:02.919 --> 00:09:03.419 Aye. 00:09:03.419 --> 00:09:03.919 Johnson? 00:09:03.919 --> 00:09:04.419 Aye. 00:09:04.419 --> 00:09:04.919 Simmons? 00:09:04.919 --> 00:09:15.759 I'm sorry no thank you Parker hi Stacy no Shadle oh goodness Sellers aye Madam 00:09:15.759 --> 00:09:22.959 Mayor we're gonna need you to chime in and the ordinance passes six to five one 00:09:22.959 --> 00:09:31.159 two three four five to two item number eight is the first reading of ordinance 00:09:31.159 --> 00:09:40.839 I think so just just double check it again because we got two people gone and there's 00:09:40.839 --> 00:09:47.799 eight aldermen and you tallied seven votes yeah that's cuz I'm in it okay thank you five 00:09:47.799 --> 00:09:58.759 to two equals seven thank you no worries ma'am clerk can you read that next ordinance please 00:09:58.759 --> 00:10:00.000 Ordinance, Amending, Codified 00:10:00.000 --> 00:10:15.000 Ordinance Amending Codified Ordinances, Chapter 1044, Water Rates and Revenues, Section 1044.01, Established Rates to Add Incentive Pay for Lead and Copper Samples to be Taken for Lead Service Line Replacement Grant Application. 00:10:15.000 --> 00:10:17.000 Thank you. Manager Boyer. 00:10:17.000 --> 00:10:23.080 Thank you, Your Honor. We discussed this at the Committee of the Whole on January 12th. Essentially, 00:10:23.080 --> 00:10:28.279 we're having issues with getting compliance from homes that have lead services for our sampling 00:10:28.840 --> 00:10:35.000 process. The root of the issue is that we started our sampling program with over 60 00:10:35.960 --> 00:10:41.720 samples that are required and we have removed so many lead services that we only have about 63 00:10:41.720 --> 00:10:49.759 Active Services Now. So, staff had proposed moving, bringing forward a $40 incentive reduction 00:10:49.759 --> 00:10:55.840 on the Individuals Water Bill to help us gain compliance and get cooperation from the property 00:10:55.840 --> 00:11:03.399 residents of those properties. And staff requests moving this to second reading in February. 00:11:03.399 --> 00:11:06.600 Is there a motion to move this forward? So move. 00:11:06.600 --> 00:11:11.000 Second. We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:17.319 by Alderman Johnson discussion on the ordinance. Darren? Yeah I just wanted to give everybody an 00:11:17.319 --> 00:11:23.480 update. We did some tabulations between the meetings and we are literally at about 150 00:11:23.480 --> 00:11:28.600 services left and we will be complete with the lead service line replacement. So I know there's 00:11:28.600 --> 00:11:33.000 people that have been asking me and it took us some time to to get it down but right now there's 00:11:33.000 --> 00:11:39.080 There's 150 left and by any luck we will be done sometime this summer. 00:11:39.080 --> 00:11:40.080 Awesome. 00:11:40.080 --> 00:11:41.080 Thank you. 00:11:41.080 --> 00:11:44.600 Could I make a motion to suspend the rules? 00:11:44.600 --> 00:11:45.600 Second. 00:11:45.600 --> 00:11:51.319 We have a motion to suspend the rules made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:11:51.319 --> 00:11:54.519 Suspension of the rules is non-debatable and must pass by two-thirds majority. 00:11:54.519 --> 00:11:58.279 Madam Clerk, could you please take the vote on the suspension only? 00:11:58.279 --> 00:11:59.279 Klemm. 00:11:59.279 --> 00:12:00.279 Aye. 00:12:00.279 --> 00:12:01.279 Johnson. 00:12:01.279 --> 00:12:02.279 Aye. 00:12:02.279 --> 00:12:24.840 Simmons? No. Parker? Aye. Stacy? No. Sellers? Aye. One, two, three, four. Attorney Zito, we need six, right? So the mayor wouldn't even matter. So that motion fails. 00:12:24.840 --> 00:12:34.840 Okay, the suspension fails. However, there's still the discussion on the ordinance itself. It'll just be moved to the next regularly scheduled meeting. Alderman Sellers? 00:12:34.840 --> 00:12:52.840 Yes, just wanted to know how long do we have to have this given to the EPA on what we're doing, our testing? Are we looked into about testing and stuff? Is that why we have to do this? 00:12:52.840 --> 00:13:01.120 Sure. So as I mentioned before, we have about 63 active services. We need 60 of them to 00:13:01.120 --> 00:13:07.980 respond to our lead and copper sampling. So we're just asking for a $40 incentive to reduce 00:13:07.980 --> 00:13:12.759 off of the individual water bills. And we hope to have these done before the next sampling 00:13:12.759 --> 00:13:19.279 regime. This is basically just going to get us done through the next, I guess, sampling 00:13:19.279 --> 00:13:20.720 period till July. 00:13:23.440 --> 00:13:30.799 So we are at this monitoring level of 60 until we reach full lead free compliance. 00:13:31.319 --> 00:13:35.759 And then, um, once we do another tier sample, I believe at the end of the year, 00:13:35.759 --> 00:13:39.440 then we will, then we can apply for reduced monitoring to get back to a more 00:13:39.440 --> 00:13:42.519 reasonable level, but we have to complete. 00:13:42.519 --> 00:13:45.519 And then we have to do some various sampling to do that. 00:13:45.519 --> 00:13:52.320 So what Mr. City Manager Boyer indicated is we're really struggling and we get 00:13:52.320 --> 00:13:55.759 commitments from people and then we don't get follow through, which automatically 00:13:55.759 --> 00:13:57.279 is giving us violations. 00:13:57.680 --> 00:14:01.340 And so this would really help the operations and the environmental staff 00:14:01.340 --> 00:14:06.200 that is working hard to keep us into compliance, very touchy situation. 00:14:06.519 --> 00:14:10.120 Rob actually commend him on his day off. 00:14:10.480 --> 00:14:15.039 He went to EPA and fought on behalf of the city on some violations that 00:14:15.039 --> 00:14:19.440 We receive that our paperwork issues that we're having, because we have so 00:14:19.440 --> 00:14:24.519 many, uh, little, so few lead services right now that we are having a really 00:14:24.519 --> 00:14:25.799 hard time staying compliant. 00:14:25.799 --> 00:14:30.360 That's why, uh, um, we're asking for this to make sure that we, we give our 00:14:30.360 --> 00:14:33.559 operators and our environmental people a chance to get this done. 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:37.240 Hopefully we'll go to what they call, I believe tier five. 00:14:37.519 --> 00:14:40.000 Um, so we'll have one through four pretty much clear. 00:14:40.000 --> 00:14:44.680 We will go to tier five, which is copper services that probably won't be 00:14:44.680 --> 00:15:14.680 until 2027. And then we'll get back on a more consistent, smaller scale that we can use more services in town because we have lots of copper services. Right now, we're really down to, like he said, about 63 active lead services. It's very difficult. And these are the people, a lot of these people that are left are people that haven't been responding to calls, emails, text, you know, us showing up trying to get in to do the services. So it creates another level of complexity to 00:15:14.680 --> 00:15:37.799 Sellers. Yes, because it's a lot of work that goes into doing the testing and they have to do it at a certain spot at a certain time ever for so many days, correct? And then they have to then they then our people go there and get the water and test it and make sure everything's okay, correct? 00:15:37.799 --> 00:15:54.799 Yeah. And then there's another step to it. After that, if, if we would get a parts per billion, uh, confirmation, because people can do sampling, uh, incorrectly, we may get a false positive, which requires us to go back and do even more sampling. 00:15:55.279 --> 00:16:01.680 So, um, it is, it's, it is a chore for the homeowners to be involved. 00:16:01.680 --> 00:16:05.600 and as we have completed these and knocked them out throughout town, 00:16:06.319 --> 00:16:09.840 the people that are very favorable to helping us do this project 00:16:10.440 --> 00:16:11.600 have kind of gone away. 00:16:11.600 --> 00:16:15.440 And again, we're getting to the point of getting trouble to people, 00:16:15.440 --> 00:16:19.920 even answer a call, answer a letter, schedule an appointment. 00:16:19.920 --> 00:16:21.879 And so it's really becoming difficult. 00:16:21.879 --> 00:16:25.440 And it's a big hassle for our staff to chase chase this around. 00:16:26.360 --> 00:16:27.879 Alderman Klemm. Yeah. 00:16:27.879 --> 00:16:31.000 Is it is there a certain segment of the community? 00:16:31.000 --> 00:16:35.440 I mean, is it like rentals? Is it like old people? Is it like, you know? 00:16:35.440 --> 00:16:46.000 Right now, so we had, we originally started with 2300 and we're down to a various 150, kind of spotted all over town that's kind of left from all the different packages we did. 00:16:46.000 --> 00:16:53.960 So there, I couldn't even pick a street that has, you know, you know, more than a couple here and there, just, you know, some of them have sold. 00:16:53.960 --> 00:17:00.039 So we had to wait for one owner to the next. I've been tracking down selling companies, 00:17:00.039 --> 00:17:06.440 leasing companies. Some of these are owned by the government housing. It's a lot more work than 00:17:06.440 --> 00:17:12.120 you can imagine. Thank you. I appreciate it. Alderman Johnson. And if we're out of compliance, 00:17:12.120 --> 00:17:20.200 there's a cost to that, right? As far as a cost to the city, it's basically if we have a violation, 00:17:50.200 --> 00:18:20.200 We're trying to fix... One of the other costs, direct costs of a violation is in this there's a, they call it a monitoring violation. So that requires us to mail every customer in town a mailer saying that we got this violation, which, you know, is like writing a $3,000 check for postage to say that we're in violation of really nothing. And so that's the, we're trying to be responsible with the taxpayer's money and not get into that position. 00:18:20.200 --> 00:18:50.200 One of our one of our monitoring violations that we've got already that Rob went to fight, we really refused to send the mailer because it was a error by the lab company that that got submitted. So we actually submitted all the paperwork, but it was a lab error and it was going to be like writing a check for postage for $3,000 that we think is absolutely ridiculous when we passed all the tests. It's just like a monitoring thing. So again, it is a hassle for the people that are involved. 00:18:50.200 --> 00:19:09.200 We've got to get to the point where we're down to none, and then be compliant for another six months, and then we can reduce the sampling, and hopefully go back to every three years. Prior to the lead and copper rule, we only had to do compliance every three years. Now, because of the new factors, we have to do every six months. So it is a lot more work. 00:19:09.200 --> 00:19:16.079 Prior to the lead and copper rule, we only had to do compliance every three years. Now 00:19:16.079 --> 00:19:20.720 because of the new factors, we have to do every six months. So it is a lot more work and a lot more 00:19:20.720 --> 00:19:36.160 cost in sampling. Alderman Stacy? Yes. How often do you have to take these samples? Like is it monthly 00:19:36.159 --> 00:19:47.480 County, and by the suspension failing, is that going to affect you all in any way? 00:19:47.480 --> 00:19:51.480 The answer to the suspension is no, we can wait until the next meeting. 00:19:51.480 --> 00:19:52.960 That's not a problem. 00:19:52.960 --> 00:19:55.559 And I'm sorry, what was your first question? 00:19:55.559 --> 00:19:57.319 How often do you have to take... 00:19:57.320 --> 00:19:59.960 Right now until the rule changes and we get to Tier 5. 00:19:59.960 --> 00:20:29.160 Ordinance Amending Chapter 810 Concerning the Licensing of Vacation Rentals to Add Penalties for Multiple Violations of Federal, State, or Local Regulations 00:20:29.160 --> 00:20:33.600 Thank you. Director Heimerdinger? 00:20:33.600 --> 00:20:38.600 Thank you, Madam Mayor. The City of Freeport continues to support vacation rentals as lawful 00:20:38.600 --> 00:20:44.680 and beneficial use. However, recent activity has demonstrated the need for additional safeguards. 00:20:44.680 --> 00:20:49.340 The proposed Good Neighbor Policy is intended to preserve neighborhood peace, protect quality 00:20:49.340 --> 00:20:55.559 of life, and ensure accountability when properties are used for short-term rental purposes. 00:20:55.559 --> 00:21:00.680 This policy is not based on neighbor complaints or subjective concerns, instead it relies on 00:21:00.680 --> 00:21:06.420 documented calls for service related to verified violations and relies on communication and 00:21:06.420 --> 00:21:13.600 coordination with the police and fire department to ensure consistent and unbiased application. 00:21:13.600 --> 00:21:20.799 This amendment aligns with the City's strategic plans related to neighborhood housing and 00:21:20.799 --> 00:21:24.600 safe inclusive community and requires no additional funding. 00:21:24.600 --> 00:21:32.720 I'm going to briefly read the policy because it's quite short and it states any vacation 00:21:32.720 --> 00:21:37.960 rental which receives two or more or more calls for service related to a violation of 00:21:37.960 --> 00:21:44.360 a state federal or local ordinance regulation rule or law within a signal licensee or should 00:21:44.360 --> 00:21:50.920 be subject to 30-day suspension of the vacation rental license during which time no rental 00:21:50.920 --> 00:21:52.539 should be allowed. 00:21:52.539 --> 00:22:15.539 In the event that there are three or more calls for service related to a violation of state, federal, or local ordinance, regulation, rule, or law within a signal license year, the license shell issued under this chapter shall be subject to immediate reparation and the owner of the property should not be eligible for a vacation rental license for the following year. 00:22:15.539 --> 00:22:20.940 This provision is enacted for the purpose of preserving community peace and harmony, limiting 00:22:20.940 --> 00:22:27.860 disruptions to community neighborhoods, and requires persons designing to utilize their 00:22:27.860 --> 00:22:34.340 properties for profit to be responsible for ensuring their neighbors, who may not be similarly 00:22:34.340 --> 00:22:39.940 utilizing their homes, are not negatively impacted by the disturbances of any kind. 00:22:39.940 --> 00:22:46.039 As such, the provisions here shall apply whether or not the commission of a crime or violation 00:22:46.039 --> 00:22:52.380 of an ordinance is adjudicationally determined and applies expressively to the occurrence 00:22:52.380 --> 00:22:54.960 of a call for service. 00:22:54.960 --> 00:22:59.559 Any call for service based exclusively upon occurrence of domestic violence shall not 00:22:59.559 --> 00:23:02.940 be counted for the purpose of this section. 00:23:02.940 --> 00:23:08.660 The staff recommends moving this ordinance forward to a second reading and amending Chapter 00:23:08.660 --> 00:23:14.860 Manager, 810, to include Section 810.09, Good Neighbor Policy. 00:23:14.860 --> 00:23:15.860 Thank you. 00:23:15.860 --> 00:23:16.860 Is there a motion to move this forward? 00:23:16.860 --> 00:23:17.860 So moved. 00:23:17.860 --> 00:23:18.860 Second. 00:23:18.860 --> 00:23:22.740 We have a motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:23:22.740 --> 00:23:23.740 Discussion on this ordinance? 00:23:23.740 --> 00:23:24.740 Alderman Johnson? 00:23:24.740 --> 00:23:32.900 I'm just wondering why I see that any call for service based exclusively on domestic violence, 00:23:32.900 --> 00:23:38.340 why that would not be determined as a service call, because to me that's pretty dangerous 00:23:38.340 --> 00:23:51.700 Yes, it's mostly for the policy and wanting to protect the victim of said call. 00:23:51.700 --> 00:24:00.420 So if there is a, we don't want backlash from, you know, that victim that they can no longer 00:24:30.420 --> 00:24:38.259 when they need help in domestic violence situations. You could note that those are pretty close to 00:24:39.140 --> 00:24:46.420 medical calls would be the same. Medical calls are also not in violation of this policy. 00:24:46.420 --> 00:24:51.539 So that is pretty linked to a medical call if somebody's in danger, their life is in danger, 00:24:51.539 --> 00:25:00.180 they're getting domestic abuse. We don't want to deteriorate from the impact of that and we 00:25:00.180 --> 00:25:06.019 and we don't want individuals feeling like they can't call. 00:25:06.019 --> 00:25:18.280 Okay, then we'll move on to Item Number 10, which is the first reading of Ordinance 2026-04. 00:25:18.280 --> 00:25:20.019 Could you please read this? 00:25:20.019 --> 00:25:24.980 Ordinance amending Chapter 1252 of the Zoning Code to allow offices of contractors as a 00:25:24.980 --> 00:25:29.220 permitted use in B1, B2, and B3 business districts. 00:25:29.220 --> 00:25:30.220 Thank you. 00:25:30.220 --> 00:25:31.220 Director Heimerdinger. 00:25:31.220 --> 00:25:32.220 Thank you, Madam Mayor. 00:25:32.220 --> 00:25:37.700 Currently, contractor's offices and shops are only permitted by right and B3, commercial 00:25:37.700 --> 00:25:40.220 and wholesale business districts. 00:25:40.220 --> 00:25:46.539 This restriction excludes their use in less intensive districts such as B1 restricted 00:25:46.539 --> 00:25:53.039 and general retail or B2 limited service business districts, unless specifically stated. 00:25:53.039 --> 00:25:58.480 With advancements in technology, many contractor offices now operate primarily as a business 00:25:58.480 --> 00:26:04.960 Office with digital tools or client meetings, sample displays, rather than on-site fabrication 00:26:04.960 --> 00:26:06.240 or storage. 00:26:06.240 --> 00:26:11.440 To reflect modern business practices and to help attract and retain businesses, the proposed 00:26:11.440 --> 00:26:17.599 amendment would allow contractor offices used primarily for business purposes and sample 00:26:17.599 --> 00:26:26.920 displays to be permitted in B1 districts, in addition to allowing them to continue being 00:26:26.920 --> 00:26:29.080 Alloud in B3. 00:26:29.080 --> 00:26:35.160 This approach reduces red tape and provides ready-to-use spaces for businesses. 00:26:35.160 --> 00:26:41.200 The amendment aligns with the strategic plan for promoting a responsive and effective and 00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:49.360 efficient government that updates ordinances to match current business practices. 00:26:49.360 --> 00:26:55.160 Staff recommends approving the amendment to the ordinance pertaining to contractor offices 00:26:55.160 --> 00:27:03.440 and Shops and this did come from Planning Commission and it was voted in favor of coming to Council 00:27:03.440 --> 00:27:06.200 on January 15th. 00:27:06.200 --> 00:27:07.200 Thank you. 00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:08.200 Is there a motion to move this forward? 00:27:08.200 --> 00:27:09.200 So moved. 00:27:09.200 --> 00:27:10.200 Okay. 00:27:10.200 --> 00:27:18.320 We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Klemm. 00:27:18.320 --> 00:27:19.320 Discussion on the ordinance? 00:27:19.320 --> 00:27:20.320 Alderman Klemm. 00:27:20.320 --> 00:27:50.320 Klemm. Director Heimerdinger, can you give me an example of this? Yes. Business X moving into Y because obviously this has got something in mind to do it. Yeah, so this doesn't, this is not solely, you know, anybody that we are thinking about right now moving in, but we're trying to make it easier for contractors who want to have a presence. Let's say there's a downtown shop, right? That's B1. 00:27:50.320 --> 00:27:55.840 and all they have you know nowadays when you go to talk with a contractor talk 00:27:55.840 --> 00:27:59.240 with a designer they don't have a big showroom they don't manufacture anything 00:27:59.240 --> 00:28:02.920 on site they might have a computer show you some samples they might have some 00:28:02.920 --> 00:28:09.120 paint chips and they may have some small countertop samples right now as it's 00:28:09.120 --> 00:28:15.160 currently written they could not do that in any B1 and a lot of B1 properties are 00:28:45.160 --> 00:28:51.220 examples, fitted online and they're just being shown that it's not fabrication on-site. 00:28:51.220 --> 00:29:01.559 So really between this one and the next one coming up as far as the upstairs or property, 00:29:01.559 --> 00:29:06.940 it's basically going to create a different attitude or a different opportunity for people 00:29:06.940 --> 00:29:09.920 to move into downtown or another place. 00:29:09.920 --> 00:29:10.920 Yes. 00:29:10.920 --> 00:29:31.200 It's supposed to help to create more ability for different types of businesses to find homes here in Freeport and to be able to find a place that works for them and to remove, you know, unnecessary red tape for them to come in and start their business. 00:29:31.559 --> 00:29:31.960 Thank you. 00:29:31.960 --> 00:29:35.800 Alderman, Stacy? 00:29:35.800 --> 00:29:43.880 How many buildings do we have downtown that would support something like this? 00:29:43.880 --> 00:29:45.160 How many? 00:29:45.160 --> 00:29:53.559 Any of them that deemed B1 on the zoning map, they could easily support this. 00:29:53.559 --> 00:29:57.720 I mean, do you know how many properties there is? 00:29:57.720 --> 00:29:59.480 Of B1 on the zoning map? 00:29:59.480 --> 00:29:59.920 I do not. 00:29:59.920 --> 00:30:06.920 B1 on the zoning map, I do not, off the top of my head. 00:30:06.920 --> 00:30:14.480 If there's no other discussion, move on to item number 11, which is the first reading 00:30:14.480 --> 00:30:15.480 of Ordinance 2026-05. 00:30:15.480 --> 00:30:18.880 Madam Clerk, could you please read this? 00:30:18.880 --> 00:30:23.560 Ordinance amending Chapter 1252 of the Zoning Code to Allow Residential Units as a Permitted 00:30:23.560 --> 00:30:28.039 Use Above the Ground Floor of Buildings in the Central Business District. 00:30:28.039 --> 00:30:29.039 Thank you. 00:30:29.039 --> 00:30:40.400 Thank you, Madam Mayor. Currently, residential units are not permitted by right in any business district and can only be allowed through a special use permit under restrictive conditions. 00:30:40.400 --> 00:30:56.000 To address Freeport's housing shortage and promote full occupancy of buildings in the central business district, the proposed amendment to Chapter 1252.01 of the B1 Restricted Retail Business District would 00:30:56.000 --> 00:31:11.000 Allow for a permit residential use including dwelling units and lodging rooms on upper floors in the Central Business District when the ground floor is occupied or could be occupied by a permitted business. 00:31:11.000 --> 00:31:17.800 This also streamlines residential development outside of the Central Business District by 00:31:17.800 --> 00:31:24.300 removing outdated frontage and block composition requirements while maintaining a special use 00:31:24.300 --> 00:31:29.279 permit for anything outside of the Central Business District. 00:31:29.279 --> 00:31:34.600 These changes encourage housing in unutilized buildings, foster vibrant mixed-use downtown 00:31:34.600 --> 00:31:39.400 areas and align with the City's strategic goal related to the responsive government 00:31:39.400 --> 00:31:45.160 and Neighborhood and Housing. Staff recommends Council approving the amendment to the ordinance 00:31:45.160 --> 00:31:52.360 pertaining to residential use in business districts as it was voted in favor by the Planning Commission 00:31:52.360 --> 00:31:59.800 on January 15th. And you can also see on the screen there we've just outlined it, the Central 00:31:59.800 --> 00:32:07.560 Business District. So you're going to get a sense of where residential can exist above 00:32:07.560 --> 00:32:11.960 of the first floor without a special use. 00:32:11.960 --> 00:32:15.519 Everywhere outside of that area will still require 00:32:15.519 --> 00:32:20.120 a special use permit to have residential above a business. 00:32:22.240 --> 00:32:24.480 Is there a motion to move this ordinance forward? 00:32:24.480 --> 00:32:25.320 So move. 00:32:25.320 --> 00:32:26.519 A second. 00:32:26.519 --> 00:32:29.200 A motion made by Alderman Sellers, 00:32:29.200 --> 00:32:31.360 seconded by Alderman Johnson. 00:32:31.360 --> 00:32:32.680 I have a question. 00:32:32.680 --> 00:32:33.519 Yes. 00:32:33.519 --> 00:32:35.840 In order for second, third floor possibilities, 00:32:35.840 --> 00:32:37.840 does the first floor have to be occupied first? 00:32:37.840 --> 00:32:40.060 The first floor doesn't have to be occupied. 00:32:40.060 --> 00:32:43.420 It has to be able to be occupied, 00:32:43.420 --> 00:32:45.380 which means that it can't be a condemned building. 00:32:45.380 --> 00:32:46.820 You can't have a condemned first floor. 00:32:46.820 --> 00:32:49.740 It just means that there could be a business in there. 00:32:49.740 --> 00:32:52.820 It is in a state where a business can move in. 00:32:52.820 --> 00:32:54.100 Thank you. 00:32:54.100 --> 00:32:54.940 Alderman Klemm. 00:32:56.340 --> 00:32:57.980 I guess it was about a year ago, 00:32:57.980 --> 00:33:01.140 Greater Freeport Partnership put on a program 00:33:01.140 --> 00:33:04.120 about second floors, about these things, 00:33:04.120 --> 00:33:08.080 was talked about funding and what was required 00:33:08.080 --> 00:33:09.180 and all that kind of stuff. 00:33:09.180 --> 00:33:12.880 And I know one of the things, problems 00:33:12.880 --> 00:33:14.640 in a lot of these buildings, 00:33:14.640 --> 00:33:17.840 and I just wanted to say that as it's still in there 00:33:17.840 --> 00:33:20.360 is it's gotta be approved by everybody 00:33:20.360 --> 00:33:22.200 because one of the big things I think 00:33:22.200 --> 00:33:26.760 is fire department entrance and access 00:33:26.760 --> 00:33:29.740 and ability to get out in case of anything. 00:33:29.740 --> 00:33:32.840 You know, that has handicapped a number of the buildings, 00:34:02.840 --> 00:34:32.840 We have these buildings by any means. It's just removing the $200 special use permit application and then the two months of going through that process in order to hopefully engage more people to come get their building permits, work with our building inspector and our fire marshal to make sure that the building is safe and ready for residential use, but to avoid the unnecessary hold up and time and extra costs. 00:34:32.840 --> 00:34:46.519 and Stacey. Would the occupants already living there on the other floors have any say so on 00:34:46.519 --> 00:34:53.920 a business coming in? To the ground floor? Yes. The businesses, that always goes to the 00:34:53.920 --> 00:34:59.480 building owner who always decides, you know, who's coming into their, to their, the property 00:34:59.480 --> 00:35:13.480 and the property owner decides who's coming into their business. So I don't know of any system where a residential individual would decide if they let the ground floor happen unless they are the property owner. 00:35:13.480 --> 00:35:21.480 So the property owner decides the business coming in and then they work with the city to make sure that it's a proper business that can be in that district. 00:35:21.480 --> 00:35:51.480 Yes. So there still would have to be two ways in and two ways out. Yes. Without having to cut through a business. Oh, yes. There has to be. Yes. The safety is still still top of the line. That is that is a building code. We're not changing building code. We're not modifying the building code. The building code will stay the same. We're just removing the ordinance that we have set in place by the city of needing a special use. 00:35:51.480 --> 00:35:53.800 Anything else? 00:35:53.800 --> 00:35:59.680 We'll move on to item number 12, which is the adoption of resolution 2026-04. 00:35:59.680 --> 00:36:03.079 Could you please read this? 00:36:03.079 --> 00:36:07.280 Resolution approving 2026 motor fuel tax materials. 00:36:07.280 --> 00:36:08.280 Thank you. 00:36:08.280 --> 00:36:09.280 Manager Boyer? 00:36:09.280 --> 00:36:10.280 Thank you, Your Honor. 00:36:10.280 --> 00:36:14.180 Every year before we start the construction season, we need to pass a resolution authorizing 00:36:14.180 --> 00:36:19.480 the use of MFT funds for our construction season. 00:36:19.480 --> 00:36:25.440 This year we're planning to install about 12,500 tons of hot mix. There's a slight difference 00:36:25.440 --> 00:36:31.760 here in the memo. The memo calls out 13,000. And then we're also looking at 150,000 for 00:36:31.760 --> 00:36:37.360 a crack sealing operation. So, staff asked that Council move forward with the resolution 00:36:37.360 --> 00:36:40.800 approving the 2026 MFT funds. 00:36:40.800 --> 00:36:41.800 Is there a motion to adopt? 00:36:41.800 --> 00:36:42.800 So moved. 00:36:42.800 --> 00:36:43.800 Second. 00:36:43.800 --> 00:36:48.800 Okay, motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Klemm. Discussion on the resolution? 00:36:48.800 --> 00:37:17.800 Alderman, Stacy. The total cost of this resolution would be what? About a million dollars. And I know we have done something like this every year. Yes. How much of that product did we have left over? I don't think we had any left over last year. I don't know, Darren maybe has a better idea. 00:37:17.800 --> 00:37:21.220 So we use this not only for roads, but use it for hot patch. 00:37:21.340 --> 00:37:23.900 That's the larger amount than 900,000. 00:37:24.340 --> 00:37:29.880 And I want to say that we had, uh, just about 800 tons left. 00:37:30.059 --> 00:37:32.820 Now we didn't take those tons and we didn't have to pay for them. 00:37:32.820 --> 00:37:35.240 So we only, we only pay for the tons we take. 00:37:35.440 --> 00:37:38.059 So we kind of estimate what we're going to need for the year. 00:37:38.220 --> 00:37:43.260 We have to estimate the maximum and then we can take 20% less or 20% 00:37:43.260 --> 00:37:46.840 more based on whether that's, that's the IDOT spec for it. 00:37:46.840 --> 00:37:52.599 so we only pay for what we actually have delivered to the job sites when we do a 00:37:52.599 --> 00:37:57.240 project we might have a couple tons left here and there after jobs over with and 00:37:57.240 --> 00:38:01.320 then we use that in our recycling machine to do road patching so there's no waste 00:38:01.320 --> 00:38:10.320 anymore. Okay thank you for visiting Liberty. Madam Clerk please take the 00:38:10.320 --> 00:38:21.760 Klemm, Johnson, Simmons, Parker, Stacey, and Sellers. 00:38:21.760 --> 00:38:25.480 The resolution is adopted 6-0. 00:38:25.480 --> 00:38:29.320 Item number 13 is the adoption of resolution 2026-05. 00:38:29.320 --> 00:38:31.240 Could you please read this? 00:38:31.240 --> 00:38:37.159 Resolution approving the purchase of chlorine analyzers for wells 8 and 9 from Hawk Company. 00:38:37.159 --> 00:38:38.159 Thank you. 00:38:38.159 --> 00:38:39.159 Manager Boyer? 00:38:39.159 --> 00:38:46.360 Thank you, Your Honor. So we have equipment at each of the water treatment plants. They're 00:38:46.360 --> 00:38:52.920 called chlorine analyzers. They look at or they take a sample every so many seconds and 00:38:52.920 --> 00:38:58.079 then they run a quick sample and then it goes to our SCADA. Our SCADA is the Supervisory 00:38:58.079 --> 00:39:04.119 Data Acquisition System that communicates to the operators and also to our long-term records 00:39:04.119 --> 00:39:09.880 as to what is actually what the dosage is and what the residuals are in a system. 00:39:09.880 --> 00:39:16.280 HAC has decided to stop supporting the current models that we have while eight and nine, 00:39:16.280 --> 00:39:20.039 and staff needs to move forward rapidly and ratify this agreement. 00:39:20.039 --> 00:39:26.360 Staff, this is a bit of an emergency from the standpoint of it is a regulated outcome 00:39:26.360 --> 00:39:30.039 and we are out of supplies, so we need to move forward. 00:39:30.039 --> 00:39:36.119 Staff Request Council ratify this agreement for $26,064. 00:39:36.119 --> 00:39:37.119 Thank you. 00:39:37.119 --> 00:39:38.119 Is there a motion to adopt? 00:39:38.119 --> 00:39:39.119 So moved. 00:39:39.119 --> 00:39:40.119 Second. 00:39:40.119 --> 00:39:43.320 A motion made by Alderman Klemm, seconded by Alderman Sellers. 00:39:43.320 --> 00:39:44.320 Discussion on the resolution? 00:39:44.320 --> 00:39:45.320 Alderman Stacey. 00:39:45.320 --> 00:39:52.720 How long was we with the company that no longer support our wealth? 00:39:52.720 --> 00:39:53.720 I'm sorry. 00:39:53.720 --> 00:39:54.720 Could you say that again? 00:39:54.720 --> 00:39:59.920 Perry, with the company that no longer support. 00:39:59.920 --> 00:40:06.000 Port. It's one of the only ones out there that does this type of work. I believe these 00:40:06.000 --> 00:40:11.800 have been in place at least 20 years. I don't know exactly. It was far before my time. But 00:40:11.800 --> 00:40:16.920 this has been kind of an industry standard for a very long time. And not only us, but 00:40:16.920 --> 00:40:23.800 essentially any water department that does not have the reagents and the repair tubes 00:40:23.800 --> 00:40:32.519 Williams, and things to make them work will be in the same position we're in. 00:40:32.519 --> 00:40:38.000 So the current model has been in use for many, many years and they're updating the model. 00:40:38.000 --> 00:40:42.500 That's why the model year change, our maintenance guys knew this was going to happen. 00:40:42.500 --> 00:40:46.539 We bought up a bunch of the parts and pieces that we've used and we've got by for a few 00:40:46.539 --> 00:40:50.440 years here, knowing that we were going to have to change them out. 00:40:50.440 --> 00:40:55.440 I didn't put this information through the memo process, but the new units, while 00:40:55.440 --> 00:40:58.599 we buy them, they'll actually cost us less maintenance per month because the 00:40:58.599 --> 00:41:02.119 reagents packets that have always been able to be used, which is a reoccurring 00:41:02.119 --> 00:41:04.820 cost, the new models don't use those anymore. 00:41:04.820 --> 00:41:07.240 So they've kind of built a better mousetrap. 00:41:07.619 --> 00:41:13.920 Um, unfortunately the chlorine analyzers at our wells, they run 24 seven, uh, as 00:41:13.920 --> 00:41:17.059 the wells run, cause we're constantly monitor that through the SCADA system. 00:41:17.059 --> 00:41:20.059 And it allows the operators to balance out chlorine throughout the system. 00:41:20.059 --> 00:41:27.619 So it's a very important piece of remote operations, not having to have a person at each one of our facilities 24 hours a day. 00:41:31.059 --> 00:41:44.220 What was the location of the old or the current one that has has it now compared to where is HACC located compared to where the other one was located? 00:41:44.220 --> 00:41:52.220 So Hock's a manufacturer and it's the main manufacturer for those. So are you talking about our wellhouses? 00:41:52.220 --> 00:41:55.220 No, I'm talking about where is Hock located? 00:41:55.220 --> 00:42:09.220 Oh, there's a branch facility in Chicago. So we strategically waited to order three of these at the same time to get a better cost on them than buying one individually. 00:42:09.220 --> 00:42:13.539 and we like to have all the equipment the same at the well houses that way our 00:42:13.539 --> 00:42:17.460 maintenance staff has they have less parts and pieces of materials that we 00:42:17.460 --> 00:42:21.139 have to buy and have on hand because every different model you get you have 00:42:21.139 --> 00:42:27.000 to have more and more equipment sitting on the shelf to repair it so I would 00:42:27.000 --> 00:42:33.780 echo Rob's sediment that these well number nines those chlorine analyzers 00:42:33.780 --> 00:42:36.500 were original when that was built they've never been changed out they've 00:42:36.500 --> 00:42:38.420 have only been fixed and repaired. 00:42:38.420 --> 00:42:40.139 Well number eight is the same way. 00:42:40.139 --> 00:42:43.659 That's a piece of equipment that might be 25 years old 00:42:43.659 --> 00:42:45.460 and our guys work on them monthly 00:42:45.460 --> 00:42:47.059 to make sure that they're operational. 00:42:47.059 --> 00:42:50.340 So this isn't something that you buy all the time. 00:42:50.340 --> 00:42:52.780 Well 11 has the newer model in it 00:42:52.780 --> 00:42:54.680 because that's what it was available when we built it 00:42:54.680 --> 00:42:56.980 and well 12 will have the same models as well. 00:42:59.059 --> 00:43:01.940 How old is the parts in well nine? 00:43:01.940 --> 00:43:03.300 Well nine was built, 00:43:06.500 --> 00:43:13.500 15 years ago, maybe 16 years ago, something like that. I think it was brought online about 15 years ago. 00:43:13.500 --> 00:43:26.500 That was a new well, new facility with the chlorine analyzers and then we had an original one and we had to add another one when Sierra Tank got put online because it wasn't meeting the EPA's operational functionality. 00:43:26.500 --> 00:43:30.500 So is it fair to say they only last like 15 years? 00:43:30.500 --> 00:43:37.400 These right here wouldn't have to be replaced if the parts and pieces were still available for them because they're still operational. 00:43:37.400 --> 00:43:42.700 It's the components that are inside of them, the wear parts, those are just not available anymore. 00:43:42.700 --> 00:43:46.300 And like I said, we bought a bunch of them when we knew they were going to be discontinued. 00:43:46.300 --> 00:43:49.579 But we've kind of rode that horse as long as we could. 00:43:49.980 --> 00:43:53.780 OK. There's nothing else. 00:43:54.519 --> 00:43:55.780 Please take the roll. 00:43:55.780 --> 00:43:57.820 Klemm. Johnson. 00:43:57.820 --> 00:43:59.860 Aye. Simmons. 00:43:59.860 --> 00:44:06.579 Parker? Aye. Stacy? Aye. And Sellers? Aye. The resolution is adopted six to zero. 00:44:08.019 --> 00:44:13.220 Item number 14 is the adoption of resolution 2026-06. Could you please read this? Resolution 00:44:13.220 --> 00:44:17.619 approving memorandum of agreement with AFSCME regarding the creation of the position of 00:44:17.619 --> 00:44:25.300 operations foreman. Thank you. Manager Boyer? Thank you, Your Honor. Late last year we moved 00:44:25.300 --> 00:44:55.300 Ford, Operations Superintendent, Pat Ingram 00:44:55.300 --> 00:44:56.300 and Stoker. 00:44:56.300 --> 00:45:00.900 This would be a grade 19 in the AFSCME contract and the overall cost impact of this would be 00:45:00.900 --> 00:45:05.059 about $5,000 per year, including fringe benefits. 00:45:05.059 --> 00:45:09.699 So staff recommends moving forward with the resolution and the position of Operations 00:45:09.699 --> 00:45:10.699 Foreman. 00:45:10.699 --> 00:45:13.820 Is there a motion to adopt? 00:45:13.820 --> 00:45:14.820 So moved. 00:45:14.820 --> 00:45:15.820 Second. 00:45:15.820 --> 00:45:20.460 A motion made by Alderman Seller, seconded by Alderman Klemm. 00:45:20.460 --> 00:45:22.260 Any discussion on this resolution? 00:45:22.260 --> 00:45:23.619 Alderman Stacey? 00:45:23.619 --> 00:45:24.980 Yes. 00:45:24.980 --> 00:45:39.960 How will the person, how will the person be chosen? You know, is there a process or will 00:45:39.960 --> 00:45:47.000 they be handpicked like Pat Ingram was? 00:45:47.000 --> 00:45:52.559 Pat Ingram applied for the position but I'm not here to discuss that. It would be based 00:45:52.559 --> 00:45:59.360 Weston Seniority primarily, and also their knowledge. 00:45:59.360 --> 00:46:08.800 So this is a union bargaining position, so anybody that's qualified within the union 00:46:08.800 --> 00:46:14.579 will be able to apply for this position, because we'll have to open it up within the union. 00:46:14.579 --> 00:46:20.400 And I wanted to point out, this is a creation of a new job title, but not an additional 00:46:50.400 --> 00:46:52.400 and others, and all of that kind of organization. 00:46:52.400 --> 00:46:54.400 Alderman Sellers? 00:46:54.400 --> 00:47:14.400 Didn't we talk about this earlier and didn't we get rid of a position and made it like two positions so that's one of the, so those dollars are really split up into two positions doing this job, correct? 00:47:14.400 --> 00:47:21.680 Correct. Well, City Manager Boyer talked about $5,000 in fringe benefits. This is actually a negative 00:47:21.680 --> 00:47:28.480 effect to the utility as far as staffing cost because we're reducing some of our supervisory 00:47:28.480 --> 00:47:35.039 management staff by condensing the utility operations and the street operations into one 00:47:35.920 --> 00:47:41.599 operations superintendent. But obviously we can't expect that person to work 24 hours a day, 00:48:11.599 --> 00:48:16.079 Reddit, even any of our leadership team, they answer the phone 24 hours a day, seven days 00:48:16.079 --> 00:48:17.079 a week. 00:48:17.079 --> 00:48:20.440 Pat, with having the street department and the utility department, he regularly gets 00:48:20.440 --> 00:48:25.000 called at midnight, one o'clock, two o'clock, three o'clock in the morning. 00:48:25.000 --> 00:48:28.360 He's in plowing, helping get crews going at three and four in the morning. 00:48:28.360 --> 00:48:34.680 So we need to make sure as a quality individual that he is or anybody in that position gets 00:48:34.680 --> 00:48:40.840 time off to spend with their family that they can rest and recoup and be ready for next 00:48:40.840 --> 00:48:48.639 and Mr. Ingram has, you know, been very, very easy going during this transition. 00:48:48.639 --> 00:48:54.920 And he's been basically covering probably 90% of every weekend throughout this 00:48:54.920 --> 00:48:57.599 pace. So this is a fair resolution. 00:48:57.599 --> 00:49:01.920 In my opinion, it gives us a promotion through our ask me people to have 00:49:01.920 --> 00:49:05.760 something for our younger staff to strive for, to get in. 00:49:06.039 --> 00:49:10.760 And we'll give us the redundancy that we need that our leadership crews 00:49:10.760 --> 00:49:22.159 can have some weekends off with their families okay so when this foreman this 00:49:22.159 --> 00:49:30.039 operation foreman have time off a regular ESME employee will be filling in those 00:49:30.039 --> 00:49:35.720 shoes yeah when when this person is not covering Pat will be covering the 00:49:35.720 --> 00:49:40.760 opposite weekends. So it's so they can share weekends and responsibility. 00:49:41.440 --> 00:49:45.039 Currently, don't quote me, but I believe the street department utility 00:49:45.039 --> 00:49:49.240 department have like 33 employees. And so Pat can't be everywhere every day. 00:49:49.240 --> 00:49:53.760 So he needs a second lieutenant, if you will, to help him organize staff and 00:49:53.760 --> 00:49:58.160 make sure that our projects and our city functions are getting done. I will 00:49:58.200 --> 00:49:59.920 credit Pat. He's been outstanding. 00:49:59.920 --> 00:50:23.920 I will credit Pat, he's been outstanding, he's been trying to get everywhere, but we're physically burning him out and this position creates that second person that he can hand some of the leadership in the field duties off that he doesn't have to make it to every job site, every dig, every utility or street issue that we have and we really need that redundancy for him. 00:50:23.920 --> 00:50:24.920 Alderman Sellers? 00:50:24.920 --> 00:50:32.840 In a way it also would be like job on the job training training this next person to maybe take 00:50:32.840 --> 00:50:41.240 Pat's place and then moving up. Exactly that was our thinking is instead of always trying to hire 00:50:41.240 --> 00:50:47.880 from outside maybe we can make it a promotable thing for somebody to stretch goals to to maybe 00:50:47.880 --> 00:50:52.519 be the next operations superintendent if they're you know really good obviously we all want to 00:50:52.519 --> 00:50:55.200 I want to work for the City of Freeport for the rest of our lives, but we don't know how 00:50:55.200 --> 00:50:56.200 long that is. 00:50:56.200 --> 00:51:06.240 If there's no further discussion, Madam Clerk, please. 00:51:06.240 --> 00:51:07.240 One moment. 00:51:07.240 --> 00:51:08.240 Klemm. 00:51:08.240 --> 00:51:09.240 Aye. 00:51:09.240 --> 00:51:10.240 Johnson. 00:51:10.240 --> 00:51:11.240 Aye. 00:51:11.240 --> 00:51:12.240 Simmons. 00:51:12.240 --> 00:51:13.240 Aye. 00:51:13.240 --> 00:51:14.240 Parker. 00:51:14.240 --> 00:51:15.240 Aye. 00:51:15.240 --> 00:51:16.240 Stacy. 00:51:16.240 --> 00:51:17.240 Aye. 00:51:17.240 --> 00:51:18.240 And Sellers. 00:51:18.240 --> 00:51:19.240 Aye. 00:51:19.240 --> 00:51:20.240 The resolution is adopted 6-0. 00:51:20.240 --> 00:51:33.599 15 is Adoption of Resolution 202607. Could you please read this resolution approving a redevelopment agreement with James Schwartz and tax lien properties regarding the property located at 1452 South High Street? 00:51:34.039 --> 00:51:35.400 Thank you, Director Heimerdinger. 00:51:35.800 --> 00:51:49.639 Thank you, Madam Mayor. The single family residence located at 1452 South High Avenue was previously owned by an out of state property owner and experienced prolonged neglect and deferred maintenance during that 00:51:49.639 --> 00:52:00.320 In that ownership period, the property accumulated $15,492.57 in liens and was ultimately designated 00:52:00.320 --> 00:52:02.559 as a chronic nuisance property. 00:52:02.559 --> 00:52:06.280 The condition of the home negatively impacts the surrounding neighborhood and requires 00:52:06.280 --> 00:52:09.680 ongoing code enforcement efforts. 00:52:09.680 --> 00:52:13.680 Without intervention, the property will soon find its way to the demo list. 00:52:13.680 --> 00:52:19.280 The home is part of an established streetscape on South High Avenue. 00:52:19.280 --> 00:52:23.680 Rehabilitation preserves the rhythm and the character of the street, while demolition 00:52:23.680 --> 00:52:28.940 could permanently disrupt it and reduce available housing stock. 00:52:28.940 --> 00:52:34.720 Staff has negotiated a redevelopment agreement with Jim Schwartz of tax- gleaned properties 00:52:34.720 --> 00:52:40.599 to rehabilitate the property and restore the home as a healthy single-family residence. 00:52:40.599 --> 00:53:08.599 Under the proposed agreement, tax lien properties will pay all outstanding municipal liens totaling $15,492.57, which incurred under a previous owner, complete a full renovation in coordination with a building inspector to achieve code compliance and correct all conditions required to remove the property from chronic nuisance status. 00:53:08.599 --> 00:53:26.599 During the approved renovation timeline, the City of Freeport will pause the daily chronic nuisance fine and waive the accrued chronic nuisance fee only upon successful completion and full compliance, as these fines are preliminary administrative in nature anyways. 00:53:26.599 --> 00:53:31.639 Following rehabilitation, the home will be sold for owner occupancy and tax lien properties will 00:53:31.639 --> 00:53:38.280 remain involved, as like Esco Company, ensuring that property taxes, mortgage, and utilities, 00:53:38.280 --> 00:53:44.360 water, sewer, and trash are properly established and paid, but it will become an owner-occupied 00:53:45.159 --> 00:53:51.480 property. This redevelopment agreement advances the City's neighborhood and housing goals by 00:53:51.480 --> 00:53:57.240 By Stabilizing Distressed Property, Preserving Existing Housing, Reducing Nuisance Activity, 00:53:57.240 --> 00:54:00.800 and Encouraging Responsible Home Ownership. 00:54:00.800 --> 00:54:07.039 The project is funded through private investment, resolves outstanding liens, and reduces future 00:54:07.039 --> 00:54:09.960 enforcement and administrative costs. 00:54:09.960 --> 00:54:15.800 I will add that my team goes out there at least once a week. 00:54:15.800 --> 00:54:22.159 As you can see in the attached exhibits, it is boarded up with a few broken windows and 00:54:22.159 --> 00:54:23.240 the door. 00:54:23.240 --> 00:54:28.000 We have prevented and had to remove several people who have gotten into this property 00:54:28.000 --> 00:54:30.079 over the last few months. 00:54:30.079 --> 00:54:37.240 So it is a property that continues to add costs to our team to make sure that it is 00:54:37.240 --> 00:54:42.220 properly safe, that people aren't going in there and that everybody's staying out that 00:54:42.220 --> 00:54:44.519 needs to stay out. 00:54:44.519 --> 00:54:49.480 The staff recommends the adoption of this resolution and approving the redevelopment 00:54:49.480 --> 00:54:52.880 agreement for 1452 South High. 00:54:52.880 --> 00:54:57.720 Approval will eliminate a chronic nuisance property, preserve neighborhood character, 00:54:57.720 --> 00:55:04.200 as there are no other demo houses on the street, so the rhythm is still there, and returns 00:55:04.200 --> 00:55:09.200 the home to a productive use as a safe, owner-occupied, single-family residence. 00:55:09.200 --> 00:55:13.920 and then in your packets tonight, you'll find the exhibit one is kind of, you know, 00:55:13.920 --> 00:55:18.559 showcasing that there's no demos on that on the street and that it's a very 00:55:18.559 --> 00:55:24.920 established streetscape. The second one shows the current property conditions, 00:55:24.920 --> 00:55:31.840 as you can see. And then the last exhibit, page three showcases what the home could 00:55:31.840 --> 00:55:36.559 look like in a year from now, which it looks beautiful, like a nice single 00:55:36.559 --> 00:56:06.559 We're hoping that we all agree. We get all the liens out. The liens do include actual cost as well. So that means when the team had to go up and board it up and take care of the nuisance and make sure that people were removed from there, it's including those price. So we will be getting everything that this out of state, out of state property owner kind of did to the 00:56:06.559 --> 00:56:20.559 to this company, to this house, and another company who is going to give some life to it has graciously going to pay those liens, so I hope we vote to approve the resolution. 00:56:20.559 --> 00:56:22.559 Thank you. Is there a motion to approve? 00:56:22.559 --> 00:56:23.559 So move. 00:56:23.559 --> 00:56:26.559 Second. 00:56:26.559 --> 00:56:33.559 We have a motion made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Johnson. Alderman Klemm? 00:56:33.559 --> 00:56:41.559 Just a couple questions. I read over the thing and it's interesting. I mean, it's a good deal if everything works. 00:56:41.559 --> 00:56:47.559 Was this developed from a program we talked earlier or just how did this come about? 00:56:47.559 --> 00:56:55.559 Oh, yes. Great. This came about through a realtor here in the city of Freeport who was interested. 00:56:55.559 --> 00:57:01.559 The out-of-state property owner wanted to sell to get rid of things. 00:57:01.559 --> 00:57:31.559 and so a realtor reached out to me and there was a few people interested in this property because it can make quite a nice home for a family and they asked me what I thought and my team went out and we looked at it and we looked at what was going on inside if it was something that could be worth saving and we came to the conclusion that it could be saved that the mold and issues inside could be 00:58:01.559 --> 00:58:31.559 and others. We were able to negotiate with people from going into this home and also those fines, that's real money. So we tried to negotiate it and we sat down with the potential buyer of this property and they decided that it would be 00:58:31.559 --> 00:58:37.960 Are there a timeline on how long, you know, they have to take the property from A to B? 00:58:37.960 --> 00:58:45.519 Yep. So in the redevelopment agreement, it lists one year on, and that's from the time 00:58:45.519 --> 00:58:52.420 that we wrote it, so that'd be December 31st of 2026 is when it should be complete. In 00:58:52.420 --> 00:58:57.199 discussions with the company, it seems like they'll hopefully get it done faster than 00:58:57.199 --> 00:59:01.440 and that's their goal and and we'd love to see that too. Get a family in there as 00:59:01.440 --> 00:59:07.440 soon as possible. Alderman Parker? Yes, I went down there today and walked kind of 00:59:07.440 --> 00:59:10.280 walked the neighborhood, looked around and I think it's gonna be a big 00:59:10.280 --> 00:59:15.159 improvement for that area so I'm very much in favor of it. 00:59:15.159 --> 00:59:20.159 Madam Clerk, please take the roll. 00:59:20.159 --> 00:59:21.159 Klemm. 00:59:21.159 --> 00:59:22.159 Aye. 00:59:22.159 --> 00:59:23.159 Johnson. 00:59:23.159 --> 00:59:24.159 Aye. 00:59:24.159 --> 00:59:25.159 Simmons. 00:59:25.159 --> 00:59:26.159 Aye. 00:59:26.159 --> 00:59:27.159 Parker. 00:59:27.159 --> 00:59:28.159 Aye. 00:59:28.159 --> 00:59:29.159 Stacy. 00:59:29.159 --> 00:59:30.159 Aye. 00:59:30.159 --> 00:59:31.159 And Sellers. 00:59:31.159 --> 00:59:32.159 Aye. 00:59:32.159 --> 00:59:34.880 The resolution is adopted, six to zero. 00:59:34.880 --> 00:59:36.519 Reports from Department Heads, Finance. 00:59:36.519 --> 00:59:38.039 Nothing this evening. 00:59:38.039 --> 00:59:39.039 Thank you. 00:59:39.039 --> 00:59:40.039 Community Development. 00:59:40.039 --> 00:59:41.039 Nothing this evening. 00:59:41.039 --> 00:59:42.039 Thank you. 00:59:42.039 --> 00:59:43.039 Public Works. 00:59:43.039 --> 00:59:44.039 Nothing. 00:59:44.039 --> 01:00:00.039 Nothing Chief Miller? No report this evening. Nothing, thank you. Library? Nothing, thank you. IT? Well, that was quick. City Manager? I have two things, sorry. 01:00:00.039 --> 01:00:08.519 I have two things, sorry. One, I just wanted to communicate to council. The next several 01:00:08.519 --> 01:00:14.079 meetings will be critical. We have a very busy construction season, and I would like 01:00:14.079 --> 01:00:22.079 to make sure that we get together on our scheduled time to meet with the Mayor. Also, Chief Miller, 01:00:22.079 --> 01:00:27.559 I think this is your last meeting, is it not? God bless you. Thank you for your service. 01:00:30.039 --> 01:00:37.400 Yeah, Chief, I just wanted to say thank you and tell you how much we've appreciated your 01:00:37.400 --> 01:00:40.880 service for many, many years. 01:00:40.880 --> 01:00:44.360 So we wish you nothing but the best and we hope that you'll stay in touch. 01:00:44.360 --> 01:00:45.360 Thank you. 01:00:45.360 --> 01:00:46.360 Alderman Klemm? 01:00:46.360 --> 01:00:52.639 I'll diddle that remark that you did about the Chief. 01:00:52.639 --> 01:00:57.800 I've learned a lot from the Chief in his time and we've worked through some stuff that I 01:00:57.800 --> 01:01:03.199 I believe differently the way things were going and he explained it very well and is very 01:01:03.199 --> 01:01:07.960 knowledgeable about it and you deserve your retirement. 01:01:07.960 --> 01:01:10.320 Thank you very much for your service. 01:01:10.320 --> 01:01:12.320 We really appreciate it. 01:01:12.320 --> 01:01:17.440 Only other thing I have is next Tuesday is a neighborhood watch meeting. 01:01:17.440 --> 01:01:24.639 I'll keep posted on that to everybody that's on my list simply because of weather. 01:01:24.639 --> 01:01:34.980 Alderman, Alderman, Alderman, Alderman, Heim RB, John Sinem, Schulm, Don, Thomas, Hur, 01:01:34.980 --> 01:01:42.579 Doctor, Melissa, Ernie, mica, and shane. 01:01:42.579 --> 01:01:50.579 He gave me a really good tour of everything and made sure that I understood everything that was going on in the fire department, so I really appreciated that. 01:01:50.579 --> 01:02:03.579 And just a reminder for the general public, primaries start soon, so if you're not registered to vote, get registered, get to know the candidates, and your voice matters, so get out and vote. 01:02:03.579 --> 01:02:06.579 Alderman Simmons? 01:02:06.579 --> 01:02:07.579 Alderman Parker? 01:02:07.579 --> 01:02:09.579 Just repeat what they've said about the Chief. 01:02:09.579 --> 01:02:16.579 Miller, Chief, I've been honored to know him. I've learned a lot from him about fire stuff and we're gonna miss you but enjoy your retirement. 01:02:16.579 --> 01:02:17.579 Thank you. 01:02:18.579 --> 01:02:19.579 Alderman Stacy? 01:02:19.579 --> 01:02:37.579 Yes. I just want to say, Miller, I knew of you, but I didn't know you. And when I had my two days of training before seated at the table, you welcomed me with open arms. 01:02:37.579 --> 01:03:07.579 Williams. And that meant a lot. Any concern, any question, any anything has always been an open door for me to call you and talk to you. And I appreciate you for being you. Even when the hard questions came up, and you didn't know how to bring it to me, and I brought it to you, you was glad. And we talked, and that was a beautiful thing. 01:03:07.579 --> 01:03:17.579 I love you with the love of God and just go live and enjoy life. 01:03:17.579 --> 01:03:19.579 Alderman Sellers? 01:03:19.579 --> 01:03:29.579 Yes Chief, I just want to say thank you for your kind spirit, thank you for your dedication and enjoy your life and God bless you and live the good life. 01:03:29.579 --> 01:03:31.579 Amen. 01:03:31.579 --> 01:03:35.579 Public comments? Tommy? 01:03:35.579 --> 01:03:47.219 Chief Moore, we're going to miss you and you did a good job and we're glad you did a good 01:03:47.219 --> 01:03:48.219 job too. 01:03:48.219 --> 01:03:58.699 So we're going to miss you and you did a good job with the Freeport Fire Department. 01:03:58.699 --> 01:04:01.659 Any other public comments this evening? 01:04:01.659 --> 01:04:03.500 I will entertain a motion for adjournment. 01:04:03.500 --> 01:04:04.500 So moved. 01:04:04.500 --> 01:04:05.500 Second. 01:04:05.500 --> 01:04:07.820 made by Alderman Sellers, seconded by Alderman Parker.